Two And a Half Goals: Back masses of goals at the Bernabeu for Jose's last game in charge

"Yes, England did beat Brazil 2-1 back in February, but that was at home. This time they’ll be at the Maracana in Rio, where the game is sure to be played at a very different tempo and produce a very different result."

Back Under 2.5 goals @ 2.166/5

The Inside Man is predicting fireworks in Madrid this weekend, but can't see there being many goals in the Maracana as Brazil entertain England...

Saturday

Real Madrid v Osasuna

Jose will no doubt be on his way after this match. It's been a tumultuous time in the Spanish capital for Mourinho and despite enjoying many successes during his three year tenure, I'm sure he'll want to fire a significant parting shot.

As luck has it, the Special One has been gifted the perfect opportunity to do just that, as his side take on 15th placed Osasuna. Safe from relegation, and with nothing to play for, they look the perfect cannon-fodder to allow Jose to go out on a high.

Osasuna managed a credible 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture. But away from home they are a different creature, and have suffered defeat by three goals or more in almost a quarter of their road games.

Real have scored 23 goals in their last five at home and should have all the motivation in this match. Mourinho is sure to have them fired-up to send a message to fans and Chairman alike, while the players themselves will be playing for their futures, as they look to impress their new boss.

For the first time ever in this column, I'm recommending we break the rules, and back over FOUR AND A HALF GOALS. After all, it's the last day of the season...and it's the Special One.

Recommended Bet

Back Over 4.5 goals @ 1.845/6

Real Zaragoza v Atletico Madrid

By contrast, there's every reason to expect a tight encounter in Aragon when relegation-threatened Zaragoza go looking for the win they need, against Atletico Madrid.

Real must win, but will be wary of being too adventurous against the third best team in the division. Their biggest problem though will be to overcome the stubborn Madrid defence. With just 18 goals conceded from as many matches, Atletico boast the number one away defence in La Liga.

One positive though for Zaragoza fans, is that their lofty opponents have nothing to play for, having already secured their Champions League place. Another, is that the Madrid side score almost as few goals on their travels as they concede. And a third positive, is that Atletico's by-far most prolific striker, Radamel Falcao, is unlikely to play a significant part given his pending transfer to Monaco.

With two nil-nil draws in their last four matches, there's evidence to suggest Atletico have already packed up for the season, mentally at least. But they should still have enough about them to make life difficult for a Zaragoza side who rank as the joint-3rd lowest scorers in La Liga, and who are sure to be nervous as they play for their survival.

Recommended Bet

Back Under 2.5 goals @ 2.166/5

Sunday

USA v Germany

June looks set to be make or break time for Jurgen Klinnsman's USA team, as they enter a phase in which they'll play three World Cup qualifying games in the space of just 11 days.

It's been a nervy start to the World Cup trail for the U.S., who sit just third in their group after three matches. It's created a pressure on Jurgen Klinsmann that's been tangible of late. But if there is great expectation heading into those upcoming qualifiers, it isn't showing in the build-up. A 4-2 loss to Belgium in midweek could have been disappointing. But it was seen for exactly what it was meant to be, a chance for Klinsmann to experiment and look at new things. Expect more of the same when they face Germany.

Germany of course, like to win whatever the occasion, and are one of the few international teams you can bank on for goals even when the occasion doesn't matter. A 4-2 win over Ecuador in midweek was preceded by a 2-1 Friendly win over France in February. Goals, and lots of them, are simply how the Germans roll.

Recommended Bet

Back Over 2.5 goals @ 1.768/11

Brazil v England

If there's one team you wouldn't want to rely on though for goals, you'd be hard pushed to find a better choice than England.

England were much berated for their stale performance against the Republic of Ireland in midweek. Much like they were berated for their stale, and lacklustre, and unadventurous performances during Euro 2012.

In their last 14 matches of any kind, nine have been low-scoring. And it's easy to understand why, with Roy Hodgson's policy of getting as many players behind the ball as possible whenever his side lose possession. This of courses stymies his side's attacking intentions as well, as they then have to attack from deep.

Yes, England did beat Brazil 2-1 back in February, but that was at home. This time they'll be at the Maracana in Rio, where the game is sure to be played at a very different tempo and produce a very different result. Brazil are certain to be out for revenge, but having not played for a couple of months, might not have the vigour to go too hard on hapless England. They are though guaranteed to dominate possession and eat up plenty of the clock in the process.

Recommended Bet

Back Under 2.5 goals @ 2.166/5

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The Punter's In-Play Blog: Hanson and Lefty in charge

US Masters / Steven Rawlings / 08 April 2012 / 3 Comments

Peter Hanson – Can he handle the heat?

“Peter Hanson tends to get very nervous in-contention and I think the enormity of the task will take its toll.”

With just one round to go at Augusta National, nine players appear to hold a chance to win the year's first major. Steve Rawlings profiles each of the Masters hopefuls

10:45 - April 8, 2012

On a day when just seven players broke 70, Peter Hanson and Phil Mickelson have seemingly put themselves in command after moving day. Rounds of 65 and 66 respectfully have thrust them to the top of the leaderboard and given 18 of the last 20 winners have been in the final pairing on Sunday it may be futile to look beyond them with a round to go.

If the top two do fail we can perhaps go down as far as the four players tied for sixth but it's hard to envisage anyone else having a chance. Here's a look at those that can still win the 2012 US Masters with prices to back as at 10.40am.

Peter Hanson -9 [5.4]
With four wins from five when he's held a third round lead, the stats would suggest the Swede has every chance of converting but stats can be deceiving. He actually tends to get very nervous in-contention and I think the enormity of the task will take its toll. Paul Krishnamurty advocates laying players in the Top 5 Finish market in his in-running trading guide here and I wouldn't put anyone off laying Hanson now at around the [1.5] mark.

Phil Mickelson -8 [2.76]
With three green jackets in the last eight years already, Lefty is most definitely the man to beat. I will look to lay back some of my pre-event wager at some point, should I get the chance, but he's too big to do so now.

Louis Oosthuizen -7 [7.0]
Already a major winner, having won the Open Championship in 2010, Louis will be looking to become the third South African to win the event in five years. He has the class and is in incredible form but he led by two last week at the Shell Houston Open with a round to go before melting like an Easter egg on a radiator. I can't see his nerves holding out here.

Bubba Watson -6 [10.5]
Bubba didn't make my portfolio because he came into the event putting deplorably and given that after three rounds the front three on the leaderboard rank first second and third for putting on the week, I was right to dismiss poor putters, but Bubba's found something from somewhere. He's ranked 20th for putting at present and if the flat-stick behaves itself, Watson could be the one to put it up to the leaders.

Matt Kuchar -5 [20.0]
A birdie at the final hole salvaged something from a poor back-nine performance yesterday, after he'd put himself right in the mix with a three-under par front-nine. He's not a player I like to back as, again, he too gets very nervous and I can't help but think his chance has gone.

Lee Westwood -4 [22.0]
The Worksop Wonder has slowly drifted away after leading on day one and without doubt the putter is to blame. He missed one from inside a foot yesterday and you don't win this event putting like that. I'm surprised he's shorter than Hunter Mahan and he wouldn't be for me.

Hunter Mahan -4 [27.0]
Hunter was impressive last Sunday when he finished off the Shell Houston in style. A major title is the next step for the world's highest ranked American and he won't feel as though he has anything to lose starting the day five back.

Padraig Harrington -4 [38.0]
Putting advice from Bernard Langer appears to have paid off for the triple major winner and he could be dangerous. Not afraid of performing on the biggest of stages, Padraig is a reasonable price and he shouldn't be nearly twice the price of Westwood.

Henrik Stenson-4 [44.0]
Stenson's likely to rue making eight on the last on Thursday for many a day to come. It's great to see the likable Swede back in form but it's hard to envisage him winning. There'll be a mistake or two along the way today I'm sure and given the size of the gap that needs bridging, he can't afford any.

The remainder are -3 or worse and [190.0] and bigger and I'd be very surprised if the winner doesn't come from those listed above.

Don't forget to have a few pounds on Yes in the Hole-in-One market before plays starts if you want a fun wager at a sporting price. Enjoy what's bound to be a fantastic evening's entertainment, good luck, and I'll be back tomorrow with my US Masters De-brief.

10:05 - April 7, 2012

Twelve months ago we witnessed one of the tightest, most spectacular finales in US Masters history, with eight players hitting the front at one stage or another during the final round. We could be heading for something very similar this time around, in fact, it could be an even more dramatic finish if the leading pack stays intact. With fully thirty players within five of the lead at halfway, surely another exciting Sunday is on the cards? I'm not so sure...

