England U-21’s vs Czech Rep U-21’s betting

England Under 21’s vs Czech Rep Under 21’s odds

England under 21’s

It is do or die for England’s young boys in Denmark, after their 0-0 draw with Ukraine they need to win against the Czechs to stand any chance whatsoever of progressing in the tournament. Defensive tactics have been mainly blamed for the failure to utilize the talent on offer and even with Stuart Pearce changing to a more offensive 4-3-3 there was little improvement. Danny Rose played as a left back for Spurs in the last few games of the season and was our left sided winger, Jack Rodwell is a defensive midfielder and Michael Mancienne is a centre back not a midfielder, so the lack of goals is hardly surprising. Daniel Sturridge had the best chance to give England the lead and must perform against the Czechs if England are to have any luck, the odds of him scoring a brace are tempting at 10.0 on PaddyPower.

England’s young boys need to pull out all the stops and go for broke in this make or break game, it has been suggested that the introduction of Scott Sinclair and Henri Lansbury could provide some creativity and feed Danny Welbeck who looked isolated up top on his own. Sinclair is tipped at 11.0 to score the final goal in the game on BoyleSports so could be a good bet for the game. England will be pulling out all the stops though, so if you expect them to improve and start scoring like they were tipped too why not bet on their being over 3.5 goals in the game at odds of 1.3 on Betfair.

Czech Republic U21’s

The Czechs played well in their fixture against the Spanish, but the quality at Spain’s disposal was extremely apparent as they passed the ball around them as if they weren’t there, enjoying more than 60% of the ball possession. The Czechs can look back at their first game win with confidence then, Borek Dockal provided the killer edge in their game against the Ukrainian U21’s so maybe he can be relied on to push the Czech youngsters into the second round. He has odds of 6.5 on William Hill to score at any time in the fixture.

Ex-Liverpool youngster Tomas Pekhart is a dangerous threat for the Czechs as well and is an almost definite starter, so with odds of 11.0 to score first could be a really clever bet. The Czech’s need only draw this match to go through though so they could play for a bore draw so why not bet on their being no goals in the entire game if you can see both defences being too much for each other when they meet in Denmark have a bet on 0-0 10.0 on Victor Chandler.

Highlighted Bets:

To Score a Brace Daniel Sturridge PaddyPower 10.0
Last Goalscorer Scot Sinclair BoyleSports 11.0
Over 3.5 goals Betfair 1.3
Anytime Goalscorer Borek Dockal William Hill 6.5
First Goalscorer Toms Pekhart 11.0
Correct Score 0-0 Victor Chandler 10.0

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Next Chelsea Manager betting odds

Chelsea Manager betting

Carlo Ancelotti was relieved of his duties on Sunday night after a trophyless season at Stamford Bridge. Roman Abramovich pulled the plug on the Italian’s reign and the Blues have now gone through 4 managers in 3 years. It’s clear that Chelsea need to go through a period of transition, with an ageing squad and some promising youngsters, a few additions in the right areas and they could be challenging for honours again next season. Who will be the man to oversee the changes then? Well Ancelotti was chosen as he had previous experience of winning the Champions League with Milan, the one trophy that eluded the club under their most successful spell with Mourinho, so Abramovich could go for the same strategy. The early favourite though seems to be the former Holland and Ajax manager Marco Van Basten, who is priced as 4.0 with Stan James. The Dutchman looks the most likely to take charge after already admitting he would be tempted by the opportunity.

However, there are other names being suggested, including Guus Hiddink, who had a successful spell as manager of Chelsea in 2009. The current manager of Turkey is also fairly short odds and looks as though he could well be in the running. The best price on Guus Hiddink is available from Skybet with odds of 5.0 available. Another name in the running is Andre Villas-Boas, the young manager in charge of Porto, who learnt his trade working under Jose Mourinho. Villas-Boas is the youngster manager ever to win a European competition, he also won an incredible treble at Porto this season, setting a number of records on the way.  With all this in mind, Andre Villas-Boas is looking a good outside bet at 6.0 with Victor Chandler.

Some Highlighted bets

Marco Van Basten – 4.0 Stan James
Guus Hiddink – 5.0 Skybet
Andre Villas-Boas – 6.0 Victor Chandler
Rafa Benitez – 34.0 Stan James

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Swansea vs Reading Playoff betting

Championship play off final betting preview

Swansea

Swansea are reaping the rewards of their transfers this season as Scott Sinclair and Fabio Borini have performed so well this season with the former Chelsea man leading the clubs scoring charts with 24 goals. Sinclair isn’t the only threat though, with lethal marksman Borini on loan from managerless Chelsea and Darren Pratley who can score on their day also lining up. Swansea’s array of forward going talent though is complemented by their exceptional back five. Key man Angel Rangel will need to be in form at Wembley on Monday if he is to neutralize Reading’s quick wingers.

Swansea’s first play-off leg ended in the same result as Reading’s with a bore draw of 0-0 so with both teams maybe going for defensive stability over goals, goals, goals why not bet on it being 0-0 after 90 minutes at odds of 10.0 with StanJames.

Reading

Reading went into the play offs as the form team in the league but will to Wembley as the underdogs against a Swansea team who have performed so well this season. Shane Long has scored a fantastic 25 goals in all competitions so far this season and will be the favourite to score for the Royals in the final at Wembley, he may have gone 10 games with only 1 goal at the start of the season but since then the Irishman who cost a bargain 30,000 euros has been on stunning form. Over 60% of his goals have come in the first half of games so why not have a bet on him flying out of the traps again at odds of 7.0 on Victor Chandler.

The Royals play off campaign began in a bore draw at home against Cardiff which epitomized their defensive stability over the past season, and along with Swansea they have conceded the least goals in the league apart from winners Q.P.R so why not bet on their being less than 2.5 goals at odds of 1.67 with Victor Chandler.

Highlighted Bets

Correct score after 90 minutes 0-0 10.0 StanJames
First Goalscorer Shane Long 7.0 Victor Chandler
Under 2.5 goals 1.67 Victor Chandler

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Next Aston Villa Manager betting odds

Aston Villa Manager betting

Gerard Houllier left his position at Villa on Wednesday night due to concerns for his health. The Frenchman had only been in charge of Villa since the start of the season, but assistant manager Gary McAllister had to take charge of the final few games after Houllier was admitted to hospital with chest pains. The 63-year-old former Liverpool boss had previously had open heart surgery back in 2001 and so is taking time out of football to fully recover.

The hot early favourite to replace Houllier is Fulham boss Mark Hughes. Hughes is best priced at 2.25 with Coral to take the job after negotiating Fulham to Europa League qualification and a very good 8th place finish. Villa may look for some stability after a below par season but there are plenty of big names being thrown around. Carlo Ancelotti is one of those names, and a good shout at 8.0 with William Hill. The Italian has already expressed a desire to work again in England but it remains to be seen if he would be willing to move away from London.  Steve McClaren is the second favourite behind Hughes and looks a good price at 5.0 with Bet 365. The former England boss has been out of work since being sacked by Wolfsburg last year, but the 50-year-old did have a successful spell as manager of FC Twente , and could well be in the frame as no compensation would have to be paid.

Some Highlighted bets

Mark Hughes – 2.25 Coral
Steve McClaren – 5.0 Bet 365
Carlo Ancelotti – 7.0 Stan James
Roberto Martinez – 13.0 Paddy Power
David Moyes – 19.0 Paddy Power
Rafa Benitez – 21.0 Stan James

Free £25 bet from William Hill

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Premier League betting – West Ham vs Arsenal

West Ham vs Arsenal betting preview

West Ham     Form: DDWLDW     Position: 20th

West Ham sit bottom of the Premier League table at the start of the New Year with manager Avram Grant coming under pressure, despite a midweek win over Birmingham in the Carling Cup Semi Final. If the Hammers are going to save themselves from relegation, they will have to start winning at home. As they have the third worst home record in the league, with only 3 wins from 11 games. While West Ham may try and take advantage of an Arsenal team who may be low on confidence after losing 1-0 away at Ipswich in midweek. Midfielder Scott Parker is a big player for the Hammers and after netting 4 league goals this season and the England international is a great bet at 20/1 with Skybet to get the last goal. Striker Victor Obinna will miss the game after being sent off in midweek but left back Wayne Bridge could make his debut after joining on loan from Manchester City.

Arsenal     Form: WLWDWD     Position: 3rd

Arsenal will be looking to put two disappointing cup results behind them and get back to winning ways against West Ham on Saturday and keep themselves in the title race. Although the Gunners have the second best strike force in the league, their defending has still left something to be desired after conceding in their previous two games against lower league opposition. Samir Nasri should be recalled to the side for the short trip to West Ham after being rested. With the French midfielder a great bet at 5/1 with Paddy Power to open the scoring. Striker Robin Van Persie could also return, however Bakary Sagna will serve the last of his 3 game ban. As Arsenal are firm favourites after winning the corresponding tie 1-0 earlier in the season, and best priced at 8/13 with Stan James.

Match Prediction Arsenal WIN best priced at 8/13 with Stan James

The Gunners should get the win over West Ham and erase the bad memories of the midweek loss. Although with Arsene Wenger’s men firm favourites a 2-1 correct score is offering a far better return with odds of 15/2 from Coral and Skybet. Although Andrey Arshavin has not been performing particularly well in recent weeks the forward has 9 league assists to his name, and Coral are offering odds of 3/1 for the Russian to assist any goal.

Highlighted Bets

Arsenal to win 2-1 – 15/2 Skybet
Scott Parker to score last goal – 20/1 Skybet
Arshavin to assist any goal – 3/1 Coral

By Sam Markham

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Next West Ham Manager betting odds

West Ham Manager betting

West Ham were the first team to be relegated this season,  with just two games left to go they had to win at Wigan last Sunday to have any chance of staying up. But after a 3-2 defeat they will now be playing Championship football next season. The two David’s Sullivan and Gold, didn’t waste any time either. Less than an hour after the final whistle and Avram Grant had been relieved of his duties at Upton Park. So who’s in the running to take the managerial hotseat next season, as the Hammers look to bounce back at the first attempt?

Steve Mclaren has already ruled himself out of the running after being placed as an early favourite, but there is still plenty of value to be had in the market. Chris Hughton, the current favourite with the bookies and best priced at 3.23 with Betfair, could well be a good bet after he guided Newcastle to the Championship title in 2010. Sam Allerdyce though, is looking good at 13.0 from Victor Chandler, as Allardyce has plenty of experience and that’s exactly what the Hammers board have said they will be looking for. Sticking with experience and Martin O’Neill is another name being mentioned and could well be worth a bet at 13.0 with Skybet. The popular manager has been out of work since leaving Aston Villa in August last year, and would be a good appointment as the Hammer board look to get back on the good side of the fans.

Some Highlighted bets

Chris Hughton – 3.0 Bet 365
Sam Allardyce – 13.0 Victor Chandler
Martin O’Neill – 13.0 Skybet
Billy Davies – 21.0 Bet365
Paolo Di Canio – 34.0 Skybet

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Premier League betting – West Brom vs Man Utd

West Brom vs Man Utd betting preview

West Brom     Form: LWWLLL     Position: 14th

West Bromwich Albion’s good start back to life in the Premier League has been halted somewhat over the last few weeks after suffering three straight defeats. Although they have the perfect motivation in the shape of Manchester United side struggling for form away from home, on New Year’s day to end that run. Peter Odemwingie has been a great addition for Roberto Di Matteo this season after scoring 6 goals in the league, and Paddy Power are offering great odds of 9/1 for the striker to score the last goal. Although Albion will have to look at their defensive problems which have seen them concede 7 goals in the last three games if they are to get anything against the league leaders. Defender Jonas Olsson is set to miss out through injury while Gabriel Tamas is suspended after being sent off on Tuesday.

Man Utd     Form: DWWWWWD     Position: 1st

Manchester United are going into the New Year top of the league table with games in hand and still remaining unbeaten. All despite a very average away record which has seen Sir Alex’s side winning just one and drawing 7. Never the less the Red Devils go into the lunchtime kick off firm favourites and best priced at 4/7 with Stan James to get the victory. Although Wayne Rooney has struggled to find the net since his return to the first team, Dimitar Berbatov has started to show his class this season with 14 goals from 15 matches. With the Bulgarian showing good odds of 6/1 with totesport to score 2 or more goals against a leaky West Brom defence. Man Utd will still be without John O’Shea, Park Ji Sung, Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves for their trip to the Midlands.

