Betting Guide

Greetings to everyone,

It is now the end of the season , and by now most issues are settled. Like Championship winners, who got relegated etc..so my tips for a treble this week are based on where both teams are finishing their fixtures and have nothing to play for but pride.

First selection, Southampton v Leicester; I am going for the draw 11/5 as I feel that both teams will not be going flat out and both managers will be experimenting with their line ups for next season.

Grimsby v Tranmere, this again is a draw 9/4 with both teams nothing to play for, and Grimsby's lack of goalscoring. The draw is a safe bet.

Having two draws I've plumped for a safe bet , which is Tottenham to beat Derby 8/11.

Two other bets for a five fold ; Everton to draw with Arsenal 9/4. With Everton's impressive home record I can't see them losing this match, but Arsenal are a tough team to beat so the draw is the more likely result. Next one could be my downfall but I reckon Blackburn to beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park  6/4.

I thank You

Otis B. Driftwood           Last Updated 27/04/00

Hello there Chaps,

Eyes down for my tips this week. I have to be brief as I am going away for the Easter break.

My first tip is Aston Villa to draw with Leicester 5/2. Villa should be resting players for the cup final and as for Leicester , apart from injuries to key players, their season is finished , so have nothing to play for . Being a Midlands Derby the game should be close , that's why I have gone for the draw.

Southampton are clear of relegation , but a visit from Man Utd should give the Saints something to play for. With Hoddle's ability to get the tactics right on the day. I fancy the Saints to at least get a draw 12/5, but I must admit the odds for a home win 5/1is very tempting.

Last Choice for a treble, Blackburn to win at Grimsby 6/5. It's a pity Souness didn't join the club earlier .Since becoming the manager the Club are showing their true potential.

The last two tips for a fivefold; Third time lucky for Charlton to gain promotion, odds 4/9 to beat Portsmouth at home. Check out the Merseyside Derby, I think this is draw 11/5.

I thank You.

Otis B.Driftwood

I must try and win some money this week, as my tips have less than helpful.

Now let's see what the fixed odds forms have got this week!!       

First off, is a dead cert ; Charlton to beat Huddersfield  4/7, I know the odds are not brilliant but as Charlton need to win this for promotion and the home crowd behind them, well it's a home banker if ever I've seen one.

Coventry have come a cropper of late but being at home this week , I fancy them to beat Middlesborough odds 7/5. I know Middlesborough will sit back and defend and use young Campbell's pace to counter attack, but I just don't think Middlesborough will be good enough on the day, even if they did show a bit of spirit against Utd on Monday.

Last one for the treble! I'm going to stick my neck out and go for West Ham to beat Derby away odds 9/5 or 11/5 if you can get it. I just think Derby will be nervous in front of their own fans as relegation still haunts them. As for the Hammers the will be relaxed and pushing for  a UEFA cup place. Plus the odds are good for a two horse race.

My next two tips are for a fivefold; Wolves away to Norwich 6/5 and Man City away to Grimsby 10/11.

I thank you.

Otis B.Driftwood            Last Updated 13/04/00

Sorry Chaps ! I have to be brief this week , as I off to gamble lots of wonga at Aintree. Having a dismal week last week I hope I can do better this time.

First Up, Everton to beat Leicester . Not knowing what Leicester's forward line will be , I suspect Marshall and Elliot, there will be no great pace, so knowing how Everton play away from home (defend and try and break away quick) I see a narrow Everton victory with odds ranging from 2/1 to 11/5, for the away win. 

Watford are at home to Derby. I am in two minds whether a draw or away win. Corals (according to my paper have Derby 5/1 to win and 5/2 draw) most bookies see it Evs or 6/5 away win and 9/4 draw. I think I will go for an away win at Corals as both teams need a victory.

Bradford against Southampton. I thought Southampton's odds for an away win would be higher but the bookies are suggesting a close game 7/4 or 13/8. I know both need the points but Southampton would be happy with a point. Glen Hoddle's tatics will be to defend so a draw for me 12/5 Ladbrokes.

