March 2009

Ledley King would make my starting England XI any day, says Les Ferdinand.

Les Ferdinand / 31 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Les Ferdinand talks us through his preferred England XI from the players available and his ideal England XI, which includes the name of Ledley King. Plus the best bets from England's match against the Ukraine and why the Rep of...Read more »

Football Betting: England U21 v France U21

Mike Norman / 31 March 2009 / Leave a comment

They may not be under the age of 21 but Mike Norman believes that Stuart Pearce's not-so-young Lions will have too much for an inexperienced French side. Best Bet: Back England U21/England U21 @ [3.4]...Read more »

Football Betting: The strange death of English goalkeeping

Dan Fitch / 31 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Dan Fitch finds an unlikely culprit to blame for the current lack of top quality English goalkeepers....Read more »

World Cup Qualifying: Scotland and Wales aim to bounce back

Alsy / 31 March 2009 / Leave a comment

It won't be easy to recover from their drubbing against Holland but Scotland can gain a morale-boosting win on Wednesday night, says Alister Morgan. Meanwhile, Wales begin to rebuild. Best Bet: Scotland to win 2-0 @ [8.0]...Read more »

World Cup Betting: England v Ukraine

Feizal Rahman / 31 March 2009 / Leave a comment

The scoreline in England's 4-0 win over Slovakia may have been somewhat flattering to the hosts but they should prove too strong for the Ukraine on Wednesday night nonetheless, says Feizal Rahman. Best bet: Back England to win 2-1 @...Read more »

World Cup Qualifying: Trapattoni happy for players to prove his point

Ralph Ellis / 31 March 2009 / Leave a comment

After failing as Italy boss, Giovanni Trapattoni takes Ireland to Bari on Wednesday night with a big point to prove. But the Italian is in relaxed mood and more than happy to let his players do his talking on the...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Tuesday March 31

The Joker / 31 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the Joker to get your betting day under way....Read more »

Football Betting: Time to exclude the minnows

Tareq Quiroz / 30 March 2009 / 1 Comments

Tareq Quiroz is tired of watching uncompetitive matches and believes that FIFA should take action before fans turn away from international football....Read more »

Football Betting: England should prevail despite injuries up front

Ralph Ellis / 30 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Winning against Slovakia meant losing players for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against the Ukraine. But Fabio Capello won't be the only concerned manager, says Ralph Ellis....Read more »

World Cup Qualifiers round-up: Cryptic Quieroz moos missed chances

Ben Lyttleton / 30 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Bovine Portugal fail again, Ribery makes the difference for France, Spain march on, Tevez on target for Maradonna's shorties and Mexico ease pressure on Eriksson. Ben Lyttleton rounds up the weekend's World Cup qualifiers....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Monday 30th March

The Joker / 29 March 2009 / 1 Comments

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way......Read more »

Football Betting Briefing 30th March - 3rd April: Crucial World Cup qualifiers

James Eastham / 29 March 2009 / Leave a comment

There are a couple of Under-21 matches this week and some Bundesliga action on Friday night, but let's face it, it's all about the World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday night, says James Eastham....Read more »

World Cup Betting: Why international football has become redundant

Feizal Rahman / 29 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Feizal Rahman likes to watch the world's best players as much as anyone but argues that these days they don't need to be representing their country for us to enjoy them in action....Read more »

World Cup Betting: Netherlands v Scotland

John Girvan / 27 March 2009 / Leave a comment

The last time Scotland played the Netherlands away it resulted in a 6-0 defeat and Tartan Army member John Girvan isn't expecting a massive improvement this time round. Best bet: Back Netherlands in the -1.5 handicap at [1.96]....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Friday 27 March

The Joker / 27 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way......Read more »

Non-League Betting: Betfair are offering better than levels yer Devils

Gary Boswell / 27 March 2009 / 2 Comments

The Boz tells us how a mixture of correcting an injustice, a dangerous strikeforce and a poor keeper between the sticks for the opposition make Crawley an outstanding bet this weekend....Read more »

International Football Betting Preview: England v Slovakia

Mike Norman / 26 March 2009 / 1 Comments

Fabio Capello has revealed that he will be fielding a strong side to face Slovakia on Saturday. But the visitors should not be underestimated, says Mike Norman. Best Bet: Back England/England @1.78....Read more »

England v Slovakia: Expect goals at Wembley

Ed Nicholson / 26 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Fabio Capello's team deserve to be favourites on Saturday afternoon but Slovakia are no mugs and this could well be a close, high-scoring contest, says Ed Nicholson....Read more »

Football Betting: Justice for all?

Frank Gregan / 26 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Sheffield United may have received financial compensation for the Carlos Tevez affair but Lady Chatterley's Lover is still furious about the club's 2007 relegation. However, in football, justice is a malleable concept, says Frank Gregan....Read more »

League One Betting Preview: Lions going all out for automatic spot

Alan Dudman / 26 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Alan Dudman reflects on classroom violence and makes his picks from a weekend of League One action. Best Bet: Back over 2.5 goals Crewe v Millwall @ [1.90]....Read more »

League Two Betting Preview: Wobbling Wycombe's squeaky bums

Ian Lamont / 26 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Ian Lamont assures us that he hasn't gone barking mad as he argues that travel-sick Shrewsbury are a value bet against tinkering Peter Taylor's men this weekend. Best bet: Chesterfield to beat Port Vale at [1.8]....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Thursday March 26

The Joker / 26 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the Joker to get your betting day under way......Read more »

Ben Herd: I'd never turn down the captaincy at any level

Ben Herd / 25 March 2009 / Leave a comment

The Shrewsbury full-back on Ledley King's England call-up, Roy Keane's style of captaincy and masquerading as a Premier League footballer for a summer....Read more »

Football betting: United can no longer rely on outscoring opponents

Andrew Atherley / 25 March 2009 / Leave a comment

With kind draws for the Champions League and FA Cup, Manchester United are favourites for every competition they are involved in. But recent events have exposed a serious flaw in their make-up that threatens to undermine their assault on the...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Wednesday 25 March

The Joker / 25 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way.......Read more »

Football Betting: Refs left 'disappointed and confused'

Ralph Ellis / 25 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Six Premier League players have now had red cards rescinded this season and Ralph Ellis wonders if the problem lies less with poor refereeing and more with the FA's failure to stand by their men in black......Read more »

Les Ferdinand: What is and what isn't a sending-off

Les Ferdinand / 24 March 2009 / Leave a comment

It was a weekend we will remember as much for numerous sendings-off as we will for defeats to Man Utd and Chelsea. Les Ferdinand gives us his take on who deserved to walk and what punishment they deserve plus why...Read more »

Football Betting: Why I'm backing Gerrard for player of the year

Nik Wardle / 24 March 2009 / 1 Comments

With Cristiano Ronaldo's below par season getting worse and Nemanja Vidic serving his second suspension of the season, is Liverpool's captain about to steal the PFA Player of the Year Award? Nick Wardle believes he's a good bet a [2.9]....Read more »

England Football: Fabio's great achievement has been to change the mentality

Mike Norman / 24 March 2009 / 1 Comments

After 11 games under Fabio Capello, "Mystical" Mike Norman is upbeat about England and their 2010 chances. The players were never the problem, he says, just the mentality and the self-belief....Read more »

Football Betting: Things fall apart

Dan Fitch / 24 March 2009 / Leave a comment

After years of poor management on and off the field, Newcastle United have slipped into the relegation zone and are now [2.2] to go down. Dan Fitch discusses where it all went wrong....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Tuesday 24 March

The Joker / 24 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way.......Read more »

England Football Team: P.Neville was never a 59-cap player

Tareq Quiroz / 23 March 2009 / 1 Comments

Tareq Quiroz looks back at the England careers of Stan Collymore and Matt Le Tissier as examples of what might have been and wonders why exactly it was that Phil Neville has represented his country on 59 occasions and counting......Read more »

Premier League Bets: Benitez is saving the smile for when he's won the lot

Ralph Ellis / 23 March 2009 / Leave a comment

From Benitez's grim expression to Phil Brown's expensive suit and walkie-talkie to Tony Pullis' all-action touchline sideshow, managers all have their own unique way of watching a game, says Ralph Ellis. The important thing though, is what's happening on the...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Monday 23 March

The Joker / 23 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way......Read more »

Football Betting Briefing March 22 - 28: Value from around the world

James Eastham / 22 March 2009 / Leave a comment

In a quiet week for football, James Eastham crosses continents to bring you the best bets....Read more »

Football Betting: Is indiscipline part of winning?

Feizal Rahman / 22 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Allegations of spitting at the Emirates followed by the sendings off at Craven Cottage lead Feizal Rahman to wonder whether managers are too quick to defend their players or whether a little indiscipline is merely a part of winning....Read more »

Premier League Sunday Round-up: Liverpool within one point after thumping Villa

maxliu / 22 March 2009 / 1 Comments

Liverpool make their title intentions clear and move to within one point of United after stunning victory over Villa....Read more »

Premier League Saturday Round-up: The title race is well and truly on

maxliu / 21 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Nine man United fall apart at the Cottage, Modric condemns Hiddink to first defeat and Shawcross gives Stoke vital victory as Boro slip further into the mire....Read more »

Premier League Betting Preview: Liverpool v Aston Villa

Richard Walker / 21 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Richard Walker believes that Aston Villa's determintation to get their season back on track will be enough to bring Liverpool back down to earth at Anfield on Sunday. Best Bet: Back The Draw @ [4.44]....Read more »

Premier League Betting Preview: Wigan Athletic v Hull City

Richard Walker / 21 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Richard Walker believes that Phil Brown's antics are undermining his player's efforts. So will they suffer at the JJB Stadium tomorrow? Best Bet: Back Under 2.5 goals @ [1.73]....Read more »

Premier League Bettting Preview: Saturday's 3 o'clock kick-offs

Mike Norman / 20 March 2009 / Leave a comment

There's a fair bit of intriguing action away from the cameras on Saturday, not least a White Hart Lane where two in-form sides meet in a London Derby, says Mike Norman. Best Bet: Back Man Utd/Man Utd @ [2.3]....Read more »

Premier League Stats: Liverpool v Aston Villa

Bettorlogic / 20 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A team in form against a team out of form - surely there can only be one winner. Bettor Logic bring you the necessary stats to make the right picks. Best Bet: Back Liverpool clean sheet @ [1.98]....Read more »

SPL Betting Preview: Pivotal weekend for those with European dreams

John Girvan / 20 March 2009 / Leave a comment

John Girvan looks at the top fixtures in his weekly preview of the Scottish scene....Read more »

Champions League Draw: United the winners as Reds meet Blues again

Richard Aikman / 20 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted with the draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League but Richard Aikman believes that with Didier Drogba firing and Michael Essien back, Chelsea can negotiate familiar foes and go all the way......Read more »

Non League Betting: Join in the march with the Cod Army

Gary Boswell / 20 March 2009 / 2 Comments

The Boz perambulates a Lancashire promenade to secure this week's non-league fancy... Best Bet: Back Fleetwood Town at [2.2] or greater to beat Harrogate Town....Read more »

Championship Betting: Home boys Brum are a must to eclipse Norwich

Andrew French / 20 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Birmingham City will probably slip-up at some point on their way towards promotion but not at home to Norwich, says Andrew French. Best Bet: Back Birmingham to beat Norwich at [1.88]....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Newcastle v Arsenal

Richard Walker / 20 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Neither team will lack for motivation in Saturday's late kick-off so get on the goals, says Richard Walker. Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ [2.00]....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Portsmouth v Everton

Richard Walker / 20 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Pretty but not particularly effective, Pompey are ripe for another demoralising result in the Saturday kick-off, says Richard Walker. Best Bet: Back Everton @ [2.74]....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Friday March 20

The Joker / 20 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way......Read more »

League One Betting: Leeds can be de-railed at Crewe

Alan Dudman / 19 March 2009 / Leave a comment

As "another one bites the dust" in the form of Oldham boss John Sheridan, Alan Dudman looks at how the club will get on under new boss Joe Royle this weekend, plus how Leeds may fare away to a much-improved...Read more »

Winter breaks in the sun might be fun but don't don't tell us it's work...

Frank Gregan / 19 March 2009 / Leave a comment

The winter break in La Manga or Dubai is now as much a part of modern English football as the ice bath or the WAG. But Frank Gregan begs those involved to not pull wool over our eyes regarding what...Read more »

Betfair Big Interview: Terry Butcher

Ralph Ellis / 19 March 2009 / Leave a comment

On a sunny day in Scotland we found England legend Terry Butcher coming back into the clubhouse after the Inverness Caledonian Thistle golf day - and wondered how he's juggling his new club commitments with his work as Scotland's coach...Read more »

Football Stats: Newcastle v Arsenal

Bettorlogic / 19 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Fresh from a 4-0 drubbing of Blackburn and an ill-tempered win over Hull in the FA Cup, Arsenal travel to St James' Park, a stadium that has not been a happy hunting ground for them in recent times. Bettorlogic talk...Read more »

Ben Herd: Take a bow, Sir Les. And welcome to betting.betfair.com!

