All Blacks (-17.5) to end 24 years of hurt

New Zealand vs France, RWC Final, 23rd October 2011, 10:00, Eden Park


The wait is over. For 24 long years, the best rugby playing nation in the world has been derided and mocked, fleeced and shamed in front of millions of eyes, on the world’s biggest stage. And now, it’s time for revenge. Year on year they end atop the World Rankings as the best team in the world, but I have never in my lifetime had to call them World Champions, until now that is. Let us not forget that there are two teams in the final, if only to make up the numbers. It’s the Rugby World Cup Final. The world, and a nation awaits...

English Premier League Preview

The new season is fully into the swing of things now, with last weekend’s blockbuster being followed by yet another clash of the titans this weekend. And casting our eye forward we see another big matchup looms in the not too distant future, with a London Derby to look forward to next weekend. The next couple weeks could have a big impact on where the Premier League trophy may end up come May.

Dragons 14/10 fired up to finish third

Australia vs Wales, RWC 3rd/4th Playoff, 21st October 2011, 10:00, Eden Park

The 3rd/4th playoff, or the bronze medal match. It’s a game that no one really wants to be involved in.Yet often enough it produces a bit of a spectacle, with players free from the pressures of knockout rugby expressing themselves on the second stage. Of course, they would all like to be on the main stage, playing for the greatest prize in World Rugby, but as the Rolling Stones once put it, “You can’t always get what you want.” With two young and exciting teams, this match has the makings of an ESPN classic.

Rubin Kazan 39/10 to repeat magic trick

Tottenham vs Rubin Kazan, UEFA Europa League, 20th October, 21:00, White Hart Lane

It’s another top of the table clash in Group A when Tottenham play host to Rubin Kazan at White Hart Lane. Tottenham will be looking to make full use of home advantage, keeping in mind that they have to travel to Russia in the next fixture. Harry Redknapp has used this season’s competition to blood a couple younger players and he is expected to continue with this policy on Thursday night.

Atletico 17/10 to seize control of Group I

Udinese vs Atletico Madrid, UEFA Europa League, 20th October 2011, 19:00, Stadio Friuli

Atletico travel to Italy on Thursday evening as both teams put their unbeaten start to the competition to the test. Both teams are currently tied on 4 points but Atletico find themselves on top of the group thanks to a superior goal difference. Udinese will be looking to build on their impressive Serie A form, that sees them joint leaders of the Serie A thanks to 3 wins and 3 draws from their first six matches.

Manchester Derby sees the Champions at 1/1

Manchester United v Manchester City, Premier League, Sunday 23rd October, 14h30

All eyes will again be on the champions this weekend when they host their city rivals in the Manchester Derby. Both Manchester teams have looked the clear front runners for this season’s title and this match plays a big role in their respective title pursuit. United currently trails City by two points on the Premier League table, but enter this match as clear favorites.

Garcia 15/2 to triumph in own backyard

The Castellon Masters, European Tour, 20 October-23 October, Castellon

The Castellon Masters has only been running for the past three years, having replaced the Mallorca classic in 2008. With not much course form to go on it is interesting to note that Sergio Garcia, who was tournament host, won the inaugural event on the course where his father is the club pro. Last year saw the young Matteo Manassero become the youngest ever winner on the European tour, when he decimated the field to win by four shots. The par 71, 7073 yard course should allow for an interesting competition this weekend so let’s see where the value lies.

Rose 14/1 to return refreshed

The Children’s Miracle Classic, PGA Tour, 20 October-23 October, Florida

This weekend sees the PGA Tour move into Florida for the Children’s Miracle Classic. The tournament will be split over 2 courses, the Palm course and the slightly tougher Magnolia course. A quick look at course form shows that five of the last six winners here have previously had top 10 finishes at Disney, so course form may prove a significant element to consider here. With the expectation of low scores it’s also recommended that punters keep in mind Birdie Averages and focus on players who rank well in this stat.  

Barca 1/6 to Keep La Liga Lead

Barcelona v Sevilla, La Liga, Saturday 22 October,  22h00, Camp Nou

The Spanish La Liga spoils football fans this weekend as two dominant forces go head to head. There is currently a miserly 2 points between them, with Barcelona sitting on top of the log and Sevilla sitting in fourth position. These two very seldom fail to produce an action packed encounter, and you can expect no different when they meet at Camp Nou on Saturday night. 

Lille 11/10 to add to Inter's woes

Lille vs Inter Milan, UEFA Champions League, 18th October 2011, 20:45, Stadium Nord

It is still everything to play for in Group B, and both Lille and Inter will be going for the win in a bid to strengthen their position in the group. The French champions have drawn their two opening matches in this campaign, while Inter Milan suffered a shock defeat against Trabzonspor before claiming a hard fought win in Russia last time out. With Lille travelling to Italy on matchday 4, the impetus will be with them to go out and grab the win.

Real 2/9 to maintain 100% record in Group D

Real Madrid vs Olympic Lyon, UEFA Champions League, 18th October 2011, 20:45

Real Madrid and Lyon continue a rivalry of recent years on Tuesday evening when they meet in a top of the table clash in Group D. Madrid find themselves top of the group with 2 wins from 2, while Lyon sit two points adrift. Having had the better of Los Meringues in recent times Lyon will travel to Spain free from fear and may just have one eye on causing another upset. These sides met in the round of 16 last season, with Madrid triumphing in the second leg 3-0 to send the French team packing.

City 3/10 to break European duck

Man City vs Villarreal, Uefa Champions League, 18th October 2011, 20:45, Etihad Stadium

English league leaders, Man City, play host to Villarreal on Tuesday evening in what should be seen as a must win match for Roberto Mancini and his side. Having picked up only one point from their first two games, Roberto Mancini will know just how important home from is if they are to progress from the group stages. With the Manchester derby looming large on the horizon, it will be interesting to see just how he plays it.