Championship Betting

Premier League Betting

After the international break the hurly-burly of domestic football returns this weekend in two intriguing Liverpool versus Manchester match-ups.

Much has been made of Liverpool’s recent form with only an ill-deserved penalty rescuing the Reds from yet another embarrassing defeat against Birmingham City last time out. Rafa Benitez’s side host Manchester City on Saturday who have stumbled in recent weeks after a promising start. Even though their form is ‘awful’ (so says Glen Johnson) they should be able to do enough to beat City at 4/5. (more…)

Posted in Championship, Football, La Liga, Other Leagues, Premier League, Scottish Premier

World Cup Betting

It is crunch time in the international arena this week as nerve-racking playoffs will determine the teams that take the final qualifying places for the World Cup Finals next summer.

The Republic of Ireland are 11/5 to qualify ahead of France and I think that is terrific value. Giovanni Trapattoni’s side are unbeaten in qualifying and drew home and away with Italy in their group. Confidence is high and the Irish can see off France who might then finally get round to sacking Raymond Domenech.

Bosnia are 5/1 to qualify at the expense of Portugal which is also terrific value. Whilst they may not have Portugal’s household names they are a much better unit and in Edin Dzeko they have a genuine international class forward. It’s slightly speculative but they could follow neighbours Serbia to South Africa at long odds. (more…)

Posted in Championship, Football, Other Leagues, World Cup

Premier League Betting

Thirty eight draws in a season will probably see Wolves relegated from the Premier League and so Mick McCarthy’s men need to start turning some of their promising performances into wins. 1-1 draws with Everton and Aston Villa and a good recovery to snatch a 2-2 draw at Stoke City have demonstrated that Wolves can compete, but they still hover perilously close to the relegation zone.

They host a free-scoring Arsenal side on Saturday afternoon and the Gunners will be looking to consolidate their place in the top Three and to take advantage of a slip up from one of the ‘big two’ who also meet this weekend. Despite the disappointment of their 2-2 draw at West Ham recently Arsenal are playing well and should be far too strong for Wolves. (more…)

Posted in Championship, FA Cup, Football, Other Leagues, Premier League, Scottish Premier

Premier League Betting

Arsene Wenger must be scratching his head after Arsenal’s late capitulation to West Ham on Sunday afternoon. Rarely have I seen a side dominate an away match so comprehensively without escaping with the three points and it must worry the Arsenal manager that his team failed to put Gianfranco Zola’s side to the sword.

Arsenal host North London rivals Spurs on Saturday lunchtime in a match they should win comfortably. After a promising start Spurs have suddenly started to look vulnerable and were beaten at home by Glenn Whelan’s late winner for Stoke last time out. Even at 4/7 I’d be siding with Arsenal to win this one. (more…)

Posted in Championship, Football, La Liga, Premier League, Scottish Premier

Premier League Betting

To say that Liverpool flatter to deceive season after season would be something of an understatement. Rafa Benitez has spent over £220 million since taking over at the club and fans might well question where those many millions have gone when the Spaniard was forced to field Lucas and Jay Spearing in central midfield against Sunderland last weekend. The Reds’ title challenge could be all but over by Sunday afternoon as Man Utd are visitors to Anfield.

Alex Ferguson’s side have looked surprisingly vulnerable defensively this season with Rio Ferdinand looking out of sorts and England hopeful Ben Foster suffering from what the Guardian rather cruelly called ‘talent-knack’. Edwin van der Sar returned in their unconvincing 2-1 win over Bolton and should add some much needed composure to the back four whilst the focus will undoubtedly be on Michael Owen who returns to his former club. (more…)

Posted in Championship, Football, La Liga, Premier League, Scottish Premier