Football Betting Predictions and Highlights

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English Premier League

English Premier League 2012 Preview : Arsenal vs Sunderland Predictions

Arsenal look to unleash new pick up Santi Cazorla against Sunderland FC. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Arsenal Preview

Arsenal have strengthened their midfield with the acquisition of Spaniard Santi Cazorla from troubled La Liga side Malaga, the latest player from the world and European champions to make the move to the English Premier League. "Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Spain international Santi Cazorla has joined the club on a long-term contract," Arsenal said on their website. All this did was beef up Arsenal. They now posses possibly the best core of mid fielders in the Premier League.

Sunderland Preview

Martin O'Neill will step up his striker search this week after watching his Sunderland side draw another pre-season blank.

Sunderland’s 2-0 defeat against Swedish champions Helsingborgs marked the third time in four friendly outings that the Wearsiders have failed to find the net.

And it showed just why O’Neill is so desperate to bring in more firepower before the big Premier League kick-off in a fortnight’s time.

Teenager Connor Wickham joined Sunderland last summer but is yet to live up to his £8m pricetag, and he wasted the Black Cats’ best chance against the Swedes.

The half-time sub had only been on the pitch for three minutes when he collected a clever pass from Fraizer Campbell inside the box, but he took an extra touch when he had only the goalkeeper to beat and that allowed defender Emil Krafth to get in a vital block.

Helsingborgs had already proved a threat in the first half, with Sunderland keeper Keiran Westwood working overtime to keep out efforts from Kaka and Krafth, while Kieran Richardson also made a goalline clearance.

Arsenal vs Sunderland Predictions: Arsenal 2-0 over Sunderland

With the combination of a strong offensive attack from Arsenal and the lack of scoring from Sunderland this is a no brainer. Arsenal will control this game from beginning to end. New pick up Cazorli will make an impact on this game.


Source: English Premier League 2012 Preview : Arsenal vs Sunderland Predictions

 

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English Premier League

English Premier League 2012 Preview: Fulham vs Norwich City Predictions

Fulham FC looks to continue their streak in the Premier League against Norwich. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Fulham Preview

Fulham goes into the Premier League coming off of a 1-0 win over the Dons.Fulham though forced the first save of the game when Marcello Trotta twisted and turned in the box before firing a low effort on goal, which David Martin could only throw a leg at to keep out. Hugo Rodallega couldn’t direct his header from the resulting corner.

From there though, it was fairly one-way traffic, as the Premier League boys began to flex their muscles, dominating possession and pinning Dons back into their own half. Hugo Rodallega made an immediate impact for Fulham by notching a late winner in their penultimate pre-season friendly at MK Dons.

Norwich City Preview

The Canaries’ penultimate warm-up match, against Championship side Hull City at the KC Stadium, ended goalless, as did their trip to Milton Keynes four days earlier.

While there has been a reassuringly solid look about the defence in City’s domestic friendlies, with just one goal conceded in five matches, they have not found the net since Anthony Pilkington’s seventh-minute free-kick against Ajax at Carrow Road, a total of 263 minutes without scoring.

Five different strikers took the field for the Canaries against the Tigers, but four of them played only the final 20 minutes as part of the mass substitutions so frequent in pre-season friendlies.

Skipper Grant Holt had a couple of half-chances in the opening period, but there were few openings for either side and both goalkeepers could have taken a good book with them for the quieter moments, of which there were many.

Manager Chris Hughton made nine changes from the team that started the goalless draw at MK Dons.

Fulham vs Norwich City Predictions: Fulham Over Norwich 1-0

Fulham FC is the bottom line better team with a much more solid attack on offense and good enough defense to hold off Norwich.


Source: English Premier League 2012 Preview: Fulham vs Norwich City Predictions

 

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London Olympics Football Games Finals

London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Korea Republic U23 vs Japan U23 Predictions

Japan will now play South Korea to try to match the bronze medal from 1968 in Mexico City. Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Korea Preview

Korea put up a heck of a fight in the semis against Brazil. But the Brazilians who struggled early against South Korea at Old Trafford before taking control of the match after defensive midfielder Romulo opened the scoring with a low shot from inside the area following a pass by playmaker Oscar in the 38th minute.

Damiao scored twice in the 57th and 64th to seal the victory and become the tournament's leading goal scorer with six goals, surpassing Senegal's Moussa Konate.

"We had difficulties in the beginning of the match but the goal came at the right moment and we were able to slowly regain control," Menezes said. "What matters the most is that we got our fifth straight win and reached our goal to make it to the final."

Japan Preview

Japan came out swinging against powerhouse and heavily favored Mexico.Mexico escaped and got the win on Tuesday thanks to a swerving long-rage strike by Oribe Peralta in the 65th, breaking a deadlock after Japan opened the scoring with a shot by Yuki Otsu in the 12th and Marco Fabian headed in a corner for Mexico's equalizer in the 31st. Javier Cortes scored the third goal deep in second-half injury time. In the final minute Peralta then released Javier Cortes down the right with a clever backheel and the substitute held off the defence before squeezing his shot beneath Shuichi Gonda in the Japanese goal.

"That's just it, we are 90 minutes away from history," Mexico defender Carlos Salcido said. "That is the way we are looking at it."

Korea Republic U23 vs Japan U23 Predictions: Japan 2-1 Over Korea

Japan though they lost proved to the world that they are a team to reckon with .They have a fast offensive attack that Korea will have a hard time with.


Source: London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Korea Republic U23 vs Japan U23 Predictions

 

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English Premier League

English Premier League 2012 Preview : Queens Park Rangers vs Swansea City Predictions

QPR and Swansea City look for a much needed win in the Premier League. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Queens Park Preview

Queens Park starts the Premier League with some new faces. QPR vice chairman Amit Bhatia has revealed that the club's board has discussed the possibility of signing Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy. Bellamy, 33, made a surprise return to Anfield last summer and was one of the few players to emerge with any credit from one of the most difficult seasons in the Reds' recent history also Steve Kean is expecting Junior Hoilett to join QPR but is unsure if Blackburn will receive an offer for his signature or whether the transfer will go to a tribunal. Hoilett, 22, has been expected to seal a switch away from Blackburn this summer after he demonstrated impressive form despite the club's relegation from the Premier League last season.

Swansea City Preview

Swansea full-back Neil Taylor could return to fitness in time for QPR's visit to the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday evening. The Wales international picked up an injury in the 1-0 defeat at Everton last week. Angel Rangel would start in his place if he does not recover, however.

The Swans will be without some of their most prolific figures when QPR make the trip to south Wales. Nathan Dyer is a doubt with an ankle niggle, Alan Tate is still recovering from a broken leg and Ferrie Bodde is still battling with a knee injury.

Queens Park Rangers vs Swansea City Predictions: Queens Park 1-1 Draw Swansea City

Both of these teams are struggling. QPR have won only one game in their last eight and have lost their last three on the trot. The Swans have only won one of their last seven league games. This game will be nothing to write home about except a good ol tie.


Source: English Premier League 2012 Preview : Queens Park Rangers vs Swansea City Predictions

 

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London Olympics Football Games 2012

London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Brazil U23 vs Mexico U23 Predictions

QPR and Swansea City look for a much needed win in the Premier League. Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Brazil Preview

Brazil edged closer to their dream of an Olympic football title yesterday, easing into a final showdown with Mexico after a comfortable 3-0 victory over South Korea.

The Brazilians, bronze medallists in Beijing four years ago, booked their place in Saturday’s showpiece match at Wembley after two goals from Leandro and Romulo ended the South Koreans involvement in the tournament. The opening goal came for Brazil on 38 minutes from Vasco Da Gama defender Romulo after South Korea’s Ki Sung-Yueng was dispossessed in midfield.

Oscar surged forward deep into South Korean territory before feeding Romulo whose shot at the near post slipped under goalkeeper Lee ***-Young.

Brazil all but made the game safe 12 minutes into the second half with a cleverly worked goal.

Marcelo suddenly quickened Brazil’s tempo and found Neymar inside the area, cutting the ball back to Leandro who drilled his low shot beyond Lee.

Leandro then bagged his second of the night seven minutes later, deftly toe-poking his effort into the bottom corner to make it 3-0.

Mexico Preview

Mexico has been stellar since this whole tournament began not just on their offensive attack but more important on their defense. At one point, Mexico went 300 minutes without conceding a goal in the Olympics until Senegal broke that streak last weekend. Against Japan, Mexico advanced to the first Olympic football final in their history after coming from behind to defeat Asian giants Japan 3-1.

Japan, who had helped eliminate highly rated Spain in the first round, appeared set to emulate their female counterparts by reaching the final after Yuki Otsu fired them into a Mexico advanced to the first Olympic football final in their history after coming from behind to defeat Asian giants Japan 3-1. Mexico will continue its stifling defense in the finally against Brazil .

Brazil U23 vs Mexico U23 Predictions: Mexico 3-2

This will be a classic of a high powered offense that comes from Brazil against Mexico stifling defense. They say defense wins championships and that’s why Im going with Mexico in this one.


Source: London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Brazil U23 vs Mexico U23 Predictions

 

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English Premier League

English Premier League 2012 Preview: W.B.A vs Liverpool Predictions

West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool will look to snap visiting losing streaks as they open up in the English Premier League. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

W.B.A Preview

West Brom have been flying high under Roy Hodgson recently but it will be tough for Clarke to keep the club at that level in his first season with the top job.

Signing Ben Foster permanently was a good move and he has also added Belgium international winger Yassine El Ghanassy alsoSteve Clarke joins new signings Ben Foster, Markus Rosenberg, Yassine El Ghanassy and Claudio Yacob as they are officially unveiled to the media.

Liverpool Preview

Rodgers will be looking to get his Liverpool squad playing his brand of football straight out of the blocks. Liverpool produced a convincing display to ensure new manager Brendan Rodgers celebrated his first match at Anfield with victory 3-0 over FC Gomel of Belarus.

To achieve this he has signed Fabio Borini from Roma while Fulham's Clint Dempsey has been strongly linked to the clubto the club after they missed out on Gylfi Sigurdsson.

W.B.A vs Liverpool Predictions: WBA 2-1 Over Liverpool

Last season both teams lost their home games against each other and I expect that trend to continue with Liverpool coming out on top at The Hawthorns.


Source: English Premier League 2012 Preview: W.B.A vs Liverpool Predictions

 

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English Premier League

English Premier League 2012 Preview : Reading vs Stoke City Predictions

Reading looks to fire it up in the opener against Stoke City in the English Premier. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Reading Preview

Reading is definitely a team on the rise making some great off season acquisitions most notable goalkeeper Adam Federici has signed a new contract, keeping him at the newly-promoted club until 2015.Federici, 27, joined the Royals in 2004 and has made 163 appearances. His new deal is the latest development in a busy close season that has already seen Reading sign six new players as they prepare for life back in the top flight.

Here some other key transfers for Reading

• 08/06Michail Antonio Sheffield WednesdayUndisclosed08/06
• Karl Shephard AccringtonStanleyLoan07/30
• Angus MacDonald AFC WimbledonLoan07/24
• Michael HectorShrewsburyTownLoan07/19
• Gozie Ugwu Yeovil TownLoan07/18
• Joseph MillsBurnleyLoan

Stoke City Preview

Stoke City made some key moves themselves Danish goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen is hoping his retirement from international football will aid his club career at Stoke City. Sorensen, 36, received 101 caps for his country, but has decided to call it day at international level, in order to focus on doing his best for Tony Pulis at Stoke.

The experienced goalkeeper is hoping that quitting his country will allow him to play on for another four years in domestic football.

Stoke City Recent Transfers

• 8/08Michael Kightly Wolverhampton WanderersUndisclosed07/20
• Jamie NessRangers Free

Reading vs Stoke City Predictions: Reading 1-0 over Stoke City

Reading will come out strong in their home opener against Stoke City. Pavel Pogrebnyak who scored six goals in 12 games last season for Fulham and could be a key man for Reading if they are to stay in the division.


Source: English Premier League 2012 Preview : Reading vs Stoke City Predictions

 

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English Premier League

English Premier League 2012 Preview: Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur Predictions

Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Newcastle Preview

This is probably harsh on Newcastle but it will be tough for them to repeat their fifth-place finish of last season.

With the outstanding development of striker Papiss Cisse, fellow forward Demba Ba seemed to tail off after a wonderful start to the campaign in 2011.

Ba's relatively low £7 million contractual release clause has been subject to much transfer speculation this offseason but even if Ba stays, he will have to learn to play alongside Cisse and start scoring goals again.

Newcastle's season will hinge on their performances in early 2013 as both Ba and Cisse should be in South Africa for the African Cup of Nations, pending qualification and selection.

A series of strong defensive displays early in the year that sparked a long run of clean sheets saw Newcastle maintain their form throughout the year.

Their defense will have to be as good this year if the Magpies want to emulate their success of last term.

Tottenham Preview

While the management situation at White Hart Lane is still uncertain, Spurs have been able to persuade star winger Gareth Bale to sign a new four-year with the club.

Luka Modric's future with the club looks a little more uncertain with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea sniffing around the Croatian playmaker.

Spurs are no stranger to Modric rumours though and chairman Daniel Levy was able to keep hold of his prized midfielder even after the player himself asked to leave the club.

Once a manager is appointed—at the moment the favourite is Andre Villas-Boas—Spurs' chances in the Premier League will become

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur Predictions: Tottenham over Newcastle 2-1

Tottenham has a strong offensive attack and will have Newcastle on their heels all afternoon.I see this being a great game to watch but, in the end Tottenham will be the victor.



Source: English Premier League 2012 Preview: Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur Predictions

 

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English Premier League

English Premier League 2012 Preview: Wigan Athletic vs Chelsea Predictions

Wigan Athletics will look to see if they can continue their roll against Chelsea. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Wigan Athletic Preview

Wigan Athletic dazzled at the end of last season, winning seven of its final nine matches to avoid relegation. If the team is forced into a similar situation this year, will Roberto Martinez be able to pull off another magical run?

The Latics have narrowly avoided relegation three times since joining the English Premier League in 2005-06. None of there escapes were more dramatic than in 2011-12, when they defeated Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle during the final seven weeks of the season.

But the team would do their supporters a favor if they would secure a spot in next year's Premiership a little earlier this season.

Chelsea Preview

It is hard to imagine Chelsea struggling to score goals considering the hundreds of millions of euros spent to strengthen the attack, but that is exactly what could happen again this season.

Fernando Torres will now be the clear starter with Drogba gone, so there will be immense pressure on the Spaniard to regain his top form of years past.

With Daniel Sturridge and maybe Romelu Lukaku the only options behind Torres, there is no top-class, consistent striker to be called upon if Torres slumps again.

One would imagine that he would find it much easier to score with Juan Mata and Eden Hazard behind him, but as he showed at the Euros this summer, a lot of his worries are not overcome by world-class teammates.

Wigan Athletic vs Chelsea Predictions: Wigan Athletic 3-1 Over Chelsea

Chelsea forked out the big bucks this off season but, I don’t think it will be enough time for this team to gel. Wigan on the other hand will continue their roll and sound attack to take their opening game against Chelsea.


Source: English Premier League 2012 Preview: Wigan Athletic vs Chelsea Predictions

 

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English Premier League

English Premier League 2012 Preview: West Ham United vs Aston Villa Predictions

Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

West Ham United Preview

West Ham had an up-and-down season under Sam Allardyce last year and their home form wasn't brilliant. Four defeats and eight draws last season suggest that they could be vulnerable in front of their own fans.

West Ham will be looking to impress on their return to the league but these two teams could end up cancelling each other out. A draw should satisfy both sets of fans but Villa could just nick it.

Aston Villa Preview

Villa has been dealt with a major set back winger Marc Albrighton will miss several weeks of the new Premier League season because of a foot injury. Villa made the announcement on their official website on Friday, revealing that the 22-year-old will be out of all footballing action until at least October. This is a big loss for Villa as most of their offense starts and finishes with Albrighton.

West Ham United vs Aston Villa Predictions: West Ham over Villa 1-0

West Ham needs to get off on the right foot with a win in front of their home crowd with the minus of Villa’s Albrighton this might be a great way to start off the Premier League


Source: English Premier League 2012 Preview: West Ham United vs Aston Villa Predictions

 

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Spanish La Liga Predictions and Previews

Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview : Real Zaragoza vs Real Valladolid Predictions

The two teams meet again for the first time since last 2010 on August 20 of this year. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Real Zaragoza Preview

Real Zaragoza has a long battle ahead especially at being on the bottom of the totem pole. An upward battle is inevitable as team is scheduled to meet with Valladolid, who isn’t too far ahead this coming Monday. But this season show’s a good track record for Zaragoza with their five previous games having four wins and one loss. Defense is somewhat better for Zaragoza than last year. Now, the team is averaging at one goal against. They average at 1.5 goals made per game giving them an edge against up coming opponents, Valladolid.

To top it off Ivory Coast powerhouse Romaric is set to join so there are things to look forward to with the team.

Real Valladolid Preview

Real Valladolid has not seen the top half of the table being at number 19 just ahead of Zaragoza by one step. Their last five matches saw one draw, one loss, and three wins, one win including a 3-0 smash against Cordoba CF last June 6. The team is what you can informally categorize as one of the inconsistent. Some games are really bad and some games are really good. This is one of the teams that change their formation as often as Arsenal changes it’s players.

Real Zaragoza vs Real Valladolid Predictions: Zaragoza 1-0

With a strong defense and satisfactory attack added with a slightly better and more consistent track record for the current year, Zaragoza would have to be the favorites. But one dilemma has got to be Valladolid’s unpredictable nature so anything can happen.


Source: Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview : Real Zaragoza vs Real Valladolid Predictions

 

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Spanish La Liga Predictions and Previews

Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Mallorca vs RCD Espanyol Predictions

Both Teams Go Head Up as the La Liga Race Gets More Congested on August 18, at the Son Moix Stadium. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Mallorca Preview

Mallorca, during their last five games has won twice, tied up twice, and lost once. They currently hold the number 11 spot in the Spanish Primera Division. Mallorca holds an average of two goals per game. Despite their previous match against Real Madrid last May where they lost 1-4, they seem to be at a steady pace towards the top ten and are in better form now than earlier in the year.

One thing that this team needs to do is maintain consistency. Of course it is understood why they lost to Real Madrid, the boys from Madrid have been packing fire power for some time now. Their next match against Espanyol, who stands at sixth in the tables can be a prelude to their rise.

RCD Espanyol Preview

The boys from Espanyol has truly seen better days. Their last game ended in a draw with Zaragoza and the one before that saw a victory against Montpellier. The team has been pretty slow on trying to gain the momentum that they possessed early on. Nevertheless, Espanyol managed to maintain their standing the Spanish Primera. Going up against teams that are fighting for higher standings may be a challenge for the Espanyols. Mallorca seem very determined and with an average of 2 goals against, the Espanyols need to tighten their defences.

Espanyol also has an average of only 0.8 goals per away game signifying a weakness in the offensive side. Their last match up against Barcelona showed no scores while the opposing team gained 4 ended the game with a 4-0 defeat for the Espanyol.

Mallorca vs RCD Espanyol Predictions: Draw 1-1

Both the teams’ track record by far barely differs and while Espanyol has somewhat gained more accomplishments early in the year, Mallorca seem determined to take this game. Well, atleast they should be, this is a turning point for the team as previously mentioned.


Source: Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Mallorca vs RCD Espanyol Predictions

 

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Spanish La Liga Predictions and Previews

Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview : Deportivo La Coruna vs Osasuna Predictions

La Coruna and Osasuna meet for the first time since 2011 this Monday, August 20. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Deportivo La Coruna Preview

Despite a number five slot in the La Liga table, Deportivo La Coruna has fared better than their five previous games. Their last five matches saw only one victory against three losses and one draw. Having won none of their matches so far they are by far the weakest team in the league. Having won almost none of their matches so far they are by far the weakest team in the league. They have almost no goal scoring capacity and receive just too many goals, especially when playing away.

Osasuna Preview

For the coming match up against La Coruna, manager Camacho wants to rotate some of his players and he is expected to field only four players of his usual starting line-up. With an interest to giving rest to some of the players than winning this match, we will be seeing a much weaker team than usual. So far, Osasuna has fared much better when compared to La Coruna. This is probably due to their best attribute which is their defense. But it contrasts a great deal with their goal making capacity.

Deportivo La Coruna vs Osasuna Predictions: Draw 0-0

Both teams have don’t seem to have that much interest in winning the match. Osasuna will be fielding a sub team and Deportivo will be trying new things. It seems that both teams have their interests more set in defence than attack.


Source: Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview : Deportivo La Coruna vs Osasuna Predictions

 

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English Primier League 2012 Predictions and Previews

English Premier League 2012 Preview: Swansea City vs Sunderland Predictions

Sunderland will depend on the signing of mid fielder Steven Fletcher to aid their offensive attack against Swansea City . Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Swansea City Preview

Michael Laudrup stepped into some tough shoes to fill after Brendan Rodgers vacated his office at the Liberty Stadium for the greener grass of Anfield.

But to give credit where it is due, Laudrup has come in and has carried on using the same philosophy and system as Rodgers but has added his own greater knowledge of Spanish football to the mix. Namely in the acquisition of Michu who impressed from central midfield with two goals on his debut as the Swans won 5-0 over QPR.

Sunderland Preview

O'Neill has one of the most underrated defences in the Premier League with converted left back Kieran Richardson, ex-Manchester United star John O'Shea, new signing Carlos Cuellar and Phil Bardsley are all providing cover for one of the best keepers in the league, Simon Mignolet.

Their midfield is typically hardworking, whether O'Neill uses four or five, and it is of little surprise to see the club linked with Steven Fletcher due to their toothless attack.

If he can come in before Saturday, then this game will take a turn on its head as without a recognised striker, despite having the injury prone Louis Saha on their books, the Black Cats will struggle to convert chances.

