United and Celtic fail to score at home and Arsenal are saved by captain’s last gasp equaliser.

Manchester United’s long run of consecutive Champions League home wins came to an end on a frustrating night for British clubs.

United had won 12 European ties in a row at Old Trafford but tonight Villareal held out for a clean sheet which was backed at high of [6.4]. Cristiano Ronaldo came on as second-half subsitute to a rapturous reception and looked in good shape but despite dominating possession the European Champions lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.

The draw was matched in the match odds market at a [4.5] high while United traded at a low of 1.49. 0-0 was backed at a high of [13.5] for the correct score. The Red Devils are now out to [8.2] to retain their Champions League crown.

Arsenal were relieved to get a draw against Dinamo Kiev after Ismael Bangoura, who was [13.5] in the first goalscorer market, put away a second-half penalty before William Gallas equalised for the Gunners with three minutes remaining. The draw traded at a [6.0] high and 1-1 was matched at [12.5] in the correct score market. Kiev’s Match Odds reached a low of [1.2]. The half-time 0-0 was backed at a [3.25] high.

Celtic missed a penalty on their way to a 0-0 draw with Aab Aalborg. A clean sheet for Aab was matched at an [8.6] high and the draw reached [5.4]. The stalemate was backed at [16.5] as the correct score.

There was drama in France where Lyon came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Fiorentina. The Italians were backed at a [1.10] low and the draw reached a high of [12.0]. Karim Benzema was again the hero for the French champions as he scored to make a 2-2 scoreline was backed at [23.0].

Real Madrid didn’t trade above [1.14] as they sauntered to victory at home to BATE Borisov.

Alessandro Del Piero scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 Juventus victory over Zenit St Petersberg. The Turin side were backed at a high of [3.75].

Porto were comfortable 3-1 winners over Fenerbache and did not trade above 1.86.

The adage about backing sides at odds-on, away from home, being the ‘fast way to the poor house’ should be ringing in your ears! says Matthew Walton.

When studying the weekend football lists on Betfair, looking for a ‘home banker’ to replenish your ailing account or maybe to underwrite some more speculative investments on the coupon, it’s most likely to be the Premier League where you start your search.

Why? Well, of course for many fans, it’s where their natural allegiances lie, following one team or another in the top flight. For others, it’s where the most data is to be found upon which to base their selections - we now have a sea of information on individual and team play, seasonal trends, win-loss sequences, previous head-to-head form, in fact all manner of facts and figures to aid the process.

Furthermore, it’s the division with the widest disparity of wealth, ability and performance - surely. Think back to last season, Premier League and Champions League winners, Manchester United, in the same section as hapless Derby County - one win in the entire campaign!

So, for example, the likes of Liverpool v Stoke City this weekend must be the perfect ‘good thing’ with which to buy a bit of money. Take the [1.24] and make a tidy 24% profit in a mere 90-odd minutes - it’s nigh on a certainty.

Well, kind of.

You see, there is the natural attraction of the Premier League for punters. We know the sides and the players inside out, we can watch the games on TV, we arguably find better and more reliable form at the higher level, we might support one of the teams as well and so the list goes. Like moths to a flame we’re drawn to these high profile games.

However, the point of this discussion is that during the last five years, the percentage of home wins by Premier League sides, over the whole season, is a none too impressive 46.8%.

From a total of 380 home matches played each season, only once (in 2005-06) have we seen more than 50% of the matches won by the home side and generally it’s around the 45% mark. In short, on average, a draw or home loss is a more likely outcome than a home win.

We’re looking for a ‘home banker’ though. We want a higher percentage of teams winning at home. But even if we go North of the border there’s no better to be found as the SPL home win average for the last five seasons is only 45.4% even allowing for Celtic and Rangers.

Ok then, we’ll go to Europe. We’re all acquainted with Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain, Lyon in France, Bayern Munich in Germany and the Milans of Italy - these sides may be foreign but we’re familiar with them, we know our Bundesliga from our Primera Liga. Surely we can find some solid, nailed-on betting material in these divisions.

