Ten gallon hat? Check. Peewees? Check. Denim? Check. Ute? Check. Check? Check. And so we are ready – ready to stay on in Texas! Having completed one whole week at one of the Tour Players’ most detested courses at Las Colinas (49th of 52 on Tour suitably demonstrated by only 9 of the World’s top 50 in attendance!), it’s time to cross town a mere 30 miles in JFK’s perforated 1961 Lincoln cabrio to the scene of this week’s crime; the greatest game on grass is at the longest running event on the PGA Tour and home of caddy racing at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth!

Date: 24th – 27th May 2012
Venue: Colonial CC, Fort Worth, Texas

Developed in 1936, this 18-hole par 70 layout is consistently rated as one of the best courses in the United States and wider in the golfing world. Colonial hosted the 1941 U.S. Open, the 1975 Tournament Players Championship, the 1991 U.S. Women’s Open, and continues to host this annual PGA Tour event. If you liked the atmosphere at The Players at Sawgrass, you will love it here! It’s party time – pass the beer nuts…

Yards: 7,204 yards
Par: Par 70
Field:

Much as with the BMW PGA at Wentworth, it is a quality home field this week including seven of the top ten on the FedEx Cup leader board, 11 winners with 13 trophy’s from 2012 and 13 major winners clutching 16 trophy’s. This week’s ugly mob specifically includes Ben Crane wannabe Bill Haas (40/1), 2011 winner David Toms (28/1), Sergio (33/1), one tired Matt Kuchar (16/1) and a lucky ones from the Nationwide Tour, Mr Dicky Pride (100/1 – all bwin)!

Consider…:

Wind will serve as the primary challenge for the field this week with gusts from 25-30 mph expected during the first two rounds. Temperatures will flirt around 90 degrees most of the week.

Defending champion David Toms (30/1 at Blue Sq) exemplified the requirements for success at Hogan’s Alley. He ranked fourth in both fairways and greens hit a year ago and there is relatively little to impede a route to victory – a mere 84 bunkers and 3 water hazards. Fairways and greens hit will a considerable factor.

Ones to watch:

All three of Ben Crane’s top fives at Colonial have occurred in the last three even-numbered years – is this a likely converging trend? Despite missing the cut at The Players two weeks ago due to an uncharacteristically sloppy 78 in the second round he comes off three top tens’ in his last four outings and ranks in the top half of the field in both fairways and greens hit. A bold move – but at 45/1 with Coral, some good returns for a plucky gambler.

Bo Van Pelt (28/1 with Betfair) has rebounded from an injury in his left wrist such that he finished in seventh at Sawgrass for his fifth top 10 of the season. His form in Texas is as good as anyone’s as he has been on the receiving end of eleven consecutive rounds in the 60s at Colonial over his last 8 starts here and finished a solo third last year.

Ones to win:

With eight top 25s in 16 appearances at Colonial that include six top 10s and his worst finish in his last six starts this year a mere 26th at Quail Hollow, its Jim Furyk (35/1 with Betfair) who could unleash his own brand of fury as a very likely contender this week. He currently sits third on the PGA Tour in fairways hit and 64th in greens and with the sizeable greens here (well, everything is bigger in Teas!) he ranks 12th in Strokes Gained-Putting.

Joaquin Phoenix look-a-like Zach Johnson (16/1 with Ladbrokes) sets converging trends once again after coming off a second at Sawgrass, and his second runner-up in three starts (Heritage) and he’s posted top 10s in his last three trips here, including a victory in 2010 when he established the tournament record (21-under 259). Zach ranks 8th in driving accuracy, total eagles and 3rd in scrambling inside 50 yards. He’s not in it for the (Johnny) Cash but can he Walk the Line?

Trick shots:

Look no further than the first round leader to be Rickie Fowler (25/1 with Bet365 and Stan James) – he has carded both a 64 and a 63 (last year in round one) at Colonial.

Louis Oosthuizen is available at a high 10/1 with PaddyPower to win with a handicap of -3. At both the Masters and the Shell Houston Open, this would have lead to two victories!

Thank me later!

Liverpool have been looking for a new manager following their sacking of club legend Kenny Dalglish last week. The Scot led his side to Carling Cup success and they reached the FA Cup final in which they were narrowly beaten by Chelsea. But a poor league position appears to have cost him his job.

Latics’ chairman Dave Whelan reluctantly granted permission for the Merseysiders to talk with the Spaniard who once again kept the club in the Premier League following a dramatic up-turn in fortunes in the final third of the season which included victories over Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Martinez is now the bookmakers’ favourite to take the job at 7/4 (William Hill) at time of writing.

Reds’ owner John Henry seems to have drawn up the longest ever shortlist for a vacant post in football history. The number of names who have been touted for the job and for whom they have believed to have contacted for discussions is incredibly long.

It appeared open for a number of possible targets, including former Chelsea and Porto boss Andre Vilas-Boas who was believed to have met with FSG in the States. Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers and Ajax head coach Frank de Boer both turned down the opportunity to talk with the Liverpool ownership and now Martinez looks like the firm favourite for the role.

Welcome to England! The first and only visit here this year excluding the British Open. (Not wanting to gloat but Scotland, (which is not in England by the way America!) has three tournaments every year not including the British Open).

Anyway, despite that National trumping, this event is the Flagship of the Tour hence why only the best are playing. And when I say best, I mean the World’s best, as despite the yanks struggling to get passports that allow them entry to this Country, we do have the best golfers! And that gives them a chance on their own soil doesn’t it?

Date: 24th – 27th May 2012
Venue: Wentworth Club (West Course), Surrey, Posh Shire, England

A cracking course to play and, for you Sir, a snip at only £360 for our finest 18. Or why not buy the whole thing – it could be yours for a mere £130 Million (prices based at last sale to fashionable so and so Richard Caring from 2004 before he did a Gok Wan and subsequently butchered the classic heath land course with input from a local -one Ernest of Els).

Anyway, the stage is set, the flags are in position, the players’ hair and makeups done – and beyond Anton du Beke Day (Pro-Cel-Am on Wednesday), there’s time only for the fanfares and the tournament can begin!

Yards: 7,302 yards
Par: Par 72

Field:

Having dominated the summit of the Official World Golf Ranking since Westwood deposed Tiger Woods in October 2010, the elite of The European Tour’s are set for a titanic battle over this West Course at Wentworth Club.

And the field is the best of the season so far; we have the World’s top 3; the 9 European Tour number 1’s since 1993; 10 former PGA Championship winners; 12 victors from the 2012 season; 15 Major Champions holding 21 trophies; 29 Ryder Cup players and 110 European Tour winners holding 458 titles! My question to you – who needs America?

Consider…:

The fact that absolutely everyone can watch their chosen ones in the tournament this week as like only the best events, “Aunty” gets the crowning glory and Sky’s golfed-out audience will have to remind themselves what good golfing coverage on TV is like.

The weather will be warm and that suits many of these players but with the fresh winds, the course will be waiting to capture anyone who strays just a little too far from the fairways. Look out for holes 14 – 18; from the par 3, 14th up the hill and the pair of par 5’s to finish. So nothings final ‘til the fat lady sings.

Ones to watch:

With five top tens’ from 10 starts in 2012 including a second in Spain, its 19 year old wunderkind Matteo Mannesaro who looks set to generate some sparks this week. Coming off the back of two 7th place finishes and having finished, guess what? – 7th here last year despite the two disappointing rounds of 72 and 75 to finish. The Tifosi will ignite with odds of 47/1 with Betfair and as the second best putter playing, on these greens – lucky number 7’s a sure thing.

Two second places including a storming finish at The Players Championship mean Martin Laird could have played himself right into contention this week. Taking time for a week off and acclimatizing to the UK, when the chips are down, look no further than a Scot to come good with your bets. A long ball striker, who ranks high in accuracy stats on the PGA Tour, fits right in here on these challenging links. Is he a contender? Och aye….

Ones to win:

Playing his 7th event in “Europe” in 2012 and having a 3rd and a 2nd to his name already, Graeme MacDowell needs only a win to keep his season stats from affecting his OCD – it has been a two year winless streak. After a second place finish in the Match Play, his game is clearly good enough to take on the best but can he replicate Luke Donald’s’ (9/1 with Ladbrokes) 2-1 from these same tournaments last year? At 33/1 with Ladbrokes, many of you clearly favour the OWGR #1 & #2 and not the Irishman.

Nine events entered, nine cuts made, three top tens’ including a win in Spain two weeks ago means Francesco Molinari (37/1 with Betfair) makes my shortlist this week. (He’ll be over the moon!) A consistent 4th in greens in regulation means the Italian is a constant threat on the leader board and the 9th position in the Race to Dubai and World ranking of 32 merely confirm it. The younger of the Molinari brothers will be keen to secure his playing involvement in the Ryder Cup before the nail biting selection process in August. Will he be amongst them? Of course he will!

Trick Shot

It’s the week of Double Chances – that’s the way forward here!

So, look out for MacDowell and Molinari (at 16/1 with SkyBet) to win in a Double Chance. (Compared to McIlroy and Westwood at 5/1 and you see how good a steal it is!)

Also at longer odds, consider Harrington and Anders Hanson in the Double Chance at 25/1 also show that there are some good returns should just one of these guys do good this week.

Jenks Out!

That’s brought my balance down to earth with a bump. £109.81 lost means I’m back to £164.72. Onwards and upwards though, I’m still in profit and there will be setbacks along the way – it’s so annoying when it’s a 4/7 shot that bombs though!

I’m back in Scandanavia tonight in the Swedish Suparetten where I’m backing top of the table Oster to win away at Brage.

Not got time for a full post but my rating is 9/10 so 90% of max stake (max stake is half of balance)

£10k Challenge Bet

• £74.12 on Osters to win at 11/10 with Blue Sq

The balance is now at £274.53

I’m out most of the day so it looks like just one bet (unless I get home earlier than expected) and I’m off to Norway for a 5pm kick off in the Eliteserien.10k challenge,

An unusual one this as it features two teams nearer the bottom of the table. 13th place Aalesund host Brann and I expect there will be goals. There’s certainly history of it whenever both sides meet. 10 of the last 11 clashes have seen over 2.5 goals, and the same number have featured both teams scoring.

Although 12th in the table, Brann are joint 2nd top scorers with 17 in their first 9 of the campaign. Aalesund aren’t too far behind with 12. Both look capable of shipping goals too, losing 15 and 14 respectively.

Brann’s star striker Kim Ojo is back on form having struck in their 5-0 win over Sogndal last week. But Aalesund are unbeaten at home so far this season so there’s a decent chance it’ll end all square. I had been swaying between backing over 2.5 goals or Boths to score but I think this could be a share of the spoils so will go with both sides scoring.

I rate this an 8/10 chance so will stake 80% of my max allowable (I’m limiting myself to betting no more than 50% of my balance on any bet). Best odds I can find are 4/7 at Paddy Power.

£10k Challenge Bet

• £109.81 on Aalesund v Brann – Both to score at 4/7 (Paddy Power)

Champions League Final

Allianz Arena, Munich. Kick off: 7.45pm

Much has been made of the players that sit out the final due to injuries and suspensions. Arguably Chelsea will suffer the most, especially at the back with Terry and Ivanovic, however it’s not as if they’re not short of international replacements. That said, there’s still a doubt over Cahill and Luiz fitness so who know who’ll end up in the Blues back four.

Even at full strength the Chelsea fans would be worried about the prospect of facing the likes of Ribery, Robben and Gomez, all of whom offer a tremendous threat going forward.  Gomes will be the one one to watch. He’s scored an impressive 42 goals in 51 appearances for club and country this term and first bet for tonight will be on him to score during the 90 mins at 13/10 with Paddy Power.

Bayern at 8/11 (Paddy Power) look far too short for me. Yes I think they’re the better side and yes I get the whole home advantage thing. But Chelsea have proven that they can mix it up with the best of them. They rode their luck in Spain and nullified Barca, whilst also proving to be a danger on the break – a similar combination makes 4/1 (Ladbrokes, William Hill) look on the large side. If you’re looking for value you’ll be on the Blues.

I’ll be on both teams to score. In losing the German Cup 5-2 to Dortmund, Bayern showed a defensive vulnerability. Attacking full-backs can leave them exposed at times and Chelsea can score. Bayern have enough attackers on show to grab at least one too. Both teams to score is generously priced at 10/11 with William Hill.

12 of the last 13 Champions League Finals have seen a goal scored in the first half. A repeat is 2/5 on the Half Time Over 0.5 market with Bet365.

Personally I think we’ll see the game stretch in the 2nd half and so have an eye on the total goals minutes. Best bet appears to be Bodog’s 20/23 on the cumulative minutes of goals scored being over 128.

Selectabet’s Best Bets

• Gomez to score anytime 13/10
• Both teams to score 10/11 William Hill
• Total Goals Minutes over 128 20/23 Bodog

I was waiting on the Lunds result coming through. Once they’d won I had to get a quick bet on Celta Vigo game that kicked off at 5.

I couldn’t decide which way to go earlier. Vigo look nailed on but not backable at 1/5. I liked the look of them scoring 2 or more but that was just 1/4 – no value either. To score another one took it up to a healthier 10/11. It’s possibly not the bet I’d have gone for so have kept my stake relatively small.

My new balance after Bet number 3 is £215.70. Ive rate this a 6/10 bet for me so my stake is 60% of my max bet stake (max bet is 50% of my balance).

£10k Challenge Bet

• £64.71 on Celta Vigo to score 3+ at 10/11 with Coral

Scottish Cup Final

Kick off Saturday 3pm

Everyone and their granny knows it’s been 110 years since Hibs last won the Scottish Cup. In fact even their great-granny can’t remember it – it’s been so long.

Billed as the biggest Edinburgh derby ever this really could go either way despite Hearts being clear favourites at 11/10 (Paddy Power). The Hibees are best priced 3/1 (Bet Victor) whilst it’s 12/5 (Boylesports) that it finishes all-square after 90 minutes.