Swansea City vs Sunderland Predictions: Sunderland wins Over Swansea City 1-2

Sunderland’s defense will not allow Swansea to go buck wild. The pace will be controlled by a sound offense attack hopefully with Steven Fletcher tied in to the mix

Swansea City vs Sunderland Betting Odds:

Swansea City 2.26 | Draw 3.30 | Sunderland 2.85

Pick: Sunderland 1.35 @ 1X2

Swansea City vs Sunderland Asian Handicap Betting Odds:

Swansea City -0.25 1.92 | Sunderland +0.25 1.98

Pick: Swansea City 59.88%


Source: English Premier League 2012 Preview: Swansea City vs Sunderland Predictions

 

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English Primier League 2012 Predictions and Previews

English Premier League 2012 Preview: West Ham United vs Fulham Predictions

Fulham will bring in their high octane offense against West Ham in the English Premier League. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

West Ham United Preview

Sam Allardyce's West Ham United—who also got off to a winning start by beating a poor AstonVilla side 1-0.

Big Sam's team come into this game still on the lookout for a striker to lead the line but in the process of providing the foundations for such a move by further strengthening with a £10 million transfer for Wolves' Matt Jarvis expected to go through in the next couple of days.

Should Jarvis sign in time for Saturday he will almost instantly go into a team who have proved extremely hard to break down on their travels. West Ham are unbeaten away from home since last February, but have also struggled in terms of creativity.

Fulham Preview

Fulham enjoyed their best ever start to a Premiership season with a 5-0 trouncing of Norwich City but they travel to Old Trafford in trepidation rather than in temerarious form.

The main reason for this is that Fulham have lost 19 of their last 20 visits to Old Trafford and overall they have only beaten United three times since 1935.

To beat United this weekend, they will need Feguson to make similar selection mistakes and attack across midfield where they can expose United's lack of pace.

They will also need Mladen Petric, Kacaniklic and Damien Duff to continue where they left off last week. Petric scored twice on his debut while Duff became only the second Irish player, after Robbie Keane, to score in 13 Premier League seasons.

West Ham United vs Fulham Predictions: 3-1 Fulham over West Ham

Make no mistake about it Fulham is not Aston Villa. Fulham will once again come in with that high octane offense and dominate this game

West Ham United vs Fulham Betting Odds:

West Ham United 2.45 | Draw 3.25 | Fulham 2.60

Pick: Fulham 1.38 @ 1X2

West Ham United vs Fulham Asian Handicap Betting Odds:

West Ham United 0.00 1.89 | Fulham 0.00 2.01

Pick: Fulham 49.75%



Source: English Premier League 2012 Preview: West Ham United vs Fulham Predictions

 

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English Primier League 2012 Predictions and Previews

English Premier League 2012 Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Norwich City Predictions

Norwich City looks to bounce back from their loss. Can they do it against Tottenham. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Tottenham Hotspur Preview

This game is Tottenham's to win or lose, and that will seemingly all come down to whether or not they can get their attack going. If they can start to "gel," you'd have to think that West Brom don't really have much of a chance in this one.

Tottenham have made big signings over the summer transfer window up front—namely Emmanuel Adebayor from Manchester City and Gylfi Sigurdsson from Hoffenheim—which will help their attack throughout the season.

However, for mine, the biggest move they made was keeping both Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart at White Hart Lane—agreeing on new contracts with both of them. If Bale can get going down the wings, Spurs are always a tough team to beat.

Norwich City Preview

Norwich, it is the first time that new manager Chris Hughton will present his squad in front of the home fans.

Hughton put an emphasis on defense in the offseason by bringing in Michael Turner and Steven Whittaker. In the wake of Norwich's defeat, Hughton has done what any manager whose club gets beaten by five goals in their opener would do, and that is to bring in more defenders.

Former Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong was signed this week and Lazio left-back Javier Garrido should join the club on loan in the next few days.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Norwich City Predictions: Tottenham 1-1 Draw Norwich City

This game will be evenly balanced. Norwich is looking to bounce back from a tough loss last week. So, I’ll expect to see a much different team

Tottenham Hotspur vs Norwich City Betting Odds:

Tottenham Hotspur 1.35 | Draw 4.70 | Norwich City 6.80

Pick: Draw 1.21 @ 1X2

Tottenham Hotspur vs Norwich City Asian Handicap Betting Odds:

Tottenham Hotspur -1.50 2.09 | Norwich City +1.50 1.81

Pick: Norwich 56.74%


Source: English Premier League 2012 Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Norwich City Predictions

 

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English Primier League 2012 Predictions and Previews

English Premier League 2012 Preview: Wigan Athletic vs Stoke City Predictions

Stoke City will look to bring the noise against Wigan Athletic. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Wigan Athletic Preview

After watching the opening day match against Chelsea, it is clear that no matter who Wigan is playing, they seem bound and determined to deliver the most exciting matches of the Premier League season.

Even if their crowd could be confused for the guest list at a funeral parlor, Wigan play an attacking style of football that no one else is currently brave enough to attempt in the EPL.

Roberto Martinez has his 3-4-3 system implemented well already this season. It has its ups and certainly its downsides, as the Chelsea match showed in full.

Within the opening seven minutes, the Blues were already two goals to the good after Eden Hazard had run fellow debutant Ivan Ramis into a tizzy.

But after Frank Lampard’s penalty, Wigan began to settle down and boss the match. Part of this was due to Chelsea beginning to back off, but at least part of it had to do with Wigan’s concept of attacking play.

Stoke City Preview

Debutant Michael Kightly opened the scoring on 35 minutes after some poor goalkeeping from Adam Federici saw his deflected shot squirm through the Australian's hands and came out with a 1-1 draw against Reading

Stoke dominated for large periods of the game, but when the lively Garath McCleary was clumsily brought down by Dean Whitehead, who was sent off for the challenge, Adam Le Fondre coolly slotted home his first Premier League goal to ****** an unlikely point for the Royals a minute from time. Stoke were keen to build on their one-goal cushion as they pressed on, and Walters went close again. Begovic had launched a free kick far up the field, and after receiving a flick on, the former Ipswich striker fired from a tight angle, but this time Federici was equal to it.

Wigan Athletic vs Stoke City Predictions: Stoke City 2-1 over Wigan Athletic

Stoke City will have an advantage in the sense of their disciplined defense. I see this being close but, Stoke City pulling this one out.

Wigan Athletic vs Stoke City Betting Odds:

Wigan Athletic 2.43 | Draw 3.10 | Stoke City 2.73

Pick: Stoke City 1.36 @ 1X2

Wigan Athletic vs Stoke City Asian Handicap Betting Odds:

Wigan Athletic -0.25 2.04 | Stoke City +0.25 1.86

Pick: Wigan Athletic 55.86%


Source: English Premier League 2012 Preview: Wigan Athletic vs Stoke City Predictions

 

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English Primier League 2012 Predictions and Previews

English Premier League 2012 Preview: West Bromwich Albion vs Everton Predictions

West Bromwich will come in this game with their balanced attack against a banged up Everton. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

West Bromwich Albion Preview

Steven Clarke formerly Denny Dalglish's assistant a tLiverpool, has taken the helm.

Given Albion's first performance under their new boss—a 3-0 waxing of that Liverpool side that finished two spots above them in the league standings last season—fans have every right to consider a charge toward a top-eight finish a very feasible possibility.

The win marked the first time the side, in the top flight for three years running now, had ever won its EPL opener.

“I spent all week telling the players to believe in themselves and be confident coming into this game because they had no reason not to be,"

The new manager wants his team to play attractive football, and his team formation to start Saturday's match—a 4-2-1-3 formation with plucky Irish striker Shane Long up top, and the midfield anchored by Youssouf Mulumbu (both of whom were fantastic against the Reds)—showed certain vestigial imprints of Hodgson's tenure, while integrating some sublime passing movements Clarke is sure to have worked on this preseason.

Mulumbu was excellent in central midfield for Albion. Michael Regan/Getty Images

Mulumbu was terrific in a holding midfield role, and while Albion were subjugated to an attacking deluge from Liverpool in the first half—Luis Suarez ran riot for the first 45 minutesthey never broke

Everton Preview

Kevin Sheedy returned to the football consciousness this week, with the sad news the former Everton midfielder has been diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Sheedy's plight reminds us that life is unpredictable and sickness indiscriminate. It also reminds us just how fine and imaginative a footballer he was, and how much those who knew his talent miss watching his left foot paint pictures on the pitch.

Sheedy played the game you wanted to on the playground. He could pick a pass, beat a player and finish—and do it all with style. He was also a masterful free-kick specialist—able to opt for the subtle or savage, and capable of putting the ball anywhere he wanted to.

West Bromwich Albion vs Everton Predictions: West Bromwich 2-0 Everton

West Bromich new formation will definitely make them a team to deal with. I see West Bromich dominate this game from start to finish

West Bromwich Albion vs Everton Betting Odds:

W.B.A 2.72 | Draw 3.20 | Everton 2.38

Pick: W.B.A 1.36 @ 1X2

West Bromwich Albion vs Everton Asian Handicap Betting Odds:

W.B.A 0.00 2.08 | Everton 0.00 1.82

Pick: W.B.A 48.07%


Source: English Premier League 2012 Preview: West Bromwich Albion vs Everton Predictions

 

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English Primier League 2012 Predictions and Previews

English Premier League 2012 Preview: Southampton vs Manchester United Predictions

Southampton and Manchester United will look to slug it out next Saturday in the English Premier League. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Southampton Preview

Jos Hooiveld insists Saints will improve with every top-flight game they play following their 2-0 defeat to Wigan this afternoon.

