Hmmm, as an after thought I might also have a couple of first goalscorer bets, on Rooney (4/1) and Terry (18/1) first to score. You can place bets online on tonight's England match with SkyBet.com by clicking here.
Even as a Spurs fan I'll be happy to see no Darren Bent in the starting XI tomorrow evening at the Wembley stadium. He is a true professional, very likable but....in Premier League terms I can't see him ever being a 20+ goals per season forward. That's not to say he can't contribute in a high level Premier League team but in the England set up we are already assuming that Rooney overall will never be prolific (that said under Capello he has scored in 8 in 5) so can we make allowances for other low scoring strikers? Unfortunately we have to, especially with the unfortunate fitness problems that Michael Owen suffers from. So Heskey/Crouch would be ahead of Bent due to experience and possibly confidence in front of goal.
So, England 4/9 on...is it worth it? I don't realy think so. 3/1 for the draw highlights some value I think - if you fancy it, click here to bet on England's qualifier against the Ukraine.
My prediction: 0-0 bore draw, potential for Capello's first slip up.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Has the lucrative Premier League killed the international game
As a life long Spurs fan, I always feel proud when any of our players get an England call-up. When I first heard that Tottenham central defender Ledley King had been given the nod by Cappello I really was delighted for a fantastic player who has fought hard against physical limitations with his knee injury and delivered great appearances this season alongside Jonathan Woodgate. This call-up then created a bit of a mess, with King leaving training after a rant from Spurs boss Harry Redknapp. This was possibly a reaction aimed at chairman Daniel Levy who the FA allegedly approached for permission for King to train. Now, this one is tricky because of the player's physical condition but even as a Spurs fan I fail to see what the club's form has to do with him representing his country. I think that if Cappello is demanding that he is available for these matches that he is well within his rights and also operating correctly in his role as England manager. The moment he bows down to Premier League managers whinging about their key players are being over played is the moment when our international game truly dies.
Alex Ferguson clearly has no interest in England's progress in European Championship tournaments or World Cups. His attitude to it is a reflection of what is at stake in the modern game, but has how has this affected our national team's chances of winning anything?
Alex Ferguson clearly has no interest in England's progress in European Championship tournaments or World Cups. His attitude to it is a reflection of what is at stake in the modern game, but has how has this affected our national team's chances of winning anything?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Liverpool odds to win Premier League
You've got to be in it to win it. After thinking it was all settled and decided, thanks to the Reds we do now have a title race again. So what do the bookies think?
Liverpool are now at 3/1 to win the Premier League after squeezing the gap on current Premier League champions Manchester United. Man United are 1/3 on ....all very tight - I'll be tempted to bet on Man Utd at this price.
Liverpool are now at 3/1 to win the Premier League after squeezing the gap on current Premier League champions Manchester United. Man United are 1/3 on ....all very tight - I'll be tempted to bet on Man Utd at this price.
Liverpool 5 - 0 Aston Villa... the title race is back on
Premier League Result Liverpool 5 - 0 Aston Villa 22nd March 2009
We know its been a dreadful week for the champions. This is Liverpool's time now - you have got to be delighted for Rafa Benitez who has had his critics but has stuck to his strategy.
After beating Real Madrid and Manchester United in spectacular style, Fulham gave both Chelsea and Liverpool an opportunity to close in on the Red Devils. Chelsea choked at White Hart Lane with a Luka Modric goal separating the two London rivals, but today it was Liverpool's chance at home against Aston Villa.
In previous seasons, Liverpool may have felt the pressure and drawn. However this Liverpool side is strong with much more team contribution than alot of people give them credit for. Today Liverpool passed the ball smoothly and looked considerably sharper in midfield than the Villa. The home side opened the scoring early on, with Kuyt scoring in the 8th minute after an Alonso header hit the bar and the Dutch international followed up to take the early pressure off.
