Premier League Betting - Aug 11, 2019

Leicester - Wolverhampton, Over 2.5 at 2.19 (Pinnacle)
Leicester’s 9 out of last 13 EPL games ended with 3 or more goals. They’re now without Maguire, as well. Wolves have conceded at least one goal in each away game since October, and two goals in 3 of their last 4 away games. On the other hand, they have scored in 10 out of their last 14 games away.

Odds are too good to be overlooked. Good luck!

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Championship betting, Leeds - Wolverhampton

Ok, let’s kick off the season with the most unpredictable league.

Lots of euphoria about Leeds and their expected fight for promotion. They lost Snodgrass, but actually they’ve strengthened all team lines. Last season defence made the worst defensive record in the league. Now there is Paddy Kenny (in my opinion, great choice for a goalie) and two experienced defenders,  Rodolph Austin and Lee Peltier. Attacking options are improved with Luke Varney and El Hadji Diouf, there’s still Bechio and Ross McCormack has just signed new deal. And the most important, Neil Warnock who had the whole summer to put it all together.

A pretty opposite situation at Wolves. They are natural favorites in this league after dropping from Premier, but they have plenty of transfer listed (and unsatisfied) players and new manager. Norwegian, Stale Solbakken, apparently likes to apply more passing style than previous managers preferred and obviously, it would need some time for players to adjust. Wolves have won only two visits to Leeds in the past 50 years!

I think it’s a good chance for Leeds to make a good start of the campaign and get Wolves on the wrong foot. However, some limitation in case of a draw.

Bet: Leeds -0.25

Odd: 1.92 (188bet)

Stake: 7/10

More to follow...

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Premier League and League One betting, 7 Apr

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Stoke - Wolverhampton

The Potters are having a decent season despite four league games without a win. They put a problematic display last week, at the defeat from Wigan and Pulis will probably demand reaction from players. They lost the reputation of typical home side, but still have very good record against bottom sides.

Wolves look hopeless at the bottom place. Since Terry Connor took the charge, they have taken only a point (from possible 18). They also have scored only five goals in those six matches, while conceded 19 (3.17 average)! Some calculations say they will need five more wins to stay in league. Hardly to imagine, since they have a total of five wins in past 31 matches!

Wolves did create some chances and scored lately, but their defending is still horrible. With Stoke’s physical domination, every attack, free or corner kick will be a problem. I am on home side.

Bet: Stoke -0.75
Odd: 1.98 (bet365)
Stake: 9/10

Oldham Athletic - Charlton Athletic

Oldham look pretty safe from relegation and their results look like the players are already on the summer holidays. They’ve collected seven defeats out of last nine matches in league and on last three haven’t even scored.

The Addicks are the far best away team in the league, with again far best defence. Recently they’ve brought on loan two very good players for this level, midfielders Lee Cook (QPR) and Dany N'Guessan (Millwall), who should bring more attacking power.

I am going to back Charlton with very good odds.

Bet: Charlton
Odd: 2.25 (Unibet)
Stake: 7/10

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Premier League and Championship betting, 24 March

Norwich City - Wolverhampton
Norwich are in a sort of downtrend with three defeats and one draw out of last four in the league. However, their season looks absolutely fine (their last three seasons, actually) and they still have a chance to finish in the top-half (8th Swans have just three points more). Good news is Anthony Pilkington is back.
Wolves’ board probably had different plans with sacking McCarthy, but after they didn’t attract any serious name Terry Connor was a forced solution. In his four games in charge, Wolves have conceded 14 goals and looked pretty clueless in front (scored 2). Their confidence is certainly not a sky high, they remind me on Pompey few seasons ago and I wouldn’t be surprised if their free fall continues and just stay at the bottom.

Bet: Norwich -0.75

Odd: 2.06 (Ladbrokes)
Stake: 7/10

Reading - Blackpool
Reading noticed a shocking midweek defeat at the hands of Posh, but at Madejski have five consecutive wins and nine out of last ten with goal diff. 18-4! They will miss striker, Jason Roberts (B’pool will miss Roman Bednar).
The Seasiders have only one win out of last five in the league and lost on their last two trips against not so impressive sides - Derby and Peterborough.
Backing a winning horse, here.

