Odds correct at time of writing. For latest Betfair prices, see redrants.com/bet.

In our third of four group-stage betting guides, betfair hone in on groups E and F.

Group E
Holland are the fourth best team in the world according to FIFA’s rankings but, at 13.5 (12/1), Betfair punters only rate them fifth favourites to triumph in South Africa. Despite consistently producing great teams, the Oranje have only ever won one international tournament. Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben have both had sensational seasons for their clubs and Robin van Persie could star if he stays fit.

Denmark are second favourites to win Group E at 5.5 and 2.0 (evens) to qualify for the last 16. Thomas Sorensen is no Peter Schmeichel and Arsenal’s Nicklas Bendtner is inconsistent up front, but the Danes are well marshaled at the back by Palermo defender Simon Kjaer.

Cameroon will provide considerable competition for second place in the group. Twenty years after veteran Roger Milla led their unforgettable charge into the quarter-finals, the Indomitable Lions’ attack is spearheaded by Samuel Eto’o, one of the world’s greatest finishers. We like the 2.2 (6/5) available on them to make the last 16.

At 4.3 (100/30) to reach the second round, punters are giving short shrift to Japan coach Takeshi Okada’s claims that his side could make the semi-finals. We think the Samurai Blue are more likely to finish bottom of Group E at 1.79 (4/5).

Group F
World Champions Italy look generously priced at 16.5 (15/1) in the winner market. They’re considered a shoo-in to win Group F at 1.12 (1/8) but, as the Azzuri tend not to start well, we recommend you avoid that price. Their 2006 triumph was built on defensive nous but the ageing Italian side could be weak at the back.

Paraguay are hoping Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz has been saving his best form for the summer. Still, they arrive in South Africa on the back of their most successful qualifying campaign and the market expects them to finish runners-up in Group F at 1.55 (8/15).

Slovakia could upset the odds in this group and at 2.28 (5/4) we’re backing them to reach the last 16. Napoli striker Marek Hamsik will be key and, if Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel can keep things tight in defence, Slovakia may surprise a few people on their World Cup debut.

It will be fascinating to see how fellow debutants New Zealand fare. Can they emulate neighbours Australia and reach the last 16 first time out? At 14.0 (13/1), punters think not.

Odds correct at time of writing. For latest Betfair prices, see redrants.com/bet.

In our second World Cup preview, Betfair examine groups C and D…

Group C
England are 7.6 (13/2) third favourites to win the World Cup this summer, but the highs of a perfect qualification campaign have been replaced by injury worries for manager Fabio Capello.

Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Ledley King and Gareth Barry all have question marks hanging over them, while none of the goalkeeping options inspire total confidence. Rooney is probably England’s most important player and if he’s fit they could go all the way.

Continue reading “Rooney, Ferdinand & Vidic at the World Cup”

Odds correct at time of writing. For latest Betfair prices, see redrants.com/bet.

In their first World Cup betting preview, Betfair look at the group-stage prospects for Ji-sung Park, Patrice Evra and Javier Hernandez…

Group A

Patrice Evra’s France may not be the force they once were but they still boast talented players such as Franck Ribery, Yoann Gourcuff and Lassana Diarra. A price of 20.0 (19/1) in the winner market is big for finalists in two of the last three World Cups. Back them to win Group A at 2.12 (11/10).

United fans will get an early opportunity to see Javier Hernandez, aka Chicharito, in action. His native Mexico have qualified for the last 16 in the previous four tournaments and can be backed at 2.06 (21/20) to do it again. Javier Aguirre is a tactically astute coach but odds of 120.00 (119/1) to win the World Cup reflect his country’s consistent failure to reach the quarter-finals.

At 2.94 (2/1) to reach the second round, South Africa are regarded by some as the poorest host-nation team ever but if they can win their first game, against Mexico, that will change. Everton’s Steven Pienaar is integral to their hopes.

Uruguay have won the World Cup twice, albeit both over 50 years ago. In Ajax’s Luis Suarez they have one of the most exciting young players in Europe and United fans need no introduction to his strike partner – Diego Forlan, conqueror of Fulham in the Europa League final and a major La Liga star since leaving the Reds in 2004. He could help his nation reach the last 16 at 2.22 (6/5).

Group B

Ji-sung Park’s Korea Republic face a big battle to get out of Group B. Betfair punters rate them the least likely side of the four to make the second round with Argentina 1.14 (1/7), Nigeria 2.1 (11/10) and Greece 2.56 (8/5) all shorter than Huh Jung-moo’s men to qualify at 3.6 (13/5). In their favour is experience – they’ve been at every World Cup since 1986 and reached the semis in 2002. Odds of 260 (259/1) to win the WC reflect the task for Park and co.

