March 2011

Before And After Shots Of The World's Fattest Footballers

Dan Fitch looks at the before and after photos of the footballers who couldn't pass a McDonald's as well as they could pass the ball.... Read more

Man City forward to fall behind on return

Manchester City Photo

Dimitar Berbatov boasts a two-goal advantage over Carlos Tevez in the battle to be Premier League top goalscorer with eight games to go, however the Argentine is back in action at Eastlands this weekend. Read more

Real Madrid line up former Liverpool boss

Liverpool Photo

There are reports in Spain that Real Madrid are looking to protect themselves against the possibility of Jose Mourinho walking out in the summer by readying Rafael Benitez to take charge if necessary. Read more

Newcastle target top Championship striker

Newcastle United Photo

The stock of Reading forward Shane Long continues to rise after a fantastic season for both club and country and there are a number of Premier League sides tracking his progress, with Newcastle one of them. Read more

The Betfair Football £10 Bet of the Day

090 Football News Photo

It's over to Portugal for our final £10 daily wager of the international break as we bet that Estoril can scupper the Liga de Honra promotion hopes of Trofense in a match available to watch live on Betfair Live Video. Read more

Arsenal step up pursuit of new goalkeeper

Gianluigi Buffon and Matt Gilks are both being linked with moves to Arsenal in Thursday's papers, with the press apparently once again convinced that Arsene Wenger will sign a goalkeeper this summer. Read more

Andy Gray talks Tottenham & dream finals

Ahead of next week's Champions League quarter-finals, our star pundit Andy Gray explains why he believes Gareth Bale will have gained admirers across the continent and reveals who he considers to be the team to beat. Read more

Punter V Pundit - Max Rushden exclusive!

Soccer AM host Max Rushden was unlucky not to land £250 for his charity of choice, Shelter From The Storm, in Punter V Pundit, so Betfair donated the sum to them too. Here's what he had to say about the contest... Read more

Striker open to possible Tottenham switch

Atletico Madrid forward Diego Forlan refused to write off the idea of a summer move to Tottenham or another Premier League club when quizzed after Uruguay's friendly triumph against Republic of Ireland. Read more

Liverpool's slim top-four chances boosted

The return of Reds captain Steven Gerrard after his absence with a groin injury is imminent, which is great news for the optimists that have snapped up the [12.5] offered on them achieving a top-four finish. Read more

Arsenal's international curse strikes again

Robin van Persie became the latest in a long line of Arsenal players to get injured on international duty - indeed it's not the first time it's even happened to him - being replaced at half-time with a knee problem. Read more

The forum's reaction to England vs Ghana

Asamoah Gyan struck late to deny England victory, but the majority of Betfair football forum posters appear fairly pleased with the Three Lions' performance against Ghana. We've rounded up the best comments... Read more

Chelsea and Man Utd eye Ajax defenders

Gregory van der Wiel and Jan Vertonghen are attracting interest from several of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, with the Daily Mirror suggesting that summer moves to England are on the cards. Read more

The Betfair Football £10 Bet of the Day

Wondering where there's any football happening in the UK today? Don't worry, we've found some! Accrington are hosting Hereford in League Two and we're backing there to be three or more goals scored. Read more

Juventus track Man City manager Mancini

Roberto Mancini is expected to be sacked by Manchester City this summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. If that worst-case scenario occurs, it is rumoured that Juventus will approach the Italian. Read more

Arsenal midfielder slams Capello's critics

One of the most impressive performers for England since their disappointing World Cup campaign, Jack Wilshere, has defended manager Fabio Capello and told people to show the tactician more support. Read more

The forum on Aston Villa's relegation fight

Aston Villa are only a point shy of the drop zone but to many, the idea of them spending next year in the Championship is unimaginable. We checked into the Betfair football forum to see what punters are thinking... Read more

German club to rival Tottenham for striker

Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund are expected to battle with Tottenham for out-of-contract Bayern Munich striker Miroslav Klose, according to reports in Germany, while Hoffenheim are also keen. Read more

Man Utd target has a big change of heart

Having shown no interest in leaving Inter Milan last summer and instead opting to fight for more silverware in Italy, Wesley Sneijder is reportedly now ready to consider a move to Manchester United. Read more

Wolves will survive despite Doyle's injury

It was a great weekend for supporters of England and Republic of Ireland, but Wolves fans won't have been too pleased by developments after Kevin Doyle suffered an injury that is likely to end his season... Read more

Ask Sir Alex - greatest Greek successes?

The legendary Manchester United manager recalls Panathinaikos' impressive run to the European Cup Final under the great Ferenc Puskas in 1971 and discusses his experiences of facing Greece's finest in the Champions League. Read more

Have a loss-proof bet on England winning!

New Betfair customers can stake up to £25 on their first bet after opening an account and have the money refunded if they lose. Why not take advantage of this offer with a bet on England beating Ghana? Read more

Northern Irish hopes rest on Leeds trainee

With Kyle Lafferty and David Healy ruled out, Northern Ireland's bid to boost their play-off prospects with another victory over Slovenia is dependent on a strong display from Warren Feeney, who is [4.2] to score... Read more

Wigan's McCarthy won't win on first start

Giovanni Trapattoni has allowed his veterans to return to their clubs and will give his kids a chance to impress against Uruguay on Tuesday. Our suspicion is that the World Cup semi-finalists will prove too strong. Read more

Watch and win on Spain's game on Betfair

There are 14 international matches - both Euro 2012 qualifiers and friendlies - available to watch on Betfair Live Video on Tuesday, with Spain, Holland and Argentina among the major nations in action. Read more

Asian Handicap Betting - Get involved in the midweek internationals

Ever wondered how an Asian Handicap works or what's meant by 'overcoming the handicap'? Read on for a full explanation on how this could prove to be a profitable way to bet ahead of the midweek Euro 2012 qualifiers and friendlies. Read more

The Betfair Football £10 Bet of the Day

Solihull Moors left the home of promotion rivals Alfreton Town empty-handed on Monday, meaning that we failed to make a winning start to the week. We're confident of recovering with an England bet though. Read more

Brighton's winning streak will end tonight

The League One leaders have won seven successive fixtures to open up a ten-point lead over their promotion rivals, but with Dagenham and Redbridge unbeaten in six, they can trip the table-toppers tonight... Read more

Betfair's Asian Handicap betting improved!

Here at Betfair we're always striving to offer you the best possible way for you to get the most out of betting with us. Here's what we've done to improve your Asian Handicap betting experience. Read more

Tottenham again linked with ageing striker

Miroslav Klose is out of contract and almost certain to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season and the Daily Mail are anticipating another Tottenham advance for the record-chasing Germany striker. Read more

Busy night awaits Man Utd's international stars

Our expert Manchester United previewers have taken a look at which Reds players are in action for their national teams this evening and the possibilities for making money from those fixtures... Read more

England start confirmed for Liverpool man

Fabio Capello has revealed that Andy Carroll will receive his second opportunity to impress in a Three Lions jersey against Ghana on Tuesday evening, with club team-mate Glen Johnson also likely to feature. Read more

Newcastle's next messiah impresses again

One of the standout results of the latest round of Euro 2012 qualifiers was Georgia's 1-0 victory over Croatia. Temuri Ketsbaia is yet to lose as their boss, which is sure to interest fans of his former club Newcastle. Read more

No Gray Areas - Parker should start

Andy Gray tells us why some new names on the England teamsheet is good news for the side.... Read more

Bet up to £25 risk-free on a Tranmere win

New Betfair customers can stake up to £25 on their first bet after opening an account and have the money refunded if they lose. Why not take advantage of this offer by backing Tranmere at Oldham? Read more

The Betfair Football £10 Bet of the Day

Our decision to oppose Serbia at home to Northern Ireland on Friday didn't quite pay off - though it did present an opportunity to make money in-play - but we've found another host to oppose this evening. Read more

Man City midfielder set for England role

Gareth Barry was the player that made way on Saturday as Scott Parker and Jack Wilshere started the Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales, however he is likely to be chosen as captain for the friendly with Ghana. Read more

Chelsea striker backed by Barcelona star

Andres Iniesta has backed his Spain team-mate Fernando Torres to be back among the goals in no time and believes that the Chelsea striker is still playing to a high standard despite his scoreless streak. Read more

Man Utd legend targeted by Blackburn

Ruud van Nistelrooy's Hamburg expires this summer and he is almost certain to be on the move once again, and Blackburn appear to have taken his comments about returning to England as an invitation. Read more

