Manchester United Tour is bad for 2007 AFC Asian Cup

Manchester United made a new enemy for themselves aside from Chelsea.

Manchester United just secured the English Premier League title a few days ago and no matter what Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says, you just know that the rest of the Blues STILL can't stand these Red Devils after stopping what should've been their little three-peat in the Premiership.

The two-time English champions, Chelsea, were up against this year's champs, Manchester United, last Thursday, in a preview of the 2007 FA Cup Final on May 19. A preview, that's all there is to it as they met each other in somewhat a meaningless fixture with Man-U already having the Premiership secured.

There were no stars from both teams present too as both managers decided to just rest their stars in preparation for the FA Cup Final at the 19th. And yes, as a result, no goals were scored.

Expect sparks to fly when these two English clubs play for the last trophy of the season, the 2007 FA Cup. Manchester United have this one in the bag for sure.

Speaking of Manchester United, it seems the Red Devils made a new enemy and this time, it's Asia. Manchester United is planning to do this tour in Asia sometime in July and some Asians don't like it one bit. It turns out that Asia will be holding the 2007 AFC Asian Cup from July 7 – 29 and with Manchester United there, people from Asia might just come there to see Man-U instead of their own football tourney.

''The Manchester United tour dates clash with the AFC Asian Cup, and AFC doesn't want any competitions (other than the Asian Cup) to be promoted or organized during the month of July,'' AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam said in a statement.

Can Manchester United win the 2007 English FA Cup? Bodog has the odds on who will win the 2007 FA Cup Finals.

Manchester United 1/4

Chelsea 5/4

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Chelsea Manchester United

Raiders look for a quarterback as 2007 NFL Draft nears

The Raiders need a good quarterback.

Although I still believe passing on Jay Cutler is not really much of a loss for Oakland, the idea that they could've had Matt Leinart playing for them only to let the Arizona Cardinals take him in last year's draft was just bad.

Staying with Aaron Brooks didn't work after all those fumbles the former New Orleans Saints QB had last season. The Andrew Walter experiment didn't work either after seeing the guy on his back in the middle of the football field more often than not.

Now, in the 2007 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders have a chance to redeem themselves from the mistakes they did last year. They have, after all, the overall No.1 pick in this Saturday's draft class and if the Raiders make yet another mistake then they don't deserve to play in the NFL.

With the Oakland Raiders simply REFUSING to draft a good quarterback last year, they played the 2006-2007 NFL football season filled with all those fumbles and interceptions that plummeted them at the very bottom of the standings.

For what it's worth, the Raiders ARE indeed on the market for a good quarterback but the problem here is, they could go for someone from the free agency pool. And THAT would be another terrible mistake.

Rumors have it that the Oakland Raiders are looking to get either Tim Rattay, Josh McCown or Daunte Culpepper. Rattay and McCown is no different to Brooks and Walter whereas Culpepper could very well be another gamble Oakland just can't afford anymore.

Daunte Culpepper was one of the great quarterbacks in the game back when he was playing for the Minnesota Vikings. Since his move to Florida with the Miami Dolphins, his performance was anything BUT great. If the Raiders do sign Culpepper just so they can draft Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson and it turns out to be a nice QB-WR combo in the coming season, then THAT will be one nice deal. Of course, that scenario would have to be more of a miracle.

Can the Oakland Raiders win the Super Bowl in the coming season? Who will be the favorites to win Super Bowl XLII in Glendale, Arizona? Here are the odds from Bodog:

San Diego Chargers 6/1

New England Patriots 10/1

Chicago Bears 8/1

Indianapolis Colts 7/1

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2007 NFL Draft Oakland Raiders

Zinedine Zidane could join the MLS soon

Zinedine Zidane, was the guy who cost France the 2006 FIFA World Cup title.

He was also the same guy who gave Italian Marco Materazzi, a vicious head butt that ultimately ended his stint at the 2006 FIFA World Cup final.

Well, Zinedine Zidane made the soccer headlines again and apparently, the French phenom is contemplating on the idea of coming out of retirement to play in the MLS.

Major League Soccer, after signing former England captain David Beckham a multi-million dollar contract that will see him earn over $10 million a year playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy, is now eying ''the Z'' Zinedine Zidane himself, to play in their league.

Considering all the negativity in some quarters over the $10 million or so annual salary that David Beckham will be receiving to suit up for the L.A. Galaxy this summer, one can only imagine that those same pessimists are having a field day with the rumors that legendary (and retired) soccer star Zinedine Zidane of France is contemplating renewing his career in MLS.

That is if interested teams can pay Zidane the whopping $15 million a year he's asking.

Expect renewed proselytizing about how Zidane's signing will doom MLS to follow down the debt-ridden and financially irresponsible footsteps of the defunct NASL. However, since the Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls are the teams said to be heavily in pursuit, financial considerations aren't really a huge concern given the deep pockets of both teams' monetary backing.

