16 august 2013

l e a d i n g t h e w ay i n g a m b l i n g s t r at e g i e s & o n l i n e g a m i n g t i p s

indianapolis hosts moto gp round 10

kicking off the premier league final ashes test begins at ovalbarker v geale: ibf world middleweight title up for grabs

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A word from the Maven…august is the best month of the year for sport. the football season starts and the cricket, golf, formula1 and rugby league are still going strong.

potentially a productive time for the sports gambler.

on the heels of big winners from the last edition (lee westwood 25/1 each-way at the open golf Championship, michael Clarke top australian batsman at lords test 11/4) we have a number of predictions for the oval test, the t20 final and the belgian grand prix.

we also cover football - not just the big games but also the lower leagues and non league in england and scotland. we also share a couple of accumulator systems that should help you avoid that dreaded coupon-buster.

we hope you enjoy that and as always i hope our combination of opinion and stats assist you in making winning bets.

happy and productive gambling,

the maven

all prices, markets and odds printed in betmaven were correct at the time of going to press. their publication in betmaven does not indicate the subsequent availability of those prices, markets and odds.

whilst the majority of people do gamble within their means, for some gambling can become a problem. it may help you to keep control to remember the following:

• gambling should be entertaining and not seen as a way of making money

• avoid chasing losses

• only gamble what you can afford to lose

• Keep track of the time and amount you spend gambling

if you are concerned that gambling may have taken over your (or someone else’s) life and need to talk to someone about the problem then contact gamCare - a registered charity providing confidential telephone and online support and counselling to anyone affected by problem gambling. the gamCare national helpline can be contacted on freephone number 0808 8020 133 (free calls from all uK landlines and most major mobile networks) everyday from 8am to midnight. alternatively, visit: www.gamcare.co.uk

gamble aware also offers more information on responsible gambling: www.gambleaware.co.uk

english Football From the Premier League to Non League The Maven dissects all the leagues and gives you his top tips.

sCottish Football Aberdeen v Celtic preview and good value to be found in the lower leagues.

european Football We preview the Arsenal v Fenerbahce Champions League quaifier.

aCCumulator adViCe Fed up with coupon busters here are two systems devised to avoid them.

belgian grand priX Formula1 moves to Spa. Have our experts unearthed any petrolhead profit.

moto gp Why there will be more Spanish success in Indianopolis.

baseball Last time out The Maven won with a tasty 7/2 treble. Can the feat be repeated?

the ashes The final test of the season. The final chance to make money for five-day punters.

t20 Finals day We preview the four counties battling it out in Birmingham.

rugby league Why Wigan will be winners at Wembley.

boXing Barker v Geale should serve up a cracker in Atlantic City but any prfit in it for the punter?

aussie sport Both the NRL and the AFL are reaching the end of the regular season but there is still profit to be made.

© NK Media & Media Mavens 2013

Bet Maven Magazine is published by NK Media & Media Mavens The Old Truman Brewery Studio 37, 91-95 Brick Lane London E1 6QL T: 020 7096 8888 E: sales@nkmedia.co.uk W: betmaven.com

Editor: Stuart Croll E: stuart@betmaven.com

Deputy Editors: Natalia Bradford & Tim Fuell

Ashes Editor: David Alexander

Contributors: Ranko Marcovic, Neil Quinn, Rory Anderson, Rob Heeney, K Emmons

Designer: Tony Godwin E: tony@twelfty.co.uk

Proofreader: Angie Castle

Picture researcher: Lisa Fisher

Print: magprint.co.uk

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Liverpool kick off proceedings, with or without Luis Suarez, at home to Mark Hughes’ Stoke City on Saturday lunchtime (12.45pm, live on BT Sport). Last year’s corresponding fixture ended goalless, and I expect a similarly tight affair, particularly if the Uruguayan talisman isn’t available. A ‘draw-Liverpool’ half-time/full-time forecast can be backed at 10/3 (Totesport), with the Reds to nick one late on.

Talk of Suarez leads nicely onto Arsenal, who open their campaign at the Emirates against Paul Lambert’s young Aston Villa side. Just three days after returning from their Champions League first-leg play off in Turkey, expect the Gunners to start sluggishly, but turn things round in the second-half. Villa to open the scoring is 14/5 (188 Bet), with Arsene Wenger’s men 23/2 (888 Sport) to win 3-1.

Turning our attention to the other promoted clubs, Cardiff City and Crystal Palace both have tough starts against London opposition. The Bluebirds travel to West Ham United, beginning their last campaign at the Boleyn Ground before their move to that big athletics stadium close by. Meanwhile the Eagles take on Tottenham at Selhurst Park, with ex-Arsenal man Marouane Chamakh looking to make an early

premier league opening weekend preview // Neil Quinn & The Maven

the maven’s choice…Liverpool to beat Stoke City 4/9 (Ladbrokes)Liverpool v Stoke - draw halftime/Liverpool win 10/3 (Totesport)

the greatest league in the world™ makes an overdue (if 90 days counts as overdue) return. while the focus may be on the new men at the helm of last season’s top three lets take a closer look at the other opening acts of what promises to be the most intriguing season in the history of the premier league (as we always say at this time of year), and what value is available in the betting market.

mark against former rivals. Of the two, Malky Mackay’s men look the better equipped to stay up, as well as recording an opening day victory. Rather than back Cardiff at 31/10 (Bet Victor) to win, instead go with them at 7/1 (Paddy Power) as the biggest underdog to win.

The remaining fixtures see Roberto Martinez’s Everton travel to Norwich, West Brom take on Southampton, while Paolo di Canio starts his first full season in charge of Sunderland at home to Fulham. All seem tight affairs on paper, and the best value here could well be in banking on four draws on the opening weekend at 5/1 (You Win). However, the Canaries – armed with a new strike partnership in Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper - offer a good alternative at 6/1 (Totesport) to record an opening day victory against the Toffees, winning at half-time and full-time.

And finally the ante-post market is still worth dabbling with and we like the look of Norwich City to finish above Stoke City at 11/10 (Skybet) and unless you believe Newcastle United are going to have a great season it must be worth lumping a few pounds on both West Brom (6/5) and Everton (1/2) to finish above Alan Pardew’s men.

With or without Suarez, Liverpool to start with a win

swansea v manchester united Saturday 17 August, 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports

David Moyes is the first of the trio to step into the fray, and arguably faces the toughest task on the opening weekend, as he takes the reigning champions to South Wales. Brian Laudrup’s men have already begun their competitive campaign confidently by dispatching Malmo to book a place in the Europa League proper, while United’s pre-season form has been patchy at best. The last two games between these two at the Liberty Stadium have been tight, and at 11/2 (Totesport), a draw at both half-time and full-time looks a decent bet.

Chelsea v hull City Sunday 18 August, 4pm, live on Sky Sports

The self-dubbed ‘Happy One’, Jose Mourinho, begins his second term at Chelsea with a home fixture against newly-promoted - and newly-named - Hull City Tigers (let’s hope this doesn’t catch on). Having gone unbeaten in 60 home league games during his first stint in charge, few would bet on Steve Bruce’s boys spoiling the welcome back party. Inevitably, the best value comes in the number and timing of the Blues’ goals. On paper, Chelsea have the easiest opening assignment of last season’s top six, and are well worth backing at 7/2 (Bet365) to score most goals, and 13/2 (Paddy Power) to score earliest.

manchester City v newcastle united Monday 19 August, 8pm, live on Sky Sports

Manuel Pellegrini has to wait until Monday evening to lead his new-look City team out for the first time competitively against the Magpies. The ex-Malaga coach has a whole array of new attacking options at his disposal, including Spanish duo Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo brought in from Sevilla, with the aim of reclaiming the title from their neighbours. Newcastle fans have spent most of the summer puzzled as to Joe Kinnear’s role at the club, but have been boosted by the season-loan signing of Loic Remy from QPR. This one promises goals, so 17/4 (Bet Victor) of over 4.5 is tempting.

Back Mourinho and Pellegrini to start with wins, but Moyes faces tough start

Pretenders to the crown to gain early foothold on opening weekend

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the maven’s choice…Leeds v Sheffield Wednesday draw half-time/Leeds win full-time: 22/5 (BetVictor)Bolton to beat Notts Forest: 11/5 (bet365)

a saturday lunchtime south Yorkshire derby is the pick of the third weekend of Championship fixtures.

Sheffield Wednesday travel to Elland Road having started the season poorly, losing both opening league games, sandwiched between an embarrassing Capital One Cup exit to League One Rotherham. leeds, under new manager Brian McDermott, have started the season brightly, recording early wins over brighton and Chesterfield. Back the Lilywhites to continue their good form and win this one in the latter stages - a correct ‘draw-Leeds’ half-time/full-time forecast is 22/5 (Bet Victor).

watford have also begun their campaign with a bang, and travel to the Madjeski Stadium fresh from their 6-1 demolition of bournemouth last weekend. They should find things a lot tougher against Nigel Adkins’ reading, who have started solidly, taking four

// League 1 Maven// Championship Maven

Back Leeds to claim the Championship bragging rights in South Yorkshire

With the Sky Bet Football League season still in its

infancy, few would have fancied Russell Slade’s

Leyton Orient side to already have been in such

prolific form in League One, comprehensively

demolishing Carlisle 5-1 on the opening day, and

following that result up with a 3-0 victory over

lowly Shrewsbury last weekend. And how could

we forget their 3-2 victory over struggling fellow

League One side Coventry City.

Fortunes for Orient’s opposition on Saturday - Stevenage - couldn’t be more different, with Graham Westley’s team having lost both their opening league fixtures, conceding five goals in the process. One small glimmer of home, even at this early stage of the season, was their 2-0 win over Championship side Ipswich in the Capital One Cup first round.

Last season, however, it was the away side which triumphed by a single goal in each league fixture. The O’s can look to last season’s 1-0 victory at Broadhall Way as the turning point in their fortunes, sparking a run of nine victories from 19 games between February and the end of the season.

This year, all form points to a comfortable victory for the men from Brisbane Road, and unsurprisingly the bookies agree with our prediction. They are just (8/5) with (Betway) to take the points back to East London. And Stevenage, as expected are (15/8) with (BetVictor) to put their first point of the season on the League One table.

Should you fancy Orient to replicate the scoring form from all their fixtures so far this season, then they can be found at (9/2) with (Coral) to score more than three goals, and should you fancy there to be more than 3.5 goals in the game, then (BetVictor) are offering a best price of (12/5).

It seems that with David Mooney in such fine form already, that the Irishman is destined to open the scoring. A scorecast bet of David Mooney to score first and Leyton Orient to win 3-1 can be found at (147/1) with (Bet365) and should be seriously considered.

Orient looking strong in the opening weeks of the Sky Bet League One Season

the maven’s choice…Leyton Orient to win: 8/5 (Betway)Leyton Orient to win 3-1: 20/1 (BetVictor)More than 3.5 goals in the game: 12/5 BetVictor

stevenage v

leyton orient

points from six. I fancy the Hornets to sneak it, with odds of 21/2 on a 2-1 away win looking tempting.

Qpr take on Mick McCarthy’s ipswich in a juicy looking encounter at Loftus Road, with the Hoops having followed up an opening-day win with a 1-1 draw at Huddersfield last weekend. The East Anglians come into the game on the back of a convincing 3-0 win over millwall, and will fancy their chances of grabbing something against Harry Redknapp’s new-look side, who are still finding their feet. Odds of 5/2 (Boylesports) on the draw look generous.

Another of last season’s relegated clubs, wigan athletic, return to league action at bournemouth following last weekend’s Community Shield. The south coast side will be licking their wounds after the embarrassment at Vicarage Road, but don’t expect things to get better quickly. Back Owen Coyle’s men to be winning at both half-time and full-time at 3/1 (Betway).

Coyle’s former club, bolton, travel to the City Ground to take on nottingham forest in another enticing encounter. Dougie Freedman’s side ended last season strongly, finishing just outside the play-off spots despite the threat of a second successive relegation looming large in March. They’ve started with two draws, but I fancy them to end Forest’s unbeaten start at 11/5 (Bet365).

Elsewhere, the Championship is notoriously difficult to call, and punters are not helped by these early stages of the season, with no real form to go on. Just two sides (QPR and burnley) are odds-on to record home victories, with West Country new boys Yeovil offering the longest odds on an away win at Turf Moor, a meagre 9/2 (Bet365). However, blackpool look good value at 11/4 (Boylesports) to win at middlesbrough, increasing the pressure on boss Tony Mowbray, with ‘Boro having already lost at home to leicester. The Foxes are 37/20 (Betway) to take the spoils in their Midlands clash with derby.

Early front-runners to continue good starts

the maven’s choice…Forest Green Rovers away win 13/10 (BetVictor)Kidderminster Harriers away win 11/10 (BetVictor)

the maven’s choice…Bristol Rovers to draw against Newport County: 12/5 (12Bet)Newport to win 4-1: 50/1 (SkyBet)

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// Non League Maven// Natalia Bradford

For any last minute changes follow @betmaven

league two new boys newport county have made a blistering start to their first season in the Football League for 25 years and their first derby match back amongst the elite 92 clubs in English football is just days away. They’ve made a terrific start to the season, demolishing lowly accrington stanley 4-1 on the opening day at rodney parade, following that result up with a 3-1 victory at championship side brighton and hove albion in the capital one cup just three days later.

as if forest green rovers weren’t big enough favourites with many this season to gain promotion from the skrill premier division - backed by eco-entrepreneur dale vince’s money - their opening day 8-0 annihilation of newly promoted hyde showed their potential and also the gap between the haves and the have nots in the division.This weekend Forest Green face a long trip up to Lincoln City, who remain a shadow of their former Football League status and are unlikely to be able to match the visiting forward line which is quite formidable. An away win is unlikely to see you retire on the winnings but will form a good basis for a weekend football combination.

The value in this division this season will be in those games between clubs on a more level playing field financially. This weekend the Alfreton Town v Salisbury City game is the battle of the have nots and with both off to losing starts on the opening day, they will already consider themselves playing catch-up with both clubs probably looking at survival in this division as success come the end of the season. Alfreton have made some impressive signings in the close season but Salisbury have a good mix of age, youth and experience at this level to suggest they will have enough to also notch up an away win here.

For a third away win in a Skrill Premier trio this weekend Steve Burr’s Kidderminster Harriers should be too strong as a proven unit for Alan Devonshire’s Braintree Town. Burr’s men are quite rightly amongst the favourites this season after running last year’s winners Mansfield Town almost to the wire last term and will have learnt much from that experience.

Go with the ‘haves’ against the ‘have-nots’ in the Skrill Premier

League 2 new boys look best value in big clash: Newport County v Bristol Rovers

tasty odds in tasty england wales derby

The elation of that victory over Brighton was tempered somewhat with the news that their Captain Byron Anthony suffered a double leg break, and looks set to miss most of County’s season. Perhaps the news of Anthony’s layoff was in the back of their mind last weekend, when they fell back to earth with a bump, losing 3-1 at Northampton.

