Tottenham 18/10 to halt big spending City 14/10

Tottenham vs Manchester City, FA Premier League, 28th August 2011, White Hart Lane

Modric: Key to winning the midfield battle.

The first big match on "Super Sunday" sees White Hart Lane play host to the ever burgeoning Man City squad in a match that has proven to be a Champions League decider over the last two seasons. It is still early days but Tottenham will be wary of slipping too far behind the pacesetters as they look to secure a place in Europe again next season.

To Win (90 Min):

Tottenham 18/10

Draw 9/4

Man City 14/10

Let's be honest, Tottenham looked well below par, to put it lightly, in their 3-0 capitulation at the hands of Man Utd on Monday. They were overrun in the midfield and didn't seem to have an outlet upfront with Jermain Defoe and Rafael Van Der Vaart looking out of sorts. Harry Redknapp rested the big names on Thursday and he will be buoyed by the news that Luka Modric should be staying at the Lane for at least one more season. The crafty Croatian will be key if they are to run with the big dogs again this season.

The blue moon is rising. There is no doubt that with the wealth of riches available to him, Roberto Mancini has assembled a side capable of challenging for the title. He has added one more face to his ever growing list of stars with the addition of French playmaker Samir Nasri, who could make his debut on Sunday. He will expect a hostile reception from the Tottenham fans due to his links to their North London rivals Arsenal. Roberto Mancini has loosened the reigns so far this season, allowing his team to play an expansive style of football. The question is will his Italian, defence first approach rear its ugly, dull head when it comes to the big games? I have a slight suspicion that it will do just that.

Having a look at previous matches between these two we see that Man City have not won at the Lane since '03 when a 20 year old Joey Barton got the winner in a 2-0 victory. Tottenham have lost only once to top 10 opposition at home over the last two seasons, proving that White Hart Lane is not the easiest place to pick up a win.

Best bet: Under 2.5 goals (19/20)
With only 2 goals scored in the last 3 fixtures between these teams, both by Peter Crouch, I don't expect there to be too many goals on offer here. I expect Roberto Mancini to revert back to his usual defensive minded tactics of playing 2 holding midfielders which will greatly decrease the chance of goals for both teams. A tight affair could be on the cards.

Verdict: Draw (9/4)
I have been dwelling over this one for quite some time and I'm still not sure it is the right call. Man City won only once on the road against the top half last season and much will depend on Roberto Mancini's tactics for this match which hindered them at times. With Luka Modric back in the side, Tottenham look to have a better balance about them and are capable of pulling off a draw here. However if Roberto Mancini decides to go for it, Spurs are there for the taking.

There will be 13 different markets available to bet on this match at Hollywoodbets.net! Click here to bet on the outright or the handicap now!

Written by @CommodoreVegas. Follow him and @Hollywoodbets on Twitter today!

Griquas 5/2 to upset Cheetahs in Kimberly

Griquas vs Cheetahs, Currie Cup, 27th August 2011, GWK Park

The Currie Cup reaches the halfway point this weekend and the clash at GWK Park in Kimberley on Saturday will determine which of the central based teams make the turn in the semi-final spots. With the two teams combining to form the Cheetahs Super Rugby franchise there is no doubt that there will be plenty points to prove out on the unforgiving turf of GWK Park.

Rudi Vogt's and his prodigious boot return to boost Griquas.

To Win
Griquas 5/2
Cheetahs 1/3
Draw 28/1

The two teams enter the match on the back of two very different results. Griquas were outmuscled and outgunned in their 44-20 defeat at Loftus by a rampant Bulls side. The Cheetah’s on the other hand were extremely impressive in their own right running riot against the Pumas to claim an 80-16 victory. Griquas will take some solace in the fact that they won the second half 17-12 on the highveld, while they are a much tougher proposition in front of the Kimberly faithful. We need only to look at their victory over the defending champions Sharks in round 4 to see this to be the case.

Head to Head in Kimberley
2010 – Griquas 28 Cheetahs 33
2009 – Griquas 13 Cheetahs 58
2008 – Griquas 16 Cheetahs 20

Team news: Ace goalkicker Rudi Vogt returns along with Barry Geel in the midfield to strengthen the Griquas backline. Sharks bound Riaan Viljoen has overcome his illness and should start on the right wing. Sarel Pretorius has one game under his belt and will be a key gamebreaker if Griquas are to cause an upset.