Now for my two other choices to complete a fivefold (My treble looks good though) Charlton away win at Forest Evs , and Crystal Palace to draw with Stockport 9/4.

A quick each way on the National; The Last Fling and Call it a Day

I thank You

Otis B.Driftwood.          Last Updated  06/04/00

Glad to be back after having a two week break, I hope my reader wasn't too distressed. Let's get down to business, this week I will have to be brief because I have other things to catch up on so I will just give you five selections and , hopefully , you will chose the right three or maybe do a five fold like I will be doing.

First up, Leeds to beat Chelsea Evs, after a disastrous result last week Leeds will have to win this one and see no other result but a outright win ( not even close ) maybe a 2-0 or even 3-0. Southampton to beat Sunderland 6/5, good result for the Saints last week and I see them continuing the run of form against an inconsistent Sunderland. Great odds on Coventry to beat Liverpool 12/5, I think the bookies have got this wrong , Coventry are at home and as I have already stated they have speed up front. No defence likes playing against that ,even Liverpool's. The game will be close and the odd goal will win it, and with odds as good 12/5 for a home team it's worth the punt. Check out Ladbrokes for the Swindon v Man City, they are quoting City Evs to win away. although in a bad run City should win this and claim the automatic promotion spot. As for Swindon they cannot carry getting freak results against better opposition  and I am  afraid they will get relegated. Also , check out Barnsley to beat Walsall 11/10 away.

That's it for this week my friends .

I Thank You.

Otis B. Driftwood.        Last Updated 30/3/00   

I had a few too many bottles of wine last night, and today I am feeling rather sensitive! I fear, my betting chums, that I will not be inspired this week due to the excesses of the demon drink.

Any way , as look down my fixed odds coupon I see the first cert of the day, Leeds away to Middlesborough 4/5 almost evens . Leeds have to win this one and although Robbo's men won last week. Leeds will be tougher opposition. Anyone who saw them play last week will  think them a tad unlucky but Manchester United are at their best when under pressure.

Next up is Sheffield Wednesday v Newcastle, the drink must be having an effect as I think this game will see Sheffield achieve a victory!! or as the experts say( if you watch sky) Wednesday won't lose this game. Good odds for the win 9/5 or 2/1 in some places.

My final tip for a treble is Birmingham to beat Ipswich ,odds 7/5, Birmingham's last four league games have ended in victories and are on a roll. As for Ipswich, there form seems to go up and down like a yo-yo.

Other tips for this week , my favourite Sky Blues to beat Spurs 6/5 and Bradford to draw with Villa 11/5.

I thank you

Otis B.Driftwood              Last Updated 24/02/00

As you know ,chaps, this week is the FA Cup . Form goes out of the window  and luck plays a major part in the results , but I will say Gillingham have not got a chance!!

My first tip of the Weekend is Manchester City away to Huddersfield. Having sold Stewart to Ispwich, Huddersfield have lost sight of the opponents net. As for Man City, they are scoring at will ( 10 in four games I believe. ) At 5/4, City look good odds to maintain an automatic spot to the Premiership.

Next up is one of the big games of the Weekend, Leeds against United. Now everyone will want Leeds to win to keep the Championship a bit more interesting. My heart says Leeds but my brain says United. Leeds know they have to win this game and I think the pressure will tell. United have seen it all before , so in this case I am going to sit on the fence and plump for a draw 11/5 which are good odds.

Coventry have never won away from home this season, and I think they will break their duck against Middlesborough. If any one saw the game at the Riverside on Monday night you will know what a terrible side the Borough are. I might even go as far as to say they will be relegated, but there another three teams who, in my opinion , are worse. There won't be a better chance for the Sky Blues this season. The odds for an away win 6/5, and that completes my treble.

I have a few more tips , if you fancy a fivefold or even a sixfold. Check out Norwich to beat Grimsby 4/5 and Notts Forest to beat Crystal Palace 11/10. Being the Cup this weekend , North and South of the Border. I noticed two fixtures which I think could cause upsets and have great odds. Tranmere to beat Newcastle 11/4, although not playing well in the league , they have accounted for some credible Premiership teams in their cup runs, and think the bookies have priced them too high. Next is Inverness to beat Aberdeen 9/4. I know nothing about each team apart from Inverness beat Celtic in the last round and Aberdeen are struggling in their league and have conceded 62 goals so far, and only scored 23 and only 8 of them away from home!!

I Thank You

Otis B. Driftwood        Last Updated 17/02/00

Please, forgive me for a terrible week, but having read past columns I think you will find that I seldom let you down.

Well Chaps ! have I a treble for you this weekend !If you put your hard earned money on these selections you will be paid handsomely..

First off, Coventry v Sunderland, If you are a regular reader of my column you will know that I have taken a shine to the Sky Blues. I put this down to the way they play football, fast and attacking , I liken it to the Dutch Team of '74' Total Football you might say. Also, you will know that I think Sunderland's Achilles heel is pace. Coventry have it in abundance and firmly believe they will win .Odds are 7/5 .

    Now Sheffield Wednesday defiantly  need to beat Southampton this Saturday , and part of me says they will, but Glen Hoddle is charge of the Saints and I think he will send out a team to grind out a result . This is a six pointer but I reckon Southampton can live with a point. With odds of 11/5 for the away and draw , I am going to plump for the draw.

    Last tip for the treble is Watford to beat Leicester . For a home side to be given odds of 3/1 against a middle of the table side, well it must be Christmas ! Don't get me wrong I , for one , admire what Martin O'Neil has done with a side made up of average players . I see the game being very tight ,but as Sheffield Wednesday, Watford need to win this one. Leicester on the other hand don't and will have there sights firmly set on Wembley. I think key players will be rested and those who are close to picking up automatic suspensions through yellow cards , and don't forget they have a very small squad as well.

    For those brave of you , if you want to go and have a flutter on a fivefold; Man Utd are a ridiculous 10/11 to beat Newcastle ( evens at William Hill ) and Aston Villa are a good bet at 8/5 to beat Middlesborough . Robbo will have to attack at home and  I see the Villa using this to their advantage, expect the Villa goals to be scored from breakaways...

I thank You....

Otis B. Driftwood     Last Updated 09/02/00

Sorry about last week chaps , had to do a bit of fancy dancing with those very nice people at Her Majesty's Inspector of Taxes. I think you know what I am on about.

Any way back to the footie , I have been perusing the fixed odds forms and noticed a really outstanding bet (It's a pity there are no singles on this match or I would tell you to lump a huge amount on it.) The match in question is in the First Division, Sheffield United v Tranmere Rovers. The odds on a Tranmere win are 3/1 and are surely worth a punt in a treble. I think everyone has seen Tranmere play by now, and know what fine results they have had. Sheffield ,also , have hit some kind of form and on paper the two teams look evenly matched. Tranmere , though , have the edge in my opinion because of their self belief and their inspirational manager John Aldridge. I am quite mystified how the bookies can give odds like this , the game will be very close, but like I said Tranmere will just edge it and to give odds of 8/11 for a Sheffield win is just asking to bet on the other side.

My next tips are two Derbies , the first one is Sunderland v Newcastle. Go for the Sunderland win 5/4 , Newcastle had a good result in midweek against Blackburn ,but like I have said  Sunderland fear pace and Newcastle have Shearer and Ferguson up front , which ,although a potent strike force lack pace and I see the Sunderland defence coping with it. Newcastle for me , are still an average side and Bobby Robson is still undecided about his defence. With Philips and Quinn having such a strong understanding , I can see these two pulling the Newcastle defence apart. A close game but a Sunderland win. Next up , and my final tip for a treble, the London derby between  Spurs and Chelsea. This has draw written all over it, odds 9/4. Chelsea have set their sights on the cup , and will have the obligatory team change to suit the team that Spurs will field. George Graham  , I suspect , will put out a team that will combat Chelsea's strengths. Therefore the two managers will , effectively , cancel themselves out. Hopefully, being a Derby it might be exciting.. 

If you want to go for a fivefold , look at Man City to beat Notts Forest away 6/5 and Charlton to win away at Stockport Evs. A longshot ! and don't ask me why, but I fancy Coventry to get a result at Man Utd, the draw being 10/3 .

