ROGER FEDERER and Stan Wawrinka had a bust-up last week but they've kissed and made up and now they're teaming up as Switzerland face France in the Davis Cup Final.
It's singles action on Friday and Wawrinka is 11-13 to win the opener against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Federer is 5-11 against 2-1 shot Gael Monfils but doubts remain over the world No.2's fitness after a back injury forced him to miss last week's Tour Final against Novak Djokovic.
In the golfing showpiece Rory McIlroy is flying high in Dubai after he breezed back to action yesterday with a flurry of early birdies to set the pace in the season-ending World Tour Championship.
Hot on his heels just two shots back is Ace Venturer's tip of Henrik Stenson, the defending champ. Two of our man's other picks, Lee Westwood and Alexander Levy, have also made decent starts so it's all to play for on Friday.
It's a busy day of snooker with the likes of Mark Allen, Graeme Dott and Anthony Hamilton all in third-round action at the Ruhr Open.
There's also the likes of rugby, cricket, basketball and ice hockey if you fancy a flutter so post your non-football sporting tips and chat here.
In December 2020 we sadly 
Cycling 2015
Some bookies have odds up for the big races of next season. The thing with the big races is that not all favourites make it to the finish or don’t even start. They have the same 4 favourites on the Giro as on the Tour, but not all will start in each/both races. That’s where you have to look for value in the pack of outsiders. Last year saw 2 outsiders on the podium in the Tour de France with Peraud and Pinot. The Giro had big outsider Aru on the podium. I will check news and reactions to the routes of the races and try to find some value picks. The most interesting startlist will be the Giro, not all big names will start in that race.
There is already one bet I like, Tour de France 2015 outright:
Joaquim Rodriguez @ 81.00 EW with William Hill
You have to back him as a EW bet (1/4 odds). I don’t think he will win the Tour but he has a good chance to get onto the podium. He had a bad season last year after breaking some ribs early in the season, but was 4th in the tour of Spain at the end of the season. There is no long time trial in the Tour of 2015 and loads of mountain stages (7) which suit him perfectly. He already said the Tour de France will be his main goal of the new season and hoping he can match his 3rd place of 2013.
Don’t go crazy on this, but at this massive price he is worth a small stake.
Giro d’Italia outright:
Fabio Aru @ 13.00 EW
Quintana just confirmed he will not defend his title in the Giro. All other short priced riders, Contador (prepare for the Tour), Froome (won’t start), Nibali (Aru team mate) have their focus on the Tour de France. Aru was 3rd last year (and 4th in the Vuelta!) and has a really good chance to win the race of his home nation Italy and can see him definitely on the podium.
Aru price is available with Betvictor and @11.00 with PP
How about dem Raiders? Terrible night on the NFL last night but I don’t think I was alone. Bigger and better on Sunday.
Free pick tonight is Pistons +6.5 in Atlanta @ 10/11. They actually recommend taking the ML or overs too but the free pick is 3 star rated so I’ll take the 7 point lead.
Seems to be some money going on the Jets early too for the rescheduled MNF game in Buffalo. Started @ 9/4 now best priced 5/4.
Which I think is being held in Detroit. Anybody know why?
This is purely going by watching the money this afternoon and the free pick.
Wizards +6.5
Suns -3.5
Pistons +11.5
Treble pays 17/10
This is purely going by watching the money this afternoon and the free pick.
Wizards +6.5
Suns -3.5
Pistons +11.5
Treble pays 17/10
Jordan, tough night on NFL, only Kelce prop bet for me.
Buffalo as been under 6ft of snow mate, so people have been snowed it, it been unbelievable, google some images if you get the chance. I will be leaving the game alone as preparation as gone out the window.
Nfl was tough last night only did the one bet for Charles to get 2 or more and glad I didn’t do anything else as I wouldn’t have picked oakland, can’t see buffalo game going ahead on Sunday it’s like 7 foot of snow imagine if we had that here, someone drops a bag of frozen peas on floor in this country and schools shut down and trains come to a halt
The game is being played Monday night at midnight boys so we get a double MNF treat. Being held at the Ford Field? So is that the Lions ground?
BOXING
There is a massive weekend of boxing this Saturday night and I’m going to try and identify some decent odds for you. Last Saturday I picked out a 14/1and a 4/1 winner but I very much doubt they’ll be any such value this time around. I’m not expected to get every prediction correct and please only use this as a guide as it is my own personal opinion. There only needs to be lapse in concentration in boxing and a fighter get can knocked-out within seconds or a poor training regime (personal problems, promoter problems or trainer issues) can really affect a fighter come fight night.
