FA Cup Semi Final Draw

FA Cup Semi Final Draw

Matches to be played the weekend of April 14 & 15 2007

Blackburn v Tottenham or Chelsea
Watford v Manchester United or Middlesbrough

FA Cup QF Draw

FA Cup quarter-final draw

Matches to be played March 10,11

Arsenal or Blackburn v Manchester City
Chelsea v Tottenham
Middlesbrough or West Brom v Manchester United or Reading
Plymouth v Watford

The bookies favor in order

Chelsea
Manchester United
Arsenal


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FA Cup 5th Round Draw

FA Cup 5th Round Draw
Matches to be played February 17 & 18


Arsenal or Bolton v Blackburn
Bristol City or Middlesbrough v West Bromwich Albion
Chelsea v Blackpool or Norwich
Fulham v Tottenham
Man Utd v Reading
Plymouth v Derby County
Preston v Man City
Watford v Ipswich


The bookies favor in order

Chelsea
Manchester United
Arsenal

Premier League Bets

After two defeats at Anfield in a week against Arsenal, including the 6-3 Carling Cup exit on Tuesday night, Liverpool will be grateful for the trip to Watford so they can try and get back into the winning habit.


With seven goals in his last 10 matches, Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka has his sights firmly set on punishing his former employers this season. He scored twice against Manchester City in December and will look for more of the same against a side which has lost seven out of 11 on the road this season.


Charlton already looked dead and buried despite the arrival of a new manager and four months of the season to play. They have good players on the books but they don't appear able to perform, as two Cup exits against lower league opposition this season testifies. The odds on Middlesbrough to win this one are tempting.


Chelsea were fortunate to beat Wigan in December after the Latics came from two behind only to lose in the last minute. After two draws at Stamford Bridge in their last two league games, Jose Mourinho is under pressure and I expect the Blues to win convincingly this weekend.

Manchester United needed a last minute howler from Gabor Kiraly to knock Aston Villa out of the FA Cup last weekend but should win again back in league duty. United have won the last three Premiership encounters against Martin O'Neill's side at Old Trafford.

Sheffield United are five points clear of the relegation zone and an FA Cup exit at the hands of Swansea City will allow them to concentrate on survival. A point against visiting Portsmouth would do nicely.

West Ham United will unleash former Fulham captain Luis Boa Morte against his former employers this weekend as they strive to make up the four points they currently lie from safety. Fulham have improved on their travels, but still struggle to win away from the haven of Craven Cottage.

Blackburn could be good for a draw at Ewood Park against Arsenal after coming back strongly following a 6-2 thrashing at the Emirates Stadium. Arsene Wenger's side have lost five out of 11 on the road which indicates they are susceptible against teams that are in form.

On Sunday, Everton's top half of the table clash against Reading could end all square while Tottenham's home form (eight wins in 11 league matches) should see them beat Newcastle who are still looking over their shoulders at the bottom three.

Verdict:


Liverpool vs Watford - Liverpool
Bolton vs Manchester City - Bolton
Charlton vs Middlesbrough - Middlesbrough
Chelsea vs Wigan - Chelsea
Manchester United vs Aston Villa - Manchester United
Sheffield United vs Portsmouth - Draw
West Ham vs Fulham - West Ham
Blackburn vs Arsenal - Blackburn
Reading vs Everton - Draw
Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle - Tottenham Hotspur

David Walker is the resident tipster on a popular free bets website. For further betting advice on this weekend's fixtures please visit Walker's Word.


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FA Cup 4th Round Draw

FA Cup 4th Round Draw

The matches will be played on Friday 26, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 January.

Arsenal v Bolton
Barnet or Colchester v Peterborough or Plymouth Argyle
Birmingham City or Newcastle United v Reading or Burnley
Blackpool v Norwich City
Bristol City or Coventry City v Hull City or Middlesbrough
Cardiff City or Tottenham v Southend Utd or Barnsley
Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
Chester City or Ipswich Town v Swansea
Crystal Palace v Preston North End
Derby County v Bristol Rovers
Leicester City or Fulham v Stoke City
Manchester United v Portsmouth
Queens Park Rangers or Luton Town v Blackburn Rovers
Sheffield Wednesday or Manchester City v Southampton
West Ham v Watford
Wolverhampton Wanderers or Oldham v WBA

The bookies favor in order

Chelsea
Manchester United
Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United

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FA Cup 4th Round Draw

FA Cup 4th Round Draw

The matches will be played on Friday 26, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 January.

Arsenal v Bolton
Barnet or Colchester v Peterborough or Plymouth Argyle
Birmingham City or Newcastle United v Reading or Burnley
Blackpool v Norwich City
Bristol City or Coventry City v Hull City or Middlesbrough
Cardiff City or Tottenham v Southend Utd or Barnsley
Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
Chester City or Ipswich Town v Swansea
Crystal Palace v Preston North End
Derby County v Bristol Rovers
Leicester City or Fulham v Stoke City
Manchester United v Portsmouth
Queens Park Rangers or Luton Town v Blackburn Rovers
Sheffield Wednesday or Manchester City v Southampton
West Ham v Watford
Wolverhampton Wanderers or Oldham v WBA

The bookies favor in order

Chelsea
Manchester United
Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United

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Seongnam Stroll To Seventh Success

Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma have been crowned K-League champions for the seventh time after a 3-1 aggregate win over Suwon Samsung Bluewings in the two-legged championship play-off decider.

It was a deserved win for the team that inhabits the affluent southern Seoul suburb of Bundang as they took the first leg at home 1-0 and shocked Suwon with a fairly comfortable 2-1 win in the second match.

The first leg was a tight affair –even more so for the fans squeezed into Seongnam’s Stadium as the attendance given was 21,000 – 5,000 more than the official capacity of the airy arena.

K-League spokespeople mumbled something about a temporary increase in capacity. It may not be too important but anyone familiar with Korean football knows that if Korean teams were as creative on the pitch as officials are when announcing attendance figures then the K-League would be a much better place.

One thing is for sure; at least half of those in attendance were sporting blue shirts after making the short trek east from Suwon.

They had little to shout about. Seongnam controlled the game for long periods without looking especially dangerous against a well-drilled Suwon back-four. With the visitors failing to create anything of note, the game was heading for a goalless draw.

That was until the 88th minute. Park Jin-seob launched a long cross from the right and K-League top scorer Woo Sung-yong was allowed to sneak in at the far post between two defenders and head the ball past the flat-footed Park Hyo-jin in the Suwon goal.

It was a deserved win on the day and left things nicely poised for the second leg with Suwon going for a fourth title and their second in three years in front of their own fans.

Those supporters turned out in force though the official 38,500 attendance was surprisingly swelled by the presence of over 5,000 yellow-shirted away fans at the ‘Big Bird'. The Seongnam fans took advantage of free travel to give the K-League’s most successful but worst supported team some vocal backing in the second leg.

Suwon boss Cha Bum-keun gave those critics who believe that he may have been a great player but he ain’t a great coach extra fuel by sticking playmaker Lee Kwan-woo on the right wing and drafting in Park Ju-song in defence. The 22 year-old had just returned from his two year military spell with Gwangju Sangmu and looked lost.

He was put out of his misery at half-time but by then the damage was done as Seongnam have something that Suwon lack – strikers that don’t need asking twice to put the ball into the net.

2004 K-League top scorer Mota has not had the best season at Seongnam – a broken ankle is responsible for that – but he showed all his predatory instincts after 26 minutes as he flicked the ball into the Suwon net from close range, despite the attentions of a blue-shirted defender.

From that moment, the hosts’ hopes of a quartet of titles looked doomed. Suwon were short of ideas, movement and perhaps most worryingly, motivation.

It didn’t improve much in the second half. The introduction of a disappointing Da Silva and young striker Seo Dong-hyun looked lightweight compared to Seongnam’s substitutions which brought the K-League’s top scorer Woo Sung-yong and international star Kim Sang-sik onto the pitch.

It wasn’t until Mota, left unmarked at the near post, scored his second and Seongnam’s third of the fixture midway through the second half that Suwon roused themselves to finally trouble Kim Yong-dae in the Seongnam goal.

Da Silva lifted his barrel-chest into the air with 14 minutes left to head home and hand the hosts a lifeline though with two goals still required, it was a tenuous one. So it proved and it was all over with three minutes remaining when striker Seo dragged a shot wide of the post with only ‘keeper Kim to beat.

It was very much a case of too little, too late from the Bluewings who can console themselves with the FA Cup final against Chunnam Dragons on December 3.

Seongnam rejoiced with a seventh title and a crack at the 2007 Asian Champions League when their line-up may contain a certain Mr. Ahn Jung-hwan.

Copyright: John Duerden & Soccerphile

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Premier League Odds

A short version of Walker’s Word this week covering only the televised fixtures. Charlton Athletic could be even more cut off from the pack by Saturday lunch time while Newcastle could pull away from the drop zone on Sunday afternoon writes David Walker.

