Pre-season Friendly Betting: Hamburg v Valencia

Betfair Live Video / Michael Lintorn / 02 August 2011 / Leave a Comment

Unai Emery has guided Valencia to some impressive pre-season results

"None of Hamburg's 11 games to date have been drawn [[3.65]] and ten have featured over 2.5 goals, which is offered at a tempting [1.86]."

Hamburg and Valencia meet in a glamour friendly in Germany on Tuesday evening, in which Michael Lintorn fancies the visitors to impress once again.

Being the third best team in Spain is no longer considered a great achievement now that it entails finishing over 20 points behind Barcelona and Real Madrid, but there is much to admire about the ability of Valencia to reinvent themselves without missing a beat.

Last season, they survived the departures of David Villa and David Silva despite spending less than half of what they gained in sales by investing what they could afford wisely to retain third ahead of neighbours Villarreal. They are [3.15] to be La Liga's best of the rest again.

A third straight top-three finish will be the toughest of the lot to achieve given the rise of moneybags Malaga, who have signed Ruud van Nistelrooy, Jeremy Toulalan, Santi Cazorla and Valencia duo Joaquin and Isco, though underappreciated coach Unai Emery is the best man to thwart them.

Pre-season preparations have gone fairly well so far, the majority of exits being dictated by the club rather than to them, with prize asset Juan Mata still there and the clause allowing him to leave for £22 million expiring and Real Madrid youngster Sergio Canales the latest of several new additions.

Their friendly form has been strong, with victories and clean sheets achieved against PSV, Leicester and Sporting Lisbon, and only Rapid Wien defeating them, yet they are [3.25] to triumph in their latest away to Hamburg, which is live for Betfair customers to watch at 6.15pm on Betfair Live Video.

Hamburg have had a busy summer themselves, complete with a new boss in Michael Oenning, new sporting director in Frank Arnesen and a load of ex-Chelsea youngsters such as Michael Mancienne, Gokhan Tore and on-loan Jeffrey Bruma.

A mixed pre-season has featured losses to Wolfsburg and Borussia Dortmund, indicating that their odds of [2.3] appeal to lay rather than back. None of their 11 games to date have been drawn [[3.65]] and ten have featured over 2.5 goals, which is offered at a tempting [1.86].

Best Bet: Valencia to win @ [3.25]
Other Recommended Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ [1.86]

There is another hugely appetising friendly that Betfair customers can watch for free on Wednesday, as Barcelona and Bayern Munich contest the Audi Cup Final......

Few pre-season games attract 74,244 fans but this meeting of capital clubs from Germany and Spain is a rare exception that you can watch live on Betfair......

Barcelona are not as certain of victory over South American giants Internacional in the semi-finals of the Audi Cup as their odds suggest, says Michael Lintorn....

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Pre-season Friendly Betting: Barcelona v Bayern Munich

Betfair Live Video / Michael Lintorn / 27 July 2011 / Leave a Comment

Bayern Munich beat Italian champions AC Milan on penalties to earn this tie

"The hosts are taking the tournament more seriously than their guests because it marks their final friendly action before the start of the new campaign."

There is another hugely appetising friendly that Betfair customers can watch for free on Wednesday, as Barcelona and Bayern Munich contest the Audi Cup Final...

This writer's suggestion to lay Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the Audi Cup semi-finals proved shrewd - unlike the under 2.5 goals suggestion for Barca's 2-2 draw with Internacional - but both progressed regardless with the aid of a penalty shootout.

The consequence is that the lucky supporters at the Allianz Arena get to see two giants of European football with four Champions League wins apiece collide in Wednesday night's final, with home advantage enough to render Bayern slight frontrunners to triumph in 90 minutes at [2.74].

Barcelona aren't far behind at [2.78], though it could be judged a surprise that they are outsiders at all given the dominant manner with which they saw off the [1.61] Bundesliga favourites 5-1 on aggregate when they last met in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2008-09.

Counting against Jupp Heynckes' side are poor recent results, their one 90-minute victory in four fixtures coming against fan club Red Bulls Taubenbach. The fact that Barcelona have started pre-season with draws against Hajduk Split and Internacional points to another as the best bet at [3.45].

One other thing worth noting is that the hosts are taking the tournament more seriously than their guests because it marks their final friendly action before the start of the new campaign, and they fielded effectively their strongest available team against AC Milan on Tuesday.

By contrast, Barcelona are without their Copa America stars Dani Alves, Javier Mascherano, Lionel Messi and new signing Alexis Sanchez, and despite the big-name absentees still opted for a mix of experience and youth, so if you play the "draw no bet" market, Bayern appear the sounder option.

There is no favourite when it comes to over/under 2.5 goals, with both options priced at [1.96], but overs looks more attractive as two of their last three clashes have filled that criteria. It is [1.63] that both sides score in this match, which Betfair customers can watch through the Live Video service.

Best Bet: The draw @ [3.45]
Other Recommended Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ [1.96]

Few pre-season games attract 74,244 fans but this meeting of capital clubs from Germany and Spain is a rare exception that you can watch live on Betfair......

Barcelona are not as certain of victory over South American giants Internacional in the semi-finals of the Audi Cup as their odds suggest, says Michael Lintorn....

One of the most enticing friendlies of the summer is available for Betfair customers to watch on Tuesday afternoon as Valencia and PSV meet in the Karnten Cup....

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International Friendly Betting: Australia v Serbia

Internationals / Michael / 06 June 2011 / Leave a Comment

Lucas Neill is back from injury to help Australia maintain their recent form

"Australia are yet to lose in 90 minutes in 2011 and are undefeated in three meetings with European nations."

Serbia aren't short of motivation as they make the long trip to Australia for a reunion with the team that dumped them out of last summer's World Cup and forced them to settle for last place in Group D by beating them 2-1 in Nelspruit.

But while they will be eager to end a testing 12 months that started with failure to justify their tag as dark horses in South Africa and worsened in October with the crowd trouble in Genoa that saw Italy awarded a win over them on a high, there is reason to believe that more disappointment awaits.

The squad that coach Vladimir Petrovic has taken with him to Melbourne for this friendly - which is available for Betfair customers to watch courtesy of Betfair Live Video from 10.30am on Tuesday - is lacking some of his most experienced players, such as Nemanja Vidic, Branislav Ivanovic, Milan Jovanovic, Milos Krasic and Nikola Zigic.

Australia have let some of their household names have a rest too after a tough season in Europe, like Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell, however their selection is far less weakened than Serbia's, with captain Lucas Neill, veteran Brett Emerton and World Cup match-winner Brett Holman all included.

The Socceroos have had an encouraging 2011 to date, reaching the final of the AFC Asian Cup, where they were cruelly denied by Japan in stoppage time, and recovering from that setback with impressive friendly victories over Germany - who destroyed them 4-0 last June - and New Zealand.

They are yet to lose in 90 minutes and are undefeated in three meetings with European nations, triumphing in the last two. Those statistics indicate that they are great value at [2.12] to overcome a Serbia side that lost in South Korea on Friday.

Serbia's form has improved since that shameful night in Italy last autumn though and they have found the net in each of the last eight fixtures that they have been able to fulfil, so over 2.5 goals appears an attractive proposition at odds of [2.12].

Best Bet: Australia to win @ [2.12]
Other Recommended Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ [2.12]

World Cup winners Spain will be without some star players when they travel to the United States, but the hosts themselves will be looking to use many of their squad. Mike Norman gives his brief preview....

Friendly internationals don't come much more appetising than Brazil v Netherlands, and with goals galore expected, Mike Norman can't wait for this one....

Portugal have a chance to draw level with Norway at the top of Group H when the teams meet in Lisbon on Saturday night, writes James Eastham....

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International Friendly Betting: Nigeria v Argentina

Internationals / Michael / 01 June 2011 / Leave a Comment

The absences some of big-name stars from Argentina's squad may mean that players like Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta get a rare chance to impress

Any Argentine players anticipating a heroic reception upon arrival in Abuja will have been in for a shock with the Nigerian media absolutely furious at the lack of big names that the South Americans have sent over for the fixture, with Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria all missing out.

The Nigerian Football Federation claim not to be bothered though, pointing to Saturday's Champions League Final and Sergio Batista's wish to try less experienced players ahead of July's Copa America, which they host and are [2.12] favourites to win on Betfair, and there is no doubting the motivation of the visitors with places in the squad for that tournament up for grabs.

The duo last clashed a year ago at the World Cup, when a full-strength Argentina side strolled to a 1-0 victory that was far more comfortable than the result suggests. The Albiceleste have never been beaten by the Super Eagles in four meetings, winning three and drawing the other, and the African nation have failed to score in the last three.

So while the 22-man Argentina travelling party boast an average of just 2.36 caps a player, there is plenty of reason to believe that the lesser lights given a chance to shine - and there are several established stars still involved, such as Pablo Zabaleta, Nicolas Otamendi and Mario Bolatti - will seize the opportunity at [2.2].

Since the start of 2010, Nigeria have won just one of seven encounters with countries from outside their own continent, and none of their last four. Their performance in South Africa last summer was so poor that their governing body attempted to withdraw them from international competition for two years. It will be a shock if they defeat even a weakened Argentina line-up at [3.9], with the draw looking their best hope at [3.4].

Samson Siasia's team have been prolific of late however, striking in all three of their games in 2011, so as five of Argentina's six matches in that time have involved both nations scoring, that looks like another bet worth pursuing at [1.75].

Best Bet: Argentina to win at [2.2]
Other Recommended Bet: Both teams to score at [1.75]

Late goal shocks Capello's men and the Betfair markets...

The hosts go into their international friendly in Paris on Tuesday night in sensational form, writes James Eastham....

Argentina should have too much quality for Costa Rica when the sides meet in San Jose in the early hours of Wednesday morning (UK time), writes James Eastham....

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International Friendly Betting: England v Ghana

Euro 2012 / Feizal Rahman / 28 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Fabio Capello is set to ring the changes for Tuesday's friendly with Ghana

"England have kept just two clean sheets in Wembley friendlies since 2008, conceding in each of the last five. Eight of these nine non-competitive fixtures have produced at least three goals, with half of those delivering four or more."

After beating Wales comfortably on Saturday, England turn their attention to a Wembley friendly against Ghana on Tuesday evening. With Fabio Capello set to make as many as seven changes, including both centre-backs, Feizal Rahman expects goals.

Having slain the Welsh dragon, England now turn their attention to Tuesday evening's poorly timed friendly against Ghana at Wembley. With a large chunk of Fabio Capello's squad looking ahead to next week's Champions League qualifiers, the Italian is is set to ring the changes.

Five players who started Saturday's comfortable win at the Millennium Stadium have been released with John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney and Michael Dawson all sent back to their respective clubs. Yet, Dawson's Tottenham teammates Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon remain and will be hoping for a starting berth.

Ghana played an African Cup of Nations qualifier in the Republic of Congo on Sunday before flying to London and may also rotate what will be a travel-fatigued squad. The Black Stars have five Premier League players in their group, though AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng is out with an ankle injury.

Match Odds
The prospect of playing at Wembley often provides great incentive for visiting nations and Ghana will be well supported. However, England have seven friendly wins from the last nine at the 90,000 capacity stadium, losing only to France.

England have never faced Ghana but are unbeaten against African nations, winning ten of 14 contests - though eight of those were against the more Mediterranean-style North African sides such as Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia.

Since suffering an agonising elimination by Uruguay in last year's World Cup quarter-finals, Ghana have played six matches - all but one against African opposition - winning three times and losing just the once to South Africa.

Although filled with talent that plies its trade in European leagues, the Black Stars' record against European opposition on the international stage is mediocre. They defeated Serbia at the last World Cup but went on to lose to Germany.

Yet, prior to that in pre-tournament warm-ups, they were convincingly put away by the Netherlands and Bosnia Herzegovina and England look an attractive [1.76] to pick up another home win with Ghana [5.3] and the Draw around [4.0].

Under/Over 2.5 Goals
England have kept just two clean sheets in Wembley friendlies since 2008, conceding in each of the last five. Eight of these nine non-competitive fixtures have produced at least three goals, with half of those delivering four or more. Over 2.5 Goals looks a sound bet at [2.16] with Over 3.5 Goals an In-Play option.

With England's defence lacking both captain John Terry and Michael Dawson, an inexperienced centre-back partnership of Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill will be fielded - the pair sharing ten caps between them. Both Teams to Score can be backed at around [2.1] with 'No' to an England clean sheet available at [1.71].

Half Time
With a tendency to emerge from the traps in lackadaisical manner, England have led at the break in just one of their last four home friendlies, conceding before half time in three of those fixtures and coming from behind to win in two.

Capello's men are a [2.34] lay to win the first half with Ghana around [7.0] to lead after 45 minutes. The Black Stars can also be backed at [3.2] to score the opening Next Goal with the Three Lions at least [9.0] to win from behind.

First Goalscorer
Fabio Capello declared pre-match that Andy Carroll will start up front and the Liverpool striker should be around [6.0] to be First Goalscorer. However, both Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe have an impressive international record of late.

The 6ft 7in frontman has eight in his last ten appearances, with the shorter of the pair hitting four from four. Both will be in the region of [3.0] To Score at any time - as will Ghana's primary attacking threat, Sunderland's Asamoah Gyan.

Top stat: All but one of England's friendly matches under Fabio Capello at Wembley have seen three goals or more scored.

