Cheltenham Results: Whisky wins again at Cheltenham

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Cheltenham Results: Hurricane flies in the Champion Hurdle

Hurricane Fly, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, won the Champion Hurdle, the feature race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival...

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Cheltenham Festival Results: In-play and antepost highs and lows from day one

All the info you need to know from the Betfair markets on the first day at Cheltenham 

Supreme Novices' Hurdle
Winner:  Champagne Fever 
Betfair Starting Price:  5.95/1 
Antepost High of Winner:  270.0269/1 
Notable In-Running Highs and Lows: My Tent or Yours traded at a low of 1.511/2 in-running; Champagne Fever backed at 16.015/1 

Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase
Winner:  Simonsig 
Betfair Starting Price: 1.564/7 
Antepost High of Winner:  13.5n/a
Notable In-Running Highs and Lows: Simonsig touched evens in-running; huge outside Baily Green hit a low of 2.265/4 

JLT Speciality Handicap Chase
Winner:  Golden Chieftain
Betfair Starting Price: 28.69n/a
Antepost High of Winner: 90.089/1
Notable In-Running Highs and Lows: White Star Line touched 1.558/15 in-running

Champion Hurdle 
Winner:  Hurricane Fly 
Betfair Starting Price: 2.83n/a
Antepost High of Winner:  10.09/1
Notable In-Running Highs and Lows: Zarkandar backed at 2.26/5; Rock on Ruby at 2.68/5; Hurricane Fly touched 11.010/1  

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Cheltenham Results: Champagne moment for Walsh in the Supreme

Ruby Walsh delivered a masterclass from the front as he guided Champagne Fever to success in the opening race of Cheltenham 2013...

Champagne Fever, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, won the William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle, the first race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.

Last season's Champion Bumper winner doubled up with a game display under Ruby Walsh to strike for Irish trainer Willie Mullins.

My Tent Or Yours appeared to be going much the better at the final flight, but Champagne Fever kept finding more and held the favourite by half a length.

Jezki was third, a further two and a quarter lengths away, as the big meeting finally got going after a 35-minute delay caused by the Arctic weather.

Walsh said: "He jumped like a stag and travelled really well."

As expected, Champagne Fever took the field along from his stablemate Un Atout, with My Tent Or Yours third.

There was little change in the order as the 12-strong line-up bunched up at the top of the hill.

My Tent Or Yours looked as though he could take the leader whenever his rider Tony McCoy wanted, but Walsh and Champagne Fever had other ideas and ran out worthy winners.

Walsh said: "It's magic - he just came alive the last fortnight.

"I didn't ride him work last week but I was watching him work at the Curragh with Willie and we both kind of looked at each other. It was scintillating.

"Patrick (Mullins, trainer's son) has always maintained he was a two-miler and an out-and-out galloper - he was dead right.

"He wasn't doing a whole lot in front, but I knew AP (McCoy) was coming to me as I could feel the crowd revving up.

"But, in fairness, when AP got to him, he stuck his head down and away he went again."

Mullins said: "It was a very brave performance from the horse to lead like that and jump like that.

"Ruby said he heard Tony McCoy coming up behind him and the horse just took off with him.

"He knew he'd lots of horse. Ruby was trying to steady it and ride a tactical race - he obviously got it spot-on.

"It was fantastic to watch him coming up the hill."

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Cheltenham Results: Simonsig scores in the Arkle Chase

Simonsig, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Barry Geraghty, won the Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase at the Cheltenham Festival...

Unbeaten in two previous starts over fences, Nicky Henderson's dashing grey was the market leader and travelled powerfully throughout in the hands of Barry Geraghty.

Despite making a jumping error heading down the back straight, the seven-year-old was still cruising heading down the hill and was left in front after Overturn blundered his way over the third-last.

There was still time for a scare for odds-on backers, though, as outsider Baily Green tracked him into the straight.

But Simonsig found enough after the final fence to seal a two-and-a-quarter-length triumph.

Geraghty said: "He rallied really well, in fairness to him."

Simonsig was already a previous Festival winner, having claimed the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle 12 months ago, but had not run over fences in public since December.

Overturn, a winner of numerous big races on the Flat and over hurdles, had won each of his first three starts over fences.

And while he went with his usual enthusiasm for a long way, Simonsig appeared to have his measure when a bad mistake stopped him in his tracks.

The most disappointing horse in the race was Willie Mullins' Arvika Ligeonniere, who travelled and jumped soundly for the first half of the contest before stopping very quickly at the top of the hill.

Geraghty said: "It was harder work than I thought. The ground is dead, and maybe that didn't help.

"He missed one down the back and that was unlike him.

"He was very good at the second-last and tight at the last.

"It didn't set the headlines as we thought he might, but he was very good."

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Premier League Results: Hat-trick hero Van Persie carries United to 74-1 win

"United are the in-play punter's best friend, and you simply cannot discount them when faced with a losing position."

There's in-play carnage at Southampton as Robin van Persie-powered Manchester United pull off a dramatic win on Sir Alex Ferguson's 1,000th match in charge

Manchester United were backed at 75.074/1 in-play on Betfair as Robin van Persie carried his new team to a classic come from behind win.

The Dutch master scored a hat-trick - backed at 26.025/1 to do so - and also missed a penalty as United twice came from behind to deny Southampton a stirring victory. The home side were lively throughout, going ahead twice and deserved something from the game.

