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New Year's Day Premiership Football Picks

2007-12-31T07:25:00.000-08:00

Premiership - value football betting

Remember with betting exchanges such as Betfair you can BACK and/or LAY any selection and choose the price/odds you want to take. With all of the following match bets you are attempting to create the market rather than follow it. Simply taking the first price you see on Betfair will most likely mean poor value as a 'backer' or 'layer'. Post your price(s) and if there are no takers that's fine. Remember, value is key, whatever side of the bet you are on.

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Barclays Premiership

Fulham v LAY Chelsea 1.59

LAY Arsenal 1.37 v West Ham

LAY Manchester United 1.18 v Birmingham City

LAY Middlesbrough 3.5 v Everton

LAY Reading 2.94 v Portsmouth

BACK Aston Villa 2.62 v Tottenham Hotspur

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Notes & Explanation: Try and get as near as possible to these prices. If the market isn't close to these levels on the BACK or LAY side be patient or adjust to a level you are comfortable with. When you 'LAY' a selection, you are betting against it winning. For example, if you're betting in the Middlesbrough v Everton market and you LAY Middlesbrough, you offer odds to other punters who wish to back Middlesbrough. In this instance as near to 3.5 (12/5) as you can get. If Middlesbrough don't win, then you pick up the backer's stake minus commission. If Middlesbrough win, then you pay out.

For a beginners guide to Betting Exchanges and Fixed odds betting, visit top5bet.com

..............................................................................................

Other Bookmakers to have in your locker to ensure best price action

VCBet (up to £100 Free Bet) - Bet 365 - Square - Tote - Paddy Power - Skybet - Betfred - William Hill - Ladbrokes
...............................................................................................

Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets. Register with Betfair or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds

- Correct Score Football Odds

- Half time - Full time Football Odds

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds

- First Goal Scorer Odds

What not to do when gambling

2007-12-28T06:13:00.000-08:00

It's time to lay 2007 and back 2008 and that means New Year Resolutions. Rather than cover sensible resolutions - which go by the way-side quicker than a ten team acca - I thought I'd take a sideways look on the world of betting and suggest ten ways to guarantee losing money in 2008. You'll probably recognise a few of these! If you do, it could be time for a re-think on your betting strategy for the New Year.

1. Bet big and always more than you can afford to lose. This is the most efficient way of all to get rid of all your unwanted cash. Gamble with the rent / mortgage payment, the grocery money, or the kids school fees. Risking more than you can afford to lose will clear all those debts in no time - won't it?

2. Throw good money after bad. You know, keep upping the size of your bets. Progressive betting systems are the most effective way to the poor house. If you think doubling up is a sure fire way to get even after a losing streak, or doubling up to get a bigger win you may run into trouble in knowing when to stop. The complete loss of betting bank is usually the surest sign so you do get help. If you start thinking there is no point in winning a tenner when you could win a hundred or even a thousand quid it's an indication that you have a problem with gambling. What the hell, it's Christmas.

3. Betting on a whim or a hunch. You can feel it in your water can't you? Today is going to be your day. You're going to up your stakes and lump on, let's see now, say Derby to beat Blackburn - they're due a win aren't they? If you feel like you're 'due' a winning day, increase the size of your bets. Let's face it the last time you had that feeling it came true didn't it?

4. Lay lots of ante-post and accumulator bets. They come in from time to time don't they? Bound to happen again. Small stake, big return bets are seductive but are the best way to lighten your pocket and subsequently line the pockets of bookmakers and layers on Exchanges. If you are the type to lay a regular five-timer acca on the footy you are the sort of person that bookmakers love. It's you, after all, that guarantees their handsome profits.

5. Gamble when drunk. Needs no explanation. It just makes sense. Until you wake up the next day. You log into your betting account and see you have wiped out your betting bank. Oh well, you had a good time.

6. Pay for advice from internet 'experts' with claims of guaranteed profits. It will probably be called 'operation easy win' or 'sports betting for winners'. And you're a winner aren't you? There's loads of 'secret' winning punters out there who have left their jobs because they can earn fifty grand a year for only one hours work per day. Loopholes abound you see and you're not bright enough to work them out so hand over your money because that's the best way to make serious cash. Go ahead, they're experts and they've back tested their research so it's bound to work in the future. Didn't go as planned? That's a shame cos' they pinky promised didn't they?

7. Research is for sissies so don't waste your time. You don't need advice from anybody. Trust me. You know what you're doing so get lumpy. Expert opinion with a bit of background research to qualify your confidence in a bet? You don't need it. You're a natural.

8. Shout about the size of your bets down the pub. Ladies love it. You must have money if you can afford to bet big. Trouble is, the type of person who shouts about their betting prowess and sure things that can't fail to win are generally suffering from low self esteem which will be a lot lower when they start losing big too. Do it. It beats buying a big engined soft top.

9. Convince yourself you'll get it right eventually. It's only a losing streak. You'll come good. You know too much. You've won before. You can beat the spread or over-round because you're you. Keep on betting until you're broke and your wife leaves you to go out with your neighbour - and he doesn't even gamble. You don't want to be a wimp after all, do you? Upping your stakes might help.

10. Lucky rabbits foot. You're a lucky guy. Remember that time you won a box of Turkish delight in the village hall raffle after throwing salt over your shoulder? Always have been lucky. Just as long as you wear your lucky pants / socks (Delete as appropriate). Being superstitious is a sure fire way to build the betting bank. You're a Gemini, your favourite player's a Gemini he's bound to be first goal scorer today. Put the mortgage on it. And if that fails you can always chase your bets.

Happy New Year and Good luck for 2008!
top5bet.com

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Bookmakers to have in your locker in 2008 to ensure best price action (FREE BETS where applicable) or visit top5bet.com for more information.

VCBet (up to £100 Free Bet) - Bet 365 - Square - Tote - Paddy Power - Skybet - Betfred - William Hill - Ladbrokes

...............................................................................................

Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets. Register with Betfair or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds

- Correct Score Football Odds

- Half time - Full time Football Odds

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds

- First Goal Scorer Odds

Tonight's Premiership Football

2007-12-27T07:23:00.000-08:00

Manchester City v Blackburn Rovers

Kick-off: 1945

Manchester City have not had much success in this fixture over the past few seasons. We have to go back ten games to find a Manchester City victory. That was a 3-2 away win in 03/04. It is 15 games since they recorded a home victory against Rovers, a 2-0 win in 99/00.

This is, however, a different Manchester City. They are lying fifth in the table with a game in hand and it is because they have made Eastlands a fortress. Played nine, won nine. That's right, no points dropped at home this season. Away from home it is a different story of course with only one win, four draws and four losses.

The trouble with their nine wins is, the longer the run, the nearer its end which is why I'd take a dogged Blackburn side to snatch at least a draw this evening.

RECOMMENDATION
LAY Manchester City 2.36 (11/8) (Betfair)

Weekend Premiership Picks

2007-12-21T09:04:00.000-08:00

Arsenal v Tottenham kick off this weekend's action at the Emirates Stadium. Sunday has some great match ups including Man Utd v Everton, Newcastle v Derby and Blackburn v Chelsea at Ewood Park.

Saturday’s Premiership Football

Arsenal v Tottenham – Live on Sky Sports 1, k/o 12:45pm

The Premiership kicks off with the 157th North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham. Arsenal have recovered their composure since their shock reversal away to Middlesbrough, winning the last 3 games, including an important victory against fellow title rivals Chelsea. Spurs have also enjoyed a positive renewal - of sorts - under new coach Juande Ramos, having won 7 of their last 12 games. Betfair list Arsenal as favourites for this match at 1.53 (8/15) to BACK 1.54 to LAY. Spurs are listed at 8.0 (7/1) to pull off a surprise away win. The draw is a 4.5 (7/2) shot to BACK and 4.6 to LAY.

RECOMMENDATION
LAY Arsenal 1.54

Sunday’s Premiership Football

Man Utd v Everton – Live on Setanta Sports 1, k/o 12:00pm

Manchester United are currently on a 3 match winning run, having recently beaten and outplayed fierce rivals Liverpool. Everton, who are also showing some form, are currently enjoying a 7 match unbeaten run, recently beating West Ham 2-0 at Upton Park and snatching an away win at AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Cup. With both teams in great form and playing free flowing football, this match really will be one to watch. Man Utd are currently listed on Betting Exchange Betfair as favourites for this match at 1.42 (2/5) to BACK 1.43 to LAY (4/9), whereas Everton are being offered at 9.8 (9/1) to continue their current rich vein of form.

RECOMMENDATION
LAY Manchester United 1.43

Newcastle v Derby – Live on Sky Sports 1, k/o 2:00pm

Derby have only managed one win this season and it was against a shoddy Newcastle in October. The game was awful and won by a Kenny Miller belter. This game should have a very different outcome with Newcastle slowly finding their feet under the guidance of Sam Allardyce. They have taken 7 points from the last 3 games and Derby can expect a torrid afternoon with very little festive cheer. As you would expect against the leagues whipping boys Newcastle have been listed at 1.38 (4/11) to BACK and 1.39 (2/5) to LAY to continue their winning run. Punters are giving Derby little chance of getting the 3 points at 11.0 (10/1).

RECOMMENDATION
NO BET

Blackburn v Chelsea – Live on Sky Sports 1, k/o 4:10pm

Blackburn go into this match with the strong possibility of achieving the miserable feat of three straight Premier League defeats. Another reversal would threaten all the good work by Mark Hughes men earlier in the season. Chelsea suffered their first loss in 15 games against table-toppers Arsenal last weekend, and the Blues will be looking to bounce back straight away to maintain their title push. We can expect a dirty game as both teams are not that big on discipline as gauged by a total of 79 cards being shown to Blackburn and Chelsea players in a combined total of 34 league fixtures this season. Chelsea are favourites for this match, with Betfair listing odds of 1.97 (20/21) to BACK and 1.99 to LAY (evens), while Blackburn are 4.6 (7/2) to BACK and 4.8 (4/1) to LAY. The draw is 3.55 (5/2 - 13/5) to BACK and 3.65 (13/5 - 11/4) to LAY.

Odds subject to fluctuation - Odds taken at 17.00am 21/12/2007

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Other Bookmakers to have in your locker to ensure best price action (FREE BETS where applicable) or visit top5bet.com for more information

VCBet (up to £100 Free Bet) - Bet 365 - Square - Tote - Paddy Power - Skybet - Betfred - William Hill - Ladbrokes

...............................................................................................

Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets. Register with Betfair or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds

- Correct Score Football Odds

- Half time - Full time Football Odds

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds

- First Goal Scorer Odds

Sunday's Premiership Picks

2007-12-15T14:07:00.000-08:00

Arsenal v Chelsea

Take Arsenal on at 8/5 (2.58) against a Chelsea side that have come into form since the arrival of Avram Grant. The wheels aren't exactly coming off at the Emirates but after being turned over at Middlesboro and drawing against a very poor Newcastle side there is value in opposing the Gunners at the moment - especially against fellow title chasers Chelsea. The Tote are a standout 8/5 among conventional bookmakers so you can stand side by side them and watch the money roll in as the match pans out in a - probable - draw or Chelsea nicking it by the odd goal.

The odds

Arsenal 2.56 Back 2.58 Lay
Draw 3.2 Back 3.25 Lay
Chelsea 3.3 Back 3.35 Lay

Head to Head Record

Arsenal wins 57 (Total 67)
Draws 44 (Total 51)
Chelsea wins 39 (Total 48)

Recommendation
LAY Arsenal 2.58

All odds supplied by leading exchange Betfair

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Liverpool v Manchester United

Manchester United have dominated this fixture in recent years and completed an unlikely double last year after being played off the park - only for John O'Shea to score a late winner to give the Red Devils a one nil victory. Liverpool missed a cutting edge up front. This has been rectified by buying Fernando Torres from At. Madrid in the Summer. The boy can finish and he's worth a punt to be first goalscorer tomorrow. Benitez can be hit and miss with his team selection but when The Reds need a win he is able to put out a team to do the business. Ignore the Reading result. We'll be watching the team that thumped Marseille and Bolton 4-0 and Newcastle by three.

The odds

Liverpool 2.8 Back 2.82 Lay
Draw 3.2 Back 3.25 Lay
Manchester United 3.0 Back 3.05 Lay

Head to Head Record

Liverpool wins 49 (Total 57)
Draws 43 (Total 50
Manchester United wins 56 (Total 66)

Recommendation

LAY Manchester United 3.0
BACK Torres 8.2 First Goal Scorer

All odds supplied by leading exchange Betfair

Mayweather v Hatton

2007-12-08T06:41:00.000-08:00

Can Hatton upset the odds?

As Hatton hype reaches a crescendo even seasoned 'experts' have started calling tonights fight in favour of the lad from Manchester. Clearly, UK based fight fans are willing Hatton to victory - in cringeworthy terrace style - but it is hard to make a rock solid case for him to take the belts.

Mayweather has no weaknesses of note. He is the supreme boxer in the world today, has lightening handspeed, quick feet and great movement.

Ricky Hatton will be taking a solid chin - which he will need - a big heart, heavy hands and pure aggression into the ring. These attributes would see Hatton through most encounters but Mayweather really is a different class. The big danger for Hatton is frustration setting in, not being able to find a way through Mayweathers jab, losing his discipline and leaving himself open to some punishing combinations.

An even bigger danger - early on for Hatton - is his paper thin skin which cuts so easily. With Mayweathers rapier job popping away and finding its target regularly Hatton's cuts man could have a job on his hands to keep his man in the fight.

If Hatton doesn't do the business in the first four rounds - or at least pose some serious questions - he could be in for a long night - being out-reached, out-boxed and out-manouevred by Mayweather.

The interesting thing about tonights big fight - from a betting perspective - is that Mayweather should be shorter than 1.62 (5/8) and Hatton bigger than 2.86 (15/8). This tells us something very simple. Mayweather is overpriced and backable at the price. Hatton backers are getting no value at all at 15/8 and are backing with their hearts not head.

It would be great if he could bring the belts back to the UK but don't bank on it. When Mayweather beat Zab Judah on points last year a low blow from Judah in the 10th sparked a mass brawl. Expect something out of the ordinary tonight - just not a Hatton victory.

Recommendation
Mayweather by Decison/Tech Decision 2.36 (11/8) Betfair

Saturday's Premiership Football Picks

2007-12-08T02:42:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Premierhsip - value football betting

Remember with betting exchanges such as Betfair you can BACK and/or LAY any selection and choose the price/odds you want to take. With all of the following match bets you are attempting to create the market rather than follow it. Simply taking the first price you see on Betfair will most likely mean poor value as a 'backer' or 'layer'. Post your price(s) and if there are no takers that's fine. Remember, value is key, whatever side of the bet you are on

...............................................................................................

Odds displayed in decimal format, click here for odds conversion.

If you have any comments on the selections below please feel free to add a comment.

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Saturday's Premiership picks

Barclays Premiership

LAY Aston Villa 2.2 v Portsmouth

Chelsea v Sunderland NO BET

BACK Everton DRAW - WIN 4.8 v Fulham

Manchester United v Derby NO BET

LAY Newcastle 1.89 v Birmingham

Reading v BACK Liverpool 1.70

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Notes & Explanation: Try and get as near as possible to these prices. If the market isn't close to these levels on the BACK or LAY side be patient or adjust to a level you are comfortable with. When you 'LAY' a selection, you are betting against it winning. For example, if you're betting in the Newcastle v Birmingham market and you lay Newcastle, you offer odds to other punters who wish to back Newcastle. In this instance as near to 1.89 (10/11) as you can get. If Newcastle don't win, then you pick up the backer's stake minus commission. If Newcastle win, then you pay out.

For a beginners guide to Betting Exchanges and Fixed odds betting, visit top5bet.com

..............................................................................................

Other Bookmakers to have in your locker to ensure best price action

VCBet - Bet 365 - Square - Tote - Paddy Power - Skybet - Betfred - William Hill - Ladbrokes

...............................................................................................

Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets. Register with Betfair or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds

- Correct Score Football Odds

- Half time - Full time Football Odds

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds

- First Goal Scorer Odds

Sunday's Premiership Football Picks

2007-11-11T05:57:00.000-08:00

Sunday's Premierhsip value football betting

Remember with betting exchanges such as Betfair you can BACK and/or LAY any selection and choose the price/odds you want to take. With all of the following match bets you are attempting to create the market rather than follow it. Simply taking the first price you see on Betfair will most likely mean poor value as a 'backer' or 'layer'. Post your price(s) and if there are no takers that's fine. Remember, value is key, whatever side of the bet you are on

...............................................................................................

Odds displayed in decimal format, click here for odds conversion.If you have any comments on the selections below please feel free to add a comment.

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Sunday's Premiership picks

Barclays Premiership

15:00 LAY Bolton W 2.12 v Middlesbrough

15:00 BACK Manchester U Draw-Win 4.7 v Blackburn R.

15:00 BACK Tottenham H Draw-Win 5.2 v Wigan Athletic

16:00 LAY Portsmouth 1.91 v Manchester C.

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Notes & Explanation: Try and get as near as possible to these prices. If the market isn't close to these levels on the BACK or LAY side be patient or adjust to a level you are comfortable with. When you 'LAY' a selection, you are betting against it winning. For example, if you're betting in the Portsmouth v Manchester City market and you lay Portsmouth, you offer odds to other punters who wish to back Portsmouth. In this instance as near to 1.91 (13/8) as you can get. If Portsmouth don't win, then you pick up the backer's stake minus commission. If Portsmouth win, then you pay out.

For a beginners guide to Betting Exchanges and Fixed odds betting, visit top5bet.com

..............................................................................................

Other Bookmakers to have in your locker to ensure best price action

VCBet - Bet 365 - Square - Tote - Paddy Power - Skybet - Betfred - William Hill - Ladbrokes

...............................................................................................

Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets.Register with Betfair or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds

- Correct Score Football Odds

- Half time - Full time Football Odds

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds

- First Goal Scorer Odds

Saturdays Premiership Football Picks

2007-11-03T04:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday's Premierhsip value football betting

Arsenal v Manchester United

All eyes will be on the Emirates at lunch time today as Arsenal take on Manchester United. A potential classic, free flowing football, lots of goals? I wouldn't bet on it. Eight of the last 11 Premiership encounters between the sides have produced two goals or less. This is a game that could see both defences on top, stifling the fantastic array of attacking talent on display.

Although Manchester United have scored four goals in each of their past four games and are on a sequence of eight straight Premiership wins, Arsenal are unbeaten and have taken maximum points at home. A classic case of two attacking, flair sides cancelling each other out.

It's hard to look beyond the draw at 3.2 (11/5) on Betfair but Laying Arsenal at 2.62 (13/8) covers a Manchester United away win which just might happen with their stronger attack.

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Remember with betting exchanges such as Betfair you can BACK and/or LAY any selection and choose the price/odds you want to take. With all of the following match bets you are attempting to create the market rather than follow it. Simply taking the first price you see on Betfair will most likely mean poor value as a 'backer' or 'layer'. Post your price(s) and if there are no takers that's fine. Remember, value is key, whatever side of the bet you are on.

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Premiership Stat Watch

Matches Played - 107
Home Wins - 53%
Away Wins - 25%
Draws - 25%
0-0 Draws - 7%
Avg. Home Goals - 1.6
Avg. Away Goals - 1.1
Avg. Goal Per Game - 2.7

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Odds displayed in decimal format, click here for odds conversion.

If you have any comments on the selections below please feel free to add a comment

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Saturday's Premiership picks

Barclays Premiership

LAY Arsenal 2.62 v Manchester United

BACK Aston Villa HT-FT 2.22 v Derby

Blacburn v BACK Liverpool 2.54

BACK Everton 1.80 v Birmingham

LAY Fulham 2.48 v Reading

LAY Middlesboro 3.2 v Spurs

BACK Newcastle 2.1 v Portsmouth

Wigan v BACK Chelsea HT-FT 2.22

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Notes & Explanation: Try and get as near as possible to these prices. If the market isn't close to these levels on the BACK or LAY side be patient or adjust to a level you are comfortable with. When you 'LAY' a selection, you are betting against it winning. For example, if you're betting in the Arsenal v Manchester United market and you lay Arsenal, you offer odds to other punters who wish to back Arsenal. In this instance as near to 2.62 (13/8) as you can get. If Arsenal don't win, then you pick up the backer's stake minus commission. If Arsenal win, then you pay out.

For a beginners guide to Betting Exchanges and Fixed odds betting, visit top5bet.com

..............................................................................................

Other Bookmakers to have in your locker to ensure best price action

VCBet - Bet 365 - Square - Tote - Paddy Power - Skybet - Betfred - William Hill - Ladbrokes

...............................................................................................

Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets.Register with Betfair or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds

- Correct Score Football Odds

- Half time - Full time Football Odds

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds

- First Goal Scorer Odds

Saturdays Premiership Football Picks

2007-09-29T03:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday's value football betting

Remember with betting exchanges such as Betfair you can BACK and/or LAY any selection and choose the price/odds you want to take. With all of the following match bets you are attempting to create the market rather than follow it. Simply taking the first price you see on Betfair will most likely mean poor value as a 'backer' or 'layer'. Post your price(s) and if there are no takers that's fine. Remember, value is key, whatever side of the bet you are on.Odds displayed in decimal format, click here for odds conversion.

If you have any comments on the selections below please feel free to add a comment

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Saturday's Premiership picks

Barclays Premiership

Birmingham v Manchester United NO BET

LAY Chelsea 1.37 v Fulham

Derby v LAY Bolton 2.58

BACK Manchester City 2.32 v Newcastle

BACK Portsmouth 1.82 v Reading

Sunderland v LAY Blackburn 2.58

West Ham v LAY Arsenal 1.83

Wigan v Liverpool NO BET

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Notes & Explanation: Try and get as near as possible to these prices. If the market isn't close to these levels on the BACK or LAY side be patient or adjust to a level you are comfortable with. When you 'LAY' a selection, you are betting against it winning. For example, if you're betting in the West Ham v Arsenal market and you lay Arsenal, you offer odds to other punters who wish to back Arsenal. In this instance as near to 1.83 (4/5) as you can get. If Arsenal don't win, then you pick up the backer's stake minus commission. If Arsenal win, then you pay out.

For a beginners guide to Betting Exchanges and Fixed odds betting, visit top5bet.com

..............................................................................................

Other Bookmakers to have in your locker to ensure best price action

VCBet - Bet 365 - Square - Tote - Paddy Power - Skybet - Betfred - William Hill - Ladbrokes

...............................................................................................

Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets.

Register with Betfair or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds

- Correct Score Football Odds

- Half time - Full time Football Odds

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds

- First Goal Scorer Odds

Sunday's Premiership picks

2007-09-23T03:23:00.000-07:00

With Inverness upsetting the apple cart with a late 2-1 win over Hearts and Liverpool's failure against Birmingham the draw(s) between Fulham and Manchester City, Middlesboro and Sunderland and Reading's win against Wigan provided some respite for the betting bank.

Liverpool are an interesting case. Their inconsistency has been their downfall, more away from home in recent years but what does the 0-0 result against Birmingham tell us? It suggests that from a betting perspective knowledge of Benitez's starting line up is the most important factor when backing the Reds. Strongest starting line up beats Birmingham every time but the manager's tinkering for this tournament and that will ultimately be the downfall of both Liverpool's Premiership ambitions and lazy punter's backing on reputation alone.

Everyone is talking about the Manchester United v Chelsea game today but after Newcastle's abject display against Derby last Monday they are worth taking on against a West Ham side that haven't been beaten away from home in 07/08. West Ham are unpredictable at best but are capable of getting a draw at St James's Park this afternoon. Lay Newcastle to get the draw and the Hammers on side.

The most interesting aspect of the Bolton v Spurs game is who will be last man standing, little Sammy Lee or Martin Jol? After thumping a pub side in the UEFA cup midweek the Spurs players will be coming into the match fresh and with the confidence of putting six goals away - regardless of the opposition. To put that into context Bolton were also in action against Rabotnicki - giants of Macedonian football - and drew 1-1. Spurs look the most likely to land the 6/4 odds and keep Martin Jol in work for another week at least.

Remember with betting exchanges such as Betfair you can BACK and/or LAY any selection and choose the price/odds you want to take. With all of the following match bets you are attempting to create the market rather than follow it. Simply taking the first price you see on Betfair will most likely mean poor value as a 'backer' or 'layer'. Post your price(s) and if there are no takers that's fine. Remember, value is key, whatever side of the bet you are on. Odds displayed in decimal format, click here for odds conversion.

If you have any comments on the selections below please feel free to add a comment.

................................................................................................

Sunday's Premiership picks

Barclays Premiership

LAY Aston Villa 2.24 V Everton

BACK Blackburn 2.14 v Portsmouth

Bolton v BACK Spurs 2.5

BACK Manchester United 2.04 v Chelsea

LAY Newcastle 2.22 v West Ham

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Notes & Explanation: Try and get as near as possible to these prices. If the market isn't close to these levels on the BACK or LAY side be patient or adjust to a level you are comfortable with. When you 'LAY' a selection, you are betting against it winning. For example, if you're betting in the Newcastle v West Ham market and you lay Newcastle, you offer odds to other punters who wish to back Newcastle. In this instance as near to 2.22 (6/5) as you can get. If Newcastle don't win, then you pick up the backer's stake minus commission. If Newcastle win, then you pay out.

For a beginners guide to Betting Exchanges and Fixed odds betting, visit top5bet.com

..............................................................................................

Other Bookmakers to have in your locker to ensure best price action

VCBet - Best Price about Bolton 9/5 at home v Spurs

Bet 365 - Joint best price about Chelsea away v Manchester United

Betfred - Best Price about Spurs 6/4 away v Bolton

Betfred - Best Price about Manchester United 11/10 home v Chelsea

William Hill - Joint best Price about Blackburn 10/11 at home v Portsmouth

Ladbrokes - Joint best Price about Portsmouth 10/3 away v Blackburn

...............................................................................................

Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets.

Register with Betfair or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds

- Correct Score Football Odds

- Half time - Full time Football Odds

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds

- First Goal Scorer Odds

Saturday's Premiership Football Picks

2007-09-22T04:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday's value football betting

Beyond the Premiership there looks to be a nice little earner to be had north of the border. Hearts take on Inverness Caledonian Thistle and are a tasty Even money (2.0) on the Exchanges. They range from 8/11 with Betfred which feels about right and 10/11 with Blue Square which, even at a shade of odds on, represents value about a win for the Jambo's. The betting exchanges BACK price of Evens (2.0) for Hearts is one to get stuck into. Inverness have lost every game they have played this season and it would take a monster effort to take the spoils today. Hearts go into the game full of confidence after putting four past Rangers last weekend.

Saturday's Premiership looks a low key affair with all eyes on Sunday's Manchester United v Chelsea clash. Easy games, on paper at least, for Arsenal and Liverpool and two games which look more like Championship fixtures.

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Remember with betting exchanges such as Betfair you can BACK and/or LAY any selection and choose the price/odds you want to take. With all of the following match bets you are attempting to create the market rather than follow it. Simply taking the first price you see on Betfair will most likely mean poor value as a 'backer' or 'layer'. Post your price(s) and if there are no takers that's fine. Remember, value is key, whatever side of the bet you are on.Odds displayed in decimal format, click here for odds conversion.

If you have any comments on the selections below please feel free to add a comment

................................................................................................

Saturday's Premiership picks

Odds in brackets denote current price on Betfair.

Barclays Premiership

Arsenal v Derby - No Bet

LAY Fulham 2.64 v Manchester City

Liverpool v Birmingham - BACK Liverpool HT-FT 1.73

LAY Middlesboro 2.12 v Sunderland

BACK Reading 2.1 v Wigan

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Notes & Explanation: Try and get as near as possible to these prices. If the market isn't close to these levels on the BACK or LAY side be patient or adjust to a level you are comfortable with. When you 'LAY' a selection, you are betting against it winning. For example, if you're betting in the Middlesboro v Sunderland market and you lay Middlesboro, you offer odds to other punters who wish to back Middlesboro. In this instance as near to 2.12 (11/10) as you can get. If Middlesboro don't win, then you pick up the backer's stake minus commission. If Middlesboro win, then you pay out.For a beginners guide to Betting Exchanges and Fixed odds betting, visit top5bet.com

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Premiership Stat Watch

Matches Played - 57

Home Wins - 50%

Away Wins - 25%

Draws - 25%

0-0 Draws - 7%

Avg. Home Goals - 1.4

Avg. Away Goals - 0.9

Avg. Goal Per Game - 2.3
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Other Bookmakers to have in your locker to ensure best price action

VCBet - Best Price about Bolton 9/5 at home v Spurs

Bet 365 - Joint best price about Middlesboro 11/10 at home v Sunderland

Blue Square - Joint best price about Middlesboro 11/10 at home v Sunderland

Tote - Joint best price about Middlesboro 11/10 at home v Sunderland

Paddy Power - Joint best Price about Fulham at home 6/4 v Manchester City

Skybet - Joint best Price abuot Fulham 6/4 at home v Manchester City

Betfred - Best Price about Spurs 6/4 away v Bolton

Coral - Best Price about Liverpool 1/4 at home v Birmingham

William Hill - Joint best Price about Blackburn 10/11 at home v Portsmouth

Ladbrokes - Joint best Price about Portsmouth 10/3 away v Blackburn

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Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets.

Register with Betfair or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds

- Correct Score Football Odds

- Half time - Full time Football Odds

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds

- First Goal Scorer Odds

Weekend Premiership Picks

2007-09-14T02:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday's value football betting

The Euro Qualifiers offered little in the way of return over the past week. Sweden looked good things for a back bet against Denmark but could only manage a 0-0 draw. England suddenly look like a well balanced team and Scotland were magic in Paris, defended heroically and scored a great goal to take the points at 9/1 (10.0) or more.

I have never liked international football as a betting medium. Euro 2004 and the African Nations are two tournaments which hold particularly bad memories from a punting perspective.

Looking at profit and loss over a six year period consistent gains have been made at domestic and European club level but losses (overall) have been incurred across International qualifiers and tournaments. This is closely correlated with lack of a form guide in these types of matches and illustrates why it is important to keep records of your betting so you can eliminate value destroying activity.

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Remember with betting exchanges such as Betfair you can BACK and/or LAY any selection and choose the price/odds you want to take. With all of the following match bets you are attempting to create the market rather than follow it. Simply taking the first price you see on Betfair will most likely mean poor value as a 'backer' or 'layer'. Post your price(s) and if there are no takers that's fine. Remember, value is key, whatever side of the bet you are on.

Odds displayed in decimal format, click here for odds conversion.

If you have any comments on the selections below please feel free to add a comment.

...............................................................................................

Saturday's Premiership picks...

Odds in brackets denote current price on Betfair.

Barclays Premiership

Birmingham v LAY Bolton 3.0 (3.1)

LAY Chelsea 1.40 (1.44) v Blackburn

Everton v LAY Manchester United 1.83 (1.89)

Portsmouth v BACK Liverpool 1.86 (1.81)

Sunderland v LAY Reading 3.2 (3.3)

Tottenham v LAY Arsenal 2.62 (2.64)

West Ham v LAY Middlesboro 4.0 (4.3)

LAY Wigan 2.2 (2.24) v Fulham

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Notes & Explanation: Try and get as near as possible to these prices. If the market isn't close to these levels on the BACK or LAY side be patient or adjust to a level you are comfortable with. When you 'LAY' a selection, you are betting against it winning. For example, if you're betting in the Chelsea v Blackburn market and you lay Chelsea, you offer odds to other punters who wish to back Chelsea. In this instance as near to 1.40 (2/5) as you can get. If Chelsea don't win, then you pick up the backer's stake minus commission. If Chelsea win, then you pay out.

For a beginners guide to Betting Exchanges and Fixed odds betting, visit top5bet.com

..............................................................................................

