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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Chelsea v Arsenal Betting Preview

Chelsea: League Position 3rd,
League Form: LWWWL

Andre Villas-Boas’ team were once quietly drifting behind Manchester City and United in the title race, going about their business without the press that followed the two big rivals. Then, on Sunday, not to be overshadowed, they set about advertising the excitement London can offer. Two red cards and one goal conceded did not stop them being the better side at Loftus Road as the nine men of Chelsea outplayed the 11 of QPR.

In result of that game both Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa will be suspended. In the defence they now look a little bare, with the erratic David Luiz a liability in that game, and John Terry picking up some more unwanted media attention over alleged racist insults. Ivanovic will most likely play right back, and Cole left back, but who pairs up in the middle is less than certain.

However, with one striker banned, another returns from suspension as Fernando Torres finishes his three match ban. Four goals in all competitions puts him at double the goals of Drogba and Anelka combined, and the Spaniard should find his way back into the team. Drogba usually terrifies Arsenal, but the new Chelsea are lead Torres, and the new Chelsea need to win home games against Arsenal.

Chelsea v Arsenal match odds

Arsenal

Are Arsenal on the road to recovery? If they are, then it’s down to one man. Not manager Arsene Wenger, but Dutch forward Robin Van Persie. He does not stop scoring. Seven league goals this season (nine in all competitions) only tells so much of the story. A tight game against Stoke last weekend was meandering towards a draw until the rested Holland international came off the bench, scored two goals and the Gunners won 3-1.

Yet since the embarrassing 8-2 defeat to Manchester United in August they have faced only one opponent they can use as a barometer of performance. And they lost. The North London derby earlier this month showed Tottenham to be ahead of their rivals, and now Arsenal have come into form they run into Chelsea. Arsenal have won none of their last eight away games, and Stamford Bridge is not usually the place you would look for away form.

Match Prediction: DRAW

Chelsea come into this game having taken 31 points from the last 33 available at Stamford Bridge, but, unlike Chelsea teams of recent years they are looking loose in defence. One clean sheet in their last eight home games is not the form Chelsea dynasties are built on, and not the side that have stifled, even bullied, Arsenal in the past.

Considering the disarray at Arsenal this season, it is interesting to note that victory here for the Gunners leaves them only three points behind Chelsea. Of course, that is easier written down than actually going to Stamford Bridge and taking three points.

Thomas Vermaelen’s possible return certainly improves their chances, as does the absence of Didier Drogba. The suspended Ivorian has scored 13 goals in 14 appearances against Arsenal in all competitions. The Gunners’ record against Chelsea with him playing is W1 D3 L10, yet without him in the Chelsea side is it W2 D1 L0. Can Torres step up?

Suddenly, it is both sides who look leaky in defence, have attacking talent and will look to pass it around in midfield. The form of both is very similar, Chelsea are now leaving gaps (last season only 47% of their games were over 2.5 goals, this season 78%) and do not have the physicality that once scared Arsenal, and the men from North London have Robin Van Persie. This game is suddenly level.

Highlighted bets:

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.72 188 Bet
First Goalscorer: Robin Van Persie – 8.5 Victor Chandler
Correct Score: 2-2 – 17.00 Boyle Sports,

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Article by Chris Wilkerson

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West Brom vs Liverpool Betting Preview

West Brom take on Liverpool on Saturday evening in a clash of two sides in good recent form. The Baggies actually won this tie last season thanks to two goals from winger Chris Brunt, so can Roy Hodgson’s side come out on top again?

Arsenal v Bolton Betting Preview

West Brom

West Brom have recovered from a slow start to the season recently and some good results has seen them move up to 12th in the table. They are in fact unbeaten in their last 4 games with 2 draws being followed by 2 wins, however, the 2-1 win at Villa last time out was definitely the most impressive. Shane Long suffered a bad injury in that win over Aston Villa and his absence may mean Albion struggle for goals. Long had been the Baggies top league scorer so far, but they do have Peter Odemwingie, who is more than capable of stepping up. The Nigerian is looking a good bet to open the scoring then, especially with odds of 8.5 available from Paddy Power. Roy Hodgson did manage a win over his old side in this fixture last season, but a repeat of that isn’t looking very likely with the home side priced as long as 4.2 also with Paddy Power.

Liverpool

Liverpool have had a decent start to this season and they currently sit in 6th place in the League and have also progressed well in the Carling Cup. It has been all change under Dalglish over the summer and it finally looks like it is starting to come together. They did suffer an embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Spurs in September, but since then they haven’t lost and have won 4 of their last 6. Luis Suarez is Liverpool’s top scorer this season with 4 league goals and the Uruguayan is in good form after netting 2 in the midweek win over Stoke in the Carling Cup. With this in mind, the striker is looking very good to score at any time with odds of 2.3 coming from Coral. The away side is looking good for the victory and a correct score of 2-1 is showing good value with odds of 9.0 available from Ladbrokes.

