Updated: Wednesday 26th April 2006

FOOTBALL

UNITED TO SPOIL BLUES’ PARTY AT 13/5
Chelsea v Man United - Sat Apr 29 (SS1)
Chelsea (11/10) need just one more point to seal the title, and they’re strong favourites to get it against Manchester United (13/5) on Saturday (kick off 12.30pm), but I wouldn’t bet on it. As far as the title is concerned, it looks mission impossible for United now with Chelsea having to lose this game and their final two games against Newcastle and Blackburn. Instead, United will be content to go to Stamford Bridge and lay down a marker for next season and, with bet365, they look terrific value at 13/5 (11/10 Chelsea, Draw 21/10).

Over the past two seasons, United have raised their game when facing major opponents who want something badly, in particular, ending the long unbeaten runs of both Chelsea and Arsenal. Plus, United might be the more determined to win this game and spoil the Blues’ party, and they’re likely to come out all guns blazing, which makes bet365’s 6/1 for the double result also worth taking. If United take the early lead, Chelsea will of course push for the equalizer, but they won’t need any more than that, so we’ll a saver on the 1-1 draw at 5/1.

As for the First Goalscorer market, the price on Rooney is longer than usual at 13/2 due to the presence of the likes of the mis-firing Hernan Crespo (9/2) and Didier Drogba (5/1), and he’s even greater value when you consider that they’ll give your money back if he scores the last goal in the game instead. Once the game goes live, don’t forget to check out bet365’s Live In-Play Console, where you’ll find up to 14 dynamic markets on the match.

Chelsea v Man United Picks:
Man United to beat Chelsea @ 13/5
United / United @ 11/2 (saver on 1-1 @ 5/1)
Wayne Rooney to score first @ 13/2

GOLF

ZURICH CLASSIC - ZACH DUE A WIN AT 33/1
Live on Sky all four days, starting 9.00pm, Thursday, April 27th.
When it comes to watching golfing stars, nothing beats the US Tour, and I’m looking forward to seeing Phil Mickelson on his first appearance since the Masters, chasing three wins on the bounce on a course where he has plenty of positive course form (2nd in 2004 and 2001). And, in a field which lacks strength in depth, he must have a great chance to win again this week, although at bet365’s 7/2 (15/2 off scratch in their handicap betting), better value lies in trying to find some each-way value.

Retief Goosen doesn’t appeal at 8/1 on his course debut, while the likes of David Toms (22/1) and Chris DiMarco (33/1) appear to have gone off the boil. Stuart Appleby wouldn’t have taken much out of himself when cruising to victory by six shots, and back-to-back wins are not out of the question at 18/1. However, the promising Zach Johnson is due a win himself, and is nearly twice the odds of Appleby, and looks a great bet to win at bet365’s 33/1. A multiple winner on the Nationwide Tour, and a winner in his rookie year in 2005, Johnson’s form this year is rock solid (2nd to Mickelson at Sugar Loaf and 3rd place at the World Matchplay) and, on each occasion, he’s impressed with his accuracy and iron play.

Of the others, Lee Westwood is long overdue a win and can be backed at 5/1 with bet365. His last victory came in September 2003 but, even though he’s managed several good finishes since, it’s his recent form that marks him down as a possible winner this week at bet365’s 50/1. He has two top-5 finishes in his last five starts on Tour and, as a former winner on this course (1998), looks good value at those odds. Both Steve Flesch and Carlos Franco (both 80/1) are previous winners here, but the final pick goes to Richard S. Johnson who looks over-priced at 100/1 (each-way ¼ odds 1.2.3.4.5) considering his achievements in recent weeks – 7th at the Bell South Classic and 6th at the Houston Open.

Of course, many of you may wish to wait until after the first round (or even later) to see who’s playing well before placing your bets, and any late ‘players’ will always be accommodated at bet365 via their Live In-Play Console. If you enjoy this exciting form of betting, then it’s worth bearing in mind that the 548-yard 15th here is a risk-reward hole where the tournament can be won or lost.

Zurich Classic Picks:
Zach Johnson @ 40/1 Lee Westwood @ 50/1 Richard S. Johnson @ 100/1.

Get in the game and be lucky!

Nigel

NIGEL RIDGWAY, an experienced punter and betting shop owner of many years, believes that "The key to successful gambling is getting value for money." Nigel was once forced by local bookmakers, to stop writing a tipping column in a UK newspaper, because he was costing them a fortune. Find out what offers and lines are hot at bet365.com

Please post your views on this article via the Betfinder forums.