Blunderbuss

Rugby

2011-03-18T18:15:00.004Z

Ireland V England @ 2.62 (h)
I'm not 100% confident, but I think that we can up our game for this one, despite the recent setbacks. Still the core of a good side there with a big game needed from O'Driscoll, Heaslip, PoC and O'Brien.....

:)

Nags

2011-03-18T15:20:00.003Z

Gold Cup: Wierd Al @17.0 e/w :(

4.40: Sir Des Champs @ 5.5 e/w :)

Just mirco bets for these.... having a bad Q1 and dont need to make it worse....

Rugby

2011-03-12T09:37:00.001Z

Got a tip for Wales V Ireland from Twitter of all places..... not the most reliable of sources, but a draw at 21.0 is good value.....

Football bet

2011-02-26T09:47:00.001Z

Draw @ 4.00
Wigan v Man United

Draw @ 3.75
Wolves v Blackpool

Stoke v West Brom
28-02-2011 20:00
Win-Draw-Win
Stoke @ 1.90

6 Nations

2011-02-04T09:30:00.002Z

Ireland (-13) to beat Italy @ 2.0
I reckon despite a dodgy front, Ireland should have enough to put a descent score up on Italy. Could be close for a while... I don't see Ireland covering the 13 pts until the last 10 mins.....

Football bet

2011-01-01T13:58:00.000Z

Premier League Matches West Ham v Wolves
01-01-2011 15:00
Win-Draw-Win
Draw @ 3.40

Premier League Matches Tottenham v Fulham
01-01-2011 15:00
Win-Draw-Win
Tottenham @ 1.50

Premier League Matches Stoke v Everton
01-01-2011 15:00
Win-Draw-Win
Everton @ 2.62

Football bet

2010-12-30T17:35:00.001Z

Chelsea V Bolton (H) :)
Liverpool V Wolves (H) :(

Slovakia V Ireland

2010-10-11T12:06:00.004+01:00

Again I'm going for the draw here.... I'm expecting a bounce from Ireland after Friday's disappointment. Draw is available at 3.3 with boylesports.

Estimates:
Home 44%
Draw 35% (2.86 would represent fair value)
Away 21%

:)
:)

Ireland V Russia

2010-10-05T12:13:00.003+01:00

Going for the draw in this one at 3.2 with Boylesports. I expect a reaction from the Russian after losing to Slovakia. With Duff out and so many of the Irish team short of game time, I think the draw is good value at this price.

Estimated probabilities:
Home win: 39%
Draw: 36% (fair value would be 2.78)
Away win: 25%

:(

Switzerland V England

2010-09-07T10:07:00.003+01:00

Switzerland V England (D) @ 3.5

I think England could drop points here - there's a bit of value on the draw ....

:(

EPL: football bet

2010-08-20T08:43:00.003+01:00

Football is back.... again my focus this season will be on value bets, rather than just backing the big four at crap odds every week

Stoke v Tottenham (H) @ 3.4 .... here's hoping that home advantage pays off .... I reckon Spurs could be a bit tired after their mid-week game in Europe :(

West Brom V Sunderland (H) @ 2.5 .... again this is a value bet on a team with home advantage, Gooners spreadsheet has them at a 50% chance of winning so a price of 2.5 represents value..... :)

Golf: British Open

2010-07-15T13:46:00.003+01:00

Rory McIlroy @ 16.0 e/w places 1-8 :) tied 3rd place, despite 2nd rd 80

Padraig Harrington @ 23.0 e/w places 1-7 :(

Robert Allenby @ 101.0 e/w places 1-7 :(

Geoff Ogilvy @ 101.0 e/w places 1-7 :(

WC semi final

2010-07-06T07:54:00.002+01:00

Urugury V Holland 0-2 correct score @ 6.5

Just a small stake on this one, PP have a money back special if it finishes 0-0.... so there's a bit of insurance there too.
http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-08480-Uruguay-v-Netherlands.htm

Brazil V Holland

2010-07-02T09:05:00.003+01:00

Could be a classic, but with so much at stake it could be a relatively tight, defensive game from both sides.

I'm taking the draw over 90mins @ 3.3 :(

round of 16

2010-06-26T19:46:00.003+01:00

USA V Ghana - USA to qualify @ 1.73 :(

The US have shown a lot of spirit to get to out of the group stages.... I think they might just extend that run to the quarters.

WC betting

2010-06-21T08:55:00.004+01:00

I reckon value bets on some of the outsiders is the way to go in this tournament. Some of the big European names (England, France, Spain, Italy etc) have underperformed.... I reckon there could be some value to be had on the underdogs

Portugal v North Korea (D) @ 4.75 :( way wrong....
U.S.A. v Algeria (H) @ 1.91 :) last min win
Paraguay v New Zealand (D) @ 4.0 :) Kiwis bow out undefeated

World Cup

2010-06-14T08:01:00.003+01:00

England V USA ... correct score 2-1 :(

Holland to win the World Cup @ 10.0 :( but hedged enough of the bet to make a few quid on Spain's win

Football bet

2010-04-24T10:28:00.003+01:00

Man U V Spurs (H) @ 1.5, I reckon Man U will try to keep the pressure on Chelsea with a home win :)

Wolves V Blackburn (H) @ 2.25, if Wolves can "man-up" for this game, I think they can nick the win that will keep them up. :(

US Masters

2010-04-08T08:04:00.001+01:00

I'm taking a tip from Off the Ball and going with this lot:

Villegas, Camilo @ 41.0

Poulter, Ian @ 36.0

Goosen, Retief @ 23.0

Football

2010-04-01T17:35:00.002+01:00

Arsenal v Wolves (D) @ 6.0 :(

Everton v West Ham (H) @ 1.44 :(

Sunderland v Tottenham (D) @3.4 :(

Munster (-6pts) v Leinster (H) @ 1.9 :(

A bad weekend ..... esp. the added time goal from Bentner....

football

2010-03-06T12:11:00.002Z

West Ham V Bolton (H) @ 1.8 :(

Football

2010-02-27T15:05:00.002Z

Stoke V Arsenal (A) @ 1.75 :)

S'land V Fulham (H) @ 2.15 :(

Footbal bet

2010-02-19T11:11:00.004Z

Everton V Man U (H) @ 4.5 :)
Here's hoping that the trip to Milan took something out of them. Everton are going well at the moment, having Arteta back is a help too.

Wigan V Spurs (D) @ 3.4 :(
The pitch is in a jocker, which should level things out a bit. Spurs are definitely the better football team and will have chances - Crouch and Defoe are excellent up front for them. Value bet here is the draw.... Spurs at evens is just too low a price.

Football

2010-02-05T15:28:00.003Z

Bolton V Fulham (H) @ 2.3 :(
I reckon Owen Coyle will continue to have a good influence on Bolton, home win

Hull @ 5.50 :)
Hull v Man City
This is the value bet of the weekend, probably wont come in, but the price has tempted me in.....

Stoke @ 2.25 :)
Stoke v Blackburn
Always in with a shout at home, great support from the crowd..... good value at better than evens, gooner has them at 1.79 fair value, so the price is right.

Football

2010-02-01T08:03:00.000Z

Arsenal V Man U (D) :(

Football bet

2010-01-15T19:52:00.003Z

Everton V Man City (H) @ 2.9 :)
This is my leopards-dont-change-their-spots bet for the weekend. Man City have been suspect on the road for a while now, I dont think Mancini will be able to change that overnight. Everton played well against Arsenal last weekend, if they carry that form into this fixture, they are in with a shout. 2.9 is generous price for a home win.

Stoke City V Liverpool (H) @ 3.75 :(
An even more generous price on a home team that have done well in front of their own fans. Liverpool are missing Gerrard, Torres and Benayoun .... they could stuggle against a robust Stoke side. Stoke will create a few chances, question is whether they can take them.

Xmas football

2009-12-28T11:54:00.003Z

Wolves V Man City (D) @ 3.5 :(
Value bet, I think Wolves will not have much of the ball, but could nick a point.

Villa V Liverpool (A) @ 2.63 :)
I think Liverpool will come good in this match, Torres, Gerrard and Aquilani on the pitch should give them enough going forward to pinch this one. I also think Villa, while on a good run at the moment, have a small squad and could tire a bit.

Football bet

2009-12-11T16:48:00.002Z

Man U v Villa (D) @ 4.2 pp
Villa are on a good run at the moment and Utd have an injury crisis at the back. I reckon this one could finish honours even .... so does John Duggan on Today FM.
:( Win for the Villa

Stoke v Wigan (H) @ 2.05 pp
Stoke are always a handful at home, Wigan could well crack under the pressure.
:( Draw

Birmingham v West Ham (H) @ 2.1 pp
A form selection... home win .... also tipped by Thanks4ComingIn so bound to win.....
:) Win

France V Ireland

2009-11-18T18:49:00.002Z

In the words of Father Dougal, it was too far, too soon! Cannot see Ireland getting the win they need here, they could get caught trying to push onto the French.

