Gunners To Have Liverpol's Measure Again?

After a break for the Internationals, the Premiership makes a welcome return this weekend, and the obvious highlight is Arsenal’s visit to Liverpool for which bet365 are betting to 107% and go 11/5 the Gunners with Liverpool at 11/10 (11/5 the draw).

This will be the fourth meeting between the two sides this season and Arsenal have won all three so far, including twice at Anfield. That record suggests that the Gunners have got Liverpool’s number and, while we’re unlikely to see a repeat of the cup goalfests, we’d much rather be backing them over Liverpool, and doubling up on Newcastle at 5/6 who look a shoe-in to beat Man City. City were lucky to escape with a draw against Chelsea and were then fortunate to come up against a Boro side resting key players ahead of FA Cup commitments, and they won’t find Newcastle so generous. The Arsenal – Newcastle double pays £146.67 for a £25 stake at the current bet365 prices.

It’s hard to see either Watford or Blackburn getting a result against Chelsea (1/3) and Man United (3/10) respectively and that’s reflected in the match odds, but there’s still some value to be had in bet365's double result market, where you can get odds of just over 9/4 by backing both Chelsea and United to be ahead at half time and full time – that’s a nice little earner!

In other games, Charlton (11/10) can put further pressure on Sheffield United (just four points above them and with a stiff task away at Bolton on Saturday) by beating Wigan, while Fulham (6/5) are also worth backing with home advantage against a Pompey side who have been frankly rubbish in 2007. At those odds, we’re also going to get a decent return on our Premiership acca (including Arsenal, Newcastle, Chelsea and Man United), especially as bet365 will boost our returns by a tidy 20% (£563.76 for a tenner!).

Tottenham play Reading on Sunday April 1^st and only a fool would be looking to back anything other than the home win at 4/6 with bet365. True, Spurs have been in-and-out at times this season, but they’ve found some form in recent weeks and they look a solid bet to beat a Reading side who have been shaky on the road.

Goals could be at a premium when Aston Villa play Everton on Monday night, so everything points to a bet on the ‘unders’ at 4/7, although bet365's 30 In-Play markets on this game looks sure to spice things up a bit.

Bulgaria To Score Early In The First Half

Pick From Euro2008 Q
You can always check My Sportsbook Guide - selection of recommended bookies.

1. Bulgaria - Albania
market: full time, Bulgaria
LOST
Bet365 in Fractional - 1/4, in Dec. - 1.25

It seems to be the only one 99 % sure home win in EURO 2008 qualifications tomorrow, with odds around 1/4, that makes sense to put more money on it and just wait 90 minutes to collect your earnings. And my advice is to bet on it early today, one day before the game starts, because you will probably see the odds going down tomorrow.
Why I am so sure about this game?
Bulgarian players are in their best ever form playing regularly for their foreign clubs. We can see one big star shining in every part of the pitch. We have the keeper Petkov who is part from Champions League member Levski Sofia. The defense is lead by the experienced full-back Kishishev (now playing for Leeds United). Aston Villa midfielder Stilian Petrov is back in the team and will start in the first 11 next to Yankov - the new shining star of Hannover in Germany. In front is the Bulgarian golden boy - Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham who is probably the best striker in the Premierleague in England right now (you can bet on him to score first or anytime). That is the reason Stoitchkov is so sure that his team can make it earlier in the first half. The atmosphere is calm, the fans and the journalists are close behind the team, the pitch is in perfect condition and the weather seems to be sunny and cold - ideal for playing some football.
Bulgaria must win to keep the pressure on Holland and Romania. No chance for Abania - you can try on half time/ full time market too searching for Bulgaria-Bulgaria bet. Good luck!

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If you live in Bulgaria - watch it live on TV - BNT.

