Iceland should get a result away to struggling Macedonia

Nordic nation evens to take advantage of the Macedonian malaise

There aren’t enough qualifiers taking place to attempt another draw treble so we’ve instead focussed on the glamour tie between Macedonia and Iceland.

Iceland are evens with 888sport to win or draw on the double chance, while they are 5/2 to draw and 7/2 to win. Macedonia have gone six games without a win - during which period they’ve drawn a home friendly with Moldova. In addition, they’ve won just one of their last six home games - against Scotland - while Iceland have lost just two of their last five on the road.

UPDATE: 888sport are also allowing in-running betting on this match, with the double chance now out to 11/10!

Click here for £50 of free bets when opening an 888sport account

Posted: June 10th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Ten statistics about England’s qualifying clash with Ukraine

England/Ukraine, Wednesday 8pm, ITV1, Free Bets, Best Odds

England fans have a reputation for fickleness but the antics of the Wembley crowd must seem refreshing to Fabio Capello when compared to the actions of some supporters in his homeland. Italy fans in Bari are expected to boo Marcello Lippi, the man who won them the World Cup, tonight and cheer his predecessor Giovanni Trapattoni, the man who twice flopped in international tournaments. The reason? Lippi refused to call up their favourite son Antonio Cassano. Capello on the other hand can expect a hearty applause this evening despite trying to pick even Darren Bent ahead of Michael Owen. Here’s ten stats about tonight’s game with Ukraine:

1. Both teams are unbeaten in Group 6, with England winning all four of their games. Ukraine have won two and drawn one of their three.

2. Ukraine are unbeaten in eight games and have won four consecutive away games.

3. However, they have been seen off easily on their two previous trips to England - losing 2-0 in 2000 and 3-0 in 2004.

Posted: April 1st, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Past meetings: There’s good news for Scotland and Wales

However the Republic of Ireland always lose away to Italy

chickendinner have put the records of all the home nations against their midweek opponents into a handy table to help you decide where there is money to be made betting on the World Cup qualifiers.

Scotland’s 100% record against Iceland makes the general 4/7 being offered on the home win look less stingy but hopes of the Republic of Ireland taking a point against Italy in Bari at 3/1with Bet365 are damaged by the fact the sides have never drawn in eight meetings. Does the fact Wales have won half of their meetings with Germany in Cardiff tempt you to back an unlikely home win at 7/1 with Boylesports?

Check out all the information in the table below before making your mind up:

Posted: March 31st, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Spread betting advice for Scotland’s trip to Holland

extrabet.com preview a big weekend for Scottish football fans

Our favourite spread betting firm recently changed their name from IG Sport to extrabet.com but the excitement hasn’t been enough to stop them from providing us with a preview of Scotland’s World Cup qualifier in Holland:

“It’s been a tough old 55 years for Scottish football fans. Since 1954, the Scottish national side have failed to qualify for the World Cup on six occasions - including each of the last two. Even when they’ve qualified they have never progressed beyond the first round, winning just four of their 23 matches! It’s still early days but Scotland currently sit second in World Cup Qualifying Group 9 ahead of their trip to leaders Holland this Saturday so it’s a massive weekend for those who dare to dream.

Posted: March 25th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Can 4/1 Wales steal the Six Nations from Ireland’s grasp?

The 2009 Championship comes to a thrilling climax on Saturday

Wales are 4/1 with Paddy Power and Boylesports - both Irish bookmakers of course - to win the Six Nations. They must beat Ireland by at least thirteeen points to prise away the crown. Is it possible?

YES

» Wales have beaten Ireland on each of the last two occasions where they have met on the final day of the tournament.

» In each of the last five years Wales have had their final match at home and they have won on four of those occasions - against Italy, Ireland, England and France. Wales are also the only team to have won each of their last five home games in the competition.

» In 2007 and 2008 combined, the average win margin on the final day of the Six Nations was 17.7, compared to 13.3 over the first four weeks.

Posted: March 20th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Why Ireland should lose the Welsh battle but win the war

IG Sport expect Ireland to lose tomorrow but win the Six Nations

Our friends at spread betting firm IG Sport are here to tell us all about the markets on offer for the final weekend of the 2009 Six Nations:

“Saturday’s rugby union encounter between Ireland and Wales in Cardiff will not only decide the winner of the 2009 Six Nations but could also determine the destination of the ultimate Wooden Spoon. Between 1910 and 1953 France went 24 Championships without winning the competition. That’s the longest period a team has gone without success in the competition.  Ireland’s current run is 23 - even Scotland have won since them!

Posted: March 20th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment