Premier League weekend preview by Gerry McDonnell (Thursday, April 26, 2007)

A Little Wayne Never Hurt Anyone As much as I enjoy my position as the country's leading football betting scribe, I occasionally yearn for the more glamorous world of investigative journalism. When news broke that David Moyes had initiated legal proceedings against Wayne Rooney for alleging that his ex-boss leaked tales of his 'cash for a rash' habit; I sensed my opportunity. To get to the bottom of the story, I knew I had to do everything that young Rooney did, with the exception of the old trout. After conducting my initial enquiries, I can confirm that there are establishments that offer this kind of tawdry service, and they open on a Friday night, a Saturday morning and a Sunday afternoon. I'm not sure if these places are open in midweek, but my investigation is ongoing. At this early stage, I wouldn't like to put money on Moyes being successful in his action, as my overheads have left me virtually potless. I'll try to recoup a little by backing Rooney's United to see off the Moyes boys at 8/11. It may sound ridiculous to claim that Watford have enjoyed their spell in the top flight, but some people welcome a spanking on a weekly basis. The Hornets will be getting tonked at Bramall Lane this week, 4/7 is lying on the table. Manchester City haven't scored a Premiership goal in front of their own supporters since New Years Day. Luckily for the Psycho, Aston Villa are the next visitors to Eastlands so Vassell is guaranteed a goal. The Villa are unbeaten in their last six matches; a draw looks the call at 9/4. Jose Mourinho believes that Manchester United's opponents are denied penalties as a result of a 'new rule'. The Special One is completely wrong on this one; that directive was introduced several years ago. I only have one rule this weekend, get on Chelsea at 1/3 to see off Bolton. If i had to pick Wigan's most consistent performer, I'd probably plump for the chairman; he's been consistently wrong in every interview this season. West Ham can drag Wigan into the relegation battle at 12/5. Charlton have one major advantage over their backdoor threatened rivals, they have the Bent lad up front. The classy hitman can help Charlton leave Ewood Park with a point at 5/2. I was surprised that the tabloids found it newsworthy to reveal that the royal family are Arsenal fans. I'm pretty sure that Prince Philip supported the Gunners in last season's Champions League final; I heard he wrote a note saying 'Get it done in Paris.' The Queen's favourite team will put one over her favourite shopkeeper at 4/9. Stevie Gerrard swapped shirts with Frank Lampard after Liverpool's first leg defeat in their Champions League semi; he's always had a soft spot for camping. The Reds will have one eye on the second leg; Portsmouth can land the upset at 11/4. Reading were absolutely devastated when Newcastle won from behind at St James' earlier in the season; nobody has regretted losing a lead in such a fashion since Helen Chamberlain's ex-boyfriend. The Royals can gain revenge at 21/20. Middlesbrough are having to plan for next season without Mark Viduka. Gareth Southgate is said to be quite disappointed; but it's Christmas come early for the catering department. Backing the draw between Boro and Spurs at 12/5 will make us all feel that little bit happier. Portsmouth, Sheffield United, Arsenal and Reading form a 14/1 weekend accer that is so liberating, I've finally realised that the female of the species is not a commodity that can be bought and sold. Renting remains a viable alternative. Weekend Betting: Chelsea v Bolton Saturday 28th April 12:45 Live on Sky Chelsea 1/3 Draw 4/1 Bolton 10/1 Get on: Chelsea Match Special: Lampard to score from outside the penalty area 7/2 Everton v Man Utd Saturday 28th April 12:45 Live on Sky Everton 4/1 Draw 13/5 Man Utd 8/11 Get on: Man Utd Match Special: Rooney to score the first goal 5/1 Blackburn v Charlton Saturday 28th April 15:00 Blackburn 5/4 Draw 5/2 Charlton 11/4 Get on: Draw Match Special: Darren Bent to score in a 1-1 draw 17/1 Man City v Aston Villa Saturday 28th April 15:00 Man City 13/10 Draw 9/4 Aston Villa 23/10 Get on: Draw Match Special: Vassell and Carew both to score 9/1 Middlesbrough v Tottenham Saturday 28th April 15:00 Middlesbrough 17/10 Draw 12/5 Tottenham 8/5 Get on: Draw Match Special: Match to finish either 1-1 or 2-2 4/1 Portsmouth v Liverpool Saturday 28th April 15:00 Portsmouth 11/4 Draw 12/5 Liverpool 5/4 Get on: Portsmouth Match Special: Taylor to score the only goal of the game 105/1 Sheff Utd v Watford Saturday 28th April 15:00 Sheff Utd 4/7 Draw 3/1 Watford 5/1 Get on: Sheff Utd Match Special: Sheffield United to keep a clean sheet 10/11 Wigan v West Ham Saturday 28th April 15:00 Wigan 13/10 Draw 12/5 West Ham 12/5 Get on: West Ham Match Special: Tevez to score at any time 12/5 Arsenal v Fulham Sunday 29th April 16:00 Live on Sky Arsenal 4/9 Draw 7/2 Fulham 9/1 Get on: Arsenal Match Special: Arsenal to win by two or more goals 6/5 Reading v Newcastle Monday 30th April 20:00 Live on Sky Reading 21/20 Draw 12/5 Newcastle 3/1 Get on: Reading Match Special: Doyle to score two or more goals 11/2 Labels: Betting, Football, Premier League, Premiership, Soccer Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 9:18 AM

Premier League weekend preview by Bet365 (Thursday, April 19, 2007)

PREMIERSHIP PROPHECY ? SPURS TO NICK NORTH LONDON GOAL FEST! We're getting down to the business-end of the season, and Spurs are fancied to get the job done against Arsenal in Saturday's north London derby at generous odds of 17/10 with bet365, who are once again betting every Premiership game to 107%. All the recent signs suggest that the two teams are closer in quality now than they have been at any time since Arsene Wenger's arrival, and the time looks right for Spurs to beat their local rivals for the first time this millennium, but have a bigger bet on the 'overs' at bet365's 4/7. Spurs have scored in every league game this year, except against Chelsea and Man United, and the three previous encounters between these two this season have all gone 'over'. Down at the other end of the table, things are getting very interesting, although Wigan fans won't thank you for reminding them. Wigan face a nigh impossible task against the mighty reds at Anfield, with a bet on a 3-0 or 4-0 scoreline at 8/1 and 16/1 respectively a value alternative to the short match odds of 4/11. It might also be worth considering an each way first goalscorer bet on John Arne Riise at 16/1, especially as bet365 now pay unlimited places on such bets. Elsewhere, Charlton are strongly fancied to heap more pressure on Sheffield United at the Valley. The Addicks are improving in the nick of time, while United's away form is abysmal, which makes bet365's 21/20 for the home win very tempting. There could be more bad news for the Blades if West Ham can beat Everton, and they are worth backing at 7/5 with bet365 as the Toffee's away form is nothing to get excited about. Both Man United (1/5) and Chelsea (8/15) are unopposable at present against Middlesbrough and Newcastle respectively and they're sure to be in plenty of Premiership accumulator bets this weekend, and why not when bet365 will add up to 60% to your winnings if you click. A £25 bet on these two plus Spurs, Liverpool, Charlton and West Ham pays out at just under a grand, including a bet365 bonus of 20%! Best of luck with your Premiership bets this weekend. Labels: Bet365, Betting, Football, Premier League, Premiership, Soccer Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 8:30 AM

Premier League weekend preview by Gerry McDonnell ()

