Europa League Treble: Hapoel and Maccabi flying flag

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Europa League Treble: Bet on goals against Academica

"Atletico rested a few notable faces away at Hapoel Tel-Aviv on matchday one and still ran out very comfortable 3-0 winners."

Christian Crowther predicts a convincing win for Atletico Madrid and victories for Dnipro and Lazio...

Back Dnipro to beat Napoli @ 2.01/1
Dnipro's home form is nothing short of terrifying for would-be visitors this season, having triumphed in all eight games they've played at the Dnipro Arena. Furthermore, losing itself has become a rarity with just one defeat in their last 19 games in all competitions. Their most recent home victory came via a 2-1 win over Ukrainian Premier League rivals Dinamo Kiev, leaving them second only to Chelsea-slaying Shakthar. Visitors in this competition have been dealt harsh treatment too, most notably Napoli's previous conquerors PSV Eindhoven - so convincing in that 3-0 triumph - but beaten squarely 2-0 in the Ukraine. Napoli, who are involved in a title tilt in Italy, may rest players in this competition as they did in the Netherlands.

Back Lazio to win away to Panathinaikos @ 2.1211/10
Lazio are a team in form - winning their last four games in all competitions - including a substantial domestic triumph over AC Milan last time out. The Italians' intentions in this competition were made clear when they travelled to Tottenham with a full-strength team and a subsequent home win against Maribor has left them in a strong position in their group. German international Miroslav Klose is the main man for Lazio, having notched three in his last two starts. Greek side Panathinaikos are enduring a torrid season by contrast - without a home win to their name since early August - having only mustered one win in their last nine in all competitions, drawing six.

Back over 2.5 goals between Atletico Madrid and Academica @ 1.68/13
The holders Atletico Madrid are unbeaten in 2012/13 and since drawing their opening game of the season have overcome all that have crossed their path, a run stretching to ten games in all competitions. Chelsea felt the full force of the Atletico twister when they were blown away in the European Super Cup and the Spaniards don't look like touching down against Academica either. Atletico sit second in La Liga at present - joint on points with Barcelona - with the best home scoring record in the division. Atletico rested a few notable faces against Hapoel Tel-Aviv on matchday one and still ran out very comfortable 3-0 winners. Diego Simeone's reigning champs won all nine at home in this competition last season, while their visitors Academica conceded three away to Czech side Viktoria Plzen in their Europa League opener.

Odds of 6.56n/a can be found on the above treble using the new betting slip - click here for more information

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Follow The Money: Diplomatic's solid treble chance

Follow the Money / Follow The Money / 20 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Two FTM bets run at Kempton on Tuesday

"Diplomatic has really blossomed this year and a nice middle draw along with significant support, [6.6] in to [4.7], points to the treble being a realistic proposition."

Today's movers come from the meetings at Exeter and Kempton...

In Exeter's 16:00 there has been a move for Fergal O'Brien's Bubbly Bruce. On the face of it there is not a great deal to recommend the eight-year-old but [11.0] in to [7.2] for quite decent money should trigger further investigation. You only have to look back a couple of years to discover that this selection was tackling the likes of Cue Card and other high class opposition. If he can put a disappointing Hurdles career behind him and take to fences on his first attempt he could be worth a punt.

Over to Kempton for our next two movers. Hannibal Hayes in the 16:10 seems an appealing selection on first glance but the market is speaking loudly against his chances. Drifting from [2.84] to [5.0] this once-raced son of Elusive Quality would not appear to be tuned to the minute for today's race. There are plenty of promising types in opposition and hopefully one of them will fulfil that promise today and prove that the market slide on our lay was justified.

Lastly, in Kempton's 17:40, Diplomatic attempts a course and distance three-timer in the space of two months. The Cape Cross seven-year-old has really blossomed this year and a nice middle draw along with significant support, [6.6] in to [4.7] points to the treble being a realistic proposition. Late support for another runner would dent our confidence, but as things stand the selection has very solid credentials.

Recommended Bets
http://sports.betfair.com/Index.do?mi=105195298&ex=1&origin=MRL&rfr=3013
Lay Hurricane Hayes [5.0] Kempton 16:10
Back Diplomatic [4.7] Kempton 17:40

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FA Cup Result: City end United's treble dream with semi-final win

FA Cup / Maxliu / 16 April 2011 / 1 Comments

Yaya Toure celebrates his winning goal

"City are now [1.46] favourites to win the FA Cup."

Delight for City as they reach FA Cup final, United crash and Scholes sees red at Wembley...

There will be no repeat of Manchester United's 1999 treble after local rivals City beat them 1-0 in a fiery FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

City touched [5.7] before YaYa Toure scored the decisive goal shortly after half-time. The goal came about when Michael Carrick lost his concentration for a moment and gifted the ball to the Ivorian on the edge of the penalty area. Toure powered into the box before slipping his shot past Edwin Van der Sar.

United created scant opportunities to get back into it, coming closest when Nani's dipping was free-kick tipped on to the bar by the excellent Joe Hart. Dimitar Berbatov missed two brilliant chances in the first half - one as Hart saved his shot superbly and seconds later as the Bulgarian managed to scoop the ball over a gaping goal when to score would probably have been easier.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men's fate was all but sealed when Paul Scholes was sent off midway through the second period. The United midfielder can have few complaints about receiving a red card for his high, late tackle on Pablo Zabaleta.

City's fans looked anxious when five minutes of added time was announced. United have staged a few late comebacks this season but this was one deficit too far for the Reds. As for the Blues, they are now [1.46] favourites to win the FA Cup.

Two Premier League grafters go head-to-head in the second FA Cup semi-final, and Mike Norman believes it will be an entertaining affair that could go either way. Best Bet: Back Both teams to Score @ [1.9]....

The two big stars are missing but there should be plenty of needle here in a match which the Manchester of the United variety should end up winning. Keep an eye on that "to be shown card" market though because...

Javier Hernandez upfront by himself or alongside Dimitar Berbatov? Gareth Barry in the middle...or Barry on the bench? Michael Cox ponders some of the big questions and give us his best bets ahead of this mouth-watering tie....

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Will Greenwood: Round four treble

Match Previews / Will Greenwood / 09 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Will doesn't fancy facing this man - but is he playing in his best position?

"The match in Cardiff is probably the pick of the round four games. It should be a cracker as two sides heading in the right direction come face to face."

Last time out Will Greenwood rewarded backers by landing a 14/1 treble - can he pull off the same trick in round four?

Readers of this column know two things about me: I landed a 14/1 treble in round three and I have a lot of love for Italy. Here's where those two facts combine.

Italy are a massive [16.0] to beat France but they have performed admirably in their two games at home, causing problems for Ireland and Wales. I was gutted when Ronan O'Gara slotted that drop goal in round one to deny the Italian's a deserved victory. They possess excellent players and I've been impressed by Alberto Sgarbi as well as Sergio Parisse and Mirco Bergamasco. The latter pair play their club rugby in France so they know all about Saturday's opposition and will work hard to spread belief amongst the squad.

The French would need to slip-up in pursuit of a big win and everything would have to fall just right for the Italians.

But - and you knew there was a but coming - one of the golden rules of gambling is that in the event of a big win, you should not, repeat not, then go out and blow the winnings on a risky wager. I'd be delighted to see the look on the Italy players' faces when they finally win a big game. I hope that happens this Saturday but in the end the French will have too much and I have to back them to win a tight contest.

The match in Cardiff is probably the pick of the round four games. It should be a cracker as two sides heading in the right direction come face to face.

Both Wales and Ireland are at fascinating junctures, both within a gnat's whisker of being very good teams. The Welsh have shown glimpses of brilliance in their last two matches while the Irish are attempting to rediscover the fluidity that landed them the Grand Slam two years ago.

Ireland have named an unchanged side and I'm delighted to see Paul O'Connell getting back to his brilliant best. For Wales, the cavalry has arrived, with Jonathan Davies and Leigh Halfpenny set to start as James Hook moves to fly-half. Hook is a fantastic player but I actually prefer to see him in the centre. As a former number 12, I wouldn't fancy playing against him.

This one really is very close to call. That's reflected in the odds, with home advantage making Wales [1.94] favourites and Ireland at [2.12]. If ever there was a chance of landing the draw [23.0] this could be it so you might consider getting a fiver on. Over all, I think the Millenium crowd will give Wales the extra advantage to get over the line, so I'm backing the home side to win by less than 12.5 points at [2.22].

Will Greenwood's Six Nations Treble:
Back England to beat Scotland by over 12.5 points @ [1.34].
Back France to beat Italy by under 12.5 points @ [2.52]
Back Wales to beat Ireland by under 12.5 points @ [2.22]

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To follow Will on Twitter click here and to visit his website click here.

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Last time out Will Greenwood rewarded backers by landing a 14/1 treble - can he pull off the same trick in round four?...

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Will Greenwood: Round three treble

Match Previews / Will Greenwood / 23 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Sam Warburton has impressed Will so far

"Scotland need to up their game for a huge clash against Ireland..."

Will's backing England at [2.46] to beat France by less than 12.5 points but what bets is he adding from Wales v Italy and Scotland v Ireland?

I admit that I was surprised by Wales' victory over Scotland - you know I was because I lost my bet - but that's the beauty of sport. I was mightily impressed by their defensive intensity and I believe Sam Warburton may be the best number seven in the Championship so far. Which is saying something when you consider that he's filling the shoes of Martyn Williams.

Italy were torn apart by a clinical England side and, as somebody with a lot of affection for the Italians, I hope they weren't traumatised by the experience. I don't think that's likely under Nick Mallet and back at the Stadio Flamino they will make things difficult for Warren Gatland's men.

I expect Italy to pile in from the start and make things difficult as they did against Ireland. Wales should take control of the game in the second half, making their possession pay between the 50th and 70th minutes. I'm backing them to win by less than 12.5 points at 2.4.

I was disappointed for Scotland and Andy Robinson but they only had themselves to blame for their defeat against the Welsh. They were absolutely terrible, no excuses, it was a lame performance and, while Wales were strong at times, Scotland pressed every self-destruct button available. They let themselves and their supporters down.

They need to up their game for a huge clash against Ireland but perhaps fans need to put things in perspective. Limited in playing numbers and professional teams, perhaps the wins should be enjoyed more than the losses mourned. I don't fancy their chances of beating Ireland. Put in a good performance, be brave against England and try and pick off the Italians and avoid the wooden spoon on the final weekend.

Ireland were beaten last time out too but they have enough about them to come back at Murrayfield and record their second win of the campaign. Back Ireland to win by -12.5 points at [2.4].

Recommended bets:
Back England to win by -12.5 points @ [2.46]
Back Wales to win by -12.5 points @ [2.4]
Back Ireland to win by -12 points @ [2.4]

To back Will Greenwood's Six Nations Round three treble click here.

To follow Will on Twitter click here and to visit his website click here.

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Will Greenwood's Six Nations Treble: Round two

Match Previews / Will Greenwood / 09 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Gordon D'Arcy had a shocker in Rome

"Wales are in serious trouble and, if they lose to Scotland, my wooden spoon bet on Italy will be in jeopardy."

Last week, Will Greenwood missed out on an opening weekend treble by half a point. This week he's determined to pull off the hat-trick, but will the World Cup winner play safe or back a points extravaganza?

I was part of an England side that lost their opening Six Nations match in France in 1998 and it's a real test of a team to see if they can bounce back. Fortunately, we managed it with a big win over Wales at Twickenham but as a player you feel desperate after losing your opener.

That's the situation facing both Wales and Scotland when they meet at Murrayfield on Saturday. The away side are in serious trouble and, if they lose - which Betfair punters expect them to - my wooden spoon bet on Italy will be in jeopardy. I have to say, odds of 5.5 on the Welsh finishing bottom of the pile are quite appealing.

Scotland scored three tries in Paris and many people believe they are a strong side. But if the French had been more clinical with their final pass, they could have won by 50 points. I would have predicted a home win in this match by seven to nine points but we could see a fair few tries at Murrayfield and, if you fancy backing a points extravaganza, you could bet on Scotland to win by over 12.5 points at [3.15]. That would be a ballsy move, and the Scots will be buoyed by their performance in Cardiff last year, but I don't think they'll trounce the Welsh so I'm going to back Scotland with a handicap of 2.5 points at [1.81].

I'm currently turning out for a veterans team and even our coach would have pulled off Gordon D'Arcy on Saturday. The Ireland centre had a shocker in Rome but, with Declan Kidney's squad decimated by injuries, he should get a chance to redeem himself in what will be cracking game against France.

