May 2007

Fergie in Portugal raid

Editor / 31 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Sir Alex Ferguson has wasted little time in strengthening his Manchester United squad with the news that he has agreed deals for a double swoop from Portugal. FC Porto's Brazilian star Anderson looks set to move to Old Trafford, along...Read more »

Ranieri favourite for City as Thai talks continue

Editor / 31 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Claudio Ranieri remains the overwhelming favourite to become the next manger of Manchester City with the news that Thaksin Shinawatra is closing in on a takeover. The former Thai Prime Minister appears desperate to invest in English football and was...Read more »

Ronny relishing Becks showdown

Editor / 31 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Ronaldinho has praised David Beckham for his recent performances for Real Madrid and is looking forward to their international encounter at Wembley. The former England captain has been recalled to the national side for their friendly with Brazil on Friday...Read more »

Giggs to quit international game

Editor / 30 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Ryan Giggs is set to announce that Wales' Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic on Saturday will be his last international appearance. The 33-year-old will call time on a 16-year international career after the clash at the Millennium Stadium...Read more »

Greening keen on Baggies stay

Editor / 30 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Jonathan Greening wants to stay at West Brom despite the club just missing out on promotion to the Premiership. The Baggies 1-0 defeat to Derby in the Championship play-off final means that Greening and his team-mates will face another battle...Read more »

Milan keen on Sheva return

Editor / 30 May 2007 / Leave a comment

AC Milan have confirmed they are ready to buy back Andriy Shevchenko from Chelsea as long as the price is right. The Ukraine international has failed to live up to expectations since signing for the Blues from Milan in a...Read more »

Beckham expected to start

Editor / 29 May 2007 / Leave a comment

David Beckham is expected to start for England against Brazil on Friday - and the Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia on 6 June. The former captain should play his first game for the Three Lions since the World Cup quarter-final...Read more »

Barca to appeal Ronaldinho red

Editor / 29 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Barcelona will on Tuesday lodge an appeal against the red card shown to star striker Ronaldinho in their 1-0 win over Getafe. The Brazilian hit the headlines for the right reasons when he put Barca in front after just two...Read more »

Davies future in doubt

Editor / 29 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Billy Davies refused to commit his future to Derby despite guiding them to the Premiership with victory over West Brom in Monday's Championship play-off final. Stephen Pearson's second-half strike at Wembley secured the Rams a place in next season's top...Read more »

Euro 2008 qualifiers update

Editor / 28 May 2007 / Leave a comment

The June fixtures mark the halfway stage for the 50 teams battling to reach the 13th European Championships. Some big names are in danger of missing the trip to Austria and Switzerland next summer - France, Italy, England and Spain...Read more »

Punters eye Boca success

Editor / 28 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Betfair punters fancy Boca Juniors to claim a first-leg lead in the Copa Libertadores semi-final against Cucuta Deportivo. The Argentinian side, led by star man Juan Roman Riquelme, reached the last four following a quarter-final success over Libertad of Paraguay....Read more »

Gullit throws his hat into City rin

Editor / 28 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Former Newcastle boss and Dutch legend Ruud Gullit has added his name to the list of contenders to become the next Manchester City boss. Ex-Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri leads Betfair's market at 2.16 to succeed Stuart Pearce, while other top...Read more »

Striker concerns for Scotland

Editor / 28 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Kenny Miller is a major injury doubt for Scotland ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifier against the Faroe Islands on June 6. The Celtic striker picked up a hamstring injury while heading towards goal in his club's Scottish Cup final...Read more »

Punters don't share Davies confidence

Editor / 27 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Betfair customers believe West Brom will go into the Championship Play-Off final as favourites, but Derby boss Billy Davies is confident his side can match their opponents goal-for-goal. Honours are even between the two sides this season, with Derby beating...Read more »

Lennon blow for England

Editor / 27 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Spurs winger Aaron Lennon is out of England's upcoming games against Brazil and Estonia after twisting a knee against Albania. The former Leeds United youngster lasted just ten minutes of the B international at Turf Moor on Friday night before...Read more »

