Cross-Sport Multiple: Back Everton to deny Di Canio

20Apr 2013

Betfair

Andrew Hughes thinks Everton can halt Sunderland's Italian-inspired revival and help land a Saturday cross-sport multiple in the process.

Bet 1: Back Everton to beat Sunderland at 2.25

The goalless draw at the Emirates last weekend was full of spirit, though it didn't help Everton's chances of sneaking that last Champions League spot. But even a top five finish would represent an excellent achievement and David Moyes will be demanding nothing less than maximum effort from his side from now to the end of the season.

On the face of it, Paulo Di Canio has made an excellent start as Sunderland manager. The narrow defeat at Chelsea was creditable, and as morale boosters for relegation-threatened sides go, not much could have topped the 3-0 victory at St James Park.

But no amount of touchline exhortation or work-rate can make up for the deficiencies in this Sunderland team. With the onus on them as the home side to take the game to their opponents, they may come unstuck against significantly better opponents who were a match for Arsenal a few days ago. The Black Cats haven't beaten Everton in 19 attempts and the visitors should leave with three points on Saturday.

Bet 2: Back Bangalore to beat Rajasthan at 1.57

They were the first winners of the IPL, and over the years, the Rajasthan Royals have regularly punched above their weight, spending less than the other franchises, but making up for their lack of star names with wise purchases, and a strong team spirit.

This year they are once again putting some of the higher profile teams to shame, but three of their four wins have come at home, where they are adept at restricting opponents on the slow Jaipur wickets. On the road, they are more vulnerable.

The Royal Challengers have been leaving it late this year, with four of their six games going to the last over. But on their own patch, they are hard to beat, and Rajasthan's bowlers could be put to the sword on the batting-friendly M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers are capable of racking up scores of 180 or more. Back the home side to prevail.

Bet 3: Back St Helens to beat Hull KR at 1.55

Hull KR haven't beaten St Helens in the Challenge Cup since 1985 but they are just one point and two places behind Saints in the Super League and will fancy their chances of overcoming a team they defeated 22-14 earlier this month.

Rovers recent form compares well with their visitors, who have hit a bad patch, with three defeats in their last four games. The home side will also be boosted by the return of stand-off Travis Burns, who has completed a three match ban.

But St Helens have a good record against Saturday's opponents. They've only lost one of the last five encounters in all competitions against Hull KR, and that defeat at Craven Park will give them a good marker. Several of the Saints players were under par on that day and this is an opportunity to erase those unpleasant memories in a game where Super League points are not at stake. Back Saints to make the fifth round.

Total Odds for this multiple: 5.47 Remember, multiple prices are based on our Sportsbook product, so any winnings are exempt from commission.