Blackpool have hardest task on epic final day - Betting News with Betfred

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It has been a massive season for Blackpool and they now have to do things the hard way as they travel to Manchester United on the final day of the season.

Ian Holloway's side have been the entertainers of the Premier League since their promotion last year, and have received rave reviews from the football world for their adventurous, attacking style of play.
However things have been tough for the Tangerines since the turn of the year, and they are 9/2 with Betfred to record a shock victory at United on Sunday.

They now sit in the bottom three on goal difference, knowing a win is vital if they wish to retain their Premier League status, but United are unbeaten at home this season, dropping just two points out of a possible 54 at home, and will be keen to give the Old Trafford faithful a tremendous send-off as they celebrate winning their record 19th league title.

There are numerous permutations surrounding the final weekend of the season and any two teams from five could be relegated depending on results elsewhere.

A point could be enough for Blackpool (and it is 10/3 the draw at fortress Old Trafford), if Birmingham lose at Tottenham, and/or Wolves lose at home to Blackburn by two goals or more. Should Wolves beat Blackburn then only an 'unexpected' Blackpool victory would see them overtake Rovers.

The Premier League betting odds understandably favour Blackpool to be relegated as have the toughest final game against United, and Betfred go 4/11 that they will be plying their trade in The Championship next season.

What must worry fans of the Seasiders is they have a notoriously leaky defence and travel to a United side capable of scoring a hat-ful, even if Sir Alex Ferguson decides to put out a weakened side with one eye on the Champions League final next week.

Even if Ferguson leaves out some of his star names then those that take to the field will be out to impress the Scotsman, and show him why they deserve a place in the Champions League final squad - so it could be a long old afternoon for Blackpool.

Alex McLeish's Birmingham side are 5/1 to win at White Hart Lane and 8/13 to be relegated in the Premier League betting, but The Blues have been on a shocking run of form of late, recording just two wins in their last twelve league games!

The other team in the relegation mix that we have not yet mentioned are Wigan, who travel to Stoke in their final fixture of the campaign. The Latics have the same number of points as Blackpool but an inferior goal difference than all of their relegation rivals, albeit a marginal one.

It would be close to a a miracle if Blackpool survive – but Ian Holloway is without doubt the man you would most want in charge of a team in a relegation dogfight on the last day of the season.

It has been a breath of fresh air having the Seasiders in the Premier League, but they look set to be one-season wonders but their fans will have been left with some unforgettable memories.

My Tip of the Weekend:

Expect wins for United (4/7), Spurs (4/7), Wigan (17/10) and Wolves (6/5) in the vital games, which would see Birmingham and Blackpool join West Ham in dropping down to the Championship.

Sunday 22nd May:

Manchester Utd v Blackpool, kick-off 4pm, live on Sky Sports 1.
Tottenham v Birmingham City, kick-off 4pm, live on Sky Sports 2.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

Clash of the Titans at Old Trafford - Betting News with Betfred

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It has been billed from all quarters as potentially the Premier League title-deciding game of the season, so let's hope Manchester United versus Chelsea is an exciting encounter that lives up to all the pre-match hype.

On countless occasions, the most-hyped Premier League matches tend to disappoint, but when these two sides met at Stamford Bridge back on the 1st March, it was a classic!

The Champions League games failed to match these heights, but the fate of this particular game is very much in Chelsea's hands, as it is they who need to come out fighting and take all three points, if they want to keep their back-to-back title ambitions alive. The Premier League betting makes the Londoner's 9/4 to win the game.

A few months ago Chelsea were on course to drop 18 points behind their Manchester rivals, when they went 1-0 down to United at Stamford Bridge, but they came back to win that game 2-1, and it immediately boosted the confidence around the club, and they have been in sparkling form ever since.

Having taken 25 points from a possible 27 available, the Blues' are snapping at the heels of United, knowing a win at Old Trafford on Sunday and they can draw level with their rivals - and that is something that looked a long shot back in February when they were still in their slump.

If Chelsea can hit top spot with two games remaining the impetus would be with them, but United always manage to step up in the important matches and that is why they cannot be discounted, especially at Old Trafford. The Red Devils are 5/4 to win the match and 2/9 to win the Premier League with Betfred.

Most tipsters in the Premier League title race make United favourites to regain the title, particularly as Ferguson's men have the luxury of knowing a draw on Sunday will be good enough to keep them three points clear, with just a couple of games to play.

Chelsea captain John Terry reckons he "always believed" they could get back into the title race, but they are still outsiders to win the title as United have looked fairly solid, if not setting the world on fire, for many months now.

Chelsea, who are 3/1 to win the title, managed to win this fixture at Old Trafford last season, and the England defender reckons there is "no reason" why they cannot go on and repeat that feat again, and put the outcome of the Premier League title race firmly in their own hands!

My Tip of the Week:

Expect Chelsea to go hell for leather for the win, but United should manage 'their usual trick' and get the goals to hold their rivals. A draw is priced at 23/10, but a 2-2 scoreline also looks appealing at 14/1.
Meanwhile United's on-fire Mexican striker Javie Hernandez is 6/4 to score at anytime in the match, and add to his 19 goals already this season.

Sunday 8th May: Manchester United v Chelsea, kick-off 4.10pm, live on Sky Sports1.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

Tale of Two Woes at the Reebok - Betting News with Betfred

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It is a clash of two wounded animals on Sunday in the Premier League as Bolton look to bounce back from their FA Cup humiliation at the hands of Stoke, and Arsenal will be out to make amends for dropped points at Spurs in midweek.

Many Bolton fans, especially the thousands that travelled to Wembley, expected the Trotters to beat the Potters and make it to the FA Cup final. That 5-0 semi-final defeat must have hurt and it even led Bolton captain Kevin Davies to admit he was "ashamed and embarrassed" by the performance.

With seemingly little to play for over the remaining games, as Bolton are safe from relegation and too far away to challenge for a place in Europe, it would be understandable if they took their foot off the gas.

But Owen Coyle is an ambitious and ferocious manager who will have been bitterly upset with the Stoke result, so you can be left in no doubt his side will be fired up when Arsenal arrive at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday and the Premier League best odds make the Trotters 4/1 to win the game.

The Gunners have also had a disappointing week, after conceding a late-late penalty to draw with Liverpool last Sunday, and then surrendering a two-goal lead at White Hart Lane on Wednesday night. Arsenal got just two points from those two games when it could easily have been six, and their title hopes could have gone up in smoke as a result.

Those looking to bet on Premier League weekend games should remember this:

Arsenal have dominated this fixture in recent season and you have to go back to November 2006 for the last time Bolton managed to beat the North London side, with the travelling team 8/11 to win again.

Both managers (Wenger and Coyle) will use their recent results as motivation to go for the win, but Arsenal could enter this fixture with some trepidation, as anymore dropped points will almost certainly spell the end of any lingering title dreams they may have.

My Tip of the Week:

Arsenal look good to score a couple of goals, so 7/1 for either a 2-0 or 2-1 win to the Gunners looks a good shout.
Robin Van Persie is in a rich vein of form since his return from injury, and he is a tempting 11/10 to score at anytime.

Sunday 24th April: Bolton v Arsenal, kick-off 4pm, live on Sky Sports1.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

Battle of the Strikers on the Cards at Anfield - Betting News with Betfred

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It is a clash of two teams aiming high and somewhat underachieving when Liverpool take on Manchester City on Monday night at Anfield.

Roberto Mancini's side had Premier League title aspirations, but are looking off the pace although they still look set for a respectable top four finish. They also have a Manchester derby to look forward to on the 16th April - the prize, a place in this seasons FA Cup final.

Both are something Liverpool fans would sell their souls to the devil for this season, but another season of Thursday night Channel Five action in the Europa League seems the best they can hope for.

Kenny Dalglish has been dealt a triple blow this week after defenders Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson were injured at The Hawthorns last weekend.

Centre-back Agger picked up a knee problem that has ended his season, while Johnson injured his hamstring, sidelining the right-back out for at least a month.

To add to Dalglish's woes it has been confirmed that captain Steven Gerrard has been ruled out for the rest of the season after failing to fully recover following a groin operation.

The absence of that trio comes at the worst possible time for 'The Reds' in their chase for a Europa League spot, as they take on the multi-million pound attacking talent City (15/8 to win the game, 11/5 the draw) have at their disposal.

Liverpool (6/4 to win the game with Betfred) have only lost twice at Anfield this season and need to bounce back from that 2-1 defeat at West Brom last weekend.

Their home form has been the backbone of their campaign and will remain key if they are to make up the five-point gap they have to fifth-placed Tottenham and the weekend Premier League betting suggests this will be a massive game.

Last time out in their 5-0 thrashing of Sunderland, Roberto Mancini named Adam Johnson, David Silva, Yaya Toure, Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez (11/2 to be first goal scorer) in his attacking line-up, and even had the luxury of Edin Dzeko and Shaun Wright-Philips on the bench.

The side now look solid Premier League tips for a top four finish, and if results go their way they could even end up the season as Premier League runners-up.

With Liverpool's new strike force of Andy Carroll (11/2 to score the first goal) and Luis Suarez, along with City's forward prowess, it has all the makings of goalscoring bonanza!

My Tip of the Week:

This should be an action-packed game between two attacking sides, so the 11/10 with Betfred for there to be over 2.5 goals in the game looks like a good option, while the 11/8 for Luis Suarez to score at anytime is also appealing.

Monday 11th April: Liverpool v Manchester City, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports 1.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

Pardew out to avoid the Blues at St. Andrew's - Betting News with Betfred

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Birmingham City boast a home record that defies their lowly position in the Premier League, and they will be out to improve their chances of avoiding the drop by defeating Newcastle United on Tuesday night.

Despite battling at the wrong end of the table for most of this season, Alex McLeish's side have achieved some notable results at 'fortress' St. Andrew's, including a victory over Chelsea and creditable draws with Manchester United, Tottenham and Manchester City.

The problem for 'The Blues' who are currently 3/1 to be relegated with Betfred, is that while they have only lost twice in front of their own fans, they have drawn far too many matches, and have only managed three wins on home soil.

If Birmingham had converted some of their seven home draws into wins, they would probably be sitting comfortably in mid-table, but as it stands they lie 16th, just a point above the relegation zone, and according to the football betting market they are most definitely in a relegation scrap.

