Who saw that coming? Oh yeah, we did. Birmingham were rampant against Wigan Athletic on December 23rd – putting three goals past the Latics in a superb away performance.
The Blues will be looking to follow up with a home win over Stoke City on Boxing Day…
Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.
He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.
As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible.
Boxers don’t have an old timer’s place, and certainly don’t age like wine.
While some boxers have the privilege of quitting at a ripe old age, looking back on a stellar career, others do so prematurely and with a twinge of regret.
Even now, some boxers who are still currently active are looking set to leave the industry in the latter way, unless fate intervenes drastically.
Here, we look at several boxers who remain underrated, because their achievements have not matched their skills (or vice-versa) and some who were simply overhyped before their time.
Andre Ward: Oh, What Could Have Been
It is rare to see anyone enjoy the same upward momentum that Ward did through the divisions.
Though he is just one of several men who could be fast movers in the coming years, it may be a whole generation until a man shows such drastic movement towards greater stardom after lesser beginnings.
Back in 2017, ‘model’ boxer Andre Ward called it a day at the age of thirty-three, having retired as the world pound-for-pound number one.
He held three belts at the time, creating the potential for chaos as a perfect flush of undisputed champions across the divisions remains elusive.
Ward also bowed out with a 32-0 record, and while he retired undefeated, it is a record that becomes ever more eclipsed by the men who went into 2018/19 holding the heavyweight titles he once could have targeted.
Instead of being compared to the likes of Sugar Ray Leonard and Oscar De La Hoya, Ward will be seen by some as a ‘nearly man’ for as long as the Earth revolves around the sun.
In the decade prior to 2017, Floyd Mayweather was unquestionably the major draw for PPV events, and an accomplished headliner.
Though Mayweather was perhaps aided by his status as a heavyweight, Ward’s marketability – particularly in light of his Ring Magazine ‘Comeback of the Year’ in 2016 – was nowhere near sufficiently capitalised upon.
It could well transpire that the residual hype from his knockout win over Sergey Kovalev will sustain his legacy. Defeating a man who dominated the super middleweight division in his day was a fitting end to Ward’s career.
However, the fact that Ward saw the heavyweight division as a step too far indicates that he valued self-preservation over increased recognition.
Though opinions are divided, Ward’s more ardent acolytes will assert that his refusal to make a stab at the top division – or at least take on Adonis Stevenson – made him miss out on a G.O.A.T status that was within grasping distance.
Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez: Definition Of Overhyped?
From a popularity perspective, Mexican pugilist Alvarez was always doomed to be at a relative disadvantage fighting stateside.
Despite being akin to a national hero on the right side of thirty, with a 50-1-2 record including thirty-four knockouts, some believe that Alvarez has left it relatively late to have the ‘moment’ that truly defines him as a great.
Indeed, it was the second successive decision he had been held to by Golovkin, and the first was considered by some experts to be a split decision in favour of Golovkin, rather than a draw.
Going further back, his litany of underachievement includes being held to decision win by the inferior Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, an all-too-easy loss to Floyd Mayweather, and a laboured knockout win over Amir Khan.
There is still some degree of hope that his WBA (Regular) super middleweight fight against Rocky Fielding will be seen as a flashpoint moment in his career many years from now, even if the odds against Fielding in the boxing betting are astoundingly long.
Speaking Of Chavez...
Having a father with a legendary legacy in the squared circle is never easy, and comparisons between sire and son are always inevitable.
While his record is 50-3-1, issues with weight and lifestyle have scuppered all chances that Chavez Jr has of ever being seen as half the boxer his father was.
He is as much a victim of circumstance as his own worst enemy, with the family connections to the sport resulting in him being trained by uncles that were said to have prioritised his desire to impress over his hunger to fight.
Switching to Freddie Roach in 2010 was a step in the right direction, and within a year, Chavez had scalped his first major title, winning the WBC middleweight belt via majority decision from Sebastian Zbik.
There is also a general feeling that his work ethic also looks comparatively contemptible.
In the opinion of some who also share this view, his very name has also swayed judges in some of his less clear-cut decision wins, with his victories over the aforementioned Sebastian Zbik, and his first of two over Brian Vera, being cases in point.
As much as weight and self-discipline has been an issue away from the ring, so too has size been inside it – or, more specifically, the lack thereof in several of Chavez’ notable opponents.
He was shown up as a man incapable of going anywhere in the divisions after his chastening loss to Andrzej Fonfara.
However, many believe that Tyson Fury’s win over Wladimir Klitschko was little more than a ‘passing of the torch’, as a much younger man claims an expected win over an elderly – and very lethargic – opponent.
Whatever people make of Fury’s victory on that night, there can be no denying that the fight itself will go down as a relatively mediocre spectacle, which never came close to justifying the hype and its PPV figures.
His enigmatic personality has also prevented him from focusing as much on his hunger to fight as he needs to.
With a long reach and domineering presence against all opponents, it may take something as trivial as a recruitment drive to give Fury any fighting chance of taking Wilder’s place as the reigning WBC heavyweight title holder.
Yet, his weak chin is a haven for classic ‘in-fighters’, and finding the right person to change his mentality takes much more ingenuity that simply hiring the best trainer that money can buy.
