Tips for the new year multi – UFC 207, Perth Cup, BBL & A-League

IT’S New Year’s Eve this weekend, but if you thought that was ever going to stop the endless cycle sport for even a day, you’re sorely mistaken.

This weekend is more jam-packed than ever. There is UFC 207, the Big Bash League, the A-League, NBA, NBL, and the Group 2 Perth Cup over in the nation’s west.

As always, we have picked out our four favoured bets for NYE weekend and compiled them in a multi that should line your pockets just in time to head out to ring in the new year.

All odds for this weekend of action were provided by Sportsbet.com.au.

Free selections for the December 30 – January 1 weekend multi:

Brisbane Heat to defeat the Hobart Hurricanes ($1.73)

Ronda Rousey to beat Amanda Nunes ($1.75)

Melbourne City to beat Central Coast Mariners ($1.50)

Perfect Reflection to place in the Perth Cup ($2)

Combined multi value: $9.08 @ Sportsbet.com.au

Brisbane Heat vs. Hobart Hurricanes

Friday, December 30 from 7.10 pm AEDST GABBA, Brisbane

A fascinating Big Bash League clash between the Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes kicks off our New Year’s Eve weekend multi up at the GABBA.

The Heat have been spectacular so far this season. The men from the north scored in excess of 200 runs in their first match to defeat the highly-fancied Strikers on their home track before grinding out a win against the Sixers on Wednesday night.

Are we going to see another season of indifference from the Hurricanes?

Hobart hammered the Sixers in their first match, but fell badly just three days later to the Stars. Their bowling attack is very much sink-or-swim, given they are wicket takers and not economically-minded. If they fail to secure scalps they can leak huge totals.

This does not bode well against a Brisbane team that is capable of consistently surpassing 200 runs.

We believe Brisbane will round out their 2016 in style – recording a third straight win, which will leave them atop the BBL table.

Brisbane Heat to win – $1.76

Amanda Nunes vs. Ronda Rousey

Sunday, December 31 from 4 pm AEDST, T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada

The much-hyped return of Ronda Rousey headlines UFC 207 on New Year’s Eve (Australian time) as the ‘Rowdy’ one faces the Bantamweight champion, Amanda Nunes.

It has been over a year since the kick heard round the world from Holly Holm ended Rousey’s undefeated streak in MMA in Melbourne. We have heard very little from Ronda since, but from all reports the former champion has dedicated her time solely to training.

You would not know it given all the focus has been on Rousey, but Amanda Nunes is ice-cold in the octagon.

The woman they call the “Lioness” has five first round victories in her last seven bouts and is currently on a four fight win streak which included a comprehensive hammering of the then champion Miesha Tate.

One thing is for certain: this bout will have fireworks. Both woman come out strong and look to finish their opponents early. Nunes loves to come forward and get on the offensive, a tactic which will suit Rousey down to the ground.

This is a full year in the making. Arguably the UFC’s biggest star reclaims the throne she was unceremoniously was kicked off of over 12 months ago to end 2016. Who are we to question fate?

We expect Nunes to push forward and play right into Ronda’s hands. Rousey seems ready for this one and we are expecting her to take back the bantamweight gold.

Ronda Rousey to win – $1.75

Central Coast Mariners vs. Melbourne City

Saturday, December 31 from 7 pm AEDST, Central Coast Stadium, Gosford

Two teams coming off midweek matches that they wish went very differently meet in the A-League’s traditional New Year’s Eve clash on the NSW coast as the Mariners host City in Gosford.

Melbourne City will be seething after their 3-3 draw against Perth Glory on Tuesday night. On three separate occasions the home side led only to have the Western Australia’s equalise. Two missed penalties including one deep into stoppage time will burn deep in the minds of the City players.

The Mariners were thoroughly outclassed by the Victory on Wednesday night. The men in yellow conceded four times and only found a consolation goal late in the piece to save themselves from total embarrassment.

This match is the perfect opportunity for Melbourne City to bounce back. They have an extra days rest on their opponents – who also occupy the last place on the ladder – and the gulf in class between the two sides is indisputable.

Melbourne City to win – $1.50

Perth Cup

Saturday, December 31 from 8 pm AEDST, Ascot, Perth, Western Australia

The last leg of our New Year’s Eve weekend multi is the Group 2 Perth Cup at Ascot racecourse in the west of Australia.

There are plenty of quality runners in this field but the form of Perfect Reflection is hard from us to look past.

This preparation the four-year-old mare has won twice and not finished outside the placings in its three other starts, which included the Group 1 races the Railway Stakes and the Kingston Town Classic. The horse is in a rich vein of form.

Not only will Perfect Reflection jump from an ideal barrier (6), but the gun horse is also saddled by superstar West Australian Willie Pyke, who is the best WA jockey in the business.

The only concern is the 59kg it will carry around, but the place money here is too good to pass up on such a brilliant beast and we are backing the mare to finish our NYE multi in style.

Perfect Reflection to place in the Perth Cup – $2

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