CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPECIAL

THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

ALL JUST A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY

Who would have thought we would look to nineties low key drum n bass act The Propellerheads for betting inspiration but so we do. It seems there has been a massive punt on the 3-3 score line tonight, an act likely to repeat itself as Paris Hilton is to think oh getting in that car drunk seems like a good plan, okay maybe even less likely. It seems obscene to expect such a score, especially with both sides looking to cram the midfield with ball winners like Maschareano, Sissoko, Seedorf and of course the man himself Gattuso. You can praise your Kaka's (and if your two or three you tend to do) and your Gerrard's, but the real key and the first player I would have on my team is midfield jack russell Gattuso. There was a reason Italy won the world cup, Milan beat Man United and why I think Milan will win tonight. He'll continue to get overlooked and so won't get a nod in the man of the match market but he'll be the real key as to why Milan will wn tonight. That and I have a little vodoo doll of the Liverpool team.
Those who follow the blog will know we told you to get on milan at 3-1 before the semif finals and with Liverpool now available at 2/1 it's the rare situation of a win win evening for mug punter followers. Still if your finding your powder a bit dry(whatever that means) and want to add another bet to your market you can look at the range of specials on offer. The one that caught my eye most is the Paddy Power special about Liverpool coming back from the dead. The one big issue with Milan that remains is that they do tend to fade and so a small stake on Pddy power's (o.5 stakes) of Liverpool coming back from the dead could be advised to cover the bigger game stakes. Liverpool to come from behind and win 17.0 and Liverpool to come from behind and draw 7.0. In addition the 10.0 on betfred's Milan and Liverpool penalties win is good value with the game promising to be a tight affair(0.5 pts each.) However the real one to steam into is Liverpool at 3.75(boylesports) if as advised pre semi final you already have Milan on board at 4.0.
Let's hope like the Propellerheads former collaborator Shirley Bassey this match is a little belter.

PHIL SPECTOR'S HAIRDRESSER, BIRD COMPOTE AND PG TIPS, YES REALLY.

BLOWING OUR OWN TRUMPET PART TWO

Our nice little streak continues after the success of Seville we followed up with Lambert at 4.1 in the anytime market as Bristol Rovers blasted Lincoln, you'll excuse if were looking like the cta that's swallowed the cream, followed by a fish supper and a bird compote. It pays to follow us and it doesn't mean you have to pay so why do people still pay for tips, unless they're of the PG kind and you can put them in your cup.

CAPTAIN COOK THE ENTREPETED EXPLORER
Bravely going places where no other has gone before befits some with the name of Cook. England batsman Alastair seems to have gone where few before him have gone batting with pateince, skill and poise to hit a great century to put England in a solid if not too convincing position. The weather could be a factor in the match but there seems more hope with Cook batting in a disciplined manner. He never looked like getting out yesterday and you should sail full steam ahead(if we still use steam) and back BET365's offer of 2.0 the 150plus on Cook runs and 4.0 the 200plus.

THE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
Football is like Poker but with less cards (unless it involves Graham Poll) and improved dietary regulations. Actually it is nothing like Poker but that wasted a good few lines when all I have to say is that both tonight's games offer no value whatsoever, that's right I'd rather invest in Enron (note to FBI I never did it) then get involved in tonight's games. Interesting watches but then you say that about a market stall just don't get caught out yourself.

NBA PLAYOFFS
The NBA continues to roll on with Detroit and Utah securing places in the final while San Antonio lead Phoenix 3-2 and Cleveland lead New Jersey 3-2. The odds are almost identical for tonight's game sixes with the home side favourite for the win, but the away team capable of sneaking it on the outside. My advice is to keep your money tight our investers should already have New Jersey each way and San Antonio and Phoenix for the West, like a good poker player it's time to keep your hand and your cards close to you and not fold. And no poker is nothing like basketball either.

BOOTS N ALL
Something's in life require handicapping, Paris Hilton for instance could have benefited if someone imbolised her car, Phil Spector could have done with immbolising his hairdresser who hasn't really helped his image, Rugby League betting also benefits from Handicaps. Potential one side games like St Helens and Wakefield become, well slightly less one sided one sided games. St Helens should have more than an enough to cover the handicap tonight, of 26.0 at 1.91. Hull KR could also be worth a smaller punt to cover the handicap against Wigan, given 16 points at odds of 1.91. Bradford and Huddersfield like new love birds are inseperable.

RECOMMENDATIONS: 3PTS ON ST HELENS TO COVER HANDICAP AAGINST WAKEFIELD OF 26.0 points. 1.91 BET365.
1PT each on Alaistair Cook to score 150 or more 2.0 BET365 and 200 or more at 4.0.
0.5 pts on the handicap Hull KR plus 16 against Wigan 1.91.
ALREADY RECOMMENDED: Bristol Rovers to win the playoffs
San Antonio and Phoenix for the West and the NBA title.
New Jersey at 16.0 each way for Eastern Conference title.

Be back tommorrow with the FA cup thoughts and the road to Wembley, no not the M1.

THE BEST OFFER SINCE WE TOOK SEVILLE AT 7/1

BLOWING OUR OWN TRUMPET

We don't like to blow our own trumpet here at the blog, not least because we neither own nor play one, but a little over a few months ago we advised Seville at 7/1 to win the UEFA Cup after they rested some players for a first leg and went behind, last night they did the business (all be it on penalties) and returned a nice little profit. Don't thank us though but feel free to contribute to the trumpet if you want to.

I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY,LUCKY,LUCKY

Though this series has more promise than a husband before the wedding, it'll probably end up like the wedding, a massive disappointment. Punters and pundits alike seem to think England will walk this one and judging by the mess the West indies are in it's hard to oppose, but it desn't exactly encourage you to get onside with the predictions. England are very much like Jodie Marsh a lot up front, but not much behind. These two themes tie in nicely with the news MTV are launching a search to find Jodie a new husband, this is the perfect opportunity, and some lucky fellowers, like the out of sorts England cricket team, will not believe their luck. For those who want to try their hand, at the betting, rather than the marriage thing, you could do worse than some small stakes on top batsman. Chanderpaul at 4.0 could be worth small stakes to be top West Indian batsman in a weak line up, Harmison and Hoggard can both be backed at 3.25 to be top England bowler in Flintoff's absence.

PIRATES OF THE RIVER AVON

It's believed Hollywood producers are struggling to convince Depp, Bloom and Knightely that they would be best served to make a fourth film set in the river avon as they attempt to negotiate the dangers of Bristol, the traffic,the bridge and the under achieving football clubs, that could be all set to change. Bristol City got promotion and Bristol Rovers are going well, those of you already on our recommendation of Bristol Rovers to win the playoffs could do well to add to this with a stake on Lambert a 4.1 to be anytime scorer, care of extrabet. The Bristol club, like a celebrity hunted by a tabloid journalist are prepared to attack away from home and the Lincoln defence is about as steady as Johnny Depp's accent, the result, an over-rated trilogy oh and Bristol to progress to the final.

MUGS BET OF THE DAY
Big Brother to organise a foreign exchange programme (with another reality TV show) (3/1)
Exactly four housemates to be evicted in one night (not including the last eviction) (8/1)
Big Brother to give the housemates a Parrot (10/1)

I don't know who are the biggest mugs on this, Paddy Power for offering Endemol makers free money, Punters who back a maket more rigged than WWE wrestling or those of us who watch it.

In the meanwhile I'm out of here quicker than Jose Mourinho on receipt of a phone call about his dog see you all tommorrow, well not in a physical sense,unless I have stalkers.

TUESDAY MAY 15TH

FOOTBALL
DERBY V SOUTHAMPTON

Some things in life are certain, the eastern block will dominate Eurovision voting, Lorraine Kelly will have an item on fashion and if it's an issue on anything Lily Allen will have an opinion. In fact I was going to get Lily to have an opinion on the Derby v Southampton match but for somee reason her press publicist doesn't deem this blog good for Lily's career, I mean I admit we have one or two less hits than her myspace account, but still I'm sure people here were wanting to know her opinions on this key playoff clash, as it is we'll have to make do with my thoughts.
Watching the last leg I was struck with one consuming thought, are Walkers crisp packets getting bigger while the amount of crisps are getting smaller, oh and the fact there was little between these two sides. Which lead me to two thoughts, always buy McCoys and look to see if there is any value on the away side for the second leg and lo and behold there is. Let me explain why, Southampton and Derby have little to seperate them and with away goals not counting double then Southampton just need a one.nil win to get extra time. The 3/1 with Bet365 on Southampton to qualify is worth a punt as there is little between these two sides, Southampton have a decent away record and have scored on each of their last sixteen away encounters. Derby failed to win ten of their twenty three home games, these are two sides more equal than an American celebrity and a normal member of public in the eyes of the law. It doesn't take Lily Allen (luckily for you and me) that this represents good value and is worth a low level stake.
RECOMMENDED: 2.0 pts on Southampton to qualify Bet365/ladbrokes.

BETTING NEWS
With cheesy tabloid style headlines.

FORLORN VAUGHAN: Sky Bet make Andrew Strauss a 5/1 chance to skipper England in all four Tests against the West Indies this summer.
Strauss takes over from Michael Vaughan who misses the opening game at Lord's this week after breaking a finger - though he is hoping to be back for the second Test on home turf at Headingley.
Strauss is also 11/4 to score England's first Test century of the summer and 5/4 for over 330 runs in the series.
As far as the match odds are concerned this week, it's 8/15 England, 2/1 the draw and 15/2 the Windies.

OUR THOUGHTS: We will have a full preview tommorrow, unless we can get Lily Allen or even Peaches Geldof would do.

ROTATION ROTATION ROTATION: The next Manchester City manager market has settled down in the last 12 hours or so, with former Chelsea and current Parma boss Claudio Ranieri remaining the clear faviourite.

THOUGHTS: I have to confess I cut and paste half this stuff from bettingzone to save you the trouble but really a professional website where people get paid should no how to spell favourite, I however do this for free and can make all the typos I like.

He was backed yesterday from 16/1 right into evens and that's the price he is at the moment with Ladbrokes, who then offer 6/1 Paul Jewell, 8/1 Billy Davies and 12/1 bar.

However if the press are to be believed then there could be moves this morning for PSV chief Ronald Koeman and AZ Alkmaar boss Louis van Gaal. They've both been flagged up as possible candidates but neither yet features in Ladbrokes' list.

