After going so close in 2008, Chelsea could be just 90 minutes away from finally landing the Champions League trophy under the guidance of Roberto Di Matteo. Spread bettors might not have expected a Chelsea v Bayern Munich final as both Real Madrid and Barcelona reached the last four.

Spread buyers of Chelsea’s win index will be interested to learn that the Blues lost 3-2 on their last visit to Bayern, although they did progress to the semi-final in 2005. It finished 6-5 on aggregate to the Blues and total goal buyers will take plenty of encouragement from that scoreline.

Those spread punters that like a bet on the ‘time of last match goal’ market will be pleased to hear that there were three goals scored in the 90^th minute across both legs between Chelsea and Bayern seven years ago. Late goals often mean that there was a high goal minutes make-up and spread buyers of that market would love another repeat of the only two ever meetings between the clubs. The average total goal minutes sum from Chelsea’s two fixtures against their German opponents is 356 points.

Sporting Index’s total goals market often provides a popular betting debate and those thinking of a spread bet on goals should be aware that the previous 12 Champions League finals have accumulated 33 goals, averaging 2.75 per game. Sellers of the total goals spread might be intrigued to learn that in those 12 finals there has only been one goalless draw – which was in 2003 when AC Milan edged past Juventus on penalties at Old Trafford.
The total goal minutes spread will again spark plenty of discussion among spread betting fans. Those buying total goal minutes for the final might like to know that the last six finals have accumulated 184, 105, 71, 216, 194 and 254. The 254 was the largest total during that period which was when Liverpool fought back from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan in 2005 on penalties.

Spread sellers of the total bookings market at the Allianz Arena will be pleased to hear that there were only four yellow cards brandished in last year’s final and that there were just three in the 2010 final. The past five finals have seen a total of 19 yellow cards issued and no dismissals within 90 minutes. Spread buyers of the bookings index will be hoping for a repeat of the 2006 final between Barcelona and Arsenal, when Jens Lehman was sent off and the total reached 65 points.

Sellers of the bookings index might think twice after seeing the Blues’ second leg with Barcelona that saw John Terry sent off and a total of 105 points, of which 85 points were contributed by Chelsea.

For spread enthusiasts looking at individual player performance markets, Mario Gomez may stand out as the second highest scorer in the competition. Spread buyers of his player performance index might like to know he has 12 goals already and he’s scored six in his last five European games.

Manchester City could be just 90 minutes away from landing their first league title in 44 years and it’s now only QPR that stand in the way.

Those spread bettors that have bought City’s championship index will have been delighted with the performance and result at St James’ Park last Sunday which put them in touching distance of the title.

Spread buyers of Manchester United’s championship index will be praying that QPR can join Sunderland and become only the second side to take points from City at home in the league since August. Roberto Mancini’s side  have put together a great run since losing to Arsenal and spread buyers of their win index will be hoping that City can win their sixth successive league match.

Those spread enthusiasts looking to buy City’s supremacy for Sunday’s contest will be happy to hear that they have kept four clean sheets in those five triumphs. Total goal buyers may have also seen that City have scored 15 times in their past six home league games – at an average of 2.5 goals per game. Another positive for total goal buyers against Rangers is that the reverse fixture in November produced five goals in a 3-2 City victory.

Spread sellers of the total goal minutes market might like to know that the first City/QPR meeting produced a total of 266 points.

Manchester United need to beat Sunderland to have any chance of overhauling City and the champions’ spread supporters might have spotted that the Black Cats have not scored against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side for four consecutive games.

There was only a goal to separate the clubs at Old Trafford as total goal sellers made a healthy profit that afternoon. Total goal sellers on Sunday will also take encouragement from the fact that it finished goalless on United’s most recent visit to the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland and United games have tended to be friendly affairs and that could make sellers of the bookings index take note. There have been only seven yellow cards shown in the previous three United/Sunderland contests and there were just two brandished when the sides met at Old Trafford earlier in the campaign.

If Bolton don’t beat Stoke at the Britannia then they will be relegated. Some good news for Bolton’s spread supporters is that they hammered the Potters 5-0 at the Reebok and total goal buyers made an excellent profit on the result. Total goal sellers possibly will take care after finding out that there have been ten goals scored in the past two meetings between the clubs.

Spread buyers of total goal minutes at Stoke this weekend will likely be delighted to hear that the average make-up across those two matches currently stands at 224 points. Sporting Index’s ‘time of first match goal market’ could be of interest as Kevin Davies scored as early as the second minute in Bolton’s 5-0 win over Stoke, while the first goal arrived in the 11^th minute in the game before.

Liverpool and Chelsea are two of the most successful clubs in FA Cup history and spread bettors may be intrigued to know that they’ve never contested a final against each other before.

Spread buyers of Liverpool’s win index will be hoping the club can secure a fifth consecutive victory against Chelsea. The Reds’ spread supporters will also be pleased that the side have already won the Carling Cup this season after edging out Cardiff City at Wembley on penalties.

Those spread punters hoping to sell the match supremacy will be delighted to find that four of the Reds’ past five triumphs over Chelsea have been without conceding a goal. However, match supremacy spread buyers might argue that the Blues managed the same trick in the 2009/10 campaign.

Games between these two clubs have not produced a glut of cards in recent meetings and those spread punters looking to sell the bookings index might like to hear that there have only been 13 yellows brandished in the past five Liverpool and Chelsea league games. Spread buyers of the bookings index would be looking for a repeat of the most recent clash between these great rivals that accumulated 60 points on the index.

In last year’s FA Cup final there was just two yellow cards shown and that news will be well received by spread sellers of the bookings index. The average bookings total for the past seven FA Cup finals currently stands at 45 points, while the largest total in that run came in 2005 when it reached 85 points. That 2005 final between Man United and Arsenal was the last one that produced a red card, which will make spread sellers of the bookings index take note.

Those spread enthusiasts that enjoy a bet on the total goals market will be interested to learn that only once in the previous six Liverpool/Chelsea meetings has there been over 2.5 goals. However, spread buyers of the total goals market will likely recall the two Champions League games in 2008/09 that produced 12 goals – including the 4-4 that came in West London. The total goal minutes sum reached a staggering 482 points in that contest.

Spread sellers of total goals might be interested to hear that three of the past four FA Cup finals have featured only one goal. Total goal buyers may have seen that the highest scoring FA Cup final since 2000 was between West Ham and Liverpool in 2006, which finished 3-3.

Sporting Index’s ‘time of first match goal’ market often sparks debate amongst spread enthusiasts. Spread sellers of the market will be interested to find that the past two finals have seen the first goal arrive in the 74^th and 59^th minute respectively. Spread buyers of the market could argue that Louis Saha scored in the first minute when Everton and Chelsea contested the 2009 FA Cup final.

After 35 games of an enthralling season, it looks as if it could all come down to the Manchester derby as spread bettors wonder which club will make a defining stand in the title race.

A few games ago spread buyers of Man United’s Championship Index were sitting pretty with an eight point advantage. Spread buyers now know that should Man City win on Monday evening, Roberto Mancini’s side will go top on goal difference.

Spread punters planning on buying City’s win index will likely know just how strong the side have been at home in the league this season, winning 16 of their 17 games and drawing the remaining one. City’s spread supporters will also probably remember the 6-1 drubbing at Old Trafford they registered over the Red Devils. Those spread enthusiasts buying United’s win index could argue that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have beaten City twice this season – once being in the FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium.

Further encouragement for spread buyers of United’s win index is that the Red Devils have not lost on their past three league visits to City – winning two of those. Spread bettors with an interest in the match supremacy market may have seen that the last league game between the two sides finished 6-1. That afternoon proved a hugely successful one for spread punters who bought total goal minutes as there were three late goals and a sum of 501 points. The most recent United game against City produced a total goal minutes make-up of 193 points and the Community Shield game wielded 283 points.

Total goal buyers will be happy to hear that there have been 17 goals scored in the three Manchester derby fixtures this season. However, total goal sellers will take confidence that City’s last home league game against United finished goalless.

In two of the three Manchester derby games this year there have already been three goals scored in the 90^th minute and that will please those spread bettors with an interest in the ‘last match goal’ market. However, spread sellers of that market could point to the last two games between the sides at City that produced the final strike in the 52^nd minute in a 1-0 United defeat and a goalless draw.

With so much riding on the game, spread bettors may look towards the bookings index market given the feisty nature of a derby. Spread buyers of the bookings index will be delighted to learn that there have been three red cards in the past three competitive City/United matches.

Wayne Rooney is now just one behind Robin van Persie in the Premier League scoring charts and spread punters looking at his player performance index will be delighted to learn that the striker has scored eleven times in his last ten starts in the league. Rooney scored a brace in his last league game and two in the last meeting against City, which will offer further encouragement for buyers of his player performance spread.

