TacticalBet's Update

Just a brief update of what's been going on within the world of sport, and also what you can expect from TacticalBet over the next few days.

England lost their first Test in Galle against Sri Lanka by 75 runs, with batting letting them down in both innings. Over in football there was plenty of European action, wins for Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich away from home in the Champions League, as well as Europa League goals. The RFU has also announced that Martin Lancaster, after an impressive performance during the 6 Nations, has been confirmed as the new England rugby union head coach, on a 4 year contract.

We'll be back soon with more news on the 2nd and final Test which is now so crucial to England, and a lok ahead to what football we can expect to see on our screens in the coming week. Don't forget to keep following our England Dream Team XI too, as we search for the greatest ever players to represent the nation.

HA

Cricket - England in Sri Lanka

It is very much honours even at the end of the first day in the opening Test between Sri Lanka and England, in Galle. Strauss' tourists began brilliantly, with their opponents on the ropes are 190-7, yet a spectacular unbeaten 168 by Mahela Jayawardene lifted the hosts to close on 289-8. Despite being dropped on four occasions, it was a superb knock from the skipper and his heroics ensured that this game definitely remains in the balance. So, just where is your money in this two Test series?

Sri Lanka 1-0 : 2.6

England 1-0 : 2.62

Draw 0-0 : 2.64

Draw 1-1 : 3.3

England 2-0 : 5

Sri Lanka 2-0 : 6

It's been a promising start by England, without doubt. However, upon their recent whitewash in Pakistan it was the batsmen which let down coach Andy Flower, so it is there where there will need to be a marked improvement in order to achieve success. It terms of it only being a two Test series, this creates an imperative need to avoid defeat in the first, and England will be wary of this. They will have to bat long and hard in their first innings starting tomorrow, and that could well set the tone for the series.

TB's Series Prediction - Draw 1-1 : 3.3

HA

TB's Dream Team - The Right Midfielder

Here's TacticalBet's latest installment of our search to establish just what is the best England side. Following the completion of the goal-keeper and back four, it's time to move onto the midfield, starting with the right side.

It wouldn't be right to not include England's most capped outfield player, David Beckham. While never enjoying marked success at any major tournaments, his skill levels and commitment to the cause could never be spoken against. A superb leader of the nation on and off the pitch, Beckham captained England on numerous occasions over a number of years, and in total earned an astonishing 115 caps scoring 17 times. No England fan will ever forget that free-kick in September 2001 against Greece, the last gasp goal which sent us to the World Cup in Japan and South Korea 2002. A worthy winner of this position, un-deniably. An iconic figure.

Next up we'll name the two central midfield players, a difficult call which is sure to spring up much debate!

HA

The Race for 4th - The Financial Implications

As the race to qualify for next season's Champions League heads into its final straight, there is much debate as to what failure to do so would mean for any club who finishes outside of the top four. While people will often cite that failure to dine from Europe's top table hampers sides ability to recruit the true best players, there is also an argument that playing in the sister competition the Europa League means fixture congestion and therefore a bigger domestic struggle, as those matches are played on Thursdays. To show this point, Manchester United do not having a single normal time Saturday kick-off between now and the end of the season, and they only reached the last 16 before being knocked out. However, it is perhaps the financial side which delivers the biggest blow of not making at least the group stages. You may say that with the money that most of the sides now have this isn't a major issue, but with new rules and regulations coming into place, it definitely isn't ideal.

Odds on a 4th placed finish are as follows -

Arsenal : 1.18

Tottenham : 1.41

Chelsea : 2.8

Liverpool : 30

Newcastle : 30

Last season's beaten finalists, Manchester United, earned over 50 million pounds for that run to the final hurdle. Comparatively, reaching the Europa League final would provide a bonus of just over 3 million, and in total finalists would be earning under double figures. Even a run to the last 16 would guarantee more than than, and in terms of out-right prize money merely making the group stages of the Champions League automatically earns a club more financial reward than winning the Europa League does. (3.9 million for group stage sides, compared to just 3 million for the Europa League winners). It is clear that there are such massive margins when the two competitions are discussed, and this makes it clear that sides really must strive to qualify. It is most important for those who are normally in the Champions League to retain their status, as such a huge difference to the bank balance will negate serious financial upheaval, which cannot be underestimated. It's just a fascinating back-drop to the race for 4th, which still could go either way.