But United are the in-play punter's best friend, and you simply cannot discount them when faced with a losing position. Two goals in the last four minutes took the Reds to their second win of the season and crushed in-running backers of the home side at 1.251/4. The 3-2 final score was backed at 50.049/1.

United are 3.1511/5 to win the Premier League. Van Persie is 4.03/1 to win another golden boot.

There was a win for a title rival in the day's early kick-off at Anfield as Arsenal won their first match of the campaign and kept their third consecutive clean sheet to boot.

In arguably their toughest fixture yet, the Gunners denied Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and co to reward backers of an away win to nil at 12.011/1 on Betfair.

Arsenal are 15.014/1 to win the Premier League and 1.774/5 for a top-four finish. Liverpool can be backed at around 5.04/1 to end the seaosn in the Champions League places.

In the day's other game, Aston Villa picked up their first point of the campaign after a 1-1 draw with Newcastle. Villa traded at a low of 1.75/7 before Hatem Ben Arfa scored a screamer to equalise.

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Premier League Results: Norwich victory stuns Tottenham

Premier League / Mike Norman / 09 April 2012 / Leave a Comment

Anthony Pilkington celebrates his goal against Tottenham

"Alan Pardew’s men recorded their fifth successive victory in the Premier League thanks to a wonderful solo effort from Hatem Ben Arfa and another strike from ‘bargain’ buy Papiss Cisse."

Norwich stun Tottenham, Newcastle record a fifth successive win, and Everton thrash Sunderland on an afternoon of Premier League action.

Tottenham remain in the final Champions League qualifying slot, but only just after they surprisingly lost at home to Norwich this afternoon.

Spurs were available to back at just [1.32] prior to kick-off but found themselves behind inside 15 minutes after Anthony Pilkington put the Canaries in front. Jermain Defoe equalised shortly before half time but the expected dominance never came, in fact it was Norwich who deservedly grabbed the winner in the second half through Elliott Bennett.

Norwich were matched at [14.0] to win the game, whilst the 1-2 Correct Score was backed at [50.0] In-Play.

The reason Spurs cling narrowly onto fourth place in the table is because of Newcastle's 2-0 victory over Bolton at the Sports Direct Arena. Alan Pardew's men recorded their fifth successive victory in the Premier League thanks to a wonderful solo effort from Hatem Ben Arfa and another strike from 'bargain' buy Papiss Cisse.

The Magpies are level on points with Tottenham having played 33 games apiece but stay in fifth place because of a worse goal difference. The 2-0 Correct Score was backed at a high of [18.5], with a home victory touching [3.35] In-Play.

In the Top Four Finish market Newcastle can now be backed at [4.6] having been matched at a massive [100.0] at the start of the season. Tottenham are available to back at [1.7] with Chelsea - who face Fulham this evening - at [2.64]

In the afternoon's other game, Everton thrashed Sunderland 4-0 to confirm their recent dominance over the Black Cats. This is the 18th game in a row that the Toffees have failed to lose to Sunderland, recording 13 wins in that time. A win for David Moyes' men was backed at [2.4] with an Everton Win to Nil matched at a top price of [3.4].

Two teams who have seriously under-achieved this campaign meet on Tueday night and it's hard to pick a winner. The draw is over-priced anyway so it makes sense to think a share of the spoils is on the cards, says...

After Mario Balotelli's red card yesterday, and Wayne Rooney's extended run without a yellow card, Ralph Ellis makes a case for discipline being a vital factor in this season's title race....

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FA Cup & Champions League Results: Patient Spurs and Chelsea rewarded

Champions League / Maxliu / 27 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

FA Cup wins for Spurs and Everton set up exciting semi-finals and Chelsea pull off excellent away victory in Portugal...

Tottenham Hotspur are [3.6] to win the FA Cup and Chelsea are [1.14] to win their Champions League quarter-final after second-half goals earned important victories for both London clubs.

The Blues will be especially pleased with their 1-0 win over Benfica in Portugal. The away side were matched at [6.4] and they had to work very hard in every department to achieve an excellent win. Salomon Kalou scored the game's only goal with 15 minutes remaining, finishing from Fernando Torres' smart pass.

It was a fantastic result for caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo who freshened up his side after the weekend's draw with Spurs. The gamble pulled off with Raul Meireles and Torres both impressing. Chelsea can now be backed at [11.0] to win the Champions League. Real Madrid, who were matched at [2.7] for their 3-0 victory away to APOEL, can be backed at [3.4] to reclaim Europe's biggest prize.

The FA Cup semi-finals should be feisty affairs with Spurs set to play Chelsea and Everton meeting Liverpool, following this evening's results.

Bolton provided stern resistance against Spurs' stellar attacking talents for 73 minutes before Ryan Nelsen rewarded those who matched him at [55.0] in the first goalscorer market.

In fact, a flurry of late goals meant that a number of long odds bets came in as Gareth Bale scored Spurs' second and Kevin Davies notched a Bolton consolation before an injury time strike from Louis Saha meant that 3-1, matched at a whopping [290.00], was the correct score.

Everton were by far the better team in their FA Cup quarter-final replay away to Sunderland. David Moyes team scored a goal in each half- the first from Nikica Jelavic, the second an own goal by David Vaughan - as they set up a mouthwatering semi against their local rivals. Everton can be backed at [5.5] to win the competition they last lifted in 1995.

David Luiz and Ramires are both returning to their old stomping ground and could prove the key to Chelsea's success......

James Eastham expects an entertaining encounter in Portugal on Tuesday evening....

Chelsea fans may think they dodged something of a bullet by drawing Benfica but there are good stats to suggest the Portuguese outfit shouldn't be too disppapointed with the draw themselves, says Matthew Walton....

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Cheltenham Festival Results: Thursday March 15

Results & Reviews / Editor / 15 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Get all the day three results here

All the in-play and ante-post highs and lows on day two of the 2012 Cheltenham Festival, including Timeform in-running analysis...

The Jewson Novices Steeplechase
Winner: Sir Des Champs
Betfair Starting Price: [4.7]
Antepost High of Winner: [30.0]
Notable In-Running Highs and Lows: Sir Des Champs matched at [5.52]; Champion Court matched at [2.0]

Sir Des Champs demonstrated a combination of speed and stamina to land the opening race on Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival, landing the Jewson Chase from the gallant Champion Court in second. Champion Court took the field along in the early stages with Zaynar just in behind the leader. Sir Des Champs also raced relatively prominently with Peddlers Cross making his way around the inside. As they turned for home, Champion Court was still travelling well at the head of affairs but Sir Des Champs was looming up in behind, with the majority of other rivals beaten, including the disappointing Peddlers Cross. Sir Des Champs jumped the last alongside Champion Court and stormed up the hill with ahead of his main rival. For Non Stop finished back in third.

Pertemps Final
Winner: Cape Tribulation
Betfair Starting Price: [21.86]
Antepost High of Winner: [50.0]
Notable In-Running Highs and Lows: Cape Tribulation backed at [29.0], Cantlow traded at [2.12] in-running and Catch Me at [3.0]

Cape Tribulation finished best of all to land the Pertemps Final, battling on well to deny Catch Me and Cantlow inside the final furlong. Buena Vista took the field along in the early stages with Palace Jester for company, whilst the likes of Sergeant Guibs and Our Father were held up. With a circuit to go, Palace Jester and Buena Vista remained at the head of affairs with Kayf Aramis just in behind the leaders and travelling comfortably. As the field turned for home, Buena Vista quickly faded out of contention and Kayf Aramis took over with the emerging Cantlow but Cape Tribulation loomed up, looking the most likely danger to the leading group. Cape Tribulation found plenty for pressure inside the closing stages, and battled all the way to the line, holding off Catch Me, who finished well in second.

Sir Des Champs maintained his unbeaten record for Willie Mullins with a clear-cut victory in the Jewson Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival......

Day two of the Cheltenham Festival belonged to Nicky Henderson, who saddled four of the seven winners including Finian's Rainbow in the Champion Chase. Timeform look back at the action and reveal their provisional performance ratings for the winners......

Finian's Rainbow continued a magical afternoon for trainer Nicky Henderson and jockey Barry Geraghty as he landed the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham......

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Premier League Results: Vital wins for Rovers and Bolton

Premier League / Maxliu / 10 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Are Blackburn running away from danger?

"Wolves look doomed and bettors have slashed their relegation odds to [1.39]."

Rovers and Wanderers pick up three vital points each against relegation rivals as Wolves look sunk and Hughes seethes. Meanwhile, O'Neill outfoxes Dalglish and Drogba earns three points for Chelsea...

It was an afternoon for unders backers in the Premier League as three of six fixtures - not inlcuding Everton v Tottenham -ended 1-0. However, there were big wins near the bottom of the table for two teams from the north west.

You can get [2.54] on Bolton to go down but Queens Park Rangers are in to [1.37] after their controversial defeat against at the Reebok Stadium. Mark Hughes was furious after the away side were denied a first-half goal even though Clint Hill's header had clearly crossed the line. The incident will reignite the debate about goal-line technology and video replays but Hughes' concerns are more immediate: his team are now in the drop zone as Bolton climb out following their win. They had Darren Pratley and Ivan Klasnic, who struck in the 86th minute, to thank for a victory which was matched at [8.2].

Blackburn were matched at [3.6] as they collected a crucial three points. Rovers kept their first clean sheet of the season at the Molineux as Junior Hoillet struck twice - one in each half. Rovers are up to 16th in the table, once place above Bolton, and are trading at 2.66 for the drop. Wolves, meanwhile, look doomed and bettors have slashed their relegation odds to [1.39].

Sunderland were matched at [6.0] as they edge out Liverpool at the Stadium of Light thanks to Nicklas Bendtner's second-half strike. This was the Reds second defeat in a row, following their Carling Cup triumph, and Sunderland are now just two points behind them in eighth place.

Roberto Di Matteo picked up his first Premier League win as Chelsea boss against ten man Stoke at Stamford Bridge. The Blues, who were matched at [1.69], had Didier Drgoba to thank as he struck the game's only goal in the second-half.

There was late drama at Villa Park as the hosts touched [20.0] before Andreas Weimann's first Premier League goal earned them all three points against Fulham.

Everton narrowly beat Tottenham at Goodison Park to blow the race to finish in the top four wide open......

Of all the matches in the Premier League this weekend, this is as close to a home banker as you might get. Wigan are in deep trouble whereas Norwich keep on showing they can more than compete at this level...

Tottenham's run of two straight defeats in the league has been talked about as a mini-crisis and though a trip to Goodison Park is never easy, Harry Redknapp's men are good for at least a point. Emmanuel Adebayor will be...

