StevieDay1983

Team name : Cranleigh heroes
Alastair Blackburn

Team Name: Roy`s Rovers
Barry Gannon
Can`t wait for it all to start again! 

Not sure anybody wants to channel their inner me, Harry, so apologies for what you experienced in there! 
I agree that it's hard to see past the USA and I'm fascinated to see how that potential Germany vs England game goes. I think a few factors work against England here. Firstly, Germany will want revenge for last summer. Secondly, this time it won't be on English soil. Thirdly, I just feel Germany possess the slightly stronger squad that will endure a longer tournament better.
I'm tempted to back Norway and Australia each way. Always had a soft spot for the Norwegians and would love to see Australia embrace the tournament on home soil.

Time to channel my inner @StevieDay1983 and give my predicted 1-32 finishing positions for this, having worked my way through the draw and seen what I came up with. I'll do it in 4 parts, first up the grateful 8 who receive my endorsement for getting to the quarter finals.
Winners - USA: Rightfully favoured by the markets, the World Rankings and my league table of games between the top 25 ranked teams in the World. They've won 4 of the 8 renewals, their record from latest backwards being Won-Won-RU-3rd-3rd-Win-3rd-Win. It would be a brave punter who bet that this would be the first time they failed to at least reach the semis. I was going to say they were no bet for me with the market maybe having them about right but I've just had the modest stake allowed on them at the standout 11/4 with Betway as it looks very much like a price that isn't going to last. Easy to back at 5/2, they're also easy enough to lay at the same price. I'll take the view that maybe 5/2 is about their fair price and 11/4 or more is worth a bet.
Runners up - Germany: Solid enough 7/1 shots, ranked 2nd in the World. A close call to have them getting the better of England in the semis so not an especially confident prediction nor an appealing betting proposition at the prices.
Losing semi finalists 1 - Sweden: 3rd in the ranking and 2nd in my head to head table. Not the easiest passage as I have them coming up against the Dutch and the Spanish before falling to the USA but then it's always about fine margins in International tournaments. Happy to be matched on them at 29 on BF given my seeing them as likely semi finalists. (20s best with 1 firm and 16s after that.)
Losing semi finalists 2 - France: Ranked 5th by FIFA and in my table. Draw seems kinder to them than the Swedes (I have them getting past South Korea then co-hosts Australia). Again, happy with an generous looking 22 on BF versus 11/1 best bookies price.
And so to the 4 teams who came out as my losing quarter finalists.
1 - Norway: As someone from Bolton might say, "Norway" they get past the USA if the draw plays out as envisaged. I have them topping their group and getting past Japan. Spain would lie in wait though if they only managed 2nd place. 12th in the rankings and a team who seem to come up short against the better nations.
2 - Spain: I'm yet to be convinced by the National team as serious contenders despite the success enjoyed by Barcelona in club competitions. I think the markets tend to overrate them. Should top the group and get past Norway or the Swiss but I have them coming up short against Sweden. USA as probable opponents blocking their way to the final. They'd be a lay for me at around the 13/2 mark if that was my cup of tea. To be fair they are 3rd in my head to head table; FIFA rank them as 6th best.
3 - England: 4th in the rankings and my table, should top the group and get past Canada or Australia before the potential meeting with Germany in the QF. Well capable of winning it if they reproduce their best form but recent results have been underwhelming. Bottom line is they're not entering this competition looking anywhere near as well tuned as they did the Euros and there's an element of them being in transition and the coach not being quite sure of her strongest starting XI. I can't back them but would still be wary of betting too heavily against it all clicking for them in time for them to go deep.
4 - Australia: Ranked 10th, 14th in my table, even with home advantage they look too short for an interest at 14/1. I have them topping the group ahead of Canada then getting past whoever comes runner up to England but I see them falling at the QF hurdle whoever they may come up against.
 

Think Luton could be totally out of their depth a sell at 28 points looks reasonable

The MLS offers a treat of a midweek set of fixtures on Thursday night. The odds are available to view above so take a look and give us your predictions. @Grass Cash and @Fader, any picks standing out for you?

Absolutely! I'd say that Nottingham Forest buy at 39.5 points looks decent too. I genuinely can see them only being better this season with a more settled and experienced squad and one of the top British managers in the league at the helm.

SPIN already up with their season points quotes. Not had a look yet but maybe a buy of Burnley points would appeal to @StevieDay1983!