The Blues fans will be hoping Obafemi Martins can score the goals that will help their club climb the table.
With the Nigerian's visa secured this week following his loan move from Russian Champions Rubin Kazan, the striker will be looking to score against his former employers, where he successfully plyed his trade from 2006 to 2009.

Newcastle, 8/1 to be relegated have picked up some notable wins on their travels this season, including a surprise victory over Arsenal at The Emirates, but they are struggling at present in the striking department.

After losing Andy Carroll to Liverpool in the transfer window, and now Shola Ameobi through injury, manager Alan Pardew is left with the unproven trio of Leon Best, Nile Ranger and Peter Lovenkrands together with their new signing, in the portly shape of veteran Shefki Kuqi, to score the goals to ensure they retain their own top flight status.

Although this is far from the most impressive of strike forces, the football predictions indicate Newcastle who currently lie in 10th position, look good to stay up, simply because there are many more worse teams below them!

However the Premier League is so tight this season that a couple of wins can see a side rocket up the table, and likewise a run of several defeats can leave a side desperately looking over their shoulders, as they get dragged down into the battle for survival.

Both Birmingham and Newcastle need their strikers to step up to the mark and fire their sides to safety over the remainder of the season - however that seems unlikely to happen on Tuesday evening.

My Tip of the Week:

With both sides lacking firepower expect Birmingham to be held at home once again, and back the draw at 11/5 with Betfred.
A small punt on there being less than 2.5 goals scored in the match looks a a sensible shout.

Tuesday 15th February: Birmingham v Newcastle, kick-off 7.45pm.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

The Trots could hamper Ancelotti - Betting News with Betfred

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It has been a long time since Chelsea have won two games on the bounce in the Premier League, and there is no tougher place to travel to than Bolton Wanderers as they seek to end this slump live on Sky on Monday night.

The Blues have had a high-profile period of struggle in recent months with only two wins out of their last ten in the Premier League. Carlo Ancelotti's side have shown signs of recovery after thrashing Ipswich in the FA Cup and then beating Blackburn last weekend, and the Premier League betting indicates that they are are still in with a chance of landing the title. Betfred currently make Chelsea fourth favourites at 15/2 to lift English football's biggest domestic prize.

The West London side go searching for their first back-to-back Premier League wins since October, when they travel to the Reebok Stadium to take on a Bolton side riding high in the table. The Trotters have only suffered one defeat at home all season, but Ancelotti's men are a short priced 8/13 to take all the points on Monday evening, to keep them in the title hunt.

Chelsea fans will be anxious to learn of the extent of the injury Frank Lampard sustained in training in midweek, and there is no sign of a return to first team action for either Alex or Zhirkov. However confidence in the Chelsea ranks should still be high, as they look to do 'the double' over a Bolton side they beat 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in December.

Bolton have not had the strongest form in recent weeks, with only one win in their last six, but there is no doubting the dangers Owen Coyle's side posses, especially considering some of the football they have played so far this season, and the football odds make them a generous 5/1 with home advantage, to heap more misery on the visitors.

The Trotters have signed David Wheater this week and he could be in contention to make his first start against Chelsea, where he would come up against a Blues forward line that has not been firing on all cylinders recently.

Chelsea know they cannot afford to lose any more games if they want to remain in the Premier League title hunt and they will need to rise to the challenge that will be posed to them by a strong and resolute Bolton side.

My Tip of the Weekend:

As already mentioned Bolton have only lost once at the Reebok Stadium all season and that record will remain intact as this game will be a draw, which is an 11/4 shot.
If you fancy that the game will end 1-1, that is 6/1 with Betfred.
Kevin Davies is a handful for any defence and at 8/1 to open the scoring, he would be a decent shout.

Monday 24th January: Bolton Wanderers v Chelsea, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports1.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

Pardew out to inflict a 'Blue Christmas' on Mancini - Betting News with Betfred

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Alan Pardew could take another massive step in getting the Toon faithful on his side if his Newcastle team can beat Premier League high flyers Manchester City on Boxing Day.

The former West Ham and Southampton boss was not the favoured choice to take over the reigns at St James' Park following the dismissal of Chris Hughton, but in his first game in charge he engineered a 3-1 win over Liverpool. Their game against Birmingham was postponed last weekend due to the snow, so he will have benefited more an extended period in training with his new troops and Newcastle United are 12/5 in the football betting to get the victory.

Roberto Mancini must have hoped City's game had also fallen foul of the weather as he watched his team go down 2-1 to Everton on Monday night. With none of City's rivals for the Premier League title playing, they missed an opportunity to go top of the pile and crank up the pressure on Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

For Pardew it was Newcastle's big players in the shape of Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton and new England striker Andy Carroll (11/2 to be first goalscorer against City) - that inspired them to the victory over Anfield, and the boss has been busy refuting suggestions the Newcastle number nine could be out of St James' Park in the New Year.

Despite all the turmoil within in the City camp, there is no doubting the quality and potential there is among the squad - and the Premier League betting makes them 5/4 to win the game.

