Even the most die-hard Chelsea fans will probably admit that their team has little chance of winning the title this season. Andre Villas-Boas’ revolution hasn’t really materialised, though whether that’s something to do with resistance among the playing ranks is still a matter of conjecture. Certainly, attempts to find long-term replacements for the likes of Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and John Terry haven’t come to fruition and all three are still integral to Chelsea’s fortunes, though Drogba has been more of a peripheral figure this season and has recently been on Africa Cup Of Nations duty with the Ivory Coast. Nicolas Anelka and Alex have been shown the door but the expected upheaval will probably wait until the summer and, as a result, Chelsea supporters may well have to be satisfied with another assault on the top four and a decent run in the Champions League.

[image]

Manchester United, of course, still have higher aspirations and, despite an unusually long injury list, Sir Alex Ferguson is still proving that when it comes to man-management and team tactics, the Scot has few peers in the Premier League. Losing an important player like Nemanja Vidic for the season would have knocked the stuffing out of many teams, especially as fellow central defenders Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling have also had their problems. But, just as it looked as though United were starting to falter, Ferguson seems to pull a rabbit of the hat. Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov have even filled in at the back on occasions, as has Antonio Valencia, while Phil Jones is proving that he can adapt his game to play anywhere.

United have already beaten Chelsea 3-1 at Old Trafford this season and will fancy their chances of completing the double in west London. But the champions haven’t won in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge for 10 years, though did get the better of the Blues in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final last season. The draw could be the best option this time around and, though United have the best away defensive record in the top flight, goals could also be forthcoming. A 2-2 correct score could pay dividends.

Chelsea v Man United Betting

Premier League Matches

After one of the most unpredictable Superleague seasons in years finished with a Grand Final win for the Leeds Rhinos, it promises to be another intriguing campaign. A new sponsor, six new coaches and seven new captains hint at a potential change in the pecking order, but will it be the same sides dominating once again?

The big four

Leeds Rhinos were 9/2 third favourites to win the Grand Final at the start of last season, although half way through the season you’d have been able to pretty much pick your odds. The Rhinos struggled for much of the campaign finishing the regular season 13 points behind eventual Shield winners Warrington Wolves.

However, the Rhinos peaked at the right time beating three of the top four sides on their way to a fourth Grand Final success in five years.

[image]

Darrell Griffin comes in from Huddersfield and Richard Moore from the Crusaders but, as with last year, I can’t see Brian McDermott’s side being good enough to win the regular season. Leeds have typically performed excellently in the play-offs and so I prefer the 5/1 against a Grand Final win than the 13/2 available on a regular season triumph.

I tipped Warrington Wolves at 3/1 last season to finish on top of the league and Tony Smith’s side certainly didn’t disappoint. It was the Wolves best Superleague campaign to date and only a narrow 26-24 semi-final defeat to eventual winners Leeds Rhinos stopped the Wire from reaching their first ever Grand Final.

Changes have been kept to a minimum. Although the Wolves have lost the talismanic Matt King to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Trent Waterhouse has joined from NRL side Penrith Panthers and Stefan Ratchford has sealed a move to the Halliwell Jones from Salford.

If the Wolves can hold their nerve in the play-offs this could be an historic season. They are 2/1 to win the regular season and 11/4 to win the Grand Final.

Many people expected Wigan Warriors to build on their dominant performance in Superleague XV last season but the reigning champions came unstuck in the play-offs with two defeats to old rivals St Helens.

The Warriors are 5/2 to win the regular season in 2012 and much will depend on new coach Shaun Wane. Wane steps up having been Mike Maguire’s assistant although the new boss has managed to tie Sam Tomkins into a long term deal, ending speculation he would follow his brother Joel into rugby union.

St Helens must wonder what they need to do to lift the Grand Final trophy. Despite winning the regular season four times between 2006 and 2008, the Saints have lost the last five Grand Finals including four to the Rhinos after last season’s 32-16 reverse.

Saints are set for their first season at their new home Langtree Park and will be keen to make their new home a fortress. Coach Royce Simmons has lost key players including Kyle Eastmond, Leon Pryce and James Graham although he has picked up three players from the NRL in the shape of Lance Hohaia, Anthony Laffranchi and Mark Flanagan.

Could a sixth consecutive Grand Final appearance be on the cards? It’s 10/3 that the Saints end six years of hurt by finally winning in 2012.

The challengers

It’s tough to look beyond the big four this season but the one surprise could come in the form of the Catalans Dragons. Under Trent Robinson, the Dragons finished 5th in 2011 and thrashed Hull in the play-offs before being comprehensively outplayed by Wigan.

Robinson has brought in Leon Pryce from St Helens and Louis Anderson from Warrington and the Dragons are a decent each way bet at 20/1.

Huddersfield Giants finished fourth last season but having lost eleven players, repeating that achievement could be a tall order. There have been lots of changes at Hull who should seal a play-off place, while Bradford Bulls will finally be looking to end a period in the doldrums by making the end of season matches.

Verdict

It promises to be a fascinating season and after their excellent performances in Superleague XVI, I would like to see Warrington finally break through and take the title. The Wolves are 2/1 to win the regular season title where I expect their main challengers to be St Helens - assuming they can quickly settle into their new home.

Rugby League Betting

Liverpool have been a bit of a bogey team for Tottenham Hotspur down the years but the Spurs side of modern times has begun to restore the balance a little and gave Kenny Dalglish’s team a real drubbing at White Hart Lane back in September when the Reds had both Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel sent off. In fact Spurs have now won their last three Premier League games against Liverpool, only conceding one goal in the process. But prior to their win on Merseyside last May, they hadn’t got the better of Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League since 1993 though there was a few high-scoring draws between the two sides in the intervening years.

[image]

Liverpool’s problem this season has been scoring goals, however, though the controversial suspension of Luis Suarez hasn’t helped in that quarter especially as record signing Andy Carroll seems to have been weighed down by his inflated price tag. A long-term injury to former England captain Steven Gerrard has also hampered the Reds’ progress this season but they are still proving very difficult to beat on home soil and have given the odd bloody nose to those challenging at the top.

Spurs have been a breath of fresh air in the top flight this season and, home or away, have usually targeted three points. They’ll be respectful of Liverpool’s solid home record but, with the likes of Rafael van der Vaart, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale, operating out of midfield, are never going to sit back and encourage the opposition to make the running. You’ve always got to fancy Tottenham to score but they will also concede their fair share and may have to settle for a point at Anfield. Both 0-0 and 1-1 results have been fairly common in Liverpool’s home matches this season and either could produce a dividend in this encounter. The Draw/Draw on the Half Time/Full Time forecast also makes plenty of appeal.

Liverpool v Spurs Betting

Premier League Matches

It is America’s biggest sporting event on Sunday as Superbowl XLVI will be broadcast to the world from the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
After two hard fought and close Championship deciders, the New York Giants play the New England Patriots for the biggest prize in American sport.

Patriots in the Superbowl for the 5th time in 11 years

The Patriots have arguably been American football’s dominant force over the last decade. Three Superbowl wins in four years between 2002 and 2005 were followed by a surprise defeat in 2008. On that occasion, star quarterback Tom Brady was sacked five times in a 17-14 defeat to this year’s opponents, the New York Giants.

However, the Patriots have reached the end of season match for the first time since that 2008 defeat and Brady is still key to the Patriots hopes. He remains the conductor of a well-tuned, potent passing game and the Patriots finished second in the NFL with an average 317.8 yards per game through the regular season.

This season saw Brady throw for the second-most yards in NFL history (5,235) while Wes Welker, the Patriots’ wide receiver, caught 122 passes during the regular season, the fourth-highest total in NFL history.

Only the Steelers and the Cowboys have appeared in more Superbowls than the Patriots and so it’s no surprise that the AFC champions are the 8/11 favourites.

