If you have played Premier fantasy football before then you’ll know just how much fun it is. It’s similar to the AFL SuperCoach and will keep you entertained during the whole Premier League season.

We’ve setup up a fantasy league of our own on our betting forum PunterZone.com.au which is free for anyone to join. Visit our EPL Fantasy Soccer thread at this link for full details.

Our very own GameTipper has been busy writing up guides to help you along your way. So check out his detailed Fantasy League guide at this link. It has everything you need to know about building the complete team such as how to start off, which types of players to buy, what to look for, and much much more.

Want to Join our EPL Fantasy League?

The more the better in our eyes! So feel free to join, just follow the steps below. Plus you can join in the discussion on the forum and have a great time along the way. We’ve already got a few involved so good times ahead.

• Join EPL Fantasy League at this link
• Enter League Code: 40878-14213
• Visit our thread at PunterZone Forum and join in the discussion

World Cup Betting

We all love a bit of a flutter on the World Cup soccer, especially with the Socceroos going into the tournament with somewhat of a chance of going deep. But where’s the best place to bet on the upcoming tournament, I hear you ask…well, it’s a good job you asked, as we’ve got exactly the place for you.

Sportsbet.com.au have an insane range of markets for the World Cup. Basically, if there’s something you fancy to happen at some point in the tournament, they’ll have it on their site. Fancy a lot of corners? Holland to finish second in their group? New Zealand not to score a goal? England to go out on Penalties?! You get the picture, there’s tons available.

Free Bet upto $300 too!

There’s more though…when you sign up, Sportsbet will match the value of your first settled bet as a free bet, upto $100! After that, they’ll match the average value of your next ten bets upto another $100…and then they’ll do it again, for a total of $300 Free! Check out this offer on the Sportsbet website for further details.

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World Cup bets available at Sportsbet

• Outright Winner
• Top Goalscorer
• Group Bets:
  • Group Winner
  • To Qualify
  • To Finish Second
  • To Finish Bottom
  • Not to Qualify
  • Group Points
  • Quinella & Exacta
• Player Tournament Goals
• Top Regional Team
• Team Top Goalscorer
• Goalscorer Match Bets
• Team to be eliminated on Penalties
• First Time Winner
• To Knock England out
• Total Australia Goals
• Total Goals, Corners, 0-0 Draws, Own Goals, Penalties & More…
• Check out Sportsbet’s World Cup section >>

So as you can see, there’s just tons of betting opportunities, which coupled with the Free $300 on offer, makes Sportsbet a must join if you don’t already have an account.

Sportsbet Free $300 Bet

Rhys Williams, Shane Lowry, Tommy Oar, James Holland and Eugene Galekovic were the five unlucky players cut. Middlesborough defender Williams was under an injury cloud and has missed his spot due to this injury.

Australia 2010 World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer, Adam Federici, Brad Jones.

Defenders: Scott Chipperfield, David Carney, Lucas Neill, Michael Beauchamp, Craig Moore, Mark Milligan, Luke Wilkshire.

Midfielders: Vince Grella, Carl Valeri, Jason Culina, Mile Jedinak, Tim Cahill, Brett Holman, Dario Vidosic, Mark Bresciano, Brett Emerton, Richard Garcia.

Strikers: Nikita Rukavytsya, Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell

The squad appears weaker on paper compared to the 2006 World Cup squad; however it’s hard to argue with Verbeek’s results. The Socceroos have managed to go undefeated in their past 13 matches overall and conceded only 1 goal during qualification in Asia.

Will this squad be good enough to lift the World Cup Trophy? Yeah, we doubt it as well, but we certainly believe they are capable of making it to the second round. In fact you can get the juicy odds of $2.80 to qualify. We certainly like that! Why not get a $100 Free Bet at Centrebet by joining today and turn that $100 into $280!

If you think the Aussies can make the second round, then we suggest you look at getting a Centrebet account today. Not only can you take part in stacks of their amazing World Cup promotions, but you can grab yourself a $100 Free Bet to use on any match during the World Cup. Check full details by joining Centrebet today.

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Socceroos v Denmark

The Socceroos continue their 2010 FIFA World Cup preparation tonight with a warm up match against fellow World Cup bound Denmark. It should be a good hit out with the Socceroos likely to field a near full strength squad.

Interestingly, this will be only the second time these two teams will of met ever, with Denmark winning 3-1 back in 2007. This will be an important match, as it will be played in South Africa and give both sides a feel of what to expect come next week.

Denmark have been installed as $2.17 favourites at Centrebet with Australia quoted at $3.20, and the draw at $3.30. Both teams are coming off wins, Australia beat New Zealand 2-1 in Melbourne, while Denmark beat Senegal 2-0 in Aalborg only four days ago.

The Socceroos will have their work cut out for them, but they do have a good squad. They are very defensively minded so will make it tough for the Danes to score, the question is where will the goals come from? With Kewell in doubt (again), guys like Josh Kennedy, Tim Cahill and Brett Emerton will need to stand up and find the back of the net.

Denmark have a good squad with the likes of Thomas Sorensen in goal, along with Jon Dahl Tomasson and Nicklas Bendtner up front, plus a classy midfield. However I do believe Australia may be able to get something out of this match and I am going to be tipping the draw in this match.

Best Bet – Draw at $3.30

Free Bets on the Match

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The Details

Date: Tuesday June 1
Kick-off: 2:00pm local (10:00pm AEST)
Venue: Ruimsig Stadium, Johannesburg
Odds: Denmark $2.17, Australia $3.60, Draw $3.30

The Squads

Australian squad
1.Mark Schwarzer, 2.Lucas Neill, 3.Craig Moore, 4.Tim Cahill, 5.Jason Culina, 6. Michael Beauchamp, 7.Brett Emerton, 8.Luke Wilkshire, 9.Josh Kennedy, 10.Harry Kewell, 11.Scott Chipperfield, 12.Adam Federici, 13.Vince Grella, 14.Brett Holman, 15.Mile Jedinak, 16. Carl Valeri, 18.Brad Jones, 19.Richard Garcia, 20.Mark Milligan, 21.David Carney, 22.Rhys Williams, 23.Mark Bresciano, 24.Eugene Galekovic, 25.Dario Vidosic, 26.Shane Lowry, 28.James Holland, 30.Tommy Oar, 31.Nikita Rukavytsya

Denmark squad
Goalkeepers: Thomas Sorensen (Stoke City), Stefan Andersen (Brondby), Jesper Christiansen (FC Copenhagen)
Defenders: Daniel Agger (Liverpool), Simon Kjaer (Palermo), Per Kroldrup (Fiorentina), Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn Rovers), Simon Busk Poulsen (AZ), William Kvist Jorgensen (FC Copenhagen), Patrick Mtiliga (Malaga)
Midfielders: Daniel Jensen (Werder Bremen), Christian Poulsen (Juventus), Christian Eriksen (Ajax), Jakob Poulsen (AGF), Martin Jorgensen (AGF), Mikkel Beckmann (Randers), Thomas Enevoldsen (Groningen), Thomas Kahlenberg (Wolfsburg), Dennis Rommedahl (Ajax), Jesper Gronkjaer (FC Copenhagen)
Forwards: Jon Dahl Tomasson (Feyenoord), Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal), Soeren Larsen (Duisburg).

World Cup 2010

As is the always the case, the amount of potential combinations and permutations to play out in the upcoming FIFA World Cup is almost endless.  And, needless to say, there is a betting opportunity to accompany each of them.

It can therefore be difficult to know how and where to begin planning your punting attack on the big event in South Africa.  So, in order to help us put our best foot forward this World Cup, we’ve called upon the expertise of noted Pom-cum-Aussie soccer expert Michael Lynch, of The Age.

