Monte's Multiple / Jaymes Monte / 05 August 2009 / Leave a comment

Jaymes Monte believes Strauss can smell the Ashes, Boro fans have a right to feel bullish and Durham are riding the crest of a wave...

Back Middlesbrough to beat Sheffield United @ 2.2
Back England to beat Australia @ 4.1
Back Durham to beat Worcestershire @ 1.7
£10 Treble @ 15.2

I was talking to a friend earlier this week about Michael Schumacher's imminent return to the Formula 1 circuit. "Motor Racing is engrained in the man's DNA" he said to me. "DNA?" I replied, "Isn't that the National Dyslexic Association?"

Needless to say he keeled over in a fit of laughter and started rolling about the floor. Well at least that is what I think he was doing; actually come to think of it I haven't seen him since.

Don't get yourself in hysterics over this week's sporting events, take this treble to kick start your week....

Bet 1: Football - The Championship

For fans of the football league, the wait is almost over. A summer devoid of major international tournaments has sent the brains of football fans around the country into overload; contemplating possible signings and inflating their expectations for the forthcoming season.

Although there is still a month of the 'silly season' remaining and a number of transfers are still to be finalised, most clubs will aim to have the majority of their dealings done by their opening game of the season. If they have achieved this aim on Teesside then Middlesbrough fans can expect to be watching Premier League football again next year.

The loss of Stewart Downing was inevitable, and the departure of the troublesome Mido is more of a blessing than a hindrance. But without any other significant departures and the addition of Championship specialist Leroy Lita to a strike force which already boasts an array of international talent, Boro look more than capable of bouncing back at the first attempt.

Their opponents in Friday's curtain raiser are Sheffield United who lost their young defender Kyle Naughton to Tottenham this summer, but despite Ched Evans arriving on loan from Man City they haven't yet brought in enough players to convince me that they can challenge for an automatic spot.

Although they may not all still be there come transfer deadline day, the Riverside still boasts a plethora of Premier League talent and Gareth Southgate's men will have too much for Sheff Utd on Friday.

Selection: Back Middlesbrough to beat Sheffield United @ [2.2]

Bet 2: Cricket - The Ashes

Whisper it quietly but I believe Andrew Strauss can start warming his thumb and fore finger in preparation for lifting the little urn. England are now just one positive result away from regaining the Ashes against all early summer expectations.

Headingley is the venue for this week's fourth test where a victory for England would mean Ricky Ponting and his side would be heading back to Australia with their tails firmly between their legs. Even the most ardent of Aussie supporters would have to agree that since the sides departed from the Cardiff pitch three weeks ago Australia haven't been on top once in the series.

The Australian bowlers have yet to take 20 wickets in a test match despite coming perilously close in that Cardiff test match and none of the top order batsmen look to be on top of their game. Despite this, Australia are once again a significantly shorter price than England for the fourth test, with the draw installed as favourite.

The momentum is with England and although a lot will depend on the fitness of Andrew Flintoff, England have to be the value bet here in my opinion.

Selection: Back England to beat Australia @ [4.1]

Bet 3: Cricket - Pro40

It is a good time to be a part of Durham County Cricket Club. Their County Championship victory over Sussex earlier this week included a double century from Michael Di Venuto, a century from Will Smith and four wickets from Steve Harmison and cemented their position at the top of the Division One table.

It was also announced last week that their Riverside Ground would host an Ashes Test match for the first time in 2013. A remarkable achievement for a county that was only granted first-class status in 1991 and a ground that was only deemed fit for cricket in 1995.

Durham will now be looking to add another limited overs trophy to their 2007 Friends Provident Trophy success and the Pro40 provides them with an ideal opportunity to do so. Worcestershire make the trip up to Chester-le-Street on Thursday hoping to spoil the Durham members' jubilant mood. But there is a buzz around the Riverside Stadium at present and Ben Harmison, Dale Benkenstein, Will Smith and co. can continue their rich vein of form this week.

Selection: Back Durham to beat Worcestershire @ [1.7]

Tags: Andrew Strauss, Australia, Ched Evans, Cricket betting, Durham CCC, England, Jaymes Monte, Leroy Lita, Middlesbrough, Multiples Betting, Ricky Ponting, Sheffield United