So this is the ‘magic’ of the FA Cup eh? Instead of a potential Merseyside derby in the 4th round albeit unlikely, we were secretly hoping to see Luton Town versus Oldham Athletic. Whoop dee doo.
No offence to Luton or Oldham (even though I’m only words away from effectively insulting them both), but it’s not exactly a mouth-watering prospect is it? Apart from their respective fans, who can honestly say that they would care who won? Who would tune in to watch the match on TV?
Yes, everyone likes a bit of giant-killing now and then. If Tinytown United manage to scrape a few unlikely wins against Premiership opponents, then we, the English public, love it. Of course we do. The plucky underdogs, strength in the face of adversity and all that malarkey. But do we really want to see so many Premiership clubs being knocked out so early? I don’t think so.
It’s devaluing the competition, and this weekend’s lacklustre performances from the country’s top teams are a sign of a growing FA Cup apathy. Simply put, we shouldn’t be seeing a host of top quality Premiership clubs losing to lower league opposition. And let’s face it, nobody wants another Millwall versus Manchester United final. If this is magic, it’s less Penn and Teller, more crap magic trick that you get inside your Christmas cracker.
This item was posted by the team at Bodog Sports (so please could the Tinytown United fans not send us hate mail at BookieLabRat.com!).
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January 7th, 2008
Paddy Power plays down German ban effect
Irish bookmaker Paddy Power reported that losses incurred by the ban on internet gambling imposed by Germany’s Federal States would be immaterial in the context of overall group profits, which are expected to be in the region of €60 million for the current financial year. A spokesperson said that the betting firm fully expected the EU Commission to overturn the decision.
US Presidential race exciting political punters
Political gamblers in the UK are expected to place £10 million on the outcome of the next US elections. A spokesperson for the company said the figure would be a record for non-domestic political betting.
Whether you’re German or just wanting great odds for political or novelty bets check out the latest Paddy Power sports bookmaker review here at BookieLabRat.com.
January 7th, 2008
Although there were no total shocks in the FA Cup on Sunday we still saw Liverpool, Newcastle, Derby and Fulham were all held by lower league opposition.
Liverpool are now 7.00 (6/1) (BetFred) for the trophy, while Newcastle are 29.00 (28/1) with Bet365 for Wembley glory.
Arsenal obliged with a good result as they beat Burnley 2-0 and covered the asian handicap bet too. The Gooners are now a 5.00 (4/1) chance at Ladbrokes to lift the cup.
On Saturday Manchester United beat Aston Villa 2-0 to book their place in the last 32. They are now 4.33 (10/3) favourites at BoyleSports to win the FA Cup.
Chelsea were also among the winners – they beat QPR 1-0 – and Avram Grant’s side are now joint-second favourites to lift the trophy in May, as they are 4/1 with BoyleSports.
RELATED LINKS :
You can get all the latest FA Cup Outright prices at out special FA CUP Betting Odds page which features live updates from over a dozen of the best European bookmakers.
And read English Football Match previews over at GoonersGuide.com
January 7th, 2008