League Two relegation betting preview 2011/12

Stockport were last seasons horror story, as their finances collapsed they were left propping up the football league for the majority of the season and were relegated into non-league obscurity. Lincoln City joined them after a tense final day of the season where they were beaten 3-0 by Aldershot while Barnet managed to scrape a 1-0 victory condemning the Imps to the drop.

League 2 relegation odds

This season though Barnet are sure to again be dicing with the drop, unless they make some pretty serious improvements on last year it could be the same tense last day for the fans at Underhill. With odds of 4.5 on William Hill they are definitely one of the favourites for the drop and could provide good value if they do.

Plymouth seem to be on a constantly downwards spiral, after relegation from the Championship they suffered a similar fate in league 1 after they were forced to sell star assets to stay solvent. Top scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips was sold to league rivals Charlton and from then on it was a downward spiral, which culminated in a point’s deduction leaving them rock bottom at the seasons close. This season the money crisis hasn’t sorted itself out yet and players are still waiting on wages, unpaid players, make poor performers on the pitch and if this continues Argyle could be dicing with the drop for the third season running, with odds of 11.0 on William Hill they are relative outsiders so if they do meet the drop they could prove to be a sizeable investment.

Hereford had a shaky season last year and found it difficult away from home especially and if this poor form continues into the new season they could very well be teetering on the brink of the league again, having spent a lot of last season rock bottom of League 2. A few new faces have been brought in though, however if you don’t think that will be enough to save the Bulls then why not have a gamble with odds of 6.0 on Bet365 for them to meet the drop.

Newly promoted AFC Wimbledon will have high hopes that their first season in the football league will be a comfortable one, however the step up from non-league is a big one and they may not have the luck Stevenage found this season. With long odds of 15.0 on William Hill they could be worth backing for the drop with a few quid.

Read our League 2 winner betting article here.

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League Two Betting Preview 2011/12

The battle for the top spots in the 2010-2011 was a tight one which was eventually won by champions Chesterfield, followed closely by Bury, Wycombe and in the play-offs a little further off Stevenage. This time around it looks set to just as open a race as the last term with a number of teams vying for promotion to League 1.

League two winner odds

Shrewsbury had an unlucky time in the play-offs last season after a season where they were comfortably one of the top teams in the league. They played good passing football and were unlucky to miss out on going up through the play-offs, meaning that this time around they are going to be firing on all cylinders and raring to mount a title challenge, so with odds of 15.0 on bet365 for them to finish top this season, it could be well worth a look.

Relegated Dagenham and Redbridge know how to win this league having done it in the 2009-2010 campaign, a final day of the season defeat to promoted Peterborough sent them back to League 2 on the first time of asking though. They may have lost top scoring pacy winger Danny Green to Charlton, but the core of their side remain, with club captain Mark Arber already a stalwart at this level marshalling the solid Daggers defence for the back. They stand a good chance of bouncing straight back and this is reflected in their handsome odds of 34.0 on Bet365 to win the league for the 2nd time 3 years.

Newly appointed Paulo Di Canio’s Swindon will also be up there fighting for the top spot, and under the management of one of footballs most talented and outspoken individuals they should provide a lot of life for League 2 next season. They are 2nd favourites to win the division and with good odds of 11.0 with William Hill they could be a prudent investment.

Newly promoted Crawley though are the firm favourites for the title, being the Manchester City of non league football last year they have brought their sizeable budget into league football and look ready to take the leagues by storm, they are short in the odds with 4.0 on Bet365 but as favourites with that much cash they are the ones to watch next season.

Read our League 2 relegation betting preview here

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League 1 top goalscorer betting

The leagues top marksmen are usually from teams who gain promotion so it is no surprise that 4 of last years top 5 marksmen will be plying their trade in the Championship next term. Craig Mackail-Smith ran out as comfortable winner in the race to be the top scorer last season with Brighton’s Glen Murray and Southampton’s Rickie Lambert coming in a respectable 2nd and 3rd

League 1 Golden boot odds

Huddersfield are promotion favourites and last seasons top scorer Jordan Rhodes came in with a comfortable return of 16 goals, he suffered though to Lee Clark’s away formation of 4-5-1 in which Benik Afobe was preferred to lead the line. However he should regain his regular starting place and is good value to lead the scoring charts at 9.0 on SkyBet.

Bradley Wright-Phillips netted 21 times last season and in a Charlton team battling for a return to the Championship could prove to be an extremely prudent investment at odds of 9.0 on William Hill to top the scoring charts for league 1 this season. Relegated Sheffield United’s Ched Evans cost £3 million and in the last season only managed 9 goals in the Championship, however he could find his mark at League 1 and with odds of 21.0 on William Hill he could turn out as a real surprise package in the new term in League 1.

Bournemouth had their two top marksmen Josh McQuoid and Bret Pitman pilfered from them during the last season so it was left down to youngster Danny Ings to provide the firepower. At only 19 he does lack experience but this hunger for success and youthful enthusiasm could see him landing a staring role next season in the Cherries march for promotion so why not drop a few quid on young Ings at odds of 26.0 on William Hill.

Bury’s Ryan Lowe ended last season as league 2’s lead scorer and best player and could be relied upon to take up his chances in League 1 as Bury look to consolidate their place in this new division. Lowe has fantastic odds of 41.0 on SkyBet and could prove to be a big money maker if he continues his good form that began last season.

Read our betting preview for the League 1 winner.

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League One Betting Preview 2011/12

League 1 last year was a one horse race, dominated and won comfortably by Gus Poyet’s Brighton, with Southampton and Peterborough joining them in promotion after a season where the tightest race was for the 2nd automatic promotion spot.

League One odds

Three teams dropped unceremoniously into League 1 this season, those teams were bottom team Scunthorpe, Preston North End and Sheffield United. However the favourites to make the move back to the Championship this year are none other than Lee Clark’s Huddersfield who while going unbeaten for 27 games didn’t manage promotion after a 3-0 defeat to Peterborough United at Old Trafford in the play-off final. The Terriers have a strong fan base and therefore a sizeable budget; however key men have departed the Galpharm Stadium. Anthony Pilkington has moved to Carrow Road while Lee Peltier has moved to Sven Goran-Erickson’s Leicester. Huddersfield have still kept the core of their squad which performed so well last season and offer good value at 6.5 on Bet365 to win the League 1 title this season.

Teams who are promoted from League 2 to League 1 always seem to be formidable in their next season so Chesterfield, Bury, Stevenage and Wycombe could all be ones to watch next season. Stevenage ended the season on a massive high and if they continue this good form onto the new season hey could be fantastic value at 81.0 on Bet365 to run away with the League 1 crown.

Charlton are another big club and have made some serious investment in the close season, with no less than 10 new players arriving at The Valley this summer. They had a shaky season last time of asking, but were buoyed by the arrival of proven goal scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips who in his first full season for the Addicks could provide the goals to send them up, so with odds of 9.0 on Bet365 they could provide good value to win the league this time around.

Read our League 1 top goalscorer betting preview.

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Newmarket July Darley Cup betting and odds

Darley Cup betting preview

The actions returns to the home of racing this weekend with the Darley July Cup feature race bringing down the curtain on Newmarket’s three-day July meeting, writes Mikey Mumford. This Group One event is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older and is run over a distance of 6f. The race is renowned for its international involvement with a number of high-quality overseas contenders expected to line up in the gates. A field of seventeen runners have been declared with Godolphin’s runner Delegator the clear market leader. Last year’s winning trainer Aidan O’Brien has just one representative this time with Oracle representing the team from Ballydoyle.

The nature of Amico Fritz’s (20/1) defeat in the Golden Jubilee is difficult to weigh up as he led the stand side group well over a furlong out but had no chance with the far side leaders. He was drawn in stall 13 that day and goes from 11 here so it will be interesting to see where jockey Maxime Guyon takes him. This German challenger was well held by a number of the rivals he faces here and tough ask to reverse the form.

Prior to his Golden Jubilee fifth Bated Breath (13/2) had run with credit when picking up events at Haydock and Windsor. But he fell away pretty sharply last time at Ascot and has work to do on revised terms to better Monsieur Chevalier, Star Witness and Elzaam. However the ground may have been a little on the soft for him and he must have an each-way squeak at the least.

Markab probably needed the run at York last week and connections will hope he will come on for that reappearance. He ended 2010 with victory in the Betfred Sprint Cup at this course and the slight drop in trip should not inconvenience him too much. Henry Candy’s yard is in relatively good form and everything looks set for a nice run at generous odds (15/2).

Beaten well into twelfth in the Jubilee Dalghar (14/1) was unable to make an impression for Andrew Balding and Jimmy Fortune at Ascot. Yet to get his head in front in five starts in Britain, the soft ground might not have been in his favour last time. Nevertheless, he has yet to convince the drop to 6f suits after being challenged at a mile early in his career; best watched.

Delegator (7/2) won well in a competitive York sprint in May with a lot of these left trailing in behind. He’s likely to get the good surface he seems to thrive on and has won over a mile here at Newmarket before. Equally adept at 6f, Goldolphin’s runner sets the clear standard on recent evidence but only had one run so far in 2011 and that is a slight worry.

Another runner for Roger Charlton, Genki (16/1) is a tough sort who won a shade cosily at Newcastle latest after being held up on settling down. He had odds on favourite for that race Regal Parade two lengths behind and should put in another bold bid. Whether that will be good enough in better company remains to be seen; seems in good heart at present though.

His impressive Curragh win in May over 6f could not be repeated in the Jubilee where Hitchens (25/1) finished eleventh of sixteen runners. That came as no surprise though with all his wins coming on firmer ground and any rain here would not help his cause. Has a lot to find on his recent York and Doncaster runs with some of these rivals; unlikely to trouble.

Two poor runs have overshadowed Jimmy Styles’ (33/1) likeable Doncaster win at the beginning of April. The seven-year-old gelding had some useful types in behind that day but has lost his form since tailing off the last twice. On a positive note, he might well get the good ground he has done half of his winning on but not one of those contenders to have much confidence in.

Richard Hannon’s representative Monsieur Chevalier (12/1) has improved run by run this year and his latest second in the Jubilee behind Society Rock was by far his best run in 2011. A similar performance would put him right in the mix and he has shown he has the beating of some of those in opposition. Kieren Fallon has been booked to ride him once more and couldn’t rule out further improvement.

Disappointed the last twice despite being sent off clear favourite Regal Parade (20/1) has been a little expensive to follow in recent weeks. The Dandy Nicholls trained seven-year-old has won over slightly further but is a little more exposed than some of these. Always gives his running and couldn’t disregard despite latest flops.

Having his third and final run in Britain this year before heading back Australia, Star Witness (9/2) has run well in defeat in both the King’s Stands and the Jubilee. Likely to come up against some familiar faces here he should give another good account back on good ground. Would be fitting for him to win this before heading home and has a better chance than some of these.

The oldest horse in the race at eight; War Artist (16/1) never got on terms in the King’s Stands and the pick of his form came in 2008 with a second in the Golden Jubilee. Never looked like reproducing that form since and although lightly raced for his age he needs to make huge strides and looks unlikely to do so.

A great feature to end Newmarket’s fantastic July meeting can go the way of Star Witness on his final run in Britain after his unlucky seconds at Ascot. However, He comes up against Monsieur Chevalier who had his measure last time and he should go well once more. But this race could go to an improver and ELZAAM can go well for the in-form Roger Varian whilst Libranno is a good each-way prospect. [Mikey Mumford]

By Mikey Mumford

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Champions League betting – Schalke vs Man Utd

Schalke vs Man Utd betting preview, odds and tips

Shalke are struggling in the Bundesliga this season, sitting in a miserable mid table 10th place and will be looking to distract attention from the woeful domestic form with another slaying of one of Europe’s giants. Shalke’s 5-2 routing of Inter Milan earlier this month was arguably their best performance of the season, bar United target Manuel Neuer being lobbed from thee half way line early on. Neuer has been impressive though this season and has cemented himself as Germany’s number 1 much like his idol former Shalke keeper and Arsenal player Jens Lehman. With him in goal Shalke can assure themselves that they will not concede many easy goals so a bet on a home clean sheet may not be too far off at odds of 3.25 on Bet365.

Manchester United

United are looking ever more certain to win the Barclays Premier League, their late goal against Everton epitomised how resilient this United squad can be. Javier Hernandez is proving week in week out that he can provide goals from nowhere; in 24 matches he has given 12 goals that’s a goal every 2 games. Chicarito is not a certainty to start though, while he has built a good partnership up with Wayne Rooney let’s not forget, United hadn’t gone a staggering 390 minutes without scoring, is the pressure of the title race and the Champions League starting to get to them? Well Chicarito scored the first and the last goal against Everton at the weekend and is tipped at good odds to score first again at odds of 7.5 on BetFred.

United’s Champions League performances so far have been good having only dropped points at Valencia who were in flying form and at Rangers when they parked the bus against the Red Devils. Sir Alex Ferguson has thought about this fixture though and rested key men Nemanja Vidic, Darren Fletcher and Dimitar Berbatov and while none but the Serbian centre back are certain starters it will be a great help to their aspirations in this fixtures.

United have been in an odd sort of form lately and with Shalke stuttering domestically, Fergie’s men should be seen as favourites, their wins at home and away at Chelsea in the Champions League being testament to how good and clinical they can be in this competition. There may not be many goals in this fixture and if it goes to form a 1-0 United victory could be comfortable value at 7.5 with Totesport.

Highlighted Bets

Shalke Clean Sheet 3.25 Bet365
First Goalscorer Javier Hernandez 7.5 BetFred
Correct Score 1-0 Manchester United 7.5 Totesport

By John Fernandez

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Premier League betting – Spurs vs Everton betting preview

Spurs vs Everton betting preview

Tottenham Hotspur: League Position: 5th, League Form: DWLWW

At half-time on Wednesday night Tottenham did not look like a team to be backing this weekend. What a difference a half makes. Gareth Bale’s second half hat-trick may not have recovered even a point at Inter Milan midweek, but at least they found momentum. Playing with 10 men for 80 minutes may have tested their fitness levels, but so far Spurs have won 3 of 4 games after Champions League exploits, and can bring Van Der Vaart, Pavlyuchenko and Modric (subbed after 10 mins at the San Siro) back into their team for Saturday’s early kick off.

With the quality they can rotate in and out of their side and good performances against teams of similar standing, Villa (2-1 home win) and Man City (0-0 away), Tottenham can be confident of securing vital home points in their quest for another top four finish.

Everton: League Position: 11th, League Form: DLDWW

Nothing much compares to 3 points at home to Liverpool for Everton fans. A win that puts Liverpool joint bottom and the Toffees away from the relegation places is even more sweeter.

So, now to follow up from last weekend’s glorious triumph. The first team to win at Birmingham for a year, Everton showed themselves to be far from weak at home. The manager believed they’d been playing better than their first few results showed, and consecutives 2-0 victories may have proved him right.

This weekend they come up against a different proposition in Tottenham, not a team going backwards like their last two opponents. Much will depend on how they handle Van Der Vaart and Bale, whilst going forward Cahill and Arteta look more potent a threat than lone frontman Yakubu.

Tottenham at home are a scary prospect for every team in the country nowadays, and their second half performance against Inter shows they are frightening up front. Everton may have kept two clean sheets in a row, but I think a desire to stay solid in this one may draw them onto the backfoot, whilst Van Der Vaart is a classier player in the hole than any man David Moyes can set against him.

That dutchman could be worth a punt first goal in this one, he’ll always find holes and take a shot, and I think his return plus the momentum of the comeback at the San Siro will help Spurs pinch 3 points at home this weekend.

