English Football Weekend Picks (December 30th-31st)

With the way the games have been staggered over this new year period, I am going to keep this post for all the December games and I will recap how the month ended next week on Wednesday.

As always, I will update Twitter whenever I have new picks posted.

Have a Happy New Year to all.

Liverpool v Newcastle United Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12822-Liverpool-v-Newcastle-United.htm)

Manchester United v Blackburn Rovers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12823-Manchester-United-v-Blackburn-Rovers.htm)

Arsenal v QPR Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12829-Arsenal-v-QPR.htm)

Swansea v Tottenham Hotspur Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12834-Swansea-v-Tottenham-Hotspur.htm)

Bolton Wanderers v Wolves Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12837-Bolton-Wanderers-v-Wolves.htm)

Norwich City v Fulham Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12838-Norwich-City-v-Fulham.htm)

Sunderland v Manchester City Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12846-Sunderland-v-Manchester-City.htm)


MY PICKS: Andy Carroll to score @ 2.38 Stan James (2 Units)
Manchester United - 2 goals English Handicap @ 2.15 Stan James (2 Units)
Arsenal - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.85 Pinnacle (3 Units)
Tottenham Hotspur - 0.75 Asian Handicap @ 1.95 Pinnacle (3 Units)
Bolton Wanderers-Wolves Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.80 BetFred (2 Units)
Norwich City-Fulham Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Manchester City - 1 Asian Handicap @ 2.00 Pinnacle (4 Units)




December Update: 18-23, - 3.64 Units

English Football Midweek Picks (December 26-27)

I hope everyone out there had a brilliant Christmas... Due to the busy period, I have not been able to put up full previews of today's games, but my picks are below:

Manchester United v Wigan Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12782-Manchester-United-v-Wigan.htm)

Arsenal v Wolves Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12794-Arsenal-v-Wolves.htm)

Swansea v QPR Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12793-Swansea-v-QPR.htm)

Norwich City v Tottenham Hotspur Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12791-Norwich-City-v-Tottenham-Hotspur.htm)


MY PICKS: Manchester United Win to Nil @ 1.80 Paddy Power (3 Units)
Bolton-Newcastle United Draw @ 3.40 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Sunderland-Everton Draw @ 3.40 Stan James (1 Unit)
Stoke City @ 2.05 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
Arsenal - 1.75 Asian Handicap @ 1.92 Pinnacle (4 Units)
Swansea @ 2.10 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Tottenham Hotspur @ 1.80 Ladbrokes (3 Units)




December Update: 15-19, - 1.84 Units

NBA Basketball December Picks

I will be posting up all of my December picks from the NBA in this thread... As there are many games during a month, I will update the results at the bottom of the post, while I won't write full previews for all of my picks.

I will always try and give some explanation as to why I have picked who I have, but sometimes time constraints will make that difficult.

Follow me on Twitter (@DavAulak) where I will always supply a link to this thread whenever new picks are made.

December 25th
Miami Heat @ Dallas Mavericks Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12771-Miami-Heat-at-Dallas-Mavericks.htm)

Orlando Magic @ Oklahoma City Thunder Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12772-Orlando-Magic-at-Oklahoma-City.htm)

LA Clippers @ Golden State Warriors Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12775-LA-Clippers-at-Golden-State.htm)

December 26th
LA Lakers @ Sacramento Kings: I am going to put a single unit on the LA Lakers to cover the spread in this game tonight- while I think the team will be disappointed with their loss to the Bulls with seconds left, I still think the Lakers will want to prove a point to all those who have ruled them out this season.


The Lakers have a strong record in Sacramento, covering the spread in their last 5 road games against the Kings and I will go for them to extend that run today.


December 27th
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Milwaukee Bucks: I am going to back the underdog with the points in hand tonight.


Minnesota have a decent starting 5 and I expect improvements from them after last season, while they showed they can at least hang around with some of the better teams when pushing Oklahoma City all the way last night.


They beat the Bucks twice in the pre-season, and they have a 5-2-1 record ATS in the last 8 games in the series. Milwaukee also took a heart-breaking loss in Charlotte last night and may start a little too slowly to cover.


December 28th
Miami Heat @ Charlotte Bobcats Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12806-Miami-Heat-at-Charlotte-Bobcats.htm)

Washington Wizards @ Atlanta Hawks Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12807-Washington-Wizards-at-Atlanta-Hawks.htm)

New York Knicks @ Golden State Warriors: I am going to take the points in this one and back the Golden State Warriors to keep it close.


The Knicks have travelled across the country, are playing the Lakers tomorrow night, and face a team expected to be without their best player so they may have their focus not completely on the game.


The Warriors have traditionally been a much stronger team at home, and should be fired up after beating Chicago in their last home game.


Golden State had won 8 in a row at home against the Knicks before a loss here last season and are just 1-4 against the spread in the last 5 games.


December 29th
Denver Nuggets @ Portland Trail Blazers: I always like backing Portland at home as they are a much stronger team there than on the road and I like their chances of covering the spread in this game tonight.

Denver have made a very good start to the season, but this arguably their toughest test after playing an out-of-sorts Dallas and a home game against Utah.


The Nuggets do well against Portland usually, including going 3-1 against the spread last season, but I think the Trail Blazers are playing with a lot of emotion after the retirement of Brandon Roy.


Portland are 10-4-2 against the spread in their last 16 home games, and I think they are still the better team of the two so I will look for them to improve that record here.


December 30th
Miami Heat @ Minnesota Timberwolves Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12825-Miami-Heat-at-Minnesota-T-Wolves.htm)

New Jersey Nets @ Atlanta Hawks Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12826-New-Jersey-Nets-at-Atlanta-Hawks.htm)

December 31st
Indiana Pacers @ Detroit Pistons Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12845-Indiana-Pacers-at-Detroit-Pistons.htm)




MY PICKS: Miami Heat - 4 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Oklahoma City Thunder - 8 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)
LA Clippers - 5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
LA Lakers - 2.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Minnesota Timberwolves + 5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Miami Heat - 10.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Atlanta Hawks - 9 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Golden State Warriors + 5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Portland Trail Blazers - 5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Miami Heat - 8 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Atlanta Hawks - 11.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Indiana Pacers - 2.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)




December Picks: 6-4-1, + 1.65 Units

NFL Week 16 Picks and Previews

Sometimes you just have a bad week when things don't go quite the way you want them- it seems to me that year, when I have a bad week it quickly goes down a bad path and becomes a REALLY bad week and that has put me in a big hole for the season. This is quite easily the worst season I have had picking NFL games since 2004, and it just seems like teams have it in for me.

For example, I picked Kansas City to keep things close against the New York Jets in Week 14 but they got absolutely hammered and effectively ended their chances of making the Play Offs... Yet a week later there they are not just covering the spread, but beating Green Bay OUTRIGHT- that's right, the unbeaten Packers.

This week we also saw the New York Giants, the New York Jets and the Tennessee Titans lose heavily outright, while I still can't believe Oakland threw away a 13 point lead with under 5 minutes to play.

Like I say, it just seems things quickly go downhill when I have a bad week, while the good weeks have been relatively small in comparison.


Week 15 Thoughts
1) The Philadelphia Eagles and the San Diego Chargers are somehow still alive: Both of these teams were expected to be Play Off contenders this season and perhaps a chance to win the whole Championship, yet long losing runs effectively seemed to knock them off that course.


However, with 2 games left this season, both have chances to make the Play Offs although they do need a lot of help from other teams.


The first thing both need to do is win their remaining two games: Philadelphia play at Dallas and then entertain Washington, while San Diego are on the road at Detroit and Oakland.


The Eagles then need the Jets to beat the Giants this week, and then the Giants to beat Dallas in Week 17 for them to win the NFC East with an 8-8 record.


San Diego need Denver to lose both games they have left, at Buffalo and against Kansas City.


Both Philadelphia and San Diego have disappointed this season yet still have a chance to get into the post-season and I will tell you now that almost all the other Play Off contenders will be very happy if both fail to make it.


2) Injuries may just knock the Green Bay Packers off course: I have said many times this season that I think this is the best team in the NFL, although the loss to Kansas City may have highlighted a couple of areas of concern.


The first is the Defense that could not stop the Chiefs doing what they want, either through the air or on the ground, although that has been covered up by an incredible Offensive output.


HOWEVER, what happens if the Offense stutters as it did on Sunday? All of a sudden, the Packers looked a little vulnerable, but I won't be panicking knowing someone will have to come into Lambeau Field to knock them out before the SuperBowl and I would still like them against any of the potential AFC rivals in the big game if they get there.


3) Pittsburgh should sit Ben Roethlisberger until Wild Card Weekend: The Steelers blew their chance of gaining the Number 1 seed in the AFC on Monday Night as turnovers killed their drives. Ben Roethlisberger played as expected, but was clearly hurting and now is the time to rest their star player.


Pittsburgh are not getting to the SuperBowl with either Dennis Dixon or Charlie Batch, and they have little chance of overhauling Baltimore in the AFC North with 2 games left and the Ravens holding the head to head, so why not sit Roethlisberger and let him heal for 3 weeks before he needs to play again.


It seems that is going to be the case as Mike Tomlin has all but said Big Ben will not be playing against St Louis this weekend and I think that is the correct move if the Steelers wish to make it back to the big game.


4) The biggest winner in the AFC last week was New England: The New England Patriots now have the inside track to the Number 1 seed in the AFC and home-field advantage through to the SuperBowl.


They are not unbeatable at home in the Play Offs, as New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens have proved in the last couple of seasons, but it gives them another edge.


New England got their chance thanks to defeats for Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Houston last week, but I still have a big concern about that Defense as they probably couldn't stop a High School team the way they have been playing.


They could be a big lay before the Play Offs begin if they do wrap up the Number 1 seed as expected.




Power Rankings Top 10
1) Green Bay Packers (13-1)
2) New Orleans Saints (11-3)
3) New England Patriots (11-3)
4) San Francisco 49ers (11-3): May just have got back on the right road with an impressive win over Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football
5) Baltimore Ravens (10-4)
6) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4): Need to rest Ben Roethlisberger to get him ready for the Play Offs
7) Houston Texans (10-4): Bad performance last week, but may just have been looking ahead to their short-week contest with Indianapolis
8) Atlanta Falcons (9-5): Chance to prove themselves as a real threat in the Play Offs if they can beat New Orleans in Louisiana on Monday Night Football
9) Detroit Lions (9-5): Had a couple of very lucky escapes in the last 2 weeks and definitely cooled down after a 5-0 start
10) Dallas Cowboys (8-6): Control the NFC East, but need to beat the Giants in Week 17 to confirm the Division is theirs.




My Top 5 and Bottom 5
1) Green Bay Packers                                   32) Indianapolis Colts
2) New Orleans Saints                                   31) St Louis Rams
3) Pittsburgh Steelers                                    30) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4) Baltimore Ravens                                      29) Minnesota Vikings
5) New England Patriots                               28) Cleveland Browns




Week 16 Pick and Previews
As always, I will put up my picks from the Week 16 slate of games in a staggered way over the next couple of days.


Of course, the majority of games has been moved from Christmas Day to Christmas Eve so it will be Saturday Night NFL instead of the usual Sunday... That's not to say we won't have a Christmas Day game as the Chicago Bears visit the Green Bay Packers.


You can follow me on Twitter for updates as to when new games have been posted:


Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12747-Houston-Texans-at-Indianapolis-Colts.htm)

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12750-Miami-Dolphins-at-New-England-Patriots.htm)

Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12751-Cleveland-Browns-at-Baltimore-Ravens.htm)

Arizona Cardinals @ Cincinnati Bengals Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12752-Arizona-Cardinals-at-Cincinnati-Bengals.htm)

Minnesota Vikings @ Washington Redskins Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12753-Minnesota-Vikings-at-Washington-Redskins.htm)

Denver Broncos @ Buffalo Bills Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12758-Denver-Broncos-at-Buffalo-Bills.htm)

Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12759-Philadelphia-Eagles-at-Dallas-Cowboys.htm)

San Diego Chargers @ Detroit Lions Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12760-San-Diego-Chargers-at-Detroit-Lions.htm)

Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12764-Chicago-Bears-at-Green-Bay-Packers.htm)

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12765-Atlanta-Falcons-at-New-Orleans-Saints.htm)


MY PICKS: Houston Texans - 5.5 Points @ 1.92 Coral (2 Units)
Miami Dolphins + 9.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (4 Units)
Baltimore Ravens - 13 Points @ 2.05 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Arizona Cardinals + 4 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
Minnesota Vikings + 6.5 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
Denver Broncos - 2.5 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Philadelphia Eagles + 2 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
San Diego Chargers + 2.5 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
Green Bay Packers - 12 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (3 Units)
Atlanta Falcons + 6.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (3 Units)





WEEK 15: 5-8, - 5.15 Units
WEEK 14: 5-6, - 1.09 Units
WEEK 13: 6-3, + 5.54 Units
WEEK 12: 5-3, + 2.87 Units
WEEK 11: 3-7, - 8.26 Units
WEEK 10: 4-6, - 3.74 Units
WEEK 9: 6-2, + 7.04 Units
WEEK 8: 3-5, - 6.44 Units
WEEK 7: 5-4, - 2.61 Units
WEEK 6: 4-4-1, - 2.24 Units
WEEK 5, 5-3, + 3.15 Units

WEEK 4: 4-7, - 6.66 Units

WEEK 3: 4-3-1, + 2.77 Units

WEEK 2: 3-5, - 5.03 Units

WEEK 1: 4-2, + 2.53 Units


SEASON UPDATE: 66-68-2, - 17.32 Units

NFL Week 15 Picks and Previews

It was a tough week really as teams struggle to cope with the expectation and pressure of trying to reach the post-season.

We also saw some potential big injuries this week as Ben Roethlisberger looked like he had broken his ankle (and any chances Pittsburgh had of returning to the SuperBowl) while the Green Bay Packers will be missing Greg Jennings at least until the end of the regular season.

