Weekend Tips

This week, we have a full football fixture list, including the final day of the Championship and Horse-Racing from Sandown, Market Rasen, Rippon and Punchestown as well as Rugby League Challenge Cup action. So there are plenty of chances for money to be made. Last week was not a bad weekend despite the horse-racing failures, the football bets made the money. My bet of the day, QPR to beat Tottenham came in @3/1 hope you had that as well as my prediction of an Arsenal/Chelsea draw @16/5 and Ched Evan-less Sheffield United's defeat to the MK Dons.

Football:

This week's bet of the day is not a big price nor an outsider however I can not see any other result.

Villa looks doomed. More misery
predicted for Mcleish today

It is the derby game involving Roy Hodgson's West Brom and Alex Mcleish's (left) Aston Villa. West Brom are 11/10 (Skybet) for the win and both a Aston Villa win and draw is @12/5 (SkyBet). West Brom are a good side and awkward away from home. They won last week away at Anfield and confidence will be high. They are literally the complete opposite of Aston Villa. Villa are devoid of ideas and quality. Villa's defeat in mid-week showed just how poor Villa really are. It may be said that West Brom 'have nothing to play for' however they have in this one. A derby for a start and also the chance to send local rivals towards the Championship. That is insidentically exactly where Aston Villa are heading. I said it weeks ago take the 12/1 Villa to go down, now it is down to 5/1 (SkyBet) however this still presents a great bet. After today they will be nearer 7/2 as their slide continued. To me Alex Mcleish looks a beaten man  whose time at Villa Park is coming to an end. I do believe he will be sacked whether they stay up or not. For me they will not pick up a single point from now to the end of the season.

Another defeat looking likely at Carrow Road
for Dalglish

The larger bet in the Premier League is that of a home win for Paul Lambert's Norwich against Liverpool. Norwich @11/4 represent a great price. Liverpool are still playing poorly and will be focusing on the FA Cup final. Carrow Road is a very tricky away day, and I do not think Liverpool will be up for the fight. Kenny Dalglish's (right) Liverpool also still have a problem with scoring and despite Norwich's leaking defence can not see them winning this one. Liverpool are 10/11 (SkyBet) and the draw it 13/5 (SkyBet) My fun bet prediction Grant Holt to score first - Norwich win 3-1 @125/1 (SkyBet)

Elsewhere in the Premier League both Newcastle and Arsenal have tricky trips to the DW and Britannia respectively in the race for top four. I would not be surprised if both slipped up here. The bookies agree with Wigan at 13/8 (SkyBet) for the win however Stoke are a larger 16/5 (SkyBet) in what is in truth a great bet. Arsenal always struggle at the Britannia so maybe worth a few quid. Newcastle to make it seven wins on the spin is @6/4 (SkyBet) and Arsenal to return to winning ways is a very short 5/6 (SkyBet).

Now leaving the Premier League, it is the final day of the Championship and who will go up with Reading is the main question. West Ham need to win and I think will @2/5 (SkyBet) at home to Hull and need Southampton lose at home to all ready relegated Coventry City. This is very unlikely and Southampton are @ 1/4 (SkyBet) to win. If it is a draw West Ham need to win by 3 goals or more to go up, so it will be a tense afternoon no doubt.  For the shock Coventry win the odds are a huge 10/1 (SkyBet). I will be leaving this one alone.

Bet of the day: West Brom to beat Aston Villa @11/10 (SkyBet)

                          Norwich to beat Liverpool @11/4 (SkyBet)

Also get on Villa to go down at 5/1 (SkyBet)

Horse Racing:

At Sandown in the 1.30 Songsmith @16/1 (SkyBet) presents an each-way punt. Elsewhere at Sandown I will just be watching especially the 3.45 to see how Twice Over, Sri Putra, Poet and Columbian perform. At Market Rasen there are plenty of small fields so good chance for winners her. Bet of the meeting is Ballyoliver in the 2.10 at 7/2 @(SkyBet). Other then these two I am leaving the Horses alone, as feel better value bets today can be found in the Football and Rugby League.

Rugby League:

Kear senses a shcok

Challenge Cup weekend and last night Featherstone Rovers put on a magnificent performance n their defeat to the mighty Wigan Warriors 32-16. However my bet of this round is that of a lower division side causing a shock. Legendary coach and Challenge Cup upset king John Kear's (left) Batley Bulldogs take on Super League side the London Broncos tomorrow. Now in theory they should not have a chance however at 8/1 (SkyBet) they are a good price. The Broncos' are near the bottom of Super League and have not being playing well, especially away from home. Batley will be incredibly fired up for this one and think it will be a great game. The Broncos' Super League class should tell, as well as superior fitness but I have a feeling that this one could be a shock.

Hopefully I have predicted some winners here. Good luck with any bets you have this week.