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World Cup Betting : Brazil vs Portugal
Bet on Brazil – Portugal
Kick-off: Friday, 25th June (Stadium: Durban Stadium, Durban)
Group G
Brazil
This is a game to be enjoyed. Sadly it will be devoid of Brazilian star Kaka, as he received a harsh red card at the end of his country’s 3-1 victory over the Ivory Coast. The biggest question now, is who will replace their talismanic figure? Coach Dunga will have to ponder that one, but it is not as if he is too short of options. What he does with the replacement of Kaka, may all depend on whether midfielder Elano is fit as well. The former Manchester City player went down in a heap under a tackle against the Ivory Coast and things looked bad for him. But the problem doesn’t seem to have been as bad as expected, and the player himself is hopeful of starting against Portugal. That is if Dunga wants to keep momentum going by fielding his strongest 11 (sans Kaka), or whether he wants to rest a few players for the challenges ahead. Friday’s opponents are the only team which can overtake Brazil at the top of Group G, so Dunga will be unlikely to sit back too much. He may simply send on Nilmar as part of his attack, and then drop the inspirational Robinho back into the centre to fill Kaka’s role. He could do that or simply send on a straight replacement in Julio Baptista. The winner of Group G will play the runners up from Group H, which contains Spain, and with the Spaniards in a scrap with Chile, there is the potential for a Brazil v Spain in the second round instead of the World Cup final as many expected it to be.
Dunga has had his critics, but he arguably has the best team at the World Cup. They showed against the Ivory Coast just why they are champion material. The strong African nation simply had to answer to the movement and power of Brazil, and with Luis Fabiano taking two great goals, the Ivory Coast were out of it before they really knew it. Although they got themselves a late consolation, even boss Sven Goran Eriksson commented on the strength of Brazil, saying that you have to be perfect to beat them. Brazil certainly are one of the front runners to win the World Cup, and they, along with Argentina are the two stand out teams of the tournament so far. So can the Portuguese cause them an upset? Despite this looking like such a tough group, the Brazilians in their own quiet and confident way, seem completely unfazed by the challenges in the group. The way they brushed aside the Ivory Coast was splendid, and Portugal will need to find that perfect balance between attack and defend if they are to get anything out of the match. The problem is, you get the feeling that if Portugal score one, then Brazil will score two. If Portugal score two, Brazil will score three, and so on. Portugal have Cristiano Ronaldo. Brazil have a team.
Portugal
This is a moment which Cristiano Ronaldo will enjoy. Ronaldo scored his first international goal for around two years when he netted in Portugal’s 7-0 rout of North Korea. The Portuguese turned on the style in the second half of their match, hitting the back of the net six times as the Koreans ran out of steam. That will have been a huge confidence booster to coach Carlos Queiroz, but they will all know, and will not have to be told that they will need to step up their levels against Brazil. They are not going to get the time and space they want against Brazil, and if they push too far forward in search of goal, Brazil have the perfect set up to counter attack. Realistically the seven goals do not much for Portugal, for when they faced the tougher opposition in the Ivory Coast, they looked a side without much flair for attack, even with Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo in the side. While Portugal themselves have their strengths in their defensive set up, there are questions whether or not they really have the fire power up front to trouble better teams. There is no greater test in world football than pitting yourself against Brazil.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo make the most of his moment in the sun? They are firmly in the driving seat for qualification ahead of the Ivory Coast, thanks to the seven goals scored. So even if they lose against Brazil, they should be in the next round, and there is the potential for a match against Spain to come if that happens. Portugal would need to get beaten heavily, and then see the Ivory Coast win heavily against the North Koreans if they are not to go through. All that is just a little bit too unlikely, but there is always pride at stake. What a confidence booster it would be to beat Brazil on the day, and beat them into second place in the group. The ironic thing would be for that to happen, and then for Spain to finish second in their group and Portugal have to play them. Are Portugal as good as Brazil? Of course not. They do not have the same over all composure, flair, defence or technical ability. That puts them at a disadvantage, and it will be interesting to see what side Dunga does put his. His starting eleven has been disrupted by Kaka’s dismissal, but the rest of the squad have been put through their paces, and someone else will get their chance to shine.
Match Verdict for play-poker-corp.com – Brazil win
Hard to bet against Brazil, as they are looking so organised and sharp in every aspect of their game. The victory against the Ivory Coast was even easier than many had expected, but the South Americans are so strong in all areas of the game, that they are seriously going to be difficult to break down. Portugal are not a great side by any stretch of the imagination. Even with Deco and Ronaldo in the side, they lack something going forward. Ronaldo, as much as he does not like it, has to carry the team, and he will be their great hope of sneaking something against the mighty Brazil. Everything just looks so easy when Brazil do it.
Category on play-poker-corp.com : World Cup 2010 Betting
World Cup Betting : Cameroon – Holland
Bet online Cameroon VS Netherlands
Thursday, 24th June – Stadium: Green Point Stadium, Cape Town
Group E
Holland
The Netherlands, who have been impressive in their build up to the World Cup, will look to put a final stamp on Group E with a comfortable victory over Cameroon in their final match. Their opposition have already been eliminated from the competition after two defeats, and that should mean that Holland will have comfortable match. Holland are pretty comfortable at the top of the group after picking up two wins, and a point would ensure they finish in top spot. Holland have six points at the moment, with Japan and Denmark behind them on three. With those two teams taking points off each other in their final match, Holland can be fairly assured of finishing top. A draw would be enough to secure that, but coach Bert van Marwijk will want to pick up another win to keep momentum going. Holland beat Denmark 2-0 in their opening fixture and then followed it up with a 1-0 win over Japan. Despite their progress without having any real scares, Holland’s coach is still insistent that there is more and better to come from the team in the World Cup.
