The Sports Bookie Blog

The 2008 UEFA Champions League semi-finals hang in the balance after the first leg games ended in stalemate, but one way or another on Tuesday and Wednesday night we will find who the finalists will be. With two such finely balanced ties, no-one would rule out the drama of penalties.

Lampard Loss A Sad Blow for Chelsea

Every professional European footballer would love to play in a Champions League semi-final, but some things are more important than football. The sad death of Frank Lampard’s mother last Thursday, underlines this, and Chelsea’s influential midfielder is unlikely to play on Wednesday night against Liverpool as he takes time to get over the loss. Lampard’s absence may improve Liverpool’s chances of overcoming Chelsea’s away goal advantage; punters should however, note that the Londoners beat Man Utd on Saturday without him, and the Reds will themselves be without Brazilian left-back, Fabio Aurelio, who is out for the season with a groin injury.

Despite the likely absence of Lampard, Chelsea are favourites to go through having earned a crucial – if somewhat fortunate - away goal at Anfield. The Pool must now either win the tie, or produce a higher scoring draw to reach the final in normal time, or replicate the 1-1 draw to take the tie to extra time. Unfortunately for Rafa Benitez their record at Stamford Bridge suggests this is unlikely. The Reds have failed to score in an amazing eight games at the Bridge under Benitez, and Chelsea have lost just once in normal time at home in any competition since September 2004 (against Barcelona).

In that context PinnacleSports.com (top rating Handicap sportsbook) price Chelsea favourites to reach the final 1.556 (0/scratch)* with Liverpool 2.700 (0/scratch)* – a market priced to less than 102%.
Will United Pay for Ronaldo Penalty Miss?

Cristiano Ronaldo was philosophical when asked about his penalty miss in the opening minutes of Manchester United’s semi-final first leg against Barcelona at the Nou Camp. The Portuguese winger promised to make amends the wasted opportunity saying ‘I will score at Old Trafford’. Alex Ferguson and all United fans will be hoping Ronaldo’s confidence is well-placed, but with the talent that Barca bring to the Theatre of Dreams, he may still come to regret his mistake. In 2000 United faced Real Madrid in a second leg quarter-final at Old Trafford, after a 0-0 draw at the Bernabeu, only to lose 3-2.

Though the Red Devils had another genuine penalty claim waived away, the first leg was otherwise dominated by the Catalans. With quick forwards such as Henry, Eto’o and Messi, Barca could punish United but outside of European competition, those rare talents have failed to deliver on the road. Coach, Frank Rijkaard, has been unable to establish a successful formation, and has been hindered by injuries to key players. Messi, Deco and Henry are all available but short of full fitness, while Ronaldinho is definitely out. On the plus side, captain, Carles Puyol, returns having sat out the first leg due to suspension.

PinnacleSports.com price Man Utd favourites to progress 1.741 (0/scratch)* with Barcelona 2.250 (0/scratch)*.

*All odds subject to change, so check out the latest odds LIVE here at BookieLabRat.com. Which bookie has the best Champions League Prices?

The following cash back deals at online sportsbook all relate to this week’s Champions League Semi Finals 2nd Leg: Chelsea v Liverpool and Manchester United v Barcelona.

With both first legs of last week’s Champions League semi-finals ending in a draw its still very much all to play for in the race to Moscow. Smart punters should weigh up these money back betting specials before deciding which bookie is worthy of their investment as bets with 3 outcomes (win, lose, cash back) are far better than just two!
 
Is more goal-less football a possibility in these 2 crutial games?
Bet365 Bore Draw Offer: Place a pre-match correct score, double result or scorecast bet on ANY FOOTBALL MATCH and Bet365 will refund losing stakes if the match finishes 0-0 (normal time).

Who Gives You Extra? If either Champions League game goes to extra time, Boyle Sports will refund all losing first/last/anytime goalscorer, correct score, scorecast, half time/full time single bets on that match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent.

Spot On! If a penalty is scored in either of the above Champions League games in normal time, Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast single bets on that match. Max refund per punter €300/£200.

Easy Each Ways
Have an each-way First Goalscorer bet on any match, and if your player scores at any time during the game Bet365 will pay you out. Each-way bets are now settled on all goalscorers, at 1/3 odds for unlimited places in 90 minutes play.

1st Scorer 2nd Chance: Place a First Goalscorer bet and if your player fails to score first but scores ANYTIME in the match Victor Chandler will refund your stake as a free bet on any future match. Max refund £200 (€250), singles only. 

First Scorer Cashback: If you back a player to score first in the Chelsea v Liverpool or Man Utd v Barcelona Champions League games…and he fails to score the first goal in the game but scores the last, BetFred will refund your total stake to £100 max.

Scorecast Cashback: If you place a scorecast bet on these Champions League games…and you only get one half of your selection correct, BetFred will refund your total stake to £100 max.

NOTE: Betting insurance is great but you still need to take the best prices to maximise your betting profits. Compare Champions League odds LIVE at BookieLabRat.com

Michael Ballack’s cool head caused Sir Alex Ferguson to lose his as Chelsea blew the English Premier League title race wide open.

On a day of high drama at both ends of the table, a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge ensured Chelsea moved level on points with their rivals with two games left for both clubs.

United’s vastly superior goal difference means they remain masters of their own destiny but Ballack’s second goal of the afternoon, a nerveless spot-kick four minutes from time, ensured the champions’ own nerve will be tested over the last two weeks of the campaign.
The Germany captain, who had given Chelsea the lead with a first-half header before Wayne Rooney equalised, claimed afterwards that the thought of missing the penalty had never entered his head.

“In the end you have to score,” Ballack said. “For me it is no problem, I can handle the pressure.”

United will still be champions if they beat West Ham at home next Saturday and win at Wigan on May 11. But Chelsea, who face Newcastle away on May 5 and entertain Bolton on the final day of the season, have put themselves in a position to exploit any slip-ups.

“We did what we needed to do,” declared their manager, Avram Grant. “This team has a lot of courage and character.” Asked if he thought United would crack in their remaining matches, Grant replied: “I need to believe it. It is not easy when you are under pressure to win two games.”

Ferguson variously described the 87th minute penalty converted by Ballack after a Michael Essien cross struck the arm of Michael Carrick as “ridiculous,” “disgraceful” and “diabolical.” Ferguson insisted that Carrick should not have been penalised because the contact with the ball was not deliberate and Rio Ferdinand was waiting to clear the ball behind the midfielder.

“It was absolutely diabolical,” the United boss told United’s in-house television station MUTV. “It is a major decision. Granted, it hit his hand. But he has not lifted his hand above his shoulders, above his head, anything like that. “It is going straight to Rio Ferdinand. The referee should have seen that rather than the linesman. “If we’re not going to get those decisions then we are under pressure.”

The penalty was not the only issue Ferguson had with referee Alan Wiley and his assistants. “If we’re not getting the decisions we deserve then we’re going to have to perform really well. In the context of today, when (Cristiano) Ronaldo comes on, in the first minute he’s grappled to the floor by Ballack. “It was a clear penalty kick but no penalty was given.” Ferguson was also upset by a challenge by Didier Drogba on Nemanja Vidic, which saw the defender come off after 14 minutes. The Serbian needed stitches and lost a tooth. “He got kneed in the face by Drogba - no foul given, ” said the Old Trafford boss. “He was dazed rather than concussed.”

Ferguson remains confident that his side can secure the tenth title of his reign at Old Trafford. “It’s still in our hands,” he said. “The players and the support are really fired up for the next game. Hopefully we can get the result we want.”

Does your bookie make the grade? Check out the latest online sportsbook reviews and ratings at BookieLabRat.com.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United will be well prepared for their title decider with Chelsea despite his side having had less rest than their rivals. United, who expect to have key defender Nemanja Vidic back after illness, flew to London on Thursday after their goalless Champions League semi-final draw in Barcelona on Wednesday.

Chelsea, three points behind Premier League leaders United, have had more time to prepare with an extra day’s rest after a 1-1 Champions League semi-final draw at Liverpool on Tuesday.

United will also have the second leg of their tie with Barcelona a day before the Blues take on Rafael Benitez’s side at Stamford Bridge.
While Ferguson thinks that Avram Grant’s team have been given a major advantage, he is sure United have made the best of the situation.

“The fixture is not fair as well in terms of the timing between the two games,” United manager Ferguson said. “The Liverpool fixture with Chelsea was Tuesday followed by Wednesday, so there is four days either way to get themselves ready, which is a big advantage, there is no question about that. “Unfortunately, we have 60 hours to prepare for this game. All we can do is rest them. We stayed overnight in Barcelona. “Then we had a light training session at Barcelona’s training ground. Being in the sun and having a day relaxing is probably the best thing we could have done,” the Scot added.

Serbian centre-back Vidic came through training on Friday after missing the game in the Nou Camp with sickness.  With Chelsea trailing United and with a vastly inferior goal difference, Ferguson believes he can make one or two changes for Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge without great risk.

“I will freshen up one or two positions obviously. With the squad I have got, I can do that. But nothing definite at the moment but I will make a couple of changes. “Vidic will hopefully be okay. He has trained and we are hopeful he will be fit. He has a good chance.
“We could achieve quite a lot in the next few days. The incentives are all there and we have the players to do it,” added Ferguson, who saw his 1999 United side lift the Champions League trophy as part of a memorable ‘treble’. “We have the squad to do it. We just have to make sure we are rested properly and prepared for the game. The game will take care of itself. It is a massive, big game. “It would not have mattered where we would have been in the table. When you play the top four, you have to do well. Our record against them is not too bad. It is not great but it balances out overall.”

Ferguson believes Cristiano Ronaldo will not be distracted by criticism for his early penalty miss in the Nou Camp which, had he scored, would have secured United a valuable away goal.

“That is the modern way,” he continued. “There is nothing we can do about that. When you are as big as Ronaldo, they will always look for holes to pick. “That is just the way it is. We will not worry too much about that.”

Here’s a quick round up of the latest sportsbook stake back betting offers on the weekend’s English Premiership and Scottish Premier League football.

Tevez-stating!
Chelsea v Man United - Saturday 26th April 2008, 12:45. If the Carlos Tevez scores the last goal of the game Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast single bets on that match. Max refund per punter €300/£200.

Bore Draw
Place a pre-match correct score, double result or scorecast bet on ANY FOOTBALL MATCH and Bet365 will refund losing stakes if the match finishes 0-0.

A Bridge Too Far
Chelsea V Manchester United, English Premier League, Saturday  12.45pm.  If Chelsea win the game from behind  Boyle Sports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent.

Rover and Done With
Portsmouth V Blackburn, English Premier League, Sunday  1.30pm. If Roque Santa Cruz scores the last goal of the game Boyle Sports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent. Own goals do not count.

The Fifth Amendment
Everton V Aston Villa, English Premier League, Sunday 4:00pm. If Aston Villa win this game from behind Boyle Sports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent.

Firm But Fair
Celtic V Rangers, Scottish Premier League, Sunday  12:30pm.  If a goal is scored in 2nd half injury time Boyle Sports will refund all losing first/last/anytime goalscorer, correct score & half time/full time single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent.

First Goalscorer Special
If you back a player to score first in any Premier League game this weekend and your selection fails to score the first goal but scores last, BetFred will refund your stake to £100 max.

Scorecast Cashback Special
If you place a scorecast bet on any Premier League game this weekend and you only get one half of your selection correct, BetFred will refund your total stake to £100 max.

Compare the best prices across these top online sportsbooks live at BookieLabRat.com.

Though Bayern Munich head top online handicap sportsbook PinnacleSports.com’s online UEFA Cup betting market at the semi-final stage, the Bavarians twice came within minutes of elimination in the previous round. La Liga’s Getafe grabbed a 1-1 draw in a quarter-final first leg at the Allianz Arena, then pushed the Bundesliga leaders all the way in the reverse leg in Spain.

The Spaniard’s stunned Bayern Munich by taking a 44th minute lead despite having only ten men, and it was only in the 89th minute that Frank Ribery saved their blushes. Getafe then scored two quick-fire goals in extra-time, which looked to have sent them through to the last four. However, one thing that all football bettors know is to never write off a German side, and true enough Luca Toni produced a brace with five minutes remaining to break Spanish hearts, and send Bayern Munich through on away goals. Having won the German Cup on Saturday, the Germans are on course for an histroric treble, which would include the Bundesliga title and success in this competition.

Zenit Will Command Respect from Bayern Munich

Coach, Ottmar Hitzfeld, will be obviously be delighted by the show of spirit that got them through their tricky quarter-final, but at the same time he will be worried that they got themselves into that situation in the first place, against a side that club President, Franz Beckenbauer, described as ‘nobodies’. Bayern will probably be more respectful in the face of the challenge of playing Russian Champions, Zenit St.Petersburg, in the semi-finals.

Munich will definitely aim to take a healthy lead East from the first leg at the Allianz Arena on April 24th, as the Russians have shown real strength at home. Zenit bounced back from a 3-1 deficit against Marseille in the last 16, winning the reverse leg 2-0 in Russia. They then moved up a gear in the quarter-finals hammering Bayer Leverkusen 4-1 in the first leg in Germany to effectively kill the tie, and end a hoodoo against German clubs.

PinnacleSports.com nevertheless price Zenit St.Petersburg underdogs for the trip to the Allianz Arena 1.901 (+1 & +1.5)* with Bayern Munich 2.030 (-1 & -1.5)* – a market priced to just 102%.

Rangers & Fiorentina Repeat Historic European Final

Glasgow Rangers of the Scottish Premier League, face Serie A side Fiorentina, in the other semi-final. The Scots are victims of their own success, as the first leg at Ibrox will be their 57th game of a season that has already brought success in the Scottish League Cup, an upcoming Scottish FA Cup final appearance, and the strong likelihood of the SPL title. Defeat in the Old Firm Derby last week was however a blow, and they again face Celtic three days after this game, providing further distraction. Fatigue shouldn’t however, be an issue as the Gers eye their first European final in 38 years.

There will be inevitable references to when the sides met 47 years ago in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup Final which the Italians won, however, recent form is far more relevant. Rangers are yet to concede at home in the competition, while La Viola showed their mettle on the road, winning 2-0 at European stalwarts, PSV Eindhoven in the last eight.

Adrian Mutu scored both goals on that occasion, and the Romanian is showing a new found maturity, leaving behind the controversy of his departure from Chelsea after drug issues. Fiorentina are on course to displace AC Milan as the fourth placed qualifiers for next season’s Champions League showing their rising pedigree.

PinnacleSports.com cannot split the sides on their Asian Handicap for the first leg in Glasgow pricing Rangers 1.980 (0/scratch)* with Fiorentina 1.943 (0/scratch)* - odds 60% better than traditional bookmakers.

*All odds subject to change so check out the latest UEFA Cup odds live across top online sportsbooks at BookieLabRat.com

It’s the turn of the UEFA Cup to take centre stage on Thursday night as Glasgow Rangers host Italian side Fiorentina in the first leg of the UEFA Cup semi finals. The Gers continue their quest of an unprecedented quadruple as they look to take an advantage to Florence for the second leg. The Italians, who lie fourth in Serie A, have already knocked out British opposition in the form of Everton and will be determined to grab a vital away goal.

If you’re looking for some insurance on your bets check out the following online sportsbook stake-back deals:

“The Italian Job”  Rangers v  Fiorentina - UEFA Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg Thursday  7.45pm
       
If Fiorentina win the game from behind popular Irish bookmaker Boylesports will refund losing first/last/anytime goalscorer, scorecast, correct score & half time/full time single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent.

“Bore Draw” All Football Matches - any league - all season long including the UEFA Cup Semis

Place a pre-match correct score, double result or scorecast bet on ANY FOOTBALL MATCH and Bet365 will refund losing stakes if the match finishes 0-0. (90 minutes)

For more info on these two top online sportsbooks, including the latest join bonuses and promotions, check out the latest bookie reviews onsite at BookieLabRat.com
>>Bet365 Bookmaker Review for April 2008
>>BoyleSports Sportsbook Review April 2008

[Sorry, neither of these online sportsbooks are able to accept wagers from US residents]

Here’s the latest round up of cash back sportsbook offers on English Premier League football this weekend.

This weekend’s live action kicks off at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday lunchtime, when Arsenal entertain Reading. The Gunners have seen their season peter out in the last few weeks but will be determined to put on a show for their home crowd. For Reading, relegation is still a major possibility and Steve Coppell would be delighted to take a point home with them.

“At Long Last” - Arsenal v Reading - Premier League - Saturday 12.45pm
If Shane Long scores the last goal of the game, Boylesports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent.

“Bore Draw” - Place a pre-match correct score, double result or scorecast bet on ANY FOOTBALL MATCH and Bet365 will refund losing stakes if the match finishes 0-0.

“First Scorer Cash Back” - If you back a player to score first in any Premier League game this weekend and your selection fails to score the first goal but scores last, BetFred will refund your stake to £100 max.

“Scorecast Cash Back” - If you place a scorecast bet on any Premier League game this weekend and you only get one half of your selection correct, BetFred will refund your total stake to £100 max.

Saturday evening sees champions elect, Man United, look to put another nail in the coffin of Chelsea’s title challenge when they travel to Blackburn. Mark Hughes’s men looked like a side who have gone through a hard season when they were well beaten by Liverpool last weekend but Rovers have a good record at home against the Red Devils.

“A Cruz Missile” - Blackburn v Man United - Premier League - Saturday 5.15pm 
If Roque Santa Cruz scores the last goal of the game, Boylesports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent.

It’s Derby Day in the North East as Newcastle and Sunderland battle it out in the 128th Tyne-Wear league derby. Both sides have flirted with relegation this season, but with a good run of form of late both seem certain to play Premier League football again next season. Bragging rights and pride will be the order of the day in St James Park.

“Alas Smith & Jones” - Newcastle v Sunderland - Premier League - Sunday 1.30pm 
If either Alan Smith or Kenwyne Jones scores the last goal of the game, Boylesports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent.

“Party Tyne!”  Newcastle V Sunderland - Sun 20th April KO 1:30pm - Live Sky Sports 1
If Newcastle beat Sunderland by 3 or more goals in this match, Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast single bets on that match. Max refund per punter €300/£200

Sunday afternoon sees Benjani face his former employees as Man City welcome Portsmouth to the City of Manchester Stadium. Pompey players may be forgiven for having one eye on the Cup final whereas the pressure is on Sven Goran Eriksson for the first time this season as talk of his departure begins to build.

“Benny Happy Returns” - Man City v Portsmouth - Premier League - Sunday 4.00pm
If Benjani scores the last goal of the game, Boylesports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent.

Matchday 35 of the English Premier League (Games playing April 17-20, 2008)

Man Utd now have one hand firmly on the Premiership trophy after a momentous 2-1 victory over close Premiership rivals, Arsenal, at Old Trafford last Sunday, was followed by Chelsea’s shock draw at home to Wigan on Monday. United’s coach, Alex Ferguson, believes they could tie up the title with wins in the next two games, but it could be all over before then, if the Blues fail to win at Goodison Park on Thursday night.

Victory or Bust For Chelsea at Goodison Park

Though Chelsea travel to Goodison Park on Thursday night for their second league game within 72 hours, fatigue shouldn’t be an issue. Following Monday’s dropped points at home to Wigan, the Londoners’ motivation is clear; with just four games to peg back the Red Devils’s five point lead, and a vastly inferior goal-difference, they simply must beat Everton or wave goodbye to the Premiership title. Coach, Avram Grant’s decision to rest Didier Drogba and Joe Cole on Monday backfired, while Frank Lampard was a late withdrawal due to his mother’s ill health. All three should start for this must-win game.

Everton’s UEFA Cup ambitions for next season guarantee this will be a highly competitive game, that could easily derail the visitors title challenge. The Toffees have lost just three home games this season, but tellingly those defeats were against Liverpool, Arsenal and Man Utd, who make up the top four sides along with Chelsea. Everton are ending the season with a whimper, winning just one of their last five league games, following exit from the UEFA Cup. The ongoing absence of midfielder, Tim Cahill, is a huge blow, while their other key playmaker, Mikel Arteta, hasn’t trained for over week and missed the weekend draw at Birmingham.

PinnacleSports.com price Chelsea favourites 1.855 (0/scratch & -0.5), with Everton 2.080 (0/scratch & +0.5) – a market priced to less than 102%.

Lancashire Derby Represents Potential Banana-skin for Man United

Alex Ferguson, the wily coach of Premier League leaders, Man Utd, has targeted wins in the next two of his side’s four remaining games – against Blackburn on Saturday, and Chelsea on week later – to put a tenth Premiership title within his grasp. Wigan did United a huge favour with their draw at Stamford Bridge on Monday night , but the short journey down the road to Blackburn’s Ewood Park, is a potential banana-skin. Not only is it a local Derby, but Rovers’ manager, Mark Hughes, is a Man Utd legend with designs on succeeding Fergie, when the 66 year old eventually retires.

United have won the last three meetings of these sides, but at Ewood Park they have taken maximum points in just one of the last seven visits; that statistic should give United backers’ some concern. The one clear mitigating factor against Blackburn’s chances is that they are floating in mid-table with nothing to play for other than spoiling United’s party. The league leaders will be hugely boosted by last weekend’s win over Arsenal, and Chelsea’s slip-up, but bear in mind that their last away game, at Boro ended in a disappointing 2-2 stalemate.

Top handicap bookmaker PinnacleSports.com price Man Utd 1.826 (-0.5 & -1) with Blackburn 2.110 (+0.5 & +1). 

*All odds subject to change so check out the latest LIVE ODDS across the top online sportsbooks here at BookieLabRat.com.

Good news for Paddy Power punters! The number crunchers in the Paddy Power trading room this morning have agreed to pay out on United to win the Premier League!.

With four fixtures remaining, a five point cushion and a certain Mr Ronaldo in their team, the team at PaddyPower.com sportsbook thinks it’s pretty obvious who will be lifting the Premier League trophy this season.

This cannie Irish bookie has paid out early on Man United to lift the title. As well as this, they’ve also paid out on Ronaldo to be top Premier League Goalscorer.  

Here’s a quote from their onsite blog:
Let’s be honest, they are home and hosed at this stage and it would take a minor miracle for Chelsea to catch them. Having said that, we did end up paying out on both Arsenal and United to win the title a few years ago, so you never know. Whatever happens, we reckon that the money might as well be in the punter’s pocket at this stage.

And that’s just the start of it. Paddy Power are also paying out on Cristiano Ronaldo to finish the season as top Premier League goal scorer. Again, he’s well clear, and whatever you think of him, there’s no denying his quality. He has lit up the Premier League this season and to celebrate that fact, we’re not just paying out, we’re also adding a 10% bonus to the winnings of everyone who backed him.

Enjoy your winnings!

But wait… there’s more!

Paddy Power has also decided to payout early on the following bets:
- Real Madrid to win La Liga
- Bayern Munich to win the Bundesliga
- Leinster to win the Magners League
- Liverpool in the Premiership w/o Big 3 market!