Midweek Outlook (29 Apr 2008)

Manchester United vs Barcelona

"What are the chances of winning the European Cup and qualify automatically for the group stages next season?"

-Gary, 29 April 2008

Before the last weekend deciding match was underway, i have a chat with Voxeros. He say that with the odds at 1.8, Man Utd is playing for a draw. He get it correctly but Chelsea have other ideas. Man Utd aiming for a draw and Fergie rests key players for the crunch match against Barcelona. Result didnt go as planned. Look like the next 2 matches will be the deciding factor. West Ham and Wigan. And i just saw the odds for West Ham game. It was a "WTF moment" for me. Look like Man Utd have to work extra hard for these 3 matches including Barcelona.

Both Man Utd and Barcelona lose during the weekend. Both of them rest their key players. Both of them are focus on this match rather than the weekend matches.

One question i would like to post to Barcelona is, "What are the chances of winning the European Cup and qualify automatically for the group stages next season?" 25%? 50? 75%? By tomorrow morning, we will know the answer. Barcelona last 32 matches in European stage, they lost twice to Premier League oppositions - Chelsea and Liverpool. Overall Barcelona have lose 11 and won 6 of 23 visits to England.

With Man Utd still defending a home record that lasts from 2006, it doesnt look good at all as Man Utd does not win at home when they return from a goalless draw. Yet Man Utd have a strong home record against Spanish teams. Pengz.

Man Utd Team News: Rooney and Vidic are doubtful for the match. I think Fergie will play them.

Barcelona Team News: Ronaldinho is still injured. Carlos Puyol is back from suspension.

Odds and Analysis: Man Utd giving 0.5 handicap. I think it will be a goalless draw once again and will be decided by penalties. Take Barcelona for the handicap.

Disclaimer: This review is entirely on my own views and opinion. I didn’t point a gun at you to ask you to follow. If you want to bet on this game, do so at your own risk. Pls bet within limits. Good luck.

SPUG EPL Prediction League (03 - 04 May 2008)

It's the penultimate weekend of the regular season for us and we have Beaver21 neck-and-neck with Cool402 for this season's title. Looks like we may need to invoke the FA Cup final as a tie-breaker to separate the two.

This weekend, ihawk98 has pick a relegation fight for Saturday which would prove to be a very hard fought match.

Sunday, we see Arsenal hosting Everton, whom the former is vastly superior technically but nothing to play for the rest of the season while Everton is fighting heard to secure a place in the UEFA Cup next season.

EPL 65: SAT 03/05 Fulham vs Birmingham City at 10.00pm SIN/HKG

EPL 66: SUN 04/05 Arsenal vs Everton at 08.30pm SIN/HKG

Good luck!

SPUG EPL Prediction LeagueResults 26 - 27 Apr 2008

Looks like cool402 bounced back strongly to get back to joint pole-position with Beaver21. The resemblance to Chelsea and ManUtd is just too uncanny!

Anyway, kudos to ihawk98 for picking two great games for us last weekend to really test our predictions to the fullest. We will be featuring him on our blog as our official match picker next season.

Congrats to Cha Dum Yen for being the top scorer this round with a 8-point booty.

Also, as we are neck and neck for the SPUG league title, it looks like we may need to use the FA Cup final as a tie breaker as well as the ECL final as the tie breaker's tie breaker. Will bring out the rule book when the date draws nearer, if at all.

Important Note: Don't forget. We will be doing Euro 2008 Prediction League. Don't disappear immediately after the EPL ends hor!

Housekeeping Notes:

All of this season's tables will be kept in Flickr's photoset. Click Here.

For last season's, Click Here.


SPUG EPL Prediction League "Perfect Score" Hall Of Fame
Perfect Score = 2 correct-score predictions in a single weekend and hence the award of the full 10 points.

1) David.hvp (23 Dec 2007)
2) Beaver21 (23 Dec 2007)
3) Edwinsng (02 Feb 2008)
4) Beaver21(15 Mar 2008)

Scoring System
3-Points for a correct outcome (Win, Lose or Draw)
1-point each for correct score on each side.

Double Entry
Later submission shall override earlier submission.

Penalty
No points for submission after kick-off. (Disqualification)

SPUG Blackout
The SPUG EPL Prediction League will be played here but if in the event Blogger/Blogspot servers go down, we will automatically carry on the league over to my personal blog at http://jaywalk.blog-city.com. Please bookmark this or at the very least stay in touch with one of us as we will also be helping all stay in the loop via the various channels like MSN, Skype, email as well as SPUG Off-Topic Chat.

Prediction League Past Winners

Copa America 2004 - WeiMeng
EPL 2004/2005 - Friday13
EPL 2005/2006 - ianrush
World Cup 2006 - EdwinSng
EPL 2006/2007 - Voxeros

As usual:

1) If you have spotted a mistake, please let me know where and what so that I can amend them accordingly.
2) Please check your scores for accuracy as soon as possible before I update the table during the next round of scores. Once the table has been updated, the old table will be overwritten.
3) In case you are still seeing the old table even if I have announced a new update, please refresh your browser to reload the table.

