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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Pro Football Odds : NFC SOUTH BETTING ODDS

NFL Sports Betting

NFL betting action is back! At MySportsbook, all of the pro football odds are posted for the NFC North. Check out how we see the four teams in this cloudy division stacking up this year in the chase for the playoffs! Green Bay Packers (+125) - With QB Aaron Rodgers leading the offense and DC Dom Capers working his magic on defense, the Packers are a real force to be reckoned with.

Virtually nothing changed on this offense for Green Bay from last year to this year, save for the addition of rookie OT Brian Bulaga to the bunch. Expect more huge numbers from the Pack, and a relatively favorable schedule should get them over the hump and into the playoffs once again this season. My NFL Betting Predictions: 11-5, 1st place in NFC North Minnesota Vikings (+130) - There are still too many unknowns about the Vikes this year. There is a huge difference between QB Brett Favre and either Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels under center. Plus, is Favre comes back, is he really going to be able to keep his pick total under double digits again? Depth at running back looked like it might have been an issue with RB Chester Taylor fleeing in free agency, but drafting RB Toby Gerhart should pick up the difference. This defense is still suitable, but with a first place schedule, making the playoffs is going to be very tough regardless of whether #4 comes back or not.

There is a huge difference between QB Brett Favre and either Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels under center. Plus, is Favre comes back, is he really going to be able to keep his pick total under double digits again? Depth at running back looked like it might have been an issue with RB Chester Taylor fleeing in free agency, but drafting RB Toby Gerhart should pick up the difference. This defense is still suitable, but with a first place schedule, making the playoffs is going to be very tough regardless of whether #4 comes back or not. Play this weekly NFL Football Contestto see if you can win.

Chicago Bears (+350) - The Bears are probably a bit of an overhyped team once again this year.No, we don't think it is plausible for QB Jay Cutler to have as bad of a season as he did last year, and we do think the additions of RB Chester Taylor and DE Julius Peppers are going to help immensely, but there's still something in the water in the Windy City that we aren't so sure about. Maybe Chicago finds its way to .500... but then again, maybe it doesn't. If Favre comes back, Cutler might be the worst quarterback in this division this year.

Detroit Lions (+1500) - The Lions are probably once again going to be the whipping boys for the rest of the teams in the NFC North, but they aren't just going to roll over and die once again. There is some real talent amassing on this team offensively, as the combination of QB Matt Stafford, RB Jahvid Best, WR Calvin Johnson, and TE Brandon Pettigrew should put a bunch of points on the board if the offensive line can even remotely hold up. The questions really lie on defense, where it feels like DT Ndamukong Suh is going to be trying to stop opposing teams all by himself. This year should show some marked improvement in the Motor City.

The Patriots will make NFL betting fans a lot of money this season, get in early and enjoy the cash.

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To visit this sportsbook go to MySportsbook.com for all your NFL football betting needs.