Author Archives: SoccerCapper

Latics can thwart Chelsea

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They may well start the season as one of the favourites to be relegated (3/2) again this season, but Wigan appear to winning over some of the doubters and can claim a point on the first Sunday of the Premier League campaign.

Roberto Martinez’s men have left it late in the last two seasons to secure their to- flight survival, but there are real signs that Latics (1/2 to stay up) are making progress under their Spanish boss.

Having turned down the chance to join Aston Villa last summer and having spoken to Liverpool during this close season, Martinez seems to be happy with how things are progressing at the DW Stadium.

A fine end to last season, when they recorded wins over Manchester United and Arsenal, highlighted their improving quality and they eventually finished seven points above the drop zone.

They have lost two key players this summer, Hugo Rodellaga and Mohamed Diame, but they have added quality to their squad and seem to have the knack of finding rough diamonds that they turn into decent Premier League players.

Arsenal midfielder Ryo Miyaichi has joined on loan during the close season, while the impressive Aruna Kone has joined for £2.7million from Levante.

They will face a massive test in the opening game against the Champions League winners (Match Betting – Wigan 11/2, draw 3/1, Chelsea 8/15), who head to the North West following a disappointing showing in the Community Shield.

Chelsea (7/1 to win the title) were very much second best to Manchester City at Villa Park and the absence of the suspended Branislav Ivanovic is a blow to their defensive options.

Although the Blues have paid big money for the likes of Eden Hazard and Oscar, Roberto Di Matteo will be relying heavily on Fernando Torres for goals following the summer exit of talisman Didier Drogba.

One other side issue will see Victor Moses (5/2 to score at anytime) come up against the team that are desperate to sign him before the end of the month.

Martinez says he has no problem selecting the former Crystal Palace man, despite him being the subject of a failed bid from Chelsea earlier this summer. Moses could yet move to Stamford Bridge, but Wigan are standing firm on their valuation.

Last season’s corresponding fixture ended in a 1-1 draw, thanks to a late Wigan equaliser from Jordi Gomes, and a repeat scoreline can be backed at 13/2.

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City to power to victory

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Sunday sees two teams who have totally contrasting ambitions for the season meet, as champions Manchester City host Premier League new boys Southampton at the Etihad Stadium (City 1/6, draw 13/2, Southampton 16/1 – Match Betting).

After dramatically winning the title last season, the Citizens will be desperate to get their campaign off to the perfect start but won’t have it all their own way against a Saints side that simply love upsetting the odds.

Despite not really strengthening his squad over the summer, Roberto Mancini has plenty of talent at his disposal and following their win against Chelsea in last Sunday’s Community Shield, knows his players are still more than capable of competing with the best.

After originally setting his team out defend, the Italian coach employed much more attacking tactics last season and, in full flow, his team truly are a sight to behold.

With the likes of Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli up front, Mancini certainly has a number of options to play with but it is midfielder Yaya Toure (5/2 to score anytime) who is the real heartbeat of the team.

The team visibly struggled when the former Barcelona man went off to the African Cup of Nations earlier this year and his almost unique combination of power and finesse is what truly drives City forward.

The Ivorian will be looking to once again dominate on Sunday and don’t be surprised if he pops up with an important goal.

Despite their two successive promotions, Southampton are still one of the favourites to be relegated from the top flight. Boss Nigel Adkins has brought some good players to the club over the summer and of all the newly promoted teams, they maybe the best equipped to deal with the rigours of the Premier League.

Possibly the most influential of these will be midfielder Steven Davis (9/2 to score anytime), who arrived from Rangers and could add some extra guile to the engine room.

In a season where they’re likely to find themselves overrun by their opposition, the Northern Irishman’s ability to keep the ball and use it wisely could prove vital.

This could well be in evidence on Sunday, where he’ll be tasked with keeping the aforementioned Toure quiet and after four seasons in the SPL the 27-year-old will be looking to make an immediate impact on his return to the Premier League.

However, despite all Southampton’s hard work, it looks like it could be a very difficult afternoon for Nigel Adkins’ men.

City beat another newly promoted team in Swansea 4-0 in their opening fixture of last season and don’t be surprised if they record a similar scoreline on Sunday (City 17/2 to win 4-0).

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Ставки на матч «Спартак» – «Рубин»!

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Футбол. Россия. Премьер-лига

Спартак – Рубин. Вот уж поистине фраза «тяжелый календарь» сейчас относится к московскому «Спартаку»McGeady downed 1 300x234 Ставки на матч Спартак Рубин! так, как после выезда в Питер, им предстоит сыграть с казанским «Рубином» пускай и у себя дома, задачу это облегчает не на много.

Одной из проблем сегодняшнего «Спартака» могут стать травмы, которые начали преследовать «красно-белых» с самого начала чемпионата. Вот и сейчас болельщики с большой надеждой воспринимают информацию о том, что Евгений Макеев и братья Комбаровы переведены в общую группу и занимаются наравне со всеми. Дмитрий Комбаров, как заявили в клубе, почти наверняка сыграет с «Рубином». Ситуация с травмами в «Спартаке» уже выглядит более чем трагикомично, так как даже, едва купленный, Ким Чельстрем умудрился получить травму перед матчем с «Зенитом» и выбыл, как минимум на две недели.

После оглушительного фиаско в матче с «Зенитом» подопечные Унаи Эмери выйдут на этот матч, крайне мотивированными. Впрочем, после того, как вы в принципиальном матче проигрываете 0:5, это не может не сказаться на вашей уверенности в своих силах, в данный момент «Спартак» 2.00 очень молодая команда, а это может заставить игроков «побежать отыгрываться», что не в коем случае, не допустимо. В матче с «Рубином», который очень любит играть на контратаках – это будет смерти подобно.

Нападающий «Рубина» Владимир Дядюн так же сообщил прессе, что «Спартак» приложит все силы, чтобы как-то оправдаться перед своими болельщиками, но при этом философски заметил, что результат матча недельной давности его не удивил.

На поле Лужников мы не увидим и Эйдена Макгиди, который получил красную карточку в прошедшем матче, а теперь по решению КДК будет отстранен на три ближайшие игры чемпионата. Так что у «Спартака» намечаются трудности при фланговой игре. Возможно, именно из-за недостатка фланговых исполнителей руководство «красно-белых» сделало предложение «Локомотиву» по покупке Рената Янбаева. Пока ответ Ольги Смородской неизвестен, но думаю, клубы могут придти к договоренности.

С учетом всего вышесказанного «Рубин» 3.60, как минимум не проиграет, а возможно сможет и победить на выезде.

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The Premier League is back!

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The eve of the Premier League season is upon us, but we will have to wait another day or two to see the major players in action (Manchester City 5/4 to retain title).

The two Manchester clubs and Chelsea will sit back and watch the opening day unfold, with the likes of Arsenal, shy of Robin van Persie, and Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool under the spotlight.

How the Gunners respond to the loss of van Persie (8/1 top goalscorer) to Manchester United remains to be seen. They lost Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas in similar circumstances at the beginning of last season and were left behind by their rivals after an uncharacteristically slow start.

Arsenal v Sunderland

Arsenal entertain Sunderland in their opener (2/5 home, 7/2 draw, 8/1 away) and Arsene Wenger will be looking for a positive reaction from his players.

The experienced boss has added quality in Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski, and will be keen to put on a show for the club’s disgruntled fans (14/1 Arsenal 4-0).

Fulham v Norwich

Across London in Fulham, the Cottagers have some problems of their own, with boss Martin Jol admitting Clint Dempsey wants out of the club. The USA international has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.

Jol’s side host Norwich City this weekend (4/5 home, 11/4 draw, 7/2 away), who have recovered from the departure of Paul Lambert and look well set for another positive season.

