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JD discusses the importance of shopping around for the best price when it comes to football betting and is backing a victory for Spurs against Arsenal on Sunday

It has been a thoroughly enjoyable week of football with cup football around Europe dominating proceedings. Real Madrid comprehensively defeated Barcelona 3-1 at Nou Camp to secure their place in the final of the Copa del Rey.

They will meet city rivals Atletico Madrid in what promises to be an explosive affair. Jose Mourinho's men are a short price of 1/4 (1.25) to win the cup with Atletico Madrid an attractive 7/2 (4.50) chance with Bet365. Diego Simeone's men certainly offer the value in that equation.  

In Germany, the highlight was the meeting of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-final of the German Cup and the Bavarians prevailed 1-0 to reach the semi-finals. They are best price of 4/11 (1.36) with Bet365 to lift the DFB-Pokal and it is very difficult to oppose them given their impressive form.

Importance of shopping around for best price

One of my main selections in midweek was a position on Bayern Munich to be leading at half-time and full-time against Borussia Dortmund at 2/1 (3.0). 

Sometimes firms have a significant difference in opinion on the chances of something happening, especially when you look away from the main match and goal markets, this was just such an occasion.

Some firms were as short as 13/10 (2.30) on this selection but a few minutes shopping around for a better price was well worth it as 2/1 (3.0) was offered elsewhere.

That means to a £10 stake you'd of been £7 better off at the second price, that kind of variation can make a huge difference to your bankroll over a season. Many punters take the first price offered to them and neglect putting in the extra effort to get the best value. It is am important part of betting and it pays in the short and long term.

Looking ahead to the weekend, England appears to have a number of good opportunities. Sunderland can gain an important win over Fulham at home on Saturday and they are priced at 11/8 (2.38) with Bet365 to do just that.

It is a very winnable fixture against poor travellers Fulham and three points here will eliminate any relegation fears for Martin O'Neill's team.

The north London derby takes place on Sunday and Tottenham Hotspur can continue their good form with a win over rivals Arsenal at White Hart Lane and they are 13/10 (2.30) with Bet365 to collect all three points which looks worthy of investment.

JD's

Weekend

Tips

Selection One

Selection Two

Sunderland to win at 11/8 (2.38) with bet365

Tottenham to win at 13/10 (2.30) with bet365

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