Sports Book Saturday
It was once virtually impossible to place a soccer-related bet at Las Vegas sports books outside of the World Cup.
But the Hilton it seems has ramped up its offerings.
Action is available not only for the 2010 World Cup already (Bosnia-Hertzegovina at 2500/1 to win anyone?), but the opening weekend of the Mexican Apertura, MLS games and the EPL.
As far as the Hilton is concerned, there's only three teams with a good chance at the EPL title this season: Chelsea (3/2), Manchester United (6/5) and Liverpool ((/2), although Arsenal is enticing at 12/1.
Aston Villa, rebuilding with American cash under Manager Martin O'Neill, is available for 200/1, Fulham and its American contingent are an unlikely 2500/1 as are the likes of Derby County and Wigan Athletic.
In MLS games Sunday, the New England Revolution are a one-goal favorite over the Galaxy (apparently the experts here haven't caught too many LA games lately), while the Red Bulls are favored over Toronto. Sigi Schmid's improving Columbus Crew are one goal underdogs today against FC Dallas.
Possibly the best bet of the lot: the Houston Dynamo-Colorado Rapids game. Odds makers say pick 'em, but surely the MLS champions can beat Fernando Clavijo and Co., on the road.
For those with a longer-term perspective, England is 12/1 to win the World Cup three years from now, the U.S. is 60/1 and Mexico 50/1. Brazil are the favorites at 5/1, by the way.
No odds are available on David Beckham going 90 minutes for the Galaxy Sunday though.
About 100 Percent Soccer
Sportswriter Nick Green has written the 100 Percent Soccer column since 2005 for the Daily News, Daily Breeze and other Los Angeles area newspapers. The blog of the same name began in 2007. A native of England, he began writing about soccer in the mid-1980s and in 2000 permanently exchanged a seat in the stands for one in the press box. He lives six miles from Carson's Home Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA and the training headquarters for U.S. Soccer and is married to a long-suffering soccer widow. Join Nick on FaceBook and follow him on Twitter.
Leave a comment