Match Prediction Man Utd WIN Best priced at 4/7 with Stan James

Manchester United should take all three points on New Year’s Day and improve their away form against a West Brom side struggling after losing their last three games. A 3-1 Manchester United win is showing very good odds of 13/1 with Unibet, as the attacking nature of West Brom’s play could see them exposed at the back against the league’s top goal scorers. Although odds of 6/1 are being offered by SkyBet for West Brom to end Man Utd’s unbeaten run.

Highlighted Bets

D Berbatov to score 2 or more – 6/1 totesport
3-1 Man Utd WIN – 11/1 Bet 365
P Odemwingie to score last goal – 9/1 Paddy Power

By Sam Markham

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Premier League betting – Spurs vs Man Utd

Tottenham Hotspurs v Manchester United betting preview

Tottenham Hotspurs: League Position: 4th, League Form: DWWWL

Tottenham are in the title race. Their improvement, and the lack of progress of former untouchables Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, has thrust them into the top four comfortably, and a danger to every side in the league.

They’ve drawn with Chelsea and Manchester City at home, both in games they deserved to win, and beat Arsenal away from home. The one blotch on their big game copybook is an away loss at Old Trafford, but the current league leaders are struggling away from home.

The game will be as tight as big games usually are, but Tottenham fans will tell you that attack is always their priority. With echoes of Keegan’s Newcastle side of old, the attitude is outscoring the opposition, not grinding out results.  

It’s 20 games since their last 0-0, and with only one loss at home this season (a surprise defeat to Wigan) they come into this game confident of not only goals, but victory.

Manchester United: League Position: 1st, League Form: WWDWW

Unbeaten Manchester United have come into the new year top of the league and with games in hand on their closest rivals. They’ve passed the big tests so far, wins at home against Arsenal and this weekend’s opposition Tottenham, as well as a draw away at local rivals City.

Interestingly, the league leaders continue to be criticised for the lack of panache in the play that has got them to the top of the table. Yet they’ve played a game less than the renowned offensive Tottenham and scored 12 more goals.

The worry for United fans is their away form, where they have still yet to lose, but drawn seven of nine games. However, not many sides attack them. Avoiding defeat here will be a good result for Ferguson’s side, most likely leaving them top still after the weekend’s round of games, and still with games in hand.

Match Prediction: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN – 2.63 BetFred – Free £50 bet

Manchester United have been seen as weak away from home this year, and Tottenham will fancy themselves to have a go here. It has not been the Tottenham way to sit back so far this season, which will be something different for United on their travels. A chance to counter attack will play into United’s hands, and this game could find more comfort for the attacking players of the Reds.

There will be battles all over the pitch, many which the league leaders won in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. Aside from Nani’s controversial late goal, making it 2-0 to United, Tottenham were outplayed. Rafael proved good enough to block Bale and Van Der Vaart was quiet with Fletcher and Carrick in the area he operates.

The big threat could be boo-target Berbatov, with the ex-Tottenham striker top scorer in the league with 15 goals. Where Rooney has failed in front of goal this season Berbatov has not, and he’s been ably supported by Nani and Mexican starlet Hernandez.

Surprisingly, Spurs have had more games with less than 3 goals than more (48% over 2.5 goals), whereas United have 63% over 2.5 goals.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 2.03 Bet365
First Goalscorer: Dimitar Berbatov – 6.5 SkyBet
Correct Score: 2-1 Manchester United Win – 10.00 SkyBet

Match Odds:-

Tottenham Hotspurs – 3.00 Victor Chandler
Draw – 3.4 – Victor Chandler
Manchester United – 2.63 BetFred

By Chris Wilkerson

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Premier League betting – Spurs vs Chelsea

Spurs vs Chelsea betting preview

Tottenham League Position: 5th League Form: DWWWD

Tottenham’s midweek display against FC Twente definitely showed us one thing; Jermaine Defoe is back, doping what he does best for the Yid army. Scoring goals. The obvious bet in this game then with Chelsea struggling defensively will be for the English International striker to score, Jermaine Defoe is priced at 6/1 with Bet365, and at 2/1 on Coral to score anytime.

Defensively Tottenham are a mixed bag, they do ship goals away from home but are luckier at the Lane. A surprise inclusion in the last two fixtures has been Michael Dawson sitting on the bench, the return of Dawson after such a lengthy absence will be something Redknapp doesn’t want to rush however he may be tempted to pick him for such a big fixture. Rafael Van De Vaart, Tom Huddlestone, Niko Kranjcar, Ledley King and Jonathon Woodgate are all defainetly missing for the fixture however Alan Hutton, Luka Modric and Younes Kaboul should be re-instated.

Chelsea League Position: 3rd League Form: WLLDD

Chelsea are not enjoying the best of form lately, well that may be an understatement. A loss this weekend really could seal the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure as Chelsea gaffer, with their last league triumph coming over a month ago at home to Fulham. John Terry’s return is making the blues look a lot more stable at the back however it still isn’t doing the trick.

The attacking trio of Florent Malouda, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka seem to have lost the potency they had at the beginning of the season that gave Chelsea their invincibility, scoring only 3 goals in their last 6 league fixtures. Goals could normally be relied on through midfield dynamo Frank Lampard; however his absence is set to continue into the New Year meaning that the preferred midfield trio of Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Lampard cannot be played.

If the midweek displays in Europe are anything to go by, a Tottenham win should be on the cards and with odds of 19/10 on BoyleSports and Chelsea in such poor form it could be a shrewd investment. One thin g is certain though, both teams suffering at the back means that there will be goals in this game. The odds of there being over 3 goals in the game are a handsome 9/4 on Bet365 and can’t be sniffed at

Highlighted Bets:

Jermaine Defoe First Goalscorer 6/1 Bet 365

Jermaine Defoe Anytime Goalscorer 2/1 Coral

Tottenham Win 9/5 Bet Fred

Over 3 Total Goals 9/4 Bet365

By John Fernandez

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Premier League betting – Sunderland v Liverpool

Sunderland v Liverpool betting odds, tips & free bets

Sunderland and Liverpool go head to head on Sunday in a repeat of the famous beach ball incident last season. The two sides have had contrasting fortunes so far this season with Sunderland starting well and starting to slip over recent weeks while Liverpool started poorly and have picked up well under Kenny Dalglish in the second half of the season. As far as form goes across the season, Liverpool have won only 3 of their 14 away games while Sunderland have also struggled at home winning just 6 of their 14.

Sunderland

Sunderland have been in poor form recently after winning just one of their last 6 league games and have conceded 12 goals in the process. After looking likely to qualify for the Europa League the Black Cats have now slipped down to 8th in the Premier League. Injuries have not been kind to them though with 6 first team players currently out of action. But Steve Bruce will take heart from a solid 0-0 draw gained away at Arsenal last weekend. Despite losing Darren Bent to Aston Villa in January, Sunderland still have some good firepower up front in Asamoah Gyan who has scored 9 league goals this season. The Ghanaian is then a good bet at 7.5 with Skybet to open the scoring. Even though Sunderland have struggled in recent weeks they are still favourites and best priced at 2.7 to get the win and 4.33 to win by 1 goal, both with Stan James.

Liverpool

Liverpool suffered a real blow in the week when they went out to Braga in the Europa league after a 1-0 aggregate defeat. They are still going strong in the league though after winning 4 of their last 6 and losing just one. Liverpool will also have Luis Suarez back available for the weekend clash and could partner Andy Carroll up front for the first time since the two were signed in January. Dalglish will be hoping that Suarez can replicate some of the form that saw him terrorise Man United last time out and the Uruguayan is looking good at 15.0 with Paddy Power to score 2 or more goals. Although priced as underdogs The Reds will fancy their chances against a Sunderland side suffering from injuries and so a correct score of 2-0 Liverpool is definitely worth a look at 14.0 with Unibet.

Highlighted Bets

Asamoah Gyan first goal scorer – 7.5 Skybet
Sunderland WIN – 2.7 Stan James
Sunderland to win by 1 goal – 4.33 Stan James
Luis Suarez to score 2+ – 15.0 Paddy Power
2-0 Liverpool WIN – 14.0 Unibet
A Carroll and A Gyan to both score – 8.5 Paddy Power

By Sam Markham

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