[image]

Giants capable of repeating 2008 upset

While the New York Giants may be lucky to be in Indianapolis – only a late season collapse by the Dallas Cowboys paved their way into the playoffs and only an injury to San Francisco’s regular kick returner paved the way for them to sneak into the Championship game – they are certainly peaking at the right time.

The Giants come into the game having won five straight games by a very impressive combined score of 141-67 and their rushing yards per game and yards per rush have improved greatly since Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs have both been fit at the same time, which they almost never were during the regular season.

Looking simply at the Giant’s defensive stats from the regular season may also give you a false impression of which way this game will go. The unit is now finally healthy and Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora are ready to take on Tom Brady who had his worst game of the season (239 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions) in the AFC Championship versus the Ravens.

Verdict

It’s worth remembering that when these two teams last met – in week 9 of the regular season in November – it was the Giants that came away with the win.

The Patriots went ahead, 20-17, with 1:36 remaining on Tom Brady’s touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski. However, the Giants snatched the lead with 15 seconds remaining as Eli Manning tossed the winning touchdown pass to Jake Ballard in the end zone. Ballard had beaten linebacker Tracy White to the ball and the Giants won the match, 24-20.

This Sunday’s showpiece is a very tough match to call. The Patriots are the rightful favourites but the Giants are the team in form. I’d be tempted to back the NFC champions (the Giants) with a 2.5 point start at evens.

NY Giants @ New England Patriots Betting

Superbowl Betting

What better way for England and Scotland to open their Six Nations campaigns than with the 119th Calcutta Cup match? The old rivals meet at Murrayfield on Saturday with the home side desperate to avenge their narrow defeat at last year’s World Cup.
So, can Scotland win the Cup for the first time since 2008 or can a new look England get their 2012 off to a flyer?

Scotland looking to beat ‘arrogant’ England

The two old rivals met as recently as last October when England ended Scotland’s proud record of qualifying for every World Cup quarter final. It was a tough match in Auckland with England eventually prevailing 16-12 thanks to a 78th minute Chris Ashton try.
A war of words has already begun between the sides with Scotland coach Andy Robinson commenting that England had shown ‘arrogance’ during their World Cup encounter. The Daily Telegraph reports that ‘Robinson and his players were upset by England’s behaviour during and after the game, with the Scotland head coach admitting he cited Delon Armitage for a dangerous tackle in the game as a result.’

Scotland have been gradually improving over recent years although it is worth remembering that they have only beaten England three times since 1992 - but all those wins have come at Murrayfield.

[image]

A new look England looking to improve

Interim coach Stuart Lancaster wasted no time in stamping his mark on the squad by naming nine uncapped players in his elite 32 man Six Nations pool.

As well as the retirements of Jonny Wilkinson, Steve Thompson and captain Lewis Moody, Lancaster also discarded a host of experienced players including Mike Tindall, Mark Cueto, Riki Flutey and Nick Easter.

Lancaster has included the likes of Scarlets number eight Ben Morgan, Saracens back Owen Farrell and Wasps hooker Rob Webber in his squad and the coach clearly is hoping to develop some of the younger players into a team that can compete for the next World Cup in 2015.

In the short-term England also have to deal with injuries to influential players such as Toby Flood, Manu Tuilagi and Tom Wood and so it is likely to be a very new look side that starts Saturday’s match.

Verdict

This is a tough match to call. England have held the upper hand over their rivals for most of the last two decades and are slight favourites to kick off their Six Nations campaign with a win.

However, it will be a tough job for Stuart Lancaster to incorporate so many ‘new’ players in such a short time and to stamp his style of play on the side. It may well take some time for the team to gel and for the coach to establish a settled XV.

A settled side is exactly what Scotland have and their gradual improvement took them within a few minutes of a win over England in New Zealand last autumn. You can back Scotland with a 3 point start at 10/11 and considering that it is a transitional period for England, Andy Robinson’s side can run their rivals close.

