Cricket, rugby, soccer, motorsport, the list is endless as our white line fever rises yet again and you need to operate the television remote smartly to try and catch as much of these events as possible over the weekend.
FRIDAY
Windies vs England – T20 Cricket (22:00)
The Windies owned England in the Test, were able to live with their more illustrious visitors in the ODI series and now seek to give the English the proper send-off in surely the format of the game which suits these charismatic islanders the best. If Gayle occupies the crease for any significant amount of time this should be plenty entertaining. Dre Russell is also likely to return to the fold, whilst the flamboyant Hetmeyer has really enjoyed the English bowling. The sun-stroked and punch-drunk Poms will look to the likes of Morgan, Bairstow and Billings to give them one final lift.
Verdict: They may have lost the first T20 but the men in maroon are on a high at present and playing a format which suits them like a glove.
SATURDAY
Hollywoodbets Dolphins vs WSB Cape Cobras – Cricket (10:00)
We are halfway through the Momentum One Day Cup tournament and there is still plenty of matches to go but the Cobras will be keen on getting a victory to try and get themselves into the mix closer to the top of the table. The KZN side have done well in the first half of the comp but without Tahir, Miller and Phehlukwayo it should be a much closer contest against the Capetonians.
Verdict: The best bet is that the tree at the Maritzburg Oval will come into play, but it won’t be the worst idea having a nibble at the visitors for the win in this one.
Vodacom Bulls vs Cell C Sharks – Rugby (17:15)
Touted as one of the top sides in the Super Rugby competition this time last week the Sharks were brought down to earth with a bang. It’s one thing beating the Sunwolves and disposing of a rather average Blues team in the Durban humidity as opposed to the tough SA derbies. The Bulls for their part are flying high at the moment and are clearly a far superior team when playing within SA boundaries.
Verdict: Sharks should be better for the wake up call but this Bulls outfit seems to be gelling nicely and are a different beast at home.
SUNDAY
Arsenal vs Manchester United – Soccer (18:30)
The battle for Top 4 spots reaches boiling point as two old rivals duke it out in London. United have found a new lease of life, no longer having their style of play stifled by the shadow that Mourinho’s ego casts. Arsenal have been up and down but have proven themselves extremely capable of paying some attractive football this season. This clash should be well worth a watch.
Verdict: It’s tough looking past the current form of the Red Devils and there can only be some free scoring in this one.
Qatar Grand Prix – Moto GP (19:00)
Marc Marquez has taken the sport by storm, winning five of the last six world championships. Few expect things to be much different for the champ this season, but the first race of the year always tantalises the taste buds as one never quite knows what you will get on the opening weekend.
For all his dominance Marquez hasn’t enjoyed much success at this desert venue (only one Moto GP win) and he is also coming back from shoulder surgery.
Verdict: Marquez is an absolute maestro but this opening race offers a rare chance of upsetting the superstar. I’ll throw my weight behind Andrea Dovizioso to take the opening win of the 2019 season.
ADD SOME BETTING SPICE
If the action itself doesn’t quite raise your excitement levels enough then it means you are in need of having a punt to raise the stakes! If you’re feeling Olympic then here are a few bets of the weekend that could catch your eye, offered by my friends at BETOLIMP:
- Windies to beat England @ 1.89
- Both teams to score and Man U to win @ 4.99
- Dovizioso to win the Qatar Moto GP @ around 3.00 (price not available at time of writing)