I'm delighted that I haven't got too involved in-running so far and I'm not in a desperate rush to change that stance. This looks very hard to call, and besides, after his superb four-under par second round 68, my main pick, Phil Mickelson, has played himself right back into it. He's now on -2 and just three off the lead.

In stark contrast to Lefty, Tiger Woods appears to have played his way out of the event. The star attraction of last night's live coverage was quite frankly awful. It wasn't easy for the latter starters with play painfully slow (Tiger's group took nearly six hours to get round)and everyone seemed to be struggling as the shadows lengthened and the temperature dropped but pre-event favourite Tiger was really poor.

His game looked in total disarray and although it's always dangerous to dismiss a class-act like Woods, eight off the lead and with 39 players in front of him, I don't like his chances one iota.

Jason Dufner and 52 year-old Freddie 'Boom Boom' Couples, one of Paul Krishnamurty's Find Me a 100 Winner picks, are tied for the lead on -5, with a pack of five top-class contenders, including Rory McIlroy, who now heads the market at [4.4], one back.

Although jam-packed at present, I fancy the leaderboard will thin out considerably tonight and I can see it looking very differently tomorrow. Nine players broke 70 on day one and only five managed it yesterday, and I can't imagine that trend will reverse as the course dries out. If you're lucky enough to have a pick in the leading pack right now, don't get frustrated if they don't start with a rash of birdies later. Tonight could well be a grind and anyone capable of breaking par on moving day will prosper greatly.

Of the first three in the betting at present, Rory could cut out the mistakes and outclass them all, Lee Westwood could start dropping a few more putts, or Lefty (who currently tops the putting stats) could start finding more fairways and greens but it's impossible to call and I'm happy to carry on waiting. I really wish I could say I fancied player x or player y strongly at halfway but the fact of the matter is I don't and I'm continuing with the cautious stance.

Bar for a couple of small top-up wagers on Ben Crane and Y.E Yang, at [120.0] and [150.0] respectfully, I'm keeping my powder dry for now, with a view to trading as the third round progresses. I will be keeping an eye on those players three and four off the lead as they come to the birdie holes on the back nine. Anyone on level or better for the day on the 13th tee could be about to make a huge move.

I'll be back in the morning with another look, when things will hopefully look a bit easier.

01:25 - April 6, 2012

Can we start again please?

Waiting for the Masters feels like waiting for Christmas when you're a kid - the anticipation is simply magical. And to carry the analogy forward, there was a point in time yesterday whereby my selections were doing so poorly, that it felt as though Santa had not only failed to deliver any new toys, he'd broken in and stolen the old ones! It's not been a great start for yours truly but at least the tournament's still on track...

The forecast suggested we might get delays but the thunderstorms failed to materialise and at the end of day one, and mercifully round one, Lee Westwood holds sway on -5 after a superb opening round of 67, which had he putted slightly better (the usual story with Lee) could have been a few shots better.

The big two, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, had contrasting ends to their lacklustre opening rounds. Tiger Woods bogeyed the last two holes to finish on level par and Rory birdied them to finish on -1.

My two shortest priced picks were very disappointing to say the least. Phil Mickelson bogeyed the 9th to go over par and then lost his ball off the tee on the 10th before going on to record a three-over par seven! In a flash he was four-over and his chance looked gone. To his credit, he rallied and his birdie on the last leaves him on +2. You pay your money and you take your chance with Lefty - he's boom or bust and I've no regrets about backing him but I'm cross with myself for backing Luke Donald, who finished the day on +3.

I knew his first round record was poor here and what I really should have done was wait. Oh well, it's no use crying over spilt milk.

Of the rest of my pre-event picks, Miguel Angel Jimenez has done me proud (shooting -3) and Angel Cabrera did ok, finishing on -1, but the rest were dire.

I've had just one in-running punt so far, throwing a few pounds at my old mate Ben Crane at [80.0], who sits on -3. Other than that, I'm going to hang fire for now. It looks fascinatingly poised and it will be interesting to see how the likes of Woods, McIlroy and even Lefty respond to being so far behind but whatever they do, it could all be futile if you believe in the power of the bib!

