Polona Hercog is a good up-and-coming player out of Maribor, Slovenia. Still only a teen, she made her first WTA Tour final two weeks ago in Acapulco, taking the first set off Venus Williams before being defeated in three sets. With her good form of late she will be more than a match for her Romanian opponent who is 29 places below the Slovenian in the WTA rankings. Ioana Raluca Olaru doesn’t play well on hard court and has produced few upsets in her career, especially away from clay. Hercog will be too good for her opponent in this match and will be progressing into round two.

Pick: Polona Hercog

Roberta Vinci v Melanie Oudin

Despite a disappointing performance at her first Australian Open, Melanie Oudin has produced good performances in her tournaments since. A semi finalist in Paris followed up by a run to the quarter final in Memphis. A bright future is expected for Melanie Oudin and performing in front of her home nation here will give her an extra confidence boost. It worked for her when she made the quarter final of the US Open last year. She faces an experienced opponent in Roberta Vinci here. The Italian has got off to a slow start this season and Oudin has enough talent to see her through here.

Pick: Melanie Oudin

Indian Wells Day 1 Picks is an article from: Premiership Tips

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is currently ranked number 25 in the world, ahead of several fellow Russians including Elena Vesnina, Maria Kirilenko and Vera Dushevina. While neither of those have broke into the top 10 so far in their careers, Pavlyuchenkova looks destined to do so.

Only good enough to rank 7 amongst Russians, currently chasing experienced and successful players Nadia Petrova, Vera Zvonareva and Maria Sharapova within a dozen places before she can look at breaking into the top 10.

At 18 years of age, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has already beat both Venus Williams and Daniela Hantuchova twice in her career already. She also dumped Jelena Jankovic out in straight sets in last year’s Indian Wells on her way to the semi finals. Indian Wells starts this week as Pavlyuchenkova will face a stern test to repeat last year’s performance to save her ranking points. Heading into the competition on a 5 game winning streak she has every reason to be confident.

Confidence Pavlyuchenkova does not lack. She takes chances on second serve, she takes shots on her return early and is generally an aggressive, attacking player. She has her power game and enjoys attacking weak serves. Her risky style will see her upset favoured opposition in the future when she’s on the top of her game. It also leads her to a lot of unforced errors including double faults that will give opposition a chance to beat her. Still learning, she occasionally changes her game up to come into the net on occasion but her main weapon is the power in both her forehand and backhand.

Look out for Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova as early as this week’s Indian Wells tournament in California. She is one of a number of young talents in the women’s game currently and one with a lot of potential to live up to. Expect to see a lot more of this girl in the future as she plans on raiding the top 10 and going even further.

Future Top 10: Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is an article from: Premiership Tips

Showing no signs of fatigue, the third-seeded Russian tested the favourite on the first game before failing to come up with any goods. A service hold to love to make it 1-1 saw the odds creep down, but it was the Slovakian who took command of the opening set thereafter. Pavlyuchenkova double faulted three times in her next service game as she aided Hantuchova to a 3-1 opening set the lead. Her status as favourite was confirmed as she took the next three games to tie up a convincing opening set.

The Slovakian had been playing well all week. She defeated Kaia Kanepi in straight sets in round 2, before coming from a set down against both Vania King and Dominika Cibulkova to book her place in this year’s final. She played well in the opening set, but was aided by an over-aggressive Russian opponent who was making too many unforced errors, including 5 double faults.

A complete change of momentum occurred in the second set when Pavlyuchenkova opened with a break. Whereas her aggressive style wasn’t working for her in the opening set, she began making unstoppable shots and great winners in the second set. This included a number of times on Hantuchova’s second serve. Pavlyuchenkova raced away with the second set to tie the match up; 1-6 6-1.

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova didn’t stop there. She continued in the third set where she left off in the second, making impeccable winners as her Slovakian opponent could not come up with an answer to the Russian’s game. Clearly rattled in the third set, Hantuchova was missing shots she had previously been making and on occasion letting her frustration out with wild shots. Even facing a high percentage of first serves in, Pavlyuchenkova was winning the majority of the points on her opponents serve, taking ¾ break points in the final set. She served out a comfortable final set, 6-0, winning her first WTA tour title with a volley.

Our tennis betting tipster told me to back her earlier in this tournament and convinced me to back her again today.  He returns to our site this week for more top Indian Wells Tennis Tips.

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova Powers Her Way to Monterrey Title is an article from: Premiership Tips

Manchester United had a legitimate claim for a penalty in the first half turned away after Darron Gibson was dragged down inside the penalty area. Mame Diouf missed a great opportunity when he headed over as United ended up hanging on. Sam Vokes should have equalised in stoppage time when the ball trickled into his path 6 yards out, centre of goal. He fired over. A minute later he then had a harder opportunity, with a free header outside the 6 yard box, but he failed to test Edwin van der Sar.

Sir Alex Ferguson knows all about grinding out results and picking up fortunate results. This was one of those days and at the end of it, 3 points were collected. At this point, I would like to point out my prediction of a half time draw and full time Manchester United victory came true.

Earlier in the day, Arsenal had gone joint on top with Chelsea following their 3-1 victory over Burnley. Unfortunately I took Arsenal to win by 3 goals or more so ended up losing my bet. Even at 1-1 in the second half, Arsenal’s odds were only 1/3. Nicklas Bendtner missed a number of great opportunities. Enough to make a hattrick, he didn’t take a single one.

2 points now separate the top 3, with Chelsea having a game in hand. The Blues were comfortable 2-0 winners over Stoke City today to setup a semi final clash with Aston Villa who came from a 2-0 half time deficit at Reading to win 4-2 with John Carew scoring 3.

West Ham lost 2-1 at home on Saturday, one of two bets I lost. Manchester United’s victory, along with Aston Villa in the cup and Everton’s 5-1 win over Hull City today ended the weekend on a high for me. There’s little to chose from during the week in the Premier League. Liverpool travel to Wigan tomorrow night, looking to move back into 4th place.

The Exciting Premier League Finale Continues is an article from: Premiership Tips

Arsenal are what we call in the industry, a sure bet on Saturday. Unfortunately to make significant money from them you’re going to need to stake a substantial amount. And who isn’t expecting Arsenal to slip up at some point soon? They can go joint on points with Chelsea this weekend with the Blues playing in the cup. They’d need a 4 goal victory to go level with the current leaders on goal difference. That isn’t out of the question against this Burnley side who lost at home to Portsmouth last weekend. Arsenal’s odds to win by that margin or more are worth a punt this weekend with the bookmakers willing to pay out nearly 3/1. They’re odds against to win by 3 goals or more too.

I’m disappointed West Ham are odds-on to beat Bolton but what do I have to argue about? The Hammers are unbeaten in their last 5 home league games, winning their last two 2-0 and 3-0 respectively. Bolton have failed to win on the road in their last 10 attempts, losing 7 of them and failing to score in their last 4. Robert Green will be hoping to back up his England starting position with a clean sheet against the Wanderers this weekend and his side are 21/10 to do just that. West Ham to win the game are 5/6; you may be tempted to double them up with Arsenal to get odds-against with 888sport.

The only other Premier League game on Saturday sees Wolves host Manchester United in the evening kickoff. When these two met earlier in the season Mick McCarthy caused a stir by fielding a weakened side that lost 3-0. Personally I thought it was something about nothing, but don’t expect McCarthy to do the same again with Wolves a full week to prepare for Burnley after Manchester United this time. A hard working unit, I can see Wolves holding United out for a while here. If they do so successfully, look to take Manchester United in-play with improved odds. United have been level at half time in 10 games this season so it wouldn’t be out of the question for Wolves to go in on level terms after 45 minutes. But those who don’t want to take the risk, Manchester United’s odds are good enough for a double or treble pre-kickoff.

In the only Premier League game on Sunday this weekend, Everton host struggling Hull City. With the Europa League over for this season, David Moyes’ side need an impressive late run to steal 5th spot to qualify for next season’s tournament. It looks unlikely after last week’s defeat at White Hart Lane, but they should return to winning ways this weekend. Hull have been woeful this season, particularly on their travels where they have picked up just 4 points from 14 attempts (only Burnley have been worse). Lying in the relegation zone they are fighting for survival and Everton should be able to take 3 points off the desperate Tigers. With the return of Mikel Arteta they are more of a threat from set pieces and should cause Hull a number of problems from them in this game. Going forward in open play, Louis Saha, Landon Donovan and Steven Pienaar they will be able to cause problems in open play too. Expect Everton to be victorious this weekend.

Premier League Betting Tips March 6/7 is an article from: Premiership Tips

All attention before the game was on the Wayne Bridge-John Terry saga which saw Bridge refusing to shake Terry’s hand pre-kickoff. While Bridge put in a solid performance, John Terry continued to stumble again today. Firstly some miscommunication with John Obi Mikel for the opening Manchester City goal. Later a completely mistimed tackle and a confrontation with Carlos Tevez. The former England captain has made big errors in each of his last 4 games now, which has seen Chelsea lose 3 of them. He’s not the commanding and reliable captain centre back he use to be.

