All eyes are as always on Phil Taylor who remains the favourite for the Premier League despite the fact he is showing signs of slipping below his very best, the Power did not have a good World Championship but he is still as short as 7/4 with Bet365 to win the tournament. Taylor as we know is the greatest player ever to pick up a dart but he is not the invincible force he used to be and there has to be better value elsewhere this season.  Adrian Lewis has won the world championship for the last two years and the ‘Jackpot’ has to be given serious consideration here, Lewis is available at 4/1 with Bet365 to add the Premier League title to his CV.

Such is the format of the Premier League that any of the eight players can go on to win the title which makes it a fascinating betting prospect for punters. One that we like is Simon Whitlock of Australia who is a terrific match player on his day and should be able to make it through to the play-offs, the ‘Wizard can be backed at a good looking 7/1 with Bet365 to claim his first Premier League title in 2012. The new season will run for a number of weeks across the UK and Ireland and the Premier League really is the biggest event in the sport in terms of the number of people the game is reaching and from a betting point of view it looks set to be a cracking year.

Premier League Darts Betting 2012 with Bet365

• 7/4 – Phil Taylor
• 4/1 – Adrian Lewis
• 4/1 – Gary Anderson
• 7/1 – James Wade
• 7/1 – Simon Whitlock
• 18/1 – Kevin Painter
• 20/1 – Raymond Van Barnveld
• 25/1 – Andy Hamilton

All the markets are supplied by Bet365.com

In recent seasons Chelsea vs Man Utd would have been billed as one of the matches of the season, pitting together two teams fighting it out for the Premier League title. While Sir Alex Ferguson’s men are currently competing for an unprecedented 20^th league crown, Chelsea are fighting just to keep their place in the top four. After a difficult few months Chelsea will be desperate for a confidence boosting win against their rivals and are the 6/4 favourites to do just that, while United are available at 15/8, with a draw priced at 9/4. If a penalty is scored in this match Paddy Power will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles.

Chelsea have been sluggish of late with costly back-to-back draws against Norwich and Swansea allowing the likes of Newcastle and Liverpool to close the gap. Their main aim this season is finishing in the top four for the tenth consecutive season but they certainly have a fight on their hands. Defeats at home to Arsenal, Liverpool and most recently Aston Villa highlight how Stamford Bridge is not the fortress it once was. Meanwhile Unitedhave an excellent record on the road, winning eight of their 11 away games this season. They have got the better of Chelsea recently, winning the last four encounters in all competitions, including a 3-1 win at Old Trafford back in September.

Just over a year since the £50million arrival of Fernando Torres and the Spaniard has scored a pitiful three league goals and hasn’t hit the back of the net for Chelsea since October – that’s over 1,000 minutes of football. He will still be haunted by the absolute sitter he missed at Old Trafford but what better way to redeem yourself then scoring against United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Torres can be backed at 5/1 to open the scoring and 7/5 to score anytime. Juan Mata has been Chelsea’s stand-out player this season and is a tempting 13/2 to score first, with Daniel Sturridge is priced at 6/1. Wayne Rooney is expected to be back in the United starting line-up this week and has been handed odds of 5/1 to be the First Goalscorer. Javier Hernandez, who opened the scoring against Stoke mid-week, is available at 6/1, while Dimitar Berbatov has odds of 13/2.

Match Betting

• 6/4 – Chelsea
• 15/8 – Man Utd
• 9/4 – Draw

Correct Score

• 15/2 – Chelsea 1-0
• 11/1 – Chelsea 2-0
• 8/1 – Chelsea 2-1
• 25/1 – Chelsea 3-0
• 17/1 – Chelsea 3-1
• 22/1 – Chelsea 3-2

• 17/2 – Man Utd 1-0
• 13/1 – Man Utd 2-0
• 9/1 – Man Utd 2-1
• 30/1 – Man Utd 3-0
• 20/1 – Man Utd 3-1
• 25/1 – Man Utd 3-2
• 9/1 – Draw 0-0
• 11/2 – Draw 1-1
• 11/1 – Draw 2-2

First Goalscorer

• 5/1 – Fernando Torres
• 5/1 – Wayne Rooney
• 6/1 – Daniel Sturridge
• 6/1 – Javier Hernandez
• 6/1 – Danny Welbeck
• 13/2 – Juan Mata
• 13/2 – Frank Lampard
• 13/2 – Dimitar Berbatov

Odds provided by Paddy Power

Recent domestic cup defeats to Man Utd and Liverpool could in fact be a blessing in disguise for City as it allows Roberto Mancini’s men to fully concentrate on the league as they continue in their quest to win England’s top prize for the first time since 1968. Meanwhile Everton head into the game craving a moral boosting win to spark their lacklustre season into life. The Toffees are currently languishing down in 14^th in the table and are without a win in four league games. However, they will be hoping that their progression through to the fifth round of the FA Cup at the weekend will spur them on.

Earlier in the season City beat Everton 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium courtesy of goals from Mario Balotelli and James Milner. It could well be a repeat scoreline on Tuesday, with City priced at 15/2 with Stan James to come away with a 2-0 win. They are available at 11/2 to win 1-0 and 13/2 to record a 2-1 win. Everton have a decent recent record against City, winning six of the last eight meetings before the start of the 2011/12 season, with City winning at Goodison Park just once since 1992.

While Man City have been scoring for fun Everton have really struggled in front of goal this season and have failed to score more than once in a league game since mid-November. Sergio Aguero has been installed as the 4/1 favourite in the First Goalscorer betting despite failing to score in the league since the start of January. Edin Dzeko could therefore be a more rewarding bet at 5/1, while David Silva has been priced at 15/2. Louis Saha and Tim Cahill can both be backed at 8/1 to open the scoring on Tuesday night.

Midweek Bonus Accumulators

• Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea & Tottenham All To Win @ 9/2
• Man City, Man United & Tottenham All To Win @ 21/10
• Chelsea, Tottenham & Liverpool All To Win  @ 3/1
• Man City, Man United & Blackpool All To Win @ 3/1

Match Betting

• 7/2 – Everton
• 5/6 – Man City
• 5/2 – Draw

Correct Score

• 10/1 – Everton 1-0
• 22/1 – Everton 2-0
• 11/1 – Everton 2-1

• 10/1 – Draw 0-0
• 5/1 – Draw 1-1
• 12/1 – Draw 2-2

• 11/2 – Man City 1-0
• 15/2 – Man City 2-0
• 13/2 – Man City 2-1
• 14/1 – Man City 3-0
• 12/1 – Man City 3-1

First Goalscorer

• 4/1 – Sergio Aguero
• 5/1 – Edin Dzeko
• 15/2 – David Silva
• 8/1 – Louis Saha
• 8/1 – Tim Cahill
• 9/1 – Denis Stracqualursi
• 9/1 – Victor Anichebe
• 9/1 – Adam Johnson
• 9/1 – Samir Nasri

Odds courtesy of Stan James

Fierce rivals Liverpool and Man Utd lock horns at Anfield on Saturday in what promises to be a fiery FA Cup fourth round encounter. Liverpool head into the match as the narrow 8/5 favourites for the win, while United can be backed at 7/4, with a draw available at 11/5. If there is a penalty scored in this match, Paddy Power will refund all losing First/Last Goalscorer, Correct Score and Scorecast singles on the match.

Liverpool will be looking to win their first FA Cup since 2006, while United haven’t won the prestigious trophy since 2004. Kenny Dalglish’s men will be brimming with confidence after securing their place in the Carling Cup Final following their 3-2 aggregate win over Man City, while United, who recently knocked out City in the FA Cup third round, will also head into the match with a swagger following their 2-1 win at Arsenal last weekend. The sides played out a closely fought 1-1 draw at Anfield earlier in the season – which was clouded by the Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra incident – and this match is likely to be just as tight. United beat Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield in the third round last year and have only lost three of the 16 meetings between the sides in the FA Cup.

