Hi Guys,

Please see below the articles for Thursday 5th May.

Soccer

Ferguson – United have nothing to fear

Sir Alex Ferguson insists his team shouldn't fear 10/11 favourites Barcelona after Manchester United (3/1) set up a Champions League final against the Spanish champions.

United beat Schalke 4-1 at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening to complete a thumping 6-1 aggregate semi-final victory, and the stage is now set for the glamour final everyone wants to see at Wembley on 28th May.

Pep Guardiola's team may be playing some outstanding football but Ferguson insists they are not unbeatable.

"I don't think we should be going there lacking in confidence," said the Scot.

"We are playing a fantastic team but we can't be frightened out of our skins. Their form is there for everyone to see. Our job is to find a solution."

Ahead of the Champions League final, United face Chelsea on Sunday in a crucial Premier League clash. They can be backed at 10/1 to secure a 2-0 win which would virtually guarantee the title for the Old Trafford side.

Soccer

Caley dent Celtic title bid

Rangers have been installed as 2/5 favourites for the SPL title following Celtic’s (7/4) shock defeat at Inverness on Wednesday evening.

The match was Celtic's game in hand over their Glasgow rivals but they were beaten 3-2 at the Caledonian Stadium, leaving them a point behind Rangers with both sides having played 35 games.

"We need to take the title to at least the last day of the season," said Celtic manager Neil Lennon after the game.

"And with a bit of luck somebody might do us a favour along the way."

Lennon's side take on Kilmarnock on Sunday, a side they beat 4-0 on 20th April. They can be backed at 14/1 to repeat that scoreline, while Hearts are 9/1 to beat Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday.

Rugby League

Hauraki fires Crusaders warning

Leeds Rhinos’ Weller Hauraki says his side will be taking nothing for granted in Saturday's fourth round Challenge Cup tie against Crusaders.

The Rhinos have won three of their last four games, including a victory over Hauraki's former club over Easter, and are overwhelming 1/25 favourites with bet365 to win the tie.

Meanwhile, Crusaders are 9/1 to spring a cup shock but Hauraki insists there is no chance of the Rhinos becoming complacent.

"The Challenge Cup is a totally different competition to Super League," he said.
"It all depends on how you play in the 80 minutes and Crusaders should not be underestimated just because we beat them last time out."

The Rhinos can be backed at 6/1 with bet365 to go all the way in the tournament.

Cricket

Cook confirmed as captain

Alastair Cook has been appointed the new captain of the England one-day side following the retirement of Andrew Strauss.

Speculation has been rife over Strauss’ future since the disappointing World Cup campaign. England were beaten by the likes of Ireland and Bangladesh before scraping through to the knockout stages of the tournament, where they were dispatched by Sri Lanka by 10 wickets.

The 34-year-old will now focus on his role as Test captain of England, who are 4/7 to win the 2013 Ashes series.

Cook was delighted to step up to his new role but paid tribute to his predecessor.

He said: "Andrew Strauss has led the one-day team to continued success over the past two years and I'll be looking to continue that progress as captain.

"I'm excited by the challenge of taking our 50-over cricket to new heights and I believe I can play an integral role with the bat as well as captain."

Meanwhile, Stuart Broad has been named as captain of the Twenty20 side, replacing Paul Collingwood.

As always if you need anything please feel free to contact a member of the bet365 team and we will do our utmost to assist you.

Kind Regards,

Adam