OUR THOUGHTS: I'm pretty certain I heard from a Man City board member they were after a continental manager and last i Checked Liverpool(Jewell) and Scotland (Davies) were not thought of as continental, unless your from Middlesborough then anything is.
The Ranieri appointment would be a little mad, far better for Man City would be Koeman or Van Gaal, especially Van Gaal who has built a strong attacking football side at AZ, this is Man City though and who knows what they might do, I'd recommend laying bar though as no manager ever called bar has a job and you can quote me on that.

A GOOD MOVE? With Reading's Steve Sidwell expected to sign for Chelsea, William Hill are offering odds of 2/5 that he will score a Premiership goal for them next season should he sign, and 7/4 that he will fail to do so.
Given the competition for places at Stamford Bridge, Hills also offer 11/10 that he will make seven or fewer starts in the Premiership next season for the Blues.
It's 11/8 that he will make between eight and 13 league starts and 7/2 for 14 or more games.

OUR THOUGHTS: If Sidwell is to end up at Chelsea the 7/2 is not the worse price, he could easily play a sitting role for the club allowing Essien to work around the pitch more and with Makelele and Lampard yet to sort contract matters he could be a good addition, worth keeping an eye on. The price that is not Makele that thing is called stalking.

0745: Finsceal Beo is Cashmans' 6/4 favourite for the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot - and 1/3 to gain revenge on her French 1000 Guineas conqueror Darjina.
Jim Bolger's filly failed by just a head to hold Alain de Royer-Dupre's runner at Longchamp on Sunday after winning the Stan James 1000 Guineas at Newmarket a week earlier.
And in a special match bet between the big two, the Cork-based firm make Finsceal Beo 1/3 and Darjina 9/4.
Coronation Stakes, Cashmans bet: 6/4 Finsceal Beo, 5/1 Darjina, 7/1 Sander Camillo, 8/1 Yaqeem, 10/1 Mi Emma.

OUR THOUGHTS:Is it just me or is this a greater collection of horse names as you'll ever see.

CARLOS THE JACKAL TO BE SNAPPED UP: Sky Bet have installed Liverpool as 3/1 favourites to snap up West Ham saviour Carlos Tevez for the start of next season.
Tevez was instrumental in the Hammers' escape act which saw them seal Premiership survival on the final day of the campaign with a 1-0 victory over champions Manchester United.
He scored the winner in that match and six goals in total in the final nine games but the speculation has already started as to where he will ply his trade next term.
Sky Bet make the Argentine 4/1 to be playing for Chelsea, 9/2 for Barcelona and 6/1 for Manchester United. It's an 8/1 chance he's still with the Hammers on the opening day of the next Premiership season.

OUR THOUGHTS: According to the tabloids he's off to Real Madrid for thirty million. Believe who you will. I personally think Tevez will end up some warm and sunny, like Inverness maybe.

Well that's all for today I may be back later on with some NBA thoughts and then again I may not, until thenwe'll leave you with today's mugs bet of the day.

MUG BET OF THE DAY: ANDY MURRAY at 2.38 up against clay specalist Volandri represents today's worst value of the day, backing it would be the biggest mistake since Sly Stallone decided he had nothing to declare.

I won't push you, but don't get mugged get the muggins.

IT'S SO UNFAIR I HATE YOU

Somethings in life are unfair, the football league playoffs for instance give equal chance to teams finishing third and sixth, but short of starting a Paris Hilton style petition or having a jose mourinho style strop what are we to do. We can quietly lambast the game into our pints, while enjoying the footballing feast we are served and of course hope that we make some money off the bookies, that's where I come in, the making money bit you can buy yur own pint you cheapskate.

COCA CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFFS
West Brom 3.5(betdirect) 3.5 (betfair)
Derby 3.61 (extrabet) 4.2 (betfair)
Southampton 3.75 (boyle) 3.8 (betfair)
Wolves 4.3 (betfred) 4.7 (betdaq)
FIRST LEG ODDS

12-05-2007
12:00 Southampton (2.25) (general) Draw (3.25) (general) Derby (3.25) (power/premier/expekt)
13-05-2007
12:00 Wolverhampton (2.5) /bet365/power/expekt) Draw (3.25)general) West Brom (2.88) (power/premier)

Like the space between Paris Hilton's brain and her face there is nothing much to seperate things here. West Brom are the bookies favourite by virtue of having ended the season with a bit of a goal bonanza almost scoring as many goals in one game as their semi final opponents Wolves have in one season. This means there games could go one of two ways, Wolves could score more than normal because they are more opportunities to attack against an attacking side like West Brom, or West Brom could get sucked into a negative game. The other game is quite similar featuring an offensive side Southampton against a defensive side in Derby.
Playing wise it is hard to seperate all four sides, statistic wise it is worth noting that the away side in the first leg tends to come through two legged ties more than often, case in point is the champions league semi final. All four sides have plusses and minuses, West Brom score a hatful of goals but also leak them, Wolves the opposite, Derby have good squad depth but a lot of key injuries to players such as Barnes, Southampton have a wealth of talent but are not hit and miss. All could be considered good or bad value and it just depends on who gets their game together three times in a row, for us it's like Paris Hilton one to watch(and lOrd knows lots of people have or currently are) but not to get involved with.

