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Fulham vs West Brom
Saturday 14th September 2019
Sky Bet Championship, Craven Cottage

Live on Sky Sports Football – 12:30 BST

Two of the Championship’s early-season promotion favourites go head to head, with Fulham and West Brom both looking to steal a march on their fellow top-two rival.

Scott Parker’s side have made a decent start to life in the Championship, bouncing back from their opening day defeat to Barnsley. A run of three wins followed, but they took just one point from Nottingham Forest at home and Cardiff City away before the International break. The Cottagers are, understandably, still striving for the form that will make them automatic promotion contenders, as opposed to play-off hopefuls.

Defensively, Fulham still need to improve. Whilst conceding five goals in six games isn’t awful, they still look a little hap-hazardous at the back. In attack, however, they’re devastating. Aleksandar Mitrovic is firing the goals in, with six goals already this term. With Ivan Cavaleiro and Anthony Knockaert supplying him from either flank, the Serbian looks a shoo-in for the Championship golden boot.

West Brom are one of only three teams yet to be beaten in the league this season. Three wins and three draws have followed Slaven Bilic’s opening six games, which is a very healthy return. Grady Diangana has been their star of the season so far. The West Ham loanee has three goals already this season, which earned him an England Under-21 call-up over the International break.

Defensively frailties could once again be the only thing that stops West Brom finishing in the top two. Only Bristol City have conceded more than them, of those teams in the top six, at the moment. Semi Ajayi came in during the summer and whilst his partnership with Kyle Bartley looks promising, there are still moments of uncertainty as the pair get used to playing alongside one another.

The referee for Friday night’s clash is David Webb. The Englishman has racked up an average booking points total of 35, across four Championship matches this season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.

Both teams have fantastic attacking quality, particularly Fulham. Those attacks should have both in the promotion shake-up come May. However, defensive issues for both will determine whether that is a top-two place, or whether they’ll have to settle for the play-offs. As a result, I’m going for a high-scoring draw.

Fulham vs West Brom will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 12:30 GMT.

Prediction: Fulham 2-2 West Brom.

Suggested Tips – Fulham vs West Brom (BET365):

  • Correct score – 2-2 draw – (link no longer available).
  • Aleksandar Mitrovic to score first – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Fulham vs West Brom (SKYBET):

  • Cavaleiro and Austin to both score – 8/1.
  • BTTS and over 2.5 goals – 10/11.

Markets Updated at 15:00 BST on Friday 13th September 2019.

by ·Comments Off on Liverpool vs Newcastle – Match Preview

Liverpool vs Newcastle United
Saturday 14th September 2019
FA Premier League,  Anfield

Live on BT Sport 1 – Kick-Off: 12:30 BST

The Premier league returns this weekend and matchday five kicks off at Anfield where Liverpool host Newcastle United.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side boast the only 100% record in the league, and many are expecting that run to extend at the end of proceedings on Saturday afternoon. The Red’s seem to have shaken off the disappointment of being narrowly pipped to the PL title last season. An enthralling title race between themselves and Manchester City went all the way to the wire, with Pep Guardiola’s side grabbing the silverware.

Newcastle’s start to life under new Manager Steve Bruce has been inconsistent to say the least. The Magpies have won only one of their opening four matches in the league, which came away at Tottenham Hotspur to add to Mauricio Pochettino’s worries.

A positive to take from Newcastle’s beginning to the season has been the showings of club record signing Joelinton. The summer signing from Hoffenheim grabbed his first goal of the season in the away win at Spurs, and had showed promise in his new colours, and offers a robust, physical presence up top. Joelinton to score anytime is priced at 5/1 on SkyBet.

Liverpool’s own Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino has started the new campaign sharply and has betted in his last two games. Firmino created Premier League history in the away win at Burnley, by becoming the first Brazilian to score 50 Premier League goals. Firmino to extend his scoring run on Saturday lunchtime and Liverpool to win is on SkyBet at 11/10.

In this fixture last season, Liverpool ran out convincing 4-0 winners. A repeat scoreline is priced at 17/2 on SkyBet.

The referee for this weekend’s encounter is Andre Marriner. Marriner has appeared 3 times in the league this season, awarding 9 yellow cards in the process averaging 3 per match. Marriner officiated Liverpool’s 2-1 away victory at Southampton. I would recommend a minimum of 20+ booking points.

There’s only one way where I see this game going, and that’s a convincing Liverpool win. Unbeaten at home in the league for over two years, and their dazzling front three seem to be firing on all cylinders this season, I am predicting a home win to nil. I don’t think Newcastle have the firepower to disrupt Liverpool at the back, and with the imperious Virgil Van Dijk its an even bigger ask. However, Liverpool have only kept one clean sheet this season and have conceded in both home matches this season, so there is a glimmer of hope for the visitors.

Liverpool vs Newcastle United will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport 1 with kick-off at 12:30 BST.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle United

Suggested Tips – Liverpool vs Newcastle United – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Liverpool to win 3-0 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Mohamed Salah – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Liverpool vs Newcastle United – (SKYBET)

  • Price Boost – Sadio Mane to score a brace – 11/2.
  • Scorecast – Roberto Firmino to score first and Liverpool to win 3-0 – 15/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 11/1 to 28/1 – Liverpool to win, BTTS – no and 5+ corners each team – 11/1.
  • Popular RequestABet – Firmino, Salah and Mane to score and Liverpool 4-0 – 33/1.
  • Popular RequestABet – Salah and Firmino to score & Henderson and Schar to be carded – 125/1.
  • @FootyAccums Specials – Mane to score a goal assisted by Firmino, 5+ Liverpool corners & 20+ Newcastle booking pts – 30/1.

Markets Updated at 18:25 BST on Friday 13th September 2019.

 

by ·Comments Off on Derby County vs Cardiff City – Match Preview

Derby County vs Cardiff City
Friday 13th September 2019
Sky Bet Championship – Pride Park

Live on Sky Sports Football – 19:45 BST

Derby County will want to secure their first home win of the season and ease the pressure on Phillip Cocu when they host Cardiff City at Pride Park.

The Rams’ new Dutch coach hasn’t had the best start to life in the east Midlands after taking only six points from their first six Championship fixtures. They’ve only won once this season, which came on the opening day of the season against Huddersfield Town. Last season, Derby’s home form was the bedrock behind their sixth-place finish but they’re yet to win in front of their own fans this term. Draws against Swansea City and West Brom could easily have been wins but they have been on the receiving end of the fine margins that define Championship matches.

Derby are struggling at home due to a lack of natural width in the team. Martyn Waghorn, on the right, is a number nine, whilst Tom Lawrence is always at his best when he’s playing in the number ten areas. Without the injured Jayden Bogle, whose overlapping runs from right-back give them a threat in wide positions, they’ve been too easy to defend against. With an influx of new centre-backs brought in to the club, Cocu is also still trying to find his preferred defensive pairing.

Cardiff’s return to the Championship has been a little underwhelming, particularly on the road. At home, they’ve been impressive with seven points from a possible nine. Away, that tally drops to just one from nine, which is a major concern. The Bluebirds have looked bereft of creativity away from the Cardiff City Stadium, which is why they haven’t scored in their last two away games.

Goals have also been a major issue. Number nine Robert Glatzel is yet to get off the mark for the club and in a 4-3-3 system, he needs to be scoring goals. Of the 12 teams above Cardiff in the table, only Birmingham City and Millwall have scored less goal than their seven. The departure of Bobby Reid, on loan to Fulham, has played a huge role in both of their problems, as they miss his goals and creativity.

The referee for Friday night’s clash is Darren England. The Englishman has racked up an average booking points total of 16.7, across three Championship matches this season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 40+ booking points for this fixture.

Derby have been in lucky in a couple of their home games this season, whilst the same can’t be said for Cardiff on the road. Neither team have shown their best form yet this season but I’m fancying the Rams to nick a narrow home win.

Derby County vs Cardiff City will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 19:45 BST.

Prediction: Derby County 2-1 Cardiff City.