The Cheetahs welcome back Springbok exile Ashley Johnson to their starting line-up with Boom Prinsloo dropping to the bench despite a hatrick last week. The other change is injury enforced with Cameron Jacobs getting a start on the wing in place of Ryno Benjamin.

Handicap (80 Min)
Griquas (+8.5) 9/10
Cheetahs (-8.5) 9/10

VERDICT: GRIQUAS on the handicap (9/10)
While I don’t fancy Griquas to get the victory over their more illustrious opponents I do think that the match will be a tightly contested affair. With dead-eye dick Rudi Vogt back in the team Griquas should remain in touching distance. Two of the last three matches in Kimberly have ended within 5 points so there should be some value on the handicap here.

There will be 7 different markets available to bet on this match at Hollywoodbets.net! Click here to bet on the outright or the handicap now!


Written by @CommodoreVegas. Follow him and @Hollywoodbets on Twitter today!

Goal-Filled Draw (7/4) Enough For Chiefs

Ajax Cape Town v Kaizer Chiefs, MTN 8, Sat 27th August – Cape Town Stadium

With all still to play for, the second legs of the MTN 8 semi-finals will take place this weekend with Ajax and Kaizer Chiefs yet to get off the mark in their first leg clash and Mamelodi Sundowns taking on defending champions Orlando Pirates who won the first leg 3-2.  @Wayde_D previews the Ajax vs Chiefs encounter.

Ajax will need to win if Chiefs get on the scoreboard

To Win (90 Min)
Ajax 37/20
Kaizer Chiefs 33/20
Draw 7/4

Though the Chiefs and Ajax match was an unsatisfying game from a spectator’s point of view, both camps will take positives out of the result. An away draw in the first leg is a respectable result for the Urban Warriors, knowing that they will have home advantage in the all-important second leg. As for Chiefs, the fact they have not conceded an away goal means any score draw in Cape Town this weekend will put them into the final.

Ajax Coach Maarten Stekelenburg felt his team could have easily won the match against Chiefs if they took the chances that were created. They didn’t allow Chiefs to play their natural game and will be looking to midfielders George Maluleka and Granwald Scott to continue working hard. Ajax will have some confidence coming into this match knowing that they have been close to unbeatable at home in recent times. They went through last season losing only 1 home match, drawing 2 and winning 12. However they are off to a slow start this season without Thualni Serero and ex Manager Foppe De Haan. They went down 2-0 away to a new look Platinum Stars team in their opening PSL fixture and then drew with Maritzburg United at home last week.

One player who has been in great form in attacking senses is Khama Billiat. The Zimbabwean was one of the players who failed to put their chances away against Chiefs but was also Ajax’s key man in creating chances. He will come into this game eager to provide what has been the only thing missing from his game so far this season which is goals.

Kaizer Chiefs were also frustrated coming away without a win after performing well so far this campaign. Amakhosi are sitting at the top of the PSL table with Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates, all on 6 points. They did well to salvage a win against Jomo Cosmos in their opening PSL match and went on to comfortably beat Swallows 2-0.

New striker Majoro is following in the footsteps of Knowledge Musona by getting crucial goals for his team. Partnered with Bernard Parker they form a formidable strike force and Ajax will need to be at their best in defence without Clayton Daniels who has just signed with Mamelodi Sundowns.

BEST BET: Total Goals - OVER 2.5 GOALS (12/10)
Both sides will pushing for goals as Ajax know a score draw will result in them being knocked-out on the away goal rule and Chiefs knowing goals scored will count as two if the result is a draw.

VERDICT: DRAW (90 Min) 7/4
Ajax are difficult to beat at home and a similarly tight match is expected again. The draw is tipped.

Bet on this match now at Hollywoodbets.net!

Written by @Wayde_D. Follow him and @Hollywoodbets on Twitter today!

Other Football articles:
United (9/20) To Blow Away Gunners (59/10)
Bolton 7/1 to break 57 year Anfield drought

Prices are correct at time of publication. Prices are subject to change.

