Betrescue columnist, Bruin Brown from Betfair goes to the Vicarage Road, Loftus Road and the Hawthorns for this week’s Bruin’s Shoo-Ins
Whatever your opinion of Harry Redknapp and his tax evasion trial you have to admire the man’s skills as a dog trainer. The most I can get our Rover to do is sit and put out a paw; ‘Arry has managed to train his hound to get on a plane to Monaco and open a bank account. Crufts beckons.
Watford v Tottenham: Friday Live On ESPN: KO 19:45
Spurs take on Watford in the FA Cup this Friday evening and, all things considered, I think there is an opportunity to take them on in the Match Odds market where they are trading at 1.55 (8/15).
Having edged to within touching distance of the Premier League summit The Lilywhites appear to have hesitated a little under the pressure. Although they were worth a point at the Etihad Stadium last weekend that last gasp penalty from Mario Balotelli would have felt like a dagger through the heart.
There’s also the fact that Redknapp hasn’t been at training all week to consider, and the possibility of a Friday night match being slightly disorientating. I’m going slightly against my usual principles here as I don’t see this as a shoo-in in its simplest form, but I do see it as a very good value bet. Unfortunately ‘Bruin’s Very Good Value Bets’ doesn’t quite roll off the tongue in the same way that ‘Bruin’s Shoo-ins’ does. Lay Tottenham to beat Watford at odds of 1.55 on Betfair.
QPR V Chelsea: Saturday: KO: 12:00
Staying with the FA Cup and another all-London affair as Chelsea go to Loftus Road for a Saturday midday kick-off.
Apparently the Football Association requested the game to be played on Sunday, but lip readers that were asked to keep an eye on John Terry were unavailable due to prior engagements with the Hollyoaks omnibus. The England captain will be under the microscope this weekend, but that’s nothing new to him, as Wayne Bridge’s ex-missus will testify.
I’m surprised to see Chelsea available at odds-on prices for this tie, especially given their recent fortunes on the road. The Blues have won only one of their last four games away from Stamford Bridge and looked decidedly average in their approach play at Carrrow Road last week.
QPR, on the other hand, have already showed signs of improvement under manager Mark Hughes and the three goals scored against Wigan last time out increased their home goals tally by 33%.
Contrasting levels of confidence, home advantage and the new manager factor are all reasons for me to think Rangers can at least force a replay, and consequently make the lay of Chelsea at 1.67 (4/6) an obvious one only at Betfair.com
West Brom V Norwich: Saturday: KO: 15:00
Having lost to Norwich at The Hawthorns just 14 days ago, it is somewhat baffling to my admittedly small mind that The Baggies should be priced up as 2.0 (Evens) favourites to win this one.
Norwich’s league form allows them the luxury of having a good go at the FA Cup this season, as was seen from Paul Lambert’s team selection in the third round against Burnley, and a repeat result can’t be ruled out. Flippant is the collective Betfair punter who prices this fixture so heavily in the home sides favour; a flippant friend that shall be fiercely opposed. Lay West Brom to beat Norwich at odds of 2.0 on Betfair.com
Bruin’s Shoo-ins
Lay Tottenham to beat Watford @ 1.55
Lay Chelsea to beat QPR @ 1.67
Lay West Brom to beat Norwich @ 2.0
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