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2012/13 Bundesliga betting begins in August and looks set to be a two-horse race between the young and dominant Dortmund and the veterans of Bayern Munich. Until then, read betting previews on Euro 2012 and London 2012 Olympic soccer matches. For the best Bundesliga odds, open an account now with Pinnacle Sports.
It was a Bundesliga season like no other, with the youngest set of players since 1973 breaking a huge amount of domestic records. The year saw a new record high for Bundesliga points (Dortmund 81), as well as an all-time highest average attendance at 45,116, the most goals ever generated from corners (94) and the highest penalty conversion rate (87%).
Despite these records, thrill-seekers might have been upset by the lack of goals - at 2.86 per game, the number fell from last year. Similarly the number of attempts was also down to around 33 a game, and there were fewer surprise away wins.
2011/12 will undoubtedly go down in history as Borussia Dortmund's season, as Robert Lewandowski's 22 goals fired the side to a second consecutive Bundesliga title. The Pole was also instrumental in the side's 5-2 demolition of Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal final, bagging a hat trick to help Dortmund secure their first ever league/cup double.
With an average age of under 25, the side can only improve in 2012/13 - especially with the addition of Borussia M'gladbach's star-man Marco Reus and his 18 goals a season. European success still eludes the champions, however, so the glitter of the Champions League trophy might prove a distraction for the disciplined squad.
Bayern Munich started the season on fine form - enough for many pundits to misguidedly claim the season was theirs. Stuttering form at the mid-point, however, complete with Mario Gomez's dry spell, saw the Reds finish with 73 points.
That tally would have been enough to lift the Bundesliga title in 15 of the 16 Bundesliga, but Dortmund's incredible 28 game unbeaten run ensured the title was Rhine-bound. That said, the German giants excelled in the Champions League, meaning the season was a success on the continent.
The squad will be strengthened in 2012/13, at least with the addition Dante from Borussia M'gladbach. Adding to Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, Mario Gomez (who scored 26 this season), Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Bastian Schweinsteiger, Munich should be a force to be reckoned with.
Schalke climbed into third-place towards the end of the season, predominantly powered by Klass-Jan Huntelaar's 29 goals - enough to earn him the league's Golden Boot. The side will miss the experience of veteran Raul, who heads into retirement, but Roman Neustadter from the Foals should improve the squad.
This season sees Eintracht Frankfurt and Fortuna Dusseldorf back in the top division - Frankfurt bouncing straight back from relegation while Dusseldorf are returning from the wilderness for the first time in 15 years.
The league will miss FC Koln and FC Kaiserslautern, who were relegated after relatively short periods in the top-flight.
*All odds subject to change
The Celtics can go up 3-1 in their Eastern Conference second-round series on Friday (May 18) as they stay in Philadelphia. Elsewhere in NBA betting, the Heat (1.813)* take on the Pacers (2.110)* (May 17) while the Spurs (1.111)* host the Clippers (8.040)*. For the best NBA odds, open an account with Pinnacle Sports.
The Heat will look to bounce back against the Pacers on Thursday night as the teams meet in the third game of their second-round NBA playoff series. Miami were beaten 78-75 at home in Game 2 of the set by Indiana on Tuesday to tie up the series at 1-1 despite LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combining for 52 points.
James had 28 points on Tuesday and Wade scored 24 points, but the rest of the roster combined for only 23 points with Chris Bosh out with an abdominal injury. David West grabbed 10 boards to go along with his 16 points in Tuesday's win for the Pacers, who were listed as favourites of -1 on the early lines for Thursday's contest.
The Spurs will try for another easy win over the Clippers on Thursday night as the Western Conference clubs meet in Game 2 of their second-round playoff series. San Antonio cruised to a 108-92 win at home in Game 1 of the set on Tuesday night, easily covering the posted spread as Tim Duncan poured in a team-high 26 points.
Manu Ginobili added 22 points off the bench for the Spurs in Game 1, with Tony Parker held to just seven points and 11 assists. Blake Griffin scored only 15 points in the loss for the Clippers on Tuesday, while Chris Paul picked up six points and 10 assists. San Antonio opened as a favourite of -11.5 for Thursday night's match.
