Eng Premiership 9/11th Sep

[Swooperman]

Hey, wait for us......you can reprint that @ 6:00 with us in 4th & level

Team news from Soccernet:
Mascherano is more likely than Tevez to start in the home game against Aston Villa in the Barclays Premiership after impressing Pardew in training this week.


``We have taken a good look at both players and they are shaping up well. Carlos has only had two light training sessions in the last three weeks and looks just short of full fitness,'' said Pardew.


``However, Javier is a couple of weeks ahead and is looking in great shape.''


West Ham face three games in eight days and Pardew must also consider Thursday's vital UEFA Cup first round, first-leg tie against Palermo.


Matthew Etherington is fit again after injuring his knee and goalkeeper Robert Green is in line to make his West Ham debut after Roy Carroll injured his groin playing for Northern Ireland in midweek.


Meanwhile, Martin O'Neill is confident Stilian Petrov will become a fans' favourite at Aston Villa as he prepares to make his debut.


The Bulgaria international was signed from Celtic for a deal which could eventually be worth #8million to the Scottish champions 24 hours before the closure of the transfer window.


The midfielder's international commitments meant he was unable to train with his colleagues until Friday but he is set to go straight into the side against the big-spending Hammers.


But O'Neill, who worked with Petrov for five years at Parkhead, is convinced the 27-year-old will be a major asset to the midlands club in the years to come.


The Villa boss said: ``I was really pleased when we got Stilian in because I think we've got a really good player who can be a real asset to Aston Villa.


``Of course, I've known him for some considerable time and, if he stays fit, he will be really good for the club and have a good future here.


``He's a very strong midfielder who is capable of scoring goals and I think he will complement the rest of the lads playing in midfield.


``The fact is that at the moment we need some help there because we've got three lads playing there (Gareth Barry, Gavin McCann and Steven Davis).


``If any of them get injured or suspended or suffer loss of form we would have been lacking in numbers - until Stilian's arrival.


``But more importantly than that, he can play and once he gets a few weeks to settle down, the fans will take to him. He has progressed brilliantly. He's now captain of Bulgaria and I think he'll be a big asset for this football club.''


Villa have taken seven points from their opening three games and Davis, who has been playing catch-up in terms of match fitness after a pre-season thigh injury, could make way for Petrov.


Striker Milan Baros has recovered from a foot injury and is expected to be on the substitute's bench at Upton Park.

Still too hard to call in my eyes but if I was sticking my neck out I'd say a draw, but wouldnt be suprised at any result here tbh

[edinlichtie]

Quite fancy Villa here, so have taken them @ 6.34

(took advantage of extrabet's "match the winnings" offer)

[trainbairn]

Got to continue with my blind spot in opposing O'Neill managed teams.West Ham to blow the Villa away and I take them giving away a goal of a start and still win @27/10.

[kompressaur]

just took over 9 corners at 11/10. sitting at 5 at the mo. bollocks i thought this kicked off at 5pm and i was laughing

[GaNgStA kEeKs]

Originally Posted by kompressaur

just took over 9 corners at 11/10. sitting at 5 at the mo. bollocks i thought this kicked off at 5pm and i was laughing

I was on over 2.5 goals and im pretty gutted i lost this bet as how it stayed at 2 goals i will never know with the number of chances and this was GREAT chances but it just wasn't to be.

Interested to see Petrov and how he would fare and i have to say he looked class on the pitch today.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by mrmuzeman

GOAL: Everton 3-0 Liverpool: A Johnson (90)

Cains;

Shall I send you The Liverpool Echo this week?

I believe that it will feature a pair of tits.

[daikoku]

Reading V Man City

I was quite looking forward to this when I saw Reading available at 2.44 on Mansion. However I've looked a little closer and it's not a game I'll be getting involved in. I might as well share my thoughts though...

Last Season

Man City lost 13 of their 19 away matches last year and only the 3 relegated teams along with Fulham performed worse. Reading made the Madjeski Stadium a fortress last year with 19 wins out of 23.

This season

Readings opening day escape against Boro was sensational. Although they soon came back down to earth with back to back defeats against Aston Villa and Reading.

The Villa game was a bit of a cruel blow as they were 1-0 up before Sonko (defender) was harshly sent off in the 33rd minute. Villa scored from the resulting penalty and went on to win the match against 10 man Reading.

Reading could have snatched a point in the 1-0 defeat to Wigan if Lita had converted his last minute chance. However the narrow 1-0 scoreline flattered Reading and it really should have been a more convincing victory for the home side.