Here is Michael’s assessment of how to play each of the groups, the Top Goalscorer market, and otherwise how best to capitalise on the action from the world’s biggest sporting event.

Group A: South Africa, Mexico, France and Uruguay

Trappy looking contest where almost anything could happen. France are very lucky to be here at all – many would say after Thierry Henry’s handball goal assistant against Ireland that they shouldn’t be – and are not the team that made the final in 2006. South Africa is regarded as one of the weaker host nations, but usually the home town team at least makes the second phase. Mexico have some good players and plenty of World Cup experience while Uruguay just squeaked through against Costa Rica in the play offs. Uruguay at 150 to win look a more sporting bet than France at 22, but I wouldn’t fancy either. Back South Africa to make it out of the group and lose in last 16 at 3.25.

Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, Greece, South Korea

Nigeria only just fell in to qualify and Greece made it via the European play offs. Rank outsiders when they won Euro 2004, but lightning doesn’t strike twice. Nigeria 170 and Greece 250 are at those odds for good reasons. Argentina (9) is amongst a small group from whom the likely winner will emerge. Diego Maradona as coach is a disadvantage, however, although Messi is a massive bonus. I think South Korea is massive overs at 250. Arguably the best team in Asia, the Koreans have World Cup pedigree, some good players in European clubs and great commitment. I fancy them to qualify and they could cause upsets on the way to make the quarters. They are 11 to be eliminated in the last eight.

Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia

England always goes into a World Cup with great expectations – and invariably disappoints, having flattered to deceive along the way. The Quarter Finals is usually the summit of their achievement, but there are plenty who believe that this time round it might be different. Certainly Fabio Capello has tightened things up and brought discipline and self belief. At 7.8 they are not a bad bet to go all the way. Algeria won’t win, but could perhaps be backed to cause an upset and qualify in second place from the group and lose in the last 16, for which they are available at 5.

Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana

Not quite the group of death for the Socceroos, but a tough assignment, reflected in their odds of around 190. Australia will do well to match their achievements of 2006, but such is their spirit they should at least give supporters a run for their money. I can’t fancy Ghana to repeat their last 16 performance of 2006, but am interested in Serbia at odds of around 70. They came through their European group well, have been in good form since and have a smattering of high quality players at big European clubs who will not be intimidated by anyone. Worth a small flutter at the price.

Group E: Netherlands, Cameroon, Japan, Denmark

The Dutch will be hot favourites to get out of this group – and they should do in relatively straightforward fashion. At 13.5 or thereabouts they too might be worth a nibble to win the whole thing as they will be one of the most talented teams in the competition. Disunity has often brought down talented Dutch squads, but the price they are at makes them an interesting option and better value than most. Cameroon is up and down, but should benefit from playing in Africa. Japan is aiming for a semi final result, but their odds of around 680 reflect their chances. Fancy the consistent Danes to accompany the Dutch into the last 16.

Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia

No team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 has won back to back World Cups so the odds against the Azzuri repeating this time should be longer than the 16 they are currently trading at. The Italians should breeze through what on paper looks to be one of the easiest groups, and should make it to the quarters. But after that? I wouldn’t be too confident. Forget Slovakia and New Zealand, who will be there to enjoy the experience. Paraguay are historically difficult to break down but don’t score a lot. Should qualify for the knockout phase, but don’t fancy them to go a lot further.

Group G: Brazil, Ivory Coast, Portugal, North Korea

Brazil invariably kicks off as favourites and can be backed with confidence to get as far as the last eight at a minimum. But they are in the Group of Death and will have to be right on top of their form right from the outset. At 6 I am not sure they are all that great value, as any slip up in qualifying – possible against the calibre of opposition they face here – could see them finish second in the group and facing Spain in the round of 16. Ivory Coast is expected to go well on African soil but Portugal can be flakey. North Korea produced some huge shocks last time they qualified in 1966 but won’t repeat.

