Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Beat Lawro week 19 results

Tottenham 2-0 West Ham

Lawro: 3
Tarquin: 3

Blackburn 2-2 Sunderland

Lawro -1
Tarquin -1

Chelsea 2-1 Fulham

Lawro 3
Tarquin 1

Everton 2-0 Burnley

Lawro 3
Tarquin 3

Stoke 0-1 Birmingham

Lawro -1
Tarquin -1

Wolves 0-3 Man City

Lawro -1
Tarquin 1

Aston Villa 0-1 Liverpool

Nailed on...

Lawro -1
Tarquin -1


Bolton 2-2 Hull

Lawro -1
Tarquin -1

Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal

Lawro 1
Tarquin 1.5

Man United 5-0 Wigan

Lawro 1
Tarquin 1

Lawro got five right, three perfect scores = 6 points
Tarquin got six right, two perfect scores = 6.5

Standings

19 weeks played, 184 matches
12-7 to Tarquin

Lawro - 93 right, 22 perfects - 59 points
Tarquin - 95 right, 18 perfects - 55.5 points

Monday, December 28, 2009

Beat Lawro week 19 - speedy gonzales






Blimey, quick-fire double header

Standings

18 weeks played, 174 matches
11-7 to Tarquin

Lawro - 88 right, 19 perfects - 53 points
Tarquin - 89 right, 16 perfects - 49 points


Tottenham v West Ham
Tottenham v West Ham (1245 GMT)


Tottenham win seems favourable

Verdict: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Blackburn v Sunderland
Blackburn v Sunderland

Sunderland haven't won since...Arsenal, strangely enough, I think Blackburn will come out on top between these two middling sides

and I'm sorry - no prolific goalscorer? Darren Bent - 11 league goals from half the season, fourth placed goalscorer (Drogba joint with Defoe and Rooney on 13) - dear god, Lawro, you'll be writing off Andy Johnson next...

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0




Chelsea v Fulham
Chelsea v Fulham


It's been an awful December for Chelsea - but great for the neutral, unfortunately for Fulham I think Chelsea will be just too strong - a pity, as Drogba and co. will be off barely a day later - should be a fun January at Stamford Bridge after this last hurrah

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0




Everton v Burnley
Everton v Burnley

A rare win for Everton is surely on the cards, or is it a rarer away win for Burnley? The former, probably

Verdict: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

 

Stoke City v Birmingham
Stoke v Birmingham

Birmingham are surely tiring - but with Stoke's defence severely depleted and both sides coming off the gruelling Christmas congestion I think Birmingham could hold onto their current league crown of longest undefeated run, the good news is Birmingham got to the magic number of 28 points by Christmas, so they are guaranteed survival

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-1

 

Wolves v Manchester City
Wolves v Man City (1945 GMT)

Mancini couldn't have got it much better than Stoke at home followed by Wolves away, unless he got Blackburn at home after... oh wait...

Talk about being eased in - but no away game is truly easy, and City need sorting out on the road, Wolves could prove a test - but frankly, if they don't win, I'd sack him, based on the club's appointment criteria

Verdict: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-2

 

TUESDAY
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Aston Villa v Liverpool (1945 GMT)


Lawro thinks this is a 'nailed-on draw' - one) there's no such thing, and two) he very rarely gets draws right (see: none of the six first-half 'big 4' clashes have been a draw this season) - I'm backing a draw, because it could go either way...

I guess if we're right, we won't know who's right - suppose I don't want to win then...

Verdict: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-1


Bolton v Hull
Bolton v Hull (2000 GMT)

I think Bolton will come out on top here, they got a reprieve last week while Hull are on match number three in just over a week, and of course, Bolton are the better side - Hull's two away points don't inspire me

Verdict: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0


WEDNESDAY
Portsmouth v Arsenal
Portsmouth v Arsenal (1945 GMT)

I've gone for three - but I may come to regret that as Arsenal aren't the best travellers and if the midfield maestro is missing this could be difficult, oh well


Verdict: 0-2
 Tarquin: 0-3


Manchester United v Wigan
Man Utd v Wigan

This is a no-brainer - though I do have to worry about United's reliance on Rooney, as seen against Hull, of all people - it can't last, still - Wigan, at OT, never happening


Verdict: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Boxing Day results

Birmingham 0-0 Chelsea

Nice

Lawro: -1
Tarquin:-1

Fulham 0-0 Tottenham

Lawro: 2
Tarquin: 2

Burnley 1-1 Bolton

Lawro: 3
Tarquin: -1


West Ham 2-0 Portsmouth

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: 1

Man City 2-0 Stoke

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 3

Sunderland 1-1 Everton

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Wigan 1-1 Blackburn

Lawro -1
Tarquin 3

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

Lawro 3
Tarquin 1

Arsenal v Villa

Lawro: 1
Tarquin -1

Hull 1-3 United

Lawro 1.5
Tarquin 1

Lawro got 6 right, two perfects = 7.5
Tarquin got 6 right, two perfects = 7

Two right! and he still catches up!! And frankly the Hull game going in his favour is a joke when he picked a clean sheet


Standings

18 weeks played, 174 matches
11-7 to Tarquin

Lawro - 88 right, 19 perfects - 53 points
Tarquin - 89 right, 16 perfects - 49 points

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Beat Lawro week 18 - Boxing Day matches







Standings


17 weeks played, 164 matches
11-6 to Tarquin

Lawro - 82 right, 17 perfects - 45.5 points
Tarquin - 83 right, 14 perfects - 42 points



It's part one of the Christmas mirror round - these fixtures will be played in reverse in week 22 (late Jan), hopefully we can do well in both


Onward for your Boxing Day tips! (this is an auto-post)

----------------------------------------

Birmingham v Chelsea 
Birmingham v Chelsea (1245 GMT)


Response from the Blues, or a continuation of fine form for the Blues? Personally I think Chelsea will be kicked into gear, and Brum are beginning to wear down, Christmas will not be kind to such a small squad - although Chelsea could be in for a lengthy rough patch, but a Chelsea win is definitely favoured here

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 0-1


Fulham v Tottenham
Fulham v Tottenham (1300 GMT)

This one really depends on which Tottenham side turns up - I think Fulham will be favourites here, they're a solid side and might exploit Spurs' weaknesses at the back, but it'll be close


Lawro: 2-2
Tarquin: 1-1


West Ham v Portsmouth
West Ham v Portsmouth (1300 GMT)

Ah, the six-pointer - also known as 'draw' - Pompey may have taken down Liverpool, but my granny could do over Liverpool every other game at the moment, this will be tetchy as both sides desperately need the win - I favour West Ham

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 2-1


Burnley v Bolton
Burnley v Bolton (1400 GMT)

Must win for Burnley, I reckon - they are heavily reliant on home form, if they fail to win this one then they have little hope in the new year, but it'll be tight in the north-west

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 2-1


Manchester City v Stoke
Manchester City v Stoke

A straightforward opening game for Mancini - Stoke have improved on the road, but City have too much talent to be kept off the scoresheet, and 'honeymoon' and all that

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0


Sunderland v Everton
Sunderland v Everton

Everton have been gutsy despite being down to bare bones, but I think Sunderland will be too tough at home

Lawro: 1-0
Tarquin: 2-1


Wigan v Blackburn
Wigan v Blackburn

Wigan are unpredictable, and so are Rovers - Wigan the slight favourites, but draw

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-1


Liverpool v Wolves
Liverpool v Wolves (1730 GMT)

Surely...?

