Soccer City FC

Doyle hoping Irish eyes will smile

2012-05-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

It was a long and miserable Premier League campaign for Kevin Doyle, but the Wolves striker is now looking ahead to playing a big part for the Republic of Ireland in Euro 2012.

The 28-year-old striker was forced to watch from the sidelines for large periods as Wolves limped out of the Premier League, a miserable season ending in relegation to the Championship.

Doyle has been named in Giovanni Trappatoni’s squad for the summer’s European Championships in Poland and Ukraine and is likely to play a big role as Ireland look to get out of Group C.

But things will not be easy for the men in green as they must face defending Euro and World Cup winners Spain, the traditional giants of Italy and Croatia in the group stages.

Doyle will be looking to take his frustration out on opposition defences at Euro 2012 and claims “from a physical point of view” his lack of action could be good for Ireland as he is fresher than some others.

“I'm confident about my own form, I am feeling good, I am feeling fit and fresh, mentally I am feeling fresh,” he said.

"I haven't played as many games, which can only be good for me and for Ireland, hopefully, if I play because I am really hungry to do well in the summer."

Doyle’s Irish compatriot Sean St Ledger recently said that Ireland are out to “spring an upset” at Euro 2012 despite many people predicting them not to win a game in their group.

The Irish have a pedigree of causing shocks when it comes to major international football tournaments but, with Spain in their group, it leaves the other three sides battling for one spot to make the knockout stage.

To celebrate this summer’s European Championships bet365 have launched a brand new Youtube channel featuring all the videos you see on TV, including the latest bet365 Ray Winston video .

Alex Oxlade Chamberlain: England’s Secret Weapon?

2012-05-30T02:28:00.000-07:00

Alex Oxlade Chamberlain was a surprise call up to the England squad, this summer, after his limited appearances in the Arsenal team, but there is no doubting that the kid has tremendous talent, and I am sure he will prove that Roy Hodgson was right to take him to Euro 2012.

His call up really does cap an astonishing rise to stardom for the £12million signing from Southampton, who only made his Gunners debut in August - in the 8-2 defeat to Manchester United.

Chamberlain has been speaking about how surprised he is at his rapid rise to fame, and his inclusion in the England squad, but you get the feeling that this summer might just be the start of a very special career.

Chamberlain has not played too much football for Arsenal, with Arsene Wenger looking to drip him in gradually into the limelight. However, when he has played, he has demonstrated how good of a footballer he is, both physically, technically, tactically, and even mentally.

He is in the squad on merit, and Roy Hodgson was right to choose the nineteen-year-old.

Even if he doesn’t feature in any of the games, which I think he will, the experience alone will prove to be very beneficial for himself and England in the future. Mixing with experienced players like John Terry, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Wayne Rooney will be a great learning curve for him.

The funny thing is that, just a few years ago, these players would have been Chamberlain’s idols, as he watched England at home like any other kid in England – but, this summer, he could well be one of the main players for the side.

If you do not fancy England for the win in Poland and Ukraine, gamble on an underdog on the Greece Euro 2012 betting page, or plump for a favourite, with Betfair Netherlands Betting.

Potential deals this summer

2012-05-25T06:31:00.003-07:00

There will once again be plenty of ins and outs in this summer before the live football action in the Premier League resumes, as clubs hope to close the gap on Manchester City, who themselves will be looking to stay on top.

Both City and Manchester United have been linked with a move for the talented Belgium youngster Eden Hazard, who looks set to leave Lille this summer.

The midfielder has intimated that he will be arriving in the Premier League ahead of the next campaign but it will be a question of who can offer him the best deal and the most football out of the Citizens and the Red Devils.

In a move between two English clubs, it looks like Emmanuel Adebayor will make his loan deal from City to Tottenham Hotspur a permanent one, having impressed manager Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane last term.

The former Gunner settled in well to the attacking football with the Lilywhites and they would do well to secure the striker on a full-time basis, with players of his quality hard to come by in today’s transfer market.

With Blackburn Rovers dropping down into the Championship next season, there will be a few stars set to leave the Ewood Park outfit to continue their careers in England’s top flight.

Experienced goalkeeper Paul Robinson has been linked with both QPR and West Ham United, whilst striker Yakubu and David Hoilett are also being tracked by potential suitors.

There will be plenty of deals done this summer, with several Premier League betting markets speculating on the destination of several stars.

Torres looking to make his season a success

2012-05-25T03:58:00.003-07:00

A number of top players have endured fairly miserable seasons, but there is one man who has failed to enjoy a moment of personal glory for what seems like aeons (his moment of brilliance in Barcelona aside), and that man is Chelsea's outspoken striker Fernando Torres.

This week, following the Blues' Champions League final win, the frontman opened up when questioned about his future, describing the lengths he is prepared to go to in order to bring back enjoyment to his game after two years of misfiring and playing second fiddle to other players.

Although Chelsea fans may feel a little aggrieved, it remains clear that, despite his faltering form, Torres sees himself as deserving of being the main man for any team he plays for, whether that be Chelsea or Spain.

If Torres can enjoy a successful European Championships in June, there is a strong chance that he will be able to be judged by neutrals as hot property once again, with a few performances of note likely to go quite some way to getting rid of his current reputation for being a moaning misfiring striker who failed to earn a starting place in the Champions League final on merit.

With this in mind, Torres will need to waste little time in adjusting to the particular needs and demands of the Spanish squad, where he may find himself on the fringes once again, both on the pitch and off the pitch.

Those preparing to indulge in a little Spain Euro 2012 betting believe that the Euros could make or break a career that looks like it is now hanging in the balance and could just come to a grinding halt unless something is done to arrest a disturbing slide in form from a man once feared by every single defender in the Premier League.

Elsewhere, the Betfair Group A Euro 2012 tips are already rolling in as Czech Republic, Poland, Greece and Russia battle for the two qualification places.

England’s Strike Force

2012-05-24T05:56:00.003-07:00

When Roy Hodgson came to selecting his strikers for the Euro 2012 England squad, it was probably the easiest position to choose for, when looking at the whole squad.

There were question marks; chiefly, whether or not Wayne Rooney should have been included, given that he will miss the first few qualifiers, due to suspension, but, since he had his ban reduced to just the two games, it is a no brainer to take him.

When you look at the other strikers in England, no one carries that ‘fear factor’ that Rooney has. Hopefully, by the time he gets to kick a ball, England will still be in with a chance of progressing to the knock out stages, and his return to action will be refreshing for the whole squad.

When you look around the Premiership, no other strikers are on that same level of class that Rooney is on, but his comrade at United, Danny Welbeck, has shown that he could well be one of the best strikers in Europe in a few years’ time.

He is still young, but he has bags of potential and has good experience with the U21s. Whether his inclusion will influence the Betfair Euro 2012 tips, remains to be seen.

If he can hold down a regular starting spot for Manchester United, and be instrumental in their play with his assists, goals, and general play, then he can certainly do that for England, and he should lead the line in Rooney’s absence.

Andy Carroll’s selection might have come as a shock to a few fans. He has had a terrible 18 months, since signing for Liverpool, but it seems that his performance over the last month, or so, has given him the edge over some other strikers.

He is a different option for England, with his height and power and, if he features, he will hopefully be able to leave off where he left Liverpool, at the end of the season.

It is great to see Jermain Defoe in the squad too. He is the only natural goal scorer in the team. It is a nicely balanced attack that Hodgson has to choose from, and I do not think that he could have done it any other way.

Optimism aside, England are outsiders to win Euro 2012, according to the Betfair Euro 2012 Group D betting odds.

Few Surprises in Roy’s First Squad

2012-05-17T02:35:00.001-07:00

England manager, Roy Hodgson, has named his squad for this summer’s European Championships in Poland and Ukraine. Any fans hoping for surprise call-ups and omissions will have been sadly disappointed.

The 23-man squad follows a familiar pattern, with the inclusion of Steven Gerrard, as captain, and Chelsea favourites, Ashley Cole and John Terry, in defence, as well as club mate Frank Lampard in midfield.

Amongst the other, more experienced, inclusions are Wayne Rooney, Gareth Barry, and Scott Parker.

The squad contains only two uncapped players; Norwich goalkeeper, John Ruddy, who is unlikely to get a look in, ahead of the in-form Joe Hart and West Ham’s Robert Green, and the exciting 18-year old Arsenal winger, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

In terms of surprise omissions, the biggest was perhaps that of Rio Ferdinand, who, at 33, must now have played his last game for England.

Leaving Ferdinand at home has prevented one potential headache for Hodgson, who will not have to worry about resolving the feud that has built up between the Manchester United man and former captain, John Terry, over allegations that he racially abused Ferdinand’s brother, Anton, in a fixture, last October.

Whilst the England squad may have a familiar look to it, fans will be hoping that the outcome of the tournament will not be quite so familiar.

The Three Lions have never won the European Championship; their best finish being semi-final defeats in 1968 and 1996. Having failed to qualify in 2008, and then been humbled in the World Cup in 2010, expectations for this group of players are lower than ever.

If high hopes have hindered England’s chances in the past, then perhaps this could be the year for Roy Hodgson’s men. In 2012, England expects...very little! Find out just how the bookies' view England's chances with Group D Euro 2012 Betting.

Danish, German, Dutch, and Portuguese fans should direct their attentions to the Betfair Group B Euro 2012 Odds for more information about their national side.

Where will Wilfred Zaha end up?

2012-05-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

It looks set in summer transfer stone; the Crystal Palace winger will leave The Eagles this summer with Reading, Aston Villa and now German side Hoffenheim all tracking the England Under-21 star.