In the 33rd minute, Riera made it 2 with a quick throw out from 'keeper Pepe Reina going straight to the midfielder who fiercely struck the ball into the net with his cultured left boot.
Albert Riera was then tripped up in the box by Nigel Reo-Coker, giving Liverpool a penalty which captain Stephen Gerrard converted just before half time. Going in 3-0, Villa had been thoroughly bossed and it could have easily been more even after 45 minutes.
Gerrard then added a nice free kick to make it 4, then Torres was brought down by Brad Friedel who was sent off giving the captain a penalty to give Gerrard his first ever Premier League hat trick. His club form could possibly push him into the England team, Barclays man of the match today and he is constantly dominating midfield possession in the Prem.
This victory takes the 'pool within 1 point of Man Utd - yes, Man Utd will still be the favourites with a game in hand but you have to admire the Anfield spirit this season. You never know...
We know its been a dreadful week for the champions. This is Liverpool's time now - you have got to be delighted for Rafa Benitez who has had his critics but has stuck to his strategy.
After beating Real Madrid and Manchester United in spectacular style, Fulham gave both Chelsea and Liverpool an opportunity to close in on the Red Devils. Chelsea choked at White Hart Lane with a Luka Modric goal separating the two London rivals, but today it was Liverpool's chance at home against Aston Villa.
In previous seasons, Liverpool may have felt the pressure and drawn. However this Liverpool side is strong with much more team contribution than alot of people give them credit for. Today Liverpool passed the ball smoothly and looked considerably sharper in midfield than the Villa. The home side opened the scoring early on, with Kuyt scoring in the 8th minute after an Alonso header hit the bar and the Dutch international followed up to take the early pressure off.
In the 33rd minute, Riera made it 2 with a quick throw out from 'keeper Pepe Reina going straight to the midfielder who fiercely struck the ball into the net with his cultured left boot.
Albert Riera was then tripped up in the box by Nigel Reo-Coker, giving Liverpool a penalty which captain Stephen Gerrard converted just before half time. Going in 3-0, Villa had been thoroughly bossed and it could have easily been more even after 45 minutes.
Gerrard then added a nice free kick to make it 4, then Torres was brought down by Brad Friedel who was sent off giving the captain a penalty to give Gerrard his first ever Premier League hat trick. His club form could possibly push him into the England team, Barclays man of the match today and he is constantly dominating midfield possession in the Prem.
This victory takes the 'pool within 1 point of Man Utd - yes, Man Utd will still be the favourites with a game in hand but you have to admire the Anfield spirit this season. You never know...
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Premier League accumulator odds this weekend
Premier League games Sat 21st March '09
Blackburn v West Ham, 15:00
Fulham v Man Utd, 15:00
Newcastle v Arsenal, 17:30
Portsmouth v Everton, 12:45
Stoke v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Tottenham v Chelsea, 15:00
West Brom v Bolton, 15:00
OK so why no go for a small stake on this one:
Bburn Stoke WBA Man Utd Chelsea QPR all Win 85/1
85/1!!! Obviously the weak ones here would be Stoke and West Brom who are both right in the thick of the relegation zone...but then they are both at home ...and at 85/1 I reckon its worth a small bet. OK, so Alan Hansen's football predictions don't quite match up, he has Stoke losing to Boro and West Brom drawing with Bolton but then the remaining games won't give you this odds. I'm thinking of maybe 2-3 variations of this accumulator.
For this multiple (and cash in on a free £10 bet) at Skybet.com CLICK HERE to go to place your bet
Another betting tip that I have had from someone is to bet on teams to win 2-0 or 2-1. So another step would be to take these winning teams (or maybe the obvious ones - Chelsea/Man U/Blackburn) and do that.
I love small stake gambling, accumulators I normally take a walk out to my locally bookmakers and place 1-2 lines on. However online gambling is so quick and convenient that its worth getting new accounts with all of the major bookies and taking their free bets such as the £10 deal with SkyBet....to register a betting account with Sky Bet today click here
Blackburn v West Ham, 15:00
Fulham v Man Utd, 15:00
Newcastle v Arsenal, 17:30
Portsmouth v Everton, 12:45
Stoke v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Tottenham v Chelsea, 15:00
West Brom v Bolton, 15:00
OK so why no go for a small stake on this one:
Bburn Stoke WBA Man Utd Chelsea QPR all Win 85/1
85/1!!! Obviously the weak ones here would be Stoke and West Brom who are both right in the thick of the relegation zone...but then they are both at home ...and at 85/1 I reckon its worth a small bet. OK, so Alan Hansen's football predictions don't quite match up, he has Stoke losing to Boro and West Brom drawing with Bolton but then the remaining games won't give you this odds. I'm thinking of maybe 2-3 variations of this accumulator.
For this multiple (and cash in on a free £10 bet) at Skybet.com CLICK HERE to go to place your bet
Another betting tip that I have had from someone is to bet on teams to win 2-0 or 2-1. So another step would be to take these winning teams (or maybe the obvious ones - Chelsea/Man U/Blackburn) and do that.
I love small stake gambling, accumulators I normally take a walk out to my locally bookmakers and place 1-2 lines on. However online gambling is so quick and convenient that its worth getting new accounts with all of the major bookies and taking their free bets such as the £10 deal with SkyBet....to register a betting account with Sky Bet today click here
Monday, March 16, 2009
Premier League relegation odds
Premier League match tonight 8pm West Ham vs West Brom...should be a bit of a scrap I reckon.
Will West Brom go down if the lose tonight at Upton Park?
Its been a hard season for Tony Mowbray's men, when I saw them at the Hawthorns I thought they looked like relegation fodder, but then they beat us (Tottenham Hotspur) and Spurs have really turned the corner with 10 points from the last 4 league matches.
Will the Hammers qualify for Europe?
Well, I have a distant hope that Spurs will nick a UEFA Cup spot but Zola's happy Hammers have a slightly better run in I think.
So who is going to go down? I'd be interested to know your views on who you think has 'relegated' written all over them and which of the big teams could well come close. My view is that West Brom, Stoke and Middlesbrough will go down purely because all 3 teams have struggled to score goals consistently. Its going to be a classic scrap, it could be worth picking 2-3 teams that you think could be close to that 3rd from bottom position (e.g Newcastle, Bolton, Hull) and putting some bets on all 3. Remember to balance your stakes though.
For the latest odds on who will get relegated visit SkyBet.com by clicking here.
Will West Brom go down if the lose tonight at Upton Park?
Its been a hard season for Tony Mowbray's men, when I saw them at the Hawthorns I thought they looked like relegation fodder, but then they beat us (Tottenham Hotspur) and Spurs have really turned the corner with 10 points from the last 4 league matches.
Will the Hammers qualify for Europe?
Well, I have a distant hope that Spurs will nick a UEFA Cup spot but Zola's happy Hammers have a slightly better run in I think.
So who is going to go down? I'd be interested to know your views on who you think has 'relegated' written all over them and which of the big teams could well come close. My view is that West Brom, Stoke and Middlesbrough will go down purely because all 3 teams have struggled to score goals consistently. Its going to be a classic scrap, it could be worth picking 2-3 teams that you think could be close to that 3rd from bottom position (e.g Newcastle, Bolton, Hull) and putting some bets on all 3. Remember to balance your stakes though.
For the latest odds on who will get relegated visit SkyBet.com by clicking here.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Premier League odds March 13th 2009
Premier League odds March 13th 2009
Now that FA Cup and Champions League games are out of the way we can all look forward to a feast of Premier League football which will all kick off at Old Trafford with Manchester United vs Liverpool. Man U and England striker Wayne Rooney is a toffee through and through...funny that he decided to take the opportunity ahead of the game to remind the Reds that he hated them as a kid and still does. This game is always a tight one with strong tackles flying in and plenty of drama. I guess the Reds could do it, but I don't quite believe it.
