January 2024 Blogs
Looking for blogs that were added to BetUK during the month of January 2024? Check out all blogs released during this period below.
Football Betting Tips
Football in January saw the African Cup of Nations and the AFC Asian Cup begin alongside the EFL Semi-Finals, the FA Cup Third round, Premier League fixtures and the Winter Transfer window, check out our football blogs from January below.
African Cup Of Nations Group Stage Tips
African Cup of Nations - Group Stage Betting Tips
Forget the World Cup, on the continent of Africa, there is one tournament that means even more to them than making the World Cup and that is the African Cup of Nations, during the group stages of the competition we find that their are often a number of shock results during the competition. Where these shocks will come, we don't know. However, in 2021, Malawi got a draw against Senegal, Cape Verde held Cameroon and Comoros beat Ghana! So anything can happen.
Bet on the African Cup of Nations
What are we tipping for the group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations? Where will the shocks come? Find out below.
African Cup of Nations - Matchday 2 Tips
The first round of fixtures in the 2023 African Cup of Nations came to its conclusion on Wednesday and, with the groups beginning to take shape after a match for each team, it is time to look to the second set of games.
There are some big ties set to take place over the second group stage fixtures including a heavyweight clash between seven-time winners Egypt and four-time champions Ghana, after both made disappointing starts to their campaigns, and a mouthwatering Group A tussle that will see hosts Ivory Coast take on a star-studded Nigeria.
We have you covered with our three best tips for the second round of games, beginning with that must-watch tie between the Elephants and the Super Eagles.
Ivory Coast to beat Nigeria @ 23/20
Ivory Coast put in a professional performance to shake off any pressure they may have felt being the hosts of this tournament when beating Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in their opening game, and they can carry that form into this fixture against Nigeria on Thursday.
The Super Eagles could only manage a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in their opener, which is not as surprising as it may seem given that their preparation for Afcon saw them draw 1-1 with low-ranked sides Zimbabwe and Lesotho and lose 2-0 to Guinea.
Nigeria have some big issues at the back - especially in the goalkeeper department where all of their options are prone to high-profile errors - and have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight games.
Ivory Coast have won four matches on the bounce and scored 18 goals in that run, suggesting their prolific attack will punish a shaky Super Eagles defence and earn another three points for the rampant Elephants.
Both teams to score in Egypt vs Ghana @ 11/8
Later on Thursday, two sides who made disappointing starts to their African Cup of Nations campaigns will be looking to make amends in Abidjan.
Egypt needed a stoppage-time penalty to rescue a point against Mozambique in their opener whilst Ghana were beaten 2-1 by Cape Verde as their poor form under Chris Hughton continued.
The defence for both of these teams proved to be the biggest issue in their opening fixtures, with easily-avoidable goals being conceded by the Pharaohs and Black Stars, although their attacks can still be prolific especially with Mohamed Salah and Mohammed Kudus on the pitch for Egypt and Ghana respectively.
Both sides have scored in three of the last five meetings between these sides and, with both teams desperate to get their first win of the tournament and weak backlines in place for each nation, the same outcome should be backed on Thursday.
Senegal to beat Cameroon and over 1.5 goals @ 9/5
Reigning African Cup of Nations champions Senegal made the perfect start to their title-defence on Monday, beating Gambia 3-0, and they should continue that form against Cameroon who could only manage a 1-1 draw with Guinea, despite their opponents playing with ten-men for the entirety of the second half.
The champions were excellent and professional in their opener and should overpower the Indomitable Lions on Friday.
The return of Andre Onana between the sticks for Cameroon will not be enough to stop a star-studded Senegal attack - that has scored nine goals in the nation’s last five games - from running riot in Yamoussoukro.
Expect at least a couple of goals in this match, with Sadio Mane and Lamine Camara the likeliest scorers for the Lions of Teranga, as the champions make it six points from six as they bid to become the first consecutive African Cup of Nations winners since 2010.
Africa Cup of Nations Matchday 1 Tips
The Africa Cup of Nations gets under way on Saturday, with hosts Ivory Coast taking on Guinea-Bissau in the opener.
There is plenty of competitive action for punters to get their teeth into during the first matchday and we have picked out the best bets for the first matchday of the tournament.
Tip 1 - Ivory Coast to beat Guinea-Bissau and over 2.5 goals @ 11/10
The Africa Cup of Nations has a reputation as a low-scoring tournament, 100 goals were scored in 52 games of the last edition, but the opening matchup could be an entertaining affair.
Guinea-Bissau have scored in five of their last six matches and could get on the scoresheet against the hosts Ivory Coast.
The Elephants’ last five games have produced 21 goals so do not discount a high-scoring first game. They will want to make a statement in their opener and they have plenty of attacking talents, so much so that Wilfried Zaha missed out on making their squad.
Sebastian Haller looks likely to lead the line and this could be a good opportunity for the Borussia Dortmund striker to find the net.
Take the home side to win a game that also has three or more goals.
Tip 2 - Ghana to beat Cape Verde @ 17/20
Ghana have a talented squad and should have enough to see off Cape Verde in their opening matchup on Sunday.
The Black Stars can count the Ayew brothers, Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus among their ranks and look likely to have the measure of a Cape Verde side that lost to Togo and Comoros last year.
Chris Hughton’s side look too strong on paper and many of their opponents’ squad are also approaching veteran status so side with Ghana to come out on top in this clash.
Tip 3 - Guinea or draw double chance v Cameroon @ 10/13
Cameroon are priced up as favourites when they meet Guinea in their first group game on Monday but they may be worth taking on at their odds.
The Indomitable Lions only won three of their eight matches in 2023 and lost to Namibia in qualifying for this tournament.
Rigobert Song’s men also drew with Libya in a recent World Cup qualifier and have been dealt a significant blow for their hopes in this year’s competition as Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo misses out through injury.
They take on a Guinea side that is littered with plenty of top level talent and could secure something of a shock.
Naby Keita is the standout performer for the National Elephants but plenty of their players play in the top five leagues in Europe, including RB Leipzig’s Ilaix Moriba, Montpellier’s Issiaga Sylla and Serhou Guirassy, who has been a revelation at Stuttgart this season, netting 17 times in 14 games. Guinea are fancied to avoid defeat in this clash.
African Cup of Nations Outright Tips
2024 African Cup of Nations Outright Winner Tips
The much-anticipated Africa Cup of Nations begins this month, with the action getting underway on January 13 with a Group A clash between hosts Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bisseau.
The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will see 24 nations taking part in a bid to land the continent’s most coveted footballing prize, with reigning champions Senegal currently heading the market at 6/1.
Bet on the African Cup of Nations
World Cup surprise package Morocco are just behind at 13/2 while the hosts are 7/1 and a star-studded Nigeria are 15/2, while Algeria, Egypt and Cameroon round out the sides with single-figure odds.
With plenty of talented nations taking part it is a difficult tournament to call, but we have you covered with our three best bets for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations including a big outside shout.