The Heir on the Dog I try to avoid the political arena as a rule, but as a concerned parent, i'm furious with this government's education policy. It makes my blood boil to see numeracy, literacy and religious tolerance dominate the curriculum, while tenuous football related analogies remain conspicuous by their absence. The children could do a lot worse than watch the video of Chelsea's FA cup semi-final win over Blackburn. If the little brats can't be inspired by the reconciliation of Mourinho and Abramovich as a result of the beautiful game, they may as well go and sew trainers for a living as further education would prove a waste of time and money. I was hugely excited by the news that Roman shared a hug with Jose; it's been quite a while for me. I'm embracing the 4/7 for a Chelsea win over Newcastle. The majority of the young lads would undoubtedly benefit from this revolutionary educational concept, and I'd even consider showing the tape to the girls if a strong grade in home economics has been achieved. Spurs versus Arsenal is be the embodiment of equality, the draw is an outstanding 23/10 shot. It makes economic sense to look after the kids of today, as you never know when you'll need a cheap car stereo in the future. The 10/11 for Bolton to beat Reading is another example of value for money. Charlton v Sheffield United could well be the greatest domestic dust-up since the Scottish war of independence where the English and the Sweaties went toe to toe in an epic battle. I'm no history buff, but as Scotland remained an independent nation at the end of the skirmish; I'm assuming England won quite comfortably. Charlton can follow suit at 23/20. Mohammed Al Fayed may have taken a huge gamble appointing a caretaker manager at the business end of the season, but Sanchez is oozing confidence. "They said I couldn't beat Spain, couldn't beat Sweden and couldn't beat England; i've proved the impossible is possible." He's quite an articulate Lawrie. A driven Fulham can share the spoils with Blackburn at 23/10. I can't foresee a Wigan goal at Anfield; the Scousers have been tighter at the back than Lee Hughes all season. Liverpool should take all three points at 4/9. We all have people we admire. Some dig Mandela, others like the cut of Jesus' jib. Personally, I have a lot of time for Aidy Boothroyd. The Watford manager has remained upbeat throughout a disastrous campaign; Manchester City can land another blow at 17/10. I have the utmost sympathy for Andy Johnson. On recent evidence, the England striker would need to be repeatedly pommeled with a baseball bat for the referee to even consider awarding a penalty; and that may not be enough at Old Trafford. West Ham can inflict a little pain on the Toffeemen at 6/4. Aston Villa are finishing the season as they started; if it wasn't for that little six-month sticky patch in the middle they could have been contenders. The Villans are unbeaten against Pompey in their last six meets, the O'Neill revolution will continue at 5/4. Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a new five year deal worth a reported £25m. That kind of money could go a long way to eradicating world hunger, although it would probably be easier to just ask Mark Viduka to donate his snacks. Manchester United will devour Middlesbrough at 1/5. Rio Ferdinand limped out of the FA cup semi-final feeling his groin; confirming my suspicions. Luckily, the injury is not as serious as it first appeared; Rio can add a clean sheet to a United win at a more appetising 4/7. Bolton, Charlton, Manchester City and Aston Villa form a 21/1 weekend accer that is so forthright; Prince William had finally explained why he binned Kate Middleton. "She's friendly, she's good with figures and her vocabulary is impressive, but the bint can't boil an egg," mused the astute part German future monarch. Weekend Betting: Tottenham v Arsenal Saturday 21st April 12:45 Live on Premiership Plus Tottenham 17/10 Draw 23/10 Arsenal 17/10 Get on: Draw Match Special: Match to finish either 2-2 or 3-3 11/1 Bolton v Reading Saturday 21st April 15:00 Bolton 10/11 Draw 12/5 Reading 10/3 Get on: Bolton Match Special: Anelka to score the first goal 11/2 Charlton v Sheff Utd Saturday 21st April 15:00 Charlton 23/20 Draw 23/10 Sheff Utd 13/5 Get on: Charlton Match Special: Darren Bent to score the only goal of the game 28/1 Fulham v Blackburn Saturday 21st April 15:00 Fulham 5/4 Draw 23/10 Blackburn 21/10 Get on: Draw Match Special: McCarthy to score in a 1-1 draw 16/1 Liverpool v Wigan Saturday 21st April 15:00 Liverpool 4/9 Draw 7/2 Wigan 7/1 Get on: Liverpool Match Special: Liverpool to win and keep a clean sheet Evs Watford v Man City Saturday 21st April 15:00 Watford 13/8 Draw 23/10 Man City 17/10 Get on: Man City Match Special: Barton to score from outside the penalty area 11/1 West Ham v Everton Saturday 21st April 15:00 West Ham 6/4 Draw 12/5 Everton 7/4 Get on: West Ham Match Special: Tevez to score direct from a free-kick 8/1 Man Utd v Middlesbrough Saturday 21st April 17:15 Live on Sky Man Utd 1/5 Draw 5/1 Middlesbrough 14/1 Get on: Man Utd Match Special: Man Utd to score a penalty 7/2 Newcastle v Chelsea Sunday 22nd April 13:30 Live on Premiership Plus Newcastle 6/1 Draw 3/1 Chelsea 4/7 Get on: Chelsea Match Special: Drogba and Lampard both to score 11/2 Aston Villa v Portsmouth Sunday 22nd April 16:00 Live on Sky Aston Villa 5/4 Draw 9/4 Portsmouth 11/5 Get on: Aston Villa Match Special: Petrov to score in a 2-0 Villa win 35/1 Labels: Betting, Football, Premier League, Premiership, Soccer Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 6:40 AM