Bristol Rovers have made an indifferent start to the season, having lost 2-1 away to Exeter on the opening weekend of the season, before earning a creditable 0-0 draw with a Scunthorpe team which finished 21st in League One last year.

Current form points to a hard fought victory for the League new boys, and Rovers will have to keep an eagle eye on County hit man Danny Crow. The striker, although not prolific in his time at the club during Newport’s spell in the Football Conference, has clearly found himself right at home in a league that requires more skill than brute strength. As a result, Crow has already hit the back of the net twice in all competitions and could make it a third against Bristol Rovers.

This derby looks very difficult to call & the bookies agree with our prediction. Visitors Newport are (5/4) with (Ladbrokes) to take the points back to South Wales, with Bristol Rovers (12/5) with (BetVictor) to claim their first three points of the season. Most likely, however, is a draw, with that particular outcome priced at (12/5) with (PaddyPower).

Should you fancy Newport to replicate the scoring form from their opening fixture of the season, then they can be found at (50/1) with (SkyBet) win 4-1. One thing is for certain, is looks to be a keenly fought, close contest in the South West.

Forest Green too strong for Lincoln

Elsewhere, the form and expectation is less predictable with many sides still bedding in after an influx of new players and off-the-field influences coming into play too. However with the Non League Maven’s predictor hat on consider the following to be fairly accurate this weekend.

Home WinsAldershot United v Cambridge United

Chester FC v Woking

FC Halifax Town v Dartford

Gateshead FC v Barnet

Luton Town v Macclesfield Town

Away WinsHyde FC v Hereford United

Tamworth v Wrexham

DrawsNuneaton Town v Southport

Welling United v Grimsby Town

Beyond the Skrill Premier the Skrill North and Skrill South begin their league programmes this weekend. Matches to look for: In the South, Chelmsford City for an away win at crisis club Farnborough and in the North, Barrow for a comfortable home win over Brackley Town.

Lower down, the magic of the FA Cup begins with the Extra Preliminary Round for many this weekend. You are unlikely to get odds from mainstream bookies but just take in the names of some of the victors who could well become a bit more familiar in the later rounds to come.

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the maven’s choice…Arsenal to win 2-1 9/1 (BetVictor)Arsenal to qualify 3/8 (Unibet)

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For up to date changes check out our website Betmaven.com

// Stuart Croll

// Natalia Bradford

Arsenal face a stern test as they head to the hostile Şükrü

SaracoŞlu Stadium, Istanbul to face a Fenerbahce side

that could yet be expelled from UEFA competition subject

to UEFA disciplinary and CAS proceedings. Whilst no

decision about the Turks future will become apparent

during the play-off tie, the famous side will find out

their fate once the tie is over.

Stepping in to the cauldron of a frenetic Turkish crowd could be considered intimidating at the best of times, but for Arsene Wenger’s side the Şükrü SaracoŞlu Stadium may not cause as much intimidation as many fear. It is just five years ago that his side stepped into the cauldron and ran out comfortable winners.

Admittedly, Wenger’s side is much changed from the one which ran out comfortable 5-2 victors on that occasion, but with a settled team this time it’s hardly surprising gambling websites report that three quarters of the bets placed through their website have been in favour of the Gunners.

The best price currently on offer, for Arsenal to leave Turkey with a first-leg lead are remarkably short, with a best industry price being offered by Bet365 of just 11/8, and the Gunners are 3/8 with Unibet to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League.

There is much more value to be had in the correct score market, with the odds of a 5-2 repeat score line in favour of Arsenal being priced at a whopping 200/1 with Boylesport and SportingBet. More realistic, however, may be a narrow margin of victory with 1-0 Arsenal and 2-1 to Arsenal both priced at 9/1 with BetVictor.

Apart from any real movement in the transfer market, what may also be of concern to Arsenal fans is the manner

Gunners to overcome tricky Euro hurdle

Turkish delight for Arsenal

of their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Fenerbahce’s fiercest rivals Galatasaray during the pre season Emirates Cup. As a result positive results for the Turkish outfit closely match those for the North Londerners.

Fenerbahce 1-0 and Fenerbahce 2-1 can both be found at 11/1 with BetVictor and William Hill, whilst the bookmakers believe that the most likely score line will be a 1-1 draw and that is currently priced at 13/2 with BetVictor and William Hill. Fancy a 0-0 draw? Well Bet365 are offering the best price for that, with odds of 12/1 at present.

Fenerbahce can be found at 5/2 to qualify with Boylesport, BetVictor, Stan James and William Hill and should not be discounted until the result of this first leg is known.

Champions league play-off 1st leg

Fenerbahce v arsenal

there won’t be many times this season when betmaven will be previewing the spfl and celtic are mid-table but

that is the situation for this weekend’s games. of course, unlike the teams above them, the reigning champions have only played one game but like their opponents this weekend they have a 100 percent record. so something has to give when celtic travel to aberdeen.If the pre-season market is correct then aberdeen should be challenging for second place this season so consequently this is one of celtic’s

trickiest fixtures of the campaign. Derek McInnes, had a generally unhappy time at Bristol City but he appears to be turning the Dons around

and their excellent start to the season confirms they may have heir best campaign in a long time. But will they beat the champions at home - probably

not. If you can find odds of evens for the away win then take it.

More interestingly is the first goalscorer market. With Gary Hooper joining Norwich City the odds are generous for first scorer are quite generous. One reason is that it is unclear who will be leading the Celtic line. Will it be Anthony Stokes, Georgios Samaras, Amido Balde or Tony Watt? Assuming he starts The Maven thinks Stokes will be a good shout to nick the first goal.

Elsewhere in the top division, st Johnstone at 19/20 (Coral) look good value to beat ross county who have had a stuttering start. The other games are tough calls. inverness will be hoping to continue their 100 percent record at home to motherwell but the draw may be the likeliest outcome and 23/10 (Skybet) for that result looks tempting.

In the championship dundee (8/13 Coral) should react to their defeat by Queen of the south by beating alloa athletic at Dens Park and hamilton accies (5/6 Paddy Power) should win at home against dumbarton.

In League 1 rangers should have no problems winning at stranraer but the better value can be found with dunfermline (10/11 Boylesports) to win at home against arbroath. Like Rangers, the Fife side have plenty of off-field problems but on the park they are unbeaten this season whereas Arbroath have been knocked out of two cups already this season and were thumped at home by ayr united in their opening league game of the season.

In League 2 albion rovers should be too good for clyde and odds of 4/6 (various) looks tempting. And the best value away win odds in all four Scottish divisions is with peterhead who should win at stirling albion - and odds of 13/10 with BetVictor are worth taking.

Celtic will win at Pittodrie

Aberdeen are improving but not enough to beat Celtic this weekend

the maven’s choice…Dundee to win at home to Alloa Athletic 8/13 (Coral) Dunfermline to win against Arbroath 10/11 (Boylesports)

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Footie accumulators

five team system:With this system you pick five teams and place 16 bets - that is 10 x £1 trebles (every combination) 5 x £1 fourfolds (every combination) and 1 x £1 accumulator.

There is no better time to start this system than this weekend where we see the Premier League join the party, with English and Scottish leagues already up and running. We recommend five home picks to put yourself in the money.

Norwich (21/10) to beat Everton Canaries’ fans get an early chance to view their new-look forward line of Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper, against an Everton side who will take time to adjust to a new style of play under Roberto Martinez. I fancy Norwich to take the spoils.

Millwall (11/10) to beat Huddersfield The Lions have started life under Steve Lomas with two defeats, while the Tigers will be pleased with last weekend’s draw with QPR. Both teams are expected to

another super-system betmaven advocates is perming six teams into 15 bets:eight trebles:

1st teams 1, 2 & 3

2nd teams 1, 2 & 5,

3rd teams 1, 3 & 6

4th teams 1, 4,& 5

5th teams 2, 3 & 6

6th teams 2, 4 & 6

7th teams 3, 4 & 5

8th teams 4, 5 & 6

Six fourfolds:

1st teams 1, 2, 3 & 4

2nd teams 1, 2, 4 & 6

3rd teams 1, 3, 4 & 5

4th teams 1, 3, 5 & 6

5th teams 2, 3, 5 & 6

6th teams 2, 4, 5 & 6

Coupon-busters. We all hate them and we can all tell stories of how the big wins got away because

of one strange result. So what’s the solution? Here are two systems - with The Maven’s predictions - that should prevent the coupon-buster result

ruining your football betting day.

struggle this season, but home advantage is likely to prove crucial in this one.

Scunthorpe (5/6) to beat dagenham & redbridge Brian Laws’ side have recorded two clean sheets already this season, and will back themselves to build on that against the Daggers, who lost their opening away fixture at League newcomers Fleetwood.

Inverness (8/5) to beat Motherwell Caley went top after beating Dundee United last weekend, and Terry Butcher’s men will fancy themselves to continue their strong start at home to a ‘Well side who were dumped out of the Europa League last week.

Falkirk (6/5) to beat Morton The Bairns opened their account with a draw at Dumbarton, while Morton secured a comfortable 2-0 win against Cowdenbeath. Both teams will be vying for promotion, but I fancy Gary Holt’s men to deal an early psychological blow.

and finally all the teams in a six team accumulator.

This week go for six home wins.

Peterborough as team 1

Scunthorpe as team 2

Dundee as team 3

Hamilton as team 4,

Dunfermline as team 5

Albion Rovers as team 6

No coupon-buster will get in the way of making a profit.

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the maven’s choice…Vettel, Raikkonen & Hamilton to finish on the podium 2.89/1 (YouWin)Kimi Raikkonen to win 7/1

there seems to be a common theme running through our formula one previews this season, and that can mean only one thing - kimi raikkonen is heading to yet another of his favourite circuits as the race between raikkonen and sebastian vettel to head the top of the drivers’ championship hots up.

The mid-season break is over, and the battle on track begins once more, with Finnish ace Raikkonen heading to a circuit where he has an exceptional recent record having won four of the last eight races at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Added to this, the Finn has finished in second place in each of his previous two races - using his supreme skill to hold off a frustrated Vettel into third last time out in Germany.

Despite Raikkonen’s brilliant record in Spa - he has the most career wins of any current driver on the grid - he can be found at a great price of 7/1 with BetVictor to record a fifth win around the twisty Belgian circuit.

Results on the circuit breed confidence and for Lewis Hamilton his maiden victory for the Silver Arrows of Mercedes will have done both him and the team a world of good. Considering they were expected to struggle in Germany, Hamilton has leapfrogged his championship rivals to sit second in the betting, but be warned: the 2008 champion has not recorded back to back victories since June 2010 and had been, until recently,

Expect financial returns as Raikkonen returns to one of his favourite tracks

Why the flying Finn is best value at Spa

Why the outside bets are worth looking at in Belgiumthe ghosts of formula 1 live on in the mist-drenched forests of spa-francorchamps. belgium is the last circuit on the calendar to conjure up the romance and danger, the bravery and insanity, that defined the death and glory years of Grand Prix racing. cars may be safer nowadays, but in often treacherous conditions - dry on one side of

the maven’s choice…Jenson Button podium finish 11/1 (various)Safety car to appear 1/19 (Betfair)

downplaying his chances of picking up race wins.

If you fancy Hamilton to take a second successive victory, then he can be found at a best price of 7/2 with BetFred and William Hill.

Sebastian Vettel heads the betting at 15/8 with Ladbrokes despite the next two outings on the Formula Once calendar coming at circuits where the German struggles - Belgium and Italy. As a result, expect the Red Bull number one to get dragged back in to a world championship title fight with a gap of just 38 points to his nearest challenger.

Bookmaker YouWin are offering odds of 2.89/1 for Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton all to finish on the podium & given results in recent races, this looks like a pretty decent choice for punters.

the circuit, raining on the other - it’s as much as a gamble for the driver as the baffled punter.

Red Bull remain the team to beat over the full race distance. Both Vettel and Webber do well here and their team is the slickest operation on the grid. But with odds as low as 6/4 the bookies are doing us no favours.

The slippery silver arrows should rise to the top of the grid yet again, and Lewis is the obvious favourite at 5/3. Mercedes are now firmly one of the two teams to beat, the question is whether they have the drivers for this unique track. Rosberg has never really fancied the place, and with Hamilton it’s all or nothing. He collided and retired early in ’08,’10 and ’12, yet took first place in ’09 and ’11 making him due the win this time around. He clearly relishes the challenge but will need to show maturity if he’s to take the top step. At 7/2 second favourite for the win his odds are very fair, but better value is found at 130/19 for fastest lap.

Raikkonen is the undisputed king round here, having won four times and from as far back as tenth on the grid. The doubt is that his Lotus has the outright grunt to take him up Eau Rouge at a

pace to challenge the leaders. So far the Lotus has promised and not delivered, relying on strategy over outright pace to keep up with the front-runners, so despite finishing second in the last two races, it’s hard to see him on the top step. A reasonably safe each-way bet, Kimi’s odds are currently too short to be worthwhile, but if he slips up in qualifying and they lengthen he’s a good shout for a charge through the field.

Belgium is a race that rewards a cool head and those that can handle a car in changing conditions. Rain is forecast so it would be no surprise to see the best result of the season for last year’s winner Jensen Button in the fast improving McLaren. With odds at an unexpected 80/1 he’s the obvious dark horse for a long shot. Even if the top step eludes him, at 11/1 for his fourth Spa podium he looks tempting, as does a bet on a safety car at a track that’s claimed over 50 lives.

// David Alexander// F1 Maven

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Fuel economy figures for the BMW range: Extra Urban 26.2 - 83.1 mpg (10.8 - 3.4 l/100km). Urban 14.6 - 62.4 mpg (19.3 - 4.4 l/100km). Combined 20.3 - 74.3 mpg (13.9 - 3.8 l/100km). CO2 emissions 325 - 99 g/km. *Offer available to business users only, figures exclude VAT. Hiring examples are based on 36 month BMW Contract Hire agreements for the models shown, a BMW 640d SE Coupe with a deposit of £5,496 followed by 35 monthly rentals of £499 and a contract mileage of 30,000 miles. Mileage charge in excess of contract mileage 15.00 pence per mile. And a BMW Z4 sDrive20i M Sport Roadster with a deposit of £3,825 followed by 35 monthly rentals of £499 and a contract mileage of 30,000 miles. Mileage charge in excess of contract mileage 7.67 pence per mile. Vehicle condition charges may apply at the end of your agreement. Figures are correct at time of going to print and are subject to change without notice. All hiring is subject to status and available to over 18s in the UK only (excluding the Channel Islands). Guarantees and indemnities may be required. We can arrange finance and hiring facilities for you. BMW EfficientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range.