The bigger issue is just how serious DA Z is about playing in America and whether or not he's actually worth the money. Call Zidane the anti-Beckham if you will, his signing definitely won't generate the type of media and pop culture buzz across all platforms that Beckham's did although his infamous head-butt in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final will continue to be a drawn-out theme.

Will Zinedine Zidane ink a deal with the MLS? Will he see France win the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa? OddsHQ has the best odds on the biggest sporting events of the year. Visit OddsHQ today.

Zinedine Zidane, MLS

Time to Play the 2007 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium

Just when you thought the football season is over, the best players of the game gather to play the annual Pro Bowl game on Saturday.

The best players in the AFC will meet the best players in the NFC to play in the annual Pro Bowl game at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii. Unlike Super Bowl XLI where the last two surviving teams of the playoffs play for the Vince Lombardi trophy, the Pro Bowl is THE battle of the very best athletes in NFL Football.

At the 2007 Pro Bowl, you'll see the best players in the world. Guys like Super Bowl XLI Champions Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning and WR Marvin Harrison will be there, teaming up with San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson and Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzales NOT to represent their respective teams but to play for one team, in this case, the AFC Conference.

Speaking of the AFC Conference, five players from the Super Bowl XLI champions will be there. Joining Peyton and Marvin will be Colts wideout Reggie Wayne, tackle Tarik Glenn and center Jeff Saturday.

As for the NFC Conference, they will be out to prove that they are the better conference in the league and would stop at nothing in teaching Super Bowl XLI MVP Peyton Manning a thing or two.

New Orleans Saints explosive QB Drew Brees will lead the NFC offense. Wideouts Donald Driver of the Green Bay Packers and Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers will be waiting for Brees' deep 40-yard passes while Atlanta Falcons TE Alge Crumpler will be ready whenever Brees looks in his direction in case both Driver and Smith are covered.

Who will win the 2007 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii? Bodog has the odds on this NFL Football game on Saturday.

AFC Conference -4

NFC Conference +4

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Super Bowl XLI is here. Will it be Colts or Bears?

After a week of over-analyzing this game, Super Bowl Sunday has finally come and it's time to choose sides.

So who'll be your pick? Who do you think will win Super Bowl XLI at Miami, Florida? Will you go for Peyton Manning and his Indianapolis Colts or Rex Grossman and the Chicago Bears?

Which defense will be a factor on Super Bowl Sunday? Will it be Dwight Freeney and the great Colts pass rush or will it be Brian Urlacher and the intimidating Bears D? Urlacher may have the edge over this match-up but where the Colts give the edge to the Bears on D, they take the advantage on offense with Peyton Manning over Bears QB Rex Grossman.

Peyton Manning was finally able to beat Brady and he'll be damned if he lets a young and inconsistent quarterback like Rex Grossman deny him of a Super Bowl ring yet again.

As for Rex? Well, he's good on his good days but he's at his worst on his bad ones. He's cocky and confident yes, but cockiness doesn't win championships, experience does. Advantage? Indianapolis Colts.

As for defense, of course, the best defensive guy on the field this Sunday would have to be Chicago Bears MLB, Brian Urlacher. But as good as Urlacher is, he may not be ''good enough'' to get the best of Peyton. Remember, Peyton Manning already faced one of this types when he faced MLB Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens defense in this year's AFC Divisional Playoffs.

Manning will find a way to get the football to his receiver one way or another and I doubt it if Urlacher can stop this guy for every play. Besides, Urlacher can't be in two places at once right? And when you're playing the Indianapolis Colts, you have to be, with guys like Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne waiting for Peyton to drop them 20-30 yard passes in their direction.

If the Colts go conservative and decides to run with the football, then maybe Brian Urlacher can become a factor. But of course, Colts head coach Tony Dungy knows too well that nobody can get through that Urlacher wall so my best bet is these Colts would choose to go airborne.

Peyton Manning's time is now. And in case you don't know it yet, I'm picking the Indianapolis Colts to win Super Bowl XLI.

Can Peyton Manning lead the Indianapolis Colts to win Super Bowl XLI? Who will win Super Bowl XLI at Miami, Florida? Bodog has the outright odds on that one.

Indianapolis Colts -7

Chicago Bears +7

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Super Bowl XLI storylines to consider on Sunday

Super Bowl XLI sure has been over-analyzed by now.

Hours away, yep, Super Bowl XLI is merely a few hours away as we are in the closing stages of what we would like to call ''Super Bowl'' week. The Chicago Bears finally arrived at Miami International Airport a couple of days ago to play their first Super Bowl in 25 years and yep, you just know Rex Grossman is feeling the pressure already.

However, Rex Grossman is only half the story. We have Peyton Manning in his very first Super Bowl trying to win the big one after finally being able to beat his nemesis, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

With that said, what are the other storylines that will come to play once it's time to play the game at Miami, Florida?

First, the premiere attraction would have to be the Indianapolis Colts offense going up against the Chicago Bears defense. It's Peyton Manning going up against Brian Urlacher.