Links via Daily Mail/Mail Online

Marquee Players a Thing of the Past - Gorman

2012-05-07T08:12:00.001-07:00

The days of franchises making "the Dwight Yorke-type of signing" are over, to quote A-League boss, Lyall Gorman.

Robbie Fowler and Dwight Yorke were two of several high-profile exports from the English Premier League to ply their trade Down Under, in recent years, but marquee signings could soon be consigned to the history books, given that many clubs are tightening their belts.

A shift in clubs being taken over by rich owners in parts of the world such as China, the UAE, Qatar, and even Russia means less wealth reaching Australian clubs. However, with live soccer betting, the chance of a big payout for lucky fans remains intact.

A new focus on unearthing home-grown talent has also led to less demand for distinguished foreigners coming to the end of their careers.

"We've become more discerning about the capacity of marquee players to add value, on and off the field", A-League boss, Gorman, told the Sydney Morning Herald. "Clearly the talent ID work we've done over the last few years is starting to bear fruit."

He added: "Good, young, Australian players are proving they can do the job. That means clubs aren't as keen to go overseas for the big-name player as they used to be. From what I'm hearing, the Dwight Yorke-type of signing has dropped off the radar."

Gorman said it was wise for clubs in austere times to look longer-term, rather than taking the instant-hit approach of bringing in box-office signings.

Adelaide United, Perth Glory, and Wellington Pheonix will move their marquee signings inside the salary cap, next season, and Gorman indicated others should cut their cloth accordingly.

He said: "You've got to run before you can walk, and there's a shift of focus to prudent financial management. To me, that makes sense." Take advantage of the burgeoning soccer game in Australia, with a bet on Socceroos.

Harte’s Euro dream fading

2012-04-30T07:32:00.001-07:00

With the European Championships getting closer by the day, Reading full-back Ian Harte believes his hopes of playing for the Republic of Ireland again are drifting away.
The 34-year-old has been a loyal servant to his country over the years, since his glory days with Leeds United, playing football in the Champions League a decade ago.
It looks like Harte is set for a return to the Premier League with the Royals, who have already confirmed their status as winners of the Championship this term.
The Irishman is on the verge of signing a new one-year contract extension at the club and it’s not surprising to see why manager Brian McDermott wants to keep the veteran at the Madejski.
Harte was named in the Championship Team of the Year for a superb campaign, as his set-pieces, crossing and the ability to come up with the odd goal have served him well yet again. I would bet on the Championship winners being desperate to keep hold of a player of his experience ahead of their top flight return.
The former Carlisle defender has 67 caps to his name for the Republic but has not featured for his country since 2007.
With current boss Giovanni Trapattoni admitting he did not even know Harte was Irish, it’s an embarrassment to the Italian and his support staff to overlook such a player.
Harte could offer so much to Ireland, as they prepare for the Euros in Poland and the Ukraine this summer, as his game can just keep going.
Like fellow veteran David Beckham, Harte’s game is based on the ability to put the ball consistently on a sixpence and that is rare.
However, it looks increasingly likely that Harte will have to Watch Football Live from his armchair this summer.
Trapattoni should serious consider the veteran though, as experience and that ability produce a killer pass or score from a trademark free-kick, could help the country produce some surprising results at the major tournament this summer.

Moxey backs Connor

2012-04-25T03:23:00.000-07:00

Wolverhampton Wanderers chief executive, Jez Moxey, insists a horror run of form and the club's relegation from the Premier League has not damaged Terry Connor’s reputation at the side. The side have been odds-on for the drop in Premier League betting for a number of months.

Caretaker manager, Connor, inherited a flagging side from his former boss, Mick McCarthy, in February, and is without a win in his first 10 games in charge, losing eight.

Wolves have won only once since beating Sunderland 2-1, at the start of December, a run spanning 21 games. Moxey does not believe Connor should carry the can for the club’s relegation.

"We will address the situation of the manager once the season is finished and, as far as I am concerned, Terry is an outstanding guy, and there is no reason why he should not have a future with us", said Moxey.

"He has had to endure a very difficult situation that he's taken on as effectively as he possibly could. We will address it in detail at the end of the season."

Moxey believes blame should be shared out between everyone at the club, and accepted Wolves have not been good enough to extend their three-year spell in the top flight.

"Let's be fair, the club from top to bottom, and the team on the field of play, was not good enough as a collective to stay in the Premier league", added Moxey.

"I don't think it's right to apportion blame, whether it was just the manager, the players, the chairman, the board, myself, or what have you. We win together, we draw together, and we lose together."

Wolves will be aiming to restore lost pride during the final three games - against Swansea City, Everton and Wigan Athletic – before beginning the difficult road back to the Premier League. That battle will start with trying to keep their top players in the summer.

It remains to be seen whether Wolves will feature in Betfred betting for automatic promotion to the Premier League, at the end of the next campaign.

Di Matteo Eyes Away Goal

2012-04-24T03:13:00.000-07:00

Chelsea's caretaker manager, Roberto di Matteo, believes that his side will have to score at the Nou Camp to book a place in the Champions League final.

The Blues head into the semi-final second leg, on Tuesday night, with a 1-0 advantage. Chelsea denied Barcelona a precious away goal at Stamford Bridge, and Di Matteo knows that could prove crucial in the final reckoning.

"The tie is half-time. It's 50-50 - both teams still have the same chance to go through," said the Italian. "I do think we will have to try to score. It will be difficult to just play for a goalless draw."

Chelsea’s season has turned around under Di Matteo. They have lost only once in 14 games, since Andre Villas-Boas left his post, at the beginning of March. However, fans thinking of betting on football should be aware that the Blues are not expected to trump Barcelona, on Tuesday.

The games are coming thick and fast for Di Matteo’s side, with an FA Cup final place the reward for their recent consistency, and the young boss realises they will have to dig deep again to repel a fierce Barcelona challenge.

"Barcelona will create chances against every team they play against us, so we will have to try to score a goal, but we have to also try to limit the chances they create against us," added Di Matteo.

First-leg hero, Didier Drogba, who missed the draw at Arsenal, on Saturday, could feature, after taking part in a training session at the Nou Camp, on Monday, while Barcelona playmaker, Lionel Messi, will start, despite missing training, on Sunday.

Barcelona go into the clash with an indifferent record against Chelsea, and coach Pep Guardiola is ready for another battle. "They are a very, very strong team. It's a challenge for us, very, very tough, but we are ready to fight against them", he said.

Make sure you get your football predictions in before the kick-off, later today.

Ramires Ready for Barça Battle

2012-04-23T02:15:00.000-07:00

Chelsea midfielder, Ramires, has insisted that he is confident of dumping Barcelona out of the Champions League, when the Catalan giants welcome the Londoners to the Camp Nou for the second-leg of their semi-final.

The Spaniards will go into the match needing to come back from a 1-0 defeat, if they are to reach the final, and have a chance of defending their title.

Despite holding their narrow lead, Chelsea will walk out onto the pitch, later this week, as underdogs in the battle to reach the final in Munich, next month.

Barcelona’s intimidating home record in Europe, this year, will ensure that the Catalan team retain the honour of being overwhelming favourites for the victory with Betfair.

Ramires has insisted that Chelsea will not be intimidated by the prospect of going to Barcelona, this week. However, he did admit that the Spaniards would go into the match as favourites.

The midfielder made it clear that this will be the biggest game in his career, so far, with a place in the final now within touching distance for Roberto Di Matteo’s men.

“They don't intimidate me; Barça are not invincible. This is a game for gladiators. We can eliminate Barcelona. The pressure will be on Barcelona. They have to score and we can exploit that.”

“We have showed it at Stamford Bridge. We have taken the first step, but our advantage is minimal. They are favourites. This is the most important match of my career.”

The Premier League side have been boosted ahead of this week’s match, with the news that first-leg hero, Didier Drogba, should be fit enough to take his place in the starting line-up.

The Ivorian could hold the key to Chelsea’s hopes in Barcelona. It will be a huge boost to the club’s chances to have the experienced striker available.

Follow Chelsea’s exploits in the Premier League, as the season ends, at http://betting.betfair.com/football/premiership/.

Touch and go for Theo

2012-04-23T01:57:00.000-07:00

Theo Walcott could be in danger of missing this summer’s European Championships, after picking up a season-ending hamstring injury in Arsenal’s goalless draw against Chelsea.

The winger is now expected to miss the rest of The Gunners’ domestic campaign. However, Arsene Wenger has played down fears that Walcott could miss this summer’s Euros, easing the minds of fans discussing the development on Betfair.

"It looks like a serious hamstring [injury]", said Wenger. “First, we assessed the hamstring. He wanted to go on and stay on the pitch, and I think he should have gone off straight away because the second time it was a real hamstring [injury].

"I think now, for him, it will be tough to come back before the end of the season. It is usually 21 days [minimum]. He should be okay to play for England, but I don't think he will be ready to play for us."

While it remains to be seen who will actually pick this summer’s England squad, it looks likely that Walcott will be involved. The winger has looked a more complete player, during the second half of this season, forming a lively and threatening partnership with Robin van Persie, and scoring 11 goals himself.

Wenger has allowed Walcott to play in his more favoured central role at times, this season.

However, it would be a long shot to think that the 23-year old could do that job for England. A role on the right wing would be suited for Walcott. His pace and trickery on the flanks could prove decisive.

The often-maligned youngster is still to cement his place in this England side. He’ll be desperate to get himself fit in time to prove he can play a major role in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

For more information about the upcoming European Championships, visit http://betting.betfair.com/football/euro-2012/.

Guthrie wants Toon reinforcements

2012-04-19T04:12:00.000-07:00

Newcastle midfielder, Danny Guthrie, says that he and his teammates cannot afford to rest on their laurels in the summer, and must continue to develop if they are to remain a top side next season.

The Magpies have been one of the surprises of the season and, after a fast start, have maintained their form, and are in the running for a Champions League place with five games remaining.

With the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur all likely to be bringing in big names in the summer, Newcastle will have to reinforce their squad with some top class players, in order to stay competitive.

After making a number of influential signings last summer, Guthrie has urged the club’s board to do the same at the end of the current season, to help the side challenge the top sides.

“We will have to build in the summer”, Guthrie told the Newcastle Chronicle. "Every team gets stronger in the summer, so we will have to keep up.

"If we get a top-six finish, then the next season is always important, as you don't want to fall below the standards you have set", he added.

The 25-year-old’s contract at St James’ Park runs out in the summer, but Guthrie is keen to stay on Tyneside, as he is enjoying the atmosphere that Alan Pardew has created within the dressing room.

Guthrie continued: "There's a good vibe around the changing room and a good spirit, as has been shown on the pitch.

"A couple of lads have come in who haven't spoken English, but they've been made to feel very welcome."

Newcastle will play Wigan in their next game. The Magpies are currently the favourites for the win in the football betting.

Carroll Needs to Continue to Focus

2012-04-18T07:37:00.000-07:00

'A flop; useless'. Just two of the descriptions applied to Andy Carroll during his time at Liverpool. That is, until his week of "glory", when he managed to snatch two late winners for the Reds, much to the delight of fans who like to watch football live.

Andy Carroll may well have just enjoyed one of the best weeks of his torrid spell on Merseyside, following his high-profile and widely ridiculed £35 million transfer from his boyhood club, Newcastle, where he was thought of as the long-term number nine for the team.

Carroll needs to find a way to ignore the newly-positive headlines, just as he should have tried to ignore the negativity that surrounded himself previously.

After all, it has been a good week for the lad, but is Carroll now a top class striker who fits in perfectly with the way Liverpool play? Is he now a fixture of Top Scorer Betting? The answer almost certainly is a resounding "no".

If the frontman is to perform at the level expected of a potential England player, he will need to start showing week-in, week-out that he can use his right foot effectively, get on the end of passes, and not just long balls, and move the football around skillfully.

All of this would hopefully culminate in the player banging in far more goals for his club and, if this becomes a reality, then we may start to see the return of a player who had been written off earlier in the year, and had even been linked with loan moves or a cut price exit from the club.

Only then can Andy Carroll finally be written about in the press as a potential great, and possibly even a Liverpool legend, but let us not forget that even now, in a moment of glory for the young man, that is still a long, long way off.

Tevez Thanks City

2012-04-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

Controversial striker, Carlos Tevez, has thanked everyone at Manchester City for the support they have shown him since he returned to the club from his self-imposed exile. He added that the Citizens could still win the title.

The 28-year-old famously fell out with manager, Roberto Mancini, in September 2011, after refusing to take the field as a sub in a Champions League match with Bayern Munich, late last year. Following the incident, the Italian coach said that Tevez would never play for the club again.

However, after failing to seal a move away from the Etihad Stadium during the recent transfer window, the Argentine has returned to the field.

He appears to be back to his best. The forward scored in his first start in five months, on Wednesday, against West Brom. He followed it up by scoring a hat trick against Norwich, at the weekend.

Tevez now looks set to play a major part in his team’s final push for the title. He has thanked his teammates for making his return so comfortable.

"It wasn't easy coming back to training", Tevez admitted. "I want to say ‘thank you’ to my colleagues for all the support they have given me since I arrived."

After leading the league for most of the season, City currently trail Tevez’s former club, Manchester United, by five points, after dropping a number of points in March. The Blues are currently an outside 5/1 to win the title in online betting.

Mancini has already conceded the title, but the Argentine striker is remaining upbeat. He says he and his teammates can still close the gap.

"Of course we can still win the title", he said. "Obviously we have to put pressure on United. We just need to continue to play the way we are, and we will arrive at the top. Mathematically, it's not impossible."

The crown is slipping for King Kenny

2012-04-12T01:18:00.000-07:00

Liverpool may well have won the Carling Cup, this season, but how long does veteran manager, Kenny Dalglish, have to turn things around at Anfield, as the now-former member of the ‘Big Four’ continues to struggle in the Premier League?

The Scot still enjoys a legendary status in the Red-half of Merseyside for being one of the best players in the club’s history, but his recent stint as manager has been testing the patience of even the most loyal of Dalglish supporters - and the most accomodating of fans enjoying some football betting.

