The Aegon Championships (Queen’s Club) - Tournament Preview

The Aegon Championships final is today, where either Martin Cilic or Feliciano Lopez will lift the trophy. The game starts at 2pm, with neither player wanting to lose, just a week before Wimbledon.

Cilic beat Gilles Muller in yesterday’s semi-final, winning in three sets, 6-3,5-5 and 6-4.  The world number seven, who is a previous US Open champion, can win Queen’s for the first time. Cilic was fourth seed for the competition, and will be hoping to use his good performances as a spring board to compete in Wimbledon.

Martin Cilic will want to go into Wimbledon with a win at Queens Photo Credit: skysports.com

Similarly, Lopez dispatched of Grigor Dimitrov in three sets, 7-5, 3-6,6-2. The world number 32 goes in to the final in a rich vein of form, but is the underdog for this duel. By beating Dimitrov, who is world number 11, Lopez has shown that ‘underdog’ is a tag he is more than comfortable with.

Lopez is the underdog in the final but not to be underestimated Photo Credit: skysports.com

With London’s main event just a week away, there is no doubting that both men will want to do everything possible to win. Understandably, given his higher world ranking, Cilic is huge favourite to lift the trophy.

His dominating serve could be a defining factor in the game, as he racked up an impressive 20 serves in yesterday’s semi-final. The Croatian star also has experience in the big occasion, after winning his only grand slam back in 2014. Compare this to Lopez who is without a grand slam to his name, and this could be pivotal factor as the two face off.

 

SKYBET MATCH RESULT: CILIC TO WIN- 2/5

SKYBET MATCH RESULT: LOPEZ TO WIN- 2/1

SKYBET: CILIC TO WIN AND SERVE THE MOST ACES- 8/11

SKYBET: LOPEZ TO WIN AND OVER 26.5 GAMES- 4/1

SKYBET PRICEBOOST: CILIC TO WIN 2-0(SET BETTING), SERVE MOST ACES AND LEASTS NUMBER OF DOUBLE FAULTS- 4/1

pdc-european-tour-day-3

Day 3 of the PDC tour and as always, the PDC European tour provided thrills and shocks on the second day of the Austrian leg of the tour. The winner will be crowned on Sunday but we will look at some of the early day fixtures as many will be looking to progress and stay in the tournament until the last match of the day.

As we predicted the young German, Martin Schindler, beat World number 13, Ian White, 6-2, with odds of 3/1 on SkyBet before the match. He is continuing his incredible rise up the PDC ranks in 2017 and will face Scottish player, Jamie Bain, in the next round where he should continue his rampant form on the tour. Bain is currently ranked 100th on the PDC Order of Merit but impressively beat World number 19, Alan Norris, to reach this stage. Schindler should be too much for Bain.

SCHINDLER TO WIN – 5/4

An enticing encounter with Benito van de Pas and Daryl Gurney will go down where both will be disappointed with a loss. The Dutchman beat Scotsman, John Henderson, in a routine victory but will face a much harder in Gurney. The Northern Irish player is playing well this year so far, beating players such as Simon Whitlock, Adrian Lewis and Mark Webster. ‘Superchin’ Gurney beat Welshman, Jonny Clayton, with ease to get the draw with van de Pas. It’s the World number 15 (van de Pas) vs World number 17 (Gurney) in the closest match up of the night. Gurney should steal a win but fine margins will determine the victor.

GUERNEY TO WIN – 4/5

Michael van Gerwen will face fellow countryman, Vincent van der Meer. The unranked Dutchman has pulled off two very surprising results against Adrian Gray and World number 39, Steve West. However, Michael van Gerwen is a different animal to his previous opponents and it would be foolish to even think van der Meer will get a sniff of victory.

MVG TO WIN – 1/100

Another close fixture will also take place when Australian, Simon Whitlock, faces off with Spanish wonderkid, Cristo Reyes. Both players recently had a poor World Cup campaign with their repscetive nations but will be looking to redeem their form in singles tournaments with a crucial win early on Sunday. Whitlock’s ability on the trebles could prove too much for Reyes’ unspectacular yet consistent approach.

WHITLOCK TO WIN – 4/6

 

SUGGESTED BET:

Schindler, Gurney and Whitlock all to win their matches – 5.75/1 (skybet)

Chile vs Australia - Match Preview
Confederations Cup, Group B
Otkrytiye Arena, Russia 4pm

Chile vs Australia – Match Preview – Chile face Australia at the 2017 Confederations Cup where the South Americans will be looking to book their place in the next round with just a point required. Australia’s hopes of qualifying are slim but not impossible, the Aussies will require a three-goal winning margin over the current Group B leaders, Chile. The bookmakers are unsurprisingly favouring Chile to get the victory but the ‘Soceroos’ aren’t going down without a fight.

Chile most recently drew with the World Champions, Germany, 1-1 in Group B. An impressive display from the Chileans has left many pundits believing that they will be the team to beat in this tournament. Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez put the South American’s ahead inside six minutes however prolific German striker, Lars Stindl, equalled proceedings just before the break. Bayern Munich midfielder, Arturo Vidal, has been fantastic for Chile so far in this tournament; his relentless energy in the middle of the park and his vision on the ball has allowed the attacking consisting of Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas to flourish. If Australia are within any chance of getting the result they need, they will have to keep Vidal quiet. Can Chile secure their spot in the next round?

Skybet Match Result – Chile to Win – 1/3

Australia will remain hopeful ahead of Sundays match up. Most recently, the Aussies drew with fellow Group B strugglers and African champions, Cameroon. The ‘Soceroos’ conceded on the stroke of half time but managed to share the points thanks to a second half penalty from Mark Milligan. Former Huddersfield loanee, Aaron Mooy, is crucial to the Australian side with his creativity on the ball and his controlling of the midfield. Longstanding legend, Tim Cahill, also made a brief appearance in their draw with Cameroon but could see more game time as Australia aim to get three points from this tough encounter. Can Australia cause an upset?

Skybet Match Result – Australia to Win – 17/2

Alexis Sanchez scored in the 1-1 draw to Germany Photo Credit: skysports.com

Team News

Chile are still without goalkeeper Claudio Bravo due to injury and now centre-back Gary Medel due to muscular problems.

Alexis Sanchez will be under the spotlight yet again for his country, can he provide the goods?

Skybet Anytime Goalsorer – Alexis Sanchez to score Anytime in 90 mins – 5/6

Australia have no fresh injury worries ahead of the match.

Aaron Mooy will be looking to help get on the scoresheet throughout the match, can he achieve this?

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Aaron Mooy to score Anytime in 90 mins – 13/2

Germany vs Cameroon - Match Preview
Confederations Cup, Group B
Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Russia 4pm

Germany vs Cameroon – Match Preview – Germany face Cameroon in the final round of group fixtures at the 2017 Confederations Cup. The Germans require just one point to qualify for the final four whereas Cameroon will have to overcome the World Champions if they stand any chance of qualifying out of the group. To be specific, Cameroon will require a two-goal winning margin over the Germans; an unlikely prospect. A lot of pressure will be on the Cameroon attack whilst Germany can sit back and ride out the match if they wish to.

The World Cup champions of 2014 have impressed so far in the tournament, as expected of them. Their line-ups have been drastically different to the side we all saw famously win the 2014 World Cup, however the change in personnel hasn’t been a problem as of yet. Most recently drawing with Chile, The Germans will look to build on that performance, aiming to be more clinical in front of goal. Striker, Lars Stindl, has been the catalyst for the German attack having scored two in their first two matches. Can Stindl and his team-mates get the job done and qualify for the next round?

