Christmas is nearly upon us, so fingers crossed this week’s selection does the trick.
After only hitting one of our three bets last week, we’re looking to bounce back this week with thanks to the combined sporting prowess of the Green Bay Packers, Manchester United and Zarkandar. That looks like a very strong trio to us and it should return you odds just over 8/1.
Zarkandar to win International Hurdle at Cheltenham, 5/4
A very high-class field will go to post at a soggy Cheltenham at 3.05 on Saturday. The three big guns are Grandouet, winner of this race last year but without a run since; Rock On Ruby, winner of last season’s Champions Hurdle at the Festival; and our selection.
Zarkandar was a disappointing fifth behind Rock on Ruby in that March race but with a decent win at Wincanton under his belt and with Ruby Walsh in saddle we think the 2011 Triumph Hurdle winner will end up with another Cheltenham scalp this weekend, especially in the soft conditions.
Four or more goals, Manchester United v Sunderland, 11/10
As we have seen all season, Fergie’s team this year are entertaining as hell to watch, for neutrals at least. Powerful going forward and slack at the back, goals have flowed in United games of late.
They face Sunderland on Saturday, who appear to have found their goal touch with three against Reading, including one by our own James McClean, perhaps heralding a return to form for the Derry man. Sunderland may be struggling in the table but they have enough threat to score at least one and we reckon the combined might of Wayne Rooney and RVP will find the net with ease at the other end.
Hopefully, they will combine to reach the magic number of four for us.
Green Bay Packers (-3) to beat Chicago, 20/21
A division game in freezing Chicago probably won’t be a high-scoring affair but it will be absorbing to watch. The Pack, despite nobody really talking about them, have won seven of the last eight and they may be getting in shape at just the right time.
The Bears look to be going the other way. Four losses in their last five has seen them cede top spot in the NFC to Green Bay and we don’t see the tide turning this weekend either. It will be a bruiser but we reckon Aaron Rodgers can win this one for the visitors at Soldier Field by at least a TD.
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