Formbook: horse racing and sports blog

Saturday’s live action kicks off with Portsmouth looking to go top of the Premiership if they can beat Charlton. Then, there’s a mouth-watering double header on Sunday involving last season’s top four teams. If you’re looking for a bet that’s a bit different, have a good look at the football markets at Sporting Index. We’ve taken a look at some of their prices:

Charlton v Portsmouth (Saturday: 12.45 PremPlus)

Portsmouth travel to The Valley on Saturday having yet to concede a goal this term, and knowing a win will take them to the Premiership summit. Having defeated Bolton at home, Charlton narrowly lost to champions Chelsea but there were many positives to take from their performance. Bent and Hasselbaink finally look like a dangerous combination up front, and they could feature amongst the 2.4 to 2.6 total goals Sporting predict in the match. Although Traore, Reid and Diawara are injured, The Addicks will be buoyed by the double they did over Pompey last season. With Charlton unbeaten in their last 8 home games against Portsmouth, Sporting Index see Dowie’s men shading this by 0 to 0.2 goals. There were only 2 cautions in the same game last season, and Sporting envisage another disciplined game with no more than 3 yellows. 

Chelsea v Liverpool (Sunday: 13.30 Sky Sports 1)

Chelsea entertain Liverpool in their 12th meeting in two years. The Reds were handed a thrashing by Everton last week but bounced back to keep a clean sheet away to PSV. These battles are notoriously tight and there have been three goalless draws in the last eight meetings between the two. Therefore, the total goals spread of 2.2 to 2.4 that Sporting Index predict is sure to stoke up interest. Despite consecutive victories in last season’s FA Cup semi-final and the Community Shield, Benitez faces an uphill task in outfoxing Mourinho. The Merseysiders have a wretched record at The Bridge with one victory since the Premiership began and Sporting see The Blues winning by 0.6 to 0.8 goals. Last season’s corresponding fixture saw a 2-0 victory for the home side which was an ill-tempered affair with three yellows and a red for Reina. Sporting Index can see another busy afternoon for Mike Riley, and estimate 5 yellow cards will be shown.

Manchester Utd v Arsenal (Sunday: 16.00 Sky Sports 1)

Following Mourinho vs. Benitez, a well established managerial battle resumes later on Sunday as Fergie squares up to Wenger once more. United may have lost Giggs and Park through injury, but Ronaldo returns from suspension and Rooney should partner the in-form Saha. Despite enjoying midweek European success, Arsenal lost Toure through injury and his absence will be a big blow. They are yet to win in the Premiership this season and Sporting Index reckon that trend will continue with the Red Devils triumphing by 0.4 to 0.6 goals. Sir Alex’s team have scored 11 goals this season and the Gunners can’t sit back and will need to attack. It could be an open game although Sporting predict no more than 2.5 total goals in the match. The absence of Keane and Viera doesn’t necessarily mean there’ll be a lack of cards. People’s favourite Graham Poll has handled his fair share of these encounters and Sporting Index think 5 players will be cautioned.

There’s the Merseyside derby and plenty of exciting debuts this weekend to look out for. If you’re looking for a bet that’s a bit different, have a good look at the football markets at Sporting Index. We’ve taken a look at some of their prices - new clients can claim a great free bet:

Everton v Liverpool (Saturday PremPlus 12:45)

Saturday’s early kick-off is at Goodison for the 175th Merseyside derby. Everton’s unexpected win at Spurs saw them break into the top four, and they could be sitting top once the full-time whistle is blown. The Toffees have McFadden ruled out with injury, but new signing Andy Johnson could be their lucky charm; the last time he faced Liverpool he scored the only goal of the game. However, Moyes’ men have a single victory from the last 13 matches against their old foes. Sporting Index believe their fruitless run will continue and have the Reds to win by 0.5 to 0.7 goals. This fixture is always a fiery affair and last season saw an incredible 17 yellow and four red cards. Unsurprisingly, punters are taking interest in what Graham Poll may do, and Sporting think he’ll show 6 yellow cards. Last season saw a 3-1 double in favour of Benitez’s side, so a prediction of 2.3 to 2.5 total goals is sure to stir up interest.

Man Utd v Spurs (Saturday PremPlus 17:15)

Spurs head up to Old Trafford having taken only 3 points from 9. The Red Devils are the only team with a 100% Premiership record and Sporting Index see them extending that and winning by 1 to 1.2 goals. Martin Jol may name Mido and Ledley King in the starting line-up and there should be debuts for Malbranque and Chimbonda. Spurs can take inspiration from their previous two visits where they’ve come away with a point. However it’ll be a tough chore to do any better - they haven’t won at United in 17 years. There have only been 9 goals in the last 5 meetings between these two and Sporting don’t predict fireworks with a spread of 2.5 to 2.7 total goals. Mike Riley has given 10 penalties at Old Trafford in the last 8 years and has shown a flurry of cards in the process. Sporting Index reckon there’ll be 4 cautions in Saturday’s late afternoon encounter.

West Ham v Villa (Sunday Sky Sports 1 16:00)

It’s exciting times for Hammers and Villans alike as Upton Park witnesses the debut of key personnel for both teams. The Irons pulled off the transfer story of the summer by capturing Tevez and Mascherano and they’re expected to fire Pardew’s men to victory by 0.3 to 0.5 goals. Villa will look to new boy Petrov with Baros, Bouma and Berger returning from long-term injury. They will increase the options for Martin O’Neill as he looks to record Villa’s first victory in East London for 10 years. West Ham have impressed with their attacking philosophy and you’d hope for more than 2.7 goals that Sporting estimate. Steve Bennett has a tendency to brandish cards and Sporting Index predict he’ll show 4 yellows during Sunday’s game.

Hopefully that’s given you something to think about. For all the latest prices and to apply for your Sporting Index account, click here.

The new NFL Season is underway, and there’s only one place to go if you’re thinking about having a spread bet on any of the action between now and Super Bowl XLI. Sporting Index offer more American Football markets and cover more live games than any other spread betting firm. With a free £100 on offer to all new clients** (details below), you could be celebrating no matter how your team gets on. Here are our thoughts on this season’s top sides:

Will Pittsburgh Steel The Show Again?

The AFC East division is essentially a straight shootout between New England and Miami. Despite Bill Belichick guiding the Patriots to 3 Super Bowl titles in the past 5 years, doubts are surfacing as to whether he can repeat the same form. He needs Tom Brady to stay injury free and much will be expected from rookie running back Laurence Maroney. Question marks remain over a defense that’s slipping and the loss of 3 key players to free agency. Deion Branch may have recorded a career high 78 catches last year, but his contract dispute could see him miss the first 10 weeks of the season. Although Sporting Index make the Patriots favourites, Miami signalled their intentions early by winning the last 6 games of last season. Nick Saban’s well drilled outfit still have a strong defense and new quarterback Daunte Culpepper could help the Dolphins steal the glory.

Defending Super Bowl champions Pittsburgh will be pushed all the way by last season’s divisional champions Cincinnati in the North. Much will depend on whether sensational quarterback Roethlisberger fully recovers from his off-season motoring accident and recent appendectomy. The Bengal’s hopes rest on quarterback Carson Palmer. They need a stronger defensive showing this time round and have signed defensive tackle Sam Adams to remedy that problem. Baltimore, with their strong defense and good running game could surprise the pundits, especially after the signing of quarterback Steve McNair. Down in the South, the Colts should triumph despite the loss of Edgerrin James and linebacker David Thornton. They still have the game’s best quarterback in Peyton Manning as well as two quality wide receivers in Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Their offense is simply too strong.

In the NFC, the East division is so strong that each team is a potential Super Bowl winner! Dallas have signed wide receiver Terrell Owens and Sporting Index make them favourites in the division. Philly were NFC champions 3 years in a row before last season, but their sack production dipped last year. Defensive end Darren Howard has a career average of 0.5 sacks per game and his signing could prove to be very shrewd.

Over in the West, it’s hard to see past defending NFC champions Seattle. They’ve caught everyone’s attention by bolstering their defense with 49ers’ linebacker Julian Preston. A great defense is also likely to see Chicago emerge as champions of the North

In the south, Carolina’s defense looks very dominant and many punters are already tipping them for Super Bowl glory. Keyshawn Johnson has signed from Dallas and the wide receiver could be the missing link they’re after. He’ll play opposite Steve Smith, who scored career-high touchdowns, catches and receiving yards last year. Although New Orleans are set to struggle again this year, they’ll generate much excitement through the signing of Reggie Bush.  He is viewed as one of the best running backs in college football history and Sporting have a season performance market dedicated to him called ‘Saint Reggie’:

This market gives 1 point per all-purpose yard he makes, including rushing/passing/receiving and kick returns, plus 25 points per touchdown. Sporting Index have a spread of 1215 to 1295 points.

