Tottenham Hotspurs

The end of the war in ’45 saw the resumption of competitive football in the form of the F.A. Cup.

During hostilities the league set-up was two "first divisions", North and South and lesser regional leagues. On this occasion the two finalists were both from the Southern Section, Charlton Athletic and Derby County. 98,000 saw they game which went into extra time, but not without a couple of "firsts". Jacky Stamp, (Derby centre forward), shot for goal only for the ball to burst in mid-air. Just as it had done in a regional league game between the same sides the previous week.

First blood went to Derby when Charlton’s left half Bert Turner put thru’ his own. Almost immediately Charlton went on the attack and Turner equalised. The first person to get on both score sheets in an F.A. Cup Final.The  game went to extra-time, for only the second time at Wembley. Derby went on to win 4 – 1.Charlton gained their revenge next season. beating second division Burnley 1 – 0 in extra-time.

No team dominated in the early years after ’45 until Newcastle won 3 times between ’51 and ’55. In amongst these successes was the MATTHEWS FINAL. Bolton lead 3 –1 with some 22 mins remaining. Matthews completed one of his dazzling runs with a cross for Mortenson to score his and the teams second goal. Mortenson went on to score the only Cup Final hat-trick at the old stadium.

The next outstanding happening was in the 55/56 final,  when City, having lost the previous year, beat Birmingham 3 – 1. With their goalkeeper, Bert Trautman playing for the last 20 mins with a broken neck.The club doctor stated that the slightest jolt to the neck could have paralysed if not killed him. I watched that game on T V and Trautman was awesome.

Two years later Man Utd lost to Bolton Wanderers. This was three months after the Munich disaster. United were allowed to sign players who had already played in that seasons cup games. The only time it has been allowed. Not surprisingly Bolton ran out 2 – 0 winners. United’s second consecutive Cup final defeat. They made amends beating Leicester City 3 -1 in 62/63.

The sixties really belonged to ‘Spurs with a double success in 60/61 and 61/62. Follwed by a third in  66/67.

The 64/65 final would add a new name to the trophy now matter who had won. It turned out to be one of Liverpool‘s numerous successes. Leeds had to wait until 71/72 for their first ever Cup Final win. The following season when they attempted to retain the trophy, they were surpisingly beaten by a Porterfield goal for Sunderland.
No one team dominated during the Seventies, and the start of the Eighties saw three years of replays. ‘Spurs winning the first two of these for yet another double final success.

Everton won in 83/84 and were beaten in each of the following two seasons. The second of which saw the first ever Merseyside Derby Final. Repeated three seasons later, when Liverpool  also repeated their victory. The shock of the decade came in 87/88 when WIMBLEDON beat all the odds and Liverpool by a single goal.
‘Spurs saw in the next decade with a 2 – 1 defeat of Notts Forest.

The next nineteen years have been a virtual monopoly fo the "BIG FOUR". Only twice has an "outsider" won the Cup. Everton 94/95 and last year Portsmouth were successful.

When the F.A. Cup is mentioned the thoughts often tend to wander to the few clubs who have also achieved the Cup and League Double. With some hundred and twenty finals decided only six teams have achieved the Double. Preston, Aston Villa, ‘Spurs and Liverpool have one success each Whilst Arsenal and Man. Utd have three each.

The spread of these successes shows no pattern whatsoever. Two between 1889 and 1897 then a blank until 1961. A ten year gap to the next and then another barren spell until 1986.Then there was a fistful (four) between 1994 and 1999. The last occasion was 2002.

Although the "Big Four" appear to have most things their own way, none seems to be able to really dominate as Man. Utd did in the nineties.

I go away for a short break with my family and when I return it seems everything changed in the Premier League.

Harry’s in charge at Spurs and has turned a bunch of under achieving internationals back into a bunch of internationals. I have worked with Harry in the past and he has a very simple approach to management. Get a group of excellent players, make them feel 10 feet tall (note his comment ‘I don’t need David Beckham, I’ve got David Bentley’ was rewarded with a cracking 40 yard wonder strike!) and tell them to play! So I wont be backing many 0-0 draws at White Hart Lane!

On the other side of the capital Chelsea finally lost at home. You may remember I was looking at an away win when Villa were the visitors so I wasn’t surprised when Liverpool turned them over, just a shame I wasn’t online to tip it (I was in the middle of nowhere with a laptop, dongle but no network coverage!)

Meanwhile Aston Villa having failed to end the Chelsea home record have continued their tremendous form.

So, to this weekends fixtures. I’ve noted that West Hams form is becoming a cause for concern and once again the I word, injury, is at the forefront of my thinking with so many key players injured, far too many to mention here!, they’ve been struggling to score goals on the road hence their solitary away win so far this season. This weekend they travel to Middlesboro who on the back of some decent performances at home (if we discount the 0-5 against Chelsea!) seem to be getting their act together.

I know that Craig Bellamy will find his shooting boots soon but 11/10 for a home win with totesport is far too generous to miss out on.

Folks,

Welcome to my post, I am to deliver previews of the biggest European games each weekend as well as in-depth analysis of how to make you money. I have an accurate strategy which aims to minimize risk and utilise a spread betting systemhealthy return which should still guarantee an .

I am based in the UK but have contacts in Scotland, Spain and Italy meaning an up-to-date insight of European Football. My picks this weekend will focus on teams on the road, therefore better odds on top teams, when teams are playing away they are quite unpredictable, but if you bet across numerous leagues picking big teams then the risk is lessened.

The English Premiership drums up some very interesting fixtures this weekend.

As an avid Liverpool fan, I have to discuss the Merseyside Derby. Liverpool were uninventive against Stoke and lazy against Crewe yet they still remain undefeated in the league. How £40 million pounds worth of strikers haven’t clicked yet, I do not know, it drives me up the walls without being too bias. This match is always fiery and produces goals, it’s maybe Robbie Keanes time to step up to the plate and produce the goods. Im sticking my neck on the line and going for an away win, Everton are scoring goals with Cahill getting back to form but their defence is hardly water tight at the moment.

Back Liverpool, odds (6/5).(Bet Direct/Skybet/Stan James)

Newcastle are on a downward spirral at the moment, the talk of El Tel taking over will also not bear will with the faithful Geordies. The talks with a Nigerian consurtium are also promising, the sooner Mike Ashley moves on the better. They need stability, security, and patience. Whether King Kev returns or not, the new manager should be given sufficient time and money, but this weekend I feel spells more doom and gloom, even Tottenham beat Newcastle this week!! Blackburn to edge this one just.

Back Blackburn, odds (2/1)(Ladbrokes)

My other picks for this weekend in the Premiership are Chelsea (2/5) Bet 365) to easily overturn Stoke, and Man City (7/5) Ladbrokes) (Goal Machines) to overturn Wigan in a game that will produce a lot of drama.

The Scottish divisions are a speciality of mine, I have lived in Edinburgh for three years and the Scottish people are very passionate about their football. I have learnt a lot from uber enthusiam regarding the beautiful game, fitba as they call it.

My Scottish banker this weekend is – Rangers.

Rangers to come to Edinburgh and take all three points against Hibs. Rangers only have the league to play for this year, and Hibs are just getting over a somewhat sticky start. ( Back Rangers 8/11 (Bet 365)

Across Europe we also have some interesting teams on the road. All three teams have performed comfortably well on the road recently, both Barca and Madrid hammered the helpless Sporting Gijon, so I feel Villareal will comfortably follow suit. I can’t help but add Real Madrid and Barcelona to my coupons, they have superstars thoughout their team and are arguably world beaters on their day. Just be careful to mix your away selections accordingly picking one or two teams from each league, reducing the risk.

Villareal vs Sporting Gijon.(4/6 Ladbrokes)

Barcelona vs Espanyol. (17/20 Centrebet)

Real Madrid vs Betis. (9/10 Betdirect)

Apologies I have recently fractured my thumb and typing is frustrating at the moment, anyway best of luck this weekend, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions!!

Gerard

Bet on this Weekend’s Sport

Following England’s sensational win in Zagreb during the week there is sure to be a feel good factor at many Premiership grounds this weekend as the League returns after the International break. The atmosphere at Anfield is sure to be electric as Manchester United travel to old rivals Liverpool, while on the blue side of Manchester there is the clash of the cash as City‘s new Arabian owners welcome Roman Abramovich and Chelsea. On Sunday Stoke City host their first live Premiership game against Everton, and on Monday night Spurs take on Villa in the race to break into the Champions league.

Liverpool v Manchester United, Saturday, Sky Sports 1, 12:45pm

United go into this game in an unfamiliar position below Liverpool in the league, and would love to beat their old enemies in their own back yard. Following a disappointing first day draw, United got their title campaign back on track with a hard fought 1-0 away win at Portsmouth last time out. They are boosted this weekend as Dimitar Berbatov is set to start for the first time, as strike partner to Rooney and Tevez. In contrast to United’s attacking addition, Liverpool are set to be without their two most influential players, Gerrard and Fernando Torres. Both were injured in Liverpool’s 0-0 draw at Villa Park just before the international break, and join the defensive pair of Sami Hyppia and summer signing Philipp Degenin in the Anfield treatment room. Liverpool will be hoping their influential skipper is back for what is sure to be a close game.

Liverpool are 2/1 with Centrebet to continue their good start, while Man Utd. are 11/8 with BGbet to celebrate Berbatov’s first game with a victory.

If Nani scores at anytime during Manchester United v Liverpool, BGbet will refund all losing first goalscorer stakes on the match.¹

Place a correct score bet on Manchester United v Liverpool, and if your bet is beaten by an injury time goal, BGbet will refund your losing stake on that game.¹

Manchester City v Chelsea, Saturday, Setanta Sports 1, 5:30pm

Following the dramatic events of transfer deadline day this fixture at the City of Manchester stadium has taken on a new edge as the two richest clubs in English football meet. City fans who welcomed the arrival of the Abu Dhabi United Group and its billions will see this as the beginning of a new era of success at City. The new owners signalled their intent by stealing Robinho from under the noses of Saturday’s opponents Chelsea, perhaps the first time Chelsea have been outbid in the Abramovich era. As well as Robinho, City will have Shaun Wright Phillips lining up against his former team following his brace against Sunderland a fortnight ago. Chelsea, however, will welcome back striker Didier Drogba for his first game of the season, while Joe Cole is expected to start despite the injury he sustained in England’s mid week victory over Croatia.

BetWithRed have City as the 4/1 underdogs despite Robinho’s presence, and Chelsea are the 10/11 favourites at VCbet to win the "Clash of the Cash".

If Shaun Wright Phillips scores at anytime during Manchester City v Chelsea, BGbet will refund all losing first goalscorer stakes on the match.¹

Stoke City v Everton, Sunday, Sky Sports 1, 1:30pm

Stoke will be confident as they prepare to play in front of the Premiership camera’s for the first time, following their thrilling 3-2 win over Aston Villa in their last game at the Britannia. Mamady Sidibe’s injury time winner three weeks ago was the end to a exciting contest that saw Villa twice come from behind to draw level. Following that City travelled to the Riverside where they were victims of a late winner as Tuncay took advantage of Boro’s one man advantage to fire home an 85th minute winner. The fans at the Britannia can expect to see a hatful of goals if Everton’s early season form is anything to go by, with a 2-1 win over West Brom being sandwiched by 3-2 and 3-0 home defeats to Blackburn and Portsmouth respectively.

Stoke are considered outsiders with Centrebet at 12/5, as BetWithRed make Everton 11/10 favourites.

If Richard Cresswell scores at anytime during Stoke City v Everton, BGbet will refund all losing first goalscorer stakes on the match.¹
If Stoke City v Everton finishes 0-0 BGbet will refund all losing correct score bets on that game.¹

Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa, Monday, Setanta Sports 1, 8:00pm

White Hart Lane is the venue for this weeks Monday Night Football as Spurs look for their first win of the season against Aston Villa. Successive 2-1 defeats to Boro and Sunderland left Spurs fans with familiar feelings as pre season hopes were replaced with despair again. However, a battling 1-1 draw against London neighbours Chelsea two weeks ago will have lifted spirits amongst Juande Ramos’ men, and they will come out all guns blazing to secure their first win of the new campaign. Villa will be hoping new boy James Milner can provide the fresh spark that was evidently lacking in their drab 0-0 draw with Liverpool last time. That followed the thrilling 3-2 lose to Stoke in their last game away from Villa Park. They will be aiming to reproduce the form that saw them overwhelm Man City 4-2 on the opening day, as Gabby Agbonlahor hit a hat trick to seal the victory.

VCbet think the 11/10 favourites Tottenham can get their first Premiership victory here, while BGbet are 9/4 about Villa getting back to winning ways.

If James Milner scores at anytime during Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa, BGbet will refund all losing first goalscorer stakes on the match.¹

1st SCORER 2nd CHANCE
Applies to all Premier League matches this weekend-Saturday, Sunday AND Monday
Place a First Goal scorer bet and if your player fails to score the first goal but scores at any other time in the match VCbet will refund your stake as a free bet on any future match.²

Weekend Racing from Doncaster, Live on Channel 4, Saturday, 2:00pm

As part of this weekend’s St. Leger festival at Doncaster, one of the feature races is the Portland Handicap at 2:05pm in the build up to the St Leger itself at 3:10pm.
Cheveton is the clear favourite ahead of a packed field of 22 expected to line up for this year’s race. Following five victories in a row, four of which Saturday’s jockey Jim Crowley was aboard for, Cheveton is clearly the one to beat, and the 8/1 on offer at VCbet is sure to drop before the off.
The rest of the field is quite closely matched, and it will be up to the likes of Ryan Moore and Frankie Dettori to push their rides out of this chasing pack. Moore saddles Strike Up The Band, a 12/1 chance with BGbet, while Dettori’s ride Even and Odds is as big as 20/1 with VCbet, despite his victory here in 2003 on 11/1 Halmahera.

Both BGbet and VCbet are running great refund offers at Doncaster this weekend.
If your horse gets beaten by a short-head or nose in The Portland Handicap at Doncaster on Saturday (2.05pm), BGbet will refund your stake in the form of free bets.3
FROZEN OUT…

3.10 Doncaster, Ladbrokes St Leger Stakes, Live on Ch4 & VCbet
If your selection finishes second to FROZEN FIRE in the St.Leger Stakes at Doncaster, VCbet will refund all losing win stake as a free bet!4
Racing fans, get better odds than the SP every time guaranteed with Centrebet. SP+ offers you one roll over the official SP and is available on every meeting from the UK and South Africa, round the clock, 7 days a week.
Open an account with any of the following bookmakers and receive a free bet:

Odds subject to fluctuation – Odds taken at 12.00pm on 12/09/2008

1. Refunds will be in the form of free bets. Maximum Stake £50. Singles Only. Web Customers Only.

2. Maximum refund £100 per person per match. Applies to singles only, placed via telephone, internet or mobile. Does not apply to in-running bets. Free bets credited within 48 hours.

3. T&C’s

• Min Stake £5 Max Stake £50
• Bets must be placed after 10am Saturday
• Singles only
• Win Or Each Way
• Web Customers only
• Free bets will be available from Monday 10am

4. Max free bet £100 (€120) per person. Applies to win only bets. Singles only. Internet and telephone bets only. Ante-Post bets do not apply. Free bets available from 11am Monday morning