Other Bookmakers to have in your locker to ensure best price action

VCBet - Best price about the Middlesboro win at 3/1 (4.0) - Away v West Ham

Bet 365 - Best price about an Everton win at 7/2 (4.5) - Home v Man United

Blue Square - No best prices in the Premiership

Tote - Best price about a Liverpool win at 4/5 (1.80) - Away v Portsmouth

Paddy Power - Best price about a Wigan win 6/5 (1.20) - Home v Fulham

Skybet - Best price about the West Ham win Evens (2.0) - Home v Middlesboro

Betfred - Best price about the Newcastle win 10/11 (1.90) - Away v Derby

Coral - No best prices in the Premiership

William Hill - Joint best price about the Newcastle win 10/11 (1.90) - Away v Derby

Ladbrokes - Best price about Man United win at 5/6 (1.83) - Away v Everton

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Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets.

Register with Betfair or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds

- Correct Score Football Odds

- Half time - Full time Football Odds

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds

- First Goal Scorer Odds

Euro 2004 Qualifiers

2007-09-08T03:46:00.000-07:00

Sweden look a great price to beat their near neighbours Denmark this evening. Sure, it is a local derby and you may want the draw on your side if you are risk averse but Sweden are sitting pretty at the top of Group F and will look to extend their lead and their record so far of six wins and one loss. The one loss they have suffered was at the hands of a resurgent Northern Ireland but can be considered a blip. They have played Denmark away from home and beat them 3-0. Another notable result in the campaign was the 2-0 win against perennial under-achievers Spain.

Bosnia look to have enough against Hungary to go for a BACK bet but once again for those that like to hedge the draw, a LAY of Hungary at 2.24 looks reasonable when you consider the minnows from Malta scored a 2-1 victory against the Magyars earlier in the campaign. They have also been beaten 4-1 at home against Norway and 1-0 against Turkey. Hungary have beaten Bosnia away from home but that was earlier in the campaign (Sept 06) and Bosnia have since beaten Turkey 3-2 and find themselves looking to consolidate second position behind leaders Greece.

What can we say about England? They always flatter to deceive, have an inept coach in Steve Mclaren, are looking to Emile Heskey to relive the good old days with injury prone Michael Owen and have a goal keeper that makes Jens Lehmann look effective. Yes, they should win. They are not however backable at 4/11 (1.36) so take them to make a slow start and take the game Draw-England on the half time-full time markets at 4.6.

And finally, domestically Luton look a decent bet to beat Bristol Rovers in the lunch time kick off today at 1.86.

Euro 2008 Qualifiers

Back Sweden 2.14 v Denmark

Hungary v BACK Bosnia HG 3.45

Back England v Israel Draw HT - England FT

League One

Back Luton 1.86 v Bristol Rovers 12pm

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Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets.

Register with Betfair or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds

- Correct Score Football Odds

- Half time - Full time Football Odds

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds

- First Goal Scorer Odds

Blue Square Premier League

2007-09-04T03:57:00.000-07:00

Betting on the Blue Square Premier tonight.

Match In Focus - Cambridge v Grays Athletic (KO 19.45)

Cambridge Utd 11/10 (B 2.14, L 2.16)
Grays Athletic 2/1 (B 3.8, L 3.9)
Draw 9/4 (B 3.6, L 3.7)

Note: Betfair odds in Brackets. Blue Square odds in Red

Key: B = Back, L = Lay

Last six games Cambridge:

Weymouth 2-2 Cambridge
Cambridge 1-1 Ebbsfleet
Woking 0-0 Cambridge
Cambridge 5-1 Farsley
Cambridge 2-1 Oxford
York 1-2 Cambridge

Last six games Grays Athletic

Droylsden 1-2 Grays
Grays 0-1 Histon
Altrincham 0-1 Grays
Grays 5-1 Kidderminster
Grays 1-1 Woking
Torquay 0-0 Grays

Blue Square Premier League Table
Blue Square Premier Previews

RECOMMENDATION

LAY Cambridge at range of 2.10 - 2.14 - Betfair

Or Back the Draw at 3.6 - Betfair

Back the draw at 9/4 (3.25) for the Blue Square Free Bet*

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Other Blue Square Premier Fixtures...

Droylsden v Stevenage, 19:45
Ebbsfleet United v Histon, 19:45
Farsley Celtic v Kidderminster, 19:45
Forest Green v Aldershot, 19:45
Northwich v Burton Albion, 19:45
Oxford Utd v Exeter, 19:45
Rushden & D'monds v Crawley Town, 19:45
Torquay v Salisbury, 19:45
Woking v Weymouth, 19:45
York v Altrincham, 19:45

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* Blue Square £25 + £25 Offer and how it works:

Open an account and place a win single bet of at least £25 (or currency equivalent). Blue Square will then credit your account with a £25 betting token. Token value is not included in any bet returns - Token expires after 1 month - Offer limited to one per person. Place a further 10 qualifying bets of at least £25 or more, and you will qualify for a second free bet token of £25 as a 'bet bonus'. Only bets of £25 or more will qualify towards your next free bet (bets of a lower value do not effect your entitlement to the offer).

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Other Bookmakers to have in your locker to ensure best price action

DEAL OF THE WEEK

VCBet - Free £100 bet (Free bet up to a maximum of £50 - place five more real money bets of £10 or more and VC Bet will give you another £50 free bet

Free bets from Other leading bookmakers. Check them out here.

Bet 365 - 15% match up bonus (See terms and conditions)

Tote - Free £25 bet

Paddy Power - Free £20 bet

Skybet - Match your first bet up to £20 maximum

Betfred - Match your first bet up to £40 maximum

Coral - Free £10 bet

...............................................................................................

Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets.

Register with Betfair or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds

- Correct Score Football Odds

- Half time - Full time Football Odds

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds

- First Goal Scorer Odds

Today's value football betting

2007-09-02T02:22:00.000-07:00

Saturday's Premiership picks were a resounding success with a 60% return. Only Middlesboro' spoiled a clean sweep of winners on the betting exchanges.

Remember with betting exchanges such as Betfair you can BACK and/or LAY any selection and choose the price/odds you want to take. With all of the following match bets you are attempting to create the market rather than follow it. Simply taking the first price you see on Betfair will most likely mean poor value as a 'backer' or 'layer'.

Post your price and if there are no takers that's fine. Remember, value is key, whatever side of the bet you are on.

Odds displayed in decimal format, click here for odds conversion.

If you have any comments on the selections below please feel free to add a comment.

Today's football picks...

Barclays Premiership

LAY Arsenal 1.57 v Portsmouth

LAY Blackburn 2.24 v Man City

Aston Villa v BACK Chelsea at 1.86

Note: The Tote are the best priced bookmaker about a Chelsea win at 8/11 (1.72). The 1.86 available on the betting exchanges is good value even when taking commission of 5% into account.

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Clydesdale Bank Premier

St Mirren v Celtic - LAY Celtic Half Time/Full Time 2.0 (Evens)

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Primera Liga

Almeria v BACK Valencia 2.42

BACK Villarreal 3.05 v Real Madrid

(Note: Preferably LAY R.Madrid but only if you can lay at a range of 2.4 - 2.5. They are currently available to lay at 2.62)

...............................................................................................

Bundesliga 1

BET OF THE DAY!

Hamburg v BACK Bayern Munich 1.98 - 2.0

Note: The kick off for this match is 4pm. Post a BACK price at a range of 1.98 - 2.0 and wait for the market to get active and liquid. 1.94 is you minimum price to back B. Munich at.

...............................................................................................

Serie A

Cagliari v LAY Juventus 1.76

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Notes & Explanation: Try and get as near as possible to these prices. If the market isn't close to these levels be patient or adjust to a level you are comfortable with. When you 'LAY' a selection, you are betting against it winning. For example, if you're betting in the Arsenal v Portsmouth market and you lay Arsenal, you offer odds to other punters who wish to back Arsenal. In this instance as near to 1.57 (4/7) as you can get. If Arsenal don't win, then you pick up the backer's stake minus commission. If Arsenal win, then you pay out.

For a beginners guide to Betting Exchanges and Fixed odds betting, visit top5bet.com

...............................................................................................

Other Bookmakers to have in your locker to ensure best price action

DEAL OF THE WEEK

VCBet - Free £100 bet (Free bet up to a maximum of £50 - place five more real money bets of £10 or more and VC Bet will give you another £50 free bet

Free bets from Other leading bookmakers. Check them out here.

Bet 365 - 15% match up bonus (See terms and conditions)

Blue Square - Free £25 Bet + £25 Bet Bonus on 10th Bet!

