Tag Archives: weekend

What did we learn this weekend?

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This time of the year is always a good one for sports lovers with a wide variety of action to choose from. Along with all of the regular action we also have the luxury of the Paralympics to enjoy as well. We look at what the punters can take from Saturday and Sunday’s smorgasbord of sport.

1.Liverpool have big problems

If this wasn’t clear already then Sunday’s game with Arsenal certainly highlighted how much work Brendan Rodgers has to do before Liverpool can even think about challenging for the top four again. Up against one of their supposed rivals for Champions League qualification, the Reds looked toothless up front and open at the back as the Gunners controlled proceedings. Rodgers admitted afterwards that it was a mistake to let Andy Carroll leave but he will no doubt be feeling let down by the club’s failure to bring in a replacement.

At this point in time only a lunatic would back Liverpool to finish in the top four at 10/3 and, if they carry on as they are doing, then they won’t even make the top 10. On the other hand, Arsenal look a fairly sure bet to finish in the top four at 8/13 having finally ended their so-called crisis with victory at Anfield.

2.  Robson has a bright future

What a summer it has been for 18-year-old Laura Robson. The British star followed up her Olympic silver medal in the mixed doubles with a fantastic run at the US Open. Robson eliminated former Grand Slam champions Li Na and Kim Clijsters to reach the fourth round of the US Open. While the power of Sam Stosur proved too much in the end there are certainly a lot of positives for the former junior Wimbledon champion to take away with her.

Robson still has a lot to work on, in particular her serve, but it could be that Great Britain finally has a female who can compete at the Grand Slam events.

3.  Wigan are the comeback kings of Super League

If Manchester United fans were impressed with their comeback at Southampton on Sunday, then they should have been at Craven Park to witness a remarkable turnaround by the Wigan Warriors. Trailing 26-0 at one point, Shaun Wane’s men managed to record a 42-36 win, in the process securing top spot in Super League.

The Warriors are 6/5 to come through the play-offs and win the Grand Final this year, a task which looks easily achievable after Sunday’s turnaround. Warrington and Leeds, who are 5/4 and 10/1 respectively, might have something to say about that but, after this weekend, you can’t look past Wigan.

4. London Welsh set for struggle

The new boys in the Aviva Premiership often don’t survive their first year in the top flight of rugby union, just look at Leeds Carnegie and their regular yo-yoing between divisions. London Welsh were given a baptism of fire on their Premiership debut at the weekend after being paired with Leicester Tigers.

While the Exiles team was largely unknown, especially after Gavin Henson broke a cheekbone in a friendly, the Tigers team had plenty of internationals, with the likes of Manu Tuilagi, Toby Flood and Ben Youngs in their starting XV.

The 13-38 victory for Tigers probably tells you what you already knew in that Leicester could be worth backing to be regular season winners at 2/1, while the Welsh have their work cut out to avoid relegation.

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Five weekend lessons learnt

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It was another splendid weekend of sporting action as Wales won the Grand Slam, Manchester United moved four points clear in the Premier League and Jenson Button won the Australian Grand Prix (totesport betting). So what did we learn over the last 48 hours?

United are timing their late run – again

Forget the Europa League debacle over the last couple of weeks, the Red Devils have their eye on the Premier League and Sir Alex Ferguson will move hell and high water to keep it away from Manchester City’s clutches.

United hammered 10-man Wolves 5-0 at Molineux on Sunday and in the process did their goal difference the power of good, with the pressure now on City when they entertain Chelsea on Wednesday at Eastlands (Manchester City 10/11, draw 13/5, Chelsea 3/1 – 90 Minutes).

The Blues of west London cannot win the Premier League this season but they can have a huge say in its destination and are still involved in the Champions League and FA Cup.

Gatland has earned the chance to lead Lions

Two Six Nations Grand Slams on his CV and Wales coach Warren Gatland is the obvious choice to lead the British & Irish Lions in Australia in 2013 (Wales 7/4f – 2013 Six Nations Outright).

The Kiwi also took the Dragons to the semi-finals of the World Cup last autumn and who know what would have happened if Sam Warburton had stayed on the field against France?

The Lions have not won a tour since 1997 but if anyone has the mojo to blend a winning side, surely it is the former London Wasps main man?

Vettel won’t have it all his own way

Second place on the podium is not disastrous for Sebastian Vettel following the first grand prix of the season, but it will feel like it to Red Bull’s back-to-back world champion.