Beer Fund Raising : 26 - 28 Apr 2008

An exciting weekend as the Premiership may more or less be decided today!

A draw for ManUtd today means the title is virtually sealed while a win for ManUtd today means we can have the trophy presentation next Saturday. Let's bring out the red, white and black ribbons!!

Last week, I calculated passing mark to be 38 which sees is unchanged this week as well. However, should there be a situation where Reading, Fulham and Birmingham City all lose their respective games this week, then the passing mark will be lowered to 35, of which Sunderland has already cleared.

In other words, Roy Keane can stay in the premiership if he wins today or if the 3 above-mentioned teams lose.

But knowing the fiery Irishman, I'd say he would rather it be option number 1.

Click here to find out how the Wanker Points Index came about.

Saturday's Picks:

• Manchester United - Eat 0.25 ball (Lose)
  
  
• Sevilla - Give 0.75 ball (Lose)
• Deportivo La Coruna - Even ball (Win)
  

Sunday's Picks:

• Athletico Madrid - Give 0.25 ball (Lose 1/2)
  
• Almeria - Eat 0.25 ball (Lose)
  
• Real Madrid - Give 1.25 ball (Win)
  

HUAT AH!!!

Result This Week : 2 - 0 - 3.5

Result This Season: 74 - 8 - 63 = 11-UP as at 27 Apr 2008

Disclaimer: This is merely to log my own results. You are welcome to follow if you like but I must warn you that you bear your own winnings or losses, whatever the outcome. I have nothing to do with your bets. Please bet responsibly and within your means. There is no absolute sure thing in football betting. If you can't afford to lose, then don't bet.

Weekend Outlook (26 Apr 2008)

Chelsea vs Manchester United

"...We are the mighty Red Devils, we don't play for draws...."

- JayWalk, 26 Apr 2008

While many says that we did well to get a draw at Camp Nou, I beg to differ. We are the mighty Red Devils, we don't play for draws.

We were lucky to get out with a draw despite being out-gunned 7 shots attempted (only 1 on-goal) against 20 (6 on-goal). The possession percentage also see us a paltry 27% against 73%. A bit lob-sided, no? It's almost like a school-boy team playing against a professional one.

What happened?

Anyway, some may say that all the indicators will be pointing in our favour once we head back to Old Trafford.

Again, I beg to differ.

Come the return-leg, all Barcelona needs to do is to just score 1 goal and they will be the ones heading for Moscow. Due to the away-goal rule, if they score 1, we need to score 2. If they score 2, we need to score 3. Get the drift? In other words, we cannot afford to even draw the next leg. A clean sheet is our only option here.

Looking ahead, we will facing Chelsea today, a game that may just be the Premiership decider which means we will be going all out today. Not exactly a good sign, considering that we will be facing Barcelona just a few days later. Fortunately, Barcelona will be playing away to Deportivo La Coruna, a game they too must win to avoid Villarreal pipping them to the La Liga runner-up spot which guarantees a proper ECL place next season instead of a CLQ one.

JayWalk The Talk: We have a relatively full squad to choose from with the exception of Saha and Vidic whom the latter had stomach flu that cost him his starting place at mid-week, which is likely to extend to today. However, I think Vidic should be ready to take on Barcelona come following mid-week.

Other than that, no injuries nor suspensions to worry about except the intangible factor of fatigue from mid-week exertion. Perhaps we would see Scholes starting today in place wone of the other midfielders.

It's the same for Chelsea, sans Cudicini, who played to a tough draw against Liverpool but get an extra day of rest as they played a day earlier than us. We won't see Lampard today as the midfielder will be spending the weekend grieving the loss of his mother who just recently passed away. Essien is expected to feature today after earning a suspension in mid-week which means no more involvement for him at the ECL semi-final stage.

JayWalk The Walk: Despite obvious disadvantages, bookie are favouring ManUtd to beat the 0.25-ball handicap by placing a 1.80 decimal odds over it.

The punters are all responding well to the odds as the wagers are 69% in favour of ManUtd beating the handicap. Note, beating the handicap means a draw is good enough, not necessarily has to be a win, although the latter is most welcome.

Like ManUtd vs Barcelona in the second-leg, Chelsea also cannot afford to draw as it would be a point gain for ManUtd and 2 point loss for Chelsea.

Here's why.

• If we draw, then ManUtd regardless of any subsequent Chelsea results would need only 3 points from the last 2 games to clinch the title. One of which is West Ham at home, which we let them beat us to stay in the Premiership. Perhaps Curbs will return the favour? Oh yes, Tevez is playing for us now too. Even if we don't wrap it up by then, we still have struggling Wigan to play away. Easy peasy.
  