HA

Chelsea's 4-2-3-1 - The Start of Success?

For almost a decade now, and under numerous different managers, Chelsea have lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, but under new interim coach Roberto Di-Matteo we have seen a 4-2-3-1 formation as depicted above with the starting eleven from the weekend's win over Leicester City. This was occasionally used by recently disposed of Andre Villas Boas, and now under the new man Chelsea have adopted it as their own. So, just what does the new line-up offer differently which has been aiding Chelsea's recent recovery?

Firstly, it offers more width, and a percieved lack of it has often been labelled as a criticsm at Chelsea over the past few seasons. As shown, Sturridge from the right and Kalou from the left can get wide without leaving them out-numbered in the middle, as Mikel and Meireles sitting deeper creates that central protection. With the power of Drogba or the talent of Torres down the middle it is essential that Chelsea utilise the wings, and perhaps this is also reflected in Di Matteo's selection of Kalou where often Villas Boas left the Ivorian out. Also, the emergence of a true 'number ten' within this formation is key, played for Chelsea by Mata, who co-incidentally wears the number on his shirt. Allowing the talenented playmaker to drop into 'the hole' infront of the opposition back four and influence the game from a central area is a tactic which must not go un-noticed. Mata's technique and skill is so evident that his appearance directly behind either a Torres or a Drogba would almost un-doubtedly provide exceptional service.

Overall, the main thing is simply playing to the squad's strengths, and this is reflected in the four straight wins which the Blues have picked up since the departure of Villas Boas. However, does this mean that Frank Lampard will have to begin to adapt his game to become a more deep lying player-maker? It is clear that it is not all plain sailing for Chelsea, and with Manchester City and Tottenham in their next two games will provide a stern test of this new tactic, regardless of their previous success.

Odds on Manchester City vs Chelsea tonight :

Home - 1.94

Draw - 3.8

Away - 4.4

HA

TB's Dream Team - The Left Back

So far, as TacticalBet goes in search of it's all time England 'Dream Team', we've got Gordon Banks, Gary Neville, Bobby Moore and Billy Wright. Time now, then, for the left back and the completion of the defence.

While there are some good contenders, the only man for this position would be England's highest capped full back of all time. Despite never scoring for the national side, 31 year old Ashley Cole has already amassed an incredible 93 caps. With the European Championships coming up this summer, he will surely have designs on reaching his ton in the near future. Not to mention his international appearance, he's won the most FA Cups out of any player in the history of the competition, and 3 Premierships to boot.

A worthy candidate, by all accounts. Next time we'll be onto the midfielders, starting with the number 7 spot, the right midfield position.

HA

The Tragic Case of Adriano

About 10 years ago, a young Brazilian going by the name of Adriano Leite Ribeiro was making an increasingly big name of himself in European football. On loan at Parma from parent club Inter Milan, Adriano fired in goal after goal, before return to his owners to deliver yet more match winning performances. Fast forward to 2012, he has just been released from his home town club, Corinthians, and all the years of promise, trophies (4 Italian Titles) and goals (27 for Brazil) appears lost as the 30 year old looks set to quit the game. What went wrong then?

