Hennessy Gold Cup betting

Leading ante-post hopes Aiteen Thirtythree and Great Endeavour feature among 18 runners declared for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury, writes Mikey Mumford. The Paul Nicholls trained Aiteen Thirtythree bids for this prestigious handicap after an encouraging second behind Somersby at Kempton while Great Endeavour aims to follow-up after scooping the Paddy Power Gold Cup a fortnight ago. Now in its 54^th running, there are 21 fences to be jumped over a distance of 3m2f and is open to horses aged four years plus.

Hennessy Gold Cup odds

Planet Of Sound Not been seen since a distant fifth in last year’s King George and last win came in April 2010 at Punchestown. Difficult to know how he will fare on his reappearance but may just need this outing. Probably vulnerable to an improver and has to defy top weight to get in the picture; worth a market check.

Aiteen Thirtythree Won at this meeting twelve months ago and started 2011 in good fashion when making all over 3m at this course. Weakening when pulled up in the RSA but returned with a decent effort at Kempton latest where he was beaten by the useful Somersby. More on his plate again here but should give his running under Ruby Walsh.

Great Endeavour Easy winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup a fortnight ago and had a few of these rivals in behind. Been put up 6Ib by the handicapper but must be taken seriously in his bid for a quick big race double and foolish to discount from calculations; shortlist.

Wayward Prince Failed to justify favouritism at Aintree last April but had previously racked up a four-timer. Reunited with regular rider Dougie Costello this time who is 5 from 6 on him may help and he could creep into contention if putting his best foot forward.

Michel Le Bon Absent since this meeting in 2009 and hard to know what ability he retains after such a long lay-off. Lightly raced sort has been sent off favourite four times in his five career starts but steps up markedly in class here. Market signals could reveal more but probably best to look elsewhere after long absence.

Wymott Only finished out of the top two once prior to being pulled up on his last run when taking little interest in rear. That is a slight worry after he helped himself to a four-timer this time last year but stays at least this far and chances if last run can be forgiven.

Beshabar Jumping can be a little suspect sometimes but dangerous if he can get it right and he did just that in the Scottish National in April. Had previously posted some good efforts and must come here in good heart but may be vulnerable to a younger challenger. Should give it another good go nevertheless.

Sarando Often thereabouts without getting his head in front on too many occasions but took advantage last time in the Betfair Graduation Chase. This represents a significant step up in class and it might just be beyond him.

Plenty in with chances in this lively affair, and Great Endeavour has an excellent chance of following up from just 6Ib higher. However, there are several others who are fairly treated and WAYWARD PRINCE can continue Dougie Costello’s fine record on him at the expense of Aiteen Thirtythree who should improve again for his latest Kempton second. [Mikey Mumford]

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Napoli vs Man City betting

Napoli: Champions League form: LDWD

Napoli’s form has stuttered of late, seeing them drop down the Serie A table into 7th position. However they do remain a force to be reckoned with in Europe – they battled bravely away at group favourites Bayern Munich last time out, coming agonisingly close to a memorable comeback but finishing the game with a 3 – 2 defeat. They also demonstrated in the opening game at the Etihad Stadium that they were a match for City with star men Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi impressing for the visitors. Napoli will be hoping for big performances from these two and Uruguayan goal machine Edinson Cavani if they want to get the three points in this must win game.

Manchester City: Champions League form: WWLD

Roberto Mancini’s men look almost invincible in the Premiership at the moment, and after a slow start they appear to be finding their feet in Europe as well. A draw and defeat against Napoli and Bayern Munich respectively left many City fans fearing the worst, but six points out of six against Villareal have given them renewed hope to progress from what many saw as a “Group of Death”. In the league, it is quite different though; City have won eleven of their twelve games so far, the only draw coming away at Fulham eight games ago. In fact, their last Premiership defeat came back in early May away at Everton and since then City have won every game apart from the Fulham draw. Whilst the defence has been solid with a rejuvenated Jolean Lescott in good form alongside captain Vincent Kompany, City’s main strong point is their attack. The likes of Mario Balotelli, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko have smashed in an incredible forty two goals this season – thirteen more than the next highest scorers Manchester United.

Match Prediction: Manchester City win (William Hill – 2.10)

City sit two points ahead of Napoli in Group A, meaning a win would see them progress, however going to the San Paolo will be a difficult task for Mancini’s team; Napoli have recorded only two defeats there in their last twenty league games. Even group toppers Bayern couldn’t defeat Napoli there. This is a must win game for both teams, with even a draw possibly not being enough for City; they entertain Bayern in their last game with Napoli facing a considerably less difficult game at Villareal. In what will be a fiercely-contested encounter, one thing that looks likely is goals with firepower such as Cavani, Lavezzi, Balotelli, Aguero and Dzeko all involved. However this remains a very tricky game to call but given the two team’s recent form an away win seems the more likely outcome.