Highlighted bets

Peter Odemwingie first goal scorer – 8.5 Paddy Power
WBA WIN – 4.2 Paddy Power
Luis Suarez anytime scorer – 2.3 Coral
1-2 correct score – 9.0 Ladbrokes

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Charlie Hall 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.

Wetherby Charlie Hall Chase tips

Nacarat Previous course and distance winner who finished last season with a tailed off fourth at Punchestown over 3m1f. Prior to that, Tom George’s representative was an impressive winner in the Bowl Chase at Aintree and should be on terms with a repeat effort. Does often need the run after a break and others preferred for win purposes.

Diamond Harry Has won 10 of his 14 career starts including the Hennessey Gold Cup last year where he stayed on gamely near the finish. Prefers soft ground but is very versatile regarding conditions and has won on his reappearance after a break for the last two years. Will easily get this trip and weighted to run another big race.

Poquelin Won on his final run for Paul Nicholls last season holding on bravely over 2m5f at Cheltenham and has proved himself as a solid performer in this sphere. Stepped up in trip for this race though, and reservations whether he will stay 3m but obvious chance if he does.

Weird Al Ended last campaign in disappointing fashion when pulled up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup although he had posted some likeable efforts prior to that. He won over this course and distance on soft ground last February but this represents a huge step up in class and might be best watched this time.

Chicago Grey Tried on a number of testing grounds but done most of his winning on good surfaces including the Challenge Cup at Cheltenham in March over an extended 4m. So should easily get this trip but was beaten last year by Time For Rupert so has work to do to reverse that bare form.

Time For Rupert Looked set to score after being sent off favourite in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham when all his previous form had been franked. Could only finish a distant fifth that day but can be forgiven for that effort having previously notched two decent events prior. Every chance at the weights and should give Diamond Harry most to think about; shortlisted.

Acrai Rua Pulled up in three of his last six and hardly boasts confidence. Even when he did finish last time at Carlisle over 3m he was last of seven runners. Difficult to make a case for and unlikely to trouble some of these.

Chief Dan George Oldest and most exposed horse in the field and struggled last year since springing a huge surprise at 33/1 in a Grade 3 Handicap at Cheltenham. Not in the same class as some of his rivals and unlikely to get involved at this stage of his career.

A great race to kick-start the National Hunt season and Diamond Harry holds all the aces on the back of his Hennessy Gold Cup win last year. Nick Williams’ runner has gone well after a break in the past but might come unstuck here. TIME FOR RUPERT has a good chance at the weights to beat his rival and he can put the disappointment of the RSA Chase behind him here. Nacarat could sneak in to the place for money for each-way punters. [Mikey Mumford]

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Arsenal v Bolton Betting Preview

Carling Cup action returns to the Emirates stadium for the 151st competitive game at the Arsenal’s multi-million pound stadium, with Bolton Wanderers being the unwelcome visitors in the nations capital.

The Gunners opted to rest Robin van Persie on the weekend, but the Dutch striker was called upon from the bench to help his side get past a valiant Stoke side.

Bolton will be looking to bounce back from their unimpressive 2-0 home loss to Sunderland.

Arsenal

The Gunners are trying to show they’re not a one-man side but this weeks result against Stoke shows otherwise. Van Persie is the 3/1 favorite to score first on Tuesday and considering RVP grabbed two against Bolton in the League in September, it’s hard to look away from him getting at least one goal against Wanderers. The Gunners have a great record against Bolton at home and have put three or more goals past them during their last three fixtures at home to them. Paddy Power has bets starting from 11/1 for final scores that include three Arsenal goals or more.

Bolton

Bolton’s poor form at the Emirates means they line up second best to the Gunners for Tuesday’s fixture. Despite a recent win against Wigan their loss against Sunderland on Saturday leaves them third from bottom in the league and facing a tough struggle this year.

Ivan Klasnic has three goals to his name this season from five starts and he David N’Gog and Kevin Davies are all priced at 9/1, on PaddyPower.com, to be first scorer.

Wanderers are 17/1 and 16/1 to snatch a 1-0 or 2-0 win away respectively.

Highlighted bets

Arsenal 4-0 Win 22/1 SkyBet
Theo Walcott First Scorer 6/1 SkyBet
Kevin Davies First to Score for Bolton 4/1 PaddyPower
Bolton to Lead at Half Time. Arsenal to Win after 90 min 25/1 BlueSquare

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Article by Oliver Wilson

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