Having set down to breakfast wondering whether his next meal would be in jail, Harry Redknapp had supper contemplating being the next manager of England. The colourful Tottenham boss may not be capable of keeping his accounts in good order, or texting his best mates, but he appears to be almost the universal choice of those in the game to succeed Fabio Capello, who sensationally handed in his notice following a stormy meeting with FA supreme David Bernstein at Wembley over the decision to remove the England captain’s armband from John Terry.

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Martin O’Neill and Wayne Rooney are among those to have already publicly declared their support for Redknapp to replace the Italian, who must be commended for supporting Terry regardless of the eventual outcome of the Chelsea skipper’s court case. The core principle of British justice is the assumption that you are innocent until proven guilty but the FA seem to have pre-judged the issue, hiding behind a flimsy defence that maintaining the status quo could have led to squad disharmony ahead of the European Championships for which England are 9/1. Replacing the manager and captain at this point will, of course, not lead to any disruption!

Stuart Pearce, the current England U21 coach and Capello’s right-hand man over the last 18 months, has been placed in charge of team selection and preparation for England’s friendly with the Dutch at the end of this month but the former Nottingham Forest and Manchester City manager is unlikely to be considered for the job on a permanent basis. The FA have already hinted at a preference for an English coach to take the job so that would appear to rule out Guus Hiddink (9/1), Jose Mourinho (16/1), Rafa Benitez (25/1) and Arsene Wenger (33/1), while O’Neill (50/1) has already ruled himself out of contention. Roy Hodgson (20/1) fits the bill and has previous experience of international management having taking charge of Switzerland, Finland and the UAE in a long career. But it appears Redknapp is the people’s choice and only the question of compensation with Spurs’ chairman Daniel Levy remains if the 64-year-old wants the job, though presumably the Redknapp family pet will be filling in the application form. No surprise, therefore, that we have Harry at 2/7 to be the Next Permanent England manager.

Russian billionaires Anzhi Makhachkala are the favourites to be Capello’s next port of call at 11/4.

Manager Betting Specials

There has never been much love lost between Manchester United and Liverpool and the clash between the two sides at Anfield in October raised the ante even more. The flare-up between Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra has been well documented and led to an eight-match ban for the Merseysiders’ Uruguayan striker, which only ended last week. This will be Suarez’ first appearance away from Anfield since the suspension was lifted and he’s sure to get a hot reception from the Old Trafford faithful, who will outnumber Liverpool fans by a ratio of around 40:1 after the visitors had their ticket allocation cut.

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That move alone has angered Reds’ supporters and it’s hard to imagine that the friction between the two clubs won’t be transferred to the pitch this weekend. It’s only a couple of weeks since Liverpool put United out of the FA Cup so Sir Alex Ferguson’s team will be out for revenge and know they must pick up all three points if they are to keep tabs on City at the top of the table. They did remarkably well to claw back a three-goal deficit at Chelsea last week, though some would argue that they shouldn’t have found themselves in that position in the first place! Wayne Rooney, who missed the cup defeat at Anfield, scored twice and, being an ex-Evertonian, always relishes the opportunity to put one over Liverpool.

United have won their last three matches against Liverpool at Old Trafford by a one-goal margin and are 5/2 to win by exactly one goal again. They have won nine of their 12 homes so far in the Premier League, only drawing one. Liverpool, too, have only ended up all-square once on their travels so the draw (13/5) looks the least likely of the three results, though it should be noted that the visitors have already drawn eight times at Anfield. Manchester United must get the nod to win at 5/6 but don’t expect a classic as Kenny Dalglish is likely to err on the side of caution and pack the midfield. A 2-1 correct score is 7/1 and United to win and three or four totals goals in the match is 3/1 in the Match & Total Goals market.

Man United v Liverpool Betting

Premier League Matches

Everton may have drawn three of their last five games but they’ve won the other two, including a hard-fought victory over Premier League leaders Manchester City in their last Goodison Park outing, so certainly won’t be fearing a visit from Chelsea who are proving equally hard to predict.

