United key man, Rooney

The latest rumours suggest the Scot will vacate the Manchester United hotseat at the end of next season, to be replaced by either Jose Mourinho or David Moyes. Ferguson generally reacts with either irritation or amusement to talk of his retirement.

Today however Sir Alex will only have one thing on his mind, beating Spurs at Old Trafford to pile on the pressure on Chelsea who face Stoke on Sunday at Stamford Bridge. There is only one point in it at the top of the Premier League.

Wes Brown returns to the Manchester United squad for Saturday’s Barclays Premier League encounter with Tottenham at Old Trafford. Brown has recovered from the broken foot he suffered at Wolves at the beginning of March but is available to bolster Sir Alex Ferguson‘s defensive options.

With Chelsea not in action until Sunday, United have the chance to reclaim the Premier League’s top spot for 24 hours but Owen Hargreaves will not be involved as his planned comeback has been delayed by a calf strain.

Winger Aaron Lennon could return for Tottenham for the first time in almost four months. He will not start but is expected to be on the bench and manager Harry Redknapp says he “could get 20 minutes”. Nico Kranjcar and Vedran Corluka (both ankle) are both still out but Ledley King has a chance of returning and Jermaine Jenas has recovered from a virus.

Betting…

The bookmakers are giving nothing away!  Manchester United (1/2) Draw (7/2)Tottenham (7) I think United will win, they should win and therefore I will not be opposing them. Here are the best odds for the game.

I think that Rooney to score is a good bet and that United will win this 2-0. It should be a great game!

Sir Alex Ferguson speaking after United’s victory over Manchester City….

Get your Free £25 Bet on todays match with William Hill

Manchester United Can Pile Pressure on Chelsea in Premier League Title Chase is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

Sir Alex Ferguson blasted the match officials after Manchester United‘s 2-1 defeat by Chelsea, which gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side the advantage in the Premier League title race. Joe Cole put the visitors ahead but it was Didier Drogba’s goal 11 minutes from time that left Ferguson fuming, with replays showing the striker was clearly offside.

The United boss told Sky Sports 1: “What I can’t understand is the linesman’s directly in front of it. He has no-one near him and he gets it wrong.

AFTER their victory at Old Trafford, Chelsea‘s title odds have been cut from 11/8 to 8/13 favourites, with Manchester United out from 10/11 to 9/4, with Arsenal offered at 9/2.’Although Chelsea’s win was by no means a conclusive title winner, it certainly turned the betting on its head’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.
Hills offer 66/1 that there will be a triple points dead heat in the title race and 4/1 that goal difference will be needed to sort out who wins the title.

WILLIAM HILL…TITLE STRAIGHT FORECASTS…13/8 Chelsea- Man U; 9/4 Chelsea- Arsenal; 3/1 Man U- Chelsea; 8/1 Arsenal- Chelsea; 10/1 Arsenal- Man U; 12/1 Man U- Arsenal.

Saturdays Premier League results….
Man United 1 Chelsea 2
Arsenal 1 Wolves 0
Burnley 1 Manchester City 6
Sunderland 3 Tottenham 1
Bolton 0 Aston Villa 1
Stoke 2 Hull 0
Portsmouth 0 Blackburn 0

Get a £25 Free Bet from William Hill….

WILLIAM HILL have opened a book on when Man U will next win a game in the current absence of Wayne Rooney, and they make United 50/1 to fail to win ANY of their next five games. ‘There are plenty of people who believe United have almost been a one man team this season. This spell without Rooney will test that theory’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.

When will Man Utd next win a match without Wayne Rooney? (90m play):

Bayern Munich H….8/13
Blackburn A…..5/2
Man City A…..8/1
Champions League semi final 1st leg…16/1
Tottenham H…..20/1
To win NONE of these games: 50/1

WHEN WILL WAYNE COME BACK?
WILLIAM HILL offer 13/8 that Wayne Rooney will first return for Man U in their derby match against Manchester City, but have cut him from 50/1 to 40/1 not to play any part in their games for the remainder of the season. ‘Wayne was notably missed against Chelsea and the temptation may be to rush him back if United begin to under-achieve without him’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.

Bayern Munich H…7/1
Blackburn A…15/8
Man City A…13/8
Champions League Semi Final… 1st Leg 9/2
Tottenham…. H9/1
Champions League Semi Final 2nd Leg…16/1
Sunderland …A25/1
Stoke H…40/1
Champions League Final – 50/1
None of the above ….40/1

WILL JOE COLE GET ON PLANE TO WORLD CUP?

WILLIAM HILL have cut Joe Cole from 7/4 to 5/4 to make it into England’s World Cup squad – and he’s now 2/1 to start the first game. ‘Joe Cole may have timed his return to form to perfection to claw his way into the England squad’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe,

William Hill…..Joe Cole to make the final World Cup 2010 squad:

4/7 No
5/4 Yes

Wm Hill….Joe Cole to start England’s 1st world cup 2010 game:

4/11 No
2/1 Yes

Chelsea Odds On For Premier League After Old Trafford Win is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

The Blues travel to the home of the league leaders and defending champions trailing Sir Alex Ferguson’s men by just one point with six games of the season remaining. Saturday’s encounter is certain to have a pivotal impact on the destination of the title, while Arsenal remain in contention just three points further back from Chelsea.

