The 0-0 odds on Betfair are nearly double those available at Ladbrokes so my idea of using bookies is not going to work.
Elsewhere, Fame and Glory is solid albeit at a price which reflects that, Bayern and Dortmund should dominate at home, and Chelsea should win eventually ( although the latter is best approached in play as you could get better odds as WBA mount a rearguard action). benfica too look solid at home against newcomers Feirense.
*****ONE A DAY -230pm - Bayern Munich v Hamburg - back Bayern in the match odds at 1.33***** Hamburg have conceded 5 goals in 2 matches and suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Dortmund. I equate Dortmund with Bayern ability wise.
As I say, Zurich would have been my one a day but there is simply not enough money to cater for many backers of the 0-0 and the 1.39 match odds ( 1.33 and 13 for 0-0 with ladbrokes shows that Betfair is competitive albeit to small stakes.)
Keplar a nice 1.3 Betfair SP to place yesterday -very welcome in a 7 horse race for 3 places.
12pm - Sunderland v Newcastle - 2.24 home. Sunderland are still relative unknowns to me with the huge amount of transfer market activity. Strengths I suspect in defence with Wes Brown imperious last week at Liverpool. A side which will unravel itself eventually.
Remember this is a derby so we have added spice.
| 16.01.2011 | PR | Sunderland AFC | 1-1 | Newcastle Utd |
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| 31.10.2010 | PR | Newcastle Utd | 5-1 | Sunderland AFC |
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| 01.02.2009 | PR | Newcastle Utd | 1-1 | Sunderland AFC |
"
The two big rivals sqaure up at the Stadium of Light in the 146th meeting between the clubs.
Newcastle hold the whip hand with just one defeat against the Black Cats in the last 13 league encounters.
There has never been a goalless draw since the Barclays Premier League's inception with an average of 2.8 goals per match."
"
Sunderland defender John O'Shea is rated at 50-50 to make his Barclays Premier League debut for the club.
The Republic of Ireland international has recovered from a hamstring injury suffered in pre-season, but is short of match fitness and manager Steve Bruce will make a late decision on him.
Striker Asamoah Gyan has shaken off the ankle knock which saw him limp off at Liverpool last Saturday, and Bruce otherwise has no fresh concerns.
Keeper Tim Krul and striker Shola Ameobi will keep their places in the Newcastle starting line-up.
The Dutchman will continue in goal with Steve Harper providing the back-up following Fraser Forster's departure on loan for Celtic, while Ameobi, who has six derby goals to his name to date, will also be retained.
Ryan Taylor is again likely to start at left-back with Jose Enrique's replacement yet to arrive, while summer signing Sylvain Marveaux and Shane Ferguson (ankle) could be involved after building up match fitness in a practice match in midweek, but Hatem Ben Arfa (ankle) remains on the sidelines.
Sunderland: Mignolet, Westwood, Bardsley, Brown, Richardson, Turner, Bramble, Ferdinand, Laing, Cattermole, Gardner, Vaughan, Colback, Elmohamady, Gyan, Sessegnon, Wickham, Ji, Cook.
Newcastle United: Krul, Harper, Simpson, R. Taylor, Ferguson, Coloccini, S. Taylor, Williamson, Tiote, Cabaye, Gutierrez, Barton, Marveaux, Obertan, Gosling, Abeid, Ba, Shola Ameobi, Lovenkrands, Best, Vuckic, Sammy Ameobi."
A cards bet could be the call today, with players targeting Joey " if I had a braincell I would be dangerous" Barton. The Newcastle 5-1 win saw Nolan score a hatrick. He's gone. The Sunderland defensive focus could see any goals come in the 2nd half as they did with the last head to head?
1245pm - Arsenal v Liverpool 2.7 home v 3 away - tight odds suggest a tight match.
From www.premierleague.com
"
The first match to feature sides bidding for a top four finish takes place at the Emirates Stadium.
Liverpool have only one victory from the last 11 Barclays Premier League matches against the Gunners and have won none of the last eight.
Both sides started the campaign with draws, and with six of the last eight meetings ending up level, it may be another share of the spoils."
"
Samir Nasri has been included in Arsenal's squad for Saturday's Barclays Premier League match despite reportedly being on the verge of a move to Manchester City.
The France international's move to City is apparently moving ever closer but he is in contention after recovering from illness.
The Gunners will be without suspended duo Gervinho and Alex Song while defenders Johan Djourou, Kieran Gibbs (both hamstring) and Armand Traore (groin) are not available either. Midfielder Tomas Rosicky (thigh) will be rested, while Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby (ankle) are still out.
Defender Glen Johnson is the only injury doubt for Liverpool's trip to Arsenal.
The England defender missed last week's opening match with a hamstring injury and manager Kenny Dalglish rates him as his only doubt for the trip to the Emirates Stadium.
Dalglish may opt to make changes with Martin Kelly and Dirk Kuyt pushing for starting places.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Sagna, Arshavin, Frimpong, Nasri, Ramsey, Walcott, Van Persie, Fabianski, Chamakh, Chamberlain, Bendtner, Lansbury, Squillaci, Miquel, Afobe.
Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Carragher Agger, Enrique, Adam, Lucas, Kuyt, Suarez, Downing, Carroll, Doni, Flanagan, Skrtel, Henderson, Meireles, Spearing, Ngog, Robinson, Aurelio, Rodriguez."
Arsenal do look lightweight upfront with Gervinho now suspended. Chamakh is the only recognised forward and Nasri may be in contention.
Liverpool's new signings Downing and Adam will look to target Andy Carroll. Suarez is as busy as a bee. Arsenal will be putting faith in the nippers again and Chamberlain and Frimpong, for me, froze a little last week. Arsenal played some decent stuff last week but missed a Van Persie type -a player who can get a goal in a tight match.
Head to Heads
| 17.04.2011 | PR | Arsenal FC | 1-1 | Liverpool FC |
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| 15.08.2010 | PR | Liverpool FC | 1-1 | Arsenal FC |
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| 10.02.2010 | PR | Arsenal FC | 1-0 | Liverpool FC |
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| 13.12.2009 | PR | Liverpool FC | 1-2 | Arsenal FC |
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| 28.10.2009 | LC | Arsenal FC | 2-1 | Liverpool FC |
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| 21.04.2009 | PR | Liverpool FC | 4-4 | Arsenal FC |
How important is head to heads here with the wholesale changes in both sides ? For me, it is too early to take sides here .
Speculators? Well with Chamakh not on form at all, we had a glimpse last week at the potential for goals from Walcott for Arsenal. He might be a value bet for the Arsenal goal should they score?
2pm - FC Viikingit v KPV - 1.34 home
| 01.06.2011 | D2 | KPV Kokkola | 0-1 | FC Viikingit |
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| 04.09.2010 | D2 | KPV Kokkola | 3-2 | FC Viikingit |
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| 02.05.2010 | D2 | FC Viikingit | 0-2 | KPV Kokkola |
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| 13.09.2009 | D2 | FC Viikingit | 3-0 | KPV Kokkola |
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| 24.05.2009 | D2 | KPV Kokkola | 1-4 | FC Viikingit |
The Finnish 2nd division will take a backburner today I think.
230pm - B Munich v Hamburg - 1.34 home
| 19.07.2011 | CF | Bayern München | 1-2 | Hamburger SV |
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| 12.03.2011 | D1 | Bayern München | 6-0 | Hamburger SV |
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| 22.10.2010 | D1 | Hamburger SV | 0-0 | Bayern München |
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| 28.02.2010 | D1 | Bayern München | 1-0 | Hamburger SV |
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| 26.09.2009 | D1 | Hamburger SV | 1-0 | Bayern München |
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| 18.07.2009 | CF | Bayern München | 0-1 | Hamburger SV |
3 1-0's, a 0-0, a standout 6-0 spanking by Bayern. 1-0 home loss, and 1-0 away win ( 90th minute goal) for Bayern so far .
Hamburg lost 3-1 away to Dortmund and they were 3-0 down. Hamburg at home v Hertha Berlin drew 2-2 and were 2-1 up until the 88th minute.
Bayern did beat Zurich 2-0 with ease in the Champions League and Robben was playing -his left foot is so lethal that he is missed when he does not play.
Hamburg drew 5 of their last 7 matches last season , with 2 losses. Last year away to the top 4, Hamburg lost 2-0 v 1st, drew 1-1 v 2nd, lost 6-0 v 3rd ( Bayern) and lost 3-2 v 4th.
82% of Bayern's matches last season at home were over 2.5 goals. They have a new manager now and 3/3 matches so far this season have been under 2.5 goals.
Bayern only lost against 1st and 5th at home last season. 12 of the other 15 matches last season at home were over 2.5 goals.
The Racing Post expect Bayern to get stuck in this afternoon and win. Only the 3rd match of the season so analysis based on past and not current events.
230pm - Dortmund v Nurnberg - 1.34 home
| 30.04.2011 | D1 | Borussia Dortmund | 2-0 | Nürnberg |
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| 05.12.2010 | D1 | Nürnberg | 0-2 | Borussia Dortmund |
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| 24.04.2010 | D1 | Nürnberg | 2-3 | Borussia Dortmund |
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| 05.12.2009 | D1 | Borussia Dortmund | 4-0 | Nürnberg |
Won 3 of last 4 head to heads without conceding. At home, won 4-0 and 2-0. This early on, I hope you see the possibility for a win to nil ?
As this is 3rd match of season, let's look at last year.
Dortmund at home only lost to 2nd in the league. They won 12 and drew 4. Only 29% over 2.5 goals at home but this is only because Dortmund won 6 matches at home 2-0!! ( and note the scorelines of the last 2 head to heads)
Nurnberg were 6th last season and away from home against top 5, 2-0, 0-0, 3-0, 3-1, 3-0 in 4 of those 5 matches they did not score ( again potential for a win to nil but I must remind you that we are becoming over reliant on last year which is dangerous in a transfer market ).
Dortmund won 3-1 at home and lost 0-1 away to Hoffenheim which was a bit of a shock and a reminder that early season involvement has risks attached.
Nurnberg won 1-0 away at Hertha with an 80th minute goal, and lost 1-2 at home to Hannover.
If we look at last year, and head to heads , then this suggests ( as does the 1.34 odds), that 2-0, 3-0, 3-1 could be goers for correct scores.
230pm - W Bremen v Freiburg - 1.62 home - over 2.5 goal experts to continue this season where they left off last? 13th v 9th from last year.
| 19.07.2011 | CF | SC Freiburg | 3-4 | Werder Bremen |
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| 06.03.2011 | D1 | SC Freiburg | 1-3 | Werder Bremen |
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| 16.10.2010 | D1 | Werder Bremen | 2-1 | SC Freiburg |
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| 23.07.2010 | CF | SC Freiburg | 1-2 | Werder Bremen |
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| 10.04.2010 | D1 | Werder Bremen | 4-0 | SC Freiburg |
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| 21.11.2009 | D1 | SC Freiburg | 0-6 | Werder Bremen |
Well fancy that, Werder Bremen in over 2.5 goal cleansweep shocker!! Most recent match was a friendly.
Slight change of tack so far this season with a 2-0 home win against Kaiserslautern, 60th and 81st minute goals , and 1-0 loss away at Kaiserslautern ( 85th minute goal) . Have Werder improved defensively or are these 2 matches just coincidentally under 2.5 goals.
2-2 draw and 2-1 loss for Freiburg ( 90th minute winner) augurs well for over 2.5 goals today.
Freiburg won only 5 away last season with 62% overall over 2.5 goals.
3pm - Aston Villa v Blackburn - 1.76 home - can one man change the dynamic of a team? The arrival of Shay Given must surely bolster Villa defensively, and in Alex McLeish they have a man with a record of tight matches at home .
"
Alex McLeish gears up for his first home match since joining Villa from local rivals Birmingham City in the summer.
He takes charge of a Villa side that has lost just one of their last nine Barclays Premier League fixtures.
Blackburn have not been too great on the road, losing 11 of their last 16 Barclays Premier League away outings."
"
Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given has shaken off a groin injury sustained in the season-opener at Fulham last weekend and will be fit to make his home debut.
Villa will also had a home bow to winger Charles N'Zogbia after his £9.5m switch from Wigan Athletic.
Manager Alex McLeish is poised to retain the side that started the goalless draw at Fulham with Darren Bent, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey in a three-pronged attack.
Steve Kean is optimistic key centre-back pairing Ryan Nelsen and Christopher Samba will be available.
Kean was forced to play teenager Grant Hanley and midfielder Steven Nzonzi together during last week's defeat by Wolves but Nelsen (knee) and Samba (groin) have both trained this week and should start.
Gael Givet (illness) and Brett Emerton (hamstring) are likely to miss out but new midfield signing Radosav Petrovic is in line to make his debut.
Aston Villa: Given, Guzan, Young, Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Petrov, Delph, N'Zogbia, Albrighton, Bent, Agbonlahor, Heskey, Beye, Makoun, Ireland, Bannan, Beye, Clark.
Blackburn Rovers: Robinson, Bunn, Salgado, Hanley, Samba, Nelsen, Olsson, Bruno, Pedersen, Nzonzi, Dunn, Grella, Formica, Rochina, Hoilett, Roberts, Goodwillie, Blackman, Aley, Anderson, Henley, Petrovic, Lowe, Morris."
The key news here could be Shay Given back and fit, and possible defensive woes for Blackburn with nelsen and Samba out.
key squad additions for Villa includes Darren Bent and the aforementioned Given. Blackburn do not seem to have any real standout players.
A 3 pronged attack for Villa? Sounds exciting for a Mcleish who prefers tight home matches.
Interestingly, Villa only lost 4 at home last season, 2 1-0 losses v Wolves and Sunderland and losses against Arsenal and Spurs.
What Mcleish will be attempting is to alleviate the concession of goals late on. In the last 15 minutes last season, Villa conceded 20 goals.
Blackburn were unable to win away to top 10 last season , losing 8 matches ( Villa were 9th)
Well earned 0-0 away draw for Villa, and 1-2 loss for Blackburn v Wolves . We cannot really be conclusive based on one match, suffice to say that Bent looked sharp and Given contributed hugely to the 0-0 .
KEY STAT from the Racing Post - "Rovers have let in at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 10 aways".
3pm - Brighton v Blackpool -2.18 home - interesting match between promoted and relegated. Brighton have started superbly with 3 wins from 3, and Blackpool are not 2 wins and a loss and the goalscoring characteristics of last year in the Premiership have deserted them thus far ( 1-0 win, 1-0 loss).
2nd v 8th in the Championship.
For Brighton 3-1 home win, 0-1 and 1-3 away wins so far see the newly promoted side in great form so far.
For Blackpool, 0-1 away win, 2-1 home win, and 0-1 away loss. Where have the goals gone?
17 wins, 4 draws, 2 defeats at home for Brighton last year albeit in a lesser league.
Have Blackpool emphasised defense this year?
3pm - Everton v QPR - 1.56 home - when you think of Everton at home, the word " dependable " springs to mind. QPR are in danger of being overrun in defence of their opening home mauling v Bolton is anything to go by. But just like a 2 year old maiden favourite based on one run, we cannot base our synopsis of QPR on one match.
"
Everton get their season off and running after their opening fixture against Tottenham Hotspur was postponed last week.
QPR had a baptism of fire in their first match back in the top flight - a 4-0 defeat at home to Bolton Wanderers - and manager Neil Warnock will be desperate for a first win.
However, David Moyes' side are undefeated in their last 11 Barclays Premier League matches at Goodison Park. "
"
Defender Seamus Coleman is Everton's only absentee as they belatedly start their Barclays Premier League campaign at home to newcomers QPR.
The right-back is sidelined with torn ankle ligaments and is likely to be out for several weeks.
With no summer signings to freshen up the squad manager David Moyes is fortunate to have no other players sidelined.
QPR manager Neil Warnock will be without summer signing Kieron Dyer for Saturday.
The 31-year-old was carried off in last week's season opener and, while his foot injury is not as serious as first thought, he will miss the Goodison Park match.
Warnock still awaiting international clearance for recent signing Bruno Perone, while both striker Rob Hulse (knee) and Jamie Mackie (broken leg) remain out."First match of the season for Everton. 4 draws in 5 at home against bottom 5 last season may signal slight vulnerability against newly promoted sides.
QPR put in their place against Bolton. With Bolton scoring their first goal after 45 minutes, and scoring 3 others in the 67th minute +, does this suggest that QPR's job will be to keep things tight for as long as possible.
No new signings for Everton. They may be layable at 1.56 for the first 25 minutes or so as QPR could replicate their 1st half performance against Bolton ( albeit QPR were at home!!)
3pm - Huddersfield v Colchester - 1.81 home - 3 consecutive draws for Huddersfield and we are getting towards a sequence which will be opposable soon, if not now.WDL for Colchester.
| 22.01.2011 | L1 | Huddersfield | 0-0 | Colchester Utd |
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| 09.10.2010 | L1 | Colchester Utd | 0-3 | Huddersfield |
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| 01.05.2010 | L1 | Huddersfield | 2-1 | Colchester Utd |
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| 03.10.2009 | L1 | Colchester Utd | 1-0 | Huddersfield |
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| 03.03.2009 | L1 | Huddersfield | 2-2 | Colchester Utd |
I would be looking to lay the draw here as Huddersfield will want to address this 3 match draw sequence as quickly as possible. And Colchester could be the ideal opponents ( I am aware it was 0-0 in last head to head)
3pm - Malmo FF v GAIS - 2.12 home - in a day where many leagues are having their 2nd match, we have an established Swedish League of 20+ matches so worth putting through the betting research template.
HEAD TO HEADS
| 26.06.2011 | D1 | GAIS | 2-0 | Malmö FF |
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| 01.08.2010 | D1 | Malmö FF | 1-0 | GAIS |
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| 15.03.2010 | D1 | GAIS | 0-0 | Malmö FF |
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| 09.02.2010 | CF | Malmö FF | 1-1 | GAIS |
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| 23.10.2009 | D1 | GAIS | 1-1 | Malmö FF |
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| 31.05.2009 | D1 | Malmö FF | 2-2 | GAIS |
4 draws then a 1-0 Malmo home win and then a Gais 2-0 home win. Interesting head to heads.
2 red cards for Malmo last time out perhaps puts a gloss on the 2-0.
Not a match that inspires me.
3pm - Southampton v Millwall - 1.83 home -1 team winning all against unbeaten opponents who have drawn 2 matches 2-2 and have scored 2 goals in all 3 matches so far.
Interesting teams.
| 16.01.2010 | L1 | Millwall FC | 1-1 | Southampton |
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| 08.08.2009 | L1 | Southampton | 1-1 | Millwall FC |
Is a neutral goals bet advisable here? Both teams are scoring bucket loads but head to heads ( albeit from 2010) point to well matched sides. Over 2.5 goals a goer here based only on 3 matches each and with Millwall scoring 2 in each of their matches.
3pm - Swansea v Wigan - 2.16 home
Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez returns to the club that gave him his first shot as a manager when the Latics go to Swansea.
Martinez, who was also Swans player, has led Wigan to just one defeat from their last seven league matches.
Swansea were well beaten away to a rampant Manchester City side last week, but they had the best home record in the Championship last season with only three defeats in 23 fixtures.
4 wins away only for Wigan last year signal potential vulnerability. Wigan are more of a Championship oriented side than some others in the Premiership. 0-0 for Swansea away at halftime against Man City but they did lead a charmed life.
Swansea captain Garry Monk is again a doubt for Saturday's Barclays Premier League match at the Liberty Stadium.
The defender missed Monday's defeat at Manchester City due to a foot problem, but played 90 minutes for the reserves on Wednesday. Manager Brendan Rodgers is set to see whether Monk has any adverse reaction to that run-out before making a final decision.
Left-back Neil Taylor is available again after completing the three-match suspension he received for his red card in the play-off semi-final first leg at Nottingham Forest.
Wigan are likely to be without defender Steve Gohouri as he continues his recovery from a calf problem.
Roberto Martinez may be tempted to start with striker Hugo Rodallega despite admitting he is not yet 100 per cent fit after Copa America duty with Colombia, while Antolin Alcaraz, who reached the final with Paraguay, could come into contention for a place in the squad.
James McCarthy had an injection in his ankle to enable him to play in last week's draw with Norwich City and should be available again but new signing Nouha Dicko is not yet being considered for the first team.
Swansea City: Vorm, Williams, Taylor, Caulker, Tate, Bodde, Britton, Orlandi, Beattie, Graham, Sinclair, Dyer, Cornell, Dobbie, Routledge, Monk, Lita, Moore, Moreira, Rangel, Allen, Agustien, Gower, Butler, Richards.
Wigan Athletic: Al Habsi, Caldwell, Boyce, Figueroa, Alcaraz, Watson, Diame, Rodallega, Moses, McCarthy, Sammon, McArthur, Gomez, Di Santo, McManaman, Lopez, Stam, Thomas, Kirkland, Jones, Nicholls, Golobart, Pollitt.
It will be interesting to see how Swansea are at home with such buoyant support. A watching brief for me. This could be a match where Swansea get something out of a Wigan side who, as I said, managed only 4 wins away last year.
Swansea only lost 3 at home last season , albeit in the Championship.
4pm - OB v Lyngby - 1.47 home
| 29.05.2011 | D1 | Lyngby BK | 2-0 | Odense BK |
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| 14.03.2011 | D1 | Odense BK | 2-0 | Lyngby BK |
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| 27.09.2010 | D1 | Odense BK | 3-1 | Lyngby BK |
60th and 80th minute goals for Lyngby saw them break the OB previous wins. BUT OB are back at home, where they scored 5 goals in 2 home matches against Lyngby.
Only 5 matches into the season so no betting research template.
OB have scored 2 goals in 4 matches and 1 goal in a 5th match -consistent attacking form. 5 matches over 2.5 goals bar a single match which was 2-0.
Only 1 win for Lyngby this season so far. 2 losses away so far have both been 2-1 losses seeing Lyngby scoring in both away matches.
OB Odense were 2nd to Copenhagen last season. Lyngby finished 8th and only won 1 away last season.
A 2.5 goal bet might be a goer, but I repeat the fewer the matches to work with, the less accurate we will be.
