ARSENAL, WHY ARSEN?

Arsen Wenger is English Premiere League's long serving manager who has been managing Arsenal for more that twenty years now. That being so, it can be argued that no club has a better stability than the gunners. Anyone would expect that with such an experience, the manager would be winning titles every other season or at least frequently, like the former Manchester United manger Sir Alex Ferguson did. Since his time with the invincibles, Arsen and Arsenal have not won the premiere league and they stayed for nine years before winning a trophy. Other clubs like Chelsea have been hiring and firing managers but getting the results either way. The last decade has seen Chelsea, Leicester City and Manchester city becoming more successful as compared to Arsenal.

The question is, why Arsen? Does Arsenal really want to compete? Do they want silverware in their cabinets or their cabinets are full of trophies? Has the club developed a philosophy of not wanting to win? What is the problem?

Arsen has been accused of being mean. He does not prefer buying expensive players and has a history of developing young players then selling them to other willing clubs. This way, he ends up making an easy profit. A closer analysis at his philosophy would convince any investor to stick by this. Investors want profits unless they have a real passion towards the game. Staying trophy less and believing in the same man making you trophy less even kills the supporters' mojo.

Football is about money, is about winning, loosing and is also about the smell of the grass, sweat and the silverware. The supporters are the reason the money comes. Impress them. Arsenal Fc's rivals, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Westham have invested in getting new managers, all in search of the silverware. Some  are now reaping from that. Leicester invested in Claudio Ranieri and are now EPL Champions, Tottenham under Pochetino finished in an unfamiliar position and so are Westham. Arsenal have the chance of poaching better managers like Diego Simeone, they lost on Ancelotti and Benitez. In fact, Newcastle's step in acquiring the services of Benitez, if he decides to stay might be enjoyed in the coming season when they come back to the EPL, because they will absolutely qualify and come back. This is a step they should have taken earlier enough. Perharps they would have been still in the league.

Arsenal should be careful with their priorities lest they be regretting in the coming season or two. If all their competitors are acquiring services of better performing managers, then this should sound an alarm to them. Chelsea were reluctant in buying more players when they won the league and what happened to them in defending the league was unforsean. Haven't Arsenal learnt anything thus far!? It's time to change, if you don't change, change will change you gunners!

4th JUNE FIVE MATCH PREDICTIONS

ANGELHOLM vs VARBERG (Sweden)

These two Swedish teams are not enjoying  their results if each of their last five are to go by. The home side, Angelholm has managed to steal a point out of the available fifteen while the visitors boast of having accumulated a total of five points, by winning 1, Drawing 2 and Loosing 2. Their last two head to head meetings were won by Varbergs, home and away. Prior to that, the other three head to head meetings' victories had been shared amongst them, with Angelholm winning two, home and away and Varbergs winning one away. This match will be tough for both but Varberg has a fair chance and might secure an away win.

Verdict is that Varberg might secure an away victory but Angelholm might pull a surprise.

Prediction is Any team to win, 1 OR 2


DAGERFORS vs LJUNGSKILE (Sweden)

Dagerfors has an average result collection in their last five winning 2, Drawing 1 and Loosing 2, accumulating a total of 7 points. On the other hand, Ljungskile have been having a dismal display, managing to secure 2 Draws and 3 Losses, accumulating a total of 2 points from the available 15.Even though Dagerfors look like the better side, their previous two head to head meetings has seen Ljungskile emerge victorious home and away, and in each, scoring 3 goals. The other three were all draws. Despite their recent poor form, I tip Ljungskile to win this match even though Dagerfors will put up a strong fight. On the least, they will draw.

Verdict is Eitherteam to win, but Ljungskile have a higher chance.

Prediction is Any team to win, 1 OR 2.

GERMANY vs HUNGARY

The world champions have recently not been feeling like world champions. They have only won 2 of their last 5 matches, and lost 3.  Hungary on the other hand are registering results that might scare the champions, having Won 2, Drawn 2 and Lost 1. Their last four meetings are balanced with Germany winning twice and Hungary the same number of times too. A points tally sees Hungary leading the champions by 2 points. This means that the match will be a tough one and won't be won by a big margin. I tip Germany to emerge victorious in the meeting because they are looking to improve before the start of the Euros.

Verdict is Germany to win.

Prediction, Germany Win.

