Eleven bets in and we are still going nice and steady in this latest attempt at the challenge.
The kitty is up to £52.88 and we could well have passed the century mark with eight more successful wagers landing in the next fortnight; if we can find the little buggers, that is.
We’ve got a handful of darts matches to work with at the World Championships, and then the football that takes place on Boxing Day will also come into the reckoning. But first, here’s a recap of last week’s selections:
- Bet 8: Gary Anderson Most 180s vs Mark Frost – as comfortable a victory as you can imagine for the reigning world champion, and a resounding 5-0 scoreline in the 180 reckoning too.
- Bet 9: Bury vs Oxford United – Over 1.5 Goals – Oxford took the spoil here 3-2, with the ‘overs’ selection landing within the first 15 minutes!
- Bet 10: Feyenoord vs Vitesse – Over 1.5 Goals – it was plain sailing in Holland as Feyenoord despatched Vitesse by three goals to one.
- Bet 11: Alan Norris to beat John Michael – if ever there was a squeaky bum time in this attempt at the £10 to £1k challenge it was this; Norris went 0-2 down before eventually settling into the match and claiming a 3-2 win.
So, steady as she goes last week (mostly, anyway). More of the same this time around please:
Bet 12: Dave Chisnall to beat Rowby-John Rodriguez – £52.88 at 1/8
Thursday December 15, 21:15
The set-play format of the World Championship darts minimises the risk of upsets and giant-killings, and so that has proved so far with all of the big names progressing serenely through to the second round.
Chisnall has reached two major finals this year, including the Players Championship as recently as November, and will surely have too much firepower for young Rodriguez, who is still very much finding his way in the game.
Bet 13: Fleetwood Town vs Bury – Over 1.5 Goals – £59.49 at 2/9
Monday December 26, 15:00
We’re going in again with Bury, a side that has lost its last 12 matches. The Shakers’ last dozen have witnessed 47 goals go in – essentially four per game – and Fleetwood are no slouches in this department either. The Over 1.5 Goal mark has landed in 21/22 of their matches this term.
Bet 12: Brighton Double Chance vs QPR – £72.71 at 1/6
Tuesday December 28, 12:30
QPR are a woeful side and, as likeable as Ian Holloway is, the Hoops are going backwards under their new manager, as a run of five straight defeats testifies. The last three, by a 0-1 margin, suggest that ‘Ollie’ has tried to implement an ‘avoid defeat at all costs’ mentality.
Brighton are outstanding at home (W8 D2 L1) and have lost just twice in 22 appearances this term. Surely QPR won’t add to that tally on Tuesday?
Bet 13: Phil Taylor -1.5 Set Handicap against Kevin Painter – £84.83 at 1/7
Tuesday December 28, 21:00
The second round of the World Championship darts continues next week with matches now the best-of-seven, meaning players have to win four sets to progress.
That means that Phil Taylor can win 4-2, 4-1 or 4-0 and our selection will land here, and we have to be confident given the contrasting fortunes of these two players in round one. Painter averaged just 85 as he limped past Jamie Caven, and a checkout percentage of 35% is unlikely to get the job done against the 16-time world champion.
The Power averaged nearly 102 in contrast, with 50% on the doubles, and he should enjoy a comfortable victory over his old adversary on Tuesday evening.