steven gerrard

Well, one thing about Euro 2012 for sure, is that England won’t be led out in their matches by Chelsea’s John Terry. The Chelsea player has been stripped of the England captaincy yet again by the FA, who took the action as the results of Terry’s impending verdict in his racism trial, which won’t conclude until after the summer’s tournament. So the bookie have wasted little time in opening up a great betting market, asking who will be England Captain at Euro 2012? Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand has counted himself out, saying that he doesn’t want the captaincy back, and with him missing the majority of England’s matches anyway over the last year or so, he really wouldn’t have been a strong candidate in the betting market were he fit. Ferdinand apparently just wants to concentrate on playing for Manchester United, and there is no guarantee that he will be in the England starting eleven during the summer anywhere. So where, in all of this England captaincy chaos is the next leader? The obvious next person in line, and the name which has been bandied around the most, is that of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. He is a quiet, proud and strong leader, and his style of play epitomises just what a captain of a national side should be. Gerrard is favourite in England Captain at Euro 2012 betting, trading at 5/6 with Ladbrokes, but with his injury problems and fitness issues, there is no guarantee that he is going to be the formidable force that he has become to be known as. Where was he when he captaining England through their miserable 2010 World Cup campaign? He went missing a bit there, and if he is handed the captaincy again, it would only be a short term fix because Gerrard is getting on in age. Gerrard has also often been overlooked by Fabio Capello when it has come to handing out the armband. But, the Liverpool star is the front runner, but there are still question marks about him.

Those question marks really highlight the fact that England are really lacking leadership on the pitch. Chelsea’s Frank Lampard is another man in the running, but like Gerrard is at the wrong end of his career to be taking on the mantle, and at 14/1 with Ladbrokes, the Chelsea midfielder doesn’t make a great option. He is also spending more time on the bench, and Capello may opt for youth in starting matches over Lampard, who has delivered goals, but not always top performances for his country. Again, like Gerrard a temporary fix. So is there any youngster likely to step up? We can’t look at Wayne Rooney of course, because of his ban, missing the group stage matches of Euro 2012, so where is the real leadership in the squad? Not only for Euro 2012 but beyond when Fabio Capello departs? Keeper Jo Hart is trading at 8/1 with Paddy Power in the England Captain at Euro 2012 betting market. Is the goalkeeper really the position of captaincy to lead a side through struggles? There’s no criticism over Hart, but goalkeeper captains really aren’t ideal when you can’t walk up to a striker in the middle of the game and shout in their face to get them motivated. But his Manchester City team mate Gareth Barry, from his holding midfield role could fit the bill. You don’t look at Gareth Barry and really see captaincy quality, because he is really understated, just going about his job quietly, and he is not someone you notice on the pitch. The Man City midfielder is 9/1 at SkyBet to take the armband at Euro 2012. He could be on the periphery of a starting too, with Scott Parker likely getting a start over him. What about Scott Parker at 5/1 with William Hill to Captain England at Euro 2012? The Spurs midfielder is highly respected, but another quiet man on the pitch. Hasn’t got the tournament leadership experience that England may require, but doesn’t make too bad of a shout in the betting market though to be honest.

So really, the punters aren’t exactly spoilt for choice in this market, and neither is England boss Fabio Capello in trying to make this decision. If Jack Wilshere was fit, he would probably make a very good candidate for the future, because he is a natural, enthusiastic leader. But putting him under the pressure of being England captain at a tournament? For 40/1 with Bet Victor, it doesn’t seem likely. But there is one name which has flown under the radar, and it is a wonder why this player has never gotten more of a look in when it comes to  leading his country, because more often that not he is the most reliable player on the pitch, and plays with a great fire. That is Chelsea defender Ashley Cole. The bookies are really split between him, with him behind as short as 12/1, but way out at 33/1 with Ladbrokes. It is Ashley Cole really out of the entire bunch who probably deserves the biggest shot at the England captaincy. He will motivate and get in the faces of his team mates, and he generally leads from the front in trying to push the team forward from the back. He is the most natural choice really but Capello hasn’t even ever considered him before and so he may get overlooked again. Could be worth an outside flutter though, especially at the price which Ladbrokes are offering.

There are some good prices around at online bookmaker Ladbrokes, who offer a free £50 bet for new customers registering an account with them. The bookie will match the value of your first stake on a new account with a free bet, up to the maximum value of £50. That gives new Ladbrokes customers a great bit of free betting cash to enjoy on their new account!

Saturday 26th February 2011 
Barclays Premier League

Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers 15:00

Villa boss Gerard Houllier has defensive concerns ahead of the visit of Blackburn, with Luke Young still suffering with a knee injury and Carlos Cuellar out for five weeks with a hamstring tear. Jean Makoun starts a three-match suspension and will be replaced by one of Stilyan Petrov, Barry Bannan or Michael Bradley. Nathan Baker returns from his recent ban.
Blackburn defender Gael Givet has a great chance of returning following a groin injury, but Phil Jones is still around three weeks away from returning to action with a knee injury. Christopher Samba will be given every opportunity to recover from a virus while Junior Hoilett will miss out with a strung hamstring.

