Week 16 of the JOE v Paddy Challenge and the pressure is on JOE to open up daylight after Paddy gained further ground last weekend.
We’re going to blame the craziness of the Premier League opening weekend for the lack of any return from our bets last weekend, but by the same token, Paddy benefitted from six crazy minutes at the DW for the only winning punt, that Chelsea would be on top at half time and full time against Wigan.
As a result, the gap between ourselves and Mr. Power was reduced by €20 and if we don’t get our act together soon, he’ll have soon usurped us as the chief breadwinner for the gambling element of our readership.
Here’s how things stand at the moment.
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Outlay: €525 |
Outlay: €525 |
Not to be perturbed by last week’s failings – and with everyone else not exactly chomping at the bit for their moment in the sun – Conor Heneghan has again stepped forward on the JOE side, with the threat of toilet cleaning duties for a fortnight if none of his bets fail to pay dividend this weekend.
JOE’s picks:
Cork v Donegal, no goalscorer @ 4/1
Much has been made of the blanket defence employed by Donegal, but like most good Corkonians, this Rebel rearguard don’t like giving things away cheaply. In fact, Alan Quirke has yet to concede a goal in this year’s Championship and an average concession of just over 12 points a game suggests that Murphy, McFadden and company won’t have it easy on Sunday.
On the other side of the coin, Donegal have only conceded two goals all season and three in the Championship during Jim McGuinness’ reign, two of which, strangely, were scored by Cavan. Put simply, whoever raises a green flag this weekend will have to work awful hard to do so and we have a feeling that there mightn’t be any goals at all.
At 4/1, it’s well worth a shout.
Norwich v QPR, four goals or more @ 15/8
Granted, none of these two scored on the opening day so you’d be forgiven for questioning their capacity to score four between them, but when Swansea and Fulham score ten goals between them on the same day, you know that dodgy defences must have had something to do with it.
QPR’s signings have been so random that it’s bound to take time for them to settle, while Chris Houghton might need time to work his magic with the Canaries. It could be tough to watch for fans of either side, but it should be entertaining for the rest of us.
Manchester City to beat Liverpool @ 11/8
Brendan Rodgers may eventually pull Liverpool around, but he’s had a pretty tough start with a nightmare defeat to West Brom and an unconvincing victory over Hearts in the Europa League. The last thing he’ll want is a clash with the Premier League Champions and we think it’s coming a little too early for the Reds – who will be without Daniel Agger of course – even though they are at home. City to win.
Paddy’s Picks:
Cork v Donegal, Cork to win by 1-3 points @ 13/5
Both of these sides have battered their way to this late stage of the championship and despite what your token Kerryman friend might say, neither side has looked in danger of losing all year.
Cork possess one of the most frightening attacks seen in the modern era and we think they’ll sneak a win here, but given the intensity and level of fitness of this Donegal team it will be no walk in the park. Therefore we’re backing Cork to win by 1-3 points, which is available at 13/5.
Cork v Donegal, Red Card to be shown @ 11/8
This match has rightfully been billed as the unstoppable force vs. the immovable object, with both sides packing more punch than a late night kebab shop.
Therefore it’s definitely worth having a punt on this game to have a red card at 11/8. Both sides will be tackling as if their lives depended on it and with both sides practically devoid of shrinking violets and one including Michael Shields, something is bound to kick off!
Liverpool v Manchester City, four or more goals @ 9/4
Following last week’s disastrous start you have to feel sorry for Liverpool fans, who could well be on the receiving end of yet another false dawn. Rodgers’ side need points and fast, therefore we expect Liverpool, buoyed by the home crowd, to throw everything at City.
To put it simply, we see both sides scoring. With that in mind we’re going to back four or more goals which is available at 9/4. Let’s hope we’re right!
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