Strauss to lead from front

SPORTS BETTING:

WHAT can you say about the events of Sunday?

I have never seen a Premier League finale to match it and congratulations have to go to Manchester City for snatching glory from the jaws of despair.

Two bits of fall-out from that match that won’t go away are the behaviour of Joey Barton and the subsequent actions of the misguided Carlos Tevez.

Much has been written about the former’s shocking behaviour and his idiotic spoutings on Twitter.

As for Carlos Tevez and the ‘Fergie RIP’ jibe during City’s victory parade, this is another example of crass behaviour from the Argentinian.

After all the hassle he caused City during the season – and he nearly hi-jacked their title chances with his long absence – wouldn’t you have thought he would have been on his best behaviour?

The banner, supplied by a fan and the subject of a subsequent apology by Tevez, took away the focus from City’s celebrations and underlined just how stupid this hugely-talented footballer can be.

Looking ahead to next season, City have been given 6-4 to retain their title, with United 11-4, resurgent Chelsea 5-1, Arsenal 12-1 and Tottenham 28-1.

I will be watching what happens on the transfer front before having a bet, but United’s odds look quite tempting for a team that led by eight points going into the final stretch.



ENGLAND’S cricketers embark on a summer of Test action tomorrow with the first of three matches against the West Indies.

The tourists are a work in progress and, against the world’s most formidable line-up – well, that’s what the rankings say - it is hard to see anything but a home victory for England.

Weather permitting, we should win 3-0 and as for this first game, the 8-15 about victory for the hosts is entirely fair.

The top England batsman market interests me and, with questions marks hanging over a couple of the Windies fast bowlers, openers Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss could make hay.

Both are likely to bat twice, which is not something you can say about the middle order in what could be a one-sided match, and skipper Strauss’s excellent record at Lord’s and generous price of 11-2 swings me in his favour.



RECOMMENDATION: First Test, Andrew Strauss to be top England run scorer, 11-2 ( Bet Victor).



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