United and The Daggers In Action

Pick For Today
WON


1. Oxford Utd v Dag & Red
market: Total Goals, Over 2.5

Bet365 in Fractional - 11/10, in Decimal - 2.10
Ladbrokes - 2.14

It will be a first class show tonight when the 1st meets the 2nd in Nationwide Conference table in England. The Daggers are unbeaten in their last eight matches, and haven't lost away since a 3-2 defeat at Exeter on December 9th. Are they going to do that again? Who knows, sounds too risky for me to try one fixed winner bet on the game - that is why i have chosen the Total Goals market. I expect one open play performance from both teams - Dag & Red have nothing really to play about - they have a game more than their opponents and a solid points advantage. Oxford are not that confident on second with York chasing them closely and will give their best in scoring goals to secure the promotion.
Top scorer Rob Duffy is available for Oxford again after suspension and returns to the squad, but with Marvin Robinson and Chris Zebroski return to the side isn't guaranteed. With skipper Phil GIlchrist available again Smith also has options at the back and must decide whether to stick with a 3-5-2 formation or switch to 4-4-2. Midfielder Martin Foster misses out through suspension.
Dagenham's new loan signing Mark Arber goes straight into their squad after arriving from Peterborough. Striker Jamie Taylor, midfielder Paul Bruce and defender Tim Cole are also available after recent knocks.
What we have are two strong sides with close two optimal starting line ups that will result in open play and a good show for the fans.

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Bologna To Win At Home

Pick For Today
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WON



1. Bologna - Frosinone
market: ft, home win

Bet365 in Fractional - 4/9, in Decimal - 1.44
Ladbrokes - 4/9

Being a disaster in Euro2008 qualifications yesterday I am desperate to find some fresh air today in Italy Serie B. That is why I have chosen such a game with low odds and more than 90 % chance for a home win. 4/9 is not that much but if you add it to an accumulator bet you can take some money.
Bologna is a class higher than today's visitors and we can easy predict that if they score early they will surely win at the end. You can even search for a half time - full time at Bologna-Bologna to multiple your bet but you should still remember - that's Italy, 1:0 is a kind of golden rule.
Good luck!

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Ireland First Divison Adventures

Pick For Today
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LOST
1. Limerick 37 - Kildare County
market: ft, Kildare to win


Bet365 - 11/5
Ladbrokes - 2/1
While I am waiting for the big EURO2008 qualifications tomorrow (you have already below preview on the England game; the verdicts on Scotland and Wales will follow shortly), I am taking a dangerous road to Ireland First Division. Just 10 teams competing, everything possible, weather conditions and pitch status are major factors - searching for a winning bet here sounds like a shot in the darkness, pretty much. But sometimes football is such an adventure and we need one of those to keep the faith in the game.
Limerick 37 have made an impressive start to the season with a 2-0 away win over Cobh Ramblers in their first game and a 1-1 draw with Athlone Town at Jackman Park last week. They will want to build on their 4 points and are confident of a win, as IrishBar said in his blog (you can find their previews on all Friday games in Eircom League). But what makes me believe Kildare will bring a massive start of the campaign here, is their performance in the first 2 matches - unlucky with total control of the game and two late equalisers stealing all the 3 points from the side.
County manager John Ryan has no injury worries ahead of this one and Striker Philly Gorman is expected to be fully fit. It is risky, yes, but I will take Kildare here waiting for am award of 11/5 at bet365.

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England Look Strong At 5/6

Well, first the good news. Wayne Rooney (9/2 first goalscorer with bet365) is fully fit and Owen Hargreaves (5/1 to score anytime) is ready for his first competitive game under the new boss. Both missed the defeat against Spain the last time England played so, with them back in the side, England certainly have the capability to take all three points.

However, given England’s poor results recently, there are surely better bets elsewhere, and their opponents should not be under-estimated. Israel impressed during World Cup qualification, in which they went unbeaten and only missed out on the finals on goal difference, and they would be on a 14-match unbeaten run but for an unfortunate 3-4 home loss to Croatia back in November. The Israeli defence looked all at sea that day, but the Croatians are full of goals - 15 in their last four games – and that certainly can’t be said of England right now. In fact, you could make a strong case for a home win at 7/2, but we’ll settle for the draw at a tasty 9/4 with bet365.