Skybet Match Result – Germany to Win – 4/11

The African Champions have a mighty task on their hands if they are to qualify for the next round. Having been a shadow of their former selves from earlier in the year at the African Cup of nations, Hugo Broos’ side will have to increase the tempo of their play ten-fold as well as pushing high up the field. Their tactics are usually about building from the back of which they are strong in reinforcements however most recently have been relying on lone-striker, Vincent Aboubakar, far too much. A possible change in formation is required for the African outfit if they are to have any chance of living another day in this tournament.

Skybet Match Result – Cameroon to Win – 15/2

Julian Draxler can help the Germans gain a point to qualify Photo Credit: skysports.com

Team News

Germany have no injury worries ahead of Sunday’s match.

The Germans will be looking to creative midfielder, Julian Draxler, to work his magic in attack, can he help his side to victory?

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Julian Draxler to score Anytime in 90 mins – 13/8

Cameroon have no fresh injury or suspension worries to alter team selection.

Striker, Vincent Aboubakar, will be the spearhead for the African’s attack as he so often is, can he bag a goal?

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Vincent Aboubakar to score Anytime in 90 mins – 11/4

Daily Horse Racing Pro Tips - 9th November 2017

Horse Racing Preview

Here is our horse racing preview for Sunday 25th June 2017 across UK and Ireland Horse Racing today, unit stakes advised upon each selection.

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 25th June 2017 -Pontefract 2pm – Bet toteplacepot EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes (Plus 10)

Procedure – 13/8 – 2pt stake

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 25th June 2017 – Pontefract 3.30pm -totepool Pontefract Castle Fillies’ Stakes (Listed)

Abingdon – 10/11 – 2pt stake

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 25th June 2017 -Pontefract 4pm – Totetrifecta Pontefract Cup Handicap

Frederic – 11/8 – 2pt stake

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 25th June 2017 – Pontefract 5pm – Bet Toteplace Handicap

Logi – 7/2 – 2pt stake (EW)

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pdc-european-tour-day-3

The PDC European Tour is on the road yet again, this time in Austria. The twists and turns of the opening day came in classic PDC fashion, with many low ranked individuals looking to progress through the PDC Order of Merit. German, Rene Eidams, is the 169th in the World Rankings but impressively overcame 29th ranked, Justin Pipe, 6-5 in possibly the greatest match of Eidams career so far. 91st ranked Finish player, Kim Viljanen, beat 97th ranked Polish player, Ratajski Krzysztof, 6-5 in arguably the most entertaining match of the opening day.

Clearly the fans favourite, Mensur Suljovic, will face Ronny Huybrechts in the round of 16. Mensur enters this tournament in hot form, with 2017 being possibly the best year of his career so far. Ronny is coming on off the back of a poor individual performance at the world cup where he was partnered with brother, Kim Huybrechts. Suljovic, currently 7th in the PDC Order of Merit should beat his Belgian opponent and I fancy him to go very far in this tournament with a home crowd backing.

SULJOVIC  TO WIN – 1/7

World number one, Michael van Gerwen, enters the tournament with a match-up against unranked Austrian, Christian Kallinger. Van Gerwen ran riot in the previous PDC European Tour, winning the final 6-3 against Austrian, Mensur Suljovic. The Dutchman should have no problems with this opponent, we should see a whitewash here.

MvG TO WIN – 1/100

Scotland’s answer to an entertainer, Peter Wright, also enters the competition with a match against Finish player, Kim Viljanen. As aforementioned, Kim impressed in his previous match against Krzysztof but should find the World number three a little too tough. The Scotsman will be looking to bounce back after his and team-mate, Gary Anderson’s, embarrassing exit from the World Cup of darts to Singapore in the first round. Wright should go far in the tournament, as he usually does.

WRIGHT TO WIN – 1/100

Another player who has been impressing lately is 20-year-old, Martin Schindler. The German recently paired up with fellow countryman and 20-year-old, Max Hopp, to represent Geramny at the World Cup in front of a home crowd. Schindler was a portrait of a youngster with no fear going toe to toe with some of the PDC’s best. Schindler faces a tough test in Ian White, can he carry on his impressive form, wouldn’t want to bet against him right now.

