Soccer Sports News & Betting

Soccer odds – Pick Chelsea -233

Online betting players had Aston Villa as a trendy pick to make the Champions League, and it looked like they would get there, but their depth is taking a beating due to injuries. That’s not a good sign when they’re en route to Chelsea to face a squad still in the thick of the race for first place. Villa will battle gamely, but they don’t have the depth to overcome injuries to their best players, especially not on the road against Chelsea.

Aston Villa vs Chelsea Betting Odds: Chelsea -233; Villa +840; Draw +400

What: Soccer betting
When: Saturday, March 27, 11:00 AM ET
Where: Stamford Bridge, London, England
Key Stat: Chelsea has won four and drawn four of their last 10 meetings with Villa

The Storyline: Aston Villa vs Chelsea Betting Odds

Villa is slowly dropping out of the race for fourth in the Premiership after a 1-1 draw at home with Sunderland on Wednesday, and they’ll be extremely disappointed with taking only two points from home games against Sunderland and Wolves in the last week. Chelsea went to Portsmouth and spanked the league’s worst team by a 5-0 scoreline, and now they sit a point behind leaders Manchester United, and a point ahead of pesky Arsenal. Chelsea will be out to avenge a 2-1 loss at Villa earlier this year, as well.

Offensive Matchups: Aston Villa vs Chelsea Betting Odds

Villa has scored nine goals in their last five games, and John Carew has scored six of those markers. The big forward has to be the first player on manager Martin O’Neill’s team sheet, and it’s a wonder why he hasn’t been starting more often, over Emile Heskey. But the Villans have some injury worries, such as Heskey, Gaby Agbonlahor and James Milner. Can Carew keep up this goal-scoring spree?

Outside of Didier Drogba, the Chelsea attack has hit a rough patch lately, despite their five-goal haul at Portsmouth, a team with nothing to play for. The attacking midfielders, Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack, haven’t been that dynamic, and Nicolas Anelka hasn’t scored since January 30th. We’re better off not talking about Joe Cole at all. Florent Malouda added a pair against Portsmouth, and there may be a spot in the starting 11 for him.

Sport Pick: Chelsea

Defensive Matchups: Aston Villa vs Chelsea Betting Odds

Villa’s defense is the key to their sportsbook odds, but they’ve made some uncharacteristic mistakes as of late, and now their rock, Richard Dunne, may miss this game through injury. Dunne scored earlier in the season against Chelsea, and he’s very similar to John Terry, captain of the Blues. Villa doesn’t have much depth throughout the squad, and Dunne’s availability is the biggest question heading into this match.

The Chelsea defense has Petr Cech back between the sticks, and even though Ross Turnbull did a decent job while the No.1 keeper was hurt, you have to have continuity, especially at the back. Chelsea would also love to have Michael Essien back from injury. John Obi Mikel is growing as a defensive midfielder, but Essien is a monster right now.

Free picks: Even

Notable Injuries: Aston Villa vs Chelsea Betting Odds

Heskey (Achilles), Agbonlahor (foot), Milner (Achilles) and Dunne (Achilles) all basically have the same injury. Agbonlahor is the closest to being ready, while the rest played through their injuries on Wednesday, and Heskey and Milner had to be subsitituted.

There are no new injuries to report for Chelsea.

Free picks: Chelsea

Totals: Aston Villa vs Chelsea Betting Odds

Seven of the last 10 games between these two have gone under the posted total, and Villa probably won’t attack much, seeing as how three of their top five attacking players may be out. This will be a low-scoring affair.

Pick: Under 2.5 (+133)

Betting Prediction: Aston Villa vs Chelsea Betting Odds

Chelsea are obviously the favorites here, and they’ve won 13 of their 15 games at the Bridge so far this season. Villa is normally a good away team, and they’ve held their own at Chelsea lately, but they have too many injuries to stay with the Blues today. The injury to Dunne is crucial: if he can’t go, this could get out of hand with the rampaging Drogba attacking the Villa back line.

