April 2009

Ben Herd: 'I'm desperate to add to my medals'

Ben Herd / 30 April 2009 / 1 Comments

On the eve of a crucial promotion battle, Shrewbury's right back discusses the big games in League Two, his determination to land silverware and why Chelsea might yet fail to make the Champions League final....Read more »

Premier League Stats: Middlesbrough v Manchester United

Bettorlogic / 30 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Gareth Southgate's men will be fighting for their lives at the Riverside on Saturday and, with one eye on their Champions League semi-final, could Manchester United stutter on the big four's least happy North East hunting ground? Best Bet: Back...Read more »

League One Betting Preview: Can another Glass act save Carlisle?

Alan Dudman / 30 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Alan Dudman is looking forward to a trip to the dentists but a number of managers will be hoping their players don't let them down with toothless displays on the final day of the League One season. Best Bet: Back...Read more »

League Two Betting Preview: No room for slackers on final day

Ian Lamont / 30 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Managers and players face tricky dilemmas as Ian Lamont looks ahead to the final day of the League Two season. Best Bet: Lay Exeter at Rotherham at [2.1]....Read more »

Non-league Betting Preview: A "stute" punters attracted by play-off price

Gary Boswell / 30 April 2009 / 1 Comments

The Boz gets under the skin of the value in the Blue Square play-off promotion picture...Best Bet: Lay Torquay at [3.4] or less in the BSP Promotion market....Read more »

Football Betting: The chairman who knows best

Frank Gregan / 30 April 2009 / Leave a comment

As one of English football's longest serving managers moves upstairs, Frank Gregan salutes a true football man and discusses the unique scenario which sees Hereford with a chairman who knows more about the game than his manager....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Thursday April 30

The Joker / 30 April 2009 / Leave a comment

The Joker licks his lips at tonight's all-Ukrainian UEFA Cup semi-final......Read more »

The Five Best Premier League Discoveries of 2008/09

Mike Norman / 29 April 2009 / 1 Comments

Mike Norman sets out a case for a quintet of players who have impressed so far this campaign....Read more »

Championship Promotion Betting: Fate has set up a juicy final day of action

Ralph Ellis / 29 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Three teams go in to Sunday's fixtures with a chance of securing the automatic promotion spot. And the game we're all looking forward to is at Selhurst Park where Neil Warnock extends the warm hand of friendship to his old...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Wednesday April 29

The Joker / 29 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Forget the Champions League, the Swedish Allsvenskan is where it's at....Read more »

Manchester United v Arsenal: Using the stats to find value

Matthew Walton / 28 April 2009 / Leave a comment

As two tactical geniuses prepare to do battle at Old Trafford, Betting.Betfair's stats wizard Matthew Walton explains how you can use the figures to make the shrewdest bets in Wednesday night's Champions League semi-final first leg....Read more »

Champions League Betting: Manchester United v Arsenal

Feizal Rahman / 28 April 2009 / Leave a comment

United have the European pedigree but Arsene Wenger's side are in a confident, bullish mood ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League semi-final first leg at Old Trafford. So where is Feizal Rahman putting his money? Best Bet: Back Under 2.5...Read more »

Football Betting: Could Fergie Jnr meet Keane's expectations?

Dan Fitch / 28 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Roy Keane's views on his former Manchester United team-mates may be flawed, says Dan Fitch, but none of them has made a convincing case to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson. However, could a lesser-known ex-United player with a familiar name be...Read more »

Les Ferdinand: 'Why I'm backing Barca and Man U'

Les Ferdinand / 28 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Ex-Spurs hitman Les Ferdinand reflects on a frustrating day for his club, sticks up for Frank Lampard and makes his predictions for the Champions League semi-finals......Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Tuesday April 28

The Joker / 28 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Champions League Betting: Barcelona v Chelsea

Richard Aikman / 27 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Guus Hiddink is out to beat the bookies and Richard Aikman believes there is every chance he could succeed in this mouth-watering tie. Best Bet: Back Over 2.5 goals @ [1.89]....Read more »

Football Betting: Are referees keeping their promise?

Tareq Quiroz / 27 April 2009 / 1 Comments

After the title race was tipped by a soft penalty at the weekend, Tareq Quiroz sticks his head above the parapet to tell us that referees are keeping their promise to improve......Read more »

Football Betting: Even by Roy Keane's standards, this column's a winner

Ralph Ellis / 27 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Did you take Ralph Ellis' tip in February to back Ryan Giggs for PFA Player of the Year when he was [5.8]? If so you were in the money last night. If not, pay attention now as our man reflects...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Monday April 27

The Joker / 27 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Premier League Title Betting: Liverpool's belated discovery of attacking abandon gives a glimpse of what might have been

Feizal Rahman / 26 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Feizal Rahman believes Liverpool are ready to make a concerted title bid next season - providing the new attacking formula stays in the Benitez gameplan....Read more »

Football Betting Briefing April 27-May 1: Crunch time cometh!

James Eastham / 26 April 2009 / Leave a comment

From relegation dogfights to European glory there's so much to play for across Europe this week, according to James Eastham....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Newcastle United v Portsmouth

Richard Walker / 26 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Newcastle's winning run has to start now or the Premier League will lose its biggest name yet, but Richard Walker is not convinced that Shearer's boys can do it. Best Bet: Lay Newcastle @ [2.04]....Read more »

Saturday's Premier League Highlights on Betfair: Sorry Sunderland miss their chance

Joe Dyer / 25 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Wearsiders beaten at West Brom to leave door ajar for north-east rivals. Joe Dyer reports on a busy Saturday in the Premier League....Read more »

Premier League Stats: Arsenal v Middlesborough

Bettorlogic / 25 April 2009 / Leave a comment

They may be in a perilous position at the foot of the table but Gareth Southgate's men have a knack of taking points from the Big Four. Can they repeat that feat at the Emirates on Saturday? Best Bet: Back...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Arsenal v Middlesbrough

Richard Walker / 25 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Relegation-threatened teams have won at The Emirates before, but Richard Walker cannot see it happening today so get behind Arsene Wenger's flying Gunners. Best Bet: Back Arsenal Win Both Halves @ [3.05]....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Blackburn v Wigan

Richard Walker / 25 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Blimey! If Richard Walker is to be believed this will be a real stinker. So cover your eyes and lay the hosts.Best Bet: Back The Draw (HT) @ [2.1]....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Saturday 3pm kick-offs

Mike Norman / 24 April 2009 / Leave a comment

With Liverpool keen to keep up the pressure on Manchester United and Hull City desperate to secure their Premier League survival, an intrguing afternoon is in the offing at the top and bottom of the table, says Mike Norman. Best...Read more »

SPL Betting Preview: St Mirren target Old Firm double

John Girvan / 24 April 2009 / Leave a comment

The controversies of the post-split season are put aside this weekend as St Mirren aim to produce more cup heroics against Rangers. John Girvan makes his Homecoming Scottish Cup semi-final picks......Read more »

Ben Herd: "Our destiny is in our hands"

Ben Herd / 24 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Shrewsbury Town's promotion push is back on track with an away win and our man is dreaming of Wembley once again... Best Bet: Back Under 2.5 goals @ [2.02] in Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur....Read more »

Non League Betting: Which way to bet in the battle of the wobblers?

Gary Boswell / 24 April 2009 / 1 Comments

The Boz previews an extraordinary final day in store in the Blue Square Premier...Best Bet: Lay Alfreton @ [1.61] or less against Redditch....Read more »

Championship Betting: Saints' deduction costs other clubs too

Nik Wardle / 24 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Nick Wardle considers the knock-on effect of Southampton's points penalty for the clubs around them in the Championship....Read more »

Football Betting: Sir Dario Gradi?

Paul Moon / 24 April 2009 / 2 Comments

Dario Gradi's win rate at Crewe Alexander is misleading - he had to weather numerous crises at the club and should be given the country's highest honour, says Paul Moon....Read more »

Championship Betting: Keane targets promotion at the first attempt

Ralph Ellis / 24 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Roy Keane has already started to bring colour and controversy to East Anglia, says Ralph Ellis. But the new Ipswich manager could well win promotion next season and, in the process, improve his chances of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Friday April 24

The Joker / 24 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Premier League Betting: Manchester United v Tottenham

Richard Walker / 24 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Richard Walker thinks Saturday evening's Man Utd-Spurs clash will be tighter than the odds suggest but he's still getting behind the home side. Best Bets: Back Man Utd Clean Sheet @ [2.1]....Read more »

Premier League Stats: Manchester United v Tottenham

Bettorlogic / 23 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Spurs face one of the league's toughest road trips when they go to Old Trafford on Saturday evening, but they take with them some of the division's hottest form, so what do BettorLogic make of it all? Best Bet: Back...Read more »

Championship Betting Preview: Blues on the brink

Andrew French / 23 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Alex McLeish's men must make sure of promotion this weekend but could Preston spoil the Blues' party? Meanwhile, Andrew French is turning on the Saints. Best Bet: Back Birmingham to beat Preston at [1.84]....Read more »

Over/Under 2.5 Goals Betting: Strugglers fight for life against big guns

Ed Nicholson / 23 April 2009 / Leave a comment

With Arshavin and co on fire and Boro fighting for survival is Ed Nicholson anticipating a deluge of goals at the Emirates on Sunday? And can Liverpool get their title challenge back on track at the Kc Stadium...Best Bet: Ed...Read more »

League One Betting Preview: 'It's got to be automatic'

Alan Dudman / 23 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Leicester are up, Hereford are down, Baudet heads for MLS, Sharks provide cash for policing, and Cheltenham continue to tweak the nose of relegation with an amazing run of form. Yes - it's another quiet week in League One, writes...Read more »

League Two Betting Preview: Shrews must walk the walk

Ian Lamont / 23 April 2009 / Leave a comment

A potential four teams odds-on to win at home and another four below evens to win away: what is the world coming to? The end of the season, that's what, writes Ian Lamont. Best Bet: Rotherham to win at Bradford...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Thursday April 23

The Joker / 23 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Football Betting: Paranoid Benitez loses mind games

Frank Gregan / 22 April 2009 / 3 Comments

After Tuesday night's 4-4 draw at Anfield, Frank Gregan believes that Sir Alex Ferguson's jibes have rattled Rafael Benitez....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Take the longview with end of season multiples

Andrew Atherley / 22 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Alan Shearer has earmarked Newcastle's home games as the key to their Premier League survival but their form at St James Park is equally as bad as their away record. Andrew Atherley explains why bettors should oppose them in a...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Wednesday April 22

The Joker / 22 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Premier League Betting: Manchester United v Portsmouth

Mike Norman / 22 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Sir Alex Ferguson fielded a weakened team at Wembley but tonight it's Portsmouth who will be under-strength. Mike Norman believes Manchester United are about to put one hand on the Premier League trophy. Best Bet: Back Man Utd Win Both...Read more »

Newcastle and the Wembley pitch are both in a world of bother, says Les Ferdinand

Les Ferdinand / 21 April 2009 / Leave a comment

The former Newcastle striker talks about the downfalls and dangers of the Wembley pitch and how Michael Owen could well be the difference between Newcastle being a Premier League or Championship team next year....Read more »

Premier League Bets: Shear frustration for Alan that Owen isn't getting the service

Ralph Ellis / 21 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Ralph Ellis on how Alan Shearer is finding life in the dugout harder than on the Match Of The Day sofa. First task: get your premium goalscorer Michael Owen some service....Read more »

Premier League Relegation Betting: What odds someone does "a Tevez" this year?

Dan Fitch / 21 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Dan Fitch looks back at Oldham's heroics in 1993 and West Ham's in 2007 as case studies for how you can escape Premier League relegation on the last day of the season against all odds and wonders whether anyone can...Read more »

League Football Betting: Going back in time for a successful model for the football league

Nik Wardle / 21 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Tired of hearing about low attendances and low gate receipts, the cost to travelling fans and financial meltdown at clubs in the football league, Nik Wardle suggests we revert to the old school North/South divide model.......Read more »

Scottish Football Betting: Not much to be achived by the Old Firm battling for Premier League survival

Tareq Quiroz / 21 April 2009 / Leave a comment

It's an old moot point but one that seems to surface every year. Should Celtic and Rangers be allowed to join the English Premier League? TQ is very much in the "no" camp......Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Tuesday April 21

The Joker / 21 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

The Over/Under 2.5 Goals Column: Goals at Old Trafford and Anfield

Ed Nicholson / 20 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Ed Nicholson takes a look at the midweek Premier League fixtures in search of some winners in his beloved over/under 2.5 goals market....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Liverpool v Arsenal

Richard Walker / 20 April 2009 / Leave a comment

A win would leave Liverpool very much in the title race whilst a defeat would very much put them out of it. With Steven Gerrard absent through injury and Arsenal back to something like their best, Torres and co have...Read more »

Football Bets: Everyone is trying to play mind games but it's Moyes who's coming out on top

Richard Walker / 20 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Ralph Ellis looks at the importance of mental strength, belief and the ability to play mind games. As the likes of Phil Brown is saying the wrong things and Shearer is over-thinking things, David Moyes managed to beat Sir Alex...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Monday April 20

The Joker / 20 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Football Betting Briefing: April 20 - 24

James Eastham / 19 April 2009 / Leave a comment

James Eastham looks forward to a busy week of football as Arsenal go to Anfield, Manchester United host Pompey and much more......Read more »

Sunday Football Round-up: All blue final as Everton beat United on pens

Maxliu / 19 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Jagielka strikes killer blow to set up final with Chelsea after Howard's heroics deny United......Read more »

Football Betting: Is dominating Europe beneficial to English game?

