My selections last week may have been victim of the snow, but unfortunately for Sned, his selections fell foul to none other than bookmakers themselves. So now it’s round to me to invest £20 in what I think are the money-making opportunities this week.

Masters Snooker

£6 on Ronnie O’Sullivan to win outright @ 5/2 with Boyle Sports

Rocket Ronnie wanted more glamour to the sport, and promoter Barry Hearn has delivered. A lucrative sponsorship deal along with the somehwat unoriginal addition of entrance music has already given the sport a touch of glitz. Surely it’s the atmosphere for O’Sullivan to thrive in? He looks to have shaken off the worst of the mental issues and will hopefully start 2010 by taking the first tournament on offer. If they bring back the good old days of boozing while playing, then Ronnie’s career will be down the pan, but back him to add the 2010 Masters to his list of honours.

FA Cup: Derby v Millwall

£6 on Derby to win at 11/10 with bet365.

It pains me to bet on Derby, it really does. Many a time they have been the downfall of a bet, they’re simply unreliable. But I’m convinced they can finally do the business now that they’re playing a lower league side. Millwall haven’t had an away win since October, and it’s unlikely to come against higher opposition. Having said that, Pride Park hasn’t exactly been a fortress for the Rams and is far from living up to its proud name. They’re a decent price considering they’re the home side from a higher league, so I’m backing the Rams to restore the pride.

ACN: Cameroon v Gabon

£8 on Cameroon/Cameroon half-time/full-time @ 11/10 with PaddyPower.

The African Cup of Nations kicked off in extraordinary fashion with Mali’s late fightback from 4-0 down, which should scream out that this isn’t a safe place to bet. But Cameroon are unbeaten in their last 6, and beat Gabon twice in a week only a few months ago. At 5/11 they were too short to back just to win, so the Cameroon half-time/full-time at 11/10 brings some value. Gabon, at 8/1, are surely mere spectators…

The gentlemen tipsters discuss their next selections

Free Sports Bets

With all this snow, people are talking about treacherous driving conditions, hazardous pavements and disruption to public transport. But surely the biggest impact the snow has had is on the country’s fantasy football teams. I’m down to eight men for god’s sake!

Arsenal v Everton, Saturday 3pm

Arsenal to win to nil, £10 at 11-8 (widely available)

I fully expect Arsenal to win in the same fashion that I will win in the betting contest against Dom, to nil. Arsenal have kept clean sheets while winning five of the last seven home games, including the last three. With Fabregas out, the gunners do lack something but Aaron Ramsey has been an able deputy recently.

Earlier in the season, Everton had more injuries than Dom O’Shea has had dodgy clothes. Actually ….. The list is getting shorter now but Moyes will be without Saha (hamstring), while the Yak is in Africa and Jo is paying for going AWOL. This leaves him with a slight striker crisis although new loan signing Landon Donovan can play. Will he be a hit straight away? All I can say is that there is a galaxy of difference between the MLS and the Premier League.

Birmingham v Man Utd, Saturday 5:15pm

Rooney to score first, £5 at 17-4 (Victor Chandler)

After my last tip on Birmingham went hopelessly wrong (though did many predict Chelsea not to score for the first time in 33 games?), let us hope for better this time round.  The Roon has scored eight in his last seven including his last two and if there is one man who wants to put the demons of Leeds to rest, Roon is he.

NY Jets @ Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday 9pm (GMT)

NY Jets to win, £5 at 6-5 (Ladbrokes)

The playoffs start this weekend so it would be rude not to have a little flutter on something most of us know little about. My contacts (Wikipedia) tell me that the Jets destroyed the Bengals 37-0 only last weekend. This was a weakened Bengals side and the Jets were at home, but 37-0! That is a thrashing and any sports psychologist will tell you that it will make a difference no matter what team the Bengals put out last week.

The Bengals have lost three out of the last four while the Jets have won five of six. Momentum is with the New Yorkers but the Bengals are unbeaten in their eight home games this season. As a pointer, four away teams have won in the wildcard matches in the last two years so maybe home advantage is not all that big. Momentum should wing the Jets into the next round.

So with 2009 being so last year, it’s time to wipe the slate clean and begin the much awaited Clash of the Tipping Titans. The rules are simple; each of us has £20 per tipping entry, they may bet it how they wish but clearly state what they are betting on. Each week the running totals will be kept and the bragging rights kept by whoever leads. Let betting commence!

Blackburn Rovers v Aston Villa

£10 on Aston Villa-draw double result @ 4/9 with Stan James.

Blackburn are on a winless run of 5 games now, and with Villa arresting their brief bad patch on Saturday with a convincing win over…oh…Blackburn, they should go on to beat them again. Villa have no European exploits to distract them from domestic matters, so the Carling Cup represents a good chance of silverware, even if it does resemble Sned in rarely being taken seriously. And although Wenger let’s the kids loose in the Carling Cup, he should keep them well clear of our resident tipster…Anyway, Villa have resumed normal service by seeing this lot off on Saturday, but their 2-1 defeat at Ewood Park back in September throws come doubt into the equation. At 8/5 Villa are great value, I can’t see much value in Blackburn at 15/8 and the draw is certainly a feasible shout at 12/5. I can’t decide between the Villa win and the draw, so I’m backing the Villa-draw double result at 4/9.

Manchester City v Manchester United

£10 on draw @ 12/5 with Stan James.

The last meeting between these two bitter rivals was probably the match of the season so far, and United’s embarrassing exit from the FA Cup will make this fixture even more important to Sir Alex. 3 defeats in the last 6 is not the kind of form one expects from the 2nd richest club in Manchester, but they’ve dug themselves out of worse situations. City fans will no doubt be desperate to compile United’s relatively miserable few weeks, and Mancini has got off to a flyer at Eastlands. At 11/8 they’re favourites ahead of United who are 11/5, but 12/5 for the draw is perhaps the most tempting of the 3 outcomes. Mancini could make himself an instant hero for City, but Fergy will demand a response from his United side, and with no one wanting to give anything away in the first leg, my money’s on the draw.

So the handbags are out as Sned and I square up for the Tipping Title. And to add an extra spice to the mix, the winner at the end of each month will take a tenner off their rival, making one of us even poorer. And so it begins…

Furthest progressing non-seed

Simon Whitlock, 11-4 (Sporting bet)

Whitlock seems to be in a man in top form. A quarter final at the Grand Slam, averaging over 100 in the first round as well as a kind draw against Wayne Jones. His two main opponents in this market are Gary Anderson and Mark Webster; two new recruits from the BDO. Anderson is seen by many as a future World Champion but at the moment, his finishing is shocking. His scoring is up there with the best but as the ‘Crafty Cockney’ Eric Bristow once said, ‘180s for show, doubles for dough’. Webster is a former BDO World Champion but if he does get past Peter Manley runs into John Part; a man rejuvenated in recent years.

To win 3rd Quarter

Raymond van Barneveld, 6-4 (widely available)

All you need to know is Barney. He closest challenger in this quarter is the before mention Anderson, but I don’t expect any upsets here. Anderson has enough chance to hit doubles against lesser players but Barney will score as highly as him and should punish any misses. Barney doesn’t lose big matches (unless they’re against Taylor).

To win 4^th Quarter

James Wade, 6-4 (widely available)

I know it’s the obvious choice but darts is fast becoming a sport where the big boys don’t lose. If there is a ‘big four’ in football, there is definitely a ‘big three’ in darts with Wade, Barney and of course, the big one, Phil Taylor.  Wade should not lose to a lesser player if, like he has been telling all and sundry, the ‘real’ James Wade turns up. Quite why he’s let an impersonator play his games for him is another question.

Footballers don’t get the festive period off and nor do I. What a time for sport; we’ve got a test match, football coming out of our ears and most importantly, darts. As it’s Boxing Day, it’s all about football today with the big darts tips coming tomorrow. Just enjoy the cricket.

Birmingham v Chelsea, 12:45pm

Over 2.5 goals, 28-25 (Betfair)

Drogba first booking, 14-1 (Paddy Power)

The form team in the Premiership are in action at St Andrews, but shockingly it is not Chelsea. The mighty Brum have won five and drawn one of their last six, with their defence winning most of the plaudits. However, the defence juggernaut that has been Roger Johnson is doubtful and even if he does play, he would have to be at absolute full strength to deal with the Drog.

Chelsea on the road play in games averaging over three goals this season, while historically, Chelsea and Birmingham average over 3.5 goals a game in their last six Boxing Day fixtures (not against each other). Back goals and back a booking for Drogba. He is one booking away from a ban and goes on African Cup of Nations duty after this match. Do I smell a conspiracy?

Burnley v Bolton, 2:00pm

Burnley win, 11-8 (Widely available)

Nothing like a Lancashire hotpot to warm the cockles over Christmas. This game should have some agro in it; the dads will still be pissed from the night before while the kids will be angry as their Northern parents couldn’t afford the PS3 they wanted for Christmas. And that’s just the players!

Burnley are decent at home, not the unstoppable force that many say they are. They are just overhyped at home as they are truly dreadful away. A bit like their opponents from Boltonland who have lost four of their last five away from home in all competitions and have failed to score while losing on their last two Boxing Days.

West Ham v Portsmouth, 1:00pm

West Ham win, 5-4 (Tote)

Let’s hope this is a Christmas cracker rather than a turkey folks. Last Boxing Day, the Hammers gave Pompey a stuffing 4-1 and let’s hope they can wrap this up in similar fashion. Carlton Cole is still not present but Franco and Diamanti have sprout-ed a decent partnership causing defences g-wreath. Pompey will still be miss-tletoe-ing David James in goal. Whatever happens, yule be a fool if you expect Avram Grant to give us an xmas smile.

Birmingham v Blackburn

Birmingham to win @ 5/4 with Victor Chandler.

Birmingham are in title winning form of late, 4 wins from 4 and unbeaten in their last 6, they even have a top goalscorer in Lee Bowyer! The Brummies will be flirting with Europe if they’re not careful! Blackburn by contrast are struggling away from Ewood Park and without David Dunn. They’ve only won once away from home in the league this season, and there’s good value on backing them to leave St Andrew’s empty handed too. 5/4 is great value, but then the Brummy-Bowyer will have to burst sooner or later, let’s hope it’s not on Tuesday!

Bolton v West Ham

Bolton to win @ 13/10 with Paddy Power.

Bolton will take great pride from their performance against Man City at the weekend. Ok they conceded 3 times at home and should have won the game, but it’s certainly progress. Gary Megson will see this as a chance to finally get a win under their belt and they’re a decent price considering they’re at home to a West Ham side that haven’t won an away game since the opening day of the season. Bolton have been on the slide but could easily come away with all 3 points here, so they’re very backable at 13/10.

Liverpool v Wigan

Gerrard to score and Liverpool win @ 2/1 with Blue Sq.

Who’d be a Liverpool fan eh? Things just seem to go from bad to worse for them, but then they only have themselves to blame after all. Surely a home tie to Wigan should give them a sorely needed win? And I think it will. Gerrard has a few games under his belt and Torres is back in the side so they should start to get their season underway, albeit at Christmas. Gerrard is due a goal and being the set-piece man he’s worth backing to score in a double with Liverpool to win. A dead cert isn’t it? I hope so, otherwise it’s socks all round for Christmas…

You can always count on Ronny, if only you could always count on me.

I write this watching the BBC Sports Personality of the year and am becoming slightly annoyed at the dramatisation of all the sport montages. Sport is dramatic enough without classical music and booming voice overs; it needs nothing more than the sport itself.

This week I shall be previewing the test series between the lion warriors of England against the combative South Africans. Fearless Andrew Strauss must lead his soldiers into the battle field of Centurion on Wednesday with the hopes of a nation resting on his soldiers. The only thing standing between his team and immortal glory is the brave fighter Graeme Smith and his band of steely, battle-hardened troopers.

England v South Africa, 1^st Test Wednesday 8:30am

South Africa to win, 5-4 (widely available)

It seems strange that South Africa are so long to win this. They were, until last week, the top ranked test team in the world with the most feared fast bowling unit on the planet. The English victory in the curtailed one-day series and the return of KP seems to have rejuvenated hope for the Three Lions. In reality, the South African ODI bowling unit is much weaker than the test team and KP is far from top form. Add to this the fact that South Africa have only lost once in 14 matches on this ground (admittedly against England) and have won their last five. The Saffers are a top side.

England, despite winning the Ashes, were largely outclassed in that series, with Strauss the only Englishman amongst the top seven run scorers and Australia having the top three wicket takers. Also, we are notoriously slow starters on tour, not winning the first test on the last seven beanos abroad.

Top South African batsman, Hashim Amla and Ashwell Prince, both 11-2 each-way (widely available)

I’ve backed two players, why? Because I am a bottler. Hang on, Giggs has just won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. He beat two World champions in to second and third place but he is a more than worthy winner. He started 15 games in helping Man Utd to win the Premiership and seven games in guiding Utd to the Champions League final. That’s less than half the games in both competitions. Maybe he’s won it for this season’s effort. 11 games and three goals. Madness, why has he beaten World champions to this gong? I wouldn’t be surprised if he won X-factor as well.

There’s no smooth link to this paragraph, just wanted a rant. Both Amla and Prince are prolific at Centurion with the longest beard in sport (Amla) averaging a better than Bradman 103 in four innings and Prince averaging 82.83 in six matches. Players have a habit of scoring big runs at certain ground and struggling at others. Both of these two have scored big centuries at Centurion and could easily do it again.

Top South African bowler, Makhaya Ntini, 3-1 (widely available)

For most, the World Cup draw was all about Cherlize Theron and David Beckham, but for me, Makhaya stole the show. I particularly enjoyed his entrance with commentary from Jonathon Pearce. Searching for small quips of wisdom about each draw maker, Pearce stated that Ntini ‘bowled wide of the crease’. Nothing about his 99 Test caps or 388 wickets; should have stuck to Robot Wars Pearcey.

As with the batsmen, I’m backing history. Ntini has taken 52 wickets at this ground in nine appearances with four five-fors (try saying that with a mouth full of crackers) and one ten wicket match. He bowls wide of the crease don’t you know.

Did you even realise it was Champion’s League week? Arsenal and Chelsea have already rapped up their groups, Liverpool are out and United are safely through. It has come as sort of a surprise that there are actually fixtures that matter. But they do and I shall tell you where the hidden treasure is on this week’s fixture map. Well, I’ll put a cross where the treasure is; might be x marks the spot or a cross signifying a wrong answer. We’ll find out later in the week.

Pukka Pies UK Snooker Championship

Shaun Murphy to win, 6-1 (Stan James)

The UK Championship has already begun with wall to wall coverage on BBC 2 and to be honest, it’s not the snooker that has got my attention. The PUKKA PIES UK CHAMPIONSHIP! Pukka Pies; this is not a knock around in a Leeds snooker hall, this is one of the flagship tournaments for snooker. Surely Werthers Original or Stannah Stair Lifts could have struck up a deal. Pukka Pies. Man alive.

My tip for the trophy appears to have already had his fair share of pies, it’s the chubby funster Shaun Murphy. Fresh from winning the Premier League final against Ronnie, Murphy looks a great bet at 6-1. He won this tournament last year and has been gifted a kind draw. He is on the opposite side of the draw to Ronnie, Hendry and Higgins and favourite O’Sullivan will have to face his old nemesis Peter Ebdon in round two. I’m backing Murphy to bring home the Championship trophy and the full range of Pukka Pies (not just pies, but sausage rolls, pasties, puddings, and slices).

Champions League

Marseille v Real Madrid, Tuesday 7:45pm

Christiano Ronaldo first scorer, 5-1 (each-way) (Coral)

“Can Ronaldo score? Ronaldo always scores.” Not quite the eternal words of Clive Tyldesley, but I’m sure they would have been if Ronny was around in ’99. Last year’s World Player of the Year has scored ten in ten for Madrid, with four in three in Europe. Madrid cannot afford to lose so these are the situations that Ronaldo thrives in; the big games. When United needed him, he turned up. When Portugal need him, he turns up. When Madrid need him, he should turn up for how much they paid for him (too much I hear you say? He is cheaper than four Lescott’s. Should make you think).

Juventus v Bayern Munich, Tuesday 7:45pm

Draw, 12-5 (Sky Bet)

An Italian team needs a draw to go through. Do not expect a thriller.

Munich have looked pretty impotent in this competition without scarface Franck Ribery, scoring just two goals in their last four. It is always tough going away from home in this competition and this season has seen Juve turn the Stadio Delle Alpi into a fortress. They have only lost once there all year and beat Inter 1-0 at the weekend. 0-0 seems like a really good bet, the teams produced this score line in Munich, but I enjoy veering on the side of caution. Not as much as I enjoy leering but that’s a different story.

Brentford v Colchester – Tuesday, 7.45pm

Brentford to win @ 19/10 with BetFred.

Sned makes a strong case for his Colchester side, they’re resilient and tough to beat, but this is Griffin Park they’re coming to. Brentford are unbeaten in their last 5 home games and have applied themselves well since their return to League One, and Colchester will prove a benchmark of our progress. It’ll no doubt be a tight affair but I expect Andy Scott’s Bees to have a sting in their tale and send Col U packing without so much as a point.

AEK Athens v Everton – Europa League

Everton to win @ 13/8 with Stan James.

If the red half of Merseyside thought they were in dire straits then they only need to look across town and take solace from the misery of their neighbours. The Toffees find themselves in a sticky situation having won only once in their last 11 games, but their showing against Liverpool on Sunday deserved more. They may be unable to get a win for love nor money at the moment, but I’m backing Everton to turn it around on Wednesday. If Louis Saha is fit to take to the field then they’ll have the goal threat that they so sorely missed on Sunday, when several chances went begging, and they should have enough firepower to get that much needed win.

