All Blacks (-7.5) to march towards destiny

New Zealand vs Australia, RWC 2011, 16th October 2011, 10:00, Eden Park

It was a match that was being billed as the final, but Ireland went and ruined all that. Now, the cross Tasman rivals meet in what is bound to be a ripsnorter of a semi-final. There is no love lost between these two nations and I expect that to show on Sunday, in the form of bone-crunching tackles and earth shattering collisions. Oh what a match it could prove to be.

Athletic To Hold Home Advantage at 8/10

Athletic Bilbao vs Osasuna, Spanish La Liga, 17th Oct 2011, 21h00

The last match of Week 8 action in the Spanish La Liga sees Osasuna travel west to take on Athletic Bilbao on Monday night, where only two points currently seperate the two sides on the league table. Athletic are starting to hit their strides with a run of good results, while Osasuna have obtained just one point greater than the matches they've played. This has normally been a one-sided affair when Athletic plays at home, and it should be no different here.

Sharks 3/10 look to claim home semi-final

Sharks vs Lions, Absa Currie Cup, 15th October 2011, 19:00, Mr Price Kings Park

It is the final weekend of group stage action in this year’s Currie Cup, and it all draws to a close with a top of the table clash between the second placed Sharks and table topping Lions in Durban. The Sharks will know prior to kick-off what they require to seal a home semi-final, but in all probability a bonus point win will be on the agenda. The outlook of the Currie Cup has changed drastically with the early return of the Springboks and that is shown in the betting for this match.

Les Bleus 12/10 to break Welsh hearts

Wales vs France, RWC 2011, 15th October 2011, 10:00, Eden Park

The first finalist for the RWC will be decided tomorrow when the young, fearless Welsh take on the enigmatic French in what is a wholly unexpected semi-final clash. Neither team would’ve been touted as potential finalists before the tournament kicked off, but both are just one step away from a place in the showpiece event and two away from ultimate glory.

Chelsea 7/20 to end barren run against Toffees

Chelsea vs Everton, English Premier League, 15th October 2011, 16:00, Stamford Bridge

Chelsea host Everton on Saturday in a fixture that hasn’t produced the best results for them over the years. Both teams had contrasting results prior to the international break, with Chelsea picking up an impressive 5-1 victory at Bolton, thanks to a hatrick from under fire Frank Lampard. On the other hand, Everton were left with a bitter taste in their mouth after having Jack Rodwell wrongfully dismissed, as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of local rivals Liverpool.

English Premier League Weekend Preview

English Premier League Preview - Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th October 2011

Well its back to the Premier League this weekend after what was a dramatic and somewhat confusing international break. Confusion and chaos reigned supreme over the AFCON Qualifiers this weekend, and I for one am more than a little ashamed of SAFA and Bafana Bafana at this moment in time. To not know the rules of the competition is a travesty and reeked of incompetency at all levels. Ultimately we didn’t deserve to qualify. If you can’t beat a team ranked 150th in the world, at home no less, what right do you have of calling yourself one of Africa’s best? Rant over, let’s move on to what is shaping up to be a cracking weekend of football action.

Liverpool 18/10 in Battle of the Reds

Liverpool v Manchester United, English Premier League, Saturday 15 October, 13h45

The English Premier League is back with a bang this weekend after breaking for international qualifiers and friendlies. Liverpool will face Manchester United in what is one of the biggest football derbies in the world. Their rivalry runs far back and they are the two most successful clubs in England, between them they have won 118 honours: 60 for Manchester United and 58 for Liverpool. This season’s meeting holds more importance as Liverpool finally have a squad capable of challenging the champions for the title.

Ajax 7/10 to Revive Campaign

Ajax Amsterdam v AZ Alkmaar, Dutch Eredivise, Saturday 15th October, 18h45

The Dutch Eredivisie league has tossed up a mouth watering encounter between two giants in Ajax Amsterdam and AZ Alkmaar. These teams have great history on their shoulders as they are always amongst the title chasers and have always served up an intriguing matchup. Pride is at stake and a win for either team will go a long way in boosting morale.

It's Toms 25/1 time to shine

The McGladrey Classic, PGA Tour, 13 October-16 October, Georgia

This weekend sees the McGladrey Classic tee off at St. Simons Island, Georgia. There’s little to go on this time around as there is only a single year of course form to draw from. Last year Heath Slocum took home the prize money so he may be one to keep an eye on. Here are my selections.

Strong field descends on Algarve

The Portugal Masters, European Tour, 13 October-16 October, The Algarve

Thursday sees players on the European Tour tee off at the Arnold Palmer designed Oceanico Victoria Course. The beautifully manicured course is 7 227 yards and it will be interesting to see how a field that consists of five Major Champions and 20 Ryder Cup players compete.

The draw 16/10 enough for Portugal to progress

Denmark vs Portugal, Euro 2012 Qualifier, 11th October 2011, Copenhagen

Qualification for Euro 2012 comes to a conclusion tonight and if the weekend’s AFCON finale is anything to go by, there is going to be drama, and plenty of it. Portugal and Denmark currently sit together at the top of Group H, and are only separated by goal difference. Denmark however, will require a win on Tuesday night to progress, thanks to a worse head-to-head record against the Portuguese. Let’s hope these teams have studied the rules before they take to the field. (Take note SAFA)