With an England win heavily favoured in the bet365 correct score market, there’s some terrific value here too. The Israelis have several attacking players in their line-up, so you can virtually count on them creating chances against England - they’ve blanked only once in their last 19 games – so the 11/2 on offer for a 1-1 stalemate represents value, but a 2-2 draw at 14/1 is no forlorn hope either.

Even better, as this game is one of bet365's ‘Big Matches’ this weekend, you could even be placing your correct score bets for free. Have a winning correct score bet in the preceding ‘Big Match’, Republic of Ireland v Wales (kick off 3.00pm), and bet365 will give you a free bet to the same stake on the England game. If this is a winner too, have another free bet, and so on. The match kicks off at 6.30pm UK time and bet365 will be betting in-play throughout on up to 30 markets.

Attemp On Survival

Pick For Today

1. Chesterfield - Doncaster
market: FT, Chesterfield to win
LOST



Bet365 in Fractional - 13/8, in Decimal - 2.62
Ladbrokes in fractional - 11/8

Here we go today with a classic fight for breath on the bottom of League 1 in England. Chesterfield are at the edge - they win and stay in the relegation battle or lose and make their life harder than ever.
Chesterfield boss Lee Richardson has added Alan Knill to his backroom staff. Knill, who was sacked as Rotherham manager at the start of March, will assist Richardson with coaching duties. And the top priority is clear - to stay at League 1. That means nothing than a win today when Doncaster comes to play for nothing. Chesterfield are without midfielder Charlie Daniels (knee) and utility-man Gaz Davies (shin). Winger Adam Smith (knee) is another long-term absentee, while the game comes too soon for defender Alan O'Hare and striker Jamie Ward.
Doncaster boss Sean O'Driscoll is expected to hand former Everton forward Danny Cadamarteri his second start. Paul Heffernan (ankle), Mark McCammon (dislocated shoulder) and Jason Price (Achilles) are all currently sidelined.

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Boro To Survive AT Old Traford

Pick For Today
LOST
1. Man United - Boro
market: 90 minutes, draw

Bet365 in Fractional - 7/2, in Decimal - 4.50

If you dare to even think it might not be Man United in this one, you can get a generous prize of 7/2 that bet365 gives today. I am one of those that really believe when it comes to play against Unietd it is an extreme motivation factor that can decide some games. And, surely, Boro are in front of their match of the season and no other front to chase the glory. What is more, the squad gained some good results at Traford in the last 5 years - they took 2 wins against the Red Devils at their own stadium.
Belfast-born teenager Craig Cathcart has been called into an injury-hit Manchester United squad. Wes Brown will replace Gary Neville, while Alan Smith may take over Ryan Giggs' striking responsibilities. It is easy to say the injuries will play main role in United possible crush today but we clearly saw on Saturday what happened to Bolton at the same ground. The reason I am looking for a 90 minutes draw here is the three fronts that United are playing and searching for a big trophy. If they miss the chance to beat in the 90 minutes, they will have another in the extra time or even, if they finally lose, two more causes to fight for this season.
Middlesbrough hope the knee injury which saw Emanuel Pogatetz stretchered off against Manchester City is not as bad as first feared. Jonathan Woodgate and Mark Viduka return after being rested against City, Julio Arca (groin) is doubtful.

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The Risk On Chelsea Is Worthy

Pick For Today
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WON
1. Tottenham - Chelsea
market: full time, Chelsea to win

