WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (23/24-05-2015)

Melancholy is the overriding emotion as I pen this post; the last one I'll post in the European season. Gambling (wisely) is always fun and I've had fun writing these tips while this season has lasted. I know its not my place, but if I may offer you a piece of advice to ponder until August when the European footballing season will resume, it is this: The best bet you'll ever make in life is the one you take on yourself. Believe.

That said, I nailed 17 of the 20 tips I wrote last week. 85% looks okay on paper, but its still not IT. Still, here you go:

JUVENTUS vs NAPOLI:
Juve came through for me last week, and I'll make that same prediction here. This is one of those games.
Over 1.5goals

BAYERN MUNICH vs MAINZ:
Bayern were deservedly beaten last time out and I honestly can't say I did not see it coming. I just went against my instinct and failed to control my greed. Won't be betting on a win in this one.
Over 1.5goals

COLOGNE vs WOLFSBURG:
With the German cup final on the horizon, Wolfsburg will want to keep their momentum by playing their best in this 'warmup' game. I see nought but an away win

ARSENAL vs WEST BROM:
Arsenal have drawn 3 of their last five games, scoring once (own goal). Its safe to say their attackers are tired, but with the FA Cup game in mind, they'll have to get into goalscoring form. Against a side that beat Chelsea 3-0 last time out? Goals abound.
Over 2.5goals.

DORTMUND vs BREMEN:
Last league game at home for Jurggen Klopp and it'll be an emotional something. He'll want his last league game to be one of swashbuckling attacking football and these games usually produce more than one goal.
Over 1.5goals

MAN CITY vs SOUTHAMPTON:
City scored four last week. Southampton scored six. I would predict a lot of goals but I hear tell these two might field some of their reserves. That will hamper the fluidity of the game. So:
Over 2.5goals

MARSEILLE vs BASTIA:
Bastia will ply their trade in Ligue 1 next season after last week's draw. Marseille are back in form though.
Home win.

STOKE CITY vs LIVERPOOL:
If this game wasn't in my accumulator, I'd stake big on a Liverpool win. As it is though, I'll err on the side of caution and play over 1.5goals.

PSG vs REIMS:
Lol.

ALMERIA vs VALENCIA:
Almeria are not safe yet. Valencia could yet nick the last Champions league place. This will be a ridiculously open game.
Over 1.5goals.

HULL CITY vs MAN UNITED:
United are a curious team aren't they? You never know what you might get from them. Still, looking at the track record of their season-closing games, they are usually high scoring encounters. Especially when their opponents are in danger of being relegated. I remember that 4:2 win that sent Blackpool to the Championship and I think this will be a result like that.
Over 2.5

BARCELONA vs DEPORTIVO:
Straight win for the home team because they're Barca. Deportivo's perilous standing notwithstanding.

GRANADA vs ATL. MADRID:
One way or another, I'll get my two goals.
Over 1.5

GENOA vs INTERNAZIONALE:
Inter win? I doubt it. More than a lone goal? I'll bet on it.
Over 1.5 goals.

That's your lot for the season. It has been a pleasure.
P.S: I still blog regularly at this address o. Its only the 'weekend betting tip' section of my blog that will take a recess until August.
Thank you

Yours in tipster-y;
Captaincue

WITHOUT A SILVER SPOON

SUMMARY

WITHOUT A SILVER SPOON is a 1981 short novel by Eddie Iroh that tells the tale of a 10year old boy; Ure Chokwe and his struggle to further his education in the face of unseemly (mostly financial) vicissitudes.

PLOT
Ure Chokwe, whose brother inadvertently had to drop out of school to work as an apprentice in a faraway location due to financial constraints, faces similar fate when he's chased out of his classroom for failure to pay his fees.

Brilliant and industrious boy that he was, he intimated an idea to his parents about how his fees would be taken care of if he stayed with a teacher and worked as a houseboy.

Things went on smoothly until he was hit with a double barreled accusation of thievery. The book narrates how he juggled his academic pursuits with his honest streak, high expectations and life's many challenges.

MY VERDICT
WITHOUT A SILVER SPOON was one of the books we read in Junior secondary and the book caught my eyes when I saw it at the State library a week ago. Unfortunately, I have, for a long time, had a not so brief dalliance with an abject lack of finance and one would imagine the author had, at some point in his life, experienced these things first hand. The book is uber-realistic on this front. Kudos.

The main theme of the book is that 'honesty is the best policy'. Of course it is. Unless, of course, you're especially good at lying and mixing things up a bit in order to achieve your goals. But this is a book for preteens and teenagers and we wouldn't want to corrupt that lot would we? Honesty is the best policy kids!

I found aspects of the book really funny; particularly the part where the protagonist, Ure Chokwe intimated to his dad that he wanted to work as a servant in order to pay his tuition.

 
"Ure?"

"Sir?"

"Do you want to kill me before my time...?"

Lol. Typical!

In little more than a hundred pages, Mr Eddie Iroh expertly discussed unscrupulous elements (Erugo Iyama), dogged determination, resolute and unyielding challenges, ideals parents want their kids to live up to, people running the rule over other people, the curious dichotomy of good and evil, triumph of good over evil and the sweet, sweet taste of eventual victory for the hustler. I like this book.

This is to hoping our kids are born with silver spoons and all manner of assorted cutlery.

MY RATING
On a scale of very good to fucking abject, this is an enjoyable read.

 (poverty wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for lack of finance)

---CAPTAINCUE (...is a freelance writer taking on gigs for unridiculous money. Send me a direct message on Twitter @Captaincue or send me a mail with your writing needs at kaptaincue@gmail.com)

WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (16-17/05/2015)

Hi all. Its another hot weekend over here. Last time out, 10 of the 15 tips I made came through, which works out at a paltry 66.7% success rate. Close, but no cigar. The European footballing season is winding up to a close and we all hope to make one last significant sum off of those bastards. Good luck this weekend.

INTERNAZIONALE vs JUVENTUS:
Wow. You can't see me but I'm slowly hand clapping. Juve were gallant against a rampant Madrid side in midweek. They absolutely ran their socks off and with the Serie A title already in the bag, Mr Allegri will rotate heavily against an Inter side just starting to find some form.
Over 1.5

LEVERKUSEN vs HOFFENHEIM:
A humbling 3-0 defeat in 'Gladbach last week has brought 'em back to ground. Still, I think they'll have too much quality for their visitors.
1X

AS MONACO vs METZ:
An unlucky loss to an unpredictable Marseille outfit at the Velodrome last week. They'll make a mess of Metz (I couldn't help it)
Monaco win

LILLE vs MARSEILLE:
A potentially tricky call for a tipster. Both teams are still in with a chance of making European competitions next season. They (both) might decide to shut up shop and nick a winner on the counter a-la Mourinho. But I don't think that will be the case. I see an open game
Over 2.5

MONTPELLIER vs PSG:
We all know who's gonna win this one, the only thing up for debate is by how many goals!
Away win

FREIBURG vs BAYERN:
The futile victory over Barcelona somewhat overshadowed one of the more beautiful you'll ever see (Lewandoski's). Look at that footwork. Not enough quality to beat Barca, but their quality will suffice in beating Freiburg. I think.
Away win

GETAFE vs EIBAR:
Both teams are in terrible form, losing their last five matches respectively. If the odds were on offer, I'd bet on something like this:
Both teams to lose.

BURNLEY vs STOKE:
That's it then? Burnley have been relegated. It was fun while it lasted. They nicked a consolatory victory at Hull last week but I think Stoke will be too big a task for them.
X2

SEVILLA vs ALMERIA:
Over 1.5 goals. Sure banker. All season long.

