ATP Indian Wells Betting: Ramos to make things tricky for Cilic while Murray may struggle against Donskoy

"The highest ranked player that Cilic has ever beaten at Indian Wells is Florent Serra, who was ranked number 73 when Cilic beat him here in 2011 and Ramos should have enough about his game to give the Croat a hard time again tonight.."

Back Ramos +3.5 games to beat Cilic at 2.01/1

Any Murray supporters beware! It's been an unpredictable start to proceedings at Indian Wells, so can Sean Calvert find some winners in today's second round matches?

The 2013 BNP Paribas Open continued to confound on Saturday, with no less than seven seeded casualties in the men's draw and another tough loss for my recommended bet.

David Nalbandian lost a tight one to Jerzy Janowicz and resorted to his time-honoured tradition of booting the advertising hoardings. Thankfully there wasn't a line judge sitting behind them this time, but the well-backed Nalbandian's supporters could empathise with the Argentine.

But there was a bright spot amongst the carnage, as David Ferrer's defeat to Kevin Anderson has opened the draw up nicely for my two outright recommended bets Tomas Berdych and Gilles Simon.

The latter came back from 5-1 and match points down to defeat Paulo Lorenzi yesterday, while Berdych's chances of making at least the semi-finals look good with Ferrer's loss.

So, there's plenty to play for and Andy Murray begins his Indian Wells campaign tonight against improving Russian Evgeny Donskoy, but it would be a huge surprise if he were able to push the Scot close.

That said, Murray has lost in the first round here for the last two years in a row and it's certainly not his favourite venue. His Masters 1000 form hasn't been great lately and you have to go back to Shanghai 2011 for his last Masters title.

It could be worth an interest to side with Donskoy +6.5 games on the handicap in this one, as Murray hasn't played since the Australian Open and might be rusty enough to allow the Russian enough games to cover that quite generous allowance.

But one I prefer on the handicap is for Albert Ramos to cause Marin Cilic enough problems to beat the Croatian with a 3.5 game start at around 2.01/1.

The left-handed Spaniard defeated Cilic in their only hard court meeting in Shanghai at the end of 2011 and last year he took down Richard Gasquet in this tournament, so the conditions here suit Ramos.

They don't really suit Cilic though, as his record here is poor, with just three wins at this venue in total in his career. The highest ranked player that Cilic has ever beaten at Indian Wells is Florent Serra, who was ranked number 73 when Cilic beat him here in 2011 and Ramos should have enough about his game to give the Croat a hard time again tonight.

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Back Ramos +3.5 games to beat Cilic at 2.01/1

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Lee Dixon: Rooney to kick Wolves while they're down

Premier League / Lee Dixon / 17 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

The hero Rooney and the unsung hero Carrick

"We could try to make a case for Wolves getting something from this game but we won’t."

Wolves are a side in a slump and Manchester United very much a team on the up. Sometimes the obvious outcome leads to obvious bets and that's probably the case here, says Lee Dixon.

If Manchester United win the Premier League his season - and they're now clear favourites to at 1.64 - then expect to hear plenty of "typical United to win without playing that well", "it was City's to lose and they did" and other such comments. But that of course is just the point. Maybe over the past few seasons Fergie's men have indeed benefited from other contenders imploding and have won matches from almost impossible positions. But if others have lost their heads, it's credit to United that they've kept theirs and managed to win ugly when they've needed to. Isn't that what being a champion is all about?

Match Odds

There are so many stories involving United players this campaign. Wayne Rooney is on track to have his most prolific season ever, Paul Scholes came out of retirement to save the day, Ryan Giggs told Father Time just what he thought of him once again, David de Gea went from laughing stock to the one who laughed both last and longest.

But let's not forget the unsung heroes. Jonny Evans has had a great season after losing his senior partner Nemanja Vidic and, that Manchester City game aside, has looked confident and composed. Michael Carrick has also been very reliable without ever doing anything too spectacular but that's just his way. Both will be key players from now until the end of the season.

We could try to make a case for Wolves getting something from this game but we won't. Opta tell us they have won just one of their last 14 Premier League games (W1 D5 L8), a run which started with a 1-4 defeat to Manchester United. Just as the hosts appear to be going through a real slump, so United seem to be at their very best at the moment. Not only do I think United will win, I think they'll so comfortably. 3-0 is my idea of the sort of scoreline we'll get here.

Manchester United clean sheet?

I've tipped 3-0 as a final score but it could easily be 2-0 or 4-0. Either way, I don't fancy Wolves to score here simply because they're not playing well enough against a team who is confident at the back and defending as a unit. A United clean sheet looks good value at [2.2].

First Goalscorer

No prizes for originality but Wayne Rooney is going through one of those runs where every time he takes a shot, it seems to go in. Only Robin van Persie looks hotter than him at the moment in this league and Rooney will be eyeing up the chance to finish as the Premier League's top scorer http://sports.betfair.com/Index.do?mi=102873735&ex=1&origin=MRL with the easier run-in. Opta tell us he's scored seven goals in his last four Premier League matches and it's worth backing him to get the opener here.