  
• If we win, the title race is effectively over with ManUtd at 84 points which is the maximum number of points Chelsea can get if they win their remaining 2 games. However, even if they do catch up with us at 84 points, our vastly superior goal difference (ManUtd +54 vs Chelsea +36) will still put us on top.

Verdict? Why I do hope to get a win here, I think I would be practical and shoot for a draw here.

Disclaimer: The above views are purely my own two-cents' worth. In other words, I cannot and will not guarantee that my predictions are accurate. If you want to bet on the game, do so at your own risk. Also, please bet responsibly and within your means regardless of how "sure thing" that game may appear to be. As the old saying goes, "The Ball Is Round". Good luck.

Midweek Outlook (23 April 2008)

Barcelona vs Manchester United

"...Historical stats have shown that Man Utd is poor against Spanish teams."

-Gary, 23 Apr 2008

Look like now is my turn to get the predictions wrong at the most critical time. Boohoo.

Anyway, last weekend match have to thank Carlo Tevez for saving us again and again. Been at the right place at the right time to equalise the match. He is not called "The Scarred Face Assassin" for no reason. To me, it was a one point gain than two points lose. Ewood Park was not a good place to get 3 points as past matches have shown. But i was hoping that Mark Hughes will help Fergie. Yet, i was wrong again. Grr.

Was it me or Barcelona is losing focus at the wrong time? Liverpool have their off-field problems but at least they are showing results on the field. But Barcelona is losing everything at the moment. Last 8 matches including Champions League against Schalke, they only win 3 matches. They just cant seem to get the results they wanted, or winning matches to boast players' confidence. Something just doesnt seem to go right with Barcelona at the moment. Is it Ronaldinho's fitness problem, Frank Rijkaard's tactics or Barcelona's top management? It could be either one of it, or worst, all of them. And it really affecting the performance of those domestic matches.

Before anyone place their bet on Man Utd just because of recent Barcelona form, hold your horse. Yes, Man Utd is currently unbeaten in the competition. Yes, Man Utd is determined to reach the Final to have an all-English Final at Moscow. But historical stats have shown that Man Utd is poor against Spanish teams. The last time Man Utd face Spanish opposition is Real Madrid and ended in a loss. The only solitary win against Spanish team is Deportivo in 2001/02 where the eccentric Fabien Barthez was still around. T_T

Barcelona Team News: Ronaldinho is the only player in the treatment room or what the papers mentioned.

Man Utd Team News: Surprisingly, everyone was given a clean bill of health and flew out of England.

Odds and analysis: Both teams have met during Man Utd's treble winning season in 98/99. Both times have ended in a stalemate. Eating a 0.25 ball handicap. Take Man Utd. I think it will end in a draw as both teams are still unbeaten and would want to hold the record for it. I believe the return leg will be decided by penalties.

Disclaimer: This review is entirely on my own views and opinion. I didn’t point a gun at you to ask you to follow. If you want to bet on this game, do so at your own risk. Pls bet within limits. Good luck.

SPUG EPL Prediction League (26 - 27 April 2008)

This weekend could possibly be the English Premier League final as we will be predicting the outcome between Chelsea and Manchester United, from which the winner of this match could possibly be the League Champion. ManUtd at this time have a slight advantage as even a draw means a step forward to the title. However, this is countered by the fact that Chelsea will be playing them at home at Stamford Bridge.

On Sunday, we bring you also a very close match to test your prediction skills from which, the SPUG Prediction League title may also very well be decided here.

Let's go!

EPL 63: SAT 26/4 Chelsea vs Manchester United at 7.45pm SIN/HKG

EPL 64: SUN 27/4 Everton vs Aston Villa at 10.55pm SIN/HKG

Good luck!

SPUG EPL Prediction LeagueResults 19 - 20 Apr 2008

Whoa! Just when we thought cool402 is surging for the title, he blows the engine just before the finishing line!

There is no worse time to score a zero in the outcome category then during the run in and the proverbial banana peel gifted the rest of us who took the risk to predict different from Cool402.

The bigesst reaper has gotta be Beaver21 whose sole 9-point haul propels him to pole position and a comfortable 4-point lead.

Any more banana peels to come? We shall see.

Important Note: We will be doing the Prediction League for the Euro2008 tournament where we will be predicting all 32 matches with updates every other day, i.e. we will be predicting 4 matches at one go in the initial stages of the tournament. Once the EPL ends, we will have a short breather before we start opening matches for predictions some time around the beginning of June. So do stay around until then and tell all your friends to join in.

Housekeeping Notes:

All of this season's tables will be kept in Flickr's photoset. Click Here.

For last season's, Click Here.


SPUG EPL Prediction League "Perfect Score" Hall Of Fame
Perfect Score = 2 correct-score predictions in a single weekend and hence the award of the full 10 points.

1) David.hvp (23 Dec 2007)
2) Beaver21 (23 Dec 2007)
3) Edwinsng (02 Feb 2008)
4) Beaver21(15 Mar 2008)

Scoring System
3-Points for a correct outcome (Win, Lose or Draw)
1-point each for correct score on each side.

