Liverpool have been a bit of a bogey team for Tottenham Hotspur down the years but the Spurs side of modern times has begun to restore the balance a little and gave Kenny Dalglish’s team a real drubbing at White Hart Lane back in September when the Reds had both Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel sent off. In fact Spurs have now won their last three Premier League games against Liverpool, only conceding one goal in the process. But prior to their win on Merseyside last May, they hadn’t got the better of Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League since 1993 though there was a few high-scoring draws between the two sides in the intervening years.

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Liverpool’s problem this season has been scoring goals, however, though the controversial suspension of Luis Suarez hasn’t helped in that quarter especially as record signing Andy Carroll seems to have been weighed down by his inflated price tag. A long-term injury to former England captain Steven Gerrard has also hampered the Reds’ progress this season but they are still proving very difficult to beat on home soil and have given the odd bloody nose to those challenging at the top.

Spurs have been a breath of fresh air in the top flight this season and, home or away, have usually targeted three points. They’ll be respectful of Liverpool’s solid home record but, with the likes of Rafael van der Vaart, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale, operating out of midfield, are never going to sit back and encourage the opposition to make the running. You’ve always got to fancy Tottenham to score but they will also concede their fair share and may have to settle for a point at Anfield. Both 0-0 and 1-1 results have been fairly common in Liverpool’s home matches this season and either could produce a dividend in this encounter. The Draw/Draw on the Half Time/Full Time forecast also makes plenty of appeal.

Liverpool v Spurs Betting

Premier League Matches

Now the qualifying is over and the draw has been made the countdown to Euro 2012 has begun. Sixteen teams will be heading to Poland and Ukraine next June in what promises to be an intriguing and extremely hard fought European Championships.

It’s possible to make a case for all the teams in the draw but our guide picks out some of the teams to watch next summer.

The favourites

Any doubt over Spain’s big tournament mentality has been well and truly banished over the last four years. The reigning European and World Cup holders have been the dominant team in world football for almost half a decade and are the worthy 5/2 favourites to retain their title.

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The Spanish squad reads like a Who’s Who of world football. From captain Iker Casillas to midfield geniuses Andres Iniesta and Xavi and forward David Villa the squad oozes class and, more importantly, two recent trophies show they have the mentality to win.
The only question surrounding Spain is whether there’s enough firepower in the event of an injury to David Villa. Considering Fernando Torres’ awful form, there’s not much depth in the Spain attack with just Bilbao’s Fernando Llorente and the inexperienced (at least in international terms) Alvaro Negredo and Manu del Moral as reserves.

A 100% record, ten wins and 34 goals saw Germany qualify with ease and Joachim Low’s side are the 10/3 second favourites to win their fourth European Championships.
Germany’s team is based on a mixture of youth and experience although it’s worth mentioning that even the experienced players are only in their mid twenties. Bastian Schweinsteiger is 27 and has 95 caps while forward Lukas Podolski is 26 and has 90 caps to his name.

Mario Gomez has stepped into Miroslav Klose’s shoes at both Bayern Munich and internationally although the experienced Lazio striker bagged a goal in Germany’s recent 3-0 friendly win over Holland. With the likes of Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, Mario Gotze, Marco Reus and Toni Kroos to call on, Low is blessed with plenty of young attacking options. They’re my tip for the title.

Holland also qualified with ease netting an average of almost four goals a game and could also replicate their run to the World Cup Final here. In Robin van Persie they have arguably the form player in European football whilst it’s worth remembering that Klaas Jan Huntelaar has an impressive record of 30 goals in just 49 internationals.

Whether their defence is good enough, I’m not sure, but Bert van Maarwijk’s side should certainly be attractive to watch.

The ones to watch

Not including England, Italy and France amongst the favourites for the European Championship shows how the balance of power has shifted in recent years.

England are 9/1 to win in Poland and the Ukraine although they will have to do much of the hard work without talismanic striker Wayne Rooney. Despite Fabio Capello’s recent evolution, I can’t see England troubling the big guns when it matters.

