Bournemouth vs Manchester City
Sunday 25th August 2019
FA Premier League, Vitality Stadium
Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 14:00 BST
Champions Manchester City will be hoping to get back to winning ways this weekend when they face Bournemouth on the South Coast.
Last season’s Premier League title winners dropped their first points of the 2019/20 season against Tottenham Hotspur in dramatic fashion last weekend. Gabriel Jesus’ last-minute winner was ruled out by VAR after the ball struck Aymeric Laporte’s hand. That left the scoreline at 2-2, meaning City dropped their first two points of the season.
Raheem Sterling has continued his superb form in front of goal from last season with four goals in his opening two matches. The Englishman has become one of the most deadly forward in the league. Kevin de Bruyne’s return to form and fitness is also an extra boost, highlighted by his deadly deliveries that set up both of City’s goals against Spurs.
Bournemouth have collected four points from their opening two fixtures. After drawing with Sheffield United on the opening day of the season, they went to Villa Park and beat Aston Villa 2-1. Harry Wilson grabbed his first goal for the Cherries after arriving on a season-long loan from Liverpool.
Bournemouth’s expansive style means they will always concede goals under Eddie Howe. However, at the top end of the pitch, they will always cause the opposition problems with Callum Wilson and Josh King in attack. The duo have already frightened Premier League defences early on and will prove a handful for City’s defence on Sunday.
Andre Marriner is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 30.6, across 40 Premier League matches last season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.
Manchester City thrive for perfection and Pep Guardiola will be frustrated to have dropped points against Tottenham after playing so well. As a result, Bournemouth could feel the backlash.
Bournemouth vs Manchester City will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League HD with kick off at 14:00 BST.
Prediction: Bournemouth 0-2 Manchester City
Suggested Tips – Bournemouth vs Manchester City – (BET365)
- Correct Score – Manchester City to win 2-0 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Sergio Augero – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Bournemouth vs Manchester City – (SKYBET)
- To Score & Win – Kevin De Bruyne – 9/4.
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Player Stats RequestABets – Man City to score 2+ goals, Sterling 1+ shots on target, 5+ Man City corners & 20+ Bournemouth booking pts – 9/4.
Markets updated at 11:48 on Sunday 25th August 2019.
Swansea City vs Birmingham City – Match Preview
Swansea City vs Birmingham City
Sunday 25th August 2019
Sky Bet Championship, Liberty StadiumLive on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 12:00 BST
Swansea City will want to continue their fine start to the new Championship season on Sunday when they host Birmingham City.
The Swans have taken like a duck to water to life under Steve Cooper who has led his new side to ten points from their opening four games. They took six points in four days last week beating Preston North End 3-2 and then Queens Park Rangers 3-1 away in midweek. That was the first time they have scored three goals in three consecutive fixtures for 20 years. They sit second in the table ahead of this weekend’s action and are one of only four teams left unbeaten in the Championship.
A huge part of Cooper’s success has been to bring Borja Baston and Andre Ayew in for the cold. Combined, they cost £35m in the Premier League, but following relegation, they were both shipped out on loan. With Oliver McBurnie sold to Sheffield United, Cooper has played Baston and he has rewarded him with four goals in as many games. Similarly, Ayew is finding his feet and set up the Swans’ third goal at QPR on Wednesday. At this level, the forgotten pair will be a match for any side at this level.
Birmingham have started the season with five points from their opening four games. They’re unbeaten at home, turning over Barnsley 2-0 in midweek, but got trounced at 3-0 at Nottingham Forest on their last away visit. That’s a theme I’m expecting a lot from Pep Clotet’s side, strong at home, poor away. Although they did win away at Brentford on the opening day of the season, it was very much a smash-and-grab result.
Lukas Jutkiewicz was back in the scoring grove on Wednesday, alongside new signing Alvaro Giminez in attack. The big target man is crucial to their play but needs to be in a two-pronged attack to be most effective. Last season, Garry Monk deployed a 4-4-2 with Che Adams and Jutkiewicz in attack and they devastated. Collet played a 3-5-2 in midweek, which got the best from him, unlike the 4-3-3 deployed at Nottingham Forest.
Andy Woolmer is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 31.3, across 19 Championship matches last season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 60+ booking points for this fixture.
Swansea have really impressed me with their start to the season. Equally, Birmingham are shaping up to be a side that are good at home but struggle away. As a result, I’m going for a home win.
Swansea City vs Birmingham City will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 12:00 BST.
Prediction: Swansea City 2-0 Birmingham City
Suggested Tips – Swansea City vs Birmingham City – (BET365)
- Correct Score – Swansea City to win 2-0 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Gonzalez Borja Baston – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Swansea City vs Birmingham City – (SKYBET)
- To Score and Win – Andre Ayew – 11/4.
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Total Goals, Corners Taken & Booking Pts – Over 1.5 Goals, Over 8.5 Corners, Over 25 Booking Points – 9/4.
Markets updated at 12:02 BST on Saturday August 24 2019.
Liverpool vs Arsenal – Match Preview
Liverpool vs Arsenal
Saturday 24th August 2019
FA Premier League, AnfieldLive on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 17:30 BST
Liverpool and Arsenal will be looking to continue their 100% start to the 2019/20 Premier League campaign when go head to head at Anfield on Saturday.
The Reds have started the season in strong form, collecting six points from their opening six available. At the weekend they beat Southampton 2-1, thanks to goals from Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. Despite spending most of his closed season at the African Cup of Nations, Mane has come back in razor-sharp form. The Senegalese winger has become one of the most clinical players in the Premier League over the last 18 months. Alongside Mohamad Salah and Firmino who are also both of the mark, they remain one of the most, if not the, most deadly trios in world football.
At the back, Liverpool have been a little suspect in the opening weeks of the season. The Reds have been caught trying to play offside, which was illustrated on Sky Sports Monday Night Football. The Reds’ high line is no different to last season but they need to be sharper at tracking runs and filling spaces. They have got away with it, to a degree, against the less clinical sides, but against Arsenal, they will be punished.
Arsenal come into this match having won their opening two fixtures for the first time in ten years. That in itself underlines the strong start Unai Emery’s men have made. Whilst they will need to guard against Liverpool’s front three, they also boast one of the most potent trios in the league. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have three goals between them already, whilst new signing Nicolas Pepe could make his full debut at Anfield. Given the defensive issues Liverpool have had in the opening weeks of the season, they could really exploit those frailties with their pace and energy.
Dani Ceballos made his full debut against Burnley and was sublime. The Spaniard, on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, look to be the ball-playing midfielder they’ve missed since Santi Cazorla left. You could maybe even go as far back as Cesc Fabregas. The midfielder oozes class but is also not afraid to throw his weight around in midfield. He’ll be really tested against Liverpool’s midfield three, which should be an interesting battle.
Anthony Taylor is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 31.8, across 48 Premier League matches last season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.
This could be a really good match on Saturday. Whilst Liverpool are obvious favourites, Arsenal have the players capable of really hurting the Reds on the break. It’s a bold shout but I think they might actually get something at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Arsenal will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League with kick off at 17:30 BST.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal
Suggested Tips – Liverpool vs Arsenal – (BET365)
- Correct Score – Draw 2-2 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Roberto Firminho – (link no longer available).
- Anytime Goalscorer – Sadio Mane – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Liverpool vs Arsenal – (SKYBET)
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RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 8/1
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Both Players to Score – Pierre Emerick Aubameyang & Mohamed Salah – 11/2.
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Full Time Result & Both Teams to Score – Liverpool and Yes – 6/4.
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Popular RequestABets – Firmino & Salah to score and Fabinho to be carded – 25/1.
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Player Stats RequestABets – Aubameyang & Lacazette 2+ shots on target each & Pepe 1+ shots on target and Guendouzi & Maitland-Niles to be carded – 400/1.
- Player Stats RequestABets – Salah & Aubameyang to score and van Dijk 1+ shots on target & Luiz 1+ shots on target – 100/1.
Markets updated at 11:42 BST on Saturday August 24 2019.
Derby County vs West Bromwich Albion – Match Preview
Derby County vs West Bromwich Albion
Saturday 24th August 2019
Sky Bet Championship, Pride ParkLive on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 12:30 BST
Derby County return to SkyBet Championship action this weekend as they host West Bromwich Albion on Saturday lunchtime.
The Rams come into Saturday’s encounter without a win in their last three Championship games following the 2-1 home defeat to Bristol City in midweek. Philip Cocu’s side have failed to register a win in the league since their opening day victory over Huddersfield.
Meanwhile Saturday’s opponents West Brom have shown consistency with their league form, and are unbeaten in their opening four Championship fixtures, with two wins, and two draws.
Both sides entered the 2019/20 season under new management. Dutchman Philip Cocu took over from Frank Lampard as the latter headed to the Premier League with Chelsea, and West Brom recruited ex-Premier League boss Slaven Bilic, who stepped into the void left by James Shannon’s departure in June.
In the combined eight league fixtures played this season between the two sides (four apiece), BTTS has landed in 7/8 fixtures, and I am predicting a similar outcome at the end of proceedings come Saturday lunchtime. SkyBet offer odds of BTTS at 8/13, with a price boost of Derby to win and BTTS at 4/1.
Derby completed a league double over Saturday’s opponents last season, winning 4-1 at The Hawthorns before running out 3-1 winners at home on the final day. Martyn Waghorn scored first in the last meeting between the two, Waghorn to score first this time round is priced at 4/1 on SkyBet.
The referee for this weekend’s clash is Gavin Ward. The Surrey based official took charge of 25 Championship fixtures last season, administering 80 yellow cards, and 7 red cards in the process. Ward to issue a red card this weekend is priced at 7/2 on SkyBet.
Both sides will be looking to return to winning way this weekend after failing to do so in midweek, however I am predicting a stalemate come Saturday afternoon. Despite that, I do feel there will be goals, considering both teams have been no strangers to finding the back of the net so far this season. I would suggest over 2.5 goals.
Derby County vs West Bromwich Albion will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Football HD, with kick-off at 12:30 BST.
Prediction: Derby County 2-2 West Brom.
Suggested Tips – Derby Country vs West Bromwich Albion – (BET365)
- Correct Score – Draw 2-2 – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Derby Country vs West Bromwich Albion – (SKYBET)
- Scorecast – Tom Lawrence to score first and 2-2 Draw – 75/1.
- West Brom Price Boost – West Brom to Win and BTTS Yes – 9/2.
- Price Boost – Charlie Austin and Martyn Waghorn both to score – 10/1.
- Price Boosts – Tom Lawrence to score from outside the penalty area – 9/1.
- Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Waghorn & Austin 2+ shots on target each, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 20/1.
Markets updated at 11:22 BST on Saturday August 24 2019.
Norwich vs Chelsea – Match Preview
Norwich vs Chelsea
Saturday 24th August 2019
FA Premier League, Carrow RoadLive on BT Sport 1 – Kick-Off: 12:30 BST
Premier League matchday three kicks off at Carrow Road on Saturday lunchtime, as Norwich host Chelsea.
The Canaries claimed their first win back in the top-flight last weekend, defeating Newcastle 3-1. Their talisman Teemu Pukki has stepped up and adjusted to life in the Premier League seamlessly and has already found the back of the net four times. The Fin followed up his consolation at Anfield with a hat-trick in last Saturdays triumph over the Magpies. Pukki to grab his fifth of the season and score anytime on Saturday is priced at 6/5 on SkyBet.
Contrastingly, Frank Lampard’s beginning to life as Chelsea boss has been a reality check to say the least. His Chelsea side are yet to register a win, after defeats to both Manchester United and Liverpool were followed up with a 1-1 stalemate with Leicester.
Despite a difficult beginning to the season there has been several positives to come from Chelsea’s performances, particularly the showing of, Mason Mount. Mount spent the entirety of last season with Lampard at Derby County, where he recorded 11 goals and 6 assists in 44 appearances. Mount got off the mark for Chelsea in the 1-1 draw with Leicester, his first goal for his boyhood club. Chelsea to win, and Mount to score first is priced at 3/1 on SkyBet.