Double Entry
Later submission shall override earlier submission.

Penalty
No points for submission after kick-off. (Disqualification)

SPUG Blackout
The SPUG EPL Prediction League will be played here but if in the event Blogger/Blogspot servers go down, we will automatically carry on the league over to my personal blog at http://jaywalk.blog-city.com. Please bookmark this or at the very least stay in touch with one of us as we will also be helping all stay in the loop via the various channels like MSN, Skype, email as well as SPUG Off-Topic Chat.

Prediction League Past Winners

Copa America 2004 - WeiMeng
EPL 2004/2005 - Friday13
EPL 2005/2006 - ianrush
World Cup 2006 - EdwinSng
EPL 2006/2007 - Voxeros

As usual:

1) If you have spotted a mistake, please let me know where and what so that I can amend them accordingly.
2) Please check your scores for accuracy as soon as possible before I update the table during the next round of scores. Once the table has been updated, the old table will be overwritten.
3) In case you are still seeing the old table even if I have announced a new update, please refresh your browser to reload the table.

Beer Fund Raising : 19 - 20 Apr 2008

As we draw the season to an end, I am surprised to see Chelsea instead of Arsenal runing alongside with us for the title. Chelsea cleared their game earlier in midweek (anyone knows why the special arrangement?) to close the gap to 2 points. Hopefully, we are able to clear ours as well to restore the 5-point cushion as well as to be in the position where one more win after this anything within the next 3 games to seal the title for us.

We have the advantage currently as a slip up for Chelsea anytime within the next 3 games means dishing the title to us on a silver platter.

By my calculation as of today, the passing mark to survive the season in the Premier League is now at 38. The number may more up or down depending on how the relegation fight unfolds but for now, it is 38.

That means that Sunderland needs only 2 points to make it ashore or just a single victory would do. However, the outlook is bleak for the Black Cat this week as Keane brings his boys to Newcastle for a Northern Derby.

Expect a cracker of a match up North but I think Newcastle should come up the victors. Perhaps the points would start flowing in for Sunderland next week?

Click here to find out how the Wanker Points Index came about.

Saturday's Picks:

• Arsenal - Give 1.50 ball (Win)
  
• Fulham - Eat 0.25 ball (Lose)
  
• West Ham - Give 1.25 ball (Lose 1/2)
  

• Sevilla - Give 1.00 ball (Lose)
  

Sunday's Picks:

• AC Milan -Give 1.50 ball (Testing theory)
  
  
• Deportivo - Eat 0.25 ball (Win)
  

HUAT AH!!!

Result This Week : 2 - 0 - 2.5

Result This Season: 72 - 8 - 58.5 = 13.5-UP as at 20 Apr 2008

Disclaimer: This is merely to log my own results. You are welcome to follow if you like but I must warn you that you bear your own winnings or losses, whatever the outcome. I have nothing to do with your bets. Please bet responsibly and within your means. There is no absolute sure thing in football betting. If you can't afford to lose, then don't bet.

Weekend Outlook (19 Apr 2008)

Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester United

"He(Fergie) will want to stick with his trusted First 11 and go for the final push for both titles."

-Gary, 19 Apr 2008

With a 2 points lead and a game in hand, i really dont see Man Utd will slip up. So long as next weekend Man Utd get a draw at Stamford "Iron Fortress" Bridge, they are technically champions. Im not being arrogant for it as there are some conspiracies going on.

Alex McLeish in Birmingham, Mark Hughes in Blackburn, Steve Bruce in Wigan, anything in common? These 3 current managers of the respective clubs have play for Fergie when he was in charge of Aberdeen and Man Utd. And guess what, these 3 clubs have taken 14 points from Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea this season.

I dont know why i have this feeling. But it just occurs to me that majority of them rather let Man Utd win the title than hand-ribbon it to Chelsea or Arsenal. One of them is ihawk98. hahaha. A true Spurs fan who just dont like the sight of Arsenal or Chelsea being champions. Remember the final scoreline between Spurs and Chelsea earlier this season? 4-4!! 2 points lose for Chelsea. And we have to thank Spurs for that.

Anyway, coming back to this weekend match, some good news to share. Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick have extend their contracts. With one eye in midweek against Barcelona, I think Fergie will not disrupt the momentum as in thinkering with the formation. He will want to stick with his trusted First 11 and go for the final push for both titles.

Blackburn Team News: Jason Roberts and David Dunn are back from injuries.

Man Utd Team News: Vidic, Nani and Fletcher are back. Louis Saha is out, injured his hamstring once again. Anderson and Hargreaves are slight doubts for this match.

Odds and Analysis: With a 0.75 ball handicap, take Man Utd for the win.

Disclaimer: This review is entirely on my own views and opinion. I didn’t point a gun at you to ask you to follow. If you want to bet on this game, do so at your own risk. Pls bet within limits. Good luck.

