Joyeux Noel…Lens are evens to win at home

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While most other countries break up for Christmas, the poor guys in the French top-flight are being forced to run out in the freezing cold one more time this midweek.

We’re not going to waste time feeling sorry for them though as it’s given us a fantastic opportunity to make money. Promoted Lens are at home to relegation-threatened Saint Etienne and, luckily for us, the hosts are evens.

Lens have lost just once in eight and have won their last three at the Stade Felix Bollaert. The visitors on the other hand have gone six matches without a win – picking up three points in just one of their last ten – and lost their last two away games 0-4 and 0-3.

Still not convinced? The away side hasn’t won any of the last ten league meetings between these teams, with Lens winning three of their last four at home to Saint Etienne.

Posted: December 22nd, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Will you be waking up to snow on Christmas Day?

Now’s your chance to find out, using Ladbrokes’ Snow Map

Once again we have teamed up with Ladbrokes to help you discover whether it’s worth your while betting on a white Christmas. Find your postcode on the interactive map and click to find stats about winter snowfall where you live that will help you decide whether to stock up on grit. Click here to check it out now!

Posted: December 18th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Why Genoa will boot Valencia out of the Europa League

Genoa’s formidable home record means that there is a strong chance that David Villa and co will exit Europe before Christmas.

Some bookmakers have named Valencia as second favourites to win the Europa League, even with the inclusion of eight Champions League dropouts, but their contribution to the tournament could end tonight.

We expect them to be beaten by Genoa tonight, meaning that a Lille win over Slavia Prague would leave them free to “focus on the league”. The Italians are 2.98 (just shy of 2/1) to win tonight on Betfair - here’s why that’s great value:

» They’ve lost just once at home all season - against Inter Milan

» The Rossoblu have also won all three of their Europa League games at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Posted: December 17th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment