Aycliffe’s top tipster shares his three top tips of the day, as he takes on the bookmakers…
Golf
RORY McILROY to win the Masters
£10 with Ladbrokes pays £45
He may have dropped a shot at the 17th yesterday, but that’s a blessing in disguise for punters. Had he had a share of the lead overnight, the odds would’ve been shorter. As it is, get your money on the Northern Irish sensation while you have the chance as we expect them to be a lot shorter after the third round. This was the event he spectacularly threw away last year when in the lead, but since then he’s won a major. Now he can put last year’s capitulation behind him for good by picking up a green jacket.
Football
Saturday (3pm)
LIVERPOOL v ASTON VILLA to have more than 3.5 goals
£10 with Ladbrokes pays £30
Not a game that will excite neutrals. Fallen giants Liverpool have won once in their last seven league games – against neighbours Everton’s reserve team – while Aston Villa have won just one of their last nine, and that victory required a scrappy 90th minute winner at home to Fulham. Strangely, when two sides are this woeful, it very rarely results in a boring game. So we’re backing goals galore in Saturday’s game and Ladbrokes offer 2/1 that the game will have four or more goals. It’s an opportunity too good to miss. Villa put two past Chelsea the other day. Do the same at Anfield and we’re half way there. And even though Liverpool aren’t the most prolific of scorers, they will surely net at least twice against this Villa side.
Longshot
WIGAN to beat CHELSEA
£10 with Ladbrokes returns £120
Chelsea face a big few weeks. On Monday they travel to neighbours Fulham, before facing Tottenham at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final at the weekend. They then host Lionel Messi and Co. at Stamford Bridge on the Wednesday, travel to Arsenal on the Saturday before flying to Barcelona for the second leg the following Tuesday. So you could forgive them for switching off a bit when they host struggling Wigan. Wigan are getting to the stage of the season where they start their dramatic relegation escape. With Ladbrokes, the Latics are 11/1 to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Stylish, motivated Wigan to beat tired, distracted Chelsea? Must be worth the price of a pint.