Group H: Spain, Chile, Honduras, Switzerland

Can Spain do the double – having won the European Championship in 2008 become World Champions in 2010? Plenty of money says they can, but I don’t like the 5.4 on offer at the moment. They face a potentially very difficult round of 16 match, and then could face Italy in the last eight. The 1.28 to win the group is better than bank interest but things have historically not been plain sailing for Spain in World Cups. Chile is an interesting team who are probably value at 6.8 to win the group. Honduras will not trouble the judge too much, but Switzerland is an obstinate opponent who is also a tempting price – 14 – to cause an upset and win the group.

Top Goalscorer Betting

Miroslav Klose

If the money is any guide, then Spanish supporters might want to start readying themselves for a World Cup celebration in mid July. Two of the first five favourites in the market for the golden boot play for the European champions, usually a good indicator that any team is expected to score plenty.

David Villa is favourite at 10,with Fernando Torres also well in the market at 17.5. Torres looks great value at that price — on one key proviso, that he is fit and able to perform to his ability. There has to be a question mark given he missed so much of the Premiership run in through injury.

Lionel Messi at 12 appeals to me. Barring injury he will start in almost every Argentina game and the Albiceleste should breeze through their qualifying group and make at least the quarter finals, so he should have a minimum of five games.

Miroslav Klose is a proven performer at this level and could be over the odds at 34, as might his German team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger at 380 although it is hard to see him topping the charts.

A-League Finals: Week 1

Well, after 27 Round of action, here were are at the business end of the A-League season with the A-League Finals Series kicking off this weekend. After playing off for the minor premiership last weekend, Melbourne and Sydney go head to head again this weekend for a spot in the Preliminary Final.

In the two Semi Finals, Gold Coast and Newcastle go head to head at Skilled Park, while Wellington Phoenix play their first ever finals match when they host the Perth Glory, also in their first finals match.

We’ll be previewing the round ahead later this week so be sure to check back for our betting preview including tips, odds and more. Remember, get a $300 Free Bet for the A-League Finals when registering a new account at Sportsbet!!

• Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
  Major Semi Final – Feb 18th at 7:30pm, Etihad Stadium
  
• Gold Coast United v Newcastle Jets
  Semi Final 1 – Feb 20th at 7:00pm, Skilled Park
  
• Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory
  Semi Final 2 – Feb 21st at 5:00pm, Westpac Stadium

Sportsbet – You’re Best Bet for the A-League Finals

If you don’t have a Sportsbet account and you’re looking to have a bet on the A-League Finals, then we highly recommend registering with Sportsbet before the first match. They have a huge array of different markets for each game, including exotic markets, but best of all you can claim a $300 Free Bet just by registering. Click the banner below for full details.

Get a $300 Free Bet on the A-League Finals

EPL Previews

Thing’s really get interesting this weekend in the English Premier League. It is Matchday 25 and with only fourteen games remaining, the run home is only beginning to heat up. Without doubt, the clash of the weekend is between London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal who are battling for the title, who will take the honours? Centrebet are predicting Chelsea, at odds of $1.80.

Liverpool meets Everton in the Merseyside Derby which is always a HUGE match. Liverpool has the wood over Everton in recent years and this is shown in the bookies price of $1.83. But Everton could be value at $4.45.

Tottenham host Aston Villa in the weekend’s other big fixture, with both these sides desperate to win to remain in the hunt for that elusive Champions League spot. The Spurs are $2.08 with Villa value at $3.60.

Our expert writer has, as usual, covered every game in great detail at our partner site Freebetinfo.com.au, so be sure to check out the links below for this weekend’s matches.

