LEAGUE 1+2 PLAY-OFF FINALS PREVIEW by Gerry McDonnell (Friday, May 26, 2006)

Don't you forget about Lee I am not an unsympathetic person. When the wife enquired if she'd recently added a little weight, I compassionately replied, "No, you've always been quite fat." However, when it comes to the tribulations of Stan Collymore and Paul Merson, my sympathy is in short supply. Admittedly, i'm not a qualified medical expert, but a fondness for lager is a trait that should be encouraged, gambling large sums of money is undoubtedly more of a pleasure than a chore, while a case of depression could easily be cured by simply cheering up a little. I, on the other hand, have a genuine problem; my name is Gerry, and I watch Big Brother. I'm at a loss to explain why such a stigma is attached to watching a television programme; but like Rosa Parks before me, I intend to blaze a trail to help end the ongoing victimisation of Big Brother viewers. The key to tolerance is an understanding of the subject; the following facts will not only allow you to welcome BB watchers back into the bosom of a united society, but to also show a healthy profit from the bookmakers. At this early stage, I'd be looking to back Mikey. His audition tapes did make him appear to be something of a chauvinist, (I have no time for this outdated "women should be in the kitchen" nonsense, what about the bathroom? it doesn't clean itself.) but his good looks and pleasant banter make the 17/1 on offer at Betfair quite tempting. Novelty act Pete is currently all the rage, people are trying to back him on the exchanges at a ridiculously short 6/4. If you "lay" this bet, you're effectively betting that any of the 12 other housemates, or any of the four other contestants that are due in to the house will win at 4/6. Pete may well be a huge Simple Minds fan, but the fact that he's always referring to Jim Kerr's brother (Juan) is really beginning to grate. Laying the 6/4 may well be the best investment in the history of gambling. If a sport is televised, and I can bet on it, then I'll watch it. There is one exception to that rule, and that's Formula 1. I can watch the beginning of the race until the cars round the first corner with genuine enthusiasm; unfortunately, after this point it becomes duller than a monologue from the old man about how everything was better in the old days, or hanging, or whatever it is he babbles on about. Being a genuine innovator, I've suggested that as the 1st lap draws to a close, the drivers then line up again from their new positions, and start all over again. Repeat this 20 times and you have a sure-fire ratings winner. I actually emailed this suggestion to the vertically challenged Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone; I fear it went straight over his head. Fernando Alonso already has one hand on the drivers championship, take the 13/8 on offer from Ladbrokes about a Spanish stroll through the streets of Monaco. If the thought of betting on reality TV or street racing does not appeal, there's still a couple of football matches to take an interest in. The penultimate game of the season will see Swansea battle Barnsley for a place in the Championship and the Swans receive a confident nod at 6/4 to win in 90 minutes. Lee Trundle has played a starring role in recent years, but if the Swansea management can find a reinforced bench, there's every chance that the Scouse superstar will be named as a substitute. Leon Knight has been preferred to Trundle in recent weeks and has banged in five goals in three games, it'll be a cracking Knight for us all if we get on Leon at 6/1 to bag the opener. Grimsby face Cheltenham in Sunday's league 2 finale as we wave a tearful goodbye to the domestic football season. Grimsby have been boosted by the news that top goalscorer Gary Jones can play after a successful appeal against a red card, he's worth a nibble at 6/4 to score at anytime. The Mariners have dominated the Robins in the regular season, winning both games convincingly without conceding. Grimsby are worth a bet at 10/11 to win promotion; unfortunately, you can't back them to plaice. Apologies. Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 6:58 AM

WORLD CUP PREVIEW by Nigel Ridgeway (Sunday, May 21, 2006)

WILL YOU BET ON A 1966 FINAL REPEAT? ************************************ Bet365 are offering odds of 18/1 that England face Germany in the World Cup 2006 final on 9th July in Berlin. This bet has been popular so far, even though the teams could meet as early as the last 16 stage instead. It's an 11/1 shot that England face Brazil in the final and a generous 20/1 that they come face-to-face with Argentina instead. Other interesting 'Name the Finalist' selections are Brazil v Argentina (10/1), Germany v France (50/1), Italy v Spain (40/1) while USA v Iran is a massive 20,000/1! (Bet 365 - FREE £100) THREE LIONS TO WIN THEIR THREE GROUP MATCHES? ********************************************* England are 11/4 with bet365 to win all three World Cup group games. Sven Goran Eriksson's men face Paraguay in their first match, Trinidad & Tobago in their second game and Sweden last of all. The price of 11/4 may seem huge if they manage a win in their first two games. However, if you think it's an ambitious bet, England to score 6 or 7 points instead is a 10/11 shot while bet365 go 2/1 that they score under 6 points instead. You can bet on the Group Points of every World Cup team with bet365. Brazil are a tempting 13/8 to win each of their three group games. (Bet 365 - FREE £100) ENGLAND 11/4 FOR REPEAT QUARTER FINAL DEFEAT ******************************************** England are 11/4 with bet365 to repeat their 2002 quarter final exit in Germany. They also bowed out at the last-8 stage during Euro 2004 so there's bound to be plenty of takers at the current odds. England are currently 7/1 to win the World Cup and 8/1 to finish Runner-Up. They're 9/2 to reach the semi-final stages and just 5/2 to fall at the last-16 stage instead. For those doomsayers amongst us, they're 9/2 to fail at the group stages. You can bet on the 'Stage of Elimination' for every World Cup team with France 4/1 to reach the semi finals, Holland 10/3 to reach the quarter finals and Spain 15/8 to fall at the last 16 stage. (Bet 365 - FREE £100) BRAZILIANS LEAD WAY IN GOLDEN BOOT MARKET ***************************************** Ronaldo (10/1) and fellow team-mates Adriano (12/1) and Ronaldinho (12/1) lead the way on bet365's Top Goalscorer market. This reflects the view that holders Brazil are expected to score many goals during the tournament. England's Michael Owen is 12/1 with bet365 to win the Golden Boot, with Wayne Rooney at 16/1 and Peter Crouch a huge 50/1 to grab the honours. Many Premiership strikers feature in bet365's list, including Thierry Henry (14/1), Hernan Crespo (14/1), Ruud Van Nistelrooy (16/1), Milan Baros (40/1) and Djibril Cisse at 50/1 with bet365. (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 2:22 PM

CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW by Gerry McDonnell (Friday, May 19, 2006)

Amir formality for the King For out and out drama, you've got to love the Championship play-off final. Who could forget Charlton's pulsating victory over Sunderland in the classic final of '98? Well sadly, my old man. In fact, if you see a small befuddled pensioner roaming the streets, you'll be better off avoiding football trivia altogether, senility is no picnic. Watford and Leeds meet in this year's showpiece, in what is believed to be 'the most valuable game in world football', the winners pocket something in the region of £35m, and that's quite a respectable little region. It's a tough one to call, but as Leeds failed to win in nine of their last ten league matches, the Hornets look the pick at 8/5. With the reward so great for the victors, there's a possibility that things could get a little bit tasty. Adrian Boothroyd (the Watford manager) was the instigator of a mass brawl when he wound up 'One Size' Fitz Hall in the semi, he'll definitely have the Hornets buzzing against his former employers. A sending off is available at 2/1, you'll be kicking yourself if you miss it. Watford's Marlon King has been a revelation this season. The Championship's top scorer bounced back from an unproductive loan spell at Elland Road to bang in 22 goals this season. Marlon famously served five months at her majesty's pleasure, but he regrets mistakes made in the past, he should never have played for Leeds. The regal King is available at 11/2 to bag the opener. There's also a play-off final in the Conference, and as my old man used to say before senility kicked in like a rampant mule; "Any football is better than no football." Hereford and Halifax meet in the grand finale to the non-league season, and Halifax look a little bit of value; the Shaymen can move mountains at 15/8. With football matches thin on the ground, our betting needs will have to be serviced in the ring. Amir Khan steps up in class to fight Laszlo Komjathi in Belfast on Saturday night; although fighting my wife would be a real step up for the embryonic future World champion. Amir is finally being tested and i have complete confidence that Khan will take it in his stride. Bolton's finest is worth a punt at 5/1 with Stan James to crush 'The Rock' in the third, the big hitters can back Khan to move to 7-0 at 1/50 with Coral. Danny Williams steps in for a troubled Scott Harrison on the same card and you can't blame Frank Warren for throwing Williams an opponent who may or may not have swept roads in Mexico. Williams is scheduled to fight Skelton on 8th July, so a defeat is completely out of the question for Warren, backing Williams to win is buying money. Eamonn Magee tops the bill against Takaloo and the Irishman should be backed at 11/8 to win by a decision. Takaloo can punch, but as Ricky Hatton discovered, Magee's chin is as solid as they come. Takaloo hasn't fought a quality opponent since Wayne Alexander punched him so hard he forgot where he lived, a scenario my old man is more than familiar with. Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 7:00 AM

