Sure Thing – Rory McIlroy to become world number 1 within a year.
As of last weekend, the young Northern Irishman has reached his highest position in the world rankings yet: number two. He is hot on the heels, both in terms of points and prize money of current world leader Luke Donald. Donald has never won a major and is 12 years McIlroy’s senior. McIlroy has already won the US Open and amassed nearly £10 million, so it seems only a matter of time before he sits on the top of the pile. He is widely expected to win at least one of next year’s four majors. The only question that remains is whether he can emulate Tiger Woods in years to come. As for the near future, the picture looks rosy for McIlroy, who has seemingly learnt from his Masters calamity last year and has become a better player for it.
Tipster’s Odds: 5/4
Long Shot – England to beat both Sweden and Spain.
England, as we well know, are very hit and miss. Although the upcoming matches at Wembley are only friendlies, good results would give the players, management and, most importantly in this football mad nation, the fans confidence that England might win a major trophy in Poland and Ukraine next year. Both matches are good tests. Sweden are a solid if unspectacular international side, who England don’t have the best of records against, but a side who will be roundly expected to be beaten. Spain, on the other hand, are just brilliant, the current world champions who boast a host of world class players. Add to the mix the lack of Wayne Rooney and John Terry’s off-field problems, and victory in both games seems unlikely. Let’s hope this Tipster is wrong.
Tipster’s Odds: 9/1
Absolute Madness – Doncaster Rovers to sign Lionel Messi on loan.
Herita Ilunga, El-Hadji Diouf, Chris Kirkland, Pascal Chimbonda. Potentially former galactico Mahamadou Diarra. Sounds like a lineup that could more than hold its own in the Premiership. However, the above named are the new crop of stars turning out for lowly championship side Donacaster Rovers, after agent Willie McKay’s controversial agreement with the Keepmoat club to bring highly paid individuals from highter leagues to the championship with the guarantee of games. So why not bring that little winger from that quite good club in Catalonia over. Seeing Leo turn out at Barnsley’s Oakwell stadium on the 19th Novermber might just happen if McKay can convince Messi that South Yorkshire is a better lifestyle choice than Barcelona. Don’t worry though?! Most of Donny’s captures are on loan from better clubs, so if the little maestro isn’t keen on Dean Saunders’s style of managerment, he can swan off back to the Nou Camp. Sorted.
Tipster’s Odds: 500/1