There are not many sporting contests from around the world that draw huge audiences. World Cup football, the Olympics, and the Superbowl from the US would have to rank amongst the top three. The latter takes on appeal as much for its half-time entertainment as anything else. However, it is still a sporting contest, it draws a huge audience, and bookmakers worldwide take bets totaling in hundreds of millions each and every year.

Green Bay Packers are this year’s favourites with online bookmakers offering 8/11 about their chances of winning. Their opponents are the more experienced (when it comes to Superbowls). Pittsburgh Steelers were the best odds on offer are 6/4. Pittsburgh have appeared in three of the last six Superbowls and boast 35 players with experience in the ultimate game of the season. Green Bay can only claim two players with any experience at all.

The two keys to this final will be the defense of both sides and how well they handle the running games. Most commentators expect this game to be played in the air rather than on the ground and both quarterbacks come into this game with good statistics. So too do their receivers.

When it comes to defense, Packers’ Clay Matthews has an impressive 13 sacks to his credit along with an intercept returned for a touchdown. Not to be outdone, the Steelers’ Troy Polamalu has had an impressive seven interceptions this season – fitness will be the key to his effect on the game having been hampered by an Achilles injury in recent weeks.

The Packers have been impressive in the run up to this game while the Steelers come in with a wealth of experience. That then becomes the question – will experience win out over youthful exuberance? Bookmakers are backing the youthful exuberance, but we’re looking for value so we’re tipping experience to shine through, especially if it’s a close game with only minutes left on the clock.