Soccer Betting Tips and Odds - UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, FA Cup and World Cup

Chelsea hope to deliver killer blows vs Fulham in Premiership Boxing Day

2005-12-22T22:48:00.000-08:00

Chelsea's march to a second successive Premier League title comes under threat from Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day. The Blues hold a nine-point lead going into the busy Christmas and New Year programme, having earned a superb 2-0 victory at Arsenal last time out.

The fall-out from that fixture has rumbled on all week, with Jose Mourinho refusing to shake Arsene Wenger's hand at the end of the game, before Blues midfielder Michael Essien defended himself from charges of foul play. However, whatever the off-field shenanigans, Mourinho has kept his side firmly focused on the job of retaining their league crown, with his side having dropped only five points out of a possible 51 this season.

Their only reverse was a 1-0 defeat at Manchester United, but Chelsea have won all five league games since then to remain the team to catch at the top of the league. Mourinho has been boosted by the return to fitness of key midfielder Claude Makelele, who excelled at Highury after recovering from knee ligament damage, and has vowed not to move into the January transfer market.

Fulham boss Chris Coleman has different worries ahead of the New Year, with the likes of Papa Bouba Diop and Luis Boa Morte being tracked by some of the Premiership big-boys. Coleman's side are currently six points clear of the relegation places, having picked up seven points from their last four games.

Last time out they secured a valuable 2-1 win at home to Blackburn Rovers. Fulham have not beaten Chelsea since October 1979, with last season's corresponding fixture ending 3-1 to the Blues.

Premiership Betting Game Odds from: SportsInterAction
English Premier League Matchup:
Chelsea 1.16
vs Fulham 12.00
Draw 5.50
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Prediction: Fulham will score an early goal but the might of the Blues will just be simply too much for Mohammed Al-Fayed's club. Chelsea to win 4-1.
for more English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: European Soccer Betting
other English Premier League betting odds and lines are also available at Bodog Sportsbook and PinnacleSports.
Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Manchester United, Premier League, Chelsea, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Jose Mourinho, Arsenal

Boxing Day blockbuster: Liverpool vs Newcastle in Premiership weekend

2005-12-22T22:47:00.000-08:00

Reigning European Cup champions Liverpool welcome old nemesis Newcastle United to Anfield Stadium on Boxing Day for a fixture that has produced its fair share of thrillers over the years.

Rafael Benitez's men have won their last seven games without conceding a goal, form which has seen them rise to third in the Barclays Premiership, with two games in hand on the leading duo. Michael Owen returns to his former club for the first time to spearhead the Newcastle attack, as the Magpies aim to improve on their record of just one win and two draws at Anfield in the Premiership.

He faces a tough test though to make his mark on Boxing Day as the Reds kept a club record 11 clean sheets before losing 1-0 to Sao Paulo in the final of the FIFA Club World Championship in Japan. Benitez's side have won their last seven league fixtures, but is remains to be seen how much their trip to the Far East will have taken out of them.

Owen left Liverpool in the summer of 2004 to join Real Madrid, but has returned to England after falling out of favour at the Bernabeu. Owen was the star of the show at Upton Park with a hat-trick and his partnership with Alan Shearer is the key to Graeme Souness' side continuing to climb the table.

Premiership Betting Game Odds from: SportsInterAction

English Premier League Matchup:

Liverpool 1.57

vs Newcastle 5.50

Draw 3.30

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Prediction: Peter Crouch to score first and Liverpool to win 3-1. Owen will score in his return trip at Anfield.

for more English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: European Soccer Betting

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Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Manchester United, Premier League, Chelsea, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Jose Mourinho, Arsenal

FIFA World Cup Match Schedules

2005-12-11T05:52:00.000-08:00

FIFA World Cup 2006 Match Schedule - Stage 1 fixtures

all matches in Germany (Munich , Leipzig , Stuttgart , Nuremberg , Kaiserslautern , Cologne , Dortmund , Hanover , Berlin , Hamburg , Gelsenkirchen , Frankfurt )
Tournament Date: June 9

2006 World Cup qualifiers countries are Germany, Ukraine, Netherlands, Poland, England, Croatia, Italy, Portugal, France, Serbia & Montenegro, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Czech Republic, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, Japan, Iran, South Korea (Republic), Saudi Arabia, Angola, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo, Ghana, Tunisia, and Australia.

2006 Fifa World Cup Odds & Betting Lines - Who will win?

Group A

Match	Date	Venue	Teams	Time/Score
1	09-Jun-06	Munich	GERMANY:COSTA RICA	18:00
2	09-Jun-06	Gelsenkirchen	POL:ECU	21:00
17	14-Jun-06	Dortmund	GERMANY:POL	21:00
18	15-Jun-06	Hamburg	ECU:COSTA RICA	15:00
33	20-Jun-06	Berlin	ECU:GERMANY	16:00
34	20-Jun-06	Hanover	COSTA RICA:POL	16:00

Group B

Match	Date	Venue	Teams	Time/Score
3	10-Jun-06	Frankfurt	ENGLAND:PAR	15:00
4	10-Jun-06	Dortmund	TRI:SWE	18:00
19	15-Jun-06	Nuremberg	ENGLAND:TRI	18:00
20	15-Jun-06	Berlin	SWE:PAR	21:00
35	20-Jun-06	Cologne	SWE:ENGLAND	21:00
36	20-Jun-06	Kaiserslautern	PAR:TRI	21:00

Group C

Match	Date	Venue	Teams	Time/Score
5	10-Jun-06	Hamburg	ARG:CIV	21:00
6	11-Jun-06	Leipzig	SCG:NED	15:00
21	16-Jun-06	Gelsenkirchen	ARG:SCG	15:00
22	16-Jun-06	Stuttgart	NED:CIV	18:00
37	21-Jun-06	Frankfurt	NED:ARG	21:00
38	21-Jun-06	Munich	CIV:SCG	21:00

Group D

Match	Date	Venue	Teams	Time/Score
7	11-Jun-06	Nuremberg	MEX:IRN	18:00
8	11-Jun-06	Cologne	ANG:POR	21:00
23	16-Jun-06	Hanover	MEX:ANG	21:00
24	17-Jun-06	Frankfurt	POR:IRN	15:00
39	21-Jun-06	Gelsenkirchen	POR:MEX	16:00
40	21-Jun-06	Leipzig	IRN:ANG	16:00

Group E

Match	Date	Venue	Teams	Time/Score
9	12-Jun-06	Hanover	ITA:GHA	21:00
10	12-Jun-06	Gelsenkirchen	USA:CZE	18:00
25	17-Jun-06	Kaiserslautern	ITA:USA	21:00
26	17-Jun-06	Cologne	CZE:GHA	18:00
41	22-Jun-06	Hamburg	CZE:ITA	16:00
42	22-Jun-06	Nuremberg	GHA:USA	16:00

Group F

Match	Date	Venue	Teams	Time/Score
11	13-Jun-06	Berlin	BRAZIL:CRO	21:00
12	12-Jun-06	Kaiserslautern	AUS:JPN	15:00
27	18-Jun-06	Munich	BRAZIL:AUS	18:00
28	18-Jun-06	Nuremberg	JPN:CRO	15:00
43	22-Jun-06	Dortmund	JPN:BRAZIL	21:00
44	22-Jun-06	Stuttgart	CRO:AUS	21:00

Group G

Match	Date	Venue	Teams	Time/Score
13	13-Jun-06	Stuttgart	FRA:SUI	18:00
14	13-Jun-06	Frankfurt	KOR:TOG	15:00
29	18-Jun-06	Leipzig	FRA:KOR	21:00
30	19-Jun-06	Dortmund	TOG:SUI	15:00
45	23-Jun-06	Cologne	TOG:FRA	21:00
46	23-Jun-06	Hanover	SUI:KOR	21:00

Group H

Match	Date	Venue	Teams	Time/Score
15	14-Jun-06	Leipzig	ESP:UKR	15:00
16	14-Jun-06	Munich	TUN:KSA	18:00
31	19-Jun-06	Stuttgart	ESP:TUN	21:00
32	19-Jun-06	Hamburg	KSA:UKR	18:00
47	23-Jun-06	Kaiserslautern	KSA:ESP	16:00
48	23-Jun-06	Berlin	UKR:TUN	16:00

2006 Fifa World Cup Odds & Betting Lines - Who will win?

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2005-12-09T17:59:00.000-08:00

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Chelsea, Liverpool renew Champions League rivalry

2005-12-05T17:25:00.000-08:00

First place in Group G is the prize at stake at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea FC manager Jose Mourinho says nothing interests him beyond winning Tuesday's game against Liverpool FC.

The implications of this return fixture with their English rivals are irrelevant, he claims, because it is unclear whether Chelsea's UEFA Champions League ambitions will be best served by finishing first or second in the section. Mourinho and his team are mindful of the fact that having won last season's group by a comfortable margin they were then paired with FC Barcelona in the next round. The Londoners went through after two memorable encounters but it was a close-run thing.

Chelsea have a point to prove against these opponents having lost the 2004/05 semi-final to Liverpool, who went on to lift the trophy. It remains a bitter memory and it can hardly have consoled them to hear Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann describe the English champions on the eve of this game as "probably the best side in Europe last year".

From the team crowned champions of Europe that is some admission. In domestic football there is no argument about who holds the upper hand with Chelsea coming out on top in their last four meetings, most recently with a 4-1 triumph at Anfield which broke the pattern of tight, hard-fought affairs.

Certainly, no one should expect a glut of goals at Stamford Bridge after Liverpool extended their run of matches without conceding to eight with Saturday's 3-0 defeat of Wigan Athletic FC, a result which took them to third in the Premiership. Chelsea's 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough FC was their fourth in succession without a goal against and maintained a ten-point advantage at the top.

With qualification guaranteed, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will rest midfielder Xabi Alonso. This season's Liverpool are a superior outfit to the one that tasted glory in May. Mourinho has no such flexibility: Hernan Crespo, Joe Cole, Claude Makelele and Glen Johnson are all missing through injury, leaving him with only 18 available players.

UEFA Champions League Betting Game Odds: Sports Interaction

UEFA Champions League Matchup:

Chelsea 1.60

vs Liverpool 6.00

DRAW 3.00

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Prediction: Chelsea may be unstoppable in domestic competition but in Europe, the Reds are a tough nut to crack. Expect this game to end in a draw.

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tags: Soccer, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, 2006 World Cup, World Cup 2006, Manchester United, Chelsea, Frank Lampard, Liverpool, Destination Germany, UEFA, UEFA Champions League, Champions League

Twelve teams vie for six more Champions League Final 16 berth

2005-12-05T16:25:00.000-08:00

Six places in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round draw are on offer when the group stage closes on Tuesday and Wednesday, with 12 teams hoping to join the ten sides already booked into the Round of 16.

Groups E-H conclude on Tuesday, and in one of those pools two places are being contested by three teams. AC Milan and FC Schalke 04 are level at the Group E summit, with PSV Eindoven a point behind. The top two meet in Italy, with victory confirming first place for the winners, and a draw by 0-0, 1-1 or 2-2 enough to seal Milan's progress. Should a higher-scoring draw ensue, Schalke would pip Milan on away goals. Meanwhile, PSV welcome Fenerbahce SK knowing a win would see them through, while a draw would only do if Milan lose to Schalke. Fenerbahce must win to advance to the UEFA Cup at PSV's expense.

Tuesday's other chief business is in Group H. FC Internazionale Milano have won the section, but Rangers FC, FC Artmedia and FC Porto have six, five and four points respectively. If Rangers beat Inter at home they go through - a draw would suffice if Artmedia fail to defeat Porto, while the Scottish champions could afford to lose should the Bratislava tie finish level. Artmedia and Porto both need to win and hope Inter do them a favour. Parity in Slovakia would send Artmedia into the UEFA Cup while curtailing the 2004 European champions' continental campaign.

In Group G, holders Liverpool FC have only to draw at Chelsea FC to deny their domestic rivals first place and knockout seeding. Whatever the result between Real Betis Balompie and RSC Anderlecht, the Spanish side will enter the UEFA Cup, with the Belgian team's aim to end a record run of 12 group-stage defeats. Group F will finish in the following order - Olympique Lyonnais, Real Madrid CF, Rosenborg BK and Olympiacos CFP - however the Norwegian club fare in France, or Madrid do in Greece.

On Wednesday, all four Group D outfits could still survive. Leaders Villarreal CF need just a draw against LOSC Lille Metropole, a result that would also be enough for the French visitors if SL Benfica hold Manchester United FC. Benfica must win in Lisbon to stay in contention, while United can take a point provided the other game does not finish level or Villarreal lose by two or more goals, though in one scenario the Spanish and English sides could yet be split by coefficients.

The other available knockout berth is behind FC Barcelona in Group C. A point at home to Barcelona would see Udinese Calcio through, but if they lose Werder Bremen can pip them by beating Panathinaikos FC in Germany. If the Greek team avoid defeat, Udinese finish second and Panathinaikos third.

UEFA Champions League Betting Game Odds: Sports Interaction

Odds to win UEFA Champions League:
Chelsea 5.50
Barcelona 5.00
Juventus 7.50
AC Milan 11.00
Arsenal 13.00
Man Utd 23.00

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Prediction: Chelsea may be unstoppable in domestic competition but in Europe, Barcelona and Liverpool are the teams to beat.
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tags: Soccer, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, 2006 World Cup, World Cup 2006, Manchester United, Chelsea, Frank Lampard, Liverpool, Destination Germany, UEFA, UEFA Champions League, Champions League

Champions League rivals target knockout stages

2005-11-21T23:59:00.000-08:00

Four places in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League have already been decided, but a number of other sides will be hoping to clinch a berth in the last 16 this week. Arsenal FC, FC Barcelona, Olympique Lyonnais and Real Madrid CF all confirmed their progress with victories last time out, and a number of teams can join them on Matchday 5.

Home opportunities

Juventus and FC Bayern Munchen are locked together on nine points at the top of Group A, and both can seal progress with victories at home against Club Brugge KV and SK Rapid Wien respectively. The Belgian champions are on six points and secure of at least third place and a UEFA Cup last 32 berth after two victories against Rapid. However, they need at least a point in Turin to keep alive their hopes of reaching the next stage of this competition, but a draw would not be enough if Bayern win as both the German champions and Juve would then be out of reach.

Arsenal ambition

Group B leaders Arsenal have won all four games to date, and travel to third-placed FC Thun looking for the victory that would assure them of first place. A 4-2 home defeat against AFC Ajax on Matchday 4 left the Swiss side four points adrift of their Dutch rivals and they must now win both their remaining games to have a chance of progressing. Ajax, meanwhile, welcome AC Sparta Praha, with a single point to their name, to Amsterdam with both sides seeking victory; Ajax to take them into the knockout stages, Sparta to revive their hopes of continuing in European competition after Christmas.

Too close to call

Barcelona ensured progress from Group C with a 5-0 win against Panathinaikos FC three weeks ago and need just a point against Werder Bremen at Camp Nou to make certain of finishing first in the section. The other three sides all have four points, with Udinese Calcio travelling to Athens to take on Panathinaikos. The qualification picture is even murkier in Group D, where the four sides are separated by two points; leaders Villarreal CF visit Manchester United FC - one point and two places behind their Spanish opponents - while second-placed LOSC Lille Metropole take on SL Benfica at the Stade de France.

Top two away

On Wednesday, the top two in Group E, PSV Eindhoven and AC Milan, both face tricky away games. PSV - 1-0 winners against Milan three weeks ago - can ensure progress with victory at FC Schalke 04 in Gelsenkirchen, while Milan look to get back on track at Fenerbahce SK. There is also an intriguing fixture in Group F with already-qualified pair Madrid and Lyon coming face to face at the Santiago Bernabeu, where the Spanish side will look to end their opponents' 100 per cent record and gain revenge for their 3-0 defeat in France on Matchday 1. Rosenborg BK have the chance to cement a UEFA Cup berth as they welcome Olympiacos CFP to Trondheim, where a point will suffice for the Norwegian side.

Holders well placed

Holders Liverpool FC lead Group G and can cement their place in the knockout stages with a game to spare should they overcome third-placed Real Betis Balompie at Anfield. Chelsea FC lie second, three points behind Liverpool, and will be confident of improving their standing by collecting three points at RSC Anderlecht, who have lost their last eleven games in the competition. Finally, FC Internazionale Milano can clinch Group H should they defeat FC Artmedia in Italy, while bottom side FC Porto will hope to leapfrog Rangers FC by overcoming the Scottish champions at the Estadio do Dragao.

UEFA Champions League Betting Game Odds: Sports Interaction
Odds to win UEFA Champions League:
Chelsea 5.50
Barcelona 6.00
Juventus 7.50
AC Milan 11.00
Arsenal 13.00
Man Utd 19.00
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Prediction: Chelsea may be unstoppable in domestic competition but in Europe, Barcelona and Liverpool are the teams to beat.
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tags: Soccer, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, 2006 World Cup, World Cup 2006, Manchester United, Chelsea, Frank Lampard, Liverpool, Destination Germany, UEFA, UEFA Champions League, Champions League

Ruud rescues United; Chelsea, Arsenal resume winning ways

2005-11-21T23:32:00.000-08:00

Ruud van Nistelrooy ensured Manchester United began life without Roy Keane with a morale-boosting 3-1 win over Charlton. The victory, clinched by the Dutchman's second-half double, was of huge psychological importance for Alex Ferguson's squad, 24 hours after the trauma of club captain Keane's shock departure from Old Trafford.

But it made no impact on Premiership leaders Chelsea. The champions extended their lead at the top of the table to nine points courtesy of their own 3-0 win over Newcastle at Stamford Bridge and second-placed Wigan's 3-2 reverse at home to Arsenal. United moved up to third, ten points adrift of the leaders with a game in hand, after an impressive, gutsy performance at The Valley.

Chelsea, beaten by United at Old Trafford two weeks ago, looked sluggish once more as they laboured through a goalless first half against Newcastle. But a half-time pep talk from Jose Mourinho appeared to do the trick. Joe Cole fired them ahead within two minutes of the restart and Hernan Crespo, celebrating a rare start for Mourinho's side, killed the contest four minutes later.

Thierry Henry demonstrated why he is so coveted by Barcelona with another brace of goals as Arsenal claimed their first away of the season in an entertaining 3-2 win over Wigan. Robin van Persie scored Arsenal's other goal with Henri Camara and Jimmy Bullard finding the net for Wigan.

Peter Crouch was left waiting for his first Liverpool goal after having a penalty saved by Portsmouth goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown at Anfield. But his blushes were spared by Boudewijn Zenden, who followed up to head in the rebound. Liverpool ultimately ran out 3-0 winners courtesy of a mishit cross from Djibril Cisse and a second-half effort from substitute Fernando Morientes.

Manchester City and Blackburn shared the points after a goalless battle at the City of Manchester Stadium, while Aston Villa eased the pressure on manager David O'Leary with a 3-1 win at bottom side Sunderland.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: SportsInterAction
Odds to win English Premier League (w/out Chelsea):
Man Utd 1.72
Arsenal 3.00
Tottenham 11.00
Liverpool 12.00
Charlton 34.00
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Prediction: Minus Chelsea, Man U have the best chance of wiining the Premiership. Arsenal and Liverpool are virtual longshots.
for more English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: European Soccer Betting
other English Premier League betting odds and lines are also available at Bodog Sportsbook and PinnacleSports.
Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Manchester United, Premier League, Chelsea, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Jose Mourinho, Arsenal

English League Cup: Manchester United face Barnet banana skin

2005-10-25T23:34:00.000-07:00

Manchester United put their glittering reputation on the line on Wednesday when they take on humble Barnet, struggling against relegation from League Two, in the English League Cup third round on Wednesday.

Barnet, based in north London, were playing in the non-league Conference last season, and are facing a quick return after a 4-0 defeat to fellow no-hopers Mansfield on Saturday. The contrast between the two sides could not be more stark.

Manchester United, likely to rest most of their big guns, have a host of multi-million pound players on their books while Barnet's most expensive import is striker Giuliano Grazioli who cost 110,0000 pounds. He makes his 100th appearance for the club on Wednesday but it's the financial spin-offs which have dominated the build-up to the game.

United, worried that the tie would lead to acres of empty seats at their 67,500 capacity Old Trafford, wanted to reduce ticket prices but the Londoners stood their ground. Barnet estimate they can make around Â£500,000 from the tie, a potential financial lifeline for the struggling club.

Also on Wednesday, Premiership leaders and defending champions Chelsea face Charlton, second in the table, while Newcastle have a tricky trip to Grimsby, third in League Two. Grimsby beat Tottenham 1-0 at Blundell Park in the last round.

As well as Chelsea and Charlton, there are four other all-Premiership ties with Arsenal at Sunderland, bottom club Everton at home to Middlesbrough, Fulham hosting West Brom and West Ham travelling to the Reebok Stadium to face Bolton.

Doncaster and Gillingham, conquerors of Premiership opponents Manchester City and Portsmouth in round two respectively, face each other at Belle Vue. Crystal Palace face Liverpool at Selhurst Park while newly-promoted Wigan are at home to Watford. The Championship's top two Reading and Sheffield United clash at the Madejski Stadium.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: SportsInterAction
Odds to win English Premier League:
Man Utd 1.72
Arsenal 3.00
Tottenham 11.00
Liverpool 12.00
Charlton 34.00
Check out Sports Interaction's betting facilities and find out for yourself how simple and convenient Sports Interaction makes it to place bets from the comfort of your home or office.
To start placing your own bets, open an account online within minutes, and you will soon be experiencing the benefits of betting with Sports Interaction for yourself.
Prediction: Minus Chelsea, Man U have the best chance of wiining the Premiership. Arsenal and Liverpool are virtual longshots.
for more English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: European Soccer Betting

other English Premier League betting odds and lines are also available at Bodog Sportsbook and PinnacleSports.

Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Manchester United, Premier League, Chelsea, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Jose Mourinho, Arsenal

Mourinho wary of 'dangerous' Betis

2005-10-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

On the eve of their UEFA Champions League game with Real Betis Balompie, Jose Mourinho declared that those waiting for Chelsea FC's first defeat of the season in the hope it will trigger a psychological collapse in his team are misguided.

Chelsea go into Matchday 3 with every prospect of setting new standards of winning football in the English Premiership, and with their UEFA Champions League ambitions in good order following a home win against RSC Anderlecht and a draw away to Liverpool FC.

Mourinho is a manager with the luxury of seldom having to work on the morale of his players. Unshakeable confidence has been part of the Stamford Bridge dressing-room for as long as the Portuguese coach has been in charge. And true to his reputation for painstaking preparation, he says they are ready to deal positively with any stumble.

After Chelsea overcame the surprise of falling behind against Bolton Wanderers FC last weekend to run out 5-1 victors – extending their winning domestic sequence to a ninth game – it would seem that areas to exploit and undermine the English champions are diminishing almost to the point of invisibility.

Nevertheless, neither coach Llorenc Serra Ferrer nor his Betis players consider this an impossible task and hope to build on their away victory against Anderlecht two weeks ago having lost on their UEFA Champions League debut to Liverpool.

Mourinho has a lot of respect for Chelsea's Spanish opponents and repeated his warning that Group G is a difficult pool in which nothing should be taken for granted just yet. In Joaquin Sanchez and Ricardo Oliveira, Betis have obvious talents who can hurt the London team. Asier Del Horno, Chelsea's Spanish international, knows all about their threat and believes they will be highly motivated at Stamford Bridge.

UEFA Champions League Betting Game Odds: Sports Interaction
Odds to win UEFA Champions League:
Chelsea 6.00
Barcelona 6.50
Juventus 8.00
AC Milan 8.00
Arsenal 9.00
Man Utd 10.00
Sports Interaction has developed a reputation for its extensive range of sports and lines. They cover everything from NFL to Nascar and many international sports. Sports Interaction know what you want to see, what you want to bet on and what types of bets you want to place. Security is their priority and deliver the best and widest range of sport selections and betting options online.
Make Easy Money. Bonuses galore! Up to 20% in initial deposit bonuses and up to $200 in refer a friend bonuses. Visit Sports Interaction now!
Prediction: Chelsea may be unstoppable in domestic competition but in Europe, Barcelona and Liverpool are the teams to beat.
for more UEFA Champions League Tips, Picks and Odds, visit European Soccer Betting. The best soccer odds and lines are also offered by Bodog Sportsbook and Oasis Sportsbook.
tags: Soccer, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, 2006 World Cup, World Cup 2006, Manchester United, Chelsea, Frank Lampard, Liverpool, Destination Germany, UEFA, UEFA Champions League, Champions League

English Premiership Roundup: All bets off as unstoppable Chelsea blitz Bolton

2005-10-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

Jose Mourinho claimed Chelsea had provided the perfect riposte to the critics who have labelled them boring by blasting five second half goals past Bolton. Saturday's diplay demonstrated exactly why bookmakers are already paying out on bets that Mourinho's side will retain the English Premiership title.

But Bolton's manager Sam Allardyce felt things might have been different if referee Rob Styles had sent off Michael Essien for a crude challenge on Tal Ben Haim late in the first half. Two goals apiece for Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba and one from Eidur Gudjohnsen secured Chelsea's win after Bolton had taken a fourth-minute lead through Greek midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos.

The visitors held out to the break but could not resist after the restart, Lampard and Drogba putting Chelsea in front before Bolton's Ricardo Gardner was sent off for deliberate handball. The win means Chelsea have not lost in the Premiership for a full year - their last defeat having come at Manchester City on October 16, 2004.

Manchester United are a point further back after goals from Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy (his 10th of the season) and 18-year-old Giuseppe Rossi earned them a 3-1 win at struggling Sunderland. With a game in hand on Chelsea, United can still entertain hope of overhauling the leaders and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been cheered by recent performances.

Arsenal's title hopes now look to have been extinguished after Arsene Wenger's injury-hit squad were beaten 2-1 at West Brom. It was the Gunners' third defeat of the season and they now trail Chelsea by a massive 14 points.

Arsenal took the lead through young centreback Philippe Senderos but their former forward Kanu got Albion back on level terms before the break and Darren Carter came off the bench to earn three precious points for his club with a 76th-minute volley.

Liverpool made hard work of overcoming ten-man Blackburn at Anfield but finally secured the points with a long-range strike from Djibril Cisse that will have helped the unsettled French striker's case for a regular place in the starting line-up.

UEFA Champions League Betting Game Odds: Sports Interaction
Odds to win UEFA Champions League:
Chelsea 6.00
Barcelona 6.50
Juventus 8.00
AC Milan 8.00
Arsenal 9.00
Man Utd 10.00
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Prediction: Chelsea may be unstoppable in domestic competition but in Europe, Barcelona and Liverpool are the teams to beat.
for more UEFA Champions League Tips, Picks and Odds, visit European Soccer Betting. The best soccer odds and lines are also offered by Bodog Sportsbook and Oasis Sportsbook.
tags: Soccer, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, 2006 World Cup, World Cup 2006, Manchester United, Chelsea, Frank Lampard, Liverpool, Destination Germany, UEFA UEFA Champions League, Champions League

Chelsea in revenge Champions League match against Liverpool

2005-09-28T23:19:00.000-07:00

English Premiership champions Chelsea have a score to settle against reigning European champions Liverpool in Wednesday's Champion League match at Anfield.

The seven straight wins with which Chelsea have started the season has not eased the pain over last season's Champions League semi-final defeat at the hands of the Merseysiders. The two English clubs will come face to face again on Wednesday after being drawn in Group G of this year's tournament.

Meanwhile Spaniard Nacho Novo has been ruled out of Rangers' trip to Inter Milan and other big matches include 2003 winners AC Milan at Germany's Schalke 04, Real Madrid hosting Olympiakos and 2004 champions Porto against FC Bratislava.

Blues skipper John Terry makes no bones about the fact that he will lead his side north to Liverpool with a score to settle. Terry was left distraught when a highly controversial goal from Luis Garcia secured Liverpool's place in the final, the England defender having been convinced that the ball had not crossed the line.

The theme was taken up by teammate Frank Lampard, whose goal helped Chelsea get this season's campaign in Europe off to a winning start at the expense of Belgian outfit Anderlecht. The hype surrounding the match has been all about Chelsea taking revenge for last term's defeat by Liverpool that sent Rafael Benitez's men to Istanbul. But boss Benitez and fellow Spaniard Xabi Alonso have made it clear that Liverpool do not fear the English champions.

Benitez, whose own side have lost just once in 16 league, European and friendly matches since winning the European Cup last May, said that Chelsea are not unbeatable. Chelsea have lost just six of 66 matches under Jose Mourinho's control, but four of them were Champions League away games last term.

Rangers manager Alex McLeish must do without the club's topscorer Novo for the Group H tie against Inter Milan after he limped off midway through the 1-0 defeat at Hearts on Saturday with an ankle injury.

Last season's finalists AC Milan hope to get an early stranglehold on Champions League Group E when they travel to German side Schalke 04 on Wednesday. Milan ran out 3-1 winners over Fenerbahce in their opening match and another three points would see the six-time European champions live up to their billing as group favourites.

Real Madrid's midfield maestro Zinedine Zidane may be fit for Wednesday's Group F home game against Greeks Olympiakos after being out of action for the last three weeks. Zidane ripped his right adductor muscle in France's 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Republic of Ireland on September 7 but according to Madrid club doctors he could be available for selection on Wednesday.

UEFA Champions League Betting Game Odds: Bodog Sportsbook

Liverpool +200
vs Chelsea +120
Draw +200

Real Madrid -455

vs Olympiakos +800

Draw +400

Inter Milan -400

vs Rangers +800

Draw +350

Bodog is an online gambling site offering online sports betting, online casino gambling and online poker with great betting odds, fantastic customer service and fast payouts.

Prediction: Liverpool vs Chelsea will end up in a 1-1 draw while Inter Milan and Real Madrid will beat their respective opponents, 2-1.

for more UEFA Champions League Tips, Picks and Odds, visit European Soccer Betting. The best soccer odds and lines are also offered by Sports Interaction and Oasis Sportsbook.

tags: Soccer, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, 2006 World Cup, World Cup 2006, AC MIlan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, Destination Germany, UEFA UEFA Champions League, Champions League

Tough schedule ahead for England's best in Champions League

2005-09-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

English giants Manchester United and Arsenal, both struggling for form in the Premiership, face tough games in the second round of group matches in the Champions League.

Manchester United, who will be without England striker Wayne Rooney, suspended for two matches by UEFA for his sending-off in United's opening 0-0 draw with Villarreal, host Benfica, the first time the two clubs have met since the European Cup final in 1968.

United won 4-1 then and are favourites but will be hit not only by the absence of the fiery Rooney but also inspirational skipper Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Gabriel Heinze.

Arsenal travel to the Netherlands to play Ajax without key French striker Thierry Henry (groin), while Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva is also doubtful after injuring his ankle against West Ham. Robin van Persie is suspended and Dennis Bergkamp is highly doubtful with back and groin injuries.

Barcelona host Italian club Udinese and are boosted by the return of an influential duo. World Player of the Year Ronaldinho and Portuguese international winger Deco will return to the Barca line up after being rested during Saturday's 4-1 league win over Real Betis.

Ronaldinho's return means that former European Golden Boot winner Henrik Larsson is likely to be back on the bench after starting his first official game in 308 days. Mexican international Rafa Marquez has a right thigh strain sustained in training last week and is highly doubtful to face the Italians.

Bayern Munich will seek to rebound from a 2-0 defeat to SV Hamburg on the weekend - their first loss of the season - for their match against Bruges. An opening 1-0 Champions League win at Rapid Vienna helped Bayern justify their tag as group favourites alongside Juventus but injury problems are giving manager Felix Magath a headache.

England international Owen Hargreaves and Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz are not yet fit and Peruvian international attacker Claudio Pizarro is doubtful with a thigh complaint. Magath's opposite number Jan Ceulemans has injury concerns of his own with Belgian international Joos Valgaeren a long-term casualty while Slovakian Marek Spilar picked up a knock.

In Italy, Juventus will be looking to extend their flawless record at home to Austrian clubs in Europe when they host Rapid Vienna. The current Serie A leaders, who beat Bruges 2-1 in their first Group A game two weeks ago, have won all five of their matches against Austrian opposition on home soil.

UEFA Champions League Betting Game Odds: Bodog Sportsbook

Bayern Munich -500
vsClub Brugge +900
Draw +400
Juventus -667
vs Rapid Vienna +1100
Draw +500
Barcelona -305
vs Udinese +700

Draw +300

Bodog is an online gambling site offering online sports betting, online casino gambling and online poker with great betting odds, fantastic customer service and fast payouts.

Prediction: Expect Bayern, Juve and Barca to dispose their opponents easily.

for more UEFA Champions League Tips, Picks and Odds, visit Sports Betting Index. The best soccer odds and lines are also offered by Sports Interaction and Oasis Sportsbook.

tags: Soccer, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, 2006 World Cup, World Cup 2006, AC MIlan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, Destination Germany, UEFA UEFA Champions League, Champions League

English Premier League Weekend Fixtures: Manchester United try to keep up with Chelsea

2005-09-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

English Premier League returns to action this weekend with crucial fixtures as Manchester United and Arsenal try to keep up with league-leading Chelsea while the defending champions host dangerous club Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.

Paul Scholes, a former England midfielder believes it was points dropped against mid-table sides like Blackburn that allowed Chelsea to stroll to the title last season and is wary of history repeating itself in painful fashion.

Chelsea's six-match winning start to the season has intensified that fear to the extent that Scholes admitted victories over Blackburn and Fulham in United's next two matches had become vital.

Despite flirting dangerously with relegation last season, Blackburn drew both their meetings with United and manager Mark Hughes is keenly anticipating a return to the club for whom he scored 163 goals, particularly in the wake of Craig Bellamy's return from injury.

Bellamy scored his first goals for Rovers in the midweek League Cup win over Huddersfield, and Hughes is optimistic his fellow Welshman can make the difference in the kind of big-match atmosphere he thrives on.

Aston Villa hit the net eight times against lower league Wycombe in League Cup action in midweek. David O'Leary's side are unlikely however to find goals so easy to come by when they visit Chelsea on Saturday. The champions, seeking to make it seven wins on the trot, have yet to concede a goal this season and there was an ominous efficiency about they way in which they overpowered second-placed Charlton last weekend.

Manager Jose Mourinho also appears to have successfully stifled early season indicators of discontent among players who have been denied first team opportunities, reinforcing a sense of unity he believes will be crucial to the title defence.

Arsenal and West Ham, arguably the two most entertaining sides in the Premiership this season, go head to head at Highbury. Having lost twice already, the Gunners can ill afford any more dropped points if they are to keep Chelsea in their sights.

Manager Arsene Wenger will have taken heart from Sol Campbell's goalscoring return to action in Monday's win over Everton but admits he wants more goals from young forwards Robin van Persie and Jose Antonio Reyes.

Elsewhere, Alain Perrin takes Portsmouth to Bolton in the unwelcome position of being the bookmakers new favourite to become the first managerial casualty of the season. A League Cup humiliation at the hands of Gillingham on Tuesday has not helped Perrin's cause but the Frenchman insists Pompey's position is not as bad as depicted.

European champions Liverpool warm up for next week's Champions League showdown with Chelsea with a Saturday lunchtime trip to Birmingham.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: SportsInterAction

Premiership Weekend Matchup:
Chelsea 1.20 Draw 5.00 Aston Villa 11.00

Man Utd 1.33 Draw 3.75 Blackburn 9.00

West Ham 4.50 Draw 3.30 Arsenal 1.66
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Prediction: Manchester United and Arsenal will romp away with lopsided victories while Chelsea will be limited to 1-1 draw by Aston Villa

for more English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

other English Premier League betting odds and lines are also available at Bodog Sportsbook and PinnacleSports.

Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Manchester United, Premier League, Chelsea, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Jose Mourinho, Arsenal

English Premiership stars shine in World Player Awards

2005-09-21T22:58:00.000-07:00

Players from the Barclays English Premiership featured strongly in the inaugural FIFPro World XI Player Awards announced in London.

The nominations were made by their fellow professionals through the global umbrella organisation of players unions and Barclays Premiership champions Chelsea had three of their men named in the FIFPro World XI line-up - defender John Terry and midfielders Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele.

There was, however, no place in the side for prolific Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, as Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o and AC Milan frontman Andriy Shevchenko topped the poll in attack.

Other English-based winners were Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. England striker Rooney, 19, was voted FIFPro Academy's young player of the year, while 20-year-old Portugal winger Ronaldo received a special award which was voted for by fans across the globe in the only public ballot category.

The gala ceremony was held at BBC TV Centre in White City, west London, where Pele was honoured with the FIFPro legend award to recognize his outstanding contribution to the game and current Brazil star Ronaldinho topped the poll for FIFPro's world player of the year.

Between April and July, some 38,000 professional footballers, who belong to the 40-strong player organisations across the world which go to form FIFPro, voted in a secret ballot to honour their peers in a world XI - choosing the four defenders, four midfielders, two forwards and goalkeeper they most admire.

Lampard paid tribute to his fellow professionals for voting him into the FIFPro World XI while Rooney was equally thrilled with his Young Player of the Year Award.

Spanish Primera Liga Betting Odds: Bodog
Primera Liga Matchup: Barcelona -200 Valencia +480
Draw +210

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Prediction: Barcelona will thrash Valencia 3-1. Deco, Ronaldinho and Eto'o will score for the Catalan giants.

for more English Premier League Betting Tips, Picks and Odds, visit Sports Betting Index. The best soccer odds and lines are also offered by Sports Interaction and Oasis Sportsbook.

tags:

Soccer, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, 2006 World Cup, World Cup 2006, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Chelsea, Liverpool, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney,UEFA Champions League, Champions League

Rooney sent off as Villareal hold United; Arsenal barely survives Thun scare

2005-09-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney was sent off, with England coach Sven Goran Eriksson watching from the stands, as Villarreal held the 1999 European champions to a 0-0 draw while Dutch veteran Dennis Bergkamp scored in injury time to spare Arsenal's blushes and beat plucky Swiss minnows Thun 2-1 in the continuation of Champions League Group B opening matchups.

Rooney had already been warned several times by Danish ref Kim Milton Nielsen before the headstrong striker unleashed a scything tackle on Villarreal captain Quique Alvarez after 65 minutes. Nielsen initially showed Rooney just a yellow card but an act of dissent over the decision saw him booked again and given his marching orders.

The best chance of the half fell to Ruud van Nistlerooy three minutes before half time when the ball spilled from Viera's hands after the Uruguayan keeper failed to gather up a cross into the box. Van Nistlerooy appeared to have nudged the ball across the line until Gonzalo Rodriguez pulled off an acrobatic overhead clearance.

However, it was to be Rooney who was the story of the night, and once again not for his goal scoring skills.

At Highbury, Bergkamp prodded the ball in two minutes into stoppage time to save the Gunners from what would have been a hugely embarrassing draw. Brazil midfielder Gilberto headed in a 51st-minute corner but Nelson Ferreira equalised two minutes later for the European debutants with a brilliant lob.

Swiss league runners-up Thun stunned Champions League veterans Dynamo Kiev and Malmo in the qualifying rounds. Just nine years ago they were playing amateur third division football before 100 fans. Arsenal meanwhile have started the season poorly and Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough left them ninth in the Premiership and Arsene Wenger fuming.

In other games, Juventus blanked Club Brugges 2-0, Bayern Munich nipped Rapid Vienna 1-0, Barcelona routed Werder Bremen 2-0, Udinese surprised Panathinaikos 3-0 while Portugese club Benfica thrashed Turkey side Fenerbahce 3-1.

UEFA Champions League Betting Game Odds: Sports Interaction

Matchday 2 Matchups:

AC Milan 1.44

vs PSV Eindhoven 4.33

Chelsea 1.40

vs Liverpool 3.20

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Prediction: Milan and Chelsea will survive Eindhoven and Liverpool. Both will hack out 1-0 wins.
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tags: Soccer, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, 2006 World Cup, World Cup 2006, Manchester United, Diego Forlan, Villareal, Liverpool, Destination Germany, UEFA UEFA Champions League, Champions League

Houllier's magic reigns supreme in Champions League opener

2005-09-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Frenchman Gerard Houllier's rehabilitation as a manager gained ground as French champions Lyon thrashed nine-time European champions Real Madrid 3-0 in their opening Champions League group match. Houllier's former team and reigning titleholders Liverpool also won for good measure beating another Spanish side Real Betis 2-1 in Seville.

Lyon's goals came in a 10-minute period of the first-half through Norwegian international John Carew, Brazilian midfielder Juninho and Sylvain Wiltord.

The hosts threatened to totally embarrass the Spanish giants when a penalty was awarded in the 40th minute but Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas saved Juninho's strike.

It was a good night for British clubs as the side Liverpool controversially beat in the semifinals last term Chelsea edged Belgian league leaders Anderlecht 1-0 while Rangers were twice pegged back but eventually emerged 3-2 victors over 2004 Champions League winners Porto.

Both the Milan clubs won their opening matches with AC Milan - sensationally beaten on penalties in last season's final after leading 3-0 - scoring two late goals to beat Turkish side Fenerbahce 3-1 and Inter scraping a 1-0 victory away at surprise group qualifiers Artmedia Bratislava.

Houllier - who guided Liverpool to UEFA Cup glory - was ecstatic at his team's outstanding display. His former team Liverpool grabbed two early goals through Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Luis Garcia but were perhaps a bit fortunate to come away with the three points as Betis fought back hard but only had Arzu Garcia's goal as reward.

Chelsea were far from impressive but had England international Frank Lampard to thank for their narrow win over Anderlecht, although Blues manager Jose Mourinho said he was satisfied. His Anderlecht counterpart Frank Vercauteren said he was proud of the way his side had battled, though, he too admitted he had expected the players to take on Chelsea more often up front.

Kaka was AC Milan's star turn as he scored twice including one that earned him the highest of praise - comparisons with Argentinian legend Diego Maradona. Kaka will be hoping that come next year he can also write his name into footballing history - scoring the winner in the Champions League final.

UEFA Champions League Betting Game Odds: Bodog Sportsbook

Barcelona +110
vs Werder Bremen +200
Draw +225
Manchester United +150
vs Villareal +150
Draw +210
Arsenal -600
vs Thun +1000

Draw +450

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Prediction: Barcelona and Manchester United will escape with a pair of 2-0 wins while Arsenal will humble Champions League neophytes Thun 3-0.

for more UEFA Champions League Tips, Picks and Odds, visit Sports Betting Index. The best soccer odds and lines are also offered by Sports Interaction and Oasis Sportsbook.

tags: Soccer, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, 2006 World Cup, World Cup 2006, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Liverpool, Destination Germany, UEFA UEFA Champions League, Champions League

Champions League kicks off minus three star booters

2005-09-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

The star quality of Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry and Fernando Morientes will be missing from this week's opening Champions League group fixtures as the world's premier club competition gets under way in its 50th anniversary year.

The 32-team group stage will be whittled down to just two teams come the final on May 17 at the Stade de France next year after the cream of Europe will have battled it out for eight months.

Real Madrid's Zidane suffered a groin strain in France's 1-0 World Cup victory over Republic of Ireland last week and will be out for three weeks and hence will miss Tuesday's Group F match at French champions Lyon.

Zidane only returned to international duty a month ago after initially retiring from the French national side which he inspired to the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.

And Arsenal's Thierry Henry, who scored a sensational goal for France in their Irish victory, also hurt his groin in the same match and will miss Arsenal's Group B clash at home to Swiss club Thun. The 28-year-old scored five goals in last season's competition before the north London outfit were eliminated by Bayern Munich in the last 16.

Morientes, a European champion with Real Madrid, a runner-up on-loan at Monaco and now playing for reigning champions Liverpool, hurt himself in Spain's 1-1 draw with Serbia and Montenegro last week. The striker hurt his hamstring but scans revealed only a slight tear and Spain's team doctor Genaro Borras said he would be out for up to two weeks.

It now looks like two metres-tall Peter Crouch will take Morientes' place in their bid to beat Real Betis in their opening Group G match alongside Frenchman Djibril Cisse. Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez, who is very familiar with Betis after his many years coaching in Spain, has made no attempt to hide his plans.

Crouch made his English Premiership debut in Liverpool's 0-0 draw at Tottenham, after finally overcoming his own hamstring problems which had delayed the start of his career at the Reds.

To counter Crouch's height, Betis are likely to try and mark him with David Rivas. Rivas is 1.90m and the tallest man in the Betis squad, as well as fortunately a specialist central defender, but he will still being giving away several inches to Crouch.

Also in Group G, Chelsea will be without Asier Del Horno for Tuesday's game at home to Belgians Anderlecht. The Spanish international left-back picked up a thigh muscular injury during added time at the end of their 2-0 Premiership win against Sunderland.

The two English clubs are in the same group because Liverpool, who beat Chelsea in the semi-finals in last season's competition, were without country protection in the draw after UEFA granted them special dispensation to defend the trophy.

It was fitting the competition's final returned to France for its 50th edition next year. The first final in 1956 was held in the Parc des Princes in Paris where Real Madrid beat French club Reims 4-3.

UEFA Champions League Betting Game Odds: Bodog Sportsbook

Betis Sevilla +125
vs Liverpool +175
Draw +215
Chelsea -600
vs Anderlecht +1100
Draw +425
Olympique Lyonnais +160
vs Real Madrid +140

Draw +210

Bodog is an online gambling site offering online sports betting, online casino gambling and online poker with great betting odds, fantastic customer service and fast payouts.

Prediction: Liverpool and Real Madrid will start their Champions League campaign on a slow note by drawing their first game. The same thing is not true for Chelsea. The Blues will destroy their Belgian foe, 3-1.

for more UEFA Champions League Tips, Picks and Odds, visit Sports Betting Index. The best soccer odds and lines are also offered by Sports Interaction and Oasis Sportsbook.

tags: Soccer, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, 2006 World Cup, World Cup 2006, AC MIlan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, Destination Germany, UEFA UEFA Champions League, Champions League

Tough away tests for boys in blue; Spain in a must-win situation

2005-09-07T23:44:00.000-07:00

The Republic of Ireland's showdown with France and Spain's meeting with Serbia and Montenegro are firmly in the spotlight as the latest round of European qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany approaches.

No fewer than 24 games will take place across the continent in all, but the Netherlands and Portugal can guarantee themselves a ticket to next summer's finals providing they come home from Russia with a positive result and their rivals slip up.

In Group 1, Karel Bruckner's Czech Republic side will be desperate to reclaim second place following their surprise 2-0 defeat in Romania. Marco van Basten's pacesetters now hold a four-point lead and will secure their finals place if they beat visitors Andorra and the Czechs lose to Armenia. That, of course, is unlikely with the Czechs looking to accumulate as many points as possible in the hope of qualifying directly as one of the two best second-placed teams.

Comfortably ahead of the rest in Group 3 with a five-point advantage, Portugal can ensure their qualification if they win in Russia and Slovakia fail to take three points from their trip to Latvia.

In Group 4, anything is still possible with three teams on 13 points (Switzerland, Republic of Ireland and France) and Israel right behind on 12. France's hopes of going through have been raised by the recent return of Zinedine Zidane and they will need all his guile on their trip to Dublin.

In Group 6, England have another derby match to negotiate as they take on Northern Ireland in Belfast. Their opponents are sure to relish the occasion and will have been encouraged not only by England's laboured 1-0 victory over Wales but their own success against Azerbaijan - their first competitive win for four years. For their part, England are obliged to win if they wish to stay within two points of a Poland side who play host to the Welsh.

Despite the late kick-off, the atmosphere is sure to be electric at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, where Luis Aragones's men need an inspired performance at home to Serbia and Montenegro. The visitors jumped two points clear at the top of Group 7 with a 2-0 win over Lithuania in their last outing, leaving Spain desperate for victory over the side they held to a 0-0 draw in Belgrade in their first encounter.

World Cup betiing game odds: Bodog Sportsbook

World Cup Qualifiers Propositions:

France EVEN

vs Rep. of Ireland +220

DRAW +210

Spain -230

vs Serbia & Montenegro +570

DRAW +265

England -833

vs Northern Ireland +1400

DRAW +510

PREDICTION: France, Spain and England will all prevail and gain valuable World Cup qualifying points.

Bodog is an online gambling site offering online sports betting, online casino gambling and online poker with great betting odds, fantastic customer service and fast payouts.

for more World Cup betting tips, picks and odds visit European Soccer Betting. For live odds and lines, check out PinnacleSports and SportsInterAction.

tags: Soccer, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, 2006 World Cup, World Cup 2006, England, Brazil, Germany, France, Destination Germany, World Cup Soccer Soccer World Cup, England

2006 World Cup Qualifying: European Zone Roundup

2005-09-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

The qualifying is far from over for most but World Cup first-timers Ukraine were cracking open the champagne, or perhaps the vodka, after becoming the first European team to qualify for the finals with still plenty of room to spare.

Ukraine, who join Germany, who as hosts qualify automatically, have led an impressive campaign in Group Two and it appeared they would still need a result from their next match against Turkey following their 1-1 draw away to Georgia.

However Turkey's subsequent 2-2 draw at home to Denmark left Ukraine with an uncatchable seven point lead over the Turks. The Ukrainians will have been grateful for the injury-time equaliser by Denmark's Soren Larsen which saved them the trouble of needing to take something from their home game with Turkey.

Throughout, Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin has not just had to rely on the talent of Andriy Shevchenko, the AC Milan marksman, and will be looking forward to parading his side in Germany next summer.

For some of Europe's big guns, however, it's far from over and there's still all to play for before qualifying winds up this October.

England, forever in search of the holy grail that is the World Cup they last won in 1966, remain second in Group Six after a Joe Cole goal allowed Sven-Goran Eriksson's side to scrape a 1-0 win against Wales. Eriksson was satisfied with the performance of a team which many pundits in England are predicting will win next summer's showpiece. However the Swede knows it was nothing to get carried away with.

England sit behind Poland, who continued their impressive campaign with a 3-2 win against Austria in Chorzow. The hosts had surged to a 2-0 lead before Austria got back on track to reduce the deficit.

Poland now have a two-point lead over England but, along with basement side Azerbaijan, have played one game more (eight) than the rest of the teams in the group. Poland host Wales in Warsaw on Wednesday and whatever the result, and that of their final match, against England in Manchester, they are guaranteed a place in the playoffs.

For England's historical rivals France, whose international credentials are fresher having won the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championships two years later, the return of Zinedine Zidane proved a help although not decisive.

France's campaign has been flagging since Raymond Domenech took over as coach of 'Les Bleus', and Zidane and Lilian Thuram came out of their international retirement to lend a hand.

Zidane was his usual inspirational self in midfield, however it was the boots of Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse which proved most lethal to Jakkup Mikkelson in goal for the Faroe Islands. France dominated the match, and came out 3-0 winners to claim their first group win since beating Cyprus last October.

Cisse grabbed the opener for the hosts and added a second-half goal to an unfortunate own goal for the visitors. France now share the same number of points as Switzerland and the Republic of Ireland but lie third on goal difference.

Group Four has proved to be one of the most tightly-contested in the Europe zone qualifying, and Domenech knows there is now little room for mistakes.

for more World Cup betting tips, picks and odds visit European Soccer Betting. For live odds and lines, check out Bodog Sportsbook and SportsInterAction.

tags: Soccer, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, 2006 World Cup, World Cup 2006, England, Brazil, Germany, Ukraine, Destination Germany, World Cup Soccer Soccer World Cup, David Beckham

FIFA World Cup qualifying: All to play for in Africa

2005-09-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

Five countries have qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals already, but none of those teams are from Africa. That could change this weekend, especially if the hopes of Ivory Coast are to be realised.

