Spurs close in on one in, one out in defence plus other transfer rumours

Podolski appears to have fallen out of favour at the Emirates and wasn't in the match-day squad for Saturday's 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park.

Bonus transfer rumours this morning and Spurs are set to let go of a stalwart to bring in an exciting new talent. This and more from the fingers of Alex Johnson.

Tottenham could complete the signing of Frederico Fazio by the end of this week, according to the Daily Mirror.

Despite seeing his side keep clean sheets in their opening two league games of the season, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is keen to further bolster his defensive options.

With Michael Dawson poised to join Hull City, Tottenham are ready to spend £8million to bring Sevilla centre-back Fazio to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, SportinaStorm.com report that Sunderland are set to take Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates on a season-long loan deal.

The Uruguayan defender has not played for the Reds in over a year, after suffering a serious knee injury at the beginning of last season. Despite now returning to full fitness, the 23-year-old has dropped further down the pecking order at Anfield, following the arrival of Dejan Lovren.

Sunderland currently have just six senior defenders at their disposal and Coates would offer some healthy competition for places for boss Gus Poyet.

French daily L'Equipe are suggesting Marseille may add to their squad ahead of Monday's transfer deadline, with Alex Song believed to be a target for the Ligue 1 outfit.

Song looks like he may struggle for regular action at Camp Nou this term, after Barca's capture of Jeremy Mathieu and Ivan Rakitic this summer.

The former Arsenal midfielder has been a target for several Premier League teams this summer, including Liverpool and Manchester United, but France could be his next destination.

Meanwhile, the agent of Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has denied claims that his player is currently speaking to both Juventus and Napoli about a potential move.

Podolski appears to have fallen out of favour at the Emirates and wasn't in the match-day squad for Saturday's 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park.

There had been suggestions on Monday that the Germany international had flown to Italy to discuss a possible summer switch to Serie A. But agent Ali Pektas insisted: "There has been no approach from either of those clubs. The only certainty is that Lukas has a contract with Arsenal."

Finally, Southampton are looking to make a raid on La Liga champions Atletico Madrid before Monday's transfer deadline.

The Times claim Ronald Koeman has enquired about signing Belgium international defender Toby Alderweireld, although Saints face competition for his signature from French outfit Monaco.

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Follow The Money: Back Huntsmen to Close down rivals at Epsom

Recommended Bets:

Lay Youcouldntmakeitup @ 5.14/1 in the 15:05 at Ripon 

Back Huntsmans Close @ 3.412/5 in the 15:25 at Epsom 

Back Fazza @ 4.57/2 in the 16:50 at Ripon 

Today's Follow the Money comes from the meetings at Ripon and Epsom...

We start at Ripon and the 15:05 6f Nursery where Tim Easterby's runner Youcouldntmakeitup has come in from an opening 3.8514/5 out to 5.14/1. Although she won on her debut over 5f the market obviously does not feel she will be as effective over this longer distance and significant support has come for the Tom Dascombe-trained Little Belter whose fourth place last time out now looks decent after the second and third placed runners both went on to win in better company. There are others in the race that could make this competitive and we are siding with the market and laying Youcouldntmakeitup.
Over at Epsom in the 15:25 6f Handicap, Huntsmans Close has strengthened into market favourite from a high of 4.22n/a in to his current price of 3.412/5. Roger Charlton's gelding won a 6f Handicap back in April and followed this up with some creditable efforts but it was his last run in the 32Red Cup consolation race at Goodwood that is of most interest. He was not beaten far despite suffering interference in running when going well. He runs well on most ground and with a number of non-runners in today's race this could prove a big chance for the four-year-old. 
Back to Ripon where we have seen significant support in the 16:50 1m Handicap for the top weight Fazza, coming in from 6.86/1 in to 4.57/2. Although below par on his last two starts, he found trouble in running last time. And if we look back a little further, he won a couple of 1m handicaps last season and ran a close third over course and distance here in July. Kevin Stott was on board that day and partners Fazza again today claiming 5lbs. If he can reproduce that form, as the market seems to think he will, then he'll have a big say.
Recommended Bets:
Lay Youcouldntmakeitup @ 5.14/1 in the 15:05 at Ripon
Back Huntsmans Close @ 3.412/5 in the 15:25 at Epsom
Back Fazza @ 4.57/2 in the 16:50 at Ripon

Staked: 632pts
Returned: 664.65pts
P/L: + 32.65pts (before commission)

Updated to end of July. Based on prices at time of publication

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Lee Dixon: Liverpool to run title-chasing City very close in Sunday's big match

"Mancini’s men can simply not afford to let that gap at the top get any bigger than the current seven points."

Back Draw/Man City in the Half Time/Full time market @ 5.79/2

Lee Dixon thinks it's imperative for Manchester City to win at home to Liverpool after two dropped points against QPR. They should do it, but it won't be easy...

Man City v Liverpool
Sun 3rd Feb, 4pm, Live on Sky Sports 1

In what was a great game at the Emirates earlier in the week, Liverpool played very well in spells against a dynamic Arsenal team and on another day could have emerged with three points. Jamie Carragher rolled back the years, putting in a magnificent performance at the back and although Liverpool conceded a lot of space and chances at the back in the second half, mainly due to the pace of Theo Walcott, Brendan Rodgers will be reasonably encouraged. Although his level of performance was extremely high against Arsenal, two games in four days may be a bit too much to ask of Carragher at the age of 35, so the manager will have a decision to make on whether to play the veteran again on Sunday. His experience could be valuable, but City's movement is breathtaking at times and could be difficult for him to deal with.

This is a really important game for Manchester City when we consider that United should win fairly easily at Fulham. Mancini's men can simply not afford to let that gap at the top get any bigger than the current seven points. The draw against QPR was two points dropped as far as Mancini will be concerned, and although they're a team fighting for their lives, those are the sort of games City need to ruthlessly win if they want to defend their title this season.

So, all of that points to City being desperate to record another win and put the pressure onto United and I think they'll do it, but only just. Despite being slightly off the pace in their quest for the title, Man City have now recorded six clean sheets in a row and haven't conceded a single goal in January. Based on how Liverpool struggled with Arsenal's movement in the week I can see them having the same issues with City and for that reason I think they'll come out on top. That said, Liverpool are in decent form themselves so I can't imagine them letting City have it all their own way.

I very much like the look of backing Draw/Man City in the Half Time/Full Time market. That's currently trading at 5.79/2 and looks the best bet given that I can see City nicking this 1-0 10.09/1 or 2-0 11.5n/a late on. It'll be a fascinating encounter because as well as City needing the win, Liverpool now have serious ambitions of challenging for a top four position and their fans will be expecting a performance. They could potentially close the gap to four points themselves if they can record a famous win, but that will be a very difficult task indeed; City have only lost one Premier League game at home all season and have also conceded just nine goals.

Recommended Bets

Draw/Man City in the Half Time/Full time market @ 5.79/2
Man City to win 1-0 in the Correct Score market @ 10.09/1

Brendan Rodgers' side are improving, but remain inconsistent and will have significant problems coping with Manchester City's forwards. The movement of Carlos Tevez in behind Sergio Aguero will probably cause problems - Lucas Leiva hasn't been the same player since his return from injury, and I thought Liverpool were fortunate to concede only twice against Arsenal in midweek. But six clean sheets in a row for City is the major statistic to consider here - and it makes 3.2 for them to keep another looks a very good back.

Liverpool put up a very good display in their last game at the Emirates. However, they still haven’t managed to beat a side in the top half of the Premier League all season. When Liverpool have faced top six opposition they have conceded twice in seven of the eight games, the only exception a 1-1 draw at Chelsea.

As Lee says Man City have only conceded nine goals at the Etihad, it should be noted however that six of those goals were conceded against top six opposition (Man Utd three times and single goals against Spurs, Everton and Arsenal). I don’t see City slipping up here and I like them to win this to nil but wouldn’t take anything less than 3.9. I shall also back them to win 2-0 @ 11.5.

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US Open Tips: Robbo can run Clijsters close

"I think Laura Robson’s been a little underrated by the layers today, who have Clijsters as a 1.081/12 shot, which seems a touch disrespectful of Robson’s ability."

Back Robson +6.5 games to beat Clijsters at 1.9520/21

It was two successful tips for Sean Calvert yesterday and he's looking to follow up with a bet on Britain's Laura Robson, who faces former champ Kim Clijsters...

Day two at the 2012 US Open was a much better one, with all of my selections on Tuesday winning.

Sloane Stephens was impressive in a straight sets win over a misfiring Francesca Schiavone, who served up five double faults in her opening service game.

