Blackpool

Saturday 14th May2011

FA Cup Final 2011

Manchester City v Stoke City

18 top flight sides are preparing for league action this but for two it’s the final of the greatest cup competition in World football as Manchester City and Stoke travel to Wembley for the 130th FA Cup Final.

City secured fourth position and with it, the final Champions League spot for next season, when they defeated Tottenham 1-0 at Eastlands on Tuesday. It is the perfect tonic for Roberto Mancini and his players as they head into a match which could secure them a long awaited piece of silverware for their ardent supporters. Standing in their way is a side who they have beaten only once in their last six meetings which is one obstacle they will need to overcome if they wish to be successful. The City support will be hoping that their talisman, Carlos Tevez, will be fit to start the match. Not only their captain and top scorer, Tevez is an inspirational figure who is very often the difference for the North West Club. He has not started a match since April but came on for the closing stages of Tuesday’s match and is expected to be given every possible chance of playing. If he is missing then the onus will fall on either Mario Balotelli or Edin Dzeko, neither have covered themselves in glory after big money moves this season but there would be no better place to start repaying the faith of Mancini and prove their worth to supporters than tomorrow’s showpiece.

Having defeated their city rivals United in the semi-final to get to this stage, you could be forgiven for thinking that they have done the hardwork but the pressure in a final, especially if not used to them, is far greater and brings with it so many more demands of a player and team. It will be vital for the likes of Yaya Toure and David Silva to help those less experienced players as they have shown they are capable of handling such occasions for previous clubs as well as country.

Stoke have had another terrific season and so much credit must go to their manager Tony Pulis. Working with a fraction of the budget available to tomorrow’s opponents, the Potters have surpassed all expectation once again and not only reached a major cup final, but also comfortably secured their top flight status for another year. Like Man City, they head into tomorrow’s game in good heart having defeated Arsenal at home last weekend. It was a very impressive performance and one which should be yet another warning to anyone who thinks tomorrow’s final will be a one-sided affair. They of course reached this stage after demolishing Bolton in the semi-final which would have been pleasing for a number of reasons, not least because it will have proven to Pulis that his players are capable of handling the big stage at Wembley and everything else that comes with it. Like Man City, they too have their injury problems with key defender Robert Huth struggling to get over a knee injury in time to take his place. He is a massive presence for Stoke and if he is missing then it will be a real blow for everyone concerned as he is not only adept at keeping out goals, he is a threat in the opposition’s box as well.

This game has the potential to go one of two ways. It’s been well documented how cautious Mancini can be in his approach to big games but this time around, the onus will be on his side to attack as they are the overwhelming favourites. Many would argue they have the players capable of doing this and they are suited to playing a more open and expansive game. However, it may well play into Stoke’s hands as they have pace and power in abundance going forward so are exceptionally dangerous on the counter.

I would be very surprised to see Stoke go gung ho, it’s much more likely they will look to hit on the break the Mancini may have no option but to be more attacking – for the neutral, hopefully this will be the case.

I am a big fan of Stoke and inparticularly Pulis so my pick may have a slight hint of bias this week for which I can only apologise.

I think the price on a Stoke win is too big to ignore but if you feel as though you want to err on the side of caution, back the Potters + 1.

My Selections: Stoke City(+1) to beat Manchester City (FA Cup Final 2011)

Best odds available: Even money with Totesport.

English Premier League
Blackpool v Bolton Wanderers (14th May 2011 – 12.45)

With everything else all but decided in the Premier League the relegation battle is the focus between now and the end of the season as Blackpool, one of the sides occupying a relegation spot, host near neighbours Bolton tomorrow lunchtime.
Blackpool were agonisingly close to securing their first three points since February last weekend when they took a late lead at White Hart Lane only to succumb to an even later goal which resulted in them leaving with just one point. If you had offered them that before the match then the chances are they would have taken it but Ian Holloway will have been no doubt regretting the missed chances at 1-0 as well as the first of their two penalties which was spurned. It does, however, give them a boost heading into tomorrow’s match that they can compete at this level after such a poor run of form. As both Wolves and West Ham have difficult away fixtures, Blackpool will be hoping to capitalise on this weekends fixtures and put the pressure on by gaining a much needed win tomorrow. They will take encouragement from the fact that they gotten points from their last two home matches against sides in and around the same position as Bolton so it’s now a question of holding their nerve, taking their chances and ensuring they are strong and concentrated at the back.

Bolton have tailed off a little of late which is only to be expected after being so consistent for the best part of the season. They were understandably down after being torn apart by Stoke at Wembley and there will certainly be a hint of ‘what could have been’ when they take the field at Bloomfield Road tomorrow as opposed to the National stadium. But they have a duty, as professionals, to perform for the rest of the clubs fighting relegation. Owen Coyle will not need reminded that it was only last year that he steered the Reebok club to safety so will demand 100% to maintain the integrity of the division. What both he and his players have to overcome if they are to get anything at Blackpool is a run of four straight defeats in the league. It’s classic end of season form but they have proved that when on form, they can cause problems for the best of them in the Premier League, so it’s certainly not beyond them turning in a performance tomorrow.

The last time these sides met it resulted in an entertaining 2-2 draw after Bolton came from two goals down to rescue a point. It may not have as many goals in it tomorrow as there is so much to play for and tensions will certainly be high. It’s a match where a draw is of little use to either side. Blackpool need to win if they wish to play Premier League football next season whereas Bolton will be desperate to get back on track as well by getting one over their Lancashire rivals.

Bolton look deflated last week when losing a last minute winner to Sunderland at home and as mentioned, there is a chance that their minds may be elsewhere tomorrow. Blackpool managed to gain a vital point last weekend and I am taking them to build on that by securing all three points tomorrow.

 My Selection: Blackpool to beat Bolton

 Best Betting odds available: 6/5 available with Betfred

There will be another preview over the weekend so please check in on Saturday evening.

Four teams beginning with the letter ‘W’ and three teams beginning with the letter ‘B’ make up the seven sides that will be scrapping against relegation between now and the end of the season.

Blackpool’s 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Monday night means that the Tangerines are now the second favourites for the drop, with the bookies quick to slash the odds on Ian Holloway’s team. A few weeks ago, you could have got 3/1 about the seaside club and now the best price is even money (bet365).

Blackpool’s next Premier League match is a trip to Ewood Park to face another side who are firmly at the wrong end of the table and Rovers have lost four of their last five matches. Perhaps they will be made to pay for sacking Sam Allardyce midway through the season and Steve Kean has been given the dreaded vote of confidence.

Blackburn were available at 12/1 for the drop when Allardyce was relieved of his duties, although those odds have now shrunk to 10/3 with bet365 and the Lancashire side are just two points above the relegation zone.

The third ‘B’ in a pickle is Birmingham City, the Carling Cup winners who seemed drained when it came to facing West Brom last Saturday and their 3-1 defeat means that Alex McLeish’s team now occupy a berth in the dreaded drop zone.

McLeish is worried that a long season might be taking its toll, especially as they remain in the FA Cup with a quarter final match at home to Bolton taking place this weekend. Wednesday’s trip to Everton is more important and City are 5/2 (Sportingbet) to be relegated.

However, it is the four teams beginning with the letter ‘W’ that are among the first five in the Premier League relegation betting and the writing appears to be on the wall for Wigan Athletic.

Roberto Martinez’s team are now four points adrift of safety with an inferior goal difference to the teams directly above them and the Latics will need to win five of their remaining nine matches to stand any chance of survival. The best odds about them being relegated is 2/7 with bet365.

It was West Ham United that seemed doomed at the start of 2011 and the board allegedly tried to bring in Martin O’Neill to replace Avram Grant, although the latter remains in charge and has seen his team comprehensively beat Liverpool and Stoke.

The Hammers aren’t out of the woods by a long stretch and a Birmingham draw / win at Goodison Park would leave them back in the bottom three. Perhaps they are a value bet to go down at odds of 13/8 (Coral).

Then we have the two Black Country teams – West Brom and Wolves. The Baggies have made a decent start under Roy Hodgson, having collected five points from three matches and they are out to 15/8 (Skybet) for relegation. Wanderers are shorter at 5/4 (Skybet).

Blackpool v Chelsea Betting Tip & Odds: No reason not to look for a Chelsea victory really, even though their form is still a bit patch at the moment. The bookies seem to have firm conviction that Chelsea will pick up all three points here, so not great profitable odds on them. However, so worth looking at other markets. The Both Teams to score market is better value for 10/11 at SkyBet, as Blackpool have fired in over 40 goals this season, just like Chelsea, but because the northerners have a terrible defence, then they probably are going to concede something on the night. Look for Anytime goalscorer markets for Chelsea, otherwise there’s not too much value in Asian Handicaps here, unless you take Chelsea for -1.5 for 5/6 at Victor Chandler. What makes a bit more sense is a concerted effort from Blackpool in the first half to hold parity, but Chelsea running out winners Draw/Chelsea Halftime/Fulltime bet for 7/2 at Stan James is pretty attractive.

Blackpool to win: 10/1 at Stan James
Draw: 5/1 at Victor Chandler
Chelsea to win: 1/3 at BetFred

EPL Match Preview: It will now be interesting to see what Chelsea can build on after their league success against Manchester United. At the other end of the table, Blackpool are looking for a way to get out of a major slump which is rapidly sucking them into a relegation battle. A glance at the fixture list and you really would expect an away victory here, as all the class is with Chelsea. However, relegation battlers can often raise their game at home, and with Chelsea’s form still on shaky ground, this could be a closer match than many may anticipate. Chelsea should prevail, and there is no reason really not to back against them picking up maximum points here, because they are the ones with the goal scoring potential, but more importantly, they have a vastly superior defence to that of Blackpool. Even if the match deteriorates into scrappy midfield battle, you would back one of the Chelsea strikers to bury a chance somewhere during the match. Both teams’ form reads the same over the last three matches, one win, one loss and one draw, but while both teams have a lot to play for still, Chelsea’s class should get them home.

Blackpool Form: With just four points gained from their last eight matches, Blackpool are rock bottom of the form table in the Premier League. This terrible run of form, which has seen them lose six of those eight matches, has really seen them fall towards the bottom of the league. Unless they turn things around quickly, they could be back playing Championship  football before they know it. You would expect them to be in for another rough ride against Chelsea, but Blackpool are running out of time to find form, and while they will be expected to lose this one, every match now is vital for them. On the flip side of their form, they have lost just once in their last three, picking up a victory and a draw. You will remember how they had Manchester United on the ropes, but couldn’t hold on to their two nil lead, so there is capacity there for them to take a draw. They will have seen Chelsea struggle at Wolves and will try and use that as incentive. However, Blackpool concede on average 1.96 goals per match this season, while Chelsea are the league leaders in that stat, conceding just 0.85 goals per game. That is where you football betting should really head towards, as realistically Chelsea should be a goal better (at least) than Blackpool. At this stage, it won’t matter if it is a one nil win for Chelsea, or for that matter, Blackpool. Winning is all that matter now, and Blackpool have to make use of their home form. In fact, it is their home form which is just about keeping them afloat, and they have picked up four points in their last two matches, including a 3-1 win over Tottenham, so the potential is there. Mind you, that was preceded by a run of three straight home defeats, which included a convincing win by West Ham. So unpredictable would be the word for Blackpool. They are finding wins much harder to come by now though, with just two in their last eleven Premier League matches. Their defensive woes will continue to haunt them, and they have the worst defensive record in the league, so that should invite trouble from Chelsea. A draw really would be a massive point for Blackpool at this stage of the season.

Chelsea Form: The win against Manchester United was a mightily fillip for the London Blues. With rumours that boss Carlo Ancelotti may head to Roma being dispelled by the Italian, there is still enough time and fight left in the season for Chelsea. Having watched both Arsenal and Manchester United drop points on the weekend, it is a chance for the Blues to gain some ground. It realistically is a little too late for them to make a title charge, even though, looking over betting statistics today, a lot of bookies were taking money on Chelsea to win the Premier League. That is simply down to value and them being a decent long shot. Even though victory came against Manchester United, in the first half of the match at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea weren’t great, had no control of the ball and little penetration. It wasn’t until the second half, when they started winning all of the midfield battles, that they got a grip of the game and gook their chances. That was a massive turn over in form for both sides, and realistically Chelsea’s main target now will be finishing in the top four in order to secure a Champions League place. Their form is still too hit and miss at the moment to back them with as much conviction as it was at the start of the season, but this is a game where they can’t let complacency over take them and undo all the good work which they did against United. Chelsea’s form reads fourteen points from their last eight matches, and they are taking on the team with the poorest form in the entire league. That should be enough to point for a decent win, and the Chelsea fans are still waiting for Torres to open his account. He will keep playing, simply because if you pay £50 million, then you have to build a strike force around him, so he is still worth backing in the goalscorer markets, and he is good value there. Torres is 4/1 at Bet365 First Goalscorer, and 21/20 at Victor Chandler for last goalscorer. Chelsea’s away form is looking stronger at the moment, with a streak of three matches undefeated, but their last away trip, which was to neighbours Fulham, really was a dour affair. Chelsea lacked any spark, that same spark which was missing in the first half against Manchester United. However, with a solid enough defence, including the impressive David Luiz, Chelsea should have enough in the tank to see this one out and prepare themselves for a strong run down the home straight.

Head to Head: Not too much to chose between the two sides in terms of head to head stats in games played at Blackpool. Blackpool have won 19 of the matches at home against Chelsea, while the Londoners have won 17 at Blackpool (with only 5 draws between the two sides there). Nothing much to split the goal scoring averages though, with the home side just edging it. However, when the two sides met in September last year, that was the first time since 1996/1997 (in the league cup) which they had met. The last league match prior to that was back in 1977. Chelsea ran out 4-0 winners when they met at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, but that was when Chelsea were firing on all cylinders and not having their struggles through matches. Big points difference between the two in the league, even though Blackpool have more than held their own in front of goal. It is the difference in defence which really tells the tale.

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Blackpool v Chelsea Premier League Betting Statistics

Last 5 Head to Head
Chelsea 4, Blackpool 0
Chelsea 1, Blackpool 3
Blackpool 1, Chelsea 4
Chelsea 2, Blackpool 2
Blackpool 0, Chelsea 1

Blackpool have an 31% win percentage at home in the league this season
Chelsea have a 36% win percentage away from home in the league this season

Blackpool are on a streak of 2 home games with no defeat
Chelsea are on a streak of 3 away matches with no defeat

Blackpool have scored 22 goals, and conceded 24 at home
Chelsea have scored 22 and conceded 14 goals in their away matches

Blackpool average 1.6 goals per match at home this season
Chelsea average 1.5 goals per match away from home this season

Blackpool have scored the bulk of their goals in the 31-45 and 76-90 minute brackets
Chelsea have scored the majority of their goals in the 76-90 minute bracket

Blackpool have opened the scoring in 42% of their matches
Chelsea have scored first in 48% of their matches

Blackpool 2010/11 top scorer: Campbell, 9
Chelsea 2010/11 top scorer: Drogba, 10

Blackpool 2010/11 Season Form: P28 W9 D5 L14 GF42 GA55 Pts 32 (15th)
Chelsea 2010/11 Season Form: P27 W15 D6 L7 GF48 GA23 Pts 48 (4th)

Blackpool v Liverpool Betting Tip & Odds: Interesting match, because it is completely winnable from Blackpool’s perspective. A disjointed Liverpool side, with no Steven Gerrard and no creativity come to town, and with Blackpool already having won at Anfield this season, hopes will be high for another three points. They edge things over Liverpool in form and the two sides sit on equal points in the league. There really is no reason why, with a strong, spirited display, that Blackpool cannot get maximum points out of this game, even though they are the big underdogs, so if you want to back them, then you may as well go for an outright win or them, or a Draw No Bet (7/4 at Bet365). Liverpool really aren’t a safe bet going away from home, to even risk going too big on an Asian Handicap with them in the minus. Therefore, going for something different, based on Liverpool averaging 0.7 goals per match away from home, and Blackpool averaging 1.7 at home.
Under 2.5 Goals for Evens at BetFred

Blackpool to win: 3/1 at BetFred
Draw: 14/5 at Victor Chandler
Liverpool to win: 20/21 at Stan James