• Chelsea v Arsenal – Preview | Bet Now
• Liverpool v Everton- Preview | Bet Now
• Stoke v Bolton- Preview | Bet Now
• Tottenham v Aston Villa- Preview | Bet Now
• Man Utd v Portsmouth- Preview | Bet Now
• Burnley v West Ham- Preview | Bet Now
• Bolton v Fulham- Preview | Bet Now
• Hull v Man City- Preview | Bet Now
• Sunderland v Wigan- Preview | Bet Now
• Birmingham v Wolves- Preview | Bet Now

Centrebet – Your Best Bet for Soccer

Get a $50 Free BEt on the EPL this weekend at Centrebet

EPL Weekday Matches

If you didn’t already know, there are a round of midweek matches this week in the English Premier League. As usual, our EPL expert has covered each game in detail and you can find his views and opinions by clicking the match links below. Or click the ‘Bet Now’ to place a bet with Sportsbet.

• Chelsea v Birmingham – Preview | Bet Now
• Aston Villa v Arsenal- Preview | Bet Now
• Everton v Sunderland- Preview | Bet Now
• Blackburn v Wigan- Preview | Bet Now
• Portsmouth v West Ham- Preview | Bet Now
• Bolton v Burnley- Preview | Bet Now
• Tottenham v Fulham- Preview | Bet Now
• Wolves v Liverpool- Preview | Bet Now

There are some cracking fixtures ahead. Aston Villa v Arsenal is a massive match. The Gunners are flying at the moment and have just snatched top spot on the table from Chelsea, they are $2.25 to continue their golden run, can they do it?

Chelsea host Birmingham in a tricky fixture at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are short, understandably, but we think Birmingham may just be able to get something out of this game and the $5.60 for the draw looks tempting.

Of the other games, Bolton at $1.77 are value, as is Everton at $1.66 against Sunderland. How about taking both for a double at the juicy odds of $2.94? Be sure to register an account with Sportsbet if you already haven’t and claim an exclusive $300 Signup Bonus by registering through our Blog!

Round 23 A-League Betting

Round 23 of the A-League season kicks off this Friday night and it is a big round ahead. Without doubt, the match of the round is Sydney v Gold Coast on Sunday night as the leagues top two sides go head to head.

Melbourne Victory have dropped off in recent week’s and play host to bogey side Perth, who also face a must win situation to hold onto their top six spot. There are several teams hot on the heels of Perth outside the top six and they are in action this week.

Check out the fixtures for the weekend ahead below. Click the View Preview link for a detailed preview of the game courtesy of our partner site Freebetinfo.com.au, or click Bet Now to bet on the match today.

• Adelaide v Central Coast – Bet Now | View Preview
• Wellington v Nth Queensland – Bet Now | View Preview
• Brisbane v Newcastle – Bet Now | View Preview
• Melbourne v Perth – Bet Now | View Preview
• Sydney v Gold Coast – Bet Now | View Preview

Where to Bet on the A-League

IASbet are your best bet for A-League betting markets. They have a range of different markets at the best odds and are one of the only bookies to offer Asian Handicap betting. Get a $100 Free Bet by registering with IASbet today! Click the banner below for details.

Bet on the A-League and get a $100 Free Bet at IASbet

EPL Betting Jan 9-10

There are some ripping matches of football this weekend in the English Premier League. Liverpool v Tottenham is the weekend’s biggest fixture with both sides desperate to win, in search of that fourth Champions League spot.

Holders Man Utd travel to Birmingham which could be a very tricky fixture for them, while leaders Chelsea must travel to Hull. Arsenal host Tottenham in the weekend’s other big match.

Be sure to check out the links below, as our expert football analyst has previewed every match with the latest injury news, stats and tips. Also find out the best places to bet on the English Premier League this weekend. Bet at Sportsbet for all games this weekend, as well as getting a $300 Free Bet!

• Arsenal v Everton
• Birmingham v Man Utd
• Wigan v Aston Villa
• Fulham v Portsmouth
• Burnley v Stoke
• Hull v Chelsea
• Sunderland v Bolton
• Liverpool v Tottenham
• West Ham v Wolves
• Man City v Blackburn

Bet on this weekends EPL games at Sportsbet!