Last five seasons, percentage of home wins across all league matches in the top flight - Bundesliga 46.8%, Primera Liga 46.3%, Ligue A 46.2% and Serie A 45.0%.

Strange how they’re all strikingly similar, England and Germany are identical but you can pretty much throw a blanket over the lot as only 1.8% covers the top flight in six different countries. And that’s over a five year period, it’s not as if it’s a seasonal one-off.

Now at this point you might say - ‘Ah, but surely this just shows that in these premier divisions, the top teams simply win a lot of away matches (as well as home matches) and so cause many of the other lesser sides to have a poor home win percentage - thus driving down the overall home win percentage’.

Good point. And take the example of Arsenal [1.67] going to Bolton this weekend. A win for Arsene Wenger’s side, and others like them, will inevitably cause these home win figures to drop. So maybe your quest for a decent ‘home banker’ should just be about finding a winner, whether at home or away, by simply backing the top sides blindly.

But does that necessarily ring true? With Arsenal odds-on to win at the Reebok having only won one of their last five visits to the North West. The adage about backing sides at odds-on, away from home, being the ‘fast way to the poor house’ should be ringing in your ears! Banker bets they ain’t.

And yes, you could also say - ‘Betting is all about value. The probability of success, compared to the odds available. The win percentage means little without reference to the odds on offer’. Fair point again but surely the characteristic of the ‘home banker’ is that value is all too often conveniently forgotten. It’s just ‘the win’ which punters want. Lump on and collect, simple as that.

No. The answer is there, right in front of you. Just set your sights a little lower. What about the Championship plus Divisions 1 and 2, aren’t they worth exploring?

Last five seasons, percentage of home wins across all league matches - in the Championship it’s 50.6%, Division 1 an even better 51.4% and in Division 2 a respectable 49.5%. All significantly better than the other, more widely publicised, more familiar, more supposedly reliable top divisions which attract so much of our time, effort and money.

For sure, you might feel less inclined towards Cheltenham than Chelsea, Aldershot to Arsenal but a knowledge of these sides, as we’ve seen from the above figures, can pay dividends. And, God forbid, there’s enough data around these days to amply cover all four divisions.

So when you’re perusing the coupon for this week’s so-called ‘good things’ to steal a few quid off your fellow Betfair rivals it might be better to set your sights lower, as opposed to higher.

The likes of Birmingham City [1.46] against Blackpool, Millwall [1.52] against Cheltenham Town and Bradford City [1.67] to beat Bournemouth are statistically more likely to get your weekend punting off to a good start.

As with all betting, the more you put in, the more you can get out. The glittering delights of the Premier League may initially catch your eye but there are good bets, and often better bets, in the lower divisions.

Happy hunting on Betfair!

Record signings find themselves on the losing sides and turmoil is compounded by defeat at Newcastle.

Dimitar Berbatov and Robinho suffered debut defeats as Manchester United and Manchester City lost 2-1 against Liverpool and Chelsea respectively.

It was a dream start for Robinho when he stroked a 22-yard free-kick into Peter Cech’s net after thirteen minutes and those who had backed the Brazilian at [12.5] in the first goalscorer market will have echoed the jubilation ringing around Eastlands.

Chelsea’s odds reached [4.5] but four minutes later Ricardo Carvalho equalised to set up a half-time 1-1 which was matched at [12.0]

The blues imposed their superiority in the second-half with goals from Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka to set-up a 1-3 score which was matched at [28.0].

Earlier in the day, Liverpool were backed at a high of [11.0] on their way to victory over Manchester United at Anfield. United traded at a low of [1.55] after Carlos Tevez, who was backed at a high of 14.0 in the First Goalscorer market, gave them the lead after three minutes.

Liverpool hit back through a Wes Brown own goal to leave the sides level at half-time. The half- time draw was backed at a [6.4] high and the 1-1 half time score at [13.5].

Liverpool were the better team in the second-half, harrying United, dominating possesion and put together a number of impressive moves before Ryan Babel won it for them in the 76th minute.

Over 2.5 goals was backed at a high of [2.92] and 2-1 was backed at a high of [16.0] in the correct score market.

The game of the day was at the Hawthorns where West Bromwich Albion were matched at a high of [6.4] on their way to a 3-2 victory over West Ham United. Those who backed Over 4.5 goals at [8.4] will have joined Baggies fan’s celebrations when Chris Brunt scored the winner late in the second-half.

Arsenal did not trade any higher than [1.98] as they cruised to a 0-4 win against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. However, Emmanuel Adebayor scored a hat-trick which was matched at a high of [26.0].

Hull City gained their second win of the season when they added to Newcastle United’s woes with a 1-2 win at St James Park. New Magpies’ signing Xisco scored on his debut to inspire a late siege on the Hull goal but the away side held out for a victory which was matched a high of [6.8].

There was value at Fratton Park where Portsmouth Town soared to odds of [10.0] before Jermaine Defoe fired them to a 2-1 comeback against Middlesborough.

Elsewhere, Zaki scored a second-half equaliser to give Wigan a 1-1 draw with Sunderland and, with first-half goals from Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora, Fulham touched a high of [2.36] as they ran out 2-1 winners against Bolton.

There was value in four Premier League sending offs today with Nemanja Vidic’s red matched at [8.0], John Terry’s at [6.8], Danny Guthrie’s at [6.2] and Lee Cattermole’s at [5.7].

After todays results Chelsea are [2.12] favourites to win the Premier League followed by Manchester United are out to [3.85]. After their victories Arsenal are [7.6] with Liverpool at [8.4].

Alan Dudman confronts his Swindon complex, reflects on the mysteries of the division and tips Leeds to hit top gear.

Many of you would have noticed last week that the copy boys on the Betfair desk labelled me a ‘heartbreaker’. A soubriquet I found most refreshing, considering some of the other words often used to describe me nearly always end in the same three letters.

Ever wondered what happened to Johnny Shentall? No, me neither.

Last Saturday proved to be fairly fruitful following wins for Orient [tipped at [4.10]] and Carlisle (which landed us the overs bet]. The same game at Brunton Park also saw us finally bag a correct scoreline as ‘Deadly Doug’ set up a three goal thriller.

With the talk this week of The Big Bang, and various boffins trying to unlock the mysteries of the universe. I will attempt to unlock the various mysteries in League One this Saturday (although granted, a 2:2 in media studies hardly qualifies me as a boffin).

First up for me this weekend is Essex, a phrase I often used in my 20s. Southend at [1.85] look really strong as they entertain my bete noire - Hereford United.

Steve Tilson’s side have failed to win since the opening day of the season, but they showed plenty of positives signs last week in what ultimately proved to be an unlucky 2-1 defeat at Carlisle.

Two good signings of Freedman and Christophe were highlighted in last week’s column, and this will be a golden opportunity for Southend (who were a play-off team last season) to kick-start their campaign.

The Essex boys are also playing pretty well. The 5-2 defeat at Walsall could be considered a freak as they were the better team for an hour. Whilst Carlisle got a dubious penalty (thankfully) last week, a game which they didn’t deserve to lose - according to Tilson.

Hereford amazingly are unbeaten in two, and have started to look tighter at the back. However, Graham Turner’s side have lost all three games away from Edgar Street this season, I do not expect this to change.

I fancy Southend so strongly I would also advise laying Hereford in the Asian Handicap with +0.5 and +1.0.

Rewind many years and defender Bruno N’Gotty was enjoying life at the San Siro, plying his trade for AC Milan alongside the likes of the great Boban, the incomparable Albertini and the majestic George Weah.

Fast forward a decade and N’Gotty, along with the mighty Paul Dickov, Matt Fryatt and Steve Howard, finds himself in the midlands preparing for a grand old tussle against Millwall.

I am of course talking about Leicester - who just about look the best side in the division thus far. Unsurprisingly the Foxes have now usurped Leeds as title favourites, and currently trade at [3.8].

But let’s deal with this Saturday’s game. If short priced favourites are your thang, then Leicester [1.63] to beat Millwall [6.4] is quite possibly one of the strongest ever odds-on shots I have seen.

The Midlanders remain unbeaten this term and have scored a whopping 13 goals in their last four games. You should also remember that they had the best defensive record in The Championship last term - which has carried over to this campaign in a lower division, and are as miserly as ever conceding only one goal all season.

It is highly unlikely Millwall will breach this defence, although Lewis Grabban’s pace and ability on the ball is most certainly a danger.

I don’t envisage any problems for the home side here. They have a great attack too and will have way too much ammunition for Kenny Jackett’s Londoners. If the price outright is too short for you, then look no further than a Leicester victory at 2-0 or 3-0 on the correct scorelines.

Swindon Town are a side I have avoided so far in any of my columns, but five weeks in to the season, I feel comfortable enough to advise a lay at [3.35] as they entertain the mighty Leeds.

The Whites of Yorkshire are beginning to hit top gear. They’ve responded brilliantly to the shock home defeat to Oldham, and have since embarked on a five match unbeaten run including the epic dismantling of woeful Crewe at Elland Road seven days ago.

The triumvirate of Beckford, Robinson and Becchio has yielded 14 goals between them this season, 3 more than the whole Swindon team have managed. Leeds are not too bad a price at [2.24], but the better value is in the lay of the home team.

“Mystical” Mike Norman urges Betfair punters to stop over-analysing England and just look at what’s staring at everyone in the face - Croatia are the higher-ranked, better-organised, more successful side…

A win is a win as they say. In terms of accumulating points, many England fans will argue that the manner of victory over Andorra was irrelevant. But, in terms of inspiring confidence, Saturday night’s poor performance doesn’t bode well for England going into the game against Croatia - especially with so many pointers stacked against them.

Betfair’s ‘Match Odds’ market has Croatia at [2.5], England at [3.4] and the draw at [3.2] - an England victory is the least fancied of the three…. and rightly so.

One pointer that I’ve been banging on about for weeks now is England’s dreadful recent record against nations ranked higher than them in the FIFA World Ranking. It’s been nine games since the Three Lions last won one of these matches. England are down in 15th in FIFA’s latest list (behind Turkey and Cameroon) whilst Croatia are ranked 5th (ahead of Brazil and Argentina).

Often when punting on an England match we get bogged down with trying to analyse England too much. Sometimes, like in this case, the answer is staring us right in the face - and that answer is that right now, Croatia are a better team than England. They qualified for Euro 08, England didn’t. Croatia have beaten England the last two times they have met. They are officially ranked higher, as stated above. And finally, Croatia have one of the best home records in international football - just one defeat at the Maksimir Stadium in 18 years (39 games).

When you consider Croatia’s only home defeat came at the hands of then World Champions’ France in 2000, you start to realise what a formidable team they are in front of their hostile supporters - and what an enormous task England have on Wednesday evening.

On the face of it, a Croatia victory looks appealing at [2.5], but confidence in opposing England is always tainted with the knowledge that Fabio Capello has an extremely talented bunch of individuals at his disposal. On their day (which are few and far between) they can beat anyone, and for that reason I’d much rather back Croatia to win group six at [1.92] (England are [2.12]) as a long term option than back them on Wednesday, only to see England put in a breathtaking performance.

England will probably slip up a few times with tough trips to the Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus to come after Wednesday night’s (arguably the toughest of the lot), while they don’t look at all confident playing in front of the expectant Wembley crowd. On the other hand, Croatia are rock solid on home soil and have a far more consistent look about them on the road than England do.

But back to Wednesday’s match and the question of how many goals will be scored? In their last four meetings, England and Croatia have mustered up a total of 17 goals between them. Going on this form, ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ ([2.56]) and ‘Over 3.5 Goals’ ([5.0]) will appeal to many, and to be honest, I wouldn’t put anyone off these bets. Croatia’s superior technical play will always threaten goals, while England’s ‘potential’ also has to be considered.

Personally I’d bring back Joe Cole on the left - this is no slight on Stewart Downing’s part, it’s simply down to Cole being a bigger threat at the moment. Obviously Rio Ferdinand will come in for Joleon Lescott while I’m hoping that Theo Walcott retains his place on the right wing. I wouldn’t be averse to playing Emile Heskey from the start with either Wayne Rooney or Jermaine Defoe. England will start the game conservatively, but with Cole, Walcott and Heskey in the team, not only will they have outlets, they will have some attacking threat also.

I’ve already said I think Croatia will win, and I will reluctantly stick with that, but if England play the way we know they can then anything can happen. I’d be delighted with a draw, and a correct score of either 1-1 ([7.2]) or 2-2 ([21.0]) will line plenty of pockets. A repeat of Croatia’s 2-0 victory over England in the Euro qualifier can be backed at [13.5], while my own personal choice is a 2-1 win for the home team - this can be backed at [12.5].

Unlike many, I think this will be an open game with each side netting at least once. Therefore I’m opposing the clean sheets - if you disagree let me know why. The ‘Croatia Clean Sheet’ odds are [2.82] for ‘Yes’, [1.5] for ‘No’, the ‘England Clean Sheet’ odds are [3.05] for ‘Yes’, [1.36] for ‘No’.

The Chelsea man saves an insipid England as Scots crash and Wales steal a win…

Joe Cole came off the bench in Barcelona to score two goals and inspire England to a 2-0 victory in their opening World Cup qualifier against Andorra.

England did not trade above [1.5] despite being held to a 0-0 half-time scoreline which was backed at a high of [8.8]. The draw was backed in the Half-time market at a high of [7.2].

England were insipid in the first 45 minutes with Wayne Rooney and Jermaine Defoe shooting high and wide. Only the pace of Theo Walcott concerned the Andorran part-timers.

A clearly unimpressed Fabio Capello sent his team out four minutes early at the break and brought on Cole and Emile Heskey. The change proved a shrewd one when, in the 49th minute, the Chelsea man volleyed home as Frank Lampard’s free-kick ricocheted up off Joleon Lescott. Cole was matched at a high of [10.5] to be the first goalscorer.

At this point it looked as though England would go on to complete a rout and the markets reflected this as under 2.5 goals was matched at a high of [6.4] and over 2.5 goals at a low of [1.1].

Perhaps with Wednesday’s match against Croatia in mind, England chose to consolidate and the game ended 0-2, a scoreline matched in the correct score market at[ 9.4].

The Republic Ireland’s match odds did not rise above [1.88] as they got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a positive start with an impressive 2-0 away win against Georgia.

Kevin Doyle, who was backed at a high of [7.4] in the First goalscorer market, opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Glen Whelan added a second in the 68th.

Georgia’s injury time goal may have been mere consolation for the home side but for those who backed a 1-2 scoreline at a high of [18.5] in the correct score market it was cause for celebration. It would also have pleased those who backed Over 2.5 goals at [8.6].

Wales had to rely on substitute Sam Vokes to earn a 1-0 win against Azerbaijan at the Millenium Stadium. Jason Koumas missed a 66th minute penalty before Vokes, who was backed at a high of [8.6] in the First Goalscorer market, struck in the 82nd minute when it looked like the match was heading for an unlikely draw. Wales were backed at high of [2.8] in the match odds and 1-0 touched [7.8] in the Correct Score market. Under 1.5 goals was backed at high of [4.3].

Scotland and Northern Ireland fared less well in their opening clashes.

The Scots remain without a victory under George Burley after going down 1-0 to Macedonia. Ilc Naumosk, who was backed at a high of [9.4] in the First Goalscorer market, scored the only goal after six minutes. 1-0 was backed at a high of [9.0] in the Correct Score market and a Macedonia clean sheet was backed at a high of [5.9]. Under 1.5 goals was backed at a high of [8.0].

In the match odds market Scotland were backed at a low of [2.06] and Macedonia a high of [3.35].

Northern Ireland’s match odds never went below [4.0] as they lost their opening World Cup Qualifier 2-1 away to Slovakia.

A half time 0-0 was backed at a high of [3.05] before Slovakia scored twice in the second half.

An own goal in the 81st minute by Slovakia defender Jan Durica set up an exciting finish but in the end it was only good news for those who had backed 2-1 in the Correct Score market at a high of [24.0].

