The profitable Sporting Life Accumulator can be backed at 16/1 for Saturday's football action.
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Sporting Life Accumulator - Saturday 18th April 2015 Sporting Life Accumulator: Crystal Palace, Chesterfield, Wycombe and Burton all to Win 16/1
The Sporting Life Accumulator features the selections of our top tipping team and you can back the picks with Sky Bet.
Our acca has claimed five victories during the 2014/15 campaign at 25/1, 22/1, 18/1, 16/1 and 13/1 to leave followers of our selections well in profit.
Will the Sporting Life Accumulator win for a sixth time?
Here's our offering for Saturday's football fixtures in England...
Sporting Life Accumulator
Back Crystal Palace, Chesterfield, Wycombe & Burton all to win at 16/1
Crystal Palace to beat West Brom (Barclays Premier League)
Crystal Palace are looking for a fifth win on the spin as they host out-of-form West Brom.
Chesterfield to beat Oldham (Sky Bet League 1)
Chesterfield have to be the call for a sixth win in seven matches against an Oldham side ending the season in mid-table.
Wycombe to beat AFC Wimbledon (Sky Bet League 2)
Wycombe have Sky Bet League 2's best away record and need victory at AFC Wimbledon to stay clear of Bury in the automatic promotion places.
Burton to beat Morecambe (Sky Bet League 2)
Burton are on the verge of promotion to Sky Bet League 1 and should be backed to win at Morecambe.
Sporting Life Accumulator
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Check out our best bets from the pick of today's sport, including horse racing, football and greyhounds.
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Tuesday's Best Sporting Bets
Horse Racing
1pt Dr Red Eye to win 6.45 Brighton at 7/1 (best odds guaranteed)
Dr Red Eye looks a good bet to see off all comers in the Piglets Support UK Farmers Handicap at Brighton this evening. I wouldn't trust that race title but I do think you can trust Dr Red Eye to break well from stall two and attempt to make all under Tom Queally at the south coast track. He floundered on the Southwell fibresand a week ago but that outing should've sharpened him up and he's much more at home on fast turf - his last win came on Good to Firm ground at Epsom in the heat of July. That was also off a 3lb higher mark and his last five wins in handicaps have come from higher ratings. There's little doubting he's well-treated and this small field on fast ground presents ideal conditions. (Ben Linfoot)
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Football
3pts Bayern Munich to qualify v Porto at evens
Last year, Porto lost 4-1 at Sevilla to miss out on a place in the Europa League final having won the first leg 1-0. With Bayern having an away goal, the advantage this time may not be as slim but neither is it quite double. I see value in Bayern to qualify. They've beaten Roma 2-0, Shakhtar 7-0, Manchester City 1-0 and CSKA Moscow 3-0 in their four home Champions League ties to date. Only one of those scorelines would see them eliminated after 90 minutes on Tuesday, and despite their recent woes it's stretching it to suggest that City are an inferior side to Porto. This season, they've played 19 times at the Allianz Arena. It's an inexact science, but on 13 occasions they've won by a scoreline which would see them progress. Recently, they've won five of their last six home games by two or more, and all this without the obvious rewards that Tuesday's game brings. (Matt Brocklebank)
Bayern & Barca both to win & all four CL teams to score 8/1!
2pts Jordan Rhodes to score anytime v Millwall at 5/4
Rudy Gestede took the plaudits at the weekend with a hat-trick but fellow front-man Rhodes could steal back a bit of the limelight tonight with a goal of his own. The former Ipswich starlet has 18 in the Championship so far and will have set himself a target of 20 for the campaign – certainly attainable with three games left in the Rovers schedule. Millwall remain in the bottom three and a good recent run has meant they have a fighting chance for survival. They may have to push a little for the victory and any gaps at the back will be exploited by the predatory Rhodes. (David John)
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Greyhounds
2pts Russanda Brax (T2) to win 7.26 at Sheffield (Best Odds Guaranteed)
There are eight open races for Sheffield punters to solve this evening and we think Russanda Brax (T5) will put on a show in the Sheffield Stadium Standard at 7.26. Elaine Parker's charge ran a blinder to finish second in the Pin Point Health&Homecare 3 Steps To Victory final on home soil earlier this month, outrunning odds of 20-1 and accounting for the 2014 Bitch and Stayer of the Year Roxholme Dream in the process. The son of Black Shaw reverts to four-bend action tonight and is expected to show his rivals a clean pair of heels. (Matt Salter)
Sky Bet
Champions League. Click here to bet.
Will you be having a flutter on our tips today?
Tuesday's Best Sporting Bets
Horse Racing
1pt Dr Red Eye to win 6.45 Brighton at 7/1 (best odds guaranteed)
Dr Red Eye looks a good bet to see off all comers in the Piglets Support UK Farmers Handicap at Brighton this evening. I wouldn't trust that race title but I do think you can trust Dr Red Eye to break well from stall two and attempt to make all under Tom Queally at the south coast track. He floundered on the Southwell fibresand a week ago but that outing should've sharpened him up and he's much more at home on fast turf - his last win came on Good to Firm ground at Epsom in the heat of July. That was also off a 3lb higher mark and his last five wins in handicaps have come from higher ratings. There's little doubting he's well-treated and this small field on fast ground presents ideal conditions. (Ben Linfoot)
BEST ODDS GUARANTEED on today's UK horse races!
Football
3pts Bayern Munich to qualify v Porto at evens
Last year, Porto lost 4-1 at Sevilla to miss out on a place in the Europa League final having won the first leg 1-0. With Bayern having an away goal, the advantage this time may not be as slim but neither is it quite double. I see value in Bayern to qualify. They've beaten Roma 2-0, Shakhtar 7-0, Manchester City 1-0 and CSKA Moscow 3-0 in their four home Champions League ties to date. Only one of those scorelines would see them eliminated after 90 minutes on Tuesday, and despite their recent woes it's stretching it to suggest that City are an inferior side to Porto. This season, they've played 19 times at the Allianz Arena. It's an inexact science, but on 13 occasions they've won by a scoreline which would see them progress. Recently, they've won five of their last six home games by two or more, and all this without the obvious rewards that Tuesday's game brings. (Matt Brocklebank)
Bayern & Barca both to win & all four CL teams to score 8/1!
2pts Jordan Rhodes to score anytime v Millwall at 5/4
Rudy Gestede took the plaudits at the weekend with a hat-trick but fellow front-man Rhodes could steal back a bit of the limelight tonight with a goal of his own. The former Ipswich starlet has 18 in the Championship so far and will have set himself a target of 20 for the campaign – certainly attainable with three games left in the Rovers schedule. Millwall remain in the bottom three and a good recent run has meant they have a fighting chance for survival. They may have to push a little for the victory and any gaps at the back will be exploited by the predatory Rhodes. (David John)
Place your bets on all tonight's football action
Greyhounds
2pts Russanda Brax (T2) to win 7.26 at Sheffield (Best Odds Guaranteed)
There are eight open races for Sheffield punters to solve this evening and we think Russanda Brax (T5) will put on a show in the Sheffield Stadium Standard at 7.26. Elaine Parker's charge ran a blinder to finish second in the Pin Point Health&Homecare 3 Steps To Victory final on home soil earlier this month, outrunning odds of 20-1 and accounting for the 2014 Bitch and Stayer of the Year Roxholme Dream in the process. The son of Black Shaw reverts to four-bend action tonight and is expected to show his rivals a clean pair of heels. (Matt Salter)
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The PFA announced their Premier League team of the year on Sunday. Now it's time for the Sporting Life staff to have their say.
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Chelsea Specials 14/15 When Will they Win the League?: Chelsea to Secure the Premier League title on Sunday/Monday 3rd/4th May 2015 1/2
Sporting Life's Premier League team of the year
Sporting Life's Premier League team of the year
Related ContentFree £50 matched betPlay Super 6!Play Sky Sports Fantasy Football!Premier League newsPremier League fixturesPremier League table£5 free bet every week with the SKY BET Club
Using the same system as the PFA of picking a 4-4-2 style line-up, our writers picked their XIs and the votes have now been added up.
The team which resulted showed four changes to the one the PFA chose. Here it is:
David De Gea, Manchester United
With a nod of respect to the likes of Fraser Forster, Joe Hart and Hugo Lloris, this was always a two-horse race and David De Gea beats Thibaut Courtois for the position between the posts. The spindly Spaniard has grown into the position of Manchester United goalkeeper over the past couple of years after a rather shaky start at Old Trafford and has been simply sublime at times this year. There were certain matches earlier in the season that United had no right to take anything from, given the way they were playing at the time, yet still came away with a point or three thanks to this man. His point-blank reaction saves against Stoke back in December are an obvious highlight but he's had a tremendous season and played a major part in helping United get close to achieving their number one objective - a top-four finish.
Nathaniel Clyne, Southampton
After spending large parts of last season warming the Southampton bench, the sale of Callum Chambers to Arsenal in the summer reopened the door for Nathaniel Clyne to return to Saints’ Plan A and he’s grasped the chance with both hands. Picking up two goals and a couple of assists is a reasonable return from right-back but it’s his positional awareness as part of one of the most organised defensive units in the Premier League that has been so impressive. Having gained a first international cap at the end of 2014, he looks sure to be in demand this summer, with Manchester United and Chelsea reportedly among his suitors.
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John Terry, Chelsea
Chelsea captain John Terry hasn’t missed a dance this season and remarkably looks as good as ever at the age of 34. There was a spell a couple of seasons ago when his days at the club appeared to be numbered but he’s exactly what every Jose Mourinho side needs at the heart of its defence, a disciplined leader happy to put his body on the line at every sign of danger. His lack of pace these days has been exposed at times but he makes up for that with the manner in which he reads the game.
Jose Fonte, Southampton
Sitting alongside Terry in our team is another man who has proved a fine leader this season. Few would ever have had Fonte down for a contender in this list back in the St Mary's summer sales but the Portuguese's stock has risen considerably since the departure of Dejan Lovren for big money to Liverpool. Fonte has played a chief organising role in the league's joint-tightest defence, while his individual play shows few weakness. Strong in the air and on the deck, you wonder how much Fonte will generate if Lovren could pull in £20million. If could be another battle for Saints to hang onto a star man again this summer.
Aaron Cresswell, West Ham
The £2million signing from SKY BET Championship side Ipswich may not have been one of last summer's most eye-catching acquisitions, but it has certainly turned out to be one of the shrewdest. The left-back has had little trouble making the jump to Premier League level and instantly established himself as a key part of a Hammers side that sat in a Champions League spot at Christmas. While the Londoners have faded back into mid-table since then, Cresswell has remained a consistent performer and edges out Southampton's Ryan Bertrand in our XI.
Nemanja Matic, Chelsea
The likes of Hazard, Costa and Terry might have generated more headlines and praise for their roles in Chelsea's charge towards the title but the ever-reliable Matic has been as important a cog as any in their team. Claude Makelele was the Blues' defensive shield in the original Jose Mourinho era at Stamford Bridge and Matic performs the role just as well. However, to label him a new Makelele does not do the Serb justice. A ball-winner and game-breaker, Matic also has the tendancies to get forward when he can and in doing so draws comparisons with another Premier League great, Patrick Vieira. Still only 26, Matic still has his best years ahead of him. Europe's biggest clubs could yet come calling but if he does stay it's easy to see him bieng a fixture of the team of the season for years to come.
Check out the odds for next season's Premier League!
Eden Hazard, Chelsea
Without question the player of the season in our view and an absolute must for any Premier League XI. After criticising his own team's tactics following the Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, and attracting apparent interest from French champions Paris Saint-Germain last summer, manager Jose Mourinho suggested Hazard had far from fully realised his potential at Stamford Bridge and the brilliant Belgian has duly taken his form to new levels. For such a tricky player who has been fouled more times than anyone else in the league, it's remarkable to think he has started every single Premier League game for Chelsea and not picked up any serious injuries along the way. Hazard is a joy to watch when in full flight and has provided us with some magical moments this year. It's also worth noting he has never missed a Premier League penalty.
Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal
Akin to the way De Gea saw United through their darker pre-Christmas days, Sanchez ensured Arsenal did not fall too far off the pace when they were struggling for results last autumn. The Chilean bundle of energy bullied defences in that period and pulled his team-mates along with him as goals flowed from his boots. They came in different shapes and sizes - from the stunning volley against Manchester City to the dribble and finish against Hull - but the key was they kept coming with Olivier Giroud absent due to injury. Giroud's return saw Sanchez drop into a slightly deeper role and, perhaps inevitably given his style of play and the fact he played a major role at last summer's World Cup, his level dipped slightly in the second half of the season. However, he's still done more than enough to make our final XI, a fine achievement given this is his first season in the Premier League.
Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea
In a world of statistics, you can rest assured few votes for this team were placed using Opta numbers. Yet, when it comes to Fabregas, one figure stands out a country mile if you can be bothered to look. The Chelsea midfielder's 17 assists are way ahead of any of his rivals and help show what a crucial role he has played for the Blues this season. Jose Mourinho knew what he was getting when he snapped up Fabregas from Barcelona early last summer, the player having already had years in England with Arsenal. However, the way he slotted into the Chelsea side was seemless and he didn't really look back after a dazzling opening-weekend display at Burnley. With the likes of Hazard, Oscar and Willian also at Mourinho's disposal, Fabregas has actually played a deeper role than many would have expected but that simply makes his assists stat even more impressive. He's very good at what he does and we're happy to pick him in our team of the season, even if the PFA were not.
When will Chelsea win the league?
Harry Kane, Tottenham
Harry Kane’s rise to stardom in the space of a year is the stuff of fairytales and his recent goal against Newcastle in the Premier League saw him become the first Tottenham player since Gary Lineker to score 30 in a season. Kane spent time on loan at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich and Leicester as he attempted to break into the first-team picture at White Hart Lane and eventually got his chance towards the end of last season, making his mark in games against Sunderland, West Brom and Fulham. The goals have continued to flow in all competitions this term, initially in the Europa League and then the Premier League. Remarkably Kane did not start a PL game until November but since then his form has been comparable to that of the very best in the league. You will see few better headers than the one which sunk Arsenal in the North London derby, while for a big striker Kane has been excellent with the ball at his feet. The impact he's had was underlined when he scored within 79 seconds of his England debut last month. It's been some season for the 21-year-old.
Diego Costa, Chelsea
Long before Chelsea crashed out of the Champions League at the expense of Atletico Madrid last April, it was clear that Diego Costa was exactly the sort of player the Blues were missing last season and they swiftly secured their man at the start of the summer window. The Brazilian-born Spain striker has rewarded them in spades and as much as the praise has been heaped on Eden Hazard, John Terry and Nemanja Matic, it was Costa who arguably played the biggest role in Chelsea’s phenomenal start. He scored nine goals in their opening seven Premier League games, form that immediately made Chelsea favourites and put their supposed title rivals on the back foot from the off.
Also received votes:
Goalkeepers - Thibaut Courtois, Asmir Begovic, Tom Heaton
Defenders - Cesar Azpilicueta, Seamus Coleman, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic, Toby Alderweireld, Daryl Janmaat, Ryan Bertrand, Pablo Zabaleta
Midfielders - Santi Cazorla, David Silva, Christian Eriksen, Stewart Downing, Jonjo Shelvey, Yannick Bolasie, Phillippe Coutinho, Morgan Schneiderlin, Francis Coquelin
Forwards - Charlie Austin, Sergio Aguero, Olivier Giroud
What do you think of our XI and the PFA's? Which player have we overlooked who would be the first name on your teamsheet? Let us know here, or get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook.
SKY BET
Chelsea Specials 14/15 When Will they Win the League?: Chelsea to Secure the Premier League title on Sunday/Monday 3rd/4th May 2015 1/2
Sporting Life's Premier League team of the year
Sporting Life's Premier League team of the year
Related ContentFree £50 matched betPlay Super 6!Play Sky Sports Fantasy Football!Premier League newsPremier League fixturesPremier League table£5 free bet every week with the SKY BET Club
Using the same system as the PFA of picking a 4-4-2 style line-up, our writers picked their XIs and the votes have now been added up.
The team which resulted showed four changes to the one the PFA chose. Here it is:
David De Gea, Manchester United
With a nod of respect to the likes of Fraser Forster, Joe Hart and Hugo Lloris, this was always a two-horse race and David De Gea beats Thibaut Courtois for the position between the posts. The spindly Spaniard has grown into the position of Manchester United goalkeeper over the past couple of years after a rather shaky start at Old Trafford and has been simply sublime at times this year. There were certain matches earlier in the season that United had no right to take anything from, given the way they were playing at the time, yet still came away with a point or three thanks to this man. His point-blank reaction saves against Stoke back in December are an obvious highlight but he's had a tremendous season and played a major part in helping United get close to achieving their number one objective - a top-four finish.
Nathaniel Clyne, Southampton
After spending large parts of last season warming the Southampton bench, the sale of Callum Chambers to Arsenal in the summer reopened the door for Nathaniel Clyne to return to Saints’ Plan A and he’s grasped the chance with both hands. Picking up two goals and a couple of assists is a reasonable return from right-back but it’s his positional awareness as part of one of the most organised defensive units in the Premier League that has been so impressive. Having gained a first international cap at the end of 2014, he looks sure to be in demand this summer, with Manchester United and Chelsea reportedly among his suitors.
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John Terry, Chelsea
Chelsea captain John Terry hasn’t missed a dance this season and remarkably looks as good as ever at the age of 34. There was a spell a couple of seasons ago when his days at the club appeared to be numbered but he’s exactly what every Jose Mourinho side needs at the heart of its defence, a disciplined leader happy to put his body on the line at every sign of danger. His lack of pace these days has been exposed at times but he makes up for that with the manner in which he reads the game.
Jose Fonte, Southampton
Sitting alongside Terry in our team is another man who has proved a fine leader this season. Few would ever have had Fonte down for a contender in this list back in the St Mary's summer sales but the Portuguese's stock has risen considerably since the departure of Dejan Lovren for big money to Liverpool. Fonte has played a chief organising role in the league's joint-tightest defence, while his individual play shows few weakness. Strong in the air and on the deck, you wonder how much Fonte will generate if Lovren could pull in £20million. If could be another battle for Saints to hang onto a star man again this summer.
Aaron Cresswell, West Ham
The £2million signing from SKY BET Championship side Ipswich may not have been one of last summer's most eye-catching acquisitions, but it has certainly turned out to be one of the shrewdest. The left-back has had little trouble making the jump to Premier League level and instantly established himself as a key part of a Hammers side that sat in a Champions League spot at Christmas. While the Londoners have faded back into mid-table since then, Cresswell has remained a consistent performer and edges out Southampton's Ryan Bertrand in our XI.
Nemanja Matic, Chelsea
The likes of Hazard, Costa and Terry might have generated more headlines and praise for their roles in Chelsea's charge towards the title but the ever-reliable Matic has been as important a cog as any in their team. Claude Makelele was the Blues' defensive shield in the original Jose Mourinho era at Stamford Bridge and Matic performs the role just as well. However, to label him a new Makelele does not do the Serb justice. A ball-winner and game-breaker, Matic also has the tendancies to get forward when he can and in doing so draws comparisons with another Premier League great, Patrick Vieira. Still only 26, Matic still has his best years ahead of him. Europe's biggest clubs could yet come calling but if he does stay it's easy to see him bieng a fixture of the team of the season for years to come.
Check out the odds for next season's Premier League!
Eden Hazard, Chelsea
Without question the player of the season in our view and an absolute must for any Premier League XI. After criticising his own team's tactics following the Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, and attracting apparent interest from French champions Paris Saint-Germain last summer, manager Jose Mourinho suggested Hazard had far from fully realised his potential at Stamford Bridge and the brilliant Belgian has duly taken his form to new levels. For such a tricky player who has been fouled more times than anyone else in the league, it's remarkable to think he has started every single Premier League game for Chelsea and not picked up any serious injuries along the way. Hazard is a joy to watch when in full flight and has provided us with some magical moments this year. It's also worth noting he has never missed a Premier League penalty.
Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal
Akin to the way De Gea saw United through their darker pre-Christmas days, Sanchez ensured Arsenal did not fall too far off the pace when they were struggling for results last autumn. The Chilean bundle of energy bullied defences in that period and pulled his team-mates along with him as goals flowed from his boots. They came in different shapes and sizes - from the stunning volley against Manchester City to the dribble and finish against Hull - but the key was they kept coming with Olivier Giroud absent due to injury. Giroud's return saw Sanchez drop into a slightly deeper role and, perhaps inevitably given his style of play and the fact he played a major role at last summer's World Cup, his level dipped slightly in the second half of the season. However, he's still done more than enough to make our final XI, a fine achievement given this is his first season in the Premier League.
Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea
In a world of statistics, you can rest assured few votes for this team were placed using Opta numbers. Yet, when it comes to Fabregas, one figure stands out a country mile if you can be bothered to look. The Chelsea midfielder's 17 assists are way ahead of any of his rivals and help show what a crucial role he has played for the Blues this season. Jose Mourinho knew what he was getting when he snapped up Fabregas from Barcelona early last summer, the player having already had years in England with Arsenal. However, the way he slotted into the Chelsea side was seemless and he didn't really look back after a dazzling opening-weekend display at Burnley. With the likes of Hazard, Oscar and Willian also at Mourinho's disposal, Fabregas has actually played a deeper role than many would have expected but that simply makes his assists stat even more impressive. He's very good at what he does and we're happy to pick him in our team of the season, even if the PFA were not.
When will Chelsea win the league?
Harry Kane, Tottenham
Harry Kane’s rise to stardom in the space of a year is the stuff of fairytales and his recent goal against Newcastle in the Premier League saw him become the first Tottenham player since Gary Lineker to score 30 in a season. Kane spent time on loan at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich and Leicester as he attempted to break into the first-team picture at White Hart Lane and eventually got his chance towards the end of last season, making his mark in games against Sunderland, West Brom and Fulham. The goals have continued to flow in all competitions this term, initially in the Europa League and then the Premier League. Remarkably Kane did not start a PL game until November but since then his form has been comparable to that of the very best in the league. You will see few better headers than the one which sunk Arsenal in the North London derby, while for a big striker Kane has been excellent with the ball at his feet. The impact he's had was underlined when he scored within 79 seconds of his England debut last month. It's been some season for the 21-year-old.
Diego Costa, Chelsea
Long before Chelsea crashed out of the Champions League at the expense of Atletico Madrid last April, it was clear that Diego Costa was exactly the sort of player the Blues were missing last season and they swiftly secured their man at the start of the summer window. The Brazilian-born Spain striker has rewarded them in spades and as much as the praise has been heaped on Eden Hazard, John Terry and Nemanja Matic, it was Costa who arguably played the biggest role in Chelsea’s phenomenal start. He scored nine goals in their opening seven Premier League games, form that immediately made Chelsea favourites and put their supposed title rivals on the back foot from the off.
Also received votes:
Goalkeepers - Thibaut Courtois, Asmir Begovic, Tom Heaton
Defenders - Cesar Azpilicueta, Seamus Coleman, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic, Toby Alderweireld, Daryl Janmaat, Ryan Bertrand, Pablo Zabaleta
Midfielders - Santi Cazorla, David Silva, Christian Eriksen, Stewart Downing, Jonjo Shelvey, Yannick Bolasie, Phillippe Coutinho, Morgan Schneiderlin, Francis Coquelin
Forwards - Charlie Austin, Sergio Aguero, Olivier Giroud
What do you think of our XI and the PFA's? Which player have we overlooked who would be the first name on your teamsheet? Let us know here, or get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook.
Re: Sporting Life Accumulator
Check out our best bets from the pick of today's sport, including horse racing, football, boxing & greyhounds.
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2000 Guineas. Click here to bet.
Floyd Mayweather Jr: We're backing the American to win by unanimous decision
Floyd Mayweather Jr: We're backing the American to win by unanimous decision
Saturday's Best Sporting Bets
Horse Racing
1pt win Halation in 2.00 Newmarket at 13/2 (best odds guaranteed)
It isn’t the strongest renewal of this nine-furlong handicap with the unexposed Top Tug heading the market for Sir Michael Stoute. He won at Newmarket over ten furlongs off a 10lb lower mark last May, but has only been seen once since when beaten over a mile and a half. Undoubtedly he’s a nice prospect for the season ahead, but he probably wants further and he might not be fully tuned-up for this, unlike Halation who is race fit after four starts this year. The last of those was in the BETWAY Spring Mile at Doncaster where he travelled supremely, like the best horse in the race, before Chatez swept by him in the closing stages. He didn’t find an awful lot off the bridle and finished fourth in the end, but he probably wants faster ground judging by his overall profile and he might just have too much toe for Saturday’s rivals. This is his first go at the trip on turf but he should have no problem seeing it out, with Andrea Atzeni likely to drop him in the rear before hopefully delivering a race-winning late thrust. (By Ben Linfoot)
Money back if the favourite wins the 2.00 at Newmarket
Football
2pts Derby (-1) to beat Reading at evens
Reading are ending the season on a serious low note and Tuesday night's defeat to Rotherham was their fourth on the bounce in the league. They haven't won a game since the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Bradford and their motivation has been called into question. Derby's 2015 form has been disappointing but they've scored at least three times in each of their last three outings and will be keen to build some momentum heading into the pressure-cooker of the play-offs. An easy home victory would appear to be on the cards and -1 on the handicap is a tempting odds-against chance. (By Matt Brocklebank)
BOOST: Liverpool, Saints & Swansea to win at 7/1 from 5/1
2pts West Ham to beat Burnley at 5/4
West Ham have been sliding down the Premier League table for some time but their points-per-game ratio over the last 17 games is identical to Burnley's over the course of their season. It's possible to argue, then, that as of this moment we have two equally able sides but with one, Burnley, holding a key edge in terms of incentive. Except I don't see it that way. I believe that the more valid evidence is that which has West Ham 18 points and nine places ahead of Burnley, and that a closer look at their home form reveals that they're more than capable of hammering (ahem) another nail into the Burnley coffin. In West Ham's most recent home game, they drew 1-1 with Stoke having led from the seventh minute until the 90th. Before that, they beat Sunderland 1-0, a result preceded by defeats to Chelsea - by one goal - and Crystal Palace. The latter doesn't read all that badly given how well Palace were playing at the time and if we rewind further, we'll find a 1-1 draw with Manchester United (unfortunate not to win) and a 3-0 victory over Hull. Simply put, West Ham's away form has been the problem but at the Boleyn Ground they remain strong, with eight wins, four draws and five defeats. (By Ben Coley)
Place your bets on all today's football action
Boxing
2pts Mayweather to beat Pacquiao by unaminous decision at 5/4
It's been a decade in the making but tonight Floyd Mayweather Jr will step into the ring against Manny Pacquiao. My worry for Pacquiao is that if he finds Mayweather as elusive to hit cleanly as so many others before him have done, then has he got a plan B to try and outbox his opponent? Pacquiao is a great boxer, but if Mayweather negates his big punches I can see him becoming frustrated as the fight goes on and he is liable to start making mistakes. Remember his fight with Marquez back in December 2012 when he was floored by walking on to a huge right hand in the sixth round, sickeningly falling face first on the canvas. Mistakes like that will be punished by Mayweather and Pacquiao's all-action style means mistakes are almost inevitable. Ultimately, and I don't want to be a party pooper here, I really don't think this fight is going to live up to the hype. I think Pacquiao will come out all guns blazing and will have early success in pressuring Mayweather. But 'Money' will weather the storm and as his opponent becomes increasingly frustrated in his inability to nail him, I see him taking charge from the middle rounds and taking victory on points. From a betting point of view I feel the value rests with a unaminous verdict at just over even money. (By Simon Crawford)
PRICE BOOST: Pacquiao to win the fight - 9/4 from 15/8!
