November 2009

The Joker's Bet of the Day: Tuesday December 1

The Joker / 30 November 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Carling Cup Betting: Manchester United v Tottenham

Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 30 November 2009 / 2 Comments

Jamie Pacheco tells us how Manchester United could end the season trophyless and why disappointment could come as soon as Tuesday night when free-scoring Tottenham Hotspur visit the "Theatre of Dreams" with Aaron Lennon hoping to give the home side's...Read more »

The Joker's Bet of the Day: Monday November 30

The Joker / 30 November 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Premier League Betting: Is it right to judge strikers solely on goals?

Ralph Ellis / 30 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Despite scoring two of Chelsea's three goals yesterday, Arsene Wenger today claimed Didier Drogba "doesn't do a lot.". Ralph Ellis considers just how we should judge strikers if it's not on their goal tally......Read more »

Premier League Latest Odds: Blues price shortens as Drogba inspires win

Maxliu / 29 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Sensational Drogba inspires Chelsea to victory as title price narrows. Meanwhile, Reds get back to winning ways and Bowyer strikes again......Read more »

Football Betting: The sack race has started but why did it take so long?

Jaymes Monte / 29 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Jaymes Monte takes a look at the reasons behind the lack of managerial sackings in the 2009/10 Premier League season......Read more »

Premier League Betting Round-up: Rooney hat-trick puts pressure on leaders

Maxliu / 28 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Rooney spot on for United but City stumble again and goals backers celebrate bumper afternoon with the Hammers......Read more »

Premier League Betting: Arsenal v Chelsea

Mike Norman / 28 November 2009 / 2 Comments

In what promises to be the most crucial game of the season so far, "Mystical" Mike Norman gives his insight into who can win the game (and why) for the Gunners. Best Bet: Back Arsenal to beat Chelsea at [2.86]....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Everton v Liverpool

Jaymes Monte / 28 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Jaymes Monte takes a look at a crucial battle on the banks of the Mersey. Best Bet: Back Under 2.5 goals @ [1.95]...Read more »

Bettorlogic's Injuries And Suspensions Column: Riera absence a big blow for Liverpool

Bettorlogic / 27 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Bettorlogic look at key players who will be absent this week through injury and suspension and how we as punters can benefit from knowing the trends when they're absent....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Saturday 3pm Kick-offs

Mike Norman / 27 November 2009 / Leave a comment

After recommending [18.0] and [7.0] winners last Saturday, "Mystical" Mike Norman is back on the trail of securing the Christmas money by opposing some big guns this week. Best Bet: Back Sunderland @ [3.1] to beat Wigan....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Aston Villa v Tottenham

Richard Walker / 27 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Wigan may have been humbled by Spurs but a win at Villa Park is a completely different test. Richard Walker previews this battle of the Champions League hopefuls...Read more »

The Over/Under 2.5 Goals column: A goal-fuelled Merseyside derby

Ed Nicholson / 27 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Over/Under 2.5 goals specialist Ed Nicholson has been studying his favourite market across this weekend's Premier League matches and talks us his through his selections....Read more »

Scottish Football Betting: Aberdeen can turn Rangers over

John Girvan / 27 November 2009 / Leave a comment

John Girvan had a super week last time out on the betting front and is hoping for more of the same with an upset on the cards as Rangers travel to Aberdeen....Read more »

The Championship Betting: Toon set to consolidate their promotion push

Andrew French / 27 November 2009 / Leave a comment

It's differing fortunes in the north east at present, with Newcastle United flying high and Middlesbrough struggling badly of late. Both can record wins this Saturday however says Andrew French....Read more »

The Joker's Bet of the Day: Friday November 27

The Joker / 27 November 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Ben Davies: John Terry is the ultimate captain

Ben Davies / 27 November 2009 / Leave a comment

The Notts County midfielder on a dip in form for the club, playing alongside Schmeichel Jr, tempers flaring in the Merseyside derby and why John Terry is the real deal when it comes to leadership....Read more »

FA Cup Betting: Poyet's cup future not so Brighton

Kevin Hatchard / 26 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Regular Bundesliga contributor Kevin Hatchard attempts to fill the shoes of the inimitable Alan Dudman and picks out three bets involving League One teams in FA Cup action this weekend. Starting with a tricky home tie for Gus Poyet's Brighton.Read more »