SCHINDLER TO WIN – 1/100

Suggested Bet:

Suljovic, Smith & Norris all to win their matches – 3.55/1 (odds by Skybet)

Daily Horse Racing Pro Tips - 3rd October 2017

Horse Racing Preview

Here is our horse racing preview for Saturday 24th June 2017 across UK and Ireland Horse Racing today, unit stakes advised upon each selection.

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 24th June 2017 -Newmarket 3.20pm – 188bet Ebf Stallions Fillies’ Handicap

Ghadaayer – 5/2 – 2pt stake

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 24th June 2017 – Lingfield 5.45pm -Vistavis Ltd Handicap

Affair – 6/1 – 1.5pt stake (EW)

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 24th June 2017 -Lingfiled 6.45pm – New Members Welcome At Dartford Golf Club Handicap

Tuolmne Meadows – 13/2 – 1pt stake (EW)

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 24th June 2017 – Lingfield 7.50pm – Racing Welfare Handicap

Medburn Dream – 15/8

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UEFA U21 European Championships, Marszałek Piłsudski Stadium, Kraków 7.45pm

Italy U21’s vs Germany U21’s – Match Preview – European titans clash as already-qualified Germany face competitive rivals Italy, The Azzurrini knowing a victory is vital to join the Germans in the semi-finals.

Germany were second-favourites coming in to the tournament and have lived up to that billing with irrepressible performances so far. Dispatching the dark horses Czech Republic 2-0 in the opening match signified the control the Germans possessed, proceeded by a ruthless 3-0 victory over Denmark in a game which illustrated the skill and talent the creative powers possessed by the German midfield and attack.
Continuing in this vein of form will strike fear into the hearts of not just Italy, but any team that Germany have to face moving forward in the competition.

Conversely, Italy have struggled to reach the heights many suggested were possible before the tournament began. A 2-0 win over Denmark gave optimism without truly convincing and despite containing big names and stellar players such as Gianluigi Donnarumma and Domenico Beradi the side hasn’t fully clicked so far and that was demonstrated in the 3-1 defeat to Czech Republic last time out.

With Czech Republic currently in second place and placing perhaps the tournament’s weakest team in Denmark (only the best 2nd placed side joins the three group winners in qualifying for the semi-finals) Luigi Di Bagio’s men will be wholeheartedly aware anything less than a victory will suffice. Such a result will require a turnaround in fortunes for both teams and remains unlikely. If Italy’s big players can find form and release themselves from their current rigidity, then the task isn’t impossible, however.

Max Meyer has attracted interest from all over Europe Photo Credit: skysports.com

Players to Watch
Max Meyer has been on the eyes and minds of scouts since he broke onto the scene four years ago for hometown club Schalke, at just the age of 17. 163 Appearances and 20 goals for the senior side later and Meyer has established himself as an important cog in one of Germany’s biggest clubs – and with good reason. The attacking midfielder shows flashes of brilliance in almost every performance, his fantastic footwork and ability to beat a man often makes experienced defenders look foolish. With a more consistent output in terms of goals and assists Meyer could be a truly great player for one of Europe’s biggest clubs. At this level, however, he is almost unparalleled and possesses the quality to eviscerate any team that has the displeasure of facing him.

Federico Bernardeschi brings experience to the young Italian side Photo Credit: dailystar.co.uk

It seems almost unpalatable that players with the experience that Federico Bernardeschi possesses can play at a youth tournament, but it offers a chance for tournament experience that can prove vital moving forward for senior national teams. And Fiorentina’s No.10 is a precise example of that, already capped 9 times in the senior Italy team; the 23-year-old is seen as one of Italy’s better prospects for potential future success. Bernardeschi is a unique mixture in the modern game, a winger with great pace but at 6ft, is big and strong and also works extremely hard defensively. Despite that work rate, he is blessed with a cultured and precise left foot and beats players through elegant means which make him a pleasure to watch. On the top of his game, Bernadeschi definitely has the ability to put a strong Germany team to the sword in a must win game. Which is precisely his task.

