LETS SAY NICE THINGS ABOUT MCCLAREN

Not because he's a good manager but because I learned from Gandhi that peaceful positive action is the way forward, so lets all say something nice about Steve, I'll start, his was looking good last night.

LAST NIGHT'S MARKET MOVERS
England's 3-0 win against Andorra in Barcelona didn't impress the bookies and Steve McClaren has been cut from 7/4 to 6/4 with bet365 not to see out Euro 2008 qualifying as manager.
England were 0-0 with the minnows at half-time before a Steven Gerrard double and an injury time tap-in from debutant David Nugent sealed the win.
Yet the display was abject and all too similar to the drab on show in Israel, and bet365 spokesman Steve Freeth explained his firm's reasons for cutting McClaren. Not his hair, not that lovely hair.
He said: "The late goals only papered over what was another laboured performance against a very poor side. McClaren will be giving Steven Gerrard a big pat on the back after his display, but will we see Frank Lampard back against Estonia in June?"
Will we indeed will we sign any of them or will we have so many mysterious injuries our first choice midfield will be Hargreaves and Ben Foster.

Paddy Power's next England manager betting sees Guus Hiddink the 5/1 favourite ahead of Luis Felipe Scolari, Martin O'Neill and Sam Allardyce.

The Irish firm were more impressed with their own team, as the Republic of Ireland held on for a 1-0 win over Slovakia at Croke Park. Kevin Doyle's early header was enough to seperate the teams and give a boost to under-fire manager Steve Staunton.
Haines said: "He might not be out of the woods just yet but six points in the last two games keeps Ireland moving in the right direction and gives 'Stan' some breathing space. We expect punters' requests to bet on the manager's exit to ease for now."
The Irish manager had been just 6/4 to lose his job during the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign but this was pushed out to 9/4 on Wednesday by Paddy Power after the 1-0 victory.

Stan though can't afford to rest on his laurels with tough games ahead.

CRICKET WORLD CUP:
0950: South Africa and Sri Lanka have swapped places in the betting for the 2007 Cricket World Cup following the Proteas' victory in Guyana.
Graeme Smith's side wrapped up a nervy one wicket win despite Lasith Malinga taking four wickets in an incredible four balls - and South Africa are now 7/2 from 9/2 with their opponents out to 5/1 from 4/1.
Australia, who saw off the West Indies in a 103 run victory, are 6/5 from 5/4 with the home nation now 10/1 from 8/1.
Ladbrokes spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "South Africa were sweating and so were we - their opponents were a £100,000 loser for us. "The Proteas are in reasonable shape, but the Aussies are beginning to look ominous."

Indeed they are nothing funny in that I'm afraid especially if your money is on one of the other teams.

DIARY
CRICKET
World Cup Super Eight, St John's, Antigua - West Indies v New Zealand (1430).

TENNIS
Miami: Sony Ericsson Open

GOLF
Sintra: Portuguese Open (to Apr 1). Texas: Houston Open (to Apr 1).

SNOOKER
China Open.

SWIMMING
Melbourne: World Championships.

RACING
Hereford. Lingfield. Towcester. Thurles.

HOCKEY
Scotland v Canada (1900)

FOOTBALL: International Friendlies
02:00 Colombia (1.8) Draw (3.25) Paraguay (4)
02:00 USA (1.25) Draw (5) Guatemala (8)
04:00 Ecuador (3.3) Draw (3.2) Mexico (2)
Conference South Matches
19:45 Welling (1.62) Draw (3.75) Thurrock (6)
Brazilian Carioca
00:30 Botafogo RJ (1.33) Draw (4) Volta Redonda (8.5)
00:30 Cabofriense RJ (1.85) Draw (3.25) Friburguense (3.75)
01:45 Vasco da Gama (1.25) Draw (5) Americano (9)
Brazilian Paulista
00:30 Bragantino (2.1) Draw (3.25) Sao Caetano (3)
00:30 Guaratingueta (1.62) Draw (3.4) Ituano (6)
00:30 Santo Andre (2.38) Draw (3.2) Juventus SP (2.7)
00:30 Sao Bento (2.44) Draw (3.45) Barueri (2.64)
00:30 Sertaozinho (2.63) Draw (3.2) Noroeste (2.38)
01:45 Santos (1.73) Draw (3.2) Corinthians (4.5)
01:45 Sao Paulo (1.14) Draw (6) RIO BRANCO (13)

Copa Libertadores Matches View Odds
00:45 Defensor (1.57) Draw (3.4) Deportivo Pasto (5.5)
01:45 Internacional Draw Velez Sarsfield odds not listed yet.
Eircom First Division View Odds
19:45 Dundalk (1.66) Draw (3.4) Athlone (5)

LIVE SPORT ON TV
11:00 Sky Sports 1 Open de Portugal Euro Tour
12:00 British Eurosport Stephen Maguire v Shaun Murphy China Open
14:30 Sky Sports 1 West Indies v New Zealand World Cup Super Eights
16:00 Sky Sports 2 Open de Portugal Euro Tour
17:45 British Eurosport Palma de Mallorca, Spain: Day 1 UCI World Track Championship
18:00 British Eurosport 2 Vilamoura, Portugal: Special Stage FIA World Rally Championship
19:30 Sky Sports 2 Raymond van Barneveld v Colin Lloyd, Terry Jenkins v Roland Scholten, Dennis Priestley v Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis v Peter Manley Premier League
20:00 Setanta Golf /
Setanta Sports 1 Shell Houston Open Day 1 PGA Tour
20:00 Sky Sports Xtra Miami Quarter-final ATP Masters
Friday 30th March
00:00 Sky Sports Xtra Miami Quarter-final ATP Masters
00:00 Setanta Sports 1 /
Setanta Ireland TBC NIT Tournament Championship
01:00 NASN Detroit v Nashville NHL
02:00 British Eurosport 2 Semi-finals WTA Sony Ericsson Open
02:00 Setanta Ireland Slam Dunk and 3 Point Contest College Hoops
08:30 British Eurosport TBC China Open

THE TIPPING POINT
LAST NIGHT: We had a pretty decent night last night, good anytime market wins for Doyle and Koumas, Italy on the plus two, we mentioned Wales 3-0 correct score, Albania,Northern Ireland and Lithuania all covered the handicap. Though Slovakia let us down witht hat big double on them and Italy. I can't be bothered and I don't think you care enough about the stats to work out how it went, promise I'll work out a proper system and keep tabs soon.
TODAY'S TIPS: Are PG and very nice they are as well. That's right all good gamblers oh and me need to know when to have a night off, with no football, very close darts matches, a cricket world cup match that is too close to call means this is one day to sit on your cash and do your homework for the weekend. Make sure you do because I'll be back tommorrow asking to see those books.

In the meanwhile I'm out of here faster than an apprentice firee.

YOUR RIGHT TO INFORMATION

WE LOVE YOU REDDITCH WE DO

Unlike certain England managers I'm prepared to admit I was wrong, Redditch is a lovely place, based in the heart of Worcester. All things consdiered it is a pretty town with nice churches,lots of history and lots of nice countryside, this is in no way connected to the fact that Redditch were my only winners last night, nor for the fact that I've been supported by the Redditch tourist board, though any contribution is welcome.
On with a new day and we've got more international goodies than a club 18-30 holiday.

THE MARKET MOVERS
CRICKET: The West Indies are no bigger than 10/3 to beat Australia in today's rain-delayed Super Eights clash at the World Cup despite having to chase down a mammoth total of 322-6. Matthew Hayden was the star of the show for the Aussies with another destructive century and he now leads the run charts by 86 and is no bigger than 7/4 to still be top of the pile at the end of the tournament.
Did we tip Hayden I can't remember I would like to claim we did but there is no sign of it other than in my head, still it was an impressive knock that even had Englishmen and New Zealanders nodding in approvement.

William Hill are unable to split South Africa and Sri Lanka when they meet in the crucial Super 8 stage of the World Cup and offer 5/6 both teams.
Muttiah Muralitharan is the 4/1 favourite to be the top wicket taker in the match with Ntini offered at 5/1 while former captain Shaun Pollock is a 11/2 shot.
Jack Kallis is the 3/1 favourite to top score for South Africa, with Jayasuriva the 3/1 favourite to top score for Sri Lanka.

FOOTBALL: Despite their recent goalscoring woes, England are 2/5 with Coral to score at least four goals against Andorra on Wednesday night, a match they are 1/50 to win.
Andorra are 66/1 outsiders to record one of the biggest shocks in football history since the last shock in international history, fans of westerns can get the quick draw at 7/1.
England are also odds-on, at 4/7, to qualify for Euro 2008, and 5/4 not to make it, with under-fire manager Steve McClaren 13/8 to leave the top job this year.
Skybet quote 14/1 about England to be trailing at any stage during the game and it's 5/1 for Andorra to score.

NOVELTY: The Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Giza are heading the betting to become one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
On July 7 this summer the seven monuments with the most global votes will be announced at a massive celebration to be broadcast around the world from Lisbon, Portugal. And now Paddy Power make both these frontrunners as 1/33 red hot favourites to make the line-up while bet365 have the Pyramids as short as 1/40.
Other highly fancied landmarks include the Roman Colosseum at 1/8 with Paddy Power and the Acropolis of Athens which is available at 2/5 with bet365.
The Eiffel Tower (4/1) and the Statue of Liberty (3/1) are perhaps the most noticeable outside bets while the Sydney Opera House is as long as 7/1 with Paddy Power.

No truth in the rumous that Blackpool Pleasure bach or Oldham town centre are value outsiders though.

TODAY'S SPORTING DIARY
FOOTBALL
Euro 2008 Qualifying Matches
16:00 Azerbaijan (8.7) Draw (4.3) Finland (1.5)
16:00 Bulgaria (1.29) Draw (5.5) Albania (12)
16:00 Ukraine (1.35) Draw (5) Lithuania (11)
16:25 Czech Republic (1.11) Draw (8.2) Cyprus (25)
16:30 Romania (1.04) Draw (13.5) Luxembourg (67)
17:00 Georgia (1.13) Draw (8.3) Faroe Islands (25)
17:00 Hungary (1.5) Draw (4) Moldova (8)
18:00 Israel (1.36) Draw (4.5) Estonia (11)
18:30 Liechtenstein (9) Draw (4.5) Latvia (1.44)
18:30 Malta (10) Draw (5) Greece (1.36)
19:00 Turkey (2) Draw (3.27) Norway (4.3)
19:30 Ireland (2.05) Draw (3.25) Slovakia (4)
19:30 Poland (1.13) Draw (8.2) Armenia (25)
19:30 Serbia (3.4) Draw (3.25) Portugal (2.38)
19:45 Northern Ireland (6.5) Draw (3.5) Sweden (1.67)
19:45 Slovenia (7) Draw (3.57) Netherlands (1.62)
19:50 Italy (1.35) Draw (5) Scotland (10)
20:00 Andorra (91) Draw (20) England (1.03)
20:00 Wales (1.06) Draw (15) San Marino (51)
21:00 Spain (1.13) Draw (7.5) Iceland (25)
International Friendlies
00:00 Chile (1.73) Draw (3.4) Costa Rica (5)
00:00 Venezuela (1.39) Draw (3.95) New Zealand (8.9)
18:00 South Africa (1.7) Draw (3.4) Bolivia (4.5)
19:00 Germany (2) Draw (3.2) Denmark (4.3)
20:00 France (1.33) Draw (4.5) Austria (10)

CRICKET
World Cup Super Eight, Providence Stadium, Guyana - South Africa v Sri Lanka (1430).
Second innings of West Indies v Australia , St John's, Antigua - Australia v West Indies (1430).

TENNIS
Miami: Sony Ericsson Open

GOLF
National Assembly for Wales - 2010 Ryder Cup annoucement (1300)

SNOOKER
China Open.