445pm - FC Zurich v Neuchatel Xamax - 1.41 home - only 5 matches into a season for a league of only 10 sides signals just a quick overview. Zurich's last 4 matches have been over 2.5 goals. 2 home matches have seen 6 goals scored in each match.
No draws for Zurich so far
Xamax have drawn their last 2 matches 0-0. In fact Xamax have failed to score in all of their 5 matches so far this season.
0-0 insurance bet and a back win for Zurich? Potential for a win to nil correct score bet for Zurich.
| 28.04.2011 | D1 | FC Zürich | 3-0 | Neuchâtel Xamax |
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| 25.04.2011 | Cup | FC Zürich | 1-1/p.6-7 | Neuchâtel Xamax |
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| 19.03.2011 | D1 | Neuchâtel Xamax | 1-2 | FC Zürich |
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| 30.10.2010 | D1 | FC Zürich | 3-1 | Neuchâtel Xamax |
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| 07.08.2010 | D1 | Neuchâtel Xamax | 3-4 | FC Zürich |
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| 16.05.2010 | D1 | Neuchâtel Xamax | 3-3 | FC Zürich |
xamax historically have managed to score against Zurich in the league so perhaps we should scrap the win to nil idea? Or will Zurich repeat the 3-0 home win of April against a side, I reiterate, who have not scored in 5 matches so far this season.
5pm - Korona v Wisla Krakow - on soccerstats so worth a look. Very similar record in their 3 Polish league matches so far. Both sides have scored in every match. Only 3/4 matches played in the league so far . Away win, home draw, away draw for Korona so far this season.
Both draws were score draws and 2 of the 3 matches over 2.5 goals.
Away draw, away draw, home win 1-0 for Wisla sees 2 score draws again.
2 1-1 away draws already and the potential that this sequence will end eventually. It signals an automatic over 1.5 goal trade?
530pm - Chelsea v West Brom - 1.31 home - when your luck's out, your luck's out - late Man Utd winner care of own goal on opening day.
| 16.04.2011 | PR | West Bromwich | 1-3 | Chelsea FC |
|
| 14.08.2010 | PR | Chelsea FC | 6-0 | West Bromwich |
Expectation for a Chelsea home win by 3 minimum today.
0-0 away to Stoke not entirely unexpected and although I pan him, Torres looked ok without scoring last week. A few too many shots from distance.
Sob-sob story for WBA as an own goal scuppered things.
Roy Hodgson's West Brom head to Chelsea in confident mood after a gutsy performance saw them lose out to a late Manchester United winner last time out.
They've not been great in front of goal in their last six trips to Stamford Bridge where they have failed to score.
Chelsea began the new term with a draw at Stoke and have won all 10 Barclays Premier League matches against the Baggies, conceding just three goals.
Andre Villas-Boas was on Friday deciding whether Hilario or Ross Turnbull would start his first home game in charge of Chelsea.
Villas-Boas this week lost undisputed number one Petr Cech (knee) for up to four weeks, meaning a change in goal for Saturday's match.
Romelu Lukaku could make his debut but the match comes too soon for fellow new boy Oriol Romeu, while David Luiz (thigh) remains out, Daniel Sturridge suspended, and Michael Essien long-term injured.
West Brom have a major doubt over striker Peter Odemwingie, while winger Jerome Thomas will definitely miss out.
The pair sat out last weekend's opening match of the season against Manchester United and Odemwingie is battling to shake off an ankle injury while Thomas has hip and thigh problems.
Odemwingie is closer to fitness than Thomas but still faces a race against time and he will be assessed if he comes through training unscathed.
Right-back Steven Reid, who was forced off with a leg injury against United, is fit.
Central defender Gareth McAuley, who has been struggling with illness, could be on the bench against the Blues after coming through a midweek reserve outing.
Chelsea: Hilario, Ivanovic, Bosingwa, Ferreira, Terry, Alex, Cole, Bertrand, Mikel, McEachran, Lampard, Ramires, Benayoun, Malouda, Torres, Drogba, Anelka, Kalou, Lukaku, Turnbull.
West Bromwich Albion: Foster, Fulop, Reid, Tamas, Olsson, Shorey, Scharner, Brunt, Mulumbu, Morrison, Odemwingie, Long, Cech, Tchoyl, Ibanez, Thorne, Thomas, Dorrans, Jara, McAuley, Fortune, Bednar.
I mentioned it last week that the absence of Peter Odimwegie is a huge miss for West Brom . www.premierleague.com also reminds us that WBA seem unable to score at Stamford Bridge and a win to nil will be popular.
