SPUG EPL Prediction League (01 - 02 March 2008)

Is it me or is 2008 passing us by very quickly? In the blink of an eye and we are playing for games in the month of March already. What happened to January and February?

Anyway, good luck to everyone as we should start to see more players joining Club100 after this weekend.

EPL47: SAT 01/03 Fulham vs Manchester United at 11:00 pm SIN/HKG

EPL48: SUN 02/03 Everton vs Portsmouth at 11:55 pm SIN/HKG

Good luck.

SPUG EPL Prediction LeagueResults 23 - 24 Feb 2008

If I can steal a quote from Captain Bertorelli of the BBC hit sitcom 'Allo 'Allo.

"What da mistake-a to make-a!"

Granted I still hang on to the pole position with 7-points ahead of the next challenger, my blunder inevitably blew open the race as I now have as many as 6 challengers within strikezone.

A consolatory pat on the back for Everton and ihawk98 for coming so close to that elusive Perfect-10. Better luck next time.

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)

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 : 23 - 24 Feb 2008

And we are back from the Chinese New Year break as we step up the gear as the clubs enter the second round of the European campaigns, Final of the Carling Cup and Quarter-Finals of the FA Cup.

On the European front, all British clubs got off relatively unscathed with the exception of Glasgow Celtic who lost at home to Barcelona to a score of 2-3. Hopefully, they would be able to turn things around in a fortnight's time.

Sunderland picked up an amazing win the last round as now stand proudly in 14th position at 26 points in 26 games.

Gut feel says that it is unlikely the Black Cats can take any points today but surely Roy Keane would have been happy with a single point as they look forward to getting 3 points next week to really get them out of relegation trouble.

Good luck!

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

Saturday's Picks:

• Arsenal - Give 1.00 ball (Lose)
  
• Middlesbrough - Eat 1.25 ball (Win 1/2)
  
• Portsmouth - Give 0.75 ball (Win 1/2)
• ManUtd - Give 1.00 ball (Win)
  
  
• Juventus - Give 0.75 ball (Testing Theory)
  

Sunday's Picks:

• Catania - Eat 0.25 ball (Testing Theory)
• AC Milan - Give 1.00 ball (Testing Theory)
  

HUAT AH!!!

Result This Week : 2 - 0 - 1

Result This Season: 60 - 8 - 41 = 19-UP as at 23 Feb 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 (23 Feb 2008)

Newcastle vs Manchester United

"Keegan's second coming will not start this season, but rather the next season.."

-Gary, 23 Feb 2008

There goes my perfect record of predicting Man Utd's outcome in the Champions League. True to be told, i was expecting Man Utd to draw as previous results against Lyon in France was a draw as well.

In the match, Lyon was trying its best to erase the tag as been an "underdog or darkhorses" for the Champions League title, but in term of experience, Lyon fail badly.

Guess Lyon have to tried again another time then.

We travel to St James Park today and this is the first match since Keegan loses his cool to allow Man Utd won the championship over Newcastle.

There is a newspaper report on how Kevin Keegan work. He was a great motivator but a lousy tactician. He is able to urge his team to go out and score as many goals as they can without defending. Well, this is what Newcastle fans look forward to, but times have changed. Only once in a blue moon will you able to see a high-scoring game like Everton 6-1 Brann, Liverpool 8-0 Besiktas or Man Utd 7-1 Roma.

Keegan's second coming will not start this season, but rather the next season. Newscastle have change too many managers over the last 3 seasons that the players do not know how to adapt to a playing style to another within a short time. After Bobby Robson, in came Graeme Souness, Glenn Roeder and Sam Allardyce over the last 3 seasons. all offer different kinds of playing style especially Allardyce. He used long ball methods linking between defenders and strikers, making midfielders a tad useless in the match. Oh well, hope Keegan's stay will not be as short as Allardyce.

Newcastle Team News: Stephen Carr, Emre and Martins will be unavailable for the match due to injuries.

Man Utd Team News: Other than Gary and Silvestre, Fergie have a full squad to choose from.

Odds and Analysis: Im not so confident on this match as Fergie mentioned he will make changes to the match. But with a 1 ball handicap at 1.85, i think Man Utd is able to nick it. No use punting your money for this match, you will only get back your capital.

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.

Midweek Outlook (20 Feb 2008)

Lyon vs Manchester United

"Man Utd will go into this match full of confidence as they are yet to be beaten in the group stages."

- Gary, 20 Feb 2008

I didnt watch the match from the start as i was playing games on my computer. I only tuned in to the match after 20 mins. And i got the shock of my life. Man Utd 2 goals up. Huh? Sure or not? The tie is practically over in just 15 mins because i just couldnt see Arsenal getting back in the game. They were sluggish, horrendous defending and Man Utd were attacking all the time. Edwin van der Sar is like a bystander on the pitch.

By the time Man Utd is 3 goals up and Arsenal 1 man down, Nani decides to disrespect Arsenal by showing off his skills. Not a very good way to do that. He could have done that during friendlies or exhibition match. But then it was a good entertainment there to show off one of our fiercest rivals.

Now we are back in the Champions League action and we are away to Lyon. Lyon had been in the champions league for 7 years and running. They have won their domestic title for 6 years in a row and i think this year title is also for their taking. They are the underdogs or dark horses for the Champions League title. But time and time again, they fail on the big stage where it matter most.

Man Utd will go into this match full of confidence as they are yet to be beaten in the group stages. And also due to the weekend result. Not only that, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Owen Hargreaves have return as they didnt play against Arsenal.

Lyon Team News: A fully fit squad to choose from. No injuries, no suspension.

Man Utd Team News: Other than Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre, all are fit and no suspension.

Odds and analysis: With 0.25 handicap at 1.95, 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 (23 - 24 Feburary 2008)

Here are the fixtures for this weekend.

EPL 45: Sat 23/02 Fulham vs West Ham at 11.00pm SIN/HKG

EPL 46: Sun 24/2 Reading vs Aston Villa at 8.30pm SIN/HKG

Good luck

Weekend Outlook (16 Feb 2008)

Manchester United vs Arsenal

"With both teams cast an eye over the midweek Champions League fixtures, i have a feeling that both managers will not select their First Eleven."

-Gary, 16 Feb 2008

Look like Man City have claim bragging rights over us! Man Utd didnt really have the heart to play the match, is as though they are really mourning for the Busby Babes. And also without the influential Wayne Rooney.

Today match against Arsenal is the only all Premiership team FA cup tie. And there is only 6 Premiership teams left at this round - 5th round.

With both teams cast an eye over the midweek Champions League fixtures, i have a feeling that both managers will not select their First Eleven.

I think this is the best time to take on Arsenal as they are now in their bare bones. Look like injuries and suspensions have taken a toll on them. But then, this is the mind games that Arsene are playing, no?? i dont think there are only 14 fit players travel to Old Trafford. I think he will leave out 2 or 3 players for AC Milan match in midweek.

Man Utd Team News: Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra are back from suspension. Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre are still out.

Arsenal Team News: Johan Djourou, Robin van Persie, Abou Diaby, Manuel Almunia, Denilson, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna and Philippe Senderos are all out.

Odds and Analysis: With a virtual team out of this match, shouldnt Man Utd be given a higher handicap to clear it? (the handicap at that time was -0.25) Now the handicap is at -0.5, I will 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

No game for this weekend as it's the Fifth Round of the FA Cup tournament.

Predictions will be back the week after.

Cheers.

SPUG EPL Prediction LeagueResults 09 - 10 Feb 2008

This is what I love about picking derbies as the results are less predictable even if the teams' respectively standards are vast different.

Guess what? We were all floored by the Citizens who completed the double over us since 1974. NB!!!

Anyway, a pat on my own back for being the first to hit the century mark and pulling even further to an 8-point lead.

A lucky escape for Weimeng that despite getting both outcomes wrong, he still managed to score 2 points from goal bonuses to stay in the race at a weekend where the highest score is a mere 4-point haul.

2 very precious points indeed!

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)

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.

Weekend Outlook (10 Feb 2008)

Manchester United vs Manchester City

"This match is for the Busby Babes that lost their lives on 6th Feb 1958.."

-Gary, 10 Feb 2008

Last match against Tottenham was kind of expected. With the defence fixed, it was a matter of time that Man Utd find it difficult in the final third of the pitch.

Tonight match against Manchester City is not only a derby but also a match for the Busby Babes that loses their lives on 6th Feb 1958. Man Utd will wear a replica jersey for this match.