The outcome of this match is going to hinge on how Newcastle's big players step up on Boxing Day. Nolan, Barton and Carroll, along with their central defensive pairing of Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson will all need to be on tip-top form if Newcastle are to bag all three points.

But Mancini will have instilled in his team the importance of bouncing back from their loss to Everton, and games such as this are ones City should win if they truly consider themselves as contenders to win the Premier League title.

My Tip of the Weekend:

Newcastle should provide a stern test for City and the 23/10 with Betfred for the match to be drawn looks a good option.
Also Carlos Tevez is 4/1 to get the first goal, and he will be a real danger for a Toon defence that on average has conceded more than a goal a game at home this season.
Manchester City are the Premier League's top scorers away from home, so City's goal threat combined with Newcastle's leaky defence makes the 10/11 on offer that there will be a total of 2-3 goals in the game appealing.

Sunday 26th December: Newcastle v Manchester City, kick-off 3pm.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

The Green-Eyed Monster heads to White Hart Lane - Betting News with Betfred

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It is a case of those ' who want to' facing those ' who already have' at White Hart Lane on Sunday when Liverpool take on Tottenham Hotspur.

The North London side finished in the top four last season and have now qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League after some inspirational performances - and their form is reflected in their price this weekend, 11/10 to beat the red half of Merseyside.

How jealous Reds fans must be as they are forced to make do with a place in the Europa League competition, as well as seeing their side faltering in the Premier League. Indeed, the Premier League best odds make Liverpool 4/1 to finish in the top 4 this season compared to the 9/4 on offer for Spurs to do likewise.

Roy Hodgson will be hoping that Spurs have an off day after their Champions League win over Werder Bremen on Wednesday night. For inspiration he is likely to look at some of Spurs' previous results following their midweek European exertions, which include defeats at the hands of both Wigan and Bolton.

Liverpool are looking to end a poor run of form on the road, where they have taken just three points from 21 this season, and have won only twice away from Anfield since December 2009.
They are 13/5 in the football betting to take all three points on Sunday.

What must be of worry to Reds' fans is how regularly their side have conceded goals on the road, and now they travel to face a Spurs team that has been free-scoring in recent weeks.

Earlier in the week Christian Poulsen said Liverpool need to get "better and better" away from home, and they can be sure that their top four credentials will be truly tested at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Spurs are capable of ripping any side apart going forward with their free-flowing attacking football, just look how they destroyed defending European Champions Inter Milan, so this is a daunting examination for Liverpool.

Harry Redknapp's side look full of confidence and self-belief - the exact opposite to Hodgson's troubled troops. A lot will depend on how Liverpool cope with the man-of-the-moment, Welshman Gareth Bale, who is 8/1 to score the first goal, and the buy of the season so far, Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart.
It seems that if you can nullify their presence in midfield, then you are a huge step closer to getting a result over the Londoners.

My Tip of the Weekend:

Spurs have looked in great scoring form, but they are also susceptible to conceding, and the same can be said of Liverpool, so even money with Betfred for more than 2.5 goals in the game seems a good option. Also with leaky defences on both sides Betfred's 4/5 that both teams will score looks very tempting.

Sunday 28th November: Tottenham v Liverpool, kick-off 4pm, Live on Sky Sports 1.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

Toffees Need To Stick It To The Gunners - Betting News with Betfred

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Everton have been painfully shy in front of goal all season but are going to need their strikers to be on top form if they are to get all three points against Arsenal on Sunday at Goodison Park.

Arsene Wenger's men are riding high in the league despite losing three games and looking shaky. The defeat against Newcastle showed the continued fragility of goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and the Gunners rode their luck against Wolves in midweek to earn a win.

Everton have recovered from the early season jitters to climb the Premier League table, and should certainly not be on the end of a 6-1 home thrashing like they were in this fixture last season. However despite home advantage and an improvement in results recently, the Toffees are still the outsiders in the Premier League betting at odds of 12/5 for the win with Betfred compared to the 6/5 on offer for Arsenal to take all three points.

David Moyes earned the manager of the month award for October, but he knows his team could be even higher if his misfiring strikers could score on a more regular basis.

Yakubu and Louis Saha have struggled as Everton have scored only 13 goals so far this season, but now the Toffees fans are hoping that Jermaine Beckford can be the one to fire them up the table.

He has been poor so far, but finally came to life with a brilliant last-minute goal against Bolton in midweek, the type of goal his team-mate Leighton Baines claims he has been doing "quite regularly" in training.

"He has now proved he can be a valuable asset for the club," said the defender.

While one goal does not a goalscoring legend make, it could fill the Everton fans with some optimism - especially as the Arsenal rearguard looks more vulnerable than in recent seasons. Beckford is 8/1 in the football odds to be first goalscorer, so this could be a good option, if the game is stalemate going into the latter stages.

With the right pressure in the correct areas the Blues should be able to cause the Gunners defensive problems, but they will have to be wary as the likes of Fabregas, Wilshire, Walcott, Chamakh and Arshavin could really trouble them on the break

My Tip of the Weekend:

Expect a tight game in which Arsenal will be too strong and take all three points back to London with a 1-0 win, a result which is 6/1 with Betfred.

