Walker’s Word – Weekend August 19 – 20

Article by David Walker

A new season kicks off this weekend and see’s the return of Walker’s Word. Another 10 months of non-stop top flight football action begins on Saturday with both the opening and closing matches ripe for picking a couple of shock results at great odds.

Saturday 19 August

Sheffield United vs LiverpoolSheffield United make their Premiership return after a 12 year absence at lunch time, to kick off another 10 months of top flight action. The bookmakers are predicting a cakewalk for visiting Liverpool, but Blades boss Neil Warnock will have other ideas. During the 2002/03 Carling Cup, United beat Liverpool 2-1 at Bramall Lane, drew 0-0 at home in 1993/94 and beat the Reds 1-0 the previous year in the Premiership’s debut season. Liverpool may have one eye on their Champions League tie against Maccabi Haifa three days later which still hangs in the balance at 2-1 in the Reds favour. Walker’s Word: A “shock” draw to go against the bookmakers @ 12/5.

Arsenal vs Aston VillaThere is unlikely to be any such shock result at the new Emirates Stadium however. Arsenal have beaten the Villains for the past eight seasons on home soil, including a 5-0 thumping last April. With the takeover at Aston Villa still not completed and new manager Martin O’Neill only recently installed, Villa could continue the form which saw them lose three of their last four matches at the end of last season.Walker’s Word: Arsenal to christen their new ground with a win @ 3/10.

Everton vs WatfordWatford travel to Goodison Park on their Premiership return in the knowledge they have never beaten Everton on their home turf. Even more daunting is the in the eight times the pair have met in Merseyside, the Toffees have won every single encounter. The last time these two met was in the Premiership was during the 1999/00 campaign where Everton ran out 4-2 winners thanks to two goals apiece from Mark Hughes and USA striker Joe-Max Moore.Walker’s Word: Everton like playing Watford so back them @ 4/6.

Newcastle United vs Wigan AthleticNewcastle beat Wigan 3-1 last season in the middle of their five-match winning run towards the end of the campaign. The Magpies will be without the injured Michael Owen and the retired Alan Shearer, who scored twice in that match, but strikers Alberto Luque and Shola Ameobi have been in good form pre season. The Wigan squad has seen numerous changes this summer, including the arrival of record signing Emile Heskey, but it will be the home side cheering by 4-45pm.Walker’s Word: Newcastle to continue their good form @ 8/11.

Portsmouth vs Blackburn RoversBlackburn Rovers have not lost at Fratton Park on league or cup duty since an old second division clash in 1990 which saw Pompey win 3-2. Since then, Rovers have enjoyed good fortune on the south coast, including three wins and two draws in their past five visits. Mark Hughes’ side should find the Pompey defence a bit sterner since the arrivals of Sol Campbell and Glen Johnson but new strikers Jason Roberts, who scored at Fratton Park last season, and Benni McCarthy will give them plenty to think about on Saturday afternoon.Walker’s Word: An away win for Blackburn @ 21/10.

Reading vs Middlesbrough The last time Reading beat Middlesbrough at home was in 1927 and the duo have rarely met since. The last time they met was in Division One in 1998 where a Paul Gascoigne and Paul Merson-inspired Boro won 1-0 thanks to a Marco Branca goal. However, Reading have improved a lot since then and suffered just one defeat at the Madejski Stadium last season. The Premiership will be a massive step up for them but with opposition manager Gareth Southgate still wet behind the ears, they could send their supporters home happy by holding Boro to an opening day draw.Walker’s Word: A point for both sides, draw @ 11/5.

West Ham United vs Charlton AthleticCharlton have a good recent record at Upton Park which will give new manager Iain Dowie optimism as he returns to top-flight management. In their last five visits to East London, the Addicks have won twice and drawn once – a goalless draw last season. The Hammers will be rocked by Dean Ashton’s ankle injury which could keep him out of the game for four months while the evergreen Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and last season’s top English goal scorer, Darren Bent, lines up against them. Add to it Dowie spent four years in two separate spells as a West Ham player and you have all the ingredients for an intriguing encounter.Walker’s Word: Iain Dowie to get one over on his old side @ 11/4.

Bolton Wanderers vs Tottenham HotspurThe betting prospects on this match are more interesting than the on pitch action is likely to be, given the 5.15 Saturday kick-offs are usually drab, low scoring affairs. Bolton have beaten Spurs at the Reebok Stadium for the last four seasons yet the bookmakers insist on pricing up the visitors as the favourites. Walker’s Word: There is value in backing Bolton @ 9/5.

Sunday 20 August

Manchester United vs Fulham Sunday lunch time pits Alex Ferguson’s title pretenders against Chris Coleman’s unhappy travellers and there is likely to be only one outcome. United have beaten Fulham at Old Trafford for the past five seasons and given the Cottagers dismal away record, which saw them win just once on their travels last season, this run is likely to continue. Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes face a three match ban, but this does not come into effect until after Sunday’s match.Walker’s Word: One for the big hitters, United @ 3/10.

Chelsea vs Manchester City Will Chelsea’s domestic dominance continue this season following the summer signings of Germany captain Michael Ballack and AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko? According to the bookmakers, it will, and price Manchester City up at a massive 14/1 to beat the Blues at Stamford Bridge, something no team in the Premiership could do last season. Frankly, it’s an insult considering it’s the opening game of the season and Chelsea haven’t exactly been firing on all cylinders pre season, including last Sunday’s Community Shield defeat against Liverpool.Walker’s Word: Hope for a real upset @ 14/1.

About the Author

David Walker runs free bets and UK poker websites. A free email course: “Seven Days to Better Betting” is available at both of these websites.

Villa 4-1 Blackburn – Oh Dear God!

Villa four-one Blackburn – Oh Dear God!
Aston Villa’s remarkable revival continued as inspired performances from two-aim Ashley Younger and Stewart Downing enabled them to easily dispose of Blackburn 4-one at Villa Park.

Villa boss looking to foreign shores for new talent
Aston Villa Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier would like his squad to reflect the worldwide nature of the sport by signing some foreign talent to supplement the house grown stars of Marc Albrighton and Barry Bannan. “Football has turn into open to Europe and open to the globe due to the fact you have a lot of Brazilians in the Champions League more than the final six or seven seasons. “You want to know now that …

Bristol City all set to sell Villa, Newcastle target Maynard
Aston Villa Bristol Metropolis Fulham Bristol Town are weighing up marketing striker Nicky Maynard. The Mirror says Maynard, 24, scored 21 objectives very last period for the Championship side, sparking Premier League interest. But he missed out on a likely move to Fulham soon after surgical treatment on a knee harm final August. Maynard has netted twice in two begins following his February return and from this summer time has a yr …

Blackpool 1 Aston Villa 1: Elliot Grandin delivers as Seasiders prove they’re not washed up

Blackpool 1 Aston Villa one: Elliot Grandin delivers as Seasiders demonstrate they’re not washed up
Blackpool ended a run of five straight Barclays Premier League defeats by taking a point off 10-guy Aston Villa at Bloomfield Street, thanks to Elliot Grandin’s equaliser.

Villa boss Houllier stands by his pursuit of Blackpool captain Adam
Aston Villa Blackpool Liverpool Tottenham Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier around his controversial pursuit of Blackpool skipper Charlie Adam very last month. The clubs meet at Bloomfield Road tomorrow with Houllier insisting it’s Adam who missed out. The Frenchman stated: “He was a target for us, Liverpool and Tottenham . I like the player, otherwise I wouldn’t have created a bid for him. “But I favor my …

Galatasaray boss Hagi chasing Villa skipper Petrov
Aston Villa Galatasaray Aston Villa skipper Stilyan Petrov is a target for Galatasaray . The Individuals says the Turkish giants produced an enquiry about Petrov through the January transfer window – and will be back with a summertime bid. Galatasaray boss Gheorghe Hagi instructed his No.2, the former Blackburn star Tugay, to make the running for Petrov last month. And despite the fact that Tugay was told that Gerard …

Michael Bradley Move to Aston Vi http://wacky.worldnewest.com/michael-bradley-move-to-aston-villa-highlights-final-day-of-transfer-window-5/

Michael Bradley Transfer to Aston Vi http://wacky.worldnewest.com/michael-bradley-transfer-to-aston–villa-highlights-final-day-of-transfer-window-5/ – by Madelineznj (Madeline Cullen)

Live Free or Pie Hard

Report by Gerry McDonnell

When the wife was pregnant with tiny Goliath, she asked if I’d nonetheless uncover her desirable when she put on weight. “A lot more weight,” I instinctively corrected.”

