English Premier
2009-01-10 - Stoke City vs Liverpool
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
Football: England, Premier League
Saturday, 10th January 2009 - Kickoff 17:30
Stoke City (18th - Home 5-2-3 12:11)
Stoke City held Liverpool to a goalless draw at Anfield back in September, have won half of their home games this season, and recently gave Manchester United a big scare here before losing 0-1.
The Potters have home wins over Aston Villa, Arsenal and Tottenham, West Brom and Sunderland and the losses have been against Chelsea, ManYoo, and Everton - so they're no mug side.
So why are they priced up as the biggest home win odds this weekend, over 9/1, which is more than double the price of the next biggest side?
Stoke City Team News :
Stoke City have completed the signing of Matthew Etherington from West Ham and he is expected to make his debut against Liverpool on Saturday.
Richard Cresswell is available again after a ban and Dave Kitson could get another run-out following knee problems as Ricardo Fuller remains banned.
Liverpool (1st - Away : 7-2-1 19:7)
Liverpool play their first Premier League fixture of 2009, defending a three-point lead at the top of the table, but even that does not explain the very short price.
Liverpool have had a few stumbles at Anfield this season (including Stoke) but they've been much more effective on the road, losing only to Tottenham, and drawing at Aston Villa and Arsenal.
Liverpool Team News :
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is set to play in the league for the first time since November after injury.
Alvaro Arbeloa (hamstring) is unlikely to be involved, and Xabi Alonso (foot) is out, but Javier Mascherano returns.
Liverpool Squad :
Reina, Carragher, Agger, Hyypia, Skrtel, Aurelio, Benayoun, Lucas, Mascherano, Gerrard, Babel, Keane, Kuyt, Torres, Riera, Ngog, El Zhar, Cavalieri.
The Verdict
I'm going to have to take a good look at the team news - because frankly the 9/1+ (10.00) on offer for the home win is outrageous value for Stoke no matter which side they're facing.
Stoke have been overlooked by bookies and punters alike this season, priced up at 2.30+ for all 10 of their home games, and blind betting on the home win for the Potters here at the Victoria Ground would have returned a 118% yield so far - a very tasty profit indeed.
Perhaps it is because Stoke have lost their last four in all competitions while Liverpool are looking for a fourth straight win in league and cup?
Certainly Liverpool are the more likely winners - but that top price of just 1.44 does not really appeal at all.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Look out for a surprise result
BEST BETTING TIP :
Investigate the 10.00 on STOKE CITY to surprise or lay (bet against) the Liverpool win at the betting exchanges.If you are going to bet on LIVERPOOL then at least make sure that you get the best price of 4/9 (1.44) at BoyleSports Bookmakers who also offer up to £200 in free bets too.
That way you're getting some sort of value ...
;-)
