DCSIMG

Martin King's Sports Betting: Bookies expect Saints to struggle in Guinness Premiership


Published on Friday 27 June 2008 11:19

The bookies are expecting Northampton Saints to struggle when they return to the Guinness Premiership next season.

Bet365 make Jim Mallinder's men just 4/1 to finish bottom of the pile next May.

It's likely to be a season of consolidation for the club, but any fans fancying a wild punt can back their team at a massive 66/1 (Boylesports) to win the championship.

Spain are set for Euro glory

FOOTBALL: Spain are the favourites to win Euro 2008 after beating Russia 3-0 in last night's semi-final in Vienna.

It was a very comfortable night for the Spaniards and they fully deserve to be the 4/7 bookies' choice to beat Germany in the final on Sunday.

William Hill make Spain 5/4 to win in 90 minutes and also quote the Germans, the pre-tournament favourites, at 2/1 with the draw 15/8.

It's 7/2 for the game to go to penalties with Hills, who offer 8/1 Spain and 8/1 Germany to win it via a shootout.

"Spain v Germany is the dream final for punters as they have been the best backed sides throughout – but it is the absolute nightmare scenario for the bookies," said William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe.

Pietersen to get the nod

CRICKET: Paul Collingwood is out of Saturday's NatWest Series finale against New Zealand and bookies are betting on who will captain England in his absence.

Boylesports reckon Kevin Pietersen will get the nod for the match with the Black Caps, making him their 4/7 favourite.

Federer looks unstoppable

TENNIS: Roger Federer is now odds-on to successfully defend his Wimbledon title following Novak Djokovic's shock defeat on Wednesday.

The number three seed, scheduled to meet Federer in the semi-finals, was beaten in straight sets by Marat Safin and Paddy Power reacted by making the reigning champion an 8/13 chance (from 11/10).

After the opening set, there was never any doubt Federer would make it 61 consecutive wins on grass against Robin Soderling.

Soderling came into the match in top form and is a very good player, but he was comfortably outclassed by Federer, who at times was simply outstanding.

Rafael Nadal is the clear second favourite to take the title at 7/4.

Andy Murray is now third favourite (16/1) following Andy Roddick's exit yesterday.

Bookies unimpressed by Steelbacks

CRICKET: Northants are as big as 8/1 (Ladbrokes) to win the Twenty20 Cup after reaching the quarter-finals last night.

The Steelbacks' game with Somerset was abandoned due to rain, ensuring the County's spot in the last eight.

Durham and Lancashire are joint 5/1 favourites, followed by Warwickshire and Middlesex at 6/1.

Ince to inspire Rovers

FOOTBALL: Skybet make Blackburn Rovers 6/4 shots for a top-half finish in the Premier League next season following the appointment of Paul Ince as manager.

Rovers are 10/1 to win any trophy (Carling Cup is always a possibility) and a fraction shorter at 9/1 to be relegated.

Bet of the week

Take the 5/4 on Spain beating a lacklustre Germany side in 90 minutes on Sunday


Find It

"Business owner? - Claim your business and Advertise with us"

In association with qype logo

Looking for...

Featured advertisers

Jobs

Search for a job

Motors

Search for a car

Property

Search for a house

Weather for Northampton

Friday 10 February 2012

5 day forecast

Today

Sunny spells

Sunny spells

Temperature: -6 C to 1 C

Wind Speed: 13 mph

Wind direction: South east

Tomorrow

Sunny spells

Sunny spells

Temperature: -5 C to -1 C

Wind Speed: 7 mph

Wind direction: South east

Press Complaints Commission

This website and its associated newspaper adheres to the Press Complaints Commission’s Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then contact the Editor by clicking here.

If you remain dissatisfied with the response provided then you can contact the PCC by clicking here.