[UEFA > Champions League > 24th - 25th August]

Re: UEFA > Champions League > 24th - 25th August I think Sampdoria represent some good value at 2.2. They were unbeaten at home all last season and they go into the return leg with a bit of hope after their away goal in the 3-1 loss to Werder Bremen. Werder got beaten 4-1 at the weekend and go into the game without their first choice striker (and back up striker) and centre back. With their lead, they go into the game knowing a draw or narrow defeat will get them through where as Sampdoria know they must win the match. I think odds should be closer to 1.9 and would expect them to get nearer to that level by the time the game starts tomorrow evening.

[World Cup Qualifiers 10/11 October 2009]

Re: World Cup Qualifiers 10th October 2009 FYI - News from the Ukraine website regarding the England game on sat Team losses Before the final phase of the qualifying the blue-yellows faced significant losses in the defense. Dmytro Chygrynskiy and Andriy Rusol are ruled out of the match due to the injuries, while Vitaliy Mandzyuk is suspended against England due to bookings.

[World Cup Qualifiers 10/11 October 2009]

Re: World Cup Qualifiers 10th October 2009 I have to admit I would never have said this a year ago but I think 2.7 for England away to Ukraine is very good value on Saturday. I appreciate the arguements that England have already qualified but as anyone who has watched England over the past year has seen, Capello has instilled a winning mentality in whatever game they play. He has named a strong squad, he has said he will play his strongest team in the first half, it's a qualifier so he can't sub his whole side at half time hence he will play his strongest team all game. There is a sense that no-one is safe and everyone will be looking to impress. My thinking is that he will play his strongest team on Sat and give the impression that anything less a win is unacceptable. He enjoys hard games as he has proved by arranging away friendlies against tough opposition in the last year and he will look at this game to give him a true sense of how much the England players are commited. This will leave Wednesdays home game to rest a few players if required and keep the club managers happy if he feels the need. Ukraine have been poor recently and all things taken into consideration England should be priced at 2.25 maximum. Ukraine have been poor (drew 0-0 away to Belerus in last game) and are facing an England team who have a 100% qualifying record, are strengthened by the return of Rio at the back and are fighting for their places specially with the likes of Walcott, Joe Cole and Owen not even in the squad.