The penultimate round of qualifiers is bringing a wave of anticipation and excitement across the continent. Millions will be watching nervously as their respective teams seek to book their place at next year's tournament in Germany. In most of the groups the permutations are still complicated and the outcome not yet distinctly clear, even though there are just two games to go.

The exception to the rule is Group 3, where Ivory Coast will qualify if they beat Cameroon in Abidjan on Sunday. In the other groups, the likes of Angola, Togo and Ghana will seek to hold on to pole position and may even secure their progression to the FIFA World Cup finals, but only if they win and their nearest challengers lose. However, it remains more likely that all will be decided only after the final matches in October.

Therefore, the Felix Houphouyet Boginy stadium is the focus of much of Africa's attention at the weekend as one pretender seeks to topple an old adversary. Cameroon's Indomitable Lions have been a regular feature at FIFA World Cups since they burst charismatically into the spotlight at Italia 90.

Quarter-finalists then, they have never been able to replicate that magical form since but remain one of the best teams in African football. The Ivorian Elephants were surprise African champions in 1992 but qualifying for the FIFA World Cup finals has, to date, remained an elusive dream.

However, the roles have been reversed during this qualifying campaign. To date, Ivory Coast have been defeated just once - by Cameroon in July 2004. Adding extra spice to the encounter, is the fact that the Ivorians have never beaten Cameroon in a competitive international to date and have a major psychological hurdle to overcome.

Their 3-0 defeat against France in Montpellier on 17 August was a big setback for a team described ahead of the match as the "best side to come out of Africa" but then swiftly brought back down to earth by Les Bleus.

This reminder of their own fallibility, mixed with Cameroon's 'nothing to lose' attitude, could prove the ingredients for another blow to the Ivorian cause. A draw would keep Henri Michel's men two points ahead and leave them needing to secure a win in their final match away against Sudan in October to make sure of qualification for Germany.

World Cup Betting Game Odds: Bodog Sportsbook

Brazil -455

vs Chile +850

DRAW +400

Argentina +130

vs Paraguay +175

DRAW +210

Prediction: Expect Brazil and Argentina to thump their opponents. Brazil will downChile, 3-1 while the Argentines will outnose Paraguay, 2-1.

tags: Soccer, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, 2006 World Cup, World Cup 2006, Brazil, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Ghana, Destination Germany, World Cup Soccer Soccer World Cup, Didier Drogba

World Cup 2006: Wales brace for England backlash

2005-09-02T13:07:00.000-07:00

If there was a complacency about World Cup qualification after England's back-to-back victories over Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan in March, it evaporated in Copenhagen a fortnight ago.

The run of form that has lifted Poland to the top of the group may have wakened uneasy memories of the way the Poles eliminated England from the 1974 World Cup, but it was the way Denmark cut England apart to win 4-1 in a friendly last month that really set the alarm bells ringing.

Quite aside from the eccentric goalkeeping of David James and the inadequacies of Glenn Johnson at right-back, the real worry was the midfield. There had been concerns before about the ability of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard to play together in the centre of midfield, but nobody expected their defensive shortcomings to be exposed quite so brutally.

So concerned is the England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson that, after consultations with senior players, England have been practising with a 4-5-1 formation this week, with Shaun Wright-Phillips coming in on the right side of midfield and David Beckham moving into a more central role.

With Michael Owen suspended, Wayne Rooney would operate in a lone striking role, although Tottenham' s Jermain Defoe could still start if England use a conventional 4-4-2.

England's problems, though, pale by comparison with those of the Welsh. With Craig Bellamy, Gary Speed, Andy Melville, Robbie Savage, Mark Pembridge, Mark Delaney or Ben Thatcher all injured or unavailable, their manager John Toshack has been forced to turn to a number of untested hopes.

John Hartson could be one of only a few with big-time experience - Simon Davies, Ryan Giggs, Danny Gabbidon and Robert Earnshaw fit that category - and much will be expected from them to help and guide Toshack's raw recruits through what could be a daunting afternoon.

England can confirm their qualification for the World Cup finals by taking at least 10 points from their remaining four qualifying games - starting in Cardiff on September 3. The match in Belfast follows four days later.

Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho revealed John Terry is a doubt for the Wales clash. Eriksson is already without central defenders Sol Campbell and Ledley King, while right-back Gary Neville has also been ruled out with a groin injury. Terry sustained a knee injury during Chelsea's 2-0 win at Tottenham.

World Cup Betting Game Odds: Bodog Sportsbook

England -286

vs Wales +720

DRAW +290

Romania +210

vs Czech Rep +110

DRAW +210

Prediction: Wayne Rooney and England will leave their Denmark nightmare behind by thrashing their brothers from Wales. Rooney will score two goals. Romania vs Czech Republic is destined to end in a 1-1 draw.

tags: Soccer, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, 2006 World Cup, World Cup 2006, England, Wales, Romania, Czech Republic, Destination Germany, World Cup Soccer Soccer World Cup, David Beckham

Owen returns to Premiership; joins Newcastle United

2005-08-31T23:09:00.000-07:00

Newcastle United will unveil it's latest signing Michael Owen at a press conference at St James' Park. The 25-year-old passed a medical on Tuesday afternoon after agreeing a four-year deal and the Barclays Premiership club has now confirmed that they will present him to the media and afterwards to the fans.

Owen was excused England training as he completed the formalities of his club-record transfer to Newcastle, although he is suspended for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Wales in Cardiff.

Magpies boss Graeme Souness has admitted the signing of Owen would represent the 'biggest transfer' of his managerial career. The Scot flew out to Malaga for a training camp with those members of his squad not on international duty just hours before it was announced Owen had agreed a four-year deal.

Should Owen sign on the dotted line, it will take Souness' spending this summer to around 36million pounds and since his arrival on Tyneside to an estimated 48.5million pounds.

Chairman Freddy Shepherd earlier told the club's official website that bringing Michael to St James' Park will rank alongside the signing of Alan Shearer as his proudest moment at Newcastle United. Owen's decision comes less than 24 hours after he travelled to the north east to meet Shepherd, Souness and former international teammate Shearer to discuss his future.

It represents a major change of heart from the player, who has always insisted a return to Liverpool was his preferred option despite indicating he would be prepared to join the Magpies on loan for a season.

But Real's need to raise transfer funds and Newcastle's insistence on a permanent deal meant that was not an option. The move will give Owen regular first-team football as the World Cup finals approach, and that will be of immense comfort to England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Eriksson backed Michael Owen to be a Newcastle United goalscoring legend and insisted his move to St James' Park could give England an extra edge ahead of the World Cup finals. Eriksson is relieved that Owen has resolved his future before the end of the transfer window and is now set to be playing regular football in the Barclays Premiership, rather than sitting on the bench at Real Madrid.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: SportsInterAction

Odds to win English Premiership:
Chelsea 1.50
Man Utd 4.00
Arsenal 5.50
Liverpool 15.00
Tottenham 101.00
Everton 501.00
Newcastle 401.00
Middlesboro 401.00
Man City 201.00

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Prediction: It will be a close fight between Manchester United and Chelsea but considering ManU's depth and experience, Sir Alex Ferguson's men will emerge victorious over Jose Mourinho's wards..

for more 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Manchester United, Premier League, Chelsea, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Newcastle United, Michael Owen

Ferguson says ManU have title look but Mourinho is unfazed

2005-08-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson claimed his side are ready to challenge for the English Premiership title after watching them beat Newcastle 2-0 at St James' Park.

Goals from Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy clinched victory for the Old Trafford club and left Ferguson eyeing the future with far more optimism that his opposite number Graeme Souness.

Ferguson, whose side are yet to concede a goal, said that there is a look about them that they've had in the past when going for titles and there's a great feeling among the players. He further said that the win is an important result for them.

Rooney, who scored one and created the other, said he is aware that Newcastle were under a lot of pressure coming into the game. They certainly made it hard for them in the first hour, but ManU got a goal on the break and that put them in control.

Ferguson's side had to combat a battling show from Newcastle, who slumped to another defeat because of two blunders by Jean Alain Boumsong. The defeat increased the pressure on manager Souness, whose side have picked up only one point and still not scored a Premiership goal this season.

Aware of Ferguson's recent pronouncement, Jose Mourinho has warned Chelsea's title rivals that his record-breakers will be even better this season. Despite struggling to overcome Wigan on the opening day of the season, Chelsea's subsequent three victories see them topping the table with four wins out of four, eight goals scored and none conceded.

And having set a new league record of just 15 league goals conceded and 25 Premiership clean sheets last season, they are already ahead of schedule. By this stage last season Chelsea had let in one goal and the Blues are now just one game from matching Manchester United's record of five consecutive blanks at the start of the 1997-98 season.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: SportsInterAction

2005/06 Premiership Top Goalscorer:

Thierry Henry 2.75

Ruud Van Nistelrooy 3.50

Wayne Rooney 8.00

Didier Drogba 7.00

Hernan Crespo 15.00

Jermain Defoe 12.00

Fernando Morientes 126.00

Djibril Cisse 34.00

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Prediction: Bet on Thierry Henry to top the league in scoring once more. He's chasing Ian Wright's goal-scoring record so he's more motivated to score goals. van Nistelrooy will put up a good fight but a mid-season injury will slow him down again.

for more 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Manchester United, Premier League, Chelsea, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Thierry Henry, Jose Mourinho

Mourinho takes no anything for granted

2005-08-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has warned his players not to get carried away with their table-topping start to the new season. Mourinho's side sit on top of the Barclays Premiership with three straight wins and no goals conceded, but the Portuguese coach has said his squad and the fans should not get too excited.

Chelsea's 4-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday night saw them back to something like last season's stunning form with two goals from Frank Lampard and others by Joe Cole and Didier Drogba downing Bryan Robson's Albion.

Among Chelsea's three-match unbeaten start to the new campaign was their 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge - their first league win over the Gunners in the top flight for almost a decade.

The victory also broke a 93-year-old record for the Blues as Chelsea have now gone 39 games without defeat - bettering their previous best of 38 set between 1910 and 1912. Mourinho has not been beaten at home for more than three seasons having not lost at Porto for two years or with Chelsea last season.

But among this record-breaking backdrop and unbeaten start to the new campaign, Mourinho is urging his team and the fans to be cautious as they prepare for Saturday's trip to Tottenham Hotspurs.

Spurs have failed to beat the Blues in the league since 1990 and just as Chelsea finally put their Arsenal hoodoo to rest last Sunday, Mourinho knows that the north Londoners will be desperate to put an end to Chelsea's domination over them.

Mourinho said that his players must have their feet on the ground and the fans need to also. The Portugese further said that beating Arsenal was a great result, especially because they ended the record they had over them in the Premiership.

The game is now a table-topping affair with Tottenham sitting second just two points behind Chelsea and they too have yet to concede a goal in three games.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: Bodog Sportsbook

Matchday 3 Matchups:

Manchester United -167

vs Newcastle United +400

DRAW +230

Middlesbrough -120

vs Charlton +275

DRAW +210

Tottenham +300

vs Chelsea -132

DRAW +230

Whatever sport or bet type is your passion, Bodog Sportsbook takes you front and center with fast and easy online sports betting.

Prediction: Pick Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Manchester United to dispose their opponents.

for more 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Manchester United, Premier League, Chelsea, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Tottenham Hotspurs, Jose Mourinho

Owen's list now down to two - Liverpool or Newcastle

2005-08-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid striker Michael Owen wants to return to the English Premiership and go back to former club Liverpool or move to Newcastle United on loan to give him the best preparation for next year's World Cup in Germany.

The England striker, 25, has the blessing of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who has promised to help him to try to seal a return to Anfield. Failing that, the player is prepared to accept a one-year loan deal with Newcastle, with his first-team chances at the Bernabeu further limited by the summer signings of Brazilians Robinho and Julio Baptista.

Owen scored 158 goals in 297 games for the Reds, before leaving Merseyside for Madrid last summer. Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists his main priority is to sign a centre-back and already has Djibril Cisse, Fernando Morientes and Peter Crouch as his frontline strikers.

The move would be a popular one among the club's supporters, who idolised Owen during his time at the club. He scored 16 goals for Real Madrid last season despite being used primarily as a substitute behind Raul and Ronaldo, and with Robinho and Julio Baptista now on board his prospects of first-team football diminished further.

Newcastle are desperate to recruit a striker and have struggled through the first two games of the Barclays Premiership season with Alan Shearer on his own up front. Former strikers Norberto Solano and Patrick Kluivert have left the club leaving Shearer as the team's lone goal-scoring threat.

Owen revealed earlier this month he had held a brief dialogue with three or four Premiership clubs and on August 8 the Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd admitted contacting Real Madrid with a view to a move.

But Everton manager David Moyes revealed his club had spoken to Owenâ€™s representatives, but the player rejected a move to Goodison Park. It is another snub for the Scot, who has also been turned down by Holland striker Dirk Kuyt earlier this month.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: Bodog Sportsbook

Matchday 3 Matchups:

Blackburn +175

vs Tottenham +130

DRAW +210

Arsenal -455

vs Fulham +850

DRAW +400

WBA +1100

vs Chelsea -714

DRAW +500

Whatever sport or bet type is your passion, Bodog Sportsbook takes you front and center with fast and easy online sports betting.

Prediction: Chelsea and Arsenal are heavy favourites to win against unheralded opponents. Expect them to win easily. Tottenham will edge Blackburn 1-0.

for more 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Michael Owen, Premier League, Liverpool, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Newcastle United, Real Madrid

O'Shea to remain at Old Trafford; reveals United's renewed Premiership desire

2005-08-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

John O'Shea has admitted he never even considered the prospect of leaving Manchester United this summer. The Republic of Ireland international is expected to officially sign his new four-year contract this week, ending any hope potential suitors might have had of prising him away from Old Trafford.

Although the 24-year-old's first-team starts have been reduced since the arrival of full-back Gabriel Heinze from Paris St Germain 12 months ago, O'Shea still made 37 appearances for United last term. With Heinze given an extended summer break because of his Confederations Cup commitments with Argentina, O'Shea has started the first three games for United this term.

Sir Alex Ferguson will probably recall Heinze for Wednesday's return clash with Debrecen as United look to defend a three-goal lead in Budapest. But, while it may be the start of a spell on the bench for O'Shea, he is more than happy to join fellow youngsters Darren Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo in extending their Red Devils careers.

After last year's troubles, United have shown they intend to be a far greater force in the Barclays Premiership this season than they were last. With six points to their name, they have already reached the figure it took them five games to reach last season.

And crucially, they remain level with title favourites Chelsea and have their noses in front of Arsenal and Liverpool. It is a sure sign Ferguson's decision to bring his players back early for pre-season training has worked and, with the likes of Heinze, Alan Smith and Ryan Giggs set to gain much-needed match practice in Hungary this week, there is no mistaking the mood of optimism sweeping the Red Devils camp.

One of the major plusses for Ferguson so far is the ease with which new signings Edwin van der Sar and Park Ji-Sung have adapted to life at Old Trafford. Van der Sar is yet to concede a goal in three competitive outings and has brought an added calmness to an already impressive defence. For his part, Park brings an energy which has been lacking at times since David Beckham's departure two years ago.

The South Korean was unlucky not to net his first senior goal for United when Thomas Sorensen touched his fierce drive onto the bar during the first half of weekend's win over Aston Villa and, with Ronaldo also in top form, Giggs could struggle to win a regular place in Ferguson's starting line-up.

With the August 31 transfer deadline approaching, Ferguson remains on the lookout for new faces, although the Scot was typically coy about his targets saying that they are still looking at the situation and spoke no details about United's reported desire to lure Michael Owen at Old Trafford.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: Bodog Sportsbook

Matchday 2 Matchups:

Manchester City +137

vs Sunderland +162

DRAW +210

Arsenal -455

vs Fulham +850

DRAW +400

WBA +1100

vs Chelsea -714

DRAW +500

Whatever sport or bet type is your passion, Bodog Sportsbook takes you front and center with fast and easy online sports betting.

Prediction: Chelsea and Arsenal are heavy favourites to win against unheralded opponents. Manchester City vs Sunderland will end in a 0-0 draw.

for more 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Alex Ferguson, Premier League, Manchester United, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Park Ji Sung, John O'Shea

Wenger gunning for Chelsea

2005-08-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

Arsene Wenger's focus will be fixed on overtaking Chelsea rather than celebrating past achievements as he completes a milestone of 500 games in charge of Arsenal in Sunday's clash at Stamford Bridge.

Wenger has won seven major trophies - three Premiership titles and four FA Cups - during almost nine years in charge at Highbury, but is by no means resting on his laurels. Having finished last season 12 points behind Chelsea, who also beat the Gunners in the Community Shield, he knows that his side cannot afford to lose Sunday's rematch.

Wenger knows that some observers have questioned Arsenal's title potential this season, having bought only playmaker Alexander Hleb over the summer, while talismanic midfielder Patrick Vieira has left for AC Milan.

And with Manchester United seemingly also revitalized, the Frenchman's record of having finished in the top two of the Premiership every season in England is now under threat.

Expectations still abound at Highbury, especially in the club's final season at their historic ground before they move to the impressive new Emirates Stadium.

With Arsenal needing to move to a 60,000-capacity stadium, he realized a few years ago that his transfer budget may become restricted and started to plan accordingly. While budgets have actually still allowed him to sign the likes of Jose Antonio Reyes, with money awaiting any other targets, it has resulted in a fine crop of young talent at the club.

