TAB: The Punters Guide to a rugby-free weekend of sport

Steel's Jennifer O'Connell & Tactix's Jane Watson go up against each other in the 2018 ANZ Premiership Elimination Final. Photo / Photosport

In the absence of any rugby union, the weekend of sport is looking thinner than usual. To help out, the TAB has assembled a bunch of the best bets for the remainder of the week.

English Premier League

Newcastle v Tottenham
Bet: Total Goals (2.5) - Over 2.5 ($1.95)

The second match of the 2018 English Premier League season sees Newcastle host Tottenham in what should be a high-scoring affair. Five of the last six games between these times have seen more than 2.5 goals. In fact, this fixture is averaging 3.8 goals in its last six games.

ANZ Premiership

Central Pulse v Southern Steel
Bet: Winning Team & Margin - Pulse 10 & Under ($2.20)

The Pulse have been forced to take the final of the ANZ Premiership to Palmerston North, though that shouldn't affect things too much for the ladies from the capital. They've been the dominant team all season, losing just three games while boasting comfortably the best defence in the competition.

The Steel recorded a win in Invercargill but the Pulse have won both of their home games against the Steel this season and will round out 2018 as champions by a slim margin.

NRL

Parramatta v St George Illawarra
Bet: Points Start - Parramatta +6.5 ($1.87)

The Dragons' form has fallen off a cliff and the loss of Paul Vaughan should not be underestimated. The Eels have been playing improved football and are in a great situation as a big home underdog here. The Dragons have covered 5 of 16 at ANZ Stadium and just 2 of their last 8 as a favourite. The Eels have covered 4 of 5 as an underdog of 4+ points at ANZ.

AFL

Port Adelaide v West Coast
Bet: Points Start - West Coast +15.5 ($1.87)

West Coast have covered six of nine away from home this season and are 13-6 against the spread overall this season. Port Adelaide, on the other hand, are out of form, having lost three of their last four and will struggle to cover the 15.5 point handicap.

Racing

Dan Patch Stakes
Bet: Final Field Win - Lazarus ($1.80)

The Champ, Lazarus, steps out in the Dan Patch at Hoosier Park in Indiana on Saturday. The two-time New Zealand Trotting Cup winner has impressed in trials and despite the visitor's draw of nine he is a huge chance to make a winning start to his North American career.

The Dan Patch will be broadcast live on TAB Trackside 2 this Saturday afternoon, with a post time of 1.30pm.