Friday, January 29, 2010

Beat Lawro 25



Standings


24 weeks played, 238 matches
14-10 to Tarquin

Lawro - 127 right, 29 perfects - 94 points
Tarquin - 126 right, 29 perfects - 89 points


Birmingham v Tottenham
Birmingham v Tottenham

Can hardly fault Birmingham for going down at the Bridge can you? Spurs are still far from convincing, easy opposition at home is one thing...

they'll destroy them now...bet on Spurs, seriously


Verdict: 0-2   Tarquin: 1-0

Fulham v Aston Villa
Fulham v Aston Villa

Difficult, neither side has had a good win in a month (league), Villa haven't even scored since before Christmas, but we all know they're a good side, and it really depends on who turns up...for both sides, sometimes Fulham turn it on at home, other times they're a bit ropey, so I'm going for a draw

Verdict: 1-2 Tarquin: 1-1

Hull v Wolves
Hull v Wolves

One home game I'd expect Hull to win, though don't count on it

Verdict: 0-0 Tarquin: 1-0

Liverpool v Bolton
Liverpool v Bolton

The sort of game I'd expect Liverpool to throw away two perfectly good points, but now they're getting desperate they'll probably win - and Lawro's analysis is right for once - stop playing 10 defenders, Rafa! Put Benayoun on!

Verdict: 2-1 Tarquin: 2-0

West Ham v Blackburn
West Ham v Blackburn

Blackburn are the fourth worst away team in the league (behind Burnley, Hull and Sunderland, if you're interested) - even West Ham will fancy this, but Benni to score? I'd say that about a real striker...but Benni? OK, maybe West Ham will get a penalty, but that's as far as I'm going

Verdict: 2-1 Tarquin: 0-0

Wigan v Everton
Wigan v Everton

Mikel is back! My favourite fantasy league player! Unfortunately with Liverpool, Chelsea and United up next I'm not getting him just yet, but good for Everton to have him back - did you know Wigan have only played one home game in nearly 2 months? Well they have, I'm favouring Mikel to set up a few...

Verdict: 0-2 Tarquin: 1-2

Burnley v Chelsea (1730 GMT)
Burnley v Chelsea

I think it'll be too hard to keep Chelsea off the scoresheet, Burnley ended that famous run in October, four draws since, but not Chelsea, surely...

Verdict: 0-2 Tarquin: 0-3

SUNDAY
Man City v Portsmouth (1330 GMT)
Manchester City v Portsmouth

I did put that relegation bet on at the start of the season didn't I? I wonder if it applies to non-existent clubs...

Verdict: 2-0  Tarquin: 4-0

Arsenal v Manchester United (1600 GMT)
Arsenal v Manchester United

Just a point - but there hasn't actually been a typical 'big four' draw all season, so while this probably will be a draw now I'm down for a Gunners win, I think they'll expose United's frailties at the back


Verdict: 1-1 Tarquin 2-1

MONDAY
Sunderland v Stoke (2000 GMT)
Sunderland v Stoke


Both sides are heavily reliant on home form...therefore...

Verdict: 1-1 Tarquin 2-0




Thursday, January 28, 2010

Beat Lawro week 24

Right - kind of missed Lawro's midweek predictions, but I did do them! thank god because I did very well (honest, check on 'I know the score')

Bolton 1-0 Burnley

Lawro: 2-1 = 1.5
Tarquin: 1-0 = 3






Portsmouth 1-1 West Ham

Lawro: 2-1 = -1
Tarquin: 2-1 = -1
Tottenham 2-0 Fulham

Lawro: 2-0 = 3

Tarquin: 2-0 = 3
Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

Lawro: 1-1 = 2

Tarquin: 1-2 = -1

Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal

Lawro: 1-1 = 2

Tarquin: 1-2 = -1


Blackburn 2-1 Wigan







Lawro: 2-1 = 3
Tarquin: 1-0 = 1.5

Chelsea 3-0 Birmingham

Lawro: 2-0 = 1

Tarquin: 3-0 = 3
Everton 2-0 Sunderland

Lawro: 2-1 = 1
Tarquin: 2-0 = 3

Standings


Lawro got 7/8 right, two perfect scores = 12.5
Tarquin got 5/8 right, but FOUR perfect scores = 10.5


I guess he wins...