Here are this weekend's fixtures for the Barclays Premier League, initially I fancied a short accumulator with these ones. There is some solid form now with the big 4 I'm thinking...and there are some big six pointers about as the Prem is so tight in this 2008/2009 season. Thinking it through I'm not going down the accumulator big teams winning route because I think it will be a draw between Manchester United and Liverpool. I think at 11/5 this is a good bet - Skybet.com - click here to take you to the page only a click away from betting. My luck in the Cheltenham Gold Cup was lousy so fingers crossed for this weekend.
Premier League fixtures
Arsenal v Blackburn, 15:00
Bolton v Fulham, 15:00
Everton v Stoke, 15:00
Hull v Newcastle, 15:00
Man Utd v Liverpool, 12:45
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth, 15:00
Sunderland v Wigan, 15:00
My football betting tip for an accumulator this weekend is to go for Arsenal, Bolton, Boro and Everton. Check out the latest odds at Skybet.com....smooth betting website with good football betting odds.
Now that FA Cup and Champions League games are out of the way we can all look forward to a feast of Premier League football which will all kick off at Old Trafford with Manchester United vs Liverpool. Man U and England striker Wayne Rooney is a toffee through and through...funny that he decided to take the opportunity ahead of the game to remind the Reds that he hated them as a kid and still does. This game is always a tight one with strong tackles flying in and plenty of drama. I guess the Reds could do it, but I don't quite believe it.
Here are this weekend's fixtures for the Barclays Premier League, initially I fancied a short accumulator with these ones. There is some solid form now with the big 4 I'm thinking...and there are some big six pointers about as the Prem is so tight in this 2008/2009 season. Thinking it through I'm not going down the accumulator big teams winning route because I think it will be a draw between Manchester United and Liverpool. I think at 11/5 this is a good bet - Skybet.com - click here to take you to the page only a click away from betting. My luck in the Cheltenham Gold Cup was lousy so fingers crossed for this weekend.
Premier League fixtures
Arsenal v Blackburn, 15:00
Bolton v Fulham, 15:00
Everton v Stoke, 15:00
Hull v Newcastle, 15:00
Man Utd v Liverpool, 12:45
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth, 15:00
Sunderland v Wigan, 15:00
My football betting tip for an accumulator this weekend is to go for Arsenal, Bolton, Boro and Everton. Check out the latest odds at Skybet.com....smooth betting website with good football betting odds.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
My first non league match Harrogate Town
On Tuesday night, I attended Harrogate Town vs Southport for my first non-league football experience. These 2 teams are at opposite ends of the spectrum currently, with Southport having time in the league and the conference. Harrogate Town however have never been better than they are right now.
282 real football fans turned up to see Southport win 3-0 convincingly (a slightly flattering scoreline I thought) with the home team struggling to keep with the ex-Conference side particularly in midfield.
MORE TO FOLLOW
For more information visit www.harrogatetown.com
282 real football fans turned up to see Southport win 3-0 convincingly (a slightly flattering scoreline I thought) with the home team struggling to keep with the ex-Conference side particularly in midfield.
MORE TO FOLLOW
For more information visit www.harrogatetown.com
Monday, March 9, 2009
Champions League latest odds and fixtures
Tough games ahead this week in the Champions League for all of the English clubs, the big one being Mourinho's return to Old Trafford with it all to play for at 0-0 going into this second leg of the knockout stages. Manchester United looked immense in the first half at the San Siro but Inter were well organised and will be well up for nicking a goal against the reigning European Cup champions. Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea all have 1-0 leads - lets hope that all 3 progress.
In terms of odds, Chelsea are 9/4 to get a draw at Juventus...the Gunners are 12/5, I'm having a go at both as well as an away win for Inter at Old Trafford at 9/2.
Champions League fixtures 10th and 11th March
Juventus v Chelsea (1st leg aggregate score 0-1)
Liverpool v Real Madrid (1st leg aggregate score 1-0)
Man Utd v Inter Milan (1st leg aggregate score 0-0)
Roma v Arsenal (1st leg aggregate score 0-1)
For all UEFA Champions League odds from Sky Bet, click here and register for your free £10 bet!
In terms of odds, Chelsea are 9/4 to get a draw at Juventus...the Gunners are 12/5, I'm having a go at both as well as an away win for Inter at Old Trafford at 9/2.
Champions League fixtures 10th and 11th March
Juventus v Chelsea (1st leg aggregate score 0-1)
Liverpool v Real Madrid (1st leg aggregate score 1-0)
Man Utd v Inter Milan (1st leg aggregate score 0-0)
Roma v Arsenal (1st leg aggregate score 0-1)
For all UEFA Champions League odds from Sky Bet, click here and register for your free £10 bet!
Friday, March 6, 2009
FA Cup semi final betting odds
FA Cup Semi-Final Draw 2009 18th April
In terms of FA Cup winner odds, its no surprise that Manchester United are the favourites. Currently I think Arsenal are the best bet in terms of value. Assuming that the Tigers will be beaten by Arsenal at the Emirates, Arsenal vs Chelsea would be a fantastic footballing spectacle in this year's FA Cup. Manchester United versus Everton will be a great semi final match, it will be a tight one. Tricky one to call, I've just listened to a talksport phone in with many people tipping Everton for the FA Cup but betting against Manchester United is obviously a high risk strategy!
Arsenal/Hull vs Chelsea
Manchester United vs Everton
I think that at 4/1 Arsenal are worth a punt. Eduardo is showing good form after his lay-off and I believe that they are one of the few sides that can on their day beat an in-form Man Utd side. You can get this 4/1 price at Sky Bet - click here for your £10 bet.
The FA Cup is fantastic, may be not the competition it used to be pre-Champions League but it is something that the English game should be proud of in my opinion. This year it could really climax into a dog fight as Chelsea and Arsenal seek to console themselves with their dissapointing League campaigns. Chelsea and Man U double perhaps.
Anyway, enough gambling chat, this was my favourite FA Cup moment, even as a Spurs fan I had to marvel at the technique of Eduardo as he volleyed the ball almost with the outside of his heel to send it crashing into the Burnley net.
PREVIOUS FA CUP BLOG ...
In the Premier League there is only one game - the might Spurs are away at Sunderland. A draw is my prediction.
Premier League
Sunderland v Tottenham 15:00
FA Cup
Coventry v Chelsea 12:30
Fulham v Man Utd 17:15
Latest FA Cup 2009 Winner odds - click here!
Latest Champions League 2009 Winner odds - click here!
In terms of FA Cup winner odds, its no surprise that Manchester United are the favourites. Currently I think Arsenal are the best bet in terms of value. Assuming that the Tigers will be beaten by Arsenal at the Emirates, Arsenal vs Chelsea would be a fantastic footballing spectacle in this year's FA Cup. Manchester United versus Everton will be a great semi final match, it will be a tight one. Tricky one to call, I've just listened to a talksport phone in with many people tipping Everton for the FA Cup but betting against Manchester United is obviously a high risk strategy!
Arsenal/Hull vs Chelsea
Manchester United vs Everton
I think that at 4/1 Arsenal are worth a punt. Eduardo is showing good form after his lay-off and I believe that they are one of the few sides that can on their day beat an in-form Man Utd side. You can get this 4/1 price at Sky Bet - click here for your £10 bet.
The FA Cup is fantastic, may be not the competition it used to be pre-Champions League but it is something that the English game should be proud of in my opinion. This year it could really climax into a dog fight as Chelsea and Arsenal seek to console themselves with their dissapointing League campaigns. Chelsea and Man U double perhaps.
Anyway, enough gambling chat, this was my favourite FA Cup moment, even as a Spurs fan I had to marvel at the technique of Eduardo as he volleyed the ball almost with the outside of his heel to send it crashing into the Burnley net.
PREVIOUS FA CUP BLOG ...
In the Premier League there is only one game - the might Spurs are away at Sunderland. A draw is my prediction.
Premier League
Sunderland v Tottenham 15:00
FA Cup
Coventry v Chelsea 12:30
Fulham v Man Utd 17:15
Latest FA Cup 2009 Winner odds - click here!
Latest Champions League 2009 Winner odds - click here!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Premier League Football Results 4th March 2009
As the Premier League gets closer to the conclusion, Liverpool and Chelsea both won last night to bring them both within 4 points of reigning champions Manchester United who are in pole position. Newcastle managed to take an early lead but Rooney and Berbatov managed to secure an away victory that surely puts the Premier League out of anyone's reach. Great night for Man City, apaarently looking fitter and sharper than the currently off form Villa. At the other end, good home wins for Stoke, Hull and Tottenham Hotspur will ease their worries of relegation as well as a great away win for West Ham at the JJB Athletic Stadium against Wigan. Hull's goal was a really late one, big 3 points for them as the second half of the Premier League season has been rough on them. Zola's really pulled things round for the Hammers, I'm sure the majority of football fans are delighted for him as we can all remember the magician that he was on the pitch.
Blackburn 0-0 Everton
Fulham 0-1 Hull
Manchester City 2-0 Aston Villa
Newcastle 1-2 Manchester United
Stoke 2-0 Bolton
Spurs 4-0 Middlesboro
Wigan 0-1 West Ham
Tempted to beat the bookie? Visit Sky Bet today and register for your free £10 bet!
Blackburn 0-0 Everton
Fulham 0-1 Hull
Manchester City 2-0 Aston Villa
Newcastle 1-2 Manchester United
Stoke 2-0 Bolton
Spurs 4-0 Middlesboro
Wigan 0-1 West Ham
Tempted to beat the bookie? Visit Sky Bet today and register for your free £10 bet!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Carling Cup Result : Manchester United 4 Spurs 1 (after penalties)
Well, call me a fair weather Spurs fan but this weekend I was away in Switzerland and missed the game as I was flying during it. Great chance for my Totteham Hotspur player of the season, Aaron Lennon - and Ronaldo hit the post in injury time which could have finished the lily whites off.
As I got to my car in the East Midlands Airport I reached for the 'AM' button on the radio to get Five Live going. Damn, I missed the game completely. I then listened to a phone in on Talksport with Stan Collymore which criticised the Spurs strikers for not taking the first penalties in order to try and build some momentum in this dramatic conclusion. I could only agree with this criticism, feeling sorry for midfielder Jamie O'Hara who is not natural in front of goal but also proved that he wouldn't shirk this responsibilty.
Concentrate on league time, whilst Fergie calms talks of winning more Cups. You wouldn't bet against it I guess...but then be careful on cup final betting because they are notoriously tense (and quite boring) affairs. Many fans get stung on betting on a conclusion within the 90 minute period.
Tempted to bet the bookie? Visit Sky Bet today and register for your free £10 bet!
As I got to my car in the East Midlands Airport I reached for the 'AM' button on the radio to get Five Live going. Damn, I missed the game completely. I then listened to a phone in on Talksport with Stan Collymore which criticised the Spurs strikers for not taking the first penalties in order to try and build some momentum in this dramatic conclusion. I could only agree with this criticism, feeling sorry for midfielder Jamie O'Hara who is not natural in front of goal but also proved that he wouldn't shirk this responsibilty.
Concentrate on league time, whilst Fergie calms talks of winning more Cups. You wouldn't bet against it I guess...but then be careful on cup final betting because they are notoriously tense (and quite boring) affairs. Many fans get stung on betting on a conclusion within the 90 minute period.
Tempted to bet the bookie? Visit Sky Bet today and register for your free £10 bet!
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