Only an unthinkable brace of knockout wins, over Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua, could ever hope to change that.
With Wilder being odds-on to beat Fury any time and any place, he and Joshua appear unstoppable in the short-term, and this leaves Fury on the threshold of the A-list, but with no apparent means of getting into the rarified air... yet.
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.
He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.
As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible.
The Long Walk Hurdle was first run in 1965 and it was initially a handicap race. It became a conditions race in 1971, and it was given Grade One status in 1990.
Prior to the redevelopment of Ascot Racecourse (2004-2006) the race was run over 3 miles and 1½ furlongs.
Four winners of the Long Walk Hurdle have gone on to win the Stayers’ Hurdle in the same season.
Derring Rose (1980–81), Baracouda (2001–02), My Way de Solzen (2005–06) and Big Buck’s (2009–10, 2010-11 and 2011-12).
Race Trends
Previous Course Form – 6/12 winners had at least one previous run at Ascot, 3/12 winners had at least one previous win at Ascot.
Previous Distance Form – 10/12 winners had at least three previous runs over 24-26 furlongs, 9/12 had at least one previous win over 24-26 furlongs.
Previous Hurdle Form – 9/12 winners had at least 10 runs over hurdles, 12/12 winners had at least three wins over hurdles, 9/12 winners had at least four wins over hurdles.
Age – 9 of the last 12 winners were aged between 6 and 8-y-o.
Price – 7 of the last 12 favourites have won, 9/12 winners were in the top three in the betting.
Last Run – 6 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before the Long Walk Hurdle, 11/12 winners ran within the last 38 days.
Rating – 9/12 winners were rated 151 or higher.
Grade 1 Wins – 8/12 winners had at least one previous win in a Grade 1 race.
Season Form – 12/12 winners had at least one run that season, 8/12 winners had at least one win that season.
The Contenders
Agrapart (N. Williams)
His best form has come on soft to heavy going and he should have ground conditions to suit here. All of his hurdling wins have come when going left-handed which is a slight worry.
A former Cleeve Hurdle winner back in the day and will be on the premises if this becomes any kind of a stamina test.
Call Me Lord (N. Henderson)
Yet to run this season but is well regarded by the stable and they are expecting big things on Saturday.
Second in last season’s Imperial Cup and finished the year on a mark of 152 after beating the likes of Lil Rockerfeller by 16 lengths along the way.
Garo De Juilley (Mrs S. Leech)
Winner of Chepstow’s Silver Trophy at the start of the season and has been running pretty solidly in decent company since.
Would probably be half the price he if he was trained by a so called “big name”.
Paisley Park (E. Lavelle)
Has shown great form thus far this season, winning a handicap at Aintree in October and then following that run up with a win in the Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle at Haydock last time.
The reigning Long Walk champion but he does not come into this race in as good form as he was last year, after unseating his rider on his seasonal bow in the Long Distance Hurdle.
Probably needs to be ridden aggressively to have any kind of realistic chance here, a proven tactic for him which was strangely lacking last time out.
Soul Emotion (N. Henderson)
A French import who won a couple of two and a half mile handicaps at Sandown for Henderson last term and could have more to offer.
This is a completely new ball game but the five-year-old is certainly progressive.
The Mighty Don (N. Gifford)
The Mighty Don is a thorough stayer which should prove key in a race of this nature.
The gelding got the better of Sykes at Cheltenham in October and always runs a solid race. His third place in the Long Distance Hurdle was excellent form but he may just need some others to underperform to score here.
Top Notch (N. Henderson)
Top Notch made his reappearance last term over hurdles but the signs are that he won’t take up his entry here.
The likelihood is that he will run in the King George VI Chase instead.
Unowhatimeanharry (H. Fry)
He may be considered a veteran at this stage in his career but what a servant he has been to his connections.
Winner of this race in 2016, he comes into this race having recently shown the young guns how it’s done in the Long Distance Hurdle.
One for the shortlist and has to be respected here.
West Approach (C. Tizzard)
Returns to hurdling after a spell jumping over the bigger obstacles which doesn’t entirely inspire major confidence.
After sluicing up in a Pertemps qualifier at Kempton last month, Kim Bailey’s charge is making the step up to Graded company here.
It will be a tall order on his first attempt in a race of this magnitude but as the old adage says “nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
CONCLUSION
After a few blips last weekend, Barry Geraghty has been bringing the green and gold colours of J.P McManus home on more than one occasion this week and Unowhatimeanharry can continue that trend on Saturday.
Lizzie Kelly gets on well with Agrapart and has a good chance of chasing the selection home.
888sport suggests: Unowhatimeanharry (win)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
Steven is a sports and horse racing enthusiast and is a member of the Horseracing Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA) in the United Kingdom.
He is a regular visitor to Paris Longchamp for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and a lifelong fan of the Aintree Grand National, a subject he writes about 52 weeks of the year. Last year he reached the impressive milestone of attending the last 30 renewals of the Grand National.
Steven graduated from the University Of Lancaster in 1996 with a B.A (Hons) in Urban Policy & Race Relations (major) with Contemporary Religions & Belief Systems (minor) and still wonders if any of these help him find the winners?
He writes for a number of websites and online publications and you can sometimes hear him at the weekend discussing racing on a number of local radio stations.
Some bettors choose to bet with their gut, others opt for the route of doing statistical research, but some choose to use betting systems to come out on top.
Many of these strategies were initially deployed on casino games as bankroll management against set odds, but now many people have applied them to sports betting across a whole range of events and competitions.
The primary focus across the majority of these betting strategies and betting systems is to cover losses or to gain an edge over the bookmakers, but, do they actually work?
Chaos Betting
We’ll start with the simplest betting strategy, for lack of a better word, which conforms to the ideas of chaos and can yield monstrous rewards.
Chaos betting has been applied to casino games with multiple, high-odds betting options, such as roulette, in which the user will simply take an allocated number of bets and randomly dot them around the betting board.
This strategy doesn’t improve the user’s edge, but it does replicate the chaos and random nature of the game.
Using the football betting long list, bettors can dot down a predetermined number of selections across home wins, draws, and away wins, and wait for the results to unfold.
However, as football isn’t as chaotic as the game of roulette, it’s good to limit the number of random selections made due to the knowledge that top teams will most likely defeat much lower teams.
But equally, there’s still a chance that the most dominant teams will crumble to the hands of a weaker side.
Chaos betting is very hit and miss, without any form of bankroll backing to cover losses. When it comes off, it can pay out big time as it will most likely form an accumulator with some long odds picks.
So, while it can work in terms of winning decent returns, the lack of forethought or system makes it as chaotic as it’s billed.
The Fibonacci
Fibonacci betting systems have been applied to all forms of gambling by using the Fibonacci number sequence as the guide for how much one should stake.
The Fibonacci sequence takes the form of 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34. The strategy is that you start with your first bet valued as the number 1 in the sequence. If you lose, you stake the same value to the number of times that the sequence dictates.
So, if your starting bet is £3, if it loses, you bet £3 again as the sequence goes 1, 1. But, if that second bet loses, you step up to £6 as the number in the sequence double to 2.
If the losing streak continues, step up to £6, £15, £24, and then £39. When a win eventually comes in, it covers your losses, assuming that the odds of the win are greater than 8/5.
Be it ice hockey betting, football betting, or any other game that can end tied at the end of regular time, the area which bettors seek to exploit is the odds for draws as these are deemed to be the hardest odds to establish for bookmakers.
Also, the odds on a tie at full time tend to be in the region of 8/5 or higher, allowing for the use of the Fibonacci betting system.
The issue with the Fibonacci method is that the cost of the stake continues to rise, resulting in large losses if a particularly unlucky streak of five or more comes in.
So, for it to guarantee a return that covers the losses of previous stakes, a near-unlimited bankroll may be required.
The Martingale
The Martingale method is one of the most popular betting strategies because it is very simple and doesn’t require the use or application of a specific system or sequence.
Here, bettors simply double their bet after a loss. The method aims to cover a loss via a bigger win. By doubling the bet each time on odds that are above evens, eventually, the compiled stake will be returned with some profit as well.
But others opt to compile favoured teams into an accumulator, play the accumulated odds at just over evens, and then deploy the Martingale method.
It’s a sound method in theory, and should eventually pay off, but once again, it relies on a potentially endless bankroll.
As it is a quickly escalating system regarding the amount staked, just a few losses could quickly have the average bettor out of pocket, unable to continue and win back your losses that were dedicated to the method.
The Paroli
The Paroli betting strategy is less about covering your losses and more about capitalising on your hot streak. Every regular bettor has had a few weeks where it seems like every selection that they make turns to gold.
The Paroli is all about going big when winning, which will, in turn, help to cover any other losses incurred while betting in the past or trying to get this strategy rolling.
It’s very simple to do the Paroli: all that you need to do is bet the same amount until you win, and then double that single stake on your next bet. If that wins, you double the stake again. Most people end their Paroli at a three-bet win streak.
As the strategy is based on chaining wins, it doesn’t have to be used as frequently as other methods, allowing users to wait for markets that they like.
For example, someone who knows their stuff when it comes to horse racing betting can back a horse on one day and then wait for one of their other favourites to race sometime during that month or even further down the line.
The Paroli is a far more positive approach to betting, but a series of losses followed by a single win, that’s then followed by a double stake bet, will most likely result in the user being out of pocket.
It may be best to just move into a Paroli strategy once a win has landed to then capitalise on a potential hot streak.
Do Systems And Strategies ACTUALLY Work?
Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer as it all depends on the results in the sports at hand. As results don’t always go the way that they’re predicted to, unexpected losses and wins can occur.
Having a method that recuperates losses will be beneficial to many bettors, but due to the chance of a series of bets going the wrong way, it can take an almost unlimited bankroll for the methods, strategies, and systems to work.
As the world turns its back on a World Cup tournament that more than lived up to its initial hype, the year of 2019 will be crucial in gauging the chances of many teams ahead of the Qatar-hosted 2022 World Cup.
After the staging of the AFC Asian Cup in January, the summer months will bear the bulk of this process, with the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the CONCACAF Gold Cup and South America’s Copa América running concurrently throughout the midsummer of 2019.
Format Differences
Both the Asian Cup and AFCON have an identical format, with six groups of four teams. Two teams progress from those groups, with the four best third-placed teams making up the round of 16.
Containing twelve teams, the Copa América follows the same format but with one less group, making it eight teams (winners, runners-up and two third-placed teams) at the knockout stage.
Last – and by far the simplest – is the format of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which is a scaled-down World Cup. Sixteen teams are split into two groups of four, with two survivors from each going into the knockout stage.
Is Success In These Tournaments Pivotal?
Not especially, but there are two notable examples of victory in a regional tournament, which have spurred teams on to improved fortunes at a subsequent World Cup.
Over in North America, there was a bit of a power shift in 2002, when the United States won the Gold Cup. That spurred them on to beat old rivals Mexico at the World Cup in Korea/Japan, after years of being overshadowed by 'El Tri'.
After winning the Gold Cup in 2009, the US also went on to top their World Cup group in South Africa.
One other notable case study can be found in the AFCON tournament of 1994, which was won by a Nigeria side that went on to become the surprise package of the 1994 World Cup.
Notable Asian Cup Winners: Where Are They Now?
As the trailblazer of regional international tournaments in 2019, the Asian Cup will act as the first indication of where every non-European team truly stands after the World Cup.
But in previous years, how much has it impacted on the long-term fate of its most famous winners?
South Korea (1546-60)
With the new K-League season starting in March, South Korea’s World Cup debut in 1954 proved to be a chastening one.
After shipping sixteen goals across games against Hungary and Turkey, the squad built on that experience to dominate the Asian Cup in the second half of the 1950s.
Sadly, the South Korean team failed to truly capitalise on this, and wouldn’t be back at a World Cup until 1998.
Iran (1968-76)
Next, it was Iran’s turn to dominate Asia.
Three successive triumphs in the Asian Cup culminated in the Iranians qualifying for their first ever World Cup in 1978 with a qualification record of ten wins and two draws from twelve games.
Iran’s debut turned out to be a poor one, with a goal difference of -6 making it the nation’s worst World Cup performance of a bad quintet.
Saudi Arabia (1984-88)
Saudi Arabia’s Asian Cup win of 1984 is seen by many as the genesis of the nation’s emergence as a World Cup regular. Even conceding their Asian Cup to Japan in 1992 could not derail their efforts to make the 1994 World Cup the nation’s first.
Saudi Arabia’s adventure to the round of 16, after a win in the final group game against 1990 quarter-finalists Belgium, proved to be the nation’s highlight of modern times. The ‘Green Eagles’ have never yet managed to better that performance.
Japan (2000-04 & 2011)
The Japanese are undoubtedly the poster boys for success after a maiden Asian Cup win.
They initially stole the cup from Saudi Arabia in 1992, but would return it to them four years later. Despite their failure to retain the cup, the ‘Samurai Blue’ got a World Cup debut in 1998.
It was a poor one, but when afforded home advantage between their second and third Asian Cup wins, there was no looking back.
No Japan side has ever bowed out of a World Cup with ‘nul points’ since, and there seems to be no danger of the nation ever fading back into its former obscurity.
Holders Australia There For The Taking In 2019
Though the 2018 World Cup represented a continuation of the Socceroos’ disappointments in the past decade, there was plenty to suggest that Graham Arnold's men have more than enough to negotiate their Asian Cup group.
The likes of Syria, Palestine and Jordan shouldn't offer too much resistance – albeit with one glaring omission from the usual squad.
This will be the Australian team’s first major tournament without Tim Cahill in a '23' for nearly fifteen years.
Four of the other top-seeded non-hosts will all have their own unique reasons for taking the spotlight ahead of 2019.
Iran To Meet Rivals Again
Iran are the highest FIFA-ranked side in the tournament, and although the Persian gulf giants once more failed to qualify for the knockout rounds of a World Cup in the summer, they put up a good fight against hot favourites Spain and Portugal.
The Iranians are joined in Group E by Iraq, Vietnam and Yemen, with Iraq being the only team of that three to have won any major honours - namely, the Asian Cup of 2007.
The nation’s historical tally of four Asian Cup titles is unmatched, further justifying these beliefs.
However, Japan’s nearest threat is Uzbekistan, a team that reached the Asian Cup semi-finals in 2011, and only missed out on the 2018 World Cup by two qualification round points.
It is, arguably, Uzbekistani football's biggest chance of making a seismic impact on their own continent for a generation.
China And South Korea In Group Of Death
Over in Group C, it looks for the world as though top spot will go to either South Korea or China.
South Korea defeated then-champions Germany in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup, while China was the highest ranked team in pot 2 at the time of the 2019 Asian Cup draw.
The investment in Chinese football is still at an early stage, but their odds will be under constant scrutiny over the next two months.
China have never won the Asian Cup, and last reached the final in 2004 – but there is a first time for everything...
888sport Asian Cup Prediction
It's a very tough call, but on the evidence of the 2018 World Cup, Iran will wrestle the trophy from an Australian squad that will miss its talisman more than many realise. Iran can currently be backed at 4/1, making them the joint-likeliest victors alongside South Korea.
As you might expect, the most popular forms of motorsport are subject to constant comparison. We've already looked at how MotoGP could potentially become F1's commercial equal, and now it's NASCAR's turn to be put in the spotlight.
On the one hand, NASCAR is the all-muscular, no-nonsense test of brute speed, and the perfect foil to an afternoon spent watching a Formula One event embodied by precision engineering and calculated turns.
With outlaw roots, a fanbase that is mainly fervent in the southern states, and the idea of anything other than an American champion unthinkable, NASCAR has a lot of catching up to do with F1 where marketing itself as a brand is concerned.
Away from the States, many people will simply see NASCAR as a sport in which cars go around in an oval, ad nauseam, until the chequered flag drops for the final time.
While this is not untrue at face value, there are in fact many innate qualities required of a title-winning NASCAR driver.
More often than not, the pit teams involved will need to think of strategies not unlike those seen in NFL playbooks, and focus on disabling certain rival drivers rather than simply winning the race.
NASCAR vs Formula One
Although F1 is not entirely without strategy, the era of Mercedes and Ferrari dominance means that the clear favourites to win are known even a year in advance.
Beyond that, it becomes a matter of personnel, and which driver should be given priority, in order for a constructor to gain as many points as possible.
For instance, drivers under Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Team Penske and Stewart-Haas are seen on the podium – and in Group A fantasy NASCAR squads – quite regularly.
NASCAR is also different from F1 in that certain drivers and constructors favour course types.
Until such a time as fair-play legislation is brought into F1, a Mercedes car driven by Lewis Hamilton will almost always beat, say, a Haas car driven by Romain Grosjean – even if Grosjean would be a better driver on a particular circuit in an equally powerful car.
That is not to say certain drivers prefer some courses over others, but in NASCAR, history and form at circuits count for much more when making those all-important picks.
Given the varying distance of laps on standard NASCAR circuits that are practically identical in shape, a greater range of surfaces, and the (abolished) presence of restrictor plates on some to moderate the speed, there are still some distinct variables at play.
So for instance, Joe Gibbs Racing’s reputation for brute speed in the mid-2010s made the likes of Kyle Busch hot favourites on ‘Super Speedway’ tracks, but their fuel efficiency was occasionally found wanting on the short circuits.
The protocol behind tyre changes also provides a striking difference between the two motorsport forms, with the timing of them in NASCAR being even more important than they are in F1.
This is due to the comparatively high regularity with which cars pass over the surface of a NASCAR track, and wear out its integrity.
While many F1 fans see NASCAR as brutish and full of bravado, safety is still a massive consideration. People often get frustrated when a safety car is deployed in F1, but it is a relatively infrequent event compared to its occurrence in NASCAR races.
Full contact is inevitable in any NASCAR race, but even if there is just one shard of metal on the circuit, race officials seemingly have full license to issue a yellow flag, which will slow the cars down to a predetermined pace until the green flag 'restarts' the race.
Defection: For Better Or Worse?
There are a select few who have made the transition from F1 to NASCAR. In the 2000s, current WeatherTech SportsCar Championship driver Juan Pablo Montoya flew the flag for Colombia in both F1 and NASCAR, and stands as a particularly memorable example.
He made his F1 debut in 2001, getting his first win at the speedy Monza circuit, in a foreshadowing of his defection to come. A respectable sixth-place finish in the drivers' championship was followed by two consecutive years of finishing third.
His defection to NASCAR in 2006 was a good move, if longevity is the means by which his motorsport career in the 2000s is judged. He earned ‘rookie of the year’ in 2007, after a first full season that saw him sneak into the Nextel Cup's final top 20.
Despite this early success, the only wins of his NASCAR career unsurprisingly came in the F1-esque road races at Sonoma (2007) and Watkins Glen (2010), and he could finish no higher than sixth on any other circuit.
While it is theoretically possible to win a NASCAR title without winning a race, it is clear evidence that modern NASCAR is no place for a defecting F1 driver – even for a driver as versatile as Montoya.
A number of other notable F1 drivers, such as Nelson Piquet Jr and Jacques Villeneuve have tried – and failed completely – to make an impact on NASCAR in recent times.
One-Way Traffic?
And what of NASCAR drivers joining the ranks of F1 drivers? In truth, it is a process that is practically unheard of unless they are destined to be reserve or test drivers. With F1 driver academies also growing, the F1 seats of the future seem spoken for.
Hypothetically, though, how might a NASCAR driver fare if placed inside the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton?
Firstly, a NASCAR driver would be shocked at the lightweight frame of the F1 car. Technologically and in terms of design, it is light years ahead of the muscular, study stock car used in NASCAR.
As such, NASCAR drivers would be unable to so consistently pull off the manoeuvres that F1 drivers could do blindfolded.
That alone would be enough to make a defection from NASCAR to F1 pointless, unless there was some existing experience at sub-F1 level, and the driver in question was exceptional.
If there was to be any success in defection from NASCAR to F1, it would be that of a construction team, not a driver. For instance, they could beat a mid-table F1 constructor on tyre and fuel strategy alone, and occasionally bring an original plan into play.
However, doing so to a consistently positive effect would also require superior engineering, and the main players in that department are already well-known.
As a very topical example, American constructor Haas has made an encouraging start to life as an F1 team.
Over in America, Stewart-Haas is a respected NASCAR team, with 2014 champion Kevin Harvick its ace in the pack, and they are essentially trailblazers in what is an intriguing and untested route for NASCAR teams to consider.
In England, the Football League ladder has been in place for decades. The system of securing promotion throughout the various tiers of the Football League works well – with the opportunity for smaller clubs to progress all the way up to the Premier League.
You only need to look at the work Eddie Howe has done with AFC Bournemouth to see just how successful this system can be for certain clubs. It works in the same way with relegation.
Some of England’s biggest and most successful teams, such as Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, have all slipped out of the top flight despite their European success in the past.
However, other major leagues around the world follow a ‘closed shop’ franchise system. In essence, that means there is no relegation or promotion but organisations are invited to join based on various factors.
First and foremost, the logistics of playing in a league such as the A-League and Major League Soccer are not simple. Teams need to have access to a suitable stadium, have the required funds to pay staff and players and there must be a platform for future development.
If a club isn’t going to enhance that particular league in any way, shape or form, the league may decline entry.
In some nations, particularly those where football isn’t quite as prominent, this system works well. Football fans in the United States and Australia seem to enjoy their domestic experience on the whole, so why change a working formula?
Major League Soccer viewers saw a record goal-scoring spree earlier this season; franchises were averaging 3.22 goals per game – the highest recorded tally since the formation of the league on the other side of the Atlantic.
In addition, the A-League is still one of the most entertaining and exciting divisions to watch, with a lack of defensive competency mixed in with an improving attacking philosophy.
Quality Of Play Is Important
Attacking football is usually the order of the day in these two divisions. Major League Soccer has always been like that; emphasis has been placed on making the sport fun and attractive to watch in the United States.
The Designated Player rule, otherwise known as the Beckham rule after David Beckham made the switch to LA Galaxy, is useful these days in helping clubs offer lucrative contracts to big-name players whilst still adhering to salary cup rules for the rest of the squad.
As long as this system is in place, the MLS will continue to grow and it is now on the cusp of breaking into the second tier of elite domestic divisions.
Meanwhile, the A-League is also getting bigger. Australian organisations haven’t been able to attract that same brand of footballer but a few former Premier League stars are plying their trade in Australia’s top flight these days.
Adam Le Fondre, now playing for Sydney FC, set a new Premier League record for top-flight goals in a single season as a substitute.
With no relegation or promotion, there is a particular onus on the playoff format in both of these divisions. Major League Soccer has followed a certain format since its inaugural year and it has been a roaring success with fans across the globe.
Certain clubs tend to turn on the style in the postseason and that can affect betting markets – punters should keep an eye on any noticeable shifts.
In addition, home advantage, as is the case in most American sports competitions, is huge in the playoffs. Take that into account when considering a wager on the upcoming MLS Cup clash between Atlanta United and Portland Timbers.
In Australia, the route to the final is simpler than it is in the United States. The top six clubs advance to the postseason but those teams finishing in the top two spots receive a bye into the semi-finals.
Whilst this allows organisations to stay fresh, some teams prefer to play in order to stay sharp and match fit – finding that balance can be tough.
Sydney have been the dominant force in the regular season but they fell short in the playoffs last year as the Melbourne Victory went on to lift the crown. 888sport are going 7/2 in their A-League odds for the defending champions to repeat this campaign.
Betting On These Leagues - How Does It Work?
Punters must be wary of the differences between these divisions and the Premier League over in English football.
With no betting markets available for relegation, bettors on the A-League and MLS can find odds on a specific team to finish bottom instead. Major League Soccer is trickier to predict, mainly because the league is split into two conferences.
At the beginning of the campaign, many bookmakers offer prices on clubs to reach the playoffs; this is popular with NFL and NHL punters as predicting American sports can be difficult.
Punters can bet on various markets, including but not limited to: top club from a specific city, team to finish in bottom place, head-to-head matchup betting against rival clubs and more.
More betting markets will become available on the A-League and Major League Soccer in due course, as these leagues are now more prominent than ever with television coverage increasing on a seasonal basis.
Predicting A Winner
Again, predicting a winner is harder in the MLS. As a league, Major League Soccer have been proactive with encouraging teams to join.
Soccer is quickly developing into one of America’s biggest sports and the addition of the new Los Angeles team, along with David Beckham’s organisation in the future, will only help to gauge interest.
Betting on the MLS Cup winner is something of a lottery, though, as 15 of the 23 teams to compete in America’s top flight have featured in the MLS Cup – which is testament to the strength of the league and its competing clubs.
The A-League has been slightly more predictable; the same clubs tend to reach the playoffs on a yearly basis. There have been some anomalies, though, and that isn’t to suggest in any way that Australia’s top flight is boring and easy to call.
Far from it, in fact. Six organisations have been fortunate enough to claim the A-League premier title, with Melbourne Victory coming out on top with four triumphs.
However, fans should remember Adelaide United’s shock success in 2016 and that should serve as a reminder to A-League viewers that anything can happen in Australia’s elite soccer division.
Future Growth - Any Changes?
Bettors enjoy placing a wager on Major League Soccer and the A-League due to its exciting nature.
Changing things up too much in these divisions would be detrimental; they are two of the most exciting leagues to watch and punters will opt for the over goals line more often than not.
Major League Soccer is maturing into one of the biggest divisions on the planet and the A-League can follow their blueprint for success.
It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see these divisions take centre stage as two of the greatest and most entertaining soccer leagues in the coming years.
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
Betting on football can add an extra level of excitement to the game you are watching. But unless you win on a regular basis, the novelty can soon wear off.
The first thing you need to be a successful sports bettor is knowledge. Wagers should never be placed purely on instinct or gut feeling.
Every bet you place should be a result of solid research and strong knowledge of the game. So if the Premier League or Bundesliga are your areas of expertise, you should start there.
Betting with your head instead of your heart is a golden rule which should never be broken. Always do your research and look at as many statistics as possible.
After a while, you will know which teams win lots of corners, which receive the most bookings and which concede in a high percentage of games.
You will know which goal scorers usually score first, which players get the most assists and which referees are the most card happy. All of this knowledge can be used to identify betting opportunities.
Always Keep A Betting Log
To find out if your strategy is working, and to identify areas where you could improve your performance, you should keep a betting log from day one.
Even if your bookkeeping skills are not great, you should still keep a basic log of your bets.
A betting log can provide you with a wealth of information such as what type of bets bring you the best return and which bets you need to avoid or research more thoroughly.
Your Betting Log Should Include:
Bookmaker: Who did you place your bet with?
Match details: Teams, venue, competition, referee etc.
Match date: When did the event occur?
Bet market: Type of bet placed and details.
Odds: The best price that was offered.
Amount staked: How much did you place?
Result: Did the bet win or lose?
Return: Did you make a profit or a loss?
In addition, you should also leave a space to make other notes that may be relevant such as your reason for choosing the bet backed up by any statistics you used and the sources for your data.
This may sound like a lot of effort, but you will be thankful to have this information available for future reference. And it will help you to develop your own successful strategy.
If you are good with numbers and spreadsheets, you might even take this practice to a new level by compiling your own statistical database. You could apply formulas to identify if a bet offers good value or not based on previous wagers.
If you are contemplating skipping this step, remember that every successful sports bettor keeps a log of their bets. Learning from your mistakes and building on your successes is essential if you are to produce a positive long-term yield.
Open More Than One Account
If you are planning on betting on a regular basis, having only one betting account could cost you money week in, week out.
Football betting is all about margins. Therefore, you need to maximise the return on every single bet. And that means having multiple betting accounts.
If you invest your time researching statistics to find the best betting opportunities it makes sense to place your bets with the bookie that offers the best odds. Otherwise, you are just throwing money away.
You could increase your potential returns by 10% or more by finding the best price for every bet you place. That could make the difference between a profit and a loss over the long-term.
Find Value Bets
This is a slightly harder skill to master, but it becomes easier over time. A value bet is one where the odds offered are high in proportion to the probability of the outcome.
The difficult part is calculating the probability of the outcome. By looking at historical results and considering form, injuries and other factors that may affect the result, experienced punters can arrive at a benchmark figure.
The more statistical research you do the more accurate you can be with your predictions.
Simple Formula To Find Value
If you calculate that a bet has a 60% chance of happening and the odds are Evens (2.00) then we can use the calculation 0.60 x 2.00 = 1.20 to find the perceived value. As a rule, if the result is higher than 1.00, the bet offers good value.
Manage Your Bankroll
Before you start betting, you should put aside an amount of money that you can afford to lose without putting extra strain on your finances. Then you must manage the money as if it were invested in a business.
This means betting small amounts until you get your strategy right. Even then, you should spread your money sensibly across a range of bets.
And remember, there is no guarantee you will make a profit, so it is important that you never bet more than you can afford. Even the most successful bettors follow a strict bankroll management regime.
Know Your Strengths
As you become more experienced, you will start to identify your strengths and weaknesses. You need to be honest, self-critical and be prepared to change your strategy if necessary.
If something is not working and there is not an obvious reason, stay focused on what is working. Don’t waste your time on failed strategies.
Look Out For Bonuses And Promotions
Bookmakers will sometimes offer bonuses, promotions and enhanced odds on certain betting markets. You might find that a bet you are considering is covered by one of these offers.
In which case, you could boost your potential returns by taking advantage.
Avoid 'In The Know' Accounts
If you receive a horse racing or football tip from a man in your local pub or a friend at work, don’t assume they know what they are talking about.
Always run the numbers yourself and make an informed decision regardless of the source of the information.
This habit should be avoided. If a bet doesn't offer the right balance of probability and value, then it is better to not bet at all.
Don't Spend All Your Winnings!
When you do win, you should treat the cash as part of your bankroll. Remember, you need to think like a businessman and any winnings should be reinvested in your enterprise.
By all means, treat yourself to a small bonus but try to avoid withdrawing all your winnings if you are planning to bet on a regular basis.
Managerial sackings have been part of the long history of football, and in the modern era, they are particularly commonplace, especially at the highest level.
The fear factor of relegation prompts nervous owners into the change in the hope of sparking a revival in their side’s season. Sometimes, it can be effective, but it can also lead to further problems down the road and another potential firing.
A dismal run of results can leave chairmen with no alternative but to sack their manager. However, there are times when the decision is harsh or baffling in the context of the team. We’ll now break down some of the toughest calls that have occurred.
Claudio Ranieri (Leicester City)
Ranieri was appointed as Foxes manager in the summer of 2015 on a three-year contract. His predecessor Nigel Pearson had guided the club to a miraculous run to safety the previous season, winning seven out of their last nine matches to beat the drop.
However, an off-the-field incident led to his departure, paving the way for Ranieri’s return to the Premier League. The Italian was considered one of the favourites to be the first manager sacked due to Leicester’s struggles in the previous campaign.
However, the Foxes and Ranieri defied their critics to produce the most memorable season in Premier League history. Leicester stunned the footballing world with an incredible run to the title, securing the club’s first English top-flight crown.
Leicester finished ahead of Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool, who boasted far larger budgets.
The team spirit created by the Italian, along with simple tactics, were able to accomplish the feat through the goals of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez and solid defensive strategy led by N’Golo Kante.
The season following the feat was always going to be a difficult proposition, with Kante leaving the club, along with additional matches in the Champions League.
The extra matches put stress on a small Leicester squad, whose new additions failed to adjust to life in England. Although they finished top of their Champions League group, the Foxes’ Premier League form proved to be too much of a concern for the club’s owners.
A run of five-straight defeats ended Ranieri's tenure in February 2017, even though Leicester were outside of the relegation zone. Leicester avoided relegation under Craig Shakespeare, but have failed to conjure the magic on the field since Ranieri’s exit.
Carlo Ancelotti (Chelsea and Real Madrid)
The Italian is one of the finest managers to grace the modern game, although his attributes have not been fully appreciated at least two of his former employers.
Ancelotti arrived at Chelsea in 2009 to replace Avram Grant, who was harshly cast aside after the Blues’ defeat to Manchester United in the Champions League final.
Ancelotti used the experience of his squad to great effect in his first campaign in England. His team were dominant, utilising Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda to great effect in the final third.
Chelsea scored 103 goals in their 38 matches and were able to edge out an equally talented Manchester United team to the Premier League title by a point, beating Wigan Athletic 8-0 on the final day.
The Italian secured a double when his team defeated Portsmouth in the FA Cup Final thanks to a Drogba strike, ending a truly successful first term.
The following campaign, Chelsea endured a mid-season slump after a bright start to the campaign. It knocked them off the pace of Manchester United, resulting in a second-place finish behind the Red Devils.
Being runners-up and being knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Champions League was enough to end Ancelotti's reign after just two years at Stamford Bridge.
Ancelotti took the reins at Real Madrid in 2013. He inherited a team from Jose Mourinho that finished second in La Liga behind Barcelona and were knocked out of the semi-finals of the Champions League by Borussia Dortmund.
Ancelotti was not able to turn around their form domestically, but he was able to lead them to their first Champions League crown in 12 years by defeating Atletico Madrid in the final.
Madrid fought tooth and nail for the La Liga crown in the following season with Barca, but their form on the road against their rivals would cost them the title, losing out by two points.
Ancelotti was sacked despite winning the Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup, along with reaching the UCL semi-finals. Rafael Benitez, Ancelotti's replacement also struggled before Zinedine Zidane enjoyed his imperious run in the Champions League.
Sam Allardyce (Blackburn Rovers)
The previous two managers were harshly sacked by their clubs, although the long-term ramifications have not been costly. In terms of Allardyce and Rovers, his dismissal sent the Lancashire-based outfit on a downward spiral towards League One.
Allardyce arrived at Ewood Park in 2008 with Rovers in deep trouble in the relegation zone after Paul Ince’s disastrous tenure.
Big Sam, as proven in his spells with other clubs in the top flight since, saved Blackburn from relegation before stabilising them in his second season at the club with the security of mid-table on a modest budget.
His eye for a bargain brought Steven N’Zonzi to Lancashire for £500,000, among other savvy veterans. Rovers were then bought out in the summer of 2010 by Venky’s.
Blackburn were in a steady position of 13th under Allardyce after a good run of form in November 2010. However, an away defeat to Bolton Wanderers saw the axe brought down on Allardyce, with Steve Kean thrust into the role as his replacement.
Although relegation was avoided in the term, Kean took Rovers down the following season and they have not returned to the Premier League since.
Roberto Mancini (Inter Milan)
Roberto Mancini was appointed as Inter boss in 2004, tasked with winning the Serie A title for the Nerazzurri. The club had not won the title for 15 years, highlighting the challenge at hand given the dominance of their city rivals AC Milan and Juventus.
In his first term, Inter finished third in the table, making progress from the previous campaign along with a triumph in the Coppa Italia for the first time since 1982.
Juventus’ embroilment in the Italian Football scandal paved the way for Inter to take the crown in 2005/06 after finishing behind the Bianconeri.
Mancini turned his side into a force in the league the following season, enjoying their most successful term in terms of their points on their way to the title, although the Champions League evaded Inter with a defeat on away goals to Valencia.
Even though Mancini guided Inter to their third Serie A crown on the bounce – the most successful run in the history of the team – their Champions League woes continued with a defeat to Liverpool in the round of 16.
Owner Massimo Moratti felt justified in sacking Mancini after his side almost allowed the title to slip through the grasp along with their failings in Europe.
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
