For those who enjoy betting on English football, a fantastic free resource is KickOff.co.uk.

The service provides full-time result, first goal scorer and correct score predictions based on historical data.

These predictions are available for all Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two fixtures.

The algorithm works as follows (source):

“Teams are assigned an attack and defence rating by comparing their historical performance with the League average. For a given match, the expected number of goals is calculated by comparing a side’s attack strength against the opponent’s defensive abilities. Goals, shots on and off target are weighted to account for home advantage. The expected goals are then distributed across a range of outcomes using the Poisson Formula. For example if we expect a team to score two goals, what is the probability they will score 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 goals etc.”

Below are additional screenshots for an upcoming Chelsea vs Manchester United match.

Full-time Result:

First Goal Scorer:

Correct Score:

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William Hill – Countdown To Super Bowl

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Andy’s Bet: Central Coast, Sydney and Perth all to win @ 7.65 (Sportingbet)

FRIDAY (FEB 3)

Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix (AEDT 2000)

The A-League fixture is really weird. It is only a 10 team competition, so teams will be regularly be playing against the same opposition, however there has been a surprising number of occasions this season when two teams have played each other twice at the same venue during a five week period. If the same teams are doing battle so frequently, surely the league organisers could at least alternate the home team! The reason I’m once again irked by this strange phenomenon is that Adelaide and Wellington once again match up this Friday night at Hindmarsh Stadium, only 5 weeks since the same clubs played at the same ground. A lot has happened in those 5 weeks though, with Wellington winning 4 games – including two on Australian soil – to move into second spot on the ladder, while Adelaide have managed just one win in 2012 to languish a place from the foot of the table. Adelaide coach John Kosmina still believes finals are a possibility for his men, although a win in this Friday night showdown is a must. The Reds will need to win at least 5 of their remaining 8 regular season matches if they are to challenge for sixth spot, and those 8 matches to come include trips to the Central Coast and Brisbane. Wellington are high on confidence and enter this one on an unbroken 3 game winning sequence, while Adelaide were humbled 3-0 by Perth in their most recent home match. The Reds have been typically tough to break down under John Kosmina though, and with vice-captain Cassio returning to his left back slot, United just might scrap to a point against the in-form Phoenix.

Andy’s Bet: Draw @ 3.35 (Centrebet)

SATURDAY (FEB 4)

Central Coast Mariners v Brisbane Roar (AEDT 1730)

This is the third instalment of the Mariners v Roar battle in 2011-12 and with finals still to come, I hope it doesn’t stop at a trilogy! The Central Coast and Brisbane rivalry has been the most exciting over the previous couple of seasons, notably resulting in some belting matches in last season’s finals. The teams have shared a victory apiece this campaign, with the Mariners winning the most recent match, which was their first victory over the Roar since October 2009. With that mental hurdle cleared, I expect the Central Coast to play with more freedom against last season’s premiers and exact some revenge for that famous 2010-11 grand final. With both sides just about at full strength, I cannot recommend enough that you tune in on Saturday afternoon to watch this one. The Mariners have won 12 of their past 15 and I refuse to back against them!

Andy’s Bet: Central Coast to win @ 2.25 (Centrebet)

Melbourne Heart v Melbourne Victory (AEDT 1945)

Derby day in Melbourne brings with it a great chance for the red and white half of the city to put a big dint in the season of their navy blue enemies. The Victory may have been around for longer, but the Heart are the new kids on the block and, in just their second year, are already upstaging their glamorous cross town rivals. This game really is a hard one to call. The Victory have played decently in their last two games, but costly lapses at the back have meant the concession of two successive late levellers, costing the club four points and a spot in the top 6. The Heart were second on the ladder entering the new year, however 2012 has not been kind and they gained only 2 points from 6 matches throughout January, falling to fifth on the table and jeopardising their finals place. The Heart have missed captain and midfield playmaker Fred, and are now also without Matt Thomspon due to a knee injury, while leading scorer Mate Dugandzic is away on Olyroos duty. The Victory have fewer personnel problems and I am using that fact to split the teams. Also, both teams have scored in 11 of the Victory’s previous 12 matches, so get on that bet!

Andy’s Bet: Melbourne Victory to win @ 2.70 (TAB Sportsbet)

Andy’s Bet: Both teams to score @ 1.65 (TAB Sportsbet)

SUNDAY (FEB 5)

Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets (AEDT 1700)

Newcastle’s away win in Brisbane was certainly a result that came without warning. The Jets had only won one of their previous nine matches leading into that game, with that single win coming at home against bottom placed Gold Coast. The three point gained in Brisbane may provide the thrust for the Jets to fly into the top 6 by season’s end, although Newcastle could actually be in the top 6 as early as this weekend if they get a win here. In the first of many ‘play-off 6-pointers’ until the end of the regular season, Sydney could shoot to five points clear of their nearest challenger this Sunday, or slip to a point behind and out of their current finals spot. My bet for this match is based on the thinking that Newcastle’s away win last week was an aberration and the previously awful Jets away form will return. Before last week’s match with Brisbane, Newcastle had lost 6 and drawn the other 3 of their away games in 2011-12.

Andy’s Bet: Sydney to win @ 2.00 (Sportingbet)

MONDAY (FEB 6)

Perth Glory v Gold Coast United (AEDT 2200)

This should represent the easy money match of the round. Perth have won four in a row and play at home against the Gold Coast who are easily the worst team in the competition and tired from a midweek game in Tasmania. The manner of Perth’s recent victories has been particularly eye-catching, with 3 goal victories in their past two games. Perth’s chances are further boosted by the likely return of dangerous attacking midfielder Travis Dodd. If the cheeky A-League multi makes it through to the final leg I’ll be feeling very confident with Perth as the anchor!

Andy’s Bet: Perth to win @ 1.80 (Sportsbet)

Andy’s Bet: Perth to win by 2 or more goals @ 3.40 (Sportsbet)

Australian Law

The Australian Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) makes it an offence to offer or advertise ‘real money’ online interactive gambling services to Australian residents. The term ‘interactive’ has been extended to include live sports betting. This law technically applies to all online operators, regardless of whether they are licensed in Australia. Interestingly, adherence to the IGA is the responsibility of the gambling operators and not Australian punters. An Australian resident is not breaking the law by betting live online.

Most offshore betting providers either ignore, or are unaware of the IGA, and continue to offer live betting to Australian residents. As things stand, Australians are free to participate in live betting offered by international agencies because any infringements would entail penalties for the betting operator and not the punter.

Alternatives to bet365

The following bookmakers offer Australian dollar accounts and adequate deposit & withdrawal methods for Australian residents. Please note that if you are not based in Australia, then bet365 offers the best live online betting service.

To learn more about the bookmakers below, visit the summary table in the Betting Agencies section. To assess whether a bookmaker will suit your needs, visit the upcoming live betting schedule on each site to see whether the service covers the sports you plan to bet on.

10Bet.com

The interface and betting selection is identical to that used by AllYouBet. The odds vary slightly between the two bookmakers, because while they’re using the same platform, their odds shift independently based on their own customer activity. At the time of review, 10Bet.com and AllYouBet offered the largest selection of live events to bet on, and a decent range of betting markets is available for most events. The interface works well, and a large live score graphic is displayed for an event when selected. Overall, the live betting offerings for 10Bet.com and AllYouBet were among the best we surveyed.

12BET

The 12BET betting interface is the least beginner-friendly of the services we reviewed, but its functionality will appeal to experienced punters. The interface is a simple text display in table format, with odds flashing to indicate that they’ve changed. The selection of events is strong, but the depth of markets offered for each event wasn’t as good as some other bookmakers.

AllYouBet

The interface and betting selection is identical to that used by 10Bet.com. The odds vary slightly between the two bookmakers, because while they’re using the same platform, their odds shift independently based on their own customer activity. At the time of review, 10Bet.com and AllYouBet offered the largest selection of live events to bet on, and a decent range of betting markets is available for most events. The interface works well, and a large live score graphic is displayed for an event when selected. Overall, the live betting offerings for 10Bet.com and AllYouBet were among the best we surveyed.

Betfred

The Betfred live betting offerings are minimal. At the time of review, no live events were offered and the upcoming schedule was sparse.

Blue Square

The interface is simple, but well designed. At the time of review the live betting offerings weren’t as extensive as other bookmakers surveyed. Virtual sports are offered, but we recommend you stay clear of these.

Pinnacle Sports

The live betting selection is fairly strong, however the interface is very poor. There’s no single place to view all live sports. Instead you have to navigate around the site from sport to sport to find what is available at any given time. This may not be an issue if you only intend to follow one event live at a time, however if you like to keep an eye on multiple sports you will be frustrated. The number of markets available for each event is less than most competitors.

Stan James

The live betting interface is the best of the bookmakers we surveyed (excluding bet365), however the selection was disappointing, with only one event open for live betting at a time when other bookmakers were offering upwards of eight events. Having said that, the most popular events such as English Premier League games are all catered for, so if you only plan to bet live on popular events then Stan James is well worth considering. Live video feeds are provided for some events.

Victor Chandler

The betting interface is beautiful, but the event offerings weren’t as good as other bookmakers at the time of review. Having said that, the most popular events such as English Premier League games are catered for. Virtual sports are continuously offered, but we recommend you stay clear of these.

William Hill

The live betting selection is fairly strong, however the interface leaves room for improvement. You can look at the live odds for numerous events at once, but if you wish to see additional markets for a particular event, you are taken to a new page. The upside is that the range of markets to bet on for any given event was the best of the bookmakers we surveyed.

Conclusion

Based on our survey, a good shortlist would be 10Bet.com, AllYouBet, Stan James and William Hill. To assess whether a bookmaker will suit your needs, visit the upcoming live betting schedule on each site to see whether the service covers the sports you plan to bet on.

To learn more about the above bookmakers, visit the summary table in the Betting Agencies section.

To reiterate, if you are not based in Australia, then bet365 offers the best live online betting service.

The new version contains the following additional updates:

• Ability to filter betting data by tipster/capper. Punters who subscribe to tipping services can now track performance for each service separately.
• Changes to the Settings worksheet instructions.

Click here to learn more about the spreadsheet.

Download – Excel 2007 and Onwards (.xlsx)

Betting Tracker v2.01 (1.9 MB) Betting Tracker v2.01 (Euro version) (1.9 MB) Betting Tracker v2.01 (British Pound version) (1.9 MB)

For those who use Excel 2003 or earlier, version 1.10 of the spreadsheet is still available:

Download – Excel 1997-2003 (.xls)

Betting Tracker v1.10 (4.8 MB) Betting Tracker v1.10 (Euro version) (4.8 MB) Betting Tracker v1.10 (British Pound version) (4.8 MB)

The JP McManus-owned eight-year-old was denied the chance to retain his crown after winning last season’s Contenders Hurdle, when ruled out of the championship race at the 11th hour after it became clear that antibiotics used to treat a rash had not cleared his system in time and that if he did race he would likely test positive for a prohibited substance. After missing Cheltenham the gelded son of Enrique headed to Aintree where he tackled two-and-a-half miles for the first time in his career but appeared not to stay in fading into fourth place after the second last in the race won by Oscar Whisky. He ended the term finishing third to the new champion hurdler Hurricane Fly in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown in May. Anyone with a Cheltenham free bet bonus needs to bear this in mind.

This season Binocular began by finishing runner-up to the in-form Overturn in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in November, then last time out at Kempton on Boxing Day he stayed-on bravely to win the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle by a neck from rising star Rock On Ruby, a performance that augurs well for a bold show once again from Henderson’s enigmatic performer at Cheltenham in March.

First though the current 9/1 ante-post fourth favourite (behind 15/8 market leader Hurricane Fly) will have to prove himself again at Sandown before returning to Prestbury Park in an attempt to win back the crown he conceded last term without even showing up on the big day.

While the ICC’s persistent refusal to grant Ireland full member status may appear to suggest a lack of ability on the part of the outfit, the reality is far different. Those following the ODI cricket online betting will know this.

Ireland defeated England by three wickets in March 2011, thanks to a record-breaking innings by Kevin O’Brien, who hit 113 from 63 balls. Phil Simmons’ team also dispatched Pakistan on St. Patrick’s Day in 2007, in what was later described as “one of the greatest victories in cricket’s rich history”, by the BBC.

Speaking in support of Ireland’s campaign for Test status, retired cricketer, Michael Vaughan, pointed to Ireland’s two major triumphs as evidence that the side is more than ready to join the ICC as a fully-recognised Test team. “Look at the progression Ireland have made over the years”, Vaughan said.