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted his hunger to land the Premier League title ahead of Saturday’s crucial showdown with Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Blues travel to the home of the league leaders and defending champions trailing Sir Alex Ferguson’s men by just one point with six games of the season remaining. Saturday’s encounter is certain to have a pivotal impact on the destination of the title, while Arsenal remain in contention just three points further back from Chelsea.

Carlo Ancelotti has done a “good job” in his first year as boss of Chelsea, according to Sir Alex Ferguson. Ancelotti has endured a mixed debut campaign after being installed as the Blues’ fifth manager in three seasons. Defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League first knock-out round was a blow, while Chelsea head to Manchester United on Saturday for the Premier League title showdown having not made the most of the six defeats suffered by the Old Trafford outfit this term.

Owen Hargreaves could be back in the Manchester United squad to face Chelsea on Saturday. Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he is considering bringing Hargreaves – who has not played a first-team game since September 2008 after undergoing surgery to both knees – and John O’Shea back into the fold over the coming week,

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said striker Wayne Rooney will be out for two to three weeks with the ankle injury he picked up playing against Bayern Munich on Tuesday. Rooney’s injury was confirmed as a minor ligament strain by the club yesterday and Ferguson said in Friday morning’s press briefing that the England international would be back within three weeks.

What a game, with no Rooney I would say that a draw is the most likely outcome, but this is a game not to miss. Whoever wins this will be in pole position for the Premier League Title.

WHEN WILL WAYNE BE BACK?

WITH FERGIE suggesting that Wayne Rooney’s ankle injury is not as bad as feared, William Hill make him 13/8 to return to action in the forthcoming Manchester derby at City’s ground. ‘A fit and refreshed Rooney could be an even more dangerous player than he has been so far this season, which will be good news for United and England’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.

William Hill…..When will Wayne Rooney next play some part in a game for Man Utd ?:
Chelsea H…50/1
Bayern Munich H…7/1
Blackburn A…15/8
Man City A…13/8
Champions League Semi Final… 1st Leg 9/2
Tottenham…. H9/1
Champions League Semi Final 2nd Leg…16/1
Sunderland …A25/1
Stoke H…40/1
Champions League Final – 50/1
None of the above ….50/1

Who Will Be Top After The Weekend?

Man Utd2/5
Chelsea9/5

Will There Be A Hat-Trick In Prem This Week?
Yes7/2
No1/6



How Many Red Cards In Prem This Week?
None2/1
One7/4
Two Or More6/5

Who Will Score Most Goals This Season?
Chelsea (82)11/10
Arsenal (74)21/10
Man Utd (76)21/10

How Many Point Will The Top 3 Accumalate on Saturday?
233/1
314/1
59/4
64/9

Hill’s…Premier League SFC
Man Utd/Chelsea6/4
Chelsea/Man Utd11/5
Man Utd/Arsenal7/2
Arsenal/Man Utd7/1
Chelsea/Arsenal10/1
Arsenal/Chelsea14/1

TITLE ODDS….10/11 Man U; 11/8 Chelsea; 11/2 Arsenal
FINISH 4TH…..6/4 Man C; 13/8 Spurs; 11/4 Liverpool; 14 Villa; 25 Everton
Liverpool To Win Europa & Finish 4th16/1
Fulham To Win Europa & Top Half Finish18/1

RELEGATION….1/20 Burnley; 10/11 Hull; 11/10 West Ham; 11/2 Wigan; 9 Wolves; 10 Bolton.
Relegation Doubles
Burnley & HullEvs
Burnley & West Ham6/5
Burnley & Wigan6/1
Burnley & Wolves11/1
Hull & West Ham16/5
Hull & Wigan12/1
Hull & Wolves20/1
West Ham & Wigan14/1
West Ham & Wolves22/1
Wigan & Wolves66/1

William Hill…..Game With Most Goals?

Arsenal v Wolves9/2
Burnley v Man City11/2
Everton v West Ham11/2
Sunderland v Tottenham13/2
Portsmouth v Blackburn7/1
Bolton v Aston Villa8/1
Man Utd v Chelsea8/1
Stoke v Hull8/1
Birmingham v Liverpool10/1
Fulham v Wigan10/1

William Hill….Team With Quickest Goal (By Match Minute)
Arsenal 7/1
Everton 8/1
Man City 9/1
Stoke 9/1
Liverpool10/1
Tottenham 11/1
Fulham 11/1
Blackburn12/1
Aston Villa14/1
Man Utd 14/1
Bolton 16/1
Portsmouth 16/1
Chelsea16/1
Sunderland 20/1
Wigan20/1
Hull25/1
Birmingham 25/1
Burnley 25/1
West Ham 28/1
Wolves28/1

7/1 FULHAM-LIVERPOOL FINAL

FULHAM and Liverpool are 7/1 to meet in the final of the Europa League with William Hill who now make Liverpool and Hamburg 7/2 joint favourites to win the competition and also offer 11/2 Benfica; 6/1 Atletico Madrid; 13/2 Valencia; 7/1 Wolfsburg; 8/1 Fulham; 20 Standard Liege.
Fulham are 5/6 to go through, 5/6 not to with Hills who make Liverpool 4/6 to progress, with Benfica 11/10.
LIVERPOOL ARE 16/1 WITH HILLS TO WIN THE EUROPA LEAGUE AND ALSO FINISH 4TH IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE.’If Rafa can do the Europa-4th place double he’ll undoubtedly claim a successful season’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.

Manchester United v Chelsea Preview is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

WILLIAM HILL have opened a book on when Wayne Rooney will next play for Manchester United, and make their forthcoming away game with Manchester City their 13/8 favourite, while offering 40/1 that it won’t be until their last league game, at home to Stoke and 50/1 that he will only return in the Champions League Final.

‘At the moment noone is too sure when Wayne will be back in a United shirt, but most will be hoping it will be sooner, rather than later, although non-United supporting England fans may be happy the longer a rest he gets.’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.

William Hill…..When will Wayne Rooney next play some part in a game for Man Utd:



Chelsea H…33/1
Bayern Munich H…7/1
Blackburn A…15/8
Man City A…13/8
Champions League Semi Final… 1st Leg 9/2
Tottenham…. H9/1
Champions League Semi Final 2nd Leg…16/1
Sunderland …A25/1
Stoke H…40/1
Champions League Final – 50/1
None of the above ….50/1

UNITED TITLE ODDS ON THE DRIFT

WILLIAM HILL have lengthened Manchester United’s Premier League title odds from 5/6 to 10/11 following Wayne Rooney’s injury – ‘We’ve not laid a serious bet for them to win the title since the injury’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe. Hills make Chelsea 6/4 second favourites, with Arsenal 5/1.

Wayne Rooney

HILLS HAVE CUT ENGLAND FROM 6/1 TO 5/1 TO WIN THE WORLD CUP. ‘We lengthened England’s World Cup odds by a point after the injury was reported, but now that he looks likely to be fit in plenty of time for the World Cup we have taken more cash for England at 6/1, so shortened them back up to 5/1′ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe – but it certainly shows that punters believe England’s World Cup chances are directly related to Wayne’s fitness.’

Rooney World Cup Bound Say Bookies is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

Chelsea can win the FA Cup again

Hills……Highest Scoring Premier League Match:
Arsenal v Burnley 5/6
Wolves v Man Utd 5/2
Everton v Hull 13/2
Wigan v Liverpool 7/1
West Ham v Bolton 9/1

Hills……Total weekend Premier League goals (5 Matches):
13 or less goals 13/8
14 – 15 goals 13/8
16 or more goals 7/4

Hills…..Top of the premier league on Saturday night:
Man Utd 1/33
Chelsea 9/1
Arsenal 40/1

Wayne Rooney to score a header v Wolves: 7/2

NOTHING OWEN ON MICHAEL BETS

WILLIAM HILL are refunding stakes to punters who backed Michael Owen to make England’s World Cup squad, following the news that he is out injured for the remainder of the season.

‘We are returning stakes to punters who backed Michael to make the World Cup squad, be England’s top scorer in the World Cup and to be top tournament scorer’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe. ‘The last prices we quoted for Michael to make the World Cup were 2/5 no, 7/4 yes and most of the bets we took were for yes. Obviously anyone who backed him not to go will receive their winnings.’

**HILLS OFFER 1/4 THAT OWEN WILL PLAY AGAIN COMPETITIVELY NEXT SEASON AND 11/4 THAT HE WILL NOT. ‘This injury could be the final straw for Michael who may decide enough is enough and that he should concentrate on his race horses in future’ said Hill’sd spokesman Graham Sharpe.

CHELSEA FAVOURITES FOR FA CUP AND PREMIER LEAGUE

CHELSEA are now 11/10 favourites to win the FA Cup with William Hill, who also offer 4/1 Spurs; Villa; 11/1 Birmingham; 12/1 Fulham; 16/1 Stoke; 20/1 Portsmouth; 33/1 Reading.

Chelsea have also regained favouritism for the Premier League with Hills, after they were the subject of TWO separate £5000 bets in an East London betting shop and they are now 11/8 from 6/4, with Manchester United out from 11/8 to 6/4, while Arsenal are 11/4.’We made United clear favourites after Chelsea slipped up against City, but punters disagreed andpoured a string of four figure bets on them, so we switched them round again.’

**Hills make Chelsea 3/1 to win both the Premier League and FA Cup; 8/1 FA Cup- Champions League; 8/1 Prem- Champions League; 20/1 Treble. They are 2/1 with Hills to win none of the three trophies.

FA CUP SPECIALS……Peter Crouch to score 2 or more v Fulham: 10/1
Stoke to score v Chelsea from a Rory Delap long throw in (first phase): 8/1

TO QUALIFY FROM QUARTER FINALS?… 4/5 Birmingham; 10/11 Portsmouth…….11/8 Fulham; 8/15 Spurs……5/2 Reading; 2/7 Villa….1/12 Chelsea; 6/1 Stoke.

Name The Finalists

Chelsea/Aston Villa 9/2
Chelsea/Tottenham 9/2
Tottenham/Aston Villa 8/1
Chelsea/Birmingham 10/1
Chelsea/Fulham 11/1
Chelsea/Portsmouth 14/1
Aston Villa/Birmingham 20/1
Tottenham/Birmingham 20/1
Aston Villa/Stoke 25/1
Tottenham/Stoke 25/1
Highest Scoring FA Cup Quarter Final:
Chelsea v Stoke 6/4
Reading v Aston Villa 9/4
Fulham v Tottenham 11/4
Portsmouth v Birmingham 4/1

WHO’LL FINISH 4TH IN PREM?…..7/4 Liverpool; 7/4 Man City; 7/2 Spurs; 4/1 Villa (Others on request)

CAN WARNOCK KEEP RANGERS UP?

QPR are 1/8 to stay up with William Hill after Neil Warnock became their new boss. They are 9/2 to be relegated.

