1. Chelsea vs. Everton Betting Preview

    Football | Premier League | Chelsea v Everton
    May 19, 2013 | 3:00pm GMT | Stamford Bridge

    Written by: Chris Morris

    Chelsea – WWWWDW

    Regardless of the result of the Europa League final, Chelsea will not have the greatest of motivation for this fixture, having already secured their Champions League spot for next season. However, it it possible that Arsenal could overtake them should they win their last two Premier League games, so this should be enough to motivate the Blues, firstly for reasons of pride in order to finish as London’s top club, and secondly because the fourth placed team in the Premier League has to play an early season qualifier in order to reach the group stages. So the Blues will have reason enough to make one final push in this match, and it should be noted that their recent form has been excellent.

    Everton – WDLWDW

    Win, lose or draw, Everton are guaranteed to finish sixth in this season’s Premier League. But as anyone who follows the Premier League even casually will know, this is David Moyes’ final fixture as Everton manager. Thus, the team he has built over eleven seasons at Goodison Park will doubtless want to put in one last effort for their outgoing manager. Everton have a decent record against Chelsea and could be a tricky opponent for the Blues.

    Betting Odds

    I think Chelsea might edge this one. Everton won’t want to end the David Moyes era with a defeat, but the Blues have the better players, have been playing excellent football, and I expect them to come out on top. I’m tipping a 2-1 Chelsea victory.

    Final Score Prediction

    Chelsea 2 – 1 Everton

    Betting Tips

    Chelsea Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ $1.73 with Sportsbet and 8/11 with PaddyPower.

    Value Bet: Both teams to score @ $1.80 with Sportsbet and 4/5 with PaddyPower.

    Other Betting Previews

    Champions League: Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich
    NRL: Storm vs. Sea Eagles
    AFL: Collingwood vs. Geelong

    Learn how to bet on football

    Want to learn how to bet on football? Take a quick read of our introductory guide here.

    Exclusive Betting Bonuses

    Sportsbet.com.au – Get a $25 FREE matchbet.
    Luxbet – Get up to $500 FREE deposit bonus.
    Bet365 – Get up to a 100% deposit bonus.
    PaddyPower – Get a £50 FREE bet.
    Ladbrokes – Bet £10 and get £30 FREE bet.

    Tags: Premier League betting odds, Premier League Season Betting Preview, Premier League Live Scores, Premier League Standings


  2. Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid Betting Preview

    Football | Coppa Del Rey | Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid
    May 17, 2013 | 7:45pm GMT | Santiago Bernabéu

    Written by: Chris Morris

    Atletico Madrid – WWLDWL

    This is a massive fixture for Atletico, who have the opportunity to lay claim to having been the best team in Madrid this season, while condemning their neighbours and rivals to an embarrassing trophyless season (unless you count the meaningless Spanish Super Cup as a trophy). If they are to do so then their marquee forward Radamel Falcao will have to be at his most lethal. This could be the final major shop window for the Colombian before he leaves for one of Europe’s elite clubs in the summer. Ironically, Chelsea would seem to be one of his most likely destinations, where he may join up with the manager opposing him in this game.

    Atletico’s form has been patchy of late, but they will go into this game fully determined to spring what would be something of a surprise.

    Real Madrid – LWWWWD

    This match will signal the death throes of the Jose Mourinho era, with Real already having conceded the league title to Barca and been eliminated from the Champions League, and with many a rumbling in the Spanish press about discord and disharmony within the Real ranks. Although Real won the Spanish league last season with a 100 point total, Mourinho’s time in Madrid has not been a happy one, and not a successful period by his standards, winning only one league title, failing to deliver the Champions League, and generally living in the shadow of Barcelona. The fiercely competitive Mourinho will be keen to at least end on a high note before, it is presumed, he starts house hunting in West London.

    Betting Odds

    It seems a phenomenal advantage for Real that this match is being played on their home turf, and though Atletico will be well represented in the stands, I expect this to count for a lot. I’m therefore tipping Real to come out on top in this one by two goals to one.

    Final Score Prediction

    Atletico Madrid 1 – 2 Real Madrid

    Betting Tips

    Chelsea Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ $2.40 with Sportsbet and 11/8 with PaddyPower.