Apparently, on the last three occasions that the Masters has ended on Easter Sunday, the winner's caddy has worn bib number 53. And that's the number Westwood's caddy Billy Foster has drawn this week. Could it be an omen?

I'll be back later today if I get further involved before play kicks off but I think I'm going to wait until the second round is well underway. There are so many imponderables still and I want to wait until the stagger unwinds and the field thins out somewhat. After such a bad start I could easily force things and get myself into a right mess.

US Masters Pre-Event Selections:
Phil Mickelson @ [14.5]
Luke Donald @ [18.0]
K.J Choi @ [80.0]
Geoff Ogilvy @ [140.0]
Trevor Immelman @ [160.0]
Angel Cabrera @ [180.0]
Y.E Yang @ [200.0]
Miguel Angel Jimenez@ [300.0]

In-Play bet
Ben Crane @ [80.0]

There's a whole host of drama to come at Augusta and Paul Krishnamurty has picked out a variety of ways to keep you that little bit more interested in the Augusta action with these four bets......

Phil Mickelson is a [2.72] shot to win the Masters for a fourth time, ahead of third round leader Peter Hanson and 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen....

An intriguing Masters leaderboard awaits us this morning with any one of 30 players in with a chance of winning the tournament. Saturday is traditionally classed as moving day so who does Paul Krishnamurty expect to be rising up the...

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Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: Sarafina leads French charge

Longchamp Arc Meeting / Isabel Mathew / 01 October 2011 / Leave a Comment

Is Sarafina a worthy favourite?

"Sarafina has yet to win on good ground, but it should not disadvantage her."

Isabel Mathew provides some helpful insights as she weighs up seven front runners in Sunday's big race at Longchamp...

French participants make up seven of the 16 runners in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sunday, most notably ante-post favourite Sarafina, who will bid to take up where Zarkava left off three years ago for the Aga Khan.

Sarafina: Third after finding trouble in running coming into the home straight in the Arc last year, the Alain de Royer-Dupre trained daughter of Refuse To Bend has been better than ever this year. In June, the four-year-old took the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, showing her trademark burst of speed, once again evident in the Prix Foy over the course and distance when beating Japanese contender Hiruno d'Amour by a short neck. She has yet to win on good ground, but it should not disadvantage her. Drawn number 13, the same as Workforce last year.

Reliable Man: Bounced back to form to take the Prix Niel in impressive fashion from Meandre over the course and distance last month by two lengths, however the predicted going is a major negative for the son of Dalakhani. Unbeaten until disappointing when third to Meandre in the Grand Prix de Paris in July, this was reportedly one race too many for the colt, who is still immature. An easy winner of the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby), Royer-Dupre has won the Arc twice, including with his sire in 2003.

Galikova: With a good number four draw, she bids to emulate her third dam Gold River, who won the event in 1981 for Jacques Wertheimer. The half-sister to 14 times Group 1 winner Goldikova finally notched a victory at the highest level over the course and distance last month, impressing in the final stages to win by two-and-a-half lengths from fellow Arc runner Testosterone. Doted with a large weight advantage due to her age and sex, the daughter of Galileo's connections have been very confident about her chances to become the fourth three-year-old to triumph in five years. She is, however, untried on firm ground conditions, and the quality of this year's French three-year-olds is hard to sum up.

Meandre: Failed to win as a two-year-old, and has only this year shown his talent. The son of Slickly can pull hard in his races and is reportedly difficult, although he seemed to turn the corner when beating the Irish and French Derby winners in the Grand Prix de Paris when showing an outstanding turn of foot. He since finished a slightly disappointing two length runner up to Reliable Man in the Prix Niel when evens favourite. Fabre's stable has been under a cloud for some time, although the colt has been supplemented into this event by his connections.

Shareta: Sarafina's stablemate has been allowed to take her chance in this event, with her trainer citing that she will enjoy the firm going. Held on form by Galikova on their three meetings, the daughter of Sinndar most recently finished behind her and Testosterone in the Prix Vermeille. Often a front-runner, including in her last three starts, she is sure to contribute to setting the pace for the rest of the field in the early stages. A talented performer in her own right, she won a Group 3 by three lengths at Deauville in August.

