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: Buy bookings at 38.5 points {Even money} (Betfair)
Tonight's game has received a gigantic billing (if you watch as much Sky Sports News as me) as the clash of two great footballing sides; two teams that encapsulate the beautiful games raison d'etre. And here I am telling you to buy bookings as if I was watching Blackburn V Stoke. Do not fear Yorker punters, I have not gone mad. In reality this game is set up to have quite a few bookings, with numerous players being so good on the ball. Moreover, as any avid football fan will have noticed, United actually commit a huge amount of fouls, especially in big games, and against less sympathetic refereeing in Europe they will notch up a good number. Secondly, Barca's weak defensive line up will be highly liable to offend when they are stretched by United's quick counter attacking football.
Betfair's points system allocates 10 points for a booking and 20 for a red card, and it's a line betting market not spread betting so you can only lose the fixed stake you place at the start. Therefore it pays out even money if 38.5 points (4 bookings effectively) are exceeded. With copious tactical fouling bound to occur I think this is a particularly inviting line. 2pt Win
Seano's shouts: Kenny Perry to win the Crown Plaza invitation at 22 and Lancashire to win the 20/20 Cup 7.6
Last week an opening 75 for Justin Leonard negated his brilliant 63 on Friday, denying punters a great chance of a back to lay. This week I hope the Indian summer of Kenny Perry will build on a fine course record at Colonial. Perry is prolific here, winning in 2003 by six shots despite a last round 59 by Leonard. His heart breaking loss at the Masters may have dented his confidence, and won Seano 110 quid on Cabrera, but this PGA veteran is one of the best drivers on tour, a vital asset at Colonial. Watch out for Leonard again this week, but Perry is great value at 22 and his price will collapse if he makes a good showing on day one. 1pt Win
Your Yorkshire pride may still be smarting after Lancashire's thumping victory, but the Red Rose is going to be near the finish line come finals day. Lancashire have a well balanced 20/20 team, with the batting experience of Prince and Law, swinging his new Mongoose bat, supported by the spin of Parry and Keedy. Although the 20/20 cup is rarely affected by the international scene, Lancashire's side will not perish under its commitments as only their prodigal sons of Flintoff and Anderson are involved. Once through the groups, Lancs should present a valuable trading option. 1pt Win
Horse: Kalam Daleel for the 2.10 Brighton at 1.5 (Betfair)
After a promising debut run, Kalam Daleel looks a great shout to win a maiden victory in the Hardings Bar & Catering Services Median Auction Maiden Stakes at Brighton. He ran a fine race to finish third at Salisbury and with normal improvement from that first run, he should dominate this field. 2pt Win
Outsider: Stavros Flatly to win Britain's Got Talent at 15/1(Betfair)
Stavros Flatly has taken the country by storm by recoginising what the country loves: not technical ability, precision or elan, but laughing at self deprecating dancing by people who don't take themselves too seriously. Now, regular readers will know I take a keen interest in reality TV markets, and I will stress my old adage that the punter most calculate the voting emographic before they make a wager. The fact that Stavros won the vote over Shaheen shows the huge body of public support the act has.
Experience in reality TV psephology shows that the public favour personality over raw talent, as shown by the victories of Tom Chambers and Darren Gough. As Scottish Susan goes off the Boyle, and Flawless and Diversity lack the personal edge, expect Stavros to come through the middle. It is unlikely, as at the end of the day it is just a fat dad and his fat kid amusingly jiggling around a stage, but it would prove my reality TV voting theory in the most difficult of circumstances if they were to win. 1pt Win
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