Free £100 Cash for New Clients**

If you haven’t got a Sporting Index account yet, it’s a good time to take advantage of the £100 cash on offer:

Open a Sporting Index account* and place ten sports bets, where each bet could win or lose you £20, and you can claim a free £100 straight into your account**.

*Credit and suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply.

For full details of these offers, and to open your Sporting Index account, click here

The Premiership kicks off this weekend with last seasons top three teams all featuring in live action. As ever, interest is strong on how the bookies are sizing up their long term chances. Eagle-eyed punters may be able to spot some decent value, especially through Sporting Index’s Season Points Markets. With a free £200 per goal football bet on offer to all new Sporting Index clients** (more details below), you could be celebrating no matter how your team fares. Here are our thoughts on some of the current spreads:
Come What May
Unsurprisingly, Chelsea start the season as firm favourites. However the chasing pack appears better equipped to prevent them equalling Manchester United’s Premiership record of three consecutive titles. Roman’s riches have seen the arrival of Ballack and Shevchenko and Sporting Index have them out in front predicting a total points haul of 87.5 to 89 (a slight dip on last seasons 91 points).

With Alan Smith nearing full fitness, Solskjaer free from injury and Rooney combining with Saha to lead the front line, the Red Devils shouldn’t miss the firepower of Van Nistelrooy too much. If Fergie fails to bring his ninth title to Old Trafford, it’ll be four years since his last Premiership triumph. The second favourites are priced at 77 to 78.5 points.

Liverpool scored some early psychological points with their impressive Community Shield victory over Mourinho’s men. Having added the pace and width of Bellamy, Pennant and Gonzalez, the FA Cup holders are only priced at 75.5 and 77 (they finished last season with 82 points).

Both North London rivals have spent wisely but the Champions League finalists are strongly tipped to improve on last seasons 67 point finish and have a prediction of 75 to 76.5 points. Spurs are strengthened with the signing of Berbatov and Zokora. Davids will stay another season at White Hart Lane. However Sporting Index estimates that for all of Jol’s studious buys, they will repeat their finish of fifth and amass between 61and 62.5 points. 

West Ham and Wigan were two teams that surprised many punters last season, and Portsmouth could be in line to follow suit. Pompey have splashed the cash on the defensive reinforcements of David James, Sol Campbell and have taken Chelsea’s Glen Johnson on loan. With money still to spend, Sporting thinks they’ll avoid another relegation battle and prices them at 46 to 47.5 points.

At the other end of the table there doesn’t seem to be much hope for the promoted clubs as they are all earmarked for a brief stay in the Premiership. Both the Hornets and Blades are joint favourites to go down with a spread of 32 to 33.5 points. Despite Steve Coppell only spending a paltry £2 million over the summer, Reading fare slightly better on 38 to 39.5 points. However, it is worth noting that it is eight years since all three promoted clubs were sent straight back down.

£200 Football Bet for New Clients**

Tempted to try your hand at spread betting? If so, Sporting Index is offering all new clients* a free football bet, to get the ball rolling:

Open a Sporting Index account*, place ten sports bets and claim a free £200 per goal bet on any live Premiership, Championship or League match. Each qualifying bet must be able to win or lose you £20.**

*Credit and suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply. See site for further details about an account with Sporting Index. Sports spread betting involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your original stake. It is not suitable for everyone so please ensure that you understand the risks involved and only bet with money you can afford to lose.

How Does the Season Points Market Work?
Let’s take Newcastle who are priced at 51.5 to 53 points. If you think they will finish on less than 51.5 points this season, simply bet ‘low’. Alternatively, if you think the Magpies will finish on more than 53 points, bet ‘high’.

For example:

a) Will Newcastle get more than 53 points?

OR

b) Will Newcastle total less than 51.5 points?

Let’s say that you think that their long term injury issues are over and Glenn Roeder continues the St James revolution. Therefore you ‘bet high’ and stake £10 per point on the outcome.

Let’s say you’re right and Parker and co. guide the club to 63 points. You were betting on them to get more than 53 points, at £10 per point. You would therefore win (63 - 53) x £10 = 10 x £10 = £100.

However any optimism held by the black and white faithful could be short lived. Let’s say that Owen’s injury problems continue as do their defensive frailties and they finish on 45 points. Because you bet ‘high’ at 53 points, there is a shortfall of 8 points (53 minus 45). At a stake of £10 per point, this would result in a loss of (53 - 45) x £10 = 8 x £10 = £80.

For all the latest prices on this match, and to open your account, click here

The Steward’s Cup is one of the most fiercely contested sprint handicaps of the year, and the ideal candidate is usually a progressive type, who in many cases makes it to the top of the sprinting tree. If you’re looking for a different kind of bet, where you can bet against horses you think will not perform, as well as backing those you fancy, check out the spread betting markets from Sporting Index. New clients can also take advantage of a free cash offer:

Free £100 Cash for New Clients**

Stewards’ Cup, Glorious Goodwood
As always in this race, the draw can be crucial and although the winner has come down the stand side (low draw), the winner can often be found in the middle to far side of the course (high number). Look at the draw carefully when making your selection! A couple have caught our eye:

Dandy Nicholls trained last year’s winner and has a very good record here. His stable choice is likely to be Tax Free. Lightly raced so far in his career, he has been well supported in Group Two company of late, and has performed with great credit. He will relish the drop back into handicap company and should be there at the finish.

Borderlescott carried on from where he left off last season, winning on his reappearance at York, and then running a decent fourth in Ascot’s Wokingham Handicap. He has since been nosed off in a listed race in Ireland and is a tough front runner.

Firenze finished in front of Borderlescott as Ascot, and is also very progressive. Her sister Frizzante was placed in this race in 2003 before going on to win the Group One July Cup the following year. The family improves with age, and Firenze has a great opportunity with the assistance of Frankie Dettori in the saddle.

An outsider to watch is Out After Dark. He’s been rather out of form in four starts this season. That could be due to his trainer’s poor form in the early part of the year. With the yard now firing, last year’s Portland Handicap winner could be seen flying at the end with his familiar late surge.

Open a Sporting Index account*, place ten sports bets (each with the potential to win and lose £20 or more) and you can claim £100 cash.**

*Credit and suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply. See site for further details about an account with Sporting Index. Sports spread betting involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your original stake. It is not suitable for everyone so please ensure that you understand the risks involved and only bet with money you can afford to lose

With the emphatic triumph of Old Trafford still fresh in the memory, England hop across the Pennines aiming to wrap up the series at Headingley. Be warned - the last time Pakistan lost to England by an innings (in 2001), they bounced back and won the next Test…

Anticipated overcast conditions will favour the swing and seam of Hoggard rather than man of the moment Monty. English spinners have taken only 2 wickets in the last 8 Test matches played at Headingley.
 
The home team are not without their batting problems and can’t rely on Bell and Cook to carry Pietersen and Trescothick this time. The pressure is on for Chris Read to prove himself as a long term solution at Number 7. His Test average is only around the 15 mark, but recent form (including 150 not out for England A against Pakistan last month) means Jones has had to hand over the gloves.

First Innings Runs
One of Sporting Index’s most popular markets is based on a prediction of how many runs a team will score in the first innings of a Test. This market is available on the morning of the match (as it is influenced by the toss) and Sporting Index is likely to set the spreads at:

England 1st Innings Runs: 380 to 395
Pakistan 1st Innings Runs: 355 to 370

To bet on First Innings Runs, you either “bet high” at the higher price if you think the team will score a lot, or “bet low” if you think that will be dismissed cheaply and won’t score many. How much you win (or lose) depends on how right (or wrong) you are!

For example, let’s take the England 1st Innings Runs. You have a choice to make:

a) Will England score more than 395 runs,
OR
b) Will England score less than 380 runs?

Let’s say that you think the top order will really click and punish the Pakistani attack, so you stake £2 per run on the outcome…

Let’s say you’re right and England manage 450 in the first innings. You were betting on them to get more than 395 runs, at £2 per run. You would therefore win (450 - 395) x £2 = 55 x £2 = £110.00

However it could go the other way. Let’s say the Pakistani pacemen find plenty of swing and seam to skittle England for 360. Because you bet “high” at 395 runs, there is a shortfall of 35 runs (395 minus 360). At a stake of £2 per run, this would result in a loss of (395 - 360) x £2 = 35 x £2 = £70.00

For all the latest prices on this match, and to open your account, click here

Open a Sporting Index account* and place ten sports bets (each with the potential to win and lose £20), and you can claim a free £100 straight into your account**.

