Will this be the year when England finally deliver?

We’re not convinced. Farewell 44 years of hurt, roll on 48!

This could well prove England’s best chance to win the World Cup in 20 years (we’re too scarred to wonder “what if” about the collapse against Brazil in 2002) but it still looks like they will come up short.

There’s no doubt that the Three Lions have the might coach in Fabio Capello, and for a second it looked like the team wasn’t too shabby either, but events so far this season haven’t been great preparation.

In goal, first-choice David James has been permanently crocked, second-choice Robert Green has endured a blip - his first since joining West Ham in 2006 - and third-choice Ben Foster has been awful.

Birmingham loanee Joe Hart has been the star performer but has just one cap, and if he took the number one jersey would be heading for the World

Posted: January 7th, 2010 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Eleven brilliant betting statistics for Spurs/Pompey

Spurs/Portsmouth, Sun 4pm, Sky Sports 1, Free Bets, Best Odds

Obviously this game is of huge importance because it sees two clubs in desperate need of three points collide but the collision is also littered with so many subplots (Harry Redknapp v Portsmouth, Tony Adams v Tottenham, Jermain Defoe v Pompey, Sol Campbell v Spurs). Here are eleven of our favourite stats that could help you bet on this weekend’s big match:

1. Despite being in the relegation zone, Spurs have the fourth best home defence in the Premier League, having conceded just seven goals in ten games at White Hart Lane.

2. Spurs haven’t led any of their last eleven games in all competitions at half-time and have been ahead at the break in just two league games all season. Portsmouth have led just one league game under Tony Adams at half-time (versus Hull) and on that occasion ended up drawing.

3. The North Londoners have won all five of their Premier League home games against Portsmouth.

4. Since Harry Redknapp’s arrival Spurs have lost just one of eleven home games in all competitions. Their last two league games at the Lane finished 0-0.

Posted: January 16th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment