Swansea v Man United betting

Swansea take on Man United on Saturday evening as the Premier League returns from the two week international break. The Swans have had a formidable home record this season, but it will be tested to the max when the defending champions visit the Liberty.

Swansea vs Man Utd odds

Swansea

Swansea have made a great start to life in the Premier League and they currently sit 10^th in the league with 13 points from their first 11 games. Their brand of passing football has also won them many plaudits, but at home they have been ruthless and are currently undefeated. They have also only conceded 1 goal at home, and although they are big outsiders, odds of 8.0 from Stan James are definitely worth looking at. Goals scored is the only area Brendan Rodgers men have been lacking this season, with just 12 so far this season. They don’t concede many either though, with 5 clean sheets to their name. This means betting on under 1.5 goals with odds of 4.0 from Bet365 is something that should definitely be considered. Danny Graham has 4 goals in the league this season and the former Watford man is looking a good choice at 10.0 with Skybet to open the scoring.

Man United

Man United have won 4 games in a row since their embarrassing 6-1 home defeat to Man City in October, and Alex Ferguson will be looking to extend that this weekend. Although they didn’t play particularly well last time out against Sunderland, they still managed to get the 3 points and are firm favourites to do so this Saturday. Swansea’s philosophy has been too much for even Liverpool this season and could well prove difficult for Man United. A 1-0 away win is looking good value then, with odds of 8.0 available from Ladbrokes. The Red Devils have plenty of firepower, but it looks like Danny Welbeck could miss out through injury. Javier Hernandez has a habit of being in the right place at the right time and could be the difference between the sides. Betting on the striker to score at any time during the match then, with odds of 2.2 available from Bet365, is looking like a sensible option.

Highlighted Bets

Swansea WIN – 8.0 Stan James

Danny Graham first goal scorer – 10.0 Skybet

Under 1.5 goals – 4.0 Bet365

1-0  away WIN – 8.0 Ladbrokes

Javier Hernandez anytime scorer – 2.2 Bet365

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By Sam Markham

Betfair Chase betting preview

The first Grade One event of the British national hunt season arrives at Haydock Park this Saturday where all eyes will be on Kauto Star as he bids for a fourth victory in the Betfair Chase, writes Mikey Mumford. The 11-year-old looked slightly past his best last year but still ran with credit in the Gold Cup behind another runner in the field – Long Run. Nicky Henderson’s King George and Gold Cup winner looks as if he will take all the beating in the race over 3 miles. New customers to Sky Bet get a completely free £10 bet on this race – no deposit required!

Betfair Chase odds

Diamond Harry Declared a non-runner for the Charlie Hall Chase but won the Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase on his last outing and has amassed 10 wins out of his 13 career runs. Goes on a contrasting grounds and will have no problem with the trip but slight worry is lack of a recent run and trainer not in the best of form of late; contender nevertheless.

Kauto Star All conquering horse who has showed signs of the years catching up with him last season. Reportedly never travelling at Punchestown in May when pulled up and well beaten by Long Run in two runs prior to that. Definitely vulnerable to an improver but has the ability and no surprise to see him make a fist of things and be thereabouts at the finish.

Long Run Impressive King George and Gold Cup winner and there should be more to come from him. Done most of his winning on good to soft ground but should take all the beating if transferring same form from last year and has the beating of a lot of these rivals; leading candidate.

Nacarat Likes to make the running but weakened quite badly in the Charlie Hall and soon headed the time before at Punchestown. Has the ability to make all but was a well beaten fourth in this same race last year and has work to do in light of recent form. Distance no problem but more place claims than win purposes.

Pure Faith Sterling effort in defeat at Aintree where he pushed Albertas Run al lthe way but this is another step up in class. He has been competing in Grade 2 events and yet to convince he can cut it at this level; probably best watched.

Rubi Light Soft ground many have caught him out at Gowran Park latest and done most of his winning on heavy ground. That would be a worry and the fact he has yet to race beyond 2m5f is another reason to take him on.

