Tips from the West Ham training ground

The Newcastle unemployment line

Watching Sky Sports News, I've just learning that Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is happy that the club are being linked to "quality players" that they have no chance in hell of signing. This coming on the heels of a hilarious interview with Big Sam on his front lawn, where he has committed himself to several weeks of boozing, co eds, and sunburns after getting the sack. Sounds perfectly rational, really. Transfer rumors are coming in thick and fast, and you have wonder if anyone is actually focused on, oh, the EPL games they have to play this weekend. As the blog's resident gambling maven, I've studied the lines intently, all with the goal of taking advantage of the silly season to make some cold hard cash.

Derby vs. Wigan 11/5 to draw
These teams are both miserable, and a 0-0 snorefest could very well be on the cards. It's looking like Derby aren't going to have any of thier new transfers in the squad tommorow, so players who have already been informed they are losing thier place in the starting lineup will get a run out. Sounds great for motivation. Wigan, meanwhile, have particpated in some exceedly unwatchable games this year.

Everton vs. Man City 2/1 City to win
This is probably the game of the weekend in the Premiership. Having already gone in the tank for the Citizens last week, I can't very pick against them now, can I? Meanwhile, hilarious rumors have cropped up linking David Moyes to the vacant job in Geordieland. Planted by Sven, perhaps?

Sunderland vs. Portsmouth Keano 8/5 to win
With the bookies having 'Arry as the odds on favorite for the toxic waste reclamation project at St. James Park, and half the team away at the African Cup of Nations, this looks like a place for Pompey to slip up. ****Sky Sports Breaking News: Newcastle to make an official move for 'Arry**** See, Pompey are proper fucked this weekend. Maybe they can stop their bus at Tyneside and drop 'Arry off before the game.

Enjoy the games.