Spain are 1/12 to win on their Confederations Cup debut

New Zealand aren’t likely to end Spain’s long unbeaten run

Even though we’ve questioned the importance of the Confederations Cup, we’re grateful for any football that we can watch live on TV over these barren months. Here are some statistics on both matches taking place on Sunday:

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South Africa v Iraq
The opening match in this showcase of the world’s greatest footballing nations pits Iraq, who are below Wales in the world rankings and lost 4-0 to Oman earlier this year, against South Africa, who only qualified for the tournament as hosts, have never been past the group stage at the World Cup and failed to qualify for next year’s African Cup of Nations. South Africa have won six of the last seven games that they’ve hosted and home advantage should prove enough to overcome an Iraq side who will be marking the one-year anniversary of their last win on Sunday - 2-1 away to China.

Posted: June 12th, 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

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

Wales turn to Scotland for a bit of help catching Ireland

Key stats for the penultimate set of 2009 Six Nations fixtures

Wales’ hopes of retaining the Six Nations for the first time in thirty years were severely dented by defeat in France a fortnight ago and as a result they will be looking for favours from Scotland and England, who host Ireland and France respectively:

Italy v Wales (3pm, Saturday, BBC1)
Defeat is not an option for Wales but their last trip to Italy ended in a shock 23-20 loss while during their last Six Nations defence in 2006 they were held 18-18 at home by the Wooden Spoon regulars. Wales returned to form by thumping them 47-8 last year but the best price of 1/14 offered by Paddy Power on the away win isn’t good enough value for a team who have won just one of their last three against Italy. Another worry for Wales is that they have won just six of their last away games in the competition but they should still be too strong for a team who have lost eight of their last nine.

Scotland v Ireland (5pm, Saturday, BBC1)

Posted: March 13th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment