SUPERETTAN .... ORGRYTE - SIRIUS

Another "over" for me in Superettan. Both teams are averaging 2.4 per start for the last 10 matches and those totals have increased, along with the general trend in this league.

The hosts are over in their last 4 and the visitors in their last 2, they will go into a tie for second place with a win and we can expect them to push forward. Likewise Orgryte are looking for the 3 points to "kick start" their season, a win will take them 4 places up the table and this should be an open game with goals.

5 points over 2.5 goals Orgryte-Sirius 1.90 asian line.

Back later.

It's a long road that has no turning !

Terrible run of results recently, I do not think there have ever been two losing weeks in a row on the blog before, certainly not of any note and now there have been three !

Nothing that can really be done about it, just work a little harder and try to stay positive, which is the hardest, but most important thing. That's gambling !

However, I do think that things are improving, albeit slowly. Seven of the last nine football bets on the email service have won and hopefully I can go on a golden run, like this time last summer.

I am going to post a football bet on the blog later this afternoon and something early evening for the Copa America, please check back.

Good Luck !

WIMBLEDON TENNIS .... VENUS WILLIAMS - MARIA SHARAPOVA

This match is scheduled last on centre court and with a poor weather forecast, might start very late, if at all today. These two tend to have close matches, as you might expect, Sharapova leads the h2h 3-2, with Venus taking their only meeting on grass, here in 2005.

Neither has looked in the best of shape so far, Williams has been close to going out twice and Sharapova is still feeling that shoulder injury. Her serving stats, especially the ace count,are down and she is definitely taking it a little easy. This is to say nothing of the mental scars, I still feel she is carrying from Australia. Venus, like her sister, can suddenly find form from nowhere and she might be inspired by Serena's battling performance yesterday. Feel sure that this will trade at less than the current odds in running and I would suggest taking this and looking to trade out, or at least cover our stakes, when she takes a set. That is what I will do, but for the purpose of the blog, will stick with the selection.

3.5 points Williams to beat Sharapova 3.65 Betfair.

Good Luck.

IRISH PREMIER LEAGUE.... DROGHEDA UNITED - GALWAY UNITED

Drogheda's long time injury list is easing and they come into the game on the back of two fine performances. They can go back to the top of the table with the 3 points this evening and it looks like they are hosting Galway at exactly the right time, as they have a lot of problems, the following is taken from their web site .....

An understrength United travel to United Park for the live TV fixture with Drogheda United.
Stephen O'Flynn is still ruled out with an ankle injury and may go for a scan next week to further check the injury out. David Cooke is ruled out for up to six weeks after he picked up an ankle ligament injury in our last match against Shamrock Rovers. Liam McKenna is still not available as he is still carrying a groin injury.
John Russell is doubtful and he may be only fit for a place on the bench as he is carrying an ankle injury.
Speaking to United's website, Tony Cousins said his squad was down to the minimum for this difficult fixture. "We are down to the bare bones when we travel to Drogheda. There is not much we can do about that but we will just have to go there with a positive attitude and get on with it. We may have to draft in some u21 players at this stage. The transfer window is now open but the new signings will not be available until our next league game."

Drogheda won the away fixture 3-2 and the ambitious home side should win this easily enough.

4 points Drogheda -1 ball asian line 1.96

Good Luck.

WIMBLEDON .... WEEK 2

HEWITT-CANAS

The last two tennis bets Guccione ( two sets up) and Tursunov a set up and available to lay at 1.30 from an opening 2.56, have offered fantastic trading opportunities "in running". Feel that this match may do likewise. They have similar styles and will fight for every point.The Argentine player is serving well, winning 80% of first and 60% of second serves and his odds of 3.85 on Betfair, look likely to trade much lower, in running. That would be my suggestion for anyone watching the match live, if not the "over" games looks solid.

4 points over 38.5 games 1.88 Pinnacle.

NALBANDIAN - BAGHDATIS

Just a few words here, where I feel that bookmakers have gone a little overboard about the chances of Baghdatis. Until his success last year, the Cypriot was not a fan of grass court tennis and it seems that he has managed to convince himself that the surface suits his game, I am not so sure. He had a few decent results coming into Wimbledon, but a lot of luck was involved.