TOTTENHAM vs HULL:
Drop points at WHL and Hull will be relegated. They have no option than to attack. This will be an open game; with both teams having lots to prove.
Over 1.5

LIVERPOOL vs PALACE:
Palace put the final nail in the coffin of Liverpool's title bid last season. Both teams have nothing to prove here and will likely go for each other's jugular. A special mention must go to a special player who will play his last home game for Liverpool. I hated how he smeared the camera at Old Trafford when he equalized in THAT game, but that doesn't smear his legacy at Liverpool. Tremendous player. All hail Stevie G.
Over 1.5

DORDRECHT vs AJAX:
Last weekend, Ajax players came out of the dressing room with their mothers to commemorate Mother's day. Such has never happened on Father's day. Is there even a father's day? The world is unfair.
Ajax win.

ATL. MADRID vs BARCELONA:
Would you bet against this Barcelona side on their current form? I didn't think so.
Away win.

ANDERLECHT vs ST. LIEGE:
Fierce competition between these two Belgian giants. The easiest over 1.5goals you'll ever see.

AS ROMA vs UDINESE:
A disappointing end to a season that promised so much at the start. The capital side won't lose this.
1X

SWANSEA vs MAN CITY:
Two sides in good form. I'll err on the side of caution and go for over 1.5goals.

MAN UNITED vs ARSENAL:
Its high time both sides served us a classic game with lots of goals.
Over 2.5goals.

WOLFSBURG vs DORTMUND:
Another goal fest.
Over 2.5

ESPANYOL vs REAL MADRID:
Ancelloti doesn't rotate his squad nearly enough and Madrid are tired. This one might swing either way and I see another end of season goal fest.
Over 2.5

WERDER BREMEN vs GLADBACH:
the surprise package of the Bundesliga season. No one is defeating them this season.
X2

That, dear friends, is that. Best wishes.
--->>>Captaincue

WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (09-10/05/2015)

A fortnight ago, it was 66.7%. A week ago (week ago! *defenestrates cap & does the shmoney dance*), it was 69.2%. Not quite there, but baby steps ba? Thanks for your patronage. This weekend, we're gonna hope for better luck. Here goes:

EVERTON vs SUNDERLAND:
Everton got beat by Aston Villa last time out. They'll want to get back to winning ways ASAP. Sunderland are deep in relegation quagmire and they're not gonna make it out by sitting back to defend. Will be an enthralling contest.
Over 1.5

ASTON VILLA vs WEST HAM:
Mr Lerner swapped Mr Lambert for Mr Sherwood; what an inspired decision that has turned out to be. Delph is buckling swashes, Benteke is scoring and (even) Cleverley is looking all kinds of decent. Who would've thunk! Villa will look to put some daylight between themselves and the bottom three. Here's a good place to start.
1X

HULL CITY (TIGERS) vs BURNLEY:
Hull City. The paragon of inconsistency. Victory over Liverpool followed by a limp defeat to Arsenal. That said, Burnley have lost their last four games. That is terrible. Both teams are in this precarious situation because they don't know shit about defending. Goals? You bet.
Over 1.5

PARMA vs NAPOLI:
One has to feel for Parma. They're on the brink of bankruptcy and have lost their last two games by an eye-watering eight goal margin. Napoli will stuff them.
Away win

FC ZURICH vs FC BASEL:
Basel are a reliable team. They won't lose, mark my words.
2X

LEVANTE vs ATLETICO MADRID:
Atleti will be foaming at the mouth after being robbed of victory at Bilbao. A lethargic performance in last week's 0-3 defeat to David Moyes has undone all the recent good work of Levante. I'm gonna bet against you should you lose to Mr Moyes.
An ugly away win.

BARCELONA vs REAL SOCEIDAD:
Speaking of David Moyes, the man is a mystery wrapped in an enigma. You remember he engineered a 1-0 in the return leg earlier in the season? I do. That notwithstanding, Barca are absolutely imperious right now.
Home win.

CELTA VIGO vs SEVILLA FC:
The last three games involving Sevilla have yielded 11goals. And we know Celta aren't exactly goal shy. Makes this call a no-brainer really.
Over 1.5

MARSEILLE vs MONACO:
Read 'Celta vs Sevilla' above.
Over 1.5

ZENIT St PETERSBURG vs ROSTOV:
Lol. You must be wondering why I include the Swiss and Russian leagues. Well, the English championship and Dutch Eredivisie are done. A tipster has to improvise.
Really, Zenit never lose. They just draw most of their matches. The trend won't stop now.
1X

REAL MADRID vs VALENCIA:
Ignoring Madrid's defeat to the Old Lady in midweek, their form in the league reads something like WWWWWW... I trust Madrid to rise up to the occasion. And I'll back that assertion up with a bet.
Home win.

