Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
Sned's view
Well it wasn't the greatest start to my tipster career but fear not, pile your student loans into these selections. I start off at the big race of the day at Ascot, the Victoria Cup.
My sources in the betting shop have told me that Laa Rayb has disappointed over longer distances by tiring in the closing stages but the 7 furlong length should suit this horse to the ground.
My only concern is the jockey, R.Winstone. Lets hope its not Ray Winstone or this horse may not make it through the first furlong, let alone win it.
The play-offs are normally an absolute lottery and there is so much pressure on teams to gain promotion, especially when there is the pot of gold that is the Premier League as a prize. There is so much pressure and anyone who watched the game between Southend and Doncaster will realise that first legs are normally tight and scrappy.
The fact that Watford are horribly out of form and that they are at home should ensure that Aidy Bothroyd will attempt to keep Hull at bay and with Hull being away, I doubt they will push on too much. I can see it being 1-1 but would back the draw to be safe.
To the title race, with the expected short prices of Manchester United (1-5) and Chelsea (1-8), I don't see any value in backing these. I would be shocked if Chelsea do not open the scoring at Stamford Bridge and anyone from Drogba, Anelka or Ballack would be a good bet, but I've gone with Lampard.
Frank's been through a lot of late and given the fact he started on the bench against Newcastle, he should start against Bolton. Frank will be on penalties and probably have a squabble with Drogba and Ballack over free-kicks so looks decent value at 6-1 to open the scoring.
The battle at The JJB won't be a classic game with slick passing and quick dribbling, the pitch won't allow it. This will play into Wigans hands and could frustrate United for large periods of time.
I would be very suprised if Man U didn't win but I can see them not opening the scoring until well into the 2nd half so backing the double-result of half-time draw and full-time Man U win is very juicy.
I leave you with the sign that summer has arrived, the 1st Test at Lords between England and New Zealand is upon us. Now New Zealand are weak to start with, and if you take away their 2 best bowlers in Vettori and Bond (both chasing the dollar in the IPL) then most county sides would enjoy feasting on their bowling. Last week Kent took them to the cleaners with Key and Tredwell filling their boots with big tons in a score of 324-1.
The line up of Southee, Martin, O'Brien, Oram and Patel is simply not international quality so offering 1.63 that an England player scores a hundred in the 1st innings seems very large. Get stuck into it lads.
Thats all for this week folks, lets all hope that these bets come off and you can all buy me drinks in Gallery for making you lots of money.
You must log in to submit a comment.