Diego Maradona leads perennial World Cup fancies Argentina, but it could be argued that the presence of this maverick at the helm is a black mark against them. The 9.0 (8/1) tournament fourth favourites are still an extremely short price to get out of the group at 1.14 (1/7). Of the other contenders, Nigeria’s over-expectant public could be in for another disappointment. Greece shocked everyone at Euro 2004 and the current functional side could progress.

It’s a shame Liverpool couldn’t do the job last weekend, but United still have a job to do on Sunday and Stoke, unlike the Scousers, aren’t going to lie down and let the champions walk all over them.

Heading into the final weekend of the season, Chelsea are 1.12 (1/8) to win the Premier League, with United’s odds out to 8.8 (8/1).

Continue reading “Crunch time for United and Rooney”

The Betfair markets have been reacting to Friday’s Champions League draw and it’s time for punters to step up too.

United backers will be delighted to see the Reds paired with Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals and either Lyon or Bordeaux in the semis. Odds of 4.5 (7/2) on a third Champions League triumph for Sir Alex’s men should be snapped up now.

Continue reading “Sir Alex’s men for the third consecutive CL final?”

Spring is here and what started out as a transitional season for the Reds looks like it could turn into a golden year. You can get 11.0 (10/1) on United pulling off a League Cup, Premier League and Champions League treble and something tell us those odds will narrow over the coming weeks.

Continue reading “The Rosseneri’s lost cause – United v Milan”

Manchester United can go top of the Premier League on Saturday evening as the title race gets tight again.

Chelsea’s unexpected defeat to Manchester City threw the competition wide open again and there’s little to split the Reds and the Blues, and indeed Arsenal, in the betting on this season’s Premier League winner. Chelsea head the market at 2.7 (7-4) with United close behind at 2.74 (7-4) and the Gunners 3.85 (14-5) shots.

Wolves stand between the Reds and the summit this weekend and the odds suggest the champions will get their own way – the home team are an enormous 12 (11-1) to win with Betfair. Faithful United backers can get 1.37 (4-11) while the draw trades at 5.3 (9-2).

Those short odds on a Reds win are unsurprising as Mick McCarthy’s men are stuck in rut with just one league win this year. By contrast, United are top of the form table with four victories and a draw from their last six games in England’s top division.

The Molineux outfit are the league’s lowest scorers with just 21 goals and will come up against the second most parsimonious backline on Saturday evening. The odds on a United clean sheet are tight at 1.92 (10-11) but they should be taken.

By and large Wanderers have kept things fairly tidy at the back, rarely getting hammered but never quite doing enough to snatch a share of the points or even taking all three. It’s likely they’ll lineup in a defensive formation, despite their chronic need for points. The Reds are likely to keep one eye on AC Milan’s Champions League visit and Fergie may pull one of two key performers off should United hold a two goal advantage. In short, don’t expect a heavy win.

With that in mind, a correct score bet of 2-0 appeals at 7 (6-1) as does the ‘draw/United’ half-time/full-time result at 4.7 (a little over 7-2).

United have failed to beat Villa twice already this season but the market takes its lead from the history books by rating the Reds 1.89 (10/11) favourites to win the Carling Cup final on Sunday.

Continue reading “United v Villa – Can the reds turn the tide around?”

Fancy being at Wembley to see United pick up their first silverware of the season in the Carling Cup Final? Betfair is offering you the chance to do just that.

It could be a classic when the Reds go head-to-head with Aston Villa on Sunday February 28th. Having failed to beat Martin O’Neill’s men in two attempts already this season, United might need your support to make it third time lucky.

With Wazza in unstoppable form United’s number 10 could well fire them to victory. Or will a goalkeeper be the hero as Ben Foster was when the Reds beat Spurs to lift the trophy last season?

Whatever happens, it’s going to be a great occasion. So don’t miss out – click here to place a bet with Betfair by midnight on Wednesday February 24 and you could be cheering the Reds to Wembley glory.

Everyone who places a bet by Wednesday night will be entered into a draw for the Carling Cup Final tickets – and the winner will also be part of a follow-up ‘a day at the final’ feature.

Click here to bet and enter the draw.

After conquering AC Milan at the San Siro, Manchester United face their second tough road game in five days when they go to Everton on Saturday.

But the Betfair layers are taking no chances with the champions and rate the Reds as just 1.85 (5-6) chances to win at an opponent in very good form at present.

Everton have lost just once in 2010 – a fractious derby game with Liverpool – while Chelsea and Manchester City have been beaten at Goodison Park. They will not roll over for United.

Continue reading “Everton will not roll over for United”