“Knowledgeable” Nik Wardle talks us through the different candidates in line for the poisoned chalice that is the Newcastle job.

Kevin Keegan is no longer King Kev at Newcastle, after walking out on the club for the second time. His departure echoes that of Alan Curbishley at West Ham, where the manager was unhappy at not being wholly responsible for transfers. With Newcastle having a continental structure, established British managers are unlikely to want the job - with the possible exception of a candidate already at St James Park.

Apart from some ardent Newcastle supporters, few thought Keegan would have a successful return to Newcastle. What was fairly surprising, although not totally unpredictable, was Keegan leaving for off the field reasons. Appointing a Director of Football (or Executive Director, as Dennis Wise is officially called) to work with a recently appointed manager was always going to be a recipe for disaster - especially where the Director of Football had far less experience than the manager.

I’m sure some Newcastle fans will be calling for Alan Shearer ([9.4]) but I’m sure he won’t be joining the club at this juncture. Shearer had a reputation as a player for liking to get his own way, so I’m certain he wouldn’t want Dennis Wise and the rest of the Newcastle committee telling him who to buy.

Gus Poyet is the current favourite at [7.4]. Due to his partnership at Leeds and Swindon with Wise, he’s an obvious link, but having never been a number one, Poyet would be a risky appointment. If he were to be appointed, it really would prove the influence of Wise at Newcastle. Wise himself is at [17.0]. There is a history of English ex-bosses joining a club as the Director of Football, and then taking over team affairs. Men like Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth and Graham Taylor at Aston Villa proved they preferred life in the dugout rather than the boardroom, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Wise fancied a go himself.

David Moyes ([16.0]) and Steve Bruce ([18.5]) have been linked with the job in the past but, like Shearer or any well-known British manager, I’d be surprised if they wanted to work in a continental structure.

Of those currently available, Didier Deschamps ([10.5]) is likely to be interested, especially as he played with Wise at Chelsea. He’s proved his managerial credentials by steering Monaco to the Champions League final in 2004 and achieved promotion with Juventus, after the club were relegated for match-fixing, before resigning. Michael Laudrup ([13.0]) and Roberto Mancini ([23.0]) have both been linked with the West Ham job too and I think both would make good appointments, if interested. Gerard Houillier ([29.0]) was reported to have ruled himself out of the running to replace Sam Allardyce, so is unlikely to be interested now.

Two men currently in jobs, Turkey coach, Fatih Terim ([11.0]) and Real Zaragoza Marcelino Toral ([16.0]) may have been more interested if the vacancy had come over the summer. Despite speculation he was to quit after Euro 2008, Terim remains Turkey’s boss and Toral has only just taken over at Zaragoza after quitting Racing Santander over the summer, after leading them to UEFA Cup qualification.

Little, if any, noise has come from Newcastle about being in a rush to replace Keegan. In-part, this is due to the international break, but I have a sneaky suspicion that Wise may fancy a few games in charge. Their first fixture after the break is a winnable one at home to Hull and no matter how loyal fans are to a departing manager; they’ll always like one who brings success.

Whoever ends up taking the job on permanently will have a tough task - not only will they have to deal with the Newcastle transfer committee but there’s also the question mark about how much cash owner Mike Ashley will put forward for new players and also, there’s the unrealistic ambitions of the Geordie faithful to placate.

Just when all the attention in the Premier League was focussed on Kevin Keegan’s future at Newcastle, Alan Curbishley dropped a bombshell by resigning his post at West Ham. Betfair Radio looked at the market.

With the help of Betfair’s Head of Industry Media, the inimitable Tony Calvin, Betfair Radio 2 clarified the status of the Premier League “managerial change” market (you may know it better as the sack race).

We took the opportunity to talk about who might possibly take the reins at Upton Park, and had a stroll down memory lane, recalling some of the highs and lows of those volatile markets involving managerial change.

So the transfer window shuts tonight and we´ve got four dull months to go through. No more secret sessions logging into your club´s website at work in the hope they´ve announced a big new arrival. On the other hand no more worrying that your brightest star is about to be lured away, says Ralph Ellis.

The transfer window is a bit like the meaning of life. Everybody has asked the question “why?”, but nobody has ever come up with an answer. Or ever will, probably. In fact you´re more likely to have a cogent theory on why we are all here than for why it made sense to limit footballers to a few weeks a year when they can change jobs.

In the meantime it means four months to find out just how good the new arrivals can be, and who has made best use of the chance to strengthen their squad. And on the face of it Mark Hughes has not done so badly at all.

He already had Brazilian striker Jo lined up for him when he took over at Eastlands. But his dealings since have been outstanding - very much in the tradition of the man who found the likes of Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz for bargain prices at Blackburn. Belgian defender Vincent Kompany had already looked like quality in last week´s win over West Ham, and then Shaun Wright-Phillips turned up and helped himself to two debut goals at Sunderland. For a club that´s supposed to be in chaos while the owner unlocks his fortune from Thailand, it was the perfect morale booster and another sign that Hughes is a quality manager. Just to add to his pot he´s now gone out and signed Argentine defender Pablo Zabaleta from Espanyol. City are now [3.35] for a top six finish, and looking far better value than Tottenham who are [2.1]

They´ve certainly used the window better. Spurs may or may not wave goodbye to Dimitar Berbatov today, but whether he goes or stays the whole summer has damaged them. Losing Robbie Keane was bad enough, even though some reckon getting 20 million quid was good business. The truth is that selling your goals is never good business and that showed at Stamford Bridge, despite Darren Bent helping take a point. Bent, incidentally, is now [10.5] to be top English goalscorer.

Jermaine Defoe has taken over as favourite at [4.6], but I´m not sure I´d be that swayed by his first couple of goals in a Portsmouth shirt. Harry Redknapp is traditionally the master of the transfer market, but while he´s bought too good forwards there still must be long term doubts about the quality of supply to go with them. Defoe is in Fabio Capello´s first competitive England squad, as is Jimmy Bullard who now looks like staying at Fulham.

Aston Villa were the biggest spenders until today, and Martin O´Neill must have been pretty happy with how his new boys looked in the 0-0 draw against Liverpool. The defence needs time to settle, and it was encouraging that Nicky Shorey looked for the first time like the left back who used to play for Reading instead of his twin brother from a Sunday pub team. He still needs a genuine goalscorer to push the club into the top four, though.
Robbie Keane is quality but there was little sign at Villa Park that any of Rafa Benitez´s other additions to his squad will do anything much more than make up the numbers. They have to be listed among those who´ve done worst in the window, headed by Newcastle who let James Milner go and have not brought in nearly enough numbers. All of Kevin Keegan´s problems were clear in the 3-0 mauling at Arsenal and the Toon who talked big about winning things again under Keegan are now as long as [19.0] just to make the top four.

West Ham have done even worse with their Icelandic owners suffering from the credit crunch. But here´s a thing - they´ve just got Craig Bellamy back fit, and fifth in the table this morning, they are [21.0] to be top at the end of September. With West Brom, Newcastle and Fulham to play. Might just judge them on last year´s transfer window dealings and have a punt on that one!

Tony T here with our “Rockstar” quick hitter sports betting trends from week 1 of College Football. We are less than two weeks away from the start of the College Football season and lets look at some of the hottest college football sports betting trends from week 1.
Utah Utes @ Michigan Wolverines. Utah is 7-1 to the under in their last 8 road games.
Oregon St Beavers @ Stanford Cardinal. Oregon St is 9-2 against the spread in their past 11 meetings.
Virginia Tech Hokies @ East Carolina Pirates. Virginia Tech is 5-0 against the spread in their last 5 road games.
Those are 3 of the hottest sports betting trends from week 1 of the College Football sports betting season. For sports coverage with a Vegas style keep your browser aimed at www.GamblersTelevision.com

Duration : 0:0:57

Technorati Tags: betting, college, Football, gamblers, hokies, michigan, ncaa, odds, picks, sports, tech, television, trends, Virginia, wolverines