The Weekend Wager

Arsenal vs Middlesbrough           
Logic suggests a home win, but at 1.32 (Betfair) I'd be inclined to keep my money in my pocket. Arsenal's form of late has been relatively poor, efforts of a so far successful season appears to
be taking it's toll on the squad.  Couple this with Boro's purposeful performance against Villa sees the 5.5 for draw as the value bet.
-Draw- @ 5.5


Derby vs Manchester United
United United United! Even at 1.18, put the mortgage on it, put the pension on it, put the kids inheritance on it, just do it!
-United- @ 1.18


Portsmouth vs Aston Villa
Portsmouth's recent form has been good of late and with the added fillup of a date at Wembley they will be filled with plenty of motivation. Villa however have one best away records in the league and that cannot be ignored despite their patchy form.  Villa have drawn 4 of their last 6. I expect that to read 5 from 7 come 5pm.
-Draw- @ 3.25


West Ham vs Blackburn
The Hammers Newcastle-esque implosion of recent weeks has been quite remarkable.  
Blackburn do flatter to deceive and somehow manage to pick up points often undeserved.  I don't believe this will be another 4 nil but rather a dull no score draw.
-Draw- @ 3.3


Birmingham City vs Newcastle United
Newcastle's  freefall does not look likely to cease anytime soon. Strikers who can't score (see Owen & Smith), Defenders who can't defend (see Carr, Cacapa, Enrique) and midfielders who are either past it (Butt) or soon incacerated (Barton). A team who cannot socre nor defend *smh*.
Birmingham however have shown the fight required to get out of a relegation battle and with 6 goals scored in their past two, they also possess the necessary firepower. It' s hard to see past a home win here.
-Birmingham- @ 2.4

FA Cup Semis : Yay or Nay?

I was unsure of how I feel about the FA Cup semi finals being a top 4 free zone. At first, I was like

''YAY! Hurrah for the little guys!''

But upon reflection, I just wonder, do I really want to be down the pub on Final's day watching Barnsley vs Cardiff? Surely it'll be a borefest?

Then I remembered Barnsley's dual slaying of Liverpool and Chel sea (Team of the Year for that alone), Cardiff's taming of the Boro andwith WBAs gun-ho we'll score one more than you mentality maybe the little lads aren't so bad.

I also then remebered the borefest that was last year's Chelsea v United final (possibly the worst game ever)

So in conclusion -

!Yay! for the little man!

Portsmouth are still MASSIVE favourites, I'll be routing for Barnsley myself

Shame my beloved Magpies are self destructing...