Fire's Ljungberg set for first trip to Seattle
Soccer Betting Lines
08/27/2010 - Seattle, WA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Freddie Ljungberg will return to Seattle on Saturday for first time since being the first designated player ever traded in Major League Soccer, as his new club Chicago visits Qwest Field.
Ljungberg joined Sounders in a high-profile signing, but the long-time Arsenal star failed to produce results in his second year in the league. Seattle sent the Swedish midfielder to the Fire, and both clubs have been benefited.
Seattle (8-8-5) has not lost since Ljungberg last put on a Sounders uniform in early July, going undefeated in its last six MLS matches. Chicago (6-6-6) lost last week to Houston, but it was unbeaten in Ljungberg's first three games.
Sounders FC has moved into a playoff position, tied for sixth overall with the San Jose Earthquakes, although five teams are within five points of the duo.
Ljungberg's departure at Seattle was followed by the addition of forward Blaise Nkufo and midfielder Alvaro Fernandez, two new designated players, and Seattle coach Sigi Schmid has used the reinforcements to support Fredy Montero. Montero is again producing goals, leading the team with eight goals and three assists.
Ljungberg had two assists in 15 matches for Seattle, and has produced two for Chicago in just four games. The Fire also added a second designated player by signing Mexican Nery Castillo, although he is still not at top form.
Ljungberg was excited to join the Fire because "their vision and commitment to ... winning championships was extremely appealing to me."
Chicago does not currently hold a playoff spot, although it sits fourth in the Eastern Conference. With just two teams in each division guaranteed a playoff berth, the Fire and Ljungberg could take a major step toward contending for a title this season with a win in Seattle.
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Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value
If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture. Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).
For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot. The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.
TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.
"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,' it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."
"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.
Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash. Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win.
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