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0


SUNDAY
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Arsenal v Aston Villa (1330 GMT)

Tie of the round, free-flowing Arsenal versus counter-attacking Villa - who will come out on top - I think it might be a draw

Lawro: 1-0
Tarquin: 1-1


Hull v Manchester United
Hull v Manchester United

Fergie generally doesn't let his players get away with two poor shows in a row, and an under strength side should be fine against Hull


Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 1-2

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Results week 17

Portsmouth 2-0 Liverpool

Told you I'd jinxed it

Tarquin -1
Lawro -1

Villa 1-0 Stoke

Tarquin: 1
Lawro: 1.5

Blackburn 0-2 Spurs

Tarquin: -1
Lawro: -1

Fulham 3-0 United

Tarquin: -1
Lawro: -1

City 4-3 Sunderland

Tarquin: 1
Lawro: 1.5

Arsenal 3-0 Hull

Tarquin: 1
Lawro: 3

Wolves 2-0 Burnley

Tarquin: 1
Lawro: 1

Everton 1-1 Birmingham

Tarquin: 3
Lawro: -1

West Ham 1-1 Chelsea

Tarquin: -1
Lawro -1

Wigan v Bolton was called off

Lawro went for 1-1
Tarquin: 2-1 - these remain active unless the rematch is redone by Lawro
Tarquin got five right, one perfect = 3pts
Lawro got four right, one perfect = 2

17 weeks played, 164 matches
11-6 to Tarquin

Lawro - 82 right, 17 perfects - 45.5 points
Tarquin - 83 right, 14 perfects - 42 points


Friday, December 18, 2009

Beat Lawro week 17

Portsmouth v Liverpool
Portsmouth v Liverpool (1245 GMT)


Ah, you never know what you're going to get with Liverpool - Pompey have indeed been playing well, they've been playing well all season - but they do not have quality!! It's been 17 games and they've got 11 points - why does no one believe me?!! (by 'no one' I mean pundits, as far as I'm aware all regular fans know this) - it's not just poor luck! So anyway, after that rant I fully expect Pompey to get at least a point...oh well, but the smart money has to be on Liverpool, well, the smart money is best kept in your pocket when it comes to Liverpool....

Tarquin: 1-2
Lawro: 0-2

Aston Villa v Stoke
Aston Villa v Stoke


Should be a comfortable home win for Villa, who look so much stronger at home this season, Downing and Collins should be available, giving O'Neill more choices than he probably needs


Tarquin: 2-0
Lawro: 2-1

Blackburn v Tottenham
Blackburn v Tottenham

Tricky - Blackburn tend to swing between wins and draws at home, but most of those wins came against poor sides (bar Villa), while Spurs suck on the road, but I think they have enough of a threat to force a draw

Tarquin: 1-1
Lawro: 1-1

Fulham v Man Utd
Fulham v Manchester United

Could this be the elusive away draw United have been searching for? Fulham will pose a threat, and United are still struggling with injuries, somebody needs to take advantage of their weakness, Fulham can (Wolves can't)


Tarquin: 1-1
Lawro: 1-1

Man Cit v Sunderland
Manchester City v Sunderland

City may be struggling to win matches, but remain undefeated at home, while Sunderland are so bad on the road only Hull and Burnley are worse - got to go for a second consecutive home win for the sky blues

Tarquin: 2-0 Lawro: 2-1

Arsenal v Hull
Arsenal v Hull


On paper this looks straightforward, but then remember what happened last season? Arsenal will be without their star man Fabregas, and indeed RVP, but should have Arshavin, Eduardo and Walcott available - surely that's enough to deal with Hull? Although they have of course had a whole week to prepare, and Arsene is all tuckered out...

Tarquin: 1-0Lawro: 3-0

SUNDAY
Wolves v Burnley
Wolves v Burnley

Wolves had better win, eh? Hopefully that mid-week rest will give them the edge to defeat a side that don't travel well, and had to scrap against Arsenal a few days prior...an upset would be fun though


Tarquin: 2-1
Lawro: 1-0

Everton v Birmingham
Everton v Birmingham

Tricky - we have the league's form team with five straight wins, versus an injury riddled decent team floating too close to the relegation zone, too close to call

Tarquin: 1-1
Lawro: 2-1

West Ham v Chelsea
West Ham v Chelsea (1600 GMT)

Local derby, recent slide in form, weakness to set-pieces - I don't think any of this will hold back Chelsea against such a weak side, you'll just have to wait for the African Cup of Nations for that..

Tarquin: 1-3
Lawro: 0-2

MONDAY
Wigan v Bolton
Wigan v Bolton (2000 GMT)


Do I have to? Oh, alright - Wigan are at home, should be favourites, ironically this is highly important for me - as it's one of only two games we disagree on

Tarquin: 2-1Lawro: 1-1

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Typical

Well, you knew it would happen... I haven't got anything decent in weeks and then I go and get 7/8 'unofficially'

I claim a moral victory

Seven right, no perfects = 6.5 pts

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Mid week predictions

Well, it would appear there are no Lawro's predictions this week, but I thought I'd do my own anyway

Sunderland v Aston Villa

Tough one, will the Villains be buoyant, or tired? Will Sunderland stutter or come back fighting after a fairly miserable run? I'm going for Villa to take their counter-attacking play to the Black Cats, but it could go either way

1-2

Birmingham v Blackburn

Arguably Birmingham have become the form team with four wins on the trot and three clean sheets within that, while Blackburn are one of the worst sides on the road, on paper this looks obvious

1-0

Bolton v West Ham

Basement battle time - if Bolton can play like they did at the weekend then they should see off the Hammers easily, if not, I don't think the Hammers will bring much anyway

1-0

Manchester United v Wolves

Pick a number between 1 and 10, then stick in front of -nil and you're there, United will no doubt have got a booting for the (deserving) loss to Villa, a bad time for Wolves to visit, if there was ever a good time... I've gone for four

4-0

Burnley v Arsenal

This should be interesting, how will Arsenal cope with Burnley's aggression? How will Burnley handle the four-day break? Depends on which Arsenal side shows up, I guess, Burnley showed a lot of gaps against Fulham

0-1

Chelsea v Portsmouth

Thankyou so much for that draw, Carlo - some fine defending did me very well....I expect a better performance, and even if not - it's Portsmouth, at Stamford Bridge...

3-0

Liverpool v Wigan

Surely this is one game where we can expect Liverpool to pull out a win, at home to Wigan...surely?

2-0

Tottenham v Man City

Now this is a tricky one, first instinct is naturally 'draw' after City's eight in their last nine, and either side could take this, but I've got a feeling Spurs will be resurgent after that shock defeat to Wolves

2-1

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Well, that sucked - results week 16

Stoke 2-2 Wigan

Lawro = -1

Tarquin = -1


Birmingham 1-0 West Ham

Lawro = 1.5
Tarquin = 3



Bolton 3-3 City

Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1


Burnley 1-1 Fulham


Lawro = 3

Tarquin = -1

Chelsea 3-3 Everton


Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1

Hull 0-0 Blackburn


Lawro = -1
Tarquin = 2


Sunderland 1-1 Portsmouth


Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1

Tottenham 0-1 Wolves


Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1

Man United 0-1 Villa


Told you



Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1

Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal

Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1

Lawro got 2 right, one perfect score = -3.5
Tarquin got 2 right, one perfect score = -3

 That went well....