Nalbandian lacks motivation at times, but normally turns it on at Grand Slam events. he is a former finalist here and is 18-6 on grass, I just cannot see Baghdatis as such a short priced favourite.

4 points Nalbandian 2.20 + Pinnacle/ exchanges.

Good Luck.

COPA AMERICA ......

BRAZIL-CHILE // MEXICO-ECUADOR

As we discussed in midweek, Brazil look goal shy at present and they should be opposed, whilst bookmakers continue to make them prohibitive favourites. This is a pale imitation of the footballing giants that we all know and love to watch.

Chile are an improving nation and should be capable of keeping this to within one goal.

The "over" looks good in the other fixture. Both notched two in their opening match and in an earlier meeting this year, the two served up a six goal thriller, infact, the last 5 h2h ties have produced 3 or more goals.

Ecuador will have to push forward in search for 3 points and this should leave space at both ends of the pitch.

5 points Chile +1.5 goals 1.86 asian line.
5 points "over" 2.5 goals Mexico-Ecuador 2.085 asian line.

Good Luck.

SUPERETTAN ....

SYLVIA - BUNKEFLO
ATVIDABERGS- FALKENBERGS

Two more "overs", going to stick with the idea that we can expect more goals in the coming weeks in this (usually) high scoring league.

Over the last 10 games Sylvia's matches have averaged 2.8 goals, Bunkeflo a league high 3.10, both are "over" in 4 from 6 and 5 from 6, respectively.

Atvidabergs are "over" in 5 from 6 and all games are averaging 2.6 goals this season. The visitors last 6 matches, have all produced at least 2 goals, they are averaging 2.8 in the last 10 starts. H2h meetings usually produce very entertaining fayre, with 6 of the last 7 ending "over".

5 points Sylvia - Bunkeflo "over" 2.5 goals 1.88 asian line.
5.5 points Atvidabergs-Falkenbergs "over" 2.5 goals 1.75 asian line.

Good Luck.

BUICK OPEN GOLF ........ PART 2

Only a small bet here, as the odds are a little low, but I do feel that Scott Verplank, who has shot 69, 67 and 66 in his last 3 final rounds at Warwick Hills , will be way too strong for Brian Bateman.

Bateman just cannot get it together in the final round, where he is averaging 77 strokes, which leaves him ranked at 187th on the Tour.

4 points Verplank to beat Bateman 1.62 exchanges.

We discussed Kenny Perry at length yesterday and he is still very much in contention and I expect a big finish from him today. Going to "press" a little in the outright market, at what I feel is a very big price on the exchanges. He is paired with Woody Austin, who is a previous winner at Warwick Hills, but that was in a former lifetime, OK, 13 years ago. Since when he tends to start very well here and then fade away in the closing stages, feel that we probably expect more of the same today and I will take Perry to beat him.

4.5 points Perry to beat Austin 1.855 Pinnacle ( tie no bet) there is of course a little higher available elsewhere, with bookmakers who quote with the tie option.

1.5 points Perry outright 12.5 Betfair.

Football for the rest of the day, will be back with the Scandinavian matches next.

Good Luck.

BUICK OPEN GOLF ..... PART 1

Tom Pernice has a fine record in the final round of tournaments. 75% of the time in contention, he has bettered the scoring average and last year, on this course, a wonderful closing 64.He clearly loves the course, where is a previous winner.

His two ball opponent is Jesper Parnevik, who seems to have forgotten how to win, his very quick swing seems to desert him under pressure.

Pernice was -7 for his final 10 holes on saturday and is -6 for the final 5 holes this week, which should stand him in good stead ,coming down the home straight tonight.

5 points Pernice to beat Parnevik 2.0 Sunderlands/ Stan James etc similar odds are likely to be available on the exchanges later.


Freddie Jacobson is very well suited by the generous fairways here, which play to his strengths. He is paired with Tripp Isenhour who is averaging 73 for his final round scoring this year, some 2.8 strokes per 18 holes more than the Swede.

Isenhour is a typical example of a winner on the Nationwide tour ( 4 times) who just cannot quite make the grade on the main tour, where he struggles every time he is "promoted". His all round stats are pretty poor and his only target for the season, is to retain his card. Feel he will be more interested in a steady round and the money a top 20 finish will bring, than going for it.

Think Freddie will take this two ball comfortably.

4.5 points Jacobson to beat Isenhour 1.73 Sunderlands/ Stan James... 1.70 Unibet and the exchanges

Back Shortly.

SUNDAY MORNING ...........

I have quite a lot to pass on today, football from Scandinavia and the Copa America,plus the final round of the Buick Open golf.

The leaderboard at Warwick Hills is incredibly crowded, with 14 players within 3 strokes of the lead. However, many of these have poor records in the final round and especially when in contention, so there are plenty of excellent betting opportunities. I will start with the golf and post my views early this afternoon.

Please check back.

MLS SOCCER .... COLUMBUS CREW - NEW YORK RED BULLS

Surely there will be goals here.

Columbus are over in their last 6 starts, with an average of 4.33 goals, conceding two or more in each.

Bulls are also "over" in their last 6, averaging a little higher at 4.5, they have conceded 2+ in 3 of their last 4 and scored 2 or more in each and every one.

The reverse fixture produced 4 goals and it is hard not to see something similar tonight, with two teams unable to keep a clean sheet and both looking for the win..

5.5 points "over" 2.5 goals Columbus Crew- New York Red Bulls 1.76 asian line.

Good Luck.

COPA AMERICA ..... VENEZUELA - PERU

I can see only two results here, a win for Venezuela, or a draw, therefore a strong bet for the host nation, with the level ball option.

They were very nervous in their opener, a 2-2 draw with Bolivia. Having built towards this tournament for 7 years, the occasion seemed to "get" to them. Venezuela have stated that this is all behind them now and that we will see a more relaxed performance this evening.

The home team will be boosted by the fact that they have won the last two World Cup meetings here with Peru, by a wide margin (3-0 & 4-1) and with Uruguay as their final group opponents, will be looking for the win.

Peru know that with 3 points already in the bag and Bolivia still to play, that they are not dependent on a result tonight, to progress in the tournament.

5 points Venezuela level ball 1.74 asian line.

Good Luck.

COPA AMERICA .... BOLIVIA - URUGUAY

This is now must win time for Uruguay, having been widely considered amongst the pre tournament favourites, a 3-0 loss to Peru changed all that and only a win tonight will surfice.

It looks likely that Alvaro recoba will play some part, making up a formidable partnership with Diego Forlan. Their coach has vowed that the "real" Uruguay will be on display and promised fireworks.

Bolivia put up a spirted performance in their opener, but on paper, look the weakest team in the tournament, very dependent on just a couple of players. They have not scored in their last 5 meetings with Uruguay and look to be in for a long evening.

5 points Uruguay -1 ball asian line 2.0 .

Back shortly.

NORWAY .... VALARENGEN - VIKING

The hosts are very lightweight up front, they boast only one win and two goals in 5 starts and have failed to score in half their fixtures this season.

Those are accusations that you could scarcely throw at the visitors, who have won 5 from 6, scoring 15 goals. That sole loss came away at leaders Stabaek in a close game, infact, victory this evening will enable Viking to move into second place in the table, within a point of the top.

They did the double over Valarengen last season and look a nice bet with the small handicap start.

Football all the way now and I think I will be posting 2-3 more bets later today, please check back.

Feel that Wimbledon will be lucky to complete any matches today, although having said that, the weather has cleared up a little here in Berkshire, so maybe there will be some action. I did have a view on one match today, but as that is scheduled last on court, that has two chances of being played, slim and none .... and slim has left town.

Viking +1/4 ball 1.95 asian line 4.5 points.

Good Luck.

US PGA TOUR GOLF ........

BUICK OPEN GOLF DAY 3

Three players, Quigley, Furyk and Kenny Perry are tied for the lead at -10 .

I have been waiting for Perry to come into form after a period in the widerness and think that now the time is right. He is a very streaky player, capable of shooting very low scores and when he hits form, tends to hold it for several weeks.

Very long off the tee, these very forgiving fairways and lack of hazards, are ideal for his style of golf. After an early season he will want to forget, a 3rd place finish at the Memorial, was followed by a 15th place at the Travelers Championship and now he is primed for the win.

This is very much his time of year and in 2003 he won 3 times in 4 weeks, a run that was also sandwiched between top ten finishes in the US Open and Open Championship. He obviously likes the summer sun on his back, which is a little surprising as he is a fine wind player. Furyk is a worthy favourite, but I really like the chances of Perry to get back in the winner's circle.

3 points each way Kenny Perry 7.0 1/4 odds 1234.... general quote.... nearly every bookmaker has these odds.

Good Luck.

FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY MORNING ...

IRISH PREMIER LEAGUE ... ST. PATRICK'S - DERRY

Despite their respective league positions, I expect this to be close. Derry do not win too many, but are a difficult team to beat. They have drawn 4 of 6, 6 from 10 and 4 of 7 away from home.

The visitors have an amazing record at Richmond Park, they have not lost in 7 visits and h2h wise, only once in 15 meetings with Saints.

The home team have gone off the boil recently and are without a win in 3 starts, either side of the mid season break. They might settle for the point too, as this would take them back above Drogheda and top of the league. They are set to be without several players, two are suspended and others missing through injury.

Things are fairly similar for Derry and all things considered, a draw looks fairly likely.

4.5 points Derry +1/2 ball 1.82 Asian line.

J LEAGUE JUBILO IWATA - URAWA REDS

This takes place tomorrow morning european time, so best to bet today, if you are planning an extra hour in bed.

Going to stick with Urawa, who have done us two favours recently. They have an inform hungry striker, have won their last 3, 4 from 5 and 3 in a row, on the road. Their title challenge is well and truely underway and to be honest, they look the best team in J-League. Unbeaten away, with a 5-3-0 record, they might be meeting Jubilo at exactly the right time.

The hosts are without a win in 3 home games, matches which included two very heavy defeats, conceding 7 goals, they can hardly be looking forward to the visit of the champions.

5 points Uawa Reds level ball 1.80 asian line.

Good Luck.

ATP TENNIS ..... WIMBLEDON

TURSUNOV - HAAS

I really like the Russian here. Both players came into the event with injury concerns, but appear to be fine.

Just spoke to someone who watched Haas live yesterday and he said that the German "went missing" for long periods and did not seem mentally focused. He has never done well at Wimbledon and after such a long time out, may feel that he has done enough for now. Prefering to save a little for his favoured US hardcourt season.

Tursunov seems comfortable here and has been serving well, much better than his opponent. He is averaging 79% of first serves, 14 aces and is winning 57% of second serves. H2h is 3-1 to Haas, but significantly, each has been progressively closer, with Tursunov winning their last meeting. Think he is overpriced today.

4.5 points Tursunov 2.54 Betfair.

Back later.

FRIDAY PLANS ....

I am going to post 2 or 3 selections on the blog today.

The first will be online in approx 30 minutes and will cover today's tennis from Wimbledon. Play has started on time and the forecast looks reasonable for the rest of the day.

Please check back.

COPA AMERICA

COLOMBIA- PARAGUAY // ARGENTINA - USA

We have seen a pretty open tournament so far and I feel it will be a case of " more of the same ", this evening. In the opener, with Argentina still to play in the group, I fully expect Colombia and Paraguay to both go in search of maximum points. Each arrives in reasonable form and amongst the goals.

Colombia have some problems in the two full back positions and Paraguay even played with 3 strikers for much of their last outing. Really see no reason not to expect the trend to continue.

4.5 points "over" 2.25 goals 1.98 asian line.

The US got the win that they wanted, the Gold Cup, on home soil.They have arrived here with a very inexperienced squad, 14 have played 7 or fewer matches, 3 are making their debuts. I say arrived, but they are actually actually staying in Aruba a 30 minute flight away.
This is because of security concerns, due to the political situation between the US and Venezuela.

On top of this they seem to have upset Argentina, who come here with far and away the strongest group of players in the tournament. They seem to feel that the US made some "slight" towards them after the Gold Cup final and are out for revenge.

Think they will be looking for a fast start and we can take them in the HT/FT market.

4.5 points Argentina / Argentina double result 1.94 Betfair.

Good Luck

SWEDISH CUP .... HELSINGBORG- LANDSKRONA

The visitors are resting several key players and are giving this match low priority, coming as it does, sandwiched between two league fixtures this week.

One of my swedish contacts, who is a very good judge, feels that the hosts are on the right track now and should run out comfortable winners.

4 points Helsingborg -1.5 goals 1.82 asian line.

I will be back this evening with my views on the Copa America matches.

Good Luck.

COPA AMERICA ....

Just a very few words about the two matches tonight.

Brazil have been finding goals very hard to come by and will be meeting a tired, but battle toughened Mexico.

Hugo Sanchez's side received, or rather he did, a lot of criticism from the national press, for their performances in the Gold Cup. However, in the first hour or so, against the USA in the final, they looked pretty good.

Like most teams in this tournament, these two are missing several key players, under the circumstances, a goals shy Brazil, missing Kaka and Ronaldinho and giving up a big handicap, must be worthwhile taking on.

Chile are an up and coming team, with a whole generation of promising players coming through. They look to have far more potential than Ecuador, who have won only twice in 13 starts, since last summer.

4.5 points Mexico +1.25 goals 1.77 asian line.
4.5 points Chile level ball 1.86 asian line.

Good Luck.

WEDNESDAY PLANS .........

I have some views on tonights Copa America matches, which will be posted around 21.00 cet ......

Please check back.

TONIGHT'S FOOTBALL ....

I am not going to post any football selections for today, hooray I hear you cry, had one bet for Europe, but the odds have fallen a little too low now, so best to leave it alone.

Very interested in the Copa America, but going to let the first two matches pass. Venezuela, who are hosting the competition for the first time, have been given a VERY kind draw and progress from the group, something they have failed to achieve in the last 12 tournaments, is very much, a MINIMUM requirement. They start against Bolivia, who are most peoples idea of the weakest team in the Copa and with the nation watching and Uruguay still to play, will be desperate for a winning start. They will probably win, but I want to take a look at them first. So again, no bet.

Good Luck.

WIMBLEDON DAY 2 ..... WOMEN'S MATCHES

SHVEDOVA - MIRZA

Shvedova is a promising 19 yo from Russia, who has performed well on grass in the warm up events and boasts a win over Mirza in their only meeting, in her opponents back yard, India. That makes very good reading, Mirza is a superstar in her own country, where she comes from a very famous family. I am a little surprised at the odds on offer, Mirza is no world beater on the surface ( 5-8) and has lost 6 of her last 8 starts on tour, she plays a lot of 3 set matches and this should be close.

DECHY - DEMENTIEVA
Dementieva looked to be getting her act together until Eastbourne, where she put in a dire performance against Bartoli (1&0) and totally lost confidence, her serve was terrible, even by Elena's low standards. Dechy is a consistent player and has a 16-11 record at Wimbledon, usually losing to a top player, in good form, Dementieva, currently only meets one of those criteria. The only thing in the Russian's favour is the h2h record, she leads 8-1, but 5 of the last 6 have gone the distance and I would be surprised if we did not see a 3rd set this afternoon.

Dementieva to beat Dechy 2-1 SETS 4.0 + General 2 POINTS
Dechy TO WIN 2.49 + Pinnacle/ Exchanges 4 POINTS

Shevdova to beat Mirza 3.20 Betfair 2 POINTS
Mirza to win 2-1 sets 4.20 + Exchanges 3 POINTS

Good Luck.

WIMBLEDON DAY 2 ..... MEN'S MATCHES

SIMON-CILIC

At this stage of their careers, Simon is the more complete player, Cilic has bags of potential, but still has a long way to go. Think the bookmakers have over reacted by making the Croatian favourite here. Simon has some decent performances to his name and a maiden win on tour under his belt, this season. He has been unlucky on grass in recent tournaments, losing to , but performing well against Karlovic (winner) and Baghdatis (finalist). Karlovic served 30 aces but Simon still took him to 6-4 in the 3rd. He had similar luck last year on grass, meeting Haas in Germany and Gasquet and Grosjean. Feel he will be pleased to be meeting a less experienced rival today.

GUCCIONE-BOGDANOVIC
Bogdanovic has an inferiority complex at Wimbledon, where the occasion seems to get to him and he is 0-5. I feel he is happier when facing a big name player where the level of expectation on him is low. . Guccione has a massive serve and already has an ATP final to his name this year. The Aussie was unlucky to run into an inform Clement at Queen's, who was serving exceptionally well. Cannot get away from the feeling that Bogdanovic will find a way to lose.

FISH-NADAL
Mardy Fish is no mug on grass and has a 21-10 record over the last 5 years, including a win at Surbiton last year. He ran into Nadal at Queen's in 2006 and took the world number 2 to a tie break in the first, he served well (12 aces) and had break points, only his second serve let him down, which is to be expected,against a player like Nadal, however, if he can improve that stat slightly, he is capable of taking a set.

Simon to beat Cilic 2.18 Betfair 4.5 POINTS
Guccione to beat Bogdanovic 2.02 Pinnacle 4 POINTS
Nadal to beat Fish 3-1 sets 4.6 exchanges 2.5 POINTS

Back later.

WIMBLEDON TENNIS .... TIM HENMAN - CARLOS MOYA

This is big for Henman, not sure how important it is for Moya, who has only played here once in 6 years and not on grass at all, since 2004.

The British player showed glimses of his old form at Nottingham, where he had Tursunov on the ropes, only to let him escape and should win this easily enough.

5 POINTS HENMAN TO BEAT MOYA 1.80 BETFAIR.

Good Luck.

SUPERETTAN .... MJALLBY - SYLVIA

I discussed last midweek, the goal expectation in this league over the summer months. Two of yesterday's 3 matches were "over" and this looks very likely to follow suit today.

Mjallby are "over" in 3 of 4 and are averaging 2.75 goals at home. All of Sylvia's last 5 have produced 3 or more, at an average of 4.0 and their away games have a mean of 2.60 per start.

5 points "over" 2.5 goals 1.80 general quote.

Good Luck.

WIMBLEDON TENNIS .... DAY 1

ZACK FLEISHMAN - TOMMY HAAS
ASHLEY HARKLEROAD - ROBERTA VINCI

Fleishman came through qualifying and has some 15 wins on grass, however, this is more of an anti Haas bet. The German has not played since Rome, withdrew from Halle and just a few days ago claimed that he was 50-50 to play Wimbledon. You should be prepared to take a little lower price to bet with a bookmaker that will pay out after one set, in case of a retirement.

Harkleroad looks big, she won a minor tournament on grass in Liverpool and is 4-4 at Wimbledon, unluckily running into Sharapova twice. Vinci is 9-4 here, but most were qualifiers, 8 of those wins were against players ranked 125+ and 5 of them well over 200.
She has lost 7 of her last 8 matches and looks worthwhile taking on, with a player who is rediscovering her love of the game.

3.5 points Fleishman 3.0 +
4 points Harkleroad 2.86 Pinnacle.

Good Luck.

MONDAY PLANS .....

Not sure how much play we will get at Wimbledon in the next few days, the forecast until Thursday is pretty grim and I think it will be a case of stop/ start/ stop/ start.

I will have a post online in the next 20-30 minutes, with a little news for two early matches.

Check back.

BRAZIL .... INTERNACIONAL - GREMIO

After the hammering they received from Boca in the Copa Libertadores final, confidence must be very low at Gremio, who have been a shambles on the road this year. They have lost all 3 starts, conceding 10 goals , without scoring and have also failed to get on the scoresheet here in their last 3 visits.

Inter have got their act together after a poor start to their domestic season and have now collected 7 points from a possible 9. They are one on the stronger teams in the League and are still looking to challenge this year. Home win.

5 points Internacional -1/2 ball 1.94 asian line.

Good Luck.

TRAVELLERS CHAMPIONSHIP USPGA TOUR GOLF

The leaderboard looks like this ...

-11 Williamson
-10 Mahan
-9 Toms
-8 Funk
-7 O'Hearn
-7 Perez
-5 five players including VJ Singh

Williamson is a late graduate from the Nationwide tour, after failing to retain his main tour card and to my mind, until we see what he can do under pressure, is worthwhile taking on. Mahan , O'Hern and Perez, especially the last two named, are poor final round scorers and could not enter my calculations. This leaves only Toms and Funk, within 6 strokes of the lead.

I am going to take a chance with the old timer, Fred Funk plays with a smile on his face and is having a lot of fun. He is only the second player in history to win on the full and Champions Tour in the same season and is a proven winner. Since winning in Mexico in March, Funk has had back problems, but since recovering, has put in a fine performance at the US Open and again here where he is -5 for the final 10 holes played. I priced him at circa 6.0 for the win and he is almost double those odds across the board ! Therefore too good to miss.