The 2023/24 schedule for the Premier League has been officially announced today. The opening game of the season feels a little planned with reigning champions Manchester City visiting newly promoted Burnley who are managed by former Citizens captain Vincent Kompany. It's no surprise that City are being tipped to retain their league title at 4/6 with Bet365.
Personally, I think Liverpool and Manchester United are decent value at 8/1. I think both will strengthen their squads this season and bolster in the right areas that will see them really push City this season. I'm not sure if Arsenal will replicate this season. I hope they do because a four-way title race would be class.
Anyway, I appreciate there are still a lot of transfers to be completed so proper predictions won't be as settled and accurate until later in the summer but always keen to hear your early calls for who will finish where. I'll review this closer to the opening games but right now here are my 1-20 of the Premier League for this season...
1. Manchester City (frightening how good they could be next season given the players they are being linked with)
2. Liverpool (expecting to be revitalised and replenished with big signings. Alexis Mac Allister is a superb start)
3. Manchester United (if they can secure the signing of Harry Kane then that will elevate them but they do need more depth in midfield and defence... and maybe replace David De Gea!)
4. Newcastle (they will surely only go from strength to strength under Eddie Howe. It'll be interesting to see how they cope with Champions League football)
5. Arsenal (I think they will drop off a bit. Their lack of squad depth hit them this season without European football. Throw in Champions League football and it will be even tougher this season. They are also losing a big experienced player in Granit Xhaka which will hit the dressing room)
6. Aston Villa (they have looked class under Unai Emery. With the right additions they could be just as effective this season)
7. Tottenham (I think the appointment of Ange Postecoglou is a brilliant one but Daniel Levy is still the manager. Kane looks set to leave so this is Ange's rebuild project and it's an exciting one)
8. Chelsea (this is an ownership issue. Throwing money at a problem in football rarely works. Mauricio Pochettino was worked out when he was last in the Premier League. I think his rebuild job here means he'll require patience... patience that Todd Boehly is unlikely to give him)
9. Brighton (Roberto De Zerbi killed it this year but they are set to lose a number of key players with Mac Allister already gone. Brighton always re-invent but they won't strike gold every season)
10. Crystal Palace (Roy Hodgson looks set to remain at the club and they're in safe hands. He won't rip up trees but he'll keep them solid)
11. Burnley (if Vincent Kompany can make the right signings then they'll do just fine this season)
12. Nottingham Forest (I can see Forest only getting better under Steve Cooper)
13. Brentford (Thomas Frank has turned Brentford into a consistent mid-table side. They have shown the loss of Ivan Toney won't affect them too much so I think it'll be more of the same for the Bees)
14. Fulham (Marco Silva saw his team's form heavily impacted with the suspension of Aleksandar Mitrovic but when he's available they get results. They won't hit the highs of last season but they should be safe)
15. West Ham (the departure of Declan Rice will see the need for funds to be re-invested. Is David Moyes the right man to bring those players in? He's had a hit-and-miss record in the transfer market. I just fear the team will suffer a European hangover this year)
16. Everton (the continued behind-the-scenes issues have already negatively impacted the club's preparations for next season. It could be another difficult year)
17. Wolves (I have a good friend who is extremely worried about the situation at Wolves. Rumours are that Julen Lopetegui could walk, big players including Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, and Adama Traore are set to have moved on, and the money isn't there to re-invest. If there is one team that could be a surprise drop in the bottom three this season then I wouldn't be shocked if it's Wolves)
18. Bournemouth (Gary O'Neil did a great job at turning their form around but their season ended in a drab manner. It'll need a surgical touch in the transfer market this summer but I'm not convinced Bournemouth can stay up)
19. Sheffield United (The Blades did brilliantly in the Championship last season but they did have periods where their frailties showed. A reliance on loan players kept them in the top two last season so they'll need to strengthen the squad. I'm not sure they'll have enough to stay up this season.
20. Luton - as much as we all want Luton to avoid relegation it feels that it'll be a tall order for it to happen. Their style of football under Rob Edwards won't enjoy as much success at this level. Will he look to tweak their approach? Money isn't there to invest in better players but that might actually garner a togetherness that could be their best weapon. I hope I'm wrong and they do survive!)
Let me know your thoughts! 

Cheers grass, just always to be that one. The BTTS accy lost by one again and last minute goals but still think it can be a profitable market, the MLS. 

Hope to see your bets in and around the forum 

Good shouting @StevieDay1983. I am very interested in MLS betting. I am not exactly sure why, but I think it is a thriving league that is almost becoming like a super league in America. I don't understand it, because I didn't realize they are that many football fans here in America, but there is certainly no shortage of players, cities, and space.. I think it's great that they can organize these teams, and was once a league of what seemed to be a handful of teams is no more.  
I used to bet football all the time years ago, and I think there is definitely money to be made on it.. Never seemed to get the right grasp for the European sides.. There is just too many teams, and they don't have enough coverage here. 
I hope to see this active, and I will try to provide some information through betting Asian betting filter research or start watching some of the scores. Good luck guys, and sounds like a tough one over there Fader, but I am certain you will find glory again. 