Easy to point the finger at refs but they're not the only ones to blame

Paul Moon / 26 November 2009 / 4 Comments

Paul Moon tells us why referees in the Premier League aren't perfect but then again, neither are those abroad. Plus why players, managers and the governing bodies aren't doing as much as they can to help the men in the...Read more »

FA Cup & League Two Betting Preview: Ruthless Vale raise their game

Ian Lamont / 26 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Ian Lamont reckons Port Vale's steel could see them cause an upset this weekend. Meanwhile, Torquay's League One opponents are there for the taking and our man is dreaming of the big-priced Shots triumph......Read more »

The Joker's Bet of the Day: Thursday November 26

The Joker / 26 November 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Champions League Betting: 14.0 Besiktas stun Manchester United

Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 25 November 2009 / Leave a comment

All the in-running prices from an action-packed night of Champions League football....Read more »

FA Cup Betting: It's a serious tip when the Boz opposes the Non-League team

Gary Boswell / 25 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Fresh from tipping up a [9.0] shot in the last round of the FA Cup, Gary Boswell is back focussing on the world's oldest Cup competition this week but be warned: his strongest bet isn't of the nature you'd normally...Read more »

Champions League Betting: Man Utd v Besiktas

Mike Norman / 25 November 2009 / Leave a comment

"Mystical" Mike Norman is of the opinion that people are reading too much into the fact that United have already qualified from Group B, and thinks Sir Alex's men will win easy on Wednesday. Best Bet: Back Any Unquoted Score...Read more »

Champions League Betting: Porto v Chelsea

Mike Norman / 25 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Porto and Chelsea have already qualified to the knock-out stages of the Champions League, but "Mystical" Mike Norman thinks both will be desperate to top Group D. Best Bet: Back The Draw at [3.4]....Read more »

Football Betting: Keane's comments could return to haunt him

Frank Gregan / 25 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Frank Gregan agrees whole-heartedly with Roy Keane's analysis of Thierry Henry's handball. However, while Ipswich continue to struggle in the Championship, the former-Ireland manager might have been wiser to keep his views to himself....Read more »

The Joker's Bet of the Day: Wednesday November 25

The Joker / 25 November 2009 / Leave a comment

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

Champions League 2009-10: Liverpool reach the end of the road

Joe Dyer / 24 November 2009 / 1 Comments

Win over Debrecen is not enough for the Reds who enter the Europa League following Fiorentina's victory over Lyon...Read more »

Ben's Banter: Notts County's Graeme Lee

Ben Herd / 24 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Ben Herd's Aldershot locked horns with fellow betting.betfair.com columnist Ben Davies and his Notts County side this weekend. But Herdy has Ben there and done it as regards chatting to former Shrewsbury team-mate Davies so he spoke to seasoned campaigner...Read more »

Champions League Betting: Debrecen v Liverpool

Dave Farrar / 24 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Liverpool players and fans will inevitably have one eye on the Fiorentina v Lyon clash as they try to secure the win in Hungary they need to stay "alive" in Group E. On this occasion it may pay to take...Read more »

Premier League Betting: The Secret Diary Of An Unnamed Agent

Dan Fitch / 24 November 2009 / Leave a comment

After Manchester United's Gary Neville moaned about players who let their agents do everything for them, Dan 'The Betting Man' Fitch got out his contacts book to give you the inside story....Read more »

Champions League Betting: Liverpool braced for moment of truth

Matthew Walton / 23 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Matthew Walton discusses the differing fortunes of Europe's biggest clubs and explains why the outright winner market might not be the best indicator of which team will win the 2009/10 Champions League......Read more »

Premier League Betting: Sunderland - shock top four pretenders?

Ralph Ellis / 23 November 2009 / 2 Comments

With 13 games gone, the Premier League season is now entering a decisive period and, after Liverpool's draw and Spurs' freak win, this is likely to be the year that the big four are broken up. Apart from the obvious...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Spurs set new records, Pompey move into deeper trouble

Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 22 November 2009 / Leave a comment

All the in-running prices from another exciting afternoon of Premier League action.......Read more »

Betfair Head To Head Betting: Are England a back or a lay for the World Cup?

Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 22 November 2009 / Leave a comment

After a six month break, the head to head battle between betting.betfair.com Football Editor Jamie Pacheco and Non-League correspondent Gary Boswell is back. This time they're looking at whether England are a back or a lay for the World Cup...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Arsenal and Liverpool lose ground

Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 21 November 2009 / Leave a comment

All the in-running prices from another fantasic afternoon of Premier League football.......Read more »

Premier League Betting: Bolton v Blackburn Rovers

Richard Walker / 21 November 2009 / Leave a comment

This may not be the most glamorous match of the weekend but it's a good old north-western Derby where agression and spirit will be aplenty. And who knows? It may even end up being a classic, says Richard Walker....Read more »

Expect a closer game at the Bridge than you may expect

Ed Nicholson / 20 November 2009 / 1 Comments

Ed Nicholson takes a detailed look at the Premier League fixture list, and points out three bets (two with savers) worth placing in his beloved under/over 2.5 goal column.......Read more »

Premier League Betting: Saturday 3pm Kick-offs

Mike Norman / 20 November 2009 / Leave a comment

After a dull (if you're English) International break, "Mystical" Mike Norman is delighted to welcome back Premier League action in which he predicts plenty of goals at the Stadium of Light. Best Bet: Back Over 3.5 Goals at [2.86] in...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Stoke v Portsmouth

Jaymes Monte / 20 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Jaymes Monte believes that Stoke are the only side you can back with any real confidence here, but be prepared to trade your position as The Potters are the league's most fallible side when leading. Best Bet: Back Stoke to...Read more »

The Bettorlogic Injuries And Suspensions Column: No mercy even without Van Persie

Bettorlogic / 20 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Robin Van Persie will be out for approximately six weeks after an injury sustained whilst playing for Holland but the stats show this won't halt Arsenal's progress or their ability to score. Plus other key Premier League injuries and how...Read more »

Scottish Football Betting: A Kris Boyd double will do us just fine

John Girvan / 20 November 2009 / Leave a comment

John Girvan acknowledges that the Old Firm aren't quite the force they used to be and that the fear factor just isn't there but Rangers should still be good enough to overcome the handicap at home to Kilmarnock. Plus the...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Man Utd v Everton

Mike Norman / 20 November 2009 / Leave a comment

ESPN's live Saturday teatime game may be an exciting one on paper, but it's a fixture that has provided few goals in recent years and is likely to do so again says "Mystical" Mike Norman. Best Bet: Back Under 2.5...Read more »

The Pay As You Lay Column: Three odds-on home teams worth opposing

Andrew Atherley / 20 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Every week Andrew Atherley will be selecting three odds-on shots worth laying. But there's a catch: he only gets paid by betting.betfair.com if at least two prove to be winning bets. This week he's taking on three home teams in...Read more »

The Championship Betting: Surprise package Blackpool can heap more misery on the Royals

Andrew French / 20 November 2009 / Leave a comment

In his regular 'profit-making' Championship preview, Andrew French is of the opinion that Blackpool can prevent Reading from recording an elusive home victory, whilst Sheffield United are set to put a few months of hurt behind them....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Liverpool v Manchester City

Dan Fitch / 20 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Dan 'The Betting Man' Fitch is struggling to predict the outcome of Liverpool v Manchester City, but with Bellamy, Tevez, Adebayor, Gerrard and possibly Torres on the pitch, he's certain he'll see goals. Best Bet: Back over 2.5 goals @...Read more »

League One Betting: Hartlepool can cause a splash at Huddersfield

Alan Dudman / 19 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Huddersfield Town [1.60] versus Hartlepool [6.20], the draw [4.20] Huddersfield - the team many tipped for the title at the start of the season, are once again hitting a rich vein of form. At [17.50] to win the division,...Read more »

Ben Davies: The worst day of my life

Ben Davies / 19 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Read on to find out why Notts County midfielder Ben Davies spent Saturday afternoon in a hotel room rather than on the pitch and his thoughts on Emmanuel Adebayor's latest comments regarding his infamous goal celebration against Arsenal....Read more »

League Two Betting: Injury-plagued Lincoln are worth taking on

Ian Lamont / 19 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Ian Lamont looks ahead to the weekend's fixtures in League Two where Chris Sutton's Lincoln have half their first team out injured and are worth opposing at home to Grimsby. Plus the best of the rest from the other action....Read more »

Ben's Banter: Macclesfield's Ross Draper

Ben Herd / 19 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Ben is adjusting to life under a new manager at Aldershot off the pitch as his side picked up a point against Macclesfield on the pitch. After the game he caught up with Ross Draper....Read more »

Non-League Betting: Oxford win is by no means academic

Gary Boswell / 18 November 2009 / Leave a comment

An in-form Gary Boswell talks us through his weekend selections in the world of non-league football....Read more »

Ferguson punishment an indication of double standards and loss of freedom of expression

Frank Gregan / 18 November 2009 / 2 Comments

Frank Gregan sticks up for Sir Alex Ferguson in the wake of his fine and two-match suspension over his comments about Alan Wiley's fitness and considers the more general issue of fines in football....Read more »

Betfair Competition: Win Tickets to El Clasico!