LAZIO vs INTERNAZIONALE:
Lazio haven't been their usual  all-conquering selves in recent weeks and Inter could still finish in Europa league places by winning games like these.
Over 1.5

CHELSEA vs LIVERPOOL:
I wrote an article on Chelsea's triumph. They're plucky bastards, but I think this will be an open match with both teams having nothing to lose. One of these sides(Liverpool) have a lot to gain. They'll attack, attack and attack. Chelsea will counter. Goals will be scored.
Over 2.5

GLADBACH vs LEVERKUSEN:
Over 1.5 goals thank you very much.

MAN CITY vs QPR:
QPR could yet stay in the league, which is why they'll go all out in this fixture. Plus, City would want to finish a tough season with a flourish.
Over 2.5 goals.

That's your lot for the weekend. Best of luck boys.

Yours in tipster-y:
Captaincue

TRIBUTE TO CHELSEA

With the European football season drifting to an excitant end, there are numerous narratives from which one can choose to write a blog post from. At the lower end of league tables, clubs are fighting to stave off relegation and stay in the league. The nondescript mid table clubs are trying not to join the relegation mire and the overachieving mid table clubs are trying to break the stranglehold the 'top,top' teams have on the upper end of the table. As usual, most of the titles in the major leagues gave been decided (Germany, Holland...), save for France and Spain. As the most viewed league in the world, the EPL has a winner too. CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB.

They won this at a canter and with some three matches to spare. In the spirit of true sportsmanship, one must congratulate the winner -- then plot how to depose the champions and mount a serious challenge the following season. As a Man United supporter, I've reconciled myself with the fact that things aren't gonna be rosy for a while following Sir Alex's retirement. On social media, where everything goes on these days, the overriding emotion that greeted Chelsea's triumph was one of indignation.

What better way to recognize a good writer than to write about the zeitgeist. So, I'm gonna write a 6-pronged article about it. Here goes:

FACT: 

Chelsea F.C are 2014/2015 champions of the top division in English football.

AFTER THE FACT: 

Chelsea were top of the table since week2. That brought an air of inevitability to their eventual triumph. I think that leached away the excitement for most English club-football fans. No final day histrionics. No last minute 'Aguerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrro' moment. No nothing. Just a ridiculously ruthless side bypassing a non-existent and pitiable challenge by supposed rivals coasting to victory.

Chelsea are quite an excellent side, one just has to look at the array of talents in their ranks. Two world class goalkeepers, an excellent defence -- and Ivanovic; a central midfield pairing of Matic and Fabregas, the belligerent person & ruthless goalscoring talent of the bellicose Diego Costa. And the imperious Eden Hazard. All these are managed by a controversial contrarian, who, when viewed objectively, is an excellent coach -- just look at his track record.

PERCEPTION: 

There is a widely accepted notion that Chelsea play the game we all love largely defensively & set up to play on the counter; which is a footballing term that defines a seemingly dour and unadventurous style of play that favours strict & unyielding defensive solidity rather than an expansive, attacking & swashbuckling modus operandi. 

DETRACTORS:

Detractors have their reasons for nay saying. Always! I think their gripe stems from the fact that Chelsea were not this big until they were bankrolled by a certain Russian oligarch whose wealth has transformed Chelsea FC to a footballing juggernaut in the past decade and a half.

Also, fingers ave been pointed at Chelsea not playing football the 'right' way. The right way we've been told to death, is the pass, run into space, receive the return pass and form asymmetrical triangles until there are holes to explore in your opponents defense.  They say Chelsea often favour neutralizing their opponents at the detriment of showcasing their inherent attacking skills (which is not false).

UNEMOTIONAL OPINION:

In club football, the ultimate aim is victory. You become victors by winning football matches. To win a football match, you have to put the ball in the net of your opposition and prevent them from doing the same to your own goal. There are 20clubs in the EPL -- which incites every team play 19games at home and 19away; 38games a season. The team that has the most points at the end of the season is crowned champion. This much is a given.

Over the course of a 10month season, some factors will come into play. Injury to playing staff, incorrect refereeing decisions, player motivation levels, purple patches, dry patches, loss of form and a lot of other tangible/intangible variables. These variables affect your point tally directly/indirectly. However, two things you don't get additional points for are aesthetics and style.
Chelsea have been pilloried for a lack of style. Admittedly, a sane football fan is wont to marvel at the magnificence of beautifully-worked team goals. Jack Wilshere at Norwich AND Alan Smith against AS Roma at Old Trafford spring to mind. These are goals scored at the back end of beautiful interplay between several players. They are beautiful goals, but only 'just' goals nonetheless. No matter the number of passes building up to a goal, its still just one goal in the end. It counts for the same as a scrappy one that emanates from a goalmouth scramble or a heavily deflected strike or a set-piece strike. Or one scored from a Rory Delap throw-in. A goal is a goal. Now, some sides score these beauties more regularly than others (Barcelona). Some sides like to think they score these beauties all the time (Arsenal) while some score them on occasion (Chelsea).

Chelsea have been known to 'park the bus' -- which is an euphemism for sitting back and focusing all energies on not losing-- while hoping to capitalize on an inevitable mistake from your ball hogging opponents. Some people are offended by this style of play. They think Mr Mourinho's (and Chelsea's) style of football is particularly odious. When all is said and done though, winning is most of what matters. Intangible stuff like style and 'how' are secondary. As i posited during a bar-room argument on indecision, not making a decision, is, frankly, a decision. Chelsea's alleged lack of style IS a style. And it works. That's why they're champions.

Attacking is (the glamorous) part of football -- but defending is just as important. A great combination of the two makes quite an enjoyable team to watch (Juventus post-calciopoli). Attacking with reckless abandon while neglecting the defending aspect will get you relegated a-la Blackpool 2010/2011. Defending your goal for 90minutes will see you gain 38points in a league season AND probably get relegated. Goals win matches.
So a dexterous combination of attacking and defending will see you triumph. If your attacking/defending ratio is a 50/50 that balances on the defending side (a-la Chelsea), then, good grief. It works too!

MORAL OF THE STORY:
As ever, one must extrapolate the lessons to real life. Would I, Captaincue, say no to a generous sponsor (sugar mummy) who comes into my life on completion of my degree programme and offers to pay for my tuition at Harvard, decline such offer in favour of 'working for it'? You see, we all get a stroke of luck sometimes. There will always be those that think we're unworthy of such luck. Dare we, out of the outpouring of disdain for our sudden elevation, stop, apologize and give back that which has been magnanimously offered us? To have peoples validations over how we nobly 'hustle for it'? I'd rather think not.

There will always be those that oppose your way of doing things.They'll think your pragmatism is joyless and unenjoyable. They'll tell you the 'IDEAL' way to do it. They'll tell you you've achieved YOUR aim devoid of flair and panache. They'll sneer when you walk by. They'll sing 'boring,boring Chelsea' when you achieve your goal -- just because you didn't put on a spectacle. They'll say you should have been more grandiose (considering the assets at your disposal). More fun. More spontaneous. They'll even posit that history wont be kind to you because you didn't do it the 'right' way.

My mindset, which i hope more Nigerians have, is that, in achieving your set goals, you're gonna have to take some tough and unpopular decisions (defend like mad Chelsea); which will offend the sensibilities of Gooners purists. Purists who will point out that you wouldn't have done it if there had been more credible opponents. Well, my Uncle would be my Aunt if he had a vagina. But he doesn't, and things couldn't possibly be otherwise.

While you're basking in adulations and congratulations, they will paradoxically ask why all the furore and celebrations; "IS IT BECAUSE THEY ARE CHAMPIONS".
Just listen to the rhetoric.