Ireland’s “progression”, to quote Vaughan, includes the ongoing development of a domestic cricket competition, and an initiative to increase the uptake of the sport among Irish people. Cricket Ireland chief, Warren Deutrom, believes that cricket can become his country’s fourth-favourite sport, by 2020.

“This is not a dreamy aspiration but a real ambition founded on the growing passion and profile of the game here [and] a sustained and proven track record of achievement on and off the field.” The introduction of an Irish Test team would prevent local talent declaring for other countries, such as England.

Screenshot of the online betting interface

bet365 has been forced to make these changes to comply with the Australian Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), which makes it an offence to offer or advertise real money online interactive gambling services to Australian residents. The term ‘interactive’ includes live sports betting. This law technically applies to all online operators, regardless of whether they are owned and/or licensed in Australia. Interestingly, adherence to the IGA is the responsibility of the gambling operators and not individual Australians. The average Australian citizen cannot be punished for betting live online. Most offshore betting providers either ignore, or are unaware of the IGA, and continue to offer live betting to Australian residents. As things stand, Australians are free to participate in live betting offered by international agencies, because any infringements would entail penalties for the betting operator and not the punter.

This move by bet365 is a shame for Australian punters because their online in-play betting interface is the best we’ve seen. A list of other bookmakers that offer live online betting and Australian dollar accounts can be viewed in the betting agencies section.

CHEEKY WEEK 17 A-LEAGUE MULTI

Andy’s Bet: Central Coast, Brisbane and Wellington all to win @ 5.50 (Sportsbet)

THURSDAY (JAN 26)

Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC (AEDT 1600)

This Australia Day fixture will be the most important game played so far this season. Only one place on the table separates these two teams, however sixth placed Sydney, currently holding the last finals spot, have a four point buffer over their southern rivals from Melbourne. New Victory boss Jim Magilton hasn’t experienced the honeymoon period fresh managers generally enjoy when team performances improve as the players try to impress the incoming coach and secure a spot in the starting line-up. In Magilton’s first two games in charge, Melbourne managed only a home draw against Adelaide and crushing defeat in Perth. The navy blue fortunes might be changing though, with Socceroo defender Mark Milligan signing a loan deal with the Victory until the end of the regular season. Milligan is likely to start this match in central defence alongside Adrian Leijer, while Fabio will return to his left back slot after missing the game against Perth through suspension and playmaker Carlos Hernandez should feature at some stage. Last weekend Sydney scored two late goals to beat bottom club Gold Coast 2-1, a win which snapped a four game losing streak for the sky blues. Sydney midfielder Terry Antonis will miss with a hamstring injury and manager Vitezslav Lavicka will need to decide whether to keep Rhyan Grant at right back, where the youngster has played so well recently, or draft him in to replace Antonis in midfield. Melbourne need to win this match because any other result means the season is just about over. On their home patch, on Australia Day and guided by their new manager, this is the just the stage for the Victory to start their charge to the finals.

Andy’s Bet: Melbourne to win @ 2.15 (TAB Sportsbet)

FRIDAY (JAN 27)

Gold Coast United v Central Coast Mariners (AEDT 2000)

Many in the media have been rejoicing the evenness of this A-League season and when the table topping Mariners travel to bottom placed Gold Coast this Friday night, we’ll all know exactly the gap that separates the competitions best and worst teams. Central Coast are embarking on a Brisbane-like run of results and enter this match with a 15 game unbeaten run. Even more amazing for the Mariners is that they have won all 7 of their away games played during that period. Gold Coast, meanwhile, have taken just one point from the four matches they have played so far in 2012. The formbook clearly shows Central Coast should comfortably take this game, so I’m taking Sportsbet’s near even money odds on a Mariners win.

Andy’s Bet: Central Coast to win @ 1.87 (Sportsbet)

Andy’s Bet: Central Coast to win by 2 or more goals @ 3.60 (Sportsbet)

SATURDAY (JAN 28)

Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets (AEDT 1945)

Forget the unbeaten run record, the most amazing stat for me this season is Brisbane’s recent penchant for conceding the first goal. In each of their last 10 games, yes 10, the ball has ended up in the back of the Roar’s net first. Even more remarkably, Brisbane have recovered from those early setbacks to win or draw their last five matches. Resilience much? With Melbourne Heart slipping up recently, Brisbane are now favourites to finish the season in second spot and secure the final 2013 Asian Champions League spot. The Roar have a two point gap on the Wellington Phoenix and a three point margin on the Heart, with all clubs to play nine more matches in the regular season. Theoretically, Gary van Egmond’s Newcatle side can still make the finals, however the Jets would need a drastic form reversal for that to happen. In the jam-packed set of fixtures since early December, Newcastle have only won once from 8 matches. For the statistically minded, Newcastle are over $3 to score the first goal, while Brisbane are paying $29 to recover from a half time deficit and win. Generally, I love going on the stats, but this smacks of a Brisbane onslaught.

Andy’s Bet: Brisbane to win @ 1.50 (Sportingbet)

Andy’s Bet: Brisbane to win by 2 or more goals @ 2.50 (Sportsbet)

SUNDAY (JAN 29)

Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Heart (AEDT 1430)

January has been the ‘flight of the phoenix’ month. The Wellington club had been crash-landing on all previous trips over the Tasman this campaign, but have been able to turn that trend around in January, winning their two most recent away trips and keeping clean sheets in the process. Those victories have catapulted Wellington up to third and a strong run through to the end of the season could see them challenge Brisbane for second. The Melbourne visitors sit just one point and one place behind them on the ladder, however the Melbourne Heart are in poor form and have not won so far in 2012. The Heart also have injury concerns with defenders Curtis Good and Brendan Hamill as well as midfielder Jonatan Germano pulling up sore after the 1-1 draw with Brisbane last weekend. At home and in form, I can’t pass up the ‘Nix.

Andy’s Bet: Wellington to win @ 2.07 (Centrebet)

Adelaide United v Perth Glory (AEDT 1700)

Under new coach John Kosmina, Adelaide have become the league’s draw specialists, with the Reds finishing 4 of 7 games on level terms since ‘Kossie’ returned to the club. Perth have been the enigma club of 2011-12. The Glory have won 7 matches to sit fifth out of ten on the table, which is the definition of middle of the road, however 3 of the 7 wins came in the first 3 matches of the season and another 3 have come in their last 4 matches, meaning just one win was garnered from an 11 match period during the middle of the season. What will happen next? The key to Perth’s recent recovery has been the form of Mile Sterjovski cutting league full-backs to shreds from either flank and, when in this form, Sterjovski is that most dangerous combination of supplier and scorer. Adelaide played out a 1-1 draw on the road against Newcastle on Wednesday night and I’m always wary of backing teams returning from from midweek away fixtures, so this might just be another deadlock for the draw specialists.

Andy’s Bet: Draw @ 3.35 (Centrebet, Sportingbet)

The 38-year-old – who left his role as the British Horseracing Authority head of communications – admits that he is excited about getting going in his new job, aware that the whip issue – which limits the amount of times jockeys can use this technique – ‘has not gone away’ and is still very unpopular amongst many who get cheltenham odds.

Speaking ahead of getting started in his role as chief executive, Struthers said: “I’ve enjoyed the last couple of months as it has given me time to spend with my family, but I’m delighted to get back to work and feel very lucky to have been given this opportunity.”

“Clearly the whip issue has not gone away. Just because I have not been working in the sport for two and a half months, it does not mean I have not been following developments closely. There are major issues which need addressing and I have my own ideas, but it is important to get a clear mandate from the PJA members.

“Jockeys deserve huge credit for their Herculean efforts over the past couple of months, changing to a completely different set of rules overnight. I don’t officially start working until February 13, but I will be getting out on the racecourse to talk to jockeys and get a clear picture of what changes they feel are needed.”

“Hopefully we’ll get a chance to sit down with Jamie Stier and Paul Bittar from the BHA in the very near future. I know there was a meeting on Friday and there is another one coming up either just before or just after I start work.”

Struthers two most recent roles are extremely different of course, as noted by those over at freebettingonline.co.uk.  He is on the other side of the fence now so to speak, but he believes this is something that could prove beneficial in the long run.

Referring to the transition, he said: “That was an issue which came up during the recruitment process, but I don’t see it being a major issue. When you change jobs, you normally have a different job to do and that will be the case.”

It will no doubt be a busy 2012 for Struthers and his team as they aim to clarify the situation on the whip role and perform admirably in other areas.