For the first eight minutes it all looked so good… United attacked vibrantly and had several attempts on goal. It looked a matter of time. And then Barcelona scored… and it all went wrong.

All our post match reasoning went to pot once United had to chase the game, and it seemed they hadn’t planned for it either. They lacked invention, wit and guile and offered pretty much nothing for the rest of the match.

It was a hugely disappointing result for United – and for us!

Chelsea secured a 3-2 victory over Sunderland, giving us an evs winner – but despite their small squad and impending cup final appearence Everton also beat Fulham, denying us a clean sheet.

We also tipped Newcastle for relegation back in March (see here) – which gave us another nice winner yesterday.

There is plenty of football throughout the summer despite the lack of a major tournament – so keep checking back for any free content, or subscribe now to access all of our subscription selections.

Password protection removed 26/05 @ 09.54

On Sunday, the Premiershp reaches its season finale; and the only real issue remaining is the final relegation place. West Brom are down, Boro are as good as down, and hopefully for us Newcastle will fill the remaining space!

These end of season games sometimes offer up some great value… here are our selections from them.

Fulham v Everton

Fulham have an excellent home record, winning 11 of 18 games, and take on an Everton side who will have more than half an eye on their first major cup final for several years. Moyes doesn’t have the luxury of a big squad, and having already lost Jagielka to injury, will be determined not to lose anyone else. Those who do play will no doubt have that in mind, and expect to see some half hearted challenges. These two factors combined make the on Fulham look appealing.

Fulham @ 6/5 (Victor Chandler) – 1 point

Chelsea v Sunderland

Chelsea also have the FA Cup final on the horizon; but a weak Sunderland team is a very different proposition to Fulham; and Chelea have a far stronger squad than Everton. Sunderland have been abject of late, being dragged into a very real relegation battle after looking relatively safe a few weeks ago. It’s hard to see them lifting themselves after such a poor run to win, even at home; and the odds on Guus Hiddink leading Chelsea to victory in his last game look compelling at even money.

Chelsea @ Evs (BetFred) – 1 point

We’ll also play a multiple this weekend; Manchester City, with their strong home record, look good to beat Bolton who’ve not won since April 4th) added to the lay of Everton and Sunderland gives a combined price of 2.92 on Betfair.

LAY Everton, LAY Sunderland, BACK Man City; Treble @ 2.92 (Betfair) – 1 point

Wakuba’s overdue winning streak continued last night, as Shakhtar lifted the last UEFA cup with a 2-1 win after extra time.

We saw them being tipped to win in 90 minutes in various other places, but 7/4 on that vs 10/11 to lift the trophy was really a no brainer. Far safer to take the 10/11 and have the draw. No need to be greedy!

That 2 point win allied to our recent profits on Burnley and Wigan gives us a 78% return for the week. We’ll try our utmost to keep that going and recover some of our recent losses.

Password protection removed 09.42 21/05

Tonight sees Shakhar Donetsk play Werder Bremen for the last UEFA Cup (before it becomes the Europa League). There is little to choose between the two sides, and it’s 10/11 the pair to lift the trophy in many places. However, probing a bit deeper, there is a strong case to made for Shakhtar. They finished the domestic season in strong form, and beat some good sides to get to the final. They also have a fully available squad to call on – the crucial advantage. Werder are missing Diego, their Brazilian playmaker, who is central to most of the good things they do. They are not secure at the back, and have progressed this far by outscoring their opponents. Without the creative and goalscoring force of Diego, they could struggle; and that is enough to make Shakhtar appealing. Playing the 10/11 to lift the trophy is a safer bet than the 7/4 on them winning in 90 minutes.

Shakhtar Donetsk To Lift the UEFA Cup @ 10/11 (BoyleSports/BlueSq) – 1 point

Stoke secured an ultimately comfortable 2-0 victory over Wigan on Saturday, giving us a nice winner at 2.3. We also picked the draw in the United Arsenal game, but went for the correct score 2-2 rather than the 0-0 that occurred (but only with a 0.5 stake).

So overall a profitable weekend for Wakuba, which allied to Reading’s win, made it a good week for us; a turnaround from recent results!

Stoke v Wigan

Stoke have one of the best home records in the Premiership. And contrary to teams winding down towards the end of the season, they are finishing strongly, still buoyant from securing safety early. Wigan, on the other hand, have been drifting ever since hitting the 40 point barrier in January, and have won only twice since then. Bruce himself admits it is difficult to motivate them, and with Stoke keen to say an uplifting goodbye to their home fans, the odds on them look value.

Stoke @ 2.3 (Betfair) – 1 point

Man Utd v Arsenal

A difficult one to call, this one. United effectively have the league wrapped up, with only one point needed from their last two games. A draw would suit both parties, with Arsenal not wanting to finish with a whimper after their crushing defeat to Chelsea last time out. The draw is tempting – but due to the unpredictability, a small stake on 2-2 – a result that has occured a couple of times over the past few seasons – is the play.

Man Utd v Arsenal – Correct Score: 2-2 @ 18/1 (Sporting Bet/Sky Bet) – 0.5 points

A comfortable win for Wakuba last night, as we correctly predicted Reading struggling against Burnley and advised a lay. Odds on, considering their recent home record, really was too short. We hope you got on!

Password Protection removed 05/13 @ 10.24

Reading host Burnley tonight in the second leg of the Championship play-off semi-final. Owen Coyle’s side currently lead 1-0 from a slightly fortuitous win in the first leg, so Reading need a victory to progress and face Sheffield United in the final. Remember, away goals do not count in the play-offs.

But a Reading victory is easier said than done. Their home form has been abject – they are without a win at the Madejski since January 27th. It has been a bizarre turnaround; prior to that victory they won 13 of 16 home games – after it they lost five of eight, and drew the other three.

There is a simple explanation for this; London Irish. They play their home games at the Madejski, too, and the pitch has gradually deteriorated over the season, particularly over the winter months, and Reading’s home form has paralleled the decline. Then, it became a mental thing; they couldn’t win at home, culminating in a home deeat to Birmingham which denied them automatic promotion.

Against a vibrant Burnely side on the back of an excellent season, there is much to suggest another home failure is in order. And as Reading can be laid at odds-on, they make an extremely attractive selection.

LAY Reading @ 1.95 (Betfair) – 1 Point Liability