Editor / 18 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Betfair is offering you the chance to win tickets to watch Barcelona v Real Madrid....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Why Gunners need Van Persie fit and firing

Andrew Atherley / 18 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Arsenal fans will be hoping that placenta works its magic on Robin Van Persie's ankle, and Betfair punters should be keeping a close eye on the striker's progress too, says Andrew Atherley....Read more »

Next Scotland Manager Odds: Levein is favourite but Collins makes early bid

Maxliu / 17 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Will the Tangerines let Levein leave? Should the SFA favour youth or guile? Will Ferguson manage his country? The search is on for a replacement for George Burley and Betfair's Next Scotland Manager market offers punters plenty of value....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Frank's Freak Injury A Common Occurence

Dan Fitch / 17 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Dan 'The Betting Man' Fitch is still furtively sniggering at the news of Frank Lampard's freak injury, but takes time out to look at some of the other strange ways in which footballers have damaged themselves....Read more »

World Cup Play-off Betting: France v Republic of Ireland

Tareq Quiroz / 16 November 2009 / Leave a comment

The Republic of Ireland will need to produce something very, very special in France on Wednesday night if they are to qualify for South Africa 2010, says Tareq Quiroz....Read more »

World Cup Betting: Precious few positives for England to take from defeat in Doha

Jaymes Monte / 16 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Jaymes Monte takes a look at England's World Cup chances and what we have learned from a mid-November clash against the favourites....Read more »

The 10 Players You Must Sign On Football Manager 2010

Dan Fitch / 16 November 2009 / 40 Comments

Football Manager 2010 is out and ruining relationships across the land. Dan Fitch pinpoints the players you should sign to get to the top....Read more »

World Cup Qualifying Round-Up: Outsiders Ireland not giving up yet

Joe Dyer / 15 November 2009 / Leave a comment

World Cup qualifiers are tightly poised across Europe as no team wins by more than one goal...Read more »

International Football Betting: Brazil v England

Mike Norman / 13 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Forgive Mike Norman if he doesn't sound too enthusiastic ahead of Brazil's clash with England, but with the Three Lions below strength there should only be one winner. Best Bet: Back Brazil at [2.16] to beat England....Read more »

World Cup 2010 Betting: Republic of Ireland v France

James Eastham / 13 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Those suggesting the game between Giovanni Trapattoni's men and les Bleus will end all-square in Dublin on Saturday night may turn out to be right, writes James Eastham. But the game may be more open than many observers have predicted....Read more »

The Betfair Contrarian: Why the Republic of Ireland will qualify for the World Cup

The Betfair Contrarian / 13 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Using astrology to pick teams, making marriage proposals after crushing defeats and being the subject of a love song by an erotic actress; Raymond Domenech has entertained and embarrassed as manager of Les Bleus. He kept his job after a...Read more »

World Cup Play-offs Betting: Multiply your weekend winnings!

Matthew Walton / 12 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Trixies, trebles and the joys of Betfair's To Qualify market - Matthew Walton explains how you can add up your World Cup play-off bets into a profitable multiple......Read more »

Non-league Betting Preview: Multiple meltdown

Gary Boswell / 12 November 2009 / Leave a comment

The Boz selects the best bets from this weekend's Blue Square Premier action to come up with a Betair Multiple......Read more »

Ben Davies: 'Beckham is still the best in the world'

Ben Davies / 12 November 2009 / Leave a comment

The Notts County midfielder discusses the importance of the FA Cup, casts a discerning eye over the candidates for England's right midfield berth and selects the best bets from this weekend's internationals......Read more »

League One Betting Preview: Goal supply sets Saints apart

Alan Dudman / 12 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Alan Dudman explains why big name managers don't always succeed in the hurly-burly of League One. Elsewhere, our man sorts the golden tickets from the oompa-loompas......Read more »

League Two Betting Preview: Shrews fans - Holt your whining!

