The big match for many this week is on Tuesday night when Manchester City (13/10) and Manchester United (9/5) do battle in the Carling Cup semi-final (first leg) on BBC1.
Fergie's men will need to improve upon their last cup appearance which was an embarrassing FA Cup home defeat to Leeds a fortnight ago, but their recent away record against City is patchy. The blue side of Manchester have won four of the last seven home derbies since 2002, and have recently converted draws into victories under Roberto Mancini.
Carlos Tevez missed the net when I tipped him to score at Everton on Sunday but he can make amends against his former club. Take the 7/5 on offer with Sportingbet for him to score during 90 minutes – something he has done in seven of his last 10 matches.
The second semi-final concludes on Wednesday when Aston Villa (11/20) protect a one goal lead from the first leg at Blackburn (9/2) last Thursday.
I tipped Villa to win that night and it would be obvious to follow them in again to complete the job, but Blackburn may come out with a 'nothing to lose attitude' which can often be effective.
Sam Allardyce's men finally ended a losing run against Fulham at the weekend and could be value here to snatch a draw at 13/5.
Wednesday also sees Liverpool (13/10) take on Tottenham (9/5) at Anfield in the Premier League, while Arsenal (2/11) and Bolton (12/1) quickly renew rivalries following Sunday – three days must surely be a record for two teams to play each other again in the Premier League!
The bet that stands out, though, is Arsenal to lead 2-0 at half-time at 9/2, with a stakes saver on 1-0 (2/1) at the same point in the match.
The FA Cup takes centre stage this weekend when a host of betting opportunities emerge, none more so than at White Hart Lane on Saturday teatime when Leeds (10/1) have the chance to take another Premiership scalp against Tottenham (1/5).
Leeds impressed in knocking out Manchester United in the last round before a blip at the weekend when crashing at lowly Exeter – they possibly had an eye on this tie. Tottenham also suffered a blip when failing to beat Hull at home and may line-up even less confident if losing at Liverpool on Wednesday.
It's tempting to tip Leeds here at a whopping 10/1, but a safer option is for their main man, Jermaine Beckord, to score at anytime during the tie – check Sportingbet's odds later in the week.
Earlier on Saturday is Preston (8/1) versus Chelsea (2/7) in a match that should go to form, especially as North End were soundly beaten at Bristol City on Saturday under new manager, Darren Ferguson. Therefore it may be worth waiting 24 hours when Stoke (10/3) take on Arsenal (7/10) and Scunthorpe (13/2) face Manchester City (7/20).
The latter pair already met this season in the League Cup when City emerged 5-1 winners, and it would be easy to assume a repeat. However, Scunthorpe have recorded some solid efforts at Glanford Park this term, including victories over Newcastle and Sheffield United. City should eventually make it to the next round, but this may be tighter than many think and split stakes on City to win 2-1 (15/2) and 1-1 (8/1) could pay dividends.
While some shocks lurk on the horizon in the FA Cup, there have already been a few in the first Grand Slam of the tennis season with Robin Soderling (eighth seed), getting knocked out of the Australian Open, along with Radek Stepanek (13) and Juan Carlos Ferrero (23).
Andy Murray did manage to get through his first round, however, and Sportingbet are offering refunded stakes on their outright winner market if the Scot prevails. Patriotic punters can't lose! With that in mind, my tip for outright glory is Novak Djokovic, who won this event in 2008 and has a nice draw away from the big guns.
The Serbian had an excellent 2009 when he won several ATP tournaments in the latter half of the year and also defeated Roger Federer three times in five matches, so he should have no need to fear him if they clash in the semi-final. Djokovic has already progressed to the second round after a solid start, and represents a good wager at 7/1 with Sportingbet.
Sportingbet will also be on the case throughout the fortnight with their in:play betting – handy if you know who the big servers are!
My tip of the week two weeks ago was Ronnie O'Sullivan to win snooker's Masters at 3/1 and he went agonisingly close in losing the final 10-9 on Sunday night, in the process highlighting the fine line between winning and losing. 'The Rocket' will be back for the Welsh Open on Monday 25 January, as will his Masters conqueror, Mark Selby, but I've got a Welsh hope to beat the pair at big odds so tune in next week when I reveal all.
Week's best sportingbet: Split stakes on Manchester City to win 2-1 against Scunthorpe (15/2) and a draw at 1-1 (8/1) in the FA Cup on Sunday.
