The old cliche about players winding-down for their summer breaks shouldn’t apply in these days of mega-wages.

But it still seems to work at some psychological level and you can understand why.

Back in the pre-internet dark days I used to work on a weekly magazine which went to press on a Tuesday night.

The start of the week was hectic but once it was “job done” on a Tuesday then that night and the next day was usually a fairly “relaxing” time.

Now I doubt professional footballers are indulging in a similar weeknight Super Bock frenzy once the hard graft is out of the way.

But the incentive just isn’t there to put in that extra 10% compared to rivals fighting for their lives.

Obviously bookies aren’t daft and price these factors in to end-of-the-season games.

But there’s still a bit of value around and I can see Arsenal doing a number on a doomed QPR at Loftus Road.

Harry Redknapp’s hoped for Houdini act failed to materialise and the Hoops look a rabble who can’t wait for the season to end.

Arsenal need the points to guarantee a Champions League place and I can see Arsene Wenger having them fired-up to finish the job early.

On that basis the even money from Paddy Power about the Gunners winning at half time and full time looks like buying money.

For a slightly bigger-odds bet I’m dipping into the Championship where a home treble of Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday and Derby pays 17/2 and should give us a decent run.

Betting Spy has joined forces with Paddy Power to offer all readers a free bet when they open an account. Just click on the link below to visit construction’s favourite bookmaker to find out all the latest prices and follow the easy steps to setting-up an online, telephone or mobile account

Running Total for all 2013 bets to a £10 stake:   £-55.00