Hills….Beckham To Make World Cup Squad ?

Yes 1/8
No 9/2

Hills…..Who Will Start Up Front With Rooney ?(void if Rooney doesn’t start)

Heskey 4/5
Crouch 9/4
Defoe 11/4

GREEN FINGERS?

ROBERT GREEN is now 4/5 favourite with William Hill to start in goal for England in their opening World Cup game. ‘Green’s vote of confidence from Capello, who gave him the whole game against Egypt, suggests he is the man in charge of the gloves for the time being at least’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe. Hills also offer:

Joe Hart….3/1
David James…10/3
Paul Robinson…20/1
Ben Foster….25/1
Chris Kirkland….25/1
Scott Carson…..66/1

AFTER HIS two goal display, Peter Crouch has been cut from 14/1 to 10/1 by William Hill to top score for England in the World Cup. Hills now make him 6/5 to start the opening game against USA and 8/13 not to.
Hills make Rooney 9/4 favourite to be England top scorer and also offer 4/1 Lampard; 5/1 Defoe and Gerrard; 8/1 Heskey.
WAYNE ROONEY is 12/1 to captain England in the first game of the World Cup with William Hill, who make Rio Ferdinand 1/5 favourite and also offer:

Who will captain England v USA:

Ferdinand ….1/5
Gerrard…. 7/2
Rooney…. 12/1
Lampard …16/1
Beckham …25/1
Barry…. 25/1
Terry…. 50/1
James ….50/1
A Cole…. 50/1

ASHLEY COLE is 1/5 favourite to start at left back for England in their opening World Cup game with William Hill, who also offer:

Leighton Baines….6/1
Stephen Warnock….8/1
Joleon Lescott….16/1
Wayne Bridge….16/1
Gareth Barry…. 25/1
James Milner….25/1
Keiran Gibbs….33/1

ENGLAND ARE 5/1 JOINT SECOND FAVOURITES TO WIN THE WORLD CUP WITH WILLIAM HILL WHO MAKE SPAIN 4/1 FAVOURITES WITH BRAZIL ALSO OFFERED AT 5/1.

To make the England final world cup squad:

Carlton Cole: 13/8 Yes No 4/9
Stewart Downing: 6/5 Yes 8/13 No
Theo Walcott: 4/11 Yes 2/1 No
Stephen Warnock: EVS Yes 8/11 No
Leighton Baines: 4/6 Yes 11/10 No
Ryan Shawcross: 5/2 Yes 2/7 No
Matthew Upson: 1/7 Yes 4/1 No

Weekend Football Betting Specials is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

Chelsea captain Terry extended his hand to Bridge but the Manchester City defender refused to reciprocate, before shaking the hand of each of his former Chelsea teammates.

Stan James were counting the cost of Wayne Bridge refusing to shake the hand of John Terry at Stamford Bridge this afternoon as a gamble was landed from 6s down to 6/4 when the firm pulled the market as it became apparent that there would be no olive branch offered by the former Chelsea player ahead of the game.

Head of PR Charlie McCann:” It was the most talked about non handshake, arguably, in the history of the Premier League certainly on a par with the Wenger/Hughes spat at Eastlands earlier in the season but it has cost us well into five figures as punters latched onto the 6s available on Thursday afternoon and it was well backed at all rates into 6/4 before we cried enough.”

William Hill are paying out to punters who gambled on Wayne Bridge refusing to shake hands with John Terry after the odds about that happening were slashed from odds against to odds-on following a surge of bets.

‘We cut our odds once from 13/8 to 11/10 and then again to 5/6 as punters poured cash on the Bridge snub’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe, ‘It will cost us a five figure sum – so we’re shaken- but not stirred enough to rule out similar bets in the future as they create a huge talking point.’

Wayne Bridge Lands Handshake Gamble Costing Bookies Dear is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

Below are Saturdays Premier League matches and betting tips.

Premier League Saturday
Chelsea (1/2) Draw (15/4) Manchester City (7) View all odds
Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given claims team-mate Wayne Bridge is relishing coming face to face with John Terry and former club Chelsea this weekend. It is all about Wayne Bridge and John Terry and some stupid cow who can’t keep her knickers on, as far as the papers are concerned. That aside in footballing terms Chelsea should be a shoe-in here with City seemingly facing a mini crisis. Chelsea to win.

Birmingham (1) Draw (12/5) Wigan (7/2) View all odds
An interesting game, Wigan are up and down but I would say this is one for the home side, at evens I am a backer. Not a huge bet but Birmingham should get the better of Wigan.

Bolton (1) Draw (12/5) Wolverhampton (10/3) View all odds
No bet for me. Two poor teams could serve up anything from a 0-0 draw to a seven goal thriller. if pushed I would take the draw.

Burnley (6/5) Draw (12/5) Portsmouth (11/4) View all odds
Pompey could hardly have anything else go wrong but strangely it could work in their favour, on the pitch at least, but Burnley are a good side at home and again no bet but for the coupon Burnley look the team to side with.

Stoke (9/2) Draw (11/4) Arsenal (8/11) View all odds
Stoke are a good side at home, they come here after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup. Arsenal surely though will win, they are a really good side, not quite the best but certainly better than most including Stoke.

BRIDGE ON THE WAYNE OUT?

WITH WAYNE BRIDGE announcing that he intends to rule himself out of selection for England, William Hill now offer 10/1that he will play any part in the World Cup and have revised their betting market on who will start at left back for England’s opening World Cup game versus USA, making Ashley Cole 4/7 favourite:

John Terry plays for Chelsea

TERRY VERSUS BRIDGE SATURDAY

With Chelsea and Man City playing each other on Saturday, William Hill have issued some ‘specials’ for the game:
Will Terry and Bridge Shake Hands At Any Point On Sunday ? Yes 4/6 No 11/10
No City player(s) to shake hands with Terry pre-match- 7/2
All City players to show they are wearing ‘Team Bridge’ t-shirts…10/1
Will Terry Start ? Yes 1/20
Will Bridge Start ? Yes 1/14
Bridge To Get A Card On Sunday For A Tackle On Terry ? Yes 10/1
Terry To Get A Card On Sunday For A Tackle On Bridge ? Yes 10/1

Saturdays Football Tips and Best Odds Service is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

By Barry Robson

Barry Robson gives his predictions for the Premier League Footballing Weekend. Do you agree with Barry? Whatever your views you can back or lay them but make sure you get the best odds!

With Inrunningodds.com you can compare all the odds, in real-time from leading bookmakers, including live updates in running. There is no better way to compare the football betting markets than with Inrunningodds.com.

Its a busy weekend of Football.

Fixtures Saturday:
Everton (19/5) Draw (13/5) Manchester United (5/6) View all odds
Arsenal (2/9) Draw (5) Sunderland (16) View all odds
West Ham (5/6) Draw (13/5) Hull (19/5) View all odds
Wolverhampton (11) Draw  (9/2) Chelsea (4/11) View all odds
Portsmouth (6/4) Draw (12/5) Stoke (11/5) View all odds

Fixtures Sunday
Blackburn (20/19) Draw (12/5) Bolton (10/3) View all odds
Aston Villa (4/9) Draw (7/2) Burnley (9) View all odds
Fulham (11/10) Draw (23/10) Birmingham (11/4) View all odds
Manchester City (6/4) Draw (23/10) Liverpool (2) View all odds
Wigan (14/5) Draw (5/2) Tottenham (20/19) View all odds

Barry’s Betting Tips for the Weekend

Wigan v Spurs

• Result: Score Draw
• First Scorer: Jermaine Defoe

Blackburn v Bolton

• Result: Score Draw
• First Scorer: Kevin Davies

Aston Villa v Burnley

• Result: Home Win
• First Scorer: Emile Heskey

Portsmouth v Stoke

• Result: Score Draw
• First Scorer:  Ricardo Fuller

Barrys Football Betting Indepth Analysis…

Wigan v Spurs

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez praised his side’s ‘complete’ defensive display after sharing a goalless draw with Bolton on Wednesday night. The point gained at the DW Stadium lifts the Latics up to 14th in the Premier League table, however their winless run in the competition has been extended to five games as a result. The much-maligned Wigan playing surface once again played havoc with the hosts’ footballing style, however both sides created plenty of chances to snatch what would have been a vital win.

Speaking on his side’s battling performance after the match, Martinez said: “In many ways it was very pleasing. It had all the ingredients you need for a good team – the effort, the attitude, the discipline, the concentration were there.

I think the weather conditions and the state of the pitch helped the away team. It was one of those situations where you could see any set-play was going to be dangerous. Meanwhile Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has announced that Aaron Lennon will not need surgery on his groin injury and the winger could face Wigan on Sunday. The 22-year-old was in excellent form in the first half of the season and appeared a certainty for England’s right-hand side of midfield at this summer’s World Cup.

But Lennon was struck down with a groin problem at the end of December and has not featured since as it was feared that he required a hernia operation. Redknapp, though, is confident that the former Leeds player will not need to go under the knife and the pacey wide-man could feature in the Premier League trip to the DW Stadium. The Spurs boss said in The Sun on Tuesday:

“He is happier every day so hopefully it could be next weekend. He won’t need an operation.”

Result: Score Draw First Scorer: Jermaine Defoe

Spurs will Draw Says Barry

Blackburn v Bolton

Blackburn chairman John Williams has promised Sam Allardyce spending money during the summer. Rovers reluctantly sold Benni McCarthy to West Ham for £2million in January and the club are expected to reinvest that money in new players at the end of the season, depending on their final position in the Premier League. Allardyce is reportedly keen to bring a striker and a central midfielder to Ewood Park, having failed in his bid to sign Aruna Dindane in the January transfer window.

Chairman Williams says the Rovers boss will not be under pressure to sell if he wants to bring in new faces, with an increased television deal for all top-flight clubs on the way next season. But he admits the final standings in the league will have a bearing on the amount available.

“It always depends on how we finish compared to what we budgeted for,” he told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. If we can hold our league position then we should have the Benni McCarthy money to reinvest in the squad and hopefully that should allow us to make the signings we want to make. We’ve said all along that we will be sustainable without selling anyone as long as we can hold our league position, because then we’ve got the new television payments coming in for the 2010/11 season. Every position in the league is worth around £750,000, which is massive for us.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle admitted his frustration after not coming away from Wednesday night’s Lancashire derby with Wigan victorious. Coyle is still searching for his first away win as Bolton boss following the eventful 0-0 draw at a mud-sodden DW Stadium. The former Burnley boss watched on in frustration as his side, and midfielder Matt Taylor in particular, spurned a number of chances to claim the points. Despite the result, which lifts the Trotters above Burnley into 18th place, Coyle was delighted with the creativity displayed by his players in such difficult conditions.

