Low scoring could reap rewards

By Simon Hayes on August 27, 2008 1:00 AM |

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Nigel Seeley - The Wizard of Odds - gives his top betting tips for the forthcoming week's sporting action

FOR those of you who don't know, Betbrokers - the company I worked for - went into administration last Friday. It was a very sad day for all 28 staff who lost their jobs.

It was a massive culture shock to sign-on on Tuesday morning and for any staff or clients who are owed monies, including myself, I hope and pray we get it back. The first way to do so is to have a couple of small bets on two games in the Premier League to score less than three goals.

Followers of Place your Bets will know the under-three-goals-in-a-game market is my favourite for betting because gamblers always back over, expecting to see goals and action as their heart rules their head.

The first rule of gambling is go against the norm and the Premier League calendar has thrown up some very dour looking fixtures this weekend, with goals expected to be at a premium.

First up is the clash at Goodison Park between Everton and Portsmouth.

Everton fans could be in for a struggle this season with the failure to bring big names through the door. Portsmouth have failed to score in their opening two matches, albeit against Chelsea and Manchester United.

The Crouch - Defoe partnership is taking time to gel but I expect them to be too strong for a makeshift Everton defence.

In the last 12 matches between the two teams, eight have produced less than three goals and the 8/11 about that happening again look generous, as does 1-0 Portsmouth at 10/1.

Another game on Saturday which will be very tight is the clash between Hull City and Wigan at the KC Stadium. Hull v Wigan is a more familiar rugby league fixture, and you have to go back to 1997 for the last time the two football teams met in the league.

With survival key for both clubs defeat would be a disaster, even at this early stage of the season. Their last eight meetings have not produced goal feasts, with all eight featuring under three goals, available at 8/11. Five have ended with a 1-1 scoreline and I wouldn't be surprised to see the same score again at 6/1.

Talking of rugby league, the game's showpiece, the Challenge Cup Final, is at Wembley on Saturday.

As a massive league fan I can't wait to see the mighty St Helens take on lowly Hull. The Yorkshire club have a long and famous history in this competition but that will count for nothing against the best rugby league team in the world.

Saints are 1/10 red-hot favourites and they should cover the 12 points handicap at 10/11. And have a small wager on Saints' skipper Shaun Long winning the Lance Todd Trophy (man on the match) at 5/1.

And if you know of any jobs going, please email The Wharf?

RUNNING TOTAL + £115

RECOMMENDED BETS

£20 Under 3 goals in Portsmouth v Everton @ 8/11

£ 5 Portsmouth to beat Everton 1-0

£20 Under 3 goals in Hull v Wigan @ 8/11

£ 5 Hull and Wigan to draw 1-1 @ 6-1

£20 St Helens to beat Hull by more than 12 points @ 10/11

£ 5 Shaun Long - Lance Todd winner @ 5/1