Plenty of sports fans like to make a little money on the side betting on their favourite teams and players. It is, of course, never an exact science and punters should always tread carefully when betting, but it can be a fun way to augment the experience of a sporting event.

There is also plenty of fun in trying to ‘beat the bookies’, i.e. finding areas where the betting companies have made a mistake in offering odds too long for a team or player. This piece will highlight some UK-based sports bets showing plenty of value in 2018. If you like any, you can check out how to get free bets from top online bookmakers to back them.

Novak Djokovic to win the Wimbledon Men’s Title 9/1 Unibet

Roger Federer was the main talking point of last year’s Wimbledon in the men’s game, but would he have won his eighth crown if Novak Djokovic had not pulled out of the quarter-finals with injury? Maybe. Maybe not. Djokovic has struggled with injury over the last 18 months, paving the way for Federer’s resurgence at the top of the sport. However, the Serb looks to be on the way back to full fitness and will be gunning for the world number one spot sooner rather than later. Those odds are huge for a player of Djokovic’s calibre.

Rory McIlroy to win the Open 14/1 Ladbrokes

There were signs just this week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational that Rory McIlroy was getting back to the top of his game. The Northern Irish golfer is still just 28-years-old and will have plenty of time to add to his four Major championships. He is very comfortable on links courses, which is what he will face in Carnoustie from 19^th-22^nd July. Those odds will drop over the next few months if McIlroy continues his good form. The perfect early season golf bet.

Belgium to win the World Cup 12/1 Various

While not strictly a UK event, the World Cup is so much a part of the national consciousness it may as well be considered a home event. England, who are in Belgium’s group, represent okay value at 16/1, but they will likely come up short again. The Belgians have a once in a lifetime opportunity in Russia, with their ‘golden generation’ of players all playing at the peak of their careers. They have never done it before, but Russia 2018 could see Belgium become world champions.

Ding Junhui to win the Snooker World Championship 14/1 Unibet

The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, UK, is the home of the World Snooker Championship. However, the snooker pendulum is moving towards China with each passing year. Ding Junhui leads the charge of Chinese players hoping to land a Snooker world title. He has come up short in the past, but he is arguably the best player in history not to have won the title at the Crucible. This could be his year.

Saxon Warrior to win the Epsom Derby 4/1 Various

The two-year-old Saxon Warrior has been undefeated in his short career so far. He looks like a seriously good bet to take one of the biggest horse races in the UK this year, the Epsom Derby (2^nd June). He has a master trainer in Aidan O’Brien, winner of four of the last six Epsom Derbies, and looks set to have a stellar career. A potentially brilliant horse with a brilliant price.