Winger Arjen Robben believes that he himself if fit enough to play some kind of role against Cameroon, but whether the Bayern Munich star gets a run out or not will be down to Van Marwijk. Robben injured himself in a pre tournament friendly against Hungary, and has recovered much quicker than anticipated. He will be welcomed back with open arms after having a phenomenal goal scoring record for his club last year. In such a talented side, Robben, if he steps back into the kind of form he was in, would be the icing on the cake for Holland, who look a strong side anyway. With such good form, the World Cup odds on Holland from the time European qualification finished and the World Cup itself started, were slashed quite a bit. There are always hesitations about Holland, simply because they have faltered when it matters most in tournaments. They always seem to start strongly and then inexplicably have one match when sends them crashing. Because they play with such a swagger and confidence, it can get the better of them at times, and the arrogance is something Van Marwijk has been keen to get rid off. He wants his players to keep their feet firmly on the ground, and continue to do what they do best. Holland are one of the slickest exponents of the passing and moving game, and are a joy to watch. They have attacking power all over the pitch, but they have been fortified by a rock solid defence. They will be threat in the last sixteen, and they should have no problems closing out the group successfully against a wounded Cameroon side.
Cameroon
The African nation really never showed up to the races, and more criticism has been levelled at star striker Samuel Eto’o for not putting in enough effort for his country. Eto’o opened the scoring against Denmark, but saw his side go onto lose 2-1 after a strong fight back by the Europeans, which meant that Cameroon were eliminated. That was a bitter blow for the African nation on their own continent, but the simple fact is that Paul Le Guen’s team have simply not been good enough. Eto’o says that he was fully focused on the World Cup after winning a treble with Inter Milan this season, but he was largely anonymous in Cameroon’s opening defeat to Japan. They can have no arguments about their performances, which have not been delivered with much of a team spirit, and that has hurt them. Now they will have to raise themselves for their 2010 FIFA World Cup swansong, by putting in a better performance than they have done. Their spirits cannot be too high though, and they cannot be relishing a final match against the group favourites Holland. Another defeat for Cameroon would see them leave the tournament completely empty handed, and with a lot of problems for Le Guen to go away and fix.
Match Verdict – Holland to win : play-poker-corp.com
Holland are one of the strongest sides in the tournament, and even if Van Marwijk changes personnel a bit, being mindful of yellow cards and fitness levels of players, they should be good enough to win. It is important for Holland to keep their momentum going and not to let any self doubt creep in, as that could harm their chances in the next round with their poor history at tournaments. They need to stay on top of their game and professionally finish off teams like Cameroon. They did it all through qualification and have been efficient in their two group matches. There may be more to come from Holland, but nine points from their group matches would be a pretty strong foundation to build upon.
Category: World Cup 2010 Betting with play-poker-corp.com
Bet on : Holland VS Denmark
Stadium: Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
Group E Betting : Monday, 14th June
Holland
Holland have flattered to deceive in recent major events, cruising through the ‘Group of Death’ at EURO 2008 before crashing out to Russia in the quarter-finals while they went unbeaten in a similarly tough group at the 2006 World Cup finals before later losing out to Portugal in a hot tempered affair at the Round of 16. Their route to the 2010 FIFA World Cup has followed a similar path, with Holland winning all eight of their qualifiers as they stormed in South Africa 2010 in the smallest group, this becoming the first European side to qualify. Despite the lack of numbers in their group, Holland were once again in scintillating form, so will it be a case of the same old, same old in South Africa?
Bert Van Marwijk’s team warmed up for South Africa in impressive style, recording a narrow 2-1 win over Mexico before later smashing Ghana and Hungary 4-1 and 6-1 respectively. In both encounters Holland displayed their attacking potential, their ability to create chance after chance and just how ruthless in front of goal they can be. Considering Holland’s achilles heel in previous tournaments has been their defence, and may very well be their flaw in South Africa, it bodes well that Holland have the power up front to score enough goals to take the pressure off the defenders.
News that Arjen Robben should be fit and available will be music to the ears of the travelling Dutch contingency, although the likelihood of Van Marwijk risking him on Monday looks slim. It will mean either Rafael Van Der Vaart, Afellay or the pacey Elia will start in his pace, with all three super replacements. It will be a five man Dutch midfield, with Van Bommel and Nigel De Jong sitting in the holding role in a bid to protect a defence which has proven vulnerable in tournaments gone by, and on the wings will be Afellay/Van Der Vaart and Dirk Kuyt. Wesley Sneijder will occupy the position just in behind the sole striker, which just do happens to be Arsenal’s now fit Robin Van Persie. Not a bad midfield whatsoever and the fact Van Marwijk has quickly come to terms with trying to fortify and protect a sometimes suspect defence, whilst remaining potent at the other end, is a huge positive and a factor which gives Holland that all round feel that they probably haven’t had over the last decade or so.
Holland have been the talking point, with bookmakers standing to lose a fair bit on a team which were once 16/1 but are now a general 9/1 shot to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Punters have clearly been impressed with Van Marwijk’s work and what with Holland slowly but surely looking more and more like the complete package, there’s no wonder the Dutch are a hot topic. The Danes was always going to be their toughest assessment of the three in Group E, and if Holland can begin their World Cup campaign with a bang, who knows where it may lead them.
Denmark
Denmark will be appearing in their fourth World Cup when they take to the stage in South Africa, where Holland lye in waiting as their first opponent. They, too, were impressive during qualifying, topping a group which consisted of Portugal, Sweden and Hungary. They did so with a game to spare as well, although it remains to be seen whether they can continue where they left off in qualifying and carry their form over to South Africa.
The Danes will play their hardest fixture first off and that should suit them down to the ground, as if an in form Holland are to slip up any stage during their three Group E encounter, it will surely be in their opener where perhaps early tournament nerves may affect their performance. You’re asking a lot for that to happen though, as Holland were scintillating during their pre-World Cup warm games and looked in the form of their lives in front of goal. On current form, Denmark will need some defensive heroes if they are to keep Holland’s goalscoring celebrations to a minimum.
If the Danes needed inspiration than they need only to cast their minds back 12 years at France ‘98. The inspired pairing of the Laudrup brothers werethe driving force behind Denmark’s best ever displays in the finals of a World Cup, eventually bowing out at the quarter-final stage to Brazil. There won’t unfortunately be a Laudrup brother in sight at South Africa, at least not on the playing field, so some big tournament’s are required from their new crop of stars, the likes of Daniel Agger, Simon Kjaer and Nicklas Bendnter if Denmark are to emulate their glorious run at the 1998 finals. They may well need some motivation from their captain as well, with Jon Dahl Tomasson retaining his place in the Danish fold despite reaching the ripe-old age of 33. His impressive goalscoring return of 51 in 110 internationals may be why.
After watching Holland in action in the weeks building up to South Africa 2010, it is difficult to envisage Denmark getting a lot out of this game. But the Danes shown some battling qualities during qualifying that just maybe gives them half-a-chance of grabbing something from a daunting fixture with the group favourites.
Match Verdict : Holland to WIN for play-poker-corp.com
For whatever reason, perhaps because we fell instantly in love with Holland’s attacking play, we see plenty of goals in this contest. The Danes won’t exactly roll over, so we expect to see goals from either side. However, Holland’s forward unit looks phenomenal and with four of five potential match winners within their ranks, it would be foolish to back anything other than a Holland victory. The Danes are a plucky bunch though, and we reckon they’ll push Holland all the way although probably in vein.
World Cup 2010 Betting on play-poker-corp.com
World Cup Betting : Italy vs Paraguay
Bet on Italy vs Paraguay
Stadium: Green Point Stadium, Cape Town
Monday, 14th June – Group F
Italy
The Italians have quietly gone about their preparations ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, ahead of their defence of the title they won four years ago in Germany. You wouldn’t have thought Italy were the defending champions though, as their price with many bookmakers to retain their crown is enormous for a team which has a proven track record in major tournaments, as well as winning the FIFA World Cup on three other occasions. They’ll need a good start though in order to kick-start their defence and they should get it against the team most likely to challenge them for top spot supremacy in Group F.
Marcello Lippi, who masterminded Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph, guided the Italians through a visibly easy group which contained only Republic of Ireland in terms of challengers for the automatic qualifying spot. Italy finished top by a clear six point margin though and ended up not losing a single qualifier en route to South Africa. And despite their impeccable qualifying record of seven wins, three draws and no defeats, the Azzurri are still some way out in the outright market (16/1 General). That’s outstanding value for a team with four World Cup victories under their belts (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006) and will begin their South Africa journey as the current holders of the trophy. Moreover, the Italians are one of just two nations ever to have successfully defended their crown, doing so back in 1938 to which Brazil responded with back-to-back tournaments wins in 1958 and 1962.
As per usual, there are a number of golden oldies in the Italy squad, as coach Marcello Lippi opts once more for experienced and reliability rather than take a risk on some youth and exuberance. Among those travelling will be Fabio Cannvaro, who lifted the FIFA World Cup as captain in 2006, while the familiar faces of Buffon, Pirlo, Zambrotta and Gilardino were all named. In tournaments gone by, Italy have had several problems scoring goals because their strikeforce simply hasn’t been strong enough. On paper, their forwards look just as unproven as they did four years ago in Germany. Not one of the five forwards named has any flair or the ability to skin a defender and manufacture a chance of his own. Once again Italy will either need their midfielders and defenders to take some of the pressure off the forwards by assisting the forwards with goals, or the likes of Pirlo, De Rossi and Camronesi, the play-makers in the Italy team, will need to improve their service into the forwards.
Italy were never at full capacity during the 2006 finals even at the group stage where they topped their group above USA, Ghana and Czech Republic. They, like the French, seem to take an age to get going but when they do they’re a genuine force to be reckoned with. The Italians also have this knack of rising to the big occasion and considering their opening game in South Africa looks their hardest on paper, we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Italy jog out of the blocks and produce an almost traditional, unconvincing display but still run out worthy winners, if that makes any sense at all.
Paraguay
In what will be the country’s eighth World Cup appearance, Paraguay will be aiming to make the best possible start on Tuesday although face an uphill task of trying to get something out of a game with the reigning world champions, Italy. There’s little doubt they would have wished for a more gentle start to proceedings but after their Italy assignments comes games against Slovakia and New Zealand, to which the Guaranies will fancy their chances of picking up six points from those two group encounters.
In their seven previous World Cup’s, Paraguay have bypassed the group stage on three occasions and are actually bidding to make it three from four in South Africa. At the ‘98 and ‘02 finals, Paraguay went out at the Round of 16 stage but came up short four years ago in Germany, a tournament which their match day 1 opponents won. Their group this time around, Group F, is a lot easier than that of their last and they will be confident of regaining their touch when it comes to handling the challenges presented to them in the crucial group stage of the competition.
Paraguay are under the management of an Argentinian in Gerado Martino, who played a significant part in not only getting Paraguay to South Africa but in some style as well. Not only did they qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup a shade cosily, not only did they enjoy several weeks on top of the CONMEBOL standings but they sailed through to the finals in some style, finishing third and a point behind South America’s most successful footballing nation, Brazil. Granted Paraguay didn’t score a staggeringly high amount of goals – 24 in 18 qualifiers – but they did remain very tight and well organised in defence and finishing qualifying with the second best defensive record in South America, second only to Brazil who conceded five less with eleven.
Our only niggle with Paraguay is their heavy reliance on some of their key players and that were a number of their stars to get injured early on, their lack of strength in depth would likely lead to an early departure. The stand out individual is, of course, Man City’s Roque Santa Cruz (69 Caps, 21 Goals) but the man currently in form is Dortmund forward Lucas Barrios, who in his first three internationals racked up three goals, this being directly before the South African finals. Add as well the ever consistent Nelson Valdez and Benfica’s spot-kick king Oscar Cardozo and you’re beginning to see why so many are sticking a few shillings on Paraguay springing a surprise this summer.
