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: Tranmere to beat Leeds 2.86 (Betfair)
It seems like only yesterday that Leeds were five points clear of Man United at the top of the Premiership and competing in the semi-finals of the Champions league – but oh how the great have fallen, as this week’s nap is for this side to fall to none other than Tranmere Rovers. For me the fact that striker Bas Savage completes a moonwalk in football boots after he scores should be enough to warrant a Tranmere win every week, but at Prenton Park on Saturday Rovers are good value at 2.86.
Leeds have performed poorly away from home, exemplified by their embarrassing loss to Histon in the FA cup. They have lost their last three away games in League one which does not bode well against a Tranmere side who prefer their home turf. Bolstered by the extension of starlet Ryan Shotton’s loan deal from Stoke, Ronnie Moore’s men will prolong Leeds’ frustration. 2pt win
Seano’s Shouts: Chris Gayle to be top West Indian batsman 5/2 (bet 365) MK Dons to beat Scunthorpe 2.3 (Betfair)
The West Indies set sail for New Zealand with copious changes to their squad and hence several new faces looking to make an impression. New Zealand are fresh from an Australian spanking and have slipped to 7th in the test rankings. For me 6/1 the 2-0 West Indies win was tempting but a more interesting option is for captain Gayle to be top West Indian bat at 5/2. There are only three main contenders in this market: Gayle, Chanderpaul and Sarwan. Gayle has an average of 67 in New Zealand which is over double of both his colleagues and as an opener he will get first crack at a weakened New Zealand line up. As Chanderpaul will bat down the order to offer protection for the tail, Gayle should come up trumps. 1pt win
A fellow tipster has pointed me towards the prolific MK Dons, who should secure a home win this weekend. Di Matteo's side have won six straight games in the league, whilst Scunthorpe have dropped off the pace a little after defeats against Tranmere and Leicester. Let's just hope the Dons don't suffer from the manager of the month curse and maintain their winning form. 1pt win
Horse: Lay Master Minded at 1.69 in Tingle Creek Chase 2:35 Sandown (Betfair)
This grade one race is full of top horses and will be an extremely competitive run. With Nicholls also running last year’s winner Twist Magic and Takeroc, Master Minded will have to run well to come home as winner. 1.69 is a very short price and definitely value for a lay in a high calibre field. 2pt Lay
OUTSIDER: Bolton to draw 0-0 with Chelsea 13.5 (Betfair)
A resurgent Bolton side have performed brilliantly recently, winning four of their last six games, but more importantly they have only conceded 17 goals this season, an impressive record for a side of their standing. Scolari’s Chelsea are in the middle of a blip in form, especially after their 2-1 loss to Arsenal and previous draw to Bordeaux. It appears that when full backs Bosingwa and Cole are blocked off, the slow midfield is finding it difficult to create space. Bolton will doubtless park the bus in front of goal and their impressive defensive record so far might well see them come out with a clean sheet. 13.5 is certainly a cheeky piece of value. ½ pt win
You must log in to submit a comment.