    Value Bet: Both teams to score @ $2.00 with Sportsbet and Evens with PaddyPower.

    Other Betting Previews

    Champions League: Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich?utm_source=Wordpress&utm_medium=Wordpress_article&utm_campaign=WP-20130515-CoppaDelRey
    NRL: Storm vs. Sea Eagles?utm_source=Wordpress&utm_medium=Wordpress_article&utm_campaign=WP-20130515-CoppaDelRey
    AFL: Collingwood vs. Geelong?utm_source=Wordpress&utm_medium=Wordpress_article&utm_campaign=WP-20130515-CoppaDelRey

    Learn how to bet on football

    Want to learn how to bet on football? Take a quick read of our introductory guide here.

    Exclusive Betting Bonuses

    Sportsbet.com.au – Get a $25 FREE matchbet.
    Luxbet – Get up to $500 FREE deposit bonus.
    Bet365 – Get up to a 100% deposit bonus.
    PaddyPower – Get a £50 FREE bet.
    Ladbrokes – Bet £10 and get £30 FREE bet.

    Tags: Coppa Del Rey Betting Odds, Coppa Del Rey Live ScoresCoppa Del Rey Stats


  3. Cowboys vs. Roosters NRL Betting Preview

    NRL | North Queensland Cowboys v Sydney Roosters
    Saturday May 18th, 2013 | 7.30pm EST | Dairy Farmers Stadium

    Written by: Simon Jordan

    North Queensland Cowboys – LWWLW

    Friday night football taught us just how far away the Cowboys really are from a Premiership. A side that many had touted as the big improver in 2013 and a favourite to win the Premiership, a Rabbitohs team dismantled the Cowboys, as they showed the difference in depth across the park.

    Antonio Winterstein was impressive with two try’s for the visitors, but the match showed the Cowboys were lacking for contributors across the park. If the Cowboys want to play finals in 2013 then this match up against the Roosters looms large as a must win game. Ray Thompson comes into the starting thirteen, and some magic from Thurston will be expected as the Cowboys attempt push into the top eight.

    Sydney Roosters – WWWWL

    The Rooster were impressive against the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval, winning their first game at the venue in over nine years. The match was a defensive slog and the Roosters proved to be to strong for Manly. The Roosters were down one man after a Jared Waerea-Hargreaves high tackle on George Rose saw him sin binned for the final 10 minutes of the match. The Roosters re-grouped and managed to score a late converted try to put the result beyond doubt.

    Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is set for a length spell on the side lines, with a bad record his tackle could attract as much as a five week ban. However the Rooster are named as unchanged, waiting the outcome of the judiciary.

    Betting Odds

    The Cowboys have won five out of the past six matches between these two sides, but this season we have seen a much-improved Rooster outfit that currently sitting 2nd on the ladder. The Roosters have produced high scores in all of their wins, evident by their point’s difference of +138, 61 points greater then the next best.

    The Roosters have averaged 32 points a match in their past six games, resulting in five wins. This offensive prowess makes $1.90 on Sportsbet worth a look, as the Rooster will be too strong for the Cowboys ($1.90) on Saturday night.

    Predicted Final Scoreline

    Roosters by 8 points.

    Betting Tips

    Best Bet: Roosters to win @ 1.90 with Sportsbet.

    Value Bet: Roosters margin 1 to 12 @ 3.20 with Sportsbet.

    Other Betting Previews

    NRL: Storm vs. Sea Eagles
    AFL: West Coast vs. North Melbourne
    AFL: Collingwood vs. Geelong
    Champions League: Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich

    Learn how to bet on NRL

    Want to learn how to bet on NRL? Take a quick read of our introductory guide.