Best bet: Back Over 2.5 Goals @ [2.16]

Recommended bet: Back Both Teams To Score @ [2.1]

Ever wondered how an asian handicap works or what's meant by 'overcoming the handicap'? Read on for a full explanation on how this could prove to be a profitable way to bet ahead of the midweek Euro 2012 qualifiers and...

England beat Wales and Fabio Capello was slightly more adventurous than usual but the qualifying matches for major tournaments continue to be a bit of bore. But that's to be expected, says Richard Aikman....

England did enough to beat Wales this afternoon and are closing in on qualification for Euro 2012....

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International Friendly Betting: Scotland v Brazil

Internationals / Mike Norman / 26 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Charlie Adam will hope to carry his impressive club form over to international level

"Under 2.5 Goals is surprisingly available to back at [2.2] and represents the best way of making a profit from this game – four of Brazil’s last five international friendlies have ended this way."

An experimental Brazil side should still be too good for a defensive-minded Scotland side says Mike Norman, but don't expect too many goals in this international friendly.

Scotland don't resume their Euro 2012 qualifying bid until September but a stern test most definitely awaits them when they face Brazil at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Scotland boss Craig Levein has added prolific Peterborough striker Craig Mackail-Smith to his squad after Stephen Naismith's withdrawal left Kenny Miller as the only fit recognised front man. Levein also has injury worries over midfield duo Scott Brown and James Morrison but both are expected to be passed fit for the game no player ever wants to miss.

Brazil coach Mano Menezes is expected to field an experimental line-up as he prepares his side for the Copa America which commences in July. AC Milan's Robinho - who captained the side in Brazil's last friendly - has been left out of the squad, whilst his club teammate Pato will miss the game because of an ankle injury. Uncapped youngster Leandro Damiao could be given his international debut in attack after impressing for his club side Internacional this season.

Scotland will be buoyed after recording back-to-back 3-0 victories over the Faroe Islands and Northern Ireland respectively, but this game represents a huge step up in class and a draw is arguably the best they can hope for. The Scots are available to back at [9.8] in the Match Odds market with Brazil the overwhelming favourites at [1.43] and The Draw at [4.8].

Levein was heavily criticised for fielding a 4-6-0 formation against the Czech Republic last year, and although he is unlikely to start with an equally negative formation this time, he is expected to pack the midfield, with the impressive Charlie Adam handed the job of protecting the back four. Expect a low-scoring encounter then as the Scots try to keep an unfamiliar Brazil side - and one that will be much changed as the game goes on - at bay. Under 2.5 Goals is surprisingly available to back at [2.2] and represents the best way of making a profit from this game - four of Brazil's last five international friendlies have ended this way.

In the Correct Score market, the 1-0 - available to back at [8.4] - and 2-0 ([6.8]) to Brazil options are worth considering, though I wouldn't put anyone off having a few quid on the 0-0 scoreline at [17.0].

Recommended Bet: Back Under 2.5 Goals at [2.2]

With such a long break between international matches it can be difficult to keep up to speed with Fabio Capello's team. Michael Cox assesses the 12 matches England have played in the last year and makes four key conclusions....

Wales hit by injury blow as Spurs star is omitted from squad for Saturday's match......

After spending a year out of the job, John Terry has been reinstated as England captain on a permanent basis....

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International Friendly Betting: Argentina v Portugal

Internationals / Tobias Gourlay / 08 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

I Believe in Meireles: The Liverpool midfielder has scored four times already this year.

"Meireles has scored four times in his last five Premier League appearances."

Tobias Gourlay explains why you should look beyond Ronaldo and Messi for your value bet on Wednesday's big match in Geneva.

Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi. The first meeting of Portugal and Argentina since 1972. What a momentous occasion this could have been. If only it wasn't a friendly being played in Switzerland. Expect more neutrals than partisans in Geneva on Wednesday night.

Messi might be injured too. With Aguero, Tevez and Higuain already missing, this will only encourage Argentina's coach, Sergio Batista, to use another one of his fringe players. That's usually the point of friendlies these days, but this one was supposed to be a money-spinner.

At least Paulo Bento's playing ball. The Portugal coach has chosen Ronaldo, Nani and even Ricardo Quaresma in his squad. Bento has won his first three games in charge and might exploit the good club form of Liverpool's Raul Meireles in this match.

Meireles has scored four times in his last five Premier League appearances. The international scoring records of Messi and Ronaldo are not as good as you might think and, if he starts, Meireles will be a more appealing bet in the To Score market at [8.0] or more.

Argentina only conceded twice in seven friendlies in 2010. Remember, though, that Diego Maradona, who liked to play up to four centre-backs in the same team, was in charge for most of those games. Batista's tactical plan is not yet fully developed.

While that is the case - and while he is up against another novice coach - bettors should be cautious, especially over friendlies in which he has said he will be experimenting. Portugal look much better value at [3.25] than Argentina at [2.46], if you must get involved in Match Odds betting.

Best Bet: Back Raul Meireles To Score at [8.0]

France and Brazil have produced some great games down the years, but this one is unlikely to join the canon, says Tobias Gourlay....

Tobias Gourlay has identified one player who could be the difference between Germany and Italy on Wednesday night....

Tobias Gourlay explains why you should look beyond Ronaldo and Messi for your value bet on Wednesday's big match in Geneva....

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International Friendly Betting: Germany v Italy

Internationals / Tobias Gourlay / 08 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Klose encounter: One goal might make all the difference in Dortmund.

"Klose doesn’t let a lack of club form impact his international performances and he has scored in 7/9 appearances for his country since the start of last summer’s World Cup."

Tobias Gourlay has identified one player who could be the difference between Germany and Italy on Wednesday night.

Germany have a good opportunity to end a 16-year winless streak against Italy on Wednesday night.

Italy's coach, Cesare Prandelli, has already named his team. Without Andrea Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso and Mario Balotelli, he is giving a debut to Thiago Motta and reuniting former Sampdoria colleagues Giampaolo Pazzini and Antonio Cassano upfront.

Giuseppe Rossi, highly rated in these parts, might have started as the third forward in a 4-3-3, but Prandelli is concerned about his squad's fitness levels. He is also aware that the formation is a work in progress. Expect substitutions early and often.

The Azzurri haven't won an away friendly in more than five years (W0-D4-L3). Some big players missed training for Germany on Tuesday - Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Muller, Ozil and Khedira among them - but if Joachim Low names a strong starting lineup the Mannschaft's [1.88] win price will be justified.

Six of those seven Italy games have stayed Under 2.5 Goals, so a single goal could make a difference on Wednesday. In that case, who better to have in your team than Miroslav Klose?

Mario Gomez is definitely out and Low has said that Klose will start in his place. The veteran hasn't played a full match for Bayern Munich this year, so the coach might let him play most of tomorrow's game. Klose doesn't let a lack of club form impact his international performances and he has scored in 7/9 appearances for his country since the start of last summer's World Cup. Keep an eye out for clues about how Low plans to use him, but [3.0] might be too long a price on him in the To Score market.

Best Bet: Back Miroslav Klose To Score at [3.0] v Italy

France and Brazil have produced some great games down the years, but this one is unlikely to join the canon, says Tobias Gourlay....

Tobias Gourlay has identified one player who could be the difference between Germany and Italy on Wednesday night....

Tobias Gourlay explains why you should look beyond Ronaldo and Messi for your value bet on Wednesday's big match in Geneva....

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International Friendly Betting: France v Brazil

Internationals / Tobias Gourlay / 08 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Brazil's defence is strengthened by the return of Julio Cesar for the first time since last summer's World Cup.

"13 of the Selecao’s 15 friendlies with European nations have also stayed Under 2.5 Goals."

France and Brazil have produced some great games down the years, but this one is unlikely to join the canon, says Tobias Gourlay.

France have a good record against Brazil, winning their last four competitive meetings. The pair have drawn their most recent couple of friendlies together, but that shouldn't stop Laurent Blanc pursuing a fifth successive victory as France coach.

Wins are hard to come by against Brazil, however. Although they lost a friendly to Argentina in November, they have been beaten in only 4/45 such games anywhere since 2000.

"I like my team to have the ball, dictate the game and score goals. I like to see players pushing forward as a unit. It makes the game more enjoyable to play, and to watch as well, doesn't it?" Hearing that from Blanc, you might almost be tempted to watch this match.

But beware: 15 of Les Bleus' last 17 home friendlies have finished with Under 2.5 Goals. Blanc is not to blame for this, but some of his players might be.

Outside South America this century, 13 of the Selecao's 15 friendlies with European nations have also stayed Under 2.5 Goals. Again, the new coach, Mano Menezes is not directly accountable, but, even though some big-name defenders are missing from both sides - Patrice Evra, Lucio and Maicon among them - it will be a brave punter that bucks both of these trends.

Best Bet: Back Under 2.5 Goals at [1.76]

France and Brazil have produced some great games down the years, but this one is unlikely to join the canon, says Tobias Gourlay....

Tobias Gourlay has identified one player who could be the difference between Germany and Italy on Wednesday night....

Tobias Gourlay explains why you should look beyond Ronaldo and Messi for your value bet on Wednesday's big match in Geneva....

Play Casino & Poker here