Betting Blog

Timbers’ Goalscoring Troubles Continue

Andy Charles — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:13:29 +0000

The Portland Timbers’ dismal run in-front of goal continued, as they were held to a goalless draw at Houston Dynamo, in a match the visitors were lucky to get anything out of.

Head coach, John Spencer, has seen his side tighten up their defence, over recent weeks. However, it appears to have come at a cost, as the team’s attacking unit fail to fire.

In the 0-0 draw against the Dynamo, the Timbers were thankful for some superb goalkeeping from Troy Perkins, for helping them come away from Texas with at least a point.

The keeper repelled everything that came his way, in a match that the Dynamo completely controlled throughout.

While Houston attacked seemingly at will, the Timbers failed to string together enough passes to give the frontmen anything to work with, something that has summed up this Portland side, over recent games.

Kris Boyd has, so far, only managed to score three goals, since his much-anticipated move from Europe, with Darlington Nagbe also weighing in with three goals of his own.

While Spencer can have no complaints about the amount of effort his strikers put in, he has admitted that the team do need to start finding the back of the net on a regular basis.

“It’s not an Excel spreadsheet you’re looking at; it’s a game of soccer. If you score more goals, you’re winning games.

“As a forward, you have to work hard defensively; you’ve got to work hard to keep the ball, which the strikers at the club all do. But, to be a forward, you’ve also got to score goals on a regular basis.”

Brave soccer fans can place online bets on the Timbers to win their next game. Alternatively, check out live in-play betting for an exciting alternative to conventional gambling.

London 2012: Ellison out to stop Korean domination

Andy Charles — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:11:52 +0000

In the world of archery, there is one country that has completely dominated since the sport was reintroduced to the Olympic Games in 1972. Since Munich, South Korea has collected an amazing tally of 30 medals, and as expected they swept the board in Beijing four years ago, winning gold in both the men’s and women’s team competitions.

However, the Asian stranglehold could face a big threat at London 2012 from the USA, principally in the shape of one man, Brady Ellison. The 23-year-old from Arizona will be competing in his first Olympics, but will turn up at Lord’s Cricket Ground with a weight of expectation on his broad shoulders.

Since changing from a compound to a recurve bow as a teenager his skill has improved markedly, as shown by the fact that he took the world number one spot from the South Koreans two years ago, and it was he that stopped them grabbing gold at both the 2010 and 2011 World Cup Finals.

Ellison won the Olympic Games test event in London last autumn and has been busy since, competing in the 2012 World Cup stages in China and Turkey. Come July, he should be at his absolute peak as he bids to stop the Asian countries from cleaning up.

Names to watch out for include the main man in South Korea, Park Kyung-Mo, who had to settle for silver in the 2008 men’s individual event behind Viktor Ruban of the Ukraine. Ellison is confident that he can beat both of them though.

Archery fans will get a chance to see the sport’s stars in action very early on as the ranking rounds are set to take place on 27th July, before the London 2012 Opening Ceremony.

For all the latest London 2012 betting head over to Betfair’s special Olympics micro-site which also includes the latest odds in the likes of Athletics, football and hockey as well as the latest Boxing Betting markets.

Stoke v Bolton Preview

Mike — Sun, 13 May 2012 13:36:08 +0000

This is a game involving two of the more physical teams of the division, although one has fared significantly better than the other. In the case of Stoke, the Potters have continued to consolidate their standing as a solid Premier League outfit and approach this clash sat in 14th spot. The same certainly cannot be said of Bolton on the other hand, with the Trotters in grave danger of losing their top flight status should results go against them this weekend.

Even though Stoke have experienced another comfortable campaign in the Premier League, some sections of their support may be slightly disappointed that the Potters have not made more of a push for the top half. Admittedly, a victory could propel Tony Pulis’ side into as high as 10th on Sunday, yet considering the money they have spent they are probably disappointed not to be around that position already. It would be fair to say that the Britannia Stadium outfit are hardly finishing the campaign in strong fashion either, having won just one of their last eleven. However, having not lost in their last six home games, they should still hold lots of confidence ahead of their final game of the season.

Bolton meanwhile have experienced a dreadful campaign although Owen Coyle’s side still have the chance to save the season. With two points separating them from 17th place QPR, and with the R’s set to play an away fixture against Manchester City, Coyle must know that a win for Bolton should result in survival. Of course, their task could have been made so much more easier had it not been for the events of last week – with Bolton throwing away a 2-0 lead against West Brom in the late stages of their game, while QPR won their fixture in the last minute. That draw against the Baggies means that the Reebok Arena outfit have won just one of their last seven, although they have at least collected four points from their last two away games.

On the subject of team news, Stoke are preparing to be without Marc Wilson as he struggles with a back issue sustained in the club’s last outing. It’s not all bad news for the Potters though, with Tony Pulis’ side set to welcome back Jermaine Pennant and Andy Wilkinson after the duo recovered from their respective injuries. Bolton meanwhile are sweating on the fitness of several players, with Nigel Reo-Coker struggling with injury while illness is hindering Mark Davies and Darren Pratley. Elsewhere, Gretar Steinsson is a definite absentee as he struggles with a thigh complaint.

In terms of a prediction, our tip is going to be a draw. Stoke have a solid home record and with Bolton recording several decent results on the road through recent weeks, we think this clash will conclude in a 1-1 draw.

Wigan v Wolves Preview

Mike — Sun, 13 May 2012 12:33:57 +0000

Both of these teams were expected to struggle this term and as it turns out, that has been the case. In the case of Wolves, such struggles have resulted in relegation from the division. Wigan on the other hand have managed to retain their top flight status, courtesy of some fantastic results over recent weeks that mean they can finish the campaign no lower than 17th.

Having battled amongst the bottom three for much of the campaign, the fact that Wigan are already safe is simply incredible. Roberto Martinez has masterminded some unbelievable results over recent times and this has meant that the Latics have been transformed into relegation-certainties into a team who will definitely be plying their trade in the top flight next term. The club secured their future with a 1-0 win over Blackburn on Monday, with that result also condemning Rovers to the Championship next term. That victory proved to be their sixth win from their last eight games and such statistics undoubtedly mean that the DW Stadium outfit fully deserve their place in the top division.

Wolves on the other hand have spent the whole campaign in the bottom three and not once have they ever looked like they held a good chance of surviving. The appointment of Terry Connor mid-way through the season proved disastrous and the Molineux board are surely wishing they had stuck with Mick McCarthy. Connor has still not won a fixture during his tenure and this meant that he was completely blacklisted during Wanderers search for a new manager next term, with Stale Solbakken poised to take over at the start of July. Solbakken will certainly need to install confidence into his new team as well, with the club without a victory in any competition since the start of February.

As for team news, Wigan approach this game with just one issue as David Jones struggles with a minor injury problem. However, that is Roberto Martinez’s only problem and otherwise he has a fully fit squad to choose from. It’s a completely different story for the visitors on the other hand, with Wanderers poised to be without a host of first team players. The likes of Michael Kightly, Christophe Berra, Sebastien Bassong, Kevin Foley, Matt Jarvis and David Davis are all doubtful with fitness tests prepared for the majority.

In terms of a prediction, we can’t foresee anything but an away victory in this clash. Wolves have been truly awful for the past few months, while Wigan’s form over recent weeks has been simply incredible and up there with the best. Bearing these factors in mind, we think Wolves are set for more misery while Wigan will finish the campaign on a real high – 2-1 Latics.

West Brom v Arsenal Preview

Mike — Sun, 13 May 2012 11:47:03 +0000

This game features two sides who have enjoyed solid campaigns this term, although just one has anything left to play for. With Arsenal currently positioned in 3rd, the Gunners need to ensure that they finish the campaign in strong fashion to guarantee Champions League football next term. West Brom meanwhile will be focussed entirely on next season, although the Baggies will want to put in a decent performance as Roy Hodgson prepares to take charge of his final game before taking over the England post.

The fact that West Brom sit in 10th position shows just why the Football Association have put their faith in Roy Hodgson. The Baggies have been transformed into a relegation-battling outfit to one that can match the very best in the top flight, in the short time that Hodgson has been at The Hawthorns. With just three points separating the club from 14th position, Hodgson will be praying that results go their way this weekend to ensure that they keep their mid-table position. Their recent form certainly suggests that this could happen, with the club on a run that has seen them lose just one of their last six.

Even though it has been another trophyless season for Arsene Wenger, the campaign can be classed as reasonably positive – as long as results go their way this weekend. Considering the Gunners’ budget, a final position of 3rd would be a very good achievement although this is by no means guaranteed with the club sat just two points ahead of 5th place Newcastle. That means that any slip up could result in Arsene Wenger’s side finishing as low as 5th, which would be absolutely catastrophic in relation to Champions League qualification. Worryingly, the Gunners have found victories difficult to come by through recent weeks having not won through their last four. Considering the fact that the majority of their recent opponents have been bottom-half sides, this must concern Arsene Wenger deeply.

As for team news, Chris Brunt is preparing to sit this one out after having his tonsils removed only recently. That may not be the only absentee for Roy Hodgson, with Peter Odemwingie and Jerome Thomas both doubtful on the treatment table. Arsenal on the other hand will not be able to rely on the services of Bacary Sagna, as he starts his recovery from a broken leg. The Gunners should be able to call upon Theo Walcott though, after the former Southampton man made a recovery from a hamstring injury.

In terms of a prediction, we think this clash could end in a draw. West Brom possess some encouraging recent form, while Arsenal’s results over the last few weeks have been inconsistent to say the least. Bearing this in mind, our tip will be a 2-2 score line.