League One betting, Hartlepool - MK Dons

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The Pools still have some hope for a play-off spot (five points gap) and have scored in four home games out of five since Neale Cooper took the charge. They have top scorer James Poole who played 60 min for reserve squad and should appear from the start, another striker Luke James should start as well. Their last three league games produced three or more goals.

Visitors seem to be in a great shape, they’ve noticed three wins on a trot and occupy safe play-off spot. The Dons will miss few players, but won’t be lacking in confidence since they’ve won last three games at Victoria Park and have total of five wins and two draws out of last seven against Hartlepool.

Both sides have played some high scoring games lately, there shouldn’t be too much pressure and both sides must fancy their chances. I am going for goals.

Bet: Over 2.5 
Odd: 1.98 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 8/10
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League One Betting, 10 December

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Walsall - Charlton

Walsall are fourth from the bottom , have two home wins out of ten and one win out of last 14 in league. Last week played only a draw against poor Dag&Red. They’ll miss Ryan Jarvis, striker who starts his three-match suspension.

Charlton look superior in the third tier. They’re alone on the top (7 points margin), eight wins in a row (six in league, two in Cup) and are scoring for fun (while defence looks rock solid). The fact they play on the road doesn’t mean too much as they’ve noticed eight wins out of ten.

Against Hudders Charlton showed a great domination and quality. Walsall were clueless in last few games and I doubt they can make some serious threats. Expect nice and smooth 0-2.

Bet: Charlton -0.75
Odd: 2.04 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 8/10
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Tranmere - MK Dons

After an impressive start, Tranmere have been slipping on the table and going where, in my opinion, they actually belong - to the bottom half of the table. Five defeats out of last six games and conceded 14 goals in those. The biggest concern is striker, target man Enoch Showunmi. He wasn’t fit at Thursday and seems in best case he’ll be on the bench.

The Dons are doing well, they’re fourth on the table, have six wins in a row (four in league, two in Cup) and scored 23 in those!

I am backing the winning horse here and odds look very appealing.

Bet: MK Dons -0.25
Odd: 2.06 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 7/10
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League One Betting, Oldham - MK Dons

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MK Dons had a mini crisis of four games without a win (including top oppositions Hudders, Sheff Wed and Charlton), while in the last round ended it with great 3-0 home victory over Notts County. They’re full of optimism, want to win the league and will certainly finish inside top six. Paul Dickov’s side has only one home win out of five (Rochdale), counting previous season it is one out of 15. They have experience (including Shefki Kuqi) and will have plenty of problems to cope with the Dons’ pace and passing game. Monday always calls for some caution, so no straight win.


Bet: MK Dons -0.25
Odd: 1.93 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 8/10
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League One betting, Bury - MK Dons

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Bury reached promotion, but are on a very good way for an immediate return to fourth tier. They have five straight defeats in a league, scored only three goals in those and conceded 14! Liverpool’s striker, David Ammo, came for a month loan deal and players organized their meeting in the midweek with a wish to lift the mood.

The Dons ended their unbeaten run in Sheffield against Wednesday (losing 1-3), then drew at home against Hudders and lost in Cup vs. Burnley. They have had a plenty of problems with injured players, at Tuesday with suspensions and cup-tied players as well. On top of that, Bowditch, Williams and Potter picked up minor knocks and will have a late fitness test. However, four players will make their return to the squad with Clinton Morrison who came on one month deal from Sheff Wed.

Bury sold some important players (Ryan Lowe is the most significant) and they will be really struggling through the season. The Dons are serious contenders for play-off (at least) and despite the problems with missing players, this is the sort of the game they must win.

Bet: MK Dons -0.25
Odd: 1.81 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 8/10
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League One betting, Sheff Wed - MK Dons

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Sheff Wed have noticed a valuable, hard-fought point at the Valley. My impression is they could have done more and stayed on a point because Megson’s defensively 4-5-1 formation. When he noticed his mistake, it was already 0-1 with a tendency to make it worse. Anyways, the Owls play differently at Hillsborough, have all three wins so far and scored at least two in each of them. They remain strong favourites for play-off. Goalie is out, Nicky Weaver went to USA to see a specialist about a knee injury.

The Dons are on the top! Five wins and a draw of first six matches. Karl Robinson’s side play nice attacking football, have scored 17 goals in last five competitive games and was described like Real Madrid by the opponents (well, maybe it’s not too much when it comes from Yeovil). No reasons for a fear, or big respect. No injuries.

I am pretty sure Megson won’t start with 4-5-1 formation, the draw won’t be good enough. The Dons don’t know to play defensively and I guess they don’t want to. Fancy them to win it, but will go on goals as a better option. Five of last six games between these teams ended with three or more goals, last three with four or more.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.80 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 7/10
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Betting tip, Peterborough - MK Dons

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Going on the road today, no time for elaboration. Ten of ten.