Apart from 17-year-old loan signing Alexandre Song, Wenger has not replaced Vieira, preferring to show his faith in Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini, as well as the defensive shield, Gilberto Silva. That policy will be seriously tested at Stamford Bridge, when Arsenal take on Chelsea's accomplished midfield that includes Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have insisted Sol Campbell is committed to staying at the club and has not requested a transfer away from Highbury. Club officials issued a statement after defender Philippe Christanval, who was not given a contract after a trial with the Gunners, was quoted in French newspaper L'Equipe claiming Campbell had "asked to leave".

However, although the defender has admitted having words with Wenger after missing out on an FA Cup final place last season, the club insist he remains happy at Highbury. Campbell is ruled out of Sunday's Barclays Premiership game against Chelsea with a calf injury and is also set to miss England's World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Northern Ireland next month.

However, he was this week reassured by Sven-Goran Eriksson that he remains part of the England manager's plans, while Wenger recently indicated he would recall the 30-year-old to the Arsenal side when fully fit.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: Bodog Sportsbook

Matchday 2 Matchups:

Manchester United -357

vs Aston Villa +700

DRAW +350

Sunderland +700

vs Liverpool -303

DRAW +00

Arsenal +275

vs Chelsea -120

DRAW +220

Whatever sport or bet type is your passion, Bodog Sportsbook takes you front and center with fast and easy online sports betting.

Prediction: Pick Manchester United and Liverpool to dominate their respective opponents. The match of the week, Chelsea vs Arsenal will end up in a 0-0 draw.

for more 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Arsenal, Premier League, Manchester United, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Liverpool, Chealsea

Essien, Owen ready to fight for first team place

2005-08-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien expressed his relief that his transfer to Premiership champions Chelsea had gone ahead and vowed that he was now ready to fight for a first team place.

Chelsea agreed to pay a club-record 38 million euros (25.9 million pounds, 47 million dollars) for the Lyon player after the summer's longest running transfer. The 22-year-old is finalising the details of his switch Tuesday, before joining up with the rest of the Ghana squad at their west-London base in preparation for Wednesday's night's friendly against Senegal at Brentford's Griffin Park.

Essien has been a key first-team member since joining Lyon in 2003 from Bastia but he knows competition will be tougher in the Chelsea midfield. Essien, who speaks fluent English, believes he will have no problem adapting to life in London, and he will count on former Marseille striker Didier Drogba to help him settle.

Elsewhere, England captain David Beckham admitted that Michael Owen faces a tough career decision but that he hoped his teammate would stay at Real Madrid this season. Owen could be fourth or fifth-choice striker at the Bernabeu following the summer signings or Robinho and Julio Baptista, with Raul and Ronaldo already at the club.

And with interest from Newcastle and potentially Liverpool to consider, Owen may decide he needs regular club games in the season ahead of the World Cup finals. Owen will only be a substitute in Wednesday's friendly in Denmark as he is suspended for next month's World Cup qualifier against Wales and England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson wants Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney to perfect their partnership.

But Owen, who is his country's fourth-highest goalscorer of all time, has been publicly reassured by Eriksson his England place is not under threat - as long as he is playing every other game for Real.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: BetGameDay

Odds to win the 2005-2006 Premiership:

Chelsea 8/11

Arsenal 11/4

Manchester United 10/3

Liverpool 20/1

Tottenham Hotspurs 150/1

Newcastle United 200/1

Middlesbrough 300/1

Everton 180/1

So, if game days get your pulse racing, you definitely need to visit GameDay. Because whether you want to place a future on the 2006 Super Bowl, AFC and NFC titles, NFC regular season wins, English Premier League, the 2006 World Series or any other major sporting event, GameDay is the place to be on the day of the game-and before!

Prediction: Owen will stay at Real Madrid will Essien will be a disappointment for Chelsea. Bet on Manchester United to win the Premiership.

for more 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Michael Owen, Premier League, Manchester United, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Liverpool, Michael Essien

The long wait is over: Essien is going to Chelsea

2005-08-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

Premiership champions Chelsea agreed to pay a club record 38 million euros (25.9 million pounds, 47 million dollars) for Olympique Lyon midfielder Michael Essien.

Confirming the deal Lyon official Bernard Lacombe told a press conference that the 22-year-old Ghanaian international had accepted a five-year deal and will undergo a medical at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

But the summer's longest running transfer saga encountered yet another hitch when Chelsea reported that vital paperwork had failed to turn up by close of business on Monday, meaning Tuesday's medical might have to be delayed till later in the week.

Monday's agreement leaves Chelsea having to pay more than the club-record 24 million pounds (29.6 million dollars) they spent on Marseille's Didier Drogba, but less than the 45 million euros (55.6 million dollars) which Lyon president Jean-Michael Aulas was demanding.

Considered one of the brightest midfield hopes in Europe, Essien had been a target of Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho all summer and as late as Sunday night both clubs were still see-sawing over a possible transfer.

Essien began his career in local club Liberty in his native Ghana and came to the attention of European scouts when he played in the Under-17 World Cup in 1999 in New Zealand. He transferred to Corsica side Bastia in September 2000. In 2001 he took part in the World Youth Championship in Argentina, and made his Ghana full team debut in the 2002 African Nations Cup.

Despite interest from Manchester United, Essien moved to Lyon in July 2003 in an 11-million-euro deal after failing to get a permit to work in England. Playing a defensive midfield role he helped Lyon collect their third and fourth consecutive league titles and in the process was named 2005 French league player of the year.

Last month the Ghanaian declared that he would "go on strike" against Lyon because of the club's refusal to trade him to Chelsea. Sensing that Essien no longer has the motivation of staying in France, Aluas had no option but to let the player go.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: BetGameDay

Odds to win the 2005-2006 Premiership: Chelsea 8/11

Arsenal 11/4

Manchester United 10/3

Liverpool 20/1

Tottenham Hotspurs 150/1

Newcastle United 200/1

Middlesbrough 300/1

Everton 180/1

So, if game days get your pulse racing, you definitely need to visit GameDay. Because whether you want to place a future on the 2006 Super Bowl, AFC and NFC titles, NFC regular season wins, English Premier League, the 2006 World Series or any other major sporting event, GameDay is the place to be on the day of the game-and before!

Prediction: Essien's addition to an already star-studded lineup will not be a good news to Chelsea fans. It will surely create controvery at Stamford Bridge since Essien would have to compete with Arjen Robben, Asier del Horno, Joe Cole and Damien Duff for playing minutes at the midfield position.

Manchester United will win the Premiership. Chelsea will place second with Liverpool a far third.

for more 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Michael Essien, Premier League, Manchester United, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Liverpool, Chealsea

Dethroning Chelsea will be a tall order for Premiership teams

2005-08-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

Premiership kings Chelsea began the defence of their title in the humble surroundings of Wigan by beating the Premiership neophytes as the west London multi-millionaires took their first step on the path to total domination.

Bankrolled by Roman Abramovich's millions and inspired by the colourful and controversial coach Jose Mourinho, the Stamford Bridge side, happily seducing most of the world's best players, stand on the verge of strangling the life out of English football.

And there's nothing their rivals can do about it. Chelsea, who clinched their first league crown in 50 years last season, have already laid down a marker by beating Arsenal 2-1 in the Community Shield at the weekend. It was a result which convinced most observers that the destination of the title is already a foregone conclusion even with 10 months of action to come.

Chelsea, who have spent over 100 million pounds on players since last summer, have splashed out another 21 million on bringing Manchester City flyer Shaun Wright-Phillips on board and eight million on Asier Del Horno from Atletico Bilbao.

Lyon's 30-million-pound rated Michael Essien also looked on the verge of signing up, although the French champions appeared to end their long-running saga with Mourinho when they announced that Essien was no longer for sale. Mourinho was also rumoured to have flirted with AC Milan's Andriy Shevchenko.

By contrast, rivals Arsenal have lost inspirational skipper Patrick Vieira to Juventus while Manchester United have been rocked by the Malcolm Glazer takeover and Rio Ferdinand's refusal to sign a new deal.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who has brought in Alexander Hleb for eight million pounds from Stuttgart, admits Vieira will be missed but is backing Spanish teenager Francesc Fabregas to plug the gap. Wenger had been hoping to persuade Sevilla to part with striker Julio Cesar Baptista but the Brazilian opted instead on a 29.7-million-dollar move to Real Madrid.

It was Wenger's second setback of the summer after failing to tempt Wright-Phillips to Highbury. He has also had to deal with the unsettling experience of seeing his England defender Ashley Cole fined 100,000 pounds after the full-back met Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon and Mourinho in January without Arsenal knowing.

Manchester United, who had got used to carving up the title with Arsenal before Chelsea's emergence, have spent four million pounds on South Korean star Park Ji-Sung while Dutch veteran Edwin van der Saar has been drafted in as Old Trafford's latest goalkeeping experiment.

Elsewhere, Merseyside giants Everton and European champions Liverpool will be left to battle for the fourth Champions League qualifying spot. Liverpool, having persuaded Steven Gerrard to resist Chelsea's overtures and paid relegated Southampton seven million pounds for striker Peter Crouch, will be confident they can edge their city rivals.

Everton endured a miserable pre-season and lack a genuine cutting edge to threaten again the established order. The recruitment of defender Per Kroldrup from Udinese and Manchester United utility man Phil Neville has not got the Goodison Park faithful too excited.

As always, Newcastle have been busy in the transfer market paying Chelsea 6.5million pounds for Scott Parker and almost four million for Inter Milan's Turkish international Emre. They will have to again rely on the ageing legs of Alan Shearer for goals having unloaded temperamental Craig Bellamy to Blackburn but an early exit from the Intertoto Cup does not bode well.

For the rest of the Premiership's 20 teams it will be a battle either to grab the crumbs of making the UEFA Cup or escaping the trapdoor of relegation. Sunderland, Wigan and West Ham, who were all promoted last season, will be content just to survive and have packed their squads with the tried and tested.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: BetGameDay

Odds to win the 2005-2006 English FA Cup: Chelsea 4/1

Arsenal 5/1

Manchester United 5/1

Liverpool 9/1

Tottenham Hotspurs 16/1

Newcastle United 14/1

Middlesbrough 22/1

Everton 28/1

So, if game days get your pulse racing, you definitely need to visit GameDay. Because whether you want to place a future on the 2006 Super Bowl, AFC and NFC titles, NFC regular season wins, English Premier League, the 2006 World Series or any other major sporting event, GameDay is the place to be on the day of the game-and before!

Prediction: Premiership for Manchester United. League Cup for Manchester United. That means it's a domestic double for the Red Devils.

for more 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: European Soccer Betting

Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Arsenal, Premier League, Manchester United, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Liverpool, Chealsea

Ruud sees football glory for United teens

2005-08-12T22:21:00.000-07:00

Manchester United youngsters Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to dominate world football according to their strike partner at Old Trafford, Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy.

At 29, van Nistelrooy is by far the elder statesman in an attacking trio Sir Alex Ferguson hopes will steer his side back to the English Premiership title.

And there were encouraging signs as all three men found the target in United's 3-0 win over Debrecen, a result which all but ensures the Old Trafford men their customary place in the Champions League group stages.

With 37 goals in 40 European games and 127 overall for the Red Devils since his transfer from PSV Eindhoven four years ago, van Nistelrooy has already propelled himself into the list of all-time United greats.

But, after getting a unique view of the talent Rooney and Ronaldo possess, the prolific Dutchman has no hesitation in predicting his young teammates will hit even greater heights if they keep progressing at the present rate.

All three men were stand-out performers during Euro 2004 and will expect to have the same impact during next summer's World Cup. 19-year-old Rooney and 20-year-old Ronaldo have further impressed the Holland hitman by seamlessly transferring their immense talents to the international stage.

And for van Nistelrooy, the amazement comes not from what Rooney and Ronaldo have done but, at just 19 and 20 respectively, what they still have the time to do.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: Sportingbet

First Goal Scorer Odds
( ManU vs Everton):

Wayne Rooney 9/2

Ruud van Nistelrooy 9/2

Alan Smith 13/2

Cristiano Ronaldo 9/1

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Prediction: Pick van Nistelrooy to score first and lead the Red Devils to an opening-day victory over Everton.

for more 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Premier League, Manchester United, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo

All Set For Sibling Rivalry: Phil and Gary to clash in opener

2005-08-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

Following their respective Champions League matches brothers Gary and Phil Neville look set to face each other for the first time in Manchester United's Premiership opener at Everton's Goodison Park on Saturday.

Phil made his Everton debut against Villarreal in the Champions League 3rd qualifying round at Goodison Park, impressing for the Toffees in a midfield holding role. The younger Neville was charged with keeping quiet the threat of Villarreal's playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme but could not prevent his side slipping to a 1-2 home defeat.

Ex-Red Diego Forlan, who was booed throughout, failed to score back on English soil but goals from Luciano Figueroa and Josico were enough to give the Spaniards a first leg lead.Following his impressive debut Phil now looks set to start against Manchester United on Saturday and so the Neville brothers will come face to face in a competitive match for the first time ever.

Phil has completed his move from Manchester United to Everton for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around 3.5 million pounds. The 28-year-old agreed terms on a five-year deal at Goodison Park, having passed a medical at Everton's Bellefield training ground.

Neville spent 18 years with United, rising through the youth ranks to eventually make 386 appearances for the Reds. Leaving the club was a difficult decision to make for the Bury-born midfielder, but he promises to show the same commitment and professionalism at his new club as he did throughout his time at Old Trafford.

Phil's first-team chances were limited in his final season at Old Trafford - he made only 12 Premiership starts - and Sir Alex Ferguson revealed the difficulty he faced when picking a team that did not feature the younger Neville brother. Neville made his United debut as an 18-year-old in 1995 during the 5-2 FA Cup win against Wrexham.

Ironically, ten years on, his last game in a red shirt came against the Welsh side in a Reserve pre-season friendly. Two days later, he had undergone a medical at Goodison Park and completed a 3.5million pound move to Everton.

The defender made more than 300 starts in a decade with the first-team, scoring eight goals. He made over 60 appearances in Europe and earned 52 caps for England.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: Bodog Sportsbook

Matchday 1 Matchups:

Manchester United -139

vs Everton +333

DRAW +220

Middlesbrough +175

vs Liverpool +130

DRAW +210

Arsenal -250

vs Newcastle United +600

DRAW +275

Chelsea -357

vs Wigan Athletic +700

DRAW +350

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Prediction: Expect England's Big-Four to win their respective matches. Man U will destroy Everton 2-0, Arsenal will beat Newcastle 2-1, Liverpool will be too much for Boro, 3-1 while Chelsea will dominate Premiership newcomers Wigan, 4-0.

for more 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Arsenal, Premier League, Manchester United, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Liverpool, Chealsea

New season, same old story for Chelsea?

2005-08-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new season! And congratulations to the 2005-2006 Barclays Premiership champions, Chelsea! That may sound like an utterly ridiculous thing to say before a single game has been played in the top flight, but the recently concluded Community Shield offered no hope for anyone hoping for a better challenge to the defending champions than they had to deal with last season.

They may have only beaten Arsenal 2-1, and it was hardly the same kind of humiliating punishment they dished out to Manchester United at Old Trafford in May, but the message is still clear: the Blues looked just as powerful and rock solid as they did last season, and with Didier Drogba actually playing well for the first time in a year, they look even more ominous coming forward.

Imagine Chelsea with a goal machine up front! Nevermind that, imagine them with two, if Hernan Crespo can bring his Italian Serie A form at Stamford Bridge. Imagine if Arjen Robben can stay healthy for a few weeks at a time! And did we mention Shaun Wright-Phillips? Arsenal and Manchester United can have no doubts that they have a tough task on their hands.

Chelsea have sold Mikael Forsell, Juan Sebastian Veron, Scott Parker, Mateja Kezman and Alexei Smertin this summer, but their squad is still strong in all areas particularly now that Asier del Horno is competing with Wayne Bridge for the left-back slot that William Gallas had to occupy for most part of last season.

The same can be said for many people in Jose Mourinho's team, with even Robben and Damien Duff sharing minutes with Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole. Up front there's Eidur Gudjohnsen, Drogba, Crespo and Carlton Cole all battling for a spot in the starting lineup. Arsenal's first team may be strong but their back-up is worryingly young and inexperienced, and that could start to tell over the course of the season.

So, while it is very dangerous to draw any conclusion from the Community Shield (after all, the winners have only gone on to be champions three times in the last 20 years), Chelsea showed all the hallmarks of the side who will be exceedingly difficult to defeat this season. They may not have the flair and style of the great Arsenal and Manchester United sides of the last decade, but they certainly looked better that their counterparts from Hughbury and Old Trafford.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: Bodog Sportsbook

Odds to win the 2005-2006 English Premier League:

Chelsea 8/11

Arsenal 100/30

Manchester United 7/2

Liverpool 16/1

Tottenham Hotspurs 100/1

Newcastle United 250/1

Middlesbrough 250/1

Everton 300/1

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Prediction: Manchester United has solidified their lineup by adding Edwin Van der Sar as goalkeeper. With an intact and experienced roster, Sir Alex Ferguson's men are on course to regain the Premiership title.

for more 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Arsenal, Premier League, Manchester United, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Liverpool, Chealsea

English Premier League Season Preview

2005-08-10T22:27:00.000-07:00

It's a piece of silverware grown men would sell their family for to be able to kiss come May, it weighs 56 lbs and is 30 inches high and every football player in England wants it - it is the Premiership trophy and the action starts on August 13th!