Bet: Reading
Odd: 1.95 (888sport)
Stake: 8/10

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Wolves - WBA, betting tip - 13h cet

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Wolves are two points below the line and in last two rounds will visit Sunderland and in last day potential cracker, will host Blackburn. It’s a must win game, one point would leave only slim chances for survive. They’re winless in last five and will have some problems in front line as Kightly, Ebanks-Blake and Doyle are probably all out. Wolves have noticed only one win out of last ten clashes against WBA.

The Baggies are safe, but wouldn’t lack in motivation to send big rivals down to Championship. Since Roy Hodgson took the charge, they look like reborn with just one defeat out of last ten matches (Chelsea). Skipper Brunt, Reid and Jara are doubts, Scharner is suspended, Jerome Thomas should play.

I cannot see Wolves winning this one. They look toothless in front and defensive line is prone to big mistakes. Keeping a draw doesn’t make too much sense, but if they push too much for a winner will get execution.

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Bet: WBA 0.0
Odd: 2.45 Tipico
Stake: 7/10
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Stoke - Wolverhampton

With five games to play, Stoke still aren’t safe with five points more (and this game in hand) than Wigan. They have only two wins out of last eight league games (total of eight points), but at home their record is more than decent (as always under Pulis). They have won four and drawn two out of last six at Britannia. Ricardo Fuller is out, John Carew is available.

Mick McCarthy and Wolves are felling the fire under the feet. They are one point below the line and are in the group of 7-8 clubs who have every reason to worry about Premiership status. Even a point wouldn’t improve their position too much and I believe they’ll go for a win. Problem is they have the worst away record in Premier with only two wins out of 16 games and total of eight(!) points (defeated Villa and L’pool though). Stephen Hunt is contention, Ebanks-Blake in doubt.

At the first glance and as the odds suggest, this should be a nervous game and low scoring affair. But, the fact is one point doesn’t mean too much for any side. Stoke are favourites and I think they won’t just sit back and keep the opening score. Why should they? They’re hosting the worst travellers in the league. On the other hand, Wolves will have to find the way to score which should make them even more vulnerable than usual. Also, I wouldn’t overlook the possibility goal difference will be very important at the end. I’ll go against public opinion and take goals.

 Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 2.14 188bet
Stake: 7/10
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Picks for Saturday

Just picks for tomorrow. From the next round, will be regular selections including analyzes.
Btw. with 27% yield and 28.9 units of profit, March is the best month so far this season. Hope trend will continue.
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Premier League
Wolverhampton - Everton (1:45 cet)
Bet: Wolves 0.0
Odd: 1.85 Gamebookers
Stake: 9/10
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Championship
Millwall - Leeds (4:00 cet)
Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 2.02 Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10
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Chelsea – Wolverhampton

Nothing much to say about Chelsea. They look like a mean machine, especially at home. All four wins with 14 goals scored and not a single conceded (691 minutes in total). They also have won 14 and lost one of their last 15 Premier League matches at Stamford, 8 wins in a row. Chelsea have big squad for rotation and European trips (played CL game at Moscow) don’t make any worries for Ancelotti. After a virus Drogba should be fit, while Lampard is still out.

Wolves look like they suffer from the second season syndrome. They’ve noticed just one win, at the opening day (at home, against Stoke 2-1). Three consecutive defeats on the road, Fulham, Spurs and Wigan. Mick McCarthy has a habit, sometimes to rest his best players against top sides. Now, he’ll be forced to give a chance to some youngsters and fringe players. Midfielder Guedioura is out with a broken leg, another midfielder Stephen Hunt and defender Jody Craddock are also injured. Mancienne is ineligible to face his parent club and skipper Henry is suspended. Five players. For this game, 19 years old David Davise has been recalled from his loan at Walsall!

Ancelotti doesn’t calculate during the game and his players look like they’re really enjoying in the game and scoring goals. Also Chelsea haven’t had much problems with defensive sides (usually at home lose the points against top league teams), as they won nine competitive games this season and in all of those had a lead at the half time. Wolves, with all missing players, don’t look like a team that can stop them.

Bet: Chelsea -2
Odd: 1.69 10Bet
Stake: 8/10

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West Ham 1-3 Wolverhampton

Wolves made a huge leap towards Premier League safety with a crushing victory over fellow strugglers West Ham.
The visitors went close when Kevin Foley hit the bar and took the lead when a scuffed James Tomkins pass-back fell to Kevin Doyle who fired home. 
David Jones set up Ronald Zubar to fire in and then passed to Matthew Jarvis who blasted in for a fine third. 
Scott Parker hit a post for West Ham in the first half, leaving Guillermo Franco to chip in a late consolation. 
Despite a spirited fightback in the closing stages, the Hammers overall lacked ideas and confidence and boss Gianfranco Zola will be very concerned as he prepares for the final seven games currently three points away from the drop zone. 
After a weekend dominated by talk of an invigorated title race, Tuesday night saw the teams at the other end of the Premier League taking centre stage. 
West Ham, in 17th spot, were facing the team one place above them with Zola calling the clash "a massive six pointer" as he desperately sought to avoid a fifth successive league defeat. 
Mick McCarthy's pre-match motivational speech to his players are likely to have pointed towards their opponents recalling star players after a rested few days with Zola having 'targeted' Wolves.
The Italian boss did indeed bring back fit-again skipper Parker, along with two strikers who did not start in the 2-0 loss at Arsenal, Carlton Cole and Benni McCarthy, but it was the visitors who ripped open a very nervous defence inside seven minutes.

www.bbc.co.uk

West Ham - Wolverhampton

Six pointer game. Despite the decent team quality, Hammers are first above the line and have three points more. Zola has got an ultimatum from the board to get 4 points in next two games (Stoke next) to safe his job. Some rumors say he’s gone anyway (Hughes as successor), but I’ll wouldn’t consider it seriously. He has good rating in the dressing room and I believe players will give everything to keep his boss. West Ham have four consecutive defeats. Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd on the road were expected epilogues, while only failure came at home vs Bolton (1-2). They conceded two fast goals after two big errors by defensive line, dominated rest of the game, but lost at the end. At the same time, Bolton are the only side from the bottom crew that West Ham didn’t win. Another important thing is Zola rested his keys, Cole and Diamanti vs. Chelsea, Cole came on in the 2^nd half vs. Arsenal and skipper Parker will play tonight after a break. No other injury concerns for Zola. West Ham are unbeaten at home in their last six matches against Wolves (4 wins, 2 draws ).

 

Oppositely from West Ham, Wolves play over their real capabilities. Considering their team quality, (in my opinion) they should relegate. They usually score after set pieces, while lack of creativity and fighting spirit are main characteristics of their play. They’re, however, in a good shape. Four points from last two games (both away), win vs. Burnley 2-1 and a draw vs. Villa 2-2 in a small derby. They’ve increased their chances to keep the status, will have less pressure than Hammers tonight, but I think they also see their chance for all 3 points. Boss Mick McCarthy has no injury worries and is expected to name an unchanged side for the seventh successive match. Problem could be (beside less quality) a possible fatigue. Wolves' only win in their last 15 visits to Upton Park was in March 1978.

 

West Ham will be fully motivated. They’ll be under a pressure, but I think they used to cope with it (Birmingham 2-0 at home, same circumstances). Hammers are also more rested, possess more quality and play at home. They don’t belong down there. Home win for me.