Considering their resources in comparison to other teams in the top flight, another mid-table finish is viewed as a successful season at Goodison and David Moyes’ team look well on course to achieve that name. Time after time, Moyes appears to pull off a master stroke in the transfer market and the loan signing of former favourite Steven Pienaar from Spurs looks another shrewd move. The South African midfielder will be a calming influence for the youngsters in the Everton squad but Toffees’ fans may have to wait a little longer to see fellow new signing Nikica Jelavic in the starting line-up following his arrival from Rangers. The Croatian international will need time to adjust to the pace of the Premier League.

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Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas was reportedly furious after his side squandered a three-goal advantage against Manchester United last week, a collapse that may well prove the final nail in their title aspirations. With their manager under pressure and their captain facing racism charges, it’s no surprise that it’s been a difficult season for the Blues and, though they haven’t lost since New Year’s Eve, they’ve now drawn their last three games in the Premier League and continue to look anything but secure at the back despite the recent acquisition of England centre-back Gary Cahill. Failure to qualify for the Champions League would be a financial disaster for Chelsea and it would be difficult to see Villas-Boas’ tenure lasting beyond such a setback but his side appear very disjointed at present and it would be no surprise to see gritty Everton heap further misery on the Londoners, who are likely to be missing several regulars again this weekend.

A home win is 23/10 and it shouldn’t be forgotten that Everton have been a bit of a bogey side for Chelsea in recent years. In fact, the visitors haven’t won at Goodison since 2006. We’re taking the view that a draw is the likely outcome this time and that can be backed at 9/4 with Everton available at 5/4 in the Draw No Bet market. A 1-1 correct score is 5/1 and the host to score exactly one goal, which they have in four of their last five outings, is 7/5.

Everton v Chelsea Betting

Premier League Matches

Spurs have only lost once since the end of November, and that was via a controversial last-minute penalty at Premier League leaders Manchester City. After being frustrated by Liverpool at Anfield on Monday, they should get back to winning ways against Newcastle United at White Hart Lane this weekend at 4/9.

Matching strides with City and Manchester United at the top of the table was always going to be a tall order for Harry Redknapp’s team but they certainly haven’t given up the chase and their unbeaten run has taken them well clear of the others teams chasing Champions League qualification. Spurs’ only league defeat so far at White Hart Lane came at the hands of Manchester City in August, with Chelsea and Wolves the only two other sides to have left North London with some reward. Welshman Gareth Bale has been their most prolific scorer over the last few weeks but Luka Modric, Rafael van der Vaart and Jermaine Defoe have also been among the goals and the latter pair were both on target in their team’s 2-2 draw with the Magpies at the Sports Direct Arena in October, when the visitors led twice.

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Newcastle are eagerly awaiting the return of top scorer Demba Ba from Africa Cup Of Nations duty but have bounced back well from a hammering at Fulham and a surprise FA Cup defeat at Brighton to record back-to-back victories over Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa and have already won five times on the road in the league this season. A place in Europe next season still beckons for Alan Pardew’s men and they’ll be knocking on the door if Ba gets back into the groove quickly. His potential partnership with new signing Papiss Cisse is certainly one that excites but Spurs may just have too many aces for them on this occasion and should pick up all three points. Over 3.5 goals in the Total Goals market could be a decent bet at 7/4 and a 3-1 correct score can be backed at 10/1. Tottenham are 5/4 to overcome a one-goal deficit in the Handicap Betting.

Tottenham v Newcastle Betting

Premier League Matches

Football

After their excellent comeback on Sunday against Chelsea, Manchester United face another title rival this weekend as they welcome Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime. United are 5/6 to win while their old enemy can be backed at 10/3.

Man United v Liverpool

Had the league started when Martin O’Neill took over at Sunderland, the Black Cats would be top of the table now and they look superb value at 5/2 to beat Arsenal at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. QPR are 11/5 to win at struggling Blackburn Rovers while I fancy Chelsea to win at Everton at 5/4.

Manchester City feature in Sunday’s live match and should be backed at 8/11 to win at indifferent Aston Villa.

Premier League Matches

Nottingham Forest’s form has been awful of late but after the death of club owner Nigel Doughty last week I fancy Steve Cotterill’s side to rise to an emotional occasion at the City Ground and beat Watford at 5/4.

Football Betting

Golf

It’s been a solid start to 2012 for former world number one Lee Westwood and the Englishman looks like great value at 10/1 to win this weekend’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Westwood has twice been a runner-up at Emirates Golf Club, most recently in 2010 when he lost a play-off to Miguel Angel Jiménez.

World number two Rory McIlroy is the 4/1 favourite while Martin Kaymer showed signs last weekend that his form is returning and the German is available at 8/1.

The PGA Tour is at Pebble Beach this week with Tiger Woods appearing at the Pro-Am event for the first time in a decade. Defending champion DA Points is a 33/1 chance while Hunter Mahan is 20/1 after finishing second in 2011.

Golf Betting

Cricket

Ahead of England’s seven match limited overs series against Pakistan which begins next Monday, there is some other international one day and Twenty20 action to look forward to this weekend.

New Zealand play Zimbabwe in a Twenty20 match in Auckland on Saturday before Australia play India in their triangular one day series in Adelaide on Sunday.

Cricket Betting

Tennis

The first round of the Davis Cup starts on Saturday with eight matches scheduled for this weekend.

Even without Rafael Nadal, reigning champions and 6/1 shots Spain should ease into the next round with a win over Kazakhstan this weekend. With three players in the world top 50, the Spanish should seal their place in the next round by winning in Oviedo.

Serbia are the 11/4 favourites to win the Cup and face a straightforward looking tie against Sweden who are missing their best player, Robin Soderling. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils can lead France to a win in Canada and the French are good value at 3/1 to win the trophy this year.

The match of the weekend is arguably in Fribourg where Roger Federer leads his Switzerland team against the USA.

There’s a strong field at the WTA Open GDF Suez in Paris where beaten Australian Open finalist Maria Sharapova leads the betting. Marion Bartoli and Julia Goerges are Sharapova’s biggest threats.

Tennis Betting



Rugby League

There were one or two surprise results in the opening round of Superleague fixtures last weekend, and there is another mouthwatering tie between two old rivals on Saturday.

Wigan welcome reigning champions Leeds to the DW Stadium on Saturday teatime but will have to do without back-row forward Liam Farrell who has been banned for one match after pleading guilty to committing a dangerous tackle on Huddersfield centre Leroy Cudjoe in last week’s 20-16 defeat.

Warrington can get their season up and running with a home win over London Broncos while St Helens can follow up their excellent win last weekend with a victory over Salford.

It promises to be a long, hard season for Widnes and they face a tough away match at Huddersfield. Castleford should beat Bradford and the Catalans Dragons can beat Hull.

Rugby League Betting

Rugby Union

The Six Nations continues off this weekend with three interesting fixtures.

Ireland managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in their opening clash with Wales last weekend and it gets no easier for Declan Kidney’s side on Saturday as they travel to France. Phillippe Saint-Andre’s side got off to a solid start with a 30-12 win over Italy last weekend and with Ireland having won only one of their last 12 meetings with Les Bleus, I fancy a home win.

France v Ireland

England were solid if uninspired against Scotland although Stuart Lancaster’s side should make it two wins out of two with a victory in Italy on Saturday. Italy can keep it tight though and I like the look of the home side at 10/11 with an 8 point start.

Italy v England

Sunday’s match sees Wales take on Scotland at the Millennium Stadium. Even with several players missing, Wales should be too strong for the visitors who have now gone four matches without scoring a try.

Wales v Scotland

Six Nations Match Betting

Racing Betting

The big race on Saturday is the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. Ruby Walsh is set to ride Zarkandar who is the clear 3/1 favourite from Darlan and Raya Star.

Sunday’s big event is the Hennessy Gold Cup over 21 fences, also at Newbury. Quito de la Roque and Quel Esprit are the joint 5/2 favourites for a race that has been won by the likes of Denman and Madison du Berlais in recent years.

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

Racing 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.

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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

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.

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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

The aura of invincibility surrounding Manchester City in domestic football has been dented a little lately and there is no doubt that Tottenham Hotspur will fancy their chances of becoming the first side to win at the Etihad in the Premier League this season.

This is a much different Spurs team to the one that was comprehensively put to the sword by Roberto Mancini’s table-toppers at White Hart Lane in August, even though the personnel hasn’t changed that much. Harry Redknapp’s team have only lost once in the league since that day, though there has probably been more draws recently than the manager would like. Struggling Wolves held Spurs last week, a result which denied the North London club with a share of second place, but they are still well within striking distance of the top two and well on course for a Champions League spot at the end of the season at the very least.

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This fixture has proved pivotal in the last two seasons and will again have a major impact on the destiny of the two clubs. A Peter Crouch goal secured fourth place for Spurs two years ago while, last season, the same player’s own goal gave City a vital win. Crouch, of course, is no longer at White Hart Lane but there is certainly no shortage of firepower at Tottenham with Jermaine Defoe already in double figures for the season and Emmanuel Adebayor and Gareth Bale not far behind the England striker. It’s more than two months since Spurs last drew a blank and that was in a Europa League game in Russia when most of their first XI was rested. City won’t find it easy to keep them at arm’s length either.

A look at those aforementioned scoring charts will see Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero well to the fore and both were on target at White Hart Lane, the Bosnian striker scoring four times. After a couple of cup defeats, City got back to winning ways at Wigan on Monday but they still aren’t firing on all cylinders and are clearly missing the industry of Yaya Toure in midfield and Vincent Kompany’s organisation at the back. They’ve also been finding goals harder to come by as opposition defences target David Silva and Spurs will definitely think themselves capable of causing an upset and throwing the title race wide open.

Take Tottenham to sneak all three points at 3/1. A 0-1 correct score can be backed at 11/1 and, if four or more goals are scored in the match, we’ll refund all losing correct score, scorecast and first/last goalscorer singles.

Man City v Spurs Betting

Premier League Matches

There’s no question that Arsenal are struggling to put together a decent sequence of results at present. No doubt the Gunners’ lengthy injury list is at least partly to blame and they are badly missing the calming influence of Thomas Vermaelen at the back as well as the invention of Jack Wilshere in midfield. But does Arsene Wenger still have the firepower at his disposal to launch a concerted bid on the top four?

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On the evidence of last Sunday’s defeat at Swansea, that is open to debate. Despite taking an early lead, Arsenal were definitely second-best against the Welsh side who capitalised on indecision at the back and a Gunners’ midfield that, Aaron Ramsey apart, appeared to lack any real desire to close down their opponents. Wenger shouldn’t have to point out the fact to his Arsenal players that they will get taken apart by Manchester United if they are similarly lacklustre at the Emirates this week – that much is obvious. Confidence seems to be ebbing away from Arsenal week-by-week and, given the two teams’ relative recent form, it’s difficult to see them preventing the Red Devils completing the double over them this season.

United, of course, have already put eight goals past Arsenal at Old Trafford when Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick. But there hasn’t been a great deal between the two sides in north London in recent years and some memorable encounters. Thierry Henry will certainly be keen to roll back the years and hoping for a starting place after coming off the bench twice since the start of his loan spell from New York Red Bulls. The Frenchman has already faced United this term, lining up for an MLS All Star XI in a friendly last summer. The intensity will be much greater at the Emirates, of course. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have bounced back well from recent reverses against Blackburn and Newcastle. The returning Paul Scholes scored in last week’s routine win over Bolton Wanderers and has been a thorn in Arsenal’s side down the years. Manchester United can take all the three points at the Emirates and keep up the pressure on City at the top while putting the final nail in the coffin of Arsenal’s title ambitions this season.

Arsenal v Man United Betting

Premier League Matches

Premier League Matches

Weekly Betting Tips

Football

There are a couple of belting matches to look forward to this weekend as four of this season’s ‘big five’ meet on Sunday.