Real stay ahead in Spain

Editor / 27 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Betfair punters expect Real Madrid to claim their first league title since 2003, as the Bernabeu giants remain top of La Liga with just two games remaining, Fabio Capello's men picked up an impressive 3-1 home victory over Deportivo La...Read more »

Davies predicts goal-fest glory

Editor / 26 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Derby County manager Billy Davies believes his side can match West Brom in the Championship play-off final but Betfair customers disagree. The Baggies trade as the 2.38 favourites to win the match, while Derby are on offer at 3.45 with...Read more »

Red Clubs can book Ascot place

Editor / 26 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Red Clubs will be looking to take advantage of the absence of leading sprinter Amadeus Wolf when he contests the Betfair-sponsored Temple Stakes at Sandown on Thursday evening. Red Clubs looks sure to be one of the market leaders for...Read more »

McClaren in Beckham u-turn

Editor / 26 May 2007 / Leave a comment

David Beckham has been recalled to the England squad for their friendly against Brazil and the clash with Estonia, nearly 12 months after his last appearance for the national side. Steve McClaren opted to ditch the former captain following England's...Read more »

Houllier rules out City move

Editor / 26 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Betfair customers will have been alerted by the news that Gerard Houllier insists he needs a total break from football, ruling himself out of the running to be the next Manchester City boss. The former Liverpool manager stepped down as...Read more »

Copa America preview

Editor / 26 May 2007 / Leave a comment

The oldest international football competition in the world begins on June 26 when Venezuela hosts the 42nd Copa America. The ten nations from CONMEBOL, South American football's governing body are joined by invitees Mexico and USA for the three-week tournament....Read more »

Rovers forced to deal with defender absence

Editor / 25 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Bristol Rovers will be without on-loan defender Joe Jacobson for Saturday's League Two Play-Off final against Shrewsbury. Jacobson had been on loan at the Memorial Ground from Cardiff City, but his 93-day spell has come to an end leaving boss...Read more »

McClaren hush on Becks talk

Editor / 25 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Steve McClaren won't comment on mounting speculation that David Beckham is set to be recalled to the England squad. McClaren will name his party at noon on Saturday for the friendly against Brazil at Wembley and the Euro 2008 qualifier...Read more »

Strachan to lead out Hoops

Editor / 25 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Gordon Strachan will lead out his Celtic team at Hampden Park for Saturday's Scottish Cup final, despite being stuck with crutches for the last fortnight. The former Scotland international recently underwent a long-awaited hip operation, but Strachan is hopeful that...Read more »

Vieira happy with Inter

Editor / 24 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Betfair customers who enjoy following Italian football will have taken note that Patrick Vieira wants to finish his career with Italian champions Inter Milan. The France midfielder joined the Serie A giants from Juventus last summer, following the Turin outfit's...Read more »

Wolves eye play-off ace

Editor / 24 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Blackpool's Irish midfielder Wes Hoolahan will be watched by Wolves boss Mick McCarthy during the League One play-off final against Yeovil. The 25-year-old has been catching the eye at Bloomfield Road during his year-long loan from Scottish First Division side...Read more »

Eto still dreaming of Henry move

Editor / 24 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Samuel Eto'o has revealed he was disappointed Barcelona failed to sign Thierry Henry last year and hopes the move will still happen. The Catalan giants were strongly linked with the Gunners ace over a possible move last summer, but Henry...Read more »

Bristol Rovers v Shrewsbury Town, Saturday 15.00

Editor / 24 May 2007 / Leave a comment

The first play-off final at the new Wembley features the teams that finished sixth and seventh in League Two. Bristol Rovers beat Lincoln City by a 7-4 aggregate semi-final scoreline, whilst Shrewsbury Town edged out Milton Keynes Dons, who finished...Read more »

FUTURE ACTION - FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Editor / 23 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Although the Premiership season may have come to an end, there is no real end to the football action which will be available to Betfair punters right the way until next August when Manchester United will open their bid to...Read more »

Kaka hopes to be three

Editor / 23 May 2007 / Leave a comment

AC Milan's midfield maestro, Kaka, has warned Liverpool he is hoping to make it a hat-trick of British scalps in Wednesday's Champions League final in Athens. The Brazilian, considered by pundits as currently the world's best footballer, sent Celtic packing...Read more »

Gerrard calls for final push

Editor / 23 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Steven Gerrard has called on his Liverpool team-mates to give everything they have and return home from Wednesday's Champions League final against AC Milan as "heroes". The midfield powerhouse acknowledges the Serie A outfit will be out for revenge for...Read more »

Eto'o committed to Barcelona

Editor / 23 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Samuel Eto'o has ended speculation over his immediate future by insisting he wants to stay with Barcelona until his contract runs out in 2010. The 26-year-old was a reported target of Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who has been promised a...Read more »

All square after rain-ruined Test

Editor / 22 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Bangladesh will head into Friday's second Test with India on level terms after rain ruined the chance of a result in the first encounter at Chittagong. The players did their best to manufacture a potential result with India setting the...Read more »

Mowbray keeping Baggies grounded

Editor / 22 May 2007 / Leave a comment

West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Mowbray is determined to keep his players focused and in their regular routines ahead of the Championship play-off final. The Baggies face Derby County next Monday for the right to play in the Premiership next...Read more »

Kaka hails Reds midfielder

Editor / 22 May 2007 / Leave a comment

AC Milan star Kaka has warned his side of the threat posed by Steven Gerrard and wishes they had him in their side. Both players are key figures for their respective teams and the outcome of Wednesday's Champions League final...Read more »

Sven backs McClaren to succeed

Editor / 22 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Former boss Sven-Goran Eriksson believes England will qualify for the Euro 2008 finals despite their indifferent form, and Betfair customers agree. The Swedish tactician was sacked as England head coach last year and left his post following the World Cup,...Read more »

AC Milan v Liverpool

Editor / 21 May 2007 / Leave a comment

AC Milan v Liverpool, Wednesday 19.45, Live on ITV/Sky Sports The Olympic Stadium in Athens plays host to two of Europe's most successful clubs in a repeat of the 2005 final. Liverpool won that extraordinary match on penalties after being...Read more »

Pirlo fires Reds a warning

Editor / 21 May 2007 / Leave a comment

AC Milan's Andrea Pirlo has sent a warning to Liverpool ahead of the Champions League final in Athens on Wednesday as he seeks to erase the memories of Istanbul two years ago. The Italian giants cruised to a 3-0 half-time...Read more »

Real give fans a scare

Editor / 21 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Betfair customers who have backed Real Madrid to lift the Spanish title were given a real scare on Sunday night as the Primera Liga leaders left it late to beat Recreativo de Huelva 3-2. Sevilla had earlier come from behind...Read more »

Staunton happy to give youth a chance

Editor / 20 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton is happy to give his young guns a chance after John O'Shea became the latest player to withdraw from the squad. The versatile Manchester United star is suffering with a back problem and has...Read more »

Barca trio set to stay

Editor / 20 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Barca trio set to stayBarca trio set to stay Barcelona trio Samuel Eto'o, Ludovic Giuly and Gio van Bronckhorst have given the Catalans a boost by denying reports they are seeking summer exits from the club. Reports of unrest within...Read more »

Grayson looks to the future

Editor / 20 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Blackpool manager Simon Grayson wants to usher in a new era at the club with promotion to the Championship. The Tangerines booked a League One play-off final date with Yeovil after a 3-1 (5-2 aggregate) success over Oldham on Saturday,...Read more »

Mourinho pledges future to Blues...again

Editor / 20 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has assured Blues fans, and those who have backed him to stay, that he will be at Stamford Bridge next season. Speculation has been rife all season that the Portuguese tactician would be leaving for pastures...Read more »

Jockey confident about Preakness favourite

Editor / 19 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Jockey Calvin Borel was full of confidence ahead of Street Sense's bid to land the second leg of the Triple Crown at Pimlico on Saturday evening. The rider, who will be making his first appearance at the track, believes that...Read more »

Schweinsteiger blow for Germany

Editor / 19 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Germany will be without injured midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger for next month's Euro 2008 qualifiers. The Bayern Munich ace has been a key figure for the German national team in recent times, but a persistent knee injury will see him sidelined...Read more »

Team the priority for Kaka

Editor / 19 May 2007 / Leave a comment

AC Milan's brilliant Brazilian, Kaka, has shifted the focus ahead of next Wednesday's Champions League final by insisting a team effort is required to beat Liverpool. Kaka, top scorer this season in Europe's premier club competition with 10 goals, is...Read more »

Slade hails positive approach

Editor / 19 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Russell Slade was delighted his all-out attack policy paid off after Yeovil claimed a stunning League One semi-final second-leg win at Nottingham Forest. The Glovers went into the game looking to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit but took the game...Read more »

Big two without key men

Editor / 18 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Both Real Madrid and Barcelona will be without key players for their crucial La Liga games on Sunday. Table toppers Real make the trip to seventh-placed Recreativo Huelva, but will have to do without veteran midfielder Emerson after the Brazilian...Read more »

Bennett wary of final diving

Editor / 18 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Betfair punters will be alerted to comments from referee Steve Bennett that he will find it difficult to spot possible diving antics in the FA Cup final. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has already stated that he is concerned that 'diving'...Read more »

England national team feature

Editor / 18 May 2007 / Leave a comment

The England team and management will be glad that they will not necessarily be the centre of attention when they line up to face Brazil on June 1. The first full international to be played at the new Wembley stadium...Read more »

Forest boosted by trios return

Editor / 17 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Nottingham Forest have received a boost with the expected return of three key players for the second-leg of their League One play-off semi-final with Yeovil on Friday. Colin Calderwood's men have one foot in the final after recording a 2-0...Read more »

Mowbray focused on final showdown

Editor / 17 May 2007 / Leave a comment

West Brom boss Tony Mowbray is refusing to celebrate Wednesday night's win over arch rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers and is already focusing on the Championship play-off final against Derby County. Kevin Phillips scored the only goal of the game, and the...Read more »

Warnock looking for quick return

Editor / 17 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Neil Warnock is targeting a quick return to management after his eight-year tenure at Sheffield United ended by mutual consent on Wednesday. The outspoken 58-year-old could not prevent the Blades from slipping out of the Premiership, losing 2-1 at home...Read more »

Manchester United v Chelsea

Editor / 16 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Manchester United v Chelsea - FA Cup Final (Kick-0ff 3pm) Wembley will be back in the FA Cup final spotlight for the first time since 2002 on Saturday when Manchester United and Chelsea each go in search of their own...Read more »

Benitez targets Reds glory

Editor / 16 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Rafa Benitez insists securing skipper Steven Gerrard to a bumper long-term deal will show Liverpool's rivals they are 'progressing'. The Reds boss has reacted quickly to Gerrard's confirmation on Tuesday that he is ready and willing to sign a new...Read more »

Reds rocked by Neville blow

Editor / 16 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Manchester United captain Gary Neville will miss the FA Cup final after undergoing exploratory surgery on his injured ankle. The England defender has not played since collapsing under a challenge from Bolton midfielder Gary Speed at Old Trafford in the...Read more »

Espanyol boost for UEFA Cup Final

Editor / 16 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Ivan De La Pena and Raul Tamudo will be in the Espanyol starting line-up for tonight's UEFA Cup final against Sevilla. The duo were both rested for the weekend La Liga clash with Real Madrid, which they lost 4-3, but...Read more »

Injuries mount for Blues boss

Editor / 15 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has mounting injury worries ahead of Saturday's FA Cup Final with Manchester United at Wembley. Betfair customers can hardly separate the teams for the showpiece final, with United slight favourites at 2.84 and Chelsea trading at...Read more »

Deco aware of crisis talk

Editor / 15 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Barcelona star Deco believes the Spanish title race is far from over but admitted that failure to win would increase talk of a crisis at the club. Real Madrid's come-from-behind win and Barca's failure to beat Real Betis at home...Read more »

Tinkerman and Sparky in frame for City

Editor / 15 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Former Chelsea chief Claudio Ranieri is the current favourite to take over from Stuart Pearce as the new Manchester City manager, with Blackburn's Mark Hughes also linked. Pearce paid the price for a below-par season when he was sacked on...Read more »

Maldini fit to face Liverpool

Editor / 14 May 2007 / Leave a comment

AC Milan skipper Paolo Maldini insists he is over his knee problem and will be available for the Champions League final. The 38-year-old picked up the knock in the first-leg semi-final clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford and was...Read more »

We must be strong - Rijkaard

Editor / 14 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Frank Rijkaard has called on his Barcelona players to be strong after falling behind Real Madrid in Spain's Primera Liga title race. After Real came from 3-1 down to beat Espanyol on Saturday night, the pressure was on Barca as...Read more »

Davies cool on Derby future

Editor / 14 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Billy Davies has failed to commit himself to Derby past the play-offs and is instead only focusing on seeing off Southampton. The Rams boss has attracted attention from a few other clubs with Manchester City and Leicester City both mentioned...Read more »

Espanyol and Sevilla impressive ahead of final

Editor / 13 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Espanyol and Sevilla warmed up for their appearance in this season's UEFA Cup final in Glasgow with impressive performances against Real Madrid and Recreativo de Huelva respectively. No one gave an under-strength Espanyol side much of a chance prior to...Read more »

Burley remains upbeat

Editor / 13 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Southampton boss George Burley remains upbeat that his side can turn around their 2-1 deficit against Derby and reach the Championship play-off final. However, given that Southampton have never won at Pride Park and the Saints' last victory at Derby...Read more »

Real sound title warning

Editor / 13 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Betfair punters who follow Spanish football may feel they witnessed a defining moment in the race for the La Liga title on Saturday night as Real Madrid secured last-gasp victory. Amid sensational scenes at the Bernabeu, Los Merengues managed to...Read more »

Kewell eyes Champions League final

Editor / 12 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Harry Kewell is making good progress from his groin injury and is hoping to be fully fit for the Champions League final against AC Milan. The Australian came on as a substitute during Liverpool's 1-0 defeat at Fulham last weekend...Read more »

Berbatov's commits Spurs future

Editor / 12 May 2007 / Leave a comment

wants to stay with Tottenham and turn them into a top-four Premiership club. The Bulgarian has raised a few eyebrows with a string of impressive performances for Spurs this season and is believed to be attracting interest from Manchester United...Read more »

Allardyce holds Newcastle talks

Editor / 12 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Sam Allardyce has held talks with chairman Freddy Shepherd about becoming the new manager of Newcastle. The pair met on Friday for lunch at London's Claridge's hotel and more talks are expected at the beginning of next week. "It was...Read more »

United duo set to miss Wembley showdown

Editor / 11 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Manchester United's Louis Saha has been ruled out of next weekend's FA Cup final against Chelsea with a knee injury, while Gary Neville is a major doubt. Striker Saha has been badly hampered by injury problems this season and his...Read more »

Gunners ace fires Pompey warning

Editor / 11 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Cesc Fabregas has warned Portsmouth not to expect any let up from Arsenal when the two sides meet in the Premiership on Sunday. Pompey still have a chance of finishing in the top seven and securing European football for the...Read more »

Getafe stun Barca in Cup

Editor / 11 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Getafe pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Spanish football history on Thursday evening, beating Barcelona to reach the Copa del Rey final. The success was even more impressive as the La Liga minnows were 5-2 down from the...Read more »

Carvalho crocked for Cup Final

Editor / 10 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Ricardo Carvalho has a 'one percent' chance of playing in the FA Cup Final but it is hoped Didier Drogba will be fit to play. Carvalho has been struggling with a knee injury picked up during the 2-2 draw against...Read more »

Milan leave door ajar for Shevchanko

Editor / 10 May 2007 / Leave a comment

AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani has promised to leave the door open for Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko to return the club. The Ukraine star has failed to hit the heights in the Premiership since his arrival from the San...Read more »

Karim Ziani coup fans Coupe flames

Editor / 10 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Sochaux president Jean-Claude Plessis has accused Saturday's Coupe de France final opponents Olympique Marseille of poaching midfielder Karim Ziani. Plessis claims OM sporting director Jose Anigo contacted the Sochaux star after the Ligue 1 match between the two sides at...Read more »

Foreign duo tempt Newcastle backers

Editor / 09 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Sven Goran Eriksson and Gerard Houllier have stated that they would be interested in taking the vacant Newcastle manager's job, something which has alerted Betfair punters. Eriksson has been out of work since leaving his post as England coach following...Read more »

Fergie backs Milan for final

Editor / 09 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Sir Alex Ferguson and Betfair punters share the same thoughts on the upcoming Champions League final - both feel AC Milan will be victorious. The Manchester United boss believes the Italian giants, who knocked his side out at the semi-final...Read more »

Defensive injury boost for Saints

Editor / 09 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Southampton boss George Burley has been given a major defensive boost with the news that Darren Powell could feature in their play-off push. The 31-year-old centre-back has been troubled by a persistent knee injury and was expected to be out...Read more »

Championship Play-Off semi-final first legs

Editor / 09 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Saturday May 12 - Southampton v Derby (St Mary's, kick-off 12:00) Southampton are the momentum team, with 15 points from their last eight games, and that is a major factor in Championship playoffs - nine of the last 17 winners...Read more »

FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS - PREVIEW

Editor / 08 May 2007 / Leave a comment

The Coca-Cola Football League play-offs kick off on Friday night and analysis of past results of the successful end of season format throws up plenty vital pointers for punters. It begins with the first leg of the League One semi-final...Read more »

Punters plump for Sam

Editor / 08 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Punters have wasted no time in banking on the widely-held opinion that Sam Allardyce will be the next manager of Newcastle United. The St James' Park outfit have yet to be drawn on what is seen by many as the...Read more »

Jewell calls for cool heads

Editor / 08 May 2007 / Leave a comment

is calling for cool heads as he prepares Wigan for their must-win last-day survival shoot-out at Sheffield United. Latics, who have lost 10 times on the road in the league this season, travel to Bramall Lane on Sunday knowing...Read more »

Jol happy to have Berbatov

Editor / 08 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Martin Jol said he had no fears about Dimitar Berbatov staying at Tottenham next season after his 22nd goal of the season sent Charlton down from the Premiership. The highly-impressive Bulgarian, believed to be one of the three targets identified...Read more »

Sevilla vow to fight on

Editor / 07 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Sevilla coach Juande Ramos has defiantly stated that his team's title hopes are still alive despite the 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid, but Betfair punters feel their chance has now gone. The Bernabeu giants leapfrogged Sevilla in the table with...Read more »

Final day rout leaves Baggies as play-off favs

Editor / 07 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Betfair customers see West Brom as the team to beat in the Championship play-offs, despite being handed a clash with local rivals Wolves. The Baggies go into the play-off semi-final full of confidence following their 7-0 mauling of Barnsley on...Read more »

Warnock prepares for 'massive' clash

Editor / 07 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock says next Sunday's clash with Wigan is simply the biggest game in English football. A win on the final day would ensure the Blades stay in the Premiership, which could be worth upwards of £60million...Read more »

Bent tipped for summer move as Addicks prepare for worst

Editor / 06 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Alan Pardew has admitted Charlton will have to make 'sacrifices' - which means the departure of England striker Darren Bent - if they go down. Charlton's hopes of beating the drop suffered a massive blow on Saturday as both West...Read more »

Lyon like look of Louis

Editor / 06 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has revealed he is interested in signing Manchester United striker Louis Saha at the end of the season. Lyon have already clinched the French Ligue 1 championship title, but are keen to bring some more attacking...Read more »

Ronaldinho and Eto'o show united front for Barca

Editor / 06 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Andres Iniesta and Samuel Eto'o were on the end of defence-splitting Ronaldinho passes as Barcelona safeguarded their place at the top of La Liga with a 2-0 win at Real Sociedad. After a drab first half, Ronaldinho threaded the ball...Read more »

