Soccer Betting » EPL

Offshore Oscar’s picks May 23, 24 – Splashing on some Köln

Offshore Oscar — Fri, 22 May 2009 02:11:52 +0000

Last weekend was another somewhat disappointing one at the betting windows, but that was tempered by the fact that I found what looked like a quarter on the ground. It wasn’t, but how lucky is that anyway? Now I have a perfectly good washer for the next time I need one of that specific size.

The football season is winding down and good games are hard to find, but we’ve got some solid plays in spite of that, so do yourself a favor and play along.

Original bankroll: 1,000 units
Last time’s bankroll: 1,591.2 units

Last time:
1 – 50 units on Newcastle to win at 1.91 – Final 0-1 – LOSS
2 – 50 units on VL Bochum to win at 1.83 – Final 2-0 WIN
3 – 50 units on Deportivo to win at 1.80 – Final 1-1 LOSS

Profit/loss = (-58.5 units)
New bankroll: 1,532.7 units

This week’s Offshore Oscar plays:

1 – Let’s start out the final weekend of EPL action with a match that means absolutely nothing. Blackburn Rovers are safe from relegation and would like no more than to give their loyal home fans a win in their last match against West Brom, who had the wind taken out of their sails last week at Anfield.

50 units on Blackburn to win at 1.85 (so a win gets us back 92.5 units)

2 – Middlesbrough are really up against it, they need to win big and Newcastle and Hull City must lose. They will try hard but it is difficult seeing them winning with their recent form, especially at Upton Park. The Hammers have had a fine season under Gianfranco Zola and will play the visitors tough.

50 units on West Ham-Middlesbrough draw at 3.50 (so a draw gets us back 175 units)

3 – FC Koln have some confidence after winning at Hamburg last weekend and look to close out their season in style at home and complete the double against VL Bochum. Bochum did what they had to do last weekend and secured another season in the Bundesliga.

50 units on FC Koln to win at 1.91 (so a win gets us back 95.5 units)

Odds from willhill.com

Offshore Oscar’s picks May 16, 17 – Putting the fun back into the fundamentals

Offshore Oscar — Fri, 15 May 2009 03:14:41 +0000

Our two plays last weekend didn’t get us anywhere, but that’s why they call it gambling, except in Las Vegas where they call it “gaming” so it sounds like you had fun even when you inevitably lose. Whatever.

In the final weeks of the season we have a healthy profit guaranteed for anyone who’s been wisely following along, so take that, gambling conglomerates, Russian mobsters, and the Triads!

This weekend we are back to what has built our bankroll, namely solid favorites at square prices. Play along with us, won’t you?

Original bankroll: 1,000 units
Last time’s bankroll: 1,691.2 units

Last time:
1 – 50 units on Hull City to win at 2.10 – Final 1-2 – LOSS
2 – 50 units Bilbao-Betis draw at 3.10 – Final 1-0 LOSS

Profit/loss = (-100 units)
New bankroll: 1,591.2 units

This week’s Offshore Oscar plays:

1 – More relegation fun this weekend as Newcastle host Fulham. Kudos to the Cottagers for a fine season, but this match does not mean much to them, they are going to finish just outside the European bubble, and they only have two away wins. The Toon Army will be out in full force at Saint James Park in one last push to keep Newcastle in the EPL.

50 units on Newcastle to win at 1.91 (so a win gets us back 95.5 units)

2 – The VL Bochum fans have been all over us for not using them at all this season, now they get a shot at the title. VL Bochum sit just outside the relegation zone and are eyeing 6 points with a home match against Frankfurt and away at FC Koln. They were embarrassed 4-0 at Frankfurt and are looking for some payback.

50 units on VL Bochum to win at 1.83 (so a win gets us back 91.5 units)

3 – El Riazor has been good to us this season and we’ll go there one more time. Deportivo La Coruna have a small shot at Europe and should win handily this Saturday against visiting Getafe.

50 units on Deportivo to win at 1.80 (so a win gets us back 90 units)

Odds from willhill.com

Offshore Oscar’s picks May 9, 10 – Well, that didn’t work

Offshore Oscar — Fri, 08 May 2009 02:09:07 +0000

My midweek Champion’s League London home-teams parlay went over just about as well as a right-wing radio talk show guy trying to host the Oscars or enter the UK. Late money poured in on ManU and Barcelona, and instead of that being an ominous sign, it looked like value. Whatever. This whole game might be fixed anyway.

This weekend we have only two picks as the end of the season is in sight, and we don’t want to piss away our hard-earned units on some unpredictable matches where motivations are unclear.

Original bankroll: 1,000 units
Last time’s bankroll: 1,741.2 units

Last time:
1 – 50-unit win parlay on Arsenal at 2.62 and Chelsea at 2.70 – Final 1-3 and 1-1 – LOSS

Profit/loss = (-50 units)
New bankroll: 1,691.2 units

This week’s Offshore Oscar plays:

1 – Hull City need separation from the bottom three and they are looking for all six points in their next two matches before they host Manchester United on the weekend before the Champions League Final. ManU will probably have the EPL sewn up by then and play a reserve like squad, which will still be pretty good. Nevertheless, the Tigers should focus on Stoke City this weekend, they could leapfrog Sunderland if they win and Sunderland ties or loses at the Reebok. Phil Brown is one of our favorite managers and he will have them motivated.

50 units on Hull City to win at 2.10 (so a win gets us back 105 units)

2 – Normally we would play Athletic Bilbao to win this weekend at home versus Real Betis, but with the Copa Del Ray final looming next week versus Barcelona, we’ll go for the draw. In La Liga, Bilbao have had a fine mid table season, while Betis are almost safe, but not quite yet and think they will be satisfied getting a point in Basque country.

50 units on the Bilbao-Betis draw at 3.10 (so a draw gets us back 155 units)

Odds from willhill.com

Offshore Oscar’s picks May 2, 3 – Easy money will be ours

Offshore Oscar — Fri, 01 May 2009 17:42:35 +0000

Last weekend was tough with two frustrating draws on games that could easily have been wins, but that happens all the time so you’d think I’d be used to it. Fiorentina came through big though, so we only had a small loss.

If the swine flu doesn’t end up killing all the fans and players before the weekend begins, we’ve got some great plays on tap. The season is quickly winding down and we’d love to get over 2,000 units by the time we go on hiatus.

Original bankroll: 1,000 units
Last time’s bankroll: 1,535.7 units

Last time:
1 – 50 units on Fiorentina to win at 2.37 – Final 4-1 – WIN
2 – 50 units on Borussia Monchengladbach to win at 1.83 – Final 1-1 – LOSS
3 – 50 units on Newcastle to win at 2.00 – Final 0-0 LOSS

Profit/loss = (-32.5 units)
New bankroll: 1,503.2 units

This week’s Offshore Oscar plays:

1 – The Gunners travel to the South coast this weekend to face struggling Pompey. They didn’t play that bad in the Champions League vs ManU on Wednesday and while they might have one eye on the return leg at the Emirates, they still should come away with all three points.

50 units on Arsenal at win at 2.15 (so a victory gets us back 107.5 units)

2 – All eyes in Europe will be on the Santiago Bernabeu Saturday night when second place Real Madrid hosts first place Barcelona, with both teams in top form. With 5 matches to go, the Catalonians hold a four point lead and it will be “game on” in La Liga if Real wins, but we don’t think that will happen. Pep Guardiola seemed to be frustrated will the lock down defense that Chelsea played last Tuesday, Real’s back four are not as strong as the Blues, so look for the Barca strikers and midfielders to come out firing.

50 units on Barcelona to win at 2.70 (so a win gets us 135 units)

3 – Milan chalk “easy” money parlay (famous last words) – Inter and AC Milan sit one-two in Serie A and should have no trouble with their matches this weekend. Inter hosts out of form Lazio, while AC Milan travel to Sicily to face a seemingly safe from relegation Catania.

50-unit win parlay on Inter Milan at 1.44 into AC Milan at 1.57 (so if both win we get back 50 x 1.44 x 1.57 = 113 units)

Odds from willhill.com

Offshore Oscar’s picks April 25, 26 – Newcastle celebrates a future WAG

Offshore Oscar — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:33:27 +0000

We proved once again last week that it’s better to be lucky than good, and had another smashing weekend at the windows. Chris Hamburg helpfully pointed out in the comments that Berlin’s striker Voronin had been suspended for 3 games for kicking a ball at another guy, which got past us before we locked in the bet. Fortunately, the rest of them managed a Cinderella comeback win in spite of his absence, so we’ll take it. Cha-ching!

