Posts filed under 'English Football'
Premiership betting markets have moved a great deal in a short time. With the new Premier League season just four weeks old, early leaders Chelsea have hardened to firm 2.150* favourites in the outright Premiership betting at PinnacleSports.com, while defending champions, Man Utd – currently 14th – have drifted to 3.500*. After impressive weekend wins both Liverpool and Arsenal have shortened to 7.000* and 6.500* respectively, in early Premiership betting moves but with 34 games to go, it is surely too soon to draw any conclusions.
Premiership Table Has Unfamiliar Look Ahead of Matchday 5
Though Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal occupy the top three spots in the Premier League after four games, the table still has an unusual look to it. Despite a heavy summer of transfers, Spurs are rock bottom with just one point, while Manchester United are in 14th – having lost at Anfield on Saturday – though have played one game less than everyone else. The Red Devils have another big fixture this weekend when they travel to Stamford Bridge to meet the current favourites in the outright Premiership betting at PinnacleSports.com.
Chelsea & Man Utd Clash at the Bridge
The Blues are on a roll, having easily dealt with the challenge from the other side of Manchester last weekend, beating City 3-1. The dismissal of John Terry could have been crucial, leaving the England defender suspended for the visit of United, but he has been cleared on appeal. Alex Ferguson is however, without Nemanja Vidic’s after his red card against Liverpool. Fergie could name Cristiano Ronaldo as a substitute after reaching fitness ahead of schedule, but Michael Carrick is out for 6 weeks, and Dimitar Berbatov has a knee problem. Man Utd will want to avoid a successive defeat against serious title rivals but PinnacleSports.com sees them as under-dogs on current form, and Chelsea are of course unbeaten in 84 home games: Chelsea 1.917 (0 & -0.5)*, Manchester United 2.010 (0 & +0.5)* – a market priced to less than 105%.
Visit PinnacleSports.com for a host of Premiership betting specials including two way corners, and yellow card betting markets for all the weekend fixtures, priced to less than 102%, while on Friday’s from 2pm CET, Premiership Asian Handicaps are priced as low as 101%.
PinnacleSports.com’s low margin pricing has also been applied to the new live soccer betting markets for the Premier League, with 1.95/1.95 style live Asian Handicap pricing and in-running Total goals betting.
*Odds subject to change, so check out the latest LIVE ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP ODDS compared across the top online sportsbooks here at BookieLabRat.com.
September 18th, 2008
Premiership betting markets have been rocked by a series of big stories so early in the new Premiership season. Kevin Keegan has walked out on Newcastle United after just 8 months back at the club, Alan Curbishley similarly quit West Ham while Man City has been taken over by the Abu Dhabu United Group who, with estimated net worth of several hundred billion pounds, are promising to make it the biggest club in the world. With such resources City could buy their way into the title race, having already plucked Robinho from under Chelsea’s nose, but the Blues remain favourites in the outright Premiership betting market at PinnacleSports.com, pricing Chelsea 2.250* ahead of Man Utd 2.850*.
Robinho Makes Debut Against Chelsea
As fate would have it Chelsea travel to Eastlands this Saturday to face the team that gazumped them for the signature of Real Madrid reject, Robinho. The Brazilian international’s signing for £32.5milion was an immediate show of intent by Man City’s new owners, the Abu Dhabu Group. Robinho will link up with compatriots, Elano and Jo, along with Shawn Wright-Philips, returning from an unsuccessful spell at the visitors, Chelsea. More than anyone the diminutive winger will want to prove a point on Saturday.
Chelsea come to the City of Manchester Stadium defending top spot in the Premier League, ahead of Liverpool who play Man Utd at lunchtime. Felipe Scolari is definitely without Michael Essien, injured on international duty, and the Brazilian coach will be hoping the remainder of his squad return safely from international duty. The form book speaks strongly in Chelsea’s favour, as the Londoners have won the last six meeting of the clubs without conceding, but what impact might Robinho have on his debut in laser blue?
PinnacleSports.com make the away side favourites on an Premiership Asian Handicap priced to less than 102%: Man City 1.775 (+0.5 & +1)* Chelsea 2.190 (-0.5 & -1)* – a market priced to less than 102%.
Clash of Titans at Anfield
The first big clash of the Premiership’s ‘big four’ takes place at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime, when the Liverpool host Champions, Man Utd. The Pool look to be without their two key players, Fernando Torres – recovering from a hamstring tear – and captain, Steven Gerrard – who has had minor groin surgery. The Red Devils may field Dimitar Berbatov, finally signed after protracted discussion with Spurs, though Ronaldo is still injured, and doubts persist about Rio Ferdinand’s fitness. Alex Ferguson’s side has a tremendous record in this fixture, winning in eight of the last nine encounters, conceding just once.
PinnacleSports.com make United favourites on their Premiership Asian Handicap betting off a level handicap: Liverpool 2.070*, Manchester United 1.862*.
Go to PinnacleSports.com for a host of Premiership betting specials including two way corners, and yellow card betting markets for all the weekend fixtures, priced to less than 102%, while on Friday’s from 2pm CET, Premiership Asian Handicaps are priced as low as 102%.
*Odds subject to change so check out the latest EPL prices LIVE across top online sportsbooks here at BookieLabRat.com
September 12th, 2008
World Cup betting continues on Wednesday night with another full raft of European qualifying fixtures.
Capello Gets Off to Disappointing Start With England
England were booed at halftime in a positively underwhelming 2-0 victory for England against Andorra, coach Fabio Capello’s first competitive game in charge. The pressure is on for a much improved performance away to Croatia on Wednesday night, but the omens aren’t good for Capello. His predecessor, Steve McLaren, lost twice to the Croats during Euro 2008 qualification, and the national side is unbeaten at the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb.
England’s 2-0 defeat at the same venue in November 2006, included a howler for keeper, Paul Robinson, the beginning of the end for his England career. Elsewhere, however, much of the same eleven should be entrusted to restore pride to the Three Lions. Capello experimented against Andorra, handing starts to Theo Walcott, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott and Stewart Downing, but the Italian is expected to drop most of those players.
Croatia began their World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-0 home win over Kazakhstan, but won’t be at full strength against England, missing Eduardo (long term injury) and Portsmouth’s Niko Kranjcar, an influential creative midfielder. Nevertheless, the momentum is with Slaven Bilic’s side, and the manager himself has plenty of motivation, with the temptation of several Premiership managerial vacancies. PinnacleSports.com price the home side favourites on their World Cup Asian Handicap betting: Croatia 2.080 (0 & -0.5)*, England 1.855 (0 & +0.5)* – a market priced to less than 102%.
Elsewhere Les Bleus will be looking for a reaction at home to Serbia, having suffered a shock 3-1 defeat to Austria on Saturday: France 2.200 (-1)*, Serbia 1.769 *(+1)*. Romania also suffered a surprising defeat, losing 3-0 at home to Lithuania. Coach, Victor Piţurcă, will know that he must get a result in the Faroes Islands, or risk the end of his four year spell as national coach.
*=Odds subject to change after this blog was posted…
>>Check out PinnacleSports.com for the latest handicap WC Qualifier Odds
>>Check out BookieLabRat.com for September online sportsbook reviews and ratings
September 8th, 2008
World Cup Soccer Betting – Qualifier Odds & Previews (Sep 6 & 10)
World Cup soccer betting takes centre stage this weekend as the European zone kicks off with 24 qualifiers on the weekend, the first part of a double bill of international soccer betting that concludes on Wednesday night. The rest of world started on the long road to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa some time ago, but for European nations – including holders Italy, and European Champions, Spain – the journey begins here.
England Look for Resurrection Under Capello
Fabio Capello’s first competitive game as England manager, presents one of the easiest opponents in World soccer, the tiny Andorra. The minnows shouldn’t present much of a problem to the mighty Three Lions, losing all twelve of their Euro 2008 qualifiers. However, under the previous incumbent, Steve McLaren, England laboured for 45 minutes away to Andorra, without finding the net, and looked unimpressive in the recent draw with the Czech Republic. Steven Gerrard is the only major absentee for the game in Barcelona for which PinnacleSports.com price England, unsurprisingly as heavy favourites on the World Cup Asian Handicaps. England 2.050 (-3.5 & -4)*, Andorra 1.877 (+3.5 & +4)*.
Capello’s first big challenge will came on Wednesday night in Zagreb, when they face Croatia, who famously did the double over them during Euro 2008 qualification, ending their hopes of reaching Austria and Switzerland. Croatia haven’t lost a competitive home game since 1994, and under Slavan Bilic, are becoming one of Europe’s most powerful soccer, while England have gone in the other direction. It promises to be the most intriguing game in World Cup qualifier betting menu at PinnacleSports.com, offering up to 60% better odds for the game than traditional bookmakers.
Holders Face Tricky Trip to Cyprus
World Cup holders, Italy, begin the defence of the title they won in Germany two years ago, with a tricky trip to Larnaca. Cyprus are enjoying a magical spell on the domestic front, with Famagusta becoming the first Cypriot side in the Champions League, and two further representative in the UEFA Cup. During Euro 2008, Cyprus gave notice of their potential as Giant Killers, beating the Republic of Ireland 5-2, Wales 3-1, and holding the mighty Germany to a 1-1 draw. The Azzurri are now back under the stewardship of Marcello Lippi, who led them to ultimate success in 2008, and is looking to repeat that triumph, starting in Cyprus on Saturday. Italy 2.060 (-1.5), Cyprus Cyprus 1.870 (+1.5).
*Odds subject to change so check them out onsite at popular handicap sportsbook PinnacleSports.com. (Sorry, no USA residents can be members at PinnacleSports.com)
>>For more info on this bookmaker: Read the latest Pinnacle Sports Online Bookmaker Review at BookieLabRat.com.
>>For the best sportsbook bonuses and freebies: Read the 1-page sportsbook bonus comparison.
September 5th, 2008
CHELSEA v TOTTENHAM
The game of the weekend takes place in the Queen’s capital, as Chelsea and Tottenham battle it out in a replay of last season’s Carling Cup final. The two couldn’t have more different starts to the season – the Blues look unbeatable, thanks to Deco, while Spurs have been simply awful.
The question is who will be playing in this encounter. Rumours abound that Chelsea are close to signing Robinho, while Spurs look set to clinch Russian star Roman Pavlyuchenko. Spurs are in need of some support for Darren Bent, who has yet to carry his pre-season form onto a Premier League pitch.
Read full Chelsea v Tottenham preview
Last Five League Results
Chelsea: 4 wins (Wigan, Pompey, Newcastle, Man Utd), 1 draw (Bolton)
Tottenham: 1 win (Reading), 1 draw (Bolton) 3 losses (Sunderland, Boro, Liverpool)
Prediction: A comfortable Chelsea win
SUNDERLAND v MANCHESTER CITY
Watch out for Keano! Whilst all eyes were on Man City’s failure to lure big-name players, Sunderland quietly bought a whole new team over the summer. And it’s a team filled with quality too. Djibril Cisse got off to an excellent start from the bench last weekend and will be looking to start this week, while Anton Ferdinand has completed his switch to the Stadium of Light.
Mark Hughes will be happy having seen his side quickly forget their opening day defeat with a convincing over West Ham. Jo is now back from the Olympics and much is expected of the costly Brazilian, after a string of useless/luckless strikers have passed in and out the doors at Eastlands.
