League One betting, Charlton - Scunthorpe

The Addicks made a perfect start with all three wins over decent oppositions. Bournemouth at home and two away wins at pretty tough places, Notts County and Colchester (goal diff 6-1). Goalie, Rob Elliot, stays for now, since club has rejected an offer from Newcastle. After 10 years, Jason Euell, returned to the Valley and should make a first start for the club.

After a relegation from the 2nd tier, Scunny had to release several players (total of 10), including few keys. They started the season with two draws and home defeat in previous round vs. North End. I don’t expect too much from them this season. Glanford Park should be a hell place for many league sides and that should be enough for avoiding relegation, but far from play-off ambitions. Winger, Jimmy Ryan, will face a fitness test, while skipper Cliff Byrne (DEF) and Jordan Robertson (STR) continue to miss out. 

Honestly, I am well surprised with these odds on Charlton. The hosts are serious promotion contenders and have been playing quite well, not a single reason to stop now. Early pick, since I expect it's gonna drop to 1.65-1.70. 

Bet: Charlton -0,5

Odd: 1.80 Pinnacle

Stake: 7/10

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Championship betting, Cardiff - Brighton

Before the start of the season, my impression was Cardiff lost some quality. But, two nice wins for them in the first two rounds. First lucky one at Upton Park, then they furiously finished the job for 35 min against B.City at home. Certainly, they won’t be lacking in confidence tonight. Only doubt is midfielder, Aron Gunnarsson, who will face the late fitness test. Cardiff haven’t lost last nine home league games against Brighton and lost only one of the last 12 in league. On the other hand, they never won the first three fixtures of a season in their 91-year league history (why should they now?). Every of their last seven home games produced three or more goals.

Brighton also made an impressive start of the campaign, winning both league games (and Carling Cup fixture). However, they were very fortunate in both of them. First scored a winner against Donny in 97th min and at Pompey, Liam Lawrence missed a penalty in 96th min for a draw. Maybe, they’re running out of luck. They play nice passing game and have great Craig Mackail-Smith in attack. It should make a serious threat for Welsh defence line. Only problem for Poyet is other striker Will Buckley (scored twice against Donny), got an injury and will be out for tonight. The Seagulls haven’t lost in nine away league games (6W, 3D). 

Both sides won their games and we still haven’t seen their limits. I am closer to think that home win is on cards, but all that attacking potential should produce some goals and make a good entertainment. Over for me.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.86 Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10
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Champions League betting, Dinamo Zagreb - Malmo

Home side has been trying to reach Champions League for 12(?) years. Usually they were unlucky like in previous two years (Red Bull Salzburg, Sheriff), or got too strong side like Arsenal, Werder, or Shakhtar. They have a decent squad with, in my opinion, enough quality to play CL group stage. Stadium has been renovated and will be packed tonight (some funny ticket price, less than 1 EUR). Atmosphere should be very good, despite their ultras are boycotting club’s chairman and not attending the games.

From those that I’ve read and seen (not an expert for Sweden), Malmo play Scandinavian football with long balls and plenty of running. This play usually fits well to Balkan teams, technically strong sides. Eliminating Rangers is a great achievement, but CL should be too much for Malmo.

Quality is on home side, home crowd and much more experience. I expect a comfortable win for Dinamo, 2-0 correct score.

Bet: Dinamo -1ah
Odd: 2.20 Victor Chandler
Stake: 7/10
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Championship betting, Watford - West Ham

This is another season where I tipped Watford as serious contender for relegation. This time should be even harder for them than usual. Probably two most important figures left the Vicarage Road. Manager Malky Mackay (now in Cardiff) and his key man, Danny Graham (to Swansea for 3.5mill). Important midfielder, Don Cowie and winger Will Buckley also left the club. Good news are new manager is ex-assistant, Sean Dyche and he didn’t change the style of play. They have brought several players and got experience with Mark Yeates, Chris Iwelumo, David Mirfin, Craig Forsyth, Prince Buaben, but I think they lost in quality comparing with previous season. Only absence is long-term injury of Stephen McGinn. The Hornets have failed to win 10 of their last 11 Championship outings.

I guess it looks unusual for the Hamers’ fans watching them winning and being favourite before any game. They have unreal squad for the 2nd tier and obviously a failure to gain promotion would be real disaster. My concern regarding their ambitions is Big Sam (accepted the job despite announcing his ambitions to take Real or Barca) and his defensive style of play, adjusted to his previous clubs. It’s kind a weird to play 4-5-1 against injury clashed Donny where they actually should have dominated and scored an easy victory. However, they’re still a class above other teams in Championship. John Carew has been training last seven days and should be in contention. Along with Julien Faubert, Carlton Cole and George McCartney. 