2 pts Back Manchester United to win @ [1.35]
1 pt Back Manchester United to win 3-0 @ [12.0]
2 pts Back a Manchester United clean sheet @ [2.2]
2 pts Back Wayne Rooney to be first goalscorer @ [4.5]

Saturday brings a pair of relatively low key Premier League fixtures with Swansea travelling to Fulham for a mid-table battle while bottom club Wigan attempt to win a second home game of the season with West Brom the visitors...

Andrew Atherley once again roots through the statistics ahead of this weekend's cup and league games with Liverpool and West Brom catching the eye...

Gerrard scores three as Liverpool blitz Everton at Anfield. Meanwhile, in the Champions League big bets are landed on emphatic Bayern and Italian drama......

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League Two Betting: Back under-rated Torquay while you can

English Football League / Ian Lamont / 15 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Goal threat. Lee Mansell has been on target for Torquay in recent times.

"It is an anomaly that Crawley have been odds-on to win – home or away - all through their seven game winless streak, but Torquay have 16 wins in 22 games and only three defeats in that run, yet are [2.44] against a home side who have picked up three points from three draws in 12 games since the turn of the year."

The layers are still offering good prices about a Torquay win this weekend, despite their remarkable record of 16 wins in 22 games. Ian Lamont talks us through this and the other best bets in League Two this weekend.

Burton [3.15] Torquay [2.42] Draw [3.35]

The temptation to back Torquay to win 1-0 is irresistible. For those less inclined to dip into the exact score market, the odds on a Gulls victory are too long. It is an anomaly that Crawley have been odds-on to win - home or away - all through their seven game winless streak, but Torquay have 16 wins in 22 games and only three defeats in that run, yet are [2.44] against a home side who have picked up three points from three draws in 12 games since the turn of the year.

That makes no sense, unless odds-makers are distrustful of the slim margin of those of those victories by Martin Ling's men - 10 of those wins have been 1-0. What is also likeable about Torquay's run is that they have a variety of goalscorers, although one has finally made it to double figures - Lee Mansell having scored three in two games. Take advantage while the layers still lack respect for Torquay. If you want a rare foray into the exact score market, 1-0 to the away team is second shortest at [8.4].

Back Torquay to win at Burton at [2.42]

Accrington [2.3] Northampton [3.3] Draw [3.5]

Accrington's chances of making the play-offs, I believe, left with John Coleman. New boss Paul Cook appears to be finding his feet with a third consecutive draw, at Southend, last weekend, but he still has not inspired a victory. Stanley seem to have found that never-say-die spirit that Coleman instilled, with Padraig Amond equalising in injury time for his second goal in three games. However, Northampton's urgency for points has lifted them out of the bottom two. Will they rest on their laurels or have they found some consistency? Even after they climbed out of the bottom two on Saturday with a 3-1 win over Aldershot, they won again at Dagenham on Tuesday - a fifth victory in seven games. Ade Akinfenwa now has six goals in as many games. Clearly Aidy Boothroyd has instilled some confidence that Cook has perhaps yet to find for the posts.

Play it cautious and lay Accrington at [2.3]

Bristol Rovers [1.96] AFC Wimbledon [4.0] draw [3.6]

I was told by a cautious Wimbledon fan this week that he views this encounter as "another six pointer". He clarified that he meant this was a relegation battle! To me, it is two sides battling on the road to mid-table nowhere.

Terry Brown's visitors are equidistant from the play-offs and relegation, ie in no danger of either. What worries my friend is the Dons' recent form - four defeats and three draws - before Saturday's 2-1 win over Dagenham and a 3-1 win over Bradford. Jack Midson has now surpassed Izale McLeod as League Two top scorer, with 18. The Pirates, who drew at Torquay last time, are unbeaten at home in the league in 2012. Five games, two wins, three 0-0 draws against the varying qualities of Oxford, Crawley and Macclesfield. They beat Bradford and Morecambe - and while the Dons are not as good or desperate as the other teams to have drawn at the Memorial Stadium, they are better than the Bantams and the Shrimps.

Back Bristol Rovers to draw with AFC Wimbledon at [4.0]

Hereford [3.55] Southend [2.16] Draw [3.55]

Hereford have drawn against some good and - at the time - in form sides at Edgar Street. While they have eight away draws, it will ultimately be their home form that decides their fate as they battle the drop. They won at Morecambe last weekend, a second win in three unbeaten games, which will give them confidence against the Shrimpers, whose form has stuttered since the turn of the year. This could be just the sort of place where Paul Sturrock's men slip up again. Five wins in 2012, from 14 games, means the [2.16] is far too short to justify and on that basis must be laid.

Lay Southend @ [2.16]

Swindon should win yet again after another three points in midweek but perhaps the even safer bet is Torquay to beat Bristol Rovers. Ian Lamont talks us through these and other good betting opportunities in League Two this weekend....

