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This week JD is taking a look at the title races in England and Spain, and weighs on the possibility of the Wigan coach replacing Harry Redknapp at Tottenham

The world of football betting has been its usual rollercoaster over the past week. Two good midweeks have been rudely interrupted by a weekend where nothing seem to land, even Real Madrid let us down in the team goals market.

They had been very profitable for us all season in this niche and they somehow managed to play out a 0-0 draw at home to a competent Valencia side who had their own fair share of chances.

My strategy of identifying vulnerable favourites worked well on Tuesday night when we backed Liverpool and Portsmouth to concede in their respective matches and that returned around evens (2.00) in a double.

Premier League and La Liga titles still in the balance

The title race in Spain and England took some twists and turns over the past seven days with Manchester United slipping up away to Wigan Athletic and Real Madrid have shown signs of vulnerability of late and their lead is now down to four points.

William Hill still have Manchester United as near certainties to retain their crown at 1/6 (1.16) with Manchester City a 7/2 (4.50) shot. I still would say the price on the Red Devils is too short and do not be surprised to see it drift as we enter the final few weeks of the season.

The same firm make Real Madrid 4/9 (1.44) favourites to win La Liga with Barcelona at 13/8 (2.63) which is probably about right.

Where next for Martinez?

The next Tottenham Hotspur permanent manager market interests me. With Harry Redknapp still favourite the land the England job after the season ends, there has been some speculation and movement in the market to replace him.  

Roberto Martinez, fresh from a great victory over Manchester United has been backed into 10/1 (11.0) to replace be the next Tottenham Hotspur manager with William Hill.

This is not a market for big stakes but I feel that represents good value. Martinez has done a fine job with limited resources at Wigan Athletic. He is eloquent, smart and tactically very astute and I certainly would not be surprised to see Tottenham Hotspur make a move for him if they have to replace Harry Redknapp in the near future.

This weekend's tips

It is FA cup semi-final weekend in England. I fancy Tottenham Hotspur to get the better of Chelsea in their contest and they are a fair price at 13/8 (2.63). 

The Blues have been ordinary at times this season and they may have their minds on more pressing matters, like the visit of Barcelona next week in the Champions League semi-final.

In Spain, Rayo Vallecano have caught the eye this season with some excellent performances. They can be backed at evens (2.0) on a 'draw-no-bet' basis with William Hill against city neighbours Atletico Madrid who are coming off a draining defeat to Los Blancos in the big Madrid derby.

JD's

Weekend

Tips

Selection One

Selection Two

Tottenham Hotspur at 13/8 (2.68) with William Hill

Rayo Vallecano (draw no bet) at  evens  (2.0) with William Hill

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