We would be lying if we said that 2011 was a vintage one for the JOE betting team. We’re determined to turn over a new leaf in 2012 and with that in mind, here’s an accumulator that could return over €400.
By Sean Nolan and Conor Heneghan
Wigan v Swindon (Wigan to win @ 7/5)
We know the FA Cup’s all about romanticism and if any team is likely to pull off a giant-killing act this weekend, it’s Paulo Di Canio’s Swindon side, but odds of better than even money when there are two divisions separating the sides is too hard to ignore.
Roberto Martinez may choose to spare a few of his front-liners the trip to the midlands, but even the Latics’ second string could hardly be as bad as the side currently masquerading as a Premier League outfit, could they?
Aironi v Connacht (Connacht to win by 1-12 points @ 13/8)
Strange perhaps to be betting on a side that haven’t won since mid-September, but there are only two clubs worse off than Connacht in the Rabo12 table and one of them is Aironi, who have lost ten of their 12 games so far.
Connacht deserved far better than a one-point loss to Leinster on New Year’s Day and it’s about time they turned things around. Now is as good as time as any to get the show back on the road.
Houston v Cincinnati Bengals (Houston (-3) to win @ 4/5)
It’s wildcard playoff weekend in the NFL and we should be looking at some of the best teams in action from now on. But the AFC, below the top three of New England, Pittsburgh and Baltimore, have been fairly rubbish.
Houston had the AFC South tied up a while back so they took the foot off the gas and lost their last three. Normally this would a cause for concern but the Texans are at home and the Bengals look very unreliable to us and possibly over achieved to get a wildcard spot.
These teams met four weeks ago in Cincinnati and the Texans won by a point. Back in Houston this time we think the Texans will win by at least one touchdown.
Wexford v Meath (Wexford to win @ 13/5)
We know that betting on pre-season GAA is the quickest way to the poorhouse but we think the oddsmakers have this one a bit out of whack.
The Royals are at home but their price of 1/3 is far too short, especially considering that Meath are reported to be struggling with an injury crisis in their front line. Jamie Queeney, Shane O’Rourke and Kevin Reilly are out for the home side while Ben Brosnan and PJ Banville start for Wexford.
Ciaran Lyng does sit it out for Wexford but we think the Model could escape from Páirc Tailteann with the win.
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