Xcout

Final Tables
Thanks for those who stayed til the end, it brings the curtain down on an enjoyable season and hopefully the competition brought a bit of added interest for us football fans.
Dont forget to enter the World Cup Comp which will keep us occupied throughout June and July.
Prizes : Please contact [email protected] with your PayPal details, PL name and what prize you are claiming. 
Please allow 14 days for payment as we have to wait for everyone to claim before submitting them.
Div 1: £75 Skittle, £45 Woodys Way, £25 Terminator1
Div 2: £60 Corky, £40 Alley Cat Glover, £20 The Sexless Innkeeper
Div 3: £50 Balearic Betas, £30 Yanko79, £20 Gzeven
Div 4: £40 Mabs, £25 Vangovin, £15 Wivz03
Div 5: £35 Barnsley Chop, £20 Sugardaddyken, £10 Crazy Suzy
Div 6: £30 Botmission, £15 Buga00, £10 Seanbear
 
Many thanks
 

The 2018 World Cup starts on June 14th and concludes with the Final on the 15th of July
The Punters Lounge will award cash prizes totalling £200 via Paypal
First: £80
Second: £60
Third: £40
Fourth £20
*Deadline for any entries therefore is 4pm on June 14th.*

*If any multiple registrations are found to try and manipulate the competition they will not receive any prizes*
 
Format
1) Entrants will be required to predict the Correct Score of the 48 group matches
2) Players will also nominate four teams from the competition in order of with their main fancy being the No 1 choice.
Scoring
In the group matches by predicting a correct score you are in effect forecasting 3 main outcomes;
- the actual result, whether or not both teams will score and if the game has under or over 2.5 goals.

Points will be awarded as follows for all of the 48 group matches;

3pts for the correct result of the game (1,X,2)
1pt for correctly predicting if both teams score (or not)
1pt for correctly predicting under or over 2.5 goals
1pt Bonus for every correct score predicted
Eg:
Prediction 2-1 - Actual result 3-0 = score 4pts (3pts for home win, 1pt for over 2.5)
Prediction 0-0 - Actual result 0-1 = score 2pts (1pt for under 2.5 goals, 1pt for BTTS No)
Prediction 3-1 - Actual result 4-2 = score 5pts (3pts for home win, 1pt over 2.5, 1pt BTTS)
Prediction 1-3 - Actual result 1-3 = score 6pts (3pts away win, 1pt over 2.5, 1pt BTTS, 1pt CS)
Knock Out Phase
5pts if any of your nominated teams win their group
5pts if any of your nominated teams win a Last 16 match
5pts if any of your nominated teams win a Last 8 match
5pts if any of your nominated teams win a Semi Final
5pts if any of your nominated teams wins the World Cup
Bonus 5pts if your number 1 nominated team wins the World Cup
Any ties will be decided by how many Correct Scores predicted,
then how top 4 teams nominated performed.

Rules
Please post the matches in the order given in the selection thread, easy just to copy and paste.
If games are out of order they may be miscalculated. Pease use the format given.
All predictions must be in the same post (before deadline)
Only 1 entry accepted per member, any duplicate entries will not count towards prizes.
No editing of posts, once you have posted your predictions they will be transferred to the master sheet so i will NOT see any edits.
Any mistakes contact me by PM or post on the forum (ie; if you have missed a game out or something)
Latest tables will be published on a regular basis throughout the journey
Good luck 
ENTER HERE >> https://forum.punterslounge.com/topic/164881-world-cup-2018-competition-prediction-thread/ .
 