Bet365 in Fractional - 11/10, in Decimal - 2.10

Tottenham seem to be in a tremendous form in the last month, both in Europe and home. They score and score and it is hard to believe that someone can stop them of winning a trophy this season. But I insist on searching for a wrong step for Spurs that will make them more careful in the future games. And this FA Cup replay, which will give a generous prize of a semifinal spot, is the perfect occasion.
Bad news for Chelsea - attacking trio Berbatov, Keane and Lennon are expected to return in the squad for this clash. They missed the last game and will be fresh on Monday night. Essien is the only injury concern for Chelsea.
Why do I think Chelsea should be a favourite to win this one (bookies don't, they gave tasty 11/10 for the visitors)? They are a kind of a football machine and some of the key players are finally in form. On the other hand I can still remember one not so confident Tottenham from the beginning of the season. The risk is worthy, the decision is yours.
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Bayern To Keep The Tempo In The Bundesliga

Pick For Today - LOST
1. Frankfurt - Bayern
market: FT, Bayern to win

Bet365 in Fractional - 4/6, in Decimal - 1.66

Energie beat Herta 1:0 in the opening of the weekend round yesterday and I think no more such surprises are coming in the next few days in the Bundesliga championship. Specially when it comes to the giants that chase desperately the title.
The men from Munich lie six points adrift of top club Schalke, three behind Werder Bremen, and two off VfB Stuttgart, who travel to face the leaders. Bayern will use the clash on the top and gain easy 3 points in Frankfurt which will ensure the progress in the table. The form of the squad is going better and better each game and the poor away performances seems to lay in the past. The team will be also boosted by the Hitzfeld's decision to extend his contract until June 2008. Claudio Pizarro may not be fit to join the battle after sitting out Friday's final training session with a niggling knee problem, although the Peru man will make the trip to the banking metropolis. Lucio has been declared fit after shaking off a strain.
Following a positive first half of term, Frankfurt have won just one of their last eight games and languish in the relegation zone in 16th place, all of which serves as a warning to Saturday's visitors. But I think the team is already dead, specially in the clashes with the top teams and will wait for some derbies at the bottom to keep their hopes alive.
Bayern are close to full strength today, no chance for Frankfurt.

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Premierleague Weekend - Preview

Chelsea cut Man United’s lead in the Premiership to six points when beating Man City 1-0 in the week - prompting bet365 to cut them to 7/2 for the title (1/6 United) – but the gap is likely to be back to nine points by the time they kick off against Sheffield United on Saturday.

That’s because the Red Devils should be far too hot Bolton in the 12.45pm early kick off game on Saturday, and bet365 certainly think so too judging on their 3/10 quote on the home win. If that’s too short for you then, considering Bolton’s poor form of late, try a punt on the double result at 4/5 instead. Expect United to come out of the traps quickly to blow the Trotters away early doors. Remember, the last time these two teams met, Wayne Rooney took the match ball home, and he’s 16/1 with bet365 to score another hat-trick.

Of course, Chelsea look to have a relatively easy task too and (with just 1/6 on the home win) a punt on the bet365 correct score market could pay dividends. The Blades have been tricky opponents at Bramall Lane this season, but they’ve failed to score in losing each of three away games at top-six sides, so back Chelsea to win 2-0 and 3-1 at 5/1 and 9/1 respectively. And have a bit on the Scorecast too, especially as bet365 will refund your stake if your nominated player scores first but your correct score is a loser – Frank Lampard / Chelsea 3-0 at 22/1 will do nicely!

Things are looking pretty grim for the current bottom three teams and it’s hard to see either Watford or West Ham getting anything on the road against Tottenham (2/5 bet365) and Blackburn (8/11) respectively. However, there’s still a glimmer of hope for Charlton, who are finishing their season strongly, and they could be worth backing at 7/5 with bet365 to beat Newcastle (lost consecutive aways against Fulham and Wigan) at the Valley. That would be bad news for Man City, who must travel to Middlesbrough (19/20), and the Citizens could be a lot shorter than the current 5/1 on offer with bet365 for relegation after the weekend.

In other games, Wigan (11/10) are fancied to beat Fulham and Reading (10/11) can give their European ambitions a boost by beating Portsmouth. Talking of a boost, you can give your Premiership accas one by placing your bets with bet365 as they will add up to 60% to your winnings. This weekend, try Man United (3/10), Tottenham (2/5), Blackburn (8/11), Middlesbrough (19/20), Wigan (11/10) and Reading (10/11), which pays £294.91 for a £10 stake, including a bet365 bonus of 20%.

