Sports betting preview & £200 free bets from Sporting Index

This season’s semi-final teams have an impressive 32 FA Cup Final victories between them. Despite the wealth of tradition of all the clubs involved at the Millennium Stadium this weekend, many punters are backing an Arsenal v Man Utd Final. With a record 16 Final appearances apiece, these two teams are vying for a place in the history books. But will they both make it?

If you fancy having a bet on either game, it’s worth checking out the range of spread betting markets on offer with Sporting Index, for an interesting alternative to your usual punting. They also offer a free £200 football bet to new clients (details below).

Arsenal v Blackburn
“It’s gone pretty much unnoticed, but the Gunners are in great form and therefore can only be favourites to win this one. They have won their last six matches in all competitions, and are unbeaten domestically since the beginning of February. They recently beat Blackburn 1-0 at Ewood Park without Bergkamp, Henry, Ljungberg, Pires and Campbell. With Henry back to his best, and a possible return for Campbell, Blackburn will struggle to contain a full-strength Arsenal team.

“Having said that, Blackburn are in good shape following an impressive draw at Old Trafford and a crucial victory against Southampton. They are playing with confidence, and the possible return of Savage after a six week lay off could be a timely boost. I’m expecting a scrappy, physical match which will suit Blackburn. However, Savage’s lack of fitness means Vieira should have no problem taking control of the midfield. Henry has scored seven goals in his last three games, so he’s the man to watch. If I was having a punt on this one, I’d back Arsenal to reach a record 17th Final.

Newcastle v Man Utd
“Newcastle have a huge match in Lisbon ahead of Sunday’s semi-final, and therefore can’t afford to rest any of their key players. Realistically, the UEFA Cup is the Magpies’ best chance of winning anything this season, particularly as Bowyer and Dyer will miss this FA cup tie through suspension. I would expect to see a few goals in this match and although Souness has tightened up Newcastle’s defence, United’s abundance of attacking talent will make them favourites to join Arsenal in the final.

“United’s last two performances against Blackburn and Norwich were uncharacteristically poor, and it has to be said that Fergie’s recent tactical changes haven’t worked. Saha clearly lacks sharpness after a long lay-off, and while Alan Smith is struggling for form, Rooney and van Nistelrooy should return. The key to success for United will be to ensure that the Dutchman gets decent support from a second front man. The FA Cup is United’s only chance of silverware this season, and with Roy Keane predictably irate after recent poor results I would back a fired-up United to return to the Millennium Stadium on 21st May.”

Scottish Grand National Spread Betting Preview
After all the excitement of last weekend’s Grand National, we turn our attention towards Saturday’s Scottish Grand National at Ayr. Spread betting bookies Sporting Index are running a number of markets on the big race, which should be of interest if you’re looking to recoup losses or increase your winnings from Aintree. If you’re new to spread betting, it’s well worth taking advantage of the £100 cash that Sporting Index offer to all new clients.

“Gold Cup runner-up Take The Stand heads the weights on 11-12, and his participation leaves many rivals racing from out of the handicap. That should make the task of finding the winner easier, but with many of these runners showing a regressive profile, it’s a tricky affair. Take The Stand will race off his new rating of 163, and could reach a place if he reproduces his Cheltenham form. However, it’s a big weight to carry and his fall at “The Chair” in the Grand National last week highlights his potential for jumping errors.

“Cornish Rebel is a useful novice, and is the mount of Ruby Walsh. A brother to the classy Best Mate, he finished an impressive third in the Sun Alliance Chase at Cheltenham. However, his suspect temperament and preference for soft ground may deny Walsh the full set of “National” victories that he craves.

“Longshanks favours fast ground so is in with a shout at Ayr. Placed in the Topham Trophy at Aintree in the past two seasons, this race would be some consolation to connections that were hoping to run in last weekend’s Grand National, but were sadly balloted out. He is in form, a particularly important factor towards the end of the season, but his questionable stamina may not see him home.

“Gingembre won this race in 2001 and he has been targeting another victory here since returning from a lengthy injury in February. He has shown little since his return, albeit under tender handling and on unsuitable going. With a feather weight and his preferred fast ground, he has a massive chance if returning to something like his best.

“If I was looking to pick the winner, I’d be tempted to side with whichever Martin Pipe horse Timmy Murphy chooses to ride. With the trainer’s championship still in the balance, you can be sure that Pipe will have plotted one up for this race. His best chance of a winner lies with Iris Blue or Comply Or Die. Iris Bleu was disappointing at Cheltenham when a favourite for the William Hill Chase, but is a useful tool and very “well-in” on some old form. Comply Or Die, while still a novice, jumps like an old hand and is a resolute galloper with all the right qualities. He had a good second at Cheltenham and represents the best novice form around.”

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JustBookies.com has spoken to Sporting Index's chief football & horse racing traders for the low-down on this week's FA Cup action and the Scottish National.