Greyhounds
2pts Blonde Nipper (T3) to win 7.43 at Towcester (Best Odds Guaranteed)
The Premier League gets underway at Towcester and helps form a very good card there this evening. Six of the country's leading trainers do battle over a seven-month period - with the events to be run on the first Saturday of every month - and four races kick off the programme tonight. With points scoring system of 3-2-1 for each race, the top three handlers at the end of the competition will go through to face three leading Irish trainers in a winner-takes-all shoot-out on Towcester's Sky Sports meeting on December 17th. Kevin Hutton denied Mark Wallis in a thrilling Trainers' Championship at Sittingbourne in March but Wallis could gain some revenge tonight, starting with Blonde Nipper (T3) at 7.43. Hutton's El Pedro accounted for Blonde Nipper when clinching victory in the final race at the Kent circuit, but the Wallis inmate returned to form with a dominant trap-to-line success over this C&D in a smart 28.03 (calculated) last week. He seems to really like at the Watling Street venue and his local knowledge can prove crucial over Hutton's hat-trick seeking Jet Stream Jack. (By Chris Oliver)
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Floyd Mayweather Jr: We're backing the American to win by unanimous decision
Floyd Mayweather Jr: We're backing the American to win by unanimous decision
Saturday's Best Sporting Bets
Horse Racing
1pt win Halation in 2.00 Newmarket at 13/2 (best odds guaranteed)
It isn’t the strongest renewal of this nine-furlong handicap with the unexposed Top Tug heading the market for Sir Michael Stoute. He won at Newmarket over ten furlongs off a 10lb lower mark last May, but has only been seen once since when beaten over a mile and a half. Undoubtedly he’s a nice prospect for the season ahead, but he probably wants further and he might not be fully tuned-up for this, unlike Halation who is race fit after four starts this year. The last of those was in the BETWAY Spring Mile at Doncaster where he travelled supremely, like the best horse in the race, before Chatez swept by him in the closing stages. He didn’t find an awful lot off the bridle and finished fourth in the end, but he probably wants faster ground judging by his overall profile and he might just have too much toe for Saturday’s rivals. This is his first go at the trip on turf but he should have no problem seeing it out, with Andrea Atzeni likely to drop him in the rear before hopefully delivering a race-winning late thrust. (By Ben Linfoot)
Money back if the favourite wins the 2.00 at Newmarket
Football
2pts Derby (-1) to beat Reading at evens
Reading are ending the season on a serious low note and Tuesday night's defeat to Rotherham was their fourth on the bounce in the league. They haven't won a game since the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Bradford and their motivation has been called into question. Derby's 2015 form has been disappointing but they've scored at least three times in each of their last three outings and will be keen to build some momentum heading into the pressure-cooker of the play-offs. An easy home victory would appear to be on the cards and -1 on the handicap is a tempting odds-against chance. (By Matt Brocklebank)
BOOST: Liverpool, Saints & Swansea to win at 7/1 from 5/1
2pts West Ham to beat Burnley at 5/4
West Ham have been sliding down the Premier League table for some time but their points-per-game ratio over the last 17 games is identical to Burnley's over the course of their season. It's possible to argue, then, that as of this moment we have two equally able sides but with one, Burnley, holding a key edge in terms of incentive. Except I don't see it that way. I believe that the more valid evidence is that which has West Ham 18 points and nine places ahead of Burnley, and that a closer look at their home form reveals that they're more than capable of hammering (ahem) another nail into the Burnley coffin. In West Ham's most recent home game, they drew 1-1 with Stoke having led from the seventh minute until the 90th. Before that, they beat Sunderland 1-0, a result preceded by defeats to Chelsea - by one goal - and Crystal Palace. The latter doesn't read all that badly given how well Palace were playing at the time and if we rewind further, we'll find a 1-1 draw with Manchester United (unfortunate not to win) and a 3-0 victory over Hull. Simply put, West Ham's away form has been the problem but at the Boleyn Ground they remain strong, with eight wins, four draws and five defeats. (By Ben Coley)
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Boxing
2pts Mayweather to beat Pacquiao by unaminous decision at 5/4
It's been a decade in the making but tonight Floyd Mayweather Jr will step into the ring against Manny Pacquiao. My worry for Pacquiao is that if he finds Mayweather as elusive to hit cleanly as so many others before him have done, then has he got a plan B to try and outbox his opponent? Pacquiao is a great boxer, but if Mayweather negates his big punches I can see him becoming frustrated as the fight goes on and he is liable to start making mistakes. Remember his fight with Marquez back in December 2012 when he was floored by walking on to a huge right hand in the sixth round, sickeningly falling face first on the canvas. Mistakes like that will be punished by Mayweather and Pacquiao's all-action style means mistakes are almost inevitable. Ultimately, and I don't want to be a party pooper here, I really don't think this fight is going to live up to the hype. I think Pacquiao will come out all guns blazing and will have early success in pressuring Mayweather. But 'Money' will weather the storm and as his opponent becomes increasingly frustrated in his inability to nail him, I see him taking charge from the middle rounds and taking victory on points. From a betting point of view I feel the value rests with a unaminous verdict at just over even money. (By Simon Crawford)
PRICE BOOST: Pacquiao to win the fight - 9/4 from 15/8!
Greyhounds
2pts Blonde Nipper (T3) to win 7.43 at Towcester (Best Odds Guaranteed)
The Premier League gets underway at Towcester and helps form a very good card there this evening. Six of the country's leading trainers do battle over a seven-month period - with the events to be run on the first Saturday of every month - and four races kick off the programme tonight. With points scoring system of 3-2-1 for each race, the top three handlers at the end of the competition will go through to face three leading Irish trainers in a winner-takes-all shoot-out on Towcester's Sky Sports meeting on December 17th. Kevin Hutton denied Mark Wallis in a thrilling Trainers' Championship at Sittingbourne in March but Wallis could gain some revenge tonight, starting with Blonde Nipper (T3) at 7.43. Hutton's El Pedro accounted for Blonde Nipper when clinching victory in the final race at the Kent circuit, but the Wallis inmate returned to form with a dominant trap-to-line success over this C&D in a smart 28.03 (calculated) last week. He seems to really like at the Watling Street venue and his local knowledge can prove crucial over Hutton's hat-trick seeking Jet Stream Jack. (By Chris Oliver)
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Horse Racing - 1pt Jacbequick 2.45 Beverley at 9/2 (B.O.G)
Locally-based Ollie Pears sent out five winners from 27 runners at Beverley last year, a tally that was considerably by the three victories recorded by one of his yard's flagbearers Jacbequick. He went off the boil a little towards the end of last season, but the handicapper has eased him slightly as a result, and it may well be that quick ground didn't suit for his final few starts. Overnight showers at Beverley have left conditions just on the slow side of good, which should be perfect, and his recent comeback at Catterick in a higher-grade contest was full of promise. On top of all of that, Jacbequick was doing all of his best work at the finish over Catterick's seven furlongs there, and a move up to the extended mile at Beverley should now suit as a four-year-old. (Will Hayler)
Football - 2pts Olivier Giroud to score and Arsenal to win v Hull at 5/2
With Hull confident following two wins on the bounce Arsenal will have to work hard for their win again, but the general 8/11 quotes look perfectly acceptable. However, you can boost that to 5/2 at Sky Bet if you include Olivier Giroud to score in an Arsenal win. Giroud has been in fine form since returning from injury and his goals have been a key aspect of Arsenal’s good run. He’s scored six goals in his last seven away matches and could well have won the Golden Boot if it wasn’t for his time on the sidelines before Christmas. His eye for goal could be the difference between the two teams again and he’s fancied to maintain his good scoring record in another Arsenal win - the Gunners are unbeaten domestically since losing at Spurs on February 7 and have won their last four away from the Emirates. (Ben Linfoot)
Snooker - 3pts Over 6.5 centuries in the World Snooker final at 10/11
Shaun Murphy and Stuart Bingham have produced some thrilling snooker in the final of the World Championships at the Crucible and things are finely balanced with Murphy leading 9-8. There have been four centuries in the final so far and both players are looking extremely composed when they get among the balls. The bookies have factored in the increasing pressure as we reach the business end of the tournament as you can back over 6.5 centuries in the final at 10/11 - a price which is worth taking. Nerves just don't look likely to come into it judging by the composure shown by both Murphy and Bingham and while it could be close, a scrappy affair looks less likely. Bingham closed his match with Trump by scoring two centuries in the last three frames he won and 10/11 about their being three more tons in this compelling final looks a decent bet. (Barry Wheater)
Greyhounds - 1pt T1 Sullane Legacy 2.18 Sheffield at SP
The best bet of Sheffield's afternoon card could be in the first race (2.18) courtesy of Sullane Legacy (T1), who is fancied to make the most of a drop in class.
A winner at this level (A7) two starts ago, he found one too good in an A6 last time out and should prove too strong if turning in a decent pitch on the rails. (Chris Oliver)
Sky Bet
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Horse Racing - 1pt Jacbequick 2.45 Beverley at 9/2 (B.O.G)
Locally-based Ollie Pears sent out five winners from 27 runners at Beverley last year, a tally that was considerably by the three victories recorded by one of his yard's flagbearers Jacbequick. He went off the boil a little towards the end of last season, but the handicapper has eased him slightly as a result, and it may well be that quick ground didn't suit for his final few starts. Overnight showers at Beverley have left conditions just on the slow side of good, which should be perfect, and his recent comeback at Catterick in a higher-grade contest was full of promise. On top of all of that, Jacbequick was doing all of his best work at the finish over Catterick's seven furlongs there, and a move up to the extended mile at Beverley should now suit as a four-year-old. (Will Hayler)
Football - 2pts Olivier Giroud to score and Arsenal to win v Hull at 5/2
With Hull confident following two wins on the bounce Arsenal will have to work hard for their win again, but the general 8/11 quotes look perfectly acceptable. However, you can boost that to 5/2 at Sky Bet if you include Olivier Giroud to score in an Arsenal win. Giroud has been in fine form since returning from injury and his goals have been a key aspect of Arsenal’s good run. He’s scored six goals in his last seven away matches and could well have won the Golden Boot if it wasn’t for his time on the sidelines before Christmas. His eye for goal could be the difference between the two teams again and he’s fancied to maintain his good scoring record in another Arsenal win - the Gunners are unbeaten domestically since losing at Spurs on February 7 and have won their last four away from the Emirates. (Ben Linfoot)
Snooker - 3pts Over 6.5 centuries in the World Snooker final at 10/11
Shaun Murphy and Stuart Bingham have produced some thrilling snooker in the final of the World Championships at the Crucible and things are finely balanced with Murphy leading 9-8. There have been four centuries in the final so far and both players are looking extremely composed when they get among the balls. The bookies have factored in the increasing pressure as we reach the business end of the tournament as you can back over 6.5 centuries in the final at 10/11 - a price which is worth taking. Nerves just don't look likely to come into it judging by the composure shown by both Murphy and Bingham and while it could be close, a scrappy affair looks less likely. Bingham closed his match with Trump by scoring two centuries in the last three frames he won and 10/11 about their being three more tons in this compelling final looks a decent bet. (Barry Wheater)
Greyhounds - 1pt T1 Sullane Legacy 2.18 Sheffield at SP
The best bet of Sheffield's afternoon card could be in the first race (2.18) courtesy of Sullane Legacy (T1), who is fancied to make the most of a drop in class.
A winner at this level (A7) two starts ago, he found one too good in an A6 last time out and should prove too strong if turning in a decent pitch on the rails. (Chris Oliver)
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Neymar: Barcelona striker is man to back
Wednesday's Best Sporting Bets
Horse Racing
2pts Perfect Pastime to win 5.15 Brighton at 3/1 (best odds guaranteed)
Perfect Pastime would probably ideally prefer this event to be run over a longer trip, but his second over this distance on soft ground last season confirmed that he has the pace to be effective and, as a bonus, this looks by some way an easier contest. A winner twice and placed three further times from 10 starts at the track, I expect Perfect Pastime to step up on the form of a couple of spins on the all-weather so far this season and this jockey also has a notably good record on the horse. Just as importantly for value-hunting punters, the market for this race is made by favourite Whitecrest, who while invariably thereabouts at the finish, appears to find winning increasingly hard to stomach. He did win once last year, but that was from 17 attempts and he finished well behind the selection when they last met at this track last October. (By Will Hayler)
BEST ODDS GUARANTEED on today's UK horse races!
Football
2pts Neymar to score & Barcelona to beat Bayern Munich at 11/4
The best policy tonight may well be to back Neymar to continue his red-hot form and score in a Barcelona win against Bayern Munich at 11/4. The Brazilian is firing on all cylinders now that he's recovered both physically and mentally from a demoralising World Cup, and scored in both quarter-final matches. He's found the net in six of his last seven appearances and a strict interpretation of very recent form makes him the clear value ahead of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. The latter hasn't been scoring with his usual frequency in this competition and it's Neymar who gets the vote to put Barca in command. (By Ben Coley)
Price Boosts for Barcelona v Bayern Munich
Greyhounds
2pts Hometown Day (T5) to win 8.50 at Romford at 7/2 (best odds guaranteed)
The RPGTV cameras are Romford bound this evening and Hometown Day (T5) could be a class above his rivals in S1 company at 8.50. Maxine Locke's greyhound, a local favourite at the Essex track, contested the final of the Coral Coronation Cup over course and distance in January having got within a length of 575m specialist Adageo Bob in the semi-finals. The son of Hometown Boy Nga missed his break when it mattered most and was always up against it thereafter - but tonight's assignment is a real opening in the context of that Category One form and his second-placed effort here last month suggests he remains on good terms with himself. (By Matt Salter)
Neymar: Barcelona striker is man to back
Wednesday's Best Sporting Bets
Horse Racing
2pts Perfect Pastime to win 5.15 Brighton at 3/1 (best odds guaranteed)
Perfect Pastime would probably ideally prefer this event to be run over a longer trip, but his second over this distance on soft ground last season confirmed that he has the pace to be effective and, as a bonus, this looks by some way an easier contest. A winner twice and placed three further times from 10 starts at the track, I expect Perfect Pastime to step up on the form of a couple of spins on the all-weather so far this season and this jockey also has a notably good record on the horse. Just as importantly for value-hunting punters, the market for this race is made by favourite Whitecrest, who while invariably thereabouts at the finish, appears to find winning increasingly hard to stomach. He did win once last year, but that was from 17 attempts and he finished well behind the selection when they last met at this track last October. (By Will Hayler)
BEST ODDS GUARANTEED on today's UK horse races!
