Lionel Messi is 6/4 to outscore Cristiano Ronaldo over both legs of the forthcoming Copa del Rey clash, whilst Real Madrid are 5/4 to win more trophies than Barcelona and 12/1 to land the treble.
bet365 spokesman Steve Freeth “Real Madrid and Barcelona may have been regular opponents over the last nine or so months, but an El Clasico always whets the appetite and we’re also only 6/5 about the Spanish giants meeting in the Champions League and 7/2 they contest the final.”
2011/12 Barcelona v Real Madrid Specials – bet365
Ronaldo v Messi – Copa del Rey Goals Matchbet
Ronaldo 15/8 Tie 7/4 Messi 6/4
(Both legs, incl ET, not Pen shoot-out. Both must start 1st leg)
Real Madrid v Barcelona – 1st Leg Copa del Rey
Red Card 11/8 No Red Card 8/15
Who Will Win Most Trophies (La Liga, CL & CdR only)
Real Madrid 5/4 Tie 3/1 Barcelona 6/4
To Win The Treble (La Liga, CL & CdR only)
Real Madrid 12/1
Barcelona 12/1
Real Madrid & Barcelona To Meet At Any Stage Of 2011/12 Champions League 6/5
Real Madrid & Barcelona To Contest 2011/12 Champions League Final 7/2
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Tennis – Wozniacki upbeat despite injury
World number one Caroline Wozniacki is hoping to be fit for the start of the Australian Open despite suffering an injury scare at the Sydney International. The 21-year-old Dane, who is 16/1 with bet365 to win the first Grand Slam of 2012, was defeated 3-6 7-5 6-2 by Agnieszka Radwanska in the quarter-finals in Sydney and confirmed afterwards she has been struggling with a wrist injury. She said: “I’m going to get it checked out and hopefully it’s ok. Let’s just hope for the best. “I hope it’s not serious. I could feel it, especially in the third set but I should be completely fine for Australian Open.” Wozniacki goes into the tournament still ranked as the best in the world after Petra Kvitova lost at the semi-final stage in Sydney.
Football – Keane agrees Villa loan deal
Los Angeles Galaxy striker Robbie Keane is “excited” to be back in the Premier League after joining Aston Villa on a short-term loan deal. The Republic of Ireland international could make his debut on Saturday against Everton, who have Galaxy team-mate Landon Donovan on loan, and the new Villa man is 13/2 to score first with bet365. Keane has been training with the Villa squad during the MLS break and is looking forward to taking to the pitch under Alex McLeish, who tried to sign him when in charge at Birmingham last year. “I’m excited about it and I know I’ll really enjoy my time here. It’s only for two months, but I will do my absolute best,” said the 31-year-old. “Villa are a great club, a club with a massive tradition and standing in the game. Villa Park is one of the finest stadiums I’ve ever played in. “I’ve been training with the players here for the past few days and it’s been great but I’m not naive enough to think I’ll just walk straight into the team.”
Football – Redknapp urges Spurs belief
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp says his players must believe they can win the title if they are to mount a serious challenge to league leaders Manchester City. Redknapp’s side are 7/1 with bet365 to win the Premier League after their 2-0 win over Everton at White Hart Lane on Wednesday, their 14th victory in 20 games. They are now level on points with champions Manchester United, who remain in second place on goal difference, and are three behind City. However, Spurs have not been familiar with these heady heights in recent times and Redknapp admits his team must believe in themselves if they are to finish above both the Manchester sides. “Who knows? Nothing’s impossible,” said the Spurs boss when asked whether his side could win the league. “You have to keep believing and apart from that I enjoy the way we play.
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Soccer – Smalling wary of City’s threat
Chris Smalling, 28/1 with bet365 to score the opening goal on Sunday, believes the Manchester derby is a bigger game than last weekend’s meeting between United and Liverpool. The former Fulham defender claims Manchester City, 21/10 to win the Premier League title this season, pose a bigger threat than Liverpool to Sir Alex Ferguson’s team. United currently sit in second place, two points behind table-toppers City, and Smalling is expecting a tough encounter against Roberto Mancini’s men. The England starlet said: “I remember the build-up to my first derby when I arrived and it was immense so I cannot begin to think what the next few days will be like. “The rivalry with Liverpool has been the main one for a lot of the lads for many years who have been at the club a long time but City have been creeping up and now you just get wrapped up in it all. “It is the one game I want to win more than any other. I think this is the biggest game and biggest derby we face now. I think City are an even bigger threat this year than last.” You can grab a free In-Play bet on the Manchester derby on Sunday. Follow the link to the [Man Utd v Man City Free Bet Offer] page for full details of this exciting offer.
