The nationwide support afforded Leicester City as they continue their steady progress towards an unlikely Premier League title (they are now 5/4 with Ladbrokes to be crowned champions), highlights more than Britain's love of the underdog.
We dislike predictability and monopoly, characteristics that undermine sporting competition, except, of course, when the football team we support is involved and our magnanimity is often suspended.
For instance, few Burnley supporters will mind that their side goes into tomorrow's contest against Huddersfield Town as Stan James's 6/4 favourites to win.
Cautious punters are comfortable with the implied predictability offered by such a short price (because their money is at stake) even though the potential returns are modest.
Paddy Power's 7/1 for Town to win by two goals might tempt some, while backing Mark Hudson to score at any time - a 7/1 shot with Skybet - might tempt a few more.
Alternatively, bet365 chalk a seductive-looking 18/1 against the game's first goal arriving between the 81st minute and full time.
BetVictor make it 14/1 for the match to end 2-2.
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