What Happens Next - betting reflection and predictions

Football

I am sure there will be a little bit of time for the grieving process to work through Southampton’s system after their defeat in the EFL Cup final but I think they should emerge on the other side as a stronger outfit from what was a very worthwhile exercise at Wembley.

There was no celebration, no silverware but they came very close to knocking over Manchester United, a situation Jose Mourinho was happy to address in his post-game interview when he admitted the Saints were the better side and would probably have outlasted his team if the game had gone to extra-time. 

The post-mortem will be painful for Claude Puyel and I for one felt this could be a tough season for them with key players departing in the summer and the Frenchman unproven at the helm of a Premier League outfit. There have been a few wobbly spells along the way but Puyel proved on a very national stage he can get it right tactically against a top outfit with an array of young, exciting talent.

Goals have been a problem since Charlie Austin went down but Manolo Gabiadiani’s arrival fills the void by the looks of it judged on a hugely promising start in England while a back-up central defensive combination of Jack Stephens and Maya Yoshida should be all the better for the experience while star man Virgil van Dijk gets healthy.  

Mentally, it was clear Southampton were hoping to hang on for the extra 30 minutes while a more experienced United pushed for that late winner as they were fully aware – as Mourinho hinted – their recent busier spell could well catch up with them if the game were to go beyond the 90.

It was one that got away and a tricky enough trip to Watford is up next. Even if the immediate reaction is not totally positive from the visitors in terms of a result, I am more than optimistic that they will enjoy a sound end to the campaign and can claim a creditable place in the top 10.  (David John)

Racing

Peter The Mayo Man may have won three races already this season but could be an ideal type for the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

A second-season novice having finished fourth in his two outings over timber last term, the former Sabrina Harty representative clearly did well over the summer at Neil Mulholland’s yard and swiftly made hay while the sun shone with back-to-back victories in September.

He completed the hat-trick from a mark of 130 on his handicap debut at Newbury in November, where he looked a mile ahead of the assessor, and his two efforts since have been highly creditable despite ending in defeat.

He’s finished behind Nicky Henderson novices on both occasions, firstly when second to Lough Derg Spirit at Musselburgh and then third behind River Wylde and Elgin in Saturday’s Dovecote at Kempton.

That speedy duo were clearly more suited to the track at the weekend, but Peter The May Man boxed on really well, suggesting he’d be even more effective when stepped up in distance on a testing course.

The 145-rated Capitaine was back in fourth so he could be in line for a small rise in the ratings, but it’s unlikely Mulholland’s charge will be nudged above the 145 ceiling of the Martin Pipe and, granted some decent ground on the Friday of the Festival, Peter The Mayo man could make current odds of 25/1 look extremely generous. (Matt Brocklebank)

Rugby Union

Scotland ended a decade of hurt against Wales on Saturday and will now fancy their chances of upsetting England in the Six Nations.

Vern Cotter’s side trailed 13-9 at half-time against Wales before rallying in the second-half to claim a sensational 29-13 victory to keep their own title hopes alive. 

The Scots head to Twickenham in two weeks’ time with their tails up and realistic chance of a first win in 17 attempts at Headquarters.

Unbeaten England, who lead the table by three points, produced their worst half under Eddie Jones' reign before finally seeing off Italy 36-15 on Sunday and unless they up their game considerably, could come unstuck against the Scots.

The 4/1 about a Scotland win may be worth a small investment, while the handicap line of 11 points also looks extremely generous.

Scotland, 25/1 to win the Six Nations before the start of this year’s Championship, have been backed into best price 11/1 (Boylesports) and while England (4/9) and Ireland (5/2) are strong favourites the Scots are well worth considering at 4/1 (Net Bet and 10Bet) to claim a first Triple Crown since 1990 against England. (Steve Bramley)