Granted, the Reds boss has brought silverware to Anfield this term, as they edged Championship outfit, Cardiff City, on penalties in the Carling Cup, in what was their first trip to the new Wembley Stadium.

Liverpool also have a chance of winning the FA Cup, this season, with a highly-anticipated semi-final clash with old rivals, Everton, to look forward to, on Saturday. You can make the spectacle even more exciting with some FA Cup betting.

But is this all just papering over the cracks and a stay of execution for Dalglish, who may well have received the sack based on the club’s Premier League campaign were it not for his iconic status at Anfield?

The former Celtic star’s relationship with the media has not gone smoothly since his return, and credit to the poor journalists who have dared to ask the manager about anything negative to do with the club.

Dalglish has such a love for Liverpool that he will not stand for anything negative to be said about his squad, but what does the Scotsman really think about the club’s season in the top flight?

A 3-2 victory over Blackburn Rovers would be nothing more than what was expected at Liverpool, five years ago, but their win at Ewood Park in midweek received far more attention than it ought to.

Signs are that not all is well at Anfield, this season, and King Kenny’s crown might well be slipping from his head. The side's premier league odds have certainly been lengthy, this season, with regard to their chances of claiming a domestic title.

Soccer World: Do Home Teams Get Preferential Treatment?

2012-03-30T03:11:00.003-07:00

With Patrick Vieira claiming that Manchester United get preferential treatment form referees in their home games this week, Sir Alex Ferguson has responded by claiming that their isn't much water to that theory and that each team in the league all have good and bad decisions against them.

You have to say that Sir Alex does have a point. It seems that Manchester United and the bigger clubs usually have this conspiracy against them and referees because it is the bigger teams that are in the media the most. It is the big teams who have more riding on penalty incidents and so such controversies are magnified. Those placing a Victor Chandler bet need to bear this in mind.

Then you have to think of the amount of times the likes of Manchester United are in their opponent's box. They attack teams all day long as Sir Alex Ferguson put it, so they are bound to have more penalty shouts against them as opponents crack under pressure make rash decisions. In actual fact, over the course of the season, I bet they have more appeals for penalties turned down than anybody else.

Lionel Messi is a perfect example of this, sometimes the only way to stop him is to foul him, so you are going to get a lot more decisions in your favour if he is in your team and anyone placing a Bet Victor bet needs to bear this in mind.

Unfortunately people ignore the above points when it comes to judging fairness, and instead use the number of penalties given or conceded. Let's make no mistakes about it, Fulham should have had a penalty on Monday night, but Manchester United could have argued they should have had a penalty in recent weeks that wasn't given. It really is swings and roundabouts and it balances out for teams over the course of the season.

Have Manchester City thrown the title away?

2012-03-28T07:47:00.001-07:00

Earlier in the season, the Eastlands outfit had a seven point advantage over bitter title rivals Manchester United but now it is the red half of the city which has the advantage. Sir Alex Ferguson’s team are four points clear atop the Premier League, although City do have a game in hand.

That game is against a resurgent Chelsea outfit on Wednesday – a fixture which is far from a home banker for Roberto Mancini’s men, despite the fact City have yet to drop a point at home this season. The west London side have improved significantly since the dispensing of Andre Villas-Boas and will fancy their chances of taking points away from Eastlands. Those betting on football should remember this.

The change in form of the two contenders has been startling. City battered all before them at the start of the season, winning 11 of their 12 opening Premier League games, including a 6-1 demolition of United at Old Trafford.

However, since Christmas, they have started to wobble. Defeats to Sunderland, Everton and Swansea in the league, as well as Manchester United in the FA Cup, have cast doubt on their title aspirations. The key to their problems has been their away form. They may have not dropped a point at home this season but winning just seven of their 14 matches on the road is not title winning form.

Questions were asked about Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure following the City demolition in October but since mid-January, United have picked up 25 of the 27 points on offer. The only two dropped was in a 3-3 draw against Chelsea when they came back from 3-0 down. People searching for football predictions need to bear this in mind.

At this stage of the season, momentum is everything and United are also blessed with an easier run-in. City are still to play Chelsea and Arsenal whereas Ferguson’s side no longer have to play any side in the top seven barring City at Eastlands in late April.

A few weeks ago, pundits were saying that this game between the rivals will decide the destiny of the title but by then, City could be out of the picture. They need to get back on track quickly, but it will be tough against Roberto Di Matteo’s resurgent side tomorrow evening.

Birmingham Regain Play-off Spot

2012-03-27T07:55:00.002-07:00

Eleven matches were played in the Championship, at the weekend, with the most notable development being Birmingham's return to the play-off positions on goal difference. The Blues, in sixth, currently have a goal tally worthy of the top three in the division.