Sunday 14th November: Everton v Arsenal, kick-off 2pm, Live on Sky Sports 1.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

Birmingham Bragging Rights on the Line - Betting News with Betfred

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It is the battle of the second city on Sunday and the blue half of Birmingham are now looking to get one over on their old rivals after living in the shadows of claret for too long now.

Both of the teams currently sit mid-table in the Premier League, separated by two places and one point, and both go into the game having scraped through in the Carling Cup in midweek - although admittedly Birmingham did need penalties to beat a struggling League One side.

Aston Villa did a 1-0 double over Birmingham City last season, and in fact you have to go back to March 2005 for the last time the blue half of the city held the bragging rights. Bearing that in mind it is no surprise the football betting makes Villa 5/6 to win on Sunday and heap more misery on their rivals.

Indeed for many years Villa have held the mantle of the major team in the second city, but could this be the year Alex McLeish's side topple their more illustrious rivals despite being outsiders at 4/1 to win at Villa Park?

One man looking forward immensely to the derby is Birmingham striker Nikola Zigic, and the beanpole Serb, who is priced at 15/2 to score the first goal, has set his sights on being a hero at Villa Park on Sunday.

"I am aware I could become an instant hero. Of course I am. It's like every derby the world over," he said.

"If you do score, especially a winner, you are a hero for life. It is something I am well aware of."

One man who already has a reputation for scoring in derby games is Kevin Phillips, and he is looking to play some part after making his comeback from injury. He played the full 120 minutes in the Carling Cup run and is eyeing up a goal on Sunday if he gets the opportunity. The veteran is 5/2 with Betfred to find the back of the net at some stage - an attractive price for people looking to have a bet on a Premier League game this weekend.

My Tip of the Weekend:

Aston Villa look to hold the upper hand once again, but they face a tough battle, so I fancy the 10/3 double result: Draw at half-time, Villa at full-time.
Also the 2/1 for the in-form Nikol Zigic to score at anytime looks tempting.

Sunday 31st October: Aston Villa v Birmingham City, kick-off at Noon.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

The New Breed versus The Old Guard - Betting News with Betfred

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It is a mouth-watering clash of the billionaires with big ambitions at Eastlands this weekend as Chelsea and Manchester City clash this Saturday.

Roman Abramovich revolutionised the Premier League when he took over Chelsea and sprayed his millions around to bring quality footballers to the club, which led to Jose Mourinho leading them to the Premier League title.

Now the new boys on the block are City, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has spent hundreds of millions of pounds in his short term at the helm in the hope of bringing success to Eastlands.

It is a case of the old guard versus the new breed when the two teams meet, and this game is set to be Chelsea's sternest test yet of their ability to defend the Premier League title they won last season.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are 6/5 in the online football betting to head back to the capital with all three points.

The West London side have been in scintillating scoring form this season and have blown away all that came before them in the Premier League, scoring 21 goals in their first five Premier League fixtures of the campaign.
However things could be different on Saturday lunchtime, when they face a City side that did the double over them last season - and many punters may see a City win at 5/2 as an enticing Premier League bet.

Didier Drogba, who has looked very impressive in the opening weeks of the season and is 9/2 with Betfred to open the scoring at Eastlands, claims contrary to public opinion, that Chelsea have not had an "easy start" to their season, but he admits the true test of their title credentials lie in the forthcoming games.

He said: "City will be a good test to see if we can deal with better opposition. After that it is Arsenal - another big one - so it's a crucial period."

Both teams are coming into this game having lost in the Carling Cup in midweek and seen one chance of silverware go begging. However it is the Premier League title that both teams, and their Chairman have their eyes on winning, so it should be an exciting affair when they take to the field.

My Tip of the Weekend:

Chelsea should be too strong for the inconsistent City and I expect them to continue their superb scoring form, so Betfred's 4/1 for the Londoner's to score three goals or more looks like good value. Also Carlos Tevez at 11/2 to score first in the match looks a steal.

Saturday 25th September: Chelsea v Manchester City, kick-off 12.45pm - Live on Sky Sports 2.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

Will Stoke Play the Role of Villains? - Betting News with Betfred

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Aston Villa fans will be hoping the classic 'new manager' syndrome kicks in when they face Stoke City in the Premier League on Monday night.

Despite the season being only a few games old, it has been a rollercoaster ride for Villa fans. Firstly Martin O'Neill unexpectedly resigned just five days before the opening day of the season.
Then caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald went from hero after victory on the opening day, to villain following a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of newly promoted Newcastle United, all in the space of a week!

Now former Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier has been 'unofficially' handed the reins at the club.

Although Houllier has been announced through the media as the new Villa boss, and unveiled as the new man at the helm of the Birmingham based club via a press conference this afternoon - it has become apparent that his tenure does not in fact start this Monday night.

As Houllier 'negotiates' his exit from the role as the French Football Federation's (FFF) technical director, he will not be in the dugout for Monday's trip to Stoke in the Premier League, with caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald running the team in his absence.

Villa are currently sitting in the Premier League top four and their powers of recovery were evident in their win over Everton last time out. To get a win against the Blues after being trounced by Newcastle, and then going out of Europe in calamitous style to Rapid Vienna only days earlier, showed the fighting spirit among the team.