Football
2pts Neymar to score & Barcelona to beat Bayern Munich at 11/4
The best policy tonight may well be to back Neymar to continue his red-hot form and score in a Barcelona win against Bayern Munich at 11/4. The Brazilian is firing on all cylinders now that he's recovered both physically and mentally from a demoralising World Cup, and scored in both quarter-final matches. He's found the net in six of his last seven appearances and a strict interpretation of very recent form makes him the clear value ahead of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. The latter hasn't been scoring with his usual frequency in this competition and it's Neymar who gets the vote to put Barca in command. (By Ben Coley)
Price Boosts for Barcelona v Bayern Munich
Greyhounds
2pts Hometown Day (T5) to win 8.50 at Romford at 7/2 (best odds guaranteed)
The RPGTV cameras are Romford bound this evening and Hometown Day (T5) could be a class above his rivals in S1 company at 8.50. Maxine Locke's greyhound, a local favourite at the Essex track, contested the final of the Coral Coronation Cup over course and distance in January having got within a length of 575m specialist Adageo Bob in the semi-finals. The son of Hometown Boy Nga missed his break when it mattered most and was always up against it thereafter - but tonight's assignment is a real opening in the context of that Category One form and his second-placed effort here last month suggests he remains on good terms with himself. (By Matt Salter)
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Sergio Garcia: Can get the better of Mickelson and Choi today
Thursday's Best Sporting Bets
Horse Racing
1pt win Empress Ali at 13/2 in Chester 5.25 (Best Odds Guaranteed)
The best bet today comes in the final race at Chester, with Empress Ali fancied to make a successful seasonal reappearance in the Investec Asset Finance Handicap. Trainer Tom Tate, who saddled Mull Of Dubai to victory in this contest in 2008, has never been able to cover up the regard in which he holds this filly and I'd be tempted to put a line through her slightly disappointing effort when fifth at York on her final start in 2014 during October. That came over a trip short of her optimum and although finishing within four lengths of Imshivalla was far from disgraceful, the manner in which she scored over today's course and distance the previous month left the impression she could develop into a top handicapper this term. She was under the pump well before the final turn for home but stuck her neck out really gamely for James Sullivan and finished strongly to see off subsequent scorer Master Of Finance. Prior to that victory the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor had twice gone close on the Roodee and it seems significant Tate brings her straight back to her favourite track for her return to competitive action. As a late-maturing four-year-old it's unlikely we've seen the best of her yet and the early prices looks perfectly reasonable given she's just 4lb higher than for her latest triumph. (Matt Brocklebank)
Check out all Sky Bet's horse racing prices
Golf
2pts Sergio Garcia to beat Mickelson and Choi at 5/4
It’s been a quiet start to 2015 for Garcia but he looks to be moving in the right direction at just the right time. It was here at Sawgrass where Garcia secured the biggest win of his career back in 2008 and he’s also finished second, third and fourth at a layout which rewards his ability to shape the ball both ways. Garcia shot 67 in round one last year and his last two opening knocks on the PGA Tour have both been sub-70. Mickelson is also a former champion but it’s hard to argue that he’s a Sawgrass specialist. Indeed missed cuts in 2013 and 2014 raise serious concerns as to his ability to play the course and he’s been out of action since the Masters. Choi could be considered more dangerous but the 2011 winner is not the fastest of starters – he’s been behind Garcia after the first round of this event in each of the last three years. Ultimately if Garcia breaks 70 I believe he’ll win this three-ball and 5/4 about him doing so at arguably his favourite course on the PGA Tour rates a good bet. (Ben Coley)
Bet now on the Players Championship
Football
2.75pts both teams to score in Sevilla v Fiorentina at 8/11
Sevilla have a fine home record but are fully entitled to be wary of Vincenzo Montella's Fiorentina side, who have slipped to fifth in Serie A after a short run of moderate performances that was ended last weekend with a 3-1 success over second-bottom Cesena. Montella has talked about how that will have restored plenty of confidence and belief and this competition now looks to be his main focus as the top three domestically open up a handy gap on the rest of the field. Fiorentina play some attractive football as they like to push forward and with savvy veteran defender Nicolas Paraja sidelined with a long-term injury, there could be an added hole or two for Mario Gomez and company to exploit. (David John)
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Greyhounds
2pts win Midway Nick (T1) in 8.34 Hove at 6/5
All eyes are on Hove this evening where the Coral Regency gets under way. Midway Nick (T1) won in the heats of this event last year and is fancied to repeat the dose in the 8.34, which looks one of the weaker heats. The 2014 Queen Mother Cup winner has hit form with a hat-trick of easy wins over 692m at Henlow recently and can prove too strong on the second circuit if maintaining a decent pitch on the rails from trap one. (Chris Oliver)
Sergio Garcia: Can get the better of Mickelson and Choi today
Thursday's Best Sporting Bets
Horse Racing
1pt win Empress Ali at 13/2 in Chester 5.25 (Best Odds Guaranteed)
The best bet today comes in the final race at Chester, with Empress Ali fancied to make a successful seasonal reappearance in the Investec Asset Finance Handicap. Trainer Tom Tate, who saddled Mull Of Dubai to victory in this contest in 2008, has never been able to cover up the regard in which he holds this filly and I'd be tempted to put a line through her slightly disappointing effort when fifth at York on her final start in 2014 during October. That came over a trip short of her optimum and although finishing within four lengths of Imshivalla was far from disgraceful, the manner in which she scored over today's course and distance the previous month left the impression she could develop into a top handicapper this term. She was under the pump well before the final turn for home but stuck her neck out really gamely for James Sullivan and finished strongly to see off subsequent scorer Master Of Finance. Prior to that victory the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor had twice gone close on the Roodee and it seems significant Tate brings her straight back to her favourite track for her return to competitive action. As a late-maturing four-year-old it's unlikely we've seen the best of her yet and the early prices looks perfectly reasonable given she's just 4lb higher than for her latest triumph. (Matt Brocklebank)
Check out all Sky Bet's horse racing prices
Golf
2pts Sergio Garcia to beat Mickelson and Choi at 5/4
It’s been a quiet start to 2015 for Garcia but he looks to be moving in the right direction at just the right time. It was here at Sawgrass where Garcia secured the biggest win of his career back in 2008 and he’s also finished second, third and fourth at a layout which rewards his ability to shape the ball both ways. Garcia shot 67 in round one last year and his last two opening knocks on the PGA Tour have both been sub-70. Mickelson is also a former champion but it’s hard to argue that he’s a Sawgrass specialist. Indeed missed cuts in 2013 and 2014 raise serious concerns as to his ability to play the course and he’s been out of action since the Masters. Choi could be considered more dangerous but the 2011 winner is not the fastest of starters – he’s been behind Garcia after the first round of this event in each of the last three years. Ultimately if Garcia breaks 70 I believe he’ll win this three-ball and 5/4 about him doing so at arguably his favourite course on the PGA Tour rates a good bet. (Ben Coley)
Bet now on the Players Championship
Football
2.75pts both teams to score in Sevilla v Fiorentina at 8/11
Sevilla have a fine home record but are fully entitled to be wary of Vincenzo Montella's Fiorentina side, who have slipped to fifth in Serie A after a short run of moderate performances that was ended last weekend with a 3-1 success over second-bottom Cesena. Montella has talked about how that will have restored plenty of confidence and belief and this competition now looks to be his main focus as the top three domestically open up a handy gap on the rest of the field. Fiorentina play some attractive football as they like to push forward and with savvy veteran defender Nicolas Paraja sidelined with a long-term injury, there could be an added hole or two for Mario Gomez and company to exploit. (David John)
Bet on tonight's Europa League action
Greyhounds
2pts win Midway Nick (T1) in 8.34 Hove at 6/5
All eyes are on Hove this evening where the Coral Regency gets under way. Midway Nick (T1) won in the heats of this event last year and is fancied to repeat the dose in the 8.34, which looks one of the weaker heats. The 2014 Queen Mother Cup winner has hit form with a hat-trick of easy wins over 692m at Henlow recently and can prove too strong on the second circuit if maintaining a decent pitch on the rails from trap one. (Chris Oliver)
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Saturday's Best Sporting Bets
Horse Racing
1pt win Handiwork in 3.25 Haydock at 9/1 (best odds guaranteed)
The Swinton Hurdle at Haydock looks an up-to-scratch renewal and Steve Gollings’ HANDIWORK should go well. The five-year-old looks to be improving with experience and I really liked the way he finished his race in the Scottish Champion Hurdle last time. He was only beaten just under four lengths by the winner Cheltenian, was closing at the line and gets a 5lb pull at the weights with that rival in Lancashire. A second at the track in March adds confidence to the selection and he probably would’ve won that race but for a mistake two from home. (By Ben Linfoot)
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Football
2pts Hull to beat Burnley & Leicester to beat Southampton at 3.63/1
Burnley have picked up just eight points away all season and Danny Ings has mislaid his scoring boots at just the wrong time to take the gloss off a fine first season in the top-flight for the young striker. Hull still have plenty of work to do and Steve Bruce will be looking for his side to respond to their clinical dismembering by Arsenal; they did improve in the second half but it could hardly have got much worse. They lost a highly competitive reverse fixture 1-0 in a game that featured 10 yellow cards (making the bookings markets well worth a check once priced up) but they have always been a different side at the KC Stadium and will have everything focused on this one before games against Spurs and Man Utd. With 15 points from a possible 18, Leicester have conjured up an ostrich like sprint for the finish line and safety and will rightly fancy their chances of picking up another three points before games against Sunderland and QPR. In contrast, Southampton are rather limping home as the demands of a fine season catch up with them along with injuries to key members of their squad. (By Ian Ogg)
BOOST: Aston Villa, Leicester and Hull all to win at 12/1 from 9/1!