Rugby Union – Hook vows to bounce back
Wales, 13/10 with bet365 to win the bronze medal match against Australia, will be even better in the 2015 World Cup, according to fly-half James Hook. Wales’ 9-8 defeat to France, 7/1 to beat New Zealand in the final, in Saturday’s last-four clash remains a bitter memory for Hook. Sam Warburton was sent off after just 18 minutes for a tip tackle while Hook missed several crucial kicks at goal. Hook said: “There’s no reason why we can’t have a go in four years’ time. The semi-final loss is tough to take, but this team can go on and become a better team and get to these positions in future. “It is important to keep our confidence up and express ourselves the way we have done throughout the tournament.”
Rugby League – Briers to captain underdogs Wales
Iestyn Harris has named Lee Briers as the Wales captain for the upcoming Four Nations tournament. The Warrington stand-off has represented Wales, 150/1 with bet365 to win the tournament, since the 2000 World Cup and helped a team that is only ranked seventh in the world qualify for the Four Nations. “He was our captain last year and was a strong leader. There was no reason whatsoever why he wasn’t going to retain his captaincy,” said Harris, who was recently named on new Wigan boss Shaun Wane’s coaching staff. “He is a fantastic servant for Wales. He is our most experienced squad member, has become a great leader for our nation and has become a good role model for younger members of our squad. That’s what Lee is all about.” Wales warm up for the Four Nations with a home clash against Ireland this Saturday but are not fancied to beat Australia, 2/5 to win the tournament, New Zealand or England.
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Republic of Ireland are 4/11 to beat Estonia over two legs and make it to Euro 2012.
bet365 spokesman Steve Freeth “A quick glance at Estonia’s recent results will show you a 2-0 defeat against the Faroe Islands.
“The Irish look to have a real chance of improving their record of losing four of the last five play-offs, despite suspension and injury worries in their forward department.”
Giovanni Trapattoni’s side are 6/4 to net four or more over the two legs and 6/1 to be the top scoring side during the first round of matches.
Euro 2012 Play-Offs – To Qualify
Republic of Ireland 4/11 Estonia 2/1
Turkey 11/10 Croatia 4/6
Bosnia-Herzegovina 2/1 Portugal 4/11
Czech Republic 4/9 Montenegro 13/8
1st Leg
Estonia 17/10 Draw 9/4 Rep of Ireland 11/8
Top Scoring Side – E/W 1/5 – 1,2,3
Czech Republic 11/4 Turkey 5/1
Portugal 6/1 Rep of Ireland 6/1
Estonia 7/1 Bosnia 7/1
Croatia 9/1 Montenegro 14/1
(1st Legs only)
Ireland v Estonia – (Both legs, not ET)
Total Ireland Goals Scored
Under 3 5/4 Exactly 3 3/1 Over 3 6/4
Total Ireland Goals Conceded
Under 2 6/4 Exactly 2 5/2 Over 2 6/4
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Manchester 7/2 To Land Champions League – Who Will Win Most Trophies?
It’s 7/2 with bet365 that the 2011/12 Champions League trophy ends up in Manchester at the end of the season and Man City are the same price to win more silverware than Man Utd during the campaign.
bet365 spokesman Steve Freeth “There aren’t many people talking about Mancini’s future these days and that would suggest his side are going to be a real force across all competitions in 2011/12.”
Man City are 4/5 to outscore Fergie’s side on Wednesday and the pair are 13/8 to score five or more between them on Matchday One.
2011/12 Manchester Silverware Specials
Man Utd Or Man City To Win Champions League
Yes 7/2 No 1/6
Who Will Win The Most Major Trophies
Man Utd 10/11 Tie 15/8 Man City 7/2
Matchday One (14th Sept only)
Who Will Score Most Goals?
Man Utd 9/4 Tie 7/2 Man City 4/5
Total Goals Scored By Man Utd/Man City
0 – 2 5/2 3 or 4 11/8 5+ 13/8
Highest Scoring Team – E/W ¼ – 1,2,3
Real Madrid 14/5 Man City 4/1
Inter 5/1 Basel 8/1
Man Utd 10/1 Bayern Munich 12/1
Lille 16/1 Ajax 16/1
Lyon 22/1 Villarreal 22/1
Benfica 33/1 CSKA Moscow 40/1
Otelul Galati 50/1 Trabzonspor 66/1
Napoli 80/1 Dinamo Zagreb 80/1
Total Goals
Over 19.5 4/11 Under 19.5 2/1
Over 21.5 8/11 Under 21.5 Evs
Over 24.5 9/4 Under 24.5 1/3
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Those interested in ATP betting will turn their eyes to New York for the next two weeks, as the final Grand Slam of the year arrives at the hardcourts of Flushing Meadows. Out of 128 participants, the US Open sees four truly great tennis players fighting for the trophy – the unstoppable Novak Djokovic, the dynamic Rafael Nadal, the classy Roger Federer and the gritty-Brit Andy Murray.
