Betfair‘s Bruin Brown has three more Bruin’s Shoo-Ins for Exchange punters to get stuck into this weekend.
Punters up and down the country could be heard letting out a huge sigh of relief at the sight of a domestic coupon available for this weekend’s action. Well, when I say “punters” I mean me, when I say “up and down the country” I mean up and down the stairs of my house, and when I say “could be heard” it was probably only the missus and the dog that were within realistic audible distance.
You see, I really don’t enjoy betting on international football. And that’s not just because I had a shocker last week. Okay, it’s partly because I had a shocker last week, but I’ve never liked it. I much prefer the hustle and bustle of domestic football as opposed to the possession-driven international game.
Norwich City V Arsenal: Saturday 12:45: Live On Sky Sports 1
And the weekend kicks off with a match that I’m really looking forward to at Carrow Road. In fact I look forward to all televised matches at Carrow Road. There’s something about watching a football game where a well-known celebrity chef could spontaneously combust at any given time that makes it more appealing. But even without the presence of dear old Delia this one would be a mouth-waterer.
Norwich have only failed to score in two games this season and have yet to keep a Premier League clean sheet since their return to the top flight. Arsenal, meanwhile, have conceded more goals on their travels (17) than any other team in the division while scoring the second-most away goals (11) in the Premier League.
I’m a man of logic. And there is nothing more logical than to back Over 2.5 goals here at odds of 1.65 (4/6) with Betfair. That’s my first Shoo-in.
Derby County v Hull City. Saturday: 15:00
Slightly further down the English football pyramid there’s an intriguing match between Derby and Hull. Both teams are locked on 24 points, just one point outside the play-offs. However, Hull have just lost their manager and Derby are amidst a run of just one win in their last eight matches.
Nick Barmby has been temporarily handed the reins – I often wonder how it would be if managers were actually required to guide their team around a football pitch with a set of reins, Ben Hur style – at Hull. The difficulties posed in this type of situation always depend on whether the new manager can set aside any personal friendships he had from his playing days. One thing in his favour is that he knows the squad of players that he has at his disposal.
Derby fans will be hugely concerned at their recent slump and astute punters, such as myself – obviously – will continue to oppose them until they show signs of turning things around. Lay Derby to win at odds of 2.8 (9/5) with Betfair.
Dundee Utd v Hearts: Saturday 15:00
North of the border, where Rangers are due to be presented the SPL trophy at their Christmas party, there’s an intriguing battle going on further down the the table. The bottom six sides are separated by just three points while the teams placed 4th to 12th are split by only seven.
If you think your club is in turmoil then you may want to spare a thought for the never-ending soap opera that goes on at Tynecastle. Players didn’t receive their October wages until earlier this month, then came news that a tax bill had delayed their November wages, then manager Paulo Sergio received a five-game ban. This was followed by rumours circulating that Vladimir Romanov had put the club up for sale and then a two-headed dog was found giving birth to a Siamese cat in the away team dressing room. Only one of those is not true.
Hearts are in disarray. And although Dundee United are not firing on all cylinders they have won the last four meetings between the clubs at Tannadice. Back Dundee United to beat Hearts at Betfair’s 2.64 (13/8). I am Bruin and that is my final shoo-in.
Bruin’s Shoo-ins;
Back Over 2.5 goals in Norwich v Arsenal @ 1.65
Lay Derby to beat Hull @ 2.8
Back Dundee United to beat Hearts @ 2.64
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