Soccer picks: Chelsea -233

Soccer odds – Pick Roma +179

Inter Milan were the online betting favorites coming into the Serie A season, and they’re expected to be in first place. But no one counted on a resurgent Roma, who have fired their way up the table to second place as they welcome Inter to town in the weekend’s big match, and Inter has some injury problems, particularly at the front, and Roma will pounce to make it an interesting stretch run.

Inter vs Roma Betting Odds: Roma +179; Inter +187; Draw +228

What: Soccer betting
When: Saturday, March 27, 1:00 PM ET
Where:Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
Key Stat: Roma hasn’t lost at home since October 25, 2009

The Storyline: Inter vs Roma Betting Odds

Inter holds a four-point lead over Roma in the Serie A table after a 3-0 win at home over Livorno in midweek action, but all is not good in Milan as there are some injuries and off-pitch problems to worry manager Jose Mourinho. Roma rolled to a 2-0 win at Bologna on Wednesday, and they’re still doing it without injured captain Francesco Totti, who is a doubt for this match. Roma battled to a 1-1 draw in Milan back in November, and a win would blow the title race wide open.

Offensive Matchups: Inter vs Roma Betting Odds

Samuel E’to has scored three goals in his last three matches, including the winner at Chelsea in the Champions League, followed by a pair against Livorno on Wednesday. E’to was said to miss Barcelona, but he’s playing through it right now, and when he’s on, he’s arguably the most clinical striker in Europe. However, the key is the health of Wesley Sneijder, who was unbelievable at Chelsea. Sneijder’s eye for a good pass can keep a defense on their heels. Diego Milito is also limping, and then there’s Marco Balotelli, who was seen on an Italian television show wearing an AC Milan shirt, which can’t make Mourinho happy.

Roma has scored nine goals in their last three matches, and they’re getting goals from everywhere. Mirko Vucinic had a hat trick two matches ago, while Simone Perotta notched a goal and two assists three games ago. Even John Arne Riise is scoring from the back. But you have to wonder how good Roma would be with Totti in the side.

Free sports picks: Even

Defensive Matchups: Inter vs Roma Betting Odds

Inter’s first-choice central pair appears to be Lucio and Walter Samuel, but the defense was also boosted by the return of Christian Chivu from a head injury. Sportsbook players know that Mourinho’s teams, if nothing else, are going to be solid at the back, and this Inter is no exception, although you have to worry about a Samuel slip-up every now and again.

Roma is fourth in Serie A in goals allowed, but the defense can be inconsistent. In their last four games, Roma has held AC Milan and Bologna scoreless, but then they’ll give up five goals to Livorno and Udinese. Juan is back from suspension, along with Philippe Mexes.

Sport picks: Inter

Notable Injuries: Inter vs Roma Betting Odds

Sniejder (adductor) is a major worry for Inter, while Milito (thigh) was included in the team that faced Livorno, but he didn’t play.

Totti (knee) hasn’t played a full match since early February, a span of 10 games, but Roma has six wins and three draws during that time, so they’re used to not having him now.

Free sport pick: Roma

Totals: Inter vs Roma Betting Odds

Three of the last five between these two have gone over the posted total, and both have the ability to score a lot of goals. Their defenses are solid, but they can also give up goals in bunches. By Italian standards, this will be an open game.

Pick: Over 2.5 (Even)

Betting Prediction: Inter vs Roma Betting Odds

Inter has won four and drawn four of their last 10 against Roma, and in their last trip to the Eternal City, Inter romped to a 4-0 win last season in a dominating performance, and you can bet that Roma remembers that. E’to is in a rich vein of form, but with injuries around him, it’ll be interesting to see how he performs against a Roma defense that will be fired up. Roma has been the hottest team in Italy over the second half of the season, and they have a ton of momentum on their side. They also have an edge in Europe: Roma lost to Panathinaikos in the Europa League and are now fresh, while Inter still have to worry about next week’s Champions League matchup with CSKA Moscow. Look for Roma to snatch three points this weekend.

Soccer picks: Roma +179

Cesc Fabregas is poised to return from injury as Arsenal entertain West Ham on Saturday, but William Gallas fitness is an ongoing concern for manager Arsene Wenger.