Suggested Tips – Derby County vs Cardiff City – (BET365)

  • Correct score – Derby County to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Jack Marriott – (link no longer available).
  • Anytime Goalscorer  – Martyn Waghorn – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Derby County vs Cardiff City – (SKYBET)

  • Popular RequestABets – Over 1.5 goals, 5+ Derby corners, 3+ Cardiff corners and 10+ booking points each team – 5/2.
  • Price Boost – Derby to win and BTTS – 9/2.

Markets Updated at 18:09 BST on Friday 13th September 2019.

by ·Comments Off on Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
Sunday 1st September 2019
FA Premier League,  Emirates Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 14:00 BST

Arsenal and Tottenham go head to head in the first North London Derby of the season with both sides looking to bounce back from defeats last weekend.

The Gunners were comprehensively beaten by Liverpool at Anfield. David Luiz, in particular, had an afternoon to forget, conceding a penalty for a needless shirt pull on Mohamed Salah before getting skinned by the Egyptian for the Reds’ third. Whilst Arsenal have made improvements once again this season, it once again underlined the gulf in class between them and the top two. In midfield, they lacked bite, until Lucas Torreira came on and he also grabbed their late consolation goal.

Last season Torreira was a key figure following his move from Sampdoria. This season, he has struggled for game time so far, much to the bemusement of the Arsenal supporters. He was the match-winner in this fixture last season, an epic 4-2 game that the Gunners edged. After making his full debut against Liverpool, Nicolas Pepe will be hoping to be in from the start again. If Unai Emery recalls Alexandre Lacazette, we could see their potent-looking front three in action for the first time.

Tottenham were humbled at home to Newcastle United on Sunday, as they lost 1-0 to the Magpies. Christian Eriksen, whose future continues to dominate the back of the Sunday papers, was once again left out of the starting line-up, as was Jan Vertonghen. After one of their biggest spending summer’s in the club’s history, all does not seem right behind the scenes at Spurs. Eriksen clearly wants to leave and with a year left on his contract Spurs could lose him for nothing next season.

Mauricio Pochettino does not seem happy with the situation and If Daniel Levy isn’t happy, despite splashing some cash this summer, he could be left without his star creative player and his manager in one week’s time. If Tottenham want to bridge the gap between themselves and City/Liverpool they have to be holding on to their key players. That means offering bigger contracts, with bigger wages, to entice them to stay. Otherwise, they’ll be back at square one. Two steps forward, three steps back.

Martin Atkinson is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 32.8, across 43 Premier League matches last season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.

A positive result for either side would really lift the spirit around their respective camps. For Tottenham, the Christian Eriksen saga has caused a massive issue for their start to the season. Without him, they lack serious creativity, even if Dele Alli is back fit. As a result, I’m going for a narrow Arsenal win.

Everton vs Wolves will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League with kick-off at 16:30 BST.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-2 Tottenham

Suggested Tips – Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Arsenal to win 3-2 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Pierre Emerick Aubameyang – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur – (SKYBET)

  • Both Players to Score – Alexandra Lacazette and Son – 8/1.
  • Full Time Result and Over 2.5 Goals – Arsenal and Yes – 2/1.
  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 –  BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 7/2.
  • Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Xhaka to score from outside the area and Tottenham to score a penalty – 125/1.

  • Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Kane to score a header and Arsenal to score a penalty – 40/1.

Markets Updated at 08:45 BST on Sunday 1st September 2019.

 

by ·Comments Off on Everton vs Wolves – Match Preview

Everton vs Wolves
Sunday 1st September 2019
FA Premier League,  Goodison Park

Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 14:00 BST

Everton face Wolves on Sunday afternoon at Goodison Park as both sides look to return to winning ways in the Premier League.

Both sides dropped points in the last round of PL fixtures, and are aiming to bounce back this weekend. Marco Silva’s Everton side were beaten 2-0 by Premier League new boys Aston Villa, meanwhile Raul Jimenez’ late penalty for Wolves ensured a share of the spoils against Burnley.

The luxury of Europa League football may come as a hindrance for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side however. Thursday nights Europa League clash with Torino means his side have only 48 hours to prepare for this fixture, which may hand the Toffees a slight advantage.

Everton featured midweek too, in the Carabao cup where they saw off a spirited Lincoln City side, defeating them 4-2 at Sincil Bank. New signing Alex Iwobi netted his first goal in Everton colours in the midweek win and is priced at 9/2 to score anytime on SkyBet.

Many envisage these two sides will be and around the top 6 come the end of the season, so Saturday’s encounter provides the perfect opportunity for either side to set a statement of intent for the remainder of the season.

The last time these two sides met at Goodison Park it was the visitors who ran out comprehensive winners. Wolves won 3-1 that day and opened the scoring through a Ruben Neves penalty. A penalty to be awarded on Saturday is at odds of 13/8 on SkyBet.

Raul Jimenez netted 13 times for Wolves last season and scored in both League encounters with Saturdays opponents Everton too. The Mexican to score anytime on Saturday, and Wolves to win is priced at 4/1 on SkyBet.

Anthony Taylor takes charge of Sundays clash and has already issued 11 yellow cards in 3 appearances this season; just under 4 cards per game. Because of that, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this weekend.

Despite Wolves’ Europa League game on Thursday night, I still feel they are more than capable of getting something from the game, but so are Everton. I am predicting a share of the spoils but do expect both sides to find the back of the net. The supporters packed inside Goodison Park as always will act as the ‘twelfth man’ for the Toffees, which could make things uncomfortable for the visitors, but I maintain the belief that both sides will take a point apiece.

Everton vs Wolves will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League with kick-off at 14:00 BST.

Prediction: Everton 1-1 Wolves.

Suggested Tips – Everton vs Wolves – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Draw 1-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Everton vs Wolves – (SKYBET)

  • Price Boost – Raul Jimenez and Moise Kean – 12/1.
  • Scorecast – Diogo Jota to score first and 1-1 Draw – 30/1.
  • Price Boost – Ruben Neves to score from outside the penalty area – 14/1.
  • Popular RequestABets – Richarlison to score, 4+ corners each team and Neves to be carded – 18/1.
  • Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Sigurdsson & Neves to score from outside the area – 125/1.

  • RequestABet Insurance – Over 1.5 Goals, 5+ corners in each half, 20+ Everton booking points and 20+ Wolves booking points – 9/1.

Markets Updated at 08:45 BST on Sunday 1st September 2019.

 

 

by ·Comments Off on Burnley vs Liverpool – Match Preview

Burnley vs Liverpool
Saturday 31st August 2019
FA Premier League,  Turf Moor

Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 17:30 BST

Liverpool will be hoping to maintain their 100% start to the Premier League season when they take on Burnley on Saturday night.

The Reds beat Arsenal last weekend 3-1, making a strong statement to the rest of the Premier League. Mohamed Salah was at his brilliant best, grabbing a brace including a fantastic solo effort. The Egyptian has made a fine start to the season, bagging three goals in as many Premier League fixtures. Roberto Firmino has also made a strong start to the season and produced a Man of the Match display against the Gunners, despite not getting on the score sheet.

Liverpool are yet to record a clean sheet after their opening three fixtures. Jurgen Klopp’s side have conceded one goal in each of their outings. Given they boasted the most clean sheets in the league last season, that’s a bit of a concern. Obviously, Alisson being absent is a huge miss but, bar Adrian’s mistake against Southampton, none of the goals have been his fault.

Burnley have made a strong start to the season with four points from their first three games. Last time out, they were denied all three points by a 96th-minute penalty from Raul Jimenez. Ashley Barnes bagged his fourth goal of the season prior to that. He’s been in terrific form for the Clarets, which has sparked talk of an England call-up. He wasn’t included in Gareth Southgate’s squad this time but if he continues his current form, he’ll be hard to leave out.

Burnley’s defensive pairing of Ben Mee and James Tarkowski continues to impress, with Nick Pope completing the English trio behind them. But for Jimenez’s last-minute penalty, they would have had two clean sheets from their first three games. At Turf Moor, they are yet to concede and an early goal will be vital to Liverpool’s hopes of securing three points.

Chris Kavanagh is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 33.3, across 35 Premier League matches last season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.