 

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New Zealand vs British & Irish Lions - 1st Test - Match Preview
1st Test, Eden Park, Auckland 8.35am

New Zealand vs British & Irish Lions – 1st Test – Match Preview –The anticipation is at critical level; the waiting is over and the real battle is ready to commence. The British and Irish Lions face World Champions New Zealand in the 1st Test of The Lions Tour in Auckland.

Warren Gatland is looking to preside over back-to-back Lions series wins for the first time since 1974. However, in the way is only the most difficult task in all of rugby – emerging victorious in a test series in New Zealand against the All Blacks.

In fact, the only time that The Lions have ever achieved this outstanding feat, back in 1971, winning the series 2-1 courtesy of extraordinary team spirit and a rare, brilliant 45 metre drop goal by the legendary JPR Williams to draw the final test and preserve the overall lead.

Lions tours are steeped in history, tradition, passion and entertainment and this edition promises to be no different whatsoever.

It was a sluggish start, narrowly beating the Barbarians (Provincial Union XV) 13-7 before suffering a 22-16 defeat to Blues. A rugged 12-3 victory over Crusaders proceeded before a remarkable 23-22 defeat to Highlanders – this game seemed to be the turning point in attacking play. The Lions stormed to 32-10 and 34-6 victories over New Zealand Maori and Chiefs respectively as momentum hit peak, in due course for The Lions enter the fray of the World Champions.

The All Blacks have won 10 of the 11 Lions Tours in history and are unequivocally the best team of all time with an impenetrable aura of dominance that makes even the most confident of men quiver. Current back-to-back World Champions – the only time in history that has been accomplished – Steve Hansen’s men will feel no pressure to win and instead will relish the opportunity to do battle with the best the Northern Hemisphere can offer.
Expect an epic.

Peter O’Mahony will lead the Lions in place of Sam Warburton Photo Credit: skysports.com

Team News 
Warren Gatland has displayed authority and decisiveness in naming his match day squad and the major surprise is the announcement of Sam Warburton becoming the first tour captain to miss out on the 1st Test in 87 years – being directly replaced in the back row and in captaincy by the incredible rising star of Peter O’Mahony. O’Mahony wasn’t even expected to make the tour in March, before a phenomenal performance in Ireland’s defeat of England forced his way into the reckoning.

Another notable talking points include Liam Williams starting at full-back, Gatland clearly seeing Williams’ vast ability with the ball in hand as more important than the defensive and goal-kicking reliability of Leigh Halfpenny. Elliot Daly also features alongside Anthony Watson in a new look, exciting back three.

An injury to the outrageously powerful Billy Vunipola sees Talupe Falletau given the opportunity to showcase his array of abilities at Number 8.
Gatland has spoken specifically about how difficult the choice between Maro Itoje and Alun Wyn Jones at lock has been, finally deciding on the experienced Welshman. Expect the English monster Itoje to be hugely influential from the bench though.

All Blacks captain Kieran Read hopeful to return in the 1st test Photo Credit: skysports.com

For the All Blacks, captain Kieran Read has been out of action for seven weeks, but a return to full fitness means the No.8 will unquestionably start and captain his side in the 1st test – lining up alongside the wonderful back-row of Sam Cane and Jerome Kaino.
The biggest surprise was Steve Hansen’s inclusion of Rieko Ioane – without a test start to his name – on the wing instead of Julian Savea.
Ryan Crotty’s return to full fitness also sees him reclaim a centre birth alongside Sonny Bill-Williams over Anton Lienert-Brown.