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Houston Dynamo
2018, April 12, 04:30 hrs (CET Time)
MLS
Vancouver Whitecaps
With just one victory in the last five matches, the team has seen improvement after the Kansas City disaster, as in the next two matches the team has only allowed a single goal, and meanwhile at away the team accumulates two matches without scoring a goal, at home the team was able to score twice to claim the victory against Real Salt Lake.
The team has the following two matches at home, and with a record of two victories, and two defeats with the scoreless draw against LA Galaxy, the team is looking to make the most of those matches to continue inside playoffs positions, as the team around them have played less matches, which might see them pushed down when they catch up.  Kei Kamara has return to the fold together with the good form of Egyptian Aly Ghazal and just waiting for Jordon Mutch,  the team is starting to be complete.
Kei Kamara continues as the team goal scorer as with three goals is tied with Brek Shea as the team scorer leader, that despite having played 4 less matches that Shea, therefore a bump in Whitecaps scoring power.
Houston Dynamo
The team claimed an important victory last match with a last minute goal of J. Rodriguez in a match where the team claimed the advantage twice but both times LA Galaxy came from behind to tie the match.
Good scoring from the team both at home at away, as they have been able to score in the last four matche, twice at home and twice away, still the defense is the main concern, as they have allowed a goal in every match except the season opener at home against Atlanta United.  Winless at away this season, the team has collected two 2-2 draws, in both of the team the team was leading before conceding the draw.
Mauro Manotas and Alberth Elis have both netted 4 times, with Elis having also contributed with 4 assists as has Romell Quioto. With 9 other players having also scored at least a goal, the team offensive performance is warranted. This matchup is special for Elis, has he has 2 goals in 2 matches against the Whitecaps.
The team plays more compact when going at away. Still their tendency for counterattack and also look for the offensive, leave the team open to counterattacking chances that the rival teams do not waste.
The team is making the most they can, as with seven players out, the team is missing important pieces, than at full force will make them more powerful but overall solid in the backside.
Prediction
 
A tight match, where the home side look a little bit stronger, Houston will look to counterattack and that provides Vancouver with the perfect scenario to dominate the game and make more scoring changes, just they have to be careful of counterattacks, or an end-to-end multiple changes might appear, providing with a very attractive match. But I sense Vancouver will focus on looking for the victory.

Whitecaps won the reverse fixture this season by 1-2 past April 10 being their first victory at BBVA Compass Stadium, and in regards of matches played in Vancouver, the Dynamo have never won at BC Place Stadium, with a 1-1 draw as their best result.
Last match Whitecaps where unable to score, but they where able to generate plenty scoring chances and only the great performance of Shuttleworth was the cause for not scoring, and with Kei Kamara back, the team recover a great offensive asset.
Expect another round of changes in the back as Dynamo coach continues to look for a strong back side, with the offensive front already secure with the likes of Elis and Quioto backed by Manotas.
In the end an interesting match, where the home side should get a good result as with Kamara return Houston backside will have more work that they can handle, just aware than it might be a high scoring match as Houston offensive is packing a lot of power, still home side should prevail.
Vancouver Whitecaps -0.25 AH with 7 units @ 1.98 at Dafabet
Over 2.5 with 2 units @ 1.79 at 5Dimes
Break Shea Anytime Goal Scorer with 1 unit @ 2.80 at WilliamHill
Alberth Elis Anytime Goal Scorer with 1 unit @ 2.62 at WilliamHill

Final Table
Well a dramatic final day which saw Boulder hang on to his lead
The top 4 all scored enough to win this comp on other months and the standard was very high as usual.
Well done to Corky, DanV and Sirspread also Xcout on winning the Cup.
31 players qualified for the KO Cup which must be a record
Prizes:
£80: Boulder5111
£40: Corky
£20: Sirspread
£10: DanV89
£30 Cup: Xcout
you know hat to do guys, send your PayPal details to Paul at:
[email protected]
 

Well Done Xcout !

Updated ratings and points projections...

My pick for this round: Toronto FC - Chicago Fire
Toronto are the last season's champions but they are doing badly this season. Mostly because they have been focusing on the North American version of the Champions league and playing reserves in MLS matches. That gamble almost paid off - they won 2:1 away at Chivas on Wednesday in the second leg of the final. Having lost the first leg 1:2 at home, they had to go to penalties - and the lost.
So Toronto are not in the best mental state after that loss. They are also tired after the trip to Mexico. Plenty of injuries, especially at  the back. They have to play a mix of regular and reserve players.
I found odds of 1.9 for Chicago Fire +1 so I will take it.
Chicago Fire are capable of getting a result on their day. They won at New York RB last week - they were lucky and that was a big surprise.

Yeah man I agree with you but,take in consideration that if Bournemouth score a first goal, it will be a hell of an atmosphere and Southampton defense looks very awful