COCA COLA LEAGUE ONE
Nottm Forest 3.1(premier) 3.05
Blackpool 3.25 (general) 3.25
Oldham 5 (power) 5.5
Yeovil 5 (boyle) 5.3

MATCHES
11-05-2007
19:45 Yeovil (2.5) Draw (3.25) Nottingham Forest (2.8) 13-05-2007
17:30 Oldham (2.5) Draw (3.25) Blackpool (3)

Two promises for league one we actually do have an opinion and are not going to make any more Paris Hilton jokes. What a teaser huh? Anyway League one is much easier than that and I'm not taking about Paris again, the smart money should be on Blackpool, they might have missed out on the casino but you should double down on Blackpool to come chips in for the Championship. They ended the season with just one defeat in 14, they won the final game of the season 6-3 against the league's other in form side Swansea, they have goals, confidence and look great value at 3.25 with quite a few bookmakers. The rest of the opposition are Forest who are natural favourites but struggle against pacy forwards and the weight of expectation on them will be huge, Yeovil give me a good run for blog followers when we tipped them at 28-1 and will cause Forest problems. Oldham for their part tailed towards the end of the season and a lot depends on their form of two key men in Gregan and Porter either one has an offday and it could be bad news they play nice football under John Sheridan but might not have the depth and mental toughness of a Blackpool.
RECOMMENDATION: 3pts on Blackpool at 3.25.

LEAGUE TWO PLAYOFFS
Milton Keynes 3 3
Bristol Rovers 3.75 3.65
Lincoln 4.3 4.7
Shrewsbury 5 4.9

MATCHES
12-05-2007
17:15 Bristol Rovers (2.2) Draw (3.25) Lincoln City (3.5)
14-05-2007
19:45 Shrewsbury (2.5) Draw (3.25) MK Dons (2.88)

The 3.75 on Bristol Rovers looks like being the best value since the last Primark sale and you need to get there before the stampede starts as the price could come down in the next few days. Bristol went eight games unbeaten at the end of the season including victories over Hartlepool and Swindon, although Lincoln hold the better regular season Bristol Rovers were very impressive in their last few games of the season against sides who got promoted. Lincoln did not win one of their last six and Bristol are the side to be on. In the other tie either side could come through but Bristol are the bet for lague two.

recommendation: Bristol Rovers 2pts at 3.75.

Think we don't know what we are talking about, we told you to get on Sunderland way back at 10-1, we also got advised getting on Hartlepool at 14-1 each way. Be sure to keep us bookmarked throughout the summer and next season for the blog that pays even if you don't pay us.

I'M SO EXCITED AND I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT

Less than five hours to the big moment,the one you have all been waiting for that's right the Dundalk Presbyterian Church starts an evening course where for just fourty dollars you can explore effective ways to evangelise, Learn how to teach Mark's Gospel and find out what it feels like to run your very own course, or for those who can't get that hot ticket we have the champions league semi final. A pale shadow of an event but worth a few hours of anyone's time.

TUESDAY 1ST MAY 2007-FRIDAY 4TH MAY 2007
FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
OUTRIGHT BETTING

TEAM Best Bookmakers Best Exchanges Best Spreads
Chelsea 2.63 2.64 77-79
Man Utd 3.4 3.5 70-73
AC Milan 5.5 5.3 65-67
Liverpool 6.5 6.8 59-62

MATCHES
19:45 Liverpool (2.5) Draw (3.15) Chelsea (3.44)
02-05-2007
19:45 AC Milan (2.25) Draw (3.25) Manchester United (3.6)
PREVIEW
It's half time in the Champions League and both games are as close as a stalker and their stalkee, it should make for a fascinating couple of games. Tonight at Anfield Liverpool will again aim to put one over Chelsea, while after their slip up last weekend Chelsea will be all the more desperate to come out with at least one of the major trophies on offer. Suddenly there's more excitement than a finale of eggheads with Jose as CJ the spolit know it all, John Terry as Daphne the gentle but lethal expert, Frank Lampard as Judith near of them knows too much about sport and I'm running out of analogies there, you get the point it's exciting right.
The game itself is a nightmare from a betting point of view, how will Chelsea react to their problems at the weekend can Liverpool turn it on after weeks of going through the motions, will there be hysterics, fights, how many times will the commentators mention Istanbul or Barcelona. The game will depend on whether Liverpool can get a handle on the midfield, whether they can marshall Drogba and just which players show. their class.
Last time we advised making a bet on Liverpool or Chelsea to keep a clean sheet at better than 2.00. This time were going the other way and backing either of them to score at better than 2.00. Extrabet offer 2.04 Liverpool to score first, 2.22 Chelsea to do the same, the win is small but it's worth it as small long term adds make big long term wins. The only way you can lose is if the game ends nil nil and I'd feel this highly improbable with such tension, nerves and quality.

Wednesday night it's Milan v Man United part two, the most exciting sequel since shrek and donkey returned for an another whirlwhind adventure, speaking of Rooney and Ferdinand they might be key players in this game. With Maldini out Rooney could have room to spring the Milan defence and could be the key to United's success. If Rio is back he will need to have a big game as Milan look to break the United defence and get that one goal they need. However bigger than those two is the return of Gattuso he is pivotal to Milan and it is no coincidence that United's comeback occured after he came off the pitch. This should be a big game and the result and qualifier is so hard too call, the value ehre could lie in a little anytime scorer market. Both Kaka and Rooney are trading at very good prices against defences that they have already shown they know how to spring, Rooney at 3.75 in the anytime market with bet365 and Kaka 3.6 with paddy power.

OTHER FOOTBALL
SCOTTISH PLAYOFFS WEDNESDAY
Scottish Division One Matches

19:45 Brechin (2.7) Draw (3.6) Airdrie Utd (2.6)
19:45 Raith (2.38) Draw (3.6) Stirling (2.9)
Scottish Division Two Matches
19:45 East Fife (2.5) Draw (3.6) Stranraer (2.85)
19:45 Queens Park (2.3) Draw (3.6) Arbroath (2.75) NOW PLAYING TUESDAY
THURSDAY UEFA CUP
19:45 Sevilla (1.55) Draw (3.85) Osasuna (8)
19:45 Werder Bremen (1.57) Draw (4.1) Espanyol (6)

RECOMMENDATIONS: NONE

NBA BASKETBALL
Best Bookmakers Best Exchanges
Phoenix Suns 3.65 4.7
San Antonio Spurs 5.0 6
Detroit Pistons 6.5 6.4
Dallas Mavericks 6.8 7.4
Houston Rockets 15 18
Cleveland Cavaliers 17.0 16.5
Chicago Bulls 17.0 16
Golden State Warriors 34 65
New Jersey Nets 41 46
Utah Jazz 71 75
Denver Nuggets 201 160
Toronto Raptors 301 210
LA LAKERS 500 240

MATCHES
02-05-2007 %
00:00 Toronto Raptors (1.6) New Jersey Nets (2.65)
02:30 Dallas Mavericks (1.21) Golden State Warriors (5.5)
03-05-2007
01:00 San Antonio Spurs (1.17) Denver Nuggets (4.5)
03:30 Phoenix Suns (1.16) Los Angeles Lakers (6.6)

RECOMMENDATIONS: AS PREVIOUS

OTHER SPORT
THE WEEK UPCOMING
Tuesday, May 1

FOOTBALL: Champions League semi-final second legs: Liverpool v Chelsea (1945).

RUGBY UNION: Magners League: Cardiff v Dragons (1910).

SNOOKER: Sheffield: 888.com World Championship.

TENNIS: Estoril: Estoril Open. Munich: BMW Open. Warsaw: J and S Women's Cup.

BOWLS: Australia: World Cup.

RACING: Bath. Sedgefield. Southwell. Wincanton. Wolverhampton.

Wednesday, May 2

FOOTBALL: Champions League semi-final second legs: AC Milan v Man Utd (1945).

CRICKET: LV County Championship Division One: Hampshire v Yorkshire. Kent v Sussex. Lancashire v Surrey. Worcestershire v Warwickshire. Division Two: Gloucestershire v Leicestershire. Northamptonshire v Essex. Nottinghamshire v Glamorgan. Somerset v Derbyshire.
University Match: Durham UCCE v Durham.

SNOOKER: Sheffield: 888.com World Championship.

TENNIS: Estoril: Estoril Open. Munich: BMW Open. Warsaw: J and S Women's Cup.

BOWLS: Australia: World Cup.

RACING: Ascot. Cheltenham. Nottingham. Pontefract. Ballinrobe.

Thursday, May 3

FOOTBALL: UEFA Cup semi-final second legs: Sevilla v Osasuna. Werder Bremen v Espanyol.

CRICKET: LV County Championship Division One: Hampshire v Yorkshire. Kent v Sussex. Lancashire v Surrey. Worcestershire v Warwickshire. Division Two: Gloucestershire v Leicestershire. Northamptonshire v Essex. Nottinghamshire v Glamorgan. Somerset v Derbyshire.
University Match: Durham UCCE v Durham.

SNOOKER: Sheffield: 888.com World Championship.

TENNIS: Estoril: Estoril Open. Munich: BMW Open. Warsaw: J and S Women's Cup.

GOLF: Milan: Italian Open. North Carolina: Wachovia Championship.

EQUESTRIAN: Badminton Horse Trials.

BOWLS: Australia: World Cup.

RACING: Folkestone. Hereford. Huntingdon. Redcar. Tipperary.

See you all friday for the big weekend preview.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH THE TOUGH GET GOING, THE CLEVER ONES MEANWHILE WATCH AND MAKE SMART COMMENTS

PREMIER LEAGUE

12:45 Chelsea (1.33) Draw (5.3) Bolton (12.5) LIVE SKYSPORTS
12:45 Everton (5.5) Draw (3.6) Manchester United (1.73) LIVE SKYSPORTS

