From the Press box

This was pointed out to me by a friend earlier, but it has had me wondering all night.

Earlier this week, reports in the local press reported that Agbonlahor would not be featuring in this weekends derby match, as he has failed to recover sufficiently from a routine operation at the start of the month. The report from the Birmingham Post is here

However, Talksport this morning spoke toa bookmaker about this match and as favourite for first goal scorer is Mr Agbonlahor.

As of 19:39 Friday 29th, here are the screencaps from a couple of bookies websites:

Betfred

William Hill:

Ladbrokes: Agbonlahor 9/2

Paddypower: Agbonlahor 11/2

Coral: Not offering Agbonlahor for first goal scorer market

Perhaps I’m reading into this too much, but if he is 100% out of this weekends match, then why would bookmakers have such short odds on him being the first goal scorer. It’s a multi million pound market and football odds will be carefully calculated, otherwise bookmakers wouldn’t be able to make so much money off football betting.

So, do they know something we don’t and may Gabby somehow feature in the Halloween fixture, or have the bookies overlooked the fact he isn’t playing, considering they also give prices for Cameron Jerome as first goal scorer. (I am also presuming here that injury will prevent any him part of the action aswell)

I know someone will be along on twitter with a full explanation of why this is, but I thought it was interesting to point out anyway.

I’m intrigued. All will be revealed in less than 48 hours…