Beat the Bookie

Welcome to a brand new Beat the Bookie Premier Podcast ahead of the 2010/11 campaign.

Here you’ll find expert opinion, comment, news, and exclusive betting tips ahead of the opening matches of the Barclays Premier League.

Presenter Adriano Russo is joined in the studio by our resident betting expert Ricky George as we pick out the bets to help you 'Beat the Bookie'.

You can listen to our weekly podcast right here, or download onto your laptop, PC or mp3 player.

Make sure you keep up-to-date with our tips and inside information, and why not follow Ricky’s Special Bet every week?

There’s the Beat the Bookie Yankee to take a punt on, together with other value bets as we mark your card for every English Premier League game.

You can get in touch with us at podcast@beatthebookie.co.uk and we’ll try to include as many of your questions, comments, ideas and suggestions in our podcasts too.

It’s all free.

So why not subscribe right now, we’d love to welcome you along to ‘Beat the Bookie’.

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Whatever happens on Saturday night in Madrid, either Bayern Munich or Inter Milan are destined to secure their first ever seasonal treble.

Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho insists the UEFA Champions League is "more important" than the World Cup as he prepares to lead his side into Saturday's final against Bayern Munich.

"This game is the most important in the world.

"It is even bigger than the World Cup because the teams in it are at a higher level than national teams, who can't buy the best players. If you hold it to be important, you have to transmit that to the players."

Inter have not played the most attractive football in reaching the final which takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening 19:45 UK time.

However, Mourinho remains unrepentant.

"I think that this season I haven't seen a match like the one between Inter and Barcelona at the San Siro," Mourinho said. "I haven't seen a team play the way we did. We attacked aggressively against the champions of Europe. We scored three goals against the champions of Europe.

"We won the tie in Barcelona, but everyone talks about Barcelona winning and says we parked the bus in front of the goal. We didn't park the bus, we parked the airplane and we did it for two reasons. One, because we only had 10 men and two, because we beat them 3-1 at San Siro, not by parking the bus, or the boat or the airplane, but by smashing them at the San Siro.

"I haven't seen anyone play the way we did against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea isn't a small team, it is the champion of England and no one plays like that at Stamford Bridge. Only we have played two games of the level we did against Chelsea and against Barcelona."

Watch the latest football betting preview forecast from Ladbrokes for the views of the legendary John Motson and our resident betting expert Ricky George.

You thought that the Premier League season was over....well it is, but we still have plenty of football to discuss with our special guests in the studio.

In this edition we are joined by our resident betting expert Ricky George as we look back at the FA Cup Final as Chelsea bagged a historic double.

We also hit out at the state of the Wembley pitch, and turn our attention to England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

In our second half we focus in on the UEFA Champions League Final from Madrid as Bayern Munich take on Inter-Milan.

We analyse the very best prices, endeavouring to help you to Beat the Bookie with some value tips.

And finally we put the spotlight on Argentina.

Have they got what it takes to lift the coveted trophy in South Africa?

So, why not put on your headphones and catch us for the very latest Beat the Bookie Premier Podcast.

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Can Chelsea secure their first ever League and Cup double at Wembley on Saturday?

Only relegated Portsmouth stand in their way, although former boss Avram Grant is endeavouring to mastermind a massive cup shock.

Watch the latest football betting preview forecast from Ladbrokes for the views of the legendary John Hollins and our resident betting expert Ricky George.

Join us for our latest podcast as we look ahead to the FA Cup Final at Wembley on Saturday.

The former Chelsea player, manager and FA Cup winner John Hollins pops into the studio alongside our resident betting expert, and FA Cup giantkiller, Ricky George. It seems both ex-professionals are predicting an entertaining showcase final.

Avram Grant knows the Chelsea squad inside out and will therefore be hoping he can mastermind a major shock.

However, Portsmouth are huge underdogs for this match.

Chelsea defender John Terry has been passed fit and looks set to play against Pompey.

The former England captain damaged his right foot in training on Wednesday, but subsequent scans have revealed only bruising.

Terry explained: "I was just running back to goal and Daniel Sturridge fell on top of me. My foot was caught underneath. I thought it was quite bad initially. But once I had the scan, it was just bruising.

"I was delighted when I got the scan results and there was no ligament damage or anything like that. It was just a bit of bruising inside the foot so no problem at all."

The Blues full-back Ashley Cole is set to become the first player to win the FA Cup on six occasions, but Branislav Ivanovic remains doubtful with knee trouble so Paulo Ferreira could slot in.

For Portsmouth, Jamie O'Hara has a double stress fracture, but is so desperate to play at Wembley he could line up subject to a successful pain-killing injection.

Relegated Pompey lifted the trophy in 2008 but with the club in administration this match could be their last chance of glory at the highest level for many, many years.

England keeper David James claims his Portsmouth colleagues are keen to go out on a high.

"Before the semi-final, people pointed out the long odds for us to get anything out of the Spurs game.

"That was more than just proving other people wrong - I think we proved ourselves right.

"Now after what has been a traumatic season in the Premier League and off-the-field, it is great for Pompey to have something to look forward to."

Our podcast also looks back at last weeks dramatic events which saw Chelsea crowned Premier League champions, and we assess the season as a whole with an assessment of each Premier League club.

Just who should you be backing next season, and where should each club strengthen?

Join us for the latest edition of the Beat the Bookie Premier Podcast.

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   Will Chelsea or Manchester United lift the Barclays Premier League title this Sunday?

Chelsea face Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge knowing a home win will guarantee the crown.

Meanwhile, Manchester United entertain Stoke City at Old Trafford with the realisation there is nothing they can do to stop the Blues should that be the case.

However, will there be a sting in the tail?

Can an obdurate Wigan performance stifle Chelsea?

Watch the latest Premier League Video Preview from Ladbrokes for the views of John Motson and Ricky George.

Welcome to the final Beat the Bookie Premier Podcast of the 2009-2010 Barclays Premier League season.

As we reach the ultimate climax of the football season, just who will lift the title?

Chelsea are the clear favourites, but can Wigan Athletic deny the Blues to such an extent that Manchester United could yet pip Carlo Ancelotti's side at the final hurdle?

It's all down to the final games as Chelsea host Wigan, but United wait in the wings as they entertain Stoke City at Old Trafford.

In the first half of this weeks edition of the podcast we review last weeks matches, and run the rule over Tottenham Hotspur as they gained qualification into the Champions League at the expense of Manchester City.

Towards the bottom of the table Hull City became the third side to be relegated alongside Burnley and Portsmouth.

We consider what could have gone wrong at the KC Stadium?

John Motson pops in for our halftime teamtalk with a unique insight into the big games coming up this Sunday.

Does Motty see any prospect of Manchester United lifting the major prize?

In our second half we preview all the Premier League matches, plus details of the Golden Boot, the Champions League and much, much more.

We've also got the odds for next season already!

Ricky George once again provides you with the best analysis, and prices, to help you Beat the Bookie.

So, slide up the volume control, and we're sure you'll enjoy this weeks Beat the Bookie Premier Podcast.

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Ahead of the penultimate weekend of the Barclays Premier League season it's a two horse race as Chelsea lead Manchester United by a single point.

In the first half of this edition of the Beat the Bookie Premier Podcast we look back on last weeks action which saw both clubs in free scoring mode.

With just two games left to play the Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti insists he is delighted his team are clear leaders.

"There was a bit of pressure on us but I don't feel any pressure now. I am calm and quiet because the title is in our hands. We can decide our destiny."

Chelsea complete their campaign at home to Wigan on Sunday 9th May.

Should Ancelotti be able to inspire his troops with six points out of six, Chelsea will secure their first title since 2006.

Manchester United effectively have to beat both Sunderland and Stoke in their remaining fixtures, hoping for the Blues slip up along the way.

John Motson pops his head around the door for our halftime teamtalk ahead of that monumental clash at Anfield.

Just who does Motty see lifting the title?

In our second half we preview all the important games, plus the race for fourth place.

The relegation battle is also on our minds as we provide you with the best analysis, and prices, to help you Beat the Bookie.

Finally, Ricky George additionally looks ahead to the first two classics of the flat racing season at Newmarket with his tips for both the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas.