Like ying and yang, or mary kate and ashley, somethings just have to go together right now,such as the big games of the day. In what is either a genius stroke of broadcasting or the worst bit of scheduling since LIVE8 both games are on at the same time on different channels. It means we can watch the crucial action unfold, it means noone gets an unfair advantage(though I'm sure Jose will find reason to complain) and it means my virgin plus has a double chance to either reddem itself or annoy me again(see previous post.) As for the games themselves there will no doubt be more specials than a takeaway menu board but which one to pick, what is the black bean chicken and what is the sweet and sour. Of course it all depends on your view you might like takeaway sweet and sour and hate blackbean, we do live in a democracy after all in which we have a right to choose, it might be between things of equal ineptness but it is a choice.
That's one massive paragraph with little to do with the games themselves so lets get to it both sides have winnable but tricky games against teams battling for fifth place. Chelsea should feel most confident they have home advantage against a Bolton side who were awful in their flintoff style capsize against Reading. They have enough depth to get through this game whoever they play, Bolton's defence are leaking goals they seem a lot more brittle than Bolton sides of days gone by and this seems a highly plausible home win.
Our recommendation is to put four points on each of the following, chelsea to win by one goal, chelsea to win by two, chelsea by three. It seems highly likely that Chelsea will win this one but they rarely hammer teams and Mourinho will be loathe to push his players too much to hammer a side when three points is three. The goal difference is beyond an issue and it will either be a matter of chelsea getting an early one and holding back, or struggling to score as in recent weeks and getting a late one.
Man United though have a much trickier game and I would have been more confident on Everton if it wasn't for the appalling performance against West Ham, if Everton have AJ back than this because a different match, the difference between AJ and JB(James Beattie) is like the one between Heinz and Tesco's beans, just ask Hugh Grant and the photographer. While the team news could have a huge impact we will go with the same sort of prediction in the United v Chelsea game this time with BET365, they offer United to win by one goal at 3.1 and United to win by two or more goals at 3.3, 3 points again advised, you could even take the draw onside at 3.6 withbet365 and stan james and still return profit.
RECOMMENDATION: UNITED AND CHELSEA DOUBLE 4 points. 2.36 betfair 2.23 better/blue square/ betdirect.
RECOMMENDATION: Chelsea win margin one/two/three all 3 points. 3.3/4.0/6.5 blue square.
RECOMMENDATION: UNITED WIN margin one/two or more 3.1/3.33 points, optional draw cover 3.6 withBET365 and Stan James.
RECOMMENDATION: Keep an eye on Skybet during the match they will offer live in game running on the prem title, it would not beyond United to go behind and their price to go out and then come back and win as they did in midweek.

ELSEWHERE
15:00 Blackburn (2.15) Draw (3.5) Charlton (3.77)
15:00 Manchester City (2.3) Draw (3.25) Aston Villa (3.28)
15:00 Middlesbrough (2.85) Draw (3.4) Tottenham (2.63)
15:00 Portsmouth (3.5) Draw (3.4) Liverpool (2.3)
15:00 Sheffield U (1.62) Draw (3.85) Watford (6)
15:00 Wigan (2.3) Draw (3.4) West Ham (3.4)
SUNDAY 29-04-2007
16:00 Arsenal (1.4) Draw (4.6) Fulham (9.5)
MONDAY 30-04-2007
20:00 Reading (2.05) Draw 3.5 Newcastle 4.3.

Picking this weekend's winners is tougher than trying to convince people Grease is the word is worth watching, our advice is to keep the stakes low and look at the other markets oh and to watch the BBC one show instead. The pick of the bets is probably the over 2.5 at evens(totalbet) in the Boro v Spurs match at 0.5pts. In addition the anytime market could be worth some small punts 0.25pts on each of these players.
John Stead ANYTIME bet365 2.88 Sheff United v Watford.
Luton Shelton anytime bet365 3.00 Sheff United v Watford.
Benni McCarthy anytime coral 2.88 Blackburn v Charlton
Darius Vassell anytime Premierbet 3.75 Man City v Villa
Gabriel Agbonlahor anytime premierbet/bet365 4.3 Villa v mancity.

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP:
FRIDAY 27-04-2007
19:45 Sunderland (1.4) Draw (5) Burnley (9)
SATURDAY 28-04-2007
15:00 Barnsley (2.4) Draw (3.2) Leicester (3.4)
15:00 Birmingham (1.73) Draw (3.75) Sheffield W (5.2)
15:00 Cardiff (2.4) Draw (3.5) Hull (3)
15:00 Coventry (3.4) Draw (3.5) West Bromwich (2.25)
15:00 Leeds (1.73) Draw (3.6) Ipswich (5.2)
15:00 Norwich (3.25) Draw (3.5) Southampton (2.3)
15:00 Plymouth (2.9) Draw (3.4) Preston (2.4)
15:00 Southend (1.73) Draw (3.75) Luton (5)
15:00 Stoke (2.1) Draw (3.6) Colchester (3.55)
15:00 Wolverhampton (1.53) Draw (4) QPR (6.8)
Sunday 29-04-2007
13:30 Crystal Palace (4) Draw (3.5) Derby (2.1)