I don't think I've ever seen that before and Stephens took full advantage, producing moments of real quality on her way to one of the biggest wins of her young career.

Elsewhere, my treble of Sam Querrey, Bernard Tomic and Julien Benneteau was successful, so we head into Wednesday's play in OK shape.

There's plenty of show court action for British fans to enjoy today, as Laura Robson takes on Kim Clijsters and Andy Murray faces Ivan Dodig - both matches on Arthur Ashe court.

Robson has her work cut out against a player who hasn't lost a singles match in the US Open since 2003 when she lost in the final against Justine Henin. Kim has entered three times since then and won it each time, so on her farewell in New York this first match on the cavernous Ashe court will be a great experience and test for Laura.

But I think she's been a little underrated by the layers today, who have Clijsters as a 1.081/12 shot, which seems a touch disrespectful of Robson's ability.

This isn't quite the Clijsters of old and Robson has risen to the occasion lately when faced with the big names of the game, notably when pushing Maria Sharapova close twice.

Providing she doesn't get phased by Ashe I would expect her to at least make the handicap mark of +6.5 games at around 1.9520/21.

As for Murray, well he faces journeyman Dodig for the first time in his career and it's hard to see the Croatian putting up much in the way of opposition for 1.031/33 shot Murray today.

He's never been past this stage at a hard court major and I would expect Murray to ease through as he did in his previous round, hopefully without the histrionics this time.

This one's on late tonight, but if you fancy a bet then the -9.5 games looks pretty good to me at around 2.111/10.

One that should be a more secure wager on the handicap today is for Richard Gasquet to deliver a thrashing to on the slide clay courter Albert Montanes.

The Gasman loves to deliver a convincing beating when he can and Montanes, who will be playing his first hard court match since the Australian Open is really just here for the pay cheque.

He hasn't won a match on hard since the end of last year and has been beaten by Potito Starace and Pere Riba in his previous two matches on hard courts.

Gasquet has a 5-0 head-to-head over the Spaniard and all have been played on clay, so I'm not giving Montanes a prayer in this one with Gasquet fresh from a confidence- boosting run to the final in Toronto a few weeks ago.

Recommended Bets
Back Robson +6.5 games to beat Clijsters at 1.9520/21
Back Gasquet -9.5 games to beat Montanes at 1.845/6

Follow Sean on Twitter @seancalvert1

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Olympics Women's Football: Japan can run fatigued US close

"Since women's football was introduced as an Olympic sport in Atlanta 1996, the USA have reached every final, losing only to surprise package Norway at the Sydney Games in 2000."

The USA's finest female footballers rarely fail in an Olympic final but a 120 minute semi against Canada may leave a legacy, and they may fail to justify 90 minute favouritism against Japan, says Hannah Duncan

The women's football at London 2012 has been one of the Games' biggest successes, with bumper crowds in attendance as the tournament has progressed, really showcasing the quality of the women's game.

And Thursday's final between USA and Japan should be far from an anticlimactic finish, with a repeat of last summer's World Cup final in store. It is a match not to miss.

One year ago, the two sides' encounter went all the way to penalties, following two goals in extra-time and more than 80,000 tickets have already been sold to fans keen to see the rematch.

This time, FIFA's number one ranked side, the USA, are unsurprisingly 2.0421/20 favourites to gain revenge for their 3-1 spot-kick defeat in Frankfurt and ultimately win the gold medal, in what would be their fourth Olympic victory in five attempts.

Since women's football was introduced as an Olympic sport in Atlanta 1996, the USA have reached every final, losing only to surprise package Norway at the Sydney Games in 2000.

Reigning world champions Japan reached the final after a hard-fought 2-1 win over a good French side, which should be a confidence boost for Norio Sasaki's players.

The USA meanwhile, may have a tougher time of it at Wembley on Thursday night, after their semi-final with local rivals Canada went to extra-time, in what was a scintillating game of football.

Pia Sundhage's side were strong favourites for a comfortable win against Canada, having won each of their previous matches at London 2012, but their neighbours put in a performance worthy of reaching the final, only to be denied by a last-gasp winner after 120 minutes following a header from States' star-striker Alex Morgan.

The extra physical and mental exertion from the USA players will undoubtedly play into the hands of the Japanese, plus the knowledge that the States are beatable, having done so in last year's final in Germany, will be an extra boost.

It certainly makes the draw at 3.55n/a seem an attractive bet, especially as the Japanese are no strangers to a draw, having played out two 0-0 stalemates in the group stage against Sweden and South Africa.

But Sasaki's girls will have to cope with the formidable attacking threat the USA poses. Twenty-three-year-old Morgan has netted 29 times in 47 appearances for the Stars and Stripes, while strike partner Amy Wambach has the impressive figures of 143 goals in 187 appearances for her country.

It is certainly a close one to call, but while Japan are always capable, as they have proved in the past, of providing a shock, the Olympics is the USA's tournament and they're unlikely to relinquish their title without a very good fight.

Recommended Bet
Back the draw @ 3.55n/a

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GSOP and Mini-GSOP #4: Close But No Cigar

Grand Series of Poker VIII / Matthew Pitt / 02 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Close but no cigar

Things didn't start as planned as I first ran into quads after I rivered two pair just three hands into proceedings!

Event #4 of the Grand Series of Poker (GSOP) and mini-GSOP saw the focus switch back to a No Limit Hold'em freezeout with buy-ins of $162 and $22 respectively.

Would Team Betfair players continue to tear up the games as they had during the opening three events and could I achieve my goal of a four-figure score? The text below will reveal all.

GSOP Event #4: $150+$12 No Limit Hold'em Freeseout $125,000 Guaranteed

Event #4 switch back to a freezeout format which pleased me as I this is by far my strongest game and I was looking forward to another deep run in a GSOP event. Things didn't start as planned as I first ran into quads after I rivered two pair just three hands into proceedings!

Chill Evans opened to 60 from middle position and I smooth-called on the button with AcQc and it was heads-up to the 10h-6h-Ah flop. Villain bet 90 into 150 and I called. The turn was the 6s and villain bet 170 into 330 and again I called. The river was the Qh and villain checked to me and my spider sense was tingling and I checked behind to be shown 6d6c. Five minutes later I paid off a set of nines with my jacks on a board reading 9h-7c-3s-5h-8c but I still had 4,245 chips at the 15/30 level so not to worry.

Hardly anything happened at all until the 125/250/25a level apart from me slowly bleeding my stack away until I decided to GAMBOOOL in the big blind. The action folded to the pieleapulii in the small blind and he jammed his 8,828 chips in with what turned out to be JsTh. He's probably doing this with any two if he has half a brain and I decided to take the probable 40/60 or flip with my black fours. The flop came down 7c-7h-7d and my full house held and I now had 21 BB to play with.

My donkey ways lead me to double up again shortly afterwards when I put the tried and trusted technique of "if in doubt just shove" into practice. The action folded to me on the button and with my 14 bigs I moved all in with red eights. 1Srslyfu was the big blind and he called off his 5,630 stack with As9c and when the board ran out Qh-8s-Jd-6c-5s I was up to 8,670.

I even managed to break through the 10,000 barrier but pocket tens once again let me down and sent me for an early batch. I found ThTs in the big blind with blinds 300/600/60a and when the hijack raised to 1,500 and the button called there was only one thing to do and that was move all-in for my 10,060 chips, which is exactly what I did. My move received absolutely no respect and both players called showing 8c8d and AdQd respectively, probably the best I could have hoped for when called in two spots I suppose. The board ran out 5c-3d-2h-6d.....Jd, fkjndsjknjlknjkxbkj! That was for just shy of 50,000 chips so instead of battlign it out FTW I had busted in 264/977. Oh well, that's poker as the annoying people say to others when they have just busted out of a tournament!

At least I didn't crash in burn in 143rd like Betfair player Rudocop just three spots shy of the money. Unlucky son. In total 24 of Team Betfair made it into the money places each picking up between $242.87 and $952.32 for their efforts, that last amount going to 586527 of Mexico for their 16th place finish. What am I saying, there was a bigger score than that because 69.com from the UK progressed to the final table where they eventually busted out in fourth place for a bumper pay day of $8,947.94! Not bad work if you can get it! Congrats to everyone who made it to the money and to 69.com better luck next time, but still a valiant effort!

Event #4 in numbers

Total entrants: 977
Total prize pool: $146,550
Total Team Betfair entrants: 184 (18.83% of field)
Total Team Betfair ITM finishes: 24
Total Team Betfair prize money: $18,731.87 (12.78% of prize pool)

Mini-GSOP Event #4: $20+$2 No Limit Hold'em $20,000 Guaranteed

Event #4 of the mini-GSOP saw a massive field of 1,350 player take to the virtual felt, all playing for second position behind yours truly and that would possibly have been true had pocket tens once again let me down. What used to be one of my favourite hands in Hold'em has rapidly slid down the slippery slide of hatred; you will see why shortly.

I treaded water right up to the 125/250/25a level until I found myself in the small blind with pocket eights facing a min-raise from the button. Guess what I did? That's correct, SHOVE! Button called with JhTs and when the five community cards ran out jack and ten-less I was back to around 20 big blinds, something that seems quite common lately!

The next level I opened to 650 from UTG with AcQh and after two players folded Dedulja22 moved all in for 5,537. I called and was behind to jacks but an ace on the flop and a queen on the river soon sorted that out!

My stack dwindled again and by the time the final hand took place I was down to 6,858 at the 250/500/50a level. The action passed around to hsulfstun in late position and he opened to a ridiculous 1,750, yeah really, and I moved in on him from the button with TdTd. He called with TcTs and we split the pot. Oh no we didn't, sorry if my brain tried to blank out the fact that the board ran out 8h-8c-Ac-Kc-4c gifting villain the flush! You have to love poker sometimes! It softens the blow a tad that hsulfstun is both a fellow Brit and Team Betfair player who then went on to cash in 167th place whilst I busted in 415/1,350 around 200 places short of the money.

My executioner was one of 49 Betfair players who cashed and this was one of our best tournaments for deep runs. We had 30 players reach the top 10% of the tournament and 11 of those made it through to the top 50 places. Give a big round of applause to tupoeelbo of Russia who was the final table's bubble boy and if you clapped for him then jump up and down and stamp your feet for the sixth place finisher humbug1969 who picked up $830.55.

But you need to save your biggest and best cheer for Alendel0n7 from Russia who fell just short of victory, eventually being eliminated in third place for a cool $2,054.76, pretty good going for an initial $22 outlay.

Mini Event #4 in numbers

Total entrants: 1,350
Total prize pool: $27,000
Total Team Betfair entrants: 216 (16% of field)
Total Team Betfair ITM finishes: 49
Total Team Betfair prize money: $5,743.81 (21.27% of prize pool)

So another three final table appearances by the Betfair heroes, at this rate next year's GSOP will be called the Betfair Series of Poker (BSOP)! Running totals for the series up to and including Event #4 are 142 cashes for $209,187.88 in the GSOP and 160 cashes for $14,899.01 in the mini-GSOP. Give yourselves a pat on the back!

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If you read yesterday's articles you will be aware that Team Betfair players have got off to an absolute flying start in the GSOP and mini-GSOP winning $148,461.68 and $7,257.26 respectively....

A large number of the online poker festivals are aimed at mid-to-high stakes tournament specialists who can afford to throw a couple of thousand dollars at a fortnight's worth of events like it is nothing....

The eighth edition of the Grand Series of Poker (GSOP) kicked off on Sunday 26 February and already Betfair Poker players are absolutely destroying the series and winning ridiculous sums of cash! Even this humble scribbler is in profit, what...

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Celebrity Big Brother Update: Friday eviction is close call

Celebrity Big Brother / Eliot Pollak / 01 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Is Lyons on the way out?

"Lyons has come across as cruel, but throw in those ridiculous abs, and he's both cruel and absurd."

Eliot Pollack provides an irreverent update on all things CBB and assesses the odds on a tight three way battle to avoid eviction...

The second Friday night Big Brother eviction is upon us, whilst the house (and indeed the world godamnit) is still reeling from the surprise eviction of Pamela in midweek. She may have been surprised to go, although one would think not half as surprised as the Channel 5 viewers were when she entered the house in the first place.

Hence it is little surprise that Pamela left to a subdued audience who were still trying to figure out what exactly she might be, raiding their Baywatch memory banks which they had hoped to use for happier occasions. She returns to obscurity, but not before hurling four of her inmates to the lions whilst taking time to save Katona, the Jedward sisters, Amy Childs, and the Gypsie slugger, Paddy - a man who might yet win this thing, despite not forming a completely clear sentence thus far

As for the four fighting it out to survive, it looks set to be a pretty close call, with Tara Reid, Darryn Lyons and Bobby Sabel all jostling to avoid the boot. Peter Reid's sister is the current favourite at [2.18], whilst old Everton captain Mick Lyons' son is priced at [2.8]*. Sabel is available at [3.6], and it is indeed hard to recall a tighter three-horse race to a BB eviction for a long time.