Birmingham drew 1-1 with Cardiff City, after Marlon King failed to score a penalty, and Mark Hudson hammered home for the Welshmen. The draw helped maintain the Blues 46-year unbeaten streak over Cardiff at St. Andrews and those looking at the Championship betting will have been impressed.

In other games of note, Barnsley scored one to see off Peterborough, while Coventry beat beleaguered southerners, Portsmouth, 2-0. The honours were even in Lancashire, where West Ham and Burnley fought to a 2-2 stalemate.

Birmingham now have 60 points from 38 fixtures, a tally they share with the two teams below them in the league: Cardiff and Hull City. However, the Blues have a game in hand over both clubs, meaning that a win in their next game would give them some breathing space.

Erik Huseklepp scored the only goal for Chris Hughton's team from a counter-attack in the second-half at St. Andrews. The goal came against the run of play; the Blues looked utterly lost at times and followers of the Championship betting odds will be wondering if they can improve as the season draws to a climax.

Chris Burke managed to test Cardiff's custodian, David Marshall, but Hudson's goal was the talking point of the evening. He slammed home the assist from Peter Whittingham. Cardiff's Rudy Gestede hoofed the ball wide after the break.

Hughton believed that Birmingham put in a decent performance in the Midlands. "We were not at our best in the first half [but] we got an improvement in the second half, up against a team which floods the midfield."

The manager added that Hudson's goal was "the only chance they had", a point that Gestede's unsuccessful shot proved inaccurate. Cardiff coach, Malky Mackay said that he was "disappointed" with the result.

Championship promotion picture update

2012-03-23T01:52:00.000-07:00

For a long while the Championship promotion battle seemed to be in effect a race for the play-offs and the chance to join Southampton and West Ham United in the Premier League. The big spending duo seemed to be a class above the opposition, but things have got interesting recently as the Hammers have faltered.

Sam Allardyce's outfit might have lost just once in the league in 2012, but they have drawn their last four 1-1 and suddenly seem to be treading water despite the recent recruitment of Nicky Maynard, Ricardo Vaz Te, Ravel Morrison and Danny Collins and those who bet with Bet Victor will be questioning their form.

'Big Sam' is battling to appease fans criticising the style of football the club is playing, but the Irons' relative slump would not have been significant had others not taken advantage. Reading's 3-0 win over West Ham in December was the start of a purple patch that produced 14 wins from 17 matches, a run ended surprisingly by Peterborough United this week.

The Royals have edged two points ahead of the Hammers having played a game more and having done the easy bit when the pressure was off they might find life harder when being chased. Brighton and Hove Albion have also joined the automatic promotion picture, losing once in 14 since the turn of the year after losing four on the bounce in December.

Albion are seven points adrift of West Ham and are just one ahead of Blackpool and Middlesbrough, teams that have been in the hunt for most of the campaign. Birmingham City, Hull City and Cardiff City are tightly bunched just outside the play-offs and all of these teams have not given up hope of finishing in the top two and the Bet Victor betting shows they're in with every chance.

Southampton have never been out of the top two all season and can look over the shoulder in relative comfort, as no one is playing better than the Saints, spearheaded by the free-scoring Rickie Lambert. They can start planning for life back in the top flight.

David Luiz feels sorry for ex boss

2012-03-22T02:42:00.004-07:00

Chelsea defender David Luiz believes former manager Andre Villas-Boas should have been afforded more time at Stamford Bridge.

Villas-Boas took over as Chelsea boss last summer after an impressive spell as manager of Porto. However, the 34-year-old struggled to stamp his authority on his new side and paid the price for a disappointing campaign when he was sacked at the beginning of March.

Many experts felt Villas-Boas fell victim of player power and was undermined by the experienced heads in the Chelsea dressing room and fans of Bet Victor will have been following the saga closely.

Roberto di Matteo took the reins on a temporary basis and has presided over three consecutive victories, including Wednesday’s dramatic Champions League victory over Napoli.

Despite Di Matteo’s fine start, Luiz believes Villas-Boas was not given enough time to prove his credentials.

"I'm really sad, as Andre was a really capable professional. Unfortunately, he didn't have the time to show his true value at Chelsea," said the Brazilian.

"He didn't have the chance. You cannot doubt a professional like him, who won five titles last season and was feted by everyone. But he didn't have enough time at Chelsea."

Chelsea will be looking to continue their renaissance when they face Leicester City at Stamford Bridge in Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final.

Luiz picked up a knock in the thrilling 4-1 extra-time victory over Napoli but is determined to help his side reach Wembley, even though the www.betvictor.com odds suggest they are in for a tough time.

"It's my ankle. I hurt it when I got a kick, but that's normal. This is football. I'll go to the training ground for treatment to help me for Sunday. I want to play," added Luiz.

Whilst tempted to make changes after Chelsea’s exertions in midweek, Di Matteo will be conscious of the fans’ desire to reach the last four. In present mood, the players will be desperate to feature against Leicester.