Albrighton in Liverpool's sights

Aston Villa winger wanted to add ammunition for Andy Carroll.... Read more

No Premier League return for Diarra

Real Madrid's French international Lassana Diarra looks like he will stay put for the time being despite interest from Tottenham and Manchester United.... Read more

Arsenal striker mocks cocky rivals Chelsea

The international break has cast the Premier League title race into the background for a while, but Robin van Persie has done his best to change that with an attack on Chelsea and Manchester City. Read more

Betfair Football goes blue for a great cause

It's Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and to help The Prostate Cancer Charity raise awareness of a disease that kills a man in the UK every hour, Betfair Football will be turning blue for the weekend. Read more

Andy's Euro qualifier tips - Bet on England

Andy Gray believes that Wales have got enough about them to threaten England at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday but believes that the Three Lions will ultimately prove too strong for Gary Speed's side. Read more

Bet up to £25 risk-free on an England blip

New Betfair customers can stake up to £25 on their first bet after opening an account and have the money refunded if they lose. Why not take advantage of this offer by opposing England against Wales? Read more

The in-play guide to Brazil versus Scotland

Brazil and Scotland's friendly at the Emirates is live on TV on Sunday lunchtime and so we've looked at three trends that should aid in-play punters. Read on to find out why Brazil have to score before half-time... Read more

West Ham star to inspire vital Irish victory

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has disappointed for his country so far in Euro 2012 qualifying despite scoring twice, but is capable of vindicating his hero status against Macedonia on Saturday. Read more

The Betfair Football £10 Bet of the Day

Northern Ireland attempt to maintain their unbeaten record in Euro 2012 qualifying tonight with a tricky trip to Serbia, and we're backing them to claim at least a point at an empty Red Star Stadium. Read more

Watch and win with Argentina on Betfair!

There are plenty of interesting internationals available to watch on Betfair courtesy of Betfair Live Video this week, with Holland, Italy, Russia, Portugal and Argentina among the nations in action. Read more

Sheffield Wednesday's slump will continue

Several key encounters taking place in League One this weekend are likely to be won by the hosts, judging by our call to back MK Dons, Dagenham and Redbridge and Huddersfield to triumph in their games... Read more

Liverpool look to sign out-of-contract star

Roma defender Philippe Mexes is free to leave the club for no fee at the end of the season as the Giallorossi have failed to tie him down to a new contract, so Liverpool may rival AC Milan for his services. Read more

Footballers Who Look Like Soap Stars

Dan Fitch looks at the football personalities who are on our television so often that you'd swear they were soap stars.... Read more

Chelsea & Man City linked with midfielder

It is being widely reported that Andrea Pirlo will leave AC Milan this summer after a decade at the club, and a move to the Premier League hasn't been written off, with Chelsea and Manchester City both linked. Read more

Forget Tekkers - give us your Predders!

The brilliant Punter v Pundit competition is back on Betfair Football's Twitter page this week to help you survive the international break. Can you outperform Max Rushden in predicting the England result? Read more

Man Utd forward to play key role in Wales

Our expert Manchester United previewers have run the rule over the Wales versus England Euro 2012 qualifier taking place on Saturday, and how Wayne Rooney can be expected to influence proceedings. Read more

Chelsea ponder cut-price bid for Argentine

Okay, so cut-price isn't the best term given that Chelsea would still have to part with £30 million, but the Blues are hopeful of driving down Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini's heavy asking price for Javier Pastore. Read more

Big call for Liverpool fans - Kenny or Rafa?

Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool return has seen Rafael Benitez become something of a forgotten man on Merseyside. He is eager to manage the club again though, so we want to know who Reds fans would prefer... Read more

Chelsea hero at risk of shock England axe

If the press are to be believed then there is a genuine chance that Frank Lampard, the man that captained England last month, will be dropped against Wales in favour of either Gareth Barry or Scott Parker. Read more

England backed in after Spurs star's injury

The nightmare that every Welsh football fan must have feared has become a reality as Gareth Bale has been ruled out of Saturday's clash with England due to a hamstring injury, causing their price to drift. Read more

The Betfair Football £10 Bet of the Day

The lack of football is enough to sadden even the chirpiest of punters but not only are there a few games taking place tonight, they're even available to watch on Betfair Live Video! Here's what we're backing in one... Read more