First up, Manchester City provide the biggest test of Spurs’ Premier League title credentials so far as the two sides meet at Eastlands. It’s arguably the perfect time to be playing City considering they are missing several key players through injury, suspension and international call-ups. Spurs can take a giant stride towards their first league title in decades with a win at 3/1, but I fancy the home side to prevail at 10/11.

Man City v Spurs

The second big match on Sunday sees Arsenal welcome Manchester United. There’s less rivalry between these two sides than there was in the infamous Battle of the Buffet days and United have held the upper hand in recent meetings. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are 13/8 to win at the Emirates.

Arsenal v Man United

Norwich are excellent value at 9/2 to beat struggling Chelsea at Carrow Road on Saturday while Stoke should be backed at 10/11 to see off West Brom. Wolves are 7/5 to record a vital win over Aston Villa.

Premier League Matches

The African Cup of Nations begins this weekend with the Ivory Coast the clear 6/4 favourites for the title. I fancy Senegal at 11/2 and the Lions are 4/7 to beat Zambia on Saturday.

Football Betting

Golf

There’s a strong local contingent at Fancourt this weekend for the Volvo Golf Champions tournament.

Recent Africa Open winner Louis Oosthuizen is the 5/1 favourite from compatriots Charl Schwartzl, Retief Goosen and Ernie Els. Padraig Harrington had a poor 2011 and can be backed at 20/1 while the young Italian Matteo Manassero could be worth backing at 33/1.

The renamed Humana Challenge is the PGA tour event this week with the tournament having been reduced from 90 holes to a traditional 72 hole competition this year. Phil Mickelson and Matt Kuchar are the joint 16/1 favourites with Bill Haas available at 20/1. Haas has a good record in this event having won in 2010 and narrowly failing to retain his title in a playoff in 2011.

Golf Betting

Cricket

It was an inauspicious opening day for England as they began their 2012 Test campaign against Pakistan in Dubai. Assuming that the Test runs its course it will run to this weekend with the ‘home’ team looking to take a 1-0 win in the series.

South Africa play Sri Lanka in two further one day internationals; in Kimberley on Friday and in Johannesburg on Sunday.

Cricket Betting

Tennis

Reaching the second week of the Australian Open is the aim of the major seeds in the baking heat of Melbourne this weekend.
Novak Djokovic remains the 6/5 favourite to retain his title, although I like the 5/1 available on Andy Murray who has been beaten in the final in each of the last two years.

The women’s tournament is wide open with a dozen potential winners. My tip before the tournament was Maria Sharapova who is currently available at 14/1 while reigning champion Kim Clijsters can be backed at 8/1.

Tennis Betting

Rugby Union

The last eight for this season’s Heineken Cup will be decided this weekend as the final round of pool matches take place across Europe.

There’s a titanic battle for qualification from pool 2 with both Edinburgh and Cardiff Blues on 17 points. The Blues should beat Racing Metro while Edinburgh face the trickier of the games at home to unpredictable London Irish.

Leinster and Munster have already qualified and so can take things easy against Montpellier and Northampton respectively, although the Saints could still qualify as the best second place team with a good win.

Ulster thumped Leicester last weekend to stay on top of pool 4 although they face a tough trip to my tip for the Cup, Clermont Auvergne, on Saturday. With 19 points already, the Irish side may still qualify even if they lose this tie.

Saracens can book their place in the quarter finals by beating Treviso while Harlequins can join them if they win in Connacht on Friday night. Premiership rivals Gloucester would do the Quins a huge favour by beating their pool 6 challengers Toulouse.

Rugby Betting

Horse Racing

The big race on Saturday is the Victor Chandler Chase over 2 miles at Ascot, won by Master Minded in two of the last three years.
Finian’s Rainbow is the 7/4 favourite this year although is prone to errors which could prove costly in this company. Somersby at 6/1 may be the better bet having finished second to Master Minded in this race last year. Al Ferof is the second favourite at 11/4.

Weather permitting, the other racing this Saturday comes from Haydock Park, Lingfield Park and Wincanton.

Racing Betting