http://www.bestfreebets.com/ Best Free Bets' News Feed en http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10360/irish-trial-provides-derby-betting-tip Leopardstown's Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial has proved a significant pointer towards Epsom in recent years, with Sinndar, Galileo and High Chaparral all completing the double in 2000, 2001 and 2002 respectively. The 2012 renewal was won in game fashion by the Jim Bolger trained Light Heavy, who battled on well to get the better of the Aidan O'Brien trained second-string Tower Rock. The big disappointment of the race was Wrote, who trailed in a well beaten third under Ryan Moore, after being sent off the hot 8/13 favourite in the Group 2 contest. The race is unlikely to have any bearing on the outcome of the Investec Derby as the winner is not entered and unlikely to be supplemented, but Light Heavy paid a complement to his stable companion Parish Hall who is thought much the better colt by connections. Parish Hall is likely to follow the same path as the stables' Derby winner New Approach, and take in the Irish 2000 Guineas on route to the Epsom classic for which he's available at 16/1 with several firms, including Boylesports. The Irish bookmaker went non runner no bet on the Derby and Oaks from Thursday - find out more about Boylesports here. The main classic action of the day took place in France at Longchamp, featuring the Poule D'Essai Des Pouliches (1000 Guineas), and Poule D'Essai Des Poulains (2000 Guineas). The unbeaten Beauty Parlour ran out an easy winner of the fillies classic, but the Joseph O'Brien ridden Up did her Investec Oaks prospect no harm by finishing second, and is now a best price 25/1 with Stan James. Top French 2 year-old Dabirsim was expected to give Christophe Soumillon victory in the colts' version, but the son of Hat Trick endured a rough passage and looked as if he would be better suited by a drop back in trip and better ground. The race ended tragically when Aidan O'Brien's Furner's Green suffered a fatal injury just a few strides after crossing the line in third.     14-05-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10359/derby-and-oaks-betting-news Due to the prevailing wet conditions today's Oaks and Derby trial's at Lingfield were both switched to the all-weather track, which, although far from satisfactory, gave several Epsom entries the opportunity to gain valuable experience.   The Betfred " The Bonus King " Oaks Trial Stakes saw a sustained morning gamble on the William Haggas trained Vow, winner of his only start in a Newbury maiden last month.   Available early at 2/1, the daughter of Motivator was sent off a warm 11/10 favourite, and Johnny Murtagh soon had the filly in a prominent position behind the pacesetting Estrela.   Hitting the front early in the straight Vow looked set for an easy victory, before veering sharply to the right in the closing stages. Once straightened up however, the result was never in doubt, and the experience is sure to have done the filly the world of good.   Initial bookmaker reaction was mixed, with Coral going no bigger than 5/1 for Epsom, while Ladbrokes offered a more than generous 14/1, a price that lasted just short of half an hour. The " Magic Sign " were still happy to quote a standout 10/1 however, a full two points bigger than any competitor.   The one major doubt regarding Vow's Oaks chance is just how she will cope with the sweeping bend that is Tattenham Corner, something that has caught many good horses out in the past.   The finish of the  Betfred Derby Trial Stakes was fought out between the unbeaten Main Sequence and the well regarded John Gosden colt Shantaram, with the former asserting in the closing stages to win going away by three quarters of a length.   David Lanigan's son of Aldebaran was stepping up in class, having previously won a Newmarker handicap off a mark of 89, and while the mount of Ted Durcan is obviously very smart, it is doubtful if the result will give trainer Aidan O'Brien and the Ballydoyle camp many sleepless nights.   While Main Sequence is a general 20/1 chance for Epsom glory, William Hill were less impressed with a quote of 25/1. 13-05-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10358/duke-of-york-stakes-ante-post-betting-update Next Wednesday sees the start of York's May meeting, and the big betting race of the day is the Group 2 Duke of York Stakes. The 6f contest should provide plenty of clues regarding Royal Ascot's Diamond Jubilee and Newmarket's July Cup. With soft ground the order of the day at most meetings at present and no signs of an imminent let-up in the wet weather, the Yorkshire venue is unlikely to provide anything better than good-soft ground. The two horses that currently head the ante-post market are Bated Breath and Hoof It, and both can be backed at 5/1 with Stan James and Ladbrokes. Only a head seperated the pair when they were just touched off by the minimum margin in Haydock's Betfred Sprint Cup last season, but while both would prefer decent ground Roger Charlton's charge would be a doubtful runner under testing conditions. The James Fanshawe trained Society Rock caused a big shock when winning the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot last June at odds of 25/1 on soft ground, and followed that up with an excellent second behind top class french filly Moonlight Cloud at Deauville. A bit disappointing in three subsequent runs on faster going, Society Rock is likely to have his ground again next week and makes plenty of appeal at the 6/1 generally available. The other horse at the head of the market is Mayson, who will be having his fourth run of the season. An impressive three and a half length victory in Newmarket's Abernant Stakes was followed by another smart performance in winning the furlong shorter Palace House Stakes. Ladbrokes are a stand-out 7/1 about Richard Fahey's four-year-old and likely mount of champion jockey Paul Hanagan, but the son of Invincible Spirit has hit such a vein of form that it would be no surprise to see him go off favourite on the day. Of the bigger priced entries the one that takes the eye is another Roger Charlton inmate in the shape of Genki, a best price 16/1 with Ladbrokes. The eight-year-old never got a run when favourite behind Mayson in the Abernant, and was only just over a length adrift of Bated Breath and Hoof It in the Betfred Sprint Cup. The son of Shinko Forest will relish any cut in the ground and looks good value under prevailing conditions on the Knavesmire.   08-05-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10357/32red-no-deposit-sign-up-offer-closes-this-week 32Red the Gibraltar based online casino has announced that it will take down it's very popular £32 No Deposit Bonus this week and replace it with a revised Sign Up Offer that will require a deposit. Online casino players have until Wednesday 9th May to claim their Free £32 from 32Red without requiring any deposit from the player. From 9th May onwards new UK casino players will be welcomed with a £32 sign up bonus but this will then require a £20 deposit from the player. 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French challenger Dunaden ended last season with victories in the Emirates Melbourne Cup and Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase, amassing over £3 million prize money in the process. Johnny Murtagh's mount has the Ascot Gold Cup as an early target ( 10/1 with Coral ), and may find Saturday's trip a little on the sharp side against proven middle distance opposition. Impressive St Leger winner Masked Marvel is sure to prove a major force this season, as is Sir Michael Stoute's highly regarded Fiorente, who will receive a handy 5lb from both Dunaden and Masked Marvel. With only four runs to date, the son of Monsun can only improve on what he has achieved so far, and is likely to be a leading player in Europes top middle distace races as the season develops. While top stayer Blue Bajan could experience things happening too quickly, Al Kazeem, Quest For Peace and Frankie Dettori's mount Sadeek's Song are all capable of running big races, the horse to beat is probably another French challenger in the shape of Meandre. Maxime Guyon's mount did little wrong as a three-year-old, ending with a fine sixth behind Danedream in the Qatar Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe at Longchamp. An impressive winner of the Grand Prix De Paris on good to soft ground last July, Andre Fabre's charge looks to have ideal conditions and the 9/4 available with Stan James is a fair indication of the grey colts chance. Whatever the result of Saturday's Group 2 contest, the race is sure to have an important bearing on many of the top middle distance contests that lie ahead in the coming months.   05-05-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10355/football-tips-ferguson-believes-manchester-united-can-win-premier-league-title Manchester City are 1/2 favourite to win the Premier League title after the 1-0 victory against Manchester United but Sir Alex Ferguson says “It’s not over yet”. City took over at the top of the Premier League by virtue of superior goal difference and with two games remaining, the title is in their own hands. Vincent Kompany’s headed goal on the stroke of half time was enough to clinch the points at the Etihad on Monday and Ferguson must hope City drop a point against either of Newcastle or QPR in their last two games. United are now 15/8 to retain their Premier League title and Ferguson admits City are in the driving seat. Paddy Power is one of a number of online bookmakers offering of 15/8 for United to win the title. Paddy Power is Ireland’s biggest bookmaker and one of the leading online gaming operations in Europe and Australia. To find out more about Paddy Power, click here. "It's not over yet, but they've got an eight-goal advantage. It's a big advantage. I think they're in the driver's seat now. They've got to win two games of football,” he said. Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini disagrees with the bookies’ assessment and still insists United are in the best position the end the season on top, due the Red Devil’s easier run in. "It is not finished," said Mancini. "If we think it is finished, we will be making a big mistake. United are the favourites. "They have easy games. They play against Swansea and Sunderland. We have two strong games, Newcastle and QPR. One plays for the Champions League, the other for relegation.”   01-05-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10354/manchester-derby-free-bet-offer-from-888sport The derby clash between Manchester City and Manchester United is probably the most important in their history as the future of the Premier League title could be decided at the Etihad on Monday night. The nation will be tuning in for the destiny defining encounter as the Blue half of Manchester try to wrest control from the club that has dominated the Premier League since its inception 20 years ago. 888sport is offering a £5 free bet to punters placing at least £10 on goalscorer markets on the big match plus the chance to win VIP tickets for another hugely important Premeir League match between Chelsea and Newcastle who are battling to secure a place in next season’s Champions League. A £5 free bet will be given to any customer betting £10 or more on a named player in the first goalscorer or last goalscorer markets on Monday’s derby game and for punters who enjoy betting in play, the next goalscorer market will qualify too. The free bet is to be used for a multiple bet, double or greater. Everyone who receives a £5 free multi bet will go into a draw to win two tickets for Chelsea v Newcastle on 2nd May with full VIP hospitality. Click here to read more about 888sport offers and promotions. Anticipation for the Manchester derby is reaching fever pitch after United let slip an 8-point lead and there is now just 3 points dividing the two teams. City’s superior goal difference will put then in the driving seat if they can match their rivals points tally with a home victory. Selected match odds from 888sport: 6/5 Man City 11/5 Man Utd 12/5 Draw 5/1 Aguero to score first 5/1 Tevez to score first 5/1 Rooney to score first 7/1 Welbeck to score first   26-04-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10353/2000-guineas-tips-little-change-in-guineas-betting-as-most-improved-misses-out News that leading Qipco 2000 Guineas fancy Most Improved has been withdrawn from the season’s opening classic has had little impact on the betting market. Trainer Brain Meehan withdrew the colt from its scheduled seasonal debut in the Craven Stakes last Thursday and confirmed on his website this morning Most Improved will not be among the starters in the 2000 Guineas in 12 days time. "Most Improved continues to undergo tests to diagnose the lameness reported on Thursday morning," he said on www.brianmeehan.co.uk. "The preliminary report from the vets has advised that he will not be ready for the Qipco 2000 Guineas on Saturday 5th May and he will be taken out of the race this morning. This is extremely disappointing for his owner and all of the team at the yard." Most Improved finished third in last year’s Dewhirst Stakes and had been third favourite for the Newmarket classic behind market leader Camelot and Top Offer. The news has not had a dramatic effect on the 2000 Guineas betting market, Camelot has hardened slightly and is now best priced at 6/4 with Sportingbet, Bodog and William Hill. Get a £50 risk free 2000 guineas bet  on Sportingbet, read more about Sportingbet and its £50 risk free bet here. Aidan O’Brien’s unbeaten Camelot has been all the rage for the 2000 Guineas this last week, the colt shortened after Nephrite flopped at the Curragh on Saturday and looks likely to be red hot favourite should he make it to Newmarket. Ladbrokes had already cut Camelot to even money on Saturday night and their odds remain unchanged, while Joe Burke of Stan James said Most Improved’s withdrawal had no effect on their ante post market for the 2000 Guineas. "Most Improved was the 6-1 third favourite with Stan James but the news of his non-participation in the first Classic of the season has had no bearing on our market for the race whatsoever," said Burke. "There has been plenty of support for Camelot over the past few days and he remains a strong 5-4 favourite having been 5-2 with Stan James only last Thursday. The whole race revolves around Camelot at the moment."   24-04-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10352/fred-takes-subtle-approach-with-totepool-rebrand The rebrand to totepool.com is the latest in a subtle series of changes being made to the former totesport website since Betfred’s aquisition of the Tote last summer. In June 2011 Betfred won the auction to buy the 83 year-old state-owned Tote which included 517 high street betting shops and the monopoly to run pool betting online and at 60 racecourses in the UK. At the outset, Tote’s head office functions were integrated with Betfred’s base in Warrington and while Tote shops on the high street were rebranded, the original name remained in use on the racecourses. Rebranding of Tote’s online betting website has been a gradual process. The site had already undergone a facelift when changing from its 2002 launch name of totebetXpress2 to its new identity, totesport, when Tote launched an online casino in 2005. Immediately following the acquisition by Betfred, the changes to totesport began with the integration of Betfred’s odds, markets and special offers into the sportsbook. The changes retained the look, feel and original features of the website while bringing totesport customers the benefits of Betfred’s prices and world famous bonuses. In March 2012 totesport was rebranded as totepool, the same range of free bets are still available at the fully featured online gambling website which offers online pool betting, horse racing fixed odds, sportsbook with live betting in play, casino, games, bingo and mobile. Again, the changes have not been sweeping and some sections of the website still retain original totesport references. While navigating the website customers can still see the familiar totesport brand name in the sportsbook, casino, bingo and games but there is an increasing amount of totepool.com branding being introduced around the website. Landing pages are now totepool branded, so too online pool betting and mobile with totesport having been replaced by totepool on creative media promoting the online gambling portal on affiliate websites, blogs and social networks. Betfred received a lot of flak from sections of the racing industry who opposed the bid and wanted the Tote to remain independent. However, various governments had been trying to privatise the business for about 14 years and never came close until Betfred bid over £250 million to seal the deal. Owner Fred Done is committed to developing the Tote’s relationship with horse racing, the name remains at 60 UK racecourses and totepool.com emphasises the website’s roots with the former state-owned business.   23-04-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10351/world-snooker-championships-money-back-at-ladbrokes Snooker punters will automatically receive insurance on their match bets placed with Ladbrokes during the World Snooker Championships at the Crucible in Sheffield from 21 April until 5 May 2012. Back a player to win any match at the World Snooker Championships and if he is beaten in the final frame decider, Ladbrokes will give your money back. The offer applies to single bets, refunds are capped at £100 maximum per person and extends to every match throughout the tournament with the exception of the World Snooker Championship final itself. The offer is available to new and existing Ladbrokes customers betting on the World Snooker Championship match markets via any of its channels. Ladbrokes is one of the world’s biggest bookmakers offering betting services via internet, telephone, mobile and in over 2000 betting shops featuring money back offers on a range of sports every day. Read our Ladbrokes review to find out why we recommend its online betting site to our visitors. With qualification complete, the World Snooker Championships begin for real on Saturday when defending champion John Higgins takes on Liang Wenbo. The 25-year-old from China is rated in the world top 40 and could prove a tricky first round rival for Higgins who has played relatively little snooker since winning the world title at the Crucible last year. Ronnie O’Sullivan still remains one of snooker’s biggest attractions and he makes his bow against Peter Ebdon on Monday afternoon. The Rocket has hit form since the turn of the year, winning the German Masters in February and performing well at the Welsh Open and China Open recently. Ebdon won the World Snooker Championship in 2002 and proved he still has the ability to win major ranking events by taking the China Open in a final frame decider against Stephen Maguire in March. The Welshman’s cautious play may well frustrate O’Sullivan who prefers to play his snooker at a much quicker tempo than Ebdon. Ladbrokes has odds for every first round match with 22 markets available on every head-to-head encounter. Sign up with Ladbrokes and receive up to £50 free bet on the World Snooker Championships.   19-04-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10350/100-euro-soccer-bonus-at-bet365 Football punters can earn up to 100% bonus on returns from accumulators on the top domestic leagues in Europe and Champions League games with bet365. The Euro Soccer accumulator offer includes bets placed on the Premier League in England, Serie A in Italy, Primera Liga in Spain, Bundesliga 1 in Germany or group and knockout games in the Champions League. Any successful pre-match accumulator with three or more selections combining teams in any of the above competitions will receive a bonus added to the returns. Punters looking to add teams from different leagues can quickly build their accumulators from bet365’s Elite Euro List which features all the games in the each of the top domestic leagues plus any scheduled Champions League and Europa League games. Bonuses range from 5% added to trebles, rising in incremental stages to 100% bonus added to successful 14-folds. The bonus is available for straight pre-match accumulators only and is capped at a maximum £100,000 or currency equivalent. bet365 is one of the world’s biggest online gambling groups with more than five million customers worldwide. bet365 offers a Sports Betting experience that’s unrivalled. The Group employs over 1,700 people and is the UK’s seventh largest private company. In the 2010 eGaming Review Awards, bet365 was named Operator of the Year and Casino Operator of the Year, as well as receiving the Best Website Performance award. The company came top in eGaming Review’s Annual Power 50.   17-04-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10349/atp-and-wta-tennis-refunds-at-betvictor Ease the disappointment of a last ditch defeat by betting on tennis matches with BetVictor who will refund losing stakes with its Gain, Set and Match offer. BetVictor will give unlucky punters a free bet refund up to £100 in all ATP and WTA match markets for players who lose out in a final set tie breaker. The offer is available for bets placed via telephone, internet or mobile for single bets placed on pre-match markets, live in-running bets do not qualify. Gain, Set and Match is one of a number of free bet offers from BetVictor which likes to give its customers extra value on a variety of sports. Click here to read more about BetVictor offers and promotions. Tennis fans can bet on every ATP and WTA tour match throughout the season with BetVictor plus all the games at the four Grand Slams, Davis Cup matches and at the 2012 London Olympics in the summer. Follow your favourite players as they make their way around the world competing for points to reach the money spinning championship finals at the end of the season. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray are the top mens tennis players who will be slugging it out to qualify for the Barclay’s ATP World Tour finals in London. In the ladies events, Victoria Azarenko, Maria Sharapova, Petra Kvitova and Agnieszka Radwanska will be expected to lead the race to Istanbul for the 2012 WTA Championships. There’s sure to be upsets and many tightly fought clashes along the way and BetVictor can expect to be handing out plenty of free bets with its Gain, Set and Match refund for players beaten in a final set tie break. Not a BetVictor customer? Sign up with BetVictor now and get a £25 free bet welcome bonus.   16-04-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10348/grand-national-tips-plan-coming-together-for-synchronised Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised heads the 40-runner field for the Grand National at Aintree on Saturday. Johnjo O’Neill’s charge is 15/2 with online bookmaker Blue Square in his bid to become the first horse since Golden Miller to win the Grand National and Gold Cup in the same season. Tony McCoy takes the mount after getting the green light from connections following Synchronised’s excellent recovery from his exertions at Cheltenham last month. The nine-year-old was set to have a final pipe opener on Thursday morning before heading to Aintree as one of his owner’s four likely representatives. Speaking on behalf of JP McManus, racing manager Frank Berry said last night: "He'll do his final bit of work in the morning and we'll see how he is, but it's so far so good. He's not doing a lot in the morning, just a little, and if all is well he will go there. "Sunnyhillboy is well. He came out of Cheltenham fine and is in good form. With a bit of luck he should go well round there as long as he takes to the place. We should have four runners (Quiscover Fontaine and Arbor Supreme are the others) and we have one (Smoking Aces) waiting to get in." The McManus, O'Neill, McCoy triumvirate were successful at Aintree two years ago when Don't Push It won the Grand National at 10/1 joint favourite. McCoy had the option of riding stablemate Sunnyhill Boy but opted to stay loyal to the gritty Gold cup winner.   12-04-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10347/grand-national-tips-owner-bullish-about-chicago-grey Owner John Earls was bullish about the chances of leading Grand National fancy Chicago Grey after Tuesday’s update on the Aintree going. After a dry day, the course remained good, good to soft in places and more rain is scheduled before Saturday’s showpiece. Unless there is an unforeseen deluge, the going shouldn’t be a major factor for Chicago Grey who has won on good, soft and heavy ground in the past. Earls said: "I wouldn't like it too soft but he has run well in soft ground before. He's had a nice preparation and I know Gordon [Elliott] is excited by how well he is." Elliott saddled 2007 Grand National winner Silver Birch and the trainer has been schooling Chicago Grey over National-style fences in readiness for his first run at Aintree. Chicago Grey is available at 16/1 with online bookmaker Stan James. The Gibraltar based firm has recently changed its introductory offer for new customers, find out more in the Stan James bookmaker review. The striking grey thrives on racing and won the four-mile National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham last year on his twelfth run of the season. The nine-year-old has not been as busy this campaign and the owner’s only concern is keeping Chicago Grey out of trouble in the early stages of the race. "This year Aintree will come as his seventh race. I'm not a bit afraid about the trip and I've no doubt he'll jump the fences. If he gets around the first circuit he'll be bang there," added Earls. New customers who sign up with Stan James and bet £10 can get a £10 free bet.   11-04-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10346/titan-introduce-ante-post-betting-with-free-grand-national-bet Online gaming giant, Titan is offering a free Grand National bet to coincide with the introduction of horse racing ante post betting to its sportsbook, Titan Bet. Titan Bet has chosen the 2012 John Smiths Grand National to open its first ever ante post market on horse racing and is also offering a range of Grand National specials such as Age of the Winner, Number of Finishers, Winning Distances and more. In 2009, Titan added a sportsbook to its online gambling portfolio which includes Titan Poker, Titan Casino and Titan Bingo. The sportsbook offers competitive odds on a wide range of markets on all major sports, but until now has been limited to SP only on horse racing. The introduction of ante post betting markets will bring Titan Bet closer to rivals offering a comprehensive horse racing product and will be a welcome improvement for existing customers. Click here to read more about Titan Bet. Titan Bet punters will now be able to get more from the 2012 Grand National, not only more betting markets but a £10 free bet on the race itself or on any of the Grand National special markets. Customers who place £10 or more on the Grand National ante post market before 3.00pm on Wednesday 11th April will receive a £10 free bet on Thursday 12th April to use on the Grand National meeting at Aintree. The offer is available to new and existing customers from the UK and Ireland and can be used on single, multiple or system bets. The free bet will be added manually by Titan Bet customer services and will be seen alongside the customer’s username after log in. Not a customer at Titan Bet? Sign up with Titan Bet and qualify for a £25 free bet.   10-04-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10345/owner-favours-ballabriggs-for-grand-national Owner Trevor Hemmings has a strong hand for the Grand National at Aintree next week but looks likely to keep faith with last year's winner, Ballabriggs. The eleven-year-old is trained by Donald McCain who will be following in his fathers footsteps if can train Ballabriggs to win consecutive Grand Nationals. McCain is the son of Ginger, who trained the great Red Rum to win the four-mile marathon three times between 1973 and 1977. Hemmings also has another Grand National entry, Burton Port who is trained by Nicky Henderson. The Seven Barrows handler is still looking for his first Grand National winner after thirty years of trying and is resigned to making his 2012 bid without the services of the classy eight-year-old who will go for the Betfred Bowl instead. "We've discussed it with Trevor and we are still undecided as he also has Ballabriggs in the National so it's more likely that Burton Port will run in the Bowl rather than the National," said Henderson. "He ran a very good race in the Gold Cup. We have National fences here and he has jumped them well but he's not a big fella and he would have a great chance in the Bowl. Trevor already has Ballabriggs in the National so it seems sensible to play it that way.” Ballabriggs is 14/1 to win the Grand National with Betfred who go 20/1 for Henderson’s intended runner, Shakalakaboomboom. Liam Breslin’s eight-year-old has experience over the Grand National fences in the Topham Trophy and bypassed Cheltenham to fly the flag for Henderson at Aintree. "After the Topham, in which he jumped beautifully, it was just that two-miles-six was a bit short for him, he went on to Punchestown where he won the Pat Taaffe Chase. Then he came out at Cheltenham over three miles and a bit first time out this season and his stamina helped him a lot. He was second in the Great Yorkshire (Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster). "It's been a nice preparation, it's always been the plan and consequently he didn't go to Cheltenham. I think 10st 12lb is an area horses can win from and he's in good form. It's nice he's been there once before," said the trainer. Get a £50 free bet on the Grand National from Betfred, click here to find out more about Betfred and its offers and promotions.   05-04-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10344/us-masters-cashback-and-money-back-special-offers The first golf major of the season gets underway at Augusta National on Thursday here’s a round up of bookmaker offers for the US Masters. There’s a great selection of Cashback and Money Back Specials for the US Masters along with enhanced placed terms from a number of online bookmakers. Tiger Woods has been synonymous with the US Masters since bursting on the scene as the youngest ever winner of the tournament in 1997 and has gone on to win four Masters titles so far in his career. Despite two years in the doldrums, Tiger managed to finish tied-4th in his last two appearances and his return to winning form at Bay Hill in his last Tour event has thrust Woods to the top of the US Masters betting once again. Woods is also the focus of the top Cashback offers which were kicked off by Paddy Power, who will give up to £100 free bet refund on all losing outright bets if Tiger wins the 2012 US Masters. Ireland’s biggest bookie is also paying 1/4 odds on six places at the Masters for better each way value. Paddy’s main competitor on the Emerald Isle is Boylesports which will also pay 1/4 odds for the first six places and has an excellent bet £20 get £40 free bets offer for new customers which can be used for the Masters. Gibraltar-based Stan James is another bookie offering 1/4 odds a place on the first six at Augusta. Ladbrokes also has a Tiger Woods Money Back offer, refunding up to £100 to punters if their player finishes second to the fourteen-time Major champion. Tiger Woods offers are great for punters thinking of opposing the Masters favourite but since he’s back in form, plenty of golf fans will be rooting for the former world number one and can get some insurance when backing Woods with other bookmakers. Blue Square will give free bet refunds up to £50 on any player finishing within two shots of the eventual Masters winner and high street giant Coral, will refund up to £100 on the third round leader if he fails to win the Green Jacket on Sunday. Punters looking for the best price in the US Masters outright betting will be interested in BetVictor’s pledge to guarantee the clear top price or joint top price on every player when compared to William Hill, Paddy Power, Ladbrokes, Sky Bet, Stan James and bet365   03-04-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10343/sunnyhillboy-set-for-grand-national-says-berry JP McManus-owned Sunnyhillboy is set to run in the Grand National on April 14 despite rumours that he might miss the Aintree marathon. Frank Berry, racing manager to McManus, said the Cheltenham Festival winner is on target for Aintree after Sunnyhillboy’s odds drifted on betting exchanges fuelling doubts about the horses participation. “As far as I know Sunnyhillboy is in good form and on target to run at Aintree,” said Berry. "Jonjo (O'Neill) is very happy with him, as he is with Synchronised, who seems to have come out of the Gold Cup well. He might have another bit of work and we'll make a final decision on him by the weekend." Sunnyhillboy is generally available at 16/1, including Paddy Power, but had drifted to almost twice those odds on exchanges over the weekend. The exchange odds began correcting to near the bookmakers’ prices following Berry’s statement. The nine-year-old is leniently treated at Aintree following his win in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham, Sunnyhillboy is set to go up in the weights but avoids a penalty in the Grand National. BHA head handicapper, Phil Smiyh said, "Sunnyhillboy was the widest margin handicap winner at Cheltenham and has gone up 10lb so technically he is well in by that amount and the runner-up in his race, Becauseicouldntsee has gone up 5lb so they would have a different rating now if I reframed the race.” Get £20 free bets for placing £10 at Paddy Power. Read more about Ireland’s biggest bookmaker in this review.   02-04-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10342/money-back-if-tiger-woods-win-the-masters Tiger Woods is clear favourite to win the US Masters but Paddy Power is offering a Money Back Special if he dons the Green Jacket at Augusta next week. Bookies halved the four-time US Masters winner’s odds after he returned to winning ways with an impressive five stroke victory in the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill on Sunday. It was Tiger’s first Tour win for 30 months and earned him a place in the world’s top ten after fighting his way back to form this season. In another bold move by the leading online bookmaker, Paddy Power will give Money Back on losing outright bets if Woods wins the US Masters next week. The Irish bookmaker is still smarting from the financial hit it took when paying out over £2million free bet refunds when opposing Sprinter Sacre in the Arkle at Cheltenham earlier this month. Paddy Power Money Back Specials refund customers with up to £100 free bets. Punters backing Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Justin Rose or any of the other 96 golfers taking on Woods to win outright next week, will get losing stakes refunded as a free bet if the 14-time Major winner collects his fifth Green Jacket. 22-year-old McIlroy is Tiger’s main market rival at around 5/1 and the youngster has ambitions on establishing himself as the world’s number one golfer. He crashed in epic style during the final round of last year’s Masters when he appeared to have the title in the bag after destroying the Augusta course over the first three days. The Ulsterman shook off the disappointment of defeat to claim his first major title in the US Open two months later and will be looking to keep it together and spoil Tiger’s party next week. Paddy Power is Ireland's biggest bookmaker with one of Europes leading online gambling websites. After the recent aquisition of Sportsbet and IASbet, it is the biggest corporate online bookmaker in Australia. Read more about Paddy Power in this review.   29-03-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10341/ladbrokes-casino-increases-no-deposit-bonus-for-tv-campaign Ladbrokes Casino has upped the ante by offering £25 free, with no deposit required, for new customers to play casino games and keep the winnings. This Spring, Ladbrokes has increased its No Deposit Bonus from £5 to £25 in a drive to increase its casino player base, which will be backed by a TV advertising campaign. Ladbrokes Casino is part of Ladbrokes gambling website which includes Sports betting, Casino, Bingo, Poker, Lotto, Games, Financial and Mobile betting; read more about Ladbrokes Casino in the this review. The bonus is available to new customers residing in UK and Ireland who register an account before midnight on May 6. Players claim the bonus by completing a simple claim form on the promotion page online at Ladbrokes Casino. There is no need to deposit funds, once claimed the bonus will appear in players’ accounts within 48 hours and will remain valid for a further 48 hours. The £25 No Deposit Bonus can be used to play over 540 games at Ladbrokes Casino including Roulette, Blackjack, Poker, Keno, Scratchcards, Slots and Progressive Slots with jackpots in excess of £1 million. Once the wagering requirement of 30 times the bonus (i.e £750 stakes) has been met, players are free to withdraw the winnings from the bonus. Online casino players who register during this promotion will also have the chance to claim two more introductory offers, a 200% first deposit match worth up to £400 casino bonus and on the second deposit, 40 free spins on Immortal Romance slot. Not all games count in full towards casino bonus wagering requirements, full terms and condition can be found at Ladbrokes Casino website.   27-03-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10340/ballabriggs-odds-to-win-consecutive-grand-nationals Trainer Donald McCain is following in the footsteps of his father Ginger and preparing Ballabriggs in a bid to become the first horse in almost half a century to win the Grand National in consecutive years. Irish independent bookmaker, Boylesports is offering 16/1 for Ballabriggs to emulate Red Rum’s achievement in 1974. Donald’s legendary father made the Aintree marathon his own when training the great Red Rum to win three Grand Nationals in 1973, 1974 and 1977. Ballabriggs had his only run since winning the 2011 Grand National when pleasing his trainer at Kelso three weeks ago. Off the course for 11 months, the eleven-year-old stayed up with the pace throughout the two-and-three-quarter mile event, but was outrun in final 200 yard sprint for the line. McCain junior said after the Kelso race, “We were chuffed with his run. He ran as well as he did at Kelso last year. Jason (Maguire) actually thought he ran a bit better, so we're all happy.” Maguire rode Ballabriggs to success in the Grand National last year and is optimistic of at least making the frame at Aintree, "He has tightened up for his run at Kelso and is in good order," said Maguire recently. "If he takes to the fences like he did last year, he should be in the place money." Ballabriggs must carry nine pounds more in weight for winning the Grand National but past winners have run well recently including Hedgehunter, Comply or Die and Don’t Push It and at 16/1 with Boylesports, he could be good each way value. Register an account with Boylesports and get £40 free bets when you bet £20.   26-03-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10338/£50-risk-free-grand-national-bet-on-synchronised Synchronised is on course to make history at Aintree on April 14 and punters can get a £50 risk free bet on the Grand National with Sportingbet. Johnjo O’Neill has said there’s no reason why his Gold Cup winner can’t have a crack at the Grand National where he could become the first horse since Golden Miller to win the Gold Cup and Grand National in the same the season. "Synchronised has come out of Cheltenham fine and we'll make a decision nearer the time whether we go or not but there's no reason why not at the moment. He’s in great form and if he comes back to the form he was in at Cheltenham then why wouldn't you go there?" said O’Neill. Sportingbet go 10/1 for Synchronised to win the Grand National and emulate the achievement of the great Golden Miller, set 78 years ago. Golden Miller won the Cheltenham Gold Cup for five success years between 1932 and 1936 and in the middle of that run won the Grand National in 1934. Sportingbet is a long established internet bookmaker, find out how Sportingbet grew from a small chain of betting shops to being launched on London Stock Exchange’s AIM with betting sites in UK, Europe and Australia. Punters registering for a new account with Sportingbet can place their first bet risk free. Bet up to £50 on any selection at odds of 1/2 (1.5) or bigger and if the bet loses, Sportingbet will refund the stake to place another bet.   22-03-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10337/glynn-looks-to-grand-national-with-becauseicouldntsee Trainer Noel Glynn has set his sights on the Grand National for Becauseicouldntsee after an impressive run in defeat at the Cheltenham Festival last week. The nine-year-old ran prominently throughout his race when finishing runner up to Sunnyhillboy in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup and goes to Aintree with strong claims at 25/1 with Ladbrokes to win the Grand National. "It was a good run at Cheltenham and it was just a pity that the winner didn't get into the Pertemps, which Jonjo said was his first choice with Sunnyhillboy," said Glyn, musing on what might have been. "He's run a blinder, though, he jumped great and we're looking forward to Aintree. "It's taken a bit out of him, he was cooped up in a small box for a few days and then there was the travelling so I hope he recovers. He's used to being out in a field day and night.” Becauseicouldntsee had a wasted trip from County Clare for last year’s Grand National when he fell at the second fence. The gelding was one of the leading fancies and went off at 16/1, he is handicapped to carry 5lbs less in the 2012 Grand National with 10st 3lbs but the weights will rise by a lb if Gold Cup winner Synchronised is pulled out. "He's fit as a flea, which is a bonus,” added the trainer. “I just hope he gets further than last year. I'd like Nina (Carberry) to ride him in the National but she might have to ride her Uncle Arthur's (Moore) horse (Organisedconfusion) so Davy Condon might ride."    20-03-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10336/£10-completely-free-bet-on-the-grand-national-with-sky-bet Join Sky Bet today to get £10 completely free to bet on any sports betting event including the 2012 John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on 14 April. The Grand National is the biggest single betting event in the sporting calendar and Sky Bet could be inundated with once-a-year punters taking advantage of the no deposit offer, should it still be available on the day. The offer could cost Sky Bet millions should the online bookmaker extend the £10 completely free bet until Aintree’s Grand National meeting which starts on the Thursday 12th April for three days. Unlike other free bet offers which require customers to place the first bet before receiving a freebie, Sky Bet will put £10 straight into each new account immediately and it can be used to bet on any sports betting market with the winnings available for withdrawal as soon as the bet is settled. Bookmakers look forward to the Grand National in the hope many first time bettors catch the ‘bug’ and return for more thrills by betting on other big races and sporting action. Sky Bet is no different and gives punters an added incentive with its loyalty scheme. As part of the empire owned by broadcasting giant BSkyB, Sky Bet can offer its customers cash off their monthly Sky bill or free bets as rewards for betting in the sportsbook. Ante post betting is available on Sky Bet, with odds for every remaining Grand National entry plus a range of special betting on the number finishers, winning distances, winning trainer and many more.   19-03-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10335/free-football-bets-exclusive-to-william-hill-mobile William Hill is giving free bet refunds on three football offers exclusively to customers placing bets on the mobile site via mobile handsets. Millions of people now own smartphones and internet enabled mobile handsets. With an abundance of data plans and free wi-fi access in many areas, bookmakers have noticed a mini revolution in the way its customers access their betting sites. Every major internet bookmaker worth its salt has a mobile version of its website to facilitate mobile betting and many are offering free bets exclusively to mobile customers. Any internet enabled mobile phone can access mobile.williamhill.com through its web browser and users can log in to their account and have a bet. The simple design is built for ease of use and William Hill customers can navigate to the full range of sports and full In-Play betting. Football punters can get up to a £50 free bet refund on each of three football offers. Place a Correct Score or Double Result bet on any match and get losing stakes refunded if the match ends 0-0. First Goalscorer bets get a second chance with a free bet refund for selections who fail to score first but score the second goal. Finally, William Hill is offering football accumulator insurance, with a free bet refund if one team lets the accumulator down. It applies to accumulators with at least five selections on match markets (12X). In rapidly growing numbers, punters have recognized they no longer need to get to their computers to bet online. More and more punters are browsing to websites on their mobiles, downloading dedicated apps for their Apple and Android mobile devices and managing their accounts and betting while on the go. William Hill provides one of the biggest range of sports betting markets available on the web with top industry prices on a huge amount of selections. New customers can get a free bet when they sign up with William Hill and get access to the full service from their mobile phones or computer.   15-03-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10334/ladbrokes-increase-welcome-offer-to-£150-free-bets Ladbrokes introduced a new welcome offer for first time customers on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival and will match the first three bets placed with up to £150 free bets. The offer will extend beyond the Cheltenham festival meeting and will close at the end of March. New customers who register using promotion code B150 will get their first three bets matched with a free bet up to £50 each. The minimum stake to qualify to get a free bet on Ladbrokes is £5. Ladbrokes £150 free bets offer can found with a number of partners in the online bookmaker’s affiliate network but is not widely available. BestFreeBets.com is a leading free bets provider and is of the select websites making this offer available to its visitors. Visitors can follow the links to Ladbrokes special £150 free bets landing page where they will be guided through the simple process of registering an account and placing bet after which they will automatically receive a free bet. Ladbrokes free bets remain valid for seven days and customers should use the bets in that time or else the offer will expire and the chance to back a winner for nothing will be lost. Ladbrokes customers have access to one of the biggest range of betting markets available anywhere on the web. Odds are very competitive and Ladbrokes guarantee to offer the best prices in the industry on a selection of high profile betting events every day. Just look out for the Best Prices logo at Ladbrokes to guarantee you’ll get the best industry odds.   13-03-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10333/coral-offer-four-£50-free-bets-during-cheltenham-festival As bookmakers go to war in the race for sign ups during Cheltenham Festival, Coral will give new customers £200 free bets this week with a £50 free bet on four consecutive days. Coral has got together with a handful of its leading online partners to offer punters a £50 free bet on four consecutive days. The offer is open to new customers who sign up via one of Coral’s exclusive partners between 10.30am on 12 March and 11.59pm on Friday 16 March. New customers simply make a deposit and bet it all on any bets in the sportsbook and Coral will match the deposit with a free bet, up to a maximum £50. Customers can return on the next three days to claim another £50 free bet in the same way and pocket a total of £200 free bets. Customers who miss a day, can still get a free bet on any of the remaining days. For example, if a customer claims a free bet on Tuesday and Wednesday but misses Thursday, he/she can still get a free bet on Friday which would be the last of the four consecutive days from registration. Coral is also planning to give unlucky customers the chance of getting money back from a series of refunds for punters whose horses finish runner up to the favourite in races selected by the online bookmaker. Leading online bookmakers are planning to release a host of incentives to attract new sign ups during the Cheltenham Festival which is was of the biggest betting events of the year. Coral is hoping punters will use its website as home for the Cheltenham Festival and has timed the offer to get an early lead on the competition.   12-03-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10332/blue-square-to-refund-mobile-bets-at-cheltenham-festival Racing fans up and own the country will be following the action at this year’s Cheltenham Festival on their smartphones and online bookie Blue Square has a Cheltenham Money Back offer for punters who will be out and about during the meeting. Blue Square customers can bet on any race at the Cheltenham Festival and if their horse is beaten less than a length, Blue Square will refund the stake with a free bet. It’s a great gesture from Blue Square which will give unlucky punters another chance of backing a winner with a free bet up to the maximum of £50. Alan Alger, Blue Square PR manager, said: “There is nothing worse for punters than seeing their horse agonisingly defeated up that punishing hill, so we’ve decided to run our successful ‘beaten less than a length’ promotion on every race at this year’s Cheltenham Festival for Blue Square mobile customers. Everyone will have suffered the pain of a narrow defeat at Prestbury Park and this offer gives our mobile customers a genuine insurance policy.” Last year six horses were beaten less than a length, but the Blue Square traders will be hoping there won’t be a repeat of 2009 when 10 runners were just touched off over the four days. The offer is available to all existing Blue Square customers and punters who haven’t already done so, still have time to open an account before Cheltenham and qualify for a £25 free bet on Blue Square.   08-03-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10331/£20-free-cheltenham-bet-for-betvictor-customers BetVictor is giving punters who bet £20 on the Supreme Novices Hurdle a £20 free Cheltenham bet and 20 free spins on a game in the casino. The Cheltenham offer is available to new and existing BetVictor customers who place at least £20 single (or the win part of an each way single of at least £20) on the first race on Day One of the 2012 Cheltenham Festival. Win or lose, those punters will get a £20 free bet for the National Hunt Challenge Cup, the first race on Day Two of the Festival plus 20 free spins on Egyptian Heroes slot game in BetVictor's online casino. The £20 free Cheltenham bet offer is one of a number of Festival promotions being advertised on BetVictor's Cheltenham micro-site. BetVictor went Non-Runner No Bet all races at the Cheltenham Festival from 1st March and will also run with a Second Chance Special on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th days to ensure customers have the chance of receiving free bets every day of the meeting. BetVictor’s Second Chance Special will provide up to £50 free bet refunds for punters if their selection finishes runner up to the chosen horse in a high profile race on the day. BetVictor has told customers to expect a big name as the daily chosen horse and will announce the choice a day in advance on the micro site to allow the bookie to offer its customers the best value possible. The dedicated Cheltenham micro site has all the details of BetVictor’s Cheltenham special offers, latest odds for every race at the meeting, traders’ tips and video updates from Charlie McCann. New customers can get a £25 free bet from BetVictor, follow this link to BetVictor website, sign up, place a bet at odds of 2.00 or more and get a free bet to the same stake up to a maximum £25 free bet.   06-03-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10330/£5-free-cheltenham-bet-for-ladbrokes-customers Ladbrokes is giving all its UK and Irish customers a £5 free bet for the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest betting events of the year and Ladbrokes is giving its internet customers a £5 free bet for the start of four days of intensive racing action. Every existing Ladbrokes customer who has deposited at least £5 and bet on its English or Irish language site will receive a £5 free bet in their account by 9.00am on Tuesday 13th March. The free bet can be used to have a single bet on any of the Cheltenham races on the first day of the Festival meeting. New customers who sign up by Monday 12th March will also qualify for the £5 free Cheltenham bet, in addition to the welcome offer of a £50 free bet. Ladbrokes sponsor the World Hurdle on the third day of the Cheltenham Festival, the staying hurdlers championship dominated by Big Bucks for the last three years. The nine-year-old is bidding for his fourth consecutive World Hurdle and will be looking to extend his 26-month unbeaten run over hurdles to 16. In addition to a £5 free Cheltenham bet, Ladbrokes is Non-Runner No Bet on all races at Cheltenham. This means punters who have an ante post bet at Cheltenham won’t have to worry about their horse being a non-starter, as Ladbrokes will refund stakes if the horse fails to make it to the race. Online gamblers who bet with Ladbrokes have access to one of the biggest range of betting markets available anywhere on the web. Odds are very competitive and Ladbrokes guarantee to offer the best prices in the industry on a selection of high profile betting events every day. Just look out for the Best Prices logo at Ladbrokes to guarantee you’ll get the best industry odds.   05-03-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10329/new-£50-risk-free-bet-on-sportingbet With 12 days to the start of the 2012 Cheltenham Festival, Sportingbet has announced a new, simplified risk free bet for new customers. The £50 Risk Free Bet replaces the previous welcome bonus that gave new customers the chance to claim up to £100 free bets by placing a series of bets during the first 30 days after joining. Now, customers are given a simple proposition - place your first bet and if it loses, Sportingbet will give you a free bet of the same stake, up to £50 free bet. Customers are required to deposit a minimum of £10 to fund the account and qualifying bets must be placed on a selection or selections at odds of 1.5 or greater. New customers have seven days from opening an account to place the qualifying bet which can be used to bet on any race at Cheltenham Festival or any other market in the sportsbook. Sportingbet provide competitive odds on all major sports including Premier League football, 6 Nations rugby, Super League, cricket and golf to name but a few. If the first bet is a loser, Sportingbet will credit the free bet automatically which will be in customer accounts within 48 hours. The free bet can be used on any sportsbook market and will remain valid for 30 days. Sportingbet is one of the world’s first internet betting websites and is one of the best known online gambling operators in the world. With over two million customers in 30 markets across Europe, Australia, Canada, South America and South Africa, Sportingbet now offer more than 8,000 different betting opportunities every single day. Sportingbet operates websites targeting 26 different countries, providing its customers with 24/7 in:play sports betting, meaning customers can bet every minute of the day.   01-03-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10328/money-back-from-paddy-power-if-sprinter-sacre-wins-the-arkle Paddy Power is keeping to tradition with a Money Back Special opposing the hottest favourite on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival meeting. Ireland’s leading bookmaker will refund losing stakes if Sprinter Sacre wins the Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham on 13th March 2012. Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old is all the rage for the two-mile novice’s event after three highly impressive victories in his debut chasing season and Paddy Power is top industry price at 5/4 Sprinter Sacre this morning. Paddy Power launched the offer on Tuesday 28th February and will expect a flood of interest from Cheltenham punters. Those who think Sprinter Sacre is a good thing will want a piece of the 5/4 odds since the gelding is only even money in places and anyone thinking of opposing Nicky Henderson’s young chasing star is being offered some valuable insurance. The Arkle Chase Money Back Special is sure to attract a flood of new customers to Paddy Power’s online betting site and they can get £20 free bets for placing a £10 bet. Customers betting on the Arkle can receive up to a maximum £100 refund and Paddy Power estimate it could cost as much as €2 million if Sprinter Sacre is successful in the race. A spokesperson for the online bookie said yesterday: "Sprinter Sacre is the first banker of the Festival and most likely a penalty kick. When we asked our punters on Facebook and Twitter which special they wanted, this is the one they went for.” The last time Paddy Power asked its social network followers what they wanted from a Money Back Special was Barcelona to win the 2011 Champions League final in 90 minutes, the result was determined long before the full time whistle and the bookie claims it cost €3 million. At last year’s Cheltenham Festival, Paddy Power took on the favourite in the Supreme Novices Hurdle, Cue Card. The bookmaker got a welcome result on that occasion when Al Ferof proved too good on the day. Cue Card finished behind third-placed Sprinter Sacre who had looked the winner until fading up the hill. All three horses renew rivalry in the Arkle and no doubt Paddy Power is hoping the famous Cheltenham hill proves too much for Sprinter Sacre once again.   28-02-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10327/bookies-up-the-ante-with-cheltenham-festival-offers With a little over two weeks to go the start of the 2012 Cheltenham Festival, UK bookmakers have begun to ramp up interest in their betting markets with the introduction of Cheltenham special offers. If history is anything to go by, free bet offers for Cheltenham will change nearer the opening day and bookies will have plans to outdo each other with a range of special offers for Cheltenham. Boylesports has made an early play to give customers the chance of picking up free Cheltenham bets with a cashback offer for the opening day of the meeting. The first four races of the Cheltenham festival meeting are the William Hill Supreme Novices Hurdle, Arkle Trophy, Festival Handicap and Stan James Champion Hurdle. Boylesports is giving up to £100 cashback to punters who lose out by finishing second to the favourite in any of the first four races on the first day. Ladbrokes started the ball rolling when going non-runner no bet on the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, an offer it later extended to include three more Cheltenham championships, the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Gold Cup. Non-runner no bet means that punters placing ante post bets on those races will get losing stakes returned if their horse is a non-runner. The risk with ante post betting is that while the odds may be better than on the day of the race, in normal circumstances non-runners are deemed to be losers if withdrawn or not entered by connections. Betfred is the sponsor of Cheltenham’s blue riband event, the Betfred Gold Cup and the ‘Bonus King’ has been non-runner no bet on the Gold Cup for some time now. But on Racing Plus Chase Day at Kempton, bet365 topped both its bookmaking rivals when announcing it was non-runner no bet on every race at the Cheltenham Festival and to top it all, is also best odds guaranteed on all races.     27-02-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10325/sky-bet-offers-more-than-£10-free-no-deposit-required The £10 free bet, no deposit required offered by Sky Bet is the most generous sportsbook offer at the moment, but is just the beginning for punters looking for free bets on Sky Bet. The initial £10 completely free bet has customers flocking in droves to sign up with Sky Bet as the free bet is provided straight away and can be used to bet on any single or each way market in the sportsbook there and then. Sky Bet has one of the biggest range of sports betting markets available anywhere on the internet and the only problem customers will have with the £10 free bet is deciding what to bet on. Punters will see there is much more to Sky Bet as the website is packed with features such as racing form, stats, Sky Sports Score centre and much more. Customers can use their Sky Bet account to play Soccer Saturday’s Super 6, a free to enter weekly competition with a prize of £100,000. New customers taking up the £10 free, no deposit offer are discovering for themselves that Sky Bet is a top bookmaker which in addition to unique betting markets and very competitive odds, is prepared to reward its customers for showing their loyalty. Many Sky Bet customers are opting to get £20 off their Sky bill every month or accept £20 free bets from the loyalty scheme. It is a simple and generous offer which lasts for the lifetime of the Sky Bet account. Every day that a customer bets £10, he or she will earn a loyalty stamp. The £10 can be placed on one bet or the total of lots of smaller bets and customers can earn a maximum of 20 loyalty stamps in a calendar month. At the end of the month, customers can choose to use the loyalty stamps to get money off their Sky bill or receive free bets. The free bets are awarded in £5 increments, so 5 loyalty stamps will qualify for a £5 free bet, 10 stamps for £10 free bet and so on, up to a maximum £20 free bets. BSkyB upped the ante with the first class sports coverage broadcast on Sky and understanding that sports become even more exciting when there’s money on it, has developed one of the best gambling websites with Sky Bet and potential customers can see for themselves with a £10 completely free bet.   23-02-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10324/best-odds-guaranteed-at-boylesports Punters taking the fixed odds on horses and greyhounds at Boylesports won’t lose out if their selections drift in the market and are returned with a bigger starting price. Boylesports best odds guarantee applies to bets at Early Prices and Board Prices on all UK and Irish horse races plus all BAGS and BEGS greyhound races when placed online or with its telephone betting service, Fon-A-Bet. What that means for greyhound and horse racing punters is by taking the fixed odds price when placing a bet - if the SP is returned at bigger odds, Boylesports will pay out at SP. So for example, if you take a price of 7/2 and your horse wins at 4/1, Boylesports will pay 4/1. However, if the horse wins at 3/1, you’ve already taken a better price and will get paid at 7/2. The Best Odds Guarantee does not apply to Ante-Post, Tote, Place Only or special Match Bets and is only available to Boylesports customers placing bets on the website or telephone. Boylesports is Ireland’s second largest bookmaker and has been in the bookmaking business for over 20 years. Boylesports internet betting site was launched in 2001 and provides punters from beyond the shores of Ireland access to its great range of offers and competitive odds. Bet £20 Get £40 free bets sign up offer, Best Odds Guarantees and First Goalscorer Cashback are staple offers available from Boylesports in a addition to topical promotions on other major sports like Golf, Rugby and the big Irish sports, Hurling and GAA Football. Every weekend, Boylesports enhances prices of top sports events, feature horse races and televised football matches with its Weekend Wonders.   22-02-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10323/consolation-cashback-at-coral Coral is giving customers who bet on live televised football matches money back if an injury time goal turns a winning bet into a loser. As one of the top three UK bookmakers Coral has witnessed the disappointment of many customers who lose out in injury time which can add as much as ten minutes at the end of the game. It happens all too often for football punters, excitedly watching the dying minutes of the game with a winning betting slip in pocket, only for someone to pop up with a last minute goal to spoil the celebrations. Barely a week goes by without the result of a televised football match being affected by a late goal, which is great for the drama and keeps supporters glued to the screens but it can mean heartache when it ruins your bet. Now Coral’s Consolation Cashback offer will soften the blow for thousands of punters during the course of the season. Coral will refund the stakes of pre-match correct score, scorecast and last goal scorer bets if an injury time goal turns a winning bet into a loser. The offers applies to every televised football match shown on Sky Sports, ESPN, ITV, BBC and Channel 5 and is available to punters betting with Coral online, via mobile and telephone. Coral use the goal times taken from the live-stamped TV feed to determine when the game has gone into injury time and refund losing stakes (up to a maximum of £100) into customer accounts within 24 hours. Internet gamblers can get £50 free bet on Coral when opening a new account which can be used to bet on thousands of football betting markets. Coral provides betting on all major international and domestic football competitions around the world with over 50 pre-match and in-play markets on most games. For more details of Consolation Cashback offer and other football offers, go to Coral website.   21-02-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10322/first-goalscorer-money-back-at-ladbrokes Football punters can get their money back from Ladbrokes when placing an unsuccessful first goalscorer bet with the top UK bookmaker on live matches. Ladbrokes introduced first goalscorer Money Back special offers for it customers during the 2011/12 Premier League season and has extended the offer to cover live televised Championship, League One, League Two, Carling Cup, FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League games. Ladbrokes also offer Money Back specials on International fixtures such as Euro 2012, African Cup of Nations and International friendlies. Selecting one, or sometimes more, high profile televised football game(s) each day, Ladbrokes will offer Money Back on losing first goalscorer bets if one of the game’s leading goal scorers nets at anytime. That means players like Wayne Rooney at Manchester United, Robin van Persie at Arsenal and Sergio Aguero at Manchester City could earn football punters money back if they get their name of the score sheet at any time during the game. There is a live televised football match most days throughout the football season and Ladbrokes rarely miss a Money Back special on the top game and on busy days with lots of tv coverage will often offer Money Back on two or three different games. First Goalscorer Money Back specials apply to single bets placed on the first goalscorer betting market on the advertised game and need to be placed before kick off as in-play bets do not count towards the promotion. The maximum refund is £100 per customer per match and is credited within 24 hours. The offer is available to existing online, telephone, mobile and shop customers so it isn’t necessary to have an internet betting account with Ladbrokes. Although it would make sense for football bettors interested in the offer to get an online betting account as Ladbrokes give a £50 free bet to new internet customers.   17-02-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10321/free-bets-and-best-odds-on-game-of-the-day-at-betvictor Look out for BetVictor’s Game of the Day and get a free bet if a player gets a red card plus enhanced odds on a selection of popular betting markets on the match. Every day, top online bookmaker BetVictor nominates a top televised football match as Game of the Day and customers placing a correct score bet on the match get losing stakes refunded with up to £25 free bet if a player is sent off. Better still, BetVictor boosts the prices on a number of betting markets on the game to provide unbeatable value for punters. The betting margin on the outright match winner is around 102.5% which means BetVictor will be competitively priced on every outcome, home win, draw or away win. Odds for other markets also get a boost, with enhanced prices on Correct Scores, Draw No Bet, Asian Handicap and Over/Under 2.5 Goals markets. To qualify for a free bet from the Red Card Refund, customers must place a single bet with real money on the pre match correct score market of the nominated Game of the Day. If player is sent off, losing stakes will be refunded with a free bet, up to a maximum of £25. BetVictor standard free bet terms and conditions apply which means the free bet stake must be played through four times before winnings from the free bets can be transferred to real money and withdrawn. Game of the Day is just one of the great sports betting offers that give punters the chance to get free bets on BetVictor. There are free bet refunds available for Cricket, Darts and Tennis plus double odds bonuses on First Goalscorer bets.   14-02-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10320/£50-free-bets-on-mobile-at-bet365 bet365 is offering £50 free bets to new and existing customers who try out its fantastic Mobile service. Any internet enabled mobile phone can access mobile.bet365.com through its web browser and users can log in to their account and have a bet. Mobile users will enjoy easy to use navigation to the full range of sports plus bet365’s market leading In-Play service. Customers with iPhone, iPad and Android mobile devices can watch live streaming sports and horse racing from anywhere with a decent 3G signal or WiFi access. Bet365 streams thousands of sports events every year, including Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Snooker, Darts, Cricket and Squash, all that’s required to watch is to have a bet365 account. All horse races shown on At The Races and Racing UK can be viewed by UK customers staking just 50p on the race to be watched. With bet365 Mobile, punters never need to worry about being away from the TV or PC to catch live action as long as they are in range of a good signal. To qualify for 100% initial mobile bonus, place a bet of at least £1 on a selection at odds of 1/2 (1.50) or more. Bet365 will give up to a maximum £50 free bets to new or existing customers placing a first bet on mobile. After placing a qualifying bet, customers need to go to the main website and visit the members Services menu to view Offers Available. An email will be sent containing the Offer Code which can be entered from the Members area of the man site or through the Mobile service. The free bet bonus must be played through three times before a withdrawal can be made. Read the bet365 bookmaker review and/or follow the links to bet365 website for full details of £50 free bet on Mobile offer.   12-02-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10319/£15-free-no-deposit-bonus-at-betvictor-casino BetVictor is giving new players £15 free to try some of its most popular slots and the chance to keep the winnings. In addition to a £175 welcome bonus for new depositing players, BetVictor Casino will instantly credit accounts with £15 free bonus when the customer selects Play For Real and launches one of the 25 exciting slots featured in the promotion. Players have the option to play some of the latest and most popular slots on the net with their free £15, including the recently released Robin Hood, Shifting Riches, Frankenstein and the ever popular Gonzos Quest to name but a few. Players who want to take up this offer will need to register with a credit/debit card to be able to cash out winnings from the bonus. Those who strike lucky will need to play through the bonus amount 30 times within seven days before the winnings can be transferred to their real cash balance and in order to withdraw money from the casino account must make a minimum deposit (normally £5) on the registered card. This £15 Free, No Deposit Bonus at BetVictor Casino is available to residents of the UK and Ireland and will be offered for a limited period from 1st February 2012. The full list of slots featured in the promotion is; Robin Hood, Jack Hammer, Gonzo's Quest, Frankenstein, Boom Brothers, Dragon Island, Devil's Delight, Kings of Chicago, Ghost Pirates, Flowers, Fruit Case, Dead or Alive, Bloodsuckers, Wild Witches, Reel Steal, Diamond Dogs, Hot City, Mega Joker, Piggy Riches, Super 80's, Simsalabim, Jack and the Beanstalk, Victorious, Starburst and Egyptian Heroes. BetVictor Casino is one of the leading casinos online which has been continually updated ever since Victor Chandler launched its first casino style website, the Spin Room. This un-missable casino bonus is offered following Victor Chandler’s rebrand to BetVictor in January 2012 and gives newcomers the chance to see why BetVictor is one of the most popular destinations for online casino players. There are more than 500 casino games provided by the four of the best software providers in the industry, Chartwell, Evolution, NetEnt and Openbet offering players classic table games like Blackjack and Roulette, Video Poker, Progressive Jackpots, Arcade classics and more. BetVictor offers a choice of three Live Casinos for one of the most realistic casino experiences outside of a bricks and mortar casino.   07-02-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10318/88th-minute-money-back-special-at-888sport A late goal can bring a great end to a football match and 888sport don’t want it to see it spoil your bet, giving a free bet refund if either team scores from the 88th minute of the game. 88th Minute Money Back Special is one of 888sport’s hottest promotions and is available on selected midweek and weekend football matches, mostly Premier League, but also Champions League and other big games. Punters who are on the match winner or one of the popular Last Goalscorer or Correct Score markets on a selected match will find themselves protected against losing to a last minute goal. If the bet is winning and then a goal is scored from the 88th minute until the whistle blows on normal time, 888sport will refund the stake with a free bet token. To qualify for an 88th Minute Money Back Special, a minimum stake of £5 must be placed before the kick off on the outright match result (Win/Draw/Win), Last Goalscorer or Correct Score market. The maximum refund is £50 free bet which is received for bets winning after 87 minutes but lose due to a goal scored in the 88th minute or later. 888sport gives its customers not only the ability to participate in online football betting and online horse racing betting, but also provides the format for online sports betting for practically any market you can imagine, from football to cycling or special bets on the Oscars or the next Mayor of London. 888sport is one of the better online bookmakers as it gives premium betting offers from a terrific welcome of a free bet basket on a customer’s first deposit to various promotions that mix online sports betting with events and prizes that its customers enjoy participating in. There is always something to play for apart from the thrill of winning which sets 888sport apart from other online bookies.   01-02-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10317/£10-free-bet-no-deposit-required-at-betfred Betfred is inviting punters to take him on with a £10 free bet on his Goals Galore coupon. The offer is available to new customers and there’s no deposit required, punters are simply asked to sign up at Betfred and use the promotion code: GOALSGALORE to receive a £10 Free Bet. Betfred has become established as a leading player in the European online gambling industry, famed for its bonuses and innovative bets. Prior to the advent of internet betting, the company was responsible for introducing the Lucky 15, a bet that became a staple of many betting shop customers because of the added value of its consolation bonuses. More recently, Betfred introduced its Goals Galore coupon which also proved an immediate hit with punters in shops and online and has quickly been adopted by other mainstream bookies. The concept behind the Goals Galore coupon is to keep the punters interest right up to the last kick of the game, by predicting matches where both teams will score at least one goal. The minimum bet is a treble and Betfred offers fixed odds for chosing a treble, fourtimer or other accumulator bet. Customers simply mark which games they think both teams will score and receive the fixed odds based on the number of selections made. The Goals Galore Bonus coupon features a selection of matches with specially boosted prices for punters who are prepared to pick from a smaller number of options with the potential of bigger payouts. It’s not unusual for Betfred to get stung with some tasty pay outs on Goals Galore with punters collecting  £1255 for £5 on 10 selections and £910 for £10 on 9 selections. It’s uncertain how long Betfred will continue with such a generous no deposit offer and punters should grasp this opportunity while they can. Taking advantage of the £10 free bet offer will not affect entitlement to Betfred’s standard welcome bonus of a £50 free bet, punters can still get their first real money bet matched with a free bet if meeting the qualifying criteria, minimum stake £5 on a selection priced at evens or bigger.   31-01-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10316/bet365-channel-4-1-and-feature-race-4-1-offers-£50-free-bet-added-to-winnings Get a free bet in addition to your winnings when backing a 4/1 chance or more at bet365. Punters can get a £50 free bet on bet365 with a Channel 4/1 offer and Feature Race 4/1 offer available on horse racing every day. bet365 CHANNEL 4/1 AND FEATURE RACE 4/1 OFFERS £50 FREE BET ADDED TO WINNINGS Punters backing a single on live Channel 4 races and on selected Feature Races every other day of the week, can receive a free bet in addition to their winnings from bet365. Whenever there is live horse racing on Channel 4, customers backing a winner at 4/1 or more will get a £50 free bet from bet365 for the next Channel 4 race. Customers pay for the £50 bet in the usual way and if it loses, bet365 refund the stake back into the account within an hour of the race finish. If the bet is a winner at 4/1 or more, another £50 free bet is available for next live Channel 4 race. On days there is no live Channel 4 racing, bet365 will advertise two or more Feature Races and similar £50 free bet terms apply. Back a single at 4/1 or more in a Feature Race and if it wins, get a £50 free bet on the next Feature Race, be that the same day or the next. The 4/1 offers are unlike any other bookmaker promotion and give winning customers the chance to keep receiving free bets on bet365. Channel 4/1 offer and Feature Race 4/1 offer are part of a suite of horse racing offers available at bet365 which include Best Odds Guarantee, bet365 Price Promise and Racing Value package with payout on disqualified horses, no 5p Rule 4 deductions, enhanced place terms, Early Prices on every UK and Irish horse race and exclusive fixed price Showcasts for straight forecasts and tricasts on Early Price races of 8 or more runners.   27-01-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10315/stan-james-cricket-betting-offers Punters can receive up to £250 free bets on Stan James for betting on cricket top batsman markets. Stan James offers free bet refunds on top batsman markets on One Day Internationals, Test Matches, 40-Over matches and Twenty20 cricket. STAN JAMES CRICKET BETTING OFFERS Punters placing bets on top batsman markets at Stan James could receive up to £250 free bets in consolation for a losing selection. If the top batsman selection scores a century but is not top batsman, Stan James will refund losing stakes as a free bet. To qualify for the top batsman special offer, punters need to place a bet of £5 or more on any One Day International, Test Match or 40-Over match before the toss - the maximum free bet award is £250. Stan James extends the same offer to Twenty20 matches if a player reaches 50 and is not top batsman. Top Batsman Specials are just one of a number of promotions available with the Gibraltar-based bookie and punters can get up to £150 free bets on Stan James when registering a new account. Stan James has been at the forefront of Sports Betting for over a decade and is acclaimed within the betting industry for its innovative betting markets and value prices. Stan James is synonymous with betting In-Play which raised the bar for the online sports betting industry and still leads the field offering more sports than any other bookmaker. Cricket punters are spoiled for choice with around 20 different In-Play betting markets available on England Test Matches and can now follow the live action and place a bet during the match using their mobile phone. Stan James has apps for iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, LG and other mobile brands, so punters never need miss an opportunity to get on.     Looking for free bets on Cricket? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: BetVictor £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £10 get £20 Free Bet Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   25-01-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10314/best-odds-guaranteed-at-ladbrokes Take the price at Ladbrokes and be confident you’ll get the best odds if your horse drifts in the betting market. Ladbrokes Best Odds Guarantee applies to all early prices and board prices on single and multiple bets placed on UK and Irish horse racing. What that means for racing punters is by taking the price when placing a bet - if the SP is returned at bigger odds, Ladbrokes will pay out at SP. So for example, if you take a price of 5/2 and your horse wins at 7/2, Ladbrokes will pay 7/2. However, if the horse wins at 2/1, you’ve already taken a better price and will get paid at 5/2. The Best Odds Guarantee does not apply to Ante-Post, Tote, Place Only or special Match Bets and is only available to Ladbrokes customers placing bets on the website and Ladbrokes Mobile channels on the day of the race. Ladbrokes is one of the most established names in bookmaking with over 2000 betting shops in the UK and a large telephone betting business. Ladbrokes became involved in online betting when launching its website in 2000 and is now a global leader with close to 1 million active internet customers. Online gamblers who bet with Ladbrokes have access to one of the biggest range of betting markets available anywhere on the web. Odds are very competitive and Ladbrokes guarantee to offer the best prices in the industry on a selection of high profile betting events every day. Just look out for the Best Prices logo at Ladbrokes to guarantee you’ll get the best industry odds.     Looking for free bets for Horse Racing? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: BetVictor £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £10 get £20 Free Bet Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   23-01-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10313/first-goalscorer-cashback-at-boylesports Get a free bet on Boylesports when your losing first goalscorer bet scores the second goal of the game. Boylesports welcomes new customers with £40 free bets for placing a first bet of £20. FIRST GOALSCORER CASHBACK AT BOYLESPORTS Boylesport’s customers can settle down to watch the televised football action with the added insurance of knowing if their first goalscorer bet falls flat, they still have a chance to save their stake. First Goalscorer Cashback at Boylesports means punters will get stakes refunded as a free bet, if their player flattens the bet by missing out on the first goal but scores the second goal if the game. First Goalscorer Cashback is another way to get free bets on Boylesports after registering and taking advantage of one of the most generous introductory free bet offers available from any online bookmaker. The cashback promotion is available every weekend on televised Premier League, Championship, Scottish Premier League, Carling Cup, FA Cup games and extends to Champions League, International and other high profile midweek televised matches. First Goalscorer Cashback is available to Boylesports customers who place a single bet before kick off in one of the nominated First Goalscorer markets and the maximum free bet refund is £100 per customer. Details of the current games qualifying for the First Goalscorer Cashback offer can be found on Boylesports website on the Cashback and Promotions page.     Looking for free bets on televised Football? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £10 get £20 Free Bet Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   20-01-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10312/betvictor-doubles-the-odds-of-first-goalscorer-bets BetVictor will pay double the odds for winning Premier League first goalscorer bets if the successful player scores a second in the match. New customers can get free bets on BetVictor who will match the stake of the first bet, up to £25 free bet, if placed on a selection at odds of evens (2.0) or more. BETVICTOR DOUBLES THE ODDS OF FIRST GOALSCORER BETS Online bookmaker, BetVictor has one of the biggest internet betting and gaming operations in the world which has been built by recognizing what its customers want and delivering spades. Football has been one of the fastest growing areas of sports betting in recent years and betting on Premier League football has exploded thanks to worldwide TV coverage and the added excitement fans get from having a flutter on their favourite teams and players. BetVictor offers punters the choice of more than 50 betting markets on most Premier League matches and one the most popular is the first goalscorer market. Punters who bet on the first goalscorer market on any Premier League match with BetVictor will get paid at double the odds if their players scores the first goal and goes on to score another. That means for example, if you backed Robin van Persie for first goalscorer at 4/1 and he scored the opening goal of the game then struck again with a second for his side, BetVictor will pay out at odds of 8/1. The Double Up – Football offer is one a of a number of football promotions available at BetVictor including Don’t Hit The Bar, giving a free bet if one team lets your accumulator down and Best Bet Bundle, which guarantees the best price for accumulators.     Looking for free bets on Premier League football? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £10 get £20 Free Bet Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   18-01-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10311/william-hill-add-premier-league-darts-to-sponsorship-portfolio Leading UK bookmaker william Hill have announced that they will be the new official betting partner of the McCoys Premier League Darts . The deal continues Hill's association with the sport following their successful sponsorship of the 2011 William Hill Grand Slam of Darts at the Civic Hall in Wolverhampton. This new partnership with the Proffesional Darts Corporation (PDC) will also allow William Hill to offer punters the opportunity to bet at each of the Premier League venues. They will also have a presence on the players’ shirts and at the fifteen arenas around the country. Kristof Fahy, Chief Marketing Officer at William Hill said ‘Darts is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and we’re really excited to be associated with this fifteen night sporting extravaganza.” News of the sponsorship comes just a few days after William Hill announced a ground breaking betting industry deal with the Football Association (FA) to become an "Official Supporter" of England and an "Official Supporter" and "Official Betting Partner" of the FA Cup. The deal with the FA was rumoured to be worth around £4M and came into effect on January 7, 2012 and continues through to the end of The FA and FIFA World Cups in 2014. The agreement features a wide and unique range of image rights, advertising and promotional opportunities. The eight man line up for the Premier League Darts looks very strong this year with the world's two top players , Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis being joined by two previous Premier League winners – Gary Anderson (2011) and James Wade (2009).  William Hill still make Phil (The Power) Taylor favourite at odds of 13/8 with Adrian Lewis , double world champion available at odds of 4/1 .   William Hill offer a £25 Free Bet for all new online customers .  Simply register at williamhill.com to open a new account.  16-01-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10310/paddy-power-money-back-specials-on-heineken-cup The Heineken Cup continues this weekend and Rugby Union punters could get free bet refunds from Paddy Power Money Back Specials. The online bookmaker is giving free bet refunds for losing tryscorer bets on a selection of Heineken Cup pool games. Paddy Power Money Back Specials for Heineken Cup The Heineken Cup continues this weekend with round 5 of the Pool stages and Ireland’s leading bookmaker Paddy Power is offering Money Back Specials on six games which will be televised live on Sky Sports. Free bets provide punters the opportunity to bet without risking their own money. Paddy Power’s famous Money Back Specials provide punters with free bet refunds by way of consolation for suffering bad luck. For the upcoming round of Heineken Cup games, punters betting on any of seven Paddy Power tryscorer betting markets could be eligible for up to £100 free bet refund if their bet is jinxed by one of the number 13s scoring the first try. Paddy Power will refund losing bets on first tryscorer, last tryscorer, first team tryscorer, anytime tryscorer, first tryscorer insurebet, to score two or more tries and to score three or more tries markets if a number 13 scores the first try in one of the selected live Sky games. There are six Heineken Cup games that qualify for this Money Back Special; Ulster v Leicester – Friday 8pm, Scarlet v Northampton – Saturday 1.30pm, Munster v Castres – Saturday 4.30pm, Harlequins v Gloucester – Saturday 6.00pm, Glasgow v Leinster – Sunday 12.45pm and Saracens v Biarritz – Sunday 3.00pm. Money Back Specials are a permanent feature of Paddy Power promotions with daily offers on horse racing, football, rugby union and other high profile sports and events. Paddy Power customers can get free bet refunds for experiencing bad luck, for example if their horse finishes second beaten up to a neck, if their horse falls when leading at the last flight, if a football bet suffers because a player gets sent off and any other bad beat that inspires sympathy from Paddy Power.     Looking for free bets for the Heinken Cup? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £10 get £20 Free Bet Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   13-01-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10309/ladbrokes-to-refund-bets-if-andy-murray-wins-australian-open Andy Murray is third favourite to win the Australian Open and Ladbrokes is offering to refund losing stakes on the outright winner if the British number one wins his first Grand Slam title in Melbourne this month. Online bookmakers give free bets to new customers which can be placed on the Australian Open tennis starting on 16 January 2012.   LADBROKES TO REFUND AUSTRALIAN OPEN BETS IF ANDY MURRAY WINS   Ladbrokes will refund losing outright single bets on the 2012 Australian Open tennis if British number one Andy Murray wins the tournament. Murray had a great start to his Australian Open preparations when winning the Brisbane International title on Sunday and has recently announced he will be working with new coach Ivan Lendl in his attempt to win his first Grand Slam title. Lendl had to accept defeat in four finals before winning the first of his eight Grand Slam titles and Murray is hoping he can benefit from Lendl’s experience at the Australian Open. Murray has made it to the final of the Australian Open twice and feels Lendl can help him take that final step to achieve his ambition of becoming a Grand Slam champion. "He knows the feeling of playing a Grand Slam final, the nerves, he understands all that stuff," said Murray after beating Alexandr Dolgopolov in the Brisbane final. “He's going to help with all sorts of things and hopefully come the Australian Open I'll be playing great tennis.” Ladbroke will limit refunds to a maximum of £100 per customer and the offer is available to new and existing online, phone and shop customers placing a single bet on the Australian Open Men’s Singles outright before the start of the tournament.     Looking for free bets for the 2012 Australian Open? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £10 get £20 Free Bet Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   10-01-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10308/coral-give-punters-free-fa-cup-bet-with-bogof-special The Premier League football giants join the FA Cup at the third round stage with the first televised game kicking off on Friday night. Online bookie Coral is offering football punters a unique BOGOF special offer for the FA Cup outright betting market. Punters backing a Premier League team to win the FA Cup at Coral will get a free bet to the same stake on a non-Premier League team of their choice. The opportunity for a giant-killing act is what makes the FA Cup the best cup knockout competition in the world and with this offer, Coral is giving football punters the chance of backing an FA Cup underdog for free. We have to go back to the 1979-80 season when West Ham were the last team from outside of the top flight to lift the FA Cup. The Hammers FA Cup win closed a decade in which three second division sides won the FA Cup, following Sunderland in 1973 and Southampton in 1976. Since the formation of the Premier League, two Championship sides have reached the final of the FA Cup. In 2004 Millwall lost 3-0 against Manchester United at the Millennium Stadium and in 2006 Cadiff City were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Portsmouth at Wembley. Coral’s FA Cup special is available until the main batch of 3rd Round FA Cup ties kick off at 3.00pm on Saturday 7th January 2012. To claim the free FA Cup bet, customers must first place a bet on a Premier League team to win the competition and then click on the email icon and send Coral details of their free bet selection along with customer id or username. This is one of number of imaginative free bet offers and promotions provided by Coral during the 2011/12 football season. Punters have been able to enjoy real money refunds on goalscorers and for red cards on selected matches, plus a season-long consolation cash back if an injury-time goal causes you to lose your bet on any live TV game. Details of the FA Cup special offer can be found on Coral’s website along with the latest cashback offers and a £50 free bet available to new customers.   Looking for free bets for the FA Cup? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £10 get £20 Free Bet Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   06-01-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10307/betfreds-double-delight-hattrick-heaven-offer-on-premier-league-football Fred Done, co-founder of Betfred and self-proclaimed Bonus King has brought punters some unmissable offers over the years. Betfred’s £50 free bet welcome for new customers is one of the best available to online gamblers, but that is just the beginning of some great offers and promotions available to customers at Betfred every day. Football fans are in for a treat after they open an account with Betfred who rarely misses providing an offer for live televised football matches. Betfred will often guarantee to give the best industry price on popular first goalscorers in selected matches but perhaps the best goalscorer football bonus available is Betfred’s Double Delight/Hattrick Heaven. Punters can get double or treble the first scorer odds if their player has a blinder and scores more than once. The offer is available for most televised Premier League games and is well advertised on Betfred’s website. Punters who place a first goalscorer bet when the offer is available will find they receive double the odds if their player scores the opening goal of the game and goes on to score a second goal in the same match. Should the player score three or more goals, Betfred will treble the first goalscorer odds. For example, Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy was 4/1 to score the first goal against Newcastle United on New Year’s Eve. Bellamy, not only scored the first goal but hit a killer second against his former club and thanks to the Double Delight/Hattrick Heaven offer, Betfred paid out 8/1 for Bellamy on the first goalscorer market. You’ll never catch Fred complaining about paying on is bonuses, but he must have to bite his lip from time to time. A lifelong Manchester United fan, Fred must shudder whenever Dimitar Berbatov gets the call from Sir Alex Ferguson. Berbatov’s knack of scoring multiple times once he finds the net has proved very costly for Betfred as they have trebled Berbatov’s first goalscorer odds a few times in the last two season’s when he has hit a hattrick or better. Check out the promotion page at Betfred.com to see the great range of football offers and offers for other sports, like horse racing, greyhounds, golf and more.     Looking for free bets for Premier League Football? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £10 get £20 Free Bet Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   04-01-2012 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10306/get-best-odds-guaranteed-at-bet365 Punters are assured of getting the best odds on every horse and every greyhound race – every day at bet365. When you place a bet at bet365, take the available price on your selection and if the starting price is bigger, bet365 will pay you out at the bigger odds. That means for example, if you take a bet365 Early Price of 4/1 and your selection wins at 5/1, bet365 will pay you the best odds of 5/1. In addition to bet365 Early Prices, this offer extends to Board Prices on singles and multiple bets as well as Showcast bets. Even though bet365 offer among the most competitive Early Prices in the business, there are still likely to be two or three races each meeting when the starting price returns bigger odds than available Early Prices and Board Prices. If you are watching the racing on terrestrial television, whether it be Channel 4 or the BBC, bet365 is the place to bet thanks to its Price Promise. bet365 constantly monitor the Early Prices of rival bookmakers, Boylesports, Coral, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, Totesport and William Hill, updating its odds to ensure they beat or match the best odds for every selection running on live television. The Price Promise is available at bet365 from 10am every time a race is scheduled to be shown live on BBC or Channel 4 and for good measure, its Best Odds Guarantee still applies. bet365 is one of the world’s biggest online gambling groups with more than five million customers worldwide. bet365 offers a Sports Betting experience that’s unrivalled. The Group employs over 1,700 people and is the UK’s seventh largest private company. In the 2010 eGaming Review Awards, bet365 was named Operator of the Year and Casino Operator of the Year, as well as receiving the Best Website Performance award. The company came top in eGaming Review’s Annual Power 50.         Looking for free bets for Horse Racing? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £10 get £20 Free Bet Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   29-12-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10305/man-city-remain-odds-on-in-premier-league-betting Despite failing to score in a Premier League game for the first time this season in yesterday's goaless draw against West Brom,  Manchester City are still the league leaders and leading scorers. Manchester City are however now joined at the top by Manchester United after Alex Ferguson's side thrashed Wigan 5-0 at Old Trafford yesterday. It is City's superior goal difference that is keeping them at the top but it seems likely that Manchester United will end 2011 at the top of the Premier League as they play their next fixture on New  Years Eve at home to Blackburn whilst City do not play their next game until New Years Day when they must travel to the Stadium Of Light to face a resurgent Sunderland team.  The Premier League title race is effectively a two horse race with both Manchester teams ten points clear of Spurs in third . Whilst Spurs do have two games in hand it is very difficult to imagine them pegging back both City and United in the second half of the season. Boylesports offer the best odds on Man City winning the Premier League and are the only bookmaker to offer 10/11 for roberto Mancini's team . Manchester United on the other hand are available at odds of 5/4 with both Sportingbet and Skybet. If Manchester City are to win the title they will  need Sergio Aguero to keep scoring in the second half of the season and Aguero is best odds at 5/2 with Stan James to be the Premier League top scorer this season .     Looking for free bets on the Premier League ? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £20 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   27-12-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10304/kauto-star-odds-shorten-for-historic-fifth-king-george-vi-win The odds of the nations favourite horse Kauto Star winning Kempton's Boxing Day feature race, the King George VI Chase for a record fifth time continue to shorten as the big race nears. The best odds for Kauto Star are now 4/1 for the King George and that is only available from Ladbrokes and Paddy Power with some bookmakers quoting as low as 3/1 for the Paul Nicholls trained horse to land what would be a hugely  popular win. Ladbrokes are now betting non runner no bet on this race with each way terms of 1/4 1-2-3 . Kauto has returned to form in fine style this season with an emphatic victory over Long Run in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November and can claim his historic fifth King George on a course he clearly loves. The veteran Kauto Star will have to beat Long Run again if he is to pull off a famous victory and the French bred 6-year-old is expected to be much fitter than was the case when beaten in November . Nicky Henderson's Cheltenham Gold Cup winner won the King George in fine style last year and is made favourite by all of the bookmakers to achieve back to back wins. However in his last two races at Cheltenham and Haydock Long Run has hinted that he may just be becoming more of an out and out stayer and Kauto Star could be just too quick for his rivals on this relatively sharp , fast track. The 61st King George VI Chase should be a great spectacle and a great advertisement for National Hunt Racing particuarly if the 11 year old Kauto Star can complete a memorable victory. The King George VI Chase is live on Channel 4 on Boxing Day at 3.10pm and is the fifth race on an excellent Kempton card. Looking for free bets for King George VI Chase ? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £20 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   21-12-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10303/premier-league-favourites-bonanza Punters have been filling their Xmas stockings this weekend as all four Premier League favourites won their respective games yesterday to make it a real Super Sunday for everyone but the bookmakers. Manchester United , Liverpool , Tottenham and Manchester City all landed the odds and even Barcelona helped out with an easy 4-0 Sunday morning win against Santos in the Club World Cup Final to ensure that all favourite accumulators triumphed. Bookmakers were left feeling the pain and Nicola McGeady spokeswoman for Irish bookie Boylesports confirmed the damage when admitting"Our firm coughed up in excess of £250 000". It was a similar story across the industry , Mark Pearson spokesman for Betfred said "Unfortunately few punters went Xmas shopping and instead bashed us up by backing the favs in the Premier League." Only Chelsea and Arsenal of the six top Premier League teams failed to win over the weekend and as we enter the busy Christmas fixture list the Premeir League title is beginning to look like a two team race. With Manchester City and Manchester United seven and five points clear respectively of third placed Spurs bookmakers are offering odds of 16/1 bar the Manchester duo with Roberto Mancini's City best odds now of 4/6 at Ladbrokes. Despite beating Man City a week ago Chelsea remain nine points behind the leaders and even odds of 16/1 do not seem too attractive about the ageing Blues. Liverpool and Arsenal are both twelve points behind Manchester City despite Kenny Dalglish's side picking up their fifth away win of the campaign with a easy victory over toothless Aston Villa. It seems likely that this pair are really fighting over a top four finish in order to try and qualify for next season's Champions League.   With Manchester City in such great form bookmakers are offering odds on them winning all four trophies available to them with William Hill offering 66/1 for all optimistic Man City punters. Interestingly following Manchester United's exit from the Champions League Stan James have introduced a market on when manager Alex Ferguson will retire with odds of 5/1 for 2012 . 19-12-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10302/tv-campaign-for-betfred-casino Independent bookmaker Betfred are this week set to launch their first TV camapign for Casino and games via Sky TV. Betfred have grown remarkably in recent years to become an important player in retail and internet betting.  In the year to March 2011 Betfred recorded pre-tax profits of £15.5m on sales of £4.1bn, up 17%. However this was before the acquisition this year of the Tote retail , on course and online betting business from the UK government.The founder of Betfred, Fred Done, started in 1967 with just one shop and now oversees a retail estate of over 1350 shops, and pools betting on UK racecourses. Betfred have their UK office in Warrington but operate their online business including casino from Gibraltar. The group have been advertising on Sky for the past year mainly promoting it's "Goals Galore" football product and featuring Helen Chamberlain of Soccer AM, but this will be the first time Betfred have promoted a non sports product via TV advertising. Rakesh Chablani, commercial director of Betfred.com, said: “We wanted to make punters aware that we have a far bigger offering than just sports betting and we have some of the best and instantly recognisable branded games and slots such as Monopoly, Deal or No Deal and Gladiator, as well as offline favourites like Rainbow Riches and Cleopatra. No deposit bonuses are very popular with Casino players in particular and as part of the promotion Betfred.com will be offering all new players a "no deposit necessary £10 bonus", split between the games and casino channels. The Betfred sportsbook is very popular and has a reputation for offering great football offers and bonuses and currently still has a £50 Free Bet for all new online accounts . The up coming TV advert was made locally by Editz Design and Post Production in Manchester and can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=98-nKd-bd4Q .   Looking for free bets Sports bets ? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £20 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   16-12-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10301/world-darts-championship-free-bets-and-betting-offers The World Darts Championship gets underway tonight and bookmakers have gone crazy with some great free bets and offers available for the tournament. Phil Taylor is the only man to have ever retained the Ladbrokes sponsored Championship and is rightly the strong favourite to win the event with the sponsors currently offering the best odds with their quote of evens. Most of the major bookies have offers relating to each individual match and the best offers are listed below : Ladbrokes  - will refund losing match bets if the match contains either a 9 dart leg or a 170 checkout - this happened three times in last years event. Betfred - If your outright selection loses in the 1st round , Betfred will refund your losing outright bet. Boylesports - If Adrian Lewis wins the Championship , Boylesports will refund all losing outright bets . Corals - If your outright selection throws a 9 dart finish , Coral will settle your bet as a Championship winner Victor Chandler - Have a match bet and if your selection loses with a 170 checkout , you will be paid as a winner Paddy Power - If the final checkout of any match is 100+ , Paddy Power will refund your losing betting in runing match bets on that match. In addition to all of this Ladbrokes have a superb Free Bet Offer for Darts only with up to £180 in free bets available for all new accounts . For full details click on the Ladbrokes link below and quote Ref : DA180 as the promotion code when registering.  Looking for free bets for World Darts Championship ? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £180 Free Bet Paddy Power £20 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   15-12-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10300/betting-on-the-march-of-the-military-wives If you need a few ideas for Christmas presents, consider the free bets on offer from UK bookmakers which can be used to bet on all sporting and festive events including the Christmas Number One single. You can bet on outcomes using your free bet AND get the bookmakers’ take on the most popular gifts for you to buy for your nearest and dearest, a win-win situation! The British public have placed X Factor winners at the Christmas No. 1 slot for five of the past six years, ousted only by the Rage Against The Machine single last year which was released as an anti-Simon Cowell spoiler track. However, this year promises to be another surprise result with the Military Wives single well in contention to reach No. 1. The X Factor Final last weekend saw girl band Little Mix as victors and their single, a cover of Cannonball by Damien Rice, has already been released. However, although it is expected to reach No. 1 this Sunday, sales are not spectacular leaving a real window of opportunity for the Military Wives Choir. The Choir feature in the eponymous BBC 2 series, and its single Wherever You Are is cannily being held back for release on December 19 (December 18 online) , affording the Choir a real opportunity to gain the prestigious Christmas No. 1 slot. The women in the choir have demonstrated courage and resilience as they cope at home while their husbands, partners and sons fight the Taliban in Afghanistan. The practical and emotional aspects of this single, based on letters to their loved ones, resonate with many of the British public and this is reflected in the betting odds available. The betting odds have altered radically in the past couple of weeks shifting The Choir’s position from 13/8 to 2/5 at bookmakers Stan James, for example. In contrast, BetFred had been quoting 8/11 for the X Factor winner to take podium position. However, the bookmaker has now gone for betting odds of 11/4 for Little Mix to win, a radical worsening of the odds for Simon Cowell’s new act. The anti-Cowell release, Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit, does not appear to be gaining sufficient sales to reach the Christmas No. 1 slot. Ladbrokes offer betting odds of 12/1 that this single will win which represent realistic odds in the face of fierce competition. In the race for Christmas No. 1 album, charity release Lionness: Hidden Treasures is currently topping the chart. The proceeds from Amy Winehouse’s posthumous album will be donated to the Amy Winehouse Foundation set up in her memory, following her tragic death in July this year. However, the betting odds for Amy to gain the Christmas No. 1 album have drifted to 3/1 with Boyle Sports as Michael Buble’s album Christmas gains momentum in the charts. The Canadian crooner’s album represents a safe present to buy for family and friends and it is flying off the shelves just now. If you wish to access a free bet on the outcome of the Christmas No. 1 single or album, you can go online to your preferred bookmaker via www.bestfreebets.com Looking for free bets for Xmas ? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £20 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   14-12-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10299/free-bets-for-2011-sports-personality-of-the-year The BBC Sports Personality of the Year award always attracts plenty of attention in the post-Christmas TV schedule. As the media looks back over the year in terms of news, culture and sport the public have an opportunity to get really involved in choosing the outstanding sportsman of the year. If you want to take a bet on the outcome, consider the free bets on offer from UK bookmakers which can be used to bet on all sporting events including the 2011 Sports Personality of the Year. And it will be a man because the panel of male sports editors who compiled the shortlist of 10 contenders felt unable to identify a single woman who was worthy of nomination. Women role models for our youngsters to admire and emulate? Not at the BBC, it appears. Chrissie Wellington, four-time ironman triathlon world champion, is incensed and intends to boycott the event, encouraging other invitees to decline their invites too. Her concern is echoed by Lord Coe, winner in 1979 and now the boss of the 2012 Olympic Games, who has said “I find it slightly surprising that there is not a woman on that shortlist. We have had Rebecca Adlington winning a world title in the world swimming championships, we have had other women world champions this year too”. It will interesting to see how the show is handled this year by presenter Sue Barker, Gary Lineker and Jake Humphrey and , more importantly, if and how the selection process will be amended for the future. For 2011, the 10 nominees represent six diverse sports and comprise: Mark Cavendish (cycling), Darren Clarke (golf), Alastair Cook (cricket), Luke Donald (golf), Mo Farah (athletics), Dai Greene (also athletics), Amir Khan (boxing), Rory McIlroy (golf), Andy Murray (tennis) and Andrew Strauss (cricket). Andy Murray and Amir Khan have not had an especially good year, with Khan just recently having lost his WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles in a controversial fight and Murray fighting injury. So it is hard to see either winning the Sports Personality of the Year award this time. Both languish at the bottom of the bookmakers’ rankings at identical and exceedingly long odds of 150/1 with online bookmaker Blue Square.  At the other end of the scale, the top pick to win the awards is road cyclist Mark Cavendish with best betting odds of 1/2 from Betfred and other bookmakers. He has had some major success this year, winning the Tour de France on the points classification, for example. He is also the 2011 Road World Champion, the first British world road race champion in 46 years. Golfer Darren Clarke is in second place in the running at odds of 3/1 from Coral following his win at the Open Championship in Sandwich. Fellow Northern Irish golfer, and 2011 US Open winner, Rory McIroy is in third place at 10/1 with William Hill. Rory has commented that Northern Ireland is now “Golf Capital of the World”. The public vote may well confirm this. There are some terrific sportsmen placed in the middle of the betting by the bookmakers. Mo Farah won gold in the 5,000m at the 2011 World Athletics Championships and was narrowly pipped to the post for the 10,000 gold medal. Bookmaker William Hill offers odds of 10/1 that Mo will win the award. Fellow athlete Dai Green also achieved gold at the World Athletics Championships in the 400m hurdle but he is not thought to be a serious contender for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award on this occasion with best betting odds of 100/1 from William Hill. Cricketer Alastair Cook has also had a fantastic year, scoring a mountain of runs in Australia during England’s Ashes Series victory and then continuing his good form back home. However, this may not be enough to win the award and Betfred place him at odds of 66/1. His colleague in the England team, Andrew Struss, is also nominated for the award in his role as captain of England’s test team. Again, though, he is not favoured to win with odds of 100/1 from Betfred. The winner will be selected by a public vote during the live show on Thursday, 22 December at 8pm. The winning sportsman will join an illustrious list of recent winners including jockey Tony McCoy (2010), footballer Ryan Giggs (2009) and cyclist Chris Hoy (2008). If you are interested in sports and would like to have a stake in the outcome of the vote, consider having  a flutter and picking up a free bet at the same time. If you wish to access a free bet on the outcome, you can go online to your preferred bookmaker via the link on this site. For more information on the odds on top sporting and entertainment events , bookmark www.bestfreebets.com now.  Looking for free bets for BBC Sports Personality Of The Year 2011? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £20 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   12-12-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10298/strictly-come-dancing-betting-on-the-winner The Semi Final of Strictly Come Dancing will take place this Saturday, with the five remaining couples competing for the three places in the Final in Blackpool next week. Bookmakers have been kept busy with a high level of public interest in betting on the winner of the competition. William Hill is one of many bookmakers who offer free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and cultural events including the 2011 Strictly Come Dancing competition. Harry Judd remains the favourite to win the Final with his athleticism and musicality impressing both judges and the public alike. William Hill offers odds of 1/2 for McFly drummer, Harry Judd and his dance partner Aliona to win the 2011 Strictly Come Dancing competition. Chelsee Healy and her dance partner Pasha have moved into second place in the betting now, ahead of Jason Donovan and his dance partner Kristina. bluesq.com offer best betting odds of 7/2 for Chelsee and Pasha to win. Jason Donovan and Kristina have slipped in the betting in the past few weeks and totesport.com offer odds of 10/1 for him to win. These three couples are thought to have the best chance of reaching the Final. The outcome is looking less rosy for Alex Jones and her partner, James, and also for Australian actress Holly Valance who dances with Artem. The odds for them to win are 33/1 for Alex (from paddypower.com) and 40/1 for Holly (sportingbet.com). In fact you may wish to bet on their elimination from the completion this weekend in which case best betting odds from paddypower.com are 11/8 for Alex and 11/10 for Holly. If you wish to group them together, ladbrokes.com offers a bet of 11/8 that both Alex and Holly will leave this Saturday. All the couples are working their sequinned socks off this week, with Harry Judd reportedly working 12 hour days, 7 days a week. The exuberant audience, the judging panel and the viewing public on their sofas are in for a treat this Saturday as each couple performs two dances. This show is on a real high at the moment and, for the first time in seven years, the Strictly Come Dancing competition has prevailed over The X Factor in the ratings as the latter has been going through a rather unsuccessful period of transition with a largely new panel of judges. If you are enjoying the 2011 Strictly Come Dancing competition, consider betting on the eventual winner. Free bet opportunities abound on www.bestfreebets.com and, specifically, access your free bet on the winner of the competition at  one of our recommended bookmakers below.  Looking for free bets for Strictly Come Dancing? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £20 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   09-12-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10297/england-100-1-to-win-euro-2012-with-rooney-top-scorer-after-uefa-reprieve Wayne Rooney has today had his three match ban for Euro2012 reduced to two after a successful appeal to UEFA today. Uefa's three-man appeals panel today reduced his original three-match ban imposed for his red card against Montenegro which means that Rooney will now be eligible to play in England's final Group game at Euro 2012 which is the potentially critical game against Ukraine on June 19th.  Uefa confirmed that the ban for the third game will be suspended for four years and Rooney will only serve the third game ban if he is sent off in anothe r European match. The reprieve is good news for England's chances at Euro2012 because despite a current poor run of form Rooney remains one of the few world class players in the England team.  England boss Fabio Capello will now almost certainly include the 26-year-old in his final squad for the summer tournament in Poland and Ukraine, after initially questioning whether he would bring him if the full suspension was upheld.   Bookmakers were quick to react to the news with William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe commenting "Rooney’s reprieve should be a real boost for England – and for those punters backing them to lift the trophy’ . William Hill have cut the odds on England winning Euro2012 with Rooney the leading tournament scorer to 100/1 from 125/1. Whilst this dream scenario for England punters and fans is unlikely to occur it will give the Euro 2012 campaign a boost and the best odds for England to win the Euro 2012 Championship are now 10/1 with leading independent bookmakers Bet365 and Stan James.  Rooney is available at odds of 40/1 with Coral to be the leading Tournament goalscorer which is a more realistic reflection of his chances considering he will play two games less than other leading forwards and actually has a poor scoring record in the top tournaments. William Hill have odds on how many goals Rooney will score in Euro 2012 and make it odds on that he will not score : Rooney To Score 8/13 0 Goals 5/2 1 Goal 6/1 2 Goals 10/1 3 Goals  Looking for free bets Euro 2012 , England and Wayne Rooney ?   BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £20 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets     08-12-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10296/free-bets-on-2011-king-george-vi-chase Equine legend Kauto Star will be the talk of many Christmas Dinner tables this year as the 11 year old is expected to contest the big race at Kempton on Boxing Day , the King George VI Chase which he won for four consecutive years from 2006 . Kauto Star flopped in the re-arranged 2010 King George VI Chase but has returned to form this season with an emphatic victory over Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run in the Betfair Chase at Haydock . Bookmakers reckon that Kauto may struggle to beat Long Run on Boxing Day and have made the Nicky Henderson trained horse as favourite at best odds of only 6/4(Bet365,Boylesports,Coral) to repeat his victory in the 2010 King George in which Kauto Star could only finish third after a mistake at the 2nd last when already beaten .  Paul Nicholls , trainer of Kauto Star produced his horse in superb condition to win the Haydock Betfair Chase by eight lengths on November 19th but  has had to withdraw half brother Kauto Stone from the Kempton showpiece on Boxing Day at the forfeit stage after a hard race in last weekend's Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown. Meanwhile in latest news on his own horse ,Clive Smith owner of Kauto Star has said that a decision about the four-time King George VI Chase winner's participation in this year's renewal  may not be made until "about a week" before the race, as both Smith and Paul Nicholls, his trainer, assess whether the best chaser of the past 40 years will be ready to do himself justice.  Bookmakers Paddy Power are currently offering best odds of 9/2 about Kauto Star winning his 5th King George VI Chase and all are aware that definite news of Kauto's participation will result in a flood of money for the horse . Simon Clare spokesman for leading UK bookie Coral said "He's certainly the horse who will attract most support when it's pretty certain that he's going to run, but there's still no doubt in my mind that Long Run will still start favourite." History could be about to be re-written and Kempton will be the place to see all the action on Boxing Day as Kauto Star goes for a record breaking fifth win in the King George VI Chase.  Looking for free bets for King George VI Chase? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £20 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   07-12-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10295/bet-it-snows-on-christmas-day So what do you prefer? A grey, wet Christmas Day or a sparkly, snow-clad Christmas Day? Assuming you are not lucky enough to be heading for warmer climes, seasonal snow may well be your preference. Every year, bookmakers take bets on whether or not there will be a White Christmas. In 2010 they took a big financial pounding as there seemed to be snow just about everywhere in the United Kingdom on Christmas Day. As the cold weather has descended upon much of the country this week, with snowfalls across much of Scotland and northern England, consider placing a bet on snow for Christmas Day 2011. One leading bookmaker, williamhill.com, is now slashing its odds as long term forecaster, Positive Weather Solutions, predicts that snow on Christmas Day is now almost certain to happen (although, interestingly, the Met Office forecasters coyly comment only that there is a “possibility” of a White Christmas!). If you want to have a bet, you had best act now; consider taking advantage of the free bets that William Hill offer to all new customers who open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting, cultural and festive events including Christmas Day snow fall. The bookmakers add regional zest to their festive brew of bets. If you live in the Granite City of Aberdeen, for example, then you may wish to take a specific bet that there will be snow at Pittodrie, Aberdeen (the betting odds are 5/2 that there will be). If you live in London, then the odds are 1/9 that there won’t be snow at Buckingham Palace. And the payout for a White Christmas will occur if there is a snow fall at any time during the 24 hours of Christmas Day. Snow already lying on the ground does not count as a White Christmas. If you have a look at the Weather Specials on the www.williamhill.com website you will see some 40 different places across the United Kingdom on which you may have a bet. You can place your bet online with williamhill.com (remember to get your free bet if you wish to open an account). For more information on odds available from william hill and other bookmakers, go to www.bestfreebets.com  Looking for free bets for a White Christmas ? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £20 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   06-12-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10294/betting-on-the-30th-olympic-games-london-2012 It may be a cold and dark winter but that won’t put off the GB Olympic team members who train relentlessly in all conditions to win individual and team glory at next summer’s Olympic Games. It’s proven hard to get tickets for the big events so many of us may be armchair viewers only but the biggest sports competition in the world will be compelling viewing from the opening ceremony on 27 July to the final event on 12 August. Given the anticipated level of interest in the United Kingdom, with London the host city, it is surprising that many bookmakers have not posted up more betting opportunities so that the public can whet their appetite for the sporting feast. But, nonetheless, there are some interesting bets available from  reputable bookmakers, many of whom offer free bets on all sporting events including the 2012 Olympic Games. The overall performance of the host country has been statistically proven to rise during the Olympic Games. UK Sport conducted a detailed study of world and European championships a few years ago, and concluded that “On average, hosts achieve a 25 percent increase in results in comparison to when they are not hosting”. This advantage could put Britain in third place in the medals table, above Russia and Germany. SkyBET offer odds of 11/8 for third place, 7/4 for fourth, and 6/1 for fifth and lower. In terms of actual numbers of medals won, SKYBET reckons that the benchmark for Team GB will be about 65 medals, offering odds of 5/6 for 64.5 medals or over and identical odds of 5/6 for under 64.5 medals. Bet365 has a similar benchmark of 62.5 medals with betting odds of 17/20 for 62.5 medals or over, and identical odds of 17/20 for less than 62.5. In Beijing, the 2008 Olympic Games was a great success for Team GB, with a medal tally of 47 medals - 19 Gold, 13 Silver and 15 Bronze. The team finished fourth in the medal table with the United States on top with 110 medals, China on 100 and Russia on 72. An improvement to third place would be a phenomenal achievement. In terms of total gold medals won, the bookmakers are benchmarking at about 22 to 24 medals, again adopting the rather curious practice of half medals! Bet365 sets a benchmark of 22.5, offering odds of 17/20 for over 22.5 and odds of 17/20 for under 22.5. SkyBET offers evens on over 24.5 medals with odds of 8/11 for under 24.5 medals. If you wish to place a bet on a more frivolous Olympic theme, consider who will light the Olympic Flame. Paddy Power offers customers single bets with Steve Redgrave the run-away favourite at odds of 8/13. Dame Kelly Holmes is hot on his heels with betting odds of 4/1. Diver Tom Daley features at 8/1 with football legend David Beckham at 10/1. The list of candidates to light the flame is long and even includes Eddie the Eagle at odds of 500/1. Time to let your imagination soar? Free bet opportunities abound on www.bestfreebets.com and, specifically, access your free bet from any of our preferred bookmakers below :     Looking for free bets for 2012 Olympics? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £20 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   05-12-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10293/best-free-bets-for-this-weeks-x-factor-eliminations The X Factor series 8 is now reaching its dramatic conclusion as Christmas fast approaches. The leading online bookmaker, paddypower.com, offers free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and entertainment bets including The X Factor 2011 Winner and, more immediately, the next eviction from Saturday’s show. The theme of this weekend’s live show is Motown and the four remaining acts will each perform two numbers from the golden era of 60’s and 70’s soul. With major musical classics on the play list, each act will need to perform brilliantly to satisfy the judges and the public. PaddyPower now offer a Free £20 Bet for only £10 stake ! Misha B is likely to be in the firing line again this week. She has been in the bottom two on the public vote on three occasions; each time, she has been saved by the judges. This weekend, however, there is no sing off and the act with the fewest votes is out. With unfavourable comments from judges Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh, she has not captured the public’s imagination and this is reflected in the views of bookmakers, some of whom are no longer even taking bets on her being the next elimination. Bookmaker William Hill offers betting odds of 8/13 that Misha B will be the next act evicted. The Manchester singer really will have to perform out of her socks to remain in this exciting competition. Bookmaker William Hill offer a £25 Free Bet Amelia Lily is also a possibility for eviction. The 17-year old was brought back into X Factor after Frankie Cocozza’s fall from grace. She is eager for a place in the final next week but bookmakers William Hill offers odds of 13/8 that she will leave. The girls’ mentor, Kelly Rowland, is still publicly expressing her belief that one of her two remaining acts could win, commenting that “they are incredibly talented, as we can see anything happens in this competition but yes absolutely they have the talent, they work their little behinds off...They’re hard workers and they want it really bad”. We will see if she’s right this weekend. In contrast, girl band Little Mix and Liverpudlian singer Marcus Collins are unlikely to be evicted with 888sport.com offering best odds of 16/1 for Little Mix and a whopping 40/1 for Marcus. In fact, 23 year-old Marcus is second favourite to win the overall competition. Gary Barlow is pushing him to succeed, reportedly trying to get Stevie Wonder to duet with him in the final. This is Marcus’s second time in the competition and he has massive public support, reflected in the bookmakers’ odds of 13/8 for him to win (williamhill and paddypower). Little Mix has moved up the leader board in the course of the past eight weeks and the bookmakers reckon the girl band could win the competion this month. From being poorly fancied at the outset, the bookmakers now offer odds of 11/8 that they will win (click to Corals to take odds and collect your £50 free bet) Corals Offer a £50 Free Bet If you are interested in betting on your preferred performer for elimination from The X Factor 2011, or would like to bet on the winning act, take advantage of the free bet offers available from many bookmakers. . A totally free bet on The X Factor 2011? Totally in reach, just click and get it!    Looking for free bets for X Factor? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers:   Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £20 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   02-12-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10292/december-madness-at-paddy-power-and-bet365-casino With Christmas fast approaching some of the leading bookmakers are announcing special betting promotions to run until Xmas Day . Paddy Power have branded the next  24 days as December madness as they will have 48 unique offers ( two offers per day) for the period . Paddy Power are of course one of the leading bookmakers and have achieved legendary status in the online betting world with some of their amazing moneyback specials. The marketing men at Paddy Power have gone crazy again as they will offer a money back special and an enhanced power play every single day from December 1st until Christmas. Some of the money back specials have already been announced and include great offers on Euro 2012 , the UK Snooker Championship which starts this weekend and Premier League football . An enhanced power play is basically a popular bet , often a double or treble with odds enhanced . Paddy Power are currently offering a very generous sign up offer of "Bet £10 Get £20 Free Bet"  and the offers lined up for December certainly make a Paddy Power account a must for anyone who has not already got an account . Meanwhile Bet365 one of the largest independent companies in the UK are running a fantastic 12 Levels of Christmas promotion where you could win one of a selection of superb prizes, such as a top of the range car. On offer at Bet365 Casino are cash prizes, home entertainment systems, luxury holidays and your choice of stylish cars: a Range Rover Vogue SE, a Jaguar XK Convertible or a Porsche 911 Carrera GTS. What’s more, all players who have reached level three or above by the end of the month will be entered into a prize draw to win an Audi TT Roadster.All you have to do is make regular visits to the Bet365 Casino in December and collect competition points , and as always points make prizes . Bet365 Casino offer a great introductory offer  with up to £150 available as a deposit bonus . Regular online casino players will recognise Bet 365 Casino as one of the most respected online casino's online but for anyone who has not played in the Casino room it is a must for this Christmas . Bet365 also offer the most generous Sportsbook sign up offer with up to £200 in free bets available for all new online accounts .    Looking for free bets for Xmas   BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £20 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   30-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10291/boylesports-to-sponsor-cheltenham-festival-leopardstown-double Leading Irish independent bookmaker Boylesports have signed a three-year deal with Leopardstown Racecourse that will see the online bookmaker become the title sponsor for the opening day of the Dublin track''s January Jumps Weekend. As well as a leading independent online bookmaker Boylesports also operate shops throughout the Republic Of Ireland and recently acquired further shops from William Hill. As an intrinsic part of the deal, Boylesports.com will sponsor the grade-B Hurdle event at Leopardstown and provide a cash bonus of €100,000 to the winner should they go on to win at the Cheltenham Festival like Final Approach did last year.In addition, Boylesports.com will also sponsor the grade-two novice steeplechase race at Leopardstown and give €50,000 to the winner if they too succeed in England in March. The concept of providing large incentives for horses to run/win in some of the most high profile Cheltenham Festival trials and at the main event at the Festival itself has proved very popular in recent years with bookmakers such as Stan James and betting exchange Betfair also providing similar incentives . The Leopardstown January Jumps Weekend begins on January 28 with Boylesports.com in total offering €150,000 worth of bonuses each year over the three years of the deal should any horse complete the Leopardstown and Cheltenham Festival double. This is a much needed boost for Irish racing and Leon Blanche spokesman for Boylesports commented "This three-year agreement underlines Boylesports.com’s commitment to Irish racing. We are actively working to increase our portfolio of quality sponsorships in Ireland and delighted to have the Boylesports.com Hurdle on our list.”   A delighted Ciaran Conroy, Commercial Manager for Leopardstown Racecoursesaid "This race has always been regarded as one of the most exciting and hotly contested races in the National Hunt calendar. We look forward to partnering with the team at Boylesports.com over the next three years and make this event into a great success.” Boylesports like many online bookmakers offer free bets to all new online accounts and currently offer an excellent "Bet £20 get £40 Free Bet Offer via www.bestfreebets.com  Boylesports are one of our recommended bookmakers and provide a high level of all round service , offers and decent odds .    BestFreeBets.com Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets   29-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10290/free-bets-for-xmas If you need a few ideas for Christmas presents, consider the free bets on offer from UK bookmakers which can be used to bet on all sporting and festive events including the Christmas Number One single. You can bet on outcomes using your free bet AND get the bookmakers’ take on the most popular gifts for you to buy for your nearest and dearest, a win-win situation! Last year, the winner of X Factor, Matt Cardle, won the prestigious Christmas Number One single top spot with When We Collide. He sold 439,000 copies in the six days following his victory, trouncing Rihanna and Drake’s What’s My Name which came in second position with sales of over 100,000. The anti-X Factor protest song, Surfin’ Bird by the Trashman, came third with sales of just under 70,000. This concluded an enormously successful Facebook campaign which may be repeated this year, as some viewers tire of the media frenzy that surrounds X Factor. For 2011, though, the bookmakers still reckon that the X Factor victor will win the Christmas Number One slot with bookmaker BetFred offering best betting odds of 8/11 on this result. Janet Devlin, X Factor contestant who crashed and burned following a disastrous performance of Hanson’s track MMMBop, commented to presenter Lorraine Kelly that she thinks that “the final two will probably be Little Mix and Marcus Collins. They are very deserving and they work really hard, they are great people”. Interestingly, some bookmakers who are taking bets on the specific X Factor acts that could reach Number One agree with Janet. Ladbrokes offer best betting odds of 9/2 for Little Mix, and 9/2 for Marcus Collins also. Reflecting its successful TV run, the Military Ladies Choir is also in the reckoning with betting odds of 13/8 offered by bookmaker Stan James. The women in the choir have demonstrated courage and resilience as they cope at home while their husbands, partners and sons fight the Taliban in Afghanistan. Their contender song for the Christmas Number One single is “Wherever You Are” and is based on letters to their loved ones. The practical and emotional aspects of this single will resonate with many of the British public and this is reflected in the betting odds available. Bookmaker Stan James offers the best odds for the single of 13/8. This is an excellent cause which may upset the X Factor juggernaut. More possibilities include The Wombles, on offer at 11/1 from Ladbrokes. The furry creatures are re-releasing their 1974 single Wombling Merry Christmas in a bid to appeal to the common people. The late Amy Winehouse single Our Day Will Come is offered at betting odds of 12/1 from Ladbrokes, and the Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber collaboration is also placed at 12/1 from bookmakers Bet365 . Lady Gaga and Nirvana have also joined the race, the latter being championed by a Facebook anti-X factor contingent. Lady Gaga’s White Christmas languishes at odds of 40/1 from Bet 365 whilst Nirvana’s Smells like Teen Spirit is significantly better placed at betting odds of 9/1 from Bet365. The chart will be announced on Christmas Day and this may mitigate against X Factor as the final takes place on December 12 which means that the X Factor winner’s first week’s sales, normally the highest, will be placed out of the Christmas count. The race for the prestigious prize of Christmas Number One single may therefore be more open than in past years, where X Factor has scored number one five times out of six. If you wish to access a free bet on the outcome, you can go online to your preferred bookmaker.   Looking for free bets to place on the Xmas No.1 single ? Freebets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets  28-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10289/free-betting-on-a-royal-baby Paddy Power offer free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and special events including betting on the arrival of a baby for Prince William and Kate Middleton. The world has been captivated this year by the Royal wedding of William and Kate on 29 April. There has been saturation media coverage of the event, followed by intense scrutiny of the couple’s first official visit, to Canada and the United States of America in June, and subsequent engagements in the UK. Inevitably, the photogenic duo is now subject to speculation regarding the arrival of a baby. Paddy Power Offer £20 in Free Bets for only £10 Queen Elizabeth II would undoubtedly be delighted by the news of a great-grand child to secure the succession into a further generation. The government is currently progressing legislation to ensure that sons and daughters of any future monarch will have equal rights to the throne. This will take the pressure off the couple to produce “an heir and a spare” and provides an element of modernity to an old-fashioned but popular institution. After a courtship of some ten years, which began as William and Kate attended the University of St Andrews in Scotland, Kate was unflatteringly referred to as “Waity Katy”. Will she wait now for a baby or seek to build a family while her husband continues his career in the Royal Air Force as a Search and Rescue pilot? Leading Irish bookmaker Paddy Power is encouraging customers to have a flutter on a royal baby. The bookie offers betting odds of 2/7 that the couple will have a baby in 2012, with odds of 9/4 that a baby would arrive the following year. Boy or girl? Well, the odds are identical reflecting the statistical probability. So if you want to bet on gender, Paddy Power offers odds of 5/6 for a boy and 5/6 for a girl. There are bets too on the name of the child with rather formal names being order of the day. Unsuprisingly, Diana features as the strong contender for a baby girl, with Paddy Power offering odds of 8/1 for this eventuality. However, as any parent knows the options for names are endless and the process of selection for a royal name will undoubtedly be long and fraught. Other betting categories include hair colour of the baby, its weight, date and time of arrival, duration of labour and the possibility of twins or triplets. Phew, those bookmakers are busy fellows! If you are interested in the British monarchy and the arrival of a new royal baby for Prince William and Kate, consider placing a bet on one or several of the options outlined above. Free bet opportunities abound on www.bestfreebets.com and, specifically, access your free £20 bet on Paddypower.com via the link below :    Looking for free bets for Celebrity or Entertainment markets ? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £20 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   25-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10288/betting-on-a-panda-love-in-at-edingburgh-zoo It’s chilly this winter in Edinburgh, Scotland and visitors to Edinburgh Zoo have a long nippy trek up the hill to see their favourite animal attractions. But the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the charity owners of the zoo, is confident of a warm welcome for the pair of pandas likely to arrive in the next few weeks. Tian Tian and Yang Guang – Sweetie and Sunshine – represent a major conservation and commercial coup for Edinburgh Zoo. The zoo’s main customer base is Scottish, with significant numbers of North East of England residents also. However, Edinburgh Zoo is not currently on the to-do list of Edinburgh’s European visitors, only 2% of whom come to the attraction. This is set to change as Scotland will be one of only six countries in the western world with pandas on site, the others being the USA, Mexico, Austria, Spain and Germany. In anticipation, Edinburgh Zoo has spent £300,000 on a new enclosure with bullet proof glass, a climbing frame and a panda kitchen. Bamboo will be imported from the Netherlands to feed the pandas at the significant annual cost of £70,000. But the rewards will be enormous. In addition to its expected contribution to the captive breeding programme which numbers 200 pandas in total, the zoo anticipates that its visitor numbers will double to more than one million visitors each year for the 4 or 5 year duration of the pandas’ stay. The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce estimates that the two pandas could generate £100 million for the Scottish economy during these years. Major advertising campaigns from the zoo itself and VisitScotland are expected but the news media will generate much of the public awareness of the pandas’ arrival. With only an estimated 2,000 pandas left in the wild, this endangered species is in a perilous state. Edinburgh Zoo hope that Sweetie and Sunshine will successfully breed during their tenure at the zoo and keepers have been working hard to secure the correct conditions to make this happen. Pandas are notoriously difficult creatures, however, and the female panda is only fertile for one day a year. Bookmaker William Hill offers customers a most unusual bet. It offers betting odds of 8/1 that Sweetie and Sunshine will produce a panda cub by the end of 2012. It’s a bit different from betting on William and Kate! Fingers crossed...    Looking for free bets for Panda's breeding ? William Hill £25 Free Bet   24-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10287/liverpool-v-man-city-free-bets-at-paddy-power Online bookmaker Paddy Power is offering one of its famous Money Back Specials for Sunday’s Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City. Punters betting on the First Goalscorer, Last Goalscorer, Correct Score and Scorecast markets for Liverpool v Manchester City could get up to £100 free bets if the televised Sky game lives it to its billing and produces plenty of goals. Paddy Power’s Liverpool v Manchester City Money Back Special promises to refund losing bets on the above popular markets as free bets, up to a maximum £100 free bets, if there are four or more goals scored in the game. Liverpool maintained their challenge for a Champions League slot with a 2-1 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and trail Tottenham and Newcastle who occupy third and fourth in the Premier League table by just three points. The arrival of Premeri League leaders Manchester City on Merseyside will hold no fear for Liverpool who were unlucky not beat Manchester United at Anfield in October. Javier Hernandez cancelled out Steven Gerrard’s 68th minute strike with a goal two minutes from full time. Manchester City will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing Champions League defeat in Naples on Tuesday. On the domestic front, home or away makes little difference to free-scoring City who have scored at least three times in each of the last seven games, including six at Old Trafford in the Premier League and five at Molineux in the Carling Cup. Paddy Power Money Specials are available on a selected Horse Racing and Football markets very week and for high profile sports like NFL, Rugby and mote throughout the year. Full terms and conditions can be found at PaddyPower.com.   23-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10286/strictly-come-dancing-free-bets-and-odds-update Bookmakers are delighted with the shock departure of Russell Grant from Strictly Come Dancing at the weekend, a surprising result considering his apparently high level of public support. It seems that being fired from a circus cannon is just not enough to win these days! Anita Dobson had been well fancied to leave but she beat the odds yet again. Seven competitors remain in the competition. William Hill and other bookies offer free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and cultural events including the 2012 Strictly Come Dancing competition. Displaying his athletic torso during Saturday’s performance at Wembley has not damaged Harry Judd’s chances of winning the competition. Boylesports and Stan James offer best odds of 6/4 for McFly drummer,Harry Judd to win the 2012 Strictly Come Dancing competition. Jason Donovan continues to nip at Harry’s Cuban heels with best odds for Jason to win of 11/4 at Coral . Chelsee Healey remains in third place in the bookmakers’ ranking, with betting odds of 10/3 from 888Sport and Blue Square. Holly Valance’s chances of winning are reckoned to be diminishing slightly. Last week Paddy Power offered odds of 11/1 for her to win. This week, these odds have moved to 16/1 with Bet365 and Boylesports. Alex Jones now shares 5th equal position with Robbie Savage in the betting. Her strong performance on Saturday has not been reflected in the  betting odds of 25/1 for her to win with Bet365 and Skybet. Last week, Robbie Savage was quoted at 16/1, this week at 25/1 with Bet365 and Victor Chandler, so he needs to regain momentum in the competition. Finally, Anita Dobson remains unfancied to win the 2012 Strictly Come Dancing competition. Dobson is now available at 100/1 with a number of bookies including Skybet where you can place a bet of up to £10 without having to make a deposit . However, she did beat the odds this weekend and perhaps she will again. Keep watching the show to find out. If you are enjoying the 2012 Strictly Come Dancing competition, consider betting on the eventual winner. Free bet opportunities abound on www.bestfreebets.com and, specifically, access your free bet on the winner of the competition at any of our recommended bookmakers below .   Looking for free bets for Strictly ? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   21-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10285/free-bets-on-time-magazine-person-of-the-year Bookmakers Ladbrokes and William Hill both offer customers the opportunity to bet on the TIME Magazine Person of the Year 2011. They also offer free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account . These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and cultural events including TIME Magazine Person of the Year 2011. This prestigious award is made by the editors to a person (or sometimes a concept or group of people) who have “most affected the news and our lives for good or ill, and embodied what was important about that year” Recent winners of the award include Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder (2010), Ben Bernanke, US Federal Reserve Chairman (2009) and Barack Obama, US President (2008). All well and good but other notable winners of the past are Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin and Ayatollah Khomeini...let’s hope this year’s winner has a positive contribution to society! Top of the betting leader board is Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, who died earlier this year. William Hill puts him ahead of the other contenders at betting odds of 4/6, the runaway favourite. Ladbrokes places him at evens. Interestingly, the bookmakers then rate the Arab Youth Protesters as second-placed in the running. Best odds are from William Hill which offers 6/1, as it does also for the 99%, the 99% of US citizens whom the Occupy Wall Street protesters claim to represent. In light of her leadership of Europe’s powerhouse economy, Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel is also touted for the TIME Magazine Person of the Year 2011 award. Best betting odds are available from Ladbrokes which offers 16/1 as opposed to William Hill’s odds of 14/1.   Also on offer at 16/1 from Ladbrokes are the Fukushima 50, in tribute to the workers at the Fukushima nuclear power plant which was destroyed in 2011, and SEAL Team 6. The latter bet refers to the loss of a US Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan this year, with the largest loss of US military personnel since the start of the war in 2001. Of course, as the award has a very wide scope the list of candidates is lengthy, certainly too lengthy to mention them all. The remaining candidates cover the arenas of politics (for example, Hillary Clinton at 35/1 with William Hill), the arts (Chinese artist and human rights protester Ai Weiwei at 33/1 with William Hill), royalty (Kate Middleton at 50/1 with Ladbrokes), sport (Lionel Messi at 100/1 with William Hill) to sheer entertainment (Charlie Sheen and Kim Kardashian, each at 100/1 with both Ladbrokes and William Hill). Truly there is a bet for everyone.   The TIME Magazine Person of the Year 2011 will be announced in mid-December. If you are interested in people and events on the world stage, consider placing a bet on your preferred candidate. Free bet opportunities abound on www.bestfreebets.com and, specifically, access your free bet on The Time Magazine Person of the Year 2011 at williamhill.com and ladbrokes.com   Looking for free bets for TIME Magazine Person Of The Year? BestFreeBets.com Recommended free bet offers: William Hill £25 Free Bet  Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet    19-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10284/mayor-of-london-elections-2012-betting-on-the-winner The four year tenure of flamboyant Boris Johnson will come to a close in 2012 and many bookmaker are taking bets as to the winner of the 2012 mayoral elections. Bookies offers free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting, cultural and political events including the election of the next Mayor of London. There are two front runners for the next elections, both of whom are genuine contenders for the role. Boris Johnson, the current incumbent, is favourite and is offered at best betting odds of 4/9 with Paddy Power , Ladbrokes and Skybet. Ken Livingstone is offered at odds of 15/8 with leading independent bookmaker Bet365. Ken Livingstone has held the position of Mayor of London previously, following a period as MP for Brent. He was first Mayor of London following election in 2000, holding the position until 2008. Ken Livingstone has had a tempestuous relationship with the Labour party, particularly with former Prime Minister Tony Blair, and describes himself as a socialist. The press and the public do like to call him “Red Ken”. No one could be less “Red” than Boris Johnson, his main opponent next year and the favourite to win the elections. Dyed in the wool conservative, with a background as journalist and novelist, Boris was formerly MP for Henley on Thames. Boris was elected Mayor of London in 2008. He has actively furthered the causes of London and Londoners, but possibly his most significant challenge is still to come... the 2012 London Olympics (assuming he is still Mayor of course!) The final candidate, Brian Paddick, is a definite outsider for the role of Mayor of London. Paddy Power is offering betting odds of 66/1 for the Liberal Democrat candidate to win the election. Brian Paddick came third in the 2008 election and the sliding popularity of the Liberal Democrats following the last General Election will count against him. As former Deputy Assistant Commissioner in London’s Metropolitan Police, Brian Paddick has relevant experience particularly in the area of law and order. But the odds may be too high for him on this occasion. The Mayor of London is an important and prestigious role and the competition will be fierce in the forthcoming months until the election day of Thursday, 3 May 2012. The Mayor of London is responsible for setting the overall vision for the capital and draws up the strategies and policies to deliver this vision. If you are interested in the future of London and Londoners, consider betting on the winner of the 2012 Mayor of London elections. Free bet opportunities abound on www.bestfreebets.com and, specifically, access your free bet on the winner of the elections at any of the bookmakers below and collect your free bets.  Looking for free bets for Next Mayor Of London? BestFreeBets.com  Recommended free bet offers:   William Hill £25 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets  Bet365 £200 Free Bets   18-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10283/ladbrokes-to-refund-bets-if-andy-murray-wins-world-tour-finals British number one Andy Murray is second favourite for the World Tour Finals and Ladbrokes will refund losing outright bets if Murray wins the end of season finale. Online bookmakers will give free bets to new customers and Ladbrokes offer a £50 free bet which can be placed on the Barclay ATP World Tour Finals at London O2 from 2- 27 November 2011. LADBROKES OFFER REFUND IF ANDY MURRAY WINS THE WORLD TOUR FINALS Leading online bookmaker Ladbrokes are expecting Britiain’s top tennis star to fall short once again in a major tennis event. Grands slams aside, the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals is the biggest event on tour and pitches together the eight most successful tennis players of the year for a showcase tournament at the end the season. Murray has been in excellent form during the second half of the season and has climbed to number three in the world rankings. With the world’s top two players Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic struggling with fitness problems the time seems ripe for Murray to claim what would be the biggest win of his career. Ladbrokes appear to think otherwise and will refund losing outright bets if the Murray does indeed succeed in winning the World Tour Finals at London O2 next week. To protect themselves from suffering too much financial harm should they have judged it wrong, Ladbrokes have limited the refunds to £100 maximum per person. Ladbrokes 'ATP Tour Final Money Back' offer is only available to customers living in the UK and Ireland who place a single bet on the outright tournament winner before it starts on Sunday 20 November. Roger Federer is the tournament favourite, 7/4 with Ladbrokes who bet 11/4 for Murray to win. Novak Djokovic who pulled out of the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris last week is third favourite and Ladbrokes have cut his odds 4/1 to 7/2, expecting he will be recovered for the World Tour Finals. Nadal has not played since getting knocked out in the third round of the Shanghai Masters over a month ago and Ladbrokes rate him a 5/1 chance. Other players appearing in the 2011 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals are Jo Wilfried Tsonga ( 14/1), Tomas Berdych (16/1), David Ferrer (40/1) and Mardy Fish (66/1). The players will be split into two groups of four where they will play each other in a round robin format. The top two in each group will play in a semi final knock out to determine the finalists who will meet on 27 November in the final. Full details of Ladbrokes 'ATP Tour Finals Money Back' offer can be found on their website, www.ladbrokes.com.     Looking for free bets for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   17-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10282/free-bets-on-strictly-come-dancing-winner Audley Harrison has Cha Cha Cha’d for the last time as he leaves Strictly Come Dancing. Eight contenders are left and the standard of dancing is sure to improve in the next few exciting weeks leading up to Christmas. Paddy Power and other bookmakers offer free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and cultural events including the intense and flamboyant spectacle that is the 2012 Strictly Come Dancing competition. Harry Judd of McFly continues to hold off Jason Donovan in the betting for overall winner of the competition. Skybet and boylesports are amongst the bookmakers offering betting odds of 6/4 for Harry to win with Jason at odds of 3/1 with Bet365 and Victor Chandler .However, Chelsee Healey did score higher than Jason this week, with a score of 36 for her Foxtrot as opposed to 35 for Jason’s Viennese Waltz. At present, her best odds are 7/2 with Bet365 and Jason could find himself 3rd place in the running if he doesn’t pull his Antipodean socks up. Bet365 offer up to £200 in free bets to all new online accounts Holly Valance continues to perform well despite the challenge of performing with her new partner, Brendan Cole. She scored 34 with the judges and Paddy Power offers betting odds of 11/1 for her to win the competition. Former footballer, Robbie Savage, continues to delight the audience and judges with a score of 31. His odds are 25/1 with Totesport, same as Russell Grant who surely cannot win . Other outsiders to win the competition are Alex Jones on 50/1 and Anita Dobson on 100/1 with Paddy Power  . Poor Anita, she danced well with an excellent score of 33 from the judges but remains positioned by the exit door. Best of luck to her this weekend. If you are enjoying the 2012 Strictly Come Dancing competition, consider betting on the eventual winner. Free bet opportunities abound on bestfreebets.com and, specifically, access your free bet on the winner of the competition at any of the bookmakers below .  Looking for free bets for Strictly Come Dancing ? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   16-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10281/paddy-power-betting-on-rory-mcilroy Paddy Power offer free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and entertainment events including betting on the outcomes of the blossoming relationship between Northern Irish golf star Rory McIlroy and tennis Number 1, Caroline Wozniacki.   The couple, affectionately dubbed “Wozza and Rozza” and “Wozilroy” by the press, have attracted huge public and media attention in 2011, both for their sporting and their romantic advancements. Rory McIlroy, from Holywood in County Down, has famously won the US Open in June, his first major and at the tender age of 21. Danish tennis star, Caroline Wozniacki, is still chasing her first Grand Slam but her position as No. 1 player on the WTA Tour is indisputable. Rory McIlory reckons “She’s No 1 in the world and I’ve got a major. We both want what each other has”.   Paddy Power offers you the opportunity to bet on this trans-sport gold-plated relationship. The bookmaker is hot under the collar about the possibilities and offers betting odds as follows:   Evens       Appearance in an endorsement together by the end of 2012 4/1             Engagement by Christmas 2011 7/2             Marriage by the end of 2012 7/1             Launch of a new sportswear brand by the end of 2012 16/1           A baby by the end of 2012 A note of caution when you are considering which of these single bets you wish to take up - the worlds of golf and tennis have collided before, with poor outcomes. Chris Evert and Greg Norman are high profile recent examples of doomed love, as are Martina Hingis and Sergio Garcia. Ana Ivanovic and Australian golfer, Adam Scott, are reportedly back together after a break but relentless travel and pressure do take their toll. However, Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wosziacki have undeniable chemistry and a real will to make the relationship work, as evidenced by their constant travel to see each other.   If you are interested in the outcomes of the Wozilroy connection, consider placing a bet on one of the Paddy Power markets above and grab up to £100 in free bets at the same time .  Free bet opportunities abound on www.bestfreebets.com and many other leading bookmakers offer free bets that can be used on entertainment or novelty bets .    Looking for free bets for novelty bets BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   15-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10280/free-bets-for-tiger-woods-at-presidents-cup Tiger Woods outscored his American team mates at the Australian Open and is 15/2 to be Top American points scorer in the Presidents Cup with Coral who give new customers a £50 free bet. Online bookmakers give free bets to new customers which can be placed on the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club from 17 – 20 November 2011. FREE BETS FOR TIGER WOODS AT THE PRESIDENTS CUP Tiger Woods went some way to quieting his critics at the Ausralian Open in Sydney and showed why America’s captain, Fred Couples chose the former World Number one as one of his wild card picks to compete in the 2011 Presidents Cup. Woods had his best tournament in two years when taking third place behind Australia’s Greg Chalmers and finished with the lowest total from eight members of the twelve-man American team competing in Sydney. Couples caused a stir when overlooking PGA champion Keegan Bradley to make Woods and Bill Haas his two wild card picks. Woods has been without a win for two traumatic years and having dropped out of the world’s top 50, has recently returned from injury that kept him off the course for the whole of the summer.  Woods ended two strokes off the winner on 11-under par with Nick Watney his closest team mate, tied fourth a further two shots behind. Bubba Watson, Haas, Dustin Johnson and David Toms trailed behind Woods on Sunday while Matt Kucher failed to make the cut and Hunter Mahan withdrew after the first round with an injury. Couples decision to stand by his friend could prove inspired, Woods last victory was at Melbourne in the 2009 Australian Masters and he was unbeaten at the last Presidents Cup going 4-0 with his partner Steve Stricker and winning his singles match on the final day. The captain is more likely to be concerned about the well being of some his team than the ability of Tiger Woods to perform for his country. Mahan’s withdrawal is believed to have been precautionary and he is expected to be fully fit by Thursday. Steve Stricker has not played since the Tour Championship and has been recovering from neck and shoulder problems. He joined the team in Australia late this weekend after coming through practice in Arizona. Betting on the winner of the Presidents Cup is very even despite the International team being without victory since 1998 when it was last held at Melbourne. The biennial tournament finished a tie in 2007 and the Americans have won the last three Presidents Cup tournaments which were all held in North America. Greg Norman captain’s the International team for the second time which can be backed at evens with Ladbrokes, Victor Chandler bets 11/10 the USA and 14/1 the tie. 2011 Presidents Cup Teams: International – Captain Greg Norman Jason Day (Aus), Adam Scott (Aus), Charl Scwartzel (RSA), K.J. Choi (Kor), Kyung-tae Kim (Kor), Retief Goosen (RSA), Geoff Ogilvy (Aus), Ernie Els (RSA), Y.E. Yand (Kor), Ryo Ishikawa (Jap), Robert Allenby (Aus), Aaron Baddely (Aus). USA – Captain Fred Couples Matt Kuchar, Steve Stricker, Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson, Nick Watney, Phil Mickleson, Bubba Watson, David Toms, Hunter Mahan, Jim Furyk, Billa Haas, Tiger Woods.     Looking for free bets for the Presidents Cup? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   14-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10279/betting-on-the-euro-crisis-with-paddy-power Paddy Power offer free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting, cultural and political events including betting on which country may leave the Euro in 2011. The crisis in the Eurozone intensified yesterday, with the announcement that Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian Prime Minister, is to stand down following parliamentary enactment of urgent reforms demanded by Eurozone leaders. The debts of Greece, the first country to precipitate the crisis, are insignificant compared to Italy’s one trillion euro debts. Silvio Berlusconi was unable to persuade the markets and world leaders that he had a credible plan to grow Italy’s economy back to health, and hence reduce this enormous level of public debt, and he has finally fallen on his sword. Leading Irish bookmaker ,Paddy Power offers you the opportunity to bet on two aspects of the current Euro Crisis. Firstly, you can bet on who will replace Berlusconi. Secondly, you can bet on the first country to leave the Eurozone. The current favourite to be Italy’s next Prime Minister is Mario Monti, at betting odds of 5/4. Economist and politician, he has held important posts in the European Commission and has the perceived credibility to lead the country through the years of strife ahead, which will almost certainly include battles with the Italian unions regarding labour laws. Close on his heels is Gianni Letta, on offer at odds of 6/4 with Paddy Power. Gianni Letta is an acolyte of Silvio Berlusconi, however, and it will be interesting to see if the power base of the Italian Parliament would support such an appointment. Pier Luigi Bershani is de facto Leader of the Opposition, in his role as Secretary of the Democratic Party of Italy. Paddy Power offers betting odds of 4/1 for his appointment. Renato Schifani, again associated with Berlusconi’s People of Freedom party, is another candidate for election to the job of Prime Minister. He has been President of the Italian Senate since 2008 but his reputation is somewhat besmirched by his alleged mafia connections. The odds on offer for Schifani are 6/1. Finally, Georgio Napolitano is also in the running, at slightly longer betting odds of 8/1. Georgio Napolitano has been President of Italy since 2006. He is a former communist and this may be a factor against him. Let’s wait and see. Now to the betting on what country will be first to leave the Eurozone. Greece leads the running, which is not suprising considering its political instability, social unrest and major debt crisis. Paddy Power offers betting odds of 2/7 for Greece to be first to go. Next in the betting is beleaguered Portugal at odds of 6/1, followed by the former tiger economy of Ireland at 7/1. Italy is the Eurozone’s third largest economy and the consequences of it leaving the Eurozone would be disastrous for Europe. This is reflected in the odds of 12/1 on offer at Paddy Power. Spain shares the same odds of 12/1 for it to be the first country to leave the Eurozone. If you are interested in the euro crisis and its implications for political and economic stability in Europe, consider placing a bet on the first country to leave the eurozone. If you have a particular interest in Italy, Paddy Power also offers you the opportunity to bet on the candidates for next Prime Minister. Free bet opportunities abound on www.bestfreebets.com and, specifically, access your free bet on the euro crisis on Paddypower.com Collect £100 in Free Bets at Paddy Power 09-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10278/free-bets-on-barclays-singapore-open Phil Mickleson heads a star-studded field in the Barclays Singapore Open and is available at 16/1 with Betfred who will give a £50 free bet to new customers. Online bookmakers give free bets to new customers which can be placed on the Barclays Singapore Open which will be played at Sentosa Golf Club from 10th -13th November 2011.   FREE BETS ON BARCLAYS SINGAPORE OPEN   A bumper US $6million prize pool has attracted a field of 204 players to the Barclays Singapore Open which is played over the Serapong Course and Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club this week. Four-time Major Champion, Phil Mickleson is the star attraction at the Singapore Open which has established itself as a true world class event since its return as Asia’s richest national Open in 2005. Mickleson will be making his fourth appearance in the joint European Tour and Asian Tour sanctioned event. His best finish was ninth in 2008 and Big Phil is favourite to beat a star-studded line up in the Singapore Open. Other Major Champions who will feature in the 2011 Barclays Singapore Open are Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Padraig Harrington, Louis Oosthuizen, Graeme McDowell and Y.E. Yang. 2010 US Open winner, McDowell has been through a lean spell in 2011 missing the cut in three of this year’s Majors and is chasing his first victory of the year. A third-placed finish at the WGC HSBC Champions event in Shangai last week will have buoyed the Ulsterman who has a good record in Singapore. McDowell tied third in the 2010 Barclays Singapore Open and took a share of fifth in 2009, he is joint favourite with a number of bookmakers but is available at 18/1 with some firms, including bet365. Anthony Kim and Camilo Villegas are two more big name players to join the end of season chase for riches. Both players have picked up three titles on the US PGA Tour and figure at the top of the Barclays Singapore betting market. Kim is 20/1 at Stan James where Villegas is rated a 25/1 chance. England’s Justin Rose will make his second appearance at Sentosa after finishing tied 14th on his previous visit in 2009. Rose has enjoyed another fine season on the US PGA Tour where he recorded a win at the BMW Championship in September and remains in good form with a joint seventh finish in the WGC HSBC Champions last weekend. Rose is widely available at 22/1 to pick up his fifth European Tour title at the Barclays Singapore Open.     Looking for free bets on Barclays Singapore Open golf? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   08-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10277/the-x-factor-2011-free-bets-on-next-eviction   The leading online bookmaker, williamhill.com, offers free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and entertainment events including The X Factor 2011 Winner and othe X Factor markets including next eviction. A free bet offers you the opportunity to get really involved in the outcome of the competition. The next eliminations from X Factor will take place this weekend, so it’s time to get betting. This weekend there will be two eliminations taking place, from a field of only nine performers. It’s brutally gladiatorial entertainment and the bookmakers are keen to take part in the public’s fun. Bad boy, Franki Cocozza continues to be top of the eviction list. Shortest betting odds on Franki to leave this weekend are 11/10 from ladbrokes.com who also fancy Kitty Brucknell at 3/1 to leave. Judge Louis Walsh’s other contender, Johnny Robinson, is number three in the listings, with williamhill.com offering betting odds of 10/1 for him to depart the show. Judge Kelly Rowland has said that she feels responsible for two of her girls – Sophie Habibis and Misha Bryan - being in the sing-off last weekend, with Sophie leaving the show. Misha remains in the hit list as far as the bookmakers are concerned with shortest odds of 14/1 offered by ladbrokes.com The others appear safe, for now. At least as far as the bookmakers are concerned. Craig Colton (18/1 with bet365.com), Marcus Collins and The Risk (both 20/1 with bet365.com) and the well fancied Janet Devlin (33/1 with williamhill.com) may be able to rest easy. However, the general public are the real decision makers and the performance on the night does matter. If you are interested in betting on your preferred performer for elimination from The X Factor 2011, take advantage of the free bet offers available from many bookmakers .A totally free bet on The X Factor 2011? Go get it!    Looking for free bets for X Factor? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   04-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10276/betting-odds-and-free-bets-update-for-strictly-come-dancing Nancy Dell’Olio has waltzed off but there’s still plenty of action on Strictly Come Dancing. Bookmakers offer free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and cultural events including the sequinned extravaganza that is the 2012 Strictly Come Dancing competition. It’s neck and neck between Harry Judd of McFly and West End star Jason Donovan to win the competition, but Harry has a slight edge just now. Ladbrokes , Boylesports and Skybet offer betting odds of 2/1  for Harry and Aliona to win Strictly , with Jason at odds of 9/4. Hot on his Cuban heels is Waterloo Road star Chelsee Healey who, despite her embarrassing wardrobe malfunction this week, continues to dance like an angel. Bookmaker Paddy Power has odds of 5/1 for Chelsee to win, with glamorous Australian star Hollie Valance at odds of 15/2. Robbie Savage, former footballer and now feted pundit, is showing impressive form and this is reflected in betting odds offered by bookmakers. Paddy Power offers odds of 8/1 for Robbie to win Strictly Come Dancing , with longest odds on offer by ToteSport at 10/1. Astologer and entertainer, Russell Grant, is well liked by the public. However, bookmakers reckon he will be exiting the competition soon. He is 25/1 to win at ToteSport with the shortest price of 18/1 offered by Victor Chandler. Anita Dobson performed well in Saturday’s Halloween show but still languishes towards the bottom of the betting order with best betting odds of 66/1 offered by many bookmakers including Betfred . Next Saturday’s show may be the last for singer Lulu or former boxer, Audley Harrison. Lulu is  at odds of 3/1 to be the next act eliminated from Strictly at Betfred , and Audley is odds on to go with Ladbrokes offering best odds on the boxer to be the next elimination at 5/6. But the fight’s not over yet and Audley has overcome the odds in past weeks to stay in the competition; perhaps he will again. Strictly Come Dancing has knocked X Factor 2011off the viewing figures leader board this autumn. If you are enjoying the dancing spectacle, consider having a flutter on the 2011 Strictly Come Dancing competition. Free bet opportunities abound on www.bestfreebets.com     Looking for free bets for Strictly Come Dancing ? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   02-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10275/free-bets-on-x-factor-2011 The leading online bookmaker, williamhill.com, offers free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and entertainment bets including The X Factor 2011 Winner. A free bet offers you the opportunity to get really involved in the outcome of the competition. The X Factor is really heating up, so don’t delay. Where to start in a Halloween-themed show with so much action? Well, the 4th Live Results show resulted in Sophie Habibis hitting the dust. Just two weeks ago the bookmakers placed her mid-table to win but the public disagreed. No change though at the top of the bookies’ rankings as Janet Devlin continues to lead the way. The best betting odds for her to be winner are 5/2 from William Hill. The Risk, with a suprising change in line up for this week, is the boy band to watch with betting odds of 7/2 from Victor Chandler. The male solo singers are also performing well with Craig Colton at 9/2 from Coral and Marcus Collins at 11/2 from the same bookmaker. Despite facing eviction this week, Misha Bryan has stayed in the competition. However, her betting odds are drifting and she drops out of the top three with the bookmakers. Best betting odds are 6/1, available from William Hill. The Risk gained a new band member but Rhythmix gained a whole new name! Re-branded Little Mix, the four girls stole the show and surely this will soon be reflected in better odds from the bookmakers. At present, though, best available betting odds are 14/1 from Paddy Power and Stan James bookmakers . Who is next to go? Franki Cocozza, Kitty Brucknell, and Johnny Robinson continue to be fancied by the bookmakers for an imminent exit. The best odds for Frankie to win the X Factor 2011 are 50/1 from Ladbrokes.com, with Kitty at 22/1 from StanJames.com. Johnny fares a little better with best betting odds of 14/1 from WilliamHill.com. Fighting for survival does, however, sometimes bring out the best in performers. Let’s hope so! The judging panel is in disarray as Kelly Rowland bends under the pressure and Alexandra Burke has been drafted in to help out. The TV ratings are down, too, so Simon Cowell and the producers are on edge to make the X Factor 2011 a success. Fortunately, there is still much entertainment to be had in the next few weeks, if you focus on the contestants themselves. If you are interested in betting on your preferred contender in The X Factor 2011, take advantage of the free bet offers available from many bookmakers. Free bet opportunities abound on www.bestfreebets.com.    Looking for free bets for X Factor? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   01-11-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10274/best-free-bets-on-which-premier-league-manager-to-go There are some huge differences amongst bookmakers as to which Premier League manager will be the first to leave his post this season . Bookmakers are offering free bets on this and other markets and these free bets can be used to back your fancy in this intriguing market .  The position of a Premier League manager is one of the most precarious jobs around and this season is only the third in the last 10 seasons that there has been no sacking , departure or resignation before the end of October . A departure therefore appears to be imminent . Last season ten Premier League managers lost their jobs during the season and in 2008-09 an amazing fourteen clubs changed their manager during the season .  Steve Kean of Blacburn has been the bookmakers' favourite for the sack all season but Blackburn's form has picked up recently and Kean is now available at best odds of 9/4 with Stan James . Stan James are well established bookmakers who are currently offering new online accounts up to £150 in free bets and they are really taking an agressive view on this market .  Stan James make Roberto Martinez of Wigan their 7/4 favourite to be the next Premier League Manager to go but Ladbrokes amazingly are still offering the boss of the bottom of the table side at a whopping price of 8/1 . There are other big differences between these bookies as follows :  Steve Bruce    2/1 with Ladbrokes - 7/2 with Stan James Alex McLeish 12/1 at Ladbrokes - 20/1 with Stan James Other bookmakers betting on the next Premier League manager to go include William Hill and Skybet . William Hill offer 25/1 against Neil Warnock of QPR and top price for David Moyes of Everton at 25/1 also . Skybet are similar odds to William Hill but Skybet also have the added attraction of their free bet offer not requiring a deposit . Thats right you can open an online account at Skybet and have a £10 free bet with no deposit at all required . With Martin O,Neil apparently ruling himself out of the vacant Leicester City job to wait for an opportunity in the Premier League it is not suprising to see O'Neil feature prominently in the betting to be the next Manager at a number of Premier League clubs .  Stan James are alone in offering a market on who will be the next permanent Sunderland manager but Sunderland fans would welcome O'Neil to the Stadium Of Light with open arms and the odds of 9/4 favourite for O'Neil just might make Steve Bruce slightly nervous .    31-10-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10273/free-bets-for-england-twenty20-international England look to restore some pride in the final leg of their tour and are 11/8 to win the Twenty20 match against India with Paddy Power who will give £100 free bets to new customers. Online bookmakers give free bets to new customers which can be placed on the International Twenty20 between India and England at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday 29th October 2011. FREE BETS FOR ENGLAND IN TWENTY20 INTERNATIONAL England have floundered badly in the ODI series in India where they have been outplayed in every department by an invigorated India side. MS Dhoni led India to a 5-0 whitewash to avenge the memory of a miserable tour of England in the summer. England have the opportunity to restore a little of their wounded pride in the Twenty20 match on Saturday before they fly home to answer questions as to why they produced such a lacklustre performance in the series of 50-over games. England are the current Twenty20 World Cup holders and earlier in the week, the ICC announced its first official International Twenty20 rankings with England leading the way, India are ranked fifth. With the top six ranked Twenty20 teams with touching distance of each other, England should have all the motivation they need to go out for the win they require to hold on to their number status. England will be without Eoin Morgan who is the top rated International Twenty20 batsman but will kook to Kevin Pietersen to rediscover the form that has earned him third place in the list of International Twenty20 batsman. Pietersen was unable to put together a big score in his four ODI appearances twice falling short of a half century when losing his on 41 and 46 runs and enjoyed his best knock when hitting 64 runs in the third ODI in Mohali. Pietersem missed the final ODI game in Kolkata with injury but should be fit to return for the Twenty20 game on Saturday. England spin bowler Graeme Swann has been a shadow of himself on this tour and managed to capture just two wickets in the series and contribute 25 runs. Swann is one of the best all-rounders in every discipline of the game and could redeem some of his reputation with a big performance in Kolkata. Get free bets from Paddy Power when placing a bet on the International Twenty20, India v England. Use free bets to back England to win, Kevin Pietersen to to be top England batsman, Graeme Swann to be England’s most economical bowler or a variety of other betting markets for the India v England International Twenty20.   Looking for free bets for Twenty20 Cricket? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   26-10-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10272/free-bets-for-luke-donald-who-could-make-history-at-disney Luke Donald could make history at the final PGA TOUR event of the season and is 8/1 to win the Children’s Network Miracle Hospitals Classic at Victor Chandler who will give a £25 free bet to new customers. Online bookmakers give free bets to new customers which can be placed on the Children’s Network Miracle Hospitals Classic at Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course from Thursday 20 October to Sunday 23 October 2011. FREE BETS FOR LUKE DONALD WHO COULD MAKE HISTORY Luke Donald could make history by becoming the first player to finish top of the US PGA Tour and European Tour money lists in the same year. Donald looks to have the Race to Dubai sewn up as he is well clear at the top of the European Tour money list, but he is lagging over $300,000 behind Webb Simpson in the USA. That means Donald must win or finish second in the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic if he is to have any chance of topping the PGA Tour money list. Donald and Simpson are the two players with most top ten finishes this season and it comes down to the final tournament at the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic to decide which player will finish as the PGA Tour’s highest earner. They could be set to go head-to-head over all four rounds at Disney as they have been paired together for the first two rounds. Punters betting on the Children’s Network Miracle Hospitals Classic with Victor Chandler will get paid out as a winner if their player makes a hole in one in any of the four rounds. Sportingbet, who offers new customers £100 of free bets, is offering the biggest odds of 11/1 for Simpson to win the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic although a solo second place would be enough to ensure he stays top of the money list if Donald wins. History is against Donald as only once since 1990 has the money list lead change hands in the final week. That came in 1996 when Tom Lehman overtook Phil Mickleson after he won the TOUR Championship. The winner of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic could be giving successful Ladbrokes punters an end of season fillip. New customers will not only be able to receive a free bet, but if their winning player finishes four strokes or more clear, Ladbrokes will pay out at double the odds.   Get free bets from Ladbrokes, Sportingbet and Victor Chandler when placing a bet on the Children’s Network Miracle Hospitals Classic. Use free bets to back Luke Donald to win, Webb Simpson to win or on a variety of other Children’s Network Miracle Hospitals Classic betting markets.     Looking for free bets for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   19-10-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10270/free-bets-for-sergio-aguero-to-score-first-for-manchester-city-against-villareal Manchester City will bid for their first Champions League win when they meet Villareal at the Etihad Stadium and Sergio Aguerro is 4/1 to open the scoring with Coral who will give a £50 free bet to new customers. Online bookmakers give free bets to new customers which can be placed on the Champions League match between Manchester City and Villareal on Tuesday 18 October 2011. MANCHESTER CITY LOOKING FOR FIRST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WIN Manchester City are flying high in the Premier League, reaching the top with some impressive attacking play and have scored 27 goals in eight games. Manager Roberto Mancini has taken Manchester City into the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history but his expensively assembled squad has made stuttering start to the European campaign in stark contrast to results in their domestic campaigns. A 2-2 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage is the only blight on an otherwise perfect start for Manchester City in national League and Cup competitions, but they have found life tougher against Champions League opposition. Italian side Napoli almost caused an upset in Manchester, but full-back Aleksandar Kolarov responded to Edinson Cavani’s 69th minute goal to salvage a point for Manchester City on their Champions League debut. Despite promises from Mancini that his players would overcome their nerves and Bayern in Munich, Mario Gomez struck twice in the first half and the German side ran out deserved 2-0 victors on Champions League Matchday Two. Manchester City’s next Champions League test is Spanish side Villareal who came through the playoffs with wins home and away against Old Boys. Villareal have made a slow start in La Liga picking up just one win in seven games and have lost both Champions League group matches by the same 2-0 scoreline at home to Bayern Munich and in Italy against Napoli. Failure to beat Villareal on Tuesday will leave Manchester City a stiff uphill to climb to escape the Champions League’s group of death. The odds suggest Manchester City will rise to the occasion and Coral’s 4/11 is as much as bookmakers are prepared to risk on the home win. Mancini certainly has enough firepower at his disposal and has not missed rebel striker Carlos Tevez who was top scorer for Manchester City in the last two seasons. Having the pick of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli as strike options has meant no shortage of goals Manchester City this season. Aguero is pick of the bunch, announcing himself with a hattrick on his debut against Wigan and he has now scored eight goals in seven games for Manchester City. Edin Dzeko took time to settle following his move from Wolfsburg in January but is showing his worth this season. He rocked White Hart Lane when putting four past Tottenham in the 5-1 win in August to take his tally to six in the first two weeks of the season. Dzeko has not scored in five appearances since but is rated a 13/10 chance at Victor Chandler to return to scoring ways against Villareal. Manchester City’s enigmatic 21-year-old Mario Balotelli refuses to be ignored and opened the scoring in Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Aston Villa for his third goal on only his second Premier League start. His performance doesn’t pose Mancini with a selection headache just yet as the Italian striker will serve the last of his three-match ban on Tuesday night. Get free bets from Coral and Victor Chandler when placing a bet on the Champions League match, Manchster City v Villareal. Use free bets to back Manchester City to win, Sergio Aguero to score first, Edin Dzeko to score at anytime or on a variety of other Manchester City v Villareal betting markets.     Looking for free bets for Champions League football? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   16-10-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10271/the-x-factor-2011-bet-on-the-winner The leading online bookmaker, Bet365, offers free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and entertainment bets including The X Factor 2011 Winner. A free bet offers you the opportunity to get really involved in the outcome of the competition. Last week, 16 year-old Amelia Lil, 2 Shoes, James Michael and Jonjo Kerr left the show after much teeth gnashing and tears from the ever emotional judges. On Saturday, boy band Nu Vibe were voted off too. Judge Tulisa Contostavlos was distraught but they had to go! The boys commented that “We sang our hearts out and did the best we could”. It was not enough. The bookmakers have their fingers on the musical pulse of this competition and the betting odds reflect the progress of the acts with constant revisions after each show. Janet Devlin, the flame-haired Irish sensation, delivered another strong performance despite a family bereavement during the week, and the best betting odds for her to be winner are 3/1 from Victor Chandler. However, she has been knocked off her previous first placing in the betting by fledgling boy band, The Risk. Bet365 offers odds of 13/5 for this group. Flamboyant solo artiste, Misha Bryan, is impressing the judges and best betting odds are offered by Betfred at 5/1. Dubbed “the new urban queen” by judge Louis Walsh, Misha Bryan is another very strong contender to win The X Factor 2011 Craig Colton is not far off the betting either, with odds of 15/2 offered by Skybet . Sophie Habibis (12/1 from Ladbrokes), Marcus Collins (25/1 from Totesport) and Rhythmix (39/1 from Unibet) are still in the running too. What about those languishing at the bottom of bookmakers’ expectations? Franki Cocozza, controversial Kitty Brucknell, Johnny Robinson and Sami Brookes should be extremely nervous. The best odds for Frankie are 50/1 from Betfred , with Kitty at 66/1 from the Stan James bookmakers. Johnny is on offer at 66/1 from Boylesports and Sami is at the bottom of the betting heap at 99/1 from Unibet. Long shots, yes, but the betting odds do shift from week to week so keep your eyes on the prices. If you are interested in The X Factor 2011, consider placing a bet on your preferred contender in The X Factor 2011 Winner category offered by many bookmakers. Free bet opportunities abound with all bookmakers quoted. A totally free bet on The X Factor 2011? Sounds too good to miss!     Looking for free bets for X Factor? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   16-10-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10269/free-bets-on-xmas-no1-bestselling-book William Hill offer free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting, cultural and literary events including the Christmas Number One Bestseller. Celebrity chef, campaigner and general good egg Jamie Oliver leads the betting. William Hill offer odds of 1/2 for Jamie’s new title, Jamie’s Great Britain, making this cookbook the one all authors would love to beat. In 2010, Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals also topped the Bestseller List, selling 150,000 in the week leading up to Christmas alone. It will be hard to topple Jamie Oliver from the top spot but there are some other publications that stand a chance. Bookmaker William Hill places The Guinness Book of Records at betting odds of 11/2, demonstrating that the public has not lost its appetite for interesting and entertaining information. Cult movie, The Inbetweeners, has spawned The Inbetweeners Yearbook for which William Hill offers good odds of 10/1. Identical odds of 10/1 are also on offer for football autobiography, My Story, by Manchester United legend Paul Scholes. Longer odds are on offer for Top Gear star, Jeremy Clarkson’s Round the Bend at 12/1. Businessman and The Apprentice lynchpin, Alan Sugar’s The Way I See It is placed at 16/1 whilst fictional radio and television presenter Alan Partridge’s I, Partridge: We Need to Talk About Alan is on offer at 20/1. Other titles are also on the William Hill list including: The Life of Lee by Lee Evans, The Book that's More than Just a Book by Peter Kay), the JLS Annual 2012, Dare to Dream by One Direction, Absolutely: A Memoir by Joanna Lumley, The World of Downtown Abbey by Jessica Fellowes, Home Cooking Made Easy by Lorraine Pascale, You are Not Alone: Through a Brother's Eyes by Jermaine Jackson and River Cottage Veg Every Day Hugh Fearnley-Wittingstall. William Hill spokesman, Graham Sharp, comments: "The Christmas battle seems to have started earlier than ever with Jamie cooking up a betting storm. But with several high profile celebs and the traditionally hard to beat Guinness book a tough competitor to beat, this looks far from a one-horse - or chef - race." Another UK leading bookmaker , Ladbrokes appear to think Jamie Oliver is a sure thing for the Xmas No. 1 best selling book and instead Ladbrokes are betting on whether Jamie will spend more than 32 weeks at the No.1 position . Ladbrokes offer 3/1 for this eventuality and offer all new online betting accounts a Free £50 Bet . If you are interested in the Christmas Number One bestseller, consider placing a bet on your preferred candidate. Free bet opportunities abound on bestfreebets.com and, specifically, access your £25 free bet on The Christmas Number One bestseller on Williamhill.com   William Hill £25 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet 13-10-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10268/free-bets-for-england-to-win-odi-series-in-india The England one-day side has warmed up with two comfortable victories in Hyderabad and is available at odds of 6/5 to win the ODI series in India with William Hill who will give a £25 free bet to new customers. Online bookmakers give free bets to new customers which can be placed on the ODI series between India and England which starts on 14th October 2011. ENGLAND PLAYERS IMPRESS IN WARM-UP GAMES Jonny Bairstow produced the pick of a number of impressive individual performances when England prepared for the start of the five-match ODI series against India with two games against a Hyderabad Cricket Association XI this week. The 22-year-old wicket-keeper/batsman, who scored a match-winning 41 runs on his one day debut against India at Cardiff last month, scored a blistering 104 not out off 53 balls to set up a 253-run victory for the tourists on Tuesday. The youngster smashed the final ball for six to wrap up a swashbuckling performance that underlined his claim for a place in the first ODI at Hyderabad on Friday. Bairstow’s century followed half-centuries from the early England batting order with captain, Alastair Cook scoring 81 and fellow opener Craig Kieswetter making 71. Jonathan Trott contributed 74 runs in the fourth wicket partnership as England made 367-4 at the Ravi Ghandi Stadium. Scott Borthwick spun his way through the Hyderabad batting order taking 5-31 in his 10 overs and Stuart Meaker staked a claim for a possible international debut when he ended with 3-30. It was a very different bowling attack from the one that successfully defended a 219-run total on Saturday. On that occasion Steve Finn grabbed the headlines with 4-28 in 7.5 overs, the highlight being his hattrick to seal a 56-run victory for England. Ravi Bopara had rescued the England innings from 47-4 by scoring 73 off 82 balls and all-rounder Chris Woakes came in at eight to keep up the momentum with an unbeaten 46 from 59 balls. England beat India 3-0 in the recent ODI series on home soil but bookmakers give the home side the edge back on the sub-continent with bet365 giving odds of 4/5 for India to earn the series win. Bopara finished top of the England batting averages with 65.66 runs in the ODI series in England and is 9/1 to be top England batsman in this upcoming series. England have own the World Twenty20 and became the number one Test side with a 4-0 whitewash against India in the summer and one-day skipper Alistair Cooke is trying to build a World Cup winning side in the 50-over game. Cooke has shown sublime form with bat for the full Test side and did a solid job while captain of the ODI team in the series against the current World Champions with a best score of 80 and average of 42.25. Cooke is a 7/2 chance at Ladbrokes to be top England batsman in the series, the same odds as Jonathan Trott. Get free bets from bet365, Ladbrokes and William Hill when placing a bet on the India v England ODI series. Use free bets to back England to win the ODI series, Alistair Cooke to be top England batsman, Ravi Bopara to be top England batsman or on a variety of other India v England betting markets.   Looking for free bets for India v England ODI Series? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   12-10-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10267/freebets-on-x-factor-winning-mentor The leading Irish bookmaker, Paddy Power, offers free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and entertainment bets including The X Factor 2011’s Winning Mentor. The X Factor competition aims to select a winnings solo singer or group that can succeed nationally and internationally. There have been notable successes such as Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke. However, in many ways, the real winners on The X Factor are the judges or mentors. Good performances engage the public’s interest and serve to further the judges’ own careers. Bookmakers offer an excellent range of betting opportunities on The X Factor, including the category of Winning Mentor. Free bets are available through bestfreebets.com and offer you the opportunity to get really involved in the outcomes of this exciting competition. The X Factor has kicked off in earnest with the first live eliminations this weekend and the judges each had the difficult task of selecting one of their stable of four acts to leave the competition. The sensationally successful TV programme bid goodbye to 16 year-old Amelia Lily after much anguish by judge Kelly Rowland. Boy group of two, 2 Shoes, also bit the dust after their selection by judge Tulisa Contostavlos. Take That star and judge, Gary Barlow, chose James Michael and the inimitable Louis Walsh selected Jonjo Kerr. Lots of tears from the losers. And for those remaining? Lots of tears , and a huge sense of relief too as they survive to continue their battle next weekend. Judge Kelly Rowland leads the betting for The X Factor Winning Mentor category. She has a very strong trio of female solo performers and this is reflected in the bookmakers’ betting odds. Bet365, Paddy Power and William Hill all offer odds of 4/6 for Kelly, making her the runaway favourite for Winning Mentor. Judge Gary Barlow is second favourite with his male solo artists with betting odds of 9/4 from bookmakers Paddy Power, and  Ladbrokes offer odds of 3/1 whilst ToteSport and Betfair offer 11/4. Judge Tulisa Contostavlos has an uphill struggle as a boy band has never won The X Factor. This challenge is reflected in the bookmakers’ odds. Odds are available from Paddy Power at 4/1 with Bet365 both offering the best odds of 9/2. Poor Louis Walsh with his category of Over 28’s. The category produces much entertainment for the public but rarely a winner. The betting odds for Winning Mentor reflect the relatively low standard of the three remaining contestants in the running. The best betting odds for Walsh to be the winning X Factor manager are from  Bet365 at 22/1 . It’s not looking good for him... If you are interested in The X Factor 2011, consider placing a bet on your preferred judge in the Winning Mentor category offered by many bookmakers. Free bet opportunities abound on bestfreebets.com and you can follow the links below to go direct to the bookmaker and place your Free Bet :  Bet365              £200 Free Bets Paddy Power  £100 Free Bets Betfair               £25 Free Bets Totesport         £10 Free Bets William Hill      £25 Free Bets Ladbrokes      £50 Free Bets   10-10-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10266/free-bets-on-spain-to-win-euro2012 Spain remain clear favourites to win Euro 2012 after another impressive performance in qualifying last night as they cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in Prague . Ladbrokes are offering £50 in free bets to new accounts and currently offer a standout 3/1 for the World Cup holders to win Euro 2012 .   Goals from Juan Mata and Xabi Alonso secured Spain's seventh successive Group I win and their 100% Group record . Defeat for the Czech Republic has kept the race for 2nd place in Group I open with Scotland hopes of qualification still very much alive particularly if they can win away at Lichtenstein today . Bookmakers offer free bets to new online accounts and free bets can be used to bet on the Euro 2012 tournament . England qualified for the final stages of Euro 2012 with a 2-2 draw away to Montenegro and have become one of seven teams that have qualified . Spain , Italy , Holland and Germany  had previously qualified to play alongside co-hosts Poland and Ukraine . Fabio Capello can be pleased with his sides overall record in winning Group G . Five wins and three draws with a goal difference of +12 represents a good qualifying campaign and despite the headline sending off of Wayne Rooney England have many talented young players coming through who could help Capello to outperform in Poland and Ukraine next summer .  