Man City intrigued by another Serie A star

It is claimed that Manchester City will ditch Mario Balotelli this summer as Roberto Mancini is finally prepared to give up on him. Napoli forward Ezequiel Lavezzi has been mentioned as a potential replacement. Read more

The forum's Wales versus England verdict

Our look at the comments on the Betfair football forum are making about this Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier between Wales and England shows that opinion is split as to whether England are worth laying. Read more

Man Utd backed to make quarter-final exit

Chelsea are fancied to get the better of Manchester United in their Champions League quarter-final despite enduring a far less satisfactory season, while Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter are expected to progress. Read more

West Ham's Parker fancied for PFA award

Scott Parker and Charlie Adam are among the surprise contenders in what has to be one of the most open battles for the PFA Player of the Year award in recent years, while Gareth Bale is the favourite. Read more

Former Chelsea boss threatens to resign

Guus Hiddink's fifth job in international football as Turkey boss is going nowhere near as well as his previous four, leading the one-time Chelsea manager to state that he will offer to quit if there is no improvement. Read more

Liverpool poised to raid shock strugglers

Richard Dunne has been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United despite his Aston Villa future being far from secure after a disappointing season. Could he really be on his way to a bigger club? Read more

Arsenal agree deal for young defender

The Gunners are looking to the future by closing in on a teenage defender from Germany that will cost £220,000, while Petr Cech has revealed that he was rejected by Arsenal before signing for Chelsea. Read more

The Betfair Football £10 Bet of the Day

There's not much football taking place right now as a result of the international break but fear not, we've found a match to bet on for our £10 daily wager! We're backing Ayr to get the better of Forfar. Read more

Brighton backers rewarded well on Betfair

Brighton's chances of escaping League One as champions are looking healthier than ever after a 1-0 win over Notts County at the Withdean Stadium, and the best odds on that result were offered on Betfair. Read more

Tottenham star is eager to upset the odds

Wales are [8.8] to shock England in Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier at the Millennium Stadium but their star player Gareth Bale is confident that they have enough ability in their squad to fight for the win. Read more

The forum on Mancini's future at Man City

Is Roberto Mancini running out of time to prove that he can take Manchester City to the next level in style? Despite the Citizens being fourth in the Premier League, he has many critics on the Betfair football forum... Read more

Berbatov goal was Man Utd's Macheda moment

Our expert Manchester United previewers believe that Dimitar Berbatov's late winner against Bolton could prove the pivotal moment in this year's title race, much as a Federico Macheda strike against Aston Villa two seasons ago was. Read more

Man Utd defender gives Terry his backing

John Terry spoke to the press for the first time since regaining the England captaincy on Tuesday and revealed that former skipper Rio Ferdinand had phoned him to show that there are no hard feelings. Read more

Five quotes from Arsenal's popular keeper

Wojciech Szczesny is injured right now but he's still in the headlines after mocking Jens Lehmann, Nicklas Bendtner and the Arsenal defence at a fans' forum. We've picked out some of his other quips... Read more

Liverpool defender denies talk of Terry rift

England right back Glen Johnson has dismissed fears that the squad will be split by Fabio Capello's decision to give the captain's armband back to John Terry and insists the Three Lions remain united. Read more

Bayern Munich close in on a new manager

There have already been nine managerial changes in the Bundesliga since October and several more are expected over the summer, with Bayer Leverkusen boss Jupps Heynckes likely to rejoin Bayern Munich. Read more

Bet on Brighton going ten clear at the top

Brighton have a huge opportunity to all but cement a spot in the Championship next season by beating Notts County this evening, as victory will move them ten points clear of their closest rivals. Read more

Have a loss-proof flutter on Southampton

New Betfair customers can stake up to £25 on their first bet after opening an account and have the money refunded if they lose. Why not take advantage of this offer by backing Southampton at Charlton? Read more

The Betfair Football £10 Bet of the Day

It's over to the Scottish Division Three this evening for the latest of our £10 daily wagers as we bet on the leaders Arbroath triumphing away to bottom club Clyde to extend their winning streak to five games. Read more

Man Utd check out the Bundesliga's finest

It is being claimed that Manchester United sent a member of their coaching staff to watch Sunday's Bundesliga game between Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke to check out the two goalkeepers involved. Read more