So, put your feet up, and enjoy this weeks Beat the Bookie Premier Podcast.

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NEWMARKET GOING KEY TO GUINEAS’ PUZZLES

The first two Classics of the British flat racing season will be run at HQ this weekend with the forecast good to firm ground influential in the minds of punters.

Ante-post favourite for the 2000 Guineas on Saturday, ST. NICHOLAS ABBEY, slaughtered a quality field , including main market rival ELUSIVE PIMPERNEL, in last season’s Racing Post Trophy, however the ground that day was soft and the big question for the colt’s admiring band of followers is can the Aidan O’Brien trained three year old be as effective on a faster surface?

The major market movers for Saturday’s £400,000 classic were AL ZIR and CANFORD CLIFFS, backed in from 25/1 to 12/1 and from tens to sixes respectively. The gamble on Racing Post Trophy third Al Zir, was described by Ladbrokes’ David Williams as “enormous”and Canford Cliffs having been talked up by regular rider Richard Hughes in Monday’s Racing Post attracted major support during the day.

St. Nicholas Abbey however, remains firm at 13/8 with sponsors Stan James.

Kieren Fallon, who chose the Luca Cumani trained SETA in preference to Mick Channon’s filly MUSIC SHOW for Sunday’s 1000 Guineas admitted yesterday that he could be in trouble if the ground comes quicker than ideal for his mount. “If it doesn’t rain by the end of the week I could be in  trouble here” Fallon said. The former champion also cast doubts over favourite SPECIAL DUTY staying the Rowley Mile, however Khalid Abdulla’s filly remains favourite at 7/2 with Stan James, with Music Show and Seta both priced at 6/1.

Join us here at Beat the Bookie for more Guineas news.

Our final selections will be announced at the end of the week.

Good luck.

RICKY GEORGE

Join us for the latest edition of the Beat the Bookie Premier Podcast as we wonder just what twists and turns await us as the Premier League title chase remains tantalisingly poised.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti fumed last week as captain John Terry got sent off during his sides 2-1 defeat to Tottenham on Saturday.

Terry was sent packing after receiving two yellow cards as the Blues went down giving Manchester United renewed hope.

United are now just one point behind at the top of the Premier League.

"I was a player and I know as a player sometimes you lose your control and any player can do this," said Ancelotti.

Terry will be suspended for Chelsea's game against Stoke on Sunday.

Earlier United's victory over Manchester City had swung the title wide open once more.

United are at home to Spurs this Saturday in a match which carries a lunchtime kick-off, and could therefore leapfrog over Chelsea with a win.

Chelsea will have to wait and see whether striker Didier Drogba is fit to play, as he is currently struggling with a groin injury.

Meanwhile Arsenal look to be rank outsiders for top spot following an astonishing loss at Wigan.

Boss Arsene Wenger blamed his players for lack of moral fibre after the Gunners capitulated, losing a match 3-2 when looking comfortable at two-nil up.

"It's difficult to understand what happened in those final minutes. We lost focus, discipline, and we were caught. It was not like us," he said.

"It is the most disappointing defeat of the season, but we have to swallow it."

Arsenal now lie six points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.

The result leaves Wenger worried about securing a guaranteed place in the group stages of the Champions League.

Spurs are seven points behind their north London rivals, with Manchester City nine points adrift.

However, both sides have a game in hand on Wenger's men.

"My target is to win the next game," stated Arsenal manager Wenger.

"Manchester City and Spurs can still catch us, so we have to win at least one of our remaining games."

In the first part of this weeks Beat the Bookie podcast we look back at the pick of the action from last week, and in our half-time teamtalk the voice of football John Motson joins us to provide some big match insight into the minds of Alex Ferguson and Carlo Anchelotti.

And as ever after the interval we bring you detailed match-by-match forecasts of all the Premier League games with our regular betting expert Ricky George.

Why not get in touch with us too, we would love to hear from you - wherever you are.

Give your town or city a mention….with listeners and subscribers worldwide it would be great to know your thoughts.

Maybe you have some questions on the English Premier League, or indeed the World Cup.

Please get involved. Drop us an email at podcast@beatthebookie.co.uk

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