England Could Be Good Value For The 2025 6 Nations

With the Autumn Internationals set to come to a conclusion, after some very exciting rugby which pits the best of the southern hemisphere against the best from the north, this has provided some great insight of what we can expect for next year’s edition of the 6 Nations.

As more or less, realistically expected teams from the southern hemisphere have come out on top, showcasing the gulf in quality with the likes of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa – winners of the last two World Cups all demonstrating just how far ahead they are.

Indeed, no home nation has recorded a win over these three teams, though England have come the closest having participated in some very entertaining games with particularly close margins.

Because of this, it suggests that the 6 Nations next year could make for some interesting viewing and betting possibilities.

Are England Worth A Punt At 7/2?

Defending champions Ireland, are inevitably the favourites, with most bookmakers offering evens on them to win the 2025 instalment, however, a lot will depend on how much they can handle the pressure and whether they sustain any key injuries between now and then.

Based on recent performances, especially against the top three southern hemisphere teams in the Autumn Internationals, suggest that England could make for a very smart bet after some resilient displays, with most bookmakers currently offering odds in the 7/2 territory.

A lot will depend on whether they can carry their momentum forward and key players such as Henry Arundell will certainly be a player to watch. His game-changing pace and try-scoring ability and two huge assets, while Ben Earl with his support play and Freddie Steward who is excellent up against high balls and launching counter-attacks provide England with very credible threats.

Meanwhile, Scotland, especially at home are a great pick for an upset against defensively weaker teams like Italy and Wales, particularly with Finn Russell’s ability with the ball in hand and from his boot. When the time comes, Scotland could certainly be a good bet to finish in the top three.

France also make for a great value bet to win the tournament and are currently second favourites behind Ireland and ahead of England, with odds of around 9/4 being offered by most bookmakers. Also, they are the only team to have beaten one of the big three teams in the Autumn Internationals, producing a great performance against the All Blacks with a dramatic 30-29 victory. They will need to be on top form if they are to win the 6 Nations but they certainly have the ability, especially with big-game player Antoine Dupont.

Italy are gradually improving and produced two shock wins in last years edition, beating Scotland 31-29 in Rome and Wales 24-21 in Cardiff, as well as an incredible 13-13 draw against France in Paris. While winning the tournament is more than likely to be a stretch, they could be a great outside bet to sneak what would be a shock second place.

Billions Wagered On 2024 US Election

Arguably, the latest edition of the US election provided some of the biggest drama in recent decades, especially the build-up, with President (at the time), Joe Biden pulling out of the race for health reasons earlier in the year and Vice President Kamala Harris taking charge and also becoming the democratic candidate to face Republican Donald Trump, who was aiming to get elected for a second term.

As a result, the election also drew a considerable amount of betting interest across the country with favourable odds being offered for each candidate. Despite this, throughout, it was Trump who largely remained the narrow favourite, perhaps his experience being a factor.

There was no doubt that the whole thing garnered a lot of interest throughout even worldwide, with many countries watching with intrigue, a lot of them invested in how the result would affect them. However, there was also substantial betting interest as well.

What Did The Betting Markets Look Like?

Especially as the weeks and days to election day drew nearer, there were significantly more bets being placed, while there were also some interesting voting patterns.

In major battleground states, or ‘swing states’, where a lot of previous elections have been traditionally won and lost, there was a significant volume of bets placed. Pennsylvania, especially, which proved to be crucial in the end, saw $300 million worth of bets placed, while the wagering figures for Arizona hit $250 million. Wisconsin hit $180 million and Georgia was $170 million.

While a significant amount was wagered on the US election when it came to the day, there was some interesting time periods. Between 10am and noon, we saw $80 million worth of bets placed, with this being the peak period because of morning breaks and between 5pm and 7pm, this saw $60 million worth of wagers, with people finishing work.

In terms of betting markets, early estimates reveal that the total amount of bets wagered on Trump came to $800 million, with rural areas and typically conservative states being responsible for this. Meanwhile, it is thought that roughly $750 million was wagered on Harris, attracting high turnouts in urban areas. However, there was also $50 million worth of bets on minority candidates, particularly in states such as Oregon and Colorado, which have historically been responsible for a significant third-party following.

From a gender perspective, early estimates reveal that when it came to female voters, $150 million was wagered, with these typically attracted to more progressive or Democratic candidates, while males bet $130 million on Republicans, reflecting their preference for improved economic policies.

In terms of ages, the betting numbers for this made for interesting reading. Ages 18-29 are understood to have voted more progressively, with most of their money ($50 million) being placed on Democrat or third parties, as shown by early voting data in college towns.

Meanwhile, ages 30-45 was a key swing demographic and they wagered approximately $70 million, generally reflecting the uncertainty. The 45-60 age group, typically showed a strong Republican leaning, with $90 million wagered, while 60+ highlighted mainly Republican support in this age group, with $120 million of bets wagered.

Premier League Teams With The Best And Worst Christmas Fixtures

Without a doubt, December can prove to be a testing time for clubs in the Premier League and can often be a deciding month in their season. This is because of the heavy fixture schedule, which can be even worse for clubs that are still in the Carabao Cup as well.

Often the start of the hectic fixture period begins around mid-December, with four fixtures coming over a 10-day period, though this continues with three more in the span of eight days, including the third round of the FA Cup in early January.

It is very rare for any club to emerge from the festive period with a 100 per cent record and for some, the January transfer window cannot come soon enough – especially for those clubs that sustain injuries due to fixture congestion. As such, we’ve looked at the clubs that have the worst and best fixture schedule this Christmas.

Clubs With The Worst Christmas Schedule

You have to feel sorry for the newly promoted clubs – two of them have particularly stern tests over Christmas.

Ipswich Town come up against Newcastle United, Arsenal and Chelsea, with the latter two likely to be competing for the title, while the Magpies will have their eyes set firmly on a top six finish.

Meanwhile Leicester City are another club that has tough festive period. Following a winnable fixture against Wolves, they then have clashes against title chasers Liverpool and Manchester City, so they really need to be looking to take at least three points, which could make a big difference.

Of the ‘top six’ clubs Tottenham is one that could struggle over the festive period. They have games against Liverpool, and the increasingly improving Nottingham Forest and Wolves – all three of which could prove to be a substantial test.

Club Fixtures
Ipswich Town Newcastle United, Arsenal, Chelsea
Leicester City Wolves, Liverpool, Manchester City
Tottenham Nottingham Forest, Wolves, Liverpool

Clubs With The Best Christmas Schedule

There are also a few clubs that jump out, which have what could be construed as a much easier schedule, however, there are no ‘easy’ games at this level.

Chelsea is another club which may emerge from the festive period relatively unscathed, while they could also be a challenger for the title. Fixtures against Everton and Ipswich Town, with a derby against rivals Fulham sandwiched in between on Boxing Day could make interesting viewing.

Reigning champions Manchester City are another club that could be deemed to have an easier festive fixture shedule. Although Aston Villa may provide a test, the club’s following two come against Everton and then Leicester.

Then there is Arsenal, who also will likely be challenging at the top end of the league as title contenders. They face Crystal Palace, Ipswich and Brentford – relatively comfortable fixtures and ones, you would expect them to take nine points from if they have no major injuries.

Club Fixtures
Chelsea Everton, Fulham, Ipswich Town
Manchester City Aston VIlla, Everton, Leicester City
Arsenal Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town, Leicester City