Burnley vs Brighton
The game that stood out for me when I was browsing through the odds of this weekend's Premier League games was this match-up between Europa League-chasing Burnley and relegation-threatened Brighton taking place at Turf Moor in a 3pm kick-off this Saturday afternoon.
Burnley's price for a home win is really tempting. Yes, there have been recent hints that the pressure to seal that place in Europe next season is getting to Sean Dyche's team but this remains a Clarets side that are very difficult to play against. They are still in 7th place and just 4 points behind Arsenal.
Brighton are having one of their dodgy spells. That's been the story of their season. A run of good results followed by a run of bad results followed by another run of bad results. Rinse and repeat. It's the reason why they've failed to avoid getting sucked back into the relegation battle. In 13th place and on 36 points, you'd have to say Chris Hughton's side are realistically safe but until it's mathematically confirmed there will be nerves within the Seagulls camp and fan base.
The long price for a Burnley win is suspicious but at that price they have to be backed. Neither team is in a great spell of form but when the visiting side have only won on the road twice this season and only earned 10 points from their 16 games on the road, it's hard to think they'll come to Dyche's back yard and take points. It will also be worth taking a risk and backing Ashley Barnes to score any time will be worthwhile. He's scored 6 goals in his last 8 Premier League matches and is lining up against his former club here.
Burnley to win @ 2.27 with Unibet
Anytime Scorer: Ashley Barnes @ 3.20 with 888Sport
@Mindfulness, @Pep004, @MaliMisko12, @betcatalog, @sajtion, @godofhorses, @Tiffy, @waynecoyne, @The Sexless Innkeeper, @Magic0024, @malabgd, @Duke_Tm, @dogmeister, @Arkadi Manucharov, @derbent, @fat, @allyhibs, @6avin24, @discipline, @the bastardian, @Bronxie, @Bett, @KikoCy, @teddybear3011, @markus808, @allthethings, @Kenton Schweppes, @vasilli07, @Dylan Lynch, @neilovan, @JKos, @zemo91, @jamiedavies02, @kulikTS, @mrclubbie, @Judeksi, @Henind666, @Dave1X2, and @AndreBR, what do you guys think are the bets to back this weekend in the Premier League?

Fulham vs Sunderland
Well, Tuesday was a bit of a bloody let down! So to avoid another huge disappointment I'm going to back Fulham to absolutely destroy Sunderland in this 7:45pm Friday night game at Craven Cottage. It's a must-win for Slavisa Jokanovic's side because a loss would allow Cardiff the chance to seal automatic promotion on Saturday against Hull.
Let's be honest, it's hard to see beyond a solid Fulham win. The Cottagers just keep on winning. It's 17 wins and 5 draws from their last 22 league games. That is an unbeaten run in this division that leads right back to 16th December, 2017. Hang on! Who was it that last beat Fulham in the league? That's right... Sunderland! What a twist!
I still think if Cardiff are to get promoted that they will need to win both of their remaining league games because I can't see Fulham dropping points right now. I really hope my chat here is going to jinx them. Apologies to any Fulham fans reading this! I really do think they'll win their remaining games starting with this one.
How does Chris Coleman pick up his Black Cats side after their stunning relegation last weekend? Well, their away form offers encouragement with just 1 defeat from their last 5 league games on the road. He's made them a tough side to break down. I simply don't think they'll have enough resolute character to keep Fulham at bay.
Fulham -1 @ 1.60 with BetStars
Anytime Scorer: Ryan Sessegnon @ 1.98 with 888Sport
@waynecoyne, @sajtion, @arvee, @canaries91, @Mindfulness, @betcatalog, @Magic0024, @malabgd, @CloughandTaylor, @Tiffy, @PokerWolf1, @teddybear3011, @skyblues88, @allyhibs, @Icongene, @KikoCy, @willie82, @Neubs, @Papa Lazarou, @kulikTS, @Valkovets, @harry_rag, @Pipoca, @padman, @Marek76, @silver fox, and @the bastardian, what bets are you guys tipping then? Agree with my thoughts above?

Derby vs Cardiff
Huge game for my beloved Bluebirds tonight as we take on Derby away at Pride Park in a 7:45pm kick-off. It's the re-arranged match back from when the snow fell. The whole situation has been farcical. Even down to the verbal exchanges between the club officials, fans, and players. Yes, if you haven't seen the Sean Morrison Whatsapp video then probably best you don't waste your time!
This is a crunch game for Cardiff. A win here could potentially set it up for us to be automatically promoted this coming weekend away at Hull. Those that want us to fail are claiming this is a do or die game. It's not. It's a freebie. It's a chance to really move to the cusp of the Premier League.
I was delighted with the win last weekend against Nottingham Forest. I think given his own pre-season with the players, Karanka will do something with Forest next season. They are clearly a capable team already. It was a potential banana skin we avoided. One of the main reasons for that was the return of Joe Ralls but also the return to form of Aron Gunnarsson. His match-winning goal and THAT block after the Sol Bamba error summed up just why we are at the top against all the odds.
It'll be interesting to see what squad Warnock opts for here. He's done well to calm down the furore that had built between the clubs after snow-gate by being complimentary about Derby as a club. It's all mind games. He doesn't want Derby firing with a chip on their shoulder.
The form of the Rams has been woeful lately. Exactly like it was at the back-end of last season. It's suggested that Rowett pushes his players too much throughout the season so when it comes to the business end they have nothing left. Just 2 wins from their last 13 matches and 4 losses from their last 6 games appears to back that. Their home record isn't great either as they haven't even hit the 50% win ratio on home turf.
All the talk is about Cardiff's promotion hopes here but there's more pressure on Derby. We can afford to lose and still have matters in our own hands. If Derby lose tonight then their fate is taken out of their control. It's in front of their own fans and they'll get twitchy if things don't start well. I know. I've been there as a Cardiff fan. I'm quietly optimistic we can win this and look to seal promotion at the KC Stadium on the weekend. I think the draw no bet and less than 2.5 goals scored are the best bets here. Cheeky small wager on Kenneth Zohore to score anytime as well if you fancy it.
Cardiff Draw No Bet @ 1.80 with Betfred
Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 1.83 with 188Bet
@waynecoyne, @sajtion, @arvee, @canaries91, @Mindfulness, @betcatalog, @Magic0024, @malabgd, @CloughandTaylor, @Tiffy, @PokerWolf1, @teddybear3011, @skyblues88, @allyhibs, @Icongene, @KikoCy, @willie82, @Neubs, @Papa Lazarou, @kulikTS, @Valkovets, @harry_rag, @Pipoca, @padman, @Marek76, @silver fox, and @the bastardian, will any of you guys be betting on the two matches taking place tonight? Agree or disagree with my thoughts on the Cardiff game?

Everton vs Newcastle
If there was one game this weekend in the Premier League that was never likely to be a thrilling encounter then it's the Monday Night Football game between Everton and Newcastle taking place at Goodison Park in an 8pm kick-off this evening. A clash of two progressive styles!
The Toffees are 9th in the table on 42 points from 34 games. The Toon Army are one place below them on 41 points from 33 matches but could leap frog their opponents with a win. It will be the 15th meeting between Sam Allardyce and Rafa Benitez. Benitez has won 7 of the previous 14 with Allardyce taking 4 victories.
Newcastle are in top form right now with 4 wins from their last 4 league games. It's been a mix of opponents as well so it's not been an easy set of games to win with their opponents including Arsenal, Leicester, Huddersfield, and Southampton. However, it should be noted that 3 of those wins came at home. Their last five away games have seen just one win. This is a Newcastle side full on confidence with 12 points from a possible 12 though in their last 4 winning league games. Can they make it five in a row tonight?
Everton are embroiled in even more negativity after a substandard season. A fan survey was sent out allowing the club's supporters to rate the work Allardyce and his team have done so far. Funnily enough, a large percentage of football fans embraced the idea but those working within the game criticised it. No surprise there! There is still a potential 8th placed finish up for grabs and given their awful start to the season under Ronald Koeman that would be considered a miracle by Allardyce.
The sticking point here is Newcastle's away form. Benitez has seen his side struggle on the road with just 4 wins from their 16 away games. It's by no means the worst in the division but it does not inspire hope of a victory here. Everton have been greatly improved at home under Allardyce with 9 wins from their 17 home matches this season. Only the top six teams have a better home record this season.
I'm dithering between a home win and draw. The odds aren't good enough to cover both bases so I might take a punt and back the home win given the odds and Everton's recent home form. Goodison Park is a tough place to visit once again. I just think there is so little separating these sides right now that home advantage might be the difference maker.
Everton to win @ 2.38 with Betfred
Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 1.70 with BetVictor

Don't worry @Tiffy , 2019 plans are to ban everyone bar just me and you mate, I might even get Trump to post a bit too for the craic.  

Result:
SPAL 0 - 3 Roma
+ 4.8 units

I agree with you on Juventus victory, last time Napoli did not loss to Juventus at away in Serie A was in 2010-2011, together with the quality both teams posses that will deliver a very offensive match, as many matches between them have ended over 2.5 therefore I disagree with the under 2.5
When strong teams matchups most of the times I prefer an over 2.5 and enjoy the match hehehe.

