THE obvious double tonight is to take a punt on big guns Atletico Madrid and Benfica.
But they're both involved in cup action and we know what can happen there especially as the duo are likely to rest some stars. However, both should win at home to Real Betis and at Academica respectively.
Atletico have been one of the success stories of the season, helped to a great extent by strike sensation Falcao, and sit second in La Liga – outshining city rivals Real.
The capital outfit have an incredible home record, winning all 10 of their league matches this season, and are massive favourites to carve out a quarter-final first-leg lead.
Betis are no mugs of course and lie fourth after four wins in five and much could depend on whether Falcao starts.
He hardly ever plays cup games but Atletico are expected to name a strong side as they bid to land a trophy. Betis will be close to full strength so it should be a proper game.
Atletico are a biggest 2-5 at with BetVictor and Ladbrokes and I'll have no doubts about them if Falcao starts. The Colombian is just 2-1 at William Hill and Paddy Power to score first and
4-11 at the likes of bet365 to net at any time.
Benfica remain unbeaten in the league and top ahead of Porto after their weekend draw against their great rivals. They'll be eyeing a Portuguese Cup win after Porto were knocked out and they head for holders Academica in good shape.
However, once again there are doubts over whether the likes of star striker Oscar Cardozo will start so team news should be checked.
Academica are no mugs and as holders of course will want to fight to defend their trophy. Just last week they lost 3-2 away to Benfica in the League Cup and the last league meeting between the pair finished 2-2.
So with Benfica pretty short at 2-5 with William Hill, bet365 and BetVictor the best bet could be both teams to score at 1-1 with Paddy Power and bet365. Three of the last four meetings have seen both score and be over 3.5 goals.
The other Portuguese Cup tie is an all-Second Division affair between Arouca and Belenenses. This league is one I'm not too familiar but I've seen a few tips for Belenenses who are the league leaders.
Arouca have struggled in the league bit been great in the cup but did lose 3-0 at home to Belenenses earlier in the season. That makes 11-8 on the away at Blue Square and 888sport fairly attractive.
Recommendations
Falcao to score first
(2-1, William Hill, Paddy Power)
Both to score at Academica
(1-1, Paddy Power, bet365)
Belenenses
(11-8, Blue Square, 888sport)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
In December 2020 we sadly 
Only horses for me today
Lucky 15
1.50 Wincanton
Minella Theatre
2.10 Thurles
Roi Du Mee
4.30 Wolverhampton
Miss Bunter
7.00
Spifer
———————————-
E/W Patent
1.00 Lingfield
Guest of Honour
2.20 Wincanton
Clouded Thoughts
2.40 Thurles
Charlie’s Vic
———————-
Patent
Meydan
2.30 Belgian Bill
4.50 Glass office
5.25 In the Spotlight
————————–
Milesey.
7.00 Wolverhampton
Spifer NON Runner
And me.
Wolv treble tonight:
4:30 Aubrieta
5:00 Stand Guard
6:30 Syrian
You not doing any Meydan ?
Start of their festival today.
Milesey.
Not had much success at Meydan so not tempted really. Will be watching Fallon & Spencer. If I was betting my picks would be:
14:30 Elderly Paradise EW
15:05 Naqshabban
15:40 My Special J’s
16:15 Devils Cut
16:50 Glass Office
17:25 Royaaty EW
Have replaced NON runner Spifer, with Rosie Future in the 6.00 Wolverhampton.
Lucky 15
1.50 Wolverhampton
Minella Theatre
2.10 Thurles
Roi Du Mee
4.30 Wolverhampton
Miss Bunter
6.00 Rosie Future
Dont think ATH.MAD.win is all that clear cut Betis aint no mugs 4th in league.I fancy u2.5 goals and bts NO.Both pay evs.general.
Btts double for atletico and benfica games pays 2.43/1. Is this a good bet?
What do people think about having to pay Double for a lottery ticket ?
——————————————————
The cost of a lottery ticket is set to double in price later this year.
Operators Camelot say the increase to £2 for a single line of numbers will help it create more winners and help more charities.
The prize for matching three numbers will go up from £10 to £25.
Prize money will also be halved to £50,000 if you win five numbers and the bonus ball.
The firm says this is the first rise since the game was introduced 19 years ago and the extra revenue will mean more cash for charities.
After carrying out research about the game, Camelot UK managing director Andy Duncan said: “Our players still love Lotto but after 18 years they say they want more from it.