Gunners captain Fabregas has been out since March 6 - missing the matches with Porto and Hull - due to a hamstring injury but is expected to pass a fitness test on Friday morning.

Tomas Rosicky is also anticipated to be fit following a groin problem, but Wenger says defender William Gallas has an endless calf injury.

Gallas has missed the last six games and is set to be out for at least two more matches - missing the game against West Ham and the match at Birmingham on March 27.

Cesc and Tomas have a final test tomorrow morning, Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on Thursday. They should be available for Saturday.

From the last game we dont lose anybody, so normally we should have Fabregas, Carlos Vela and Rosicky back. Plus of course we have Song coming back from suspension.

However, William Gallas will not be available this week or at Birmingham. It is going on and on. It is a concern.

It is an endless calf strain and so we need Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre to be highly ready to help us out.

Alex Song will be back from a two-match suspension against the Hammers and Carlos Vela could be added to the squad as Arsenal seek to enhance their title bid after their last-gasp 2-1 win at Hull last weekend.

Carlo Ancelotti faces the sack after only his first season in charge of Chelsea if he fails to deliver the Premier League title.

Roman Abramovich was angered at Chelseas failure to perform as they exited the Champions League to Jose Mourinhos Inter Milan this week, and Ancelotti admitted in the aftermath that his job was under scrutiny.

Ive worked for a long time in this environment and I know exactly what the expectations are, he said. Its normal that a manager is going to come under pressure if he loses a few matches.

Soccernet sources close to Abramovich have confirmed that the Chelsea owner called a team meeting to express his frustration with the players after the defeat and that Ancelotti will have to win the league to survive the axe.

Roman was upset with the players, for sure, the source said. He called the players to a team talk.

Ancelotti-s-future now depends on the league. He will need to win the league to survive.

Yet, should Ancelotti leave, Abramovich is running out of options for a replacement, with Guus Hiddink already having accepted the Turkey job.

Frank Rijkaard, currently with Galatasaray after spells with Netherlands, Sparta Rotterdam and Barcelona, could come into contention for the role once more, according to the source.

Roman wouldnt have Mourinho back, thats for sure, he said. Rijkaard was a candidate before, but he decided he didnt want to take the job.

It has been widely suggested that Abramovich could now be willing to fund an overhaul of the squad this summer, but he is unwilling to join Real Madrid and Manchester City in paying hugely inflated fees.

Fernando Torres has been strongly linked and the Spain striker will be the top target if Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League, but the source believes Chelsea will be priced out of the bidding.

Cesc Fabregas is poised to return from injury as Arsenal entertain West Ham on Saturday, but William Gallas fitness is an ongoing concern for manager Arsene Wenger.

Gunners captain Fabregas has been out since March 6 - missing the matches with Porto and Hull - due to a hamstring injury but is expected to pass a fitness test on Friday morning.

Tomas Rosicky is also anticipated to be fit following a groin problem, but Wenger says defender William Gallas has an endless calf injury.

Gallas has missed the last six games and is set to be out for at least two more matches - missing the game against West Ham and the match at Birmingham on March 27.

Cesc and Tomas have a final test tomorrow morning, Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on Thursday. They should be available for Saturday.

From the last game we dont lose anybody, so normally we should have Fabregas, Carlos Vela and Rosicky back. Plus of course we have Song coming back from suspension.

However, William Gallas will not be available this week or at Birmingham. It is going on and on. It is a concern.

It is an endless calf strain and so we need Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre to be highly ready to help us out.

Alex Song will be back from a two-match suspension against the Hammers and Carlos Vela could be added to the squad as Arsenal seek to enhance their title bid after their last-gasp 2-1 win at Hull last weekend.

Fabio Capello has offered his support to David Beckham and confirmed that the England camp do not expect the midfielder to play at the World Cup finals due to a torn Achilles tendon.

Beckham, 34, saw his hopes of playing in a fourth World Cup finals evaporate late on Sunday night as he was stretchered off during AC Milans 1-0 victory over Chievo Verona.