Bookies are currently offering 9/1 on England winning the Euro 2012 Championship and  those odds are probably about right . Sadly for Capello last night he was having to spend most of his time defending his decision to select Wayne Rooney for the Montenegro game instead of celebrating his team's qualification . Capello will be without Rooney for the first game in the Euro 2012 fianl stages as the Man Utd striker now faces a minimum one game suspension . Capello commented on Rooney's sending off "He was not happy because he missed some control and some passes. For this reason, I think he reacted. His reaction was to kick the opponent." Luckily for Capello and England fans the emergence of talent such as Danny Wellbeck and Ashley Young for club and country should mean that the national team has less dependence on Rooney next summer than was the case for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 and England are still capable of beating most teams on their day . Bookmakers offering free bets and best odds for England to win the Euro 2012  Championships are listed below : Bet365               £200 Free Bets Sportingbet       £100 Free Bets Victor Chandler £100 Free Bets Blue Square      £80 Free Bets Stan James      £100 Free Bets Paddy Power   £100 Free Bets Coral                 £100 Free bets William Hill       £100 Free Bets    Betfred               £50 Free Bets 08-10-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10265/paddy-power-betting-on-a-vampire Paddy Power offer free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account . These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and cultural events including the forthcoming release of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1. The Twilight books, written by author Stephanie Meyer, have been a publishing sensation. Over 116 million books were sold up to last year, and they have been translated into 38 languages. The vampire-themed fantasy romances appeal particularly to the younger audience, and the success of the books has transferred to the big screen. The photogenic stars, Kristen Stewart (who plays Isabella Swan) and Robert Pattinson (who plays vampire Edward Cullen), have delivered 3 box office successes thus far. Twilight (2008), The Twilight Saga: New Moon and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse are due to be joined shortly by Breaking Dawn: Part 1. Paddy Power are offering you the opportunity to bet on the commercial success of Breaking Dawn: Part 1. What do you reckon the world wide gross box office revenue will be? Betting odds are offered as follows, use your free bet at the odds below : Less than $500 million                    14/1 $500 million to £599 million           14/1 $600 million to $699 million             5/1 $700 million to $799 million             1/2 $800 million to $899 million           10/3 $900 million or more                          3/1   The UK release date hasbeen set for 16 November, two days before the US release date. The Director, Bill Condon, will attend the UK premiere, as will three major start from the film, Robert Pattinson, Ashley Greene and Taylor Lautner. Time enough for you to get cracking and place a bet on your estimate of the film’s success. Free bet opportunities abound on bestfreebets.com and, specifically, access your free bet on the Breaking Dawn: Part 1 with paddypower.com by clicking on the link below :   Paddy Power £100 Free Bets 07-10-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10264/betfred-launch-x-factor-free-bet-refunds Kitty Brucknell is 6/1 with Betfred to be the first elimination on X Factor this weekend and if she is the first person saved, the online bookmaker will refund stakes on Kitty with up to £250 free bet refund. Online bookmakers give free bets to new customers which can be placed on the X Factor First Elimination on Saturday 8 October 2011. BETFRED LAUNCHES X FACTOR FREE BET REFUNDS Self-styled ‘Bonus King’ Betfred has made a reputation for providing its customers with the best value around. Be it football, rugby, cricket, formula 1, moto GP, golf, tennis or horse racing, Betfred has a free bet offer or winnings boosting bonus for its customers. Now Betfred has turned its attention to the growing betting markets emerging out of the huge popularity in televised talent shows and reality TV. As 16 X Factor finalists got their first taste of celebrity attention when put before the Media earlier this week, Betfred was launching two free bet offers for viewers looking to have bet on the outcome of the show. Fans placing a bet on the X Factor outright winner before Saturday night will get their stakes refunded as a free bet if their favourite act finishes runner up at the end of the series. To add the tension of seeing which act will get eliminated, Betfred will refund bets placed on the X Factor First Elimination market if the selection is the first act saved. Bookmakers are united in who they think is most likely to be the first act eliminated, Rhythmix are a best priced 10/3 at Stan James. Kitty Brucknell is another popular choice to be first to go and is as low as 4/1 in places. Betfred disagrees with most of the odds compilers and is betting 6/1 for Kitty to be booted off the show. Early favourite for the winning act is Janet Devlin at 4/1 with Sportingbet and Unibet while Amelia Lily is close in the betting at 4/1 with most firms but Unibet is offering 5/1. Get free bets from Betfred, Sportingbet, Stan James and Unibet when placing a bet on X Factor. Use free bets to back on X Factor Winning Act, X Factor First Elimination and other X Factor betting markets.   Looking for free bets for X Factor? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   06-10-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10263/strictly-come-dancing-free-bets Come tango with Paddy Power and other bookmakers  who offer free bets to all new customers when open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and cultural events including the compelling television viewing that is the 2012 Strictly Come Dancing competition. Paddy Power currently offer a £100 Free Bet for all new accounts who subscribe via a link on the bestfreebets.com website . Paddy Power offers odds on all 14 contenders but, let’s be clear, you may not wish to bet on Nancy Dell’Olio nor Edwina Currie who share the very long odds of 100/1. Nancy simply cannot afford to slip on her feather boa again... You may prefer using your free bet for Jason Donovan, West End performer and former soap star, who leads the group at betting odds of 7/4. Other bookies including Bet365 , William Hill and Blue Square are also betting on Strictly Come Dancing and all make Donovan the hot 7/4 favourite .   Also dancing well at present are Harry Judd at best odds of 3/1 with Paddy Power and former Australian soap star Holly Valance at 5/1. Anita Dobson is offered at odds of 12/1 with bookmakers  Stan James and Bet365 whilst Chelsee Healey is available at 16/1 with Stan James and Alex Jones who is available at tempting odds of 16/1 with Bet365 . Paddy Power offer longer odds for Russell Grant and Robbie Savage (both at odds of 20/1), Rory Bremner and Dan Lobb (sharing odds of 25/1). Entertainer Lulu and former boxer Audley Harrison are offered at 50/1 and 1501/1 with Blue Square respectively. These dancers will need to work hard to get through the initial weeks in the face of strong competition. Kara Tointon won Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 with astonishing artistry and athleticism, and this year’s contenders will have to work very hard to match her talent. If you are glued to the television every weekend, consider having a flutter on the 2011 Strictly Come Dancing competition. Free bet opportunities abound on bestfreebets.com and, specifically, access your free bet on the winner of the competition by following one of the links below : 2011 Strictly Come Dancing Free Bets £100 in Free Bets via Paddy Power £150 in Free Bets via Stan James £80 in Free Bets via Blue Square £25 in Free Bets via William Hill £200 in Free Bets via Bet365 04-10-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10262/free-bets-for-england-to-qualify-for-euro-2012 Having failed to impress at Wembley, England hold fate in their own hands for their trip to Podgorica where bet365 make England 4/5 to beat Montenegro and will give £200 free bets to new customers. Online bookmakers give free bets to new customers which can be placed on the EURO 2012 qualifier, Montenegro v England on Friday 7 October 2011. AWAY FORM TO HOLD ENGLAND IN GOOD STEAD FOR EURO 2012 QUALIFICATION England should have sealed their Euro 2012 qualification long before this final group game in Montenegro but have suffered a bout of the jitters in front of home fans at Wembley. Montenegro started England’s problems when nullifying England’s strikers in a 0-0 stalemate in October. When the second series of Euro 2012 group fixtures resumed in March, England were expected to safely dispatch visiting Switzerland - after all Wayne Rooney and co had been irresistible when inflicting a 3-1 defeat on the Swiss in Basel last September. It wasn’t to be, as England were caught cold midway through the first half and conceded two goals in three minutes before recovering for a 2-2 draw. The result extended England winless run at Wembley to 4 games in eight months and it was with some relief that Fabio Capello’s side scraped a barely deserved 1-0 win against Wales last month thanks to Ashley Young’s first half strike. The narrow victory against luckless Wales, who had done England a crucial favour in beating group leaders Montenegro 2-1 in Cardiff a week earlier, left the Three Lions with its Euro 2012 qualifying fate in its own hands. England go to Podgorica on Friday knowing a point will be enough to secure first place in Group G and avoid the ignomony of having to qualify through the play offs between other group runners up. England may well feel happier to tackle this hurdle away from blighty as they have been much more impressive on their travels during the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. The win in Switzerland was followed by a convincing 2-0 win against Wales at the Millennium Stadium before comprehensively dismissing Bulgaria with three first half goals in Sofia. Another clean sheet will be first on the agenda, which would be enough to start arranging travel plans for Poland and Ukraine next summer. It would be satisfying and morale boosting to end the Euro 2012 qualifying with a win and having won all three away games by a margin of at least two goals, the 2-0 correct score at 13/2 with Boylesports, is sure to a popular choice with punters on the day. Get free bets from bet365 and Boylesports when placing a bet on Euro 2012 football. Use free bets to back on Euro 2012 outright winners, qualifier match betting, first scorer, correct score and other Euro 2012 betting markets.   Looking for free bets for Euro 2012 football? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   02-10-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10261/free-bets-on-xmas-no-1-dvd-with-paddy-power Leading Irish bookmaker Paddy Power offer free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account. These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and novelty bets including the Christmas No. 1 DVD. The Christmas season is nine weeks away but the competition is already fierce for the Christmas No. 1 DVD. Books and DVD’s remain important stocking-fillers, despite the successes of downloading and tablets. Paddy Power offer a great range of topical and fun bets and are offering single bets on the No. 1 best-selling DVD during Christmas week based on the purchasing data provided by Tesco. If you are interested in a flutter or a free bet , read on... The top DVD at present is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, offered at betting odds of 4/7. The perennial British favourite, Dr Who: The Complete Sixth Series, follows at odds of 3/1. Not far behind is Cars 2 at odds of 7/2, then another Hollywood blockbuster, Bridesmaids at odds of 4/1. Suprise mega-hit, the Inbetweeners, features at betting odds of 6/1 with the latest in the Pirate of the Caribbean franchise, On Stranger Tides, at odds of 8/1. Longer odds of 10/1 are offered by Paddy Power on Transformers: Dark of the Moon at 10/1. Christine Bleakley’s fitness DVD shares odds of 12/1 with the hilarious Horrible Bosses movie. What’s your choice? If you are interested in entertainment and, specifically, movies, consider placing a bet on your preferred candidate. Free bet opportunities abound on bestfreebets.com and, specifically, access your free bet on the Christmas No.1 DVD on paddypower.com   To get up to £100 in Free Bets from Paddy Power simply click on the link below : £100 Free Bets From Paddy Power 29-09-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10260/free-bets-with-paddy-power-on-the-2011-nobel-peace-prize Paddy Power offer free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account . These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and cultural events including The Nobel Prize 2011. This prestigious award is made to a person (or sometimes a concept or group of people) who has, in the terms of the will of Alfred Nobel in 1895 “done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses”. Recent past winners include Liu Xiaobo, the Chinese human rights activist, in 2010 and Barack Obama, serving President of the United States of America, in 2009. Paddy Power, unlike many of its competitor bookmakers, offers odds on this event and this year the favourite contender is Dr Sima Samar, who is Chairperson of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission and, from 2005, UN Special Rapporteur on Sudan. The betting odds for her success with Paddy Power are 5/4. Close on her heels is Burmese opposition politician, Aung San Suu Kyi, General Secretary of the National League for Democracy. She has previously won the Prize, back in 1991, but has re-emerged on the public stage following her release from house arrest of almost 15 years just last November. Paddy Power offers betting odds of 4/1 for Aung San Suu Kyi . Longer odds are offered for Leymah Gbowee, African peace activist, at current odds of 12/1. Morgan Tsvangirai is also at odds of 12/1 and Julian Assange of WikiLeaks at 14/1. There are many, many nominees each year and this is reflected in the volume of odds on offer from Paddy Power. Sir Nicholas Winton , who saved some 669 mostly Jewish children in the Czech Kindertransport during the second world war, is on offer at odds of 33/1. Longest odds of all? The past Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair, is on offer at odds of 200/1. The Nobel Peace Prize winner for 2011 will be announced at 9am, GMT, on Friday, 7 October. There will be a live webcast from the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo. If you are interested in people and events on the world stage, consider placing a bet on your preferred candidate. Free bet opportunities abound on bestfreebets.com and, specifically, access your free bet on the Nobel Peace Prize 2011 on Paddypower.com   To go direct to the Paddy Power website and register to collect your £100 Free Bet follow the link below : £100 Free Bet with Paddy Power 27-09-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10259/prix-de-larc-de-triomphe-preview-and-free-bets The 2011 Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe takes place next Sunday , October 2nd at Longchamp and this is one of the flat racing highlights of any season . Bookmakers will be offering free bets and special offers on all racing at Longchamp next weekend but the ARC is undoubtedly the highlight of a great racing weekend . Last year's Arc winner Workforce has worked well in recent days and will be ridden by Ryan Moore at Longchamp . Workforce, who beat Nakayama Festa by a head at Longchamp last season, is top-priced at 6-1 to become the first horse since Alleged in 1978 to win the Arc two years running. Ryan Moore has not ridden in public since injuring his shoulder and thumb in a fall on the final day of Glorious Goodwood in late July, but is very confident of being 100% on the big day saying "Physically I'm in very good shape. The movement's not there yet but it's getting there." The Aidan O'Brien trained So You Think is a general 5/1 second favourite with most bookmakers although the trainer has not yet made a decision as to who will ride the ex Australian horse in the Arc . O'Brien also has At Nicholas Abbey and Seville entered into the Prix De LArc De Triomphe and when asked about So You Think said "It's so far, so good with everything, but we're taking it day by day and obviously there's a week to go." Sarafina is the favourite with all bookies for the race although the filly was not too impressive when scraping home in the Qatar Prix Foy which was her Arc trial earlier this month . Sarafina is a worthy favourite for the 2011 Arc De Triomphe but this years race is particularly open and it could well pay to take advantage of the free bets and special offers which UK bookmakers will be offering on the race . A list of recommended Free Bets is given below . We do offer some guidance on this site on how to choose a bookmaker and if you are relatively new to betting , this is a must read .   £200 Free Bet  From Bet365 £20 Free Bet From Bet clic £50 Free Bet From Betfred £80 Free Bet From Blue Square £40 Free Bet From Boylesports £50 Free Bet From Corals £50 Free Bet From Ladbrokes £100 Free Bet From Paddy Power £100 Free Bet From Sportingbet £150 Free Bet From Stan james £25 Free Bet From William Hill         25-09-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10258/free-bets-for-champions-league-group-stage-matchday-two Roberto Mancini has stated his team will win at Bayern Munich and Manchester City are 11/4 to keep the promise on Tuesday with bet365 who will give new customers £200 free bets. Online bookmakers give free bets to new customers which can be placed on the Champions League match, Bayern Munich v Manchester City. CAN NERVOUS MANCHESTER CITY KEEP MANCINI PROMISE? Manchester City drew 1-1 against Napoli when making their Champions League debut at the Etihad Stadium on 14 September when manager, Roberto Mancini blamed first-time nerves for the result in Manchester. Mancini told reporters afterwards: ''We play our first game in the Champions League, maybe some players wanted to win the game alone because we played one touch too many in the first half. We wanted to win but the Champions League is hard, for us it was important to play well.'' Having entered the Champions League draw as third seeds, Manchester City were always going to find a difficult group and while Group A has been labeled the Group of Death, Mancini has no fear about the challenge ahead. He said: ''We win in Munich the next game.'' While Manchester City can take heart from a good performance against a sharp Napoli side, Bayern Munich may have something to say about Mancini’s prediction. Bayern Munich’s 2-0 win at Villareal has been picked out as one of the best performances in the opening round of Champions League games proper. With home advantage on Tuesday and vast Champions League experience, Bayern Munich will feel good value for their 11/10 odds, available at Blue Square and 888sport. Manchester United play host to Group C leaders Basel and will be expected to run out comfortable winners against the Swiss champions who are rated 20/1 by Stan James. After a stuttering start to their league season, Basel have climbed to third in the Super League table on the back of three successive wins and won their opening Champions League match 2-1 at home to Otelul Galati. Basel’s good recent form is unlikely cut much ice with Manchester United who are rampant at the top of the Premier League and drew their first Champions League match 1-1 in Portugal when recovering from an early goal against Benfica. Manchester United are red hot favourites to gain all three Champions League points on Tuesday with odds of 2/11 at 188BET about the best available. Chelsea and Arsenal will be in action on Wednesday when Chelsea travel to Spain to play Valencia, looking to extend their lead in the Champions League Group E while Arsenal host Greek side, Olympiakos Piraeus in Group F. Chelsea ran out comfortable winners in their opening Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge where David Luiz and Juan Mata scored the goals in a 2-0 victory. After Valencia were held 0-0 at Genk in their Champions League opener, bookmakers have the Spanish side as underdogs on home turf. Boylesports is offering 19/10 for Valencia to win while Unibet’s odds of 17/11 are best for a Chelsea victory. Valencia got off to a flying start with three wins in the new La Liga campaign and dropped their first points last Wednesday when Barcelona twice came had to come from behind to earn a 2-2 draw. Valencia will provide a stern test for Chelsea who would probably settle for a draw right now, Blue Square and 888sport are offering 23/10 for this Champions League match to end in stalemate. Unhappy Arsenal let slip a lead in Germany when getting their Champions League campaign underway. Ivan Perisic equalized Robin van Persie’s first half goal in the 88th minute to earn Borussia Dortmund a point and left Arsene Wenger crest fallen once again this season. Olympiakos have played just two competitive games so far this term, losing at home to Marseilles in their Champions League group game before scrambling a win with two late goals for a 2-1 victory at home to Xanthi in the Greek Super League opener last weekend. Arsenal are expected to prove too good for their opponents at the Emirates and are available at odds of 3/8 to take the spoils at bwin. Stan James and Unibet offer 9/1 for Olympiakos and 4/1 the draw. Get free bets from 188BET, 888sport, bet365, Blue Square, Boylesports, bwin, Stan James and Unibet when placing a bet on Champions League football. Use free bets to back on Champions League outright winners, match betting, first scorer, correct score and other Champions League betting markets.   Looking for free bets for Champions League football? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   24-09-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10257/free-bets-on-2011-time-person-of-the-year Unibet offer free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account . These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and cultural events including the 2011 Time Person of the Year. This prestigious award is made to a person (or sometimes a concept or group of people) who has had a significant impact on the world in the past 12 months. Unibet is the first bookmaker to offer odds on this event and this year the favourite contender is the Arab Spring at odds of 4/5. US President, Barack Obama, is second favourite at odds of 10/1 for his pivotal role in damaging the capacity of terrorist organisation Al Qaeda. He ordered the successful mission to kill Osama bin Laden in May this year. He has won the Time Person of the Year award in 2008 so that may count against him, but let’s wait and see. Everyone’s essential working tool, Wikipedia, is offered at odds of 25/1 and, intriguingly, Mother Earth also features in this competition. 2011 has been notable for significant natural disasters that include tsunamis in Japan, volcanic eruptions in Chile, hurricanes in the United States, and mudslides in Brazil. Unibet offers betting odds of 35/1 for Mother Earth. Longer odds are on offer for two individuals. Novak Djokovic, the 24 year old Serbian tennis player and World number 1, has had a magnificent 2011 having won 3 Grand Slams. Unibet currently offer a £20 FREE BET for all new customers and offer generous odds of 50/1 for this sportsman who had had a major breakthrough year. Fidel Castro, the 85 year old Cuban dictator, is offered at betting odds of 85/1 following his resignation from the Communist Party of Cuba after 45 years in power. Time magazine will release a final list of nominated candidates in the next few weeks, with a final decision due in early December. The Time editorial board takes the final decision which may override the general public’s online vote. In 2010, for example, the award was made to Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, despite the fact that Julian Assange of WikiLeaks was the public’s choice. If you are interested in people and events on the world stage, consider placing a free bet on your preferred candidate now. Free bet opportunities abound on bestfreebets.com and, specifically, access your £20 free bet on the 2011 Time Person of the Year at unibet.com. Click Here To Go To Unibet For Your £20 Free Bet   23-09-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10256/2011-riba-stirling-prize-for-architecture-offers-free-bet-opportunities Irish Bookmaker , Paddy Power offer free bets to all new customers who open an online betting account . These free bets can be used to bet on all sporting and cultural events including the 2011 RIBA Stirling Prize For Architecture . Amazing buildings, designed by some of the United Kingdom’s best architects, feature in the 7-strong shortlist for the 2011 RIBA Stirling Prize. Kevin McCloud, presenter of Grand Designs and acknowledged design guru, will present a special version of BBC’s The Culture Show to showcase the buildings and the winner. The awards ceremony will take place on 1 October at the Magnum in Rotherham. Bookmakers Paddy Power are offering competitive betting odds on this competition, and new customers can also take advantage of free bet offers to maximise their returns. Of the seven contenders, the most highly publicised is the spectacular Olympic Velodrome in London. Hopkins Architects, who won a RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) competition to design the building, lead the pack as favourites at odds of 5/4. An urban Derry building is close behind in the betting, at odds of 7/2. An Gaelara is a new cultural centre for the Irish language,designed by O’Donnel and Tuomey. Other good bets are Zahan Hadid for the Evelyn Grace Academy, at odds of 4/1, and David Chipperfield Architects for the Folkwang Museum in Essen, Germany, at odds of 9/2. Both these firms have previously won the RIBA Stirling Prize and will be hoping for further success. Paddy Power offer longer odds for the remaining contenders. Bennett Associates designed the New Royal Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford-Upon-Avon and Paddy Power offers odds of 6/1 for this entrant. The same odds, of 6/1, are on offer for the Angel Building in London. This office building was designed by AHMM. The 2011 RIBA Stirling Prize is the pinnacle of the architectural world. All the architects in this year’s competition have previously been shortlisted so the quality of entrants has never been better. If you have a passion for design and architecture, consider placing a bet on the architects you rate most highly this year. Free bet opportunities abound on bestfreebets.com and, specifically, access your free bet on the 2011 RIBA Stirling Prize on paddypower.com. The winner will be announced on 1 October so you had better get your skates on!  For a £100 FREE BET - go to Paddy Power now   21-09-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10255/free-bets-for-sebastian-vettel-to-win-singapore-grand-prix Sebastian Vettel could wrap up the Formula 1 drivers title in Singapore on Sunday when SkyBet offer odds of 13/10 for the Red Bull ace to win and will give new customers £35 free bets. Online bookmakers give free bets to new customers which can be placed on Formula 1 and other motor sports. VETTEL LOOKS TO SEAL DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP AT SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX After Sebastian Vettel’s brilliant drive to win the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, it is possible for the young German star to seal the drivers championship in Singapore on Sunday. SkyBet is offering 13/10 for Vettel to win the Singapore Grand Prix which will take him most of the way to wrapping up his second driver’s title at the tender age of 24. Vettel will require Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso to have an off-day and finish out of the first four, then if he can drive to victory on the streets of Singapore with team mate Mark Webber and McLaren’s Jenson Button failing to take second place, he will win the title with five Grands Prix to spare. Alonso finished ahead of Vettel when winning last years Singapore Grand Prix and is available at odds of 5/1 at bwin to repeat his 2010 accomplishment and spoil Vettel’s party. Red Bull’s ace driver is quietly confident that he can turn the tables on Alonso, but keeping the Spaniard off the podium is another matter. Speaking ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Vettel said on the official Formula1.com website: “We’ve had some good races in Singapore in the past, especially last year when we finished second, just behind Fernando. I love the track, it’s very challenging; there are a lot of corners, it’s very long, it’s hot and it’s a night race, so there are a lot of special things about Singapore. The car seems to be very competitive there, so I hope we can go back there this year and win – it would be very special. Looking to the Championship, there is still some way to go. We are in a very strong position, which we deserve because we’ve been working hard and made few mistakes. As long as we come out of the next race with a bigger lead then we start with, then we have done a good job, so let’s see.” The Singapore Grand Prix is the longest race on the Formula 1 calendar and runs very close to the two-hour time limit imposed by the FIA. The race takes place on Sunday evening and tearing through the twisty Marina Bay Street Circuit beneath more than 1500 glaring lights in high humidity makes the Singapore Grand Prix one of Formula 1's most demanding tests of driver skill and physical strength. Get free bets from Skybet and bwin when placing a bet on the Singapore Grand Prix. Use free bets to back Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button or Mark Webber to win the Singapore Grand Prix.   Looking for free bets for the Singapore Grand Prix? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   19-09-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10254/free-cricket-bets-for-t20-champions-league-qualifiers The Qualifiers for the 2011 Twenty20 Champions League Cricket tournament in India begin next week, with Kolkata, Auckland, Somerset, Trinidad and Tobago, Ruhuna and Leicestershire all competing for one of the remaining 3 places. The wildly recognisable online bookmaker, Victor Chandler, provides a £25 free bet to all new customers which may be used on the 2011 Champions League Twenty20. SIX TEAMS COMPETE FOR CHANCE AT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GLORY IN INDIA The six Domestic Cricket teams looking to progress to the final stages of the 2011 Champions League Twenty20 tournament in India are split into Pools A and B, with Kolkata Knight Riders, Auckland Aces and Somerset in Pool A and Trinidad and Tobago, Ruhuna Rhinos and the Leicestershire Foxes in Pool B. Each Domestic cricket team will face off against their Pool members, with the winners of each Pool Qualifying alongside the next highest ranked Domestic Cricket team. Victor Chandler often extends their Top Batsman promotion, and the 2011 Champions League Twenty20 cricket competition is no exception where you can earn great free bet bonuses alongside their £25 free bet. The Kolkata Knight Riders are the bookmakers favourites to qualify top of Pool A, and are even as short as 8/1 at Sportingbet to win the Champions League Twenty20 outright market this year. Should Kolkata top Pool A, they will join the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Warriors, Southern Redbacks and the 3rd Highest ranked qualifier in Group B of the final stages of the Twenty20 Champions League. The Qualifying fixtures for the 2011 Champions League Twenty20 tournament will take place on the 19th/20th and 21st of September early next week, with a game from each pool taking place each day. You can back defending champions, the Chennai Super Kings to retain this Twenty20 Champions League crown in India at Victor Chandler while taking advantage of their £25 free bet. Victor Chandler offers the market's best price for Chennai to win this year's Champions League Twenty20 competition at 9/2. Get free bets for cricket, Champions League Twenty20 free bets and bonuses from Victor Chandler, William Hill, Betfred, Coral and Bet365. Use free bets to back Kolkata, Auckland, Somerset, Trinidad and Tobago, Ruhuna and Leicestershire in their qualifying matches for the 2011 Champions League Twenty20 Finals in India. Looking for free bets for Cricket? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet 16-09-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10253/2012-oscar-speculation-fuels-free-bet-opportunities Bookmakers are offering free bets to all new customers which can be used on all events including the 2012 Oscars . With the Venice Film festival now put to bed, speculation continues over the outcome of the 2012 Oscars which take place in just 6 months’ time. On 26 February 2012, industry veteran and consummate comedian, Eddie Murphy, will host an event which may reward the experience and vision of genius directors such as Steven Spielberg (War Horse), Clint Eastwood (J. Edgar), Roman Polanski (Carnage) and Martin Scorsese (Hugo Cabret). And how about the talented Tom Hanks, who has co-written “Larry Crowne” and directs it and stars in it! Ditto for silver fox George Clooney whose “The Ides of March” is a pacy US political thriller. So, if you like your films, consider a free bet to keep your interest going. Paddy Power is putting War Horse in the lead for Best Picture, at odds of 5/2. J. Edgar follows on its tail at odds of 4/1 as does The Artist, also at 4/1. Poor Roman Polanski trails at great odds of 50/1 for Contagion. Bet he doesn’t turn up for the ceremony! Paddy Power offers a £100 free bet for new customers so there’s no excuse for inactivity. Steven Spielberg leads the pack in the betting for Best Director, leading the way at odds of 5/2 for War Horse. Craggy Clint Eastwood is a sniff off the pace at 7/2 for J Edgar, with Gorgeous George Clooney at 5/1 for the Ides of March and the relatively unknown Michel Hazanavicius (tricky to spell!) also at 5/1 for The Artist. Again bringing up the rear is Roman Polanski at 25/1 for Carnage. But don’t write anyone off completely yet. It’s early days and the post-Labour Day lobbying has yet to reach a crescendo. The Old Un’s have proven themselves to be on excellent form but the betting odds will change as February approaches. Keep alert to new betting opportunities on freebets.com and remember to access your free bet at paddypower.com.   14-09-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10251/free-golf-bets-for-webb-simpson-at-the-bmw-championship Webb Simpson’s recent performances have catapulted him to top of the PGA Tour money list and bookmaker betting lists, bet365 who give new customers up to £200 free bets is offering odds of 18/1 for the 26-year-old American to win the BMW Championship. Get free bets from bet365 when placing a bet on the BMW Championship this week. SIMPSON’S EMERGENCE HAS BOOKMAKERS TAKING NOTE 26-year-old Webb Simpson has rocketed from being a relative unknown to the top of the FedEx Cup standings with two wins from his last three starts, causing bookmakers to sit up and take note of the American who turned pro in 2008. Simpson leads the PGA Tour 2011 money list after a consistent season posting nine top ten finishes in 22 events this year. At the beginning of the year Simpson’s name could be found toward the lower end of bookmakers’ lists with the also rans but now it will be seen above names like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Steve Stricker on PGA Tour betting markets. After partnering with caddie Paul Tesori in Hawaii in January, Simpson has made giant strides culminating in a memorable second half of the season. Aside from missing cut at the Players Championship last month, Simpson has not finished out of the top twenty since late May and has hit peak form during the FedEx Cup playoffs. Ahead of the third FedEx Cup play-off, this week’s BMW Championship at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, Simpson contends for second favouritism in the outright betting market behind world number one Luke Donald and bet365 stand out from the early betting crowd offering odds of 18/1 for Simpson to register back-to-back wins. Donald himself has pretty much defined consistency this season, rarely finishing out of the top ten but with just a solitary Tour win at the Accenture Match Play in February. Donald finished two strokes behind Simpson when tied third at the Deutsche Bank Championship in the second FedEx Cup playoff and is expected to be up amongst the leaders again on Sunday. William Hill offer odds of 12/1 for Donald to win the BMW Championship this week.   Get free bets to place on the BMW Championship from bet365 and William Hill. Use free bets to back Luke Donald, Webb Simpson and other FedEx Cup contenders at the BMW Championship..   Looking for free bets for the BMW Championship? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   11-09-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10250/free-bets-on-premier-league-top-scorer The race to be Premier League top scorer this season looks like being one of the most open for a while as a host of new contenders are expected to give more established Premier League star's a run for their money . Most bookies are betting on who will be the Premier League Top Goalscorer 2011-2012 and free bet offers from bookmakers are valid on this market . Coral are a well known UK bookmaker and they have some very competitive prices on this market . Coral offer all new accounts a Free £50 bet and are best odds on Edin Dzeko of Manchester City at odds of 4/1 and Luis suarez of Liverpool at odds of 11/1 . Dzeko moved to Manchester City in January for £27M and many pundits thought City had overpaid as the 6ft 4in Bosnian striker struggled initially following his transfer from Wolfsburg . However six goals in three Premier League appearances so far this term including four against Spurs have made bookmakers take notice . Dzeko has form , he was Bundesliga top scorer in the 2010-11 season with 22 goals and averaged better than a goal a game in his three years with Wolfsburg . Sergio Aguero is the other new boy at Manchester City who has made a massive impact so far this season . Aguero is best odds at 6/1 with Ladbrokes who offer a £50 Free Bet for all new customers . Aguero has looked in sensational form since signing for City in July . The 23 year old Argentinian signed from Athletico Madrid in a deal reported to be worth around £38M and averaged a goal every 2 games in La Liga notching over 100 goals in his five years there . Aguero has three goals so far this season in the Premier League but will surely be hoping to add to that tally as Manchester City take on Wigan at Eastlands this weekend . Wayne Rooney has also started the season in blistering form . After a five week beach holiday the Manchester United and England striker has returned to the Premier League in rejuvenated form and has grabbed five goals in the opening weeks of this season . Bookies are taking no chances with Rooney however and odds of 7/2 with Paddy Power are the best around currently . Man Utd striking partner Javier Hernandez may represent better value and is currently available at odds of 12/1 with Victor Chandler . The diminutive Mexican scored 13 Premier League goals last term and will be expected to score over 20 this season . Most bookmakers are betting 1/4 odds 1-2-3-4 and Darren Bent of Aston Villa remains good each way value . Bent finished 4th in the list of top scorers last season with 17 goals whilst playing half the season for Sunderland .   The previous season Bent grabbed an amazing 24 goals whilst playing for the Black Cats and at odds of 25/1 with Sportingbet remains great each way value .  Looking for free bets to place on football?    Recommended free bet offers:   William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets 08-09-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10249/free-bets-for-martin-kaymer-who-defends-his-klm-open-title The KLM Open at Hilversumche Golf Club has attracted its strongest line up in 92 years and odds of 8/1 the field are available with Betfred and Coral who welcome new customers with a £50 free bet. Get a £50 free bet from Betfred when placing a bet on the KLM Open which stars on Thursday 8th September in Hilversum, Netherlands MARTIN KAYMER BIDS TO RETAIN KLM OPEN TITLE Martin Kaymer returned from a three week break after winning the US PGA to win the KLM Open last year and continued with a fine run of form to eventually become the world number one at the start of this season. Kaymer is hoping to hit a similar mid-season purple patch after struggling to reach the same heights so far in 2011 to see his ranking drop to third in the world. Kaymer took a shorter summer break this year, returning a week earlier to finish runner-up in last week’s Omega European Masters won by Thomas Bjorn. 26 year-old Kaymer’s victory in the HCBC Golf Championship in Abu Dhabi back in January is his only Tour victory this year, but the German feels he is on the verge of winning again. “It definitely feels like I will win again in the next couple of weeks,” said Kaymer. “I’m hitting the ball very well. I like the golf course, Hilversumsche, and it is nice that I can drive there from home. It’s only two hours away.” Kaymer must battle it out with world number two Lee Westwood and US Open champion Rory McIlroy in the strongest field assembled in 92 years of the European Tour event. Neither Betfred nor Coral can decide a favourite between the three top class golfers and offer odds of 8/1 for each player. Westwood is a past winner at Hilversumche Golf Club, winning the TNT Dutch Open title in 1999 and returns to contest the Dutch title first time since 2002. McIlroy will be competing in the KLM Open for the second time and is hoping for a better display than in 2008 when as a 19 year-old he failed to make it to the weekend. The KLM Open returned to Hilversumche Golf Club in 2010 after a four year stint at Kennemer Golf and Country Club in Zandvort. The tournament is one of the oldest events on the European Tour being ever present since the schedule began. Get free bets to place on the KLM Open from Betfred and Coral. Use free bets to back Martin Kaymer, Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood or others in the field for the KLM Open golf.   Looking for free bets for the KLM Open golf? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   06-09-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10248/shanghai-masters-snooker-free-bets The second ranking event of the snooker season gets underway at the Shanghai Grand Stage in China next week and online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers to bet on the Shanghai Masters. Get a free bet when placing a bet on the Shanghai Masters snooker from 5th September to 11th September 2011. WILLIAMS LOOKS TO MAKE AMENDS AT SHANGHAI MASTERS World number one Mark Williams should have started the season with a win in the Australian Goldfields Open in July but let slip his 8-5 lead against Stuart Bingham to lose 8-9 in the final. Williams is a past winner in the far east where he ended a four-year drought when winning the China Open in 2010. Williams will be looking to make amends for losing out in Australia and is available at odds of 10/1 to win his first Shanghai Masters with Betfred who offer a £50 free bet for new customers and Stan James who welcome new customers with a ‘bet basket’ worth £150 free bets. Ronnie O’Sullivan has a good record at the Shanghai Masters which was first held in 2007. O’Sullivan reached the final in 2009 and went one better next time when winning the Shanghai Masters in 2009. Victor Chandler is offering odds of 15/2 for O’Sullivan to win his second Shanghai Masters title next week and has a £25 free bet offer for new customers. Three players are vying for favouritism at the top of the betting market, Skybet is offering stand out odds of 13/2 for John Higgins and 15/2 for Ding Junhui and in addition have a £35 free bet welcome for new accounts. Mark Selby lost his position as world number when going out of the 2011 World Snooker Championship and will be eager to regain top spot. Selby is available at odds of 15/2 at William Hill, where new customers will receive a £25 free bet. Get free bets to place on the Shanghai Masters snooker from Betfred, SkyBet, Stan James, Victor Chandler and William Hill. Use free bets to back John Higgins, Ding Junhui, Mark Selby, Ronnie O’Sullivan or Mark Williams to win the Shanghai Masters snooker.   Looking for free bets for snooker? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   02-09-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10247/aviva-premiership-free-bets-at-twickenham Saracens begin the defence of their Aviva Premiership title on Saturday with Betfred offering 4/1 to win this season’s Grand Final and a £50 free bet to new customers. Get a free bet from Betfred when placing a bet on Round One of the Aviva Premiership this weekend. SARACENS LOOK TO CONQUER ON DOMESTIC AND EUROPEAN FRONTS Twickenham hosts a Rugby Union double-header on Saturday as the 2011/12 Aviva Premiership gets under way with champions Saracens featuring in the second game at the Stoop. Saracens vanquished the mighty Leicester Tigers in last season’s Aviva Premiership Grand Final to be crowned professional Rugby Union champions for the first time in their history. Saracens have strengthened by bringing in World Cup winning South African John Smit and leading Aviva Premiership points scorer Charlie Hodgson and will be looking to conquer on the domestic front and in Europe this season. Betfred stand out with 4/1 odds for Saracens to retain their title while 12/1 is generally available to win the Heineken Cup. This weekend Saracens will line up against Wasps as 2/7 favourites for a game in which they are expected to run out comfortable winners. Paddy Power and bet365 is offering odds of 10/11 for Saracens to win by more than 8 points in their handicap market. Wasps have fallen a long way from their past glories when they once ruled Europe and ended last season in the bottom half of the Aviva Premiership league. Former Cardiff Blues boss, David Young has been drafted in to turn Wasps around and has brought in a number of experienced players to help the development of the promising youngsters within the squad. It would be a feather in Young’s cap if he could mastermind a victory against the title holders in Round One of the Aviva Premiership and Sportingbet offer odds of 3/1 Wasps to upset Saracens on Saturday. London Irish and Harlequins play the first of the two ESPN-televised matches at Twickenham on Saturday with London Irish favoured by bookmakers for their clash. Boylesports, Paddy Power and Sportingbet are offering odds of 4/6 for London Irish to prove best of the two sides who were closely matched last season. London Irish finished the season two points above Harlequins in mid-table with both teams finding life increasingly more competitive in the Aviva Premiership. They finished honours even when matched against each other last term, Harlequins winning their first encounter at Twickenham by 28-18 before London Irish avenged the defeat 15-9 at the Madejski Stadium. Harlequins are available at odds of 6/4 at Sportingbet to inflict another Twickenham defeat on their London rivals and in receipt of 3 points on the handicap can be backed at odds of 10/11 with bet365. Get free bets to place on the Aviva Premiership from bet365, Betfred, Boylesports, Paddy Power and Sportingbet. Use free bets to back Saracens, Wasps, London Irish and Harlequins in a variety of Rugby Union betting markets.   Looking for free bets for 2011/12 Aviva Premiership? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   30-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10246/free-bets-for-betfred-sprint-cup-favourite-deacon-blues Online bookmaker bet365 is offering odds of 4/1 for Deacon Blues to win the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday and will give new customers £200 free bets as a welcome offer. Get free bets from bet365 when placing a bet on the Betfred Sprint Cup. PROGRESSIVE DEACON BLUES FAVOURITE FOR BETFRED SPRINT CUP Trainer James Fanshawe’s improving four year-old Deacon Blues is favourite with most bookmakers to prove his Group 1 credentials when stepping up in class to contest the Betfred Sprint Cup over six furlongs at Haydock on Saturday 3 September. Odds for the son of Compton Place are as short as 3/1 in places, however bet365 stand out betting 4/1 against Deacon Blues. Punters have seen Deacon Blues odds to win the Betfred Sprint Cup steadily tumble since he completed a hat-trick in the Group 3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh three weeks ago. Deacon Blues showed he was a top class sprinter in the making when easily beating Empowering in the hands of jockey Johnny Murtagh. The seven-length win at the Curragh followed success in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot and the Group 3 Shadwell Stakes at Newbury. Deacon Blues main market rival is Dream Ahead, a three year-old son of Diktat trained by David Simcock. Dream Ahead won three times as a two-year-old as has been competing against Group 1 opponents in his three starts this term. Regular jockey William Buick was aboard when behind Frankel in the one-mile St Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and on Dream Ahead’s last appearance when seventh over six-and-a-half furlongs at Deauville. Between outings, Hayley Turner jumped into the plate to steer Dream Ahead to victory in the July Cup at Newmarket. Dream Ahead is preferred in the betting by bet365 who offer odds of 7/2, which is counter to most bookmaker’s opinions and 9/2 is available at Coral and William Hill. Ed McMahon was hoping to give three year-old Temple Meads his first start of the season in the Betfred Sprint Cup, but the Mill Reef Stakes winner is not quite ready for the test and will be scratched. Get free bets to place on the Betfred Sprint Cup from bet365, Coral and William Hill. Use free bets to back Deacon Blues, Dream Ahead or other runners in Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday 3 September.   Looking for free bets for horse racing? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   27-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10245/england-v-india-twenty20-international-cricket-free-bet Online bookmaker Stan James is offering odds of 4/5 for England to defeat India once more, this time in Wednesday's International Twenty20 cricket match, and will give new customers £150 in Free Bets! Get a Free Bet to place on International Twenty20 cricket with Stan James when betting on England v India at Old Trafford on Wednesday. ENGLAND BACKED TO CONTINUE DOMINANCE OVER INDIA The online bookmakers are backing England's aim to continue their dominant streak over the India national cricket team. MS Dhoni's men were thrashed 4-0 in their recent Test series against a very strong England side, who overtook India as the World's number one Test side. Can MS Dhoni secure a win over England in this Twenty20 fixture and lift spirits back in India, where Journalists have condemned India's recent Test Series effort? Online bookmaker, Stan James are offering odds of 4/5 for England to win in their Twenty20 encounter with India on Wednesday, also extending their fantastic £150 Free Bet to all new customers. This great Free Bet offer can be used to bet on any Cricketing markets, including next week's fixtures between England and India. India are available at 11/10 to recover some much needed national pride on Wednesday at the popular bookmaker Victor Chandler. Victor Chandler also extend their own range of fantastic promotions and free bets, which may be used to bet on India's Twenty20 fixture against England at Old Trafford on Wednesday. An Interesting market for this International Cricket fixture is available over at William Hill, who are offering odds of 7/1 for a player to score a Century in the Twenty20 International between England and India. Century's were a recurring theme at the recent Test Series between England and India, and this could well be set to continue at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Why not use William Hill's £25 Free Bet when betting on this fantastic Twenty20 Cricket market?   Get free bets to place on Cricket at Stan James, Victor Chandler and William Hill which can be used to bet on the Twenty20 International Cricket fixture between England and India at Old Trafford, in the Winner, Top Batsman and Century scoring markets. Looking for free cricket bets? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Blue Square £80 Free Bets BetFred £50 Free Bet   26-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10244/aston-villa-v-wolverhampton-darren-bent-free-bet Online bookmaker Boylesports is offering odds of 16/5 for Wolverhampton to beat Premier League rival’s Aston Villa on Saturday and will give new customers £40 free bets for betting £20. Get a free bet to place on football from Boylesports when having a bet on Aston Villa v Wolverhampton at Villa Park on Saturday. WOLVERHAMPTON LOOK TO MAINTAIN 100% PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD AGAINST ASTON VILLA Mick McCarthy’s Wolverhampton Wanderers have got off to a dream start winning their first two Premier League games and will be going for a hat-trick in the Midland derby against Aston Villa. Wolverhampton recovered from going a goal behind at Blackburn on the opening day with goals from Steven Fletcher and Stephen Ward securing a 2-1 win at Ewood Park. A week later, Kevin Doyle struck the opener against Fulham minutes before Matthew Jarvis scored on the stroke of half-time to give Wolverhampton a 2-0 win and a place at the top of the Premier League. Wins for Manchester City on Sunday and Manchester United on Monday mean Wolverhampton are now third in the Premier League on goal difference, but could go clear at the top with a point in Saturday’s lunch time kick off. Sportingbet, offering new customers £100 free bets, is among a number of bookmakers betting 12/5 for the draw on Saturday, which would certainly satisfy McCarthy and the Wolverhampton fans. Aston Villa controversially chose Alex McLeish to replace the unwell Gerard Houlier in the summer and with the spotlight on the former Birmingham boss, Aston Villa have got off to a promising start. A goal-less draw at Fulham was followed up by a comfortable 3-1 win against Blackburn at Villa Park last Saturday and a win at home this weekend will see Aston Villa go top of the Premier League, for a few hours at least. Paddy Power will give new customers £100 free bets and is offering even money for Aston Villa to beat Wolverhampton. Darren Bent was Aston Villa’s leading scorer last season with nine goals following his January move from Sunderland and is already off the mark this season after scoring the third against Blackburn. Bent is available at odds of 17/4 to be first goalscorer with Victor Chandler who has a £25 free bet welcome offer. Get free bets to place on football and free bet refunds from Boylesports, Paddy Power, Sportingbet and Victor Chandler. Use free bets for Aston Villa to win, Wolverhampton to win, Darren Bent to be First Goalscorer and other football betting markets on Aston Villa v Wolverhampton.   Looking for free football bets? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets     23-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10243/coral-offer-arsenal-champions-league-free-bet-refund Online bookmaker Coral will give a free bet refund on bets for Arsenal to win the UEFA Champions League should the Gunners fail to qualify from their play-off against Udinese at Stadio Friuli on Wednesday 25th August. Get a free football bet when placing a bet on Udinese v Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg. ARSENAL CONCERNS MOUNT AHEAD OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAY-OFF Arsenal take a narrow 1-0 lead to ltaly on Wednesday and punters may see Coral’s free bet refund as viable insurance. Those still considering placing a bet on Arsenal to win the Champions League outright have the option of taking the 20/1 odds offered by Coral with the free bet safety net or going for bigger odds of 29/1 on offer at Unibet. Arsene Wenger’s problems continued to pile up on Saturday when Arsenal lost 0-2 at home to Liverpool. Arsenal are still looking for their first win in the Premier League and woes mounted on the playing squad with the sending off Emmanuel Frimpong and injury to Laurent Koscielny. With pressure growing on the Arsenal supremo, Wenger admits the UEFA Champions League play-off game against Udinese is vital and after Saturday’s defeat, said: “For us, it is important now to lift the players. Wednesday night’s game (against Udinese) is massive and of big importance to us.” Arsenal will feel aggrieved to have conceded at all against Liverpool. Having been reduced to 10 men, Aaron Ramsey was desperately unlucky to see Ignasi Miquel’s clearance rebound off him for the opener and Wenger refused to accept that Luis Suarez’s 90 minute strike was on-side. On the brightside, Theo Walcott’s fourth minute goal in the first leg provides an invaluable cushion ahead of the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg at Udinese and a clean sheet will be enough to guarantee Arsenal progress to the group stage. Although Udinese grew into the match after going behind at Arsenal, they were unable to create a clear cut chance from the good possession they enjoyed. Backing No Goalscorer in the Udinese v Arsenal match will yield odds of 9/1 from Victor Chandler who will pay out on 0-0 correct score with insurance that if the only goal of the game is an own goal, the 0-0 scoreline will stand for betting purposes. While Udinese will be wary off leaving gaps for Walcott and Robin van Persie to exploit, they must venture forward in an endeavour to win the game and it would be no surprise to see either of Arsenal’s pacy forwards get a strike on goal. Van Persie will be desperate to get among the goals after missing the first leg through suspension and is available at odds of 11/2 to score the first goal with Boylesports and Sportingbet. Netherland striker, Van Persie rarely goes more than two games without scoring and he is looking for his first goal of the new season in any competition. Get free football bets, Champions League free bet refunds and bonuses from Betfred, Boylesports and Coral. Looking for free football bets? BestFreeBets.com Ten Recommended free bet offers: Victor Chandler £25 Free Bet William Hill £25 Free Bet Boylesports Bet £20 get £40 Free Bets Betfred £50 Free Bet Coral £50 Free Bet Ladbrokes £50 Free Bet Paddy Power £100 Free Bets Sportingbet £100 Free Bets Stan James £150 Free Bet Bet365 £200 Free Bets   21-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10242/sunderland-v-newcastle-odds-and-betting-tips In today's earliest Premier League kick-off Sunderland and Newcastle face off for local pride and their first three points of the season following draws for both sides to difficult opposition last weekend. Online bookmakers make Steve Bruce's Sunderland 7/5 to claim victory on home soil in the year's first Tyne-Wear derby. Online bookmakers off free bets and sign up bonuses to all new customers as part of their welcome packages. These free bets may be used when betting on any of this weekend's footballing action including Sunderland v Newcastle at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland will be desperate to put their home advantage to good use and pick up a morale-boosting win over their fierce local rivals, Newcastle, today and kick-start what fans hope could be a successful season for the Black Cats. Steve Bruce has done some good business once again this transfer window and sured his side with the arrival of the likes of the experienced Wes Brown and John O'Shea from Manchester United. Despite giving away a missed penalty last weekend, Brown was arguably one of the best on the pitch in a hard fought draw against Liverpool. The Black Cats have a few selection doubts but otherwise Steve Bruce has no fresh concerns, after Striker Asamoah Gyan has shaken off an ankle knock and become the bookmaker's favourite in the First Goalscorer market at 9/2. Meanwhile John O'Shea has recovered from a hamstring injury - though still remains short of match fitness. Newcastle are only without Hatem Ben Arfa in an otherwise spotless injury list, giving manager Alan Pardew a range of options in what is one of the Magpies most important fixtures of the year, in the eyes of fans at least! Keeper Tim Krul and striker Shola Ameobi seem set to keep their places in the starting line-up, with Ameobi boasting six derby goals to his name to date. You can back Ameobi to grab himself another treasured derby goal today with online bookmaker SportingBet providing odds of 13/5 for him to score Anytime. Ryan Taylor is likely to start again at left-back and summer signing Sylvain Marveaux and Shane Ferguson could be involved having built up match fitness in a practice game midweek. Irish bookmaker Paddy Power provides best price of 12/5 for an away win today, while BetFred offers best price for both sides to record back to back draws at 9/4.     Possible Starting XI's for Sunderland v Newcastle are: Sunderland: Mignolet, Bardsley, Brown, Ferdinand, O'Shea, Larsson, Cattermole, Colback, Richardson, Sessegnon, Gyan. Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, S Taylor, Coloccini, R Taylor, Cabaye, Barton, Tiote, Gutierrez, Ameobi, Ba. 20-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10241/nasri-move-to-improve-manchester-city-premier-league-odds Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on Premier League football, get a free football bet when placing a bet on the Premier League Winner betting. Samir Nasri’s impending transfer from Arsenal to Manchester City is sure to improve the odds for City to win the Premier League title for the first time this season. Man City’s title odds are currently 10/3 with Coral, Stan James and William Hill in what could become a three-horse race as Arsenal look set to lose their second key player in a matter of days. Nasri’s prospective move to Eastland’s will not only diminish the chances of a major title rival, but fills an important gap in Roberto Mancini’s squad – a goalscoring midfielder. Despite an illustrious line up of strikers, City’s 60 Premier League goals was the worst record among the top four Premier League sides last term, nine behind second-placed Chelsea, 12 less than Arsenal in fourth and 18 behind champions Manchester United. As has been proven time and again over the years, it is essential for top sides to have a midfielder capable of unlocking the door to stubborn defences and Nasri fits the bill. Last season, City’s midfield goal threat came from David Silva and Yaya Toure, two superbly skillful players who combined to provide ten league goals. But, Nasri scored the same number of league goals all by himself in a season when he found the net 15 times from 46 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners. The 24-year-old midfielder did not feature for Arsenal in the opening Premier League game at Newcastle or the Champions League play-off first leg against Udinese at the Emirates. Having rejected a new deal to stay in North London, negotiations are said to be at an advanced stage to take the French international to Manchester for a fee reported to be around £25 million.   19-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10240/andy-murray-returns-to-winning-ways-in-cincinnati-masters Andy Murray recovered from dropping serve in the opening game against David Nalbandian to regain his winning touch in the second round of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati on Wednesday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on ATP Masters Tour tennis, receive a free tennis bet when placing a bet on the Western & Southern Open. The British number one, who received a first round bye, returned to winning ways after crashing out of last week’s Montreal Masters in his opening round and is now available at odds of 8/1 with bet365 and Sportingbet to land the tournament he previously won in 2008. In an uneven match with nine breaks of serves, Murray was eventually able to capitalise on Nalbaldian’s mistakes to run out a winner in two sets, 6-4, 6-1. It was a welcome victory for the Scot whose last victory, aside from the Davis Cup, was in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon. Murray will next face Alex Bogomolov Jr who is on a high after knocking out Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. Murray has met the world number 50 just once previously when losing 1-6, 5-7 at the Miami Masters in March. The Russian-born American is available at odds of 19/5 with Boylesports to beat Murray in Cincinnati on Thursday while the world number four is available at odds of 4/6 at Sportingbet to exact his revenge in straight sets. Western & Southern Open free offers: Betfred - if your player is beaten in a final set tie break, Betfred will refund losing match bets, up to £500 free bet. Victor Chandler – if your player is beaten in a final set tie break, Victor Chandler will refund losing match bets, up to £100 free bet.   18-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10239/cesc-to-make-barca-bow-in-super-cup-second-leg Barca boss, Pep Guardiola, has revealed in a press conference that new arrival Cesc Fabregas may well be set to make his Barcelona debut tonight in the second leg of the 2011 Spanish Super Cup against fierce rivals Real Madrid. Online bookmakers offer free bets to all new customers, these free bets may be used when betting on any Football fixtures or outright markets, this includes the 2011 Spanish Super Cup which concludes tonight. The former Arsenal captain did not feature at all in pre-season as the details of his move home were finalised, bringing to a close many months of ongoing speculation and rumours. However, Fabregas is indeed fit enough to face Real Madrid at the Nou Camp, that is, according to Pep Guardiola. "He has trained very well, a lot of time alone, and some bits with the team," Guardiola revealed. "He will surely be in the squad, but we will see if he will play the whole 90 minutes or not." The first leg finished a 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu, with both sides in front at different occasions. However, Guardiola believes a very strong Real side will prove tough to overcome despite their home advantage in today's second leg. "In the first leg, Madrid were better, in these three days we have improved some things, but I believe they are still better," he said. "That is the feeling I have, but every match is a story. If the return leg were in two weeks, it would be different." However, the Online Bookmakers do not share his view on this matter, with Barcelona being made favourites to overcome their rivals at home. Bet365 offers best price of 19/20, with all bookmakers in agreement, making the Champions of Europe their favourites tonight. An interesting market in tonight's fixture is being offered over at Sky Bet, who make Cesc Fabgregas odds on to kiss the Barcelona badge in tonight's fixture. 17-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10238/spitfires-look-to-build-on-one-day-win Kent Spitfires are looking to build on their impressive win over the Netherlands when they resume their Clydesdale Bank 40 campaign against Middlesex Panthers at Canterbury on Tuesday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on Clydesdale Bank 40 cricket, get a free cricket bet when placing a bet on Kent v Middlesex. Darren Stevens was star of the show at a packed St Lawrence Ground on Sunday. With the home side getting off to a shaky start in reply to Netherlands 199-6, Stevens inspired knock of 70 runs from 67 balls helped Kent from 54 for four to a four-wicket victory. Sam Northeast was an able assistant, scoring 58 runs from 77 balls and the pair put on a 132-run partnership for the fifth wicket as Kent went on to win with more than four overs to spare. Both Stevens and Northeast feature in the squad for the televised game against the Panthers which will be played under floodlights on Tuesday. Club skipper Robin Keys will be rested for the one-day fixture which means Martin van Jaarsveld will continue as captain. The Spitfires are looking to close the four-point gap to Middlesex who are placed second in their group. The home side are slight underdogs to win the match and are generally available at odds of 11/10, including Betfred, Stan James and Victor Chandler who offer Top Batsman refunds on the match. Middlesex will be determined to stay in touch with Sussex who lead the group by four points having played the same number of matches - nine. Panthers are best priced at odds of 9/10 at Totesport to take the two points for winning this fixture and remain on the shirt tails of Sussex who are favourite to win the Clydesdale Bank 40 competition outright. KENT squad: Joe Denly, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Martin van Jaarsveld (Captain), Darren Stevens, Azhar Mahmood, Sam Northeast, Geraint Jones (wicket keeper), Adam Ball, James Tredwell, Wahab Riaz, Simon Cook, Matt Coles. MIDDLESEX squad: Neil Dexter (Captain), Corey Collymore, Steven Crook, Josh Davey, Jamie Dalrymple, Dawid Malan, Tim Murtagh, Scott Newman, Chris Rogers, John Simpson, Tom Smith, Paul Stirling, Toby Roland-Jones, Robbie Williams.   16-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10237/montreal-master-djokovic-6-4-to-win-us-open Novak Djokovic is 6/4 favourite to win the US Open after his record breaking triumph at the Rogers Cup in Montreal on Sunday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the US Open tennis, receive a free tennis bet when placing a bet on the US Open. The world number one defeated Mardy Fish 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 in the final of the Montreal Masters to become the first player to win five Masters titles in the same year having already won at Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid and Rome. Boylesports is among a handful of bookmakers prepared to offer odds of 6/4 for Djokovic to win his third Grand Slam of 2011 which gets underway at Forest Hills in New York on 29 August. Roger Federer is the only player to beat the Serbian this year when they met in the French Open at Roland Garros, but Djokavic admitted to needing a little luck to extend his run of victories against Fish in Sunday’s best-of-three final. "I'm not getting tired of this," he said after beating the American for the seventh time. "It was an absolute pleasure playing Mardy. We played a great match, I had a few lucky points in the third set to break." While Fish made Djokovic work hard after coming back in the second set, he was unable to stop the Wimbledon champion extending his record to 53 wins this year and taking his ninth title of the season. 24-year-old Djokovic has no plans to let up before the final Grand Slam of the year and he goes straight to Ohio in search of title number at ten at this week’s Western & Southern Open. William Hill is offering odds of 11/8 for Djokovic to continue his relentless form and win yet another title in Cincinnati where his previous best results were as runner up in the 2008 and 2009 finals. Roger Federer will defend the title he has won for the last two years and he is available at odds of 13/2 with Betfred to make it a hat-trick of wins this week. Betfred is offering free bet refunds on losing stakes on any player beaten in a third set tie break at the Western & Southern Open.   15-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10236/andre-villas-boas-gets-first-taste-of-premier-league-football-at-stoke New Chelsea boss, Andre Villas-Boas gets his first taste of Premier League action with a tricky trip to the Potteries to face Stoke City. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on Premier League football, get a free football bet when placing a bet on Stoke v Chelsea. The Britannia Stadium has proven to be a difficult venue for top sides since Stoke achieved Premier League status in 2008 under the shrewd guidance of Tony Pulis. Having earned a place in Europe last season, the Potters will run out the fitter side following a successful start to their Europa League campaign. This fixture was drawn last season and Betfred is offering odds of 14/5 for Sunday’s match to end in stalemate. Although Chelsea have a tradition of starting the season well and have one of the better records at the Britannia where they have won on three of their four visits. The Blues are best priced at 3/4 with Victor Chandler while Stoke are underdogs and generally available at 9/2 for the home win. Pulis has added more strength and experience to the Stoke defence in the summer with the arrival of England internationals Matthew Upson and Jonathan Woodgate. Former Tottenham centre half Woodgate will be seen as an injury risk, but the classy defender is expected to fit for the Chelsea game, unlike his team mate Upson who is not ready for his debut. Upson will join Ricardo Fuller, Mamady Sidibe and Danny Higginbotham who are all sidelined for the start of the season. Long-throw specialist Rory Delap and winger Matthew Etherington are hopeful of being fit and will come into the reckoning as Pulis ponders team selection. Chelsea have refrained from making sweeping changes to the first team squad with the arrival of their new manager and as yet, have failed in their bid to land their main target, Luka Modric from Tottenham. Villas-Boas has an abundance of quality and experience available to him and if he can avoid a repeat of last season’s inexplicable mid-term blip, Chelsea should be able to make a serious title challenge. The new season will bring fresh hope for Fernando Torres who wilted under the spotlight following his record breaking move to Stamford Bridge from Anfield in January. As they say, ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’ and the Spanish World Cup winning striker has been given the all clear after suffering a mild concussion and is set start against Stoke. Torres will be keen to hit the ground running in his first full season for Chelsea and will be a popular choice for First Goalscorer, Unibet offer odds of 21/4 for the Spaniard to be first name on the scoresheet on Sunday. Chelsea will be without injured defender David Luiz and striker Daniel Sturridge who is suspended.   14-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10235/liverpool-look-to-kick-off-title-challenge-with-a-win Kenny Dalglish will be keen to continue where he left off last season, starting with the three points against Sunderland as the Anfield legend seeks to establish Liverpool as genuine title contenders this season. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on Premier League football, get a free football bet when placing a bet on Newcastle v Arsenal. Liverpool are available at odds of 8/15 at Coral and William Hill to kick off the season with a win against Sunderland who have never won a Premier League game at Anfield. Dalglish will have at his disposal £45 million worth of midfield talent recruited during the summer, an investment he expects will help the Reds improve on last season’s sixth place and take on the combined might of Manchester and London in the fight for Premier League supremacy. Sunderland’s record at Anfield would seem to justify their 7/1 odds for the win, the Black Cats last won here in 1983 and have scored in only one of their last seven visits. But the Wearsiders are gradually establishing themselves in the top flight after years as a yo-yo club and were unfortunate to leave Anfield with only a point in last season’s 2-2 draw. After Dirk Kuyt’s controversial opener, Sunderland dominated most of the game taking a well deserved lead before Liverpool scraped an equalizer. Victor Chandler is offering odds of 10/3 for the draw, an outcome that would satisfy Steve Bruce as he shapes his new look team. The game could throw up some interesting confrontations in the middle of the park where former Blackpool teammates Charlie Adam and David Vaughan could feature on opposite sides. Adam was one of three British signings secured by Dalglish in the close season while Vaughan is one of nine new faces Bruce has brought to Wearside this summer. Dalglish splashed out £16 million for Sunderland’s England midfielder Jordan Henderson and he is expected to debut against his former club while Steven Gerrard continues his recovery from his groin injury. Defender Martin Skrtle will be missing and full-back Glen Johnson is doubtful with a hamstring. Bruce must wait to deploy the experience of John O’Shea who signed with Wes Brown from Manchester United in the summer, O’Shea is ruled out with a hamstring strain and he joins goalkeeper Craig Gordon, midfielder David Meyler and striker Fraizer Campbell on the sidelines.   13-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10234/dkokovic-hot-favourite-for-rogers-cup-as-top-seeds-fall New world number one Novak Djokavic is red hot favourite to win his ninth title of the year at the Rogers Cup this week as three of the top four seeds failed to make it past the third round in Montreal. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the ATP Rogers Cup tournament, receive a free tennis bet when placing a bet on the ATP Rogers Cup. Defending champion Andy Murray and former world number one Rafael Nadal went out at the first hurdle, both players received byes into Wednesday’s second round and suffered defeats in their first match. Murray struggled with his serve and was broken four times in the two set defeat (3-6, 1-6) to unseeded Kevin Anderson. Nadal was also knocked out by an unseeded player when Ivan Dodig fought back from losing the first 1-6 to take the next two on the tie-break to caus the shock of the tournament so far. On Thursday, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated Roger Federer for the second consecutive time. Following his win at Wimbledon, Tsonga beat Federer in three sets (7-6, 4-6, 6-1) to leave Djokovic the last of the big four standing. Best odds for the Serbian are 4/7 with Victor Chandler and William Hill after he took out Marin Cilic in two sets (7-5, 6-2) and next faces a quarter-final show down with number 5 seed Gael Monfils on Friday. Tsonga is best priced at 7/1 with Boylesports to claim his first title this year in Montreal and is scheduled to meet Djokovic in the semis if he beats Nicolas Almagro in the next round. In the opposite side of the draw, number seven seed Tomas Berdych plays Janko Tipsarevic in his quarter-final match, the Czech is available at odds of 9/1 for the tournament with Victor Chandler and could meet the winner of the match between sixth seed Mardy Fish and Stanislas Wawrinka who meet in the other quarter-final.   ROGERS CUP FREE TENNIS BETS BETFRED - Get up to £500 free bet refund, if your player is beaten in a final set tie-break. Click here to go Betfred promotions page   12-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10233/us-pga-championship-pre-tournament-odds-and-betting-tips Ahead of the last major of 2011, the US PGA Championships in Atlanta, Georgia online bookmakers have made their favourite in the outright market Rory McIlroy once more this year, following his incredible US Open success. McIlroy has also commented that he ready for the challenge ahead of tee of this evening. Online bookmakers offer free bets for all new customers to claim as part of their sportsbook welcome packages. You may use these free bets when betting on the 2011 US PGA Championships in Atlanta. The US PGA Championships is set to tee of today at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia and it marks the final Major of the year, and if it is to be anything like the first three, it will surely be an entertaining contest. Rory McIlroy has been made the online bookmakers favourite at best price of 11/1 following impressive showings at the first two Majors where he led in 7 out of the 8 rounds of golf. McIlroy also has a good track record at the US PGA Championships, finishing third in both of previous efforts at the tournament - suggesting perhaps that the courses at the US PGA suit him well, and may put him in good stead to make another impact at this years tournament. The youngster from Northern Ireland made comment on his amazing year ahead of today's tee off "It was a little bit of a whirlwind after what happened at Congressional, but it's nice to feel like you're back out there focusing on trying to win golf tournaments," said McIlroy. "When you dream of winning big tournaments as a kid and you dream of becoming a great golfer, all you think about is the golf." "You think about how great it is to hopefully be one of the best players in the world and you never really think of the other side of it - the attention, the spotlight." "It's just something that I'm still getting used to, but it's a nice position to be in. I'm not complaining." Close behind the Ulsterman are joint second favourites in the bookmakers eyes, and world number one and two in the rankings Luke Donald and Lee Westwood. Both men are made 14/1 by a host of online bookmakers including Unibet, bet365, Coral, William Hill, bwin and bodog. Both Donald and Westwood have found success on the tour throughout the year, however, both failed to make the cut at the recent Open Championships in Sandwich. Despite their relatively poor showings in this year's Majors the bookmakers recognize that both Donald and Westwood are Number One and Two in the rankings for a reason, and could easily claim their first Major this Sunday. Following the top three are a host of golfers who have proved they know how to win at a Major, including arguably the greatest golfer of all time - Tiger Woods, who has recently returned to competitive action. While Woods hasn't looked at the peak of his powers, he certainly showed glimpses of his greatness and this could be a great chance for him to renounce himself. Woods is available at 25/1 to claim the 2011 US PGA Championships with online bookmaker BetFred. Also at 25/1 is golfing great Phil Mickelson and Australians Jason Day, who finished 2nd at this year's US Open Championships and Adam Scott who, flanked by Woods' former Caddie Steve Williams, claimed victory at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational. Other recent Major winners Martin Kaymer and Charl Schwartzel are available at 50/1 and 60/1 respectively by the online bookmakers. 11-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10232/premier-league-to-decide-on-opening-fixtures-as-riots-continue The Premier League will make a decision tomorrow as to whether this weekend's opening round of top-flight fixtures are to be postponed after trouble spread to Manchester and the West Midlands yesterday evening. Online bookmakers offer free bets to all new customers which may be used to bet on any footballing fixtures including the outright market for the 2011/12 Premier League season as well as all the opening fixtures if they are to go ahead. In addition to the Premier League the Football League are also looking at their weekend fixtures and are currently in 'ongoing discussions' with police as it is considered whether this weekend's matches in riot-hit London will go ahead. England's friendly match with Holland at Wembley Stadium today has already been called off, while yesterday's Carling Cup matches at Crystal Palace, Charlton and West Ham were also postponed. Prior to this violence spread to Bristol on Monday night and as a result Bristol City's fixture against Swindon was also called off. A recent statement from the leagues read "The Premier League and Football League are saddened by the recent incidents of civil unrest and the effect it is having on local communities." "We are in ongoing discussions with our London-based clubs, the Metropolitan Police and statutory authorities in regard to the staging of the coming weekend's fixtures in the capital." "The Metropolitan Police has conveyed to us the dynamic nature of the current situation and with that in mind all parties will review the situation on Thursday and make a further public statement at that time." "We are conscious of the need to keep fans informed of any developments and will, of course, keep them as up-to-date as possible through club, league and media channels." Although the statement adds that there is 'no reason to think any matches outside of London will be affected', it was released before violence flared in Manchester and the West Midlands last night and the Premier League will now decide on which top-flight matches across the country should go ahead - said to make their decision tomorrow. In the capital, Fulham are due to host Aston Villa in their season-opener at Craven Cottage on Saturday, online bookmakers currently make Fulham their 6/5 favourites in this fixture, were it to take place. Newly Promoted Queens Park Rangers are due to welcome Bolton Wanderers with the home side made 7/5 favourites against the Premier League regulars. European hopefuls Tottenham also host Everton at White Hart Lane if fixtures are to go ahead as scheduled, with Harry Redknapp's men hot favourites to kick their season off with a win. In the Championship, Crystal Palace are set to face Burnley, Nottingham Forest travel to Millwall, and Watford play Derby. Leyton Orient host Tranmere in League One, while Barnet and Dagenham & Redbridge host Port Vale and AFC Wimbledon, respectively, in League Two. Bookmakers will be having their fingers crossed that all goes ahead as planned, alongside their customers and all of England's football fans who will surely not want to see the start of the Premier League postponed due to recent chaos. 10-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10231/bopara-backs-himself-against-india Ravi Bopara is backing his ability to impress with the bat against India in the third Test in the hope of cementing a regular place in the England Test side. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on Test cricket, get a free cricket bet when placing a bet on the third Test between England and India. The Essex batsman returns to the Test side to replace the injured Jonathan Trott confident he can reproduce his county form at the top for level for England. "I'd love to play international cricket for 10 years," said Bopara. "You want to prove yourself at the top. I know I can score runs at the top level. I've done it before - there's no reason why I can't do it again." Bopara scored 178 runs against Leicestershire in the LV County Championship Division Two in late July and is available at odds of 10/1 at bet365 to be England Top Batsman. Bopara could bat at number five with Ian Bell set to remain at number three in Trott’s absence. Having failed to command a regular place since making his debut in 2007, Bopara has played in only 10 Test matches previously but is confident he won’t waste his opportunity on this occasion. "I back my ability and I definitely know more about my game than I ever have," he added. "The first thing I needed was an opportunity, and this is it. There wasn't a stage where I thought I would not get back in. I knew my opportunity would come. I know I can bat in tough conditions. I do it in county cricket, and I did it a week ago against Leicestershire. I got into the zone and honestly felt like I couldn't get out." England are looking to improve on their 2-0 series lead and a win at Edgbaston will guarantee they will overtake India at the top of the world rankings at the end of the four-match series. Bet365 is offering odds of 27/20 for England to extend their lead in Birmingham while Blue Square and 888sport offer odds of 21/5 for India and 6/4 the draw. England captain Andrew Strauss’s selction problems were eased when fast bowler Chris Tremlett was ruled out for second successive Test with a back injury, leaving Tim Bresnan to continue as stand in. Bresnan had strong claims to keep his place on merit after a match-winning performance with bat and ball, scoring 90 runs in the second innings and taking seven wickets in total in the second Test. The Yorkshire quickie is available at odds of 4/1 at Stan James to be England’s Top Bowler at the third Test. SQUADS for the third Test: ENGLAND (from): Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Eoin Morgan, Ravi Bopara, Matt Prior (wk), Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Chris Tremlett, Steven Finn. INDIA (from): Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Abhinav Mukund, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Mahendra Dhoni (capt & wk), Amit Mishra, Pragyan Ojha, Praveen Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Sreesanth, Munaf Patel, RP Singh, Wriddhiman Saha (wk).   09-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10230/sussex-and-lancashire-thrash-it-out-for-t20-finals-day-slot The line up for the semi-finals of the Friends Life t20 will be completed after Sussex Sharks and Lancashire Lightening thrash out the fourth quarter-final at the PROBIZ County Ground in Hove tonight. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on Friends Life t20 cricket, get a free cricket bet when placing a bet on Sussex Sharks v Lancashire Lightening. Leicestershire, Somerset and Hampshire booked their places for Finals Day at Edgbaston on the 27th August with victories over the weekend and Micheal Yardy will lead the Sussex Sharks against Glen Chapple’s Lancashire in the final quarter-final match of the 2011 Friends Life t20. The Sharks are favourite at around 4/7 to reach the semis after surprising cricket pundits when finishing runners up to inaugural t20 winners Hampshire in South Group. Sussex won nine of their 16 matches to finish ahead of third placed Kent on superior run rate and 2010 finalists Somerset in fourth. Lancashire finished third in the North Group, having also picked up nine wins and arrive at Hove as underdog, best priced at odds of 7/5 at Sportingbet to win the quarter-final showdown. However they arrive in confident form with six straight t20 victories and the home side will need to be at their best to overcome the visitors. Lightening have named their squad for the sell-out match and include 21-year-old left arm seamer Junaid Khan. The Pakistan speedster joined the county as the second overseas signing this summer and has been a revelation in his six t20 matches. His ability to bowl 90mph Yorkers in the closing overs could be a crucial factor in determining the outcome against the Sharks and Stan James is offering odds of 7/2 for Junaid to be the most economical bowler in the match. The Sussex squad was still to be announced on Monday morning. LANCASHIRE: Glen Chapple (capt), Karl Brown, Steven Croft, Gareth Cross, Paul Horton, Gary Keedy, Simon Kerrigan, Junaid Khan, Farveez Maharoof 08-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10229/winning-start-expected-from-allerdyce Sam Allerdyce will be expected to make a winning impact when he takes charge of his first competitive match as West Ham boss against Cardiff in the npower Championship at Upton Park on Sunday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on npower Championship football, get a free football bet when placing a bet on West Ham v Cardiff. Allerdyce has been chosen as the man take the Hammers back into the Premier League at the first time of asking and bookmakers believe he is a good choice having installed the London club as pre-season favourites at odds of 4/1. Big Sam will be under pressure from the start not only for results but to deliver a style of football the Upton Park faithful traditionally expect. Allerdyce’s reputation for playing the long ball game may be a little unfair but it appears to be a label he has yet to shake off in his pragmatic approach to winning football matches. West Ham will be led by summer signing Kevin Nolan who joined from Newcastle for £3 million and has immediately picked up the captain’s armband. His battling qualities will bring some steel to the heart of the side while Allerdyce will hope he can continue his impressive goal scoring record. Nolan has always had the habit of popping up to score a few goals but in his two and a half years on Tyneside found the net 29 times in 85 appearances, a record that puts a few strikers to shame. With Matt Taylor coming in from Bolton and no exudus from last season’s squad as yet, the Hammers appear stronger than last season when they just failed to survive in the Premier League. West Ham will run out odds on favourites to take all three points from their season opener and bet365 is offering odds of 5/6 for a West Ham win. Nolan can be bet at odds of 13/2 with Paddy Power to open the scoring and the Irish bookmaker offers 2/1 for him to score at anytime. Cardiff looked likely for promotion for much of last season before dropping away in the Spring, new boss Malky Mackay will be expected to mount a better promotion fight in his first season in charge but will be without the strike power of Bothroyd, Chopra and Bellamy. Victor Chandler bet 18/5 for Cardiff to spring a surprise in London and returning hero Rob Earnshaw, who scored more than 100 goals in his first spell at Cardiff, is an 8/1 chance to mark his return by scoring the first goal of the game.   07-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10228/fowler-fires-his-way-to-share-of-half-way-lead-at-bridgestone Rickie Fowler’s rollercoaster second round 64 left him sharing the half-way lead at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio on Friday night. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on this week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. The 22-year-old American is generally available at odds of 7/1 following his best-of-the-day six under-par score which included an eagle, eight birdies and four bogeys. It left him tied with Adam Scott, Ryan Moore and Keegan Bradley on eight under for 36 holes. Keegan Bradley hit a flawless 65 with five birdies and fellow American Ryan Moore had a topsy turvey round hitting seven birdies and three bogeys in his 66. First round leader Scott carded a level par 70 to add to his 62 and remains 13/2 favourite to win the tournament after his second round which featured two birdies and two bogeys. Scotland’s Martin Laird leads the European challenge, he shot 66 in the first round and Friday’s three under-par 67 left him one shot behind the leaders along with Australian Jason Day and Sweden’s Robert Karlsson. US Open winner Rory McIlroy remains in contention, he is four shots off the pace following his second consecutive 68 while world number one is a further stroke away at three under-par after shooting 69. The Ulsterman hit his third birdie of the round on 18 and is available at odds of 14/1 at bet365 and Betfred to go on and win the event. Lee Westwood was left frustrated after threatening to challenge the top of the leaderboard but left himself an uphill task after dropping four shots in the last six holes to go into the weekend trailing the leaders by six strokes. Tiger Woods was unable to build on his promising two under-par 68 in the first round, he carded a one over-par 71 to finish down the at one under. WGC BRIDGESTONE INVITATIONAL (Second Round Leaders) 132 Keegan Bradley 67 65, Adam Scott (Aus) 62 70, Rickie Fowler 68 64, Ryan Moore 66 66 133 Robert Karlsson (Swe) 68 65, Jason Day (Aus) 63 70, Martin Laird (Sco) 66 67 134 Fredrik Jacobson (Swe) 68 66, Brandt Snedeker 66 68 135 Ryo Ishikawa (Jpn) 67 68, Nick Watney 65 70, Hennie Otto (Rsa) 69 66   06-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10227/on-the-move-barton-brings-new-range-of-odds-from-bookmakers Newcastle's recent announcement of silence from both club and Joey Barton may have put an end to the verbal duel from both sides, however, as it seems almost certain that Newcastle's 2010/11 fans player of the season will be departing before the end of the transfer window, online bookmakers have their say providing odds for possible destinations for the 28-year-old. Online bookmakers offer free bets to all new customers which may be used when betting on the 2011/12 Premier League season and any transfer specials for the current summer transfer window. Over the past week or so both Joey Barton and his current club, Newcastle United, have been dealing with their disagreements in a very public way, beginning on Twitter when Barton strongly criticised the club's hierachy. This was followed by remarkable circumstances whereby Barton was forced to train on how own and fined, and despite Barton's teasing that he would be perfectly within his rights to see out his contract from the sidelines, it seems a certainty that the in-demand midfielder will make the move elsewhere in the coming weeks. With new developments come new betting markets, and online bookmakers Victor Chandler, Paddy Power and William Hill have not disappointed! William Hill provides odds of 11/4 for Barton to secure a move to their shared favourite, Everton by the end of the Summer transfer window. Arsenal, Tottenham, Stoke, Liverpool and Aston Villa have all been linked with Barton, with Bolton boss Owen Coyle also admitting his admiration of the player. However, the bookmakers believe a move to Everton more likely at this time, with other clubs not far behind. Paddy Power provides best price of 9/2 for a move to Tottenham, while they also provide best odds of 13/2 for a move to their fierce rivals Arsenal. Stoke and Aston Villa are thought less likely by the bookmakers with best odds for both at 8/1, also offered at 8/1 by Victor Chandler would be a possible move to Old Trafford, with the view that Barton could fill a role at Manchester United. As this saga unfolds, it is filled with uncertainty for the future of the 28-year-old Joey Barton, however, it is certainly to provide rapidly changing odds in an ever changing story of interested parties. 05-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10226/united-legend-offers-advice-to-both-sides-of-manchester Manchester United Legend, Eric Cantona, had messages for both his former club and their City rivals in a press conference today. The Frenchman urged Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils to push to sign Inter ace Wesley Sneijder and also questioned the attitude of certain Manchester City players. Online bookmakers offer free bets to all new customers which may be used when betting on the 2011/12 Community Shield match at Wembley Stadium between Manchester United and Manchester City. Manchester United continue to be linked with the Inter and Netherlands favourite Wesley Sneijder, who many see as a fitting replacement to recently retired Paul Scholes. A view that is shared by United Legend Eric Cantona, who is the director of football at MLS outfit New York Cosmos. Inter continue to remain confident in keeping their star man, and Sir Alex Ferguson has swatted away most speculation surrounding the move for the past few weeks. However, as the transfer window continues, a late swoop for Sneijder may well be on the cards for the Red Devils. Cantona commented that he sees something of himself in Sneijder, in particular he feels that the Dutchman may be a modern version of himself. "Sneijder is an excellent player. He is what Manchester United needs. There's no-one like him right now," commented the Frenchman. "He's strong. Sometimes he reminds me of myself." The Manchester legend then continued to comment on the recent behaviour of two particular Manchester City stars, Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli, in particular their criticism of life in the North West. "They don't like the place?" he said. "It depends upon where they come from. If they come from Milan, maybe. Also it depends why they have come." "I had a great time ere and a great time in the city but the most important thing for me was to play for the best club in the world, with the best players in the world." "I was a professional player. I didn't try to find a city to enjoy it." Cantona's comments come just days before Manchester United and Manchester City clash in the Community Shield this Sunday at Wembley Stadium. Currently bookmakers back the Red side of Manchester to take consecutive Community Shield wins at 11/8 best price, offered at Paddy Power. You can also back the Sky Blues to pick up a repeat of their FA Cup Semi-Final win over United at 9/4, offered at SkyBet.   04-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10225/rangers-favourites-to-prove-point-in-malmo Rangers will be determined to prove a point when they line up against Swedish champions Malmo for the second leg of the Champions League qualifier at the Swedbank Stadium on Wednesday night. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on the 2011/12 UEFA Champions League, get a free football bet when placing a bet on Malmo FF v Rangers. Rangers new campaign got off to a slow start, Ali McCoist’s side were poor in the Scottish Premier League opener when drawing at home to Hearts ten days ago and were caught flat-footed in last week’s first leg which Malmo won 1-0 thanks to an 18th goal from Daniel Larsson. The Swedes are midway through their season and match fitness showed at Ibrox where Rangers had the benefit of that one competitive match against Hearts. Rangers traveled to Perth at the weekend and put in a much improved performance to beat St Johnstone 2-0 and fuel belief that the Glasgow side can still progress in the Champions League. Despite the one-goal deficit, McCoist insists the tie is finely balanced: "The game is perfectly poised in the respect that both management teams have got a lot to think about," he said. "Strangely, it might be to our benefit that we know we need to score. Malmo have got the decisions to make - whether to come out and go for the goal which they think might be the killer goal, or do they sit back and try to hit us on the break. "The one definite is the fact we need to score. If we don't do that, we're out. In that respect, we know we have to score at least one goal and it was encouraging that Nikica Jelavic and Steven Naismith were both on the scoresheet on Saturday." Bookmakers are universal in making Rangers favourites to win the second leg with Victor Chandler offering the stand out odds of 7/5 in the match winner market. However, Rangers prospects of achieving a scoreline to sink the Swedes out of the competition are not so favourable, with Malmo generally available at odds of 1/2 to reach the next stage. If Malmo score, Rangers can rule out extra-time and penalties as a path to progression and will need to win by two clear goals to get through to the play-off round, Paddy Power is best priced with odds of 13/8 for Rangers to qualify.   03-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10224/victor-chandler-release-new-free-bet-offers Gibraltar based bookmaker Victor Chandler has launched four free bet offers this week ahead of the kick off to the new football season and the Rugby Union World Cup warm up matches being played this weekend. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on any major sports, receive free bets after opening an account with most online bookmakers. English football kicks into action on Saturday and Victor Chandler has released three football offers to coincide with the start of the npower Championship, League 1, League 2 and Blue Square Premier. The popular and long-established ‘Don’t Hit the Bar’ offer returns to give football accumulator bettors some insurance against one team letting them down. Victor Chandler will return losing stakes up to £25 per accumulator for five timers and upwards which have just one losing selection. Refunds are awarded as free bets and customers can receive up to a total of £100 per settlement when placing more than one accumulator. In March 2010 Victor Chandler signed a further two-year deal as official sponsor to Nottingham Forest. The bookmaker makes sure fans get the best price for Forest to win the league and in addition have a special Nottingham Forest free bet. Anyone backing Forest to win the npower Championship before the end of August will get a free bet refund of losing stakes up to £50 if they go up through the play-offs. Taking a similar line for all each-way bets for the npower Championship, League 1, League 2 and Blue Square Premier, there is up to £50 free bet refund on losing stakes if the selected team finishes outside the top three but is promoted via the play-off system. The UK’s Rugby Union nations start preparations for the World Cup at the weekend when England take on Wales at Twickenham and Scotland face Ireland at Murrayfield. Victor Chandler is offering a Rugby World Cup free bet refund up to £50 on losing outright bets if England win the final on 11th October. Victor Chandler withdrew its £25 free bet offer for new customers earlier in the summer. This week’s release of free bet offers demonstrates the online bookmaker's commitment to providing added value for new and existing customers with the latest offers supplementing a range of free bet promotions on golf, darts and cricket which have been running during the summer.   02-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10223/tiger-woods-bridgestone-invitational-record-no-concern-to-bookmakers Bookmakers don’t appear to have been too concerned about Tiger Wood’s record at the Bridgestone Invitational when they formed the betting market for this week’s World Golf Championship event. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on this week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. Woods will be making his comeback after eleven weeks of recovery from back and knee injuries and it can’t be co-incidence that he has chosen Firestone Country Club for his return, a course that has proven very kind to him over the years. Woods is certain to feel at ease on the South Course at Firestone where he has won the Invitational seven times since 1999, Tiger still holds the course record of nine-under par 61 and the 72-hole record of 259 which have stood since he won the NEC Invitational in 2000. But over a troubled two years, the 14-time major winner is without a win in 21 tournaments going back to the BMW Championship in September 2009. Woods reached a career low at last year’s Bridgestone Invitational, when an inept 77 equalled his worst final round as a professional which may have been the prompt for Coral to offer uncharacteristically long odds of 22/1 for Tiger to make a successful return in the third WGC event of the year. World number one Luke Donald won the first WGC event of the season when beating Martin Kaymer in the final of the Accenture Match Play Championship at Dove Mountain in February. Donald is available at odds of 18/1 at bet365 and Betfred to win at Firestone and become the first player since Phil Mickleson in 2009 to win two WGC titles in a single season. Also looking to emulate the achievement is Nick Watney who was victorious in the Cadillac Championship at Doral in March. The FedExCup points leader also won the AT&T National last month and is available at odds of 25/1 at bet365 and Coral to pick up his third winner’s cheque of the season on Sunday. Mickleson will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of missing the cut in his first appearance at the Greenbrier Classic last weekend. The left-hander had high hopes going into the week after his best ever Open Championship display when he finished runner-up to Darren Clarke at Royal St Georges earlier last month. Mickleson’s best result at Firestone was in 1999 when he finished second to Woods and is available at odds of 20/1 at Stan James to win his first Bridgestone Invitational this week.   01-08-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10222/broad-heroics-keep-england-in-2nd-test-at-trent-bridge A stunning hat-trick and career-best figures of 6-46 for Stuart Broad has left the 2nd Test in the balance, with online bookmakers backing an England or India win at Trent Bridge with 888 Sport offering odds of 6/5 for both Nations. Online bookmakers offer free bets to all new customers, these free bets may be used when betting on the England v India Test Series, and any other International or Domestic Cricket markets. India had been looking to open up a commanding lead and had advanced to 267-4, a lead of 46, before Stuart Broad struck causing India to collapse to 288 all out. The Nottinghamshire seamer finished with his career-best figures of 6-46 on his home ground of Trent Bridge, with an excellent hat-trick undoubtedly the star of the show. MS Dhoni was the be the first of three consecutive wickets for Broad, who was tempted into driving at a full, swinging delivery - with Anderson on hand to take a good catch at second slip. Harbhajan Singh soon followed, though somewhat unluckily, after a thick inside edge onto his pad was given leg before. He will not have appreciated the irony of his board refusing to allow reviews on lbw decisions - this sort of howler was what DRS was invented for. But there was no doubt about the hat-trick wicket as Praveen Kumar's stumps were smashed by another swinging, full ball. Broad's last 16 deliveries yielded an incredibly 5 wickets for no runs, and was rightly accorded to a standing ovation as he left the field . Broad's place in the series had been in doubt, but has shone so far this series, producing great displays with the bat and ball at Lords, and a stunning display yesterday in the 2nd Test, throwing the outcome into the air with both Nations capable of producing another strong display in the crease or in the field, and taking the 2nd Test. However, Broad's hat trick will be for nought if England fail to win the 2nd Test, and Broad made this abundantly clear in the press-conference following his 2nd day heroics. "Your best days only come when you win, so at the end of the Test match it might well turn out to be if we perform well. It was a pretty special occasion, but it's all about winning Test matches," said Broad. Online bookmakers are continually changing their odds In-Play for the 2nd Test between India and England, with a wicket or one strong performance enough to change the outcome significantly.   31-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10221/simpson-and-de-jonge-share-half-way-lead-in-greenbrier-classic Webb Simpson heads the Greenbrier Classic outright betting market after finishing tied for the lead with a seven-under par total of 133 at the half-way point at the Old White TPC in West Virginia. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the PGA Tour golf, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on this week’s Greenbrier Classic. The 25-year-old American is available at odds of 7/2 with Sportingbet after his second round two-under par 68 left him tied for the lead with Zimbabwe’s Brendon De Jonge going into the weekend. Simpson shot four birdies and two bogeys to add to his first round 65 to put himself in with a chance of winning his first ever Tour event. The former Walker Cup player is in his third season as a pro and has gone close to breaking his tour duck on two occasions this year, taking runner-up spots at the Transitions Championship and Zurich Classic of New Orleans. 31-year-old De Jonge is second favourite after 36-holes and is available at odds of 5/1 with most leading bookmakers. His second round 67 included four birdies with a dropped shot on the eleventh saw him jump into a share of the half-way lead as he also attempts to earn his first win on Tour. Trevor Immelman is nicely poised going into the last two days after his level par 70 left him one stroke behind the leaders. Sportingbet is offering best odds of 9/1 for the South African who started the day at the top of the leaderboard after shooting 64 in the first round. GREENBRIER CLASSIC SECOND ROUND LEADERS: 133 Brendon De Jonge 66 67, Webb Simpson 65 68 134 Trevor Immelman (Rsa) 64 70 135 Brian Davis (Eng) 71 64, Michael Letzig 69 66, Scott Stallings 70 65, Gary Woodland 65 70, Derek Lamely 65 70 136 Aron Price (Aus) 69 67, John Merrick 69 67, Chris Couch 68 68, Chez Reavie 67 69, Christopher Baryla (Can) 67 69, Charles Howell III 68 68 137 Ricky Barnes 72 65, Will Strickler 67 70, Tag Ridings 71 66, Brandt Jobe 68 69, Camilo Villegas (Col) 71 66, James Driscoll 69 68, Cameron Tringale 70 67   30-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10220/manchester-city-remain-4-1-for-premier-league-win-after-aguero-signs Manchester City remain best price at 4/1 with a number of bookmakers after completing the signing of Sergio Aguero for an initial £35M . Betfred , Coral and Paddy Power are offering top odds on Roberto Mancini's team and Paddy Power also offer a £100 FREE BET to all new accounts who sign up via the www.bestfreebets.com or www.freebets.com site . Agüero revealed he had taken the advice of another of his Argentina team-mates, Pablo Zabaleta, before signing a five-year contract at City that will see him wear the No16 shirt at the Etihad Stadium for the fast approaching Premier League season . Many see Aguero , reputedly on wages of £200k per week ,  as the natural replacement for his feisty Argentinian counterpart Carlos Tevez who is expected to leave to join Brazilian club Corinthians .   Aguero revealed that Zabaletta told him "it's a happy squad" and that he had also taken some advice from Liverpool defender Maxi Rodriguez about life in England . The 23 year old Aguero is quoted at odds of 16/1 with Victor Chandler to be the Premier League top scorer next season whilst Skybet who offer all new customers up to £35 in free bets quote the Argentinian at odds of 14/1 .    The race to be Premier League top scorer next season is the most open for many years with Manchester United pair Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney disputing favouritism with most bookies at odds of around 8/1 . William Hill are the only layer offering odds of 9/1 for Rooney who eventually managed eleven Premier goals last term after a very slow start . Arsenal's Robin Van Persie is potentially good value in this market at odds of 10/1 with Ladbrokes who offer each way terms of 1/4 odds 1-2-3-4 . The Dutchman notched  18 Premier League goals last season despite having some injury problems and is consistently one of the most deadly finishers around . Ladbrokes are currently offering a £30 Free Bet for all new customers and this could be a value bet to last all season . The 2011/12 Premier League season gets underway on Saturday 13th August with Aguero probably making his Manchester City debut in their televised Monday night game on August 15th at the Etihaad Stadium where City will take on newly promoted Swansea .   29-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10219/broad-looking-forward-to-trent-bridge-test Stuart Broad is looking forward to playing in front of his home crowd at Trent Bridge as England look to extend their series lead in the second Test against India which starts on Friday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on England v India Test series, get a free cricket bet when placing a bet on the second Test between England and India. The England team is attempting to overtake India and top the ICC rankings by winning the four-test series with a margin of two Tests and they got off to a flying start with a 196-run victory in the first Test. Broad played a pivotal role in England’s win in the Lord’s Test, taking seven wickets and scoring 74 second innings runs in a match-winning partnership of 162 with Matt Prior. It was a welcome return to form for Broad who has been struggling with his game since picking up a couple of injuries during the winter. Now he’s looking to contribute to the rest of the series and helping England become the official world number one Test nation, starting with another victory in his home county. Broad told the BBC: “Every time you turn up to Trent Bridge every England player enjoys it, particularly the Notts boys. It’s always nice to play in front of the home crowd they are always very supportive, we as a team have a great record here. “Obviously they are going to come back hard at us, I think it’s going to be a very exciting Test match. The great thing about Trent Bridge is you always know that you are always in the game as a bowler with the wicket and it creates for exciting cricket,” he added. England’s odds for the Trent Bridge Test have shortened on the eve of the game and Stan James were left offering the best odds of 6/5 for England to take a 2-0 lead. Broad is available at odds of 4/1 at SkyBet to be England’s Top Bowler. The favourite for England Top Bowler is James Anderson who also took seven wickets at Lords, he is available at odds of 5/2 with SkyBet and Coral.   BOOKMAKER OFFERS FOR ENGLAND v INDIA 2nd TEST: BETFRED, stakes refunded as a free bet if your Top Batman selection scores a hundred or more and doesn't finish Top Batsman. Up to £250 free bet refund. STAN JAMES, stakes refunded as a free bet if your Top Batman selection scores a hundred or more and doesn't finish Top Batsman. Up to £250 free bet refund VICTOR CHANDLER, stakes refunded as a free bet if your Top Batman selection scores a hundred or more and doesn't finish Top Batsman. Up to £100 free bet refund.   28-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10218/appleby-paired-with-mickleson-and-watson-in-greenbrier-classic Defending champion Stuart Appleby has been drawn to play alongside tournament favourite Phil Mickleson and legend. Tom Watson in the first two rounds of the Greenbrier Classic starting on Thursday at White Sulphur Springs. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the PGA Tour golf, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on this week’s Greenbrier Classic. The group will tee off at 12.40pm (BST) when Appleby will play be hoping to rekindle the form he displayed in winning this event 12 months ago and end his current slump. The 40-year-old Australian shot a final round 59 to win the inaugural Greenbank Classic last year yet is available at odds of 150/1 at Totesport to successfully defend his title following a dismal run which has seen him make the cut just once in his last 12 events. Mickleson leads the Greenbrier Classic betting market and is available at odds of 10/1 with several leading online bookmakers. The world number six is looking to win his second PGA Tour event of the year having previously collected the winners cheque at the Shell Houston Open in April. Big Phil has taken a week off since finishing runner-up in the Open Championship at Royal St Georges 10 ten days and will be looking forward to teeing it up for 36 holes with eight-time Major winner, Tom Watson. Watson plays most of his golf on the Champions Tour since joining the Seniors in recent years, his last tournament was also at Sandwich where, once again he delighted British golf fans with another bold showing in the Open where he finished a very creditable 22nd place. The 61-year-old veteran lines up for his first PGA Tour event of the year and bookmakere don’t give him much chance of winning, Betfred and Coral offering best odds of 250/1. Watson has a long relationship with Greenbrier, he was named in The Greenbrier’s Golf Professional Emeritus in 2005 and will host the Tom Watson Fall Golf Classic at the course in October. Sergio Garcia is second favourite, generally available at odds of 16/1, the Spaniard is enjoying some promising form after taking a rest from the game earlier in the year. The 31-year-old suffered a slight hiccup when missing the cut at the St Jude Classic last month but bounced back in his last two tournaments with top ten finishes at the US Open where he tied seventh and the Open Championship where he took a share of ninth place.   27-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10217/clarke-eyes-back-to-back-british-triumphs It took a 20 year journey for Darren Clarke to claim his emotional victory at the recent Open Championships, and now he hopes to end an even longer wait by capturing this week's Irish Open title. Online bookmakers offer free bets to all new customers as apart of their welcome packages, these may be used to bet on all the latest golf events including the 2011 Irish Open. Darren Clarke made his first Irish Open appearence as a 21-year-old amateur in 1990, and finished 50th at Portmarnock, 18 shots behind the eventual winner Jose Maria Olazabal. That was his first European Tour start and he's since gone to claim 14 wins in his Tour career, culminating in his superb three-stroke victory at Royal St George's. Clarke has made comment on the upcoming Irish Open and his dream to hold both the Open Championships and Irish Open titles. "I've been close on a number of occasions and never quite got the job done - a bit like in The Open you could say," Clarke told the Tour website." "It would be a hell of an achievement - a dream come true - to have The Open and Irish Open trophies on display back at home." "It has already been an amazing month for me and to do the double would be unbelievable." Online bookmakers price Darren Clarke at good odds with a best price of 33/1 prior to the start of the 2011 Irish Open, great odds for the Northern Irishman who put on such a great display for the crowds at Sandwich. The bookmakers make US Open Champion Rory McIlroy their strong favourites, as they did prior to The Open recently, with a best price of 11/2 with the third Northern Irishman, Graeme McDowell, made 18/1 to produce similar form that saw him claim the 2010 US Open. 26-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10216/evra-tells-nasri-to-join-united-for-trophies Patrice Evra has admitted he told Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri to join Manchester United if he wants to win trophies. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on the 2011/12 Premier League, get a free football bet when placing a ante-post bet on this season’s Premier League winners. Nasri had been linked to a possible move to Old Trafford earlier this summer and his French team-mate Evra admitted to The Sun newspaper that he made it clear Old Trafford is the place to be if he is looking for silverware. "I remember I made a little joke saying that he's a prince now but if he wants to be the king then he has to join Man United," said Evra. “But that's the reality - and I've told him that. I've said, 'If you want to win trophies, you have to come here.' In five years, I've won 12 trophies and I don't know if I'd have won more than that with another club. So I just told him the truth." 24-year-old Nasri joined Arsenal in 2008 and in his three seasons at the Emirates is yet to win a major honour with the North London club which has been trophyless for the past five seasons. Nasri is available at odds of 7/1 with SkyBet to be a Manchester United player after the end of the summer transfer window while Victor Chandler bets 10/1 the French international will join their rivals at Manchester City. Alex Ferguson is on record saying he thinks Nasri will sign elsewhere with reports tipping City as a possible destination. Evra thinks that would be the wrong move for his international colleague. "If he goes to City, it's his choice," Evra added. "But I know, as a player, if I have Manchester United and Manchester City, I'd go straight away for United." United won the League title for a record 19th time last season and the Red Devils are 9/5 favourite at Paddy Power to make it 20 this coming season. Beaten by Barcelona in the Champions League final in May, Ferguson’s side is 9/1 at Unibet to go one better in the 2011/12 tournament.   25-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10215/broad-shows-his-worth-to-give-england-a-great-chance-in-first-test Stuart Broad, who had been in danger of being dropped for this historic 2000th Test, led the England attack with 4-37 in another strong showing by England, dismissing the visitors for 286, a deficit of 188 runs. Following three days of strong performances by England, online bookmakers make them their favourite to win the first test at Lords, with the best price available of 13/10. Online bookmakers offer free bets to all new customers which may be used to bet on Cricket markets, including the historic 2000th Test between England and India, so claim your free bets now when betting on your favourite Cricket markets. Broad had been criticised for bowling too many shorter deliveries too often, which lead to debate surrounding his inclusion in the England side for the first Test, however, bowling fuller and rediscovering his ability to swing the ball saw him claim four vital wickets at the head of the England attack. His reward came when he found the gap between Gambhir's bat and pad, clean bowling the left-hander for 15. Broad continued to pitch it up and had a second success when Mukund dragged on to his off stump to fall for 49. This brought in India's veterans Tendulkar and Dravid, who quickly struck up a 50 partnership as England's bowlers looked to deny Tendulkar his 100th Test 100 at the home of Cricket. Forty overs were down before Strauss went for spin in the form of Graeme Swann but it was the reintroduction of Broad that did the damage. Broad took just four balls to get Tendulkar's crucial wicket, shaping one away, inviting the drive and celebrating with joy as Swann snared the edge at second slip. Dravid and Dhoni killed the bowlers' momentum after tea, playing gentle, risk-free cricket. Dravid, in particular, looked a different player to the one who had put the hosts to the sword at the start of the afternoon session and the 50 partnership took 137 balls to materialise. England took the new ball at 235-5 and it was Tremlett who used it to devastating effect, finding the edges of Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh in the space of just three deliveries to leave the tourists seven down with a large England total to chase. Broad bounced out Praveen for his fourth wicket, while Anderson skittled Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma without scoring. Much talk before the Test had concerned Tendulkar's quest for his 100th 100, but it was his batting partner Dravid who claimed his first ever hundred at Lords, completing a 15 year mission to register three figures at the home of Cricket. England start the day with 5 runs on the board, and a great chance of carving themselves a comfortable defence and putting the travellers back in to bat. However, time is as always ticking down, and bookmakers back the test to be a Draw with best price at 5/6.   24-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10214/rory-mcilroy-10-1-favourite-for-us-pga-championship Despite a poor overall performance in last week's British Open Championship , Rory McIlroy remains the favourite with all bookmakers to win next months US PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Georgia and Ladbrokes currently offer a standout 10/1 about the 22 year old grabbing his 2nd Major of the season . Ladbrokes are one of the UK's largest bookies and offer all new accounts a £30 FREE BET which can be used on any sport including golf . The Atlanta Athletic club will become only the fifth club in the US to have staged at least three US PGA Championships when the event gets underway on Thursday August 11th . Certainly McIlroy should find the weather more to his liking in Georgia after being blown off course and eventually finishing in a tie for 25th position at wet and windy Sandwich .  Following his final round last Sunday McIlroy said he wasn't a fan of tournaments where the "outcome is affected so much by the weather," adding that "there's no point in changing your game for one week a year." McIlroy was reported to have split with his long term girlfriend just before the British Open Championship . McIlroy’s representatives, the International Sports Management Company (ISM),  issued an official notification of the break up. “Rory McIlroy’s long-term relationship with Holly Sweeney came to an amicable end before the British Open,” an ISM spokesman said. The US PGA Championship represents a great opportunity for McIlroy to show the kind of form that allowed to him win this year's US Open by an amazing eight shots . Certainly the manner of his victory at the Congressional Country Club course in June sent shock waves through the world of golf and the Northern Irishman had previously held a four shot lead going into the final round of the US Masters in April before blowing up . The US PGA championship was won by a European last year as Matin Kaymer landed his first Major victory and the German who performed well at the Open Championship is expected to contend again this year .Kaymer is currently quoted at odds of 24/1 with Scandanavian bookmaker Unibet and Kaymer can be expected to put a good defence of his title in the expected hot conditions , fast greens and thick rough that is typical of US PGA Championships of the past .  There are still doubts as to whether Tiger Woods will be fit to play in the US PGA in less than three weeks but it would be little short of a miracle if the 14 times Major winner was in the kind of form that would allow him to win such a competitive event after such a long lay off .   23-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10213/donald-battles-back-in-canadian-open Luke Donald impressed bookmakers with a battling comeback from a near disastrous start to the first round of the RBC Canadian Open at Shaugnessy Golf and Country Club on Thursday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the PGA Tour golf, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on this week’s Canadian Open. The world number one’s odds shortened up after a determined fightback from two double bogeys in his first four holes. Donald shot five birdies including three straight on the homeward nine to claw his way back into contention and despite a bogey at the last, he finished on level par and three strokes from the overnight lead. Bookmakers reacted by installing him tournament favourite and he is available at odds 13/2 with bet365, Boylesports and Sportingbet. "It was a good grind back after a tough start," said Donald. "They're not the widest fairways and the penalty for missing them is very severe. The rough is as thick as we’ve seen all year and that adds a little pressure on the tee because you know you have to hit the fairway to have a chance to reach the green." Kris Blanks holds the first round lead by one-stroke following his three-under par 67 which included two birdies and an eagle on the back nine to end the day a shot clear of the group of 11 players at two-under par. 38-year-old Blanks is in his third season as PGA Tour pro and having missed the cut in half of his 22 events this season he’ll do well to stay in contention for another three days on his testing track. Veteran Ernie Els, wasn’t complaining and after carding a 68 for a share of second he complimented the demanding set up at Shaughnessy. "This is the way a national open should be," he said. "It should be played as tough as possible on a very stern test." Els, who missed his fourth cut in five events at last week's Open Championship is yet to finish in the top ten this season, he is best priced at odds of 22/1 with Sportingbet to put that form behind and register his first tour victory since winning the Arnold Palmer invitational in March 2010. Rickie Fowler played with Anthony Kim and Lucas Glover in the better morning conditions, all three carded 69 to finish in a group of nine on one-under par. 22-year-old Fowler, who impressed at the Open Championship last week, is now second favourite to win the tournament at odds of 10/1 with bet365, Boylesports and Paddy Power. RBC CANADIAN OPEN FIRST ROUND LEADERS: (US unless stated) 67 Kris Blanks 68 Aron Price (Aus), Bill Lunde, Woody Austin, Ben Martin, Brett Quigley, Paul Goydos, Ernie Els (Rsa), Matt Mcquillan (Can), Jimmy Walker, Bo Van Pelt, Kevin Kisner 69 Bud Cauley, Lucas Glover, Lee Janzen, Kevin Na, Anthony Kim, Ben Crane, Chad Campbell, Sean O'Hair, Rickie Fowler 70 Chris DiMarco, David Hearn (Can), Scott Piercy, Geoff Ogilvy (Aus), Matt Bettencourt, Chez Reavie, Keegan Bradley, Hunter Mahan, John Daly, Nathan Green (Aus), Michael Thompson, DJ Brigman, Morgan Hoffmann, Luke Donald (Eng)     22-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10212/workforce-heads-five-remaining-king-george-runners Workforce heads of field of five remaining runners after the final declaration stage for Saturday’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on a wide variety of horse racing betting markets, place a bet on the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot and receive a free horse racing bet. The four-year-old colt will be ridden by regular partner Ryan Moore and was best priced at odds of 13/8 with bet365 when the new bookmakers announced their revised odds for the five-runner Group 1 affair. Connections have reported the 2010 Derby and Arc winner in excellent form at home and the expected easy ground should also count in favour for Sir Michael Stoute’s charge. Workforce is looking to make amends for being beaten by Harbinger when odds-on favourite for this race 12 months ago. St Nicholas Abbey remains Aiden O’Briens sole representative following the defection of Midday and Seville who are being kept for the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood on 30 July. Jockey plans have not been confirmed for the Coronation Cup winner who is 5/2 second favourite with Sportingbet, Paddy Power and Stan James. Mahmood Al Zarooni’s Royal Ascot winner Rewilding will have Frankie dettori aboard and is best priced at odds of 10/3 with a number of leading bookmakers including William Hill and Coral. Stable companion Debussy will again make the pace and is rated a 100/1 chance with Ahmed Ajtebi in the saddle. John Gosden’s Nathaniel is the only three-old left in the race, the colt will be ridden by William Buick and is available at odds of 15/2 with Boylesports to register a second course victory after his commanding victory in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes on good to soft ground last month.   21-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10211/coral-go-best-title-odds-for-old-firm With the Scottish Premier League set to kick-off this weekend, Coral has eased the price of both Celtic and Rangers, betting to an unprecedented 100% on the Old Firm teams to win the title. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on Scottish Premier League, get a free football bet when placing a bet on this weekend’s opening Scottish Premier league fixtures. Coral are offering odds of 5/6 Celtic (from 4/5) and 6/5 Rangers (from evens) as of this morning and until Saturday, which means Coral are in the unique position of offering top industry odds for both Glasgow rivals. "The odds overwhelmingly suggest that the SPL title will be won by either Celtic or Rangers, but we're willing to bet the big two to no theoretical profit margin by offering what we believe will be top prices about both teams. Ultimately we will let punters decide how our ante-post book will look," said Coral spokesman David Stevens. Current champions Rangers begin their title defence with a home fixture against Hearts on Saturday and Ally McCoist’s side is hot favourite to pick up three points from the Edinburgh club which finished last season in third place. Celtic will be travelling in the opposite direction as they face Hibernian in Edinburgh on Sunday and the Hoops will be looking for a good start as they bid to regain the title they last held in 2008. Coral SPL Outright Odds: 5-6 Celtic, 6-5 Rangers, 33-1 Hearts, 50-1 Dundee United, 250-1 Aberdeen, Hibernian, Motherwell, 500-1 Kilmarnock, St Johnstone, 750-1 Dunfermline, Inverness CT, 1000-1 St Mirren.   20-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10210/fergie-expects-city-threat-in-coming-season Manchester United Boss, Sir Alex Ferguson made time to comment on his title rivals for the coming season amid his side's pre-season tour of the United States. In particular, Fergie made clear that he expects local rivals, Manchester City to provide a stronger challenge in the upcoming season. Online bookmakers offer free bets to all new customers, which may be used to bet on the upcoming 2011/12 Barclay's Premier League season, including individual matches and the outright market. Both Manchester sides are setting the highest of targets for the upcoming football season, with the Premier League title race set to be as competitive as it has been for some time. In addition to both United and City, Chelsea will remount their challenge, with both Arsenal and Liverpool hoping to return strengthened following this year's transfer window. Ferguson acknowledges that defending champions United have their work cut out in their pursuit of top flight crown number 20, especially as neighbours City have emerged as realistic challengers for major honours since Sheikh Mansour's takeover of the club and subsequent heavy investment in the squad. Ferguson states, "There was a period not so long ago when City were actually in the second division and they were never a thorn in our flesh." "Whereas every year in the past we've had to contend with Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool." "But winning a trophy does you a power of good. I don't think there's any doubt about that. It takes the pressure off the manager and gives confidence to the players." "We've experienced it ourselves over the years and we expect City to be challengers next season." "But nothing changes. One of the teams will always be a thorn in our flesh, whether we like it or not - possibly all four of them." Ferguson also believes that Liverpool, who have endured a difficult time of late, will be back to their best under Kenny Dalglish this season. He added: "Liverpool went off the radar for a bit. They are now back on it." "Long term you know they are going to be there." Defending champions, Manchester United are made the bookmakers favourite for the upcoming Premier League season, with best price available offered at Irish bookmaker Paddy Power. 2010 Champions Chelsea follow Manchester United in the bookmaker's list with best price at 11/4, at Stan James. Manchester City leapfrog Arsenal and Liverpool for the first time becoming third favourites in the eyes of the bookmakers, available at 4/1 with totesport. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Liverpool will look to provide a stronger challenge than their odds suggest at 9/1 and 11/1 respectively. 19-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10209/perfect-start-for-wade-at-winter-gardens Unibet is offering odds of 7/1 for James Wade to win his third World Matchplay title after a stunning first-round victory against Jamie Caven at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on Sunday night. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on World Matchplay Darts, get a free darts bet by placing a bet on any of Monday’s World Matchplay darts matches. Wade won the 2007 championship at the Winter Gardens and got off to a perfect start with a whitewash against world number 18 Caven who failed to hit a double in any of his nine attempts to finish a leg. The current UK Champion checked out in style with 136 to take the final leg for a 10-0 victory to book his place in the last sixteen. The win sets up a meeting with Mark Walsh on Wednesday, the Hertfordshire player powered to a 7-0 lead against Dave Chisnell before going on to win his match 10-3. Raymond van Barneveld beat Steve Brown 10-3 to progress and will next play Paul Nicholson who scraped to a 12-10 win against Colin Osborne. Tournament favourite Phil Taylor, 13/8 at Coral, is in action on Monday night and the reigning champion is expected to breeze past debutante Mark Hylton in the third game. Wayne Jones and Scott Rand open the bill and are playing for the honour of meeting Taylor in the next round, a shock result not withstanding. Rand, who hails from Coventry is making his first appearance at the Winter Gardens and is available at odds of 7/4 at Sportingbet to upset the odds on Wade who has fallen at the first hurdle at the World Matchplay for the last three years. Justin Pipe will be second of three debutants to take to the stage in Blackpool when he plays world number nine Mervyn King in the second match of the evening. King was runner up in the Players Championship Finals in 2010 and having avoided an early clash with Taylor, is looking to better his best World Matchplay finish when he made the semi-finals in 2009. King is generally available at odds of 4/9 for his match with Pipe, who is a 21/20 chance at Sportingbet. The final match of the evening is between world number eight Wes Newton and Andy Smith with both players striving for their first win at the World Matchplay in a combined total of nine attempts. Newton was beaten finalist at his year’s UK Open and is favourite to break his World Matchplay duck against Smith. Newton is available at odds of 4/7 with bet365, Betfred and Victor Chandler while Smith is widely available at odds of 6/4 to win their first round clash. Victor Chandler is running a 170 Checkout Payout promotion for the duration of the World Matchplay darts. Punters will be paid as winners if their match bet selection loses after making a 170 checkout at any point during the match. Click here to go to Victor Chandler website   18-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10208/darren-clarke-chases-open-dream Darren Clarke enters the final round of the 140th Open Championships atop the leaderboard at Sandwich, and with just 18 holes to go Clarke could be set to lift famous trophy over 20 years after his first Open. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the Open Championships at the Royal St George's, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on this week's Open. The 42-year-old overcame rain, wind and all the inevitable pressures of setting the pace in the biggest event in golf to fire a superb third-round 69. Indeed, the only rounds better throughout a treacherous third round at Royal St. George's came from outright second Dustin Johnson, and now 2-under Rickie Fowler, both shooting an incredible 68. At 4-under-par it is Johnson who is the chief threat to Clarke's hopes of continuing the remarkable sucess in recent years for the Irish golfing contingent, following Graeme McDowell, Padraig Harrington and of course Rory McIlroy. The popular Ryder Cup mainstay has finished second previously at The Open back in 1997, but will fancy his chances of taking his first Major today in Kent. "From tee to green I can't really play any better. I had one of those days where I had full control of my ball flight, but I didn't have the speed with my putting at all," said Clarke following his third-round display. "If somebody had said before the start I could have 69, though, I would have bitten their hand off." As for the ovations he has received over the past few days he replied jokily, "I think most of the crowd identify with a guy who's not quite an athlete and likes a pint." "I have a chance to realise a dream now and that would be fantastic." "I've done just about everything else. I've been fortunate to win Ryder Cups and World Championships, but a major has so far eluded me." "I've a pretty decent chance. A major is always tough to win, but I've put myself in position." The golfing gods were with Clarke, because it was only over the opening stretch that he had to contend with the worst of the conditions. After truly foul weather had taken most of the overnight back markers out of the hunt, Clarke made a dream start, sinking a 15-foot putt on the opening green for the only birdie all day on the 452-yard hole. Darren Clarke is currently 11/4 joint favourite to take the Claret Jug, along with Dustin Johnson, at many online bookmakers including bet365, Betfred, sportingbet, bluesquare and Paddy Power. Though, the Northern Irishman may well be the local crowd's favourite throughout the course of an intriguing final round at Royal St. George's. 17-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10207/argentina-v-uruguay-odds-and-betting-tips The 2011 Copa America Hosts Argentina and 2010 World Cup Semi-Finalists Uruguay will compete tonight for a spot in the semi-finals in what is undoubtedly the most mouth-watering fixture in the Quarter-Finals, with bookmakers backing the hosts to progress tonight. Online bookmakers offer free bets to all new customers which may be used to bet on the 2011 Copa America tournament and all Quarter-Final matches including Argentina v Uruguay. You will find a best price of just 4/6 for Argentina to win in their tie with Uruguay at 23.15 kick-off GMT at the Brigadier General Estanislao Lopez ground. Arguably suprising odds considering Argentina's woes in the group stages with many critics claiming that boss Sergio Batista does not know how to get the best out of Messi in an Argentina shirt. Argentina have a spectacular array of attacking talent to call upon including Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Angel Di Maria as well as the World's best player Lionel Messi, but it took a must win situation for Batista's side to find the net comfortably - with many stating the win over Costa Rica as Messi's best performance at the international level. atista will start with the same XI against Uruguay, meaning Higuain will start up front, Messi will play behind, with Sergio Aguero on the left flank and Angel di Maria shuttling forward from midfield. The right flank may be bare, with Messi and Higuain covering that side without the ball. Messi will quickly be confronted with the Uruguayan duo of Egidio Arevalo and Diego Perez in the center of midfield, however. They work excellently as a unit, and will be focused upon stopping Argentina's No. 10. Messi is offered at incredible odds at online bookmaker Boylesports in the first goalscorer market, you can back the little Magician at 9/2 to find the net first in this intriguing tie. Online bookmakers provide a Uruguay win at best price of 5/1, which is suprising following their excellent displays in the 2010 World Cup and strong number of attacking talent including top pair Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez. At 5/1, Uruguay may prove a good price to upset Argentina on home soil, with Forlan and Co. to prove they are no pushovers. Argentina and Uruguay share the record for most Copa America championship wins, with both having won the competition a staggering 14 times! A win at this year's championships for either team would put them in front on their own in the competition's 43rd edition. 16-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10206/amateur-star-claims-mcilroy-inspiration Amateur sensation Tom Lewis has set his sights on following in the footsteps of recent US Open winner Rory McIlroy, after his historic first round at the 140th Open Championships at Sandwich. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the Open Championships at the Royal St George's, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on this week's Open.   Lewis starting proceedings at Royal St George's a huge outsider at 900/1, but headed into today's second round in a share of the lead with Thomas Bjorn after a spectacular opening round of 65 at five-under-par. The 20-year-old Englishman couldn't help having one eye on the Claret Jug, but he remains adament that his first target remains the silver medal awarded for leading amateur. Lewis appears on target to do just that, as he finds himself six shots clear of his nearest rival heading into today's round of golf. Rory McIlroy claimed the honor at Carnoustie in 2007 and then went on to playin the Walker Cup team that year before turning professional and securing his European Tour card by finishing third in just his second event as a professional. "It would be really nice to play Walker Cup in September, and hopefully I can perform well up until then to give me confidence for turning pro," Lewis said. "Hopefully I can get a few invites and try and get my card. I'll just keep my head down and practise what I know, and hopefully it'll work." "Rory is an excellent player. He's definitely one of the best players out there at this moment. He's world No.3 and he'll definitely get to world number one at some stage in his career." "Hopefully I can get to the same standard and have a few battles with him. That would be a dream. He's an excellent player, and I look up to him. I'm sure he won't be too far away coming into Sunday." Unfortunately Lewis hasn't made the best of starts to his second round and finds himself dropping two shots after the first 7 and 3-under-par. Though Lewis still remains the leading amateur with his goal in sight, he has slipped to 66/1 with the bookmakers, still a remarkable shortening from his pre-tournament odds of 900/1! 15-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10205/justin-rose-insists-he-is-not-to-be-forgotten-at-this-weeks-open With the eyes of the world on US Open Champion Rory McIlroy and the world numbers one and two Luke Donald and Lee Westwood at this week's Open Championships, which got under way today, fellow Englishman Justin Rose insists he not to be the forgotten man - insisting he should not be ruled out as a contender for the 140th Open title. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the Open Championships at the Royal St George's, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on this week's Open. The 30-Year-Old Rose burst onto the golf scene with a tie for fourth as a teenage amateur in the 1998 Open, but some 13 years later that remains his best finish so far in his career at any Major. Rose turned professional the day after his heroics as a 17-year-old at Birkdale but has failed to make the Open top 10 since. His next-best finish was a tie for 12th in 2007, while last time the Open was in Sandwich in 2003 he missed the cut. Justin Rose has won six times - twice in America - and has topped the European Order of Merit, amassing almost $15 million in prize money, and chalking up top-ten finishes in the Us Open, the Masters and the USPGA, but since his display in 1998, his Open Championship record has been indifferent. However, Rose is currently ranked 31st in the world - and just eighth in Briton - ut still fancies his chances at this week's Championships. "I suppose I'm coming in not as one of the favourites but I feel like I'm a real contender this week," he said. "It's a very open Open and there are a lot of guys like myself who have the game to do it and could do it but just need to put it together for four days." "We've had 11 different major winners in a row and you could add the 12th on Sunday and I hope it's me." Rose is certainly looking forward to the challenge. "You are going to have to be incredibly patient - I think that's the major test this week," he said. "It's fun but you are going to face a lot of adversity and the guy who can deal with that and stay patient will have a great chance." Rose can currently be found at best price of 50/1 to win this year's Open Championships, though a good first round could see his price cut dramatically, with The Open very much for the taking for those who can master the Royal St George's. 14-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10204/mcilroy-rested-and-ready-for-the-open Rory McIlroy said in his pre-Open press conference that a break from golf in the Wake of his remarkable US Open triumph has left him feeling refreshed ahead of The Open Championship this week. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the Open Championships  at the Royal St George's, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on this week's Open.   The 22-year old has not played any competitive golf since claim his first Major of his career with runaway eight-stroke victory at Congressional over three weeks ago. Some have voiced doubts over his decision to miss the Scottish Open and wonder whether he will hit top form straight away following the lay-off, but McIlyroy says he will go into the tournament at Sandwich with a renewed focus after his time away from the course. "I feel as if it's been big for me to have those three weeks off to recharge the batteries," said McIlroy. "I had a couple of long nights after the US Open so it's been nice to get a bit of rest. But it's been nice to get back out on the golf course and practise again and get on the range and really start focusing on this tournament." "I feel as if my preparation has been good, I think the three weeks off has been key for me and I feel really refreshed going into this week." The Northern Irishman ran away with the lead as he crushed the competition at the US Open, setting a record aggregate score of 268to win the event after finished 16-under-par, another record for McIlroy. McIlroy believes he is still in good form ahead of his tee off tomorrow morning, but knows he must move on from last month's victory and focus on what is in front of him. "I can't really let what happened three weeks ago affect how I prepare for this tournament or think about doing things differently," he said. "I've just got to come here and try and treat it like every other tournament I've played. I feel as though my preparation has been great, I'm hitting the ball well." "I feel my short game is pretty good so I'm confident coming into this week. I'm happy to finally be back at a golf tournament and to get back out on the golf course. "I've prepared the exact same way that I've prepared for the last few major championships, and I feel it's a process that works for me, coming to the course the week before, getting a couple of practice rounds in, and then not really getting to the course until Tuesday afternoon." "That works for me. I used to do it to sort of keep under the radar. I'm not sure I'll be able to do that anymore. But it works for me." The Ulsterman remains the outright bookmakers favourite ahead of tomorrow's first round, though has slipped slightly to a best price of 10/1, having been 7/1 at a point, the bookmakers still believe him more than capable of outshining the competition once again. 13-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10203/summer-transfer-window-odds-and-betting-tips As the new Premier League season looms just a month away, online bookmakers are providing a whole host of odds for potential movers, including the unsettled Manchester City talisman Carlos Tevez, who has just attracted a bid from Brazilian outfit Corinthians in the region of £35 million. Online bookmakers provide welcome packages for all new customers which include free bets and bonuses, these free bets may be used to bet on transfers and the upcoming Premier League season, or any other footballing events. Manchester City have not yet responded to the bid from Corinthians, believed to be around £35 million. However, online bookmaker SkyBet heavily backs the Argentinian to return to his former club and offers odds of 1/2. However, they also price a likely move to Real Madrid at 5/1 currently, with a return to Boca Juniors priced at 12/1. The Manchester City captain had recently stated his desire to leave the club, citing family issues caused him to rethink where he played football with a return to South America, or perhaps Spain seeming the more likely options. Elsewhere in the transfer market, in demand playmaker Sami Nasri is believed more likely to remain at the Emirates following news that Sir Alex Ferguson believes the Red Devils are out of the running for the Frenchman. A move to united has fallen to 4/1, where previously they joined Manchester City as a possible destination at 5/6. Much interest surrounds Porto star Falcao, which has only increased with his impressive showing in the 2011 Copa America where he still competes. The obvious destination seems to be Chelsea with odds being offered again by SkyBet at 1/2 for a move to rejoin old boss André Villas Boas at Stamford Bridge. Though, a possible move to Real Madrid again sees good odds of 9/2, with the Spanish giants deemed to be searching to strengthen their ranks. A vast array of transfer markets are continually springing up among bookmakers, with the high profile names but a few. For example, Reading's Shane Long can be backed at 7/4 to make a move to West Brom following an impressive Championship season, the 24-year-old is much in demand, with another likely move to Sunderland priced at 2/1. Why not claim a free bet a your bookmakers and place it on your favourite transfer story of the summer? 12-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10202/argentina-v-costa-rica-odds-and-betting-tips 2011 Copa America Hosts Argentina must today secure a win over Costa Rica in order to advance to the quarter finals after two somewhat fortunate draws earlier in group A. Online bookmakers heavily back the Argentinians to progress, and indeed are favourites to make the final, though nothing short of a win today would see them eliminated far earlier than hoped. Online bookmakers offer free bets to all new customers which may be used to bet on any football markets, this includes the 2011 Copa America and the match between Argentina and Costa Rica. Critics have labelled the source of Argentina's disappointing results as the Barcelona-stylised 4-3-3 formation, perhaps intended to get the best out of Lionel Messi or to replicate the success of Spain and Barcelona in recent years. However, it is clear that the opposite effect is being had, and Argentina have been frustrated so far and were somewhat lucky to escape Group A winners - Columbia with a point intact. Many expect Argentina boss Sergio Batista to switch to a more accomadating style in order to swashbuckle the Costa Ricans in what should, with respect, be an outclassing of a nation over 40 places lower in the FIFA rankings. Argentina are clear 1/5 favourites, however, there are good prices to be found on this fixture elsewhere. You can back a third draw for Argentina at 6/1 best price offered at bet365, while a Costa Rican upset will grant you 20/1 over at Victor Chandler. Perhaps it is the goalscorer markets that provide the most promise. You can back the world's best footballer Lionel Messi to bag himself a hat trick against Costa Rica today at good odds of 16/1, while Gonzalo Higuain may be in to repeat a hat trick from the 2010 World Cup and can be found at 20/1 to do just that. At 10/3 you can back Lionel Messi to grab the first goal of the afternoon as he has done many times before, with Higuain and unsettled Manchester City star Carlos Tevez both 4/1 to grab the first goal. Equally you can bet on there being no goalscorer at a long shot of 16/1, though with the vast array of attacking options available, it is highly unlikely that Argentina be held in a must win game. As for the correct score market, bookmakers fancy a 2-0 Argentinian victory with best price available at boylesports of 11/2, shortly behind are 3-0 and 1-0 victories for the home nation, each priced at good odds of 6/1. Will Argentina be making an early exit on home soil, or will they take their place in the final for a third year running? Having lost out to Brazil in 2004 and 2007, you can back Argentina to overcome their slow start and land their set of winners medals at 17/11 at Unibet. 11-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10201/scottish-open-odds-and-betting-tips Play has resumed on day four at the Scottish Open after severe flooding saw day three pass without play and the event shortened to a three day competition. Four players enter their third round of golf tied for the lead at 11-under, but bookmakers have made Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell their favourite at 7/2 to top the leaderboard later today. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the Scottish Open at the Castle Stuart Golf Links, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on today's Scottish Open. The Scottish Open marks the last European Tour event before next week's Open Championship at Sandwich, and with a number of players looking to strike form before the year's third Major, today's play could prove valuable to those chasing glory - though the Open's favourite, Rory McIlroy chose not to compete at this year's Scottish Open. Scott Jamieson, Peter Whiteford and Peter Hanson all join McDowell on 11-under heading into the final round, with world number one Luke Donald poised nicely on 10-under and former number one Lee Westwood not out of contention at 8-under. Also at 8-under is Colin Montgomerie, who needs a top five finish in Aberdeen to claim his place in his 22nd consecutive Open Championship next week. You can back World Number One Luke Donald to top the leaderboard at 9/2 with Stan James, representing good value for the Englishman. Hanson, Jamieson and Whiteford are available at 5/1, 14/1 and 16/1 respectively, while Lee Westwood has well priced at 20/1. It is Graeme McDowell though who the bookmakers believe will take momentum with him into Sandwich, with a whole host of online bookmakers making him their 7/2 favourite, including SkyBet, totesport, Boylesports, Betfred, Paddy Power, Victory Chandler and William Hill. You can also back Colin Montomerie to do better than his fifth place required and land victory on home soil at an outside chance of 100/1. Though the Scot hasn't tasted European Tour victory in four years almost to the day. 10-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10200/wenger-determined-to-keep-key-duo Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has reiterated his intention to keep hold of key pair Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri as speculation continues as to their possible transfer movement still weeks from the new season. However, bookmakers continue to believe that both men will be playing their football elsewhere next season. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on the Premier League, get a free football bet when placing a bet on Summer transfers or the 2011/12 Premier League winners.   The Gunners are once again enduring a summer full of transfer speculation surrounding key players, and Samir Nasri joins last year's Cesc Fabregas in the crosshairs of possible bidders. With Barcelona renewing their interest in the Arsenal Captain, Nasri has also attracted interest accross Europe including from both Manchester rivals - who are currently the bookmakers' favourites to secure a deal for the Frenchman. Samir Nasri's contract expires at the end of the coming season, and reports suggest that he may be keen to move on were he to remain at North London for another year. It is also suggested that the young playmaker has been offered a lucrative new deal worth £110,000 a week, and Wenger has made it clear he wants both Nasri and Fabregas to stay and warns possible suitors to expect a battle. "Our position is always the same, we want to keep Cesc and I will fight as hard as I can to keep him," Wenger told the club's official website. "Samir Nasri is exactly the same. We will do everything we can to keep him." Online bookmaker SkyBet is currently offering a selection of odds for Nasri's destination this summer and you will find best price of 5/6 for the 24-year-old to join Manchester United, with the same price available for a move to Manchester City. You can also back Nasri to play football for Chelsea next season at 8/1, with Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan thought the more unlikely destinations at 14/1, 16/1 and 33/1 respectively. SkyBet deem a move to Barcelona 1/5 for Cesc Fabregas, not suprising after the Champion's League winners continued interest over the past year. Though, you can take a punt at the Spaniard joining either Chelsea or Manchester City at 7/1 best price for both sides. With Real Madrid and Manchester United possible destinations at 10/1 and 40/1. Arsene Wenger now leads his side to their annual pre-season tour of Asia, with Fabregas to miss the trip through injury, Wenger will hope to have brought in more talent rather than lost his key pair by the end of the trip. Interestingly, despite continual transfer speculation surrounding the Emirates, you can back the Gunners at good odds of 9/1 to land the 2011/12 Premier League title. Having contended heavily the past two seasons, and a side that is perhaps maturing and to be strengthened, 9/1 could well be worth a punt.   09-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10199/boylesports-offer-unbeatable-each-way-terms-for-open-championship Irish independent bookmaker Boylesports is offering unbeatable each-way terms for the Open Championship which will be played on the links of Royal St Georges near Sandwich in Kent next week. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the Open Championship golf, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on next week’s Open Championship. Picking a player to be placed from the field of 156 top golfers can be a tricky task, but Boylesports offer to pay out on eight places is an opportunity golf punters can’t afford to miss with the 1/4 place odds being paid on the top eight finishers next Sunday. Even backing this year’s Open Championship favourite Rory McIlroy at odds of 11/2 will pay off should he finish in the places, dead-heats not withstanding, punters would receive odds of 11/8 if he finished as low as eighth - comfortably covering the each-way stake and leaving a small profit. The same applies with England's two major Open contenders, Boylesports bet 14/1 for Luke Donald and 8/1 Lee Westwood, with both players eager to win their first major championship they would also return a reasonable profit if placed. Because it is paying out on so many places, Boylesports will expect to field lots of action on popular ‘outsiders’. Matt Kuchar for instance, the 33-year-old American is ranked number eight in the world at the moment and the best price available for him to win the Open is 50/1, including at Boylesports. Being Irish-based, the firm can expect plenty of interest in two-time Open champion Padraig Harrington who has been quietly going about his business with three top-ten finishes in the United States this year. Harrington who thrived on British links courses before deciding to spend more time playing the PGA Tour is 33/1 with Boylesports to win the 2011 Open Championship.   08-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10198/captain-cook-steers-england-towards-series-win England are favourites to win the ODI series against Sri Lanka after openers Alistair Cook and Craig Kieswetter went unbeaten in a 10-wicket win to level the series at Trent Bridge on Wednesday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on One-Day International cricket, get a free cricket bet when placing a bet on England v Sri Lanka ODI series. Sportingbet is offering the best odds of 8/11 England to win the fifth and final ODI at Old Trafford on Saturday after demolishing Sri Lanka to level the series 2-2. England captain Alistair Cook was man-of-the-match when narrowly missing out on his second successive century, he scored 95 not out from 75 balls after James Anderson (3-24) had derailed the Sri Lankan innings in a devastating opening spell of bowling. Anderson struck in the first over and took two more early wickets as Sri Lanka were reduced to 20-4 with overcast conditions suiting the England seam attack. Kumar Sangakkarra put up some resistance with a knock of 75, coming in at number four he was eventually last man out when his side was dismissed for 174 in 43.4 overs. Stuart Broad grabbed his first wicket of the series in taking 2-37 and Tim Bresnan (2-39) took an athletic catch from his own bowling to dismiss Angelo Matthews for 39 and ended a dangerous partnership of 72 runs with Sangakarra. Jade Dernbach cleaned up the Sri Lankan innings, taking the last three wickets to record 3-38. Cook set about the Sri Lankan bowling attack with some vigour, but at 55-0 after eight overs the rain came to threaten England’s chance of victory. Fortunately the heavy shower blew over and a revised target was set of 171 in 48 overs. With Kieswetter (72 not out) playing the early supporting role, the England openers went on to form a record breaking partnership and when Kieswetter hit the winning run in the 24th over, England had taken less than half the allotted overs. Cook raced to his 50 in 37 balls hitting 10 boundaries and brought up the century stand in the 14th over, making a mockery of his modest one-day strike rate. Kieswetter picked up his run rate with a six to reach 50 in 48 balls and continued with a late flurry to deny his skipper another hundred. Sri Lanka now have two days to recover from the Trent Bridge humiliation before walking out for the final match of their early summer tour in Manchester on Saturday. Coral is offering odds of 11/8 for Sri Lanka to win at Old Trafford where they’ll need to rediscover the same fighting spirit when bouncing back from a 110-run defeat in the opening game of the series.   07-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10197/champions-wigan-set-to-top-super-league Wigan Warriors will go top of the Engage Super League table if they win as expected against visiting Castleford Tigers at the DW Stadium on Wednesday night. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the Engage Super League, receive a free rugby bet when placing a bet on the match between Wigan and Castleford on Wednesday. The current Super League champions held off Leeds Rhinos on Friday, to win 26-24 at the DW and trail Warrington by a point with this rearranged game in hand. The original fixture was scheduled for round 3 at the end of February but was postponed for Wigan’s World Cup Challenge match against St George Illawara Dragons. Castleford arrive on the back of an 18-48 drubbing at home to the league leaders on Friday and bookmakers anticipate the Tigers to be in for a similar mauling in Wigan with bet365 offering even money odds for the Warriors to overcome a 26-point handicap. Wigan have not lost in their last six games against Castleford but will know to be on their guard after letting slip an 18-point half-time lead when held to a 22-22 draw at the PROBIZ Coliseum last month. The Warriors will make at least one change from the team that saw off the Rhinos. Paul Prescott will be replaced in the squad by Liam Farrell after injuring his hamstring on Friday. Wigan’s top tryscorer Sam Tomkins will be hoping to extend his tally of 16 tries and close in on the league’s leading tryscoring Kris Welham who has crossed 20 times for Hull KR so far this season. William Hill is offering odds of 9/1 for Tomkins to score the first try on Wednesday while Betfred will refund tryscorer and first scoring play bets if he scores the last try of the match. Outgoing Tigers boss Terry Matterson is expected give Rob Parker his debut as he looks to put an end to a run of ten games from which Castleford have picked up just one win and a draw. The Salford prop was signed on a loan deal at the weekend and will come into the squad for Paul Jackson. 44-year-old Matterson announced earlier this week that he will quit at the end of the season after six years in charge of Castleford when he has taken the club from relegation in his first season to playoff contenders for the last three years. TEAMS WIGAN (from): S Tomkins, Goulding, Carmont, Richards, Deacon, Leuluai, McIlorum, Coley, Hansen, J Tomkins, O'Loughlin, Lima, Hoffman, Finch, Mossop, Farrell, Tuson, Charnley, Hock. CASTLEFORD (from): Mathers, Arundel, Owen, Chase, Orr, Hudson, Emmitt, Snitch, Ferres, Jones, Milner, Fozzard, Massey, McGoldrick, Holmes, Widders, Clark, Eden, Parker.   06-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10196/paddy-power-enhances-open-championship-betting-terms Over a week before the start of the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St Georges, Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has announced it will enhance its normal place terms and pay on seven places for the season’s third major. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the Open Championship golf, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on next week’s Open Championship. With a field of 156 players competing on the Kent links, golf punters will need all the help they can get in finding a player to be placed after 72 holes of the testing par-70 course. But seven places at 1/4 the odds a place, makes the tricky task of finding a successful each-way pick just that little bit easier. This year’s Open Championship favourite is Rory McIlroy, who ran away with the US Open last month to earn plaudits unrivalled since Tiger Woods burst on to the golf scene. The 21-year-old Ulsterman is widely available at odds of 6/1, including Paddy Power. Woods who has reigned supreme for more than a decade has not played since limping out of the Players Championship in May and the three-time Open champion is a doubtful starter. Current Open Champion, Louis Oosthuizen is 66/1 to retain the Claret Jug he won at St Andrews. Oosthuizen began the year with victory in his home African Open before missing the cut at The Masters. Augusta has never been kind to the South African, but he bounced back to finish ninth place at the US Open. Lee Westwood will hope the spotlight stays on young McIlroy and allow him to go about the business of winning his first major in relative peace. He is second favourite to win the Open, with the best odds of 11/1 at Paddy Power. World number one Luke Donald is another player looking to win the first major of his career. He has twice finished third in major championships, The Masters and USPGA, and his best finish in the Open was when tied fifth at Turnberry in 2009. He is available at odds of 16/1 at Sportingbet to break his duck at Royal St Georges next weekend.   05-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10195/watney-emerges-as-american-contender-for-the-open Nick Watney held on for a two-shot win at the AT&T National at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania on Sunday to emerge one of America's best hopes for next week’s Open Championship. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the Open Championship golf, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on this week’s John Deere Classic or Scottish Open. 30-year-old Watney is enjoying his best year since turning pro in 2003 and his win at the AT&T National puts him into the world’s top ten golfers. It was the Californian’s second tour victory this year, after winning the WGC-Cadillac in April and he also has notched eight top ten finishes this year. Watney has become one of America’s leading contenders for the Open Championship at Royal St George’s next week, available at odds of 33/1 with bet365, Betfred and Paddy Power. Watney had put himself in pole position for the AT&T on Saturday when he posted a course record eight-under par 62 for his third round to share the lead with Rickie Fowler, Korean golfer KJ Choi was a shot back in third. As Fowler dropped back with a double-bogey at the second, the South Korean kept up the pressure through the turn and was level with Watney at 12-under par after 14 holes. Choi finally cracked on the par-four 15th when he found the rough with his tee shot. He was in the sand from his second and after sending his bunker shot through the green, had to settle for a six to drop two shots behind. His attempt to fight back with his birdie at 16th was quelled when Watney followed with a four at the par-five and par-par over the last two holes, signing off with a final round 66 and a 13-under par total for his 72 holes. Fowler never recovered from his setback on the second, going on to shoot a four-over par 74 to finish with a share of 13th place. England’s Justin Rose finished top European after surviving the cut with a shot to spar on Friday, his final round 69 left him at four-under for a share of 15th place and some valuable FedExCup points. AT&T NATIONAL FINAL ROUND SCORES: 267 Nick Watney 70 69 62 66 269 K J Choi (Kor) 69 64 69 67 271 Adam Scott (Aus) 66 71 66 68, Jeff Overton 71 65 68 67, Charles Howell III 68 68 69 66 272 Chris Stroud 70 68 66 68, Robert Allenby (Aus) 71 68 68 65 273 Chris Kirk 70 71 63 69, Bryce Molder 69 67 68 69, Webb Simpson 69 70 64 70   04-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10194/top-pundit-predicts-djokovic-for-five-set-win BBC's top tennis pundit John Inverdale is defying his own logic in tipping Novak Djokovic to beat Rafael Nadal when the world’s best two tennis players meet in the men’s singles final at Wimbledon on Sunday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on tennis tournaments and individual tennis matches, receive a free tennis bet when placing a bet on the Wimbledon men’s singles final. Speaking on the BBC Sport website, Inverdale admitted that when looking at the form for the men’s singles final, Nadal’s grand slam record and current performances justified bookmakers having the defending champion warm odds-on favourite for Sunday’s match: “He is the best player in the world, every aspect of his game seems to be on song. He’s a better player now than he was when he won here for the first time three years ago. Why on earth would you possibly think that Novak Djokovic is going to beat him? And yet I do, I think Djokovic might win it in five,” he predicted. Coral and Unibet offer odds of 6/1 for Inverdale’s five set prediction to be on the money. Djokovic is available at odds of 11/8 with Coral and William Hill to win the men’s singles outright when he makes his first appearance in a Wimbledon final. The Serbian is gunning for his fifth win in five finals he has contested against Nadal this year and is set to take over as world number one regardless of Sunday’s result. Djokovic has been beaten just once this year, by Roger Federer at the French Open, winning 47 matches in 2011 he has claimed seven titles this year, including the Australian Open in January. Nadal will be eager to show the champion’s credentials which have won him 10 career grand slam titles. He has now gone 20 matches unbeaten on grass and his proven track record on the big stage is why punters will struggle to find better odds than the 13/18 offered by bwin for Nadal to successfully defend his crown. Sunday’s finalists have only met twice before on grass with Nadal winning on each occasion, the last time at Queen’s Club in 2008 and in 2007 when Djokovic retired with an injury during their semi-final match which was poised at one set all. Wimbledon Men's Singles Final Free Bet Offers: 888sport will refund losing stakes up to £50 free bet if the match goes to a fifth set. 888sport will refund losing stakes up to £50 free bet if three sets go to tie-breaks Click here to go to 888sport Betfred will refund losing stakes up to £500 free bet if your player goes two sets up and loses the match. Betfred will refund losing stakes up to £250 free bet if your player loses and the final point is an ace. Click here to go to Betfred     03-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10193/kj-choi-equals-course-record-to-lead-atandt-national-betting KJ Choi is favourite to win the AT&T National after moving to the top of the leaderboard with a record-equalling second round score of 64 at Aronimink on Friday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on PGA Tour golf tournaments, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on this week’s AT&T National golf. The 41-year-old South Korean finished two shots clear on 133 at the half-way mark following his outstanding six-under-par round which featured five birdies over the last six holes. Choi is enjoying a big year with his win in The Players Championship last month and will go top of the FedExCup rankings if he goes on to win at the weekend. It would be Choi’s second AT&T National title after he won the inaugural event in 2007 when it was held at Congressional. Betfred is among a number of firms offering 5/2 for Choi to collect the winners trophy on Sunday and Boylesports is among those offering 8/1 for second favourite Bo Van Pelt who shot a second round 66 to finish tied second at five-under par with Justin Leonard, Chris Riley and Choi’s compatriot Charlie Wi. Jeff Overton was able to overcome a sketchy start to card the second best round of the tournament so far with a 65. After an undistinguished first round one-over par 71, he looked set for another difficult round when he double-bogeyed the seventh. But a birdie at nine and five more after turning for home left him in the group of four players four-under par at midway. AT&T NATIONAL LEADERBOARD (after two rounds) 133 K J Choi (Kor) 69 64 135 Charlie Wi (Kor) 69 66, Justin Leonard 68 67, Chris Riley 69 66, Bo Van Pelt 69 66 136 Kyle Stanley 67 69, Jeff Overton 71 65, Bryce Molder 69 67, Charles Howell III 68 68 137 Adam Scott (Aus) 66 71, Joe Ogilvie 67 70, Rickie Fowler 68 69   02-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10192/andy-murray-to-make-history-at-wimbledon Andy Murray will make history when he steps onto centre court to play world number one Rafael Nadal in the semi-final of the Wimbledon men’s singles on Friday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet during Wimbledon, receive a free tennis bet when placing a bet on the Wimbledon Championships. The 24-year-old Scot will become the first British player since Fred Perry to play three consecutive Wimbledon semi-finals but world number four Murray has ambitions to match another of Perry’s achievements and see his name etched onto the Wimbledon winner’s board. “I always look at the winner’s board before I go out,” he revealed. “It is just on the left before you go out and walk out. The chance to make a Wimbledon final is an opportunity to make history and I think every player’s interested in that side of the game.” Murray is two matches away from becoming the first Brit in 75 years to win the Wimbledon men’s singles title and online bookmaker 32Red is offering odds of 47/10 that this will be the Scots year to put his name on Wimbledon’s roll of honour. Murray has looked stronger by the round and was almost effortless in straight set victories against Richard Gasquet in Monday’s fourth round and Feliciano Lopez in the quarter-final on Wednesday. Standing in his way is defending Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal, 8/15 favourite at Coral to deny Murray his dream for another year and win Friday’s semi-final clash. The Spaniard has won 11 of his 15 matches against Murray and has yet to drop a set against the British hope in two previous meetings at Wimbledon in the 2008 quarter-finals and 2010 semi-finals. In previous meetings at SW19 the occasion looked to weigh heavily on Murray who struggled to reproduce his best form against the world number one. But the Scot expects to cope with the crowd’s expectations better this time. He said: “I’ve had plenty of experience of that now so I can handle it, and nothing will distract me from the job I’ve got to do. Any time you can get to a Grand Slam final it shows that you’re close to the top of the game, and if I can get past Rafa it will give me more than enough belief that I can go on and win the tournament.” Murray last beat Nadal in the semi-finals of last year’s Masters event in Toronto and is available at odds of 7/4 with William Hill and Sportingbet to notch his fifth career win against Nadal on Friday.   01-07-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10191/wimbledon-womens-semi-finals-odds-news-and-free-betting Following the suprise defeat of both Williams sisters on Tuesday , Maria Sharapova is now strong favourite to win her second Wimbledon title with William Hill offering top odds of 5/4 on the Russian beauty queen following up her previous win in 2004 . William Hill are one of the UK's largest bookmakers and offer all new accounts a FREE £25 bet (remember to quote Ref F25). In today's semi-final Sharapova faces Sabine Lisicki from Germany who came back from match point down to beat French Open champion Li Na in the fourth round and who easily beat Marion Bartoli in the quarter final . Lisicki was a wildcard entry into Wimbledon but has improved each match and could easily give the grunting Sharapova a very tough game . Lisicki can be backed at 9/4 with Bet365 who offer all new clients a whopping £200 in FREE BETS whilst favourite backers can get odds of 2/5 Sharapova with William Hill .  Whilst Sharapova v Lisicicki is undoubtedly the star match there is still plenty of interest in the other semi final which sees fourth seed Victoria Azarenka take on eighth seed Petra Kvitova . This is expected to be a very tight match and Azarenka is available at 11/10 with Bet365 . Azarenka is a powerful baseline hitter and the girl from Belarus made short work of the unseeded Tamira Paszek in the quarter final and played well when reaching the French Open quarter finals. Kvitova is slight favourite and best odds with Boylesports at odds of 4/5 . Boylesports have an exceptional introductory Offer for new customers who can claim up to £40 in FREE BETS when depositing only £20 . Kvitova lost only 2 games when winning her fourth round game against Yanina Wickmayer but will not have such an easy game today . Wimbledon Centre Court should be packed yet again then for some superb womens' tennis but as Roger Federer showed yesterday the short priced favourites do not always win and the value today could be in backing Lisicki and Azarenka - and of course taking advantage of all those FREE BETS . 30-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10190/free-bets-and-betting-offers-for-wimbledon-mens-quarter-finals The second Wednesday of Wimbledon week is Men's quarter Final day and tennis fans are set for a fantastic day of action with the top 4 seeds all strongly fancied to win their respective matches . First up on Centre Court today is Roger Federer against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and the big hitting Frenchman can be expected to give Federer a tough match . Tsonga has won nine matches from eleven on grass this season and the number 12 seed reached the Final at Queens in his last tournament . 888Sport are offering £15 in free bets to all new accounts and have two great offers on the Wimbledon mens championship .  The 5 set special Offer means that if the match goes to a fifth set and your single bet loses , 888Sport will refund your losing bet up to a maximum of £50 . Also the tie break offer from 888Sport means that if the match features at least 3 tie breaks and your bet loses , again 888Sport will refund your losing stake up to  £50 as a Free Bet . This is great insurance and a great reason to sign up for a new account with 888Sport today .   The Andy Murray v Feliciano Lopez match will follow on Centre Court with the Spaniard expected to pose few problems for Murray who has again played very consistently throughout the tournament and may be peaking at just the right time . Certainly the bookmakers will not want a Murray victory at Wimbledon and only Betfred and Boylesports now offer odds of 5/1 Murray who was 8/1 at the start of Wimbledon . Betfred and Boylesports offer £50 and £40 free bets respectively to new customers and are acknowledged as two of the best bookies around .  Number 2 Seed Novak Djokovic against Bernard Tomic is the opening game at 1pm on Wimbledon's No. 1 Court  and the 18 year old Tomic could prove a tough opponent for Djokovic . Djokovic has been the outstanding player in Men's tennis so far in 2011 however and he should outpower Tomic but may lose a set or two on the way .  William Hill offer all new customers a £25 Free bet sign up offer and go only 8/11 that the big four all win their matches today . Rafael Nadal who had a scan on his foot following Monday's win over Del Potro faces tenth seed Mardy Fish in the final quarter final this afternoon . Nadal has not looked too disturbed by his injuries and his sharpness seems to be improving through the tournament .  It is difficult to see any shocks in the quarter finals today and the 8/11 odds offered by William Hill could just be worth taking .      29-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10189/bookmakers-show-faith-in-england-one-day-side Bookmakers are keeping faith in England’s one day side despite the heavy defeat by Sri Lanka in the one-off Twenty20 match at Bristol on Saturday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on the One-Day International series between England and Sri Lanka. Get a free cricket bet when placing a bet on England v Sri Lanka ODI series starting on 28 June. England have a formidable challenge against a world class one-day outfit, they were whitewashed 5-0 by Sri Lanka in the home one-day series five years ago and were blown away again losing by nine wickets with sixteen balls to spare in the Twenty20 game at Bristol. Yet bookmakers have decided make England favourites to win the best-of-five ODI series which gets underway at the Kia Oval on Tuesday with William Hill offering the best odds of 8/11 for the series win. Alastair Cook returns to the side and takes over as one-day captain for the first time, he’ll feature in a batting line-up that includes Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell. The trio are not known for explosive scoring, but it will be hoped they can keep the runs ticking over at reasonable rate while Kevin Pietersen and Eion Morgan let loose with some big shots. England have recalled Yorkshire seamer Tim Bresnan to the squad. The 26-year-old has been suffering from a calf injury which kept him out of the Test series, but returned to action for Yorkshire over the weekend. He came through two domestic Twenty20 matches without any problem and joined up with the squad at the Oval on Monday. Sri Lanka, 13/10 at 888sport and Blue Square to win the series, may start the first game without their captain Tillakarathne Dilshan who is recovering from a fractured thumb. Thilana Kandaby is likely to stand in again should Dilshan fail to be fit for the series opener.     28-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10188/murray-and-gasquet-to-treat-center-court The Centre Court crowd should be in for a treat on Monday when British number one Andy Murray plays reinvigorated Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the fourth round of the Wimbledon men’s singles on Monday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet during Wimbledon, receive a free tennis bet when placing a bet on the Wimbledon Championships. Gasquet has added more aggression to his elegant style of play and in the past 12 months has risen from 48 to 13 in the world rankings taking the scalps of Andy Roddick, Tomas Berdych and Roger Federer in his assault on the world top ten. The 25-year-old has been beaten twice in his last nine matches, when playing world number two Novak Djokovic in the fourth round of the French Open and against world number one Rafael Nadal in the semi-final of the Rome Masters. Both Murray and Gasquet are noted for their imagination and natural shot making which should set up a fourth round thriller between two players hitting their best form. With the home crowd behind him Murray is a hot favourite with bookmakers to win the match, 3/10 at Boylesports making Gasquet a little over priced for what should be a very close match. Bwin seems keen to offer the best odds for Gasquet, with the unusual odds of 58/19, just a smidge over 3/1. Murray, will hope his service game returns to something near its best after causing him problems against Ivan Ljubicic in the third round. Struggling to get 60% of his first serves in play put him on the back foot too often against one of the best returns in the game and it took Murray until a fourth set tie-break to defeat the 32-year-old world number 33. Credit must go to the Scot for his own return of serve; Ljubicic was firing them down at around 130mph and with 70% of his serves on target would not have expected to be broken five times by the world number four. Murray last played Gasquet in the first round of the 2010 French Open when he won in five sets. That was when Gasquet was struggling to turn around a slump in form that had seen him slide from seventh in the rankings in 2007 to number 52 by the end of 2009. The Scot also came out on top in their only match on grass, winning another tense five-setter in the fourth round of Wimbledon 2008. The moody Frenchman claims to have learned to channel his emotions in order to play his best tennis, how successful he has been in mastering his temperament is sure to be put to the test in the overwhelming atmosphere of Wimbledon’s Centre Court. WIMBLEDON FREE BET OFFERS: BETFRED will refund losing stakes as a free bet if your player leads by two sets and loses the match. Click here to go to Betfred. TITANBET will refund losing outight bets on the men's singles if Juan Martin Del Potro wins the title. Click here to go to Titanbet   27-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10187/bookmakers-continue-to-back-nadal-federer-final A Nadal/Federer Final in the Men's Singles at Wimbledon 2011 continues to top the bookmakers list with both men proven winners a Wimbledon, and both having yet to drop a set at this year's competition its not hard to see why. Online Bookmakers offer free bets to all new customers which may be used to bet on the 2011 Wimbledon Championships, why not use a free bet on Wimbledon or any other tennis event today? Nadal collected an outstanding 6th French Open title earlier this month, defeating Federer comfortably in the final, where he impressed despite stuttering slightly earlier in the competition. Were Nadal to progress to the final, he is highly likely to meet the last remaining Brit in the Semi-Finals, Andy Murray, who picked up a victory at the AEGON Championships where Nadal would lose in the Quarter-Finals. Though, Nadal cruised by Murray in straight sets in the French Open, and across three sets the Spaniard is sure to be the man to beat. If anybody knows how to win at Wimbledon it is Roger Federer, a six-time-winner and finalist in seven consecutive years from 2003-2009, he looks to regain his crown as king of Wimbledon and equal Pete Samprass on 7 Wimbledon titles in 2011. Federer found form of old at the recent French Open, and despite losing in straight sets in the Final to Nadal, he played some exquisite tennis and ended Novak Djokovic's dominant spell in the process. He will have to repeat those performances to land him his place in the final, with Djokovic sure to cross his path en route it looks increasingly likely that we will see a repeat of the French Open semi-finals, and bookmakers back the result to be the same. A Nadal/Federer final commands best price of 15/8 offered at Irish bookmaker Paddy Power, and the bookmaker believes Federer most likely to fall in the Semi-Finals, making a Nadal/Djokovic final best price of 5/2. Nadal and Djokovic have met before in a handful of ATP events already this tour, with Djokovic coming out on top each time - but has the Serb lost his way following the loss of his impressive winnings streak? You can also back a Murray/Federer Final at 4/1, with the outsiders final of Murray/Djokovic placed at best price of 5/1. 26-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10186/fergie-continues-building-new-old-trafford-model Yesterday's completed signing of Ashley Young marks yet another step in Sir Alex Ferguson's rebuilding of his Manchester United Team. Many critics consider the Red Devils to have been the best of a bad bunch last year, managing to secure a 19th title despite an appauling away record. However, it was perhaps watching the complete outclassing of his side to Barcelona in the Champions League Final that will have sparked a reaction from Fergie. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on the Premier League, get a free football bet when placing a bet on 2011/12 Premier League winners.   Ashley Young has been on the radar at Old Trafford for some time, and as the news came that a £17 million pound move had been made, many consider this the perfect move for both the club and the player. Young has been perhaps England's best performer in recent matches, and has impressed at Aston Villa for some time. Young's move to Manchester United puts him in a great position to become the World Class winger that pundits believe he can be.  Young will not be the only new face in Manchester this autumn, with young defender Phil Jones arriving earlier this month. Phil Jones joins fellow England u21 defender Chris Smalling at Old Trafford, which could well become the top defensive pair for both Manchester United and England in years to come. Sir Alex Ferguson is no stranger to rebuilding at Old Trafford having done so many times in his long career in Manchester. Over a handful of years since his arrival in 1986 Ferguson brought in a number of key players such as Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister, Paul Ince and Mike Phelan that helped secure the future of Manchester United and soon their first league title. Perhaps more importantly after the famous Treble in 1999, where Ferguson made the move in following seasons to build on a side that saw beloved goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel depart, and a number of ageing player follow suit in the following seasons to prepare for continued success. Similarly, Edwin Van Der Saar's retirement at the end of last season has left a void in the United defence, with a replacement sure to be brought in. It looks a certainty for the young Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea to make the switch from Athletico Madrid, though the Spaniard will leave his decision until after the Final of the U21 European Championships. Ferguson has reportedly had his eye on other keepers, though the likes of Julio Cesar and Manuel Neuer seem unlikely to make the move this summer. Following the retirement of Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, and a 37-year-old Ryan Giggs, the final piece to Ferguson's jigsaw is deemed to be the arrival of a world class playmaker. Luka Modric and Wesley Sneijder seem to be the top candidates for the position, though both players command large price tags and no progress seems to have been made. Online bookmaker Unibet has made Sneijder 3/1 to make the move to United this transfer window, while Modric is found at Victor Chandler with price price of 4/1. With it seemingly likely that Modric will stay at Tottenham or make the move accross London to Chelsea, Sneijder may be Ferguson's eventual signing - though he has made many comments in the press of his happiness at the San Siro. However there are other options available in Blackpool's Charlie Adam and Arsenal's Samir Nasri. Adam seems a certainty to join Liverpool despite a fee not yet being agreed that suits both clubs, it would not be entirely unlikely for Ferguson to make a late swoop for the Scot, and can be backed at 6/1. Nasri may not fit the bill of playmaker perfectly, often preferring to play out wide, but the young Frenchman impressed heavily last season and has all the neccessary skills to fit the role required. Though it would take something special to prize him from Arsenal, Victor Chandler offer odds of 15/8 for him to make the move to Manchester United. With all the transfer movement surrounding Old Trafford, you can back Fergie's rebuilding team to pick up a 20th Premiership Title at 13/8 offered by Coral, while the Champions League commands odds of 7/1 for a United win.   25-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10185/warrington-wary-of-saints-backlash Super League leaders Warrington will be wary of a backlash from visiting St Helens on Friday after Saints’ resounding defeat at home to Wigan last weekend. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the Engage Super League, receive a free rugby bet when placing a bet on the match between Warrington and St Helens on Friday. Warrington are hot favourites at 1/3 with Stan James and Sportingbet to beat neighbouring Saints and pull clear of Huddersfield Giants at the top of the Engage Super League. But Wolves coach Tony Smith knows this is an important game for both teams and expects a typically close battle at the Halliwell this week. Smith told the BBC, "After the weekend they've just had, they'll want to bounce back but we've got our own reasons why we want to do well. We've seen many really good games between the teams for many, many years and hopefully it will be another fantastic game to watch.” Saints are fourth in the table three points behind the Wolves and after losing ground in the 10-32 defeat to Wigan, Saints are looking for a win to stay in touch with the sides at the top of the league. Bet365 is offering odds of 3/1 for St Helens to upset Warrington and coach Royce Simmons sounded quite optimistic about his teams chances of bouncing back with a win. “It's important we get at least 50% of the ball this week, and if we do get 50% of the ball, then we'll do the job,” he said looking ahead to Friday’s game. Prop Paul Wood returns to the Warrington squad after he missed Sunday's 16-46 win over Hull KR with a leg injury. The Wolves go in search of a first Super League double over their local rivals without the services of winger Joel Monaghan and second rower Louis Anderson who remain sidelined. Saints will miss England centre Michael Shenton after he picked up an ankle injury against Wigan but Scott Moore returns for the first time since he was arrested on suspicion of drink driving earlier this month. WARRINGTON (from): Hodgson, King, Bridge, Briers, Myler, Morley, M Monaghan, Carvell, Westwood, Harrison, Higham, Clarke, Wood, Grix, Cooper, Blythe, Williams, Atkins, Solomona. ST HELENS (from): Wellens, Soliola, Meli, Eastmond, Perry, Roby, Graham, Puletua, Wilkin, Flannery, Moore, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Dixon, Lomax, Magennis, Foster, Armstrong, Gaskell, Makinson.   WARRINGTON V ST HELENS FREE BET OFFERS: PADDY POWER If Matt King or Jamie Foster scores the last try, Paddy Power will refund all losing tryscorer and winning margin bets on the match, as a free bet up to £200 maximum. Click here to go Paddy Power BETFRED If Matt King scores the last try, Betfred will refund all losing first or last tryscorers and first scoring play bets as a free bet up to £500 maximum. Click here to go to Betfred. 24-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10184/robson-hopes-for-best-form-against-sharapova Former juniors champion Laura Robson is hoping to find her best form when she plays Wimbledon favourite Maria Sharapova in the second round of the Women’s singles on Thursday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet during Wimbledon, receive a free tennis bet when placing a bet on the Wimbledon Championships. The British teenager, who was hailed as a “special talent” by former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, will make her first appearance in the second round after defeating Angelique Kerber 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-3 on Wednesday. The 17-year-old is relishing the prospect of playing the 2004 Women’s champion who is the current 4/1 favourite to win this year’s tournament with bet365 and Boylesports. "I'm really looking forward to playing Sharapova. I'm really happy to beat Kerber, but today is really important," said Robson. "I'm just really hoping that I play my best. I'm going to be on Court One playing against Sharapova and I think that's pretty special. I don't know if I can beat her. You've got to be confident going into these matches anyway, otherwise what's the point of going out there? "I know I can play really well. I just have to wait and see. Hopefully I can play as well as I know I can." Robson is available at odds of 12/1 with Sportingbet to beat the Russian world number six, who was herself, was just 17-years-old when winning her first grand slam title at Wimbledon seven years ago. Hard-hitting Robson looked set to become the next darling of women’s tennis when becoming the first British player to win the girls event since Annabel Croft in 1984. This year, the British number 7 is stepping up her schedule as she looks to progress her career with new coach, Patrick Mouratoglou. Sharapova has been fighting against inconsistency in the last two years with injury and illness disrupting her playing schedule. The 24-year-old Russian won her last big title at the 2008 Australian Open and achieved her best grand slam finish since then when beaten in the semi-finals of the French Open last month. She pulled out the AEGON Classic at Birmingham citing illness once again so her first round victory against compatriot Anna Chakvetadze was her first match on grass this year.   23-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10183/villas-boas-an-enormous-gamble-says-souness Graeme Souness believes Chelsea have taken an enormous gamble with the signing of former Porto manager, Andre Villas-Boas which was confirmed on Wednesday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on the Premier League, get a free football bet when placing a bet on 2011/12 Premier League winners. 33-year-old Villas-Boas, who was once assistant to Jose Mourinho, had managed one season at Porto FC before becoming a target to replace Carlo Ancelotti as manager of Chelsea. In his brief spell in charge, Porto won the Portuguese Supercup, Primeira Liga, UEFA Europa League and Portuguese Cup and along the way beat Jose Mourinho’s club record to go 36 games unbeaten in all competitions. Likened in many respects his former mentor, Chelsea hope their new appointment can surpass Mourinho’s record at Stamford Bridge and bring the elusive Champions League trophy to West London. However, former Benfica manager Souness is not convinced about the merit of Villas-Boas’ achievements in Portugal: “It’s not the hardest job in the world to win the league with Porto because Porto seem to have it well and truly sorted one way or another over there,” he said to Sky Sports News. “Having won the Europa League, he deserves a lot of credit for that, but the Europa League is not a priority if you look at our clubs who drop out of the Champions League, so it’s not a great competition to win anymore. Winning the Champions League and the Premier League is a whole different ball-game and he’ll quickly find that out." Following news of the appointment, Victor Chandler is offering odds of 9/1 for Villas-Boas to win the Champions League in his first season in charge at Chelsea and the Blues are generally available at odds of 11/4 to regain the Premier League title they lost to Manchester United last season. Souness thinks the talented young manager will have his work cut out to prove to the Chelsea dressing room he has what it takes: “At 33, some of them will be older than him and he’s a novice anyway you look at it. He had a great year last year but he’s a novice and I think it’s an enormous gamble given that you have got someone [Carlo Ancelotti] who had a track record second to no-one out there.” “I know it’s not the be all and end all but at 33, having never played the game, he’s come from a league that Porto generally win – it’s a big ask. There’s only one competition to win out there in Europe and he’s operating in a different sphere now – it will be a whole different ball-game for him," Souness added. Villas-Boas worked with Sir Bobby Robson during his spell in charge of Porto and he was a scout for Mourinho at Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan. He began his managerial career with Portuguese club Academica in October 2009. Academica were winless and bottom of the first division at the time but finished the season in 11th place. They also reached a Portuguese League Cup semi-final before he left to take over at Porto in June 2010.   22-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10182/collingwood-and-prior-dropped-from-england-one-day-squad Former captain Paul Collingwood and wicketkeeper Matt Prior have been dropped from England’s one-day squad for the forthcoming matches against Sri Lanka. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on the Twenty20 international and One-Day series between England and Sri Lanka. Get a free cricket bet when placing a bet on England v Sri Lanka starting from 25 June. All-rounder Samit Patel and wicket-keeper batsman Craig Kieswetter have been recalled to the squad as replacements ahead of the Twenty20 international on 25 June which will be followed by five one-day games. Collingwood, who retired from Test cricket at the start of 2011, has just returned from knee injury and selectors opted for Patel in preference to the 2010 Twenty20 World Cup captain. "His omission is purely down to form," said England selector Geoff Miller. "Paul Collingwood has been an inspirational limited-overs cricketer for England over many years, and we still see a role for him in this capacity based on form and fitness. We look forward to him getting plenty of cricket under his belt for Durham as he presses to reclaim a place in the England limited-overs set-up.” 35-year-old Collingwood will come under consideration again for the one-day series against India which takes place later in the summer. Hard-hitting batsman and wicketkeeper, Kieswetter comes in for Prior who had a disappointing World Cup and, like Patel, is named in both Twenty20 and ODI squads. Patel returns to the one-day squad for the first time since November 2008, he’d been asked on several occasions to improve his overall fitness and it looks as if he has finally started to address the selectors’ concerns. "Samit Patel has taken significant steps in the right direction and he has more hard work ahead in order to make further progress," Miller continued. "Samit is one of a number of players, like Craig Kieswetter, who comes back into the limited-overs set-up on the back of some excellent form and plenty of hard work." Stuart Broad will skipper England for the first time in the single Twenty20 game at Bristol on Saturday, where England are 4/7 to win with Stan James and Sri Lanka are 13/8 at Sportingbet. Alastair Cook takes over the captaincy for the one-day series; Stan James is offering odds of 4/7 for England to win the ODI series and Victor Chandler bets 13/8 Sri Lanka. ENGLAND SQUADS IN FULL: Twenty20: Stuart Broad (captain), Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Jade Dernbach, Steven Finn, Craig Kieswetter, Michael Lumb, Eoin Morgan, Samit Patel, Kevin Pietersen, Graeme Swann, Chris Woakes, Luke Wright. One-Day internationals: Alastair Cook (captain), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Jade Dernbach, Steven Finn, Craig Kieswetter, Eoin Morgan, Samit Patel, Kevin Pietersen, Graeme Swann, Jonathan Trott, Chris Woakes.         21-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10181/nadal-wants-to-usurp-federer-as-king-of-wimbledon World number one Rafael Nadal wants to usurp six-time champion Roger Federer to become the new King of Wimbledon by retaining his grass court title on 3 July. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet during Wimbledon, receive a free tennis bet when placing a bet on the Wimbledon Championships. Nadal won his first Wimbledon title in 2008 when finally beating big rival Federer in five sets to shake off any notion he was merely a clay court specialist, he won again when overcoming surprise package Tomas Berdych in straight sets in last year’s final. The 25-year-old world number one has been near invincible on clay and won his sixth French Open title in seven years at Roland Garros two weeks ago, but now he wants to extend his realm from King of Clay to dominate the lawns of Wimbledon. Wimbledon was once Roger Federer’s kingdom, winning the title six times between 2003 and 2009 and the world number three remains slight favourite with bookmakers, Sportingbet is offering odds of 23/10 for the Swiss maestro to regain the title he has cherished throughout his career. Nadal is second favourite in the Wimbledon Men’s Singles betting market, available at odds of 13/5 with Sportingbet to successfully defend his crown. Just like Federer, Nadal dreamed of Wimbledon glory as a youngster, while Federer’s elegant style of play was always suited to grass the Spaniard didn’t appear to be such an obvious future Wimbledon champion in his early years. "I love playing on grass. I love playing in this fabulous place. So I am excited to be back here," Nadal said. "I've said a thousand times that my dream was always to play well here at Wimbledon. That's true." He went on to explain: "At the beginning of my career everybody talked a lot about how with my style of game it was going to be always very difficult to play very well here. But I worked a lot and I gave my best in every practice. I have done my best since the start of my career to play well here, playing (at Queen's Club) the week after Roland Garros, coming here one week before, having the right preparation as much as I can to be ready for this tournament." As is the custom for defending champions, Nadal will get this year's proceedings underway when playing the first match on Centre Court on Monday when his first round opponent will be American Michael Russell. WIMBLEDON TENNIS OFFERS: BETFRED: Get up to £250 Cash Back* if your Men’s Singles pre-tournament selection is beaten in the final by Roger Federer or Andy Murray, in the Ladies Singles get up to £250 Cash Back* if either of the Williams sisters beats your pre-tournament selection in the final. Bet £5 or more in any singles match and Betfred will refund* your losing stake up to £500 if your player goes two sets up and loses his Men’s Singles match and get up to £500 refund* if your player is beaten in 14th game or later in the third set of a Ladies Singles match. Click here to go to Betfred website *Betfred Cash Back and Refunds are credited to accounts as free bets CORAL: Place a bet of £5 or more on Andy Murray to win the Men’s Singles before his first match and if he fails to reach the Semi-Finals, Coral will refund your losing stake as a free bet, up to £50. Click here to go Coral website. VICTOR CHANDLER: Victor Chandler will refund, as a free bet, respective losing pre-tournament bets up to £50 if Andy Murray wins the Men’s Singles final and if Caroline Wozniacki wins the Ladies Final. Click here to go Victor Chandler website   20-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10180/us-open-final-round-odds-and-betting-tips As the 2011 US Open enters its final round a fimilar sight is greeted with Rory McIlroy atop the leaderboard with a sizeable cushion to work with. However, McIlroy holds a massive 8 shot lead instead of the 4 shot lead he let slip in dramatic fashion at Augusta earlier this year, and online bookmakers back him heavily to claim his first Major today. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the US Open, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on this week’s US Open golf. Rory McIlroy has been impeccable at Congressional Country Club at this year's US Open and as a result you'll have to look elsewhere if you want to find value in your betting options. McIlroy is absolute best price of 1/12 on to win the 2011 US Open heading into the final round of golf. Value can be found in the Outright market w/o McIlroy, with Lee Westwood coming off a much improved third round of golf leading the market at 11/4 best price, offered at BetFred. Just behind the World Number Two is the current second placed Y E Yang at 6/1 with Coral. Both are in with an excellent chance of securing second place in Maryland with Westwood tied for third at 5-under and Yang one shot clear at 6-under having been there and there abouts since the first round of golf. However, for fans of McIlroy there is yet more value to be found in McIlroy's winning margin. Irish Bookmaker Paddy Power and online bookmakers SkyBet, StanJames and Victor Chandler are offering a range of odds on Rory McIlroy's winning margin. If you believe that McIlroy will extend his lead for the fourth consecutive day at the top, you may find Paddy Power's 7/4 odds of a 9 or more shot winning margin tempting. However, if you feel the pack is likely to shorten the gap over the final day you may find SkyBet's odds of 5/4 for McIlroy to win by 5-9 shots just as interesting. McIlroy sits atop the pack at 14-under after three rounds of exceptional golf, and needs only an assured performance this afternoon to seal his first Major win. We could be well witness the beginning of a collection of Majors for the young Ulsterman or yet another meteoric collapse for McIlroy. All will be decided at Congressional Country Club later today. 19-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10179/yang-heads-us-open-betting-without-rory-mcilroy Online bookmakers have opened a US Open betting market which excludes Rory McIlroy after the 22-year-old Ulsterman posted a record-equalling six-shot lead over YE Yang at Congressional on Friday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the US Open, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on this week’s US Open golf. McIlroy is red-hot favourite at 4/11 to win the tournament after carding a six-under par 66 for the second round and has established an invincible looking lead over the remainder of the field. Korean YE Yang hit a second round 69 for a 36-hole five-under par and he is three shots clear of a group of five players sharing third place. Bookmakers believe the contest for the runner up spot looks the more competitive betting proposition at this stage and have created a betting market without McIlroy in the field. Bet365 and Paddy Power are offering odds of 4/1 for Yang in this market which pays on the player finishing second to McIlroy (or winning the US Open should the youngster suffer a repeat of his final round collapse in the Masters). 39-year-old Yang plays on the European Tour where he has won two titles, the HSBC Champions in 2006 and the Volvo China Open last year. He sprang to prominence after his surprise win in the 2009 USPGA when he claimed his only major championship after coming from two shots behind on the final day to beat Tiger Woods by three strokes. Matt Kuchar is among the five third placed golfers on two-under par, bet365 is offering odds of 8/1 for the consistent American and 16/1 for Spain’s Sergio Garcia who is also in that group. Phil Mickleson and Lee Westwood recovered from disappointing first rounds to climb up the leaderboard but may be too far back to mount a challenge on McIlroy’s lead. Mickleson shot 69 for his second round and trails the US Open leader by 12 strokes, Stan James bet 25/1 for Big Phil in the market without McIlroy. Westwood, also on 143, hit a three-under par 68 and is available at odds of 16/1 with Victor Chandler and Boylesports in the same market. US OPEN LEADERBOARD (21 players must finish their second rounds on Saturday after play was stopped due to inclement weather) 131 Rory McIlroy (NIrl) 65 66 137 Y.E. Yang (Kor) 68 69 140 Zach Johnson 71 69, Robert Garrigus 70 70, Sergio Garcia (Spa) 69 71, Matt Kuchar 72 68, Brandt Snedeker 70 70 141 Robert Rock (Eng) 70 71, Ryan Palmer 69 72, Davis Love III 70 71, Heath Slocum 71 70, Alvaro Quiros (Spa) 70 71, Kyung-Tae Kim (Kor) 69 72 142 Seung-yul Noh (Kor) 72 70, Charl Schwartzel (Rsa) 68 74, John Senden (Aus) 70 72, Louis Oosthuizen (Rsa) 69 73, Patrick Cantlay 75 67, Johan Edfors (Swe) 70 72, Alexander Noren (Swe) 75 67, Russell Henley 73 69, Marc Leishman (Aus) 73 69, Henrik Stenson (Swe) 70 72 143 Peter Hanson (Swe) 72 71, Phil Mickelson 74 69, Fredrik Jacobson (Swe) 74 69, Bo Van Pelt 76 67, Kevin Chappell 76 67, Jason Day (Aus) 71 72, Lee Westwood (Eng) 75 68 144 Steve Stricker 75 69, Jeff Overton 72 72, Graeme McDowell (NIrl) 70 74, Brian Gay 73 71, Gary Woodland 73 71, Martin Kaymer (Ger) 74 70, Do-hoon Kim (Kor) 73 71, Ryo Ishikawa (Jpn) 74 70, Edoardo Molinari (Ita) 74 70, Padraig Harrington (Irl) 71 73   18-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10178/mcilroy-leads-the-pack-once-again-at-the-us-open Rory McIlroy has bounced back from his Masters meltdown with a superlative 65 to claim the first round lead at the 2011 US Open. The 22-year-old answered his doubters in stunning style with a virtually flawless display from tee to green as he hit 17 of 18 greens in regulation in a display of supreme ball-striking. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the US Open, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on this week’s US Open golf. Rory McIlroy led for much the tour's first Major at Augusta National earlier this year but saw his bid for a first Major fall short in startling fashion, as a completely meltdown saw his Masters dream fade away for this year. However, it was the up and comer from Northern Ireland that stole the show at Congressional Country Club, despite playing with home favourites Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson in the afternoon's marquee grouping. McIlroy's ball-striking was exquisit all day long with his putting stroke also looking solid as he racked up six birdies and, without a single bogey on his card, he finished the day three clear of the field on six-under-par. Online bookmakers now are already backing Rory McIlroy heavily to learn from his Masters mistakes and claim his first major at the US Open. You can back the 22-year-old at best price of 5/2 to go on and claim his first Major. This best price is available when betting with online bookmakers bet365, sportingbet and William Hill. Prior to the opening round talk was mostly centred around the World's Top Three Golfers - Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer. However, all three struggled to make much of an impact and will do well to get themselves back in contention. Donald and Kaymer both posted a three-over 74, while Westwood managed a 75 leaving him trailing the leader by 10 shots. Westwood finished the day one shot worse off after an error-strewn round that featured two birdies but six bogeys. The Englishman's normal precision from distance was missing and late bogeys at both the par-fives on the front nine, six and nine, ensured he was well off the early pace. McIlroy's closest challengers instead come in the form of 2009 USPGA Champion YE Yang and the man who charged past him in the final round at Augusta, Charl Schwartzel, who are both 3 shots behind at 3-under par. The second Major of the year is already off to a thrilling start, taking over from the Masters in this manner, and with everything still to play for why not place a bet on the 2011 US Open? 17-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10177/england-draw-leaves-spain-odds-on-favourites-for-european-championship Spain U21s are odds-on favourites to win the European Under-21 Championship after England’s youngsters were held for the second time in qualifying Group B. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on U21 Euro 2011 games, get a free football bet when placing a bet on U21 Euro 2011 games or tournament winners. Spain’s talented under-21s were able to improve on their draw against England in the opening group game with another dominant performance to crush Czech Republic 2-0 on Wednesday. Later in the evening Stuart Pearce’s side stumbled to a 0-0 draw against Ukraine and face the prospect of crashing out of the tournament if they fail to win the last group game. Spain and England were tipped as possible winners before the tournament and that view didn’t change when they played out a 1-1 draw on Sunday, but on the evidence of Wednesday’s performances, Spain has emerged as odds-on, 3/4 favourites at Unibet, to go on to lift the trophy on 25th June. Luius Milla’s team found the cutting edge lacking against England when Deportivo striker Adrian linked with Juan Mata to carve open the Czech defence. Adrian is set to move to Atletico Madrid this summer and celebrated by putting himself in contention for the tournament’s golden boot with two expertly-taken goals. England could have lost to Ukraine but for Frankie Fielding pulling of a late save from Roman Zozulya, earlier Danny Welbeck had missed Englnd’s best chance after being put through by Daniel Sturridge. The Chelsea striker was unfortunate to see his own effort hit the crossbar on frustrating night for the Young Lions. England must beat Czech Republic in the final group game on Sunday to ensure progress to the semi-finals and have drifted in the U21 Euro 2011 betting to odds of 7/1 with Victor Chandler.   16-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10176/lee-westwood-12-1-favourite-for-first-major-victory-at-us-open World number two Lee Westwood leads the US Open betting market as he attempts to win his first major title at Congressional Country Club in Maryland this week. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the US Open, get a free golf bet when you place a bet on this week’s US Open golf. Westwood is 12/1 favourite for the US Open with the majority of bookmakers, including Boylesports who will pay out on the first six places on this year’s event at 1/4 odds a place. The former world number one is still searching for an elusive majors victory after going close on a number of occasions, Westwood was runner up in the Masters and the Open championships last year and finished third in the USPGA in 2009. His best result in the US Open was also third place when he finished level par at Torrey Pines in 2008. Westwood made his US Open debut here at Congressional in 1997, giving a good account of himself to finish in the top twenty. Since then, he has made nine appearances in the US Open claiming three top ten finishes and missing the cut twice, the last time being 2001. Since finishing eleventh at this year’s Masters, Westwood has won the Ballantines Championship and was beaten by Luke Donald in a playoff for the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth two weeks ago. That defeat allowed Donald to overtake him for top spot in the world rankings, but Westwood believes he is well prepared for the task this week. “I'm hitting the ball very well. I'm driving it pretty long and straight. My iron shots are fairly crisp, which is good coming into a U.S. Open,” Westwood said at Tuesday’s press day. “My preparation has gone well. I've played well just recently, really since the Masters, after a slowish start to the year. There's a couple of wins in there and obviously lost in a playoff to Luke at the PGA. My confidence is pretty high, and looking forward to this week.” The world’s top three golfers have been drawn together for the first two rounds and will be the group to watch on Thursday and Friday. Donald has had an outstanding start to the season to become current world number one, he finished fourth in the 2011 Masters and recorded the biggest win of his career at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in February. Boylesports is offering odds of 14/1 for Donald to win at Congressional this week. Martin Kaymer will complete the group, the world number three sprang to the public’s attention last year with a top ten place at Pebble Beach in last year’s US Open and he the registered another top ten finish in the Open championship. He then followed in the footsteps of fellow countryman Bernard Langer to become the second German golfer to win the USPGA which crowned a memorable year for the 26-year-old. Kaymer has not won since running away with the HSBC Championship in Abu Dhabi in January when he beat Rory McIlroy by eight strokes. He finished runner up to Donald at the Accenture Match Play and is available at odds of 30/1 with Paddy Power, who is also paying six places at this year’s US Open. The group will tee off from the par three tenth at 1.06pm for their first round and bookmakers are providing 3-ball betting on who will post the best first round score. Totesport is offering odds of 17/10 for Westwood to post the lowest score, while Victor Chandler goes the same price for Donald. Kaymer is best priced at Paddy Power who is offering odds of 23/10 for the German have the best round of the group.   15-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10175/royal-ascot-free-bet-offers-and-bonuses Royal Ascot gets under way on Tuesday with five days of world class racing and we’re bringing you the best free bet offers and bonuses to help you squeeze the last penny profit from the battle with the bookmakers this year. BET365 It really would be folly to ignore BET365 during a big race week like Royal Ascot. Just look at what they have to offer during this year's meeting: £200 FREE BET; bet through the free bet bonus 3 times before withdrawing winnings. PRICE PROMISE; Bet365 guarantee to match or better the prices of Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, William Hill, Totesport, Coral, Boylesports and Betfred on every Royal Ascot race televised on BBC. Their Best Odds Guarantee also applies to these prices, too. So, if your horse drifts in the market and SP is better, you’ll be paid at SP. FEATURE RACE; every Royal Ascot race televised on BBC is a Bet365 Feature Race, which means if you back a winner of one of these races at 4/1 or more, your next bet on a Feature Race is FREE. 50 FREE BET for MOBILE; applies to new and existing customer alike. Place a bet through Mobile and receive a free bet of the same stake, up to £50. Click here to go to Bet365 BOYLESPORTS Signing up with Boylesports via BestFreeBet.com will entitle new customers to two free bets for the price of one, perfect for Royal Ascot where there are so many top quality races. BET 20 GET 40; simply sign up and bet £20 and Boylesports will credit your account with two £20 Free Bets the next day. Free bets are valid for singles only, that’s the only restriction. 1/4 ODDS A PLACE; Boylesports will pay 1/4 odds a place ALL races at Royal Ascot EXTRA PLACES; Boylesports will also pay on FOUR places for the 3.05, 4.25 and 5.35 races at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. Click here to go to Boylesports PADDY POWER BetsFreeBets.com is one of the few routes to getting £100 free bets from Paddy Power. £100 FREE BETS; made up 4 free bets, up to £25 each. Your first £25 bet will get you a £25 free bet, the second free bet will be an average of the stakes on your next 4 bets. The third free bet will be an average of stakes on your subsequent 5 bets as too, the fourth free bet, average of next 5 bets. Very handy if you’re having a regular bet on the televised racing. 1/4 ODDS A PLACE; Paddy Power will pay 1/4 odds a place ALL races at Royal Ascot EXTRA PLACES; Paddy Power will also pay on FOUR places for the 3.05 and 4.25 races at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. Click here to go to Paddy Power BETFRED You can count on the ‘Bonus King’ to have plenty of free bet offers and bonuses the whole year round and that includes Royal Ascot. £50 FREE BET, the sign up offer is biggest one-for-one free bet currently available, equalled only by Coral. Bet up to £50 at evens of more and get a free bet of the same stake. 1/4 ODDS A PLACE; Betfred will pay 1/4 odds a place ALL races at Royal Ascot EXTRA PLACES; Betfred will also pay on FOUR places for the 3.05, 4.25, 5.00 and 5.35 races at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. SUPER BONUSES; 50% added to Lucky 15s/Yankees, 100% added to Lucky 31s/Super Yankees and 200% added to Lucky 63s/Heinz if all selections win, the bonus offers apply to bets with selections across all five days of Royal Ascot £5 FREE CASINO CHIPS; bet £5 as Royal Ascot and Betfred will give you £5 free casino chips to play Frankie Dettori’s Magic Seven slot, the game relives that famous day in 1996 when Frankie rode all seven winners at Ascot. Click here to go to Betfred   14-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10174/essex-eagles-favourites-to-beat-surrey-lions-in-friends-life-t20 Essex Eagles are favourite to win the Friends Life T20 match against Surrey Lions when they clash in the Southern Group match at the Kia Oval on Monday night. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on the Friends Life T20 Cup. Get a free cricket bet when placing a bet on the Friends Life T20 game between Surrey and Essex to be shown on Sky Sports 1 from 6.30pm. Online bookmaker Unibet stands out offering odds of 11/13 for the Eagles with Sportingbet offering odds of 11/10 for the home side in what should be another closely fought twenty over contest. The two sides are currently standing mid-table in the Southern Group, the Eagles with 4 points from four games and the Lions a point behind from the same number of matches. Surrey will be pleased to return to the Kia Oval after suffering a comprehensive defeat at the hands of Gloucester Gladiators in their T20 match on Saturday. The Lions’ batting line-up found themselves tied down by the Gloucester bowling attack, mustering 122 all-out in 19.1 overs when replying to the Gladiators 168 for 6 - Ian Cockbain’s quickfire 78 from 46 balls proving decisive. Cockbain also took a brilliant diving catch at deep mid-wicket to dismiss Surrey’s top batsman, Kevin Pietersen who had made 30 runs off 28 balls. It was Pietersen’s second T20 game of the season when he picked up his first runs of the campaign following a duck in his first match, the England international star is available at odds of 3/1 with SkyBet to top score for Surrey again when they face the Eagles. Owais Shah moved to Essex from Middlesex before the summer and has quickly found his stride with his new club. He is one of the leading run scorers in the 2011 Friends Life T20 and comes into this match after a spectacular 78 not out from 50 balls against his former team on Thursday. That knock took his T20 tally for the season to 180 from four games, only Stephen Moore (207), David Hussey (182) and Adam Voges (181) have scored more runs although all three have played five matches so far this season. Despite his fantastic form with bat, Shah is 9/2 to be top Essex batsman, including Betfred who offers a refund on tied T20 matches. Ravi Bopara is the bookmaker’s favourite to score most runs for Essex, with Totesport standing out offering odds of 7/2.   FRIENDS LIFE T20 SOUTH GROUP:                               P W L T  N/R R/R  Pts Hampshire          6  5 0 0     1   0.71 9.0 Sussex                 4  3 1 0     0   0.88 6.0 Somerset             5  2 1 0    2   0.96  6.0 Essex                   4  2 2 0     0   1.18  4.0 Glamorgan          4  1 2 0    1   0.62  3.0 Surrey                   4  1 2 0    1  -0.56  3.0 Kent                      4  1 2 0    1  -1.06  3.0 Gloucestershire 5  1 4 0    0  -1.37  2.0 Middlesex            4  1 3 0    0 - 1.37  2.0   13-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10173/spain-u21-v-england-u21-odds-and-betting-tips Group B of the 2011 U21 European Championships gets under way today with the bookmakers' pre-tournament favourites paired off in their opening fixture, as Spain's Under-21s are made favourites over their English counter-parts at best price of 11/10 offered by Boylesports. Online bookmakers offer free bets and offers as part of their introductory offers which may be used to bet on football, including the Under 21 European Championships and the Group B match between Spain and England. Spain's Under-21s are hot favourites to follow in the footsteps of their Senior Team counterparts and take the whole tournament, and today's fixture with England will likely decide the winner of Group B and who will take momentum with them into the latter stages, with both hot favourites to qualify. Spain would be hot favourites, with many of their side picked to be stars of this year's U-21 Euros and key players such as Captain Javi Martinez and Juan Mata already owning FIFA World Cup Winners medals. If there is one thing a Spanish national team knows how to do it is win tournaments. Barcelona duo Bojan Krkic and Thiago Alcantara are tipped to make a big impact at this year's tournament, and value may be found in the first goalscorer market by backing Bojan to score first at 6/1 offered by Boylesports. You can also back Bojan by betting at the same price to pick up the Golden Boot at this year's under-21 European Championships in Denmark. Stuart Pearce's Young England are one side in the tournament with perhaps just as much to prove as the Spaniards, however, with many keen to forge names for themselves and secure regular first team football in the Premier League, and senior call-ups. In the absence of Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll, it is names like Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck, Jack Rodwell and Tom Cleverley and Chris Smalling and Phil Jones who will be looking to improve their stock at this year's tournament. You can back Pearce's Young Lions to pick up the win over spain at best price of 11/4 offered at online bookmaker bet365, and with England in with a much better chance than certainly the Spanish believe, it might be worth a punt. Backing Daniel Sturridge to score first is also a good shout at 13/2, at bet365, with the Chelsea man coming off a good season on loan at Bolton, and everything to prove at this year's tournament. Online bookmaker, BetFred, are offering a Double Delight / Hat Trick Heaven special offer for the U21 European Championship Group B Match - Spain v England. If your chosen player scores the first goal of the match and then goes on to score again, Betfred will double or treble your first goalscorer price. Why not back Bojan or Sturridge today in the first goalscorer market to take advantage of this incredible special offer? 12-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10172/2011-aegon-championships-odds-and-betting-tips The 2011 AEGON Championship at Queens has reached its Semi-Finals and sees Andy Murray become the bookmaker's favourite to claim victory at the Wimbledon warm-up event at best price of 6/4 - offered by Betfred - in the wake of top seed Nadal's early exit from the competition. Online bookmakers offer free bets as part of their introductory offers and promotions which may be used to bet on Tennis. Why not claim your free bet today and place a bet on the 2011 AEGON Championships at Queens? Murray has only dropped one set thus far in the competition, and after a strong showing at the recent French Open and another British crowd at Wimbledon on the horizon, he is backed to win the event for the second time in his career. A win here would give Murray plenty of encouragement to make an impact at the third Grand Slam of the year. Murray received a walkover in the Quarterfinals and will go on to face American powerhouse Andy Roddick in the Semi-Finals to face the winner of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and fellow Briton James Ward. Online bookmakers StanJames heavily backs Murray to pick up the win over Roddick at 8/13 best price. However, Andy Roddick knows a thing or two about the event at Queen's Club, London. Roddick has won the Championships on four seperate occasions, most recently in 2007, and has often gone on to make his presence felt at Wimbledon, most recently in a memorable Final in 2009. In the other Semi-Final, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will look to capitalise on his incredible victory over the World Number One, Rafael Nadal, and progress to the finals against Wild Card entrant James Ward. Though the match may be closer than Tsonga would have expected before the tournament, bookmakers still hugely back him to reach the final with best odds available at 1/10 to pick up the win. James Ward will be vying to make the Wimbledon Warmup an all British final and repeat his success earlier in the tournament where he defeat fourth seed, Stanislas Wawrinka, in straight sets. This is the first time in the Open Era since 1968 at Queen's Club Championships that there have been two British men in the semi-finals, and you can back Ward at best price of 7/1 to defeat Tsonga and secure himself a place in the final. 11-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10171/lancashire-look-to-bounce-back-in-battle-of-the-roses Looking to bounce back from Tuesday’s narrow defeat, Lancashire are warm favourites to beat Yorkshire in the T20 Roses match at Old Trafford on Friday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on the Friends Life T20 Cup. Get a free cricket bet when placing a bet on the Friends Life T20 game between Lancashire and Yorkshire to be shown on Sky Sports 1 at 5.40pm on Friday. The red rose county is generally available at odds of 4/6, including Betfred who is offering to refund bets if the game ends in a tie and Yorkshire are available at odds of 13/10 with bet365. Lancashire sit second in the North Group, denied top spot after losing to Leicestershire this week by 4 wickets with one ball to spare in a 19-overs match. Openers Tom Smith and Stephen Moore got Lancashire off to a fine start at Old Trafford on Tuesday with Smith smashing 45 runs from 27 deliveries and Moore hitting 48 from 39 balls. Lightning’s middle order couldn’t maintain the early run rate and Lancashire finished 162 for 5 in their reduced allotment of overs. Moore is favourite to top score for Lancashire again on Friday. The South African-born opener is available at odds of 3/1 with most bookmakers to be Lancashire Top Batsman, including Stan James who will refund stakes on any player who scores a 50 and fails to be top batsman. Yorkshire picked up their first T20 win of the season with a dramatic 2-run victory against Worcestershire at Headingley Carnegie on Thursday. Adil Rashid (19-3) and Richard Pyrah (21-4) were sending the Worcestershire batsmen back to the pavilion at a fast rate until Gareth Andrew’s heroic effort to salvage the innings. He took his side from 67 for 5 to 150 for 7 with an unbeaten 60 in 26 balls. His efforts were in vain as Worcestershire came up short of Yorkshire’s 152 for 7. Ryan Sidebottom proved to be Yorkshire’s most economical bowler on Thursday, going for just 17 runs from his 4 overs and Stan James is offering odds of 9/2 he will emerge Yorkshire’s thriftiest bowler again in the Battle of the Roses on Friday.   FRIENDS LIFE T20 NORTH GROUP County                        PWLTNR Pts RR Nottinghamshire      3 3 0 0 0    6   1.98 Lancashire                4 2 1 1 0    5   0.30 Leicestershire          3 2 1 0 0    4  -0.04 Warwickshire            4 2 2 0 0    4  -0.37 Durham                      3 1 1 0 1    3   0.38 Northamptonshire   3 1 2 0 0    2   0.00   10-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10170/frankel-warms-up-for-royal-ascot 2000 Guineas hero Frankel impressed in Wednesday’s work out as he warms up for next week’s St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet at Royal Ascot, place a bet for Royal Ascot and receive a free horse racing bet. Henry Cecil’s three-year-old worked on the Newmarket gallops in preparation for Tuesday’s Group One contest. Top gallops reporter Tony Elves watched the son of Galileo go through his paces and was excited by what he witnessed. "He did his main work on the watered gallop and covered about seven furlongs under Shane Featherstonehaugh in company with his usual partner Bullet Train,” Elves told At The Races. "There were no real question asked as he eased a couple of lengths clear. However Shane must have some very strong muscles because he was taking a very tight hold on the horse. "Things have gone smooth as silk - there have been no blips. Let's hope that continues as he's one of the most exciting horses we've seen for many a year", he added. Unbeaten Frankel has won all six racecourse appearances and the Classic winner is red-hot favourite to beat the field of 13 runners left standing in next week’s St James Palace Stakes. Online bookmakers Blue Square and 888sport are offering 4/11 for Cecil’s charge to win his third Group One at the Royal meeting where his main market rival Dubawi Gold, a 14/1 chance, re-opposes after his six-length defeat in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.   09-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10169/tiger-woods-to-miss-us-open Former world number one, Tiger Woods is heeding doctors’ advice and will miss the US Open at Congressional Counry Club next week. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the US Open golf, get a free golf bet when placing a bet on next week’s US Open in Maryland. Woods has not played since limping off after nine holes of the Players Championship last month suffering from injuries to his left knee, left calf and back. The three-time US Open winner had hoped to have recovered in time to play in the season’s second major, but is following his doctor’s advice and won’t be among next week’s field. Woods released as statement on his website: "I am extremely disappointed I won't be playing in the US Open. But it's time for me to listen to my doctors and focus on the future. I was hopeful I could play but, if I did, I risk further damage to my left leg." Tiger has played every US Open since 1994 and last won in 2008 when playing with a double stress fracture in his left tibia, ignoring medical advice on that occasion, he won after a 19-hole playoff on the fifth day. His absence leaves Phil Mickleson the main American hopeful to bring the US Open title back to the United States after Graeme McDowell won for Northern Ireland in 2010. Mickleson is still looking for his first US Open victory having finished runner up on five occasions. Online bookmakers Sportingbet and Unibet are offering odds of 14/1 for Mickleson to capture the title which has eluded him all his career. European golf’s ascendancy is reflected in the US Open betting market where world number two Lee Westwood is 12/1 favourite to capture his first major title. Fellow Englishman, Luke Donald is available at odds of 14/1 to continue the incredible early season form that has seen him rise to number one in the world rankings. Ulsterman, Rory McIlroy, who let the Masters slip from his grasp in April, is 20/1 to make amends at Congressional while Germany’s Martin Kaymer, reigning PGA champion and 2010 Race to Dubai winner is a 25/1 chance. Ulster’s Graeme McDowell will be in Maryland to defend his title, he is looking for his first win this season following a remarkable breakthrough year in 2010 which was honoured with an MBE. Unibet is offering odds of 49/1 for McDowell to make a successful defence of his US Open title next week. LEADING US OPEN ODDS: 12/1 Lee Westwood – Sportingbet, Unibet 14/1 Luke Donald – Sportingbet, Unibet 14/1 Phil Mickleson – Sportingbet, Unibet 20/1 Rory McIlroy – Sportingbet, Unibet 25/1 Martin Kaymer – Sportingbet, Unibet 29/1 Hunter Mahan – Unibet 29/1 Steve Stricker – Unibet 29/1 Matt Kuchar – Unibet 29/1 Dustin Johnson - Unibet   08-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10168/murray-fit-for-aegon-championships-at-queens Andy Murray is best priced 9/2 second favourite to triumph in the Aegon Championships after winning his fitness battle to compete in the Wimbledon warm-up event being held at Queen’s Club this week. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the ATP tour and next week’s Wimbledon Championships, receive a free tennis bet when placing a bet on the Aegon Championships. The British number one confirmed he has recovered from the ankle injury sustained during last week’s French Open after a two practise session on Monday and he will line up alongside his brother Jamie in the first round of the doubles on Tuesday. "It's definitely better than it was," said Murray. "It was a bit sore when it happened but it should be OK." Online bookmaker Coral is offering 9/2 for Murray to win the men’s singles event behind French Open winner and world number one Rafael Nadal, a 2/1 chance at Coral. Murray won this Wimbledon warm-up event in 2009 and is seeded number two this year, he is scheduled to meet Nadal in the final on Sunday. Nadal, who beat the Scot in the semi-final at Roland Garros last week, has also won once at Queen’s, he clinched victory in the 2008 final before going on to win his first Wimbledon title two weeks later. Betfred is offering to refund losing stakes on any player if beaten by Nadal in the final. Murray gets a first round bye in the singles and will play either Xavier Malisse or Matthias Bachinger on Wednesday. Eighth seed Marin Cilic and third seed Andy Roddick are the big names that stand in Murray’s path and he could meet them in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively should results go to plan. Roddick won this event four times in five years between 2003 and 2007 and is available at odds of 8/1 with Stan James to surpass John McEnroe, Boris Becker and Leyton Hewitt and win for a record fifth time this week.   07-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10167/hampshire-blaze-to-the-top-in-t20-slog-out Hampshire’s T20 side are 6/1 to win the Friends Life T20 Cup after Michael Lumb and Jimmy Adams blasted the Royals to the top of the south group in a slog-out with Kent on Sunday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on the Friends Life T20 Cup, get a free cricket bet when placing a bet on the Friends Life T20 Cup which continues on Wednesday. Heavy rain reduced the game to 5 overs apiece and the Hampshire openers marched out to confront the Kent bowling in swashbuckling style. In a flurry of sixes between the overs of Simon Cook and Adam Ball, the pair hit eight sixes from nine balls as the Royals slogged their way to a total of 78-1. Lumb was the man out with 35 from 11 balls, Adams making an unbeaten 33 and James Vince hit six runs. Despite the efforts of Darren Stevens who smashed an unbeaten 45 from 16 deliveries, Kent could only manage 58 runs for the loss of two wickets to lose out by 20 runs. Although they have been deducted 2 points for a poor pitch last season, Hampshire lead the south group with 4 points ahead of Sussex and Somerset, having won their opening three matches. Bet365 is offering odds of 6/1 for Hampshire to successfully defend their T20 title from 4/1 favourites Somerset who were runners up last year. The two teams met in a repeat of last year's final on the opening day of 2011 competition when the Royals beat Somerset by virtue of losing fewer wickets as they tied for runs in a nail-biting finish. Friends Life T20 Offer: Online bookmaker Betfred will refund losing Friends Life T20 match bets which end in a tie. Friends Life T20 results Sunday, 5 June 2011 Gloucestershire: 97-9 (17.0 overs) Sussex: 98-3 (14.3 overs) Sussex beat Gloucestershire by 7 wickets Kent: 58-2 (5.0 overs) Hampshire: 78-1 (5.0 overs) Hampshire beat Kent by 20 runs Leicestershire: 173-2 (20.0 overs) Lancashire: 175-5 (18.1 overs) Lancashire beat Leicestershire by 5 wickets Nottinghamshire: 215-6 (20.0 overs) Yorkshire: 162-8 (20.0 overs) Nottinghamshire beat Yorkshire by 53 runs Somerset: 235-5 (20.0 overs) Middlesex: 195-9 (20.0 overs) Somerset beat Middlesex by 40 runs Warwickshire: 110 (17.3 overs) Northamptonshire: 150-8 (20.0 overs) Northamptonshire beat Warwickshire by 40 runs Worcestershire: Did not bat Durham: Did not bat No result   06-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10166/england-still-1-7-to-win-group-g-and-qualify-for-euro-2012 Despite a very disappointing performance in gaining a 2-2 draw with Switzerland at Wembley yesterday , England remain long odds on to win Group G and qualify automatically for the European Championships in Poland and Ukrane next year . Fabio Capello's team had to come back from a two goal deficit after only 35 minutes courtesy of two goalkeeping errors but were lucky not to lose an open game in which Switzerland produced the better football . England are top of Group G on goal difference from Montenegro , both teams have 11 points from five matches played . Although England must travel to Bulgaria and Montenegro in their remaining three games , as well as play Wales at home , bookies make England 1/7 to top Group G with Bet365 offering top price on the THREE Lions . Bet365 offer up to £200 in free bets to all new accounts and a free £50 bet via mobile for all existing customers .   Montenegro face difficult away games in Switzerland and Wales either side of the crucial home game against England on October 7th . Darren Bent missed an open goal for England in the second half and Fabio Capello is again finding himself under increased pressure to hold on to the England manager's job as the line up and formation for yesterday's game suprised many fans with the omission of Ashley Young from the starting line up . Bet365 offer 8/13 that England will remain unbeaten in their remaining three Euro 2012 qualifiers and odds of 6/5 that they will lose at least one game . In Group B , the Republic Of Ireland continued their good form with a 2-0 victory in Macedonia thanks to a brace from captain Robbie Keane . Ireland are now joint top of a very competitive Group B alongside Russia and Slovakia with all teams having four games to play .  Russia are favourites to win the Group at best odds of 4/6 with Paddy Power whilst Ireland are best at odds of 3/1 with Stan James . Paddy Power offer up to £100 in Free Bets to new customers . Ireland have every chance of qualifying for the fianl stages of Euro 2012 but their next two games are critical , Slovakia at home on September 2nd followed four days later by a trip to Moscow . 05-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10165/england-v-switzerland-odds-and-betting-tips Online bookmakers favourite in the First Goalscorer market for England v Switzerland - Darren Bent, looks set to start against Switzerland at Wembley as Wayne Rooney serves a suspension. Bent has been in great goalscoring form on the back end of the season, including netting previously for England. Bookmakers offer free bets as part of their sign up bonuses, these free bets may be used to wager on football events, including Euro 2012 Qualifiers. Aston Villa Marksman, Darren Bent has been a consistant goal threat in recent Premier Leagues, but his form since his switch to Villa Park in January has seen him called up regularly to the England squad, impressing in his outings. In other markets, England are heavy favourites to claim victory on home soil with best price of 4/11 offered by Irish bookmakers Paddy Power. A win for England today would return them to the top of Group G in the Euro 2012 Qualifiers, albeit on goal difference. As goal difference could be set to make a difference in who automatically qualifies for the finals in Ukraine/Poland, the handicap and total goals markets may be a good place to seek value in your betting options. England to win -2 goals is available at good odds of 11/4 at Boylesports, while over 3.5 goals in the match can be found at bet365 with good odds of 9/4. Online bookmaker Boylesports is running a great special offer alongside the England v Switzerland Euro2012 qualifier. If you place a bet on the first goalscorer and your stake loses, but your selection scores the second goal of the game, Boylesports will refund your losing stake. This bet could be employed excellently by backing Darren Bent to hit the net first in today's game. 04-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10164/french-open-semi-finals-odds-and-betting-tips The Men's Singles event at Roland Garros sees the Semi-Finals get under way this afternoon with Rafael Nadal to take on British Number One Andy Murray, and Novak Djokovic taking on Roger Federer in what is sure to be a great day of tennis. Online bookmakers heavily back a Nadal - Djokovic final, with Novak now poised atop the outright market at 6/5, offered by Boylesports. Online bookmakers offer free bets as apart of their sign-up bonuses which can be used to bet on tennis including The French Open at Roland Garros. The King of Clay Rafael Nadal is out to prove his title against Andy Murray this afternoon, with the Scot rock bottom of the outright market. Murray is available at 18/1 - offered by Victor Chandler to claim his first Grand Slam at this year's French Open, a monumental feet that would see him defeat two of the three other Semi-Finalists who all have experience of winning Gram Slams. Defending Champion, Nadal was the bookmakers favourite to land a sixth French Open title, but has slipped to second in the market following a few slip ups in the earlier rounds, and Djokovic playing continually wonderful tennis. Nadal, however, is favourite to reach to final by defeating Muray today and indeed is backed heavily by bookmakers to win in straight sets at best price of EVENS offered by Unibet. Novak Djokovic will look to extend his season's incredible undefeated streak with a win over a resurging Roger Federer. Both men are playing stunning tennis heading into their match, and it is likely to be an excellent exhibition of tennis. Djokovic is backed heavily to defeat the former World Number One and once again bookmakers believe straight sets are on the cards. Bwin offer 28/11 for Djokovic to defeat federer in straight sets and advance to the final. YOUWIN are currently offered a great cashback bonus on the French Open, where you will receive up to £200 cash back if the last point in your selected match is an ace. 03-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10163/liverpool-set-to-offer-£13m-for-jordan-henderson  Newspaper reports on Thursday morning suggest that Liverpool are ready to make an initial offer of £13M for the Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson . The highly rated Henderson made his England debut against France in November 2010 and has been linked throughout the 2010/11 Premier League season with a host of top clubs particuarly Manchester United and Arsenal . However the Times reports that Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool are expected to lead the bidding for the 20 year old and whilst Sunderland are expected to maintain that locally born Henderson is not for sale , the club are resigned to losing the midfielder and ensuring that they obtain the maximum possible price . Henderson has enjoyed a meteoric rise in stature since Steve Bruce's arrival at the Stadium Of Light in the summer of 2009.Henderson spent most of the season prior to Bruce's arrival on loan at Championship side Coventry and made a big impact during Steve Bruce's first season in charge . His form has suffered in recent months however as Sunderland struggled in the closing months of the season following the sale of Darren Bent to Aston Villa in January . Having scraped into the top half of the season with a last day win at West Ham , Sunderland fans are looking for Steve Bruce to build a team to challenge for a european position next season . Liverpool on the other hand finished the Premier League season very strongly eventually finishing sixth and the Anfield club are expected to give Dalglish substantial further spending power this summer . It seems likely that a deal for Henderson will be concluded once all the rhetoric is over at around £18M . Liverpool are best odds at 12/1 to win next season's Premier League whilst Sunderland are 8/1 to be relegated with the same bookmaker . Betfred offer all new accounts up to £50 in Free bets .          02-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10162/carlton-house-big-doubt-for-derby-following-injury-scare  Carlton House the hot favourite for this Saturday's Epsom Derby and owned by Her Majesty The Queen is a big doubt for the race after an injury scare was confirmed yesterday .  Carlton House who was gifted to the Queen by his breeder Sheikh Mohammed has suffered from a swollen joint in his front left leg and can now be backed at odds of 15/8 with leading Irish bookmaker Paddy Power . Paddy Power are offering non runner no bet on the Derby which means that if you place a bet on any horse including Carlton House and it does not run in the race then they will refund your stake in full . This is obviously critically important if you are considering backing Carlton House at this stage .  The Queen's racing adviser John Warren yesterday described the injury as equivalent to " a footballer straining his ankle" and confirmed that the injury will be reviewed on a daily basis up to Saturday .  There are many examples of horses making rapid recovery's from injuries to go on and win the event . Binocular was ruled out of the 2010 Champion Hurdle but later recovered to run and win the race whilst in 2003 Kris Kin , also trained by Sir Michael Stoute recovered from lameness to go on and win the Derby . The French trained Pour Moi and Irish trained Roderic O'Connor are the horses being backed with bookmakers following the setback to Carlton House . The Andre Fabre trained Pour Moi is now a best priced 7/2 with most boomakers whilst Aidan O'Brien's Roderic O'Connor has been backed into 8/1 with Coral following news that Kieran Fallon will ride . A fairytale result for the Royal family is still possible but disticntly less likely than it was two days ago and supporters of Carlton House will want some confirmation of the colt's well being before placing their bets . All online bookies offer free bets to new accounts and special offers on big sporting events and details can be found on this site and other specialist betting sites such as freebets.com .       01-06-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10161/swansea-make-history-with-premier-league-promotion Swansea City have become the first Welsh club to win promotion to the Barclay's Premier League since its inception in 1992/3. An entertaining 4-2 victory over Reading in the final of the nPower Championship Play-Offs at Wembley Stadium has now handed the Swans the chance to grace the Premier League for the first time. Online bookmakers offer free bets as part of their sign up bonuses which can be used to bet on football including the 2011/12 Barclay's Premier League season. Reading, however, were the side to come flying out the blocks with more intent and were unlucky to not find themselves in front as Kebe sent the ball into the box from out wide on the right, but following a melee Ashley Williams thumped it clear. Kebe continued to cause all sorts of problems for Alan Tate down the wing, but the end product continuously evaded the Royals. Completely against the run of play Swansea took a commanding 3-0 lead with them in at half time, with a first half brace from Scott Sinclair followed by a third from Stephen Dobbie. Out of nothing, the Swans were awarded a penalty as Nathan Dyer was brought down in the area with a clumsy challenge - referee Phil Down pointed straight to the spot. Frustration was rife amongst the Reading camp heading in at half time and substitute Jay Tabb was sent off at half-time for abusing Phil Dowd at the break. However, Reading boss Brian McDermott managed to rally his side's cause entering the second half and managed to peg the Royals back 3-2. For the first time in the afternoon, a look of panic appeared to be etched on the face of the travellign Welsh contingent. However, a dream comeback was not to be as a second penalty was awarded when Andy Griffin stuck his leg out to bring Fabio Borini down in the area. The penalty saw Scott Sinclair complete his hat trick, as well as sealing Premiership football for the Swans for next season. The Swans now top the bookmakers list of relegation candidates, and if the recent play-off winners are anything to go back you can see why. Four of the last Five play-off winners have suffered relegation from the Premier League the following season. Online bookmaker SkyBet offers best price of 4/7 for Swansea to be relegated in the 2011/12 Premier League season. However, as this season has displayed, the Premier League is becoming tighter and more unpredictable than ever. Swansea will join a host of returning Premier League clubs who survived the drop this season as well as newly promoted QPR and Norwich who are available at 2/1, offered by bet365, and 4/6, offered by irish bookmaker Paddy Power, respectively to be relegated next year. You can also back returning relegation contenders Wigan and Wolves at 7/4 and 5/2 respectively to finish inside the bottom three. 31-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10160/epsom-derby-post-declarations-odds-and-betting-tips The Bookie's favourite Carlton House has topped the 17 six-day declarations for this saturday's Investec Derby at Epsom. Owned by The Queen, Sir Michael Stoute's charge became the ante-post favourite when winning the totesport Dante at York. Online bookmakers offer special offers for the epsom derby were you can claim a free bet if your stake is unsuccessful, alternatively, bookmakers offer free bets as part of their introductory offers which may be used to bet on horse racing. Carlton House is hot favourite to win this Saturday's classic at best price of 6/4 - offered by Boylesports, sportingbet, Blue Square, StanJames and 888 Sport. Carlton won his first race of the 2011 calendar at york after picking up a comfortable victory last October at Newbury, and finished 2nd at Salisbury in his only other race back in September of last year. Cartlon finished ahead of Seville in second place recently at York, and their rivalry is set to renew this saturday at Epsom with Seville being presented at 15/2 by Boylesports, some way behind the favourite but by no means out of the running. Carlton's main challenge comes from A.P O'Brien's Pour Moi and Recital who will both have a say to the winner of the legendary Derby. Both Colts are hovering around the top of the bookmakers thoughts, with Pour Moi found at a best price of 9/2 by Irish Bookmaker Paddy Power, and Recital available at 7/1 at bet365. The 17 six-day declarations and their best betting odds are as follows: Carlton House - 6/4 Pour Moi - 9/2 Recital - 7/1 Seville - 15/2 Native Khan - 10/1 Ocean War - 16/1 Masked Marvel - 25/1 Vadamar - 25/1 Treasure Beach - 33/1 Memphis Tennessee - 40/1 Nathaniel - 40/1 Casamento - 40/1 Genius Beast - 66/1 Pisco Sour - 100/1 Marhaba Malyoon - 200/1 Castlemorris King - 500/1 30-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10159/richard-gasquet-v-novak-djokovic-odds-and-betting-tips Online bookmaker Boylesports is offering best price of 6/10 for Djokovic to extend his undefeated streak by straight sets this afternoon at the French Open against Gasquet in the last-16 at Roland Garros. Online bookmakers offer free bets, which may be bet on tennis, often as part of their introductory offers and sign-up bonuses. Why not use some of your free bet on the French Open and today's matches? Novak Djokovic has now amassed a 42-match undefeated streak since the beginning of the new season, and is currently seeeded 2nd to claim victory at Roland Garros which would more than likely see him sit atop the world rankings for the first time in his career. Djokovic's form has seen him claim the opening Grand Slam - the Australian Open - as well as defeating world number 1 Rafael Nadal in the final of four seperate ATP 1000 events, including ending his undefeated streak on Clay with victory over the Spaniard in Madrid. Richard Gasquet has been putting in some fine performances and finds himself in the fourth round at the French Open for the first time. Given that Djokovic also dropped a set in the previous round against a lower seeded opposition, it seems that the money is to be found in Djokovic winning by 3 sets to 1 at 10/3 - offered by Irish bookmakers Paddy Power. Alternatively, a 3-2 victory by Djokovic hails best price of 12/1, again offered by Paddy Power. Meanwhile, a Gasquet victory represents good value at 10/1 offered by online bookmaker SportingBet. Online bookmakers BetFred are offering an Cashback Special Offer for the French Open, whereby if your player gets beaten after going 2 sets up - BetFred will refund your losing match bets as free bets. 29-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10158/barcelona-v-manchester-united-betting-news-and-tips The Champions League final at Wembley tonight has thrown together the two most popular and also the two best teams in Europe at this time . The Barcelona team are often referred to as the best club team of all time and with seven of the Spanish 2010 World Cup winners team and Lionel Messi who can argue with that term .  Barcelona are strong favourites with bookmakers to win tonight's game and William Hill and Betfred are currently offering the best odds at 6/5. William Hill offer all new customers a FREE £25 bet and a FREE £50 bet is available from Manchester bookie Betfred and this can be used on the Champions League Final . William Hill also offer odds of 3/1 on Manchester United to win in normal time  but Joe Crilly spokesman at William Hill certainly wants a Barcelona victory at Wembley :" Over the years Manchester United have caused us a fair amount of pain, but they will save us millions if they manage to beat Barcelona on Saturday night.” United are expected to perform better than they did in 2009 when the Catalans were comfortable 2-0 winners of the Champions League Final in Rome but they would have wanted a more settled preparation for the Final than they have managed this week with a testimonial game for Gary Neville against Juventus and the continued furore and controversey over the Ryan Giggs super injunction story filling the papers for most of the week in the UK .   Giggs can be backed at odds of 20/1 to score the 1st goal tonight with Boylesports and end the week on a "high" . Boylesports offer a £40 free bet for all new customers whilst European bookie Unibet offer the best odds of 17/2 that Giggs scores at any stage during tonight's game . An easy £20 Free Bet is available at Unibet . For those who expect the nightmare week for Giggs to continue tonight he can be backed at odds of 9/2 on Betfair to receive a Card during the game . Manchester United will view tonight's game at Wembley almost as a home match and Alex Ferguson's team have the ability to cause an upset . With Rooney and Hernandez in superb form at the end of the season United should certainly score and Rooney is value to score the 1st goal at odds of 8/1 with Irish bookie Paddy Power . Paddy Power have some great offers on the Champions League Final  and every serious punter should have an account with Paddy Power . Sign up now via this site and receive up to £100 in free bets .  Hopefully the big story of the 2011 Champions League Final is the quality of the football and plenty of goals . If that is the case then Lionel Messi , the world's top player has a great chance of being named Man Of The Match . Probably worth investing some of your free bet on this outcome with William Hill at odds of 7/2 .    28-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10157/french-open-odds-and-betting-tips Online bookmaker BetFred has made the French Open's favourite - Rafael Nadal best odds of 5/4 to pick up his sixth French Open title as fourth round matches get under way. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to all new customers as part of their introductory offers, which can be used to bet on tennis, get a free tennis bet when placing a bet on The French Open - Roland Garros. Rafael Nadal has won five of the last six French Opens, with wins in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010 and a fourth round knock-out against Robin Söderling in 2009, the eventual runner-up in the competition. The spaniard has won the competition every other time he has entered the competition, boasting a 40 win to 1 loss record at the french competition, where the surface is the favoured by the king of clay. However, Rafael Nadal suprised bookmakers and punters everywhere in being stretched to five sets for the first time at the French Open in the first round by John Isner, which has followed two ATP events on clay in which Nadal has lost in straight sets in the final to Novak Djokovic, the first time he has lost twice on clay in a single season - breaking his outstanding winning streak on clay in the process. Novak Djokovic knows a thing or two about winning streaks himself, and has gone the whole of the 2011 season thus far undefeated, picking up the Austrailian Open in the process. Djokovic is the only man to have beaten Nadal on clay in recent years, and he did so in straight sets including a win in Madrid. Djokovic is seeded second in the competition, and bookmakers follow suit by making him second to Nadal in the odds, and William Hill offers best price of 11/8 for Djokovic to win the French Open. Bookmaker YOUWIN is offering a cash back special offer for the French Open, where you can bet in-play and YOUWIN will give you up to €200 cash back if the last point in the match is an ace. 27-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10156/bookmakers-could-score-own-goal-in-champions-league The Champions League Final between Barcelona and Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday is the biggest event in club football and it will be the biggest betting event in club football too. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers and they can be used to bet on your favourite football teams, receive a free football bet when placing a bet on the Champions League Final. Bookmakers are looking to score as they compete for a share of the millions that will be punted on one of the most eagerly anticipated European Cup finals under the current format. Barcelona are favourites to eventually lift the trophy, but pundits predict a tight match that could require a moment of genius from Lionel Messi or Wayne Rooney to divide the teams, even the possibility of extra time and penalties. The UK’s big three bookmakers are playing in tight in the run up to the weekend’s big showdown, leaving their powerful brand names and huge market presence to grind out a result from the Champions League betting mania. So, could the online independents be at risk of scoring an own goal with the Champions League Final free bet offers they have announced? Paddy Power kicked off by offering a free bet refund for all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast bets if Barcelona win the match in normal time, being Irish based they could be refunding a heck of a lot of bets on United who are massive on the Emerald Isle. Boylesports followed with its popular Every 2nd Counts offer on the match, punters will get their first goalscorer stakes refunded as a free bet if their player fails to score first but scores the second. Stan James announced on Tuesday it would give free bet refunds to losing bets if Lionel Messi scored at anytime in the final, including extra time and penalties. This offer applies to all goalscorer markets, correct score and scorecasts. The Lionel Messi idea has also been adopted by Victor Chandler, but with an added twist. VC will a free bet to losing first scorer, correct score and half time/full time bets if either Messi or Wayne Rooney get on the scoresheet in normal or extra time. Betfred never miss an opportunity for a big match promotion, but for the Champions League Final Fred is attacking up the wings with two offers. The first is Betfred’s ever popular first scorer bonus, Double Delight/Hat-trick Heaven where punter will receive double the odds if their player scores first and goes on the get a second, the odds are trebled if the player gets a third. The second is a cash back offer, if United win on penalties, Betfred will give a free bet refunds to all losing bets placed before the kick off. Internet giant, bet365’s Champions League free bet offer comes in the form a risk free In-Play bet. Punters placing a bet on the final before the kick off can then place an In-Play to the same stake during the game, if the In-Play bet loses, bet365 will refund the stake with a free bet.     26-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10155/donald-favourite-in-world-ranking-shoot-out-at-bmw-pga Luke Donald is favourite to win the BMW PGA Championship as the world’s top three golfers prepare for a shoot-out for the number one position. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on European Tour golf, get a free golf bet when placing a bet on this week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. World number two, Donald leads the betting market at odds of 15/2 as he looks to finish ahead of Lee Westwood to take top spot in the world rankings. Donald finished runner up in last week’s Volvo Match Play to move within 0.050 points of world number one Westwood. Westwood is available at odds of 9/1 to win his second title of the season, having won the Ballantines at the beginning of May. Westwood needs to at least tie with Donald, finishing in the top 45 to remain above his Ryder Cup team mate, otherwise he will be overtaken by Donald. Golf punters can bet on a theoretical match between the two over the 72 holes of the tournament. Stan James is offering the best odds for Westwood to have the better tournament at 6/5, while Victor Chandler and Boylesports are among a few bookmakers offering 5/6 for Donald and 16/1 for the duo to tie. Martin Kaymer picked up his Players Player Award on Tuesday and would love to cap off a memorable week by leapfrogging both Westwood and Donald to regain his position as world number one. Kaymer must win or share second with one other player if he is to climb to the top of the rankings this week. The German is best priced at odds of 18/1 with Sportingbet to win at Wentworth and he’ll be hoping he is not paired with Donald for last 18 holes on Sunday. Donald looks to have the measure of Kaymer when they’ve gone head-to-head this season. Kaymer finished runner up to Donald in the Accenture World Match Play in February and the 23-year-old Englishman beat his German rival again when knocking him out of last week’s match play event. Victor Chandler is offering to payout as tournament winners, any player who has a hole-in-one is the BMW PGA Championship.   25-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10154/england-look-to-top-icc-test-rankings-this-summer England are evens to beat Sri Lanka in the first test in Cardiff this week as they begin their challenge to reach the top of the International Cricket Council rankings this summer. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the summer Test series, get a free cricket bet when placing a bet on the first Test match between England and Sri Lanka. England are currently number three in the ICC ratings and have their sights set on supplanting India, who will tour later in the summer, as number one. Online bookmakers, bet365 and Betfred are offerings evens for England’s Test squad to continue their five-day success and beat Sri Lanka in the series opener at Sophia Gardens. England are odds-on favourites to win the series and will rise to second in the rankings with a clean sweep of the three-Test series, Betfred is offering odds of 5/1 for England to win all three Tests against the tourists. The 12-man squad for the first Test was named at the weekend and selector Geoff Miller said: "To be number one in the world in international cricket is very tough, and you need tough players to be playing in the side. We feel we've got tough players in the side and one or two tough players on the edge as well. This summer will show us exactly where we are because we're playing against Sri Lanka, who are obviously a very good international side, and then playing against the side who are number one, India, but we are quietly confident." Miller was speaking after announcing that Eoin Morgan had been recalled to take the place of Paul Collingwood who retired vfrom Test cricket after the Ashes winning series in Australia last winter. Morgan scored 193 runs for England Lions against Sri Lanka earning his place ahead of Ravi Bopara who only managed to make 17 runs. Morgan made his Test debut for England last summer and scored 130 against Pakistan at Trent Bridge, he was in the squad for the winter tour but remained the spare batsman as the selectors kept faith with Collingwood. Betfred is offering odds of 8/1 for the big-hitting Dubliner to be top England batsman in the first Test. Openers Alistair Cooke and Andrew Strauss are available at odds of 4/1 with Stan James to top the batting in the first innings, along with Jonathan Trott who proved himself England’s most reliable batsman in Australia. Betfred and Stan James are both offering a free bet refund for losing Top Batsman bets if your player scores a ton and isn't Top Batsman. England squad for first Test: AJ Strauss (Middlesex, captain), JM Anderson (Lancashire), IR Bell (Warwickshire), SCJ Broad (Nottinghamshire), AN Cook (Essex), ST Finn (Middlesex), EJG Morgan (Middlesex), KP Pietersen (Surrey), MJ Prior (Sussex, wk), GP Swann (Nottinghamshire), CT Tremlett (Surrey), IJL Trott (Warwickshire).     24-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10153/chennai-and-bangalore-have-bookmakers-divided Bookmakers are having a hard time deciding the favourite between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore who meet in the first semi final of the 2011 Indian Premier League on Tuesday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on cricket matches, get a free cricket bet when placing a bet on the first IPL semi final between Chennai and Bangalore to be played in Mumbai. The top two sides in the Indian Premier League (IPL) table meet in the first play-off semi final to decide who goes straight into Saturday’s final. The loser will get a second bite of the cherry playing off against the winners of the eliminator between third and fourth placed teams, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders after they play on Wednesday. Just one point separated the league leaders Bangalore from both Chennai and Mumbai after 14 league games leaving bookmakers split on who should be favourite for Tuesday’s play-off match. 888sport and Blue Square favour Bangalore at 4/5 and offer odds of even money Chennai but William Hill on the other hand leans toward a victory for Chennai, 4/5 and offer Bangalore at evens. Bangalore have leading IPL run scorer Chris Gayle who has scored 511 runs in his 9 games at an average of 56.78, leading a fearsome batting line up which includes Virat Kholi who has hit 444 runs at an average of 34.15. Totesport is offering odds of 11/5 for Gayle to be top runscorer for Bangalore on Tuesday. Defending champions Chennai will look to the bowling of South African Albie Morkel who has taken 56 wickets so far and spin sensation Murelli Mulalitharin to stop the Bangalore batsmen from wreaking too much damage. With the match too close to call for bookmakers, Betfred is offering to refund losing stakes on the match as a free bet is the game ends in a tie.   23-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10152/tottenham-v-birmingham-city-offers-and-betting-tips Online bookmakers BetFred are currently offering best odds of 6/5 for Birmingham City to beat the drop as they travel to face Tottenham who are the market leaders to secure 5th place at 1/5 offered by SkyBet, and a point may easily be enough for the Blues to survive a nail-biting relegation battle. Online Bookmakers are giving Free Bets to all their new customers as part of introductory offers, which can be used to bet on football, get a free football bet when placing a bet on any of this afternoon's Premier League fixtures - including Tottenham v Birmingham City. Birmingham City suffered defeat last weekend to leave them level on points with fellow relegation candidates - Blackpool and Wigan - ahead of the drop by just goal difference. However, with tough ties elsewhere, Europa League football to look forward to and survival to fight for, Birmingham may well pull out a suprise win to secure their safety. Tottenham looked as if they were to miss out on European Football entirely after slipping from 5th earlier this month, however, last week's win against Liverpool has put them in pole position to secure the final place in Europe by beating Birmingham at White Hart Lane this afternoon. Liverpool will contest an already safe Aston Villa this afternoon, and online boomaker StanJames has made them best odds of 7/2 to steal 5th from Tottenham on the last day of the season. A win for Liverpool and anything other than a win at White Hart Lane for Tottenham, would see Liverpool overtake Spurs and with Birmingham fighting for their Premiership lives, 7/2 represents a good price. Online Bookmaker Boylesports are offering a number of great betting offers for this afternoon's Premier League ties, including the Every 2nd Counts special offer for the match between Tottenham and Birmingham. Boylesports will refund your losing stake if your first goalscorer scores the second goal of the game. 22-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10151/murray-fit-for-first-round-clash-in-french-open Andy Murray is best priced 20/1 with Sportingbet after being passed fit to play in the French Open which starts on Sunday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the ATP tour, receive a free tennis bet when placing a bet on the French Open. The British number one confirmed he is ready to face French qualifier Eric Prodon in the first round when speaking to reporters: "I was just a bit stiff and sore. I trained hard in London for three or four days after Rome. I trained most of the day on Wednesday and then came over and practised first thing Thursday to warm up for the exhibition. I didn't feel great. I think it was maybe my body just saying to take it easy for a day or so because I have been working very hard." The world number four’s first round opponent is ranked 118 in the world and another qualifier awaits in the second round, the winner of the match between Simone Bolleli and Frank Dancevic. Murray made the French Open quarter-finals in 2009 and is seeded to meet Jurgen Melzer in the last eight. The Scot has beaten the Austrian world number eight in their last five head-to-heads and if he can beat last years semi-finalist in Paris, he will likely meet top seed Rafael Nadal in the last four. Nadal, available at odds of 11/10 with Coral, is odds-on with most bookmakers to match Bjorn Borg’s record of claiming six French Open titles by winning the final in two weeks time. Nadal must first overcome John Insner, the giant American set a Grand Slam endurance record in last year’s second round when he beat Nicolas Mahut in a match that lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes. World number two, Novak Djokovic has seen his French Open odds tumble after beating Nadal in consecutive clay court finals in Madrid and Rome, he is now available at odds of 9/5 with Sportingbet to continue his unbeaten run all the way to winning his first French Open on 5 June. The Australian Open champion won 37 consecutive matches, picking up seven titles this year but has never been beyond the semi finals at Roland Garros. Djokovic is seeded to play Roger Federer in the last four, the 2009 French Open champion has not won a tournament since Doha in January and he is available at odds of 16/1 with Boylesports to repeat his achievement of two years ago when he beat Robin Soderling in the final. Online bookmaker Betfred is offering to refund losing ante post singles on the French Open if your player finishes runner up to Roger Federer in the final.   21-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10150/uk-open-next-for-premier-league-winner-anderson After his brilliant performance to lift the Premier League Darts trophy, Gary Anderson is 7/1 to win the UK Open Darts Finals which get underway at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton on 2 June. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on PDC Darts, get a free darts bet by placing a bet on the UK Open Darts. Sportingbet and Victor Chandler make Anderson second favourite behind Phil Taylor and currently offer the best odds of 7/1 for the Flying Scotsman to win his second consecutive title at the Reebok. In a rematch of January’s World Championship final, the Scot avenged his defeat by thumping Adrian Lewis 10-4 in the Premier League playoff final at Wembley Arena on Thursday night. Anderson has been in top form throughout the series and put in another high scoring exhibition for an emphatic win against the current world champion. Following his seven 180s against Raymond van Barneveld in the semi-final, Anderson threw four more in the final to take his 180 tally to 79 for the tournament. The 40-year-old, from Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders, is in his third season with the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) and was winning his first major title since making the switch from rival organisation, the BDO in 2009. Anderson seized his opportunity against an under par Lewis and raced into a 9-1 lead, a few missed doubles allowed Lewis to take the next three legs, but it merely delayed the inevitable and Anderson closed out the fourteenth leg with double ten to earn his long awaited PDC title. The world number three plans a short break making an attempt at winning successive titles in Bolton two weeks time.  "I'm shattered, the next seven days I'm going to do nothing but sit on my backside and put my feet up," said Anderson. "It's been a long time coming but I've got there in the end. To play Adrian in the final again, I thought it was going to be the world final all over again, but tonight he was a bit off the boil." Lewis was unable to recapture his semi final form when he knocked out the defending champion Phil Taylor 8-3 in a match where he averaged 104. But, Lewis still figures prominently in the UK Open Darts betting with Betfred best priced at 12/1. Taylor is seeing his dominance at the top of professional darts being seriously challenged. The Power’s Players Championship win is his only major victory this year and he is uncharacteristically odds against to successfully defend his UK Open title, rated at 13/8 by Victor Chandler.   20-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10149/wilshere-to-represent-england-in-euro-u21-championships Earlier this month Jack Wilshere had been announced in the provisional squad for the upcoming European under 21 Championships this summer, and this morning Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, announced that the 19-year-old has been selected in the England squad and so will represent England at the event this summer. There has been much conjecture over Wilshere's inclusion in the squad for the finals in Denmark with the midfielder now a firmly established first team regular in both the Arsenal lineup and Fabio Capello's England senior squad. Wenger has also raised concerns multiple times of a possible burnout for the youngster following a heavy schedule for the Gunners this season. Wilshere has emerged this season following his loan spell last year at Bolton, he has gone on to make 48 appearences in all competitions for Arsenal this season and has repaid the faith shown in him, putting in a number of fine performances and claiming the PFA Young Player of the Year award. He has also gone on to feature regularly for the England senior side, making three starts among his four senior caps, and has continued to impress for his Country as well as Club. Following his impressive debut season as an Arsenal regular, Wenger believes that Jack's participation at the under-21 finals will do the 19-year-old more harm than good following a fixture-packed season. However, despite Wenger's reservations Stuart Pearce has decided to name Wilshere in his final 23-man-squad after whittling it down from his provisional 40-man party. "I heard he has been picked," said Wenger. "We just have to accept and respect the choice even if we think it is the wrong decision." Wilshere himself has commented previously on the issue, and the Arsenal star sees the benefit in going to the Finals and intends on making an impact. "I'm looking forward to it, of course," he said. "It's a big international tournament. If i'm selected in the final 23 then I want to go there and win it." "If I do go, and we win it, it can only be good for me." "This nation is too good not to win international honours." "And hopefully we can take it on to our senior side, similar to Germany at the last World Cup." 19-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10148/2011-epsom-derby-odds-and-betting-tips For probably the first time since the Earl of Derby conceived the race in 1780, the story of the Epsom Derby has become more about a particular person than any of the horses taking part. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on horse racing, bet on the Derby and receive a free horse racing bet. Her Majesty The Queen has been trying to win the most famous flat race in the world for over 60 years now, ever since Aureole was runner-up in her coronation year. The Derby is the final Classic to elude Her Majesty but now, in the Sir Michael Stoute trained Carlton House, the reigning monarch has an outstanding chance of achieving a lifelong ambition. No bigger than 7/4 favourite for racing's ' Blue Ribbon' , the Dante Stakes winner has excellent credentials, but whether his current price represents value is debatable, considering how hot under the collar he became before the start of York's Derby trial. With most of the important trials behind us it is hard to make a strong case for many candidates, but once Aidan O’Brien brings a strong hand from Ballydoyle and is likely to pose the greatest threat to a royal victory. Treasure Beach was only workmanlike when winning the Chester Vase on the Roodee, while Seville will need to come on considerably to turn the tables on his Dante conqueror, which leaves the Montjeu colt Recital as their number one hope. Available at 7/1 with Bet365, Blue Square and Sportingbet, the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial winner came in for much criticism regarding his ungainly head carriage at Leopardstown, but a similar trait did not stop his sire becoming a champion of the turf. The French challenger Pour Moi is bets priced 9/1 at Stan James and comes into the reckoning after a comfortable Prix Greffulhe victory, but only Empery in 1976 has obliged for France since the great Sea-Bird 46 years ago. For those looking for a more speculative outsider the John Gosden trained Nathaniel looks overpriced at the 33/1 on offer with Victor Chandler and Stan James. The well bred son of Galileo was caught flat-footed when a staying on second in the Chester Vase and is sure to be suited by a truer run race. Connections are considering missing Epsom to wait for a potentially easier opportunity at Royal Ascot, but if given his chance the horse who gave Frankel a run for his money as a two-year-old can make his presence felt.   18-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10147/cardiff-v-reading-team-news-betting-odds-and-tips Wembley could see a Welsh invasion if Cardiff City emerge victorious from the npower Championship playoff second leg against Reading on Tuesday. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on npower Championship football, bet on Cardiff v Reading and receive a free football bet. The Bluebirds held out for a 0-0 draw at the Madejski Stadium on Friday and are poised for an all-Wales playoff final after Swansea booked their place with a 3-1 win against Nottingham Forest on Monday. But, Cardiff’s end-of-season form saw them slip from automatic promotion candidates to finish the regular season on fourth place and need to win for the first time in four games to set up a spectacular playoff final. FORM GUIDE Cardiff and Reading have played out a draw each time they’ve met this season and with neither side making full use of its potent attacking threat in recent games, it would be no surprise if this went to a penalty decider. Cardiff edge favouritism by virtue of a resolute performance at the Madejski Stadium on Friday and home advantage on Tuesday. Reading, however have shown they can upset the odds away from home; the Royals are unbeaten in their last eight league games on the road and went to Everton and West Brom to earn wins in the FA Cup earlier in the year. Cardiff: DDLWDW Reading: DWDLDW MATCH ODDS Cardiff to win: 23/17 Unibet Reading to win: 12/5 Victor Chandler Draw: 23/10 Betfred TOP GOALSCORERS (League) Cardiff: Jay Bothroyd 18 (2 in last 6) 11/2 to score first at Paddy Power Reading: Shane Long 21 (0 in last 6) 6/1 to score first at Bet365 TEAM NEWS Cardiff manager, Dave Jones has said he will leave it to Craig Bellamy to decide if he’ll play on Tuesday, the Welsh international limped off after 17 minutes of the first leg with a hamstring strain. Goalkeeper Tom Heaton and Paul Quinn are also doubtful; Heaton was left on the bench for Friday’s clash as he has been carrying a groin strain while Quinn came off in the 85th minute. Reading midfielder Jimmy Kebe has been called into the squad after missing five games with a thigh strain, he’ll have a late fitness test along with Hal Robson-Kanu who came off during the first leg with a hamstring problem.   17-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10146/bookmakers-ease-nadals-french-open-odds Bookmakers have reacted to Rafael Nadal’s second successive defeat to Novak Djokovic by easing the Spaniards odds of winning the French Open, with Coral taking a stand and offering odds of 11/10. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers, bet on the French Open tennis and receive a free bet from online bookmakers. Nadal has been invincible on clay surfaces for almost two years and had been a strong odds-on favourite with bookmakers to win his sixth French Open title at Roland Garos which starts on 22 May. 23-year-old Djokovic beat Nadal in straight sets, 6-4 6-4, to win the Rome Masters on Sunday, a week after ending the world number one’s 37-match unbeaten run on clay in the final of the Madrid Open. The Serb continued his remarkable start to the season by winning his 37th consecutive match to claim his seventh title of the year and has emerged as a genuine threat to dethrone the King of Clay in just under three weeks time. Afterward being upended by his rival for a second time, Nadal said: “I have been doing everything that I can so I cannot ask myself more. I am trying and I am doing very well, but one player is doing better than me.” Bookmakers cut Djokovic’s French Open odds to 11/4 after his three-set win in Madrid and slashed his price again after Sundays victory, he is now a general 6/4 chance in what is being regarded as a two-horse race in Paris. Djokovic had to survive a semi-final scare against Britain’s Andy Murray, coming back from the brink of defeat to win a third set tie break in a game that finished late into Saturday. Djokovic showed he has no stamina issues as he quickly broke down Nadal on Sunday. After collecting his trophy on Sunday evening Djokovic said: “He is the king of clay and he is the best player ever to play on this surface. I have won against him twice in the last eight days which I think is incredible, an incredible achievement for me, and he has given me a lot of confidence for the French Open. This is only a couple of tournaments this year and he has since been dominant on this surface for so many, many years.”   16-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10145/chelsea-v-newcastle-team-news-betting-odds-and-tips Chelsea will look to end the season a high with victory against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday despite witnessing their title ambitions come to an end in Blackburn. Online bookmakers are giving free football bets to new customers which can be used to bet on Premier League football. Manchester United’s draw at Ewood Park on Saturday sealed a record 19th Premier League title for the Red Devil’s leaving Chelsea’s late season fightback a forlorn effort. Carlo Ancelotti now faces the likelihood of being sacked as Chelsea supremo after failing to deliver a trophy this term. The Italian has one piece of unfinished business as the Blues still require at least a point to be certain of UEFA Champions League qualification. Alan Pardew will be content with Newcastle’s mid-table finish and can return to London looking forward to another season in the Premier League and a return to fitness for a number of key players who are sidelined until the summer. FORM GUIDE Chelsea have won their last six league games in front of their home fans and have looked more threatening in and around the penalty area with eight goals in the last three games at Stamford Bridge. Newcastle have managed to score just once in their last eight league games at Stamford Bridge, but have happy memories of a 4-3 League Cup win here in September. Chelsea: LWWWWL Newcastle: WLDDLW MATCH ODDS Chelsea to win: 1/4 Boylesports Newcastle to win: 14/1 Coral Draw: 11/2 Victor Chandler TOP GOALSCORERS (League) Chelsea: Malouda 13, (3 in last 5) 17/2 to score first at Unibet Newcastle: Ameobi 6 (2 in last 5) 18/1 to score first at Unibet TEAM NEWS Chelsea will be without defender Jose Bosingwa for he last two games with a knee injury. Manager, Carlo Ancelotti has told reporters he intends to start with Fernando Torres on Sunday. Newcastle keeper Steve Harper requires a knee operation and Tim Krul will continue to deputise between the sticks. Manager, Alan Pardew must decide whether to risk Chiek Tiote who is one yellow card away from a three-match ban. Chelsea from: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole, Mikel, Lampard, Essien, Torres, Drogba, Malouda: Turnbull, Alex, Benayoun, Ferreira, Ramires, Kalou, Anelka. Injured: Bertrand (hamstring), Bosingwa (knee) Newcastle from: Krul, Simpson, S Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique, Barton, Nolan, Tiote, Gutierrez, Lovenkrands, Ameobi: R Taylor, Ferguson, Donaldson, Tavernier, Kuqi, Smith, Ranger. Doubtful: Smith (ankle/fitness) Injured: Ben Arfa (leg), Best (ankle), Ireland (ankle), Nolan (ankle), Gosling (knee), Harper (knee), Perch (knee), Guthrie (shin), Williamson (arm).   15-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10144/fa-cup-final-manchester-city-v-stoke-team-news A tale of two Citys comes to a head this afternoon as Manchester City and Stoke City contest the FA Cup Final this afternoon at Wembley. While both Citys couldn't be any more different in styles, both share the common goal of securing their first trophy in some time. Manchester City are looking to end their 35-year drought without silverware, while Stoke City hope to land their second ever Cup win since they won the League Cup in 1972. Today's final demonstrates how far both sides have progressed in recent years, albeit through different means and by different standards. Manchester City have been on a mission since the arrival of the Abu Dhabi United Group and major summer spending, with the goal of English domination at the forefront of their minds at all times. City come off the back of a win over Tottenham, and despite being inconsistant at times this season, have landed Champion's League Football for the 2011/12 season and will love to cap the year off with a trophy. Stoke City, meanwhile, have been on a steady progress since their promotion to the Premier League in 2008, and it is to great credit that Tony Pulis' men have been safe each year without any real fears, and their hard work has now landed them their first FA Cup Final. Stoke have been in tremendous form since their 5-0 thrashing of Bolton in their FA Cup Semi-Final, and capped it off with an outclassing of Arsenal last weekend, running out comfortable 3-1 winners. Due to Roberto Mancini's men securing UEFA Champion's League Football this past monday, no matter what happens this afternoon, Stoke City will be playing Europa League football next season. Stoke have had their style of play criticised throughout the season, but what Tony Pulis has achieved in landing European Football, in such a short space of time, is incredibly impressive. The main selection dilemma for Mancini hinges on star striker and talisman Carlos Tevez, who has played just seven minutes over the last month due to a hamstring injury. Should the Argentina international miss out then Mancini still boasts the likes of Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko at his disposal. Midfielder Gareth Barry (hamstring) has recovered, meaning the only absentees will be Kolo Toure, who remains suspended, and Jerome Boateng (knee). Pulis is sweating over the availability of key duo Matthew Etherington (hamstring) and Robert Huth (knee). Both players will have late fitness tests having undergone intensive treatment recently. Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, a regular in cup games, is expected to retain his place but Ricardo Fuller, Danny Higginbotham and Mamady Sidibe are ruled out through injury. Possible Starting XI's for the FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Stoke City - 15.00pm kick off at Wembley Stadium - are as follows Man City: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, De Jong, Yaya Toure, Milner, Johnson, Silva, Dzeko. Stoke: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Wilson, Delap, Whelan, Whitehead, Pennant, Walters, Jones. 14-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10143/queens-horse-favourite-to-win-the-derby The Queen’s horse Carlton House is 2/1 favourite for next month’s Investec Derby following his victory in the totesport Dante Stakes. Ryan Moore rode the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt in the Derby trial, winning by one-and-a-half lengths over Aiden O’Brien’s Classic hopeful Seville with Pisco Sour two-and-a-half lengths back in third. Henry Cecil’s World Domination failed to live up to his name when a well beaten fourth. Dante sponsors, totesport is one of the bookmakers offering 2/1 for Carlton House to win the Derby and spokesman George Primarolo said after the race: "Carlton House's Dante victory should ensure that the Queen will have the favourite for the only Classic she's yet to win and we're expecting a right Royal gamble on Derby day." Stoute’s charge looks a worthy favourite after getting heated at the start and running keenly for most of the race, the son of Street Cry demonstrated a good attitude when taking a narrow gap to lead inside the final furlong. He was running away from the field as the line approached and connections have no doubts he will stay the extra two furomgs at Epsom. Ladbrokes were most impressed by the performance going 6/4 Carlton House and anticipate a flood of money with memories of the Royal Wedding still fresh in the public’s mind and the horse’s Royal connections. Spokesman for the ‘Magic Sign’ David Williams said: "Carlton House's position as Derby favourite could easily ensure we have a record-breaking Derby turnover. The public interest in this horse is about to go through the roof. The nation is sure to latch on to the royal theme and we're braced for a multi-million pound frenzy as the build-up to Epsom intensifies. There's every chance Carlton House could become one of the best backed public horse we've seen in a generation." Carlton House will be the Queen’s first Derby runner for 30 years when her horse Church Parade was fifth in the 1981 renewal won by Shergar. The nearest the Queen has come to winning the Derby was with Auerole as Victor Chandler’s Charlie McCann recollected: "Her Majesty came close to winning the Derby with Auerole who finished runner-up back in Coronation Year 1953. However, she will never have a better opportunity after her Carlton House was a most impressive winner of the Dante, a race generally regarded as the premier Derby trial. The colt is now 7/4 favourite from 9/2 for the Epsom Classic and 12/1 from 25/1 for the Arc at the end of the season." Runner up Seville wasn’t given a hard ride by jockey Christophe Soumillion and connections intend to take on the Dante winner again at Epsom. The son of Galileo’s Derby odds have drifted with Stan James offering the best odds of 15/2. Cecil’s World Domination was making a big step up in class and his Derby odds have been pushed out to 20/1. On the evidence of the race, the Epsom Classic will come too soon for the well-regarded colt, this was only his second run and he may wait for Royal Ascot for his next appearance.   13-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10142/sfa-to-investigate-attack-on-celtic-boss Scottish football authorities are starting an investigation into events at Tynecastle after Celtic manager Neil Lennon was attacked by a fan during his side's 3-0 win over Hearts. The SFA's main purpose is to discover how such an event was able and allowed to happen. During the second half, a supporter came out of the main stand and made for Celtic Boss, Neil Lennon. What followed was a fracas involving first-team coach Alan Thompson, police and stewards pitchside all following Gary Hooper's second goal of the night. The intruder was detained, marched up the tunnel by police and then arrested, but Scottish Football Association chief executive, Stewart Regan and his Scottish Premier League counterpart Neil Doncaster will meet today to discuss how this incident was able and allowed to occur in the first place. "Clearly this kind of behaviour from supporters is wholly unacceptable," remarked Regan. "The safety of players, club officials and match officials is paramount on or around the field of play, and this clear breach in security is a matter I will be discussing with SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster." This incident follows a number of similar threats which culminated in a parcel bomb, meant for Lennon, being intercepted earlier this season. The Celtic boss had previously received bullets sent to him through the post, and is now having to live with round-the-clock security. It is during an investigation into the parcel bomb that this further incident occurs, but the Celtic boss has remained defiant that he will not leave his post. Lennon's assistant Johan Mjallby admits he would not blame Lennon for walking away from the game in Scotland. Mjallby said, "he is a strong character, he has coped with much. The backroom staff are desperate for him to continue but no one could blame him if he decided not to." "I would never blame him whatever he does. I'm shocked and Neil must be even more afraid. What if he (the supporter) had something in his hand?" "But it is too early to say how Neil will react. I am shocked myself, I see it on television all over the world but I haven't seen it myself." "We all have to look into this, a manager should be secure inside a football ground." Hearts have also began an investigation and wish to provide full co-operation with the SPL and SFA authorities. A club statement has been issued regarding the matter and reads "An investigation into events which took place in the second half of the game against Celtic is now under way." "Hearts is a club which prides itself on its 'Football for All' policy and these sorts of actions have no place in the game of football." "We will give our full support to the stewards and police authorities in the ensuing investigation into the events at tonight's match." 12-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10141/iberdrola-open-golf-free-betting-tips The European Golf Tour moves away from Barcelona and heads to the Spanish island of Mallorca for the Iberdrola Open starting on Thursday. Jose Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie will bring a Ryder Cup feel as they headline the event at Pula Golf Club. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers, bettors can place free golf bets on the Iberdrola Open this weekend. Olazabal knows the course well, having supervised various changes to the course layout since 2005. The new Ryder Cup captain has introduced a handful of new holes, greens and bunkers and changed the contours of many of the greens and fairways on the undulating course. The two-time Masters champion had his last European Tour victory at Pula when it staged the Mallorca Classic in 2005, going down in history as the first player to win a European Tour event on a course he designed himself. This will be the second edition of the Iberdrola Open at Pula but it is a familiar venue for most of the European Tour players as it hosted the Turespana Opean Baleares for a number of years prior to the Mallorca Classic between 2003 and 2007. Home grown players do well at Pula, the first three years of the Mallorca Classic had a Spanish champion, Miguel Angel Jiménez (2003), Sergio Garcia (2004) and José Maria Olazábal (2005).   Best Free Bet offers for the Iberdrola Open Betfred – will refund losing stakes on the outright market if a Spanish player wins the tournament Victor Chandler will settle your bet as the tournament winner if he gets a hole-in-one. THREEBALLS TO WATCH 8.20am - Alejandro Canizares, Danny Willett, Gregory Bourdy Canizares will be hoping to go one better than last year and notch another home win for the Spanish, he was beaten in a playoff in the inaugural event by Sweden’s Peter Hanson. Willet is looking for his first tour win and has been consistent in the last month, he finished seventh in the Volvo China Open and has been in the top 25 in his last four tournaments. Bourdy has three Tour wins to his credit but can be erratic. He followed his second in the Malaysian Open by missing the cut in China. He opened last week with a 68 and finished 15th. Iberdrola Open Tournament Odds Bourdy 14/1 Victor Chandler Canizares 30/1 bet365 Willett 32/1 bwin   8.30am - Thomas Aiken, Darren Clarke, Rhys Davies Aiken is the tournament favourite after winning his first European Tour title last week, it was deserved victory as he’d gone close on the middle-east swing when sixth in the Qatar Masters and seventh in the Dubai Desert Classic. Clarke returns to the tour after finishing 77th at the Trophee Hassan II in April and had missed the cut in the Andalucia Open prior to that. If the wind gets up he could get his chance to shine. Davies finished second in the Trophee Hassan II and was in contention for the Ballantines Championship but finished 13th after a final round 77. Iberdrola Open Tournament Odds Aiken 12/1 Betfred Davies 28/1 Extrabet Clarke 45/1 Sportingbet   1.20pm - Paul Lawrie, Colin Montgomerie, Ignacio Garrido Lawrie won in Andalucia earlier in the season and produced a final round 67 to claim a top six finish in Barcelona. Montgomerie has missed the cut in two of his six Tour events this season and his best finish was 26th in the Sicilian Open. Garrido is ranked a lowly 123 in the Race to Dubai, he’s missed the cut four times already this season and hasn’t won on Tour since claiming the PGA Championship at Wentworth in 2003. Iberdrola Open Tournament Odds Lawrie 25/1 Betfred Garrido 60/1 888sport Montgomerie 150/1 Betfred   1.30pm - Pablo Larrazabal, Jose Maria Olazabal, Thomas Levet Larrazabal claimed a share of third place in last week’s Open de Espana and will be looking to continue his fine form. Olazabal was clearly affected by the sad news of the death of Seve Ballesteros last week but will hope to keep his focus this week. His playing partners might benefit from watching how he plots his way round the course in the first two rounds. Levet shot a final round 69 in Barcelona to pick up his first Tour pay cheque since February. After missing three consecutive cuts, the Frenchman’s 11th place finish might be a sign he is returning to form. Iberdrola Open Tournament Odds Larrazabal 22/1 Betfred Levet 55/1 Coral Olazabal 150/1 Betfred       11-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10140/two-finals-in-a-week-says-mancini This is the week that could define Manchester City’s season when victory against Tottenham on Tuesday will secure the coveted UEFA Champions League place before they play the FA Cup final against Stoke on Saturday. Online bookmakers are giving free football bets to new customers which can be used to bet on Premier League and FA Cup football. City boss Roberto Mancini had hoped to have Champions League qualification out of the way by beating Everton at the weekend, but is still waiting for the required points after coming away empty handed from Goodison Park. "I'm disappointed because if we had won the game at Everton it was finished (race for fourth) and we could have prepared well for the final. But now we are thinking only of Tottenham. It is impossible to rest players and yes, I have learned from the Liverpool game," he said "It will be very hard. I think that for Champions League qualification we have no problem because we have three games to play and we only need three points. But if we want to close this situation we should try to win. It is like having two finals in a week. This is the problem, but now we should try to win against Tottenham." The wheels have fallen off Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham wagon since the famous Champions League victory against AC Milan at the San Siro in February. Just one win has come along in almost three months and his team now faces a tough battle with Liverpool for a Europa League place.   FORM GUIDE Tottenham won this fixture last year to clinch their UEFA Champions League place and in the process denied City’s entry into the competition. Tottenham have won 6 of their last 7 away games against City, five of them in the league. City are unbeaten at Eastlands since before Christmas, winning 14 of their last 15 home games in all competitions. Man City: LWWWLW Tottenham: DLDDLW MATCH ODDS Man City to win: Evens, at Unibet Tottenham to win: 17/5 at Victor Chandler Draw: 5/2 at Boylesports, Paddy Power, Victor Chandler TOP GOALSCORERS (League) Man City: Tevez 19 (5 in last 6 appearances) First or Last Scorer odds 5/1 at William Hill Tottenham: Van der Vaart 12, (2 in last 6 appearances) First Scorer odds 19/2 at Unibet TEAM NEWS Roberto Mancini has said he hopes to use Carlos Tevez from the bench on Tuesday and is further boosted by the return of Gareth Barry and Micah Richards from hamstring injury. Tottenham are without Gareth Bale for the rest of the season after he ruptured ankle ligaments in a challenge from Blackpool’s Charlie Adam on Saturday. Man City from: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, De Jong, Vieira, Milner, Y Toure, Silva, Dzeko; Given, Balotelli, Wright-Phillips, A Johnson, Jo, Boyata, McGivern. Doubtful: Tevez (hamstring), Zabaleta (unspecified) Injured: Boateng (knee), M Johnson (knee), Given (shoulder), K Toure (club suspension) Tottenham from: Gomes; Kaboul, Gallas, Dawson, Rose,Van der Vaart, Modric, Sandro, Lennon, Pavlyuchenko, Defoe; Cudicini, Crouch, Kranjcar, Jenas, Bassong, Corluka. Doubtful: Crouch (back), Modric (hip) Injured: Assou-Ekotto (hamstring), Bale (ankle), Huddlestone (ankle), Hutton (knee), Palacios (knee), Khumalo (foot), King (groin), Woodgate (calf)     10-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10139/djokovic-delivers-french-open-message-to-nadal Novak Djokovic delivered a French Open warning when beating clay court master Rafael Nadal in the final of the Madrid Open on Sunday. Online bookmakers are giving free tennis bets to new customers which can be use to bet on the this week’s Rome Masters and French Open grand slam tennis later this month. The Serbian, world number two continued his excellent to start to 2011 by extending his unbeaten run to 32 matches when defeating Nadal 7-5 6-4 in the final of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event. The victory ended the world number one’s 37-match unbeaten run on clay that stretched back to the fourth round defeat to Robin Soderling in the 2009 French Open. Djokovic was appearing in his second clay court tournament of the season, he missed the chance of an earlier meeting with Nadal on clay when opting to play his home tournament in Belgrade. Online bookmaker Betfred is offering odds of 11/4 for Djokovic to win his first French Open title which starts in two weeks time at Roland Garros. The seemingly invincible 23-year-old was beating Nadal for the first time on clay after nine previous attempts but was buoyed having won the last won times they had met in finals, in Indian wells and Miami. Nadal’s previous domination of the Serb on clay surfaces included three victories at Roland Garros where Nadal emerged triumphant in two semi-finals (2007, 2008) and a quarter-final (2006) without dropping a set. Since then Djokovic has steadily improved his game on all surfaces and currently holds two grand slam titles, US Open and Australian Open. May could be a defining month for the world number two, who can take the number one ranking from Nadal by winning this week’s Rome Masters and challenge John McEnroe’s all-time record start to a season when he won 42 consecutive matches from the beginning of 1984. Djokovic will McEnroe’s record if he can go to lift the French Open title and stay on course to hold all four grand slams at the same time. “If I want to reach No. 1, I have to play consistent because that’s what Rafa will do and the rest of the players,” said Djokovic. “It has changed, I have a different mindset right now, I’m more stable and I know how to think right.” “Every time I go on the court I’m motivated to win and not thinking that this is the day I’ll lose,” he added. The first order of business is in Rome this week, Djokovic gets a first round bye and will play Lukasz Kubot or Pablo Cuevas in the second round. Online bookmaker Boylesports is offering odds of 11/5 for the Serb to win the Rome Masters, a title he won in 2009.   09-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10138/wolves-v-west-brom-team-news Draws for Wigan, Blackpool and Blackburn coupled with Birmingham dropping all three points has handed Wolves an ideal chance to boost their survival hopes as they host rivals West Brom at Molineux in today's noon kick-off. Wolves have been without a win in their last five games, however, a win today would successfully lift themselves out of the relegation zone - leaving a point between themselves and the drop. However, West Brom have been in glowing form under Roy Hodgson, who began his tenure at the Baggies with a 1-1 home draw against Wolves in February. West Brom have only lost once under Roy Hodgson since then, and have only been defeated by top-four opposition since January. Peter Odemwingie has been at the heart of the West Brom surge to safety, scoring five goals in his last six Premier League games and another today could seal a win against old rivals Wolves, denting their survival chances significantly in the process. Today's tie could well decide Wolves' fate at the end of the season as games are running out thick and fast, and Mick McCarthy's men need to find the points to stay clear from their remaining three games. West Brom, meanwhile, are safe with 43 points enough to keep them playing top-flight football for another year and will only have old rivalries to think about this afternoon. West Brom will be without midfielder Paul Scharner after the Austrian was sent off for the first time in his domestic football carer in their 2-1 win over Aston Villa last week. Hodgson will also check the fitness of captian Chris Brunt and defender Steven Reid prior to the match, but look set to miss the tie. Mick McCarthy will have to face the first of three key battles with frontman Kevin Doyle almost certainly missing, Michael Kightly a major doubt and Dave Edwards surely missing after receiving an injection to relieve his back problem. The home side will also check on Ebanks-Blake's fitness before the match, in the hopes that he may bolster their thinning options up top. Possible starting XIs for Wolves v West Brom - 12.00pm kick off are: Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, Craddock, Stearman, Elokobi, Henry, Jarvis, O'Hara, Hunt, Ward, Fletcher. West Brom: Carson, Shorey, Meite, Olsson, Reid, Brunt, Mulumbu, Morrison, Thomas, Cox, Odemwingie. 08-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10137/mickleson-favourite-for-wells-fargo-championship Phil Mickleson is favourite to win the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow after firing a six-under par 66 in the second round to leave him three shots behind the overnight leader Pat Perez. Online bookmakers are giving free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina this weekend. Mickleson thrilled the galleries when saving par from the water for the third time this week but saved his best shots for the six birdies in his faultless round. The three-time Masters Champion finished the day tied fourth with Lucas Glover and is nicely placed for the weekend. Bet365 and bwin are offering odds of 7/2 for Mickleson to go one better than last year, when he finished runner up in the Wells Fargo to Rory McIlroy. Sportingbet and Coral are offering 5/1 for Pat Perez following a stunning finish to his second round, the American was four shots off the lead when he stood on the 13th tee and shot five birdies in the last six holes to card a 65 and catapult into a two shot overnight lead from Jonathan Byrd and Bill Haas. Perez is looking for his first tour victory since winning the Bob Hope Classic in January 2009, he went close twice last month when finishing fifth in the Valero Texas Open and sixth at The Heritage. Haas was first round leader after shooting 64 on the opening day, but had to settle for a share of second after carding a two-under par 70 in the second round when his first bogey of the week at the 17th hole dropped him back a place. The 28-year-old is playing his home course and is 7/1 with Bet365 and Sportingbet to make his local knowledge count and take his first win of the season. Byrd had set the pace with five birdies through the first 12 holes to find himself leading at 11-under following an opening round 66. But, he double-bogeyed the 14th after finding bunkers twice then landing in the water on the par-4 hole. He rallied with a birdie at 15 to finish with a second round 68. The British challenge has been muted, defending champion Rory McIlroy failed to make the cut after making bogey on the last two holes to finish with level-par 72 and three-over par 147 for the first 36 holes. Paul Casey lost his chance on the opening day when he shot a six-over par 78, he put together a much better second round of 68, but his half-way total of 146 was two shots adrift of making the weekend. Justin Rose scrambled into the weekend when his one-over par 73 left him right on the cut at 144, it should have been much easier but bogeys at the last two holes left him in danger of repeating last week's early exit, when he failed to make the cut at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.   07-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10136/button-fastest-in-practice-for-turkish-grand-prix Jensen Button is 11/1 with William Hill to take pole position in Saturday’s qualifying despite setting the pace in Friday practice at the Turkish Grand Prix. Online bookmakers are offering free bets to new customers which can be used to bet on this weekend’s Formula One Grand Prix at Istanbul Park in Turkey. The 2009 Drivers Champion clocked the fastest lap, 1:26.456, on Friday to finish 0.065s ahead of Nico Rosberg in the Mercedes with McLaren team mate Lewis Hamilton third quickest and over half-a-second slower. Michael Schumacher continued the form he showed in China and was close behind Hamilton with 1:26.063 to complete a highly satisfactory afternoon for Mercedes. Sebastian Vettel sat out the afternoon session to allow repairs on his Red Bull car which was damaged when hitting a kerb in the wet morning conditions. Vettel will only have an hour to practice on Saturday morning before being pitched into qualifying, but bookmakers remain confident the world champion will be able to find the lap times to maintain his 100% record in pole position this season, the German speed merchant is best priced 3/4 with bwin for P1 on the starting grid while Betfred and Paddy Power offer odds of 6/4 for Vettel to win is third grand prix and extend his lead at the top of the drivers standings. Vettel’s team mate Mark Webber wasn’t too concerned about fast laps, focussing on long distance running but still lapped fifth fastest on 1:27.149. Bwin bet 5/1 for the Aussie to calim pole on Saturday. Punters opposing Vettel for Sunday’s race proper will find some insurance at Betfred, the online bookmaker will refund losing singles on the second driver should the young German win the Turkish Grand Prix.   06-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10135/thursday-best-betting-offers-tips-and-free-bets There are seven horse race meetings today in the UK and Ireland with the May meeting at Chester and the third day of the Punchestown Festival the main attractions . The opening three races at Chester are televised on Channel 4 with Bet365 offering their outstanding Channel 4/1 Free Bet Offer on these races . The Chester Vase is the most valuable race on the card and the John Gosden trained Nathaniel is favourite with best odds of  13/8 with Bet365 currently . Bet365 offer all new customers up to £200 in Free Bets and have an array of long term and event based offers on horse racing and football . Today they are also offering 1/4 odds on all  the three Channel 4 races from Chester .  Over at Punchestown Bet365 and Ladbrokes are offering 1/4 odds all races and Bet365 , Paddy Power and Boylesports are offering to pay an extra place on the 6.05 at Punchestown , the Naas Court Hotel Handicap Hurdle and 1/4 odds 1-2-3-4-5 on this race represents great each way value despite there being 25 runners .  The Kildare Post Handicap Chase at 4.15pm is the 2nd race on Punchestown's card and both Irish bookies Paddy Power and Boylesports have attractive offers on the race :  Paddy Power are offering to refund stakes on all losing single bets if your horse is 2nd in this race  Boylesports will refund all losing single bets if your horse is 2nd to the SP favourite  in this race     Anyone looking for a bet on tonight's Europa League semi final 2nd leg matches should try Betfred . The Warrington based bookie offers all new customers a £50 Free Bet and has cashback offers on both games that are very winable . On the Villareal v Porto match , Betfred will refund all losing first and last goalscorer bets , and correct score and scorecast bets if the highly rated  Hulk scores the last goal of the game for Porto . A similar offer is available on the Braga v Benfica game if the match goes to extra time which is entirely feasible as it requires Braga to win the game by a score of  2-1 . Both games are live tonight on Channel 5 and ITV4 respectively .    05-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10134/spanish-open-odds-and-betting-tips Alavaro Quiros and Miguel Angel Jimenez lead the Spanish assault at this week’s Open de Espana as the European Tour returns to its home continent in time for the summer season. Defending champion Quiros will be one of the main attractions at the Real Club de Golf El Prat near Barcelona, which was designed by Greg Norman and is the latest addition to the Tour schedule. Big-hitting Quiros has already won once this year when taking the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in February, he is available at odds of around 12/1 and disputes favouritism with Jimenez and Italian sensation Matteo Manassero. 47-year-old Jimenez finished second to world number one Lee Westwood in Korea last weekend, his best result since finishing fifth in the WGC-Accenture Match Play in February. The Spanish veteran has 18 tour victories to his credit, winning his home tournament on four previous occasions and is available at odds of 14/1 with Boylesports among others. Manaserro comes to Spain on a high, the 18-year-old is in his second season on Tour and will be playing in only his 25th Tour event. Yet, the youngster has already made a sensational impact with three top-three finishes in his first season and clinching his second Tour title in the Malaysian Open two weeks ago. Victor Chandler is taking a brave stance in offering odds of 14/1 for the Italian who is sure to be a popular each way bet. Back a player with Victor Chandler and if he gets a hole-in-ine, Victor Chandler will pay you out as if he was the winner of the tournament. Danny Willett made a number of pundits sit up and take notice during his trip to the Far East. The 23 year-old from Sheffield nabbed three top twenty finishes in three events played and made his first top ten of the season when seventh in the Volvo China Open. He is one to keep an eye on and figures prominently on the betting. Betfred’s 33/1 could be the best value for Willett bettors, as the online bookmaker will refund losing win stakes if your playes finishes second to one of the Spanish players. Europe’s 2012 Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal will be among the field and is sure to attract a big gallery. Battling with rheumatoid polyarthritis, the dual Masters champion is not the force he once was, but is still showing he has not lost his magical touch around the greens. His putting average this season is up amongst the best on Tour and as the course is not overly long, he could make a bold show this week. William Hill offer odds of 40/1 for Olazabal to be top Spanish golfer, he finished 15th in the Dubai Desert Classic on similarly huge greens where he had two compatriots ahead of him, winner Alavaro Quiros and Alavaro Velasco who tied fourth.   04-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10133/lambert-takes-plaudits-for-norwich-miracle Norwich City manager Paul Lambert received the plaudits following the Canaries’ return to the Premier League after a six-year absence. His side clinched second place in the npower Championship with a 1-0 win against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Monday. Simeon Jackson’s 50th minute header proved enough to take three points for the Canaries to seal the runners up spot and they will join champions QPR in the top flight next season. It caps a remarkable 20 months since Lambert’s appointment. Norwich looked to have hit rock bottom after being relegated to League One in May 2009 and started the new campaign with a 7-1 defeat to Colchester United. Lambert, who had engineered Colchester’s victory, was immediately hired and has led the club to what he describes as “a miracle” in the past two seasons. "I think it's unbelievable what's happened here in the last two years," Lambert said. "It's a miracle, that's what it is. It's an absolute miracle. I never thought this was going to happen. To come from League One and to do it back-to-back, honestly it's a miracle that it's happened. But the lads and that group of fans deserve it." Lambert is the first manager to take a club from League One to the Premier League since Joe Royle achieved the feat with Manchester City in 2000. Under Lambert’s guidance, Norwich recovered from their shocking League One opener to eventually run away with the title by nine points last May. The Canaries meteoric rise has continued this season and they took their opportunity to guarantee promotion after rivals Cardiff City were beaten at home to Middlesbrough earlier in the day. Joint majority shareholder Delia Smith can’t quite believe what has happened, praising the Norwich manager, she said after the win: "Paul has done a terrific job. He is the tops - and a brilliant manager. I'm absolutely ecstatic. I really can't believe this. I am wondering whether I will wake up in the morning and all this has not happened." Canaries striker Grant Holt also recognizes that his boss has been the key to club’s revival. "The manager has been fantastic. He's a motivator and has been great for us. We've got a fantastic bunch of lads here. We've worked hard and I think when we're on it there's no-one better. We've a great team spirit and a great desire. It's a joy being with each other every day." Holt and the rest of the players will get the chance to thank the Carrow Road fans when they play Coventry in the final game of the season on Saturday.  With promotion guaranteed, their will be a celebratory atmosphere throughout the game and long afterwards. Bet365 is offering odds of 4/7 for the Canaries to treat the fans to a final day win and add the icing to Delia's promotion winning cake..   03-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10132/bookies-split-over-whether-to-pay-out-on-qpr-winning-championship Queens Park Rangers are eight points clear at the top of the Championship table and their nearest rivals Norwich have only two games in hand yet some bookmakers are not yet paying out on Rangers winning the title because of the possibility they may face a points deduction this week as a result of a Football Association enquiry of a possible breach of Football League rules .   So far Ladbrokes , William Hill and Bet365 have all announced that they WILL  pay out on QPR winning the Championship even if they are not the Official winners after any points deduction . Graham Sharpe spokesman for William Hill bookies said "In the event that Rangers are deducted points and therefore adjudged not to have finished first in the table we will also pay out on whichever club does." A report in the Sun newspaper over the weekend quoting an inside source suggested that Neil Warnock's side may face a points deduction of up to 15 points that would leave them in the end of season Championship play offs . There is no doubt that Rangers have won the Championship Title on merit this season , losing only five games in the process . The investigation relates to the signing of Alejandro Faurlin and whether QPR followed the correct procedure in acquiring the rights to the player from a third party . The case will be heard by the FA tomorrow with a decision expected on Friday . Norwich and Cardiff could both still be crowned Championship winners and both teams are in action in crucial televised games this evening with Cardiff entertaining Middlesbrough followed by Norwich's visit to Portsmouth . The leading betting exchange Betfair is currently quoting QPR at odds of around 1/3 to remain as Champions with Norwich at odds of 5/1 and Cardiff 9/1 . 02-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10131/qpr-promoted-to-the-premier-league As of their 2-0 win over Watford yesterday afternoon QPR look to be making a long awaited return to the top flight of English football as they sit atop an 8 point gap with but one fixture left to play. However, pending the outcome of a controversial FA hearing, there is talk of the club receiving a 15-point deduction over the use of a third-party when signing midfield mainstay Alejandro Faurlin. However, despite reports throughout the media, the FA have yet to make comment on the subject and as things stand QPR will be Champions having sat top of the tree for the vast majority of the season. An FA statement read: "The FA clarifies that no comment has been made regarding charges against QPR." "The FA wishes to make clear it dissociates itself from an article concerning QPR's forthcoming disciplinary hearing published in the Sun newspaper. "Any alleged FA source is not speaking on behalf of The FA and The FA's policy remains not to comment on the charges, evidence or potential range of sanctions before the outcome of a disciplinary hearing." The Championship player of the season Adel Taarabt was once again on target at Vicarage Road as he popped up with a late goal to secure QPR as Champions, and surely no points deduction can deny them of their rightful place back in the Barclay's Premier League. However, were a points deduction to hit the Hoops then they may well slip from the automatic promotion spots, and be thrown into the Play-Offs and were the decision to be appealed, all could be thrown into the air. Manager Neil Warnock remains adament that such claims are false, and made comment on the subject following his sides league-winning defeat of Watford. "It's a wonderful feeling. I think it's the best job i've ever done, I've got other promotions but not in such a short space of time, in 13 months from battling relegation to winning the Championship," he said. "Over the season the players have been magnificent. I can't fault any of them." A hearing to investigate the seven charges brought by the FA will begin on Tuesday, with a decision to be expected on Friday, the day before a remarkable Championship season comes to a close. "I just get on with winning games," he added. "When I looked at the coverage it destroyed us, the place was like a morgue." "We're all guessing, we have to wait until Friday. I'm happy with what my barrister has told me." "I don't fear anything, I was brought in to win promotion and that's what I've done." "You can do without it as a manager but you've got to get on with it. I'll be glad when it's over and then I can talk about it." 01-05-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10130/wenger-sees-captaincy-burden-for-fabregas Ahead of their crucial tie with Manchester United, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has voiced concerns that the Arsenal captaincy may be a heavy burden for Cesc Fabregas, as it looks increasingly likely that the Gunners will continue their wait for silverware. Wenger also made it clear that he backed his captain to grow upon this season, and return stronger in the next season. A few weeks previously, Arsenal fans accross the country will have been eagerly anticipating their clash with Manchester United. However, following a string of draws and last weeks loss to Bolton, a win today would only put Arsenal 6 points behind the league leaders with 3 games to play. Just a few short months ago there was talk of a Quadruple as Arsenal looked in good shape to contest all four Trophies: The Carling Cup, The FA Cup, The UEFA Champions League and of course the Barclay's Premier League. In the wake of nothing short of a disastrous turn of events, the Gunners look set to go a sixth year without a trophy and manager Arsene Wenger has suggested that at the age of 23, the Captaincy may be weighing too heavily on Cesc Fabregas' young shoulders. "It is too much for him at his age. I believe so," Wenger said. "But he is the captain of the team and Robin Van Persie is vice-captain, they put a lot of presure on themselves." "Cesc is a winner. He wants to win, he is desperate to win the games, and of course when it does not work, he is frustrated." "It is too much because it doesn't go as well. Once it will go well, he will grow with it." "Every difficulty in life will make you stronger, especially when you have a strong character, and Cesc is a strong character." "I believe it will make him stronger, but maybe this season it i a bit of a heavy burden." Wenger feels the turning point of the campaign was the final moments of the Carling Cup final, where a defensive mix-up gifted Birmingham a dramatic winner. "Victory could have given the players a little bit of playing with less weight on your shoulders," he said. "I don't fault the attitude. I feel that this season the team could have won absolutely everything, but when things turned against us we became a bit nervous in the key moments of the games." Despite the collapse of this season, Wenger is determined to keep his key players and not seperate what he believes is a championship-winning team. "I believe that this team has been educated, grown together. The biggest achievement for them will be to win together," he said. "They will have learnt their job the hard way. They have been criticised a lot and, at the moment, they do not get the credit they deserve. Once they win, they will be stronger." 30-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10129/free-bets-available-on-royal-wedding Following the Royal Wedding takes on an entirely different meaning for horse racing fans across the country today as the aptly named Nick Gifford trained 9 year old runs at Fontwell today in what could prove to be a royal bashing for bookmakers across the country . Whilst Prince William and the lovely Kate Middleton tie the knot at Westminster Abbey in front of a world wide audience estimated at two billion people , bookmakers thoughts will already be on the 5.30 at Fontwell this evening when the Crabbie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer Handicap Chase . Royal Wedding who has good form on the course and distance is currently the 7/2 favourite for the race with William Hill and Sportingbet but the bookies fear the odds may tumble as punters across the country have a patriotic punt as they celebrate the royal tying of the knot . Trainer Nick Gifford insists that Royal Wedding's participation is coincidental and commented " He was not left in the race on purpose because of the royal wedding. He's a winner at Fontwell, after all, and will love the fast ground." Online bookies offer free bets for all new customers and Irish bookmaker Paddy Power currently offer an easy to claim £50 free bet . Spokesman for the firm said today "Regular racing fans may not back Royal Wedding just because of its name, but any casual racegoers at the track are sure to support him." And the spokesman echoed the fears of all bookies when he continued " "This, combined with the publicity of the horse running that will attract loads of money online and in our shops, will make this a huge people's gamble that we fear on a very special day." The Crabbie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer Handicap Chase is certainly the Race of the Royal Wedding Day and it seems certain that Royal Wedding will again grab the headlines . 29-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10128/taylor-and-anderson-clash-in-premier-league Darts most in-form players, Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson clash on night 12 of the 888.com Premier League Darts at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Thursday where the race for play offs continues. Taylor’s play off place is assured. After suffering his heaviest Premier League defeat on Night 1 when going down 8-2 to Adrian Lewis, he has recovered to win ten consecutives matches and tops the league by four points over Anderson. The five-time Premier League champion celebrated his 100th tournament win last time when beating Lewis 8-3 to avenge the opening night defeat. Anderson requires just one point from his remaining three matches to confirm his place in the semi-finals but will be looking to turn the tables on Taylor who narrowly beat him 8-6 in Manchester where they last met. Anderson comes into Thursday’s match in record-breaking form after setting a new Premier League standard when he hit eleven 180s in his win over Simon Whitlock last week. Looking forward to Thursday’s encounter with the Premeir League pace-setter, Anderson said: "I know what kind of game I'm going to get from Phil and what I've got to do to beat him. If I play like I did last week it will be a great game but I've got to finish better. My scoring was brilliant last week but I was disappointed with my doubles and if they're right Phil can't afford to miss anything." Raymond van Barneveld can book his playoff spot with a win against James Wade, the Dutchman has 13 points and victory over the 2009 champion will guarantee he cannot be caught however the remaining results go. But he can expect a hard game from his opponent who has won his last three matches and has a fighting chance of making the top four. Week 12 – Premier League Matches Mark Webster v Terry Jenkins Gary Anderson v Phil Taylor Raymond van Barneveld v James Wade Adrian Lewis v Simon Whitlock   Selected betting odds: 1/2 Taylor, Bet365 7/2 Anderson, Paddy Power 5/1 Draw, Stan James 5/4 Barneveld, Victor Chandler 13/8 Wade, Sportingbet 4/1 Draw, Betfred     LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE   P W D L +/- Pts Phil Taylor 11 10 0 1 +43 20 Gary Anderson 11 8 0 3 +25 16 Ray v Barneveld 11 6 1 4 +10 13 Simon Whitlock 11 5 0 6 +2 10 James Wade 11 5 0 6 -9 10 Adrian lewis 11 4 1 6 -1 9 Terry Jenkins 11 2 2 7 -29 6 Mark Webster 11 2 0 9 -41 4   28-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10127/real-madrid-defend-champions-league-record Real Madrid’s flawless home record in this season’s Champions League is on the line with the visit of Barcelona in the first leg of their semi-final at the Bernabeu on Wednesday. The two sides meet for the third time in eleven days with Real Madrid claiming the momentum after winning the Copa del Rey in extra-time last Wednesday. Cristiano Ronaldo’s cup winning header was his second goal in this mini-series after replying to Lionel Messi’s penalty by converting one of his own in the 1-1 draw in Madrid a week past Saturday. Real Madrid have won all five home games in this season's Champions League, without conceding a goal 7/1 Real Madrid to win 1-0 at Paddy Power Jose Mourinho rotated his side to great effect in Valencia at the weekend, winning 6-3 against the third placed side but is expected to revert, largely, to the players who lifted the cup. There will be no place for defensive stalwart Ricardo Carvalho who is banned, opening the door for Raul Albiol to feature in the centre of defence. Midfielder Sami Khedira picked up an injury in the cup final and has been left out of the squad, Lassana Diarra is an option or Ronaldo could go wide to allow Emmanuel Adebayour up front. Pep Guardiola faces a tougher selection problem, Andres Iniesta has been ruled out with a calf injury adding to the problems down the left hand side of his squad. Left back Maxwell picked up a knock at the weekend and is doubtful, unfortunately Eric Abidal and Adriano who could have provided cover are already sidelined. Gabriel Milito is also a doubtful starter in defence but Guardiola has better news with the return of his captain, Carles Puyol who came through training without any worries following his two-game absence with a hamstring injury. Without the influence of Iniesta, the Barcelona coach is considering a change of formation but will not change his team’s approach. “If you come to this stadium looking to defend a result, they will roll over you. I can’t change the way [we play] because of the injuries,” he said. Barcelona last suffered defeat at the Bernanbeu in May 2008, since then they have won twice and drawn one. 15/8 Barcelona to win at Victor Chandler 20-year-old Thiago Alcantara, has been impressive in several recent appearances and could stand in for the midfield maestro, as could Holland international Ibrahim Afellay. POSSIBLE STARTING LINEUPS: Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Albiol, Marcelo; Pepe, Alonso; Ronaldo, Ozil, Di Maria; Adebayor. Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes; Alves, Pique, Puyol, Maxwell; Xavi, Busquets, Alcantara; Pedro, Messi, Villa.   27-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10126/world-snooker-championship-second-round-results World number one John Higgins defeated Rory Mcleod at the Crucible on Monday night to set up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash with former world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan. Higgins began the final session with a 10-5 lead and quickly rattled up the first two frames to extend his advatage, but the Scot’s patchy form allowed the qualifier to take the next two frames before coming out on top in an error strewn 20th frame to seal the match 13-7. "I hit the ball well in the second session of my match with Lee but apart from that I have been a little bit edgy. I am definitely going to have to improve and be on top of my game for my next match, whoever I am playing." – John Higgins O’Sullivan booked his place in the last eight with 13-10 win against Shaun Murphy in an entertaining match. The three-time champion resumed on Monday with a 9-7 lead after Murphy had put up a battling display to take the final two frames of the session and reduce the deficit ahead of the final session. O’Sullivan won the first frame before firing a rapid 128 break to extend the lead to 11-7 only for Murphy to fight back again and take the next three frames. But, with the next frame in the balance Murphy missed a regulation pot on a red with score 57-49 and O’Sullivan seized his chance to take the frame and the match. Both Higgins and O’Sullivan have looked vulnerable in reaching the quarter-finals and bookmakers are just favouring the Romford player in Tuesday’s show down. Betfred stands out with odds of even money for O’Sullivan to reach the semis while Stan James bet 11/10 for Higgins to find his consistency and progress to the next stage.   TOP THREE BREAKS 138 Mark King v Graeme Dott, first round 137 Mark Williams v Ryan Day, first round 133 Stephen Hendry v Joe Perry, first round   WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP COMPLETE SECOND ROUND RESULTS Ding Junhui (Chn) 13-12 Stuart Bingham (Eng) Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) 13-10 Shaun Murphy (Eng) Rory McLeod (Eng) 7-13 John Higgins (Sco) Mark Selby (Eng)13-4 Stephen Hendry (Sco) Graeme Dott (Sco) 13-11 Ali Carter (Eng) Mark Allen (NI) 13-12 Barry Hawkins (Eng) Mark Williams (Wal) 13-4 Jamie Cope (Eng) Judd Trump (Eng) 13-6 Martin Gould (Eng)   WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP COMPLETE FIRST ROUND RESULTS John Higgins (Sco) 10-5 Stephen Lee (Eng) Mark Selby (Eng) 10-1 Jimmy Robertson (Eng) Marco Fu (HK) 8-10 Martin Gould (Eng) Ricky Walden (Eng) 6-10 Rory McLeod (Eng) Graeme Dott (Sco) 10-7 Mark King (Eng) Mark Allen (NI) 10-9 Matthew Stevens (Wal) Stuart Bingham (Eng) 10-8 Peter Ebdon (Eng) Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) 10-2 Dominic Dale (Wal) Stephen Hendry (Sco) 10-9 Joe Perry (Eng) Stephen Maguire (Sco) 9-10 Barry Hawkins (Eng) Ding Junhui (Chn) 10-2 Jamie Burnett (Sco) Mark Williams (Wal) 10-5 Ryan Day (Wal) Ali Carter (Eng) 10-3 Dave Harold (Eng) Shaun Murphy (Eng) 10-1 Marcus Campbell (Scot) Jamie Cope (Eng) 10-7 Andrew Pagett (Wal) Neil Robertson (Aus) 8-10 Judd Trump (Eng)     26-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10125/barefoot-lady-will-be-supplemented-for-1000-guineas Nell Gwyn winner, Barefoot Lady is available at odds of 25/1 for the Qipco 1000 Guineas after it was revealed she would be supplemented for Sunday’s race. The fillies’ trainer Richard Fahey confirmed she would be entered when speaking to the sportinglife.com and online bookmakers, Victor Chandler and Stan James make her a 25/1 chance while she is as short as 16/1 in some places. "Barefoot Lady will be supplemented for the Guineas. She's in absolutely fantastic form at home, 100 per cent," said Fahey. "There are a few questions marks about the ground with one or two of the fancied ones, so we've decided to give it a shot." "Before the Nell Gwyn I warned she was a bit backward in her coat but she's there now so we're having a punt. Put it this way, no other filly will be in better form in themselves than she is going into the race." The daughter of 2000 Guineas winner, Footstepsinthesand, will renew rivalry with John Gosden-trained Maqaasid who was beaten a neck and three-quarters-a-length into the third in the Newmarket trial on 13 April. Maqaasid is a 33/1 chance for the first fillies’ Classic of the season but the Queen Mary winner will be 3lbs better off when she meets Barefoot Lady again. Jockey Richard Hills reports Hamdan Al Maktoums filly has worked well at home following the Newmarket race. "She worked on Saturday and moved well. She ran a very good race at Newmarket in the Nell Gwyn - she was giving 3lb to the rest and it was only her trial. There are no other races for her to go for now anyway," said the jockey. "We haven't tried her over a mile but there is stamina on her dam's side. She has a good nature and you'd have to give her every chance." The 1000 Guineas betting is wide open with three fillies contesting favouritism at around the 9/2 mark. Freddie Head trains 9/2 chance Moonlight Cloud, he comfirmed at the weekend the filly is on course for Newmarket despite remaining entered for Sunday’s Group 3 Prix de la Grotte at Longchamp. Sir Michael Stoute’s unbeaten Havant is available at odds of 11/2 with Totesports, the daughter of Halling has yet to appear this season having both her two-year-old races with cut in the ground in the ground. Richard Hannon’s Cherry Hinton winner, Memory could renew rivalry with Aiden O'Briens Misty For Me on Sunday. Hannon's 6/1 chance has won her first three races as a two-year-old before travelling disappointing behind Misty For Me in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh in August. O'Brien's filly is available ot odds of 8/1 and is scheduled to make her seasonal debut in the 1000 Guineas.   25-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10124/torres-breaks-duck-with-memorable-goal-at-stamford-bridge Fernando Torres finally broke his duck in a Chelsea shirt as the Blues beat West Ham 3-0 to maintain the 6 point gap between themselves and Manchester United. BetFred may have paid out the Red Devils as winners, but Chelsea will be hot on their heals if they claim a victory at Old Trafford. Torres started the game on the bench, but replaced Didier Drogba with 14 minutes remaining after initially being made to wait as Kalou made way for Anelka minutes before. But with six minutes remaining in normal time, Torres finally latched on to an Anelka through ball which held up in the drenched pitch allowing Torres to swivel and curl home a left-footed effort. Stamford Bridge erupted upon seeing Torres' frustrations finally come to an end, finding his first goal in 901 minutes of football for club and country. His Chelsea team mates helped Torres celebrate in style, mobbing the Spaniard as their supporters celebrated with joy. Torres completed his cameo with an assist, allowing Malouda to claim the third goal in injury time. A goal that could prove vital in the, albeit unlikely, event that the race comes down to goal difference. Chelsea fans and pundits alike will be looking to see if Torres can move on from his recent woes with this strike, and maintain a run of goalscoring form as Chelsea's season comes closer to finishing, with a six point gap remaining and just four games to play. The Arsenal will be looking to follow in Chelsea's footsteps this afternoon and find a much needed win against Bolton in order to keep their title ambitions alive. 24-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10123/parker-focuses-on-job-at-hand-after-pwa-award West Ham star and England international Scott Parker, is set to put his personal recognition aside in the effort to avoid the drop as the end of this year's Barclays Premier League season draws near. West Ham and Scott Parker must face off against Champion chasers Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the late kick-off this afternoon, and Scott Parker admits he is only focused on the job at hand rather than the recent recognition for his personal efforts on the pitch. The West Ham captain has been in sparkling form all season long as West Ham have struggling for both fitness and form throughout. He admits to being 'over the moon' at landing the Football writers Association Player of the Year award, especially in a Hammers side that has struggled throughout. Keeping the club in the top flight remains Parker's priority for now, with it vital for the capital outfit that they remain among England's elite. With the Hammers being handed the keys to the Olympic Stadium it is key that the West Ham supporters watch Premier League football at their new ground. "I stated recently the main focus this year is staying in the Premier League with West Ham and if we don't do it the personal accolades will be very, very disappointing," said Parker. "Our main aim is to stay in the Premier League. We've got five big, big games left and hopefully we can get the points we need and stay in the league." Parker was understandably delighted with the FWA award, but has stated he cannot put his finger on what has gone wrong at Upton Park this season. "I cannot explain to you the way it's gone for me on a personal level. Accolades and awards are massive" "I'm playing well, obviously I wish we cold be in a better position in the league but on a personal level things are going good for me" "I need to keep continuing that, working hard, and staying on the right track." When questioned about the teams under-performance this season, Parker added the following "It is not just this season. We have got a very good squad and some very good players but for one reason or another we haven't picked up the poitns we need." "If I could put my finger on it I would. We need to try to pick up some results. But we still have a chance." The first of the five remaining games will not be easy for Parker or Avram Grant's men, as Chelsea are currently in a spell of good form following the return to the tried and testing 4-3-3 that saw them claim the Double last season. Both sides have very different reasons, but ultimately, Chelsea and West Ham will approach another game where points simply must be taken. 23-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10122/chandler-offer-best-odds-for-home-side-in-midlands-derby Despite losing only once at home all season , Nottingham Forest are now in danger of not qualifying for the end of season Championship playoffs . With only one win in their last 12 matches , Forest have now dropped to seventh and are 2 points adrift of Leeds United in sixth .  Leicester are a further 3 points behind Forest and with only four games left for both sides a win is an absolute must today to keep hopes of a return to the Premier League alive in both camps . Forest who looked like threatening for an automatic promotion spot only two months ago have started to concede too many goals and manager Billy Davies will want an improvement defensively .  Sponsors , Victor Chandler offer the best odds today on Forest at 13/10 and are also offering cashback to losing correct score , 1st scorer and double result punters if Leicester win the game . Chandler often promote some tempting betting offers on the Forest games but this is probably the best of the season offering an easy way to lock in some guaranteed profit .  With a £25 Free bet also on offer from Victor Chandler this will certainly be a Good Friday for anyone opening an account today !  Notts Forest v Leicester is live on Sky Sports 1 at 5.15pm today .     22-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10121/frankel-heads-lastest-2000-guineas-entries Henry Cecil-trained Frankel leads the 19 entries for the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on 30 April after the latest declaration stage. Irish trainer, Aiden O’Brien scratched Zoffany, but retains three runners in the season’s first Classic, led by third favourite Roderic O’Connor who is accompanied by Master of Hounds and Alexander Pope from the Ballydoyle yard. William Hill is offering odds of 7/1 for Roderic O’Connor, the son of Galileo won the Group 1 Criterium in France last October after finishing runner up to Frankel in the Dewhurst. Richard Hannon pulled Strong Suit who finished last of six runners behind Frankel in the Greenham at Newbury on Saturday and will be represented by Dubawi Gold, a 66/1 chance with William Hill. Cecil’s superstar is a short priced favourite, 4/7 with bet365 and Sportingbet, and stands his ground along with Jessica Harrington’s Pathfork (11/2 with Victor Chandler) and Ed Dunlop’s Native Khan (16/1 with Paddy Power).   QIPCO 2000 GUINEAS LATEST ENTRIES: FORM     HORSE                     TRAINER 3311-6  Alexander Pope       A O'Brien 12419-  Broox                         E O'Neill 1211-    Casamento              M Al Zarooni 1115-    Dream Ahead          D Simcock 419-11  Dubawi Gold           R Hannon 212-      Ecliptic                      M Al Zarooni 1111-1 Frankel                      H Cecil 11-        Fury                           W Haggas 41-2      Happy Today           B Meehan 12-        Loving Spirit             James Toller 2136-2 Master Of Hounds   A O'Brien 114-1   Native Khan              Ed Dunlop 212-8   Neebras                    M Al Zarooni 111-      Pathfork                    Mrs J Harrington 3414-2 Rerouted                  B Hills 3121-   Roderic O'Connor   A O'Brien 116-     Saamidd                   S Bin Suroor 61245- Slim Shadey            J Moore              Tlaad                         C Brittain 21-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10120/thorne-backs-osullivan-after-emphatic-first-round-win Ronnie O’Sullivan is 11/2 joint favourite with sponsors Betfred to win his fourth World Snooker Championship after wrapping up an emphatic first round win against Wales’ Dominic Dale on Tuesday. The Rocket led the first session 7-2 after overcoming a nervous start and he brushed aside his opponent by taking the first three frames of the second session. The 10-2 victory sets up a potential thrilling second round clash with Shaun Murphy. Putting behind him the woes of his four recent tournament failures, the three-time champion became more fluent with every frame, his lowest break in the final six frames was 73, and he wrapped up the match with his 100th Crucible ton in the twelfth and final frame. BBC commentator Willie Thorne backed O'Sullivan to go all the way in Sheffield if he can continue this dazzling form. "Those last six frames were amazing," said Thorne. "Left-handed, right-handed, with the rest, standing on one leg - it doesn't matter sometimes with Ronnie, does it? I'm sure this packed Crucible audience have absolutely loved this performance from him, that was fabulous. On this performance he can win the tournament." WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP TOP THREE BREAKS 137 Mark Williams v Ryan Day, first round 133 Stephen Hendry v Joe Perry, first round 128 Ding Junhui v Jamie Burnett, first round   Mark Selby (11/2 Paddy Power) and John Higgins (6/1 Sportingbet) are vying for favouritism with O’Sullivan in the early stages after defending champion Neil Robertson was dumped out of the tournament by Judd Trump. Higgins is another three-time winner at the Crucible, he is generally priced at 2/7 to beat his first round opponent Stephen Lee in the match that gets underway at 2.30pm on Wednesday. World number three Mark Selby is almost unbackable at odds of 1/12 for his first round match against Jimmy Robertson which starts at 7.00pm on Wednesday.   WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP COMPLETED FIRST ROUND RESULTS. Stuart Bingham (Eng) 10-8 Peter Ebdon (Eng) Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) 10-2 Dominic Dale (Wal) Stephen Hendry (Sco) 10-9 Joe Perry (Eng) Stephen Maguire (Sco) 9-10 Barry Hawkins (Eng) Ding Junhui (Chn) 10-2 Jamie Burnett (Sco) Mark Williams (Wal) 10-5 Ryan Day (Wal) Ali Carter (Eng) 10-3 Dave Harold (Eng) Shaun Murphy (Eng) 10-1 Marcus Campbell (Scot) Jamie Cope (Eng) 10-7 Andrew Pagett (Wal) Neil Robertson (Aus) 8-10 Judd Trump (Eng)   20-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10116/rooney-set-to-return-for-manchester-uniteds-title-cause Manchester United’s treble dream is over and they must bounce back on Tuesday night for the Premier League clash at St James’ Park against Newcastle United. Having crashed out of the FA Cup against rivals Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday, Sir Alex Ferguson is determined to see United secure a record 19th league title. Ferguson has told his players that the Premier League title is the club’s number one priority and they shouldn’t expect an easy ride when they arrive in the North East, he told the press: “Going to Newcastle is the most important game we have coming up because the league is still our first priority... So Tuesday is absolutely crucial for us and I think everybody knows when you go to Newcastle you have to deal with the atmosphere up there”. The Red Devils have a six point lead at the top of the Premier League table with six games to play, the title is theirs to lose and Ferguson will not allow his players to lose sight of their goal at this stage of the season. Bookmakers are also expecting a good response from the disappointed Reds who are odds on to win on Tyneside, punters will struggle to find better than the 7/10 odds available at Paddy Power, BlueSq, 888sport and Totesport. Wayne Rooney is set to return for the Red Devils having served his suspension and will be eager to continue the excellent form he has shown of late. Since ending his goal drought at the beginning of February, the England striker has scored 10 goals in 14 games and he will be a popular choice to open the scoring at St James Park. Punters will find online bookmaker Stan James offering 4/1 for Rooney to score the first goal. Central defender Jonny Evans is also eligible having served his ban but Paul Scholes starts a three match ban after his sending off in the FA Cup semi final. Other midfield absentees are Darren Fletcher, still suffering with a virus and Owen Hargreaves. Young Brazilian full-back Rafael remains sidelined with a knee injury and will not figure. Newcastle boss, Alan Pardew hopes to have Shola Ameobi avaiable to add some power to the Magpie's forward line. Midfielder Chiek Tiote and defender James Perch have served their suspensions and Tiote could be asked to keep Rooney quiet onTuesday. Goalkeeper Steve Harper is a doubt; he has had an injection in his troublesome knee and is unlikely to be fit. Newcastle’s last home win against Manchester United was in August 2001 when they came out on top in a 4-3 thriller. Home fans have had little to cause for celebration from head-to heads since, losing seven and scraping a draw in eight games. They will be delighted with a draw from this game, as the point would take them to the ‘magic’ 40 mark which ought to be enough to guarantee another season in the top flight. Victor Chandler is betting 3/1 for the draw and William Hill is offering 7/1 for a 1-1 scoreline.   19-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10115/arsenal-host-liverpool-in-key-clash-at-the-emirates This afternoon sees the Gunners play out their second game in hand over the league leaders Manchester United as they host Liverpool at the Emirates. Both teams head into this mouth-watering fixture following wins last weekend and ambitions still very much alive. Arsenal are currently 7 points off the pace, with this game in hand, while Liverpool are some way off the top, but are still in with a shout at a European place. Despite both sides missing personnel that may well start in the average league game, both sides still have a large attacking array on which to call, and are likely to play attractive attacking football. Arsene Wenger will require a win from his team today to shorten the gap on the top, and ultimately keep themselves in the Premier League race. Meanwhile, King Kenny will surely be looking for a performance akin to that which saw them run out clear winners over Manchester City last monday. Since his appointment as Caretaker manager of the club, and the arrival of Suarez and Carroll in January, Liverpool have been playing with more confidence and despite losses to West Brom and West Ham, the Reds have shown flashes of greatness. Liverpool have failed to defeat Arsenal in the past 10 outings, but perhaps their best chance comes this afternoon. However, they will be without their iconic captain Steven Gerrard and other key players such as Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger, Jonjo Shelvey and Martin Kelly. Though, on the back of a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Man City they will be heading into the game with more belief than the Arsenal side they are set to meet, following a stuttering series of games. Arsenal received a boost as goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has recovered from a finger injury and could be set to return to goal following their last game against Blackpool where a knee injury to Manuel Almunia meant a recall for veteran German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann. Arsene Wenger will be missing Bacary Sagna, Thomas Vermaelen and another goalkeeper in Fabianski. Returns for Alex Song and Denilson are possible following returning fitness. Robin Van Persie should be set to start and finds himself in a good vein of form having scored 20 times in the last 21 Premier League starts and bookmaker Boylesports makes him best price of 11/8 to score anytime. Brazilian Fabio Aureli could continue at left-back and 18-year-old John Flanagan could continue in his role at right-back following key injuries and a strong performance last monday. Elsewhere on the pitch, Carroll and Suarez look set to resume what looks an impressive partnership up top for Liverpool, and with Kuyt and Meireles in support, goals look free and easy for the Reds at the moment. Possible starting XI's for Arsenal v Liverpool are: Arsenal: Szczesny, Eboue, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Walcott, Wilshere, Fabregas, Nasri, Arshavin, Van Persie. Liverpool: Reina, Flanagan, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Kuyt, Lucas, Spearing, Meireles, Suarez, Carroll. 17-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10114/manchester-city-v-manchester-united-team-news This afternoon sees one of the most bitter rivalries in English football reignited, with glory on the line, as Manchester City and Manchester United will lock horns at Wembley in the Semi-Final of the 2010/11 FA Cup. With both sides having very different ambitions for the rest of the season, Manchester United will be looking to keep another historic treble alive, while the blue half of Manchester will be looking to advance to the final and win their first piece of silverware in 35 years. Two key names will be missing from tonights fixture in the form of City skipper Carlos Tevez, and the ever controversial Wayne Rooney. Tevez picked up an untimely hamstring injury, while Rooney is serving the second of his two-match ban following his outburst against West Ham in the Barclay's Premier League. However, one thing is for sure, both teams will miss their Talismanic attacking forces. Tevez has grabbed more goals for city than any of his replacements combined this season, while Rooney has hit top form recently after struggling for much of the season. Manchester City's recent record on the road has been disappointing at best, without a win in their last 10 away games since Boxing Day. Further statistics point against the sky blues as City have lost their last four meetings with United in the FA Cup, and have found themselves on the losing side twice already this season. The Red Devils have lost only one of their previous nine semi-finals under Sir Alex Ferguson, and have failed to concede more than one goal in an FA Cup tie since 2007. And with the Premier League's top goalscorer to call upon in Rooney's absence, among an already impressive attacking array, Manchester United may not be hampered as much as their bitter rivals this afternoon. With skipper Tevez ruled out, Roberto Mancini must decide whether to include Balotelli, Dzeko or both for this afternoon's mouth-watering clash. Meanwhile, Micah Richards returns after his own three week hamstring injury. In addition, David Silva and Nigel De Jong will be included after f ailing to make the starting line-up in City's defeat to Liverpool last Monday. Rooney's suspension provides the only dilema for Ferguson, with Dimitar Berbatov likely to be drafted in alongside Javier Hernandez, the only other absentee for United is Darren Fletcher, who is a couple of weeks away from a return following an illness. Meanwhile, Owen Hargreaves looks set to miss the remainder of the season, with Rafael, Paul Scholes and Antonio Valencia all pushing for recalls. 16-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10113/native-khan-16-1-for-2000-guineas-after-craven-win Native Khan is a low as 10/1 for the 2000 Guineas after winning Thursday’s Craven Stakes for trainer Ed Dunlop. The grey was available at odds of 66/1 at the beginning of the week but came in for steady support during Newmarket’s two-day Craven Meeting which got underway on Wednesday. Kieren Fallon rode the 8/11 favourite to victory in the six-runner Craven, who took the lead well over a furlong out and had to be kept up to his work by the former Champion jockey when idling in front. Native Khan won by two lengths from Richard Hannon-trained Libranno with Marcus Tregoning’s Yaseer beaten a head for third. Fallon, who has won the 2000 Guineas four times in his career said afterwards: "I won the Guineas on King's Best in 2000, and he ran a similar sort of race in the Craven, it wasn't the strongest race, he's still babyish, but he's right there.'' The French bred colt was having his fourth run, wining his first racecourse appearances at Newmarket and Sandown before ending the season with a fouth place finish in the Racing Post Trophy over a mile at Doncaster in October. His trainer was pleased with his re-appearance and is still to decide on his future plans, with the French Guineas remaining an option. "I'm very pleased. It was an afterthought to come here as he came to hand quicker than I thought, but I'm very pleased we did. I want to run him in a Guineas, but we'll have to see whether it is the French one or here. He is French-bred but I certainly wouldn't rule out coming here. He could be one for the French Derby but he won't run anywhere if it is soft,” said Dunlop. Newmarket’s mile classic will be run on 30 April and the betting market is headed by Henry Cecil’s Frankel who is expected to make his seasonal debut in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury on Saturday. Cecil’s unbeaten colt could face another leading Guineas contender, Strong Suit trained by Richard Hannon. Frankel is generally priced at 5/6 for the 2000 Guineas, Native Khan is available at 16/1 with Coral and Paddy Power and the Irish firm is also among the best offers of 20/1 Strong Suit.   15-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10112/ban-forces-fallon-out-of-guineas Kempton stewards have handed Kieren Fallon a 10-day ban that will rule him out of Newmarket’s Guineas meeting. The former champion jockey was found guilty of not riding to the finish line when partnering James Fanshawe’s Sukhothai in the Racing at Skysports.com Handicap at Kempton in Wednesday evening. Stewards deemed that Fallon had failed to obtain the best finishing position for his mount after being caught for second place by Watered Silk. Sukhotai had chased the winner Gower Rules from over two furlongs out and Fallon eased the 11/1 shot in the final strides when it became obvious he would not catch the winner. Watered Silk, ridden by Pat Hobbs, made up 15 lengths in the final furlong and snatched second spot from Fallon’s mount in the final strides. Fallon’s ban comes into effect on 27 April, keeping him off the racecourse until 6 May meaning he will miss both Qipco-sponsored 2000 Guineas on 30 April and 1000 Guineas on 1 May. The stewards’ explanation for their decision was tweeted by Paul Struthers of the British Horseracing Authority: "Thestewards asked Kieren Fallon to explain why he appeared to drop his hands shortly before the winning post and was subsequently beaten into third place. The stewards found Fallon to be in breach of Rule (B)59.3.2.1, in that he failed to ride out on a horse that would have finished second. They suspended him for 10 days as follows: Wednesday, April 27 to Friday, May 6 inclusive." 45-year-old Fallon is a four-time winner of both the 1000 Guineas and 2000 Guineas and is understood to be considering appealing his punishment.   14-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10111/guineas-test-for-elzaam Roger Varian’s Elzaam could book himself a Guineas place if meeting his trainer’s expectations in the Bet At bluesq.com European Free Handicap at Newmarket on Wednesday. The colt has had a good winter and Varian believes the Australian bred is a better horse than his end of season form suggested. "He's wintered well and I think he's improved physically," said Varian. “I've been quite happy with his work this spring, so I hope he can run a nice race.” The good to firm ground for the seven furlong Listed race should certainly suit and he takes on five rivals in the European Free Handicap, including Richard Hannon’s promising Pausanias. Elzaam began his juvenile campaign in fine style, winning his debut at York and following up with a narrow defeat to Strong Suit in the Coventry. He disappointed when beaten in Newmarket’s July Stakes when odds on favourite and found the going not to his liking when reappearing in October to contest the John Smiths Smooth Stakes (better known as the Horris Hill Stakes) at Newbury. "He was impressive at York on his first start and was then just touched off at Ascot. He was certainly disappointing in the July Stakes, but he had a dirty scope after that and we gave him a good break. We got him back and I thought he ran a fair race in the Horris Hill on ground that probably wasn't ideal," said his handler. "I hope he'll be seen to better effect on better ground and we've put a visor on him as well. He has a good attitude - it's just to help the horse settle and give Richard (Hills) a bit of help. He's still in the Guineas but we won't be making any bold predictions until we see how we get on tomorrow." Elzaam is expected to go off second favourite for European Free Handicap and a win could see him line up for the 2,000 Guineas on 30 April. Henry Cecil’s unbeaten Frankel has dominated the Guineas betting market over the winter, the son of Galileo is odds on after winning the Group 2 Juddmonte Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.   13-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10110/abramovich-deserves-champions-league-says-lampard Frank Lampard says owner Roman Abramovic deserves to see Chelsea win the Champions League for what he has done for the club in the last eight years. Abramovich took control at Stamford Bridge in 2003 and has poured hundreds of millions in pursuit of the Champions League trophy, on the way Chelsea have won three Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups. England international, Lampard was sending out a message to his team-mates ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford where Chelsea must overcome a one goal deficit from the first leg. The 32-year-old midfielder told the Sun newspaper: "Everything I've achieved in the last 10 years has only been possible because of the owner's investment. I never envisaged that we would be winning league titles, competing in the Champions League and fighting on all fronts year after year so quickly. "Everything changed when Mr Abramovich arrived in 2003. He has made a huge investment and we are all very thankful. I'd be very proud to win the Champions League for a lot of reasons but I definitely understand the thought process that we owe it to him to win it. "He never sits us down and says 'You must win the Champions League, this is the main thing'. But we all know it would be a fantastic thing to him and he deserves it for all that he has given to the club." The Russian businessman dug deep again in January when he bank rolled the signings of central defender David Luiz and World Cup winning striker Fernando Torres at a cost of £75million and would dearly love to see a return on his investment. Former Benfica defender, Luiz has slotted into the side with some stylish performances and has chipped in with two goals for the team, opening his account in the 2-1 win at home to Manchester United in the Premier League clash on 1 March. Luiz is ineligible for the Champions League games having played for Benfica during the group stage. Torres has yet to open his account for his new club and appears to be struggling to fit into Chelsea’s style of play. He seemed pleased to be re-united with his former Liverpool colleague, Yossi Benayoun when he came on for 45 minutes of the 1-0 win against Wigan on Saturday. The pair linked up well, but with Benayoun is not yet at full fitness having returned from a long injury lay off and it is unlikely they’ll get the chance to develop their partnership at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Although manager Carlo Ancelotti is playing down Torres’ lack of goals, the pressure is mounting on the 27-year-old striker to find the form that netted him 65 goals in 102 appearances for Liverpool. Chelsea lost 1-0 to an early strike from Wayne Rooney in the first leg of this quarter final tie and Tuesday’s second leg could be Torres last chance to make a meaningful contribution towards repaying some of his £50million fee this season. Manchester United v Chelsea selected match odds: Chelsea to qualify for the next round: 13/5 Boylesports Torres to score first: 15/2 Victor Chandler Lampard to score at anytime: 11/4 888sport Man Utd to win: 13/10 Bet365 Wayne Rooney to score first: 5/1 Stan James Hernandez to score anytime: 2/1 Boylesports   12-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10109/nadal-looks-unbeatable-in-monte-carlo Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters leaves Rafael Nadal the red-hot favourite to win the season’s first Masters 1000 clay court event being played in Monaco this week. The clay-court season began in Casablanca last week and online bookmaker Stan James is offering odds of 2/7 for the World number one when he returns to his favourite playing surface. Nadal has proved almost unbeatable on clay; in 2010 he won all three Masters 1000 tournaments held on clay before going on to regain his French Open title at Roland Garros. Nadal has won four French Open titles since 2005 having lost just once in an epic 2009 final against Roger Federer who he could meet in the final in Monte Carlo if the Swiss maestro can rediscover his form on the slower courts. Standing in Nadal’s path this week are Tomas Berdych, Andy Murray and Gael Monfils none of whom look strong candidatest to upset the Spaniard nor are other potential opponents in the top half of the draw, Mikhail Youzhny, Richard Gasquet, Gilles Simon and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. The dirt surface has never suited Murray and he accepted a wild card entry for the event to get some court time following his abysmal run of form this season. Monfils is unlikely to show his best form as he is returning from a wrist injury and unless Rafa takes his eye off the ball, it is hard to envisage him losing the crown he has won for the last six years. Federer was 6/1 second favourite at the start of the competition and the world number three is a keen supporter of the Monte Carlo Masters. He teamed up with Nadal to ask for the event to be kept on the ATP Tour calendar when others wanted it removed. It’s difficult to understand why Ferderer felt so strongly about the event, he has never won it and his playing record is a moderate, by the Fed’s standards, with 21 wins from 30 matches. The 2009 French Open champion has struggled to reproduce his title wining clay court form, he lost here to Stan Wawrinka and Richard Gasquet, he also suffered clay court defeats last year to Albert Montanes, Ernest Gulbis and Robin Soderling. From the bottom half of the draw, David Ferrer and Fernando Velasco are worth watching and could make the final if Federer slips again. Ferrer is world number six and made the semi finals in Monte Carlo last year, finding Nadal too good. Velasco went one better and made last year’s final although he was well beaten by Nadal.   11-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10108/mcilroy-moves-within-touching-distance-of-the-green-jacket Rory McIlroy will take a four-shot lead with him into the final round of the 2011 Masters today at Augusta and a fantastic chance of grabbing a first Major win. His third round of 70 left him well clear at the top of the leaderboard on 12 under. The Northern Irishman had started the day having moved clear following another good round of golf on the second day of the Masters and at one stage found himself in a three-way tie at the top following a bogey at the 10th. However, the 21-year-old recovered impressively, picking up three birdies during his final six holes, the last coming on the 17th thanks to a sublime putt from the back of the green, to open up a comfortable cushion and a strong position heading into the final round of golf. McIlroy had played along side Jason Day for the first three days at Augusta who had at one stage taken the lead until fading slightly after three early birdies, in particular the double bogey at 13th pushing him back to eight under. It will be Angel Cabrera who partners the leader for the final day, after shooting a superb 67 and finding himself tied with three other players for second. A better opperunity to capture a first Major win will not be found by the 21-year-old after having previously managed the best finish of T3 in the 2010 Open Championship and the 2009 and 10 PGA Championships. Incidentally his best finish in a Masters Tournament is currently T20 in 2009, which is surely set to change tonight regardless of winning the Green Jacket. "It feels good - I'm in a great position," he said. "I stayed really patient and I'm really happy with how I stuck to my game plans. It paid off in the end." "I've been saying all week I feel comfortable and I'm posting good numbers." Tiger Woods had been looming large after a stunning second round, one that included nine birdies, that saw him begin to show signs of his old self. The American, though, looked a shadow of his former self again on Saturday, a bogey at the last seeing him have to settle for a two-over 74 that left him back on five under, just the seven shots adrift of McIlroy. "I'm pleased with the way I played, I just made nothing," Woods said. "I hit so many putts that looked like they were going in and then didn't go in." Asked about his chances, the former world number one added: "I'm going to have to put together a good front nine, then see what happens. I'm in a position where I'm just going to have to go out and play a good round." 10-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10107/mccoy-confident-of-back-to-back-glory-in-the-john-smiths-grand-national Champion Jockey, and 2010 Sports Personality of the Year, Tony McCoy is growing increasingly confident as Don't Push It bids to become the first horse since the legendary Red Rum to achieve back-to-back success in the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree this afternoon. The 15-times champion jockey looked destined to never win the Aintree favourite after 14 unsuccessful attempt, but that was brought to an end at last year's Grand National as Don't Push It powered clear on the famous run-in for a pulsating victory. Fast forward to today's National and McCoy sees no reason why Don't Push It cannot once again make his presence felt on Meseyside. Don't Push It has not had the best of seasons following his National success however his jockey believes Jonjo O'Neill's gelding isready to produce his A-game at just the right time once more this afternoon at Aintree. "Last year was the best day of my racing life, but that was a year ago and it's more important now to win," said McCoy. "I thought he ran very well in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham last time, it was a definite sign of progression, his best run of the season." "The way the handicapper has compressed the race means that horses that have a lot of weight have got a better chance of winning." "Red Rum was the last horse to win the National back-to-back (In 1974) and if he could do it, it would be as great a feat, and probably a better feat for him to win it this year than it was last year." "His preparation has been as good as last year, if not better. He seemed to take to the fences and the course last year and I'm hoping he's the sort of horse who can come back and do it again." O'Neill is similarly optimistic of Don't Push It's chances of success at today's John Smith's Grand National. "He's got a little bit more weight, but if he goes in there in the same frame of mind that he did last year he's got a great chance." Bookmakers share his belief as they have backed Don't Push It as favourite to run out winner at Aintree this afternoon despite a poor 2011. Best price can be found at 10/1 just ahead of the chasing pack consisting of the likes of The Midnight Club (11/1), Oscar Time (14/1) and Sir Alex Ferguson's What A Friend (best price of 16/1). 09-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10106/maguire-waits-for-doctors-ok-to-ride-ballabriggs-in-grand-national Jason Maguire is hoping doctors give him the go-ahead to ride Ballabriggs in the Grand National after being taken to hospital following a fall at Aintree on Thursday. Maguire was riding John Quinn’s 25/1 chance Palawi in the Matalan Anniversay Juvenile Hurdle when falling two from home. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he had x-rays and received treatment on his damaged elbow forcing him to give up his ride on Sagalyrique in the Topham Trophy on Friday. Maguire was booked to ride Sagalyrique, Peddlers Cross and Ballabriggs for trainer Donald McCain who said the doctors will decide if Maguire can the ride again at the meeting. "He has gone to Fazakerley Hospital," said the trainer. "He has stitches in his elbow. He has got to pass the doctor tomorrow but he won't ride Sagalyrique in the Topham as he has only 10st 4lb and he won't be able to waste. I hope he will be fine." McCain has booked Paddy Brennan as a replacement on Sagalyrique but will wait on Maguire’s fitness before making changes to Saturday’s riding plans. Ballabriggs is best priced 16/1 with Sportingbet for the Aintree showpiece and Maguire has ridden the 10-year-old in three of his four wins over fences. He was hoping for consolation on Peddlers Cross who is 13/8 favourite with Victor Chandler for the Aintree Hurdle after the partnership finished second to Hurricane Fly in Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival last month.   08-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10105/donald-primed-for-us-masters-challenge Luke Donald will be making his seventh bid for the US Masters title this week and he believes he understands what it will take to be victorious at Augusta. Donald was quickly into the swing of things this year, he won the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in February and is hoping to carry that form into the first major of the season. "I feel like I know what I need to know to be successful - places where I need to be and not to be - and the good feelings I had at the Match Play are still there I think," said the world number four. "I've been working hard and working on the right stuff - I think I am ready to go." Donald took a two week break from the PGA Tour to prepare and is primed for his challenge after arriving at Augusta early where he has been adjusting to the surroundings. "I was here for two days and it was productive in terms of just getting a feel for the course again," he explained. "It was playing slower, but you still visualise the shots and just feel you don't have to do as much leading up to the event." Defending champion, Phil Mickleson is a strong favourite with bookmakers after winning the Shell Houston Open last weekend, but at 22/1 (Victor Chandler), Donald is among the leading half-dozen challengers in the US Masters betting. "I think I've got a good chance. You always come here trying to win and it's about going out relaxed and letting it happen. Not get in your own way. These greens are like nothing we play. A good short game is helpful, but you've still got to make the putts. I've been spending a lot of time on getting to grips with them and seeing the lines. They break so much more here," said Donald. The 33-year-old’s preparation looks to be paying off, winning Wednesday’s pre-tournament par three competition. But, it could be the experience of his very first US Masters in 2005 that could inspire victory if he is still in contention on Sunday. Despite making his debut, he produced a storming finish to play the last eight holes in six-under-par, carding two eagles and two birdies. "I think you can still feed off it - it goes back to 'if you have done it before you can do it again'," he said. "On 11 I drove right, cut a low three-iron just over the back and chipped in. On 12th I went in the bunker and got up and down from a plugged lie. "At 13 I was just past the pin in two and made the 20-foot putt for eagle. The next was a par, then on 15 I was just over the edge of the green and chipped in again for eagle. I almost made a hole-in-one at 16 and birdied from a couple of feet, 17 was a solid par and on 18 I drove in the trees on the right, chipped out, hit an eight-iron to six feet and made it for par. That's what makes this place exciting - it's there. Even if you're a few shots back you still feel you can make a run. "I did so well that first year because I just so excited to play and enjoyed it. I will try to do the same this year.”   07-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10104/mcdowell-wont-be-intimated-by-tiger-woods Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell has been drawn with Tiger Woods to play the first two rounds of the US masters this week and the Ulsterman says he won’t be intimated by noisy galleries that follow the four-time Masters Champion. McDowell was paired with Woods in the third round in 2009, when he was outscored by 70-73, so he knows exactly what to expect at Augusta on Thursday and Friday. Since then, world number five, McDowell has climbed above Woods in the rankings and bet the former world number one in a play off at the Chevron World Challenge in December. 31-year-old McDowell believes his previous encounters against Woods have been perfect preparation for the week ahead. "I always say to Kenny, my caddie, when we are out there playing with him - at Doral (last month) or Chevron or Shanghai last year - that this is good practice for when it happens in the big shows," he said. "It doesn't get much bigger than The Masters. "I feel like I've played with him enough now to where it's pretty normal once you get used to the whole buzz that surrounds him, especially inside the ropes. I've got to go and play my own game and let him play his game. "I would have been intimidated a couple of years ago, but nowadays it's reasonably normal. I was expecting to get a draw somewhere along those lines this week." Last year was a breakthrough for the Ulsterman who turned professional in 2002. His US Open win was his first major title, he made the winning putt to seal victory for Europe in the Ryder Cup, crowned European Tour Golfer of the Year and was handed an MBE in the Queens New Year’s Honours List in 2010. The new season has started slowly and his record in the Masters is hardly inspiring, having made the cut just once in four attempts. But, McDowell is determined to put that record straight this week. "I'm very keen to have a great week," he said. "I've dreamt of putting the green jacket on my back and I'm definitely very driven to do the job. The more often I come here I feel like my awareness and my knowledge of this golf course continues to increase. "It's probably as good as I felt this week on the course, really knowing the greens, knowing where I should be hitting it. I certainly don't feel under any added pressure to go win another major, but I feel like I've got the confidence and belief now. "I've never really been blessed with a talent of a Rory McIlroy or a Tiger Woods or a Sergio Garcia or somebody like that. I've always had to work hard at my game. Things always came a little more difficult for me than other guys." McDowell will not be using Wednesday’s per three competition to work on his short game, he is a big Manchester United fan and will miss the event to watch the Champions League quarter final first leg against Chelsea instead. "I wasn't able to get an early enough tee time," he said. "I want to have a good practice session and play a really good back nine holes, then get in and put my feet up and watch the match. United don't get to play Chelsea too often in the Champions League, so unfortunately the par three does not fit my schedule this time around.”   06-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10102/bale-price-tag-too-rich-for-mourinho Gareth Bale returns for Tottenham to face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final at the Bernabeu on Tuesday and Jose Mourinho has played down talk of making a bid for the player he has long admired. Mourinho told the pre-match press conference: "I was one of the first to say he will be an amazing player. I was saying that when he was not known in European football, just in England, so I know the great player he is," said Mourinho. "He is still young and there is a big space for him to improve so he will be a really top, top, top player. I have no doubt about that.” Bale has taken Europe by storm with a string of impressive displays in Tottenham’s amazing Champions League run, which has led to growing speculation that the flying Welshman will soon ply his trade with a European giant. Last month Bale signed a lucrative new long term contract as Spurs try to tie him down at White Hart Lane, but the winger has admitted he would have no qualms in going abroad and would consider a good offer. "You never know but I have no fear about leaving the country," he said. "If there is a great opportunity then that has to be considered seriously. I left home when I was 15, if I leave the Premier League, learn another language and see another country then I will grow as a person." Tottenham have placed an £80million price tag on the youngsters head and although a great admirer of Bale, Mourinho said he couldn’t justify paying a fee of that size when he has Ronaldo and Marcelo playing on Madrid’s left side. "I think for the amount of money involved, it is not easy to buy and we have players for that position. We have Cristiano who plays in the same position he plays, and Marcelo at left-back. When you want to spend big money you do it in areas where you have problems, but I have no doubt he is a very good boy."   05-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10103/experience-to-count-for-vic-venturi-and-in-compliance Irish trainer Dessie Hughes will be making a two-pronged challenge for the 2010 John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on Saturday when he saddles Vic Venturi and In Compliance. Hughes makes the trip from his Curragh base with high hopes for the duo who both have experience of the Grand National fences. 40/1 chance Vic Venturi unseated his rider in last year’s Grand National and In Compliance, best priced at 50/1, ran sixth in the Topham Trophy last year. Hughes told the Independent: "Vic Venturi was going well when he was brought down last year and has been trained for nothing else but this since. We ran him at the Maze (Down Royal) five weeks ago and he ran well enough on the heavy ground, as he'd want it good. "In Compliance is definitely on a fair mark, if he found his form. He was unlucky the last day (having unseated his rider at Cork) but he had won nicely at Thurles the time before and has experience of the course from the Topham last year. "He does look nicely in, with 10st 5lb. They're not young horses, but it's no race for a young horse. You want them to be 10, at least." Hughes’ Grand National hopefuls will team up with first time jockeys on Saturday, Andrew Lynch has the ride on Vic Venturi, while Leighton Aspell partners In Compliance.   05-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10101/perfect-masters-warm-up-for-phil Three-time US Masters winner Phil Mickleson had the perfect warm-up for the defence of his title by winning the Shell Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club on Sunday. Mickleson shot a course record equaling 63 on Sunday and followed up with a seven-under-par 65 in the final round to win by three strokes from Chris Kirk to register his 39th tournament victory. He moves to number three in the world rankings and will go to Augusta leading Tiger Woods in the rankings for the first time since 1997. Bookmakers have installed Mickleson as clear favourite, around 6/1, to win this year’s US Masters when he could equal the records of Woods and Arnold Palmer who have won the tournament four times. Only the great Jack Nicklaus has won more, winning the green jacket on six occasions between 1963 and 1986. The Redstone course in Kimble, Texas has been designed to resemble the tough Augusta course and many of the Masters’ hopefuls were in action as part of preparations for the seasson’s first major. Despite his demolition of the track in the final two rounds on his way to 72-hole socre of 20-under-par, Mickleson is playing down his chances of donning his fourth green jacket next Sunday. "I'm very pleased to have played well," he said afterwards. "I'm just trying to get my game ready and it's not just the physical ball-striking and short game and putting and so forth. I've got to maintain my focus throughout the round. There were two points out there today where I just lost focus. Next week at Augusta, that golf course can be very penalising." World number two, Lee Westwood will be happy with his final round 68, although his bogey at the last hole meant he had to settle for a share of 30th place with 5 other golfers. Dual Open champion and USPGA winner, Padraig Harrington is chasing his first US Masters win, the Irishman put in a very satisfactory performance to finish tied eighth after a final round 70. World number one Martin Kaymer and world number four Luke Donald, who won the world matchplay earlier in the year, by-passed last weekend’s tournament along with leading names in the US Masters’ betting market, Tiger Woods and WGC-Cadillac winner Nick Watney.   04-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10100/national-contender-one-cool-cookie-dies-after-breaking-leg One Cool Cookie, who was best priced at a 40-1 chance for the John Smith's Grand National, suffered a fatal break to a front leg whilst working at trainer Charlie Swan's gallops this past friday. The 10-year-old won the Grade 1 Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse in 2007 and trainer Swan made the following statement yesterday "He was a great old servant and my first Grade 1 winner as a trainer and we were so looking forward to the National next Saturday and keeping him for those bank races." "I was riding him in a piece of work my self yesterday when he broke a front leg." Owned by Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown House Stud, One Cool Cookie was last seen running in the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham last month, and has won eight of his 42 starts bringing his owners £249,095 in prize money with most wins coming via the Chase. Various racing fans passed the following comments upon hearing the news "Terrible news he was such a likable horse and showed great resolution when staying on third in the Becher Chase. I feel so sorry for Charlie, the stable team and his connections they have lost a good one." "How sad - Cookie such an old campaigner - always pleased to see him run. Condolences to Charlie Swan and the Gigginstown people." "Poor old Cookie, always liked him. Conolences to connections." "Very very sad news. He was my second in line for the big one on saturday. Had loads of talent and plenty of character, so it's a really sad loss." "Such a sad loss to racing. RIP" 03-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10099/tiger-ready-to-land-his-fifth-masters Tiger Woods insists he can win a fifth Masters - despite again failing to come into contention during the early stages of the 2011 PGA tour and disappointing in his final warm-up event heading into the 2011 Masters. Augusta National will host the 75th Masters which is set to begin on Thursday of next week, having just been named by Golf Digest as Americas Greatest Golf Course once more. The first Major of the 2011 PGA Tour will see Tiger big to win his first iconic Green Jacket since 2005, and end his Masters drought. At a point Augusta legend Jack Nicklaus had asserted that Woods could win more Green Jackets than both himself and fellow legend Arnold Palmer combined, who have gathered an astonishing 10 Masters wins between them. However, in recent years Tiger has been slumping short of his incredibly high standards and the Masters wins have dried up. Woods shot an even par 72 in the final round of the recent Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill to finish way out of contention in tied 24th. Meaning his best finish in five events this season remains his joint 10th result at Doral. But when asked if he could land the 2011 Masters, Woods' immediate response was "Absolutely". Woods continued by stating that there were definite signs of encouragement in his game as he attempts to land his 15th Major title, his first since the 2008 U.S. Open. "It's getting better every week I've played, and just need to keep progressing and hopefully it will peak [next thursday]," said Woods, in reference to the start of the Masters on April 7th. "It was a very good week and a week I needed to see. I really hit the ball well and the things that we were working on the last, you know, couple weeks, really, really felt comfortable today, and I felt I was able to control just about every shot today." "This year, I felt like I've played my way into shape. I've played, I've kept progressing and early in the year was disappointing because the conditions showed some signs of weakness that I had to work on." "Now, it's feeling very, very good." "It's nice to have got some tournaments under my belt. Last year I went into it (The Masters) just like I did the '08 U.S. Open. Same deal, I didn't really practice before the '08 Open because my leg was broken. Just go out there, show up and play, and those two venues (Augusta National and Torrey Pines), I knew the golf course, and that helps a lot." "And now it's nice to be more in tournament shape going in."   02-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10098/what-a-friend-tries-grand-national-style-fences Sir Alex Ferguson’s horse What A Friend schooled well on Friday in preparation for the Grand National at Aintree on Saturday week. What A Friend is owned by the Manchester United manager in partnership with Ged Mason and was tried over National-style fences with big race jockey, Daryl Jacob aboard. Trainer Paul Nicholls was delighted with his work and tweeted followers on Friday morning: "What A Friend just schooled great over our Grand National fences with Daryl." The eight-year-old sprang to prominence in the Grand National betting after finishing fourth behind Long Run in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup a fortnight ago. The value of that run left What A Friend theoretically 15lbs well in for the National and his price has since shortened to around the 11/1 mark. What A Friend ran at last year’s Grand National meeting when he won the Grade 1 totesport Bowl Chase on the open day of the three-day fixture. National rival Calgary Bay was behind him that day and he already had the beating of Imperial Commander before the Gold Cup winner unseated his rider in the same race. Nicholls has yet to saddle a Grand National winner and will take a strong team to Aintree in an effort to put that record straight. He has confirmed that Ryan Mahon will be aboard The Tother One and Nick Scholfield will take the ride on Ornais, The stable’s remaining Grand National entry Niche Market worked on Thursday under Harry Skelton who will be in the plate at Aintree. The pair landed the 2009 Irish Grand National for owner Graham Regan and Skelton reports the horse in fine fettle. Again, using Twitter to keep followers informed, he tweeted: "Schooled Niche Market over the National-type fences [on Thursday] morning, jumped well and he feels great."   01-04-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10097/westwoods-augusta-detour-brings-back-masters-memories Lee Westwood took a detour to Augusta on his way to this week’s Shell Houston Open in Texas where he was struck by painful memories of his narrow defeat in the 2010 Masters. The reconnaissance trip to Georgia has become a regular part of preparations for the world number two and his caddy Billy Forster as they make plans for tackling the famous Augusta National course. Soaking up the surroundings, they reached the 13th hole where Phil Mickleson all but ended Westwood’s chances in 2010. "We couldn't bring ourselves to wander over to the trees at the 13th to see where Phil hit that shot from," Westwood said. "Gave that one a miss. Neither of us can still believe he hit it close from there." Mickleson, who partners Westwood in the first two rounds of the Houston Open, had found his ball in the pine straw behind some trees which appeard to be blocking his path to the green almost 190 metres away. But, the left-hander could see a small gap between two trees and bravely launched his six iron and hit the ball between the gap to within three metres of the pin. "Anybody else would have chipped out," Westwood said who had led the tournament for most of the way. That shot may have won Mickleson his third Masters and cost Westwood his first major championship, but he knows another chance will come along soon. Last year he went on to finish runner up the Open at St Andrews, overcoming a serious injury before playing a key part in the Ryder Cup win at Celtic Manor and taking the world number one ranking from Tiger Woods. "We all can see looking at my career that this is the thing that's left for me to achieve," said Westwood, "I know I'm good enough to contend in each and every major I play." "I've started to show the consistency in majors I had in regular tournaments back in 1998-2000 when I was contending nearly every week. What I've learned is to peak at the right times. (I) didn't seem to be able to do that before.”   31-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10096/noel-glynn-can-see-grand-national-glory Irish owner-trainer Noel Glynn believes Becauseicouldntsee has the credentials to win on his first attempt at the John Smith’s Grand National next week. Glynn is hoping for instant glory in the Aintree showpiece as the eight-year-old will be his first Grand National runner if all goes to plan in the next ten days. The son of Beneficial last appeared on 29 December when finishing second to Majestic Concorde in the Paddy Power Chase over three miles at Leopardstown where he was struck into and subsequently needed an operation to remove a growth of bone. He made a good recovery after returning from the Equine Hospital in Tipperary and has spent the last seven weeks preparing at home in County Clare. "Becauseicouldntsee is 99 per cent certain to line up in the Grand National. You never know what's going to happen in the week building up to the race - usually everything goes wrong - but he has recovered well since having surgery a couple of months ago,” he said. Glynn has no concerns about the stamina of his relatively young contender who finished second in the National Hunt Chase over four miles at the 2010 Cheltenham Festival and thinks he will be suited by the course at Liverpool. "He is a fantastic jumper and seems to prefer to go left-handed, so I am hopeful that he can run well at Aintree. He has a lovely racing weight and we are keeping our fingers crossed that he gets there now. Fitness won't be an issue as we wouldn't be going unless we thought he was 100 per cent,” he said. Available at odds of around 25/1, Becauseicouldntsee is set to carry 10st 8lb and it is expected that first choice jockey Davy Russell will have recovered from injury to make the ride on 9 April.   30-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10095/ponting-resigns-as-australia-captain Ricky Ponting announced his resignation as captain of Australia’s one-day international and Test teams after arriving home on Tuesday following Australia’s early exit from the ICC World Cup. Ponting has come under increasing pressure since losing the Ashes on home soil in the winter and a few days after the three-time World Cup winners crashed out of the tournament on the sub-continent he believes the time is right to let someone else take over the mantle. The feisty Tasmanian had led the Aussie national one-day side since 2002 and took over the Test side in 2004. He is the most successful Australian captain of all time but accepts he will go down in history as the skipper who lost three Ashes series. "There probably are a few people out there who will look at me in that light, I'd like to think that through my playing time I've achieved a whole lot more than that though, whether that be as a player or as a captain of this side," Ponting said. "It's funny how we talk about losing the Ashes three times, playing in three World Cup-winning teams never comes up very often, winning 16 consecutive Test matches doesn't come up very often, winning 30-odd consecutive World Cup games doesn't come up very often, but that's the world we live in. "I and all my teammates know, and everyone at Cricket Australia knows what I've been able to achieve in the game, and that's what I'm very proud of.” Looking back on nine years at the helm, Ponting chose his maiden World Cup victory in 2003 as the highlight of his tenure as captain. "I think if I was to pick one it would probably be the first World Cup that I captained, a relatively new captain going into that tournament," he said. "As everyone knows we got through that tournament undefeated, I made a big hundred in the final and to this day that's probably one of the proudest moments of my career." Ponting is not yet planning to retire from international cricket and believes he can improve his performance as a player when relieved of the burden of responsibility. “I haven't put a finish date or time on when my international career's going to be over. To tell the honest truth I think the fact I'm not captain anymore might give me the chance of actually playing better,” he said. "It'll just keep me a bit mentally fresher than I have been the last couple of years. I think if I'm mentally fresh and got my skills in reasonable order I think I'll be able to certainly bat better than I have in the past six months."   29-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10094/martin-laird-wins-arnold-palmer-invitational Martin Laird survived the sternest of tests to become the first European to the win at Bay Hill when taking the Arnold Palmer Invitational by one stroke from Steve Marino on Sunday. The 28-year-old Scot shot a three-over-par 75 for his final round but was still victorious as none of the players in the final three groups were able to break par with the course set up for a tough fourth day challenge. Laird started the day with a two shot lead but, following three bogeys on the outward nine, headed for home tied with Marino at eight-under-par. He slipped a shot behind when Marino birdied the tenth and seemed to have lost his chance when finding water on the eleventh hole to card a double bogey. Marino looked to be on course for his first tour victory as he maintained his three shot advantage at the 14th, but he found sand to bogey 15 and then on 17 he was unlucky to get plugged in a bunker and dropped back to six-under after the resulting double bogey. Meanwhile Laird was able to regain the lead with consecutive birdies at 15 and 16 to go two shots clear, his 17-foot putt on the par-5 16th going down as his shot of the day. Marino gave himself a chance to with a birdie on the 18th but Laird was able to get down in two from 90 feet on the final hole to complete a remarkable comeback. "That was a hell of a day, said Laird after shooting the highest winning score since 1993. “That was a tough fight out there, you know, the golf course is playing very, very difficult.” The afternoon wind and hot sun had dried out the course, making the difficult pin positions all the more challenging and birdies proved to be incredibly hard to come by, especially on the back nine. Justin Rose was one the few players to tame the back nine on Sunday, taking just 31 shots on his way to a four-under-par 68 which earned a share of third place with Marc Leishman and David Toms. Spain’s Sergio Garcia finished eighth after his final round 70 and Ian Poulter also managed to shoot under par, finishing tied 12th following his 71. Phil Mickleson and Tiger Woods had been playing solidly and looked good for top ten finishes to take to next week’s Masters but both players dropped shots on the closih holes and finished tied 24th. Woods made a bogey on 17 and double bogey on 18 to finish on 72 while Mickleson dropped three shots on the last five holes for his 73. "The back-nine pins, they are all bogey and double-bogey pins -- they are not birdie pins," Mickelson said when he finished. Arnold Palmer Invitational final leaderboard: -8 M Laird (Sco) -7 S Marino (USA) -6 J Rose (Eng) -6 M Leishman (Aus) -6 D Toms (USA) -5 K J Choi (Kor) -5 S Levin (USA)   28-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10093/bent-happy-to-impress-in-suprise-england-start Darren Bent grabbed the second as England ran out comfortable 2-0 winners over Wales in the Millenium Stadium. However, much of the media speculation heading into the game had neglected to mention the Aston Villa marksman and it took him a matter of 14 minutes to find the net as England headed back to the top of Group G. England manager, Fabio Capello, has been in for some criticism after a limp performance at last summer's World Cup finals and in particular for his reliance on a more rigid 4-4-2 system. However, it was a fresher 4-3-3 that was chosen with Bent at its spearhead that impressed against the Welsh Dragons, with many suggesting it suits England and the International stage better than Capello's recent systems. Andy Carroll, Jermaine Defoe and Peter Crouch had all been in the spotlight to start in the EURO 2012 Qualifier, but Bent is understandably delighted to have repaid the faith shown in him by grabbing a goal at the end of a flowing England move in the early going of the match. "This is everything I've been waiting for since I got my first chance in 2005," said Bent. "It's been a long, long wait and finally it has come, and I'm grabbing on to the opportunity with both hands." "I don't know about international football getting easy, but Fabio showed faith in me, gave me the nod and I'm delighted to have scored." "There was a lot of speculation saying it wasn't going to be me starting, but Andy Carroll or Jermain Defoe, and I kind of expected not to be playing." "But the manager has picked me, stuck by me and I've repaid that with a goal." "He told the team I was playing and told me what he wanted from me. I said I'd go out and do that." "It's always hard when you play 10 minutes here and 10 minutes there. When you get a run in the side, you have confidence to keep on going." "I want to be the No.9 for as long as possible. There are a lot of top strikers around but, hopefully, Fabio will keep picking me and I will keep producing the goods." 27-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10092/arsenal-team-mates-ramsey-and-wilshere-to-duel-in-cardiff Arsenal’s young midfield stars Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere go head-to-head in a fascinating midfield duel in the Euro2012 qualifier between Wales and England at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. Fabio Capello surprisingly showed his hand at Friday’s press conference when confirming that he intends to play Wilshere after witnessing his fearless display in Barcelona. The England maestro is expecting a heated derby atmosphere in Cardiff with a blood and thunder Premier League style encounter in store and he had no reservations in selecting the youngster after his performance in one of the most intimidating European theatres. Wales’ manager Gary Speed surprised many football pundits when he announced that Aaron Ramsey would captain the Welsh against England, the 20-year-old becomes Wales youngest ever skipper and has only just returned to football after spending nine months on the sidelines with a broken leg. Ramsey was chosen ahead of more experienced players such as James Collins and Ashley Williams after Craig Bellamy asked to stand down knowing he will struggle for a regular place due to a long term knee problem. 16 months ago, Ramsey suffered a career threatening injury when his leg was shattered in a late challenge by Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross when he was promising to establish himself as a first team regular at the Emirates. The young Welshman has shown terrific mental resolve to overcome that setback and has been playing Championship football since January, on loan to Nottingham Forest and Cardiff. Ironically, it was Ramsay’s injury that allowed Jack Wilshere his opportunity for first team football at Arsenal, which he has grasped with both hands this season and has emerged as a future prospect for the England captaincy. For now, John Terry has been re-instated as England captain and will play at the heart of the England defence where it is expected he will be partnered by Phil Jagielka. Goalkeeper Ben Foster has been sent home with a throat infection and opens the door for Scott Carson to play between the sticks. Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson are fit to pay in their usual full back berths and who will partner Wilshere in midfield is the biggest question on the minds of most England fans. Without the injured Steven Gerrard, it would be a shock if Frank Lampard is not among the starting eleven. Gareth Barry, James Milner and Scott Parker will be looking at each other and wondering who will get the nod. Wayne Rooney will be expected to be one of the first names on the team sheet, but with Jermaine Defoe and Darren Bent struggling to find the net in recent games, the choice of his playing partner hangs in the balance. Andy Carroll and Peter Crouch are also possible options up front Speed was dealt a blow with the withdrawal of Gareth Bale in midweek, but the return of Craig Bellamy will give the England defence a few problems to deal with. Steve Morrison, Simon Church, Ched Evans and Sam Vokes wil be considered for a striking berth as Wales look to revive their fading Euro 2012 qualifying dream   26-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10091/strauss-remains-focused-despite-yardy-exit England captain Andrew Strauss has reported that his teams' focus remains intact in the wake of Michael Yardy's departure. Questions had begun to arise over the frame of mind of the England squad, after Yardy became the fourth England player to leave the competition, but the opening batsman insists his team are focused on the job at hand. Strauss and team-mate Ravi Bopara joined the ECB in offering their support to their slow left-arm spinner after the emergence of Yardy's battle with depression in recent weeks. Strauss had been unaware of the 30 year-old's problems until Wednesday afternoon, when they had become too much to bear, and has since spoken of his concern for his team-mate "It's desperately disappointing for him and for us as a squad not to have him here any more," he said. "It's a horrible thing for him to have to go through. I found out about it late the night before he went home." "It's something he's been managing for a while, and there have been networks in place to help him do that. But over the last week or so, it's got too much for him." "We are fully behind him. Obviously, we've had previous experience of this - so we all know a lot more about it now and also that there are ways of managing it." Strauss then moved on to talk about the mind set of the English national team days before their Quarter-Final clash with Sri Lanka in this year's ICC Cricket World Cup "It's not difficult for us to focus our minds on this game of cricket. IT is a massive game." "If we lose we're on the plan home; if we win we're in the semi-finals." He will be hoping that seamer Tim Bresnan will pass today's fitness test on a right calf injury in order to replace Yardy in tomorrow's Quarter-Final match.   25-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10090/england-take-no-chances-with-bresnan England are taking no chances with the fitness of Tim Bresnan who has had a precautionary scan on his calf ahead of the ICC World Cup quarter-final against Sri Lanka on Sunday. The Yorkshire seam bowler had been feeling some discomfort in his right leg and medical staff decided to send the player for an MRI scan on Wednesday. The team are not expecting bad news and the results will be known some time on Thursday. Bresnan was forced to return home from England’s one-day series against Australia earlier this year when he injured the same calf and the back-up team want to be certain that Bresnan will be fit to play a full part in the do-or-die game this weekend. England have already sent home seam duo Stuart Broad and Ajmal Shahzad due to injuries and it is hoped Bresnan can play a major role in the depleted seam attack. He is England’s leading seam bowler with nine wickets in six matches so far and along with spinner Graeme Swan, has stood out for England who have been fortunate to scrape through to the knock out stages. James Anderson is waiting to hear if he will take part, the right-arm paceman has struggled to find his form on the sub-continent and was dropped after failing to pick up a wicket in the defeat against Bangladesh on 11 March. The news comes at the same time it was announced that all-rounder Michael Yardy was flown home earlier than expected. The 30-year-old has been suffering from depression for what the England and Wales Cricket Board referred to as: “a prolonged period of time” and after consultations between the player and the medical team it was decided that the best option was for the Sussex captain to return home. England have already drafted in Eoin Morgan, Chris Tremlett and Jade Dernbach to replace injured personnel and have applied to the ICC Technical Committee for permission to call up a fourth replacement who is yet un-named.   24-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10089/mourinho-will-return-to-english-football Jose Mourinho is planning a return to English football when he moves on from his current position with Spanish giants Real Madrid. The former Chelsea manager is visiting London this week to support a music charity event and has told the media that he wants to return to work in England when he takes up his next job. Mourinho left to work in Italy in 2007 after falling out with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and there he delivered a domestic double and Champions league trophy to his masters at Inter Milan before being drawn to Spain by persistent pleas from Real Madrid. Despite his success in Italy and Spain, Mourinho has made no secret of his love for England and its football and will make plans with his agent to find a Premier League club when he finally parts company with Real Madrid. "I miss England and my next job will be in England," he told reporters, “there is unfinished business. And, I think England wants me back, no? It was the most enjoyable time of my career. In football there are a few victories here I would like to repeat. I will talk to my agent and get a project for my career.” Mourinho joined Real Madrid in this pre-season and has three years remaining on his contract but life has not gone smoothly at the Bernabeu as he comes to terms with the political conflict at the club. “It (Real Madrid) is the biggest club in the world but it is also the most difficult club in the world,” he said. “They came to me for the third time and I could not say no to them for the third time - I had to go.” A regular visitor to England with his family, neither Mourinho nor his friends can fully comprehend his fascination with the country where he spent just three years of his 30-year career in football. “England is special. People in Italy, Spain and Portugal ask me why I love England so much and I can't explain - I just do. I want to be happy in my work. I want to be happy with my football."   23-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10088/ferdinand-voices-support-for-john-terry Deposed England captain Rio Ferdinand has given his support to replacement John Terry and told him to lead the side to victory against Wales when they meet at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. It has been reported that Ferdinand is unhappy at the way England boss Fabio Capello has handled the change in captaincy following his injury problems this season and there have been suggestions that Capello has refused to discuss the situation with him. However, regardless of any rift between the Manchester United star and the England supremo, Ferdinand wanted to show his support to England team-mate Terry and is said to have rang him to wish him good luck ahead of Saturday’s Euro 2012 Group G game. The two central defenders have a long history together, partners for England on the pitch and pals off it, the respect between the pair is apparent. Ferdinand was very tactful when Terry lost the captaincy following his affair with a team-mate’s former wife and Terry was a pillar of support when Ferdinand got the training ground injury that kept him out of the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. Ferdinand has never been to the Euro finals and next year’s tournament will be his last chance to make an appearance, he wants to see Terry lead to the England team successfully through the qualifying group in the hope he will recover from his current injury problems and regain his place in the national team. Fabio Capello has come under growing criticism for his handling of the England captaincy and his lack of communication with leading players including Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. Sun journalist Shaun Custis claims a source close to Ferdinand told him: "Rio felt it was only right he gave John a call and talked things over. "He wished John all the best for Saturday and told him he believed he would lead the team to a win. John and Rio go back years and there is a mutual respect. Maybe Capello could learn a bit from them."   22-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10087/gooch-believes-england-can-win-world-cup England batting coach Graham Gooch believes the current England World Cup side has the ability to go all the way and win the 2011 ICC World Cup after scraping through to the quarter-final stages. Qualification to the knock out phase looked under serious threat after losing to cricket minnows Ireland and Bangladesh in the Group stage, but England came through a must-win final game against West Indies to earn a place in the last eight. Gooch is the only player to feature in all three of England’s World Cup final appearances and was unfortunate to finish on the losing side on each occasion in 1979, 1987 and 1992, but he is convinced the current squad can go one better this year. "We know we can improve. We know we have better cricket within our team," Gooch told Sky Sports News. "Winning the World Cup didn't happen for me, and I hope that this team have got it within them to win the World Cup - I'm convinced they have. "They have come through this first stage of the competition, they have shown their fighting qualities, they have shown their resilience. I think we can get better, if we do, we have got as good a chance as anyone else." The ICC World Cup quarter-final line up was finalized after India’s 80-run victory against West Indies on Sunday, the result meant England finished third in Group B and will face Group A runners-up Sri Lanka in their own back yard in Colombo on Saturday. England last played in Colombo in 2007 when they shared honours in two floodlit games as part of a five-match one-day series that the tourists won 3-2. Sri Lanka have been beaten just once at this World Cup when losing by 11 runs to Group A winners Pakistan and they go into Saturday’s game as big favourites. Gooch is confident that England will step up their performances as the opposition gets stronger: "They are a top team, a good unit with world-class players and lots of experience," Gooch said of Kumar Sangakkara's men. "But that is one of the beauties of playing the game - you look forward to those challenges, you look forward to coming up against those players." ICC WORLD CUP QUARTER-FINAL MATCHES 23 Mar PAKISTAN v WEST INDIES 24 Mar AUSTRALIA v INDIA 25 Mar NEW ZEALAND v SOUTH AFRICA 26 Mar SRI LANKA v ENGLAND   21-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10086/john-terry-restored-as-england-captain Late last night it was announced that Fabio Capello has handed the captain’s armband once more to John Terry. After months of uncertainty in regards to England’s captaincy with several different players leading the team out at Wembley with varying degrees of success, it seems Capello has finally set his mind on John Terry to be his captain once again. Terry originally received the armband in August 2006 from Steve McClaren, and was later reinstated in August 2008 by Capello on a permanent basis. However, 13 months ago Terry was stripped of the honour after an alleged affair with former girlfriend of ex-England team-mate Wayne Bridge. Capello has now stated that he feels that Terry has served sufficient punishment for his off-field behaviour. "I have decided that John Terry, after one year of punishment, will again be the permanent captain. I think one year's punishment is enough,” stated Capello. "He was my first choice when I (initially) decided on the permanent captain." After a bitterly disappointing World Cup campaign, and several indifferent performance since, England fans will be hoping this decision will allow their players to move on and put in a solid performance against Gary Speed’s Wales next weekend. Capello’s decision is said to be based on Terry’s attitude and performances on the field and his presence in the dressing room, especially since his removal as Captain. There had been other very worthy names in contention for the England Captaincy, however, with Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard plagued by injury and others without the Chelsea Man’s natural leadership, it seemed inevitable that Terry would receive his redemption. England will travel to Cardiff in a week’s time to face Wales in a heavily anticipated European Championships Qualifier.   20-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10085/west-brom-v-arsenal-team-news Arsenal will be looking to throw down their title intentions this afternoon as they head to the Hawthorns to face West Brom. It has been, quite simply, a disastrous set of weeks for the Gunners recently and they have seen their trophy ambitions come crashing down to leave just Premier League Glory to aim for. After being knocked out of three cup competitions in a matter of a fortnight Arsene Wenger will be demanding an emphatic win from his players today, and show that they have every intention of ripping the Premier League title from Manchester United’s hands, and they are in a great position to do so. Arsenal remain heavy favourites for the clash, despite a few key injuries, against a West Brom side just one point above the drop zone. Wenger will be without inspirational captain Cesc Fabregas through a hamstring injury. In addition he will be without explosive winger Theo Walcott through an ankle injury, and key defensive men in Song and Djourou as well as challenging Goalkeepers Fabianski and Szczesny. West Brom will be fancying an upset akin to their 3-2 win at the Emirates earlier this season, especially as Arsenal are missing key men and seem unable to maintain a firm grip on any Trophy in recent weeks, and indeed seasons. The Baggies will be without Sidibe and Dorrans with ankle related injuries, and Roy Hodgson will be unable to select Carlos Vela who is not eligible to play against his parent club, a crucial miss at the Hawthorns as he has provided important goals in recent weeks. Youssouf Mulumbu is also doubtful after picking up a knock recently in the 3-1 win over relegation rivals Birmingham City. Possible starting XI’s for West Brom v Arsenal are as follows   West Brom: Carson, Reid, Meite, Olsson, Shorey, Tchoyi, Brunt, Morrison, Scharner, Thomas, Odemwingie. Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Clichy, Diaby, Rosicky, Wilshere, Nasri, Arshavin, Van Persie.   19-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10084/tough-champions-league-draws-for-premier-league-clubs Thursday’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final draw produced two mouth-watering ties for the Premier League clubs but did little to raise hopes of an all-English final at Wembley in May. The pick of the quarter-finals is the tie between Chelsea and Manchester United with the first leg being played at Stamford Bridge in under three weeks time and the second leg at Old Trafford a week later. The news brought a smile to the face of Sir Alex Ferguson who was at the races to see his horse, What A Friend, contest the Cheltenham Gold Cup. United have a good record against English sides in the Champions League having beat Arsenal home and way in 2009 and of course, United beat Chelsea on penalties in the 2008 final in Moscow. Harry Redknapp will go head-to-head with Jose Mourinho as Tottenham face the daunting task of getting past Spanish giants Real Madrid. Tottenham have already knocked out one of Europe’s biggest clubs when scraping past AC Milan and handed the reigning Champion’s Inter Milan a heavy beating at White Hart Lane in the group stages and will believe anything is possible at this stage of the competition. Champions League favourites Barcelona will expect to go through having drawn one of the outsiders for the Trophy, Shakhtar Donetsk and holders Inter Milan also fared well in the draw and will play Bundesliga side Schalke who are currently in the bottom half of their domestic league. The semi-finals draw was made at the same time and the winners of Chelsea v Manchester United will face either Inter or Schalke leaving a potential meeting between the two Spanish clubs in the other semi-final, unless Redknapp and Spurs can pull off another European miracle. The odds for all three English clubs drifted out as result of the draw and Barcelona shortened to around even money with Real Madrid the clear second favourites at typical odds of 4/1. QUARTER-FINAL DRAW: Real Madrid v Tottenham Chelsea v Man Utd Barcelona v Shakhtar Inter Milan v Schalke First legs to take place on 5th/6th April, second legs on 12th/13th April SEMI-FINAL DRAW: Inter/Schalke v Chelsea/Man Utd Real/Tottenham v Barcelona/Shakhtar First legs to take place on 26th/27th April, second legs on 3rd/4th May   18-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10083/manchester-city-v-dynamo-kiev-team-news Manchester City face a tough task in attempting to overturn Dynamo Kiev’s two-goal first leg lead when the sides meet at Eastlands to decide who continues to the last eight of the Europa League. Roberto Mancini’s side will look to their formidable home form to bring them through after a bleak performance in the Ukraine where they lost 2-0 in freezing conditions. City have tasted just one defeat in the last sixteen games at Eastlands and the manager can expect a much better showing from his players in front of home fans. Goals from Andriy Shevchenko and Oleg Gusev put Dynamo in the driving seat for this tie and they arrive in Manchester on a five game winning streak since returning from the winter break. Having scored 14 goals and conceded just one in the last four weeks, Yury Semin’s team will be no pushovers on Thursday night. Mancini fielded a strong side in Kiev but may decide to rest one or two key players with a visit to Stamford Bridge to come at the weekend and a Champions League place to battle for. Pablo Zabaleto definitely misses the game as he has been allowed away on compassionate leave and Aleksandar Kolarov could again drop back to full back in a re-shaped defence. Nigel de Jong picked up a knock against Reading in the FA Cup last weekend but is expected to be fit enough to make the starting eleven. Mario Balotelli was replaced after suffering an allergic reaction to the playing surface in the Ukraine and could be asked to add to his three Europa League goals while Carlos Tevez is saved for the showdown with Chelsea. James Milner could find a place on the bench having joined the squad after recovering from a hamstring problem but Adam Johnson will be given more time to get over his ankle knock. Kiev must cope without leading scorer Artem Milevskiy who was injured on Sunday, but former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko will start and is expected to be joined up front by Artem Kravets. Possible starting line ups: MANCHESTER CITY: J.Hart; V. Kompany, M. Richards, J. Lescott, A. Kolarov; N de Jong, David Silva, Y. Touré; E. Džeko, M. Balotelli. DYNAMO KIEV: O Shovkovskiy; G Popov, Danilo Silva, E. Khacheridi, O. Gusev; A. Yussuf, R. Eremenko, O. Vukojevic ; A Kravets, A. Shevchenko;A. Yarmolenko.   17-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10082/ruby-walsh-tips-master-minded-for-champion-chase-success The Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase is the showpiece of Ladies Day at Cheltenham Festival and Ruby Walsh is tipping his mount Master Minded to regain his two mile chasing crown from last year’s winner Big Zeb. Tuesday’s treble hero will be re-united with Master Minded for the first time this season after missing the horse’s prep races during his four month lay-off with injury. The pair have twice won the Champion Chase but trailed behind Big Zeb when finishing fourth in the race at last year’s festival. Paul Nicholls’ star had a lacklustre campaign last season after sustaining a rib injury and then suffering breathing problems, but following surgery in the summer the eight-year-old has returned well and looks near to his best this time around. His jockey believes Master Minded may not need to produce his best form to win the prize: "I've won two Champion Chases on him and his first one was probably the best performance from any horse I've ever ridden," he said. "As a five-year-old it was an incredible performance. He's a wonderful jumper, he has unbelievable scope but also has the ability to get close to the boards. It doesn't matter how fast they go as he has a lot of pace and he stays very well. He's a real good horse. "We could probably do with a drop of rain for him. He handles soft ground better than he does good ground but he's won a Champion Chase on good ground. He only just scraped home at Ascot but Master Minded, on his day, is an incredible horse and if he turns up in that form he'll take a lot of beating. "He might never repeat that first Champion Chase performance but something about 7lb below will probably be good enough,” Walsh reasoned. Colm Murphy believes he has last year’s winner Big Zeb in peak condition after being a little under-prepared when finishing second to Golden Silver at Punchestown last time out. Big Zeb had his victor behind him in his only two previous starts this season and they pair will oppose again on Wednesday. It would be a surprise if Golden Silver could repeat the Punchestown result as he has yet to put in an effort of note in his two previous visits to the Cheltenham Festival. Henrietta Knight saddles Somersby who is bound to come in for support following an eye-catching short-head second to Master Minded at Ascot in January, however Mrs Radford’s seven-year-old may have gone for the Ryanair Chase over a longer distance on Thursday but for the owner’s medical appointment and may find it difficult to stay in touch with the fast early pace.   16-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10081/bookmakers-refund-binocular-punters Bookmakers took the unprecedented step of refunding ante post stakes to punters following the shock news that Binocular had been withdrawn from Tuesday’s Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival. The big-race sponsor along with fellow bookmakers, Betfred, Paddy Power and William Hill were among those who announced they would refund all ante post stakes on the Champion Hurdle favourite following Sunday’s shock news. Spokesman for StanJames.com, Garry McGibbon said: "We didn't have to think long about making this decision. It wouldn't be right for us to treat the Binocular withdrawal as the same as that of any other non-runner. Even though this will cost us a small fortune, Binocular has been an intended runner in this year's Stan James Champion Hurdle since he won the 2010 renewal of the race. "We know we have to do the right thing by punters. That's why we've torn up the rule book on this occasion and given back all ante-post stakes on Binocular." Nicky Henderson’s stable star hit the headlines for the wrong reasons when it was revealed the horse had tested positive for a second time after a banned substance had been found earlier in the week. The 2010 champion hurdler had been receiving legitimate medical treatment but traces of a banned substance remained in his system forcing his withdrawal from Tuesday’s feature race. A statement released by the British Horseracing Authority explained that following initial testing another set of tests were carried out at the weekend: "The results of those tests were still positive. We advised Nicky Henderson and his vets of this result on Saturday night and, bearing in mind that against expectations the levels of the substance were remaining constant, the clear advice was that Binocular would test positive on raceday." The results came as a huge blow for connections who had been preparing for twelve months for the defence of Binocular’s crown and it also appeared bad news for punters who provided heavy support for the horse in the ante post betting market. Betfair, the world’s biggest betting exchange, came in for criticism from punters for allowing the market to continue trading as the news spread and unknowing backers were tempted with odds up to 9/1. The traditional bookmakers were quicker off the mark and delighted thousands of punters with their decision to refund all ante post stakes on Binocular.   14-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10080/manchester-united-stay-on-track-for-treble Manchester United overcame Arsenal yesterday with a comfortable 2-0 victory in their FA Cup quarter final to remain on track to complete a remarkable treble .  Goals from Fabio and Rooney were enough for United who were thankful to Van De Saar on a number of occasions as Arsenal desperately tried to get themselves back into the game . The defeat at Old Trafford completes a miserable fortnight for the Gunners who have managed to lose the Carling Cup Final and exit the Champions League and FA Cup in that period . Arsene Wenger's young side must now focus entirely on the Premier League and may yet salvage something from a season that yet again promised so much .  For Man Utd though it is Marseilles next in the Champions League on Tuesday followed by fellow FA Cup semi finalists Bolton at home in the Premier League on Saturday with Alex Ferguson's team seemingly having a great chance of securing at least two trophies this season . Ferguson will start Ryan Giggs against Marseilles with United strong favourites to progress to the last eight of the competition after a goaless draw in France in the 1st leg .  The race for the Premier League is very tight with United holding a three point advantage over Arsenal who have a game in hand and Utd still to trave to the Emirates for what may be the deciding game on Sunday May 1st .  In the FA Cup , United will be very interested in the outcome of their City rival's quarter final today against Reading . The two sides have never met in an FA Cup Final but the prospect of both the Red and Blue sides of Manchester descending on Wembley in May now looks increasing possible .   13-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10079/birmingham-city-eye-return-to-wembley Birmingham City manager, Alex McLeish, saw his team run out unlikely winners over strong favourites Arsenal last month and lifted the League Cup in one of the greatest moments of the clubs history. However, his Wembley dreams are not over for the season as Birmingham City are set to host Bolton Wanderers tonight, with a place in the Semi-Final draw up for grabs. McLeish’s preparations have struck a blow recently being hit by an injury crisis ahead of today’s early kick-off at the St. Andrews Stadium. Lee Bowyer, David Bentley, Keith Fahey, Liam Ridgewell, Craig Gardner and Nikola Zigic are all doubtful to make a return to fitness for this afternoons tie. While Captain Stephen Carr, Alexander Hleb along with long-term casualties Scott Dann and James McFadden are definitely ruled out. McLeish has described it as the worst injury situation he has experienced during his four year stint at the helm of the Blues. And it’s hard to disagree with him with many of his Carling Cup heroes being side-lined or doubtful. In addition, he will take a late decision on whether to include Barry Ferguson who has had an injection to ease the pain from his broken rib. Birmingham's cup success seems to have come at a price as they are just one place above the drop zone, but McLeish insists this will not stop him from giving his all in the quarter-final. "The league is more important to us, there is no doubt about it," he said. "But I owe it to the Birmingham fans to play the strongest team available." "It might not be strong enough to win. I could play my best team against Bolton, and we could still lose because they are a good side." "We could lose but we don't plan to. We are going to try to win this game." Meanwhile, Bolton Wanderers boss Owen Coyle has no such problems and is targeting success in this competition as a tribute to the late Nat Lofthouse, who died aged 85 in January. His finest moment came for Bolton in the 1958 final where he bagged a brace to secure a win over Manchester United and lift the trophy. Coyle said: "Everybody knows how sad everybody was with Nat's passing. But I think it's important we remembered all the good things that he brought not only to the football club but also the community. "It would be lovely to achieve that, but we know there are some difficult obstacles in the way." Jussi Jaaskelainen will make his 500th appearance for Bolton if he is picked for this game. Coyle has no fresh injury worries, although Chelsea loanee Daniel Sturridge is cup-tied, which could open the way for Ivan Klasnic, who has scored the winner in the last two rounds. Birmingham v Bolton kicks off at 12:45pm at St. Andrews Stadium.   12-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10078/barren-night-for-brits-in-europa-league It was a disappointing night for British clubs playing in the Europa League on Thursday with the three representative sides unable to muster an away goal between them. Manchester City made the long journey to the Ukraine and were unable to cope with the bitterly cold conditions, going down 2-0 to Dynamo Kiev. Former Chelsea star, Andriy Shevchenko put the home side ahead on 25 minutes and Oleg Gusev provided a two goal cushion with his 77th minute volley. City boss, Roberto Mancini took the decision to drop the club’s top scorer Carlos Tevez in favour of partnering Edin Dzeko with Mario Balotelli up top. The ploy didn’t work out as neither player was effective and with City unable to grab an away goal, they face an uphill battle in the second-leg at Eastlands next Thursday. Liverpool traveled to Portugal for the game against Braga without the injured Steven Gerrard and ineligible Luis Suarez and both players were missed in a dour game with few scoring chances. Brazilian striker Alan da Costa put Braga ahead from the penalty spot on 18 minutes after Sotiros Kyrgiakos had fouled Mossora. Raul Meireles was unable to inspire Liverpool on his return to Portugal and the Reds never looked likely to level things for the remainder of the first half. Andy Carroll replaced Christian Poulsen after 55 minutes as Kenny Dalglish reshaped his team into a more attacking formation. The tactic livened things up a little as Braga struggled to cope with Carroll’s aerial prowess, but a lack of quality service to the target man denied any decent scoring opportunities. Braga didn’t appear too imposing and Liverpool will be confident they can overcome the 1-0 deficit with a more adventurous approach in front of the Anfield fans in the return leg. Scottish Premier League champions Rangers will return the most satisfied of the British clubs on Friday. Walter Smith sent his side out with instructions to keep it tight and the players responded with a solid defensive performance to earn a 0-0 draw against PSV Eindhoven in Holland. Kyle Bartley and Madjid Bougherra were the outstanding players in the Gers defence and helped give their team an excellent chance of progressing when PSV go to Glasgow with the tie all-square. Both Manchester City and Liverpool have seen their Europa League odds drift following their away defeats with Mancini’s men now best odds of 8/1 to win the tournament and the Reds at 7/1. UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE Round of 16 First-Leg Results Ajax 0-1 Spartak Moscow Bayer Leverkusen 2-3 Villarreal Benfica 2-1 Paris SG Braga 1-0 Liverpool CSKA Moscow 0-1 FC Porto Dynamo Kiev 2-0 Man City FC Twente 3-0 Zenit St Petersburg PSV Eindhoven 0-0 Rangers 11-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10077/dynamo-kiev-host-manchester-city-in-the-europa-league-round-of-16 Dynamo Kiev look to continue their strong European home record as they host Manchester City in the first leg of their clash in the round of 16 in this year’s Europa League. Manchester City have never faced the Ukrainian side before and look to secure their first away win in the competition in three outings. With a disappointing 3-1 loss at Lech Poznan in the group stages followed up by draws away to Juventus and Aris Tessaloniki FC, Roberto Mancini will be hoping to send a statement of intention by ending the Ukrainian outfits 6 game unbeaten run at home in Europe. David Silva looks set to start against Dynamo Kiev for the second time, playing at the Valeriy Lobanovskiy Stadium, where he scored a crucial away goal for Valencia in the Europa league in 08/09. The Spaniard has warned his colleagues against complacency in Kiev, where temperatures have dipped to below freezing this week. “It’s a difficult place to go. We got a 1-1 draw so we didn’t do too badly”, he reflected. “They’re a difficult team and at their stadium it’s very tough but we’re excited about our chances of going through.” Mancini will be without James Milner for the clash in Ukraine, while international team-mate Shaun Wright-Phillips could come into contention after missing the last two games through injury problems. Meanwhile, Nigel de Jong hopes to make an appearance in his first game in over a month after recovering from an ankle injury, but defender Kolo Toure remains suspended indefinitely following a failed drugs test. National hero Andriy Schevchenko will certainly start against the Blues for the first time since 3-0 and 6-0 home wins during his time at Chelsea, where he scored in the latter. While Kiev have a strong European tradition in recent years, Manchester City and their millionaire stars represent Manchester City's first venture into Europe for some time, and their fans will have their minds set on the final and end their long run without a Trophy.   10-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10076/redknapp-to-make-late-decison-on-gareth-bale Harry Redknapp will wait until shortly before kick off before deciding if Gareth Bale will start against AC Milan in the Champions League clash at White Hart Lane on Wednesday after the player finished Tuesday’s training session with stiff legs. Bale has been missing with a back problem since 22 January and returned to action on Sunday when coming on as a substitute in the 3-3 draw at Wolves on Sunday and Redknapp was hoping to start the flying winger for the second leg tie with Milan. "When Gareth came on and started to run with the ball, it was exciting," said Redknapp. "We've missed that for the last five or six weeks.” Redknapp has been patient in his handling of the young Welshman who has been given plenty of time to rest his back problem and he will not risk Bale unless he is 100% fit. Bale trained on Tuesday morning and while he appears to have fully recovered from the back injury, he may still be lacking in fitness following his six week lay off. "His back's fine but he was stiff in the legs," stated Redknapp. "It's touch and go. We'd love to start with him but if he's not quite right I wouldn't want to take a chance." Redknapp was more hopeful for the return of Rafael van der Vaart who limped out of the first leg with a calf injury, the Dutch playmaker has made a good recovery and looks likely to start. Tottenham are unbeaten in four Champions League games at White Hart Lane having scored 14 goals and conceded just two and after their famous 1-0 win in the first-leg confidence of progressing to the quarter-finals was high in North London. But since then, Tottenham have picked up one point in two Premier League games, conceding six goals against Blackpool and Wolves who are struggling at the wrong end of the table. Milan have won all three games since the home defeat to push further clear at the top of Serie A, including a 1-0 away win against Juventus on Saturday. Tottenham’s defensive problems are well documented with a long list of casualties cluttering the treatment room and Redknapp will rely on an attacking philosophy to outscore his opponents. Milan coach Massimo Ambrosini is unable to bring a full strength squad and he is without three key players; Andrea Pirlo and Massimo Ambrosini are injured, while Gennaro Gattuso will miss the game through suspension. Possible starting line ups: TOTTENHAM: Gomes; Hutton, Dawson, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Palacios, Modric, Bale; Van der Vaart; Crouch. AC MILAN: Abbiati; Abata, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Jankulovski; Merkel, Flamini, Seedorf; Pato, Robinho; Ibrahimovic   09-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10075/lampard-brace-opens-title-race Frank Lampard scored twice as Chelsea closed the gap on league leaders Manchester United to nine points with a game in hand following a 3-1 victory at Blackpool on Monday night. The current champions have seen their Premier League fortunes change radically in a week; having trailed the leaders by 15 points a week ago, two wins for Chelsea and two defeats for United in that time has blown the title race wide open. Carlo Ancelotti opted for a 4-4-2 formation at Bloomfield Road to give Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres the opportunity to forge a telling strike partnership. However the duo were barely involved, looking lost and disinterested neither posed the Blackpool defence a meaningful threat and Torres is still waiting for his first goal since joining Chelsea in January. Blackpool looked the brighter side in the opening exchanges but John Terry and Frank Lampard combined to open the scoring against the run of play when the unmarked Terry met Lampard’s swinging corner to head into a gaping net after 20 minutes. The Seasiders continued to try to open up the visitors defence and Jason Puncheon was unlucky to see his shot fumbled off the post by Petr Cech before the keeper made a fingertip save to touch Ian Evatt’s cross-shot over the bar. Chelsea went into the half-time break with a slender looking 1-0 lead but ten minutes after the restart the game was about to change. Drogba went down under a challenge from James Beattie and was replaced by Solomon Kalou who quickly made his lively presence felt. Within seven minutes of coming onto the pitch Kalou raced into the box to be felled by Evatt’s challenge for a penalty. Lampard stepped up to send Kingson the wrong way and suddenly Chelsea had an unlikely two-goal cushion. Then four minutes later Kalou spotted a trademark Lampard run and slotted the ball into the midfielders path, Lampard made no mistake in stroking the ball beyond Kingson’s reach for his fourth goal in as many games. Blackpool continued to push forward whenever they could and finally grabbed a consolation when Puncheon shot into the far corner from the edge of the Chelsea box after 85 minutes. The defeat left the Seasiders with one win in nine and in danger of being sucked into the relegation quicksand, just two points from the drop zone. Chelsea on the other hand see some hope of retaining their title and bookmakers have slashed the champion’s odds from 20/1 to 8/1 in the past week as the top of the table becomes a little more congested.   PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE Pos Team P Pts 1 Manchester United 29 60 2 Arsenal 28 57 3 Manchester City 29 53 4 Chelsea 28 51 5 Tottenham 28 48   08-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10074/drogba-set-to-start-for-chelsea-against-blackpool Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is set to return to the starting line up against Blackpool after being overlooked as a first team regular since the arrival of Fernando Torres. Manager Carlo Ancelotti was impressed with Drogba’s contribution when coming off the bench in the 2-1 win against Premier League leaders Manchester United at Stamford Bridge last Tuesday. Ancelotti admitted that the introduction of his second half substitutes had “changed the game” against United and it is expected that Drogba will be paired with Torres at the probable expense of Nicolas Anelka at Bloomfield Road. The Chelsea boss wasn’t prepared to give away his selection plans on Sunday, saying to journalists: “I have taken a decision already. You will know on Monday.” 32-year-old Drogba has said he wants to remain playing at Stamford Bridge after the arrival of Torres but has found himself playing second fiddle to the former Liverpool star with Anelka given the nod in a deeper lying role. With Ancelotti asking his side to kick on and build on Tuesday’s success, Drogba will get the chance to show he can play alongside Torres and form a two-pronged forward line for the Blues. Chelsea central defender David Luiz suffered a hamstring problem which forced his withdrawal from the United game, but he is believed to have recovered and is expected to make the starting line up alongside John Terry. Ancelotti has virtually a fully fit squad available; two long term absentees, Alex and Yossi Benayoun, are still sidelined but Israeli midfielder Benayoun has returned to light training and could be ready to feature later this month. Blackpool manager Ian Holloway is not so lucky with absenteeism and has conceded he’d “happily take a point now.” Talismanic midfielder Charlie Adam will be missing as he completes his suspension while DJ Campbell is sidelined as he serves the first of his three match ban for the red card he collected against Wolves. Gary Taylor-Fletcher will miss out as he recovers from a hamstring injury joining a list of injured and unfit including Clarke, Gilks, Rachubka, Basham and Sbai. Elliot Grandin is hoping to his hamstring will be strong enough to come into contention and Stephen Crainey is a possible after playing over an hour a reserve game on Thursday. Possible starting line ups: BLACKPOOL: Kingson, Eardley, Evatt, Cathcart, Baptiste, Vaughan, Sylvestre, Southern, Varney, Beattie, Kornilenko. CHELSEA: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole, Lampard, Ramires, Essien, Malouda, Torres, Drogba.   07-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10073/england-revitalise-world-cup-chances A loss to South Africa today would have meant it difficult for England to progress to the quarter-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup but after a good performance with the ball, England managed to overcome South Africa in yet another close encounter for the English in the Group Stages. After a shock defeat to Ireland followed a batting slip to draw on the last ball against India, fans were concerned about the form of the English team. Opting to bat first, England started the day abysmally losing three wickets very quickly and were eventually bowled out for 171 runs. South Africa, in contrast, started much better with the bat but as wickets fell they came thick and fast and England forged a thrilling 6 run win over South Africa. England captain Andrew Strauss opened the wickets with a duck but redeemed himself with excellent bowling choices in the field seeing Stuart Broad claim the last of his 4 wickets to seal the match, giving away just 15 runs. South Africa’s middle batsmen fell apart as Anderson claimed two quick wickets to provide a much tighter spectacle. England will now head face off against Bangladesh, who were recently thrashed by the West Indies ; achieving the lowest score in ICC Cricket World Cup History. A win against Bangladesh would surely place England in the knock-out stages of the competition, and an assured performance would do wonders for confidence amongst players and fans across the country. England are currently best odds at 8/1, offered by Bet365, to go on to win the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.   06-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10072/derby-win-sees-west-brom-leap-frog-birmingham-city Roy Hodgson's West Brom triumphed in the Birmingham derby today with an impressive 3-1 scoreline against last weekend's Carling Cup winners . After a fairly dull opening forty five minutes at St Andrews the match came to life in the second half with two goals in a minute just after the restart . Mulumbu opening the scoring for West Brom following some poor Blues defending but Beusejour equalised immediately for Alex McCleish's side . West Brom continued to look the more dangerous team however and deservedly took the lead again after 58 minutes when James Morrison hit a great left foot strike from the edge of the box . Scharner completed the scoring with a well placed header and the three points take West Brom above Birmingham in the Premier League and gives the Baggies 32 points from the 29 games played so far this season . Before today's game West Brom had struggled and were without a win in their previous six Premier League games . Since Roy Hodgson replaced Roberto Di Matteo West Brom have managed three successive draws but a run of only one win in twelve Premier League games prior to todays game means that there Premier League status is still precarious .  Up coming fixtures for the Baggies look particularly difficult with their next four home games against Arsenal , Liverpool , Chelsea and Aston Villa while they also need to travel to Sunderland and Spurs before the end of April  .  Roy Hodgson though will be a happy Baggie tonight , his team are still unbeaten since he took over  and he could yet end the season with a smile on his face after the torrid time he suffered at Liverpool . 05-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10071/afredi-saves-pakistan-blushes Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi stepped up to the crease to save his side’s blushes after Canada had looked set for a major shock in the ICC World Cup in Colombo on Thursday. Chasing a modest target of 185 runs, an upset looked on the cards as the Canadian batsmen reached 104-3 until the Pakistan skipper wrested control by spinning out Canada’s middle order. After Saeed Ajmal trapped Zubin Surkari with the score on 104, Alfredi followed with three quick wickets to reduce Canada to 114-7 on his way to bowling figures of 5 for 23. Canada were eventually all out for 138 and Pakistan overcame the scare to win by 46 runs to maintain their 100% record in the tournament. Canada’s paceman Harvir Baidwan helped restrict the Pakistan batting taking 3 for 35 including the wickets of Ahmed Shehzad and Younus Khan which saw the 1992 champions struggling with 67-4 at one stage. Misbah-ul-Haq with 37 runs and Umar Akmal who scored 48, sparked a middle order revival with Afridi chipping in with 20 as Pakistan recovered to 184 all out in 43 overs. The run total looked like it would be enough when Pakistan attack soon had Canada openers in back in the pavilion at 16-2, Umar Gul and Abdul Razzaq claiming a wicket apiece. Ashish Bagai hit 16 runs as Canada tried to get back into the game and when Jimmy Hansra joined Surkari at the wicket, the pair forged a 60 run partnership and the promise of a huge upset. But Alfredi wasn’t prepared to allow this to happen and when he bowled Hansra for 43 the score was 114-6 with only the Canadian tail remaining. They mustered another 24 runs before Wahab Riaz wrapped up the innings after 42.5 overs. Man-of-the-match Afredi was relieved afterwards and let his batsmen know they must do better: "We're not going to repeat this batting performance again, I think sometimes we need some partnerships and that's what we were missing," he said. CANADA v PAKISTAN SCORECARD Pakistan won by 46 runs PAKISTAN BATTING: Mohammad Hafeez lbw b Osinde 11 A Shehzad c Gordon b Baidwan 12 K Akmal c Kumar b Cheema 16 Y K Khan lbw b Baidwan 6 Misbah-ul-Haq c Bagai b Balaji Rao 37 Umar Akmal lbw b Balaji Rao 48 S Afridi c Kumar b Cheema 20 Abdul Razzaq lbw b Hansra 8 U Gul not out 2 Wahab Riaz c Balaji Rao b Hansra 0 S Ajmal b Baidwan 0 0 0 5 Extras 19 TOTAL ALL OUT, 43 OVERS 184 CANADA BOWLING: Chauhan 3.3 0 10-0 Osinde 7 1 25-1 Gordon 0.3 0 1-0 Baidwan 8 1 35-3 Cheema 8 0 33-2 Balaji Rao 10 0 50-2 Hansra 6 1 23-2 CANADA BATTING: R Gunasekera lbw b Gul 8 N R Kumar b Razzaq 2 Z E Surkari lbw b Ajmal 27 A Bagai lbw b Afridi 16 A S Hansra b Afridi 43 Rizwan Cheema b Afridi 4 T Gordon c Riaz b Afridi 9 H S Baidwan b Afridi 0 Khurram Chauhan not out 5 W D Balaji Rao run out 1 H Osinde b Riaz 0 Extras 17 TOTAL ALL OUT, 42.5 OVERS 138 PAKISTAN BOWLING: Razzaq 7 2 16-1 Gul 7 1 20-1 Afridi 10 0 23-5 Riaz 5.5 0 23-1 Ajmal 8 0 31-1 Hafeez 5 0 21-0   04-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10070/titans-set-to-clash-in-the-sixth-round-of-the-fa-cup League leaders Manchester United are set to host championship chasers Arsenal in this year’s FA Cup after Arsenal saw off Leyton Orient at the emirates last night in a replay of their fifth round tie. The pairing sees arguably the two favourites square off in their bid for FA Cup glory in which we are guaranteed to see a new home for the coveted trophy following Chelsea’s early exit last month. Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal have played some truly magnificent football so far this season but have been heavily unpredictable in their results, none more surprising than their defeat in the final of this year’s Carling Cup to Birmingham City last weekend. Wenger will be keen to secure a place in the semi-final of the competition and lay claim to his first major trophy since winning the FA cup in 2005. Arsenal’s trophy drought is starting to worry fans and there are cries for silverware from the stands, and the Gunners look in good position to land at least one trophy this season. Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United look like the team to beat this season. Although Manchester United have rarely performed to their usual standards this season, they are league leaders for a reason and have secured a win at home over Arsenal already this season. United’s talisman Wayne Rooney seems to be finding his scoring boots at last, while Ferguson also has current league top scorer Dimitar Berbatov, and assist leader Nani to call upon in his bid for FA Cup Success. During this year’s FA Cup campaign, Manchester United have also seen off rival opposition at home before in the form of Liverpool in the 3rd Round of the historic competition. However, in the previous round they struggled to a 1-0 victory over the brave non-league outfit Crawley Town. Arsenal have not had the best campaign so far this season, with replays forced from Leeds United and Leyton Orient and narrowly avoiding a replay against Huddersfield town after a late Fabregas Penalty. One thing is for certain, the game is sure to be the tie of the round with the winner most likely to have a strong say in who takes home this year’s FA Cup. The tie is set to take place on the 12th March 2011.   03-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10069/another-royal-night-on-merseyside Reading qualified for the FA Cup quarter-finals with another famous Merseyside victory when Matt Mills delivered a knock-out blow to Everton at Goodison Park on Tuesday night. Mills volleyed the Championship side into a first half lead and the Royals held out manfully to earn a quarter-final meeting away to the winners of Wednesday’s delayed fifth-round tie between Manchester City and Aston Villa. Brian McDermott took over at the Madejski in January 2010 and has now led Reading to consecutive FA Cup quarter-finals with the win coming as no surprise to the former Arsenal player: "We thought we deserved it. We had a couple of other opportunities to score - Jay Tabb, Jimmy Kebe had a one-on-one... We had a game plan to come here and do what we had to do. And I thought we carried that through," he said. David Moyes side were put on the back foot after 26 minutes when the Everton defence failed to clear Ian Harte’s corner and left Mills the room to crash home through the crowded box. While the Premier League outfit enjoyed the majority of possession, the better chances were created by the away side who could have gone in at half-time with a two-nil lead but for Tim Howard’s smart stop from Kebe soon after Mills’ strike. The Mali international found himself with a clear run on goal after a mistake from Sylvain Distain but Howard stood firm to block Kebe’s shot. The Toffees were let off again in the second half when Tabb saw his goal bound shot deflected behind for a corner 15 minutes from time. For all their pressure, Everton rarely troubled Alex McCarthy but the Royals keeper pulled off a stunning late stop when he palmed away Leon Osman’s point blank volley to secure another FA Cup win on Merseyside. Reading had not reached the FA Cup quarter-finals for 83 years before last season’s exploits which began with a third round tie against Liverpool. The match ended 1-1 at the Madejski Stadium before Reading won the replay 2-1 thanks to Shane Long’s goal in extra time. McDermott and his players must wait for the outcome of the fifth round tie between Manchester City and Aston Villa before learning the next Premier League club they will visit. The winners have a home draw for the quarter-final which is scheduled for Sunday 13 March.   02-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10068/pulis-left-fuming-as-stoke-drop-two-points Tony Pulis was left fuming at the assistant referee's decision to allow Carlos Vela’s late equaliser that cost Stoke two points in the Premier League clash with West Brom at the Britannia Stadium on Monday night. Vela appeared to be marginally offside as he retreated from the Stoke line when Steven Reid turned and delivered a cross to put the former Arsenal striker in on goal. Just as he did against Wolves last time, West Brom’s new hit man put his chance away to earn his team a valuable late point. The goal left the Stoke boss raging after the game as he questioned the assistant’s credentials to be making rulings at the top level. "It is offside. It is a very poor decision by the linesman," Pulis said. "If he can't get that right, what is he doing officiating at our level? When he's looking down the line that close, he has got to get them right."  Pulis conceded that it wasn’t just the line official who had an off-day: "We did not play well. That is as poor as we have played all season," he said. "But looking at their goal, it's a shocking decision. We'll just get on with it. Our players made bad decisions, too," he added. Stoke played second fiddle most of the night and had Vela been a little sharper with two injury-time opportunities, West Brom could have taken the three points their overall play deserved. Rory Delap put Stoke in front on 53 minutes when he headed home Jermaine Pennant’s corner kick. Pennant was Stoke’s most dangerous player and had gone close twice in the goalless first half. Asmir Begovic proved to be the busiest keeper in the Potter’s goal and made four crucial stops in the dying minutes including a dramatic double save when parrying a Graham Dorrans pile driver before smothering Vela’s attempt from the rebound. Stoke moved into tenth position following the result while the point took West Brom out of the relegation places to seventeenth.   01-03-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10067/strauss-stars-as-england-and-india-tie Andrew Strauss was the star of a dramatic ICC World Cup clash between India and England in the Group B game in Bangalore on Sunday. The England captain hit 158 runs from 145 balls in a high scoring game that ended in a tie when both teams made 338 from 50 overs. Sachin Tendulkar helped India set a massive target when hitting 120 runs from 115 balls while making his 98th international century. Gautam Gambhir (51) and Yuvraj Singh (58) made a strong supporting cast as Tendulkar hit his fifth World Cup century to delight the home fans crammed into the Chinnaswanny Stadium. But his efforts were overshadowed by Strauss who looked to have put England into a winning position thanks to a 170-run partnership with Ian Bell who made 69 runs when facing 71 deliveries. The pair had taken the score to 281-2 when Zaheer Khan struck with successive deliveries during the England powerplay. Bell was feeling the effects of cramp when trying to accelerate the run rate and was caught by Virat Kohli when scything his shot to extra cover. Zaheer then trapped Strauss lbw with an inswinging Yorker to change the momentum of the game. The batting powerplay yielded just 25 runs from five overs and also cost the wickets of Paul Collingwood and Matt Prior as England lost 4 wickets for the addition of 8 runs. Tim Bresnan and Graeme Swann swung their bats and a couple of big sixes put England back in contention for the final over. With two runs required from the final ball, Swann went for the boundary with a well timed cover drive, but couldn’t penetrate the field inside the circle and rushed for a desperate single to tie the game. INDIA v ENGLAND SCORECARD Match Tied INDIA BATTING: V Sehwag c Prior b Bresnan 35 S R Tendulkar c Yardy b Anderson 120 G Gambhir b Swann 51 Y Singh c Bell b Yardy 58 M.S. Dhoni c Sub b Bresnan 31 Y.K. Pathan c Swann b Bresnan 14 V. Kohli b Bresnan 8 H Singh lbw b Bresnan 0 Z Khan run out 4 P.M. Chawla run out 2 M P Patel not out 0 Extras 10 TOTAL ALL OUT, 49.5 OVERS 338 ENGLAND BOWLING: Anderson 9.5 0 91-1 Shahzad 8 0 53-0 Bresnan 10 1 48-5 Swann 9 1 59-1 Collingwood 3 0 20-0 Yardy 10 0 64-1 ENGLAND BATTING: K P Pietersen c&b Patel 31 A J Strauss lbw b Khan 158 I J L Trott lbw b Chawla 16 I R Bell c Kohli b Khan 69 P D Collingwood b Khan 1 M J Prior c Sub b Singh 4 M.H. Yardy c Sehwag b Patel 13 T.T. Bresnan b Chawla 14 G.P. Swann not out 15 A Shahzad not out 6 Extras 11 TOTAL 8 WKTS, 50 OVERS 338 INDIA BOWLING: Khan 10 0 64-3 Patel 10 0 70-2 Chawla 10 0 71-2 Singh 10 0 58-1 Singh 7 0 46-0 Pathan 3 0 21-0   28-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10066/-england-on-course-for-6-nations-grand-slam England maintained its 100% record in this season’s RBS 6 Nations tournament with a gruelling 17-9 victory over France at Twickenham on Saturday to raise expectations of achieving the Grand Slam with two games left to play. The fixtures fell kindly for England this year and Martin Johnson’s team has not disappointed in registering wins in Wales and at home to Italy and now France. Scotland go to Twickenham in two week’s time and another England victory is expected with the Scots looking impotent when losing their two opening fixtures. The final game will be at Croke Park in Dublin against an Irish team that lost at home to France and struggled to avoid embarrassment with a narrow win in Italy. Saturday’s game against the French was considered by many as the 6 Nations decider given the supremacy of the two sets of players this year. Between them, the two sides had racked up 144 points in their opening two fixtures but expectations of a high scoring game were soon dispelled in a tight, bruising encounter. The teams went into the half-time break with three penalties each before Ben Foden crossed in the second half for the solitary try which won the game. England manager Martin Johnson didn’t want to discuss winning the Grand Slam, "What's the point? If you want to do something you talk about it at the end. If you do before, you set yourself up for a fall," Johnson said. His players are also remaining tight lipped until they’ve taken on Scotland for the Calcutta Cup on 13 March, a game that is always hotly contested even when recent form might suggest otherwise. Man of the match, Tom Palmer wouldn’t be drawn, the lock forward dismissed the question with his comment: "One more game and maybe we can start talking about the Grand Slam." Les Bleus coach, Marc Lievremont certainly expects England to make a clean sweep, "I said before the game that I think the England side is better than us at the moment," the Frenchman said. "They are the best team in the north hemisphere, and now they have won today the path to the Grand Slam is wide open.”   RBS 6 NATIONS TABLE (26 February 2011) TEAMS P Pts England 3 6 Wales 3 4 France 3 4 Ireland 2 2 Scotland 2 0 Italy 3 0   27-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10065/arsenal-can-clinch-carling-cup-success Arsene Wenger young Arsenal side are confidently expected to brush aside Birmingham City at Wembley Stadium tomorrow and claim their first silverware in six years . Arsenal haven't won a trophy since winning the FA Cup in 2005 but should have far too much skill and goal threat for Birmingham despite a number of key injuries .   Arsenal are currently in great form and are unbeaten in their last eleven games in all competitions with their Champions League first leg success against Barcelona ranking as one of their best results under Arsene Wenger . Arsenal still have the chance of winning 4 trophies this season and the Gunners are possible entering a new era of consistent success . Whilst Wenger will have to do without the inspirational Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott for Sunday's Final he should have Robin Van Persie , Laurent Koscielny and Abou Diaby fit to play with Van Persie set to captain his team . Wenger is looking for success in the Carling Cup to give his team a lift for the remainder of the season and said today "Because people are so much after us about trophies, we want to win one, but mainly because to win it would give us a lift." The Gunners boss continued "Winning the Carling Cup will be like beating Chelsea, Barcelona another step forward ." Since beating Man Utd in the FA Cup Final in 2005 , Arsenal have lost two Finals , the Champions League Final to Barcelona in 2006 and the Carling Cup Final to Chelsea in 2007 . Amazingly this will be Arsenal's first Wembley Final since 1998 but it is 48 years since Birmingham won their last major Trophy ,  the FA Cup way back in 1963 when thet beat local rivals Aston Villa . Birmingham have not managed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine League Cup matches , conceeding 13 goals and it is difficult to envisage any result other than an Arenal victory . Samir Nasri could well be the danger man for the Gunners and the Frenchman has already notched twice in this season's Carling Cup run . Three of the last six League Cup Final's have gone to extra time but Arsenal are confidently expected to win in 90 minutes .    26-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10064/australia-extend-unbeaten-icc-world-cup-record ICC World Cup holders Australia extended its unbeaten tournament record when cruising to a seven-wicket win against New Zealand in Nagpur on Friday. Australia last tasted World Cup defeat in the 1996 final against Sri Lanka and the record was never in danger as the Black Caps failed to handle Aussie pacemen Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Tait. The strike duo tore threw the top order reducing New Zealand to 73 for 6 before eventually being bowled out for 206 runs in 45.1 overs with Johnson picking up 4 wickets for 33 in 9.1 overs and Tait taking 3 for 35 from his seven overs. Johnson was claiming his second four-wicket haul after his destruction of Zimbabwe in Australia’s opening 2011 ICC World Cup game on Monday when he returned figures of 4 for 19 in the 91 run victory. On Friday, Johnson took the wickets of Black Caps number 3, Jesse Ryder for 25 and James Franklin for a duck in his first spell. He returned to end the resistance of Nathan McCullum who made 52 before wrapping up the innings when skipper Ricky Ponting held a catch from Tim Southee. The 207 run target proved no problem for the Australian batsmen after openers Shane Watson and Brad Haddin both made half-centuries in an opening stand of 133. Watson scored at a run a ball to make 62 while Haddin was slightly more aggressive in making 55 from 50 balls and Australia raced to their target in 34 overs. AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND SCORECARD Australia won by 7 wickets NEW ZEALAND BATTING: Guptill b Watson 10 B McCullum c Krejza b Tait 16 Ryder c Haddin b Johnson 25 Taylor b Tait 7 Franklin c Haddin b Johnson 0 Styris c Haddin b Tait 0 How lbw b Smith 22 N McCullum lbw b Johnson 52 Vettori c Haddin b Lee 44 Southee c Ponting b Johnson 6 Bennett not out 0 EXTRAS 2nb 13w 1b 8lb 24 TOTAL ALL OUT 206 (45.1 OVERS) AUSTRALIA BOWLING: Lee 8.0 2 29-1 Tait 7.0 0 35-3 Johnson 9.1 3 33-4 Watson 3.0 1 9-1 Krejza 9.0 0 47-0 Smith 9.0 0 44-1 AUSTRALIA BATTING: Watson b Bennett 62 Haddin c Franklin b Bennett 55 Ponting st B McCullum b Southee 12 Clarke not out 24 White not out 22 EXTRAS 29w 3lb 32 TOTAL FOR 3 201 (34.0 OVERS) NEW ZEALAND BOWLING: Southee10.0 2 45-1 Vettori 7.0 0 39-0 Bennett 7.0 0 63-2 N McCullum 3.0 0 22-0 Ryder 5.0 0 24-0 Franklin 2.0 0 11-0   25-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10063/blackpool-shock-spurs-to-ease-relegation-fears Blackpool ended a run of six games without a win following a shock victory against Tottenham Hotspur at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday night to ease Ian Holloway’s relegation fears. The Tangerines registered their second win in 10 games when beating Harry Redknapp’s side 3-1 and climbed to 12th place in the Premier League with a five-point cushion to third-bottom Wigan Athletic. Redknapp was hoping for a win to take his team into third place at the other end of the table but was left scratching his head after watching his players squander a series of chances as they dominated play throughout the game. It was Charlie Adam who kept his cool in front of goal to open the scoring from the penalty spot on 18 minutes. The former Spurs target slotted home after Sebastien Bassong had wrapped himself round DJ Campbell as he ran across the box. The hosts clung to the lead under mounting Tottenham pressure, Adam blasting a clearance over his own bar and goal-line clearances from Craig Cathcart and Alex Baptiste twice denied Jermain Defoe an equaliser. But, Blackpool struck again on 44 minutes when James Beattie’s chip to the far post found Campbell in what appeared an off-side position, but his effort stood and the home side went into the break with a 2-0 lead against the run of play. The second half delivered more of the same and as chances continued to go begging, Redknapp drafted in more attacking options in an all-out attempt to salvage the game. Jermaine Jenas was on for Wilson Palacios, Niko Kranjcar was introduced for Steven Pienaar on the hour and Peter Crouch replaced Bassong in the 79th minute in a last desperate attempt to find a way back into the game. Crouch was immediately in the action to flash a header wide of the mark, but on clearing the lines Blackpool struck again. Matt Phillips broke into the Spurs penalty area and when Benoit Assou-Ekotto got himself in a muddle, substitute Brett Ormerod was on hand to slot the ball home and make it 3-0. Not for the first time this season, Blackpool showed their ability to convert their chances having mustered just 8 shots in the whole game with 3 of 4 on-target attempts finding the net. It took until stoppage time when Roman Pavlyuchenko looped a shot for Spurs to finally find the target after peppering 25 attempts at the Blackpool goal. The Tangerines travel to Wolverhampton on Saturday where victory against the bottom placed club could see them return to the top half of the table where they spent most of the first third of the season.   23-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10062/redknapp-eyes-third-place Harry Redknapp has his eye on third place in the Premier League as he attempts to perform a ‘miracle’ by securing another season in the Champions League for Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs travel to Blackpool on Tuesday evening where three points from the Tangerines will see the North London side leapfrog Manchester City to take third place and carry on the momentum that has grown since Redknapp’s arrival at the club. Still on a high following the dramatic Champions League win in Milan last week, its back to bread and butter of the league where Spurs will arrive in the north west looking to notch a fifth consecutive win. Tottenham will be playing their fourth away game this month and having won on the three previous away days, to Blackburn, Sunderland and Milan, another victory is very much on the cards. After an amazing start to the campaign, when Ian Holloway’s men wreaked havoc with a string of upsets thanks to a do-or-die strategy the toll is finally beginning to tell and Blackpool have collected just 4 points from a possible 27 in 2011. Holloway has received endless plaudits for his refreshing approach but he had to admit at Tuesday’s press conference: “At this level physically and mentally it’s very very demanding.” However, his team knows just one way to play and he’s pledged to continue trying to outscore the opposition with an all-out attacking style. Despite Blackpool’s slide toward the foot of the table where they now hover two points from the relegation zone, Redknapp is full of admiration for his counterpart: “To do as well as he’s done and no disrespect to Blackpool he’s got absolutely maximum out of his players and that’s all you can ever do as a manager…if he keeps them up this year, for me, he should be manager of the year.” Kind words, but Holloway will get no favours come kick off and Redknapp will field a strong side in an attempt to take three points toward fulfilling his own ambitions. Blackpool midfielder Elliot Grandin will have a late fitness test on the hamstring which forced his early exit against Aston Villa ten days ago and while Salaheddine Sbai is fit enough to play, Holloway wants to wait until Grandin can help him communicate with his team mates. Stephen Crainey’s ankle problem will keep him out of contention again while Brett Ormerod and Gary Taylor-Fletcher are also struggling with injury. Holloway has been unable to arrange an emergency loan signing to provide goalkeeping back up, so Chris Kettings could again be back up for Richard Kingston as Matt Gilks continues his recovery. Blackpool talisman Charlie Adam will want to show Redknapp what he has missed after the deadline day deal to take him to Spurs failed to materialise. Redknapp is forced into making changes to his lineup with Rafael van der Vaart ruled out with a calf problem, Vedran Corluka is sidelined after Mathieu Flamini’s two-footed tackle in the San Siro left him with a damaged foot and Jonathan Woodgate’s comeback has been curtailed with an abductor injury he suffered when making his first appearance in over a year. Luka Modric is set to start for the first time since time his appendix operation and Jermain Jenas could return after sitting out the Milan game through suspension. Gareth Bale is not ready to return as he takes his time with a back problem. POSSIBLE STARTING LINEUPS: BLACKPOOL: Kingson, Baptiste, Cathcart, Evatt, Carney, Vaughan, Reid, Adam, Varney, Harewood, Campbell. TOTTENHAM: Gomes, Hutton, Dawson, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Palacios, Jenas, Modric, Pienaar, Crouch.   22-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10061/westwood-draws-former-champion-in-wgc-accenture-match-play Lee Westwood heard he will face a former champion in the first round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona this week when the official draw was unveiled on Sunday evening. The top seed was set to play Toru Taniguchi who had been the last qualifier in 64th position but the Japanese golfer has dropped out with a neck injury and is replaced by Sweden’s Henrik Stensen. The Swede who qualifies by virtue of being 65th in the official world rankings, won the Accenture Match Play in 2007 and will line up against Westwood when the 32 First Round matches get under way on Wednesday. Ernie Els has been suffering from a stiff neck which kept him from competing in last week’s Northern Trust Open, the South African is expected to be fit to play Jeff Overton but JB Holmes is on standby in case of a late change. Westwood headlines a strong English contingent which includes reigning champion Ian Poulter and two-time runner-up Paul Casey. Poulter begins his defence against former Open champion Stewart Cink and Casey goes up against Australia’s Richard Green. World number two Martin Kaymer will be making his fourth Accenture Match Play appearance when he tees it up with 19-year-old Seung-yul Noh, the talented South Korean became the second youngest player to win on the European tour when taking the Malaysian Open in 2010. Tiger Woods confirmed his participation in the event last week after missing last year’s competition and the three-time winner takes on Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn in the first round. WGC-Accenture Match Play First Round Draw 1-Lee Westwood (Britain) v 64-Henrik Stenson (Sweden ) 32-Nick Watney (U.S.) v 33-Anthony Kim (U.S.) 16-Retief Goosen (South Africa ) v 49-K.J. Choi (South Korea) 17-Francesco Molinari (Italy) v 48-Ryan Moore (U.S.) 8-Steve Stricker (U.S.) v 57-Matteo Manassero (Italy) 25-Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) v 40-Ryo Ishikawa (Japan) 9-Luke Donald (Britain) v 56-Charley Hoffman (U.S.) 24-Edoardo Molinari (Italy) v 41-Martin Laird (Britain) 4-Phil Mickelson (U.S.) v 61-Brendan Jones (Australia) 29-Rickie Fowler (U.S.) v 36-Peter Hanson (Sweden) 13-Matt Kuchar (U.S.) v 52-Anders Hansen (Denmark) 20-Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa) v 45-Bo Van Pelt (U.S.) 5-Graeme McDowell (Britain) v 60-Heath Slocum (U.S.) 28-Robert Allenby (Australia) v 37-Ross Fisher (Britain) 12-Ian Poulter (Britain) v 53-Stewart Cink (U.S.) 21-Alvaro Quiros (Spain) v 44-Yang Yong-eun (South Korea) 2-Martin Kaymer (Germany.) v 63-Noh Seung-yul (South Korea) 31-Zach Johnson (U.S.) v 34-Justin Rose (Britain) 15-Robert Karlsson (Sweden) v 50-Hiroyuki Fujita (Japan) 18-Hunter Mahan (U.S.) v 47-Sean O'Hair (U.S.) 7-Rory McIlroy (Ireland) v 58-Jonathan Byrd (U.S.) 26-Adam Scott (Australia) v 39-Ben Crane (U.S.) 10-Jim Furyk (U.S.) v 55-Ryan Palmer (U.S.) 23-Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spain) v 42-Yuta Ikeda (Japan) 3-Tiger Woods (U.S.) v 62-Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) 30-Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) v 35-Padraig Harrington (Ireland) 14-Dustin Johnson (U.S.) v 51-Mark Wilson (U.S.) 19-Bubba Watson (U.S.) v 46-Bill Haas (U.S.) 6-Paul Casey (Britain) v 59-Richard Green (Australia) 27- Kim Kyung-Tae (South Korea) v 38-Jason Day (Australia) 11-Ernie Els (South Africa) v 54-Jeff Overton (U.S.) 22-Tim Clark (South Africa) v 43-Camilo Villegas (Colombia)     21-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10060/icc-world-cup-results-black-caps-waste-no-time-in-thrashing-kenya New Zealand opened their ICC World Cup campaign with an emphatic 10-wicket in double quick time win against Group A minnows Kenya in Chennai on Sunday. The game was scheduled for 100 overs but lasted short of a third the total after Kenya were bowled out for 69 runs in 23.5 overs and New Zealand took just 8 overs to thrash 72 runs to deal the Africans a crushing blow. Kenya elected to bat after winning the toss but their batsmen were unable to cope with the pace of the Black Caps’ bowling attack and were soon in trouble. Tim Southee took the first wicket with fourteen runs on the board before the introduction of Hamish Bennet in the tenth over. The 23-year-old ripped through the top order with four wickets in a fiery spell to reduce Kenya to 49-5, recording bowling figures of 16-4 from his 5 overs. Jacob Oram’s cameo produced 3 wickets for only two runs in 2.5 overs and Southee claimed the rest in his 13-3 from 6 overs. New Zealand openers, Brendan McCullum and Martin Guptil wasted no time in getting after the Kenyan bowlers and Guptil hit five 4s and two 6s in an aggressive 39 not out. McCullum ended Kenya’s misery with two reverse-sweep boundaries. This was the second match of the ICC World Cup which got underway on Saturday when co-hosts India and Bangladesh met in Mirpur. The crowd got full entertainment for the entry fee as the game went the full distance and more than 600 runs were scored. India batted first and opener Virender Sehwag set the tone of the game by smacking the first delivery from Shafiul Islam to the boundary for four runs on his way to 175 in 140 balls as India made 370-4 from their 50 overs. Virat Kohil also made a century and his 100 not out took 83 deliveries. Bangladesh were never able to attain the necessary run rate although they were able to bat their full 50 overs, reaching 283-9 to lose by 87 runs. Opener Tamim Iqbal top scored with 70 runs from 86 balls and Shakib Al Hasan was the only other batsman to make a half-century scoring 55 from 50 deliveries. Zaheer Khan was pick of the Indian bowlers with 40-4 in 10 overs. 20-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10059/fa-cup-manchester-united-v-crawley-town-team-news The draw for the fifth round of the FA Cup pitched together English football aristocrats Manchester United with non-league Crawley Town for the type of David v Goliath contest that has given the FA Cup its unique place in world football. However, Crawley Town will not be represented by the usual assortment of milkmen, postmen, tradesmen and accountants that typically make up the part-time playing staff in such romantic fixtures, because like United’s neighbours Manchester City, Crawley have been splashing huge sums (in non-league terms) in an effort to improve their League status. Don’t expect the well paid Dutchmen, South Americans and former league professionals of the Blue Square Premier League side to turn up in the back of the coach’s Ford Transit for the game as they look to create history in the Theatre of Dreams. Matt Tubbs could be the man to fill Sunday’s newspaper headlines having notched three goals for his team in this season’s FA Cup competition. Crawley are thought to have paid a club record fee to sign the prolific striker from Salisbury last summer and the 26-year-old has proven good value scoring 28 goals in 32 appearances for his new club. Sir Alex Ferguson has already heaped high praise on Crawley Town, proclaiming them the top non-league side in the country and deserved of reaching this stage of the FA Cup. Ferguson has seen his teams struggle to beat non-league sides and United have been taken to a replay the last three times they’ve drawn non-league opponents in FA Cup. Crawley will make history if they can perform a giant-killing act against United as they will become the first non-league side to go beyond the fifth round of the FA Cup. However this will be the first time the club have faced a top flight side in this competition and it comes against a side that has not conceded a goal against their last four non-league FA Cup opponents. The atmosphere at Old Trafford can be un-nerving to the most experienced sides and Crawley must not let the occasion get the better of them. They have conceded three red cards in their last three FA Cup games and if they fail to hold their discipline their appearance at the Theatre of Dreams could become a nightmare. POSSIBLE STARTING LINEUPS MANCHESTER UNITED: Lindegaard; O'Shea, Evans, Smalling, Rafael; Gibson, Anderson, Scholes, Obertan; Hernandez, Owen. CRAWLEY TOWN: Kuipers; Wilson, McFadzean, Mills, Howell; Bulman, Smith, Torres; Cook, Tubbs, McAllister.   19-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10058/crawley-boss-looks-for-fairytale-help Crawley Town manager Steve Evans has been canvassing the football leagues for help in his search of a fairytale end to the FA Cup fifth round encounter with Premier League giants Manchester United in the Theatre of Dreams. The Blue Square Premier club travel to Old Trafford on Saturday hoping to cause the biggest shock in FA Cup history and Evans confided to The Sun newspaper that he has sought advice from experienced League managers and former Manchester United players. “Paul Ince is one of my best friends. I speak with him almost every day. He told me United have fantastic players but they are not immortal," Evans was quoted. "And he said one of the hardest jobs I have is to get my players to believe they can overcome the aura surrounding Old Trafford and win.” Evans has been in touch with current and former Premier League managers as he leaves no stone unturned in his FA Cup quest, QPR manager Neil Warnock has plotted against Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils on many occasions and he has offered his advice along with former Peterborough manager Barry Fry who was an apprentice with Manchester United at the start of his career. "They said, 'Just play your normal game. Keep trying to play football and pass the ball like you do, don't try to do things different just because you're playing Manchester United.'” All well and good but, Evans was left to ponder, how?: "My only reservation is that for us to go there and pass the ball means we might have to play the match with a second ball on the pitch because we might not get to see the first one." He set the tone for other priceless words of wisdom shared by Premier League insiders: "Eric Black, Steve Bruce's assistant at Sunderland, told me, 'Straight from kick-off, start praying.' But my favourite has to be from Alex McLeish. Big Eck is a Glasgow-boy-done-good just like me and I really value his opinion. He told me, 'Start with 12 players and hope nobody notices.'" McCleish understands all too well how difficult it is to take on Ferguson’s team in their own back yard, having seen his Birmingham side thrashed 5-0 at Old Trafford last month, but Evans is determined that his players enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience: "We are a fairytale club going to the Theatre of Dreams, determined to put on a show that will have a happy ending," he closed.   18-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10057/ladbrokes-to-open-50-new-betting-shops-in-2011 Ladbrokes today issued it's full year results for 2010 with profit in all divisions rising by over 10% and retail doing considerably better than most observers anticipated . Ladbrokes retail division contributed £149M of profit in 2010 up from a meagre £134M the previous year despite all the doom and gloom which is often attributed to the sector . Ladbrokes achieved this 10.9% increase in retail partly by cutting costs but more generally by improving performance from "roulette" machines particularly in the second half of the financial year .  Ladbrokes continue to expand their retail estate with 40 new shops opening in 2010 and a further 50 new openings planned for 2011 . Ladbrokes Chief Executive Richard Glynn described the opening of new betting shops as "financially compelling" with an average payback of within three years . Whilst Ladbrokes retail saw turnover fall by 7.3% this was compensated to a large extent by an increase in gross margin of 0.8% to 16.7% helped by a big increase in margins on football betting . The 2098 shops operated by Ladbrokes in Great Britain is clearly still a very strong and robust business and is a great support for the digital business where Ladbrokes has somewhat lagged it's rivals . The report issued today revealed that 26% of Ladbrokes online customers join at "zero" direct cost by typing ladbrokes.com into their browser and approximately 30% at minimal cost through the use of a search engine. Ladbrokes are reliant upon their high street prescence to promote their digital brand and enable this very effective bricks to clicks cross selling . Ladbrokes further announced today that they would be investing a further £50M into a new e-commerce platform which will allow customers to have a single online 'wallet' for all Ladbrokes' web products, and develop its own customer-facing site to which it can add gaming and sports betting products. The online business contributed £62.7M of profit in 2010 a 36% increase on 2009 but still only 41% of the amount contributed by the retail division . Ladbrokes shares fell 3% in morning trading following the results announcement .  17-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10056/cool-crouch-strikes-for-spurs-victory-in-milan Peter Crouch struck his sixth EUFA Champions League goal to give Tottenham Hotspur a deserved one-goal advantage in the first leg of the last-16 tie with AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday night. The gangling striker kept his cool in the face of almost constant harassment from midfielder Gennaro Gattuso who resorted to antogonism as the Milan defence struggled to handle the Spurs dangerman and he held his nerve after great work from team mate Aaron Lennon to hit the winner with ten minutes to go. Harry Redknapp’s team had dominated a slow first half but neither goalkeeper was too troubled and the second half resumed at 0-0. The dynamic of the game changed with the introduction of Brazilain ace Pato for Milan who began to put pressure on Spurs defensive line. Huerelho Gomes was forced into two top drawer reaction saves and the San Siro crowd was sensing late victory until Lennon broke clear in the 80th minute with a scorching run from inside his own half. Drawing a vain attempted tackle from Mario Yepes, Lennon skipped past the sprawling Milan defender to square the ball into the path of Crouch who made no mistake from inside the penalty area. Tottenham survived a late scare when Zlatan Ibrahimivic volleyed home from close range but his effort was ruled out after the assistant spotted his two-handed push on Michael Dawson and Milan were unable to create a clear opening as the Spurs defenders got their bodies in front of everything thrown into the box. Redknapp’s ploy to use two defensive midfielders in Sandro and Wilson Palacios paid dividends as Milan were forced into too many long range efforts and Luka Modric was able to deny the Italian playmakers possession with his intelligent use of the ball after replacing Rafael van der Vaart for the last half-hour. The game was marred by ugly scenes during and after the game. Mattheiu Flamini somehow escaped a red card after his two-footed lunge on Vedran Corluka, the Spurs full-back was carried off forcing Redknapp to re-shuffle his back four, introducing Jonathan Woodgate for his first game in over a year. Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso’s belligerence got worse the longer the game went on, he was eventually cautioned for taking out Steven Pienaar with a late tackle after trying to provoke Crouch into retaliation. But, the Italian’s fuse blew after the final whistle when he tried to head butt Tottenham coach Joe Jordan as the pair squared up on the touchline. Victory was sweet for Crouch who suffered heartbreak at the hands of AC Milan in 2007 when he was part of the Liverpool team that lost to the Rosseneri in the UEFA Champions League final and he’ll be looking to finish off the job in the second leg at White Hart Lane next month for a place in the quarter-finals.   16-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10055/ancelotti-remains-optimistic-after-torres-draws-another-blank Carlo Ancelotti remains confident for Chelsea’s campaign despite pulling off his record £50million striker Fernando Torres who fired blanks in the goalless draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday night. The result leaves Chelsea in fifth place, two points behind Tottenham Hotspur who now occupy the final UEFA Champions League qualifying position and while his team continues to lose ground to league rivals, Ancelotti refuses to be downbeat: "I'm an optimist and there's good reason to have confidence,” he said after Monday’s draw. The Italian tactician raised eyebrows when leaving Didier Drogba on the bench in favour of Fernando Torres: "I don't know if Didier was happy, but every player knows every game is important. It doesn't matter, we wanted to rotate to maintain his condition and to give everyone great motivation. Maybe in the next game we will use both," he insisted to a quizzical post-match congregation. Torres failed to open his Chelsea account despite chances each side of half-time and he was eventually replaced by Drogba after 71 minutes. But, Ancelotti was satisfied with his January purchase: "Fernando played well. He had some opportunities in the first half and I took him out just to use Didier fresh and with power. That's the only reason I changed him. His performance was better than that against Liverpool,” he added. The Spanish international striker certainly looked more dangerous than on his debut but was guilty of wasting some excellent creative work when failing to convert his four chances including one gilt-edged opportunity seconds before half-time. David Luiz made his first start since signing from Benfica for £21million in the January transfer window and although he was guilty of giving away an injury-time penalty for his challenge on Clint Dempsey the 23-year-old defender put in an impressive performance on his full match debut. Chelsea keeper Petr Cech had been a bystander for most of the evening until saving Dempsey’s spot kick to secure a point and Luiz had provided effective protection in the heart of defence. The Brazilian showed his pedigree with some quality distribution and was unlucky not to score when heading over the bar in the second half. The new signings have given Ancelotti reason for hope but the Premier League title now looks beyond reach with 12 points to make up on leaders Manchester United with 12 games to play. However, Chelsea can still acquire some valuable silverware this term, with a generous draw against Copenhagen in the last sixteen of the UEFA Champions League and a fourth-round FA Cup replay against Everton to be played at Stamford Bridge next week.   15-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10054/gareth-bale-rules-himself-out-of-milan-trip Harry Redknapp has accepted that Gareth Bale will not feature in Tottenham’s UEFA Champions League clash with AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday night. On Sunday morning, the Spurs’ boss had refused to rule out his flying winger who sent European football pundits into a frenzy after his scintillating second half hat trick against Inter in Milan during the group stages. The Wales international missed Saturday’s 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light on Saturday but Redknapp and the club doctors felt he could be fit to face AC Milan. Redknapp told Sky Sports News: "The specialists don't see too much of a problem there. There's nothing that should keep him out too long. They looked at Crouch's back and he has an epidural and Gareth had similar problems. Crouch's looked an awful lot worse.” But, it appears Redknapp has left the final decision with Bale who didn’t enjoy his work out in the North East on Sunday where he had traveled with the team for the weekend. Redknapp continued: "Gareth's has taken a little bit longer to heal. We've got to make sure he's right. He's a young lad and he's very important. He's got a great future in front of him. He doesn't feel he's ready to play. We leave it to him. At Sunderland he worked with the fitness coaches on Sunday morning and when they started to push him a bit he couldn't go on. We've got to take our time and make sure he's right when he comes back." The news comes as a blow for Spurs who could be without a number of first choice players for the crucial first leg tie. With Bale definitely missing, Jermain Jenas will also sit out the game due to suspension, Peter Crouch is struggling with his back problem and Luka Modric remains doubtful as he recovers from an appendix operation. But, Rafael van der Vaart should be fit to return and Nico Kranjar’s return to midfield has gone well having scored the deciding goal in the last two games of Tottenham’s 3-game winning streak.   14-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10053/tiger-woods-shoots-75-in-dubai-last-round There were a few suprises in the last round of the Dubai Desert Classic this morning as the expected challenge from overnight leader and favourite Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods failed to materialise . McIlroy was 3/1 favourite going into the last round but could only a manage a two over par 74 to finish in joint 10th position five shots behind Tournament winner Alvaro Quiros . Tiger Woods fared even worse , his last round of 75 included a double bogey at the 18th where he pitched into the lake at the front of the green . Woods was quoted at 4/1 prior to the start of the last round as he was in a group of players just one shot back from the joint leaders .  Spaniard Quiros included a hole in one at the 11th in a very eventful 68 that saw him win the Dubai Desert Classic for the first time by just one shot from James Kingston of South Africa and Anders Hansen . Quiros who was 16/1 prior to the Tournament continued his good form after finishing runner up the previous week in Qatar . The European Tour moves to India this coming week for the Avantha Masters at the DLF Golf and Country Club in New Delhi . With the US Masters now only 7 weeks away World No.1 Lee Westwood will be quite pleased with a return to some form which gave him a tie for 15th in Dubai and Tiger Woods will take some heart from his secound round 66 which showed he isn't too far from returning to his best form .  Woods as ever is favourite for the US Masters but Westwood is attractively priced at 14/1 with 888Sport .   13-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10052/sunderland-v-tottenham-team-news Harry Redknapp and his Tottenham team travel to Sunderland for Saturday evening’s Premier League game and they face a difficult task when they take Steve Bruce’s side who are determined to rectify a recent slump in home form. Bruce has turned the SoL into something of a fortress since his arrival on Wearside but the two league games that Sunderland have lost at home this season have come since Christmas, it’s true the Black Cats were all over Blackpool before being Tangerined 0-2 to leave around 40,000 witnesses scratching their heads at the vagaries of football. But, once Chelsea had weathered a stormy first half, they went on to a comfortable victory in the Tuesday night game at the beginning of February and Bruce will want a quick response from his side before a losing habit starts to develop. Spurs come into the game on the back of two successive victories which have addressed a previous three game winless streak and with a Champions League qualifying position well within reach, Saturday’s television audience can expect the fifth and seventh placed sides to go all out for a win. Bookmakers are finding it difficult to separate the merits of these two sides who are enjoying an excellent season and have shown they are capable of matching any opposition placed in front of them. Redknapp will win the argument as to which team has made the greatest strides and if he were a betting man would be looking to Corals odds of 9/5 for the away win. But Sunderland have taken bigger scalps than Spurs this season, Manchester City left Wearside without a point and Sir Alex Ferguson couldn’t believe his luck in taking a point back to Old Trafford. Considering how dangerous Sunderland can be on the counter attack the 7/4 odds for a home win will have plenty of takers and Bet365, Boylesports, Betfred and Victor Chandler among others can expect to take some business with that position. Bruce will be forced to play a lone striker again; the sale of Darren Bent has left just Asamoah Gyan available until Fraizer Campbell and Danny Welbeck return from injury. Gyan scored the goal that earned Sunderland a point at White Hart Lane in November and the World Cup star is available at odds of 11/2 with Victor Chandler and Paddy Power to open the scoring on Saturday. Kieran Richardson will continue to provide support for the Ghanaian where he has been a revelation scoring four goals in the last three games, Sportingbet may not have woken up to the fact that Richardson is playing a more advanced role since Bent left, as it is offering odds of 7/2 for the utility man to score at anytime in the game. Sunderland’s starlet Jordan Henderson may be doubtful, the Sunderland boss has said he’ll wait for a late fitness before deciding if the ever-present midfielder takes part. Club captain, Lee Cattermole and David Meyler remain on the injured list, so Bruce will continue with January signing Sully Muntari in the centre of midfield despite pulling him off against Chelsea on his debut. Redknapp also has problems in his midfield, Rafael van der Vaart picked up a hamstring injury against Bolton and Gareth Bale could miss out with his back problem which will take some of the attacking venom out of Harry’s midfield. Possible starting line ups: SUNDERLAND: Gordon, Onuoha, Mensah, Ferdinand, Bramble, Bardsley, Malbranque, Muntari, Sessegnon, Richardson, Gyan. TOTTENHAM: Gomes, Corluka, Gallas, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto, Jenas, Palacios, Lennon, Kranjcar, Crouch, Defoe.   