The Joker's Bet Of The Day: Monday June 1

The Joker's bet of the day / The Joker / 01 June 2009 / Leave a Comment

A tip from the Joker to get your betting day under way....

It's not quite an Axis of Evil derby - China do not operate at the exalted level of their opponents - but the People's Republic's match with Iran this afternoon will have Christian God-supporting footy fans looking nervously on from their armchairs. Friendlies with Iran are one thing, but if China really want to join their visitors, Iraq and North Korea in the highest echelon of hate figures, they should think about not hosting any more Olympics.

Recent news suggests testing atomic bombs can also get you noticed. But, much like Arsenal and their far-from-explosive performances in recent seasons, nuclear testing has always struck the Joker as a classic case of style over substance: it's all very well looking good on the training ground, but how many nuclear testers have produced the goods when it's really mattered? Remember Pakistan flattering deceive in the mid-1990s?

Ten of Iran's last 11 friendlies have produced Under 2.5 Goals, just like four of their five qualifiers for South Africa 2010. In the last 12 months, all three of China's home friendlies have been just as tight. Presumably there aren't too many neutrals when countries like these two are involved, but those that remain probably shouldn't bother watching this one. Bettors, however, should get involved with Under 2.5 Goals at [1.78].

Recommendation: Back Under 2.5 Goals at [1.78] in China v Iran