Value to be had at Euro 2012

We are now just over a week away from kick-off at Euro 2012 and going into the tournament in Ukraine and Poland, the Spanish are favourites to make it 3 major titles on the bounce.

Vicente Del Bosque's men are priced around the 11/4 mark to lift the trophy, but I am steering clear of them this time around. After a long hard season for many of the nation's key players, and indeed 4 years with barely a break, I think fatigue may set in and they won't even make the final.

So if Spain aren't going to win it, who do I think will?

Well Germany are the second favourites and you clearly have to respect their chances. In their ranks they have some of the best players on the planet right now, with the likes of Mario Gomez and Bastian Schweinsteiger tipped to shine this summer. However, I am going to, like with Spain, steer clear of the Germans for the Euros for the simple reason that I don't feel the 3/1 on offer represents value considering the group they are in, alongside Holland, Portugal and Denmark.

One team who I just mentioned there was Holland and despite the fact they are in the Group of Death, Group B, I reckon they have enough to progress from that and then go on a bit of a run. The World Cup in 2010 proves that they are capable of making it into the latter stages of a major tournament and although they were narrowly beaten by Spain in the final, I think at 7/1 they are worth a few quid.

France are another side who I like. Les Blues are not fancied to do too much this time around, considering the youthfullness of their squad, but with the pressure off, I feel they may actually go all the way. They shouldn't have too many problems getting of Group D, alongside England, Ukraine and Sweden, and from there, who knows what may happen. The French are best priced 12/1.

In terms of a top goalscorer. Robin Van Persie goes into the Euros after a magnificent goalscoring season at Arsenal which saw him claim the Golden Boot in the Premier League and at 11/1, I would not put you off backing it. Another player I like in terms of the top goalscorer market is Poland's Robert Lewandowski. The 23-year old scored a terrific 30 goals for German Champions Dortmund this past season and at 25/1, he is worth a dabble.

My bet of the tournament is priced at just 11/10 I'm afraid. The bet is for their to be a hat-trick scored in the whole tournament. I really do fancy this, considering the amount of games played at the tournament and given the quality of striker which will be on show.

Feel free to leavr your tips in the section provided.

0 comments  

Barcelona v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League Final


As FC Barcelona and Manchester United ready themselves for the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley on 28 May, we take a look at some of the games along the way.

First of all both Man United and Barcelona are fantastic teams, true champions with loads of stars playing for them – its going to be one incredible festival!! Cant wait..

Man Utd seemed to have the easier route to the final, beating the German team Schalke fairly convincingly 6-1 on aggregate. Whilst Barcelona battled against their Spanish rivals, Real Madrid in the semi-finals. The first round was won by Barcelona 2-0, but not without controversy. Real Madrid forced a draw during the second leg, but it was too much for them to come back from 2-0 down on aggregate and win by more than 2 goals away at Barcelona.

Some may question Barcelona’s tactics during their semi against Real Madrid, but they wont care they are in the final of one of football’s biggest events – the UEFA Champions League 2011 and they wont mind what people say about them.

Perhaps it was because Barcelona have Unicef on their shirts and are seen as the do-gooders, whilst Real Madrid have sponsorship from bwin, a gambling and betting company... Who knows?? Conspiracy theorists if you really want to look into it further then make the most of it and get some great casino bonuses whilst you are there at some of the best online casinos.

Might even fancy a few shillings on the final myself...

There were accusations of racism, UEFA dished out fines and suspensions to both teams and Madrid’s coach José Mourinho, who was dismissed from the bench, made inappropriate (according to UEFA that is...) statements at the post match interview.

In short, the semi-final was not the best advertisement for sportsmanship. UEFA have disciplined, European football will continue and onwards to the UEFA Champions League Final 2011, Wembley, London – May 28.

0 comments  

It's Manchester United's title to lose

With four months still to go before we know who will be lifting the Premier League trophy, it seems that few are betting against Manchester United winning the title back.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men are sitting pretty at the top of the table, level on points with neighbours Manchester City, however, the Old Trafford club have two games in hand.

Arsenal lie in 3rd place, two points behind United, but Arsene Wenger's side have played a game more than the Red Devils.

Chelsea have slipped down the table and at this stage, they would be doing fairly well to finish in the top 4 with Tottenham breathing down their necks.

Given the fact United have yet to hit top gear this season, it all seems to point towards them winning yet another Premier League title.

It is quite scary to think that, arguably their best player, Wayne Rooney, has scored just two Premier League goals this season and yet they remain unbeaten in 21 league games.

United are, unsurprisingly, favourites with all the bookies and sportsbooks to claim their 13th Premier League title.

So is it United's title to lose? Feel free to leave your comments below!

0 comments  

Premier League 2010/2011 Preview

So we are now less than two weeks away from the kick-off of the 2010/2011 Premier League season and I'm sure, like me, you are all getting very excited.

There are three clubs, in my opinion, who have a real chance of lifting the title come the end of the season. Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Many believe Manchester City may challenge for the title this season given the vast amounts of money they have spent over the last few weeks. David Silva, Jerome Boateng and Yaya Toure have all arrived at Eastlands this summer and if you have been keeping up with the sports news of late, you will know that City's spending may not be over just yet.

I personally don't believe they have what it takes to go all the way this season and I think they would be doing well to finish in the top four this time around.

If I had to put my money on any team, I would probably bet on Chelsea to retain their Premier League crown.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, there are a large number of teams who could easily be relegated this season. Blackpool will probably finish rock bottom with West Brom just above them in 19th and then it will be intriguing to see who finishes in the place above them. It really could be any number of six or seven teams who finish 18th but if I had to choose one, I would have to go with Birmingham.

We all love picking our squads for a fantasy soccer game before the season starts and one player I suggest you have in your team this season is Liverpool's Joe Cole. I am convinced he will be a big success at Anfield and I can see him scoring loads of goals this season.

0 comments