Welcome to the SoccerBetting.info Archive of Previews. Archived previews are displayed here. If you wish to access the latest current previews please click here.

PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW by Nigel Ridgeway (Thursday, October 27, 2005)

BORO LONGING TO BE BACKED AT 7/2 Saturday 29 October ? 5.15 pm ko (PremPlus) Middlesbrough are never at team you'd want to have your house on, but the temptation is so strong to oppose United right now that Steve McLaren's side are worth an interest at 7/2 in Saturday's live encounter. The Red Devils may have won four out of five away from home but these were against Everton, Newcastle, Fulham and Sunderland, while Spurs, Liverpool and Man City have all taken a point from them over the past few weeks and this will be a harder game for them than the odds suggest. Boro are hardly reliable, but the key to punting them looks to be going in when the odds are long, and to oppose them when they're short and, as they showed against Arsenal, a hard game like this looks sure to bring out the best of them. In our First Goalscorer market, prolific scorer Yakubu look sa fair bet at 8/1, especially considering our Goalscorer Cashback Offer (money back if he scores the last goal in the game instead). YOU CAN EARN YOUR SPURS AT 9/5 Arsenal are another team worth taking on right now, and the 9/5 available on their arch rivals Tottenham is hard to resist. That price is probably based on past form more than anything else, as it's been 12 games since Spurs beat their London rivals, and that 2-1 win was their only win in 20 attempts going back nearly ten years! However, Spurs are playing the better football this season and, with home advantage, they can nick this. The rest of the weekend games look trappy, but Man City can be backed withconfidence at 5/6 to beat Aston Villa on Monday night. Their only blip athome in the league this season was a loss to Bolton, but that was down to a last minute goal, and the Citizens have been rock solid in front of their fans. Finally, Sunderland have been playing well enough of late to warrant a bet at 5/4 to beat Portsmouth, who haven't been that impressive on the road this season. Weekend Picks: Middlesbrough @ 7/2 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Yakabu to score first @ 8/1 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Tottenham Hotspur @ 9/5 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Manchester City @ 5/6 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Sunderland @ 5/4 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Middlesbrough, Tottenham, Man City and Sunderland acca. Pays £1364.35 for a £25 stake (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Posted by SoccerBetting.info @ 7:56 PM << Home

PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW 29/10 - 31/10 by Gerry McDonnell ()

