I had just two bets this weekend and then also mentioned Hertha Berlin, who frustratingly went on to win at a very nice price. Oxford won, which was not the hardest thing in the world to predict but they did it by a 3 goal margin which I didn’t predict and strike that one off as risky bet that didn’t come off. However, the Valencia v Malaga bet really hurt. It was the 10pm match here and Malaga should have been leading at the break with all the clear cut chances they created. Albert Luque was really back to his pre-Newcastle form and it was good to see and Malaga are a decent team to watch. They were made to pay by David Villa in the second half, much like England, as he doesn’t need much of a chance to score. It was a nice goal but Malaga were good enough to get back on level terms and still looked the more likely to win and had late chances. Maybe the win bet was a bit bold but after watching the game have to have been happy with it despite losing. Valencia go to Deportivo next weekend and if they still haven’t been paid could well be another selection, especially as Moretti went off injured and Marchena and Albelda will be suspended. Deportivo have a UEFA cup match this week though so I need to see how well they are doing qualifying etc.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid outclassed Gijon 4-0 and people were walking out with around 15 minutes to go as it got a bit ugly. Gijon only have to play Villareal next weekend and then have a decent run of games when they can hopefully accumulate the points needed to get up the table to safety. Sevilla won against 10 men but still aren’t convincing and Betis did well against Barcelona but couldn’t hold on. They have a few players back now and could be one to watch.

It’s been a hard start to the year but would have been so different on just that one result at the weekend. The next couple of months are normally a very good time to find some decent winners as clear patterns have emerged.

94 Bets (89 points staked) :: 34 won – 53 lost – 6 void – 1 half void :: -7.87 points

I’ll check the midweek games tomorrow and see if there is anything looks worth a bet..

* This does not include the 3 antepost bets.

“If I lose today, I can look forward to winning tomorrow, and if I win today, I can expect to lose tomorrow. A sure thing is no fun.” – Chico Marx