May 2009

Football Betting: Ferguson must take responsibility for United's humbling

Feizal Rahman / 31 May 2009 / 1 Comments

Manchester United were outclassed in every area of the pitch in their Champions League Final defeat to Barcelona and Feizal Rahman knows who he blames....Read more »

Premier League Betting: All change in 2009/10?

Ari Last / 31 May 2009 / Leave a comment

As English football fans come to terms with the end of the domestic season, Ari Last lifts the doom and gloom by turning his thoughts to next year's title race......Read more »

FA Cup Final Betting: Hiddink signs off with silverware

Editor / 30 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Chelsea come from behind to win FA Cup and Rangers complete double in Scotland......Read more »

Homecoming Scottish Cup Final Betting: Rangers v Falkirk

John Girvan / 29 May 2009 / Leave a comment

After sealing the title last weekend Rangers will be in no mood to surrender the prized double, says John Girvan....Read more »

FA Cup Final Betting: Chelsea v Everton

Mike Norman / 29 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Barcelona may have won trophies playing beautiful football, but don't expect tomorrow's FA Cup winners to do it in quite the same style says "Mystical" Mike Norman. Best Bet: Back Under 1.5 Goals at 3.0......Read more »

FA Cup Final Betting: Webb must think before whistling

Paul Moon / 29 May 2009 / 1 Comments

As Howard Webb prepares to lead out the teams at Wembley, Paul Moon discusses the standard of refereeing in English football......Read more »

Ben Herd: Goodbye to all that...

Ben Herd / 29 May 2009 / 3 Comments

In an emotional final column, Ben Herd reflects on love, loss and rejection as he bids farewell to Betting.Betfair and Shrewsbury Town......Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Friday May 29

The Joker / 29 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

FA Cup Final Betting: Trends analysis by Andrew Atherley

Andrew Atherley / 28 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Our stats man has gone through the numbers and it doesn't look good for outsiders Everton......Read more »

Football Betting: Walcott in club v country tug-of-war

Ralph Ellis / 28 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Theo Walcott is likely to called upon by both Stuart Pearce and Fabio Capello this summer and Arsene Wenger is not happy. However, with Pearce likely to get his man, England's U21s are heading to the European Championships with a...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Thursday May 28

The Joker / 28 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Champions League Final Betting: Brilliant Barca rule Europe

Maxliu / 27 May 2009 / 1 Comments

Messi and Iniesta orchestrate superb victory as United fail in bid to win consecutive Euopean titles......Read more »

The Betfair Contrarian: Why Burnley will avoid relegation next season

The Betfair Contrarian / 27 May 2009 / Leave a comment

There'll be smiles on the streets of Burnley this time next year when the small town club buck the Premier League relegation odds, says The Betfair Contrarian....Read more »

Next Celtic Manager Betting: Coyle tempted by dream job

Maxliu / 27 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Burnley manager could be unveiled as new Parkhead boss before the end of the week......Read more »

Champions League Final Betting: Do Barca have an 'English problem'?

Andrew Atherley / 27 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Chelsea and Arsenal fans won't agree, but the Champions League has got its dream final, says Andrew Atherley. But with little to separate them in the markets and in the form book, where should we put our money on Wednesday...Read more »

Champions League Final Betting Preview: Finding the value in crowded markets

Dave Farrar / 27 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Dave Farrar considers all the betting angles on European football's biggest night....Read more »

Champions League Final Betting: What chance a dull low-scoring affair?

Mike Norman / 27 May 2009 / Leave a comment

As the whole world looks forward to a mouthwatering goal-fest between two outstanding attack-minded teams, "Mystical" Mike Norman reluctantly gives us a few reasons why we may end up disappointed - Carles Puyol and Nemanja Vidic......Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Wednesday May 27

The Joker / 27 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Champions League Final Odds: Why this may be the most important man on the pitch...