Last season Carrow Road was somewhat of a fortress for Daniel Farke’s Norwich side, losing only three times in 23 games. If Norwich are to remain in the Premier League this season, making the most of home advantage could be the difference.
The referee for Saturday lunchtimes encounter is Martin Atkinson. An experienced referee, Atkinson has been officiating professionally since 2003. Atkinsons 2018/19 season statistics read 110 yellow cards in 34 matches, averaging just over 3 yellow cards per match. I would suggest no more than 50 booking points.
Although Norwich began their season on home turf with a win, I feel that Chelsea, who are overdue a win will claim all three points come Saturday lunchtime. Despite their uninspiring start to the season, they have played good football, most notably in the first half vs Manchester United, where they were unfortunate not to score. However, three games have already passed without a clean sheet for the Blues, and with the threat Pukki poses for the hosts, don’t be surprised if he notches for the third PL match in a row.
Norwich vs Chelsea will be shown live in the UK on BT Sport 1, with kick-off at 12:30 BST.
Prediction: Norwich 1-2 Chelsea.
Suggested Tips – Norwich vs Chelsea – (BET365)
- Correct Score – Chelsea win 2-1 – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Norwich vs Chelsea – (SKYBET)
- Player Stats RequestABets – Over 1.5 goals, Pukki 1+ shots on target & Mount 1+ shots on target, 6+ match corners and 20+ match booking pts – 13/8.
- Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Pukki & Mount 2+ shots on target each – 11/1.
- Popular RequestABets – Mount to score, 11+ match corners and 10+ booking points each team – 13/2.
- RequestABet Specials 11/1 to 28/1 – Chelsea to win, over 2.5 goals, 5+ corners each team, and 50+ match booking points – 20/1.
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Price Boosts – Olivier Giroud to score a header – 6/1.
Markets updated at 11:02 BST on Saturday August 24 2019.
Aston Villa vs Everton – Match Preview
Aston Villa vs Everton
Friday 23rd August 2019
FA Premier League, Villa ParkLive on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 20:00 BST
Aston Villa will be looking for their first points of the 2019/20 Premier League season when they host Everton on Friday night.
Dean Smith’s side are yet to get off the mark this season after back-to-back defeats in the opening weeks of the season. On Saturday, they were beaten 2-1 at home by Bournemouth. Having found themselves 2-0 down after 15 minutes at the weekend, Villa battled back strongly but couldn’t get an equaliser. Villa were a little naïve in their approach, something they will need to address sooner rather than later. They can’t afford to give any side a two-goal advantage at this level and expect to get something from the game.
John McGinn’s performances in the opening two matches have caught the eye. The Scottish international’s stock is on the rise after a phenomenal 14 months in the Midlands. He was one of the best players in the Championship last season and has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water. He’s definitely one to watch. Striker Wesley is yet to get off the mark and will need to put that right soon to avoid the crowd getting on his back. Making Villa Park a fortress this season will be vital for Smith’s side, to make sure they stay up. Having lost to Bournemouth this game is a must-not-lose fixture for them.
Everton recorded their first win of the season against Watford at the weekend, thanks to Bernard’s strike. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has led the line in both of their opening league fixtures but keep an eye out for big-money signing Moise Keane, who caught the eye with a late cameo role at Goodison Park. The Italian youngster, signed from Juventus in the summer, has all the attributes to score goals in the Premier League.
Everton have recorded back-to-back clean sheets already this season, which is an improvement on last year. Michael Keane is really stepping up to fill the void left by Phil Jagielka’s departure, alongside Yerry Mina at the back. If the Toffees can keep that consistency in attack, they definitely have the players in attack to trouble most defences in the Premier League
Michael Oliver is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 32.8, across 44 Premier League matches last season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.
Aston Villa need to get something from this game. After losing at home to Bournemouth, they can’t afford to lose again at home. Everton have been solid if not spectacular at the start of the new campaign. As a result, I’m going for a draw.