Tip 1 - Nigeria to win the African Cup of Nations @ 15/2
Nigeria were disappointing at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, crashing out in the round of 16 to Tunisia, but they may have learnt from their mistakes and arrive with an even stronger squad this time around.
Newly-crowned African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was not in the 2021 squad but is now the Super Eagles’ star man, having scored seven goals in 13 Serie A appearances for Napoli this term.
Similarly effective attackers Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman were also not in the squad for the last Africa Cup of Nations, but both have excelled this season and could contribute regularly alongside Osimhen.
With one of the strongest squads at the tournament, they could be set to land their first AFCON title since 2013 and, at slightly greater odds than some other sides in the market, Nigeria make great appeal to land the prize at a generous price of 15/2.
Tip 2 - Egypt to win the African Cup of Nations @ 8/1
No side has won more Africa Cup of Nations than Egypt, who have lifted the trophy an amazing seven times, and they nearly added an eighth title in 2021, narrowly losing that year’s final on penalties.
Senegal were the winners that day having been runners-up themselves in 2019, so if that sequence follows suit the Pharaohs could land the title this time around. Egypt save their best form for AFCONs and star man Mohamed Salah signed off from Liverpool duty with a pair of goals against Newcastle United and, if he can carry that form into this tournament, they could be set for more continental glory.
Tip 3 - Zambia to reach the final @ 20/1
Now the final tip is a big outside shout, so small stakes only, but Zambia could shock a few
at this year’s AFCON. Managed by Avram Grant, a Champions League runner-up with a wealth of experience, the small footballing nation could be set to make their second final in 12 years, having won the 2012 edition of this competition.
They have been dealt a favourable group alongside Morocco, DR Congo and Tanzania - the latter two Zambia are more-than capable of beating - and could find themselves in the knockout stage, where anything can happen.
If Leicester striker Patson Daka can get firing, they could make their 20/1 odds to reach the final seem far too generous.
African Cup of Nations - Round of 16 Tips
A dramatic Africa Cup of Nations group stage that saw shock early exits for the likes of Ghana and Tunisia concluded on Wednesday and attention now turns to the knockout stage in the Ivory Coast.
The last-16 action begins on Saturday with two surprise packages, Angola and Namibia, facing off before Nigeria clash with Cameroon in what promises to be one of the ties of the round.
However, the headline act of the first knockout round actually takes place on Monday, when hosts Ivory Coast, who were hugely disappointing in the group stage, meet reigning champions Senegal.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has already provided shocks aplenty and the round of 16 is likely to give us even more.
If the group stage is anything to go by then the first knockout round could be trappy for bettors, but we have come up with three selections which could pay dividends.
Tip 1 - Nigeria to beat Cameroon @ 11/10
Nigeria drew their opening match against Equatorial Guinea and panic stations were manned immediately.
However, fast forward a week and that point actually reads well for the Super Eagles as their opening opponents went on to top Group A and beat hosts Ivory Coast 4-0.
Nigeria won their following two matches 1-0 and actually recorded the best expected-goals-against figure (1.28) of any side in the group stage. That defensive fortitude could prove pivotal in a historically low-scoring tournament.
Cameroon needed some late heroics to overcome Gambia and book their place in the round of 16, and there wasn't that much to be positive about in the Indomitable Lions' group-stage performances.
They failed to beat Guinea, who were reduced to ten men for over half of the game, in their opener before being dominated by Senegal and outshout 15-13 in their late win over Gambia, who ended on zero points.
Nigeria are the stronger of the two sides and their defensive solidity could provide the foundations for their exceptional attack to build on and progress deep into the tournament.
Tip 2 - Both teams to score in Egypt v DR Congo @ 6/5
Like Cameroon, Egypt relied heavily on late heroics to reach the knockout stage, equalising late on against Mozambique before saving their best efforts for the final 20 minutes in their next two games against Ghana and Cape Verde.
The Pharaohs rode their luck and drew all three of their group games 2-2 and, in the absence of star man Mohamed Salah, they could be found wanting.
However, they are still the most successful side in Afcon history, so they should not be written off just yet, and backing both teams to score may be the best approach for their last-16 clash with DR Congo.
Given Egypt shared four goals in each of their group games, it looks likely there will be plenty of goalmouth action.
Both sides have found the net in three of DR Congo's last four games so it could pay to bank on further entertainment when they meet Egypt.
Tip 3 - Ivory Coast draw no bet against Senegal @ 7/5
It would take a leap of faith to back Ivory Coast after their 4-0 humbling at the hands of Equatorial Guinea in their final group match, but the Elephants are not without hope against Senegal.
They made the bold decision to sack manager Jean-Louis Gasset following that defeat and it could yet work in their favour if star men Jeremie Boga and Franck Kessie improve under the new leadership.
The tournament hosts showed some signs of promise in the group stage, even winning the shot count against Equatorial Guinea 22-10, and they could spring a surprise on the reigning champions on Monday.
Senegal won all of their group matches but they certainly did not blow any of their three victims away. They managed only two more shots than Gambia in their opener despite their opponents being reduced to ten men for the entire of the second half, and the Lions of Teranga could be troubled by Ivory Coast.
With Gasset's time at the helm over the home supporters could get back behind the Elephants, which could prove vital given that the host nation has won 11 of the previous 33 editions of the tournament.
Senegal’s threats are obvious so backing Ivory Coast in the draw-no-bet market appeals most.
EFL Cup Semi Final Tips
EFL Semi-Final first leg tips
There are two cracking EFL Cup semi-finals to look forward to this week with the first-legs between Middlesbrough and Chelsea and Liverpool and Fulham taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.
Chelsea will be eyeing a place at Wembley and the Blues warmed up for the trip to Teeside with a 4-0 hammering of Championship side Preston at Stamford Bridge on Saturday while Middlesbrough were outclassed when losing 1-0 to Aston Villa in their FA Cup tie.
Liverpool faced a tougher task when traveling to Arsenal on Sunday, but the Reds booked their place in the fourth-round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 victory at the Emirates and Jurgen Klopp’s men are braced for the visit of Fulham, who recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Rotherham in their latest outing.
##Tip 1 Middlesbrough v Chelsea - over 3.5 goals @ 31/20
Chelsea showed their class when hammering Championship outfit Preston 4-0 in the FA Cup on Saturday and the Blues are well-fancied to make light work of another second-tier side when they travel to Middlesbrough.
There is no doubt that Chelsea are a better team than their Premier League position suggests and their performances when collecting points in games against Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City would lead you to believe that Mauricio Pochettino’s men will cruise to victory over Boro on Tuesday night.
However, the victory over Preston, like the bulk of Chelsea’s impressive efforts this season, came at Stamford Bridge and the away form of the Blues tempers enthusiasm.
Pochettino’s men have lost four of their last five away matches, conceding 12 goals along the way, and that will give Middlesbrough hope of at least finding the net.
There have been a total of 28 goals in Chelsea’s last seven away games and the goals could flow again at the Riverside.
Tip 2 Fulham/draw double chance @ 43/20
Liverpool are red-hot 1/3 favourites to win the first-leg against Fulham on Wednesday night, but there appears reason to oppose Jurgen Klopp’s men.
The Reds got the better of Arsenal at the Emirates in the FA Cup on Sunday, but that was an intense clash and Liverpool were second best for much of the 90 minutes.
It’s a sharp turnaround for Liverpool when Fulham come to Anfield on Wednesday evening and there has to be a fair chance that the Reds will rotate their side given the demanding nature of the fixture list.
Klopp is sure to be without Mohamed Salah, who has departed for the Africa Cup of Nations and Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz don’t have the goalscoring record to compensate for the Egypt star’s absence.
Fulham have shown they are good enough to get results against top sides - taking four points off Arsenal in the Premier League this season - and the Cottagers look good value to avoid defeat at Anfield.
FA Cup Third Round Tips
FA Cup Third Round Tips
The FA Cup returns for the third round this weekend, with plenty of mouth watering ties to wet your knockout football whistle.
Premier League leaders Liverpool travel to fellow title challengers Arsenal in what is undoubtedly the pick of the all-Premier League ties, whilst there is a return of the Tyne-Wear derby as Sunderland host Newcastle.
There are also plenty of fixtures that could offer cup upsets, with Luton hosting League 1 Bolton, fourth-tier Gillingham at home to Premier League bottom club Sheffield United and non-league Aldershot travelling to Championship outfit West Brom.
Here are our three best tips for the week's FA Cup fixtures.
Tip 1 - Wolves to win @ 41/20
Another tie featuring two Premier League sides sees Gary O’Neil’s Wolves take a trip to Thomas Frank’s Brentford, with one side much more in need of the cup distraction than the other.
The Bees have been on a torrid run of form, losing each of their last five league games, and have not beaten Wolverhampton Wanderers since 2016, when both sides were in the second tier of English football.
Wolves, on the other hand, are victorious in their last three games, a run which includes a 4-1 victory at The Gtech Community Stadium just after Boxing Day.
Those results have helped propel Gary O’Neil’s side away from relegation troubles while the sheer dip in form for Brentford has dragged them down perilously close to the bottom three.
The Bees may struggle to get out of their slump after a busy festive period and Wolves should have enough to seal progression to the next round
ADD Wolves to beat Brentford to your betslip
Tip 2 - Over 2.5 goals and Both Teams To Score in Crystal Palace v Everton @ 11/8
The opening night for the third round of the competition takes place on Thursday, with Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace and Sean Dyche’s Everton facing off in the curtain opener.
The league meeting at Selhurst Park saw plenty of action and drama, as Idrissa Gueye’s late winner saw the Toffees grab a 3-2 victory in South London.
Both sides are not in the greatest of form, with Palace’s 3-1 win over Brentford putting an end to an eight game run without a victory and Everton extending their losing streak to three games with a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Wolves.
The result could be quite close to call between these two sides but, with three of the last head-to-heads at Selhurst Park seeing both teams get on the scoresheet, there is every chance that another classic could be on the cards.
ADD our Palace Vs Everton Double to your betslip
Tip 3 - Tottenham to win and Both Teams To Score @ 21/10
Our final tip focuses on another all-Premier League tie as Tottenham Hotspur host Vincent Kompany’s Burnley, in what is their third FA Cup meeting in ten years.
The first two were both in the same year (2015), where a 1-1 draw at Turf Moor saw a replay at White Hart Lane, in which Spurs ran out 4-2 victors on the day.
Ange Postecoglou has made Spurs an exciting attacking force, winning four of their last five games and they are yet to go a game without scoring under the Australian’s stewardship.
Burnley, however, have struggled to get going in the league, with Kompany’s men second from bottom and losing their fifteenth game of the season at Aston Villa last time out.
But the Clarets have scored twice in two of their last three games and, although a win is unlikely, there are signs that they may have enough quality to find the net in this one.
Five Transfers that could happen during January Window
Five Transfers that could happen during January Window
The January Transfer Window is open, allowing clubs across the world to obtain necessary reinforcements or trim down overloaded squads in readiness for the remainder of the season ahead.
Some big names could be finding new homes in the winter window, with Ivan Toney linked with an Arsenal move and free agent David De Gea potentially returning to the Premier League with Newcastle showing an interest.
Here are five of the possible transfers that the Premier League could see in the coming month, as well as the odds for the clubs who are favourites for their signature.
Aaron Ramsdale to Chelsea @ 3/1
Mikel Arteta’s decision to sign David Raya on loan from Brentford has been met with scrutiny for the majority of the season.
Thoughts at the start of the campaign were that there would be rotation at the number 1 spot, however just one appearance since Raya’s debut in the league indicates Aaron Ramsdale may no longer be Arteta’s preferred choice.
After a magnificent debut season at the club last year, there will undoubtedly be many suitors for the England international should he decide to leave the club, with Chelsea usurping Newcastle as the bookies favourites for his signature.
ADD Aaron Ramsdale to Chelsea to your betslip
Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich @ 11/10
Palhinha saw a deadline-day move to German champions Bayern Munich collapse in the summer window, with a failure to complete negotiations in time to register his signature.
Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel maintains a firm interest in the Portuguese holding midfielder, who has once again proved to be a pivotal cog in Fulham’s defensive wheel this season.
European football and playing for a world-renowned club will likely be major pulling factors for Palhinha, particularly as he looks to secure a spot in the national side with the European Championships approaching in the summer. ADD Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich to your betslip
Kalvin Phillips to Juventus @ 11/10
The move from Leeds United to Manchester City has not proved to be successful for Kalvin Phillips, who has featured just 16 times in the league since his 2022 signing.
Phillips struggled to usurp Rodri in the City midfield, and will likely need to secure a move away to guarantee a spot in Gareth Southgate’s European Championship squad.
Italian giants Juventus are current favourites for his services, with Newcastle and Fulham also named to have an interest.
ADD Kalvin Phillips to Juventus to your betslip
Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund @ 2/1
Sancho’s belief that he has been made a scapegoat at Manchester United combined with the fractious relationship with Erik Ten Hag means that the Englishman’s time at Old Trafford is likely up.
Former employers Borussia Dortmund are thought to have retained an interest in bringing him back to Signal Iduna Park, and Sancho will have fond memories of his previous spell there.
A move would benefit both parties as it would free up funds for United to pursue more attacking options, with the club scoring just 22 goals in the league all season.
Following an update to Jadon Sancho’s move to Borussia Dortmund, this betting market has been suspended.
Douglas Luiz to Liverpool @ 7/1
Luiz is a fan favourite at Villa Park, with the Brazilian in inspired form for high-flying Aston Villa.
His form has only increased speculation that Big Six clubs will look to splash the cash on the 25-year old, with Liverpool the current favourites.
The Reds are in need of midfield depth to continue their title push, and taking a key player from a fellow title challenger could be the move that gives them the edge to regain the league title.