France and Italy are teams in progress after disappointing World Cup performances. Laurent Blanc is slowly rebuilding Les Bleus but they are not the team they were a decade ago. The loss of Antonio Cassano will damage Italy’s chances although they should be tough to beat – as normal.

Of the less fancied teams, I fancy Poland and the Republic of Ireland to cause one or two surprises.

Poland’s world ranking has suffered over the last year or two but this has been partly due to not playing any competitive fixtures as the host nation. The hosts are 50/1 to win Euro 2012 and patriotic backing from their supporters could certainly help. A host nation invariably goes on a good run at an international championships and I think it could be Poland in 2012.

While the draw may not have been kind to Ireland, there are plenty of reasons to be hopeful. Under Giovanni Trappatoni, the Irish have become extremely difficult to beat and have conceded just two goals in their last eleven matches. With an extremely strong defence and attackers capable of a moment of magic, the underdogs could very well punch above their weight at a major tournament again.

Euro 2012 Betting

Even the most die-hard Chelsea fans will probably admit that their team has little chance of winning the title this season. Andre Villas-Boas’ revolution hasn’t really materialised, though whether that’s something to do with resistance among the playing ranks is still a matter of conjecture. Certainly, attempts to find long-term replacements for the likes of Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and John Terry haven’t come to fruition and all three are still integral to Chelsea’s fortunes, though Drogba has been more of a peripheral figure this season and has recently been on Africa Cup Of Nations duty with the Ivory Coast. Nicolas Anelka and Alex have been shown the door but the expected upheaval will probably wait until the summer and, as a result, Chelsea supporters may well have to be satisfied with another assault on the top four and a decent run in the Champions League.

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Manchester United, of course, still have higher aspirations and, despite an unusually long injury list, Sir Alex Ferguson is still proving that when it comes to man-management and team tactics, the Scot has few peers in the Premier League. Losing an important player like Nemanja Vidic for the season would have knocked the stuffing out of many teams, especially as fellow central defenders Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling have also had their problems. But, just as it looked as though United were starting to falter, Ferguson seems to pull a rabbit of the hat. Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov have even filled in at the back on occasions, as has Antonio Valencia, while Phil Jones is proving that he can adapt his game to play anywhere.

United have already beaten Chelsea 3-1 at Old Trafford this season and will fancy their chances of completing the double in west London. But the champions haven’t won in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge for 10 years, though did get the better of the Blues in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final last season. The draw could be the best option this time around and, though United have the best away defensive record in the top flight, goals could also be forthcoming. A 2-2 correct score could pay dividends.

Chelsea v Man United Betting

Premier League Matches

January is proving to be a massive month for Liverpool. They’ve already completed a two-legged semi-final in the Carling Cup against Manchester City and now face the Blues’ third-round conquerors, arch-rivals Manchester United, in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Liverpool have already put five past another Lancashire side, Oldham Athletic, in the third round of the competition but can probably expect a more searching test of their credentials when United arrive on Merseyside. The two teams played out a 1-1 at Anfield in the Premier League earlier this season but that match was overshadowed by a race row that led to an eight-match suspension for Liverpool’s Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez. The club and its players were also criticised for standing by their man and the Reds’ profile took a further blow when racial discrimination reared its ugly head again during the third-round tie with Oldham. Officials and supporters, therefore, will need to be on their best behaviour when United take to the pitch at Anfield for what is always one of the most keenly contested match-ups in English club football.

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United have won the FA Cup more times than anyone else and also have the most final appearances, 18 in total. But they haven’t won the competition since 2004 whereas Liverpool beat West Ham United on penalties in the final in 2006, their seventh successive in the tournament. United have lost on three of their last four visits to Anfield and it’s likely that the home side will have the tournament as a higher priority than their visitors this season, though the same argument was put forward before United’s visit to Manchester City in the previous round. United have also won four of five FA Cup clashes between the sides since the Second World War, including in the third round last season, so history is on the side of Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.