3 points each way 1/4 odds 123 FUNK 11.0 outright general .... Hills / bet 365/ stan james... etc.

Good Luck.

CONCACAF GOLD CUP FINAL .... USA - MEXICO

The big final that the sponsors wanted. Mexico have yet to produce the goods this tournament and the USA rode their luck in the semi-final win over Canada, with the Maple Leafs having a "good" goal disallowed in injury time, which would have taken the match into extra time, with the hosts down to 10 men.

Having said that, the US team have looked the stronger and really seem to have Mexico's number. It is 8 years since Hugo Sanchez's team last won on American soil, that is 8 meetings, seven losses and a 13-0 goal difference, yes that's right, not even one goal scored.

The match is being played in Chicago, at Soldier Field, home of the NFL Bears and at least half the crowd, probably many more, will be supporting the "visitors" . However, that can only help them so far and they seem to have a mental block with this fixture. The US have looked the best team in the tournament and they should prove it tonight.

5.5 points USA -1/4 ball 1.92 asian line.

Good Luck.

MLS .....LOS ANGELES GALAXY- COLUMBUS CREW

Galaxy look to hold all the cards here. They broke a 5 game streak without a win last time out and are starting to get some of their big name players back. Jazic and Harmse have rejoined after Canada were eliminated fron the Gold Cup. They have been joined by Chris Klein who signed this week from Real Salt Lake and Honduran superstar Carlos Pavon who scored 5 goals in the Gold Cup, he is still awaiting visa clearance.

This is the second of 4 home games in a row and despite trailing the leaders by 13 points, they have a massive 5 games in hand. With the squad set to get stronger and stronger and such a nice run of matches, they will be looking to get into the Championship race, especially with the arrival of Beckham due soon. Home win .

6 points LA Galaxy -1/4 ball 1.72 asian line.

Good Luck.

SPANISH CUP FINAL .... SEVILLE-GETAFE

I think that Seville have now become a backable price, only Adriano is missing and some 65,000 supporters have travelled to the capital, only half of whom have tickets. There are a number of others that live in Madrid and have probably bought tickets via Getafe, who are a very small club. Two thirds + of the crowd are likely to be with Seville, with a similar number outside the stadium !

Seville have been short of energy recently, after playing a massive 61 games this season. However they have had a free week to prepare and recharge their batteries and in effect have had 2 weeks, with only this as a priority.

Getafe have problems in goal, with the regular keeper already joining his national team and will surely have been disrupted by the news that their coach is set to join Real Madrid, which now looks a "done deal".

5 points Seville -1/4 ball 1.78 asian line.

Good Luck.

SATURDAY PLANS ......

Let us hope that the win for Urawa Reds is the sign of better things to come.

I have 2-3 football selections for today which will be online this afternoon, going to begin with today's three tennis finals where I have a view in each. So, very briefly, here we go ......

EASTBOURNE .... HENIN-MAURESMO
HERTOGENBOSCH ..... JANKOVIC -CHAKVETADZE
NOTTINGHAM ...... CLEMENT- KARLOVIC

Ok, Henin is favourite and looks in great shape and is still trying out new things and looking to improve her game, all credit to her for that. But 2.35 for Mauresmo to take a set ! That is surely too big.

This is a rematch of last year's Wimbledon final their only meeting on grass which the Frenchwoman won in 3 sets. Henin leads the h2h 7-5 in a series that has many years to run .

Jankovic was not at her best yesterday and has played a lot of tennis this season. There was some talk about minor injury concerns and with Wimbledon around the corner, she will surely not take too many chances. Chakvetadze has a 18-7 record on grass as a senior and a Wimbledon final as a junior, she looks worth a chance at a huge price.

Clement has won his two previous meetings with Karlovic on grass, including at Queen's just last week, he is a tough competitor when on form and was serving like a dream yesterday. Half way through his second set with Gasquet he was winning 100% of points on his first and over 80% on his second serve. Think the bookmakers have the wrong favourite here.

4 points Mauresmo to take a set 2.35 Pinnacle... similar on the exchanges.
2.5 points Chakvetadze 3.70 exchanges.
4.5 points Clement 2.15 Expekt/ Betfair.

Good Luck.