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Saturday Racing: Results and Odds Report

Daily Racing Info / Editor / 10 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

We report on two races from Sandown (above) on Saturday

Next week, we'll be providing race results and reports on starting prices, in-running highs and lows throughout the Cheltenham Festival. Today, we've selected four key races to give you a taster of the service you can expect...

Sandown 14:05

Winner: Ambion Wood

Betfair SP: [16.9]

In-running high on winner: [100.00] £1; [44.0] £4

Favourite Dualla Lord made mistakes at the second and third flights of hurdles, setting himself an uphill task from then on. Carrigmorna King, also prominent in the market, raced up with the pace and travelled well, potentially covering the fact that eventual winner Ambion Wood was moving equally as powerfully before moving into the lead between the final two hurdles.

Wolverhampton 14:20

Winner: Libys Dream

Betfair SP: [24.2]

In-running high on winner: [28.0]

Notable lows: Belgian Bill [1.05]

Market leader Belgian Bill looked the most likely winner on turning into the straight, having travelled well in fourth position before taking up the running. However, Libys Dream, under Richard Kingscote, met some trouble on the turn and had to wait for a run before finishing particularly quickly in the final furlong to get up and beat Belgian Bill by a head.

Sandown 15:15

Winner: Paintball

Betfair SP: [38.1]

In-running high on winner: [55.0]

Paintball, trained by Charlie Longsdon, landed one of the most competitive handicap hurdles of the season under jockey Noel Fehily at Sandown. The five-year-old "scraped the paint" for much of the race, travelling on the rail, before Fehily extracted him on turning for home. He just had to wait for a gap to appear between a pair of his rivals and looked to have a fight on his hands as Sire de Grugy loomed up before the penultimate hurdle, but Paintball, having had a wind operation since his last start, jumped well and sprinted clear before the final flight, keeping on strongly to the line.

Wolverhampton 15:30

Winner: Nazreef

Betfair SP: [16.0]

In-running high on winner: [480.00] £3

Notable lows: Kingscroft [1.05]

Nazreef traded at a colossal [480.0] in-running, as turning for home the Mark Johnston-trained Kingscroft looked to be the most likely winner. Nazreef, having disputed the lead throughout with Amitola, fought back admirably once headed to regain the lead on the line, denying Kingscroft who went to an in-running low of [1.05].

All the betting moves ahead of the evening racing at Wolverhampton and Dundalk...

All the betting moves ahead of today's racing at Ayr, Leicester, Sandown and Wincanton...

Racecourse: Wincanton First Race Time: 14:00 Going: Good to Soft, Good in places Other Information: Dry overnight, dry and cloudy today....

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Premier League Results: Spurs come unstuck as Toffees triumph

Premier League / Mike Norman / 10 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Nikica Jelavic scores his first goal in an Everton shirt

"Two of these three clubs will almost certainly claim a Top 4 Finish; Tottenham can be backed at [1.3], Arsenal at [1.54] and Chelsea at [2.22]."

Everton narrowly beat Tottenham at Goodison Park to blow the race to finish in the top four wide open...

Everton tonight gave David Moyes the perfect anniversary present as they condemned Tottenham to a third successive defeat in the Premier League.

Moyes, celebrating 10 years in charge at Goodison Park, saw his side add to their recent home victories over Manchester City and Chelsea by beating Spurs thanks to a solitary Nikica Jelavic goal.

A very quiet opening to the game burst into life just after the 20 minute mark when Marouane Fellaini's shot was superbly saved by Brad Friedel. Moments later Leon Osman got clear in the box and played a neat sideways pass to Jelavic who side-footed home from 12 yards for his first goal as an Everton player. The Croatian was matched at [11.0] in the First Goalscorer market.

Tottenham huffed and puffed in the second half but rarely created a decent goal-scoring opportunity; the Everton victory being matched at a high of [3.6] In-Play with the 1-0 Correct Score backed at [11.0].

The win takes Everton up to ninth in the Premier League table but the real interest is five or six places higher up where Spurs remain in third place just four points ahead of London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. The Gunners have a game in hand.

Two of these three clubs will almost certainly claim a Top 4 Finish; Tottenham can be backed at [1.3], Arsenal at [1.54] and Chelsea at [2.22].

Rovers and Wanderers pick up three vital points each against relegation rivals as Wolves look sunk and Hughes seethes. Meanwhile, O'Neill outfoxes Dalglish and Drogba earns three points for Chelsea......

Of all the matches in the Premier League this weekend, this is as close to a home banker as you might get. Wigan are in deep trouble whereas Norwich keep on showing they can more than compete at this level...

Tottenham's run of two straight defeats in the league has been talked about as a mini-crisis and though a trip to Goodison Park is never easy, Harry Redknapp's men are good for at least a point. Emmanuel Adebayor will be...

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Europa League Results: Manchester United wounded by Athletic Bilbao masterclass

Premier League / Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 08 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Chris Smalling was subbed after aggravating a head wound but it was United who were delivered the body blows

"The final scoreline was backed at 140.0 and Bilbao go into the second leg as hot favourites to qualify given United will have to win by two clear goals or replicate a 3-2 away win to take them through to extra time."

Both Manchesters lost in the Europa League tonight but whereas City are still favourites to progress despite their 1-0 loss in Lisbon, United have it all to do after a 3-2 defeat at home to Athletic Bilbao.

Athletic Bilbao were matched at [28.0] on Betfair after going a goal down to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney opened the scoring after Javier Hernandez's shot inside the box was parried into his path by Bilbao keeper Gorka Iraizoz when it had been the Spanish outfit who had dominated the early exchanges. But Fernando Llorente, certain to be an important part of Spain's squad at Euro 2012 this summer headed them level after Phil Jones left him unmarked in the box. Oscar De Marcos put Bilbao ahead in the second half even though there was a hint of off-side and Iker Muniain added a third after reacting quicker than Rafael to a shot saved by David de Gea. Despite conceding three, United's goalkeeper was probably United's best player on the night, such was Bilbao's dominance and so high was the number of clear-cut chances they created.

But United were dealt a lifeline in injury-time when De Marcos handled in the box and Rooney scored his second of the night from the spot. He was matched at 6.6 to get two or more goals. The final scoreline was backed at [140.0] and Bilbao go into the second leg as hot favourites to qualify given United will have to win by two clear goals or replicate a 3-2 away win to take them through to extra time. United are [5.2] to qualify and out to [13.0] to win the Europa League, having been backed at a low of [3.7] on the same market. Bilbao are [7.4] to win this year's edition.

The tournament favourites are still Manchester City at [4.3]. They also lost tonight, 1-0 at the hands of Sporting Lisbon, but their task is far easier by virtue of the fact the return leg is at home and that the Portuguese outfit don't look nearly as impressive as the La Liga side. City lost their skipper Vincent Kompany early on to injury and never really recovered from the blow. Their football was predictable and in the absences of Yaya Toure (suspended) and Mario Balotelli (on as a late substitute) they never really got going. Sporting were matched at [6.0] to win the game and [17.0] to win 1-0 but City remain favourites to progress at [1.6].

Elsewhere, Valencia (matched at 1.78) are in a commanding position after beating PSV 4-2 at home, Atletico Madrid (1.42) got the better of Besiktas by 3-1 and Steve McClaren's Twente beat Schalke 1-0.

Jaymes Monte talks you through the Opta stats for a huge game at the bottom of the Premier League table......

It is widely claimed that Arsenal have reached an agreement with Lukas Podolski and current side Koln to bring the German forward to the Emirates......

The Special One would be welcomed by Chelsea fans but he's smart enough to know you can't step in the same river twice and might prefer to wait for another Premier League job. Max Liu explains why you should never,...

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Weekend Round-Up: Strong line-ups equal strong results

Premier League / Ralph Ellis / 20 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Squad rotation was unheard of during Liverpool's successful 1984 season

"Sunday was the first time Dalglish has been able to start Suarez, Andy Carroll and Steven Gerrard in the same side and that might just give some momentum to make [4.4] for a top four finish some real value."

Both Norwich and Tottenham made changes ahead of their FA Cup ties last weekend, and both failed to win, whilst Arsenal left out their first choice goalkeeper. Ralph Ellis discusses team selections.

George Orwell thought 1984 would be when Big Brother Is Watching You. In the event Big Brother was probably too busy watching Liverpool.

The Reds played 66 games that season as their team won a treble of the League, the European Cup and the League cup. When I say the team, that is the right word - definitely not the squad. They used only 15 players in that epic season - and one of them, David Hodgson, started only one of the 42 matches in the old First Division.

I suspect the memories of that campaign have helped form Kenny Dalglish's view that, by and large, he doesn't do rotation when it comes to picking teams for Cup matches. Goalkeeper Pepe Reina made his 34th appearance in Liverpool's 6-1 romp over Brighton yesterday out of 34 matches in the season so far, and it's a certainty he'll take that record to 35 in Sunday's Carling Cup final.

Incidentally there was probably one more memory of 1984 that informed Dalglish's selection for yesterday's game and that was the one black spot when they got knocked out of the FA Cup in the fourth round - by Brighton. It was one that, very rarely, he missed because of injury but enough to drive home the point that the threat of an upset is always there.

Liverpool's commitment to cup competitions has been clear since they began the Carling Cup campaign at Exeter back in August with Reina in goal and Luis Suarez in the starting line-up. It's why I think the Reds deserve to be [1.43] favourite for Sunday's meeting with Cardiff and ought to be clear favourite rather than second at [3.85] for the FA Cup.

Dalglish is still talking optimistically of a treble with a top four finish too. His side are only four points off the Champions League places at the moment. Significantly Sunday was the first time he's been able to start Suarez, Andy Carroll and Steven Gerrard in the same side and that might just give some momentum to make [4.4] for a top four finish some real value among the clubs chasing the Champions League.

I'm not saying Dalglish hasn't used the chance to give some squad players a game in the knockout matches. It's just you sense he always picks a team to win the game, rather than choose one which might win.

Norwich, for instance, have done great things in their first season back in the Premier League but boss Paul Lambert was clearly not too bothered about getting through Saturday's tie with Leicester. He gave England youth goalkeeper Jed Steer a game among four changes and duly got beaten 2-1.

And what was Arsene Wenger doing with Lukasz Fabianski in goal at Sunderland? Doesn't giving the second string goalkeeper a game send out the message that this match doesn't really matter quite as much?

But it should have mattered. A 2-0 defeat means it's now seven years without a trophy and the critics who have been picking at Wenger were out in force on Saturday night. Wenger has two years of his contract left and, quite rightly, has the support of the board if not a growing band of fans who want change. Arsenal are in the top four currently, but would you back them even at [2.76] to stay there?

