[England > Weekend > Championship > 27-28 August]

Re: England > Weekend > Championship > 27-28 August No one fancy Brighton? Mikail-Smith against his old club, who ok won 7-1 last week, but won't repeat the performance against a very good Brighton in their new stadium. Decent value - Thoughts?

[Scotland > Weekend > Divs 1-3 > 27 August]

Re: Scotland > Weekend > Divs 1-3 > 27 August Some decent value kicking about. Liking the look of Hamilton, Falkirk, and Raith Rovers so far. Hamilton, big physical side, just like St Johnstone who disposed of Livi in the League cup during the week. Falkirk, tails are up, with strikers scoring. Ross County are very decent who have not got going yet this season, but still fancy Falkirk to edge this. Falkirks spine impressive, and experienced, who'll help the young boys along. Sibbald, 16 scored twice during the week v Stenhousemuir. Raith Rovers, I think will bounce back from losing to Airdrie midweek whilst Ayr who beat Inverness, I expect to struggle from the big effort to beat Caley. If I was to pick one game though, I think I'd go for Hamilton 2pts to win.

[Euro 2008 Group B Mar 28]

Re: Euro 2008 Group B Mar 28

Hi first post on punters lounge' date=' however I agree Georgia will be too strong for Faroes, I would urge caution on betting against Scotland, Yeh we dont have the best quality in the world but we do have alot of passion, this is probably the best position we have been in to quilfy over the last number of tournaments and I feel McLeish will have the boys pumped up and determined to get something, of course I can see Italy winning however I would not bet great amounts on this game as a draw to me also looks a fair possibility , thanks and good luck to all :ok[/quote'] :welcome As a fellow Scot, I agree with you in some respects, we're on the crest of a wave, have a lot of confidence, and big Eck showed on Sat, he's not scared to changed things around. Tactically, the big man is ok and has the reputation of being somewhat a lucky manager! I think Rangers fans would say, his signings were poor, but getting to knockout stages of CL with Inter and Porto in the group was an excellent achievement. However, I'm very worried about Dailly playing! Very worried. The guy is a liability, and will give away needless free kicks in dangerous areas. Tactically, Eck is trying to defend further up the pitch and relieve some of the pressure on Weir and McManus, and I applaud that, I just wish there was someone else there to play that role. Hopefully it will allow Ferguson to get further forward and hopefully compete well in the midfield. As for Kenny Miller taking on the world best defence on his own, I'm sure they're trembling at the thought of it. Italy will edge this one, but no bet for me, as I can't bet against the mighty Scots!

[CL matches - return leg - 6-7/3]

Re: CL matches - return leg - 6-7/3

I don't understand why eevryone thinks Milan will win so easy' date=' I feel this game could go either way maybe to extra time or even Celtic winning on away goals at like 1-1. Is there something i'm missing because if so i'd like to know because i'd add Milan to my accy, also by looking at the games, all home sides to win today? Pays 5/1... All down to B Munich and Milan...[/quote'] Copenhagen and Benfica anyone? Defensive calamities from Celtic. As I said before JVH and Naka are key for Celtic, but Milan nullified them both easily in the first leg (albeit JVH may have been carrying a knock) I can't see Celtic getting through. I'd love for them to. I'll await team news. Strachan's tactics have to be spot on from the first minute. All too often, he has to change his system midway through the game to get back in games. Against opponents like Milan, they can't afford to do this.

[CL matches - return leg - 6-7/3]

Re: CL matches - return leg - 6-7/3

First of all' date= I will put my cards on the table and state the fact that I am a Rangers fan ! However, when it comes to betting I like to view myself as an objective punter. And in this game, I am sure even the most loyal of Celtic fans will acknowledge that that it is more than likely that this is the end of the line for Celtic.

2-5 for a Milan win is not a price that will reap great reward. However, 11-10 on the handicap (Milan -1) is a much more appealing prospect, and this should be jumped on in my view.

In AC Milan’s first two home games in the group stages, they scored a total of 7 goals. They lost their final home game 2-0, but by this time the result was of no importance. Celtic have an excellent shot stopper in Artur Boruc, but they also have centre backs in front of him that will give Milan chances in the San Siro. McManus is a big, strong traditional centre half, but he’s often very rash in the tackle. His centre back partner will be young O’Dea, who is relatively untested, not only at Champions League level, but at first team level full stop. Former Hearts captain Steven Pressley has been partnering McManus in domestic fixtures, despite the fact that he’s ineligible for the European ties, so O’Dea will be brought in out of the cold once again for this tie.

