Football Bet of the Day: Mango Boys to mash their opponents

Backing Egypt's Ismaily is a better bet than joining a pyramid scheme

After a push last night, Kevin Hatchard has quickly reinvested his stake in a game from the Egyptian top flight...

Ismaily v El Daklyeh
Thursday January 08, 17:30

I always did like that Alvaro Negredo feller, even if it seems Manchester City aren't keen on him anymore. Negredo's currently on loan at Valencia, and his 86th-minute penalty gave Valencia a 2-1 win over Espanyol, a result that returned our stake to us. We hoped for more, but we'll take the money and run.

To Egypt! Yes, we're off to the land of pyramids, pharaohs, camels and various other stereotypes for a top-flight clash between Ismaily and El Daklyeh.

This selection is based on current form, as Ismaily have really hit their stride in the last few weeks, while El Daklyeh have struck a brick wall. The Mango Boys of Ismaily have risen to fifth in the standings as a result of winning five of their last seven matches. Heron Ricardo Ferreira's men have proved tough to beat all season, as they have suffered just one defeat in 16 league games, and they have let in just 13 goals in that period.

El Daklyeh - or The Army Team if you prefer - aren't faring so well of late. They have won just two of their last eight matches, and if we stretch back further we see they've only won three of their last 11 games. They have games in hand over many of their rivals and could shoot up the table, but recent results suggest they won't do that any time soon.

You could back Ismaily outright at 1.695/7, but I'm intrigued to see them trading at 2.285/4 if you back them -1.0 on the Asian Handicap. I think that's quite a big jump, and worth the added risk. If they win by one goal, the stake is returned, but a bigger victory secures a chunky payout. 

Recommended Bet
Back Ismaily -1.0 on the Asian Handicap at 2.285/4

2015 P/L (1 pt per bet)

Points Staked: 3

Points Returned: 2.81

P/L: -0.19 points

2014 P/L: -0.88 points