Man City predictably got trounced against Chelsea on the first day. The Portsmouth game ended 0-0 with the City fans booing their players off the pitch. All was forgiven when City beat Arsenal 1-0 in the 3rd game at home. It was a fantastic result for Man City but they were very fortunate. Arsenal hit the woodwork twice in the game and had a stonewall penalty claim denied.

Players

It's the player situation with Reading that's putting me off this bet. Have a look...

Striker Dave Kitson is definitely out and hasn't featured since being taken off injured on the opening day of the season. Kitson was Readings top scorer last season with 22 goals. Although they've still got plenty of proven goal threat from the likes of Lita, Sidwell and Convey.

Leroy Lita, who has been getting a run in the side due to Kitson's abscence, doesn't seem to be flavour of the month with the Reading fans. Although he scored the vital winner against Boro in the first game his apparent 'bad attitude' draws criticism from some fans. To make matters worse Lita was arrested last week in Bristol and charged with GBH. He was released on bail but you wonder what his mental state will be if he plays.

Captain Graeme Murty (defender) is most likely going to miss the game after he needed stitches in his knee due to a freak training ground accident. He'll most likely be replaced by new signing De La Cruz.

Defender Sam Sodje is out but it shouldn't be too important as he will be replaced by Sonko who returns from suspension.

Midfielder Glen Little still hasn't made an appearance this season but should be available for this game. He may not start but should at least be on the bench.

So the captain is most probably out, the star striker is out and his replacement may have other things on his mind. If Little plays he doesn't have a lot of match practice.

Man City should give midfielder Dietmar Hamman his first start for the club after recovering from a foot injury. Osman Dabo is most likely to make way for the German veteran. Pearce hopes that the midfield anchor will provide the support Joey Barton has been missing.

Loan signing Da Marcus Beesley(hamstring) is highly doubtful, Darius Vassell(knee ligament) will definitely miss out and Hatem Trablesi is expected to start from the bench. Neither Trablesi or Beesley have played this season. Vassell has played in 2 games but hasn't scored any goals.

Summary

Neither team will be at full strength and both will be feature changes in the starting lineup from previous matches.

You could argue that maybe the value lies in Man City after their win against Arsenal. However the 1 goal they've scored this season was from the penalty spot, add their terrible away record from last season and I just can't be tempted.

Reading would have been my choice if the right players had been available. I still think they've got more goals in them than Man City but I'm going to sit this one out.

Good Luck if you punt.

[igor5]

maybe Doyle@3.00 anytime scorer?

[keemanan]

That's fair enough Daik , I'd say a draw is likely , I dont think Lita will play as he's seen his arse over something.
Hamman is key for us tonight , if he can command and not get over run then we have a shout at a win. If however they come out of the blocks fast and we make our usual lumbering start then we could get a whoopin.

No bet for me

[daikoku]

Yeah Keema I was a bit disaapointed at the Reading team news. Discovered you paid 6 million for Samaras doing my research last night. Tell me that isn't true .

No idea about Doyle as anytime scorer Igor. Maybe ODM will give you his opinion after his successful weekend. In fact why not just leave it and be happy with your Swedish punt .

[ONEDUNME]

I've gone for Joey Barton as he won both first and last goal scorer last time I backed him (16/1 again, as he was then) and for Glen Little.Ah fuck it, I'll copy and past my earlier post from which you'll see I've backed Man City. Had quite a bit on them as well and they always, always, always let me down when I do that. Although they are usually about evens or 11/10 when I do so maybe this signals a change of tack and fortune

I'm also going for Glen Little for first goal only. I'm not even sure if he's playing but I remember seeing him play for Burnley and thinking that he could be a handful on his day so I'm looking for him to cut inside and strike a curler into the top corner (even though I've backed City ).

[igor5]

Originally Posted by daikoku

No idea about Doyle as anytime scorer Igor. Maybe ODM will give you his opinion after his successful weekend. In fact why not just leave it and be happy with your Swedish punt .

maybe that is best bet of the night
i`m gonna enjoy the game and forget abouth betting..........

[GaNgStA kEeKs]

Just had a little nibble on City there @ 10.5 with Betfair.

Felt they had plenty of possession and created some chances. If they get next goal then they have it in them to go on to win the game

[ONEDUNME]

Well I've decided to compound my misery or reduce my losses by backing City for next goal.

20 minutes or so to go

I can't remember the last time City did me a favour betting wise but I still keep backing them and to be fair they have had their chances tonight. I'm hoping Reading will drop back and invite them to come on to them.

[mrmuzeman]

Ill try and magic Cahill onto the pitch for you