In the words of the wiseman Billy Ocean, when the going gets tough, the tough get going, and it doesn't get any tougher than the second last weekend of the season unless you count the last one I guess. It's hard to pick too much value on this weekend but here are few that stand out.
BRONZE BET: 0-5 PTs: Burnley not to lose 9.0 the win(general) and 5.0 the draw(totesport/ladbrokes). This is especially off note if you followed this column's advice at took Sunderland at 10-1 to win the league it's worth covering yourself. Even if you haven't 9.0 is huge value at this stage of the season when the pressure is on, I would expect Keane and his men to come through but Burnely are playing some very good stuff recently and as david would no doubt testify upsets can happen.
SILVER BET: 1.0Pts: Danielle Nardiello 3.0bet365 anytime market. Nardiello is firing at the moment and his four goals in two games have almost fired Barnsley to safety, as long as he is fit(there a few question marks about this) then he should be backed with confidence at 3.0 to maintain his fine goalscoring record.
GOLD BET: 2.0Pts each on sheff wed away win/draw. 5.2 the win(expekt) 5.3 the win(betfair.) 3.75 the draw(boyle) 4.0(betfair) While Birmingham do sit top of the table Sheff Wed are on a great run of form and more than caable of springing the surprise. There is a momentum and confidence about Sheff Wed and there's a whole lot of pressure on Birmingham, five point two is a steal.

COCA COLA LEAGUE ONE AND TWO
LEAGUE ONE
FRIDAY 27-04-2007
19:45 Northampton (2.1) Draw (3.4) Huddersfield (3.3)
Saturday 28-04-2007
15:00 Blackpool (2.25) Draw (3.4) Scunthorpe (3.1)
15:00 Bournemouth (2) Draw (3.4) Gillingham (4)
15:00 Brentford (2.7) Draw (3.4) Port Vale (2.6)
15:00 Brighton (3.2) Draw (3.5) Oldham (2.25)
15:00 Carlisle (2.2) Draw (3.5) Swansea (3.25)
15:00 Chesterfield (2.4) Draw (3.75) Bradford (2.9)
15:00 Crewe (2.25) Draw (3.4) Tranmere (3.1)
15:00 Leyton Orient (3.15) Draw (3.5) Nottm Forest (2.2)
15:00 Millwall (3.5) Draw (3.5) Bristol City (2.2)
15:00 Rotherham (3.25) Draw (3.5) Cheltenham (2.25)
15:00 Yeovil (1.73) Draw (3.6) Doncaster (5.5)

LEAGUE TWO
Saturday 28th April
12:00 Hereford (3.2) Draw (3.4) Shrewsbury (2.3)
15:00 Accrington (2.2) Draw (3.4) Macclesfield (3.2)
15:00 Boston Utd. (1.67) Draw (3.75) Torquay (5.5)
15:00 Bristol Rovers (2.38) Draw (3.5) Swindon (3.01)
15:00 Chester (3) Draw (3.4) Peterboro (2.25)
15:00 Grimsby (2.75) Draw (3.4) Lincoln (2.63)
15:00 Mansfield (2.2) Draw (3.4) Barnet (3.65)
15:00 Notts County (2.25) Draw (3.4) Darlington (3.4)
15:00 Rochdale (2.75) Draw (3.4) Hartlepool (2.75)
15:00 Stockport (1.91) Draw (3.6) Bury (4.5)
15:00 Walsall (1.8) Draw (3.6) Wrexham (5)
15:00 Wycombe (2.6) Draw (3.5) Milton Keynes Dons (2.7)

Such is the difficulty in predicting this weekend I've had to combine the two leageus together, that and it means less waffle from me.
BRONZE BET: Barnet not to lose at Mansfield at 0.5pts 3.65 (expekt) 3.4 (general) Barnet were hammered last week five nil and were awful, i'm really selling this one aren't I:) but fear not Mansfield are just as bad in fact worse. The pressure is truely on for them and the club is in a mess with issue over owernship and pay, abrnet have to be worth 0.5pts each on the win and draw.
SILVER BET: Wrexham have now won three straight including wins at playoff chasing Lincoln and Shrewsbury while Wallsall last week lost at home to Bury. The 1.0point on the win at 5.0(betfred/stan james) and the 3.7 the draw(betfair) 3.6 (tote) are worth a little bet.
GOLD BET: It's twelve games since Chester last won, in this time Peterborough have risen up the table and now sit just four points off the playoff places, it's a game young ferguson and his men must win and at 2.25 with expekt it's worth 3.0pts of your money.

OTHER BETS
Reading 7.5(coral/betfred) betting without big four if Everton and Bolton lose this weekend and Reading win then they will be level on points. This is well worth an investment of 1.opts.

OTHER SPORT THIS WEEKEND
The snooker world championship continues, as does the US sport playoffs, ongoing tennis and golf tournaments, a big weekend of rugby of both codes and of course big reality tv action. The event of the weekend though looks like being the cricket world cup final and the hopes that SriLanka can spring a massive shock.

SPORTS DAIRY
Friday, April 27
FOOTBALL: Coca-Cola Championship: Sunderland v Burnley.
League One: Northampton v Huddersfield.
CRICKET: LV County Championship Division One: Surrey v Hampshire. Warwickshire v Sussex. Yorkshire v Durham.
Division Two: Essex v Glamorgan. Leicestershire v Somerset. Middlesex v Northamptonshire. Gloucestershire v Nottinghamshire.
University matches: Cambridge UCCE v Derbyshire. Durham UCCE v Lancashire. Kent v Cardiff UCCE. Worcestershire v Loughborough UCCE.
RUGBY UNION: Magners League: Borders v Cardiff (1930). Ospreys v Leinster (1910). Ulster v Glasgow (1930).
RUGBY LEAGUE: Engage Super League: Hull KR v Huddersfield (2000). Leeds v Catalans Dragons (2000). Salford v Wigan (2000).
GOLF: Madrid: Spanish Open. Irving: EDS Byron Nelson Championship.
TENNIS: Barcelona: SEAT Open. Casablanca: Hassan II Grand Prix. Budapest: Women's Grand Prix.
SNOOKER: Sheffield: World Championship.
BOWLS: Australia: World Cup.
RACING: Chepstow. Newton Abbot. Perth. Sandown. Wolverhampton. Punchestown.