Tote - Free £25 bet

Paddy Power - Free £20 bet

Skybet - Match your first bet up to £20 maximum

Betfred - Match your first bet up to £40 maximum

Coral - Free £10 bet

William Hill

Ladbrokes

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Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets.

Register with Betfair or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds

- Correct Score Football Odds

- Half time - Full time Football Odds

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds

- First Goal Scorer Odds

Premiership Value Betting

2007-09-01T01:41:00.000-07:00

Backers of hot favourites need bookmakers on side

Liverpool and Manchester United are both trading at worse prices than the best bookmaker (Paddy Power 1/5 Liverpool, Coral 1/4 Man Utd) on the betting exchanges. This invariably happens on the exchanges when you get a red hot favourite playing against canon fodder on home turf. When it does happen you should do one of two things. Back with the best priced bookmaker or see it as a great value LAYING opportunity with little threat to your betting bank.

A couple of weeks ago we looked at what happened in the Premier League across the 06/07 season. You may remember, across 380 games there were 48% homes wins, 26% away wins and 26% draws. Nine per cent of games ended 0-0. The home team scored on average 1.5 goals, the away team scored 1 and therefore we had 2.5 goals scored on average per game.

And the story so far this season? Well, there have been 37 matches played. Of which 46% were home wins, 27% drawn and 27% away wins, 5% were 0-0 stalemates. Home teams have scored on average 1.4 goals, away teams have scored 1.1 making an average goals per game of 2.4. Clearly four games is not enough to see a robust trend across 0-0 scorelines but it is interesting to note the ratio of home, away and drawn games as well as goals scored is broadly in keeping with the Premiership's recent history.

Remember with betting exchanges such as Betfair you can not only lay any selection, but also choose the price/odds you want to take, and how much you are prepared to risk (your liability). The shorter the price you wish to lay, the less money you risk compared to your potential reward. With the following match bets you are attempting to create the market rather than follow it.

'Linked' teams to be 'Layed'. (odds displayed in decimal format, click here for odds conversion) Where the selection is not a LAY we have clearly marked it as a BACK bet and where appropriate added notes.

If you have any comments on the selections below please feel free to add a comment.

The prices you should be aiming for are highlighted (linked) with the team in question. The odds in brackets are the prices currently available on the Betfair markets. As you will see, by just taking the listed price you will be getting poor value as a 'layer'. Post your price and if there are no takers that's fine. Remember, value is key, whether you are a backer or layer of teams.

Today's Premiership

Bolton 2.5 (2.54) v Everton

Fulham 3.2 (3.6) v Tottenham

Liverpool v Derby - LAY Derby +1.5 on the Asian Handicap 2.60

Man United v Sunderland - LAY Man Utd/Man Utd on the Half time/Full time market 1.60

Middlesboro 2.0 (2.02) v Birmingham

Newcastle v Wigan - BACK Newcastle at 1.80

Reading 2.25 (2.28)v West Ham

Notes & Explanation: Try and get as near as possible to these prices. If the market isn't close to these levels be patient or adjust to a level you are comfortable with. When you 'lay' a selection, you are betting against it winning. For example, if you're betting in the Bolton v Everton market and you lay Bolton, you offer odds to other punters who wish to back Bolton. In this instance as near to 2.5 (6/4) as you can get. If Bolton don't win, then you pick up the backer's stake minus commission. If Bolton win, then you pay out.

For a beginners guide to Betting Exchanges and Fixed odds betting, visit top5bet.com

...............................................................................................

Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets. Register with Betfair here or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds

- Correct Score Football Odds

- Half time - Full time Football Odds

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds

- First Goal Scorer Odds

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds

- First Goal Scorer Odds

...............................................................................................

Other Bookmakers to have in your locker to ensure best price action

Free bets apply with some bookmakers. Check them out here.

Bet 365 - Low overround andup to 100% bonus on Euro accumulators

Blue Square - 3/1 Man Utd to beat Sunderland by 2 goals

Tote - Free £50 bet

Ladbrokes - Top 5 banker, 9/4 Rangers, Liverpool, Man U, Celtic and East Fife to win today

VCBet - 5% added to winning trebles and four-folds + more bonuses

Paddy Power - Refunding FGS/LGS/ Correct Score and Scorecast bets if Teves scores last goal

Skybet - Bet Responsibly

Betfred - The bonus king

Coral - Best price for backers of Manchester United 1/4 v Sunderland today

William Hill - now betting to 106% online

top5bet is not responsible for the content of external sites

Bookmaker Preview - VC Bet

2007-08-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

Although the focus here is generally on Betting Exchanges - and in particular Betfair due to supreme market liquidity, if not the best commission rates - it is sensible to register with a handful of the best bookmakers to ensure you can access all your favourite markets as well as get the best price, minus commission.

Open a VC Bet account and receive their latest industry-leading sign-up offer. (*for details see the bottom of the page)

Betfair, in general, offers around 20% better odds than bookmakers. This however is not always the case. When heavily fancied teams, like Chelsea, Barcelona and Celtic et al play at home the market on Betfair can be tight and a bookmaker can provide better value - especially with commission taken into account.

This week I am going to take a look at VC Bet from Victor Chandler- 'The Gentleman's Bookmaker'. The odds makers at VC Bet very often take a view and can have stand out prices which on some occasions will compete with the Betting Exchanges. Their Asian Handicap markets offer good value and they are not frightened off by a big wager. VC Bet are well worth having in your portfolio.

VC Bet features:

- Constantly updated Homepage, featuring the main sporting and betting opportunities.
- Round the clock customer support team.
- A full range of language and currency options.
- Mobile phone betting.
- Wide range of industry-leading sign-up offers.

Whether your passion is Horse Racing, Football, Golf, Rugby, Victor Chandler's VC Bet Sportsbook has it all. VC Bet has built a reputation as one of the Internet's most established and trusted sportsbooks, with a full range of betting opportunities and daily offers.

The full offer from VC Bet, the sportsbook from Victor Chandler, looks like this:

Sports Markets Available

- Baseball - Basketball - Cricket - Dogs - Golf - Football - Football Specials - Horseracing - NFL - Rugby - Tennis - US Horse Racing - Politics - Athletics - Darts - Gaelic Games -

Additional Features

- Racing Results US Results and Info Football Results Livescores Radio In-running Diary

I only ever advocate betting on things involving living things so I am not endorsing other parts of Victor Chandler's offering but for completeness they also offer

- Casino - Poker - Games - Mobile -

Open an account here and receive their latest industry-leading sign-up offer.

This is what they say about themselves...

The Victor Chandler Business and its associated companies, established in 1946 has grown to become one of the most dynamic bookmaking and gaming groups worldwide. With Headquarters in Gibraltar and offices around the world, the Group offers international online and telephone sports betting opportunities and web-based gaming in 8 languages. Customers range from those who enjoy a relatively small gamble to some of the biggest players in the world. The range of betting opportunities offered to them and the volume of bets taken daily is enormous and these are backed by the world's most sophisticated and comprehensive online operating system with a dedicated multilingual team of staff.

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The action...

VC Bet Football - Bank Holiday Monday

Stevenage v Oxford United

Two of the strongest sides in the league face each other on Monday night. Stevenage & Oxford both have nine points having won three out of four so far. The match is live on Setanta at 7.45pm. Betting in-running is available from both Betfair and VC Bet.

- 90 Minutes 1st Goal Scorer Correct Score All Markets -

This is predominantly a football (soccer) betting site but with the UK Bank holiday Monday there are lots of opportunities to have a fun bet on the horses. VC Bet are offering action on the following eight meetings - early prices available from 10am.

- Kempton Warwick Huntingdon Newcastle Cartmel Downpatrick Ripon Chepstow -

Open a VC Bet account and receive their latest industry-leading sign-up offer. (*for details see the bottom of the below)

..........................................................................................

* ACCOUNT OPENING OFFER
Free £50 cash back when you open a new account. In order to claim this you need to place your first bet with at least one selection with odds of 'evens' within 30 days of opening your VC Bet online account.

Win or lose, VC Bet will credit you back the stake of that first bet up to a maximum of fifty pounds.

..........................................................................................