Wayne Rooney is the 9/2 favourite to grab the game’s first goal on Saturday, while Danny Welbeck, who scored the opener against Arsenal last weekend, and Javier Hernandez have both been priced at 6/1. Liverpool’s problems in front of goal have been much publicised this season and they will no doubt be doing everything they can to get Craig Bellamy on the ball. He is the hub of their attacking play, with his blistering speed a problem for any defence. The Welshman is available at 6/1 to open the scoring. Inspirational captain Steven Gerrard has three goals in his last four appearances against United and could be a good bet at 15/2 to score first.

Match Tips

• Tip#1: Man Utd to win by exactly one goal @ 7/2
• Tip#2: Penalty scored @ 3/1
• Tip#3: Craig Bellamy to score first @ 6/1

Match Betting

• 8/5 – Liverpool
• 7/4 – Man Utd
• 11/5 – Draw

Correct Score

• 15/2 – Liverpool 1-0
• 10/1 – Liverpool 2-0
• 12/1 – Liverpool 2-1
• 22/1 – Liverpool 3-0
• 18/1 – Liverpool 3-1
• 25/1 – Liverpool 3-2

• 8/1 – Man Utd 1-0
• 12/1 – Man Utd 2-0
• 12/1 – Man Utd 2-1
• 25/1 – Man Utd 3-0
• 20/1 – Man Utd 3-1
• 30/1 – Man Utd 3-2

• 8/1 – Draw 0-0
• 5/1 – Draw 1-1
• 11/1 – Draw 2-2

First Goalscorer Odds

• 9/2 – Wayne Rooney
• 6/1 – Javier Hernandez
• 6/1 – Danny Welbeck
• 6/1 – Andy Carroll
• 6/1 – Craig Bellamy
• 7/1 – Dimitar Berbatov
• 15/2 – Dirk Kuyt
• 15/2 – Steven Gerrard
• 15/2 – Maxi Rodriguez
• 15/2 – Nani
• 15/2 – Michael Owen

Odds courtesy of Paddy Power

Cocozza can be backed at evens with Stan James to win the show, while nice guy Gareth is available at 9/4. Gareth is easily the most popular housemate within the house but whether this translates to public votes remains to be seen. The lively Denise Welch has moved up to third in the betting with odds of 11/2, while Hollywood superstar Michael Madsen is available at 11/1. The duo have had a fiery love/hate relationship in the house, which has been one of the key talking points of the series. Both celebs have big personalities and are likely to clash once again before the series is over.

Drunken Goings On In The House

So Solid Crew member Romeo could well be worth a bet at 14/1. The 31-year-old has been a figure of calm in a house of drama but his diplomatic stance doesn’t necessarily equate to entertaining viewing, which could cost him. The uber-confident twins, Kristina & Karissa Shannon, are available at 22/1 to win a show they already think they have won. Meanwhile, Nicola McLean is a very long shot at 100/1. The former page 3 model is also the odds-on 8/13 favourite to be the next evicted housemate, while the Playboy twins can be backed at 11/2 to be given the boot next.

Outright Odds

• Evens – Frankie Cocozza
• 9/4 – Gareth Thomas
• 11/2 – Denise Welch
• 11/1 – Michael Madsen
• 14/1 – Romeo
• 22/1 – Kristina & Karissa Shannon
• 100/1 – Nicola McLean

Odds supplied by William Hill

Walsh has the pick of the best rides from the two champion trainers in the UK and Ireland and he can look forward to the leg up on the likes of Big Bucks, Hurricane Fly and Kauto Star among many others at the Festival this season. Bet365 have been quick to notice his powerful book of rides and they make him the 5/6 favourite to claim the Thomas Pink award for most winners at the Festival. At the moment both Willie Mullins and Paul Nicholls are in great form ahead of the Festival which makes Walsh the clear favourite and it is hard to oppose him at this stage.