Peyton Manning is one of the very best quarterbacks in the game. However, he can't seem to dominate games in the playoffs as well as he dominates the regular season. However, with his experience, talent and intelligence, I would still go with him leading my team to win a football game.

Next to Tom Brady of course.

He's going to find a way to exploit the Bears' defense, and when it counts the most, he'll come up with a big play. Besides, Brian Urlacher and the rest of the Bears defense don't have the interchangeable pieces the Baltimore Ravens D has so I guess Manning SHOULD HAVE an easier time against the Bears D compared to the one he had against Baltimore when he can only come up with field goals.

Next, we have Rex Grossman in a somewhat familiar territory, coming to this game against the Colts. Like Grossman, last year's Super Bowl champions, Pittsburgh Steelers, have a young quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger who tends to rely on his defense and his running backs to be successful.

Rex Grossman is THAT guy this year and the Chicago Bears are also starting to make similar adjustments, putting their young quarterback in more favorable positions.

Does that mean Rex Grossman would be a Super Bowl champion on Feb.4? Were merely hours away from finding out.

Who will win Super Bowl XLI at Miami, Florida? Bodog has the outright odds on that one.

Indianapolis Colts 11/2

Chicago Bears 15/1

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Things to consider before you bet on Super Bowl XLI

Apparently, there are still more than a few storylines to consider before the big game.

Days away, yes, Super Bowl XLI is merely a few days away as we are in the middle of what we would like to call Super Bowl week. The Chicago Bears have finally arrived at Miami International Airport to play their first Super Bowl in 25 years and yep, you just know Rex Grossman is feeling the pressure already.

However, Rex Grossman is only half the story. We have Peyton Manning in his very first Super Bowl trying to win the big one after finally being able to beat his nemesis, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

With that said, what are the other storylines that will come to play once it is time to play the game at Miami, Florida?

First, the premiere attraction would have to be the Indianapolis Colts offense going up against the Chicago Bears defense. Peyton Manning going up against Brian Urlacher.

Peyton Manning is one of the very best quarterbacks in the game. However, he can not seem to dominate games in the playoffs as well as he dominates the regular season. However, with his experience, talent and intelligence, I would still go with him leading my team to win a football game.

Next to Tom Brady of course.

He is going to find a way to exploit the Bears defense, and when it counts the most, he will come up with a big play. Besides, Brian Urlacher and the rest of the Bears defense do not have the interchangeable pieces the Baltimore Ravens D has so I guess Manning SHOULD HAVE an easier time against the Bears D compared to the one he had against Baltimore when he can only come up with field goals.

Next, we have Rex Grossman in a somewhat familiar territory, coming to this game against the Colts. Like Grossman, Super Bowl XL champions, Pittsburgh Steelers, have a young quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger who tends to rely on his defense and his running backs to be successful.

Rex Grossman is THAT guy this year and the Chicago Bears are also starting to make similar adjustments, putting their young quarterback in more favorable positions.

Does that mean Rex Grossman would be a Super Bowl champion on Feb.4? Were merely days away from finding out.

Who will win Super Bowl XLI at Miami, Florida? Bodog has the outright odds on that one.

Indianapolis Colts 11/2

Chicago Bears 15/1

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Colts and Bears will make history at Super Bowl XLI

This year's Super Bowl XLI at Miami, Florida will definitely be a historic event for sure.

Tony Dungy, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, and Lovie Smith, head coach of the Chicago Bears, two friends and former colleagues back when both were with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will be facing each other as the first black head coaches to reach a Super Bowl.

This year's Super Bowl XLI would be the first all-black Super Bowl too, giving NFL Football one historic event which was 41 years in the making. And yep, you bet both NFL head coaches are ecstatic about it.

''It means a lot,'' Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy said after his Colts beat the New England Patriots 38-34 in the AFC title game. ''I'm very proud of being an African-American. I'm very proud of Lovie.''

Chicago Bears head coach Lovie SMith was the first one to reach football's biggest stage, beating the New Orleans Saints 39-14 in the ''early'' game.

Asked who he'd like to play on Feb.4 in Miami, Smith didn't hesitate with his answer. ''We have to play someone and, in my perfect world, I would like to see the Colts be that team.''

''Tony Dungy has done an awful lot for our game,'' Lovie Smith said. ''He hasn't had a chance to coach in the Super Bowl. I would love to see it.''

Four hours later, it was a done deal.

''I'll feel even better to be the first black coach to hold up the world championship trophy,'' Lovie Smith added.

Of course, Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning has other plans on Feb.4.

Peyton Manning has been dogged for years by critics who said his greatness was diminished by the fact he couldn't win a big game. After leading his team back from an 18-point deficit, he finally has the chance - on football's biggest stage.

''It sounds good,'' a beaming Manning said. ''It really does.''

Can Tony Dungy lead the Indianapolis Colts to win Super Bowl XLI? Who will win Super Bowl XLI at Miami, Florida? Bodog has the outright odds on that one.

Indianapolis Colts 11/2

Chicago Bears 15/1

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