Horse Racing Betting Tips
In January, Horse Racing's highlights were the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton. Meanwhile, the build-up to the biggest Horse Racing festival in the UK got started with the Cheltenham Festival trials day.
Lanzarote Hurdle Tips
Kempton Lanzarote Hurdle Day
Kempton’s January meeting over jumps comes along this weekend with a packed day of Premier Racing action.
Saturday’s card runs from 12:20-15:50 and includes a big handicap in the form of the Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (14:42) and we even have Grade 2 action with the Silviniaco Conti Chase (14:07)
Charlie Sharp assesses the action across the card and picks out our best bets.
12:20 - Play Coral 'Racing-Super-Series' For Free Juvenile Hurdle (2m)
SIR GINO ran out a convincing 14-length winner in his sole start which came over course and distance in December. That performance saw the Nicky Henderson-trained runner installed to the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival as the 6/1 ante-post second favourite. This looks a suitable opportunity for him to remain unbeaten and enhance his Prestbury Park credentials.
Selection: Sir Gino
12:50 - Coral Get Closer To The Action Novices' Hurdle (2m)
Goodwin comes into the race with the strongest credentials and that is reflected in his mark of 125. However, JUNKANOO may reverse the form after losing to his rival at Plumpton in December, where Goodwin won by two lengths. Junkanoo receives 6lb in weight for this race at Kempton and his run behind Dodiethegreat was backed up as good form when the latter finished second at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.
Selection: Junkanoo
13:30 - New Bet-In-Race With Coral Handicap Chase (3m)
CAP DU NORD has landed multiple big-money prize pots in England, including a Grade 3 Handicap Chase over course and distance in February 2022. The Christian Williams-trained runner hasn’t been seen to great effect so far this season, but he is now down to a mark of 121, which is lenient for a staying chaser of his quality.
Selection: Cap Du Nord
14:07 - Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase (Grade 2, 2m4½f)
EDWARDSTONE has been the second-best two-mile British chaser for the past two years and Alan King has waved the white flag against Jonbon and conceded defeat, stating “we can’t beat Jonbon”. So the Ryanair is the Cheltenham Festival target and this race is the first test to see if King’s runner can stay the extra half mile. Over two miles, he always seemed like a horse that would get further and if he can get the better of serial Grade 2-winner Pic D’Orhy, he throws himself right into the mix for the Ryanair in March.
Selection: Edwardstone
14:42 - Coral Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (2m5f)
GOOD LUCK CHARM has begun this season in fine form, having won at Wincanton on seasonal reappearance and coming third in a mares’ handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in December. She got caught on her toes that day as the winner and runner-up kicked away, and the Cheltenham hill was too much for her to stay on stronger than Nurse Susan. Kempton is a flat track and the Anthony Honeyball-runner is well treated off a mark of 117.
Selection: Good Luck Charm
15:15 - Coral Racing Club Join For Free Handicap Chase (2m 4½f)
Pepe Le Moko looks like a horse going places this season. He was impressive when winning on chase debut at Warwick on his return to action and it was another creditable effort when narrowly denied at Plumpton. The handicapper has taken a chance with him, just raising him 3lb and he can continue to give a good account.
Selection: Pepe Le Moko
15:50 - Coral Committed To Safer-Gambling Handicap Hurdle (2m)
RARE EDITION was fairly beaten on seasonal reappearance by under a length and was a bit keen in the early stages. With the run under his belt, this 2023 Supreme Novice Hurdle runner can expose his mark of 136 to finish the day in winning fashion for Charlie Longsdon.
Selection: Rare Edition
Cheltenham Festival Trials Tips
Cheltenham Trials Betting Tips
With the 2024 Cheltenham Festival just around the corners, all eyes are on the main event at Prestbury Park, which makes Cheltenham Trials weekend even more important as many runners attempt to secure their place at the main event in March.
In the build-up to the Cheltenham Festival here at Bet UK, we'll have all of the latest UK horse racing betting odds, including ante-post online betting markets for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Champion Chase.
Not only that, if you're new to Bet UK, you can claim our welcome offer of £30 in free bets if you stake £10 on our sportsbook markets. T&Cs apply.
2024 Cheltenham Festival Trials Day Betting Tips
Cheltenham's Festival Trials Day takes place on Saturday afternoon, the final action at the famous Cotswolds venue before their fantastic four-day extravaganza in March. It's an eight-race offering at Cheltenham (12:05-16:10) with the Cotswold Chase and Cleeve Hurdle supplemented by the re-arranged Grade 1 Clarence House Chase on a stunning card. Here's our race-by-race picks for Cheltenham's Trials Day card.
12:05 - JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2, 2m1f)
BURDETT ROAD is atop the ante-post lists for the Triumph Hurdle back here in March and having attained a rating of 101 on the Flat, he is a classy recruit to this sphere. He's a perfect 2-2 over hurdles so far and showed a stunning turn of foot when scoring over this trip here in November. He faces a stern examination now from the Nicky Henderson-trained Sir Gino, an easy winner at Kempton over Christmas on his UK bow. Burdett Road looks the way to go as he seeks to rubberstamp his Festival ticket.
Selection: Burdett Road
12:40 - Timeform Novices' Handicap Chase (2m4½f)
Ginny's Destiny bids for a hat-trick of Cheltenham wins over the trip, after scores in November and December. He is, though, up another 6lb and facing his toughest challenge so far, with a field of 11 rivals unlikely to permit him an easy time up front. Blow Your Wad made good on his promising Sandown fencing bow in November to score in decisive fashion at Kempton on Boxing Day and is shortlisted, but UNEXPECTED PARTY is given a chance despite a poor run at Ascot five weeks ago.
A winner at Chepstow in October on his comeback, he faced tough challenges here and at Sandown (Grade 1) afterwards and a busy spell might have caught up on him before Christmas. He's had a break now and is eased 3lb by the handicapper.
Selection: Unexpected Party
13:15 - Paddy Power Cheltenham Countdown Podcast Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap, 2m4½f)
Three-and-a-quarter-miles on heavy ground around Aintree rather found out LOUNGE LIZARD in the Becher Chase back in December. That was his second encounter with really testing ground and the second time he's failed to see his race out. His comeback run at Exeter in October had plenty of promise in it and he's only rated 4lb higher now.
Henry Daly's charge carries just 10st 2lb and as long this doesn't turn into a bog, he should carry a decent each-way shout in this wide open contest.
Selection: Lounge Lizard
13:50 - Paddy Power Cotswold Chase (Grade 2, 3m1f)
Just six runners but a potential firecracker of a race in store. It will be interesting to see how Ahoy Senor and Stay Away Fay get on in what could be a contest for the lead. The former hasn't been finishing his races off, but isn't dismissed, while his presence could hinder Harry Cobden on his unbeaten chaser.
The Real Whacker was ridden patiently in the King George (fourth), but is another with previous for going forward.
Coral Gold Cup winner Datsalrightgino has more on his plate here and ROYALE PAGAILLE might be the one to gather up the pieces for Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch.