Chelsea dominated the first half and broke through on 41 minutes with Frank Lampard slotting home. Expecting Chelsea to run out comfortable winners at this point, Mikel’s crazy header under no pressure at the half way line gave Carlos Tevez possession as he weaved in and out of Terry and Ricardo Carvalho before his scuffed effort rolled past and out-of-position Hilario.

The Portuguese stopper, in for the injured Petr Cech was also at fault with some bad positioning for City’s second goal as Craig Bellamy raced onto a long ball down the left wing when Branislav Ivanovic was caught out of possession, and although appearing to dribble the ball too wide of goal he managed to get the right angle on the ball and fire City ahead.

Chelsea were crumbling and things were made worse 15 minutes from time when Juliano Belletti’s clumsy challenge from behind on Gareth Barry saw him sent off and a penalty awarded against the Blues. Tevez powered it home and celebrated with Wayne Bridge, who the City team were clearly sticking up for and playing for in this one. As well as playing for themselves and the team obviously.

Michael Ballack’s needless tackle from behind on Tevez saw him receive a second yellow ahead of Craig Bellamy adding a fourth before Frank Lampard converted a consolation penalty for the league leaders.

Fortunately for Chelsea, despite a couple of suspensions adding to the big losses of Michael Essien and Ashley Cole, they have two domestic games that they should find their form in ahead of their Champions League tie with Inter Milan. Inter Milan are evens to qualify from that tie, with a 2-1 lead from the first leg if that tempts anyone.

The Premier League title race is still in Chelsea’s hands, albeit with only a 1 point lead over Manchester United and 3 over Arsenal. They have a few favourable fixtures until the end of the month where they need to take maximum points from as they will be expected. One thing for sure is this is going to be a very exciting run in and we can expect a few more twists in the tale!

Pressure Grows on John Terry and Chelsea is an article from: Premiership Tips

Birmingham were beaten late on at Fulham last weekend, and it’s back-to-back defeats for the Blues in the league now. In between they had a successful come-from-behind victory at Derby in the FA Cup, and a game at home to Wigan this weekend is their first home game since they beat Wolves at St Andrews in the first weekend of February. Wigan were woeful at home to Tottenham last weekend and that makes Birmingham a nice price, currently at evens. They’ve gone six league games without a clean sheet now, but this is a great opportunity for them to do that and get back to winning ways. Wigan are without a win in 8 games in all competitions.

Portsmouth are set to lose 9 points tomorrow, leaving them with just 7 points. Regardless of going into administration or not, they were not going to avoid relegation anyway. Their heads have fallen and their pockets are empty. That makes Burnley a good selection this weekend, currently odds-against. I recommend being cautious with them, but certainly worth putting in an accumulator to make the odds very attractive.

Liverpool are the safest bet on Sunday. Despite an away trip on Thursday night in Romania that they came through comfortably in the end, they have been playing very well in the league recently. Clean sheets have been a big part of this success and should fancy their chances of another one this weekend against a Blackburn side struggling on their journeys this season. Victory this weekend will improve their standing with Manchester City unlikely to win at Chelsea, Tottenham facing Everton and Aston Villa not playing in the league.

Premier League Betting Tips February 27/28 is an article from: Premiership Tips

Inside 3 minutes, Diego Milito was allowed to cut inside John Terry and fire into the bottom corner for a 1-0 lead. The Argentinian striker was quiet after that but his goal was invaluable.

Chelsea had a few chances afterwards, including a long range free kick from Didier Drogba that came out off the underside of the cross bar in the first half. The Blues could have been awarded a penalty on the stoke of half time when Salomon Kalou was dragged down by Walter Samuel inside the six yard box, one-on-one with Julio Cesar. It wasn’t to be, but it was Kalou who stroke the ball past Cesar 5 minutes into the second half. Mourinho won’t be happy with the defending that saw Branislav Ivanovic walk around the Inter 18 yard box before laying it off to Kalou, whose shot should have been saved by the Brazilian number 1.

Less than 5 minutes after Kalou had equalised, Esteban Cambiasso blasted Inter back in front from the edge of the area. Inter saw the game out after that and worse news for Chelsea saw Petr Cech go down on the hour mark with a knee injury that looked serious. Hilario replaced him but the loss of Cech will be a big blow for the remainder of their campaign if it turns out to be as serious as it first looked.

The away goal for Chelsea is big, but Inter are on top in this tie. Jose Mourinho’s teams in the past have been successful at parking the bus and sitting on leads. Lucio kept Didier Drogba in check this evening. Nicolas Anelka was ineffective and Frank Lampard didn’t test Julio Cesar. Opportunities looked hard to come by for Chelsea tonight as Inter defended well as a team in both open play and at set pieces. The Premier League leaders cannot afford to go all out in attack at home with the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Diego Milito, Wesley Sneijder, Goran Pandev and Mario Balotelli all capable of hurting Chelsea on the break.

Manchester United are the only English side in the Champions League who take a lead into their second leg, having won 3-2 in the San Siro against AC Milan last week. They look comfortable but cannot rest on their laurels with a defence that has shown vulnerability this season.

Arsenal are still favourites to qualify for the quarter finals despite losing 2-1 in Porto last week. Two moments of madness cost them the 2 goals and they rarely threatened the Portuguese sides goal in the away leg. Arsenal, as like Chelsea, are more comfortable on their home turf and I can understand the bookies choice to make them favourites. I won’t be backing them any more though as I backed the Gunners in-play when they went a goal down in Portugal during the first leg!

Advantage Mourinho: Inter 2-1 Chelsea is an article from: Premiership Tips

Chelsea extended their lead over Manchester United with a 2-0 victory at Wolves. While I wasn’t surprised by this, I wasn’t brave enough to back a Chelsea side who have struggled on the road recently. Didier Drogba’s brace has given them a comfortable lead at the top of the table.

My first tip on Saturday was Arsenal beating Sunderland and they did so, 2-0, cutting the gap behind Manchester United to 2 points. My other 3pm kickoff tip was West Ham to beat Hull City and they backed up their 5/6 odds with a 3-0 victory over a side who finished the game with 9 men. With the bottom 7 losing this weekend, West Ham are now 4 points above the relegation zone. Hull are just 1 point outside of the bottom 3.

In Saturday’s evening game I wasn’t brave enough to back Stoke to win, so I took a double chance of them to win or draw at Portsmouth. Despite trailing at half time, goals from Robert Huth and Salif Diao won my bet and earned 3 points for Stoke.

Today, Aston Villa gained 2 points on both Manchester City and Liverpool after beating Burnley 5-2 at home. This is what I regarded as the safest bet of the day ahead of the match and I was certainly a bit concerned by the slow start Aston Villa made to the match. They were 11/10 when 1-0 down and I didn’t back them, partly because I had already invested heavily into them and partly because I was concerned they may had had next week’s Carling Cup final on their mind. Fortunately they equalised before half time and then 4 goals in 13 minutes in the second half won my handicap bet.

Good job I chose not to watch the Manchester City-Liverpool game after reports it was a dull affair. This didn’t surprise me with both sides playing not to lose when I thought Manchester City should have been going for the win here. Fernando Torres made his return to the Liverpool side though as a second half substitute. Maybe I should be kicking myself for not backing the draw here, but it’s been such a good weekend of gambling I don’t need to worry about that.

My final picks on this week’s Premier League Betting Tips was on the Tottenham v Wigan game. It wasn’t a convincing performance from Spurs on a terrible pitch at the DW Stadium, but Jermain Defoe scored for the first bet, Tottenham won for my highest bet and with a bit of fortune at the end I also won handsomely on a handicap bet. My only lost bet on the weekend was backing Defoe to score a hattrick, but it’s nothing worth crying about!

Make sure you come back next Thursday for some more reliable Premier League Tips. I hope you too had a successful weekend and if not let’s make it a successful weekend to finish of February.

Nearly a Perfect Premier League Weekend is an article from: Premiership Tips

Both fights exchanged blows throughout a close fight. The Brit, Bisping connected a few times early on and took Silva down to the mat on a couple of occasions. But the Brazilian, having lost 5 of his last 6 bouts scored with a rally of punches at the end of the first and third round that swayed the judges scores in his favour.

The Count, coming off an impressive victory over over Denis Kang in November, was caught in a guillotine choke at the end of the second round after attempting to take Silva down. Time also saved him at the end of the final round as Silva knocked him down to the ground and was about to start a flurry of punches before the referee intervened at the bell. However, he did not do enough to win the fight in the 15 minutes as the Axe Murderer was comfortably attacking him in the final round.

Having lost to Dan Henderson in July last year, followed by this one, Michael Bisping is a long long way from a title shot that seems unlikely for him to ever get now.

On the British front, Dan Hardy will become the first ever Brit to get a title shot as he takes on Georges St Pierre for the Welterweight Championship in New Jersey on March 27th. Hardy’s odds are going to be long to say the least and as supportive of the Brits as I am, I am like everybody else who doesn’t give him a chance in this match! He’s represented Britain well in the UFC and with Michael Bisping has helped to expand the popularity of the sport over here.

Michael Bisping Beaten by the Axe Murderer is an article from: Premiership Tips