By Anthony Cunningham

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Manchester United v Benfica

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Bayer Leverkusen vs Chelsea betting

After Sundays result against Liverpool it’s clear that Chelsea have a few weaknesses in defence to add to their striking worries. They honestly look like a team that can concede a few goals but they do have strong midfielders who are capable of running at defenders and slipping in a few past the net every now and then.

The Champions League is a whole new ball game, at home Chelsea have been formidable scoring 7 from 2 games, however when travelling it is clear that Chelsea are content in trying to keep hold of possession and just ensure that they gain at least one point. Chelsea’s last game at Genk was dreadful, they played poorly, and they had plenty of chances and could have easily conceded more than just one.  Yet, Chelsea is topping the group and look like they will easily qualify.

The Champions League however has always been a good tournament for Chelsea as of late, they have no major injury concerns and should be looking to gain some good form and secure a place in the latter rounds of the competition.

Bayer Leverkusen:

Although Bayer Leverkusen has not been as dominant as they once were they have a respectable reputation across Europe, especially in the Champions League. They are not a team that travels well, particularly against English teams, but they have a decent home record.   They are second in their Champions’ League group, and look comfortable to continue to proceed.

On Friday they won 2-0 with a strong attacking and defensive combination performance, but the week before they drew 2-2 at home which highlights that they a team who struggling to find some consistency this season.

Beyer’s last Champions League match was a dreadful one, although Valencia looked magical on the ball, Bayer’s defence was all over the place, they got a few very good chance at goal and look like a team who enjoys fizzing in a few crosses into the box. They are for sure a team who will want to bounce back and also book a place onto the latter stages of the competition.

Bayern Leverkusen vs Chelsea:

The last time these 2 teams played each other the result was a comfortable 2-0 to Chelsea without much threat from Bayern, but yet Chelsea will have to travel this time round and they look like a completely different team when playing away. On the other hand, Bayern are unbeaten at home this season in the Champions league whereas Chelsea has failed to win away.

On balance it would appear Chelsea are defiantly the favourite to win, but they find themselves under immense pressure, the fans are putting the pressure on the manager to make some gutsy changes. Torres will be the man to watch, but Drogba showed the world what he could offer at the weekend against Liverpool.  Ballack for Bayern will want to prove a few points when he faces his old club again, he is still without a doubt a world class player.

One statistic that is striking is that in Group E Chelsea’s goal difference is + 7 whereas Bayern’s is -1. Both teams look strong enough to qualify but on paper it appears to be a match with not many goals scored.  But if form is anything to go by, a draw could be on our hands.

Match Prediction: 1-1

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Article by Mani Basi

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Chelsea v Liverpool betting

Chelsea: League Position: 4th, League Form: WWLLW

Coming into a game like this in seasons just gone there would be talk of Chelsea’s resilience, their defensive stability and their big game ability, most likely leading to a clean sheet and a low scoring victory. But those days are gone, and none more was this emphasised than when Arsenal visited Stamford Bridge. Conceding five goals at home is something Chelsea fans could barely have pondered even in their nightmares.

Chelsea v Liverpool odds

It is quite difficult to know where to place them now. Are they title contenders or just top four fighters? Recent form is not great with defeats by QPR and Arsenal followed by a tight 1-0 away win at Blackburn, with a 1-1 draw with Genk in the Champions league in between. There just is not that presence of victory that Chelsea once had, and the scent of blood has been captured by their opponents of late, no longer scared of Chelsea.

Of course their season is nowhere from over, and although they are not the same side they were they are still a heavyweight. Players like Mata and Meireles have awoken the attacking instincts in the squad, and if they can click into gear in the middle of the field then Torres and Sturridge can punish opponents, whilst Lampard still has that knack for important midfield goals. Just ask Pepe Reina, who conceded the only goal in Spain’s midweek defeat to England, a header knocked in by Lampard.

Liverpool: League Position: 6th, League Form: WDDWD

Liverpool’s perceived weakness for the past few seasons has been their away form. As of recent results, there seems to be a change in their ways. Three good away wins have pushed them up to sixth in the table.

