GRUMPY Graeme Dott plays his second-round UK Championship match at the back-up venue in York today and has labelled it “the toilet”.
The Scot will be hoping to avoid the bum's rush to the exit and is 4-9 with William Hill to see off Anthony Hamilton (11-5, bet365) in their best-of-11-frame showdown.
Dott's countryman John Higgins takes on Jamie Cope and Ding Junhui is just 1-9 to see off veteran Jimmy White on a busy day of second-round action.
There's also a packed schedule at the darts Players Championship Finals where James Wade, Simon Whitlock and Michael Smith were sent packing yesterday.
Andy Murray's team the Manila Mavericks are evens with Betvictor to win their match against Roger Federer's Indian Aces (5-6) in the International Premier Tennis League. Murray and Co lost 29-24 to UAE Royals yesterday and it's hard to know how seriously the top players are taking this pocket-filling knees-up.
Elsewhere, it's round three of the Australian Open golf this morning and there's rugby, cricket and a big night of British boxing all in store if you fancy a flutter.
Good luck with your best and post your sporting tips and chat here.
In December 2020 we sadly 
NFL Sunday/Monday
New Orleans Saints @ Pittsburgh Steelers. Kick off 6:00PM
Over 5 games the Saints have allowed 652 rush yards averaging 130.4 per game. Their last 3 games have all been home games which they’ve lost, with each of the opponents first string RB rushing for over 120 yards (the highest being Forsett who I tipped to rush over 76.5 yards on MNF and totaled 182 yards and 2 TD’s) They play Pittsburgh at the Heinz field only having a 5 day rest. The Steelers on their bye haven’t played since the 17th of November, where they came back from 24-13 down to win 27-24 in the 4th quarter in Tennessee.
The 22 year old Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell had 204 rushing yards, with 33 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per carry on the night with 1 TD. A career high and only in his 2nd season, he ranks 4th best overall RB in the league, after being overtaken by Marshawn Lynch on Thanksgiving (but we didn’t mind) I expect him to take the 3rd spot back and possibly even 2nd if he has a big game on Sunday.
After the Titans win, the Steelers released their second string RB LeGarrette Blount who walked off the field early on. 6 days later Blount walked into the n zone as a Patriot.
With Blount gone, Le’Veon on rest and coming off a career high night, the Saints as awful as they are at stopping the run, having 5 days less to recoup from their 3rd home loss in a row, and the Steelers scoring 147 points in 4 games at the Heinz, I’m hoping Bell can ground and pound. Even then the Saints will have to deal with the passing game of Big Ben and Antonio Brown.
Ben Roethlisberger is the 5th overall QB in the league. He has thrown 17 TD passes in 4 home games, throwing for 1441 yards, averaging 360.2 yards per game with 4.25 TD’s. 12 TD’s in his last 2. WR Antonio Brown leaded the league rankings until Demaryius Thomas had his 3 TD game for the Broncos last Sunday. Brown has 37 receptions in 4 homes games, averaging 9.25 a game. 498 yards over those 4 games that averages 124.5 per game, scoring 5 TD’s. The Saints are going to have to play their socks off after being beaten at home against a tough defense on Monday. They’re pretty banged up and I hope I’m right in saying this could be blowout and we’ll find out if fatigue sets in in the second half.
_______________________________________________________________
Main Bets
NAP (SS) Pittsburgh Steelers -4.5 @ 10/11
NB PROP BET Le’Veon Bell (Steelers) over 85.5 rush yards @ 10/11
50% main stake on Antonio Brown To Score A Touchdown And Pittsburgh Steelers To Win @ 11/8
50% main stake on Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers) over 285.5 pass yards @ 10/11
25% main stake on Pittsburgh 5 or more TD’s @ 11/5 and to score in all quarters @ 6/4
Focusing on one game but I’ll post a few other smaller bets that I’m taking over the day.
_______________________________________________________________
All £20 Bets
Steelers/Texans ML Double @ 9/10 (6PM kick offs, add the Bengals +2.5 for a 6/4 Treble)
Arian Foster (Texans) over 95.5 rush yards (if he plays, listed as questionable, but is playing the worst rush defense in the league in the Titans)
Cardinals +4.5/Patriots +9 Alternative Handicap Double @ 9/10 (late kick offs)
Brandon LaFell (Patriots) over 65.5 receiving yards @ 10/11 (again if he plays. Listed as questionable but supposedly playing down his injury, maybe because he knew the Packers were coming up? Green Bay have the given the 3rd most fantasy points to WR’s over the last 4 weeks. 544 yards and 5 TD’s. I would take the Gronk yards which are 80.5 @ 10/11, but he’s been getting switched with Tim Wright on the certain plays and missed out on two TD’s last week with Wright getting both. LaFell has averaged 6.6 receptions over his last 5 games, 392 yards @ 78.4 yards per game. With the Packers struggling against WR’s I’ll take my chances on the big man if he suits up).