We split the other two bets, and are on cruise control again with a bulging account full of units. This weekend I couldn’t find anything worthwhile in the early matches, so I’ll have to amuse myself with scratch-off lottery tickets until the late games start. Ooh, this ticket has a Price is Right theme!

Let’s celebrate with this photo of Maxim covergirl and Newcastle supporter and future WAG Francoise Boufhal.

Original bankroll: 1,000 units
Last time’s bankroll: 1,468.2 units

Last time:
1 – 50 units on Sunderland to win at 1.85 – Final 1-0 – WIN
2 – 50-unit win parlay on Aston Villa at 1.67 into Birmingham City at 1.95 – Final 1-1 into 1-0 – LOSS
3 – 50 units Hertha Berlin to win at 2.50 – Final 2-1 WIN

Profit/loss = +67.5 units
New bankroll: 1,535.7 units

This week’s Offshore Oscar plays:

1 – In what should be a cracker of a match with possible Europe implications, Fiorentina host AS Roma. The Violets are only two points behind Genoa and could put all the pressure on them with a win. Genoa travels to relegation-threatened Bologna on Sunday. Roma, on the other hand, are three points behind Fiorentina and will look to complete the double versus them, winning 1-0 at Stadio Olympico in Rome. It’s Gilardino against Totti, and were looking for Alberto to come out on top.

50 units on Fiorentina to win at 2.37 (so a win gets us back 118.5 units)

2 – An interesting relegation match is on tap at Borussia Park on Sunday when Borussia Monchengladbach host Arminia Bielefeld. Borussia is in the relegation zone, one point behind the visitors. Look for BM to come out gunning with American Micheal Bradley and get into safety for at least one more week.

50 units on Borussia Monchengladbach to win at 1.83 (so a win gets us back 91.5 units)

3 – With a trip to Anfield looming next week, Newcastle United MUST secure all three points this Monday when they host Portsmouth. Newcastle in the Coca Cola Championship, does that sound right to you? Pompey are not out of the woods yet, with three teams separating them from relegation, so they will probably be defensive minded and go for the tie. Look for the hosts to be on the attack from the outset and get a much needed win.

50 units on Newcastle to win at 2.00 (so this win gets us back an even 100 units)

Odds from willhill.com

Offshore Oscar’s picks April 17,18 – Brummies gonna make us rich

Offshore Oscar — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 01:17:21 +0000

Friggin Napoli never got into gear, and the North London squads looked flat early last weekend, but those two came through big and we had another winning weekend.

This weekend we are going hog wild with our most units bet ever. The season is almost winding down, so it’s time to separate the compulsive gamblers from the gambling addicts. Will I get up to 2,000 units for the season? I wouldn’t want to bet against it, or maybe I would?

Original bankroll: 1,000 units
Last time’s bankroll: 1,439.2 units

Last time:
1 – 40-unit win parlay Arsenal at 1.70 into Tottenham at 1.75 – Final 1-4 into 1-0 – WIN
2 – 50 units on Napoli to win at 1.91 – Final 0-0 – LOSS

Profit/loss = +29 units
New bankroll: 1,468.2 units

This week’s Offshore Oscar plays:

1 – Sunderland thrashed Hull City 1-4 at KC Stadium last December and there is no reason why they can’t do the same thing at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Having lost 4 in a row and 2 points out of relegation, the Black Cats should come out firing on all cylinders.

50 units on Sunderland to win at 1.85 (so a win gets us back 92.5 units)

2 – City of Birmingham parlay – Looks like a Champions League spot was just a pipe dream for the Villains, they have not won in their last 5 EPL matches. A UEFA(or whatever they call the new competition next season) spot looks safe, but 5th place does not, with the Toffees breathing down their neck, so they must clamp down at home Saturday against the visiting Hammers. What once was a sure promotion spot for Birmingham City is now in jeopardy and they MUST secure all three points in Northwest London at Vicarage Road to hold on to second place in the Coca Cola Championship.