Check out the odds for this weekend's slightly reduced MLS fixtures schedule. Give us your predictions for these matches coming our way! 

agree with Labuschagne. Quality player. Was tempted on betting on him top series batsman for Aus but it's the waiting for your returns lol

It's the most evenly-poised and intriguing Ashes since the 2005 series and we all know how that one went! I was very impressed with Australia during the World Test Championship against India but England will be a tougher proposition for them. I still think Australia boast the strongest bowling attack in a long time, particularly due to the depth of the quality they possess. If one bowling attack is going to break "Bazball" then it'll be this one.
Still, you'd have to back England to beat anyone at home. Losing Jack Leach was a huge blow and I'm not sure bringing Moeen Ali back out of retirement was great for the long term future of English cricket. What does it say to the current batch of up-and-coming spinners at county level? The manner it was done was so cliquey as well via a text message between two mates.
I agree with Terry, it's very evenly balanced so England being priced at 6/4 with Bet365 at home seems tempting. I'm expecting a big series from Ollie Pope and Harry Brook. It'll be fascinating to see how they perform in this 1st Test. I'm also looking at a personal bet of backing Marnus Labuschagne to be top scorer for the first innings simply because I love him for Glamorgan even if the odds of 9/2 aren't fantastic value! 

Apologies if I'm pre-empting any planned threads for the series or individual tests but just thought I'd put the following selection up in case it's of interest to anyone.
Hills go Root >20 1st innings runs at evens (from 2/5). Looks worth taking the tenner allowed from an apparent value perspective.
Will only be betting by exception given the paucity of my knowledge on this sport. Any more expert opinion obviously welcome.

no probs, Harry. I was going to stick a thread up tomorrow but we can go with this one. On the whole, I think with the Ashes being at home, England looks to be a spot of value. In my eyes, I can see a 3-1 scoreline to England (always one draw isn't there?) 

The next round of matches for the 2024 European Championship qualifiers are coming up over the next week. We will have a much better idea about who is looking well-set to qualify for the major tournament next summer. We are keen to hear your thoughts on the winners you're backing in this window. Keep an eye out for @Fader's preview of the Malta vs England game as well. 

It's the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 Finals coming up this next week. The Semi-Finals are up first with Netherlands facing Croatia and then Spain taking on Croatia. Who are you all backing to win these matches? @Fader is going to be delivering his expert tips for these games on the main site which we shall link to in here. Tell us if you agree with him or not! We also want to know your own predictions! 

The 2022/23 Punters Lounge Fantasy Football League has now been completed and we can now confirm that @Gazza's United has held on to the top spot in the table to win the £100 first-place cash prize!
I am also delighted to announce that @BARNSLEYCHOP has picked up the second-place cash prize of £50 and @Dannywadge takes home the third-place cash prize of £25! We will be in contact with the three of you to sort out payment of winnings shortly. 
Congratulations to all our prize winners for an incredible effort this season! I think we can all agree that it's been a thoroughly enthralling campaign and the fact the title went to the last week showed just how competitive it was.
A quick nod to this week's Manager of the Week which was won by @Mitchell Hart's USA Hammers who accumulated 80 points this week. Harry Kane brought home the vast majority of the points with 32 points earned.
The final name of shame abuse goes to Steve Morse and his Long Tall Leaders side who only picked up 14 points this week. A number of key players not being selected by their clubs for the final round of league games was the killer blow and a disappointing way to end the season.
I would just like to thank you all for your involvement this season. It's been a pleasure to do the updates every week and we look forward to going again next season with even more members involved with more prizes up for grabs! 

It's the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 Finals coming up this next week. The Semi-Finals are up first with Netherlands facing Croatia and then Spain taking on Croatia. Who are you all backing to win these matches? @Fader is going to be delivering his expert tips for these games on the main site which we shall link to in here. Tell us if you agree with him or not! We also want to know your own predictions! 

Might have to have a go at this next season................

A few outsiders that I've not necessarily put into the accy but ones that take the eye :
Nashville @ 17/10
Houston Dynamo @ 9/5 
Austin @ 14/5 
St Louis are not outsiders but 19/20 looks a good price as they look very good right now.
MLS should get more exciting next month as Messi graces the stage for Inter Miami.

Inter is a big shout. Can you add a bit of punctuation to your future posts please mate? Very hard to read all that! 
@Fader has also written his Manchester City vs Inter Milan betting tips preview ahead of the final so keen to hear what you all think of his tip for City to win to nil? I am personally on board with that! Certainly a big chance of it happening. City just seem hell-bent on winning this competition this year.

Inter is a big shout. Can you add a bit of punctuation to your future posts please mate? Very hard to read all that! 
@Fader has also written his Manchester City vs Inter Milan betting tips preview ahead of the final so keen to hear what you all think of his tip for City to win to nil? I am personally on board with that! Certainly a big chance of it happening. City just seem hell-bent on winning this competition this year.

Inter is a big shout. Can you add a bit of punctuation to your future posts please mate? Very hard to read all that! 
@Fader has also written his Manchester City vs Inter Milan betting tips preview ahead of the final so keen to hear what you all think of his tip for City to win to nil? I am personally on board with that! Certainly a big chance of it happening. City just seem hell-bent on winning this competition this year.