Right Said Fred: Talking Betting With Betfred Boss Fred Done

t’s looking like more of the same at the top of the Premier League table with both City and Arsenal odds-on to pick up three points this weekend.

Pep Guardiola’s Blues, who have reinforced their position as favourites for the Champions League with a hard-fought draw against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night, should have few problems at lowly Leicester.

Betfred have City 2/7 to triumph, while Arsenal – who host bottom club Nottingham Forest – are 1/5 to also claim all three points.

Meanwhile, United, who continue to make progress under Erik ten Hag despite the ongoing debate surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future, entertain the improving West Ham.

It’s the sort of game the Reds must win to progress our chances of a top-four finish.

They are 8/11 to win the match and Marcus Rashford, who I believe just needs a couple of goals to get back his confidence and win himself a spot in the England World Cup squad, is amongst the favourites to open the scoring.

So to the RL World Cup and here’s the view of Oldham born legend Paul Sculthorpe, the Betfred TV pundit writes:

“Well, we’ve now confirmed our place in the World Cup quarter finals - and according to new Saints assistant coach and France boss Laurent Frayssinous, we can go on to win it!

“England’s main shirt sponsor Betfred however have England third in the betting at 11/2, behind odds-on favourites Australia (4/9) and New Zealand at 4/1.

“There’s no doubt both teams from the Southern Hemisphere, along with other fancied contenders including Tonga, Samoa, and England’s likely quarter-final opponents Papua New Guinea will be aware of the threat Shaun Wane’s team can bring.

“Following a total destruction of Samoa in the opening game, England backed this up with another convincing 42-18 win over France in Bolton.

“It certainly wasn’t the clinical performance from the week before, but still a good win against a very strong French outfit.

“After another blistering start, scoring three converted tries in the first 23 minutes, two coming from veteran winger Ryan Hall, things kind of stagnated. The last 15 minutes of the first half saw the French fight their way back into the game, scoring two tries and head into the break only 18-12 down.

“It was a mix of poor skill and execution, indiscipline and some soft defence which allowed this…and something Waney wouldn’t have held back in acknowledging in his halftime team talk.

“That in their ears, and the introduction of Jack Welsby re-ignited the home side. Coming on at his accustomed full back for the rested Sam Tomkins, Jack was a constant threat, and had a hand in a couple of second half tries.

“Welsby’s performance, this time from full back with Mark Sneyd making a strong full England debut in the halves, and unsurprisingly kicking seven from seven has probably given Shaun even more selection headaches. He is no doubt looking ahead to the ‘business’ end of the tournament and knock out football.

“Added to that, one position that will be getting lots of selection speculation is that of wing. New England sensation Dom Young, who has scored four tries in the opening two games has done everything in his power to earn his place, and two-try hero Ryan Hall certainly played his part on Saturday, while Tommy Makinson took a well earned rest.

“My opinion: Tommy is a cert…he’s the best winger in the UK and the other place is up for grabs between the other two.. Personally, I can’t see that not being Young. He’s young, fresh, confident and exciting! Add to that some significant size that we’ve always lacked in the England three quarter line.

“Now I’m talking about selection for the knock out stages, not forgetting there is still the small matter of Greece on Saturday. Not being disrespectful to the Greek team, but this is a game England should walk, with priority to make sure we get through injury-free with whatever side the England head coach selects.

“Two players who will most certainly make their tournament debuts are Saints back rower Joe Batchelor and Wigan’s Kai Pearce-Paul, adding even more energy and enthusiasm to the England side.

“I feel the biggest challenge for England this weekend is delivering and maintaining their own standards, with a view of what is to come.

“We’ve seen some clinical performances from the Aussies in the opening two rounds, leaving their foot on the gas despite games being pretty much won in the opening 40 minutes. This, making a statement to the rest of the teams, the standard they need to match and surpass if they want to lift that trophy come November 19.

“The much-fancied New Zealand have still to hit top gear as they go into their final group game against second placed Ireland. Like both Tonga and Samoa, the Kiwis will no doubt improve the longer the competition goes on, and in Joey Manu they have one of the most complete players in the rugby league world.

“A lot has been mentioned about the crowds in the opening group games, and the ticket prices for some blow-out scores. I’m no marketeer so will keep my thoughts to myself, however one thing I do hope is come quarter finals, we are seeing full stadiums, for what should be some sensational matches.

‘The world is an extremely tough place at the moment, especially financially. Everything is on the up just to survive…which has no doubt caused the RLWC powers-that-be some headaches, especially when a large portion of ticket sales happened prior to the Covid Pandemic and all that has followed.

 “I just hope as many fans, particularly  family groups, as possible get the opportunity to see some of the best athletes on the planet do their thing.

A big focus since 2016 has been the legacy of what the 2021 RLWC would have, ultimately more players, fans and volunteers. Let’s make sure this happens.

“This next month of rugby will see the best players in the world, in some of the best stadiums in the UK…let’s hope it’s in front of full crowds of the best sports fans in the world……certainly with my England hat on!

“So, back to the final group game against Greece this Saturday at Sheffield United’s Bramhall Lane. I’m going for a ruthless English performance and a win by more than 70 points(6/4 at Betfred). In the first try market Betfred have Tommy Mak at 4/1 which is the same price as Young.”

My congratulations to a right bright spark ...that’s Derek Jones who didn’t pick a big favourite in his Placepot – and took home £64,420 from a £20 wager.

The electrician, who works at an oil refinery, plans to use his winnings to pay off some of his mortgage and go on a Caribbean cruise with his wife.

Derek, a father-of-two, won big hours after placing his one-line £20 wager at the Betfred shop on Victoria Road, Woolston, Southampton.

He made his six selections, opting against the highly-fancied, unbeaten Baaeed on Champions Day at Ascot.

He said: “There were two big favourites, including Baaeed, who I didn’t go for, instead option for second and third favourites.

“I had two winners, while the rest of my selections came in second or third.

“I knew all about Baaeed, of course, but I didn’t think the conditions were right for him so I didn’t pick him.

“This is the second time I’ve won on the Placepot, although I only picked up £100 last time… about five years ago!

“I celebrated with the missus over an Indian meal and a few drinks. It was my 66th birthday a few days later, so it was a double celebration.

“I will be paying off a large amount of my mortgage, then go on a cruise with the wife, probably in the Caribbean,. Some people think I should get a new car, but I’m quite happy with my Ford Focus which is reliable and has a low mileage.”

Derek went on: “Like the Betfred boss Fred Done, I am a big Manchester United supporter, but I’ve only seen them once in the flesh - that was when I was a young lad and George Best was playing for them at Southampton.

“My brother took me, but made me take my United badge off before we went into The Dell .

“I used to work in Manchester, at Trafford Park, and the closest I ever got to going inside Old Trafford was Lou Macari’s chip shop outside the ground.

“My aim now is to take some more money off Fred, even if he is a fellow Red!”

I’ve arranged for  Derek to be presented with a bottle of champagne at the shop as  I’m chuffed to bits for this regular customer who is a fellow Red.

Hopefully he’ll spend some of his money getting to see United at Old Trafford – although at the moment it’s fair to say we haven’t got anybody quite as good as Georgie Best!