After the shortlist was announced this week, JD takes a look at the odds for the Ballon d’Or and believes Franck Ribery could scoop the coveted prize in January

It has been a very busy week in the world of football with a midweek programme in Spain and Italy. There has also been Capital One cup action in England.

Chelsea were perhaps most eye catching team in midweek during their disposal of Arsenal 2-0 and displaying impressive squad depth in the process.

They look a solid 3/1 (4.0) selection to win the competition. Chelsea as a club have a strong winning mentality and this allied with their squad’s depth and quality make them an attractive bet.

Ballon d’Or nominees announced

The Ballon d’Or nominees were announced this week and there has been a very significant move for Franck Ribery to win this prestigous prize.  

He was 20/1 (21.0) at one stage but a stream of money for him has seen him cut into odds on favouritism with some bookmakers.  

He is now Evens (2.0) with Lionel Messi at 8/5 (2.60). The football world is set to recognise the great achievement of Bayern Munich’s historic treble winning team by awarding World Coach of the Year to Jupp Heynckes and Ribery must feel he has a great chance to win Ballon d’Or to make it a double of awards for the Bavarian side.

This weekend’s tips

Looking ahead to the weekend, Arsenal look a very decent price to overcome Liverpool in London. The Gunners have been in wonderful league form since March and appeal at 5/4 (2.25) .

Liverpool like to gain control in midfield and get into a passing rhythm and win games.

Arsenal have the numbers and quality in midfield to take the initiative and prevent their visitors from taking control.

The Gunners were a similar price when hosting Borussia Dortmund recently in the Champions League and Liverpool are not as accomplished as the German team.

In the Bundesliga, free scoring Hamburg can overcome Borussia Monchengladbach at 13/10 (2.30) who dont travel well.

Bert van Marwijk is the new coach of Hamburg and he will bring order to a talented group.They have scored 13 goals in four matches and should out score Monchengladbach who have lost 9/12 away matches.

Sign up for up to £200 in free bets

This weekend you can sign up to www.jdfootballbetting.com for a reduced price of £69. The advisory service has members from all over the world and we have an exciting year ahead which includes the World Cup, a matter of months away. You can contact me on jdfootballbetting@live.com or subscribe to www.jdfootballbetting.com