| 2008/09 Week 3
We begin our weekly round up in the EPL and hope that last week's horror show is set to be replaced by a perfect punting weekend. Upton Park is the venue for our first bet, and its the home side we are siding with. West Ham have been written off after one game last Sunday. Losing 3-0 away at Man City is no great piece of work, it isn't however the end of the world. With Home advantage considered, the prices here just dont appear accurate. West Ham are at worst only very slightly inferior to Blackburn. The prices as they stand suggest that Blackburn are clearly superior and by around 0.25 of a whole goals. I disgree strongly. Upton Park will be buzzing for this match as Paul Ince the Blackburn Manager is the most vilified man in football according to Hammers fans. IASBet have West Ham at 1.79 off scratch on their Asian Handicap. I would be closer to 1.60. As much as momentum is against them I am happy to give West Ham a go here, its a 2.5 pt bet for me.
Also in the EPL we are taking Wigan to win away at new boys Hull. Wigan were particularly impressive in narrowly losing to Chelsea last week. In Wilson Palacios they have a midfielder of potential brilliance. They also have in players such as Heskey, Koumas and Scharner good solid EPL players. Hull have obviously started the campaign well but everyone knows that sooner or later they will be put under the cosh. I expect this game to be thier first defeat and to be the one that opens their eyes to EPL and shows them that adrenaline alone wont maintain their top flight safety. Boyle Sports go 3.0 about a Wigan win, I'm taking that for 0.75 pts.
We will now head down a tier and enter the Championship where we have two bets this week. First up we are placing our faith once more in the hands of Reading. After siding with them last week for no return I feel they are definitely worth another chance this time around. They play host to Crystal Palce, a team yet to score this season, and a team with 2 main men suspended for this encounter. Despite last week's hiccup, Reading have begun the campaign well and have more than enough quality to push for promotion. Sports Acumen and Expekt are 1.85 about Reading and to me that seems risky. Palace are struggling for numbers and also obviously for goals. In time i'm certain they will improve but I dont believe it will be here. I suggest we take 1.85 Reading for 0.75 pts.
Our second Championship punt is on new boys Swansea at Even Money with Corals. The Swans are beginning to feel at home at this level and their array of Spanish imports are taking to the championship quickly. Wednesday are no mugs at this level but they do currently have numerous injuries in defence that are hurting them. Swansea for me are the better side and with that added to their home advantage the numbers add up for me. Take Swansea at Evens for 1pt.
We finish this week with two bets in League 2. First up are Luton Town away at Exeter. Despite their points deduction Luton have started their season promisingly. They have also recruited well and may well be able to save themselves from what appears automatic demotion. Exeter are new to this section and are still finding their feet. They are capable of meeting the challenges of league football and will survive i'm sure, its simply that they lack the class and experince of Luton. Centrebet go 2.1 Luton on the Draw No Bet market. This for me is the best way to side with them. I am taking the price for a 0.5 pt bet.
Finally we are backing Rochdale at 2.2 to beat Bury with Sportingbet. Bury have begun the season in super form but I dont see them as equals to Dale. At Spotlands I feel the home side will easily have too much firepower. Rochdale in form are a match for any team in this comp and I feel that this game is theirs for the taking. 2.2 is available and its generous, take the price for a 2pt stake.
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