Weekend longshots: Man Utd get a scare, Adhamo in Paris, Aubergenius in the darts

Scott AllenScott Allen1 October 2021
Bruno Fernandes bow Manchester United Aug 2021

Bruno Fernandes bow Manchester United Aug 2021

Planet Sport's writers are back with their selection of longshots that might just upset the apple cart.

You might be looking in the wrong place for a value bet this weekend.
Our Planet Sport experts have got together and selected some intriguing tips that will give your wallets a much needed shot in the arm this weekend and probably have you dining out in style.
(All text odds correct at time of publication, the odds in the pretty blue boxes are bang up-to-date)

Juicy half-time full-time at Old Trafford

Scott Allen (Planet Sport editor)

Manchester United have been very ordinary in the last couple of weeks.

A lucky win against West Ham in the league, followed by a defeat by the travelling Irons' second string in the Carabao Cup, topped off with Aston Villa claiming all three points last weekend.

The last minute win over Villarreal in the Champions League this week, was probably more to do with David de Gea in great form between the sticks than anything else.

Everton will no doubt smell blood in their Saturday lunchtime encounter and come flying out the traps, and could easily grab an opener.

Manchester United will then wake up in the second half, after Ronaldo...er I mean Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shouts at them in the changing room, and they'll scramble a couple undeserved goals to put the game to bed.

Keep an eye on Tom Lewis in the Alfred Dunhill

Dave Tindall (Planet Sport golf writer)

Tom Lewis has some strong history in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and could be worth chancing at a three-figure price to get in the mix.

The Englishman was third back in 2013 and in the last two editions he's finished tied 10th (2018) and tied fifth (2019).
A blustery weather forecast could play into his hands and although his recent Korn Ferry Tour form is patchy (MC-MC-16), the man who once led the Open Championship as an amateur could be a different proposition back on the links of Scotland.

Adhamo the one to watch in Paris

Tom Reed (Planet Sport racing writer)

All eyes will rightfully be on Longchamp this weekend for the Prix De L'Arc de Triomphe meeting and there is value in several runners owned by Wertheimer & Frere.

Regulars to ParisLongchamp will know that few Arc meetings go by without the sky blue and white silks of the Chanel owners winning a race or two.
Kertez (12.23), and Ecrivain (1.33) both stand reasonable chances of outrunning their generous odds but we'll side with Adhamo in the 4.00 on Saturday for Freddie Head at monster odds.

Out of Intel who was not put off by give in the ground, Adhamo won a Group 3 at ParisLongchamp on April on very soft ground over a near identical trip.

Don't be surprised if the all-too-regular announcement of a Freddie 'Ed' winner rings out of the ParisLongchamp tannoys for this well regarded colt in an open race.

Dirk van Duijvenbode to storm the World Grand Prix

Paul Okey (Planet Sport writer)

Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode is a player who blows hot and cold and the Aubergenius is certainly experiencing a cold spell at the moment, having won just two of his last 13 matches.
However, the World No. 21, who enjoyed a remarkable rise up the rankings in 2020, is much more capable than his form suggests and can enjoy a good run at a decent price at the World Grand Prix which begins in Leicester on Sunday.
The lowest-ranked player last year, Van Duijvenbode lost out to Gerwyn Price in the final as the unique double-to-start format produced shocks galore.
And, with a winnable tie against Luke Humphries first up, the 29-year-old aubergine farmer will be confident of defying the odds once again.

Leeds to triumph in early six-pointer

Joe Hewlett (Planet Sport writer)

Watford have a strong record against Leeds United and are unbeaten in their last five meetings in all competitions.

When it comes to league games, it tends to be an entertaining fixture with 19 goals coming from their last four matches. Watford have had a decent start, while Leeds are sitting in the relegation zone without a victory in six.

With the game being held at Elland Road, expect Leeds to come out fighting and based on previous encounters, expect goals.

NRL Grand Final to go the distance and beyond

Seb Sternik (Planet Sport writer)

This weekend's big event Down Under sees Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs go head-to-head in the NRL Grand Final.

Most of their encounters tend to be closely contested and this latest one could follow that trend.

Penrith don't tend to concede a lot of points, while the Rabbitohs can't seem to stop scoring. This battle of defence against attack is likely to produce a closely fought battle - something that makes betting on this Grand Final a difficult task.

However, one bet that sticks out is the 20/1 offer on the match to go to Golden Point. We haven't seen a Grand Final go to Golden Point in six years but considering the strengths of both teams, it is an outcome that cannot be ruled out.

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