This really does look too close to call as Liverpool rarely concede at home but don’t score many either, while United have been either brilliant or very ordinary against the top teams so far this season. The draw in 90 minutes at 11/5 looks the safest option, therefore, though there have only been two tied games between the sides in FA Cup history since United evolved from being called Newton Heath so a bet on Liverpool in the Draw No Bet at 8/11 market makes more sense. Steven Gerrard to score first and Liverpool to win 1-0 also looks decent value at 40/1.

Liverpool v Man United Betting

FA Cup Matches

Football

It’s FA Cup fourth round weekend and the main match features two of football’s oldest rivals as Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield on Saturday lunchtime. The home side are unbeaten this season in the Premier League but have drawn seven of their eleven games. United seem capable of grinding out results and are 7/4 to make the fifth round. A draw at 11/5 might be the best call.

Liverpool v Man United

Spurs’ priority remains Champions League qualification and so there could be some value in Watford beating Harry Redknapp’s side on Friday evening at 6/1. Fulham are good value at 14/5 to win at struggling Everton while last season’s finalists Stoke should be too good for Derby at 6/5.

Newcastle came a cropper away from home in the FA Cup last season and there will be many tempted by the 3/1 available on Brighton in Saturday’s late kick-off. Sunderland are 4/6 to beat local rivals Middlesbrough on Sunday while Arsenal should beat Aston Villa at 4/7.

FA Cup Matches

Football Betting

Golf

After a few weeks in Africa, the European Tour meets up with the cricketers this week as it arrives in Abu Dhabi for the HSBC Golf Championship.

Some of the world’s top golfers are back in action this weekend after their winter break and it promises to be a great event. Rory McIlroy is the 13/2 joint favourite having finished eleventh, fifth, third and second in the last four years. Martin Kaymer is also available at 13/2 having won this tournament in three of the last four years.

According to McIlroy, Tiger Woods is back to 100% fitness and is available at 8/1 while the English pair of Luke Donald and Lee Westwood can both be backed at 12/1.

Phil Mickelson is a three time winner of the Farmer’s Insurance Open and is the 14/1 joint favourite this weekend. Reigning champion Bubba Watson can be backed at 25/1.

Golf Betting

Cricket

After their heavy defeat in the opening Test, England will be looking to bounce back with a win over Pakistan in the Second Test. The match reaches its climax this weekend (assuming, of course, that England put up a better fight than they did ten days ago).
There’s also a Test match in Napier which finishes on Sunday. New Zealand are 1/4 to beat visitors Zimbabwe.

Cricket Betting

Tennis

The 100th Australian Open reaches its climax this weekend with some intriguing clashes in prospect.

The top four seeds have, as expected, reached the semi-finals in Melbourne although my each way tip for the title, Andy Murray, faces a difficult challenge in overcoming tournament favourite Novak Djokovic.

Roger Federer has been in imperious form and the 30 year old could well win his 17th Grand Slam title if he can beat old rival Rafael Nadal in the last four.

Before the tournament I tipped Maria Sharapova at 14/1 and the Russian is now into 10/3 for the title. Reigning champion Kim Clijsters is also available at 10/3 in her last Australian Open while Wimbledon champion and potential world number one Petra Kvitova is the 13/8 favourite.

Tennis Betting

Rugby Union

After last week’s Heineken Cup action, there is more Cup rugby to look forward to this weekend with group stage matches in the LV Cup.

The pick of the weekend’s matches sees the leaders of Pools 1 and 4 go head to head at the Recreation Ground as Bath take on Northampton. Pool 3 leaders Scarlets can consolidate their position with a win over Pool 2 leaders London Irish while Leicester face a tough match at Harlequins.

Gloucester need a win to keep up their excellent recent record in the competition and play the Cardiff Blues on Saturday.

Rugby Union Betting

Horse Racing

The Argento Chase at Cheltenham is a trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and is one of several good races at Saturday’s Festival Trials Day. Previous winners include Exotic Dancer and Neptune Collonges and Grand Crus is the 2/1 favourite from Captain Chris and Diamond Harry.