Opening an account with VC Bet couldn't be easier

1) Click here to go the VC Bet website sign up page.
2) Click on "Open Account" on the upper right hand side of the screen.
3) Fill in the form - this takes 2/3 minutes maximum.
4) Have your card handy so that you can deposit funds to start betting
5) Specify which sports betting alerts you would like.

..........................................................................................

Betting Details with VC Bet

- Minimum Bet Required - £ 1
- Maximum Bet - No Maximum Bet
- Max Winnings - £ 100,000 per bet
- Accepted Modes of placing a bet - Internet, Telephone
- Choice of Odds Format - European, American, British odds

..........................................................................................

Account Administration

Payment Methods

- Visa, Mastercard, Switch, Delta, Solo, Electron, Personal Cheque, Bank Transfer -

- Minimum Deposit

£5

- Minimum Bet

£1

- Currencies

AUD, CHF, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, KPW, NOK, NZD, SEK, SGD, THB, TWD, USD

-Languages

Chinese, Danish, English, Greek, Hebrew, Korean, Norwegian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish

Oxford University Gambling Survey

2007-08-26T05:24:00.000-07:00

Oxford University are inviting people to complete a survey on online gambling. Click here to take part.

From their site...

Online gambling has increased substantially in the last few years. Little is known about the effects of the Internet on people's gambling behaviour and its impact on people who use these sites a little and those who use these sites a lot. Our survey is intended to fill this gap.

Better understanding of these issues, and the health experiences of people who use online gambling sites, will allow them to find ways to help the small number of people who experience problems controlling their gambling online.

As a thank you for taking part Oxford University are giving away six 80 GB video playing i-Pods in a prize draw. Just complete the survey to enter. To find out more about clinical and psychological characteristics of Internet gamblers: web-based survey click here.

The survey takes less than 20 minutes to complete. Click here to take part.

Premiership Football

2007-08-25T03:21:00.000-07:00

Home sides are there for the taking today. Arsenal and Chelsea are opposable on the betting exchanges at 1.65 and 1.3 respectively. Even if they do win they are not going to do much damage to your betting bank so are worth taking on. Aston Villa are to be avoided at a shade of odds on against Fulham. Derby - well, are Derby and lack cutting edge even against fellow Premiership minnows Birmingham and Everton face a tough encounter with Blackburn.

West Ham and Liverpool should take the spoils in their respective games against Wigan and Sunderland but I would suggest opposing them on the Half-Time Full-Time football markets.

Remember with betting exchanges such as Betfair you can not only lay any selection, but also choose the price/odds you want to take, and how much you are prepared to risk (your liability). The shorter the price you wish to lay, the less money you risk compared to your potential reward. With the following match bets you are attempting to create the market rather than follow it.

'Linked' teams to be 'Layed'. (odds displayed in decimal format, click here for odds conversion)

If you have any comments on the selections below please feel free to add a comment.

The prices you should be aiming for are highlighted (linked) with the team in question. The odds in brackets are the prices currently available on the Betfair markets. As you will see, by just taking the listed price you will be getting poor value as a 'layer'. Post your price and if there are no takers that's fine. Remember, value is key, whether you are a backer or layer of teams.

Today's Premiership

Arsenal 1.65 (1.65) v Manchester City
Aston Villa 1.76 (1.76) v Fulham
Bolton 2.4 (2.44) v Reading
Chelsea 1.3 (1.33) v Portsmouth in additiona LAY Chelsea HT-FT 1.99
Derby 2.5 (2.58) v Birmingham
Everton 2.16 (2.32) v Blackburn
Sunderland v Liverpool LAY Liverpool HT-FT 2.84
West Ham v Wigan LAY West Ham HT-FT 3.65

Notes & Explanation: Try and get as near as possible to these prices. If the market isn't close to these levels be patient or adjust to a level you are comfortable with. When you 'lay' a selection, you are betting against it winning. For example, if you're betting in the Arsenal v Manchester City market and you lay Arsenal, you offer odds to other punters who wish toback Arsenal. In this instance as near to 1.66 (4/6) as you can get. If Arsenal don't win, then you pick up the backer's stake minus commission. If Arsenal win, then you pay out.

For a beginners guide to Betting Exchanges and Fixed odds betting, visit top5bet.com

Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets.

Register with Betfair here or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds click here

- Correct Score Football Odds click here

- Half time - Full time Football Odds click here

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds click here

- First Goal Scorer Odds click here

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds click here

- First Goal Scorer Odds click here

Football Friendlies - A health warning

2007-08-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

International friendlies should come with a £££ health warning and avoided if you are seriously trying to grow your betting bank.

Teams that should win 'on paper' flatter to deceive, star players do not have the motivation, the manager experiments, players want to avoid injury, star players are left out or come on for only 20 minutes and so on.

It has become too difficult to understand the motivation of players, teams and managers when it comes to friendly matches to know whether the odds / prices available represent good value. Football, indeed any sport, needs to be competitive for gambling to work.

My suggestion for small stakes interest this evening is to back the following teams to win 2-0. They are all favourites and expected to win but I am not expecting over 2.5 goals.

Euro Qualifier

Northern Ireland v Liechtenstein 2 - 0 Correct Score 6.0 (5/1)

International Friendlies

Scotland v South Africa 2 - 0 Correct Score 9.2 (8.2/1)

Norway v Argentina 2 - 0 Correct Score 12.0 (11/1)

Oh, and if you cannot resist getting involved in the England v Germany game - although I advise you do - go for a small stakes bet on Draw-Draw half-time full-time bet at 5.0 (4/1).

Remember, the majority of tonight's fixtures are 'friendlies' so keep to small stakes, crack open a tinny and enjoy.

For a beginners guide to Betting Exchanges and Fixed odds betting, visit top5bet.com

Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets.

Register with Betfair here for 20% better odds when BACKING or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds click here

- Correct Score Football Odds click here

- Half time - Full time Football Odds click here

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds click here

- First Goal Scorer Odds click here

Premier League and Value Betting

2007-08-19T03:09:00.000-07:00

The Betting Exchanges are not offering much value on the LAY side today. Wherever your money goes, be it on Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool or Manchester United be sure to post the price you want for a value bet. If it is taken, great. If not then that is great as well. If you just take the prices as they are, even if you win the bet, you will lose in the long run with a strategy (or non strategy) like that.

Remember with betting exchanges such as Betfair you can not only lay any selection, but also choose the price/odds you want to take, and how much you are prepared to risk (your liability).The shorter the price you wish to lay, the less money you risk compared to your potential reward. With the following match bets you are attempting to create the market rather than follow it.

'Linked' teams to be 'Layed' unless otherwise stated. (odds displayed in decimal format, click here for odds conversion)

If you have any comments on the selections below please feel free to add a comment.

The prices you should be aiming for are highlighted (linked) with the team in question. The odds in brackets are the prices currently available on the Betfair markets. As you will see, by just taking the listed price you will be getting poor value as a 'layer'. Post your price and if there are no takers that's fine. Remember, value is key, whether you are a backer or layer of football teams.

Today's Premiership

Blackburn v Arsenal 2.25 (2.4)
Liverpool v Chelsea 3.1 (3.3)
Man City v Man United 1.85 (2.0)

Championship

Sheffield Wednesday 2.64 (2.86) v Wolves

League Two

Rotherham 2.7 (3.05) v Peterbrough

Scottish Premier

Aberdeen v Celtic - Lay Celtic-Celtic on the HT-FT market at 3.25

Scottish Division 1

Livingston 2.88 (3.25) v Dunfermline

Notes & Explanation: Try and get as near as possible to these prices. If the market isn't close to these levels be patient or adjust to a level you are comfortable with - do not accept the price posted if it doesn't offer value. When you 'lay' a selection, you are betting against it winning. For example, if you're betting in the Liverpool v Chelsea market and you lay Chelsea, you offer odds to other punters who wish to back Chelsea. In this instance as near to 3.1 (21/10) as you can get. If Chelsea don't win, then you pick up the backer's stake minus commission. If Chelsea win, then you pay out.

For a beginners guide to Betting Exchanges and Fixed odds betting, visit top5bet.com

Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets.