The Celtics can go up 3-1 in their Eastern Conference second-round series on Friday night as they stay in Philadelphia for Game 4 against the 76ers. Boston grabbed a 2-1 series lead in Game 3 on Wednesday night with a 107-91 road win over the Sixers, getting 27 points and 13 rebounds from Kevin Garnett as they rolled to that victory.
Paul Pierce added 24 points and 12 boards in Wednesday's win for the Celtics, while Rajon Rondo picked up 23 points and 14 assists on the night. Ray Allen was held to just three points off the bench. Thaddeus Young scored a team-high 22 points in Game 3 for the Sixers, while Andre Iguodala only tossed in 10 points in that defeat.
After playing on Friday night the Celtics and Sixers will get to take the weekend off before returning to action in Game 5 of the series in Boston on Monday night. The Heat and Pacers will be on the hardwood in Indiana once again on Sunday afternoon for Game 4 of their series, while the Clippers and Spurs play at the Staples Center in Games 3 and 4 of their set on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. The Thunder and Lakers will play Games 3 and 4 of their series in Los Angeles on Friday and Saturday.
*All odds subject to change
The Kings can take a stranglehold on their best-of-seven Western Conference final series at home on Thursday night with a third consecutive victory over the Coyotes.
Los Angeles haven't had any problems with Phoenix so far in this series, outscoring them 8-2 over the first two games on the road – including a 4-0 win in Game 2 on Tuesday night. Jonathan Quick earned his second shutout of the postseason in that game for the Kings, and he's allowed just 16 goals in 11 outings so far in the playoffs.
Jeff Carter scored three of Los Angeles' four goals in Tuesday's win, with Anze Kopitar adding a pair of assists on the night. Dustin Brown also collected an assist for the Kings, giving him a team-leading 14 points in the playoffs. Antoine Vermette leads all the Coyotes' skaters with five goals and nine points over 13 playoff contests.
On the opening line for Game 3 between the Kings and Coyotes at Pinnacle Sports Los Angeles were set as the 1.526 favourite, with Phoenix an underdog of 2.740.
The Devils and Rangers will break a series deadlock on Saturday afternoon as those teams take to the ice for Game 3 of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference final.
New Jersey are coming off a 3-2 win at Madison Square Garden in Game 2 of the series on Wednesday night, with David Clarkson scoring the winner early in the third period of that contest. Ilya Kovalchuk and Ryan Carter also scored in that win for the Devils, while Martin Brodeur stopped 23 of the 25 Rangers shots in the match-up.
Marc Staal and Chris Kreider scored the goals in Wednesday's losing cause for the Rangers, who had blanked the Devils 3-0 in Game 1 of the series on Monday night. Henrik Lundqvist made 24 saves from 27 New Jersey shots in the Game 2 defeat; Lundqvist hasn't allowed more than three goals in any game so far during the playoffs.
The Coyotes and Kings will return to the ice on Sunday afternoon with Game 4 of the Western Conference final, with Los Angeles hoping to be in a position to close out the series with a victory in that contest. If Phoenix manage to win at least one of the games at the Staples Center the teams would head back to Arizona for Game 5 on Tuesday night. The Rangers/Devils series will continue in New Jersey on Monday night, and Game 5 of that set is scheduled for Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.
*All odds subject to change
This weekend’s MLB betting sees the Baltimore Orioles travel to play the Washington Nationals on Sunday. Elsewhere, the Rays host the Braves on Friday, while the Reds and the Yankees go head-to-head on the mound on Saturday. For the best MLB odds, open an account with Pinnacle Sports.
James Shields (6-1, 3.52 ERA) will get the ball for the Rays on Friday night as they open a three-game interleague home series against the Braves.
Right-hander Shields was bailed out by his offense in his most recent trip to the mound, picking up a win over the Orioles despite allowing six runs (four earned) on seven hits over his 6 1-3 innings.
The Braves will hand the ball to Tommy Hanson (4-3, 3.43 ERA) on Friday, and he's coming off a strong outing against the Cardinals in St. Louis where he surrendered just one run on five hits over five innings pitched.
The right-hander has allowed two or fewer runs in six of his eight mound trips so far this year while striking out 43 batters.
