Betting week 9; Gentle Wind can upset Magpies

Sneer's Selections

• 3 pts Tottenham to win (1.9 on Betfair)
• 1 pt Over 3.5 goals (3.7 on Betfair)
• 2 pts Middlesbrough vs. Cardiff to draw (3.8 on Betfair)
• 1 pt Middlesbrough vs. Cardiff 0-0 (10.5 on Betfair)

Tottenham take on West Ham in the Premiership on Sunday. Both of these teams domestic season is effectively over, as neither are in any great danger of relegation, nor are they likely to prise their way into a European place. Mid-table teams often play below par in the final few games as points are taken from them by teams that need them more. Tottenham and West Ham each conceded four in their last Premiership game and will be looking for a win to lift their spirits. However, I believe Tottenham will be keener to get back on track.

When clubs have nothing to play for they often rely on the manager for motivation and I think Ramos has shown more passion. After his side lost 4-1 to Birmingham he was reportedly too angry to speak to his players after the game. West Ham were facing tougher opposition in Liverpool but there seemed an acceptance from Curbishley that they don’t expect to be able to compete with top four sides. West Ham are 8 points higher in the Premiership, but they have a worse goal difference. When Tottenham are in good form they tend to win by a few. At home Spurs have been particularly prolific scoring 33 in 12 games, but have conceded 22 times. I recommend having a bet on over 3.5 goals as games at White Hart Lane have generated just under 5 goals on average.

In the FA cup, Cardiff travel to the Riverside Stadium to face Middlesbrough this Sunday. ‘Boro have only won four out of fourteen at home in the league. Both are fairly lost in their respective leagues and this will be a welcome incentive for the teams. Middlesbrough will perhaps have one eye on their Premiership survival. If Reading manage to beat Manchester City and Newcastle take a point from Liverpool on Saturday then ‘Boro will have been dragged into the thick of the relegation battle.

Middlesbrough’s form is not convincing either, as they haven’t won in four (in ninety minutes). Their two legs against Sheffield United in the previous round were decided by a calamity from Paddy Kenny after 210 goalless minutes. Cardiff have been similarly lacking in firepower and haven’t scored in their last three games. Both teams will be fired up for this match, as they both have every chance of getting to the final. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee an exciting game and I think it could be a draw. With such a lot at stake the game will be very tight and players will be edgy. If you wish for a bigger payout I advise backing a 0-0 draw.

Taylor's Tips

Let's face it, it's all about Cheltenham this week, so let's not be getting too heavily involved. Retain your bank for a big week starting Tuesday, or boost it following these cracking tips...

• 2pts Liverpool to beat Newcastle (1.42 on Betfair)
• 2pts Liverpool to keep a clean sheet (1.98 on Betfair)
• 1pt each way Wind Instrument (11.5 & 3.9 on Betfair)
• 2pts Gentle John (3.25 on Betfair)

The 2.05 at Sandown is a race worth taking notice of, mostly because the Nicholls trained Gansey is taking all the attention. However, he is a very short price when analysing his bare form. Nicholls’ stunning season has meant his reputation has once again gone before him, meaning there is value elsewhere in the race for us. Andytown catches the eye after finally getting off the mark last time, but he might not quite be ready for a race this competitive at the tender age of 5. It may pay to side with Wind Instrument, who has a cracking jockey on board and has slipped in low at the weights. This looks open and competitive and could set this up for the selection, who excelled over 4 furlongs further last time.

Due to the open nature of the race, take this one each way.

Later there is a small but tightly contested affair, one where Takeroc can be opposed. Trained again by Nicholls, this one may again be an artificially short price. Gentle John looks the one to oppose him with, take any price above 5/2.

Has no one mentioned Newcastle yet? They're away at Liverpool. So no chance, I doubt they'll even score.

Keep stakes low for today though, make sure you’ve plenty left come Tuesday! See you there.

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