Posts Tagged ‘Frank Lampard’

The English are angry, as they’re likely to be after a lackluster performance in their starting game of the World Cup gambling versus the Yanks. England qualified for the 2010 World Cup odds action with a lot of ease wrecking its qualifying group competition. It also ascended the FIFA world rankings and prior to defender Rio Ferdinand trailed only Spain (4:1) and Brazil (5:1) in the soccer gambling probabilities at the sportsbooks. Its lineup is loaded with EPL stars and world class expertise like Stevie Gerard, Frank Lampard and arguably the best striker in the world, Wayne Rooney.

Yet the best the English may muster was a 1-1 draw at the online sportsbook against an inferior US team. Worse, a awful error by the English keeper who allowed the ball to slip through his hands on a typical save and watched as it dribbled into the goal was the US’ only goal.

But England should have rebounded from the comparable World Cup betting humiliation and save 3 points from Algeria. During its first game, a 1-0 loss to Slovenia, Algeria looked pretty weak. Granted Algeria played lots of the soccer betting game down a man right after its star striker was shown a red card in the first half, but it was clear that this squad was not of the same caliber as Ye Olde’ Englande.

In this sports gambling event, it was supposed for the English to score early and often. Wayne Rooney should have been able to find far more space vs a below average Algerian defense and have the ability to break free of his defenders a lot more easily than he did against the US.

England knew how crucial these three points are and it might not just let them get away. A tie puts them on the brink of removal from the group, and the team’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup probabilities competition would be just about snuffed out. This team is simply too skilled to find itself omitted of the Final 16 of the World Cup betting, and they may find themselves in a 4 way battle just to move forward from the group stage.

The payout isn’t much, however the only way to wager this World Cup betting match was on England to win it (1/4).

Unfortunately for England, which was a very favored team going into the World Cup, Algeria held them to a tie. England’s continuously unimpressive performance in the 2010 World Cup is represented by the final score of 0-0. So far in this competition, they basically have not been aggressive enough.

The squad’s performance left coach Fabio Capello aghast. His remarks that “this is not the England I know” are most likely echoed by the countless fans. He acknowledged at the same time that the stress of the World Cup may be influencing the team’s ability to score at their usual levels.

Even Rabah Saadane, the Algerian coach, was surprised at England’s poor performance. He had thought they would be much better, and they just weren’t at their greatest in the course of Friday’s game.

For their prospective teams in the IPL, having one of them in their team shall give it added stature, as these men have the ability to carry their team on a given day if needed to. And it is because of their exploits of what they can do in the cricket field both in international competitions and in domestic matches have made them the highest priced players for the IPL auction on February 6.Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff are expected to draw salaries that are comparable to football players for their three week stint in the IPL as the duo lead a cast of 20 English cricket players who have entered the Indian Premier League auction. The eight teams in the IPL use the auction to get players that they perceive that they need to improve their chances of winning the tournament this year which shall be held on April 10 to May 29.Prolific batsman Pietersen has been awarded the highest reservation fee among all England players at $1.35 million while all rounder Flintoff came in second at $950,000. Even if the duo were paid their minimum price, their pay for their three week stint can be above $350,000 pro rata basis for the tournament, a salary comparable to top flight footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Frank Lampard.Flintoff, on the other hand, may have $950,000 but it can possibly go higher as the teams shall try to outbid each other just to get him. It can turn into a competitive bidding and a price war since these teams can afford to do so and are very keen to get the top English all rounder. Among the teams rumored to be interested in his services are the Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians. He can turn into the the highest paid player then.Last season, the two highest priced contracts were given to Indian captain MS Dhoni who agreed to a @1.5 million contarct after initially being valued at $400,000. Australian all rounder Andrew Symmonds acquired the second highest contract of $1.3 million after he was rated at $300,000.Seeing such contracts awarded to players who join the IPL, a total number of 114 players with 27 Australians, 14 South Africans, 15 Sri Lankans, and a group of players coming from the West Indies, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh have declared themselves available for the auction. The reality though is that with only eight teams in the league and limited team places, not everyone who has decided to join the auction may be picked up in the auction and awarded the contracts. Aside from Pietersen and Flintoff, English cricketers who have intentions of joining the IPL are Steve Harmison, James Anderson, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Matt Prior, Monty Panesar, Ravi Bopara, Shaun Udal, Ryan Sidebottom, Owais Shah and Graeme Swan.Powerhouse Australia have its vice-captain Michael Clarke, Bradd Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Stuart Clark, Jason Krejza, Shaun Tait and Bradd Hogg among others as participants.Check out the IPL live results at ScoresPro.com/cricket/

I’ve really enjoyed the festive break. Unlike the majority of my contemporaries, I resisted the temptation to get drunk every night; on Christmas Day, I collapsed at lunchtime.

Frank Lampard is also a fan of the occasional swift one. A Spanish chauffeuse has alleged that the Chelsea man ‘took a while to finish’ as a result of a champagne binge; I just hope his shooting was less erratic than in the Premiership.

A bad week is about to get worse for the chubby midfielder. The champions have been leaking goals since John Terry stole my patented ‘I can’t come to work today, i’ve got a bad back’ line; a Fulham win at the Bridge is simply too big at 20/1.

I refuse to waste money on a breathalyzer kit; I find the ‘how big is the girl i’m considering sleeping with’ test a far more accurate guide to intoxication. I may have been paraletic when I met the wife; but it’s in relative sobriety that I suggest a bet on Tottenham at 7/4 to see off Liverpool.

Losses are like a Spanish driver, you should never chase them after a couple of beers. Newcastle have cost me a small fortune in recent weeks; I’m fighting the temptation to lump on Everton at a beguiling 6/5.

I must congratulate the Toffeemen on the surprise result of the season, a Jose Mourinho apology was trading at 100/1 on the exchanges. It’s pretty much accepted now that Andy Johnson does not go down, a policy I wholeheartedly agree with. AJ can open the scoring at an upstanding 5/1.

The loss of Henri Camara would be a blow under normal circumstances, but when it leaves Emile Heskey leading the line, it’s bordering on a catastrophe. Watford can shock the Latics at 17/10.

I tend to think of myself as a role-model; plenty of women have looked up to me. I like my first goalscorers like I like my women; Young. Ashley can bang in the first goal at an ample 17/2.

I’ve always been a fan of Eskimo culture. I doubt that there’s any truth in the myth that they used to cast out their elderly, but I remain a massive supporter of the concept. Sir Alex officially becomes a pensioner on New Years Eve, three points against Reading at 1/5 will be a welcome gift.

Charlton haven’t found the net in any of their last four meetings with Aston Villa; and that’s when they were half decent. At the time of writing, Charlton were on their third manager of the season; the Villa can ask the Charlton board another question at 13/8.

I’m a definite optimist. If a pint glass is half full of lager, I don’t think of it as half empty; I just pinch it. Alcohol theft is not cool, backing Bolton at evens to beat Pompey undoubtedly is.

Manchester City will struggle to score at Upton Park. Anton Ferdinand will literally have Dickov in his pocket, Samaras looks out of his depth and Vassell only scores against the Villa. The Hammers are nailed on at 5/4.

Blackburn have announced that Robbie Savage has been tied up in a ‘golden handcuffs’ deal. To my deep and sincere regret, that’s only a metaphor. The even money about a Rovers win over Boro will soften the blow.

Would it be overdramatic to claim that Cesc Fabregas is potentially the Premiership’s greatest ever player? It would be if you bellowed it out while frantically waving your arms. You’ll be shrieking like Frank Lampard’s new driver if you miss out on Arsenal at 8/15 at Bramall Lane.

This week’s accer is so easy, it’s going to oblige with or without a bottle of bubbly. Aston Villa, Blackburn, Bolton and Everton are the sure-fire selections, the payout is a sparkling 20/1.

The wife is no stranger to exercise. Somewhat controversially, she now concentrates solely on working her liver; I can see the logic though, it’s occasionally her second largest internal organ.

If the Government told the wife that she could only purchase her beloved Buckfast during January, she would quite rightly revolt; which admittedly, is not a major deviation from the norm.

I find it incredible that Premiership managers are handicapped in such a fashion. It’s almost impossible to do any business in such a small window, although I did manage it once in Amsterdam.