It’s one big game after another for Chelsea at the moment, as this time the Blues’ spread supporters prepare for a huge fixture against Arsenal at the Emirates.

Spread buyers of the total goals market have profited well from this fixture in the past as there have been 30 goals scored in the previous eight fixtures between the two sides. Further support for total goal buyers is that earlier this season Arsenal came through an eight goal thriller at Stamford Bridge.

Spread bettors looking at Sporting Index’s match supremacy market will be intrigued to know that the last six fixtures between the two clubs have ended with a winning margin of at least two goals on four occasions. Another interesting factor for those spread enthusiasts looking at the match supremacy market is that Chelsea have kept three clean sheets in their last five outings against the Gunners.

For any spread punters that like a bet on the ‘time of last match goal’ market they will be interested to learn that the Gunners have scored in the last five minutes in three of their previous four home games.

This will also be encouraging news for spread buyers of total goal minutes. Spread buyers of the market will take plenty of positives from the fact that the average total over the past five Chelsea/Arsenal contests currently stands at 197 minutes.

On Sunday Manchester United welcome in form Everton to Old Trafford for a crucial Premier League game and spread buyers of the host’s outright Championship index will be hoping United can secure their 15^th home league win from 18 matches.

Those spread punters contemplating buying the match supremacy will be more than happy to hear that Everton have failed to score against Man United in seven out of the last 12 matches. Anyone hoping to buy Everton’s win index should take note that the Toffees have won just once in 12 Premier League outings against Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils.

Spread betting fans who keep a close eye on the bookings index might have spotted that the past five Everton games with United have averaged 48 points. Another plus for spread buyers of the bookings index is that this season has produced the most yellow cards at this stage than any other campaign to date.

Everton have tended to struggle for goals at Old Trafford and spread bettors hoping to sell Everton’s match goals may have seen that Moyes’ side haven’t scored at the Theatre of Dreams since December 2007. United have averaged 2.6 goals at home in the league thus far and that news will be well received by spread buyers of total match goals in Sunday’s game.

Wayne Rooney will line-up against his former club once more and spread punters looking at his player performance index will be delighted to learn that the striker has scored nine times in his last nine starts in the league.

Liverpool face Everton and Chelsea meet Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-finals where local bragging rights as well as a place in the final are up for grabs. The Merseyside derby gets the action underway on Saturday lunchtime and Everton’s spread supporters might recall that it was Everton that progressed when these rivals last met in the FA Cup.

Dan Gosling’s winner 118 minutes into the replay was enough to give Everton the victory, but spread sellers of the Toffees’ win index will likely have seen that they have already been beaten twice this year by Liverpool. Any spread punters looking to buy Everton’s win index will be disappointed to hear that in both the Toffees’ defeats to Liverpool they have failed to find the back of the net.

Merseyside derbies are renowned for their passion and that will likely have spread punters that enjoy a bet on the bookings index stand up and take note. Spread buyers of the bookings index will be pleased to hear that there has been seven yellow cards and one red card issued in the two league meetings between the clubs this campaign. Those looking to sell the bookings index might like to learn that there was an average of 68 points on the bookings total across Everton’s two FA Cup games against Liverpool in the 2008/09 campaign – with one red card.

Steven Gerrard has had plenty of success in this fixture and spread buyers of his player performance index will be encouraged that the midfielder scored a hat-trick against David Moyes’ side on the most recent meeting. Further support for buyers of Gerrard’s player performance spread is that he scored the equaliser in the first cup tie three years ago. Those spread punters that enjoy a like on the total goals market may have seen that Nikica Jelavic’s arrival at Everton has seen his new club average 2.4 goals per game across their previous five fixtures.

Sunday sees Tottenham take on Chelsea and spread buyers of Spurs’ win index will be hoping they can get the better of their London rivals at the third time of asking this term. Those spread bettors with an interest in the match supremacy market might like to know that the two league meetings  between the clubs finished all square. Match supremacy sellers could point to the Blues’ last Wembley fixture against Spurs that ended 1-1 at 90 minutes, before Jonathan Woodgate scored the winner in extra-time.

Spread punters debating a bet on the bookings index market may have seen that the two meetings this season have averaged 35 points. Spread sellers looking at the total goals market will be pleased to hear that there has only been two goals between the two sides so far this season. However, there is some positive news for total goal buyers as before this season the previous four fixtures between the two teams had produced 11 goals – while the three previous FA Cup meetings between the two sides accumulated 13 goals.

England will look to bounce back from their Test series whitewash to Pakistan when they meet Sri Lanka for a two-match series starting at Galle.

Despite the heavy defeat to Pakistan, England head into the series with Sri Lanka as spread favourites and as the number one Test side in the world.

Spread buyers of England’s series win index (25 pts per Test match won, 10pts for draw) will have been encouraged to learn that since July 2010 the hosts have won only once in 15 Test fixtures. England’s spread supporters will also be glad that a number of key performers for Sri Lanka have retired since they last met, including Muttiah Muralitharan and Sanath Jayasuriya.

Further support for spread punters looking to buy England’s series win index is that the Three Lions won the last series against Sri Lanka 1-0 in 2011. Overall England and Sri Lanka have met on 24 occasions and buyers of England’s series win index will be interested to hear that they have won nine times, lost six times and drawn the remaining nine contests.

There will be some concern for spread buyers of England’s win index in the opening Test in that the Three Lions have been beaten four times in their eleven Test matches on Sri Lankan soil. The hosts won the most recent series in Sri Lanka 1-0 against their next opponents and England last won there in 2001. During that eleven year period the two nations have met for six Test matches and there have been four Sri Lankan victories and two draws, which will be well received by spread enthusiasts buying the host’s win index.

Spread sellers of England’s first innings total will be pleased to find that the side managed just 81 runs in their opening innings in their last Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle. In the two prior Tests of that series England scored 351 and 281 runs in their first innings, at an average of 238 for the three contests.

Sporting Index’s ton-up market often provides plenty of debate amongst spread enthusiasts and sellers of England’s spread will be hoping for a repeat of their last Test match in Sri Lanka that saw zero runs. In England’s recent 3-0 Test defeat to Pakistan the side failed to make a single century across the series.

Those spread punters that like a bet on Sporting Index’s player performance markets may have taken note of some impressive England batting displays in the warm-up matches in Sri Lanka. Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott both scored centuries versus Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI. Stuart Broad’s bowling performance spread may be of interest after he took 3/69 having returned from injury.

France have to beat Wales by 39 points at the Millennium Stadium on the weekend to deny Warren Gatland’s side claiming a historic Grand Slam.
Wales needed a determined performance against Italy and spread buyers of their outright championship index will be hoping for a fifth consecutive win in this year’s competition.

Spread sellers of Wales’ win index in Cardiff will be pleased to find that Les Bleus have won 11 of their 14 internationals since 2000 against their next opponents. Wales fans will still be hurting from the World Cup defeat last year and their spread supporters will likely have seen that Philippe Saint-Andre’s side have won only two of their four Six Nations matches in 2012.

Further encouragement for spread bettors hoping to buy Wales’ win index is that the side have only lost once in their previous five internationals at the Millennium Stadium.

Sporting Index’s total tries market will likely be a hot topic among spread enthusiasts as Wales are the second highest scorers in this year’s competition. Wales have scored nine tries in their four matches, which will offer encouragement to total try buyers for the match.

Those spread punters looking to sell the total tries market could argue that in Wales’ most recent game with France there was just one try scored. Total points buyers might be interested to learn that the past five France v Wales Six Nations contests have produced 202 points – at an average of 40.4 points.

Those spread bettors with an interest in the bookings index market will likely remember that Sam Warburton was red carded after only 18 minutes when these two last met during the World Cup in New Zealand. James Hook was yellow carded in the last Six Nations contest between France and Wales. Spread buyers of the bookings index for the fixture in Wales will be pleased to hear that there has been a yellow card shown in the past two Wales/France Six Nations matches.

Spread buyers keen on buying Ireland’s win index might have seen that the Emerald Isle have beaten England three times in the past four internationals. England’s spread supporters will argue that the Red Rose won 20-9 in the most recent meeting at Lansdowne Road.

England ran in three tries in Paris last Sunday and that may tempt spread bettors to buy the host’s total try spread. This fixture has produced its fair share of tries and spread buyers of the market will be happy that there have been nine tries in the last three England matches with Ireland.

Spread bettors that enjoy a punt on the match supremacy market may have spotted that England’s last game at Twickenham against Ireland was settled by only four points. The average winning margin in the past five England matches with Ireland currently stands at eleven points.

With just two Six Nations rounds remaining, spread bettors will be debating whether anyone can stop Wales landing the illustrious Grand Slam.

England travel to Paris at the weekend and spread punters buying their win index will be hoping they can gain revenge for the 19-12 World Cup defeat. Some good news for England’s spread supporters is that the side have won their two away games in this year’s competition, with the only defeat coming against Wales at Twickenham.