Scotland v England Betting

Six Nations Matches

Football

This weekend’s big fixture in the Premier League is on Sunday afternoon as Chelsea welcome Manchester United. Andre Villas Boas’ side have been in indifferent form of late and so it’s perhaps surprising to see United priced as long as 2/1 to win the match.

Chelsea v Man United

Norwich are good value at evens to beat struggling Bolton on Saturday afternoon while Wigan look good value at 11/5 to see off Everton at the DW Stadium. With some new signings, QPR should beat Wolves at 11/10.

Newcastle should beat Aston Villa on Sunday at 11/10 while I fancy Liverpool to beat Spurs at 5/4 in Monday evening’s match.

Liverpool v Spurs
Premier League Matches

In La Liga, Real Madrid are 1/3 to win at Getafe while Barcelona are an unbackable 1/14 to beat Real Sociedad at the Nou Camp.

Football Betting

Golf

After Robert Rock’s dramatic victory at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship last weekend, another strong field has made the short trip west to the Qatari capital city of Doha for the 2012 Commercialbank Qatar Masters.

Reigning champion Thomas Bjorn was third in Abu Dhabi last week and is great value at 22/1 while it may also be worth keeping an eye on Jason Day at 33/1.

The catchily titled Waste Management Phoenix Open is this week’s PGA tour event and last week’s Farmers Open champion Brandt Snedeker is the 20/1 second favourite. Rickie Fowler is 25/1 to end his wait for a maiden Tour title at a tournament where he finished second in 2010 and shot a 62 on the way to a T13 finish in 2011.

Golf Betting

American Football

It is America’s biggest sporting event on Sunday as Superbowl XLVI will be broadcast to the world from the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

This Sunday’s showpiece is a very tough match to call. The New England Patriots are the rightful favourites but the New York Giants are a team in form. I’d be tempted to back the NFC champions (the Giants) with a 2.5 point start at evens.

Superbowl Betting

Cricket

England’s batting performances against Pakistan over the last couple of weeks have left a lot to be desired and captain Andrew Strauss will hope his side make some amends in the third and final Test in Dubai this weekend. England are 9/5 to win with Pakistan available at 6/4.

Pakistan v England

New Zealand are the clear 1/8 favourites to beat visitors Zimbabwe in their one day international on Friday before Australia play India in a limited overs match in Melbourne on Sunday.

Cricket Betting

Tennis

Most of us are still catching our breath after that astonishing Australian Open final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic but there are tournaments around the world this week.

Gael Monfils is in Montpellier to defend his Open Sud de France title with Tomas Berdych and Gilles Simon also in attendance. Ivan Ljubicic is the favourite for the PBZ Zagreb Indoors title while Juan Monaco is the 7/2 favourite for the VTR Open in Chile.

Tennis Betting

Rugby League

Superleague XVII begins this weekend with reigning champions Leeds Rhinos kicking off the new campaign on Friday evening with a home tie against Yorkshire rivals Hull KR. The Rhinos can be backed at 10/11 with a 12 point start.

I have tipped Warrington Wolves to win the regular season although last season’s Shield winners face an awkward opening tie at Hull. Wigan Warriors play Huddersfield Giants while promoted Widnes can get their season off to a great start by beating Wakefield.

Rugby League Betting

Rugby Union

The 2012 Six Nations kicks off this weekend with three intriguing fixtures.

There’s a new coach and captain in charge of England this weekend and it could be a baptism of fire for Chris Robshaw and Stuart Lancaster as England take on Scotland at Murrayfield. It’s the 119th Calcutta Cup match and much will depend on how quickly England’s new look side gels. Scotland have only beaten England three times since 1992 although all those wins have been at Murrayfield.

Scotland v England

Two of the World Cup’s most stylish sides meet in Dublin when Ireland take on Wales. The Welsh won this fixture 22-10 in New Zealand but I fancy Declan Kidney’s side to get their revenge on Sunday. Three of the last four Dublin meetings between the sides have resulted in an Irish win by 15 points or more and so the 10/11 on the home side overcoming the five point handicap looks like great value.