SWIMMING
Melbourne: World Championships.

RACING
Kempton. Southwell. Towcester.

HOCKEY
Scotland v Canada (1900

LIVE SPORT ON TV
12:00 British Eurosport TBC China Open
14:30 Sky Sports 1 South Africa v Sri Lanka World Cup Super Eights
18:00 British Eurosport Quarter-finals WTA Sony Ericsson Open
18:10 NASN Atlanta v NY Mets MLB Spring Training
19:00 Sky Sports Xtra South Africa v Sri Lanka World Cup Super Eights
19:30 Setanta Ireland (N. Ireland only) Poland v Armenia EURO 2008 Qualifier
19:45 Sky Sports 1 Andorra v England EURO 2008 Qualifier
19:45 Sky Sports 2 Republic of Ireland v Slovakia EURO 2008 Qualifier
19:45 Sky Sports 3 /
Sky Sports HD2 Wales v San Marino EURO 2008 Qualifier
19:45 BBC2 Northern Ireland /
BBC Interactive Northern Ireland v Sweden EURO 2008 Qualifier
19:50 BBC2 (BBC1 in Scotland, not available in N. Ireland) Italy v Scotland EURO 2008 Qualifier
00:00 British Eurosport 2 Quarter-finals WTA Sony Ericsson Open
00:00 Setanta Sports 1 /
Setanta Ireland New Jersey v Buffalo NHL
00:30 NASN Atlanta v Florida NHL
01.20 Five Philly v Carolina NHL
08:30 British Eurosport TBC China Open

THE TIPPING POINT
LAST NIGHT: We had a pretty poor 1-3 record with Shrewsbury beating Rochdale,Rotherham beating Blackpool, the under 2.0 in that game, only lovely Redditch saved us. We are now 2-5 for the week, although a 2.88 and 3.5 win keeping us above board. However using our clever stake plan you would be down 8 per cent of your total budget this week. Still stick with us as like a 90s retro night, things can only get better.
TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT: Smt. Bansari Sheth Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, 28th March, 2007 where The Asiatic Society of Mumbai takes pleasure in inviting you and your friends to the Fourteenth Smt. Bansari Sheth Memorial Lecture
by Shri Shailesh Gandhi (RTI Activist) on “My Right to Information”. We recommend getting on the buy of the use of the words civil rights, possibly available on Betfair.
Oh and there's some Football stuff, internationals lets preview some of them.
ANDORRA V ENGLAND. I notice The Apprentice starts tonight,sadly there is no Alan Sugar figure at the FA to mutter the words we all want to hear, You're Fired, so we go on with the dirge that is McClaren's England. There should be little doubt England shall win this but the performance and the goals are key. This is one to avoid from a betting POV as England are about as reliable as my Virgin media box right now , but for those who must bet we've found the best of a bad bunch. We wouldn't recommend puttting much or even any of your money, but the anytime goalscorer market could be the way to play for England with the way the strikers are struggling to put the ball in the net. Standout prices could be on Midfielders or Centre backs at set pieces. Small stakes on Lennon at 4.8 with extrabet who could be back on his right wing and Terry at 5.0 with William Hill.
ITALY V SCOTLAND: The first of our two leg double is on Italy to beat Scotland at 1.36 with Coral this will be put in a double for FOURTY per cent stakes with, well keep reading, youthink lewis or Morse would give away their endings. Thoughts on this game are that Scotland are playing well above themselves and this could be a game too far. Scotland will make life very difficult for Italy and confidence will be high but Italy should have enough class to come through here. Also recommended is to take the win margin on plus/plus two/plus three. Twenty per cent stakes on each, Boylesports offer 3.4 /3.75/6.5 and it seems a safe return on your investment, Scotland won't get hammered but Italy should win this one.
WALES V SAN MARINO: There are two things I don't like in this world, okay there's an awful lot but for the sake of this paragraph let's just pretend there's two. Correct score bets and those cheap betting adverts that involves Betfred's face, but I have to confess even I was toying with their 3-0/4-0/5-0 correct score odds at 6.5/7.0/10.0, and I wouldn't discourage you from making such a bet. My money will be on Jason Koumas who could mark his return from suspension with a goal and William Hill's 3.25 anytime seems great value on the Cardiff man. Five per cent stakes.
NORTHERN IRELAND V SWEDEN: I'll have more mixed emotions than a hormonal teenager tonight, I always like to see the home nations do well, but my in law nation via relationship is Sweden, so I'll settle for a draw and I think both managers will from what you gather from interviews with them. My advice then is to get on Northern Ireland on the handicap with the plus one 2.2 sporting odds and the draw on the handicap 3.6. Ten per cent stakes each.
REP OF IRELAND V SLOVAKIA: All good doubles should have two things and here is our second part of the Italy double header which were going a big fourty per cent stakes on. Go with the Italy win and Slovakia draw and Italy win Slovakia away win. The reason is as clear as Wayne Rooney' brain. Here is why, Ireland stuttered their way to victory over an awful Wales, a side Slovakia hammered 5-1, Ireland got hammered 5-2 by Cyrpus, Slovakia beat them 6-1. Undoubted Ireland are tough to beat at home, but the price is much too big when comparing both teams records and players. The pressure at Croke Park will be huge, Keane's pace will be missed as Duff is having a terrible season. Douglas will be suprisingly dropped despite being Ireland's best player against Wales and they'll miss his commanding midfiled presence. The draw is worth having on side as Ireland have a good home record, but this is a very good bet.
Those wishing for something patriotic could do worse than a five per cent bet on Kevin Doyle to score anytime at 2.75 with Ladbrokes, Doyle has a very good record in the Premiership and Slovakia average conceding over two goals a game.
OTHERS: Most of the other matches seem straight up short odds bets that are not worth getting involved in, there might be some handicap value to be had though. Albania/Lithuania and Moldova could offer handicap cover value as they will lose but maybe not as much as the bookies think.
CRICKET WORLD CUP: Australia and West Indies enter the second day of their one day match, Australia have set a big total for the West Indies to chase but no doubt the West Indies will try get out and get them quickly, this should make for a enjoyable day, added to that we have South Africa v SriLanka which should be a massive game that South Africa need to win. The bookies just favour South Africa although little lies in the price difference and little lies on the pitch difference. The best way is to look at another market and there are some interesting match markets at www.centrebet.com who I'll be looking at in more detail tommorrow as I offer a rate the bookies service, look out for that one.

MUG BET OF THE DAY: England at 8.5 with Victor Chandler to win Euro 2008 remind me on how they can be fifth favourites for a tournament they might not even make.

Well that's all for today I'm out of here quicker than Andorra player who realises he has to get back to work.

THE BLOG THAT WAS WRITTEN LAST NOVEMBER

Sometimes we here at the blog get a bit short of time and don't do a proper blog or even a blog at all, however we are now going to follow the BBC's example and get some recorded in advance, so if you ever get here and there is no blog, remember the following pieces of advice should always ring true.

1: Man United and Chelsea will win at short odds.
2: Leeds will get over-priced.
3: England will be over-priced.
4: Correct Score odds are a waste of time.
5: Germany and Australia will always be dangerous.
6: Spain and India will have the potential but not the temperament.
7: Nobody will want to go to Eastern Europe in mid-winter, except maybe the east europeans and even then.
8: The gap in the world, whatever the sport, is not as big as you think.
9: Extrabet will offer the best anytime market value, Stan james/Bet 365/Paddy power most markets, expekt the most value.
FAILING THAT you can catch me at times on http://thedailypunt.com/forum sharing my words of wisdom on all manner of subjects.
Or you could just use the general betting phase oh this is one to take a watching brief on.

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT(Market movers with added jokes)

FOOTBALL: Punters are backing Steve McClaren to lose his job as England manager following Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier with Andorra.
The knives have been out since England's woeful display in the goalless draw against Israel in Tel Aviv last Saturday, or in fact since his appointment was suggested, both Coral and VC Bet have seen support this week for the Andorra game to be McClaren's last in charge of the national side. Coral go 10/1 from 16/1 while VC Bet are 15/2 from 12/1.
Meanwhile Sky Bet quote 5/2 for McClaren to be the first Home Nations manager to go. A string of uninspiring performances from Wales and the Republic of Ireland mean that John Toshack (4/1) and Steve Staunton (9/4) are also under increasing pressure. But (as we break all rules of journalism by starting sentence with meanwhile and but) the 2/1 favourite is Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez, whose current contract expires in November.
Scotland's Alex McLeish is the only Home Nations manager who looks safe, having only just come into the job, starting with a win over Georgia.

Who'd be an international manager huh there's probably more security in bomb disposal.

CRICKET: Sky Bet are offering 25/1 about England winning all their Super Eight clashes at the World Cup in the Caribbean.
See mug bet of the day. The firm have priced up all the matches in the next stage of the tournament and reckon the opening game with Ireland offers by far their best chance of victory. Bet that took them a lot of work.
The Three Lions are 1/16 to win that match, 1/5 to see off Bangladesh and then odds-against for their other four fixtures, against the West Indies (6/5), South Africa (11/8), Sri Lanka (6/4) and Australia (2/1).
Meanwhile it's 50/1 for Ireland to win three or more of their matches.
The opening match of the Super Eights stage sees the hosts West Indies take on the World Cup holders Australia and Sky Bet is offering a host of specials ahead of the game. Business must be slow.
Matthew Hayden hit the quickest World Cup century of just 66 balls against South Africa last time out and Sky Bet are making him 7/2 to be the top Australian batsman and 11/4 to be Australia's top batsman for the tournament.
Meanwhile Ladbrokes are giving odds of 8/1 about the match producing twenty or more sixes while it's 6/1 that six or more batsmen register half centuries and 3/1 about the home nation having a centurion.
They make the Windies 4/11 to concede the most extras despite the Aussies giving away 17 in their last match against South Africa.
The Magic Sign will refund all losing bets on the top match runscorer market if Matthew Hayden produces the biggest individual score of both teams

GOLF: How many bookies use there real name is a question I ponder while William Hill tell me they are offering 20/1 that Tiger Woods wins all four of the Major's in 2007.
The world number one has been in ominous form recently and the same firm make him 11/8 to be wearing a victorious green jacket at the US Masters in Augusta.
"It is a short price but before anyone says anything would you bet against Tiger?” said Hills spokesman Rupert Adams.

POLITICS: A little bit of politics whoo as Ben Elton might say if he we ever to get on television ever again. While we think about that alarming prospect news that William Hill have slashed the odds about Jack Straw becoming the next Chancellor from 6/1 to 5/2 favourite. Straw is to mastermind Gordon Brown's campaign to become Labour leader. It's a bit like following a successful football manager who has over-acheived and if Mr Straw had any sense he would take a nice cushy role like deputy pm, but then this is Mr Straw.

WHAT'S ON DIARY
Kate McMillan (SPE Events) Dinner Meeting: Tuesday 27th March 2007
Panel Session Topic: ''Prospects for International Oil Prices''. Oh and some Sport.

FOOTBALL
League One: Rotherham v Blackpool (1945)
League Two: Shrewsbury v Rochdale (1945). Wycombe v Bristol Rovers (1945).
Under-21 international: Holland v Republic of Ireland (2000)
Under-18 international, Yeovil: England v Holland (1945)
Scottish League Division Three: Arbroath v East Stirling (1945).
Non League fixtures.

CRICKET
World Cup Super Eight, St John's, Antigua - Australia v West Indies (1430).

TENNIS
Miami: Sony Ericsson Open

SNOOKER
China Open

ICE HOCKEY
Challenge Cup final: Sheffield v Coventry.

SWIMMING
Melbourne: World Championships

RACING
Lingfield. Sedgefield. Wolverhampton.


WHERE AND WHEN?
TV GUIDE
08:30 British Eurosport TBC China Open
12:00 British Eurosport TBC China Open
14:30 Sky Sports 1 Super Eights World Cup
16:00 Sky Sports Xtra Miami ATP Masters
16:30 British Eurosport Men's Team Final European Table Tennis Championship
18:00 Sky Sports 2 Lake Nona v Isleworth Tavistock Cup 2007
18:05 NASN NY Yankees v Minnesota MLB Spring Training
18:30 British Eurosport Quarter-finals WTA Sony Ericsson Open
20:15 British Eurosport Pablo Navascues v Miguel Angel Pena Spanish Light MiddleWeight
Wednesday 28th March early
00:00 British Eurosport 2 Quarter-finals WTA Sony Ericsson Open
00:00 Setanta Sports 1 /
Setanta Ireland Pittsburgh v Washington NHL
00:30 NASN NY Rangers v Montreal NHL
00.50 Five Indiana v Cleveland Cavs.


THE TIPPING POINT
Last Night: We went one from three last night in a not so successful Monday.
TODAY: Were making four bets, four count them four, sorry Mr Rooney I know that was a difficult task for you. Firstly were telling you to take Blackpool away to Rotherham. Rotherham may have shown signs in recent weeks but they were poor in losing to Crewe on Saturday and Blackpool have a very good away record, second in the league away form and second in overall form. Rotherham are now ten points adrift and are sinking quicker than Castaway's ratings. In addition the 1.85 with Stan James on the over 2.0 goals is worth looking at as Blackpool and Rotherham know, unlike a Castaway participant, where the net is and both are in the top tengoalscorers in the league.
In addition Rochdale are worth following again with the 3.5 win and 3.25 draw with Totesport, Shrewsbury are themselves on great from, but Rochdale go in full of big confidence after a 7-2 weekend win at Stockport. With the draw on our side this looks well worth a bet.
Into the non-league we go and it's a busy mid-week of fixtures with the leagues coming towards an end, we recommend getting on Redditch. Wikipedia tells me that, Located in the heart of England, Redditch is an ideal point of departure for destinations. Don't know about you but if the first thing you have to say about a place is that it's a good getaway point it doesn't bode well. Still thankfully nice cities has nothing to do with football, although it might be a better way of my beloved Norwich getting into the Premier League. Redditch are travelling well and are five games unbeaten, they go to a Worksop side who have come off the rails slightly and they seem value not to lose at 3.5 the away win/3.25 the draw, do it or i'll make more rail jokes.
CRICKET WORLD CUP: The Super eight starts up today and what a cracker as holders and favourites Australia meet hosts West Indies. It should be a game to watch but a tough one to call from a betting pov, if you must get involved to spice up your tv viewing then the 1.83 at Bet365 with Gayle's performance being under 53, Gayle is prone to give his wicket away cheaply and his bowling if used is unlikely to trouble the Aussies. The only danger is he is a very good fielder but it's worth chancing at those odds.

MUGS BET OF THE DAY: The 25/1 Skybet on England to win all eight of there Super eight games I'd rather invest in hooverboots for pigs.

In the meanwhile were out of hear quicker than someone whose just noticed Amy Winehouse is about to talk. Check back daily by 1pm at the latest for updates.

Gerstmann's syndrome

YOU'VE GOT TO SMILE

Poor Steve McClaren instead of offering sympathy for his plight we all attack and mock, no I'm not talking about his ginger hair, though the hairist attitude of the nature is another matter for another time and maybe with me and my psychatrist.
No I'm talking about GERSTMANN'S SYNDROME of which poor Steve is clearly affected, the tell tale sign of this the confusion between right and left body parts, such as footballers who play right footed, those who play with left feet and where they should be positioned. I feel the FA should stand do a Tammy Wynette and Stand by their man least until he has received proper treatment that and the end of the season and Jose leaves Chelsea.
On with the weekend's betting review, the day's betting preview and points of view, not the tv show.

LAST NIGHT A DJ SAVED MY LIFE
Actually he didn't but I god bored writing the same headings and this was the only title I could find with the word last night so go with me on it.
FOOTBALL: Somewhat unsuprisingly the odds about Steve McClaren no longer being England manager at the end of the year have been slashed to 13/8 from 4/1 by Coral following England's dismal draw against Israel.
England have been cut to 5/4 from 5/2 by Coral to fail to qualify for Euro 2008, and can be backed at 4/7 to make it Switzerland and Austria.

"The odds don't lie and it is looking extremely perilous for both England, in terms of their chances of making it to Euro 2008, and McClaren in terms of him hanging on to his job," said Simon Clare, Coral spokesman and clear master of the understatement.

When Will Steve McClaren Leave the England Post? 6/4 2010, 13/8 2007, 7/2 2008, 11/2 2009, 14/1 2011, 2012.

England have been pushed out to 8/1 from 7/1 to win Euro 2008, and Germany now head the betting having been cut to 6/1 clear favourites from 7/1 by Coral.

To Win Euro 2008: 6/1 Germany, 7/1 Italy, France, 8/1 Holland, England, 9/1 Spain, 12/1 Portugal, 20/1 Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden.

We did say to keep an eye on Germany and Portugal in the betting didn't we, don't say we didn't warn you, you'll never listen to your mother will you?

RUGBY LEAGUE NEWS: St Helens have been trimmed shorter than a Britney Spears haircut, 8/13 with Sky Bet, to win the Super League after the latest round of games.
The Saints enjoyed a good weekend having started it off with a comprehensive 42-12 victory over Hull KR on Friday night before seeing current co-leaders Bradford fail to do a George and slay the Catalans Dragons, going down 22-29.
A last-minute try from John Wilson sealed the French club's first away win of the season leaving the Bulls now out to 8/1
Meanwhile Wakefield's remarkable rise continued after overcoming Warrington 30-24 on Sunday to climb joint top with 10 points, two ahead of St Helens.
The Wildcats are as short as 33s with Corals to be the regular season winner while Stan James have kept them out at 100/1.
Leeds Rhinos are the 4/1 second favourites with Sky Bet and their 28-16 win over Harlequins on Friday saw them also move onto 10 points.
At the bottom Huddersfield who can't buy a win, not that I'm saying they would try that, are the bookies 10/11 favourites to go down, Hull KR still can't get no love and are second favourites at 3/1 for the wooden spoon.

RUGBY UNION NEWS: Northampton are Even money with Sky Bet to be relegated from the Guinness Premiership after slipping to a 31-19 defeat at Bristol on Sunday.
Dave Hilton, Roy Winters and Rob Higgitt all scored tries as the home side moved up to fourth and pushed the struggling Saints closer to the trapdoor, dont you open that.
Paul Grayson's side occupy the Premiership's only relegation spot at the foot of the table, one point behind Worcester, who are available at 6/5 for the drop.
On Saturday Gloucester moved to the top of the table as they ended their season at Kingsholm unbeaten in the league with a 24-18 victory over Newcastle.
With three games left, and their final home game being played at Ashton Gate against Bristol, Gloucester are a best of 10/11 with Stan James to finish the regular season top while Leicester are bet365 11/10 second favourites.

GOLF NEWS: Tiger Woods has been cut further to 11/10 with Blue Square to win the US Masters after his triumph at the CA World Championship. On Sunday the world number one overcome an unusually error-ridden final round to claim the 77th win of his professional career in Miami.
In his final competitive outing before he battles it out in Augusta, Woods, four ahead overnight, had a closing 73 to clinch victory in the event for the third successive year and sixth time in eight attempts.
Woods is available at a best of 11/8 with William Hills to be sporting a brand new green jacket with a win at the Masters but most bookies have him down at 6/5.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Would that work if he just turned up wearing a Green M and S Jacket, that's technically new isn't it?

Fellow American Brett Wetterich finished second, two shots off the pace if there is a pace in golf, and he's been slashed, like a teen going down the woods alone at night into scary music being played, to 80/1 with betdirect to claim the Masters title.
Phil Mickelson is 8/1 second favourite with Sky Bet to win at Augusta National despite finishing 10 shots adrift of Woods in Miami while Ernie Els has drifted slightly to 12/1 third favourite.
A noteable move in the market is Sergio Garcia, whose joint-third place at the CA World Championship has seen VC Bet chop him down to 28/1 but he's available as long as 40s elsewhere.

CRICKET NEWS: Australia are now 6/4 across the board for the World Cup after they beat South Africa by 83 runs in St Kitts.
The Proteas are now generally available at 5/1 for World Cup glory, third favourites behind 9/2 SriLanka.
England eased past Kenya in St Lucia to qualify for the Super Eight after good knocks from Ed Joyce (75) and Kevin Pietersen (55 n.o).
England are as low as 10/1 with VC Bet and Stan James in the outright market following the win, but they can still be backed at 14s with several layers.

TODAY'S THE DAY
THE DIARY
CRICKET
World Cup rest day.

FOOTBALL
Oxford v Dag and Redbridge.

TENNIS
Miami: Sony Ericsson Open

SNOOKER
China Open (to Apr 1).

SWIMMING
Melbourne: World Championships.

RACING
Kempton. Plumpton. Stratford.

LIVE SPORT ON TV
12:00 British Eurosport TBC China Open
15:45 British Eurosport Semi-finals European Table Tennis Championships
16:00 Sky Sports Xtra Miami ATP Masters
18:00 Sky Sports 2 Lake Nona v Isleworth Tavistock Cup 2007
18:00 British Eurosport TBC WTA Sony Ericsson Open
18:05 NASN Boston v Cincinnati MLB Spring Training
19:30 Sky Sports 3 Belle Vue v Poole Speedway Elite League
19:45 Sky Sports 1 Oxford Utd v Dagenham and Redbridge Conference
20:00 Setanta Ireland TBC Setanta Sports Cup
21:45 British Eurosport Quarter-finals

THE TIPPING POINT
WEEKEND REVIEW: Not a bad weekend a good football treble on Swansea/Portugal and Croatia, also a big win on Rochdale at 4.6 who won 7-2.
TODAY'S TIPS: FOOTBALL: Gateshead might be the place to be tonight, as someone who was born there I never thought that would ever write that, but Gateshead are going goal crazy while Telford need a win as they're seemingly easy march to the title has been underdone by seven games without a win. With this game meaning more to Telford than Gateshead stakes should be kept down to five per cent, but if Gateshead are up for it they could spring another shock and 2.88 with the home side side on form is well worth a shot.
Elsewhere Oxford and Dagenham and Redbridge is the live Sky game, it's a tough game to call with Oxford needing the win but lacking form, while Dagenham have the form but don't really need the win. Our advice is that if you must bet, a five per cent stake on Marvin Robinson at 3.75 with extrabet in the anytime market. The Oxford frontman has two in the last two and with Oxford having to throw caution to the wind and attack it could be time to meet the Robinsons.
SNOOKER: The China Open has started already but we can be early with tommorrow's games, a treble of Steven Hendry, Higgins and Robertson will pay 2.75.

SPORT IN FOCUS
CRICKET WORLD CUP
While those poor cricketers out in the Caribbean get a rest day there is no rest for us betters as we use the day off to get a handle on what has happened and what is happening. Here are the early thoughts of this blog as we head into the SUPER EIGHT, or five good ones, a couple of okay ones and England.
TO WIN: Australia 2.5 2.58 77-81
Sri Lanka 5.5 6 60-64
South Africa 6 6.2 58-62
New Zealand 8 7.8 60-64
West Indies 9.5 10 58-62
England 15 16 42-46
Bangladesh 101 160 20-23
Ireland 751 680 12-15
ANALYSIS: No doubt Australia are justfiable favourites as the Bowling and Batting seem to be firing and like others before them reports of their demise have been greatly exaggerated. Still 2.5 seems too short and on the off chance they have an off day or two then Sri Lanka still remain good value and those who haven't already could do worse than get on them each way at 5.5 to win, New Zealand also look good value at 8.0 in the each way market. England look worth opposing for the rest of the tournament as they have been poor in qualification and now have some big games ahead.
In the top batsman Ponting and Smith lead the win and it would be hard to argue with either, but with eight games left and good each way odds there could still be some value to be had. Tharanga is still competitivefor me with just fifty runs or so behind the top three, there is value to be had if you look around.
Top bowler is even tighter than batsman and harder to call than any alcohol beverage after a few of said item. Brad Hogg though seems a suprise at 9.0 as he is currently leading and looking full of form, worth a twenty per cent interest each way.
There's more markets on offer than in London but most of them like London, represent no value.