2.31 is pretty high and I think we won’t be seeing such odd for West Ham during the season. However, I still have concerns about Sam’s 4-5-1 and I am afraid he could be satisfied with a draw here. So, I am taking -0.25. With a draw, half of the stake is back.


Bet: West Ham -0.25
Odd: 1.96 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10 
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Premier League betting, WBA - Man Utd

First thought about this one was an away win. West Brom have lost last seven home games against Utd, run from 1984. Man Utd already got pretty big confidence with a Community Shield win. Rooney, Young and Nani looked very dangerous. But on the other hand, same United noticed just five away wins whole last season. With Roy Hodgson, The Baggies play with some confidence, especially at The Hawthorns. Smaller pitch dimensions don’t fit well to bigger clubs, their passing game and domination. Shane Long will have his debut, partner in attack will be, last season excellent Peter Odemwingie. Few players on both sides are doubtful.

Think WBA will be able to make a serious threat and score at least once. Last seven games between these rivals ended with three or more goals. Over for me.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.85 188bet
Stake: 7/10 
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Championship betting, Leicester City - Reading

The Foxes have a great squad for Championship and have every right to be called league favourite for a title. First home game should be building up on the first round win at Coventry. Right-back Lee Peltier is out with an injury, but will be replaced with another top signing - John Pantsil.

As I wrote, Reading will be hardly the same team from previous season. Shane Long has been sold (6 mill) to WBA, before him Matt Mills to Leicester. No adequate replacements so far, even Brian McDermott was moaning to the press. They also have some missing players. Shaun Cummings, Marcus Williams and Simon Church are injured, Jay Tabb is suspended.

I fancy home side to take it, they shouldn’t be losing too many points at home this season. Home win.

Bet: Leicester -0.5
Odd: 1.93 188bet
Stake: 6/10 
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Championship betting, Ipswich - Hull City

Ipswich could be one of the hidden favourites for play-off. Decent squad from previous season has been additionally strengthened with three (for Championship) top signings. Michael Chopra guarantees goals, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is still Arsenal player, while Lee Bowyer should be a rock in the midfield. And Paul Jewell as a man in charge. I like it. They started campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory at Bristol, after that got eliminated from Northampton in Carling but Pearson played a reserve squad.

Hull City started the season with home defeats vs. Blackpool and League Two side - Macclesfield Town, both without scoring. There’re already some unrest in the club and Nigel Pearson could become the first candidate to be fired manager in Championship. They had very good away record last season, but won at Portman Road just once (in 1990). Striker Dele Adebola and defender Liam Rosenior could both return.

Hull on their travels could be a tough nut to crack, but I fancy Ipswich to win this one and to confirm play-off ambitions.

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Bet: Ipswich -0.5
Odd: 2.07 188bet
Stake: 6/10
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Quite frankly I am struggling to keep my stakes low, since I feel very confident about some bets. The Saints were so impressive against Leeds and Leeds can’t be that bad. If you know what I mean. West Ham have an unreal squad for Championship, while Donny would be with all seven missing players (including Sharp and Hayter) still contenter for relegation. Reading probably won’t be the same team from previous season. Too much income in the club and no investments in the new players. Leicester should win it...

Maybe one more game from Championship, or I’ll pick something from League One.

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Premier League betting - QPR-Bolton

Rangers could be a positive surprise this season. Nice list of players and old fox Neil Warnock in charge. They have brought DJ Campbell, Jay Bothroyd, Kieron Dyer and Danny Gabbidon. They’ve also kept their superstar, Adel Taarabt. Should be enough, at least to avoid relegation. QPR have lost only one of their last 12 opening-day matches.

I am not sure what to think about Bolton’s ambitions this season. They should keep the status, but cannot see they have what they need for a top-half of the table. They lost Daniel Sturridge (back to Chelsea), brought Tuncay (won’t play as he hasn’t been granted a work permit), Nigel Reo-Coker and Chris Eagles. In my opinion, last two were big talents and all three are only average players now. Owen Coyle is very good manager and probably The Trotters’ biggest quality. However, his teams (Bolton and Burnley) have very good record at home and horrible on the road. In previous season, Bolton won just twice of 19 away games (5 draws), season before that 4W-3D-12L, in Burnley it was even worse.

For every newcomer, first game is the most important. The biggest enthusiasm and so. Bolton seems to be very good rival for the opening game and good start.

Bet: QPR -0.25
Odd: 2.01 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10
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