The best moment, for me at least, was seeing Tom Brady and Bill O'Brien going at it on the sidelines during New England's win over Washington just after Brady threw a pick in the EndZone that would have iced the game http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33V0hSri6BM

Anyone else think O'Brien may have caught the - 7.5 point spread(?)


Week 14 Thoughts
1) New England will not win the AFC with that Defense: I am going to stick my balls on the line and say the Patriots will NOT win the AFC this season. New England are the short-priced favourites to do so, but that Defense stinks so much that I cannot see them beating Pittsburgh or Baltimore in their current shape.


I would have picked Houston to beat them too if Matt Schaub was still under Center, but I cannot believe the layers have the Patriots at the price they do. The only thing going for the Pats is if they can secure home-field advantage, but they have been beaten by the Jets and the Ravens in Foxboro in the last couple of seasons so even that won't be enough for them this year.


The Defense is horrible and cannot stop anybody, while they don't exactly create enough turnovers to cover these deficiencies up like the Green Bay Packers do. The Ravens and Steelers are both capable of controlling the clock against the Pats and both have Defenses that can slow down this Offense so I believe either of those teams would beat New England in January.


2) San Francisco's loss to Arizona could be huge for their future: San Francisco had the inside track to gaining the Number 2 seed in the NFC, achieving a bye and also hosting an opponent, most likely New Orleans, in the Divisional Round of the Play Offs.


However, it is all change for them now as they season comes to its conclusion as they now have a level record with New Orleans and 3 games to play but consider this: The 49ers host Pittsburgh and visit Seattle and St Louis, while the Saints visit Minnesota and then host Atlanta and Carolina.


I can see the 49ers losing at least 1 more of their remaining games, most likely in the next 2 weeks, while the Saints could run the table and steal the Number 2 seed.


San Francisco have been looking a little more vulnerable in recent weeks and I would not like their chances in the Mercedes-Benz SuperDome, a venue where the Saints are unbeaten. We all know the Saints are very impressive at home, but they have had a hard time on the road outdoors so the next 3 weeks is huge for both teams.


3) San Diego have left it too late this year: After starting 4-1, I really thought the Chargers were a lock to win the AFC West and return to the Play Offs after missing out last year... Then we saw a 6 game losing run that effectively ended their chances.


The last 2 weeks has seen the Chargers do what they do best- beat up teams in December with a late burst to make the Play Offs. It looked like they were going to be just 1 game behind the leaders in the West, but 'Tebow Time' came to play as Denver somehow beat Chicago when down by 10 and 3 minutes remaining and that means the Chargers are effectively out of the Play Offs again.


Norv Turner is unlikely to return as the team made too many mistakes in their 6 game losing run and we could see a few personnel changes in the off-season, particularly in Defense.


4) NFC Play Off picture has become a little blurry: A couple of weeks ago, it looked like teams like Chicago, Detroit and Atlanta had the Wild Card race locked up between each other, but injuries and bad defeats mean the Play Off picture has become a little blurry.


For a long time, I thought the NFC East winner would be the only representative in the Play Offs, but recent results mean it is possible that BOTH Dallas and the New York Giants could make it in.


New York and Dallas both have a 7-6 record, meaning they are both just 1 game behind the teams in the Wild Card spot, but Detroit have to travel to both Oakland and Green Bay in the last 3 weeks and have not looked like a solid team to win games. If they lose both, and the Giants and Dallas can win 2 of their last 3 games, both could go in at the expense of the Lions.


Every game is important now for these teams as things may look a little clearer after this weekends slate of games.


5) Bonehead play of the week: Marion Barber running out of bounds with under 2 minutes left in the Chicago game at Denver... That gave the Broncos an additional 40 secs to move the ball up the field and score the tying FG that eventually led to an Overtime win.


While Barber has been rightly criticised, what were the Bears thinking in calling an outside run at that time? Surely the call should have been an inside handoff and just ram it up the gut- that way there is no chance the Broncos can see Barber run out of bounds and there is always that chance of breaking a tackle and getting the game winning 1st Down.


That was a terrible decision for San Diego and Oakland in the AFC West, while it gives Chicago a mountain to climb in trying to get into the Play Offs in the NFC... Dumb, dumb, dumb play.

Power Rankings Top 10
1) Green Bay Packers (13-0)
2) New Orleans (10-3): Only team that can hang with the Packers in my opinion.
3) Baltimore Ravens (10-3): Will have to beat the Steelers again if they want to reach the SuperBowl
4) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)
5) New England Patriots (10-3): Not going to go too far with that Defense
6) San Francisco 49ers (10-3): Could be going through a bit of a wobble at the wrong time.
7) Houston Texans (10-3): If they were at full health, they could be the team to beat in the AFC
8) Denver Broncos (8-5): Tebow has inspired this team
9) New York Jets (8-5): Don't look now, but Rex's team is in command of one of the Wild Card berths
10) Atlanta Falcons (8-5)




My Top 5 and Bottom 5
1) Green Bay Packers                          32) Indianapolis Colts
2) New Orleans Saints                          31) St Louis Rams
3) Pittsburgh Steelers                           30) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4) Baltimore Ravens                             29) Minnesota Vikings
5) Houston Texans                               28) Cleveland Browns




Week 15 Pick and Previews
As always, I will post my picks in the upcoming days and will update Twitter whenever I have some more picks.


Also, remember we have a staggered schedule this week with a game on Thursday, Saturday and Monday nights and the rest playing on Sunday.


Jacksonville Jaguars @ Atlanta Falcons Pick and Preview ( http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12661-Jacksonville-Jaguars-at-Atlanta-Falcons.htm)

Washington Redskins @ New York Giants Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12697-Washington-Redskins-at-New-York-Giants.htm)

Green Bay Packers @ Kansas City Chiefs Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12702-Green-Bay-Packers-at-Kansas-City-Chiefs.htm)

New Orleans Saints @ Minnesota Vikings Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12703-New-Orleans-Saints-at-Minnesota-Vikings.htm)

Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12705-Seattle-Seahawks-at-Chicago-Bears.htm)

Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12706-Tennessee-Titans-at-Indianapolis-Colts.htm)

Detroit Lions @ Oakland Raiders Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12708-Detroit-Lions-at-Oakland-Raiders.htm)

Pittsburgh Steelers @ San Francisco 49ers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12715-Pittsburgh-Steelers-at-San-Francisco-49ers.htm)




MY PICKS: Atlanta Falcons - 11 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
New York Giants - 6.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Green Bay Packers - 13.5 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
New Orleans Saints - 7 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Seattle Seahawks + 3.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Tennessee Titans - 6.5 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
Oakland Raiders @ 2.00 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Carolina Panthers + 6 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (1 Unit)
Denver Broncos + 7.5 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (1 Unit)
New York Jets + 3 Points @ 1.83 BetFred (1 Unit)
San Diego Chargers + 2.5 Points @ 2.00 BetFred (1 Unit)
Arizona Cardinals - 6.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Pittsburgh Steelers + 3 Points @ 2.00 Paddy Power (2 Units)





WEEK 14: 5-6, - 1.09 Units
WEEK 13: 6-3, + 5.54 Units
WEEK 12: 5-3, + 2.87 Units
WEEK 11: 3-7, - 8.26 Units
WEEK 10: 4-6, - 3.74 Units
WEEK 9: 6-2, + 7.04 Units
WEEK 8: 3-5, - 6.44 Units
WEEK 7: 5-4, - 2.61 Units
WEEK 6: 4-4-1, - 2.24 Units
WEEK 5, 5-3, + 3.15 Units

WEEK 4: 4-7, - 6.66 Units

WEEK 3: 4-3-1, + 2.77 Units

WEEK 2: 3-5, - 5.03 Units

WEEK 1: 4-2, + 2.53 Units


SEASON UPDATE: 61-60-2, - 12.17 Units

Midweek Football Picks and Preview (European and English Football)

It's the final games of the Group Stage in the Champions League as we get set for the 2 month winter break between this round and the last 16. There are still a number of teams fighting for their positions in the elite 16 so we can expect some tense matches in the coming days.

I will update this post during the next 24 hours before getting ready to look at the weekend football.

Olympiacos v Arsenal Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12584-Olympiacos-v-Arsenal.htm)

Chelsea v Valencia Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12585-Chelsea-v-Valencia.htm)

Borussia Dortmund v Marseille Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12588-Borussia-Dortmund-v-Marseille.htm)

Basel v Manchester United Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12590-Basel-v-Manchester-United.htm)

Ajax v Real Madrid Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12596-Ajax-v-Real-Madrid.htm)


MY PICKS: Olympiacos @ 1.95 BetFred (2 Units)
Chelsea-Valencia Both To Score @ 1.80 BetFred (2 Units)
Borussia Dortmund-Marseille Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.95 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Basel-Manchester United Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.20 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Ajax-Real Madrid Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.05 Victor Chandler (2 Units)




December Update: 2-2, - 0.3 Units

NFL Week 13 Picks and Previews

As with all my posts this week, I will have full updates from the NFL, NCAA and Football picks over the next week or so... It has just taken me a few days to get back into the right time zone so I have been a little tired.

These are my picks for Week 13 and the possibility of a pick for MNF coming tomorrow:

Denver Broncos @ Minnesota Vikings Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12568-Denver-Broncos-at-Minnesota-Vikings.htm)

Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12569-Indianapolis-Colts-at-New-England-Patriots.htm)

Dallas Cowboys @ Arizona Cardinals Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12570-Dallas-Cowboys-at-Arizona-Cardinals.htm)

Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12575-Detroit-Lions-at-New-Orleans-Saints.htm)


MY PICKS: Denver Broncos @ 2.10 Coral (2 Units)
New England Patriots - 20 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Dallas Cowboys - 4 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
New Orleans Saints - 8.5 Points @ 1.95 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
New York Jets - 2.5 Points @ 1.92 BetFred (2 Units)
Houston Texans + 2.5 Points @ 1.92 BetFred (1 Unit)
Pittsburgh Steelers - 6.5 Points @ 1.92 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Baltimore Ravens - 6.5 Points @ 1.92 BetFred (2 Units)
Green Bay Packers - 6 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)

College Football Week 14 Picks and Previews

I have been so tired since coming back from Vegas that I have not had the time to write full previews of all the games this week and have had little time to get back on the blog.

I will update the regular season total before Bowl season begins.

I have the following picks from the final week of the regular season in the NCAA:

Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles @ Houston Cougars Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12563-Southern-Mississippi-at-Houston-Cougars.htm)

Iowa State Cyclones @ Kansas State Wildcats Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12564-Iowa-State-Cyclones-at-Kansas-State.htm)

LSU Tigers v Georgia Bulldogs Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12566-LSU-Tigers-at-Georgia-Bulldogs.htm)


MY PICKS: Houston Cougars - 13 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Kansas State Wildcats - 10.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
LSU Tigers - 13 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Virginia Tech Hokies - 6.5 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Baylor Bears - 2.5 Points @ 1.92 SkyBet (1 Unit)

English Football Weekend Picks (December 3rd-5th)

I will have a full update from last month and get back to the blog over the next week as I recover from my trip.

These are my picks from this weeks set of games:

Aston Villa v Manchester United Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12558-Aston-Villa-v-Manchester-United.htm)

Newcastle United v Chelsea Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12560-Newcastle-United-v-Chelsea.htm)

Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12561-Tottenham-Hotspur-v-Bolton-Wanderers.htm)

Fulham v Liverpool Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12582-Fulham-v-Liverpool.htm)


MY PICKS: Aston Villa-Manchester United Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Newcastle United-Chelsea Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Tottenham Hotspur - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.85 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Fulham-Liverpool Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.10 Paddy Power (2 Units)

NFL Week 12 Picks and Previews

I am just about ready to jet off to Dallas so I won't have full previews of all the games I will be picking this week, although all the picks will be in the post.

I will make all updates as soon as I am back and in time for Week 13 picks.

Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12489-Green-Bay-Packers-at-Detroit-Lions.htm)

Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12490-Buffalo-Bills-at-New-York-Jets.htm)

Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12492-Houston-Texans-at-Jacksonville-Jaguars.htm)

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Kansas City Chiefs Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12493-Pittsburgh-Steelers-at-Kansas-City-Chiefs.htm)


MY PICKS: Green Bay Packers - 6 Points @ 1.95 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
New York Jets - 8 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
Houston Texans - 3.5 Points @ 2.05 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Pittsburgh Steelers - 10 Points @ 1.92 BetFred (2 Units)
Miami Dolphins + 7 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Baltimore Ravens - 3.5 Points @ 2.05 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Minnesota Vikings + 9.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Denver Broncos + 6.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)

College Football Week 13 Picks and Previews

I'll be away from Wednesday so picks are going up a little early this week and I will have full update from the last couple of weeks once I am back before Week 14.

My picks will come out in the next 24 hours and will be posted here as soon as they are locked in:

Michigan State Spartans @ Northwestern Wildcats Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12481-Michigan-State-at-Northwestern.htm)

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Auburn Tigers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12482-Alabama-at-Auburn-Tigers.htm)

Virginia Tech Hokies @ Virginia Cavaliers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12486-Virginia-Tech-at-Virginia-Cavaliers.htm)

Penn State Nittany Lions @ Wisconsin Badgers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12487-Penn-State-at-Wisconsin-Badgers.htm)

UCLA Bruins @ USC Trojans Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12488-UCLA-Bruins-at-USC-Trojans.htm)


MY PICKS: Michigan State Spartans - 6.5 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Alabama Crimson Tide - 20.5 Points @ 1.90 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Virginia Tech Hokies - 5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Wisconsin Badgers - 14.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
USC Trojans - 14.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Georgia Bulldogs - 6 Points @ 1.92 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Mississippi State Bulldogs - 17 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Florida State Seminoles - 1.5 Points @ 1.92 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

Midweek Football Picks and Preview (European and English Football)

I won't be posting much this week as I will flying out to Dallas and then on to Vegas, so my posts will literally picks and previews.

These are picks from the Champions League games to be played on the 22nd and 23rd of November:

Manchester United v Benfica Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12476-Manchester-United-v-Benfica.htm)

Napoli v Manchester City Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12477-Napoli-v-Manchester-City.htm)

Bayern Munich v Villarreal Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12479-Bayern-Munich-v-Villarreal.htm)

Arsenal v Borussia Dortmund Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12480-Arsenal-v-Borussia-Dortmund.htm)


MY PICKS: Manchester United win to nil @ 2.63 Coral (2 Units)
Napoli-Manchester City Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Bayern Munich win to nil @ 1.92 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Arsenal @ 2.15 Pinnacle (2 Units)




November Update: 11-11, + 3.49 Units

English Football Weekend Picks (November 19th-21st)

It feels like a really long two weeks whenever the Internationals are played, but it is even longer when the majority of those are International Friendlies, games I consider to be the ultimate waste of everyone's time.

Thankfully it will be back to the Premier League this weekend and then a full midweek slate of games from the Champions League and the Europa League.

This time of the year is usually very busy as teams gear up to a full Christmas programme of games, while we also get closer to the big draws that will shape the new calender year.

I will be posting my picks during the next couple of days from the weekend list and, as with all picks, you can follow me on Twitter where I will post any updates:

Norwich City v Arsenal Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12412-Norwich-City-v-Arsenal.htm)

Swansea v Manchester United Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12413-Swansea-v-Manchester-United.htm)

Manchester City v Newcastle United Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12414-Manchester-City-v-Newcastle-United.htm)

Everton v Wolves Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12415-Everton-v-Wolves.htm)

West Brom v Bolton Wanderers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12420-West-Brom-v-Bolton-Wanderers.htm)

Stoke City v QPR Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12422-Stoke-City-v-QPR.htm)

Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12425-Tottenham-Hotspur-v-Aston-Villa.htm)

Chelsea v Liverpool Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12434-Chelsea-v-Liverpool.htm)


MY PICKS: Norwich City-Arsenal Over 3.5 Goals @ 2.63 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Swansea-Manchester United English Handicap Draw (United to win by 1 goal) @ 3.60 Victor Chandler (1 Unit)
Manchester City-Newcastle United First goal after 22 minutes @ 1.92 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Everton-Wolves Both to score @ 1.92 BetFred (2 Units)
West Brom-Bolton Wanderers Draw @ 3.50 BetFred (1 Unit)
Stoke City @ 1.83 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Tottenham Hotspur - 1 Asian Handicap @ 1.90 Ladbrokes (3 Units)
Chelsea-Liverpool Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)


November Update: 6-8, - 1.47 Units

NFL Week 11 Picks and Previews

Week 10 Thoughts
1) Bonehead play-calling leaves me scratching my head: Now I have never coached in the NFL and I have a full-time job outside of watching sports so I don't have the time to break down tapes of the previous week games as much as a full-time coach would have, yet if I can see something on tape, I find it incredibly shocking that these people being paid a hell of a lot of money fail to see it. There were 2 occasions this week:
(1a) Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Plan: I wrote in my preview of the Eagles-Cardinals game how easy Steven Jackson had trampled all over Arizona before this game, and that should give LeSean McCoy a chance to have a big game, yet I have no idea how he only got 14 carries in a tight game.


McCoy was averaging 5.79 yards per carry, had already scored a TD on the ground, and the Eagles were missing their two top receivers, yet the play-calling did not utilise their advantage. Fine, McCoy did rip off 29 yards from 1 carry, but the Eagles were never in a hole that they had to throw their way out of, and it does make you scratch your head as to what they were thinking.

And all of this is while confirming Michael Vick had broken ribs on the SECOND play of the game...


(1b) Haven't we been through this before with the Baltimore Ravens?: After the loss to Jacksonville, the Ravens Defensive leaders expressed their surprise that Ray Rice had been used so little in the Offensive plays, yet Baltimore's Cam Cameron surpassed that feat this week by having Rice carry just 5 times.


That put immense pressure on Joe Flacco, who continues to fluctuate between the ultimate highs and valley lows, as the Ravens once again lost their iron-grip on the AFC North.


Rice is the best Offensive player on the Ravens team, so to use him so little is another head-scratching moment that has me wondering what the Offensive Co-Ordinators do all week.


2) Talking of the Baltimore Ravens: What is up with this team that has beaten the Pittsburgh Steelers twice, the Houston Texans and the New York Jets, but have lost to Tennessee, Jacksonville and now Seattle?


I did put a warning out that this team seems to play up and down to their opposition, although I was a little surprised to see another preview picking the Ravens because they 'destroy the weaker teams'- maybe last season they did, but they have been poor against the weaker teams on their schedule so far.


It was a tough spot for the Ravens as the game came between the Steelers and the Bengals, but that is no excuse to losing to a team like Seattle. Baltimore fumbled TWO kick-offs in their own half that kind of killed any momentum they picked up when reducing a 13-0 deficit by 7 points, but again there is no excuse.


The defeat also means they have a fight on their hands in the AFC North, while also losing their edge in the race for the Number 1 seed in the AFC, and I wonder if a team that has so many ups and downs can really win in the Play Offs and get to the SuperBowl, surely the aim for this veteran group this season.


In saying all that, I fully expect the Ravens to knock off Cincinnati at home this weekend- it is a 'big' game after all.


3) Congratulations Indianapolis, your QB situation is clear for the next 15 years: The Indianapolis Colts opened up a 2 game lead in the race for the Number 1 Draft Pick next April as they continued to shoot themselves in the foot in a loss to Jacksonville last weekend.


It is clear they have Andrew Luck in mind when Bill Polian says he has spoken to Peyton Manning about drafting a QB high next April.


There are some rumours that that could also mean trading Manning, but I doubt that happens. It is much more likely that the Colts look to get every last drop out of Manning in the next 3 years, allowing Luck to learn the Offense and seamlessly fit into the system in around 2015.


4) Houston looked like being a real contender in the AFC... Until this weekend: Wade Phillips has worked wonders as the Defensive Co-Ordinator in Houston and it looked like the team were heading for big things in the AFC, but they may have suffered the one injury they cannot overcome.


Houston have missed Andre Johnson for a few weeks, while Mario Williams is out, but both of those super-star players' absence has been covered as they team kept winning, but the loss of Matt Schaub this weekend could be the final straw.


That means Matt Leinart will come in as QB and I have little to no faith in him on previous performances. He is lucky enough to come into a system with Arian Foster and Ben Tate running the ball so effectively, and I do think the Texans make the Play Offs in the poor AFC South, but can I see Leinart leading the team to wins against New England? Pittsburgh? Baltimore?


I really like what the Texans have done this season, but I just think the Schaub loss will be too much to overcome, especially in January.