A poor showing in qualifying left the German sixth on the grid – a place behind team-mate Mark Webber – and the Vettel could do nothing to stop Jenson Button taking maximum points, although he did prevent a McLaren one-two.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says there are improvement in the pipeline and for Vettel they can’t come soon enough as he looks to stay on course for a three-peat by successfully defending his crown (Vettel 7/4f – World Drivers’ Championship Outright).

Federer is as strong as ever

All-conquering Roger Federer may have seen Novak Djokovic become the number one ranked player in the world last year, but the Swiss maestro still have plenty left in his legs.

Now 30 years of age, the Basel-born ace continues to win tournaments and at the weekend he drew level with Rafael Nadal on 19 Masters titles after taking the spoils at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

Nadal saw off the Spaniard in the semi-finals as the next Grand Slam event, the French Open draws ever closer (Nadal evens favourite – 2012 French Open Outright).

Shankly was wrong about one thing

Legendary Liverpool boss Bill Shankly once stated “some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that?”.

However, the man who guided the Reds to three league titles after inheriting a shambolic operation both on and off the pitch in 1959 was certainly wrong over the importance of the game.

The events of the weekend surrounding the collapse of Bolton star Fabrice Muamba and the genuine concern for the midfielder’s health show that, at times, football is not always the centre of the universe.

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Lions look bet of the weekend

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It looks like being another unpredictable weekend of Championship football as punters study the form book before it traditionally gets thrown out of the window come Saturday afternoon. However, with some shrewd selections, profit really can be achieved from this notoriously tough to call division.

Coventry v Birmingham City (12.30pm)

Birmingham have scored 13 goals in their last three away games in the league, winning all three  but Coventry are tough to beat at the Ricoh Arena, winning five and losing just one of their last seven home games in the league.

However, the most telling statistic lies in their head-to-head results, which have seen four of the last five encounters finish in 1-0 scorelines. Expect this to be another tight encounter with a solitary goal deciding it in favour of Birmingham – who can freshen up their line-up significantly from the midweek FA Cup defeat to Chelsea.

Birmingham to win 1-0 is 6/1.

Brighton and Hove Albion v Portsmouth (3pm)

The Seagulls are unbeaten in their last six Championship games on home soil and should easily overcome a Pompey side that have won just one of their last eight on the road, losing three of the last four and scoring just one goal in the last four away trips.

The 4/6 about a Brighton win is certainly backable but go for Craig Mackail-Smith (4/1 in the First Goalscorer market) to net first – 90 per cent of the goals he has scored since his move from Peterborough have been the first in the match.

Burnley v Crystal Palace (3pm)

Burnley have lost four of their last five Championship games while Palace arrive on an unbeaten run of seven league matches. The Clarets have lacked a killer instinct of late and rely heavily on Jay Rodriguez (8 in 10) to get them their goals.

For this reason, it is tempting to back Rodriguez at 15/8, but why not double it up with the 1-1  draw as a 25/1 Scorecast.

Derby County v Watford (3pm)

Watford have kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 league matches so don’t expect them to shut Derby out, but they can grab a half-time lead at Pride Park.

The Rams ability to storm back into matches was shown again in midweek when they turned around a half-time deficit against Blackpool, a few days after they grabbed a point from 2-0 down at Birmingham.

Nigel Clough’s side may have to do it the hard way again on Saturday so back Watford/Draw at 12/1 and Watford/Derby at 25/1 in the HT/FT market.

Hull City v Ipswich Town (3pm)

The Tigers have failed to score in seven of their last 11 league games, but Ipswich have been conceding goals away from Portman Road.

Hull have drawn four of their last six matches and that may be the result that they can best hope for against an improving Ipswich.

This looks like a tight game to call so go for the draw at 23/10 or take Draw/Draw in the HT/FT for a 4/1 payout.


Nottingham Forest v Millwall (3pm)

Forest have kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 Championship matches and face a Millwall side who have just won their last two on the road, beating Burnley 3-1 and Peterborough 3-0.

The 5/2 about a Millwall win is the standout price on the Totesport Championship football coupon and ought to be backed with confidence.

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Things we learned this weekend

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There won’t be many more managers in the Premier League who will have endured a more difficult weekend than Arsenal (20/1 Champions League outright) boss Arsene Wenger.

The Gunners are yet to win a game in the top flight this season, or even score a goal, after a disappointing goalless draw against Newcastle United last weekend was followed up by a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at the Emirates on Saturday.

When you are down on your luck it looks like things are going against you and Liverpool’s opener had nothing to do with the Reds as Arsenal defender Ignasi Miquel slammed the ball at team-mate Aaron Ramsey to then see it find its way in the goal.

That followed the sending off of Emmanuel Frimpong, who showed his inexperience at this level and exposed the lack of strength in depth in the Gunners squad. Now the pressure is building on Wenger, who has also had to deal with the loss of his skipper Cesc Fabregas, who completed his protracted move to Barcelona earlier in the week.

With Samir Nasri set to leave the Emirates before the end of the month, the Gunners boss will have to splash the cash to appease the club’s fans if he still wants to be in charge at the Emirates next season.

Another man who finds himself under pressure is Ireland rugby coach Declan Kidney, who saw his side suffer their third straight defeat ahead of the World Cup next month.

The Irish went down 22-26 to the French on Saturday to leave Kidney’s side with their confidence  on the floor ahead of the major tournament, following another defeat to Les Bleus last weekend and a loss to Scotland in Edinburgh.

Things won’t get much easier for Kidney, as his side get set to host Six Nations champions England next weekend and questions have now been raised over Ireland’s preparations ahead of the World Cup.

Only a win will do against the English after this weekend’s latest defeat has placed unwanted pressure on Kidney and the Ireland (20/1 World Cup outright) squad.

In the 13-man form of the game, Wigan Warriors once again showed they are the side to beat in the Super League this season as they hope to defend their title. The Lancashire outfit thrashed the Bradford Bulls on Friday night with a superb second-half performance at the DW Stadium.

Sam Tomkins bagged himself another brace as the Warriors ran in 12 tries to put themselves in a strong position at the top of the table.

Wigan (1/4 Challenge Cup outright) are perfectly placed to do the double this season, as they continue to look strong in the Super League and have booked their place in the final of the Challenge Cup, where they will face Leeds Rhinos at Wembley.

Looking at the way they took apart the Bulls, it’s hard to see any side stopping the Warriors securing a famous double this term.

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Lessons learned from the weekend

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It was a jam packed weekend of sport as the same old names and the same old faces dominated the headlines.
Sunday saw the curtain raiser to the Premier League season and Manchester United got the better of their ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City with a 3-2 victory in a thrilling Community Shield clash at Wembley.

United found themselves 2-0 down, despite dominating much of the possession and the early chances against the Blues.

However, not for the first time, the Red Devils showed why they have been so successful for so long by having that never-say-die attitude to score three goals and take yet more silverware back with them to Old Trafford.

United (7/4 Premier League 2011/2012 outright) have shown that once again they will be the side to beat in the Premier League this season and it will be down to the likes of City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal to do their best to stop them making it league title number 20.

In golf Adam Scott (22/1 USPGA Championship Outright) dominated in Ohio to win the WGC Bridgestone Invitational ahead of the final major of the season.

The Australian kept cool and calm down the back nine, as he finished on 17-under-par to win the last event before the USPGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club this week.

From a British perspective, it was pleasing to see the likes of Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy do so well on the Firestone Country Club course.

World number one Donald finished second at the event and has continued the fine form that took him to the top of the rankings earlier this year.

Westwood and McIlroy also enjoyed decent rounds and all three players should go into this week’s major full of confidence.

It was the same old story with the Leeds Rhinos, as they booked their place in the Challenge Cup final after a narrow 10-8 victory over Castleford Tigers on Sunday.

The go-to-guys for Leeds (11/4 Challenge Cup outright) once again came to the fore as they came up against a spirited Tigers side who almost clinched a surprise victory at the Keepmoat Stadium.

If Rangi Chase had slotted that drop goal in the dying moments it would be Castleford who would be looking forward to a date at Wembley with Wigan Warriors in the Challenge Cup final.

However, it was the likes of Rob Burrow and Jamie Peacock who were able to set up field position in time added on, as Danny McGuire was taken down with a high tackle, before Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield slotted the pressure penalty goal to seal the win.

Even though this has been somewhat of a transitional season for the Rhinos, this weekend showed they still have what it takes to win big games under pressure.

In a weekend with all the old names taking the limelight, it was refreshing to see a new name burst on to the international scene in rugby union as Manu Tuilagi’s debut against Wales gave England (12/1 World Cup 2011 outright) fans plenty to cheer about.

The Leicester Tigers centre showed why he is seen as such an exciting prospect following an impressive season in the Aviva Premiership.

Judging by his performance in England’s 23-19 victory at Twickenham on Saturday, Tuilagi has one foot on that plane to New Zealand, as head-coach Martin Johnson hopes to lead his country to a second World Cup title.

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Five things we learnt at the weekend

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It has been another superb weekend of sport around the globe with Barcelona’s Champions League victory the highlight. As the dust settles on the various results and performances what have we actually learnt from the two days of action?

1. Barcelona are in a league of their own

The Champions League final was billed as a clash between the most skilful side in the world and the hard work and graft of Manchester United, but on the night it was clear that skill was going to win out as it became men against boys.

United won the Premier League title by nine points and many in the sport believed that they would have enough tactical nous to contain the likes of Lionel Messi to avenge the defeat in Rome two years ago.

But the Argentinian star ran the show and the Red Devils were chasing shadows for much of the match, with the statistic of United having only one shot on target in the entire 90 minutes a true reflection of the dominance of the Spanish giants.

Sir Alex Ferguson summed it up when he labelled the defeat as a “hiding” and his description of the Catalans as the “best team he has faced” proves just how brilliant they were.

Pep Guardiola played down the pre-match hype that his current squad could be considered as “great”, but it is hard to argue against it now and the rest of Europe will be playing catch-up with the La Liga champions over the next few years if they manage to keep the current players together for any length of time.

2. Jonathan Trott is a “proper” Test batsman

He may not have been born in England but all English cricket fans will be thankful that Trott decided to throw his lot in with the Three Lions as his double century against Sri Lanka proved that his appetite for runs remains insatiable (England 10/1 to beat Sri Lanka 1st Test).

The South African-born star may not get everyone out of the bar to watch his innings but he does what he is paid to do – score runs.

There have been any number of England batsmen who have come into the side over the past 20 years and played lovely little cameo innings before giving it away but Trott just goes on and one in an uncomplicated fashion.

If it is a good ball he leaves it or blocks it, while bad balls invariably get put away for runs, and his Test record is nothing short of phenomenal.

It has to be remembered that he played his first Test under two years ago and the Warwickshire man has already scored 1,803 runs at an average of 66.77, with six centuries and five fifties.

England have ambitions to be the number one Test side in the world and with Trott in the ranks it may just be possible.

3. The right man is at the top of the golf world rankings

Luke Donald has become the new world number one after his victory in the BMW PGA Championship on Sunday and there is nobody who would argue that he does not deserve it.

The Englishman has been the most consistent golfer this year and it was fitting that he beat the man who he has replaced at the top of the standings in a play-off at Wentworth, with Lee Westwood dropping down to number two (Donald 14/1 to win US Open).

Both men are world-class players and it is great for European and English golf to have the top two in the world (Europe evens to win 2012 Ryder Cup).

Donald has already won in the states this term, with victory at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona, and he almost made it two wins at the Heritage, only losing out in a play-off to Brandt Snedeker.

The Hemel Hempstead-born star is known as one of the nicest men on Tour and it is great to see him rewarded for all the hard work he has put into his game.

4. At least one Ferguson will be smiling on Monday

Dad Sir Alex may have been down in the mouth after United’s defeat to Barcelona but his son, Darren, has led Peterborough back to the Championship with victory over Huddersfield in the League One play-off final.

The 39-year-old began the season in charge of Preston North End but was sacked in late December last year.

He had previously enjoyed success at London Road, securing back-to-back promotions to guide Posh from League Two into the Championship, and it was not long before they came calling once again, with Ferguson installed as Gary Johnson’s successor on January 12.

The Glasgow-born tactician led them to fourth in the table but they were too good for the side that finished eight points above them, and now the hard work of trying to establish Peterborough in the Championship will begin.

It did not work out for him last time he led the club into the second tier of English football but Ferguson is a more experienced manger now and it would be no surprise to see a top-half finish next season.

5. Andy Murray must feel he is cursed

Murray has never really threatened to win a clay-court tournament until this season when two narrow defeats in the semi-finals in Monte Carlo and Rome proved that he has finally mastered the art of playing on the slowest surface.

