Weekend Tips

Last week proved to be very frustrating as Ipswich failed to beat a very poor Blackpool side.  

The horse racing also provided a mixed bag as Captain Chris won very convincingly whilst Zakander could only grab second and both Houblon Des Obeaux and Sea Claria put in very poor performances.

This week the Premier League returns and one bet in particular stands out.

Football:

Pulis' men to give United a tough afternoon

One football bet stand alone this week and that is Crystal Palace to beat Manchester United. Skybet currently has them at a hugely inviting 5/1. Now given Palace's improved form and the state of which Manchester United find themselves in this is a crazy price. Win, lose or draw this is a bet that I cannot leave alone.

Tony Pulis' men have improved greatly and in Tom Ince they have a player who can cause plenty of trouble.  I backed them two weeks ago and they delivered. Now I know Manchester United will turn up with Mata, RVP and Rooney but having seen them against Fulham and others they are struggling.  David Moyes is under pressure no doubt, United are 11 points of 4th and are not looking like closing that gap.

5/1 is a wonderful price and is worth a punt even if its goes down.

Accumulator bet of Arsenal, Manchester City, Sheffield United and West Ham is 7/1 (SkyBet).

Horse Racing

Only one bet this week and that is Full Shift in the 4.25 at Kempton. SkyBet has it at 11/8 and I will be taking that.

Rugby Union

Italy looks a bolt on certainty to win today over a very poor Scottish outfit. 8/13 (SkyBet) is a good bet and appears a very safe one.

Rugby League

Huddersfield and Salford double looks safe as houses. Combine with Italy for a treble. 

Weekend Tips

Last week proved to be very successful. In the football my bet of the day won as Cardiff managed to overcome Norwich for a gift at 6/5. Everton also came through after defeating Aston Villa for a lovely 5/2 double.

There was also success of the horse racing front. Four out of the five selections won. The only failure was shutthefrontdoor as he was a non-runner. Therefore the bet became two doubles.

In the rugby union the win looked secure until Wales conceded a late try to only win by 8 points instead of the 10 required.

This week provides plenty more opportunity for wins with football and horse racing.

Football:

This week the bet of the day is Crystal Palace at 7/5 (Skybet) to beat West Brom at home. Both sides are near the foot of the table in dire need of points. Tony Pulis have improved Palace beyond all recognition in the

Ince to help fire Pulis' Palace to 3 points

past month or so and I expect that to continue today. The availability of Tom Ince will also provide Palace with additional firepower in attack and could be the difference today. Having seen him play on many occasions in the Championship I am very interested to see how he performs at the higher level. There is no doubt he has terrific talent and I expect him to have a big impact for Palace and in doing so helping to secure Premier League survival this season.

It is great to see young England players like Ince and Zaha hopefully playing week in week out in the Premier League.

West Brom have struggled all year and I do not think the sacking of Steve Clarke has benefited them. Having said that in players such as James Morrison, Chris Brunt and very talented Saido Berahino they have more than other sides around them. The selling of Shane Long was a strange one and in doing so they have lost a very useful attacking option.  Having seen West Brom of late I think they are going to find it very tough today. The best I can see them getting is a draw.

The treble bet would be a Palace win with Chelsea and Southampton for 7/2 (Skybet).

Horse Racing:

This weekend racing comes from Newbury, Lingfield and Warwick. All meeting have been given the go-ahead after inspections. The ground will be a major factor today as it has been for the past few weeks and so a battling horse who loves the mud is required.

Newbury: Katenko in 2.25 at 11/4 (Skybet). Beaten on his last run and today he is in a very strong field including Paul Nicholls trained favourite Al Ferof. However taking into account Venetia Williams' form of late and that Katenko is 4 pounds lighter I think he will give it the edge.

Smad Place 15/8 (Skybet) in the 4.10 would be my second selection at Newbury.

The double is at 9/1 (Skybet).

At Warwick the stand out bet is Red Brick in the 2.40. Personally thought he would be a shorter price but at 11/4 (Skybet) it is a no brainer. Was disappointing on last run but feel it will return to form today.

Weekend Tips

Now it has been a while since I have done this but now feels the right time to bring it back. Plenty of Sports action this weekend and some great betting opportunities too.

Football:

For me without a shadow of a doubt the straight bet of the day is Crystal Palace to win against Stoke. Tony Pulis has done fantastically well since taking charge at Crystal Palace who are now a disciplined and organised outfit. They have proved in recent weeks their ability to make it very difficult for opponents. 

Pulis' Palace the bet of the day

They are the only side down at the bottom who I feel have a little momentum. I saw enough in their performances against Manchester City and Spurs to think they have a great chance of survival. I know that seems a ridiculous comment considering they have returned to the foot of the table.  However with it being so tight down the bottom it really is not as bad as it seems. I wrote them off at the start of the season as whipping boys but Pulis is changing that and tomorrow may not be much of a spectacle for the lovers of Arsenal style football but it will be competitive.  The pressure is really on now and every week it stays tight that pressure will grow and grow on all of the sides. 

Tony Pulis will greatly enjoy playing his old side and he must fancy the win. Stoke really do not impress whenever I have seen them this season.

SkyBet have Crystal Palace at the lovely price of 5/4. Personally this is one I will be on for sure.

Elsewhere in the Premier League Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool all look bolt on certainties to collect victories. 4/7 for that treble, add Crystal Palace for 13/5 accumulator.

Both Teams to Score: Reading v Bolton / Port Vale v Oldham / Sheffield United v Bradford / Preston v Coventry / Southend v Chesterfield/ Wycombe v Oxford @ 28/1 (Skybet).

Horse Racing:

Venetia Williams is having a good time of late and as a firm believer in momentum it would be unwise to oppose her. Trusted man Aiden Coleman rides both mounts at Haydock.

Zamdy Man (4/1 SkyBet) in the 2.05 at Haydock looks a good bet. Biggest danger is Nicky Henderson's Stand to Reason. 

Katenko (7/2 SkyBet) in the 3.15 at Haydock. A very open race for me with no one really standing out. Should make for decent betting. 

Double is 22/1 with SkyBet.