Saturday 25 November

Charlton Athletic vs Everton
Even the introduction of new manager Les Reed could not inspire Charlton to victory last weekend as they slumped 2-0 at Reading. They face tough opposition in Everton who themselves have won just two in their last eight league games since beating Liverpool 3-0 back in September. However, Everton keep things tight and have been involved in four 1-0 results in their last four games and will frustrate the rock bottom Premiership club. The Toffees have not won at The Valley since 2001 with the Addicks recording two wins and two draws since but this record could change on Saturday.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Everton @ 7/5 (Paddy Power)
AH: Everton level ball @ 19/20 (Bet356)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/4 (VCBet)

Bolton Wanderers vs Arsenal
Bolton have been the scourge of Arsenal in recent seasons, beating them twice last season in both the league and FA Cup and also the season before. They have secured 1-1 and 2-2 draws in the campaigns before that with Arsenal not winning at the Reebok Stadium in the Premiership since 2002. There is some bad blood between the two sides and Arsenal could be in danger of losing further ground on Chelsea and Manchester United this weekend. Despite a fantastic recent home record against the Gunners, the bookmakers are offering fantastic odds on a win for Sam Allardyce’s side.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Bolton @ 5/2 (Ladbrokes)
AH: Bolton + ½ @ 17/20 (Bet356)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)

Sunday 26 November

Newcastle United vs Portsmouth
The league table could be turned on its head for this contest as Newcastle could pull away from the relegation zone with a win. Portsmouth are flying high in third place at the moment but have already been beaten 3-0 at St James’ Park this season in the Carling Cup. The Magpies have won two out of three league meetings in the North East, with a draw in between a couple of years ago. Glenn Roeder’s side have had a dreadful run of late, but will be buoyed by two battling away draws, especially at Arsenal last weekend.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Newcastle @ 13/10 (Paddy Power)
AH: Newcastle – ¼ @ 21/20 (Bet356)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/4 (VCBet)

Manchester United vs Chelsea
The top of the table clash sees Chelsea three points behind Manchester United who have won their last seven league matches since their 1-1 draw with Reading back in September. Chelsea also come into this match strongly, having won five of their last six league matches, the blip being a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham three weeks ago. Both sides lost in the Champions League this week, perhaps with one eye on this weekend’s game. United won this fixture 1-0 last season, but have only beaten Chelsea four times in 14 Premiership fixtures at Old Trafford. A draw won’t particularly help either side’s title ambitions but it won’t be the end of the world either.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Draw @ 21/10 (UK Betting)
AH: Chelsea level ball @ 9/8 (Bet356)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)

English Premiership Betting


David Walker is the resident tipster at a popular free bets website. Feature Walker's Word on your own website, blog or forum for free each week.

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Where are you now…when I kneed you

Without constructive criticism, improvement is virtually impossible. Armed with this noble philosophy and an in depth knowledge of the beautiful game, I have decided to share a couple of potentially helpful observations with the great minds of the English FA.

Steve McClaren is a tool. Macca was a poor manager at club level, he’s so far out of his depth on the international stage that it’s a miracle he’s not suffering from the bends.

His original decision to drop Beckham was flawed at best, but when offered the ‘get out of jail free’ card that was the injuries to Hargreaves and Lennon, he preferred to utilise the ‘skills’ of Jenas, Downing and Richardson. You simply can’t back this England team at odds of 1/10 against a reasonable Macedonian outfit; although I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from perming a 1-0 / 2-0 / 3-0 win at a much healthier 7/5.

I’m not a great admirer of Peter Crouch as a rule, but thanks to a process of elimination i’ve reached the shocking conclusion that he’s England’s most likely goal scorer. Rooney’s struggling, Gerrard’s wasted on the wing, Downing’s a million miles from international class and Lampard would need 29 attempts to score on an 18-30 (stone) holiday. Back Crouch at even money to keep up his incredible recent record.

If the England team were picked on current form, Wayne Rooney wouldn’t get a look in; he’s currently giving the ball away like a ginger schoolboy. Wayne hasn’t scored a competitive goal for England for over two years, my initial shock at seeing 8/13 for a Rooney goal soon faded as the realisation dawned that he’ll be available at 6/5 not to score. Merry Christmas, everyone.

Most people know ELO as the awful 1970’s progressive rock outfit, but the ELO ratings are a tool for judging the strengths of international football teams. While FIFA have Scotland as the 34th strongest team in world football, ELO show a more realistic 40th place. Strangely, both differ dramatically from my own personal rating system, where the Sweaties are sandwiched between the Amazonian Forest and Krakatoa in 594th place.

France have the luxury of a match against Scotland at Hampden; or ‘Le Bye’ as it’s known in Paris. Value is normally harder to find than a Scotsman at a World Cup but the French are the literal definition at 7/10.

Call me paranoid, but before buying lamb from a butcher I always enquire from where the meat originated; you can’t be too careful. Wales host Slovakia in their qualifier and an away win is definitely on the cards. The Slovaks have seen off Germany and France over the last year; you should get involved at 2/1.

How on earth did the phrase ‘the luck of the Irish’ originate? An 80 year war for independence must have been grating, running out of potatoes is always annoying and if conclusive proof was needed that luck is not on their side; they landed in the same qualifying group as Germany and the Czech Republic. The Irish have been decimated by injuries for their trip to Cyprus, the draw appeals at 16/5.

Northern Ireland’s recent win over Spain was perhaps the most unlikely result since Goliath took a dive against David after laying himself heavily on the exchanges. There are many phrases that could adequately describe the 2/7 on offer for a Danish side (who have recently destroyed Poland, Portugal and England) playing at home to Lawrie Sanchez’s minnows; I’ve settled for ‘the best bet in the history of gambling’.

The Italians have stubbornly refused to win in their campaign so far, somehow knowing they were the last leg of my accer. Italy destroyed Ukraine in a world cup quarter final in the summer, a repeat at 1/2 should not be ruled out.

Ever since I watched Prisoner Cell Block H as a child, i’ve felt a strong affinity with the Aussies. Bea Smith’s fight against drugs within the prison system was as inspirational as it was dramatic. Australia face Paraguay in a friendly match live on Eurosport, I like the Aussies at a criminally large 11/10.

There’s always something happening in the Dutch camp. An injury to Huntelaar forced the Holland manager to offer Van Nistelrooy a return to the International stable, but the Ruud boy told Van Basten where to stick his olive branch, and it wasn’t in a local dike. Holland have the quality to stroll to a win in Bulgaria, the 4/5 should be snapped up.

The acc of the week:

This week’s accer is so delightful; Paul McCartney is considering reuniting with Heather Mills as a direct result. “I may go out on a limb and ask her to come back,” a loved up McCartney may have mused. Slovakia, France, Holland, Denmark and Italy are the teams, the payout is a generous 16/1.

The quote of the week

“I don't like diving, football doesn't need it.”
Wayne Rooney on the curse of the modern game; Sol Campbell is currently looking for a fresh pair of underpants.

The lay man:

While the fat cats hoover up all the free money laying Northern Ireland at 16/1, us normal Joes can make a profit taking on the Sweaties at 6/1.

Weekend Betting:

Wales v Slovakia Saturday 7th October 15:00 Live on Sky

Wales 6/4
Draw 11/5
Slovakia 2/1

Selection: Slovakia

Suggested bet
No bet

England v Macedonia Saturday 7th October 17:00 Live on BBC

England 1/10
Draw 8/1
Macedonia 33/1

Selection: England

Suggested bet
England to win either 1-0/2-0/3-0 3 pts @ 7/5

Scotland v France Saturday 7th October 17:00 Live on Sky

Scotland 9/2
Draw 5/2
France 7/10

Selection: France

Suggested bet
France to win 2 pts @ 7/10

Cyprus v Rep of Ireland Saturday 7th October 17:30

Cyprus 13/2
Draw 16/5
Rep of Ireland 1/2

Selection: Draw

Suggested bet
Lay Ireland at 1/2 (to win 2 pts)


Bulgaria v Holland Saturday 7th October 19:00

Bulgaria 4/1
Draw 12/5
Holland 4/5

Selection: Holland

Suggested bet
No bet

Denmark v Northern Ireland Saturday 7th October 19:00 Live on BBC NI

Denmark 2/7
Draw 4/1
Northern Ireland 16/1

Selection: Denmark

Suggested bet
Denmark to win 7 pts @ 2/7

Italy v Ukraine Saturday 7th October 19:50

Italy 1/2
Draw 14/5
Ukraine 13/2

Selection: Italy

Suggested bet
No bet

Australia v Paraguay (Int’l friendly) Saturday 7th October 10:30 Live on Eurosport

Australia 11/10
Draw 9/4
Paraguay 3/1

Selection: Australia

Suggested bet
No bet

Copyright (c) Gerry McDonnell & soccerphile.com

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Panorama Bungs Scandal

Another Pyrrhic Victory? - Panorama "Bungs Scandal"

The BBC thought they had scored a hit with their recent documentary supposedly exposing the kickbacks involved in English football but was it the opening salvo of hope in the fight to reclaim the Beautiful Game or just another blank being fired?

The Panorama documentary "Football's Dirty Secrets" was much billed in the national press as the exposé that would lift the lid on a can of worms that is Premiership football and precipitate a major clean sweep of the top division with some top-level casualties along the way.

While it was alarming to realize just how ingrained the tradition of managers seeking to cream off a percentage of a transfer fee is now, thanks to the connivance of unscrupulous agents, what was revealed really ought not to surprise us one jot.

After all, Arsenal's George Graham was forced to resign back in 1995 after it was revealed he had profited to the tune of £425,000 from transfer dealings involving a bent Norwegian player representative called Rune Hauge.

Fast forward eleven years and we are still dealing with exactly the same issue; in this case Bolton Wanderers' boss Sam Allardyce accused of pocketing pounds on transfer fees with his son as the broker [Allardyce has claimed he is "utterly innocent" of any wrong-doing and is planning to sue the BBC].

Harry Redknapp, the alleged prince of bungs, had expected to be shot to pieces by the Panorama programme and had issued a pre-emptive statement in the press, but he need not have worried as his involvement in the documentary was limited to expressing interest in signing a player under contract elsewhere.

Alas, the latest exposé of wrongdoing will fail to clean up the game unless powers from beyond football intervene to enforce the law. Football has shown itself to be spectacularly incapable of policing itself so many times before and has operated more like a private betting syndicate in the back of a pub than an open and above board industry that involves millions of participants and 360-degree media coverage.

Let anyone complacent about the morality of the sport merely take a look beyond Italy's fourth World Cup triumph in 2006 at the astonishing scandal that engulfed their domestic game in the run-up to the tournament.

Now soccer is a multi-billion pound global business, it behoves governments to treat it as such and apply the laws that are enforced on similar concerns.

This entails not only scanning the industry for under the table payments but also enforcing competition laws which would place restrictions on the amount of money any club can spend on wages and possibly the number of foreign players they can employ. If it means the European Union, via UEFA, must impose a salary cap across the continent, then what are we waiting for - ten consecutive Premiership titles for Chelsea?

Regulation of this out-of-control wildfire is ever more pressing now clubs in the English top division are being snapped up by random international venture capitalists, who often unashamedly admit to having no roots or interest in the game, in a 21st century version of the Scramble for Africa in the 1800s.

Talking of Africa, the protracted battle over Nigerian Jon Obi Mikkel's signature, an unseemly squabble eventually won by Chelsea over Malcolm Glazer's Manchester United plc, saw Rune Hauge's name surface again after all these years, still working as an agent and still apparently tricking his way in a fight for a slice of the cake (Hauge was one of several agents who claimed to represent Mikkel)!

Another young African, Freddy Adu, in the news ever since he debuted in Major League Soccer aged 14, has reportedly been the target of Reading FC this week. That a player aged 17, with no national team caps or European Union passport could even be considered for a work permit in the UK speaks volumes of football's sell-out to the morality of the free market.

There is a school of thought that says this is all a storm in a teacup, that fans simply do not care what happens to their gate money as long as there is a team to cheer about on the field and who appear to be playing for the shirt.

How anyone can entertain thoughts of player loyalty in 2006 is ridiculous enough, but there is some mileage in the apathy of fans in the face of exploitation, which allowed characters like Newcastle directors Freddy Shepherd and Douglas Hall, in 1998, to laugh at fans forking out a fortune for polyester replica shirts.

In Newcastle's case, the fans must shoulder some blame for turning out in such huge numbers and buying so much merchandise no matter how unscrupulous or inept the owners have been.

Boycotting a product is one way to punish its makers, but in the case of the "Geordie Nation' amongst others, this course of action is unrealistic.

I attended Arsenal's first home game after George Graham's stunning resignation in February 1995, and watched as the home fans really took exception to the traveling Nottingham Forest supporters taunting them about their corrupt former employee.

The Gunners' fans had enjoyed such a golden age under Graham they were prepared to turn a blind eye to his creative accounting with their money.

So where do we go from here? The FA have announced yet another enquiry in the wake of the Panorama programme, but no one with more than a toe in reality thinks that will solve anything.

Until governments realize there are no votes to be lost in interfering with a popular public pursuit, the solutions lie elsewhere. More football chairmen like the outspoken Simon Jordan would help. No one has tried harder than the Crystal Palace boss to fight back against agents' hijacking of player loyalties, to the extent that Jordan has refused point blank to deal with them:

"I see so many of them happy to sow division if it means they get a better deal, often working against the interests of clubs, players and supporters - and yet the game still opens its arms and embraces them," he told The Observer in 2005.

The other source of hope could be an unlikely one: FIFA President Sepp Blatter. Whereas his predecessor, ‘the great dictator' Joao Havelange, happily encouraged all manner of commercialism and profiteering in the Beautiful Game, Blatter is increasingly critical of the mishandling of the sport by unregulated markets.

While he is still in many ways the man with "50 ideas a day, 51 of which are bad," such as enlarged goals or women players wearing skimpy outfits, the Swiss soccer chief may yet surprise us with a decision from the heart that will help stop the commercial rotting of the game.

Make no mistake, with the top Premiership teams fielding eleven foreigners with a foreign coach and foreign owners swanning in to buy up the ‘franchise' for marketing or vanity purposes, we are living in strange days in football's history.

As Simon Jordan aptly put it, "This isn't the real world - it's a banana republic. And if people in the game can't see that - and think things can't get any better, fairer or more decent - God help us."

Premiership News

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The bitterest pillow

I am not a happy man. As a rule, the wife and I are normally easy going, or to be more truthful, she’s easy and I’m going. But for some strange reason, after just two weeks of quality football, the Premiership has been sidelined to make way for the International, like Cinderella being dumped in favour of her ugly sister. (The other one married me.) I haven’t been this upset since the wife first told me she was pregnant, (It was my own fault, i was hoping that her looks would provide adequate contraception; damn those pillow cases.) luckily, i have now calmed down enough to point the way to a few cracking weekend punts.

After an unproductive World Cup, it’s time to embrace a brand new dawn for the English game. I’d like to offer my best wishes to the man who was without a shadow of a doubt, the most outstanding candidate to replace Sven Goran Eriksson; good luck at the Villa, Martin O’Neill. Incredible as it may seem, O’Neill was overlooked as the FA first courted ‘Big Phil’ Scolari, before settling for ‘first choice’ Steve ‘I once bought Michael Ricketts’ McClaren.

Let’s be honest, Macca is no Brian Clough, his record at Middlesbrough was a joke. The Boro board backed him to the hilt financially, yet McClaren could only finish in the top half of the Premiership once. Still, there’s no point in crying over spilt milk (only a significant loss of lager justifies tears), even Macca can lead England to a comfortable victory over Andorra. The English are unbackable at 1/50, playing on a 4-0 scoreline at 13/2 can prove a profitable alternative.

McClaren’s first duty as England manager was to shut the door on David Beckham, the best crosser of a ball in world football. The situation would be comical if it wasn’t so serious. There’s no Becks, there’s no Rooney, the first goal scorer betting centres around Crouch and Frank ‘one goal every thirty shots’ Lampard. God help us all. Lamps is the lesser of two evils at 5/1.

I’m a big fan of John Terry; I can honestly say that I would never, under any circumstances, throw him out of a nightclub. The new England captain is available at 9/2 to score with a header; that’s worth a second look.

Scotland host the Faroe Isles in their opening qualifier and I’m preparing for a bad day. It’s absolute carnage in my house when the Jocks play, the wife gets all patriotic; out comes the haggis, the bagpipes and the syringe. Scotland were held to a 2-2 draw by the Faroe Isles four years ago, I think there’s a great chance of a shock here; I think Scotland can nick it at 1/8.

Krissy Boyd scores plenty of goals at a domestic level, but I’d probably score 30 a season in the SPL. I’m tipping Boyd to net the opener for our skirt-wearing neighbours at 3/1 thanks to a complex new system I’ve been developing, if a team has only one decent player, pick him.

Tomas Rosicky could do with an easy match to guarantee a win after a depressing start to the season with Arsenal. Luckily for Tommy, the Czech’s are hosting Wales. There’s been a few tears shed in Robbie Savage’s caravan since John Toshack was appointed the Welsh manager, there will be a few more when the Czech’s take an easy three points at 2/5.

I’m a big fan of Bjork, the Icelandic nutcase once beat up a reporter for saying, “Welcome to Bangkok,” tough but fair. Iceland have been priced up at 9/4 for their trip to Northern Ireland, be like Bjork and get stuck in. There’s only one call for first goalscorer betting, that’s Gudjohnsen, Eidur put a bet on it at 6/1.

The Republic of Ireland are in the same group as Germany and the Czech Republic, but have kindly promised to fulfil their fixtures anyway. The Irish travel to Stuttgart to begin their campaign, the Germans will walk it at 4/9.

Stan Staunton was held at gunpoint recently, police are looking for a complete madman, Niall Quinn hasn’t been ruled out. Another lanky forward looks the call to open the scoring, take a Klose look at Miroslav at 4/1.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy has been left out of the Dutch squad for the trip to Luxembourg. The horse-faced goal machine was reportedly devastated by Van Basten’s decision, but he’s since been stabilised. Only the rich can play on the Dutch at 1/50, a correct score perm of 3-0 / 4-0 will have to suffice for the rest of us at 12/5.

There’s a real treat in store for footy fans on Sunday, when Brazil lock horns with Argentina at the Emirates. From the look of the squads, both managers are taking this friendly seriously; Tevez, Messi, and Riquelme will face off against Ronaldinho, Robinho and Kaka. Ronaldo ‘too fat to have two names’ hasn’t made the squad which gives the Brazilians a glimmer of hope, but I’ll be on the Argies at 7/4.

The acc of the week:

The accer this week is so nailed on, a team of demolition experts would struggle to loosen it. Iceland, Scotland, France, Czech Republic, Germany and Italy are the teams, the payout is a pleasing 10/1.