Sequentially, I will be keeping an eye on Torres and hope he has a lean spell infront of goal because then he will be backable eventually. Daniel Sturridge is still out which is a bit miss for me.
530pm - FC Koln v Kaiserslautern - bottom v 2nd bottom albeit after 2 matches but Koln already have conceded 8 goals! - Kaiserslautern have only scored 1 goal this season ( albeit 2 matches)
| 16.01.2011 | D1 | Kaiserslautern | 1-1 | 1.FC Köln |
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| 21.08.2010 | D1 | 1.FC Köln | 1-3 | Kaiserslautern |
6pm - AC Horsens v FC Copenhagen - 1.98 away - shocking Champions League home defeat v Plzen mid week .
HEAD TO HEADS
| 16.05.2011 | D1 | AC Horsens | 1-1 | FC København |
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| 07.11.2010 | D1 | FC København | 4-0 | AC Horsens |
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| 27.10.2010 | Cup | FC København | 2-4 | AC Horsens |
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| 29.08.2010 | D1 | AC Horsens | 1-2 | FC København |
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| 25.04.2009 | D1 | AC Horsens | 0-2 | FC København |
645pm - Heerenveen v Twente - 2.26 away - Twente should win more home and away than they lose, so this 2.26 picqued my interest. Heerenveen must be improving to have garnered an over evens quote about one of the big 3.
| 12.12.2010 | D1 | SC Heerenveen | 6-2 | FC Twente |
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| 14.08.2010 | D1 | FC Twente | 0-0 | SC Heerenveen |
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| 10.04.2010 | D1 | FC Twente | 2-0 | SC Heerenveen |
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| 20.09.2009 | D1 | SC Heerenveen | 0-2 | FC Twente |
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| 17.05.2009 | Cup | SC Heerenveen | 2-2/p.5-4 | FC Twente |
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| 25.04.2009 | D1 | SC Heerenveen | 1-1 | FC Twente |
What happened in the last match?
1-0 away and 2-0 at home for Twente so far .
2-2 home draw and 5-1 away loss to Ajax for heerenveen . Now I would equate Ajax with Twente and PSV. After all last year, these 2 were separated by 2 points. twente only lost 4 last season ( yes 1 against ajax and one against Heerenveen)
At home against top 7 last year, LWLLLDD - it looks like that win against Twente was just anomolous. Heerenveen scored against all of the top 3 at home last season and lost 1-2, won 6-2, lost 1-3. 6 of the 8 matches against top 4 home and away finished over 2.5 goals.
2.12 is worth speculation surely if the Ajax trouncing of Heerenveen is an accurate reflection of what Twente ( only 2 points behind them) are capable of?
745pm - Benfica v Feirense - 1.21 home - 2-2 away draw for Benfica and 0-0 home draw for Feirense. Draws likely to end this evening. Only 2nd match of a new season.
benfica were a clear 2nd to Porto last season. 2 losses at home last season against Porto and 14th in the league ( first home match of season last season!!)
11 wins at home and struggled against bottom 3 ( win, draw, loss) -will Feirense ( who are likely to struggle this season) pose any kind of a threat?
2.4 goals scored on average at home for benfica last season.
640 BATH
BETTING FORECAST: 11/8 Prime Defender, 3/1 Desert Law, 5/1 Joe Packet, 6/1 Secret Witness, 16/1 Bathwick Bear, 16/1 Star Rover, 25/1 Flowing Cape, 25/1 Rulesn´regulations, 33/1 Button Moon.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: Prime Defender is the first one to catch the eye at the weights after returning to form at Doncaster last time but that straightforward track is very different to this one. JOE PACKET always did look a sprinter of potential and his recent Windsor win was a step towards fulfilling his potential. Desert Law is also considered.[Emily Weber]
4 under 16/1 here likely to see the winner from these.
300 CHESTER
BETTING FORECAST: 5/4 Na Zdorovie, 9/2 Fa´iz, 13/2 Forest Edge, 8/1 Finbar, 12/1 Sir Trevor, 12/1 Sugarpine, 16/1 Always Eager, 16/1 Cades Reef, 16/1 Rapid Heat Lad, 25/1 Amadeus Wolfe Tone, 28/1 Gabrial´s Princess, 28/1 No Plan B, 40/1 King Of Paradise, 40/1 Lord Franklin.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: The imminently retiring Barry Hills has enjoyed plenty of success at Chester down the years and NA ZDOROVIE, who will be the trainer's last ever runner at this track, would be a highly fitting winner. She's well worth another chance to build on her debut promise returned to turf and her handler's excellent record in this race (six of the last ten winners) cements her appeal. Several of her rivals are open to improvement, including the Godolphin runner Fa'Iz.[Steve Boow]
evens - - -6/1 - a sentamental choice as you will read in Spotlight.