Liverpool are in fine fettle and it’s tough to see them losing a game right now. Burnley, though are a tough nut to crack so this won’t be easy. Therefore, I’m going to edge towards a narrow away win.

Burnley vs Liverpool will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League with kick-off at 17:30 BST.

Prediction: Burnley 1-2 Liverpool

Suggested Tips – Burnley vs Liverpool – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Liverpool to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Sadio Mane – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Burnley vs Liverpool – (SKYBET)

  • Both Players to Score – Mohamed Salah and Ashley Barnes – 6/1.
  • Winning Margin – Liverpool by Exactly 1 Goal – 11/4.
  • Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Liverpool to win, Mane 2+ shots on target, 3+ corners each team and 40+ match booking pts – 10/1.
  • Previous RequestABet Winners – Burnley to score 1+ goals and 5+ Burnley corners – 5/1.

Markets Updated at 10:45 BST on Saturday 31st August 2019.

by ·Comments Off on Bristol City vs Middlesbrough – Match Preview

Bristol City vs Middlesbrough
Saturday 31st August 2019
Sky Bet Championship,  Ashton Gate

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 12:30 BST

Bristol City face Middlesbrough on Saturday lunchtime as SkyBet Championship action returns to Ashton Gate.

The Robins are unbeaten since their opening day defeat to Leeds United, and have won each of their last three Championship matches.  Their opponents Middlesbrough however are in a much contrasting form. Boro have only won once this season and have failed to keep a clean sheet in 4/5 of their league encounters so far this season.

Johnathan Woodgate took over from Tony Pulis at the Riverside this summer, and his start to life as a manager has been somewhat of a baptism of fire. The former England defender has seen his side concede six goals already this season and face a Bristol City side who are no strangers to finding the back of the net.

In the 2018/19 season, Bristol City failed to score in only four of their 23 home fixtures, and SkyBet are offering odds of evens for Bristol City to score more than 2+ goals. I would recommend this selection as Bristol City are regular scorers on home turf, as well as the fact Middlesbrough’s defensive record this season is uninspiring to say the least.

Bristol City won the most recent fixture between the two sides 1-0. A repeat score line is priced at 13/2 on SkyBet.

Britt Assombalonga finished last season as Middlesbrough’s top scorer with 14 league goals and has already found the back of the net twice this season. Assombalonga to score the first goal is priced at 5/1 on SkyBet.

The Referee for Saturday lunchtimes clash is Lee Mason. Mason who has predominantly appeared in the Premier League over recent years took charge of 32 matches across all competitions last season, awarding 99 yellow cards in the process, with an average of just over three yellow cards per match.

Bristol City have shown enough this season to me already to suggest that they ill be in and around the play-off places come the end of the season. They are a side who rarely struggle to score, and have a very good manager in Lee Johnson, and that’s why I’m predicting them to take all three points on Saturday. Middlesbrough’s start to the season has been below the expected level, however I don’t think that will last, and I expect Woodgate’s fortunes to turn in the coming weeks.

Bristol City vs Middlesbrough will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 12:30 GMT.

Prediction: Bristol City 2-0 Middlesbrough.

Suggested Tips – Bristol City vs Middlesbrough – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Bristol City to win 2-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Bristol City vs Middlesbrough – (SKYBET)

  • Player Stats RequestABets – Over 1.5 goals, Afobe 1+ shots on target, 6+ match corners and 30+ match booking pts – 7/4.
  • Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Afobe & Assombalonga 2+ shots on target each – 10/1.
  • Total Goals, Corners Taken & Booking Pts –  Over 1.5 Goals, Over 8.5 Corners, Over 25 Booking Points – 13/8.

Markets updated at 10:30 BST on Saturday 30 August 2019.

by ·Comments Off on Southampton vs Manchester United – Match Preview

Southampton vs Manchester United
Saturday 31st August 2019
FA Premier League,  St Mary’s Stadium

Live on BT Sport 1 – Kick-Off: 12:30 BST

Manchester United will be looking to bounce back from their shock defeat to Crystal Palace this weekend as they take on a resurgent Southampton on the South Coast.