Saturday, April 28
FOOTBALL: Barclays Premiership: Blackburn v Charlton. Chelsea v Bolton (1245). Everton v Man Utd (1245). Man City v Aston Villa. Middlesbrough v Tottenham. Portsmouth v Liverpool. Sheff Utd v Watford. Wigan v West Ham.
Coca-Cola Championship: Barnsley v Leicester. Birmingham v Sheff Wed. Cardiff v Hull. Coventry v West Brom. Leeds v Ipswich. Norwich v Southampton. Plymouth v Preston. Southend v Luton. Stoke v Colchester. Wolves v QPR.
League One: Blackpool v Scunthorpe. Bournemouth v Gillingham. Brentford v Port Vale. Brighton v Oldham. Carlisle v Swansea. Chesterfield v Bradford. Crewe v Tranmere. Leyton Orient v Nottm For. Millwall v Bristol City. Rotherham v Cheltenham. Yeovil v Doncaster.
League Two: Accrington v Macclesfield. Boston v Torquay. Bristol Rovers v Swindon. Chester v Peterborough. Grimsby v Lincoln. Hereford v Shrewsbury (1200). Mansfield v Barnet. Notts Co v Darlington. Rochdale v Hartlepool. Stockport v Bury. Walsall v Wrexham. Wycombe v MK Dons.
Bank of Scotland Premier League: Aberdeen v Kilmarnock. Dundee Utd v Inverness CT. Hibernian v Rangers. Motherwell v Falkirk.
Scottish League Division One: Clyde v Dundee. Hamilton v St Johnstone. Partick v Livingston. Queen of South v Airdrie Utd. Ross Co v Gretna.
Division Two: Alloa v Forfar. Ayr v Morton. Brechin v Cowdenbeath. Raith v Peterhead. Stranraer v Stirling.
Division Three: Albion v East Stirling. Arbroath v East Fife. Dumbarton v Queen's Park. Elgin v Montrose. Stenhousemuir v Berwick.
CRICKET: LV County Championship Division One: Surrey v Hampshire. Warwickshire v Sussex. Yorkshire v Durham.
Division Two: Essex v Glamorgan. Leicestershire v Somerset. Middlesex v Northamptonshire. Gloucestershire v Nottinghamshire.
RUGBY UNION: Guinness Premiership: Gloucester v Bristol (1505). Leicester v Wasps (1505). Harlequins v Sale (1505). Newcastle v Bath (1505). Northampton v London Irish (1505). Worcester v Saracens (1505).
Magners League: Munster v Dragons.
RUGBY LEAGUE: Engage Super League: Harlequins v St Helens.Wakefield v Hull (1800).
Co-operative National League One.
GOLF: Madrid: Spanish Open. Irving: EDS Byron Nelson Championship.
TENNIS: Barcelona: SEAT Open. Casablanca: Hassan II Grand Prix. Budapest: Women's Grand Prix.
SNOOKER: Sheffield: World Championship.
BOWLS: Australia: World Cup.
RACING: Haydock. Leicester. Market Rasen. Ripon. Sandown. Wolverhampton. Punchestown.
SUNDAY APRIL 29
28-29 BASKETBALL Newcastle: BBL Championship finals weekend
29 MOTORCYCLING Silverstone: British Superbikes
29 MOTORCYCLING Holland: World Superbikes

VIRGIN ON THE RIDDICULOUS

It's Wednesday night I have to work but I can rest safe in the knowledge that my v plus box is hard at work taping the game and I can watch it on my return. Isn't technology wonderful?

Then again on return I'm quite tired so I'll wait to the next morning, I wake up settle myself down with breakfast, remote and get ready to watch one of the big games of the season. Except I can't I have a problem but v plus boxes don't get damaged virgin media will tell you before you sign up. they do though, and it's not the first and nor I fear is it the last. Which other game will v plus suddenly decide I don't want to see. The customer service staff tell me it's rare they have problems, so rare that it'll take upto five days to get someone to fix it, what are they shipping in the technical experts from the new planet just discovered.
I tell them this isn't the first problem I've had with said company and it isn't it once took five tecnhicans, six visits and three weeks to fix a previous problem, sounds like the plot to an implausible Five comedy show doesn't it?

So fear not though because I'll be compensated a whole 3pounds fifty, if a champions league semi final is worth three fifty what price the last day of the season when I'm scheduled into work, four pounds, four fifty, don't I just spend that in morning wasted on call centre calls, emails and annoyed blogs.

Isn't technology a wonderful thing?It might not work but we now have five different ways to register our disgust with it, just as well really because you never know when any of those five are going to breakdown.