Paris Masters R16 Odds - Familiar foes in All-Argentinean Affair

Paris, France – As the sports betting community expected, the second quarter of the draw moved according to pre-tournament predictions when defending David Nalbandian confirmed a last 16 date with compatriot and Davis Cup teammate Juan Martin Del Potro.

Both scored important victories over each other in the last two weeks. Del Potro quashed Nalbandian's title defence campaign in Madrid when he beat him the R16 6-4, 6-2. Nalbandian avenged the loss the following week in Basel after he beat Del Potro 6-2, 6-4 in the semis. Now in their third meeting in as much time, the question is who will come out on top?

Tennis Betting Line: Juan Martin Del Potro -150 David Nalbandian +110

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Thursday October 30, 2008

Head-to-head Analysis: Nalbandian leads the series by the slimmest of margins 2-1 lifetime; but in 2008, they are tied 1-1.

Tennis Betting Analysis:

Nalbandian (+110) In spite of the head-to-head edge, Nalbandian enters as the underdog . For a long time, Nalbandian had been the standard-bearer of Argentine tennis and the Davis Cup teams’ No.1 player. But with the fast-rising 20-year-old nipping at his heals the changing of the guard is an almost certainty.

Nalbandian lost in Madrid a fortnight ago. Admittedly, Nalbandian had been all caught up in the brouhaha over the choice of venue and surface for the Davis Cup final between Argentina and Spain. Seemingly distracted with the all-important finale in Buenos Aires, Nalbandian could perhaps fault his preoccupation and lack of focus for the loss to Del Potro. The drama dialled back, Nalbandian had no trouble dealing with Del Potro in Basel.

Del Potro (-150) While Del Potro has been red-hot in the tennis betting market, sports bettors have cause for concern in his upcoming match. Del Potro has been treading gingerly in Paris with a lingering toe injury. Reports of a split toenail that will take several weeks to sort out fully is the kind of news about the youngster that does not inspire faith in his game. Nevertheless, a chance to qualify for the year-end showdown in Shanghai is a huge incentive for the Argentine to go for broke.

Tennis Betting Verdict: This match promises to be a tight affair, evinced not only by their previous encounters this season but also by the close betting odds. That the defending champion Nalbandian is the underdog is nothing but sheer laziness by the odds makers. Given the value they have served up, sports bettors would be remiss not to take advantage.

Tennis Free Picks: Nalbandian in three sets

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room