He has yet to drop a set at Roland Garros this year and was cruising to victory over Michael Berrer when he managed to twist his ankle, and it showed his determination to succeed that he actually improved his performance to destroy the German and set up a fourth-round clash with Viktor Troicki (Murray 4/11 to beat Troicki).

It would have been hard enough for a fully-fit Murray to get past Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals and then have to beat probably Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer to win the title, but now it may well be mission impossible (Djokovic evens favourite to win French Open).

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5 bets for the weekend

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It’s another bumper weekend of sporting action ahead, with defining matches and races across the board. We’ve taken a look at the five bets for you to mull over ahead of this coming May weekend…….

1 – Hammers can give themselves hope
West Ham start the weekend bottom of the Premier League and have to win against fellow strugglers Blackburn to stand any chance of survival. The Hammers come into the game off the back of five straight defeats, but there have been signs of improvement.

A 3-0 loss at Chelsea was a harsh scoreline and Avram Grant’s men were unfortunate to lose at Manchester City last weekend, having been made to pay for two early errors. Grant will have his fingers crossed that key man Scott Parker passes a fitness test to play.

Blackburn have only won three times away from Ewood Park this season and their lack of goals could see them dragged further into the relegation battle.

West Hamto win @ 5/6

2 – Vettel to bounce back in Turkey
Lewis Hamilton gave hope to those eyeing a McLaren success in this season’s Formula One campaign, but Red bull are likely to respond in Sunday’s Turkish Grand Prix.

Having won the opening two races, Sebastian Vettel had to settle for second in China last time out but the Istanbul track looks likely to suit the speed of the Red Bulls. Hamilton won in turkey last year, but only due to the fact that Vettel and team-mate Mark Webber collided on lap 40.

Vettel to win Turkish Grand Prix @ 5/4

3 – Bees can secure league survival
Barnet go into the final weekend of the League Two season knowing they have to win to stand any chance of staying in the Football League. The Bees will be on home soil and the need to win is likely to see them overturn Port Vale.

The Underhill outfit are two points from safety but a win, coupled with Lincoln failing to beat Aldershot, will see them survive. The Bees have won three of their last six league games, while Lincoln have not won in ten matches…..it could go to the wire.

Barnet to beat Port Vale @ 20/21

4 – Palace can make Forest sweat
Nottingham Forest should be celebrating a play-off place following Saturday’s final Championship regular season matches, but could suffer a final day defeat.

With a three point lead and a six-goal better goal difference to their nearest rivals Leeds, Billy Davies’ men look a safe bet to finish in the top six. But having all but sealed their position, may find it hard to raise their game against a resurgent Palace side.

The Eagles have lost just one of their last five games, securing their place in the division for next season, and have lost just five games at home all season.

Palace to win @ 11/4

5 – Hurricane can blow away Lingfield rivals
Lingfield Park hosts a Derby trial on Saturday, with seven runners due to go to post for the 1m 3f contest. Hurricane Higgins looks set to run a big race as the colt goes for back-to-back wins.
The Mark Johnston-trained charge impressed over a similar trip at Lingfield in January, winning by four lengths on the all-weather. This time around it’s on the turf, but the three-year-old should be challenging under the guidance of Joe Fanning.

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Five weekend lessons

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Another amazing weekend of sporting action has come and gone and it is time to take stock of the action and assess what we have learnt from the action over the past couple of days.

1. The title race is far from over

Chelsea were all but written off as title contenders three months ago and there were even question marks over their Champions League prospects for next term.

But they have turned things around and are now within touching distance of Manchester United. Both the Red Devils and Arsenal have shown frailties in recent times but the Gunners’ victory on Sunday might well have given the Blues the opportunity to take the title – if they can beat Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges next weekend.

Arsenal may have gone yet another season without any silverware but their victory at the Emirates could have gone a long way in determining where the Premier League trophy ends up this season – and that will certainly put a smile back on Arsene Wenger’s face (United 2/9 to win Premier League title).

2. Neil Warnock will just not go away

Love him or hate him, Warnock will be back in the Premier League with Queens Park Rangers after their 2-0 victory over Watford sealed promotion to the top flight.

Although off-field issues might still provide a twist this season, it appears as though the Loftus Road outfit have ended their16-year wait to return to England’s top division.

And nobody can say they did not deserve it as they have been in the top two all season and would have gained promotion a few weeks ago but for three successive draws.

Warnock has managed just one season in the Premier League and suffered relegation with Sheffield United four years ago, with West Ham controversially staying up in their place after avoiding a points deduction despite falling foul of the league rules on player acquisition.

Controversy seems to follow Warnock around and, if they do go up, there is sure to be plenty more next season in west London, as Rangers face the inevitable battle to stay in the top division.

3. No-one wants to stay up

With just three games to go there are realistically still six clubs battling for Premier League survival although Sunderland, Newcastle and Aston Villa could still mathematically go down.

Blackburn’s victory over Bolton has seen them move three points clear of the drop zone but the other sides involved just cannot win a game.

Blackpool, Wigan, Wolves and West Ham have virtually the same goal difference and it seems increasingly likely that it will be a factor when the dust settles on the campaign.

All the respective managers at the foot of the table keep harping on about how many points they need to be safe – the trouble is, none of them appear capable of getting them (West Ham 2/7 to be relegated).

4. Liverpool will challenge next season

It seemed inconceivable that Liverpool would be in with a shout of playing European football next season when they languished near the foot of the table under Roy Hodgson, but Kenny Dalglish has galvanised the side and the key signing of Luis Suarez has turned the Reds back into contenders.

Sunday’s victory over Newcastle pushed the Merseysiders up into fifth with an excellent chance of making the Europa League next term.

Whether or not they want to play in the second-tier European competition is open to question, as the Anfield outfit will doubtless be pushing for a top-four finish nest season and will want to concentrate their efforts on domestic matters.

5. Lee Westwood deserves to be world number one

Many pundits have questioned the relevance of the golf world rankings when a man who has yet to win major sits at the top of the standings.

Westwood has always maintained that majors and the rankings and not connected and a player’s ranking reflects his consistency over a period of time.

The Worksop-born star has a valid point and back-to-back victories in Indonesia and South Korea prove that he is well worth his place.

The 38-year-old has been the model of consistency over the past two years and has come close in a number of majors, and surely it is only a matter of time before he wins one? (Westwood 10/1 to win Open Championship).

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Five lessons from the weekend

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It has been another fantastic weekend of sport with football, motor racing, golf, tennis and cricket all providing entertainment and it is time to reflect on what we have learnt as the new week begins.

1. Manchester United need Wayne Rooney

The treble chance has now gone for the Red Devils following the 1-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat to rivals Manchester City and Rooney had to sit and watch from the stands after his two-game ban for swearing into a TV camera.

His actions against West Ham were widely condemned at the time and they came back to haunt the player and his club as United were unable to find the net against City. The England international hit-man is always likely to play on the edge due to his aggressive nature but he will need to curb his peripheral behaviour or run the risk of missing further big matches.

United have a star-studded side but they need their biggest star when it matters most (City 4/11 to win FA Cup).

2. Arsenal are not quite ready to challenge for the title

Having held onto United’s coattails all season Arsene Wenger’s men have stuttered of late and a third successive home draw has all but ended their title hopes this term. A six-point gap is not huge, but there are only six matches to play and they will probably have to win them all to take the title.

Wenger has consistently refused to buy experienced players and stuck to his policy of bringing youngsters through the ranks but it is obvious that he needs experienced players at this stage of the season to try and grind out results when it really matters. But that is not the Frenchman’s way. How long will the fans’ patience hold out for a trophy? (Arsenal 8/1 to win Premier League)

3. Andy Murray is not done yet.

Murray’s form going into the Monte Carlo Masters was woeful and his temperament had once again been called into question following his defeat to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final. But he eased into the semi-finals on his least favourite clay court surface and gave world number one Rafael Nadal a real run for his money, pushing the Spaniard to three sets.

The fact that Nadal took the match did not matter to Murray’s army of fans, as they will have been relieved that he showed the fighting qualities necessary to win big tournaments. Losing to the greatest clay-court player of all time is no disgrace and will set him up nicely for the bigger things to follow (Murray 28/1 to win French Open).

4. Graeme Onions has an England future

The fast bowler looked to have established himself as an England regular in his eight Tests before injury struck on the 2010 tour to Bangladesh. He missed the entire domestic season last year and reportedly feared for his future. But after working tirelessly to get back to fitness the 28-year-old returned to take five wickets in his first competitive bowl for more than a year as Durham beat Yorkshire to go top of the Division one standings.

James Anderson and Stuart Broad are nailed on to be part of the England attack this summer and it would be no surprise to see Onions back in the ranks, fitness permitting (Durham 11-4 to win Div 1 title).

5. Sebastian Vettel better watch out for the Brits

World champion Vettel was favourite to retain his title and, after wining the first two Grand Prix of the season, it could be seen why. But Lewis Hamilton’s superb drive to win the China Grand Prix has breathed life into the sport and proved that the German will not have it all his own way this season.

After battling with Vettel all the way, Hamilton passed his great rival with just four laps to go and it was significant moment for the former champion as it proved that he does have the speed to compete with the flying Red Bulls. Vettel still leads the standings but with Lewis second and Jenson Button third, to coin an Oscar-night phrase from Colin Welland, the British are coming (Hamilton 5/2 to win F1 title).

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Weekend Championship preview

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Bet on the ChampionshipThe Championship season is drawing to its conclusion and there are still plenty of sides in with a chance of reaching the promised land of the Premier League next term. With automatic promotion places and play-off spots still up for grabs it is time to have a look at who might make a move this weekend.

Norwich City v Nottingham Forest (Friday)

Norwich are one of four sides left fighting it out for the second automatic promotion place but, although they are still third in the standings, they have dropped valuable points in recent weeks with just one win in their last four outings. That was a 6-0 thrashing of Scunthorpe but two draws and defeat to Swansea has seen the chasing pack close.

Canaries striker Grant Holt is rated as just 50-50 while midfielder Wes Hoolahan may return from injury against a Forest side’s whose recent form is more akin to a relegation-threatened side that to one chasing promotion. One win in ten has left them outside the play-off picture at present but they did beat Burnley in mid week to stop the rot. That will have given them belief that they can turn things around but, with Norwich still very much looking for automatic promotion, they might find this one a different proposition.

Odds: Norwich 10/11 to win
Value bet: Norwich to win 2-0 (7/1)

Cardiff v Portsmouth

The Bluebirds have their destiny in their own hands – win all their remaining games and they will be in the top flight next season. It sounds a long shot but they have won their last three matches and are a point clear of Norwich in second place and 10 behind league-leading QPR. Teams that peak at the business end of the season usually do well and they will look to keep up the momentum against a Pompey side who are comfortably in mid-table and have little to play for. Loan signing Jay Emmanuel-Thomas bagged his second goal for the club as they beat Sheffield United in mid-week and Craig Bellamy was also on target and they will surely have too much for a Portsmouth side on cruise control.

Odds: Cardiff 4/6 to win
Value bet: Cardiff to lead at half-time and win match (13/8)

Burnley v Swansea

Swansea lost ground on their Welsh rivals when drawing in mid-week but they will look to bounce back to winning ways with another game against a side nestled in mid-division. The Swans enjoyed an excellent February but have hit the buffers of late and will want to get back on track with just five games to go. Boss Brendan Rodgers believes his charges are still playing decent football but are wasting too many chances and they were guilty of that again earlier this week.

With games running out Swansea must take all three points from this one. The Clarets have not won in six matches and have lost their last four and, despite having home advantage, look set to extend that unwelcome record this weekend.

Odds: Swansea 17/10 to win
Value bet: Swansea to win 2-1 (9/1)

Reading v Leicester

Reading are nine points better off than the Foxes but both clubs have a lot to play for over the remainder of the season with the Royals still very much in the hunt for automatic promotion and Leicester just four places off a play-off berth. But Brian McDermott’s men are sweeping all before them in the league at present with seven straight wins and they are the in-form team in the division.

Leicester have taken eight points from a possible 15 and have blown hot and cold of late but manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has made it clear that he believes the play-offs are still achievable and they are tipped to get a point and halt to Reading juggernaut on Saturday.

Odds: Draw 12/5
Value bet 1-1 11/2

Leeds v Watford

Leeds’ form has dipped at just the wrong time and they are hanging on to the last play-off place by their skin of their teeth. Just one win in five has left the Yorkshire outfit looking over their shoulders and they have lost their last two. But they are a solid unit at home and face a Watford side whose play-off hopes are all but over. They are not in great form and Leeds’ eagerness to return to the Premier league will surely see them through this one.

Odds: Leeds 3/4 to win
Value bet: Leeds to win 3-0 12/1.

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