Were this a 'vote to get rid' scenario, it is safe to say that Lyons would be history. For the most part, he's come across as cruel, but throw in those ridiculous abs, and he's both cruel and absurd. A dreadful man. And yet, with this being 'vote to save', he may slip through the net, on the assumption that Bobby and Tara fans will be too busy larging it in Movida to make a simple phone call on their studded iphones.

Tara has been one of the more paranoid inmates for some time - forever convinced that plots are being hatched. The smart viewers will know to keep her in. If only for the potential of a crippling meltdown, but as the current favourite for the chop, we may be shorn of that particular treat.

Bobby has probably been trumped by Lucien as the "house hunk", so may yet be relying on his personality to keep himself in the running. That's not a good thing.

*Not really folks

The Betfair market has decided there are only three real potential winners at this stage, and that's counting Jedward as one. Eliot Pollak gives us an update on the events and the betting of this latest edition of the hit...

She's not done much, save for wind up the viewers and housemates, so is it any wonder that Sally Bercow is odds-on to leave the Big Brother house? not really says Eliot Pollak...

Political wildcat Sally Bercow is already winding up the Big Brother house and, ergo, the watching hordes - no wonder she's odds-on to go, says Eliot Pollak...

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England v India Day Two: Close of play summary

England Cricket / Andrew Hughes / 30 July 2011 / Leave a Comment

Broad’s spell brought back memories of 1981

"But though India may hold the advantage, England will be on a high after a blistering spell of bowling from Stuart Broad blew away the Indian batting order."

Another thrilling day's cricket draws to a close with India on top, but only just. Andrew Hughes has the details of Saturday's play and looks ahead to tomorrow.

What a Test match! Only two days gone and we're already into the third innings. Saturday ended with India on top, holding a 43 run lead that could prove vital. I'm not sure I'd have them as short as [1.85] in the match odds market, but the big problem for England and the reason why punters should be reluctant to lump on them at [2.82] is the absence of Jonathan Trott. He suffered a nasty shoulder injury and will not bat again, which means they are effectively 24-2 at the close, with lots of work to do.

But though India may hold the advantage, England will be on a high after a blistering spell of bowling from Stuart Broad blew away the Indian batting order. Having been poised to build a match-winning lead at 267-4, they were skittled for 288. It was to England's credit that they had remained patient throughout a day when Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Yuvraj Singh dealt effectively with a tricky pitch.

So what can we expect on Sunday? England's best hope is to attack, because on this deteriorating surface, sooner or later every batsman can expect an unplayable ball. A lead of anything over 200 could prove difficult for India to chase down. And if the game continues to rattle along, we could well be looking at a Day Three finish, an eventuality that you can back at around [5.0] in the Test Match End market.

Stuart Broad was the star on day two once again - this time with the ball - and ex-England skipper Michael Vaughan is convinced that England can now go on and triumph......

It was hard to take your eye off the action on a dramatic opening day to this Second Test. Andrew Hughes brings us up to date with Friday's events and looks ahead to Saturday's action.

The momentum is with England after Monday evening's events and they can go 2-0 when we head to Nottingham, where conditions will assist the bowlers and mean the match is unlikely to go the distance....

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England v India Day Three: Close of play summary

England Cricket / Andrew Hughes / 23 July 2011 / Leave a Comment

Another hundred for The Wall

"Even though several of the Indian batsmen made starts, only Dravid and, perhaps Sachin Tendulkar, ever looked entirely comfortable."

It wasn't quite the day that everyone expected, but there was some top quality Test match cricket on display. Andrew Hughes rounds up Saturday's play.

Yesterday it was Praveen Kumar and Kevin Pietersen who got themselves onto the Lord's honours board and today they were joined by the reliable Rahul Dravid with a century that was a model of concentration and skill. And but for some sloppy slip fielding there would have been a five wicket haul for Stuart Broad, who bowled beautifully and completely justified the England selectors' faith in him.

England can be proud of their fielding effort. They kept plugging away and managed to take wickets at important time. Even though several of the Indian batsmen made starts, only Dravid and, perhaps Sachin Tendulkar, ever looked entirely comfortable. There was a palpable disappointment when Tendulkar succumbed on 34 and from that point on, batting looked a real struggle as the English seamers got the ball to swing consistently and Swann extracted more turn than Harbhajan Singh had managed.

