The latest Goodforthegame newsletter penned by @BrentGraham with best bets for the 18th to 19th July including the Fifa World and Nations Championship rugby
I got back from a great holiday down at the coast yesterday evening. Although I'm coming in a bit cold as far as the research goes, there's simply so much great sport on this weekend that I had to put a newsletter together. Make no mistake, I won't be wandering too far from the couch today!
We have the third round of the Nations Championship rugby taking place over the next few hours, while the South African Currie Cup got underway last night with another two fixtures this afternoon.
Previews for All Blacks, Wallabies, Bok and Argentina games at www.goodforthegame.co.za
The final major of the golfing year is halfway to completion and, can you believe it, we now have to wait another eight months for the Masters! I don't have a bet on yet, but I'll certainly be looking to get involved in The Open over the weekend as you will see below.
There's also the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup, which seems to have been going on forever, and Chris previews both the third-place playoff and the final between Spain and Argentina.
The U20 Boks are in action against France in their final tonight and you can keep an eye on the rugby forum thread for plays in that and the Currie Cup which started last night.
Of course, my main focus will be the Tour de France, with what promises to be a fascinating Stage 14 that could go either to the breakaway or one of the general classification contenders.
THE HANDICAP
There was no The Handicap show over the past couple of weeks while I was away, but we'll be back next week.
I'm considering making a few changes to the show, including potentially recording it rather than broadcasting live. Keep an eye on the Goodforthegame website for any announcements.
WEEKEND PLAYS
As mentioned, I'm coming in fairly cold after the break, so I'm not planning to get carried away with any big punts this weekend.
Wales to Beat the Handicap in Durban
Welsh rugby has been through a very tough period and they were absolutely hammered by the Springboks in Cardiff late last year.
That said, I was surprised to see South Africa giving away a 41.5-point handicap for tonight's match in Durban. Wales look to have improved, while the Springboks are clearly experimenting as they continue to build depth and combinations ahead of a four-match series against New Zealand.
The Boks could still win comfortably, but I think this handicap is just a little too big.
Bet: 2 Units (1-5)
Wales +41.5 at 0.93/1 (World Sports Betting)
The Open Championship
Scottie Scheffler sits four shots off the lead after two rounds and he's one of three players I'm backing at the halfway stage to give me an interest for the weekend.
At 6/1, his price is fair enough given his quality.
The other two players I'm taking a chance on are Ludvig Åberg and Patrick Reed, who begin the weekend five and six shots back respectively.
Bets:
- 1 Unit – Scottie Scheffler to Win @ 6.00
- 0.5 Unit – Ludvig Åberg to Win @ 35/1
- 0.5 Unit – Patrick Reed to Win @ 85/1
All plays at Betxchange
Tour de France – Stage 14
While I haven't been recording my usual Tour de France preview videos during my travels, I have continued writing my daily previews for the WSB blog.
Today's stage should be a cracker.
Tadej Pogačar is a 6/10 favourite, but this is one of those mountain stages that could easily go to the breakaway. My feeling is that the race comes back together, but with Pogačar perhaps allowing his teammate Isaac del Toro to ride for the stage victory.
Given the price difference, and the fact I struggle to back 6/10 shots in cycling, I'll have a small interest on Del Toro, especially with the money-back-for-second promotion if he just falls short.
Any other bets will be posted in the TDF Forum thread
Bet: Isaac del Toro to Win Stage 14 @ 14/1 (World Sports Betting)
WSB have an excellent promo with your money back for 2nd place which I have already taken advantage of this year – details in the preview
Goals to be at a Premium in the Club World Cup Final
There haven't been many goalless draws during this Club World Cup, but I have a feeling the final between Spain and Argentina could be something of a stalemate.
Spain have been outstanding defensively throughout the tournament and I think we'll see a cautious approach from both sides.
It's not a competition I've been heavily involved in, so this is simply an interest play.
Bet: Correct Score 0-0 @ 7.2/1 (Hollywood Bets)
Plenty More This Weekend
Other highlights on Goodforthegame this weekend include previews of the Belgian Grand Prix and Dricus du Plessis' return to action in the UFC, both powered by World Sports Betting.
Enjoy the sport and have a great weekend!
BG
