BOBBY’S BEST WEEKEND BETTING EVENTS – 12TH-13TH JANUARY

Soccer – Portuguese Liga NOS – Sporting CP vs FC Porto

I always keep my eye on the Portuguese top flight and this game immediately caught my eye. It’s set to be a cracker and it’s kicking off early on Saturday afternoon. These two sides are battling at the top of the table and that’s why it’s the first of my big betting events for this weekend.

This game is absolutely vital for Sporting CP who slipped up on Monday night, losing 2-1 against 10-man Tondela. With FC Porto easing past Nacional, the gap opened up to eight points and the hosts cannot afford to fall any further behind here.

Marcel Kaizer’s men may be struggling on the road but they have a perfect record in front of their own fans winning eight of eight and that’s why this match-up is so intriguing. Despite their supremacy on their own patch, they have only kept three clean sheets and that’s a real concern. It’s a record that definitely has me eyeing up the goals markets in this tie.

FC Porto have won six of seven on the road and this is a real test of their credentials. They sit top of the table and with Braga breathing down their neck, they cannot afford any slip-ups.

This game will be intense, fascinating and high quality. I can’t wait to place my bets on this game and see which of these high-flyers comes out on top. It is the first of my big betting events and even though it’s a busy time of the day, this game will definitely be commanding my full attention.

UK viewers can enjoy all of the action from the Portuguese top flight on Freesports UK.

American Football – NFL Play-Offs – Philadelphia Eagles vs New Orleans Saints

It’s NFL Play-Off time! One of my favourite times of the year. Some people love Christmas, I prefer January. This is a fascinating divisional round match-up between the Eagles and the Saints and it is the second of my big betting events for this weekend.

It hasn’t been the greatest campaign for the Eagles but their victory over the Bears allows them the chance to get revenge on the Saints here. Drew Brees was on top form when these two sides met back in November with the quarter-back dishing out a real battering. The Philadelphia side will be desperate to avenge that defeat and they certainly appear to have put that behind them for now.

That was on week 11 and it feels like a long time ago for the players and fans but Doug Pederson admits that his side will probably watch footage of their mauling as they prepare for this contest.

There’s so much at stake here and that’s why I can’t wait to get stuck into the betting markets available on this play-off match-up.

Nick Foles will be key to their chances of success with the veteran hitting top gear in recent weeks and it’s good to see him back to his best. The Eagles are getting the ball out much faster at the moment and that should lead to an entertaining and more evenly-balanced contest. Foles has that big game mentality and he’s only ever lost one play-off game…that came against the Saints.

There are so many possible narratives here and it will be a fascinating match-up. I can’t think of a better way to spend my Sunday night.

UK viewers can follow all of the NFL Play-Off action on Sky Sports Action this weekend

Soccer – Premier League – Spurs vs Manchester United

A few weeks ago this game would have been a very one-sided affair in which the home side came out on top. Fast forward a fortnight and Manchester United are much-improved under former striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

True, they haven’t faced a proper test yet and even Jose Mourinho probably could have guided his disenfranchised side to victories over Bournemouth, Newcastle and Cardiff but there is a free-ness about the way they are currently playing.

The Norwegian has clearly released the shackles and is allowing his players to go and express themselves. It’ll be interesting to see how they cope with the challenge of Spurs.

The North London club hit seven past Tranmere on Friday night in the FA Cup and are looking imperious going forward. They rested Harry Kane for the majority of that tie so he’ll be raring to for this one. Pochettino’s men come off the back of an EFL Cup with Chelsea but the Argentine could opt to rotate his squad with this game in mind.

This game is the third of my big betting events because it is a fascinating match-up and both sides are currently playing some superb attacking football. I can’t wait to see how this one plays out at Wembley. The wide pitch should encourage some decent football and this game is a real treat for soccer fans.

We talked about the possibility of revenge in the NFL and Manchester United will also be looking to get their own back on Spurs after their 3-0 drubbing earlier in the season.

This game will be live on Sky Sports on Sunday afternoon in the UK

Boxing – Devin Haney vs Xolisani Ndogeni

There’s been a lot of talk recently about Devin Haney and he’s a boxer to keep an eye on. Luckily, he’s starting 2019 with an interesting bout against Xolisani Ndogeni and I can’t wait to see how he fares. It is the last of big betting events as it should be a really interesting match-up and it’ll be interesting to see whether Haney’s reputation as ‘one to watch’ is justified.

He is facing Xolisani Ndogeni, who is also unbeaten but it looks like one of the two fighters will see their perfect records come to a juddering halt on Saturday night in Louisiana.

Haney is certainly not short of confidence and he’s spoken about his training camp this week and promised fans that he’ll be at his best when he steps into the ring this weekend.

Ndogeni is one of Africa’s hottest prospects and will certainly provide stiff competition. He’s gone 12 rounds on numerous occasions and won’t be afraid to take this fight to the distance. It should be a fascinating match-up. Strap yourself in, it could be a closely matched contest which could last the distance. I can’t wait. I love Saturday night boxing and I love having an in-play bet along the way.

This is one not to be missed!

UK viewers can enjoy all of the action from the ring on Box Nation this weekend.