AUSTRIA vs NETHERLANDS

Austria are good on the ball but their meeting with Netherlands might be a tough one for them. In their previous 5, Austria have won 3 and Lost 2 accumulating a total of 9 points. On the other hand, Netherlands have Won 3, Drawn 1 and Lost 1, accumulating a total of 10 points. A head to head review of the two teams sees Netherlands winning in their last four clashes and drawing one. Any of the two teams has the ability to win but Netherlands have a better chance winning than loosing.

Verdict is that Netherlands might win this match and in case Austria put a tough fight, they might draw.

Prediction is Netherlands Win or Draw, 1 OR X.

FRANCE vs SCOTLAND

France are a good side. I bet they will be challenging for the Euro cup in the upcoming campaign. In their last five matches, they have only lost to England and won the rest. On the other hand, Scotland have been recording good performances too, Winning 3, Drawing 1 and Loosing 1. Statistics show that in their last head to head encounters, Scotland has won 3 and France 2. This match will be tough but France might win it narrowly due to their recent form.

Verdict is France have a fair chance of winning but Scotland might be cumbersome.

Prediction is Any team to win, 1 OR 2.

PEP GUARDIOLA'S TIME IN MAN CITY IS EXPECTED TO BE...

Pep Guardiola is among the best or top managers in the game. Having played for Barcelona Fc and turned up for other teams as manager, he came back, revolutionized his former team and guided it to winning many titles during his time. Many argued that he took over a team that had been organized by Frank Rijkard and that the success was not his. He went to Bayern Munich and the same was said about him. One thing that is true is that he has changed the way the game is played. His tiki taka kind of football approach has entertained, and even acquired many followers for his teams, Barcelona and now previously Bayer Munich.

Taking over the leadership role in Manchester City Fc, he is poised to continue with his tiki taka philosophy. I bet no other team, not even Arsenal will be able to match the passing ability that will be showcased by Manchester City. The guy has perfected his skill and allows players to do their thing in the cause of play. It can be widely argued that his players have the freedom that others managed by other managers do not enjoy. His rival, from El Classico, one Jose Mourinho does not entertain that kind of play. Being bossed by patient but yet demanding Manchester City billionaire owners, he is expected to have that kind of freedom and time in the game. Pep signed a three year contract with Manchester City. I am of the opinion that he is surely going to have a cocktail three years of a time in the premier league.

Why? The following are reasons as to why Pep Guardiola might not win the Premiere League in his three years in Manchester City.

1. The English game, unlike the La Liga and the Bundesliga is not dominated by two top teams. If Leicester City, a team that was battling relegation the season before last are now the champions,what can be anyone's opinion about the league be? Before, there were only four traditional top fours in England. Manchester United, Chelsea Fc, Liverpool Fc and Arsenal. This previous season saw a change with Leicester City becoming Champions and Tottenham earning a place too. The hummers, Westham were also contesting for a place. In other words, the English premier league is not as easy one to win and may need a different approach other than entertainment.

2. Pep Guardiola is not the only successful or for that matter hungry to win manager in the league. He is accompanied by others. The most notable one is his next door neighbor, obviously a rival from their times in Spain. Mourinho is said to be the only manager able to beat Guardiola even with ten players against eleven. They have a history and that tells you that the Manchester derbies will be tough. It will be a retake of the El Classico, but this time in England.

3. Chelsea under Antonio Conte, Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, Arsenal under Arsen Wenger and Leicester City under Claudio Ranieri are obviously going to be a competition. If experience is to go with, all the rest apart from Klopp and Guardiola have experienced tough leagues, faced tough opponents and have won the league. The list includes Mourinho. Guardiola has not proved to be the kind of manager to win in tough leagues despite winning the Champions league. Those are six managers, six teams all for one title. Will Guardiola be able to conquer them and win the title?

It has to be noted that there is a high possibility that his three year contract might also end up trophy less. This is the English game, It is a challenge to win it and it is the best league in the world.

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3rd JUNE FIVE GAMES PREDICTIONS

UNITED STATES vs JAPAN

United States has been enjoying a very good form winning its last five matches, even against good sides like Germany, England and France. Japan on the other hand have won their last two matches, Lost 2 and Drew 1. Their last five outings has seen United States emerge victorious on four occasions, having not drawn or lost at home. A points tally sees United States accumulating a massive 15/15 points while Japan boasts of 7 points only. United States have a 90% chance of winning this match.

Verdict is that United States are likely to win this match.

Prediction is United States win. 1.

