We hope you followed our X Factor semi-final advice and backed Union J to be eliminated at even money. Never in doubt! The rule change to eliminate the act with the fewest public votes straight away played right into our hands. So onto the final and one of Jahmene Douglas, James Arthur and Christopher Maloney will have a recording contract on Sunday night. But who will it be? Obviously we’re hoping it’s James Arthur, as we flagged him up to win at 8/1 before the live shows! The X Factor betting market is pretty tight and here’s my take on the final trio…

Simon’s recommended X Factor bets:

1st Jahmene/2nd James Straight Forecast @ 9/4 – BET NOW

Already advised:

James Arthur To Win @ 8/1 (now 12/5) – BET NOW
Union J To Be Eliminated @ Evens (WON – Semi-Final)
Jahmene Douglas Bottom Two (Lost – Week Eight)
Christopher Maloney To Be Eliminated (Lost - Week Seven)
Christopher Maloney To Be Eliminated (Lost - Week Six)
Jade Ellis To Win @ 33/1 (Eliminated – Week Four)

Jahmene Douglas

Odds: 5/4 favourite (BET NOW)
Category: Boys
Verdict: Jahmene goes into the X Factor final as favourite and you’d have to say rightly so. He’s never been in the bottom two and his vocal performances are always of the highest standard. Furthermore, he’s got a good sob story with the family bereavements and issues that he’s had to contend with in his life. Obviously I tipped James to win at the start of the show at 8/1, but if you’re not on that then I’d back Jahmene to win and James to finish second at 9/4.
Winner Rating: ****

James Arthur

Odds: 6/4 (BET NOW)
Category: Boys
Verdict: James is a close second favourite and he’s pushing Jahmene all the way. He also never puts a foot wrong with his performances but that bottom two showing in week seven is undoubtedly a big negative. Remember, no act to have been in the danger zone has ever gone onto win the show and his two opponents have never been in the sing-off. Obviously I want James to win to land our initial tip but if you haven’t had an X Factor bet yet then the better value is a Jahmene/James 1st/2nd combo at 9/4.
Winner Rating: ****

Christopher Maloney

Odds: 7/2 (BET NOW)
Category: Overs
Verdict: What more can you say about Christopher? I’d say last week’s performance of "Haven't Met You Yet" was the worst semi-final showing of all-time. And it was the only song of the night that got criticised by the judges. And yet he still sailed through to the final. And he’s never been in the bottom two. He’s obviously got his audience and they’re willing to vote for him in spades. However, I still believe that he won’t win – he just doesn’t tick any of the boxes for your normal X Factor winner. I know it’s been the craziest year of the show ever but I’m still chancing him to finish third.
Winner Rating: **