5) The Jets are in a tough position after being swept by the Patriots: The Jets only hope, in my opinion, is to sneak one of the Wild Card spots this season as they are now effectively 2 games behind New England in the race for the AFC East, and the Patriots have one of the weakest schedules left on paper.


That means the Jets can't falter any more down the stretch with teams like Pittsburgh, Baltimore, San Diego and Buffalo also involved in the mix, while the game on Thursday at Denver is huge as a defeat would see the Broncos tie with the Jets record AND hold the head to head.


Oh, and anyone who hasn't seen what Rex Ryan feels about fans' perceptions of his team and the Patriots, check this out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57-PDpVwjmg


Power Rankings Top 10
1) Green Bay Packers (9-0): Enough said
2) San Francisco 49ers (8-1): Proving themselves every week
3) Houston Texans (7-3): No we get to see how good the Texans are with Matt Leinart at QB
4) New Orleans Saints (7-3): In control of the NFC South and capable of out-scoring anybody on their day
5) Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)
6) Chicago Bears (6-3): A real dark horse in the NFC
7) Baltimore Ravens (6-3): Cannot keep losing to bad teams and expect to be taken seriously
8) New York Giants (6-3): Big game against the Eagles this week
9) Cincinnati Bengals (6-3): Lost to the Steelers, now face the Ravens... All questions of this young team will be answered.
10) Dallas Cowboys (5-4): This team looked amazing against Buffalo last time out, and are back in contention in the NFC East.


My Top 5 and Bottom 5
1) Green Bay Packers                          32) Indianapolis Colts
2) Pittsburgh Steelers                           31) Cleveland Browns
3) San Francisco 49ers                         30) Washington Redskins
4) Baltimore Ravens                             29) Seattle Seahawks
5) New Orleans Saints                          28) Minnesota Vikings




Week 11 Pick and Previews
I will be posting up picks for Week 11 over the coming days. As always, you can follow me on Twitter where I will update any time new picks are locked in place.


New York Jets @ Denver Broncos Pick and Preview ( http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12416-New-York-Jets-at-Denver-Broncos.htm)

Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Redskins Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12459-Dallas-Cowboys-at-Washington-Redskins.htm)

Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12460-Cincinnati-Bengals-at-Baltimore-Ravens.htm)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Green Bay Packers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12461-Tampa-Bay-Buccaneers-at-Green-Bay-Packers.htm)

Oakland Raiders @ Minnesota Vikings Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12462-Oakland-Raiders-at-Minnesota-Vikings.htm)

Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12463-Buffalo-Bills-at-Miami-Dolphins.htm)

Due to time constraints, I have not been able to write full previews for the remaining picks I have made, but you can find them below.




MY PICKS: New York Jets - 6 Points @ 1.92 BetFred (2 Units)
Dallas Cowboys - 7 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Baltimore Ravens - 6.5 Points @ 1.92 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Green Bay Packers - 14 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Oakland Raiders + 1 Point @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Miami Dolphins - 1.5 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
Carolina Panthers + 7 Points @ 1.90 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Arizona Cardinals + 10 Points @ 2.05 Pinnacle (2 Units)
St Louis Rams - 2.5 Points @ 2.00 Stan James (2 Units)
San Diego Chargers + 5 Points @ 1.90 Ladbrokes (2 Units)





WEEK 10: 4-6, - 3.74 Units
WEEK 9: 6-2, + 7.04 Units
WEEK 8: 3-5, - 6.44 Units
WEEK 7: 5-4, - 2.61 Units
WEEK 6: 4-4-1, - 2.24 Units
WEEK 5, 5-3, + 3.15 Units

WEEK 4: 4-7, - 6.66 Units

WEEK 3: 4-3-1, + 2.77 Units

WEEK 2: 3-5, - 5.03 Units

WEEK 1: 4-2, + 2.53 Units


SEASON UPDATE: 42-41-2, - 11.23 Units

College Football Week 11 Picks and Previews

Where else can you start this week but the allegations surrounding Penn State and the fallout from that.

The allegations look bad for everyone connected with the Nittany Lions, especially considering how long they have been brushed under the carpet and the amount of damage that could have been prevented if the necessary steps had been taken years ago.

It looks like this could also be the end of Joe Paterno as Head Coach after 46 years in that position- the stories coming out at the moment are that his support has been 'eroding' as more and more allegations come out and it already looks like he will not be seeing out the season.

This is no way for Joepa to be leaving this post after a storied career, but there looks to be no way out for the Coach who should have had done more from a moral standpoint even if he did all he was legally required to do.

This story is going to run and run, but it leaves a sick feeling in the mouth already and there are plenty of heads that should be rolling once everything is taken out of the darkness and brought to public light.


On the field, we saw the 'Game of the Century' last week when LSU beat Alabama by 3 points in OT in a tight defensive battle. It was a tough game and I felt the Crimson Tide were the better team but were let down by poor field goal kicking (missing 4 FGs in the contest), but there are still some demands for the teams to meet one another in the National Championship Game and are very much in line to do so if they can run the table and see a couple of defeats for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Stanford Cardinal.

The Tigers control their own destiny after earning that tough win in Tuscaloosa, but they have to be careful with a couple of tough spots in front of them, including a game with the Arkansas Razorbacks and a SEC Championship Game, but they are the clear Number 1 in the Rankings and it would be a big surprise if they are not in the big game this season.


As always, my picks will come in staggered form throughout the week and you can follow me on Twitter when I will update any time I post some picks.

Baylor Bears @ Kansas Jayhawks Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12378-Baylor-Bears-at-Kansas-Jayhawks.htm)

Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Penn State Nittany Lions Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12379-Nebraska-Cornhuskers-at-Penn-State.htm)

Oklahoma State Cowboys @ Texas Tech Red Raiders Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12380-Oklahoma-State-at-Texas-Tech.htm)

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Mississippi State Bulldogs Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12381-Alabama-at-Mississippi-State.htm)

Wake Forest Demon Deacons @ Clemson Tigers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12382-Wake-Forest-at-Clemson-Tigers.htm)

West Virginia Mountaineers @ Cincinnati Bearcats Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12384-West-Virginia-at-Cincinnati-Bearcats.htm)

Wisconsin Badgers @ Minnesota Golden Gophers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12387-Wisconsin-Badgers-at-Minnesota.htm)

Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12388-Miami-Hurricanes-at-Florida-State.htm)

Tennessee Volunteers @ Arkansas Razorbacks Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12389-Tennessee-Volunteers-at-Arkansas-Razorbacks.htm)


MY PICKS: Baylor Bears - 20 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Nebraska Cornhuskers - 3.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Oklahoma State Cowboys - 17 Points @ 1.92 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Alabama Crimson Tide - 17.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Clemson Tigers - 16.5 Points @ 1.92 Victor Chandler (1 Unit)
West Virginia + 4 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Wisconsin Badgers - 27 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Florida State Seminoles - 9 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Arkansas Razorbacks - 14 Points @ 1.92 Stan James (1 Unit)



WEEK 10: 5-3, + 1.74 Units
WEEK 9: 4-2, + 1.82 Units
WEEK 8: 2-4, - 2.16 Units
WEEK 7: 5-3, + 1.8 Units
WEEK 6: 6-1, + 4.66 Units
WEEK 5: 3-3, - 0.21 Units

WEEK 4: 4-2, + 1.80 Units

WEEK 3: 5-1, + 3.60 Units

WEEK 2: 3-0, + 2.82 Units

WEEK 1: 4-0, + 3.74 Units


SEASON UPDATE: 41-19, + 19.61 Units

NFL Week 10 Picks and Previews

Week 9 Thoughts
1) San Francisco are the cream of the NFC West: This is obvious considering they already hold a big lead in the otherwise poor Division, and they look on course to securing a Play Off spot way before the end of the season.