Last Five League Results
Sunderland: 2 wins (Spurs, Boro), 3 losses (Liverpool, Arsenal, Bolton)
Man City: 1 win (West Ham), 4 losses (A Villa, Boro, Liverpool, Fulham)
Prediction: A tight one, but Sunderland will just nick it thanks to home support
CELTIC V RANGERS
It’s the first Old Firm derby of the season and typically there’s not much between these two. Both have identical records: two wins and one draw. Both also have new signings to show off, more so Rangers who welcome Maurice Edu and Kyle Lafferty to their first red-hot-cauldron encounters. Meanwhile Kenny Miller will face scorn, most likely from both sets of supporters, having represented both sides of the divide on numerous occasions.
Gordon Strachan will be hoping Georgios Samaras and Shaun Maloney can keep up the good work up front, especially considering their his only realistic strike options (both Vennegoor of Hesselink and McDonald are injury doubts). It’s hard to call these games, best just to sit back and enjoy.
Last Five League Results
Celtic: 4 wins (Falkirk, St Mirren, Dundee Utd, Hibs), 1 draw (Dundee Utd)
Rangers: 3 wins (Hearts, Falkirk, St Mirren), 1 draw (Aberdeen), 1 loss (Aberdeen)
Prediction: A draw, which will suit Kilmarnock who have the chance of topping the SPL this weekend
DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA v REAL MADRID
The Spanish league kicks off this weekend and the pick of the opening weekend’s clashes comes at the Estadio Municipal de Riazor. After four years of mid-table obscurity Deportivo fans are starting to forget the days when they actually used to compete against Madrid at the top of the tree. With Coloccini removed from their defence things won’t be getting any better.
Real look set to lose Robinho who, despite the heavy criticism, did his fair bit in terms of goalscoring last season to help guide his side towards winning the league. But in Raul and Ruud van Nistelrooy Madrid boast arguably the most prolific, if slightly ageing, strike partnership in La Liga.
Last Five League Results
Deportivo: 2 wins (Barcelona, Levante), 3 losses (Zaragoza, Atletico, Villareal)
Real Madrid: 4 wins (Bilbao, Osasuna, Barcelona, Levante), 1 draw (Zaragoza)
Prediction: A Real Madrid victory to set their stall out to all challengers
FIORENTINA v JUVENTUS
After finishing fourth Fiorentina fans are salivating at the chance to take a big scalp on the opening weekend of Serie A. Although manager Cesare Prandelli has ruled out a title challenge this year, many will be expecting them to be there or there abouts with a new strike partnership of Adrian Mutu and Alberto Gilardino leading the line.
Claudio Ranieri duly delivered the good times back to Juve on their return to the top flight, leading the team to third place last season. Palermo hot shot Amauri joins an enviable attack of Alex Del Piero, David Trezeguet and Vincenzo Iaqunita. Tough to call, but there could be goals galore, just like the 2-3 thriller in Turin last March.
Last Five League Results
Fiorentina: 3 wins (Torino, Parma, Palermo), 1 draw (Sampdoria), 1 loss (Cagliari)
Juventus: 2 wins (Lazio, Atalanta), 2 draws (Sampdoria, Catania), 1 loss (Siena)
Prediction: Sitting firmly on the fence, a draw as both sides cancel each other out
>>Check out the latest bookmaker reviews and ratings onsite at BookieLabRat.com. Don’t throw away your betting profits by wagering with the wrong bookie!
August 30th, 2008
Here’s the latest EPL preview from the crew at Bodog Sportsbook.
This weekend the capital’s two big spenders come face to face, following very differing starts to the season. Luis Felipe Scolari has picked up where Avram Grant left off, on a winning streak (bar that night in Moscow). Tottenham have nil points and a fractured dressing room. Surely this can only go one way?
They may not have gone crazy in the transfer market but Chelsea have certainly bought wisely this summer. Deco and Jose Bosingwa have fitted into the starting line up with ease, a rarity in recent seasons for Chelsea new boys. Still, Robinho is expected to arrive by Monday, and that could upset the apple cart – two of Joe Cole, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien and Jon Obi Mikel will surely lose playing time because of the move.
Juande Ramos must be jealous of the Brazilian’s selection headache. Now that Dimitar Berbatov has plainly given up trying in training, the Tottenham boss is left with just one experienced striker in the shape of Darren Bent. A good pre-season for the Englishman has yet to materialise in the league.
No wonder there’s still talk of Russian duo Andrey Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko arriving before the transfer deadline. The Russian pair would boost Spurs’ confidence no end, but getting them before Sunday’s fixture looks unlikely.
So in reality Sunday’s fixture should be based on current clientele. Despite spending big, Spurs’ new signings have yet to shine. Both Luka Modric and Gio Dos Santos were expected to explode onto the scene but that has yet to happen. New goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has yet to prove he’s any better than Paul Robinson too.
Down at Stamford Bridge, Deco has become an instant fans favourite (how soon they forget the Barcelona games), scoring in his first two games. Up front Nicolas Anelka still looks out of place in the Chelsea set up, but a goal on the opening day should keep his confidence up until Didier Drogba returns from injury.
Tottenham may have beaten the Blues in the Carling Cup final last year but there’s no looking past the Chelsea home form. Scolari’s men haven’t lost at home in the league for four years. There isn’t a cat’s chance in hell that an underperforming Spurs side can get three points at Stamford Bridge. And the leaky defence should provide enough chances for a comfortable Chelsea win come 90 minutes.
Prediction: Chelsea Win
Get the best odds on Chelsea v Tottenham EPL fixture live. (Compare odds live across the top online sports bookmakers).
Check out the latest online sportsbook reviews and ratings at BookieLabRat.com.
August 30th, 2008
Here’s the latest round up of bookie stake-back and free bet refunds on this week’s English Premier League Football. Check them out before you decide which sportbook to place your best with as these cash back deals payout reasonably regularly and 3 outcomes (win, loss or stake-back) is far better than 2 when it comes to growing your betting profits.
Samir Of The Same?
Fulham v Arsenal – Sat 5.30pm Live on Setanta. If Samir Nasri scores at any time in this match Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on this match. Max Refund €300/£200 per customer.
1st Scorer 2nd Chance
All Premier League Matches, Saturday, Sunday & Monday. Place a 1st goal scorer bet and if your player fails to score the 1st goal but scores at any other time in the match, Victor Chandler will refund your stake as a free bet on any future match. Max refund £100 (€125) per person per match.
Red Alert!
Weekend Premier League: Liverpool v Middlesbrough, Portsmouth v Man Utd, Fulham v Arsenal, Man City v West Ham, Wigan v Chelsea. BoyleSports will refund all losing first/last/anytime goalscorer and correct score bets on a specific match if a player is sent off. Max refund per bet per customer is €300 (or currency equivalent)
Gold Difference!
2008/2009 Season Antepost Cashbacks: English Premier League, Championship League One, League Two, BlueSquare League. If any of these leagues is decided by goal difference, BoyleSports will refund all losing single bets on that particular League. Max refund per bet per customer per League is €300 (or currency equivalent). Applies to existing bets & bets placed up to Aug 31st, 2008
Curb Your Enthusiasm!
Man City v West Ham, Sunday Aug 24, 4:00pm. Betfred will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast win single bets on the Man City v West Ham match on Sunday as a free bet – if West Ham lose from a winning position. Maximum refund is £200 (or your currency equivalent) per customer.
Brucie Bonus?!
Wigan v Chelsea, Sunday Aug 24, 1:30pm. Betfred will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast win single bets on the Wigan v Chelsea match on Sunday as a free bet – if Wigan keep a clean sheet. Maximum refund is £200 (or your currency equivalent) per customer.
Premier League Second Chance Specials
Sunday, 24 August – Wigan Athletic v Chelsea. If your bet loses and Wigan Athletic United scores the last goal of the match, Canbet will refund your bet (Correct Score Only). Maximum bonus for any of the Second Chance Specials is £50 (€65)
Saturday, 23 August – West Bromwich Albion v Everton. If your bet loses and Everton beats W.B.A by 3 or more goals in this match, Canbet will refund your bet (Correct Score Only). Maximum bonus for any of the Second Chance Specials is £50 (€65)
Bore Draw
Bet365 Bookmaker will refund your stake on any football game throughout the season (or the Olympics) that results in a nil all draw (90 minutes). Dire goalless game? No worries – get your cash back at Bet365 to back another team!
August 23rd, 2008
Here’s the latest EPL game previews and odds from Simon at PinnacleSports. (Likes his handicap football betting, does our Simon!)
Premiership Betting Odds – Matchday 2 Preview (Aug 23-25)
The biggest upset in the Premiership betting on matchday one of the new Premier League season, was the inability of defending champions – Manchester United – to beat Newcastle at Old Trafford. A new look Chelsea, guided by ‘Big Phil’ Scolari, were quickly into their stride with a 4-0 win, while Arsenal and Liverpool got off the mark without totally convincing.
Check out the Premiership betting odds at PinnacleSports.com for matchday two, where you can get 101% Premiership Asian Handicaps every Friday from 1pm – the best Premiership betting odds on the planet.
United Look to Get Off Mark on South Coast
Manchester United suffered the absence of some key attacking personnel last weekend, limping to a 1-1 draw against Newcastle, a team they hammered 6-0 last season at the Theatre of Dreams. Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez were absent along Luis Nani and Anderson, leaving Wayne Rooney to toil up front on his own. There were some unfamiliar names on the bench, and coach, Alex Ferguson, has few options for Monday’s game against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
Portsmouth lost just four times at home last season, and held United to 1-1 draw almost 12 months ago. Harry Redknapp’s side were taken to pieces at Stamford Bridge on the opening day, but they are different proposition on their own turf. Redknapp will know that this is a good time to be playing the Champions, so his team will be in their faces from kick-off. Nevertheless, PinnacleSports.com’s Premiership betting prices Man Utd favourites 1.971 (-0.5 & -1)* with Portsmouth 1.952 (+0.5 & +1)* – a market priced to less than 102%.
Liverpool, Chelsea & Arsenal Setting Early Pace
Three of the Premiership’s big four recorded wins on day one of the new Premier League season, and Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal will be aware that they can capitalise on a weakened Man Utd. The Red Devils are notoriously slow starters, so their close rivals must take full advantage. Chelsea travel to the JJB Stadium, facing a Wigan side who lost 2-1 to West Ham on matchday 1. The Blues are favourites 2.080 (-1 & -1.5)* leading soccer bookmaker, PinnacleSports.com.
Liverpool play their first home Premiership game of the season, where the Kop will be every hopeful that this season they can provide a realistic title challenge. Fernando Torres did the business last weekend, and a lot of hope rests of the young Spaniard’s shoulders. Liverpool are 1.917 (-1 & -1.5)* hosting Middlesbrough, conquerors of Tottenham on the opening day of the 2008/09 Premier League.
Arsenal laboured to 1-0 win over newly West Brom at the Emirates on Saturday. Coach, Arsene Wenger, will want a better display in this weekend’s London Derby against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Fulham’s defeat away to Hull suggests they will struggle again this season. PinnacleSports.com price Arsenal 1.826 (-0.5 & -1)*.
To add even further excitement to betting on the Premiership, PinnacleSports.com’s low margin pricing has also been applied to the new live soccer betting markets for the Premier League, with 1.95/1.95 style live Asian Handicap pricing and in-running Total goals betting.
*Odds subject to change so check out the latest odds onsite at Pinnacle Sports or compare the EPL prices across the top online sportsbooks live here at BookieLabRat.com.
August 22nd, 2008
We thought we’s share the latest blog from the team at Bodog Sport UK on their views on this weeks’ England Captaincy announcement – ah, say what you think guys…don’t hold back. Really!
And the England captain is…. John Terry. Booooooo!
We should have guessed when all the newspapers this morning reckoned Rio Ferdinand would get the permanent job of captaining England that canny ol’ Fabio Capello would throw a curveball and go for someone completely different. So it’s not Rio, who has barely put a foot out of place in the last two seasons for Man. United, who is easily the best defender England has, who has impressed all and sundry with his mature displays in the centre of defence for club and country.
It’s John flamin’ Terry. Terry, who has been injured on and off for the past two seasons. Terry, whose form has flitted between poor, indifferent and average for those two seasons. Terry, who slipped over when handed the chance to win the Champions League, thus screwing his penalty wide in Moscow.
And Terry, who was captain under Steve McClaren’s miserable tenure and so, has actually proven that when it comes down to the serious business of qualifying for a major tournament, he cannot inspire his teammates to win – or eve draw (remember Croatia at home?) the big games.
John Terry, England captain. Humph. Wrong choice, Fabio.
To bet on football and a whole other raft of sports then check out Bodog Sport. You know it makes sense.
>>Find out more about Bodog Sportsbook check out the latest Bodog Sports Review here at BookieLabRat.com. Punters from around the world are welcome at this popular online gambling site – except Canadians due to licencing restrictions.
August 19th, 2008
With the Premier League barely a couple of days old Fabio Capello faces his first international fixture of the season, and his last friendly outing before next month’s World Cup qualifiers – where he’ll really earn, or waste, his wages.
The hot topic going into the Wembley fixture on Wednesday night surrounds his choice of strikers. Despite a great pre-season for Darren Bent and a big money move for Peter Crouch both have been left out of the side, which many see as an indication of Capello’s first choice for the qualifiers ahead.
It’s Emile Heskey who is the shock inclusion. What he lacks in goalscoring form, he more than makes up for in being there at the right time. Remember, he got himself on the scoresheet against the Germans in that famous 5-1 victory. And in the Euro 2008 qualifiers he hit some form at just the right time. Infact, only injury ruled him out of the important final few games. Who knows, had he played maybe England would’ve had a more interesting summer schedule.
The other topic of discussion is based around the captaincy role. Capello is due to name his permanent leader ahead of the friendly with the Czechs. Those in the know suggest it’s a clear cut contest between John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. It could be argued that Ferdinand has the mental toughness and recent accolades to warrant the role, but does the Italian risk upsetting the cart in what has been a disappointing year for Terry so far?
Back to the task in hand though – Capello will be looking for a win on Wednesday night. He’s done his experimenting, has had a look at the players he deems suitable for the starting eleven and is now raring to go in the build up to World Cup 2010.
Bet on England v Czech Republic at Bodog Sports
Czech Republic should provide good competition, they are ranked eighth in the world after all. There’s no doubting their skill on the pitch, and their threat in front of goal, but Capello will be well aware of their defensive frailties, as highlighted at the Euro championships. Ever-dependable goalkeeper Petr Cech has had a few howlers in recent months, star player Tomas Rosicky is still crocked and main striker Jan Koller has now retired, so an England victory is expected.
Wayne Rooney will be looking to get back on track after only managing five goals in three years for his country, largely due to injury. Who starts alongside him remains unclear. Jermain Defoe has pace but lacks that killer touch at the top level. Theo Walcott has skill but inexperience. Emile Heskey plays best in a supporting role – perhaps too similar to Rooney.
Capello could choose to try the 4-3-3 formation with Walcott and Joe Cole supporting the Man Utd man – it worked very well for Chelsea at the weekend after all. David Bentley will be snapping at his chance to earn a first England goal though, and judging by his pre-season form it’d be foolish to not utilize his ever-improving output.
Prediction: A morale-boosting win for England
Bet on England to win the World Cup 2010 at Bodog Sports
(For more on this popular online sportsbook read the latest Bodog Sportsbook Review at BookieLabRat.com) – Sorry, no USA residents can bet at Bodog.
August 19th, 2008
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