Man City tempted by Wolves international

With Shay Given expected to leave Manchester City at the end of the season, the Champions League chasers are eager to find another shot-stopper to push Joe Hart, and are reportedly keen on Wayne Hennessey. Read more

Why Aston Villa fans have to back Houllier

A look at recent Premier League history shows that managerial changes made in March or later tend to have disastrous consequences, so Aston Villa may be better off sticking with struggling Gerard Houllier... Read more

Negative forum reaction to Terry captaincy

The majority of posters on the Betfair football forum have disapproved of Fabio Capello's decision to hand John Terry back the England armband in a poll that you can participate in on the forum beta... Read more

Tottenham in sight as Liverpool win again

It wasn't just Chelsea whose pursuit of an unlikely goal was aided this weekend, as Liverpool's 2-0 win at Sunderland has boosted their chances of catching faltering Tottenham for the final Europa League berth. Read more

No Gray Areas - Capello right to trust Terry

Andy Gray doesn't see a problem with Fabio Capello's making John Terry his captain. Read more

Bet up to £25 risk free on Peterborough

New Betfair customers can stake up to £25 on their first bet after opening an account and have the money refunded if they lose. Why not take advantage of this offer with a bet on MK Dons losing to Peterborough? Read more

The Betfair Football £10 Bet of the Day

Our 150th daily wager was a winner on Friday as Fenerbahce beat Galatasaray to deliver our fourth success in five days. We're looking to maintain that form by backing Empoli and Reggina to draw in Serie B. Read more

Best odds on Betfair as Arsenal fight back

Saturday threatened to be the day that Arsenal's Premier League title ambitions were shot down once and for all and after pursuing four trophies, another season without winning any beckoned. Read more

Stoke City still in peril despite easy 4-0 win

The Premier League relegation battle is utterly gripping, with bottom club Wigan far from incapable of surviving and top-half FA Cup semi-finalists Stoke not yet safe even after thumping Newcastle 4-0. Read more

Punters refuse to dismiss in-form Chelsea

Chelsea suddenly look like genuine title contenders again after Sunday's victory over Manchester City and though they are still nine points off top, Betfair punters really fancy their chances of retaining. Read more

Wolves' Jarvis finally gets an England call

Wolves winger Matt Jarvis has been picked by England for the first time ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales, while the headline-making decision was the reinstatement of John Terry as captain. Read more

Bad draw for Spurs, Chelsea and Man Utd

Chelsea and Manchester United face one another in the Champions League quarter-finals, while Tottenham face a tricky two-legger with Real Madrid, diminishing the chances of an English team going all the way. Read more

Capello makes Terry permanent England captain

After spending a year out of the job, John Terry has been reinstated as England captain on a permanent basis. Speculation and conjecture has been rife for a week but was Fabio Capello watching rugby on Saturday night? It's a... Read more

Andy's Sunday tips - Chelsea will triumph

There's a massive Premier League double header this Sunday as four top-eight clubs collide with Sunderland hosting Liverpool and Manchester City visiting Chelsea. Here's what Andy Gray is backing... Read more

Andy's Saturday tips - Tottenham will win

Our top tipster Andy Gray believes that Tottenham will prove too strong from West Ham at White Hart Lane on Saturday lunchtime, and is backing his former club Everton to get the better of Fulham. Read more

Bet up to £25 risk free on a Liverpool loss

New Betfair customers can stake up to £25 on their first bet after opening an account and have the money refunded if they lose. Why not take advantage of this offer by backing Sunderland to defeat Liverpool? Read more

The in-play guide to Chelsea vs Man City

The two dark horses in the battle for the Premier League title collide at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon and we have identified three trends that could help you make money as the action unfolds... Read more

Bet on Everton - get a refund if they flop

New Betfair customers can stake up to £25 on their first bet after opening an account and have the money refunded if they lose. Why not take advantage of this offer with a bet on Everton beating Fulham? Read more

Have a loss-proof £25 bet on Tottenham!

New Betfair customers can stake up to £25 on their first bet after opening an account and have the money refunded if they lose. Why not take advantage of this offer by backing Tottenham against West Ham? Read more

See Stuttgart and Wolfsburg's six-pointer!

There is something riveting about seeing huge clubs in relegation danger, and there are three such teams in trouble in the Bundesliga this season. Two of them collide live on Betfair Live Video this weekend. Read more