Their record also means they are in a good position to secure the Number 2 seed in the NFC and thus earning one bye week and also a Divisional Championship game at Candlestick Park.


5 of their last 8 games are very winnable as they are against fellow teams from the NFC West and I would not be surprised at all if they are the one of the top two seeds come January.


2) The teams from the respective North Divisions control entry to the Play Offs through the Wild Cards: The AFC North and NFC North are arguably the best two Divisions in the NFL (although the AFC East and NFC South have arguments against that statement).


Both Divisions have 3 teams with winning records and, if the Play Offs were to begin this week, both Divisions would have 3 teams in the Play Offs.


The problem for these teams is that they have to play each other so often in a 16 game season that at least one is going to have too many losses to get through to the Play Offs unless they can essentially win most of their non-Divisional games.


This week we have the Steelers going to Cincinnati and the Lions going to Chicago and those are the kind of games that could determine who makes the Play Offs and who wont.


3) What is wrong with the New England Patriots?: Well to start off, the Patriots are still in good shape in the AFC East with their 5-3 record, but they have lost back to back games and have not been playing well on either side of the ball.


Tom Brady is not getting the protection from his Offensive Line and has looked a little confused in defeats to Pittsburgh and the New York Giants, while the Defense couldn't stop anybody right now.


They are in a tough Division with the Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets both with the same record, and the trip to the Jets this week is a huge game for New England.


The bottom line for New England is they need their Offense to play great football all the time if they to win games, and anything less means their 32nd ranked Defense is expected to do something they haven't managed to all season.


It was also telling that Bill Belichick decided to kick an onside kick against Pittsburgh at Heinz Field recently in a game they were trailing by 5 points and with 3 timeouts in his pocket- the Head Coach did not believe in his Defense and no team has been successful with a Defense that has struggled as the Patriots have this season.


4) Indianapolis in pole position for the Number 1 Pick: Miami became the 31st team this season to win a game and thus leave the Colts as the only team yet to win a game and in the pole position to win the Andrew Luck 'sweepstakes'.


The last couple of games for the Colts have been brutal to say the least, they have struggled on both sides of the ball and a few of their veteran players have looked a little disinterested in helping this team move forward.


Peyton Manning is unlikely to return this season and I am not entirely sure how he will feel playing with his replacement already at the franchise, but Luck looks a little too good to bypass and it does pose some interesting questions for the future.


Curtis Painter was pulled in the last game against the Falcons as he struggled throughout that game and it will be interesting to see how they perform against a Divisional rival in the form of Jacksonville at home this week.


I thought the team looked desperate for their bye week, but this looks like one of their few remaining winnable games this season if they dont want to suffer the ignominy of going through a season without a single win.




Power Rankings Top 10
1) Green Bay Packers (8-0): The Defense is a concern, but remain the team everyone needs to beat
2) San Francisco 49ers (7-1): They keep winning, but a big test awaits this week as the Giants come to town.
3) New York Giants (6-2): Beating the Patriots with that last 90 second drive was impressive
4) Baltimore Ravens (6-2): Sweeping the Steelers gives them control of the AFC North
5) Cincinnati Bengals (6-2): Big test against Pittsburgh this week
6) Detroit Lions (6-2)
7) New Orleans Saints (6-3): Great in the Dome, but much more beatable on the road
8) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3): Swept by the Ravens will hurt, but can get back on the horse at Cincinnati
9) Houston Texans (6-3): Control of the AFC South as they close in on their first Play Off appearance in franchise history
10) Chicago Bears (5-3): Looked so good in their last 3 wins including an impressive one on the road at Philadelphia on Monday Night Football


My Top 5 and Bottom 5
1) Green Bay Packers                             32) Indianapolis Colts
2) Baltimore Ravens                                31) St Louis Rams
3) Pittsburgh Steelers                              30) Arizona Cardinals
4) New Orleans Saints                             29) Seattle Seahawks
5) San Francisco 49ers                            28) Miami Dolphins




Week 10 Picks and Previews
I will update this during the week as the picks are locked in.


You can follow me on Twitter where I will update whenever new picks are locked in, while also remember that the first Thursday Night game of the season will take place this week.


Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers Pick and Preview ( http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12371-Oakland-Raiders-at-San-Diego-Chargers.htm)

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12390-Pittsburgh-Steelers-at-Cincinnati-Bengals.htm)

Tennessee Titans @ Carolina Panthers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12391-Tennessee-Titans-at-Carolina-Panthers.htm)

Buffalo Bills @ Dallas Cowboys Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12392-Buffalo-Bills-at-Dallas-Cowboys.htm)

Baltimore Ravens @ Seattle Seahawks Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12393-Baltimore-Ravens-at-Seattle-Seahawks.htm)

New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12394-New-York-Giants-at-San-Francisco-49ers.htm)

Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12395-Detroit-Lions-at-Chicago-Bears.htm)

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12396-Jacksonville-Jaguars-at-Indianapolis-Colts.htm)

Houston Texans @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12397-Houston-Texans-at-Tampa-Bay-Buccaneers.htm)

Arizona Cardinals @ Philadelphia Eagles Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12398-Arizona-Cardinals-at-Philadelphia-Eagles.htm)




MY PICKS: San Diego Chargers - 7 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Pittsburgh Steelers - 3 Points @ 1.83 BetFred (2 Units)
Carolina Panthers - 3.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Dallas Cowboys - 5.5 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
Baltimore Ravens - 6.5 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
New York Giants + 3.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Chicago Bears - 2.5 Points @ 1.90 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Indianapolis Colts + 3 Points @ 2.00 BetFred (1 Unit)
Houston Texans - 3.5 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
Philadelphia Eagles - 14 Points @ 2.05 Pinnacle (2 Units)



WEEK 9: 6-2, + 7.04 Units
WEEK 8: 3-5, - 6.44 Units
WEEK 7: 5-4, - 2.61 Units
WEEK 6: 4-4-1, - 2.24 Units
WEEK 5, 5-3, + 3.15 Units

WEEK 4: 4-7, - 6.66 Units

WEEK 3: 4-3-1, + 2.77 Units

WEEK 2: 3-5, - 5.03 Units

WEEK 1: 4-2, + 2.53 Units


SEASON UPDATE: 38-35-2, - 7.49 Units

NFL Week 9 Picks and Previews

Due to work commitments this week, I will not have time to recap last weeks NFL news, but I have got a few picks locked in.