50-unit win parlay on Aston Villa at 1.67 into Birmingham City at 1.95 (so if both win we get back 50 x 1.67 x 1.95 = 162.82 units)

3 – Hertha Berlin have lost three in a row in the Bundesliga after a short stint at the top. They host Werder Bremen on Sunday, who just advanced to the UEFA Cup semifinals in a hard fought match in Northern Italy. Hertha can still get a spot in Europe and Ukrainian Andriy Voronin should lead them to victory on Sunday, avenging their 5-1 loss last year in Bremen.

50 units Hertha Berlin to win at 2.50 (so a win gets us back 125 units)

Odds from willhill.com

Offshore Oscar’s picks – April 10,11 Norf London parlay time

Offshore Oscar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:32:07 +0000

I’m back from Mexico, and I can’t tell you how thrilling it was to meet so many people who follow my picks while on holiday! I totally agree with most of you that the jail cell was way too small for all of us, but looking back it’s hard to hold a grudge, even though that judge did have it coming.

Our midweek plays paid off nicely and ironically it was the Mexico loss that kept us from a sweep. We are easing back into action with just two picks, as this should help my tequila hangover settle a bit more.

Original bankroll: 1,000 units
Last time’s bankroll: 1,385.2 units

Last time:
1 – 40 units Northern Ireland to win at 2.25 – Final 3-2 – WIN
2 – 40 units Bosnia-Herzegovina to win at 2.10 – Final 2-1 – WIN
3 – 40 units Honduras-Mexico tie at 3.10 – Final 3-1 – LOSS
Profit/loss = +54 units
New bankroll: 1,439.2 units

This week’s Offshore Oscar plays:

1 – North London parlay – The Gunners are flying high with a four match win streak in the EPL and a key away-goal at Villareal in the Champions League. Wigan don’t really have much to play for with Europe out of their reach and they are safe from relegation. Spurs entertain Hammers in a mid-table match and should prevail in a close one.

40-unit win parlay Arsenal at 1.70 into Tottenham at 1.75 (so if both win we get back 40 x 1.70 x 1.75 = 119 units)

2 – Napoli has not won in 5 Serie A matches while Atlanta has only won once in their last five. Napoli lost last fall at Atlanta and they should return the favor at home and overtake Atalanta in the standings.

50 units on Napoli to win at 1.91 (so a win gets us back 95.5 units)

Odds from willhill.com

Offshore Oscar’s picks Mar-21, 22 – Roma/Juventus too close to call

Offshore Oscar — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:10:05 +0000

Another great weekend as we hit two of three propositions, and now our total is heading back toward its peak from a month ago. Those who said that my picks sounded like they were coming from someone in the Special Olympics of Gambling really hurt my feelings, so it’s nice to prove once again that just participating isn’t enough. It’s all about winning.

Original bankroll: 1,000 units
Last time’s bankroll: 1,491.2 units

Last time:
1 – 40 units on Sunderland to win at 2.20 – Final 1-2 – LOSS
2 – 40 units Real Madrid to win at 2.00 – Final 2-5 – WIN
3 – 40 units Hibernian to win at 2.50 – Final 1-0 – WIN
Profit/loss = +60 units
New bankroll: 1,551.2 units

This week’s Offshore Oscar plays:

1 – Everton seem to have righted the ship after a bad spell, they cleaned Stoke City’s clock last Saturday and they travel south this Saturday to face Pompey in the lunchtime match. Portsmouth drew at a weak Boro side and will have their hands full with Everton’s in form strikers.

40 units Everton to win at 2.62 (so a win gets us back 104.8 units)

2 – Wolves and Birmingham City have been good to us before in the Coca-Cola Championship and we hope to keep rolling with them this weekend. They both still need to keep winning for an automatic promotion to the EPL and face weak opposition on Saturday. Wolves travel to Nottingham Forest while the Blues host Norwich City.

40-unit win parlay Wolverhampton at 2.15 into Birmingham City at 1.70 (so if both win we get back 40 x 2.15 x 1.70 = 146.2 units)

3 – The big match up of the weekend in Serie A is at Olympic Stadium in Rome where 6th place Roma host second place Juventus. Juventus looks to have secured a spot in Europe, while Roma is still fighting for 4th place. Juventus won 2-0 at home in November, but this match should be more closely contested.