    Sportsbet bonus bet
    Luxbet bet bonus
    /cms/1260614.png

    Tags: NRL Betting Tips, Bet on Rugby League, Sports Betting Tips, NRL Season Betting Preview, NRL Live Scores


  4. Storm vs. Sea Eagles NRL Betting Preview

    NRL | Melbourne Storm v Manly Sea Eagles
    Monday May 20th, 2013 | 7.00pm EST | AAMI Park

    Written by: Simon Jordan

    Melbourne Strom – LLWWW

    The Melbourne Storm has suffered from a form slump in the passed two weeks, losing to both the Canberra Raiders at home and the lowly Penrith Panthers 12-10 at Centerbet Stadium. Whilst the Strom are a team accustom to winning, these type of lapses are starting to become a regular tradition for the Strom, who lost five games on the trot last season before finding their feet again and ultimately winning the Premiership. The super star trio of Smith, Slater and Cooper have been down on production, over the past two games. More will be expected from the Captain and his leaders when they face fierce rivals the manly Sea Eagles at home on Monday night. They go into the clash unchanged from the side that lost to Penrith in a show of strong faith in the team’s ability from the coaches.

    Manly Sea Eagles – LWLWW

    Manly had their colours lowered after loosing to the Rooster 4-16 at Brookvale Oval, There first lost against the Rooster at the venue in over nine years. They now face a Storm side that will be looking to bounce back after dropping there passed two matches.

    Manly plays their third straight Monday night match and will be without co-captain Jason King who joins Daniel Stewart on the sidelines after a serious shoulder injury that will see him miss the rest of the season. With arguably their two most important players sidelined for this fierce rivalry, defeating Melbourne at AAMI Park will be a massive task, but not beyond the Sea Eagles.

    Betting Odds

    The Sea Eagles ($2.75) were dominated by the Storm in their Preliminary Final last season, to the tune of 28 points. Whilst the Storm and Sea Eagles have spilt the win loss record over the past 10 contests, the Storm have won three of the past four and more notably won both the contests between theses sides last season. At AAMI Park the Strom at $1.45 will be too strong as they bounce back from two disappointing efforts.

    Predicted Final Scoreline

    Storm to win by 6 Points.

    Betting Tips

    Best Bet: Storm to win @ 1.45 with Sportsbet.

    Value Bet: Storm to win by 6 to 10 @ 6.00 with Sportsbet.

    Other Betting Previews

    NRL: Cowboys vs. Roosters
    AFL: West Coast vs. North Melbourne
    AFL: Collingwood vs. Geelong
    Champions League: Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich

    Learn how to bet on NRL

    Want to learn how to bet on NRL? Take a quick read of our introductory guide.

    Sportsbet bonus bet
    Luxbet bet bonus
    /cms/1260614.png

    Tags: NRL Betting Tips, Bet on Rugby League, Sports Betting Tips, NRL Season Betting Preview, NRL Live Scores


  5. West Coast vs. North Melbourne Betting Preview

    AFL | West Coast v North Melbourne
    Friday May 17, 2013 | 8.40pm EST | Pattersons Stadium

    Written by: Steven Babo

    West Coast

    Despite a minor scare against Brisbane last week, West Coast steadied to run out 26 point victors and consolidate their season at 3 wins and 4 losses. Nic Natanui’s first full game helped shoulder the ruck load for Dean Cox, while forwards Josh Kennedy (4 goals) and Mark LeCras (3 goals) continue to put the score on the board. The Eagles could be near full strength this week after an injury-ridden start to the season, as Daniel Kerr, Beau Waters, Andrew Embley, Chris Masten, Sam Butler and Mark Nicoski all near returns, which leaves John Worsfold the regretful task of changing a winning formula.

    North Melbourne

    The magic of Sudanese-born Majak Daw stole the headlines last weekend when his six-goal effort lead North Melbourne to a comfortable 54 point victory over the Western Bulldogs. Star midfielders Daniel Wells and Andrew Swallow were kept to just 24 possessions between them, the latter suffering a hyper-extension to the knee late in game but is rated a better than 50/50 chance to make the trip to Perth. The same can’t be said for Aaron Mullett who is likely to miss with an ankle injury. After serving a six-week suspension carried over from last year, club legend Brent Harvey returned much to the delight of the Kangaroos faithful.

    Betting Odds

    The last time these two met was in last year’s elimination final at Pattersons Stadium, where the Eagles trounced the Kangaroos by 96 points. Before this result, the Coasters were undefeated in their last three against the ‘Roos by an average margin of just 10 points with two games decided by less than a kick. The Kangaroos last won in Perth back in 2010 by 16 points, where captain Swallow starred with 27 touches and 3 goals. Both sides sit outside the eight with only 3% separating them before this clash. This shapes up to be a Friday night classic.

    Prediction

    West Coast by 1 point.

    Betting Tips

    Best Bet: North Melbourne +20.5 @ 1.92 with Sportsbet.

    Value Bet: Either team under 15.5 @ 3.00 with Sportsbet.

    Other Betting Previews

    AFL: Collingwood vs. Geelong Betting Preview
    NRL: Cowboys vs. Roosters
    NRL: Storm vs. Sea Eagles
    Champions League: Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich

    Learn how to bet on AFL

    Want to learn how to bet on AFL? No issues, read our quick introductory guide.

    Sportsbet bonus bet
    Luxbet bet bonus
    /cms/1260614.png

    Tags: AFL Betting Tips, Bet on AFL, Sports Betting Tips, AFL Live Scores


  6. Collingwood vs. Geelong Betting Preview

    AFL | Collingwood v Geelong
    Saturday May 18, 2013 | 7.40pm EST | Melbourne Cricket Ground

    Written by: Steven Babo

    Collingwood

    Coach Nathan Buckley was seething at Collingwood’s start last week, which was the catalyst to a 27-point loss on the road to Fremantle despite a spirited third term fight back. Stars Scott Pendlebury and Travis Cloke were well held, while Dane Swan was immense in reviving the black and white with noted support from Sam Dwyer and Josh Thomas. The Irish duo of Caolan Mooney and Marty Clarke suffered knocks but are expected to be fit, while the impending return of grunt midfielder Luke Ball after a 13-month lay-off with a knee injury has Pies fans excited. In uninviting news, Heath Shaw will miss through suspension and Tyson Goldsack again through injury, which leaves Collingwood the unenviable task of containing Geelong’s plethora of attacking smalls – a noted weakness in the Pies defence.

    Geeling

    Geelong are top-of-the-table and cruising along after a 10 goal to 5 second half performance saw them dispose of Essendon by 28 points in last week’s match of the round. Steven Motlop and Matthew Stokes were superb for the Cats, while Steve Johnson continues to relish his midfield role. News that James Kelly will miss through suspension, and Taylor Hunt through injury, will be eased by the likely return of premiership players Joel Corey and Josh Hunt. Paul Chapman continues to remain sidelined with hamstring problems.

    Betting Odds

    This fixture has provided some pulsating encounters over the years as both have enjoyed periods at the top of the AFL ladder. The Pies did the double over the Cats last season, the first time – also a round 8 fixture by 2 goals, then later in the season by 31 points. Geelong’s Premiership year of 2011 saw them do the three-peat over Collingwood, including the one that mattered most, the Grand Final. The Pies will be looking for a fast start after last week’s debacle against a team who has only won 2 of 7 first quarters this season. Despite being seven ladder positions below, the Pies traditionally match up well, with the help of a crisis media spin creating a ‘backs against the walls’ type task for Buckley and his men.

    Prediction

    Collingwood by 8 points.

    Betting Tips

    Best Bet: Collingwood first to 15 points @ 2.15 with Sportsbet.

    Value Bet: Collingwood to lead at half time by 1-12 points @ 4.90 with Sportsbet.

    Other Betting Previews

    AFL: West Coast vs. North Melbourne
    NRL: Cowboys vs. Roosters
    NRL: Storm vs. Sea Eagles
    Champions League: Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich

    Learn how to bet on AFL

    Want to learn how to bet on AFL? No issues, read our quick introductory guide.

    Sportsbet bonus bet
    Luxbet bet bonus
    /cms/1260614.png

    Tags: AFL Betting Tips, Bet on AFL, Sports Betting Tips, AFL Live Scores


  7. Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich Betting Preview

    Champions League Final | Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund
    Saturday May 25, 2013 | 19:45 BST | Wembley Stadium

    Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich Betting Preview

    Written by Steven Babo

    Bayern Munich

    One of the most decorated clubs in Europe will enter their second successive Champions League final, again favourites after a splendid season in Europe to compliment their runaway triumph in the Bundesliga. The four-time European champions will carry all the confidence in the world after trouncing one of football’s greatest teams in Barcelona 7-0 on aggregate.

    Versatile forward Thomas Muller, who scored in last year’s final has been super for the Bavarians this Champions League campaign with 8 goals, while Dutch flyer Arjen Robben, who will look to make amends for his poor final showing in 2012, has been Munchen’s best provider with 5.

    Borussia Dortmund

    Having conceded the league as early as March, Jurgen Klopp moved all focus to chasing football’s grand club prize after proving his worth domestically with back-to-back Bundesliga titles from 2010 to 2012. Just like Chelsea in the previous season, Dortmund rode their luck to the brink after facing a 2-1 deficit to Malaga in the last eight, before two injury time strikes stole victory from the jaws of defeat. Facing the unenviable task of toppling Europe’s greatest achieving football club, Real Madrid, Klopp and his fluid football silenced the Bernabeu in one of Dortmund’s most famous victories. Jose Mourinho and Madrid returned with scintillating football of their own in the second leg, but Borussia held on to record a memorable 3-2 aggregate win.

    The form of Robert Lewandowski both domestically and in cup competitions has made him one of the most feared strikers in Europe, and with Marco Reus and Mario Gotze supporting, opposition defences rarely get respite. Gotze, who recently agreed to a record-breaking transfer move to Bayern, will play his last game in the famous yellow.

    Betting Odds

    The only European meeting between the two came back in the 1997/98 season when Dortmund, then defending Champions, defeated Bayern with an extra time winner after a goalless first leg. The two clashed four times in 2012/13 – the Bavarians registering wins in the German and German Super Cup, while 1-1 draws were played out in the league. In three of the four fixtures, Bayern were the team to score first. Dortmund has a 100% record from two penalty shootouts in UEFA competition, while Bayern’s only shootout hiccup from five attempts came last year against Chelsea. In the only penalty shootout meeting, Dortmund came up trumps 5-4 in the 1992/93 German Cup.

    Final Score Prediction

    Bayern Munich 2-1 Borussia Dortmund (After extra time).

    Betting Tips

    Best Bet: Both teams to score @ $1.67 with Sportsbet and 4/6 with PaddyPower.

    Value Bet: Draw at full time @ $3.60 with Sportsbet and 13/5 with PaddyPower.

    Other Betting Previews

    Coppa Del Rey Final: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
    Tennis: French Open

    Learn How to Bet on Football

    Want to learn how to bet on football? Take a quick read of our introductory guide here.

    Exclusive Betting Bonuses

    Sportsbet.com.au – Get a $25 FREE matchbet.
    Luxbet – Get up to $500 FREE deposit bonus.
    Bet365 – Get up to a 100% deposit bonus.
    PaddyPower – Get a £50 FREE bet.
    Ladbrokes – Bet £10 and get £30 FREE bet.

    Tags: Champions League Betting Odds, Champions League Live ScoresChampions League Betting Preview


  8. Benfica vs. Chelsea Betting Preview

    Football | Europa League Final | Chelsea v Benfica
    May 15, 2013 | 7:00pm GMT | Amsterdam Arena

    Written by: Chris Morris

    Chelsea – WWWWDW

    This match will define whether or not the ‘interim’ management era of Rafael Benitez is judged a success, no matter how grudgingly this verdict would be conceded by many Blues fans. In reality, the neutral would say that guiding Chelsea to a likely third place finish in the league and a major European trophy, while playing some good football, and managing the transition of some pretty big egos to the status of squad players, is a rather decent return from six months at the Stamford Bridge helm. Chelsea have been in excellent form of late, and will start as slight favourites for this game, and have a lot of European experience in their squad.

    Benfica – WLWWDL

    Benfica suffered a horrible injury time to Porto just days ago which could cost them the Portugese title for this season. This can’t have been the best preparation for this critical game. In fact, Benfica have had two disappointing results in their last two league matches, so don’t enter this fixture in particularly outstanding form. They did have a good win over Fenerbache in the semi-final, though, have some much sought after players such as Gaitan and Cardozo, and the name and prestigious history of Benfica ensures that their teams will always value and put up a fight in European competition.

