After two disastrous weeks, we’re confident we can turn things around this weekend and are backing Wayne Rooney, the Dubs and (hides behind couch) the French rugby team to help us out.
After two consecutive weeks where not a single one of his three bets failed to land, regular tipster Sean Nolan has gone away to think long and hard about his betting strategy, count the pennies in his change jar and splash large amounts of water in his face in an effort to return refreshed for Cheltenham, so for one week and one week only (of that you can be sure), he has begged me to step into the breach.
Last weekend, Sean fell for thinking that Swansea would be too hungover to beat Newcastle, that Barca would have too much strength for Real Madrid and, not for the first time this year, that his native Wexford would repay his faith in them, so it is up to me to attempt to save some face this time around.
After six unsuccessful tips on the trot, surely one of these has to come in… right?
This treble should net you odds of around 20/1 but feel free to immediately discount the advice if you think you should.
Man United v Chelsea, Wayne Rooney first goalscorer, 9/2
It might seem like odd timing to be touting Wayne Rooney to make an impact for Manchester United this weekend, but if Fergie is to be believed and there is nothing the matter between himself and the England striker, then nothing will ram that message home better than Rooney knocking in the first goal against Chelsea, kissing his badge afterwards and running towards his manager for a warm embrace.
OK, so the last part might be taking things a bit too far, but Rooney has history of reminding everyone of what he’s capable of when publicly questioned, as he did against Man City in the Cup last year.
At 9/2, we think it’s well worth a punt.
Dublin (-2) to beat Kildare, 10/11
Something has to give when two of the three top dogs in Division One lock horns at Croke Park on Sunday, but it is hard to see past Jim Gavin and his band of merry men considering their performances in the league to date.
Possibly because there’s a new man in charge and possibly because of their lethargy at this stage last year, the Dubs seem at a more advanced stage than any of their main competitors and have been impressive in all three of their victories to date, easing past Cork, blowing away Kerry and defeating Mayo while down to 14 men last weekend.
Kildare deserve credit for their run so far but it has not been without an element of good fortune, particularly away to Cork and home to Kerry last weekend. With the game being played at headquarters and with Bernard Brogan on such a hot streak, we fancy the Dubs to make it four from four and with more than a couple of points to spare.
France (-1) to beat Ireland, evens
Forgive us for dampening any enthusiasm ahead of Ireland’s clash with France on Saturday, but we find it hard to imagine a favourable result for what could conceivably be Declan Kidney’s last home game in charge.
The Ireland camp at the moment, to put it frankly, is a mess. Morale is low, form is pretty much non-existent, half the team are either out injured or playing hurt and there seems to be little confidence in either the coach or the captain.
It’s far from rosy in the French camp either, but until he made some silly substitutions, Philippe Saint-Andre seemed to have stumbled upon his best team against England and whatever about Ireland losing three games on the trot, France are facing the prospect of losing six games in a row in the Five/Six Nations for the first time since the 1957-58 season.
Can you imagine how loud the chorus of ‘Sacre Bleu’ will be if that is allowed come to pass?
Much as it pains us to admit it, we expect another disappointing outcome at the Aviva this weekend.
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