Sure thing: England to win the test series against new Zealand
After the salvage operation of the first test, where the Three Lions had Alistair Cook and Nick Compton to thank for avoiding an embarrassing defeat to the Black Caps, currently a dismal eighth out of nine test teams in the ICC World Rankings, this tipster is still sure that England will emerge victorious after Wellington and Auckland. Andy Flower will guard the players against complacency. Cook’s men also needed time to grow accustomed to the conditions, a common occurrence of touring sides in test match cricket – only once on the last 13 tours have England won the opening test. In the forthcoming two matches, the class of the world’s second best side will show, provided the go into the games with the correct mindset.
Odds – 2/7
Long shot: Lewis Hamilton to win the Formula One drivers title
After bursting onto the scene in 2007, missing out on the title by just one point, before winning the championship the following year, Lewis Hamilton’s subsequent career has been relatively modest by his high standards. After stagnation with McLaren, the Brit has joined Mercedes, who were responsible for the car which Jenson Button won the championship with in 2009. The unpredictability of Mercedes has been evident over the past couple of seasons, with blistering starts followed by mechanical problems. This pattern has continued into practice for the current season. The Mercedes has demonstrated outright speed over one lap, and strong pace in longer runs, but it still need to iron out further problems. Vettel is still odds on to win, but don’t rule out a Hamilton triumph.
Odds – 19/2
Absolute madness: Edgar davids to lead barnet to the premier league
Barnet, who play in the shadow of Arsenal and Spurs in North London, have one of the smallest fan-bases in the Football League, and constantly hover around the trap door of League Two. So heads were turned when Edgar Davids became player-manager at Underhill. The Juventus and Holland legend, has worked his magic, pulling the Bees clear of the drop zone, while playing some of the best football ever seen at the club. With league football looking more secure for next season, coinciding with a move to a new stadium, this pundit can see Barnet rise up through the leagues with the bespectacled maestro at the helm all the way. Eventually, they will pass Arsenal along the way, as the Gooners finally boycott the Wenger regime in favour of some pretty football that actually wins matches.
Odds – 100/1