Testosterone: Winner of the Group 2 Prix de Malleret in June, Testosterone takes her place in the line-up after finishing second to Galikova in the Prix Vermeille last time for her trainer Pascal Bary. A €15,000 two-year-old, she has won 13 times that in prize money, but seems to be held on form compared to some of the other contenders. The daughter of Dansili only made her debut in April this year, winning at Longchamp over a furlong shorter on her second start.

Silver Pond: Entered in Arqana's Arc Sale the night before, this son of Act One was extremely highly regarded last year when remaining unbeaten to take the Group 2 Prix Hocquart last May for Alec Head's Haras du Quesnay. After a training injury, the four-year-old made a promising comeback race in March, and three months later beat last year's Arc favourite Behkabad by a head in the Grand Prix de Chantilly. He finished a good one-and-three-quarter lengths behind Sarafina in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in June, but was 10 lengths adrift of Cirrus des Aigles at Deauville last time. Would probably prefer a softer surface, and has an outside draw.

Timeform give their opinion on each of the runners lining up in Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.......

You wait ages for a big Group 1 contest and then seven come along all at once. The menu for Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe day could hardly be more tempting and Racing UK analyst Graham Cunningham has been lapping up the Parisian sunshine as he anticipates the jewel in the crown of the European Flat season....

Timeform's Flat Editor Jamie Lynch brings you his unique take on Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe......

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NBA Betting: Bulls on the charge

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 25 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Derrick Rose has the Bulls in fine form

"The Bulls currently hold a one game lead over the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference and are playing some truly magnificent basketball."

This weekend brings plenty of games with playoff implications and Nick Shiambouros has suggested bets for two of them

The Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 104-96 in a tense encounter at the American Airlines Center on Thursday evening.

The Mavs had to come from behind in the fourth quarter to foil a determined Minnesota rotation who fought hard to the bitter end. The great Dirk Nowitzki was the hero for Dallas scoring 30 points.

This was a very important win for the Mavericks who have closed the gap to one game behind Los Angeles in the battle for second seed in the Western Conference. Dallas are currently priced at [19.0] to win the NBA Championship which is a fair price for one of the most consistent teams of the past decade.
With just over two weeks left in the regular season there are some crucial games with playoff implications taking place this weekend.

On Saturday the in-form Chicago Bulls visit the Milwaukee Bucks in an all-Eastern Conference affair.

The Bulls currently hold a one game lead over the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference and are playing some truly magnificent basketball.

On Tuesday night the Bulls crushed the playoff-bound Atlanta Hawks 114-81 with one of the finest performances I have seen all year.
The Bucks are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 28-42. Though Milwaukee still have an outside chance of making the post-season I do not think they can contain Derrick Rose and company in this game.

Chicago should be priced around [1.9] with the advertised handicap and I will be backing them accordingly.
On Sunday the Memphis Grizzlies play host to the San Antonio Spurs in a game with significant playoff implications.

The Grizzlies are in eighth place in the Western Conference with a record of 40-32. This young team has been playing some decent basketball in the past few weeks and have a realistic chance of making the post-season.

Mike Conley in particular is having a super year for Memphis, averaging over 13 points per game. This rising star is the heartbeat of this team and is the main reason the Grizzlies are in contention for a playoff spot.

San Antonio are riding high at the top of the Western Conference. They currently have the best record in basketball at 57-14 and should easily secure home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

But the Spurs have one eye on the post-season and could be vulnerable against the in-form Grizzlies. If Memphis can establish an early lead they could give San Antonio all they can handle in this important fixture.
My money has to be on Memphis. They are in cracking form and a victory would greatly enhance their playoff chances. They should be priced around [2.0] with the advertised handicap.

Recommended Wagers
Saturday back Chicago with advertised handicap at [1.9]
Sunday back Memphis with advertised handicap at [2.0]

Nick Shiambouros looks at some of the big weekend fixtures in the NBA...

With only a month to go before the play-offs, the race is hotting up on both coasts. This weekend there are some intriguing ties and Nick Shiambouros has the best betting angles....

Two struggling NBA teams play a weekend double at the O2 Arena and the underdog could win both, says Nick Shiambouros...