In 2004, Adriano's father sadly passed away, and it is perhaps this which was the main nail into the coffin of the talented star with the worlds at his feet, literally. Suddenly, the 22 year old became head of the family, left with his loved ones depending on him. It is such a position which he clearly struggles to adapt to, both in his personal and professional life. When Roma offered him a chance again in the latter stages of the last decade, paying him an annual salary of around 5 million Euros, he was again the go-to man, who people looked up and demanded something of. It all went wrong, and in his 7 month stay in the Italian capital there-in lies a microcosm of his life. He couldn't handle the pressure, and extremely sadly he couldn't in his personal life either, it all fell apart. Now, after 8 months at Corinthians, with numerous discipline breaches and a clear lack of interest, it has all happened again. He has decended into the horrible position of depression and alcoholism.

Is there something football could do to save this once greatly talented youngster? His 48 league goals in only just over 100 appearance for Inter Milan seem almost an eternity away, and it's looking like his promise is going to be lost forever. There is a long list of sportsmen to have suffered with illness' like depression over the years, and there are clinics designed to help this very issue. But, with football now almost all about the winning and success, there is an argument that loyalty to players is diminishing in favour of merely winning games. It is a very sad tale, as are all of the lost careers in similar fashions. His weight gain and demise mirror those of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho in recent years, what does this reflect upon Brazilian culture and football? Who knows, but we can only hope that from somewhere, Adriano finds it within himself to continue his career, and finds a club with some willing to work with him.

HA

If you've got any questions or comments, just leave them below and I'll do my best to reply and get back to you!

Queens Park Rangers - 40 and Out?

There was so much promise when Queens Park Rangers earned promotion to the Premiership last summer, and a spending spree included Joey Barton, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Bobby Zamora and Djibril Cisse has only heightened such expectation. But, after a decent start, they find themselves in serious trouble at the foot of the table, sitting 18th and still a point from safety. With 7 of the top 8 sides to play in their last 10 games, it's getting harder and harder to see a way out for them. So what's the main reason for their demise?

This season, QPR have used an astonishing 40 players in League and Cup. While some teams do field reserve sides in the League Cup and maybe the FA Cup, there is no justification for such a high numer of players making appearances. Looking at the newly promoted sides who came up with QPR, both Norwich and Swansea have very settled squads where the same players make up the side each week give or take a few changes based upon form and fitness, and you can see that continuity plays a huge role in success. Looking at their very first win in the top flight, a great 1-0 victory at Goodison Park over Everton on the second week of the season, they lined up as follows : Kenny, Orr, Hall, Gabbidon, Connolly, Derry, Taarabt, Faurlin, Buzsaky, Agyemang and Smith. The recent defeat to Bolton, their 16th reverse, saw only Kenny and Derry retained. The back four entirely different, and it's no wonder that they have been leaking poor goals. Spending so much money and in bulk in January was risky as so many clubs have seen January signings come in and struggle, yet the gambled. Was this the right strategy? The signing of Machada on loan from Manchester United smacks of desperation, as now he's not even making the match-day squad.

Is it too late for QPR to salvage something and stay up? Certainly not, but they've definitely left themselves a challenge, and by the looks of things this all comes down to poor management of the team and squad.

HA

TB's Dream Team - The Centre Backs

With Gordon Banks given our starting spot in goal, and Gary Neville the right back position, it's time to unveil our Dream Team centre-backs, the players who in our view are the best two to play for England in the middle of the defence.

The stand out for this role would be England's World Cup winning captain, the legendary Bobby Moore. The term 'legend' may be used all too often in modern culture, but there is no doubting that the West Ham and Fulham stalwart is by far the greatest central defender this country has seen. Winning 108 caps, Moore lifted the World Cup aged just 25. While later controversies might have clouded his reputation, his record and talent is undoubtedly superb. Perhaps the highest tribute we can pay him would be that he was described as the 'greatest player he'd ever played against' by Brazil superstar Pele.

So who to partner Moore at the back? While Adams, Jack Charlton and Terry Butcher gain honourable mentions, our name to fill the 5 or 6 shirt would be Billy Wright. The one club man, Wolverhampton Wanderers for 20 years, achieved 105 games for England, and was the first player ever to reach a ton of international caps. To add to this, he never received a yellow or red card from a referee.

What a pairing, and the duo will always be enshrined in the great history of the English game. Next time we'll return with the left back, and then our England Dream Team will have it's entire defence.

HA

Chelsea's Assault on 4th - The Key Battles

With Chelsea delivering a brutal statement of intent at their tilt at 4^th with the sacking of manager Andre Villas Boas after less than a year in charge, their remaining Premiership games take on huge significance. With old player Roberto Di Matteo in charge it is evident that Chelsea need to start winning in the league, and soon. Sitting 3 points below Arsenal and lying in 5^th, every game is huge. We take a brief look at the 5 big matches that the Blues must perform in to stand a chance of retaining their Champions League place next season.

Odds on Chelsea finishing in the top four are currently at 2.82.

Manchester City (Away) 21^st March 2012

Away against Mancini’s men who will be attempting to maintain their title charge, this is a huge test for Chelsea. City have won all their home games so far this season, so to get anything out of this match would be seen as a success. In terms of their pursuits, they must surely at least draw here.

Tottenham Hotspur (Home) 24^th March 2012

With Spurs struggling in the limelight of being 3^rd and also their manager being touted for the England post, this is a match that Chelsea and Di Matteo will target as a win. Having beaten Spurs regularly at home over the years, expect them to be confidant and up for this one. A draw wouldn’t be a disaster, but a defeat would.

Newcastle United (Home) 14^th April 2012

Into the final 5 games and this is one that they simply must win, regardless of the circumstances. Newcastle have had a great season to date and must be applauded for this, but Chelsea must use this as a chance to assert their dominance back into the league and continue a potential surge to clinch 4^th.

Arsenal (Away) 21^st April 2012

The biggest of the lot, but so much will depend on what has gone on between now and this game. One thing does though remain certain, in that a defeat here for Chelsea would be curtains, so that will play a part in their approach to facing Wenger’s men at the Emirates. At least a draw is needed, but the Blues will search for revenge for their crushing 5-3 reverse at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season.

Liverpool (Away) 6^th May 2012

The penultimate game, and it could all rest on it. So Chelsea must get something out of this game, and slip ups this close to the final hurdle would be catastrophic. Throw into the mixer that Liverpool will also be searching for a European place in the top four, and you’ve got yourself a classic. Chelsea must perform here.

HA

TB's Dream Team - The Right Back

A difficult position to call in all honesty, with no stand out candidate with a field of all equally capable candidates. Therefore, our nomination to join Gordon Banks in TacticalBet's all time greatest England team is Gary Neville. Close competition and Phil Neal was our second choice, but the older Neville brother gets the nod.

Gary won 85 England caps which just highlights his commitment to the national cause over the years. The fact that he was selected at right back by five different managers shows just how universally popular he was, and that he truly won the position as his own. While, he did experience some challenges, from players such as Danny Mills, and latterly Micah Richards and Wes Brown, Neville's presence in 4 major finals, stretching from 1998 to 2006. Perhaps his one regret will be that he never got on the scoresheet for the Three Lions, although he did only score 5 league goals in his whole career! Next up, we'll name the centre backs at the same time for our 'Dream Team', and there is most certainly more than a few options for that position!

HA

TB's Analysis - The Villas Boas Debate

In any position in life, there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, the former can have great benefits, helping separating the good from the great. However, any display of the latter is never a good thing, and can lead to alienating those around you and creating un-necessary problems. As Andre Villas Boas leaves London tonight after being dismissed by Chelsea, he can only have himself to blame. The young Portuguese manager arrived with a reputation, and his arrogant persona prior to any success left the fans immediately disliking him, and clearly the players soon followed short.

Whilst fans of other clubs who haven't followed Villas Boas too closely over the last few weeks may lament a talent coach not being given the time to implement his way or signings, there is no doubt for those who have listened and taken note of his tenure at the club that he was caused his own downfall. Right from the first press conference, he states that it would be considered a 'failure' if Chelsea did not win the domestic title. Fast forward a mere nine months and he was saying how much superior Manchester City's team is and that 4th place would be a good achievement for his Blues. Such contradiction, building up the expectations before woefully falling short, is not going to be tolerated by the board, the players, or the supporters. Furthermore, as he announced himself to the press, upon being asked if he too was the 'Special One' his curt reply was 'when I am successfulyou can give me a title'. With no disrespect to the Portuguese league, the Barclays Premier League is another level all together, and it appears Villas Boas thought he could waltz straight in and achieve superstardom. As the season pressed on, he repeatedly changed his ambitions, the actions of an arrogant man desperately clinging to job he is out of depth to command.

Perhaps the final straw was the 2 goal defeat suffered recently in Napoli, leaving Chelsea all but out of the Champions League. With a wry smile, the man now known as AVB stated in his pre-match press conference that Ashley Cole wasn't fit to start and that Jose Bosingwa would fill in for him at left back. Less than ten minutes into the game, Bosingwa pulled a hamstring and Cole replaced him. It is bizarre that England's highest capped left back can't start, but can appear in under ten minutes. It was moments such as these which left Chelsea fans fuming at such disrespect, with the manager clearly thinking he could do as he pleased, say what he wanted without being accountable to anybody. Had results been going well then he could have been vindicated and forgiven, but quite frankly Chelsea have been abysmal this year. A slow tempo, or a high defensive line, and a lack of width have led to a series of embarrassing defeats. These are tactical issues, not solely down to the players, and therefore the buck stops with the manager.

The first thing a manager must to do be successful is to earn success through winning games, and secondly get the fans onside and supporting. Villas Boas did neither, and he's only got himself to blame as he he exits his first real managerial challenge as a failure.

HA

Weekend Preview - TB's Thoughts

Three massive games standing out this week in the Premiership, with Liverpool and Arsenal taking centre stage first before Manchester United face Tottenham, and the Tyne-Wear derby between the Magpies and the Black Cats is on offer too. So, in keeping with our usual offerings, we'll provide a prediction for the three matches, and as always don't hesitate to let us know what you think will happen.

Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal @ 3.6

Both sides have obtained impressive results of late, Liverpool earning the Carling Cup and Arsenal dismantling their North London rivals Spurs 5-2. But this affairs are always cagey, and we seen no reason for this to be any different.

Newcastle 1-0 Sunderland @ 2.2

O'Neil may have got Sunderland back into form since his appointment, but taking into account their heavy defeat to West Brom last week and also the Magpies good home form, Pardew's men remain favourites. It'll be tight though, maybe one of the Demba's will nick it for the home side.

Tottenham 2-2 Manchester United @ 3.5

Expect goals here, with both sides boasting superb attacking threats. The draw is the best bet, although seeing as it won't suit either side there is the potential for a shock result, as both managers will encourage their team to go for the win.

HA

TB's Dream Team - The Number One

As you'll be aware, TacticalBet is currently in the process of piecing together an all time greatest England team, from all years. Today is the unveiling of the goalkeeper, so just who was our greatest shot-stopper?

Number One - Gordon Banks

Whilst Peter Shilton was one time England's most capped man in-between the sticks of all time, and made his debut in 1966 aged 17, there has always been a popular consensus that Banks is the best we've ever had. Earning 73 caps, Banks was the man in the nets as England won their first and still only World Cup on home soil in 1996. Throw into the mix that save from Pele in 1970, and it's clear to see just why he is so highly regarded.

Up next, we'll announce the right back. Gary Neville offers a more recent option and was a loyal servant to the Three Lions, but could it also be Phil Neal, or maybe even Jimmy Armfield. Let us know what you think, either on here or in the world of Twitter?

HA