Sunday sees the BHP Irish Champion Hurdle from Leopardstown with Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner Hurricane Fly the 4/7 favourite.

Elsewhere, there is racing on Saturday from Doncaster, Lingfield Park and Uttoxeter.

Racing Betting

It’s definitely advantage Liverpool at the halfway stage of their Carling Cup, semi-final with Manchester City. The Reds very effectively shut up shop against City at the Etihad a couple of weeks ago after taking the lead following Steven Gerrard’s early penalty and the emphasis will again on Roberto Mancini’s team to attack at Anfield if they are not to find themselves tumbling out of a second domestic cup competition in a matter of weeks. The Blues, of course, lost to neighbours United in the third round of the FA Cup earlier this month.

There were several talking points to emerge from the first leg of this semi-final, not least the decision of referee Lee Mason not to penalise Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson for a two-footed lunge at England colleague Joleon Lescott. City had, of course, had Vincent Kompany sent off days earlier for a similar challenge on Manchester United’s Nani and Mancini was livid that the Liverpool defender wasn’t handed out the same punishment. Perhaps there will be a sense of injustice in the City camp but if they are to stay in the Carling Cup, they’ll be aware that they are going to have to be at the top of their game on Merseyside where Liverpool have yet to taste defeat this season.

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Liverpool are 6/4 to beat City for a second time and clinch their place at Wembley in style but manager Kenny Dalglish will surely set his side up again not to concede. The draw, therefore, may be the best bet at 11/5 as fans at Anfield have already seen seven draws this season, the most in the Premier League. City have already won at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal in the competition so far, however, and Mancini is likely to put out his strongest team with the collection of trophies very much a priority with owner Sheikh Mansour. Goal scoring opportunities may be at a premium at Anfield so backing Under 2.5 in the Total Goals market at 8/11 may be sound advice, with a 0-0 correct score not impossible at 17/2.

Liverpool v Man City Betting

Carling Cup Matches

The aura of invincibility surrounding Manchester City in domestic football has been dented a little lately and there is no doubt that Tottenham Hotspur will fancy their chances of becoming the first side to win at the Etihad in the Premier League this season.

This is a much different Spurs team to the one that was comprehensively put to the sword by Roberto Mancini’s table-toppers at White Hart Lane in August, even though the personnel hasn’t changed that much. Harry Redknapp’s team have only lost once in the league since that day, though there has probably been more draws recently than the manager would like. Struggling Wolves held Spurs last week, a result which denied the North London club with a share of second place, but they are still well within striking distance of the top two and well on course for a Champions League spot at the end of the season at the very least.

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This fixture has proved pivotal in the last two seasons and will again have a major impact on the destiny of the two clubs. A Peter Crouch goal secured fourth place for Spurs two years ago while, last season, the same player’s own goal gave City a vital win. Crouch, of course, is no longer at White Hart Lane but there is certainly no shortage of firepower at Tottenham with Jermaine Defoe already in double figures for the season and Emmanuel Adebayor and Gareth Bale not far behind the England striker. It’s more than two months since Spurs last drew a blank and that was in a Europa League game in Russia when most of their first XI was rested. City won’t find it easy to keep them at arm’s length either.

A look at those aforementioned scoring charts will see Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero well to the fore and both were on target at White Hart Lane, the Bosnian striker scoring four times. After a couple of cup defeats, City got back to winning ways at Wigan on Monday but they still aren’t firing on all cylinders and are clearly missing the industry of Yaya Toure in midfield and Vincent Kompany’s organisation at the back. They’ve also been finding goals harder to come by as opposition defences target David Silva and Spurs will definitely think themselves capable of causing an upset and throwing the title race wide open.

Take Tottenham to sneak all three points at 3/1. A 0-1 correct score can be backed at 11/1 and, if four or more goals are scored in the match, we’ll refund all losing correct score, scorecast and first/last goalscorer singles.

Man City v Spurs Betting

Premier League Matches

There’s no question that Arsenal are struggling to put together a decent sequence of results at present. No doubt the Gunners’ lengthy injury list is at least partly to blame and they are badly missing the calming influence of Thomas Vermaelen at the back as well as the invention of Jack Wilshere in midfield. But does Arsene Wenger still have the firepower at his disposal to launch a concerted bid on the top four?

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On the evidence of last Sunday’s defeat at Swansea, that is open to debate. Despite taking an early lead, Arsenal were definitely second-best against the Welsh side who capitalised on indecision at the back and a Gunners’ midfield that, Aaron Ramsey apart, appeared to lack any real desire to close down their opponents. Wenger shouldn’t have to point out the fact to his Arsenal players that they will get taken apart by Manchester United if they are similarly lacklustre at the Emirates this week – that much is obvious. Confidence seems to be ebbing away from Arsenal week-by-week and, given the two teams’ relative recent form, it’s difficult to see them preventing the Red Devils completing the double over them this season.

United, of course, have already put eight goals past Arsenal at Old Trafford when Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick. But there hasn’t been a great deal between the two sides in north London in recent years and some memorable encounters. Thierry Henry will certainly be keen to roll back the years and hoping for a starting place after coming off the bench twice since the start of his loan spell from New York Red Bulls. The Frenchman has already faced United this term, lining up for an MLS All Star XI in a friendly last summer. The intensity will be much greater at the Emirates, of course. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have bounced back well from recent reverses against Blackburn and Newcastle. The returning Paul Scholes scored in last week’s routine win over Bolton Wanderers and has been a thorn in Arsenal’s side down the years. Manchester United can take all the three points at the Emirates and keep up the pressure on City at the top while putting the final nail in the coffin of Arsenal’s title ambitions this season.

Arsenal v Man United Betting

Premier League Matches

Premier League Matches

Weekly Betting Tips

Football

There are a couple of belting matches to look forward to this weekend as four of this season’s ‘big five’ meet on Sunday.

First up, Manchester City provide the biggest test of Spurs’ Premier League title credentials so far as the two sides meet at Eastlands. It’s arguably the perfect time to be playing City considering they are missing several key players through injury, suspension and international call-ups. Spurs can take a giant stride towards their first league title in decades with a win at 3/1, but I fancy the home side to prevail at 10/11.

Man City v Spurs

The second big match on Sunday sees Arsenal welcome Manchester United. There’s less rivalry between these two sides than there was in the infamous Battle of the Buffet days and United have held the upper hand in recent meetings. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are 13/8 to win at the Emirates.

Arsenal v Man United

Norwich are excellent value at 9/2 to beat struggling Chelsea at Carrow Road on Saturday while Stoke should be backed at 10/11 to see off West Brom. Wolves are 7/5 to record a vital win over Aston Villa.

Premier League Matches

The African Cup of Nations begins this weekend with the Ivory Coast the clear 6/4 favourites for the title. I fancy Senegal at 11/2 and the Lions are 4/7 to beat Zambia on Saturday.

Football Betting

Golf

There’s a strong local contingent at Fancourt this weekend for the Volvo Golf Champions tournament.

Recent Africa Open winner Louis Oosthuizen is the 5/1 favourite from compatriots Charl Schwartzl, Retief Goosen and Ernie Els. Padraig Harrington had a poor 2011 and can be backed at 20/1 while the young Italian Matteo Manassero could be worth backing at 33/1.

The renamed Humana Challenge is the PGA tour event this week with the tournament having been reduced from 90 holes to a traditional 72 hole competition this year. Phil Mickelson and Matt Kuchar are the joint 16/1 favourites with Bill Haas available at 20/1. Haas has a good record in this event having won in 2010 and narrowly failing to retain his title in a playoff in 2011.

Golf Betting

Cricket

It was an inauspicious opening day for England as they began their 2012 Test campaign against Pakistan in Dubai. Assuming that the Test runs its course it will run to this weekend with the ‘home’ team looking to take a 1-0 win in the series.