Wenger's critics hate his insistence on signing kids for the future rather than established stars for the present. Ironically it was one of those prospects, Japanese teenager Ryo Miyaichi, who got one of the goals for Bolton that clinched a 2-0 win at Millwall. He was part of a strong side selected by Owen Coyle who must have fancied that a Cup quarter-final would boost confidence for the relegation fight. Bolton are currently [1.8] to go down.

Tony Pulis knows all about marathon seasons. Yesterday's 2-0 win at Crawley was Stoke's 41st game of the season and they have at least another 15 to go. He's also followed the principle of trying to win cup games rather than not caring - skipper Ryan Shawcross has missed only six of them while striker Jon Walters, who tucked away the first goal from the penalty spot, has played in 40.

I love Stoke's attitude and between [7.4] and [15.5] in the early market for them to turn round a 1-0 deficit and qualify over Valencia in the Europa League on Thursday has to be the best long odds punt of the week.

Tottenham are [3.75] favourites for the FA Cup despite still needing a replay over Stevenage to take their place in the quarter-finals. Harry Redknapp did make loads of changes for yesterday's tie and it showed. Surprising, really. He might not know too much about George Orwell's version of 1984, but I bet he could name every one of Liverpool's 15 players!

Lifelong Man City fan Lee Dixon believes most City players would be prepared to forgive Carlos Tevez if the Argentinian returned to the team in goalscoring form......

Arsenal have endured a miserable few days and, unless they buck their ideas up very quickly, they could be humiliated by their local rivals on Sunday, says Richard Aikman....

Norwich have been one of the surprise teams in the Premier League, thanks in no small part to John Ruddy, says Hannah Duncan. Next stop, England?...

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FA Cup Results: Sunderland too good for hapless Arsenal

FA Cup / Mike Norman / 18 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Kieran Richardson celebrates Sunderland's opening goal against Arsenal

"Martin O’Neill’s much improved outfit can be backed at [8.8] in the FA Cup Winner market."

Similar to last year, Arsenal's season is falling apart in no time at all thanks to a FA Cup exit at the hands of Sunderland.

Arsenal suffered their second cup disappointment in four days thanks to a 2-0 loss to Sunderland at a blustery Stadium of Light this evening.

After losing 4-0 to AC Milan in midweek - a result that effectively ends their Champions League aspirations - the Gunners knew that the FA Cup was their only realistic chance of silverware this season. But despite an improved passing display Arsene Wenger's men looked disjointed defensively, an aspect of their play that has come in for so much criticism in recent years.

Sunderland took the lead five minutes before the break. An in-swinging free-kick was headed clear by Thomas Vermaelen only for Kieran Richardson to blast the ball goalwards, his shot finding the corner of the net via a slight, but decisive, Sebastien Squillaci deflection.

Richardson was matched for small amounts at [60.0] in the First Goalscorer market and the 1-0 Half Time Score was backed at a high of [8.2] In-Play.

Despite large periods of possession in the second half Arsenal didn't create many clear cut chances and, unfortunately for them, they couldn't call on last week's match winner Thierry Henry to rescue them this time.

The knock-out blow came with just under 15 minutes to go when a fabulous Black Cats counter attack ended with the ball rebounding off the post and into his own net via Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's tangled legs.

Sunderland were matched at a high of [3.8] In-Play for victory, with the 2-0 Correct Score backed at [22.0]. Martin O'Neill's much improved outfit can be backed at [8.8] in the FA Cup Winner market.

Kenny Dalglish knows that the FA Cup represents a decent chance of silverware for Liverpool so he will be taking this tie seriously, says Frank Gregan. But can Brighton take the Reds to a replay?...

Tottenham are understandably strong favourites to win the match but, at the very least Stevenage, should give them a pretty competitive match, says Feizal Rahman....

Blues come from behind to draw at Stamford Bridge as manager is booed by home fans. Meanwhile, Toffees, Trotters and Foxes march on......

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Betfair Free Friday Results: Zarkandar makes winning return at Newbury

News / Timeform / 17 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Zarkandar (centre) won the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury

"Running from a BHA mark of 151, last season's Triumph Hurdle winner looked potentially thrown-in..."

Champion Hurdle hopeful Zarkandar landed Newbury's Betfair Hurdle on Friday, whilst Long Run got back to winning ways and Sprinter Sacre enhanced his already lofty reputation...

Turning into the Newbury straight, Zarkandar did not look the most likely winner, with jockey Ruby Walsh asking the five-year-old to try and pick the leaders up. Emerging between rivals at the final flight, Zarkandar's stamina really came into evidence, and he gradually asserted his authority on the field.

Running from a BHA mark of 151, last season's Triumph Hurdle winner looked potentially thrown-in, but the dawdling early pace was unlikely to play to his strengths. Darlan, under Tony McCoy, was arguably travelling best turning for home but took a crashing fall at the third-last, hampering eventual runner-up Get Me Out of Here, with Raya Star and Sire de Grugy filling the remaining places.

Zarkandar is sure to improve for this seasonal return and can presently be backed at [7.4] for the Champion Hurdle.

The Nicky Hednerson-trained Long Run, winner of the King George and Gold Cup last season, gained his first win of the term in the Betfair Denman Chase as he beat stable mate Burton Port, returning from over a year on the sidelines, and What A Friend into second and third respectively.

Long Run had come up against a resurgent Kauto Star on his two previous starts this season, in the Betfair Chase and the King George, but with that opponent not in the line-up he managed to get back to winning ways.

Long Run heads the Gold Cup market at [3.55], whilst Burton Port, who put up an excellent performance on his return, is available at [13.0] and What A Friend at [50.0].

Sprinter Sacre, also trained by Nicky Henderson, gained his third win from as many starts over fences when easily landing the Betfair Super Saturday Chase. He had been extremely impressive in his previous starts but, up against his elders, including French Opera and Hold Fast, this was expected to be a more thorough test.

However, Barry Geraghty was motionless throughout onboard Sprinter Sacre, the six-year-old simply strengthening his position at the head of the Arkle market at [2.36].
...........
Timeform's Horses to Follow Extra Ascot Chase issue is out now and features no less than six big-race previews and an interview with Alan King.

Last week the world's highest Timeform rated sprinter Black Caviar (135+) put to rest any doubts about her handling 1400m with an emphatic victory in the G1 C F Orr Stakes at Caulfield however on Saturday she faces a new challenge....

With a big weekend of action 'Down Under', Timeform Radio brings you another international racing preview......

Long Run's connections declared themselves thoroughly satisfied after the Cheltenham Gold Cup hero continued his Festival preparations with a workmanlike victory at Newbury....

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Premier League Results: United comeback stuns Chelsea

Premier League / Maxliu / 05 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Magnificent Wayne Rooney scores a brace and inspires champions to come from 3-0 down to draw with Chelsea. Overs backers are smiling too...

Chelsea were matched at [1.03] before Manchester United came from three goals down to earn a draw that touched [50.0] in the match odds market.

The two sides have played out some epic contests in recent years but, for sheer entertainment, Sunday's match was the best ever. It was breathtaking.

Chelsea took the lead when Jonny Evans deflected the ball into his own net, following some excellent work from Daniel Sturridge. Early in the second-half, Fernando Torres whipped in a fantastic cross for Juan Mata to volley home. Minutes later, David Luiz found himself in space as he rose to head in for 3-0.

And then came the fight-back. United were awarded two penalties, for fouls on first Patrice Evra and later Danny Wellback. Wayne Rooney, who doesn't have best record from the spot, dispatched both.

With only one goal in it, the champions kept pressing. Sir Alex Ferguson threw on Javier Hernandez and Paul Scholes but United kept their shape and stuck to their game. That was how they created their equaliser as Ryan Giggs set up Hernandez who scored with a close-range header.

This was the first tme that Chelsea have surrendered a three goal lead at home in the Premier League. The 3-3 touched [210.00] and there was a decent pay out for those who backed over 5.5 goals at [60.0].

United's recovery was awseome but a point doesn't do them much good in the title race. They're out to [3.1] to win the league with Manchester City [1.62] two points ahead.

Earlier in the day, Newcastle picked up another three points as they beat Aston Villa 2-1 at St James' Park. Papiss Demba Cisse scored a stunning debut goal in the second half after the other Demba, Ba, had given his side the lead before the break. Robbie Keane was the away side's goal scorer.

The Magpies, for whom this was a fourth consecutive home leage win, are fifth in the table and can be backed at [7.2] for top four finish.

Join Tobias Gourlay for live text coverage, breaking betting news and up-to-the-minute stats from Stamford Bridge, where Manchester United can look forward to a warm reception on a cold day...

Manchester City's position as Premier League favourites strengthened marginally after Roberto Mancini's men comfortably beat Fulham on a cold night in Eastlands....

Super Dutchman hammers in a hat-trick as Arsenal destroy Blackburn. Meanwhile, Wolves pick up priceless points against big-spending QPR and Swansea win at the Hawthorns......

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Australian Open Results: Djokovic edges out Murray in a thriller

Australian Open Betting / Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 27 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Brothers in arms. Novak Djokovic embraces Andy Murray after a monumental effort by both players.

In what was surely the match of the tournament, Novak Djokovic came out on top against Andy Murray over five sets. Rafael Nadal awaits him in the final.

The wait continues for a British Grand Slam winner after Andy Murray was knocked out at the semi-final stage of the Australian Open earlier today by Novak Djokovic.

In what was arguably the match of the tournament, Murray and the world number one toiled for just short of five hours in a see-saw match that saw Djokovic go one set up, Murray winning the next two, the Serbian winning the fourth with ease and breaking the Scot at 6-5 to complete a memorable 6-3 3-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 7-5 win.

Murray will feel he wasted opportunities to knock out the pre-tournament favourite, who actually appeared the more tired of the two as the game wore on. But the man they call the 'Serbinator' didn't win three Slams last year by giving up when he was behind or not coming out on top on the big-pressure points. He traded at a high of [2.88] to win the match when 2-1 down in sets. A 3-2 win for the number one seed traded at [19.0] on Betfair.

For Murray, this match, albeit one that ended in defeat, will give him belief that he can beat the likes of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the remaining Slams of the year. He played a more aggressive brand of tennis that pushed his opponent all the way, a far cry from the ultra-defensive game where he's waited for the man on the other side of the net to make mistakes, tactics that he's been guilty of in the past.

For just short of five hours the Melbourne crowd enjoyed one of the great matches of recent years but they won't have enjoyed it as much as Rafael Nadal. The French Open champion qualified for the final yesterday after a four sets win over Roger Federer and in addition to having the extra day's rest anyway, will have watched with glee as Djokovic pushed his body to the limit and will surely go into Sunday's final as the more fatigued of the two.

