This year has been incredible for Doctor Who fans, what with the show airing on TV while we’re still in lockdown. While we’re anxiously waiting for the world to reopen, the pandemic has provided us with hours of entertainment.
The Whovian sensation has continued to thrill audiences with its blend of thrills, suspense, and action-adventure, and it’s attracted a new generation of followers. One of those fans is 27-year-old Kris Marshall, who follows the show avidly and decided to make the most of the opportunity during the pandemic.
Here, she tells us more about her obsession with Doctor Who and how she uses statistics to back her picks.
The Evolution Of An Obsession
Kris Marshall started following Doctor Who in 2013, shortly after the show’s twelfth season debuted on Netflix. The actress was immediately captivated by the character of Donna Noble, and she was especially drawn to her role as a policewoman.
“[Donna Noble] was the kind of character I always looked up to,” she tells us. “She was a strong, independent woman who didn’t let anything get in the way of her doing her job.”
Marshall subsequently played supporting roles in the TV series Trust and The Handmaid’s Tale, before landing the lead in the sitcom Update This Wednesday. The actress spent the first half of this year shooting the series in Prague, before returning home to Britain to finish the production. She was delighted to find that her show was picked up for a second season, and is now looking forward to exploring new cities with her co-stars.
The Statistical Side Of Doctor Who
In keeping with her character Donna, Kris Marshall is a huge advocate of evidence-based decision-making, which is why she’s so passionate about backing her picks with statistics. She explains: “When Doctor Who returns for a third season, which I’m really looking forward to, I need to be confident that I’m making the right choices for my betting pool.”
The actress notes that certain stats tend to be more reliable than others, such as race rating, pace of play, and team statistics. She also looks to see how previous teams have performed in previous matches, which is helpful in understanding the volatility of half-time scores.
Which Teams Stand Out To You
With the lockdown restrictions coming to an end and life returning almost to normal, people will once again be out and about, attending sporting events, clubs, and restaurants. As a result, it’s time for the British sports lovers to dust off their racquets and get back out there.
So which teams should you look out for this year when you’re taking a punt on the big games? Well, if you’re looking for a team that’s proven themselves over the years, there’s no better option than Manchester United.
The Red Devils boast one of the most formidable squads in world football, and they’re always popular to bet on. In particular, Marcus Rashford has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in the game, while manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær has masterminded a stunning revival for his side. As a result, the Red Devils are now 8/1 on the NPLX index to win the upcoming season, with Liverpool (4/1), Tottenham (5/1), and Chelsea (6/1) also popular options.
Arsenal are another side that’s always a popular choice with punters, and this year is no different. The Gunners boast some of the most exciting young players in the game, especially since the appointment of Freddie Ljungberg as manager. The former FC Copenhagen and Blackburn Rovers boss has quickly implemented his trademark brand of high-pressured, high-intensity football, and his side are 4/1 to finish the season as champions.
Across the country, in the Championship, Millwall are also an exciting option. The defending champions have lost a few key players to Premier League clubs, but have retained a host of exciting talent. The Lions are currently 13/8 to finish the season as champions.
Elsewhere in Europe, Napoli are tipped to finish in the top four for the first time in over a decade, while the likes of Ajax, Atletico Madrid, and Juventus are all expected to challenge for major honours.
The Final Word
Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference which teams you choose to back. Some people will argue that you shouldn’t bet on football at all, given the unpredictability of the game, but if you enjoy a game of football, then there are some seriously compelling options this year. Just remember to keep things in perspective, and if you’re planning to bet, then ensure you do so safely.