June 2007

Barca recruitment drive continues

Editor / 30 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Barcelona have completed their third signing of the week after finally landing Lyon and France defender Eric Abidal for 15 million euros, having had a number of previous bids rejected. The 27-year-old has now been unveiled after passing a medical...Read more »

Bent makes Lane switch

Editor / 29 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Despite smashing their club record to sign Charlton and England striker Darren Bent for £16.5million, Betfair customers don't expect Tottenham to break the strangle hold of the 'Big Four'. Bent passed a medical at White Hart Lane on Thursday and...Read more »

Argentina cement Copa favouritism

Editor / 29 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Pre-tournament favourites Argentina started their Copa America campaign with an impressive 4-1 success over the USA. Having traded at 2.82, Alfio Basile's men are now on offer at 2.04 to win their 15th Copa America title after a crushing victory...Read more »

Capello axed by Real

Editor / 28 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Real Madrid's decision to sack Fabio Capello is likely to have a bearing on Betfair's market for next season's Primera Liga title. Despite helping the Bernabeu giants win the league for the first time in four years, speculation had been...Read more »

Mexico pull off Copa upset

Editor / 28 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Betfair punters appear to have lost confidence in Brazil's chances of winning the Copa America after an opening defeat to Mexico. Having traded as low as 2.12, Dunga's men are currently on offer at 3.85 to win the tournament following...Read more »

Gudjohnsen keen for Nou Camp stay

Editor / 27 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Manchester United target Eidur Gudjohnsen has made it clear that he wants to stay at Barcelona but is unclear about what the future holds. Speculation surrounding the 28-year-old has intensified in recent days in the wake of fellow striker Thierry...Read more »

Pompey eye Hammers hit-man

Editor / 27 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed he would be interested in signing West Ham striker Marlon Harewood. The former Nottingham Forest forward scored just four goals last season as the Hammers narrowly avoided relegation from the Premiership and does not...Read more »

Tevez dropped for USA clash

Editor / 26 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Juan Roman Riquelme and Juan Sebastian Veron return for Argentina's Copa America opener against a young-looking USA side but Carlos Tevez misses out. The veteran duo are set to make their competitive comebacks after international lay-offs induced by fierce media...Read more »

Trezeguet extends Juve deal

Editor / 26 June 2007 / Leave a comment

David Trezeguet has dashed Arsenal's hopes of finding an immediate replacement for Thierry Henry by penning a new three-year deal with Juventus. The 29-year-old had been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium following Henry's decision to end...Read more »

City set for striker moves

Editor / 25 June 2007 / Leave a comment

West Ham striker Marlon Harewood will reportedly become Sven-Goran Eriksson's first signing for Manchester City - if he takes the job. The former England coach is set to be announced as the new manager at Eastlands (currently he is trading...Read more »

Barca ready to make defensive move

Editor / 25 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Barcelona are not set to follow the £16m capture of Thierry Henry with a move for Roma defender Christian Chivu. After reinforcing their already-fearsome attacking line-up with the addition of the French ace, the Catalan giants are now set to...Read more »

Uruguay v Peru

Editor / 25 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Tuesday, Live on Sky Sports 1, 23.00 The 42nd Copa América kicks-off with this Group A clash in Mérida. Hosts Venezuela begin their campaign against Bolivia early on Wednesday morning and all four teams will have high hopes of progressing...Read more »

Reds set for record Torres deal

Editor / 24 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Liverpool are set to see off interest from Manchester United to seal the signing of Fernando Torres for a club-record £25m this week. Reds boss Rafa Benitez has made the Atletico Madrid striker his number one transfer target this summer...Read more »

City set to confirm manager

Editor / 24 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Sven-Goran Eriksson has a 'fair chance' of becoming the next manager of Manchester City, although there are at least three alternatives, according to Keith Harris, the intermediary in Thaksin Shinawatra's takeover at Eastlands. The former England coach is an overwhelming...Read more »

Henry bound for Barcelona

Editor / 23 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry will undergo a medical on Monday before signing a four-year deal with Barcelona. The Spanish giants confirmed on Friday that the 29-year-old was on the brink of completing a £16million switch to the Primera Liga, with...Read more »

Points mean prizes for Jordan

Editor / 23 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has admitted that he would be prepared to sacrifice entertainment for points next season. Jordan had boldly anticipated a quick return to the Premiership last season but his assertion proved to be way off the...Read more »

CHELSEA - FEATURE PREVIEW

Editor / 23 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Chelsea are perhaps the only Premiership team to view a domestic cup double as a poor return for a season. Successive league titles in 2004/05 and 2005/06 set a standard that was not met last season and the recapturing of...Read more »

