It couldn’t happen two years running, could it? Leeds being on the receiving end of a losing Challenge Cup bid? Bookmakers think so, making them the hot 1/4 favourites to defeat last year’s losers. Leeds have played well this season and deserve their place in the final, it’s just unfortunate they are coming up against Wigan who have been almost invincible this season. Leeds are good value at 9/2 and we’re not prepared to totally write them off.

Betting on the league Challenge Cup final is interesting with two different markets being run on the outcome. Match betting includes the draw at 28/1 while outright betting is based on who will lift the trophy. In those markets, Wigan remains firm at 1/4 while Leeds are in to 10/3. If you like Wigan to win, then backing against Leeds through a betting exchange will return odds of 3/10, only marginally better than the 4/1, but every penny extra is better off in your pocket than the bookmakers – in fact, those odds represent five pounds extra in your pocket for every 100 gambled.

Too many punters ignore the benefits of a betting exchange when it comes to betting on a team or player to lose an event. It runs contrary to most people’s thinking – after all, we have been indoctrinated into backing teams or players to win, not lose. However, if you’re prepared to take the challenge of betting against an outcome, you can increase your odds and your payouts.

Our tip for the Challenge Cup? We hate to see Leeds lose again, but Wigan is in such all-conquering form we just can’t see anyone beating them in this final this year. Our tip – back Leeds to lose through a betting exchange – you’ll get slightly better value then.