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FLUID, DYNAMIC, BEAUTIFUL.The BMW 640d SE Coupé £499.00 per month (plus deposit)*.Whether you prefer the open-top experience of the Convertible or the refined sportiness of the Coupé, you’ll appreciate the graceful, athletic appearance of the BMW 6 Series range. Both new models deliver a combination of performance and efficiency unmatched by competitors. The 640d SE Coupé, now available from just £499 a month on BMW Contract Hire, achieves 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds, 51.4mpg (combined) and 144g/km CO2. Both models are equipped to an exceptionally high level, with Dakota leather upholstery, Xenon headlights and Professional Multimedia Navigation as standard.

Fuel economy figures for the BMW range: Extra Urban 26.2 - 83.1 mpg (10.8 - 3.4 l/100km). Urban 14.6 - 62.4 mpg (19.3 - 4.4 l/100km). Combined 20.3 - 74.3 mpg (13.9 - 3.8 l/100km). CO2 emissions 325 - 99 g/km. *Offer available to business users only, figures exclude VAT. Hiring examples are based on 36 month BMW Contract Hire agreements for the models shown, a BMW 640d SE Coupe with a deposit of £5,496 followed by 35 monthly rentals of £499 and a contract mileage of 30,000 miles. Mileage charge in excess of contract mileage 15.00 pence per mile. And a BMW Z4 sDrive20i M Sport Roadster with a deposit of £3,825 followed by 35 monthly rentals of £499 and a contract mileage of 30,000 miles. Mileage charge in excess of contract mileage 7.67 pence per mile. Vehicle condition charges may apply at the end of your agreement. Figures are correct at time of going to print and are subject to change without notice. All hiring is subject to status and available to over 18s in the UK only (excluding the Channel Islands). Guarantees and indemnities may be required. We can arrange finance and hiring facilities for you. BMW EfficientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range.

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// Natalia Bradford

// The Maven

BetMaven had a tidy 7/2 return on our baseball predictions last time out and we are sticking with our baseball system this week. so to reiterate our view on baseball is that is arguably one of the hardest sports to place a bet with any confidence. the high number of games in a season is one reason for this as is the fact there are so many more nuances in baseball that can affect the outcome of the bet compared to other sports.

So our advice is if you have to bet on baseball at all our recommendation is to bet on home wins. After all which other sport has rules stating that the home team must bat last and the stats dictate that virtually three out of four games finish in a home win. So for this weekend like most weekends during the regular season is to go for a home win accumulator:

The first game of this fourfold is the much-anticipated match up between the new York Yankees at the Boston Red Sox. As it happens the Yankees are one of the better performers on the road they should not be able to beat their huge rivals at Fenway Park. The Red Sox has a 39-21 home record and that cannot be ignored in any analysis.

The second game worth looking at is the tampa bay rays at home to the toronto

Head home for success in the mLB

round 10 of moto gp sees the riders stay stateside, with the world famous indianapolis motor speedway circuit hosting the first race following a mid-season three-week hiatus.Championship leader marc marquez extended his championship lead over second-placed dani pedrosa by winning in the United States at Laguna Seca last time out.

And despite this being his debut season in Moto GP, 20-year-old Marquez’s win in round 8 at the German Grand Prix saw him move to the top of the title standings. With a gap of 16 points to second placed Dani Pedrosa, who’s to say the world title fight won’t go down to the wire in November’s race at Valencia.

Whilst Marquez has no experience of riding a 1,000cc Moto GP bike around the Indianapolis circuit, he did take take victory in the 500cc Moto2 class last year, setting the fastest race lap in the process. It is little surprise that this year’s debutant in the top class of GP riding is favourite to record a third back to back victory, and is a best price of 7/4 with BetFred to take the chequered flag.

Added to this, BWin are offering around 6.25/1 for Marquez to take both pole position and the race win, and this double looks like good value.

Title rivals Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo have both had something of an injury hit season, with Lorenzo in particular twice breaking his collarbone at successive races.

With the Spanish trio of Marquez, Pedrosa and Lorenzo having won eight of the nine races so far, it is little surprise that the trio are priced so short in the betting. Marquez heads the betting, with Honda’s Pedrosa next in line at 14/5 with BWin, and Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo third at 13/4 also with BWin.

The only man to halt the charging Spanish trio is Italian legend Valentino Rossi, and the Yamaha man is 8/1 to take victory, and 7/10 with BWin to finish on the podium.

Fresh from deciding his future for next season, Britain’s cal crutchlow shouldn’t be discounted for a podium finish, with the current Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider 13/10 to take his place amongst the trophies and champagne come the race end.

World Series BettingIn the actual end of season prize winning markets there is always fluctuation and the opportunity to find a good deal if you shop around. In the National League the consistent Atlanta Braves look very good value to win that league at 10/3 (BetVictor). In the American League the Texas Rangers look good value at 7/1 (William Hill) to win the title and 16/1 with SkyBet to win the World Series.

But with these bets as is the case with all baseball bets only place a small percentage of your bankroll.

blue Jays. The Canadian side are already looking towards the 2014 season whereas Tampa Bay still have a good chance of winning the American League East.

Add to those two games atlanta braves to defeat washington nationals. This may look like a tricky top of the table clash between the top two of the National League East but a closer look of the stats show that Atlanta’s home record of 38-15 should be far superior to Washington whose record on the road is a poor 23-32.

And the final home win in this accumulator is for the pittsburgh pirates to win at home to the arizona diamondbacks. Arizona have a decent record on the road (26-31) but the Pirates impressive home record of 41-20 cannot be ignored.

marquez to rule at indianapolis

seek out spanish success in stateside moto gp

the maven’s choice…Marquez to take pole & race victory 6.25/1 (BWin)Crutchlow to finish in top 3 13/10 (BWin)Marquez, Pedrosa & Crutchlow to qualify in top 3 2.64/1 (BWin)

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Last rites for Australia at last test of Ashes?

the maven’s choice…David Warner top Australian batsman: 4/1 (various)Graeme Swann top England bowler: 3/1 (SkyBet)

Consequently, a consolation win at The Oval for the visitors is now at 3/1 across the board, but is it worth the gamble? Probably not. The weather forecast is poor and the unfortunate truth is that sensible Ashes betting has been reduced to cautiously backing favourites, if only you can find one worth the trouble.

Swann is an ever present and with 23 wickets under his belt is a near certainty to be top wicket taker of the series. Paddy Power are taking the micky by offering him at 1/12 to be top England bowler, but the odds are better over at Betfair where he can still be found at a pretty decent 3/8. Strangely Anderson is still running favourite to take the honours in the match, despite being in his worst form of recent years. The Oval spins like a turntable in the later days of a game: Swann took eight in 2009, Warne took 12 in 2005, and 11 in 2001, so bet against a good spinner at your peril on this ground. You can still find Swannie at 3/1 for best bowler of the match, so get the money on quick.

Sadly for the Baggy Greens they don’t have a quality spinner, and while Lyons should pick up a few, Harris and Siddle have easily been Australia’s two most effective bowlers against England over

Poor weather forecast for the Oval means bet with caution

the rout is near complete. it’s all over bar the shouting, and even the odds on shouting are shortening. england were strong favourites going into the ashes, and the aussies’ mental weakness has made the series a walkover for the home side. none of the three close matches has fallen to the baggy greens and at chester-le-street when all seemed set fair, the good ship australia suddenly sprang more leeks than a st david’s day parade.

the last four years. Clarke’s curious refusal to give Siddle the new ball has allowed Harris to creep three wickets ahead in the series tally, but Siddle is like a bus: with him it’s always none at all then three or more at once. His quiet match in Durham suggests he could be on for a big haul at the Oval where he took four good wickets in the first innings in 2009, including Cook, Bell and Swann.

Skybet are still offering him at a decent 3/1 to be the best Aussie bowler in the match, and while Harris is shortening at Ladbrokes at 2/7 for the series honours, Siddle is drifting at 11/4. If Harris makes it through the whole match he should come out on top, but his fragile body is likely to implode at any time, as it did in Melbourne. He wasn’t even certain to play the fourth test, so this might be the time to ‘bet on the injury’ and take a risk on the big red bus Siddle for the series.

Bell’s glorious run of form continues, and with 500 runs already is an uncatchable 1/100 now as top scorer for England in this series. The odds are pretty miserly as those with long memories will recall that Bell scored two fat ducks in his two innings at the Oval in the Ashes of 2005. But that was in the glory days of Warne and McGrath, so while it’s not outwith the bounds of probability that KP will post another big one and leave Bell with no time at the crease, you’re probably as well betting on an All-Alien XI landing in a spaceship and asking to take on the MCC as backing anyone but Bell. But if you do fancy that long shot, Pietersen’s tally thus far is 276 and he’s drifting at 94/11 on Betfair.

More interest is to be found among the tourists. Michael Clarke is nearest to Bell with 346 to his name, but Chris Rogers is only 2 runs behind that, and is in with a shout of coming up trumps in the internal team battle. But with odds near evens it’s really only a sideshow. Look for a big score in the match from players fighting for their places in the return contest this winter. David Warner’s return to the side has added fire to the Australians. A feisty character he loves a backs-to-the-wall battle, and is playing himself into good form. At 4/1 to top score he might just be the man to watch and to do a ‘Mark Butcher’ and provide the one big innings that Australia need to rescue some honour from a dismal series.

// David Alexander

the maven’s choice…Hampshire to reach Final 19/29 (Betfair)Essex to reach Final 10/13 (Betfair)Hampshire to win Friends Life T20 2/1 (Boylesport)

// Natalia Bradford

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start the car! we’re all heading to edgbaston for a day of bish-bash-bosh cricket as the Friends Life T20 circuit comes to town. Ever the exciting format of the game, this year’s T20 competition has arguably been the most exciting yet, and with just four teams left in the running to be crowned this year’s champions, there’s more thrills and spills yet to come.

It was little surprise when defending champions hampshire booked their place at finals day for a fourth successive time, and with Michael Carberry in stupendous form with the bat the signs look ominous for Surrey in the opening match of finals day.

Added to an outstanding batting line up for the Royals, surrey will need to cope without influential spinner and club-captain Gareth Batty, whose two-match suspension for an ugly altercation with Somerset’s Peter Trego during their semi-final clash at The Oval looks set to hurt a side looking to win their first title since winning the inaugural tournament in 2003.

Hampshire, quite unsurprisingly, are the favourites to reach the final against Surrey, and can be found as short at 19/29 with Betfair to achieve the feat.

Hampshire favourites to retain Friends Life T20 title on big hitting finals day

Should you fancy Surrey to upset the odds, then they can be backed at 22/19 to take victory in the semi-final and are the rank outsiders in this market.

The second Semi Final should be equally as riveting, if not a closer battle between the Essex Eagles and the northants steelbacks. Similar to Hampshire, Essex can boast a batsman in fine form with Netherlands International all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate having

bludgeoned 275 from 177 balls so far in the competition.

Added to this, Australian bowler Shaun Tait has taken 16 wickets in the competition and ripped through the Nottinghamshire middle order, taking a fine hat-trick to seal a fourth finals day appearance for the Eagles and they are slight favourites for victory over Northants at 10/13, with the Steelbacks at 17/16 in the betting - both with Betfair.

With all of this in mind, it is difficult to see anything other than Hampshire retaining their title, and they can be found at just 2/1 with Boylesport for Jimmy Adams’ men to make it a third victory in this format inside just four years.

Prepare the hard hats, it’s going to rain sixes in Birmingham!

Friends Life T20 Finals day at edgbaston sees the culmination of a hard season in the shortest format of the game; so expect fireworks as an all-day slog-fest captures the excitement and imagination of cricket fans the length and breadth of the country. here are our players to watch on T20 Finals Day!

Essex Eagles: ryan ten doeschate

2013 Friends Life T20 Batting Stats – Ave: 45.83; Strike Rate: 155.37; Runs: 275 Top Score: 82

Netherlands all-rounder ten Doeschate’s innings of 82 from 44 balls – including five sixes - against Nottinghamshire helped Essex seal a fourth appearance at Finals Day for the county. The Essex man has two career T20 centuries to his name and has recorded his 275 runs from just 177 balls.

hampshire royals: michael carberry

2013 Friends Life T20 Batting Stats – Ave: 62.0 Strike Rate: 144.61 Runs: 496 Top Score: 100*

Hampshire can boast a man in seriously good form in the shape of England batsman Michael Carberry. Left hander Carberry currently stands as the second highest scoring batsman in this form of domestic cricket, with Somerset’s Craig Kieswetter the only player to have scored more runs. The 32-year old recorded a first ever century in the format in a 1-run Quarter Final victory over Lancashire to send Hampshire to Finals Day.

northants steelbacks: cameron white

2013 Friends Life T20 Batting Stats – Ave: 36.33 Strike Rate: 122.01 Runs: 327 Top Score: 71*

Australian White’s unbeaten 58 from 32 balls against Durham was instrumental in sealing the Steelback’s place in Finals Days for the first time in four years. The right-handed batsman has hit three half-centuries so far this FLt20 campaign, and has 25 scores of 50 or more in his career.

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Friends Life T20: Players to watch

surrey: Jason roy

2013 Friends Life T20 Batting Stats – Ave: 24.73 Strike Rate: 126.51 Runs: 272 Top Score: 52

Rated as one of Surrey’s most promising young cricketers, right hander Roy’s 272 runs have come off just 215 balls. The 23-year old recorded his counties first T20 century in 2010, hitting 101 not out from just 57 balls against Kent in only his second start in the format.

// Stuart Croll

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Tensions will be high as this is the player’s final tune up prior to the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs. The first leg of the playoffs allows the Top 125 players in the Fed Ex Cup Rankings to compete in the tournament. Look for plenty of putts on Sunday to be extremely important on the 18th hole.

Many of the Tour’s big guns are sitting this week out as they have already secured their spot in the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs. Some of the Top players competing this week include Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els, Brandt Snedeker and Zach Johnson. But with the lack of the biggest names this week, we have an excellent opportunity to get some great value out of players who are not as well known to the average fan.

Sedgefield, traditionally, is one of the easiest courses on the American Tour. At only 7117 yards in length, and playing as a Par 70, players have the ability to

Back Snedeker for a Wyndham win

The weekend following the final major of the year is always a slow one for us golf punters as there is no tournament on the european tour and in the states many top players take a break. Which is a shame as the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield country club in north carolina is a cracking tournament.

score very low. Greens in Regulation are extremely high due to shorter rough and moderately difficult fairways. The greens are particularly receptive and allow players to even spin the ball out of the rough.

Look for a winning score this week to be around 21 under. And I have a sneaking feeling for Snedeker to take the trophy. He hasn’t quite made that major breakthrough this year but he still has the game to win.

I would place 1% of your bankroll each-way on the following four players - Brandt Snedker (16/1 BetVictor), Webb Simpson (16/1 SkyBet), Tim Clark (50/1 various) and Jordan Speith at 33/1 with BetFred.

The European Tour returns to action on the 22nd of August with the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. This tournament takes on added significance as Gleneagles is the venue

of next years Ryder Cup – so many Europeans will be hoping to impress captain Paul McGinley. One such player will be Paul Lawrie who will be hoping to defend his title. The world number 52 is hoping to become the first player to successfully defend this title whilst a good performance at Gleneagles could kick-start his quest to feature in Team Europe again next year.

Joining him in the field, also with their sights firmly fixed on 2014, are Italians Francesco and Eduardo Molinari, Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn, who won in and Scotland’s Marc Warren.

The odds have not been released at time of publication but I would fancy Marc Warren and the Molinari brothers to be challenging for this title.

the maven’s choice…Championship winner:Brandt Snedker 16/1 (BetVictor) Webb Simpson 16/1 (SkyBet) Tim Clark 50/1 (various)

low scores plentiful at the sedgefield Country Club

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Last season’s champions Leicester Tigers are strongly fancied to retain their crown, a best-priced 15/8 (SkyBet) to both finish top and triumph at Twickenham again next May. Beaten semi-finalists Saracens and Harlequins follow closely behind in the market, with odds of 5/2 (Ladbrokes) and 7/1 (William Hill) respectively on a London-based Grand Final winner.

However, the best value surely lies in backing last season’s beaten finalists, Northampton Saints, to go one better this time round. Jim Mallinder’s men have shown superb consistency in reaching the play-offs for the past four years running, and will only be stronger this year after adding Lions hero George North to their ranks, brought in from the Scarlets. Odds of 8/1 (SportingBet) are too good to resist.

There seems little value in the ‘Top 4 finish’ market, with last season’s semi-final quartet all odds-on to repeat the feat this season. However, London Wasps could be a good outside bet, having added Argentine lock Esteban Lodaza to a pack that already boasts international pedigree in Tom Palmer

Look north for pre-season value

the maven’s choice…Grand final winners Northampton 8/1 (Sporting Bet)Top west country team Bath 13/8 (Paddy Power)

// Neil Quinn

and Joe Launchbury. The Adams Park-based outfit also possess last season’s joint top try scorers in Christian Wade and Tom Varndell, and at 9/2 (Paddy Power) offer the best odds outside of last season’s top four.

Elsewhere, Bath have signed Gavin Henson (and the hefty amount of baggage that comes with the former Welsh international), and will be hoping to improve on last season’s 7th place, which left them outside of the Heineken Cup spots. Although a play-off spot is likely to be beyond their reach, they are worth a punt at 13/8 to finish as top West Country team, with rivals Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester having to balance the demands of the Premiership and Europe’s elite club competition from mid-October.

Towards the other end of the table, Newcastle Falcons bounced straight back up after relegation in 2011/12, and will be hoping to avoid becoming the Premiership’s ‘yoyo’ team. The bookies aren’t placing great faith in them however, making them 11/4 joint favourites, along with Worcester

Look north for pre-season value

lions and welsh star to boost saints chances of going one better this time

Exactly two months after the British & Irish Lions’ glorious victory in Sydney, England’s top-flight domestic competition gets back under way.

Warriors, to make an immediate return to the Championship (SkyBet). However, Sale Sharks were only saved from the drop themselves thanks to a strong end-of-season run, and wily punters may feel odds of 4/1 (Bet365) for the Northerners to finish bottom are too generous to turn down.

Finally, despite last season’s top try scoring duo of Wade and Varndell being 7/1 to finish top of the pile again this year, George North is a highly enticing 16/1 (Bet Victor) to topple them - in a team which is highly likely to book at least a play-off berth, if not go all the way.

Just two teams remain in this year’s tetley’s challenge cup, with hull fc and wigan setting a repeat of the 1985 final.

On that occasion in 1985, it was just goal kicking which separated the two sides’, much like their Super League meeting at the KC Stadium earlier this season. Wigan ran out 28-20 winners in April with Wigan’s Pat Richards successfully kicking six kick from six, whilst Hull’s Joe Westerman was successful with just two efforts.

The omens do not look good for Peter Gentle’s Hull side, having won just one of their last 10 meetings against the Warriors in Super League dating back over five years. Although the Black and Whites of Hull don’t have the best of records against Wigan, however they go in to the Challenge Cup final having defeated their fiercest rivals Hull KR most recently.

Their last Challenge Cup outing saw them dispose of holders and league leaders Warrington 16-12 in the shock result of the

big point win for the warriors could be a big pounds win for the punter

// Natalia Bradford

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semi-finals. Hull are still considered by the bookmakers to be the overwhelming outsiders and are 3/1 for victory with Bet365, Sky Bet, Bet Fred and BetVictor amongst a whole host of companies.

Wigan are the most successful side in the competition’s history, with a total of 18 wins, and are now just 80 minutes away from making a silverware double for the town, following on from Wigan Athletic’s win in football’s equivalent; the FA Cup.

They last won the competition in 2011, and as a result of their pedigree in the competition & their draw, the Warriors are priced as overwhelming favourites at 2/7 with Bet365, Paddy Power and Coral to add their name to the Challenge Cup trophy for a 19th time, having disposed of the lowly London Broncos in emphatic style – running out 70-0 victors.

More fruitful for punters could be delving into the winning margin market, with a Wigan winning margin of between 21-25 currently priced at 9/1 with Bet365, and Wigan 26-30 at 14/1 also with Bet365. Considering the average winning margin across Wigan’s last 9 victories is 26.4 points, having a punt on these selections wouldn’t be foolish.

Should Wigan repeat their 70 point winning margin from their semi-final, that can be found at a whopping 200/1 with Ladbrokes.

All things considered, I just can’t see anything other than a comfortable victory for Wigan on the Wembley turf.

Ones to watch…As we enter the end game in the Tetley’s Challenge Cup for another year, here at Bet Maven, we’ve picked out four key players to keep your eyes on during the fierce battle on the Wembley turf.

Hull FC:

Danny Houghton - Hooker24-year old Houghton is a graduate of Hull FC’s academy, having made his bow for the Black and Whites against Harlequins in June 2007. He has been instrumental in Hull’s rise up the table this season, recording two tries in 27 appearances. Despite being less than a prolific try scorer, he has been named man-of-the-match on no less than five occasions and leads Super League in tackles and runs from dummy half. Named Hull’s player’s player of the year last year, the young hooker is looking to step in to contention for Steve McNamara’s England squad for the 2013 World Cup.

Kirk Yeaman - CentreHaving completed his testimonial year, talented Hull centre Kirk Yeaman is looking to add to his one and only Challenge Cup winners’ medal against Wigan. It’s just eight years ago since Hull and a then 21 year old Yeaman defeated Leeds 25-24 in the first ever Challenge Cup Final to be played in August. As well as a winners’ medal, Yeaman has also been on the receiving end of defeat on the big stage: losing the 2006 Super League Grand Final and the 2008 Challenge Cup Final both defeats against a fearsome St Helens side. Capped by England and Great Britain, centre Yeaman is Hull FC’s leading try scorer having touched down over the whitewash more than 140 times for his side in over 260 appearances.

Wigan Warriors:

Sam Tomkins - FullbackYounger brother of Saracens second row Joel Tomkins in Rugby Union and still only 24, Sam Tomkins has been a prolific try scorer since his debut in 2008 where he wrote his name in to the Rugby League history books by becoming the first player to score five tries on his first-grade debut, scoring a hat-trick within the first twelve minutes, as Wigan recorded a 106-8 victory over Workington in a Challenge Cup fifth round match. Representing England 13 times, Tomkins also has a Grand Final winners’ medal, a Challenge Cup winners’ medal and been part of a Wigan side to win two league leaders shields.

Sean O’Loughlin - Second Row - CaptainWigan’s influential captain O’Loughlin is a second generation family member to have warn the cherry and white kit, having seen his father Keiron and uncle Kevin pull on the Wigan jersey in the 1970’s. He has played his entire career with North West giants Wigan and has captained his side to 2010’s Super League championship and the 2011 Challenge Cup final victory over Leeds. He has gained representative honours, playing for Great Britain 11 times, and England once.

the maven’s choice…Wigan to win – 2/7 (Bet365/Paddy Power/Coral)

Wigan 26-30 point winning margin – 14/1 (Bet365)

london’s darren barker is looking for atlantic city redemption having lost in the 11th round against sergio martinez the previous time he fought in the united states. this time he faces a formidable opponent in the shape of Australian Daniel Geale, who is making the fifth defence of the IBF World Middleweight title he first won against Sebastian Sylvester in July 2011.Despite his previous defeat in a World Title fight against Martinez in October 2011, Barker can take heart from his impressive form, most recently recording back-to-back fourth round stoppages against Kerry Hope and Simone Rotolo. Geale, on the other hand, has seen his five previous fights go the distance.

Paddy Power are currently best price for Barker to make it a hat-trick of fourth round stoppages against his opponent and the man from Barnet is a long shot at 55/1 to repeat the feat. That’s not to say that the bookmakers think that the Brit cannot stop the fight before the end, both he and Geale seeing round betting odds between 35/1 with Paddy Power for a 10th Round stoppage for the Australian, to a staggering 80/1 with SpreadEx for Barker to score a first round victory.

With just two previous fights outside his native Australia, Geale’s 100% win record on foreign soil the Real Deal looks a formidable opponent, having defeated Sebastian Sylvester and Felix Sturm the last time he fought outside his homeland and boasts a career record of 29 victories and just a single defeat from 30 career fights, with 15 of those victories coming by way of knock-out.

Considering the Antipodeans’ record on his travels, he can be found at 4/6 with BetVictor to record victory, but Barker also boast as formidable a record as his opponent, with 25 wins and just a single defeat, including 16 career knock-outs. At 13/8 with Paddy Power to take victory, it would be foolish to discount the Brit.

Seemingly, however, the contest is expected to go the distance with the man nicknamed Dazzling having seen nine of his 25 career contests going the distance with Geale seeing half of his career bouts go to the judges’ scorecards. With these statistics in mind, it is difficult to see anything other than this World title clash being decided by the judges at ringside.

// Natalia Bradford

the maven’s choice…Daniel Geale to win on decision 11/8 (Ladbrokes)

ibF world middleweight title Clash

Darren Barker v Daniel Geale barker and geale

to go the distance

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The AFL enters its final three weeks of the regular season and is traditionally a tricky time for predicting results. Tense, edgy performances from mid-table sides as they push for a play-off place whereas the teams that have already qualified for the play-offs take the opportunity to rest influential players.

Swoop on the Hawks for win over Collingwood and the Grand Final

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the maven’s choice…Hawthorn to beat Collingwood: 3/5 (UniBet)Hawthorn to win grand final: 11/5 (Paddy Power)

Business can be done as the AFL reaches the business end of the season

The opening game of round 21 sees the huge match-up at the MCG between league leaders Hawthorn and Collingwood. The Magpies have just managed to claim a top eight finish and there may be a shout for them to want this victory more especially as their last performance at the MCG they put in arguably their best performance of the year when they defeated Essendon by 79 points.

But don’t be swayed by Collingwood’s improved form, the Hawks should win this game. They bounced back from a shock defeat by Richmond by defeating St Kilda last time out. Plus Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson is hopeful of skipper Luke Hodge, star forward Lance Franklin and defender Grant Birchall all being fit to return for the Collingwood game.

Hodge underwent surgery this week on a fractured thumb, which ruled him out of that comfortable 46-point beating of St Kilda at Etihad Stadium last Friday night. Franklin missed the match with hamstring tightness and Birchall has been out for the past seven weeks with a knee injury, but has resumed full training with the Hawks.

Clarkson is confident all will play sooner rather than later - and is weighing up pitching all three into the Collingwood match. If this happens,

Hawthorn should win comfortably.

At odds of 3/5 (Unibet) for the Hawks win, The Maven says these odds are too tempting to avoid.

Also because of the return of these big name players and the likelihood of finishing first in the ladder, the current odds of 11/5 with Paddy Power for the Hawks to win the Grand Final look a decent price.

The following day the MCG hosts another potentially blinding game between Richmond and Carlton. The Tigers have secured their first AFL finals slot in more than 10 years after their 23-point victory last-time out against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG. This was a tense display by Richmond but I think they will put on a more relaxed performance in front of their long-suffering fans. Furthermore Carlton’s top eight finish remains in the balance and The Maven thinks they may put on a tense display because of this. Odds of 7/19 (BetFair) for the Richmond win look tempting.

For punters who prefer accumulators to singles I would add two more home wins to Hawthorn and Richmond in the shape of Essendon and the Sydney Swans.

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As we enter the final four rounds of the regular season the notion of who finishes where in the league ladder is even more uncertain than it was three weeks ago. If rounds 21 and 22 are any indication, reputations, records and recent form will be thrown out the window for the run home, and there will be no such thing as an easy win.This makes for a very entertaining four weeks for the fan but not as straightforward for the punter as it should be at this stage of the season. Having said that, we’ve put together a tasty looking treble for this weekend - but a word of warning - don’t bet too much of your bankroll.

south sydney rabbitohs to win at home v manly sea eagles 11/10 at Bet365This top four clash is a tough one to call. The Sea Eagles are on a great run of form and the Rabbitohs having lost three of their last four matches are declining at the wrong time. They are no longer the outright competition leaders. In fact over the past month, they have not only lost their premiership favouritism, but also two of their stars in Greg Inglis and John Sutton. However Inglis and possibly Sutton should return to the side for this Friday night match-up and that plus the extra rest time since their round 22 game should just give the Rabbitohs the advantage.

cronulla sharks to win at st george illawarra dragons 2/7 at Bet365The Sharks require a solid finish to the regular season to guarantee that lucrative top-eight finish and they are, surprisingly, one of the form sides of the NRL at the moment. There have been on-going drug allegations, ASADA interviews, a head coach stood down, four staff members sacked and injuries to key players. Yet Cronulla refuse to surrender. In their last away game they won away at NZ Warriors and should repeat this feat at The Dragons. Their chances of a top eight finish have disappeared and although they will want to put a show on in front of their fans they shouldn’t be good enough to prevent a win for the rampant Sharks.

canberra raiders to win at home v canterbury bulldogs 28/29 at BetfairWith both sides battling for a top eight finish this should be a tight, tense affair. With the exception of the last time out at Canberra Stadium when Melbourne Storm thumped them the Raiders have been very impressive at home. In fairness the Bulldogs have been impressive on the road this season and also have the better of it in the head to head history of the two sides but without the injured Ben Barba they struggle to find their brilliant best. Therefore we expect the Raiders to win by no more than five points.

Rabbitohs to reverse their poor form

// The MavenRound 23 Telstra Premiership treble