Former TV and radio presenter Timmy Mallett and David Van Day, one half of eighties pop group Dollar, are the newest editions to the celebrity jungle.

On the X Factor front, Diana Vickers remains the hot favourite to win but it’s Eoghan Quigg who all eyes are on. The 16 year old from Derry, whose hedgehog hair has become even more famous than the show itself, is proving hugely popular with the voting public and is this year’s biggest threat in the competition.

Sharon McHugh, spokesperson for Paddy Power said: “Everybody was disappointed to see John go but his success on Strictly should be viewed as a warning to others that literally anything is possible when the public are voting. Quite often it’s the likeability factor that sees reality TV stars progress further!”

I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here

Producers of this year’s show have wasted no time introducing the fear factor to the jungle. We’ve already seen some testicle crunching from Joe Swash and Nicola McLean. There are still a few weeks to go yet but chances are Robert Kilroy Silk won’t be around to see them if the odds are correct. The jungle bully is just 2/1 to be the first celebrity axed from the jungle.

X-Factor

Six will become five this week as one more act will get the chop. Rachel Hylton looks to be in trouble this week with Paddy Power making her their firm favourite at 4/6 to become the next act voted off the show. Diana Vickers quirky style has seen her soar to pole position to win the X Factor but it’s Northern Ireland’s Eoghan Quigg who has emerged as the dark horse and a real worry for the bookie.

Strictly Come Dancing

It just won’t be the same without John. Will his exit see increased support go to fellow outsiders in the betting – Jodie and Christine? Will the public exact their revenge by refusing to support the judges’ favourites? Austin Healy remains the even money favourite to toe-tap his way to victory but will the public let him waltz away with it?

LATEST PADDY POWER BETTING

Who will win I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here

7/4      Joe Swash

9/2      George Takei

5/1      Esther Ranzten

13/2      Martina Navratilova

10/1      Timmy Mallett

12/1      Dani Behr

16/1      Nicola McLean

20/1      Simon Webbe

25/1      David Van Day

40/1      Robert Kilroy Silk

40/1      Carly Zucker

50/1      Brian Paddick

10/1      Any Other (Not Listed)

First Eviction

2/1      Robert Kilroy Silk

2/1      Brian Paddick

5/1      Carly Zucker

6/1      Nicola McLean

10/1      Dani Behr

10/1      Simon Webbe

16/1      Esther Ranzten

25/1      Martina Navratilova

50/1      George Takei

80/1      Joe Swash

X Factor Outright

13/8   Diana Vickers

11/4   Eoghan Quigg

3/1   Alexandra Burke

4/1   JLS

20/1   Ruth Lorenzo

50/1   Rachel Hylton

Winning Category

4/7    Cheryl Cole       (18-24yr old girls)

11/4    Simon Cowell    (18-24 yr old boys)

9/2    Louis Walsh      (Groups)

14/1    Dannii Minogue  (Over 25’s)

Next Elimination

4/6    Rachel Hylton

2/1    Ruth Lorenzo

10/1    JLS

14/1    Alexandra Burke

16/1    Eoghan Quigg

20/1    Diana Vickers

Strictly Come Dancing Winner

Evs   Austin Healey

9/4    Tom Chambers

5/1    Rachel Stevens

10/1    Lisa Snowdon

12/1    Christine Bleakley

40/1    Jodie Kidd

Next Elimination

4/5    Jodie Kidd

11/4   Christine Bleakley

7/2    Lisa Snowdon

12/1    Rachel Stevens

25/1    Tom Chambers

40/1    Austin Healy

Bet Now with PaddyPower!

Eastern Confrence.

The Atlantic Division is where the Boston Celtics sit atop their Division with a record of 8-1 and you have to say they deserve to be there,they are not playing as well as last year yet but they are still a very hard team to break down,they have been behind in their games but have turned up in Defence when they have had to and have pulled games out when they should of lost and they look good again to go through at the top of the East this season,the rst of the Division is pretty good also with the likes of the Knicks and Raptors likely to contest this Division although count out the 76ers at your peril as they have a very good side this season with both youth and experience and could again force their way into the playoffs depending on where other sides wind up,the Nets are also in this Division bu7t it is hard to see them doing much and with the talent in this Division it looks near on impossible for them,the Knicks,Raptors and 76ers should be pushing hard come play off time and we could again see 3 teams from this Division alnoe in the Post season in the East.If the Knicks can keep up what they are putting on the court so far this season they will be hard to stop,although the Spurs showed the other day that no matter the sport a solid defence will always stop a potent offecne though did’nt they.

We move on now to the Central Division,where the Cavs sit atop the Standings there with a record of 7-2 and on a 6 game winning streak now after blowing the Nuggets away today(Damm),They are closely followed by the Pistons who themselves even with the early season trade with the Nuggets are at a very good 6-2 after beating the Warriors today,these two sides will be there come Play off time and will be in a real dogfight with the others to make the Post Season,I find the Cavs hard to watch sometimes and like I said today Le Bron cannot keep comming up with 40 point efforts every game and that will hurt them,the Cavs though have had some time together and will make the Playoffs,while the Pistons will be fighting it out with everyone else I would expect for a Play off spot,the other 3 sides in this Division in the Pacers,Bulls and Bucks won’t make it unless they can make some big runs and the other contenders have soe bad runs,those 3 sides in the Pacers,Bucks and Bulls have little chance of making it and of the 3 of them the Bulls if they can keep up their recent form which could happen could be pushing hard come Play off time but overall the Pistons and Cavs look the bst in the Atlantic to date,a long way to go yet but still the first two mentioned look the more likely.

In the Southeast Division the Atlanta Hawks look the goods for sure even this early on,now I do beleive in the Hawks this season as I have already said before,I thought their run in the Post Season last year has really set them up very well this season and although they had their first loss of the season yesterday against the Celtics their effort in the game was good and they took the Celtics right to the limit both yesterday and last Post Season and I think they will make the Play Offs again this season,the others in this Division the Magic,Heat,Bobcats and Wizards are not looking to good really,the Magic look likely to be there at the end of the season but it is hard to call as the Magic will not go well against the defensive minded teams around the league abnd the Heat,Bobcats and Wizards appear to be very weak this season although all of those teams will have their moments this season in this Division the Hawks and Magic sit firmly at the top of it I beleive and will be there pushing for the Post Season come seasons end.

So in the East the sides we should be watching for I beleive are the Hawks,Celtics and Cavs,while the Sides who I think will be battling it out for the rest of the places should be the Raptors,Knicks,Bulls,76ers and Pistons,but still a long way to go,Injuries could happen momentum will come and go and we all will have to watch and make smart choices throughout the Season to try and get the most out of another NBA season.

Western Confrence.

In the Northwest Division the Jazz sit at 6-2 having lost 2 of  their last 3 games,but they are racked with injurys now and they will be far better when they get their full side back on court for them,in fact the Jazz once they get their full squad back will be near on unstoppable really as they have shown while missing 3 Stars they still have more than enough to see off most teams,the Trail Blazers are the other team who will be strong in this Division and have been showing it,I took them yesterday against the Heat and they came through for me and they have had a very hard start to their season so far with matches against all the top teams,they have Greg Oden back now and that is even better news for them,they really are a team to watch this season and are well worth taking when the time is right to strike,the Other sides in this Division in the Nuggets,T-Wolves and Thunder are hardly worth mentioning although the Nuggets have the talen to go all the way and Billups will make them better in all faceits of their game but it remains to be seen as to whether Billups can really stamp his game on this Nuggets side,he played well today against the Cavs but the rest of the team did’nt defend which was very frustrating to say the least,the Jazz and Blazers look the goods here and should have good winning records come Play Off time.

The Pacific Division as we all know is where the  Lakers and Suns reside and are really the only 2 sides worth following here,the Lakers will be there of that I have no question but the Suns I am unsure of really,they have a potent offence like the Lakers but of both those sides the Lakers look the better alround side and look a very complete side in alot of ways,they can defend but they can also score whether quickly or slowly and so they will rule this Division  and I have to say I have major Doubts over the Suns even making the Post Season,the other sides in this Division are the Kings,Warriors and Clippers and really none of them willl be there come seasons end,the Kings could be there as they can really streak at times but overall these other sides will have their moments but will have to settle for second best as I can’t see any of them apart from theKings making it into  Play Off contentionat all.

And in the hardest Division to win the SotuhWest Division we see the Rockets sitting atop the Division with a record of 5-3 closely followed by the Hornets who sit at 4-3 on their season,the Hornets started well but in their last few games have struggled  and they looked lifeless against the Lakers the other day,for me only the Rockets and Hornets will have great records this season as really the Spurs are to old and won’t be a force even if they make the Play offs,the Grizzlies won’t make it but will have their moments during the season as youth brings that to any side who have that in it,Youth brings excitrement and teams can live off that for a while but it usually fades and sitting at the foot of the South West are the Mavericks who sit on a record of 2-6 even worse than the Spurs are going right now althouh the Mavs do have a game in hand.I have said this before so far but i’ll say it again the Mavs and Spurs are not the same sides of  seasons gone by and I actually think that those two sides will be very lucky to make the Post Season especially the Spurs.

So in the West we should see the Lakers,Rockets,Hornets and Jazz fight it out for the Top seed come seasons end and the others will have to fight it out to make it,of the chasing sides I do think that 2 siudes with great chances to make it in are the TrailBlazers,Suns,Nuggets and Mavs but there are other sides who could make a late push to be there,but time will tell.

The Season has’nt been going long enough to get areal gauge on it but their are certain teams who stick out like Dogs Bullocks right now and will probaly hold their form into the late stages of the season and have the depth to cover themselves also,so all in all we have alot of Good Basketball to look forward to.

We’ll update later in the season maybe at the 20 game mark and see how the sides are going and see if we can’t see other things appearing that are’nt happening now,so untill then,Good Luck with your Betting.

NOTE: Got anything to add ? Disagree and want to get your two cents in ? Feel Free to do so….It would be appreciated.

Jum.

Strap yourselves in Boys and Girls as we go through every side in here,pick the players to watch out for,predict the sides chances and show all the Teams schedules and explain how the Comp sorts it’s self out as we progress…

10 Sides will contest this Cup in 3 Groups..Group 1 consists of Australia,New Zealand,England and Papua New Guinea…3 of these sides will make the Semi Finals and the remaining Semi finalist will come from the other 2 pools of 3 teams in Group 2,France,Fiji and Scotland and Group 3 Consists of  Tonga,Ireland and Samoa.

You have to feel a bit sorry for the Kumuls(PNG) who are rated in the top tier of teams and fair enough but it is a very hard pool they are in as really the other 3 sides in Group A are the best the world has to offer ,however I do think they can upset in one game to really throw the Cat amongst the Pigeons and it could be against NZ,Ireland are another side you have to feel sorry for as they have Been grouped with Samoa and Tonga and have lost White(Storm) from their side,they are really a team full of part timers against 2 of the hardest hitting Sides in the RL World…I also find it a bit sad that only one side from the other pools gets in with the Winner of Pools 2 and 3 playing off for the final Semi Final spot…Lets go through the Sides Group by Group,i’ll give you their full squads and we’ll  go from there.

GROUP 1

AUSTRALIA

SQUAD: Campese, Hunt, Lockyer, Monoghan, Gallen, Laffranchi, Prince, Kite, Perry, -Boyd, Stewart, Watmough, Williams, Tupou, Folau, Inglis, Slater, Smith, Gidley, Thurston, Price, Tate, Civoniceva, Fitzgibbon.

COACH:Ricky Stewart.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:Take your pick really,Thurston,Folau,Monoghan,Inglis,the side is stacked with the best in the World and they are playing in their own back yard,they will be hard to beat even with swapping and changing players,they have a very good coach also in Stewart,like I said hard to pick any individual Players in this side as they are all very good,Favs for the Cup and rightly so.

SCHEDULE:Sun 26 October vs New Zealand…Sunday 2nd November vs England…Sun 9th November vs England.

PREDICTED FINISH:1st…Hard to go past Australia in this Tournament as it is any time they play,they have a fantistac winning record against all commers and always play well,they will make the Final unless they all fall down and break every bone in their bodies and even then they have enough talent to call in to repalce them and will probaly still make the Final.World Cup Champions most likely unless something extrodanary happens.

ENGLAND

SQUAD: Senior, McGuire,Burrow, Peacock, Ellis, Sinfield,Jones - Buchanan Smith, Wellens, Gardner, Pryce, Graham, Roby, Fa’savalu, Wilkin, Purdham, Calderwood, Higham, Hock -, Gleeson, Morley, Westwood, Sykes, Langley.

COACH:Tony Smith.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:Burrow and McGuire without doubt are the Key for the English,they both need to run and create space for their Forward pack which is very strong,England might not be fancied on this side of the World but don’t discount them here,they have a good side and the Draw playing PNG first up while the Kiwis and Kangaroos bash each other is perfect for them,I actually think they will pull off the biggest surprise of the Tournament and beat Australia in Pool Play.

SCHEDULE:Sat 25th October vs Papua New Guinea…Sunday 2nd November vs Australia…Saturday 8th November vs New Zealand.

PREDICTED FINISH IN GROUP:2nd by points difference only.

NEW ZEALAND

SQUAD: Cayless,Blair, Eastwood, Fa’alogo, Fein,Halatau, Hohaia,Inu, Kidwell,Leuliuai, Limna,Luke, Mannering,-Manu, Marshall, Matai, Perrett, Rapira,Ropati,Sa,Smith,Soiola,Vatuvei.

COACH:Stephen Kearney.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:I’m going to say Leuliuai who has had a very good season with Wigan and does play well for the Kiwis,it will be up to him to take the line on as Marshall drifts far to much and so direct play will be taken care of by Thomas not Benji,as well as him look for Manu to make a big impact on the field as he has been great this season in the NRL,the Kiwis have a great forward pack and some exciting backs but it is really down to their Mental abilty to overcome their fear of Australia.

SCHEDULE:Sunday 26th October vs Australia..Saturday 1st November vs PNG…Saturday 8th November vs England.

PREDICTED FINISH IN GROUP:3rd,Can’t see them beating Australia while they should bounce back and beat both PNG and England who will have played Australia the week before.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

SQUAD: Aiton, Aizue, Aston, Chan, Costigan, Exton, Gene, Griffin, Keppa, Kolo, Kui, Maori, Marabe, Moni, Moore, -Nightingale, Parker, Peters, Pora,Prior,Slain,Wabo,Wilshire,Yere.

COACH:Adrian Lam

PLAYERS TO WATCH:Aiton and Costigan,Aiton has great speed and is tough while Costigan can lead a forward pack very well,the Kumuls will be a handfull in thier games and could force one upset,but it likely won’t happen,if things go the way I think they will they will go down in a close match with England but will then run straight into both NZ who will be smarting after a loss to Australia in their first macth and then could well run straight into the Aussies who could be smarting also after the match against England.Not an easy road at all for them.

SCHEDULE:Sat October 25th vs England…Saturday 1st November vs New Zealand…9th November vs Australia.

PREDICTED FINISH IN GROUP:Won’t make the Semis but could go close in certain Games,Hard draw for them.

PREDICTED FINISH IN GROUP STAGE:

1.Australia 2 Wins 4 pts

2.England 2 Wins 4pts

3.New Zealand 2 Wins 4 pts

4.Papua New Guinea 0 Wins 0 Pts.

GROUP 2

FRANCE

SQUAD: Taylor, Murphy, Sadaoui, Raguin, Planas, Wilson, Pelo, Moly, Wynne, Greseque, Bosc, Carrasco, Mounis, -Anselme, Fakir, Borlin, Elima, Fellous, Baile, Guisset, Rinaldi, Casty, Grifi.

COACH:Jhon Monie

PLAYERS TO WATCH:Most people would say Bosc as he was great for the Dragons this season in the SuperLeague however I am going to sat that while he is impotant that the real strength in the French side lies with Guisset,Rinaldi and Planus who are all good players if those 4 can lift their games the French will go well,the biggest match of course is against Fiji as they will beat Scotland.

SCHEDULE::Sunday 26th October vs Scotland…Saturday 1st November vs Fiji

PREDICTED FINISH IN GROUP:2nd or First in group depending on their second match against Fiji which will not be easy at all.

FIJI

SQUAD: Bradley - Qalilawa, Bukuya, Divavesi, Groom, Hayne, Koroi, Koroibulu, Macilai, Millard, -Naiqama, Naqau, Naque, Noilea, Ravueta, Sadrau, Sims, Storer, Sukanaveita, Tadulala, Tora, Tuiloa, Uate, Velekapa, Vonomateiratu,Wesele.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:Hayne,Millard,Naiquama all good players,the Fijian side has a strong forward pack and as usual have alot of speed in the backs,they can foot it with all these sides in their pool and I think they will win both matches and advance to the Knockout stage.

SCHEDULE:Saturday 1st November vs France…Wedesday 5th November vs Scotland.

PREDICTED FINISH IN GROUP:1st or 2nd depending on how they go against France.

SCOTLAND

SQUAD: Armit, Brough, Colton, Coupar, Cowan, Duffy, Fisher, Henderson, Henderson, -Henderson, Howieson, Jackson, Liddel, Logan, Lowe, McConnell, McGivery, Morrison, Morton, Nanyn,Patterson,Robertson,Steel,Wilkes.

COACH:Steve McCormack

PLAYERS TO WATCH:Brough and Henderson (NZ Warriors) wil be crucial if they are to do anything special,they have a good squad but size and speed could cost them,I am not discounting them but it really is an uphill battle for them to advance.

SCHEDULE:Sunday 26th October vs France…Wedesday 5th November vs Fiji.

PREDICTED FINISH IN GROUP:3rd very hard matches for them,probaly not enough depth.

PREDICTED GROUP FINISH:

1.Fiji 2 Wins 4 pts

2.France 1 Win 2 pts

3.Scotland 1 Win 2 pts.

GROUP 3

SAMOA

SQUAD: Carmont, Faiumu, Hansen, Lauititii, Lepupa, Leuliuai, McDade, Meli, Paulo, -Puletua, Puletua, Roberts, Ropati, Samau, Setu, Seuseu, Solomona, Talau, Talipeau, Taulapapa, Te’o, Ulufale, Utai, Vagana.