Bayern mean business

Editor / 22 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Betfair punters' confidence in Bayern Munich's Bundesliga title chances are expected to grow following yet another summer signing. The Bavarian giants recruitment drive has continued as former star Ze Roberto has rejoined the club after one season in Brazil. The...Read more »

Scots ace eyes St Andrews switch

Editor / 22 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Scottish international striker Gary O'Conner says he is desperate to join Birmingham and has begged Steve Bruce to complete a deal. Birmingham are in negotiations with his current club Lokomotiv Moscow about a £2.25million move, which could rise to £3m...Read more »

Hammers star sets sights on Europe

Editor / 21 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Midfielder Mark Noble insists West Ham can become a top-five side if boss Alan Curbishley signs the right players this summer. The Hammers have already moved this summer to bring in England international Scott Parker from Newcastle and are being...Read more »

Sven poised for new post

Editor / 21 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Sven Goran Eriksson is expected to be named the new Manchester City boss after the club accepted Thaksin Shinawatra's £81.6m bid for the club. City's board have accepted the offer from the former Thai prime minister Shinawatra, just as prosecutors...Read more »

Belokon backing for Grayson

Editor / 20 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Blackpool president Valeri Belokon insists boss Simon Grayson will be given "the resources he needs" to compete in the Championship. The Seasiders - who are trading as the 85 outsiders on Betfair's "The Championship - Winner 2007/08" market - ended...Read more »

Hutchings makes case for defence

Editor / 20 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Wigan boss Chris Hutchings admits reducing the average age of his defence has been a priority this summer. The Latics chief allowed Arjan De Zeeuw, Matt Jackson and David Unsworth to move on at the end of last season in...Read more »

Rio targets clean sweep

Editor / 20 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Rio Ferdinand has set his team-mates the task of winning the quadruple next season after hailing Manchester United's summer spending spree. The England defender is determined no-one at Old Trafford will rest on their laurels over the coming 12 months...Read more »

MANCHESTER UNITED - PREVIEW

Editor / 20 June 2007 / Leave a comment

The Glazer family's first League title as owners of Manchester United was the club's ninth in the history of the Premier league. Incredibly, United have successfully defended their Premiership title on four occasions, including three years of back-to-back titles between...Read more »

Sergeant Cecil very well ahead of Gold Cup test

Editor / 19 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Rod Millman's plan to train Sergeant Cecil specifically for a crack at the Gold Cup will be put to test against the hot-favoutite, Yeats, when the pair clash in Thursday's Group 1 showpiece at Royal Ascot. "The horse is...Read more »

Foxes continue to strengthen

Editor / 19 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Leicester have made their sixth summer signing after landing Charlton's Bulgarian midfielder Radostin Kishishev on a two-year deal. Following hot on the heels of Monday's swoop for 22-year-old Dutch midfielder Sergio Hellings, boss Martin Allen has added to his ranks...Read more »

Pressure off Chelsea - Mourinho

Editor / 19 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Jose Mourinho believes Chelsea's lack of spending this summer will help put pressure on their Premiership title rivals next season. Mourinho has signed three players on free transfers during the close season and expects to be outspent by Premiership rivals...Read more »

Koller dismisses Reading link

Editor / 19 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Czech Republic striker Jan Koller has dismissed reports he will join Reading this summer and says he is happy at Monaco. The 34-year-old was linked with a move to the Royals over the weekend but he insists there has been...Read more »

European Under-21 Championship semi-final previews

Editor / 18 June 2007 / Leave a comment

The UEFA Under-21 European Championships in the Netherlands enters its second week, with four nations still in contention to lift the trophy on Saturday. The first semi-final kick's off at 5.15pm this Wednesday at the Abe Lenstra stadium in Heerenveen....Read more »

Duo handed surprise Japan omission

Editor / 18 June 2007 / Leave a comment

European-based pair Junichi Inamoto and Koji Nakata have been left out of the Japan squad for the upcoming Asian Cup - which begins on July 7. Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Inamoto and FC Basel defender Nakata were regulars under former coach...Read more »

Pearce wary of Dutch threat

Editor / 18 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Stuart Pearce feels his England Under 21 side have the toughest opponents of the semi-final line-up, with Betfair punters expecting Holland to come out on top. England reached the last four with a 2-0 win over Serbia on Sunday night,...Read more »