ATP Betting – Will Injury Hurt Djokovic’s Chances?
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic (2.550*) has been all-but unstoppable this year, losing only one match (to Roger Federer) when fully-fit.
His recent defeat, in the Cincinnati Masters final to Andy Murray, came at the expense of a shoulder injury and marked his first defeat on hard courts this year.
His form on the surface has been exceptional. He’s picked up five hardcourt titles this season, and in the past 52 weeks the Serbian has won 88.5% of his matches. This record is undoubtedly in part because of his ability to hold his serve – saving 68% of his break points.
Having appeared in the 2010 final, Djokovic will want to make this Grand Slam count – adding to his Australian Open and Wimbledon success.
His first real challenge of the Grand Slam should come in the third round to either Nikolay Davydenko (228.770*) or Ivan Dodig, although neither should challenge the ace.
The quarter finals will probably throw up the on-form Gael Monfils (127.540*) or Tomas Berdych (64.280*) – both of whom the World No. 1 has dispatched in recent weeks.
ATP Betting – Nadal and Federer Hopes
Second-seed Rafael Nadal (5.500*) arrives in New York onto his least favourite surface, on a poor run of form and suffering from a number of niggling injuries.
The reigning French Open champion has not won a title on hardcourts this year, and has a record of 21 – 6; much worse than Djokovic’s 33 – 1 or even Federer’s 26 – 6.
His discomfort on the surface showed through in his past two tournaments, exciting early in Montreal and a receiving a quarter-final elimination in Cincinnati.
Despite these issues, Nadal will have fond memories of Flushing Meadows – the site where he completed his Golden Slam of all four Grand Slams and an Olympic medal.
The Spaniard will most likely face fellow Iberian David Ferrer (178.150*) in the quarterfinals – a man who caused Nadal some difficulty in the Australian Open earlier this year.
No other active player has racked up more hardcourt victories than Roger Federer’s (6.260*) 472 – 1—more victories than top-seed Djokovic, despite playing fewer matches. This form has earned him 45 titles.
No other player in the Modern Era has been more successful in the US Open, with consecutive wins between 2004 and 2008, plus a final appearance in ’09.
The key to Federer’s challenge is his serve – he’s scored 374 aces this season, which have helped him win the point in 78% of first serves. Should Federer managed to reload this weapon, he’ll undoubtedly do better than his poor Montréal and Cincinnati performances.
Unfortunately, the Fed Express might have to face Jo-Wilfred Tsonga (32.400*) in the quarterfinals, who has got the better of him in their past two meetings. It’s either the Frenchman or on-form Mardy Fish (31.630*) – both a tough challenge.
ATP Betting – Murray Hopeful
Another possibility for US Open success is Andy Murray (6.020*), fresh from his Cincinnati victory. In the games he played against Djokovic during the final, the Brit looked the player. How much of this was down to injury, however, is unclear.
Andy Murray has a 13-5 record on hardcourts this season, although he has picked up a title. And in his career, he’s already earned four more trophies than Rafael Nadal on the surface.
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The Detroit Tigers will want to give the Cleveland Indians a mauling on Tuesday, as the two sides’ battle it out in an AL Central derby. On Monday, the Boston Red Sox travel to Minnesota, where MLB betting fans will have to decide whether Tim Wakefield’s good form can continue. For the best MLB odds, bet now with Pinnacle Sports.
MLB Betting – Boston Red Sox at Minnesota Twins (August 8th)
The Red Sox (1.833*) will send knuckleballer Tim Wakefield to the mound on Monday night as they begin a three-game road series in Minnesota against the Twins (2.130*).
Wakefield (6-4, 4.99 ERA) has been a solid option for the Red Sox lately, allowing just three earned runs in four of his past five starts. His good form has led Boston to a 7-3 record in his last 10 appearances.
The Twins will go with Scott Baker (8-6, 3.01 ERA) on Monday night, with the right-hander having given up six runs on 13 hits over his last 10 innings.
Overall, the Twins are 4-1 over Baker’s last five starts, and the right-hander has allowed three or fewer earned runs in eight of his 10 most recent outings.