I will update season tally, power rankings and my top 5 and bottom 5 all next week in the Week 10 Picks.

Green Bay Packers @ San Diego Chargers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12359-Green-Bay-Packers-at-San-Diego-Chargers.htm)

San Francisco 49ers @ Washington Redskins Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12360-San-Francisco-49ers-at-Washington-Redskins.htm)

Atlanta Falcons @ Indianapolis Colts Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12361-Atlanta-Falcons-at-Indianapolis-Colts.htm)

Miami Dolphins @ Kansas City Chiefs Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12362-Miami-Dolphins-at-Kansas-City-Chiefs.htm)

Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12366-Denver-Broncos-at-Oakland-Raiders.htm)

New York Giants @ New England Patriots Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12367-New-York-Giants-at-New-England-Patriots.htm)

Cincinnati Bengals @ Tennessee Titans Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12368-Cincinnati-Bengals-at-Tennessee-Titans.htm)

Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12369-Baltimore-Ravens-at-Pittsburgh-Steelers.htm)


MY PICKS: Green Bay Packers - 5.5 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
San Francisco 49ers - 4 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Atlanta Falcons - 6.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Kansas City Chiefs - 4 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
Oakland Raiders - 7 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)
New York Giants + 9 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Cincinnati Bengals + 3 Points @ 1.80 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Baltimore Ravens + 3.5 Points @ 1.92 Coral (2 Units)

English Football Weekend Picks (November 5th-6th)

I will be starting this post with a few thoughts recapping the last week of football events and will then have my picks up for the coming weekend football.

Things We Learned (October 29th-November 4th)
1) Congratulations to Sir Alex Ferguson for the last 25 years: It will be 25 years on Sunday that Alex Ferguson walked through the doors of Old Trafford with the aim of 'knocking Liverpool off their fucking perch' and he has since cemented his legacy as one of the greatest managers in British football history, if not the greatest.


I will be writing a short piece on Sir Alex, and my memories of the last 25 years on Sunday.


2) Someone needs to have a word in Kenny Dalglish's shell: It is not the first time that Liverpool have insinuated that Patrice Evra should be 'punished' for daring to report Luis Suarez to the FA for alleged racist comments.


However, you would think someone would have told Dalglish not to fan the flames of the argument when he said that either Suarez or Evra should be punished once the FA conclude their findings.


Now I know a little bit about the legal system and know that even if Suarez is found 'not guilty' that doesn't necessarily mean it didn't happen... It could solely mean there was no evidence to prove Evra's claim.


The only way Evra can be punished if it is PROVED that he made up the allegations and I would love to know how Dalglish believes that will occur?


I assume, judging by his comments, that Dalglish will expect Anton Ferdinand to be 'punished' if John Terry is not by the FA for the alleged racist remarks in that game too?


I don't know what happened between Suarez and Evra and I don't think anyone but the two players in question will know, but Liverpool's attempts to undermine Evra and demands for punishment are a joke.


No surprise the media, who kiss Dalglish's feet, failed to actually say anything to him regarding his remarks or to make anything of them.


3) Have Arsenal convince me yet?: It was a fantastic performance from Arsenal last week at Stamford Bridge, but they were aided heavily by a Chelsea team that decided they won't defend properly and even then it took a freak moment when John Terry slipped to finally give Arsenal the chance to win the 3 points.


I still remain unconvinced as the Gunners have a shocking defence, while Robin Van Persie is always liable to miss 3 months of a season dealing with injuries. If RVP was to miss significant time, or his form was to cool down, I think Arsenal will have a hard time again.


One player I have been impressed with that is perhaps not getting the plaudits thanks to Van Persie's incredible form is Aaron Ramsey... The young Welsh player has grown in confidence and is a very clever player with passing that has unlocked a few defences already this season. If he could add a few more goals to his game, the Arsenal fans can look forward to a bright future in the middle of the park, especially when Jack Wilshire returns.


4) Wigan are already reaching a desperate stage of their season: Roberto Martinez must surely have thought, at least privately, that he should have left the DW Stadium when he had a chance this Summer as Wigan have really struggled this season and already look in danger of being cut off.


They have failed to win a point against any side that was a Premier League team last season, and could find themselves 5 points from safety if they fail to earn something from their trip to Wolves on Sunday.


There are a few positive signs though, as they have been unlucky to lose their last 2 games, but their defending is beyond suicidal and leaves the team with mountains to overcome. They have also lost the magic that Charles N'Zogbia provided last season when he would score or create a goal out of nowhere.


The lack of match winners has proven to be tough to overcome so far and it looks like being a long, dark winter for the club.


I really like Dave Whelan and respect what he has done for his local club, but they need a fast change in fortunes if they want to maintain their Premier League status this season.


5) And finally: I know this racism debate has been raging on all over the place at the moment and it just seems like people have lost their mind.


The Chelsea supporters chants on Tuesday night aimed at Anton Ferdinand were disgusting and they should rightly be weeded out and banned from attending games in the future as they are sullying that clubs name.


We have also seen some action being taken against people who think they are smart to send racist views from behind a computer screen via social networking sites. Someone was arrested for comments sent to Newcastle's Sammy Ameobi, while Stan Collymore has been 'retweeting' comments sent to him which shows how prevalent racism remains.


I also saw a Villarreal supporter making 'monkey' taunts at Mario Balotelli during Man City's 0-3 win in Spain on Wednesday, but the Spanish authorities leniency on racism means it is unlikely anything will be done even though they could clearly see the culprit on TV.


The weekend picks will follow here and I will update this post whenever I lock in some more picks. You can follow me on Twitter where I provide a link to the new picks:

Manchester United v Sunderland Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12307-Manchester-United-v-Sunderland.htm)

Liverpool v Swansea Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12309-Liverpool-v-Swansea.htm)

QPR v Manchester City Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12311-QPR-v-Manchester-City.htm)

Arsenal v West Brom Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12312-Arsenal-v-West-Brom.htm)

Aston Villa v Norwich City Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12314-Aston-Villa-v-Norwich-City.htm)

Newcastle United v Everton Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12319-Newcastle-United-v-Everton.htm)

Blackburn Rovers v Chelsea Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12320-Blackburn-Rovers-v-Chelsea.htm)

Wolves v Wigan Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12321-Wolves-v-Wigan.htm)

Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12325-Fulham-v-Tottenham-Hotspur.htm)


MY PICKS: Manchester United win to nil @ 2.00 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Liverpool - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.05 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Manchester City - 1.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.83 Pinnacle (4 Units)
Robin Van Persie to score first @ 4.33 Victor Chandler (1 Unit)
Norwich City + 0.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.10 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
Newcastle United-Everton Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.10 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Blackburn + 1 English Handicap @ 2.70 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Wigan + 0.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Tottenham Hotspur to score over 1.5 goals @ 2.20 Sky Bet (2 Units)




November Update: 2-3, - 3.4 Units