There was a small amount of dosh won in Week 14 but nothing to write home about, leaving both JOE and Paddy anxious to save their hides this weekend.
Having spent the last two weeks looking nervously over our shoulders fearing that Paddy would soon pass us out, it was about time that JOE restored a healthier advantage, even if our own earnings were fairly miniscule from last weekend.
Despite as close to a man of the match performance without being officially recognised as such, Joe Canning let us both down by failing to raise a green flag against Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Thankfully there was no sense of mutual disappointment emanating from the Community Shield at Wembley, for while Eden Hazard failed to score and there was no draw for Paddy, a Manchester City win ensured a few quid for JOE and rather miserably, turned out to be the only successful bet of the weekend following Neymar’s failure to score in the Olympic football final.
Here’s how the table looks as a result.
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Outlay: €490 |
Outlay: €490 |
Considering that there was at least one successful bet last weekend, Conor Heneghan has again stepped forward from the JOE camp this week. Feel free to take on board or point and laugh at his selections.
JOE’s Picks:
Colin Fennelly to score a goal anytime against Tipperary @ 15/8
The fourth episode in this brilliant rivalry is too hard to call, something that is reflected in the match odds with Kilkenny being made narrow favourites. While we’re reluctant to call a winner, one thing we do think will happen that didn’t in last week’s semi-final is goals. We’re convinced that someone will hit the onion sack on Sunday and if it’s only one it could well prove the difference between the two in the end.
Kilkenny have never been ones to pass up a goal opportunity when it’s on and with Richie Hogan absent and Richie Power not quite hitting the heights, Colin Fennelly looks the likeliest of the inside forwards to raise a green flag.
Newcastle v Tottenham, over 3.5 goals @11/5
Yes, it’s back. The wait for the Premier League didn’t feel as long or as insufferable this summer because of the Euros and the Olympics, but it’s mighty to have regular football back on the box this weekend all the same.
The opening day can be something of a minefield as far as betting is concerned, but we think that there might be a goal-fest when Newcastle host Spurs in the evening game on Saturday.
If the Demba Ba of the first half of last season and the Papiss Cisse of the second half turn up, they’ll pose all sorts of problems for AVB’s new-look defence, while Jermain Defoe looks in the mood for goals after his cracker for England against Italy in midweek.
Manchester United v Everton, Robin van Persie first goalscorer @ 7/2
It almost seems written in the stars that the subject of one of the biggest transfer stories in the history of the Premier League will make some sort of impact in his first game, whether it is a sending off or a match-winning goal.
With the formalities of the move completed, RVP should start alongside Wayne Rooney at Goodison Park and although that’s always proved a tricky hunting ground for the Red Devils, we think they’ll sneak a narrow win with Van Persie getting on the scoresheet.
Paddy’s Picks:
Chelsea/Chelsea – Wigan v Chelsea @ 3/1
The Joes have an annoying knack of predicting a Kilkenny scorer every time they play so we need a big weekend! During the Euros, Torres looked far sharper and if Di Matteo’s summer signings can gel with the rest of the squad we can see Chelsea having a good crack at the title.
Wigan, meanwhile, haven’t strengthened to the same extent as their relegation rivals and we expect them to struggle. With Chelsea entering this fixture buoyed by their new signings they should get off to a flyer and net early, if last season has taught us anything it’s that Terry and Co. can hold a lead so back the Blues to win both halves at 3/1.
It’s my week I have a feeling!!
Manchester City (-2) to beat Southampton @ 6/4
City’s home form last season was as consistent as Jermain Defoe’s Chinawhite scoring record, dropping only two points. We have no doubt that Southampton will be competitive in the league this season but the massive jump in class between Championship also rans and Man City will be too much for Nigel Adkins’ side.
On the flipside, we can see City racing out of the blocks eager to make a statement to the rest of the division. Back them to win -2 at 6/4.
Draw/Manchester United – Everton v Manchester United @ 7/2
Man Utd finally avenged Arsenal’s signing of Mikael Silvestre by snapping up Van Persie from the Gunners which means three things: goals, goals and more goals. Everton, as always, haven’t been able to splash the cash this summer but with David Moyes at the helm you can always expect them to be competitive.
A trip to Goodison Park is never easy, even for the top sides. I can see Alex Ferguson’s side winning this game but not having it all their own way, therefore I’ll be backing Draw/Man Utd on the Half-Time/Full-Time which is available at 7/2.
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