Ivan Nova (4-1, 5.44 ERA) is expected to start for the Yankees on Saturday afternoon as they continue their home interleague series against the Reds.
The right-hander was knocked around by the Orioles in his last outing, giving up five runs on seven hits over 5 1-3 innings pitched. Nova has fanned 40 over 43 innings this season.
Taking the mound for the Reds on Saturday will be Homer Bailey (1-3, 4.35 ERA), and he had to settle for a no-decision last time out after allowing just one run on six hits over 6 2-3 innings against the Braves.
Right-hander Bailey is 0-1 with three no-decisions over his last four starts, and he's won just one of his seven outings this year.
The Nationals have Stephen Strasburg (3-1, 2.25 ERA) pencilled in to start on Sunday as they close out their home series against the Orioles.
Right-hander Strasburg will be looking to bounce back from his first loss of the season on Sunday, as he surrendered four runs on seven hits in four innings against the Padres last time out.
Wei-Yin Chen (4-0, 2.45 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Orioles on Sunday, with the left-hander coming off a win over the Yankees in which he allowed just two runs on four hits over seven innings pitched.
Chen is 4-0 with three no-decisions in his seven starts so far this season, with the Orioles managing to win six of those contests.
The only non-interleague series on the MLB schedule for this weekend is St. Louis at the Dodgers. The other American League vs. National League match-ups on tap are the White Sox at the Cubs, Miami at Cleveland, Pittsburgh at Detroit, Boston at Philadelphia, the Mets at Toronto, Texas at Houston, Minnesota at Milwaukee, Arizona at Kansas City, Seattle at Colorado, the Angels at San Diego, and then Oakland at San Francisco in a Bay-area battle.
*All odds subject to change
UFC Ultimate Fighter Live sees Ellenberger vs. Kampmann top the card on Jun 1st. Jake Ellenberge is favourite to walk out the octagon victorious at 1.513*, but no-ones ruling out the capable Martin Kampmann, who sits at 2.750*. For the best UFC Ultimate Fighter Live odds, open an account with Pinnacle Sports.
The UFC Ultimate Fighter Finale takes place on June 1st with the main event of Jake Ellenberger (1.514)* vs. Martin Kampmann (2.750)* in a welterweight bout.
Ellenburger's record currently stands as 27 wins, 5 losses and zero draws, compared to Kampmann's record of 19 wins, 5 losses and zero draws.
The favourite, Ellenburger has won his last six fights, with four of them due to either TKO or KO. His defensive record is impressive having avoided 69% of his opponents' strikes and 91% of their takedowns. His offensive stats read as 47% successful strikes against his opponent and 59% successful takedowns.
Kampmann's has 43% of his takedowns as successful, and has landed 43% of his attempted strikes, which total 1,034 compared to Jake Ellenberger's 400. He has avoided 63% of strikes and 78% of takedowns.
Elsewhere the pre-lims see Max Holloway take on Pat Schilling, Johnathan Brookins steps in the ring with Charles Oliveira, and John Albert will fight Byron Bloodworth.
*All odds subject to change
The Battle for Bundesliga football continues on May 15th as Fortuna Dusseldorf host Hertha BSC Berlin in their second playoff leg. Will Bundesliga betting see a new contender next season, or will Hertha survive? For the best Bundesliga odds, open an account now with Pinnacle Sports.
Things are looking good for Fortuna Dusseldorf, who already have one foot in the Bundesliga next season thanks to a 2-1 away victory over play-off rivals Hertha BSC Berlin last week.
The Bundesliga 2 side are favourites to win at home on Tuesday, May 15th at 2.120*, while Hertha Berlin are 3.610* for the tie. It's also expected to be at least as high-scoring as last week, with th Over 2.5 set at 1.917*.
A Roman Hubnik header put the home side ahead last week, until a fantastic solo effort from Thomas Broker and an Adrian Ramos own-goal gave the Flingeraner a well-deserved away victory. In truth, the game could have ended 3-1 or 2-2, had Thomas Kraft not made a fantastic save or Ronny's late effort clanged off the post.
Despite mounting expectations, Dusseldorf coach Norbert Meier remains thoroughly grounded, philosophically stating, "the sun rises early in the morning. Everything else is speculation." Hopes must be high for the return leg on May 15th, however, as Fortuna welcome Berlin to their home ESPRIT arena where they have only lost once this season.
Otto Rehhagel also doesn't believe that it's a forgone conclusion. The Hertha coach - who retires whatever the result - hasn't given up hope yet: "We still have the opportunity to stay in the Bundesliga." Sporting Director Michael Preetz also stated that his players are "being really up for it" since the first leg on Thursday. "It's only half time, and we've often been stronger away lately than at home."
*All odds subject to change
Coppa Italia betting sees Scudetto winners Juventus 1.641 take-on Napoli 2.410 in the 64th edition of the Coppa Italia at the Stadio Olimpico on May 20th. Can Juventus complete a domestic double or will Napoli win the Coppa Italia for the first time since 1987? For the best Coppa Italia odds, open an account now with Pinnacle Sports.
Coppa Italia betting sees Scudetto winners Juventus 1.641 take-on Napoli 2.410 in the 64th edition of the Coppa Italia at the Stadio Olimpico on May 20th.
Juventus have had an outstanding season so far and go in search of the domestic double, while Napoli aim to win the Coppa Italia for the first time since 1987.
Juventus progressed to the Coppa Italia final after beating AC Milan 4-3 on aggregate; they had previously beaten Bologna and Roma.
Napoli arrive at the Stadio Olimpico after beating Sienna 3-2 on aggregate, while they also eliminated Cesena and Inter en route to the final.
Juventus’ season has been unrivalled as they won 25, drawn 16 and lost just once – 2-1 in the Coppa Italia semi-final against AC Milan.
Napoli will be hoping that Edinson Cavani can continue his prolific goalscoring feats in the final. Cavani is the Coppa Italia top goalscorer with four goals, and has scored 32 goals in 48 games this season.
Earlier in the Serie A season Juventus won 3-0 at home, and drew 3-3 in Napoli.
*All odds subject to change
2012/13 Premier League betting begins in August as Manchester City aim to defend their title, while Southampton and Reading look to avoid the drop. In the meantime, read betting previews on Euro 2012, and London 2012 Olympic soccer matches. For the best Premier League odds, open an account now with Pinnacle Sports.
In 2011/12 Manchester City pulled off a remarkable final day 3-2 win over QPR to claim their first ever Premier League title.
Last season was widely considered as the best Premier League Season since its formation in 1992. City won on goal difference over bitter city rivals Manchester United.
With the vast riches at the exposal of Manchester City, can United bounce back and win the 2012/13 Premier League?
Reading and Southampton were promoted last season after fantastic seasons in the Championship.
They will both be hoping to replicate the success of Swansea and Norwich last season as they lit up the Premier League with attacking football, which saw them finish 11th and 12th respectively.
Last seasons battle for Champions League qualification was as fiercely contested as the title and relegation battles. Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and Chelsea competed until the last game of the Premier League season as the race for Champions League qualification went down to the wire. Bitter North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham secured the places last season, but with investment in both the Chelsea and Liverpool squads over the summer, who will secure qualification next season?
While the Premier League doesn’t start until August there are plenty of soccer betting opportunities with Pinnacle Sports. Euro 2012 betting sees the best nations in Europe compete for the ultimate prize of being crowned champions, while the London 2012 Olympics gives players the opportunity to showcase their talents on a world stage.
*All odds subject to change
Rafael Nadal is favourite for Internazionali BNL d'Italia betting this week:Â the Spanish five-time champion Nadal has the advantage over his higher-ranked rivals. Can the King of Clay reclaim his title? For the best ATP Internazionali BNL d'Italia odds, open an account now with Pinnacle Sports.
Rafael Nadal is big favourite to avenge last year's Internazionalia BNL d'Italia final defeat to Novak Djokovic due to his formidable form in the Rome Masters.
The Spaniard has won an incredible five Masters title at the Italian Open, winning consecutively between 2005-07 and 2009-10. In fact, the Majorcan has only failed to reach the final once in the last seven years and holds an incredible 31-2 record on Rome's red clay.
An in-form Novak Djokovic broke his heart last season, cruising to an easy 6-4, 6-4 victory over a struggling King of Clay. Nadal enters this year on equally forgetful form, having recently exited the Madrid Masters (where he was expected to excel) in the third round.
Novak Djokovic may not be on the scintillating form that saw him break all kinds of records last season, but at 4330 Race points, he's still the top ATP performer this season. The Serbian already has two important titles under his belt - the Australian Open and the Miami Masters.
The reigning champion, who also lifted the title in 2008, holds an 18-3 record in the competition. Things went wrong for the World No. 1 a month ago in the Monte Carlo final, however, when he was comfortably dispatched by Nadal 3-6, 1-6. He also succumbed to a surprise defeat to Janko Tipsarevic 6-7, 3-6 last week in Madrid.
The most successful player in Masters history, Roger Federer has 258 wins in Masters competitions and 20 titles (joint-top with Rafael Nadal). He lifted his record-equaling Masters title last week in Madrid, avoiding both Nadal and Djokovic in the process.
The Swiss star heads into the competition buoyed by a jump to second in the rankings, although the aging veteran might find it difficult to put together two successive Masters runs. He's on a 45-3 record since the US Open last year, however, and will have his eye on the Internazionali BNL d'Italia - the most important title to evade his grasp. Federer has reached the final twice (2003 and 2006), and holds a 20-11 record at the competition.
Andy Murray is an outsider for Internazionali BNL d'Iali betting this year, having not competed since last month in Barcelona when he crashed out in the quarter-finals to Milos Raonic 4-6, 6-7. Murray reached the semi-finals last year, becoming the first British player to reach that stage for almost 80 years.
Other top seeds include Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, David Ferrer, Madrid Masters finalist Tomas Berdych and Janko Tipsarevic.
*All odds subject to change
Formula One betting moves to France for the Monaco Grand Prix at the Circuit de Monaco on May 27th. Can Williams prove to be more than a one race wonder, or will McLaren and Red Bull bounce back? For the best Monaco Grand Prix odds, open an account with Pinnacle Sports.
Formula One betting moves to France for the Monaco Grand Prix at the Circuit de Monaco on May 27th.
Circuit de Monaco is the ultimate challenge for any Formula One driver, with a test that no other can provide.
The track is unique, and ensures the driver must push the car to the absolute limit, with the risk of the smallest mistake resulting in a big penalty.
A good qualifying performance can be vital as overtaking opportunities can be limited around the streets of Monaco.
Williams and Pastor Maldonado produced a stunning performance to win last time out at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.
However, after securing their first grand prix win since 2004, Williams will be hoping to prove they have genuine race pace.
So far this season Williams have earned 43 points and are level in the Constructors championship with Mercedes, while Pastor Maldonado and Bruno Senna have achieved 29 and 14 points respectively.
Can Bruno follow in his uncle’s footsteps and win at Monaco?
After a number of non-driver errors since the first race of the season, McLaren have hampered their chances of winning both the drivers and constructors championship.
Team errors at McLaren yet again hindered Lewis Hamilton’s race prospects after a catastrophic error in qualifying at the Spanish grand prix.
Hamilton produced a storming lap to claim another pole position, only for him to be reprimanded as the team failed to put enough fuel in the car, which resulted in him dropping to the back of the grid.
Despite this Hamilton finished eighth, while Jenson Button ran in ninth after suffering to control the car throughout the race weekend. Hamilton is third in the drivers’ championship, while Button is sixth.
Hamilton has only won once at Monaco in six seasons, while Button has won once in 12 races.
Red Bull lead both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, however they have not been as dominant this year as they have been in the two previous seasons.
Sebastian Vettel leads the drivers’ championship but has endured a mixed season with just one race win, while Mark Webber is yet to win this season.
Red Bull have won the last two races at Monaco with Webber winning in 2010, while Vettel secured the points in 2011.
Ferrari meanwhile have struggled with race pace so far, however they still have Fernando Alonso sitting at the top of the drivers’ championship with Vettel.
With this said, Felipe Massa has endured a torrid time in the Ferrari car and has secured just two points, and sits 17th in the drivers’ championship.
Alonso has won at the Monaco Grand prix on two occasions, but Ferrari themselves have not won in France since 2001.
*All odds subject to change
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