Each side is capable of scoring, and I expect more of a goal threat in their midfields than their strikers, but whilst Liverpool were their for the taking last week, Everton won’t be given the freedom of White Hart Lane. Expect a good game (the majority of each teams fixtures finished with over 2.5 goals last season), with both teams on form and capable of mixing it up, but home advantage could be all important for Tottenham.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 2.05 Bet365
First Goalscorer: Rafael Van Der Vaart – 7.5 StanJames
Correct Score: 2-1 Home Win – 9.00 SkyBet, WilliamHill

Match Odds:-

Tottenham – 2.2 Betfred
Draw – 3.4 Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, Bet365
Everton – 3.9 VC Bet

Recommended bets

Spurs to win at best odds 2.2 with Betfred – Get a free £50 bet.

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Premier League – Man City vs Liverpool

Man City vs Liverpool betting preview

Another FIFTY million pounds has been splashed since Manchester City’s fortunate opening away day draw at Spurs. The world’s richest club dipped further into their endless war chest to sign Inter wonderkid Mario Ballotelli and James Milner from Aston Villa this week – but can it buy Mancini a first three points of the new season against Liverpool? Well, considering both may not start against the Reds the answer is probably NO! Nonetheless, City’s Italian head coach will be hoping his new-look side can make an immediate impact at Eastlands in their pursuit of the Premier League title. Roy Hodgson is preparing for his first away game as Liverpool boss but can his side throw a spanner in the works and spoil the City party?

Tottenham could count themselves both unlucky and unfortunate not to beat Man City last weekend but in Joe Hart they came across a goalkeeper who was simply unbeatable. The England ace produced an array of top-draw saves to snuff out the goal threat of Spurs’ Jermain Defoe and others and it was just so fitting he scooped the Man of the Match accolade. But he’ll be hoping for a much quieter evening on Monday and his team are best priced 7/5 with William Hill to claim a home win. Roberto Mancini looks set to go all out attack in this one after seemingly adopting a defensive approach at White Hart Lane last time and big hitters Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor could get off the mark for the season. The Citizens really need to win this one to steal a march on their Merseyside rivals and deliver a statement of intent to their fans early in the season.

Eager to put last campaigns disappointment, Liverpool were minutes away from starting this season on the correct footing against Arsenal last Sunday. A rare Pepe Reina fumble in the dying stages meant it was a case of two points dropped rather than one gained for the Kop who had Joe Cole sent off earlier in the game. However, Hodgson would have been pleased with the desire and commitment of his team, who took the lead with 10 men and this buoyancy, can be carried over against star-studded City. David N’gog reminded his new manager of his capabilities by scoring the opener that day, but perhaps more pleasing on Merseyside was the brief substitute appearance of Fernando Torres in Europe in midweek. The Spaniard on course to return from injury, looked sharp and lively in the twenty minutes field time he got against Turkish side Trabzonspor at Anfield. Odds around the 9/4 (SkyBet) mark are being bandied about for a Liverpool away win at Man City, which seems generous considering Liverpool are unbeaten at Eastlands in the last five years, recording two wins and three draws.

Our old friend the draw on paper looks the most likely outcome at 9/4 (Bet365), a goalless draw has been played out in three of the last four meetings between the pair at Eastlands so this might be worth considering at 8/1 with Ladbrokes. Although, such is the attacking prowess it might be wise to expect goals at both ends, and both teams to score seems reasonable at EVENS (William Hill). Both teams looked vulnerable in defence in midweek despite not conceding against Timosoara and Trabzonspor respectively. As ever with Manchester City, it’s difficult to predict the first goalscorer as there are so many different avenues to look down. As expected Carlos Tevez and Adebayor head the market at around 6/1 (general).The longshot wager could rest with Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt though, he’s scored at Eastlands before in a 3-2 victory in 2008 and at 14/1 with Victor Chandler he seems overpriced to grab the first.

This game has all the credentials to be a tight-knit affair but goals should come at both ends, although the 7/5 for a City win must not be overlooked and they can register their first win in front of their own fans. Don’t expect it to be easy pickings as it could take time for Mancini’s men to get in behind a stubborn Reds backline. The half time market for this reason must be explored, and the 13/8 (William Hill) for a goalless first forty-five could be nailed on.

Recommended bets: Goal less first half at 13/8 with William Hill – click for free bet

Man City to win at best odds 7/5 with Bet 365 – New customers get £200 free.

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By Mikey Mumford

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Premier League betting – Spurs vs Man City odds

Spurs vs Man City betting preview

At last. At long, long last the new Premier League season is back. After our dismal showing in South Africa this summer, the domestic campaign couldn’t come soon enough for England’s under performers. And potentially, seven of those who made Fabio Capello’s 23 man squad could be involved in Saturday’s big kick-off when Tottenham entertain Manchester City.

Sixty million pounds and Champions League football was the prize the last time these two clubs met in May. It took a Peter Crouch header that day to condemn those ambitious billionaire sugardaddies across at Eastlands to a Europa League spot. Instead, Harry Redknapp’s North Londoners would get a crack at the Champions League and their first foray into Europe’s top-flight competition. And City’s response, well it was simply to reinvest more cash into their already star studded line up, but will Mancini’s new recruits gel in time for the White Hart Lane showdown? Despite the arrivals of David Silva, Yaya Toure, Jerome Boateng and Aleksander Kolarov, it is Spurs who head the betting to win Saturday’s lunchtime clash at 7/5 (Bet365). City are available with most firms at 2/1 to avenge last season’s disappointment while the draw is currently trading at 12/5 with Stan James.

At the time of writing, Man City’s summer spending spree has shown no sign of slowing with the possible arrivals of James Milner and Mario Balotelli set to eclipse the £100 million mark. Expectations in the blue half of Manchester as you would expect have reached another level and focus is solely on winning the Premier League. When they travel to Spurs on Saturday, Mancini knows a winning start is high on the list if they are to amount a serious title challenge. But the form book suggests City will struggle against ‘Arry’s men having lost 11 of their previous 12 meetings and were comprehensively beaten 3-0 in the corresponding fixture last term. White Hart Lane has not been a happy stomping ground but is that all about to change? Mancini must first select his 25-man squad for the new campaign and there could be some big name absentees such is the abundance of quality at his disposal. However, it is more than likely Yaya Toure and David Silva will make their debuts and Bet365 go 10/1 the latter scores the opener and follow up his World Cup winning summer.

There is much to be admired about the way Harry Redknapp has steered Tottenham from one-time relegation candidates 18 months ago to genuine title contenders this year. Although, the possibility of them topping the PL seems unlikely they should be thereabouts in the final shake-up. Their fourth place finish last term has left a lot to be desired and it will be interesting to see how the North Londoners are tested by playing three times a week due to their European involvements. Big squads are a must during busy fixture schedules but the quality must be there and some Spurs fans may have been a little disheartened to see only Sandro join the club this summer. But Harry is a good judge of character and he must feel fairly confident of tackling the new season with his current crop of players. But can they improve on last years finish?

Their home form was key to this success and justifies the 7/5 favouritism which seems value considering they can continue from where they left off last term. They completed the double over their Manchester rivals during the campaign without conceding a goal, Paddy Power offers 10/3 they win to nil again. However, the last six meetings at White Hart Lane have ended as over 2.5 goals and with the attacking prowess on display we could see goals at both ends. Bet365 are the stand out firm offering 21/20 on this market and this seems worth a punt. Another bet which appeals somewhat is the draw a half time which his being bandied about at even money. Both teams might need a little time to find their feet in their first competitive game for some time and the deadlock might not be broken until the second half.

Selecting the first goalscorer in this one has never been trickier with so many potential avenues it could come from. Excluding the obvious of Jermain Defoe (6/1 SkyBet) and Carlos Tevez ( 13/2 Victor Chandler) from calculations, the longshot wager could be Gareth Bale who seems overpriced at 14/1 across the board after finding the net with some frequency towards the back end of last season.

So will Manchester City’s new look squad prove their worth or will Tottenham throw a spanner in the works and give their neighbours food for thought? One thing is for certain and that this is a fantastic opener to the new Premier League season, but the value seems to rest with Spurs who can start the season off in a positive manner and with you a PROFIT!

Recommended bets:

Over 2.5 golas at best odds 21/10 with Bet 365. Visit Bet 365 and get £200 in free bets

Gareth Bale to score first at best odds 14/1 with Skybet. Visit Skybet and get a £10 free bet.

By Mikey Mumford

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