Killing me softly...with Boumsong by Gerry McDonnell (Super Soccer) The pen is mightier than the sword, but definitely not in the hands of a Frenchman. As a result of Arsenal's hilarious spot-kick, Thierry Henry is now responsible for the remainder of the Gunners? penalties. The showboat capsized spectacularly, but it's the bookies that will be turned over; back the French genius to be top Premiership goal scorer at 4/1. Arsenal's visit to Tottenham is the highlight of the weekend coupon, the Gunners won 5-4 on their last visit to the Lane (I think I tipped up 5-3), and another potential cracker is on the cards. Arsenal were as short as 8/15 for the thriller last season; with Edgar Davids unavailable due to suspension and 7/4 (Tote Sport - FREE £25) on offer for the Gunners, Arsenal are the nap of the week. Like all housewives, the Mrs has a cushy life. But after long research, I've discovered an occupation that's even easier than watching TV and eating chocolate all day. The West Ham defenders have the cushiest job in the country this weekend, even easier than being Robbie Savage's fan mail opener. Anton Ferdinand & Co have the simple task of marking Peter Crouch. It?s now 13 games without a goal for the beanpole striker, although unconfirmed reports suggest that he hit a post in training 2 months ago. We have to go back to 1963 to find the last time West Ham won at Anfield (I think Teddy Sheringham scored the winner), but the Hammers can be confident of a clean sheet in this one; back the goalless draw at 8/1. Man City and Aston Villa both like to play football, and luckily for them, they meet in a football match on Monday night. City are in scintillating form on their own patch and have hammered the Villa in this fixture for the last three seasons. The 5/6 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) on offer for Man City should be treated like a jam doughnut in the presence of Wayne Rooney; it should be dived on before it disappears. If you think that under/over 2.5 is the spread on the amount of goals Peter Crouch will score this season, you're only partially correct, it?s also one of the most popular bets on a football match. For the uninitiated, 'under' = 2 goals or less, 'over' = 3 goals or more. The match between Birmingham and Everton is a no brain 'under'; it?s as close as you can get to a certainty without finding Jordan?s telephone number. 6 of the last 8 Birmingham matches have gone 'under' and it?s 9 out of the last 10 for Everton. You can back 'unders' at 4/7 in this match, and that?s similar to printing your own money, only a lot more legal. Never look a gift horse in the mouth, in fact, just stay away from Van Nistelrooy altogether. West Brom are rock bottom of the recent form table (8 matches), making Newcastle a great bet at a whopping 29/20 (UK Betting - FREE £25) . Emre looks an unusually superb signing from Graeme Souness; his left foot is an absolute peach, which makes him a plum bet to bag a pair against the Baggies, get on at 20/1. The following mixed bag of specials are all available at Super Soccer. "Robben Hood" - Arjen Robben to score with a header@ 13/2 "Claude it back" - Makelele to score the last goal @ 33/1 "In Denial" - Mido to be sent off @ 25/1 "Crouch a tiger, Did a dragon" - Crouch and Drogba both to score @ 9/2 "Helmet Cole" - Andy Cole to score with a header @ 9/2 "Killing me softly, with Boumsong" - Boumsong to score at any time @ 10/1 Quote of the week: "You know why they (Arsenal) took the penalty like that? They have so many penalties in a season; they had to do something different". Jose Mourinho is a genius. Stat, you're a liberty: Peter Crouch is not the tallest player to have graced the Premiership, Portsmouth goalkeeper Kostas Chalkias stood a centimetre taller. Acc of the week: Wigan Arsenal Sunderland Newcastle Man City The five-fold pays a whopping 42/1, and will definitely* win. * = probably will not. Weekend Betting: Wigan Athletic vs Fulham Saturday 29th October 12.45 Live on Premiership Plus Wigan 23/20 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 9/4 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Fulham 11/4 (Coral - FREE £10) Get on: Wigan. Fulham haven't won away from home this season, the Latics are flying. Home win. Match Special: Wigan to win 2-1 15/2 Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal Saturday 29th October 13.00 Tottenham 9/5 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 9/4 (Tote Sport - FREE £25) Arsenal 7/4 (Tote Sport - FREE £25) Get on: Arsenal. The Gunners are unbeaten against Tottenham this century, get stuck into the 6/4. Match Special: Arsenal to score three or more goals 5/1 Birmingham City vs Everton Saturday 29th October 15.00 Birmingham 13/10 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 9/4 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Everton 21/10 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Draw. Neither team can afford to lose, it's a goalless draw. Match Special: No Goalscorer in the match 15/2 Charlton Athletic vs Bolton Wanderers Saturday 29th October 15.00 Charlton 6/5 (Ladbrokes - FREE £20) Draw 9/4 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Bolton 5/2 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get on: Bolton. Bolton have never lost at the Valley in the Premiership. Charlton are imperious away, average at home. 5/2 spells value. Match Special: Bolton to win 2-1 12/1 Chelsea vs Blackburn Rovers Saturday 29th October 15.00 Chelsea 1/5 (Tote Sport - FREE £25) Draw 5/1 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Blackburn 14/1 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Chelsea. Chelsea were knocked out of the League cup in midweek, Blackburn will feel the backlash. This finished 4-0 to Chelsea last season, a repeat could well be on the cards. Match Special: Chelsea to win 4-0 8/1 Liverpool vs West Ham United Saturday 29th October 15.00 Liverpool 4/7 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 13/5 (VC Bet - FREE £50) West Ham 11/2 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get on: Draw. Liverpool can not be backed at 4/7, just say no. Match Special: No Goalscorer in the match 8/1 Sunderland vs Portsmouth Saturday 29th October 15.00 Sunderland 5/4 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Draw 9/4 (Tote Sport - FREE £25) Portsmouth 11/5 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Sunderland. The Mackems are unbeaten in 10 games against Pompey, that mythical home win is finally in sight. Match Special: Stephen Elliott to score two or more goals 13/2 Middlesbrough vs Manchester United Saturday 29th October 17.15 Live on Premiership Plus Middlesbrough 4/1 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Draw 12/5 (Tote Sport - FREE £25) Man Utd 5/6 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Man Utd. United have won 6 of their last 7 league matches at the Riverside, Man U are a tentative pick. Match Special: Rooney and Van Nistelrooy both to score 11/2 West Bromwich Albion vs Newcastle United Sunday 30th October 16.00 Live on Sky West Brom 2/1 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 9/4 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Newcastle 29/20 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Newcastle. A team on the up plays a team on the way down. It's an away win. Match Special: Newcastle to keep a clean sheet 7/4 Manchester City vs Aston Villa Monday 31st October 20.00 Live on Sky Man City 5/6 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 12/5 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Aston Villa 7/2 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get on: Man City. City have bossed this fixture for the last three seasons, winning 2-0, 4-1 and 3-1 respectively. Nil points for the Villa again, if only they could play Birmingham each week. Match Special: Man City to score in both halves 7/4 Posted by SoccerBetting.info @ 7:28 PM << Home

PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW by Nigel Ridgeway (Thursday, October 20, 2005)

NEWCASTLE A DERBY SPECIAL AT 4/6 Sunday 23 October - 1.30 pm ko (PremPlus) The first Tyne & Wear derby for two and a half years takes place at St James' Park on Sunday, and this could be the perfect opportunity forNewcastle to kick-start their season. The signing of Michael Owen helped to end the Magpies goals drought, but a key player for them could be Emre, who made his comeback at Wigan last week after two months out. The Geordies looked so much more fluent after the Turk came on, and he could be just the man to thread the ball through the way Owen likes. In that case, it?s hard to resist a few quid on Michael Owen to net first at 7/2, especially as Bet 365 will give you your money back if he scores the last goal instead. Newcastle have won the last three meetings without conceding (13/8 to win to nil on Saturday) and, if they score first, it should be game over too. Both times they've taken the lead this season they've won, while the six times Sunderland have conceded first have ended in defeat, so a half-time lead for Toon should be money in the bank as far as the outright is concerned (4/7). LATICS ARE UNDERESTIMATED AT 11/4 In other games this weekend, Wigan look to have been underestimated (again) by the layers, and are great value at 11/4 to beat Aston Villa. The home team are hard to fancy on their current form, and have conceded nearly three times as many league goals this season than the Latics. Charlton (8/5) have made a great start to the season, especially away from home (only team other than Chelsea with a 100% record), and Portsmouth are unlikely to be the first team to inflict an away defeat on the Addicks. With the Chelsea price of 2/5 there for the taking at home to Everton (6/5 to win to nil), we?ve got the makings of a decent acca this weekend, with our four fancied teams paying out £597.19 for a £25 stake, which includes a Bet 365 bonus of 5%. Weekend Picks: Newcastle @ 4/7 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Newcastle to win to nil @ 13/8 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Michael Owen to score first @ 7/2 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Wigan, Charlton, Chelsea to win to nil treble @ 20.45/1 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Posted by SoccerBetting.info @ 3:34 PM << Home

PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW 22/10 - 23/10 by Gerry McDonnell ()

All Hands to the Plump by Gerry McDonnell (Super Soccer) My grandmother used to swear by the following advice, if you burn your mouth eating soup, you?ll know to blow it the next time, which is unusually good advice from a clearly deranged pensioner. After opposing Chelsea earlier in the season, I'm now flip-flopping like a fish in a Japanese restaurant. Conventional wisdom tells us that a team can not go through a Premiership season winning every match, but nothing in life is impossible, with the exception of a Peter Crouch hat-trick. With nine wins out of nine matches under their belt, you can now back Chelsea at 40/1 to win the remainder of their Premiership matches; although the safer bet will be that Jose?s men remain unbeaten for the rest of the campaign at 4/1. Chelsea's performance against Bolton last week was sublime, but like the wife on our wedding night, I feel I have to comment on the disappointing tackle. Michael Essien's challenge on Tal Ben Haim was the only real negative in a superb display, back Chelsea at 2/5 (Sporting Odds - FREE £20) for an easy win at Goodison Park. The average footballer is not the smartest tool in the box, take Robbie Savage, you?ll struggle to find a more average footballer than him. He's on £30,000 a week and he still can?t find a hairdresser. Robbie goes up against Birmingham City for the first time since his acrimonious departure last season. After facing taunts of "money grabber" from City fans, and "geographically challenged hippy" from a respected betting journalist, Savage will be more fired up than usual for this one. You can back Robbie to be sent off at 16/1. The controversy surrounding David O'Leary's celebration at the end of the Birmingham derby last week is understandable, I haven't heard of a grown man running towards a pensioner with a big smile on his face since the Wayne Rooney story broke. Aston Villa are still on a high after their derby heroics, take the even money about back to back Villa victories. Somewhat surprisingly, there have only been 10 goals in the last six meetings between Spurs and Man U, although it would have been 11 if it wasn't for a serious dose of OldTrafforditis from Mark Clattenburg last season. As the plump one is returning to the United starting line up, goals are guaranteed. Man U are a cracking bet at 8/13 (Bet 365 - FREE £100). Middlesbrough have been rocked by the news that Abel Xavier has failed a drugs test. Having seen him play, I'm betting they were not performance enhancing. Boro have been inconsistent all season, West Ham are looking better and better, get on the Hammers at 7/5 (UK Betting - FREE £25). The following 'brace bagging' specials are available at Super Soccer. "Bent cops" - Darren Bent to score two or more goals @ 6/1 "The joy of Cesc" - Fabregas to score two or more goals @ 16/1 "Who let the Drog out" - Didier Drogba to score two or more goals @ 9/2 "The Zog on the Tyne" - N'Zogbia to score two or more goals @ 20/1 "Rocking Horse" - Van Nistelrooy to score two or more goals @ 4/1 "All hands to the plump" - Wayne Rooney to score two or more goals @ 5/1 Quote of the week: "Bolton fans were tucking into their pies at half time, with relish". MOTD commentator Guy Mowbray drops a bombshell; is this how Abramovich made his money? Stat, you?re a liberty: Every time Wayne Rooney has scored for Manchester United, they have gone on to win the match (17 times). Stat's not so surprising: Brian McBride has scored more league goals than Cisse, Crouch and Morientes combined. Acc of the week: Arsenal Aston Villa Fulham Man Utd West Ham The five fold pays out at 28/1. Weekend Betting: Blackburn Rovers vs Birmingham City Saturday 22nd October 12.45 Live on Sky Blackburn 21/20 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 9/4 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Birmingham 11/4 (Sporting Odds - FREE £20) Get on: Blackburn. A high scoring match historically, there's been 19 goals in the last five meetings. Blues have not won at Ewood Park since the swinging 60's, if Savage doesn?t see red, it's a home win. Match Special: Blackburn to win 3-1 16/1 Arsenal vs Manchester City Saturday 22nd October 15.00 Arsenal 1/2 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 14/5 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Man City 7/1 (Sporting Odds - FREE £20) Get on: Arsenal. The Gunners have ruled this match in recent seasons, the last dozen meetings in the league have seen 11 wins for Arsenal and a draw. There is no argument for backing Man City. Match Special: Thierry Henry to score a hat-trick 12/1 Aston Villa vs Wigan Athletic Saturday 22nd October 15.00 Aston Villa Evens (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 9/4 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Wigan 11/4 (Sporting Odds - FREE £20) Get on: Aston Villa. The Villa will still be on a high from their demolition of local neighbours Birmingham; definite home win. Match Special: Steven Davis to score at any time 4/1 Fulham vs Liverpool Saturday 22nd October 15.00 Fulham 13/5 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Draw 9/4 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Liverpool 11/10 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get on: Fulham. There were 10 goals scored in the 2 meetings last term, that's more than Liverpool will score away from home all season. Home win. Match Special: Fulham to keep a clean sheet 11/5 Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur Saturday 22nd October 15.00 Man Utd 8/13 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 13/5 (Sporting Odds - FREE £20) Tottenham 11/2 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Man Utd. United only have one home win in the league this season, they're about to double that figure. Match Special: Van Nistelrooy to score a hat-trick 14/1 Portsmouth vs Charlton Athletic Saturday 22nd October 17.15 Live on Premiership Plus Portsmouth 7/4 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 9/4 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Charlton 8/5 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get on: Draw. Charlton have a 100% record on the road. That's right, Charlton. Score draw. Match Special: Match to finish 2-2 14/1 Newcastle United vs Sunderland Sunday 23rd October 13.30 Live on Premiership Plus Newcastle 7/10 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 12/5 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Sunderland 5/1 (Sporting Odds - FREE £20) Get on: Draw. With four of the last nine derbies ending in a draw, the 11/5 on offer for another looks a value bet. Match Special: Stephen Elliott to score at any time 9/4 Bolton Wanderers vs West Bromwich Albion Sunday 23rd October 15.00 Bolton 8/11 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 12/5 (VC Bet - FREE £50) West Brom 9/2 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Bolton. Bolton have never beaten the Baggies in the Premiership, until now. Match Special: Bolton to score in both halves 13/8 West Ham United vs Middlesbrough Sunday 23rd October 15.00 West Ham United 7/5 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 9/4 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Middlesbrough 2/1 (Sporting Odds - FREE £20) Get on: West Ham. West Ham enjoy hosting the Boro, the last three matches have all been won 1-0 by the Hammers. Match Special: West Ham to win 1-0 6/1 Everton vs Chelsea Sunday 23rd October 16.00 Live on Sky Everton 9/1 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 18/5 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Chelsea 2/5 (Sporting Odds - FREE £20) Get on: Chelsea. The last four games between Everton and Chelsea have produced a total of three goals; Chelsea could hit five in this one. Match Special: Chelsea to score five or more goals 9/1 Posted by SoccerBetting.info @ 3:23 PM << Home

PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW by Nigel Ridgway (Thursday, October 13, 2005)