Will Tevez row cost Mancini his job?

2012-03-21T04:12:00.001-07:00

It's unlikely the truth about the row between Carlos Tevez and Roberto Mancini affair will ever be known, but if at the end of the season the blue side of Manchester were to miss out by say a point or even two, some hard questions may well be asked of the gaffer.

Unsurprisingly, his opposite number at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson, at one congratulated him on his handling of a mess from which nobody has emerged with any great credit, as those betting Premiership money will know.

The manner of his departure from United wasn't exactly written in any script the footballing Knight had written when he snapped him up from West Ham so his praise of Mancini was perhaps predictable.

Now we are led to believe that the workaholic Argentine is on his way back to aid City's Title cause and he may indeed make the difference.

If he doesn't and the cash mad City board fail to emerge with a trophy from a season of such rich promise, Mancini could pay the ultimate price, especially as the Premiership betting odds mad them strong favourites at one point.

And that would leave him lots of time to ponder why he didn't solve his problem with the striker a little earlier instead of walking into an ambush which saw his term in charge killed stone dead.

Thoughts will then turn to his successor and the name Jose Mourinho will spring off most lips as it has done in relation to Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal and even Liverpool this season.

However, this time there seems little doubt that despite his protestations to remain at Real Madrid and become part of its history, City is his most likely destination.

Manchester United is strapped for cash, Spurs can't give him the amount he needs and Liverpool are happy with Kenny Dalglish.

City, however, want the best and most expensive players everywhere – the same is true of their manager and Mourinho has the sort of charisma and pedigree they crave.

As they go about their business seemingly murmuring “Recession, what recession?” the smart money is piling on United to take the Title, Mancini to be sacked and Mourinho to arrive in a head to head with the man he most respects, Sir Alex.

Mancini confident of title glory

2012-03-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has defiantly outlined his confidence in his side’s title chances despite a post-Christmas wobble that has seen rivals United go four points clear at the summit.

City do have a game in hand on their near neighbours – against Chelsea at the Etihad on Wednesday – and Mancini believes his side will go on and lift only their third ever top flight title, despite an increasing number of doubters.

"We will win the title, we will win. We will do everything to win the title. We need to think positive always," said Mancini.

"Until now we have had a fantastic Premier League, we need to continue like this.

"We play one game a week, we can have more concentration about this."

The Italian is, of course, right to be speaking positively about the title run-in but his desperation to try and convince reporters that everything is ok perhaps tells us the opposite.

City are stuttering, make no mistake about it.

Since a 0-0 draw away to West Brom on Boxing Day, they have suffered defeats to Sunderland, Manchester United, Everton and Swansea.

United meanwhile have racked up 25 league points out of a possible 27 since mid-January, an upturn in form we are all too used to seeing from Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, who are now favourites to lift the title in the
Premier League betting.

It has rekindled old doubts among the City support of the club’s persistent flirtation with brave failure, prior to the billion pound injection by owner Sheikh Mansour. The fear of losing out to United in such agonising circumstances is a consequence many struggle to contemplate – just ask the City supporter who burst into tears after Swansea scored against them last week.

On paper City’s run-in appears tougher, with the Manchester derby on April 30 sticking out as one of the most important derby clashes of recent times – you can bet on the Premier League title race going right to that game and beyond.

However, the return of Carlos Tevez could give them a timely boost as the season reaches its climax. Plus it needs to be said that City have one of the most expensively assembled squad in world football, meaning winning football matches should not be problem.

The issue appears to be in the head rather than on the pitch (or bank balance), which gives United – veterans of many a title run-in – a undeniable advantage.

Connor still has belief

2012-03-20T07:27:00.002-07:00

Wolves manager Terry Connor insists that his team have the ability to avoid relegation, despite their crushing 5-0 home defeat to Manchester United on Sunday which left them bottom of the Premier League table.

Connor took over the side in February following the departure of Mick McCarthy but the change in manager hasn't improved their fortunes as they've collected just a single point in his four games in charge, conceding 14 goals in the process.

The 49-year-old was a surprise appointment to replace McCarthy having previously been part of the coaching set-up under the former Ireland manager as it was expected that the board would prefer a new regime to come in and make drastic changes to the club.

The manner of the defeat to United saw the Black Country side drop to the bottom of the table on goal difference and they have now gone nine home games without a victory.

Connor and his men face a tough run-in to the end of the season with fixtures against both Arsenal and Man City in April but they do have chances to take points as they face a number of their relegation rivals between now and the end of the season.

Despite the odds being stacked against them, the boss is confident they can maintain their Premier League status and has called on his players to club together and show some spirit in their remaining games.

"Of course the stats don't look great but we still believe we can turn it around and I still have confidence in my ability to do that" he said.

"The message to the players and to everyone is keep believing.

Written by Alex a football supporter and follower of the football odds.