Hull are 10/1 to sign sincere, clean and fresh Michael Owen

Striker is still expecting better offers despite his awful brochure

Despite Hull being the only team willing to leave themselves open to ridicule by publicly declaring their interest in Michael Owen after the contents of his brochure were revealed, the Newcastle striker isn’t expected to join them.

Sky Bet price Phil Brown’s side at 10/1 to capture the 29-year-old - whose self-stated brand values include being first class, young, fit and healthy - which suggests that he is waiting for a better offer.

Posted: June 23rd, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Stats for all of this weekend’s Premier League matches

For Man Utd/Arsenal stats, check out our Correct Score wizard

Baffled by Sky’s decision to broadcast a nothing match between Chelsea and Blackburn over games that will have a huge impact on the relegation battle and the race for seventh, we’ve decided to instead publish a stat for every league match taking place this weekend:

Bolton v Hull
Gary Megson’s side are unbeaten at home to sides below them in the table and have won their final league game at the Reebok in three of the last four years.

Everton v West Ham
The Toffees have lost just one of their last 13 home games in all competitions while West Ham haven’t beaten a top-six side all season.

Middlesbrough v Aston Villa

Posted: May 15th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Why Newcastle and Boro may get the result that both dread

Newcastle/Middlesbrough, 8pm, Setanta S1, Free Bets, Best Odds

Unless West Brom do the unthinkable, there will be no Great Escape this season. If either Newcastle or Middlesbrough survive it won’t be because of a remarkable turnaround or inspirational management, it will be thanks to Hull’s ineptitude and a scrappy win or two. The stats suggest that neither Alan Shearer or Gareth Southgate will get the three points they desperately need tonight though, with Hull looking like the most likely winners:

Boylesports are offering 13/5 on the draw. Click here to claim a free £20 matched bet when opening an account with them.

1. The last four meetings between Newcastle and Middlesbrough at St James’ Park have finished level.

2. In total, seven of the last nine clashes between the two sides have been drawn, including each of the last four.

3. Newcastle have drawn 13 league games this season, more than any other club in the division.

Posted: May 11th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Six reasons why Newcastle should beat Portsmouth

Newcastle/Portsmouth, 8pm, Setanta Spts 1, Free Bets, Best Odds

Portsmouth destroyed Newcastle 4-1 at St James’ Park last season - charging into a 3-0 lead after just 11 minutes - and they have only lost two of their last nine games. However, here are six reasons why Newcastle should win arguably their biggest game of the decade and at the very least take a point:

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1. Newcastle have won eight of their last ten home games against Portsmouth.

2. The Magpies’ heaviest win of the season came in the reverse fixture at Fratton Park when they destroyed Portsmouth 3-0.

3. Alan Shearer was never beaten in five Premier League clashes with Pompey as a player.

Posted: April 27th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Newcastle are 16/1 not to win another match this season

Alan Shearer and Iain Dowie must negotiate a difficult run-in

Photo Credit: Anna Gowthorpe, PA Wire

Earlier today we revealed that Newcastle managers usually enjoy a successful start, which is why Sky Bet are offering a hefty 16/1 on Alan Shearer not winning another league match this season. While it’s very unlikely, here are eight statistical reasons why this is a possibility:

Chelsea (h)
Newcastle haven’t scored in their last three home matches against the Blues and have lost to them at least once in each of the last eleven seasons.

Stoke (a)
The Potters haven’t lost a home game to a side outside the top six.

Tottenham (a)
Spurs have lost just one of their 17 home games under Harry Redknapp.

Posted: April 5th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Chelsea and Liverpool turn to Newcastle for a helping hand

Could Manchester Utd stumble? Here are some straws to clutch…

Last season it was treated as a surprise when a Big Four side stumbled but in recent months Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have tripped up so frequently that it was almost remarkable to see all three triumph last night. In fact, it was the first time in nine attempts since Boxing Day that Chelsea and Liverpool both won their league fixtures. Will Manchester United be unnerved by the fact their title rivals have finally applied some pressure? Probably not but here are a few reasons to believe Newcastle will put up a fight tonight:

» Newcastle have only lost one of their ten home league games since Joe Kinnear first took over, when Liverpool thumped them 5-1 in December.

Posted: March 4th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment