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PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW by Nigel Ridgeway (Thursday, November 24, 2005)

CHELSEA TO DISAPPEAR INTO THE BLUE YONDER @ 10/3 Saturday November 26 ? 5.15 ko (PremPlus) Chelsea look the bankers of the weekend, as they travel to struggling Portsmouth. Even Perry Mason couldn't make a case for Pompey, who have failed to win at home so far this season. Chelsea's mini dip in form was exorcised last week when they beat Newcastle 3-0 (Joe Cole's a tasty 7/1 to score first again), but they had to wait until the second half to break down the Magpies defence. This shouldn't have come as a surprise though. In Chelsea's 11 wins so far this season, they have failed to lead at half time on six occasions. In contrast, Pompey tend to be stronger in the first half. Despite their poor results, they have only been behind at the break five times in thirteen games, and that includes the Sunderland match where they came backto win 4-1. I can see Portsmouth hanging on until half-time, maybe by parking the team bus in front of goal, but once their defence is breached, it could open the floodgates. Better teams than Pompey have been blown away by the Blue Machine this year, and there?s an attractive 21/20 about Chelsea giving up a goal start. Live Game Pick: Draw Half-time / Chelsea Full-time @ 10/3 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Chelsea to win 3-0 @ 8/1 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) BLUES TO PUNCH SUNDERLAND'S LIGHTS OUT @ 7/4 Last week was only the third occasion that the "big three" all won on thesame weekend this season, but it could be more of the same this timearound. We've already outlined Chelsea's credentials, and Arsenal (4/11) look hard to resist at home to Blackburn. The Gunners have a 100% record at Highbury this season and have conceded only twice. Blackburn (8/1) did manage the upset of the season so far, turning over Manchester United at Old Trafford in September, but it may be asking too much of them to repeat that feat. Manchester United (8/11) make up the "big three" trio, and should have too much for inconsistent West Ham. The Hammers (4/1) have never beaten United in the Premiership at Upton Park, and this game may have just come at the wrong time for Alan Pardew's men, as United look to be running into form. They'll be disappointed with the result against Villarreal in midweek, but the Spanish came with a game plan and weren't looking for anything other than the draw. On the balance of play, United were unlucky not to get anything out of the game. It wasn't that long ago we were all wondering how long Fergie could hang on to his job for, but wins against Chelsea and Charlton have sent a clear message to the rest of the Premiership that United are back. Birmingham can give Steve Bruce a much-needed boost by overcoming Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Both of these teams have lost five in arow, but Birmingham will be the more optimistic going into this match. The Blues possess players of genuine Premiership class, but the same can't be said for Sunderland. Relegation rivals Portsmouth and Aston Villa both visited Wearside recently, and both left with maximum points, and the 7/4 about Birmingham looks too good to miss. The Black Cats (6/4 to win on Saturday) are without a home win all season, and there's been nothing in recent weeks to suggest a change in fortune is just around the corner. A £25 acca on our four fancied teams pays out £229.65, which includes a Bet 365 bonus of 5% (up to 60% available every weekend). Premiership Accumulator: Chelsea, Arsenal, Man Utd & Birmingham ? pays £229.65 for a £25 stake (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Posted by SoccerBetting.info @ 1:48 PM << Home

PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW 26/11 - 27/11 by Gerry McDonnell ()

Science is Goalden by Gerry McDonnell (Super Soccer) The definition of happiness is spending time with the one you love; for me, that's the television. Having accidentally flicked on to a science channel, I was intrigued by the following question, "What came first, the chicken or the egg?" Armed with just Wayne Rooney, an egg, a 20 year old brunette from Manchester and a nightclub kitchen, I conducted an experiment that could easily land me a Nobel Prize. Given only six minutes and 22 seconds in the controlled environment, Rooney completely ignored the opportunity to enjoy a nice boiled egg; instead, the game bird received his full attention. Is Wayne Rooney a metaphor for life itself? I'll let you be the judge. Are Man Utd a good bet to beat West Ham at 3/4 (UK Betting - FREE £25) ? Undoubtedly. Sir Alex has neutered, sorry nurtured young Rooney along wonderfully; the big lad is available at 20/1 to score another three times. Rio Ferdinand will play against his brother in a competitive match for the first time, there's a 62% chance of Rio ending up with the bragging-rights; that?s almost two Ferds. Alan Pardew suggested that Anton Ferdinand should change his hairstyle to differentiate himself from his brother. I'd like to suggest the Kevin Keegan style from the 70's, as my Grandma used to say after senility kicked in, "The surly Ferd matches the perm". You can back either brother to score at 11/2, both brothers finding the net is a 150/1 shot. Arsenal meet Blackburn for the first time since last seasons FA Cup semi-final, where Robin Van Persie and Andy Todd's elbow were so close, they're now exchanging Christmas presents. Blackburn attempted to kick Arsenal off the pitch that day, another tasty encounter could be on the cards. You can back a player to be sent off at 3/1. Thierry Henry is in a rich vein of form at Highbury, the majestic Frenchman has netted 15 goals in his last 10 games. He's 12/1 to net a hat-trick against Blackburn, and that's not the worst punt in the World; Portsmouth to beat Chelsea is. Chelsea's mini blip was over before it really began; Pompey haven't won at home this season and Chelsea have never lost a league match outside Manchester under Mourinho. Chelsea are a great bet to hack up, it's as easy as 4/11 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) . You can question the goal scoring ability of Liverpool's Peter Crouch, but he's undeniably a true gentleman. Even football commentators address him as Mr. Crouch; although they often use his pseudonyms, Mr. Penalty and Mr. Nother-Sitter. Liverpool have won their last three league matches, scoring 10 goals without reply. The 'Pool are 6/4 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) to beat Man City; meet the weekend nap. The West Ham vs Manchester United match provides the inspiration for the weekend specials. "Over Keane" - Alan Smith and Darren Fletcher both to score @ 20/1 "Beni, ill" - Yossi Benayoun to be booked @ 3/1 "Hammer House of Horror" - Rooney and Van Nistelrooy both to score @ 9/2 "Woody Alan" - Marlon Harewood and Alan Smith both to score @ 12/1 "Paul a fast one" - Scholes to score in the first half @ 9/1 "A vintage Sheri" - Teddy Sheringham to score two or more goals @ 12/1 Quote of the week: "Pressure? Pressure is being a parent and having no money to feed your children. There is no pressure in football". Jose Mourinho should save that one for Alex McLeish and Alain Perrin. Stat, you're a liberty: West Ham have only scored a 1st half goal in one game this season. Stat's not so surprising: The team who have committed the most fouls in the Premiership is??.Blackburn. Acc of the week: Aston Villa Liverpool Chelsea Middlesbrough Man Utd The five-fold will pay over 20/1 when successful. Weekend Betting: Arsenal vs Blackburn Rovers Saturday 26th November 15.00 Arsenal 4/11 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 7/2 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Blackburn 8/1 (Tote Sport - FREE £25) Get on: Arsenal. Arsenal have won every match they've played at Highbury this season and they've won their last five matches against Blackburn without conceding a goal. "Nailed on" springs to mind. Match Special: Blackburn to have a player sent off 6/1 Aston Villa vs Charlton Athletic Saturday 26th November 15.00 Aston Villa 13/10 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Draw 9/4 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Charlton 21/10 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get on: Aston Villa. Villa's win at the Stadium of Light could well kick-start their season, Phillips and Baros are warm; home win. Match Special: Phillips and Baros both to score 7/1 Manchester City vs Liverpool Saturday 26th November 15.00 Man City 15/8 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 9/4 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Liverpool 6/4 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get on: Liverpool. Liverpool head to Manchester full of confidence, they've finally found their scoring touch and they?re incredibly tight at the back. 6/4? Yes please. Match Special: Cisse to score the only goal of the game 33/1 Sunderland vs Birmingham City Saturday 26th November 15.00 Sunderland 6/4 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Draw 11/5 (Ladbrokes - FREE £20) Birmingham 15/8 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Birmingham. The Mackems have conceded three or more goals in their last six matches; with a defence that leaky, even the goal-shy Blues should take advantage. Sunderland have never scored against Birmingham in the Premiership; away win. Match Special: Emile Heskey to score at any time 11/8 Wigan Athletic vs Tottenham Hotspur Saturday 26th November 15.00 Wigan 7/4 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 9/4 (Coral - FREE £10) Tottenham 8/5 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Get on: Wigan. Wigan should score, only Chelsea have kept a clean sheet against the Latics this season. Defoe was dropped like a hot potato last week, Spurs may draw a blank. Match Special: Wigan to win 1-0 7/1 Portsmouth vs Chelsea Saturday 26th November 17.15 Live on Premiership Plus Portsmouth 9/1 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Draw 18/5 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Chelsea 4/11 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get on: Chelsea. Chelsea have thrashed Pompey recently, winning by two or more goals in their last four meetings. Portsmouth need a miracle. Match Special: Chelsea to win 2-0 11/2 Everton vs Newcastle United Sunday 27th November 13.30 Live on Sky Everton 8/5 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Draw 11/5 (Ladbrokes - FREE £20) Newcastle 7/4 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Draw. This one should be tight. Everton have scored against Newcastle in their last 11 meetings; with Owen and Shearer back, the Geordies should also find the back of the net. 11 of Everton's last 12 league matches have produced two goals or less. 1-1 it is then. Match Special: Match to finish 1-1 11/2 Fulham vs Bolton Wanderers Sunday 27th November 14.00 Fulham 8/5 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 9/4 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Bolton 15/8 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get On: Fulham. Every tine Bolton have travelled to the Cottage in the Premiership, they've took a beating. Malbranque and Diop are looking sharp; home win. Match Special: Malbranque to score at any time 11/4 Middlesbrough vs West Bromwich Albion Sunday 27th November 15.00 Middlesbrough 8/11 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 5/2 (Ladbrokes - FREE £20) West Brom 4/1 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Get on: Middlesbrough. West Brom have only scored one league goal away from home this season. Historically, they've not won in Middlesbrough since 1952 and they've conceded 16 goals on their last six trips. A shoeing awaits. Match Special: Middlesbrough to win by two or more goals 7/4 West Ham United vs Manchester United Sunday 27th November 16.00 Live on Sky West Ham 4/1 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Draw 5/2 (Ladbrokes - FREE £20) Man Utd 3/4 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Man Utd. The Reds have scored goals for fun against West Ham in recent seasons, 35 goals in 11 games. United are the top goal scorers away from home in the Premiership; away win. Match Special: Rooney to score two or more goals 9/2 Posted by SoccerBetting.info @ 1:17 PM << Home

PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW by Nigel Ridgeway (Thursday, November 17, 2005)

LAST WEEK'S PICKS - ENGLAND (7/4), SWITZERLAND (13/10) & CZECH REPUBLIC(7/5) ALL WON! ENGLAND NOW 7/1 FOR WORLD CUP GLORY England staged a remarkable comeback to clinch a thrilling 3-2 victory overArgentina last weekend to earn a cut in the World Cup odds from 8/1 to 7/1.The result wasn't unexpected, and the Three Lions were well-backed (and tipped up) at 7/4, but what was more surprising was the fact that we got to see a competitive friendly and, as a result, there was plenty of betting action via Bet 365's live 'In-Play Console'. With only three minutes to go,England were trading at 25/1 (Argentina 1/20), while they were also a very backable 14/1 after Argentina had gone 1-0 up after 34 minutes. However, it's easy to get carried away with this result, which means nothing in terms of the World Cup, and if a further reality check were needed, Brazil were showing why they're 3/1 favourites with an 8-0 thrashing of UAE. If England are to go all the way, they'll need the defending champions to have an off-day or two, which is always possible given the unpredictable nature of knockout football. A few more goals from Saturday's hero, Michael Owen would help too, and he's 15/8 with Bet 365 to be top England scorer (Rooney 4/1). However, England and Brazil were not the only market movers at the weekend,with Italy cut into 10/1 from 11/1 after their 3-1 victory over Holland. The Dutch were missing a few players, but this was still an impressive performance from Italy's new-look forward partnership of Luca Toni and Alberto Gilardino. There were also play-off victories for Spain, who were chopped into 16/1 from 20/1, and the Czech Republic (20/1 from 33/1). However, anyone looking for a long-shot at this stage might want to consider Serbia at 66/1. The Serbs finished above Spain in qualifying, conceding just one goal in the process, and they may be able to do a Greece! Ante Post Pick: Serbia & Montenegro @ 66/1 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) LATICS ARE VALUE AT 10/3 Saturday 19 November - 12.45 ko (SS1) Back in the Premiership, Wigan's success story has been one of the stories of the season, and a very profitable one for 'in the game' readers who've latched on. However, Saturday's visit by Arsenal will be one of their toughest tests so far, and many will be expecting their golden run of six straight wins to come to an end. After a difficult start, Arsene Wenger's side are beginning to find the net regularly, winning eight of their last nine in all competitions, but they're priced accordingly at 4/5. As a consequence, Paul Jewell's side are probably a shade too big at 7/2, and are worth a small bet at that price, but more significant support getting a half-goal start on the Asian handicap (currently 2.05). Obviously, the Gunners will be a different proposition to the likes of Portsmouth and Fulham, but the Latics are on a roll and weren't disgraced against Chelsea on the opening day of the season. Three months on, they haven't lost since, having conceded just three times in the last eleven (none in the last five), and scoring at least once every time. Whether we've got the confidence to put Wigan in our Premiership acca is another thing, the cornerstone of which has to be Chelsea at home to Newcastle. After two defeats on the bounce against Real Betis and Man Utd, Chelsea should be fired up for this, and Newcastle, who were lucky to overcome Birmingham 1-0 at St James', could be on the wrong end of a thrashing (Chelsea to win 3-0, 8/1). Liverpool have bounced back from their Carling Cup defeat by Palace, and the 2-0 win at Aston Villa suggests that they'll have no trouble seeing off Portsmouth, who've won just four games in 20 matches under manager Alain Perrin (8/11 in our 'Sack Race' betting). With little confidence in our odds-on quotes for both Man United and Middlesbrough, our weekend acca is completed by Bolton (7/4) and Tottenham (4/6). A £25 acca on our four fancied team pays out £228.74, which includes a Bet 365 bonus of 5% (up to 60% available every weekend). Suggested Premiership Acca: Chelsea, Liverpool, Bolton, Tottenham ? pays £228.74 with £25 stake (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Posted by SoccerBetting.info @ 2:33 PM << Home

PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW 19/11 - 21/11 by Gerry McDonnell ()

The Talk of the Toon by Gerry McDonnell (Super Soccer) A few years ago, you couldn?t turn the television on without hearing Bob Hoskins say, "It's good to talk", Jose Mourinho may not be a chubby Cockney, but he shares Bob's love of the spoken word. Jose has recently engaged in verbal sparring with Arsene Wenger; daily 'tit for tat' remarks were exchanged, with Wenger playing the role of the 'Tat'. Mourinho then turned his attention to Sir Alex, offering this gem, "If I lost three games on the trot, I'd expect to be sacked" As Chelsea have now lost two consecutive games, there's every chance that Roman Abramovich may have one hand on the P45. Chelsea are leaking goals, Drogba is suspended and Crespo is out of favour while he works on his singing career. Newcastle have won their last four matches; back the Toon Army to win or draw at 2/1. If you look up 'value' in the dictionary, you'll find it just before Wigan. The Latics are sitting 2nd in the league, they're on top of the recent form table and they've won their last five matches in all competitions without conceding a goal. Arsenal may be breathtaking on their day, but it's not been their day away from home all season. Wigan are available at 4/1 (UK Betting - FREE £25) to collect all three points; merry Christmas. I was shocked to hear of the Old Trafford bugging controversy. Carlos Queiroz was allegedly heard to say, "Rooney, get on the left wing, 4-5-1, 4-5-1". That rumour is probably untrue, this is a fact; Wayne Rooney ran the show for England against Argentina, he'll be a decent player when he fills out. United are the real deal, get on at 19/20 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25). David O'Leary has been the master of the excuse this term, "The boys gave me everything out there" has been used. The obligatory, "The ref cost us the game" has also had an airing, the Villa are one defeat away from the return of, "You can?t expect too much from them, they?re just babies." Sunderland can gain revenge for the Villa nicking their three best players, back the Mackems at 6/4 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25). Birmingham City are very much like the wife, they've done nothing at home for six months. City's inability to perform in front of their own fans stems from a lack of firepower up front. Forssell hasn?t scored a league goal all season and Heskey hasn't put the onion in the bag since August. As every experienced chef knows, you can?t make an omelette, with two puddings. There's always a few specials floating about on the weekend, Super Soccer have the following: "R.S.V.P." - Rooney, Shearer and Van Persie all to score @ 20/1 "M.C. Hammer" - Michael Carrick to score two or more goals @ 33/1 "Waiting for the S.P." - Stilian Petrov to score the last goal @ 15/2 "H.P. Soars" - Henrik Pedersen to score with a header @ 20/1 "P.C. gone mad" - Peter Crouch to score at any time @ 11/10 "J.D. and Coker" - Jermain Defoe and Reo-Coker both to score @ 16/1 Quote of the week: "How did Everton get on?" Wayne Rooney?s first words after the win against Chelsea, captured on the Old Trafford bug. Stat, you?re a liberty: Arsenal have lost every match they've played after an International break this season. Acc of the week: Man Utd Liverpool Sunderland Everton Bolton The five-fold pays a juicy 35/1 Weekend Betting: Wigan Athletic vs Arsenal Saturday 19th November 12.45 Live on Sky Wigan 4/1 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 12/5 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Arsenal 5/6 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Get on: Wigan. The Latics are on a roll, Arsenal are poor on their travels. It all points to the Latics. Match Special: Wigan to win 1-0 9/1. Charlton Athletic vs Manchester United Saturday 19th November 15.00 Charlton 7/2 (Tote Sport - FREE £25) Draw 12/5 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Man Utd 19/20 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Get on: Man Utd. United have beaten Charlton in their last four meetings by two goals or more. The Addicks have lost their last two matches, easy pickings for United. Match Special: Wayne Rooney to score two or more goals 11/2 Chelsea vs Newcastle United Saturday 19th November 15.00 Chelsea 3/10 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Draw 4/1 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Newcastle 9/1 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Draw. Chelsea have conceded goals in their last five matches; the Geordies are on fire. Match Special: Emre to score at any time 5/1 Liverpool vs Portsmouth Saturday 19th November 15.00 Liverpool 4/9 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 11/4 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Portsmouth 8/1 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get on: Liverpool. The Reds have won their last three matches 'to nil'. It?s been 54 years since Pompey won at Anfield; a real no-brainer. Match Special: Luis Garcia to score at any time 6/4 Manchester City vs Blackburn Rovers Saturday 19th November 15.00 Man City Evens (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Draw 12/5 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Blackburn 14/5 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Draw. The last three meetings between City and Rovers have ended in a draw, both teams are in great nick, another tight match awaits. Match Special: Match to finish 2-2 14/1 Sunderland vs Aston Villa Saturday 19th November 15.00 Sunderland 6/4 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Draw 9/4 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Aston Villa 7/4 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Sunderland. The two have met 10 times in the Premiership, the away team has never won. Aston Villa have conceded the most goals away from home in the league this season, it all points to a home win. Match Special:Sunderland to score three or more goals 5/1 West Brom vs Everton Saturday 19th November 17.15 Live on Premiership Plus West Brom 7/4 (Ladbrokes - FREE £20) Draw 9/4 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Everton 15/8 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Get on: Everton. West Brom have lost their last three matches without scoring. Everton have won their last two matches 1-0. It's all too easy. Match Special: Everton to win 1-0 7/1 Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United Sunday 20th November 13.00 Tottenham 8/11 (Tote Sport - FREE £25) Draw 23/10 (VC Bet - FREE £50) West Ham 9/2 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get on: Draw. West Ham were forced to sell Jermain Defoe and Michael Carrick to Spurs when they were relegated; the Hammers got their own back though, they also sold them Freddie Kanoute. It?s three without a win for Spurs, make that four. Match Special: Benayoun to score at any time 7/2 Middlesbrough vs Fulham Sunday 20th November 16.00 Live on Sky Middlesbrough 10/11 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 12/5 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Fulham 18/5 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Draw. The stats say that Boro can't get motivated for the visit of lesser teams, their only wins at home have came against Arsenal and Man Utd. Fulham haven't won on the road this season; goalless draw. Match Special: No Goalscorer in the match 8/1 Birmingham City vs Bolton Wanderers Monday 21st November 20.00 Live on Sky Birmingham 17/10 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Draw 9/4 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Bolton 7/4 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Get on: Bolton. Bolton have won their last four matches 1-0. I've spotted a pattern. Match Special: Bolton to win 1-0 6/1 Posted by SoccerBetting.info @ 12:17 PM << Home

INTERNATIONAL PREVIEW by Nigel Ridgeway (Thursday, November 10, 2005)

ENGLAND 7/4 TO BARGE PAST ARGENTINA Saturday 12 November - 4.45 pm There may be nothing at stake on Saturday but given the fierce rivalry between the two teams, this match is unlikely to be played like a friendly. Neither side are rock solid at the back and key defenders are missing, we can expect some goals (over 2.5 goals comes in at 8/11 here at bet365). As regards an outright bet on the game, neither England's poor record in friendlies and Argentina's recent away form inspires much confidence but, if you must bet on the result, the value could lie with England at 7/4. England aren't the only team looking to rebuild their reputation with a win here against their old rivals. Since qualifying comfortably, the Argies have suffered three successive away defeats, the last two coming after a 3-1 win over Brazil in Buenos Aires. That inconsistency, along with the absence of some key players (Lionel Messi is suspended), makes Argentina opposable. The fixture should at least give us an indication of England's chances next summer, but even a victory against their old foes is unlikely to see a change in their current price of 8/1. SWISS TO ROLL TURKS OVER AT 13/10 Of course, betting in friendlies isn't everyone's cup of tea, which is why we?ll be concentrating our main bets this weekend on the World Cup Play Offs. Turkey are as short as 4/7 to qualify against Switzerland (5/4), but they?ll look to do their winning on home soil, so there's a good case for backing the Swiss at 13/10 on Saturday. The Swiss were sold in qualifying (no-one managed to actually beat them), and they'll have to get a result on home soil to have any chance of making it to Germany. As with Euro 2004, the underachieving Spaniards are seeking qualification by the backdoor, and they must now unlock a stubborn defence which has kept five clean sheets in their last six games. The Slovaks will be happy to take a draw back east, and that looks the most likely result at 10/3, while they can be backed with a degree of confidence at 1.825 on the Asians getting a goal and a half start. In the other game, the Czech Republic should be too good for a Norwegian side, who were flattered to finish second to Italy in a weak group. Weekend Picks: England @ 7/4 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Switzerland to beat Turkey @ 13/10 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Slovakia to draw with Spain @ 10/3 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Solovakia + 1 1/2 @ 1.825 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Czech Republic to beat Norway @ 7/5 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Posted by SoccerBetting.info @ 11:25 AM << Home

INTERNATIONAL PREVIEW 12/11 by Gerry McDonnell ()

Becks, Rugs and Rock and Roll by Gerry McDonnell (Super Soccer) We've all heard the expression, "It could be a war out there", when Argentina play England at football; it?s not a cliché, it's a valid prediction. Tension between the two countries began to surface in 1982, when an argument broke out over the Wolves and Ipswich defender, Mel Venus. The hostility increased at the World Cup of 1998, where in a moment of madness, David Beckham made a decision that upset the whole of England; he agreed to marry Victoria Adams. Also in '98, Beckham was sent off for kicking Diego Simeone, but fate allowed Beckham to partially redeem himself four years later, as his penalty effectively sent the Argies home from the 2002 World Cup. David Beckham and his wife normally shy away from the spotlight, but he's always at the centre of attention when England face Argentina; you can back Beckham to score the only goal of the game at 55/1. In a somewhat surprising move, Sven has recalled David 'Calamity' James and Peter Crouch to the squad for the Argentina match; hopefully he'll play James up front and Crouch in goal. Admittedly, I'm not a football manager, I'm a gambling guru; but if I had to pick an England team, I wouldn't touch Crouch with a barge-pole, in fact, I'd rather play the barge-pole. For all you believers, Crouch is a 9/1 shot to score the last goal. One of my South American contacts has advised me to back Placente to score the first goal for the Argies at 50/1, but I?ve found that somewhat hard to swallow. I'll be on the draw at 11/5 (UK Betting - FREE £25) . The Americans are marching towards Scotland, and somewhat surprisingly, it's not related to North Sea oil. According to FIFA, the Yanks are the 7th strongest team in the World, which is absolutely ridiculous; it's the biggest