Bolton 7/1 to break 57 year Anfield drought

Liverpool vs Bolton, FA Premier League, 27th August 2011, Anfield

This weekend sees the fixture most Bolton fans dread. A trip to Anfield for the last two generations of Trotters supporters has produced nothing but misery bar one League Cup victory back in 2003, and we all know the League Cup doesn’t really count. Yes I am a Liverpool fan and some may question my objectivity with statements such as these, but I have the stats to back up my arrogance.

Suarez has scored 6 goals in his last 5 games. Rampant.

To Win (90 min)
Liverpool 4/10
Draw 32/10
Bolton 7/1

Liverpool enter this match on the back of 9 consecutive victories over the visitors. They have won 11 and lost none of their 12 Premier League meetings at Anfield dating back past the “glory days” of the Sam Allardyce era. Liverpool have looked impressive so far this season, with a balance brought to the side by the introduction of some left footed players and should be looking to pick up 3 points here if they have Champions League aspirations.

Bolton finally ended a run of 12 games on the road without a win with their opening day victory over QPR. That was also their first clean sheet in 26 away matches. It must also be mentioned that Bolton had the worst away record in the Premier League last season, picking up only 2 wins on their travels. They will take heart however from Liverpool’s perceived defensive frailties, especially when it comes to set pieces and Kevin Davies should prove to be a thorn in the Reds side. If you can get on the market, Davies to be booked is always a solid bet.

BEST BET: LIVERPOOL (-1) on the HANDICAP – 5/4
Liverpool have beaten Bolton by two or more goals in 6 of the last 9 matches. Liverpool average 2.1 goals per game against Bolton and if they manage to keep a clean sheet a two goal winning margin could be on the cards. Alternatively Liverpool to score only 2 goals @ 19/10 could be a decent option.

VERDICT: LIVERPOOL - 4/10 (90 mins)
I know there are bound to be the usual naysayers comments of "records are there to be broken" and I’m sure that is what @matt_cee is saying at the moment as he places his bet on his beloved Bolton. Say what you want but I will back Liverpool to the hilt on this one and then I’ll back them some more. Please let me be right.

Bet on this match and other Premier League games now at Hollywoodbets.net!

Written by @CommodoreVegas. Follow him and @Hollywoodbets on Twitter today!

Other Premier League articles:
United (9/20) To Blow Away Gunners (59/10)

Prices are correct at time of publication. Prices are subject to change. 

Ajax (2/9) For Another Goal Frenzy

Ajax vs Vitesse, Dutch Eredivisie, 26th August, Amsterdam Arena

Dutch Eredivisie action sees the champions of last season Ajax takes on 2010/11 relegation avoiders Vitesse at the Amesterdam Arena tonight.  The champions are sure favourites in this game, but Vitesse are a team in form, and should give the home side a run for their money.

Vitesse will need to pull out all the moves against Ajax tonight

To Win (90 Min)
Ajax 2/9
Vitesse 11/1
Draw 5/1

Vitesse have got their season off to a flyer with two wins and a draw, which included victories over Venlo (4-0) and Utrecht (2-1).  Vitesse will carry confidence into this match after seeing the same Venlo side held Ajax to a 2-2 draw last weekend.

Other than the draw against Venlo, Ajax has been in the goal scoring mood with 11 goals already in 3 games.  They issued a 5-1 slaughtering to Heerenveen, as well as a 4-1 drumming to De Graafschap – two teams that finished above Vitesse in the log last season.

The last 5 games between the two at the Amsterdam Arena have all ended in Ajax’s favour:
2010: Ajax 4-2 Vitesse
2010: Ajax 4-0 Vitesse
2008: Ajax 3-0 Vitesse
2007: Ajax 4-1 Vitesse
2006: Ajax 3-0 Vitesse

Along with these big victories, in the last 10 games in both home and away games, there have been 43 goals! Hence the OVER 2.5 GOALS market is sitting at 2/7! Judging by the way these sides have been scoring this season, this bet is a penalty kick!

VALUE BET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE 15/20
Hard to find value in the betting in this match, but seeing that Vitesse have already scored 6 goals this season, and Ajax have not kept a clean sheet thus far, this might be the closest thing to value one can find.  If Vitesse can carry the form they have shown so far, then both teams could well be on the score board.

TOP BET: AJAX (-1) on Handicap 5/10
Although the 5/10 is a short price, judging by the way Ajax have scored at home against Vitesse, as well against other opposition, this bet provides a bit more value than the Over 2.5 goals market.