Celtic have the second worst away record in Champions League history. They have played 12 fixtures away from home, and their record is 0 wins 1 draw 11 defeats. Each of the 3 sides in Celtic’s group defeated Celtic away from Parkhead, and all of them managed to score 3 goals in those games.

The general feeling up here amongst the pundits was that for Celtic to progress, they would have to win the game at Parkhead, and probably by at least a couple of goals, due to their awful away form. It is now a real monkey on their back, every time the away fixtures come round the same questions are put to the manager and the players, and the results seem to indicate that self doubt creeps in when they are away from Parkhead.

Still early too early to hear any reliable team news, but Celtic’s key striker, JVH, is struggling with a hamstring injury. He’s been struggling with injuries since he arrived at Parkhead, and hasn’t had much time on the park recently due to the recent hamstring problem. He came on for the last half hour in the game on Saturday. But it would seem that he’s a doubt to start in Milan, and will certainly not be 100% fit. This would be a massive blow for them, as he’s the only striker they have that’s comfortable operating at this level.

Undoubtedly back Milan here, and as I’ve said, I would suggest the handicap bet, Milan -1.

I see this as a rock solid bet. However, if someone was going to put this bet at risk, it would be Nakamura. I highly doubt Celtic will manage a goal from open play, but Nakamura can be deadly from set pieces, as he’s shown against Man United, twice. A small stake for Nakamura to be last goalscorer (16/1) may be sensible.. If Milan go a couple of goals up, we could see them shutting up shop and allowing Celtic to come onto them. And if Celtic get a free kick late in the game, it might calm the nerves a bit if you have a quid or two on Nakamura putting it away !

Good luck ! :hope

I agree with your analysis here, Celtic's away form speaks for itself. The difference in quality of the midfield, is massive. Celtic had to work so hard in the first leg, whilst Milan were unlucky not to score on several occasions. At home, I can't see anything but a victory for Milan. Celtic's only hope rests with a fully fit JVH. Milan gave Nakamura no space in the first leg, and McGeady struggled with Oddo(?). Sno, and Lennon have no desire to get forward, so maybe Graveson starting would be interesting (Strachan dropped Lennon against Dunfermline, and started with Sno/Graveson. Lennon was not missed apprarently. I'm a Falkirk fan but my wife and father in law Celtic season ticket holders) As Ayebrox said, at the back Celtic have problems with Pressley cuptied, and McManus having to prove his fitness today. O'Dea or maybe even John Kennedy may be required. I'm quite keen on the AH as Ayebrox said. I'll wait a bit longer for team news. Will Seedorf play? He's a great player. He scored at the w/end I believe. World class midfield will prevail. Milan's only chance of silverware too.

[Champions League 20/21.02.2006]

Re: Champions League 20/21.02.2006

Well our scotland colleagues will be better at celtic squad, but as I heard Venegoor of Hasselink is probably not playing, MAciley Zurawski also very doubtful, so celtic will have to relay on Millers fitness and I just think it will not be enough for milans BIG defence. On the other side Milan as we saw earlier has many problems upfront with Ronaldo tied, and Gilardinho doubtful, but one good thing for them is that Gilardinho made his way in training and could well play from start of the game. Forgot to mention that Inzaghi is also sidelined due to muscle injury. My pick here will be under 2.5 goals with large stakes considering the problems both team has at front. Milan coming here with wishes for clean sheet, and celtic infront of their great fans will do their best and also could win abot 1:0 or something like that. Celtic not to lose is also nice bet in my opinion. đ Good luck to you all tonight and I hope this wil end in nice 0:0 draw:hope:hope

There is a doubt at the moment about Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and he is a key man for me in terms of my bet tonight. In terms of Kenny Miller, he's not been playing recently as Craig Beattie is the preferred option at the moment. He's scored 2 goals in 2 games, and has a pretty good partnership with JVH. Beattie makes terrific runs, and finds space in a way Henrick used to do so well. As for Nakamura, he is critical for set pieces, but his overall play has improved significantly recently. I believe he's now more used to pace and the physical side of Scottish fitba' now. I don't know much about Milan, but if they come defensive to Celtic Park, Celtic will edge out the game, with Milan fancying themselves to turn it around in Milan with Celtics awful away form. Naka and JVH play, I'm on Celtic +0 (4 pts)