Time For Rupert Everything looked in place for a big run at the festival but a distant fifth failed to support the form he had shown on paper. He lines up against Weird Al again who beat him pretty comfortably in the Charlie Hall in receipt of three pounds so looks a little up against it. Claims though if putting best foot forward.

Weird Al Good winner at Wetherby last time but has been returned quickly before to produce another winning display. This represents another step up in class but he couldn’t be in better shape and a repeat of his last run should put him in the mixer.

A fascinating renewal and while it would be fitting for Kauto Star to strike again in this race, LONG RUN can prove too much for him again. Nicky Henderson’s runner has firmly established himself as the leading chaser and he may be difficult to stop in this vain of form. Weird Al can run well again with a reproduction of his latest effort. [Mikey Mumford]

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Norwich vs Arsenal

Norwich City v Arsenal betting

Saturday’s lunch time kick off comes at Carrow Road where Norwich take on a resurgent Arsenal side. Norwich have made a tremendous start to their Premier League campaign and sit pretty in 9^th. Arsenal have put themselves a winning run together with four league wins in a row. Can they continue their revival or will Norwich prove to be another stumbling block for Arsene Wenger’s side?

Norwich City – League Form: LWDDL

Norwich’s home form has been impressive in the Premier League this season. In their five home games they have won two, drawn two and lost one. They are also not afraid to find the net at home with 9 goals being scored for the Canaries at Carrow Road.

Anthony Pilkington has proven to be a great signing by Paul Lambert. He has scored four goals from midfield this season and the best odds for him to score anytime at the weekend are 4/1 with Bet 365.

Norwich’s defence has been poor having not keeping a clean sheet this season. With Arsenal visiting, they will have to give their best defensive display of the season, and hope that they can continue scoring goals.

Arsenal – League Form: LWWWW

Defeats earlier in the season away at Man United, Blackburn and Tottenham were made a little better thanks to their 5-3 victory against Chelsea in their last away game. Robin Van Persie has been inspirational in getting Arsenal victories with 11 goals in the Premier League so far this season. The best odds for him being first goal scorer come at 4/1 (totesport).

Arsenal have only lead in the first half in three of their Premier League games this season. The best odds for a draw at half time and for an Arsenal victory in the second half are 10/3 (William Hill).

Match Prediction: Arsenal to win – 7/10 (Paddy Power)

Arsenal come back from the international break on great form and will be hoping to keep their hopes for a top four position alive when they travel to Carrow Road.

With Robin Van Persie in great form, and having kept a clean sheet in their last league outing, Arsenal will be confident of victory against Norwich.

Both teams can score, but both teams also concede, so there is likely to be goals at both ends in this match.

Selected Odds

Arsenal to win 3-1: 12/1 Betfred

Both teams to score:  4/6 Coral

Article by Nick Whittaker

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England vs Sweden Preview

England: Form: DWWDW

No Rooney, No Terry, No Ferdinand and No Gerrard. Yet, there was also no problem for England as they beat world champions Spain. Well, they may have been relatively outplayed, but the style and class of the Spaniards will make that true in 99% of their games, and England defended fantastically, drilled like an Italian side.

Manager Fabio Capello has lost only six games in his tenure, four of those in friendlies. Those defeats have been against Spain, France (x2) and Brazil, not a bad list. Defeat against a fantastic Germany in the 2010 World Cup and in Ukraine in qualifying for that tournament, following an early red card, shows England are not easily beaten.

With players missing and on the back of victory over Spain it is expected Capello will experiment a little. The likes of Kyle Walker, Jack Rodwell and Daniel Sturridge are set for their first international starts, whilst Bobby Zamora could also find himself with another chance to impress Capello after numerous injuries.

Sweden: Form: LWWWL

Sweden, like this week’s opponents, have qualified for Euro 2012, although they were best second placed team rather than a group winner. They finished only three points behind World Cup 2010 finalists Holland, and beat them in the last game to end the Dutch 17-win streak in qualification games.

However, they have shown their weakness this weekend, being easily beaten by close rivals Denmark. Their recent form also shows an away loss to Hungary, not exactly a shining reference of their ability.

Stars include Mr. Self Belief aka Zlatan Ibrahimovic will captain the side, their player of most class. He will likely be joined in attack by ex-Bolton man Johan Elmander, with Sunderland’s Seb Larsson and Lyon’s Kim Kallstrom pulling strings in midfield. Experienced ex-Premiership players Anders Svensson and Olof Mellberg are also in the squad.

Match Prediction: England Win – 1.75 Stan James

England can come away from beating Spain on a high. Realistically they were not the better side, but neither were they carved open by the World and European Champions, whilst making the odd chance themselves. A wave of optimism and confidence can carry the squad into this game. Joined by youngsters and relatively inexperienced player in that squad, this England side is full of happy, hungry players.

The players in England’s squad are still of a quality most teams would be desperate for, despite the injuries to big names. Youngsters Sturridge, Welbeck, Jones, Rodwell and Walker all look capable of making an impact at this level.

Sturridge is definitely one to watch. Since his loan spell at Bolton last season the young striker has stepped up to every challenge offered to him, and must look at the Wayne Rooney sized whole with anticipation.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Under 2.5 Goals – 1.84 188Bet
First Goalscorer: Daniel Sturridge – 9.00 Ladbrokes
Correct Score: England Win 2-0 – 10 Ladbrokes

Article by Chris Wilkerson

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England vs Spain Betting Preview

England take on Spain at Wembley on Saturday evening, but most of the pre match talk has been about whether England will be allowed to wear poppies. The home side will be looking to beat Spain for the first time since 2001, but they will be without Wayne Rooney, who was left out because of his Euro 2012 suspension.

England vs Spain match odds

England

It’s unusual that England go into a home match clear outsiders, but this time they are, and they’re best priced at 4.5 with Bet365. The obvious absence of Wayne Rooney will massively affect England’s chances, and John Terry could be another absence. It will though, give England’s younger players such as Daniel Sturridge and Jack Rodwell, a chance to prove themselves ahead of Euro 2012. Darren Bent looks like he could start up front, and he is looking like a good bet at 10.0 with Ladbrokes to open the scoring on the night. It’s difficult to know what type of team Spain will put out, but England’s games recently have provided plenty of goals. Therefore betting on over 2.5 goals with odds of 2.1 from Paddy Power looks good, especially as England have scored 2 or more goals in 3 of their last 4 games.

Spain

The current world and European champions come to England looking to keep up their good form before attempting to defend their European title next summer. Spain won all 8 of their qualifying games in group I and only conceded 6 goals. It’s no surprise then that they are firm favourites after being able to name a near full strength squad, but there is no real value in a Spain win. Instead, betting on a 3-1 away win is looking better value with odds of 17.0 available from Stan James. Again, it remains to be seen what team Spain will play, but they have an abundance of talent no matter who plays. David Villa has scored 8 goals in qualifying for Spain, and so the Barcelona front man is looking like a good bet to score at any time during the match with odds of 2.38 available from Skybet.

Highlighted Bets

Darren Bent first goal scorer – 10.0 Ladbrokes
England WIN – 4.5 Bet365
Over 2.5 goals – 2.1 Paddy Power
Spain 3-1 WIN – 17.0 Stan James
David Villa anytime scorer – 2.38 Skybet

Paddy Power Gold Cup betting and odds

The jumps season firmly announces its arrival on Saturday with the Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase at Cheltenham, writes Mikey Mumford. Little Josh grabbed the headlines for Nigel Twiston-Davies and son Sam twelve months ago, and they team up with course and distance winner Billie Magern this time. Mon Parrain is the clear market leader for Paul Nicholls after his second to Always Waining at Aintree in March but there are plenty in with chances in this early-season clash. So far, 21 runners will contest the Grade 3 event over 2m4f and fifteen fences will have to be successfully negotiated.

Paddy Power Gold Cup form & tips

Poquelin Previous course and distance winner who was a little stretched by 3m in the Charlie Hall Chase a fortnight ago. Will appreciate the drop back in trip although he will find it difficult carrying top weight and may struggle to get competitive.

Wishfull Thinking Never out of the first two in his last six runs and scored in four of those. Prefers a little bit of cut in the ground but rates a main danger on the back of his Punchestown win in May over a little further; one of the leading contenders.

Mon Parrain Won on his first start on British soil at Sandown and found only one too good next time at Aintree giving over a stone to the eventual winner. Has won over 3m therefore has no problems with the trip and likely to get his good ground so everything looks in place for a bold bid.

Great Endeavour Sixth in this last season when well fancied and posted a good effort next time beaten only by Poquelin. Remained competitive at Aintree on his last run but is probably vulnerable to an improver in this sphere. No reason why he shouldn’t give his usual sound running but place claims at best.

Araldur Largely consistent performer who is often thereabouts and made the step up into better company with a good second in a listed event at Wetherby last month. Recent run will hopefully sharpen him up and probably more to come from him this season.

Quantativeeasing Defied previous poor marks when good second to the useful Divers at the Cheltenham Festival and had some very good yardsticks in behind. But got it all wrong next time at Fairyhouse and must improve significantly for that run but has proved he is up to this company.

Divers Had a couple of these trailing in behind on his last couple of runs but was pulled up latest at Carlisle after a mistake 4 out. Remains to be seen what the problem was that day but had previously run well over this distance on good ground. Would need to convince of well-being before supporting.

Billie Magern Trainer won this event last year with 20-1 outsider Little Josh and holds a strong hand this time round. The seven-year-old won over this course and distance last month and recent run is an advantage. Done most of his winning on good to firm ground but should make a case nonetheless.

A great early-season clash and interesting to see which way some of these go in the market after a lay-off. Mon Parrain rates a main danger after two solid runs while Wishfull Thinking hasn’t been out of the top two in his last six runs. But this one could go to a better treated rival and ARALDUR can make the most of a recent spin at Wetherby. Quantativeeasing could sneak into the minor honours. [Mikey Mumford]

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Badgers Ales Chase betting and odds

Jumps action returns to our TV screens this weekend as Wetherby prepares to host the Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase, writes Mikey Mumford. Now in its 42nd running, this Grade 2 event will see horses aged five and older negotiate eighteen fences over 3m1f. Eight runners will head to post for a share of the £100,000 pot and last year’s Hennessy Gold Cup winner Diamond Harry currently heads the market. However, he faces strong competition from Paul Webber’s Time For Rupert and previous course and distance winner Nacarat.

Wincanton Badgers Ale Chase tips

The Minack Lightly raced sort who has won half of his 10 career starts including at this course back in January over 2m5f. He was pulled up in the Scottish National and blundered badly at Ascot the time before which put him out of contention and he finished a distant third. Has a preference for soft ground but slight worry is that he’s yet to win over this distance.

Hello Bud In his veteran years now but was pulled up on both starts this year so difficult to know what to expect. Had previously won a decent handicap at Aintree in 2010 and finished fifth to Don’t Push It in the Grand National that same year but vulnerable to an improver.

Benbane Head Has had plenty of runs this year with a couple of successes along the way including at Uttoxteter on his penultimate run over 2m5f after being briefly headed. Did win over this distance at Cheltenham in 2009 but form figures don’t convince in last three runs over 3m.

Gone To Lunch Another who is not getting any younger these days at least seems in good heart after winning at this course over 3m3f last time. He drew clear to score by eight lengths that day and while he will come up against better rivals here, that bare form is better than most and has proved he handles the track and trip.

Meanus Dandy Stayed on strongly to land this event twelve months ago but has completed just one race since. He weakened some way from home at Doncaster in March and was tailed off and then pulled up when tackling 3m5f at Sandown last time. Bit to prove at present if he is to retain his crown.

Alderluck Been sent off short price favourite the last twice scoring on heavy ground at Plumpton the first time. He made a mistake 4 out at Kempton latest and lost his rhythm a little but chances if errors do not creep into his game. Definite each-way claims.

Checkerboard Posted two good efforts the last twice just coming up short last time at Aintree but had no problems at Hexham the time before. However, he has since moved from Howard Johnson and remains to be seen what new trainer can get out of him.

Not the best handicap chase you are ever likely to see but a competitive renewal nevertheless. It could come down to a toss-up between Alderluck and GONE TO LUNCH who have some of the best recent form on offer. But preference is for the latter who in good style here last time over slightly further and he can confirm that form turned out quickly again. [Mikey Mumford]

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Fulham vs Spurs Betting Preview

Fulham take on Tottenham at Craven Cottage on Sunday looking to kick start their league campaign with a win over their London rivals. The Cottagers won this fixture 4-0 in the FA Cup back in January though, so Harry Redknapp will be looking to erase the bad memories of their last visit. Redknapp also missed the midweek visit to Russia due to minor heart surgery, so will he be back for the short trip across London?

Fulham vs Spurs match odds

Fulham

Fulham have had a slow start to their league campaign after they started their season back in June due to the large amount of Europa League qualifying games they had to play. This has undoubtedly had an effect on their league form and they are currently lying as low as 15th with just 10 points from the 10 games. However, they have got 6 of their points from home games, and have had a good home record in recent seasons. Despite this, they are still slight outsiders for Sunday’s game and are best priced at 3.4 with Betfred. Apart from the 6-0 demolition of QPR, Fulham have struggled for goals, but Andy Johnson has 11 goals in all competitions this season. The former England striker is looking good then, at 9.0 with Skybet to open the scoring.

Spurs

Like Fulham, Tottenham have had the Europa League to contend with this season, but with a bigger squad and not quite so many games, Redknapp has been able to juggle the two more successfully. In fact, all is going very well for Spurs as they currently sit 5th in the league with a game in hand over the teams above them. They have also scored plenty of goals this season with 18 from 8 games, and so a 2-1 away win is looking good at 9.0 with Bet365. Rafael Van Der Vaart has continued to do well this season and is their top league scorer with 6 goals. The Dutchman is well worth backing to score at any time then, with odds of 2.75 available with Bet365. Spurs have been in great form recently, and so backing them to win both halves at 3.6 from Ladbrokes could well be another good choice.

Highlighted bets

Andy Johnson first goal scorer – 9.0 Skybet
Van Der Vaart anytime scorer – 2.75 Bet365
1-2 Correct Score – 9.0 Bet365
Tottenham to win both halves – 3.6 Ladbrokes

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Article by Sam Markham

Blackburn Rovers v Chelsea Betting Preview

Blackburn

Blackburn’s inability at holding on to a two-goal lead last weekend has seen them remain in the relegation zone. With no clean sheet all season and unrest amongst the fans towards the management, a good performance and positive result are vital for the clash against Chelsea.

Conceding that hotly-disputed penalty in injury time overshadowed what was an excellent performance against a resolute Norwich side. Taking the same attacking mentality to the upcoming fixture may not be a bad tactic against a defensively-weak Chelsea side.

Where Chelsea excel in class, Blackburn make up for in aggression and teamwork. This sort of grit will be needed for Saturday’s match, and for the rest of the season if they are to avoid another relegation fight.

Chelsea

Recent off-the-pitch events have taken the pressure away from the team’s current form. Consecutive defeats against London rivals and away-day misery in Belgium in midweek have shown Andre Villas-Boas’ team’s weaknesses – their defence, having only kept two clean sheets in the league this season.

The team will be happy to be playing away from London and away from the live television cameras – but a trip to the north-west will not be plain-sailing. Blackburn is often a tricky place for Chelsea to visit, with aggressive performances. In recent years Chelsea have come out on top in the tight affairs and with their recent form, they will have to be at their best to defeat a battling Blackburn side.

Chelsea will have to be strong physically, but also mentally. John Terry must be prepared to receive chants from the home crowd and the manner that he copes may well provide the outcome of the game.

Match Prediction: Chelsea to win – 4/9 William Hill

Chelsea will be looking for a big performance and a trip to the under-performing Blackburn may be exactly what is needed. Blackburn’s leaky defence will surely be exploited by a dangerous Chelsea attack, with goals coming from all over the team.

Blackburn’s best chance of getting a positive result will be in their famous aggressive style. Preventing movements on the pitch may unsettle an already frail Chelsea side. With plenty of goals in their recent games, Rovers will need to be on their best defensive form to ensure a positive result.

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Article by Nick Whittaker

QPR v Manchester City Betting Preview

QPR: League Position 12th,
League Form: DLDWL

QPR have come into the Premiership full of ambition, spent a little bit of money and made quite a lot of noise. Yet, they have won one game at home of their five so far. On paper, three points against Chelsea is a fantastic result. However, the nine-men of Chelsea completely outplayed Neil Warnock’s side, and the penalty top scorer (with two goals) Helguson scored was all that separated the two sides.

As a team who has only scored three home goals so far this term, it is clear they are underperforming in front of their own fans. Loftus Road has seen only one away win, a 4-0 thrashing by strugglers Bolton, and aside from them and Chelsea, Blackburn, Villa and Newcastle have come to see the R’s in London. Not a terrifying fixture list.

The two signings of class have slotted well into the side. Joey Barton and Shaun Wright-Phillips look like players who could grace better sides frankly. The worrying investment has been at the back. Fitz Hall is not a defender any Premier League striker was scared of seeing come into the Premiership, yet his replacement signings have struggled to hold a place in the sides they represented before. West Ham fans will tell you Danny Gabbidon and Anton Ferdinand have not been top Premier League quality for years. Gabbidon was never first choice in the Hammers side relegated last year, whilst Ferdinand was not first pick for Sunderland. Building from the back might be hard.

QPR v Manchester City match odds

Arsenal

Stopping Manchester City this season is not a task that the Premier League can handle at the moment. Dropping points away at Craven Cottage was due more to complacency, having been two nil up and coasting. Their last four games have produced 20 goals, with City scoring 17 of those.

The depth of their squad has kept them ticking over, always ready for midweek and weekend ties. Wednesday night Champions League victory over Villarreal was achieved without the 18 goals of Edin Dzeko and Sergio Ageuro. Vincent Kompany will miss this match due to suspension, whilst David Silva could also be missing due to injury, yet there is no doubt that their squad can cover for the losses.

In only one game this season have City failed to score, their away Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich, but not once in the Premiership have they not scored. 20 away goals is a record to be feared, with their 28+ goal difference overall worth a point on its own, and it is hard to see anyone stopping them.

Match Prediction: Man City Win – 1.36 Victor Chandler.

QPR may have beaten Chelsea at home this season, but they did not deserve those three points on the day and the blues of Stamford Bridge had only nine-men. The blues heading into Loftus Road this weekend are not only playing better football, they are securing a lot better results.

There is also little to suggest QPR can either hurt City or hold them off. Unwanted defenders, none of their back four were regulars from the teams they signed them off, whilst DJ Campbell and Jay Bothroyd were signed from Championship clubs, Heidar Helguson has struggled to make an impact on the Premier League in recent history and Adel Taarabt is yet to convince this season.

And then you consider the little Argentinean with nine goals this season, almost definite of a starting place after a rest midweek, and it is hard to see any QPR defender being happy to face him. 20 goals from five away games, four goals a game, against a team who are struggling at home. Nine of City’s ten games have finished with over 2.5 goals, and a competition of who can score more looks set to end well for Roberto Mancini’s side.

Highlighted Bets

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.57 Coral
First Goalscorer: Sergio Aguero – 4.5 Bet 365
Correct Score: 3-0 Man City – 10.00 Paddy Power

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By Chris Wilkerson

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