The old cliche about players winding-down for their summer breaks shouldn’t apply in these days of mega-wages.
But it still seems to work at some psychological level and you can understand why.
Back in the pre-internet dark days I used to work on a weekly magazine which went to press on a Tuesday night.
The start of the week was hectic but once it was “job done” on a Tuesday then that night and the next day was usually a fairly “relaxing” time.
Now I doubt professional footballers are indulging in a similar weeknight Super Bock frenzy once the hard graft is out of the way.
But the incentive just isn’t there to put in that extra 10% compared to rivals fighting for their lives.
Obviously bookies aren’t daft and price these factors in to end-of-the-season games.
But there’s still a bit of value around and I can see Arsenal doing a number on a doomed QPR at Loftus Road.
Harry Redknapp’s hoped for Houdini act failed to materialise and the Hoops look a rabble who can’t wait for the season to end.
Arsenal need the points to guarantee a Champions League place and I can see Arsene Wenger having them fired-up to finish the job early.
On that basis the even money from Paddy Power about the Gunners winning at half time and full time looks like buying money.
For a slightly bigger-odds bet I’m dipping into the Championship where a home treble of Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday and Derby pays 17/2 and should give us a decent run.
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Running Total for all 2013 bets to a £10 stake: £-55.00