Yet despite that, it is the Serb who will start as the [1.72] favourite with Nadal [2.34], almost exactly the same price he was pre-match to beat Federer.

The money is coming in for Novak Djokovic but Ben Caudell's stats suggest Andy Murray has a real chance at a really big price. A show-down with Rafael Nadal may be on the cards....

There's no patriotic sentimentality when Sean Calvert is predicting the outcome of a tennis match. Andy Murray should get a set against Novak Djokovic but he might as well start packing his bags home now......

We have to show faith in the player who has been there and done it at Grand Slam level before and that means siding with Kim Clijsters over Victoria Azarenka. In the men's draw, expect first blood Federer, says Sean...

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Carling Cup Results: Bellamy fires Liverpool into Wembley final

Carling Cup / Maxliu / 25 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Gerrard celebrates his penalty

"Bellamy received the ball from Dirk Kuyt, exchanged passes with Glen Johnson, and fired past Hart."

Excellent display from Welshman as he knocks Manchester City out to set up a Carling Cup Final against Cardiff...

Liverpool were matched at [2.66] to reach the Carling Cup final before Craig Bellamy scored the goal that means the Reds will meet his old club Cardiff at Wembley on February 26.

Kenny Dalglish's men, who are [1.18] to win the tournament, carried a one goal advantage into tonight's second leg at Anfield, following their victory at the Ethiad Stadium a fortnight ago. After half-an-hour, however, the tie was level as Nigel De Jong curled in a fantastic effort from 25 yards out. It was a delight to watch, especially for those who backed the Dutchman to be first goalscorer at [140.00].

The home side were level less than ten minutes later when Micah Richards was unlucky to concede a penalty. The ball definitely struck his hand inside the box but whether he was able to avoid touching Daniel Agger's shot is another matter. Steve Gerrard didn't care as he dispatched the ball past the excellent Joe Hart to restore Liverpool's advantage.

After 67 minutes Edin Dzeko made it 2-2 on aggregate but parity was short lived as Bellamy received the ball from Dirk Kuyt, exchanged passes with Glen Johnson, and fired past Hart. After that City surged forward but Liverpool held their nerve, Daniel Agger heroically throwing himself in front of a shot from Dzeko as the visitors tried to force extra-time.

It wasn't to be, Liverpool held out for the draw, which was matched at [4.6], and are now into their first Wembley final since 1996. For Dalglish, who looked emotional at the final whistle, it is a chance to start restoring the glory to Anfield, as he promised to when he took over a year ago.

Michael Lintorn expects Manchester City to exit their third competition in 50 days when fighting to overturn a 0-1 Carling Cup semi-final deficit at Anfield......

Cardiff knocked out Crystal Palace on penalties but are far from being favourites on Betfair's Carling Cup winner market, despite being the only team guaranteed a place in the final....

A 1-0 defeat at Selhurst Park leaves Cardiff with it all to do in the second leg of their Carling Cup semi-final, but Michael Lintorn thinks they will deliver......

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Carling Cup Results: Cardiff through on penalties

Carling Cup / Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 24 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Peter Whittingham watches closely as Anthony Gardner heads the ball into his own net

"Had the Palace players known in advance how poorly they were at taking spot-kicks they may not have bothered hanging on for dear life as exhaustion kicked in during extra-time."

Cardiff knocked out Crystal Palace on penalties but are far from being favourites on Betfair's Carling Cup winner market, despite being the only team guaranteed a place in the final.

Cardiff City are through to the Carling Cup final after doing things the hard way at home to Crystal Palace. The Eagles had a one goal lead going into the second leg courtesy of centre-back Anthony Gardner and the same player was in the limelight again when he headed into his own net after good work on the wing and a fine cross by Craig Conway. Things got worse for the visitors when Palace captain Paddy McCarthy got sent off for a second booking for a foul on Kenny Miller with 13 minutes left on the clock but there were no more goals after 90 minutes. Cardiff were matched at [1.88] to win the game and [2.9] to win without conceding.

Extra-time saw plenty of tired legs trying to shut up shop for Palace and play for penalties and despite having a few decent chances, Cardiff couldn't get the break-through. Had the Palace players known in advance how poorly they were at taking spot-kicks they may not have bothered hanging on for dear life as exhaustion kicked in during extra-time. Jermaine Easter, Sean Scannell and Jonathan Parr all missed for Palace after Kenny Miller had failed himself with Cardiff's first spot-kick and having scored three of their four, Cardiff were through after being backed at [3.6] on the to qualify market. A win on penalties was matched at [28.0] in the "method of victory" market.

Cardiff are [6.4] to lift the Carling Cup behind favourites Liverpool (1.76), who take a 1-0 lead into the second leg of their tie against Manchester City (3.5). Read a preview of Wednesday night's match here.

Michael Lintorn expects Manchester City to exit their third competition in 50 days when fighting to overturn a 0-1 Carling Cup semi-final deficit at Anfield......

A 1-0 defeat at Selhurst Park leaves Cardiff with it all to do in the second leg of their Carling Cup semi-final, but Michael Lintorn thinks they will deliver......

There are rumours that Liverpool are about to purchase one of the most hyped stars in the Football League, in the process weakening a side who they might face at Wembley......

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