There is an interesting h2h fact regarding the match between Moreirense and Rio Ave:
All 7 games played at Moreirense were Under 2.5 goals
12/14 games regardless of the home ground were Under 2.5 goals.
Moreirense at home: 10 out of the 15 games (67%) this season were Under 2.5 goals.
Therefore, Under 2.5 goals @ 1.75 is worth a shot

Just an early heads-up for anyone wanting to know what they are going to do without the prospect of entering the Tipsters Competition each weekend once the season finishes in 3 weeks time.
Have no fear the PL is here to occupy you for a few weeks during June and July!
We will be running our very popular World Cup prediction competition.
Details will follow over the next couple of weeks on how to enter and the format we will be using.
Entries will need to be finalised before the first match kicks off on June 14th.
After that date you can just sit back and watch the action and see all of your predictions come true (or not).
No need to register just enter your selections when required. (details to follow)
Spread the word, the PL World Cup Competition is back

I am going over 3 goals for Sevilla v Barcelona game.Good Luck

Celta has a 22 out of 33 over 2.5 goals, with 20 goals scored goals and two more home games. Valencia has a total of 20 out of 33 over 2.5 goals and goal goals, with 11 out of 16 goals away from home. Rather unattractive confrontation, it is very difficult for Celta to reach sixth while Valencia can not lose the fourth position, I expect an open match with many goals and phases
RC CELTA DE VIGO vs CF VALENCIA @@ +2.50 Over, odds 1.80

Dijon FCO vs Olympique Lyonnais
2018, April 20, 21:00 hrs
French Ligue 1
Dijon is in a safe situation, far from the relegation posts, but also far from the European positions, however it has been a respectable season for the team. Thanks to a good performance at home where of 16 games the team has won 9, only losing 4. Of the last five home games, the team achieved victory in three, however in the two most recent ties with the Amiens SC and lost to Olympique de Marseille.
With only one defeat, precisely that of Marseille, in the last five games the team has improved in its recent form, but against one of the four top teams of the French league a complicated match is expected. And more when many of their offensive key players will miss this match.
For its part Lyon after its elimination of the Europa League against CSKA Moscow, has a four-game winning streak in line, two away and two home, without having allowed a goal in the last three games. So the Lyon comes in great form, with four away match without losing and has 14 consecutive away games making at least one goal. In addition to the fact that the visitor has 10 wins in 17 games, the performance of the visiting team is very positive.
With few matches in dispute, the team seeks to distance itself from Marseille and if possible to unseat AS Monaco from second place. Because although the distance they have with the rest of the teams, the first four already guaranteed participation in Europe, but it remains to be defined if it will be in the Europa League or in the Champions League, so they can not relax, the team has the offensive options for it, since the pair Mariano Diaz and N. Fekir have achieved 34 goals altogether, many more goals than some teams. An even that Mariano Diaz will be sideline, the team has players to fill his spot.
Taking into account the previous  the game should be taken by Lyon, however the last match played in Gaston Gerard was a Dijon victory by 4-2 and the other two matches between them played in Parc OL, have been closed, a draw 3-3 and a 4-2 victory of Lyon, before those games the Dijon was in lower categories, so I see as the best option the option of more than 3 goals. Since at least on the part of Lyon the offensive elements are guaranteed and the defense of the Dijon barely has a match without accepting a goal in the last five.
Over 3 with 7 units @ 1.79 at 5Dimes

Result:
Dijon FCO 2 - 5 Olympique Lyonnais
+ 5.53 units

Result:
Nantes 1 - 1 Rennes
+ 3.29 units

@StevieDay1983
Last match at Municipal du Roudourou, Monaco claim the victory by 1-2, but previous two was a 3-3 draw and 1-0 victory to Guingamp, therefore Monaco has improved in their matches there, but as you say it is yet to see how they will bounce back from last match result.
As Guingamp is capable of the best or the worst, I prefer to stay away from this match, but the most probable is indeed the Monaco victory.

Thanks @SportsDataPunter! And great call in the BTTS!
And indeed, odds below 1.50 are not appealing, that's why I went for over 3, fortunately it is already covered.  Curious that last three matches have been over 5 goals, and this one has also covered that line, current score 2-4 with 15 minutes to go, which was at 6.40 at Coolbet. 

Great preview there @Xcout
If I might add a couple of facts regarding this match:
Dijon's home record:
10/16 games (63%) were Over 2.5 goals. In 12 of those games (75%) both teams scored.
Lyon's away record:
13/17 games (76%) were Over 2.5 goals. In 10 of those games (59%) both teams scored.
h2h record:
All of the last 5 matches (100%) between the two teams, regardless of the home ground, were Over 2.5 goals.
It's clear that Over 2.5 goals is highly possible, but odds below 1.50 are not appealing enough for me.
Therefore my call is Both Teams to Score @ 1.70