Ben Herd / 19 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Ben Herd tells us why he's welcoming Les Ferdinand to the betting.betfair.com ranks, how not to take a penalty, and why he's somewhat relieved Pavel Nedved is calling it a day....Read more »

League Two Betting: Shots have a decent shot away to Darlington

Ian Lamont / 19 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Ian Lamont looks at the importance of keeping a core squad and keeping changes to a minimum as he previews Legue Two's weekend fixtures, including why Aldershot won't be coming away from Darlington empty-handed. Best bet: Exeter to win at...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Thursday 19 March

The Joker / 19 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way......Read more »

UEFA Cup Betting: AaB v Manchester City

Alsy / 19 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Unlike other English clubs, Manchester City have shown the UEFA Cup the respect it deserves and now they are about to reap the rewards, say Alister Morgan. Best Bests: The Draw @ [4.3]...Read more »

The Over/Under 2.5 Goals Column: Man Utd re-think could mean goals dry up at the Cottage

Ed Nicholson / 18 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Ed Nicholson uses his usual combination of stats, insight and common sense to try and find a couple of strong bets on the over/under 2.5 goals market from across this weekend's Premier League fixtures....Read more »

Gerrard v Lampard: Who is top dog at club level?

Andrew Atherley / 18 March 2009 / Leave a comment

We've heard time and time again about how these two can't play together for England but noone doubts their individual performances at club level. But which of the two has been, and will be, most important to their team as...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Wednesday 18 March

The Joker / 18 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way.......Read more »

FA Cup Betting: Arsenal v Hull City

Mike Norman / 17 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Mike Norman believes the good times are returning for Arsenal and that means we are unlikely to see a repeat of Hull's league upset at the Emirates. Best Bet: Back Over 3.5 Goals @ [3.1]....Read more »

Football Betting: Gabby vows to score but back Rooney at business end

Ralph Ellis / 17 March 2009 / Leave a comment

After being booed off by Aston Villa's fickle fans at the weekend, Gabriel Agbonlahor says he's not worried. However, Ralph Ellis recommends that you look elsewhere when making your pick in the Top English Goalscorer market....Read more »

Les Ferdinand: Arshavin looks quality but Eduardo is Arsenal's key man

Les Ferdinand / 17 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Betting.betfair.com's new recruit Les Ferdinand talks us through the merits of Arsenal's six strikers and tells us why it is Eduardo who holds the key to a Top 4 Premier League finish and potential Champions League success....Read more »

Championship Betting: Giovani's fall from grace is Ipswich's gain

Dan Fitch / 17 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Having bagged a hat-trick for Barcelona less than a year ago, Giovani dos Santos now finds himself representing the colours of Ipswich Town, albeit on loan. Dan Fitch looks at other Premier League players who have gone out on loan...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Tuesday 17 March

The Joker / 17 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way.......Read more »

Relegation Betting: Tough guys target survival

Nik Wardle / 16 March 2009 / Leave a comment

They won't win any prizes for artistic impression but as the stakes get higher at the bottom, some of the Premier League's toughest target man could have a big say in who stays up and who goes down, says Nik...Read more »

Premier League Betting: West Ham v West Brom

Richard Walker / 16 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Poor quality Albion lack the desire and fight for the relegation battle so get against them, says Richard Walker. Best Bet: Lay West Brom @ [5.8]....Read more »

Premier League Bets: Paying the penalty for spot-kick nerves

Tareq Quiroz / 16 March 2009 / Leave a comment

As the Champions League reaches the business end of proceedings, Cup finals are played and every goal counts, Tareq Quiroz looks at the importance of holding your nerve when it comes to scoring from the spot....Read more »

Premier League Betting: The importance of getting a little help from your friends

Ralph Ellis / 16 March 2009 / Leave a comment

That you need to win your own matches to be successful in winning the Premier League or avoiding relegation goes without saying, but don't underestimate the importance of other teams inadvertently helping your cause, says Ralph Ellis....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Monday 16 March

The Joker / 16 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way.........Read more »

Sunday's Premier League Highlights on Betfair: Chelsea good, Villa bad

Joe Dyer / 15 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Title race and relegation markets affected by Chelsea and Spurs wins....Read more »

Football Betting Briefing March 16-20: All the top domestic and European action to come

James Eastham / 15 March 2009 / Leave a comment

James Eastham on the forthcoming action to get your betting teeth into this week....Read more »

Premier League Title Betting: Startling Liverpool win has put life back into the title race