FA CUP FINAL PREVIEW by Nigel Ridgeway (Thursday, May 11, 2006)

HAMMERS VALUE AT 9/2 TO CAUSE SHOCK Liverpool v West Ham - Saturday May 13th, 3.00pm ko, live on BBC1 / Sky Sports 2 Is the final piece of domestic silverware looks destined for Merseyside? Liverpool are red-hot outright favourites at 2/7 here at bet365 to lift the trophy (West Ham 5/2 outright), and those odds are not surprising considering that the Reds are on fire right now, having 11 straight wins in all competitions (their best run for 17 years!). Not forgetting that they knocked out Chelsea and Man United on their route to Cardiff, and did the double over West Ham in the league. (Bet 365 - FREE £100) The evidence for backing Liverpool is compelling and I wouldn't put anyone off from taking bet365's 8/13 for them to win in 90 minutes. But if you're looking for bigger odds, then why not take a crack at their Correct Score market, where a bet on 2-0 and 2-1, at 11/2 and 7/1 respectively, could reap dividends. The bet365 First Goalscorer market is also a good source of value, as they'll give you your money back if your selected player scores the last goal in the game instead. Unsurprisingly, Liverpool players dominate this market but, as with most Liverpool games, it could pay to look beyond the strikers, and Steven Gerrard looks a decent punt at 11/2 and even better value at 6/4 to score at anytime. However, while Liverpool are the most likely winners, whether they're entitled to win like 8/13 shots is another matter, and West Ham (9/2) must have a better chance than their current odds suggest. The Hammers are on a good run of their own having won six of their last 11 matches in all competitions and arrive here on the back of confidence boosting 2-1 win over Spurs last weekend. So, with a shock due (it's been 11 years since a clear underdog won!), the value call has to be West Ham to win in 90 minutes at a tasty bet365 price of 9/2. (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Much bigger odds on West Ham can be found in bet365's Double Result market, where the Hammers can be backed at 11/1 to be drawing at half time and winning after 90 minutes, compared to 3/1 for Draw / Liverpool. As with all Cup finals, both sides will be playing with a degree of caution leading up to the interval, so (whichever side you fancy) it makes sense to include the half time draw in all such bets. For those of you who fancy the draw in 90 minutes, then bet365's quote of 13/5 is standout! The game should be a cracker, and even better odds might be available once the match kicks off via bet365's Live In-Play Console - up to 14 dynamic markets available. For example, Middlesbrough were as big as 25/1 In-Play during each of their amazing UEFA Cup comeback wins, which just goes to show that big odds (and wins!) are available for those of you who keep the faith and choose this exciting form of betting. Enjoy the game. Nigel NIGEL RIDGWAY, an experienced punter and betting shop owner of many years, believes that "The key to successful gambling is getting value for money." Nigel was once forced by local bookmakers, to stop writing a tipping column in a UK newspaper, because he was costing them a fortune. Find out what offers and lines are hot at bet365.com (Bet 365 - FREE £100) Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 6:59 AM

FA CUP FINAL PREVIEW by Gerry McDonnell ()