OPPOSE REDS AT A TASTY 5/1 After the double dose of internationals this week, there could be some value in opposing the teams stuffed with returnees this weekend, and, in particular, Liverpool should be opposed against Blackburn. Liverpool are unattractive favourites at 8/13(Bet 365 - FREE £100), while Blackburn?s price of 5/1 could be a shade on the generous side. Blackburn are on a high right now, coming offtheir win at Old Trafford, while Liverpool come into this off a run of three draws and a defeat. So, a result for Rovers is more is more likely than the odds suggest. They can also be supported (with even more confidence) on the Asian Handicap at 2.00 (Bet 365 - FREE £100), where they receive a three-quarter goal start. MACKEMS GREAT VALUE AT 11/2 United could also be vulnerable this weekend against Sunderland, especially now the Mackems have got the monkey off their back with a 2-0 win atMiddlesbrough. Since securing their first Premiership win in 27 games, they?ve gone three games unbeaten and could be over-priced at 11/2 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) to win their first home game of the season. Again, they look more worthy of support on our Asian Handicap at 1.875 (+ 1 goal) (Bet 365 - FREE £100), which consistently offers bettors great value. At the same time Stephen Elliot (a recent scorer for Ireland) looks a fair bet at 9/1 to open the scoring, especially considering we will give you your money back if he scores the last goal in the game instead. VISITORS CAN HAMMER OUT RESULT AT 3/1 Sunday 16 October ? 4:00 pm ko (SS1) For the same reasons as the above, there would have been grounds for opposing Arsenal (vs West Brom) and Chelsea (vs Bolton) this weekend, if onlytheir opponents were more convincing. Instead, we?ll lump on West Ham at 3/1 (Bet 365 - FREE £100), to get a result at the City of Manchester Stadium. After a bright start, the Citizens have come back down to earth recently with a defeat at home to Bolton, an early exit in the Carling Cup at the hands of Doncaster and a loss against Newcastle. On the other hand, a particular good run of results away from home has made pre-season odds-on relegation quotes forthe Hammers look silly, and they?ll be hard to beat again this Sunday. In other games this weekend, Wigan, whose form looks far more convincing than Newcastle?s, look worthy of support at 8/5 (Bet 365 - FREE £100), while Tottenham are good things at 8/13 (Bet 365 - FREE £100), to beat Everton. A £10 acca on our five fancies this weekend pays out £6552, which includes a Bet 365 bonus of 10%. Good luck. Posted by SoccerBetting.info @ 1:54 PM << Home

PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW 15/10 - 17/10 by Gerry McDonnell ()

The Moody Blues by Gerry McDonnell (Super Soccer) As a child, I quickly came to terms with the concept of a caterpillar evolving into a butterfly. As an adult, I accepted the wife's monthly tendency to turn into a raging psychopath, before reverting back to the more placid psychopath she would normally be. As a betting genius, I find Everton's transformation from Champions League participants into Sunday League cloggers more difficult to comprehend. What are the reasons behind their demise? Two seasons ago, Everton finished 17th in the league, one spot off relegation. At the start of last season, instead of strengthening a poor team, they sold their best/plumpest player. Three consecutive 1-0 wins early in the season gave them an air of confidence, which coupled with a statistical anomaly not seen since I bet on red at roulette and black came out 37 times, landed the Evertonians a 4th place finish. To sum up, Everton are not in demise, they're still the same poor team they were two seasons ago. Get on Tottenham at 8/13 (UK Betting - FREE £25). Next week, I solve the Middle East crisis. Thomas Sorensen is a capable goalkeeper, but he suffers from 'footballing anorexia', he freezes when he sees Emile. The Villa keeper handed the bragging rights to Birmingham in both matches last season, but the luck is about to run out for the Blues. Birmingham are conceding two goals a game on their own patch and have had a player sent off in their last three league matches. Barring a goalkeeping error, the Villa are a cracking bet at 21/10 (UK Betting - FREE £25). While watching England beat the Poles in a local tavern, I heard a drunken young man sing the following, "If Crouch can play for England so can I?" You'd think Phil Neville would spend his time more productively. It's now 10 games without a goal for Peter Crouch and Liverpool are 13th in the table as a result. With the Reds finding goals hard to come by, back Blackburn to snatch a draw at 5/2 (VC Bet - FREE £50). Sunderland vs Manchester United would have been the game of the week if Roy Keane wasn?t out injured, although I hold out hope that Keano will offer Mick McCarthy tactical advise from the stand. The Mackems are on a four match unbeaten run in all competitions, but with Van Nistelrooy and Rooney in great form, United are the bet at 1/2 (UK Betting - FREE £25) . Nothing lasts forever, with the possible exception of a conversation about cushions between the wife and her mother. Chelsea's 100% record in the league has been a fantastic effort, but Bolton are a great bet to put an end to their domination. Big Sam has avoided defeat at the Bridge for the last two seasons, and Bolton have won six of their last eight matches in all competitions. All good things must come to an end, back Bolton to win or draw at 3/1. The following paired Goalscorer specials are all available at Super Soccer. "Ham, Berger" Dietmar Hamann and Patrik Berger both to score @ 33/1 "Chubby, Brown" Wayne Rooney and Michael Brown both to score @ 10/1 "Bent, double" Darren Bent and Marcus Bent both to score @ 13/2 "Horses, Four Courses" Van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney both to score @ 3/1 "Sun, Bern" Sun Jihai and Olivier Bernard both to score @ 66/1 "My big fat Greek wedding" Wayne Rooney and Stelios both to score @ 12/1 "Chris, Musampa" Chris Sutton and Kiki Musampa both to score @ 12/1 Conspiracy theory of the week: Why would Liverpool pay £7 million for Peter Crouch? Could the following have taken place? Rupert Lowe, "Harry, now that we're relegated, sell that lanky Crouch, and try to recoup the £2 million we paid the Villa". Harry Redknapp, "Rafa, I'm flogging Crouchy, he can't head the ball, but he's got two great feet, he's yours for a million a foot. Rafa Benitez, "O.K. here's a cheque for £7 million." Quote of the week: "He's been refereeing for years and has done a good job". Wayne Rooney applauds Kim Milton Nielson. Most annoying sentence of the week: "Let's join our commentators, John Motson and Graeme Le Saux." Stat, you're a liberty: There's only one team in the Premiership that have kept all opposing forwards off the scoresheet in the league this season; it's West Ham. Acc of the week: Manchester United Tottenham Hotspur Arsenal West Ham United Charlton Athletic The five-fold will pay over 20/1 when successful. Weekend Betting: Wigan Athletic vs Newcastle United Saturday 15th October 12.45 Live on Premiership Plus Wigan Athletic 15/8 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 23/10 (Sporting Odds - FREE £20) Newcastle United 8/5 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get on: Draw. It's three wins on the bounce for Wigan and they are yet to concede two goals in a game. With Michael back for the Geordies, a draw is on the cards. Match Special: Match to finish 1-1 11/2. Chelsea vs Bolton Wanderers Saturday 15th October 15.00 Chelsea 2/9 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Draw 9/2 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Bolton Wanderers 12/1 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get on: Draw. Bolton have reaped an impressive four points from their last two visits to the Bridge, at 2/9 for Chelsea, I'd rather be a layer than a player. Match Special: One goal or less in the game 11/5. Liverpool vs Blackburn Rovers Saturday 15th October 15.00 Liverpool 4/6 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 5/2 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Blackburn Rovers 5/1 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get on: Draw. Liverpool are on a four match run in the league without a win, another draw is the only option. Match Special: Kuqi to score at any time 5/2. Sunderland vs Manchester United Saturday 15th October 15.00 Sunderland 13/2 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 14/5 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Manchester United 1/2 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Manchester United. 70% of United's goals have been scored away from home this season; the omens are not good for the Mackems. Match Special: Man Utd to score four or more goals 5/1. Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton Saturday 15th October 15.00 Tottenham Hotspur 8/13 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 5/2 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Everton 5/1 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get on: Tottenham Hotspur. Everton have never won at Spurs in the Premiership, even when they had a good team; home banker. Match Special: Tottenham to score in both halves 6/4. West Bromwich Albion vs Arsenal Saturday 15th October 15.00 West Brom 11/2 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Draw 11/4 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Arsenal 8/13 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get on: Arsenal. The Albion are currently woeful, the Gunners could run riot. Match Special: Arsenal to score four or more goals 5/1. Middlesbrough vs Portsmouth Saturday 15th October 17.15 Live on Sky Middlesbrough 8/11 (Coral - FREE £10) Draw 23/10 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Portsmouth 9/2 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Middlesbrough. The Boro are a punters nightmare, their last two matches at home in the league have seen a win against Arsenal, followed by a defeat to Sunderland. A tentative home win. Match Special: Yakubu to score the first goal 4/1. Birmingham City vs Aston Villa Sunday 16th October 12.00 Birmingham 11/8 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 11/5 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Aston Villa 21/10 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Aston Villa. City can't win at home, Villa are playing better than their results would indicate; away win. Match Special: Sorensen to keep a clean sheet 9/5. Manchester City vs West Ham United Sunday 16th October 16.00 Live on Sky Manchester City 10/11 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 9/4 (UK Betting - FREE £25) West Ham United 10/3 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Get on: West Ham. Man City's recent win over Everton was their first victory in 5 games. The Hammers have a pearl in Benayoun, 10/3 looks tasty. Match Special: Benayoun to score the first goal 12/1. Charlton Athletic vs Fulham Monday 17th October 20.00 Live on Sky Charlton 5/6 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 12/5 (Coral - FREE £10) Fulham 4/1 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Get on: Charlton. Charlton's only defeats this season have been at home to other London clubs, Fulham aren't Tottenham or Chelsea. Match Special: Darren Bent to score two or more goals 9/2. Posted by SoccerBetting.info @ 12:20 PM << Home