Premier League and FA Cup preview by Gerry McDonnell (Thursday, April 12, 2007)

An Expired Pizza to Enter Jordan There is nothing more annoying than a parent who talks endlessly about how 'clever' or 'sporty' their child is, before whipping out a picture of some spotty two foot hooligan tucking in to the contents of his nostril. My Goliath though, is genuinely bright for his age. The wee lad can speak about 10 words now; that's three more than Paul Merson. The little fellow will definitely be a footballer when he grows up. The last time we had a kick around in the garden he nutmegged me twice; nobody's regretted opening their legs on two separate occasions since Mrs Neville. You won't regret a bet on Manchester United at 3/10 to waltz past Watford in a one-sided FA Cup semi. If the media are to be believed, and you'll never find a more honest bunch of lads, Jose Mourinho is considering managing England when his tenure expires at Stamford Bridge. This would be the greatest result for the average Englishman since Gareth Gates wore down Jordan with a pizza and some of the longest chat-up lines in history. Chelsea have already beaten Blackburn on three occasions this season, a fourth win at 4/7 will set up the most eagerly awaited showdown since Peter Andre narrowly defeated Gareth Gates in a bare-knuckled 15 round extravaganza. A few people are beginning to question Arsene Wenger, but Aristotle was once mocked when he suggested the Earth was round. Rumours of Arsenal's demise have been leaked prematurely, they can return to winning ways against Bolton at a huge 8/11. Liverpool are finishing the season with aplomb; Bellamy I think his name is. The Pool have won their last three against Manchester City by a single goal; another Liverpool victory is advised at 10/11. Charlton's recovery in recent weeks has been nothing short of sensational. The Addicks are on a real high, they can snatch an invaluable point from Goodison Park at 5/2. Aston Villa return to the Riverside for the first time since a 4-0 cakewalk led to a visionary Middlesbrough fan hurling his season ticket at Steve McClaren. A punt on the Villa at 12/5 will lead to a healthy prophet. It's the Blades versus the Hammers at Bramall Lane; that's more tools than you'd find in a Peter Andre fan club. It's a must-win game for both teams; I'm siding with the rejuvenated West Ham at 2/1. When I suggested that Wigan were a good bet for relegation in my pre-season write-up, I received more stick than a Manchester United fan in Rome. Another Tottenham win at 7/5 will place the cat well and truly amongst the pigeons. I'm not too sure about Fulham's decision to sack Chris Coleman a mere three days before a massive match away to Reading. I guess Mohammed Al Fayed wants to guarantee at least one decent result against the Royals. The arrival of Lawrie 'Dirty' Sanchez can inspire the Cottagers to a hard-fought point at 12/5. David James is the Pauline Fowler of the football world; you wouldn't want to get involved in a conversation with him, but he's the man to see if you need a clean sheet. The fashion icon needs one more shutout to break the all-time Premiership record; a home fixture against Newcastle can land a Portsmouth win at 11/10 and a new record for Calamity at 6/4. Arsenal, Portsmouth, Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea form a 16/1 weekend accer that is so candid, Peter Andre has decided to share his life story via the medium of a new single. 'What was I thinking' is released in all good record shops on Monday morning. Weekend Betting: Arsenal v Bolton Saturday 14th April 15:00 Arsenal 8/11 Draw 13/5 Bolton 9/2 Get on: Arsenal Match Special: Arsenal to score three or more goals 9/4 Man City v Liverpool Saturday 14th April 15:00 Man City 7/2 Draw 5/2 Liverpool 10/11 Get on: Liverpool Match Special: Gerrard to score at any time 11/4 Middlesbrough v Aston Villa Saturday 14th April 15:00 Middlesbrough 11/10 Draw 23/10 Aston Villa 12/5 Get on: Aston Villa Match Special: Agbonlahor to score two or more goals 9/1 Portsmouth v Newcastle Saturday 14th April 15:00 Portsmouth 11/10 Draw 23/10 Newcastle 13/5 Get on: Portsmouth Match Special: Portsmouth to win and keep a clean sheet 12/5 Reading v Fulham Saturday 14th April 15:00 Reading 10/11 Draw 12/5 Fulham 10/3 Get on: Draw Match Special: Lita to score in a 1-1 draw 12/1 Sheff Utd v West Ham Saturday 14th April 15:00 Sheff Utd 6/4 Draw 23/10 West Ham 2/1 Get on: West Ham Match Special: Tevez to score the only goal of the game 40/1 Watford v Man Utd FA Cup semi final Saturday 14th April 17:30 Live on BBC One Watford 12/1 Draw 9/2 Man Utd 3/10 Get on: Man Utd Match Special: Rooney and Ronaldo both to score 9/2 Wigan v Tottenham Sunday 15th April 13:30 Live on Sky Wigan 2/1 Draw 23/10 Tottenham 7/5 Get on: Tottenham Match Special: Tottenham to keep a clean sheet 13/8 Everton v Charlton Sunday 15th April 15:00 Everton 3/4 Draw 5/2 Charlton 4/1 Get on: Draw Match Special: No goalscorer in the match 10/1 Blackburn v Chelsea FA Cup semi final Sunday 15th April 16:00 Live on Sky Blackburn 6/1 Draw 14/5 Chelsea 4/7 Get on: Chelsea Match Special: Ballack to score with a header 6/1 Labels: Betting, FA Cup, Football, Premier League, Premiership, Soccer Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 7:46 AM