Maldini to delay surgery

Editor / 05 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Veteran defender Paolo Maldini is prepared to play through the pain for AC Milan as he bids to win his fifth Champions League title. The former Italy international needs surgery on the knee injury which forced him to miss the...Read more »

Jol unhappy with fixture pile-up

Editor / 05 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Spurs boss Martin Jol is unhappy that his UEFA Cup-chasing side have to play three games in six days. The north Londoners face Charlton on Monday before a trip to face Blackburn on Thursday and the season-ending clash with Manchester...Read more »

Wenger's mixed feelings

Editor / 05 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he knows what Chelsea are going through after their Champions League exit but will show them no mercy on Sunday. The Gunners were eliminated from Europe's premier club competition by PSV Eindhoven at the first...Read more »

Rafa to ring the changes

Editor / 04 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Liverpool are set to field a weakened line-up against Fulham on Saturday including Emiliano Insua, Sami Hyppia, Gabriel Paletta and Mark Gonzalez. Rafael Benitez's selection may upset the other teams down in the relegation zone if they cannot overcome Lawrie...Read more »

Manchester City v Manchester United

Editor / 04 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Manchester City v Manchester United - Saturday 12.45pm (live on Sky Sports 1) United could move within one result of Premiership title glory if they can beat City in what should be an intriguing Manchester derby on Saturday lunchtime, a...Read more »

Ramos eyes back-to-back Euro success

Editor / 04 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Sevilla coach Juande Ramos has lavished praise on his team after they booked a second successive UEFA Cup final appearance. The defending champions defeated Osasuna 2-1 on aggregate after a 2-0 win at home on Thursday night, courtesy of a...Read more »

Real handed Beckham boost

Editor / 04 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Spanish football traders will be taking note of the news that Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham has been cleared to play in Sunday's key fixture with Sevilla. It had looked as though the former England skipper would be forced to...Read more »

Kaka out for revenge

Editor / 03 May 2007 / Leave a comment

AC Milan's brilliant Brazilian, Kaka, ended Manchester United's Treble dream - and then targeted revenge against Liverpool in the Champions League final. The two teams will meet again in Athens on May 23 in a repeat of their 2005 epic...Read more »

Ferguson looks for positives

Editor / 03 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Manchester United backers will be hoping their crestfallen stars heed Sir Alex Ferguson's plea to bury their Champions League disappointment by securing the Premiership title this weekend. United slumped to a heavy 3-0 defeat to AC Milan on Wednesday as...Read more »

Uefa Cup previews

Editor / 02 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Spanish outfit Espanyol are the new favourites to lift the UEFA Cup at Hampden Park following their 3-0 demolition of Werder Bremen in the first leg of the semi-final. Their emphatic win in Barcelona prompted punters to install Espanyol as...Read more »

Molinari hoping to excite home crowds

Editor / 02 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Home favourite Francesco Molinari says he hopes to give the crowds something to cheer about once again at this week's Italian Open. The Telecom Italia Open begins on Thursday at the Castello di Tolcinasco Golf Club in Milan and the...Read more »

Lee set for crunch talks

Editor / 02 May 2007 / Leave a comment

New Bolton manager Sammy Lee will hold talks with a number of key players over the next week to discuss their futures at the club. Lee has wasted no time in acting since being named as Sam Allardyce's successor at...Read more »

Diarra feels tide has turned

Editor / 02 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra believes the momentum is now with his side as the Spanish title race reaches its climax. Los Merengues have won five of their last six games in the league to keep the pressure on the...Read more »

Simpson issues Preston challenge

Editor / 01 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Preston manager Paul Simpson has told his promotion-chasing players to snap out of the malaise which is threatening to ruin their season. Having been matched at the minimum low of 1.01 to small stakes earlier in the season when they...Read more »

Owen ready for England

Editor / 01 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Michael Owen declared himself willing and able to answer England's striker SOS call after making his long-awaited Newcastle comeback. The 27-year-old was making his first start since December 2005 - and his first under Magpies manager Glenn Roeder - as...Read more »