Archive for April 7th, 2008
Dirk Kuyt’s equaliser for Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal, has certainly put Liverpool on pole position to qualify.
While the Reds could be content to sit back and play out a goalless draw on Tuesday night, the Gunners have to score to stand any chance of progressing. Though their recent domestic form suggests they should be under-dogs, they did produce two out-standing wins in cup competitions at Anfield last season, winning 3-1 in the FA Cup and 6-3 in the League Cup, in games just three days apart.
Arsenal have several players surviving from the 2006 final defeat to Barcelona in Paris, but Liverpool have the greater experience, reaching the final in 2007 and 2005, when they beat AC Milan on penalties. On both occasions the Scousers came through all Premiership semi-finals against Chelsea, keeping clean sheets on both occasions at Anfield where more than anywhere else the crowd become the proverbial 12th man.
The sides shared another 1-1 draw in their Premiership fixture at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, which has almost certainly ended their title hopes. Elements of the home support vented frustration at players and coaching staff, leading to post match comments from Cesc Fabrgegas suggesting that the Gunners may actually benefit from playing away from the hyper-critical atmosphere of expectation. Rafa Benitez rested Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard who will be central figures.
PinnacleSports.com (top Asian Handicap sportsbook) price Liverpool slight favourites 2.050 (0/scratch & -0.5)* with Arsenal 1.877 (0/scratch & +0.5)*.
* Odds subject to change so check out the best prices live at the top online sportsbooks here at BookieLabRat.com.
April 7th, 2008
Can Turks Pull Off Major Shock at Stamford Bridge?
Turkish side Fenerbache produced a rousing second-half performance in Istanbul, to over-turn a 1-0 half-time deficit, and end the Champions League first leg quarter-final as 2-1 winners. Colin Kazim Richards – who scored the equaliser as a substitute – could end up as one of the most unlikely semi-finalist. The 21 year old from Leytonstone was surplus to requirements at Sheff Utd, relegated from the Premiership last season, and only a few years ago was playing in the English lower leagues with Bury.
Fenerbahce certainly cannot match Chelsea’s star quality, but they have shown the kind of character often lacking in Turkish and Greek side in Europe, fighting through a penalty shoot-out against Sevilla, and will fight hard to protect their lead at Stamford Bridge. The overwhelming strength of Chelsea’s home record is common knowledge, and with their away goal, the Blues need only a 1-0 win, which should be within their compass. Didier Drogba is back on form and rested from the Blues 2-0 weekend win over Man City.
PinnacleSports.com (the web’s top Asian Handicap Sportsbook) price Chelsea favourites 2.140 (-1.5 & -2)* with Fenerbahce 1.806 (+1.5 & +2)* – a market priced to less than 102%.
* Odds are subject to change so check out the latest Champions League odds across all the top top bookmakers here at BookieLabRat.com
April 7th, 2008
After some great bookie payouts on Money Back specials last week (especially bets on the Grand National and Premier League football), here are the latest stake-back betting specials on the Champions League action at sportsbooks we rate and recommend.
Oh No, Not Again!
Arsenal V Liverpool – CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – Tuesday 7:45pm
If this game finishes a 1-1 draw (90 minutes) Boyle Sports will refund all losing first/last/anytime goalscorer, correct score and half time/full time bets on this game. Max refund is €300/£200 per customer.
Roman Ruins
Man United V Roma – CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – Wednesday 7:45pm
If Manchester United win this game from behind (90 minutes) Boyle Sports will refund all losing first/last/anytime goalscorer, correct score and half time/full time bets on this game. Max refund is €300/£200 per customer.
Ref Justice!
Liverpool V Arsenal – CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – Tuesday 7:45pm Live on SS1
If there is a penalty awarded 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
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.
Which bookie has best odds on the Champions League games? Check it out here live at BookieLabRat.com.
April 7th, 2008
All eyes turn to Augusta National Golf Club this Thursday as the finest golfers in the world do battle on arguably the finest stage of world golf, the US Masters. The famous green jacket is up for grabs in the first major of the golfing season.
No prizes for guessing that World No. 1, Tiger Woods, is the market leader at most bookies, with the four times winner favourite at around 11/10 (2.10). 2006 winner Phil Mickelson can be snapped up at around 10/1 (11.00) with Vijay Singh around 20/1 (21.00) and Ernie Els, Geoff Ogilvy and Open Champion, Padraig Harrington all around the 25/1 (26.00) mark. Ever consistent, Jim Furyk is good value at around 40/1 (41.00) with defending champion Zach Johnson at around 66/1 (67.00) to repeat his success of last year.
For the latest LIVE odds comparison – which bookie offers the best US Masters prices, check out BookieLabRat.com here.
The latest sportsbook promotions on the US Masters also make for interesting reading. Check them out before you decide which bookie is worthy of your investment!
Birdie Watch – US MASTERS 2008
Boyle Sports will refund all bets on any player that birdies the 18th hole on their 4th round at this years tournament.
– Applies to Tournament Outright & Tournament Outright Without Tiger Woods Only
– Applies to Win Singles & Win part of each way bets placed before The Start Of The Tournament
– Applies to Max Stake of €500 or Currency Equiv
Tiger Hunting – US MASTERS, Starts Thursday, Live on BBC
If your selection finishes in front of Tiger Woods but fails to win the tournament Victor Chandler (VCBet) will refund your losing stake as a free bet.
– Maximum refund is £50 (or currency equivalent) per
bettor.
– Applies to win bets and win part of each-way bets.
– Applies to singles only placed on the Outright and Win Only Outright (except bets on “The Field”) markets from 7th April to the start of the tournament. Internet and telephone bets only. Free bets credited Monday morning.
Master Class! – US MASTERS 2008 – AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
If Tiger Woods wins the 2008 Masters by five or more shots Paddy Power will refund all losing outright bets placed before the start of the tournament.
Max refund per punter €300/£200
April 7th, 2008