Feizal Rahman / 19 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Feizal Rahman believes that the Champions League quarter-final between Chelsea and Liverpool was comparable to a naked Angelina Jolie......Read more »

Saturday Football Round-up: Drogba fires Chelsea into the final

Maxliu / 18 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Guus Hiddink's men come from behind to reach second FA Cup final in three years... Meanwhile, in the league, Stoke climb to safety and Sunderland sink Hull....Read more »

Premier League Betting Preview: Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United

Richard Walker / 18 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Richard Walker is expecting goals when Arry's Boys take on Alan's Army at White Hart Lane on Sunday... Best Bet: Back Over 2.5 goals @ [2.04]....Read more »

FA Cup Semi-Final Betting: Manchester United v Everton

Richard Walker / 18 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Manchester United might have put their recent woes behind them but David Moyse's ability to draw every ounce of courage, commitment and quality out of his side should not be under-estimated, says Richard Walker. Best Bet: Lay Everton @ [5.5]....Read more »

FA Cup Betting: Jaded and self-doubting Man Utd can crash out to Everton

Paul Moon / 17 April 2009 / 3 Comments

Paul Moon predicts a Man Utd side feeling the strain of a long season where fatigue and injuries are taking their toll to struggle against David Moyes' well-marshalled Everton......Read more »

SPL Betting Preview: Hibs and Steelmen set for 300k weekend

John Girvan / 17 April 2009 / Leave a comment

It's match day 33 of the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League, the last before the end of season split and a massive weekend for both Hibs and Motherwell, writes John Girvan....Read more »

Premier League Betting Preview: Can Black Cats pull Tigers into the mire?

Mike Norman / 17 April 2009 / Leave a comment

With three of the big four involved in the FA Cup, Mike Norman looks ahead to a weekend of Premier League football which will be dominated by the relegation battle. Best Bet: Back Bolton to beat Portsmouth @ [4.1]....Read more »

Premier League Stats: Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United

Bettorlogic / 17 April 2009 / Leave a comment

With only six games left to save his beloved Newcastle United, new boss Alan Shearer needs a win. Do Bettorlogic expect it to come at White Hart Lane on Sunday? Best Bet: Back Tottenham/Tottenham @ [2.78]....Read more »

Non-League Betting: Take the value on Oxford as Burton try to get over the finishing line

Gary Boswell / 17 April 2009 / 1 Comments

The Boz follows an Easter Weekend of 100% accuracy by trying to apply the same formula and looking again at the sides with nothing to play for....Read more »

FA Cup Semi-Final Betting: Arsenal v Chelsea

Richard Walker / 17 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Arsenal are hitting top form and Chelsea's heads are still spinning from conceding four in Europe. But Richard Walker is expecting a tight game at Wembley on Saturday. Best Bet: Back the draw @ [3.35]....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Friday 16 April

The Joker / 17 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

League One Betting Preview: V is for value

Alan Dudman / 16 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Leeds are in great form but should Tranmere really be as big as [5.2] at Elland Road? And can a rejuvenated Yeovil keep another clean sheet against Hartlepool? Alan Dudman's Best Bet: Back Tranmere @ [5.20]....Read more »

FA Cup Semi-Finals Betting: Don't expect underdogs to have their day

Andrew Atherley / 16 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Cup football is meant to favour outsiders but when it comes to the FA Cup semi-finals the overwhelming trend is for the favourites to prevail, writes Andrew Atherley....Read more »

Championship Betting: Look for a team with the motivation factor and back them!

Andrew French / 16 April 2009 / Leave a comment

A team fighting relegation or chasing promotion take on a mid-table bunch with nothing to play for, so who's your money on? That's a silly question for Andrew French, who believes motivation is all you need to look for with...Read more »

League Two Betting Preview: Mariners harbour thoughts of survival

Ian Lamont / 16 April 2009 / Leave a comment

It's been a tight season in League Two with not a soggy fish and chip paper between some sides. So it takes a brave man to make the picks for this weekend's action... Ian Lamont is that man. Best Bet:...Read more »

Ben Herd: 'Nurses and soldiers deserve to be paid more than footballers'

Ben Herd / 16 April 2009 / 1 Comments

Shrewsbury Town's right back reflects on missed opportunities against mediocre opposition, tells us why he's a devil for detail and how he always knew Helder Postiga was destined for greatness....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Thursday April 16

The Joker / 16 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Champions League Betting: United and Arsenal set up mouthwatering semi-final

Editor / 15 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Three English teams in the semi-finals after Ronaldo screamer kills off Porto and Walcott wizardry steers Gunners past Villareal....Read more »

Over/Under 2.5 Goals Betting: Boro get aggro in fight for survival

Ed Nicholson / 15 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Ed Nicholson expects more bold selections from Gareth Southgate this weekend. But will our man's picks pay? Best Bet: 2pts Boro v Fulham Over 2.5 goals @ [2.32]...Read more »

Premier League Stats: Sunderland v Hull City

Bettorlogic / 15 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Bettorlogic provide the stats to help you make the right picks on a relegation six pointer. Best Bet: Back Sunderland win @ 1.94....Read more »

Relegation Betting: Who will join Baggies on the Magic Roundabout?

Frank Gregan / 15 April 2009 / Leave a comment

With West Brom's relegation all but confirmed, Frank Gregan puts the Baggies' latest top flight failure down to poor dealings in the transfer market. But who else will be playing Championship football next season?...Read more »

UEFA Cup Betting Preview: Manchester City v Hamburg

Dan Fitch / 15 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Manchester City must overcome a two goal deficit when they host Hamburg in the second leg of the UEFA Cup quarter-final. Dan Ftich believes failure will result in the Mark Hughes losing his job. Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals @...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Wednesday 15 April

The Joker / 15 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Champions League Betting: Liverpool into 5 from 400 to qualify but fall just short

Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 14 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Liverpool twice came close to creating some serious carnage on Betfair before drawing 4-4 with Chelsea in an absolute thrilling match......Read more »

Champions League Betting: Porto v Manchester United

Mike Norman / 14 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Lack-lustre in attack and a liability at the back, Manchester United face a huge task if they are to become the first British side to defeat Porto at the Estadio do Dragao, says Mike Norman. Best Bet: Back Porto to...Read more »

Champions League Betting: Use lateral thinking when betting on the Big Four

Matthew Walton / 14 April 2009 / Leave a comment

With all four English teams still in the competition, for the time being, "Magical" Matthew Walton suggests you shop around the different markets and use lateral thinking to find the best betting options....Read more »

Champions League Betting: United's moment of truth is too close to call

Robert Hughes / 14 April 2009 / Leave a comment

As Porto proved at Old Trafford last week, underestimating the continent's less glamourous clubs is a big mistake. Robert Hughes explains why the likes of Barca et al are not the only threats to English clubs in the Champions League....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Tuesday 14 April

The Joker / 14 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Champions League Betting: Chelsea v Liverpool

Feizal Rahman / 13 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Liverpool's weekend win over Blackburn went some way to restoring their pride and confidence after their midweek defeat to Chelsea. But they still have a huge mountian to climb if they're to make yet another semi-final, says Feizal Raham. Best...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Difficult to understand why North-East clubs feel so superior

Tareq Quiroz / 13 April 2009 / 1 Comments

Tareq Quiroz wonders whether the likes of Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough can justify considering themselves big clubs based on their relative and not-so-recent success......Read more »

Champions League Betting: Arsenal v Villarreal

Richard Aikman / 13 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Having come away with a 1-1 draw which at one stage seemed highly unlikely, Arsenal are now very much in the driving seat but that's not to say Villarreal are dead and buried just yet. Expect a very open match...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Have the likes of Boro and Liverpool timed their runs just right?

Ralph Ellis / 13 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Ralph Ellis knows all about a football season being a marathon not a sprint and wonders whether free-scoring Liverpool at the top and Boro at the bottom are amongst those with gas still left in the tank for a successful...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Monday April 13

The Joker / 13 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Norway's Tippeligaen is up and running, and where there's football the Joker will be betting......Read more »

Premier League Bets: 3-3 scoreline matched at 230 as Everton and Villa share the spoils

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

It was the sort of football match that in-play traders on Betfair dream about after Everton traded at 1.12 and the draw at a high of 11 as David Moyes' side ended up drawing 3-3 away to Aston Villa.....Read more »

Football Betting: Make or break week on all fronts for the "Big Four"

Feizal Rahman / 12 April 2009 / Leave a comment

As the so-called Big Four of English football - Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea - all look to secure their passage to the Champions League semi-finals over the next few days, Feizal Rahman tells us why this is the...Read more »

Football Betting Briefing April 13-16: Champions League and UEFA Cup second legs

James Eastham / 12 April 2009 / Leave a comment

James Eastham talks us through the biggest football matches of the next five days where there's plenty of English football on the Monday and it's do-or-die time in the Champions League and UEFA Cup on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday....Read more »

League One Betting: Leicester and Peterborough to triumph on Easter Monday

Alan Dudman / 12 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Alan Dudman on coal-carrying competitions, having to cover for his left-back and the small matter of crucial League one encounters Leicester v Leeds and Millwall v Peterborough live on TV on Monday afternoon....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Aston Villa v Everton

Richard Walker / 12 April 2009 / Leave a comment

With injury concerns to key players and an in-form Everton side desperate to overtake them coming to town, Aston Villa may have to wait yet another week before getting back to winnng ways, says Richard Walker. Best bet: Lay Aston...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Man City v Fulham

Richard Walker / 11 April 2009 / Leave a comment

This clash is unlikely to have the dramatic outcome it did last season nor does it share it' sisgnifinace but those aren't reasons to stop us making money from it, says Richard Walker. Best bet: Back Under 1.5 goals @...Read more »

Premier League Bets: 7 goals or more at Stamford Bridge matched at 200

Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 11 April 2009 / Leave a comment

All the in-running prices on Betfair from a fabulous afternoon of Premier League football.......Read more »

Premier League Stats: Stoke City v Newcastle

Bettorlogic / 10 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Bettorlogic crunch the numbers as Newcastle, desperately in need of three points, travel to a Stoke City side who can go a long way to guaranteeing their own survival shoud they win. Best bet: Back Draw/Stoke @ [6.6]....Read more »

Premier League Stats: Aston Villa v Everton

Bettorlogic / 10 April 2009 / Leave a comment

A side that appears to be in freefall but still occupies fifth place hosts in Everton the side that are trying to overtake them in the table. There are plenty of stats to give us better clues as to what...Read more »

Scottish Football Bets: No gimmes for Celtic or Rangers this weekend

John Girvan / 10 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Celtic's recent record is nothing to write home about whilst Rangers' troubles courtesy of a growing injury list and internal suspensions means they have plenty of problems of their own, says John Girvan. Best bet: Lay Celtic against Hearts @...Read more »

Saturday 3pm Kick-offs: A shock win for West Brom and a struggle for Arsenal

Mike Norman / 10 April 2009 / Leave a comment

"Mystical" Mike Norman talks us through six big matches all kicking off at 3pm on Saturday that could have a huge impact at both ends of the table. Best bet: West Brom to beat Portsmouth @ [5.7]....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Stoke v Newcastle

Richard Walker / 10 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Footballing cliches such as "must-win match" and "relegation six-pointer" will be rife going into this match but Richard Walker fancies Stoke's gritty determination and good home record over a Newcastle side relying almost solely on the inspiration of Shearer. Best...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Liverpool v Blackburn

Richard Walker / 10 April 2009 / 1 Comments

Will be it be business as usual for Liverpool in the Premier League or will they suffer from a hangover courtesy of their midweek thrashing at home to Chelsea, asks Richard Walker. Best bet: Back Under 2.5 goals @ [1.99]....Read more »

Non-League Betting: Time to take on the teams with nothing left to play for

Gary Boswell / 10 April 2009 / Leave a comment

The Boz highlights those non-league teams for whom Easter is a genuine footballing holiday......Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day - Friday April 10

The Joker / 10 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Betfair Big Interview : Simon Grayson

Ralph Ellis / 09 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Easter means chocolate eggs and big games - and while the Premier League might have scrapped the traditional programme it's a mega busy holiday weekend in the Coca Cola League. Betfair went to meet Leeds boss Simon Grayson to hear...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Over/Under 2.5 goals column

Ed Nicholson / 09 April 2009 / Leave a comment

All three of Ed Nicholson's selections were successful last weekend, bringing his column's profit to +31.38pts (incl. 5% com) - a 23.6% return to stakes. Let's hope he can keep up the good work this weekend... Best Bet: 2pts Over...Read more »

League One Football Betting: It's up for grabs now

Alan Dudman / 09 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Blue is the colour this Easter weekend but League One isn't cooling down, says Alan Dudman as he looks forward to a sizzling four days of football. Best Bet: Back Millwall to beat Yeovil 1-0 @ [7.80]....Read more »

League Two Betting Preview: Chester sink to new Lowe

Ian Lamont / 09 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Ian Lamont is experimenting with draws this Easter weekend but, with the possibility of Ryan Lowe between the sticks for Chester, he won't be dancing with the Devil at the Deva. Best bet: Rotherham at [1.72] to beat Notts County....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Thursday April 9

The Joker / 09 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Champions League On Betfair: Bad night for Bayern and Liverpool after heavy defeats

Joe Dyer / 08 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Chelsea and Barcelona take big stride towards semi-finals on a night of goals in the Champions League....Read more »

The Pacman v The Boz: Are Newcastle a back or a lay to be relegated?

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

Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco and Gary "The Boz" Boswell locked horns last week over whether Cristiano Ronaldo would be the league's top scorer this year. This week they're arguing over whether Shearer's appointment as Newcastle boss will allow them to...Read more »

Premier League Goals: Last-gasp winners have very little to do with luck

Frank Gregan / 08 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Frank Gregan tells us why late winners such as Macheda's at home to Villa and Benayoun's away to Fulham owe more to such things as conditioning, belief and skill than they do to luck, plus why a lay of Man...Read more »

UEFA Cup Betting: City can expect tough trip to Hamburg

Dan Fitch / 08 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Manchester City's atrocious away record combined with the quality of their opposition means that anything other than defeat in Germany would be a good result, says Dan Fitch. Best Bet: Back Hamburg @ [2.12]....Read more »

Championship Betting: A buzz about the place at Vicarage Road should see Hornets collect all 3 points

Andrew French / 08 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Andrew French picks out the best bets in The Championship this week as Watford look to edge closer to safety, Wolves are keen to stay top and Charlton make one last ditch attempt to prevent the inevitable. Best bet: Back...Read more »

Doing yoga and being called "dog" to extend my playing career, by Ben Herd

Ben Herd / 08 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Shrewsbury's right-back on taking a leaf out of Gary Speed's book, the indiscretions of Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor and why the "P" word is back on everyone's lips at Shrewsbury.......Read more »

Premier League Betting: Relegation battle is far from being black and white

Andrew Atherley / 08 April 2009 / Leave a comment

As six of the bottom eight play each other in the Premier League this week, Andrew Atherley crunches the numbers to discover that aside from Newcastle's well-documented precarious position, things don't look great for the likes of Boro or Hull...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Wednesday April 8

The Joker / 08 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Champions League Betting: 1.05 Man Utd throw it away at the death

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

If Manchester United are to complete an unprecedented quadruple they will have to do it the hard way after the draw was matched at 17 on Betfair as they succumbed to a 2-2 draw at home to Porto......Read more »

Les Ferdinand: I'm backing Newcastle to stay up and Liverpool to see off Chelsea

Les Ferdinand / 07 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Former Newcastle striker Les Ferdinand tells us what Alan Shearer was like in the dressing room, how he's backing Newcastle to beat the drop and why Liverpool are rightly favourites to knock Chelsea out of the Champions League....Read more »

Champions League Betting: Goal feast or famine?

Matthew Walton / 07 April 2009 / Leave a comment

The Champions League is rightly regarded as the pinnacle of club football but, while never short on drama, Europe's premier competition isn't always the goal-feast we imagine it to be. For that reason, says Matthew Walton, there's a discrepancy between...Read more »

Macheda's debut and calling on Hulk Hogan to get you out of trouble

Dan Fitch / 07 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Dan "The Betting Man" Fitch wonders how he didn't come across the name of Federico Macheda before whilst playing Championship Manager and looks at other players who had eye-catching debuts such as Alan Shearer and Jimmy Greaves....Read more »

Champions League Betting: Liverpool v Chelsea

Feizal Rahman / 07 April 2009 / 1 Comments

The combination of expansive football, a master tactician in the dugout and a breathtaking atmosphere persuade Feizal Rahman that Liverpool will prevail against Chelsea on Wednesday night. Best Bet: Liverpool Half Time/Full Time @ [4.4]....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Tuesday April 7

The Joker / 07 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Championship Betting: Why Saints must be punished

Nik Wardle / 06 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Not long ago, Southampton were considered one of the most stable clubs in English football. Not anymore, says Nick Wardle as he considers the decline of a club which has given us the likes of Le Tissier, Shearer and Walcott....Read more »

Champions League Betting: Man Utd v Porto

Mike Norman / 06 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Those who think this will be a walk in the park have probably forgotten the sight of Jose Mourinho sliding down the Old Trafford touchline on his knees and/or are unaware of Porto's 21-match unbeaten run, says "Mystical" Mike Norman....Read more »

Champions League Betting: Villarreal v Arsenal

Richard Aikman / 06 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Richard Aikman wonders whether the scars from that missed Riquelme penalty in the 2006 semi-final have healed and Villarreal believe they can actually go through. It will be a very tight first leg at the claustrophobic El Madrigal and the...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Big teams win big games under big pressure

