Wednesday night football can be a graveyard for football Lay bets on the favourite. However, the match between Spurs and Middlesbrough looks like it might be a very close match and with Spurs Lay at 1.9 it's just to tempting.

I intend to use the same system as last night. Hold the Lay until halftime if it stays at 0-0 and then trade out with a Back bet on Spurs or if Middlebrough score first, I'll close the bet immediately for a green probably favouring the draw. Of course, if Spurs score or go 2-0 up... then my bet goes tits-up. Liability is low and profits will probably be modest.

That's my plan and here's my initial screen:

The rest of the matches look to close to call with the exception of Newcastle and Man United. I think I'll wait until they go in-play before making any further bets.

Sunderland (Wonderland) visit Liverpool tonight in what should be a very hard-to-win match. However, Liverpool's home record is good and they've got pride at stake after last weekends disaster, which has virtually finished the title chase. Sunderland are mid-table and will welcome a point and be delight to swipe all three into the bag.

I'm going down the tried and tested route. Lay the odds on for minimum liability, trade out for minimum profits if the score is 0-0 after 35/45 minutes or sooner if Sunderland score first.

The match is live on Sky, so I can track progress in real time.

That's the plan and here's my initial screen:

Other Matches Tonight and Updates

While slumbering through the 4th Test on Sky, I casually flipped through the channels and found Atl Madrid v Barcelona were playing and the score was 1-2 with Barca odds on.

Lay Barca - Mad Jack Strikes AGAIN

This time it worked, as Atl Madrid scored early in the second half and I went green.

At first glance most people would agree that a Lay bet on Man United in the Carling Cup final today is an insane idea and waste of money. However, Fergusen has stated he will continue to use his second string as the starting line up keeping Ronaldo and Rooney in reserve.

It was only a few weeks ago that the same line up crashed 1-0 at Derby.

Spurs are a much better team and will be far harder opposition than Derby and Harry Rednapp will provide all the motivation needed to ensure the Spurs team are "up for it".

So, here's the thing. I don't expect Man United to lose, but I DO expect they will have a tough battle to the finish line.

Enough is Enough... my patience has been severley tested by the slow progress in the 4th Test in Barbados.

Therefore, I looked around for some bargains in tonight's Spanish football.

Ath Bilbao v Sevilla

I can actually watch THIS game live and adjust my bet by trading at any stage.

This is my opening screen:

Currently 20 minutes have been played and the score is 0-0 fingers crossed.

Day 1

Every Journey Begins With The First Step!

The first lesson I learnt from the three previous Test Matchs is to not place any bets until these four things are known:

1. Who won the Toss
2. The team line-up
3. State of the pitch
4. Six day weather forecast

The weather forecast is set to be sunny during the day and light rain during the night for all six days. So, that's not a factor to consider.

Local reports state the pitch actually has grass on it rather than baked earth. This is predicted to produce some bounce and favour fast bowlers. Over the six days there's bound to be some break up in the surface conditions. This might be an ongoing factor.

The last seven Tests at a ground affectionately referred to as the Mecca of West Indies cricket have all produced results.

West Indies have lost five of them though, they might end that spell and win the series.

The England team are desperate to win and have the ability if they play with aggression and a real desire to win.

I think a drawn Test to be most likely (said before the Toss).

The Toss will take place in about an hours time and I'll wait until then before deciding which way to "swing".

Once again, I Lay Chelsea at odds-on before kickoff and get a swift kick in the pants when they score early on.

Here's my opening screen:

Juventus played like a schoolboy team in the first half. Although they did have one good chance to score.

I've got a feeling things might turn around and they end up drawing... halftime now and time will tell. An early Juventus goal and my trade can be made. Back bet for Chelsea at halftime is 1.4 which gives me little option other than hold and see if my luck's in (smile) yet again!

It just had to happen.

Yet another 0-0 kills my profits and I need a very large drink.

Fortunately, a quick trip to Spain sorts the problem to some extent.

New-fl***ing-castle v Ever-flecking-ton two old ladies best left in the Tap Room.

One game to go and money IS in play.

My hands are UP.

This is probably one of the worst bets in history.

Laying Barca???

Madness. But you never know. I Layed Man United and got a green screen. Maybe I should push my luck?

Liability is low and I'm covered from earlier bets.

Besides, Espanyol have returned some decent profits in the past... this one might be interesting.

If Espanyol score first... my cup will be full.

Time will tell.

What a rubbish start. Lay bet on Chelsea goes tits-up due to poor finishing by Villa. Fortunately, my liability was low.

I just don't have much luck with London clubs. So, I nipped over the channel and picked up this fine trade in Germany:

Sure, it's a small trade but I've recovered the Chelsea Lay bet and can try the Gunners (again) with a Lay against and hope for a slow start.

Fact is, the Emirates has been a graveyard for my bets and I'm not that confident that Sunderland can turn things in my favour.

Here's my screen:

I might just dump this trade as Arsenal seem to be well on the way to a big win.