I'm going for 2-1 to the home team at 10.0 with Boylesports.

Ireland V France

2009-11-12T22:03:00.002Z

Excellent post here from Gooners guide. I think beating a French team that can call on players from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal is too big an ask. But a draw is a possibility, especially if we get our noses in front in the first 20 mins.

Draw @ 3.2 with Boylesports

Football bet

2009-10-23T21:59:00.003+01:00

Hull V Pompey (D) @ 3.3 :)
Both teams as bad as each other, can't see either team win this.

Wolves V Villa (A) @ 2.1 :(
I think Wolves at home can be their own worst enemy, they will try to push forward to score. But they could leak goals in the process. Away win, good value at 2.1

WC Qualifier

2009-10-12T07:50:00.001+01:00

Ireland V Italy (D) @ 2.75 :)

Weekend betting

2009-10-02T20:41:00.003+01:00

Chelsea V Liverpool (D) @ 3.25 :(
Top four games are always worth a shot at the draw. It's easier for both managers if neither of them lose at this stage of the season.

Wolves V Pompey (H) @ 2.1 pp.com :(
Seemingly the Pompey players had trouble getting paid this week, not a good sign after losing the first seven matches in a row. Wolves could use the three points, could prove vital for the relagation dog fight later in the season. Home win, but Wolves could come unstuck at the back if they arent careful.

Everton V Stoke (H) @ 1.57 boyle :(
Saha playing well for the Toffees, could take all three against a team that doesnt travel well.

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe :( Came in 4th.....great win by Sea the Stars
Conduit @ 9.0 e/w 1/4 odds for 1,2,3
I dont often bet on horses but I got a tip for this one .... 2nd or 3rd place will refund my stake if the win is too much for this horse.

Football bet

2009-09-19T10:44:00.003+01:00

Everton V Blackburn (H) @ 1.83 boylesports :)
I think Everton's loss to Arsenal on the first day was a blip.... narrow home win is likely.

Man U V Man City (H) @ 1.62 boylesports :)
City are missing a few stikers and look a bit lightweight in midfield. I dont expect Ferguson to understimate them either. Home win.

Football

2009-09-09T08:27:00.003+01:00

Italy V Bulgaria (D) @ 4.5 boylesports
Italy have not been great in this campaign - I think they will settle for a draw. Bulgaria need a win, but this is too big an ask for them. :(

International football

2009-09-06T21:06:00.001+01:00

Cyprus V Ireland
Correct score 2-1 @ 8.0 Boyle :)

Football bet 28th Aug

2009-08-28T12:02:00.003+01:00

Stoke V Sunderland (H) 2.38 boyle :)
Sunderland have had a good start to the season, but could still be shaky on the road.

Man U V Arsenal (D) 3.4 boyle :(
I reckon a score draw here, Arsenal should get something out of this.

Football bet 21st Aug

2009-08-21T17:10:00.003+01:00

Arsenal V Pompey (H) @ 1.2 :)
Banker home win... ignore the crap odds.

Liverpool V Villa (H) @ 1.44 :(
I think the Reds defeat to Spurs was more down to Spurs playing well .... Gerrard and Torres to engineer a home win. Villa dont look the same without Laursen and Barry....

Mid week ball

2009-08-18T07:57:00.003+01:00

Birmingham V Pompey (H) @ 2.1 pp.com :)
According to Gooner's spreadsheet there is a bit of value to be had on Birmingham. Lawro reckons Pompey are in "complete disarray" .... logic dictates a home win!

Football is back....

2009-08-15T10:13:00.003+01:00

Stoke V Burnley (H) @ 1.95 Boylesports :)
Stoke have a way of getting at teams, especially in front of their own fans. Home win.

Blackburn V Man City @ 3.4 pp.com :(
The value bet of the day, I think Blackburn will kick lumps out of them and could nick a win.

Villa V Wigan @ 1.67 pp.com :(
Not a great price, but Villa should have enough to overcome a Wigan team that I reckon could struggle this season.

Rugby bet

2009-06-18T16:36:00.003+01:00

1st Test: Lions +8pts to beat the Boks, 1.9 on paddypower.com

I think the Lions have had a good warm up to the first test. The fact that McGeechan has given everyone in the squad a chance should mean that morale is the Lions camp is good. So long as the ref doesn't turn a blind eye to any skulduggery, I think Lions should keep it to at worst a score... maybe even win it..... In 1997, they won their 1st test 25-16 so it's not impossible.