Spread bettors keen on buying Les Bleus’ win index will be interested to find that the current head-to-head record against England stands at 37 victories to 51 defeats; while there have been seven draws. Phillipe Saint-Andre’s side are unbeaten at the Stade de France in this year’s tournament, although France’s spread supporters will have been frustrated with the 17-17 scoreline with Ireland last time out.

Those spread enthusiasts that enjoy a bet on the supremacy market will be intrigued to find that the most recent France/England contest was decided by seven points. Spread supremacy buyers might like to know that the average winning margin in France’s past three internationals against England is six points.

Total points buyers will likely be a little concerned that the Red Rose have failed to surpass twenty points in a game during the 2012 competition. Spread sellers of the total points market will be pleased to find that the three England games so far have averaged 28 points, while France’s opening fixtures have averaged 39 points.

The total tries market is usually a popular one amongst spread bettors and buyers of the market will be happy to hear that there were four tries when England and France last met. However, sellers of the total tries spread might argue that in the most recent Six Nations contest between the nations there was only one five-pointer.

Spread bettors with an interest in the bookings market might like to know that there have been no yellow cards shown in each of England’s past three fixtures against the French.

Scotland have yet to win a Six Nations game as they prepare to face Ireland, but spread buyers of their win index will be delighted to find that the Scots have won two of the past three internationals against the Emerald Isle. The previous three Scotland and Ireland matches have all been very tight and that will make those having a bet on the supremacy spread take note. The average winning margin in Ireland’s past three games with Scotland is currently just 3.33 points.

Spread sellers of Sporting Index’s total tries market should be pleased to learn that there was just one try in Scotland’s last match-up with Ireland. There’s further encouragement for spread sellers of the total tries market as Scotland have only managed 36 points in three Six Nations matches so far, the lowest total in the competition. Those with an interest in the first match try market might have spotted that Jamie Heaslip crossed the line in the fifth minute when Andy Robinson’s side last played in Ireland.

The Premier League returns at the weekend and there are two huge games involving the North London clubs to keep spread bettors entertained. Liverpool kick things off when they welcome Arsenal to Anfield on Saturday lunchtime and then Manchester United travel to White Hart Lane for Sunday’s late game.

Spread buyers of Liverpool’s outright championship index will be hoping that the Reds’ Carling Cup triumph can spur them onto a strong finish and beating Arsenal would be a start. The Reds’ spread supporters will be pleased to find that the side haven’t lost to the Gunners in three matches and they won the reverse fixture 2-0 at the Emirates earlier this season. Those keen on buying the match supremacy will likely be aware that Kenny Dalglish’s side remain unbeaten in the league at Anfield since August.

Interestingly, there have been a number of late goals in the recent meetings between the clubs and that will please those spread punters looking at Sporting Index’s last match goal market. Luis Suarez scored Liverpool’s second at the Emirates in the 90^th minute and that was the third game running that has seen the last goal scored in the final minute in an Arsenal/Liverpool game.

Another trait of recent Liverpool versus Arsenal matches is red cards and that news will be well received by spread enthusiasts that enjoy a bet on the bookings index. Emmanuel Frimpong was sent off when the Gunners hosted Liverpool earlier in the term and that was the third dismissal in as many games. Spread buyers of the bookings index will be pleased to hear that the average bookings total in the previous three Liverpool fixtures against Arsenal currently stands at 72 points.

Ryan Giggs’ late goal at Carrow Road extended United’s unbeaten run away from home to three matches. Spread punters buying United’s win index will argue that the Red Devils have not lost against their next opponents for 24 matches across all competitions.

Spread bettors that enjoy a punt on the match supremacy market may like to learn that Spurs have only scored two goals against United in their previous six meetings.

Although Harry Redknapp’s side were beaten 5-2 at the Emirates last Sunday, Spurs have been excellent at home all season which will offer encouragement to those selling the match supremacy. Spurs have lost only once at home in the league all season and they have scored 13 times in their past six league contests.

Anyone keen on selling total goals for the game might argue that although there were three goals in the reverse fixture this season, it finished in a goalless draw when United last visited Tottenham in the league. Total goals buyers could refute that by stating that the average number of goals in the past seven United/Spurs contests across all competitions currently stands at 3.1 per game. United’s previous two league games in Tottenham have produced an average of 80 on the bookings make-up and that may tempt spread punters to have another buy on Sunday.