Odds Alpha #18 - the Champions League Final is here
It's been a fascinating week in the world of crypto. We'll dive into the latest talking points, whilst highlighting some of the best bets to be had this week on housebets.io, with the French Open and Champions League coming to a close this weekend.
A momentous week in the world of cryptocurrencies
As Louis Vuitton announced a move into physical-backed NFTs, the SEC has stated that a number of crypto's top firms have been selling unlicensed securities, including two of its biggest names, Binance and Coinbase.
Led by Chair Gary Gensler, the SEC has levied 13 securities violation accusations against Binance. These included stating that the exchange had failed to meaningfully separate its global and U.S-based operations, whilst they had also put customer funds at risk and engaged in a “calculated effort to evade the law.”
These claims are serious and have launched a back and forth between government officials and leaders of top crypto companies. As a result, markets have been reasonably volatile, with both ETH and BTC down 3% the last 5 days. However, this volatility is nowhere near as extreme as in previous years. A sign of more stable times to come...?
Betting Tips
Man City’s time has finally come
The biggest event in the world of sport this week is undoubtedly the Champions League Final, where Manchester City bid to fulfil a history making treble, with the Premier League wrapped up mid-May and the FA Cup snatched with a Gundogan double last Saturday afternoon at Wembley.
Their opponents on Saturday, Inter Milan, finished only 3rd in Serie A this year behind Napoli and Lazio. However, to their credit they did win the Copa Italia against Fiorentina recently, a Lautaro Martinez double securing the win.
In terms of betting, now that City have had the experience playing in a Champions League final, I think they have the ability to be more expansive this time and learn from their mistakes. They will be desperate to win. Although there will undoubtedly be nerves, they are a better side than the team that took on Chelsea in the 2021 final. The value bet here for me is Manchester City -1.5 @ 2.26. The way they took Real Madrid to pieces was impressive. They can do it again.
The Tip: Manchester City -1.5 @ 2.26
The Details: 10th June 2023 @ 8pm UK time
Bet here: link
West Ham have a chance at glory in a European Final
Today, however, we are also graced with another European Cup Final as Fiorentina and West Ham meet in Prague for the UEFA Europa Conference League Final. The Hammers have not won a major European trophy since their victory in the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965 at Wembley, however, nor have Fiorentina since 2001.
Although both sides have a lack of experience in getting the job over the line in these big games, Fiorentina went close in the Copa Italia Final against Inter Milan, who compete in the Champions League Final on Saturday. They have followed that Final defeat with a victory against each of Roma and Sassuolo, so come here in good form.
This can be a fierce final with two teams desperate for European silverware.
The Tip: Fiorentina to WIN @ 2.79
Details: 8pm UK on 7th June 2023
Bet here: link
A great chance for a bet in the Vitality T20 Blast this week
As the IPL has now come to a conclusion, the focus of short form cricket has moved to the UK with the Vitality T20 Blast, which is well under way now.
Two teams who have had a weak start to the tournament are Sussex and Middlesex, who sit at the foot of the Southern League. However, Middlesex came close in their last game to beating Hampshire, who themselves had been in good form of late as well. Middlesex will be buoyed on by a vibrant Lord’s Thursday evening crowd. Having started their campaign with 7 losses from 7 games, they will be desperate to put on a show. They can win this.
The tip: Middlesex to win vs. Sussex @ 2.01
Details: 8th June 2023
Bet here: link
French Open Tennis Tip - Alcaraz meets Djokovic in landmark semi-final
The clash we’ve all been waiting for. One of the greatest tennis players of all time against potentially the sport’s next great, Carlos Alcaraz. It is going to be a mouthwatering clash, with both players arriving in solid form. They have met once before in the semi final at the Madrid Open last year - Alcaraz won 2-1. I see this game going the distance and once again in the Spaniard’s favour.
The Tip: Carlos Alcaraz & Over 38.5 Games @ 3.05
Details: 9th June 2023
Bet here: link
Good luck wherever you are betting this week!!