But can they force the win? The weather forecast is moving in their favour, with only the slight possibility of a shower or two on Monday. The market has the home side on as short a price as they have been all match on [2.58] but that looks a little short to me Assuming England declare some time after tea on Sunday, India will have to bat for about a day or so and they ought to be able to do that second time around. The draw might be the value bet as it has drifted up to [1.71]

Michael Vaughan thinks England have a great chance of winning the First Test if they get their tactics right and take their chances......

A big innings for KP; a five-wicket haul for Praveen and plenty of runs: Friday's cricket was high on entertainment. Andrew Hughes rounds up the day's play.

Rain and bad light brought an early close to the fascinating opening exchanges in this eagerly anticipated series. Andrew Hughes sums up the day's play at Lord's

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Timeform Radio Racing Tips: Billy Red can go close

Timeform Radio Tip / Neil Munro / 27 May 2011 / Leave a Comment

Neil will be watching the action at Brighton with keen interest

"I will be backing Billy Red pre-race and laying out my stake in-running but I do expect him to go close."

Neil Munro explains why he's backing a couple of horses and having a few in-play trades at Brighton and Newcastle this Friday afternoon...

We start with one of my In-running stalwarts in the form of John Jenkins' seven-year-old Billy Red [4.6] who stars in the opening sprint handicap at Brighton that goes off at 14:00. The gelding is a fairly consistent old sort who likes to dictate from the front and should get the opportunity to do so today. He is running off a mark of 68, having won off 72, so looks well handicapped and is weighted to reverse form with recent Brighton winner Rocker. I will be backing him pre-race and laying out my stake in-running but I do expect him to go close.

Later on the card, we have a course and distance multiple winner who could return to form under ideal conditions. Goose Green [3.45] runs in the Brighton 15:40 and he loves ten furlongs on good to firm or faster ground, while also enjoying the unique nature of the Sussex track. His form over the last year has led him to be on a very winnable mark and if he responds to the first time tongue tie he should go close.

From an in-running point of view other horses likely to trade shorter in the run today include Scarlet Rocks (Brighton 5.25), Eton Fable (Newcastle 3.20 and will be a big price) and Sea Salt (Newcastle 4.30).

All eyes will rightly be on Workforce tonight as he makes his eagerly awaited comeback but there are three afternoon meetings to plough our way through first and Stephen Molyneux has a couple of bets to keep an eye on....

Terry Norman turns his attention north of the border for a promising Tuesday afternoon runner......

In a world where many commentators claim to tell it like it is, Graham Cunningham is the genuine article. If there's little to bet on, he won't fudge. But will today's selection run the run like our man walks the walk?...

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League One Betting: Can Terrriers edge close encounter with County?

English Football League / Alan Dudman / 24 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Can Huddersfield win under the glare of the Sky Sports cameras?

"Leading scorer Jordan Rhodes needs to step up to the plate to get Huddersfield scoring again."

Alan Dudman returns to League One tipping duties with a look at three matches on international weekend

Huddersfield Town [1.9] v Notts County [5.0], the draw [3.8]
Live Sky Sports 1, Sunday 16:00
With the play-off contenders red-hot at the moment, Huddersfield are just about clinging to their automatic promotion slot, and have eight games and 24 points still to play for. Their form could be better (a bizarre thing to say considering they are only unbeaten team in the division through 2011), but for me they have drawn too many in that run.

Saturday's 0-0 at home to Swindon was almost a blueprint to how their season has gone. They created chances, they looked solid at the back, but lacked that final bit of quality. Leading scorer Jordan Rhodes needs to step up to the plate to get this outfit scoring again.

County meanwhile are the masters of the 1-0 (losing mostly), and have been involved in eight straight games that have hit the under 2.5 goals target. Their last five encounters have all been 1-0, with four of those defeats. I watched the live match against Charlton a few weeks ago, and it was obvious that the Magpies are a world away from a free-scoring team, and create little.

County boss Paul Ince's plan on Tuesday at Brighton was to quieten the crowd, not to concede and work hard. It will be exactly the same here, and the visitors just don't show enough to warrant a threat going forward. The starting point here is to back the 0-0 In-Play and hang on until the second-half. If anyone scores, then Huddersfield nick it, and the unders should be reached again.
Best Bet: Back under 2.5 goals @ [2.06]
Back-to-lay (In-Play) 0-0 @ [12.0]
Back Huddersfield to win 1-0 [9.0]

Bournemouth [1.92] v Charlton Athletic [4.5], the draw [3.65]
If Glenn Fry's hit 'The Heat Is On' mirrors the Huddersfield game, then Tom Petty's 'Free Falling' sums up the horror run of Charlton. The Addicks are winless in nine and have slipped way off the play-off places. On a positive note they held Southampton 1-1 on Tuesday night. Defensively, Charlton look too uncertain and appear vulnerable to balls delivered from wide areas, and manager Chris Powell has highlighted the mental fragility of his team.

Bournemouth meanwhile have lost a bit of ground at the summit of League One, and three straight defeats has seen them slip to sixth place. Rookie boss Lee Bradbury will be tested here, as the dip in form has come at the worst possible time.

The Cherries have a very young squad and perhaps the season might just be catching up with them. However the south coast club have been excellent at home, and did create chances in the 1-0 defeat against Carlisle last weekend. Forward Danny Ings
needs a goal, and his pace will always give him a chance. Both sides might be a bit nervy here, and I suspect the hosts to be more direct than in recent games.
Recommended Bets
Back Bournemouth to win 1-0 @ [11.0] and 2-0 [13.0]
Back under 2.5 goals @ [2.11]
Back Bournemouth to win @ [1.92]

MK Dons [1.81] v Walsall [5.4], the draw [3.75]
The MK Dons are the form team at the moment, and Monday's 1-0 win over free-scoring Peterborough was good in so many ways. Their football was terrific, and both MK Dons and Posh are the two best technical teams by a country mile. I thoroughly enjoyed watching that encounter. I even sacrificed my viewing of America's Next Top Model.

In short, the MK Dons look awesome and are playing with so much confidence. With five straight wins, manager Karl Robinson declared he is in a happy place and enjoying life. The Dons played more of a 4-5-1 against Peterborough, and relied on the blistering pace of Sam Baldock up front, but may revert to a conventional 4-4-2 here.

The Saddlers are still fighting, and boss Dean Smith should get the job full-time with his excellent efforts, but the [1.81] on offer for a home win is too big.
Best Bet: Back MK Dons to win @[1.81]
Back over 2.5 goals @ [1.9]
Back 3-0 @ [16.0]

They may be struggling at the bottom, but can Stockport achieve just their third victory of the season this weekend? Meanwhile, the battle for the play-off positions is hotting up with Stevenage, Gillingham and Oxford all in need of points....

We went out and spoke to former betting.betfair columnist Gary Speed on life without Ryan Giggs, where Gareth Bale ranks amongst the best in the world and gunning for a big scalp on Saturday....

Ian Lamont identifies the best betting opportunities in another ever-competitive weekend of League Two action....

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Premier League Results: Manchester United close in on title

Premier League / Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 26 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Wayne Rooney had a good game against Wigan

All the In-Play prices from this afternoon's action...

Everton continue to rebuild their season and grabbed another three points at home to Sunderland this afternoon (2-0). They traded at a high of 1.99 and opened the scoring through Jermaine Beckford, though the dubious goals panel may have another look at whether Titus Bramble was guilty of scoring an own goal.

It was an equally comfortable afternoon for Aston Villa, who beat Blackburn 4-1. Ashley Young was involved in most of the action and scored twice. Villa had drifted to 2.28 before Young opened the scoring from the spot just after half-time. Five goals or more was matched at 50 for small money.

Over at Wigan Manchester United continued their good form by putting four past the hapless relegation strugglers. They only ever touched 1.66 In-Play and benefited from a fine performance from Javier Hernandez, who scored twice. Wayne Rooney and Fabio added the others in a 4-0 win. United are now just 1.6 for the title.

Elsewhere Newcastle and Bolton shared the points at St James Park with the draw trading at 5.2 and the final 1-1 scoreline at 9.8. Wolves beat Blackpool comfortably and have been eased to 2.26 for relegation with Blackpool themselves now into 3.15 after a rotten run of results.

All the In-Play prices from this afternoon's action......

West Ham host an in-form Liverpool this Sunday lunchtime but could struggle to break down a resolute Reds defence......

Mike Norman has had six successful Best Bets in a row now and believes that Newcastle are the team that can give him his magnificent seventh this weekend. Best Bet: Back Newcastle at [2.18] to beat Bolton....

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