In a new weekend betting feature, we’re picking out a four-timer to get us quids-in come Monday morning. This one returns €705 for a tenner.
By Conor Heneghan and Shane Breslin
Wigan v QPR – Wigan to win at 5/4
Alright, QPR had a great win last week and they’ve been boosted by the arrival of new owner, Tony Fernandez. But that came against an Everton side more bankrupt that Bernie Madoff, and they had been outclassed by Bolton the previous week. Read that again: outclassed by Bolton.
They look ill-equipped for the Premier League and the signing of Joey Barton could go either way. Maybe Barton and Neil Warnock will be a match made in heaven, or maybe that relationship will crash and burn, and bring QPR down with it.
Wigan aren’t much use but QPR look dead-certs for the drop so anything above even money on a home win against them is too good to ignore.
Ireland v England – Ireland (-5) to win at 11/8
Ireland just can’t countenance going into the World Cup on the back of four successive defeats, so Saturday’s game against England at the Aviva looks just about every bit as important as the Grand Slam-denying Six Nations clash at the same venue six months ago.
Declan Kidney’s side looked in great nick for the first 15 minutes against France last week before the wheels fell off but with the squad announcement on Monday ending any uncertainty there, and Tommy Bowe and David Wallace back in the side for the first time since last season, expect some fireworks this time.
Add them into the mix to win by six or more in Ladbrokes’ alternative handicap market.
Tottenham v Manchester City – Man City to win @ 7/5
A couple of seasons back these two were battling it out for Champions League places, but have gone in opposite directions since. City have emptied their wallet and are in the mix for big prizes, while Spurs are fighting to hold onto their big players and lack a little firepower up front.
Roberto Mancini’s side have looked impressive so far, while Spurs faded badly against Manchester United on Monday night. We think that City will inflict further misery on the North London side, which will probably prompt a deadline day transfer binge from ‘Arry Redknapp.
Dublin v Donegal, No Goalscorer @ 9/2
Donegal have conceded only one goal in the Championship so far and Dublin just two. Keeping the opposition from raising green flags is a major part of both sides’ largely defensive systems, while Paul Durcan and Stephen Cluxton (pictured top) represent significant obstacles in goal if either side can create clear opportunities.
Because of their respective records so far, we reckon 9/2 is a good price for a shut-out at Croke Park.
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