The Canaries have made some impressive signings and should have no problem avoiding the drop. They have the ability to cause a shock at Craven Cottage.

QPR v Swansea

Another club out to avoid second-season syndrome are Swansea City, who travel to Queens Park Rangers (10/11 home, 5/2 draw, 16/5 away).

They have lost Rodgers and Welsh midfielder Joe Allen to Liverpool, but have enough quality to stay up.

QPR were promoted along with Swansea in 2010-2011 but struggled back in the top flight. They have made a whole host of summer signings and look in good shape. They should beat a Swansea side that does not travel well.

Reading v Stoke

Reading were one of last season’s promoted sides and they face Stoke City at the Madejski Stadium (7/5 home, 9/4 draw, 21/10 away), a side they can draw strength from.

The Potters are an unfashionable club but have established themselves in the top flight under Tony Pulis.

Reading have made some excellent signings this summer, none more so than former Fulham loanee, Pavel Pogrebnyak (66/1 top goalscorer). The feel-good factor surrounding the place could lead them to victory tomorrow.

West Ham v Aston Villa

West Ham United, who achieved promotion through the play-offs at the first time of asking, entertain Lambert’s Aston Villa in their first game back (5/4 home, 12/5 draw, 11/5 away).

Villa will be hoping Lambert has brought some of the magic which saw him make a huge impact at Norwich, while the Hammers will be looking to making an immediate impact after a busy summer in the transfer market. Expect a draw in East London.

West Brom v Liverpool

Liverpool’s first game of a new era comes at West Bromwich Albion (10/3 home, 13/5 draw, 17/20 away).

Rodgers has not come in and made wholesale changes. However, the signing of Allen is key. He made Swansea tick and Rodgers will be hoping he can pull the strings in the Liverpool midfield.

Liverpool will look more fluent this term, but might have to wait for their first win of the season.

Newcastle v Tottenham

The day ends with a mouth-watering clash between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur on Tyneside (13/8 home, 23/10 draw, 7/4 away).

Spurs will be led for the first time by Andre Villas-Boas and will be without Luka Modric, while the Magpies are buoyed by the arrival of Vurnon Anita from Ajax. It looks set to be a tough baptism for the former Chelsea boss.

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New-look Cardiff set for kick-off

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The Capital One Cup may already be under way but the serious business in the Championship starts this weekend, with Cardiff, in their controversial new red home shirt, (5/6 to win) entertaining Huddersfield Town (10/3, draw 5/2 – match odds) on Friday evening to get the ball rolling.

Both the Bluebirds and the Terriers were dumped out of the renamed League Cup earlier in the week, with Malky Mackay’s men going down 2-1 at Northampton Town while Simon Grayson’s outfit slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Preston North End.

However, the respective players have the chance to make amends when they quickly return to action in the Championship which promises to as tough to get out of again this term, with the second tier one of the hardest to predict on an annual basis.

Friday’s night’s encounter at the Cardiff City Stadium will whet the appetite ahead of a big weekend which also sees Leeds and Wolves go head to head at Elland Road on Saturday while 6/1 Championship outright favourites Bolton, who were relegated from the Premier League last term, kick off at Burnley.

Cardiff will be desperate to make 2012-12 their season after so many near-misses over the last few years, with the success of Swansea in making the Promised Land of the Premier League compounding their recent misery.

The Bluebirds made the League Cup final last season where they gave Liverpool a real run for their money, however their third consecutive play-off campaign ended in defeat to eventual winners West Ham which means they are chalking up a decade in the Championship this year.

In contrast, Huddersfield would love to be able to boast of 10 years in the second tier after dropping down the leagues before restoring their status last year following a League One play-off final win over Sheffield United at Wembley.

The Terriers start the season as 12/1 chances for promotion but will be mindful of the fact the likes of Norwich and Southampton have recently proved it is possible to achieve back-to-back promotions to reach the Premier League.

With Cardiff and Huddersfield both losing in the League Cup it could well be a cagey affair is on the cards in south Wales on Friday night, with both managers aware that getting into the losing habit at this early stage of the season is something to be avoided.

The Bluebirds will definitely be a lot stronger than the side which lost to the Cobblers, with Kevin McNaughton, Mark Hudson, Ben Turner and Andrew Taylor all back in contention after missing the trip to Sixfields while recent signing Craig Bellamy could make his second debut.

The Terriers are sweating on the fitness of winger Danny Ward (ankle) but otherwise are fully-fit which could mean league debuts for Sean Scannell, Paul Dixon, Oliver Norwood, Keith Southern, Adam Clayton, Joel Lynch and former Cardiff man Anthony Gerrard.

Striker Jordan Rhodes will also go into the game on a high after scoring his first senior international goal for Scotland in the midweek win over Australia and he is a 6/1 chance to net first.

The two sides have not met in the league since 2003 but did clash in the Carling Cup last August, with eventual runners-up Cardiff winning 5-3 after extra time.

Value Bet: Craig Bellamy to score anytime for Cardiff – 3/2.

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5 new faces to light up Prem

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With the Premier League season now just days away, fans of most clubs will be looking forward to seeing how their summer signings will get on. Here we look at five new faces to watch in the top flight in 2012-13.

1. Lukas Podolski (Arsenal)

Established German international Podolski needs little introduction to fans of European football as the striker has been a big name in his home country for several years now. The 25-year-old may be used by Arsene Wenger as a direct replacement for Robin van Persie, who seems destined to leave the Gunners, and his goalscoring record suggests that, while he may struggle to match RvP’s return of 30 Premier League goals, he can be trusted to find double figures this season and possibly plenty more besides (40/1 – Top Premier League Goalscorer).

Podolski hit the back of the net 13 times in 2010-11 and followed that up with 18 in the Bundesliga last term – a very impressive return in a struggling side that was eventually relegated. He started all three of Germany’s group games at Euro 2012, and scored once in the tournament, while he has already managed two goals for the Gunners in pre-season – a good sign that he has already settled into life at his new club.

2. Oscar (Chelsea)

Probably one of the highest-profile summer moves anywhere has seen this Brazilian starlet team up with Roberto Di Matteo at Stamford Bridge.

The 20-year-old joined the European champions (Chelsea 12/1 to retain Champions League in 2012-13) in a deal reported to be worth £25million just before the start of the Olympic football tournament and anyone who watched him closely in the UK over the past few weeks will have seen his undoubted potential.

The youngster is as comfortable on the ball as what you would expect from a seasoned Brazil international, let alone a rising star, and he will aim to have the same influence in the Blues’ engine room in the Premier League. The price-tag could weigh him down slightly but he is expected to develop into a world-class star in the next few years and is tipped to make an instant impact.

3.Karim El Ahmadi (Aston Villa)

Not one of the eye-catching summer transfers this, but Villa’s capture of the Morocco international could turn out to be among one of the best pieces of business done by any Premier League boss over the close-season. The midfielder had attracted plenty of scouts from England after some dominating displays for Feyenoord before he signed a three-year deal with the Midlanders earlier in the summer.

It will be a step up for the 27-year-old, but he has already made a big impression in training with several senior Villa players suggesting he will be a big influence in Paul Lambert’s new-look side this term as they look to break into the top six (20/1 – Top 6 Finish).

4. Fabio Borini (Liverpool)

Borini became Brendan Rodgers’ first signing at Liverpool and immediately made an impact in his first competitive match at Anfield, scoring the opener in the 3-0 Europa League qualifying win over FC Gomel. The 21-year-old is well known to Rodgers as he first worked with the Italian international when he was a youngster at Chelsea, before he signed him on loan for Swansea in the 2010/11 season.

The striker, who scored six goals in nine matches during that period for the Swans, impressed in Italy for Roma last season when he managed nine goals in 24 appearances. He is likely to fit into Rodgers’ attacking style well with his work-rate and eye for goal really marking him out as one to watch this season as Liverpool hunt a top-four return (5/2 – Top 4 Finish).

5. Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United).

The 23-year-old is tipped to be another astute Sir Alex Ferguson signing after arriving from Borussia Dortmund on a four-year deal. The Japan international helped Dortmund land successive German titles and scored a very impressive 17 times from midfield last season, while he also claimed 13 assists to help persuade Fergie he is a creator as well as a finisher in the final third.

United needed reinforcements in midfield this summer as they look to wrestle the title back off Man City this season (United 9/4 – Premier League Outright) and Kagawa is likely to be a key man for Ferguson’s side following Ji-Sung Park’s departure and the ongoing question marks over how much football veteran duo Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes can play.

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Ставки на матч Россия – Кот-д`Ивуар!

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Футбол. Сборные. Товарищеские матчи

Россия – Кот-д`Ивуар. Как не удивительно, но ни сборная России, ни ее предшественница СССР с ивуарийцами не GB Russia Dzagoyev0612 1 300x188 Ставки на матч Россия – Кот д`Ивуар!играли, даже когда сборная с побережья Атлантики называлась Берегом Слоновой Кости. Ничего не поделаешь рано или поздно – это должно было случиться.

Для сборной Кот-д`Ивуара 4.33 это будет самый обычный товарищеский матч, а вот для сборной России  это будет очень занимательное действо, как-никак первая игра российской команды после Евро-2012. Казалось бы, всем с одной стороны хочется его поскорее забыть, но с другой…  «грехи прошлого» не отпускают ни болельщиков, ни игроков.

Ну и конечно же все ждут первой игры под руководством Фабио Капелло. На самом деле за столь короткий срок итальянский специалист просто не в состоянии что-то изменить тактически. Это он признал и сам, рассказав журналистам, что первый матч Россия 1.83 проведет по схеме, которая распространена в российских топ-клубах. Но что более интересно, так это настрой его подопечных на данный матч. Все очень хорошо понимают, что время Дика Адвоката прошло, и опираться на «старую гвардию» никто не будет.

Конечно это пока не тенденция, но ни Константина Зырянова, ни Игоря Семшова в сборной нет. Да, появились Арсений Логашов и Тарас Бурлак, но вряд ли они сегодня выйдут с первых минут.

Одно решение дона Фабио уже стало самым обсуждаемым – это выдача капитанской повязки Андрею Аршавину. И я не оговорился именно выдача, так как Капелло по условиям контракта определяет капитана сам. Стоит отметить, что такой же пункт контракта стал причиной разрыва между Капелло и сборной Англии, но это уже дела давно минувших дней.

Сегодня вечером против россиян выйдет сам Дидье Дрогба, который даже после уезда в Китай продолжает быть лидером сборной. К сожалению, Сейду Думбия получил травму и не сможет составить пару бывшему игроку «Челси». Надо сказать, травма Сейду не позволит ему участвовать в играх ближайшие три месяца, так что у ЦСКА в национальном чемпионате намечаются серьезные проблемы в нападении.

Чем закончится эта встреча предсказать чрезвычайно сложно, но не исключено, что на эмоциональном подъеме победит сборная России.

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  1. Россия играет в Дании. СКА принимает ЦСКА в рамках Кубка Гагарина! Футбол. Товарищеские матчи. Сборные команды Дания – Россия. Чуть больше…
  2. Ставки на матч «Ливерпуль» – «Челси»! Россия – Германия – 100% победа? Футбол. Чемпионат Англии. Премьер-Лига Ливерпуль – Челси. Вот уж и…
  3. Онлайн-трансляция матча «Райо Вальекано» – «Реал Мадрид»! Андрей Аршавин возвращается в «Зенит», а «Арсенал» сыграет с «Тоттенхэмом». Футбол. Чемпионат Испании. Примера Райо Вальекано – Реал Мадрид. На…

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Hodgson hindered for Azzurri test

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Totesport has chalked up England the 6/4 favourites in the match betting for an international friendly against Italy (9/5 draw 9/4 – 90 minutes) in Switzerland on Wednesday.

Roy Hodgson has seen his preparations for the Berne rematch against England’s Euro 2012 conquerors hit by a raft of late withdrawals, the latest being Arsenal winger Theo Walcott.

The Emirates Stadium flyer has a thigh injury and joins team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Joe Hart and Daniel Sturridge on the sidelines.

At 23, Walcott was one of the older heads in a new-look and youthful England squad and confirmation of his withdrawal further blunts the Three Lions as an attacking proposition.

Hodgson’s pragmatic approach, underpinned by a more sobering level of expectations, won him some new friends in Poland and Ukraine, although his safety-first brand of football failed to inspire.

England did not lose a game in normal time this summer and scored in all three group games, but this does not paint the full picture.

The first genuine test came against the same opponents at the knockout stages and England spent the best part of 120 minutes chasing shadows.

That said, Italy too intend to experiment and coach Cesare Prandelli is without a host of marquee players.

There will be no fewer than eight uncapped players in his squad, in part due to the club commitments of his Juventus and Napoli contingent, but the likes of Daniele De Rossi and Alberto Aquilani are included. The maverick Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli will also miss out because of an eye infection.

Andy Carroll has a chance to prove he can be a mainstay No 9 in the Hodgson set-up and he is 7/1 joint favourite with Jermain Defoe in the first goalscorer market, although Ashley Young may appeal at 9/1 in the same market given that he has been given licence to roam.

The game is England’s only friendly before the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign starts in September.

England can be backed at 2/5 to emerge Group H winners and 20/1 to triumph in Brazil in two years’ time.

Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Birmingham City), John Ruddy (Norwich City).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Steven Caulker (Tottenham Hotspur), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Jake Livermore (Tottenham Hotspur), James Milner (Manchester City), Jack Rodwell (Manchester City), Ashley Young (Manchester United).

Forwards: Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur).

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Tough tests for home nations

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Much of tomorrow’s focus will be on England’s clash with Italy, but there is an entire programme of international fixtures to look forward to, including an intriguing test for Northern Ireland, who are 13/8 to beat Finland.

Michael O’Neill’s men head into the home clash at Windsor Park in torrid form, having lost their last five international matches.

Finland, meanwhile, have lost just twice on their last five outings and were surprise winners against Turkey less than three months ago.

It is surprising, then, that the Scandinavian outfit are also locked on odds of 13/8 to win the game, as they appear have the edge in form.

Northern Ireland are placed 101 in the latest FIFA World Rankings, with Finland, who will look towards Rubin Kazan hitman Alexei Eremenko for goals, sitting at a more respectable 72.

The draw is available at 9/4, but a price of 13/8 on a Finland win is too good to ignore.

Elsewhere, Scotland welcome Australia to Easter Road on Wedneday evening for an encounter that has the potential to go either way.

The Scots’ recent form has been inconsistent, although there was nothing uncertain about the manner in which the USA went about dismantling Craig Levein’s men in their last match three months ago.

Australia are without a win since February, with their last two matches against Oman and Japan finishing all square.

It’s unsurprising, then, that so little separates the two teams in the match betting, though Scotland are the slight favourites at 6/4, ahead of Australia at 7/4.

But given the Socceroos’ knack for stalemates in recent months, the draw market at 23/10 is probably the real value option here.

With both teams likely to feature players who will have their own upcoming domestic commitments weighing on their shoulders, it’s unlikely that either set of players will have the drive to take this contest by the scruff of the neck.

Wales are another of our home nations who will play on home soil on Wednesday evening as they welcome the often unpredictable Bosnia-Herzegovina outfit to Parc y Scarlets.

The Welsh are without a win in two following disappointing home defeats to Costa Rica and Mexico, where they failed to score on either occasion, while their Eastern European opponents have also found it tough in recent months, crashing to defeat in each of their last five matches, albeit against strong opposition.