The Betfair Chase winner is 0-3 around here but they've all been Gold Cups. This may well be his best hope of notching a graded win on this hallowed turf.
Selection: Royale Pagaille
14:25 - My Pension Expert Clarence House Chase (Grade 1, 2m)
Last weekend's mammoth JONBON vs El Fabiolo showdown at Ascot was sadly claimed by the weather and, with the Dublin Racing Festival next weekend to concern himself with, Willie Mullins' charge has stayed at home now.
That paves the way for Jonbon to go about his business. Regular pilot Nico de Boinville is sidelined, but this Nicky Henderson star is not complicated and should carry James Bowen to Clarence House success.
El Fabiolo will undoubtedly be waiting back here come March.
Selection: Jonbon
15:00 – Unibet International Hurdle (Grade 2, 2m1f)
No Constitution Hill, alas, but the seasonal comeback of Lossiemouth ensures there's plenty to anticipate here as the International Hurdle takes up a new slot in the calendar. This Mullins mare won 4-5 last season, including the Triumph here in March and a Grade 1 at Punchestown after. Her only defeat was a rather luckless one at the DRF in February. She is, however, taking on older performers now and LOVE ENVOI will give her plenty to think about.
She put in a rare sub-par effort at Sandown in December on her comeback and actually did well to finish second.
She should leave that behind and is a major danger in receipt of weight from these four rivals.
Selection: Love Envoi
15:35 - McCoy Contractors Cleeve Hurdle (Grade 2, 3m)
PAISLEY PARK bids for a record fourth Cleeve Hurdle win and Emma Lavelle's veteran is much-respected. He was inched out by Dashel Drasher in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury and then by Crambo in the Long Walk at Ascot in December, with Dashel Drasher third, Champ fourth and Botox Has sixth.
Any of that quartet could go well now five weeks on, but the 2019 Stayers' Hurdle hero has a great record in this race and is as likely as any to prevail again.
Selection: Paisley Park
16:10 - SSS Super Alloys Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2, 2m4f)
The unbeaten GIDLEIGH PARK has done everything asked of him so far and relished the step up in trip at Newbury in December as he readily made it 2-2 over timber for Harry Fry and Jonathan Burke.
He's entered in a couple of the Grade 1 novices back here in March and he's entitled to win this on ratings, with further improvement deemed probable.
Johnny Who (Jonjo O'Neill) and Isaac Des Obeaux (Paul Nicholls) are both dangers, but the biggest threat might come from Antrim Coast.
He was inched out over three miles here in November (winner scored again on New Year's Day) and Gavin Cromwell's record with UK raiders is superb. Dropping back in trip is no concern.
Selection: Gidleigh Park
Cheltenham Festival Betting Tips
Ahead of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, Bet UK will have all of the latest ante-post UK horse racing betting odds, so whether you're looking at who is the race favourite or you're banking an outsider, all the markets will be available. Not only that, but we'll also have top Cheltenham Tips for all of the key races, including the Gold Cup and the Champion Chase.
*All odds from Bet UK’s online betting markets correct at the time of writing.
If you are betting on horse racing, please gamble responsibly and remember that when the fun stops, stop. All players must be 18+, begambleaware.org
NFL Betting Tips
The build-up to the Super Bowl! The biggest event of the year if you're from the United States of America. Who would make it to the big event? Find our tips for the Wildcard and Divisional play-offs here!
NFL Divisional Round Betting Tips
NFL Divisional Round Tips
We are down to the final eight in the 2024 NFL campaign, and if this weekend's fixtures are as good as last week's, we are in for a treat.
Having sat out the Wild Card round, the number one seeds, the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, return to action, hoping to prove they are still the teams to beat in their respective divisions.
We have picked out a bet per match ahead of this week's Divisional Round.
Tip One: Baltimore Ravens -9 handicap @ 10/11
The Houston Texans travel to the M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, hoping to build on their incredible win over the Cleveland Browns.
Rookie C.J. Stroud continues to shine in his first season, but he and his team should come unstuck against Lamar Jackson and co.
The Ravens finished the season with a 13-4 record, having gone 6-3 at home. Jackson is expected to be named the NFL MVP for the year, and the Ravens' defence is as good as they come.
Houston did well against the Browns, but Stroud will need to outplay Jackson for his team to win, and we expect them to fall short on this occasion.
Tip Two: Christian McCaffrey Over 89.5 Rushing yards @ 22/25
After a week's rest, the 49ers are back in action at home this week as they take on the Green Bay Packers, who outclassed the Dallas Cowboys on their travels last week.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love seems to have found his rhythm in recent months, and he and Brock Purdy have what it takes to put on a show this weekend.
49ers running-back Christian McCaffrey should feast on the Packers' defence this week. No team had more running plays of ten or more yards than the 49ers, and the Packers allowed, on average, 4.4 yards to opposition running-backs.
Expect McCaffrey to lead from the front and push his team over the line.
Tip Three: Under 49 Total Points - Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Detroit Lions @ 17/20
The Lions sneaked past the Los Angeles Rams last weekend, with Jared Goff getting revenge over his former team.
Dan Campbell's team has already beaten the Bucs this season, winning 20-6 in Week 6, and we expect another close battle this time around.
The Bucs blitzed throughout the night in their win over the Philadelphia Eagles, and Detroit have shown some weaknesses against that throughout the year.
Detroit may have enough to prevail, but the better bet comes in the overs/unders market.
Tip Four: Under 46 Total Points - Kansas City Chiefs @ Buffalo Bills @ 17/20
Having come through some freezing conditions last weekend, the Chiefs and Bills meet in the final Divisional Round matchup.
Kansas did enough to overcome the Miami Dolphins, but it is their defence that has stood out this season, not Patrick Mahomes and their offence.
Mahomes has what it takes to win a game on his own, as does his opposite number Josh Allen. The Bills' offence is streets ahead of Kansas's, but the Chiefs' defence is one of the best in the NFL.
We expect these two teams to butt heads on occasions, so taking the unders line appeals.
ADD OUR FOURFOLD ACCUMULATOR TO YOUR BETSLIP AT 23/2
NFL - AFC Conference Final Tips
All eyes will be on the M&T Bank Stadium this weekend as the Kansas City Chiefs face the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game.
Sunday's matchup will pit the best team in this year's NFL against the defending champions, and it promises to be a fascinating encounter.
The Ravens enjoyed a bye week for the first round of the playoffs before beating the Houston Texans 34-10, while the Chiefs beat the Miami Dolphins 26-7 in the Wild Card Round before overcoming the Buffalo Bills 27-24 in the Divisional Round.
Tip 1 - Baltimore Ravens to win @ 4/7
The Baltimore Ravens will play at home for the second week in a row in the playoffs as they host the Chiefs.
Lamar Jackson ended the regular season with a 13-4 record, while they were 6-3 at home.
They managed to finish as the top seed in the AFC, even without tight end Mark Andrews, who missed a large chunk of the season with an ankle injury.
Thankfully for the Ravens, Andrews is likely to be passed fit this weekend, and his return will further boost this incredible Baltimore offence.
Jackson is in the form of his life, and he has the rushing ability to bail out his teammates when necessary.
Baltimore's defence has been so consistent all year that they have taken the pressure off Jackson, but he showed on Saturday that he can shoulder the responsibility.
Tip 2 - Under 44.5 points @ 10/11
Baltimore quarterback Jackson is likely to win this year's MVP award, but the Ravens have been built on a bulletproof defence.
The Ravens stopped Houston from having any success on the ground while they put Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud under constant pressure.
Houston's only touchdown came on a 67-yard punt return, and they failed to reach the end zone after that success.
Baltimore's defence is mean and relentless, and while the Chiefs have improved on offence, it is difficult to see them handling the Ravens' ranks.
The Ravens registered an NFL-high 60 sacks in the regular season, while they tied for the league lead with 31 turnovers.
John Harbaugh's team allowed only 16.5 points per game on average, the best in the NFL, and the unders line certainly appeals for this clash.
The Chiefs' defence has got them to this stage, with Andy Reid's team struggling on offence all season. They finally clicked against the Bills last time out, but this matchup could be nail-bitingly close for large parts.
NFL - NFC Conference Final Tips
The Detroit Lions will look to continue their incredible campaign when they take on the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.
Dan Campbell has manifested his team's progress since he took charge three years ago, and they reached the NFC Championship Game for the first time in 32 years thanks to their 31-23 success over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Lions have beaten the Los Angeles Rams and Bucs to reach this stage of the playoffs, but the 49ers have played one game fewer, having finished the year as the top seed in the NFC.
Kyle Shanahan's team did not have it all their own way in their Divisional Round matchup, as they narrowly beat the Green Bay Packers 24-21 on home soil.
Tip One: Detroit Lions + 6.5 handicap @ 49/50
The 49ers were left battered and bruised after their narrow victory over the Packers on Saturday night.
Quarterback Brock Purdy struggled to find any rhythm in the driving rain, while they lost Deebo Samuel to a shoulder injury in the first half.
Samuel's fitness is up in the air going into this week's clash with Detroit, but the 49ers did at least show some grit and determination to get over the line.
Running back Christian McCaffrey scored two gutsy rushing touchdowns to help his team sneak past the Packers, but the Lions will have seen some chinks in the armour.
While Packers quarterback Jordan Love eventually succumbed to the pressure, Lions QB Jared Goff has reached the finale before.
Goff rallied to carry his team past the Bucs, especially in the fourth quarter when it mattered most.
Without Samuel, the 49ers will struggle to mix it up on offence, and the Lions have what it takes on defence to unsettle the 49ers and push them all the way.
Tip Two: Over 50.5 points @ 22/25
Detroit's passing attack has been superb all season, but their run game has been just as devastating.
Campbell has used David Montgomery to bust through some rigid defences before allowing Jahmyr Gibbs' speed to open up further opportunities throughout the game.
Gibbs showed how elusive he can be against the Bucs, and both those running backs should have their say this weekend.
The 49ers have the best running back in the league in McCaffrey, and both teams have already proved they can come through shootouts when the pressure is on.
Detroit may need to fight fire with fire in order to stay in Sunday's meeting, but with Gibbs, Montgomery, Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown at their disposal, they can rack up the points.
Even without Samuel, Purdy can still call upon Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle and McCaffrey, and this game has the potential to be a classic in the NFC.
Cricket Betting Tips
The highlight of January from the sport of Cricket was England's tour of India. Find our betting tips from all five tests here!
India vs England Test Series Tips
India have lost only three of their last 40 Test matches at home but a fearless England side, led by captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, aims to upset the odds in a five-Test series starting on Thursday.
England have made huge strides in Test cricket since Stokes and McCullum took charge in June 2022 and three members of their squad – James Anderson, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow – were involved in the famous 2-1 series win in India in 2012.
However, they have lost their last two series in India by 4-0 and 3-1 margins and will have to be at their best to trouble Rohit Sharma's men in the Tests staged in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamsala.
India Vs England - Tourists must improve to combat India's bowling attack
India's spinners proved too sharp for England on their last visit in 2021. The tourists made 578 in their first innings of the series but were bowled out for 178, 134, 164, 112, 81, 205 and 135 in their next seven digs.
England pulled off an improbable 3-0 win in Pakistan in their first away series under Stokes and McCullum in December 2022 but those matches were played on flat pitches rather than the spin-friendly wickets expected in India.
Home spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel pose a massive threat to visiting batsmen and India also have top-class fast bowlers in Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
England's star batsman Root has a fine record in India but much will depend on how openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett fare against the new ball, laying the foundation for destructive middle-order men Stokes, Bairstow and Harry Brook.
Stokes is rarely short of innovative ideas in the field and he will need to use all his tactical wiles to unsettle India's star-studded batting unit.
Veteran Anderson has shown his ability to bowl economical spells on the subcontinent while Stokes will look to the pacy Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson for short, sharp, hostile bursts.
Left-arm spinner Jack Leach, who missed the 2023 Ashes due to a back injury, will also have a vital role to play and leggie Rehan Ahmed could seize his opportunity after taking seven wickets against Pakistan on his Test debut in December 2022.
Tip 1 - England to win 1st Test @ 3/1
England caught India cold in the first Test of the 2021 series when Root's 218 set up a crushing 227-run victory for the tourists in Chennai.
India have not had much meaningful red-ball preparation for this series as their two Test matches in South Africa after Christmas were played on pitches that suited the fast bowlers.
After that 1-1 draw they went straight into a Twenty20 series at home to Afghanistan and England have made strong starts to their two previous away series under Stokes and McCullum.
They beat Pakistan by 74 runs in the first Test in Rawalpindi in December 2022, having scored an astonishing 506-4 from just 75 overs on the first day of the series.
And in February 2023 they demolished New Zealand by 267 runs in Mount Maunganui despite Stokes's remarkable decision to declare England's first innings after only 58.2 overs.
The tourists are unlikely to take a backward step on this tour and, while their aggressive approach is risky, they are a tempting price to go 1-0 up in the epic five-match contest.
England Vs India Second Test Preview
England produced a stunning fightback to win the first Test against India in Hyderabad by 28 runs and they will be aiming to follow up that success in Visakhapatnam.
The second Test of the five-match series starts on Friday and England will be taking nothing for granted considering their experiences on the 2021 tour of India.
They stormed to a 227-run win in the first match of that series before crumbling against India's spinners in the next three games, so captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum will be determined to press home their advantage this time around.
India looked in total control of the Hyderabad Test after taking a 190-run first-innings lead and reducing England to 163-5 in their second dig, but they went on to suffer only the fourth defeat in their last 48 home matches.
Ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and batter KL Rahul have been ruled out of the second Test due to injuries, while batting superstar Virat Kohli is likely to sit out the match for personal reasons.
Tip 1 - England @ 19/10 to win
Winning in India is a rare achievement, so winning back-to-back Test matches would be a sensational result for England.