:) Boks win 26-21, however the Lions were 19 points down at one stage, so perhaps fortunate to win this bet

Champions League final

2009-05-27T12:39:00.003+01:00

Man U V Barcelona (D) @ 3.25 boylesports.com :(

Doesn't seem to be much between these sides, I think Utd will be cautious as they usually are in Europe. Sometimes teams "settle" for extra time after 70 mins.... we will see. At a price of 3.25, the draw is good value. Hopefully a high scoring draw to keep the neutrals like me entertained.

Football bet

2009-05-23T14:13:00.003+01:00

Liverpool V Spurs (H) @ 1.57 pp.com :)
Liverpool have improved on last season and will want to finish out on a positive note.

Hammers V Boro (H) @ 2.25 boylesports.com :)
With Downing injured, I dont see any way back for Boro. They could hit the relagtion trap door with a bang.... home win.

Villa V Newcastle (H) @ 2.38 boylesports.com :)
Going for value here, 2.38 is a good price for a Villa team chasing 5th. Bassong and Beye are missing for Newcastle, Villa to win.

Football bet 15th May

2009-05-15T17:16:00.002+01:00

Spurs v Man City (H) 1.91 Boylesports
I'm taking a tip from ThanksForComingIn

Pompey V Sunderland (D) 3.25 Boylesports
I think a draw will more or less keep both teams in the division. For this reason, it is the lowest priced draw on the Prem Win-Draw-Win market....

Stoke V Wigan (H) 2.2 PP
Stokes final home match of the season, I think they will want to send their supporters home happy. Home win.

Latest bets

2009-05-07T07:44:00.001+01:00

Munster V Leinster (A) @ 2.1 :)
Fulham V Chelsea (D) :(
Arsenal V Man U (H) :(

Champions League

2009-04-28T13:02:00.002+01:00

Barcelona V Chelsea (H) @ 1.73
I expect Chelsea will put a bus in front of the goal, but Barce should be able to get a positive result.

Football bets Apr 25th

2009-04-25T11:52:00.003+01:00

Fulham V Stoke (H) @ 1.73 :)
Fulham are chasing a spot in Europe, Stoke dont travel well and have injuries to key players.

Arsenal V Boro (H) @ 1.53 :)
The Gunners are in good form at the moment, they will want to win this ahead of the midweek CL game.

Blackburn V Wigan (D) @ 3.4 :(
Kindofa derby match, Wigan should be capable of a point here.

Football bet

2009-04-19T15:48:00.000+01:00

Spurs V Newcastle (H) - Won

US Masters bet

2009-04-13T13:07:00.001+01:00

Jim Furyk - 7.0 e/w - Lost

Football bets 10-Apr

2009-04-12T05:34:00.002+01:00

Liverpool v Blackburn (H) 1.33 pp.com -Won
Pompey v West Brom (H) - Lost
Stoke v Newcastle (H) - Lost

Football bets 3rd April

2009-04-03T21:19:00.003+01:00

West Ham V Sunderland (H) @ 2.1 paddypower.com - Won
Sunderland are on a terrible run at the moment, the Hammers should have enough to win this one.

Man U V Aston Villa (H) @ 1.44 paddypower.com - Won
I expect Villa to put a bus in front of the goal, but United should edge this one at home.

Blackburn V Spurs (H) @ 2.75 boylesports.com - Won
This is my long shot for the weekend, I don't think Spurs will fancy this one too much. The price is too tempting to walk away from - home win.

How did you spend yours?

2009-03-28T11:24:00.003Z

Some people bought cars. Went on holiday. Put down a deposit on a house. When Charlie McCreevy setup the SSIA scheme, it was with the intention of getting people to reduce their consumption and start saving a bit. But when the payout came, a lot of folks needed to pay off the credit cards bills that they had run up in the certain knowledge that the SSIA would come to the rescue.

So the money is gone.... but hopefully you still have the car, or the holiday snaps or the house.

You might even still have the race horse! A friend of mine decided that, rather than spend the money on something predictable - he'd do something different. He bought a race horse.

While the horse hasnt been in great form of late, it might be worth an each way bet today. With blinkers on for the first time, this could be his chance to shine.

16.50 Navan - Mr. Prince - 15.0 e/w 1/4 odds for places 1,2,3,4,5 (Boylesports) - Lost (pulled up)

Football Bet 27th March

2009-03-27T12:50:00.003Z

Ireland V Bulgaria (D) @ 3.25 - Won
With Duff out and McGeady carrying an injury, the boys in green could have trouble breaking down the Bulgarians. I think 3.25 for the draw represents value and is my selection for this one.