Premier League weekend preview by Gerry McDonnell (Thursday, April 05, 2007)

Beer Today Scone Tomorrow Alcohol is undoubtedly cool, but it can often be abused. Earlier this week, the wife was rushed to hospital after a Buckfast frenzy. I say rushed, but the ambulance took a disgraceful 35 minutes to arrive; I'd have driven myself if it wasn't a Champions League night. The wife is now in the 'Soccer AM' position, she's relying on tubes to survive. It's not all been good news this week though; I'm really struggling to find a value bet in the match between Arsenal and West Ham. If a gun was placed to my head i'd suggest a win for Arsenal at 1/2. If a gun was placed to the wife's head; i'd say that I never negotiate with terrorists. Finding a winner in the Reading v Liverpool match is a far simpler proposition. The arrival of Mascherano has added real steel to the Scouse armoury; I'm nicking the evens for a Liverpool win. David James has had plenty of critics over the years and I'm afraid I have to once again question his decision making. The Pompey keeper is sporting the campest beard since Wayne Rooney's little ginger effort earlier in the season. The Manchester United train to titleville is stopping off at Portsmouth; I'm boarding at 8/15. Speaking of a little ginger effort, I've seen worse investments than the 3/1 for Paul Scholes finding the net at any time. Sir Alex believes that the refreshed day-sleeper holds the key to United winning the title; I refuse to argue with the vastly experienced Sweaty. Newcastle United should take a leaf out of Wayne Rooney's book; the Geordies can't buy a result at the minute. The Toon Army are winless and goalless in their last four league matches; Sheffield United can snatch a draw at a game 23/10. Life has been far from a picnic for Frank Lampard in recent weeks. The Chelsea goal machine has been attacked by a crazed supporter and dropped by England after fracturing a bone in his wrist. Now to add insult to injury, he looks a little bit like Eric Cartman. Chelsea are 4/9 to beat Tottenham, sweet. Big Frank was understandably devastated with the news that Arjen Robben will miss the rest of the season through injury. Superman has Lois Lane, Spiderman looks to Aunt May and Fatman needs Robben. Drogba can open the scoring at a heroic 4/1. Earlier this season, the Boro were a lot like me when I was an altar boy; they found themselves in all sorts of trouble at the Vicarage. Watford cruised to a 2-0 win on home territory; Boro can gain revenge at 8/11. Emile Mpenza deserves plenty of credit. The Belgian striker has not only saved the Psycho from the sack; he's also made us all realise that you can be a quality footballer and still be named 'Emile'. I'm making a meal of the 9/4 for a draw between City and the improving Charlton. Chris Coleman was shocked to discover that his wife had planted a listening device in his motor. The Fulham manager has it easy; my wife has been bugging me for six years. Everton can pick up the points against the Cottagers at 8/11. Robbie Savage's ongoing recovery from a broken leg has pleased the Blackburn board. The fact that the blonde bombshell is nearing a return is secondary; they just want the caravan removed from the car park. Aston Villa will leave Ewood Park with a point at an immovable 9/4. The wife is the most positive person I know; she says 'yes' more than the man from Del Monte. Is Wigan v Bolton a stick on draw at 9/4? I too must answer in the affirmative. I rarely stray away from the beautiful game, but a couple of excellent betting opportunities have presented themselves further afield. Joe Calzaghe will annihilate Peter Manfredo in the boxing and the beefy Cambridge crew will see off the lightweight Oxford in the rowing. The 8/13 double reminds me of the wife; it's a slapper with a dodgy boat race. Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Man Utd and a Blackburn draw form a 15/1 weekend accer that is so angelic, it's made me realise how much I'd miss the wife if she failed to recover. She does make a cracking scone. Weekend Betting: Man City v Charlton Friday 6th April 17:15 Live on Premiership Plus Man City 11/10 Draw 9/4 Charlton 13/5 Get on: Draw Match Special: Joey Barton to be booked 7/4 Everton v Fulham Friday 6th April 19:30 Live on Sky Everton 8/11 Draw 5/2 Fulham 9/2 Get on: Everton Match Special: Arteta to score at any time 4/1 Chelsea v Tottenham Saturday 7th April 12:45 Live on Premiership Plus Chelsea 4/9 Draw 10/3 Tottenham 7/1 Get on: Chelsea Match Special: Chelsea to win by two or more goals 13/10 Arsenal v West Ham Saturday 7th April 15:00 Arsenal 1/2 Draw 10/3 West Ham 7/1 Get on: Arsenal Match Special: Adebayor to score the first goal 9/2 Blackburn v Aston Villa Saturday 7th April 15:00 Blackburn 11/10 Draw 9/4 Aston Villa 3/1 Get on: Draw Match Special: Carew to score in a 1-1 draw 23/1 Middlesbrough v Watford Saturday 7th April 15:00 Middlesbrough 8/11 Draw 13/5 Watford 9/2 Get on: Middlesbrough Match Special: Yakubu and Viduka both to score 5/1 Reading v Liverpool Saturday 7th April 15:00 Reading 14/5 Draw 12/5 Liverpool Evs Get on: Liverpool Match Special: Crouch to score two or more goals 13/2 Sheff Utd v Newcastle Saturday 7th April 15:00 Sheff Utd 7/5 Draw 23/10 Newcastle 21/10 Get on: Draw Match Special: No goalscorer in the match 17/2 Wigan v Bolton Saturday 7th April 15:00 Wigan 8/5 Draw 9/4 Bolton 19/10 Get on: Draw Match Special: Match to finish either 0-0 or 1-1 11/4 Portsmouth v Man Utd Saturday 7th April 17:15 Live on Sky Portsmouth 6/1 Draw 3/1 Man Utd 8/15 Get on: Man Utd Match Special: Paul Scholes to score with a header 13/2 Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 8:34 AM

Grand National Preview by Bet365 ()

bet365 go Non-Runner No Bet on Grand National bet365 have gone non-runner no bet on this year's John Smith's Grand National. 'After the overwhelming success of our non-runner no bet promotion at Cheltenham, we've decided to offer the same concession on the Grand National,' said bet365 spokesman George Primarolo. 'With several punters losing out after the recent withdrawal of leading fancy Far From Trouble, our offer now gives them the piece of mind that they will get their stake returned if their horse doesn't line up for the big race.' The Stoke-based firm will now also pay out on the first five home, as well as guaranteeing the best odds on the race. Customers who take a price now on the Grand National will be paid out at the starting price should it return greater. 'These three offers combine to make bet365's Grand National book the most competitive in the marketplace,' Primarolo added. 'Now all punters have to do is pick the winner!' CLICK HERE FOR BET365'S LATEST GRAND NATIONAL ODDS Posted by soccerbetting.info @ 8:30 AM