Feizal Rahman / 15 March 2009 / Leave a comment

As if inspired by Mr Miyagi himself, Liverpool pulled themselves off the canvas to unleash a devastating attack on Manchester United on Saturday and the subsequent 4-1 win could have huge consequences, says Feizal Rahman....Read more »

Premier League Highlights: Manchester United routed by rampant Liverpool

Joe Dyer / 14 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Liverpool were backed at [95.0] to hold half-time advantage on a day of goals in the Premier League. Joe Dyer reports on the betting highlights....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Aston Villa V Tottenham Hotspur

Richard Walker / 14 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Both teams' need for points means goals are likely at Villa Park, according to Richard Walker. Best Bet: Back Over 2.5 goals @ [2.14]....Read more »

Football Betting Tips: Chelsea v Manchester City

Richard Walker / 14 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Richard Walker is not mincing his words, Chelsea will score goals and they will win. Simple huh? Best Bet: Back Chelsea/Chelsea HT/FT @ [2.22]....Read more »

Saturday 3pm Kick-offs - In a time of financial crisis Arsenal and Everton are home bankers

Mike Norman / 13 March 2009 / Leave a comment

It's an afternoon of relegation dogfights but away from those Arsenal look a good thing at home to Blackburn, as do Everton against Stoke City, says "Mystical" Mike Norman. Best bet: Back an Everton Clean Sheet v Stoke @ [2.0]....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Man Utd v Liverpool

Richard Walker / 13 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A defeat for Liverpool would completely end their title hopes but stats and Man Utd's recent form suggests they won't be getting much joy out of their trip to Old Trafford, says Richard Walker. Best bet: Back Man Utd to...Read more »

SPL Betting Preview: Jambos confident of Easter Road win

John Girvan / 13 March 2009 / Leave a comment

It might be League Cup Final weekend but try telling that to anyone in the capital where the immediate attention will be on Saturday's televised Edinburgh Derby, writes John Girvan. Best Bet: Hibernian v Hearts - Under 2.5 goals @...Read more »

Championship Betting: The Hornets are buzzing and must be backed!

Andrew French / 13 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Andrew French just can't stop backing his boys even though their dream run must end at some point, could it be Sheffield Wednesday this weekend? Andrew French doesn't think so. Best Bet: Back Watford @ [2.2]...Read more »

Non-League Betting: Wrexham without the right Williams are a four star lay

Gary Boswell / 13 March 2009 / Leave a comment

The Boz is back from the awards frontline - battered and bruised but in no mood to be a loser this weekend! Best bet: SOUTHPORT to beat FARSLEY CELTIC at [1.5] or greater....Read more »

The Over/Under 2.5 Goals Column: Go green in all-Red clash at Old Trafford by backing overs

Ed Nicholson / 13 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Ed Nicholson tells us why he expects goals at Old Trafford this weekend in Liverpool's must-win match against Manchester United, plus his verdict on Arsenal v Blackburn. Best bet: Back over 2.5 goals in Man Utd v Liverpool @ [2.52]....Read more »

Football Stats: Aston Villa v Spurs

Bettorlogic / 13 March 2009 / Leave a comment

As the race for fourth place continues, Aston Villa seem to have gone off the boil of late. Good thing then that they're hosting a side with one of the worst away records in the division. Number-crunchers supreme bettorlogic talk...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Friday 13 March

The Joker / 13 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way......Read more »

UEFA Cup Betting: Man City just 5.3 for UEFA Cup glory

Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 12 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Manchester City took another huge step towards winning this year's UEFA Cup after beating Aalborg 2-0 at home and now trade at just 5.3 on Betfair to lift the trophy....Read more »

League Two Betting: Looking to the form table to find the answers

Ian Lamont / 12 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Ian Lamont ignores Cheltenham fever to compile a form table that should go some way to help us find some winning bets for this weekend's League Two action. Best bet: Grimsby to win at Chester at [2.74]....Read more »

Football Betting: Europe's thoroughbreds hail from the North of England

Frank Gregan / 12 March 2009 / Leave a comment

As Manchester United pursue an historic quintuple, Frank Gregan takes a close look at what he believes might be the best side this country has ever produced....Read more »

League One Betting: Essex boys and "Cliff Thorburn of the division" to produce goals

Alan Dudman / 12 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Busy watching the four-legged animals at Cheltenham rather than the two-legged ones, Alan Dudman nonetheless pens his thoughts on this weekend's action in League One. Best bet: Back over 2.5 goals in Hereford v Southend @ [2.12]....Read more »

Football stats: Manchester United v Liverpool

Bettorlogic / 12 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Man Utd are in irresistible form in all competitions at the moment but this does appear to be the strongest Liverpol side in years. Uninterested in hunches and the like, Bettorlogic talk stats in order to find some good betting...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Thursday 12 March

The Joker / 12 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way....Read more »

UEFA Cup Betting: Man City v AaB

Dan Fitch / 11 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Manchester City are now the only English team left in the competition and if that wasn't pressure enough, they're also the new tournament favourites. Dan Fitch looks at their first leg encounter against AaB where he suggests you go with...Read more »

I can't imagine any Shrewsbury players conducting themslves like Ashley Cole, says Ben Herd

Ben Herd / 11 March 2009 / 1 Comments

The Shrewsbury right-back talks about Ashley Cole's late night misdemeanours, his respect for Louis Saha and why he's not a fan of Wembley FA Cup semi-finals....Read more »

Roque Santa Cruz: We know he scores goals but is this really a £25 million player?

Mike Norman / 11 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Roque Santa Cruz's proposed move to Man City in the January transfer window left some people fascinated and others questioning whether the Paraguayan striker was genuinely worth the £25 million he was valued at. "Mystical" Mike Norman investigates....Read more »

The Damned United: Are we finally going to see a decent football film?

Dan Fitch / 11 March 2009 / Leave a comment

The film adaptation of David Peace's novel about Brian Clough's infamous forty four days in charge at Leeds United will premier later this month and Dan Fitch, for one, can't wait for it. In the meanwhile, can Clough Jr go...Read more »

Champions League Betting: Roma v Arsenal

Dave Farrar / 11 March 2009 / Leave a comment

We never know which Roma is going to show up and that's what makes them so exciting, says Dave Farrar. If the likes of Totti and Aquilani can recover from injury, they have a real chance of progressing but the...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day - Wednesday 11 March

The Joker / 11 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way......Read more »

Champions League Betting: Liverpool destroy Real and Blues squeeze out Juve

maxliu / 10 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Liverpool and Chelsea have kept their side of the bargain so will Manchester United and Arsenal keep theirs?...Read more »

Champions League Betting: Manchester United v Inter Milan

Dave Farrar / 10 March 2009 / Leave a comment

The mind games between Mourinho and Ferguson have already started but it's the football we're really interested in, says Dave Farrar. United should progress and they could do so without conceding. Best bet: Manchester United to win 1-0 @ [6.4]....Read more »

Liverpool Bets: Failed Barry bid blunted Liverpool's season

Robert Hughes / 10 March 2009 / Leave a comment

As Liverpool once again look stronger in Europe than they do in the Premier League, Robert Hughes considers the part that the failed bid of Gareth Barry and Benitez's choice of tactics have played in this....Read more »

Drogba is ready to re-prove his ability to the fans and to himself, says Les Ferdinand

Les Ferdinand / 10 March 2009 / Leave a comment

In his first-ever betting.betfair.com column, Les Ferdinand looks at the incredible return to form of Didier Drogba and the role he's played in Chelsea's revival. That said, Petr Cech will be Chelsea's key man against Juventus, says the former Newcastle,...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Tuesday 10 March

The Joker / 10 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way.......Read more »

Championship Betting: Dogged Rovers can oust QPR

Andrew French / 09 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Andrew French is keen on Doncaster's chances of overcoming faltering QPR. Best Bet: Back Rovers @ [2.46]....Read more »

Champions League Betting Preview: Liverpool v Real Madrid

Tobias Gourlay / 09 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Tobias Gourlay believes that Liverpool's current price of [1.34] is a little generous. However, he does see one ray of hope for Real. Best Bet: Back the half-time draw @ [2.00]...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Why do fans boo the boarding school blue?

Tareq Quiroz / 09 March 2009 / Leave a comment

From the talentless to the downright dislikeable, some players are booed at every ground in the country... Tareq Quiroz takes a close look at the men sure to provoke fans' ire....Read more »

Champions League Betting: Juventus v Chelsea

Richard Aikman / 09 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Guus Hiddink has made an impressive start at Stamford Bridge but Roman Abramovich's priority remains the Champions League and this last 16 tie is far from over, says Richard Aikman. Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ [1.63]....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Monday 9 March

The Joker / 09 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way......Read more »

FA Cup Betting: Can Everton get past Tevez?