All five team picks from the doubles and treble plus the Dolphins on MNF @ 11/2 (Bengals +2.5/Steelers/Texans/Cardinals +4.5/Patriots +9/Dolphins)
_______________________________________________________________
£10 Bonkers Bet
St. Louis Rams
Cincinnati Bengals +2.5
Indianapolis Colts -3.5
Minnesota Vikings +3.5
New York Giants +3 points
Baltimore Ravens
Houston Texans
Pittsburgh Steelers
Cleveland Browns +9 points
Arizona Cardinals +4.5 points
New England Patriots +9 points
Kansas City Chiefs +7.5 points (SNF)
Miami Dolphins (MNF)
@ 113/2
Good luck if you follow :) 13 total bets. If better markets come up for the prop bets I’ll post them. Main money all on the Pittsburgh game, so if they buckle, so do I :D
I’d like to hear the NFL boys thoughts on Patriots/Packers? I’ll say now, Patriots outright. Am I mad? Or do I just think Belichick will be more prepared? Packers defense isn’t all that good. Patriots holding Megatron to 59 yards, so they should be able to keep Nelson and Cobb under wraps for the most part. That Gronk Wincast @ 11/4 is screaming at me haha
Damn Raptors are going to do my 5 fold. Should have stuck with Lakers…initial thoughts usually best!
Jordan, good write up mate, Dallas and Niners were poor on Thanksgiving.
The bookies are still not learning. Only 3 bookies, Skybet, Paddy Power and Ladbrokes put up T Y prop yards so far, Skybet 90.5yds 10/11 maybe they didn’t see Kaepernick throw for 250+yds last week, and Boldin who is far from quick take a 30yd td to the house. Redskins have given up 6 big touchdowns of O40yds plus.
I have took the overs again, Coral, BV or Hills may dip U90yds, and if they do I will snap that up, but I think it will stay around 90. QB Luck and the Colts have the best passing game in the NFL, Hilton has 17 receptions of O20yds and like I said a few times at home he is a yards beast. This is the highest I have took him to cover, but he got 122yds last week and at home I will be with him again. Washington have won 1 of their last 12 away games. It could be a fourth in a row for another C’MON … u know what :D
NFL PROP
T Y HILTON O90.5YDS 10/11 (SKYBET)
Good luck if your having a bet
I was going to take Colts to score in all quarters for a small bet but decided to focus on the Steelers. RGIII being benched again supposedly?
Just seen PP have Arian Foster rush yards @ 88.5 @ 5/6 which is a bit better. Can’t imagine they’ll be anybody going lower than PP.
Chief have you ever done player receptions? LaFell over 5.5 @ 11/10 or Gronkowski over 5.5 @ 10/11. Thought those both looked like decent bets?
Jordan, I haven’t really had a proper look at the games, but when I saw this was a tv game, my thoughts were points and lots of them, and Overs on total touchdowns depending if they reasonable. Miami even without looking at the injury report look good as Oh No Geno is back under centre apparently. Will have proper look this afternoon whilst watching darts, and Jeff and the boys :D
No mate tbh, I like the excitement of yards and touchdowns. My comm in moderation is regarding your patriots – packers game, I was basically saying not looked to much into Sundays games, but Points and touchdowns if they are not to high are my early thoughts. Oh and Geno back under centre for jets, Miami :D
Have to admit, following a prop bet in game is almost euphoric haha, so much more easier and enjoyable than watching somebody you’re on Anytime in football getting one touch every 10 minutes and missing a sitter
Lynch last night had me on my feet breaking tackles :)
Yeah points are 58 in the Packers game and 7 or more TD’s are 13/20 so not great value haha
Snooker – UK Championship today
Did well in the first round, cleaning up on some accas over the two days, round 2 starts today and although its a little harder to choose, I think I’ve got a potential winner for you
Selby
Junhui
Day
Fu
Trump
Hawkins
Walden
Higgins
Milkins
This 9 Acca pays just over 3/1
Hi Simon – you did well the other day and I earnt a good bit from your tips before so gonna jump on again today. Cheers mate!
Most 180s in a match treble pays 3.32 to 1 on skybet :
G. Anderson
M. Van gerwen
A. Lewis
Gary anderson was absolutely on fire yesterday hitting 8 180’s within the short legs format (11 legs) This is darts of top quality and should score more than bunting.
The same went for van gerwen. However he it 8 180’s within 8 legs which is pretty impressive.