The quote of the week:

“When you are good enough to go to Arsenal, you are good enough to play in the England team; because there are many players who play for England who would not play at Arsenal.”

Arsene Wenger is such a diplomat, he refused to name Peter Crouch.

The lay man:

England are a fantastic lay at 6/1 to win Euro 2008, but if you want your money tied up for years you should consider marriage. On the weekend action, Northern Ireland should definitely be layed on the exchanges at 13/10.

Weekend Betting:


Northern Ireland v Iceland Saturday 2nd September 15:00 Live on BBC NI

Northern Ireland 5/4
Draw 11/5
Iceland 9/4

Get on: Iceland

Match Special:
Iceland to score three or more goals 6/1

Scotland v Faroe Isles Saturday 2nd September 15:00 Live on Sky

Scotland 1/8
Draw 15/2
Faroe Isles 25/1

Get on: Scotland

Match Special:
Boyd to score a hat-trick 12/1

England v Andorra Saturday 2nd September 17:00 Live on BBC

England 1/50
Draw 10/1
Andorra 80/1

Get on: England

Match Special:
The first goal to be scored before/during the 18 minute mark 5/6

Georgia v France Saturday 2nd September 17:00

Georgia 7/1
Draw 16/5
France 4/9

Get on: France

Match Special:
France to score in both halves 5/4

Czech Rep v Wales Saturday 2nd September 19:15 Live on Sky

Czech Rep 2/5
Draw 10/3
Wales 8/1

Get on: Czech Rep

Match Special:
Rosicky to score from outside the area 13/2

Luxembourg v Holland Saturday 2nd September 19:30

Luxembourg 50/1
Draw 9/1
Holland 1/50

Get on: Holland

Match Special:
Kuyt to score a hat-trick 11/1

Germany v Rep of Ireland Saturday 2nd September 19:45

Germany 4/9
Draw 3/1
Rep of Ireland 7/1

Get on: Germany

Match Special:
Germany to win and keep a clean sheet 11/10

Italy v Lithuania Saturday 2nd September 19:50

Italy 1/7
Draw 11/2
Lithuania 16/1

Get on: Italy

Match Special:
Pirlo to score direct from a free kick 13/2

Spain v Liechtenstein Saturday 2nd September 21:00

Spain 1/50
Draw 10/1
Liechtenstein 80/1

Get on: Spain

Match Special:
Villa to score a hat-trick 10/1

Brazil v Argentina Sunday 3rd September 16:00 Live on BBC

Brazil 6/4
Draw 11/5
Argentina 7/4

Get on: Argentina

Match Special:
Riquelme to score at any time 7/2



Copyright (c) Gerry McDonnell & soccerphile.com

A Ferd in the hand is worth two on the box

There’s only one thing in life that’s more enjoyable than an evening with the wife and kids, and that’s an evening without the wife and kids. Whenever I’m lucky enough to be rid of the evil one and her two clones, I like to relax in front of the box with a couple of lagers watching quality television programming.

As the free-view doesn’t kick off until 11:00pm, my programme of choice is ideally football related and entertaining, thus immediately ruling Soccer AM out of the equation. With the exception of the imperious Jeff Stelling show on a Saturday afternoon, other programmes struggle to match my demanding criteria, so you can imagine my unconfined joy when news broke that Rio Ferdinand was set to enter the world of light entertainment.

His wind-up show was a disappointment, the sketch where he ‘murked’ the drug testers by forgetting to turn up was left out, as was the one where he ‘murked’ the Man U board by refusing to sign a contract until their wage offer rose from £100,000 to £110,000 a week. I imagine the sketch where he was going to ‘murk’ Martin Jol by pretending to bid £18m for Michael Carrick was pulled for being too unrealistic.

Rio has been offered another bite at the TV cherry, the premise being that Ferd and his crew will ‘pimp’ up the pads of….fellow millionaire professional footballers. I literally can wait.

Talking of pimping, Wayne Rooney misses United’s match against Watford due to the FA upholding a ridiculous ban for a red card in a friendly. Rooney’s agent hit back by threatening to withhold Wayne’s image rights; I can only guess that Rooney suggested ‘upping the ante’ and Stretford misunderstood. United have won their last six against Watford, the Mancs are the weekend nap at 2/5.

With Rooney banned, best pal Cristiano ‘more dives than Glasgow’ Ronaldo should be backed to net the opener. Ronnie’s been priced up at 15/2, a price so big I almost fell over.

Watford were absolutely robbed by the ref at Goodison Park, they’re now playing Man U, they’ll be lucky if they’re awarded a throw in. Watford won’t score, take 21/20 about a United win coupled with a clean sheet.

Arsenal have treated Man City in recent years like Ben Thatcher treats Pedro Mendes, they’ve pounded on them unmercifully. (Mendes is not the first person to be unable to work thanks to Thatcher.) Arsenal have left Manchester with all three points on their last eight visits, you’ve got to fancy the Gunners at 8/11 to reach number nine. Someone’s going to take a pommeling at the hands of the Wenger boys soon, there’s a decent chance it’ll be Thatcher’s mob.

Blackburn players do enjoy a challenge. The wild Rovers had two players sent off on the opening day, that’s virtually a friendly for Savage & co. Chelsea were turned over at Ewood Park last season, a repeat is out of the question. A wounded Chelsea are a great bet at 4/7 to make amends for their Boro bashing.

I had my fingers burnt by Liverpool last week, but the Reds can make amends at home to West Ham. Liverpool’s attacking options were limited when Stevie G snatched the FA Cup from the Hammers’ grasp in May, but now they have three quality marksmen and Peter Crouch competing for a start. The Pool should be backed at a healthy 1/2.

Fulham look a promising investment at home to Sheff U at 10/11. Chris Coleman’s battlers won the same amount of home matches as Manchester United last season, only a disastrous campaign on the road ensured a 12th place finish. I’m a little worried about the Malbranque situation, Chris Coleman appears to be cutting off his nose to spite his face; that’s only a good idea if you’re Iain Dowie. If the Cottagers come anywhere near replicating last season’s home form, we’re venturing towards decent stake territory.

David O’Leary’s lackadaisical attitude ensured the Villa team rolled over and died away at Arsenal in a 5-0 defeat just four months ago, yet under Martin O’Neill, the same group of players were able to fight like the wife ‘when the decorators visit’ to nick a commendable draw. The Villa are worth a bet at 7/5 at home to Newcastle, simply because of the O’Neill factor.

I’m a great believer in positive thinking. There’s an old saying that I hold dear, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, then Paul Jewell will probably buy you’. You shouldn’t kick a dead dog, but I can’t help but feel that the signing of Heskey will prove disastrous for Wigan. Reading have started the season well, they’re worth a second look at 3/1 to leave the JJB with three points.

The acc of the week:

The accer this week is so certain, that even under extreme torture it would refuse to budge. Liverpool, Fulham, Tottenham, Arsenal and Aston Villa are the good things, you’re looking at a payout of 17/1.

The weekend specials:

“A little Camp?” - Ivan Campo to score with a header 20/1
“A professional Fowl” - Robbie Fowler to score a penalty 6/1
“Bull's high” - Jimmy Bullard to score with a header 14/1
“A very dirty Vid” - Mark Viduka to be sent off 20/1

The quote of the week:

“He’s not intelligent.”
Jose ‘all tact’ Mourinho, when asked about Michael Essien.

The lay man:

Sheff Utd are begging to be laid at 10/3 for their trip to the Cottage, this is possibly how the expression ‘easy money’ originated. Help yourself at Betfair, Backandlay or Betdaq.


Weekend Betting:


Liverpool v West Ham Saturday 26th August 12.45 Live on Premiership Plus

Liverpool 1/2
Draw 10/3
West Ham 15/2

Get on: Liverpool

Match Special:
Bellamy to score two or more goals 5/1

Charlton v Bolton Saturday 26th August 15.00

Charlton 6/4
Draw 9/4
Bolton 9/5

Get on: Draw

Match Special:
Match to finish 1-1 11/2

Fulham v Sheff Utd Saturday 26th August 15.00

Fulham 10/11
Draw 9/4
Sheff Utd 3/1

Get on: Fulham

Match Special:
Papa Bouba Diop to score with a header 10/1

Tottenham v Everton Saturday 26th August 15.00

Tottenham 4/5
Draw 12/5
Everton 4/1

Get on: Tottenham

Match Special:
Berbatov and Keane both to score 13/2

Watford v Man Utd Saturday 26th August 15.00

Watford 15/2
Draw 10/3
Man Utd 2/5

Get on: Man Utd

Match Special:
Ronaldo to score direct from a free-kick 8/1

Wigan v Reading Saturday 26th August 15.00

Wigan Evs
Draw 9/4
Reading 3/1

Get on: Reading

Match Special:
Lita to score the only goal of the game 50/1

Man City v Arsenal Saturday 26th August 17.15 Live on Premiership Plus

Man City 9/2
Draw 13/5
Arsenal 8/11

Get on: Arsenal

Match Special:
Henry to score a hat-trick 25/1

Aston Villa v Newcastle Sunday 27th August 14.00 Live on Sky

Aston Villa 7/5
Draw 9/4
Newcastle 2/1

Get on: Aston Villa

Match Special:
Angel to score with a header 6/1

Blackburn v Chelsea Sunday 27th August 16.00 Live on Sky

Blackburn 6/1
Draw 11/4
Chelsea 4/7

Get on: Chelsea

Match Special:
John Terry to score at any time 5/1

Middlesbrough v Portsmouth Monday 28th August 20.00 Live on Sky

Middlesbrough 5/4
Draw 5/2
Portsmouth 11/4

Get on: Draw

Match Special:
Boateng to be booked 6/4

FC Seoul v Suwon Bluewings

Images of the recent FC Seoul v Suwon Bluewings FA Cup tie which was settled on penalties.






Copyright: John Duerden & Soccerphile

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The Player, The Coach and His Boss

So Wayne Rooney is going to the World Cup but do Manchester United want him there?

Absolutely no chance, is the answer. Rooney's scan declared the bone healed but as with all complex fractures the bone is only one part of the story and Sir Alex Ferguson is desperate for the player to remain in Manchester and rehabilitate. But FIFA rules stipulate that the national team takes precedent and Rooney rejoined the England squad.

After all the media speculation, wrangling and sackings Wayne Rooney will be part of England's World Cup squad no matter how much Fergie dislikes it. The most talented Englishman of his generation is at the centre of a fierce club versus country row, which threatens to obliterate relationships between the national FA and the land's biggest team. The argument, which came to a boil inside a private health clinic in Cheshire last night, centres on how fit Rooney actually is. United believe that he has not healed sufficiently to take part in the tournament, while England are desperate to gamble of the Red's prize asset.

In the end the FA insisted on calling in a FIFA doctor to pronounce that the player could be part of the squad and under FIFA rules United has no choice but to release the player. It also prompted a furious phone call between Sir Alex Ferguson, who is looking after the interests of Manchester United, and Sven Goran Eriksson who desperately trying to salvage his reputation in the motherland of football.

So victory to the FA then? Certainly that is the mood inside the camp if Leif Sward, the England doctor's, arm waving, fist pumping triumphalist return to Germany is anything to go by. The player is delighted, naturally, that he's part of the squad - even if it is against the advice of at least some of the medical community

But the presence of Manchester United's lawyers inside the medical centre while the results were being assessed is an ominous sign. This is a row that could get ugly, very ugly. United are already backing Charleroi's case against the Moroccan FA, in which they are claiming compensation for a player injured on international duty that could have a significant impact on how litigious the Manchester club gets. The ultimate scenario being that Wayne Rooney re-fractures the bone and is out for a considerable length of time prompting United to seek millions in compensation.

Copyright (c) Ranter & Soccerphile.com

World Cup News

Marlon, Hammer Reds and Pool Wails

In the majority of cases, there is no truth in a supposed national stereotype. The Germans are not all methodical robots; the French are not all obnoxious and the Americans are certainly not all overweight, self important, unintelligent, tambourine banging losers who you’d rather cross the street from rather than risk the possibility of any form of social interaction.

However, there’s a certain amount of truth in the stereotype surrounding the typical Brit, it’s believed that the Englishman will always support the underdog, and true to form, I’m tipping the Hammers to nail the Reds in the FA Cup final.

It’s not an inherited irrational dislike of the favourite that points me towards West Ham, in fact I have no real empathy with the outsider; I once found myself in the position of an underdog, nine months later, I had to marry her, so it’s a particularly painful memory. It’s simply value for money that makes the Hammers such an excellent investment at Betfair’s 3/1 to lift the trophy. West Ham are trading at 11/2 with the same exchange to win the match in 90 minutes, and that’s so close to irresistible it’s almost whispering seductively.

There’s no doubting the fact that the Pool are worthy favourites, Steven Gerrard is a genuine world class operator plucked directly out of the top drawer, but if you put Gerrard to one side, the difference between the two teams is minimal. In fact, there is an argument that would suggest that West Ham’s forward line is stronger than Liverpool’s; and being an argumentative so and so, I subscribe to that point of view. Stan James have priced Marlon Harewood up at 9/1 to bag the opener and that’s worth a little play.

Anton Ferdinand has been a revelation this season, some might say he’s outperformed his older, more forgetful sibling. Another cracker from the Ferd should be enough to quell the mediocre Liverpool attack (Fowler’s Cup-tied); a Hammers clean sheet is available at 7/2 with Betfred; while a win coupled with a clean sheet appeals at the 17/2 on offer from Boylesports.

Marriage is the fastest route to the poor house, but correct score betting in competitive matches runs it pretty close. As it’s a special occasion, Paddy Power’s offer of 12/1 about a 1-0 win for the Hammers is a tentative pick.

I’ve made no secret of my admiration for Yossi Benayoun; the Israeli playmaker has been one of the players of the season. I’ve miraculously managed to hide a couple of quid from the evil one; I’ll be backing Yossi to be the man of the match at 20/1 with Bet Direct.

Super Soccer have knocked up a few big match specials:

“Red red whine” - Liverpool to have a player sent off 9/1
“A Hammer blow” - West Ham to have a player sent off 9/1

“A Re-Pete” - Crouch to score two or more goals 7/1
“The Hare's running” - Harewood to score two or more goals 9/1

“Stevie wonder” - Gerrard to score from outside the area 11/2
“Fletcher scores in strange ways” - Carl Fletcher to score from outside the area 25/1

“Never trust a Hyypi” - Sami Hyypia to be booked 11/4
“Anton deck” - Ferdinand to be booked 7/4

“A slippery Pool side” - Liverpool to win in extra time 6/1
“Hammer bothered” - West Ham to win in extra time 14/1

“They've nicked it” - Liverpool to win on penalties 14/1
“Carroll smiley” - West Ham to win on penalties 14/1

The Betting:

To win the Cup

Liverpool 1/3 Super Soccer
West Ham 3/1 Betfair

90 minutes betting

Liverpool 4/6 Super Soccer
Draw 3/1 Premier Bet
West Ham 11/2 Betfair


There’s also a Cup final in Scotland, back Hearts at 4/9 with Ladbrokes.
Bet with Bet 365

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She’s got one hand in my pocket

Even a blind squirrel occasionally finds an acorn. I permed my five strongest fancies in doubles and upwards last week, in what proved to be the tastiest Canadian since Alanis Morissette. Speaking of the diminutive whiny artiste, she once wrote a song with the following lyrics, ‘It’s like 10,000 spoons when all you need is a knife, isn’t it ironic? The answer is no. If you’re looking for a knife, the cutlery drawer should be the first port of call, searching in some sort of spoon factory was flawed from the very beginning.

There’s no doubting the irony surrounding Sunday’s FA Cup semi final between Boro and West Ham; two English managers will face off in England’s greatest competition, on St George’s Day, fighting to reach the Cathedral of English football; the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Both teams have been priced up at 6/4 to win the match, after securing victory in the warm up earlier in the week, the Boro are a tentative pick.

Chelsea are a far more confident selection when they meet Liverpool in the other semi. Liverpool may have had the rub of the green in European competition against Jose’s superstars, but the Champions have handed the Reds a couple of real spankings in the Premiership. At 11/10, Chelsea are a boot-filler.

Adding a virtual Champions League playoff to a North London derby is like pairing lager with a chicken madras; a mouth-watering prospect. Arsenal are finishing the season like a train; chalk up this battle to the Gunners at 4/5, as the war for four escalates.

Bolton’s demise has been grossly exaggerated, only Chelsea and Man U have won at the Reebok since August. Big Sam’s gang host a Charlton team that collected three points against Pompey on Monday, but the police are considering launching an investigation as it was such a blatant robbery. A home win looks attractive at 4/5.

The odds makers will occasionally price up a game where a team that needs a result will be a shorter price than their true probability should dictate. A poor West Brom side are only 3/1 to win at St James’ Park against an in form Newcastle due to the ‘need to win’ factor, resulting in the Toon Army being available at a relatively huge 8/11. The Geordies receive the coveted ‘nap of the week’ award.

After drawing away at Old Trafford, Sunderland will be hoping that lightning strikes twice (that’s one more than Jonathan Stead) as they travel to Fratton Park. Pompey destroyed the Mackems at the Stadium of Light when they weren’t playing well, they’re absolutely flying now. Portsmouth at 1/3 are the next best bet on the coupon.

Wigan’s season has been nothing short of a fairytale, and they’ll be hoping for a happy ending at the enchanted Cottage. As Fulham’s home form has been sensational, the even money about a home win is the call. Sometimes, the bears have to eat.


The weekend specials revolve around the North London derby:

“Coming to an Ed” - Edgar Davids to score at any time 6/1
“What a Lehmann” - Arsenal to keep a clean sheet 11/8
“Imagine” - Aaron Lennon to score at any time 9/2
“RSVP” - Reyes, Silva and Van Persie all to score 100/1
“Carri OK” - Michael Carrick to score at any time 8/1

Quote of the week:

“If you have a car and you win a race, you cannot just settle for that, you must try and make the car better. We're a good car, but you always want a bigger engine.”

Rafa Benitez tells a familiar tale.

Stat, you’re a liberty:

There is only one team in the Premiership who have not been involved in a goalless draw this season, it’s Wigan.

Acc of the week:

Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle, Portsmouth and Fulham are all standout wagers on their own, throw them together and you have ‘super wager’, an accer that pays out at a sweet 16/1.

Weekend Betting:


Arsenal v Tottenham Saturday 22nd April 12.45 Live on Sky

Arsenal 4/5
Draw 12/5
Tottenham 11/4

Get on: Arsenal

The Gunners have won their last six at home; Spurs have only won two of their last eight on the road, losing five of the other six. Spurs have lost on their last seven visits to Highbury.
Match Special:
Thierry Henry to score two or more goals 9/2

Bolton v Charlton Saturday 22nd April 15.00

Bolton 4/5
Draw 12/5
Charlton 11/4

Get on: Bolton

Bolton have only lost 2 of their last 15 home matches; Charlton haven’t won on their travels in the league for six months.
Match Special:
Nolan to score at any time 2/1

Everton v Birmingham Saturday 22nd April 15.00

Everton 6/5
Draw 12/5
Birmingham 7/4

Get on: Everton

Tottenham are the only visitors to win at Goodison Park this year; Blues have only managed wins on the road at Sunderland and West Bromwich this season. Birmingham have not won at Goodison Park since the 50’s.
Match Special:
Beattie to score the only goal of the game 25/1

Newcastle v West Brom Saturday 22nd April 15.00

Newcastle 8/11
Draw 5/2
West Brom 3/1

Get on: Newcastle

Newcastle have won their last four; the Baggies haven’t won in ten. West Brom have never beaten the Geordies in the Premiership.
Match Special:
Newcastle to keep a clean sheet 6/5

Portsmouth v Sunderland Saturday 22nd April 15.00

Portsmouth 1/3
Draw 7/2
Sunderland 6/1

Get on: Portsmouth

Pompey have only lost one of their last seven, scoring 14 goals along the way. Sunderland have kept one clean sheet in their last 13 matches.
Match Special:
Mendes to score at any time 7/2

Chelsea v Liverpool FA Cup semi final Saturday 22nd April 17.15 Live on BBC

Chelsea 11/10
Draw 2/1
Liverpool 9/4

Get on: Chelsea

Liverpool have won their last seven, but have not played anyone close to Chelsea’s class in that run. Chelsea have already completed a league double over the Reds, winning both games convincingly.
Match Special:
Chelsea to score three or more goals 4/1

Middlesbrough v West Ham FA Cup semi final Sunday 23rd April 16.00 Live on Sky

Middlesbrough 6/4
Draw 11/5
West Ham 6/4

Get on: Middlesbrough

With both teams resting players in the run up to this match, the value of recent form is questionable. At the available prices and with the Boro strikers looking sharp, McClaren’s men receive the nod.
Match Special:
Hasselbaink to score at any time 7/4

Fulham v Wigan Monday 24th April 20.00 Live on Sky

Fulham Evs
Draw 9/4
Wigan 9/4

Get on: Fulham

Fulham have won 11 times at home this season, that’s only one less than the title challenging Man U. Wigan have only won one of their last five.
Match Special:
Fulham to win and keep a clean sheet 2/1

Soccer in European Capitals

Slovenian capital Ljubljana the only one without a team in the
top flight

Slovenska sramota - Ljubljana jedina bez prvoligaša
Jedini europski glavni grad koji nema nijednog nogometnog prvoligaša je - Ljubljana. I ne tako čudan podatak, s obzirom na tretman koji je nogomet imao u Sloveniji još u vrijeme postojanja Jugoslavije: nikakav!

Zadnji je ljubljanski klub u Si.Mobil Ligi bila Olimpija, koja je međutim zbog financijskih teškoća amaterizirana i poslana u četvrti rang natjecanja.

Istraživanje koje je proveo slovenski magazin Sportal pokazuje da Atena, Moskva i Tbilisi daju najviše klubova svojim nacionalnim prvim ligama, po sedam, dok je relativno najzastupljeniji armenski glavni grad Erevan, sa šest klubova od devet armenskih prvoligaša.

Zagreb daje tri prvoligaša, ako ubrojimo Inter iz Zaprešića, koji formalno nosi titulu posebnog grada, no koji u narodu uživa status predgrađa (otud i Interov nadimak "Diva iz predgrađa").

Pogledajmo sve klubove iz europskih glavnih gradova

Sedam klubova:
Grčka (16 klubova u 1. ligi) - Atena: Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, AEK, Atromitos, Egaleo, Ionikos, Kallithea
Gruzija (16) - Tbilisi: Dinamo, WIT, Ameri, Lokomotivi, Dinamo Sokhumi, Spektakl, Tbilisi
Rusija (16) - Moskva: CSKA, Moskva, Spartak, Saturn, Lokomotiv, Dinamo, Torpedo

Šest klubova:
Engleska (20) - London: Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, West Ham United, Charlton Athletic, Fulham
Armenija (9) - Erevan: Ararat, Banants, Kilikia, Lernajin Artsah, Pjunik, Dinamo Zenit
Azerbejdžan (14) - Baku: Baku, Inter, Karabah, MOIK, Nefči, Olimpik
Srbija i Crna Gora (16) - Beograd: Crvena zvezda, Partizan, Voždovac, OFK Beograd, Rad, Obilić

Pet klubova:
Irska (12) Dublin: St. Patrick's, Shelbourne, Dublin City, University College Dublin, Bohemians
Mađarska (16) - Budimpešta: Ujpesti ZE, MTK, Honved, Ferencvaros, Vasas
Rumunjska (16) - Bukurešt: Steaua, Rapid, Dinamo, National 2000, Sportul Studentesc

Četiri kluba:
Bjelorusija (14) - Minsk: Dinamo, Lokomotiv, MTZ RIPO, Zvezda BGU
Bugarska (16) - Sofija: CSKA, Levski, Lokomotiv, Slavija
Cipar (14) - Nikozija: APOEL, Omonia, Akritas, Olympiakos
Island (10) - Reykjavik: Valur, Fylkir, Fram, Throttur
Makedonija (12) - Skopje: Rabotnički, Vardar, Makedonija, Cementarnica

Tri kluba:
Albanija (10) - Tirana: Dinamo, Partizani, Tirana
Andora (8) - Andorra la Vella: Lusitans, Principat, Ranger's
Bosna i Hercegovina (16) - Sarajevo: Sarajevo, Željezničar, Slavija
Estonija (10) - Talin: TVMK, Flora, Ajax Lasnamae
Hrvatska (12) - Zagreb: Dinamo, Zagreb
Litva (10) - Vilnius: Žalgiris, Vilnius, Vetra
Moldavija (8) - Kišinjev: Zimbru, Dacia, Politechnica
Portugal (18) - Lisabon: Sporting, Benfica, Belenenses
Sjeverna Irska (16) - Belfast: Linfield, Glentoran, Cliftonville
Španjolska (20) - Madrid: Real, Atletico, Getafe

Dva kluba:
Austrija (10) - Beč: Austria, Rapid
Belgija (18) - Bruxelles: Anderlecht, Molenbeek
Češka (16) - Praga: Slavija, Sparta
Farski otoci (10) - Torshavn: B36, HB
Italija (20) - Rim: Roma, Lazio
Latvija (8) - Riga: Riga, Skonto
Norveška (14) - Oslo: Lyn, Valerenga
Poljska (16) - Varšava: Legia, Polonia
Slovačka (10) - Bratislava: Artmedia Petržalka, Inter
Škotska (12) - Glasgow: Rangers, Celtic
Švedska (14) - Stockholm: Djurgardens, Hammarby
Ukrajina (16) - Kijev: Dynamo, Arsenal

Jedan klub:
Danska (12) - Kopenhagen: FC Kobenhavn
Finska (14) - Helsinki: HJK Helsinki
Francuska (20) - Pariz: PSG

Nula klubova:
Slovenija (10) - Ljubljana: nijedan

(Source: Sportal)

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MLS 2006 – Sowing Another Seed of Hope

The U.S. domestic league kicked off its second decade yesterday with survival still the key and a sense of established security still elusive.

Everyone is Europe asks if and when football is going to grow in America and the answer is still the same: Give it time.

If crowds are the measure of success then MLS is either stagnant or stable, depending on how you look at it. Attendances have stayed at around 15,000 over the past decade although some clubs do better than others. The LA Galaxy drew a respectable 21,677 average last season and new arrivals Real Salt Lake were second on 18,037 and Chivas USA fourth with 17,080.

The league is certainly in better financial health than before having jettisoned its lowly-supported teams, moved into new stadia and signed a recent $150 million sponsorship deal with Adidas, and will still leap at any opportunity to cash in if European clubs want to sign its players.

Last year the league took the unprecedented step of revealing some salary figures, which made interesting reading. Top of the pile was LA’s Landon Donovan on $900,000 but at the other end Chicago's Gonzalo Segares took home a measly $11,700.

Teammate Chris Rolfe, who recently played striker for the US National Team, collected a paltry $16,500 while fellow US international Clint Dempsey, who scored against England last summer and got the winner in the US' recent win over Poland, earned a modest $57,875, some way behind their European colleagues and light years behind the stars of America’s major sports leagues.

The new season sees the first franchise move in the league's history with the San Jose Earthquakes, one of the league's top teams, moving from Northern California to Texas to become the Houston Dynamo.

The Earthquakes had been losing money hand over fist renting a stadium from San Jose State University, and MLS, which still controls the clubs centrally, was not prepared to sustain the losses for another season.

Houston, the nation's fourth largest city with a substantial Hispanic and football-loving population, was an obvious candidate for expansion. But the initial team name of Houston 1836, with its commemoration of Anglo-American victory, offended that very Latin community the league had angled to appeal to, so the name was swiftly and embarrassingly changed to the less offensive Dynamo.

This was par for the course for MLS, which had seen two teams vanish (Miami and Tampa Bay) as well as four name changes in its first ten years.

There have been several such 'seminal' moments since MLS was born in 1996, the question remaining how many of these scattered seeds will truly take root in the long term. At least the days of playing on Astroturf with American Football markings, 35 yard shoot out to settle drawn matches and jazzy stadium announcements during the game are over.

Chicago will also open the nation's fourth professional soccer-specific stadium when they kick off in June at their 20,000 capacity Bridgeview home. Because of construction delays the Fire will oddly play their first nine games away and then have nine in a row at home from late June to mid August.

Five of the league's twelve sides will be playing in their own football-only stadia, which is the key to maximizing revenue and keeping the league going. A further four have stadium plans in place so the days of 15,000 crowds drowning in 80,000 seat NFL bowls should soon be over.

The Kansas City Wizards, owned by Lamar Hunt, founder of NFL's Superbowl, remain in limbo with a number of takeover possibilities after the billionaire passed on building a modest stadium for his team.

The fans are always eager for more teams but given one expansion team (Miami Fusion) folded after four years, the league is extremely wary and has insisted that only clubs with proper external financial backing and concrete plans for an exclusive stadium will be considered. On this basis, MLS has confirmed that Toronto will join the league in 2007 while several American cities continue to inspire rumours.

The quality of MLS play did not blind us again in 2005 although the MLS All-Star team beat Premiership Fulham convincingly 4-1 at the start of the season, a game US fans will recall for some time.

Reigning champions LA Galaxy are still the team to beat with Landon Donovan their talisman and 1990 World Cup veteran Cobi Jones still on their books.

From the opposing coast the New England Revolution, coached by former Liverpool midfielder Steve Nicol and England striker Paul Mariner, are also expected to mount a stiff challenge although could lose upcoming star Clint Dempsey and striker Taylor Twellman following their World Cup duties for the United States in June.

The big news though has been the name change of the Metrostars to New York Red Bulls. The team that began life as the long-winded New York/New Jersey Metrostars ten years ago has never approached the popularity of the New York Cosmos and their 70,000+ crowds of the late 1970s but at least will have their own stadium to play in before long in Harrison, New Jersey.

European fans will predictably pour scorn on a corporate naming of a team but although it is a first for US major league sport it is not for football – Philips SV Eindhoven and Bayer Leverkusen are just two who got there first in Europe.

The team colours and future stadium name will reflect the famous energy drink and although the price for this 'sell-out', divided between major investor-operator AEG and MLS, has not been confirmed, it has certainly exceeded the $26million the same company bought the LA Galaxy for in 1998.

"This is a seminal moment in the history of this team and this league," general manager and former US soccer icon Alexi Lalas told the media. On that we are all agreed, but will the seed flower or wither is the unanswerable question on everyone's lips.

Lastly there is the matter of the month of June. While MLS is in full flow, the World Cup will be going on in Germany. MLS Commissioner Don Garber has accepted that sooner or later they will have to fit in with FIFA's international calendar but for the moment the show goes on during football’s biggest tournament.

In 2002 the US reached the quarter-finals but the knock on effect on domestic crowds was not noticeable even though the majority of its players had been in MLS, a statistic that will be true again this summer.

While MLS grows slowly but surely, unless the US wins the right to host the World Cup again, which probably will not be until 2018, the national team's exploits on the world stage provide the only source of optimism for football getting a kick across the pond.

There will be millions stateside watching the 2006 tournament, many of them so-called 'soccer snobs' who disdain the domestic version, but one can only hope that out there in America, a land that rates domestic competition above all others, there are those whose interest will be sparked by the World Cup and who will then come and give Major League Soccer the fans it needs, and increasingly deserves. Sean O'Conor


Eastern Conference

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Western Conference

Chivas USA
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LA Galaxy
Real Salt Lake

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José, can you see? (The star-mangled spanner)

I have a confession for you all; i’m in the middle of a bad run. After narrowly losing out in the award for ‘Sports journalist of the year’, i was surprisingly pipped at the post for the ‘Gambling personality of the year’ gong. I’ve now discovered that i didn’t even make the top three in the wife’s ‘Best lover of the year’ category, although to be fair, I was runner up in 2003. It could be worse though, I could be José Mourinho.

Chelsea have had a week from hell; Arjen Robben has been banned for four games following a horrific attack on Jonathan Greening, where he flew through the air like a crazed ninja with legs well and truly akimbo. John Terry has been chastised by the press for consistently leading a lynch mob to surround referees, Barcelona strolled to Champions League qualification, and now FIFA have announced that two referees per match is a consideration; presumably, one to keep an eye on the always theatrical Didier Drogba. A bad run attracts an even worse run, Tottenham can snatch a draw at the Bridge, get on at 11/4.

There’s an old Chinese saying, ‘If the purple nosed jockey wants to win the big race, he shouldn’t swap a horse for a donkey.’ For some reason, this makes me think of the Van Nistelrooy / Louis Saha situation at Man Utd. If the rumour mill is correct and Ruud is on his way out of Old Trafford, the betting opportunities are almost endless. Back Newcastle today at 13/2; get on Thierry Henry to win the Golden Boot at 13/8 and pile on Liverpool to finish runners up at 2/1. Call me a mad conspiracy theorist, but I’ve put two and two together; i’ve got a tutu.

As a result of Mick McCarthy receiving his P45, Sunderland are now a viable bet to see off Wigan at the Stadium of Light. The scientifically proven phenomenon of ‘replaced manager syndrome’ will undoubtedly come to the fore. An improved Sunderland performance is an absolute Shay; get on at 7/4.

If / when Portsmouth are relegated, Harry Redknapp will receive the honour of being the first manager to relegate different teams from the Premiership in successive seasons. A quite remarkable achievement; who said that Harry had lost his magic? Madman Joey Barton returns for Man City, as will their form on the road; City are a confident call at 11/8.

At first glance, ‘Robbie Savage’s excellent record’ would appear to be a contradiction in terms, much like ‘Chelsea sportsmanship’ or ‘Soccer AM – The best bits’. But incredibly, the blonde bombshell has only been on the losing side once in 18 matches against Aston Villa. That stat’s impressive, but so are Villa away from home. O’Leary has an honest bunch of lads; they should be backed at 9/4 to take a point home from Blackburn.

Jasper Carrott and Frank Skinner will be glued to Soccer Saturday when Birmingham host West Brom in an old fashioned six pointer; although there’s nothing funny about relegation from the Premiership, or Frank Skinner. Birmingham are the better team, they have home advantage, even money is a little treat.

The weekend specials:

“The crying Dutchman” - Van Nistelrooy not to score 5/6
“The Beat goes on” - James Beattie to score two or more goals 5/1
“Brom disposal” - Birmingham to score three or more goals 4/1
“A high roller” - Drogba to score with a header 9/2

Quote of the week:

“I don’t think so; Barcelona could not beat us 11 v 11.”
The deluded José Mourinho, responding to the question, “Did the better team qualify?”

Stat, you’re a liberty:

If Fulham could replicate their home form on the road, they would be Chelsea’s closest challengers.

Acc of the week:

Birmingham, Everton, Man City and Arsenal form the weekend accer. It’s so cute, you could take it home to meet your mother; it pays out at 17/1.

Weekend Betting:

Birmingham v West Brom Saturday 11th March 12.00

Birmingham Evs
Draw 9/4
West Brom 9/4

Get on: Birmingham

Blues have won every Premiership match against the Baggies at St Andrew’s, and won 3-2 at the Hawthorns earlier in the season. City have won two of the last three by a goal to nil, a trend that looks set to continue against the out of form Baggies.
Match Special:
Birmingham to win 1-0 6/1

Chelsea v Tottenham Saturday 11th March 12.45 Live on Premiership Plus

Chelsea 4/9
Draw 11/4
Tottenham 11/2

Get on: Draw

Chelsea have only won 5 of their last 11; Tottenham are undefeated in four. This is not the formality that 4/9 would suggest.
Match Special:
Match to finish 1-1 13/2

Bolton v West Ham Saturday 11th March 15.00

Bolton Evs
Draw 9/4
West Ham 9/4

Get on: Draw

This is the 4th instalment of a 5 match extravaganza between West Ham and Bolton this season; Big Sam’s men are currently 2-1-0. It finished 0-0 in the FA Cup at the Reebok a couple of weeks back, a repeat can not be ruled out.
Match Special:
No goal scorer in the match 8/1

Everton v Fulham Saturday 11th March 15.00

Everton 8/11
Draw 9/4
Fulham 10/3

Get on: Everton

A great stat in this fixture, every time they’ve met in the Premiership (9 times), the home team has emerged victorious. Fulham have never won a league match at Goodison Park in 55 years (on and off) of trying. Everton have won four of the last five at Goodison 1-0, I rest my case.
Match Special:
Everton to win 1-0 6/1

Portsmouth v Man City Saturday 11th March 15.00

Portsmouth 13/8
Draw 11/5
Man City 11/8

Get on: Man City

Harry’s men have only picked up 1 point out of a possible 24, they’re going down. City have won their last three against Pompey, it’s about to become four.
Match Special:
Man City to score three or more goals 5/1

Sunderland v Wigan Saturday 11th March 15.00

Sunderland 7/4
Draw 9/4
Wigan 5/4

Get on: Sunderland

Wigan’s winless run has now reached nine games; Sunderland’s caretaker manager Kevin Ball couldn’t have picked a better match to open his account, apart from Portsmouth at home, or West Brom at home.
Match Special:
Sunderland to keep a clean sheet 2/1

Blackburn v Aston Villa Saturday 11th March 17.15 Live on Premiership Plus

Blackburn 8/11
Draw 9/4
Aston Villa 10/3

Get on: Draw

It’s three consecutive home wins for Blackburn; the Villa haven’t tasted defeat on the road for four months. That’ll be a draw then.
Match Special:
Match to finish 2-2 14/1

Man Utd v Newcastle Sunday 12th March 13.30 Live on Sky

Man Utd 2/5
Draw 11/4
Newcastle 13/2

Get on: Newcastle

Man U looked far from comfortable last time out at the JJB, a 2-1 win was daylight robbery. It’s five wins out of six for the Toon Army, I’ve seen worse 13/2 shots.
Match Special:
Emre or Solano to score at any time 15/8

Charlton v Middlesbrough Sunday 12th March 15.00

Charlton 10/11
Draw 9/4
Middlesbrough 5/2

Get on: Draw

Charlton’s last three games have finished goalless; Boro have either kept a clean sheet or failed to score in eight of their last nine games. 4 of the last 10 between these two have finished goalless, you can rule out a 4-4 draw.
Match Special:
No Goalscorer in the match 8/1

Arsenal v Liverpool Sunday 12th March 16.00 Live on Sky

Arsenal 6/5
Draw 11/5
Liverpool 15/8

Get on: Arsenal

Liverpool are not performing away from home, it’s four defeats from their last six on the road. Arsenal have won this fixture convincingly for the last couple of seasons, 3-1 and 4-2. One goal should be enough for the Gunners to take the points in this one.
Match Special:
Arsenal to win 1-0 6/1

Smudge not, lest ye be Smudged

Throughout history, if a cause is powerful enough, people will unite to make the World a better place. Thousands shared Woodstock’s vision of peace and love, and even more answered a hairy Irishman’s call, when he arranged for average middle of the road pop acts to perform across four continents, in a half-assed attempt to reduce global poverty. When Middlesbrough play Birmingham on Saturday 4th March, we too can make a stand against a new evil, incorrectly priced football teams. Let’s come together to back the Boro at 10/11.

McClaren’s men are standing strong in Europe and they’ve hit a purple patch in the league, while Birmingham hover just two places from the foot of the table. Admittedly it’s not risk free, but you’re taking a chance when you eat a late night kebab or when you sleep with loose women. Obviously I wouldn’t behave in such a manner myself, I don’t like chilli sauce. The Boro won 3-0 at St Andrew’s when they weren’t playing well, imagine what will happen at the Riverside now they are. At 10/11, this is the value bet of the season, spread the word.

Sam Allardyce asks a valid question. What does Kevin Nolan have to do to receive International recognition? Apart from growing another two and a half foot and signing for Liverpool, the answer is I just don’t know. Sven is not alone in underestimating Bolton, bookmakers have been slow to appreciate that they’re now a top 6 side.

A trip to St James’ Park won’t be easy though, Newcastle have collected 10 points out of a possible 12 recently, even the most optimistic/inebriated Geordie would have been surprised by that tally. This one has ‘draw’ written all over it, take advantage at 9/4.

If Liverpool had Darren Bent they’d be challenging Chelsea for the Title; they’ve got Peter Crouch, they’re not. Bent’s theatrics earned the Addicks three points against the Reds at the Valley just three weeks ago; revenge is a dish best served cold, like my dinner. The Pool will win; they’re available at 4/9.

I liked Psycho’s reaction to Joey Barton’s red card last week, “I’ll tell him that Stuart Pearce was sent off five times in 1,000 matches.” Although he makes an excellent point, Gerry McDonnell is not a fan of speaking in the third person. City improved when Barton left the pitch that day, a similar performance against Sunderland will see them romp home. Football is a funny old game, although I won’t be laughing if Sunderland win or draw, i’m on City at 2/5.

The Gunners form on the road is the most perplexing mystery since i found an extra large pair of boxer shorts under the bed. There’s no logical reason why Arsenal can win easily at the Bernabeu, yet take a beating at Ewood Park and the Hawthorns. The Gunners have a quality squad and could well leave the Cottage with three points, but after being bitten twice, you’ve got to stop stroking the dog. I’m backing Fulham at 7/4.

Fergie’s ruck with Van Nistelrooy has been headline news all week, but the real story to come out of United’s Carling Cup stroll should be the victory t-shirts. Alan Smith has been labelled ‘Smudge’; it’s perhaps the worst nickname in the history of football. The FA should launch an immediate enquiry into why ‘short stuff’, ‘nutjob’ and ‘meedy’ were cruelly overlooked. The art of nicknaming has joined rugby in England’s ‘We’re not good at doing it anymore’ column, a crying shame. This tips for you Smudger; get on Man Utd to beat Wigan at 8/13.

The weekend specials:

“The Gud book” - Gudjohnsen to be booked 4/1
“Brown knows” - Wes Brown to score at any time 12/1
“Agger, do do do” - Daniel Agger to be booked 5/2
“You can Ron, but you can’t Eid” - Ronaldo to score, Gudjohnsen not to score 10/3

Quote of the week:

“We’re not going to Cardiff for a nice day out.”
Paul Jewell pounded the nail on the head.

Stat, you’re a liberty:

The league table would have a slightly different look if matches ended at the 45 minute mark. Man Utd would be six points clear at the top of the table, while Everton would have consolidated their Champions League position. The bottom 3 would be Sunderland, Portsmouth and Birmingham; statisticians can not perform miracles.

Acc of the week:

Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, West Ham, Liverpool and Man Utd form a delightful little weekend accer; it’ll pay 14/1.


Weekend Betting:


West Brom v Chelsea Saturday 4th March 12.45 Live on Premiership Plus

West Brom 11/2
Draw 3/1
Chelsea 2/5

Get on: Chelsea

The Baggies have met Chelsea on five occasions in the Premiership, Chelsea have won every time. The Albion have been walloped in their last two matches, 2/5 looks generous.
Match Special:
Chelsea to win 2-0 11/2

Aston Villa v Portsmouth Saturday 4th March 15.00

Aston Villa 8/11
Draw 9/4
Portsmouth 10/3

Get on: Aston Villa

Pompey struggle at Villa Park, they’ve took a beating on their last eight visits. They’ve also lost on their last eight road trips in the league, there’s literally no hope for them.
Match Special:
Villa to keep a clean sheet 6/5

Fulham v Arsenal Saturday 4th March 15.00

Fulham 7/4
Draw 9/4
Arsenal 5/4

Get on: Fulham

Fulham have won eight of their last nine league matches at the Cottage, they drew the other. Arsenal have only won three times away from home in the league all season.
Match Special:
Fulham to win 1-0 7/1

Middlesbrough v Birmingham Saturday 4th March 15.00

Middlesbrough 10/11
Draw 9/4
Birmingham 5/2

Get on: Middlesbrough

The Boro have won five of their last six matches, while a 1-0 win over Sunderland hardly represents a return to form for Birmingham.
Match Special:
Hasselbaink and Yakubu both to score 13/2

Newcastle v Bolton Saturday 4th March 15.00

Newcastle 6/5
Draw 9/4
Bolton 9/5

Get on: Draw

It’s four wins and a draw from the Toon’s last five games. Bolton are a tough nut to crack though, as their 1-1 draw at Highbury underlines.
Match Special:
No goal scorer in the match 8/1

West Ham v Everton Saturday 4th March 15.00

West Ham Evs
Draw 9/4
Everton 9/4

Get on: West Ham

The Hammers have won seven of their last eight matches; the other was drawn at the Reebok. Everton have lost their last two away from home, it all adds up to a home win.
Match Special:
Ashton to score the first goal 9/2

Liverpool v Charlton Saturday 4th March 17.15 Live on Premiership Plus

Liverpool 4/9
Draw 13/5
Charlton 6/1

Get on: Liverpool

Liverpool have won five of their last six at Anfield by a goal to nil. It would have been six from six but for an Alonso own goal. Charlton haven’t won a league match away from home since October.
Match Special:
Liverpool to win 1-0 6/1

Man City v Sunderland Sunday 5th March 13.30 Live on Sky

Man City 2/5
Draw 11/4
Sunderland 13/2

Get on: Man City

City have won their last five in front of their own fans; Sunderland are atrocious.
Match Special:
City to score four or more goals 4/1

Tottenham v Blackburn Sunday 5th March 16.00 Live on Sky

Tottenham 5/6
Draw 9/4
Blackburn 11/4

Get on: Blackburn

A surprisingly quiet fixture recently, the last five games has produced a total of three goals. Spurs are feeling the pressure recently; it’s only one win in seven. Blackburn have won their last two, it could be a shock.
Match Special:
Bellamy to score the only goal of the game 50/1

Wigan v Man Utd Monday 6th March 20.00 Live on Sky

Wigan 7/2
Draw 13/5
Man Utd 8/13

Get on: Man Utd

It’s now seven without a win for Wigan. United won 4-0 in the league and matched that scoreline in a one-sided Cup final. Home advantage will make all the difference for the Latics; United will only win by three.
Match Special:
Man United to win 3-0 10/1

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