“I thought it was a really hard-fought game between two Premier League teams going all out to win the game,” he said. I don’t think it was a 0-0 game, I thought we had the best chances on the night and another day could have won the game as opposed to leaving with a point.”

Coyle also refused to blame the state of the DW pitch as the reason why his side failed to claim victory.

Result: Score Draw First Scorer: Kevin Davies

More Football Betting Tips from barry Robson

Aston Villa v Burnley

Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill could have strikers Gabriel Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey back in contention for Sunday’s clash with Burnley at Villa Park. Agbonlahor missed the FA Cup fifth round draw with Crystal Palace at the weekend, with fellow frontman Heskey withdrawn after he picked up a knock. A leg injury sidelined Agbonlahor for the draw with Palace, meanwhile Heskey was forced off after 45 minutes.

The duo are in line for a return to action, though, ahead of the visit of Brian Laws’ side and were involved in training earlier in the week as they look to regain full fitness. O’Neill is confident the pair will be fit in time for the match as his side look to extend their unbeaten run to 11 games against the out-of-form Clarets. Graham Alexander is set to hand Burnley a boost by returning to training later this week. The veteran midfielder has been out of action since picking up a calf problem in the defeat to Bolton last month. Clarets boss Brian Laws is happy with the progress Alexander is making and is hopeful the 38-year-old could return for Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa.

“Grezza will be on the training pitch this week,” Laws told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. “He has been progressing well and we are really pleased with that. It is now a matter of him stepping up his work and seeing how it goes for him. He doesn’t have many injuries so it is hard to judge but he is ready to step up.”

Result: Home Win First Scorer: Emile Heskey

Stoke will draw with Pompey says Barry

Pompey v Stoke City

Portsmouth have handed over their financial statement of affairs to the High Court. The cash-strapped club were handed a deadline of Wednesday to disclose a statement of their financial details to the High Court after they survived a winding-up order last week.

Portsmouth have confirmed the statement was delivered to the court and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs by the 4pm deadline. The club will return to the High Court on 1st March to find out their fate after HMRC officials have taken a close look at the document. At the original hearing the court heard that Portsmouth owed more than £11.5million in unpaid taxes with representatives from the revenue informing the court that Pompey are insolvent.

However, Portsmouth representatives told the court they have received ‘two serious offers’ to buy the club. Portsmouth face a VAT bill of £7.4million which they are disputing with HMRC. They also owe £4.7million in unpaid PAYE and National Insurance which were not part of Wednesday’s petition.

The Premier League strugglers are believed to still owe former owner Sacha Gaydamak close to £30million, while the Premier League recently withheld £2m of transfer payments and a £7m slice of television revenue to give to Chelsea and Watford for the signings of Glen Johnson and Tommy Smith respectively.

Tony Pulis was fuming after his 10-man Stoke side were denied a late winner in a 1-1 draw with Manchester City. The Potters were firmly on top in the first half before defender Abdoulaye Faye was shown a straight red card in the 53rd minute. A Glenn Whelan strike then squirmed under Shay Given to give Stoke an unexpected lead in the 72nd minute.
And although Gareth Barry grabbed an 85th-minute equaliser as the big-spending Blues laid siege on the Stoke goal late on, Ryan Shawcross had a goal disallowed at the death for a foul on Given.

“Ryan’s goal was a good goal,” Pulis told Sky Sports. “But it’s been pulled away from us by a poor decision. He’s up in the air and Given’s done exactly what Aston Villa’s Stephen Warnock did against us a few weeks ago. He made contact with the player and falls down as if he’s been pushed. You have a look at Kolo Toure’s reaction when Ryan scores – he’s absolutely devastated because he things they’ve lost the game. But the referee doesn’t give it and we get too many decisions like that against us.”

Result: Score Draw First Scorer: Ricardo Fuller

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Charlie McCann’s Premier League Preview…..

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Barry Robsons Premier League Betting Tips is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

Can Arsenal Beat Liverpool?

With Inrunningodds.com you can bet LIVE with ultra-fast updates from all leading UK Bookmakers. It is a big night of Premier League Football, here are your best bets and Free Football Betting Tips.

Arsenal (11/10) Draw (12/5 ) Liverpool (3)- Live on Sky Sports
Liverpool have had a good run of late but it would be a tall order to see them beating Arsenal at home. I think Arsenal are a fair price and would recommend a decent bet on Arsenal.

Aston Villa (15/4) Draw (13/5) Manchester United (10/11)
What a good game. Manchester United are in great form at the moment and you could not bet against them. A draw would be the best Villa could hope for in my view so I will LAY VILLA, but you have to take United at decent odds to win this.

West Ham (13/10) Draw (12/5) Birmingham (5/2)
Interesting, new owners at Upton park are the former Blues owners. I suggest Birmingham are a knocking bet to win but I am a layer of the home team to cover the draw.

Wolverhampton (15/4) Draw (13/5)Tottenham (11/13)
Harry Redknapp would be disappointed to come away empty handed. I think another away win is possible, but I am a layer of Wolves to get the draw on side.

Blackburn (10/11) Draw (5/2) Hull (4)
Hull are in great form. Credit to Phil Brown and I would have to confirm I am a layer again of the home side as a draw is a huge possibility. If backing, take the draw.

Everton (9/2) Draw (11/4) Chelsea (8/11)
A good game here, Chelsea have to be the bet, they are playing well, despite drawing away at Hull, I would take the Premier League leaders here to win.

John Terry will play for Chelsea….

Tonight Premier League Specials
Total Red Cards in Wednesday’s premier league matches:
0 6/4
1 5/4
2 4/1
3 8/1
4 or more 16/1



Total goals Wednesday premier league matches:
14 or less 15/8
15 – 17 13/8
18 or more 6/4

Scotland

Motherwell (13/2) Draw (10/3) Rangers (8/15) (ESPN)

Wednesdays Live Football Betting Tips, 10 Feb is a post from: RacingDiary.co.uk Free Horseracing and Betting Tips from RacingDiary.co.uk

By Barry Robson

Barry Robson is back with his weekly Premier League Football Betting Tips and Round Up

Hull v Man City

Hull City manager Phil Brown believes his side may have reached a ‘turning point’ after the 1-1 draw with Premier League table toppers Chelsea at the KC Stadium.

The Tigers frustrated Carlo Ancelotti’s visitors as Didier Drogba was forced to cancel out Steven Mouyokolo’s opener to earn the Blues a disappointing, hard-fought point in what was their game in hand over title rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.

Hull are contrastingly fighting a relegation battle and, despite climbing one place as a result of the draw, remain inside the drop zone after a disappointing campaign which had threatened to cost Brown his job prior to Christmas.

The ex-Derby boss recently saw his current side lose 3-1 and 4-0 to United in the space of a month having played well against the champions but he thinks there was evidence against Chelsea that suggests performances are now being rewarded.

Brown, who also guided Hull to a 2-2 draw with Wolves at the weekend, told Sky Sports: “The Premier League is un-relentless or un-merciful, it just doesn’t give you anything. You have to graft for everything.

“I thought Saturday was a big point because everyone expected us to win, nobody gave us a chance tonight.

“Consequently, we seem to put our best foot forward against the top sides and yet get nothing from the game.

“But tonight was a little bit of a turning point. We have got something from the game and deserved to get something from the game, if not three.”

Brown was also full of praise for Tom Cairney after the 19-year-old midfielder impressed against Chelsea, despite coming in for some alleged rough treatment from Ancelotti’s side.

The Hull boss said: “He looks a talent. It will be a slow progression, it won’t automatically come.

“People might get wind of it and start identifying it. I thought Chelsea did towards the end and started leaving their foot in one or two tackles, shall we say, and saying, ‘welcome to the Premier League’.

“But Tom got on with it and actually dealt with it very cleverly and it looks like he has got a bright future.”

Brown was also pleased that Hull resisted the temptation to sell Stephen Hunt, who was excellent against Chelsea, to Wolves after resisting numerous bids in the transfer window and a final £5million offer on deadline day.

He said: “It was a statement of intent by the chairman, the owners of the football club.

“I’ve got to be ecstatic that I didn’t lose my best players on deadline day, which has happened to me before.”

Roberto Mancini has suggested Wayne Bridge is welcoming the distraction of being able to play football again after the Manchester City boss admitted it has not been ‘a good moment’ mentally for the full-back.

Media revelations over the past week have alleged that Bridge’s former Chelsea team-mate John Terry had an affair with his ex-girlfriend.

The allegations have prompted claims that Bridge would find it difficult to play alongside Terry for England, with general manager Franco Baldini having spoken to Mancini about the matter.

Bridge is expected to return from two months out with a knee injury against Hull City on Saturday and Mancini revealed the left-back is ready to pull on a City shirt again.

“I spoke with Baldini on Monday morning,” said Mancini.

“He asked me about Wayne and I told him that he is training every day. I said it’s not a good moment in his head, but it’s not a problem on the training ground.

“For me, it’s important he should play now and not think about the other person.

“Wayne is very important for us. He plays in the national team and he’s the best left-back in England and the Premier League – and that’s the most important thing for me and the other players.

“I spoke with Wayne two days ago, three days ago and on Wednesday – and he wants to play on Saturday and I think he can play. I am convinced.

“For me he’s liking this moment because he can play football again.

“He can think on the pitch, he can think about the Premier League and not think about the other situation.”

Mancini would not be drawn on whether Bridge would play for England again and was also pleased to see his City players show support for their team-mate by displaying ‘Team Bridge’ T-shirts after last week’s win over Portsmouth.

When asked if Bridge will play for the national team again, Mancini replied: “I don’t know about that – but I think he can play on Saturday.

“He is still good on the pitch where he is working very well and, for me, that is what is important.

“For me, other things are not important. That is his private life. All I know is that he is a fantastic man and a fantastic player.

“I was pleased about the players wearing those T-shirts because it showed they are close to Wayne.

“I like him because he is a good man. I think that they used the shirts after the Portsmouth game and now it’s finished because it’s important that we think about other things.”

Result: Score Draw  First Scorer: Emanuel Adabeyor

Can Liverpool Win?

Liverpool v Everton

Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio could return to action in Saturday’s Merseyside derby clash with Everton at Anfield.

The Brazilian is pushing for a return to Rafa Benitez’s plans after suffering a calf injury in the Premier League draw at Stoke on 16th January.

Aurelio has returned to training but will have to prove his fitness in the coming days if he is to be considered for what promises to be a high-octane encounter.

Assistant manager Sammy Lee said: “Fabio is back in training which is good news.

“Whether he will be ready for Saturday, well we will have to assess that in the next few days.”

Phil Neville believes February’s fixtures are probably the biggest month he has faced during his time at Everton.

The 33-year-old former England international has been with the club since 2005 after previously spending his entire career with Manchester United.