40 units on the Roma-Juventus draw at 2.90 (so a draw gets us back 116 units)

Odds from willhill.com

Offshore Oscar’s picks Mar-14, 15 – Attention Groundskeeper Willie

Offshore Oscar — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:00:17 +0000

We had a great weekend so we were finally able to hit the “overcharge” button on that nasty losing streak and we are swimming in units again. Those stubborn Germans were all that kept us from sweeping, since the EPL parlay came through nicely, as did the draw in the Madrid Derby.

This weekend we’ll finally pay some attention to the Scots and splash some units around in England and Spain again as well.

Original bankroll: 1,000 units
Last time’s bankroll: 1,316.9 units

Last time:
1 – 40 units on Werder Bremen to win at 2.40 – Final 0-0 – LOSS
2 – 40 unit win parlay Birmingham City at 1.67 into Wolverhampton at 2.37 – Final 1-0 into 1-0 – WIN
3 – 40 units Real Madrid-Athletico Madrid draw at 3.40 – Final 1-1 – WIN
Profit/loss = +174.3 units
New bankroll: 1,491.2 units

This weekend’s Offshore Oscar plays:

1 – Both Sunderland and Wigan have been playing some pretty bad football lately. Sunderland gave up a late Robbie Keane equalizer last Saturday and should be more prepared for the visiting Latics.

40 units on Sunderland to win at 2.20 (so a win gets us back 88 units)

2 – What an embarrassing performance by Real Madrid on Tuesday at Anfield, probably a very quiet plane ride home, and their Derby draw last week didn’t help either. They should come out with all guns blazing at Bilbao on Saturday and complete the season double versus Athletic.

40 units Real Madrid to win at 2.00 (so a win gets us back 80 units)

3 – I don’t know why did we waited so long to make our foray in to the SPL, but “bettor” late than never, and why not start with the Edinburgh derby. Hearts and Hibs have met twice so far this season and both matches have ended in draws, hopefully this one won’t. It does not look like Hibernian can catch Hearts in the standings, but they will want to put a dent in their rivals European hopes at Easter Road on Saturday.

40 units Hibernian to win at 2.50 (so a victory gets us back 100 units)

Odds from willhill.com

Offshore Oscar’s picks Mar-3,4 – London, calling all parlay fans

Offshore Oscar — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:30:57 +0000

The Hammers came through on Sunday, even though their German counterparts in Hamburg got crushed, but we’ll still take the much-needed units to stop the slide. The fine folks at Barclays have put together some tempting propositions in England this week, so we’ll put a beating on the books with a crazy parlay. If it works it’ll seem like an obvious play in retrospect, but putting together 4 favorites can be a tough way to make a living (believe me).

Original bankroll: 1,000 units
Last time’s bankroll: 1,420.9 units

Last time:
1 – 40 units on West Ham to win at 2.40 – Final 1-0 – WIN
2 – 40 units Hamburg to win at 1.80 – Final 1-3 – LOSS
3 – 40 units AC Milan to win at 2.10 – Final 2-1 – LOSS
Profit/loss = (-24 units)
New bankroll: 1,396.9 units

This week’s Offshore Oscar plays:

1 – Let’s have a little fun with this week’s EPL matches. Chelsea and Arsenal are both away Tuesday, at Portsmouth and West Brom, respectively. They should both prevail at short odds. Fulham entertains Hull City on Wednesday while Spurs host Middlesbrough, they both should also win. As you can see, this is leading to a London teams win parlay.

40-unit win parley on Chelsea at 1.57 into Arsenal at 1.61 into Fulham at 1.70 into Tottenham at 1.70 (so if they all somehow win we get back 40 x 1.57 x 1.61 x 1.70 x 1.70 = 292.2 units)

2 – Martin O’Neill can’t be happy with Villa dropping two valuable points on Sunday to bottom table Stoke City. They travel to Manchester on Wednesday to face an out of form City squad. Look for Young, Agbonlahor and Carew to all find the back of the onion bag.

40 units on Aston Villa to win at 2.62 (so a win gets us back 104.8 units)

Odds from willhill.com