See you all next week...

Otis B. Driftwood

Last Updated 3/02/00

Well Football fans I hope you all took my advice from last week and made a huge lot of dough with the treble I gave you. If you did not , shame on you, my advice is in demand ! sports journals and the like are willing to pay handsomely for my gems of football knowledge.

Now listen up, and I will tell you how to invest your hard earn money into making a  whole lot more!!

Cert of the day is on Monday , where those money grabbing red devils play Arsenal. I expect a win for Manchester United, odds are 10/11 .Having been a fabulous disaster in Brazil ( and trying to make out it was well worth it !! ) Those Mancs have had a bit of a rest and will be raring to go. Arsenal on the other hand , have just had a grueling FA Cup tie with Leicester. I thought those Gunners Chaps where very unlucky , Tim Flowers was in blooming good form. I did notice that , even though they had their chances, Arsenal where rather ordinary first half and their chances came about in the second half due to Leicester waning through tiredness. Man Utd will be too fit and strong, expect a close game early doors but United to come out easy winners.

Next is Sunderland against Leeds ( Check out Leeds team first to see if Woodgate and Bowyer are playing, due to their altercation with the law!!) I watched Sunderland get annihilated by Arsenal last week , and it was due to pace. Henry ran Bold ragged and the other defenders could not cope with Arsenal's impressive running off the ball. Now the fastest team in the premiership , in my humble opinion , is Leeds and even giving Sunderland home advantage . Leeds with Bridges, Smith, Kewell, Huckerby, McPhail and Bowyer (hopefully)  This much speed in a team ,Leeds will win, odds maybe 5/4 or 6/5 . I seem to remember Liverpool winning their, with Owen using his pace to full advantage..

Now to complete my treble, go for Man City to beat Sheff United. City are on a roll  and seem to pull results out of the bag when not playing well. As for Sheffield ,if they can avoid relegation this season , it will be a bonus for them. Odds for a City win 11/10 .

Two Long shots for a Fivefold. West Ham have great odds at 11/5 or 9/4 for an away win. I know they have only had one away win this season, but they are playing Leicester and with playing extra time on Wednesday, loads of injuries and even Martin O'Neil saying his team are running on empty , it is a great bet. Next is Newcastle to beat Wimbledon, odds 7/5 . Newcastle have the aerial power of Duncan Ferguson and Shearer and at the moment look impossible to stop. Wimbledon have to stop the crosses , but I do not think they are capable.

Any way that is it for this week, see you next week Chaps..

Otis B. Driftwood..     Last Updated 20/01/00

Happy New Year to you all. Having come back from sunnier climbs I dam well pick up that Flu bug that has been effecting the country. It has kept me confined to barracks for a good two weeks. Having had plenty of honey and lemon , I have perused this weeks fixed odds and will give you my wisdom on a few outcomes.

First stop , Coventry to beat Wimbledon, I know the odds are not brilliant at 4/5 but it is a nap. Coventry play a fast, closing down game and it will put the Wimbledon defenders under a lot of pressure . I predict that Coventry will score three or more goals..

Everton , along with Man Utd, have the only unbeaten home record in the premiership. Spurs are the visitors to Goodison Park and I cannot see any entertainment in this game. Go for the draw at 11/5 ...

To finish off the treble West Ham to draw with Villa 12/5 . The two met on Wednesday at it was fairly even Steven, and to be honest both teams will be tired after that game .

My two long shots to complete a fivefold ( if you are brave ). I am looking at Sheff Wed against Bradford and thinking these teams will both be relegated, but at this present time I think that Bradford have more spunk and will relish this scrap. The odds on a Bradford win are pretty good as well 3/1. Next stop is Portsmouth against Wolves, Portsmouth are in turmoil and look destined for a relegation battle . Wolves on the other hand always surprise me and I never can predict a result which involves them. Hopefully this time I get it right, go for a Wolves victory at 11/10.

That's it for this week. I hope I am well enough for next week..

