Cross-Sport Multiple: Back the draw in Brasilia

Big Phil's team have one more chance to stink the tournament out

Andrew Hughes thinks Brazil and the Netherlands will play out a normal time draw on Saturday and help land another cross-sport multiple.   

Bet 1: Back Brazil to draw with the Netherlands at 3.814/5

It's the game that nobody wants to play in and this year that description of the World Cup third place play off is more apt than usual, particularly for the host nation. 

The assumption in some quarters is that Brazil will be desperate to salvage some pride, more desperate than the Netherlands, and that will give them the motivation to win the consolation prize. But neither motivation nor desperation has been missing this tournament for Phil Scolari's men and it hasn't helped. 

There is no reason to assume that Brazil will suddenly become a good side, particularly without their sole world class attacking talent. The Netherlands may not play their key men Robin van Persie or Arjen Robben, but they shouldn't have too much trouble keeping the likes of Hulk or Fred at bay. The draw is the sensible play.

Bet 2: Back Essex to beat Kent at 1.444/9

Ken won three of their first four Natwest T20 Blast games to suggest that they might buck their recent poor record in this competition. But normal service was quickly resumed and Kent fans have had to watch five successive defeats as their side have slid inexorably down the table.

Essex have barely put a foot wrong. A heavy defeat to Hampshire has been the only blemish on their record and eight wins out of nine games has given them a healthy position at the top of the South Division. Big name signing Jesse Ryder has failed, but Ravi Bopara, Ryan ten Doeschate, Mark Pettini and James Foster have all been amongst the runs. Doug Bollinger has been doing his best to keep Kent competitive but he hasn't had much support and I can't see them halting the Essex juggernaut. 

Bet 3: Back Salford to beat Hull FC at 1.444/9

The last time these teams met, in the Challenge Cup back in April, a Rangi Chase drop goal helped Salford steal a golden-point victory, and I think the Reds can prevail again in Saturday's Super League clash. 

Salford have had a difficult season so far, but there have been signs of improvement in recent weeks. Two wins out of four, including a victory over top six side Huddersfield is not a bad return. By contrast, Hull have been struggling for a while, their only wins in their last ten games coming against lowly London Broncos and the declining Widnes Vikings. Back Salford to bag the points. 

Total Odds for this multiple: 7.88n/a Remember, multiple prices are based on our Sportsbook product, so any winnings are exempt from commission.

2014 Cross Sport Multiple P/L

Staked: 54 pts
Returned: 65.03 pts
P/L: + 11.03 pts