Gillett rules out panic buys

Editor / 17 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has insisted he will not be spending big this summer just "to prove something". Anfield fans had expected Gillett and Tom Hicks' takeover to spark a flurry of transfer activity but Bosman signing Andriy Voronin and...Read more »

Capello praise for Beckham

Editor / 16 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Fabio Capello has ranked David Beckham "among the best players that I have trained in my life" heading into Sunday's title-deciding Primera Liga clash against Real Mallorca. Bernabeu coach Capello cast the former England captain into the wilderness earlier this...Read more »

Davies reveals survival fears

Editor / 16 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Derby boss Billy Davies claims the Rams are 'three weeks behind schedule' after winning promotion to the Premiership via the play-offs. The Pride Park outfit could not start planning for the forthcoming campaign until they knew which division they would...Read more »

French ace in City talks

Editor / 15 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Manchester City are understood to have held secret talks with former Juventus coach Didier Deschamps about taking over the Eastlands hotseat. City chief executive Alistair Mackintosh flew to Paris on Tuesday to talk to the former French World Cup-winning captain,...Read more »

Pearce plays up England chances

Editor / 15 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Betfair punters share Stuart Pearce's confidence that England will qualify for the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championship. Pearce's men threw away a two-goal lead in their clash with Italy on Thursday, but the 2-2 draw means England are still...Read more »

La Liga - Final Day preview

Editor / 15 June 2007 / Leave a comment

As most European countries take their summer break from football, Spain prepares for a gripping final weekend in the Primera Liga. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla all have a chance to be crowned champions after Sunday's final fixtures, with the...Read more »

Derby highlight for SPL opener

Editor / 14 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Edinburgh rivals Hearts and Hibs will do battle at Tynecastle on the opening weekend of the 2007-08 SPL season. The derby clash is the pick of the fixtures for the first games of the new campaign - which kicks-off on...Read more »

Big Sam set for quick Reebok return

Editor / 14 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Sam Allardyce will take his Newcastle side to his former club Bolton on the first day of the new Premiership season. Having left the Reebok Stadium before the end of the last campaign, Allardyce's first competitive match will be against...Read more »

Bent set for Curbs reunion

Editor / 13 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Charlton's hopes for an immediate return to the Premiership appear to have taken a knock as West Ham look set to poach star striker Darren Bent. The Addicks are on the verge of accepting a £15million offer for the England...Read more »

Trio on list for City role

Editor / 13 June 2007 / Leave a comment

The race to become the next manager of Manchester City is hotting up with three names now dominating reports as to who might take over at Eastlands. Stuart Pearce's sacking at the end of the Premiership season prompted a flurry...Read more »

Harry eyes French raid

Editor / 13 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Harry Redknapp has confirmed his interest in Lyon midfielder Alou Diarra but knows it will be tough to sign the Werder Bremen target. Midfield powerhouse Diarra wants to quit French football and Lyon's appointment of former Pompey boss Alain Perrin...Read more »

Moores hopes home is sweet for Harmison

Editor / 13 June 2007 / Leave a comment

England coach Peter Moores hopes Steve Harmison can show he is back to his best in the fourth Test on his home ground at Chester-le-Street. The Durham fast bowler goes into the final Test against the West Indies at the...Read more »

Czech Republic U21s v Serbia U21s

Editor / 13 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Czech Republic U21s v Serbia U21s, Thursday 17.15 Serbia can seal a third consecutive European Championship semi-final appearance with another win at the Goffert Stadion in Nijmegen. Their surprise win over Italy on Sunday has seen them shorten to 7.6...Read more »

Mallorca upset by Real celebrations

Editor / 12 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Real Mallorca midfielder Guillermo Pereyra feels Real Madrid have shown his club a lack of respect and is determined to upset the capital club's title bid. Real entertain the Islanders at the Bernabeu on Sunday, knowing that a win will...Read more »

Gillet denies Rafa fall-out

Editor / 12 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has denied the rumours of a fall-out with Rafael Benitez over the size of his summer transfer kitty. Reports have claimed the Spanish coach has been forced to scale down his ambitions to strengthen the Anfield...Read more »

Pearce rues missed chances

Editor / 12 June 2007 / Leave a comment

England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce has demanded an improved performance from his players when they take on Italy on Thursday. Leroy Lita blazed an 88th-minute penalty wide that would have sealed victory against the Czech Republic on Monday night, but...Read more »

No panic buys for Curbishley

Editor / 11 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Alan Curbishley will only bring new players in at West Ham who can improve his existing Upton Park squad as he looks to avoid another season of relegation worries. Scott Parker from Newcastle is the only new arrival so far...Read more »