Struggling Stoke who have not won a point all season are 13/8 in the Premier League betting to stop the rot on Monday night.

If Villa can show a similar resolve against The Potters, who are always tough to beat at the Britannia Stadium, then the 15/8 on offer for Villa to take all three points could well be seen as a good football bet by many punters.

Many football fans will be wondering what effect Houllier will have on the players at Villa Park. It has been a long while since he was a Premier League manager and his success at Liverpool came a decade ago.

It will be interesting to see how the players perform for the new man and how they feel about him replacing MacDonald, who is clearly highly thought of by the players, and has spent many years at the club.

Houllier said that he was disappointed MacDonald, who took over the reins following O'Neill's shock departure in August, had turned down the chance to work as his assistant. "I am working on naming an assistant manager," the Frenchman continued.
"Joint management doesn't work, but in some capacity as assistant manager he (MacDonald) would have been helpful. He could also have maybe learnt the trade and, who knows, taken over from me. But I understand his decision, he's a nice bloke so I won't hurt him - I told him I'd like him to stay at the club."

Once Houllier is 'officially' installed as Villa's new first-team manager, MacDonald will return to his job as reserve team boss.
Houllier could take charge of the team at Villa Park for the visit of Bolton in the league on the 18th September, or possibly for the midweek Carling Cup clash against Blackburn, or failing that the league trip to Molineux on the 26th September.

Meanwhile Kevin Macdonald will reside in the dugout on Monday night, and will continue to do so until further notice, OR when the contractual issues between Villa and the FFF are finally resolved.

My Tip for Monday night:

This is going to be a very close game and Stoke are notoriously tough at home, so Betfred's 9/4 for the match to end in a draw seems a logical outcome.

Monday 13th September: Stoke City v Aston Villa, kick-off 8pm - Live on Sky Sports

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

The Battle of the Wannabes - Betting News with Betfred

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Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has been given possibly the hardest challenge to start his Premier League life with his new club, and he now has to do it without his marquee summer signing.

Joe Cole's sending off in the opening weekend draw with Arsenal means he is now unavailable for Monday's clash with Premier League moneybags Manchester City, with Liverpool priced at 23/10 win the clash with Betfred.

Hodgson's predecessor Rafa Benitez was criticised all the time for tinkering so it was interesting to see how many changes the new man made in the Europa League qualifier with Trabzonspor.

The boss gave a second half run-out to Fernando Torres, who the football odds make 11/2 to score the first goal on Monday, and he looked much fresher than he did during the World Cup, so the Spaniard could be in line for a start at Eastlands.

Daniel Agger and Javier Mascherano are struggling with injuries and if the duo recover then they could face new signings James Milner and Mario Balotelli, who will both be making their Premier League debuts.

It is the first home game for City this season, and given their multi-million pound spending spree during the summer they will want to put on a good show for their fans.

They were disappointing against Spurs in their opening game and know they need a good start to the season if they want to win the Premier League title this season – something which they are 9/1 to do with Betfred compared to Liverpool who are priced at 14/1.

There is no doubting the overall strength of the City squad, something that Hodgson would love to have at Anfield, so the clash at Eastlands looks like it could be a sign of how both sides are likely to do over the coming season.

My Tip for Monday Night:

It's early days and neither team has settled into the season yet. Therefore I expect both teams to cancel each other out at Eastlands, and the game to end in a 1-1 draw, which at 11/2 looks a reasonable bet.

Manchester City v Liverpool - Monday 23rd August, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

Edgar has Landed!

Oh, what a time to be a Crystal Palace fan!

Just weeks, literally, after the Championship club were on the brink of going out of business, and on the very day it is announced they are 'officially' out of administration, the new owners and management team have pulled the most almighty, humongous rabbit out a seemingly invisible hat!

Days ago fellow championship rivals Cardiff were celebrating their very own coup in the form of Craig Bellamy, without a doubt a terrific footballer, but with a temperament that saw him more or less 'forced' out of the bright lights of Manchester, as he chose the somewhat less salubrious surroundings and the somewhat dimmer lights of his home town, as he joined Cardiff City F.C on loan.

Why Cardiff? Well Bellamy is a Welshman, he comes from Cardiff, has a home in the vicinity, his family are still based in Wales and he wants to play first-team football. He can have ALL that at Cardiff for the same money, instead of collecting splinters while sitting on the bench at City, playing second fiddle to fellow strikers: Tevez, Robinho, Adebayor, Jo, Santa Cruz and Balotelli.

I myself was scratching my head at the beginning of the week as I wondered how on earth a club struggling financially, not dissimilar to the plight that Palace found themselves in, could afford to bring on board such a player and offer him first team football for a 'mere' £45,000 per week (and that is only half of his contracted weekly wage), while those good citizens........er 'samaritans' at Eastlands, the blue side of Greater Manchester have agreed with the 'Bluebirds' to subsidize the outstanding balance of Bellamy's wages, the further £45,000 per week - sheer unadulterated madness!

In my humble opinion this year is promotion to the Premier League or bust for Cardiff City.........the scenario of putting all your eggs in one basket and 'hoping' for the most fruitful outcome. A BIG gamble that can only end one of two ways - glorious success over 46 league games resulting in Premier League football next season, or au revoir to English club football, the League of Wales awaits you!