Otis B. Driftwood

Last Updated 14/1/2000

Greetings Football followers Otis B. Driftwood here, this week is a formality for giving you the bet of the day. It is Manchester United to beat West Ham, best odds I have seen are Evens .

 Last week I tipped the Hammers to win but those East London Chappies let me down. On Wednesday they had a splendid match against the Villa which went to extra time and then penalties. Poor old Gareth Southgate , he is destined not to score a spot kick, or maybe he wants the extra revenue for the next pizza ad campaign !! Anyway the match on Saturday will see Man Utd fresh from having a week off , as those blighters think they are too good for the FA Cup. With West Ham having played a stamina sapping midweek cup game. I see those Red Devils being too strong for them, and running out comfortable winners.

Now on Friday, Wolves take on Birmingham in a West Midlands derby. It is a well known fact that Trevor Francis's men are short on strikers (but check for details as Marcelo could be fit to play ) As this is the case and Wolves having home advantage I would go for the Golden Boys to win. I have seen odds of 5/4 and 6/5 .

Now to complete the treble go for those West End Blue Boys , Chelsea, to beat Leeds on Sunday. Admittedly , Yorkshire's finest are playing well , but their fixture list is piling up , and having been knocked out in grueling  game that went to extra time and penalties against Leicester on Wednesday , I don't think David O'Leary's youngsters will have enough in their tank. Chelsea on the other hand had an easy victory against Hull , last Saturday, and will be raring to go . You can get Evens for a Chelsea win..

Now for you brave boys out there, take a look at Fulham 7/5 , to beat Crystal Palace away, those odds look very tempting. Also Blackburn 11/10 to beat Sheffield United away, as you know Blackburn are stringing a few good results together since Kidd has left and I am sure that the confidence at Sheffield is pretty low after their draw against Non-Leaguers Rushton and Diamonds.

Long shots ! take a pot at Crewe 3/1 to beat Notts Forest at the City Ground. If Leicester and Villa  had more difficult opponents  I would have gone for both getting beat because of their midweek exploits , but they are only playing Derby and Sheff Wednesday . Be brave and go for both drawing...

Well that's it for this week 

Otis B. Driftwood

Last Updated 16/12/99

Hello fellow pundits Otis B. Driftwood here, accountant to the stars and a guidance guru to football gambling.

 Now during the following weeks I will be giving you, yes you, my expert and inside knowledge on the weekends Premiership and First division fixtures at no cost. What a bargain you lot are getting , I won't even ask for any commission on winnings.

My first week and what happens ? You've guessed it! it's the FA Cup third round . Just my luck , Oh well! here goes.

Now we all know that the 3rd round always produces a shock, and it makes an expert like me look a right Wally. I have been perusing the fixtures and have to say there are some tasty bets to be had... 

The first one that sticks out is Spurs against Newcastle, Spurs are missing keys players out through injury and suspension. Newcastle are quoted 13/5 or 11/4 at some bookies for the win. Spurs where rubbish against a 10 man West Ham on Monday, and I think Newcastle could turn them over and Shearer is due a goal . Which leads me on to West Ham away to Tranmere, although Tranmere have a good home record. West Ham's Premiership class will tell and I fancy an away win. If you have a look around you can 11/10 odds. Now if you want a treble, my final tip is Coventry 6/5 or 11/10 to beat Norwich away. 

If you're a bit ambitious and want to do fourfolds and fivefolds. My advice would be Liverpool to beat Huddersfield 6/5.Although Huddersfield are top of the First , I still think there is a massive gap between the First and the Premiership and Liverpool have quality all over the pitch especially Owen's pace. My next choice is brave but I just think Southampton are Premiership and will be to good for Ipswich and the odds for a Southampton win look inviting 7/4. If want to sit on the fence go for the draw 9/4.

Others to have a flyer at are Wigan to beat Wolves 13/8 and Crew to beat Bradford at 12/5.

Well that's it for this week sports fans be sure you log in next week for more of my fantastic tips.

If you need my services urgently go to Mail Man and e-mail me through Into the Net.

Otis B. Driftwood

Last Updated 9/12/99

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