Jose still the Special One - Carvalho

Editor / 10 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho claims manager Jose Mourinho is still the best man to bring silverware to Stamford Bridge next season. Portugal international defender Carvalho, 29, was handed a new five-year deal last season and insists he wants to continue...Read more »

Venables fires Beckham warning

Editor / 10 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Terry Venables has warned David Beckham that his recent return to form does not necessarily guarantee him a shirt in the England side. Real Madrid midfielder Beckham set up two of England's goals against Estonia in midweek to help revive...Read more »

Real on the brink

Editor / 09 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Star winger Robinho has urged caution as Real Madrid head into their final Primera Liga fixture knowing a win will secure them their first domestic title since 2003. Ruud van Nistelrooy's second equaliser of the game against Real Zaragoza, his...Read more »

Czech Republic U21s v England U21s

Editor / 09 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Czech Republic U21s v England U21s, Monday 17.15 Group B of the Under-21 European Championships is kicked-off by two teams who have not had ideal build-ups to the tournament. Czech Republic have suffered a last-minute injury crisis, while England have...Read more »

Koeman speculation dies down

Editor / 09 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Manchester City's top managerial targets still appear to be Juande Ramos, Sven-Goran Eriksson and Gerard Houllier, with Ronald Koeman not believed to be in the frame. Rumours were running rife about the PSV Eindhoven boss on Friday, as there was...Read more »

United eye striker deal

Editor / 09 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Manchester United admit they still want to sign a striker as they look to strengthen their squad further for next season's Premiership title defence, but Spurs ace Dimitar Berbatov appears to have ruled out a switch to Old Trafford. The...Read more »

Pearce fuming at Bentley decision

Editor / 09 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Stuart Pearce's Euro Championships aspirations with the England Under-21s have been dealt a blow with the news that David Bentley has decided to withdraw from the squad with fatigue. England are currently trading fourth in the winners market at 4.6...Read more »

Becks tipped to start for Real

Editor / 08 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Real Madrid midfielder Emerson feels David Beckham will shake off his ankle injury and play against Real Zaragoza on Saturday night. The former England captain picked up the injury against Estonia on Wednesday evening in Tallinn, throwing his participation in...Read more »

Midfield ace commits to Liverpool

Editor / 08 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Midfielder Xabi Alonso is the latest player to pledge his future to Liverpool by signing a new five-year contract at Anfield and feels the Reds can challenge for the Premiership title in 2008. The Spanish international, who had been heavily...Read more »

Xavi tips Real slip up

Editor / 07 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Barcelona star Xavi feels confident that Real Zaragoza can halt Real Madrid's title bid this weekend and help his side's chances of a third consecutive La Liga title. With two games remaining for each side and three teams remaining in...Read more »

Punters expect Scotland to fall short

Editor / 07 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Despite another victory on Wednesday, Betfair customers lack confidence in Scotland's chances of qualifying for Euro 2008 from a tough Group B. Goals from Shaun Maloney and Gary O'Connor helped Alex McLeish's side to a 2-0 victory in the Faroe...Read more »

Punters expect Scotland to fall short

Editor / 07 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Despite another victory on Wednesday, Betfair customers lack confidence in Scotland's chances of qualifying for Euro 2008 from a tough Group B. Goals from Shaun Maloney and Gary O'Connor helped Alex McLeish's side to a 2-0 victory in the Faroe...Read more »

Euro 2008 contenders

Editor / 07 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Picking the likely contenders for next summer's European Championships is not as easy as it might seem. Both Denmark in 1992 and Greece last time around were outsiders and the usual suspects are tightly bunched in the winner's market: seven...Read more »

McClaren's upbeat perspective

Editor / 07 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Betfair punters share the confidence of England boss Steve McClaren, who feels his team's Euro 2008 campaign is back on track after victory in Estonia. England picked up a crucial 3-0 victory in Tallinn on Wednesday night thanks to goals...Read more »

City takeover deal close

Editor / 06 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra should complete his takeover of Manchester City within a fortnight. The move to buy the club has left City in limbo and the first thing that the new board are expected to do if,...Read more »

Milan target Eto swoop

Editor / 06 June 2007 / Leave a comment

AC Milan are keen to sign Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o but will primarily rely on the squad that won the Champions League next season. Milan defied the pundits who thought their aging squad would falter at the business end of Europe's...Read more »

Carragher eyes title glory

Editor / 06 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Jamie Carragher says Liverpool are in the best shape since 2002 to launch a title bid and wants his team-mates not to waste the chance. The England international central defender, who signed a new deal on Monday to keep him...Read more »

