By Betdaq
April 29 2006

Welcome to the latest Exchange Views from BETDAQ. This week's edition brings you the latest news, prices and advice from our team of experts for your enjoyment including the latest Premiership Football, Racing News and the World Snooker Championships

BETDAQ WEEKEND SPORTS PREVIEW 28-4-06

Welcome to the latest Exchange Views from BETDAQ. This week's edition brings you the latest news, prices and advice from our team of experts for your enjoyment including the latest Premiership Football, Racing News and the World Snooker Championships.

With the Punchestown Festival ending on Friday, focus switches to the mixed card at Sandown on Saturday, which features the Betfred Gold Cup and the Celebration Chase over fences, and the Betfred.com Mile and the Classic Trial on the flat.

Paul Nicholls will be double-handed in the Betfred Gold Cup, with top weight Royal Auclair due to be ridden by Liam Heard and Aintree faller My Will the mount of Ruby Walsh. Eric's Charm and Innox are currently disputing favouritism for this. The former was impressive in winning over the course in March, and even a 12lb hike in his handicap rating may not stop him, although very fast ground would be a concern. Innox was also a winner at Sandown in February, and his first-fence fall in the Grand National can obviously be ignored. Recent Irish Grand National winner Point Barrow is another interesting contender.

(Sat) Chelsea v Man Utd (Sky)

The Premiership enters its penultimate round this week, yet the fate of many teams is yet to be decided. Chelsea need just one point to regain their championship title and everyone at the club would love dearly to claim this honour at Stamford Bridge on Saturday when they host arch rivals Manchester United.

Alex Ferguson's team have been Chelsea's closest rivals this season, but despite their resurgence in recent weeks the consistent form of the Blues has been too much to emulate, and now the Reds of Manchester must face up to the possibility of witnessing Chelsea claim successive Premiership crowns before their eyes.

Wayne Rooney admitted during the week that it would be difficult to see his England team mate John Terry lift the trophy on Saturday and, while Manchester United will be aware that changing the destination of the league is beyond them, they will be keen to delay the inevitable in this game. Chelsea are available to back at 2.33 and available to lay at 2.37, while Manchester United are available at 3.75 to inflict a first home league defeat of the season on Chelsea. The draw in this game is 3.20. On the Asian Handicap market Chelsea (-0/0.5) are 1.96 while Manchester United (+0/0.5) are 2.00. This match is live on Prem Plus on Sky at 12:45 on Saturday morning.

At the other end of the table, the relegation battle is bursting into life. With Sunderland already relegated and West Bromwich Albion likely to follow, the other team that will accompany them into next season's Championship may learn of their fate this weekend.

(Sat) Birmingham v Newcastle (Setanta)

Birmingham City currently occupy the dreaded spot third from bottom and have a tricky tie at home to Newcastle on Saturday. Top scorer Jiri Jarosik returns for Birmingham and manager Steve Bruce remains confident that his team can retain their place in top flight football. Newcastle's change of fortune mid-season has been accredited to caretaker manager Glenn Roeder, but Chairman Freddy Shepard was informed by the League Managers' Association during the week, that Roeder cannot remain in the position next season as he does not hold the necessary qualifications. This is sure to unsettle the Magpies who already face a future without their inspirational captain, the recently retired Alan Shearer. Birmingham are backable at 2.57 and available to lay at 2.61, while you can get with Newcastle at 2.98 or lay them at 3.10. The draw in this game, which is live on Sky Sports on Saturday at 15:00, is 3.40.



(Sat) Wigan v Portsmouth

In the safety zone at the foot of the Premiership by a mere two points are Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth. They visit the JJB stadium on Saturday to play one of the season's surprise packages, Wigan Athletic. Nothing but a victory will help Pompey here, and with Lua Lua making a return to full fitness, three points will place Portsmouth just one point behind Aston Villa, and will greatly enhance their chances of Premiership survival.

Paul Jewell was annoyed by Wigan's defeat to Fulham midweek and knows that some sloppy play in recent games has seen his side's hopes of European football slip away. Portsmouth can expect no favours on Saturday but they have been grinding out the results of late, and with so much at stake, the outcome of this game is difficult to predict. Wigan are available to back at 2.77 or to lay at 2.81, while Portsmouth are backable at 2.85 or you can lay them at 2.89. The draw is available at 3.35. On the Asian Handicap market Wigan (+0) are 1.95 while Portsmouth (-0) are available at 2.02.

(Sun) Spurs v Bolton (Sky)

Bolton Wanderers visit White Hart Lane on Sunday to play Tottenham Hotspur in a game that is a must-win for Spurs. Tottenham are on course for their best ever Premiership finish but it will all be in vain should Arsenal manage to beat Barcelona in the Champions' League final. Uefa decided after Liverpool's success last year that if another English team won the competition, they would be eligible to participate the following year at the expense of the fourth place Premiership team. Tottenham currently occupy this spot, two points ahead of Arsenal and need a victory in this game to guarantee a fourth place finish. Thereafter, it will be out of their hands.

Bolton have European aspirations of their own but Sam Allardyce knows his team must win their remaining games to have any realistic chance of a Uefa Cup place. You can get with Tottenham in this game at 1.71 or lay them at 1.76 while Bolton are available to back at 5.80 and to lay at 6.20. The draw in this match which is live on Sky Sports on Sunday is 3.80. On the Asian Handicap market, Tottenham (-0.5/1) are available at 1.97 with Bolton (+0.5/1) available at 2.00.

Snooker

The 2006 World Championship continues from the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield over the weekend with the final scheduled for Monday. Many people doubted the form of Ronnie O' Sullivan in the build up to the competition, but "The Rocket" remains on course to claim his third world title. Odds on the remainder of the Tournament are currently available.

Golf

The US PGA tour continues this weekend with the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. World number two Phil Mickelson as the highest ranking participant leads the field. Markets on this tournament are currently available.

For a chance to win £25 (€40) to bet on any of the weekend action, simply email the answer to the following question to helpdesk@betdaq.co.uk by 12 noon on Saturday.

Who won last years Snooker World Championship at the Crucible Theatre. Is it a) Ken Doherty b) Mark Williams , or c) Shaun Murphy?