Marlon, Hammer Reds and Pool Wails In the majority of cases, there is no truth in a supposed national stereotype. The Germans are not all methodical robots; the French are not all obnoxious and the Americans are certainly not all overweight, self important, unintelligent, tambourine banging losers who you'd rather cross the street from rather than risk the possibility of any form of social interaction. However, there's a certain amount of truth in the stereotype surrounding the typical Brit, it's believed that the Englishman will always support the underdog, and true to form, I'm tipping the Hammers to nail the Reds in the FA Cup final. It's not an inherited irrational dislike of the favourite that points me towards West Ham, in fact I have no real empathy with the outsider; I once found myself in the position of an underdog, nine months later, I had to marry her, so it's a particularly painful memory. It's simply value for money that makes the Hammers such an excellent investment at Betfair's 3/1 to lift the trophy. West Ham are trading at 11/2 with the same exchange to win the match in 90 minutes, and that's so close to irresistible it's almost whispering seductively. There's no doubting the fact that the Pool are worthy favourites, Steven Gerrard is a genuine world class operator plucked directly out of the top drawer, but if you put Gerrard to one side, the difference between the two teams is minimal. In fact, there is an argument that would suggest that West Ham's forward line is stronger than Liverpool's; and being an argumentative so and so, I subscribe to that point of view. Stan James have priced Marlon Harewood up at 9/1 to bag the opener and that's worth a little play. Anton Ferdinand has been a revelation this season, some might say he's outperformed his older, more forgetful sibling. Another cracker from the Ferd should be enough to quell the mediocre Liverpool attack (Fowler's Cup-tied); a Hammers clean sheet is available at 7/2 with Betfred; while a win coupled with a clean sheet appeals at the 17/2 on offer from Boylesports. Marriage is the fastest route to the poor house, but correct score betting in competitive matches runs it pretty close. As it's a special occasion, Paddy Power's offer of 12/1 about a 1-0 win for the Hammers is a tentative pick. I've made no secret of my admiration for Yossi Benayoun; the Israeli playmaker has been one of the players of the season. I've miraculously managed to hide a couple of quid from the evil one; I'll be backing Yossi to be the man of the match at 20/1 with Bet Direct. Super Soccer have knocked up a few big match specials: "Red red whine" - Liverpool to have a player sent off 9/1 "A Hammer blow" - West Ham to have a player sent off 9/1 "A Re-Pete" - Crouch to score two or more goals 7/1 "The Hare's running" - Harewood to score two or more goals 9/1 "Stevie wonder" - Gerrard to score from outside the area 11/2 "Fletcher scores in strange ways" - Carl Fletcher to score from outside the area 25/1 "Never trust a Hyypi" - Sami Hyypia to be booked 11/4 "Anton deck" - Ferdinand to be booked 7/4 "A slippery Pool side" - Liverpool to win in extra time 6/1 "Hammer bothered" - West Ham to win in extra time 14/1 "They've nicked it" - Liverpool to win on penalties 14/1 "Carroll smiley" - West Ham to win on penalties 14/1 The Betting: To win the Cup Liverpool 1/3 Super Soccer West Ham 3/1 Betfair 90 minutes betting Liverpool 4/6 Super Soccer Draw 3/1 Premier Bet West Ham 11/2 Betfair There's also a Cup final in Scotland, back Hearts at 4/9 with Ladbrokes. Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 6:56 AM

PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW by Gerry McDonnell (Friday, May 05, 2006)