*Credit and suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply. See site for further details about an account with Sporting Index. Sports spread betting involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your original stake. It is not suitable for everyone so please ensure that you understand the risks involved and only bet with money you can afford to lose.

The new Football League campaign gets underway this weekend and what better way to stay involved right through the season than to bet on the Season Points market. Sporting Index is, as always, offering a prediction on how many points all 72 Football League teams will end up with next May. Anyone looking for a shrewd bet before a ball has been kicked should take advantage of the free £200 per goal football bet on offer to all new Sporting Index clients** (details below). Below are some thoughts on the current spreads, to help you get started.
Long Haul
All eyes will be on the teams battling for play-off and promotion places in the Championship. Steve Bruce appears to be well positioned to lead the Blues back up at the first attempt, with few noticeable departures and money to spend following the sale of Heskey and Pennant. Sporting Index make Birmingham the favourites to head the table come the end of the season predicting a total of 76 to 78 points. However, the tough Geordie is under extreme pressure to deliver, and with the board watching his every move, punters may disagree and bet ‘low’ on this prediction.

The real focus will be on teams vying for the play-off positions and a 70-point total should see a side break into the top six this year. Both Sunderland and Crystal Palace have appointed former fan-favourites in Niall Quinn and Peter Taylor to guide them back into the big time. Their spread of 69.5 to 71.5 points for both should see them in the mix come May.

Wolves will also be popular with the punters with their spread set at 63.5 to 65.5 points. Having brought in the top-flight experience of Breen, Bothroyd and Clapham, Mick McCarthy will look to repeat his conquests of 2005 with Sunderland. At the opposite end of the table, there doesn’t seem to be much support for the three newly promoted clubs. Colchester have dithered in appointing a new manager, and have a prediction of 45.5 to 47.5 points. That suggests Geraint Williams will have a tough task of keeping The U’s in the second tier of English football.

How Does the Season Points Market Work?

Let’s take the favourites Birmingham as an example. Sporting Index are predicting that Steve Bruce’s men will finish the season with 76 to 78 points. If you think they will finish on less than 76 points this season, bet ‘low’. Alternatively, if you think Brum will finish on more than 78 points, bet ‘high’. How much you win, or lose, depends on how right or wrong you are.

For example, the choice you have to make:

a) Will Birmingham get more than 78 points?
OR
b) Will Birmingham total less than 76 points?

Let’s say that you think St Andrews will be witnessing Premiership football next season and stake £10 per point on the outcome…

Let’s say you’re right and Forssell and co. fire the club to 85 points. You were betting on them to get more than 78 points, at £10 per point. You would therefore win (85 - 78) x £10 = 7 x £10 = £70.

However it could go the other way. Let’s say that Brum scrape into the play-offs and end the season with a total of 72 points. Because you bet “high” at 78 points, there is a shortfall of 6 points (78 minus 72). At a stake of £10 per point, this would result in a loss of (78 - 72) x £10 = 6 x £10 = £60.

For all the latest prices on this match, and to open your account, click here

Open a Sporting Index account*, place ten sports bets and claim a free £200 per goal bet on any live Premiership, Championship or League match. Each qualifying bet must be able to win or lose you £20.**

*Credit and suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply. See site for further details about an account with Sporting Index. Sports spread betting involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your original stake. It is not suitable for everyone so please ensure that you understand the risks involved and only bet with money you can afford to lose.

The first Test at Lord’s saw more joy for the batsmen than those with the ball in hand. With both bowling attacks decimated through injury, this looks set to continue as the two teams meet for only the fifth time in a Test at Old Trafford. Younis Khan returns to bolster Pakistan’s formidable middle order, which includes three of the top seven batsmen in the world. England, however, will look to Lord’s centurion Ian Bell to fill in for Freddie.

Although Manchester showers are forecast early on, these should make way for sunnier skies and another finely balanced Test match. If you’re looking for an interesting addition to your normal punting, check out the spread betting markets on offer from Sporting Index, where new clients can claim:

Free £100 Cash for New Clients**

Open a Sporting Index account* and place ten sports bets (each with the potential to win and lose £20), and you can claim a free £100 straight into your account**.

*Credit and suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply. See site for further details about an account with Sporting Index. Sports spread betting involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your original stake. It is not suitable for everyone so please ensure that you understand the risks involved and only bet with money you can afford to lose.

For full details of these offers, and apply for your Sporting Index account, click here

Batsman’s Runs

One of Sporting Index’s most popular markets is based on a prediction of how many runs a batsman will score in a Test match (for both innings). For example, here are some of the spreads currently offered:

Pietersen Runs     87 to 94
Trescothick Runs   85 to 92
Strauss Runs       78 to 85

Inzamam Runs       83 to 90
Yousuf Runs        83 to 90
Younis Khan Runs   77 to 84

To bet on Batsmen’s Runs, you either “bet high” at the higher price if you think the batsman will score a lot, or “bet low” if you think that player is out of form and so won’t score many. How much you win (or lose) depends on how right (or wrong) you are!

For example, let’s take the first Test man-of-the-match Mohammad Yousuf. You have a choice to make:

a) Will Yousuf score more than 90 runs,

OR

b) Will Yousuf score less than 83 runs?

Let’s say that you think the stylish right-hander will continue his free-scoring form against England, and stake £2 per run on the outcome…

Let’s say you’re right and Yousuf manages 88 in the first innings and 72 in the second. That is a total of 160 runs in the match. You were betting on him to get more than 90 runs, at £2 per run. You would therefore win (160 - 90) x £2 = 70 x £2 = £140.00

However it could go the other way. Let’s say England manage to find a way through his defence more effectively, and he hits 32 and 28 respectively in both innings to end the match with a total of just 60 runs. Because you bet “high” at 90 runs, there is a shortfall of 30 runs (90 minus 60). At a stake of £2 per run, this would result in a loss of (90 - 60) x £2 = 30 x £2 = £60.00

For all the latest prices on this match, and to open your account, click here

Most pundits agree that Italy gave the most impressive performance in the semi-finals, and Sporting Index have them as slight favourites to edge it by 0 to 0.2 goals. However, they’ve not beaten Les Bleus since 1978. France knocked Italy out in the quarter-finals of 98 World Cup, on penalties. They then met again in the 2000 European Championship final, when a Golden Goal by Trezeguet sealed the match. It’s fair to say these two teams have some histoire…

Following all the low-scoring matches we’ve seen recently, Sporting predict a total of just 2 goals will scored in 90 minutes. Such low goals means that the “Player Goal Minutes” are also low. Strikers Toni and Henry are both priced up at 12 to 15 minutes, a very low spread for players of this quality in good form.

Much will depend on the performance of the playmakers in both teams, namely Pirlo and Zidane. Their “Player Performance” markets (where they are rewarded for good passages of play, and penalised for poor play) are likely to attract interest. Points are awarded for scoring, assisting, shooting, forcing a corner or free kick and much more, but deducted for conceding free kicks or getting cards. When you consider how often the ball comes through these players, it’s worth looking up the latest price for an exciting bet that lasts for the full match.

After some card-happy refereeing in the group matches, things seem to have calmed down now but Sporting Index predict there will still be six yellow cards. Only two were shown in the final four years ago, but the mighty Collina was in charge then. And finally, if you can’t find the right bet but want to have something riding on the game, Sporting Index have some very creative markets that could fit the bill:

Vi-agro - awards five points for each different Italian player fouled by Patrick Vieira. Latest spread = 12 to 14 points.

The Berlin Wall - a market on how many times a defensive wall will be erected in the final. Latest spread = 4 to 5 times.

The Crying Game - how many different players of the losing squad will be seen crying after the final whistle? Sporting think that 4 to 5 players will be reaching for a tissue.

It’s over 30 years since Portugal last beat les Bleus, who have tasted victory in their last seven meetings. Although Portugal are given a big boost by the return of Deco to the midfield, the French have got their tails up and have been made favourites to win by 0.3 to 0.5 goals. Old hands (or should that be legs?) Zidane and Viera have both impressed, along with new blood in the shape of Ribery. He’s not a goalscorer, but his quick brain coupled with quick feet has provided some essential creativity.

France’s weakness lies at the back. Makelele has not looked his best, and as ever Barthez has caused some drama while flapping at high balls. Fortunately there’s not much height in the Portuguese front line; Pauleta is the main threat backed up by Maniche and Deco. Pauleta’s Goal Minutes are priced at 9 to 12 minutes, the same as Zidane. These both look low compared to Henry’s spread of 19 to 22 minutes.

Again, it will be a tight game - France have conceded two goals so far (one was a penalty) to Portugal’s one goal, so Sporting Index has set another low spread of 2.1 to 2.3 goals in the match.