Weekend Betting Preview 20/01/06

FOOTBALL

REDS ON THE RISE AT TASTY 21/10 Man United v Liverpool   Su Jan 22 - 3.00 ko (SS1) Chelsea have all but wrapped up the title, but this game will tell us more about who will finish second, and it's Liverpool who are fancied to come away with the points at a tasty 21/10. They may be a point behind their rivals in the table but they have two games in hand, and are assembling an impressive run of wins and clean sheets. They've won 11 of their last 12 league games (drawn the other one), and have only conceded three goals. They've also had three 1-0 wins here in five seasons, and another one looks on the cards. Should they win the game, they'll be a lot shorter than the current Evens in our 'Without Chelsea' market. Once the game goes live, don't forget to check out our 14 'In-Play' markets. Live Game Picks: Liverpool to beat Man United @ 21/10 Liverpool to win 1-0 @ 7/1 CITY UP FOR IT AT 21/10 Bolton v Man City   Live betting - Sa Jan 21 - 3.00 ko Friday sees the start of the 2006 African Cup, much to the inconvenience of various Premiership managers, who are having to cope with key players being taken away from them. In particular, Sam Allardyce, who's been hit hard by the loss of Jaidi, Okocha, Faye and Diouf. He suffered another blow when Hidetoshi Nakata was sent off against Blackburn last week, leading to his suspension for the game against Man City this weekend. That leaves the Trotters (available at 5/4) with a severely depleted squad, and we can take advantage by backing City at 21/10. Much has been made about City's decline recently, but the 3-1 win over United could see a reversal in their fortunes, and they'll be up for another Lancashire derby. Man City to beat Bolton at 21/10

GOLF

HOWELL WORTH ABU DABBLE AT 12/1 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship   Th Jan 19 - 06.30 BST (SS1)   Fr Jan 20 - 06.30 BST (SS1)   Sa Jan 21 - 08.30 BST (SS2)   Su Jan 22 - 08.30 BST (SS2) The European Tour is normally low-key at this time of year, but that's not the case with this week's 'new' Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, where world No.2 Vijay Singh heads a high-class field. Anyone thinking of backing the golf-a-holic Fijian will be encouraged by his performances in Hawaii over the last two weeks (2nd and 6th) but, at 7/2, I would prefer to look elsewhere for the winner. At nearly three-times the price, David Howell must have an excellent chance this week, although it's hard to be too confident with no course form to go on. The 12/1 shot is a genuine title contender every time he tees up, and he's played particularly well in the Middle East, where he has finished in the top-ten in each of the last two Dubai Desert Classics, and the last three Qatar Masters (played next week). That augurs well for yet another high finish from the player who already sits at the top of the European Order of Merit - 5/1 to finish top money earner here at bet365. And, don't worry if you miss the start, as we'll have live 'In-Play' betting, including 'End of Round Leader'. In fact, you might be better off waiting a couple of rounds to see who's playing the course best before placing your bet. Abu Dhabi Pick: David Howell @ 12/1 PHIL A CLASSIC WINNER AT 23/4 Bob Hope Classic   We Jan 18 - 21.00 BST (SS2)   Th Jan 19 - 20.00 BST (SS2)   Fr Jan 20 - 20.00 BST (SSX)   Sa Jan 21 - 20.00 BST (SS2)   Su Jan 22 - 20.30 BST (SS2) The US PGA Tour hits mainland America for the Bob Hope Classic and, here again, bettors should be aware that there will be a new host course, the Classic Club, which will be played twice.

However, this marathon five-round pro-am is still a specialist's event, and for that reason, it could pay to stick with players who've already shown they enjoy the format. As a two-time winner, Phil Mickelson stands out from the pack, and he thoroughly deserves to be in all staking plans this week at a best-priced 23/4 with bet365 ('Enhanced Win Only' market). That price will disappear as soon as the event gets under way, but you can still get on via our live 'In-Play' service, available throughout the five days. Each-way backers could do worse than back Tour veteran Mark Calcavecchia at a standout 50/1 with bet365 (1/4 odds 1.2.3.4.5). He's tried and tested here, having rewarded supporters on four occasions in the past, and a top-20 spot in last week's Sony proves he's till in good enough form to contend this week. There's also a lot like about Jonathan Kaye this week (especially his price of 80/1!). Like the other selections, he's played well here before with finishes of 4th and 8th. Bob Hope Classic Three Off The Tee ... Phil Mickelson @ 23/4 (EWO), Mark Calcavecchia @ 50/1, Jonathan Kaye @ 80/1

HORSE RACING

HOME IN ON ARISTOXENE Heavy ground is likely to be the order of the day at the weekend, which is likely to deny us the chance to see several Cheltenham Festival contenders in action, although Kingscliff looks sure to line up in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock (2.10). There have been several rumours going around about this horses' well-being recently, but his trainer, Robert Alner, has denied that there any problems with the Gold Cup second-favourite (11/2 here at bet365). He's sure to be a warm order on Saturday but, as this is a handicap, he'll have to give weight and a beating to all of his rivals, including the French import Aristoxene. This one is at home at Haydock, with a win, a second, and a third to his name there, and he'll be in his element on the forecast heavy ground. Whatever beats him will know they've had a race! bet365 latest Gold Cup prices ... Beef Or Salmon 5/1, Kingscliff 11/2, Monkerhostin 10/1, War Of Attrition 9/1, One Knight, Celestial Gold 12/1, others on bet365 website. FREE MONEY AT WINCANTON The best ground is likely to be found at Wincanton, which also features four live Channel 4 races, and some interesting bets to boot. Don't forget, if you can find the winner of one of the televised races (at 4/1 or bigger) here at bet365, we'll give you a free bet on the next live Channel 4 race. And, Free Gift can get the ball rolling by winning the Handicap Chase (2.05). He scored a pillar to post victory last time out at Taunton, a course not dissimilar to Wincanton, and he can defy a 8lb higher mark in this company. Later on, Jakari can get back to winning ways, now that he's regained his enthusiasm following an unhappy experience in the Grand National last season. He travelled well for a long way at Sandown last time, and he'll be hard to beat off a 7lb lower mark than his previous win.

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