It’s been a tough week for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after watching his side humbled by Palace last Saturday. It was a day to forget as Dan James looked to have grabbed a point for the Red Devils, only for David de Gea’s error to allow Patrick van Aanholt to secure a famous away win. To make matters worse, Marcus Rashford missed a penalty with the Eagles 1-0 up, only adding to the controversy from Paul Pogba’s saved spot-kick against Wolves.

After such a promising result on the opening weekend, a return of four points from three games is underwhelming. United will once again be reliant on Rashford and Martial in attack, with Alexis Sanchez’s loan move to Inter Milan all-but complete. The Chilean’s Manchester nightmare seems to be over and he will undoubtedly go down as one of the biggest waste of money in the club’s proud history. That puts even more burden on the shoulders of United’s young attacker, who have started the season in fine fettle.

Southampton secured their first win of the season with a hard-earned 2-0 victory over rivals Brighton. Whilst Ralph Hassenhuttl’s side were only up against ten men for much of the encounter, it didn’t make Moussa Djenepo’s debut wonder-strike any less sweet. It was also a first clean sheet of the season for the Saints who will be buoyed by this much-needed result.

Southampton will now be hoping to secure a first home win of the season, albeit against tough opposition. With games against Sheffield United and Bournemouth to come, those fixtures will be a much fairer representation of the progress they’ve made under Hassenhuttl. This, as was the Liverpool match, is a free hit. They can go out without any fear and hope to take advantage of a fragile Manchester United outfit.

Mike Dean is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 51.8, across 42 Premier League matches last season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 60+ booking points for this fixture.

Southampton definitely have the tools to trouble Manchester United who desperately need a result. I think the Red Devils will sneak this one but it wouldn’t shock me to see a score draw.

Southampton vs Manchester United will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport 1 with kick off at 12:30 BST.

Prediction: Southampton 1-2 Manchester United

Suggested Tips – Southampton vs Manchester United – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Manchester United to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Mason Greenwood – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Southampton vs Manchester United – (SKYBET)

  • Winning Margin – Manchester United by Exactly 1 Goal – 11/4.
  • BTTS and Full Time Result – Manchester United and Yes – 3/1.
  • Player Stats RequestABets – Over 1.5 goals, Ings 1+ shots on target & Rashford 1+ shots on target, 6+ match corners and 20+ match booking pts – 13/8.
  • Player Stats RequestABets – Rashford to score from outside the area and Southampton to score a penalty – 125/1.

Markets updated at 10:15 BST on Sunday August 31 2019.

by ·Comments Off on Cardiff City vs Fulham Match Preview

Cardiff City vs Fulham
Friday 30th August 2019
Sky Bet Championship,  Cardiff City Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 19:45 BST

SkyBet EFL Championship action return this Friday night as Cardiff City face Fulham at the Cardiff City stadium.

Both sides will be hoping they can return to winning ways following underwhelming results in the Carabao Cup in midweek. The Bluebirds were hammered 3-0 by Luton Town on home turf, and Fulham were defeated 1-0 by Southampton at Craven Cottage. However, Friday nights clash presents a perfect opportunity for both to respond from their cup disappointment.

The last time these two sides met was in March, but in contrasting circumstances. Fulham ran out    1-0 victors, in what was then a Premier League fixture. Both sides suffered the heartbreak of relegation at the end of the 2018/19 campaign but share the same ambition of a return to the top flight at the first time of asking. Fulham to win 1-0 this time round is at odds of 9/1 on SkyBet.

Cardiff’s form so far this season has been mediocre, and Neil Warnock’s side have struggled for consistency. The Bluebirds have won two of their opening five fixtures, keeping only one clean sheet in the process. The expectancy for goals this season lies heavily on the shoulders of Robert Glatzel, the £5.5 million-pound acquisition from Bundesliga 2 side FC Heidenheim. The German has started the last four league outings for Cardiff but is yet to score. Glatzel to open his Cardiff account, and score first on Friday night is priced at 5/1 on SkyBet.