DJIBOUTI vs TUNISIA

Djibouti's last five outings have been dismal, loosing all five, conceding 15 goals and scoring non. Today they are facing a not very in form Tunisia, who have won 2, Drawn 2 and Lost 1 match. Their last head to head encounter saw Tunisia thrashing Djibouti 8 goals to 1. In terms of points accumulated, Djibouti has non while Tunisia has 8 points from the 15 available in the last five matches.

Verdict is that Tunisia will win this game with an over 2.5.

Prediction is Tunisia win, 1.

THAILAND vs SYRIA 

The two teams have not won in their last two outings but Thailand at least managed to grab a point. Syria on the other hand got nothing. Prior to this, the two had enjoyed a spectacular form by winning in all their three matches. This leaves Thailand having the upper hand in terms of form, accumulating a total of 10 points while Syria's points tally to 9. A previous head to head match resulted in a Draw with Thailand playing the hosts.

Verdict is that any team can win, but Thailand has an upper hand in this.

Prediction is any team to win, 1 or 2.

SWITZERLAND vs MOLDOVA

Switzerland has not been having a good time if their results in their last five matches are to go by. They have Lost 4 and Won 1 match only. Moldova too, have been suffering the same fate, Loosing 3, Winning 1 and Drawing 1. The previous head to head matches ended with an all Switzerland win. This tie sees Switzerland having a 100% chance of winning but their recent form puts a small doubt.

Verdict is that Switzerland will win or Draw

Prediction is Switzerland Win or Draw, 1 OR X

ROMANIA vs GEORGIA

Romania are not enjoying a great form but they are a good side.A llok at their previous five sees them Winning 1, Drawing 3 and Loosing 1, accumulating a total of 6 points out of the available 15. Georgia on the other hand have Lost 3 and Drew 2, accumulating a total of 2 points. Their previous four head to head matches have seen Romania emerge victorious on three occasions, and Drawing once only.

Verdict is that Romania has a high chance of winning and a draw will be the least they can register.

Prediction is Romania win or Draw, 1 OR X.

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2nd JUNE BIG GAME PREDICTION

ENGLAND vs PORTUGAL

Today's Big game is an International friendly match between England and Portugal. The two countries have been recording good performances with England winning 4, loosing 1 and no Draws. Portugal on the other hand has won 3 and lost 2 and still no Draws. A head to head record between the two countries shows that in their previous 3 matches no one was victorious. They were all draws. The two prior to that were all won by Portugal at home.

Recently, England has been on a good run of form under the management of Roy Hodgson who will be managing the Three Lions in this year's Euro in France. But that does not mean that the Portuguese will not give them a hard time, as they previously beat on form Belgium.

Looking at the points tally, England has accumulated a total of 12 points while Portugal has 9 points. 

Verdict is that any team can win between these two, but England has a better chance. The worst could be a draw.

Prediction is England win or Draw, 1 OR X.


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MOURINHO, MANCHESTER UNITED, CHELSEA and CONTE

There is no doubt that Jose Mourinho is the best manager out there. The only major league that he happens to not have won a trophy is the Bundesliga, where he hasn't gotten a chance to coach. The man is charismatic, humorous and knows the game. He can win it when you least expect it and he surpasses expectations when you least expect it too. He has broken club records while at Chelsea FC, Real Madrid, Porto and Inter. He is a performer. He loves the game and the game loves him back.

Despite coming face to face with his darkest season in the game, something that every player or manager is prone to facing, the only difference is how long and how frequent these dark moments last or come, Mourinho, aka the special one, aka the happy one is the best manager in the game. He can only be seconded by Carlo the Italian Ancelotti. Now being the newly appointed Manchester United manager, a club who have struggled to reflect their previous form under the former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, he is expected to make an impact starting with his first game. Chances are very high that he will deliver. He absolutely will deliver in Manchester United, only that their game will change. Mourinho is not the kind of man that believes in tiki taka kind of football. He is more of a direct kind of football approach er who has in the past been accused of packing the bus. Who cares! The points matter! He has won leagues in Portugal, England , Italy and Spain. He has won the Champions League twice and other domestic league cups"packing the bus".

Chelsea is Mourinho's first home in England. He is more attached to the club than any other. The supporters love and respect him. It is the only club he has managed twice, won the league with three times and left twice"of course". Before the other Manchester and Leicester clubs came in to neutralize the winning of the English league, the past decade was dominated by Chelsea Fc and Manchester United. Having fired the Portuguese and hired an Italian in Antonio Conte the two clubs are expected to be at it again.


Antonio Conte, currently in charge of Italy made a name when he guided Juventus to three consecutive Serie A titles. He is strict and has issues with even the small details that can range from diet and punctuality. He is guided by the passion to win, something that has seen him re invent playing formations, with his most popular ones being the 1,3,5,2 and 1,4,2,4 systems. His main reason for leaving Juventus was the unwillingness of the club to provide him with the finances to buy more players and of the quality he wanted. This can be translated to mean that in his watch, Chelsea will not experience a worn out, tired squad. He will demand to be provided with the best and only that. He is a no nonsense man. Many have compared him to Mourinho, but in my own opinion, Conte is more attached to the game than Jose is. His appointment as Chelsea coach is going to prove that he is of another grade, not the one that journalists, and sports analysts have been thinking of. True to the fact that he is currently concentrating with Italy despite being appointed as Chelsea manager. He is a focused man I must say.

The presence of other successful managers in the league is also expected to provide stiff competition but the two clubs, Chelsea Fc and Manchester United will absolutely dominate.

Why? Manchester city and Pep Guardiorla will have success in entertaining with their tiki taka kind of football but this is The Premier League, where Swansea and Arsenal have in the past passed the ball in vain! Klopp and Liverpool will be a force to reckon with but will not make an immediate impact. True to the fact that Liverpool do not like spending much in bringing in players who can boost their performances. They will likely go for good but not impacting players, and for that reason, they might struggle. Arsen Wenger and Arsenal, as usual will try to be among the top, and will, as has been a norm in the past decade. They will be a competition but not a strong one. The English game's approach should only be approached guided by a winning mentality. Winning should be the philosophy. The coming season sees only two managers guided by such a philosophy. Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte. The rest follow suit.

My opinion is that 2016/2017 English Premier League season will be won by either of the two managers or for that matter, teams.

FOUR BETTING TIPS FOR 2nd JUNE

INTERNACIONAL vs ATLETICO PR (BRAZIL SERIE A)

Internacional is unbeaten in their last five matches, having won four and drew one match. Their opponents, Atletico PR are inconsistent in their performances, registering mixed results 2 wins, 1 Draw and 2 Losses. A head to head statistics shows that Internacional have won all of their last two home matches plaid against Atletico PR.  In terms of the points accrued in their last five outings, Internacional have a total of  13 points while Atletico PR have a total of 7 points.

Verdict is that Internacional will win or Draw.

Prediction is Internacional Win or Draw, 1 OR X.

RIONEGRO AG vs NACIONAL  (COLOMBIA PRIMERA A APERTURA)

Rionegro Ag has been registering dismal results in its last five Winning 1, Drawing 1 and Loosing 3, while Nacional, despite losing 1 and drawing one, have won three. A head to head statistics shows that  Nacional has been dominating in all their five meetings, home and away, hence Nacional has a 100% chance of winning. In terms of points accrued, Rionegro Ag has accumulated a total of 4 points while Nacional has a total of 9 points. 

Verdict is that Nacional will win or draw

Prediction is Nacional win or Draw, 1 OR X

SEYCHELLES vs ALGERIA

Algeria top the African countries FIFA rankings, while Seychelles are below 100. In their last five outings, Seychelles have Won 1, Drew 1 and Lost 3 while Algeria has Won 3 and drawn 2. The last match plaid against the two was won by Algeria. In terms of points accumulated, Seychelles has a total of 4 points while Algeria has a total of 11 points.

Verdict is that Algeria will win or draw.

Prediction is Algeria Win or Draw, 1 OR X.

CORTULUA vs SANTA FE

Cortulua, having Won 1, Drawn 3 and Lost 1 are enjoying an average form as compared to Santa Fe's, who have Won 4 and Drawn 1. A head to head statistic of their last five meetings shows that Santa Fe has won 1 of their last 2 meetings at away to Cortulua. A points tally also shows that Cortulua has accumulated a total of 6 points in their last 5 while Santa Fe has 13 points.

Verdict is that Santa Fe will win or draw

Prediction is Santa Fe win or Draw.

Chelsea FC To Win The Premier League Next Season

Despite having a dismal season, and being forced to sack its arguably the most successful, most loved manager in Jose Mourinho, Chelsea fc are tipped to win the Premier League in the 2016/2017 season. Well, some may argue and say that it will take time for Antonio Conte to restructure the team and adopt to the English game, just like Manchester United have suffered after Sir Alex Ferguson retired, but that will not be the case with Chelsea. 

Andre Villa Boaz and The big Phill Scolari are the only head managers that left without any trophies in the Abramovich era. By head managers we mean the ones that were not interim. The rest won a trophy, two or more! In other words, Chelsea has had a history of hiring and firing coaches, and have never struggled to be among the top four, at least, because the only time that never happened, they became the European Champions.  

Having had had a very good history with Italian coaches, with one in Roberto Di Matteo delivering Roman Abramovich's most desired trophy, the UEFA Champions league, Chelsea fc's recently appointed manager is a good choice. Antonio Conte is coming in at a time when Chelsea will not be having any European competitions to participate in. This will give Chelsea time to concentrate in the domestic leagues and with the quality and standard players at their disposal, there is a likely hood of a mass improvement in the play despite the change of philosophy due to the managerial change.

Conte is known for his strictness, direct style of football and his tactical formations that have been a success. He mostly prefers playing with three center backs, five midfielders and two strikers. Even though most of Chelsea fc players were under par, there is expected to be an overhaul of players that will see a rejuvenated squad be paraded for the coming season. What else do you expect from a manager who won three consecutive Italian leagues? No doubt the same! 

There was only one problem with Chelsea last season. A porous defense! In the past, the defense used to block the ball and prevented the conceding of goals and supplied it to the forwards who were very fast to attack and counter attack, scoring goals that made Chelsea win more points. If Conte solves this problem, then be rest assured that Chelsea will win the Premier League come next season.

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FIVE BETTING TIPS FOR 1st,June,2016

Today's double chance betting prediction has been dominated by five International matches.

LATVIA vs LITHUANIA

In analysis, we look at the head to head statistics between the two countries. Latvia seems to have hosted more matches at home in their last five meetings and ended up winning all of them. On the other hand, Lithuania has hosted two, winning one and drawing one.
Being that today's match has Latvia playing at home, the previous five matches show a 100% Latvia win.
In terms of points accrued from their last five International matches, Latvia has won 1, Drew 2 and Lost 2, earning a total of 5 points.
Lithuania on the other hand has Won 1, Drew 1 and Lost 3, earning a total of 4 points.

Verdict is that Latvia will win or Draw.

Prediction is Latvia win or Draw, 1 OR X.

SPAIN vs KOREA Rep

Looking at their recent five outings, Spain and Korea Rep have enjoyed a good form with Korea winning all its previous five and Spain winning three and drawing two. But in a closer view of things, Spain has encountered stronger opponents as compared to Korea. The head to head statistics have Spain winning two of their last four International matches against Korea Rep at home and drawing two.
Korea Rep hasn't won a match home or away and their best performance against Spain has been two draws in their last head to head.
In terms of points accrued,
Spain has won three and drew two, earning a total of 11 points.
Korea Rep has won all five matches, earning a total of 15 points.

Verdict is that Spain, playing at home will win or draw.

Prediction is Spain win or Draw, 1 OR X.

ESTONIA vs ANDORRA

The two countries have not enjoyed good results in a look at their last five. Estonia has won 1, Drew 2 and Lost 2 while Andorra has Won non, Drew 1, and Lost 4.
A last five head to head statistics shows that Estonia has been winning against Andorra, having won three times at home and two times away.
In terms of Points accrued, Estonia has 5 while Andorra has 1.
The head to head statistics show that Estonia have a 100% chance of winning against Andorra.

Verdict is that Estonia will win or draw.

Prediction is Estonia win or Draw, 1 OR X.

RUSSIA vs CZECH Rep

Russia, playing  at home have been performing well if their last four international matches are to go by, winning three and losing one. Czech Rep on the other hand have had an average form in their last two matches. Looking at the head to head statistics against the two countries, Russia has won once and drew once.
In terms of points accrued, 9 points while Czech Rep has 7 points.

Verdict is that Russia will win or draw.

Prediction is Russia will win or Draw, 1 OR X.

BELGIUM vs FINLAND

Belgium has emerged as a powerful football power house. A look  at their previous five matches shows that they have won 4 and lost 1 match. Finland on the other hand have lost 4 matches and drawn 1. A look at their last five head to head shows that Belgium at home have won once and drawn two, In terms of points accrued, Belgium has a total of 12 points while Finland has  only 1 point out of five games each. Going with their recent form, Belgium are likely to win this match but Finland can also pull a surprise.

Verdict is that Belgium will win or draw.

Prediction is Belgium win or draw.

Remember, these are only betting predictions, not the projected and true out comes of the matches.

Good luck on your bets today.

Email, sportingmoki@gmail.com