WORLD CUP PREVIEW by Nigel Ridgway (Thursday, October 06, 2005)

ENGLAND vs AUSTRIA Saturday 8 October 4:00 pm ko (BBC) With England at prohibitive odds of 2/9 for a game that they should (must) win, the correct play could be in the goals markets. In the hope that we won?t see Sven experimenting this time, we can expect a few goals from the anticipated Crouch / Owen combo up front (1/2 that they play up front together), which brought Owen a hat-trick against Colombia in the summer. The Austrians are in disarray, with only Azerbaijan and Wales having failed to score against them in qualifying, while even Scotland managed to breach their defence in a recent friendly, so a bet on over 2.5 goals looks best here. At the same time, Michael Owen looks a fair bet at 7/2 to open the scoring, especially considering we?ll give you your money back if he scores the last goals in the game instead. NORTHERN IRELAND vs WALES Saturday 8 October 8 3:00 pm ko (BBC1 ? NI/ BBC2 ? Wales) Wales are winless in 14 competitive games and will be desperate to get something out of their World Cup campaign. However, they may have to have to wait until their final game against Azerbaijan to restore some Welsh pride, as the Irish look well up to the task. Their recent 1-0 win over England was no fluke, while they deserved their draw in Cardiff too, and this well organised side should be backed at 8/5 to follow up. Live betting available. SCOTLAND vs BELARUS Saturday 8 October 3:00 pm ko (SS1) With four teams scrapping it out for second spot in the group, this is a must win game for both teams. It?s three points or out, so we?re unlikelyto see a repeat of the stalemate between the sides back in June. On their recent form, Scotland are more than entitled to win this but, from a punting perspective, the odds of 8/15 are not great. Instead, we?ll back the value option by playing the correct score market. Scotland?s four home games so far have produced five goals, so we'll split stakes on a 1-0 or 2-0 win, at 5/1 and 11/2 respectively. Weekend International Picks: England vs Austria ? Over 2.5 goals @ 6/5 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Michael Owen to score first @ 7/2 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Northern Ireland to beat Wales @ 8/5 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Scotland to beat Belarus 1-0 @ 5/1 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Scotland to beat Belarus 2-0 @ 11/2 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Posted by SoccerBetting.info @ 2:13 PM << Home

WORLD CUP PREVIEW 8/10 - 9/10 by Gerry McDonnell ()

Ramsay's Treat by Gerry McDonnell (Super Soccer) I'm not one for jumping on band-wagons, or any wooden form of transport, but Sven has made mistakes in the last couple of games that need to be rectified. The Quarter-back formation has been a disaster, and should be binned quicker than Michelle McManus. The system suited David Beckham down to the ground, but completely negated the world class talent of Gerrard and Lampard. With a change in formation a given, Sven's greatest dilemma is the centre back positions. Terry has been all gold this season, so his place in the starting 11 is assured. His partner will either be Rio Ferdinand or Sol Campbell, and for my money, Campbell should get the nod. Rio has a notoriously bad memory, his recent performances for club and country would indicate that the art of defending has now slipped his mind. On the other hand, Campbell looks hungrier than Wayne Rooney; Sol is definitely worth a nibble at 25/1 (Coral - FREE £10) to net the opener. England go into the match with their greatest goal threat suspended (R.E.M. had the foresight to write a song about Sven's crisis, "If you believe, they put a ban on the Roon?") . Early indications would suggest that Peter Crouch will be Rooney's replacement, which proves that Sven has a severe case of Benitezitis, an infliction that makes you believe a gangly forward is the answer to all problems. Even with Crouch playing, England should be backed at 2/9 (Ladbrokes - FREE £20). If that's too skinny, get on England minus a goal at 4/5 (Bet 365 - FREE £100). Now i'm not Gordon Ramsay; but I can knock up a tart no problem. Here's a recipe for Sven: Bin the quarter-back. Bin Rio. Bin Crouch. Put these ingredients together, and in nine months, a World Cup challenge will be ready. You can back England for World Cup glory at 9/1(Tote Sport - FREE £25). Belgium vs Spain is the tastiest looking match of the weekend; both teams are desperate for the win to remain in contention for qualification. The first meet between the two teams saw two Belgians see red; it's no surprise to see Van Damme in the squad for this one. The Spanish are famous big game chokers; I'll be on Belgium at 100/30 (Sporting Odds - FREE £20). Why is it all the great players end in 'O' (Joseph Yobo is the exception that proves the rule) ? Ronaldo, Robinho, Ze Roberto and Adriano will dazzle the Bolivians on Sunday night live on Bravo. Back the breath-taking Brazilians at 5/6(Sporting Odds - FREE £20). The following English team specials are all available at Super Soccer. "On your Owen" - Owen to score the only goal of the game @ 16/1 "High and mighty" - Peter Crouch to score with a header @ 9/2 "The Real deal" - Beckham to score a penalty @ 6/1 "Magic Lamp" - Frank Lampard to score two or more goals @ 8/1 "Stevie Wonder" - Gerrard to score two or more goals @ 11/1 "Cole, mine" - Joe Cole to score two or more goals @ 14/1 "Close encounters of the Ferd kind" - Rio Ferdinand to be booked @ 4/1 "Terry, towel in" - John Terry to be sent off @ 50/1 "Sol destroying" - Campbell to score two or more goals @ 50/1 "Luke, warm" - Luke Young to score at any time @ 12/1 "Put your Scouse in order" - Jamie Carragher to be booked @ 5/2 Quote of the week: "Fergie for England". Wigan chairman Dave Whelan is obviously missing a marble or two. Stat, you're a liberty: Only Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, the Faroe's and San Marino have collected fewer points than the Welsh in European World Cup qualifying. Bet of the week: Wales Belgium Switzerland The treble will pay almost 40/1. Weekend Betting: Northern Ireland vs Wales Saturday 8th October 14.00 Live on BBC2 Northern Ireland 8/5 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 9/4 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Wales 9/5 (Coral - FREE £10) Get on: Wales. The Welsh are a better team than their recent form suggests. At 9/5, they're the value bet of the week. Match Special: Hartson to score the first goal 6/1 Scotland vs Belarus Saturday 8th October 15.00 Live on Sky Scotland 8/13 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 14/5 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Belarus 11/2 (Sporting Odds - FREE £20) Get on: Draw. Belarus are no mugs, they've scored four goals against Italy in this group; score draw. Match Special: Match to finish 1-1 11/2 England vs Austria Saturday 8th October 16.00 Live on BBC1 England 2/9 (Ladbrokes - FREE £20) Draw 4/1 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Austria 14/1 (Sporting Odds - FREE £20) Get on: England. Sven's men must win to keep their chances of topping the group alive; they will. Match Special: Gerrard and Lampard both to score 10/1 Cyprus vs Republic of Ireland Saturday 8th October 18.00 Live on Sky Cyprus 9/1 (Ladbrokes - FREE £20) Draw 9/2 (Sporting Odds - FREE £20) Ireland 2/7 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Ireland. The Cypriots haven't been outclassed in this group; they're yet to concede more than three goals in a game. A safe 2-0 win for the Irish. Match Special: Ireland to win 2-0 11/2 Belgium vs Spain Saturday 8th October 19.45 Live on Eurosport Belgium 100/30 (Sporting Odds - FREE £20) Draw 9/4 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Spain Evens (Ladbrokes - FREE £20) Get on: Belgium. A must win game for both teams, with home advantage and 100/30 available; the value lies with the hosts. Match Special: Spain to have a player sent off 7/1 Switzerland vs France Saturday 8th October 19.45 Switzerland 7/2 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 9/4 (UK Betting - FREE £25) France 5/6 (Sporting Odds - FREE £20) Get on: Switzerland. It's eight matches unbeaten in one of the toughest groups for the Swiss; they're obviously on a roll. Apologies. Match Special: Switzerland to win 1-0 7/1 Bolivia vs Brazil Sunday 9th October 21.00 Live on Bravo Bolivia 7/2 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Draw 5/2 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Brazil 5/6 (Sporting Odds - FREE £20) Get on: Brazil. The Bolivians are the whipping boys of the South American group, Brazil could well go nuts. Match Special: Ronaldinho to score the first goal 5/1 Posted by SoccerBetting.info @ 1:21 PM << Home