The jockey most likely to push Ruby Walsh the closest is Barry Geraghty who is sure to have plenty of ammunition from his boss, Nicky Henderson. The team at Seven Barrows will be sending the likes of Sprinter Sacre and Grandouet among others to Cheltenham in March which will ensure Barry Geraghty has a good chance to pick up a winner or two. With that in mind Geraghty is currently the second favourite in the Top jockey Betting with Bet365 making him a 3/1 shot to claim the Top jockey award. The Top Jockey Market is always a fun one for punters to get stuck into outside of the races themselves and in 2012 it will be no different with Walsh and Geraghty likely to going for it tooth and nail ahead of the likes of Richard Johnson and AP McCoy.

Cheltenham Festival 2012 Top Jockey Betting with Bet365

• 5/6 – Ruby Walsh
• 3/1 – Barry Geraghty
• 7/1 – AP McCoy
• 14/1 – Richard Johnson
• 20/1 – Robert Thornton
• 20/1 – Davy Russell
• 20/1 – Paul Townend
• 20/1 – Jason Maguire
• Bar

All the markets supplied by Bet365.com

England struggled with the conditions in the first test, with their usually consistent top order having an absolute shocker. They will be determined to get back to their free-scoring ways this week and prove that the first test was just a mere blip. Jonathan Trott has been installed as the 7/2 favourite to be England’s Top Batsman in the first innings, while Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss have both been priced at 4/1. Kevin Pietersen can be backed at 9/2, with Ian Bell available at 11/2. Meanwhile, Mohammad Hafeez and Younis Khan have both been handed odds of 7/2 to finish as the Top Pakistan Batsman.

Graeme Swann is the 7/4 favourite to finish as England’s Top Bowler (1st Innings), with Stuart Broad available at 11/4 and James Anderson at 3/1. Saeed Ajmal, who ruthlessly tore apart England in the first innings last week, is priced at 13/8 to be Pakistan’s Top Bowler, while Umar Gul, who took four wickets in the second innings, has odds of 11/4.

Match Prices

• 5/2 – Pakistan
• 9/4 – England
• Evens – Draw

England Top Batsman (1st Innings)

• 7/2 – Jonathan Trott
• 4/1 – Alastair Cook
• 4/1 – Andrew Strauss
• 9/2 – Kevin Pietersen
• 11/2 – Ian Bell
• 8/1 – Ravi Bopara
• 8/1 – Eoin Morgan
• 10/1 – Matt Prior

England Top Bowler (1st Innings)

• 7/4 – Graeme Swann
• 11/4 – Stuart Broad
• 3/1 – James Anderson
• 7/2 – Steven Finn
• 7/2 – Graham Onions
• 7/2 – Monty Panesar
• 4/1 – Chris Tremlett

Odds provided by Betfred

Liverpool and Man City face each other in the second-leg of their Carling Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with Liverpool holding a narrow advantage following their 1-0 win at the Etihad Stadium. Liverpool have been installed as the 8/5 favourites to win the match in 90 minutes, while City have been priced at 17/10, with a draw available at 23/10. Liverpool are also the odds-on 4/11 favourites to progress through to the Final, while City can be backed at 15/8. If Steven Gerrard scores anytime in the 90 minutes, Paddy Power will refund all losing first/last Goalscorer, Correct Score and Scorecast singles on the match.

Liverpool may be going through a mini-slump in the league but they have been excellent in both domestic cups. They are unbeaten in 12 home matches in all competitions this season and also have the cushion of a one goal advantage. However, City will be buoyed by their last gasp victory against Tottenham on Sunday and they have the fire power to get themselves back into the tie. The teams have met three times already this season, with one win each and draw. City haven’t won at Anfield since 2003 and Kenny Dalglish will be looking for the supporters to create an intimidating atmosphere. This match has the potential to go either way but if City score an early goal then expect an open and free-flowing tie.

Sergio Aguero is the 11/2 favourite to open the scoring at Anfield, while fellow strikers Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko have both been priced at 13/2. Liverpool have struggled for goals all season but Craig Bellamy is still well worth a punt at 13/2, with Steven Gerrard available at 7/1. Liverpool are priced at 13/2 to record another 1-0 win in 90 minutes, while City are available at 8/1 to 2-1 in 90 minutes.