Everton v Sunderland 15:00

Everton will have to manage without Louis Saha (hamstring), Jack Rodwell (groin) and Ross Barkley (broken leg).
Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon is a big doubt for the trip to Goodison Park with a knee injury – Simon Mignolet is cleaning his gloves in anticipation of playing in his place. Frazier Campbell and David Meyler are due to see a specialist regarding their knees on Monday so will miss out on this game. This game comes too soon for Lee Cattermole – he is about 10 days away from a return to the fold while Danny Welbeck is still recovering from his knee problem.

Newcastle United v Bolton Wanderers 15:00

Peter Lovenkrands will be given a very late fitness test following his thigh injury sustained in Newcastle’s last game with Birmingham. Nile Ranger and Shefki Kuqi are on standby. Danny Guthrie will definitely miss out though with a hamstring issue, while Shola Ameobi (fractured cheekbone), Alan Smith (Ankle), Stephen Ireland (knee) and Hatem Ben Afra (broken leg) are also on the sidelines.
Zat Knight (knee) and Jlloyd Samuel (calf) are still absent for Bolton but they can recall Daniel Sturridge, cup-tied for their last two games. Jussi Jaaskelainen will return in goal.

Wigan Athletic v Manchester United 15:00

Wigan’s only concern surrounds Emmerson Boyce. He has been suffering all season with a troublesome hamstring and it has flared up again. Goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi will return between the sticks.
Michael Owen returns to the Manchester United squad after a nasty groin injury. Ryan Giggs will also travel but Jonny Evans (ankle) and Antonio Valencia (ankle) both miss out. Parak Ji-sung and Anderson also mis out with hamstring and knee injuries respectively.

Wolves v Blackpool 15:00

Kevin Doyle is fit for Wolves for the visit of Blackpool after hurting his hip in the 1-1 draw with West Brom last weekend. Stephen Hunt is still struggling with a calf injury.
Blackpool travel without captain Charlie Adam, who begins a two-match suspension. Luke Varney should reeturn to the starting XI, but Elliot Grandin and Gary Taylor-Fletcher miss out. Blackpool’s Sergei Kornilenko made his debut against Spurs and, following the 3-1 win, could be involved.

Sunday 27th February 2011 
Barclays Premier League

West Ham United v Liverpool 13:30

Steven Gerrard should return for Liverpool after his recent groin injury. Martin Kelly and Daniel Agger, both substituted with injuries in Thursday’s win over Sparta Prague, will face fitness tests nearer kick off. Glen Johnson (Achilles) is also facing a test. Defintely out are Fabio Aurelio and Andy Carroll. Luis Suarez should return to the match squad.

Manchester City v Fulham 15:00

Manchester City couldbe without Vincent Kompany. The defender limped off against Aris Salonika on Thursday night with a hip injury. Kolo Toure is limbering up as his replacement. Micah Richards (calf), James Milner (hamstring), Nigel de Jong (ankle) and Adam Johnson (ankle) all miss out, as does Shay Given (shoulder).
Fulham were considering giving Bobby Zamora his first start since he broke his leg against Wolves in September but the striker went over on an ankle on Friday morning and now faces a late fitness test. Steve Sidwell is out for four weeks with damaged knee ligaments, while Philippe Senderos and Diomansy Kamara miss out with back problems.

Monday 28th February 2011 
Barclays Premier League

Stoke City v West Bromwich Albion 20:00

Stoke are sweating on Matthew Ehterington’s fitness (back) ahead of the visit of West Brom. Abdoulaye Faye is struggling with a hamstring problem and is not likely to figure, while Mamady Sidibe remains sidelined with a long-term Achilles injury.

Denmark v England Betting, Wednesday, February 9th: England take to the field in Copenhagen on Wednesday, as they face Denmark in an international friendly. The Denmark v England fixture came about after England failed to secure other opponents, but this will be a good game for the national side to have a work out ahead of some upcoming Euro 2012 qualification matches. England boss Fabio Capello has lost the services of captain Steven Gerrard, who picked up an injury in Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge over Chelsea on Sunday. Almost immediately, Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish withdrew Gerrard from international duties this week. With Rio Ferdinand also missing out through injury, it’ll be interesting to see who Capello hands the captain’s arm band to. It won’t be going back to Chelsea’s John Terry who was stripped of it before. Most likely it will go to either his team mate Frank Lampard, or Wayne Rooney if he is in the starting eleven. Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney has two career international goals against Denmark. One big surprise in the England squad to face  Denmark, is the call up of Kyle Walker, the young Tottenham defender who has been out on loan at Aston Villa and QPE this season. England have a few players out and some who are doubtful for the back line, including Everton’s Phil Jagielka and Manchester City’s Micah Richards. England’s first choice right back looks to be Liverpool’s Glen Johnson, whose performances this season will have sent the England management looking for better alternatives.

