Monte's Multiple / Jaymes Monte / 22 March 2010 /

Jaymes Monte is backing recent success to be the catalyst for both James Wade and Kings XI Punjab whilst Cardiff can go a long way to securing a play-off spot with victory over Sheffield United....

Bet 1: Cricket - IPL

At this relatively early stage of the Indian Premier League we have a real basement battle between Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab. Both got their first wins on the board in their most recent fixture and both will be hoping that victory was the catalyst for better things to come.

The Kings XI victory came courtesy of a dramatic Super Over which looked entirely out of the question as opponents Chennai Super Kings cruised toward their required total. It was a testament to their bowlers and the victory was entirely deserved on their performance alone.

If their misfiring batsmen can find a consistent level of form, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the final two thirds of the league stage. I'm a big believer in key incidents being turning points in a team's season and that Super Over victory could be just that for this Punjab side; at [1.8] I am siding with them to make it two in a row.

Selection: Back Kings XI Punjab to beat Rajasthan Royals @ [1.8]

Bet 2: Football - The Championship

This Wednesday sees a crucial Championship tie which could go a very long way to deciding the final make-up of the end of season play-of fixtures. Sixth place Cardiff entertain seventh place Sheffield United and a win for the home side would put eight points between the two with around 10 games to go.

Cardiff have bounced back from a run of form which saw them win just once in five games and they have now won their last two fixtures. Sheffield United are going in the opposite direction having won just once in their previous five games.

The worry in backing Cardiff here is that a draw would suit The Bluebirds, but playing for a draw is not a trait which Dave Jones has introduced at the Cardiff City Stadium and they tend to go for the jugular by playing to their attacking strengths. Odds of [2.0] may be a tad on the short side on the bare statistics that they are neighbours in the league table. However, they are teams going in opposite directions and I fancy all three points will be staying in Wales this week.

Selection: Back Cardiff to beat Sheff United @ [2.0]

Bet 3: Darts - Premier League

James Wade got his first win on the board last week and in doing so put his chances of retaining his Premier League title back on track. This week he is up against Terry Jenkins and really couldn't have hoped for a better opportunity to get back to back wins on the board.

Jenkins has been extremely disappointing in recent weeks and has now lost three games in a row and slumped to the bottom of the Premier League table. The battling qualities which he has become famous for over the years seem to have eluded him and he is a serious contender for this year's wooden spoon.

Wade won't need to play any better than he has done in the last six weeks and can probably get away with playing considerably worse. I also like how he reacted to Simon Whitlock's 170 checkout last week; many players would have been rocked by that but it seemed to spur on the world number two. At [1.8] Wade completes this week's multiple.

Selection: Back Wade to beat Jenkins @ [1.8]

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