Arveladze To Lead AZ To The Win

Pick For Today
WON
1. AZ - Newcastle
market: ft, AZ to win
UEFA Cup, Round of 16
2nd leg (2-4 in the first)


Bet365 in Fractional - 10/11, in Decimal - 1.90

Danny Koevermans' second-half effort at St James' Park has given the Dutch side hope for the second leg. And today AZ should prove once again that they have powerful strikers ready to score goals, specially at home. The Dutch side is a typical team dominant at home and not so confident in the visits. Arveladze are probably their best hope for scoring 2 goals more today and book his team a place in the upcoming draw in Glasgow on Friday.
This season Newcastle is the perfect mystery team for me in the Premierleague and Europe. They can beat everyone but are really also able to lose games by funny opponents. Specially when play away the squad often performs under the line and I expect another evening like that when they face AZ in front of the Dutch crowd. Not that big stadium, a tense atmosphere, one very well organized team that will be desperate to score more and more goals and one unpredictable Newcastle - that makes me think that 1.90 is a good prize for taking AZ.

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Everything Looks Fine For Sunderland Today. That is the problem!

Pick For Today - WON
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1. Sunderland - Stoke City
market: double chance, Draw or Stoke

Bet365 in Fractional - 5/4, in Decimal - 2.25

If you want a safety bet, take Juventus today and forget about the thrill. I am looking for something else - to predict when the team, currently in best shape in Championship, will make a wrong step. Yes, it is risky, but worthy.

Sunderland are coming to this game after 2:0 away win at Barnsley and are really flying on their way to the top of the league. They are just 4 points down ot Birmingam and with Wolves chasing them on a point behind. Today Wolves have a tough test at Coventry and having in mind that they will probably lose that one it is a perfect chance for the Black cats to take advantage.
Sunderland boss Roy Keane is set to recall Marton Fulop, Tobias Hysen and Anthony Stokes who were disciplined after missing the team bus. Dwight York is doubtful with a hamstring strain, Carlos Edwards is still out with a shoulder injury.
It looks like everything is OK and all is on Sunderland's side for this game. And exactly that is the thing that bothers me.

Stoke still have some problems with injuries. Yes, Ricardo Fuller returns for Stoke from a four-game ban after being sent off in the 1-1 draw at Southend last month. But Lee Hendrie is out for up to three weeks after a reoccurrence of a knee injury. At that stage of the season I am not sure what to expect from Stoke - they proved in the previous years that they can beat everyone, if they want. Every year the team is on the edge of the play-offs and somewhere near the end of the season starts to fall down, freely. This year they have invested a lot and in some games the team looked like Premierleague line up, that is a fact.
I think the motivation here will be on a high level for Stoke and they will give their best to stop Sunderland on their march to the Premierleague. Draw is a good bet also, but I will use the double chance tool to minimize the risk and still have very good odd as 5/4 that bet365 offers today.

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Bet365 Gives 1/3 For Benfica To Win At Home

Pick For Today - WON
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1. Benfica - Uniao Leiria
market: full time, Benfica to win
Bet365 in Fractional - 1/3, in Decimal - 1.33

Benfica beat 2-1 the same opponent at home when both met at the end of January 07 at the same stadium. Traditionally the home side is considered as a heavy favourite in this game, specially when the team plays in front of the fans.
In last 8 home games Benfica have just one draw and 7 wins. It is hard to believe that exactly today it will be a wrong step for the big club. Benfica have lost 1:2 as a guest to PSG in UEFA Cup action and tonight will search for more goals and confidence at home to secure their league status and calmly focus on the upcoming second leg in the European tournaments.

What is your prediction on this game? Write in comments section.

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Spurs Run To End At Stamford Bridge

Pick From FA Cup - LOST
1. Chelsea - Tottenham
market: full time, Chelsea to win

Bet365 in Fractional - 4/9, in Decimal - 1.44

What we have in this FA Cup derby on Sunday are two teams in great form and successful European runs so far. Chelsea qualified for Champions league 1/4finals in the midweek while Tottenham secured their next UEFA Cup round early in the first leg beating away 3-2 Braga.
We have a couple of important facts to consider before making the prediction for this game - 1. which team had more hours for recovering and 2. which team have less injury concerns and longer bench. And the answer of both is Chelsea.

Chelsea
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has to decide whether to recall head-injury victim John Terry. The team have no fresh injury worries following their midweek Champions League win over Porto, with Joe Cole (foot) their only long-term absentee. That means many rested quality players for the manager to choose from. Another plus for Chelsea is the famous home advantage at Stamford bridge.

Tottenham
Jermaine Jenas remains a doubt for the Tottenham with a groin problem. Mido may return after having a cyst on his knee but defenders Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee surgery) and Ledley King (foot) remain sidelined. Keane and Berbatov are in tremendous form but I am sure they will not have enough space to show their scoring skills.


Tottenham are improving their away performance, game by game, but still they are not good enough to survive at stadiums such as Stamford bridge.

What is your prediction on this game? Write in comments section.

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Massive 9/2 Award To Take The Risk On Boro

Pick From FA Cup - LOST

1. Boro - Man United
market: full time, Boro to win

Bet365 in Fractional - 9/2, in Decimal - 5.50

Call it madness but I think that Boro's home form can secure a comfort win when they face United in this FA Cup round on Saturday. And even there is a slight chance to get a 9/2 prize I will go for it, for sure. So, forget about the Boro's replays in the previous rounds and the statistics (which, by the way, show interesting 2-0-3 head-to-head at this stadium in the last 4 years) and concentrate on the current form and the mix of important facts before the game.

Middlesbrough
No doubt that the key for Middlesbrough will be the form of Stewart Downing, Mark Viduka and Yakubu. The last two enjoy a great season so far as first choice strikers. If they manage to keep the preasure on United's defence in all 90 minutes it is likely to score one at least. One win here can save the whole season for Boro and it will be better not to underestimate the importance of this motivation.
Middlesbrough midfielders Julio Arca (dead leg) and Lee Cattermole (knee) were both doubtful, but have been declared fit to face United. Brazilian midfielder Fabio Rochemback is also back in contention.

Man United
Firstly, The red devils have a growing list of injury concerns whet it comes to attack. Paul Scholes is suspended while Darren Fletcher, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Louis Saha are injured. That means that Larson will play his last game for United.
Dong Fangzhuo has been called into the Manchester United squad for the first time ahead of this FA Cup game.

This is really a possible wrong step for the leaders. A big number of injuries, a game played in the midweek, Champions League dreams probably are starting to muddle some player's minds.

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Birmingham To Secure Promotion

Pick For Today
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1. Birmingham - Derby
market: full time, B'gham to win

Bet365 in Fractional - 1/1, in Decimal - 2.00
Bwin in Decimal - 1.95

It smells like a draw but I am afraid it won't be so. To be honest my first opinion on the game was "sure draw" after Birmingham took 2 wins in a row at home against Leeds and Cardiff (1:0 both). The reason I have changed my mind? The Blue's treatment room is empty for the first time in years and Steve Bruce will have a full squad to pick from. Birmingham have all sort of problems when key players are out but we can clearly see the trend of improved performance after they are fit and back in play. Now Mikael Forssell is back in the squad after returning to fitness following knee surgery. Damien Johnson is fit after a hamstring problem.
On the other hand Derby are without defender Michael Johnson with a torn hamstring which is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season. A calf problem keeps Paul Boertien on the sidelines but Richard Jackson is back from knee trouble.
I think Derby will soon start losing ground and the game tonight can be the one that will push them down.

What is your prediction on this game? Write in comments section.

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Do You Dare To Take Totteham?