EPL Match Preview: This one may not get the pulses racing following the weekend’s excitement of the FA Cup, but there is a lot at stake in Wednesday’s Barclays Premier League match of Blackpool v Liverpool. Not many people will have predicted that the two sides would be sitting level on points at the turn of the year, but there they are, both on 25 points, and Liverpool just edging things in twelfth place on goal-difference over Blackpool, just one place beneath them. A quick glance at the betting statistics on this one, and punters are leaning heavily towards a Liverpool win, perhaps aggrandised by a somewhat spirited affair by the Reds in their defeat at Old Trafford, while Blackpool got dumped out of the FA Cup by Southampton. However, there are some things to be taken into consideration for this match, as Blackpool boss Ian Holloway had made wholesale changes to the side he put out for the FA Cup, and as for Liverpool, while they underwent a managerial change just before their cup tie, many of the same old problems were still clearly evident for the Merseysiders, whose only hopes of silverware now rest in the Europa League tournament.

Blackpool have a lot to look forward too in this match, and there really is not too much to choose between the two sides., in terms of goals, defence and current form. For the teams in the lower half of the league, you generally have to look towards their goal scoring antics, or lack of. This is where the problems for these two clubs start mounting up predominantly, although it’s not the be all and end all. For Blackpool, Campbell, Varney and Harewood have shared the big weight of goal scoring responsibility between them, and is just keeping them afloat for now. They go into this home match, which is one that was rescheduled from Boxing Day, without the services of Marlon Harewood. With a win at home, where they have actually only won twice this season, Blackpool would move to three points ahead of Liverpool, and still have a game in hand over them, and that doesn’t sound too bad of a position for Blackpool on their first visit to the Premier League. Head back to October 3rd of last year, and you will see a historic 2-1 win recorded at Anfield by Blackpool. That heaped massive trouble upon Roy Hodgson’s shoulders, and if they can manage to eek out the double here, it would be a big marker for them, and also pile more trouble upon Liverpool. Blackpool play in a spirited mode, and have held Chelsea to a draw at Bloomfield Road this season, and there are signs that they are just tightening up at the back and becoming meaner and harder to beat. They have lost just two out of their last seven matches, going on a five match unbeaten streak during November and December, but they have yet to pick up a win from either of their two games in 2011. They have not lost three games in a row in the league this season though, so there should be plenty of spirit and they won’t be afraid to take on Liverpool.

Yes, Liverpool are commanding almost 70% of the outright bets on this match, as they head to Blackpool. With the departure of Roy Hodgson and the filling in from legend Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool’s season has already been another one to forget. Even though they did win plaudits for their hearty performance at Old Trafford against Manchester United in the FA Cup, they barely threatened the United goal all match. There was a lot of huff and puff again, but no real menace, no real threat in the team. It didn’t help when captain Steven Gerrard got himself unnecessarily sent off, but the whole dejection of that, pretty much sums up Liverpool. Simply not good enough, and simply not confident enough. This is a tricky away match, and the kind of match which has haunted Liverpool this season. The Reds have a dreadful away record in the Premier League this year, winning just one match out of ten on the road, losing seven of them. Liverpool lost their Premier League match, but there is far more ignominy surrounding their defeat than the Premier League newcomers. Liverpool got crushed by Blackburn 3-1. Liverpool have now just two wins in their last seven league matches, and if some fairy dust is going to be sprinkled by Kenny Dalglish, it is going to have to be done quickly. There are rumours that they are going to dip into the transfer market, but Dalglish is only a temporary ride until the end of the season, and there aren’t a lot of players that Liverpool could get which would make a lot of difference at this point. Their summer signings have not paid off at all, and that is the immediate fix which Dalglish has to make.

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Blackpool v Liverpool Premier League Betting Statistics

Last 5 Head to Head
Liverpool 1, Blackpool 2
Liverpool 2, Blackpool 2 (1970/71)
Blackpool 0, Liverpool 0 (1970/71)
Liverpool 1, Blackpool 3 (1966/67)
Blackpool 1, Liverpool 2 (1966/67)

Blackpool have an 29% win percentage at home in the league this season
Liverpool have a 10% win percentage away from home in the league this season

Blackpool are on a streak of two home matches with no draw
Liverpool are on a streak of five away matches with no win

Blackpool have scored 12 goals, and conceded 13 at home
Liverpool have scored 7 and conceded 19 goals in their away matches

Blackpool average 1.7 goals per match at home this season
Liverpool average 0.7 goals per match away from home this season

Blackpool have scored the bulk of their goals in the 76-90 minute bracket
Liverpool have scored the majority of their goals in the 46-60 minute bracket

Blackpool have opened the scoring in 47% of their matches
Liverpool have scored first in 50% of their matches

Blackpool 2010/11 top scorer: Campbell, 5
Liverpool 2010/11 top scorer: Torres, 6

Blackpool 2010/11 Season Form: P19 W7 D4 L8 GF27 GA32 Pts 25 (13th)
Liverpool 2010/11 Season Form: P20 W7 D4 L9 GF24 GA27 Pts 25 (12th)

Blackpool v Manchester United Betting Tip & Odds: If this one doesn’t freeze over, then you can expect plenty of hot action in front of goal to warm you up. This looks as if it will be a bit of mismatch, and even taking a moment to hesitate over Manchester United’s relatively poor away form this year, doesn’t really stop you wanting to have a strong bet on a United win. That is because they are getting better in the league, and have a lot to prove after losing to West Ham in the Carling Cup during the week. There’s just too much up front that United have to offer for Blackpool to shut them out really, so look for a Manchester United -2 Asian Handicap for 8/5 at Bet365.