VERDICT: AJAX to Win (90 Min) 2/9
Ajax are the Dutch champions for a reason, and they should be too strong for a Vitesse side that avoided relegation last season only on goal difference!  This one should be added to all multiples.


There will be 7 different markets available to bet on this match at Hollywoodbets.net! Click on the link to bet now! Haven't got an account? Create one here now!

Written by @DevinH21. Follow him and @Hollywoodbets on Twitter today!

Barcelona (4/10) For Even More Silverware!

Barcelona vs Porto, European Super Cup, 26th August 2011, Stade Louis II

Barcelona continue their unusual start to the season on Friday when they look to claim their 3rd trophy in 10 days, against Porto in the European Super Cup. Both teams had terrific campaigns last season and shared 7 trophies between them as they each conquered their domestic leagues and Europe.

Barcelona to come firing at Porto on Friday night

To Win (90 Min)
Barcelona 4/10
FC Porto 68/10
Draw 36/10

With the season yet to kick-off in Spain, Pep Guardiola might find his side a bit underdone going into this match. With captain Carlos Puyol and Gerard Pique out the Barcelona coach will most likely resort to playing Eric Abidal and Javier Mascherano in the centre of his defence. Apart from these enforced changes Pep may feel the need to freshen up his side with one eye on Mondays fixture against Villareal.

For Vitor Pereira matching last season’s heroics was always going to be a tough ask as he attempts to fill the shoes of his predesecor Andre-Villas Boas. He has also had to deal with the loss of his star striker Radamel Falcao to Atlético Madrid but in Steven Defour and Danilo he has made some astute signings and Porto remain a strong unit. They will be the more match fit of the teams having already kicked off their league campaign with two solid if unspectacular wins.

These teams have met 7 times in European competition with Barcelona claiming 4 victories and FC Porto claiming victory on 3 occasions, though they haven’t met in European action since 2000. In the 13 years since the switch to a one-off tie the competition has been won by the Europa League winners on 8 occasions.

VALUE BET: PORTO to win  - 68/10
What is a value bet without going out on a limb? These matches often don’t go to plan and all too often in recent years we have seen the Champions League winners getting turned over. Pep Guardiola might just have one eye on the kick off of La Liga and that may just give Porto the chance to sneak in and snatch the trophy from Barcelona’s grasp.

BEST BET:  OVER 2.5 GOALS - 11/20
With both these teams penchant for attacking football this match could just be the showpiece that UEFA is hoping it to be. This fixture has generally produced goals over the years with an average of 2.7 goals per game. If you look at both teams league records from last season both teams average a total of 3 goals a game. All this points towards a high scoring match.

VERDICT:  BARCELONA 4/10 (90 Min)
Barcelona are simply too good a side for me to bet against. With all the quality that they posses throughout the pitch they should be picking up their 3rd trophy of the season, but in a one off match you never know.

Written by @CommodoreVegas. Follow him and @Hollywoodbets on Twitter today!

Other Friday Football Previews:
Ajax (2/9) For Another Goal Frenzy

Prices are correct at time of publication. Prices are subject to change.

United (9/20) to blow away Gunners (59/10)

Man United vs Arsenal, EPL, 28th August 2011, Old Trafford

The Red Devils enter this match against the Gunners on a high, after they put away Spurs 3-0 on Monday night.  A relatively young side without captain Vidic or Ferdinand really impressed, and have shown that United have the depth to take the season once again. The Gunners have renewed hope after they qualified for the Champions League with a 2-1 win over Udinese on Wednesday night, but will they have enough to defeat the league champions?

Danny Welbeck was Man of the Match against Spurs

Man United 9/20
Arsenal 59/10
Draw 31/10

Arsenal have not beaten United at Old Trafford since 2006, and will have to repeat showings of Wednesday night's form to break the drought. The last 6 games at Old Trafford between the two have all been in United's favour:

2011: Man U 2 - 0 Arsenal (FA Cup)
2010: Man U 1 - 0 Arsenal
2009: Man U 2 - 1 Arsenal
2009: Man U 0 - 0 Arsenal
2009: Man U 1 - 0 Arsenal (Champions League)
2008: Man U 2 - 1 Arsenal

Therefore if you take the last 6 games between the two, there has only been 10 goals, with an average of 1.6 goals per game. However in United's last 6 Premiership games against all opposition at Old Trafford, they have scored 13 goals (average of 2.1 goals), and conceded only 3 goals. I have a feeling that if United show the same defensive patterns they did on Monday night, and if David De Gea can keep his head, they are capable of a clean sheet here.  United have also failed to score more than 2 goals in a home league game against Arsenal since 2001 (where they drummed them 6-1). The Under 2.5 Goals market at 19/20 looks a decent bet here.