Bet: Over 3
Odd: 2.08 188bet
Stake: 10/10 
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Swindon - MK Dons

That’s what you get when you sell the best players. Instead a play-off spot, a ticket for the lower division. The Robins scored a late winner and won at Brentford which was first Paul Hart’s win since he took the charge (eight games) and first club’s win after 18 matches! That’s some boost, but they still lack in quality and remain as serious candidates for moving down. Goalie Lucas, striker Andrew and defender Frampton could all return after injuries.

The Dons are doing well in the third tier, they look safe for play-off, have a decent quality and play nice passing game. Defeat at the last trip vs. S’ton was the first failure after eight games (six of them were wins), but they bounced back in the previous round against Carlisle (coming from behind). Not so good record on the road, only seven wins of 20 games but five of those came in last 8 games. Defender Woodards is out, striker Balanta could start after he scored in previous round coming from the bench.

Bookies give the advantage to the home side and cannot say I’m not well surprised with the odds. The fact Swindon are desperate for a win doesn’t mean they will defeat one of the best squad in the league. Maybe I can see them snatching a draw, but win... No, I don’t think so. Going on the Dons with securing the draw.

Bet: MK Dons
Odd: 2.08 188bet
Stake: 8/10
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Sheff Wed - MK Dons

It’s finally happened, Alan Irvine got fired from a position of manager after 3-5 defeat at Posh.  New boss is Mandaric’s man of trust - Gary Megson (interesting, he has signed a contract on 3.5 years). He will have to wake the squad as it’s obvious they have enough quality for serious battle for promotion. First problem is their recent disgusting run of results. They’ve noticed only one win out of last eight in league (poor B.Rovers at home, 6-2) and conceded too much lately. They haven’t kept a clean sheet in last nine games, in those nine conceded shocking 25 goals (scored 18) and eight of those went in over.

Second problem is MK Dons are on fire. They have three wins of last five and are undefeated on the road in last four (two wins, two draws). They’re sixth, playing very well and won’t be lacking in self confidence at Hillsborough.  Home side will miss suspended midfielder Darren Potter, Dons defender defender Sean O'Hanlon.

Long waited Irvine’s departure delighted fans and motivated the players. Adding on that home ground and bigger quality, the Owls should be strong favourites here. However, the Dons will see their chance in Wednesday’s poor defending and they don’t have a problem to score lately. I’m going on goals.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.91 William Hill
Stake: 8/10

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Tuesday's results and two announcements

Southampton - Bournemouth  2-0 WON

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MK Dons - Dag & Red  2-1 1/2 WON

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Statistic:

Profit: +12.15

Yield: +39.19%

See all the details about the bets

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I: I was trying to find a service that could guarantee for my bets and statistic. Without too much success as all of them require some decent additional effort and I'm not in the mood for that. So, here's a deal. I won't be editing posts with the bets (results will be published in a new one). Every bet has its post and posting time is before a game. If you aren't sure about my honesty, Google don't lie. : ) 

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II: Live bets are important part. Mainly, I use it to edge my bets. I'll be posting it in the chat box, including odds and stake. If you follow some my bet, be here during the game and see what and when to bet. Remaining of these bets depends from your feedback. No feedback for a while would mean there's no interest and I'll stop publish that.

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Make your e-mail subscription (below the chat box) and get my picks directly in your mail box.

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I really appreciate any feedback that I get. You have my e-mail, chat and comments. Suggestions, ideas, what you like, what you don't, opinion about some bet... Help me to make this blog even better.

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Lots of friendlies tonight. My focus will be another two games of Carling Cup. Will make a closer view and post a bet(s) if there's any.

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August is always a tough month, this is a great start of the season. Hope you followers enjoy.

Thanks for the visiting and good luck,

Dule

MK Dons – Dag & Red

Dons made a good start of the season with a win on the road, against decent Walsall side (2-1). New boss, Karl Robinson, will have his debut in front the home fans. He’ll also have a task to make first home win after 5 months. He stated that financial benefits will be a strong reason to try to progress as far as possible. He’ll be without suspended defender Mat Doumbe, but important midfielder Peter Leven has served his ban and returns to the squad. Gary MacKenzie could have his debut. Dons won all three games against tonight’s opponent.

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Dagenham are newly promoted side and already showed that avoiding relegation will be a hard task. They lost at the opening day against Wednesday 0-2, but disturbing is they didn’t look even competitive and could have conceded few more without any threat in front Wed.’s goal. They’ll probably be less focused here as their main target is league games and to keep all players fit. Boss John Still will probably rest his top striker Paul Benson, who has been carrying an ankle injury. They noticed defeats in all three attempts to pass the first round.

 

Dons looked impressive in the first round. They play at home ground, new boss has debut in front the fans, he’ll put out a strong team and I think they won’t be lacking in motivation. Dons should win this comfortably.

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Bet: MK Dons -0.75ah

Odd: 1.98 bet365

Stake: 7/10

League One thoughts - one double and one gamble

I really would like Leeds to progress,they don't belong down there.But,there's something tragic in them in past couple of years.Few times they already were seen promoted and ended in tears.Wouldn't be surprised too much to see them wasting another season. Rovers are around 10.00 and worth a small gamble in my opinion.

Norwich and S'ton should finish the season in style and I'll take them in a double @ 1.85.

Strong bet could be Walsall at home vs MK Dons.Walsall are in run of four consecutive home wins.Dons are cut with injuries and suspensions and probably just wait to be over.In the previous round against Brighton (when I warmly suggested away win, bah),I think they had just 3 regulars and 40 years old coach in the team!However,I'm not sure should I go against them once again and will decide later.

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MK Dons - Brighton

Mk Dons are in the middle of the table, at 11th place. They’re in a very bud run of results as they haven’t won in last nine games (4 draws, 5 defeats). More important thing is injuries. In the previous round (at Leeds, 1-4), they hardly find eleven players to appear. To make the things even worse took care Doumbe, McCracken and Leven who got red cards and all three are suspended! So, Dons will have just three first-team regulars available, with the rest out through injury or suspension! Coach Alex Rae (40 years old) could start in midfield! Also, plenty of youngsters will get the chance.

Brighton are two places below Dons, but have been noticing very good results lately. They have two wins in a row, while their away record is fourth in the league (just 5 defeats of 22 games) and have one defeat on the road of last nine. Striker Glenn Murray is suspended after being sent off against Bristol Rovers last week, while full-back Inigo Calderon is injured. Striker Gary Hart has recovered and could appear.

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Even with the best team available for Dons, Brighton would be a slight favorite. Dons don’t have something to play for and just wait the end of the season. Brighton are motivated, I guess players are proving to boss Gus Poyet, but also will have a decent fans’ support. Expekt offer 2.20, away win.

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Just two for today. Am going out for a barbecue and cold drink. See you soon. Dule

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League One and Italians

Leeds failed again. Now they have to keep young talents in the club. Striker Jermaine Beckford (34 goals) and young midfielder Fabian Delph are now thought to be targets for Premier League clubs. Millwall scored from their first threat, booked a ticket for Wembley and now wait for the second finalist. A draw from the first match makes MK Dons a slight favorite (as Leeds was) against Scunthorpe Utd.. Visitors hardly reach play off, have four draws from last five games and defeated Dons this season, on the road. Home win is expected, but I don't think odds about 1.85 represent the risk and will skip this one. And again, away goals don't count. 

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I'm taking one day without betting, though Pisa, in Italian serie b, looks like a good pick. Will host Piacenza and desperately need three points to make a safe gap from the relegation zone. Three round left and nobody in Pisa wants to leave a status decision for a last game when they'll host Brescia. Piacenza is safe, but has six draws from the last seven games! When some league is in the finish (especially second league), I don't believe too much in fair play. Bwin offers 2.00 if You want to try, but my money stays in a wallet.

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New betting weekend is in front. Will be some analyzes and predictions. Stay tuned.

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League One

Scunthorpe 3-0 Cheltenham

Scunthorpe eased to victory against already-relegated Cheltenham to move into the last League One play-off spot. 
The Iron, who must avoid defeat against Tranmere on Saturday to confirm their play-off spot, went ahead when Paul Hayes netted from close-range. 
Skipper Cliff Byrne drilled in to double the lead and Henri Lansbury skipped inside and drove in a third. 
The game ended on a sour note when Yuri Berchiche's challenge left Lansbury with a suspected broken leg.

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Northampton 0-1 MK Dons

Northampton missed the chance to secure League One safety as they were beaten by play-off bound MK Dons, with Aaron Wilbraham grabbing the only goal. 
The Cobblers now play Leeds on the final day of the season when a point should be enough to beat relegation. 
Milton Keynes went ahead when Wilbraham turned in a cross from Jason Puncheon. 
Northampton applied some late pressure but Luke Guttridge's shot was blocked and Adam Watts had an effort cleared off the line.
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Gutless Norwich and the sight on Tuesday

It is simple. You can not win with defending. Especially if you play against tough defence as Reading has. Not a single attempt on target for 90 minutes, I think. I lost my money, they lost Championship and that's it. 

