IT HAS been a difficult season for the punters so far.

I spoke to a couple of punters at the betting shop and that is the general view coming from the ground two months into the ongoing EPL season.

'Everything seems to be so unpredictable this season and that makes it hard for us to beat the bookmakers,' said regular punter Adrian Tan.

'The biggest problem is that many of the teams are performing differently every other week and you never know what to expect.

'In fact if such a trend continues, I think I'll quit by the end of the year.'

Another punter, Jerry Goh, also reported losses from his bets.

'It's not easy to win money this season,' he said.

'Who expected Hull to be in the top three ahead of Arsenal and Manchester United after eight games?

'I'm sure no one could have predicted Newcastle and Tottenham to be languishing at the other end of the table.

'Most punters bet on big teams and the current league standings tells you how much money I've lost.'

Despite the losses, Goh remains positive that things will start moving in the right direction soon.

'I can't see clubs as big as Tottenham getting relegated,' he said.

'It's only a matter of time they start picking up points and I'm going to be with them when they start doing so.'

Tricky

However, Spurs are in such bad form and that makes it tricky to find the right time to back them.

'The day when Juande Ramos leaves the club is the time to back Spurs to win games,' hinted Goh.

'I'm quite sure tomorrow's game against Bolton will probably decide his fate.'

Goh also pointed out the likes of Chelsea and Hull as the ones that could turn around his season.

'Chelsea have been the most consistent team, winning six games and overcoming the handicap on five of the occasions.

'On the Asian handicap, Hull have lost just once in the eight games.

'The problem is that the Chelsea odds are always very low while Hull's contingent of unknown players makes it difficult to back them.

'But I think it's better to start changing my mentality and get behind them.'

This round of fixtures sees Chelsea host Liverpool while Hull travel to West Brom.

'Going by statistics, I'm going to put some money on Hull City on the 1/2 goal ticket,' said Goh.

'Backing Chelsea on the 1X2 at $1.85 is my best bet this weekend.

'Chelsea face selection problems but they can still put out a strong side unlike Liverpool.

'Liverpool came off a difficult away trip to Atletico Madrid in midweek and have several players doubtful for this top-of-the-table clash.

'Although both teams are on good form, home advantage and the extra depth in the squad should see Chelsea through.'