Rugby League
2pts St Helens to beat Catalans Dragons at 5/6
Saints have won the last four between these two teams and the problem with Catalans is that they've conceded the second most points in Super League. That defence is not good enough. Todd Carney has been injured a lot this year and if he plays then their odds improve but he hasn't had a lot of game time. St Helens are a machine. Luke Walsh is back now and they're playing well. They average more metres per run in the Super League - James Roby, their hooker, picks up big metres - and they have serious scoring power. The hosts are not good defensively and I'll back Saints to win away from home. (By Ian Millward)
Price Boost: Makinson to score first try 9/1 from 8/1
Golf
2pts Kevin Kisner to beat Sang-moon Bae at evens
Regular PGA Tour viewers will recall that Kisner came so very close to a first win at the top level when he lost a play-off to Jim Furyk at the Heritage. Always considered a top-class talent in the making by those who saw him play college golf in Georgia, the feeling is that this slow burner is finally about to fulfil his potential and he can confirm that suspicion by making a move today. Like Harbour Town, which hosts the Heritage, Sawgrass is designed by Pete Dye and a glance at this week’s leaderboard confirms that the same type of player tends to figure in both events. Bae’s own record here is modest and that’s despite some extremely good starts. He shot 79 in round three last year and 75 in 2013 and it’s clear that he’s not playing his best golf at the moment, so the rock-solid Kisner looks good value. (By Ben Coley)
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Greyhounds
2pts Taranis Bolt (T6) to win 8.00 Wimbledon at SP (Best Odds Guaranteed)
With the start of the William Greyhound Derby less than three weeks away, there are 10 trial stakes for Blue Riband at Wimbledon tonight. Kevin Hutton has remained in fine form since his thrilling Trainers' Championship victory at Sittingbourne and could have more success this evening, starting with Taranis Bolt (T6) in the first instalment at 8.00. The June '12 whelp won plenty of fans as a sprinter over the winter and has really taken to four bends this spring, with eye-catching wins at Romford and Swindon. You wouldn't have known it was his first look round Wimbledon last week as he roared into a first-bend lead before pulling clear and stopping the clock at a very pleasing 28.58. Lightly raced for his age, there could be more to come and he can get the better of the talented Southfield Jock, who is far from certain to come away from the tricky one box on his first competitive outing at the South London track. (By Chris Oliver)
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Saturday's Best Sporting Bets
Horse Racing
1pt win Handiwork in 3.25 Haydock at 9/1 (best odds guaranteed)
The Swinton Hurdle at Haydock looks an up-to-scratch renewal and Steve Gollings’ HANDIWORK should go well. The five-year-old looks to be improving with experience and I really liked the way he finished his race in the Scottish Champion Hurdle last time. He was only beaten just under four lengths by the winner Cheltenian, was closing at the line and gets a 5lb pull at the weights with that rival in Lancashire. A second at the track in March adds confidence to the selection and he probably would’ve won that race but for a mistake two from home. (By Ben Linfoot)
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Football
2pts Hull to beat Burnley & Leicester to beat Southampton at 3.63/1
Burnley have picked up just eight points away all season and Danny Ings has mislaid his scoring boots at just the wrong time to take the gloss off a fine first season in the top-flight for the young striker. Hull still have plenty of work to do and Steve Bruce will be looking for his side to respond to their clinical dismembering by Arsenal; they did improve in the second half but it could hardly have got much worse. They lost a highly competitive reverse fixture 1-0 in a game that featured 10 yellow cards (making the bookings markets well worth a check once priced up) but they have always been a different side at the KC Stadium and will have everything focused on this one before games against Spurs and Man Utd. With 15 points from a possible 18, Leicester have conjured up an ostrich like sprint for the finish line and safety and will rightly fancy their chances of picking up another three points before games against Sunderland and QPR. In contrast, Southampton are rather limping home as the demands of a fine season catch up with them along with injuries to key members of their squad. (By Ian Ogg)
BOOST: Aston Villa, Leicester and Hull all to win at 12/1 from 9/1!
Rugby League
2pts St Helens to beat Catalans Dragons at 5/6
Saints have won the last four between these two teams and the problem with Catalans is that they've conceded the second most points in Super League. That defence is not good enough. Todd Carney has been injured a lot this year and if he plays then their odds improve but he hasn't had a lot of game time. St Helens are a machine. Luke Walsh is back now and they're playing well. They average more metres per run in the Super League - James Roby, their hooker, picks up big metres - and they have serious scoring power. The hosts are not good defensively and I'll back Saints to win away from home. (By Ian Millward)
Price Boost: Makinson to score first try 9/1 from 8/1
Golf
2pts Kevin Kisner to beat Sang-moon Bae at evens
Regular PGA Tour viewers will recall that Kisner came so very close to a first win at the top level when he lost a play-off to Jim Furyk at the Heritage. Always considered a top-class talent in the making by those who saw him play college golf in Georgia, the feeling is that this slow burner is finally about to fulfil his potential and he can confirm that suspicion by making a move today. Like Harbour Town, which hosts the Heritage, Sawgrass is designed by Pete Dye and a glance at this week’s leaderboard confirms that the same type of player tends to figure in both events. Bae’s own record here is modest and that’s despite some extremely good starts. He shot 79 in round three last year and 75 in 2013 and it’s clear that he’s not playing his best golf at the moment, so the rock-solid Kisner looks good value. (By Ben Coley)
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Greyhounds
2pts Taranis Bolt (T6) to win 8.00 Wimbledon at SP (Best Odds Guaranteed)
With the start of the William Greyhound Derby less than three weeks away, there are 10 trial stakes for Blue Riband at Wimbledon tonight. Kevin Hutton has remained in fine form since his thrilling Trainers' Championship victory at Sittingbourne and could have more success this evening, starting with Taranis Bolt (T6) in the first instalment at 8.00. The June '12 whelp won plenty of fans as a sprinter over the winter and has really taken to four bends this spring, with eye-catching wins at Romford and Swindon. You wouldn't have known it was his first look round Wimbledon last week as he roared into a first-bend lead before pulling clear and stopping the clock at a very pleasing 28.58. Lightly raced for his age, there could be more to come and he can get the better of the talented Southfield Jock, who is far from certain to come away from the tricky one box on his first competitive outing at the South London track. (By Chris Oliver)
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Football
1pt Man City to win from behind v QPR at 6/1
Manchester City should win this game and with a degree of comfort, but we've seen QPR cause them problems before and with the hosts' record of scoring first shockingly bad for a side of their stature, it's worthing backing the favourites at 6/1 to win from behind. It's also tempting to shoot for the moon with scorelines in the 3-1/4-2 region and while Sergio Aguero to score first is the most logical bet, there's a definite case for the visitors edging ahead and one which could be rewarded with a winner at a price. (By Ben Coley)
Bet now on Chelsea v Liverpool
Racing
1pt e.w Muhaarar in 2.08 Longchamp (French 2000 Guineas) at 10/1
The last time this prize left France was in 2007 when Astronomer Royal won for Aidan O'Brien. The latter will be hoping Highland Reel will be good enough this year and that may well be the case given he won the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood in July with the minimum of fuss. He is preferred to stablemate War Envoy but MUHAARAR looks a value alternative. Charlie Hills' Gimcrack winner had no problem staying 7f to win the Greenham at Newbury on his reappearance and has won in soft ground before. Back him with Sky Bet who are paying FOUR places on each-way bets. (By Man On The Spot)
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Golf
3pts Bill Haas to beat Ben Martin at 5/6
The penultimate match sees the experienced, multiple winner Bill Haas paired with Ben Martin, who secured his first title on the PGA Tour towards the end of 2014. THE PLAYERS Championship is another level altogether, though, and I don’t believe that the experience edge that Haas holds has been at all factored into this price. The 2011 FedEx Cup champion is a really classy operator with no weaknesses in the bag. This week he’s found a lot of fairways and missed in spots which have made scrambling easier, which is a fantastic combination to be able to rely on as the pressure intensifies. Martin has done superbly well on the back of a decent effort at the match play but he hit poor shots on 17 and 18 and I feel like this is too big an ask at this stage. Haas leads Martin in all key statistical categories bar putting but the key here is that he will enter today with a degree of comfort, whereas his young playing partner is entitled to be extremely nervous on the biggest day of his career. Given that Haas would deserve to be odds-on over any 18 holes, he should be considerably shorter for round four of one of the biggest events on the calendar. (By Ben Coley)
Greyhounds
1pt win Mays King (T3) 9.11 Henlow at SP
Richard Devenish's charge was in the wars when second at odds of 4/5 over this track and trip (460m) last Sunday, but could break better now moved away from the fence and anything like a repeat of his 27.40 here when scoring two starts ago will suffice. (By Chris Oliver)
Sky Bet
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Football
1pt Man City to win from behind v QPR at 6/1
Manchester City should win this game and with a degree of comfort, but we've seen QPR cause them problems before and with the hosts' record of scoring first shockingly bad for a side of their stature, it's worthing backing the favourites at 6/1 to win from behind. It's also tempting to shoot for the moon with scorelines in the 3-1/4-2 region and while Sergio Aguero to score first is the most logical bet, there's a definite case for the visitors edging ahead and one which could be rewarded with a winner at a price. (By Ben Coley)
Bet now on Chelsea v Liverpool
Racing
1pt e.w Muhaarar in 2.08 Longchamp (French 2000 Guineas) at 10/1
The last time this prize left France was in 2007 when Astronomer Royal won for Aidan O'Brien. The latter will be hoping Highland Reel will be good enough this year and that may well be the case given he won the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood in July with the minimum of fuss. He is preferred to stablemate War Envoy but MUHAARAR looks a value alternative. Charlie Hills' Gimcrack winner had no problem staying 7f to win the Greenham at Newbury on his reappearance and has won in soft ground before. Back him with Sky Bet who are paying FOUR places on each-way bets. (By Man On The Spot)
PRICE BOOSTS and Best Odds Guaranteed at every meeting in the UK and Ireland every day!