NATHAN CLEVERLY V TONY BELLEW (The Re-Match)
I’ve read a few previews on the Internet and most of them are sitting on the fence. This is considered a 50-50 fight and most of my boxing friends are split between the two. Who am I going for? Tony BELLEW by Knockout!
For those of you who are not interested in boxing: Liverpool’s Tony BELLEW fights rival Nathan CLEVERLY in a rematch at Cruiserweight (200lbs). In 2011, Nathan CLEVERLY beat Tony BELLEW on points at 175lbs where the Welshman held the WBO World Title. Basically, both men struggled to make the strict weight limit so they had to move up in weight.
I like both boxers a lot. I have watched several pre-fight interviews, highlights of previous fights on You Tube, read numerous articles online and my gut instinct is that Tony will win by knockout although I don’t know which round. This fight is not a formality and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Nathan grind out a hard-fought points victory.
Why do I think Tony BELLEW will win? The Liverpudlain absolutely adores boxing. He has stated in several interviews that he is “willing to die in the ring” and would fight for “free” and at 31 years old this is probably his last run towards mounting a World Title bid. I believe he has a greater will to succeed than Nathan CLEVERLEY who almost quit boxing after his defeat to Sergey KOVALEV. I followed Tony in his early professional career and have watched a few of his amateur bouts and he was a formidable puncher. There is a clip on You Tube of him cleanly knocking out John-Lewis Dickinson in the ABA Heavyweight Final and it is evident that BELLEW is far more dangerous fighting at a heavier weight than 175lbs. I believe BELLEW is a much better fighter at Cruiserweight (200lbs) because he looks ‘healthy’ at that weight. I always thought he looked very gaunt at Light Heavyweight and his power has been evident in his victories over Brudov and Dos Santos.
Nathan CLEVERLY has recorded two low-key victories since losing to Segey Kovalev in his World Defence at 175lbs. The Welshman has looked a lot broader since adding another 25lbs to his perfectly toned physique to make the Cruiserweight limit. I’ve watched him on the bag in recent weeks but for me, it looks as though he is going through the motions and is chasing a payday. I’ve watched his emotions and mannerisms and I can’t see that ‘eye of the tiger’ that Tony BELLEW has in abundance. Nathan CLEVERLY has remained hugely calm during the build-up and has used the ‘if’ word a lot. For example, he said, “If he beats me then fair enough; I’m young enough to come back”. I don’t get that sense of urgency from Nathan to be confident enough to back him. I believe if he is to be victorious then he is going to have to avoid BELLEW’s perfectly timed ‘jab / cross’ (not to be underestimated as it is timed to perfection and executed beautifully ). I’ve noticed CLEVERLY is prone to leaving his chin exposed and at Light Heavyweight he was fortunate enough to get away it. Can he get away with it against a man who was a ferocious puncher at Heavyweight in the amateurs? For me, I’m not convinced. I think it will be a cagey affair from the start whereby we see CLEVERLY score points with disciplined boxing. However, I think he will want to trade with BELLEW around the middle of the fight, which is where I think the fight will intensify. I can see CLEVERLY eager to land a right hand and get caught with an exquisite left hook from BELLEW. I think Nathan will beat the count but the referee will have seen it enough and wave it off shortly before round number eight.
CALLUM SMITH V NIKOLA SJEKLOCA
For me, this is the bet of night. I’m predicting Callum SMITH to win on points and the bookies are offering 7/4, which I think, is a cracking price. Callum SMITH is the youngest of four brothers who are all professional boxers. He is undefeated, 6’4, can fight on the inside and is a ferocious body puncher. He has had several early knockouts but I think he will have to settle for a points decision come Saturday night in Liverpool. I rate Callum SMITH very highly and there are rumours circling around that he dominated George GROVES in sparring. But what happens in Sparring stays in Sparring apparently. NIKOLA SJEKLOCA is a tough cookie and has gone the distance with elite Super Middleweights King Arthur ABRAHAM and Sakio BIKA. Looking at his record he has never been stopped so will provide a stern test for the young Brit. This is without doubt and his toughest test to date. I’m slightly bewildered as to why the bookies have SMITH odds on for a knockout seeing as he couldn’t put away American Journeyman William BIOSSE on July 12. SMITH put it on thick for ten rounds but couldn’t find a knockout punch. Andre Dirrell, the man who lost a contentious points decision to Carl Froch in 2009 stopped BIOSSE in the last few months without being in the ring for 18 months.
Scott QUIGG comes up against Japanese Hidenori OTAKE on Saturday night. There is only one clip on You Tube and to be honest I can’t judge a lot from that. He looks in great shape but at the same time looks rather old (although he’s only 33) so if Scott QUIGG lays it on thick with his hellacious body punches he should stop OTAKE. The Japanese fighter is ranked 8th in the World but has not really fought anyone of note. QUIGG is 4/9 for the Knock-out. Having not seen any mutual or recognisable opponents I’m unable to give a definitive outcome.
ANTHONY JOSHUA V MICHAEL SPROTT
Anthony JOSHUA takes on Reading’s Michael SPROTT this weekend and I think the juice has been well and truly sucked out of the Watford based fighter. The bookies are offering just 2/5 on him winning in rounds 1 or 2. The best value bet is for the Olympic Gold Medallist to win in the second round. Michael is a seasoned pro and has sparred with both of the Klitchsko’s andis a former British and Commonwealth Champion. However, the Berkshire born fighter turns 40 in January and is likely to retire in 2015. He is the ultimate nice guy in Berkshire and he deserves a massive payday to be on the receiving end of Anthony JOSHUA’s thudding right fists so I can’t blame him for taking this fight. I think Michael will come to fight but I think his punch resistance and reactions have slowed dramatically and I think JOSHUA will score a TKO early in round two after a one sided first three minutes. Round 2 is 5/2
JAMES DEGALE V MARCO ANTONIO PERIBAN
James DEGALE is one of my favourite boxers. He has fantastic skill and I’ve noticed a dramatic improvement in the last 9 months. He was a fantastic fighter before but I know think he is on par with Andre WARD of the United States. On Saturday the London fighter takes on Antonio PERIBAN who has never been stopped and I think this will be the case come Saturday night. The Mexican has never been stopped and is tough as old boots but I think the skill of our Gold Medallist will be too much as I can see Harlesden’s James DEGALE winning a landslide points victory. In fact Ladbrokes are offering even money on DEGALE taking a unanimous points victory and I think this is a cracking price. There is a slight possibility that DEGALE could stop PERIBAN seeing as he blew away rugged American Brandon GONZALES in his last fight but I think the Mexican will hang in there and hear the final bell. For a guaranteed certainty (in my opinion) pick DEGALE to win on points at 8/13.
BEST OF THE REST
Jamie McDonnell WIN
Kali MEEHAN WIN (7am Sat Morning) @8/13 or 21/20 for the KO. Only drawback he is 44 years old but Shane CAMERON is rubbish!
There is no value in George GROVES or Bradley SAUNDERS but look at SAUNDERS finishing his opponent in the first three rounds. You’ll get this market at the start of the fight
Might throw together a little acca with a few of your picks ST to enhance the excitement a bit. Should be a great night of Boxing.
Super Single will surely be DeMarco rush yards this weekend!
I think Boston bruins have a grate price against weak Columbus blue jackets, 1.8 money line and 2.2 60min win.
Nba I’m going to go on brooklyn to win against okc.
And again with Vucevic over 18.5 pluss Jo Johnson over 16.5.
I like the look of lakers +11 against Mavs but I think I’ll wait till the game starts and play then.
Hi Jordan,
You going in big with your NBA treble? I have a feeling the Cavs and hawks could win big tonight. You do a bit of research on those handicap bets?
Not big no Gazza, yes I’ve got a site who give me a tip everyday for free at 1 star ratied and todays is 3 star which is the Pistons spread but I don’t overly like it so going safer with the handicap treble. Maybe they know something I don’t. The other two have also been seeing a lot of money and so have the Spurs but only recently.
NBA Bets
ML Treble & Acca
Charlotte Hornets
Atlanta Hawks
Memphis Grizzlies
Pays 7/4
Washington Wizards
New Orleans Pelicans
Pays 9/1
Yeah Jordan, Ford field is the home of the Lions.
NFL giving away the tickets for free
Do you think that’s why the Jets have seen the money recently? No home field advantage?
DeAndre,
What about the kings last night, just my luck at the moment, as soon as I go against them the flu home! Feeling good about your treble? What about the Cavs?
Lee the Green Bay spread was -9.5 but now only at -8? How much have you been laying on the Viks everyday haha, but seriously, you know your boys the best, I’d like to hear a score prediction? Same from you and dem Cowboys DeAndre all tho I already like the ML. Fresh Romo, fresh Murray, run run run, pick pick pick (Manning) run run run?
Just have a nose at other sites and go with your own! I might go a whole night not getting anything correct! ha-ha. Like any sports, it is so hard to predict a winner. Good luck Jordan and just use it as a guide. Thank you
Just bad timing and poor tipping, the Kings are looking like a potential playoff team in the stacked Western conference
Sport tipster interesting to read your boxing right up in feel cleverly is the classier fighter and will get pts victory but great write up
Just interrupts all preparation for the Bills, not really a home game or a road game for them…I’d leave the game alone, but that’s just me :-)
Jordan this weekend is our super bowl and it won’t be a blow out last it was in lambeau, we have signed Ben tate this week who is an improvement on the running back issues of mentioned other night but how much of play book he has learned is questionable, Kyle rudolph will be week fitter and will give an option to teddy so in short at this stage I’d be taking us with the points and looking at a 20-27 defeat, green Bay have their superbowl match up next week we have ours this week so we should cover the spread, if money comes for free Bay back us as it’s the public betting blind on t he best team, money comes for us its the big players betting big money that’s usually a good barometer and one I use a lot. I know the script throw cultic in an acca blindly cos it’s celtic people do same with green Bay, denver, etc to cover anything. Take our boys with the points
I sort of have to agree with you on Cleverly there Lee, looks the better athlete, Bellew looks as if he’s just doing it for a wage bill and a hopeful bit of revenge in his home city. He will have the crowd which is one thing so if big shots land the crowd will get behind him. Might just put a bit on fight to not go the distance @ EVS.
Lee I’ve taken the Packers but only by -3.5 as I think that would be an acceptable victory. Packers may have a bigger game next week but I don’t think they’ll want to drop points before that.
Sorry to disturb guys, but get on Fabio Aru. He is the biggest talent in cycling. Top 3 in the Giro without a doubt.
DeAndre, you’ve been awesome with your NBA tips. Thanks for sharing, just wanted your opinion on tonight’s treble and how confident you are on it? Not sure about Charlotte due to their poor form and Memphis might have players out due to illness?
On your cycling bet mr orange, never even considered it before tonight but that is a persuading write-up…I’m on :)
What the hell I’m gonna put my Sunday bets up now seeing as tho they’ve given me the markets.
6:00PM Double.
New England Patriots -2.5
Green Bay Packers -3.5
Pays EVS
9:25PM Double.
Denver Broncos -2.5
San Francisco 49ers -4.5
Pays 11/10 – Add the Dallas Cowboys +1.5 for a 2/1 Treble (SNF 1:30AM kick off).
All five pays 5/1
_______________________________________________________________
Possible SS shortlist (haven’t made up my mind yet).
DeMarco Murray/Cowboys Wincast @ 13/10
Demaryius Thomas/Broncos Wincast @ 6/5
Rob Gronkowski/Patriots Wincast @ 10/11
At the moment it’s between Gronk and DeMarco. I think DeMarco is the most likely to score with the Giants being awful at stopping the run but whether the Cowboys win outright is another thing, where as the Patriots are more than likely to win but Gronk scored late in the 4th quarter last week so it might be a nail biter all tho it’s home advantage for Gronk. Both aren’t bad calls.
_______________________________________________________________
£5 bonkers bet.
All the 5 alternative handicap picks from above and;
Atlanta Falcons +1.5 points
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +12 points
Houston Texans +3 points
Indianapolis Colts -9.5 points
Philadelphia Eagles -6.5 points
San Diego Chargers -2 points
Arizona Cardinals +13 points
New Orleans Saints +1.5
13 fold pays 100/1
Jordan 2 things one I feel we may both be hoping cleverly wins cos bellow is a scouser, I may be wrong but that has jumped into my head why questioning why I fancy cleverly maybe I want him to win so am going research more. 2 you are spot on with your alt handicap spread there is no way we are at a level to beat the cheese heads so to do an alternative handicap is great idea, I won’t beon the game mainly cos my heart rules my head and no way do we look like winning, speaking of which what’s your thoughts 2moro sky bet have waza wincast 5/1 and I have to have small piece of that
Hahaha no I just prefer fighters who have Cleverly’s attitude to be honest. Not necessarily a thug but a professional. I find the mind is one of the most important tools in boxing/mma and if you lose that and that can be the fight. Cleverly just has the cooler head and I think he’ll prevail, he’s looking massive and can land power but in speed which is key.
Yeah I like the alternative spreads as you only need a couple of markets to get good enough doubles and trebles and I quite like the look of all the picks there.
About United, I’m worried. Worried that our midfield will be playing in defence plus Smalling, when our midfield is looking thin already. I think Arsenal will score twice, (Sanchez and Welbeck) but I put a tenner on 2-2 @ 14/1 but that’s it. Main money will be on Newcastle goals, over 2.5 at Goodison and maybe a smaller bet on West Brom to score at Stamford Bridge which is odds against. Nearly put money on Arsenal to score twice I was that worried with our injuries.
This is purely going by watching the money this afternoon and the free pick.
Wizards +6.5
Suns -3.5
Pistons +11.5
Treble pays 17/10 **WIN**
Pistons +6.5 **LOSE**
Hold on I didn’t tip the Pistons spread :D