Under 21 European Championships

Editor / 06 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Those looking forward to Euro 2008 next summer can enjoy the equivalent battle of the young guns this month. Seven teams join hosts and holders Netherlands for the two week tournament which kicks off on Sunday 10th June. The tournament...Read more »

Gerrard warns of international lottery

Editor / 05 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Steven Gerrard has warned fans that "anything is possible" as England prepare for their must-win Euro 2008 qualifying clash in Estonia. Saturday's other results in Group E means fourth-placed England trail leaders Croatia by five points and both Israel -...Read more »

I'm going nowhere - Smith

Editor / 05 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Manchester United striker Alan Smith insists he has no intention of leaving the club and wants to stay and fight for his place. The Premiership champions - who are the 2.66 joint favourites with Chelsea in Betfair's developing Winner 2007/08...Read more »

Ferguson doubt for Scotland

Editor / 05 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Scotland will give captain Barry Ferguson "every chance" of shaking off a calf injury for Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against the Faroe Islands. The 29-year-old picked up the injury in the 1-0 friendly win over Austria last week and is...Read more »

Gartside denies Anelka swoop

Editor / 04 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Bolton say Manchester United are not interested in signing Nicolas Anelka and insist he is not for sale in any case. The Reds have been strongly linked with a move for Anelka and reports even went as far as suggesting...Read more »

Bates regains Leeds control

Editor / 04 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Ken Bates has regained control of Leeds United as he attempts to mastermind a long-term plan to get the club back into the top flight. Leeds are trading as the 7.4 favourites to make an immediate return to the Championship...Read more »

Blues new boy has Euro vision

Editor / 04 June 2007 / Leave a comment

New Chelsea signing Claudio Pizarro has set his sights on Champions League glory after completing his move from Bayern Munich. Blues boss Jose Mourinho snapped the player up on a free transfer after he fell out of contract with the...Read more »

Faroe Islands v Scotland

Editor / 04 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Group B, Wednesday 17.15 Scotland can ill afford any slip ups in their tricky game with Faroe Islands after France and Italy pushed themselves into the qualification spots with weekend victories - leaving the Scots in fourth place, behind Ukraine....Read more »

UEFA to decide Denmark-Sweden result

Editor / 03 June 2007 / Leave a comment

UEFA will confirm the result of Denmark's thrilling Euro 2008 qualifier against Sweden which was abandoned in the 89th minute when a fan attacked referee Herbert Fandel. The incident occurred after the Danes, who had rallied from 3-0 down to...Read more »

Robinho rates Beckham crucial to Real glory bid

Editor / 03 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Robinho believes David Beckham's resurgent form could be the crucial factor to Real Madrid's chances of Primera Liga glory in a tight Spanish title race with Barcelona and Sevilla. The Real wide men have been in inspired form this season...Read more »

Barca Henry links will not go away

Editor / 02 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Despite repeated statements that he is happy at Arsenal, Barcelona have again said Thierry Henry will join them this summer. Arsenal are not fancied to win the Premiership next season and trade at 10 to lift the trophy next May,...Read more »

Keane eyes Scholes swoop

Editor / 02 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has reportedly put in a cheeky £2million bid for Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes. The Black Cats trade at 4.7 to be relegated straight back down to the Championship next season and Keane is looking to...Read more »

Goes warning to England stars

Editor / 02 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Estonia coach Jelle Goes has warned England that his side will not roll over and die in their Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday. England are the 1.26 favourites to beat the Estonians in Tallinn, who trade at 13 to pull...Read more »

Worthington handed Northern Ireland post

Editor / 01 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Confidence in Northern Ireland qualifying for Euro 2008 is unlikely to grow following the appointment of Nigel Worthington as their new manager. Despite currently being top of Group F, Northern Ireland are still 5.2 to qualify for Austria and Switzerland...Read more »

La Liga title race

Editor / 01 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Although most of the leagues in Western Europe have finished for the summer there is still plenty to play for in Spain, where three teams head into this weekend's international break with realistic chances of winning the Primera Division crown....Read more »

Punters back weak Aussie side

Editor / 01 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Betfair customers feel Australia are still capable of claiming a victory against Uruguay, despite fielding an under-strength side. The Socceroos are without several of their European-based players for the friendly clash in Sydney's Olympic stadium on Saturday. The likes of...Read more »

Norway suffer striker blow

Editor / 01 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Norway's chances of qualifying for Euro 2008 have been hit by the news that Manchester United star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could miss their upcoming double-header. The 34-year-old striker is struggling with a knee injury and although it is unclear how...Read more »