Ralph Ellis / 09 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Long gone are the days when the Cup provided the likes of Houchen and Sanchez with a ticket to football immortality - now, managers are more likely to use the competition to rest stars, ease injured players back or give...Read more »

FA Cup Odds: 6.2 Everton see off Boro but draw Man Utd

Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 08 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Three of the Big Four still in the FA Cup......Read more »

Football Betting Briefing: The business end of the Champions League and UEFA Cup

James Eastham / 08 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Champions League second-legs, the return of the UEFA Cup and a single Premier League match are amongst this week's football offering. James Eastham talks us through the eye-catchers and the early betting....Read more »

Arsene Wenger: D-Week where we find out if young guns are hot or gunpowder is dry

Feizal Rahman / 08 March 2009 / Leave a comment

With three huge matches in different competitions over the next seven days, Feizal Rahman thinks this is the week Arsenal fans will see if "Arsene knows" or whether it' s time for a change at The Emirates....Read more »

Chelsea joint-favourites for the FA Cup for at least a few hours

Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 07 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Chelsea head the betting with Manchester United after a straightforward win at Coventry....Read more »

FA Cup Betting: Fulham v Man Utd

Richard Walker / 07 March 2009 / Leave a comment

We may not see the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney strutting their stuff for Man Utd at Craven Cottage but whatever side they put out should be enough to defeat the Cottagers, says Richard Walker. Best bet: Back...Read more »

FA Cup Betting: Everton v Middlesbrough

Richard Walker / 07 March 2009 / Leave a comment

You never know what Boro are going to do next, says Richard Walker, but you do know that Everton are a consistant side who can handle big games despite an ever-growing injury list. Best bet: Everton to win @ [1.74]....Read more »

FA Cup Betting: Arsenal v Burnley

Richard Walker / 07 March 2009 / Leave a comment

This is Arsenal's best chance of silverware this season and Arsene Wenger knows that this one to take seriously. But it may take a while before the Gunners eventually break Burnley down, says Richard Walker, so your best bet is...Read more »

SPL Betting Preview: St Mirren keen to keep the score down

John Girvan / 06 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Sky Sports 1 have Saturday lunch-time coverage of Celtic's visit to St Mirren in the last eight of The Homecoming Scottish Cup. But does John Girvan think the Bhoys can transfer their league form to the cup? Best Bet: Back...Read more »

FA Cup and Premier League Multiple: Trying for a treble

Mike Norman / 06 March 2009 / Leave a comment

"Mystical" Mike Norman consults his crystal ball in a bid to find a winning treble across this weekend's FA Cup matches and sole Premier League encounter.......Read more »

Non-league Betting: No slaughter for the Lambs this weekend

Gary Boswell / 06 March 2009 / Leave a comment

The Boz in animal rights mood as he rounds up the best bets in upcoming Blue Square League games. Best bet: Back Tamworth at [1.57] to beat Farsley Celtic...Read more »

The Championship Betting: Watford to put another nail in Charlton's coffin

Andrew French / 06 March 2009 / Leave a comment

It's now just a matter of time before Charlton are confirmed as a relegated side and a refreshed Watford team needing points should come out on top in this one. So says Andrew French, as he picks the best bets...Read more »

FA Cup Betting: Coventry v Chelsea

Richard Walker / 06 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Coventry's good recent form and the fact that Guus Hiddink has a lot of fixtures to negotiate at the moment steers Richard Walker towards an unlikely draw here. Plus the other good betting options for this FA Cup quarter-final. Best...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Friday 6th March

The Joker / 06 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way.......Read more »

FA Cup Betting: Why Boro can't win

Frank Gregan / 05 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Frank Gregan isn't expecting any shocks in the FA Cup, either this weekend or in the semi-finals. However, Everton v Middlesborough is a tie full of intrigue as Gareth Southgate's men balance the prospect of cup glory with the threat...Read more »

Over/Under 2.5 Goals Betting: It's raining goals in London

Ed Nicholson / 05 March 2009 / Leave a comment

As ever, Ed Nicholson goes against the grain this week as he predicts goals in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Best Bet: 2pts Over 2.5 goals Fuham v Man Utd @ [2.40]....Read more »

Champions League Betting: History shows English clubs in strong position

Andrew Atherley / 05 March 2009 / 1 Comments

Everybody was doing the maths after the first legs of the Champions League last 16 ties. Just what did those first-leg results mean for each team's chance of progressing to the quarter-finals? Andrew Atherley consults the history books and the...Read more »

League One Betting Preview: Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, overs, unders

Alan Dudman / 05 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Alan Dudman stops longing for South American education and Northern beer long enough to make his picks for this weekend's League One football. Best Bet: Northampton v Tranmere - back under 2.5 goals....Read more »

League Two Betting Preview: Will Howe catch manager of the month curse?