The trip to Wales for Bosnia-Herzegovina is followed by European Qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Latvia, and Safet Susic’s men will undoubtedly be eyeing a hat-trick of wins.

Chris Coleman’s Welsh Dragons will be aiming to extinguish that dream at the first hurdle, but with both teams priced at 13/8, the former Fulham boss, preparing for his first qualification campaign as national coach, will be anticipating a close contest.

The price of 9/4 on a draw again offers good value for money, but both teams have incentives to win this one, and home advantage under a coach who is keen to impress may just be enough to see Wales home.

The last of our home nations, Republic of Ireland, will be aiming to dispel memories of an arduous Euro 2012 campaign when they head east to face Serbia, who themselves will be keen to prove a point after failing to qualify for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Serbia are the strong 5/6 favourites for this game, with a confidence-low Ireland priced at 10/3 to salvage some pride at the end of a tough summer campaign.

The draw at 5/2 offers would be a reasonable pick depending on conditions, but it’s tough to see past a comfortable victory for Serbia in this one, with a 2-0 scorecast at 13/2 offering particularly good value.

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Four things we learnt

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While many of us are suffering from post-Olympic Games depression, there is light at the end of the tunnel with plenty more sporting action to come. You might have missed what has been happening outside the London 2012 bubble so it’s time to catch up and prepare for what is to come. We take a look at what we can take from this weekend’s non-Olympic sport.

1. Chelsea someway off title challenge

Chelsea have regained their tag as the Premier League’s big spenders this summer following the arrivals of Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and Oscar. As such the Blues have been branded as potential dark horse for a title challenge, with Roberto Di Matteo tipped to repeat his trick of leading the team to glory after success in the Champions League and FA Cup.

However, based on Sunday’s Community Shield, Di Matteo has a big job on if he is to secure Chelsea a third Premier League crown. Manchester City looked a class above the Blues and a lack of strength in depth across the backline is an issue Di Matteo needs to address quickly if they are to avoid another sixth-placed finish. For now it looks as though it will be a transitional season for the 9/2 shots for the title and City, at 5/4, look to be the team to beat this season.

2. No time for KP antics for England

Is any one man bigger than the team? If you are asking Kevin Pietersen he would probably say yes. The talented batsman seems to have well and truly got on the ECB’s bad side for his antics during the last Test against South Africa and has been made to pay. His exclusion from the squad for the last Test is a real statement from the selectors that they aren’t prepared to put up with a player who isn’t a team player.

With the series and their status as number one Test team on the line in the last match at Lord’s, the decision to drop Pietersen is a big one. South Africa look to have the bit between their teeth and England could find themselves up against it, especially if Jonny Bairstow’s poor form in the Test arena continues. England are 9/10 to win the last Test, with the Proteas 3/4.

3. McIlroy finding form at right time

It might seem strange to say Rory McIlroy is hitting form at the right time given there are no more majors left to play for. However, if you are hoping Europe do the business at the Ryder Cup again then Sunday’s fantastic US PGA Championship success was a welcome boost. The Europeans are 5/4 to win the Ryder Cup at the Medinah Country Club and will need McIlroy to be on top of his game if they are to repeat the success of Celtic Manor.

The Northern Irishman suffered an alarming slump in form earlier this year but showed how good he could be by lifting the US PGA Championship, his second Major title. With the Americans having enjoyed a good comeback year on the major front, McIlroy will be key to Jose Maria Olazabal’s team.

4. Djokovic rediscovers winning formula

After a difficult couple of months for Novak Djokovic he got a much needed win under his belt at the Toronto Masters. The world number two might not have an Olympic medal to show for his efforts at London 2012 but if he can retain his US Open title at the end of the month the tennis fraternity won’t care.

The Serb destroyed the field in Canada and at 15/8 looks a good bet to win the Western & Southern Open this week, even with Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Juan Martin del Potro in the field.

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