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

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

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

Football

While the FA Cup may have lost some of its magic over recent years, the third round weekend remains one of the most romantic sets of fixtures in the football calendar.

The ties kick off on Friday night as Liverpool welcome Oldham and the Latics are 20/1 to register a shock win at Anfield. There’s a Fylde Coast derby on Saturday as Fleetwood Town welcome Blackpool with the non-league team available at 7/2. Crawley are just 6/4 to beat Championship Bristol City while Cheltenham are 22/1 to beat Spurs at White Hart Lane.

Sunday’s big match sees Manchester City play Manchester United and Roberto Mancini’s side are excellent value at 6/5 to win. Chelsea are 1/6 to beat Portsmouth while Sheffield Wednesday can beat West Ham at 15/8. Sunderland have been in good form since Martin O’Neill took over and can beat Peterborough on Sunday at evens.

FA Cup Matches

Football Betting



Golf

Just 25 days after Luke Donald claimed the 2011 Race to Dubai title, the long slog to be crowned Europe’s top golfer starts again this weekend.

There’s a strong local contingent at the Africa Open with reigning champion Louis Oosthuizen the 5/1 favourite to retain the title he won in 2011. Retief Goosen is an 11/1 chance with Thomas Aiken and George Coetzee available at 14/1.

The PGA Tour also gets underway this week with the Hyundai Tournament of Champions – an event restricted to PGA Tour winners from last year.

Nick Watney, Steve Stricker and Webb Simpson are the 8/1 favourites with Bubba Watson available at 16/1.

Golf Betting

Cricket

After an excellent series, the third Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka climaxes this weekend in Cape Town. The tourists secured an excellent victory in the second Test to level the series although are already up against it with the home side having racked up almost 350 runs on the first day.

Cricket Betting

Tennis

It only seems like a few days since the 2011 season ended at the ATP finals in London but most of the big names are back in action this week.

Roger Federer is the reigning Qatar Open champion and is looking to retain his title in Doha. Rafael Nadal, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils are also in action in the Middle East.

Andy Murray’s preparations for the Australian Open begin in Queensland where the Scotsman is the favourite to win the Brisbane International tournament on his debut at the event. Gilles Simon, Alexandr Dolgopolov and Tommy Haas are Murray’s closest challengers in the Australian city.

The WTA tour is also in Brisbane this week and Serena Williams is the 2/1 favourite to win 2012’s opening event. Kim Clijsters is available at 11/4 with home hopeful Samantha Stosur a 11/2 chance.

Tennis Betting

Rugby Union

There’s a mouth watering tie to open this weekend’s Aviva Premiership fixtures. League leaders Harlequins travel to Franklin’s Gardens to face Northampton on Friday night and it promises to be a close game. It could go either way but backing the away side with a 6 point head start at 10/11 looks to be the call.

Leicester are improving week by week and are now up to fourth in the table. The Tigers host Wasps on Saturday and should win at a canter. Saracens should beat Bath on Sunday while London Irish can beat Sale by more than 6 points at 10/11.

Leinster remain top of the RaboDirect Pro12 after the festive matches although the leaders face a tricky trip to Cardiff Blues this Saturday. Ospreys are on a good run and can win at local rivals the Dragons while Glasgow are up to third in the table and travel to the Scarlets.

Munster can bounce back from their defeat to Ulster last time out with a comfortable home win over Treviso.

Rugby Betting

Horse Racing

Weather permitting, racing this Saturday comes from Newcastle, Sandown Park, Lingfield Park and Wincanton.

Racing Betting

Football

As ever, there’s a busy football programme over the Christmas weekend. A west London derby kicks off the Boxing Day action in the Premier League as Chelsea host Fulham with the visitors available at a whopping 9/1.

Manchester City are 1/2 to win at West Bromwich Albion while neighbours and title challengers Manchester United have a straightforward looking fixture at home to Wigan Athletic. Stoke City are good value at 10/11 to beat Aston Villa at the Britannia Stadium while I also fancy Sunderland to bet Everton at 7/5.

Swansea are excellent value at 6/5 to get the better of QPR on Tuesday while there’s a tempting price of 7/2 on Norwich to beat Tottenham at Carrow Road.

Premier League Matches

There’s also an attractive looking match between two famous old clubs on Tuesday with Sheffield United 8/11 to beat Notts County.
Wednesday sees the Old Firm derby with Celtic 11/10 to beat Rangers. The SPL leaders are 5/2 to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Celtic v Rangers

Football Betting

Cricket

While we may be settling down after our Christmas dinner, there are a couple of festive Test matches this weekend.

Australia have warned former captain Ricky Ponting that he will need to improve his scoring if he is to retain his place and the 36 year old gets his chance as his side take on India in the first Test at the MCG. The match starts on Christmas Day.

The second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka kicks off in Durban on Boxing Day. South Africa won the first Test by a crushing innings and 81 runs and are 4/11 to go 2-0 up in the series.

Cricket Betting

Rugby Union

Domestic rugby returns over the Christmas weekend with some terrific matches in prospect.

The match of the weekend is on Tuesday as Harlequins take on Saracens. The Aviva Premiership leaders have won ten out of ten matches this season but may find it harder against the team in second place. Third play fourth on the same day as surprise package Exeter travel to London Irish.

Northampton should beat Bath on Christmas Eve while Sale will hope to beat rock bottom Newcastle on Boxing Day.

In the RaboDirect Pro12, leaders Leinster can consolidate their position at the top of the table with a win over Ulster on Boxing Day while Munster should beat struggling Connacht. There’s a Scottish derby as fourth place Glasgow travel to Edinburgh and a Welsh derby as Scarlets welcome second place Ospreys.

There are also a couple of fixtures on Christmas Eve as bottom club Aironi play Treviso while Cardiff Blues face the Newport-Gwent Dragons.

Rugby Union Betting

Horse Racing

The big race on Boxing Day is the King George VI Chase over three miles at Kempton Park. The legendary Kauto Star is bidding to win this race for a record fifth time although the 3/1 chance will have to beat last year’s winner and 11/8 favourite Long Run.
Master Minded is 5/1 while Captain Chris can be backed at 8/1.

Big Zeb is the 8/11 favourite to win the Paddy Power Dial-a-Bet Chase at Leopardstown for the third time in four years on Tuesday with Golden Silver and Noble Prince the best of the challengers.

Elsewhere there is racing on Boxing Day from Wetherby, Huntingdon, Ffos Las, Market Rasen, Fontwell, Towcester, Wincanton and Wolverhampton.

Racing Betting

Darts

The second round of the PDC World Darts Championship continues through Christmas.

After some early shocks – the elimination of former champion Raymond van Barneveld, seeds Mark Dudbridge and Jamie Caven and the well fancied Mark Webster there is plenty to play for.

Phil Taylor remains the 4/5 favourite to win his 14th world title with last year’s winner Adrian Lewis available at 6/1. James Wade is an 8/1 chance.

Darts Betting

Football

Manchester City were finally beaten in the Premier League on Monday and Roberto Mancini’s side face another tricky game on Sunday afternoon. They host Arsenal who are on a good run of form although at home City should have enough. The 9/2 on Arsenal will tempt many, though.

Man City v Arsenal

Manchester United are a skinny 1/2 to beat QPR at Loftus Road although I wouldn’t back United at those odds considering they might struggle to get a team out. Darren Fletcher has joined an increasingly long absentee list this week and the 6/1 available on the home side looks way too long.

QPR v Man United

Liverpool are good value at 21/20 to see off Aston Villa on Sunday while I also fancy Stoke to beat struggling Wolves on Saturday at 9/5. Chelsea should beat Wigan at the DW Stadium although the 2/5 doesn’t represent much value.

Premier League Matches

There’s a South coast derby in the Championship on Sunday with Southampton 11/10 to win at Portsmouth. I fancy Ipswich to beat Derby at 11/10 while the league’s form team, Barnsley, are a huge price at 5/1 to win at West Ham.

Football Betting

Golf

While the Race to Dubai may be over, Luke Donald is in action again this weekend. Having become the first golfer to top the money lists in both the USA and Europe in the same season, Donald is the 4/1 favourite to win the JBWere Australian Masters.
Geoff Ogilvy leads the home challenge and can be backed at 9/1 while Ian Poulter is 14/1 and Italian wonderkid Matteo Manassero can be backed at 25/1.

There’s also a strong field at the Thailand Gold Championships this weekend. Lee Westwood is the 9/2 favourite from the in-form Sergio Garcia and Masters champion Charl Schwartzl.

Golf Betting

Cricket

After New Zealand’s thrilling seven run win over Australia in the second Test last weekend there are a couple of Tests to look forward to this weekend.