This match will also see the senior debut of Danny Welbeck as Wayne Ronney is suspended.

The replica jersey is shown on the right. Manchester City players will also be wearing a replica jersey.

Man Utd Team News: Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra are suspended. Danny Welbeck will be having his senior debut.

Man City Team News: Elano is suspended.

Odds and Analysis: With a handicap of 1.5 at 1.925, 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.

Beer Fund Raising : 09 - 10 Feb 2008

I think it is a stupid idea to have an extra game overseas just for the sake of money. As if the current fixtures isn't hectic enough. I would have pushed for the opposite direction to have only 18 teams in the top tier and only 34 domestic games per season as per the Serie A of old. No doubt, extra games means extra revenue from gate receipts, TV rights and other related stuff, extra games have a toll on the players' well being and it has been proven, fatigue and injuries are correlated.

Say NO to Game #39!

On the Roy Keane side, they are out of the relegation zone with a good win to bring them to 23 points in 25 games. I supposed if there are 38 games to play and 40 points to ensure premiership survival, I think that as long as the club stays close to the 1-to-1 point-game ratio, the club should be relatively safe as it signals that they are on course to avoid relegation.

A look at the crystal ball and there is a good chance for the Black Cats to climb all the way to mid table as they play Wigan and Derby at home today and a fortnight later respectively. These are great opportunities for 3 points each.

The shock exit of Benjani is good news to Keane as they travel to Fratton Park next week to play Portsmouth. Yet another good chance to take some point(s) home.

Saturday's Picks:

• Getafe - Eat 0.25 ball (Win 1/2)
  

Sunday's Picks:

• ManUtd - Give 1.50 ball (Lose)
  

HUAT AH!!!

Result This Week : 0.5 - 0 - 1

Result This Season: 58 - 8 - 40 = 18-UP as at 11 Feb 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.

SPUG EPL Prediction League (09 - 10 February 2008)

As I am back home for the Chinese New Year, I am, ironically, facing a problem of limited internet access. As such, you will see more of Sheena and Gary taking over the writing until I am back in Spitland towards the end of the month.

I am looking forward to this weekend's prediction as I am a mere 3 points away from the century mark.

EPL43: SAT 09/02 Aston Villa vs Newcastle United at 08:45 pm SIN/HKG

EPL44: SUN 10/02 Manchester United vs Manchester City at 09:00 pm SIN/HKG

Good luck.

SPUG EPL Prediction LeagueResults 02 - 03 Feb 2008

Quite a number of high scorers this weekend, myself included.

While I managed to pull a 7 point-gap over challenger KingMeng, highlight of the weekend must go to edwinsng for pulling a Perfect-10 bringing a total of 3 players with the honours this season. Congratulations.

The coming weeks will be harder as the European campaigns resumes.

Good luck with the next predictions.

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)

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.

Weekend Outlook (2 Feb 2008)

Tottenham Hotspurs vs Manchester United

Tottenham's defence is not leaky anymore..!!

-Gary, 02 Feb 2008

Pwah! Did anyone saw that freekick? Ronaldo is just getting better and better all the time. He is getting more mature since he first came to English soil 4 years ago. Less fanciful crossovers, stay on his feet more rather than be a diver. And he is getting more unpredictable where defenders wouldnt know what he will do next. Cross or shoot or pass or even dribble past them. Even his freekick also unpredictable. Over the wall or a low shot when the defenders are jumping. The latter freekick is when Man Utd trashed Newcastle 6-0.

Next up is Tottenham. Look like there is every chance of revenge for Tottenham. And Juande Ramos has finally done something to the defence. Buy defenders during the transfer window. In came Jonathan Woodgate, Alan Hutton, Gilberto and Chris Gunter. Look like Tottenham's defence is not leaky anymore from the midweek draw against Everton.

Tottenham's Team News: Darren Bent, Gareth Bale and Benoit-Assou Ekotto are all out. Didier Zokora on international duty at African Nations Cup.

Man Utd's Team News: Gary Neville, Louis Saha and Mikael Silvestre are out.

Odds and Analysis: With 0.5 handicap at 1.85, take Man United for the win. Though there are new defenders but they still need time to adjust. And im expecting a big scoreline.

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.