Blackpool to win: 8/1 at SkyBet
Draw: 17/4 at Victor Chandler
Manchester United to win: 4/11 at Bet365

EPL Match Preview: Manchester United head to the seaside on Saturday, with the hopes of extending their lead at the top of the Premier League. The Red Devils hold a two point advantage over Chelsea at the top of the tree, largely thanks to the mini slump which the Londoners have found themselves in. United, with a 7-1 thumping of Blackburn last weekend, look to be ramping up their title charge. There will be a strong United side on show for Saturday’s trip to Blackpool, in what will likely be some freezing weather. How hot will the action be, and will the Red Devils be on fire again as they start of a very interesting December? What this match should provide is goals, and that has to seriously be looked at for your football betting in this one. Here is why. 6-% of matches involving Blackpool at home this season have ended Over 2.5 goals, and 53% of them have ended up Over 3.5 goals. Blackpool home matches average 3.67 goals per match in them, and Manchester United’s away matches average 3.0 goals per match. That is some huge potential for a hatful of goals for this clash on the seaside on Saturday. Over 3.5 goals in this match will fetch a best price of 11/10 at Boylesports for your football betting. Total goals Over 3 is Evens at Bet365, while Exactly 2-3 goals is 5/4 at Paddy Power. This opportunity also lends itself to huge potential in the goalscorer markets. Looking at Anytime goalscorers, Rooney is 10/11 at Stan James, Berbatov is 23/20 at Victor Chandler and Javier Hernandez is 5/4 at SkyBet. You have to go all the way out to 4/1 at SkyBet for Blackpool’s DJ Campbell and Marlon Harewood.

Manchester United did crash heavily at Upton Park in midweek’s Carling Cup quarter finals, allowing the Hammers to romp to a big win. Although it was a much changed Manchester United side from which is seen in the Premier League, there should have been enough quality there to see off the Premier League’s bottom side club. That wasn’t what Alex Ferguson will have wanted to see really, as he needs his depth players to be there for him when he needs them. They weren’t, but switching back their attention to the Premier League shouldn’t pose too many issues. You can expect to see the likes of Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and the centre half pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic all back in the line up. That was United’s first defeat of the season in all competitions, but they do remain unbeaten in the Premier League. That is why they have to be backed strongly here. They have gotten their noses in front in the Premier League and you don’t expect Alex Ferguson to relinquish that very easily.

Blackpool scrapped for a good 2-2 away draw at Bolton last weekend, and although they have fallen down the league standings a bit, with just two wins in their last eight matches, they are doing ok. Mid table security come the end of the season, really is not out of the question. Trying to stop Manchester United in their tracks is going to be no easy task of course. It never is, but Blackpool will probably take a lot of optimism from the fact that United have drawn six of their seven away matches in the league this season. Blackpool have had their moments this season, beating Liverpool away and holding Everton to a draw for example. Their recent victory over Wolves was a nice fillip, but they are still finding things tough in England’s top flight. They have only been beaten twice at home this season (by Blackburn and Manchester City) and if they can keep on picking up points at home then they probably will be ok. But can Ian Holloway guide his side to their best moment of the season on Saturday, in beating Manchester United. It does look unlikely, but in this topsy-turvy Premier League season, anything is possible of course.

You have to go back to the 1974/75 season for the last meeting between these two sides, back in the old Second Division in fact. Manchester United won that day by a 4-0 score line at Old Trafford, while United also won the reverse fixture in Blackpool by a 3-0 score line. With no recent history, that’s really not much to go on. Blackpool have a 36% win percentage at home against United throughout history, while United themselves have succeeded in picking up all three points from 41% of their trips to Blackpool. Again, these stats start so far back they aren’t really relevant. You have to look at the current form, the current standings in the league to see where your football betting should go. It is not that difficult a call really, as the best that Blackpool can realistically hope for, is a draw. They have crashed badly this season to both Arsenal and Chelsea, the top level opposition which is just too hard to live with. This is the big gulf in class in which you can struggle to see Blackpool grinding out points. Therefore a good win for United really is on the cards. Ignore the Carling Cup mishap against West Ham, Manchester United are better than that, and will be stronger on Saturday. 

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Blackpool v Manchester United Premier League Betting Statistics

Last 5 Head to Head
Manchester United 4, Blackpool 0
Blackpool 0, Manchester United 3
Blackpool 1, Manhcester United 1
Manchester United 1, Blackpool 1
Manchester United 4, Blackpool 0

Blackpool have an 33% win percentage at home in the league this season
Manchester United have a 14% win percentage away from home in the league this season

Blackpool are on a streak of three home matches with no defeat
Manchester United are on a streak of seven away matches with no defeat

Blackpool have scored 11 goals, and conceded 11 at home
Manchester United have scored 11 and conceded 10 goals in their away matches

Blackpool average 1.83 goals per match at home this season
Manchester United average 1.57 goal per match away from home this season

Blackpool have scored the bulk of their goals in the 31-45 and 76-90 minute bracket
Manchester United have scored the majority of their goals in the 76-90 minute bracket

Blackpool have opened the scoring in 46% of their matches
Manchester United have scored first in 66% of their matches

Blackpool 2010/11 top scorer: Varney, 5
Manchester United 2010/11 top scorer: Berbatov, 11

Blackpool 2010/11 Season Form: P15 W5 D4 L6 GF23 GA29 Pts 19 (11th)
Manchester United 2010/11 Season Form: P15 W8 D7 L0 GF35 GA16 Pts 31 (1st)

Saturday 6^th November

English Premier League

Blackpool v Everton

Everton travel to Blackpool on Saturday, with both sides knowing that a win could lift them as high as 5^th position come tomorrow evening.

Blackpool survived a late scare against nine men West Brom on Monday as the visitors threatened an extraordinary comeback despite having two men sent off in the first half of the match. Ian Holloway will be delighted that his side managed their first home win of the campaign but will be disappointed in the manner of it as it should have been much more comfortable. Despite leading 2-0 against nine men with 10 minutes to go, West Brom missed a couple of chances in the last minute which would have earned them a point. Blackpool’s inability to keep possession was their greatest downfall and it will have served as a wake-up call for Holloway in their debut season in the Premier League. Four wins and 13 points from ten games is a decent return for such a young and inexperienced Premier League outfit. Their greatest test will be the next couple of months when the games come thick and fast and the injuries and suspensions start to pile up. It is, of course a cliché, however it’s also very relevant to such a small quality which relies a whole lot on several key players.

I previewed Everton’s last match at home to Stoke and tipped them up as being a sound bet to which they duly obliged. This week is a different sort of test as Blackpool will be more open and attacking in their approach as they are at home. Stoke soaked up a lot of pressure and threatened on the counter attack last weekend which rarely suits Everton’s game when playing at Goodison. Davie Moyes was able to call on Mikel Arteta against Stoke and it’s difficult not to overplay how important the Spaniard is to the Toffee’s. His range of passing aligned with his set piece delivery and ability to shoot from long range make him pivotal to the way Everton play. His presence in the side also frees up Tim Cahill to play ahead of him and behind the lone striker. It’s a system which works as it’s effective and the depth in their attacks also means it’s hard for teams to defend against.

Blackpool will look to Charlie Adam once again as the man to create and dictate the play on Saturday. The Scot has been linked with Everton, as well as Liverpool, of late due to his high quality of play this season. His penalty on Monday makes him the joint top scorer for the club emphasising his importance even more. For Blackpool to survive in the league this season, it’s vital that he is fit and available for the majority of their games.

Games at Bloomfield Road tend to be open and have plenty of goals and I expect this one to follow suit. Blackpool do not boast a resolute defence and go for the jugular when at home. Unfortunately for them, however, that style plays right into Everton’s hands. They attack with pace and precision on the break. I think it’s certainly a match up which promises goals but I also think it’s the sort of game which Everton have come accustomed to winning in recent years with their experience and quality being the key factors.

Another bet I see value in is Tim Cahill to score tomorrow. He has been unlucky not to add to his four goals already accumulated in recent weeks and his late runs into the box may prove fatal for the home side tomorrow.

My selections: Everton to beat Blackpool at a best priced 5/6 available with William Hill

                             Over 2.5 goals at best priced 17/20 available with Bet365

                             Tim Cahill to score anytime at a best priced 11/5 available with Stan James

Scottish Premier League

Celtic v Aberdeen

Celtic benefited from Rangers slip up at home to Inverness last weekend and a win tomorrow afternoon at home to Aberdeen would see them return to the top of the SPL.

Neil Lennon suffered his first dropped points as Celtic manager a fortnight ago when his side lost to arch rivals Rangers at Celtic Park. It was a poor performance from the Hoops and one which may have deflated some players who had only known success in the SPL since coming to the club. They have, however, followed up with two successive wins – both against St Johnstone. Last week’s win over the Perth Saints in the league was as comfortable and as routine as they come. Lennon will have been very pleased with his side’s reaction to the derby defeat. He will also be satisfied that they have gotten on with their business in the midst of a refereeing scandal which has blighted Scottish football in recent weeks. Lennon knows he has to put all the controversy behind him as they head into a crucial part of the season which sees Celtic play 5 games in the next 3 weeks. It’s a period of the season which may make or break their season heading into the festive fixtures

Mark McGhee is into his second season in charge of the club he once starred for as a player. His time as manager has been nowhere near as successful however, and he is under real pressure to bring consistency and results. Six defeats in 10 games has been a dreadful start but in all honesty, it’s not a surprise in the least. For years the Dons fans have had to suffer as the club have underperformed and failed to live up to their expectations. A key reason of this has been their inability to hold on to their top players in recent seasons. The likes of Barry Nicholson, Lee Miller and Scott Severin all left for the Championship for more money as Aberdeen were unable to compete with clubs down south, financially. McGhee has sought to bring through a number of youngsters as well as trying to wheel and deal in the transfer market. As yet, it’s been a relatively unsuccessful method but he is adamant that he will get it correct and has no plans to leave the job until he does get it right.

Neil Lennon will be able to recall Gary Hooper and Shaun Maloney who both missed the 3-0 win over St Johnstone. Both are key players and their inclusion will only strengthen the chances of a home win tomorrow.

Celtic have a fantastic record against Aberdeen over the last decade. Celtic have won 30 of the last 40 matches between the two with the Dons last win in Glasgow coming over 5 years ago. I see very little in the way of changing this record tomorrow but you won’t get rich backing the 2/9 on offer for a Celtic win. I’ve looked elsewhere for a bit of value.