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Wolverhampton 1-0 Tottenham

Struggling Wolves completed a league double over Tottenham with a much-needed and deserved home win which lifts them out of the relegation zone.
Wolves' early endeavour was rewarded when Matt Jarvis's cross was side-footed home first time by David Jones. 
Earlier, Niko Kranjcar had seen a glorious chance from 12 yards superbly saved by home keeper Marcus Hahnemann. 
Wolves' lead was rarely troubled in the second half, with Wilson Palacios's late shot Spurs' only effort on target. 
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy testified to a shattered dressing room after Birmingham staged a late comeback to win last Sunday's West Midlands derby 2-1.
However, the spirit and determination McCarthy lauded in his struggling team during the defeat at St Andrews was again evident in abundance, justifying the manager's decision to make only one change to the side with debutant Adlene Guedioura replacing Michael Mancienne. 
The French midfielder, on loan from Belgian club Charleroi, made a great start to his Wolves career, demonstrating grit and guile in equal measure: epitomising his side's performance. 
In contrast, Tottenham were lacklustre and a shadow of the side that has spent much of this season aspiring to a top-four finish. 
As a result of their draw with Aston Villa on Saturday, Spurs dropped out of the Champions League qualification places for the first time since Boxing Day, and after Manchester City's win over Bolton on Tuesday and the failure to earn points here they now find themselves sixth. 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp made five changes to his side, including bringing in on-loan Eidur Gudjohnsen for his debut.
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy:
"After the weekend we needed a performance and a victory and we got it. 
"Teamwork was the key. We've got a terrific team of lads and they've worked hard and deserved that victory. 
"It's been proved this season that teams like us can get points off the big teams. We've got Chelsea and Manchester United coming up, who's to say we won't take points off them?" 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp:
"I'm very disappointed. It was probably our worst performance of the season. 
"We had loads of the ball and were camped in their half second half but never really threatened enough to score. 
"They worked hard and closed us down and made it difficult for us and we never overcame that tonight."
www.bbc.co.uk

Wolverhampton - Tottenham

Wolves hold 19th place with a point less than first above the line, Bolton. They’re without a win in four league games (2 draws and 2 defeats). In previous round, lost in a derby game against Birmingham, conceding two goals in five minutes. They’re physically strong team, but obviously have lots of problems when they play against technically superior opponents, usually focusing on keeping the own net. They also failed to score in last 3 home games. Boss Mick McCarthy doesn’t have any injury worries, only new signing Adiene Guedioura is pushing for a first start after three consecutive appearances as substitute. It is expected to McCarthy set his favorite 4-5-1 formation with Doyle alone in front. 

Considering last few Spurs’ games, it seems their performance is over the results. They look well balanced, with Defoe and Crouch in front, Bentley and Modric behind and tough defense line. They definitely have enough quality for a serious challenge for a spot for CL. They overplayed Villa, but couldn’t score. Although they scored just 3 goals in Premier in 2010., they have scored the most goals after title challengers and will face one of the worst defenses in the league. Ledley King with a knee problem will be sidelined, Sebastien Bassong and new signing Younes Kaboul will fight it out to play alongside Michael Dawson. Gudjohnsen is expected to take some part in the game after being on the bench against Villa. As a big missing, remains Aaron Lennon.

Wolves suffered two hard defeats, first in Cup shocking 1-3 against Palace, then in last round vs. Birmingham. Both games were a big blow to their self confidence and in combination with the obvious lack of quality and a pressure to make a result I can’t see any positive outcome for them. Spurs have finally exclude the ups and downs in their displays and their shape look more than decent. Away win with a clean sheet. I'll try with a handicap as a gamble, predict 0-2.

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Saturday's failure

Coventry 1 - 1 Leicester
Leicester substitute Martyn Waghorn's second-half goal cancelled out Sammy Clingan's earlier effort for Coventry, to earn the visitors a point.
Clingan gave Coventry the lead just before the break with an unstoppable free-kick into the top corner. 
Waghorn levelled on 71 minutes, beating goalkeeper Keiren Westwood from the edge of the box. 
Leon Best and Clinton Morrison had shots blocked and Leicester's Jack Hobbs headed wide as the sides pressed. 
Leicester goalkeeper Chris Weale twice denied Aron Gunnarsson in the first half, while Paul Gallagher almost put Leicester ahead with a curling shot that struck the crossbar on 21 minutes. 
Gallagher then handled and Clingan scored from the resulting free-kick, while Elliott Ward shot wide soon afterwards as Coventry looked to put daylight between themselves and their visitors. 
The introduction of Waghorn, on loan from Sunderland, and Steve Howard on the hour paid dividends for the Foxes as the striker combined with his fellow substitute to level the scores.

Coventry manager Chris Coleman:

"Sammy was caught late and was off the pitch when we conceded but what can we do? 

Because we wanted to win the game and the one time we've knocked off defensively from the second phase we've been punished.
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson:
"We have a strong bench and we really did feel that we could win the game."

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Wolverhampton 0 - 1 Portsmouth

Portsmouth ended a turbulent week with their first Premier League win of the season courtesy of Hassan Yebda's goal.
The Algerian midfielder, who is on loan from Benfica, powerfully headed in Kevin Prince Boateng's right-wing cross after Wolves failed to clear a corner. 
Home keeper Wayne Hennessey then pulled off a fine save, low to his right, from Aruna Dindane's first-time strike. 
Wolves were denied a second-half penalty after Marc Wilson appeared to handle Michael Kightly's cross. 
Entire seasons can change on pieces of good fortune and Portsmouth's may well have done just that on Saturday at Molineux with two important calls going their way.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy:

"The big thing for me is we defended the corner but we didn't block the ball coming back in. 
"We are coming off with a defeat because we didn't defend properly. We were not outplayed, we just didn't do the basics properly.
Portsmouth manager Paul Hart:
"I am relieved and delighted and proud of the players because we've been through the mill. 
"We didn't play as well as we have done in the last few weeks, but they grafted hard."

Portsmouth manager Paul Hart:
"I am relieved and delighted and proud of the players because we've been through the mill. 
"We didn't play as well as we have done in the last few weeks, but they grafted hard."
www.bbc.co.uk

Wolverhampton - Portsmouth

Even now, after seven rounds played, it’s obvious that Wolves won’t be the biggest season surprise in Premier League as they proudly announced before the start. Struggling for avoiding relegation is more probable scenario. They have noticed two wins, a draw and four defeats and it seems they haven’t adapted well for a life in Premier. The problem is simple, they carry the same attacking still of play, as they did in Championship last season. And while in second tier powerful attack was bringing the results despite the shaky defense, in Premier they can not score too much, while defense conceded a lot. Team is not well balanced and Wolves simply can’t defend against anybody. In last round away defeat, they hit 5 more shots at goal than Sunderland did, but lost 2-5. Previously against Hull at home, they had 24 shots and got just a point (1-1). I expect some better results, as their best two players are recovered. Excellent winger Michael Kightly and striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (not fully fit). With same defense, it makes the gap between these two lines even bigger. Striker Chris Iwelumo has recovered from a broken foot, but midfielder Dave Jones is out for two months following knee surgery. Today’s opponent is a club that made the worst start in Premier League ever and nobody at Molineux would be satisfied with just a point.

Many disturbing things outside football pitch have been happening in Portsmouth lately. All started with late club’s takeover from Sulaiman Al-Fahim and lacking in new signings, while the last news are some of the players didn’t get last week pay-check. Luck of quality, bad dressing room (and board room) atmosphere and has to be said miss of the luck are the main reason for this endless disaster. However, Pompey put some solid displays in previous weeks despite the zero that remained at their account. At last away defeat, against Aston Villa, team performed much better than the final result 0-2 shows. Last time at Fratton Park, Portsmouth (I dare to say) absolutely overplayed Everton, made a bunch of chances, 3 times hit the post, Tim Howard made some brilliant savings and at the end Pompey somehow lost again (0-1). Despite all the obstacles and problems, I see better days for them and although nobody can say are they capable to avoid relegation, they’ll surely start to collect some points. Next game for Portsmouth is “make or brake”. Another defeat would be a final shipwreck, but on the other hand it is a nice chance for the first good result. As Wolverhampton, they also wouldn’t be fully satisfied with a draw. Manager Paul Hart will likely stick with attacking 4-4-2 formation and Pompey will go for a win. Defender Steve Finnan is poised for his Portsmouth debut, while midfielder Papa Bouba Diop and defender Herman Hreidarsson are still out with hamstring injuries.

Bookies offer very high odd for goals here. The possible reasons are both sides have problems with scoring lately and tactical game is expected. My opinion is both sides desperately need three points, also scored much less then they deserved and in game where their chances are almost equal, I see their scoring luck is changing and about 2.20 for over seems as a great value.

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Man Utd 1-0 Wolverhampton

Danny Welbeck marked his first start of the season with the winning goal as 10-man Manchester United edged past Wolves into the Carling Cup fourth round.
The United substitute was set free by a superb Michael Owen pass and he slotted in to send the holders through. 
That came after Fabio da Silva had seen red for a deliberate foul on Michael Kightly, who was clean through on goal. 
But Wolves played their part in a fine game, David Jones and Kevin Doyle both forcing saves from Tomasz Kuszczak. 
The Premier League new-boys lived up to their pre-match word that they would go for the victory at Old Trafford, despite not having won a top-flight match there in almost 30 years. 606:
But the game's one moment of true class told as United overcame the first hurdle of their defence of the trophy they won on penalties against Spurs last February. 
Not that Sir Alex Ferguson ranks that as his greatest priority this season if his selection is anything to by, with the Scot selecting an entirely different XI to the one that started Sunday's derby win over Manchester City.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:
"You can't argue with the red card, but Fabio is only 18 and this experience will help him grow. 
"Even before we went down to 10 men Wolves were a threat on the counter-attack, but for the last hour we kept our discipline and that was very pleasing. That never-say-die attitude runs through this club and the goal was of magnificent quality. 
"Who do I want next? (Son Darren's side) Peterborough at home. All the family should be happy with that." 
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy: 
"My assessment was that we weren't good enough to win it - we've been sat down, patted on the head and sent on our way. 
"Nice old Wolves, come up put on a show but don't upset the apple cart. It annoys me."
www.bbc.co.uk

Manchester Utd. - Wolverhampton

I won’t waste the words too much on United and their current form. Sir Alex again pulled something from the hat and this squad is again fully competitive. Five wins and one defeat (vs. Burnley on the road, 0-1) in Premier League, so far. For tonight’s encounter some youngsters and fringe players will get a chance. Goalie will be Tomasz Kuszczak instead walking disaster, Ben Foster. Central defenders will be Wes Brown and Jonny Evans. Just a fact Brown will be in front suggest a decent possibility of conceding goals. Gibson, Macheda, Welbeck, Brown, Tosic, some of them will also appear. Michael Owen will be in attack as the reward for Saturday’s winner. Far from disputing their talent, just don’t think they can be fully competitive and play on result. Despite some good results in past, Sir Alex doesn’t rank Cup competition (especially League Cup) too high and I think any upset tonight wouldn’t even take a smile, after Saturday’s win, from his face. They have a clash against Stoke at Saturday and most of his key players will be resting (at least first 60 minutes).

Woverhampton started this season as clear underdogs. Fast return in second tier is something that has been already predicted to them. But, so far, they’re announcing a battle at least. Two wins in opening six rounds, Wigan on the road (1-0) and in last round Fulham at home (2-1). Worth of mentioning is also their more than decent away display in defeat against Man.City (0-1). Their biggest problem currently is big number of new players, some signings are even new in England and simply need some time to adapt. Also, Wolves have had a lots of injury concerns. For tonight’s game, two key players are making comebacks from injury, excellent winger Michael Kightly and striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (both came as the substitutes at Saturday’s win). Also new signing, striker Stefan Maierhofer, will have his debut. Boss Mick McCarthy will try to use this game for morale boosting, but also as a test game for Premier League. This could be the strongest Wolves’ team this season. 

United are always favorites wherever they play, but I can not see any obvious domination. Although home win is probable, I can not see any convincing win and wouldn’t even write off some surprising result at Trafford. Especially because I expect some outcome from Wolves’ attacking force. Asian handicap +1.75 on visitors seems as a very good value and nice choice, (188 offer 1.95), while Pinnacle for +1.5 offer also more than decent 2.20. 

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Other picks

West Ham Utd. - Chelsea

Gianfranco Zola did a great job, club is 7th, but in the last five rounds they have a difficult task to save position. A lots of problems with the injuries (especially in attack). Will try to grab another (unexpected) point. With a draw against Everton, The Blues said good bye to title hopes. Guus Hiddink will try to rest his keys for Barca. My bet is against the goals. Bwin offers 1.75. Under.

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Barnsley - Wolverhampton

Barnsley fights against relegation. They don't have a win in the last seven rounds. Against demotivated Coventry, they conceded a goal in 94th minute, today desperately need at least another. The problem is they'll face the strongest team in Championship. Wolves secured the title (personally, I'm very glad 'cause that). Their dreams come through and will play without any pressure. I think away side is much closer to victory, but expect from Tykes to finally wake up and show a wish to stay in league. My bet is goals. 10bet offers 2.20, 888 2.05. Very good odds.Over.

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Southampton - Burnley

The club's company owner announced a bankrupt and Saints will definitely move to League One. They were defeated in Sheffield against Wednesday, conceding twice after the terrible mistakes of defence line. They still have motive to play, 'cause if they keep the status won't start the next season with -10 points. Burnley is in a great shape, with just one defeat from last eight games. They're still focused, 'cause aren't theoretically in play-off. Will try to make a pressure on young and weak opponent's defence. Odds are dropping from yesterday, but I think it worths a gamble bet. 888 offers 2.10. Away win.

Portsmouth 1-0 Bolton

Substitute Kanu's faint touch from a Nadir Belhadj corner gave Portsmouth a vital home win over Bolton. 
Minutes after replacing David Nugent, Kanu stole in between Jlloyd Samuel and goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen to steer the ball into the net.
Portsmouth manager Paul Hart: "I didn't really see what happened for the goal but we'll take it. I'm told Kanu has claimed it but it doesn't matter to me who scores as long as it is us and I thought we deserved it today. 
"Bolton have a way of playing that makes them difficult to play against but I think you have to give our players credit even though we didn't dominate in the second half as much as in the first half." 
Bolton boss Gary Megson: "We were poor and Pompey were not that much better than us. We've got to show a big improvement on this even though three of our last five matches are at home. We are certainly not thinking we are safe yet. 
The defending for the corner was very bad, letting it go straight in like that from Belhadj's corner. Did Kanu claim it? Well, he would. I should know, having had him at West Bromwich Albion!" 

Portsmouth: James, Kaboul (Pennant 90), Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Johnson, Davis, Mullins, Nugent (Kanu 71), Kranjcar (Belhadj 77), Crouch. 
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Pamarot, Utaka, Hughes. 
Booked: Kranjcar, Distin. 
Goals: Kanu 78. 

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Andrew O'Brien, Cahill, Samuel, Basham, McCann, Gardner (Muamba 12), Kevin Davies, Elmander, Taylor. 
Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Hunt, Smolarek, Puygrenier, Makukula, Cohen. 
Booked: Kevin Davies, Andrew O'Brien, Hunt, McCann. 
Att: 20,158 

Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).www.bbc.co.uk

Wolverhampton W. 1 - 0 Queens Park R.

1 - 0 S. Ebanks-Blake 46.min

Arsenal 1 - 2 Chelsea

1 - 0 T. Walcott 18.min

1-1 F. Malouda 33.min

1 - 2 D. Drogba 84.min

Man. Utd. 0 - 0 Everton 

penalty shoot-out : 2 - 4

Other picks

Wolverhampton - QPR

After a victory on Pride Park, Wolves are just one step far from Premier. Andy Keogh scored twice in 3-2 victory, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is recovered for today. Next (and maybe last) obstacle is rich, but demotivated QPR. Three wins and just one defeat in six games wasn't enough for Paulo Sousa to survive on the bench. Gareth Ainsworth has to lead team in the last three games. QPR finish in the middle anyway. I expect a celebrating atmosphere on Molineux and a home win with more than goal difference. Expekt offers 2.45 for handicap and I'll take it. Home handicap win.

Arsenal - Chelsea

Another clash of big rivals. Both sides desperately want to win, but also, both sides have a lots of problems in defence lines that will try to cover with attacking strategy. 2.25 at 888 and Expekt for goals is more than acceptable. Over!