Ian Lamont / 12 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Ian Lamont tells us why Shrews fans need to get over it, why Howe won't abandon Bournemouth and asks if Stan can pull off a Howe-dini act. He also selects the best bets from the weekend's League Two fixtures....Read more »

Ben's Banter: Joe Hart on Ngog's dive and playing for England

Ben Herd / 11 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Aldershot's right back climbs up the divisions this week to talk to Birmingham City goalkeeper Joe Hart before he jets off to Qatar for England's friendly against Brazil....Read more »

Football Betting: Arsenal learn winning style from Barca

Frank Gregan / 11 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Frank Gregan has been impressed by the Gunners so far - so much so that he is predicting big things for them this season. Meanwhile, Madrid could face the ignominy of watching their greatest rivals win Europe's biggest prize in...Read more »

World Cup 2010 Betting: How to profit from the play-offs

Andrew Atherley / 11 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Andrew Atherely has been studyin the form surrounding this weekend's play-offs for the final four European places at next year's World Cup......Read more »

Premier League Betting: Rooney's Street Striker is pedestrian

Dan Fitch / 10 November 2009 / 1 Comments

Dan 'The Betting Man' Fitch thinks that Wayne Rooney looks a lot more confident on the pitch than he does in front of the cameras, as the new series of Street Striker launches on Sky....Read more »

Premier League Betting: Blaming the ref and blaming the man in the mirror

Ralph Ellis / 09 November 2009 / 1 Comments

As Sir Alex Ferguson once again blamed the referee for Man Utd's defeat, Ralph Ellis tells us why managers need to look at the performances of their own players first and foremost....Read more »

Latest Premier League Odds: Chelsea beat United to open gap

Maxliu / 08 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Markets react as controversial Terry header gives Blues crucial advantage in title race......Read more »

Premier League Football Betting: Hull battle back for vital win

Maxliu / 08 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Injury time strike gives Tigers dramatic win and saves manager's job. For now......Read more »

Worrying times at Fratton Park as things go from bad to worse for Pompey

Jaymes Monte / 08 November 2009 / 2 Comments

It is little over a year since Harry Redknapp deserted a sinking ship and exchanged his Fratton Park dugout for the relative financial comforts of White Hart Lane. Jaymes Monte takes a look at where it all went wrong for...Read more »

Premier League Betting: Liverpool v Birmingham City

Dan Fitch / 08 November 2009 / Leave a comment

With Liverpool currently in such poor form, could Birmingham City surprise them? Dan 'The Betting Man' Fitch thinks that it will all come down to whether Gerrard and Torres are available. Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ [2.24]....Read more »

Premier League Betting Preview: Hull City v Stoke City

Maxliu / 07 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Stoke City come to the KC Stadium tomorrow and Hull's new chairman will be watching with great interest as his finger hovers over the fire button. Max Liu believes the game could be up for Phil Brown....Read more »

Premier League Betting Round-up: City draw again as score backers celebrate with Clarets

Maxliu / 07 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Gunners and Villa record but comprehensive wins but City stutter again......Read more »

Premier League Betting Preview: Chelsea v Manchester United

James Eastham / 07 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Chelsea appointed Carlo Ancelotti to help them win the Champions League, but the Italian looks like he's going to collect the Premier League trophy almost by default, writes James Eastham as he selects the best bets from Sunday's big game....Read more »

Bettorlogic's injuries and suspensions column: Clichy absence is good for Arsenal

Bettorlogic / 06 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Gael Clichy, Kenwyne Jones and Jlloyd Samuel are all out this weekend. Bettorlogic try to predict what happens when they're absent and how we can cash in on this knowledge....Read more »

Scottish Football Betting: Rangers to overcome the handicap

John Girvan / 06 November 2009 / Leave a comment

John Girvan's column is back in profit and he's keen to kick on so here are his selections for this weekend's Clydesdale Bank Premier action....Read more »

Paulo Sousa: It's very difficult not to rely on Cristiano Ronaldo

Editor / 06 November 2009 / Leave a comment

With Portugal's play-off against Bosnia looming, betting.betfair.com went to chat to 51-cap former Portugal midfielder Paulo Sousa, now in charge at Swansea. We asked him about Portugal's chances, life without Cristiano Ronaldo and Welsh derbies....Read more »