Match Verdict for play-poker-corp.com : Italy to WIN
Over the years, opposing the dependable Italians has been a quick fire method to landing yourself in the poor house. Few envisaged them lifting the trophy four years ago in Germany, even more so after some unconvincing and nervy displays in the group stage, but they have this knack of winning games in a clinical manner. Rarely do they over excel and leave the viewers out of breathe, but at the same time they’re ultra consistent and we wouldn’t be at all surprised if Lippi’s Azzurri ran out marginal winners over a Paraguay side which impressed through qualifying.
Italy don’t do conceding, with Buffon especially shrewd between the sticks and it was the Italian shot-stopper which had a hand in Italy’s fourth World Cup win at Germany four years ago as he conceded just two goals in seven games. There’s little doubt that the Juventus keeper is one of the best at what he does, which is keeping out the opponent at all costs. As we’ve said on many occasions, the Italians are often clinical and with Buffon between the sticks, one goal maybe enough.
World Cup 2010 Betting play-poker-corp.com
Bet on Chelsea VS Portsmouth
Chelsea – Portsmouth beeting online
Saturday, 15th May
Chelsea
It was only a few months ago that Carlo Ancelotti and Florent Malouda were joking about the Italian’s weight – all in good spirit of course, so it’s perhaps no surprise that Ancelotti is hungry… for Silverware of course. It was only a week ago, nearly to the day, when Chelsea clinched the Premier League crown with an emphatic 8-0 win at home to Wigan Athletic. Just six days later and they’re aiming to complete an historic double, thus becoming the first Chelsea team in their history to register a league and cup double should they beat Portsmouth at Wembley.
Not only will Chelsea become double champions were they to beat relegated Portsmouth at Wembley, the Blues of London would become the first team since 2002 to successfully defend their FA Cup trophy, with Arsenal being the last team to do so. The irony back then was Arsenal’s first win as part of that back-to-back success was against Chelsea, while their second was against a far weaker opponent in Southampton. It’s virtually the same, if not better, scenario for Chelsea in that Everton were the team they reigned victorious over last year and a cash-strapped, injury ravaged and relegated Portsmouth are the only thing standing in their way of completing the defence of their title.
The Chelsea team will no doubt head to Wembley in high spirit after their 8-0 thrashing of Wigan Athletic last Sunday, thus becoming the first side since Tottenham Hotspur in the 60’s so surpass 100+ goals, although they are the very first to do so in the Premiership. It’s a tad strange because Carlo Ancelotti, while he’s always been a very good coach, has never been one to purposely build a formidable attacking unit, but with Chelsea everything seems to have slotted into place. On their day, and there have been more than enough of those ‘days’ to keep their fans happy this season, Chelsea are unstoppable, a genuine force to be reckoned with in the final third, and the scary thing is, should Chelsea click right from the off on Saturday, they could spark up another cricket scoreline. The neutrals won’t want to see such a sight in the final of the oldest and most prestigious domestic competition in the world, but it’s safe to say that with Portsmouth current predicaments and Chelsea’s striking prowess, a gigantic scoreline is a possibility.
The biggest final win by any side was Bury beating Derby County 6-0 back in 1903. Chelsea have scored 7+ on four separate occasions this season, thus proving they are more than capable of setting further records on Saturday. However, that certainly won’t be the incentive thrown at the players from Carlo Ancelotti. He will give this spirited Portsmouth bunch the respect they deserve, he won’t allow his Chelsea players to show any signs of complacency because this is the FA Cup, a competition which has built a fearful reputation out of shocks. Were Chelsea to suffer a shock defeat on Saturday, it would arguably rate as the biggest upset in the competitions history. Carlos Ancelotti nor Chelsea as a club want that on their CV we can assure you. We expect professionalism from the start, the winning goals will come in due course.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth will put their money woes and the heartache of losing their Premiership to one side on Saturday, as the club unites for what looks likely to be their last glamour encounter for quite some time when they meet the newly crowned Premier League champions at Wembley. So, Chelsea await Avram Grant’s players in what will surely be a day to saviour regardless of the final score, and it could be a cricket score in fairness, but can the unthinkable really happen? Can small-time Pompey make it two FA Cup victories in as many years, completing what of the shock FA Cup wins in the process.
If you cast your minds back to the 2004 FA Cup final, where Manchester United clashed with then Championship Millwall, it paints the very same ‘David versus Goliath’ picture, with Portsmouth severe cash-flow problems and lack of first team players surely being no match for the might of a Chelsea side which simply can’t stop scoring. Well, I’m sure we all remember the myth that David did beat Goliath, but we also remember Man Utd cruising past Millwall as well. But then again, this is the same Portsmouth side which defied the odds in the semi-final, a team which thrived on their underdog status to overcome a Tottenham Hotspur team which later went on to secure Champions League football.
Were Avram Grant to do a David Blaine and produced something ridiculously wonderful, it would rate right up their in terms of final shocks. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a final shocker which would beat the feat should Portsmouth spring the ultimate surprise. However, while we would love for this Pompey fairytale to have a ‘happy ever after’ finish to it, that just isn’t going to happen I’m afraid. Grant could have as many as thirteen players missing for the final showdown with Chelsea, while a number are set to make a brisk return just in time for Saturday’s show-piece event. Jamie O’Hara, who has been a revelation at Fratton Park, will go to the lengths of having a painkilling injection just to play a part, so it really is backs to the wall for Avram Grant, and that’s just with picking a starting eleven.
The positive spin we could put on this is the valiant manner in which Portsmouth closed out what could be their final ever season in the top flight. Since the beginning of April Portsmouth have lost just two competitive games, all Premiership encounters. They were disappointingly beaten on the final day of the season however, Everton scoring the latest of goals to send Portsmouth to their 24th defeat of the campaign. However, once again, as on many occasions this season, Portsmouth played with a lot of spirit, and surprisingly with a lot of confidence. It’s the former though which has seen Pompey make the final of the FA Cup against all odds, and while they lose out in every sense of the word in the quality of player department, there’s no doubting Avram Grant’s men will be more than a match for Chelsea with their spirit, determination and enthusiasm.
Match Prediction play-poker-corp.com : Chelsea to WIN
Believe us when we say this, we would LOVE Portsmouth to spring a surprise on Saturday by snatching the FA Cup from out of Chelsea’s grasp, but that’s exactly where the FA Cup is unfortunately, within touching distance for Chelsea. Without trying to set ourselves up for too high a fall, but the simple fact is, Chelsea need only yo turn up, put in a professional display and the FA Cup is theirs for the second year running. Of course, this Portsmouth team has shown bags of spirit and tenacity throughout the competition, their scalp of Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-final the evidence to back that up. However, Chelsea are no Tottenham, they rarely do inconsistent and they rarely do slip ups. With Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, there isn’t a chance in hell that Chelsea will fail to turn up on Saturday.
Unfortunately, we don’t see anything less than a Chelsea win. Another unfortunate coming, we don’t see anything other than a comfortable win for Chelsea. We only hope the scoreline doesn’t get ridiculous, that Portsmouth put in a dogged display and make as much of a match of this as they can, for as long as possible. However, in terms of picking a winner, there’s only one and it was very simple – Chelsea.
Didier Drogba has scored in every FA Cup final he has played, two so far, but has never been the FGS. He scored in Extra-Time when Chelsea beat Man Utd in 2007, while he equalised against Everton in 2009. The Ivorian finished the Premier League with the Golden Boot after accumulating 29 goals for the season, but he’s far too short to be taking on. Instead, Frank Lampard, who scored seven more goals than any other Midfielder in the league (22), gets our nod to open the floodgates at Wembley. He scored the winner against Everton in last seasons final, we reckon Lamps will get the party started on Saturday, plus he takes penalties, as Drogba found out last weekend.
Cup Betting with play-poker-corp.com
Arsenal vs Fulham for Free Bets
Arsenal – Fulham Betting
Sunday, 9th May
Arsenal
It looks as though Arsenal are determined to cap a season which promised very little in reality but almost produce wonders, on a real low note, as their 2-1 loss away at Blackburn Rovers on Monday left the Gunners without a win in their last four league games. On Sunday, their final day of the season, they’ll take on a Fulham side with one eye on their UEFA Europa League tie in Germany, and with the Cottagers likely to rest several more of their first team regulars, Arsene Wenger will surely fancy of registering Arsenal’s 15th home win of the campaign and repaying the fans for their loyal support once more with an end of season victory at The Emirates.
If anything the defeat to Blackburn on Monday will have Arsenal fired up even more than they should be to finish the season with a win the fans certainly deserve. There’s also the small matter of making sure that the Gunners don’t end the season on a baron run, with their 2-1 loss at Ewood Park leaving Arsenal without a win in four games. Granted there have been some tough fixtures but Arsenal, at the business end of the season, will have wanted a lot more from those games at a time where has Arsenal picked up more points, could have been contesting the Premier League title.
As always with Arsenal, the expectation levels remain high but come the end of the season, there’s still no silverware to quench their thirst. This will be the fifth season in a a row where Arsene Wenger has failed to deliver the goods and the tight codger himself has been rumoured as saying he might have to dip into his pocket more in the summer in a bid to close the gap on the leading two sides in the country, and to enhance Arsenal’s chances of ending this baron run without a trophy.
On Sunday, however, Arsenal do at least have the opportunity to end the season with a win, and while many teams will find little motivation on the final day of the season, we don’t expect anything less than 100% from a side managed by Arsene Wenger. He knows the importance oe keeping the fans happy, and while the season has eventually proved disappointing once again, victory on Sunday would at least keep the fans in high spirit and excited about the prospect of a better campaign the following season. After a torrid run of form, we really do fancy the chances of Arsenal this Sunday ending the season with an impressive victory.
Fulham
Roy Hodgeson will have just three days to prepare for his sides UEFA Europa League clash with Atletico Madrid after Sunday’s clash with Arsenal, and with that final in mind in what is the biggest game of football in the club’s history, expect nothing less than an average Fulham side to take to the field at The Emirates in a fixture, regardless of whether it’s he last game of the season, which will mean absolutely nothing to them in comparison to Tuesday’s final in Germany.
There are several strong contenders for manager of the year, with Chelsea’s Carlo Ancelotti one of the favourites to land the award, but if Roy Hodgeson doesn’t land the honour then there’s something wrong with English football. The English manager has had to mange of scraps, off a shoe-string budget and has had to man-manage one of the smallest squads in the league yet he’s somehow guided them to Premiership safety and into a remarkable European final. Words cannot do justice the job Roy Hodgeson had done at Craven Cottage this season, and for us at least, he’s a country mile above everyone else for the Manager of the Year award at the end of the season.
In the context of this game with Arsenal, however, we envisage another understrength Fulham side taking to the field. There’s not a chance in hell Hodgeson will risk some of his star names for a clash which has little baring on where they finish. However, those who do start on Sunday must ensure the team at least puts in a respectable performance ahead of Tuesday’s final, as no team, regardless of whether or not you started with your strongest eleven or the entire youth academy. Wishes to enter into a final of such great importance on a sour note. For Fulham, though, that does unfortunately look the likely scenario as their away form is bad enough to suggest that even the strongest of Fulham sides would struggle to obtain a result at The Emirates, so the Fulham second-string could get played off the park if they’re not careful this Sunday.
Like we said, we hope Fulham don’t receive a battering, but at the same time we can only see one winner. Whatever the result, Fulham will head over to Germany in high spirit, with a large following of Fulham fans in the knowledge that a spirited displays against the Spanish club Atletico Madrid would see them go mighty close to achieving their dream. We wish them all the best for Tuesday, and hope they don’t receive a trouncing on Sunday.
Match Verdict for play-poker-corp.com : Arsenal to WIN
With Fulham concentrating solely on their Europa League final, Arsenal should win this game very comfortably, although Fulham’s second string has had a knack of frustrating teams recently. Even so, the Gunners are a different proposition to that of anything Fulham have faced of late and with Arsenal looking to sign off with a win, we reckon they’ll not only to do so, they’ll do it with style. Robin Van Persie will want to get back into the groove after scoring his first goal at Blackburn last Monday after recovering from injury, while the entire Arsenal team will feel they have something to prove to their manager, an a duty to their fans to win after a four game run without a Premier League victory.
Premier League Betting play-poker-corp.com
Poker – 7-Card Stud
Poker – 7-Card Stud
With four up cards and three down cards, there are more unknowns in 7-Card Stud than in Texas Hold em or Omaha. Another way this game differs from flop games is that at outset of each hand each player posts an ante, rather than employing the use of small and big blinds. 7-Card Stud is a popular game with old-school poker players, because it is considered a more “pure” form of poker than some other variations on the game, such as Caribbean Poker or Pai Gow Poker. According to 7-Card Stud Rules, each player receives two cards down, four cards up, and a final card down. There are five betting rounds in 7-card stud. Read more about 7-Card Stud
7 Card Stud 8 or Better
7-Card Stud 8 or Better, also known as 7-Card Stud high/low, is played using the same dealing rules as 7-Card Stud, with the exception that in 7-Card Stud 8 or Better Rules, pots can be split between a high and low hand if the low hand qualifies without a card higher than 8. If extra chips remain after a pot is split evenly in two, the high hand receives them. If there is no qualifying low hand, the high hand takes both pots, “scooping” the pot. Read more about 7-Card Stud 8 or Better.
Manchester United vs Stoke City Betting Online
Bet on Manchester United – Stoke City
Sunday, 9th May
Manchester United
League Position: 2nd
‘Sitting, waiting, wishing’ a song sung by artist Jack Johnson, which summarises Manchester United’s current predicament up perfectly, as Sir Alex sits and waits for a Wigan miracle to land his way at Stamford Bridge. It looks as though United won’t be winning a record fourth Premier League crown in a row, what would have been their 19th first division title overall, but at least United have done their bit by taking this intriguing battle for the championship right down to the wire, piling heaps of pressure onto Chelsea in the process ahead of the final set of Premiership fixture on Sunday. But for the very first time in three years, Alex Ferguson doesn’t look like he will be getting his own way as far as the league title is concerned.
Nani was often overshadowed by Ronaldo last season, mainly because he was rubbish if truth be told, but this season the young Portuguese winger really has come of age, claiming the April Player of the Month for his industrious efforts for the Red Devils last month. It was also his goal, the one and only goal at the Stadium of Light, which ensured this intense race for the title went down to the final day of the season. It does, though, still leave United a point short of the Blues meaning the Reds of Manchester need a huge favour from Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge in order for United to be triumphant this Sunday.
It seems a big ask now for United to clinch the Premier League title from Chelsea’s grasp, but as everyone kindly keeps reminding us,‘This is football, and stranger things have happened’. It quotes like that which will keep the spirit in the Manchester United dressing room high, as let’s not forget Ferguson still needs to guide United to a win on Sunday just to be in without a shout. Where United to slip up at home to Stoke, a team who recently lost 7-0 at Chelsea, United would instantly forfeit any slim chance they had of winning the crown.
With Man Utd knowing they must win at Old Trafford in front of an obvious sell-out crowd, victory should be a certainty, surely? Only two sides have beaten the Red Devils at home this season, both of those were stiff opposition, while Sunderland remain the only team to have earned a draw there, so Stoke really don’t stand much of a chance of halting United’s probable in vein sprint to the title. Nevertheless, a professional display is needed from United and we shouldn’t also discount the fact that whenever a goal goes in for United, it will reverberate around Stamford Bridge and that could play a significant part in Chelsea perhaps slipping up against Wigan. Like everyone keeps saying, ‘Anything can happen in football’.
Stoke City
League Position: 13th
Tony Pulis will have suffered nightmares after Stoke’s last encounter with a title contenders ended in Stoke receiving their heaviest ever defeat in the Premier League – Chelsea inflicting a 7-0 loss on the Potters. So, a visit to Manchester’s Stadium of Dreams is far from ideal but you could view it as the footballing Gods giving Stoke one final chance to redeem themselves, show the world that heavy defeats simply aren’t them.
It’s been another impressive Premier League season from Stoke City, with Tony Pulis working yet more magic in keeping a pretty average looking Stoke squad up without any fuss or scares. In fact Pulis has done such a good job that no-one really expects the Potters to even be involved in any relegation scraps. However, with rumours of dressing rooms busts ups leaking through to the media, the summer months could well see several depart as Tony Pulis looks to clear the club of egocentrics and self minded individuals. If ever there was a manager which demanded top-notch team spirit, that camaraderie, it’s Pulis and it will be interesting to see the fresh faces he introduces to the club ahead of next season.
Now, however, Stoke have to play their part in a potentially decisive encounter, as the Potters make their way to Old Trafford aiming to thwart Manchester United’s bid for a fourth successive Premier League crown. If Stoke can somehow avoid defeat in Manchester, they will have single handily scuppered any remaining chance of United lifting the trophy aloft, and we’re certain the Stoke players will celebrate such a feat… behind closed doors of course, as no-one celebrates in front of an irate Ferguson.
If Stoke’s most recent fixture with one of the so called ‘Big Four’ teams is anything to go by, The Potters could be in for a long afternoon. Memories of their 7-0 drubbing at the hands of Chelsea will start to resurface along the way to Old Trafford, a game where Stoke were honestly at their very worst, arguably the poorest team display we’ve seen from them. Their usual organised and robust set up simply wasn’t there, or went missing, either way it wasn’t apparent, while they rarely broke into the final third of the pitch. Stoke will need to have their wits about them at Old Trafford, sprint out of the blocks and ensure everyone knows their specific role. Stoke are a well drilled machine on their day, arguably the most difficult side in the Premiership to break down on their day, but if a cog gets loose then they’re left wide open, as was the case against Chelsea. It’s Tony Pulis’ job to ensure that doesn’t happen in Manchester.
Match Prediction : Manchester United to WIN for play-poker-corp.com
Alex Ferguson has been in this position on more than one occasion, and so, a slip up from his United players really would be a major shock. Against a Stoke City team which has lost their edge, their sharpness and their desire to keep their ‘tough to beat’ status, they really shouldn’t encounter too many problems despatching of the Potters. However, if United want all three points they will need to turn up and put in a performance worthy of a victory. Stoke won’t roll over, despite how bad their 7-0 drubbing away at Chelsea looks just a few weeks ago. In fact, United really do need to storm out of the blocks, grab an early goal so Chelsea then know United are doing their bit, now Chelsea must do the same. Keep piling the pressure on and you never know, Chelsea may just slip up.
Premier League Betting play-poker-corp.com
Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur Betting
Bet on Manchester City – Tottenham Hotspur
Wednesday, 5th May
Manchester City (League Position: 5th)
According to Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini, his sides clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night is the equivalent of a cup final, the only difference being the usual silverware you expect to receive if you’re the victorious team is replaced by a lucrative Champions League package which would set you up for years to come. For Man City, however, Champions League football will mean so much more – perhaps do or bust if reports that Mancini could be the next manager to leave the City helm should he not deliver fourth spot be believed – in that without it Mancini will struggle to obtain the high profile players he has his sights set on during the summer transfer window.
One thing is for sure; should City land fourth spot, we’re in for an exciting summer of transfer speculation, as every available player under the sun will then be linked to a more appealing Manchester City. Of course, it goes without saying that even if City don’t complete their season long objective of fourth, Mancini will still receive a handsome transfer kitty, and further more be rumoured to have some form of interest in several dozen players, most of which will be utterly useless and ridiculous.
City shelled out well over £100,000,000 last summer, and while we don’t expect City’s mega rich owners to flash the cash quite as bountiful as before, Mancini will nonetheless have his palms braced with gold. However, it’s all good and well having lumps of cash to spend but without the lure of Champions League football, those elite players City so desperately need to get their hands on won’t show a blind bit of interest in joining the Manchester Blues. With that in mind, finishing fourth is almost paramount, an absolute must if the club wish to take further strides in regards to upgrading their targets ahead of next season. It was all about finishing fourth this season – still is, but the added appeal Champions League football would give the club would then enable City to push on further, raise the bar if you like, as it would greatly enhance City’s chances of landing the big names they require to really mount a serious title push the following season – Scary thoughts for fans of the so called ‘Big Four’ teams.
So, what does it all mean. What it means is anything less than three points against Tottenham Hotspur will be deemed unacceptable by the spoilt rotten City board, as it would set the club back another season in regards to their long-term aim of building a squad capable of challenging for the league title on a consistent basis. The most important factor to note, though, will be the amount of pressure Roberto Mancini and his players will be under to obtain all three points on Wednesday. It’s basically a ‘make or break’ situation for Man City, and never has a City team needed a win more than they do at the City of Manchester Stadium this Wednesday – It puts their Carling Cup encounters with bitter rivals Man Utd in the shade.
There’s no doubting Manchester City are a quality team, full to the brim with ready made winners – When they want to turn on the style they can, they’ve done it on more than one occasion this season to make us believe such a statement is true. Our only niggle of concern is the importance of the occasion. City have had some huge, crunch games lately and have been flat in all but one. The one exception was on Saturday when after a bumpy start City romped to a 3-1 victory at home to Aston Villa. Against a Spurs side which recently claimed a stunning double of ‘Big Four’ scalps, City will need to rise to the occasion else their dreams of fourth will perish before yo can say ‘bye-bye the Italian Stallion’.
Tottenham Hotspur (League Position: 4th)
Whereas only a win will do for their opponents, a point would suffice for Tottenham Hotspur in Manchester after their nervy 1-0 win at home to Bolton Wanderers last Saturday ensured Harry’s Spurs remained in full control of fourth position, and more importantly the maker of their own destiny. However, Harry Redknapp, the man who has masterminded Tottenham’s success this season, will find himself stuck in a predicament on Wednesday, as while a point away at Manchester City wouldn’t harm their chances of finishing fourth, victory at the City of Manchester Stadium would wrap it all up with a game to spare. The questions now is; will Harry Redknapp set his side up to defend or to attack, does Harry really have the bottle so many claim he has.
Tottenham’s final game of the season is away at already relegated Burnley, so a game you would expect Tottenham to win fairly comfortably. With that in mind, surely the objective for Spurs will be to avoid defeat at all costs in Manchester. It’s fairly simple really, earn a point and Champions League is within touching distance. However, were Tottenham to become the unlucky 13th team to lose at the City of Manchester Stadium this season, then Spurs would surely have relinquished any hope of finishing fourth, as while their final game of the season is a cosy trip to Burnley, City head to the capital to take on a West Ham side safe and over the relegation hill.
So, what will Harry Redknapp decide in regards to his tactics? All out defence: Aim to contain the City attacks, absorb all the City pressure whilst remaining a threat on the counter in a bold bid not to lose. Tottenham kept their first clean sheet in the Premier League for five games on Saturday in a home fixture with Bolton, so that doesn’t sound like the best of ideas if you ask me. Moreover, allowing City to keep on attacking you if a very dangerous ploy as Man City’s forward line is one of the more potent, lively and lethal in the Premier League, and it’s one which will grow in confidence with every attack. A more offensive approach: Tottenham take the match to Man City in another bold bid to snatch all three points, ending this intense race for fourth on the spot in Man City’s own backyard. While Tottenham have enjoyed plenty of success in front of goal of late, they’ve not scored more than one goal against a team inside the top seven teams in the league all season, so again that doesn’t sound a wise tactic. Basically, it’s going to be all about getting the right balance, getting plenty of numbers behind the ball when not on the attack and not leaving yourself open and exposed when you do stride forward. However, in a game where ego’s and adrenaline could play a significant part in each players performance, implementing any sort of tactic could be difficult.
If we’re completely honest, we’re ashamed to say we have no idea how Harry will set Tottenham up for Wednesday’s clash. However, one thing is for sure, there’s no way in hell Tottenham will keep a clean sheet against an opponent which can’t afford to contemplate a draw. The Spurs defence will come under seige during the course of the game, and chances are they won’t have any say in that as the City crowd look to get right behind their team in a desperate bid to drive them towards three huge points. Spurs need to somehow keep the City crowd quiet and the only way we can see that happening is an early goal. If Spurs grab the opener then City will play right in Tottenham’s hands. The pace of some of Tottenham’s forward players will serve them well on the counter against a City defence which was found wanting from Villa’s persistent counter-attacking attitude.
Match Prediction play-poker-corp.com : Manchester City to WIN
Such a difficult game to assess, but Tottenham’s mental headache about what method of attack they should take could lead to them flailing on Wednesday, while the target is simple for Manchester City; WIN!
Of course Tottenham will travel to Manchester with a game plan, but City’s forward prowess could soon dash their plans in a game we fully expect City to storm out of the blocks. Like we said in the above preview, City know exactly what they have to do whereas Tottenham, should the game be level at the interval, won’t know whether they’re coming or going, so it’s imperative Tottenham get off to a lightening quick start on Wednesday, with an early goal preferred. We don’t see City not scoring on the night, so we unfortunately fear the worse should Spurs not score first in a game which will attract a large audience of neutrals. Manchester City for us, HOME WIN.
Williiams Sisters Dominate Tennis Betting
Tennis Betting in Rome live
WTA Tennis Betting Preview Rome: The big tennis event of the week is in Rome again, as the women take their turn, following the men taking centre stage there last week. The women come from Stuttgart where Belgian Justine Henin hit the headlines, winning the Porsche Stuttgart Grand Prix (and earning herself a car at the same time), capping the most successful period of her comeback from retirement. Henin beat the ever improving Sam Stosur, with the best result of her second coming after18 months away from the game. The added bonus of this for Henin, who has been entered into tournaments as Wildcards, means that she has broken into the World Top 20 again. All of these tournaments in the WTA are in preparation for the forthcoming French Open, the second Grand Slam of the calendar, which begins in just under three weeks time.
So where are the betting strengths at the Rome tournament for this week? Svetelana Kuzentsova was the defending champion, and certain tennis stars find improved performances at certain events. Past winners often turn into recurring ones, but it was going to take a marked improvement from the Russian to step up and win this one. The World Number five had not made it past the last 16 of any of her tournaments this year, despite playing against some weaker opposition. With the Rome tournament being packed full of the World’s top ten, including the Williams’ sisters, then Kuznetsova was going have her work cut out to retain her Italian title. Which she won’t do as Maria Kirilenko stopped her in the first round.
Young Russian Maria Kirilenko, who is full of promise with wonderful poise on court, but who needs a big step up in consistency to solidify a place in the top ten, enjoyed her first ever win over Kuznetsova and will probably take over as leading the race to meet Serena Williams in the quarter finals.
Victoria Azarenka is always a strong challenger wherever she enters, but is striving to reach her top potential, largely down to her temperament. Azarenka crashed heavily to a qualifier in the first round at Stuttgart last week, and had to overcome a difficult situation in her first round match. But she battled through, hopefully steeling her for a deep run in the tough tournament. Azarenka is one of those players at the moment, who could breeze through a tournament without dropping a set, beating the best, but she is not just delivering. In Stuttgart, she beat Flavia Pennetta (ranked 15th) and then lost to the 138th seed. She is worth backing though in some regards, as she will, more likely than not, land something big again soon.
Azarenka should run into Elena Dementieva, which could be the match of the tournament, with two great performers on the court. If you are looking for two of the most accomplished movers around the court, who go all out on everything, then it is these two (closely followed by the scrappy Jankovic). Azarenka (4/11 at SportingBet) plays Anna Ivanovic (19/10 at SportingBet) in the second round. Jelena Jankovic is one of the steady performers of the game, but came up against an inspired Justine Henin in Stuttgart. She, like Azaraneka, is another who can beat the world, as proven with her title win this year, beating Caroline Wozniacki.
Jankovic would be an outside bet though, because she is in the same quarter of the draw as Venus Williams. One thing that Jankovic does have though is great sliding control on clay, a unique skill she somehow transfers to all surfaces. Both of the Williams sisters are in this WTA Premier tournament, which is on red clay, and Serena Williams is the outright favourite. Both have been struggling with injury this season, but this never stops them dominating proceedings in the world of tennis betting. Serena has entered two tournaments this year, and has reached the final of both, winning the Australian Open. She should be pretty fresh, and will naturally be expected to go deep into the competition. Not only is she in startling form this season when she turns up, the only top seed in her quarter of the draw was the aforementioned Kuznetsova.
The Williams sisters are always worth a bet, and looking at Venus, she is in strong form as well, reaching the final of three of her four tournaments (and winning two of those). What makes this tournament fun in terms of betting on tennis, is that the Williams sisters, are on a collision course for the semi finals. So if you having a strong punt, then you will need to pick one of the two. The one other name to watch out for, is again one of the strongest tips in betting, and that is young Dane Caroline Wozniacki. Her improvement and dominance is growing all the time (ignoring a bit of a blip in Stuttgart) and she has a decent draw. If you are looking for the closest tip behind the two Williams sisters, it will be well worth looking at Wozniacki.
Decent draw for her and will be looking to consolidate her recent rise to World Number Two. A player on the up and should deliver in one of these top tier tournaments very soon, capping a fine start to the season for her. You can follow live in play betting for the matches at online bookmakers such as Bet365, and for outright odds, consider visiting betting exchange BetFair to pick up your tennis odds.