Golf
3pts Bill Haas to beat Ben Martin at 5/6
The penultimate match sees the experienced, multiple winner Bill Haas paired with Ben Martin, who secured his first title on the PGA Tour towards the end of 2014. THE PLAYERS Championship is another level altogether, though, and I don’t believe that the experience edge that Haas holds has been at all factored into this price. The 2011 FedEx Cup champion is a really classy operator with no weaknesses in the bag. This week he’s found a lot of fairways and missed in spots which have made scrambling easier, which is a fantastic combination to be able to rely on as the pressure intensifies. Martin has done superbly well on the back of a decent effort at the match play but he hit poor shots on 17 and 18 and I feel like this is too big an ask at this stage. Haas leads Martin in all key statistical categories bar putting but the key here is that he will enter today with a degree of comfort, whereas his young playing partner is entitled to be extremely nervous on the biggest day of his career. Given that Haas would deserve to be odds-on over any 18 holes, he should be considerably shorter for round four of one of the biggest events on the calendar. (By Ben Coley)
Greyhounds
1pt win Mays King (T3) 9.11 Henlow at SP
Richard Devenish's charge was in the wars when second at odds of 4/5 over this track and trip (460m) last Sunday, but could break better now moved away from the fence and anything like a repeat of his 27.40 here when scoring two starts ago will suffice. (By Chris Oliver)
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Wednesday's Best Sporting Bets
Horse Racing
1pt First Flight to win 2.10 York at 9/1 (best odds guaranteed)
First Flight looks a decent bet in the opening race of York’s Dante Festival. Saeed bin Suroor won this race three times in consecutive seasons from 2007 and he could well get his name on the roll of honour again as First Flight was a massive eye-catcher on his final start last season in a course and distance handicap. Off the same mark of 98 everything went wrong for the son of Invincible Spirit that day, as he raced keenly and then found trouble in-running a couple of times in the straight. That was a hot race with the Lincoln winner Gabrial finishing sixth and First Flight was only beaten two lengths in fourth despite his luckless run. This is another handicap with plenty of depth and the lightly-raced Mahsoob and Field Of Fame could be progressing quickly, but First Flight is lightly-raced himself and the experience he does have over the market leaders could be worth plenty. Certainly, the big field should help him settle and if James Doyle can navigate a less chaotic path than he endured last time, which shouldn’t be difficult even in this bigger field, he should go close. (By Ben Linfoot)
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Football
2pts Ronaldo to score and Real Madrid win in 90 minutes at 13/8
However organised and able this Juve side may be, keeping a clean sheet at the Bernabeu is one of the hardest tasks in European football - indeed it's been managed just twice in four years, once by Atletico and once by Valencia. Not that it'll be easy for Real to keep a clean sheet of their own, particularly with those defensive issues and the fact that Juve are not exactly short of options themselves. With that in mind it's possible to argue that the most likely scoreline is 2-1 to Real, which would force extra-time, and it's not totally absurd to split stakes on either side winning on penalties at what's effectively 16/1. A good policy is also relying on Cristiano Ronaldo to find the net. Ronaldo and his ego will be desperate to keep up with Lionel Messi and lead his side to the final and having scored at every stage in 2013/14 his credentials really don't need any explaining. Ronaldo is tempting at 7/2 to score two but Sky Bet have boosted the price about him scoring anytime and Real winning inside 90 minutes to 13/8 from evens so we're more than happy to take that. (By Ben Coley)
Check out all 98 markets for Real Madrid v Juventus
Tennis
2pts Victoria Azarenka to beat Caroline Wozniacki at 8/11
Both players are returning to top form having impressed in Madrid last week but I’m happy to side with Azarenka here. There’s little doubt she’s the more impressive player when both are at their best and that’s been shown in their recent meetings – the Belarusian having won the last three in straight sets. In fact you have to go back to 2010 for Wozniacki’s last win over Azarenka in a completed match. She’ll hope the slower conditions will favour her here but Azarenka is a tough cookie and was very close to beating Serena Williams last week which has to merit respect. At 8/11, her odds are big enough to tempt me into backing a player of real quality. (By Andy Schooler)
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Greyhounds
2pts Millwards Ozil (T4) to win 10.11 at Romford at 4/1 (Best Odds Guaranteed)
Action from Romford and Peterborough is live on RPGTV this evening and punters are advised to wait until the 10.11 for what we think is the best bet of the night. Paul Young's Millwards Ozil (T4) boasts a good make-up in the penultimate race on the card at Romford and is expected to race into a first-bend lead if repeating the 3.67 split he clocked in a similar contest last time out. The son of Tyrur Big Mike won a sprint open here in 13.69 earlier this year, pinging from the lids and making all in emphatic fashion, and he should take all of the beating if arriving in a similar mood tonight. (By Matt Salter)
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Wednesday's Best Sporting Bets
Horse Racing
1pt First Flight to win 2.10 York at 9/1 (best odds guaranteed)
First Flight looks a decent bet in the opening race of York’s Dante Festival. Saeed bin Suroor won this race three times in consecutive seasons from 2007 and he could well get his name on the roll of honour again as First Flight was a massive eye-catcher on his final start last season in a course and distance handicap. Off the same mark of 98 everything went wrong for the son of Invincible Spirit that day, as he raced keenly and then found trouble in-running a couple of times in the straight. That was a hot race with the Lincoln winner Gabrial finishing sixth and First Flight was only beaten two lengths in fourth despite his luckless run. This is another handicap with plenty of depth and the lightly-raced Mahsoob and Field Of Fame could be progressing quickly, but First Flight is lightly-raced himself and the experience he does have over the market leaders could be worth plenty. Certainly, the big field should help him settle and if James Doyle can navigate a less chaotic path than he endured last time, which shouldn’t be difficult even in this bigger field, he should go close. (By Ben Linfoot)
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Football
2pts Ronaldo to score and Real Madrid win in 90 minutes at 13/8
However organised and able this Juve side may be, keeping a clean sheet at the Bernabeu is one of the hardest tasks in European football - indeed it's been managed just twice in four years, once by Atletico and once by Valencia. Not that it'll be easy for Real to keep a clean sheet of their own, particularly with those defensive issues and the fact that Juve are not exactly short of options themselves. With that in mind it's possible to argue that the most likely scoreline is 2-1 to Real, which would force extra-time, and it's not totally absurd to split stakes on either side winning on penalties at what's effectively 16/1. A good policy is also relying on Cristiano Ronaldo to find the net. Ronaldo and his ego will be desperate to keep up with Lionel Messi and lead his side to the final and having scored at every stage in 2013/14 his credentials really don't need any explaining. Ronaldo is tempting at 7/2 to score two but Sky Bet have boosted the price about him scoring anytime and Real winning inside 90 minutes to 13/8 from evens so we're more than happy to take that. (By Ben Coley)
Check out all 98 markets for Real Madrid v Juventus
Tennis
2pts Victoria Azarenka to beat Caroline Wozniacki at 8/11
Both players are returning to top form having impressed in Madrid last week but I’m happy to side with Azarenka here. There’s little doubt she’s the more impressive player when both are at their best and that’s been shown in their recent meetings – the Belarusian having won the last three in straight sets. In fact you have to go back to 2010 for Wozniacki’s last win over Azarenka in a completed match. She’ll hope the slower conditions will favour her here but Azarenka is a tough cookie and was very close to beating Serena Williams last week which has to merit respect. At 8/11, her odds are big enough to tempt me into backing a player of real quality. (By Andy Schooler)
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Greyhounds
2pts Millwards Ozil (T4) to win 10.11 at Romford at 4/1 (Best Odds Guaranteed)
Action from Romford and Peterborough is live on RPGTV this evening and punters are advised to wait until the 10.11 for what we think is the best bet of the night. Paul Young's Millwards Ozil (T4) boasts a good make-up in the penultimate race on the card at Romford and is expected to race into a first-bend lead if repeating the 3.67 split he clocked in a similar contest last time out. The son of Tyrur Big Mike won a sprint open here in 13.69 earlier this year, pinging from the lids and making all in emphatic fashion, and he should take all of the beating if arriving in a similar mood tonight. (By Matt Salter)
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