The average Saturday jackpot will increase from around £4.1 million to £5 million and the Wednesday jackpot will increase from an estimated £2.2 million to around £2.5 million.
Milesey, I’m sure many people will be angered by it but I rarely buy a ticket so I’m not bothered. Would rather stick £2 on a daft football line than buy a lottery ticket.
Not too bothered either I just think people will do less lines and spend same amount
100 per cent inrease Milesy is totally scandalous in this current financial climate where household chains like Comet are shuttin down evey week
personally i think a lot of people will now go down the road of works, club bonus ball thingies
okay rant over will get me coat!!!!!!
Milesey just seen Tour Dargent is running in 15:00 at Lingfield. This looks a much classier horse than anything else in the field and would be my Nap of the day
Fallen in past 2 races, you confident it’ll get around ?
Fallen previous 2 outings, both as a 5/4 FAV, last with Geraghty on board who has the ride today.
Milesey I buy a lottery ticket every Sayurday. I sometimes buy one in a wed (when I remember). I just see it as a weekly donation to be honest but unfortunately I’ve picked the same numbers since day one and I’d be pig sick if my numbers were to come up and I stopped buying them
It would be better if I had just done a lucky dip, that way I would have never known. I think winning £10 for 3 numbers is abysmal, even £25 is still crap. Remember when a standard Jackpot was 10m? Nowadays to get a 10m Jackpot there has to be a triple rollover. I personally will stop buying the tickets if they increase them to £2.
Single
Betis Draw No Bet 9/2
Treble
Belenenses -1
Benfica -1
Atl Madrid -1
£10 returns £208
TOUR D ARGENT should not fall today only national hunt flat races Lingfield :)
Sorry yes thats right, the 3.00 is a class 4 NH FLat Bumper.
1.10 Thurles…….. Ruby walsh ride backed all the way into 3/10, then in play Irish punters ringing in to lay it off , thousands, after thousands staked on the lay, last jump…….. boom it falls ! hahaha, corrupt Irish racing again !
You sound surprised?! What happened to tour Dargent ? My Meydan picks 2 out of 2 second but to be fair I would have backed early EW at 10’s & 8’s so in profit…
Finished 3rd.
3.30 Lingfield. Border station, betfair sp 320 WOW.
Next thing you know there’ll be two or three draws on each night like the Irish lottery. I will not be stumping up £2 on the off chance of winning 25 quid and reading their good causes list makes me even more determined. Thunderball only from now on until they muck about with that… again.
Never had four numbers in all the years lotto running can’t believe they now wont £2 a ticket just lost another customer.
Lucky 15 for suhin to watch today.
2.00 hollow penny
2.20 fine parchment
3.00 cold knight
4.00 definitely gold
£5 on benfica belenese ath madrid
nice win on HOLLOW PENNY.
I notice Antalyaspor are 2/9 to score 1 or more goals tonight while the away side are 1/4, does that mean bookies are thinking the away team have better chance than the home side?
John, it means they are slightly leaning towards the away side.
What you think of this treble mr f
Hjk helsinki
Betis
Benfica
£10 pays £150
Hjk have already won so im waiting for betis & benfica , betis highly under rated i think ?
James, I’ve tipped Atletico so obviously I don’t fancy it but in the cup anything can happen.
i fancy this..
Antalyaspor v Eskisehirspor – exactly 2 or 3 goals
Arouca v Belenenses – over 2.5 goals
Coimbra v Benfica – over 2.5 goals
Athletico Madrid v Betis – exactly 2 or 3 goals
16/1
betis under 2.5
Inter Turku tip wasnt too clever first game after a long break a hope once the finland norway sweeden leagues are up an running a can carry on the good luck ive had in previous seasons dinomite for btts
hello fella’s
Meydan 5.25
The horse In The Spotlight is all the rage in India at the moment and is hacking it up by winning Classics all over the country. Has been backed in from 5/1 into 3/1 in places so could be top dollar.
Ahzeemah 4/1 who has won some very decent races here and actually fairly easily is one to watch
Then i spotted Kidnapped 33/1 2 years ago under Frankie Dettori this horse posted a decent effort in a better race. 11lb lower now and either not run over suitable C&D since or has genuinely flopped (Hope it’s the former) its the Longshot of the day.
fancy Veria-Xanthi 2 go over 2.5 goals @ 2/1 over 3.5 looks attractive @ 5/1 but may be asking 2 much
Copperwood EW in the 7.00 11/1 plus if it wins get free bet on next feature race wi bet365.
Got eskyiaspor to score 2+ at 6/4
I have Calaf in the 7.00 @13/2 WIN.
benfica to win 3-2 28/1 labrokes
What about Atletico Madrid to win by 1 goal @ 3/1?
Mr fixit, do you think atletico v betis will be btts?
Stan, there’s a chance of btts at Atletico. Betis are capable of scoring but remember it’s a first-leg tie so they may be more defensive.
With the increase in lottery ticket to £2 will the prizes be adjusted accordingly…
Hmmm
Athletico not to score in both halves at evens
Craig, that could be a great if Falcao is not playing.
thinking of doing over 3 for benfica game and atletico -1 any one know the team news.
Paul, more chance in Benfica game I think because last two have been 3-2 and 2-2. I’d imagine Benfica will be close to strength but Atletico probably rest some.
thanks,think am going to go for btts in both matches and costa to score any time pretty sure he will be starting.
Mr fixit are you doing a piece or tips on African cup of nations or even a sneaky wee competition ;-)
Sean, hoping to put up a preview tomorrow or Saturday morning. Admin I think are looking at doing a contest.
Great mr. F, thanks
There had been doubts over the fitness of star man Radamel Falcao after the Colombian reportedly suffered a knock at the weekend, but he’s recovered and is set to start. Elsewhere, there are no differences to the 18 that overcame Zaragoza a few days back.
Reports in the local press say we could see a few changes made to counter things and keep legs fresh, but as we’ve seen many times under Simeone, every player is counted on and can do a job if needed.
Chris, I hope so.
£5 on ht Atletico FT Betis @ 80/1
4 x doubles – Real Betis X2 15/4 and 13/2 and Academica 1X 13/2 and 7/2. Both teams are no mugs and throw in it cup games,…at those odds be rude not to hava small punt!! :-)
Guido, totally agree. Atletico and Benfica are not bankers but if they field strong teams both should win.
Thankfully never put my bets on yet. Still deliberating and waiting for team news. If Falcao playing then he simply must be backed for first goal. Can’t see many goals in this one though. I think 3/1 on Atletico to win by 1 goal is a decent price and cover this by putting small stake on 2-0 so that way you have 1-0, 2-0 and 2-1. I’d be surprised if the scoreline was any different to be honest.
Hez got an obvious good chance Chris…but at 2/1 or less fgs not great value. Of course in saying that a 2/1 winner is better than a 20/1 loser…its skinny tho
Paul do you think the to win by 1 goal @ 3/1 is worth a punt? Was thinking about sticking £100 on it and cover it with £15 on 2-1
Chris, I’m not sure. I don’t advise too much on cup games. If it was in the league I’d be looking at 2-0 or 2-1 Atletico. If you’re doing a ton on to win by one you’re not covering it by taking a 2-1 victory – you’re increasing your win potential.
That’s not what I meant Paul I meant £15 on 2-0
Chris, that makes more like it. For me once I see the teams I’ll decide. If Falcao starts I’m backing him to score first – if he doesn’t I might do Betis draw no bet. But nothing with big stakes on this one – it just doesn’t make sense.
Arrgghhh don’t know what I’m going to do. If Cordoza and Falcao both start maybe do 4 x £15 doubles @ 2/1 and 3/1. Cost will be £60 with each double returning £180
9hours an 29 mins ago Dr Chris guy got his mate
to put 210 worth of bets on atletico game. 29 mins ago, he’s no got his bets on, you’re a clown mate. And that’s what you called me so don’t start greeting to Mr fixit
John g, that’s right it was his mate with the Paddy Power account. Maybe the doc’s been working too hard.
No big stake on Falcao if he starts? I he try’s I was thinking £100 first and £50 last.
John no never got him to do it. Phoned him just in the nick of time as Paul posted that he was doubtful. Don’t know why you keep attacking me halfwit. Are you jealous or something? I phoned my mate in the morning and asked him to put the bets on for me due to them restricting my stakes. He said he would phone them at lunch time as he was at work! Understood? Hope your brain can retain such info. Also who goes running to Mr Fixit, I’m more than capable of shooting you down in flames myself :-)
Lima and falcao first goal scorer double
Get on
John G congratulations you made me change my name.
John G congratulations you made me change my name.
Loved by Some
Hated By More
Respected By All
AI £600 on Chris Guy please
AI £600 on Chris Guy please
I won’t let you down AI
I know u are a dead cert
Nice turn around fi belenese, hopefully tgey hold out to keep ma treble on the go
Craig, backed Belenenses too. Noticed earlier Racing Post had a big write-up tipping them and that convinced me.
3-1 now Craig easy mate
AI the bookies have decided to pay your bet out early.
Strong Benfica Team Everyone
Benfica XI vs Académica: Artur; André Almeida, Jardel, Luisão and Melgarejo; Matic, Enzo Pérez, Ola John and Salvio; Lima and Cardozo
Just seen that chris, decent price on them too, Falcao starting too so athletico should be ok only worry now is benfica
John g non runner . chris
Lima first goalscorer
Falcao starts! Strong Team
T. Courtois
Juanfran
Miranda
D. Godín
Filipe
M. Suárez
Gabi
Koke
A. Turan
R. Falcao
Diego Costa
Chris, I’m going with Atletico HT/FT and Falcao to score first although side is so strong he has some rivals in Turan and Costa.
Slipped up big time tonight, Arouca 1-O up at half time, Belenenses odds to get 2 or 3 would have been pretty good, they scored 3 and it’s still being played
John, the bet was Belenenses to win. When a team is trailing at half-time it’s difficult to back them to win except in hindsight.
The last 2 bets i had on Belenenses were to score 2 or more in the 2nd half as they were behind, so i would have put money on them to do the same BUT i found out my local bookie closed up early…so i guess we both saved ourselves money :-)
How much will you be staking on falcao FGS fixit? Seeming his odds FGS are so low
Mike, I’ve gone hawfers with Dr Guy on £40k. If we win we’re going to open a breast enhancement clinic.
1st half benfica goals 3 or more 10/1
Mr f maybe you’re right and the doc has been
working too hard. Cool new name Chris guy!
Lmao @ Paul
Ok bets on. Took your advice Paul and not going too mental.
Falcao First Goal @ 2/1
Falcao Last Goal @ 2/1
Cordoza First Goal @ 3/1
Cordoza Last Goal @ 3/1
4 x £25 Doubles (each double pays £300)
£100 on Atletico to win by 1 @ 3/1
£15 on Atletico 2-0 @ 7/1
£5 ht Atletica Ft Betis @ 80/1 (Just Incase)
Good luck everyone
Goooooal
2 more goals
Gooooal
1 more goal
FALCAO YOU BEAUTYYY
Mike, I’m happy with that. I’m sure there was big gamble on Falcao. Can’t wait to open that clinic.
Get in benfica 1st half 3 goals 10s
Everyone looks to be on a winner tonight, personally clawing back £ fi the horses but much needed cash gor me at the moment
Better no have jinxed it haha
Clawing back indeed! Just covered my losses and more from last night!
Regretting not backing Falcao as a single. Should have just stuck £100 on him first goal or £50 first and £50 last. If I had more time to think about it I would have. Cordoza last goal I need
Chris, I thought you had done singles and doubles but at the end of the day only 2-1 on Falcao so you might be laughing with Cardozo.
Excited about the clinic fixit! You’ll have to give me the address! I’ll send the misses down haha
Paul thanks for sticking on the £40k mate. I thought I was the one to put it on. I hope Atletico sit on 1-0. If they win by one goal I will have doubled my money anyway so here is hoping. Well done to everyone who backed Falcao
Chris, it was all had in my account mate. Should have put more on and we could have the Bankies too.
My bets for the weekend chaps:
£250 on Rory Mcilroy to score first at the Emirates 500/1
£100 on Jimmy Saville to hit the woodwork twice at Upton Park 750/1
£500 on Sir Alex Ferguson to change chewing gum brand to Juicy Fruits 125/1
£1 on Stoke’s possession being a ratio of 70:30 or more (in the air : on the ground) 2/9
Good luck peeps
Lol chris
I fancy a bit on jimmy saville lol
Benfica
Belenenses
Ath Madrid
All -1 would of been the mission but anyway
Dave I don’t think you will have much hope with those bets.
Don’t wanna jinx myself but a good wee win on the geegee’s will hopefully turn into £580 if athletico/benefica win :-D
Banked £20 and shoved £2.05 on acca tomorrow for £2.05, galatasary seen overpriced and i’ve tried over 1.5gls for the first time in a few games to see how a get on.
Lyon v Evian over 1.5 gls
Leicster v Boro over 1.5 gls
Sporting v Beira over 1.5 gls
Galatasary win
PSV ht/ft
Schalke v Hannover BTTS