However, the euphoria of their win in Hyderabad, coupled with the absences of some of India's main men, gives the tourists a great chance of going 2-0 up in the five-match series.
Jadeja's injury is a particularly big blow for India as he averages 40 with the bat and 21 with the ball in home Test matches and is also one of the world's best fielders.
Captain Rohit Sharma and number three Shubman Gill looked in scratchy form in the first Test and two of the England players who were under the most pressure - Ollie Pope and debutant spinner Tom Hartley - produced matchwinning displays in the second innings.
Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett gave England solid starts in both innings and the tourists can further dent India's aura of invincibility at home.
Tip 2 - Ben Stokes Top England Run Scorer - Innings 1 @ 9/2
While Pope's remarkable 196 in the second innings launched England's comeback, skipper Stokes had been their standout batter in the first innings.
The left-hander batted patiently before playing some trademark big shots once he was left with the tail and his 70 was a significant knock given that none of his team-mates reached 40.
Stokes, playing as a specialist batter as he continues his recovery from knee surgery, is worth backing to top-score in England's first innings again.
He made a century in his first Test innings in India in 2016 and followed up with 70, the highest score of England's first innings, in the second match of the series in Visakhapatnam, where he may well trouble the home bowlers again.
Tip 3 - Joe Root Top England Wicket Taker - Innings 1 @ 13/4
Joe Root scored a double-century in the first Test of England's 2021 tour of India, but he was more influential with the ball than the bat in the 2024 series opener.
Root is regarded by the England management as a frontline spinner in these conditions and India's batters will certainly be taking him seriously after he claimed 4-79 in the first innings in Hyderabad.
Jack Leach struggled with a knee injury in the first Test and young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed was expensive, so Root is likely to have plenty of bowling to do in the second game.
He picked up the big wicket of Rahul in the second innings and was England's top wicket-taker in the third Test of the 2021 series, recording the amazing figures of 5-8 from 6.2 overs in Ahmedabad.
India Vs England Third Test Preview
England recorded an historic victory in the first Test of their series against India before the hosts came roaring back with a fairly comfortable victory in the second game.
The series is delicately balanced as the teams travel to Rajkot to play the third Test.
Here we pick out some of the best bets ahead of the third game of the series.
Tip 1 - James Anderson top England wicket-taker in the first innings @ 3/1
England’s spin attack has taken most of the attention in the opening two games of the series, with left-armer Tom Hartley particularly impressive.
Veteran seamer James Anderson looked back to his best in the second Test, however, and he is fancied to be top England wicket-taker in the first innings.
With the pitch unlikely to deteriorate until the second or third day, the 41-year-old could continue to roll back the years and impress.
Anderson took five wickets in the last match and Jasprit Bumrah showed there is still plenty in the Indian pitches for pace bowlers who can get the ball to move.
With Jack Leach missing through injury, England’s pace bowling will be ever more important in this game and Anderson can be the star.
Tip 2 - Joe Root over 32.5 runs in the first innings @ 10/11
The English batting line-up has impressed in tough Indian conditions, rallying to make 420 in the second innings of the first Test and two decent totals in the second game.
One player who has disappointed somewhat is Joe Root, who has managed scores of 29, 2, 16 and 5.
The 33-year-old possesses such quality that he is never far from posting a big score, however, and given that his Test average is 49.64, he is fancied to bounce back in the third match of this series.
Take Root to go over the line of 32.5 runs in the first innings and announce his arrival in the series in style.
Tip 3 - Ravindra Jadeja top India run-scorer in the first innings @ 7/1
India have been dealt a significant blow with the announcement that talisman Virat Kohli will miss the rest of the series through injury.
In more positive news Ravindra Jadeja returns after missing the second game of the series and could make an immediate impact. The all-rounder top-scored in the first innings of the first Test with a knock of 87 and looks likely to return to the top six in the order.
Jadeja has two centuries in recent years and has a good record against England with the bat too, making one hundred and six half-centuries.
In Kohli’s absence, the returning Jadeja could be the one to step up and is fancied at a big price to be his side’s top scorer in the first innings of this Test.
India vs England - 4th Test Tips
England find themselves one down in the series and facing a must-win match as captain Ben Stokes considers a radical move for the fourth Test against India in Ranchi.
Stokes has not bowled in any match since the second Ashes Test at Lord's last summer because of his long-standing knee problems.
But the Durham star has reportedly felt well enough after his recent net sessions to resume his former role of all-rounder in a bid to sway the series.
England needs to change something after falling to consecutive heavy defeats in the second and third Tests, during which India's batters have posted five individual scores of 100 plus and two double tons.
Tip 1 - Yashasvi Jaiswal Top run scorer - India, Innings 1 @ 11/4
The two double centuries in the series have both been scored by India's young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has slotted in alongside captain Rohit Sharma at the top of the order like he has been playing there all his life.
In Rajkot, the left-hander became the first Indian batter to convert his first three Test tons into 150-plus scores and, at the age of 22 years and 49 days, was the third youngest player to score two double tons in the longest format.
He also equalled Wasim Akram's record for the most sixes in an innings by smashing 12 maximums during his career-best knock of 214 not out.
His performance, particularly in taking down the England spinners, helped set up India's 434-run victory and it could be the blueprint for another at the JSCA International AStadium Complex this week.
Jaiswal used his feet well to the slower bowlers, is particularly ruthless in attacking any delivery that is given flight and has not lost his wicket to a spinner since the first Test.
He will be a very tough wicket for England to pick up on what is expected to be a spin-friendly surface in Ranchi, with the tourists also expected to rest both Jimmy Anderson and Mark Wood.
Tip 2 - Rohit Sharma Over 81.5 Player Performance @ 17/20
Jaiswal's brilliance has overshadowed Rohit's return to form, but the India skipper will be one of the main dangers to England levelling the series as he returns to a ground where he made a double ton in 2019.
The right-hander struck 212 off 258 balls in a big win over South Africa when Test cricket was last played in Ranchi.
And, after stroking a magnificent 131 in the first innings at Rajkot, he will be in the mood for something special again.
It is 17/20 for Rohit to outdo a player performance of 81.5 this week, with one point for every run scored and 10 points for every catch he takes.
The India skipper, who is three runs shy of 4,000 in Tests, currently averages 70 runs and one catch per Test match in his career.
But he has five catches in three games during this series and looks likely to field in a key position at slip when the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja are turning the ball away from England's batters, which could result in plenty of performance points for Rohit.
Tip 3 - Joe Root - Over 31.5 Total Runs, Innings 1 @ Evens
Given his form in the series so far, it is understandable why many will be reluctant to back Joe Root to be productive with the bat.
But class is permanent and Root still averages close to 50 in Test cricket, with an average against India of exactly 65 since 2020.
India vs England 5th Test Predictions – England can finish on a high
The fifth and final Test between India and England gets underway Thursday morning, with the hosts having already won the series. England will be frustrated that they were not able to take advantage of winning the first Test, as they head to Dharamsala for the final clash between the two sides.