Beckham was reported to be in tears in the Milan dressing room and manager Leondardo and a number of team-mates have expressed their concern for the player, whose international career could have come to an abrupt end.

While Capello is formally awaiting the results of scans before making a cast-iron decision on Beckhams availability, the England coach does not expect the midfielder to be a member of the 23-man squad that travels to South Africa.

We have to wait for the results of the scan, but it looks like he is out of the World Cup, said the England coach. I spoke with him after the game on Sunday night to offer my support, as did Franco Baldini.

David is a great professional and has worked very hard to be ready for the World Cup, so missing it will be a big blow. I am very sad for David that he has suffered this injury.

Beckham told his official website: I am on my way to Finland to see a specialist and have a scan on the injury. I am upset but want to thank everyone for their messages of support. I hope to make a swift and full recovery.

The surgeon due to operate on Beckham on Monday, Dr Sakari Orava, says the injury will prevent the LA Galaxy midfielder, who is on loan at Milan, from playing for up to four months.

To start kicking and playing football about three months, Dr Orava said. For maximal performances and maximum kicks and jumps, maybe it takes one month more, three-to-four months before one is able to do light playing.

Its a total tear of the Achilles tendon. If there is any weakness then… a graft can be taken from the calf and put over the injury site to make it stronger. This kind of procedure is planned.

While Englands medical team will await the results of scans and Mondays planned operation, Milan are in no doubt that the serious injury will prevent Beckham from appearing in South Africa.

Dr Orava is the foremost specialist in the world for this kind of injury, we want to get David to see him as quickly as possible, Jean Pierre Meersseman, Milans club doctor, said. But as far as the World Cup is concerned, hes definitely out.

Beckham rejoined Milan on a second loan spell in January and is a popular figure at San Siro. Rossoneri chief executive Adriano Galliani expects Beckham to be absent for five to six months but has already told the midfielder he will be welcomed back for a third spell in Serie A.

I gave him a big hug and told him that he is a part of our family and that, if he wants to come back to Milan next year, there will be a place for him here, Galliani said in the Times. Its horrible, for two consecutive years he has come to play for us for one reason only, to stay fit for the World Cup and to further his England career. And now something like this happens. Football can be so cruel.

Alex Manninger will miss another 15-20 days with a right thigh injury, adding to Juventus goalkeeping worries with starter Gianluigi Buffon already out for a month with a similar injury.

Juventus reported Monday that medical tests on Manninger revealed a muscle strain.

Third-choice Antonio Chimenti played in Juves 3-3 draw with Siena on Sunday and will likely get the nod for the Europa League return game with Fulham and Juves next Serie A match against Sampdoria.

Also, Juve defender Jose Martin Caceres has an abdominal problem and will head to Barcelona for tests Tuesday since the Spanish club holds his rights.

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish is again being linked with the Liverpool managers job after initially being revealed as a potential candidate to replace Rafa Benitez by Soccernet on March 5.

Reports in the UK press claim that Liverpool are closely monitoring McLeishs contract talks with Birmingham and Soccernet has been told that the Scot represents the cheap option to replace Benitez.

McLeish has a buy-out clause of just 1 million in his contract, which expires in 18 months, which means that figure could now be negotiable, if Liverpool decided to move for the Blues boss.

However, Soccernet has also broken the story this week that Aston Villa manager Martin ONeill is the even bigger name in the frame, should Benitez join Juventus in the summer and therefore forfeit any compensation settlement.

There is a great deal of talk within the game that Martin ONeill is highly regarded by Liverpools American owners, an insider with contacts to the boardrooms of all the Premier League clubs told Soccernet.

Ive heard Alex McLeishs name mentioned, but Martin ONeill would be the much stronger candidate, and if you asked my opinion he would take the job if it were offered to him.

Benitez signed a new lucrative contract a year ago, committing him to the club until 2014, and Soccernet sources have already told us that it would cost 15 million in compensation to sack Benitez - and that is why Liverpool wont even think about sacking him.

Liverpool lost the first leg of their last 16 Europa League tie at Lille 1-0 on Thursday to intensify the pressure on Benitez. Even the most hardened Liverpool supporter who has been backing Benitez all season, must now realise that his days are numbered. Only his expensive compensation package is keeping him from any internal debate about his future.

However, if Liverpool fail to finish in the top four, the position Benitez has guaranteed, then his backing among the loyal fans will evaporate fast.

American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have been trying, and failing, for some months to raise 100 million of new investment, but clearly no one is rushing to take a minority stake and then work with two other co-owners.

If there is no new investment, the summer brings a troubled time of trying once again to refinance the debt, and only a low budget new manager would be possible, while Hicks and Gillett cannot fail to be impressed how the former Scotland and Rangers manager McLeish has stablised Birmingham in eighth place on a modest transfer budget.

If Liverpools results continue to dive in the Premier League, it wont be long before Birmingham will be catching them up.

Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko was on target again to help defeat Blackburn at White Hart Lane and maintain his sides hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Pavlyuchenko had been unsettled for most of the season and looked set to leave during the January transfer window but stayed at the club and has now played a big part in Spurs push for Champions League qualification.

Jermain Defoe opened the scoring against Sam Allardyces men, then Pavlyuchenko doubled the lead before Christopher Samba pulled one back.

Hopes of a Blackburn comeback were dashed when Pavlyuchenko scored his eighth in his last six games and even Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, who has been at loggerheads with the Russian at times during the campaign, was up celebrating.

Before the weekend, Redknapp set his side the target of 19 points to finish in fourth position this season, with Blackburn designated as a must-win fixture given a run-in that includes Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea.

The odds were with them too because Allardyces side have only recorded one league victory away from Ewood Park during the campaign, with only their home form getting them within sight of safety.

Despite their woeful record on the road, Rovers showed early attacking intent, largely due to David Dunn returning from a calf injury and making his first start since January.

His 50-yard box-to-box run required Spurs midfielder Wilson Palacios to track back into his own penalty area, then he could have earned a penalty for the visitors.

Dunn carried the ball into the area and Palacios won the ball fairly but Vedran Corluka cut across the midfielder at the same time, although World Cup referee Howard Webb decided to wave play on.

Spurs first chances came to Pavlyuchenko, preferred to Peter Crouch as Defoe returned from a tight hamstring.

Pavlyuchenkos first effort was stabbed into the ground and over after Benoit Assou-Ekotto burst into the area, then Gareth Bale crossed and he fired wide.

It meant Paul Robinson, granted a warm welcome from his former club, was not forced into a save before he was taken off with an injury to his left leg.

Jason Brown came off the bench to deputise and was nearly beaten shortly afterwards when Bale, who had the beating of Michel Salgado for pace, dashed around the Spanish veteran but fired wide.

Brown saved at full stretch before the break when Assou-Ekottos early cross from the left angled towards the bottom corner, then he parried a Defoe effort after Luka Modric sent him through.

But Defoe was on target in stoppage-time of the first half. Niko Kranjcars corner was flicked on by Corluka, who climbed above Martin Olsson, and Defoe was at the far post to tap home. It was his 23rd of the season.

Nikola Kalinic mis-controlled when he had sight of goal just after the break - and Spurs then punished Rovers in the 55th minute with the second goal.

Spurs were defending a corner when the move started, with Modric carrying the ball forward and finding Defoe. Defoe resisted the temptation to shoot and laid on Pavlyuchenko, whose finish went through Brown.

Modric could have added another when Sebastien Bassong carried the ball out of defence and found his team-mate - but the Croatia playmaker dragged his finish wide.

Bale felt he should have had a penalty when Salgado challenged but Webb pointed for a goalkick and did not book the Wales international.

Webb turned down another appeal when Bale went over a challenge by Morten Gamst Pedersen, with Samba then setting up a nervous finish when he headed home from Pedersens cross.

Pavlyuchenko, however, grabbed his second five minutes before the end when he clipped home Bales cross. He was denied a hat-trick when Samba cleared off the line, then Kalinic had an effort chalked off for handball.