It is perfectly understandable if a lady’s bodyweight yo-yo’s right after this kind of a stressful function, but with the spouse, it merely yo’d. There is no excuse for a Premiership footballer to ‘tubby up’ in such an outlandish vogue, so I wish there’s no reality to the rumours emanating from Ewood Park.

It really is alleged that a number of senior pros grew to become hooked on pie and mash throughout the summer break. If the phrase on the road is right, the players were so fixated with this culinary abomination, they saved a substantial sum of Fray Bentos pies in the club canteen.

Mark Hughes was understandably livid when he discovered the top secret stash and immediately put a lock on the freezer.

Robbie Savage regarded as the manager’s act a blatant violation of his civil liberties and threatened to depart the club if he wasn’t granted instant accessibility to the forbidden pastries. Mark Hughes stood his floor though, and refused to release the pie-key.

The 6/four for Middlesbrough to open their marketing campaign with a win over Blackburn is as delicious a deal with as anything at all locked absent in Sparky’s freezer of shame.

I was very astonished when the news broke that Robert Earnshaw had joined Derby the minor Welshman obviously misunderstood when asked if he would like to join the Rams. Earnie can support Derby get a position off Pompey at nine/4.

Roy Keane was a fierce competitor on the pitch: he went by way of far more footballers than Gemma Atkinson. He’ll require the very same fighting spirit from his staff when they face a formidable Tottenham side I’m tucking in to the Spuds at 13/10.

Newcastle have gone down the multinational street in their lookup for new signings. Large Sam has signed a Brazilian, a Spaniard, a Cameroonian, a Czech, an Aussie, an Englishman and a Scouser. It wouldn’t surprise me if he made a move for the promising Russian worldwide, Ivan Terbungoutofit. The Premier League laptop or computer has mischievously sent Newcastle to Bolton for their opening fixture Massive Sam has it in the bag at 2/one.

I have a whole lot of faith in Andy ‘Magic’ Johnson, even though he’s yet to grasp the ‘staying on his feet’ trick. I’ll be generating the eight/eleven for an Everton win more than Wigan vanish.

If given the choice to play for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge or symbolize a George Bush eleven in Iran, I’d possibly plump for the latter as the threat of injuries diminishes considerably. Jose should be cursed I’m taking Birmingham at 11/two to snatch a shock draw.

I’m locating it difficult to choose a winner in the West Ham v Manchester City match. I asked the spouse for her view, but she’s also sitting on the fence. I’m now praying for the draw at 9/4, as I need money for a new fence.

Aston Villa supporters could not be happier with the progress manufactured by Randy Lerner and Martin O’Neill. The giant might even now be sleeping, but he’s becoming poked with a pointy stick. Villa are overpriced at 3/one to kick the time off with a win about Liverpool.

Fulham followers must be devastated. Mohammed Al Fayed gave his manager the green mild to signal established internationals and Sanchez tucked him up on a technicality. The Cottagers have by no means won absent at Arsenal the Gooners are the weekend banker at four/11.

I was disturbed to examine that Wayne Rooney has outrageously had his chest waxed. There’s absolutely nothing incorrect with connecting with your feminine facet, but only when you are trying to uncover shelter for the little beard-hunter. There’s absolutely nothing camp about the 1/4 for a Manchester United win more than Looking at.

I just hope Ryan Giggs doesn’t stick to Rooney’s lead, as the repercussions of dwindling wax reserves could prove catastrophic for little corporations. A minor accer on Tottenham, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Manchester United at 13/1 will provide a lifeline to those most under risk.

About the Author

Gerry McDonnell dabbles in football odds compilation, journalism and orphan rescue.

This is the ode to Hel

Post by Gerry McDonnell

I’ve by no means been particularly lucky in love. As a end result of a extreme lack of self confidence, I can only approach women following a skinful of lager when the beer goggles are on. Even Kermit would have turned his nose up at some of the pigs I’ve attempted my luck with.

I elevated the bar marginally higher when I emailed Helen Chamberlain to request for a date, but she just blew me off.

I did uncover fleeting really like with a diminutive female called Dot. But just like the regrettable Martin Jol, I was dumped via a text message. I’m completely more than her now although I buried her underneath the patio. After substantial digging I’ve learned 13/8 for a Tottenham win about Middlesbrough.

Hire-a-quote WAG Cheryl Cole claimed that her ‘husband’ didn’t take pleasure in his final days at Arsenal as he thought that his foreign staff-mates ended up all ‘talking about him’. I uncover it amazing that a proficient footballer with a loving spouse could conclude up such a paranoid wreck and Ashley Cole is undoubtedly a talented footballer. The four/nine for a Chelsea win above Wigan is practical.

Steve Bruce is certainly sensation the pressure. The potato-headed manger couldn’t bear to observe as Birmingham played Wigan final week despite the fact that this is not always an uncommon phenomenon amongst the regulars of St Andrews. Everton can be backed at eight/11 towards Birmingham that’s unusually exhilarating.

It is no coincidence that Arsenal are producing champagne football following dropping the bitter Lehmann. I feel the morale-boosting team huddle is a significant element in the Gunners’ enhanced type, or it might just be an possibility to discuss about Ashley Cole. Everybody really should be talking about the 6/4 for an Arsenal win about Manchester United.

Sam Allardyce will go head to head with Harry Redknapp at St James’ Park, in a match that the gutter press are labelling ‘Panorama II’. I’ve been investigating the background to this fixture and I’ve found out that Pompey previous won in Newcastle in 1949. The Toon can keep on their practical ownership at eleven/ten.

A member of the Royal family members has allegedly been caught up in a sex scandal. I just hope it’s not Charlie, as i have totally no interest in hippophilia. One particular set of Royals who won’t be heading down is Reading through they’ll leave Fulham with a stage at nine/four.

Aston Villa appear to be certainties at 1/two versus a woeful Derby County. The Villa have seemed fearsome on their individual patch this season, whilst the Rams are conceding practically 3 targets a sport on the street. The only cash going on Derby will be Freddie Flintoff’s.

Phil Gartside need to have had a number of jars when he appointed Gary Megson. I am all for constructive discrimination, but this move reeks of desperation. Fortunately for Bolton, West Ham have been decimated by injuries. Bolton can sneak a fortuitous draw at 5/two.

Like most people who appreciate a swift few of beers, I often battle to undress when I am the even worse for put on. I’ve now patented a machine that takes your shirt off for you immediately it’s provisionally called ‘The Carragher’. I’m all about the eleven/5 for a Blackburn win above a depleted Liverpool.

Manchester Town could have started out the time impressively, but Sven was on the receiving finish of a actual spanking at Chelsea last week. To make matters even worse, his crew then lost six- at Stamford Bridge. I feel that consequence was merely a blip Town will explode into life on bonfire evening towards Sunderland at 8/13.

Getting a persistent soul, I’ve made the decision to inquire Helen Chamberlain to accompany me to a little fireworks show. I’ve by now bought her a Catherine wheel and a rocket I just want a banger now. Aston Villa, Everton, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester Town kind a 13/one weekend accer that will more than cover the expense.

About the Writer

Gerry McDonnell dabbles in football odds compilation, journalism and orphan rescue.

Villa 4-1 Blackburn – Oh Dear God!

Villa 4-1 Blackburn – Oh Dear God!
Aston Villa’s extraordinary revival continued as inspired performances from two-objective Ashley Young and Stewart Downing enabled them to comfortably dispose of Blackburn 4-1 at Villa Park.

Ireland puts hand up for Newcastle debut
Aston Villa Newcastle United Everton On-mortgage Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland is in line for a Newcastle United debut versus Everton this Saturday. Ireland could replace Joey Barton, who is nursing a thigh injuries. “Stephen really wished to play towards Bolton and now he could make his debut against Everton ,” manager Alan Pardew advised the Evening Chronicle . “It depends on Joey. Ryan is …

Villa file gentleman Bent: Carroll, Torres took strain off me
Aston Villa Fernando Torres Liverpool Chelsea Aston Villa ‘s £24 million gentleman Darren Bent reckons he’s been forgotten thanks to the deadline day mayhem. With Fernando Torres transferring to Chelsea for £50 million and Andy Carroll becoming a member of Liverpool for £35 million, Bent says his large value-tag has been forgotten. “It was mad!” Bent told the Birmingham Mail . “More so simply because of Andy Carroll’s transfer …