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
NAP: Kevin Pietersen top England Batsmen 11/4 (Totesport)
Michael Sneddon seems to have lost all Vision in his betting column this week tipping Ian Bell to top score in the one day series in India. Bell has a highest score of a paltry 46 and an equally unimpressive average of 27.33 on India’s subcontinental tracks. The slow pace and lack of bounce clearly does not suit a player who prefers quick bowling and relies on inch perfect timing. In this market stick with Seano and back captain KP to lead the English resistance. He has a superb record in India, averaging 53 at a strike rate of 90.08, relishing the chance to dominate on the front foot. 11/4 is great value amongst the weak England batting line up. 2pts Win
Seano’s Shouts: Tottenham to beat Fulham at 2.3 and Gabriel Agbonlahor to be top English Goalscorer 10.5 (Betfair)
My first shout hopes to jump on the bandwagon of a revitalised Spurs side who should dispatch their weaker rivals at Craven Cottage this weekend. The magic of Harry ‘Houdini’ Redknapp struck again on Wednesday as his blue and white army embarrassed an under strength Liverpool side. With five wins out of their last six games, and scoring 18 goals, Tottenham will easily overcome a stuttering Fulham side. 2pt Win
The glory of a betting exchange, such as Betfair, allows us to trade positions on long term markets ensuring money to nothing shots. A great example I spotted in the English goalscorers' market is Aston Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor at 10.5. The young striker scored 11 goals in 37 games last year and has already netted six in this campaign, one behind leaders Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent. Aston Villa have struggled for form in the last few weeks but I am sure we have not seen the best from a team that look the most impressive outside the top 4. As Villa begin to win expect Agbonlahor to score goals and he will definitely shorten from 9.5/1 to allow a lay of four to five points to nothing. 1pt Win
HORSE: Bible Lord to be placed in 14:35 Cheltenham at 3.55 (Betfair)
In a very competitive Paddy Power chase picking an outright winner could prove risky, so back a horse in good form to make a strong showing in the top four. My pick Bible Lord only just made the field for Saturday’s race but has derived much interest in the ante post betting. 12/1 is a tasty price but I fear Ruby Walsh or AP McCoy might steal the win. 3.55 for a place is worth a flutter on a horse that is running well and fancied by punters. 1pt Place
OUTSIDE CHANCE: Diana Vickers to be eliminated this week from X Factor 25/1 (Betfair)
Okay this seems a ridiculous suggestion as Diana is the 6/5 favourite for the whole thing, but there is craft in my madness. Controversy arose during the week as the singer was shown partying on Bonfire night when she was meant to be suffering from severe laryngitis, causing uproar amongst X Factor fans aggrieved by the elimination of Laura Whiteman last week. A shaky performance could see Diana ejected to the bottom two and then voted off by the deciding votes of Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh who will protect their only acts in the competition. Albeit unlikely, if you fancy a bigger price then 26 should entice you. 1pt win
For whom the Bell tolls
Prior warning
Smart arse
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