Ireland v Wales

Italy caused one of the great Six Nations upsets when they beat France 22-21 last season although their trip to the Stade de France will be a trickier proposition. Tournament favourites France are 10/11 to win the match with a 20 point start and, had you backed them at those odds in the last four ties between the sides in France, you’d have won on three occasions.

France v Italy

Six Nations Betting

Rugby Union Betting

Horse Racing

The big race of the weekend is the Tied Cottage Chase over two miles at Punchestown on Sunday. Big Zeb is the 4/6 favourite to triumph in the race he won in 2010 while Sizing Europe is the second favourite at 11/8.

Elsewhere, there is racing on Saturday from Ffos Las, Lingfield Park, Sandown Park and Wetherby.

Racing Betting

They were two of the most attractive teams in last autumn’s World Cup and both Wales and Ireland made plenty of friends in New Zealand for their style of play and their excellent results.
Wales edged the meeting in October but the pair meet again on Sunday in their first Six Nations match of 2012. It promises to be a great game.

Ireland trust experience in 2012

After a mediocre Six Nations showing in 2011, little was expected from Ireland in their World Cup campaign. However, the Irish were terrific throughout, epitomised by their excellent 15-6 win over Australia at Eden Park. Ireland were eventually beaten 22-10 by this weekend’s opponents but only after impressing many with their style.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has stayed loyal to the men that played at the World Cup including Gordon D’Arcy, Paddy Wallace and Eoin Reddan and named no uncapped players in his core 24 man squad. Brian O’Driscoll will miss the tournament with a shoulder injury and so Paul O’Connell will captain the Irish team.

[image]

Wales looking to continue their great World Cup form

A questionable referring decision arguably cost Wales their chance of a first World Cup final appearance in New Zealand. A red card for inspirational captain Sam Warburton eventually cost Wales the match although they won plenty of plaudits for their approach to the game on their way to the last four.

Wales are justifiably the second favourites for the tournament although they have injury problems going into this game. Prop Gethin Jenkins will miss the tie with a knee injury while Rhys Priestland and Dan Lydiate are also likely to miss Sunday’s match in Dublin.
Coach Warren Gatland admitted that the absence of key players would be a big loss to the team. He told the BBC: “Gethin is a huge loss for us for potentially the first two games of the tournament. He’s a world class player. He’s got a very good rugby brain and is able to assess things on the field. He’s almost like a coach on the field.

“Rhys was probably the find, if not the best, fly-half at the World Cup. He really does fit the type of game we want to play. His kicking game and vision are excellent. He stretches opposition defences as well because he’s not afraid to run…he will be a big loss for us.”

Verdict

If this match is half as good as their recent World Cup encounter then we’re in for a treat this Sunday.
I actually fancy Ireland to get their tournament up and running with a win. Three of the last four Dublin meetings between the sides have resulted in an Irish win by 15 points or more and so the 10/11 on the home side overcoming the five point handicap looks like great value.

A fully fit Wales side would cause Ireland some problems but I think the loss of Jenkins, Priestland and Lydiate through injury could be critical. It should be an excellent match but in front of a passionate Aviva Stadium crowd, Ireland can start 2012 with a win.

Ireland v Wales Betting

Six Nations Matches

For my World Hurdle ante-post piece I very nearly wrote four words, “Big Bucks, no contest”. It was tempting, but I don’t think my employers would have cough up the big bucks for my piece so, here I am.

There is no doubt this race revolves around the participation of the Andy Stewart owned horse, but we’ll have to find something at a price to finish second to him. If I’m being honest I really don’t want to find anything to beat him – I’d have an enormous amount of satisfaction just seeing him win his fourth World Hurdle in as many years and put another nail in the coffin of his doubters.

[image]

I just don’t know why some people continually put the boot into the now nine-year-old. Is it because he wasn’t successful over fences? Is it because he keeps winning the World Hurdle, a race with little or no prestige in many peoples eyes? I just don’t get it! Fourteen wins on the bounce the son of Cadoudal has now notched up, eight of those being at the highest level. He’s unbeaten over hurdles in England and on route has taken the scalps of some very good horses. I’ll be the first to admit he hasn’t beaten top class opposition in all his races, but names like Grands Crus and Punchestowns are hardly average and both felt the wrath of Big Bucks on more than one occasion. I don’t think we’ll ever fully know the ability of this horse as he does everything so easily. And then, when done, he has the intelligence to do no more and go through with what can only be described as sufficient effort – he’s the national hunt’s Sea The Stars if you will.

The raw natural ability he possesses is nothing short of amazing. In my short life I think he’s the best national hunt horse I have set my eyes on. His size and looks are that of an Adonis, but he has the engine to match. Sheer brute staying power is accompanied by freakish speed, for a staying horse. His unique style of jumping is surprisingly slick; he flows over most obstacles, in giant like fashion – really dwarfing them. Supplement this with his fantastic temperament and you now have a horse with a massive arsenal. The presence of a world class trainer is simply the icing on the cake for the equine I like to call, ‘the beast’ and/or ‘the aeroplane’. Some planes do crash, however usually due to aging and maintenance or human error, but at the age of nine I can’t see it being this year bar a fall, ironically. If this were to happen, I’d obviously be blaming Ruby Walsh, too. So the quest starts, who can we find to finish second to the mighty Big Bucks?

There are currently two horses to the fore in the betting that look genuine dangers to multiple Grade One scorer, Oscar Whisky and Thousand Stars. The pair finished third and fourth, respectably, behind Hurricane Fly in last year’s Champion Hurdle, but now are potential challengers in the staying division. Oscar Whisky managed to finish two lengths in front of Thousand Stars in the 2011 opening day highlight, but it must be noted that the Willie Mullins trained animal had a terrible trip round compared to that of the Seven Barrow’s runner. This two length deficit was cut to a rapidly diminishing neck when the pair clashed again on Merseyside for the Aintree Hurdle – the extra half mile seemingly suiting both horses, but the grey, Thousand Stars, more so. Both are high class animals, but the brace have another engagement, in the Champion Hurdle. If they both turn-up they’ll give Big Buck’s plenty to think about, but at this time cannot be considered for an ante-post wager.

Take out the aforementioned three and this race is wide open and dominated by Irish trained entrants and more specifically from the Willie Mullins yard. As well as Thousand Stars the Carlow handler has entered Zaidpour, Mourad, So Young, Mikael D’Haguenet and the mare, Quevega. Zaidpour was a decent winner today beating a good mare, Voler La Vedette, who is consequently also entered, nicely. He is an unlikely runner due to forecast quicker than ideal conditions, however. Quevega certainly looks like she’ll go for the David Nicholson Mare’s race, but the remaining three may all turn up given they obtained different owners. Mikael D’Haguenet’s owner is a very sporting man and I’m sure he’ll be sending his charge over, now reverted to hurdles. The 2009 winner of the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle has struggled since being sent over larger obstacles failing to complete on a number of occasions while the rest of his runs were littered with mistakes. The switch back to timber has slowly seen his confidence return – his trainer even reporting his old ‘swagger’ to be back. This French bred was once the apple of Ruby Walsh’s eye, but fences stunted his progress. His master trainer is slowly building him up and it may well prove that we see a massive run at a track that clearly holds no fears for him.

Mourad is another that goes well around Cheltenham. His two runs around Prestbury Park have yielded two placed efforts in Grade One races, a third in the 2009 Triumph and again, filling the same berth in last year’s World Hurdle. After being held-up off the pace in the 2011 renewal he did well to finish within five lengths of Big Bucks in what was a very steadily run race. This season has been a little disappointing, but he has been beaten by a reformed mare in races not run to suit. Better ground and a faster pace will show him in a better light come March, if he takes his chance.