16 weeks played, 155 matches
10-6 to Tarquin

Lawro - 78 right, 16 perfects - 43.5 points
Tarquin - 78 right, 13 perfects - 39 points

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Beat Lawro week 16






As it stands:


15 weeks played, 145 matches
9-6 to Tarquin

Lawro - 76 right, 15 perfects - 47 points
Tarquin - 76 right, 12 perfects - 42 points


Oh dear oh dear - Lawro's overtaken me and obtained a rare lead, I must improve


Stoke v Wigan
Stoke v Wigan (1245 GMT)

Can't say I care much about Beattie shenanigans - two goals all season, both against West Ham, I'm sure the defence can cope with an inconsistent Wigan side and snatch a goal or two


Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0


Birmingham v West Ham
Birmingham v West Ham


Birmingham, sitting pretty in 9th thanks to some solid defence, shouldn't be troubled by relegation hopefuls West Ham, whose sole away victory was on opening day, against Wolves. Birmingham have only scored more than once at home on one occasion - in fact their scoring record of five at home is incredible for their top-half position, even Wolves have scored more - and I don't expect West Ham to contribute to a 25% increase in goals conceded at St. Andrews

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0


Bolton v Man City
Bolton v Man City


It's about time City turned a corner and they finally did against Chelsea, perfect time to test out if they're capable of a top four finish by going to a side who've only picked up one point in three games.

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 1-2


Burnley v Fulham
Burnley v Fulham

Apparently 7-goals-in-two-seasons Johnson makes all the difference to Fulham...Lawro must be a supporter of Zamora for England too...But anyway, Burnley could do with a win here, and they don't look like giving it up at home after that draw with Villa 


Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-0


Chelsea v Everton
Chelsea v Everton

I would really like a draw here, but I'm too much of a coward to back it, considering Chelsea's form and Everton's frailties, Everton performed a nice comeback against Tottenham last week and hopefully they'll be motivated but Chelsea will surely be too much.

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0


Hull v Blackburn
Hull v Blackburn

You can never predict Hull (unless they're away in which case they'll lose), but they should be favourites here, Blackburn are woeful on the road, but with the absence of the useful Bullard I think this might end in a draw


Lawro: 1-0
Tarquin: 1-1


Sunderland v Portsmouth
Sunderland v Portsmouth


I say this every week - Portsmouth have no quality and are bottom of the league for a reason, Sunderland are the highest scorers at home behind the top seven (or is that 'top six and Liverpool'?), and indeed the best side at home outside of the top five, their 'blips' have only really been away - Darren Bent exists to score goals against teams like this, I can't see them scoring less than three.

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 4-1


Tottenham v Wolves
Tottenham v Wolves


Spurs, they have their frailties but at home they're mostly pretty good, and against Wolves there's nothing to discuss

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0


Man Utd v Aston Villa
Man Utd v Aston Villa (1730 GMT)


A rare loss at Old Trafford could be on the cards here - an injury crisis in the defence could see a powerful attacking side like Villa get some goals - United are still a top side and even with a makeshift teamsheet can win matches, but I'd fancy a strong opponent to do well right now, I am however, a chicken, and going for the draw

Lawro: 1-1
 Tarquin:: 1-1


SUNDAY
Liverpool v Arsenal
Liverpool v Arsenal (1600 GMT)


Well this could be interesting, how Liverpool have gone from main rivals to the title to a fairly pathetic December seventh and a round 1 exit from the Champions League while only losing one player is beyond me, but they have. But that said, they can do over anyone on their day, and Arsenal are not good travellers, they're very happy at the Emirates, but weak on the road - and with no RVP (or even Bendtner) I have to favour a Liverpool side who should have Gerrard and Torres available, their weakness is consistency, not individual talent, as always

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 2-1

Monday, December 7, 2009

Beat Lawro Week 15 Results

Portsmouth 2-0 Burnley

Lawro = 3
Tarquin = -1

Arsenal 2-0 Stoke

Lawro = 3
Tarquin = 1

Aston Villa 3-0 Hull

Lawro = 1
Tarquin = 1

Blackburn 0-0 Liverpool

Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1


West Ham 0-4 Man United

Lawro = 1
Tarquin = 1

Wigan 2-3 Birmingham

Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1


Wolves 2-1 Bolton

Lawro = 1.5
Tarquin = 1.5


Man City 2-1 Chelsea

Lawro = -1
Tarquin = -1

Fulham 1-0 Sunderland

Lawro = 1.5
Tarquin = 1.5

Everton 2-2 Tottenham

Lawro = 2
Tarquin = -1

Retitling next week to 'predicting missed penalties'

Lawro got 7 right, two perfect = 10pts
Tarquin got 5 right, no perfects = 1 point...


Standings:


15 weeks played, 145 matches
9-6 to Tarquin

Lawro - 76 right, 15 perfects - 47 points
Tarquin - 76 right, 12 perfects - 42 points


Still, long way to go

Friday, December 4, 2009

Beat Lawro week 15






 Standings:

14 weeks played, 135 matches
9-5 to Tarquin

Lawro - 69 right, 13 perfects - 37 points
Tarquin - 71 right, 12 perfects - 41 points

It's not been a good few weeks of late, for anybody - so maybe we can get above half right for once


Portsmouth v Burnley

Portsmouth v Burnley
This is the must-win game for Pompey, I suppose they'll do it, they seem to have goals in them, but I think Burnley will be a match for them - if they can get to 5-3 at West Ham then they can points here, and usually a decent home side gets one away win, here would be the obvious choice. In all honesty, even if Pompey win this, they're gone in May. I can't call it, so I've stupidly gone for a draw


Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 1-1


Arsenal v Stoke City
Arsenal v Stoke

Arsenal have a habit of banging in the goals against lower sides at home - but Stoke are a mean side and have only conceded more that two once on the road, and that was Liverpool. Saying that, Arsenal are the most free-scoring team if you don't close them down, and all of Stoke's trips were to worse, typically low-scoring sides anyway, so I'll go for three

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0


Aston Villa v Hull City
Aston Villa v Hull

Hull remain unpredictable, Villa should win, but you can't rule out the Tigers sneaking a goal in, nevertheless, smart money is on a straightforward win

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0


Blackburn v Liverpool
Blackburn v Liverpool

Penalty shoot-outs always knacker a team out, and Blackburn don't have reserves to call on, so you would think Liverpool can turn over their neighbours, just might be the right time to defeat Blackburn for the first time at home since opening day.


Lawro: 0-1
Tarquin: 1-2


West Ham v Man Utd
West Ham v Man Utd


Got to be United, but their luck will eventually run out and there will come a lower team who gets the better of them, I don't think that'll be this week though, unpredictable one, this.

Lawro: 1-3
Tarquin: 0-2


Wigan v Birmingham
Wigan v Birmingham

Wigan have impressed at home lately, and Birmingham aren't all that on the road - a solid outfit, yes, but they've only beaten Wolves and Hull away, Wigan should win this on their day

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-0


Wolves v Bolton
Wolves v Bolton

Nice six-pointer, I've gone for Wolves to pick up their first win since September, but this could go either way quite easily (and a draw would be unhelpful for all concerned, so they probably will)

Lawro: 1-0
Tarquin: 1-0


Man City v Chelsea
Man City v Chelsea (1730 GMT)


Stop copying me, Lawro! It just drags me down - this is really hard to call, on the one hand Chelsea should be expected to win, on the other City have drawn seven in a row and just seem to want to draw - whether it's tying a big team and not rolling over, or letting a small team in, they seem to actually aim for it, meanwhile Chelsea haven't drawn all season, but I think I have to back the Chelsea win here, but should be tight (Arsenal should have been tight too)

Lawro: 1-2
Tarquin: 1-2


SUNDAY
Fulham v Sunderland
Fulham v Sunderland

Oh for god's sake...

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-1


Everton v Tottenham
Everton v Tottenham

I'm not sure about this - do Everton even have a team anymore? Their defence in particular seems to be on the treatment table more than the pitch - but I hear Distin should play, and Tottenham are hardly solid at the back, nor do they travel well, I'm sticking my neck out and going for a rare Everton win, no idea why...

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-0