A.lewis was on good form last night and looks to of turned a corner from his poor form and should score more 180’s against andy smith who progressed by beating an out of sorts michael smith yesterday.
If the 3 lads play atound the same mark as yesterday the treble should come in with a little bit to spare.
good luck.
Good luck with your selections tomrrow fellas
Good luck with your selections tomrrow fellas
Anyone got any tips for tonight’s boxing? I fancy Chris eubank junior at evens
Just to let you all know sky are doing an enhanced acca on afternoon darts:
THORNTON, DOLAN, LEWIS, & KLASSEN TO WIN 11/2 looks a good shout to me
Good luck
You think Bell gonna play most the game Jordan?
I would of thought so mate. With Blount now a patriot and Dri Archer their only other back up RB (rookie) Bell having 10 days rest, should be good for most of the game.
Let’s just say I’m confident he’ll play more than Marshawn Lynch did on Thursday.
Sweet sounds saucy have to say your tempting me haha Also the spread is acceptable for me at around 4 but i prefer them little ones under 3 haha
Yeah when the line came out it was 3/3.5 but really it’s been the only mover this week. Nearly took the Bell yards as the SS over the spread to be honest because you can at least cover on the spread in play if they have a nice lead.
RAY RICE NOW ELIGIBLE TO SIGN WITH A TEAM!!
Maybe we should sign rice stick him on pitch with Peterston that would cause some reaction :-) I will be taking pats sun night mate but will be taking the pts start too and sticking them in with arizona -2.5 and Kansas + 2 in late game
Just seen your Geno comment chief. He actually deserves to go back in. I’ve never seen a worse performance than Vick on Monday. Vick 3 quarters, 27.5 QB rating. Smith 1 quarter, 97.6. They made Kyle Orton look like Manning ffs. Tannehill will have a field day.
That would be something Lee! Few places he might go. I’m thinking maybe Denver with their injuries, or maybe the Steelers with Blount being cut?
Like those picks mate, I think Kansas will win it in my bonkers bet but not sure about the +2. Only the Raiders result that puts me off but they might pull together with the horrible news on Eric Berry. Think Pats are just the better team and I like the fact the Packers have given some of the most points to WR’s in the past 4 weeks.
If Chris eubank Jr had the same record but was called James wade do you think he would be getting a shot never mind win,from what we’ve seen so far between the two Saunders is levels above young eubanks,he could spring a shock and ko Saunders,that’s his only chance,other than that Saunders has the skill to play with him,he’ll take eubank to places he’s never been,can’t wait for it,will be fun
Saunders points 7/4
If eubank beats saunders I’ll retire from mrfixits site haha
Darts Players Championship
Wright v Van Der Voort
Both these two had very easy first round games. They hit 1 maximum between them, so why I am taking O7.5 tonight? For one its over a longer format, and the pace of the game should suit both, and there should be plenty of legs in the game. Hamilton averaged a pathetic 72 against VVV and he was never pushed. I think the 11/10 Betvictor is worthy of a bet.
TOTAL MATCH 180s O7.5 11/10
Van Gerwen v Jenkins
MVG as been dealing with the flu, but that didn’t stop him taking RVB apart last night. This is the third straight tournament these two have faces each other, with MVG winning 10-4 in the Grand slam and 11-4 in the finals of the European Championships, were MVG hit 167 checkout. Is combination finishing as been at times more consistent than is single finishes and Jenkins is no stranger to taking out a big one and may need to do tonight. I will take O127.5 checkout line at 5/6 various
O127.5 MATCH CHECKOUT 5/6
Anderson v Bunting
The game of the night for me, Bunting beat Anderson 5-2 in the grand slam a few weeks back in a quality game. Ando averaged 96+ while Bunting was over 102. The pace of the game will suit both. Anderson averaged 110 against Kist and still had to survive a match dart. Bunting only averaged 91.63 but it was a cruise for him against Beaton. I trust Bunting a little bit more under pressure on his doubles and will take him to cause the upset and send Anderson packing. He is 11/10 various
BUNTING TO BEAT ANDERSON 11/10
It never surprises me how many times the players kick off with a maximum, and apart from the first match which I am on the overs I will take a 1st Leg 180 at odds against, only small stakes as they obviously only last 1 leg.
SMALL STAKES FUN BETS
MVG – JENKINS 1ST LEG 180 YES 11/10
KING – TAYLOR 1ST LEG 180 YES 6/4
ANDO – BUNTING 1ST LEG 180 YES 6/5
Odds at Paddy Power.
Good luck if your having a bet
Saunders v Eubank Jr
I was initially leaning towards Eubank but my view has changed. If you strip this down to its bear bones and consider the facts. One fighter is the champion, has trained very hard for this, will out box his opponent, can scrap if need be, but most importantly has the spirit of a fighter due to his background. He simply cannot afford to lose and did not have to take on this fight. His opponent has a famous surname, has not really earnt this fight, has not faced a decent opponent as yet, he has had a pampered upringing, does have the power to harm opponents and yet he has a shot at some belts. His father had a similar opportunity and took it some years ago when he was a relative unknown. Saunders has a game plan and has not let Eubank get to him with his antics, I think he will stick to that and see this through. There is a noticeable difference between the size of both boxers, yet they both weighed in at a similar weight. I don’t think this will become a factor such as the Bellew/Cleverly match when they went up in weight. The only way I can see Eubank winning is if Saunders does not stick to his game plan and gets caught by Eubank. Nick Blackwell has experience of both fighters and can’t see a way out for Eubank. I see this fight being similar to Froch/Groves II minus the rematch element in that Saunders has not taken his opponent lightly and is the better boxer. I will be siding with him despite Eubank now being the clear favourite.
I didn’t expect a easy win for VVV but thankfully it didn’t stop the Overs coming in he even hit two 177
Wright v Van Der Voort (RESULT 5-10)
Both these two had very easy first round games. They hit 1 maximum between them, so why I am taking O7.5 tonight? For one its over a longer format, and the pace of the game should suit both, and there should be plenty of legs in the game. Hamilton averaged a pathetic 72 against VVV and he was never pushed. I think the 11/10 BetVictor is worthy of a bet.
TOTAL MATCH 180s O7.5 11/10 WON
SMALL STAKES FUN BETS
MVG – JENKINS 1ST LEG 180 YES 11/10 WON
:D
Saunders to win and fury to win have done singles on both and a double on both to win on pts. Saunders had much the tougher fights and is classier fighter and Tyson is the one to go forward del boy had his time now it’s fury time.
Saunders and fury to win
Saunders to win on pts
Fury to win on pts
Fury and chisora not to go 12 rounds 4/5
Having a little punt on Tyson fury to win in round 9(18/1) or 10 (20/1)
FURY – CHISORA
FURY BY KO, TKO OR DISQUALIFICATION
13/8
as much as fury irritates me and there’s no way he’ll become great champ, chisora is a joke and will suffer heavily tonight.
What channel is fury v chisora on?
Hope somebody got on the 85.5 Le’Veon Bell yards early. Can’t get anywhere below 90 now. Best prices 90.5 @ 10/11 Skybet/Ladbrokes.
Boxnation cobramint mate
Im going for a saunders points win tonight @ 9/4
Saunders has been the distance a few times against tougher opponents unlike eubank jr who has only faced chumps so far. Saunders jab will be to much and he will be able to dictate the fight.
Dayum didnt take em yano haha bieng a bit of a pussy with tommorows NFL dont wanna give all ma winnings back!
I find NFL the most rewarding sport I gamble on honda if I’m honest.
Aye do agree its just when i have a couple of really good days i then start to get tentative yano good thing though no doubt slow down a bit when ive done well lol looking forward to watching the games regardless anyway, wanting to decide between bell yards or steelers on the spread tough choice
Honest opinion would be the spread (back up to -5 tho mind) taken props as my SS last couple of times but its risky as there’s no way of covering. The way I see it if Pittsburgh are up by two TD’s by HT. +5.5 will be a decent price. Doesn’t always happen like that but at least there’s a chance of cover.
Saunder looking impressive so far
Saunders looks the better of the two.
Eubank has taken the last 3 rounds – Saunders needs to step it up a bit
Saunders starting to lose this, hope he did enough in the earlier rounds to win on points, at least he has experience in 12 rounds. eubank should start to tire
Saunders takes round 10, needs a strong last 2 to make certain
It’s over – they have to give it to Saunders
Great tipping in the boxing guys. Recouped loses all loses from football. Thanks guys
Glad Saunders won
is the Tyson fight on tv
Well played on the boxing lads nice 160 awuidlies for me
Saunders did the business for us!
We’ll done Alex :) I thought fury wuda went the distance,hope uguys got on Saunders at 7/4 :)
Nice tipping boys. Got on Fury stoppage in play @ EVS
We’ll done Jordan :) gudstuff my man lol
Guys if yous are reading please take note of a gud friend of mine Jamie el mexico conlan,he’s 1 of the top super flyweights in the world,believe it or not it was him who swayed me towards saunders,he lives facing me :),take note guys he’s a true warrior, el mexico add him on twitter @jamieconlan11,undefeated and older brother of mic conlan Olympic bronze medalist :)