Archive for April, 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
Compare the latest Money Back Special Betting offers from the top online sportsbooks.
Sympathy for the Devils!
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – Middlesbrough v Manchester United – Sunday 1:30pm Live on SS1. If Man United lead at any time and fail to win Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast single bets on that match. Max refund per punter €300/£200
Nil All? – 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.
BetFred’s Premiership Cashbacks
1. 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.
2. 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.
…And BoyleSports has four offers on EPL and FA Cup Football
DeJa Vu – Arsenal V Liverpool – PREMIER LEAGUE – Saturday 12:45pm
If this game finishes a 1-1 draw Boyle Sports will refund all losing single bets on this game. Max refund is €300/£200 per customer.
Turkish Delight – Middlesbrough V Man United – PREMIER LEAGUE – Sunday 1:30pm
If Tuncay scores the last goal of the game Boyle Sports will refund all losing single bets on this game. Max refund is €300/£200 per customer.
Rubbish Baggies – West Brom V Portsmouth – FA CUP – Saturday 12:15pm
If Portsmouth win the game from behind (in 90 minutes) Boyle Sports will refund all losing single bets on this game. Max refund is €300/£200 per customer.
Whitt’s End – Barnsley V Cardiff – FA CUP – Sunday 4:00pm
If Peter Whittington scores the last goal of the game (in 90 minutes) Boyle Sports will refund all losing single bets on this game. Max refund is €300/£200 per customer.
April 4th, 2008
There are now just six remaining Premiership fixtures before the end of the season. That may make fans of online soccer betting feel a bit sad, but on the bright side there a half a dozen opportunities for bettors to get 60% better Premiership betting odds on Asian Handicaps at PinnacleSports.com.
United Travel to Riverside in Buoyant Mood
Manchester United will approach Sunday’s Premiership fixture at the Riverside in a buoyant mood, having put themselves in a very strong position to progress to the last four of the Champions League. Alex Ferguson is now eyeing a European and domestic double, with the only blot on a fantastic week being the knee injury Nemanja Vidic sustained in Rome. John O’Shea is however, an able deputy, and should slot into the back four against Middlesbrough, as the Red Devils look to consolidate their five point lead at the top of the Premiership table.
Cristiano Ronaldo continued his unstoppable form scoring against Roma, and given the cushion of the two goal lead against the Italians, Fergie may not feel the need to rest his star striker in preparation for the return leg on the 10th. Certainly, Boro’s manager, Gareth Southgate, would be happy to see the winger on the bench. His side have little left to play for, with an eight point gap between them and relegation, but should be lifted by the visit of the Champions. The Teessiders ran Chelsea close last week at Stamford Bridge, losing by a single goal, but PinnacleSports.com make them underdogs on their Asian Handicap pricing Man Utd 2.00 (-1 & -1.5)* with Middlesbrough 1.926 (+1 & +1.5)* – a market priced to less than 102%.
Arsenal & Liverpool Meet for Part II of Trilogy
Arsenal and Liverpool meet at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday lunchtime for a repeat of Wednesday night’s Champions League quarter-final first leg which ended 1-1, handing the advantage to the Scousers. The Gunners still retain a slim hope of catching Premiership leaders, Man Utd, given they must still visit Old Trafford, but to do that they must realistically win all remaining fixtures. Last weekend’s dramatic fight-back at the Reebok was Arsenal’s first win in five league games, and though it should have restored some confidence, it isn’t enough to dispel the feeling that Arsenal are a spent force.
Liverpool’s win in the Mersey Derby has put them in pole position to finish in the crucial fourth Champions League spot, achieved against a background of boardroom chaos. With a five point cushion to Everton, in fifth, a relatively comfortable run of fixtures to the end of the season, Rafa Benitez may feel justified in shuffling his side ahead of the return Champions League fixture at Anfield on Tuesday night. The most likely candidates to be rested are Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, Liverpool’s proven match-winners. Premiership bettors should play close attention to team news ahead of the game then check out PinnacleSports.com’s Asian Handicap odds, offering 60% value than the traditional bookmakers. Arsenal are priced marginal favourites 1.877 (0/scratch & -0.5)* with Liverpool 2.050 (0/scratch & +0.5)*.
*All odds subject to change
April 3rd, 2008
La Liga Online Betting Preview – Matchday 31 (Apr 5-6)
The biggest story from last weekend’s La Liga results was Barcelona’s amazing capitulation from a two goal lead against Betis. As a consequence, the Catalans have slipped to third, with Villarreal becoming the closest challenge to leaders, Real Madrid who are favourites in La Liga’s online betting market. Follow the action from matchday 31 with up to 60% better La Liga betting odds at PinnacleSports.com.
Barca Continue Jekyll & Hyde Performances
Barcelona continue to produce contrasting form in the Champions League than in La Liga. Last Saturday the Catalans were cruising against Real Betis with a two goal first half lead, but threw the game away in 15 minutes of second half madness conceding three quick-fire goals to lose the game. However, just three days later, an almost identical side, again missing Leo Messi and Ronaldinho, ground out a win away to Bundesliga side, Schalke 04, defending a one goal lead from a twelfth minute Bojan Krkic goal.
The result in Germany puts the Catalans in a strong position to face either Man Utd or Roma in the Champions League semi-finals at the end of April. However, in La Liga they have fallen seven points behind leaders, Real Madrid, and now occupy third position. On Sunday, they face Getafe, who beat them 2-0 last November, but are busy with a forthcoming Copa Del Rey final appearance and UEFA Cup quarter-final against Bayern Munich. Despite winning just one of their last five league fixtures PinnacleSports.com make Barcelona favourites 1.794 (-1 & -1.5)* with Getafe 2.160 (+1 & +1.5)* – a market priced to less than 102%.
Galacticos Look to Consolidate Lead at Mid-table Mallorca
Last weekend was a positive one for Real Madrid for two reasons. They returned to form with a 3-1 win at home to Sevilla, while their closest rivals, Barcelona, lost at Real Betis. Los Blancos now have six point cushion at the top of La Liga, which they will look to consolidate away to mid-table Mallorca on Saturday. Since the winter break the Balearic side have become one of La Liga’s most difficult teams to beat, losing just one of their last eleven fixtures in all competitions. The Islanders have scored fifteen times in their last five games, with most of the threat coming from top-scorer, Daniel Guiza.
Mallorca haven’t lost in seven home games, which includes a 2-1 Copa Del Rey win over Saturday’s opponents. Their last league defeat was by Barcelona in January, so despite being marooned in mid-table, and appearing to have nothing to play before, Gregorio Manzano’s side will be no pushover for the visiting Galacticos. Having already lost a Cup game at the Ono Estadi this season, Bernd Schuster should be aware of the threat, which should help guard against complacency. PinnacleSports.com price Real Madrid favourites 1.926 (0/scratch & -0.5)* with Mallorca 2.00 (0/scratch & +0.5)*.
*All odds subject to change so check out the latest odds live across the top online sportsbooks here at BookieLabRat.com
April 3rd, 2008
Here’s a quick summary of the latest bookmaker promotions that may be of interest if you’re planning a punt or two on the Aintree Grand National.
Grand National Sale – 10% Bonus on Winnings!
Paddy Power will add a 10% Bonus to your Winnings on all Single Bets in the 2008 Aintree Grand National. Max bonus per punter €300/£200
We had a Brass Neck!
If your selection finishes 2nd, beaten up to and including a Neck, in any horse race inIreland and the UK with a scheduled OFF time of 6pm or later, Paddy Power will refund your losing single stake. This special runs for the entire month of April. Does not apply to Tote Bets.
April Extra Place Value
Paddy Power will pay 5 places on all Handicaps in Ireland and the UK when 22 or more runners take part. This special runs for the entire month of April. Does not apply to Tote Bets. 22 or more runners must actually run for the extra place to apply.
Best Odds Guaranteed – Non-Runner No Bet – 1st 5 places.
When you place your bet with bet365 on the Grand National take the price on your selection – and if the SP is bigger they’ll will pay you out at the bigger odds. If your selection doesn’t run for any reason they’ll will refund your stake. Bet365 will also pay out on the first 5 places…
25% Cash Back Rebate – “All April” Horse Racing
Receive a 25% Racing Rebate on net losses! If your account shows a net loss during the month Canbet will refund one quarter (25%) of that loss back to your account in cash. The rebate is an amount equal to 25% of the cumulative settled stakes minus returns for all bets placed on UK, Irish, South African, horse and greyhound racing.
An Extra Place – Aintree Grand National, 5th April
Boyle Sports are paying five places in the Aintree Grand National 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4 & 5 places. Max refund is €300/£200 per customer.
Free Fall
If your selection falls* in the Grand National, VC Bet will refund your losing stake as a free bet! The maximum refund is £50 per person per runner. £300 per person in total. *The offer also applies to Unseated Rider, Brought Down, Refused or Slipped Up. Free bets will be credited within 48 hours and can be placed on any event of choice.
April 1st, 2008
Last month top Aussie sportsbook Canbet handed out a £20,000 betting bankroll to one lucky punter to place on the Grand National. I did not win 🙁 , did you?
In April at Canbet you can win a Playstation 3 and 2 of the latest football games!
Three Playstation®3’s are up for grabs, each including FIFA 08™ and FIFA Street™!
Playstation®3 is the most advanced gaming console on the market and the piece de resistance in high-definition entertainment. Blu-ray™ technology enables you to play the latest generation games, as well as watch movies in unparalleled HD quality. You can also listen to music, browse photos and connect to the Internet. Add to the mix two of the hottest football game titles and it doesn’t get better than this!
Win a Playstation 3 and 2 of the latest football games!
Register to participate by entering the promotional code: PS3 on the My Account page of the Canbet website between 1 April 2008 and 30 April 2008. (New and existing Canbet customers are eligible to enter)
Earn an entry into the draw every time you:
- Bet £50 (€65) at Canbet Casino
- Bet £50 (€65) on Sports or Racing
- Play 50 Poker Raked Hands
- Refer a Friend
The lucky winner will be announced on Thursday 1 May 2008.
>>For more information on Canbet Sportsbook check out our latest review here at BookieLabRat.com.
>>Visit Canbet Online Sportsbook
April 1st, 2008
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