COACH:Jhon Ackland

PLAYERS TO WATCH:Take your pick,Samoa has 11 past Kiwi International players and on paper look a very strong side,Great forwards and tough backs for me I think Roberts if he can lead them well enough will be big for them,at the last WC they went well but lost and never progressed and although they have a great looking side the match against Tonga is the one they need to win and in that regard that game will not be easy either and bodies could be spewen all over the Field by the end of that war,Probaly one of the best matches to watch out for in this World Cup.

SCHEDULE:31st October vs Tonga…Wedesday 5th November vs Ireland.

PREDICTED FINISH IN GROUP:Probaly 1st due to the fact that Tonga play on Monday and then have to back up 4 days later against Samoa,If Tonga are ahead against Ireland then they could rest players and be good against Samoa but you have to rate Samoas chances of winning that game thanks in large part to the draw.

TONGA

SQUAD:Anderson,Emilio,Fa’aoso,Guttenbeil,Jennings,Kaufusi,Laiseni,Lasalo,Lauaki,Leo Latu,Manu,Manukafoa,Mateo,Paea,Paea,Paea,Talanoa,Tauf’ao,Tonga,Uaisele,Vuna,Williams.

COACH:Jim Dymock

PLAYERS TO WATCH:Theres a few but Mateo is the key for them,he will be running behind a massive forward pack and that should give him space to create,the Tongans actually have a very good side and if they can get past Ireland unscathed they should be able to give the Samoans a real hard fight,personally I hoe they progress as they have some real talent in their ranks,I’m going to watch them on Saturday in the match against the Kiwis here as a warm up game and am really looking forward to it.

SCHEDULE:Monday 27th October vs Ireland…Friday 31st October vs Samoa.

PREDICTED FINISH IN GROUP:I don’t like the draw for Tonga with them having to back up 4 days after their opening match against the side who they will have to beat to advance,but this Tongan side is a good one and the Players are capable of backing up easily,if they can they should beat Samoa and should advance against Fiji or France who I would think they should beat also and then they will play Australia which will be a very intresting game indeed if that comes to pass.

IRELAND

SQUAD: Barbour, Beswick, Blanch, Cassidy, Corcoran, Doran, Finn, Finnigan, Fitzpatrick, Gibbons, Gleeson, Grix, Haggerty, Harrison, Holroyd, Kerr, Littler, McIlourum, O’Carroll, Platt, Richards, Tandy,McMenemy,Guilfoyle.

COACH:Andy Kelly.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:Mick Cassidy of course was a Great player and he will be the key for Irelands confidence,if he can stay on the field his pressence alone should lift some of the younger lads.

SCHEDULE:Monday 27th October vs Tonga…Wedesday 5th November vs Samoa

PREDICTED FINISH IN GROUP:3rd,good side but little to no chance against the big Islander sides in Samoa and Tonga,these lads will know they have been in matches after playing those 2 sides thats for sure.Ouch.

PREDICTED GROUP TABLE:

1.Tonga 4 pts 2 Wins

2.Samoa 2 pts 1 Win

3.Ireland 0 pts 2 Losses

HOW DOES IT WORK ?

The Top 3 from Group 1 will progress to the Semis so Australia,New Zealand and England should go through, for the other pools it gets a bit intresting with the Top 2 from Pools 2 and 3 having a play off game to contest the last open Semi Final spot on Monday 10th November which should be between Tonga/Samoa vs Fiji/France to find the last of our Semi Finalists.

There will also be games between the 2nd placed sides in both Pools 2 and 3 on Saturday the 8th of November and also another ranking playoff between the last placed sides in Pools 2 and 3 which will likely see a match between Ireland and Scotland on Sunday the 9th of November.

SEMI FINALS AND FINALS GUIDE

Semi Final 1 will be held on Saturday 15th November and that will consist of the Runners up in Pool 1 and the third placed side which should see a match between England and New Zealand,the winnner will advance to the Final.

Semi Final 2 will be on  Sunday 16th  Novemeber in which the Top ranked side from Group 1 will match up against the Semi Final Qualifier which will be either Samoa,Tonga or Fiji,i’m picking it will be Tonga or Samoa,the Australian’s should advance to the Final.

The World Cup Final willl be played on Saturday the 22nd November at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane which will likely be between Australia and NZ/England.

Whoever fronts in the Final is a chance as the 3 likely sides to contest it will have all played each other leading into the match and they should of learnt something about each other during pool play,all 3 Coaches are good for the Top 3 Nations and it should come down to who can win on the day,Both the Kiwis and Great Britan have beaten the Aussies in recent times and although England are playing Not Great Britan there is not to much difference talent wise at all between the 2 sides, the gap is still there between NZ and England against Australia but it is not as big as it once was and  I beleive although the Aussies are the favs they are not that far ahead of the chasing pack as they once were and that should give us a great final.

Hard to not like Australia to win it, but they won’t have it all their own way I think and it should be a good Cup with some good games.

Games to make sure you watch..

Sunday 26th October,Sydney Football Stadium - Australia vs New Zealand

Friday 31st October,CUA Stadium,Penrith - Samoa vs Tonga

Saturday 1st November,CUA Stadium,Penrith - Fiji vs France.

Sunday 2nd November,Telstra Dome,Melbourne - Australia vs England.

Saturday 8th November,Energy Australia Stadium,Newcastle - England vs New Zealand.

The best players in our Sport are on show,if you love the Greatest game then you are in Rugby League Heaven for a few weeks,Enjoy the games and good luck with your betting.

Peace Brothers and Sisters.

Jumbo.

To the first group, i can only put there Champions Panathinaikos, and very improved team of Olympiakos. I don’t think that they will have any enemies this season and that the first two table positions are already captured by them. simple, they are far the best teams to the league, with big quality difference from all other teams, at all levels that we can compare them. To the second strength group, i think that five teams will fight for the 3th place that leads to next season’s Euroleague. Panionios (got the 3rd place last season), Marousi (they fought it till the end last season), Aris (had changed a lot), Panellinios (strengthen enought) and PAOK (total revitalised with stronger team than the previous tragic season). TO the third strength group, i place the teams that in my opinion they can’t have any fears for relegation, but they also can’t move higher in my opinion. AEK, still have problems, Olympia Larisas and Kolossos for the 8th to 11th places. To the 4th group (relegation battle), AE Larisa will struggle, so many unexperienced and young players, Aigaleo who has not rich roster, and the two newcomers to the league, Kavala (not sure yet if they will participate to the season), and Trikala who are totally unexperienced team to this league. All in all, these are how i see the teams to go on for the season :

1st and 2th : Olympiakos, Panathinaikos
3rd to 7th : Panionios, Marousi, Aris, Panellinios, PAOK
8th to 10th : AEK, Olympia Larisas, Kolossos
11th to 14th : AEL, Aigaleo, Kavala, Trikala

Let’s take a detailed look to the six teams that will play important role to the league.

Panathinaikos

Coach : Zelimir Obradovic
Playmakers : Sarunas Jasikevicius, Dimitris Diamantidis, Vasilis Spanoulis, Aris Tatarounis
Shooting Guards : Dusan Kecman, Drew-Lawrence Nicholas, Nikos Chatzivrettas
Small Forwards : Stratos Perperoglou, Dusan Sakota
Power Forwards : Fragiskos Alvertis, Costas Tsartsaris, Antonis Fotsis
Centers : Nikola Pekovic, Mike Batiste

Official Website : http://www.paobc.gr/

Without any doubt, they are conquering the Greek League with 8 titles to the last 9 years, and they will be for sure to the first two places for another season. Zelimir Obradovic is continuing his philosophy of the solid roster, and did again very few new quality moves to sign new players. Their only real opponent will be Olympiakos. Fotsis is a great addition, he needs to time to adapt as he is already an old member of the team, Pekovic is a ‘monster’ into the field and Nicholas is a very good shooter with big experience to Euroleague.

Olympiakos

Coach : Panagiotis Giannakis
Playmakers: Igor Milosevic, Teo Papaloukas, Lynn Greer, Milos Teodosic, Kostas Sloukas
Shooting Guards : Jotam Halperin
Forwards : Mihalis Pelekanos, Josh Childress, Giannis Karathanasis, Haris Giannopoulos, Panayiotis Vasilopoulos, George Printezis, Zoran Erceg
Centers : Nikola Vujcic, Giannis Bourousis, Ian Vougioukas, Sofoklis Schortsianitis

Official website : http://www.olympiacos.org/

This time Olympiakos is more ready than ever to be again to the top. They really made great moves that will lead them to the title this season after 12 years. Only six players from last season’s roster wasn’t released, so we are talking almost for a new team, but had enough time to work together. Papaloukas is returning to the team that made him famous, and he will be a guarantee for the organisation of their play. Of course the sign of Josh Childress was a bomb for the European basketball scene, and he will be the attraction for all greek basketball fans.

Aris

Coach : Andrea Mazzon
Playmakers : Keydren Clark, Dimitris Tsaldaris
Shooting Guards : Nikos Argyropoulos, Savvas Iliadis, Anton Gavel, Spyros Mourtos
Forwards : Sean Marshall, Kostas Papanikolaou, Nikos Barlos, Spencer Nelson, Linos Chrysikopoulos
Centers : Blagota Sekulic, Gaios Skordilis, Lazaros Agadakos

Official website : http://www.arisbc.gr/

After the huge blow last season where they missed Euroleague participation, their target isn’t something else than getting back the 3rd place. Mazzon is back to the coach position, while Tsaldaris, Iliadis and Agadakos remained to the team. The play of Aris will be different this season, as Mazzon is a huge fan of defense, and will not risk so much. The team’s star this season will be keydren Clark , came from Scavolini. As usual we can expect a very strong Aris at home with their great fans support. Probably they can repeat a good season and try for the 3rd place. Prediction about their finish : 3th to 5th.

PAOK

Coach : Argiris Pedoulakis
Playmakers : Harisis, Tony Akins
Shooting Guards : Kavkis, Kiritsis, Giannakidis, Simcak, Demertzis, Galazoulas
Forwards : K’Zell Wesson, Vasiliadis, Tsiaras, Mamoutou Diarra, Kenny Gregory, Kalampakas,
Centers : Dejan Tomasevic, Marmarinos

Official website : http://www.paokbc.gr/

After the tragic season last year, a new Era for PAOK begins. Dimitris Drossos is now the owner of the club, invested huge money and finishing all the subjects that have to do with team’s financial problems, and brought enough and strong players (also experienced technical staff) to the team. The problems are past for PAOK, and everyone is looking forward to this new season, where almost everything changed to the club, making them finally a healthy club. The response of the fans is hot, already sold 3.000 season tickets, and we can expect a very strong side, especially at PAOK Sports Arena. Most important players who came are Dejan Tomasevic, the return of Vasiliadis (Olympiakos), Harisis (Prokom), and Kavkis (Olympiakos). Prediction about their finish : 3th to 5th.

Panionios

Coach : Alexander Trifunovic
Playmakers : Ivan Zorowski, Xanthopoylos
Shooting Guards : Georgalis, Kalampokis, Aaron Miles, Kanonidis
Forwards : Branko Cvetkovic, Levon Kendall, Goran Nikolic, Dreliozis, Parayios
Centers : Giannoulis, Lony Baxter, Miroslav Raicevic

Official website : http://www.panioniosbc.gr/

Having already the ticket for the Euroleague in hand, Panionios starting the season very optimistic. They kept the main five, adding some good additions, Raicevic, Miles and Nikolic. Time will tell us if they can handle two competitions at the same time (euroleague and greek league). Their main target is to progress to the round of 16 at Euroleague, and give their best for the 3rd place for the Greek League. Prediction about their finish : 4th to 6th.

Marousi

Coach : Soulis Markopoulos
Playmakers : Stefanidis, Papantoniou
Shooting Guards : William Kiss, Charalampidis, Nikolai Pantius, Koumpouras
Forwards : Jeront Stevenson, Son Haff, Kalathis, Kaimakoglou, Noeas
centers : Mavroidis, Mavrokefalidis, Gliniadakis, Tountziarakis

Official website : http://www.maroussibasket.gr/

One of the most stable teams in Greek A1 during the last five years. They finished 4th last season, that was the fourth time that they finish 4th during the last five years. The coach is the same, Markoupoulos, one of the best greek coaches in my opinion. Nikolas Pantious will help them a lot this season, and the character of the team remains ‘Greek’, with the foreign players to be only 4. I do not think that they can repeat such a good season like before, Bryant and Milisavlievic who left may bring spaces to their roster. Prediction about their finish : 6th to 7th.

Season Preview Done By Isaiah

For the Neutral watcher like myself this game is a mouth watering affair that I am very much looking forward to,Germany have shown to be a very good side who seem to have little problems finding the back of the net,they play very well and their sweeping goals movements in their most recent games have been nothing short of brilliant,however you have to say that the Spanish themselves have looked very.very good,they are missing Villa for this game but with Fabregas in their side and looking in great form they can still construct very good plays and they can definitely score goals,so lets now look at either side and see who’s in and who’s out.

The Spanish are without Villa but they still have more than enough talent to get the job done here today if they can maintain they form and compousure,Fabregas has looked very sharp in Spain’s most recent games and with the loss of Villa a lot of the goal scoring chances will fall on the shoulders of Torres and Silva but Spain the longer this tournament has gone on have looked very good at the back and although they have been under immense pressure in some of their games they have never been broken as some might of expected from past Spanish sides,in fact at the back they look very solid and composed with Puyol being a major influence there,his tactical play has been very good in Spanish games,all in all this Spanish side even without Villa still has a very menacing look about it with players the calibre of Ramos,Marchena,Iniesta and Savi in their ranks.

The Germans have shown that tactically they are very strong,their is some possible late worries about Ballack if what I’m reading is correct,but I think Ballack will play and he will rise to the occasion and lead the Germans very well,in fact he has been playing well all season in the EPL and has continued on in that vein in this tournament,I have no doubts whatsoever that he will lace up his boots and get out there on Sunday Night,Apart from Ballack there would seem to be no other injury woes for the Germans and they will take the feild pretty much with the same side who beat the Turks in their last game.I have been greatly impressed with germany’s goals coring talents,Klose has as always put himself in a position to score most times and man you have to say it ,doesnt Bastian Schweinsteiger have a fantastic name that sounds brilliant when he scores a goal and the commentators say his name and he has also shown to be a very good finisher also,add in Podolski who has also been brilliant in finishing of goal scoring moves and the Germans look well up for the challenge that the Spanish are about to give them.

Recent results and they are’nt any for these two sides against each other,in the database the only result was a 1-1 draw at the 94 World Cup and apart from that on another site they say that these sides have played each other 19 times with Germany holding the edge winning 8 with the Spaniards 5 wins with 6 draws,In Euro games from the past either side has a win a piece with the Germans winning 2-1 in 88 and Spain winning once in 84,1-0.

I like the look of this game,Spain have their problems with no Villa but they still have a wealth of talent and if they don’t think about missing Villa to much they are still well capable of pulling off a win here,Germany have looked great in attack but not so great in defence and for Spain that is an area in defence where they have looked very solid,both sides have shown some great play so far this tournament and although many are thinking that this game could be a very tight affair and goals will come at a premium and like most big games a draw is enevitable,I have my doubts over that.

The Germans have shown that they can leak goals but that they have more than enough to lay on a few of their own,Germany have scored 3 goals in their last 2 games against the Portuguese and Turks and apart Fromm a 1-0 win over Austria have also scored 2 a piece in both games against Croatia and Poland,they look a bit doubtful in defence and i am also expecting Spain to score in this match at some stage.

The Spanish to apart from that one game where they drew 0-0 with the Italians have scored 2 goals or more in each of their games at this Tournament and I think that the loss of Villa could well bring the best out of Torres who will know that a lot of their chances rest on his shoulders,I thought that even though Spain drew 0-0 with the Italians that they created some great chances and will do again today and this time against a German backline who have looked shaky could get some joy against them,so all in all this game is looking like a great open attacking game.

I know both sides will be nervous and they could get off to a slow start,but Spain scored 3 second half goals last match in very heavy rain and they made it look easy,Germany scored 3 against Turkey and they cam up with that final goal when they really needed to get one which shows that the Germans never can be counted out and always have more than enough skill to fight back,I see people saying that this game will end 1-1 and go to extra time,personally I think that this game will end 2-1 to either side or 2-2 and go to extra time so I think the odds on the total goals being over 2.5 look very good and I’ll tip them and put a decent bet on them.

Match Prices

Germany        2/5        Draw    16/5        Turkey    23/4

First up on Wednesday night Germany look to reach their sixth European Championship final when they face a Turkey side who have performed miracles to get this far. Fatih Terim’s side have never reached a major final and their depleted squad will need to be at their best to reverse that statistic.

Over/Under 3.5 Goals

Over 3.5 Goals    13/5                Under 3.5 Goals    1/4

How about a high scoring match as Lukas Podolski looks to snatch the Golden Boot from David Villa and Turkey’s bare-bones squad fall apart at the seams.

Goal Handicap

Germany (-1)        13/10                Turkey (+1)        31/20

Maybe Turkey can give Germany a fright here. Back them with a goal start at 31/20.

Correct Score

Germany 1 v 0 Turkey                9/2
Germany 2 v 0 Turkey                11/2
Germany 3 v 1 Turkey                12/1
Germany 4 v 1 Turkey                25/1
Germany 0 v 1 Turkey                12/1
Germany 1 v 2 Turkey                20/1

First Goalscorer

Miroslav Klose                    4/1
Lukas Podolski                    9/2
Mario Gomez                        11/2
Michael Ballack                    6/1
Bastian Schweinsteiger                15/2
Semih Senturk                        8/1

Match Prices

Russia        5/2        Draw    23/10            Spain        19/20

The second semi-final on Thursday night pits together the much-fancied Spain with the progressive dark horses Russia. Since losing to Spain 4-1 in the group stages Russia have come on leaps and bounds and have blitzed their way past Sweden and Holland. Can their impressive run continue at the expense of Spain?

To Qualify For Euro 2008 Final

Russia        13/10                        Spain        11/20

If you think this match could go all the way it may be safer to get involved with the To Qualify market. If the match ends level at 90 minutes you know your bet stays alive till the last kick of the match.

Correct Score

Russia 1 v 0 Spain                    8/1
Russia 2 v 0 Spain                    18/1
Russia 3 v 1 Spain                    40/1
Russia 1 v 1 Spain                    11/2
Russia 2 v 2 Spain                    16/1
Russia 0 v 1 Spain                    5/1
Russia 0 v 2 Spain                    8/1
Russia 1 v 3 Spain                    18/1

First Goalscorer

David Villa                        9/2
Fernando Torres                    5/1
Roman Pavlyuchenko                    7/1
Andrei Arshavin                    15/2
Cesc Fabregas                        14/1

Teams To Score

Neither Team To Score                17/2
One Team To Score Only                11/10
Both Teams To Score                    10/11

Match Specials

Russia To Win To Nil                    9/2
Spain To Win To Nil                    9/5
Woodwork To Be Hit                    7/10
Woodwork Not To Be Hit                21/20

Netherlands Romania

I can see that all the conspiracy theories are doing the rounds and people are suggesting that the Neitherlands will throw this game to see off both France and Italy and allow Romania to go through ahead of them,myself I think that the Neitherlands are quite capable of not only winning this match but winning the whole tournament,but as we saw a few days ago now when Portugal were beaten after resting players anything can happen in Football and this game is no different,personally I think that bpth todays games will end in draws and I don’t think that Romania will beat the Ducth.

No one seems to know exactly who will take the feild for the Dutch today but I expect with their place already sealed that they will field a vastly different side from what we have seen so far,but technically the Dutch are very good and I really don’t like going against them,I think even with their reserve players on the pitch that they will still play well and get a result,News reports are that the streets are flooded by eager Ducth fans trying to get into the game and are all looking forward to seeing them go around,I think another stadium swarmed with Orange could spark them to play well regardless of who plays,but I also think they will settle for a draw and still make the game an entertaining affair.

The Romanians have some talent and deserve I think to progress and I think they will even with a draw here in this match,Romania have gotten two very good results so far with the two draws against Heavyweights Italy and France and have shown they can soak up pressure and fight back,at times their games seem a tad bit dull as they seem to take the ball and never give it away and don’t do much with it either but it has worked for them and they now find themselves in a game where they could possibly go through to the final 8 and I think they deserve nothing less,not being a heavyweiught in the World of Football should’nt mean anything they have played well in the group of Death and have not looked over awed at all,they have allowed only one goal in their two matches against Italy and deserve their place,people might want France or Italy to go through but if what those two sides have shown so far in this Tournament is anything to go by then do they even deserve to go through,the World Cup was a long time ago now and neither side are playing anywhere near that potential and have both been flogged by the Dutch and held by the Romanians,sao really these two sides deserve to go through.

Recent results and the Romanians have beaten the Ducth this season 1-0 and the other game ended in a goaless draw and that is what I think we could see here today.

As both of these games are being played at the same time then these sides in these two games will know exactly what is happening at either game and that could either be a blessing or a huge hurdle,I think the Ducth are the better side but missing a few players could make this match into an arm wrestle and I also think that the Romanians will be happy with a draw to advance and knowing what is happening in the other game could be a big factor as to how this game will go,if the Italy/France game is dead locked and the Romanians know that throughout this match then I think they will be happy with a point and play that way,if a side takes the lead in the other game then Romania will have to attack and that could leave them open at the back to a late counter from the Dutch,myself I think this game has every chance to end in a draw and a goaless one at that,I doubt the Ducth will throw this game and I doubt that the Romanians will want to attack to hard and leave themselves chasing a goal should they conceed and I also doubt the Ducth will play to open and possibly leave themselves open to a counter which could see them lose,so in my Opinion this game looks destined for a draw or a Neitherlands narrow win,I’ll go with the draw as a draw in the other game means little to the Romanians who are miles ahead in the Goal difference stakes by + 2 compared to the French and Italians…Good Luck.

France Italy

A tale of wasted chances and talent spurned here in this do or die match today,both sides need to win or for the Dutch to hammer the Romanians to give them a better goal difference to advance and one side must still win this game,from the outside looking in this game looks brilliant but neither side has shown this tournament that they are up to the task and I doubt that either side will want to lose at the exspence of gifting the other a free ride into the fianl 8,so I think a draw is on the cards.

If you live off stats and the like then France should win this game and I still think that of both these sides that france have the more likely team to win,the French were hammered by the Dutch in their last game and that could spur them on here today,but nthing they have shown in this tournament gives you that feeling like they could win this match,at times the French side which i should say have a brilliant looking side on paper have played nothing like you would expect and that scares me a little bit as this side has so much talent in it and yet they fail to deliver in their games,they had chances that they could’nt take against the Romanians and were well beaten by the Dutch,but when it counts big players stand up,the question is can the French big names do that today or will they wilt like they have been doing? I’m really unsure,for me the two biggest dissappointments of this Tournament are these two sides,neither have played to the levels most of us expected and now they are left facing off in a match to decide whether or not we even get to see them at all for the remainder of this tournament,intresting match here looms large for both sides.

The Italains are angry after that last game with the Toni Goal being disallowed but even with that happening they never looked likely to really run away with that game,they look a little bit old and i’m sorry for saying that as well,as most will know I am a huge fan of most things Italian and have quite a good relationship with the Italian community here and abroad as well as having a property there and will be moving there next March,but you cannot escape the feeling that this squad is not at it’s best right now and no matter how many bad refs calls they get does’nt take that feeling away from you at all,I would love to see them go through but they have not shown much of anythign that resembles a team on the rise,World Champions they might be but right now they are not looking like Champions of anything.Donadoni has not created anything worth noting in this tournament to date and really looks unlikey to with what he has at his disposal,reports are suggesting that he will swap and change his side again for this match which would mean even more play that is not great,I fear for the Italians here really as the French play a good style of play and could well after a tournament of doing nothing suddenley click in this game for an instant and score a goal that the Italians might not be able to claw back.

Like I was saying the French have a great record against the Italians,but in 6 matches most recnt the French have won 2,Italy 1 with 3 draws thrown in for good meassure,on Neutral ground the French have won once,the Italians once with a draw,Goal wise and in those most recent games the French have scored more goals scoring 7 compared to the Italians 4.

Neither side has looked convincing this tournament for me and in a match as big as this one I really don’t have faith in either side to win it,Neither side has looked what you would call great and neither side seems to have players of the future and both sides appear to be saying goodbye to their old stagers after this tournament,for me I think neither side will want to lose this and if I thought one side might get home ahead of the oter i would think that France could possibly get up,mainly due to their thumping at the hands of the Ducth being their most recent game whereas for the Italians they have had time to forget that the same thing happening to them in their opening match of this tournament,but all in all I think neither side will want to give the other the chance to go through and I think this game will end in a very exciting and hard fought poiunt a peice…Take the Draw…Good Luck.

Article By Jumbo

Group A � To Qualify

Czech Republic 3/5
Turkey 6/5

Outright Winner

Germany 7/2
Spain 4/1
Portugal 9/2
Holland 11/2
Italy 10/1
France 12/1

Pre-tournament Top Goalscorer favourite Cristiano Ronaldo got off the mark on Wednesday as he scored the middle goal in Portugal�s 3-1 win over the Czech Republic. It�s no surprise to see David Villa still at the top of the Sportingbet betting after his emphatic hat-trick on Tuesday for Spain.

Top Goalscorer

David Villa 6/5
Lukas Podolski 4/1
Cristiano Ronaldo 15/2
Ruud Van Nistelrooy 8/1
Fernando Torres 12/1
Miroslav Klose 14/1

Tonight�s Games

The second round of games from Group B take place tonight and for Austria and Poland there�s no way back if they lose tonight.

Croatia 9/2 Draw 11/5 Germany 13/20

Germany were their usual accomplished self on Sunday when they breezed past Poland 2-0 but Croatia should offer a stiffer test this evening.

Austria 41/20 Draw 9/4 Poland 23/20

Will Austria go the same way as their co-hosts this evening? A defeat at the hands of Poland would spell the end for Josef Hickersberger�s side.

Outright Winner

Germany 3/1
Holland 5/1
Portugal 5/1
Spain 5/1
Italy 10/1
France 12/1

Lukas Podolski scored two goals for Germany against Poland on Sunday night and the Bayern Munich striker heads Sportingbet�s Top Goalscorer betting.

Top Goalscorer

Lukas Podolski 11/4
Fernando Torres 13/2
Ruud Van Nistelrooy 7/1
Cristiano Ronaldo 10/1
Miroslav Klose 12/1
David Villa 14/1

Tonight�s Games

Group D opens it�s doors with tournament hot-pots Spain taking to the stage for the first time. This is an incredibly open group and it�s not easy to predict the two sides who will progress to the Quarter-Finals.

Spain 3/5 Draw 12/5 Russia 9/2

Pre-tournament second favourites open their account tonight against Guus Hiddink�s Russia side. Spain look to have arrived in the Alps with their strongest squad for some time but can they live up to the hype. Russia, on a high after Zenit St Petersburg�s UEFA Cup win, are many punters idea of a good each way bet.

Greece 15/8 Draw 9/5 Sweden 6/4

The defending champions start their campaign in Salzburg tonight as they take on a Sweden side with plenty of question marks next to it. The return of Henrik Larsson may inspire the Swedes but does it indicate a lack of depth in the squad? Greece qualified with ease accruing 31 points and may be underrated at the prices.

* Odds taken from Sportingbet

FOOTBALL BETTING

On Saturday the headline event takes place as Hull and Bristol City battle it out for a place in next season�s Premier League. The stakes can�t really get any higher for these sides as they both aim to reach the Promised Land. Just one point separated the sides during the league season and both enjoyed impressive wins in the semi-finals against more fashionable opponents.

Bristol City 2.8 Draw 3.2 Hull City 2.3

Leeds were playing in the Champions League semi-finals just over seven years ago but now face an equally important game here as they face Yorkshire rivals Doncaster in the League One play-off final. Can this proud club return to the top two divisions in England or will Sean O�Driscoll�s side pour more woe on the suffering Leeds fans?

Doncaster 3.2 Draw 3.2 Leeds Utd 2.1

Bank Holiday Monday sees the conclusion of the play-offs with the League Two clash between Stockport and Rochdale taking place. Rochdale have been in the bottom division in England since 1974 and will desperate to give their fans a rare slice of glory.

Stockport 2.3 Draw 3.2 Rochdale 2.8

Away from the play-off action in England, the Scottish season reaches it�s climax with the Cup Final taking place at Hampden Park. Just like last week�s FA Cup Final we have a top-flight side lining up against a second-tier team as outsiders Queen of the South join Rangers. It�s the first time the Dumfries side have ever reached a Cup Final but will Gordon Chisholm�s side find the occasion too much to handle.

Rangers 1.25 Draw 5.00 QOS 10.00

FORMULA 1 BETTING

Also this weekend the Formula 1 season continues with the idiosyncratic Monaco Grand Prix taking place. Sportingbet have reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen as their favourite with Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa next in the betting.

Race Winner

Kimi Raikkonen 2.87
Lewis Hamilton 3.6
Felipe Massa 4.33
Fernando Alonso 11.00
Heikki Kovalainen 13.00

EUROVISION BETTING

Maybe you�re off to a Eurovision party this weekend to celebrate the festival of kitsch that is the Song Contest? This year�s contest takes place in Serbia and as usual we�re betting on it. Russia are strong favourites to oblige this year with Dima Bilan making his second appearance in Eurovision and he�ll be hoping to go one better than last time with his song �Believe�. The UK this year are represented by X Factor runner-up Andy Abraham but the trends don�t look good for the former dustman.

Eurovision Winner

Russia 3.25
Greece 7.00
Serbia 7.00
Ukraine 8.00
Armenia 13.00
Sweden 13.00

NHL BETTING

Eight months of intense ice hockey action come to a close over the next fortnight as the NHL�s finest two tussle it out in the Stanley Cup. Lining up this year are the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins and we make the Red Wings favourite to claim their 11th Stanley Cup. The Penguins won the title back in 1991 and 1992 and will be hoping to upset the favourites over the seven game series. The action begins on Saturday night.

Stanley Cup Winner

Detroit Red Wings 1.60
Pittsburgh Penguins 2.2

It�s a great weekend of betting action so make sure you stick with us!

All Odds taken from SportingBet