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 Good Things
The double I am giving to you is for Saturday and consists of Spain winning with Greece and Russia drawing. I hope you all took my advice on Russia conceding the most goals last week as they looked lost without their captain. I would back Greece to win but they looked equally dreadful against a quite average Sweden side. The game could go either way; it could be drab as they both know that if they lose they are out or it could be exciting as they both want to win. I’m not sure what sort of game it will be but I do think that it will be a draw.
My other Euro bet revolves around a very interesting situation. Currently, the Czechs and the Turks have the same points, goal difference and goals scored. They play each other on Monday with the very realistic prospect of a draw, meaning a complete tie on tournament criteria. If they weren’t playing each other, who went through would be determined by points gained in qualifying or fair play points. As they are playing each other, as far as I am aware, it will go to a penalty shootout. I have never seen such an event so am backing the draw as I really believe it will come to it as neither team will want to go out of the tournament.
Outside of the football on the continent, there are two battles between England and New Zealand taking place; one in our country and one in theirs. Both home countries are strong favourites and rightly so.
In the cricket, New Zealand are on a low ebb after the test series and with Bopara in scintillating one-day form, you can’t give New Zealand a sniff. At 4-6, its basically buying money so invest heavily.
On the other side of the world, England take on the All Blacks at rugby and quite frankly have no chance of winning. They have an inexperienced squad who lack quality without Cipriani. For England to win, they would need a seven point start, which is exactly what you can get at Ladbrokes at 11-8.
My last tip of the week is for York races this Saturday and I cannot be blamed if the horse comes last. I received a threatening call from a Mr O’Shea after my tips of two weeks ago were backed by him and failed to deliver. I’m not sure whether I would rather have a threatening phone call or Deadly Silence if this horse loses.
Seano's Snaps
Written by Sean Martin
After solely concentrating on the Euros last week, I look for a more eclectic hamper of tasty tips this week to hopefully afford you one more night out at the end of term. The top tip this week is for Kent to triumph again in the 20/20 cup. They have won their first game against Sussex comfortably boosting their Net run rate and appear to have a stronger team than last year.
With this shortened crash bang format it is easy to think that big hitting batsmen will provide the success, however for me it is the death bowlers that perform under pressure and win games. Kent have Yasir Arafat and Azhar Mahmood who are two tremendous death bowlers and captain Key can turn to them to unlock the doors to 20/20 success.
I have two predictions for the Euros this week where you have to take advantage of layers misplaced confidence in already promoted teams. Portugal and Croatia have both looked impressive in their opening games with the latter defeating tournament favourites Germany. Although these games do not matter to them, I think both teams are too good for their respective oppositions. I backed a double at 7.07 on Betfair but if you can’t get that then go for them individually for a point each.
I am not much of a Tennis fan but in my hung-over state today I ended up watching some of the Artois Championships. Nadal triumphed in a very tough game against the giant Karlovic who struck over 30 aces against him. Although Djokovic is in fantastic form Nadal is in a winning mood after thumping Federer and should triumph over the Serbian and win the tournament.
Finally a long shot that you should look to trade on is Justin Rose to be in the top 3 for Sports Personality of the year. This year Lewis Hamilton is favourite and is likely to win as British talent has little chance to shine with England not making Euro 2008; the cricket team playing a stronger South Africa and a lack of talent in the Olympics. Consequently I look to Justin Rose who has improved vastly over the last few years with some great finishes in majors. If Rose performs well at the Open, and a European win in the Ryder Cup in September, he will propel himself in to the running. At 16/1 for top 3 he is great value and should be backed now with a view to trading his position later on.
£40? try being up £1700
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