Match Betting (90 minutes)

• 8/5 – Liverpool
• 17/10 – Man City
• 23/10 – Draw

Correct Score (90 minutes)

• 13/2 – Liverpool 1-0
• 12/1 – Liverpool 2-0
• 17/2 – Liverpool 2-1
• 25/1 – Liverpool 3-0
• 20/1 – Liverpool 3-1
• 30/1 – Liverpool 3-2

• 13/2 – Man City 1-0
• 11/1 – Man City 2-0
• 8/1 – Man City 2-1
• 25/1 – Man City 3-0
• 22/1 – Man City 3-1
• 25/1 – Man City 3-2

• 17/2 – Draw 0-0
• 11/2 – Draw 1-1
• 13/1 – Draw 2-2

First Goalscorer (90 minutes)

• 11/2 – Sergio Aguero
• 13/2 – Mario Balotelli
• 13/2 – Edin Dzeko
• 13/2 – Andy Carroll
• 13/2 – Craig Bellamy
• 7/1 – Steven Gerrard
• 8/1 – Dirk Kuyt
• 8/1 – David Silva

Odds provided by Paddy Power

On Sunday four of the top five teams are in action in what promises to be an explosive day of Premier League football. In the 1.30pm kick-off league leaders Man City host fellow title contenders Tottenham, which is followed by a battle between old foes Arsenal and Man Utd at the Emirates Stadium. If there are four or more goals scored, Paddy Power will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on that match.

Man City simply have a flawless record at the Etihad Stadium this season, winning all ten of their home league games and scoring 31 goals in the process. However, as recent cup defeats to Liverpool and Man Utd have shown, they are beatable on home soil. Tottenham suffered a slight setback last weekend when they were held at home by an inspired Wolves side but they will no doubt be looking to bounce back and gain revenge for the 5-1 hammering City dealt them at White Hart Lane back in August. City head into the match as the odds-on 10/11 favourites, while Spurs are well worth a bet at 3/1, with a draw priced at 5/2. Sergio Aguero is the 9/2 favourite to open the scoring, with Mario Balotelli and Dzeko have both been handed odds of 11/2. With Emmanuel Adebayor unable to play due to the conditions of his loan, Jermaine Defoe could prove to be a good bet at 8/1 to score first.

Man Utd’s stunning 8-2 win against Arsenal at Old Trafford back in August was a truly astonishing result but instead of crumbling under the relentless pressure The Gunners have managed to bounce back and get their quest for a Champions League spot back on track. Arsene Wenger will be hoping that recent back-to-back league defeats haven’t dented their surge. United’s form has dipped slightly of late too with two league defeats in their last three games but as always they will be going for the win in order to keep on track with City.

United have won six and drawn two of the last nine meetings between the sides in all competitions, including two comprehensive 3-1 victories at the Emirates. Fergie’s men are the narrow 13/8 favourites, while Arsenal are available at 17/10 for the win, with a draw at 9/4. Robin Van Persie is the 4/1 favourite to open the scoring, while Wayne Rooney is priced at 9/2. In the past Thierry Henry has been a consistent thorn in United’s side and he can be backed at 6/1 to score first.

Man City v Tottenham Match Betting

• 10/11 – Man City
• 3/1 – Tottenham
• 5/2 – Draw

Correct Score

• 7/1 – Man City 1-0
• 17/2 – Man City 2-0
• 7/1 – Man City 2-1
• 14/1 – Man City 3-0
• 12/1 – Man City 3-1
• 19/1 – Man City 3-2

• 12/1 – Tottenham 1-0
• 20/1 – Tottenham 2-0
• 11/1 – Tottenham 2-1
• 55/1 – Tottenham 3-0
• 30/1 – Tottenham 3-1
• 30/1 – Tottenham 3-2

• 10/1 – Draw 0-0
• 6/1 – Draw 1-1
• 11/2 – Draw 2-2

First Goalscorer

• 9/2 – Sergio Aguero
• 11/2 – Mario Balotelli
• 11/2 – Edin Dzeko
• 15/2 – David Silva
• 8/1 – Rafael van der Vaart
• 8/1 – Jermaine Defoe
• 9/1 – Roman Pavlyuchenko
• 9/1 – Samir Nasri
• 9/1 – Adam Johnson

Arsenal v Man Utd Match Betting

• 17/10 – Arsenal
• 13/8 – Man Utd
• 9/4 – Draw

Correct Score

• 17/2 – Arsenal 1-0
• 16/1 – Arsenal 2-0
• 17/2 – Arsenal 2-1
• 30/1 – Arsenal 3-0
• 20/1 – Arsenal 3-1
• 22/1 – Arsenal 3-2

• 8/1 – Man Utd 1-0
• 14/1 – Man Utd 2-0
• 8/1 – Man Utd 2-1
• 22/1 – Man Utd 3-0
• 17/1 – Man Utd 3-1
• 22/1 – Man Utd 3-2

• 9/1 – Draw 0 – 0
• 11/2 – Draw 1 – 1
• 11/1 – Draw 2 – 2

First Goalscorer

• 4/1 – Robin Van Persie
• 9/2 – Wayne Rooney
• 6/1 – Thierry Henry
• 6/1 – Javier Hernandez
• 6/1 – Danny Welbeck
• 7/1 – Dimitar Berbatov
• 15/2 – CY Park
• 15/2 – Nani

Odds supplied by Paddy Power

On Saturday 21^st January attention will turn to the continent of Africa where 16 countries will be battling it out in the African Cup of Nations. The eagerly anticipated tournament is being held in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon and there will be a host of Premier League stars on show. Get involved in the Paddy Power money-back special whereby if any group stage match ends 0-0, they will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on that match.

The tournament is stripped of a number of Africa’s best nations, with the winners of the past three tournaments, Egypt, failing to qualify as did Nigeria, Cameroon, South Africa and Algeria. Ivory Coast have therefore been installed as the hot 6/4 favourites to win their first African Cup since 1992. The Elephants have a very strong team, which includes inspiration captain Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, the Toure brothers and Arsenal striker Gervinho. Next in the running with odds of 9/2 are the World Cup 2010 quarter-finalists, Ghana, who will be gunning for their first win since 1992. They boast a strong squad with the likes of John Mensah and Asamoah Gyan but it is worth noting that they will be without star player Michael Essien.

With Demba Ba, Moussa Sow and Papiss Cisse in their ranks Senegal are well worth a bet at 11/2. Morocco have been priced at 8/1, with the 2004 winners Tunisia have been handed odds of 11/1. Due to the absence of the traditional superpowers of African football, many nations will feel they have a chance of causing an upset or two and going far in the tournament, with Mali available at 16/1 and Libya an outside bet at 40/1.

Didier Drogba is the 4/1 favourite to finish as the tournament’s Top Goalscorer, while the in-form Senegal striker Demba Ba is well worth a bet at 6/1. Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan has been priced at 15/2, while Salomon Kalou (Ivory Coast) and Senegal’s Moussa Sow and Papiss Cisse are all available at 12/1.

African Cup of Nations 2012 Outright Betting

• 6/4 – Ivory Coast
• 9/2 – Ghana
• 11/2 – Senegal
• 8/1 – Morocco
• 11/1 – Tunisia
• 16/1 – Mali
• 25/1 – Gabon
• 25/1 – Burkina Faso
• 25/1 – Guinea
• 40/1 – Angola
• 40/1 – Libya
• 40/1 – Zambia
• 66/1 – Equatorial Guinea
• 66/1 – Niger
• 66/1 – Sudan
• 100/1 – Botswana

Top Goalscorer Odds

• 4/1 – Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
• 6/1 – Demba Ba (Senegal)
• 15/2 – Asamoah Gyan (Ghana)
• 12/1 – Moussa Sow (Senegal)
• 12/1 – Salomon Kalou (Ivory Coast)
• 12/1 – Papiss Cisse (Senegal)
• 16/1 – Gervinho (Ivory Coast)
• 18/1 – Mamadou Niang (Senegal)
• 20/1 – Issam Jemaa (Tunisia)
• 20/1 – Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)

Odds supplied by Paddy Power