Sure Thing: South Africa to beat England in this weekend’s Test
Normally the Tipster does not make such bold predictions. However, after witnessing the sheer naivety displayed by England at Twickenham against Australia, a victory this coming weekend against South Africa looks incredibly unlikely. England surrendered a 14-11 lead to the Wallabies, who just a fortnight ago, were thrashed by France. Despite having the lion’s share of possession and territory in the second half, they could not muster a point, captain Chris Robshaw ludicrously opting to kick for the corner instead of accumulating through penalties. The defeat meant England have only won one of their last five games, and the Springboks are not likely to roll over. And they still have world champions New Zealand to play. Just off to order that white flag…
Tipster’s odds: 4/7
Long Shot: England to win the Test series against India
After the first three days of the first test in Ahmedabad, this prediction might have been demoted to ‘Absolute Madness’. The three lions’ inability to play spin on a slow, dry continental surface reared its ugly head again. In reply to India’s 521-8, the tourists were bowled out for 191. England fought back in the follow on, skipper Alastair Cook grinding out a valiant 176, yet England still slipped to a nine wicket defeat. We are still ranked second in the world, with India down in fifth, yet we need a dose of realism at this point. Over four tests, on similar pitches against a side so dominant on home soil with favourable conditions, to win the series outright will be nothing short of a minor miracle.
Tipster’s odds: 6/1
Absolute Madness: Enoch Balotelli to join his brother at Manchester City
Yaya and Kolo Touré. Gary and Phil Neville. Rafael and Fabio da Silva. Rio and Anton Ferdinand. All are footballing brothers who have graced the Premier League, and done mighty well at it to boot. But everyone, make way for the next soccer sibling to become a Premier League star. Brother of Mad Mario, Mr. Enoch Balotelli. After impressing whilst on trial with Stoke and Sunderland, the 20-year-old, has made a big money move to Northern Premier League First Division side Salford City. He is “more than happy to join Salford. I just want to play football. I trained with them last night, I enjoyed it, so I signed.” I see no reason why he cannot light up the non-league scene, to an extent where he is signed by City as a replacement for out-of-sorts, out-of-favour Mario. It’s foolproof!
Tipster’s odds: 10,000/1