Manchester Utd. - Everton, sunday

Tired giant will face very strong Everton. Despite how much FA Cup means to United, they'll have to rest some players. Everton are rested, focused and dangerous as always. This is stronger than me,  gamble bet on Everton to pass.

To all ortodox, I wish a happy Easter. Христос Воскресе!

Will be back with new posts at Tuesday.

All best,

Dule

Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Tottenham are lining up a bid for Wigan striker Amr Zaki, who missed the defeat by Everton at the weekend after failing to return from international duty with Egypt. (Daily Mirror) 
Spurs are set to offload striker Darren Bent in a summer shake-up. (Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is also tracking Serbian international left-back Ivan Obradovic, who plays for Partizan Belgrade. (Daily Express) 
Portsmouth midfielder Nico Kranjcar is being lined up for a £10m move to Greek side Panathinaikos. (The Sun) 
Pompey are set to offload striker Theofanis Gekas at the end of the season, with Zenit St Petersburg interested. (Daily Mirror) 
Fulham will battle it out with Celtic for Coventry midfielder Aron Gunnarsson. (The Sun) 
Everton are keen on Huddersfield goalkeeper Alex Smithies. (The Sun) 
Wolverhampton Wanderers are lining up a £1m bid for Bristol Rovers' 26-goal striker Ricky Lambert. (Daily Mirror) 
PSV Eindhoven hope landing Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's former coach Frank Rutten will help persuade the Dutch start to return to Holland. (Daily Star) 
Dundee have targeted Queen of the South's Stephen Dobbie to spearhead their attack next season. (Daily Express) 

OTHER GOSSIP 

Chelsea players are campaigning for the return of former manager Jose Mourinho, who is coach of Inter Milan, if interim Blues boss Guus Hiddink leaves Stamford Bridge in the summer. (Daily Express) 
But Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has identified AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti as the next boss of the Blues if he cannot convince Hiddink to stay. (Daily Mail) 
Newcastle will pay former executive director of football Dennis Wise a £1.5m pay-off to leave the club. (Daily Mail) 
West Ham are set to claim compensation from the Football Association following Carlton Cole's groin injury while on England duty. (Daily Express) 
Manchester United have been accused of turning football into a "cattle market" by Lazio over the deal that brought striker Federico Macheda to Old Trafford as a 16-year-old in 2007. (The Times) 
Rangers' injury woes have worsened with Kirk Broadfoot and Lee McCulloch joining the Ibrox casualty list ahead of Wednesday's meeting with St Mirren. (Daily Star) 
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Caldwerwood has backed his keeper Jamie Langfield to take the Scotland jersey from banned Rangers goalie Allan McGregor. (Daily Star) 
Kilmarnock midfielder Allan Johnston has been told he needs an operation on his hamstring to save his career. (The Herald) 
The SFA have denied rumours that Celtic's Scott Brown was involved in the drinking session which cost Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor their Scotland careers. (Daily Mail) 
Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati has appealed to Italian clubs to end his exile in Glasgow. (Daily Mail) 
St Mirren have handed a trial to French youth midfielder Malik Hioume. (Daily Express) 
Clyde are set to plunge into liquidation at the end of the month with mounting debts of almost £300,000. (Daily Express) 
Celtic's Scott Brown is at the centre of another public row after being warned by police over an incident on a train bound from Newcastle to Glasgow with his fellow team-mates. (The Sun) 
Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson could escape his Scotland hell 10,000 miles away in Australia as three clubs down under bid for his signature. (The Sun) 
Former Rangers manager Dick Advocaat says he has no room for Barry Ferguson at Zenit St Petersburg. (Daily Record) 
Former Celtic hero Tommy Burns is to be immortalised with a permanent memorial at the club's stadium in Glasgow. (Daily Record) 
Rangers have missed out on the opportunity to sign Manchester United's hot-shot Federico Macheda on loan next season following his wonder goal against Aston Villa. (Daily Record) 

AND FINALLY 

It has been revealed that Manchester United's teenage sensation Federico Macheda earns 'only' £35,000 a year. (The Sun) 
The 17-year-old Italian was offered a job as a pizza delivery boy by a friend in Sale as a fall-back if his football career failed. (Daily Star)
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