Now the cynics out there may well point the finger at Palace and justifiably so. I wholly and naturally expect plenty of vigorous finger wagging in the direction of London SE25 over the forthcoming days and possibly weeks, and I fully understand and accept any sort of denigration and vilification regarding the events today.

How much you may well ask are this recently rescued club going to pay a 37 year-old former Dutch international who hasn't kicked a ball in anger for two years, to pull on Palace's red n' blue shirt?
Well you can be sure the new owners (CPFC2010) will have done their maths and that if this arrangement was a non-viable monetary option, the plug would have been pulled immediately. These guys have just saved the club, in no way will they put their money and the clubs security in jeopardy, less than 24 hours after exiting administration.

But in Edgar Davids (pictured right) you have a man and a football player that once graced the game across Europe, from the days of his Ajax debut back in 1992, followed by a glorious career at the likes of footballing giants AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, and Inter Milan, as well as a spell at Tottenham, winning numerous club trophies throughout his illustrious playing career, not to mention his 74 international caps for the Netherlands.

Now he is a Crystal Palace player on a 'pay-as-you-play deal', who will provide as much off the pitch as on it!
Crystal Palace have a football academy second only to Arsenal's, and the youngsters at Palace in the shape of Zaha, Cadogan, Clyne, Djilali, Scannell, Holland and Pinney to name but a few can surely only benefit from the arrival of a genuine 'footballing icon' at their Club, whether it be on the training ground, in the dressing room, in the form of advice or even as a shoulder to cry on!

The obvious income Davids will bring to the Club will more than likely come in the form of an initial (and hopefully a prolonged) increase in crowd attendances at Selhurst Park, from shirt sales and possibly even designer glasses. Any income by whatever means can only be of benefit to the Club.

The Club itself will undoubtably receive additional media exposure, possibly resulting in an increase in the number of live TV games shown, and therefore the increased revenue that is generated as a result.

On the otherhand maybe Davids will become an overbearing unwanted media distraction at the club, ruffle a few feathers and put a few noses out of joint amongst the more experienced, senior players already at the club. Maybe Davids will pick up a serious injury, be unable to sustain the level of fitness required, along with the hunger or desire and passion required on match day. A cold, wet Tuesday night fixture away at Deepdale, the Keepmoat or Turf Moor hardly rivals the Stadio Olimpico di Torino or the L'Estadi Camp Nou.

But football fans, even if Davids move to South London doesn't work our for whatever reason, remember he is on a 'pay-as-you-play' deal, an absolutely crucial condition of his contract, bearing in mind the current economic climate.
I believe every single football club in the country would like to have had the 'opportunity' of working with a player of his calibre, whether your club be Birmingham, Blackburn, Barnsley, Brighton or Bury!

Edgar Davids will be at Selhurst Park at tomorrow's game against Ipswich Town to be introduced to the crowd.

'Edgar the Eagle' a Crystal Palace player, 20th August 2010 - What a story, what a coup, what football dreams are made of............. bring it on!

The Physio Room - Injury Update

With the new Premier League season only days away, managers, chairman and owners are busy wheeling and dealing in the transfer market, in an effort to strengthen their squads.

So spare a thought for the English Premier League clubs' physios and medical teams and their 'healing hands.'

Here is why:

The 2009/10 Premier League season finished on the 9th May, the F.A Cup Final took place on the 15th May, and many English Premier League (EPL) players were involved in international friendlies prior to the World Cup, which itself began on the 11th June.

On the 24th May England themselves hosted Mexico at Wembley, on the 30th England played Japan in Austria, and after arriving in South Africa they had another warm-up game before their opening World Cup group fixture against the USA on the 12th June. They played Algeria on the 18th June, Slovenia on the 23rd, before going out of the competition on the 27th to Germany.

The English Premier League is littered with 'foreign players' from all over the world, who participated in the World Cup, yet ply their trade on English shores.
The World Cup lasted a full month for a few of them, culminating in the Final on the 11th July.

On their return the pre-season friendlies were immediately upon them.

Last Sunday saw the traditional season curtain raiser - the 'Community Shield' played at Wembley, which was this year unusually competitive, as Chelsea and Manchester United locked horns in an effort to get a winning and early physcological advantage over their fiercest rivals.

Tonight sees an 'England XI' play Hungary in what can only be best described as an ill advised, badly timed and meaningless international friendly, which will involve the participation of Premier League players just 72 hours before the new season kicks-off!

What remains to be seen is how well the various managers and their coaching staff along with the healing hands of their respective physios can manage their squads, rotate them effectively and nurse their injured players through the early opening season exchanges, whilst being able to juggle and prioritise their fixtures, and in doing so succeed in maximising performances and results.

Many teams will start the season without some key players, already victims of injuries picked up last season, during the World Cup or in pre-season.

Obviously some Premier League teams have the budget to sustain sufficiently large enough squads to nullify this problem as best possible. However with the transfer window still open, they still have the opportunity to shore up any problem areas, with additional players, whether they be through loan deals or permanent moves.

Meanwhile there is a full programme of English Premier League fixtures this weekend, so here is your chance to catch up on which players are definitely out injured, who is doubtful or struggling, and who will be fit to play for their clubs.