TOP BET: NO Early Goal (Before 28 min) 17/20
In the last 6 games between these two (both home and away) there has not been a goal in the first 27 minutes, with only one goal coming in the 28th minute.  Could be a good bet here to get you through the first half-hour of the game!

VERDICT: MAN UNITED 9/20
Man United are on a high at the moment after winning 21 of their last 22 Premier League games at Old Trafford.  Although Arsenal will have a confidence boost after qualifying for the Champions League, there will still be some teething issues experienced, as they now need to sign players to replace Fabregas and Nasri. For Arsenal fans, remember they won the last encounter 1-0 at the Emirates, and you could be smiling with the 59/10 if you decide to be patriotic.


Get the betting on 13 different markets for this match at Hollywoodbets.net now!

Written by @DevinH21. Follow him and @Hollywoodbets on Twitter today!

Aussie (31/20) for Tri-Nations Glory

Australia vs New Zealand, 27th August 2011, Tri Nations

The decider of the 2011 Tri-Nations takes place on Saturday at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, where Australia will look to get their 1st Tri-Nations title since 2001. New Zealand will look to bounce back from their loss to the Springboks, and should be fielding a stronger team than that which played in PE.

The Wallabies will need to overcome their Suncorp omen

To Win (80 Min)
Australia 31/20
New Zealand 11/20
Draw 30/1

Unfortunately for Australia, history does not favour them at Suncorp, with the Wallabies not winning there for 19 years. They have also had a torrid time against The Blacks at home, with their last victory coming in 2008, and one other in 2007, giving them only two victories in the last 5 years. Here are those scores:

Australia vs New Zealand in Australia:
2010: AUS 28-49 NZ (Melbourne)
2010: AUS 22-23 NZ (Sydney)
2009: AUS 18-19 NZ (Sydney)
2008: AUS 34-19 NZ (Sydney)
2008: AUS 24-28 NZ (Brisbane)
2007: AUS 20-15 NZ (Melbourne)
2006: AUS  9 -13 NZ (Brisbane)

Hollywoodbets offers 7 different handicaps, with the most competitive handicap being:
Australia (+3.5) 9/10
New Zealand (-3.5) 9/10

New Zealand will be fielding 10 of the 15 players that featured in the 30-14 victory over the Wallabies in Auckland. The All Blacks will welcome back skipper Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter, both who where sorely missed in Port Elizabeth this past weekend.  

New Zealand Line-Up: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu , Zac Guildford, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Samuel Whitelock, Adam Thomson, Richie McCaw (c), Kieran Read

Replacements: Andrew Hore, John Afoa, Ali Williams, Victor Vito, Andy Ellis, Colin Slade, Isaia Toeava.

Five of the starters in the Australian line-up started in the Queensland Reds side that defeated the Crusaders in the Super Rugby final 2011.  With Suncorp being the home ground of the Queensland Reds, you can expect the half-backs of Cooper and Genia to feel comfortable in their back-garden. The Wallabies will be without James O'Connor, who misses out due to off-field misdemeanors. Samo, Fainga'a and Vickerman return to the starting line-up.

Australia Line-Up: Kurtley Beale, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Anthony Fainga'a, Pat McCabe, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Dan Vickerman, James Horwill, Rocky Elsom, David Pocock, Radike Samo

Replacements: Saia Fainga'a, Salesi Ma'afu, Rob Simmons, Ben McCalman, Scott Higginbotham, Luke Burgess, TBC


HANDICAP SELECTION: AUSTRALIA (+6.5) 6/10

With the benefit of different handicap choices with Hollywoodbets, the +6.5 on Australia provides some good value considering that 5 of the last 7 games between these two in Australia have had less than a 5 point difference on the scoreboard.  I expect a similar score line this weekend, where it should be neck and neck throughout.