Bets 20th March

2009-03-20T21:36:00.004Z

Portsmouth V Everton (D) @ 3.2 - Lost
Could be a dull match, early kick-off wont help either. Bore. Draw.

Stoke V Boro (H) @ 2.25
City are different team at home - there's a bit of value at better than evens. Beattie is scoring a few goals for them too. Home win. - Won

A poor choice of words from Alan Pardew

2009-03-20T20:51:00.002Z

He was forced to apologise for his remarks on Match of the Day 2 soon after....

Bets 10th March

2009-03-10T21:51:00.004Z

Football: Man U V Inter Milan (H) @ 1.73 - Won
Inter were not impressive in the first leg and will struggle to live with an in-form United playing in front of their own support. United to win the game in 90 mins.

Nags: Barbers Shop in the Gold Cup e/w @ 13.0 -Lost
I haven't the first notion about the sport of kings, but I feel like I'd be missing out if I didn't bet on Cheltenham. Maybe it's an Irish thing, I don't know. Going for a bit of value here, Donn McLean tipped this horse, so that's good enough for me.

Football bet 4th March

2009-03-05T09:15:00.000Z

Blackburn V Everton (A) @ 2.7 - Lost

The lad's done ever so well...

2009-03-03T16:00:00.002Z

Lawro's prediction for Wigan v West Ham :)

Football bet 2nd March

2009-03-02T22:39:00.003Z

Portsmouth v Chelsea (A) @1.53 (Won)
Guus Hiddink has made an impression here. While their win against Wigan last weekend was a bit undeserved, I think they have gained some momentum.

Liverpool v Sunderland (H) @1.44 (Won)
Bounce-back-ability. Getting beaten by Middlesboro will have come as a shock to the system - especially after beating Real Madrid only a few days previously. I expect a reaction against Sunderland...

Football bet Feb 26th

2009-02-26T09:04:00.003Z

CSKA Moscow V Aston Villa (Home win) @ 1.83, Boylesports.com - Won
Villa have left a lot of their first team at home for this one, including Gareth Barry, Brad Friedel, Emile Heskey, James Milner, Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Carlos Cuellar and Stiliyan Petrov. I'm going for a home win on this one.

Switch to Bord Gais Energy a no-brainer?

2009-02-23T12:42:00.004Z

Bord Gais are offering to supply electricity at 10% less than ESB....

seems like a no-brainer to me, is there a catch?

Bord Gais tariffs (incl VAT)

Airtricity tariffs (excl VAT)

"Managing" the recession

2009-02-23T10:56:00.003Z

Is your bank in a bit of bother from the credit crunch? Fear not - all they need to do is manage the balance sheet a little and all the problems will magically go away....

Football bets 20-Feb

2009-02-20T21:56:00.000Z

Patent (odds 3.6 at Boylesports)

Arsenal - Sunderland (H)

Lost - Good effort from Sunderland to get the draw

Villa - Chelsea (A) - Won
Stoke - Pompey (D) - Won

Single (3.4 at Boylesports)
Newcastle - Everton (D) - Won

A shower of Celtic Tigers....

2009-02-19T12:39:00.000Z

Or should that be an ambush of tigers.... pick your own collective noun.
Great post here about the "Anglo Ten"...

When Fantasy Football goes bad....

2009-02-17T10:47:00.000Z

Brilliant piece from Tom Humphries in yesterday's Irish Times.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2009/0216/1233867938468.html

Free gambling advice

2009-02-16T22:50:00.000Z

Excellent site
http://www.goonersguide.com/index.htm

Football tips 16-Feb

2009-02-16T14:04:00.000Z

Man Utd V Fulham
Hard to see anything except a Utd win here, but at 1.22 there is very little value on the win. Fulham have done "ever so well" this season, they are well organised and can be hard to break down. So I'm going for Draw/Man Utd in the "Half time/ Full time market" @ 3.60. I reckon Fulham can keep it level until half time, but Utd should wrap up the three points in the second half.

Updated 17th Feb, just opened a Boylesports a/c to get 4.5 on that market. Seemingly you need accounts with at least five bookies in order to get good prices consistently..... does this mean I will end up betting five times as much ....?

Lost - Fulham conceded after 12 mins and Utd dominated after that... but I got a free bet for opening a new a/c :)