SPUG EPL Prediction League (19 - 20 April 2008)

This Sat, we have Fulham against Liverpool. With 3 games to go and 4 points behind Birmingham, Fulham is in need of a miracle not to get relegate but to face Liverpool at such timing, they really need more than luck and miracle.

On Sun, Portsmouth visit Manchester City. Both teams are gunning down for an European ticket next season via the final standings in the League. No one is disputing about Manchester City home form at the moment but Portsmouth away form is suspecting at the moment. Who will emerge victorious?

EPL 61: SAT 19/4 Fulham vs Liverpool at 9.55pm SIN/HKG

EPL 62: SUN 20/4 Man City vs Portsmouth at 10.55pm SIN/HKG

Good luck!

SPUG EPL Prediction LeagueResults 12 - 13 Apr 2008

ManUtd, Arsenal and JayWalk. Name the odd one out.

ManUtd coz as far as the other two are concerned, the season's over.

I have officially thrown in the towel for the title chase and yet again, no one in the history of the SPUG EPL Prediction League has managed to defend his title.

Congrats to Cool402 for peaking at the right time as he continues to power away at the top, now sitting comfortably on a 4-point cushion.

Well done!

Housekeeping Notes:

All of this season's tables will be kept in Flickr's photoset. Click Here.

For last season's, Click Here.


SPUG EPL Prediction League "Perfect Score" Hall Of Fame
Perfect Score = 2 correct-score predictions in a single weekend and hence the award of the full 10 points.

1) David.hvp (23 Dec 2007)
2) Beaver21 (23 Dec 2007)
3) Edwinsng (02 Feb 2008)
4) Beaver21(15 Mar 2008)

Scoring System
3-Points for a correct outcome (Win, Lose or Draw)
1-point each for correct score on each side.

Double Entry
Later submission shall override earlier submission.

Penalty
No points for submission after kick-off. (Disqualification)

SPUG Blackout
The SPUG EPL Prediction League will be played here but if in the event Blogger/Blogspot servers go down, we will automatically carry on the league over to my personal blog at http://jaywalk.blog-city.com. Please bookmark this or at the very least stay in touch with one of us as we will also be helping all stay in the loop via the various channels like MSN, Skype, email as well as SPUG Off-Topic Chat.

Prediction League Past Winners

Copa America 2004 - WeiMeng
EPL 2004/2005 - Friday13
EPL 2005/2006 - ianrush
World Cup 2006 - EdwinSng
EPL 2006/2007 - Voxeros

As usual:

1) If you have spotted a mistake, please let me know where and what so that I can amend them accordingly.
2) Please check your scores for accuracy as soon as possible before I update the table during the next round of scores. Once the table has been updated, the old table will be overwritten.
3) In case you are still seeing the old table even if I have announced a new update, please refresh your browser to reload the table.

Beer Fund Raising : 12 - 13 Apr 2008

Come the European Champions League Semi-Finals everybody will be rooting for ManUtd to beat Barcelona. Even the Liverpool and Chelsea fans. Why? We are witnessing history in the making and should ManUtd reach the ECL Final, this would be an all England affair. A first!

Anyway, with only 5 games to go, ManUtd has Arsenal to play and Chelsea further down the road. It is no longer an easy cruise to the end of the season like we had last season. From a mathematical point of view, we need 12 points from the last 5 games (maximum 15 points) to win the title outright. In other words, we can afford to lose one of these two clashes and still win the title.

Ok, before I sound like a defeatist, I am just planning worst case scenario contingency lah.

ManUtd needs 12 points in the last 5 games to win the league. Sunderland needs 4 points in the last 5 games to survive the league.

Their opponent today is ManCity who has a terrible away record despite shit loads of money pour into the club, courtesy of ex-Thai PM Thaksin. I am starting to think that perhaps Thaksin didn't get a very good deal?

Anyway, punters are all pointing to a Sunderland win and if today's 3 points goes into the bag, Sunderland is virtually assured of a place in next season's Premier League.

If I were Keane, I wrap this up right now and focus next on climbing the ladder as far up as possible to maximise the EPL prize money which is dependent on final league position. I believe the different is 500,000 Pounds Sterling for every step up.

Click here to find out how the Wanker Points Index came about.

Saturday's Picks:

• AC Milan - Eat 0.25 ball (Testing Theory)
  

Sunday's Picks:

• Real Madrid - Give 1.75 ball (Lose)
  
• Almeria - Eat 0.25 ball (Win)
  
  
• Inter Milan - Give 0.75 ball (Testing Theory)
  

HUAT AH!!!

Result This Week : 1 - 0 - 1

Result This Season: 70 - 8 - 56 = 14-UP as at 13 Apr 2008

Disclaimer: This is merely to log my own results. You are welcome to follow if you like but I must warn you that you bear your own winnings or losses, whatever the outcome. I have nothing to do with your bets. Please bet responsibly and within your means. There is no absolute sure thing in football betting. If you can't afford to lose, then don't bet.

