Pro-Line Picks Sep 30, 2011

So, we approach week 2 of the pro line blog, having got 2/3 last week we find ourselves at (-$20) losses that we figure are borrowed and we will surely find ourselves thrust into the positive before too long.
Wigan who we successfully took on last week, again find themselves on our staking plan and once again we wholeheartedly are happy to take them on- I did receive a couple of notes from English friends in Calgary, who agreed with our position on the fact that they house the ugliest women in the UK... Ugh !! :)
So, please find below the path to riches that is week 2 ... and we hope to see ya at the payouts!! 



Aston Villa v Wigan
Wigan Manager Roberto Martinez might have a bit of a point to prove having turned down the job at Villa Park in the summer while he will be keen to keep the shackles on Charlie N'Zogbia, who did depart the DW Stadium and arrive at Villa Park.Villa are this season's draw specialists so far and five of their last six Premier League games have ended in stalemate. Alex McLeish was forced to give them a rocket at half-time in the match at QPR where he described their performance was insipid and that the players looked low on confidence. He should be boosted this week by the possible return of five regulars, including front man Darren Bent following a groin problem. Villa were certainly much better in the second period at Loftus Road and McLeish is now demanding a similar display but over the full 90 minutes. Bent's return will relieve pressure on Gabby Agbonhlahor - who still does not convince as an out and out striker.
It will be a dark day when I place any sort of wager on this poor wigan team to actually win a game and so I confidently pick the return of Bent to be a huge difference to the home side.
Verdict- Game 81  Home Win -1.45

Sunderland v West Brom

To describe this week as turbulent for Sunderland boss Steve Bruce would be a gross understatement. First came a 2-0 defeat at Norwich, one that leaves the Black Cats just a point above the relegation zone, then came the news that Titus Bramble has been suspended having been released on police bail on Wednesday evening. Bramble has been held under allegations of drug possession, 2 words in that statement that I thought I would never hear are - Bramble and Possession!! :)  Saturday's game will mark a welcome return to football matters, but whether West Brom are entirely welcome visitors is another matter. On the face of it they're a side with problems of their own, languishing as they do in 19th position following an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Fulham last weekend. However, Roy Hodgson's side did the double over Sunderland last season so will arrive knowing they have what it takes to heap more misery on the home side. A feature of recent meetings has been goals, with 13 in the last four games between the sides, and with West Brom having almost a full complement to pick from and Sunderland without Bramble, it wouldn't surprise me if there were a continuation of that trend on the cards.

Verdict - Game - 84- Tie-3.05

Everton v Liverpool (1245BST)

It has been a while since these two drew at Goodison Park but with neither holding outstanding claims currently, the stalemate could be the way to go on this occasion. Liverpool have shown flashes this season to suggest they are top four material but it has been sporadic and mostly centered around Luis Suarez as they try and integrate their summer signings. The striker looks a special player despite his little strop after being substituted last week in the win over Wolves - he is only going to improve as he adapts to the English game. This will be a good test for him as Everton dealt pretty well with the similar Sergio Aguero although they eventually buckled against Manchester City in their last outing. David Moyes and his side will continue to grind out the results in resilient fashion but squad depth will mean they'll need to remain disciplined and get every ounce out of the players available. Defeats on the road at Stoke and Tottenham are a stark highlight of Liverpool's deficiencies at the moment but this has the look of two evenly matched teams currently and the points are set to be shared. This match up generally proves very entertaining and tempers are often frayed- I would not be surprised if a red card was shown and Marouanne Fellaini has to be watched as he can get a little excited at times!

Verdict -Game 80-  Tie-2.95

So, Here we have it :-

-Game 81- Home 1.45

-Game 84 - Tie 3.05

-Game 80 - Tie 2.95

For a $20 investment the return will be $261.00


Scott Roberts