Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Soccer World: Levante living the dream
For many the Spanish Primera Liga is the ultimate two-team league. You have footballing powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid, and then you have the rest, scratching around for scraps.
The way Spanish clubs negotiate their own TV rights also means that this inequality is merely magnified when it comes to finances – the big two able to command fees far higher than the rest.
But just when we thought romance was dead a plucky little side from Valencia are defying gravity and ruffling a few of the established feathers.
After successfully staving off relegation last year with a run of eight wins in 12 games from January to April, tiny Levante are unbeaten in their first eight games of the current campaign – beating Real Madrid in the process – and turning the La Liga betting on its head. They are currently only second to Barcelona by a point, with the Catalans having played a game more.
But before you suspect heavy investment is involved in what is the best start in their 102 year history I feel I should say now that it isn’t - Levante spent €210,000 over the summer. How about in previous seasons? Nope, their most expensive player cost €300,000 and their last 50 players have cost a combined total of less than €400,000. Their entire budget is €22m – 20 times less than that of Barcelona, who are just a point better off.
Now, not many people think this flying start will continue, the age of their squad would dictate that they can’t defy the La Liga odds forever and that there will be a drop-off at some point. But it has at least breathed new life into what was becoming a stale and predicable league – even with the brilliance of Messi and co.
Their story gives others hope that money doesn’t rule all and maybe, just maybe, the underdog could have its day.
Soccer games: Platt staying grounded
Manchester City first-team coach David Platt has insisted the squad are fully focused on their upcoming Carling Cup date with Wolverhampton Wanderers following their heroics last weekend.
In what was a thrilling encounter which had everything at Old Trafford on Sunday, City ran out 6-1 victors over their rivals Manchester United, to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points.
However there has not been too much time to celebrate, as their Italian manager Roberto Mancini and his side look to progress to the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup, with a victory over Wolves at Molineux on Wednesday. People placing a Carling Cup bet should remember this.
Following such as historic victory over a United side which has ruled the roost for so many years in Manchester, City could be forgiven for taking time to pat themselves on the back and take in the magnitude of what they accomplished.
Platt has insisted that has not been the case and it has been business as usual at the club ahead of their upcoming League Cup encounter in the West Midlands this week. Those following the Carling Cup betting should remember this.
He said: "You have always got to put your football boots back on, it is always zero-zero when you start another game.
"It is something that will be at the back of his [Mancini's] mind, to make sure we don't let what happened at the weekend take away focus on what the position in hand is - and that is progress in the Carling Cup.
"There is a belief in them that they can do it and the manager is greedy, he wants everything.”
In what was a thrilling encounter which had everything at Old Trafford on Sunday, City ran out 6-1 victors over their rivals Manchester United, to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points.
However there has not been too much time to celebrate, as their Italian manager Roberto Mancini and his side look to progress to the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup, with a victory over Wolves at Molineux on Wednesday. People placing a Carling Cup bet should remember this.
Following such as historic victory over a United side which has ruled the roost for so many years in Manchester, City could be forgiven for taking time to pat themselves on the back and take in the magnitude of what they accomplished.
Platt has insisted that has not been the case and it has been business as usual at the club ahead of their upcoming League Cup encounter in the West Midlands this week. Those following the Carling Cup betting should remember this.
He said: "You have always got to put your football boots back on, it is always zero-zero when you start another game.
"It is something that will be at the back of his [Mancini's] mind, to make sure we don't let what happened at the weekend take away focus on what the position in hand is - and that is progress in the Carling Cup.
"There is a belief in them that they can do it and the manager is greedy, he wants everything.”
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Soccer Games: Cardiff wait on Miller
Cardiff City will have to wait and see whether or not they will have Kenny Miller available to them for this week's Carling Cup clash against Burnley. The Scottish striker was forced from the field during his side's 5-3 thrilling victory against Barnsley at the weekend with a head injury, following an unfortunate collision with team-mate Ben Turner.
The former Rangers and Celtic striker had scored the opening goal of the match, only to run straight into the powerful figure of Turner just before the half-hour. Miller left the field with his head covered in blood, with his manager Malky Mackay later confirming the front-man had gone to hospital for a check-up. People looking at the Carling Cup betting should remember this.
The Bluebirds boss will now have to wait on the results of the scans before deciding whether or not to include him for this week's Carling Cup fourth-round against an unpredictable Burnley side. Anyone placing a Carling Cup bet should bear this in mind.
"I still don't know how it happened, but it was a 5ft 10in player running into a 6ft 5in giant. Ben was okay, but Kenny had to have stitches in a nasty cut on his head," he said.
"The doctor will have to check him out before we decide whether or not he will be alright to play on Tuesday night against Burnley."
Cardiff will be one of a number of Championship clubs who will be looking at the Carling Cup as a genuine chance of reaching the latter stages in a big competition. Having the in-form Miller available to Cardiff would be the ideal situation for Mackay, but the manager won't want to risk his main striker with so many important league games coming up.
The former Rangers and Celtic striker had scored the opening goal of the match, only to run straight into the powerful figure of Turner just before the half-hour. Miller left the field with his head covered in blood, with his manager Malky Mackay later confirming the front-man had gone to hospital for a check-up. People looking at the Carling Cup betting should remember this.
The Bluebirds boss will now have to wait on the results of the scans before deciding whether or not to include him for this week's Carling Cup fourth-round against an unpredictable Burnley side. Anyone placing a Carling Cup bet should bear this in mind.
"I still don't know how it happened, but it was a 5ft 10in player running into a 6ft 5in giant. Ben was okay, but Kenny had to have stitches in a nasty cut on his head," he said.
"The doctor will have to check him out before we decide whether or not he will be alright to play on Tuesday night against Burnley."
Cardiff will be one of a number of Championship clubs who will be looking at the Carling Cup as a genuine chance of reaching the latter stages in a big competition. Having the in-form Miller available to Cardiff would be the ideal situation for Mackay, but the manager won't want to risk his main striker with so many important league games coming up.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Soccer World: Could Rooney suspension be a good thing?
Ok, the headline may sound strange. But given his act of petulance against Montenegro will have ramifications on England’s preparations for next summer, it may force England into a beneficial reshuffle.
At time of writing Rooney is set to miss just the opening game of the finals in Poland and the Ukraine, though that could be extended to two or more.
This means that the Three Lions’ fate will largely be decided without their talismanic striker. But could there be some benefit from Rooney’s absence?
After all, over reliance on one or two players has been an England trait for years and that pressure has proven too much to bear for some meaning, unsurprisingly football scores have suffered.
Therefore this could force England to explore other options and give vital international experience to the likes of Andy Carroll, Darren Bent and Bobby Zamora.
Ok, they are not in the same class as Rooney, but by working out a plan b, when Rooney does come back into the team England will have a number of options, giving opposition defenders something to think about.
Given Rooney has been in the game of nearly ten years, we can no longer treat moments of madness like Friday night as a wild act of immaturity. he has had enough time to grow up and learn from his mistakes – the World Cup in 2006 was surely the moment for that. So therefore, despite his immense talent, he is a powder keg waiting to explode at any time – and opposition players know it.
Rooney’s red in Podgorica now means he will be taunted and tormented in England games to come, with defenders looking to get him sent off, don’t rule it happening in a crucial game again in the future.
Therefore, Capello has to find a workable alternative - otherwise if Rooney’s ban is extended to two or even three games he could play his first live football of the summer with England already on their way out of the tournament.
I know it is clutching at straws and trying to find a glimmer of hope amongst Rooney’s red mist, but sometimes circumstances can force change for the good. England will be hoping that will prove the case in eastern Europe next June.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Soccer Word: Richardson issues fans apology
Sunderland star Kieran Richardson has made an apology to the club's fans following their defeat to newly promoted Norwich City on Monday night in the Premier League.
The Black Cats have made a poor start to the season with just one win coming from their first six games, despite the club splashing the cash in the summer. The football betting suggests they could struggle.
Manager Steve Bruce was forced to bring in a number of new players after last season, with a handful of loan personnel who featured last term leaving the Stadium of Light.
It is taking time for the current crop of Sunderland players to gel and that has manifested itself with results on the pitch not going as planned and the pressure mounting on the manager, who is ultimately paying the price for a quick turnover in the squad.
The slow start was compounded on Monday at Carrow Road as Sunderland went down 2-1 to a spirited Canaries side, who were buoyed on by their home support. It was something of a football odds upset.
Richardson managed to get on the scoresheet for the visitors, however the former Manchester United star has felt it necessary to apologies to the Sunderland faithful for the team's performance against Norwich, after an uplifting win over Stoke City in their previous outing.
He told the club's website: "I was pleased to score but the result overall is very disappointing.
"We were on a high after the Stoke game, but we didn't play well tonight. We had possession in the first half, but it wasn't effective.
"It's a shame because we have let the fans down and I am sorry for that."
The Black Cats have made a poor start to the season with just one win coming from their first six games, despite the club splashing the cash in the summer. The football betting suggests they could struggle.
Manager Steve Bruce was forced to bring in a number of new players after last season, with a handful of loan personnel who featured last term leaving the Stadium of Light.
It is taking time for the current crop of Sunderland players to gel and that has manifested itself with results on the pitch not going as planned and the pressure mounting on the manager, who is ultimately paying the price for a quick turnover in the squad.
The slow start was compounded on Monday at Carrow Road as Sunderland went down 2-1 to a spirited Canaries side, who were buoyed on by their home support. It was something of a football odds upset.
Richardson managed to get on the scoresheet for the visitors, however the former Manchester United star has felt it necessary to apologies to the Sunderland faithful for the team's performance against Norwich, after an uplifting win over Stoke City in their previous outing.
He told the club's website: "I was pleased to score but the result overall is very disappointing.
"We were on a high after the Stoke game, but we didn't play well tonight. We had possession in the first half, but it wasn't effective.
"It's a shame because we have let the fans down and I am sorry for that."
Can anyone stop Bayern Munich?
Bayern Munich are a legendary team for the supporters of the notorious club, and football fans around the world. In recent times the German side have been very successful. They've won the Bundesliga title a total of 22 times, the DFB-Pokal 15 times, the DFB Liga-Pokal 6 times, they've been the UEFA Champions League winners on 4 occasions, the runners up in the European Cup on 4 occasions, and managed to claim the Europa League once back in 1996.
The summer transfer window of 2011 was a busy period for Bayern Munich. The current manager – Jupp Heynckes – had much maneuverability in the aforementioned transfer window, acquiring the signatures of several players including Dale Jennings from Tranmere Rovers for an undisclosed fee, defender Jermome Boateng from Manchester City for a fee thought to be in the region of £13.5 million, Japanese international Usami on loan from Gamba Osaka, the talented goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from fellow Bundesliga side Schalke 04 for a astronomical figure of £18 million, Brazilian international Rafinha from Italian outfit Genoa for a transfer sum of £7 million, and striker Nils Peterson from Energie Cottbus for a fee of £2.8 million. The manager hasn't just been sitting around watching a Betfair Manchester United Bowling Video.
These deals made Bayern Munich the biggest spending club in the Bundesliga, with the transfer fees rising over the £41 million mark. So, it's time for the question in the title. Can Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga in the 2011/12 season? In my eyes they certainly can. With an impressive manager and some highly talented players to boot, Bayern Munich are sure to cause problems for any up-and-coming opposition in the Bundesliga, and any other competition for that matter. The German football betting reflects this.
The Bavarians – or Die Bayern – are the present favourites for the Bundesliga title. Their best odds stand at 2/9, which is an incredibly short price regarding the fact that the Bundesliga's 2011/12 season has only just begun.
The summer transfer window of 2011 was a busy period for Bayern Munich. The current manager – Jupp Heynckes – had much maneuverability in the aforementioned transfer window, acquiring the signatures of several players including Dale Jennings from Tranmere Rovers for an undisclosed fee, defender Jermome Boateng from Manchester City for a fee thought to be in the region of £13.5 million, Japanese international Usami on loan from Gamba Osaka, the talented goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from fellow Bundesliga side Schalke 04 for a astronomical figure of £18 million, Brazilian international Rafinha from Italian outfit Genoa for a transfer sum of £7 million, and striker Nils Peterson from Energie Cottbus for a fee of £2.8 million. The manager hasn't just been sitting around watching a Betfair Manchester United Bowling Video.
These deals made Bayern Munich the biggest spending club in the Bundesliga, with the transfer fees rising over the £41 million mark. So, it's time for the question in the title. Can Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga in the 2011/12 season? In my eyes they certainly can. With an impressive manager and some highly talented players to boot, Bayern Munich are sure to cause problems for any up-and-coming opposition in the Bundesliga, and any other competition for that matter. The German football betting reflects this.
The Bavarians – or Die Bayern – are the present favourites for the Bundesliga title. Their best odds stand at 2/9, which is an incredibly short price regarding the fact that the Bundesliga's 2011/12 season has only just begun.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Mourinho prepares for Ajax tie
Jose Mourinho prepares his side for a home tie Ajax on Wednesday night following a debate amongst Real Madrid's general assembly about the Portuguese manager. Some of the members were unhappy with the outspoken coach, and felt he has damaged the reputation of the club since his arrival.
Despite the heated debate, club president Florentino Perez did defend the 48-year old who moved to the Bernabeu in May 2010 from Italian side Inter Milan.
Real were back to winning ways on Saturday with a 6-2 victory over Real Vallecano, following a 1-0 defeat to Levante, and a 0-0 draw with Racing Santander.
Man United Bowling
They did start with a win in their opening Champions League game two weeks ago in Dinamo Zagreb, coming out on top with a 1-0 victory. However, the nine-time winners of the competition have not won the leading club trophy in Europe since 2002. Users of online betting sites will know all about this.
Mourinho has already won the tournament twice as a manager, once in 2004 with Porto, and more recently in 2010 with Inter Milan. He will be hoping to become the first man to win the competition three times with three different clubs as manager. However, you can certainly see Manchester United Bowling over this current Real squad.
The 'special one' will conclude the last game of his three match ban by UEFA on Wednesday. He was handed the punishment following last season's semi-final defeat to Barcelona, when the Portuguese coach made an outburst about the officiating in the match.
Despite the reports of disagreements in the board room, Real assistant coach Aitor Karanka has confirmed that everyone is together inside the dressing room.
He said: "Everyone at the club is united, not just yesterday but they have been for a long time."
Despite the heated debate, club president Florentino Perez did defend the 48-year old who moved to the Bernabeu in May 2010 from Italian side Inter Milan.
Real were back to winning ways on Saturday with a 6-2 victory over Real Vallecano, following a 1-0 defeat to Levante, and a 0-0 draw with Racing Santander.
Man United Bowling
They did start with a win in their opening Champions League game two weeks ago in Dinamo Zagreb, coming out on top with a 1-0 victory. However, the nine-time winners of the competition have not won the leading club trophy in Europe since 2002. Users of online betting sites will know all about this.
Mourinho has already won the tournament twice as a manager, once in 2004 with Porto, and more recently in 2010 with Inter Milan. He will be hoping to become the first man to win the competition three times with three different clubs as manager. However, you can certainly see Manchester United Bowling over this current Real squad.
The 'special one' will conclude the last game of his three match ban by UEFA on Wednesday. He was handed the punishment following last season's semi-final defeat to Barcelona, when the Portuguese coach made an outburst about the officiating in the match.
Despite the reports of disagreements in the board room, Real assistant coach Aitor Karanka has confirmed that everyone is together inside the dressing room.
He said: "Everyone at the club is united, not just yesterday but they have been for a long time."
Friday, September 23, 2011
Nani aiming high
Manchester United star Nani has insisted he wants to be likened to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as one of the best players in world football.
The 24-year-old has bloomed at Old Trafford following his move from Portuguese outfit Sporting CP back in 2007, even though it took the winger a while to settle to the style of football in the Premier League.
Now the trickster is considered as one of the top players at United and showed why he is so highly valued when he scored a fabulous goal in the 3-1 victory over Chelsea, in arguably the biggest game of the season so far. Those looking at the Premier League best odds will know he seems to be getting better and better.
Nani played alongside Ronaldo for a short time at Old Trafford and you can see elements of the Real Madrid superstar in his protégé, who is making a name for himself in Europe, with some impressive performances in the Champions League last term. People who bet on Premier League games should bear this in mind.
After a strong start to the Premier League campaign, Nani has revealed some of his high aspirations for the future as he wants to go down as one of the game’s best.
He told Inside United: "That's one dream I've got: to be the best in the world.
"But I don't let it frustrate me. I have other priorities like winning trophies with the team.
"Hopefully, when I have finished playing football, people will say 'Nani was a fantastic player who won a lot of titles and beat records at the club'.
"I know I have the condition to be among the select best players in the world but I have to work hard and show that."
The 24-year-old has bloomed at Old Trafford following his move from Portuguese outfit Sporting CP back in 2007, even though it took the winger a while to settle to the style of football in the Premier League.
Now the trickster is considered as one of the top players at United and showed why he is so highly valued when he scored a fabulous goal in the 3-1 victory over Chelsea, in arguably the biggest game of the season so far. Those looking at the Premier League best odds will know he seems to be getting better and better.
Nani played alongside Ronaldo for a short time at Old Trafford and you can see elements of the Real Madrid superstar in his protégé, who is making a name for himself in Europe, with some impressive performances in the Champions League last term. People who bet on Premier League games should bear this in mind.
After a strong start to the Premier League campaign, Nani has revealed some of his high aspirations for the future as he wants to go down as one of the game’s best.
He told Inside United: "That's one dream I've got: to be the best in the world.
"But I don't let it frustrate me. I have other priorities like winning trophies with the team.
"Hopefully, when I have finished playing football, people will say 'Nani was a fantastic player who won a lot of titles and beat records at the club'.
"I know I have the condition to be among the select best players in the world but I have to work hard and show that."
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