Week 2: Rooney's Choice

by Rick Nash

Going on outcomes alone, last week I went 4-0. Everton & Norwich drew 2-2, United walked it at Swansea, then Conor McGregor and Daniel Bryan came out on top in their respective clashes (although Bryan was undone moments afterwards by the dreaded Money in the Bank contract, but that's another story for another day). Week one and everything was going to plan.

Except I didn't bet solely on outcomes, did I? I bet for Conor McGregor to win by KO. So, in the fickle world of the accumulator, where you either win and look like a genius or lose (even on a technicality) and look like a bum? I...I don't wanna talk about it.

This week we're going to stick to football alone, and even venture across to Germany and Spain in the hopes of winning some cash. This 5-way accumulator will earn you a cool €119.60 for a €5 stake.

This Weekend's Quick Picks

Everton vs. West Brom - Everton @ 4/7

If I do say so myself, my prediction last week that West Brom would fall apart at the hands of Nicolas Anelka is looking pret-ty damn smart right now, huh? Granted, nobody could've predicted how Anelka would 'retire' (he'll more than likely be back) and I take no pleasure in the circumstances that saw him walk out, but still.

I'm going to put (more of) my money where my mouth is with this, a low odds pick to pad out the accumulator, and suggest that an Everton side who look to have some of Roberto Martinez's grit and fight along with the quality David Moyes brought to the squad will continue WBA's downfall. My new bible, The Euro Club Index, gave Everton a 63% chance of winning before Anelka even walked, so this seems a safe enough tip.

Hertha Berlin vs. Hamburg - Hertha @ 10/11 

Two proud teams with rich traditions in German football meet, but their recent histories reveal differing fortunes. Hamburg are left to ponder any and all options after their horrid start to the season was compounded by a 5-1 defeat to TSV Hoffenheim last week, with the name of Felix Magath even being tipped as a possible saviour for the sinking ship (Magath has three Bundesliga wins under his belt as manager, but was seen most recently taking Wolfsburg from champions to mid-table obscurity - think Rafa Benitez at Liverpool). Hertha, meanwhile, are enjoying a renaissance of form after their immediate return to top-flight German football, having opened their season impressively with a 6-1 win over Frankfurt before being pegged back by a late equaliser to be held 2-2 in Nurnberg. In Berlin, they seem a safe bet to continue both their plucky start and Hamburg's tailspin.

Elche vs. Real Sociedad - Sociedad @ 13/10

These odds are a steal. Elche are solely concerned with avoiding relegation and that mission took a turn on day one with a convincing 3-0 defeat to Vallecano, so they don't look particularly threatening. Meanwhile Socieded, despite having lost star player Assier Illarramendi to Real Madrid during the summer, look to be showing no let-up of the form that earned them a well-deserved 4th place finish last term. They were spectacular away to Lyon in Tuesday's Champions League 3rd Round, 1st Leg clash, not only bagging two absolutely thrilling away goals (below), but being resolute at the back and never giving Lyon any kind of look-in at the other end. This follows their 2-0 opening day win against Getafe and I see no good reason why the bookies aren't giving them low odds. Like I said, 13/10 is a steal with the way they're playing right now.

Cardiff vs. Man City - Man City @ 4/9

Some 'seasoned' gamblers would look at odds like this and think 'there's no point', but when I've a five-way accumulator with three great value tips then bets like this are what puts the cherry on top! Cardiff seemed to confirm most people's fears and the tradition of Championship winners not strengthening enough then flopping in the Premier League, as they were routinely beaten 2-0 away to West Ham last Saturday. City, on the other hand, look at organised as you'd expect from a team managed by Manuel Pellegrini, as they disposed of Newcastle with relative ease. However it's not games like that, or indeed this, that'll see Pellegrini come unstuck (unlike his predecessor). City will be thereabouts come May and will stay fiercely competitive until March/April, but it's the 'man or mouse', squeaky bum time that has previously been Pellegrini's foil. Until then, though, feel free to win some money on them.

Man Utd vs. Chelsea - Man Utd @ 7/5

"Are you crazy?" I hear you cry. And, at first glance, I don't blame you for thinking so after working so hard to find great value bets like the Hertha and Sociedad tips. But to that I say: 52%. They're the odds the Euro Club Index are giving United (both Chelsea and a draw are at 19%). Then you take into account last week's performance in the 4-1 win over Swansea. Then you take into account Chelsea's unconvincing win over (an admittedly impressive) Aston Villa. Then you take into account that it'll be Chelsea's third game in nine days and that Mourinho, always understanding the value of a good statement victory, will have one eye on his Super Cup clash with Bayern Munich just four days later. Mourinho will also understand that this isn't La Liga, so one win or draw won't lose him serious ground in the title race, and that United aren't simply there for the taking now that Ferguson is out. He'll play to frustrate and catch United on the break, settling for a draw if necessary. But that's not an effective tactic against United, who are at their most vulnerable when teams don't respect them and attack-attack-attack. Robin Van Persie exists for the sole reason to get goals where goals don't seem gettable. United to edge this one out.

If you also fancy a cheeky side bet, Wayne Rooney is at 23/10 to score anytime (and 15/2 to score first). Given all that's gone on, it wouldn't surprise me to see Moyes put the nail in Mourinho's transfer hopes coffin by playing Rooney at some stage. And all on the eve of transfer deadline day. It's all too brilliant not to happen.

Rick Nash is a former pro-wrestler who currently DJs for hire, makes piss-poor sports bets and has a community radio show. Altogether, he's a real bum, and you should be ashamed of yourself if you thought this piece was in any way insightful or entertaining. But still, follow him on Twitter and stuff.