Final Four Analysis of NCAA Basketball Tournament

The article BetRepublic.com presented at the beginning of the NCAA basketball tournament described the parity that existed this season, and the weaknesses of all four number one seeds, advising sports bettors to caution against loading your final four with them. One of those number one seeds, the tournament favorite, Kentucky, went out in the second round, emphasizing the point we made. And, adding an exclamation mark to our premise, two other number ones, Syracuse and Kentucky, were eliminated this weekend, leaving Duke as the only surviving top seed.

Thus, the final four is made up of a lone number one - Duke (at odds of +150), one number two seed, West Virginia (+200) - and two number five seeds - Butler (+400) and Michigan State (+450).

Who is going to win it all?

Perhaps there is a clue provided on the divergent paths each has taken to get here.

Odds seem set against the top seeds this year, so suspicion tells me that perhaps Duke, which had the highest odds of the four number ones entering the tournament, might be the next to go out. They have had the easiest road to the finals, needing only to beat number sixteen Ark. Pine Bluff, number eight Cal and an undersized number four Purdue team that was without star playmaker Robbie Hummel. They beat number three Baylor to get to the final four, but the Mountaineers of W.Virginia will be their first real test and at odds of only +150 I don't think there is value in the Blue Devils.

Everybody Wants To Beat Brazil - Gilberto Silva FIFA World Cup 2010

The experienced midfielder has made it clear that Brazil are the team to beat

Brazil were paired with Ivory Coast, Portugal and North Korea for the group phase of this summer's World Cup and experienced midfielder Gilberto Silva has said that it's justified to label Brazil's group "the Group of Death".

"If you compare it to England's or Spain's groups, for example, I think it’s justified to call ours “the Group of Death”, but this team’s already lived through a lot of adversity and is ready to face this situation," said Gilberto Silva to fifa.com.

"I know a lot of the Portuguese players and particularly the Ivorians, who I played alongside at Arsenal. In fact, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue have been giving me loads of stick, joking around and saying that Ivory Coast are going to beat Brazil.

"But of course they respect us, that’s just what it’s like at the World Cup. Everybody wants to beat Brazil."

FA Cup Tips

Today’s major sporting events come from the world of English football and we’ll be previewing the biggest three matches from this evening’s fixtures. Read on as we look at the FA Cup Quarter Final Replay between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham as well as two of the night’s four Premier League matches.

Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham:

When these two sides last met they played out a 0-0 draw at Craven Cottage in what was an exciting and action filled encounter. Spurs ‘keeper Heurelho Gomes was outstanding in the first leg and is the reason that these two sides are meeting to play for a place at Wembley to meet Portsmouth in the FA Cup Semi Final and with Fulham having a poor record on the road, they will believe that they can advance to the final four stage.

Spurs are unbeaten in their last ten home games in all competitions while Fulham have only won one of their last ten away games – the win being at Accrington Stanley in the cup. These two sides also met at White Hart Lane on January 26th in the league, with Spurs coming out 2-0 winners. With these formlines I feel that Spurs will be ones progressing to Wembley.

Premier League Picks

We’re coming into the final stretch of the English football season and today’s biggest sporting events come from the top two leagues. In this article we’ll be previewing the day’s only Premier League fixture as well as two matches in the Championship that feature two of the three teams pushing for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

West Ham United v Wolverhampton Wanderers:

This game is an incredibly important game for both sides. They sit 17th and 16th in the league respectively and a win will move West Ham six points clear of the bottom three while a Wolves victory will see them seven points clear. There’s no doubting that both sides will be going for this game, especially as a draw won’t be much good for either side. How will the game go though?

West Ham are the favourites as their home form has been impressive of late. Before losing at home to Bolton at the weekend, they had won three and drawn two of their previous five games. Wolves have lost three of their last six away games, but have won one and drawn one of their last two. They could argue that they should have beaten Aston Villa at the weekend too. With both sides going for the game I can see this being open and entertaining, but I feel that it will end level.

Cheltenham Gold Cup Tips

There is some major sporting action this weekend as the Cheltenham Festival and the Six Nations Championship concludes this Friday and Saturday respectively. In this article we’ll be previewing the major happenings from these two illustrious events – the Cheltenham Gold Cup and France v England. We’ll also be looking at the biggest football match of the weekend as Manchester United take on Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Cheltenham Gold Cup:

The totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Class A Grade 1 chase run over three miles and about two furlongs. It is open to horses aged five years old and upwards.

This year's Gold Cup is being billed one of the most thrilling spectacles in racing history since it will feature a classic rematch between two-time Gold Cup victor Kauto Star (2007 and 2009) and the 2008 winner Denman. These two horses are so far ahead of the rest on their official ratings that it is impossible to contemplate that one of them won't win. Paddy Power have Kauto Star leading the field with odds of 4/6 with Denman coming in at 4/1. They are followed by Cooldine and Imperial Commander at 8/1.

Thursday Betting Preview: Cheltenham Festival

Today is Day Three at the Cheltenham Festival and we’ll be previewing the day’s biggest race – the Ladbrokes World Hurdle – in this article along with the two games in the Europa League that feature the two remaining teams from the Premier League.

Ladbrokes World Hurdle:

The highlight of Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival is the Ladbrokes World Hurdle. This race is a Class A Grade 1 hurdle run over three miles. It is open to horses aged four years old and upwards.

Paddy Power have last year’s winner, Big Bucks, as the favourite to be victorious again this year at odds of 8/13. Big Bucks is a massive favourite to repeat his 2009 success with his closest rival in the odds being Tidal Bay at 7/1. He is closely followed by Karabak at 15/2. The next nearest horse is Sentry Duty at a massive 14/1.

Champion Hurdle Tips

Today’s biggest sporting action centres around a town in Gloucestershire, England as the Cheltenham Festival for 2010 gets underway today. We’ll be previewing day one’s biggest race – the Champion Hurdle – as well as the two games being played in the Champions League tonight in this article.

Champion Hurdle:

The Champion Hurdle is the highlight of the first day of the Cheltenham Festival and the most prestigious hurdle race run all season. It is open to horses aged four years old and upwards, and is always run at a fast and furious pace.

According to the current odds with Extrabet.com the winner of the 2009 Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Go Native is the favourite to win the race at 4/1. He is clear of his nearest challengers Solwhit at 6/1 with joint third favourites Binocular and 2009 Champion Hurdle winner Punjabi at odds of 7/1.

BetRepublic Wednesday Sports Betting Preview

Wednesday sees Day Two of the four day Cheltenham festival and also two matches being played in Europe’s elite club football tournament. We’ll be previewing the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham as well as both of the Champions League fixtures.

Queen Mother Champion Chase:

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is a Class A Grade 1 chase run over two miles. It is open to horses aged 5 years old and upwards. It is the highlight of the second day’s action at Cheltenham.

2010 Formula One World Championship

The 2010 Formula 1 is back and its bigger and better than ever as we get set for what could potentially be the most exciting season in many years from a spectators point of view. New teams, new drivers and new circuits for 2010 which all adds up to the anticipation for fans and punters with the Formula 1 Betting.

2010 Formula One World Championship kicks off this weekend with the Bahrain Grand Prix amid the usual mix of rule changes, legal arguments and financial crises.

2010 Formula One Drivers Updates

Germany vs England FIH Hockey World Cup 2010 Semi Finals

England vs Germany 2010 Mens Hockey World Cup Match on 11 March 2010, 18:05 Venue: Dhyan Chand National Stadium,Delhi.

Germany vs. England Mens Hockey is the first semifinal of FIH World Cup 2010 held in India.

The FIH World Cup 2010 is continuing in India this year. Favourite teams are Pakistan, Germany, Netherlands, India and Australia. But Australia, Germany, England and Netherlands have reached in Semifinals of FIH Hockey World Cup. This is the first match of semifinals of this hockey world cup 2010.

Hockey World Cup 2010 Semi Finals: Australia vs Netherlands

Netherlands vs Australia 2010 Mens Hockey World Cup Match Date: 11 March 2010, 20:35 Venue: Dhyan Chand National Stadium

Australia will take on old rivals the Netherlands in another semi final of the FIH 2010 World Cup on Thursday, March, 11, 2010. The winner will go to finals and play the winner of the Germany v England match on Saturday, March 13, 2010. The Kookaburras have met the Netherlands last in 2009 at the Champions Trophy and the Australia won that match 7-2.

However, both the teams met head to head 8 times during world cup and both the teams share 4 wins each.

Canada vs Argentina Hockey World Cup 2010

Argentina vs Canada 2010 Mens Hockey World Cup Match On Date: 9 March 2010, 20:35 Venue: Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

The teams lying 5th and 6th in the Pool A will clash today, March 09, 2010. Teams Canada and Argentina have been faring poor at the FIH World Cup 2010.

Argentina though has been a better team as compared to Canada. They have won their previous match against New Zealand and their match against Germany was also quite entertaining although they lost it with a 3-4. Facundo Callioni has 2 field goals to his credit and Matias Paredes and Pedro Ibarra have 1 penalty corners to each of them and their best is yet to come according to the Argentine coach.

Germany Vs New Zealand 2010 Hockey World Cup

Germany vs New Zealand which is scheduled to air on Today March 9, 2010 starting at 16:35 PM,Venue: Dhyan Chand National Stadium,FIH Hockey Honda World Cup 2010.

Germany will try to gain more points after their tie with Netherlands in their last game. Germany has two wins; a 6-0 victory over Canada and a close 4-3 over Argentina. Germany tied with Korea and Netherlands.

Germany suddenly seems to have dropped down from its top place in the standings table in Pool A. The team has played 4 matches and won 2 of them and drawn 2 of the matches and has 8 points so far. The team will take on New Zealand on Today March 09, 2010.