MUGS BET OF THE DAY
At the weekend I read Paddy Power made Roy Keane 9/4 favourite to be the next manager in Ireland, bearing in mind Roy's outspoken views and the fact he think abut as much of the Irish FA, as something he would step when out walking his dog and maybe even less so, there seems no chance that this could happen. The 9/4 on offer is very poor value.

LONG TERM BET
SELECTION
Felipe Scolari 5/2
Martin O'Neill 5/1
Sam Allardyce 7/1
Guus Hiddink 10/1
Fabio Capello 12/1
Ottmar Hitzveld 12/1
Marcello Lippi 14/1
Steve Coppell 14/1
Alan Shearer 16/1
Paul Jewell 16/1
Terry Venables 16/1
Arsene Wenger 20/1
Mark Hughes 20/1
Stuart Pearce 20/1

That isn't the betting as to who will next be caught in a sex sting by the News of the World but to be England manager although the two often amount to the same thing. Three of the top four are mad, Scolari and O'Neil got badly messed around last time and no way would take the role. Hiddink has Chelsea ahead of him, that just leaves Big Sam at 7/1. Big Sam was keen last time and the FA will probably mess around so much with a replacement that Big Sam could be the only man they get if McClaren doesn't turn things around.
There are however two other names that stand out for value, Coppell and Mourinho. If McClaren was to survive until euro 2008 and Coppell was to have another good year at Reading then the 14/1 would seem good value. Reading seem solidly established, Coppell is an ex England player and his teams play good football. In addition Mourinho at 20/1 plus(no odds listed) loks a good bet, his and Roman's relationship is more troubled than that of any of Henry and his wives. Mourinho has often commented on his love of England and how happy his family is here, this could be the ideal solution for all involved, if the FA bigwigs had the guts to take some positive steps.

TODAY'S RECOMMENDATIONS
20 per cent stake Brad Hogg topwicket taker world cup, eachway. 9.0
10 per cent stake New Zealand each way world cup 8.0.
10 per cent stake, snooker treble Higgins/Hendry/Robertson
10 per cent stakes on Allardyce at 7/1.
5 Per cent stake Marvin Williams anytime scorer Oxford v Dag and Redbridge.
5 per cent stake Gateshead to beat Telford.
5 per cent Stake on Mourinho and Coppell to be next England manager 20-1 plus and 14-1.

That's all for now folks, until tommorrow I'm out of here quicker than empty platitudes and tears out of a Miss World contestant.

THE QUICK AND EASY

But enough about Brittney, here are my weekend tips no time I'm afraid for any bIg write ups.


INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES
GEORGIA NOT TO LOSE: Scotland vastly over-rated home price, Georgia capable of getting a point or more.
COCA COLA LEAGUE ONE
Rotherham away win/draw at Crewe.

COCA COLA LEAGUE TWO
Rochdale not to lose at Stockport 4.6 Expekt, 3.4 the draw.
I think Rochdale are great value not to lose, Stockport are starting to stutter and have no wins in three, rochdale are on a very good run themselves and that's much too big a price for them.

COCA COLA LEAGUE ONE
Rotherham not to lose at Crewe

THREE TEAM HOME BANKER
PORTUGAL/CROATIA/SWANSEA

Be back Monday with usual service in the meanwhile were out of here quicker than the new wembley stadium took to be built.

JUST WHO WAS DR MARTEN?

INTRO THING
Hey all and welcome to friday 23rd of march and a fine day it is, not least because it's my birthday, where's my cards? I guess your all too busy with the world of betting too bother, gosh you learn who your friends are don't you. Anyway in the menwhile lets gone on with it the quicker I get this done the more I can go out and enjoy the day:)

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT(A LOOK AT THE BIG MARKET MOVERS)
Two kings of spin go head to head today, no not Max Clifford and Alaistair Campbell, but Muttiah Muralitharan and Anil Kumble. Muralitharan is 11/10 to take more wickets than Anil Kumble in today's massive World Cup clash between Sri Lanka and India in Group B. Despite the presence of the spinner winenrs, Ladbrokes go 2/7 that seam takes more wickets than spin in today's key game. It is a must win game for India and the bookies make them 2.0, in-form srilnaka are marginal favourites at 1.91.

Sweden's Henrik Stenson's not only has the most swedish sounding name of any man but is a mighty good golfer, his price to win the WGC-CA World Championship has been slashed after a sparkling first round from the Swede in Miami.
European golf's man of the moment, winner last month of both the Dubai Desert Classic and Accenture World Match Play titles, shares the lead with Australian Robert Allenby after a five-under-par 67.
His odds have collapsed like a badly put u foldable chair coming down from a pre-tournament 33/1 to just 11/2 with Blue Square and Sporting Odds. That makes him the second favourite, with only world number one Tiger Woods ahead of him in the betting.
Twice a winner on the course, Woods had to settle for a one-under 71 and was quickly off to the practice putting green to work on things as he was eased to 11/4 by bet365.
Our selection Ernie Els has come in from 20/1 to 9/1 third favourite after carding a 70 while it's then double figures prices and upwards about the rest who are headed by Allenby at 10/1 with bet365.

In the European qualifiers Greece odds have come down from 2.95 to 2.6 in some places as Turkey's injury list mounts. Be sure to check back tommorrow for a full preview of the euro qualifiers.

DIARY (ALL TODAY'S SPORT)
Other than my birthday party with jelly, ice cream and pin the tail on the England manager, there are some other major events to put in your diary.
FRIDAY MARCH 23
CRICKET
World Cup Group B, Port of Spain: India v Sri Lanka (1330).
Group D, Kingston: Ireland v West Indies (1430).

FOOTBALL
League Two: Mansfield v Macclesfield. Wycombe v Boston.
Non League football
Under 21 matches.

RUGBY UNION
Guinness Premiership: London Irish v Saracens (2000).
Magners League: Borders v Edinburgh (1930). Llanelli v Dragons (1910). Ulster v Munster (1930).

RUGBY LEAGUE
Engage Super League: Hull v Wigan (2000). Leeds v Harlequins (2000). St Helens v Hull KR (2000).

TENNIS
Miami: Sony Ericsson Open

GOLF
Florida: WGC-CA Championship.
Madeira: Madeira Islands Open.

BOXING
Nottingham, British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles: Carl Froch (Nottingham) v Sergey Tatevosyan (Rus).

BASKETBALL
BBL (one match).

SWIMMING
Melbourne: World Championships.

SQUASH
London: ISS Canary Wharf Classic (end).

RACING
Lingfield. Newbury. Wolverhampton.

LIVE SPORT ON TV
01:00 Setanta Ireland Nashville v Calgary NHL
01:30 NASN Pittsburgh v UCLA NCAA Tournament Sweet 16
08:40 Setanta Sports 1 Dragons v Knights NRL
13:00 British Eurosport Jerez, Spain: Practice Session MotoGP
13:30 Sky Sports Interactive India v Sri Lanka World Cup
14:30 Sky Sports 1 Ireland v West Indies World Cup
18:00 Sky Sports 2 C.A Championship Day 2 World Golf Championship
19:10 BBC2 Wales /
BBC Interactive Llanelli v Dragons Magners League
19:30 Setanta Sports 1 /
Setanta Ireland Borders v Edinburgh Magners League
20:00 Sky Sports 3 /
Sky Sports HD2 Hull v Wigan Super League
21:00 The Golf Channel Safeway International Day 2 LPGA Tour
22:00 Sky Sports 2 Carl Froch v Sergey Tatevosyan Super Middleweight
23:00 NASN Butler v Florida NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

THE TIPPING POINT (TODAY'S TIPS)
FOOTBALL TIPS
League Two: Two league two games tonight but nothing stands out, I'd be wary of getting on Wycombe at so short a price they are strange results this time of the season and 1.67 are short odds for anyone least of all a Wycombe side with just one win in their last four. Boston have a real shortage of players but did run out winenrs in their last to games and this is one to give a wide swerve.
Mansfield V Macclesfield: Mansfield have off the pitch problems and boss Billy Dearden on the pitch might be said to breed some youngsters, not literally, that kind of thing must be illegall and could end in jail. Macclesfield have shown imprved signs under Paul Ince but still are in relegation trouble, they must be backed with the draw on their side, at 3.4 the draw, 3,75 the away win. 10 per cvent stakes advised.
NON LEAGUE: The value bet of the Conference is on Rushden and Diamonds at home to Crawley, Rushden have had a tough few years after being abandoned by their DR Martens owning owner, whose name sadly isn't Dr Marten. Anyway Crawley are badly out of form and Rushden can give them a good kicking (sorry couldn't resist) this evening.
RUGBY TIPS
Rugby Union: I'm not usually one to tip on Rugy Union League if you follow but tonight there is a bargain 1.91 to be had with Coral on them t cover a two point handicap against a Saracens side who don't travel well.
RUGBY LEAGUE: This year's Rubgy League has had more twists than a series of Lost and made as much sense but things are starting to logic out and Hull and St Helens can continue that trend with wins this evening. The value though is to be had on Harlequins to cover a 14 point hadicap at 1.91. Leeds have started well but tend not to hammer teams, Harlequins tend to be trickier oppositon on the road.
CRICKET WORLD CUP: Well we said Netherlands would win on the handicap and we were sort of right, today's games see West Indies take on Ireland and India in a key match v Sri Lanka. One bet to highlight with a market felt tip and big biro is William Hills' 5/6 on Ireland's first wicket to fall between 17, West Indies have taken more early wickets than an insomniac thief, Ireland have lost more early wickets than an insomniac amnesiac, good value. The other game should be one to watch, if we could, see mug of the day, but it remains to be see how India handle the pressure on them.

TIPS REVIEW
Yesterday we went with just one in action betting recommendation that was with Dennis Priestly to cover the handicap at 2.0 with Sportingodds, and he did in a 7-7 draw that capped a top night's darts action in Scotland.

MUG OF THE DAY
Sky wins today's award for if they continue to insist on showing West Indies v Ireland when the biggest game of the tournament so far takes place at the same time in India v SriLanka. They have four channels why are they insisting on just showing one game and with that the wrong game.

TODAY'S RECOMMENDATIONS
Rushden and Diamonds at home to Crawley 25 per cent stake
Macclesfield not to lose 20 per cent stake win/20 per cent stake draw
London Irish to beat Saracens on handicap 15 per cent stake.
Harlequins to cover handicap Leeds 10 per cent stake.
Ireland to lose a wicket before 17 runs 5 per cent stake

BETTING THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Why are no bookies offering odds on BBC reality tv show Castaway? You can get odds on all sorts from Branson launching a space flight, to the name of Charlotte and Gavin's baby but nothing on Castaway very strange.

THINGS WE DID WHILE WE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE DOING OUR BLOG
Watched the nailbiting Taylor v Barney darts match.
Wondered if Sid Waddel was the finest commentator on television.
Read that Joan Jett and Carmen Electra were dating.
Listened to the friends of the bride swing meets Indie, sitcom theme comes very recommended.
Eat fresh bread from a bakers you can't beat it.

TOMMORROW
Is only a day way and features all our sports guide for the weekend, International Football, Coca Cola League stuff, more Cricket and a guest interview with Dr Marten.

In the meanwhile I'm out of here quicker than a SonyPlaystation 3, and with better games.

EUROPE'S WORST SIDE AND NO IT'S NOT LEEDS

INTRO THING
Hello all and welcome once more to your guide to all things sporty, betty and other girls names. Yeesterday we were overwhelmed by visitors word has either got round, that or putting in lots of obsucre words has drew me into googlewhacks.
If yesterday was your first time then please come back and if it wasn't still come back it's like a big stag party but without the strippers oh and the booze.
Anyway on with what we do best, procrastinating and some sports betting news and tips.

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT(A LOOK AT THE BIG MARKET MOVERS)
CRICKET WORLD CUP: Sri Lanka are now as short as 5/1 for World Cup glory after crushing Bangladesh by 198 runs in their Group B match at the Queen's Park Oval on Wednesday.

That opening sentence by the way was in no means a cut and paste from another service, honest.

Sanath Jayasuriya scored his 24th one-day international century as Sri Lanka posted 318 for four while Bangladesh, who looked a shadow of the team which beat India by five wickets on Monday, could only make 112 all out in reply.

That one was mind.

Only a crushing defeat to India in their final group game would put them in danger of elimination

That wasn't, I copyed and pasted that one.

Bookmakers VC bet to cut them to 5/1 third favourites behind 9/5 Australia and 7/2 South Africa. The Sri Lankans are general 6/1 shots elsewhere with Coral and Paddy Power splitting the difference by offering 11/2.
Jayasuriya has been slashed to 6/1 second favourite at Stan James to finish the tournament as top runscorer although William Hill and Ladbrokes make him 16/1, this is turning into such a crazy world cup that not even the bookies can agree what will happen next. Ponting still heads the market, Graham Smith and Jacques Kallis are also considered to be the front runners,and I can't think of a joke to end my sentence so I'll end it up in the air, a bit like

POLITICS: Gordon Brown's shock budget announcement to cut the basic income tax rate from 22p to 20p has led to Paddy Power clipping Labour's odds to win the next General Election.
David Cameron's Conservatives have been pushed out slightly by Paddy Power to win power from 4/7 to 4/6 but remain favourites.
Labour, whilst still outsiders to win the next General Election due to the points deficit in the polls, have been trimmed from 5/4 to 11/10.
Darren Haines, spokesman for Paddy Power, said: "Some may see the headline news of the tax cut as a bribe to the electorate by the Prime Minister-in-waiting but if the public feels it is better off in the pocket they could be right.
"Labour still has a deficit in the opinion polls but this should almost certainly improve Gordon Brown's future prospects when he takes over at Number 10."

Liberal Democrats have seen about as much movement as percy the Slug setting off on his summer holiday.

NOVELTY: Paddy Power have made four-time Eurovision winners Sweden their red hot 6/1 favourites to win this years Eurovision song contest in Helsinki with their entry 'The Worrying Kind' by The Ark.
Other countries in the bookies' top ten include the Ukraine and Switzerland at 10/1, Belarus, Bulgaria and Russia at 12/1, Denmark at 14/1 and Israel, Romania, the UK and Ireland all at 16/1.

We here have been adovcating The Ark as the best form of betting protection since we had a fair few days of rain thousands of years ago and Mr Goat said to Mrs Goat lets go see what that crowd is doing down there by that boat.

FOOTBALL: There has been a large amount of betting on Rimini to beat Albinoleffe, what do you mean it's been a slow week for Football.

DIARY (ALL TODAY'S SPORT)
THursday 22nd March and the big event in everyone's diary is surely the Limerick coffee morning, if you can't get tickets for that big event here is what else is on

CRICKET
World Cup: Gros Islet group C: Canada v New Zealand (1330).
Group A, Basseterre: Netherlands v Scotland (1330).
GOLF
Florida: WGC-CA Championship (to Mar 25). Madeira: Madeira Island Open (to Mar 25).
ICE HOCKEY
Elite League (two matches).
SWIMMING
Melbourne: World Championships.
SQUASH
London: ISS Canary Wharf Classic.
TENNIS
Sony Ericsson Open.
RACING
Ayr. Ludlow. Southwell. Clonmel.

LIVE SPORT ON TV (HAVE A GUESS?)
13:30 Sky Sports 1 Holland v Scotland World Cup
13:30 Sky Sports Interactive Canada v New Zealand World Cup
17:00 NASN Boston v Philadelphia MLB Spring Training
18:00 Sky Sports 2 C.A Championship Day 1 World Golf Championship
18:30 MUTV Manchester Utd v Everton Reserves
19:30 Sky Sports 3 Terry Jenkins v Dennis Priestley, Adrian Lewis v Raymond van Barneveld, Colin Lloyd v Peter Manley, Roland Scholten v Phil Taylor Premier League
21:00 The Golf Channel Safeway International Day 1 LPGA Tour
23:00 NASN Southern Illinois v Kansas NCAA Tournament Sweet 16
23:00 British Eurosport 2 Philadelphia v Colorado AFL

THE TIPPING POINT (ALL TODAY'S TIPS)

FOOTBALL TIPS: I promised you some football tips yesterday and then I realised there was an international friendly, a serie b game I can't find the odds for and a Bulgarian game. Speaking of which PFK Chernomorets Burgas Sofia might have one of the coolest names in Football but they are perhaps the worst side in all of europe's top leagues with a record of
played 19 won 0 drew 1 lost 18 for 5 against 76 points _2
They play Saturday again for those interested.

Anyway were going to look at some EURO 2008 long term specials for you.

THE WINNERS: Best Bookmakers Best Exchanges
Germany 8 7.6
Italy 8.5 9
England 9 9
France 9 9.6
Holland 9 9.2
Spain 13 14.5
Czech Republic 21 27
Portugal 21 17
Switzerland 21 23
Sweden 26 32
Croatia 34 34
Turkey 41 46
Greece 51 65
Austria 67 80
Denmark 67 80
Serbia 67 95
Romania 81 100
Russia 81 50
Ukraine 81 110
Norway 151 160
Poland 151 130
Bulgaria 201 200
Scotland 251 200

We had to draw the line somewhere, right above Ireland and Wales. Anyway it's probably too early to get behind anyone just yet but Portugal and Germany need watching to make sure their price doesn't move too much.
RECOMMENDATION: Watching brief Germany and Portugal.

GROUP A: Best Bookmakers Best Exchanges
Portugal 2.38 2.26
Serbia 2.88 3.1
Poland 6.5 10
Finland 17 17
Belgium 34 34
Armenia 2001 1000
Azerbaijan 5001 1000
Kazakhstan 5001 1000

Portugal right now have the best player in the world, but enough about Pauletta, Ronaldo isn't bad as well. Portugal might have had a slow start but I expect them to get their act together they have a winnable game against Belgium at the weekend and a game in hand of Finland. My advice is to get on the 2.38 on Portugal with BlueSquare, 10 per cent stakes.

GROUP B: France 1.83 1.8
Italy 2.63 2.64
Ukraine 10 9
Scotland 26 15
Lithuania 1001 220
Georgia 3001 1000
Faroe Islands 20001

RECOMMENDATION: No bet, if Ukraine win their game in hand you have four teams played four games on nine points, we expect Scotland not to qualify, but picking two from the other three might be a nightmare greater than finding out instead of winning the money on the lottery jackpot you win an open air westlife concert in your back garden.

GROUP C: Greece 2.5 2.6
Turkey 2.5 2.3
Norway 4.5 4.6
Bosnia 67 50
Hungary 126 50
Moldova 2501 1000
Malta 5001 1000

RECOMMENDATION: It's the big one this weekend as Greece play Turkey, and they'll not be a dry eye in the house, teargas has that effect on you. Our advice is to stay clear of this group you have inconsistent sides someone will come through but you'll only end up looking like a mug if you try predict it, trust me I really do know.

GROUP D:
Best Bookmakers Best Exchanges
Germany 1.53 1.61
Czech Republic 3 3
Slovakia 26 36
Rep Of Ireland 34 70
Wales 501 1000
Cyprus 2001 1000
San Marino 8001 1000

RECOMMENDATION:I think it could be worth waiting until the end of the Czech Republic v Germany game what you might hope for is a Czech Republic win, this Czech side could beat anyone on their day, but do not have squad depth or consistency. If they were to beat Germany you could get increased odds on Germany who are past masters at the art of qualification. Enough footballing cliches there for you?

GROUP E:Croatia 2.1 2.16
England 2.88 2.76
Russia 6.5 6.6
Israel 41 52
Estonia 1001 1000
FYR Macedonia 1001 500
Andorra 20001 1000

Croatia seem very good value at 2.1 bearing in mind they've already been to Russia and Israel, have an outstanding home record and don't play England again until the final game by with a whole lot of luck both sides will have advanced. We can dream can't we?

GROUP F Sweden 2 2.02
Spain 3.5 3.55
Denmark 4.5 4.5
Northern Ireland 151 84
Iceland 501 300
Latvia 501 300
Liechtenstein 10001 1000

RECOMMENDATION: It seems strange that a side six points clear at the top should still be available at 2.0 to win their group but that is the case. What makes this even better value is that the other sides Denmark and Spain are not really showing much either, the price is their because Spain ae a name and people think they must start winning soon and maybe they will, but to overcome Sweden they need to make back nine points. Even if one of those is a game in hand, it's asking a lot for Sweden to lose twice. Sweden have the best qualification record of all European teams in recent history and with two to qualify there is no reason why Sweden can't come through here. Thirty per cent stakes.

GROUP G Netherlands 1.44 1.4
Romania 5 4.5
Bulgaria 7.5 7.6
Slovenia 81 60
Belarus 501 1000
Albania 751 1000
Luxembourg 10001 1000

RECOMMENDATION: Romania and Bulgaria five per cent stakes: Holland might sit in pole position but they have not impressed in qualifying and in group where it remains so tight and two teams can go through, the second and third placed sides are over priced and worth a small stake.

CRICKET WORLD CUP: I'm going to refrain from world cup picks today after the complete lack of success I've had, New Zealand should easily beat Canada but will not exactly be pushing themselves, Scotland v Holland could be a close one and though I marginally favour Scotland to Win, Holland can cover the handicap. Okay so those are tips but no money will be going on from me, unless I can find a bookie offering spreads on how many times the sky cameraman will cut to pretty women in the crowd, I'd recommended getting on the high side there.

DARTS PREMIER LEAGUE: You know the problem I have with the Darts Premier League is the name, it isn't Premier League enough for me, they need to encouraging Phil Taylor to start taking dives every times someone comes near him, and Peter Manley needs to start having a go at the official about his timekeeping, you know all the positive sides of football, I mean who wants to watch people who just concentrate on playing and accept defeat with grace, madness it'll never catch on. Still I'll give it a whirl if there is nothing else on, it really is a tough week to call with two one sided games, two in form players playing and two out of form players playing. My advice is too invesigate some of the specials on offer for instance Dennis Priestly is 2.0 with sporting odds receiving a 1.5 handicap from Terry Jenkins, this should be a very tight game that in-form Jenkins might just shade but the 1.5 is good cover. 5 per cent stakes.

SPORT THE DIFFERENCE (SPECIAL REVIEWS IN-DEPTH OF COUPLE OF SPORTS)
SNOOKER: Graeme Dott v Ian McCulloch; Anthony Hamilton v Marco Fu; Stephen Maguire v Joe Perry; Mark Williams v Joe Swail; John Higgins v Michael Holt; Barry Hawkins v Fergal O'Brien; Neil Robertson v Ryan Day; Ronnie O'Sullivan v Ding Junhui; Ken Doherty v Mark Allen; Matthew Stevens v Joe Delaney; Steve Davis v John Parrott; Shaun Murphy v Judd Trump; Peter Ebdon v Nigel Bond; Stephen Lee v Mark Selby; Ali Carter v Andy Hicks; Stephen Hendry v David Gilbert.

Well there we go the unthinkable has happened and I'm excited by the Snooker World Championship, maybe it's the gladiator in me (and if there is one it's a very small scared one) who loves the prospect of two of sport's best going head to head. Also it opens up the rest of the book when the two favourites clash. We will preview it more in the upcoming weeks, but be sure there is value to be had elsewhere. The China Open is the next event and that breaks off on March 26th.

US REVIEW: NBA: The biggest movers right now in the NBA are The San Antonio Spurs who have as usual come on strong business end of the season, and as usual I ignored them and thought this could be the year they were finished. I would say they are probably eight teams who could win it this year and here is how they are priced up
Dallas Mavericks 4 3.7
Phoenix Suns 4.5 4.7
San Antonio Spurs 6.5 7.6
Detroit Pistons 10 12.5
Miami Heat 15 23
Cleveland Cavaliers 19 29
Chicago Bulls 21 39
Houston Rockets 26 26
Out East you can get the following odds
DET Pistons 2.5 2.5
CHI Bulls 6 5.3
CLE Cavaliers 6 4.8
MIA Heat 6 5.5
WAS Wizards 11 7.8
TOR Raptors 15 11.8
Out west you can get the following
DAL Mavericks 2.5 2.22
PHX Suns 3.25 3.35
SA Spurs 4.3 3.95
HOU Rockets 13 13
UTA Jazz 15 11
LA Lakers 26 17
Here are some gernal NBA pointers to help you out this week.
SMOKING HOT
Denver, Athony has returned to all star level.
Houston, that defence is firing.
Dallas, but what's new.
Kobe Bryant, dragging the Lakers kicking and screaming to the playoffs.
COLD AS ICE
The central division especially Indiana

NBA RANT: As usual the odds on the NBA markets are limited if this was Football we would have priced up the race for eight in each conference and a whole host more specials, the US sports markets are crying out for some new markets, my email is at the top if they need some creative help. Like any bookmaker reads this, I'm lucky if my mum does, hence the rude jokes:)

Hey that was fun next week expect NHL and other US Sports to find a regular betting slot.

BETTING THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Why would you bet on the toss? It's such a random thing that has no skill or statistical analysis at all. Unless your a fourteen year old boy in boarding school and that's what passes for entertainment round your way.

THINGS THAT WE DID WHEN WE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE WRITING THIS
Listened to Hello Safriede
Watched people take lie detectors on Jeremy Kyle
Played frogger
Contemplated getting old.

MUG OF THE DAY
Peter Manfredo who has dismissed Joe Calzaghe as nothing special that's like walking in front of a tiger's cage and saying here kitty kitty.

That's all for us be sure to check back tommorrow for more news, bets, all free and all paid for by, hey whose paying for this. In the meanwhile were out of here quicker than someone in a restaurant who has forgotten their credit card, not that I would do that.

THAING MYSELF IN KNOTS.

THE INTRO THING

They are many things I do well, make a mean Thai Curry, retain useless bits of sports trivia, avoid work, but sadly sports betting doesn't seem to be one of them. Generally the last few weeks have seen me waste more money than a local council, fear not though this has given me a new blog that I'll be running from friday and I'll be telling you all about tommorrow. Soon as I've done the whole registering it thing and got my head round it. It's the future of betting I tell you.
Anyway on with the betting stuff.

LAST NIGHTS REVIEW
LEAGUE TWO: Bristol Rovers 2 Stockport 1, Barnet 0 Shrewsbury 0. Six possible results, four eventualities covered, one correct.
We could lament that Stockport were unlucky but then Shrewsbury were quite lucky as well. The reaction from the bookies has seen Stockport at 2.75 and Shrewsbury at 6.5 for automatic promotion.
NON LEAGUE: Weymouth managed to blow a two goal lead to lose 3-2, Dagenham meanwhile are now twelve points clear at the top and are as low as 1.01 with coral to take the league title, round about the same odds you would get for the sun coming up in the morning, which I hope happens, the sun one that is.
SCOTLAND: Berwick strengthened their grip at the top of the table while Stenhousemuir completed a miserable night for us.
CRICKET WORLD CUP: Graham Smith hit 91 to top the leading batsman market and is down to 7.0 with William Hill though he is still 8.6 with extrabet. Ricky Ponting remains the favourite at 5.0.
The outright winner market sees Australia favourites at 2.88
The rest
South Africa 5
Sri Lanka 8
West Indies 8
New Zealand 8.5
India 13 13
England 17
Bangladesh 201

We'll give a more in-depth thoughts of how the world cup is panning out later on this week.

TODAY'S THE DAY
THE DIARY
FOOTBALL
England Under-19 v Turkey Under-19, Doncaster (1945).
League One: Chesterfield v Doncaster (1930).
Scottish League Division Three: East Fife v Dumbarton (1930).
Nationwide Conference: Halifax v Oxford live on Skysports.
Southern premier League: Corby v King's Lynn.

CRICKET
World Cup Group B: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka, Port of Spain (1330)
Group D: Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Kingston (1430)

TENNIS
Miami: NASDAQ-100 Open.

ICE HOCKEY
Elite League (two matches).

SWIMMING
Melbourne: World Championships.

SQUASH
London: ISS Canary Wharf Classic.
RACING
Chepstow. Kempton. Lingfield.

LIVE TV SPORT
13:30 Sky Sports 1 Bangladesh v Sri Lanka World Cup
14:30 Sky Sports Interactive Pakistan v Zimbabwe World Cup
17:00 NASN Boston v Pittsburgh MLB Spring Training
19:00 BBC2 Wales Newport County v The New Saints FAW Premier Cup Final
19:45 Sky Sports 2 Halifax v Oxford Utd Conference
23:00 NASN Washington v Buffalo

DAILY TIPS
CHESTERFIELD V DONCASTER: You would think game wasn't taking place this evening bearing in mind the way the media have been ignoring it, unlike them though we aren't afraid to talk about the difficult games. Power to the people and all that stuff. This is a hard one to call between two sides at different ends of the table both badly out of form. What is noticeable is the lack of goals both sides have scored, each of them have got just two goals in their last six games. That's a poorer success rate than a spotty teenager at the school disco, not that i would know. The way to play this is either on the under 2.5 goals, 1.7 with Mansion or to oppose the total goal minutes with Sporting Index on 37-40 spread.
HALIFAX V OXFORD: I'm going to against the crowd here and tell you not to get on the Oxford win, undoubtedly Halifax are in a mess but Oxford still have not convinced me they have refound their form. This is to me one to avoid more than Keanu Reeves offer that he will drive.
CRICKET WORLD CUP: With all that has occured it is understandable there is little betting interest in Pakistan v Zimbabwe, it remains to be seen how they react. Will their minds be on the job or will they be elsewhere, will they win big for Bob Woolmer. It's a betting minefield and one to stay clear, instead if you must bet on today's cricket, look at the handicap market on the Bangladesh v SriLanka game, our outright tips SriLanka should win this one but Bagnladesh could run them close.
GOLF: It's Wednesday that means it's golftime, and this week we can have more golf than you can shake a stick at, although I can't condone that sort of shick staking behaviour. Anyway can you imagine a world without Tiger Woods, I'm sure Monty and the others do everyday, Tiger's got a history in this week's tournament and that's why we'd recommend the market without Woods. In form Els and Singh are both massive in the market without Tiger, Vijay is 11.0 and Ernie 13.0. Ernie has the course history, Singh the form,well worth getting on.
TENNIS:Some people think there is some sort of Federer crises going on, but there is not, fear not the man is still on form he is just adjusting and experimenting with his game in the scay thought that he could get better soon. In the meanwhile tournaments have be come ripe picking for other players as Nadal found last week. However court surface suited Nadal last time out and he looks too short this time as does an injured and tired Murray. The value could be had in small each way stakes on outsiders , Djokovic at 41.0, Yozhuny at 81.0 and Ferrer 101.0, look good value each way bets.

Well that's it for today, be back tommorrow with some more Football, Darts, Snooker, Dominoes and US Sports, in the meanwhile I'm out of here quicker than a Scooch backing singer.

BABY I'M THE WORRYING KIND

BABY I’M THE WORRYING KIND

THE GHOST OF BETTING PAST

Had some food, watched some tv, went to bed, it was cold and miserable outside. Oh not that kind of review,okay then United and Chelsea continued with their quest for world domination, and are now 1/3 to meet in the final, United are low as 6/1 for the treble and Chelsea are 33/1 for the quad, both sides are 50/1 to win the local elections as well re-finding elvis,shergar and solving the planet’s climate problems.
In the we don’t like cricket, we love it World Cup, India battered Bermuda who came up hideously short in their run chase, honest I didn’t mean to make a joke there. India still have a difficult qualifying route despite creating a world record victory and are 13.0 for the title, West Indies are the second team through atnd swing from 6.5 to 8.0.

TODAY’S THE DAY

TUESDAY 20TH MARCH
SPORTS CALENDAR

FOOTBALL
League Two (1945): Barnet v Shrewsbury. Bristol Rovers v Stockport.
Scottish League Division Three: Albion v Stenhousemuir (1930). East Stirling v Berwick.
Various Non Lgue action.
CRICKET
World Cup group C: Gros Islet: Kenya v New Zealand.
Group A, Basseterre: Scotland v South Africa.
ICE HOCKEY
Elite League (one match).
SWIMMING
Melbourne: World Championships.
SQUASH
London: ISS Canary Wharf Classic.
RACING
Exeter. Southwell. Warwick. 

THE TIPPING POINT
LEAGUE TWO: Maybe it's my conservative nature but I think all immigrants should be banned, actually I'm not that kind of Conservative, just a bit conservative on the betting side of things. That's why tonight I'm going for shrewsbury and stockport but covering them with draws. The reason why, Bristol Rovers and Barnet both have decent home records but I think the Shrews and the Stocks have enough about them to at least gain a point and the odds are in our favour to play both markets.
SCOTLAND: Same idea and same stakes in Scotland, Stenhousemuir have enough not to lose at 2.5 away to Cowdenbeath.
NON LEAGUE: There's great value to be had in the Conference where Weymouth are 2.1 with Stan James and Ladbrokes. Opponents Woking are on a poor run and Weymouth can be backed at ten per cent stakes.

THE WORLD CUP: Has already started today but no doubt everything I said was going to happen will:)

THE REALITY TV BIT
EUROVISION: If you haven't aready you need to get on The Worrying Kind and Sweden a joyous pop tune that sounds like Queen meets Abba meets Wizzard on a drunken night out. You can still get a good deal on Betfair we are also ploughing our way through the songs here so you don't have to we'll give you our complete verdict nearer the time.
AMERICAN IDOL:American Idol is down to the last 11 and it kicks off again in American, bald and scary Phil looks not just like an extra from Alien Nation, but good value at 6.0 with both Skybet and Bet365 to be the next eviction. He was in the bottom two last time out and doesn't have the likability factor of the two favourites Hayley or Sanjaya, five per cent stakes advised.
The win market is a difficult one to call with Melinda, Lakisha and Jordin being the judges overwhelming favourite, but good looking guys should never be discounted and Chris and Blake have the potential to go far, Chris Sligh has the novelty factor and a great voice, these six stand out head and shoulders. There is little to chooe between the top three guys that's why Chris Richardson is good value to be top male at 5.5, he's like a JT lite but he is a good looking guy with both public and judge support and can secure top male at five per cent stakes with Skybet's odds.
SPORTS PERSONALITY: It's difficult to call who is going to have a good year, but it' s worth considering what each person would need to do to win the trophy. Murray will need to win a major, Hamilton to win the formula one, Johnny Wilkinson to win the world cup for us, all of a sudden it becomes a case of who will get votes baring a bad year. Boxers are a good follow Amir Khan is currently 21.0 and what makes him stand out is that he is going for a world title which would rank as an anchievement. Holding a title for some reason doesn't rank as high as outright winning of titles. Don't ask why, anyway Amir Khan may be pushed towards a world title shot this year and it's worth keeping an eye on his price and his upcoming fights as he could be a real future bet.

Well that's us for the day hope you all have a good day and speak to you all soon, in the meanwhile I'm out of here quicker than Frank Lampard on the sight of a Tottenham fan.

BLOG ROTATION

BLOG ROTATION

Regular readers or even those irregular ones with eyes will have noticed there was no column on Saturday, I was rotating myself for crucial cup replays this week, unfortunatly my replacement was firing blank words and it left you all tipless, fear not though we are back with tips for monday's fa cup, market analysis, cricket worldcup and the secret to life, but that later. First up tonight's fa cup tips.

MAN UNITED V BORO: Superlative, amazing, fantastic, awesome, these were just some or none of the words used to describe Carlos Quireoz interview technique, but that should not detract from the way United play this weekend it was football of the highest quality, tesco's finest as opposed to the economy brand served up by Boro at the weekend. Southgate decided to rotate his players, but for one small problem he only has two or three good ones. Yakubu and Viduka should be back and Boro should be more up for this one, but it would take a brave or foolish person to think they can get anything from this game. United should win but the odds are about right instead the way to go is count on goals. If you take the stan James line on this finishing over 2.0 and add it to the same bookiess line on Spurs v chelsea finishing over 2.0 as well, a one pound stake returns 3.5.
SPURS V CHELSEA: Spurs are certainly the most exciting team to watch this season and goals are their order of day that's both scoring and conceding, this could again go over the 2.0, 10 per cent stake is recommended on the double.

CRICKET WORLD CUP
With the sad passing of Bob Woolmer they might be a strange air around the cricket world cup today with that it seems best to keep stakes low and jokes down. Today's games see West Indies take on Zimbabwe and India in a must win game against, a side they will hope to keep it short against, bermuda. We, unlike Dracula, like our Stakes and recommend them going on Caan at 8.0 with Bet365 to be top Bermudan batsman, five per cent stakes. Those looking to get involved in the West indies v Zimbabwe game might struggle but a small five per cent stake on Sarwan 5.0 to be top West Indian batsman. If Gayle or Chanderpaul gave away their wicket cheaply, which they are prone to do, Sarwan will come in third and could build a healthy score as the third batsman.

ELSEWHERE
TENNIS
Miami: NASDAQ-100 Open (to Apr 1).
RACING
Market Rasen. Southwell. Wincanton. Gowran Park.
SWIMMING
Melbourne: World Championships.
SQUASH
London: ISS Canary Wharf Classic (to Mar 23).
Start of Speedway Season.

LONG TERM MARKETS
Every Monday we like to take stock of what has gone down over the weekend and see if we can spot any long term bargains.
PREMIERSHIP: Okay so Man City's win didn't help us, but we can still profit if we get on Sheff United at 4.0 to get relegated. Charlton are showing great fighting signs and Sheff United have lost a key player in Hulse and the 4.0 seems good value to cover the Man City bet. 20 per cent stakes.
CHAMPIONSHIP: The promotion market is anyone's to call but barring a collapse not seen since MFI stopped making furniture our each way 10/1 bet on Sunderland looks like coming off. Burnley are two points off relegation and are still giving us good value. Right now though if you made no bets the markets don't offer anything fresh.
LEAGUE ONE: Although coming with too late a run to make an impression on the automatic promotion race the late run of Swansea makes them great value at 6.5 to get promotion, they seem to be full of confidence under new manager Martinez and they have a much playing talent as the other clubs. Twenty per cent stake at Coral's 6.5 comes highly recommended.
Down at the bottom it remains tighter than a Paris Hilton outfit post surgery sorry natural growth, hmm.
LEAGUE TWO: It's not often you can be in a win/win/win position but this might just be the moment, I know it's as a rare as a Christiano Ronaldo smile but that also happened this week. I have ten pound on Hartelpool at 10/1 for the title, by placing a further ten on Wallsall at 4,5 with Betfred and Milton keynes Dons 7.0 with Coral I will be making at least fifteen pounds and covering all eventualities, best case Hartlepool wins I win 70, Milton Keynes wins me fourty and Wallsall fifteen.
Darlington represent good value at 13.0 with coral, ten per cent stakes on them to get promoted, they are one point of the playoffs and like Swansea are on a great run of form.

THE MEANING OF LIFE
Oh out of time be sure to check back tommorrow for that as well more Football, more world cup cricket and we look at some long term betting opps including American idol, Rugby League and Rugby union, all this and more than stuff you can shake a stick at and stuff you can shake a stick at. See you all tommorrow until then I'm out of here like a Freddie Flintoff paddling oar.

SHORT BUT NO LESS SWEET

Well that's hopefully the case after great night's work on the UEFA Cup we have four games tonight. Time constraints mean that we are a little short of time but the tip should be a winning one hopefully.

ROCHDALE TO WIN/DRAW AT CHESTER: ODDS OF 3.25 the win with paddy power and 3.25 the draw. A stake on both will return so long as Chester don't win, which is something they haven't managed to do in their last four games, their two wins in ten are against awful sides in Accrington and Bury and they have only six goals in ten.
Rochdale have just one defeat in their last ten games and some decent performances against playoff contenders, fourty per cent stake on each, see you all tommorrow.

THE LUCK OF THE IRISH, CUSTARD PIES, PETER BEARDSLEY'S LOVECHILD OH AND SOME BETTING.

LAST NIGHT'S REVIEW
Chelsea's win at Man City was about as exciting as an episode of Dancing on Ice but they've done the job and the bookies have re-acted by cutting them to 7/2 for the title with the gap down to six. The problem is that even if Chelsea beat Man United the goal difference makes it four points and United have some very winnable final games. Man City for their part are now down to 5/1 for relegation and if you didn't get on them on a few weeks ago like we suggested then 6.0(5/1) is still a nice price to be on. Charlton and even Watford are showing signs of the fight while Man City are showing as much willingness to fight as Audley Harrison. Our prediction is a nice twenty per cent stake on man city to go down.

UEFA CUP

AZ V NEWCASTLE: Last time around was a cracker and here's hoping for more this time. AZ have to win by two clear goals and not concede three away goals, Newcastle have to defend solidly, easy done? Well not when your defence has calamity bramble in a man who has more accidents than Frank Spencer. Our call is to get on AZ to win the game at 1.96(pinnacle) the reason is they have a wealth of attacking options, great home record and Newcastle can afford to not win the game outright. 30 per cent stakes.
BENFICA V PSG: Another home win is on the cards here, but the better value is Benfica to qualify 1.8(4/5) with paddypower. the reason is that Benfica have the away goal and just need a 1-0 win here. Benfica have a good home record, goalscorers and are worth a 10 per cent bet to qualify.
ESPANYOL V MACCABI HAIFA: Espanyol are another side who should prevail at home as they are unbeaten in all competitions in eight and Maccabi Haifa are not great travellers, this means the win margin bet could be the way to go. A ten per cent stake on each of Espanyol to win by one/two or three goals would return your money with a bit of interest. Espanyol should win but the spanish side don't hammer many teams and the win margin is the way to go.

The treble is also worth a 10 per cent stake on all three sides to win tonight.

Tonight's other game see Sevilla travel to Shaktar Donetsk regular readers will know after the first leg we told you to get on Seville to win it all, but as all good injury lawyers know now it's also worth covering yourself to prevent accident. With ten per cent stakes on the win for Shaktar and the draw which would see the home side threw as well. Unless it was 3-3 and up. Donetsk are a tricky side at home and 3.09 the win/ 3.35 the draw could be worth the cover. The odds are taken in this game from, not literally as that would be theft and we don't condone that here, pinnacle the home win and expekt the draw.

THE CRICKET WORLD CUP: After a cautious first few days it's now we start to get invovled in the cricket world cup. Firstly we recommend lots of money on bermuda to win, that's at miss world 2007, but more on that another time. In terms of cricket they are uglier than the lovechild of Peter Beardsley and well anyone and Sri Lanka should have a walk in the park and then come back and bowl them out very quick. Tharanga can start to stockpile some runs in the chase to catch Ponting and it's worth looking to who wins the toss and bats first. If it's sri lanka then get on Tharanga to win man of the match, if it's bermuda get on a sri lanka bowler to be man of the match.
Also put 10 per cent stakes on Ireland to spring a shock and beat Zimbabwe, the Zimbies (wish that really was their nickname) are being overpriced because they used to be a test nation, the 2.75 available on Betfair should be backed as Ireland could be in for a big few sporting days, with this the Rugby, cheltenham and the annual dana lookalike compettion.

BACK TO REALITY:Well speaking of the luck of the Irish anyone know why Colin murray has survived longer than Ray Stubbs in Celeb face Academy, still he has nothing on tara p-t who must be the luckiest person in the world, she can't sing can't dance, can't even on stando n stage without looking akward, isn't that likeable and is still in. Still it's all for charity even the money the bookies made on it, oh know hold on that bit isn't, why is that?

MUGS OF THE DAY: There has been some pretty stupid ideas threw out history,most of them involving fighting in the Russian winter or 80s fashion but this could be the best/worst one yet. Some bright spark at the Football League seems to think what we the fans hate most is draws, not the diving, lack of sin bins, salary caps or miked refs, and they are discussing abolishing draws. Lets hope these ideas are quickly shot down before we became the laughing stock of world football, even drwaing lots or custard pie fighting would be better alternatives to penalties, especially the custard pie thing.

LIKE TAKING CANDY FROM A BABY

MAN CITY V CHELSEA: Roman is getting divorced, Claude and Roman have had a fall out, Jose and Roman have already fallen out, Jose threatens to leave Roman and take Frank and John with them, what is this the plot of a Spanish soap, nope this is the mess Chelsea are in right now. Man City should be laughing but this is Man City and as usual they are an even funnier joke. Stuart Pearce might be a very good man but his management skills are somewhat of the mark and tonight could be his last game, it makes for a fascinating encounter and City will come out fighting and I don't just mean Joey 'the lips' Barton. Chelsea though should have enough class to come through, terry will be back, drogba will be a handful and chelsea will run out winners. Fifty per cent stake on Chelsea.

ASTON VILLA V ARSENAL: Both these clubs are less like a soap opera and more like a kids television show, you had mad professor wenger and his young prodigies, against zany martin and his kids from the wrong side of the track. Alright it's the makings of a rubbish tv show but a very interesting game. Arsenal have had a hideous few weeks and Villa will be hoping to add to their misery. Resultswise it's tougher to call than who gets the best deal out of the Roman divorce, but there is one winner, the anytime market. John Carew has the height to cause Arsenal and air traffic control numerous problems. The gunners conceded a heartbreaking set piece goal in the champions league and at 3.75(11/4) with paddy power he looks good value to steal the show.

THE CHAMPIONS, well of the cup of runners ups: See the problem with the UEFA Cup is that it doesn't have a theme song, forget the battle for eurovision, lets have a song for UEFA hosted Platini and the glamorous Matthew Lorenzo, I can see it now. Meanwhile back in reality there is some uefa second leg football leverkusen play Lens, osasuna play rangers, spurs play braga and bremen play celta vigo. There is little value to be had in these markets except maybe to get on Defoe, after teamnews, at 2.43(7/5) in the anytime market with Extrabet. Braga's backline is vulnerable to pace and Spurs have that in abundance.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP: Nothing in either of the championship games, Barnsley travel to Plymouth hunting key points, Plymouth could be hung over from their cup exploits and Barnsley are badly off song, West Brom have a great home record but the goals are drying up quicker than Kent Water Supply, Palace for their part are showing signs of improvement these are two to avoid.

CRICKET WORLDCUP: If Australia were to lose Scotland it would be the biggest shock since Mrs Noah realised that boat would come in useful after all, there seems little value to be had in this match and nor in Kenya v Canada, Thomas Onodo is an all rounder with a real game and he could be one to provide value but in these early stages it's worth keeping a watching brief or stakes low.

BACK TO REALITY: After the success of Celeb Big Brother were going to tip you early (10 per cent alright) and tell you that Sweden are the ones to watch in terms of Eurovision, they are trading at 7.2 on Betfair and that's very generous. They are represented by The Ark (see the Noah joke worked) who are the darkness mixed with 70S glam rock, it's a real winner of a song, good performance, great vocal, instant grab, noone hates Sweden politcally (well maybe the Fins do) other than that though this seems a big favourite and fourty per cent stakes are advised before the odds come tumbling down again.
Elsewhere American idol seems rightly priced so far and Celeb Face Academy is way too difficult to call, all contestants have been in the bottom three and it really does depend on the performance on the night.

Well that's all for a bumper day, I'm off to take candy from a baby though babies round here tend to be well armed and well trained in the art of violence from a young age, so I might not be back with all fingers in tact tommorrow. In the meanwhile I'm out of here quicker than Kate Thornton's X Factor career, see you all tommorrow.

FINDING YOU MORE BARGAINS THAN DAVID DICKINSON BUT WITHOUT THE ORANGE FACE

That's right there's so much sport today that we don't have time for any of the usual intro's and shenanigans and that isn't just because I'm trying to gloss over a bad few betting days for this column.

WE DON'T LIKE CRICKET, OKAY WE DO BUT FIFTY ONE GAMES IN SIX WEEKS

Is an awful lot, still I'm sure the players and the media will be content after all six weeks in the Caribbean isn't exactly a big ask now is it. If it was six weeks in Slough I'm sure we would have a few more complaints. What it does mean though is the bookies have gone gnarls barkley over the markets on offer, i.e crazy. We've ploughed through the markets on come out with a few value tips for you. Don't thank us, oh well if you like.

THE OUTRIGHT WINNERS
There are only eight teams who can win this, which is seven more than the scottish premier, but will make for a lot of meaningless games. However there will be some small value bets and some shocks and we'll be sure to tip our hat and your mouse when we know of them. In the meanwhile start with two outright bets on the winners of the tournament. There a big question marks about each team and no outright winner, but the value lies with India and Sri lanka at 8.5(15/2) 10 per cent stakes each. Totesport are taking on India and it is understandable why, India are the Spain of cricket, no they don't have a racist coach, rather they have lots of talent but are not always the sum of their parts. However the pitches in the Caribbean should help them and a side with such a strong batting and bowling attack can not be ignored at that price. They can beat anyone in that day and with a format that allows for off days India have the potential to make this their year. Sri lanka meanwhile are one day masters, they coming out like a london schoolkid whose hads his rep damaged, i.e all guns blazing. They destroyed England last summer 5-0 and lost to India 2-1 but without two key players. Expekt offer a great value 8.5(15/2).

THE OTHER MARKETS
Top batsman is a bit of a sweepstake but some things you need to consider, it is essential to get on a batsman who will bat one to three in the order and that numerous games make it not essential to get someone who will make the final. There is less of a difference between twelve and ten games and five and three. With bookies offering quarter the odds the first four it's worth risking some small stakes (five per cent) on some outsiders. Here's a few we have highlighted, take your pick of all or some.
Sourav Ganguly 26.0 (25/1) general
Chris Gayle 18.0 (17/1) expekt.
Upul Tharanga 34.0 (33/1) general.
Mohammed Yosuf 26.0 (25/1) general.
Top bowler backers should look for players who won't have to share the wickets around.
Daniel Vettori 36.0 (35/1) pinnacle is our each way pick.
THE OTHER OTHER MARKETS
You can bet on everything this world cup from who will the toss, lowest team innings score and how often Michael Vaughan will spend in physio, okay maybe not the last one. There's a few goodies to be had here for bargain hunters think of me as David Dickinson but some what less Orange.
Upal Tharanga 40 per cent stakes on top debutant batsman 5.5 with sportingodds.
20 per cent stakes on 2.5 (6/4) Bermuda to have the lowest scoring innings.

THE FOOTBALL MARKETS
We've moved sports in case you didn't notice, and it's the good association football that generally keeps us busy here, it's a very interesting night of championship action tonight and a few bets stand out for us.

Southend not to lose at home to Burnley 2.2(6/5) the win and 3.25(9/4) the draw. Although your playing on short returns it's worth for the consideration of the very small chance Burnley will win away from home tonight. I'll explain why, Southend had a great win at the weekend at Ipswich and are showing encouraging sings of getting out of their, Burnley are sliding badly and have no win in 16. They are struggling to score, though they are difficult to break down and draw a few hence the conservative draw cover. Thirty per cent stakes on both the home and the draw.

Bristol City at home to Bradford in a double with Aberdeen at Motherwell. 20 per cent stake.

Macclesfield not to lose at MK Dons, 5.5(9/2 totesport) the win 3.6(13/5) the draw. Macclesfield have shown improved signs since Ince tok over, they have got some good results against tricky teams.

Well that's for today were out of here quicker than a Bermudan batsman.

PRE BET SUPERSTITIONS

What do you do, do you use the same system if your on a good run, or maybe you wear the same pair of pants if your on a good run, or maybe change them three times a day if your on a bad run. Punters are as bad as the footballers and I'm no different, after a bad couple of days I'm about to return to the most simple bet that nearly always gets me out of trouble. I take the three teams over 2.00 and put on doubles and trebles. Then I take two or three teams not to lose. The last few days have to be honest gone as well as a George Bush foreign policy that's what were going to do.

THE BETS
Mansfield at Notts County 3.0:various: Mansfield are on the up, Notts County on the down, confidence could be key in this local derby.
Stockport at Barnet: 2.2 with betfred on a side on a run such as Stockport is huge.
Leyton Orient at Cheltenham: 3.0: various: good value on a in-form orient climbing slowly against a struggling Cheltenham.

ALSO CONSIDERED VALUE
Larsson/Viduka/Yakubu anytime. 2.84/3.75/4.0 one or more of these should score, all extrabet.
leicester not to lose at palace 3.5the win/3.25 the draw.
preston not to lose at hull 2.4 the win/3.8 the draw.
scunthorpe not to lose forest 2.25 the win/3.3 the draw.
bristol rovers not to lose at boston 2.6 the win/3.25 the draw.
queen of the south home win ross county 2.0.

GOOD LUCK EVERYWHERE SEE YOU ALL MONDAY FOR MARKET MOVES IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS AND SOME MORE DUBIOUS JOKES.

REMEMBER TO SIGN UP FOR THE UPDATES USING THE BOX AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.

BETTER THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT

One leg down one to go, not a tasteless Heather Mills Joke, but an accurate description of last night's UEFA CUP. Big winners were Newcastle, Bremen, PSG and Spurs, with Bremen and Spurs leading the market. Seville just about scraped a 2-2 draw, and have seen their price go out to 8.0 with paddy power,this could be good value as they did miss chances last night and no doubt key players might return for their final leg. This could be worth a twenty per cent stake bearing in mind the quality Seville have and they need only win one-nil.
Speaking of the Power, paddy's older brother Phil was on majestic form last night's, he is playing Darts that no-one can live wih right now and he is now under evens to win the tournament. Better bet not a name I was awae of until recently, though might be trying to make a name for themself, even if that name is MR MUG, as they offer a very generous evens for Phil to win the premier league and shrewd gamblers could make a big profit on this.

BETWATCH
Last night was probably the worst disaster since Brittney replaced her hairdresser, but Danny Koevermans and a clever staking plan may have limited the damages, not to mention the value on the teams we still rate will go up and in the long-term that could work. Which leads us to.

BETTING THOUGHT OF THE DAY
That's right and today we want to paraphrase George Michael that you've got to have faith. If you have belief that you have done your homework in the markets and a side suffers a disappointing result such as that of Benfica and Seville then you need to learn when to hold your nerve. Look for encouraging sings did they miss key players who will return next time, did they miss chances, make sily mistakes, or are they just rubbish and you got it wrong. After game research is an important tool to the punter as pre match homework.

TODAY'S THE DAY
A solid if unspectactular friday of sport. Soccerwise we have a few key championship games, a little european action, a bevvy of cricketing warm up games, tennis, golf continues on and we have some rugby league, oh and the US goers sports crazy through the early hours of the night.

GAME IN FOCUS
BIRMINGHAM V DERBY
THE ODDS: Birmingham (2.1) PREMIER/BETFRED
Draw (3.4) Premier/Tote
Derby (3.7) Expekt/WBX.
WHO ARE YA? Both sides are pushing for the title and this is a key matchup. Derby sit top, two points ahead of Birmingham but played a game more.
THE FORM? Birmingham have won their last two home games 1-0 over Cardiff and Leeds. They have just two defeats in their last eight, away to Hull and at home to Southend.
Derby themselves have won their last to at home to Colchester and away to Norwich, this ended a mini slump of just one point from a possible 12.
INSIDE THE FORM: Both sides though have been short of their best while getting their results, Birmingham fans are about as convinced by Steve Bruce as ALL Saints record label was of their potential, they struggle to score for a side with a wealth of scorers, possibly due to a lack of creativity across the middle and some negative tactics. Lack of creativity in the middle is certainly not Derby's problem, Barnes and Jones are big talents in the middle but they have struggled for goals and also they rode their luck against Norwich in midweek.
I'VE GOT THE KEY, I'VE GOT THE SECRET: The battle in the middle is key can Birmingham's industry outdo Derby's artisan players.
REASONS BRUM CAN WIN: Damien Johnson will give them bite in the middle, they have the strikers to worry Derby.
REASONS THEY MIGHT NOT: Derby are grinding out the results and Brum lack the creativity their opponents do, they need to keep Jones a marked man.
REASONS DERBY CAN WIN: There improved resiliance, David Jones is on fire,Howard can cause Birmingham problems at the back.
REASONS THEY MIGHT NOT: Derby had a tough game Tuesday night and back to back wins is a tricky one and they might be happy with the draw.
TEAM NEWS:Birmingham:The Blues have a fully-fit squad for the first time this season. Mikael Forssell is in contention for a place in the 16 after coming through a midweek reserve outing. Damien Johnson is also back from the sidelines and defender Radhi Jaidi is available following his suspension.
Derby:Michael Johnson misses out due to a hamstring injury. Paul Boertien and Richard Jackson miss out with knee problems, but Stephen Pearson may return. Billy Davies must choose between Craig Fagan and Gary Teale at right-wing spot and Tyrone Mears and Mark Edworthy at right-back.
THE VERDICT: The results one is a very tough one to call, what is clear is the way the game will unfold it will be a tight cagey affair that while be of huge importance, it may not be the feast the neutrals are demanding but it could certainly provide interest from a tension pov.
In terms of betting the others market is the best value and a ten per cent stakes on David Jones in the anytime makret. Jones has three goals in two games and in a tight game efforts from a distance or set pieces could be the market and Jones is your man. A generous 7.8 with extrabet.

ELSEWHERE
Hartlepool look great value at a standout Premierbet 1,85 are the odds, and it is a thirty per cent stake.
Wrexham look worth a small punt of 20 per cent at home to Bury they are 2.2 with total/sky and uk betting. Bury have not won since December 16 and Wrexham under new management got a big win at Barnet last weekend back on them to continue that run.

Well that's it for the day be sure to find out when we update everyday by signing up with us, there is a little box at the bottom of the page that you put your email in, also we send you bonus tips as and when we have them. Today we'll send our champions league draw analysis to anyone who signs up. It's free, no spam and your helping us out win,win,win.
Be sure to check back tommorrow for the bumper weekend betting choices.