Southampton dominated the opening stages but fell foul to two clinical Latics finishes in what was a disappointing second half.

And defender Hooiveld says the squad will take plenty of lessons out of the way in which they were beaten in the first top-flight game at St Mary's since 2005.

"You think you're in control of the game, then one break and it's a goal," he told Saints players.

"That is something we have to be very careful of and concentrate about. As a unit, we have to make progress on that.

"Technically we didn't do enough. We were very sloppy in ball possession sometimes - we lost the ball a lot in ways that we shouldn't have, and that cost us the game.

"I hit the crossbar, so it would have been great if that was 10cm lower. We have to tighten the screws a little bit on those little things.

"This is the kind of club that doesn't panic easily, so it's a process," he continued.

Manchester United Preview

In a tense but thrilling encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester United ran out 3-2 winners over a spirited Fulham side.

Coming off the back of a disappointing defeat at the hands of Everton on Monday, a positive result was needed for the Red Devils.

An early Damien Duff strike and a Nemanja Vidic own goal had United fans biting their fingernails at certain points in the game, but goals from new signings Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa, as well as from Brazilian full-back Rafael, were enough to secure a valuable first win of the season for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Southampton vs Manchester United Predictions: Manchester United 2-1 Over Southhampton

This will be the game to watch this week. Manchester will come out as their standard selves with their high octane attack. Southhampton will have something to say and come in on a high not of their own. Unfortunately, there can be only one winner and Man U takes it.

Southampton vs Manchester United Betting Odds:

Southamton 5.80 | Draw 4.10 | Manchester United 1.53

Pick: Manchester United 65.35%

Southampton vs Manchester United Asian Handicap Betting Odds:

Southampton +1.25 1.79 | Manchester United -1.25 2.16

Pick: Southmpton 2.25


Source: English Premier League 2012 Preview: Southampton vs Manchester United Predictions

 

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English Primier League 2012 Predictions and Previews

English Premier League 2012 Preview: Newcastle United vs Aston Villa Predictions

Newcastle comes into this match against Aston Villa on a high note. Let's see if they can dominate them from the start. Catch real time updates on your favorite English Premier League Match.

Newcastle United Preview

Should Newcastle be happy with a draw? Absolutely. But I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the club's return to European football, considering it was a reasonably flat 1-1 draw

The purpose of this game was nullification, not dominance. The best result they could have achieved was to balance removing Atromitos's home advantage with arriving in London with all guns loaded.

While a draw isn't an ideal result, the away goal gives United a clear advantage. Atromitos keeper Charles Itandje didn't look particularly confident, so there's no reason the English club can't score at home.

Imagine if one or two of the starting XI are used in the return leg. You'd back United to win comfortably and still have enough energy left to be competitive against Aston Villa

Aston Villa Preview

Aston Villa opened their season of promise with a drab 1-0 loss to newly promoted West Ham—not exactly what the doctor ordered.

Some predict Villa will go down this season and this result only lays credence to that theory, yet all signs during the game point to progress made by the claret and blue side.

Two players from Villa's central midfield absolutely ran the game. Forgotten man Fabian Delph recorded 72 successful passes from 78 attempts (94 percent), while Karim El-Ahmadi made 77 from 91 (85 percent).

While few were of cutting edge, the control exercised by these two was Barcelona-esque. Delph was deployed in a quarterback role in front of Ron Vlaar and Ciaran Clark, while El-Ahmadi roamed just in front of him.

Newcastle United vs Aston Villa Predictions: Newcastle United 2-0 over Aston Villa

Newcastle comes into this game on a positive note while Aston Villa really needs to find their identity. I see Newcastle dominating this game from start to finish

Newcastle United vs Aston Villa Betting Odds:

Newcastle United 1.60 | Draw 3.85 | Aston Villa 5.40

Pick: Newcastle United 62.50% @ 1x2

Newcastle United vs Aston Villa Asian Handicap Betting Odds:

Newcastle United -0.75 1.83 | Aston Villa +0.75 2.11

Pick: Newcastle United 1.25


Source: English Premier League 2012 Preview: Newcastle United vs Aston Villa Predictions