Paradoxically, Martin O’Neill’s transactions have been exceptional. He somehow managed to entice the classy John Carew, and all it cost him was a dud Czech. The Villa are bouncing, they’ll see off the Hammers at 10/11.

A little known FIFA clause allows Frank Lampard to leave Chelsea for a relatively paltry £8m. Frank may have his knockers, but that seems a fair price to me. The champions have too much up top for a struggling Charlton; get on at a well developed 2/5.

Sheffield United win the award for the most surprising transfer. You could have knocked me over with a feather when news broke that they had signed Fathi; who knew that they had a spare £8m. The Blades haven’t won in Blackburn for 20 years; the Rovers are the weekend nap at an ample 8/11.

I believe the children are the future, unless we crack down hard on them now. The appointment of Stuart Pearce to the England Under-21 setup has been met with consternation by the Manchester City board; Reading can take full advantage at 12/5.

Mohammed Al Fayed can’t believe that Reading are above Fulham in the table; he thinks it’s a Royal conspiracy. The Cottagers will triumph over Newcastle at a clandestine 13/10.

Paul Jewell must be sick of the sight of Harry Redknapp; and not just because of the annoying twitch. Wigan have already lost twice to Portsmouth this season, a Pompey treble is in the bag at a knee-jerk 13/8.

I am extremely disappointed with Lua Lua. It wasn’t the fact that he was arrested for an alleged domestic disturbance; I feel let down because he didn’t do a double back flip after striking. I’m doing somersaults about the 7/1 for a 1-0 win to Portsmouth.

Jesus is more than handy with a loaf of bread and a piece of cod, but even He would struggle to keep Watford in the Premiership. Prayers do occasionally get answered though, thank you Al Bangura. Get on Bolton to beat Watford at a sacrilicious 5/4.

Liverpool host neighbours Everton in a tantalising Merseyside derby. The Toffeemen haven’t won at Anfield this millennium; it’ll be the Liverpool fans bragging in the benefit office on Monday morning. The Reds are a steal at 8/13.

Cesc Fabregas is a little magician. As long as he avoids Debbie McGee he’s got a decent future in the game. The 4/5 for an Arsenal win over Middlesbrough is spellbinding.

Tottenham are like Paul McCartney on his wedding night, they have to get over an extremely disappointing second leg. Man U will overwhelm the deflated Spurs at 5/6.

Wayne Rooney has been labeled a tubby Eric Cantona, and there’s more than an element of truth in such a comparison. The next big thing can net the opener at 6/1.

Ever since the departure of Cantona (and to a lesser degree Sheringham), United have struggled for a quality player in the hole. I believe Rooney will prove to be the missing link. I’m going ape about United scoring three or more goals at 11/4.

This week’s accer is so alluring, it reminds me of the wife’s sister; but i’ll get into that later. Liverpool, Aston Villa, Blackburn and Reading are the selections, the payout is a feisty 16/1.

Frank Lampard: family man, dressing room favourite, but above all, the ultimate professional. A product of West Ham’s famous youth system he has established himself as one of the most feared midfielders in the world since his £11 million move to Chelsea. Holder of the Premiership record of 164 consecutive appearances for an outfield player, he has won every domestic honour in the game and was rightly known as one of Jose Mourinho’s untouchables.

Edwin Van Der Sar Signed Manchester United Photo: Kissing The European Cup

£64.99


This photo was personally signed by Edwin van der Sar in a private signing session on October 9, 2008 in Manchester. It shows the Dutch goalkeeper lifting the Champions League trophy for Man United in Moscow on May 21, 2008.The tie went to extra time then penalties after goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Chelsea's Frank Lampard had cancelled each other out in normal time. John Terry needed only to score Chelsea's fifth penalty to take the trophy to Stamford Bridge for the first time, but,... More

Frank Lampard Signed England Photo

£64.99


This superb print was personally signed by England midfielder Frank Lampard in a private signing session at Watford on September 4, 2008.It shows Lampard celebrating his goal for England against Greece at Old Trafford on August 16, 2006. It put the Three Lions 2-0 up and well on the way to a resounding 4-0 victory.Lampard made his England debut in October 1999 and has been a fixture in the side ever since. He was voted England Player of the Year by the fans in 2004 and 2005 and played every... More