Ralph Ellis / 06 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Ralph Ellis doesn't believe that Manchester United and Liverpool's late wins this weekend were down to chance. Rather, it's a case of knowing how to deliver under pressure because you've been there and done it before.......Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Monday 6 April

The Joker / 06 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Premier League Title Betting: Wobbling United finally get back on straight and narrow

Joe Dyer / 05 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Aston Villa set to hand United third defeat before dramatic comeback....Read more »

Strange Shearer selection makes even money relegation bet unresistable

Feizal Rahman / 05 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Feizal Rahman just cannot see any sense in Newcastle's United's recruitment of their legendary striker to manager's post....Read more »

Football Betting Briefing: Europe's elite get back to business on the big stage

James Eastham / 05 April 2009 / Leave a comment

James Eastham looks at the week to come in European football with the Champions League quarter-finals likely to be the highlight for most....Read more »

Premier League Relegation Betting: Newcastle clear third favourites for the drop after Chelsea defeat

Joe Dyer / 04 April 2009 / Leave a comment

There's no joy for Shearer in his first match in charge at St James' Park and the Toon are looking likely candidates for the drop....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Manchester United v Aston Villa

Richard Walker / 04 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Richard Walker just cannot see anything other than a humiliating afternoon for Villa at Old Trafford. Best Bet: Back Over 2.5 goals @ [2.0]....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Fulham v Liverpool

Richard Walker / 03 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Richard Walker tells us why this is the weekend match he is most looking forward to as a resurgent, but somewhat tired Liverpool team travel to what is an uncomfortable place to go these days: Craven Cottage. Best bet: Back...Read more »

Scottish Football Betting: A rare chance to confidently oppose Rangers

John Girvan / 03 April 2009 / Leave a comment

John Girvan tells us why he expects the Old Firm to have very contrasting fortunes this weekend as internal suspensions to Barry Ferguson and Allan MacGregor could hamper Rangers' title chances....Read more »

The Damned United: Damn the makers of the film...and the Board at Nottingham Forest

Paul Moon / 03 April 2009 / 3 Comments

Never a website to leave any football stone unturned, betting.betfair.com sent Paul Moon to go and watch "The Damned United" and give us his verdict on that, pus the current situation at Nottingham Forest... just for good measure....Read more »

Premier League Stats: Man Utd v Aston Villa

Bettorlogic / 03 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Neither side are in good form at the minute and both are in desperate need of points for very different reasons. But current form aside, the stats bode very well for Man Utd who should really take all three points,...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Blackburn v Spurs

Richard Walker / 03 April 2009 / Leave a comment

In a match that Spurs don't really need to win but Blackburn do, Richard Walker thinks it's the home side who will come out on top with that man Jason Roberts a decent candidate to be the hero on the...Read more »

The Championship Betting: Sheffield Utd a "steel" at evens to beat Ipswich

Andrew French / 03 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Andrew French talks us through the best betting opportunities in The Championship this weekend where Sheffield United are making a genuine bid for automatic promotion and Charlton are trying to save some dignity. Best bet: Back Sheffield United to beat...Read more »

Premier League Stats: Fulham v Liverpool

Bettorlogic / 03 April 2009 / Leave a comment

It's a match that could have a huge bearing on the outcome of the Premier League and one that the stats suggest Liverpool will do very well to win, according to Bettorlogic. Best bet: Lay Liverpool @ [1.7]....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Friday April 3

The Joker / 03 April 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Shrewsbury set the standard when it comes to working with the community, says Ben Herd.

Ben Herd / 02 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Shrewsbury's right-back on marking Marlon Harewood, losing at poker, Grant Holt's dress sense and Van Persie's "Hammer" blow on Man City....Read more »

League One Betting Preview: All over now for Royle's baby blues?

Alan Dudman / 02 April 2009 / Leave a comment

'Blonde, fresh-faced, innocent and beautiful' - Alan Dudman falls head over heels for his bet of the season and recommends you avoid Joe Royle's youngsters. Best Bet: Back Peterborough to beat Oldham @ [2.36]....Read more »

Non-League Betting: Buck the trend with Telford this weekend

Gary Boswell / 02 April 2009 / Leave a comment

The Boz rounds up the action as we approach the climax of the non-league season......Read more »

League Two Betting Preview: Spireites aim for the top

Ian Lamont / 02 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Chesterfield's star man hopes to notch his 50th goal for the club this weekend and, while automatic promotion may be distant dream, Ian Lamont reckons the Spireites will be celebrating come Saturday tea-time. Best Bet: Back Chesterfield at [2.3]....Read more »