On another Mullins runner, he is as his name says, So Young, and he is indeed a baby compared to some of his rivals. Still only a six-year-old, Willie Mullins’ French import has been on a good roll this season after a highly encouraging 2011 campaign. Like Mikael D’Haguenet he has recorded three wins on the trot and like his stable companion, all have been done in facile fashion. He hasn’t beaten much truth be told, but we know he is a class animal. Last year’s Neptune run, when finishing a close up third, was a promising effort. First Lieutenant, Rock On Ruby, who finished ahead of him, have hardly let the form down and the same must be said for Oscars Well who was just in behind. It’s also worth nothing that a bad blunder at the last cost him any chance of winning, but he stuck on well thereafter.

Others prominent in the market include Bobs Worth who looks RSA Chase bound and Dynaste. The latter is obviously a nice type, but good ground will not suit the Pipe runner. Carlito Brigante was a very impressive winner of last year’s Coral Cup, but still has to proof his ability to tackle three miles and furthermore, has had a shocking season thus far. The rest of the notable entrants are all progressive handicappers – the likes of Poungach, Featherbed Lady, Our Father and Smad Place. All are very promising types and I really hope none are asked to contest this event with their best years still ahead of them, especially Smad Place who will go on to bigger and better things in time. I can’t wait to see him over a fence next year!

In summing up I can’t see anything beating Big Bucks. Oscar Whisky and Thousand Stars will both prove to be big challenges if lining up here, and preference is for the grey, but both may not even run. The progressive handicappers mentioned have to improve hugely to trouble the market leaders and may be best served by staying down the handicap route. They are ones to keep an eye on in the coming months and seasons in more suitable affairs, however. This now leaves us with the remaining Mullins entourage. Zaidpour and Mikael D’Haguenet are both owned by Rich Ricci and it’s unlikely he’ll run both. Zaidpour prefers plenty of cut which he will unlikely get come March and so, Mikael D’Haguenet will probably represent his owner. The son of Lavirco is on the comeback trail to rescale the heights he reached as a novice hurdler. His trainer is slowly but surely working him back, but he may have to play second fiddle to his stablemate, Mourad. He looks the solid option of the Mullins horses and is also the biggest price. So Young was tentatively passed over in favour of the son of Sinndar. His two previous runs at the festival have been good and at the age of seven he may still be improving. He is slipping under the radar due to his two below par efforts in Ireland this season, but conditions should suit him better come March and I can see him running a big race without seriously threatening Big Buck’s.

Advice:
1.5pts each-way Mourad @ 8-1 (Betting without Big Buck’s market)

World Hurdle Betting

January is proving to be a massive month for Liverpool. They’ve already completed a two-legged semi-final in the Carling Cup against Manchester City and now face the Blues’ third-round conquerors, arch-rivals Manchester United, in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Liverpool have already put five past another Lancashire side, Oldham Athletic, in the third round of the competition but can probably expect a more searching test of their credentials when United arrive on Merseyside. The two teams played out a 1-1 at Anfield in the Premier League earlier this season but that match was overshadowed by a race row that led to an eight-match suspension for Liverpool’s Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez. The club and its players were also criticised for standing by their man and the Reds’ profile took a further blow when racial discrimination reared its ugly head again during the third-round tie with Oldham. Officials and supporters, therefore, will need to be on their best behaviour when United take to the pitch at Anfield for what is always one of the most keenly contested match-ups in English club football.

[image]

United have won the FA Cup more times than anyone else and also have the most final appearances, 18 in total. But they haven’t won the competition since 2004 whereas Liverpool beat West Ham United on penalties in the final in 2006, their seventh successive in the tournament. United have lost on three of their last four visits to Anfield and it’s likely that the home side will have the tournament as a higher priority than their visitors this season, though the same argument was put forward before United’s visit to Manchester City in the previous round. United have also won four of five FA Cup clashes between the sides since the Second World War, including in the third round last season, so history is on the side of Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.

This really does look too close to call as Liverpool rarely concede at home but don’t score many either, while United have been either brilliant or very ordinary against the top teams so far this season. The draw in 90 minutes at 11/5 looks the safest option, therefore, though there have only been two tied games between the sides in FA Cup history since United evolved from being called Newton Heath so a bet on Liverpool in the Draw No Bet at 8/11 market makes more sense. Steven Gerrard to score first and Liverpool to win 1-0 also looks decent value at 40/1.