Register with Betfair here for 20% better odds when BACKING or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds click here

- Correct Score Football Odds click here

- Half time - Full time Football Odds click here

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds click here

- First Goal Scorer Odds click here

Premier League and Correct Score Betting

2007-08-18T02:24:00.000-07:00

When betting on the Premier league it is worth considering what happens across all matches when betting on individual games. Across 380 games last season there were 48% homes wins, 26% away wins and 26% draws. Nine per cent of games ended 0-0. The home team scored on average 1.5 goals, the away team scored 1 and therefore we had 2.5 goals scored on average per game.

The 2.5 average is interesting in so much as it is common across most professional leagues in the UK. League One, League Two, SPL all had a 2.5 average in 06/07. The Championship and Scottish Division One had an average of 2.6 goals per game. Scottish Division Two had a 3 goal average and and Scottish Division Three had 2.8 goal per game on average.

Clearly knowing these statistics is only half the battle. You then have to take individual team records into consideration as well as the opposition to form your view. One thing a knowledge of the statistics will help with is in knowing whether the odds you are considering represent value for you.

For example, Bet365 are offering 8/1 (9.0) on a 0-0 correct score in the Portsmouth v Bolton match. The oddsmakers are suggesting with these odds that there is a 11% chance of a 0-0 draw. On Betfair the same outcome is trading at 11.5 for backers which suggests an 8.7% chance of a 0-0 draw. We know the average across the Premiership for 0-0 draws is 9% or 34 games out of 380. Taking the 365 odds all season will not represent value and you will ultimately lose money as you will never get anything close to odds (and therefore the return) that bear a true reflection on the likelihood of the outcome.

Onto today's Premiership programme...

Remember with betting exchanges such as Betfair you can not only lay any selection, but also choose the price/odds you want to take, and how much you are prepared to risk (your liability).

The shorter the price you wish to lay, the less money you risk compared to your potential reward. With the following match bets you are attempting to create the market rather than follow it.

'Linked' teams to be 'Layed'. (odds displayed in decimal format, click here for odds conversion)

If you have any comments on the selections below please feel free to add a comment. The prices you should be aiming for are highlighted (linked) with the team in question. The odds in brackets are the prices currently available on the Betfair markets. As you will see, by just taking the listed price you will be getting poor value as a 'layer'. Post your price and if there are no takers that's fine. Remember, value is key, whether you are a backer or layer of teams.

Today's Premiership

Birmingham City 2.4 (2.52) v West Ham
Fulham v Middlesboro 3.4 (4.1)
Newcastle v Aston Villa 3.33 (4.5) (5.15 ko)
Portsmouth v Bolton 3.5 (4.2) (12.45 ko)
Reading 2.5 (2.66) v Everton
Tottenham 1.5 (1.53) v Derby
Wigan 2.4 (2.52) v Sunderland

Notes & Explanation: Try and get as near as possible to these prices. If the market isn't close to these levels be patient or adjust to a level you are comfortable with. When you 'lay' a selection, you are betting againstit winning. For example, if you're betting in the Portsmouth v Bolton market and you lay Bolton, you offer odds to other punters who wish to back Bolton. In this instance as near to 3.5 (7/2) as you can get. If Bolton don't win, then you pick up the backer's stake minus commission. If Bolton win, then you pay out.

For a beginners guide to Betting Exchanges and Fixed odds betting, visit top5bet.com

Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets.

Register with Betfair here or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds click here

- Correct Score Football Odds click here

- Half time - Full time Football Odds click here

- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds click here

- First Goal Scorer Odds click here

Premiership Football

2007-08-15T05:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, Arsenal and Chelsea prevailed and Manchester United ran into a brick wall in the shape of Steve Coppell's Reading team. At the prices we Layed Arsenal and Chelsea at it was certainly worth the ride and hardly threatened the betting bank. The treble with best priced Coral was lost with Manchester United's disappointing 0-0 opener. It is interesting to note for punters that like to back the big three (or four if you include Liverpool) in trebles or accumulators, that only five times - when they were not playing each other - did all of them win last season 06/07.

Onto tonights football...

Remember with betting exchanges such as Betfair you can not only lay any selection, but also choose the price/odds you want to take, and how much you are prepared to risk (your liability). The shorter the price you wish to lay, the less money you risk compared to your potential reward. With the following match bets you are attempting to create the market rather than follow it.

'Linked' teams to be 'Layed'. (odds displayed in decimal format, click here for odds conversion)
If you have any comments on the selections below please feel free to add a comment.

Tuesday's Premiership

Birmingham 2.4 v Sunderland
Fulham 2.25 v Bolton
Man City v Derby 5.5
Portsmouth v Manchester United 1.66
Reading v Chelsea 1.58
Wigan v Middlesboro - NO BET

Notes & Explanation: Try and get as near as possible to these prices. If the market isn't close to these levels be patient or adjust to a level you are comfortable with. When you 'lay' a selection, you are betting againstit winning. For example, if you're betting in the Birmingham v Sunderland market and you layBirmingham, you offer odds to other punters who wish to back Birmingham. In this instance as near to 2.4 (7/5) as you can get. If Birmingham don't win, then you pick up the backer's stake minus commission. If Birmingham win, then you pay out.

For a beginners guide to Betting Exchanges and Fixed odds betting, visit top5bet.com

Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets.

Register with Betfair here or click on a market below.

- Football Match Odds click here
- Correct Score Football Odds click here
- Half time - Full time Football Odds click here
- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds click here
- First Goal Scorer Odds click here

Sunday's Premiership Football

2007-08-12T01:46:00.000-07:00

Betting on today's Premier League Matches is a tricky affair and where you place your money really depends on if you like to follow the crowd or be a contrarian punter by opposing strongly fancied favourites.

Lets look at some of the facts.

1) Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all playing at home. In season 06/07 Manchester United won 15 homes games, drew 2 and lost 2. Chelsea won 12, drew 7 and lost 0. The Gunner's won 12, drew 6 and lost 1.

2) Fulham were woeful away from home last year and took all 3 points on only one occasion. They did however draw 8 matches, and lost an abysmal 10. Reading went w5, d5, l9. (Note: Birmingham were in the Championship so not relevant. For the record they went w 11, d 3, l9)

If you are blinded by the big names and don't believe Reading, Fulham and Birmingham have a chance then do your money by all means. The treble would pay roughly even (1/1) money.

In reality, Chelsea and Arsenal both look opposable. And I will be looking to take on Chelsea at home this season with a progressive staking strategy. (More on this another time)

If you do fancy the short price favourites you could do worse than look at the correct score markets for a bit of value to low stakes. For example, Manchester United to win 2-0 (6.2) 3-0 (8.2) wouldn't appear to be that far from reality with a decent return from backing both scorelines. Alternatively, if you think Man U will be slow starters on the opening day but think they will win the match take a look at the 'Draw-Man U' half-time/full-time market currently trading at 4.8.

LAY recommendations below, but first a quick reminder of how it all works...

Remember with betting exchanges such as Betfair you can not only lay any selection, but also choose the price/odds you want to take, and how much you are prepared to risk (your liability). The shorter the price you wish to lay, the less money you risk compared to your potential reward. With the following match bets you are attempting to create the market rather than follow it.

'Linked' teams to be 'Layed'. (odds displayed in decimal format, click here for odds conversion)

If you have any comments on the selections below please feel free to add a comment.

Sunday's Premiership

Arsenal 1.33 v Fulham
Chelsea 1.22 v Birmingham
Man Utd v Reading - No Bet

Notes & Explanation: Try and get as near as possible to these prices. If the market isn't close to these levels be patient or adjust to a level you are comfortable with. When you 'lay' a selection, you are betting againstit winning. For example, if you're betting in the Arsenal v Fulham market and you lay Arsenal, you offer odds to other punters who wish to back Arsenal. In this instance as near to 1.33 (1/3) as you can get. If Arsenal don't win, then you pick up the backer's stake minus commission. If Arsenal win, then you pay out.

For a beginners guide to Betting Exchanges and Fixed odds betting, visit top5bet.com

Try posting your own odds on the following top five football markets:

- Football Match Odds click here
- Correct Score Football Odds click here
- Half time - Full time Football Odds click here
- Over/Under 2.5 Football Odds click here
- First Goal Scorer Odds click here