Leeds United’s stunning capitulation against Derby at Elland Road cost us in midweek but there’s an immediate chance to get back to winning ways on Saturday as Manchester City and Watford contest the 138th FA Cup final.
Running total: -£57.70
The Banker
Manchester City are a seriously short price to complete the final leg of a glorious domestic treble by beating Watford in Saturday’s FA Cup final. Pep Guardiola’s side amassed 98 points as they retained their Premier League crown, winning their final 14 matches to deny Liverpool a first title since 1990. City are a 1/5 shot to win in 90 minutes, but Watford have the team spirit and the players to give them a game at Wembley. In Gerard Deulofeu, they have a genuine match-winner (as his semifinal heroics proved) while Troy Deeney‘s physicality is a match for any defence when he’s in the mood. City to win and both teams to score has been chalked up at 15/8 by bet365 and could be the way to go as we can’t see Watford locking up for a 0-0 on the day.
Selection: £4 on Manchester City to win and both teams to score at 15/8 with bet365.
The First Goal Flutter
Kevin De Bruyne is in contention for a starting place against the Hornets after he came on as substitute during City’s 4-1 league title-clinching win at Brighton. The Belgian has had a tough season due to injury but looks sharp again, and could be worth a punt at 10/1 to score first. De Bruyne is a dead-ball specialist who has the class to light up Saturday’s Wembley showpiece.
Selection: £2 on De Bruyne to score first at 10/1 with bet365.
The Tasty Treble
We head to La Liga for this weekend’s treble and Real Madrid look a bet at 3/5 to beat Real Betis at home. The away form of Los Blancos has been shambolic for the most part this season but they’ve won their last five home games in La Liga and should be too good for tenth place Betis. Elsewhere Girona look doomed and Alaves (13/10) can confirm their relegation by winning at home on Saturday evening. Add in Atletico Madrid (17/20) to win at Levante for a Spanish treble paying over 6/1. Antoine Griezmann has told Atletico he will be leaving this summer but the mercurial Frenchman can at least sign off with a win against a very mediocre Levante side.
Selection: £3 on the treble at 6.17/1 with bet365.
The Euro Wager
Defences have dominated recent meetings between Napoli and Inter Milan and it could pay to go low on goals when the pair meet in the San Paolo on Sunday. None of the last four meetings between the teams has produced over 2.5 goals and with Napoli having already locked up second place in Serie A we feel goals could again be at a premium.
Selection: £2 on Under 1.5 goals at 7/2 with bet365.
The Wildcard Tip
Celtic face Hearts on Sunday in a dress rehearsal for next weekend’s Scottish Cup final. The Hoops battered the Jambos 5-0 the last time the teams met at Parkhead and, while a similar result looks unlikely, the smart play could be a punt on Neil Lennon’s men to win without conceding.
Selection: £1 on Celtic to win 2-0 at 6/1 with bet365.