Click on the 'link' to find out the latest on your Club's injury worries, and how soon it will be before some of your teams players will be back in action.

Will City Buy the Premier League? - Betting News with Betfred

It's Crunch Time In The Premier League - Betting News with Betfred

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The last weekend of the season looms and the Premier League title is on the line, so at least we all have one exciting last hurrah before contemplating another summer waiting for the domestic football to return - at least there's the 2010 Football World Cup to tide us over.

Obviously all eyes are going to be focused on Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford this Sunday as title rivals Chelsea and Manchester United face Wigan and Stoke respectively.

If Chelsea can beat the Latics then the title is theirs, and the football odds make them massive 1/10 favourites to win the match. Wigan, on the other hand are 25/1 shots to spring a surprise.

A shock slip-up by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge means a United victory over Stoke would see the trophy remain at Old Trafford, but Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard feels Chelsea are going into this vital game with great momentum.

"There is still another game to go but we are in a good position. If you are going to win titles you are going to have these moments," he said.

The England midfielder has been instrumental yet again for Chelsea this season so there would be no surprises if he got on the scoresheet to help win the Premier League title for Chelsea - he can be backed to score first at 3/1 with Betfred.

It is important to note that in the case of a surprise Chelsea defeat, nothing but a United win will suffice, as a draw at Old Trafford will still hand the title to Carlo Ancelotti's side on goal difference.

However, as this game should be a walk in the park for Chelsea the real betting value lies elsewhere this weekend, specifically at Old Traford where Manchester United could buckle under the strain of a long season.


My Tip Of The Weekend:
Although Sir Alex Ferguson's sides are renowned for achieving the impossible, the current crop have looked fragile at times this season, particularly in defence. I think the pressure could get to United, and they are playing a tough no-nonsense Stoke outfit, so Betfred's 13/2 for a draw at Old Trafford looks the value bet of the day.

Chelsea v Wigan - Sunday 9th May, kick-off 4pm, live on Sky Sports 1.
Man Utd v Stoke - Sunday 9th May, kick-off 4pm, live on Sky Sports 3.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

Fiery encounter could light up the Emirates - Betting News with Betfred

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Emmanuel Adebayor will enter the proverbial lion's den when he returns to the Emirates in a light blue shirt on Saturday evening.

The Togolese striker left Arsenal to join Manchester City last summer and then further incurred the wrath of Gunners fans as he raked Robin van Persie with his studs and then celebrated in front of the away support during his new side's 4-2 win earlier this season.

Adebayor was given a one match ban for his behaviour in that tie and Kolo Toure, who also swapped life in North London for Manchester, has warned him not to get carried away again if he scores - and the striker is 6/1 to be first goal scorer with Betfred.

Toure, who will be looking to help Ivory Coast upset the World Cup 2010 betting in the summer, said: "He needs to show more intelligence because we all know what he did was not the best reaction - and as a friend I've told him that."

City need a win to ensure they remain in contention for a top four finish, as they are two points behind Spurs with four games to go. This urgency could mean many punters see City to win at 3/1 with Betfred as a decent football bet.

Spurs and City will clash at Eastlands at the beginning of May in a tie which could go some way to deciding which of them qualifies for the Champions League.


My Tip Of The Weekend:
I expect a much closer encounter between City and Arsenal this weekend than their meeting earlier this season at Eastlands, so my tip is under 2.5 goals in the game, which can be backed @ 6/5 with Betfred and looks the value bet - Saturday 24th April, kick-off 5.30pm, live on ESPN.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

Can The City Top Four Machine Keep On Rolling - Betting News with Betfred

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Manchester City put themselves in pole position for Champions League qualification last weekend and need to continue that form this weekend when they face Birmingham City.

Last Saturday's demolition of Burnley, coupled with Spurs' loss to Sunderland, mean City now occupy fourth spot with six games to go, and have a one-point lead over their North London rivals.

Roberto Mancini's side do not have an easy task this weekend when they face ninth-place Birmingham City, who are a much improved side, but are not well-fancied to spring a surprise. Alex McLeish's men can be backed at odds of 7/1 to take all three points. The draw is available at 7/2 with Betfred.

The Italian manager has called on his players to continue their top form over the coming weeks to ensure they finish in the Premier League top four at the end of the season, and City are now favourites at 5/6 in the football betting to bag the last Champions League place.

"It's more important that we finish well this season, and we must concentrate 100 per cent to get fourth place because we have six games that are very difficult," Mancini said.

Those last six matches for Manchester City include a local derby with Manchester United, a trip to third-placed Arsenal, and games against Aston Villa and Spurs at Eastlands - so it looks like a very tough run-in.

One City player who won't be available for the next month or so is Joleon Lescott, who has a hamstring injury and could be out of action until May as a result. The lay-off could hamper his chances of appearing in the 2010 Football World Cup .


My Tip Of The Weekend:
City are on fire going forward, as shown by the 6-1 thrashing of Burnley last week, and with home advantage as well, my tip is a comfortable 3-0 win to Mancini's men which can be backed @ 8/1 with Betfred - Sunday 11th April, kick-off 4pm, live on Sky Sports 1.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)