South Africa are 4/9 to beat Sri Lanka at Centurion while Pakistan are 1/6 to see off Bangladesh in Dhaka. If you fancy the home side to cause an upset you can back them at a tempting 16/1.

Cricket Betting

Rugby Union

The Heineken Cup continues this weekend with several clubs in dire need of a good result.

The Ospreys have reached the knockout stages in the last three years but currently stand second in Pool 5. However, the Welsh team can take control of their pool if they can beat Saracens on Friday night. I fancy the Ospreys to overcome the 3 point handicap and win at 20/11.

Aviva Premiership leaders Harlequins’ unbeaten run came to an end last week and it promises to be another tough match as they travel to 2010 champions Toulouse. Leicester Tigers also desperately need a win over my tournament tip Clermont Auvergne at Welford Road.

The top two meet in Pool B and Gavin Henson could make his Cardiff Blues debut as they travel to Edinburgh. Munster can all but seal their quarter final berth with a won over the Scarlets while I expect Leinster to comfortably see off Bath.

Rugby Union Betting

Horse Racing

The highlight of Saturday’s racing comes from Ascot with the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle. There’s only one winner according to the bookies who have the magnificent Big Buck’s as the 2/7 favourite to make it a hat-trick of wins in this race. Dynaste is available at 6/1 with Celestial Halo a 10/1 chance.

Prospect Wells is the 7/1 ante-post for the Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle from Brampour and Gibb River.

Elsewhere there is racing on Saturday from Haydock Park, Lingfield Park and Newcastle.

Racing Betting

Football

The big game in the Premier League is on Monday night as Manchester City take their unbeaten league record to Chelsea. Andre Villas-Boas’ side have continued to struggle in the league although they will be buoyed by their win at Newcastle last time out. City look a cut above the London side, though, and should be backed at 7/4.

Chelsea v Man City

Manchester United can keep up the pressure with a win over struggling Wolves at 1/5 while I fancy Martin O’Neill to inspire Sunderland to a win over Blackburn at 5/6. Arsenal should beat Everton at 4/7 while Stoke are excellent value to beat high flying Spurs at 5/2 in Sunday afternoon’s match.

Premier League Matches

The Glasgow clubs play the Edinburgh clubs in the Scottish Premier League this weekend. Rangers are 1/2 to win at Hibernian while Celtic are 1/3 to beat Hearts.

It’s also arguably the biggest match in club football on Saturday as Real Madrid play Barcelona in El Clasico. Real are 7/5 to win and open up a potentially unassailable six point lead in the La Liga title race. If you fancy the away team to prove their class you can back Barca at 15/8.

Real Madrid v Barcelona

Football Betting

Golf

The race to be crowned Europe’s top golfer comes to a climax this weekend at the season ending Dubai World Championship.

Luke Donald is bidding to be the first player in history to top the money lists of the European Tour and the PGA Tour and leads the Race to Dubai with €3,856,394. Donald is 11/1 to win but looked strangely out of sorts in South Africa last week.

The only man who can overhaul Donald is Rory McIlroy who kept his chances alive after his win in Hong Kong last weekend. McIlroy is 5/1 to end his excellent season with a win. Martin Kaymer can separate the two in the Race to Dubai and is available at 14/1 while Lee Westwood hit the best round of his career last weekend (a ten under par 62) as he retained his Nedbank Golf Challenge. Westwood is the 11/2 second favourite in Dubai.

Golf Betting

Cricket

Australia won their opening Test match against New Zealand by 9 wickets last weekend and take on their local rivals in the second Test in Hobart this weekend. Michael Clarke’s side are 8/13 to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

The first Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Chittagong begins on Friday and India play West Indies in their fifth one day international in Chennai on Sunday.

Cricket Betting

Rugby Union

Domestic rugby once again takes a break this weekend as the third round of Heineken Cup matches take place across Europe.

The pick of the matches is in Pool 1 where leaders Scarlets welcome Munster. It promises to be an excellent match in Llanelli and I’d just favour the visitors at 10/11. The top two in Pool 2 also meet this weekend and Cardiff Blues should beat Edinburgh on Friday night.

Leinster are good value to beat Bath by more than four points at 10/11 while I like Leicester’s chances of beating Clermont Auvergne with a seven point start at 10/11. Aviva Premiership leaders Harlequins face a tricky match against the tournament second favourites Toulouse.

Rugby Union Betting

Horse Racing

The highlight of Saturday’s racing comes from Cheltenham. The December Gold Cup is a Class 1, Grade 3 steeple-chase over a distance of 2m 5f with the horses taking on seventeen fences. Open to horses aged four and above, Ghizao is the 6/1 ante-post favourite although there is bound to be plenty of money on the topically named Quantitativeeasing at 7/1.

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

Racing Betting

Weekly Sports Betting Tips

Football

The pressure on Andre Villas Boas increased again this week after Chelsea were knocked out of the Carling Cup and things could get even tougher for the Portuguese manager this weekend. Chelsea travel to high flying Newcastle and the 3/1 about a home win will tempt many.

Newcastle v Chelsea

League leaders Manchester City have a straightforward looking home tie against Norwich while Manchester United travel to Aston Villa in Saturday’s late kick-off. Arsenal are a skinny 4/7 to win at Wigan while Spurs are 1/3 to beat Bolton at White Hart Lane.
Sunderland continue to struggle and so I like the 13/10 available on Wolves to beat Steve Bruce’s side at Molineux on Sunday.

Premier League Matches

The FA Cup second round takes place this weekend with famous minnows Sutton United once again hoping to knock out a famous old club. The conquerors of Coventry in 1989 welcome Notts County this Sunday. Bristol Rovers have a tricky away tie at AFC Totton while Conference leaders Fleetwood Town are 23/20 to beat Yeovil on Friday night.

FA Cup Betting

It’s the famous ‘Borussia Derby’ in Germany’s Bundesliga on Saturday as second place Monchengladbach play leaders Dortmund while in La Liga Barcelona will be looking to keep up the pressure on leaders Real Madrid as they welcome Levante.

Football Betting

Tennis

There’s one last tennis title to be decided in 2011 as the Davis Cup final takes place this weekend.

Spain are the overwhelming 1/5 favourites to win in Seville and with Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer and Fernando Verdasco to call on they certainly have a great chance to regain the trophy they last won in 2009. They play Argentina who have never won the title and the South Americans will be keen to go one better than they did in 2006 and 2008.

Argentina include the talented Juan Martin del Potro, Juan Monaco and David Nalbandian – three men with lots of experience. Considering Nadal and Ferrer’s efforts at the ATP finals, Argentina could well cause an upset at 7/2.

Tennis Betting

Golf

The European Tour is in Hong Kong this weekend with Ian Poulter looking to retain the UBS Hong Kong Open title he won in 2010 having shot terrific second round of 60. Rory McIlroy is the 5/1 favourite and the Irishman will have to win to have any chance of overhauling Luke Donald at the top of the Race to Dubai.

The Chevron World Challenge is a charity event hosted by Tiger Woods with a field of 18 players including current major winners and the top 11 available from the Official World Golf Rankings. The former world number one is the 3/1 favourite although I prefer the chances of Webb Simpson at 11/1 or World Cup winner Matt Kuchar at 16/1.

Lee Westwood defends his Nedbank Golf Challenge title in Sun City this weekend with world number one Luke Donald available at 9/2. Martin Kaymer, Charl Schwartzl, Graeme McDowell and Anders Hansen also feature in a small but strong field.

Golf Betting

Cricket

After their 1-1 series draw with South Africa, Australia begin another Test series this weekend. Michael Clarke’s side play New Zealand in Brisbane and look worth backing at 5/6.

Saturday also sees the second one day international between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Dhaka.

Cricket Betting

Rugby Union

Harlequins kept up their terrific start to the season with their 39-8 win over Newcastle last weekend. The league leaders can make it ten wins out of ten in the Aviva Premiership if they can beat Wasps on Sunday.

Second plays third on Sunday as Saracens look to bounce back from their heavy defeat to Northampton last weekend as they play London Irish. Leicester can continue their recent revival with a home win over the Saints while Bath play fellow strugglers Sale on Saturday.

Ospreys remain top of the RaboDirect Pro 12 after their won against Connacht last weekend although the Welsh side have a tough match against third place Munster on Saturday evening. Leinster welcome Cardiff Blues on Friday evening while Edinburgh should beat bottom of the table Aironi.

Rugby Union Betting

Horse Racing

There’s a strong field at Sandown Park on Saturday for the grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase over 2 miles. Sizing Europe is the 11/8 ante-post favourite from Tataniano and Wishful Thinking.

Aintree hosts the Becher Chase on Saturday over the National fences. Half a dozen horses are likely to be vying for favouritism by the weekend including Master Overseer, Another Palm, Uncle Junior and Niche Market.

Elsewhere there is racing on Saturday from Chepstow, Wetherby and Wolverhampton.

Racing Betting

Football

After Manchester City ended their unbeaten start to the campaign last weekend, Newcastle United face another tough trip this Saturday as they face Manchester United at Old Trafford. The home side haven’t been firing on all cylinders of late but I expect them to win at 4/11.

Man United v Newcastle

Sunderland have been struggling of late and so the 4/1 against Wigan Athletic winning at the Stadium of Light may tempt a few, as may the 7/2 you can take on Blackburn Rovers making it three consecutive home defeats for Stoke City.

Sunday sees Manchester City take their unbeaten record to Anfield as they play Liverpool. Kenny Dalglish’s side have arguably been better away from home this season although the 2/1 on them looks great value.

Liverpool v Man City

Swansea are excellent value at 13/10 on Sunday’s earlier kick-off to beat Aston Villa.

Premier League Matches

There’s a top of the table clash in Serie A this Saturday as Lazio welcome Juventus while Atletico are 12/1 to win the Madrid derby at the Bernebeu in Spain’s La Liga.

Football Betting

Tennis

The season ending ATP World Tour Finals concludes in London this Sunday.

As I mentioned last week, the in-form Roger Federer is the man to beat this year and the Swiss former number one is looking for his sixth season ending title. Injuries and fatigue seem to have affected most of the players and so the finalists are anyone’s guess. I still fancy Novak Djokovic to end his incredible year on a high although David Ferrer could be an outsider to watch.

Tennis Betting

Golf

The Italian brothers Eduardo and Francesco Molinari will be attempting to retain their World Cup title this weekend at the Blackstone Course at the new Mission Hills resort in Hainan Island.

The Italian pair are 10/1 to retain the title they won in 2009 although they face fierce competition from some talented teams. Ireland are the 10/3 favourites with Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell looking like a great partnership, while the South African pair of Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzl should also go well.

It may also be worth keeping an eye on the French pair of Gregory Bourdy and Raphael Jacquelin at 28/1.
The European Tour is at the Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate this week for the South African Open.

Home favourites Ernie Els and Retief Goosen lead the betting alongside England’s Simon Dyson.

Golf Betting

Cricket

It’s a quiet weekend of cricket with the only real action being the last couple of days of the third Test between India and the West Indies in Mumbai. India lead the series 2-0.

In addition, Pakistan play Sri Lanka in a Twenty20 international in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

Cricket Betting

Rugby Union

Domestic rugby resumes this weekend with Harlequins looking to make it nine wins out of nine in the Aviva Premiership. The league leaders host bottom club Newcastle on Sunday and so should keep up their 100% start to the season.

Second place Saracens have a tricky away fixture at Northampton although the Saints were out of sorts in their Heineken Cup defeat at Franklin’s Gardens last weekend. Leicester will want to continue their climb up the table with a win at Gloucester while London Irish take on Wasps.

RaboDirect Pro 12 leaders Ospreys travel to Connacht on Saturday looking to stay ahead of the two leading Irish sides who sit directly behind them. Munster have a winnable home tie against Edinburgh while Leinster face Treviso in Italy.

Cardiff Blues should have no trouble seeing off bottom side Aironi on Friday night while Glasgow can continue their good start with a win over Ulster.

Rugby Union Betting

Horse Racing

The big race on Saturday is the Hennessy Gold Cup from Newbury and Paul Nicholls has three of the favourites for the race. Aiteen Thirtythree has been backed into the 6/1 ante-post favourite but Nicholls believes that Michel Le Bon has an equal chance. “He hasn’t run for two years and only had one run over fences. If he can put a clear round in and get into a rhythm he’d have a chance.”
Michel Le Bon is available at 7/1.

The Long Distance Hurdle precedes the Gold Cup and Big Bucks is looking to make it a hat-trick of wins although is an unbackable 1/6.

Elsewhere there is racing on Saturday from Newcastle, Bangor on Dee, Towcester and Wolverhampton.

Racing Betting

Football

The Premier League returns this weekend with a couple of interesting matches that pit promoted sides against the title hopefuls.
Norwich City have acquitted themselves well since their return to the top flight and Paul Lambert’s side welcome Arsenal in Saturday’s early kick-off. Arsene Wenger’s team are on a good run of form although many will be tempted by the Canaries at 4/1.

Norwich v Arsenal

Swansea also look comfortable amongst the Premier League big boys and they welcome Manchester United to the Liberty Stadium. Again, the 13/2 available on the home side looks tempting against a United side who have looked ragged of late.

Swansea v Man United

Manchester City are 1/3 to end Newcastle United’s unbeaten start to the season while Chelsea are excellent value at 4/5 to see off Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Man City v Newcastle

Chelsea v Liverpool

Premier League Matches

There’s a great looking match in La Liga on Saturday evening and Valencia should be backed at 11/2 to beat Real Madrid at the Mestalla. If Mourinho’s men do lose this game, we’ll refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast singles!

Valencia v Real Madrid

Football Betting

Tennis

The season ending ATP World Tour Finals heads to London again this weekend as the top eight players in man’s tennis go head to head for the final prize of the year.

The in-form Roger Federer is the man to beat this year with the former world number one having won five of the last eight World Tour finals. The Swiss player opens his campaign against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Sunday and is available at 7/4 to win the tournament. Last year’s runner-up Rafael Nadal plays Mardy Fish in Sunday’s second match.

Novak Djokovic’s season isn’t ending as strongly as it began, but the 2008 winner looks good value at 4/1 considering his group includes Andy Murray, Thomas Berdych and David Ferrer.

Tennis Betting

Golf

The European Tour is in South Africa this week for the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

Pablo Martin is looking to join an elite group of players who have won a European Tour event in three consecutive years and the Spaniard is 28/1 to retain the trophy he won in 2009 and 2010. Thomas Aiken is the 12/1 favourite at Leopard’s Creek.

The Presidents Cup sees the best golfers from the USA and the Rest of the World (minus Europe) go head to head in a Ryder Cup format. Two strong teams will be in Melbourne this weekend and the two sides can’t be separated in the betting.

The US team boasts nine of the world’s top 20 golfers including Steve Stricker, Dustin Johnson, the in-form Webb Simpson and Phil Mickelson and so I’d be tempted to back the ‘away’ team at 10/11.

Golf Betting

Cricket

It’s not very often we get to snigger at the exploits of Australia in Test cricket, but their second innings total of 47 against South Africa in their eight wicket defeat would have raised a smile amongst many international cricket fans.

The fact that John Daly scored more on one hole of the Australian Open golf than any Australian batsman managed in the second innings tells its own story, and Michael Clarke’s side have the chance to make amends in the second Test which concludes this weekend.

South Africa v Australia

Elsewhere, it’s 1-1 in the one day series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka heading into two further internationals on Friday and Sunday.

Cricket Betting

Rugby League

England’s excellent 28-6 win over world champions New Zealand last weekend means that they will face the mighty Australia in this Saturday’s Four Nations final.

Australia won the fixture between the two sides by 16 points a fortnight ago, but England should be closer this time after some encouraging performances. It promises to be a great match at Elland Road and I’d back the home side with a 12 point start at 10/11.

England v Australia

Rugby League Betting

Rugby Union

After an intriguing first set of fixtures, the 17th Heineken Cup continues this weekend.

Jonathan Sexton’s last minute penalty rescued a draw for Leinster at Montpellier last weekend and the reigning champions should kick-start their campaign with a win over Glasgow. However, I fancy the Scottish side on the handicaps with a 17 point start at 10/11.

Leinster v Glasgow

Munster travel to Castres while Ulster have a tricky away tie at Welford Road as they face Leicester Tigers.
I fancy Biarritz to overcome their three point handicap to beat Saracens while the Ospreys can win by more than nine points in Treviso at 10/11. Northampton should prove too strong for the Scarlets while the Cardiff Blues can make it two wins out of two with victory over London Irish on Friday night.

Heineken Cup Matches

Rugby Union Betting

Horse Racing

The highlight of Saturday’s racing comes from Haydock Park where there are some well-known runners in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase over three miles. Long Run is the clear 5/6 favourite while 2006, 2007 and 2009 winner Kauto Star is available at 7/1.

Ascot hosts the Coral Hurdle on Saturday and the Nicky Henderson trained six year old Oscar Whisky is the 6/4 favourite. Paul Nicholls’ 2008 Triumph Hurdle winner Celestial Halo is available at 5/1.

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

Racing Betting