More top betting tips from the wizard of odds

Normally, it would be impossible to make a case for them to beat Liverpool, but the Reds have a huge Champions League semi-final against Chelsea next Tuesday, so why should they field a strong team for this clash?

Last season, Liverpool started just three players who featured in the following week’s Champions League final. Fulham won 1-0 and I expect a similar score this time.

The big sporting action is Sunday’s light-heavyweight title showdown between Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas. Calzaghe is the 1/2 favourite to beat Hopkins.

If those odds don’t get the blood flowing then back the undefeated Welshman at 11/10 to win on points.

Perhaps the safest bet would be to back a Hopkins points win at 6/1, though I fancy Calzaghe to come through and maintain his 100 per cent record.

The World Snooker Championships start on Saturday at The Crucible. Ronnie O’Sullivan heads the betting at 7/2 but all the value lies in the easier bottom half of the draw, in particular Mark Selby at 6/1.

“The Jester from Leicester� has won the last two snooker majors, the Masters and UK Championship, beating Ronnie both times in the process.

In the first round, Jamie Cope could be worth following at 11/10 to beat former champion Peter Ebdon. Cope has already reached two ranking finals in his rookie season and could prove too strong for out-of-form Ebdon.

(RUNNING TOTAL +£49.34)

Recommended Bets:

£10 Fulham to beat Liverpool & 10/3

£10 Calzaghe to beat Hopkins on points @ 11/10

£5 e/w Mark Selby – 6/1 world snooker championships

£10 Jamie Cope to beat Peter Ebdon @ 11/10