The Toffees have some daunting fixtures on the horizon with Premier League games against Liverpool, Chelsea, Man Utd and Spurs in the pipeline.

Everton tackle Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Saturday while David Moyes’ men also have two games against Sporting Lisbon in Europa League action this month.

Back-to-back league wins has boosted confidence recently and Neville insists Everton have nothing to fear this month, and that his team-mates are relishing the challenge.

“This February will probably be the biggest month since I’ve been at the club because of the magnitude of each game we will be playing in,” explained Neville.

“Each will be so important in terms of picking up points. We couldn’t have asked for a tougher fixture list. It’s a fixture list that must get every Evertonian excited.

“If you had asked us two months ago, we might have been scared of the challenge in February. But now we’ve got our form back we’re thinking, ‘Come on let’s enjoy it and not be fearful of what’s ahead of us’.”

Result: Score Draw  First Scorer: Tim Cahill

Villa are in good form

Spurs v Villa

Harry Redknapp told David Bentley he will be a key Tottenham player if he keeps up his good form following his display against Leeds.

Bentley was the man of the match as Spurs reached round five of the FA Cup after a hard-fought 3-1 replay victory at the League One side.

Bentley has been on the fringes of the first-team squad for much of the current campaign but Spurs boss Redknapp said: “He has come back and taken his opportunity.

“He has shown what a good player he is in the last couple of games and he needs to keep on doing that.”

Of Defoe, who scored all three goals at Elland Road, Redknapp added: “He’s got to keep working hard.

“They (Defoe and Peter Crouch) were a good pair tonight. It was a good all-round performance.”

Bentley has had a tough time at White Hart Lane since his move from Blackburn in July 2008 but said after the Leeds game: “It has been a difficult time since I came here.

“I just look to every game I play, look to take advantage and enjoy myself. I take it game by game, you never know in football.

“My time at Tottenham has been a hard one but hopefully I can start enjoying it now.”

Defoe was relieved to have overcome the challenge posed by the League One outfit.

He said: “That was a difficult game. A cup tie is always difficult. Away from home it was a great performance from the lads, I am pleased with the win.”

Martin O’Neill has told his Aston Villa side they cannot afford to lose Saturday’s crunch clash with Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Villa and Spurs are heavily involved in the race for the fourth and final UEFA Champions League place, with Harry Redknapp’s men currently in possession.

The Midlands outfit are just two points adrift but with the benefit of a game in hand, while Liverpool and Manchester City are also strongly in contention.

Villa defender James Collins revealed that manager O’Neill has left his side in no doubt about the stature of Saturday’s showdown in North London.

Collins said: “The boss has told us how important this game is and if we want to finish in the top four we’ve to put in a good performance and certainly not lose the game.

“In the next couple of weeks we have tough games like Spurs and Manchester United and after that we can really kick on.”

Result: Score Draw  First Scorer: Jermaine Defoe

Man United v Portsmouth

Wayne Rooney’s devastating spell of sustained brilliance over the last few weeks, and more, has earned him the title of PFA Fans’ Player of the Month for January.

The highlight of the last month was his stunning four-goal haul against Hull – a career first – and the Manchester United ace is already on 20 league goals for the season – a career best.

Rooney has been in inspirational form recently and maintained his incredible run by scoring his 100th Premier League goal – and 22nd in all competitions this season – against Arsenal at The Emirates on Sunday afternoon.

Whilst United fans are hoping he can keep his goalscoring run going as the Red Devils chase titles at home and abroad, England fans are keeping fingers crossed that he can stay fit and take his current form onto the world stage in the summer.

There has been some wild speculation that Rooney, like Cristiano Ronaldo, might be tempted abroad at some stage, but United chief executive David Gill insists those comments are wide of the mark and says Rooney will be offered a new contract in the summer.

“We would hope Wayne would stay with us until he has finished playing,” Gill has gone on record as saying. “He has a contract to 2012 and that will be addressed during the close season because we would want to put him on a new long-term contract.

“We have not got round to those discussions yet because Wayne is focusing on football and the World Cup.

“But he is 24 and has his best years ahead of him. For obvious reasons, very few UK-based players want to leave Manchester United.”

Balram Chainrai says he has ‘zero interest’ in buying Portsmouth and is merely trying to protect the club’s interests.

The Hong Kong-based businessman has seized control at Fratton Park from Ali Al Faraj to technically become the troubled Premier League club’s fourth owner of the season.

He is not expected to be in charge in the long term after his company, Portpin, took over the 90% shareholding of previous owner Al Faraj by exercising a clause in the agreement relating to a £17million loan made in October that effectively staved off administration.

Chainrai confirmed in a statement released by Portsmouth on Thursday that he will ask the High Court to delay a winding-up order from HMRC while he tries to stabilise the club.

And he revealed his priority is to find a buyer who has Pompey’s best interests in mind, rather than seek to run the club himself.

Quoted in the South China Morning Post, Chainrai said: “I have zero interest in buying Portsmouth and it’s completely untrue that I am the new owner of the club.

“As far as I am concerned, I have just confiscated the shares of the previous owners.

“It’s nothing to do with controlling the club. I don’t know anything about running a football club. I just love the game and that’s why I’ve taken this action. We have exercised our right to take control of the shares, and to remove the previous owners.

“It’s all about protecting the club’s interests. It’s about finding someone who has the club’s best interests at heart.”

Result: Home Win  First Scorer: Wayne Rooney

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