Ian Lamont / 05 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Having clawed themselves back to the brink of safety, Bournemouth are not as fancied as they might be to beat Port Vale. However, Ian Lamont believes that Eddie Howe's men can keep up their momentum at Dean Court this weekend....Read more »

Ben Herd: 'I probably deserved to walk'

Ben Herd / 05 March 2009 / 1 Comments

Ben Herd holds his hands up for last weekend's debacle but slams those players who tried to get him sent off. He also wonders if a dodgy barnet can effect a player's heading ability and discusses the sacrifices he has...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Thursday 5th March

The Joker / 05 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A tip from the joker to get your betting day under way....Read more »

Premier League survival looks a Hull lot better for Tigers after 55.0 win

Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 04 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Hull City matched at [55.0] in-running before winning right at the death, Man Utd do it the hard way and Stoke get a priceless win on their way to avoiding the drop....Read more »

Betting.Betfair.com's Gary Boswell nominated for SJA betting writer of the year award

Gary Boswell / 04 March 2009 / 2 Comments

Betfair's non-league football correspondent Gary Boswell muses on events leading up to the inaugural Sports Betting Writer Of The Year Award....Read more »

Premier League: Newcastle need Butt to contain United

Alsy / 04 March 2009 / Leave a comment

It feels like a long time ago that Newcastle drew with Manchester United on the opening day of the season and Alister Morgan doubts that the Magpies will repeat that feat at St James Park. Best Bet: Manchester United to...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Wednesday 4th March

The Joker / 04 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A joke and a tip from the Joker to get your betting day under way.........Read more »

Premier League Betting: Liverpool v Sunderland

Richard Walker / 03 March 2009 / 1 Comments

A schizophrenic Liverpool team that can beat Real Madrid away from home yet lose to Middlesbrough just three days later hosts Sunderland on Tuesday night and Richard Walker predicts a tight one. Best bet: Under 2.5 goals @ [1.85]....Read more »

Football Betting: Why I love first goalscorer bets

Mike Norman / 03 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Betting on Betfair's first goalscorer market is a very straightforward and extremely fun way of winning a big profit from a small stake, says Mike Norman... Best Bet: Frank Lampard to be first goalscorer in Portsmouth v Chelsea @ [7.4]....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Hiddink out to topple Fergie

Ralph Ellis / 03 March 2009 / Leave a comment

The Chelsea caretaker manager is desperate to stop Manchester United from winning five trophies this season and is already thinking long term. Ralph Ellis reckons that makes him a great value bet for the Stamford Bridge job on a permanent...Read more »

Scottish Football: It's not all bad news north of the border

Robert Hughes / 03 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Robert Hughes looks at how the Scottish Premier League's loss of big television deals six years ago forced it to do things differently to the English Premier League and how that may not actually be a bad thing....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day - Tuesday 3rd March

The Joker / 03 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A joke and a tip from the Joker to get your betting day under way.........Read more »

The Championship Betting: No certainties in this league at the moment though QPR aren't a bad bet

Andrew French / 02 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Andrew French looks at the Championship's midweek fixtures but warns prospective punters that nothing can be taken for granted in this division at present. Best bet: Back QPR to beat Norwich at [1.89]....Read more »

As Ben Foster used his iPod, Villa made a song and dance out of defending their lead

Ralph Ellis / 02 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Today's papers are all about how Ben Foster used his iPod to study Spurs' penalty-takers as Man Utd won the Carling Cup. This got Ralph Ellis thinking about which songs the Premier League's managers must have on their own iPods...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Monday 2nd March

The Joker / 02 March 2009 / Leave a comment

A joke and a tip from the Joker to get your betting day under way......Read more »

Carling Cup Final: United keep their cool to win on penalties

maxliu / 01 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Quintuple still on as United show grace under pressure to win second tournament of the season after close fought final with Tottenham....Read more »

Football Betting Briefing: March 1 - 7

James Eastham / 01 March 2009 / Leave a comment

James Eastham looks ahead to a week of football which includes a full mid-week Premier League programme as well as intriguing cup clashes from around Europe....Read more »

Football Betting: Why survival beats winning trophies

Feizal Rahman / 01 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Martin O'Neill may think that Champions League qualification is more important than UEFA Cup glory but history views silverware more fondly, says Feizal Rahman. And does Harry Redknapp really believe his squad isn't big enough to compete on more than...Read more »