    Betting Odds

    This is an extremely tough game to call. Benfica are more than capable of winning, and it could easily go all the way to extra-time and penalties. However, I do feel Chelsea have the edge, particularly as they’ve been playing with confidence and verve of late. I’m going to tip them to nick it 2-1 in normal time, in a pretty open and entertaining game.

    Final Score Prediction

    Chelsea 2 – 1 Benfica

    Betting Tips

    Chelsea Bet: Both teams to score @ $1.73 with Sportsbet and 8/11 with PaddyPower.

    Value Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ $2.00 with Sportsbet and Evens with PaddyPower.

    Other Betting Previews

    FA Cup Final: Manchester City vs. Wigan
    La Liga: Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona

    Learn how to bet on football

    Want to learn how to bet on football? Take a quick read of our introductory guide here.

    Exclusive Betting Bonuses

    Sportsbet.com.au – Get a $25 FREE matchbet.
    Luxbet – Get up to $500 FREE deposit bonus.
    Bet365 – Get up to a 100% deposit bonus.
    PaddyPower – Get a £50 FREE bet.
    Ladbrokes – Bet £10 and get £30 FREE bet.

    Tags: Europa League betting odds, Europa League Live ScoresPremier League Season Betting Preview


  9. Men’s French Open Betting Preview

    Taking a punt on the French Open? First, take a read of our player by player analysis and expert betting tips below. Remember you get live score and commentary throughout the French Open on Favourit, the smartest social betting network.

    If you are looking for tennis betting tips, also take a read of our Women’s French Open betting preview.

    French Open Betting Preview – Mens Singles

    Written by: Rick D’Andrea

    The second Grand Slam Major of the Tennis year is drifting closer and closer, and May 26 will see the 44th Open Era edition of the French Open commence, with the winner set to take home €1.25million in prizemoney.

    Seven-time and reigning Champion Rafael Nadal may have missed the first Major of the season with a stomach virus – but the Spaniard will want to show why he is the regarded as “The King of Clay”. Nadal has never lost at Roland Garros upon him making the Final – a statistic he is keen to keep in his favour – and has only ever lost once at the prestigious tournament – to Robin Solderling in the Fourth Round in 2009. Having overcome a crippling knee injury sustained over the second-half of 2012, the 26-year-old showed why he is the one to watch, making the Final of the Monte Carlo Masters –ultimately losing to Novak Djokovic – and claiming the Barcelona Open. His record in 2013 stands at six appearances in the Final with four tournament victories.

    Djokovic’s trophy cabinet is missing the Coupe des Mousquetaires as the Serbian claimed another Australian Open title in late January. It was the fourth time the soon-to-be 26-year-old won the Asia Pacific tournament, but his aim is squarely fixed on dethroning the King. The “Joker” came agonisingly close last year, as he made the Final, but was beaten in four sets by Nadal. Seemingly, Djokovic’s confidence against the Spaniard would be at an all-time high as he recently beat him on clay in Monte Carlo, making it his biggest tournament win on the surface since claiming Madrid and Rome in 2011.

    The one player that has flown under the radar regarding this year’s French Open has to be 2009 winner Roger Federer. The Swiss Maestro has taken a eight-week break to better prepare himself for the upcoming Paris tournament – spending more time off the court with his young family than on it – but questions over his fitness and form will be asked, as he will lack the necessary matches to properly condition and match-harden his body (he has also failed to reach a Final in 2013). The World Number 2 will be looking to go far in Madrid and Rome – the two major lead-up tournaments to the French Open – and cannot be completely ruled out of contention due to his incredible Grand Slam streak. Can the Greatest of All Time make it Grand Slam Number 17?

    Andy Murray is the forgotten one of the quartet when discussing the French Open. Even though the Scotsman finally broke through in 2012 to win both the Gold Medal at the London Olympics and the US Open, he has not featured in any discussion when Roland Garros is mentioned. Clearly not noted for his prowess on the surface, the 25-year-old has set his sights on at least equalling his quarter-final appearance from last year, with the ultimate aim of making the Semi-final or Final.

    Betting Analysis

    Winning 52 of a possible 53 matches at Roland Garros sees Rafael Nadal be given the firm favourite tag with Sportsbet, installing him at $2.00 for the overall victory. And his seven-wins-from-as-many-French-Open-Finals record makes it difficult to lean toward anybody else. Djokovic’s win in the South of France will boost his chances considerably, and the current World Number 1 cannot be ruled out, with $2.50 on offer by same agency.

    Betting Tip

    
Best Bet: Djokovic @ $2.50 with Sportsbet and 13/8 with Paddy Power over Nadal in the final.

    
Value Bet: David Ferrer @ $26.00 with Sportsbet or 25/1 with Paddy Power to win the tournament are great odds considering the record of Spaniards on clay, his past performances at Roland Garros and recent form. The 31-year-old made the semis last year, and will be keen to go at least one better in 2013.


  10. Women’s French Open Betting Preview

    Taking a punt on the French Open? First, take a read of our player by player analysis and expert betting tips below. Remember you get live score and commentary throughout the French Open on Favourit, the smartest social betting network.

    If you are looking for tennis betting tips, also take a read of our Men’s French Open betting preview.

    French Open Betting Preview – Women’s Singles

    Written by: Rick D’Andrea

    The best part about sport is the unpredictable nature of the beast. Anything can happen on any given day, meaning that an underdog can be claimed victorious over a more-fancied opponent. And there is no better analogy to describe the 2013 Women’s French Open battle.

    With so many possible contenders vying for the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, it makes for a fascinating and intriguing battle. The Men’s title seems to be narrowed down to three or four players, whilst the Women’s title sees a raft of contenders, as has been noted with the eight different Grand Slam winners since 2010.

    Reigning Champion Maria Sharapova will be keen to add a fifth Grand Slam to her collection after missing out in Australia in late January, having played rather impressively. The Russian is also in great form, with 23 victories already this year, with her aim to topple Serena Williams at the top of the WTA Rankings.

    Williams herself has found Roland Garros tough going over the years. Tasting success only once back in 2002, it has been a long time since the American 15-time Grand Slam winner has held a trophy aloft in Paris. Her groundstrokes are as impressive as her serve and her game seems to be a clear-cut above the rest of her competitors, but will sheer power overcome the delicate finesse required on the clay court? Having beaten Jelena Jankovic in the Final in Charleston – a green clay court surface – at the start of April has given the 31-year-old a big boost ahead of her French campaign, and she is targeting to defend her crown at Madrid prior to the French Open.

    Victoria Azarenka may have won the last Grand Slam in January, but the feisty Belarusian isn’t known for her exploits on the red surface. The 23-year-old has climbed into the top three in the World based on what she has done on hard courts, and being out of action since Indian Wells has hindered her preparation. Only returning in Madrid may not provide enough match fitness to compete and win such a prestigious title.

    2011 champion in Li Na has claimed her one and only Major in France. Even though she was tipped to win in Australia in that year, the Chinese Awoman grabbed the one at Roland Garros. Having finished runner-up to Azarenka at the Australian Open in January, Na also claimed second place in Stuttgart, an indoor clay court.

    Tall Czech serving sensation Petra Kvitova has been the one who has been flying under the radar. Kvitova has the all-round gameplay to not only challenge those more fancied than her, but to beat them, as she proved during the 2011 Wimbledon tournament. Even though the 23-year-old is not expected to set the world alight, she did make the semi-final last year, and will be determined to take the next step.

    Betting Analysis

    It has been a long time between drinks for Serena Williams at the French Open, and there aren’t too many players on the WTA Circuit with the complete game to beat the American. At $4.00 with Sportsbet, Williams provides outstanding value, especially if her form gets better in Spain and Italy before taking to the courts of Paris.

    Betting Tip

    
Best Bet:  Serena Williams to win @ $4.00 with Sportsbet or 3/1 with Paddy Power.

    
Value Bet: If Williams’ form comes under intense scrutiny, Sharapova @ $4.33 and Kvitova @ $13.00 with Sportsbet are strong options. Both have proved themselves last year at Roland Garros that they have the game to challenge (Kvitova) and win (Sharapova) the clay-court Grand Slam.