Boston Red Sox (1.833*), Minnesota Twins (2.130*)
MLB Betting – Philadelphia Phillies at Los Angeles Dodgers (August 8th)
Riding a personal three-game winning streak, Roy Halladay will pitch for the Phillies (1.621*) on Monday as they start a three-game road set against the Dodgers (2.510*).
Halladay (14-4, 2.55 ERA) is coming off consecutive wins over the Padres, Pirates, and Rockies, surrendering six earned runs and fanning 20 over those 22 innings.
The Phillies have been almost a lock for a win when Halladay pitches this season, as they’ve compiled a 19-4 record in 2011.
Hiroki Kuroda (7-13, 2.96 ERA) is the Dodgers’ probable Monday starter; he blanked the Padres on four hits over seven innings when he last pitched.
Philadelphia Phillies (1.621*), Los Angeles Dodgers (2.510*)
MLB Betting – Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians (August 9th)
The Tigers will try to bury the Indians in the AL Central standings as those teams hit the field to get a three-game set in Cleveland started on Tuesday.
Doug Fister (4-12, 3.29 ERA) starts for Detroit on Tuesday; he won his debut with the team last time out, holding the Rangers to three runs over seven innings.
Right-hander Fister came to the Tigers via a deal with the Mariners prior to the trade deadline; the Mariners had won just one of Fister’s previous nine hill trips.
The Tribe counter with Justin Masterson (9-7, 2.63 ERA) on Tuesday. Masterson is 0-1 with a no-decision in two starts against the Tigers so far this year.
Round-Up
The Red Sox and Twins continue their series on Tuesday night, with left-hander Erik Bedard (4-7, 3.55 ERA) making his second start for Boston in that contest.
Bedard made his first start for Boston last week at home against the Indians, taking a no-decision after allowing three runs on seven hits over five innings that night.
Over in the NL on Tuesday, the Giants (1.581*) host the Pirates (2.610*), where San Fran’s Madison Bumgarner (6-11, 3.71 ERA) will try to stop his two-game losing streak.
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Andy Murray, 1/500 with bet365 to beat Laurent Bram, is looking forward to Great Britain’s Davis Cup clash against Luxembourg in Glasgow.
The world number four takes on unranked Bram at the Braehead Arena after Britain’s number two James Ward, 13/8 to beat Gilles Muller, starts proceedings with the opening rubber.
If Britain are victorious they will meet Belarus or Hungary in a promotion play-off in September.
Murray said: “I’ve always enjoyed playing Davis Cup. It’s just different. It’s a different atmosphere, a different experience and just a different build-up.”
Soccer – Adam welcomes Anfield switch
Charlie Adam is keen to prove his worth at a leading club after completing his switch from Blackpool to Liverpool, 5/4 with bet365to finish in the Premier League’s top four this season.
The 25-year-old Scotland international has signed a long-term contract at Anfield and is eager to help the Reds, 10/1 to win the Premier League title, end a trophy drought which stretches back to their success in the 2006 FA Cup.
Adam told his new club’s official website: “I can’t wait to get started and hopefully this will be a successful period in my career and in the club’s history. Liverpool is a massive club with terrific players and a terrific manager.”
Soccer – Confused Modric urged to stay
Harry Redknapp admits Luka Modric is confused as to whether he should stay at Tottenham, 3/1 with bet365 to finish in the top four of the Premier League this season.
The Croatia international, who is contracted to Spurs for five more years, said last month that he would be interested in moving to Chelsea, 5/2 to top the Premier League this term.
However, chairman Daniel Levy is adamant that the player will be going nowhere this summer and Redknapp said: “He’s walked in and is happy but the kid’s a bit confused at the moment.
“Other teams want him but we want him here and I want to keep him. He loves playing here. It’s a difficult situation for him and I understand where he’s coming from.”
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Amir Khan is the 1.213* favourite to beat Zab Judah (5.000*) in their anticipated light welterweight unification showdown on July 23th at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Questions remain as to whether or not Khan has enough experience to deal with the veteran Judah or will his speed be too much for the 33-year-old?
Boxing Betting – Khan Aims To Unify Belts Against Judah
Amir Khan (1.213*) and Zab Judah (5.000*) will go toe-to-toe on July 23th as the two meet in the anticipated light welterweight unification showdown on July 23th at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
After the lengthy war of words, two of boxing’s best will now step into the ring to unify the 140-pound weight division. WBA world champion Amir Khan faces Five-Time world champion and current IBF junior welterweight titleholder Zab Judah.
This bout has all the ingredients to be a classic, as two fighters with speed and punching power meet in the squared ring. This fight is sure to reach expectations as the winner will not only unify the division, but more than likely face the winner of Floyd Mayweather Jr and Victor Ortiz.
24-year-old Amir Khan (25-1, 17 KOs) has been considered as one of the sport’s stars since he won a silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens at the tender age of 17.
Khan has earned recognition from both the amateur and professional boxing worlds, nevertheless, he is far from satisfied as he continues on his quest to becoming the best of his era.
The English native announced his arrival in the professional game in 2005 and, with the exception of a brief setback in 2008 when he was knocked-out by Breidis Prescott inside one round, Khan has since been unstoppable.
Khan became a world champion in 2009 when he defeated Andreas Kotelnik and has since defended his crown four times. Firstly knocking out the previously undefeated Dmitriy Salita in less than one round and then in his United States debut where he dominated Paul Malignaggi en route to an 11th-round technical knockout win.
Khan’s best performance however came against Marcos Maidana in what was named the Boxing Writers Association of America 2010 Fight of the Year.
Khan proved his supremacy and technical superiority over Maidana as he dominated the early rounds, which included a first-round knockdown. However, Khan showed his heart and chin were up to the task when the “big-hitting” Maidana unleashed a flurry of damaging punches in the 10th-round.
Ultimately Khan saw out the fight by dominating the 11th and 12th rounds, and in turn sealing the unanimous decision victory.
On the other hand Zab Judah (40-6, 28 KOs) has already established himself as one of the best boxers of his era by winning multiple world championships at 140 and 147 pounds.
His career has seen him beat Cory Spinks, Junior Witter and Terronn Millett and wage war with the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto in what many considered fights of the year.
There is no doubt that the 33-year-old is well aware of what it takes to win against the very best in the business.
Last time out Judah became a five-time world champion when he scored a seventh-round knockout of Kaizer Mabuza to capture the IBF junior welterweight world championship belt.
Defeating Khan will propel Judah towards cementing himself as a Hall of Famer, while a win for Khan will ensure he moves one step closer to becoming the best of his era.
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Serena and Venus Williams return to tennis’ premier competition to face Maria Sharapova and Li Na as Wimbledon favourites. The All-England event serves-up first round tennis action on Monday, with Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Arazenka and Vera Zvonareva all in action. For the best WTA betting odds, bet now with Pinnacle Sports.
WTA Betting – Which Williams Will Win Wimbledon?
Most players could never come back from a year out and win the world’s biggest tennis event. Most players, however, are not Serena Williams (6.000*). The four-time Wimbledon and reigning champion has only played two professional games this year, but is already a top favourite for the competition.
Despite her prolonged absence, the 7th seed (and World No. 26) was surprisingly successful in her return matches in Eastbourne last week. Graduating to the second round, she was defeated by top-seed Vera Zvonereva 3-6, 6-7, 7-5 after spurning a match point. A promising results for a player out-of-contention for so long.
If there’s anyone who can steal Serena’s thunder, it’s her sister Venus (10.180*). The taller sibling has been also been out of contention for a form-defeating five months. Like Serena, she returned to the courts in Eastbourne, progressing a stage further than her sister and reaching the quarter-finals (where she lost 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 to Daniel Hatuchova).
If her injured hip holds out, there’s every chance that Wimbledon’s 23rd seed could pick up her six SW19 title.
Outside of the Williams sisters, Maria Sharapova (5.750*) is set as favourite after a strong French Open run. The Russian eased her way to the semi-finals on her worst surface, only losing to eventual champion Li Na. It’s a different story on grass; however, as the World No. 6’s powerful play is ideally suited to the fast surface.
If the 24 year-old manages it, it’ll be her first Grand Slam in three years – and her first Wimbledon title in seven.
Li Na (9.930*) will be hoping to stop her in London like she did in Paris, building on the momentum that saw her win a first Grand Slam. With the hopes of a billion people behind her, she should do better than her second-round Eastbourne exit to Hantuchova (7-6, 6-3).
Other favourites include top-seed Caroline Wozniacki (10.590*), who despite her World No. 1 ranking is yet to win a Grand Slam. If her form in France is any measure, she won’t manage it this time, either.
Vera Zvonereva will be looking to build on last year’s performance, which saw her lose out in the final to Serena Williams 6-3, 6-2. The victory over the powerful American at Eastbourne will certainly boost her confidence – although a quarter-final defeat to Samantha Stosur (6-4, 6-7, 4-6) shows she’s not up-to-speed on the surface just yet.
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