joke in International football since Robbie Savage. Don't fall for FIFA's rug-pulling, Scotland are terrific value at 6/4 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25). France vs Germany is an interesting match. Both countries dislike America; I wish they could both win. With Thierry Henry firing on all cylinders, France are the call at 19/20 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) . The following specials are all available at Super Soccer. "Oil be back" - The USA to win from behind @ 11/1 "Argy bargy" - Argentina to have a player sent off @ 8/1 "Turk up like a kipper" - Hakan Sukur to score with a header @ 8/1 "The Italian Job" - Italy to score three or more goals @ 7/1 "Rocking Robin" - Van Persie to score two or more goals @ 9/1 "A Swiss Roll" - Switzerland to score three or more goals @ 11/2 "Lord of the Fries" - Thierry Henry to score a hat-trick @ 16/1 "Throw the towel in" - Germany to have a player sent off @ 11/1 Quote of the week: "He is very special, and I would like to have him in the World Cup squad". Sven Goran Eriksson should have spent more money on English lessons, Peter Crouch is the subject. Stat, you're a liberty: Wayne 'Rucker' Rooney may be considered the best thing since canned lager, but his contribution to World Cup qualification was minimal. Rooney hasn't scored a competitive goal for England since Euro 2004. Acc of the week: Scotland Holland France Spain Uruguay The five-fold pays a juicy 18/1. Weekend Betting: Scotland vs USA International Friendly, Saturday 12th November, 16.00 Live on Sky Scotland 6/4 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Draw 11/5 (VC Bet - FREE £50) USA 19/10 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Scotland. Here?s a sentence you rarely see, Scotland are value to win a football match. Match Special: Scotland to keep a clean sheet 6/4 Argentina vs England International Friendly, Saturday 12th November, 16.45 Live on BBC Argentina 6/4 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 11/5 (UK Betting - FREE £25) England 19/10 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Get on: Draw. This is why bookmakers all drive Ferraris. Any result is possible, except the one that I back. I?m losing my money on the draw. Match Special: Lampard to score a penalty 7/1 Holland vs Italy International Friendly, Saturday 12th November, 19.45 Live on Bravo Holland 6/5 (Tote Sport - FREE £25) Draw 21/10 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Italy 12/5 (Ladbrokes - FREE £20) Get on: Holland. The future?s bright, the future?s orange. Match Special: Van Nistelrooy and Van Persie both to score 8/1 France vs Germany International Friendly, Saturday 12th November, 20.00 Live on Eurosport France 19/20 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Draw 9/4 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Germany 3/1 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: France. The French have quality throughout their team. The Germans have Michael Ballack. Match Special: Henry and Trezeguet both to score 5/1 Norway vs Czech Republic World Cup Qualifying play-off 1st Leg, Saturday 12th November, 18.30 Norway 2/1 (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Draw 21/10 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Czech Republic 6/4 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Get on: Czech Republic. The Czech's were unlucky to draw Holland in their qualifying group. Will the Czech Republic lose? Nor way. Match Special: Milan Baros to score at any time 6/4 Switzerland vs Turkey World Cup Qualifying play-off 1st Leg, Saturday 12th November, 19.45 Live on Setanta Switzerland 6/4 (Tote Sport - FREE £25) Draw 21/10 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Turkey 11/5 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Get on: Switzerland. The Swiss will get the result they need at home, but the 2nd leg in Turkey will be no picnic. Match Special: Frei to score with a header 7/1 Spain vs Slovakia World Cup Qualifying play-off 1st Leg, Saturday 12th November, 21.00 Spain 1/3 (UK Betting - FREE £25) Draw 7/2 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Slovakia 11/1 (Sporting Odds - FREE £25) Get on: Spain. The Spanish were rubbing their hands after the draw, they can afford to take a little siesta and still win the match. Match Special: Raul to score two or more goals 7/2 Uruguay vs Australia World Cup Qualifying play-off 1st Leg, Saturday 12th November, 23.00 Uruguay 4/7 (Tote Sport - FREE £25) Draw 12/5 (VC Bet - FREE £50) Australia 11/2 Get on: Uruguay. The Uruguayan coach will play videos of neighbours in the dressing room pre-match to get the players nicely wound up. Uruguay beat Argentina at home, and drew with Brazil home and away; the Aussies are if for a mullering. Match Special: Uruguay to score in both halves 6/4 Posted by SoccerBetting.info @ 11:05 AM << Home