...hem to stay up at Evens.

West Ham United

The largest deal of the transfer window was Dean Ashtons 7.25 million arrival from Norwich City. Following his seven goals last season for the Canaries, then fighting a losing battle against Premiership relegation, Ashton is seen as the man who can fire West Ham into Europe this term.

Another striker, Yaniv Katan, joined from Maccabi Haifa for 100,000 while Deportivo defender Lionel Scaloni has signed a loan deal with the club. If you are fond of speculative punts, striker Marlon Harewood, with six goals in his last 12 Premiership matches, is available at 40/1 to top the Premiership goal scoring charts at the end of the season.

Wigan Athletic

Wigan have had a remarkable first season in the Premiership. They are fifth in the table, one place above former Champions Arsenal, just three points adrift of a Champions League spot and a place in the Carling Cup final secured.

Paul Jewell has worked wonders at the JJB Stadium and it is not surprising chairman Dave Whelan has sanctioned a 2 million move for Brann defender Paul Scharner, the free transfer of midfielder David Thompson and loan arrivals for Liverpools Neil Mellor and Tottenham Hotspurs Reto Ziegler.

It would be foolish to bet against the Latics qualifying for Europe next season but at present they are the only side in the top 10 with a minus goal difference. They are 300/1 outsiders to win the Premiership in the without Chelsea market.

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League One Betting Review

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A hat trick from Fredy Eastwood kept Southend United the summit of League One after beating promotion rivals Chesterfield 4-3 at the Recreation Ground. Eastwoods penalty after 52 minutes cancelled out Colin Larkins opener and his second four minutes later put the Shrimpers into the lead. The Spireites came back and lead 3-2 before veteran Shaun Goater levelled for Southend. A sublime 25 yard free kick from Eastwood seven minutes from time gifted Steve Ti...more

Bowl Handle Fails to Flush Standard

...Close but no cigar could be the post-theme of Super Bowl XL as far as a record Las vegas Super Bowl handle is concerned.

Pittsburgh defeated Seattle 21-10 sunday -- easily covering the spread --- the total went way under 47, Bill Cowper finally won a Lombardi and the Bus finally rolled a stop, while on top.

The $6,064,000 Question in the Land of Odds -- besides "Did you win or lose?" was "Will the handle surpass last year's standard of more than $90 million?"

"I won't know until sometime monday when I see all the numbers and things come together, but it's going to be close," said tony Paonessa, race and sports book manager at Sam's Town.

"Last year was close."

Rich Baccellieri, race an...more

World Cup 2006 - Reaction To Group Stage Draw

...Red hot favourites Brazil received a favourable draw as the group stage of the 2006 World Cup was announced on 9 December. The 16/5 favourites were drawn into Group F with Croatia, Australia and Japan. Hosts germany also has a relatively easy group with opposition provided in the form of Costa Rica, Poland and Ecuador.

However, not everyone was so lucky. Groups C and E have "group of death" credentials with Argentina, Ivory Coast, Serbia & Montenegro and Holland facing each other in the former, while Italy, Ghana, usa and the Czech Republic will battle it out in the latter.

GROUP A
germany 7/1
Costa Rica 500/1
Poland 125/1
Ecuador 200/1

germany should be able to qualify from Group A comfortably, kick-starting the tournament with a match against Costa Rica. Poland could prove to be tricky opponents and will be expected to finish as runners up in the group. However, Ecuador may be capable of providing an upset as they beat Croatia in the group stages of the 2002 World Cup.

GROUP B
england 13/2
Paraguay 20...more

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