Lions team: L Williams (Wales); A Watson (England), J Davies (Wales), B Te’o (England), E Daly (England); O Farrell (England), C Murray (Ireland); M Vunipola (England), J George (England), T Furlong (Ireland); AW Jones (Wales), G Kruis (England); P O’Mahony (capt, Ireland), S O’Brien (Ireland), T Faletau (Wales).

Replacements: K Owens (Wales), J McGrath (Ireland), K Sinckler (England), M Itoje (England), S Warburton (Wales), R Webb (Wales), J Sexton (Ireland), L Halfpenny (Wales).

New Zealand Team: B Smith; I Dagg, R Crotty, S B Williams, R Ioane; B Barrett, A Smith; J Moody, C Taylor, O Franks, B Retallick, S Whitelock, J Kaino, S Cane, K Read (capt).


Replacements:
 N Harris, W Crockett, C Faumuina, S Barrett, A Savea, TJ Perenara, A Cruden or L Sopoaga, A Lienert-Brown.

 

Suggested Tips:

 

New Zealand vs Portugal - Match Preview
Confederations Cup, Group A
Krestovskyi Stadium, Russia 4pm

New Zealand vs Portugal – Match Preview – European Champions Portugal are seeking just a point against already-eliminated New Zealand to book their place in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup.

Fernando Santos’ men were shaky in a 2-2 draw against Mexico in the opening game – but a much more resilient performance in a Ronaldo-led 1-0 victory over tournament hosts Russia sees Portugal as firm favourites to make it into the final four.
Mexico, ahead of Portugal by one goal on goal difference, face Russia in the other group game and the Selecao know bettering the Gold Cup champions’ result will result in a 1st place finish in Group A.

2016 OFC Nations Cup Champions New Zealand have been out of their depth so far in this competition, losing meagrely 2-0 to Russia before a similarly disappointing performance in a 2-1 defeat to Mexico. The only positive to emerge from the tournament so far is captain Chris Wood ending The All Whites’ 555-minute goal-scoring drought in the Confederations Cup. Anthony Hudson’s side face the utmost uphill struggle to beat the European Champions and claim a first ever victory in official FIFA tournament play.

This match sees Portugal as overwhelming favourites but there is a strong likelihood that most of the side will be rested, including the on-fire Cristiano Ronaldo, giving New Zealand a glimmer of hope. However, you would still expect Portugal to have too much firepower for a creativity lacking Kiwis side. New Zealand do not normally concede many goals, so if they can stay defensively structured and stave off the Portuguese attack and still be clinical, a surprise could be on the cards. But it is a big if.

Bernado Silva is a threat with his creativity and drive towards opposition defences Photo Credit: skysports.com

Players to Watch
With Ronaldo likely to be rested, Bernado Silva could be the most important player in the Portuguese attack. Manchester City’s new £43m signing impressed in the 1-0 defeat of Russia, and has been in fantastic form since Monaco’s last campaign – contributing 10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions as his side claimed the Ligue 1 title and reached the Champions League semi-finals. Elusive and with devastating ability with the ball at his feet, Bernado Silva is a threat every single time he picks up the ball from 35 yards and drives towards the opposition. The attacking midfielder has an eye for goal and is also adept at threading the ball into the tightest gaps in defences. New Zealand will have their work cut out for them in resisting Bernado Silva’s charms.

New Zealand’s Chris Wood made his 50th International appearance against Russia Photo Credit: espnfc.com

Captain Chris Wood earned his 50th (and now 51st) cap during the tournament, and in that international career has scored a stellar 20 goals – including his side’s solitary strike this tournament in the last game against Mexico. Leeds United’s prized asset smashed in 27 goals in The Championship last season and 30 in all competitions, earning himself a spot in the coveted Championship Team of the Year, narrowly missing out on Player of The Year to Anthony Knockeart. The 6ft3 striker is a constant threat and will be confident he can snatch up any of the likely scarce chances presented to him in this game.

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