The Black Sticks Men lay in the 4th spot with 6 points losing 2 matches and winning 2 matches.

Gimnasia La Plata vs Rosario Central Argentina Primera Division Match

The match between Gimnasia La Plata v Rosario Central Argentina Primera Division game will be played on today 8-3-2010, kick off at 23:10 CET in Juan Carlos Zerillo.

Having just jumped over the relegation line, Gimnasia has to face one of their rivals for the category. Undefeated since the third week, the Lobos are slowly recovering their level, an determination shines forth in Diego Cocca's eyes. Team's goalkeeper, Gaston Sessa, is aware of the danger their opponent's can pose during a corner kick, but he's confident his defensive line can neutralize any danger.

Argentine Tennis Player Nalbandian was Injured

Argentine Tennis Player Nalbandian will be in Sweden for the Davis Cup," the Argentine Tennis Association said in a statement.

Argentine Tennis Player Nalbandian was injured two weeks ago during the Buenos Aires Open, his comeback tournament from hip surgery last May, and pulled out of the world group, first round tie.

However, having recovered he is joining the Argentine team who have lost US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro and world number 27 Juan Monaco to injury.

San Lorenzo vs Chacarita Juniors Soccer Match

The match between San Lorenzo v Chacarita Juniors Argentinian Primera Division kick off at 21:00 CET or 20:00 GMT on Today 08/03/2010 at Pedro Bidegain.

San Lorenzo vs Chacarita Juniors Argentinian Primera Division game will be played on Today. Fans of both teams watch live match and Highlights.

The Cuervos are hungry, and last week's defeat against weak River Plate hugely disappointed team's fans. Sebastian Bordagaray was regarded as team's more promising player, but a few weeks ago he's been sidelined by Juan Carlos Menseguez, and he's not taking advantage of the opportunities he has to show he's recovered its level. Having obtained only 4 of the last 15 points, another defeat might bring the Cuervos to its knees and relegate them to the last position.

FA CUP QUARTER FINAL BETTING

The top sporting action comes from the most prestigious cup competition in British football – The FA Cup. This weekend sees the four Quarter Final matches being played with the winners going to Wembley for the Semi Final games.

Portsmouth v Birmingham City:

This game looks to be an interesting contest, with the match odds not really matching the outright odds. Birmingham City are 11/1 to win the FA Cup compared to Portsmouth’s 20/1, yet Portsmouth are the slight favourites to take victory in this game at 8/5 compared to Birmingham’s 7/4. The match odds are not surprising as Portsmouth have one win in their last six home games, while Birmingham have only won one of their last four away games and have lost their last three away league games. However, the midlands side have been drawn away from home in every round of the FA Cup so far this season and with Portsmouth off-field problems getting worse every week they will feel that they can win this game and reach the new Wembley for the first time.

I recommend backing Birmingham to win this game at 7/4 with more than 2.5 goals to be scored @ 13/10.

WEC-47 Picks: Bowles vs. Cruz

Bowles vs Cruz WEC 47 Betting Pics

Well, the lines are up for this weekend's WEC-47: Bowles vs. Cruz in Columbus, Ohio. The event is being broadcast on Versus. Initially I was really looking at Cruz but now I'm favoring Bowles over Cruz for the Bantamweight title and then Torres over Benavidez in a good match as well.

Online sportsbooks have the numbers set at Cruz +205 to Bowles -255 and Benavidez +215 to Torres' -275.

Tuesday Sports Betting Preview

Bangladesh v England – Second ODI

Republic of Ireland v Brazil

We have only two major sporting events taking place today as Bangladesh take on England in the second One Day International of their three game series and Ireland take on Brazil in an International Friendly at the Emirates Stadium – home of Arsenal Football Club.

Bangladesh v England – Second ODI:

England will be looking to wrap up the One Day International series with a win at Dhaka today, as a win will give them an unassailable 2-0 lead with just one game to be played. England triumphed by six wickets on Sunday at Mirpur. Bangladesh put themselves in an excellent to claim a win against England for the first time ever as Tamim Iqbal hit 125, but they were all out for just 228 as his team-mates could not match his endeavour. Captain Alistair Cook and Paul Collingwood were England’s saviours with 64 and 75 Not Out respectively.

Bangladesh Vs England 2nd ODI March 2nd from Shere Bangla National Stadium

England tour of Bangladesh 2010-Bangladesh v England 2nd ODI

The second game between England and Bangladesh will be played at Dhaka on Tuesday. England leads the series 1-0 after having beaten the opposition rather convincingly in the first game of the series.

England takes on Bangladesh in 2nd ODI match on Tuesday, March 02, 2010 at Dhaka. England leads the three match ODI series with 1-0 after defeating Bangladesh in the 1st ODI. England is looking for a series win against Bangladesh by defeating them in the 2nd ODI also. But Bangladesh will be looking for a bounce back back in the series by defeating England in the 2nd ODI match.