24 weeks played, 238 matches
14-10 to Tarquin

Lawro - 127 right, 29 perfects - 94 points
Tarquin - 126 right, 29 perfects - 89 points

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Beat Lawro Results week 23

Manchester United 4-0 Hull


Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1

Preston NE 0-2 Chelsea


Lawro: 3
Tarquin:1

Reading 1-0 Burnley


Lawro: -1
Tarquin:-1

Accrington 1-3 Fulham


Lawro: 1
Tarquin:1

Aston Villa 3-2 Brighton

Lawro: 1
Tarquin:1


Bolton 2-0 Sheffield United


Lawro: 1
Tarquin: -1

Cardiff 4-2 Leicester


Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1.5

Derby 1-0 Donny


Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Everton 1-2 Birmingham

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: 3

Notts County 2-2 Wigan


Lawro: 2
Tarquin: 3

Portsmouth 2-1 Sunderland

Lawro: 3
Tarquin: 3


Southampton 2-1 Ipswich


Lawro: -1
Tarquin: 3

West Brom 4-2 Newcastle


Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Wolves 2-2 Palace


Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Spurs 2-2 Leeds 

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Stoke 3-1 Arsenal


Lawro: -1
Tarquin: 1

Scunthorpe 2-4 City


Lawro: 1.5
Tarquin: 1.5

Lawro got 9 right, 2 perfect scores = 6.5
Tarquin got 11 right, FOUR perfect scores! = 14


Standings

23 weeks played, 230 matches
14-9 to Tarquin

Lawro - 120 right, 27 perfects - 81.5 points
Tarquin - 121 right, 25 perfects - 78.5 points

Friday, January 22, 2010

Beat Lawro week 23






Aaaaaah! I'm losing! 17 again this week

Standings

22 weeks played, 213 matches
13-9 to Tarquin

Lawro - 111 right, 25 perfects - 75 points
Tarquin - 110 right, 21 perfects - 64.5 points


Manchester United v Hull City

Rooney's fit, I can't see how Hull will trouble United, even if they are weak

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

FA CUP


Preston v Chelsea



Chelsea seem to be in form right now, got to be a win for the league leaders (in reality)


Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 0-1

Reading v Burnley

Reading can win at Anfield, but seem unlikely to beat a pub team anywhere else - they haven't won at home since November, and couple that with Burnley...who have got one away point in the league and have only beaten MK Dons on the road - so both sides will fancy this, but either side could win, so I'm going for a replay

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 1-1

Accrington Stanley v Fulham

I think Fulham have the talent to overcome Accrington Stanley, even without Zamora and Dempsey - Accrington are the lowest side left

Lawro: 1-2
Tarquin: 0-1

Aston Villa v Brighton

I'd be pretty stupid to back anything but a Villa win here


Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Bolton v Sheffield United

This'll be a close contest, a Premier League struggler versus a decent Championship side, I'm going for a Sheffield win actually, Bolton did well to score against Arsenal, but then they collapsed, and they'll probably be fatigued

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-2

Cardiff v Leicester

Hard to call this, so I'm being random and going for a Cardiff win

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 3-1

Derby v Doncaster

Donny should be favourites here, they're in much better form and have won the past three meetings

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-2

Everton v Birmingham

This is tough to call, both sides are on long undefeated runs - on that basis I'm going with my girlfriend



Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 1-2

Notts County v Wigan

It really depends on which Wigan side shows up, doesn't it - they have to be favourites, but it depends if we get the side that defeated Wolves or the one that got trounced at United, middle of the road I think

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 2-2

Portsmouth v Sunderland

You never know, and Sunderland appear to have lost the plot a bit, think I'll plump for Pompey

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-1

Southampton v Ipswich

I think Southampton will be a handful

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 2-1

West Brom v Newcastle

These two again? To be honest I doubt they'll draw again, but I can't call it

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 2-2

Wolves v Crystal Palace

I think Wolves are a quality Championship side, good game for them, and they'll have a kick up the bum after last week

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-1

Tottenham v Leeds United


Certainly if Leeds can beat United they can beat a fairly ropey Tottenham, but surely Spurs are the favourites

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Stoke v Arsenal


I'm not really sure why Lawro is so excited by Arsenal being top of the league - they're equal top and have played an extra game - that's hardly leading the table in my book, but regardless, I think Arsenal will get beaten up here and won't be given much freedom to play - be interesting to see if Sol Campbell plays

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-0


Scunthorpe v Man City


Mancini's already lost one game, so he's surely on his final warning - I can't imagine the Arabs will be impressed with a 'cupset' to Scunny, should be enough talent on show to win this


Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 0-2

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Beat Lawro Results week 22

Stoke 1-1 Liverpool

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Chelsea 7-2 Sunderland

Lawro: 1

Tarquin: 1

Man United 3-0 Burnley


Lawro: 1

Tarquin 3

Tottenham 0-0 Hull

Lawro: -1

Tarquin: -1

Wolves 0-2 Wigan

Lawro: -1

Tarquin: -1

Everton 2-0 City

Lawro: 3

Tarquin: -1

Aston Villa 0-0 West Ham


Lawro: -1

Tarquin: -1

Blackburn 2-0 Fulham


Lawro: 1

Tarquin: -1

Bolton 0-2 Arsenal


Lawro: -1

Tarquin: -1

Lawro got 4 right, one perfect score = 1

Tarquin got 2 right, one perfect = -3



(Portsmouth-Brum ticks over if necessary)


Standings

22 weeks played, 213 matches
13-9 to Tarquin

Lawro - 111 right, 25 perfects - 75 points
Tarquin - 110 right, 21 perfects - 64.5 points



Thursday, January 14, 2010

Beat Lawro week 22

I'm lagging behind - still got more tips right, and I've won more weeks, but Lawro has the perfect scores...and the points tally

Must do better

Standings

21 weeks played, 204 matches
13-8 to Tarquin

Lawro - 107 right, 24 perfects - 74 points
Tarquin - 108 right, 20 perfects - 67.5 points


Stoke - Liverpool (1245)
Stoke v Liverpool

Was Lawro quite so damning about his old side back at the start of the season? - 'take out Torres and Gerrard and they'd be halfway up the table' - I don't recall that one, his mate McNulty was even tipping them after their second place last year - so I don't read too much into Lawro's latest insight, the little old lady at the bus stop could tell you how rubbish they are right now after the Champions League, and now FA cup, crash and burns - I do agree Stoke are going to fancy this

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-0


Chelsea - Sunderland
Chelsea v Sunderland 
Can't see beyond a Chelsea win here, it's only Sunderland




Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0 

Manchester United - Burnley
Man Utd v Burnley

Honeymoon periods are not 'miracles'

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0


Portsmouth - Birmingham
Portsmouth v Birmingham

Birmingham's legs have got to give eventually, but Portsmouth just got through a tiring match with Coventry and aren't exactly strong - I can see a slip up for the golden boys, but I think another draw for the Blues (the Midland ones)

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-1


Tottenham - Hull
Tottenham v Hull City


I only see a Tottenham win here




Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0



Wolves - Wigan
Wolves v Wigan

Difficult one this, Wolves are a decent side who can deal with weaker sides - but this all depends on which Wigan side turns up, their past three games have been draw, loss, win - and they haven't won two in a row all season so Wolves are definitely favourites here, but I think it might be a fairly dull draw

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin 1-1


Everton - Manchester City (1730)
Everton v Man City

Finally, a decent test for Mancini - and I don't think he'll pass, there's little to suggest he's made City decent on the road, Everton are very good at picking up draws, but not the wins, so another draw

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin 1-1


SUNDAY
Aston Villa - West Ham (1330)
Aston Villa v West Ham

Villa, surely shouldn't haven't a problem with the Hammers

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0


Blackburn - Fulham
Blackburn v Fulham

Fulham have had a nice rest, Blackburn played, well...tonight, so I think they'll be tired - and what's this nonsense about Allardyce? 13th in the league, Carling Cup semis, what more do you want? However I doubt Fulham will get their second away win, draw for me again


Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 1-1


Bolton - Arsenal (1600)
Bolton v Arsenal


Should be fun, can Arsenal get three up north? They rarely do, so another draw for me!




Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-1

Week 21 Results

Three whole games were played - guess that makes life easier, but I know I lost

Arsenal 2-2 Everton

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Birmingham 1-1 Man United

Lawro: 3
Tarquin: -1

Man City 4-1 Blackburn

Lawro: 1.5
Tarquin: 1

Lawro got 2 right, one perfect score = 3.5
Tarquin got one right = -1

Standings

21 weeks played, 204 matches
13-8 to Tarquin

Lawro - 107 right, 24 perfects - 74 points
Tarquin - 108 right, 20 perfects - 67.5 points

Friday, January 8, 2010

Beat Lawro week 21 - we're all pussies!






5 games postponed - Liverpool call it off, but Wigan don't....just a quickie version seeing as games are being called off willy-nilly (Ancelotti must be really upset...)

Standings

20 weeks played, 201 matches
13-7 to Tarquin

Lawro - 105 right, 23 perfects - 70.5 points
Tarquin - 107 right, 20 perfects - 68.5 points



Arsenal v Everton

On current form surely only an a home win is realistic - unless Arsenal's flowers wilt in the cold

Lawro 2-0
Tarquin 2-0

Wigan v Villa

It's cold and miserable - could be a very stodgy game, or nippy wingers could run circles round sluggish defenders, I'm going for stodge

Lawro 1-2
Tarquin 1-1

Birmingham v United

Might be called off... Birmingham could finally give us a United draw, but I still feel United have to be slight favourites

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin 0-1

West Ham v Wolves

I'm going for an unusual Hammers win - even though I think Wolves play better football, could go either way

Lawro 2-1
Tarquin 2-1

Man City v Blackburn

A must win for Mancini, Blackburn are dire on the road - how could they win here? Maybe a draw is possible, but home win all the way

Lawro: 3-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Beat Lawro Results - week 20

Aston Villa 3-1 Blackburn

Lawro: 1.5
Tarquin: 1

Bolton 4-0 Lincoln


Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1

Everton 3-1 Carlisle

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1.5

Fulham 1-0 Swindon

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1

Middlesboro 0-1 Man City

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1.5

MK Dons 1-2 Burnley

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: 3

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Birmingham

Lawro: 2
Tarquin: -1

Portsmouth 1-1 Coventry


Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Stoke 3-1 York

Lawro: 1.5
Tarquin: 1.5
Sunderland 3-0 Barrow 

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1
Tottenham 4-0 Peterborough 

Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 3
Wigan 4-1 Hull 

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Reading 1-1 Liverpool


Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Man United 0-1 Leeds

Lawro: -1
Tarquin: -1

Chelsea 5-0 Watford


Lawro: 1
Tarquin: 1

West Ham 1-2 Arsenal


Lawro: 3
Tarquin: 1.5



Tranmere 0-1 Wolves

Lawro: 1.5
Tarquin: 1



Tarquin got 12 right, Two perfect scores = 13 pts

Lawro got 12 right, One perfect score = 11.5 pts

Standings

20 weeks played, 201 matches
13-7 to Tarquin

Lawro - 105 right, 23 perfects - 70.5 points
Tarquin - 107 right, 20 perfects - 68.5 points
 
 

Friday, January 1, 2010

Beat Lawro - FA Cup special






How many??

Yep, seventeen matches - courtesy of the draw only throwing up three Premier League ties, oh well - should be a good fight, might get my numbers up too...

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


Aston Villa v Blackburn

Straightforward enough, and Villa will want a cup run with the memory of always getting United first up still fresh

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Bolton v Lincoln

Even managerless Bolton should have no qualms with a lower league two side, they're a solid, if not brilliant outfit with a few decent players (Bolton, not Lincoln)

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0

Everton v Carlisle

I don't think Everton will have a problem with a middling league one side - even if they send out the kids, it shouldn't make a difference - they've been doing it every week anyway...

Lawro: 3-0
Tarquin: 2-0

 Fulham v Swindon

It's okay, everyone! Andy Johnson is on the pitch!! Although to his [Lawro's] credit, this is the sort of opposition Johnson is good against, Championship-level goal poacher that he is

I can't wait til the strikerless Sunderland come up...

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 3-0

Middlesboro v Man City

Eight points from ten for the legendary Strachan - Southgate's record down in the Championship was more than twice as good, so it's nice to know that if we are going to have to put up with Newcastle again, at least Boro won't be coming back

Oh, sorry - the match, I don't think Mancini will be resting players - surely the Arab owners want a cup run, although clearly getting to semis isn't worth much to them...

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 1-2

MK Dons v Burnley

It's really come to something when a mid-table Premier League side has such a poor away form that an average league one side is considered a favourite at home - okay, we know they're no good away - but they can score goals, they've scored more than Stoke, Blackburn, Hull and Portsmouth on the road - they just struggle defensively

But they've got goals at West Ham, City and Blackburn - they can get some here, and they had a good tussle with Barnsley in the Carling Cup, the Dons aren't at the same level - but I do think this could go either way (also depends who plays)

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 1-2

Nottingham Forest v Birmingham

I think McLeish might give a few players a well-earned rest here, although I see little reason not to go for the cup when he's basically assured safety and has little chance of Europe, but they've been playing 110% (sorry) for 2 months and come off a heavy December schedule with a few injuries, don't be surprised if Forest get more of a look in than Everton or Chelsea did

Lawro: 2-2
Tarquin: 2-1

Portsmouth v Coventry

Oh...fun - assuming Portsmouth aren't liquidated by tomorrow we should expect a bit of positivity from the south coast - at home against Coventry, if they can beat Liverpool, they should be a match for them

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0

Stoke v York

Oh brilliant...Stoke at home against a conference side - 'Cupset' anyone?

Nah...

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-0

Sunderland v Barrow

Barrow are even lower than York - I do of course favour the underdog and love a non-league side to progress, but Sunderland will need to rest an awful lot of players to lose this

Lawro: 2-1
Tarquin: 2-0

Tottenham v Peterborough

You can always rely on Harry to respect the cup, I doubt Spurs will have trouble with the bottom of the Championship

Lawro: 3-0
Tarquin: 4-0

Wigan v Hull

Finally, an all-Premier League match-up and what a doozy it is...

I'd favour Hull, they're playing better, but certainly nothing is 'nailed on' here so I'm going goalless, and Wigan may respond to that abysmal display at Old Trafford, or not...

Lawro: 1-1
Tarquin: 0-0

Reading v Liverpool

Seriously, no idea - Reading are pathetic right now...but so are Pompey, it's all about what medication Rafa's on, I suppose a Liverpool victory would be favourite

Lawro: 0-2
Tarquin: 0-1

Man United v Leeds

Fergie won't take this lightly - not that h has much choice, Leeds will give them a good game, but there's too much Rooney talent at United

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-1

Chelsea v Watford

No Drogba, or indeed Anelka - it's going to be a fun few weeks, but surely Joe Cole and the like can deal with Watford...who are Watford, after all

Lawro: 2-0
Tarquin: 2-1

West Ham v Arsenal

Wenger will play a strong team - but has no Fabregas, Walcott or RVP available...right - the youth will be out, but they will be the known youths (like Ramsey) and fortunately they are more than a match for West Ham

Lawro: 1-2
Tarquin: 0-1

Tranmere v Wolves

Wolves are a decent attacking side - they are weak to strong premier league sides, but against a struggling league one side? - Bread and butter for them

Lawro: 1-2
Tarquin: 0-2