--->>>Captaincue (I don't like Chelsea)

WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (02-03/05/2015)

66.7%. That's a B+ grade in school. In this thing of ours, its just a dreadful result. I had 66.7% success in last week's tips. We'll set things right this weekend. Here you go boys:

BLACKBURN vs IPSWICH:
With a combined 30goals in matches featuring these two sides over the past four weeks, it works out at 3.5goals a game. But they're championship sides, so I'm betting big on:
Over 1.5goals

DERBY vs READING:
Derby have been all kinds of inconsistent lately; what with the three draws and two (excellent) wins in their last five. However, Reading are woefully out of form
1X AND Over 1.5goals

MAN UNITED vs WEST BROM:
Two losses on the spin, the last of which cast aspersions on my pedigree as a blooming tipster. United messed up! With doubts over Michael Carrick's inclusion, they'll have their work cut out against a rejuvenated Albion side.
Over 1.5goals

ASTON VILLA vs EVERTON:
It has to be said, Everton were excellent against a naive Man United the other week; catching their visitors on the counter. Aston Villa know that they MUST score goals and earn points to fight off relegation. Over 1.5goals? That goes without saying really.

VfL WOLFSBURG vs HANNOVER:
After losing to 'Gladbach at the weekend, Wolfsburg bounced back emphatically with a scintillating 4-0 drubbing of Bielefeld in the German cup. Do I see a repeat? Yes. Am I putting my money on it? No.
1X

VALENCIA vs EIBAR:
They've been a bit wobbly in recent weeks, but Valencia can't mess this up. Not gonna happen
Home win

INTERNAZIONALE vs CHIEVO:
Roberto Mancini is on to something at the Milan club, I tells you. Clearly, they're not the finished article yet, but they're getting there. So I'll confidently doublechance his side.
1X

LYON vs EVIAN:
Optimists are backing Lyon to win the league. Realists, like myself, are sure PSG will win the thing. I'm uber confident they'll make light work of Evian, which is betting speak for "doublechance them"
1X

NAPOLI vs AC MILAN:
I really, really, really like Brock Lesnar. His mean streak, his agility, his speed, his strength, his mobility, his sheer arrogance. What I love most about him is that he left the WWE (which is mostly a scripted entertainment) to pursue a career in the bloody real UFC. He became world champion there. Upon his return to the WWE, he ended The Undertaker's streak at Wrestlemania. When questioned about his prospects of defeating John Cena at Royal Rumble, he quipped: "I just beat The Undertaker. ITS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE people, why wouldn't I beat John Cena!!"

Apologies for the tale, I just wanna use that phrase. When Napoli/ACMilan are not scoring plenty of goals, they're conceding 'em. Its not rocket science people!
Over 1.5, and that's a sure banker.

CORDOBA vs BARCELONA:
Cordoba are ripe for relegation. Paradoxically however, they do not concede that many goals and peeps might be surprised to find that Barcelona will field a second string side; with eyes firmly on their Champions League semifinal in midweek. I see an upset on the cards.
Tip: I'll just watch the over bloated 'fight of the century'

NANTES vs PSG:
I felt sorry for my compatriot, Vincent Enyeama last weekend as PSG put six past him. They followed that up with a 3-1 victory. I think this one writes itself really.
PSG win AND Over 2.5goals

NORWICH vs FULHAM:
Upon arduous research, I'll keep this one simple.
Over 1.5 goals. No questions asked.

AS ROMA vs GENOA:
Goals. They've made me 17k in the past month. A thousand short of Nigeria's minimum wage. I don't even have to care about who wins.
Over 1.5

SAMPDORIA vs JUVENTUS:
I love these games. Bet on an 'over 1.5', watch the bet come through before halftime and enjoy the rest of the game.

TOTTENHAM vs MAN CITY:
At the lane, Tottenham always, always make it happen against the top teams. I don't care who wins, but I'm pretty positive we'll see a few goals.
Over 2.5goals

That's it. As always, remember these are nought but tips for your consideration. Edit, delete and espouse as deemed fit.
Best of luck people.

Yours in tipster-y,
Captaincue