Can 4/1 Wales steal the Six Nations from Ireland’s grasp?

The 2009 Championship comes to a thrilling climax on Saturday

Wales are 4/1 with Paddy Power and Boylesports - both Irish bookmakers of course - to win the Six Nations. They must beat Ireland by at least thirteeen points to prise away the crown. Is it possible?

YES

» Wales have beaten Ireland on each of the last two occasions where they have met on the final day of the tournament.

» In each of the last five years Wales have had their final match at home and they have won on four of those occasions - against Italy, Ireland, England and France. Wales are also the only team to have won each of their last five home games in the competition.

» In 2007 and 2008 combined, the average win margin on the final day of the Six Nations was 17.7, compared to 13.3 over the first four weeks.

Posted: March 20th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Five reasons why Manchester United will win big tonight

Man Utd/Aalborg, 7.45pm, Sky Sports 2, Best Odds, Free Bets

The last sixteen in this year’s competition have already been confirmed without any real surprises so all Manchester United have left to play for is the chance to top their group. This is supposed to guarantee an easier knockout stage draw but with Inter Milan finishing second in their group and Bayern Munich and Real Madrid likely to follow tonight, any advantage is minimal. United are generally 1/5 to win tonight but the best value in on them winning by four or more goals, available at 4/1 with Boylesports, or to score five at 11/2 with Sky Bet. Here’s why:

1. Aalborg have let in 12 goals in the Champions League group stages this season – the second highest in the competition after five games - and conceded six away to Villarreal.

2. With their UEFA Cup spot guaranteed, Aalborg have nothing left to play for. They failed to score on their last visit to Britain to face Celtic and alarmingly have a negative goal difference even in their domestic league, which they won last season.

Posted: December 10th, 2008 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Das Big Match: Bayern Munich host surprise league leaders Hoffenheim

Bundesliga, 7.30pm, Setanta Sports 1, Best Odds, Free Bets

Newly-promoted Hoffenheim, whose town has a population of 3,272, tonight host title favourites Bayern Munich in a battle of the Bundesliga top two.

Earlier this season Bayern Munich boss Jurgen Klinsmann’s job was supposedly under threat after a slow start but they are now the form team in the division with seven wins from their last eight.

The reigning champions have been installed as general 8/13 favourites but Hoffenheim won’t be rolling over.

Posted: December 5th, 2008 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment