F1: Ferrari tipped to shine again

Michael Schumacher gave his Formula One rivals few reasons for optimism when winning the Australian Grand Prix, but his Ferrari team-mate Rubens Barrichello showed the German can be outpaced.

Barrichello, so regularly left trailing in the world champion’s wake, pipped Schumacher for pole position in Melbourne, although he was forced to retire from the race at the first corner after colliding with Ralf Schumacher.

Although Williams, and in particular Juan Pablo Montoya, looked impressive at Albert Park, Ferrari should again be the dominant force in Malaysia, with McLaren still struggling to find their feet.

Brazilian driver Barrichello does not have the ability or status within the team to outdrive Schumacher but is the sensible each-way option at 7-1 with Hills and Ladbrokes.

Following the pile-up at the start of the race in Melbourne, Irish bookmakers Paddy Power offer appealing odds about further carnage this weekend.

Take advantage of the 4-1 about three or more drivers failing to complete the first lap in Malaysia.

Jenson Button was one of several drivers who failed to finish the race and do not expect the young Briton to trouble the front-runners this time. Go with Coral at 5-4 about the Renault star failing to gain a classified position at the end.

Speedway kings Oxford open the defence of their Elite League title against Coventry and with only one change to their championship-winning squad they should challenge for glory again.

Todd Wiltshire has been replaced by Mark Lemon but Oxford still look extremely strong, although the competition this season will be fierce.

Wolves and Poole are looking ultra-competitive but go with the champions to retain their title, offered at 7-1 by Hills.

Real Madrid can all but end Barcelona’s hopes of claiming the La Liga title when the Spanish giants meet at the Nou Camp this weekend.

The Catalans are currently seven points behind league leaders Valencia and six adrift of Real with just a handful of games remaining.

Madrid triumphed 2-0 at the Bernabeu earlier in the season so go with Hills’ appealing offer of 15-8 about an away win.

Fernando Morientes has already scored once against Barca during this campaign and back the 19-goal striker to find the net again at the Nou Camp.

Morientes has been deadly up front this season, bagging an incredible five goals in the recent rout of Las Palmas. Back him with Coral and Hills at 6-1 to score first.

Arsenal can keep their unbeaten away record intact by inflicting Aston Villa’s third home defeat of the campaign on Sunday.

Despite the unrest at the Birmingham club, Villa Park has become a fortress this season with Graham Taylor’s men conceding just 12 goals.

However, the Gunners’ class should ensure yet another victory on the road with Dennis Bergkamp pulling the strings up front.

The Dutchman has scored 11 times already and is a good choice at 6-1 with Coral to bag the opener against Villa.