Liverpool v Man United Betting

FA Cup Matches

Football

It’s FA Cup fourth round weekend and the main match features two of football’s oldest rivals as Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield on Saturday lunchtime. The home side are unbeaten this season in the Premier League but have drawn seven of their eleven games. United seem capable of grinding out results and are 7/4 to make the fifth round. A draw at 11/5 might be the best call.

Liverpool v Man United

Spurs’ priority remains Champions League qualification and so there could be some value in Watford beating Harry Redknapp’s side on Friday evening at 6/1. Fulham are good value at 14/5 to win at struggling Everton while last season’s finalists Stoke should be too good for Derby at 6/5.

Newcastle came a cropper away from home in the FA Cup last season and there will be many tempted by the 3/1 available on Brighton in Saturday’s late kick-off. Sunderland are 4/6 to beat local rivals Middlesbrough on Sunday while Arsenal should beat Aston Villa at 4/7.

FA Cup Matches

Football Betting

Golf

After a few weeks in Africa, the European Tour meets up with the cricketers this week as it arrives in Abu Dhabi for the HSBC Golf Championship.

Some of the world’s top golfers are back in action this weekend after their winter break and it promises to be a great event. Rory McIlroy is the 13/2 joint favourite having finished eleventh, fifth, third and second in the last four years. Martin Kaymer is also available at 13/2 having won this tournament in three of the last four years.

According to McIlroy, Tiger Woods is back to 100% fitness and is available at 8/1 while the English pair of Luke Donald and Lee Westwood can both be backed at 12/1.

Phil Mickelson is a three time winner of the Farmer’s Insurance Open and is the 14/1 joint favourite this weekend. Reigning champion Bubba Watson can be backed at 25/1.

Golf Betting

Cricket

After their heavy defeat in the opening Test, England will be looking to bounce back with a win over Pakistan in the Second Test. The match reaches its climax this weekend (assuming, of course, that England put up a better fight than they did ten days ago).
There’s also a Test match in Napier which finishes on Sunday. New Zealand are 1/4 to beat visitors Zimbabwe.

Cricket Betting

Tennis

The 100th Australian Open reaches its climax this weekend with some intriguing clashes in prospect.

The top four seeds have, as expected, reached the semi-finals in Melbourne although my each way tip for the title, Andy Murray, faces a difficult challenge in overcoming tournament favourite Novak Djokovic.

Roger Federer has been in imperious form and the 30 year old could well win his 17th Grand Slam title if he can beat old rival Rafael Nadal in the last four.

Before the tournament I tipped Maria Sharapova at 14/1 and the Russian is now into 10/3 for the title. Reigning champion Kim Clijsters is also available at 10/3 in her last Australian Open while Wimbledon champion and potential world number one Petra Kvitova is the 13/8 favourite.

Tennis Betting

Rugby Union

After last week’s Heineken Cup action, there is more Cup rugby to look forward to this weekend with group stage matches in the LV Cup.

The pick of the weekend’s matches sees the leaders of Pools 1 and 4 go head to head at the Recreation Ground as Bath take on Northampton. Pool 3 leaders Scarlets can consolidate their position with a win over Pool 2 leaders London Irish while Leicester face a tough match at Harlequins.

Gloucester need a win to keep up their excellent recent record in the competition and play the Cardiff Blues on Saturday.

Rugby Union Betting

Horse Racing

The Argento Chase at Cheltenham is a trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and is one of several good races at Saturday’s Festival Trials Day. Previous winners include Exotic Dancer and Neptune Collonges and Grand Crus is the 2/1 favourite from Captain Chris and Diamond Harry.

Sunday sees the BHP Irish Champion Hurdle from Leopardstown with Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner Hurricane Fly the 4/7 favourite.

Elsewhere, there is racing on Saturday from Doncaster, Lingfield Park and Uttoxeter.

Racing Betting