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Ligue 1 Betting: Marvellous Marvin can derail Marseille's title charge

French Football / James Eastham / 10 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Marvin Martin celebrates after a French Cup goal

"Marseille have played poorly since the turn of the year. A fortnight ago coach Didier Deschamps labelled his side "rubbish" after their 0-0 draw at Monaco. Last Saturday, l'OM squeaked a 1-0 home win against wooden-spoon holders Arles as Marseille fans brandished a "move your ass" banner."

Ace French football tipster James Eastham brings another round of value bets from Ligue 1

Sochaux (12th) v Marseille (4th) (Saturday, 18:00 kick-off UK time)
Sochaux are French football's great entertainers, the team neutrals would pay to see if they had a spare Saturday night. And they're good enough to get a point against Marseille this weekend.
Les Doubistes boast the division's joint-best home record (W7-D3-L1) and are the highest home scorers (2.4 goals a game). Among their victims are top-five sides Rennes and PSG, thrashed 5-1 and 3-1 respectively at Stade Bonal.
Forwards Modibo Maiga and Brown Ideye are Ligue 1's most prolific strike partnership (nine goals each) but star of the show is playmaker Marvin Martin, who tops Ligue 1's assists chart. A former Sochaux coach recently told me Martin is already good enough to play for Barcelona; known as 'little Xavi', Martin will grace the international arena soon.
Marseille have played poorly since the turn of the year. A fortnight ago coach Didier Deschamps labelled his side "rubbish" after their 0-0 draw at Monaco. Last Saturday, l'OM squeaked a 1-0 home win against wooden-spoon holders Arles as Marseille fans brandished a "move your ass" banner.
Sochaux look excellent value at [3.6]. Either back them to win, or at [2.38] with a 0 start on the Asian handicap.

St Etienne (5th) v Lyon (6th) (Sat, 20:00)
Who needs Dimitri Payet? St Etienne stood firm against the deadline-day wishes of their star player after he travelled without permission to Paris in the hope of signing for PSG and then skipped training when St Etienne refused to sell. Last weekend the highly-regarded France winger was banished to play for the reserves as punishment for his actions, and without him St Etienne's first-team won 2-1 at Montpellier.
St Etienne have emerged stronger from the affair, and look too big to get a result against increasingly anxious local rivals Lyon. A 13-match unbeaten run from October to January hauled Lyon back into the title race but a 2-1 defeat at Valenciennes a fortnight ago and 0-0 home draw v Bordeaux last weekend has put them under immense pressure going into this game because they cannot afford to fall any further behind leaders Lille, who have a seven-point lead over them at the moment.
St Etienne gained their first victory over Lyon in 16 years when they won 1-0 at Stade de Gerland last October, and will be confident of completing the double. Les Verts are certainly the value pick, so back them at [3.3], lay Lyon at [2.5] or back St Etienne 0 Asian handicap at [2.3].

Lille (1st) v Toulouse (7th) (Sun, 20:00)
Lille have been the best team in France all season and deserve their five-point advantage over their rivals but obvious signs of fatigue have emerged in the past fortnight.
The title favourites were unconvincing 1-0 winners over relegation-threatened Lens on January 29, needed penalties to beat Ligue 2 side Nantes in the French Cup 10 days ago and managed only one shot on target - an alarmingly low figure for the division's top scorers - as they drew 1-1 at Auxerre last Sunday. I expect more dropped points in the weeks ahead as the Europa League recommences and they face Lorient in the French Cup quarter-finals.
Visitors Toulouse appear ready to cause an upset. Last weekend's 2-0 win over Monaco was their most accomplished performance of the season. Their athletic style will trouble Lille on a Stade Metropole pitch resembling a potato patch.
Lille might nick it, but I can't see them winning by more than one goal. By backing Toulouse +1.0 Asian handicap, you'll get your stakes back if they lose by a single goal, and win should the visitors win or draw.

Best Bet: Sochaux 0 Asian handicap v Marseille @ [2.38].
Other Recommended Bets: St Etienne 0 Asian handicap v Lyon @ [2.3] and Toulouse +1.0 Asian handicap at Lille @ [2.00].

Ace French football tipster James Eastham brings another round of value bets from Ligue 1...

James Eastham explains why there will be some nervy moments for Lille backers over the next couple of months, and says recently-appointed Laurent Banide will bring a new lease of life to Monaco....

Artificial turf and the absence of one of France's most exciting strikers will be decisive factors on a big night for Brittany football this weekend, writes betting expert James Eastham....

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