Pick For Today
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1. Braga - Tottenham
market: full time, Tot'ham to win
UEFA Cup, first leg

Bet365 in Fractional - 7/5, in Decimal - 2.40

SC Braga will be hoping that history does not repeat itself as Tottenham Hotspur FC come calling in the UEFA Cup Round of 16. The two sides met in the first round of the 1984/85 UEFA Cup, but it was a meeting Braga would rather forget. After losing 3-0 at home, they were beaten 6-0 at White Hart Lane. So, firstly, the history is on Londoners side tonight.

Tottenham are in great form in Premierleague in England, scoring many goals and improving their away performance (last game 3:4 win as a guest to West Ham). Berbatov is on the top of the scoring list in Europe for Tottenham - he has scored in his last four European appearances and I couldn't see who will stop him tonight.

Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas has been left out of the squad to face Braga in the last 16 of the Uefa Cup. The England midfielder has a groin injury and now joins Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee), Mido (knee) and Ledley King (feet) on the sidelines. Robbie Keane is back after being suspended at the weekend. Steed Malbranque has recovered from a groin problem but Ricardo Rocha is cup-tied after playing for Benfica in the Champions League.

Braga do not have enough experience to play confident at home in the tournaments agains such opponent as Tottenham. The 7/5 prize that bet365 give for the game sound pretty tasty for me.

What is your prediction on this game? Write in comments section.

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Who Will Win The Cricket World Cup?

bet365 make Australia 9/4 favourites to win the cricket World Cup, but the competition looks wide open and many bet365 customers have been keen to snap up the 17/2 on England after their recent success in the Commonwealth Bank Series. The critical phase of the tournament is going to be the Super 8 stage with eight equal teams matching up against each other, and the outright winner is likely to be the team that can handle the pressure best.

Exciting stuff and, as the tournament proper doesn’t get under way until Tuesday March 13th, there’s still plenty of time to get stuck into bet365's numerous outright markets including ‘Top Batsman’ – top of their list is Ricky Ponting at 13/2 – and ‘Top Bowler’ – Monty Panesar at 40/1 anyone? Alternatively, an accumulator on all four group favourites to prevail – Australia (8/13), India (10/11), England (10/11) and West Indies (4/7) - pays out £462.59 to a £50 stake at bet365 Howzat!

However, the real betting action takes place once the first ball has been bowled as bet365 step up to the crease with up to nine ball-by-ball live markets via their In-Play Console. Fortunately, all matches in the tournament proper start at 13.30GMT so, unlike the Ashes, you won’t have to burn the midnight oil when placing your bets. New customers will even get £100 free bets to place on a market of their choice, so why place your World Cup bets anywhere else?

Tasty 11/5 For A Draw At Mestalla

Pick For Today
1. Valensia - Inter
market: full time, draw

Bet365 in Fractional - 11/5, in Decimal - 3.20

What I can clearly see today is a perfect chance for big odds at Mistalla without taking so big risk. Valensia is back in full strenght and a squad without injuries or other worries. They need just to hold their nerve and wait for the chance to make one of their brilliant counter attacks.
On the other hand Inter made the first wrong step in Seria A drawing Udinese 1:1 last weekend and will miss tonight some important players in the midfiled.

Valensia
Valencia have no selection problems with Spain midfielders Vicente and Ruben Baraja returning from injury. Defender Asier del Horno who made his debut against Celta Vigo after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury is also set to play.


Inter
Inter will be without Patrick Vieira, while Esteban Cambiasso is doubtful with a leg injury. Brazilian striker Adriano pulled his left hamstring in last week's 1-1 Serie A draw with Udinese and misses out.

The verdict
I expect real battle in the midfield and careful play in the back for both teams. You can go for Under 2.5 Goals, which is a good bad in deed, but I will take the risk for a draw.


What is your prediction on this game? Write in comments section.

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Is It Time For A Draw? Take 3.15 Prize on Preston Game

Pick For Today
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1. Preston - Southampton
market: full time, draw


Bet365 in Fractional - 21/10, in Decimal - 3.10
Bwin gives 3.15 for draw

It will be a real early battle for play-off spot when Preston welcomes Southampton tonight. The home side, despite few wrong steps at home, show confident performance in front of the fans and will use every chance to attack a spot in top 6. Southampton are now back at their full strenght squad and achieved few great results recently beating last Ipswich at home.

Preston
Preston will be without Simon Whaley (foot), Paul McKenna (hernia) and Lewis Neal (neck, doubtfull) but Youl Mawene is back in training after a serious knee problem. Fit-again Callum Davidson is likely to come in for the suspended Matt Hill but Brett Ormerod is rated doubtful because of a facial injury.
Preston took the win on Norwich 2:1 when last played at home. Before that they felt down 1:3 from Premierleague Man City and 0:1 by Wolves earlier. Actually they have no draw result in 8 games in a raw at home and that is why I think it is a good option to take something like 1:1 here.

Southampton
Southampton will use the same squad that beat Ipswich. Alexander Ostlund and Darren Powell are on the mend but not ready, and Michael Svensson still has a knee problem. The team is not so well performing in the visits but still achieved few draws, mostly 1:1 to be more precised. Their last away draw was on 10 of February when they had 1;1 as a guest to West Brom.

The verdict
What we have here are two unpredictable teams fighting for a promotion spot but I still want to see finally a draw for Preston at home after 8 games in a row with different end. I will also search for 1:1 exact score.

What is your prediction on this game? Write in comments section.


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21/10 For Draw At Anfield This Weekend

We are now at the business end of the season, and Man United are getting close to their first title in four years. A win at Anfield on Saturday will take them 12 points clear but the smart money has been on Liverpool at 8/5 with bet365, who are once again betting every Premiership game to 107% this weekend (17/10 Man United, 21/10 the Draw).

That’s no wonder as the Reds are on a real high after their victory at the Nou Camp and a 4-0 thrashing of Sheffield United. Of course, United will provide them with a stern test but you can’t pick any holes in Liverpool’s home record this season (11-3-0), while they are on course to equal last season’s fine record of just eight goals conceded at home (just three conceded so far). So it’s quite easy to make a case for a home win that would really open up the title race, especially as Chelsea (1/2 bet365) are expected to get a win at Portsmouth.

If these two games weren’t big enough, bet365 have included them as part of their ‘Big Match’ correct score free bet offer this weekend, which means that any customer with a winning correct score bet on the Liverpool-United game will be entitled to a free correct score bet (to the same stake) on the Portsmouth-Chelsea game. Yet another reason to place your Premiership bets with bet365.

At the other end of the table, a trio of away wins could stir things up in the relegation battle. Charlton look to have got the bit between their teeth and are still in with a shout of Premiership survival. That can’t be said of their opponents Watford who look to have blown their chances after taking just one point from their winnable games against Wigan and Everton. Back the Addicks at a tasty 9/5 with bet365 and at the same time have a speculative wager on an improving Wigan at a massive 11/4. Their opponents Man City have won just one of their last six Premiership home matches and they may find themselves playing second best to a team that is fighting for Premiership survival. The trio is completed by Tottenham (6/5) who have notched ten goals and three wins against much better sides than their opponents West Ham.

At those odds it’s tempting to have an accumulator on all five of our picks, especially as bet365 will top up our winnings to the tune of 10%. A tenner acca on Liverpool (8/5), Chelsea (1/2), Charlton (9/5), Wigan (11/4) and Tottenham (6/5) pays out a juicy £990.99, including the bet365 bonus (up to 60% available for the more optimistic amongst you!).

In other games, Arsenal look way too short at 2/5 to beat Reading (13/2). They are by far the most likely winners, but their games have been coming thick and fast, while their suspensions from the Carling Cup final won’t help either. We’re not saying Reading will win, but they’re playing well enough to grab a draw and the odds are tempting too – 10/3 with bet365.

Best of luck with your Premiership bets this weekend.