SURE THING: Red Bull to win 2012 F1 Constructors’ Championship
Red Bull racing have had an interesting existence. From humble beginnings seven years ago they have risen to prominence, dominating the sport and winning the last two constructors’ championships with the champion driver on board in Sebastian Vettel. For the past three races of this current season, both Red Bull drivers, Vettel and Mark Webber, have locked out the front row of the grid. While this season’s championship is not officially sewn up, it is unlikely a rival team will make up Red Bull’s lead of 91 points with three races to go. They have the best engine in the sport right now, and have overcome the rule changes brought in to stop them bulldozing their way to victory like in 2010 and 2011. With Vettel poised to collect a hat-trick of titles, the team have never been in stronger shape.
TIPSTER’S ODDS: 1/200
LONG SHOT: Manchester City to reach the Champions’ League knock-outs
Since the Arabs took over the blue half of Manchester in 2008, the club have won the Premier League and FA Cup. Yet after a poor debut in last season’s Champions’ League, Roberto Mancini’s men have had a disastrous start to this campaign. The squad is one of the world’s best, consistently doing the business on home soil. Mancini, while admittedly a tinker-man, is still an impressive operator. The best reason I can give is the weight of expectation on their collective shoulders. Chelsea took nearly a decade to finally win it for their owner, who saw the accolade of being the best club side in Europe as the be-all-and-end-all. So far, they have lost two and drawn one, and the likelihood of progression looks painfully slim.
TIPSTER’S ODDS: 6/1
ABSOLUTE MADNESS: Andrew Flintoff to become World Heavyweight Champion
Not content with being one of the world’s most famous cricketers, Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff has announced he is turning his hand to professional boxing. Having been forced to retire from cricket through injury, he has become lean and fit under the tutelage of Barry McGuigan’s son, Shane. Flintoff has been given a 12 month license by the Boxing Board of Control, allowing him to fight in Manchester on 30th November. The secretary of the Boxing Board of Control remarked that “it is fair to say we are not expecting Freddie Flintoff to be the next Sugar Ray Leonard.” Rubbish, he’s clearly got the desire, determination, coaching staff, physique and public support to beat his unnamed debut opponent, and anyone else who stands in his way. Haye? Easy! The Klitschkos? A doddle! The man clearly chose the wrong sport as a kid! I have the proof to back that up, honest guv!
TIPSTER’S ODDS: 10,000/1