South Africa play Sri Lanka in two further one day internationals; in Kimberley on Friday and in Johannesburg on Sunday.

Cricket Betting

Tennis

Reaching the second week of the Australian Open is the aim of the major seeds in the baking heat of Melbourne this weekend.
Novak Djokovic remains the 6/5 favourite to retain his title, although I like the 5/1 available on Andy Murray who has been beaten in the final in each of the last two years.

The women’s tournament is wide open with a dozen potential winners. My tip before the tournament was Maria Sharapova who is currently available at 14/1 while reigning champion Kim Clijsters can be backed at 8/1.

Tennis Betting

Rugby Union

The last eight for this season’s Heineken Cup will be decided this weekend as the final round of pool matches take place across Europe.

There’s a titanic battle for qualification from pool 2 with both Edinburgh and Cardiff Blues on 17 points. The Blues should beat Racing Metro while Edinburgh face the trickier of the games at home to unpredictable London Irish.

Leinster and Munster have already qualified and so can take things easy against Montpellier and Northampton respectively, although the Saints could still qualify as the best second place team with a good win.

Ulster thumped Leicester last weekend to stay on top of pool 4 although they face a tough trip to my tip for the Cup, Clermont Auvergne, on Saturday. With 19 points already, the Irish side may still qualify even if they lose this tie.

Saracens can book their place in the quarter finals by beating Treviso while Harlequins can join them if they win in Connacht on Friday night. Premiership rivals Gloucester would do the Quins a huge favour by beating their pool 6 challengers Toulouse.

Rugby Betting

Horse Racing

The big race on Saturday is the Victor Chandler Chase over 2 miles at Ascot, won by Master Minded in two of the last three years.
Finian’s Rainbow is the 7/4 favourite this year although is prone to errors which could prove costly in this company. Somersby at 6/1 may be the better bet having finished second to Master Minded in this race last year. Al Ferof is the second favourite at 11/4.

Weather permitting, the other racing this Saturday comes from Haydock Park, Lingfield Park and Wincanton.

Racing Betting

Following FA Cup and Carling Cup defeats in the last seven days, Manchester City will be relieved to get back to Premier League duty this weekend at the DW Stadium. But with Tottenham Hotspur closing the gap on the top two during the week – is the pressure beginning to get to Roberto Mancini’s squad?

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City didn’t enjoy a particularly fruitful holiday period and, if it wasn’t bad enough that arch-rivals Manchester United closed the gap at the top, the emergence of Spurs as credible title rivals will have further eroded confidence at the Etihad. There are already signs that they will badly miss Yaya Toure while he is away on Africa Cup Of Nations duty and the suspended Vincent Kompany will miss their clash at Wigan as well as the two following games following his sending-off in the cup tie with United. With Kolo Toure also away with the Ivory Coast, stand-in Stefan Savic failed to impress against Liverpool and City will be counting down the days until they can welcome back several members of their regular starting XI, though the influential David Silva should be fit to start having missed out in midweek.

Wigan are no strangers to a relegation battle and once again find themselves at the wrong end of the table. Given their resources in comparison to most teams in the Premier League, it’s testament to the way the club is run that they’ve managed to stay in the top flight so long. However, that doesn’t mean that Roberto Martinez and his team are preparing to throw in the towel and there are enough teams in and around the relegation places to give the Latics hope that they’ll avoid the trapdoor again.

Defeat by League 2 Swindon Town in the FA Cup last week won’t have done their confidence any good, however, and they are without a win in their last five league games having only managed one win in 10 at the DW Stadium, where they’ve conceded twice as many as they’ve scored. The match odds reflect that record and City, despite their recent indifferent form, are 4/11 to take maximum points. Wigan have managed home draws with Liverpool and Chelsea in the last month but City, even if not quite on their game at present, will surely have too many guns for the home side. Over 2.5 total goals at 8/13 looks fair odds and City to win and James Milner, who usually takes their penalties nowadays, to score is 9/2 on the Wincast.

Wigan v Man City Betting

Premier League Matches