Ben Stokes’ men will take a lot from a 3-2 defeat going into the summer and with a lack of Test experience at this venue, it may play into the tourists’ hands.
Tip 1 - England to win @ 14/5
Looking back at the series to date, England have been in each Test – barring the 434-run third Test defeat – and will certainly feel they could, and probably should, have won the fourth match..
Brendon McCullum watched on as his team built a 156-run lead with seven second-innings wickets left, before another collapse cost them. England went on to lose seven wickets for just 35 runs and despite a battling effort with the ball, were made to pay by the hosts. Several of England’s squad will be aware that they may well be playing for their place in the team for the summer series’ against West Indies and Sri Lanka.
It’s also worth noting that this is only the second Test to have been played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, with the first coming back in 2017.
That means there is no big pitch advantage for India, who did win that clash with Australia by eight wickets seven years ago. Many of the India team for that Test will not be involved in this match.
Tip 2 - Zak Crawley – 1st Innings Runs: Over 30.5 @ Evens
There will be some positives to take for the England selectors despite the series defeat, one of which will be the opening partnership. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett look to have cemented their place as the opening duo, with both making an impact with the bat during the tour.
Kent’s Crawley is England’s leading run scorer in the series, with 328 runs across eight innings – including three half-centuries.
In the fourth Test, the 26-year-old smashed 42 off 42 balls in the first innings in Ranchi, before racking up 60 in 91 deliveries in the second innings.
In just three of his eight innings this series, Crawley has failed to reach the set total of 30.5 runs and he looks to be in the type of form where he can make a big score.
Tip 3 - Kuldeep Yadav – Top India 1st Innings Wicket Taker @ 33/10
Kuldeep Yadav is one of the few players in the India team that featured in their win over Australia at this venue and he has happy memories of that red-ball encounter.
The left-arm wrist spinner took four first-innings wickets against the Aussies in 2017, including the scalp of opener David Warner.
Kuldeep also goes into the fifth Test in good form, having taken 12 wickets across the England series at an average of 22.58.
The 29-year-old also took four wickets in India’s win in Ranchi, clean bowling both Crawley and England skipper Stokes.
PDC World Championship Final Tips
PDC World Darts Championship Betting Tips & Odds
When the lights are on bright, the finest darts players to grace planet earth come out to stake their claim as the greatest. The PDC World Darts Championship trophy is the most coveted prize in the sport and all 96 players involved will be looking to be crowned the best in the world when the final rolls around. The tournament begins at London’s famous venue Alexandra Palace on December 13 and will continue through to the final on New Years Day, January 1.
- Current Holder: Michael Smith
- Established: 1994
- Prize Money: £2,500,000 (2023)
- Dates: December 15th - 3rd January 2024
Darts World Championship Final Predictions
There will be a new name on the PDC World Championship honour roll tonight, after Luke Littler and Luke Humphries booked their place in the final of darts’ most-coveted tournament with respective dominant semi-final displays.
16-year-old Littler dispatched 2018 champion Rob Cross 6-2, meaning the sensational youngster has given up just six sets in six matches on route to the final, while Humphries whitewashed Scott Williams and recorded the tournament’s highest average of the year, 108.74, in doing so.
With both players in frightening form, this all-Luke final looks set to be a scintillating affair, and we have you covered with the three best bets for the colossal clash set to start at 8.15pm at Alexandra Palace in London.
Tip 1 - Luke Humphries: Match winner, most 180s, highest checkout @ 3/1
Cool Hand Luke was simply mesmerising in his semi-final, hardly breaking a sweat as he took out double after double whilst recording a 108.74 average - the third highest ever in a semi-final of the World Championships.
Humphries also took out the big fish in his demolition of Williams and notched 14 maximums in just six sets.
Littler was also exceptional in his semi-final, shrugging off any pressure to record a 106.05 average and make 16 180s in eight sets, but he could succumb to the talent of his rival in this final.
Nuke averaged two 180s per set whilst Humphries averaged 2.33 and, with Cool Hand Luke registering a 170 checkout and on an unbelievable winning run that saw him land the Grand Slam and Players Championship directly before this tournament, it is the older of the two Lukes who should be taken to dominate this final
ADD Luke Humphries - King of the Oche to your Betslip
Tip 2 - Highest checkout over 160.5 @ 11/8
The cream always rises to the top, so they say, and that has certainly proven to be the case in this year’s PDC World Darts Championship as Humphries has saved his best form for the latter rounds.
Cool Hand Luke was dominant in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals, especially when it came to checkouts as he took out 164 against Dave Chisnall before landing a magnificent big fish against Williams.
Those performances would suggest another big checkout is likely to occur in this match and Humphries’ opponent Littler could be the one to land it, having already taken out a 164 in this tournament.
With both players’ in exceptional form and the match likely to be close-fought meaning there will be lots of sets and legs for the pair to attack, a big checkout looks a near-certainty.
Add Over 160.5 - Highest Checkout to your betslip
Tip 3 - Luke Littler over 45.5 checkout percentage @ 11/10
While new world number one Humphries looks set to win this final, Littler can not be underestimated and the young star is sure to give his all as he bids to become the tournament’s youngest ever winner.
One aspect of his game that has set him apart from other youngsters to have broken through in the past is his composure when it comes to doubles, with Nuke averaging over 45.5% on checkouts in his last three matches - including a ludicrous 50% success rate against 2007 champ Raymond van Barneveld.
Littler may not get as many chances for checkouts as he has in previous matches, as Humphries will use his experience and scoring power to zoom ahead of his rival, but expect him to find the double, especially if it is a double 10, on a regular basis when the opportunity arises.
The Nuke has looked unfazed throughout this tournament - almost robotic at times - and is unlikely to crack under the pressure of the Ally Pally crowd, so back the youngster to keep up his impressive checkout rate.
Add Luke Littler Over 45.5% checkout to your betslip
PDC World Darts Championship Winners
Year | Winner | Score | Runner-Up |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Michael Smith | 7-4 | Michael Van Gerwen |
2022 | Peter Wright | 7-5 | Michael Smith |
2021 | Gerwyn Price | 7-3 | James Wade |
2020 | Peter Wright | 7-3 | Peter Wright |
2019 | Michael Van Gerwen | 7-3 | Michael Smith |
2018 | Rob Cross | 7-3 | Phil Taylor |
2017 | Michael Van Gerwen | 7-3 | Gary Anderson |
2016 | Gary Anderson | 7-5 | Adrian Lewis |
2015 | Gary Anderson | 7-6 | Phil Taylor |
2014 | Michael Van Gerwen | 7-4 | Peter Wright |
You will be able to find all of the darts results on our sports betting blog after the tournament has come to a close, and it promises to be a festive period full of top darting action.
*All odds from Bet UK’s online betting correct at the time of writing.
If you are placing a bet on the PDC World Darts Championship, please gamble responsibly and if the fun stops, stop. Players must be 18+. begambleaware.org.