Weekend Outlook (13 Apr 2008)

Manchester United vs Arsenal

"...There is no way, short of a miracle, that any team anywhere in the world can overturn a 2-goal deficit at Old Trafford...."

- JayWalk, 12 Apr 2008

It was a brave gamble to rest key players during the return-leg of the ECL quarter-final and boy, did it paid off handsomely. Not only are we comfortably through to the semi-finals, we also have a relatively fresh squad ahead of tomorrow's clash against Arsenal.

Remember what I said about our possession stats against strong opponents? Well Roma being the visitors are at 51% to our 49%. Granted that the 2% of 90 minutes is actually only a mere 108 seconds, it just look bad on paper. Psychological perhaps?

So anyway, Roma gifted the game to us when they miss the penalty by launching the ball into orbit.

Still, realistically as Roma would already realised was that they had thrown in the towel. There is no way, short of a miracle, that any team anywhere in the world can overturn a 2-goal deficit at Old Trafford. I wish them luck for their weekend game against Udinese (away) as they chase current leader Inter Milan for the Scudetto.

Up ahead, we have the advantage of playing away at Nou Camp first in the ECL semi-final and I think by then we should have a full squad to choose from, right at a time when Barcelona is flying through some turbulence domestically, trailing leader Real Madrid by 7 points and just barely above Villarreal who are level on points with an inferior goal difference.

The way I see it, Barcelona may go the way of calling it a day on their ECL campaign and focus on catching Real Madrid. The only difference from AS Roma is that their Catalan Pride may not allow them to give up one for the other and as such, may risk finishing the season with nothing. Probably what Fergie would have done anyway.

JayWalk The Talk: If you thought I was surprised to see Ferdinand take to the field during midweek, I was even more shocked to see Silvestre and Neville on the pitch as well. However, it is ironic that despite getting 2 defenders back from the sickbay, we are still worried about our back line with just the absence of Vidic. Is Vidic so almighty that ManUtd cannot do without him, then even with the return of two very established defenders, it is still not good enough? Comments please.

Elsewhere, we have Nani, Fletcher and Saha still injured.

The Arsenal sickbay also looked pretty full with list going like Flamini, Diaby, Sagna, Eduardo and Rosicky.

Doesn't look like it's going to be a good day for the Gunners this weekend.

JayWalk The Walk: Arsenal is currently going through a crisis of faith as they tumbled down the league ladder with a dismal win in their last 7 fixtures.

Mid-week defeat was just a further slap in the face. Their weakness is now obvious. The team is too young and they lack mental toughness. Gone are the days where every club feared the names of Henry, Adam, Pires and Viera. Instead when you look at the team sheet, we only see a bunch of kids' names.

Sure, they are a talented bunch of youngsters but when they hit a rough patch, they have nothing else in their arsenal (no pun intended) to carry on fighting. Van Persie and Adebayor both played poorly during mid-week and was instant fodder for Liverpool to go in for the kill. Mind you, in terms of technical skills, Arsenal, in my opinion, is a notch above Liverpool but the mental toughness of Liverpool, especially during European games is one of the best in Europe.

This is a game where Arsenal MUST WIN in order to stay in the title race. This is a do-or-die game, failing which, the season will be over for them. So the pressure is on them more than ManUtd who has a 3-point cushion over challenger Chelsea at the current moment.

There are two ways to look at this pressure. It could spur them to greater heights on account of their hunger or it could just implode the entire team as a result of their mental strength's inability to overcome it.

Well, it is not all peaches and cream for ManUtd even with a 3-point cushion. It would be better if we can win Arsenal (and assuming Chelsea to keep up since winning over Wigan this week is almost a given), and that we can take this buffer to the Chelsea game on 26 Apr 2008, right after our return from Barcelona. We are going to need that insurance buffer. Mark that date on your calendar for I think that would be the championship decider.

Coming back, ManUtd will be giving a 0.50-ball handicap with a 1.86 decimal odds to beat it. Sounds like the bookies are all going for a ManUtd win although the tipsters are all gunning for a draw. However, Match Poll from SkySports (see above right) suggests that only 4% of the respondents predict a draw as in this particular game,. However, a draw does not do either side any favour and so, expect both teams to go all out to fight for that 3 points.

Still, taking a reference from their last 10 head-to-heads in the EPL, we have a slight advantage at 3-5-2 and one can't help but noticed that 5 of the 10 games ended in a draw.

Verdict? I am still undecided although I am inclined to go for ManUtd on account of the well rested players during mid-week. Watch for my Beer Fund Raising post later in the day here for my decision on this game.

Disclaimer: The above views are purely my own two-cents' worth. In other words, I cannot and will not guarantee that my predictions are accurate. If you want to bet on the game, do so at your own risk. Also, please bet responsibly and within your means regardless of how "sure thing" that game may appear to be. As the old saying goes, "The Ball Is Round". Good luck.

Midweek Outlook (9th April 2008)

Manchester United vs Roma

"Without Vidic, Man Utd defence looks suspecting!!"

- Gary, 9th April 2008

Without Vidic, Man Utd defence looks suspecting!! Even Rio Ferdinand also went out injured during the match. Not a good omen to me in the Premier League and Champions League.

We are now in the final push for both titles where key matches against Arsenal and Chelsea will determine where the Premier League title will be heading to.

With Champions League semi final beckons, every match to us right now is a nail-biting one. If both central defenders are fit, i believe half of the battle have won in the run in towards the Premier League and Champions League title. I think now every team will like to take advantage of the make shift defence to deny Man Utd the title. I think by the end of the season, i dont have nails to bite on!! >.<

Some facts:

• Man Utd home form in Champions League stretch back 3 seasons ago.
• Roma have only won once against English opposition.
• Man Utd have not lose since winning away in the first leg.
  

Somehow, historical stats and past matches will have an indication to show who is the favourite to win. But after last season 7-1 drubbing at Old Trafford, i think this match have to really depends on your luck and calculation of odds. Man Utd key defenders out, Roma determined to lay the ghosts to rest. Hard to choose? Then dont punt.

Man Utd Team News: Rio Ferdinand and Vidic are out. Gary Neville is standing by to make his first match in this season. Mikael Silvestre is still in the Reserves.

Roma Team News: Totti and Matteo Ferrari are out. Simone Perrotta and Juan are expected to start.

Odds and Analysis: With 0.75 ball handicap, take Man Utd for the win. Just a little punt for me.

Disclaimer: This review is entirely on my own views and opinion. I didn’t point a gun at you to ask you to follow. If you want to bet on this game, do so at your own risk. Pls bet within limits. Good luck.

SPUG EPL Prediction League (12 - 13 April 2008)

Arsenal may be out of the title chase but they certainly still have an important role to play as king maker. A win over ManUtd may not be able to resurrect their own title chances but certainly opens the path for Chelsea to catch up on points. Let us not forget that Chelsea still have a game to play against ManUtd which would most possible be touted as the EPL Final.

And on Saturday, we see Middlesbrough again but this time taking on Spurs at White Hart Lane. Boro have a knack to give their best against the top 4 but fizzle out against everybody else. I wonder why?

So how would they fare again Spurs who have been up and down and all over the place themselves?

EPL 59: SAT 07/04 Tottenham Hotspur vs Middlesbrough at 9:55pm SIN/HKG

EPL 60: SUN 08/04 Manchester United vs Arsenal at 10:55pm SIN/HKG

Good luck.

SPUG EPL Prediction LeagueResults 05 - 06 Apr 2008

I think the season is over for unless a miracle happens and I get a second wind. Otherwise, it looks like I am sliding further and further down ala Arsenal.

Congrats to David.hvp for making a surge to mount a great leap to joint-6th and also to Cool402 for keeping his cool (no pun intended) stay at the top with a cushion of 3 points.

Housekeeping Notes:

All of this season's tables will be kept in Flickr's photoset. Click Here.

For last season's, Click Here.


SPUG EPL Prediction League "Perfect Score" Hall Of Fame
Perfect Score = 2 correct-score predictions in a single weekend and hence the award of the full 10 points.

1) David.hvp (23 Dec 2007)
2) Beaver21 (23 Dec 2007)
3) Edwinsng (02 Feb 2008)
4) Beaver21(15 Mar 2008)

Scoring System
3-Points for a correct outcome (Win, Lose or Draw)
1-point each for correct score on each side.

Double Entry
Later submission shall override earlier submission.

Penalty
No points for submission after kick-off. (Disqualification)

SPUG Blackout
The SPUG EPL Prediction League will be played here but if in the event Blogger/Blogspot servers go down, we will automatically carry on the league over to my personal blog at http://jaywalk.blog-city.com. Please bookmark this or at the very least stay in touch with one of us as we will also be helping all stay in the loop via the various channels like MSN, Skype, email as well as SPUG Off-Topic Chat.

Prediction League Past Winners

Copa America 2004 - WeiMeng
EPL 2004/2005 - Friday13
EPL 2005/2006 - ianrush
World Cup 2006 - EdwinSng
EPL 2006/2007 - Voxeros

As usual:

1) If you have spotted a mistake, please let me know where and what so that I can amend them accordingly.
2) Please check your scores for accuracy as soon as possible before I update the table during the next round of scores. Once the table has been updated, the old table will be overwritten.
3) In case you are still seeing the old table even if I have announced a new update, please refresh your browser to reload the table.

Beer Fund Raising : 05 - 06 Apr 2008

With only 6 games to go, we are finally down the home stretch towards the end of the season. ManUtd only need another 13 points from the remaining 6 games to win it mathmatically. This weekend may also mark the beginning of a two-horse race as Arsenal hosts Liverpool. A draw and it means Arsenal dropping out of the title chase leaving Chelsea as the sole challenger. Then again, there may be a revival in chance as both Chelsea and Arsenal are to play ManUtd in the final 6 matches.

West Ham went on an unbelieveable streak right about the same time last season and secure survival in the top flight. Could this be Sunderland's turn now?

Today's game could yet be another opportunity to grab some points against an uninspired Fulham. A win would bring them within 4 points from the magic 40.

However, the bookies seem bent against Sunderland for it would mean 2 away wins in a row for Sunderland who have had one miserable away win so far all season.

Between Fulham and Sunderland, the Black Cats, under Keano are the hungrier of the two. Sunderland also have the advantage of being less under pressure for a draw is a good enough result while Fulham faces a must-win-or-die situation.

Click here to find out how the Wanker Points Index came about.

Saturday's Picks:

• Arsenal - Give 0.25 ball (Lose 1/2)
• Chelsea - Give 0.75 ball (Win)
  
• Fulham - Give 0.25 ball (Lose)
  
  
• Osasuna - Give 0.50 ball (Lose)
  

Sunday's Picks:

• Barcelona - Give 1.50 ball (Lose)

HUAT AH!!!

Result This Week : 1 - 0 - 3.5 = 2.5-DN

Result This Season: 69 - 8 - 55 = 14-UP as at 06 Apr 2008

Disclaimer: This is merely to log my own results. You are welcome to follow if you like but I must warn you that you bear your own winnings or losses, whatever the outcome. I have nothing to do with your bets. Please bet responsibly and within your means. There is no absolute sure thing in football betting. If you can't afford to lose, then don't bet.

Weekend Outlook (05 Apr 2008)

Middlesbrough vs Manchester United

"...As weaker as Boro is, they have do have a knack to be one of ManUtd's perennial bogey teams...."

- JayWalk, 05 Apr 2008

Just we were biting nails fearing the worst on our travels to Rome, we went ahead and strolled to an 2-0 away win.

I think my heart cannot take it liao. All the roller coaster ride is going to kill me one of these days. Dammit!

We evenly matched them in every aspect but I do notice that when we come up against tough opponents, we are always at the shorter end of the possession statistic, regardless of result. Strange.

So anyway, it's good we got a victory and 2 away-goals to boot. I think Roma should right about now throw in the towel and focus on their Serie A. As far as my opinion goes, their European campaign has ended. Roma needs to beat us by 3 goals in order to turn the tables around. Us leak 3 goals at Old Trafford? What are the chances?

I think it would be wiser for Roma forget about ECL already. Currently with 7 games to go, they are trailing Inter Milan by a mere 4 points which means that they have a very good shot to pip Inter Milan for the Scudetto. Why then, risk injury and fatigue fighting a losing battle?

JayWalk The Talk: Fletcher, Vidic and Saha are out while Silvestre and Neville are both coming back steadily to full physical fitness. However, it may be a while more before full match fitness is attained. By then perhaps the season is over? Would Fergie risk using them now at a time where each match is more and more critical?

On the Boro side, Mido is definitely out as with Huth and Jones. However, Gareth Southgate will be welcoming back Rochemback from the sick bay which would give him an additional option to midfield besides Boateng and Cattermole.

JayWalk The Walk: Bookies are making ManUtd give a 1.25-ball handicap with a pretty even decimal odds of 1.975 to beat it.

I am worried about two things here. As weaker as Boro is, they have do have a knack to be one of ManUtd's perennial bogey teams especially at the Riverside Stadium. In their last 10 head-to-heads, Middlesbrough have a respectable 3-3-4 against ManUtd (both home and away).

The other thing of concern is that I notice this season, is that ManUtd performs relatively poorly after returning from mid-week games. They may still win but ultimately performance was so poor that critics would be stabbing the team with their scribe knives. Passing the Asian-handicaps were also too often jeopardised as a result.

Also, on the horizon, we have the return leg to play as we host Roma on Wednesday. Just because we are 2-0 up on Roma, doesn't mean that we can slack off and expect Roma to let us cruise to the next round so easily. We do know that Fergie will be rotating players to conserve freshness of legs but your guess is as good as mine as to which of these two matches (Boro or Roma) is the more important one?

Logically, it would be Boro match as Roma is very much in cruise control but Fergie with his Euro Obssession, may feel otherwise. I guess we will all have to wait for the team sheet to be published an hour before kick-off.

We may be 5 points ahead of second-placed Chelsea but we should need at least 7-points buffer as insurance against our encounter against Chelsea and Arsenal in the run-in.

Verdict: I say we should win this encounter but I expect it to be a very tamed affair. However, I have my doubts about clearing the handicap. Then again, we only lose half a stake, so bet on ManUtd only if you can afford to risk it.

Disclaimer: The above views are purely my own two-cents' worth. In other words, I cannot and will not guarantee that my predictions are accurate. If you want to bet on the game, do so at your own risk. Also, please bet responsibly and within your means regardless of how "sure thing" that game may appear to be. As the old saying goes, "The Ball Is Round". Good luck.