Goodison Thinks Blades Have The Edge

Another Briton taking time out from ruling the waves to have a charity wager is 32-year-old Paul Goodison, the reigning Olympic, World and European Laser sailing champion.

‘Goodie’ names previous Punter Ben Ainslie as the most influential person in his career, and like his fellow yachtsman can’t help but slap his twenty quid on his favourite footie side. Born in South Yorkshire, the avid Sheffield United fan has gone for a Blades derby victory against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday:

“I’m a lifelong Sheffield United fan and there’s no game we want to win more than the Steel City Derby. Wednesday will be desperate for victory – not just as it’s against us, but they are in the relegation zone and a win could get them out.

“To stand any chance of reaching the play-offs we need to win the rest of our games, so this derby is also even more important for us than usual.

“Hillsborough is a bit of a fortress, however form and history goes out of the window in this fixture. It will be fierce and competitive and I wouldn’t be surprised if there are a few red cards. My bet is that we’ll win 2-1. Come on the Blades!”

Paul Goodison’s charity choice is Mercy Ships
Imagine a ship crewed by doctors, nurses, water engineers and agriculturalists visiting some of the world’s poorest countries. Now imagine their life-changing services offered free of charge…

Right now dedicated volunteers from around the world are bringing hope and healing to thousands of people who could never have believed it possible. Welcome to Mercy Ships, a compassionate response to a world where many have lost hope.
www.mercyships.org.uk

Mr Betdaq:
Beijing gold medal winners haven’t proved too bad at the tipping game. Ben Ainslie was almost there with his, predicting a Chelsea win against Arsenal earlier in the season, but couldn’t quite get the score right, while Tim Brabants was bang on the money going for Cambridge to upset Oxford in the Boat Race.

Backing their own team to win hasn’t always proved the best policy for our Punters, although Paul expects Sheffield United to beat neighbours Wednesday. Despite their relative Championship positions – United are 10th and Wednesday 22nd, the Owls are favourites for the clash as the home side but are suffering a dismal season.

The Blades’ campaign could too end disappointingly with their play-off hopes now hanging by the loosest of threads. Three wins are the minimum requirement and even then finishing in the top-six is out of their hands such is the gap to the teams above.

Even if, as looks increasingly likely, Kevin Blackwell’s side remain in the Championship next term, this could be the last league game against Alan Irvine’s outfit for a while as they hover perilously close to the trap door.

Swerving defeat here is absolutely vital for the hosts if they are to avoid relegation. Neither team are in any sort of form, but as Paul says, that counts for little in the heated derby atmosphere. United have lost at Hillsborough on three of their previous four visits, including the past two and the Owls have performed better in front of their own fans. They also have far more to lose, so all things considered are right to be favourites and could just nick.

Expect a real ding-dong battle!

Latest odds on Betdaq:

Paul’s Celebrity Punt:
Sheff Wed 1-2 Sheff Utd    11/1

Sheff Wed v Sheff Utd match odds:
Wednesday             7/5
United                 9/4
Draw                9/4