America's largest online sports betting destination Bodog has already come up with its odds to win outright the Premiership League 2005/2006. Bodog is an online sports betting, casino gambling and multi-player poker entertainment company with great betting lines, fantastic customer service and fast payouts.

After last season's semi-vintage performance when three clubs stayed in contention almost to the end of the season, the pundits will hope for an even better season as those four clubs - Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United - all desperately want that prize this season for a variety of reasons.

Where better to start than with champions Chelsea. Their first title in 50 years was delivered with games to spare last season, and although bitterly disappointed by their European exit at the hands of eventual winners Liverpool (more about them later), the season must be viewed as a huge success for Jose Mourinho's side. One loss, 15 goals conceded and a winning margin of 12 points separating them from second-placed Arsenal says it all.

Add to that the growing defensive rock comprised primarily of captain John Terry and keeper Peter Cech, the dazzling attacking play of Robben and Duff, plus of course the spending power of Roman Abramovich, and on the face of it Chelsea look like being incredibly hard to displace as champions.

Their price of evens is not an unfair price given their dominance last season as well as their ability to go out and buy established and expensive top-class players, however things will surely be tougher for them this time around.

Arsenal, who got off to such a great start last term, only to falter following a crushing defeat at Old Trafford that ended their 49 game unbeaten run, will be out to stop the Chelsea machine in its tracks. Arsenal have traditionally struggled following a title-winning season, only to come back stronger and more determined the season after.

With the arrival of top-class players promised - something they were unable to deliver at this time last year due to their new stadium project and the financial restrictions that resulted - Arsenal can mount a serious challenge to Chelsea's title, and at odds of 11/4, make plenty of appeal.

Manchester United, not long ago the single dominant force in England, have not had things all their own way in recent times, culminating in a 3rd place finish last season and the need therefore to qualify for this season's Champions League.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side may have failed to impress last term - culminating in an empty trophy cabinet - but they have quality all over the park to make a serious impression in the title race this time around. The likes on Ryan Giggs, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand can keep them on course, while in Wayne Rooney, they have a genuine star player who can make the difference in the big games especially. And with Sir Alex at the helm, backers of United can rest assured that his players will be fully motivated for the challenge that lies ahead.

United can be backed at 3/1 for Premiership glory and this price could look very generous come Christmas 2006 when the race will really begin to hot up.

Finally, no Premiership guide is complete without mention at least of the 2005 Champions League winners. They may have failed to secure a top-four finish in last season's campaign, but following their heroic European triumph, confidence will be sky high, and with Steven Gerrard seemingly committed to the cause, the 18/1 about a Liverpool triumph looks the each-way value.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: Bodog Sportsbook

Odds to win the 2005-2006 English Premier League:
Chelsea 8/11

Arsenal 100/30

Manchester United 7/2

Liverpool 16/1

Tottenham Hotspurs 100/1

Newcastle United 250/1

Middlesbrough 250/1

Everton 300/1
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Prediction: Manchester United has solidified their lineup by adding Edwin Van der Sar as goalkeeper. With an intact and experienced roster, Sir Alex Ferguson's men are on course to regain the Premiership title.

for more 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Tips

Technorati: Premiership , English Premier League, Soccer, Arsenal, Premier League, Manchester United, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Liverpool, Chealsea

Blues strike first blow

2005-08-08T23:59:00.000-07:00

Chelsea signalled their intention to maintain their dominance of English football with an impressive Community Shield victory - with Didier Drogba the star.

The Blues finished 12 points clear at the top of the Premiership last season and few would back against them retaining that trophy after this win over arch-rivals Arsenal. And Drogba was the hero with a goal in each half to put last season's inconsistent form behind him and stake his own claim to be the main hitman for the Blues this term.

He was a somewhat surprise inclusion in the starting line-up, with Hernan Crespo back in the squad after a brilliant season on loan at AC Milan. But it proved to be the perfect tactical decision from Jose Mourinho as Drogba scored with a wonderful goal inside nine minutes to give Chelsea the lead.

The Ivory Coast international was on the end of an angled pass from new left-back Asier Del Horno and controlled superbly on his chest. One touch took him beyond defender Philippe Senderos and with his next the ball was despatched clinically into the far corner of the net.

Arsenal attempted to launch an immediate repost, but without Patrick Vieira in the heart of midfield, they appeared to lack the kind of drive that fans have come to expect from the Gunners. Instead, Chelsea's Claude Makele was the dominant figure in the central areas, with Arjen Robben a constant threat on the wing.

It was not until the 37th minute that Arsene Wenger's side seriously troubled Chelsea keeper Petr Cech and he was up to the task with a great save to keep out Kolo Toure's 18 yard drive following a quick break upfield. New signing Alexander Hleb's introduction at half-time, along with Robin van Persie and Gilberto, provided Arsenal with fresh impetus but they failed to take advantage and fell further behind on 57 minutes.

Gudjohnsen's flicked header released Drogba through on goal and he again held off the challenge of Senderos and bore down on Lehmann. The German keeper forced him wide and Lauren's arrival seemed sure to finally end the danger, but the Chelsea striker proved his stregth by retaining possession and firing into the net on the turn.

It looked to be game over, but Arsenal did hit back within eight minutes as Cesc Fabregas slotted the ball home from six yards. Fredrik Ljungberg did all the hard work down the right and when his cross evaded the Chelsea defenders in the box, Fabregas was left with the simple task of converting.

Arsenal poured forward looking for an equaliser which gave Chelsea some good chances on the counter-attack, but there were no more goals as the Blues held on to lift the first trophy of the new season.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: SportingBet

Odds to win the 2005-2006 English Premier League:
Chelsea 8/11

Arsenal 100/30

Manchester United 7/2

Liverpool 16/1

Tottenham Hotspurs 100/1

Newcastle United 250/1

Middlesbrough 250/1

Everton 300/1

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Prediction: United has solidified their lineup by adding Edwin Van der Sar as goalkeeper. With an intact and experienced roster, Sir Alex Ferguson's men are on course to regain the Premiership title.

for more 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Jose Mourinho , Community Shield, Soccer, Arsene Wenger, Premier League, FA Community Shield, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Arsenal, Chealsea

Shield of Glory: London giants meet again

2005-08-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

This could possibly be the last time either Chelsea and Arsenal play at the Millennium Stadium, in Cardiff, as the FA Cup Final returns to the new Wembley in 2006.

Before either team can start thinking about Cup Finals, the FA Barclays Premiership or anything else, they have the duty of taking part in the traditional curtain raiser to the new season - the FA Community Shield.

Chelsea won their first FA Barclays Premiership title in 50 years last season and will be looking to kick off their centenary year in style. FA Cup winners Arsenal return to the scene of their penalty shootout triumph over Manchester United, hoping to make the last season at their famous Highbury home an historic one too.

Chelsea will not be treating this Sunday's FA Community Shield against Arsenal as a warm-up game. The FA Barclays Premiership champions want to beat the FA Cup holders and strike the first psychological blow for the season ahead.

Chelsea may be the reigning Premier League champions but they have not beaten Arsenal in the Premiership for ten years. The last time was in September 1995 when Mark Hughes scored the only goal at Stamford Bridge. Having played each other 160 times in all competitions Arsenal have won 67 times in comparison to Chelsea have only won 44 matches, with 49 draws between the two teams.

Formerly known as the Charity Shield, The FA Community Shield is the traditional curtain-raiser to the domestic season between the League and FA Cup Champions.The first Charity Shield match was played in 1908 between Manchester United, reigning Football League Champions, and Queens Park Rangers, then Southern League Champions. In 1974 FA Secretary Ted Croker proposed that the Shield should be played at Wembley as a curtain-raiser to the new season between the reigning League Champions and FA Cup holders.

The FA announced that there will be a 'period of silence' immediately before The FA Community Shield between Arsenal and Chelsea. Sunday's fixture, between two London teams will be the first opportunity domestic football has had to pay its respect to all the victims of the recent London bombings.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: SportingBet

Odds to win the 2005-2006 English Premier League:
Chelsea 8/11

Arsenal 100/30

Manchester United 7/2

Liverpool 16/1

Tottenham Hotspurs 100/1

Newcastle United 250/1

Middlesbrough 250/1

Everton 300/1

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Prediction: United has solidified their lineup by adding Edwin Van der Sar as goalkeeper. With an intact and experienced roster, Sir Alex Ferguson's men are on course to regain the Premiership title.

for more 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Manchester United , Chelsea, Soccer, English Premier League, Premier League, FA Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Real Madrid, Michael Owen

Politics stand in the way for an improved Gold Cup

2005-07-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

The problem with being a first-rate soccer power in a third-rate soccer confederation is that whatever triumphs are achieved can never be truly enjoyed. So it was last weekened when the United States defeated Panama on penalty kicks at Giants Stadium to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the third time.

Once Mexico was unexpectedly knocked out of the tournament in the quarterfinals, the fizz went out of the whole event. The 12-nation championship had been built around a U.S.-Mexico final, the North and Central American and Caribbean (CONCACAF) region's two heavyweights.

Without Mexico, it became a ho-hum, who cares affair. No offense to the CONCACAF's 36 other member nations, but that's a fact. The U.S. and Mexico have won seven of the eight Gold Cups contested since the first in 1991.

Occasionally, another country puts up a good fight, as Panama did Sunday, but only Canada's surprise victory in 2000 has broken the pattern. And it was not as if Mexico was ousted by a team from this region. It lost to Colombia, which, along with South Africa, was an invited guest in the tournament. That the Gold Cup needs such "guests" underlines its basic flaws.

Things would be far more interesting if FIFA showed some initiative and forced CONCACAF and CONMEBOL, the South American confederation, to combine into a single, 48-nation confederation. The Gold Cup could then disappear and the Copa America could become the regional championship - an honest-to-goodness Cup of the Americas.

With the likes of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and the U.S. competing, it could, in time, rival the European Championship in appeal. Or, if that's an exaggeration, at least it would be a lot better than what is being offered. As it stands, CONCACAF's 2005 showcase was merely a blip on soccer's global radar, a pale and largely amateur imitation of last summer's wildly successful Euro 2004 in Portugal and of the equally entertaining Copa America in Peru.

Even CONMEBOL acknowledges its own weakness by inviting foreign teams to play in the Copa America. Costa Rica and Mexico took part in 2004. Combining the Americas into one confederation could also boost the potential for a club championship along the lines of the enormously successful and lucrative European Champions League.

The LA Galaxy against Boca Juniors with something on the line would be a lot better than the Galaxy against Real Madrid just for fun. The logic of such a move is undeniable.

What stands in the way is politics. Those who have built small fiefdoms in soccer's backwaters, especially in the Caribbean, will be reluctant to give them up, even for the greater good.Self-interest, as usual, will prevail, and more is the pity.

World Cup Betting Odds from: SportsInterAction

Will US win the World Cup before the end of 2010?

US World Cup Winners 2006/2010

19.00

for more Sports and 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Landon Donovan, USA, Soccer, CONCACAF, FIFA World Cup, Gold Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Honduras, CONCACAF Gold Cup

Technorati Profile

Inter changes plan again, continues tour of England

2005-07-26T22:46:00.000-07:00

Italian giants Inter Milan performed a u-turn on Sunday and agreed to come over for their four match tour of England after originally cancelling it over safety fears sparked by the London bombings.

British Government Sports Minister Richard Caborn told Sky News that after the club had received reassurances from the Italian FA and his Italian counterpart, Mario Pescante, they had agreed to fly to England.

The Italian club had on Sunday told the BBC they were "looking into the possibility of finding a positive solution". Later Inter president Giacinto Facchetti confirmed in a statement on the club's website: "The team will be leaving to keep its commitments with the English organisers."

Leicester's chief exeutive Tim Davies had said earlier he had not given up hope of the game taking place but if it did not go ahead they risked losing 250,000 pounds. As well as Leicester, Inter were scheduled to play games against Crystal Palace, Norwich and Portsmouth.

Inter Milan launched their pre-season tour of England with a 2-1 win over second division Leicester City on Monday. Leicester were sunk by goals from Santiago Solari and Lampros Choutos. Substitute Chris O'Grady replied with a penalty for the home team. Roberto Mancini's side will continue their four-match tour with a game against second division Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

Inter's announcement that they were calling off the visit had been criticized by London mayor Ken Livingstone. A statement on Inter's website, explaining their reasons for staying at home, said: "Football takes a step back because of increasing serious events which touch the sensitivity of everyone."

Bomb attacks in London on July 7 left 56 people dead. Further bombs left on tubes and a bus on Thursday failed to detonate.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: SportingBet

Odds to win the 2005-2006 English Premier League:
Chelsea 4/5

Arsenal 3/1

Manchester United 100/30

Liverpool 16/1

Tottenham Hotspur 150/1

Newcastle United 250/1

Middlesbrough 250/1

Everton 300/1

Prediction: United has solidified their lineup by adding Edwin Van der Sar as goalkeeper. With an intact and experienced roster, Sir Alex Ferguson's men are on course to regain the Premiership title.

for more Sports and 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Manchester United Phillips, Chelsea, Soccer, English Premier League, Premier League, FA Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Arsenal, Chelsea FC

U.S. enjoys golden chance for top World Cup seeding

2005-07-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

Winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup won't have anything directly to do with the U.S. national team qualifying for the World Cup.

The Gold Cup is the championship of the CONCACAF Region - North & Central America and the Caribbean. The U.S. has reached seven of the eight semis - winning in 1991 and 2002 - and supplanted Mexico as the power in the region. But one more victory in the competition could very well go a long way toward solidifying a high seeding for the Americans if they make it to Germany.

Still, the U.S. - which passed powers France, England, Portugal and Spain to move within one spot of Mexico - is rounding into form. Forward Landon Donovan and midfielder DaMarcus Beasley have three goals each, tying Wilmer Velazquez of Honduras and two others for the tourney's top scorers.

New Yorker Chris Armas made the team at defensive midfielder and former MetroStar Eddie Pope will start in central defense. ADO den Haag's John O'Brien is shaking off the rust of hamstring and Achilles' injuries that limited him to just five games over the past two years at Ajax, rounding into form and providing the midfield savvy the U.S. usually gets from Springfield, N.J., star Claudio Reyna.

The Americans, who beat Honduras, 2-1 in the semifinal at Giants S tadium tonight, learned that they are rated sixth in the world - their best ever showing in the FIFA poll - according to the latest rankings.

Those rankings certainly aren't the last word in seeding teams for the World Cup. But they are among the top criteria when FIFA determines the top eight seeds at the draw in Leipzig, Germany, on Dec. 9; 2002 World Cup seeding was based on that, and how countries fared in the previous three Cups.

If the U.S. is among the top eight, it means one less powerhouse to face, such as defending champion Brazil, Argentina or Germany. That could mean the difference between qualifying for the second round or going home early.

If U.S. coach Bruce Arena was impressed, he sure would have liked it. It certainly can't hurt as the Americans jumped four spots past France, England, Portugal and Spain to move within three points of archrival Mexico, ranked fifth.

With a hot Mexican squad surprisingly eliminated from the Gold Cup, the Americans (3-0-1) are the team to beat as they've outscored their opposition, 9-2. Colombia meets Panama to determine who will face US in the finals.

World Cup Betting Game Odds from: SportingBet

Odds to win 2006 FIFA World Cup:

Brazil 4/1

Argentina 13/2

England 7/1

Germany 15/2

Italy 10/1

Holland 10/1

France 16/1

Spain 16/1

Prediction: Early picks? Brazil, Holland and Germany. But bet on Brazil because of its three R's - Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Robinho.

for more Sports and World Cup Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Ronaldo, World Cup Betting, Soccer, World Cup, World Cup Qualifying, FIFA World Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, World Cup Tips, World Cup Picks

Real Madrid now off to conquer Asia

2005-07-21T23:55:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid is now off to Beijing, Tokyo and Bangkok, to conquer new teams in new lands by two-goal margins without really trying as they continue to prepare for the real soccer that matters, the Spanish League regular season.

As glorified scrimmages go, Real's 2-0 exhibition victory over the Galaxy at the Home Depot Center on Monday night got a lot of local people excited - mainly those who work behind a mike for FSN West - but in the grand scheme, the best that can be said about the 90-minute workout was that it was an educational experience.

Real Madrid Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo at last learned the name of at least one Galaxy player. That would have to be Kevin Hartman, the Galaxy's harried yet resolute goalkeeper, the team's last line of credibility against Real. Or as Luxemburgo might have used it in a sentence, "We'd have defeated them by five or six goals, at least, if not for that Kevin Hartman."

The Galaxy learned, a little too late, not to awaken a sleeping giant, as it did by hacking Real midfielder Zinedine Zidane with a yellow-card foul in the fifth minute. In the sixth minute, a riled Zidane tiptoed through a woozy Galaxy defense and dished to Michael Owen for a 1-0 lead, simple as that, enabling Real to take its foot off the gas and send in the subs in waves before scoring again, for appearance's sake, in the 75th minute.

Real Madrid, with no trophies to show for the first two years of its David Beckham experiment, learned a sure-fire way to win a bevy of championships immediately: Join MLS.

Was that a matchup of the world's no.1 club and MLS' no. 1 team? Right away, there are three things wrong with this statement.

One, this was merely an early preseason tuneup for Real and a mid-summer exhibition for the Galaxy. Yes, it can get much, much bigger than this. If the match were so important, why did the Galaxy rest its best player, Landon Donovan? Answer: In fact, Donovan has bigger games with the U.S. national team and the Galaxy later this week.

Two, Manchester United might have something to say about that "world's most famous sports team" thing.

Three, if championships are the ultimate measure of success (and they are), the Galaxy, with one MLS title, is only the third-most successful team in MLS history. D.C. United has won four league championships. San Jose has won two.

Real Madrid "the No. 1 team in the world." You want the truth? Real finished second in the Spanish League last season, didn't get out of the round of 16 in the European Champions League and finished the 2004-2005 season rated 10th in a prominent European soccer "power rankings" poll. Which poll? That we don't know.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: Sportingbet

2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup Semifinal Matchup: USA 2/5
vs Honduras 13/2
DRAW 3/1
Prediction: They're playing in US territory so expect the US National Team to beat Honduras and advance to the championship. US to win 3-1 behind Landon Donovan's twin goals.
for more Sports and 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Landon Donovan, USA, Soccer, CONCACAF, FIFA World Cup, Gold Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Honduras, CONCACAF Gold Cup
Technorati Profile

Reds agree four year Crouch deal

2005-07-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

Liverpool have confirmed they have agreed a deal to sign Peter Crouch from Southampton on a four year contract believed to be worth seven million pounds. A transfer fee has been agreed between the two clubs and the Reds have also finalized personal terms with the striker.

Crouch will undergo a medical before officially signing his new Liverpool contract. He will then join up with his new Liverpool teammates at their training camp in Switzerland ahead of Saturday's friendly against Olympiakos in Liechtenstein.

He becomes Rafa Benitez's sixth signing of the summer, following in the footsteps of Bolo Zenden, Pepe Reina, Momo Sissoko, Antonio Barragan and Mark Gonzales. Benitez has spoken of his excitement at the imminent arrival of Peter Crouch and explained how the England international will add a new dimension to Liverpool's game.

Benitez has been keen on signing him but had to see off rival bids from Premiership outfits Middlesbrough, Charlton and West Ham. However the lanky Crouch - capped once against Colombia in May - is reported to have favoured a move to Liverpool and got his wish after Liverpool outbid their rivals. He was not present for training with Southampton as he was believed to be travelling to Liverpool for the medical.

Benitez is a big admirer of the tall striker since watching him score against Liverpool at St Mary's in January and he's relishing the prospect of having him in his ranks for the new season.

Crouch's arrival should accelerate the departure of Czech Republic international striker Milan Baros, who has fallen out of favour with Liverpool manager Benitez. Baros, who failed to replicate his superb form from Euro 2004 in the Premiership last season, was dumped from the Liverpool squad named to face TNS in Tuesday's second leg of their Champions League first qualifying round tie with both West Ham and Aston Villa believed to be keen on signing him.

Liverpool have placed a 6 million pound price tag on Baros. He was the leading scorer at Euro 2004 and played the first 85 minutes of the Champions League final against AC Milan in Istanbul. But he has failed to fit into Benitez's style of play.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: SportingBet

Odds to win the 2005-2006 English Premier League:
Chelsea 4/5

Arsenal 3/1

Manchester United 100/30

Liverpool 20/1

Tottenham Hotspur 150/1

Newcastle United 250/1

Middlesbrough 250/1

Everton 300/1

Prediction: United has solidified their lineup by adding Edwin Van der Sar as goalkeeper. With an intact and experienced roster, Sir Alex Ferguson's men are on course to regain the Premiership title.

for more Sports and 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Manchester United Phillips, Chelsea, Soccer, English Premier League, Premier League, FA Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Arsenal, Chelsea FC

Major bookmakers tag Chelsea as favorite to win English Premier League

2005-07-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

Almost all of the leading online sportsbooks have tagged Chelsea as odds-on favorites to defend its English Premier League title which will kick-off on Saturday, August 13. The Blues from Stamford Bridge won the crown convincingly, fending off archrivals Arsenal and Manchester United.

Leading online sports betting company BODOG Sportsbook features the best payout which was listed at 1/1. Jose Mourinho's wards was also the top choice of Pinnacle, SportingBet, My Bookie, BetCom and Sports Interaction. Sports Interaction posted the second best choice for wagering fans as they listed Chelsea at 1.9 to win the Premiership.

If online bettors are to go sportbook hopping, it is very evident that all bookmakers offers enticing betting propositions to choose from. BODOG Sportsbook has the best payout for a Chelsea win. If your an Arsenal or Manchester United fan, Sports Interaction guarantees a $275 profit for a $100 bet if the Gunners or United win.

Intriguingly, European Champions Liverpool didn't get the nod of oddsmakers. The Red Devils who only finished fifth last year, was the fourth favorite of bookmakers. SportingBet and BODOG Sportsbook gave the Anfield boys an eye-popping 20/1 odds. This is quite a good bet for online bettors since Liverpool made some key off-season moves which will definitely help boost their domestic league campaign.

Looking for longshots? Pinnacle and SportingBet are there for you. PinnacleSports has offered a whopping +14990 for Tottenham and Everton. The same thing is true for SportingBet which listed the Hotspurs at 150/1 and Everton at 300/1. Though its is true that they are unlikely to win the Premiership, still, one can dream and there is always that outside possibility.

Remember the 1997 and 2003 MLB Champions Florida Marlins? They literally brought many tears and headaches to major sportsbooks when they bucked the odds and won the MLB pennant. Now, those who placed their bets during the preseason on expansion team Washington Nationals to win this year's competition are now praying hard because bookmakers listed them then as 250/1 underdog.

The Nationals are now red-hot as of late and even lead their division after the All-Star break. If they do win the major league crown, some lucky punter (perhaps a Washington DC loyalist) could walk off with $25,000 or more on a $100 bet.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: SportingBet

Odds to win the 2005-2006 English Premier League:
Chelsea 4/5

Arsenal 3/1

Manchester United 100/30

Liverpool 20/1

Tottenham Hotspur 150/1

Newcastle United 250/1

Middlesbrough 250/1

Everton 300/1

Prediction: With the departure of Vieira, the Gunners now have no man in the middle that can match the speed and skill of their opponents' strikers. Manchester United is now the favorite to win the title with Chelsea in close second.

for more Sports and 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Manchester United Phillips, Chelsea, Soccer, English Premier League, Premier League, FA Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Arsenal, Chelsea FC

Galaxy put up a fight, but Madrid was too tough

2005-07-19T23:38:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid came calling at The Home Depot Center on Monday night, all of their galacticos in tow in a marvelous atmosphere. And while many in the crowd might have expected a blowout, in reality the Los Angeles Galaxy gutted out a solid performance before finally dropping a 2-0 result on goals from Michael Owen and Roberto Soldado.

The final score was really a respectable result for the Galaxy, who on paper would have appeared to be very overmatched. Even though the home side was forced to weather a lot of pressure, and goalkeeper Kevin Hartman was called upon often to keep his team in the game, the MLS side showed flashes of skill and creativity that they could be proud of.

The game was billed as an international friendly, but both sides quickly showed how seriously they were taking the contest. In just the fourth minute, Guillermo Ramirez picked up a yellow card after a pair of excessive tackles on Madrid defender Michel Salgado.

With the intensity level set, the game went as expected with Madrid dominating possession throughout the first half. In just the sixth minute, rookie defender Ugo Ihemelu was caught ball watching and allowed Michael Owen to run in behind him. Former World Footballer of the Year Zinedine Zidane made no mistake picking out the run, and Owen tucked away a short-range shot to open the scoring.

Of all the players who impressed for the Galaxy tonight, it was Hartman who had the biggest night. In all, Hartman made seven saves on the night - two from the boot of Brazilian Roberto Carlos, whose left foot is nearly as famous as David Beckham's right. He also had an impressive sequence in the second half, stealing the ball off the foot of Luis Figo who was in alone on a breakaway. An instant later, Hartman smothered a rebound shot from Owen in what were his two best saves of the night.

Nearly a century of history separates the inception of the two clubs that played in Carson tonight. Yet on the field, both teams showed that soccer isn't that far apart when defined by the play on the field.

In addition, the Galaxy put up their fight without the services of arguably the best player in all of MLS. Landon Donovan has been the center of the Galaxy so far this season, but was unavailable to his club due to national team commitments. The final result might not have changed, but all in attendance were likely left wondering what might have been had one of the best strikers to ever lace up his cleats in MLS been available.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: Sportingbet

Soccer Friendly: Galaxy vs. Galacticos

2005-07-19T22:47:00.000-07:00

The time has come for a long-awaited match. On Monday night, before a packed house at The Home Depot Center, the Los Angeles Galaxy will meet Real Madrid. It's Galaxy vs Galacticos.

The expectations are huge. The Galaxy, the team with the most MLS victories in league history, are going to play against a team composed by world-class players such as Zinedine Zidane, Michael Owen, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, David Beckham, Luis Figo and Raul. It is a good chance for the Galaxy to show the soccer world where MLS stands and where it is going.

They lined up in the hundreds on Sunday evening, and by the time the players they had come to see jogged out onto the field - Beckham among them - there were 8,591 fans inside the Home Depot Center in Carson. Not for a game. For a training session. At $30 a ticket.

Real Madrid, three-time world champion, nine-time European champion and 29-time Spanish champion, packs them in even 5,892 miles from home. Even when all it is doing is running wind sprints and juggling the ball around for an hour or so before heading off to party at a Hollywood nightclub - Prey, in this instance.

Real Madrid, nicknamed "Los Galacticos" because of its roster of international stars, plays the second contest in a six-game tour through North America and Asia. The Spanish club, which has 29 domestic championships and nine European titles, earned a 3-1 victory over Mexico's CD Guadalajara on Saturday night in Chicago.

The Galaxy, which leads MLS with 151 regular-season victories, will not have leading scorer Landon Donovan. The forward will play for the United States in Thursday night's CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals. Leading the Galaxy are midfielder Cobi Jones and goalkeeper Kevin Hartman. Jones played in three World Cups and 164 games for the United States. Hartman has 101 career victories, 52 by shutout.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: BODOG

Soccer Friendly Matchup:

LA Galaxy +415
vs Real Madrid -200
DRAW +245
Prediction: Without its ace striker, the Galaxy will be hard-pressed to beat a star-studded and healthy Real Madrid. Europe's winningest club will beat LA, 4-1.
for more 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Landon Donovan, Real Madrid, Soccer, CONCACAF, FIFA World Cup, Gold Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, LA Galaxy, CONCACAF Gold Cup
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Wright-Phillips set for Chelsea as City agree massive fee

2005-07-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

Promising England international winger Shaun Wright-Phillips is set to join English Premiership champions Chelsea after his present club Manchester City reportedly accepted a bid of 21 million pounds (29 million euros).

The BBC said that Chelsea had come back with an improved offer on their original bid on Friday of 20 million pounds for the 23-year-old, who it had been thought was set to stay only to pull out of the pre-season friendly with Macclesfield on Saturday when he asked City if he could speak to Chelsea.

While City initially refused his request they have now relented, accepted the bid and given Wright-Phillips permission to open personal talks with Chelsea.

Wright-Phillips, who is the son of former England striker Ian Wright, joined City's youth academy in July 1998 after being released as a 16-year-old by Nottingham Forest for being 'too small.' Wright-Phillips has been capped four times by England. He played over 150 league games for City since making his debut in the 1999-2000 season.

The right-sided player, who started as a junior at Nottingham Forest, was City's joint top scorer last season with 11 goals. He had also attracted interest from Arsenal, for whom his famous stepfather Ian Wright played as a striker.

The London-born star, who scored on his England debut with a spectacular strike in the win against Ukraine at St James' Park in August 2004, had three years remaining on his contract at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Wright-Phillips will wear the number 24 shirt at Chelsea, the date his son was born. Chelsea must now decide whether to pursue their interest in Olympique Lyon's Ghana midfielder Michael Essien. The French champions placed a 45 million euros ($54.32 million) price tag on Essien's head on Monday.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: BODOG

Odds to win the 2005-2006 English Premier League:

1 Chelsea 1/1
2 Arsenal 11/4
3 Manchester United 3/1
4 Liverpool 20/1
5 Tottenham 66/1
Prediction: Arsenal will win the League title, Manchester United will lift the FA Cup while Chelsea will do well in Europe.

for more Sports and 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Shaun Wright Phillips, Chelsea, Soccer, English Premier League, Premier League, FA Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Manchester City, Chelsea FC

Arsenal and Juventus agree 20-million-euro fee for Vieira

2005-07-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

Arsenal have agreed a fee of 13.7 million pounds (20 million euros) with Juventus for the sale of French midfielder Patrick Vieira. The 29-year-old, who has been at Highbury since 1996, will join the Italian club on a five-year deal if he agrees personal terms.

A statement on the club's official website www.arsenal.com read: "Arsenal Football Club can confirm that terms have been agreed for the transfer of Patrick Vieira to Juventus for a total fee of 20 million euros. At this stage, Patrick is now finalising his personal terms and conditions with Juventus."

Vieira, whose Arsenal contract had been due to expire in 2007, turned down a move to Real Madrid last year. Vieira won the Premiership with the Gunners on three occasions - 1998, 2002 and 2004 - but did not enjoy success in the Champions League.

The Frenchman, who will have a medical at his new club and could be unveiled afterwards, had joined Arsenal from AC Milan. A move back to Serie A, however, was thought to be unlikely after he was racially abused in a match against Lazio. He had played a major role in coach Arsene Wenger's success at Highbury.

Juventus officials revealed Arsenal will receive only half of the fee for Vieira initially, with two further payments over the next two years. A statement on official website www.juventus.it read: "Juventus FC announces it has reached an agreement with Arsenal for the acquisition Patrick Vieira for a fee of 20million euros to be paid in three instalments. Ten million euros (6.9million pounds) to be paid immediately after the contract stipulation. Five million euros (3.4million pounds) on July 14 2006, and another five million (3.4 million) on July 14 2007. Juventus FC have agreed a five-year contract with Vieira."

Juventus hope the acquistion of French midfielder Patrick Vieira will be the key to them lifting the Champions League title for the first time in 10 years next season. Juve have lost three European finals since their last win in 1996 and they hope the 29-year-old Vieira, signed for 13.7 million pounds (20 million euros) from Arsenal, will be the driving force behind ending that drought.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: BODOG

Odds to win the 2005-2006 English Premier League:

1 Chelsea 1/1
2 Arsenal 11/4
3 Manchester United 3/1
4 Liverpool 20/1
5 Tottenham 66/1
Prediction: Arsenal will win the League title, Manchester United will lift the FA Cup while Chelsea will do well in Europe.

for more Sports and 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Patrick Vieira, Arsenal, Soccer, English Premier League, Premier League, FA Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Juventus, Juventus FC

Benitez confident of goals from Morientes

2005-07-12T00:15:00.000-07:00

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has described Fernando Morientes as 'like a new signing' and revealed he has high hopes for him this coming season. Morientes netted twice in Liverpool's opening pre-season fixture at Wrexham last weekend and looked sharp during the 45 minutes he was on the pitch.

The Spanish striker endured a frustrating time at Anfield since joining the Reds from Real Madrid during the January transfer window. Prior to Saturday he'd netted just three goals in 14 games but Benitez was impressed with what he saw from him at the Racecourse Ground and remains a big admirer.

After a successful season on loan at Monaco, whom he helped to the Champions League final, Morientes returned to Madrid this season but found himself behind Brazilian ace Ronaldo, Spanish international Raul and former Liverpool striker Michael Owen in the pecking order of strikers at the Bernabeu Stadium.

Morientes completed his 6.3-million pound move to Liverpool after passing a medical test. The striker signed a three and a half year deal. Liverpool's winger John Arne Riise is backing Fernando Morientes to fire Liverpool into next season's Champions League after watching the Spanish striker open his Liverpool account against Charlton.

Morientes' 20-yard equaliser set the stage for Riise to secure a 2-1 win at the Valley on Tuesday night and the Norway midfielder/full-back believes his Spanish team-mate is ready to live up to his reputation.

Benitez will have Morientes, Djibril Cisse and Milan Baros vying for striking positions next season. Cisse joined the Anfield club last summer for 14 million pounds but only played 15 games before breaking his leg. He retuned to play in the Champions League final win over AC Milan. And Benitez will be hoping for a fully-committed Harry Kewell who had groin surgery in May after an injury-plagued season.

Despite mixed league form, Liverpool are still in this season's Champions League and have reached the final of the League Cup, in which they will face Chelsea at the end of next month.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: BODOG

Odds to win the 2005-2006 English Premier League:

1 Chelsea 1/1
2 Arsenal 11/4
3 Manchester United 3/1
4 Liverpool 20/1
5 Tottenham 66/1
Prediction: Arsenal will win the League title, Manchester United will lift the FA Cup while Chelsea will do well in Europe.

for more Sports and 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Steven Gerrard, Liverpool, Soccer, English Premier League, Premier League, FA Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Rafael Benitez, Liverpool FC

CONCACAF Gold Cup: US, Mexico ride collission course

2005-07-08T23:24:00.000-07:00

In this neck of the soccer woods, the tallest tree has always been Mexico, with the United States showing some impressive growth over the last decade. The two countries should prove their standing once again in the coming weeks when the 12-nation CONCACAF Gold Cup is played in six U.S. cities, including Los Angeles.

Mexico is the defending champion and the favorite. The U.S. is at home, which levels the field a little more. Barring upsets, the Americans and Mexicans should meet in the July 24 final at Giants Stadium. Ten teams stand in their way - eight of their neighbors from the North and Central American and Caribbean (CONCACAF) region and two guests, Colombia and South Africa.

The tournament, played about every two years, offers different challenges to different teams. For Panama, South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago, it offers the chance to find out how to salvage their rapidly sinking World Cup hopes. All three countries are in danger of not reaching Germany '06 and need to rediscover a way to win before qualifying resumes in August. Most of South Africa's top players turned down the chance to play in the Gold Cup, however.

Mexico, which plays South Africa, Guatemala and Jamaica in the first round, comes into the Gold Cup riding higher than ever. Admittedly, its 20-game unbeaten streak was ended at the recently concluded FIFA Confederations Cup in Germany, but Argentine-born Coach Ricardo Lavolpe's squad finished a more-than-respectable fourth, surprising many with its stylish and resourceful play.

Along the way, Mexico, ranked sixth in the world, defeated eventual champion and World Cup holder Brazil, 1-0, and Asian champion Japan, 2-1, and tied European champion Greece, 0-0. Mexico tied Argentina, 1-1, in the semifinals but was ousted on penalty kicks after extra time. Finally, it lost, 4-3, in extra time to Germany in the third-place match.

No such worries surround the U.S., which is ranked 10th in the world. Coach Bruce Arena has selected a strong team, evidence of his desire to win the tournament and to serve notice to Mexico that it is not the only tree in the forest. Like Lavolpe, Arena is without some top players, the most notable being striker Brian McBride and defender Carlos Bocanegra, both of whom will play for Fulham of the English Premier League when it takes on an MLS All-Star team July 30 at Columbus, Ohio.

More interest, however, concerns those who are on the roster. The Gold Cup offers the opportunity for as many as 11 American 'bubble' players to show that they should be in Arena's plans for Germany '06.The list includes goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann. Arena said he wants to see Hahnemann play at least one game in the tournament. Kasey Keller should start the rest. Then there are defenders Jimmy Conrad, Oguchi Onyewu, Tony Sanneh and Greg Vanney, as well as midfielders Chris Armas, Brad Davis, Clint Dempsey and Ben Olsen, and forwards Conor Casey and Pat Noonan.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: BODOG

2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup Matchups:

Mexico -200
vs South Africa +500
Jamaica +120
vs Guatemala +179
Prediction: South Africa will upset Mexico, 2-1 while Jamaica will beat Guatemala, 2-0.
for more Sports and 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Landon Donovan, Colombia, Soccer, CONCACAF, FIFA World Cup, Gold Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, USA, CONCACAF Gold Cup
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Who will hoist the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup?

2005-07-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

In what may be the last good chance for World Cup Qualifying teams in this region to feel each other out prior to the stretch run to Germany, the 2006 Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Gold Cup soccer tournament opens in Miami.

Every couple of years, 14 CONCACAF national men's soccer teams and two invitees from other regions (South Africa and Colombia round out this year's list) meet, often one year before the World Cup is set to begin.This year the Gold Cup will be played in Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, Boston and Houston with the semifinals and finals to be played at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

In all, six U.S. cities and seven stadiums will host the event, which runs through July 24. Of course, not all of the teams in the Gold Cup are here for World Cup tune-ups. Some, like Cuba and Canada, have already been eliminated and are hoping to regain some dignity lost after both were eliminated in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.

For them (and others like them) the Gold Cup will be a chance to exact revenge on the opponents still in the competition, particularly the United States and Costa Rica, both of which are in Group B along with Cuba and Canada.

There is some pretty serious potential drama with the political implications of a U.S. blowout over Cuba (not to mention possible defections). Add the Nats vs. the Ticos, a replay of a historic match last month in Rice-Eccles, and it should make for some quality soccer (though some teams may be resting their best players).

The United States may also be using the tournament to play less-used players. Considering that all three teams (Canada included) will take their best shots at the Nats, this is not good news. But Landon Donovan, Eddie Pope and the majority of the current roster are here, so all isn't lost. They'll make the semifinals, perhaps the finals.

Colombia is the odds-on favorite to win the Gold Cup. Led by midfielder Elkin Soto and a potent attacking force, Colombia sits in fifth in the final WCQ for their region, which includes Brazil and Argentina. Enough said.

South Africa is a little light on defense (as their 9-9 goal differential indicates in African WCQ) but they can put the ball in the net. Manchester United's Quinton Fortune and Shaun Bartlett are bonafide attackers, as well as Benedict McCarthy of FC Porto (Portugal).

It sounds like Mexico is gearing up for a championship run. Some big names are scheduled to play, including Jared Borgetti. But Mexico will likely have some smaller names playing, like the United States will. So their finish is probably third, even in a tight group.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: BODOG

2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup Matchups:

Colombia -455
vs Panama +800
USA -500
vs Cuba +900
Prediction: Colombia will pummel Panama by two goals to nil while USA will beat Cuba, 3-1.

for more Sports and 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Landon Donovan, Colombia, Soccer, CONCACAF, FIFA World Cup, Gold Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, USA, CONCACAF Gold Cup

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Liverpool unveils new Red Devils

2005-07-04T23:53:00.000-07:00

Liverpool unveiled the acquisition of four players on Monday, but the biggest news involved the future of captain Steven Gerrard. Gerrard is looking for a new contract that will secure his future at Anfield. Talks apparently hit an unexpected snag this weekend, leaving the talented midfielder's future in doubt. Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez publicly expressed his opinion on the subject at a press conference.

The acquisitions of Spanish goalkeeper Jose Manuel Reina, Dutch international Bolo Zenden, Chilean winger Mark Gonzalez and young Spaniard Antonio Barragan can only help Liverpool's cause in re-signing its star player. Reina was one of the most sought-after goalkeepers this summer. He comes to England after starring at Spanish club Villarreal.

The 22-year-old Reina joined Villarreal from Barcelona in 2002. He helped Villarreal to a third-place finish in La Liga this season, making him an attractive transfer target for Europe's big clubs.

Zenden, 28, just finished his second season at Middlesbrough. He had previously played for Chelsea, Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven, where he was a key contributor at each club. Gonzalez comes to Anfield from Spanish side Albacete. He is just 20 years of age. Barragan was in Spain playing with Sevilla. He is only 18 years old.

Benitez continues to accumulate talent from Spain, where he previously coached prior to joining Liverpool. The Spanish boss came over before the 2004/05 season from La Liga side Valencia. Benitez brought several Spanish players to Liverpool last summer, including Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia.

Next on Liverpool's trophy crusade is the World Club Championships in Japan in December. Champions League winners Liverpool have expressed reservations about playing in the tournament which will take place in the middle of a busy English Premiership programme.

Three teams have already qualified for the tournament which pits the winners of each Confederation's club champions against each other. They are Liverpool, CONCACAF champions Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica and Oceania champions Sydney.

They will be joined by the winners of South America's club championship, the Copa Libertadores, the Asian club champions and the African club champions.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: BODOG

Odds to win the 2005-2006 English Premier League:

1 Chelsea 1/1
2 Arsenal 11/4
3 Manchester United 3/1
4 Liverpool 20/1
5 Tottenham 66/1
Prediction: Arsenal will win the League title, Manchester United will lift the FA Cup while Chelsea will do well in Europe.

for more Sports and 2005-2006 English Premier League Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Steven Gerrard, Liverpool, Soccer, English Premier League, Premier League, FA Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, Rafael Benitez, Liverpool FC

FIFA World Youth Championship: Argentina, Nigeria seek crowning glory

2005-07-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

Whatever happens in the final, a new mark will be made at the FIFA World Youth Championship. After defeating arch-rivals and co-record holders Brazil in the semi-finals, Argentina will be gunning for a fifth title and a third in the past four tournaments. If Nigeria come out on top, they will become the first African team to win the championship. A year ahead of Germany 2006 and five before the first FIFA World Cup in the Mother continent, that result could be the breakthrough their adoring fans have long been waiting for.

Few would argue that Argentina and Nigeria deserve their place on the grand stage in Utrecht's Galgenwaard Stadium. After slow starts, Francisco Ferraro and Samson Siasia have guided their sides through arguably the toughest groups before defeating top teams on route. The Albiceleste conquered Colombia, Spain and Brazil having discovered an aggressive pressing game perfectly suited to the individual talent of star player Lionel Messi. Increasingly confident, the Flying Eagles downed Ukraine, the hosts Holland and Morocco playing their own free-flowing physical game centred around the gifted John Obi Mikel.

Relieved after overcoming their great rivals Brazil, Argentina were in relaxed mood before the final with their players entertaining journalists at their hotel. Striker Gustavo Oberman praised the team's no-nonsense work ethic and a fighting spirit that has seen them strike twice in the closing seconds of knockout matches.

But most journalists' eyes were trained on Messi, especially while he received a call from the person he has been most likened to, Maradona. Having scored four particularly handsome goals himself, Messi's own attraction is winning admirers from all corners of the globe. Even before the 25-yard screamer against Brazil, Barcelona director Txiki Begiristain had visited Utrecht to offer the 18-year-old a new contract with a buy-out clause reported to be 150 million euros.

Anxious at the beginning, mortified after losing 2-1 to Korea Republic following two late strikes, the Flying Eagles' spirits were high as they lugged their bags through yet another hotel. Being the first African team to win the U-20 crown is not the only ambition for Siasia's boys and many of the squad are already rumoured to have agreed contracts with European clubs.

Nigeria will be without top defender Onyekachi Apam but Argentina will also lose their pillar at the back Gustavo Cabral as well as forward Neri Cardozo. Those players may be absent but, as they have done religiously throughout the tournament, the teams will be competing for the help of a higher being in their quest for glory. Saturday night will reveal whose prayers will have been answered.

World U20 Championship Betting Game Odds from: PinnacleSports

Head-To-Head:

Argentina
-190
Nigeria
+172

Prediction: Argentina has beaten the favored team in the tournament and it will do the same against a surprise team in the finals. The Argentines will put the ball in the net twice while conceding nothing. Argentina to win 2-0.

for more Sports and 2006 World Cup Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: Sports Betting Index

Technorati: Lionel Messi, World U20 Championship, Soccer, FIFA World Youth Championship, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, World Cup Tips, World Cup Picks

Brazil trounces Argentina to bag Confederations Cup title

2005-06-29T23:23:00.000-07:00

Brazil produced a masterful display against Argentina, trouncing their old foes 4-1 to win the Confederations Cup title. The world champions ripped the heart out of Jose Pekerman's side in the opening quarter of an hour through strikes from Adriano and Kaka, with Ronaldhino and then Adriano again completing the rout after the break.

Adriano's double made him the competition's top scorer with five goals.This was Brazil's second Confederations Cup title and it handed them quick retribution after falling 3-1 to Argentina in a World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires at the start of the month. It left Argentina however without a major senior title since their Copa America win in 1993.

Cicinho set up Brazil's opener when he passed to Adriano, the burly Inter Milan striker curling the ball in from the right of the box in the 11th minute. And Cicinho played a key part in Brazil's second when he lobbed a pitch-wide cross from the right to Robinho who in turn found Kaka lurking in the box, the AC Milan midfielder finishing neatly, his shot sailing over keeper German Lux's head.

Argentina could have scored at least once in this opening period, with notably Juan Riquelme going close but they were thwarted by a combination of poor finishing and sterling work by the Brazilian back line. And their appeals for a penalty in the 35th minute were denied when Juan Sorin fell in the box, the Argentina skipper picking up a booking for his troubles.

Javier Zanetti did go close to reducing the deficit in first half injury time when the Inter Milan defender was fed by Cesar Delgado but his shot from the right of the box went wide of Dida's post.

The second half was only 60 seconds old when Brazil got their third after a sweet move started by Kaka who picked out Cicinho on the right wing, the defender crossing to Ronaldinho who flicked the ball in from under Lux's face.

Brazil were by this stage toying with Argentina like a cat with a mouse, and it was only a matter of time before they added a fourth, the result of another cross from Cicinho in the right corner with Adriano thumping his header past Lux.

Argentina's consolation came from second half substitute Pablo Aimar, Dida unable to do anything about his 65th minute header.

Only deft work by Lux - for whom this competition has been something of a baptism of fire - kept out a rocket from Adriano's left foot near the end. However, Argentina never gave up and Dida saved brilliantly from Sorin while seconds later the Brazil keeper was fortunate not to concede a penalty as he blatantly barged Sorin away from the ball but to the long-haired Argentine skipper's bemusement a freekick was awarded against him.

A meeting between these Latin rivals is always a highly charged affair and even the weather contributed to the sense of drama, with loud claps of thunder and flashes of lightning over the not-so-sealed roof which had as hard a job of containing the driving rain as the Argentine back line had in stopping the Brazilian attack.

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Technorati: Adriano, Confederations Cup, Soccer, FIFA Confederations Cup, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, World Cup Tips, World Cup Picks

Germany, Mexico aim to end Confederations Cup campaign on a high note

2005-06-29T01:15:00.000-07:00

Germany will face Mexico in Leipzig on Wednesday in the playoff for third place at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2005. Despite the fact that there is no trophy at stake, there remains a huge amount of interest in this game which will be played in front of a sell-out crowd of 42,500.

There is great expectation among fans, players and team management alike ahead of this clash between the two group winners who were knocked out at the semi-final stage.

The Mannschaft face a tough encounter against the Mexicans, the surprise package of the tournament. Ricardo Lavolpe's men defeated the world champions Brazil in the group stage and only went out on penalties against Argentina in the semi-finals. Hence Klinsmann's words of respect for his opponents.

History suggests that Germany are favourites, however. In nine appearances against Mexico, the Mannschaft have won four, drawn four and lost only one. What is more, Mexico's only win dates back almost exactly 20 years to 15 June 1985, when they defeated the Europeans 2-0 in Mexico City.

Germany emerged as victors from the last meeting between the two countries, in the last 16 at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Mexico lost that match in Montpellier 2-1, going down to goals from Klinsmann and Bierhoff, ironically. And now the tournament hosts are hoping for another victory to secure third place.

However, Mexico are not prepared to settle for fourth position. After recovering from the bitter disappointment of going out to Argentina in the semi-final. If they are to achieve this, Mexico will once again have to be on top form.

Those lucky enough to have tickets for the game at Leipzig's Zentralstadion can look forward to a fascinating encounter between the highest-scoring attack of the tournament and the strongest defence. Germany have scored eleven goals in their last four games while Mexico have conceded only two.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: BODOG Sports Betting

Head-To-Head:

Germany
-135
Mexico +295
Draw +220

Prediction: A third place finish is a good consolation prize for the Germans. Mexico's incredible scoring run will end. Oliver Kahn will shut down Mexico's attackers. Germany to win 1-0.

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Technorati: Michael Ballack, Confederations Cup, Soccer, FIFA Confederations Cup, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, Soccer Betting, Soccer Tips, World Cup Tips, World Cup Picks

Soccer Betting Tips and Odds - UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, FA Cup and World Cup

Chelsea hope to deliver killer blows vs Fulham in Premiership Boxing Day

Premiership Betting Game Odds from: SportsInterAction

Prediction: Fulham will score an early goal but the might of the Blues will just be simply too much for Mohammed Al-Fayed's club. Chelsea to win 4-1.

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Boxing Day blockbuster: Liverpool vs Newcastle in Premiership weekend

Premiership Betting Game Odds from: SportsInterAction

English Premier League Matchup:

Prediction: Peter Crouch to score first and Liverpool to win 3-1. Owen will score in his return trip at Anfield.

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FIFA World Cup Match Schedules

FIFA World Cup 2006 Match Schedule - Stage 1 fixtures

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

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UEFA Champions League Matchup:

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Prediction: Chelsea may be unstoppable in domestic competition but in Europe, the Reds are a tough nut to crack. Expect this game to end in a draw.

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tags: Soccer, World Cup, FIFA World Cup, 2006 World Cup, World Cup 2006, Manchester United, Chelsea, Frank Lampard, Liverpool, Destination Germany, UEFA, UEFA Champions League, Champions League

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Prediction: Minus Chelsea, Man U have the best chance of wiining the Premiership. Arsenal and Liverpool are virtual longshots.

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Prediction: Liverpool vs Chelsea will end up in a 1-1 draw while Inter Milan and Real Madrid will beat their respective opponents, 2-1.

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Prediction: Expect Bayern, Juve and Barca to dispose their opponents easily.

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Sports Betting Game Odds from: SportsInterAction

Premiership Weekend Matchup: Chelsea 1.20 Draw 5.00 Aston Villa 11.00

West Ham 4.50 Draw 3.30 Arsenal 1.66 Check out Sports Interaction's betting facilities and find out for yourself how simple and convenient Sports Interaction makes it to place bets from the comfort of your home or office.

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Prediction: Manchester United and Arsenal will romp away with lopsided victories while Chelsea will be limited to 1-1 draw by Aston Villa

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World Cup betiing game odds: Bodog Sportsbook

World Cup Qualifiers Propositions:

Odds to win UEFA Champions League:
Chelsea 5.50
Barcelona 5.00
Juventus 7.50
AC Milan 11.00
Arsenal 13.00
Man Utd 23.00

Odds to win English Premier League:
Man Utd 1.72
Arsenal 3.00
Tottenham 11.00
Liverpool 12.00
Charlton 34.00
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Premiership Weekend Matchup:
Chelsea 1.20 Draw 5.00 Aston Villa 11.00

West Ham 4.50 Draw 3.30 Arsenal 1.66
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