My selections: Celtic (-1) to beat Aberdeen at a best priced 8/11 available with Betfred

                             Over 3.5 goals at a best priced 11/8 available with Victor Chandler

Blackpool now have ten points on the board after seven matches, a ratio that will be more than enough to keep them afloat in the Premier League should it continue all the way through to game 38. There’s every reason to believe that the Tangerines’ attacking approach in away matches can keep landing the spoils and they have drifted out to 8/13 on bet365’s relegation market following that win at Anfield.

Alternatively, you can back Ian Holloway’s team at 7/4 with Sky Bet to stay in the top flight this term and there’s no doubt that the seaside club have had tough fixtures considering trips to Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have been included.

Perhaps it’s worth looking elsewhere for value on the relegation market and this could be a good time to back Wigan Athletic at even money (bet365). Yes, the Latics had a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday lunchtime, although they were up against ten men for most of the match and still laboured for large parts of the game.

Roberto Martinez’s team will still be struggling for survival come the end of the season and the same might apply to the team that they beat this weekend. Wolves spent a fair amount of money last summer to try and help the club survive a ‘difficult second season’ although Mick McCarthy’s team have the losing habit at the moment and William Hill now offer 6/5 that the Midlands side is relegated.

Meanwhile, their Black Country rivals appear to be thriving in the top flight and perhaps their difficult campaign will come next season instead. Bet365 offer 11/4 that the Baggies get relegated and it is possible that the West Brom bubble might burst at some point further down the line. However, that win at Arsenal appears to have given Roberto Di Matteo’s team the belief that they can compete with any team in the league.

There are lots of other candidates in the running to be relegated and that includes Birmingham City, who are 6/1 with Ladbrokes to return to the Championship. A recent goalless draw with Liverpool suggested that they would have few problems surviving although the Reds’ current plight doesn’t make that result as good as it would seem. Alex McLeish still hasn’t solved the team’s goalscoring problems and they could struggle.

As for Liverpool, it would have been unthinkable that the Reds would have a season like this although any early season optimism has vanished and the Merseyside club are now as short as 14/1 with Ladbrokes to be relegated. The only bookie not taking them seriously as candidates for the drop are Paddy Power who offer 50/1.

Another Merseyside team down at the foot of the Premier League are Everton and they are next up against Liverpool in a fortnight’s time. However, there could be brighter times ahead for the Toffees after a 2-0 win at Birmingham City and they are now back out to 33/1 on the Paddy Power relegation market.

Chelsea v Blackpool Premier League Football Betting

Chelsea to win: 1/9 at Stan James
Draw: 9/1 at BetFred
Blackpool to win: 28/1 at Victor Chandler

Date: Sunday, September 19
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Kick Off: 16.00 GMT

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Premier League Betting Statistics

Chelsea have a 100% win percentage at home in the league this season
Blackpool have a 67% win percentage away from home in the league this season

Chelsea have scored 8 goals, and conceded 0 at home
Blackpool have scored 6 and conceded 6 goals in their away matches

Chelsea have scored the bulk of their goals in the 76-90 minute bracket
Blackpool have scored the majority of their goals in the 31-45 minute bracket

Chelsea have opened the scoring in 100% of their matches
Blackpool have scored first in 50% of their matches

Chelsea 2010/11 top scorer: Malouda, Drogba 4
Blackpool 2010/11 top scorer: Campbell, Harewood 2

Chelsea injuries/suspensions: Bosingwa, Lampard, Kakuta
Blackpool injuries/suspensions: Rachubka, Baptiste, Almond, Clarke

Chelsea 2010/11 Season Form: WWWW
Blackpool 2010/11 Season Form: WLDW

Chelsea v Blackpool Betting and Match Preview:

One thing is for certain, that not many people will have bet that this was going to be a top four clash when the fixture lists were announced for the new season. Remarkably that is exactly what it is, as Blackpool are enjoying their first taste of the Premier League under Ian Holloway. Of course, it will be a bit foolish to get carried away at the moment, but Blackpool fans are able to say that their team are in fourth place in the league, with only one defeat in their opening four matches. What’s even more remarkable, is that their two wins have both come away from home, after beating Newcastle and Wigan. They were put to the sword by Arsenal, and a real taste of just how wide the gap is between the top teams and everybody else in the league, could again happen on Saturday. Defending Champions Chelsea have come out of the starting blocks firing on all cylinders and have a 100% record for the new season. At Stamford Bridge, and with Chelsea in free scoring mode, it’s looks like a banker that Carlo Ancelotti will pick up another comfortable three points in Sunday afternoon’s match. There just doesn’t look to be any other outcome in football betting, and with Chelsea best priced at around 1/9 to win outright, there’s not a lot of return to be had. So, one of the best markets to go and explore will be the Winning Margin one. The best price there is Chelsea to win by 3 or more goals for 5/6 at SkyBet. That’s an indicator of how the afternoon is expected to go. Chelsea to win by a comfortable 2 goal margin is priced 10/3 at Bet365. Chelsea have shown that they really can thrash teams at Stamford Bridge, so you can have a field day in this market. The Goalscorer markets are always worth looking at as well for some extra pick ups. Didier Drogba is 8/15 at SkyBet, Nicolas Anelka is Evens at SkyBet, while Florent Malouda makes a great selection for 7/5 at Victor Chandler.

Chelsea v Blackpool Betting Tip: Didier Drogba Anytime Goalscorer 8/14 at SkyBet

Chelsea Betting:

What really can you say about Chelsea? There was a thought that they may struggle a bit this season with an aging team and not really having added to the squad over the summer. It’s been a completely different story though, with the Blues winning four out of four. An argument could be raised that they have had something of a soft opening to the new season and the defence of their title, and this is justifiable. They have played Wigan, West Ham, Stoke and West Brom so far, and now with Blackpool, all of those opponents are sort of expected to be in the bottom half of the table come the end of the season, and probably most involved in a relegation battle. Still, matches have to be won, and it has been good for Carlo Ancelotti in terms of building that all important momentum. Their goal scoring record is in a league of its own at the moment, having scored 17 in four matches, and having conceded just one. Sunday’s match is only likely to top up the goals for column if football betting is looked at realistically, with the Blues scoring an average of 4.25 goals per match. Their home matches so far have yielded 8 goals. This match should be more of the same, and Didier Drogba will be fresh after sitting out Chelsea’s impressive Champions League victory in midweek. Ashley Cole will also fit back into the line up after taking a rest. Frank Lampard is touch and go at the moment, but John Terry is at least looking back to full strength. Chelsea really haven’t missed Frank Lampard, as in his absence, Michael Essien has really shown his qualities after hitting four goals in two games from midfield. The Blues are just so strong all over the pitch, it is tough to see how Blackpool will be able to make a break through. At the back Chelsea really haven’t been tested all that much to see whether they are missing the departed Ricardo Carvalho or not and it’s unlikely that they’ll have much to do on Sunday. Chelsea can just keep the ball on the deck and pass it around, leaving Blackpool chasing shadows. Then they unleash a clinical pass which splits teams apart, and with Drogba, Anelka, Kalou and the strength from midfield from Ramires, Essien and Lampard, there should be goals a-plenty again for the Stamford Bridge faithful to enjoy.

Blackpool Betting:

The Orange army played out a mightily impressive away win at Newcastle last weekend. It was emotionally charged and Ian Holloway’s men performed above and beyond expectations. While they have enjoyed victories over Newcastle and Wigan, plus a draw against Fulham, they badly came undone in a 6-0 hammering at the Emirates against Arsenal. That is the measure by which this match really has to be judged for your football betting, and not the plucky victories against possible relegation bound teams. The bright spark in the bright orange has been striker DJ Campbell. It is a long journey south for Blackpool, nearly 250 miles, but the journey home will probably feel a lot longer. What realistically can Blackpool expect to get out of this game? Will it be about damage limitation from the get go, or will they genuinely put up a brave face for the 90 minute?. It’s unlikely that they are really going to give Chelsea a full, competitive match and once the first couple of goals fly in from the Blues, then it could be a matter of looking forward to their next match. Looking at match betting, even a draw for Blackpool seems so far out of the question at Stamford Bridge that that particular outcome is priced out at around 9/1 with online bookmakers. That is the uphill task that Holloway has to deal with, and he will probably, deep down, just be hoping to keep the scoreline down in order to help their goal difference come the end of the season. For any Blackpool betting, it is going to be a long shot, but perhaps backing Campbell to sneak one as he has scored at Stamford Bridge before, plus is on a streak of seven goals in five away matches for Blackpool. Even in Asian Handicap betting you are needing to go big, with Blackpool +2.50 priced at 13/10 at BetFair even expecting not to be paid out on.

Chelsea v Blackpool Football Betting Prediction: Home win

It hasn’t take long for some of the bookmakers to start quoting odds-on that Chelsea retain their Premier League title this season. The Blues have won their first four matches of the season and, although they have been against relatively easy opposition, bet365 offer 5/6 that Carlo Ancelotti’s team are victorious again.

You can get even money with Paddy Power, although that may well disappear after Blackpool have visited Stamford Bridge on Saturday, something which is likely to see Chelsea collect another three points and potentially another hatful of goals.

Manchester United are looking vulnerable in defence right now and can be backed at 11/4 with bet365 to regain their title, although it should be remembered that the Red Devils are notoriously slow starters who tend to improve as the campaign wears on.

Arsenal are 5/1 with Sky Bet after a bright start and we can already start to be confident that the title race is no more than a three-team one, with Manchester City (14/1 Sky Bet) continuing to look defensive under Roberto Mancini.

That hasn’t stopped the bookies offering 8/11 (Paddy Power) that City finally get to experience Champions League football after such a massive investment of cash, although defeat at Sunderland and a draw at home to Blackburn would suggest that there’s progress that needs to be made if the dream is to be realised.

Tottenham Hotspur are available at 3/1 (Blue Square) to book their place in the Premier League top four again, while Liverpool are 15/8 (Bet Fred) to return to the European premier club competition, although the signs are not looking good for Roy Hodgson or his Reds team.

Looking at the other end of the table and there are once again any number of teams that can be relegated from the top flight this season. Blackpool remain odds-on favourites (4/7 Blue Square) despite wins away to Wigan and Newcastle which have elevated the Tangerines into the top half of the Premier League.

Wigan have had a shaky start to their campaign and time will tell whether that win at White Hart Lane was a freak victory or has set the Latics on the road to improvement. My personal opinion is that the even money is a value proposition with bet365 and that Roberto Martinez’s team are just too susceptible when it comes to conceding goals. They did also lose 20 of their 38 matches last season.

West Brom are 7/5 with Ladbrokes to go down, although they could easily have beaten Tottenham on Saturday and the Baggies are keeping things tight enough against some of the better teams to suggest that they will pass that magic 40-point mark. Perhaps Newcastle United are the newly-promoted team who could struggle, with the Magpies on offer at 9/2 (Paddy Power) to return to the Championship.

Stoke City have only three points to their name after four matches, with Coral offering 7/2 that the Potters are relegated during their third season in the Premier League. It promises as always to be an interesting tussle!