240 CURRAGH
BETTING FORECAST: 2/1 Experience, 5/2 Boris Grigoriev, 9/2 Bible Black, 5/1 An Ghalanta, 8/1 Lady Rochford, 16/1 Bahama Spirit, 25/1 Gold Lace, 33/1 Hexagonal.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: BORIS GRIGORIEV seems to have conditions to suit and could well bounce back from his Goodwood disappointment. Bible Black makes the most appeal of the remainder. [Kevin Blake]
8 runners - 5 under 16/1 here for the 3 places in this listed race - Experience 7/4 currently.
315 CURRAGH
BETTING FORECAST: 8/15 Fame And Glory, 6/1 Fictional Account, 7/1 Saddler´s Rock, 8/1 Taameer, 12/1 Waydownsouth, 16/1 Rising Wind, 50/1 Dearest Girl.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: FAME AND GLORY has tended to be vulnerable when fresh in the past, but he is very difficult to oppose at this level. Saddler's Rock is perhaps the best option for a forecast. [Kevin Blake]
Huge price gapper and a superb horse to boot. 2 places only on offer should help bolster place only odds.
425 CURRAGH
BETTING FORECAST: 15/8 Riviera Poet, 9/4 David Livingston, 5/1 Parish Hall, 8/1 Astrology, 9/1 Vault, 10/1 Strait Of Zanzibar, 12/1 Dragon Pulse, 100/1 Cheerful Giver.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: RIVIERA POET(nap) looked to be a smart performer in the making when winning at Galway and can confirm that impression in this. The best has yet to be seen of Parish Hall and he is likely to run a big race. [Kevin Blake]
8 runners - 3 places and the incomparable Weld/Smullen on the favourite. 4 under 10/1 and the front 2 both currently 2/1
600 MARKET RASEN
BETTING FORECAST: 11/8 Taaresh, 3/1 Ajdaad, 3/1 Tom Wade, 5/1 Royal Deal, 20/1 Yahrab, 25/1 Sunset Resort, 100/1 Baby Judge, 100/1 Jack´s Rocket.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: Taking shortish odds about Taaresh may not be the best idea, so a chance is taken on ROYAL DEAL, who hasn't had much racing on the Flat and shaped better last time.[Alistair Whitehouse-Jones].
8 runners - 3 places , 5 under 25/1 and a 6/5 favourite.
625 PERTH
BETTING FORECAST: 6/4 Reaping The Reward, 11/4 Undertheboardwalk, 7/2 Priors Gold, 13/2 Bachelor Lad, 10/1 Munaawer, 25/1 Jet Master, 50/1 Frontier Lad, 100/1 Sixties Rock.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: Heavily penalised pair Bachelor Lad and Priors Gold look vulnerable to improving duo Undertheboardwalk and REAPING THE REWARD, with the Andrew-Parker trained gelding taken to come out on top.[Steve Boow]
5 under 33/1 for 3 places makes this interesting
SHORTLIST
230pm - B Munich v Hamburg - 1.34 home - Robben back in the side and an expectation for normal service to be resumed at home after the 1-0 loss on the opening day. 2 1-0's in the league. 2nd league match and a loss not tolerated for a team so strong at home.230pm - Dortmund v Nurnberg - 1.34 home - Dortmund only lost one match last season at home. Head to heads and Nurnberg's performances last year could signal a win to nil, but as you can see, the achilles heel is that we are basing judgements on last year.
3pm - Everton v QPR - 1.56 home - Everton might just be a little too streetwise at home , unbeaten in 11 at home in the Premiership. BUT this is their first match of the season and they have made no new signings.
445pm - FC Zurich v Neuchatel Xamax - 1.41 home - Xamax have failed to score this season so far so a back of Zurich with a 0-0 insurance cover looks a solid proposition.
530pm - Chelsea v West Brom - 1.31 home - win to nil here will be popular today. Hard luck story against United.
745pm - Benfica v Feirense - 1.21 home - clear 2nd last season and only 2 defeats at home last season augurs well for benfica against newcomers. That said, Feirense have on their side that unknown factor!
315 CURRAGH - Fame and Glory should place - 1.1 to place though - I thought it would be higher given there are only 2 places on offer.
425 CURRAGH - Riviera Poet is the Weld/Smullen fav and around 1.4 to place is very tempting.
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