Trying to predict the winner in any final is always tricky, when it’s a derby it’s nigh on impossible. If push came to shove though I’d have to side the the Jambos. Their recent record against Hibs will give them huge confidence going into the game and ultimately they are the better side. For Hibs to win they’d need to seriously up their game – not unheard of in a cup final but you get a feeling the star will need to align for the old trophy to find itself over to Leith this evening.

I’ll be looking elsewhere for a bet on the game.

Although I think there will be goals in the game I think it’ll be a slow-burner. Cup finals can often be cagey affairs and no player will want to risk anything early on. It could lead to both sides canceling each other out early on. Coral go 1/1 that the first goal will come on 28 minutes or more and that looks a decent bet on a game where value is hard to find.

With that in mind an interest in more goals being scored in the second half could also be the way to go at 6/5 (Coral).

I expect Hearts will enjoy the greater possession and with Hibs lining up with a narrow, compact midfield, without too much width it could also pay to side with the Jambos on the corners market. Take 11/8 at Stan James that Hearts (-1) win 2 corners more than Hibs

Selectabet’s Best Bets

• First goal time 28+ mins 1/1 (Coral)
• Hearts -1 on Corners Handicap 11/8 (Stan James)

Two wins out of two and it’s a decent start to the £10,000 Challenge (turning £100 into £10,000) so onto bet number 3 today.

I’m off to Sweden and backing top of the table Lunds BK in the Division 1 Södra. For a side that normally finds itself in the tier below they’re making a good stab at staying up. This is their 3rd season at this level having previously finished 5th and 6th so it’s a real surprise to see them top the table.

Results suggest that they’re going to make a decent challenge at the top this season and their campaign couldn’t have started any better; 5W 0D 0L, 12 scored, without a goal conceded.

They’re away to Norrby who sit third from bottom after 5 games. They finished 9th last season and look set for another struggle.

If it goes to form this should be an away win for Lunds. I rate this a 7/10 chance so will be staking 70% of my max allowable (I’m limiting myself to no more than 50% of my total balance).

I’ve found cracking odds of 21/20 at Titan Bet – this looks well over-priced when you consider they’re just 83/100 at bwin. Titan Bet only take bets in Euros so my stake of £55.20 is currently converting to €68.31.

£10k Challenge Bet

• £55.20 on Lunds BK at 21/20 with Titan Bet

Tips from the newspapers including Mr Fixit, Sam Spread, Jim Delahunt, Tony Cacarino, Dale Tempest, Andy Townsend, Mike Triffitt, Ian Wilkerson, Dan Childs, Kevin Pullein, Derek McGovern and the 3pm Betting Boys are all here.

Don’t forget to post your tips in the comments below.

In the meantime, If you’re looking for some more chat and inspiration pop on over to the Selectabet Forum and see what our members are saying about the weekend’s games and loads of other betting events.

Mr Fixit (Daily Record)

HOMES

• Juventus
• Lille
• Evian
• Sporting Lisbon
• AIK Solna
• Rosenborg
• Perm any 5 and all 6 (7 bets)

TOP TREBLE

• Montpellier
• Lille
• Sporting Lisbon

SUPER SINGLE

• Gomez to score

BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE

• Blackpool v West Ham
• Juventus v Napoli
• Valenciennes v Caen
• St Etienne v Bordeaux
• Mjallby v Gefle
• Rosenborg v Odd
• Perm any 5 and all 6 (7 bets)
• Sixfold pays a biggest £325.55 to a £10 stake at William Hill

BONKERS BET

• Hearts 2, Hibs 1 (9-1, BetVictor, Ladbrokes)

AWAYS

• Montpellier
• Bordeaux
• Paris SG
• Elfsborg
• Perm any 3 and all 4 (5 bets)

DRAWS

• Blackpool v West Ham
• Airdrie v Dumbarton
• Sochaux v Marseille
• Toulouse v Ajaccio
• Perm any 3 and all 4 (5 bets)

Sam Spread (Daily Record)

• Buy West Ham’s supremacy at 0.6

Jim Delahunt (The Scottish Sun)

• Hibs
• Bayern Munich
• Airdrie
• Albion Rovers

Tony Cascarino (Racing Post)

TONY’S TIPS

• Bayern Munich
• M Gomes to score first
• West Ham

Rahael Honigstein (Racing Post)

• Draw
• Under 2.5 goals

Mark Langdon (Racing Post)

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TIPS

• Both teams to score
• 2-2 Correct score
• F Ribery Man of the Match
• T Muller Man of the Match
• S Kalou first goalscorer
• M Essien first card

Dan Childs (Racing Post)

PLAY OFFS

• Blackpool +0.5 on Asian Handicap

Ian Wilkerson

SCOTTISH CUP FINAL TIPS

• Hearts
• Over 2.5 Goals