Soccer odds – Pick Barca -213

Online betting players are watching a two-horse race in Spain, as Valencia is a distant third behind Real Madrid and Barcelona. Valencia will head to Barca this weekend, but with a dangerous mix of injuries and suspensions to their defense, they won’t have much of a shot at ending their terrible run of form at the Nou Camp in recent outings. Barca could be in for a huge game on Sunday.

Valencia vs Barca Picks: Barca -213; Valencia +731; Draw +382
What: Soccer betting
When: Sunday, March 14, 2:00 PM ET
Where Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
Key Stat Barca has outscored Valencia 10-0 in their last two meetings at the Nou Camp

The Storyline: Valencia vs Barca Picks

Valencia still has to play Werder Bremen in the first leg of their Europa League tie at home on Thursday, but they could manage only a 0-0 draw against Racing Santander at home on Monday. Barca drew 2-2 at Almeira last Saturday, but that pulled them into a tie for first place with Real Madrid in La Liga. Valencia sits 15 points back in third place, and they’re aiming to hold off the likes of Sevilla and Mallorca. These two sides drew 0-0 at Valencia on October 17th in a chippy affair that had seven yellow cards.

Offensive Matchups: Valencia vs Barca Picks

Villa has scored 37 goals in the Premiership, but they’re coming off a four-goal haul at Reading in the FA Cup, with John Carew notching a hat trick. It would be good for Carew if he could keep that up in the league, as Gaby Agbonlahor leads the way with 11 goals, while Carew, James Milner and Ashley Young have four apiece. When Agbonlahor and Young are rampaging down the wings, that makes it much easier for Carew and Emile Heskey up front.

David Villa is second in La Liga with 17 goals, but he’s scoreless in his last three outings. Valencia has scored one goal in their last two matches, but the potential for an explosion is always there with Villa and David Silva leading an attack that is third in La Liga in goals scored.

Barca has scored eight goals in their last three league matches, and Lionel Messi has three of them to push his La Liga-leading total to 19. Zlatan Ibrahimovich (who is suspended) has been off and on all season since coming to the Nou Camp from Inter Milan, which puts a lot of pressure on Messi to produce. It’s a good thing he’s the best player in the world right now.

soccer pick: Barca

Defensive Matchups: Valencia vs Barca Picks

Valencia gave up four goals at Atletico Madrid on February 28th, and what’s more is that two of their defenders, Carlos Marchena and Miguel, both received red cards in the match, and they’ll miss this match as well. To make matters worse, David Navarro was sent off against Racing Santander. Do Valencia now have enough to keep up with Barca?

The Catalans’ sportbook odds are factored on their ability to score at any time, but the Barca defense is underrated, allowing a La Liga-low 16 goals in the match. Carlos Puyol has been a rock in the middle of the Barca defense, while Gerard Pique is coming into his own at 23 years of age, and he’ll probably replace Puyol in the heart of the back four when Puyol, the Barca captain, retires.

soccer pick: Barca

Notable Injuries: Valencia vs Barca Pickss

Bruno, Jeremy Mathieu, David Albelda, and Vicente should all miss this match through injury, and all but Vicente are defensive-minded players, which could really hurt them at Barca

Barca has no new injury woes.

soccer picks: Barca

Totals: Valencia vs Barca Picks

Six of the last 10 meetings between these two have gone over the posted total, and given Valencia’s injury and suspension problems at the back, Barca could run wild. Valencia is also capable of scoring with Villa and Silva.

Pick: Over 2.5

Betting : Valencia vs Barca Picks

Barca is 11-1-0 at home this season, and they’ve rolled Valencia at the Nou Camp in their last two meetings there, outscoring them 10-0. After two straight draws at Valencia, this series returns to Barcelona, and that bodes well for the home team, who will be able to abuse a patched-up Valencia defense. Even if they have no Ibrahimovich, they still have Thierry Henry to come off the bench, along with Messi, and the midfield duo of Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Look for Barca to keep pace with Real Madrid with a big win here.

Soccer picks: Barca -213