2010 has nearly finished and I hope it’s been a great punting year for everyone. It’s now time to start looking ahead to 2011 and seeing where we can make some money, especially on some of the antepost markets where some value prices are available.
1) Barcelona to win the Champions League
Many people don’t like to back favourites on antepost markets. If you’re going to lay out a decent amount of money for several months, people argue that they should at least have a big potential return if their selection wins.
Nevertheless, it is hard to ignore the 5/2 with Stan James that Barcelona win the Champions League this season. They recently proved to be head and shoulders above arch-rivals Real Madrid and the Spanish champions were recently described by Arsene Wenger as ‘super favourites’ to win the tournament.
The addition of David Villa to the squad makes them outstanding in attack, with Javier Mascherano also being added to provide cover if Sergio Busquets or Xavi get injured. With so many talented youngsters coming through and Lionel Messi the best player in the world, it looks like a great way of more than doubling your money.
Real Madrid are next in the betting at 4/1 (Boylesports), with Chelsea out to 5/1 (bet365) and Manchester United at 8/1 (bet365). However, it must be said that the English teams all have major faults this season.
2) Back Lee Westwood to win every major tournament
Lee Westwood has never won a golfing major, although this is set to change in 2011. The player recently became the world number one and that is because he’s quite simply the most talented golfer on the planet right now.
The Englishman has been knocking on the door to win a major tournament for the past couple of seasons and is currently on offer at 14/1 (Paddy Power) to win the 2011 Open, 14/1 (bet365) to win the US Masters and 16/1 (Betfred) to win the US Open.
Colin Montgomerie recently commented that it was likely that Westwood would lift at least one major next year and it’s amazing to see him available at such a bigger price than Tiger Woods.
3) Arsenal to win the Premier League
This is being written ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Old Trafford, although I am pretty confident that the Gunners have what it takes to beat Chelsea and Manchester United to the title. Arsene Wenger’s team are currently available at 4/1 (Ladbrokes) and this is surely an each-way bet to nothing considering that the north London side have so many form players at the moment.
Their lofty position at the top of the Premier League has been achieved despite injuries to Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott, not to mention defensive problems considering that Thomas Vermaelen is injured.
