Sports betting: Ireland are the Five Nations value at 40-1

NEVER FALL into the trap of trying to back the winner. That is the value-seeking punter's mantra. And, while favourite backers may feel that, in tipping Ireland at 40-1 with the Tote for the Five Nations' Championship, said hazard is being circumnavigated with certifiable ease, an upset is possible. England and France both have to travel to Ireland, Wales are doubly handicapped by a lack of pace and no home games and Scotland have two hopes (Bob Hope and no hope).

Tottenham v Wimbledon: Will it ever end? Tomorrow's FA Cup fourth round replay must produce a result but, given the stalemates between the pair in recent weeks, a draw is the bet over 90 minutes. Chelsea may make the most of their second chance against Oxford on Wednesday, while Manchester United can beat Derby in their premiership game.

FIVE NATIONS

C H L T

England 4-5 evens 5-6 8-11

France 6-4 6-5 5-4 5-4

Wales 10-1 9-1 12-1 12-1

Ireland 18-1 20-1 25-1 40-1

Scotland 100-1 50-1 66-1 80-1

FOOTBALL

C H L S T

Tottenham 10-11 5-6 4-5 10-11 10-11

draw 11-5 9-4 2-1 11-5 2-1

Wimbledon 13-5 11-4 7-2 13-5 3-1

Chelsea 1-5 1-5 1-5 2-9 1-5

draw 4-1 4-1 4-1 4-1 9-2

Oxford Utd 11-1 11-1 12-1 10-1 10-1

Man Utd 4-9 4-9 2-5 4-9 4-9

draw 5-2 5-2 3-1 11-4 13-5

Derby 13-2 13-2 6-1 6-1 6-1

C Coral, H William Hill, L Ladbrokes, S Stanley T Tote