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The Go Down Showdown Hoedown
Appearances can be deceptive. At first glance, this Sunday's
live Sky match between West Brom and Everton looks duller
than a grass roots football discussion between Trevor Francis
and Trevor Brooking. But dig a little deeper, and you'll discover
that this match holds the key to "The war for four"
and "The Showdown not to Go Down", the only two
remaining betting markets in the Premiership.
The "War for Four" is now
a straight race between the two Scouse horses. If Everton
can get a result at the Baggies, there is every chance that
their four point advantage over Liverpool could stretch to
six or even seven, as the Reds will go into the match against
Bolton without a recognised striker. (Something Birmingham
have done all season.) Moyes' boys are a top priced 10/11
with Stanleybet to finish 4th, while Rafael's turtles can
be backed at 13/8 with Skybet.
Looking at the bigger picture, it's
not really important whether it's the blue half or the red
half of the City that is celebrating in May though, because
the fantastic City of Liverpool will undoubtedly be the real
winner. The famous lyrics to a well loved ballad explain it
more poetically than I ever could; "It's not the leaving
of Liverpool that grieves me, but the fact that some scally
nicked my hubcaps."
The only other ante-post betting market
that still has life is the relegation battle. The "Go
Down Showdown Hoedown" is a fascinating contest where
six must become three. There is little value to be found in
backing Norwich or the Albion, but the 10/1 that Stan James
offer about the woefully out of form Portsmouth dropping a
division should be immediately taken advantage of.
Apologies to the residents of West
Bromwich for describing their relegation battle as a hoedown,
there is now a distinct possibility that either Wayne Rooney
will turn up with a wad of cash, or Robbie Savage will appear
with a banjo.
Cliché watch: (Inspired by Michael
Owen / David Beckham)
What they say:
"I'm flattered that a great club like Newcastle / Tottenham
would show an interest in me."
What they mean:
"Ha ha ha ha ha."
Going up:
Southampton: Harry is definitely the man, if you still think
they're in relegation trouble, the top price is now 11/8.
Going down:
Norwich: They're 1/200 with BET 365 about the inevitable;
high-rollers can play at 1/40 with VC Bet though.
Quote of the week meets Spot the difference:
"When I saw Rijkaard entering
the referee's dressing-room, I couldn't believe it."
Jose Mourinho, four weeks ago.
"If something happens and I don't
see, but some of my people say this happened, I say it's true."
Jose Mourinho, this week.
Nice looking Punt:
Crystal Palace: The Boro have gone;
Coral are a realistic 6/5 about Palace, Stan James go 6/4.
Four play:
Crystal Palace
Newcastle
Fulham
Everton
The accer pays a tasty 20/1 with Paddy
Power
Specials of the week: (All available
at Super Soccer)
"The War for Four" - Everton
and Liverpool both to win 7/2
"The Showdown not to Go Down" - Crystal Palace and
West Brom both to win 11/2
"The Ruck for the Buck" - Sunderland and Wigan both
to win 10/3
"The Combat for the Wombat" - Viduka, Cahill and
Lazaridis all to score 66/1
Weekend Betting:
Charlton v Man City Saturday 2nd April
12.45 Live on P.P.V.
Charlton 11/10 Totesport
Draw 23/10 Sportingbet
Man City 16/5 Bet Direct
Get on: Charlton
Charlton will be out to avenge the
4-0 drubbing they received at the City of Manchester stadium
earlier in the season. City have a Psycho in charge. Home
win.
Match Special:
Charlton to win 4-0 50/1 @ William Hill
Arsenal v Norwich Saturday 2nd April
15.00
Arsenal 1/5 Super Soccer
Draw 11/2
Norwich 14/1 Boylesports
Get on: Arsenal
Here's a stat for all you nerds; the
Canaries have lost only once on their last five visits to
Highbury. Terry Henry will sort that.
Match Special:
Henry to score a hat-trick 12/1 @ Paddy Power
Birmingham v Tottenham Saturday 2nd
April 15.00
Birmingham 11/8 Super Soccer
Draw 9/4 BET 365
Tottenham 21/10 Boylesports
Get on: Birmingham
The Blues have won their last three
home matches, while Spurs have lost their last three on the
road. It's pretty, symmetrical and hole-free. Home win.
Match Special:
Lazaridis to score two or more goals 50/1 @ Betfred
Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough Saturday
2nd April 15.00
Crystal Palace 6/4 Stan James
Draw 23/10 Boylesports
Middlesbrough 19/10
Get on: Crystal Palace
The Boro are dropping quicker than
a Manchester student, Palace will add to their woes.
Match Special:
Andy Johnson to score the first goal 5/1
Liverpool v Bolton Saturday 2nd April
15.00
Liverpool 10/11 Totesport
Draw 5/2 Skybet
Bolton 18/5 Sportingbet
Get on: Draw
No strikers = No Goals = 0-0 draw =
No 4th Place = Gerrard's going to Chelsea.
Match Special:
Match to finish goal-less 10/1 @ Skybet
Man Utd v Blackburn Saturday 2nd April
15.00
Man Utd 2/7 Skybet
Draw 4/1 William Hill
Blackburn 12/1 Boylesports
Get on: Man Utd
Man Utd have only gained one point
from a possible six against Blackburn over the last year,
but with Hughesy in the opposite dug-out and Arsenal breathing
down their neck, Fergie will demand and receive a comprehensive
victory.
Match Special:
Man Utd to score five or more goals 6/1 @ Betfred
Newcastle v Aston Villa Saturday 2nd
April 15.00
Newcastle 8/11 Stanleybet
Draw 5/2 Bet Direct
Aston Villa 4/1 Totesport
Get on: Newcastle
Newcastle haven't lost a home match
all year. As they average 13 shots a match, and the Villa
goal keeper has a serious problem whenever a ball trickles
towards him, you don't have to be Stephen Hawking to solve
this problem.
Match Special:
Newcastle to score four or more goals 7/1 @ Betfred
Southampton v Chelsea Saturday 2nd April 17.15 Live on P.P.V.
Southampton 6/1
Draw 13/5 Sportingbet
Chelsea 4/7 Paddy Power
Get on: Draw
Chelsea are in great form, but the
on fire Crouch (It's now 10 goals from 13 matches) can help
the Saints to earn a point.
Match Special:
Match to finish 2-2 16/1 @ Stan James
Fulham v Portsmouth Sunday 3rd April
13.30 Live on P.P.V.
Fulham 11/10 Totesport
Draw 23/10 Sportingbet
Portsmouth 13/5 BET 365
Get on: Fulham
It's six away defeats on the bounce
for Pompey, Fulham will make it seven.
Match Special:
Fulham to score three or more goals 3/1 @ Betfred
West Brom v Everton Sunday 3rd April
16.05 Live on Sky
West Brom 19/10
Draw 9/4 Skybet
Everton 6/4 Coral
Get on: Everton
The bookies have wildly divided
opinions over this match; Betfred
make Everton 6/5 favourites, while Coral believe the Baggies
are the more likely winners, they make the Albion 11/8 fav's,
and Everton are the 6/4 rags. Make them pay.
Match Special:
Everton to win 3-1 22/1 @ Coral
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