A nappy ending I've never really understood the fascination with babies; they're small, they're ugly and they make absolutely no effort to participate in a coherent conversation. My antipathy towards the little monsters probably began when the wife gave birth to little Goliath, she had the audacity to stay in hospital for a full two days after dropping the little cash magnet, the front room looked like a bomb had landed within a matter of hours; there's just no excuse for her laziness. For fans of Sunderland, the last day of the season is a lot like childbirth; after nine months of anguish, the end result makes you question whether all the effort was worthwhile. The worst team in the history of the Premiership will end their season of woe at Villa Park, back the Villans to take all three points at 8/13; it's a little bundle of joy. Fans of the Albion will also be glad to see the season come to a close; the locals of West Bromwich haven't been this embarrassed since the Frank Skinner show first aired. The Baggies travel to Goodison Park where they have lost on their five previous visits; Everton are the nap of the week at 8/13. Lady luck is not just smiling on Tottenham, she's flashing a little bit of cleavage. West Ham are understandably concentrating on the FA Cup final, Spurs look an outstanding bet at even money to leave Upton Park with three points and a 4th place finish. Arsenal's fixation with this season's Champions League has potentially cost them a direct route through to next season's competition, which is like a vegetarian eating a burger to save a lamb. Arsenal have to win to keep their fading 4th place dreams alive, at 2/9 they can't be opposed. It's tough to like Craig Bellamy, if he was your little brother, you'd probably feel the need to give him a little straightener. Dislike him or loathe him, you can't argue with the fact that he's the reason why Blackburn will be competing in Europe next season. The Rovers are 8/13 to see off Man City at Ewood; the Bell's an 11/10 shot to end the season on the goal sheet. Middlesbrough's 2nd leg performance against Steaua Bucharest was possibly the greatest comeback since Glenn McGrath's question of "Why are you so fat?" was countered with "Because every time I sleep with your wife she gives me a biscuit." The Boro travel to Fulham and the Cottagers are the call at 8/11. It's not all bad news for Boro fans though; Steve McClaren is the new England manager. Chelsea should be backed at 5/4 to win at St James' Park in a match that could have potentially disastrous repercussions. This could be the last game in charge for Newcastle's caretaker manager, which will mean that I may never get to use the 'I Roeder' line which I had tucked away for a rainy day. Freddie Shepherd probably hasn't taken that into consideration; typical selfish behaviour. The weekend specials: "Juan for the road" - Angel to score at any time 11/8 "Shaka can" - West Ham to keep a clean sheet 5/2 "Robben reliant" - Arjen Robben to score at any time 9/4 "Cross Doriva" - Doriva to be booked 11/4 "A Hoyte advantage" - Justin Hoyte to score with a header 33/1 Quote of the week: "At times football is not just, and I guess God wanted Arsenal to go through." Villarreal striker Guillermo Franco with the quote, Jose Mourinho has denied favouring the Gunners. Stat, you're a liberty: Forget Joey Barton, move aside Robbie Savage. The Premiership's most outrageous bad boy is…Phil Neville. The lesser of two evils has been booked 11 times this season and has seen red twice. Acc of the week: The accer of the week has been a goldmine this season, Aston Villa, Everton, Fulham, Chelsea and Tottenham shall come together to finish the season with a bang. This little cracker pays out at 19/1. Weekend Betting: Arsenal v Wigan Sunday 7th May 15.00 Arsenal 2/9 Draw 4/1 Wigan 9/1 Get on: Arsenal The Gunners are firing and have to win; Wigan have only won one in seven. Match Special: Arsenal to win 3-0 13/2 Aston Villa v Sunderland Sunday 7th May 15.00 Aston Villa 8/13 Draw 12/5 Sunderland 4/1 Get on: Aston Villa The Villa have only lost one of their last six matches in front of their own supporters; Sunderland haven't won at Villa Park since the 80's. Match Special: Aston Villa to win and keep a clean sheet 11/8 Blackburn v Man City Sunday 7th May 15.00 Blackburn 8/13 Draw 12/5 Man City 4/1 Get on: Blackburn Blackburn's recent home form is exceptional; they've only been defeated once in their last 13 matches. Man City have lost eight of their last nine. Match Special: Craig Bellamy to score two or more goals 5/1 Bolton v Birmingham Sunday 7th May 15.00 Bolton 4/7 Draw 12/5 Birmingham 9/2 Get on: Bolton Bolton have won four of their last seven at the Reebok; Birmingham have not won on the road all year. The Blues have scored against Bolton on every occasion that they've met in the Premiership. Match Special: Bolton to win 2-1 7/1 Everton v West Brom Sunday 7th May 15.00 Everton 8/13 Draw 12/5 West Brom 4/1 Get on: Everton Tottenham are the only visiting team to have left Goodison Park with three points this year; the Baggies have gone 12 games without a win and have only found the net once in their last six. Match Special: Beattie to score and Everton to win 1-0 25/1 Fulham v Middlesbrough Sunday 7th May 15.00 Fulham 8/11 Draw 5/2 Middlesbrough 3/1 Get on: Fulham Fulham have won three of their last four; the Boro are winless in four domestically. Match Special: Malbranque to score at any time 9/4 Man Utd v Charlton Sunday 7th May 15.00 Man Utd 2/9 Draw 4/1 Charlton 9/1 Get on: Man Utd Man U have won 9 of their last 12 matches; Charlton have only won one in seven and that was a fortuitous victory over Pompey. United have won their last seven matches against the Addicks. Match Special: Van Nistelrooy to score two or more goals 3/1 Newcastle v Chelsea Sunday 7th May 15.00 Newcastle 13/8 Draw 12/5 Chelsea 5/4 Get on: Chelsea Newcastle can beat up on the little boys at home, but Liverpool and Man U both won comfortably at St James' Park. Whenever Chelsea have lost in the league this season, they've gone on to win their next game. Match Special: Chelsea to score three or more goals 9/2 Portsmouth v Liverpool Sunday 7th May 15.00 Portsmouth 4/1 Draw 13/5 Liverpool 4/7 Get on: Liverpool Both teams are in excellent form, but while Pompey are in party mode the Pool have an outside chance of finishing runners-up. Liverpool have won their last ten matches and are unbeaten in their last five against Pompey, winning four of them. Match Special: Steven Gerrard to score at any time 9/4 West Ham v Tottenham Sunday 7th May 15.00 West Ham 2/1 Draw 5/2 Tottenham Evs Get on: Tottenham The Hammers have won only two of their last seven league matches and last week's win at The Hawthorns was a trifle fortunate. Take Man U and Arsenal out of Tottenham's recent run of form and they've won six out of seven. Tottenham's whole season comes down to this game, they have to win, they will win. Match Special: Robbie Keane to score at any time 11/8 Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 6:15 AM