Bobby Reid is currently on loan from Cardiff at Fulham and will be ineligible to face his parent cub on Friday evening. Reid scored five times in a Cardiff City shirt last season.

Fulham meanwhile have endured similar inconsistencies themselves in their return to the second tier. The Cottagers recorded back-to-back wins after wins at Huddersfield, and then at home to Millwall, however their progress was undone last Saturday, as they lost 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest. Scott Parkers side have won three of their five league fixtures this season and sit 5th in the Championship.

Aleksandar Mitrovic enjoyed a potent season in the top-flight last season for Fulham, notching 11 times. The Serbian international has begun the 2019/20 season in a similar fettle, scoring four times in five matches. Mitrovic to score, and Fulham to win is priced at 13/5 on SkyBet.

The man in charge for Friday evenings fixture is Tim Robinson. Robinson has already appeared in three Championship matches this season and has issued 15 yellow cars; averaging 5 yellow cards per game. Therefore, booking points may be a market of interest.

I am predicting a tight affair on Friday night; however, I believe Fulham will take all three points, in a real smash and grab performance. I predict both sides will score, but ultimately it will be Fulham who have more success. With such a dangerous forward in Mitrovic, it will be difficult for Cardiff to keep him quiet, especially with their defensive showings so far this season.

Cardiff City vs Fulham will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football HD with kick off at 19:45 BST.

Prediction: Cardiff City 1-2 Fulham.

Suggested Tips – Cardiff City vs Fulham – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Fulham 2-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Cardiff City vs Fulham – (SKYBET)

  • Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Glatzel & Mitrovic 2+ shots on target each – 11/2.
  • Fulham Price Boost – Fulham to Win and BTTS Yes – 4/1.
  • Popular RequestABets – Mitrovic to score, 4+ corners each team and Ralls to be carded – 20/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 33/1 to 66/1 – BTTS, over 2.5 goals and Flint & Peltier to be carded – 40/1.

Markets updated at 18:25 BST on Friday August 30 2019.

 

by ·Comments Off on Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United – Match Preview

Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United
Sunday 25th August 2019
FA Premier League,  Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 16:30 BST

Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping to continue their fine start to the Premier League season when they host relegation-worriers Newcastle United.

Spurs are back in action after their weekend draw with Manchester City which ended in controversial circumstances. Despite a relatively below-par showing, Mauricio Pochettino’s team came away with an impressive point at the Etihad Stadium. That leaves them on four points from their opening two fixtures after beating Aston Villa the week before.

Lucas Moura once again played the role of super-sub last weekend but he’ll be hoping to earn starting spot this weekend. The Brazilian seems to have forged a good relationship with Harry Kane, playing on the shoulder with Kane dropping deeper to collect possession.

Newcastle have had a bad start to the season and are awaiting their first point under Steve Bruce. Last weekend they were thumped 3-1 at Norwich City. Desperate defending was the story of their afternoon, with Teemu Pukki grabbed a hat-trick.

Bruce has to find a way to bring some more creativity into the Magpies side too. Allan Saint-Maximin will be pushing for a start to offer support to Miguel Almiron and Joellinton in attack. Without his pace on the counter-attack from Saint-Maximin, it’s tough to see how they could hurt Tottenham.

Mike Dean is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 51.8, across 42 Premier League matches last season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 60+ booking points for this fixture.

Newcastle have been woeful so part this season. In contrast, Tottenham have been superb and will be difficult to stop for any team at home. Therefore, I’m going for a home victory, with some goals.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League HD with kick off at 16:30 BST.

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Newcastle United

Suggested Tips – Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Tottenham Hotspur to win 3-0 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Harry Kane – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United – (SKYBET)

  • To Score and Win – Lucas Moura – (link no longer available).
  • To Score 3+ Goals – Tottenham Hotspur – 1/1.
  • Player Stats RequestABets – Tottenham to score 2+ goals, Kane 2+ shots on target & Eriksen 1+ shots on target and 5+ Tottenham corners – 13/8.

  • Popular Player Stats RequestABets –  Moura to score a header and Tottenham to score a penalty – 50/1.

Markets updated at 12:07 BST on Sunday August 25 2019.