Matchup plays (1.5 units unless stated):
Nick Faldo to beat Niclas Fasth -111 @
BetandWin [3 units]
Maybe I would have laid off the outright play on Faldo had I seen so many enticing matchups with him, but as long as he has a good week ... Opposing Fasth who has poor course form - none of six rounds under 70 - and has been in indifferent form this year bar his 2nd place finish to Els in Dubai. Could manage no better than a 75 in any round on his recent starts in the Tournament Players Championship and the Masters. The Ryder Cup will also be on the mind of this debutant.
Nick Faldo to beat Stuart Little -110 @
LuvBet [4.5 units]
Who? His namesake mouse is rather more famous. He has secured a 10th and 20th place finishes in two much weaker events in the last two weeks, but had previously made only one of six cuts this year. Has only played the Belfry once before - 1992 English Open - and broke par once in four rounds. Not expecting Little to make the weekend in such a big event.
Nick Faldo to beat Justin Rose -115 @
Intertops [4.5 units]
Poor course form - missed cut on only visit - and has played poorly in Europe so far - 56th, 17th and a missed cut. Everything else points to a good week from Rose - an excellent Southern Africa Tour season and a win in Japan last week - but traveling from the Canaries to Japan and back to chilly England in consecutive weeks is hardly ideal preparation, particularly following an overseas win.
Niclas Fasth to beat Stephen Leaney -110 @
LuvBet [3 units]
Opposing Leaney who has missed the cut on both his visits to the Belfry and has a poor record when beginning his European campaign. Should have checked that before I backed him last week! Fasth should make the weekend to secure the win here.
Nick O'Hern to beat Stephen Leaney -111 @
BetandWin
Two solid performances in the last two years here and an encouraging 11th place finish last week after a long layoff. Quite a contrast to Leaney.
Bernhard Langer to beat Ian Woosnam -120 @
Surrey
Twice a winner of this event, though not on this course, Langer is opening his European season after a solid spell on the PGA Tour and a 4th place finish at Harbour Town in his last event. Very dependable and sure to finish in the top-20. Not so sure with Woosie. Has played well at times this year, but has not been consistent and has played poorly on this course since this event has been staged here.