Blackburn v Chelsea – Carling Cup

Chelsea to win with -1 handicap @ 17/20 with Bet365.

Chelsea to win to nil @ 13/8 with Ladbrokes.

Chelsea are likely to rest the likes of Drogba and Lampard, but when Ancelotti looks down his squad list he still has an array of talent to fill the gaps. Ballack, Deco and Joe Cole are all likely to feature, as will Kalou and Zhirkov, meaning Blackburn could well be in for a long evening. Blackburn come off the back of 2 disappointing results, having been comprehensively seen off by Fulham and held to a scoreless draw at home against Stoke. David Dunn is unlikely to be risked for this one, so the loss of his creative influence is likely to mean Chelsea keep their 5th consecutive clean sheet.

This week I will be mostly….previewing the Carling Cup, Europa League and the biggest match of the season so far.

Sned v Dom Challenge Match

Brentford v Colchester, Tuesday 7:45pm

Draw no bet, Colchester to win, 3-4 (VC)

For the first time since I have known my good colleague Dominic O’Shea, our beloved sides are meeting. If the teams represented our betting form, the game would end about -5 each but thankfully the laws of football do not permit this.

The mighty Colchester have become very hard to beat under Aidy Boothroyd and this has been reflected by five away draws in the last seven. We set up with a solid back four, two fighters in the middle, a flyer on the wing and two monsters up front. This Colchester side are not the bee’s knees but are likely to knee-cap the Bees of Brentford. We don’t get bullied which obviously helps away from home, but doesn’t get the juices flowing at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

I think it should be a Colchester win (I can’t back anything else in this fixture) but I can’t rule out a draw so back this and you win if Colchester win and get your money back if it’s a draw.

Carling Cup

Portsmouth v Aston Villa, Tuesday 7:45pm

Both teams to score, 4-5 (Hills)

Was anyone else surprised when Avram Grant took over at Pompey? The minute he took over as ‘Director of Football’ Paul Hart must have known his days were numbered; it was like a pub buying a dishwasher and ensuring the pot boy that his job is safe.

Pompey, under Hart, have enjoyed this competition thus far, scoring 11 goals in their three outing so far.  This included a four goal rout of the normally solid Stoke so perhaps the tournament allows Portsmouth to play without the pressure that their relegation scrap emits. Villa on the other hand have only scored once in their two League Cup games so far but have scored in 15 of their last 16 in all competitions.

Manchester City v Arsenal, Wednesday 7:45pm

Manchester City to win, 11-10 (Bet 365)

The only thing making me think twice about this bet is whether Arsene Wenger will play some big boys in this match. The league looks over and five years without a trophy is a long time for a big club. However, Wenger posed the question earlier in the season whether his fans would prefer a Champions League semi-final or winning the Carling Cup; a no brainer for most fans.  This means he will probably stick with the kids despite his teams two straight losses.

Now I’ve heard people wax lyrical about Wenger’s boys (not his actual children, he only has a daughter) and I agree that they look a fantastic set of flair players. That is, where luck would have it they play the majority of their League Cup games, at home. Take them away from home and I’m not entirely convinced. Last year they lost at Burnley and Spurs put five past them at the Lane the year before. Granted, they put six past Sheffield United away from home but the Blades did not have Adebayor, Tevez and Barry.

City have been struggling of late but with a bit of spin, their recent record states that they are unbeaten in 10. Mark Hughes knows his team need a pick-me-up to reinvigorate their season and this could be a prime opportunity. Sparky needs a trophy to please the owners so will field a strong side as he has done in previous rounds in order to progress and potentially use the match as a springboard for the Christmas period.

Europa League

Fulham V CSKA Sofia, Thursday 8:05pm

Fulham to win with a -1 handicap, 10-11 (Paddy Power)

Not exactly a glamorous European tie, not exactly a glamorous match full stop. In fact, this could be one of the least anticipated matches of all time. Why am I previewing it? I just don’t know.

Fulham should win as Sofia are basically out and are not even a good Bulgarian side, let alone a European force. In fairness, Fulham should put a few on them so the handicap looks a good bet. Probably best to check the score after the game rather than watch though. Who am I kidding? Of course I’ll be watching. On my own. With a pot noodle. Thinking about lost conquests. Wishing I had something better to do. Realising that Roy Hodgson’s cockney voice is the closest I’ll get to human contact all night. I’d probably be dead without football. That or a trendy kid, wearing skinny jeans and a politically charged t-shirt, with a hip girlfriend. Actually, Roy and a pot noodle sounds alright.