With Rio Ferdinand absent again, Tottenham’s Michael Dawson will most likely be John Terry’s centre half partner, with back ups coming from Gary Cahill and Joleon Lescott. Up front, there has been a surprise call for Aston Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor, who has missed most of the season through injury, however, he has withdrawn due to personal reason. However, his new striker partner Darren Bent is quite likely to put in an appearance during the game. Peter Crouch was back in the England set up, but was sent home after a fitness test, but the return of Jermain Defoe will probably renew his partnership with Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney. After the withdrawals, Capello has called up West Ham’s Carlton Cole, and with keeper Robert Green after Ben Foster pulled out as well. England have had problems up front in the last few matches because of injury, and really on Darren Bent is on any kind of form. Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale has been called up for his senior squad debut, as he plays number three behind Joe Hart and Robert Green. So, what can England expect from Denmark? Well, the last time they went to the Parken Stadium, England got thumped 4-1 back in 2005, with Wayne Rooney finding the back of the net for the visitors. The very next match they played after that, was in Cardiff against Wales. England’s next game here? In Cardiff against Wales in the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

England have actually lost on their last two matches against Denmark, suffering a 3-2 defeat against the Danes in 2003. So this could be a tough test against the Danes, who traditionally are a defence first outfit, and should be a good test of England’s creativity. England are currently ranked 6th in the FIFA World Rankings, while Denmark, managed by Morten Olson, are down in 27th. While there is no importance on the match in terms of result, with it being an international friendly and everything, there are places up for grabs in the team. After making a solid start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, Fabio Capello will be looking for a solid performance, and at least some initiative taken by the visitors. If England play with width and pace, then they will likely beat the Danes. However, England have lacked something of a cutting edge, and it could simply be a game of patience and taking that one chance which comes their way. England have met Denmark 17 times since 1948 and England have won ten of those encounters, drawn four and lost two. In the goal scoring department, England have hit 33 goals against Denmark, and have conceded 18, so they have a pretty good record (apart from the last two matches).

In international friendly matches, they have faced off against each other 9 times, with England winning five, drawing two and losing two. In those nine international friendly matches, England have scored 14 goals and conceded nine. The last England triumph came back in 2002 when England ran out comfortable 3-0 winners (in the World Cup Finals). A bit of Trivia for you. Which two England players hold the record for the most caps against Denmark? Well, that will be Peter Shilton and Terry Butcher. The current active player with the most caps is Chelsea’s Ashley Cole with three.

Goalkeepers: Ben Foster, Joe Hart, David Stockdale
Defenders: Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Michael Dawson, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, John Terry, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Stewart Downing, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Young
Forwards: Gabriel Agbonlahor, Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney

Denmark to win: 11/5 at Bet365
Draw: 40/17 at Bwin
England to win: 23/17 at Unibet

Check out popular online bookmaker Unibet for live streaming of a selection of this week’s international friendly matches, including the big clash in Paris of France v Brazil. There are some interesting games this week, and you can catch some of the live action with Unibet, who provide a wonderful live streaming and live in play betting service. Unibet are one of most highly ranked online bookmakers, and their website is extremely user friendly, with great features. Live betting is enhanced when you can watch the live action in the same place as you do your betting, as you can get closer to the action and get a feel for the game. Popular online bookmaker Unibet welcome new customers with a £20 no risk first bet. So even if your first bet on a new Unibet account loses, you will get your lost stake back as a free bet, up to the value of £20. Catch Unibet’s excellent live streaming service across a wide range of sports, just by being a funded account holder with the online bookmaker.

Online Bookmaker BetFred have targeted Liverpool’s David Ngog for their Last Goalscorer Special for Liverpool v West Ham match on the weekend. The Bonus King as they are known as, are offering refunds for all losing bets placed on the First and Last Goalscorer markets, along with correct scores and Scorecast bets, up to the value of £200. That is some nice insurance if your betting party on the Liverpool v West Ham Barclays Premier clash gets spoiled by N’Gog scoring the final goal of the game. This is quite a crucial match for both sides now, and Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is feeling aggrieved after Captain Steven Gerrard picked up an injury in England’s friendly defeat against France in the week. The one worrying statistic for Liverpool during their woes this season, is that all but one of their league goals have either been scored by, or created by Gerrard or Fernando Torres. That is it. No-one else is chipping in offensively, and now with Gerrard expected to be on the sidelines for the next month, Liverpool’s creative output has essentially been cut in half. More than ever Liverpool now need Fernando Torres, and someone to start showing up in the middle of the park, where the bulk of Liverpool’s problems are.

Perhaps a little disconcertingly, is that Christian Poulsen is being touted to do the Gerrard role, and the summer signing has showed little so far, other than a penchant for playing the ball sideways. Liverpool may just have lost their heartbeat, and going into the match without a win in two games, Liverpool badly need some inspiration. They may be saved by the quality of opposition they face on Saturday though, as West Ham are still rooted at the bottom of the Barclays Premier League with just one win so far this season under Avram Grant. Neither side are lighting up the goal scoring charts, with Liverpool hitting just 13 and West Ham 11 so far this season. The Hammers haven’t won since September when they beat Tottenham, but after going on a streak of four straight defeats at the start of the season, it hasn’t been all that bad really. Out of their subsequent nine matches, they have only lost two. Along with that solitary win, that has left the Hammers with six drawn matches out of nine games, and they are currently on a three game drawing streak. Is it worth a punt in your football betting for Liverpool v West Ham? BetFred are offering 3/1 on the outright draw for the match, so it doesn’t seem as if it is out of the question. A Liverpool home win will fetch you 8/15 at BetFred, and an unlikely West Ham win is out at 6/1 with the bookmaker. The Hammers have a poor record at Anfield, not winning a match there since the 60’s. In Premier League fixtures there, they have only hit four goals themselves, so don’t expect a goal fest at Anfield on Saturday!

Remember to check out the Correct Score, Scorecast and First/Last Goalscorer markets for this one at BetFred, as there is some coverage with their money back special. It may well be worth a good punt on Fernando Torres for example in any scoring market(Torres is 5 goals in 4 matches against West Ham), or from the visitors, the two P’s Piquionne and Parker have delivered the biggest threats in front of goal. Check out BetFred today, and take advantage of their £50 welcome offer for new customers. This generous offers comes a free matched first bet on a new account, and that gives you a lot to work with in order to try and boost your profits!

Liverpool v Chelsea Betting Tip & Odds: While Liverpool have strung together three wins in a row now, you have to ask whether they are flattering to deceive? They haven’t faced tough opposition, but now they will. Chelsea breezed through Anfield last season and picked up a 2-0 win, and there is no reason why they shouldn’t do it again. Chelsea have only won 15% of their visits to Anfield, but look for a nice away win here. Chelsea are the stronger of the two sides,  with the calm and collected Carlo Ancelotti getting the better of Roy Hodgson, who doesn’t look entirely convincing in his role. Draw/Chelsea Half Time/Full Time bet 9/2 at Unibet.

Liverpool to win: 3/1 at Boylesports
Draw: 12/5 at Bet365
Chelsea to win: 11/10 at Bet365

EPL Match Preview: Less than two years ago, Livrtpool v Chelsea would have been billed as a clash between two of the Big Four. However, with Liverpool’s demise under Rafa Benitez last year, the Big Four crumbled, leaving a Big Three and some new hangers-on. Liverpool can not genuinely class themselves as one of the top teams in the country at the moment, and while they are a great club with some of the most enviable history and traditions, the current crop simply isn’t living up to par. Hopefully the takeover and the end of the financial to-and-fro will help them get their act back together on the pitch. It was the Steven Gerrard show on Thursday night when Liverpool needed their captain’s heroics to come and save them from a 1-0 half time deficit against Napoli in the Europa League, and that paints a pretty good picture of Liverpool right now. There is quality in the side, for they have Gerrard, Torres, Kuyt and keeper Pepe Reina isn’t all that bad either. It is the fringe players which really aren’t doing the job expected of them, and instead of the old Liverpool putting trust in youth, and buying young players, Hodgson has had to go with the pieces left behind by other clubs. All expect Portugal’s Raul Meireles, none of the players that Hodgson has brought in, really look like they are going to turn the fortune of the club around. Even the normally reliable Joe Cole hasn’t found his feet, and with him out injured and unable to face his old club Liverpool are crying out for some creativity. If they could just find some, then beating Chelsea really would see them spring into life this season one would think.

That is all it boils down to. They really need someone to back them up from midfield, and not just have to rely on Gerrard having to do so. When you have Torres up front, irrespective of whether he goes and is replaced by a proven goalscorer, you simply have to supply quality balls forwards. Liverpool haven’t done that this season and it is why they are struggling. Things may well turn around in the January transfer window with some spending cash on the table, but for now Liverpool are in something of a limbo. They gave Arsenal a good game on the opening day of the season at Anfield, and the Kop is still not easy to face for visiting teams, no matter how poorly Liverpool may be playing. There has been one other glaring flaw of Liverpool this year, and that is lack of work ethic and passion. In their defeats against Manchester City and Everton this season, that was probably the biggest factor in their downfall, they were bullied all too easily out of the game. Chelsea of course will fancy their chances of a good three points to maintain a five point lead at the top of the Premier League. They enjoyed a comfortable home win over Spartak Moscow in their midweek Champions League to keep their fine season going along. Michael Essien was rested for that match, along with John Terry and of course Frank Lampard was still missing. The Chelsea midfield may not be at its naturally strongest one on Sunday, as Lampard looks set to miss out again, and there are doubts over Essien.

During the week, there were positive signs that Lampard may make a return to the side, but now it seems at the eleventh hour, he may be held back. It’s not that Chelsea have missed him too badly, but put him back in the side and he will make a great team even better. Chelsea will also be without top goalscorer Florent Malouda, has he recovers from injury, and the Blues will be hoping that the influential Michael Essien will be fit again in time. He is crucial to the side in the absence of Lampard. You are not going to see much of a variation in tactics or formation from Chelsea, they do what they do best with a nice 4-3-3 formation, with Anelka, Malouda and Drogba spearheading the attack. The likelihood is that Salomon Kalou will simply slot straight in to replace Malouda, and with the back line fully in tact again, the Blues will be hard to break down. Chelsea haven’t been flawless away from home again this season, and they have dropped four points by losing to Manchester City, and only drawing against Aston Villa. However, they are the Premier League’s top goal scorers away from home and also happen to be the Premier League’s top team in not conceding away from home. That is how good Chelsea really are, and when you cast your eye over the stats below, you see a big gulf between the two sides, and there is where your betting has to lean towards.

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Liverpool v Chelsea Premier League Betting Statistics

Last 5 Head to Head
Liverpool 0, Chelsea 2
Chelsea 2, Liverpool 0
Liverpool 2, Chelsea 0
Chelsea 0, Liverpool 1
Chelsea 0, Liverpool 0

Liverpool have an 40% win percentage at home in the league this season
Chelsea have a 60% win percentage away from home in the league this season

Liverpool have scored 7 goals, and conceded 6 at home
Chelsea have scored 11 and conceded 3 goals in their away matches

Liverpool have scored the bulk of their goals in the 46-60 and 61-75 minute brackets
Chelsea have scored the majority of their goals in the 76-90 minute bracket

Liverpool have opened the scoring in 50% of their matches
Chelsea have scored first in 70% of their matches

Liverpool average 1.4 goals per match at home this season
Chelsea average 2.2 goals per match away from home this season

Liverpool 2010/11 top scorer: Gerrard, 3
Chelsea 2010/11 top scorer: Malouda, 7

Liverpool 2010/11 Season Form: P10 W3 D3 L4 GF10 GA14 Pts 12 (3rd)
Chelsea 2010/11 Season Form: P10 W8 D1 L1 GF27 GA3 Pts 25 (1st)

Liverpool v Chelsea betting odds

Liverpool to win: 3/1 at Bet365
Draw: 12/5 at SkyBet
Chelsea to win: 11/10 at BetFred

Chelsea will look to end the mini revival that Liverpool have started, when the roll into Anfield on Sunday. This is the weekend’s top Barclays Premier League clash, and the league leaders will be looking to inflict another comfortable victory over the Reds. In the corresponding fixture last season, Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-0 in the run in to the title. Again this year, there is contrasting fortunes between the two clubs, both with the quality of players in the respective squads, the style of play and perhaps most importantly of all, confidence. There is also the small matter of the 13 point gulf between the two sides, just ten matches into the new season. The Chelsea squad is bristling with confidence, and even though they suffered a defeat against Manchester City in the league, even that seems like it has long been forgotten and just marked off a bad day at the office in front of goal. Chelsea are going strongly this season, even though they have not been at full strength since the start of the season, and have really put some faith in youngsters to fill positions on the bench. With no apparent inclination to go shopping in the January transfer window, Carlo Ancelotti looks happy with the players that he has at his disposal. Perhaps the biggest personification of the attitude and confidence that the Stamford Bridge crew has, can be summed up in former Liverpool player Nicolas Anelka.

The Frenchman has been in great form this year, and is finally looking like he has found his natural home, and is allowed to do his natural role. His role has often fallen into being the supporting platform to let Didier Drogba go on and grab all of the glory, but when you stop and watch Anelka specifically, you can see what a valuable contribution he makes to the team. Yes, Nicolas Anelka is a team player. Once labelled “Le Sulk” Anelka, once rejected by Liverpool despite strong performences, in something of an understated way, Anelka has fired a riposte to his critics that cannot be faltered. He drops deep, picks the ball up and runs with it. His strength is fantastic, his skills on the deck to beat players is to be admired and his vision, sublime. He is probably in the form of his life, playing better than ever and a real threat to defences across the country, and Europe. His performances in Europe, in particular have been ones to admire, as the nature of European competition really suits his style. In the Liverpool v Chelsea fixture, his club will again need him, as club top scorer Florent Malouda will be missing for the Blues, as he recovers from injury. Nicolas Anelka is 2/1 at Stan James as Anytime Goalscorer. Chelsea have been struggling with injuries all season, but they have barely missed a bit. Frank Lampard has been absent for the large part, but Ramires and Michael Essien have filled in wonderfully. Chelsea will be bolstered by the news that Lampard will likely return to action on Sunday and makes a great bet at 5/2 with Stan James as Anytime Goalscorer. When Drogba has been missing, Salomon Kalou has carried the can, along with Malouda who, like Anelka, is probably enjoying peak performances in his career. Losing Malouda will be a bit of a blow, but the Blues title campaign looks set to rumble on.

Further north, Liverpool have lost Joe Cole through injury for a few weeks, meaning that he will miss his chance to shine against the club which let him walk for free in the summer. Cole’s absence for Liverpool sounds a much more desperate situation than Malouda’s for Chelsea. Liverpool are also missing Dirk Kuyt, and you look at those two names and see that there is most of the creativity taken out of the side. Liverpool do not have either the starting eleven quality or the squad to match that of Chelsea’s. That is why there is such a big points difference. That is why Chelsea are title contenders and are playing in the Champions League. That is why Liverpool are fighting for middle table securing and enduring nights in the Europa League. Star striker Fernando Torres, who has been rumoured to be heading to Stamford Bridge in the summer, but was played down by Ancelotti, has taken on a lot of the blame for Liverpool’s poor season. After struggling for full fitness, when he has been on the pitch he has been starved of quality ball from a poor midfield. Blame previous boss Rafa Benitez, or blame current boss Roy Hodgson for Liverpool’s lack of quality players, the situation is what it is. Hodgson decided to bring in experienced players, having no cash to spend, and Joe Cole, Christian Poulsen, Milan Jovanovic, Paul Konchesky have all failed to ignite the club, while Portugal’s Meireles looks to have good potential, but needs more quality around him.