Ben Lyttleton / 26 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Swiss referee Massimo Busacca has a key role on Wednesday night in Rome. Ben Lyttleton explains how you could profit from the decisions he makes......Read more »

Champions League Final Betting: Exerpience v youth

Frank Gregan / 26 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Away from the competing talents on the field, Frank Gregan believes the Champions League final represents a battle between young and old in the dugout. Meanwhile, the fate of Newcastle United shows that if the players aren't up to it,...Read more »

Champions League Final Betting: Statistics point to profits

Matthew Walton / 26 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Matthew Walton has gone through the numbers ahead of the Champions League final so you don't have to!...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Tuesday May 26

The Joker / 25 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Champions League Final Betting: Cute Guardiola has the measure of Ferguson

Paul Moon / 25 May 2009 / 3 Comments

Paul Moon shares his strong opinions on the problems with English football and explains why he believes Barcelona have the tactical nous to overcome Manchester United in the Champions League final....Read more »

Football Betting: What can we expect in 2009/10?

Ralph Ellis / 25 May 2009 / Leave a comment

As the curtain falls on the 2008/09 Premier League, Ralph Ellis explains how his bets came in and asks what the end of this season can tell us about the start of the next......Read more »

Ben Herd's Play-off Final Diary: Wembley heartbreak

Ben Herd / 25 May 2009 / 1 Comments

In his penultimate piece for betting.betfair, Ben Herd provides a diary of Saturday's events as Shrewsbury Town took on Gillingham in the League Two play-off final at Wembley....Read more »

Championship Play-Off Final Betting: Burnley v Sheffield United

Richard Walker / 25 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Contrasting styles clash at Wembley this afternoon as two teams from either side of the Pennines meet for arguably the biggest prize in English football. But who does Richard Walker expect to see in the top flight next season? Best...Read more »

The Barclays Premier League Final Day on Betfair: 38-shots Newcastle relegated

Joe Dyer / 24 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Geordies suffer final indignity of a bad season and the Premier League suffers probably its biggest relegation yet......Read more »

Football Betting Briefing: Monday 25 May - Friday 29 May

James Eastham / 24 May 2009 / Leave a comment

"Seven of the last 10 Champions League finals have had over 2.5 goals so that particular wager should garner plenty of interest at 2.24."Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Monday May 25

The Joker / 24 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

League One Play-Off Final: Scunthorpe backed at 28 during Wembley drama

Joe Dyer / 24 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Late winner sends Lincolnshire club into The Championship....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Sunderland v Chelsea

Richard Walker / 23 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Richard Walker thinks Sunderland will play it cautious on Sunday but that will only benefit Chelsea. Best Bet: Back Chelsea @ [1.95]....Read more »

Premier League Betting: West Ham v Middlesbrough

Richard Walker / 23 May 2009 / 1 Comments

Things look grim for Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough and to make matters worse Richard Walker doesn't even think they'll manage the win that is essential to their survival prospects. Best Bets: Lay Middlesbrough @ [3.5]....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Hull City v Manchester United

Richard Walker / 23 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Freefalling Hull at least face the United second-string on Sunday, but though weakened, the champions are still the top team in the league according to Richard Walker. Best Bet: Back Man Utd @ [2.38]....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Aston Villa v Newcastle United

Richard Walker / 23 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Rich Walker is forecasting a last day escape for the 'dreamers' of Newcastle. Read why here... Best Bet: Back Under 2.5 goals @ [2.08]....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Absentees can help you ensure betting profit

Bettorlogic / 22 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Bettorlogic talk us through why the absence of Antonio Valencia from Wigan's team this week opens plenty of betting opportunities....Read more »

SPL Betting Preview: Why Sunday is massive for Rangers

John Girvan / 22 May 2009 / Leave a comment

There's a thrilling SPL finale on the horizon this weekend. On Saturday it's, realistically, any one from two for the drop before the championship is decided once and for all on "helicopter Sunday", writes John Girvan....Read more »

League One Play-off Final Preview: Millwall v Scunthorpe United

Alan Dudman / 22 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Millwall's no-nonsense hardmen aren't underestimating Scunthorpe and, even though the Lions' fans will transform Wembley into the Den, Alan Dudman believes that this one could go the distance. Best Bet: Back 0-0 @ [10.00]....Read more »

Overs/Unders 2.5 goals: Final day flurry or cagey anti-climax?

Ed Nicholson / 22 May 2009 / Leave a comment

With one week left, Ed's profit stands at 29.36 points (18.14% ROI). All in all, prior to the suggestions below, he has recommended 152 bets - 112 being under/over 2.5 goals suggestions ranging from 1pt to 3pts, and 40 correct...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Friday May 22

The Joker / 21 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Premier League Stats: Sunderland v Chelsea

Bettorlogic / 21 May 2009 / Leave a comment

After weeks of poor form the Black Cats find themselves right in the mire on the final day of the season. Can they guarantee their top flight survival against Guus Hiddink's men? Best Bet: Back 0-1 @ 8.2 & 0-2...Read more »

Premier League Stats: Aston Villa v Newcastle United

Bettorlogic / 21 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Newcastle United have left themselves with it all to do on the final day of the season. Do BettorLogic believe Alan Shearer's men can save themselves at Villa Park? Best Bet: Back Aston Villa/Aston Villa @ [4.5]...Read more »

Relegation Betting: Every outcome explained

Andrew Atherley / 21 May 2009 / Leave a comment

The final two relegation places will be decided on Sunday when Sunderland, Hull, Newcastle and Middlesbrough fight for their Premier League lives. Andrew Atherley calculates every possible outcome, what they mean for each team and where bettors can profit....Read more »

League Two Play-Off Final Betting: Gillingham v Shrewsbury

Ian Lamont / 21 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Ian Lamont talks stats, trends, head-to-heads, form, Grant Holt and Simeon Jackson in order tofind the best bets out there as these two sides clash for a place in League One next season. Best bet: Back under 2.5 goals @...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Thursday May 21

The Joker / 20 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Premier League Relegation Betting: No regrets in the lap of the Gods

Frank Gregan / 20 May 2009 / Leave a comment

As a final day meltdown looms for four Premier League clubs, former-Forest Green Rovers supremo Frank Gregan picks his relegation bets and provides an insight into the agonies of a football manager......Read more »

Promotion means everything to me, the club and the town, says Ben Herd

Ben Herd / 20 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Shrewsbury's right-back looks ahead to the Play-off final against Gillingham, assesses his own season and tells us what he learned from a length spell on the sidelines....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Could misguided faith be responsible for current plight of Middlesbrough and Newcastle?

Mike Norman / 20 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Ahead of Survival Sunday, "Mystical" Mike Norman takes a light-hearted look back through the season, and reveals who has won what at his annual Crystal Ball Awards......Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Wednesday May 20

The Joker / 19 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Premier League Relegation Odds: It's two from four as day of drama beckons

Joe Dyer / 19 May 2009 / Leave a comment

From [1.04] Middlesbrough to [9.6] Sunderland a quartet of teams could end the Premier League's final day in the Championship....Read more »

Football Betting: Time for UEFA to re-think their suspensions policy

Nik Wardle / 19 May 2009 / Leave a comment

As Darren Fletcher, Dani Alves, Eric Abidal, Diego, Hugo Almeida and Tomas Huebschman all prepare to miss the UEFA and Champions League finals through suspension, Nik Wardle considers whether their offences were serious enough to warrant such a harsh punishment....Read more »

Next Chelsea Manager Betting: Hiddink poses an age old question

Dan Fitch / 19 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Tuesday May 19

The Joker / 18 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Premier League Top Goalscorer: Hats off to this free-scoring midfield duo

Tareq Quiroz / 18 May 2009 / 1 Comments

As Cristiano Ronaldo and Nicolas Anelka share honours in the topscorer charts, TQ is full of praise for the Portuguese star and fellow midfielder Steven Gerrard for their goalscoring contributions from midfield. But who will win it this year in...Read more »

Premier League Betting: You rarely get away with mistakes at this level

Ralph Ellis / 18 May 2009 / Leave a comment

As Hull benefited from a blunder to temporarily put themselves out of the relegation places, West Brom were relegated on the back of one of their own and Newcastle will feel the referee made an error in their match, Ralph...Read more »

Premier League Betting Preview: Portsmouth v Sunderland

Richard Walker / 18 May 2009 / Leave a comment

The hosts are safe but the visitors could yet be dragged into the mire. Does Richard Walker believe Sunderland can secure their Premier League status at Fratton Park on Monday night? Best Bet: Back Under 2.5 goals @ [1.67]....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Monday May 18

The Joker / 18 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Football Betting Briefing: Expect goals in UEFA Cup final

James Eastham / 17 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Black Cats aim to secure survival on the South Coast, Werder Bremen bid to lift the UEFA Cup, vital fixtures in Greece and Denmark - James Eastham takes a whistle stop tour of the world as he looks ahead to...Read more »

Relegation Betting: What Newcastle could learn from Boro

Feizal Rahman / 17 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Whether they are playing in the Championship or the Premier League next season, Newcastle United need to abandon the short-termism that is responsible for their current malaise, says Feizal Rahman. Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate is proving that nice guys do finish...Read more »

Weekend Football Round-up: Champions!

Maxliu / 17 May 2009 / Leave a comment

United wrap up third consecutive Premier League title in front of home fans, Newcastle crash back into drop zone, Boro left needing a miracle.....Read more »

Premier League Betting Preview: Chelsea v Blackburn Rovers

Richard Walker / 16 May 2009 / Leave a comment

As Stamford Bridge bids farewell to Guus Hiddink, Richard Walker is expecting a goal rush... Best Bets: Back Chelsea/Chelsea HT/FT @ [1.89];...Read more »

Premier League Betting Preview: West Brom v Liverpool

Richard Walker / 16 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Richard Walker is anticipating a thriller as the Baggies bid to pull off a second great escape. Best Bet: Back Over 2.5 goals @ [1.71]....Read more »

Premier League Stats: Manchester United v Arsenal

Bettorlogic / 15 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Will this be the day when Manchester United wrap up their third consecutive Premier League title? BettorLogic think so. Best Bet: Back Man Utd/Man Utd @ [2.64]....Read more »

Premier League Betting: West Brom v Liverpool

Bettorlogic / 15 May 2009 / Leave a comment

West Brom continue to try to recreate their "Great Escape" from a few years ago and will have to get something from their match against Liverpool if they are to stand any sort of chance. Bettorlogic talk us through the...Read more »

SPL Betting Preview: Rangers win will put pressure back on Celtic

John Girvan / 15 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Celtic travelled to Ibrox last week as [1.64] favourites to retain the title but a home win saw them drift to [2.44]. It looked to be slipping away from the current champions but a nervy home win over Dundee United...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Man Utd v Arsenal

Richard Walker / 15 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Man Utd need just a point to wrap up yet another Premier League title but the red side of Manchester won't be celebrating at 3pm if Arsene Wenger has anything to do with it, says Richard Walker. Best bet: Back...Read more »

Saturday 3pm Kick-Offs Betting: Spurs and City to serve up a feast of goals...

Mike Norman / 15 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Four clubs still have aspirations of finishing seventh and securing a place in next season's Europa league, whilst at the bottom, it's still all to play for, says "Mystical" Mike Norman. Best Bet: Back Over 3.5 Goals (Tottenham v Man...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Friday May 15

The Joker / 15 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

The Over/Under 2.5 Goals Betting Column: Floodgates will open at the Riverside

Ed Nicholson / 14 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Ed Nicholson talks us through his best over/under 2.5 goals bets starting with Aston Villa's trip to the Riverside where Ashley Young and Co should have their shooting boots on. Best bet: Over 2.5 goals in Boro v Aston Villa...Read more »

League One Play-offs Betting: MK Dons v Scunthorpe United

Alan Dudman / 14 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Alan Dudman tells us why the first leg of this tie was a good advert for League One football and why he expects the second to follow suit with plenty of goals in a tie in which he expects Roberto...Read more »

Writing for betting.betfair.com has been a great experience, says Ben Herd

Ben Herd / 14 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Shrewsbury's right-back on penalty drama, writing for betting.betfair.com and throwing your toys out of the pram at being substituted....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Thursday May 14

The Joker / 13 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Non-League Betting: Third time lucky for Phillips at Wembley?

Gary Boswell / 13 May 2009 / 1 Comments

The Boz previews the end of season non-league showcase at Wembley on Sunday...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Wigan v Man Utd

Mike Norman / 13 May 2009 / Leave a comment

As Wigan sit comfortably in "mid-table mediocrity", Man Utd are looking to wrap up the Premier League title as soon as possible so they can rest players prior to the Champions League final, says "Mystical" Mike Norman. Best bet: Back...Read more »

Champions League Betting: Get on Fergie's boys whilst they're still massively over-priced

Dave Farrar / 13 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Dave Farrar tells us why injuries and suspensions to key Barca players make Man Utd a must-bet for the Champions League final and how getting the early value about them will seem like a wise move come the final whistle....Read more »

Champions League Betting: Chelsea v Barca - Same game, different interpretations

Frank Gregan / 13 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Frank Gregan has been travelling around the Iberian Peninsula and found to his amazement how meeting different people from different places who support different teams can provide such different interpretations of a football match, in this case last week's controvesial...Read more »

Relegation Betting: Newcastle can't take survival for granted

Andrew Atherley / 13 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Do or die, win or bust, make or break - whichever way you put it, the relegation battlers have two games left to prove that they deserve to hang on to their Premier League status, writes Andrew Atherley....Read more »

Asian Handicap Betting: Are you missing out?

Matthew Walton / 13 May 2009 / Leave a comment

The great thing about betting on Betfair is that we can make a profit on any given football match but we can all do it in entirely different ways, writes Matthew Walton....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Wednesday May 13th

The Joker / 13 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Championship Play-Offs Betting: Reading v Burnley

Richard Walker / 12 May 2009 / Leave a comment

It was the Andre Bikey horror-show as these sides clashed in the first leg of the Playoff semi-finals and the result is Reading are left playing catch-up, which might just all be a bit too much for them, says Richard...Read more »

League One Play-off Preview: Leeds United v Millwall

Alan Dudman / 12 May 2009 / Leave a comment

An obdurate Millwall may have prevailed in the ill-tempered first leg but does Alan Dudman believe that the Lions are on their way to Wembley? Best Bet: Back Leeds United in the 'to qualify market' @ [1.95]....Read more »

FA Cup Betting: What next for this ageing and less hungry Chelsea squad?

Robert Hughes / 12 May 2009 / 1 Comments

As they look for their fourth manager in less than two years, Robert Hughes considers who the next manager to take the hot seat at Stamford Bridge will be and whether the likes of Frank lampard and Didier Drogba will...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Tuesday May 12th

The Joker / 12 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Football Betting: Fans' love can't match wrath of Sir Alex

Tareq Quiroz / 11 May 2009 / Leave a comment

The authority wielded by Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United is unrivalled at any club in the world and Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo are about to be left in no doubt as to who calls the shots, says Sir...Read more »

Football Betting: Tantrums and tiaras

Ralph Ellis / 11 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Any other player would be dropped as punishment for having a tantrum at being substituted. But Sir Alex Ferguson is an expert at handling big temperaments and will continue to get the best out of Cristiano Ronaldo, says Ralph Ellis....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Monday May 11

The Joker / 11 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Football Betting Briefing: Monday 11 May - Friday 15 May

James Eastham / 10 May 2009 / Leave a comment

We've reached the business end of the play-offs in England but there are also Cups and League titles to be distributed throughout Europe with the likes of Barca, Lazio and Bayern Munich all in action, says James Eastham....Read more »

Championship Play-offs Betting: Sheffield United v Preston North End

Richard Walker / 10 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Preston may have missed the boat after conceding a lead at Deepdale so it's very much advantage Sheffield United. But this is the play-offs and holding your nerve is the name of the game, says Richard Walker. Best bet: Lay...Read more »

Premier League Stats: Newcastle v Middlesbrough

Bettorlogic / 10 May 2009 / Leave a comment

It's the relegation six-pointer that everyone is talking about so betting.betfair.com turned to number crunchers-supreme Bettorlogic to see what they made of it all......Read more »