After a surprise loss to Yeovil in midweek MK Dons can bounce back with a win on Saturday says Alan Dudman, whilst Huddersfield can maintain their unbeaten start under Simon Grayson....

Alan Dudman briefly discusses Gary Megson's sacking, as well as looking at the best bets from this weekend's League One action....

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Premier League Results: United struggle while City thrive without Tevez

Premier League / Maxliu / 01 October 2011 / Leave a Comment

Manchester's Reds leave it late before securing home while City show they don't need Carlos with thumping win. Meanwhile, Kenny is king on Merseyside...

Manchester United may have only drifted to [1.74] but their fans experienced an anxious wait before Anderson's () minute goal set them on their way to a 2-0 win.

Two minutes before the Brazilian's goal, Norwich should have gone ahead when Anthony Pilkington broke through on goal. However, the winger shot wide and, as is often the way at Old Trafford, his team were punished shortly afterwards. The impressive Danny Wellbeck scored United's second shortly before full-time.

Unite's title rivals and neighbours Manchester City were far more emphatic as they thumped Blackburn 4-0 at Ewood Park. Supporters held up a banner which read Tevez Out and on this showing the Eastland's club don't need the Argentine. Adam Johnson, Mario Balotelli, Samir Nasri and Stefan Savic were all on target as City poured on the pain for beleagured Rovers. City are 3.7 to win the Premier League while Blackburn are [2.16] for the drop.

Liverpool traded at 2.9 as they came out on top in a lively Merseyside Derby. Playing with ten men following the dismissal of Jack Rodwell, Everton held the Reds at bay until the 71st minute. Dirk Kuyt had a penalty saved by Tim Howard so it was up to Andy Carroll and then Luis Suarez to win the match for Kenny Dalglish's team.

They were up to fourth in the table before Newcastle beat Wolves 2-1 at Molineux. Alan Pardew's team continued their sensational run and are now third, following today's win, for which they were backed at [3.45].

One of the season's other quiet successes so far are Aston Villa and their form continued today with a 2-0 win over Wigan. Gabriel Agbonlahor and Darren Bent scored either side of half-time to ensure that Alex McLeish's men remain unbeaten.

At the Stadium of Light, Sunderland and West Brom played out a lively 2-2 draw which was matched at [7.0] and rewarded those who grabbed the four goal stalemate at [18.5] in the correct score market.

Lee Dixon thinks history suggests a currently out-of-form Arsenal can still salvage something from a match where a goal glut will once again be on the cards....

Third visits last in Sunday's first match of the day and all the stats in the world point towards a comfortable Chelsea win. We simply can't ignore them, says Lee Dixon....

Tactics, team selection, systems and momentum will all play a huge part in the outcome of this match. Lets' make some money from guessing how all these factors will pan out, says Michael Cox....

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FA Cup Results: Arsenal rocked by Orient while City enjoy a Sunday stroll

FA Cup / Joe Dyer / 20 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Os captain Stephen Dawson gets ahead of Nicklas Bendtner

"Arsenal had been backed at [1.04] to win in 90 minutes after Tomas Rosicky's 53rd minute header put them in the lead at Leyton Orient."

Leyton Orient pull off a classic cup performance as [1.04] Arsenal are denied while five-star Manchester City sink Paul Ince's Notts County

A small piece of FA Cup magic was created by Leyton Orient in east London tonight when the League One outfit denied Arsenal with a late, late equaliser to rock their illustrious opponents.

The Gunners had been backed at [1.04] to win in 90 minutes after Tomas Rosicky's 53rd minute header put them in the lead.

But the Os plugged away and got their reward when Jonathan Tehoue burst through the Arsenal rearguard at the death to score. The draw was backed at [28.0] on Betfair.

In the day's early kick-off Manchester CIty strode into the fifth round of the FA Cup after a 5-0 hammering of Notts County at Eastlands today.

Betfair customers make Roberto Mancini's men the [6.0] third favourites to lift the trophy at Wembley in the final.

City were backed at [22.0] to win 5-0 - a result they achieved thanks to a late onslaught, scoring goals in the 84th, 89th and 91st minutes to add a big cherry to the Sunday cake.

With a major trophy the goal for the Citizen's mega-rich owners, you sense a Wembley final is likely. But it won't be easy, the fifth round brings Aston Villa to Eastlands while Everton or Reading will visit should City get past the Claret and Blues.

The day's other match saw Bolton eliminate Fulham. Wanderers were backed at [5.4] for an away win.

An FA Cup classic is on the cards after Arsenal/Leyton Orient were pulled out of the hat to face Manchester United in the fifth round...

Leyton Orient pull off a classic cup performance as [1.04] Arsenal are denied while five-star Manchester City sink Paul Ince's Notts County...

County's cup run should finish here, says Feizal Rahman, who has dug up a few bets to accompany that eventuality...

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