12-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10051/ferdinand-will-miss-the-manchester-derby Sir Alex Ferguson admitted on Friday that Rio Ferdinand had lost his battle to be fit for Manchester United’s decisive clash with neighbours Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday. United’s manager has been nursing a defensive headache ahead of this weekend’s derby clash with Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling also battling to overcome injuries in time for this weekend’s big game. Ferdinand damaged his calf muscle during the warm-up for the Wolves game last Saturday and his manager thought at the time, his centre half would be out for a couple of weeks, but after intensive treatment earlier this week hopes were raised that he might make it for the City game. Jonny Evans aggravated an ankle injury when training with the Northern Ireland squad in midweek and Chris Smalling returned to training on Wednesday after pulling out of the England Under-21 squad in Italy with a knock. Ferguson had earlier insisted his captain, Nemanja Vidic was withdrawn from the Serbian squad as his central defensive options were looking threadbare and out-of-favour Wes Brown was readying himself to be called back into the fold. Sir Alex confirmed at Fridays’ pre-match press conference that Ferdinand would not make the team to face their title rivals and as originally expected, would be out for two weeks to allow full recovery from his calf injury. It appears Smalling has recovered from his problem and he has been chosen ahead of Brown to partner Vidic at centre back. It is a big vote of confidence for Smalling who can look forward to the biggest game in his career when he runs out for his first Manchester derby, the 21 year-old will be making his fourth league start for the Red Devils since joining from Fulham for £10 million in the summer. Ferguson believes Saturday’s game will prove decisive in the battle at the top of the Premier League where United have a five-point lead over third placed City, he seems to be implying that victory for the Reds will just about see off the challenge of his noisy neighbours. United suffered their first league defeat of the season when going down 2-1 at Wolves last weekend and online bookmaker Stan James bet 5/6 for the Reds to bounce back with a win against City. 11-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10050/mccoy-keeps-faith-with-big-bucks Tony McCoy is backing Big Buck's to win a third consecutive Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival next month despite the emergence of Grands Crus as a hot contender for the lond distance hurdling crown. Grands Crus came to prominence in the World Hurdle betting market after his impressive win in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltanham’s Festival Trials Day meeting on 29 January. Tom Scudamore guided the David Pipe trained 6-year-old to an easy 10 length win over Knockara Beau when cruising from the back of the field to spark a flurry of Cheltenham betting activity. Odds for the French-bred gelding tumbled from 12/1 to 3/1 after the grey continued his progressive form against 13 rivals over the World Hurdle course and 3 mile distance. Money has continued to pour into bookmakers satchels in the last ten days and Boylesports odds of 5/2 are now the best available for Grands Crus to deny Big Buck’s his moment of glory. Victor Chandler bet evens for the Paul Nicolls trained 8-year-old who is yet to come off the bridle while maintaining his unbeaten record over hurdles in England. In a betting market where the leading online bookmakers bet odds-on Big Buck’s, there are plenty of judges who think he will face his stiffest test next month against David Pipe's exciting youngster. McCoy was behind Grands Crus in the Cleeve when riding Cristal Bonus for Evan Williams and having deputised for the injured Ruby Walsh has had the honour of riding Big Buck’s on his two outings this season. The champion jockey believes the free-running style of Grands Crus could be a disadvantage at the Festival and said in the Independent: “To me, if you look at the best stayers, they always race behind the bridle. Horses like Baracouda and Inglis Drever never travelled through their races the way Grands Crus did in the Cleeve Hurdle. I could be wrong, but he'd have to be some horse to have enough in reserve to beat Big Buck's." Big Buck’s attempts to go one better than Baracouda, denied a World Hurdle hat-trick when runner-up to Iris’s Gift in 2004, and Inglis Drever who won three World Hurdles in four Festivals between 2005-2008 after injury denied him his chance in 2006.   10-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10049/denmark-v-england-team-news-wilshere-in-the-spotlight England manager Fabio Capello has chosen Frank Lampard to lead out the England team for Wednesday’s friendly international against Denmark in Copenhagen but the spotlight is set to fall on Arsenal’s young midfielder Jack Wilshere. At Tuesday’s press conference, Capello said he was satisfied with Lampard’s fitness following his return to the Chelsea side, suggesting he would be fresher than many of the squad who have played for their clubs more than half the season. With Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard unavailable for selection, the England boss was running out of experienced options to skipper the side and turned to Lampard who will be collecting his 83rd cap in Scandanavia. England’s press are desperate for new blood to replace the ‘Golden Generation’ who have given 10 years of underachievement and disappointment, culminating in a clamour for Capello to rebuild the national side following a dismal 2010 World Cup. Much has been written of the merits of Wilshere who has established himself as a regular in Arsenal’s midfield this season and Capello explained he would start the youngster in a deep lying role after reassurances from Arsene Wenger that the 19-year-old could handle the job despite playing a more advanced position for his club. Darren Bent will get another chance to impress Capello and is set to start alongside Wayne Rooney up front. The England manager has gone on record saying it was a mistake not to take the prolific striker to South Africa last summer and if Bent can find a way to click with Rooney, could establish himself as a regular in England plans. Bent scored his first International goal when coming on as a substitute in England’s 3-1 win over Switzerland in the UEFA 2012 qualifier in Basel last September and Bet365 offers odds of 9/4 he can score in his first England start of the season. Capello will make a late decision on the remainder of the starting eleven, he has been forced to make late call-ups to the squad due to injuries to goalkeeper Ben Foster, striker Peter Crouch and midfielder Steven Gerrard with Gabriel Agbonlahor pulling out due to personal reasons. Robert Green and Carlton Cole have been asked to join the squad and are likely to start on the bench along with the six substitutes Capello anticipates using during the game. England make the trip to Denmark looking to bounce back from the 2-1 defeat to France at Wembley in November which spoiled the unbeaten run of four games which had raised spirits after the World Cup. But it won’t be forgotten that Denmark are a force to be reckoned with in their own backyard, beaten just once in their last eight home games and with memories of inflicting a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Sven-Goran Erikkson’s England team on their last meeting in 2005. Online bookmaker Stan James has sensed trouble for England and has stuck its neck out to offer best odds of 13/10 for England to win in Copenhagen. Morten Olsen can call on a number of Premier League players for his Denmark team, Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal), Anders Lindegaard (Man Utd), Lars Jacobsen (West Ham), Daniel Agger (Liverpool) and Christian Poulsen (Liverpool) should play along with former Charlton winger Dennis Rommedahl. Possible starting lineups: DENMARK: Lindegaard; Jacobsen, Kjaer, Agger, S Poulsen; Enevoldsen, Eriksen, C Poulsen, Silberbauer; Rommedahl; Bendtner. ENGLAND: Hart; Johnson, Dawson, Terry, Cole; Walcott, Lampard, Wilshere, Milner; Bent, Rooney.   09-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10047/mike-hussey-to-miss-the-icc-world-cup Australia’s top one day batsman Michael Hussey has been officially ruled out of the ICC World Cup that begins on 19 February and Cricket Australia have been given permission to change the injury-hit 15-man squad. The Australian ODI squad suffered injuries to key players during the 6-1 win in the Commonwealth Bank ODI series and after assessments on Hussey, Nathan Hauritz, Ricky Ponting, Steve Smith and Brad Haddin an application was made to the ICC technical committee to replace Hussey and Hauritz who will both require surgery on their injuries. Australia have been given the all-clear to replace Hussey, who has ruptured his hamstring, with South Australia’s Callum Ferguson and Tasmanian spinner Jason Kresja can come in for Hauritz, who has a dislocated shoulder. The Aussie’s remain the ICC’s top ranked ODI side and bookmakers are generally betting 11/2 for the reigning World champions to retain their title and win the ICC World Cup for a fourth consecutive time on the Indian subcontinent. Hussey has a one-day average of 52 having played 150 ODIs and is ranked fourth in the ICC one-day batting rankings and leaves some big shoes for Ferguson to fill if selected for the first match against Zimbabwe on 21 February. 26-year-old Ferguson has represented his country 28 times in ODIs and featured in the final two matches of the one-day series against the English tourists, scoring 46 in 6th ODI at Sydney Cricket Ground and 15 in the final game in Perth. Jason Krejza will be familiar with conditions on the subcontinent as he was part of Australia’s Test Team that toured India in 2008 and chairman of the National Selection Panel, Andrew Hilditch said: “We’re certain he (Krejza) will be a key member of our squad.” The 28 year-old has been away from the international scene for the last two seasons and made his ODI debut in the Perth on Sunday where he took two wickets for 53 runs. Spin bowlers will feature prominently in the Top Bowler betting markets at the ICC World Cup and online bookmaker Stan James has installed Krejza at odds of 50/1 to be the tournaments Top Bowler. 08-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10048/gary-speed-meets-first-test-as-international-manager International fixtures are no stranger to Gary Speed, who remains Wales’ most capped outfield player with 84 appearances since retiring from international football as captain in 2004, but tonight he’ll be in the dugout to face the Republic of Ireland in his first game in charge as Welsh International Coach. The fixture marks the opener for the Carling Nations cup and both bosses will be eager to bring some national pride away from the Aviva Stadium in what is sure to be a hotly anticipated match up. However, the fixture has been plagued by withdrawals from both sides of the Irish Sea. Gary Speed will be without big names in Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsay and Craig Bellamy, as well as David Edwards, Boaz Myhill, Craig Morgan, Danny Gabbidon, Chad Evans and Steve Morrison. While Giovanni Trapattoni has suffered blows from Leon Best, James McCarthy and Liam Lawrence through injury and fitness problems, and Robbie Keane is doubtful after picking up a calf injury against Birmingham this past weekend. Wales and Gary Speed will be looking to end Wales’ losing ways and bounce back from three straight defeats, while Rep. Ireland have only won two of their last six fixtures leaving bookmakers split in opinion as to the outcome of this match. The Welsh Starting Line-up was named by Gary Speed yesterday: Wayne Hennessey (Wolves); Neal Eardley (Blackpool), James Collins (Aston Villa), Danny Collins (Stoke), Sam Ricketts (Bolton); Andrew Crofts (Norwich), David Vaughan (Blackpool), Simon Church (Reading), Hal Robson-Kanu (Reading), Andy King (Leicester); Robert Earnshaw (Nottingham Forest). Trapattoni has kept his starting eleven more closely guarded but debuts have been announced for Seamus Colemen, Jonathan Walters and youngster Ciaran Clark. Walters is set to play alongside Kevin Doyle who scored Wolves winner against Manchester United on Saturday and online bookmaker Paddy Power is offering odds of 15/8 for Doyle to get his name on the score sheet against the Welsh. Republic of Ireland from: Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Manchester City), Keiren Westwood (Coventry). Defenders: John O'Shea (Manchester United ), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Sean St. Ledger (Preston), Kevin Foley (Wolves), Kevin Kilbane (Huddersfield), Stephen Kelly (Fulham ), Darren O'Dea (Ipswich), Paul McShane (Hull). Midfielders: Marc Wilson (Stoke), Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Paul Green (Derby), Liam Lawrence (Portsmouth), Stephen Hunt (Wolves), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscrow), Keith Treacy (Preston), Damien Duff (Fulham), Keith Fahey (Birmingham). Forwards: Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Jonathan Walters (Stoke), Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Shane Long (Reading), Andy Keogh (Wolves), Leon Best (Newcastle), Anthony Stokes (Celtic).   08-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10046/blackpool-in-free-fall-to-relegation Following yesterday's 5-3 defeat at Goodison Park , Blackpool have conceeded eleven goals in their last three and lost five Premier League games in succession . With seven defeats in their last eight league games the Tangerines appear to be on a one way ticket to the Championship .  Whilst Ian Holloway's team are playing entertaining attacking football their defence has suddenly developed too many leaks for comfort . After the game a distraught Holloway admitted "To let three goals in with that formation at that time of the game is absolutely devastating after what has happened in previous games." Blackpool are now 15th in the Premier League just four points above a relegation position and Birmingham City who are currently third from bottom have two games in hand . Blackpool have the Premier League's worst defensive record conceeding forty nine goals in their twenty five games to-date and now face a battle to retain the top tier status gained via the Championship play offs last year .  Bookmakers have reacted to Blackpool's alarming slump in form by chopping the odds on relegation to a top price of 6/4 available via Ladbrokes . Despite beating Premier League leaders Manchester United , Wolves remain odds on for the drop as do Wigan despite scoring four goals in a derby victory over local rivals Blackburn .  With only six points covering the bottom nine teams the relegation battle this season is more competitive than ever and any team losing consecutive games in the bottom half of the table can find themselves in deep trouble .     06-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10044/rbs-six-nations-rugby-wales-v-england-team-news The RBS Six Nations kicks off on Friday night at the Millennium Stadium with England captain Mike Tindall expecting his team to impose themselves early against a battle hardened Wales fifteen. Tindall is the last remaining member of England’s World Cup final side and captain’s an exciting new England team for the first time in his 66-game international career, replacing the injured Lewis Moody. "Wales always have the ability to pull out massive performances when things go right for them. We have to expect that to happen,” said the skipper. "The first 20 minutes we have to get out there and put a stop on it before it gets going. We have to start well. If we can impose our game we will be in a strong place to control the game." A winning start will also see England take control of the tournament. Bookmakers have Martin Johnson’s youthful squad as Six Nations favourite and the odds of 15/8 offered by 888Sport will look pretty good if England triumph in Cardiff. England have a good draw this year and will be at Twickenham for 3 home games, against Italy, France and Scotland before going to Ireland for the final fixture. Johnson has been forced into changing the England pack with Moody, Tom Croft and Courtney Lewis out through injury which means an international debut for Northampton’s Tom Wood with James Haskell and Louis Deacon joining the pack. Despite England’s attacking flair with Mark Cueto, Chris Ashton and Ben Foden in the back line, Wales’ assistant coach Shaun Edwards has been preparing for a physical clash. "They have a fantastic back three with a real understanding, but we have worked hard on our kick chase and we have done a lot of contact work and we are battle hardened,” he said. "It is an east Midlands-orientated England team and I know from speaking to Sir Ian McGeechan about when he was at Northampton that in the East Midlands they pride themselves on their physicality in that area, so we know it will be a tough contest at the breakdown,” he added. Head coach Warren Gatland has made a number of changes to the Welsh side, Paul James and Craig Mitchell will feature in the front row with the back row getting a different look when Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate and Andy Powell team up with James Hook who gets moved to full back. Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones will be missing from the pack while in the back line Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Tom Shanklin, Andrew Bishop and Richie Rees have made way. Wales: 15 James Hook, 14 Morgan Stoddart, 13 Jamie Roberts, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Andy Powell, 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Bradley Davies,3 Craig Mitchell,2 Matthew Rees (c), 1 Paul James. Replacements: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 John Yapp, 18 Ryan Jones, 19 Jonathan Thomas, 20 Dwayne Peel, 21 Rhys Priestland, 22 Lee Byrne. England: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Mike Tindall (c), 12 Shontayne Hape, 11 Mark Cueto, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Nick Easter, 7 James Haskell, 6 Tom Wood, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Louis Deacon, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Andrew Sheridan. Replacements: 16 Steve Thompson, 17 David Wilson, 18 Simon Shaw, 19 Joe Worsley, 20 Danny Care, 21 Jonny Wilkinson, 22 Matt Banahan.     04-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10045/premier-league-stoke-city-v-sunderland-team-news Ryan Shawcross return to Stoke’s defence for the visit of Sunderland to the Britannia Stadium on Saturday couldn’t be better timed as Abdoulaye Faye is forced out with a hamstring injury. Senegalese defender Faye has been a regular in the heart of Stoke’s defence in the New Year but the experienced 32-year-old faces a spell on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in the 2-0 defeat against Liverpool on Wednesday. Shawcross returns from suspension after collecting a red card early in the second half at Craven Cottage a fortnight ago; Clint Dempsey’s subsequent penalty seeing off the Potter’s chances in the 2-0 defeat to Fulham. Manager Tony Pulis will be hoping to get back to winning ways after consecutive league defeats for Stoke and will take confidence from their home record against Sunderland. They won both encounters since returning to the top flight and can look back to 2004 to find the last time Sunderland won in Potteries. Bookmakers have not missed those statistics and seem to expect a repeat on Saturday with William Hill offering the best odds of 6/5 for the home win. Sunderland have had a poor record on their Premier League travels but Steve Bruce has addressed this problem with a good measure of success this season as Chelsea, Aston Villa and Blackpool will all attest having lost to Sunderland’s adventurous approach away from home. Chelsea avenged their 3-0 home defeat against Sunderland in midweek with a powerful display to win 4-2 and it should be noted Steve Bruce’s spirited squad have only fallen to back-to-back defeats on one occasion this season. Sunderland have won their last two away games and will be determined to remain in competition for a European place which will make the 14/5 odds for an away win with Victor Chandler a temptation for many armchairs viewers. Stoke striker Ricardo Fuller had been linked with a move to the North east in the January transfer window, he will miss Saturday’s game while he attends a family funeral leaving former Sunderland target man Kenwynne Jones to lead the forward line alongside John Carew. Matthew Etherington was rested for the Liverpool game and is expected to return to supply some bullets for the two hitmen from the left wing and Pulis has no other injury concerns this week. Bruce has little choice but to play Asamoah Gyan as lone striker following the sale of Darren Bent and injuries to the clubs other forwards Danny Welbeck and Fraizer Campbell. Kieran Richardson has been providing support in behind Gyan and the utility man has excelled in the role scoring three times in the last two games. Despite his success since playing further forward, online bookmaker Bet365 is prepared to stand out with odds of 4/1 for him to get on the scoresheet again on Saturday. Bruce is expected to hand Sulley Muntari his debut after sorting out his visa and completing the loan move from Inter Milan, while his other new signing Stephane Sessegnon will get another run out on the left wing where he played against Chelsea. Sunderland defender Rio Ferdinand has been playing with a groin strain and could rest up to allow John Mensah to partner Titus Bramble in the centre of defence.   04-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10043/luis-suarez-finds-scoring-touch-on-liverpool-debut Luis Suarez got his Liverpool career off to a flying start when scoring on his debut in the Premier League clash with Stoke City on Wednesday night. Another new boy, Andy Carroll is still carrying a thigh strain and his Liverpool debut will be delayed for another two or three weeks while he regains full fitness. Liverpool’s new January signings were introduced to the Anfield faithful before the game, former Newcastle United target man Carroll was paraded to rapturous applause prior to taking a seat in the stands while Suarez took a place on the bench for the start of the game. Following a goalless first period, Raul Meireles was able to break the deadlock two minutes into the second half when scoring from close range after the Stoke defence failed to clear Steven Gerrard’s free kick. Suarez was called into action with half an hour to go and when Dirk Kuyt played him through on 79 minutes, the Uruguayan rounded Asmir Begovic to stroke the ball goalwards, Stoke’s Andy Wilkinson could only help the ball on its way with his sliced attempt to clear. The 2-0 win takes Liverpool to within 2 points of sixth placed Sunderland following their third consecutive league win. With Kenny Dalglish inspiring a revival in the red half of Merseyside, bookmakers have cut Liverpool’s odds to win a European spot next season. A top six finish will guarantee another Europa League campaign and rescue what was becoming a disastrous season for the Reds under previous management. Online bookmaker Totesport is offering odds of 10/11 for Liverpool to finish top six after midweek results have seen them become an odds-on chance with all the oddsmakers. The January deals that took Fernando Torres to Chelsea and allowed the signings of Carroll and Suarez has enthused Anfield and hopes of sneaking into a Champions League qualifying spot have been resurrected by Dalglish’s presence at the helm and the promise of greater firepower from the incoming strike duo. Odds for Liverpool to snatch a top four spot have shrunk to single figures in places but Irish bookmaker Paddy Power is offering odds of 12/1 for the Reds to finish in the top four in May.   03-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10042/premier-league-manchester-united-remain-on-course-for-title Two goals from man-of-the-match Wayne Rooney kept Manchester United on course to win their fourth Premier League title in five years on a night that saw victories for rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. United’s unbeaten Premier League record was never under threat and having retained their 5 point lead, online bookmaker 888Sport is offering the best odds of 4/6 for the Red Devils to continue their relentless form and claim yet another Premier League title. Rooney struck in the first minute after goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar released him to shrug off Richard Dunne’s challenge and the England striker pounced again in the dying seconds of the first half to tap home an excellent cross from Nani. Villa’s £18million striker Darren Bent got his name on the score sheet again to reduce the lead in the 58th minute before United centre half Nemanja Vidic lashed home five minutes later to kill any hope of a Villa revival. At the Emirates, Arsenal had to come from behind to beat Everton 2-1 in an ill-tempered match that saw 8 yellow cards. Louis Saha’s 24th minute goal appeared offside and looked like it could be enough to clinch 3 points for theToffees until substitute Andre Arshavin ignited the Gunners in the second half. His composed finish after 70 minutes put Arsenal level and was followed up six minutes later when central defender Laurent Koscielny appeared unmarked at the far post to head home the winner to keep Arsenal’s title hopes alive. Arsenal moved four points clear of third placed Manchester City having played the same number of games and are now available at odds of 3/1 to overtake United and gain Wenger his long-awaited fourth Premier League title. Chelsea also had to come from behind to take three points from the Stadium of Light as they continued to put earlier woes behind, the win extends their unbeaten run to five games. Looking shaky in the early stages, the Blues fell behind to Phil Bardsley’s fourth minute strike before getting a dubious penalty decision for Frank Lampard to convert from the spot after 15 minutes. A goalkeeping howler allowed Soloman Kalou to slide home from outside of the box on 23 minutes before Kieran Richardson’s free-kick got Sunderland back on level terms four minutes later. Chelsea took control in the second half, taking the lead again when John Terry latched onto the rebound from Lampard’s ferocious 25-yard effort on the hour and Nicolas Anelka wrapped up the scoring when he tapped-in during added time to seal a 4-2 win. Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain 10 points adrift of the league leaders but with the capture of £50 million Fernando Torres, bookmakers believe they still have a shout of winning the title and generally offering odds in the region of 6/1-13/2. Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has stuck his head over the parapet and is offering the stand out odds of 15/2 for the Premier League champions to retain their title this season.   02-02-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10041/torres-transfer-to-trigger-anfield-rush As Chelsea prepare to increase their bid in an effort to take Fernando Torres to Stamford Bridge, Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has drawn up his wish list and is ready to make a late swoop for several players on the last day of the transfer window. The Reds have just about wrapped up the transfer of Luis Suarez from Ajax, a move that was in the pipeline before Chelsea dropped their bombshell offer. Now Liverpool are set to make a flurry of late bids should the Torres deal get sanctioned by the Anfield owners. Newcastle striker Andy Carroll is understood to be the preferred replacement for Torres while Dalglish has already shown interest in Blackpool’s Charlie Adam and Aston Villa winger Ashley Young and the trio could all be rushing to Anfield in an effort to beat the 11.00pm deadline. Earlier in the window Carroll was being linked to a move to Tottenham, but Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has denied making an offer for the England international despite looking to strengthen the forward line with a top quality striker for the Champions League campaign. On a day when Robbie Keane’s loan move to West Ham was confirmed, news broke from Spain that Tottenham were busy trying to secure a striker from La Liga. Guillem Balague, London correspondent for Spain’s top football magazine Don Balon, told Sky Sports News that Spurs have made a British record transfer bid for Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero and the £38.5 million offer has been rejected by the club’s President Enrique Cerezo. The bid triggers the release clause in Aguero’s contract but it is thought the additional taxes due on the amount will kill the deal. Agents for the North London club have had busy time knocking on Spanish doors over the weekend and bids for Athletico Bilbao’s Fernando Llorente, Villareal’s Guiseppe Rossi and Sevilla’s Alvaro Negredo have all been met with rejection.   31-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10040/tiger-woods-slumps-to-3rd-round-74-in-farmers-open Playing his first competitive tournament of 2011 Tiger Woods was well in contention at the halfway stage of the Farmers Open but played poor golf in the 3rd round shooting a two over par round of 74 which leaves him too far back to have any realistic chance of winning this US PGA Tour event which is played at Torrey Pines in California . Woods has a fantastic record at Torrey Pines but was unable to produce his best from on Saturday and admitted afterwards that "I did not play well at all today. It was a struggle all day, and I finally found something at 16, but 15 holes already had gone by, so that was pretty frustrating." Two opening rounds of 69 had left Woods very much in contention at the halfway stage and the 74 ended his amazing sequence of 21 rounds of par or better at Torrey Pines . Phil Mickelson is joint leader going into today's last round on 12 under par alongside Bill Haas with Hunter Mahan and Buba Watson only one shot further back .Mickelson has not won at Torrey Pines since 2001 but will look to make it his fourth victory on Sunday.Mickelson has not won at Torrey Pines since 2001 but will look to make it his fourth victory at the San Diego course and is best odds at 15/8 with UK bookmaker Bet365 . Mickelson managed only one birdie on the par fives and is deliberately playing the course more conservatively . After completing his 3rd round of 68 Mickelson told reporters that " I'm just playing it much more conservative, because the reward isn't there. This course doesn't reward you for taking on any challenge. And my more conservative approach into the greens, albeit boring, has led me to be on top of the leaderboard." It's all set up for a fascinating final round and Mickelson is joined in the final group by Haas and Hunter and tee off at 10.15am local time (6.15pm GMT)    30-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10038/torres-wants-to-hear-chelsea-offer It is being reported that Fernando Torres is willing to leave Liverpool and wants the club to consider Chelsea’s audacious bid and allow him to join the Stamford Bridge outfit who are challenging for Premier League and Champions League honours this season. Chelsea caused shock waves through Merseyside when it was revealed they had turned their attention to the Liverpool striker and put in a bid rumoured to be in excess of £35 million late on Thursday night. Liverpool have rejected the offer, but word is spreading that the World Cup winner would welcome the chance to compete in the Champions League this spring. The Anfield club can only offer Europa League action for the ambitious Spaniard and prospects of Champions League football next season look well beyond reach despite the optimism that Kenny Dalglish has brought to red half of Merseyside. If the move goes ahead, Torres could go straight into the Chelsea team who play FC Copenhagen in the last sixteen of the Champions League next month. Liverpool will be desperate to keep their man as, along with skipper Steven Gerrard, he represents Anfield’s basis to re-build a team that can challenge for a Champions League spot in the years ahead. But, Torres is 26-years-old and should be displaying his skills at the highest level in the prime of his career, the opportunity at Chelsea looks compelling and the feeling is that Torres could be wearing a blue shirt by Tuesday next week. Roman Abramovic looks willing to spend big again to improve Chelsea’s ageing squad this winter and the club has also targeted the signing of Benfica defender David Luiz in a bid to revive their Premier League title challenge this season. If Liverpool try to be obstinate in denying Torres his move, Abramovich could just be determined enough to match the clause in the Spaniard’s contract and lay down £50 million to force the deal. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Betting odds for Chelsea Honours in 2010/11 11/2 to win Champions League (Betfred, Bet365, Boylesports, Paddy Power) 15/2 to win the Premier League (Betfred, Paddy Power) 6/1 to win the FA Cup (Betfred, Bet365, Paddy Power, Victor Chandler, Blue Square, 888Sport) Get a £50 free bet at Betfred   28-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10039/fa-cup-fourth-round-southampton-v-manchester-united-team-news Sir Alex Ferguson has sent a makeshift defence to Southampton for the fourth round FA Cup tie at St Mary’s on Saturday. Edwin van der Sar whose retirement was announced earlier this week will remain at home while Ferguson takes a look at a prospective replacement for the 40-year-old. Sir Alex is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding his goalkeeping options, so recent signing Anders Lindegaard will have to wait to see if he gets the nod ahead of Tomasz Kuszczak who looks favourite to inherit the gloves long-term from Van der Sar. Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Rafael da Silva have all been ruled out of Saturday’s game leaving United’s replacement keeper to play behind an unfamiliar defensive unit. Nemanja Vidic is likely to be asked to maintain order at the heart of the defense with Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans in competition for a starting position. Michael Carrick will take no part as he nurses an ankle injury. The Saints are one of three Championship sides facing Premier League opponents in the fourth round and were blessed to be drawn at home in the FA Cup for the seventh consecutive time and they will need all the help they can get against a United team beaten just once in all competitions this season. The Red Devils have won the last five encounters with Southampton and they last met in the FA Cup two years ago when United came away from St Marys with a comfortable 3-0 win. Southampton boss Nigel Adkins will make a late decision on skipper Dean Hammond and fellow midfielder Adam Lallana, Hammond hasn’t played since limping out of the third round tie against Blackpool while Lallana’s knee problem has kept him out of the last two games. Winger Dany N’Guessan is eligible after completing his loan move from Leicester earlier in the week, he is set to make his debut on Saturday as Jason Puncheon appears out of favour and Lee Holmes is a long-term absentee with knee injury.   28-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10037/woods-returns-after-a-hard-working-winter Former world number one Tiger Woods makes his seasonal debut at one his favourite courses and is hoping some hard work over the winter will reap dividends in this week’s Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. Woods concedes that he didn’t pay enough attention to his play around the greens and with his well publicised off-course distractions this contributed to a winless year in 2010 and his slide to third in the world rankings. Speaking on a practice day, Woods described what happened to the strongest part of his game: "I didn't focus on my short game as much as I needed to and have in the past," he said. "It was because I was making changes to my swing and I needed to spend more time on that. But I have had time to work on my short game during this off-season. You need to hit thousands of balls and we were not able to do that last year and last year was one of the worst putting years I have had. "It's been a while since I have had a full off-season. I've been hurt quite a bit over that period and it's nice to have a true off-season to work on my game.” Woods will partner Rocco Mediate for the first 36 holes which conjures more painful but happy memories for the 14-time major winner. A wounded Tiger beat Mediate at Torrey Pines after a compelling 19-hole play-off for the 2008 US Open before limping off the course having played for most of the week suffering a double stress fracture in his knee. But, Torrey Pines has been a happy hunting ground for Tiger over the years and he will be pleased to make his first appearance on course since winning his last major title. Farmers have replaced the old sponsors Buick for the event dominated by Woods in recent times and with 5 wins in 6 appearances since 2003 and it will be no coincidence that Tiger has opted play one of his favourite layouts in effort to return to winning ways and regain his place at the top of the world rankings. Bookmakers have made Woods firm favourite for a successful strat to his season and with most of the world’s best golfers missing the event his odds are 11/4 just about everywhere. Phil Mickleson is the only other player in the world’s top ten competing in San Diego and is generally available at 16/1 second favourite.   27-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10036/australian-open-tennis-murray-through-to-semi-finals British number one Andy Murray came through his toughest match of the tournament to beat Alexandr Dolgopolov and book his place in the semi-finals of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Friday. Murray had cruised to the quarter-finals without losing a set and ended the fairytale run of his 22-year-old opponent taking three hours and six minutes to win 7-5, 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3. Dolgopolov was playing his first Grand Slam in Melbourne and had bombed out fourth seeded Robin Soderling in their quarter-final match, but despite blasting 10 aces in the first set was unable to outwit the canny Scot. Murray won the first set 7-5 after twice losing his serve then cantered through the second set without dropping a point on serve. When Murray broke serve in the opening game of the third set it looked like he would cruise to another straight sets win, but Dolgopolov fought back to break the Scot in the sixth game and after a set of cat-and-mouse won the tie-break to inflict Murray’s first lost set of the tournament. The effort took its toll on the younger player and Murray came out to blaze into a 4-0 lead in the fourth, after dropping his serve once more, Murray picked up the pace again and comfortably closed out to take the fourth set 6-3. Murray will meet the winner of the last quarter-final match between Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer who play later on Wednesday while in the other half of the draw second seed Roger Federer and third seed Nikolay Djokovic have qualified to play each other in the semi-final. Murray is on target to reach his third Grand Slam final and faces the prospect of a repeat of last year’s final when he lost out to Roger Federer. However there remains a couple of substantial obstacles in the shape of Nadal and Djokovic and bookmakers believe the Scot has it all to do to win his first Grand Slam title. Betfred left Murray’s odds to win the Australian Open unaltered after his expected quarter-final victory and he remains at 5/1 with the UK based bookmaker. 26-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10035/injured-swann-flies-home-early Graeme Swann has been pulled out of the one-day series in Australia in an attempt to regain full fitness in time for England’s bid for the ICC Cricket World Cup taking place in the Indian sub-continent next month. The 31-year-old spinner will return to England where he hopes to recuperate from a back injury and the knee problem that has hampered his contribution in the ODIs against the Aussies who lead 3-0 in the seven-match series. Team director Andy Flower is hopeful Swann will be recovered in time for the opening World Cup game against Holland on 22 February after a couple of setbacks towards the end of the tour of Australia. "It is best for him to go home and get ready for the World Cup," he said. "It is a big blow because he is an important part of our side. He is a world-class performer and he is full of confidence after the Ashes, but these things happen. We are coming towards the end of a long, hard tour and certainly the physical challenges are starting to take their toll." Swann who is ranked 4 in the ICC ODI bowler ratings, has been nursing a knee injury he picked up in the opening Twenty20 international and after complaining of lower back strain, the decision was made to send him home early and he will follow Tim Bresnan back to Blighty after his early exit with a calf injury. England welcome back James Anderson and Kevin Pietersen who are expected to play in the fourth ODI on Wednesday and Stuart Broad has joined the party to build his fitness in time to feature in the World Cup. Bookmakers make co-hosts India clear favourites to win the World Cup, Irish bookie Paddy Power stands out offering odds of 7/2. Sri Lanka, who along with Bangladesh are the other co-hosts, vie for second favouritism in the betting with England and both are generally priced at 5/1 followed by Australia and South Africa at 11/2 in the market. 25-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10034/kaymer-ousts-tiger-woods-after-abu-dhabi-win Last year’s European number one Martin Kaymer returned to his favourite golf course where he blitzed a high class field with an eight-shot victory in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday. The 26-year-old German overtakes Tiger Woods to go second in the world rankings behind Lee Westwood and continued to build on last year’s form with his fourth win in his last eight tournaments. Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy was looking to overcome a 5-shot deficit when teeing off in the final pairing on Sunday but was unable to make a dent in Kaymer’s third round lead. The German forged further into the lead with birdies at the second and third holes and four more birdies on the back nine completed his 6-under par 66 and a four round total of 24-under par. McIlroy finished with 69 to retain second place, two shots ahead of Graeme McDowell on 14-under par in tied third with Retief Goosen who shot up the leaderboard with a final round 64. Speaking after his presentation Kaymer said: "It's just the perfect golf course for me, I consider it to be my home golf course to be honest. I always play well here, I enjoy coming to Abu Dhabi and it's always a great start (to the season). If you play like this it's a good start. "It was more difficult this year but I just played really good golf - my putting was amazing this week. It was one of those weeks where everything goes your way.” Kaymer won his first major title when taking the USPGA after top ten finishes in the 2010 US Open and 2010 Open, online bookmaker Sportingbet is offering odds of 5/1 for the cool German to follow up with another major title in 2011. Paul Casey and Phil Mickelson took a break from the US Tour to compete in Abu Dhabi and Casey finished 18th on 8-under par with Mickleson down in 37th following his 5-under par.   ABU DHABI HSBC CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL LEADERBOARD: -24 M Kaymer (GER) -16 R McIlroy (NIR) -14 R Goosen (RSA) -14 G McDowell (NIR) -13 D Lynn (ENG) -13 G Maybin (NIR) -11 R Cabrera-Bello (ESP) -10 R Gonzalez (ARG) -10 F Molinari (ITA) -10 C Schwartzel (RSA)     24-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10033/premier-league-blackburn-v-west-bromwich-team-news Steve Kean has to the chance to justify the owners’ faith in him by leading Blackburn into a top seven position in the Premier League with a win against West Brom at Ewood Park on Sunday. A new contract means Kean will be Blackburn boss until 2013 with the responsibility of establishing Blackburn as challengers for European football. Three points against the visitors will see Rovers jump from the bottom half of the table to seventh, just two wins behind sixth placed Sunderland. Expectations will be high at Ewood as Blackburn look to complete the double over Sunday’s rivals having seen out 2010 with a 3-1 win at the Hawthorns thanks to a brace from Nikola Kalinic and another from Mame Biram Diuof. Kean has boosted Rovers’ firepower by bringing back Roque Santa Cruz on a loan deal from Manchester City and the striker will be sharper after featuring for most of the second half on his return against Chelsea last weekend. Santa Cruz played with Blackburn for 2 years before being tempted away by the oil millions at City and established himself as a firm favourite with Ewood regulars scoring 23 goals in 57 appearances for the club. The Paraguayan international made an immediate impact scoring on his debut first time around and bookmakers don’t think he’ll hang around long before making his mark again, Bet365 is offering odds of 13/2 for Santa Cruz to open the scoring against the Baggies. While Kean still has irons in the fire for the January window, the club will be buoyed by the reduction in the injured list, long term absentees Keith Andrews and Vince Grella are ready when required and David Dunn, Ryan Nelson and Steve Nzonzi should all have shaken off their knocks to give the manager plenty of selection options. Baggies boss, Roberto Di Matteo has been searching for a solution to halt West Brom’s slide towards the drop zone, after a promising start to the season it has been a bleak couple of winter months for West Brom fans who have seen their side lose six games on the bounce, dropping to within three points of a relegation place. Peter Odemwingie brought some much need cheer with a late winner at home to Blackpool last weeked, putting an end the losing streak and with John Carew turning down Albion’s advances he remains the Baggies main attacking threat. Di Matteo must wait on the fitness of Marc-Antoine Fortune and Giles Barnes for Sunday’s clash but Jonas Olsson is believed to have come through a workout on his Achilles and will be considered along with Graham Dorrans and Youssouf Mulumbu who are expected to have recovered from calf complaints. Steven Reid knows he will miss out against his old club, he returned to training this week after picking up a knee injury at Old Trafford on New Years Day but will need a little longer before putting it through the rigours of a competitive game. Possible starting lineups: BLACKBURN: Robinson, Salgado, Nelsen, Samba, Givet, E-H Diouf, Dunn, Andrews, Pedersen, Jones, Santa Cruz. WEST BROM: Myhill, Shorey, Zuiverloon, Tamas, Olsson, Morrison, Brunt, Thomas, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Odemwingie.   23-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10032/premier-league-aston-villa-v-manchester-city-team-news Gerard Houllier is hoping Aston Villa’s record breaking transfer of England striker Darren Bent will reap immediate dividends when he is handed his debut against visiting Manchester City on Saturday. Bent scored in his first appearance for former clubs Spurs and Sunderland and Houllier gave a warning to his opposite number at the press conference in midweek: “All I can say is that he has a good habit, that when he starts somewhere, he scores," Houllier said. “Maybe a warning to Roberto Mancini and Manchester City, but if he starts, maybe he will score." Villa’s £24 million signing moved from Sunderland in controversial circumstances during the week and is set to be pitched straight into the Villains relegation battle. Goal difference separates Villa and Wigan Atlethic for the third relegation position and owner Randy Lerner has dug deep into his pockets to help his manager find the remedy. Bookmakers are anticipating a flood of interest in Bent’s debut performance which will be broadcast live on ESPN and Stan James have stuck their neck out by offering best odds of 7/1 for him to open the scoring. Irish bookmaker Paddy Power bets 15/8 for Bent to score at anytime and 80/1 to make his mark with a hattrick. City arrive in fine form as Roberto Mancini’s £mega-million squad look to have gelled at last and are mounting a serious challenge to rivals Manchester United at the top of the Premier League. The Blues are unbeaten in seven games since Christmas and have put to bed their defensive-minded reputation by scoring 10 times in the last three games. Houllier will not have forgotten his trip to Eastlands during the festive season when Mario Balotelli stuffed the Villa turkeys with a hattrick in the 4-0 drubbing in another toothless away performance. He will be relieved to know Balotelli won’t be repeating that performance as he is in America to receive specialist treatment for a knee injury. City captain Carlos Tevez is back on song after committing his future to the club and has hit the net 4 times in the last three games, he is joint top scorer in the Premier League with 14 goals and has taken his City scoring feat to 37 in 55 games. Tevez will be joined up front by another striking sensation Edin Dzenko who is looking to get off the mark after making his debut against Wolves last weekend. Dzeko arrived at City having scores 66 goals in 111 appearances at Wolfsburg and 17 times for Bosnia & Herzegovinia in 31 international apperances. Possible starting lineups: ASTON VILLA: Friedel, Walker, Dunne, Collins, Clark, Young, Petrov, Makoun, Downing, Bent, Agbonlahor. MAN CITY: Hart, Zabaleta, K Toure, Kompany, Kolarov, de Jong, Barry, Y Toure, Silva, Dzeko, Tevez.   22-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10031/premier-league-wolverhampton-v-liverpool-team-news Wolverhampton entertain Liverpool in Saturday’s Premier League lunchtime match with both sides hungry for maximum points at the Molineux. Kenny Dalglish has brought a much needed lift to a flagging Liverpool side but despite the visible enthusiasm that has been restored to the club, results have yet to improve and the Anfield legend is looking for his first win after three games at the helm. Liverpool’s away record is dismal this term and despite their lowly position near the foot of the table, Wolves will present a tricky challenge for the Reds. Arguably deserving much more from some impressive performances against the leagues top sides, many observers feel Mick McCarthy’s side deserve to be much higher in the table. Narrow defeats in Manchester where Wolves lost by a single goal on two occasions and the win against Chelsea proved they can be a dangerous outfit when at their best, indeed they came away from Anfield with a 1-0 victory at the end of December when Liverpool suffered a home defeat for only the second time this season. Wolves have shown some defensive improvement of late, having kept clean sheets in three of their last six games and with four wins from their last five games at Molineux, it is a bit surprising to see bookmakers price up Liverpool as favourites. Much of Liverpool’s inspiration on the pitch comes from the driving performances of skipper Steven Gerrard and central defender Jamie Carragher who will both sit out Saturday’s game, Gerrard serves the last of his three match ban while Carragher’s injury will keep him out for the rest of this month. Serbian winger Milan Jovanovic could be struggling after missing training with illness and it will fall to Fernando Torres to create the spark if the Reds are to get something from the game. He has looked much keener since Dalglish’s arrival and scored his seventh goal of the season with his 3rd minute goal against Blackpool, a week on Wednesday. He is the obvious choice for Liverpool fans looking for the first goalscorer and Victor Chandler bet 17/4 for the Spaniard to open the scoring. McCarthy could give a start to Liverpudlian, Adam Hammill; the 25-year-old winger was signed in the transfer window from Barnsley and came through the youth ranks at Liverpool without breaking into the first team. His arrival should keep Stephen Hunt on his toes; the tricky left-footer has been somewhat inconsistent since returning from injury in October. Wolves striker Kevin Doyle could be finding his goal touch at a good time, hitting the net for the second time in three days when scoring in the 5-0 FA Cup win against Doncaster on Tuesday, Paddy Power bet 11/4 for the Irishman to get his name on the scoresheet on Saturday. Possible starting lineups: WOLVERHAMPTON: Hennessey, Zubar, Berra, Stearman, Hunt, Jones, Jarvis, Milijas, Doyle, Ward, Fletcher. LIVERPOOL: Reina, Kelly, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Lucas, Spearing, Rodriguez, Kuyt, Meireles, Torres.   21-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10030/australian-open-tennis-murray-breezes-into-third-round British number one Andy Murray had an easy passage into the third round of the Australian Open when he breezed past Illya Marchenko at the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne on Thursday. Fifth-seeded Murray took less than two hours to brush aside the challenge of the 23-year-old Ukrainian and win 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 setting up a third round match with Spain’s Guillermo Garcia-Lopez  at the weekend. Murray served up 8 first-set aces as he fired into a one-set lead in under half an hour. Marchenko offered some resistance in the second set when he broke Murray’s serve for the only time in the match, but Murray broke the Ukrainian’s serve for the third time in the set to take a 2-0 lead and followed up to take the third set in comfortable fashion winning the match in straight sets. Saturday’s opponent Garcia-Lopez is seeded 32 and has never progressed beyond the third round of the Australian Open. Murray defeated the 27-year-old Spaniard on their only previous encounter at the Queens Club in 2009 and it would be a major upset if Garcia-Lopez stopped Murray progressing into the second week. The 23-year-old Scot is looking to follow up his appearance in last year’s final by winning his first grand slam title this fortnight and bookmakers believe he will put up a strong challenge again this year. After smooth displays in the first two rounds, Murray is third favourite to win the Australian Open title behind bookie’s favourites Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer with 888Sport offering odds of 8/1 for Murray to break his grand slam duck. 20-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10029/prior-returns-for-england-world-cup-duty Matt Prior was named as England wicketkeeper when selectors announced their 15-man squad for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup which starts on the Indian sub-continent next month. The surprise decision means Prior will replace Steve Davies in the squad to play Australia in the second one-day international in Hobart on Friday, Prior stayed on after the Ashes and has been playing Twenty20 for Victoria in the domestic competition while Davies took over duties with the gloves. Davies, who will stay in Australia as back-up for the rest of the seven-match series with the Aussies, was deflated after the news. England team director Andy Flower admitted: "Of course he is disappointed. Any player would be very disappointed to be left out of the England side. "It means a lot. They are very difficult decisions to make because they effect people's careers. But those are the harsh realities of playing professional sport. Steve and the others who have been left out will have to accept it." Davies has kept wicket in England’s last six one-day internationals including the opening match of the one-day series against Australia scoring 42 from 35 balls at Melbourne last Sunday and sees Prior return after an absence of 10 months from England’s one-day side. Prior has a batting average of just 25.38 in the 50-over game, but he performed well in the Ashes and Flower believes he is the better option for the tournament that will be held across three countries; India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. "We believe that Matt Prior is best suited to the sub-continent conditions and that's why we've picked him," Flower said. "The circumstances have changed. Matt Prior did very well out here in the Test matches. He is a combative, aggressive cricketer. He fits our aggressive fielding unit so those are the reasons why he has been picked for the World Cup." Prior is expected to open the batting with captain Andrew Strauss, where he played before losing his place after the tour of Bangladesh in March. Fast bowler Chris Tremlett will feel unlucky to miss out as England opt to take four seamers and three spinners to South Asia. Stuart Broad returns to the ranks as expected following his recovery from injury and James Anderson will fly back to join the squad after taking a break with his family in England. Full England World Cup Squad: Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior (wkt), Ajmal Shahzad, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell, Jonathan Trott, Luke Wright, Michael Yardy. 19-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10028/olazabal-appointed-ryder-cup-captain The European Tour’s Tournament Committee has confirmed the appointment of Jose Maria Olazabal as European captain for the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah in Chicago. The committee met on Tuesday morning before making the expected announcement that the 44-year-old Spaniard would take over from Colin Montgomerie who led the European team to victory at Celtic Manor last October. Olazabal was the overwhelming favourite and the only name being put forward for next year’s defence of the trophy. The two-time Masters Champion is one of the most popular figures on the European Tour and his Ryder Cup record has been an inspiration since he first teamed up with Seve Ballesteros at Muirfield in 1987. The Spanish duo forged one of the great Ryder Cup partnerships and were beaten just twice in 15 matches. Olazabal went on to win seven caps as a player making his final appearance at the K Club in Ireland in 2006 when he won all three games as Europe concluded a hat-trick of Ryder Cup wins over the USA. Two years later he served as vice captain to Nick Faldo at Valhalla and was part of Colin Montgomerie’s back-up team at Celtic Manor. The only concern about the appointment rested with Olazabal’s ongoing medical problem, he played just three times last year as he battled with chronic rheumatism but he is determined to be more involved this year. He is due to appear in this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and is signed up to participate in the rest of the Middle East swing as the tour moves on to Bahrain, Qatar and Dubai. Online bookmakers rate Olazabal's chances of celebrating the news with a win in Abu Dhabi to be extreme and bet365 is offering odds of 20/1 for the new Ryder Cup skipper to finish in the top ten.   Jose Maria Olazabal Ryder Cup Playing Record 1987-2006 No. Matches Record W-L-H Singles W-L-H Foursomes W-L-H Fourballs W-L-H Total Points % Points 7 31 18-8-5 2-4-1 7-2-1 9-2-3 20.5 0.66     18-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10027/australian-open-tennis-results-federer-in-cruise-control Roger Federer began the defence of his Australian Open crown when he outclassed audacious Lukas Lacko in their first round match in the Rod Laver Arena on Monday. Lacko tried in vain to go toe-to-toe with the world number two and Federer barely broke sweat as he cruised into the second round, winning in straight sets 6-1, 6-1, 6-3. Federer was delighted with his form as he attempts to win his 17th grand slam title in Melbourne over the next two weeks: "I thought I played great," he said. "I thought it was a good match. I don't think he played too bad himself. I saw some talent in him and that's why I was really happy I chose the tactic early on to pressure him. That it worked was great and I'm obviously very happy." Federer is looking for his fifth Australia Open title this year and bookmakers reacted by cutting his odds after Monday’s match. Sportingbet were left offering the best odds at 15/8 and they could change again after world number one Rafael Nadal plays his first round match against Marcos Daniel on Tuesday. Back in the Hisense Arena, number eight seed Andy Roddick also enjoyed plain sailing in his first round match when defeating Jan Hajek 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 and he remains on course for yet another second week appearance at Melbourne. The 28-year-old American has been a regular in the final week of the Australian Open over the last ten years but has yet to make it all the way to the final. 12th seed Gael Monfils was facing the prospect of a shock straight sets defeat to Thiemo De Bakker, but the Frenchman fought back from 5-3 down in the third set against his Dutch opponent to win 6-7, 2-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 and seal his second round place. American 16th seed, Mardy Fish was also forced to fight back from two sets down when winning 2-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 against Rumanian Victor Hanescu. Elsewhere two seeded players failed on the opening day; Poland’s Lukasz Kubot upset 18th seed Sam Querrey to win a five set thriller, 5-7, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 8-6 while 23rd seed Nikolay Davydenko lost in four sets to Florian Mayer 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 6-4. 17-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10026/sunderland-set-to-revenge-derby-day-horror-show Sunderland go into today's Wear-Tyne Derby as worthy favourites after recovering from their 5-1 defeat at St James Park in October with a run of form that has seen the Black Cats win six from twelve Premier League games since that defeat and lose only three . Steve Bruce's side have climbed to the lofty position of sixth on merit and a win today would help convince some of the doubters that they can still be there at the end of the season .  Sunderland have never been prolific goalscorers and relied too heavily on Darren Bent last season but the arrival of Danny Welbeck and Asamoah Gyan has significantly increased the goal threat and has given opposition defences cause for real concern on many occasions particularly at the Stadium of Light . Sunderland's success under Steve Bruce though has been based around solid defence and eleven clean sheets in the Premier League is an outstanding achievement . Despite conceding five goals at St James Park on an all round off day in October , Sunderland still have one of the best defensive record in the Premier League and Newcastle without the injured Andy Carroll may struggle to score today .  Both teams suffered shock defeats last weekend in the FA Cup as mentally this game was already taking centre stage . The animosity between these arch rivals is intense and Sunderland will be desperate to avenge the embarrasment they suffered at the hands of the Magpies when they capitulated in the reverse fixture . Steve Bruce will be hoping that key players Lee Cattermole and Danny Welbeck are fit to play and a home win looks the likely outcome at odds of around 11/10 .       16-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10025/unbeaten-man-utd-face-difficult-trip-to-white-hart-lane Despite an unbeaten run of twenty games in the Premier League this season , Manchester United have not always impressed during their games particularly away from home . With only two wins from nine away games , United have certainly not looked like champions away from Old Trafford.  Spurs on the other hand have played consistently well home and away this season , winning four times on their travels but have drawn four of their home games which has cost them valuable points . Harry Redknapp's team should virtually be at full strength and they  now have the self belief to win a game of this importance .  Bookmakers make Man Utd favourite to win this game but United are too short at best odds of 13/8 given their poor record away this term . Dimitar Berbatov will relish the trip back to his former club and is in superb form for the league leaders with  14 premier league goals so far this season . Ryan Giggs will make his 600th league appearance for Manchester United in Sunday's game and the welsh wizard is a key figure for United with Antonio Valencia injured and Park Ji Sung absent due to the Asia Cup . United manager Alex Ferguson is not afraid to heap praise on the 37 year old Giggs and yesterday hailed him as "an incredible human being" . Surely Ferguson will settle for Giggs just to be a great footballer tomorrow .!    Spurs have quality in depth and goalscorers throughout the side and will surely take the game to United with a fast tempo from the start . It should be an entertaining game but defeat for Spurs would leave them too far behind United to be considered as Premier League contenders . The top game of the weekend is covered live on Sky Sports 1 from 4pm Sunday . 15-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10024/west-ham-v-arsenal-parker-confident-about-gunners-visit West Ham midfielder Scott Parker is in confident mood ahead of the Hammers’ Premier League clash with Arsenal at Upton Park on Saturday. Despite their position at the bottom of the league table, West Ham go into the game buoyed by success in the domestic cup competitions, victory in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Birmingham followed quickly on the heels of the win over Barnsley in the 3rd round of the FA Cup last weekend. Parker said: "We are feeling positive. We've been on a run of good form if you take the Newcastle result out of it. Other than that, we have picked up some good results. We'll go into the Arsenal game confident - it's a London derby and hopefully we can pick up some more points." The 5-0 defeat to the Magpies came a something of a shock for the team that looked to be turning the season around after a disappointing start for manager Avram Grant. Since picking up a precious away point at Blackburn on 18 December, the Hammers have gone on to win four, draw one and the drubbing at St James Park being the only defeat in the last seven games. Grant could unveil his new signing Wayne Bridge for the visit of the Gunners, the former England full-back has joined on loan from Manchester City for the rest of the season and his arrival adds another lift to the positive mood at Upton Park. Conversely, third-placed Arsenal have suffered disappointment in the cup competitions which threatens to disrupt their League form and promising title challenge. The Gunners needed a last gasp equalizer from Cesc Fabregas at Elland Road on Saturday to scrape a third round FA Cup replay against Leeds, then suffered the humiliation of defeat against Championship strugglers Ipswich in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final at Portman Road in midweek. Arsene Wenger has been linked with a move for Hammers central defender, Matthew Upson as he looks to shore up his injury weakened defence for an assault on Manchester United’s position at the top of the table. Sebastien Squilliaci has joined Thomas Vermaelen on the sidelines and Wenger makes for the short trip to the east end of London without right-back Bacary Sagna who is serving the last game of his three match ban. Grant will be without Benni McCarthy, Lars Jacobsen and Herita Ilunga who have picked up knocks in the New Year and join long term absentees Manuel da Costa, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Peter Kurucz on the injured list. Bookmakers have installed Arsenal strong favourites to win on Saturday, as befits the league placings of the two sides, but as this is a London derby with West Ham on the up, the odds of 11/2 with online bookmaker Betfred will tempt many Hammers fans and armchair punters who fancy a home win.   14-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10023/nadal-confirmed-as-top-seed-for-australian-open Rafael Nadal has been confirmed as top seed for the Mens Singles at the Australian Open which gets underway in Melbourne on Monday 17 January. Tournament officials no longer have control over the seedings which are determined by the world rankings, meaning women’s world number one Calroline Wozniacki is top seed for the Womens Singles event. Nadal will be bidding to win the title for the second time in his career and if successful will hold all four grand slam titles at the same time. He won the title two years ago in a five-set thriller against his big rival Roger Federer who is second seed and the defending champion. Bookmakers are divided on which of the two players merits favouritism for the first grand slam of the season after Federer won the Qatar Open in fine style at the weekend where an under-the-weather Nadal lost in his semi-final against Nikolay Davydenko. Novak Djokavic is seeded number three and fourth seed is Robin Soderling after he moved ahead of last year’s runner-up Andy Murray in the world rankings thanks to his win in Brisbane at the weekend. The British hope decided to miss last weeks ranking tournaments in Doha and Brisbane in favour of playing the Hopman Cup and as number five seed he could be scheduled to meet one of the top four as early as the quarter-finals when the draw is released on Friday. Women’s world number one Wozniacki is hoping for her first grand slam title but has started the season with a second round defeat in her first tournament, the Medibank International in Sydney, after receiving a bye in the first round. Russia’s Vera Zvonareva is seeded two and bookies favourite Kim Clijsters is seeded three. Clijsters preparations have gone well and she will play the final of the Sydney event against China’s Li Na on Friday.   AUSTRALIAN OPEN FULL SEEDINGS MEN WOMEN 1 Rafael Nadal (Spn) 2 Roger Federer (Sui) 3 Novak Djokovic (Ser) 4 Robin Soderling (Swe) 5 Andy Murray (Gbr) 6 Tomas Berdych (Cze) 7 David Ferrer (Spn) 8 Andy Roddick (US) 9 Fernando Verdasco (Spn) 10 Mikhail Youzhny (Rus) 11 Jurgen Melzer (Aut) 12 Gael Monfils (Fra) 13 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (Fra) 14 Nicolas Almagro (Spn) 15 Marin Cilic (Cro) 16 Mardy Fish (US) 17 Ivan Ljubicic (Cro) 18 Sam Querrey (US) 19 Stanislas Wawrinka (Sui) 20 John Isner (US) 21 Marcos Baghdatis (Cyp) 22 Michael Llodra (Fra) 23 Nikolay Davydenko (Rus) 24 Ernests Gulbis (Lat) 25 Albert Montanes (Spn) 26 Juan Monaco (Arg) 27 David Nalbandian (Arg) 28 Richard Gasquet (Fra) 29 Viktor Troicki (Ser) 30 Thomaz Bellucci (Brz) 31 Feliciano Lopez (Spn) 32 Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (Spn) 1 Caroline Wozniacki (Den) 2 Vera Zvonareva (Rus) 3 Kim Clijsters (Bel) 4 Venus Williams (US) 5 Samantha Stosur (Aus) 6 Francesca Schiavone (Ita) 7 Jelena Jankovic (Ser) 8 Victoria Azarenka (Blr) 9 Li Na (Chn) 10 Shahar Peer (Isr) 11 Justine Henin (Bel) 12 Agnieszka Radwanska (Pol) 13 Nadia Petrova (Rus) 14 Maria Sharapova (Rus) 15 Marion Bartoli (France) 16 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (Rus) 17 Aravane Rezai (Fra) 18 Maria Kirilenko (Rus) 19 Ana Ivanovic (Ser) 20 Kaia Kanepi (Est) 21 Yanina Wickmayer (Bel) 22 Flavia Pennetta (Ita) 23 Svetlana Kuznetsova (Rus) 24 Alisa Kleybanova (Rus) 25 Petra Kvitova (Cze) 26 Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez (Spn) 27 Alexandra Dulgheru (Rom) 28 Daniela Hantuchova (Svk) 29 Dominika Cibulkova (Svk) 30 Andrea Petkovic (Ger) 31 Lucie Safarova(Cze) 32 Tsvetana Pironkova (Bul)   Best odds for the Australian Open singles favourites from William Hill; 2/1 Roger Federer - Mens Singles 2/1 Kim Clijsters - Womens Singles Get a £25 free tennis bet from William Hill   13-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10022/dalglish-eyes-adam-signing Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will be casting a close eye over Blackpool's Charlie Adam in Wednesday's Premier League game at Bloomfield Road. Dalglish has admitted he wants to bring some new faces into Anfield in the transfer window and is thought to be a big admirer of Blackpool's playmaker. It has been reported that Liverpool are considering making a bid to sign the former Rangers man who has been at the centre of much transfer speculation since the window opened in January. Blackpool have already rejected offers from Aston Villa and Birmingham City who want to sign the Tangerines' star player, but the growing interest will make it difficult to keep Adam at Bloomfield Road. He has 18 months left on his contract and once the window closes, Blackpool face the prospect of Adam becoming a devaluing asset if they don't cash in this January. The Reds would look to Adam to solve the creative problems in the midfield that have plagued their season, but will face a fight from Blackpool manager Ian Holloway who is desperate to keep his man. The two clubs have the same number of points but lie in the wrong half of the Premier League coming into the second half of the season, sitting twelvth and thirteenth. Victory on Wednesday will take either team into the top half and bookmakers are favouring Dalglish's Liverpool team after the spirited show against Manchester United at the weekend. Online bookmaker Victor Chandler bet 20/21 for a Liverpool win, with Blackpool available at odds of 3/1.     12-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10021/australia-looks-to-lee-for-one-day-answers Australia have called on ageing fast bowler Brett Lee for the first game of the one-day internationals against England at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday 16 January. 34-year-old Lee has battled with injury in the last 12 months withdrawing from Test cricket in February and took no part in the humiliating defeat in the Ashes series. His last ODI appearance was in the six wicket win against India at Guwahati in October 2009. The selectors are hoping he will be fit enough to play in the seven match series against England and establish his availability for the forthcoming ICC Cricket World Cup on the Indian subcontinent from February 19 – April 2. Australia must name their World Cup squad by 19 January and selectors will use the first one-day international against England to assess a couple of players. In his statement when announcing the squad, chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said: “The squad is selected for one game only in order for the national selection panel to look at certain players before we select the ICC Cricket World Cup squad of 15 on January 19. “We have some explosive fast bowling with Shaun Tait, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Doug Bollinger and Peter Siddle all selected in this squad,” Hilditch claimed. “Shaun and Brett will therefore have an opportunity to impress in this form of the game before World Cup squad selection.” Australia are looking to the one-day series to restore pride after taking a hammering from England when losing the Ashes series 3-1. England’s strong one-day outfit remain favourites for the best of seven series and online bookmaker Paddy Power is offering odds of 11/10 for England to inflict further misery on the Aussie by adding the one-day series to the Ashes win. AUSTRALIA ODI SQUAD: Michael Clarke (captain), Cameron White, Doug Bollinger, Xavier Doherty, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson. 11-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10020/maradona-claims-to-be-in-talks-with-premier-league-club Argentina football legend Diego Maradona has told South American press that he will fly to England next month to discuss a ‘firm offer’ to coach a club in the Premier League. Maradona was speaking to journalists yesterday during his trip to the resort of Punta del Este in Uruguay where he was visiting his daughter. Argentina’s main daily newspapers, Clarin and La Nacion quoted the unemployed former national coach as saying: "In February I'm going to England to listen to a firm offer. If they convince me, I may take it up.” Maradona has been out of work since leaving his post as coach of 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists Argentina and has previously been subject of unconfirmed reports of a move to the Premier League with Aston Villa. "I'm not desperate (but) I know that some day I'll be the coach again of some team," he concluded to begin more speculation of a possible coaching career in England. Clarin claim sources close to Maradona have suggested Fulham are the club in question, he was a guest at Craven Cottage when he visited London in November. Blackburn is another club being linked with a move for Maradona; the Venkey Group, who own the club, have made no secret of their ambitions to make a marque signing at Ewood and are on the look out for a permanent manager. Sam Allerdyce was not considered the right man to take Rovers forward in the manner required by the poultry farmers and he was sacked with Steve Kean put in temporary charge until his replacement is found. 10-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10019/renewed-optimism-on-anfield-as-king-kenny-returns News of the return to the Liverpool hot seat for Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has been greeted with delight by the vast majority of Reds fans who were simply bored with the defensive style adopted by the ill fated Roy Hodgson .  The feelgood factor is back on Merseyside and Liverpool fans are renowned for the passion of their support and for backing their side in all competitions with their hard earned cash . News of Dalglish's appointment as interim manager until the end of the season immediately resulted in bookmakers noticing large bets on Liverpool to triumph in today's big FA Cup tie at Old Trafford and the bookies have been forced to cut the odds on a Liverpool sucess at the home of their arch enemy to 4/1 from a best price 5/1 prior to the announcement .    Dalglish however will be judged by fans and owners alike primarily on the Reds Premier League form between now and the end of the season . Liverpool currently lie in  12th position in the Premier League with 25 points after finishing in a dissappointing seventh position last season . The target for Dalglish will be to guarantee European football for the club for next season and a top six finish is imperative to achieve this . With eight points the gap between Liverpool and sixth placed Sunderland this is no easy matter for Dalglish even given that Liverpool have played two games less than some of their rivals . Odds of 6/4 for Liverpool to finish in the Top 6 seem woefully short whilst the generally available odds of 14/1 for Liverpool to finish in the Top 4 of the Premier League this season seem little short of daylight robbery .  Liverpool are 11 points behind Spurs in fourth position and have an inferior goal difference . To finish in fourth position Liverpool would need to accumulate around 45 points from their remaining 18 Premier League games . This would require an average of 2.5 points per game which is better than Premier League wining form over the last three years ! .  Expectations are always high on Merseyside but if King Kenny has to contend with totally unrealistic expectations the  odds on him becoming the next permanent Liverpool manager at 7/4 with Betfred may also be too short .    09-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10018/qatar-open-tennis-quarter-final-results Top seeds Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer remained on course for a final showdown when coming through their quarter-finals in contrasting style on Thursday. Federer cruised through his game against number 6 seed Viktor Troicki when he took little over an hour for his 6-2, 6-2 victory. The 29-year-old world number two will be making his fifth semi-final in six appearances at Doha when he takes on Frenchman Jo-Wilfred Tsonga on Friday. It will be just the fourth time the pair have met and Federer leads their head to head matches 2-1. Tsonga edged through his quarter-final against Guillermo-Garcia Lopez 7-6, 7-6 and Federer said of his next opponent: “I think it's exciting playing him again. I think he's a very explosive player with good character, good for the game. “Looking forward to the match, it's going to be difficult. It seems like he's hitting the ball really well already early in the season. He seems really energised, and that's nice to see.” World number one and tournament top seed Nadal had a harder time qualifying against Latvia’s Ernests Gulbis, taking an hour and 52 minutes to win 7-6, 6-3. After breaking Gulbis’ serve to lead 3-1 in the first set, Nadal lost his serve and with the set at 4-4 he was down 0-40 on his serve in the ninth game before fighting back to win the game and eventually the set. The Spaniard saved five break points in all during the match in which Gulbis contributed to his own downfall with 31 unforced errors. Nadal will play Nikolay Davydenko in a repeat of last year’s final, the Russian beat Ivo Karlovic 6-3, 7-5 despite being passed by 14 aces from the Croatian. Fourth seed Davydenko beat Nadal in the 2010 final to win his 20th ATP tour crown and enjoys a 5-4 lead in head to heads with world number one. Speaking about the prospect of facing Davydenko again, Nadal said: "I think he's playing unbelievable, so it's gonna be a very difficult match. "I'm gonna try my best tomorrow, and I know it's gonna be a real difficult match. We will see what's going on, what happens, and hopefully I feel good physically tomorrow." Online bookmaker Bet365 will be streaming live video of the semi-finals and offer odds of 9/4 for Davydenko to beat Nadal again while they bet evens for Federer to win the tournament.   QATAR OPEN QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS (1) R Nadal defeats (5) E Gulbis 7-6(3), 6-3 (3) J Tsonga defeats (7) G Garcia-Lopez 7-6 (4), 7-6 (9) (4) N Davydenko defeats   I Karlovic 6-3, 7-5 (2) R Federer defeats (6) V Troicki 6-2, 6-2   07-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10017/serie-a-leonardo-leads-inter-against-napoli European Champions Inter have gambled on an inexperienced coach to resurrect their season and new boss Leonardo kicks off with a challenging debut when high-flying Napoli visit San Siro on Thursday. The Brazilian tactician was appointed head coach on Christmas Eve and replaces Rafa Benitez whose brief tenure had seen last season’s treble winners slide to mid-table and outside of a UEFA Champions League qualifying position with just 6 wins from their first fifteen league games. 41-year-old Leonardo has just one year experience of managing in the top flight, almost as controversial is the time was spent with Inter’s bitter rivals, AC Milan. He faces a daunting challenge to win title honours this season, his former club has a thirteen point advantage, although Inter have two games in-hand as they are without a league game since 3 December when they lost 3-1 to Lazio. In the interim Inter enjoyed success by winning the FIFA Club World Cup and it’s to be hoped that the players will be spurred to carry on in winning form as they re-embark on the league campaign. Certainly, the new boss has been impressed by what he has seen so far: “The players have shown a fantastic attitude in training. We're focused on Napoli because it's a key fixture: we're playing against the team that lies second in the league. And we're ready for it.'' Napoli arrive in fine form and on the back of three straight league wins are threatening a serious title challenge in second place and three points from leaders Milan. The visitors coach, Walter Mazzarri has great respect for his new opposite number and anticipates a good reaction from the Inter team, he told the press conference: "First of all I like to greet the return of Leonardo. “He is a person who knows how to live in this kind of environment. I especially appreciate the intelligence of a man whom I had the pleasure of knowing. "Then it will be a further psychological boost for Inter, who are fresh from winning the Club World Championship, making it even harder for us.” Home advantage makes Inter favourites and online bookmaker William Hill is offering odds of 10/11 for Leonardo to get off to a winning start, but he must do so without some key players. Wesley Sneijder, Samuel, Mancini and Julio Cesar are all sidelined with injuries and leading goalscorer Samuel Eto’o misses the game through suspension. On the other hand, Mazzarri has no major selection concerns and will play to the strengths of his 23-year-old Uruguayan target man Edinson Cavani who has scored ten times in 17 appearances this season. Possible starting line ups: INTER: Castellazzi; Maicon, Cordoba, Lucio, Zanetti; Cambiasso, Stankovic, Motta; Biabiany, Milito, Pandev. NAPOLI: Iezzo; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Maggio, Gargano, Pazienza, Dossena; Hamsik, Lavezzi, Cavani. 06-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10016/premier-league-arsenal-v-manchester-city-team-news Title pretenders Arsenal and Manchester City clash at the Emirates on Wednesday with both teams looking to hang on to the shirt tails of Premier League pace setters, Manchester United. United’s win on Tuesday night extended their lead to three points over City, having played one game less and five more than Arsenal who played the same number of games. As Chelsea’s title defence fades with every passing week, Arsene Wenger and Roberto Mancini are emerging as the men most likely to disrupt Sir Alex Ferguson’s league ambitions this season But one at least one of these sides will lose valuable ground after the result is known and neither will want to consider a draw which will only favour Ferguson’s cause. The Gunners gave City a football lesson at Eastlands in October when they inflicted a painful 3-0 defeat on Mancini’s superstars and will be hoping to repeat that performance at the Emirates. North London is not a happy hunting ground for City and Blues fans must remember back to 1975 for their last away win against Arsenal and bookies are making the Gunners odds-on favourites to win again. However, City were suffering a bit of a rocky spell at home in late autumn and have fared well on their travels this season with 6 wins and two draws from ten league games, with Arsenal slipping up with three home defeats, Tuesday’s game is no foregone conclusion. Wenger has no new injury concerns ahead of the game but Thomas Vermaelen, Abou Diaby and Kieren Gibbs continue to recover from injury and are not yet ready to appear. The City squad have travelled without David Silva and Mario Balotelli who are not fully recovered from knee injuries, meaning Adam Johnson gets another chance and Carlos Tevez is expected to play as the lone striker. The Argentinian striker has scored 12 times in 18 Premier League appearances this term and is available at odds of 6/1 with Bet365 to score the first goal. Possible starting lineups: ARSENAL: Fabianski, Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Walcott, Fabregas, Song, Wilshere, Nasri, Van Persie.   MAN CITY: Hart, Boateng, Kolo Toure, Kompany, Kolarov, Johnson, Milner, De Jong, Barry, Yaya Toure, Tevez.   05-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10015/premier-league-manchester-united-v-stoke-city-team-news Manchester United seek to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League with a win over visitors Stoke City on Tuesday. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are unbeaten in the Premier League this season and but for a dramatic late comeback by West Brom in October would boast a 100% league record at Old Trafford. Currently level on points with their city rivals, United have two games in hand on Manchester City who play third placed Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday night, so victory against eighth placed Stoke will put them in a strong position very early into the New Year. Stoke travel to Manchester in a healthy position in the league, having turned around a dangerous slump in form that resulted in four consecutive defeats from mid October and have now lost just twice in the last nine games. Tony Pulis’ side has taken six points from nine over the Christmas period with wins at Blackburn and at home to Everton and will look forward to the challenge of facing the league leaders. And, it is quite a challenge they face; having lost in all 5 head-to-head meetings since returning to the top flight, Stoke have suffered 4-0 and 5-0 defeats on their previous two visits to Old Trafford. United are sweating over the fitness of some key players after a busy holiday period with Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra and Darron Gibson picking up knocks against West Brom at the Hawthorns on Saturday. Rooney will undergo a late fitness test on his ankle which was caught by Chris Brunt late in the game, while Ferguson is hoping to recall Portuguese winger Nani who has not played since the 1-0 win against Arsenal over 3 weeks ago due to a hip injury. Dimitar Berbatov looks sure to play and is in great form at the moment, he has scored three times over the Christmas period and leads the Premier League scoring chart with 14 goals so far this term. Victor Chandler offers odds of 18/5 for the 29-year-old Bulgarian to open the scoring on Tuesday in a game United are expected to win with ease. As for Stoke, Pulis doesn’t appear to have any new injury concerns from the Christmas fixtures and he can welcome back central defender Robert Huth who missed the Everton game with a suspension. The former Chelsea and Middlesbrough defender is one of Stoke’s aerial threats and his opening goal against Blackburn was his fourth of this campaign. Possible starting lineups: MAN UTD: Van der Sar; Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Carrick, Anderson, Fletcher, Nani; Rooney, Berbatov. STOKE: Begovic; Collins, Huth, Shawcross, Wilkinson; Delap, Whitehead, Whelan, Etherington; Fuller, Jones.   04-01-2011 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10014/mbe-for-us-open-golf-winner-mcdowell Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell is one of the sports figures to be honoured by the Queen in her New Year Honours List. The Ulsterman will receive the MBE in recognition of his achievements in 2010 when he became the first European golfer to win the US Open since Tony Jacklin 40 years ago. He is joined by football referee Howard Webb who also receives an MBE after taking charge of the Champions League and World Cup finals this year while former England rugby player Mike Catt collects an OBE. McDowell, who clinched the winning point for Europe in this year’s Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, said: "It is a huge honour for me to be included on the New Year Honours List. "For my achievements as a professional golfer to be recognised in this way is truly special. Both myself and my family are very proud of this unique acknowledgement." The pride of Northern Ireland golf, began the year ranked number 50 in the world and following his exploits which include wins in the Welsh Open and Valderamma Classic, he ended the year as world number six. McDowell plans to spend more time on the US PGA tour in 2011 when he hopes qualify for money spinning FedEx final and build on his first major title victory which he won at Pebble Beach in June. Online bookmaker Paddy Power anticipates a lot of interest from golf bettors in McDowell’s career progress next year, the Irish bookie is offering odds of 50/1 for the Ryder Cup winner to retain his US Open title and bet 10/1 he will win a major title in 2011.   31-12-2010 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10013/the-ashes-2010-11-ponting-ruled-out-of-final-test-match Australian captain Ricky Ponting aggravated his injured finger during the comprehensive fourth Test defeat to England at the MCG and has been ruled out of the final Test in Sydney. After an x-ray revealed Ponting could require surgery on his fractured finger, the Cricket Australia Board accepted a recommendation from the national selection panel for Michael Clarke to take over the captaincy in Ponting’s absence. Brad Hadding has been named vice-captain for the fifth Ashes test while Cameron White will be Clarke’s deputy for the one-day and Twenty20 games in the event Ponting does not recover in time. Despite media pressure aimed at Ponting’s position following Australia’s failure to win back the Ashes, the 36-year-old is adamant he will not be retiring his captaincy or his position in the team. "I'm not thinking about it at all," he insisted and on news of the x-ray results he added, "I'm devastated to tell you the truth, it was the news I was dreading. During the game I didn't think I'd done too much more to it." Pakistan-born Usman Khawaja will replace Ponting in the batting line-up for Sydney and left-arm quickie Doug Bollinger is recalled following news that pacemen Ryan Harris could be out for three months with an ankle injury suffered during the fourth Test match. Khawaja will be making his Australian debut and will be the first Muslim to receive the baggy green cap for his country. The 24-year-old was on standby for Ponting at Melbourne and the graceful left-hander who averages over 50 in first-class games will get his chance at number three in Sydney. 888Sport is offering odds of 11/2 for Khawaja to make an immediate impression to be Australia’s Top Scoring batsman in the first innings.   30-12-2010 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10012/cech-could-answer-chelsea-problems-against-bolton The tension at Stamford Bridge is rising and Wednesday’s visitors Bolton Wanderers will be relishing the prospect of taking on Premier League champions Chelsea during troubled times. Carlo Ancelotti’s problems continue to mount after the 3-1 defeat against Arsenal on Monday and his tenure sees Chelsea slipping out of the UEFA Champions League places after the club’s worst run of form since 1998. Chelsea have secured just six points from eight matches and seek their first league win since the narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham at Stamford Bridge seven games ago. Visitors Bolton are flying high this season, one place and two points behind Ancelotti’s side, no longer to be considered the whipping boys of previous years even if Chelsea can look back on 14 games unbeaten against the Trotters. Recent form has seriously damaged the near-invincible reputation of the London club and the once impregnable home defence has now conceded in each of its last three games. Owen Coyle has every reason to believe his adventurous Bolton side will be able to force a breakthrough and maybe take something from the fixture. Chelsea keeper Petr Cech has identified why his side has lost its way: "Every time we attack we are offside and are making mistakes too in the defensive third. This is exactly the reason why we are not winning games,” he said. He added: “We just need to have one game where you get a bit of luck to win a game and suddenly everything changes.” Whether or not his analysis holds the answers to his team’s problems, the Czech Republic international’s own performance could be critical in getting the kick start they need. A clean sheet will be a big boost to the Chelsea cause, especially as Bolton have conceded in every Premier League game since their 0-0 draw against Fulham on the opening day of the season. Online bookmaker Bet365 is offering odds of 5/6 that Cech will shut out the Bolton attack to keep another clean sheet. 29-12-2010 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10011/birmingham-v-manchester-united-betting-tips Premier League leaders Manchester United travel to St Andrews tonight in great form following an easy Boxing Day win over Sunderland . Alex Ferguson is hoping that Nani will be fit to play and both Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher could also make returns from injuries . Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney could not be experiencing more contrasting fortunes in front of goal with Berbatov now apparently scoring at will whilst Rooney can't buy a goal ! . With 13 Premier League goals already this season Berbatov has silenced his critics and become the star striker , Ferguson always expected him to be . United are top of the league courtesy of their home record though and they have been generally unimpressive away from Old Trafford with only one win in seven games . Birmingham have already beaten Chelsea at home this season and Alex McCleish has the luxury of an almost fully fit squad . With only one home defeat this term Birmingham are no pushovers and are the value bet in this evenings live game . Victor Chandler are alone in offering odds of 13/2 against Birmingham winning this evening but the 9/2 offered by Boylesports in the draw no bet market is also very good value . There are also likely to be very few goals in this game . Birmingham have scored just eight and conceded only six goals in eight home games whilst United have scored only eleven of their thirty eight goals this season away from home . Under 2.5 goals at 1.88 with Betfair is strongly recommended . 28-12-2010 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10010/england-odds-on-to-win-fourth-test-by-an-innings England will go into the third day of the 4th Ashes Test in superb position with bookmakers making Andrew Strauss's team 4/11 to win the Fourth Test by an innings .  England finished the second day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 444 for five , thanks largely to a patient unbeaten 141 from Jonathan Trott and a brisk unbeaten 75 from Matt Prior . With the lead currently standing at 346 , Strauss  will be hoping to set the Aussies a target of over 500 to make England have to bat again .   England have dominated this Test Match from the opening morning session and appear to be in an invincible position to retain the Ashes . Some bookies are quoting England as short as 1/9 to win the Fourth Test with Australia struggling to avoid the humiliation of an innings defeat in front of their home fans .  A victory for England will be enough for them to retain the Ashes but such has been their superiority so far in this game that a Series victory is now odds on . The Ashes Series is level at 1-1 going into this Melbourne Test with the final Test match to be played in Sydney .     27-12-2010 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10009/man-united-set-to-extend-premier-league-lead Two points clear at the top already and Alex Ferguson will hope to finish 2010 even further clear at the top of the Premier League as United face a what seems an easier run of fixtures than their rivals over the next four days . With an away trip to St Andrews to follow tomorrow's home game against Sunderland Manchester United are odds on to win each of their games . The same cannot be said of closest rivals Arsenal who entertain Chelsea on Monday evening before facing a tricky game away at Wigan on Wednesday evening . Carlo Ancelotti has already made it clear he is not happy having to play two games in 48 hours and the Blues will not relish taking on Bolton at Stamford Bridge so soon after playing at Highbury . Manchester City having lost disappointingly at home to Everton will not find Newcastle at St James Park very hospitable on Boxing Day and then have to welcome Aston Villa to Eastlands just 48 hours later ,  It is Manchester United currently best odds of 13/10 to win the 2010/11 Premier League title with 888Sport who may well be feeling the most joyous over the festive season and who may be odds on for the title before the New Year dawns .   26-12-2010 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10008/kempton-switch-king-george-vi-after-boxing-day-abandoned Kempton Park officials are confident of holding an eight race card on Monday after the Boxing Day meeting was abandoned following an early inspection on Friday. Clerk of the course, Bill Clifford called off the Boxing Day card after checking conditions during the morning and will carry out a further inspection at 2.00pm on Sunday to decide if Monday’s meeting can go ahead. Clifford said: "With temperatures forecast to rise to 3C on Monday morning, we are optimistic that racing will go ahead that day. Unfortunately, there is no prospect that the milder air will arrive in time for Boxing Day. "There is no frost in the ground, but our protective covers are still frozen to the grass with some frozen snow on top of them, so we have no alternative but to abandon Boxing Day's racecard." Boxing Day’s feature races will be switched to make up an eight race card starting at 11.50am on Monday with the £200,000 William Hill King George VI Chase going off at 3.15pm and the £90,000 williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle scheduled to run at 2.40pm. 2010 Sports Personality of the year winner, Tony McCoy is set to ride Kauto Star who will be bidding for a record fifth consecutive King George VI Chase. McCoy gets his chance to ride the horse, which is 5/6 favourite with sponsors William Hill, after regular rider Ruby Walsh suffered a double break in his leg early in November then stable jockey Noel Fehily stood down after suffering an injured wrist. McCoy said: "I thought I would never see another racehorse like Desert Orchid. Everyone will tell you Arkle is the best horse ever – and I don't know. But in my lifetime Kauto Star is the best horse I've ever seen. 24-12-2010 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10007/transfer-news-chelsea-chase-brazilian-defender-david-luiz With assurances that funding will be available for the January transfer window, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is looking to strengthen his squad in defence and attack. It’s understood that Chelsea have enquired about Benfica’s Brazilian defender David Luiz but have baulked at the €40 million asking price. Ancelotti is keen to secure the services of the versatile 23-year-old, who can play anywhere across the defence or as a holding midfielder, and hopes Benfica will re-evaluate their quote. The Portuguese club is known to be in desperate need of finances and with Manchester City believed to be on the look out for a top class defender, the valuation is most likely made in hope than expectation. Indeed, Benfica has been offering to sell its other prized asset, left-back Fabio Coentrao for around €20 million which is well below his release clause and its thought if Chelsea put a firm offer on the table, then Luiz could be signed for well below the initial asking price. Any hopes Ancelotti had of convincing Chelsea to bid for Carlos Tevez were dashed when the Manchester City captain withdrew his transfer request after talks with the club on Monday. Werder Bremen’s Hugo Almeida has refused to sign a new contract with the German club and he has been offered to Chelsea, but it is believed Ancelotti doesn’t see the 26-year-old Portuguese striker as the answer to his problems and will continue to look elsewhere. Chelsea’s odds to win a second successive Premier League title have drifted on the back of a woeful run of form, which Ancelotti is desperate to remedy. The side has slipped to fourth place without a league win in 5 games, which began with 3-0 humiliation by Sunderland at Stamford Bridge last month. From odds-on in the title betting at the beginning of November, Chelsea are now best priced at 2/1, available from William Hill.   22-12-2010 http://www.bestfreebets.comhttp:/www.bestfreebets.com/betting-news/10006/england-set-to-win-second-test There was a dramatic end to the fourth day at the Oval in Adelaide as Kevin Pietersen took the wicket of Michael Clarke with the final ball of the day . This was Pietersen's first wicket since July 2008 and left Australia 137 runs behind England with six wickets remaining . Pietersen had earlier scored a career best Test score of 227 and his late intervention with the ball has given England a real chance of winning this Test . The weather forecast for the final day is mixed with some rain forecast but England will have the momentum going into the final day to pull off a famous victory . Bookmakers are making England slightly odds on to force a victory and odds of just over evens are available via betting exchange Betfair . Betfair charges a commission on winning bets of around 4-5% so this must be taken into account also when placing a bet . All new customers at Betfair who deposit £25 are entitled to a free £25 bet . It promises to be an enthralling final day's cricket in what is a very winnable Ashes series for england . 06-12-2010