Two 2-0 defeats last season against Chelsea for Liverpool, both home and away, marked the margin between the two clubs. Nothing really has changed since then. That is why Chelsea, even being the away team, will be the ones to look for in your betting. Chelsea are the better team, both tactically and in terms of quality and finishing. You look at the two sides and you see goals in Chelsea, whereas you see Liverpool looking for scraps. While Liverpool will naturally look for this to be a stepping stone to really get their season going, at the moment it looks a pretty big stretch that they are good enough to pull it off. Chelsea do not have a particularly great record at Anfield, winning just 15% of the matches they have played there throughout their history. As Drogba stated, “there is never a good time to go to Anfield” highlighting that there is still a lot of work to be done to secure victory. Chelsea slipped up away from home against Manchester City, when City suffocated the Blues and caught them on the counter attack with a moment of brilliance from Carlos Tevez. That will likely be the Liverpool game plan, as they will concede a lot of possession to Chelsea. As shown in their midweek triumph over Napoli, Liverpool are still overwhelming reliant on Steven Gerrard. However, it is the return of Frank Lampard which may big the biggest factor here. If Chelsea shut down Gerrard, Liverpool are lost, but if the Reds keep Lampard quiet, then there are still major threats from all over the park. That is the difference in class between the two sides, and why your Liverpool vs. Chelsea betting should be backing the visitors. Lampard is 8/1 at BetFred for Last Goalscorer – a winning return goal for him?

Football betting on England suddenly looks a little more secure. After an impressive opening salvo of the Euro 2012 campaign, which saw England run out 4-0 winners over Bulgaria, Fabio Capello takes his side to Switzerland on Wednesday, hoping to secure maximum points from the first two matches. At Wembley on Friday night, England showed a lot of renewed vim and vigour as they shook off the disappointments of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe was the hero of the ninety minutes as he struck home an international hat trick, comfortably securing the home side’s victory. The crowds didn’t turn out in full force at Wembley, and Wayne Rooney in particular seemed to take the brunt of frustration from the home crowd, but on a whole, there was a new look and a new feel about the England side, which were missing several of their experienced players. To be honest, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard really weren’t missed as the new look England stroked the ball around with relative comfort and showed a lot of ambition in going forward. This was the perfect answer, the ideal tonic to the miserable directionless show that went on in South Africa.

England v Switzerland Betting Odds

England to win: 10/11 at Bet365
Draw: 12/5 at BetFred
Switzerland to win: 10/3 at Stan James

Head to highly recommended online bookmaker Bet365 for the latest prices backing an England win in Switzerland on Wednesday night. Bet365 offer one of the most generous welcome promotions for new customers, with up to £200 free bets up for grabs. Now, when it comes to Switzerland and international football, one thing jumps to mind, and that is a bore draw. Switzerland are renowned for not scoring and not letting anything in, so fortunately Bet365 offer a football betting promotion which solves the problem. Bet365 Bore Draw Money Back promotion is ideal for this, as a blank score sheet at the end of the match will mean that you will be entitled to refunds for lost stakes on Correct Score, Half-Time/Full-Time or Scorecast bets. So, a bet on any of those markets for England v Switzerland betting, will be covered if the match plays out to a 0-0 draw. If, however you have more hopes of there being some goal action, with Bet365 you can have an each way bet on the First Goalscorer in a match, and if they hit the back of the net at anytime during the match after failing to be the first, then you will be paid out at odds of 1/3. With superb live in-play service, live sports streams, great sports betting promotions and more, Bet365 continue to be one of the leaders among online bookmakers and come highly recommended.

With Terry and Ferdinand missing from the centre of defence, England boss Fabio Capello went with the centre half pairing of Michael Dawson and Phil Jagielka. The duo looked quick and mobile against the somewhat limited Bulgarian attack, but bad news came as Tottenham’s Dawson was stretchered off injured in the second half. Capello threw on Bolton defender Gary Cahill as a replacement, deciding to overlook the recalled Matthew Upson. Away from home against Switzerland, Capello though may rely upon the extra experience from the West Ham defender Upson, which could add a little extra security to your thoughts of football betting on Switzerland v England. With Ferdinand and Terry still missing, Capello hasn’t called up any replacement player. There was also an initial worry over Defoe who limped from the pitch after netting his hat trick goal. The signals are betting for him though, as he is expected to be fully fit again for Wednesday’s important match. The other England Goalscorer on the night was Manchester City’s Adam Johnson who was making his international debut. He weighed in with the all important third goal which put the game out of sight for the visitors. After coming on for Theo Walcott, Johnson looked lively and was another positive to be taken from the game, along with goalkeeper Joe Hart who finally added a bit of stability between the posts for England. He wasn’t threatened too much, but when he was called into action then he was there without any scares or jittery moments. After failing miserably at the World Cup, seemingly cracking under the pressure that was put upon him, Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney had a good, lively game and was full of invention when dropping deep.

Switzerland v England Anytime Goalscorer Odds

Wayne Rooney: 11/10 at Boylesports
Jermain Defoe: 11/8 at Boylesports
Darren Bent: 6/4 at William Hill
Carlton Cole: 6/4 at William Hill
Steven Gerrard: 11/5 at Boylesports

So Capello looks to have delivered exactly what the England fans wanted to see. A new kit, a new approach to the game and a new England perhaps? The jury will still be out on that for a while, and the trip to Switzerland next week will prove to be a big test for them. The Swiss will be a lot tougher to break down that Bulgaria were, as they showed at the World Cup when they beat tournament favourites Spain in the group stage. The match in Basel will probably take on much of a different atmosphere, with England maybe having to be just a little more patient on the ball, but at least the post World Cup blues at first glance look to have been remedied. Of course one win doesn’t mean a complete clean slate for Capello, and now he needs to produce quality performances away from home, just like England did in the World Cup qualifiers. England, in a group with Switzerland, Wales, Montenegro and Bulgaria, will be expected to top it without suffering a defeat. England are 2/7 at SkyBet to win Group G. The away fixture in Switzerland looks to be the trickiest test though, as Switzerland are a defence first side, banking on grabbing vital goals on the break. England will have a lot of possession, and now will come the test of whether or not they can do anything with it. But, with Steven Gerrard playing in his best position, and youth on the flanks providing some inspiration and speed, the signs are once again hopeful for England’s future.

England v Switzerland Football Betting Stats

• The two sides have met 20 times but thirteen of those encounters have been friendly matches.
• There have been thirteen wins for England and just three for Switzerland in total.
• Four of the matches have ended in draws.
• England have score 47 and conceded just 16 against Switzerland in their encounters.
• The last time they met was in London 2008 friendly when England won 2-1.
• The two sides have met just twice in Euro qualifiers, with England winning one and drawing one in 1972.
• In Euro 2004, England beat Switzerland 3-0 in the group stage.

Now the big football betting question over this one, is how much England’s optimism will influence the match from a betting perspective? Frankly on paper, England have the quality to win this one, and you would expect them too. The trouble with Switzerland though, is that they are a very stubborn team. They don’t score a lot and they don’t concede a lot, and therefore the prospect of a draw is pretty good for Wednesday’s encounter. In two games since the World Cup (where they only scored 1 goal and conceded 1 goal), Switzerland have beaten Austria 1-0 and then drew 0-0 with Australia. The Swiss aren’t going to come out and enjoy a goal fest in front of their home fans, and a 1-0 win over England would be a huge thing for them. However, you have to look at the confidence England will have taken from their opening fixture, that, coupled with Switzerland not playing a competitive match on Friday, should firmly give England the edge. It may be tight, and it may simply turn out to be a war of attrition that England should eventually win. Maximum points are all that matter at the end of the day to England and Capello.

Liverpool v Rabotnicki Odds

Liverpool to win: 1/10 at Stan James
Draw: 9/1 at William Hill
Rabotnicki to win: 33/1 at ExtraBet

After a comfortable first leg 2-0 away win in Macedonia, Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is set to select a stronger squad for the return Europa League fixture at Anfield on Thursday. Liverpool’s first leg came just 18 days after the end of the World Cup, and new boss Hodgson sent out an inexperienced squad, resting some of his senior players. There was no Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole or Glen Johnson, but under fire striker David Ngog scored the brace, and Liverpool were comfortable enough in a dull encounter, which gave them the upper hand in this Europa League Third Round qualifier. In a strange approach to the game, Hodgson actually set up a defensive side and Liverpool’s thoughts about attacking only flourished when there was little caution about doing so. The style of the game showed just how valuable the Europa League is to Liverpool this season, even if they did not send out their strongest side.

The match at Anfield on Thursday could see the Anfield debut of Joe Cole who was picked up for free after being allowed to walk out of Chelsea in the summer. Roy Hodgson is now ready to put out his strongest side that he can for the second leg of the encounter, getting some valuable match fitness and sharpness into his best players. He apparently has no qualms about throwing some senior players back into action, after some of them turned out on a friendly on the weekend. That will mean a return to the competitive side for Captain Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Maxi Rodriguez and probably Cole, but Liverpool still will not be completely at full strength. Fernando Torres, still at the heart of much transfer speculation is out injured, and Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel are not available after only just returning to training.

If Liverpool can beat Rabotnicki away from home with an inexperienced side, then there is not doubt about them repeating the feat. Rabotnicki, coming out of the top of the Macedonian league simply are not good enough. The Macedonians will send out the same side from the first leg in Skopje, and they seem to be resigned to their fate already. One player who won’t be appearing for Liverpool is Javier Mascherano who was not registered for the tournament. Mascherano is expected to leave Anfield to move to Inter Milan, after wan ting to get out of Anfield. Still, even if the senior players do not complete the ninety minutes, Liverpool will be far too strong for the opposition. After this Third Qualifying Round, Liverpool will go in the Europa League Play Off round, the winners of which, will enter the proper Group Stage of the main tournament.

Liverpool to win Europa League: 12/1 at Coral

Reds start in third qualifying round of Europa League

Liverpool now know their fate for finishing seventh in the Premier League last year, and missing out on the Champions League. They will face either Macedonia side Rabotnicki, or Mika from Armenia in the Third Qualifying round of the Europa League. The fixture for the home leg of the tie, is at Anfield on July 29th, and the return fixture is on August 5th. Should Liverpool win their way through that, then they will face a two leg play-off to get into the Group Stage of the tournament. This is quite a fall from grace for the Anfield outfit, which have been enjoying the European high life in the Champions League over the past seasons. They failed to get out of the group stage in last year’s Champions League though, and ended up joining the latter stages of the Europa League, where they failed to make the final after running into Diego Forlan’s Atletico Madrid.

This will be the first test of Roy Hodgson’s managerial career at Liverpool, after moving from Fulham in the summer, following the departure of Rafa Benitez. Hodgson is apparently set on keeping Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, supposedly telling them that they are not going anywhere. Those are quite bold words, as it is hard to see them rejecting a multi million pound deal for Torres if it comes in for the Spanish striker. The future over Argentinean Javier Mascherano is still uncertain, as Hodgson has been able to get a hold of the midfielder, who has been linked with moves away. The biggest transfer rumours will continue to be around Torres, who is still recovering from injury. Liverpool are in financial difficulties, and the club is up for sale, so deals for their star striker Torres could be very tempting. The future of both he and Gerrard could all depend on how well Liverpool get off to the start of their new season. Should they be flailing in the league again come the January transfer window, it may be even harder to hang on to them if Hodgson manages to keep them both for the start of the season.

Liverpool are 12/1 at Stan James to win the Europe League, while other English representatives in the tournament Manchester City (15/2 at Coral), and Aston Villa (25/1 at SkyBet) both enter into the tournament at the Play Off stage, which comes after the third round of qualifying (where Liverpool are starting). Other big names in the tournament are Italian giants Juventus (14/1 at Stan James) and last year’s winner’s Atletico Madrid (16/1 at Stan James).

Next Fulham Manager and Specials on Torres and Gerrard

With Liverpool set to announce the arrival of manager Roy Hodgson into the hot seat at Anfield, the next round of managerial musical chairs in the Premier League, falls on Fulham. Hodgson, who did a great job of saving Fulham from relegation and then took them all the way to the final of the Europa League this season, looks to have been rewarded for his impressive work by stepping up to manage one of the big four. While the selection seems a little strange for a club of Liverpool’s stature, as Hodgson has no proven track record in Europe’s top flight, it appears to be a move to instil an Englishman back at the helm of the club. Hodgson has made a very good name for himself in rescuing teams that are in trouble, and as hard as it will be for fans in the Kop to admit, that is where their team are right now. No Champions League for a club of their stature spells potential big troubles ahead in attracting new players to the club, as well as difficulties in attracting a top manager. Perhaps their options were limited and that is why Hodgson, who is considered a highly intellectual football journeyman, was called upon. Liverpool were free to speak to Fulham and Hogdson’s appointment is expected to be announced very soon. Not only does this leave an opening at Fulham, it also discounts one Englishman from the list of potential managers to take over the national side if the FA decide to part ways with Fabio Capello. There is also the questions over what will happen to Liverpool’s two stars, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard. Liverpool clearly need an overhaul, but have their own financial difficulties, and these are the players who would bring in the most return. How badly to Liverpool need money? Hodgson is well known for his frugality in picking up bargains in the transfer market. That alone won’t give Liverpool fans much hope, as naturally they will want to see big money being spent on Europe’s top players.

Naturally all of this speculation is enhanced by the fact that it makes for some very interesting football betting.

There seems to be a two way race for the managerial seat at Craven Cottage, according to the media. Many have Sven Goran-Eriksson, who was last seen at the 2010 FIFA World Cup with the Ivory Coast, as the favourite to take over, while other have tipped Alan Curbishly to come in and do the job.

Next Fulham Manager at Victor Chandler
Alan Curbishly – 5/4
Mark Hughes – 4/1
Sven Goran Eriksson – 6/1
Sean O’Driscoll – 6/1
Glenn Hoddle – 8/1
Slaven Bilic – 8/1
Manuel Pelligrini – 9/1
Gareth Southgate – 11/1

What will Steven Gerrard do? Will he remain loyal to his club’s trials and tribulations at Anfield, or will the decision be out of his hands. If he wanted to leave he wouldn’t be short on options. Rumours have had him linked with several clubs including Premier League rivals Chelsea, which seems a little unlikely. Jose Mourinho vocally stated that he would like Gerrard at Real Madrid, while the door would probably be open for him to join Rafa Benitez at Inter Milan.

Steven Gerrard’s Club at Start of Season at Paddy Power
Liverpool – 8/15
Real Madrid – 2/1
Man City – 15/2
Chelsea – 12/1
Inter Milan – 25/1

Fernando Torres has not been having a great time at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, as he has looked short of match sharpness. He did have an injury plagued season at Anfield, and was still struggling with fitness ahead of the tournament so he could be excused a little bit. Still, he has played quite a bit for Spain at the tournament, and has had more than enough chances to put himself in with a chance of the Golden Boot, but he is not the Fernando Torres that Liverpool need next season. They need him back at his best. Perhaps he lost all his goal scoring powers when he cut his hair, but his price has probably dropped a little bit on the transfer market, so the new Liverpool boss may be looking to cut his losses with Torres. It may be the case of the striker wanting away, as he is one of the best in Europe when fit, and he will want Champions League football. Torres has been linked heavily with Chelsea. Or would Barcelona want him to pair up with fellow Spaniard David Villa who they just signed? Would Benitez want him at Inter? How badly do Liverpool need money to rebuild with?

Fernando Torres’s Club at Start of Season at Paddy Power
Liverpool – 2/5
Chelsea – 3/1
Man City – 5/1
Man Utd – 16/1
Barcelona – 25/1
Inter Milan – 33/1