Premier League Betting: 1.04 Man Utd close in on the title

Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 10 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Man Utd are now into just 1.04 for the Premier League title after their straightforward 2-0 win over Man City this afternoon....Read more »

Champions League Betting: Thank goodness money doesn't guarantee you success

Feizal Rahman / 10 May 2009 / Leave a comment

As Chelsea fall short at the business end of the Champions League once more, Feizal Rahman is thankful that Abramovich's spending spree is proof that quick bucks can improve a team but can't guarantee you the biggest prizes in the...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Diary of a Middlesbrough fan leading up to the big game

Mike Norman / 10 May 2009 / 1 Comments

As Middlesbrough prepare for one of the biggest games in their history, die-hard Boro fan "Mystical" Mike Norman talks us through the emotions he's going through as kick-off approaches....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Newcastle v Middlesbrough

Richard Walker / 10 May 2009 / Leave a comment

The mother of all relegation six-pointers takes place on Monday night and both sides know a draw is unlikely to be enough to stay up. But a share of the spoils is probably how it will end up, says Richard...Read more »

Premier League Stats: Arsenal v Chelsea

Bettorlogic / 10 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Fresh from their Champions League humblings, which of these London rivals does Bettorlogic expect to recover in time for Sunday's match....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Contrasting afternoons for Black Cats and Tigers as Hull go odds-on for the drop

Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 09 May 2009 / Leave a comment

A 0-0 draw for Sunderland away to Bolton is unlikely to get top billing on Match Of The Day but try telling that to Sunderland fans who will view the point earned as a massive one in their bid to...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Arsenal v Chelsea

Richard Walker / 09 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Having both suffered midweek heartbreak, in Chelsea's case through injustice and in Arsenal's case due to simply being outplayed, both sides want to show what they're made of in the Premier League, says Richard Walker. Best bet: Lay Arsenal @...Read more »

League Two Betting: Shrews not quite shrewd enough to overcome Bury

Ian Lamont / 09 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Ian Lamont looks ahead to the second legs of the League Two play-offs as Shrewsbury try to overturn a one goal deficit from the first leg against Bury and Gillingham look likely to secure their place at Wembley. Best bet:...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Man Utd v Man City

Richard Walker / 09 May 2009 / Leave a comment

As Man Utd look to wrap up another Premier League title, Man City look to repeat last year's heroics and take all three points at Old Trafford. One thing is for certain, says Richard Walker, goals are expected. Best bet:...Read more »

SPL Betting Preview: Old Firm clash not title decider shocker

John Girvan / 08 May 2009 / Leave a comment

The managers might be playing it down but Saturday's Old Firm clash will have great signficance for the title race, writes John Girvan....Read more »

Premier League Betting: West Ham v Liverpool

Richard Walker / 08 May 2009 / Leave a comment

This match probably won't make a huge difference to either team's season in the grand scheme of things but the prospect of Javier Mascherano playing against his old club and Liverpool's desire to wrap up second place should make for...Read more »

Saturday 3pm Kick-Offs Betting: Baggies and Trotters to have their day

Mike Norman / 08 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Six matches kick-off at the "old school" time of 3pm on Saturday afternoon, a few of which may have serious repercussions at the foot of the table. "Mystical" Mike Norman talks us through them. Best bet: Back West Brom/West Brom...Read more »

The Over/Under 2.5 Goals Column: Tense, low-scoring affairs at St James and the Emirates

Ed Nicholson / 08 May 2009 / Leave a comment

After high-profile Champions League encounters midweek Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea will have very different memories of the last few days. But what bearing will these matches have on the chances of their matches breaking the 2.5 goals barrier at...Read more »

Championship Play-Off Betting: Preston North End v Sheffield United

Richard Walker / 08 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Could Preston be peaking at the right time to shock Sheffield United? Richard Walker thinks so. Best Bet: Back Preston @ [2.62]....Read more »

Relegation Betting: Will somebody please show some fight, please

Robert Hughes / 08 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Middlesbrough lack of character, rumours of mutiny at Newcastle and others on the slide means that poor form across the board is keeping the relegation battle open, says Robert Hughes....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Friday May 8

The Joker / 08 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Betfair Big Interview: Alan Irvine

Ralph Ellis / 08 May 2009 / Leave a comment

They call it the £50million game, so there's no pressure there then. Betfair went to meet Preston manager Alan Irvine to see how he felt about getting into the Championship play-offs......Read more »

Championship Play-Off Betting: Burnley v Reading

Richard Walker / 07 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Burnley have momentum and are the most consistent of all four play-off contestants, according to Richard Walker, and that's why he's backing them to go all the way. Best Bet: Lay Reading @ [3.1]....Read more »

League One Play-off Preview: Millwall v Leeds United

Alan Dudman / 07 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Alan Dudman believes there is an epic contest on the cards in South East London on Saturday lunchtime. Best Bet: Back draw/draw @ [4.00]...Read more »

League One Play-off Preview: Scunthorpe United v MK Dons

Alan Dudman / 07 May 2009 / Leave a comment

All four League One play-off contenders deserve to be there, says Alan Dudman. And none more so than MK Dons, whose football has been a delight all year... Best Bet: MK Dons clean sheet @ [3.45]....Read more »

Champions League Betting: What Didier can learn from Darren

Nik Wardle / 07 May 2009 / Leave a comment

It used to be bad luck to talk about 'the Scottish player' within one mile of Old Trafford. Those days are long gone though and, as Nick Wardle explains, Darren Fletcher has established himself as a vital part of the...Read more »

Ben Herd: 'Best right-back ever'

Ben Herd / 07 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Shrewsbury's right back is in bullish mood as he talks of his elation at reaching the play-offs and explains why promotion is vital to both club and town......Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Thursday May

Editor / 07 May 2009 / Leave a comment

It's the Edinburgh derby tonight and our daily football tipster has a view......Read more »

Champions League Betting: Last gasp Barca break Chelsea hearts

Maxliu / 06 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Blues hold out for 180 minutes before injury-time Iniesta strike sets up dream Barca v Man U final....Read more »

Relegation Betting: Death or glory?

Frank Gregan / 06 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Even after their great start, Frank Gregan predicted that Hull City would struggle to stay up. He also tipped the three North East clubs for a relegation battle as well as foreseeing the collapse of the economy and the swine...Read more »

Football Betting: Go with momentum when betting on play-offs

Andrew Atherley / 06 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Profiling is not just a useful tool in the fight against crime; it can provide vital clues for the punter too. And nowhere more so than in the Football League play-offs, writes Andrew Atherley....Read more »

League Two Play-offs Betting: Shrews are likely to be tamed by Bury

Ian Lamont / 06 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Ian Lamont tells us why he hates the play-off system ahead of telling us who your money should be on as Shrewsbury, Bury, Gillingham and Rochdale try to ensure promotion to Division One....Read more »

Premier League Relegation Betting: Joey Barton needs help rather than further criticism

Dave Farrar / 06 May 2009 / Leave a comment

As Joey Barton committed the latest indiscretion of a career plagued by problems on and off the field, Dave Farrar ponders on how the footballing world should go about treating him and why the incident may end up doing Newcastle...Read more »

Champions League Betting: Chelsea v Barcelona

Tobias Gourlay / 06 May 2009 / Leave a comment

English teams have a strong record against continental rivals, but Barcelona are out of this world and Chelsea may be about to taste a rare defeat says Tobias Gourlay....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Wednesday May 6

Editor / 06 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Champions League On Betfair: United set up chance of a Moscow replay and two in a row

Joe Dyer / 05 May 2009 / Leave a comment

United breeze into Rome final as two early goals kill semi-final at the outset......Read more »

Non-League Betting: Back the Bucks against Bogie's boys and five good reasons for opposing Stevenage

Gary Boswell / 05 May 2009 / Leave a comment

The Boz reviews an end of season non-league feast of Live on TV games......Read more »

Eye candy Jamie Redknapp and monotone Shearer have no place in the TV studio

Dan Fitch / 05 May 2009 / Leave a comment

As Alan Shearer proves he's no football manager, Dan Fitch points out he's no football pundit either and goes on to look at the good and the bad from amongst the so-called football experts on TV....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Tuesday May 5