In League One, play-off contender Scunthorpe will host relegated Cheltenham. With three points, host will skip 6th Tranmere. Home side is an absolute favorite, but odds for home win are miserable. I fancy over, but the best you can get is 1.65 at Expekt. 

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In other game, Northampton will seek a point to secure their League One status, as they host MK Dons (who already qualified for play-off). Home side have two wins and a draw from last three games. Looks in a good shape. Will try to finish the job tonight, 'cause at Saturday will travel in Leeds, while rivals have easy games at home. Will be without captain Chris Doig (groin), on-loan defender Jared Hodgkiss is set to come in at right-back, while top scorer Adebayo Akinfenwa should start despite not being 100% fit. 

After four consecutive wins and secured play-off, Dons relaxed and lost at home against Walsall. Their only motive tonight can be to finish 3rd and choose Scunthorpe (Tranmere), instead Leeds (Millwall). Will be missing defender Sean O'Hanlon (knee) and on-loan midfielder Stephen Gleeson (ankle).

Usually, I won't bother myself with this one, but Pinnacle offers 2.62 for a home win and I'll follow with a small bet.

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Champions League

Too many talks these days about Barca's superiority. Yes, their team is masterful and it's a real enjoy to watch. But, the fact is in Spain league they always have a space on about 30 metres from opposite goal to accept the ball, look around and make a pass, or do some combination. Don't think Lampard and Essien (followed with others) will allow that. Plus, a duel between Hiddink and Guardiola should give an advantage to visitors. Simply, I don't think any club from any country can play equal with English clubs and see Chelsea as a finalist (Chelsea to pass is about 2.40).  Also, I would like to see Arsene Wenger squad (about 2.30 to pass) as their opponent. Won't bet seriously, just enjoy in footie. But, it is stronger than me to make a sweet, little, gamble combo on "outsiders". Chelsea and Arsenal to pass in final.

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That's all for today, lads. Cheers.

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has agreed a two-year extension to his current contract at Anfield. The England ace's deal on Merseyside still had two years before it expired, but the Reds have moved to secure their star asset. (Skysports)

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has admitted he wants to sign Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, with the fee for the 21-year-old reported to be £45m. (Various) 
Tottenham will attempt to sign Manchester City's Martin Petrov as the Bulgarian left winger has dropped down the pecking order at Eastlands. (The Sun) 
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is also keeping an eye on 29-year-old Paraguay defender Paulo Cesar da Silva, who will be available on a free transfer in the summer. (Daily Mirror) 
Gelson Fernandes has said he needs to quit Man City, but admitted it will be difficult to leave "the richest club in the world." (The Sun) 
Fulham are lining up a move for 17-year-old Algerian goalkeeper Abendour Merzoukim, who would be available on a free transfer. (The Sun) 
Birmingham are favourites to sign Charlton midfielder Nicky Bailey, who is valued at £1.3m. (Daily Mirror) 
Crystal Palace, Ipswich and MK Dons are all eyeing a £1m move for Bristol Rovers striker Rickie Lambert. (Daily Star)  

OTHER GOSSIP 

Alan Shearer's first task as Newcastle manager was to lay down the law to his players by banning them from pubs and nightclubs in the city. (Various) 
Arsene Wenger says he will not leave Arsenal before his contract expires in 2011. (Various) 
Sven-Goran Eriksson is eyeing a return to Premier League management after the Swede was sacked as manager of Mexico. (The Sun) 
Man City manager Mark Hughes has hinted that he could leave star forward Robinho on the bench for this weekend's trip to Arsenal because he is struggling to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League. (Various) 
Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has revealed that he was hit in the face by Germany team-mate Lukas Podolski after a disagreement on the pitch during their World Cup qualifying win in Wales. (The Sun) 
George Burley named Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor on the bench against Iceland despite their breach of team discipline to avoid mutiny in the dressing room. (The Herald) 
Scottish FA president George Peat is demanding a full report into the breach of team discipline - paving the way for further sanctions against the Rangers pair. (various) 
And Tartan Army spokesman Hamish Husband believes the duo will find it difficult to win the hearts of the Scotland supporters again. (The Sun) 
George Burley will ban alcohol from future Scotland squads following the controversy. (Various) 
Meanwhile, Barcelona and Iceland striker Eidur Gudjohnsen says Scotland are stronger without Ferguson and McGregor. (The Sun) 

AND FINALLY 

Peter Crouch says Rio Ferdinand was the reason behind his robotic goal celebration during England's 2-1 win over Ukraine at Wembley. The Portsmouth striker vowed never to perform the dance at Wembley again, but did when Ferdinand shouted at him "to pull the rope". (The Sun)
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