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Football Betting
The main leagues take a break this weekend for the international break as the remaining World Cup qualification issues are decided.
Whilst France might start as favourites against the Republic of Ireland, the Irish are unbeaten in qualifying so far and are terrific value at 11/5 to see off Raymond Domenech’s struggling side and qualify for South Africa.
Elsewhere, I expect Bosnia and Slovenia to make life more difficult for Portugal and Russia than many imagine, and Greece should see off Ukraine.
There’s an attractive looking friendly fixture in Qatar on Saturday as World Cup second and third favourites Brazil and England meet. In theory it should be a great opportunity to see quite how good Capello’s England side are but with injuries and omissions it’s more a chance for England’s fringe players to impress.
Football Betting
Golf Betting
Even in the absence of the Tiger, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els, the UBS Hong Kong Open boasts a quality field. Rory McIlroy and Francesco Molinari should go well after their performance in Shanghai last week and Lee Westwood will be looking to retain his position at the top of the Race to Dubai lists in this, the final event.
It’s also the final event on the US PGA tour this weekend as Tiger Woods and Geoff Ogilvy lead the field at the JBWere Masters.
Golf Betting
Tennis Betting
The BNP Paribas Masters is the last tournament before the end of season showcase World Tour Finals in London later this month. Players including Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Fernando Verdasco and Marian Cilic will have to progress to the latter stages to have any chance of winning one of the two remaining spots but with Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray in attendance in Paris, that could prove hard.
Djokovic has neither Federer nor Murray in his half of the draw and so with a still rusty Nadal standing in his way the Serb can continue his good recent form here.
Tennis Betting
Rugby Union Betting
Whilst they never quite looked like ending their fifty-six year winless streak against the All Blacks, those of us who took Wales to win with a twelve point head start were handsomely rewarded at 10/11.
Warren Gatland’s side face Samoa on Friday evening and whilst the powerful Samoa side will pose an attacking threat, Wales should have enough possession to record a comfortable win.
England’s performance against Australia on Saturday raised more questions than it answered with only a returning Jonny Wilkinson and Lewis Moody escaping some relatively fierce criticism. Martin Johnson will surely make changes for the visit of Argentina and Paul Hodgson and Dan Haskell can expect to start against the Pumas. Anything other than an England win will put Johnson under severe pressure and after Saturday’s display I fancy a talented Argentina side on the handicaps.
There’s a mouthwatering game in Toulouse on Friday as France host South Africa. The Springboks have been consistently the best team in world rugby for some time now and only a sparking French performance will stop the world champions from recording another win.
Scotland face Fiji in the final international this weekend and Andy Robinson‘s side will be looking to record a good performance as they build for the Six Nations.
Rugby Union Betting
Rugby League Betting
After two relatively uninspiring performances, England finally burst into life last weekend in a sparkling 20-12 win over world champions New Zealand.
That result gives England the chance to take revenge for their recent defeat at the hands of Australia in Saturdays Four Nations final at Elland Road. Whilst England improved in their win over the Kiwis, I can’t see them being anywhere near strong enough to stop a formidable Aussie side in spite of what is sure to be a passionate home support.
Rugby League Betting
Cricket Betting
England have been in good one day form against strong South African franchise sides ahead of two Twenty20 internationals against their hosts this weekend.
Paul Collingwood’s side face South Africa in Johannesburg on Friday and again on Sunday at Centurion. England will be looking to put a summer of disappointing limited overs cricket behind them although Joe Denly, Jonathan Trott and the bowling attack have been in good form on the tour so far. Saying that, the Proteas reached the Twenty20 World Cup semi final before a narrow defeat to Pakistan and should be too strong for England here.
Cricket Betting
Horse Racing Betting
Cheltenham’s much anticipated Open meeting arrives this weekend as we leave the Flat season behind. The highlight is the Paddy power Gold Cup where Paul Nicholls has the two ante-post favourites Poquelin and Chapoturgeon.
There’s also a couple of long distance handicaps up the Cheltenham hill including the Servo Trophy Handicap Chase and the Jardine Lloyd Thompson Handicap Hurdle.
Horse Racing Betting