This is the first Six Nations match to be played at the new Aviva Stadium in Dublin and I expect the home side to rise to the occasion. It's important to remember that Leinster have already beaten Clermont there this season and I'd be taking that as the form line for this match rather than recent internationals.

At times France were ridiculously good against Scotland but Ireland were holding something back against Italy and [2.62] is a great price for a home win.

Will Greenwood's Six Nations Treble:
Back England -22.5 points @ [2.04]
Back Scotland -2.5 @ [1.81]
Back Ireland @ [2.62]

To follow Will on Twitter click here and to visit his website click here.

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Cavani treble leaves Napoli eyeing Scudetto

Italian Football / Ben Lyttleton / 31 January 2011 / Leave a Comment

Edinson Cavani struck again against Sampdoria

"Napoli were the weekend's most impressive victors: they smashed Sampdoria 4-0, with Edinson Cavani scoring his second hat-trick this month."

The Milan clubs battle to eventful wins but the big news of the weekend may turn out to be Napoli's Cavani-inspired victory over Sampdoria.

Napoli first reached third place in Serie A this season after Week 13. Back then, Lazio were just slipping down from their early position of dominance, AC Milan moving top, and Inter were way back in sixth. This quartet remain the top four sides in Italy, and they all won this weekend, but the manner in which they did so could provide some pointers to what is shaping up to be an exciting Scudetto race.

Milan did what they needed to do, beating Cagliari 2-0 to maintain their four-point lead. But it was no easy task: Mark van Bommel was sent off on his debut and Milan, with six midfielders missing, played out the match with Robinho, a striker and Thiago Silva, a centre-half, in the midfield. Milan are [1.79] to end the season in top spot.

Inter's win over Palermo was even more complicated, as the reigning European champions, coming into the game after their first league defeat under Leonardo, to Udinese, were 2-0 down at half-time. January signing Giampaolo Pazzini came on for his debut at half-time and he turned the game, scoring twice and earning the penalty for Samuel Eto'o's winning spot-kick. Inter are nine points back and [4.5] to hold onto their crown.

But it was Napoli, [9.0] for the title, who were the most impressive
victors: they smashed Pazzini's former club Sampdoria 4-0, with Edinson Cavani following up his hat-trick against Juventus earlier this month with another treble. It was his fourth hat-trick of the season and he is reaping the rewards of coach Walter Mazzarri's decision to play him as centre-forward, and not the second striker position he held at Palermo.

He is now top of the scoring charts on 17 goals, two ahead of Antonio Di Natale, and one of only two strikers in the top seven who has not scored a penalty for his team (the other is Marco di Vaio). He is [2.5] to finish as top scorer with Di Natale [2.66] and Eto'o [5.4] on 13 goals.

Napoli's targets have now changed, unsurprisingly. At the start of the season reaching the Europa League was the challenge, but now they are eyeing a Champions League place and even more. "We know we can compete for a Champions League spot and also something even bigger, we can challenge for the Scudetto," Cavani told Calcio Italia magazine in an interview published this week. "It doesn't mean that if we don't win it, we will be failures, but we are in the hunt and we have to try. It can't hurt to dream, especially if you keep working hard."

Napoli are also in the running for this season's Europa League: they face Villarreal in the next round, with the winners playing Metalist Kharkiv or Bayer Leverkusen. It's a tough draw for the Neapolitans, who are [2.0] to sink the Yellow Submarine and [34.0] to win the trophy.

Owner Aurelio de Laurentiis has had no time to congratulate himself for the brilliant Cavani deal: he paid €5m for this season's loan and will pay another €12m in the summer to make the move permanent: instead he is looking for more striking talent, and today looks likely to sign striker Tim Matavz from Dutch club Groningen.

Matavz, who has scored 12 goals this season, will be the latest Slovenian to play in Serie A, following the success of Palermo's Josip Ilicic and Armin Bacinovic, not to mention Udinese's Samir Handanovic. He is not the only Slovene moving to Italy this month: Palermo have brought in defender Sinisa Andzelkovic from Maribor and midfielder Jasmin Kurtic from Gorica, while Genoa signed 18-year old midfielder Enej Jelenic from Koper.

For now, though, all the talk in Naples is of Cavani. Napoli have not won the title since 1990, when Diego Maradona's 16 goals inspired them to glory: 21 years on, another South American is leading the charge for them.

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