VALUE BET: First Scoring Play NEW ZEALAND PENALTY 7/4

Australia have been the first to cause an infringement in two of their three Tri-Nations games played thus far, both of which occured in the first 5 minutes of the game, and both of which were converted by the opposition.  In the other game, Australia scored a try against a weak South African defence in the 5th minute of the game.  I expect New Zealand to pile pressure early on, and get on the board first with a Dan Carter penalty. You could be smiling as early as the 5th minute!

VERDICT: NEW ZEALAND 11/20

Although New Zealand are coming off the back of a loss to the Springboks, their potential World Cup starting line-up is on the cards for this weekend.  After a three break, the rested All Blacks will be refreshed, and should be strong enough to overcome a tough Aussie side.

Click here to bet on this Tri-Nations match with Hollywoodbets.net now!
Betting also available on Currie Cup, ITM Cup, French Cup, as well as the Rugby World Cup!

Written by @DevinH21. Follow him and @Hollywoodbets on Twitter today!

Spurs (1/4) to break Scottish Hearts (8/1)

Tottenham Hotspurs vs Hearts, 25th August 2011, Europa League

Spurs will aim to break Hearts in the 2nd leg again

The 2nd leg of the UEFA Europa League encounter between Tottenham and Hearts takes place at White Hart Lane on Thursday night, with the hosts heading into the match with a 5-0 aggregate. The Spurs are certain favourites at 1/4 after a fine display in Scotland last week, and should walk into the next round here. As well as Hearts played in the Scottish Premier League last season, they should be no match for their English counterparts.

To Win (90 Min)
Tottenham 1/4
Hearts 81/10
Draw 48/10

Tottenham will be welcoming their first competitive home game of the season, after the London riots denied them their  opening game against Everton. Spurs will be aiming to give their home fans something to shout about after their 3-0 loss to Man United on Monday night. Tottenham where in the match for the first hour, but were found wanting once they conceded their 1st goal. The Spurs fans will be hoping for a 90 minute performance here, and new keeper Brad Friedel will be aiming for a clean sheet in his 2nd game for Tottenham.

In their 16 away league games last season, Hearts won 9 of their away games, and lost only 4 of them.  They did manage wins over the top league teams Celtic and Rangers – but both of these games were played at home.  They did not manage to beat anyone in the top 5 away from home.   They did manage 23 away goals, but these all came when they won their matches.  They did not score once in the games they lost!  Getting on the scoreboard will be their 1st point of order on Thursday night.

TOP BET: TOTTENHAM to lead at Halftime – 11/20
Judging by Hearts lack of scoring in big games away from home, it is unlikely they will get on the board in the first half or the second.  However, Tottenham showed they had no problem putting goals in the net early, with 3 goals in the first 28 minutes last week.  11/20 is good value here.

VERDICT: TOTTENHAM at 1/4
Tottenham will more than likely keep their best players on the bench, as they have a tough Man City fixture on Sunday.  They should still be too strong for this vulnerable Hearts side, and an outright win for Tottenham should be a welcomed addition to all multiples.

There are 37 other Europa League games matches available to bet on Thursday night! Bet on this Europa League game and the others now at Hollywoodbets.net!

Written by @DevinH21. Follow him and @Hollywoodbets on Twitter today!

Draw (23/10) Enough for Gunners CL Spot

Udinese vs Arsenal, 24 August 2011, Stadio Communale Friuli

Arsenal travel to Italy on Wednesday night for their 2nd leg qualifying match against Udinese, where they will fight it out for a spot in the Champions League for the 2011/12 season.  Arsenal won the 1st leg 1-0 at the Emirates, with a Theo Walcott goal in the 4th minute of the match.  Udinese but on a good show, but were not able to convert on their opportunities.  They are expected to have a better performance here.

The Gunners will need to show a fighting spirit tonight

To Win (90 Min)
Udinese 13/10
Arsenal 19/10
Draw 23/10

Arsenal is coming off a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, which has not helped the tension in the Arsenal camp.  With countless red cards and bookings in the past week, as well as the loosing of key players to other clubs (Nasri and Fabregas), the Gunners are looking very unsettled for this crucial match.

The Gunners will be without Wilshire and Rosicky who are suffering from an injury.  Gervinho and Song return for the Gunners, as well as skipper Van Persie.  Arsenal will need to create more opportunities than they did at the Emirates, and will need to capitalise on the chances they get to survive here.