They will go into this game knowing they have the players to inflict damage. The silky skills of Luis Suarez are a constant threat to defenders, even if he has missed more than he has scored this season. However, if you take away the goals of Luis Suarez, the rest of Liverpool’s players have managed to score just six goals from open play in 11 Premier League matches. Their team-sheet reads like a list of goalscorers and creators, Suarez, Carroll, Kuyt, Gerrard, Adam, Downing et al, yet even with their intent they are lacking a finish. Somehow only 23% of their games have ended with over 2.5 goals. Although this may be down to Suarez’s accuracy; the Uruguayan striker has had 51 shots in the Premier League this season but has scored only four goals.

The defence has been a cause for concern. They are constantly guarded by the ever improving Lucas in midfield, and have restricted opponents to the least amount of shots in their games this season. However, they throw away points, mainly down to poor defending. Cruising against Norwich the game was turned by the muscle of Grant Holt, who bullied the Liverpool backline and ran in unopposed before beating ‘keeper Reina to a header eight yards out that nestled into an empty net.

Similarly to Chelsea, Liverpool are not poor in form, but they have struggled entirely to convince, as draws with both Swansea and Norwich will show on the Reds count. They can be got at, and even when leading against Manchester United they were outdone once the cavalry arrived.

Match Prediction: DRAW – 3.6 Victor Chandler

Recent defeats, most tellingly the free-scoring Arsenal loss, have shown up Andre Villas-Boas’ Chelsea as a team that can be taken on. Coming into a big tie like this, full of stories all over the pitch, both sides will be confident in their goal scoring ability and worried about the defence.

Away wins against West Brom and Everton, as well as an away League Cup victory against Stoke, have given Liverpool more potential to back in this game, but it is the way their opponents have been defending this season that gives them the real hope. Stamford Bridge is no longer a place to fear, and Chelsea have conceded six more goals this season than Kenny Dalglish’s attacking Liverpool outfit.

However, this is almost a must win game for Chelsea, their titles hopes are looking slim and Liverpool, Tottenham and a resurgent Arsenal are looking to usurp their Champions League berth. Their class, home advantage and a little extra motivation for Torres and Meireles give them at least a point here.

73% of Chelsea’s games this year have ended with over 2.5 goals, which is a startling figure compared to the Mourinho days of stern defence. Liverpool may be scoring less than the Blues, but they have the players to inflict damage, with all six of their front players capable going forward.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.91 William Hill

First Goalscorer: Luis Suarez – 9.00 Ladbrokes

Correct Score: 2-2 Draw – 17.00 William Hill

Article by Chris Wilkerson

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Spurs vs Aston Villa betting

Spurs are on a superb run of form in the Premiership, having won 7 of their last 8 games – drawing the other one. The inspirational Rafael Van der Vaart looks set to be fit in time for this game, completing a formidable midfield boasting the likes of Luka Modric, Gareth Bale & summer signing Scott Parker. They will be hopeful that manager Harry Redknapp, who recently underwent a serious operation, will return to the dugout for this match and Spurs have confirmed that he could make an anticipated return. Despite being outplayed for much of the game last time out against struggling Fulham, Tottenham will head into this game full of confidence that they can record another victory against an inconsistent Aston Villa side.

Aston Villa

Sitting in 8th position, Villa have made a decent start to their first season under manager Alex McLeish. However consistency remains a problem and they will need lethal attacking duo Darren Bent and Gabby Agbonlahor to continue their sparkling form against a Spurs defence lacking Michael Dawson. Their away form hasn’t been great with their last win away from Villa Park coming at Arsenal back in May. Their 3 – 2 victory over Premiership newcomers Norwich will have breathed new confidence into Villa with it being their first win in four matches, however they will have to up their game again if they wish to get anything from White Hart Lane.

Match Prediction – Tottenham Hotspur to win (William Hill – 1.60)

Spurs boast a fine record against Aston Villa, having been unbeaten in their last five encounters against them. Even more impressively, boss Harry Redknapp has yet to lose in his last ten Premier league matches against them, stretching back to his time with Portsmouth. Matches between these two sides have produced plenty of goals over the years, most notably a 4 – 4 draw at White Hart Lane back in 2007. Spurs won both fixtures 2 – 1 last season and a similar scoreline could be expected on Monday, however Villa can never be ruled out when they have the likes of Agbonlahor and former Spurs striker Darren Bent up front, both of whom can easily pop up with a goal even at the most unexpected of times. Villa’s only league win in their last eleven visits to White Hart Lane was a 2 -1 victory back in September 2008 and given Tottenham’s fantastic recent form, it looks likely that they will continue their miserable run against the North London outfit. However Villa remain no pushovers and this contest could be a lot closer fought than most may think.

Article by Anthony Cunningham

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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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