The Joker / 05 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Champions League Betting: Arsenal v Man Utd

Feizal Rahman / 04 May 2009 / Leave a comment

It was only the heroics of Manuel Almunia in the first leg that have even kept Arsenal in this tie but they will have to bring their A-game to the table on home soil if they are to win this...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Managerial overachievement and managerial underachievement

Tareq Quiroz / 04 May 2009 / Leave a comment

TQ looks at why Harry Redknapp never seems to be out of work and whether the dismissal of Paul Ince at Blackburn early on in the season was a fair one....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Appoint a good number two to avoid finding yourself in the number two

Ralph Ellis / 04 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Ralph Ellis thinks it's no coincidence that the sides currently facing relegation all have a serious weakness in the "number two" (assistant manager) role and that includes the experienced Ian Dowie up at St James' Park....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Aston Villa v Hull City

Richard Walker / 04 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Hull may try to stifle the life out of a Villa side who are only just turning the corner following a miserable spell, according to Richard Walker. Best Bet: Back The Draw @ [4.3]....Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Monday May 4

The Joker / 04 May 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Sunday Football Round-up: North East clubs on the brink

Maxliu / 03 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Shearer furious as Barton is sent off in Anfield defeat, Everton into fifth and the Blues are back in the top-flight......Read more »

Champions League Betting: Barca and Arsenal need more than a pretty face

Feizal Rahman / 03 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Barcelona may have annihilated Real Madrid but their failure to score in the first leg is a psychological blow that could haunt them at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Arsenal must savvy-up fast, says Feizal Rahman....Read more »

Football Betting Briefing May 4 - 8: London clubs on attacking terror alert

James Eastham / 03 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Time for Tigers to roar, Champions League meltdown in the capital and crunch time for beautifully balanced all-Ukranian UEFA tie - yep, it's squeaky bum time across Europe and James Eastham is perfectly placed to make the best picks......Read more »

Saturday Football Round-up: United sink Boro deeper

Maxliu / 02 May 2009 / Leave a comment

United go six clear with four to play as Southgate's men drift further from safety, Drogba warms up for Barcelona and a rare home defeat in the Potteries......Read more »

Premier League Betting Preview: Liverpool v Newcastle

Richard Walker / 02 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Time is running out for Newcastle United and with Liverpool refusing to give up on the title, you'd expect another miserable afternoon for Alan Shearer and co. Not so, says Richard Walker. Best Bet: Back Under 2.5 goals @ [2.38]....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Sunderland v Everton

Richard Walker / 02 May 2009 / Leave a comment

With the pressure on, David Moyse 'Dogs of War' are exactly the sort of side Sunderland wouldn't want to be visiting the Stadium of Light on Sunday, says Richard Walker Best Bet:Lay Sunderland @ [2.68]....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Middlesbrough v Manchester United

Richard Walker / 02 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Despite a weakened team, Richard Walker believes that Manchester United can succeed where Liverpool failed and take three points from the Riverside. Best Bet: Back 1-0 To Man Utd @ [7.2]....Read more »

Championship Betting: Blades will step up to the plate

Andrew French / 01 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Andrew French makes his picks as nine months of football comes down to one afternoon to decide an automatic promotion place, who will contest the play-offs and the remaining relegation spot. Best Bet: Back Sheffield Utd to beat C Palace...Read more »

SPL Betting Preview: Crunch time in the SPL

John Girvan / 01 May 2009 / Leave a comment

A thrilling climax looms in Scotland's top league with so much riding on this weekend's games....Read more »

Premier League Betting Preview: Saturday 3pm kick-offs

Mike Norman / 01 May 2009 / Leave a comment

A West London derby, Hughes and Campbell face their old clubs and Spurs look to get back on track after their trauma at Old Trafford - Mike Norman assesses Saturday's 3 o'clock kick-offs. Best Bet: Back Arsenal to beat Portsmouth...Read more »

The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Friday May 1

The Joker / 01 May 2009 / Leave a comment

The Joker recommends that you back the one time scourge of Alan Shearer et al......Read more »