Udinese put up a good performance at the Emirates, and were disappointed to leave with no goals.  Conditions were harsh and rainy, and hopefully better underfoot conditions tonight will suit their style of play.  The Italians have not had much competitive football apart from some club friendlies, and will need to use their 1st competitive home game to their advantage.  Udinese have warned Arsenal they are going to come firing, and are happy that it is only a one goal deficit they have to overturn.

VALUE BET: Arsenal to lead at Half-time - 26/10
Arsenal did score in the 4th minute in the 1st leg of this qualifier, which means they do have the ability of beating the Udinese net.  Although a draw at 1/1 looks the safer bet – if history repeats itself, you could be smiling after 45 minutes!

BEST BET:  UNDER 2.5 GOALS - 13/20
11 of Udinese’s 20 wins in the Serie A last season came at home, where they scored 27 goals in their 19 home games.  Of those home games, they only conceded 16 goals – giving it a total of 43 goals, with an average of 2.2 total goals per game.  If this statistic is anything to go by, and with Arsenal managing to maintain a clean sheet in the 1st game – the Under 2.5 goals market at 13/20 is a good bet.

VERDICT:  DRAW 23/10 (90 Min)
Arsenal might be experiencing tension in the camp, but they are still one of the best football sides in the world, and a draw will be enough to get them through to the Champions League for this season.  I expect a 1-1 draw at the end of 90 minutes.

Written by @DevinH21. Follow him and @Hollywoodbets on Twitter today!

Webber (15/2) to bounce back in Belgium

F1 Belgium Grand Prix, 28th August 2011, Spa-Francorchamps

Formula 1 returns this weekend to Belgium, where Lewis Hamilton will look to defend his 2010 title.  Spa-Francorchamps as always is the venue for this year’s event, and has been dubbed as not only one of the most challenging tracks, but also the most enjoyable.

Webber is the value place bet at 15/10

To Win Belgium F1 Outright:
Vettel - 7/4
Alonso - 28/10
Hamilton - 28/10
Button - 11/2
Webber - 15/2
Massa - 33/1
Rosberg - 100/1
Schumacher - 150/1
Heidfeld - 200/1
Petrov - 250/1
Bar - 500/1



Sebastian Vettel – 7/4
Vettel had a torrid time at this Grand Prix last year, after only qualifying 4th on the grid, and finishing 15th at the end of it.  He was handed a drive-through penalty after colliding with Jenson Button, forcing the Brit to retire, and placing the German in an unrecoverable position.  Vettel’s best finish at this venue was 5th in 2008, and has failed to make the top 8 in his other 3 attempts. 7/4 isn’t the greatest price, and others should be preferred here.

Lewis Hamilton – 28/10
Hamilton will be feeling confident after winning the German Grand Prix 4 weeks ago, and coming 4th in the Hungarian Grand Prix.  He won this race in 2010 after qualifying for 2nd on the pole.  Hamilton has said that his McLaren-Mercedez are in a good place after winning the last two Grand Prixes, and they are still in the running for the Constructors championship.

Mark Webber – 15/2
Webber is still sitting 2nd on the Driver’s Championship despite having not winning one Grand Prix this year.  Granted that team orders have not worked in his favour with companion Vettel leading the Driver’s Championship, but Webber failed to capitalise on two pole positions at the German and British Grand Prixes.  He is almost a certainty for a place bet here, finishing 2nd in this Grand Prix last year, and having 6 podium finishes this season – 15/10 is a great value.

Michael Schumacher – 150/1
Schumacher returns to Belgium for his 20th attempt at the race, and comes with a good history. He has won this event a record 6 times, and says he consider the course to be his “living-room!” Schumacher says that everyone has enjoyed the summer break, and is feeling re-energised for this race.  A place bet at 30/1 is the outsider strike for the weekend!

Other betting to watch:
Hollywood currently has betting available on the championship winner without Vettel – therefore betting on the driver to come 2nd in the championship.  The value bet there has to be Mark Webber at 4/1.  As mentioned earlier, he is 2nd currently on the driver’s standings, and will definitely shorten if he pulls off a podium finish this weekend!

There are an additional 10 betting markets available including: fastest qualifier, fastest lap, driver to retire first, winning margin, and safety car period during the race!

Verdict: Mark Webber 15/2
Mark Webber has been a bit stiff in the preceding weeks, and hopefully this break will assist him in getting back to his winning ways.  Hamilton will be the man to beat, but the value definitely sits with Webber here.

Bet on the F1 Belgium Grand Prix now at Hollywoodbets.net!

Written by @DevinH21. Follow him and @Hollywoodbets on Twitter today!

Bayern (5/10) to cement Champions League Spot

Zurich vs Bayern Munich, Tuesday 23 August 2011, Stadion Letzigrund

The 1st leg between these sides ended in Bayern's favour, with the hosts taking a 2-0 victory over their Swiss rivals.  Schweinsteiger and Robben were the scorers on the day, and they will be looking to finalise Bayern’s spot in the UEFA Champions League with a victory here tonight.

To Win (90 Min)

Schweinsteiger scored in the 8th minute in the 1st leg for Bayen

ZURICH 53/10
BAYERN MUNICH 5/10
DRAW 3/1

Bayern had a rocky start to their Bundesliga campaign with a loss to Borussia M’gladbach, but have bounced back with a 1-0 victory over Wolfsburg away, and a 5-0 drumming of Hamburg SV at home.  Bayern have managed 20 goals in their last 7 away matches, and therefore should have no trouble finding the back of the net in this match.

Zurich went down 2-0 to Neuchatal at home this weekend, a team that finished 6 places lower than them last season – so their confidence is going to be low.  They did manage an away victory over Basel (1-2) prior to their match against Bayern, as well as two home victories over Standard Liege (1-0) and Grashopper (6-0).  However they face a defence they have yet to break, and could struggle to beat the Bayern net.

Verdict: BAYERN MUNICH (-1) on Handicap – 15/10
Bayern are definitely the stronger team on paper, and should put more than two on the board in this encounter.  The Bayern keeper Neuer kept a clean sheet in the 1st leg, and is likely to keep it clean again here.  The Total Goals market at Over 2.5 goals in the match at 11/20 looks a certainty, but taking Bayern on the 90 minute victory at the same price will be a safer bet.

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Written by @DevinH21. Follow him and @Hollywoodbets on Twitter today!

Spurs (9/2) to end 22 year Old Trafford drought

Man United vs Tottenham, Monday 22 Aug, Old Trafford

Bale will be aiming for Spurs 1st win in 10 years over United 

United got their season off to a good start with a 2-1 victory away to West Brom last weekend, but now face a tougher opposition in Tottenham tonight.  The Spurs did not walk onto the field in the 1st round of the Premier League due to the London riots, and they now have to face the League winners in their 1st match of the season.

To Win (90 Mins)
Man United 6/10
Tottenham 9/2
Draw 27/10

You have to go as far back as 2001, to see the last time Tottenham beat the Red Devils, and you have to go as far back as 1989 to see when Tottenham last defeated them at Old Trafford!  In both meetings in 2010 at Old Trafford, United won both matches, 2-0 and 3-1 respectively, but earlier this year Spurs managed to hold them to a goalless draw at White Hart Lane.

Although they didn't play last weekend, Tottenham did manage to put 5 goals away against Hearts last Thursday, and will be hoping to take that scoring ability to Old Trafford.

Injuries:
United will be without skipper Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Rafael and Hernandez.
Tottenham will be without Jenas, Gallas and South African Pienaar. Modric and Crouch are unlikely starters.

Betting to watch:
Early Goal:
GOAL BEFORE 27 MINUTES 17/20
Total Goals:
OVER 2.5 GOALS 15/20

Both teams struck early in their matches in the past week, and United are going into the game with a very inexperienced backline, due to injuries to Vidic and Ferdinand. Goal Before 27 minutes (17/20) would be a nice start to the game. United are likely to concede, but should be strong enough to continue their unbeaten 22 year run at Old Trafford.  The Over 2.5 Goals (15/20) will be the bet here with both sides likely to get onto the scoreboard.

Verdict:
United (6/10) are the champions of England for a reason, and should manage to hold off Spurs tonight.

There are 13 markets available for tonight's match, only at Hollywoodbets.net! Click here to bet now!

Written by @DevinH21. Follow him and @Hollywoodbets on  Twitter today!