Betting expert Gavin Callaghan guides us through the pitfalls of the betting world this week, and shows us where the money should go. He's been backing winners left right and centre. I haven't. So it's about time Roker Report had a change of fortunes... Gavin will now be running against my girlfriend, the handily named; Mrs Roker Report, who will be selecting her best bet. It's the bookie against the babe. Let the games commence...
In November I tweeted that I believed this January would be the busiest and most expensive yet. The reason being, that ever since the January window was introduced, the best players in the world have all tended to ply their trade on these shores. Not so anymore. Not to belittle the achievements of Steve Bruce and Sunderland, but I, like many around me, have looked at performances such as our away trip to Fulham, and left the ground scratching our heads as to just how Sunderland are currently occupying sixth spot.
So, as I say, the transfer activity on Wearside and beyond has come as little surprise to many and me. Over inflated prices is the norm in the mid-season sale but the sheer desperation of Liverpool and Chelsea has been most surprising. If Kenny Dalglish is only the interim manager then I dread to think what he would be like if he got the job full time. £100million and a Torres exit later and suddenly Liverpool don’t seem so easy to disregard as opponents for the Europa League.
It comes as a welcome relief that we have some football to welcome back to the Stadium of Light. I particularly like Bruce’s reluctance to be overwhelmed by Bent’s greed and venture into the market when some (and I include myself here) thought players could have been snapped up had we been willing to spend. The relatively light fixture list over the coming weeks will give Welbeck and Cattermole ample time to recover for the run in.
With so much action off the field, my best bet would have to be an accumulator and not necessarily player-specific (bar Torres if it happens). I’d back the following: Manchester City, Bolton, Liverpool and Rangers all to win at 8/1.
Fernando Torres has a habit of scoring against but as deadlines approach, I am writing this unsure as to whether or not he will, firstly be eligible to play, and secondly, if our traders have had time to price him up. If he gets the go ahead to make his debut tomorrow then it’s simple, back him to score first.
Having said that, I still don’t believe out tally for home defeats this campaign will double. Instead I fancy a 1-1 draw, which is a very generous 6/1.
Callaghan's Best Bet: Manchester City, Bolton, Liverpool and Rangers all to win @ 8/1
Mrs Roker Report's Best Bet: Gyan scores first and Chelsea win 2-1 @ 95/1
All odds courtesy of BetFred.com