Aston Villa vs Everton will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League with kick off at 20:00 BST.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Everton
Suggested Tips – Aston Villa vs Everton – (BET365)
- Correct Score – Draw 1-1 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Richarlison – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Aston Villa vs Everton– (BET365)
- RequestABets up to 10/1 – BTTS, 3+ corners each team and 10+ booking points each team – 7/4.
- Both Teams to Score & Full Time Result – Draw and Yes – 3/1.
- To Score and Win – Gylfi Sigurdsson – 11/4.
- Player Stats RequestABets – Sigurdsson 1+ shots on target, Richarlison 1+ shots on target, McGinn 1+ shots on target & Grealish 1+ shots on target – 9/1.
Player Stats RequestABets – Grealish & Sigurdsson to score from outside the area – 100/1.
Wolves vs Manchester United – Match Preview
Wolves vs Manchester United
Monday 19th August 2019
FA Premier League, Molineux StadiumLive on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 20:00 BST
Manchester United will be hoping to back up their win over Chelsea last weekend when they take on the top-six giant slayers Wolves at Molineux.
The Red Devils got their season off to the perfect start at Old Trafford, thumping Chelsea 4-0. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men were clinical in attack and resolute in defence throughout. Harry Maguire got his United career off to the perfect start with a clean sheet. The Englishman looked at home in defence alongside Victor Lindelof. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was similarly impressive and looks like he will burst up and down that right flank for years to come. His energy and athleticism is something United have missed for years but his defensive capabilities shouldn’t be underestimated either.
Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial created a lethal duo in attack. The fluidity of the pair, constantly interchanging between the centre-forward and left-wing role makes them a nightmare to pick up. Their pace and willingness to run in behind also makes the jobs of Paul Pogba and Co much easier. Martial, back in the number nine shirt, look much more at home down the middle, briefly interchanging with Rashford. With Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard also offering options in those roles, United shouldn’t miss Romelu Lukaku too much, providing they’re not unlucky with injuries.
Wolves will have a tough job improving on last season’s seventh-place finish. That saw them creep into the Europa League and only Torino stand in their way from reaching the group stages. They kicked off their Premier League campaign with a 0-0 draw with Leicester City, although they had Leander Dendoncker’s goal controversially ruled out for handball. Last season they were the team none of the top six wanted to face and took four points off United.
Wolves’ starting XI is brimming with quality but I have concerns about their lack of depth. If they pick up a few injuries, they could struggle and they will have to rotate the team more if they’re in the Europa League. Playing Thursday-Sunday is tough for a club of their size. As a result, they may have some off days off the back of long European away trips but they should be fit and firing for this Monday night clash.
Jon Moss is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 39.6, across 39 Premier League matches last season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.
This will be a real test for United, who were clinical in both boxes but didn’t wipe the floor with Chelsea for 90 minutes. Wolves’ record against the big teams stand firm and therefore I think they’ll get something from the game.
Wolves vs Manchester United will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League HD with kick-off at 20:00 BST.
Prediction: Wolves 2-2 Manchester United
Suggested Tips – Wolves vs Manchester United – (BET365)
- Correct Score – Draw 2-2 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Anthony Martial – (link no longer available).
- Player to be carded/booked – Luke Shaw – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Wolves vs Manchester United – (BET365)
- RequestABet Specials up to 10/1 – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 11/2.
- Both Teams to Score & Full Time Result – Draw and Yes – 10/3.
- Both Player to Score – Diego Jota and Marcus Rashford – 17/2.
- Player Stat RequestABets – Dendoncker 1+ shots on target & McTominay 1+ shots on target and Boly & Pogba to be carded – 80/1.
- Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Rashford to score from outside the area and Wolves to score a penalty – 125/1.
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Player Stats RequestABets – Wolves v Manchester Utd – BTTS, Jota & Rashford 1+ shots on target each, 1+ corners each team in each half and 10+ booking points each team – 4/1.
Markets updated on Monday 18th August at 16:30 BST.
Chelsea vs Leicester City – Match Preview
Chelsea vs Leicester City
Sunday 18th August 2019
FA Premier League, Stamford BridgeLive on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 16:30 BST
Chelsea will be looking for their first Premier League points under Frank Lampard as they welcome Leicester City to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues got off to the worst possible start under the new boss last weekend, losing 4-0 to Manchester United. Lampard’s decision to start Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham at Old Trafford drew criticism, despite Mount being one of their best players on the day. The former Derby County loanee has all the attributes to succeed as a first-team player at Stamford Bridge and has a manager behind him who trusts him. It’s been a rough week for Abraham, though, after missing the decisive penalty in the Super Cup on Wednesday night.
Chelsea were much improved in Istanbul in midweek and took Liverpool all the way to penalties. Olivier Giroud and Christian Pulisic, left on the bench at Old Trafford, did their hopes of a Premier League start no harm with impressive performances. Willian and Antonio Rudiger are also back in the squad and they will be a massive boost for Lampard in the coming weeks.
Leicester drew 0-0 with Wolves last weekend. The Foxes had an impressive summer window, signing Youri Tielemans permanently although they did lose Harry Maguire to Manchester United. Caglar Soyuncu filled the Englishman’s role and impressed last weekend. Some are even tipping him to become a cult hero amongst the Foxes’ faithful after spending a year adapting to English football.
Brendan Rodgers will be confident his side can cause an upset at Stamford Bridge, just as they did last season, then under Claude Puel. Jamie Vardy will cause problems for the Chelsea defence on the counter-attack with his direct, pacey style. With Vardy stretching the pitch, that should leave holes of James Maddison, Ayoze Perez and Tielemans to operate in, to dangerous effect.
Graham Scott is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 25.5, across 22 Premier League matches last season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.
Chelsea were much better in midweek and performed well in patches at Old Trafford. They need to, as time goes on, become more ruthless in both 18-yard boxes. Leicester will undoubtedly cause problems on the break and given Chelsea’s misfiring defence, I think they’ll get something tomorrow.
Chelsea vs Leicester City will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League HD with kick-off at 16:30 BST.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Leicester City
Suggested Tips – Chelsea vs Leicester City – (BET365)
- Correct Score – Draw 1-1 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Jamie Vardy –(link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Chelsea vs Leicester City– (BET365)
- Popular RequestABets – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 11/1.
- Both Teams to Score & Full Time Result – Chelsea and Yes – 5/2.
- To Score and Win – Oliver Giroud – 2/1.
- Popular RequestABets – Abraham & Vardy to score and Jorginho & Ndidi to be carded – 125/1.
- Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Zouma to score a header and Mount to score from outside the area – 200/1.
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Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Vardy to score first and Jorginho to be shown the first card – 80/1.Player Stats RequestABets – Over 1.5 goals, Abraham 1+ shots on target & Mount 1+ shots on target, 6+ match corners and 20+ match booking pts – 13/8.
Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace – Match Preview
Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace
Sunday 18th August 2019
FA Premier League, Bramall LaneLive on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 14:00 BST
Sheffield United will be looking to get their first win in the Premier League for 12 years when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The Blades welcome Premier League football back to Sheffield for the first time since 2007. Off the back of an impressive 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on the opening day of the season, they’ll be confident of getting something against Crystal Palace. Billy Sharp is vying for starting berth after his late goal from the bench last weekend, with David McGoldrick and Callum Robinson instead preferred upfront.
Oliver McBurnie is also in contention to start the game for his full home debut. The £20m striker enjoyed a fruitful season with Swansea City last term and will want to prove he can cut it in the top flight. The same can be said for most of the United squad, with most unproven at this level. Keep an eye out for Chris Wilder’s overlapping centre-backs, who play a vital role in their fluid back three. Chris Basham and Jack O’Connell spend most of the game on the byline, as part of a revolutionary tactic. Whilst this does leave the Blades exposed at times, it offers a different dimension in attack which is in keeping with Wilder’s attacking philosophy.
Crystal Palace drew 0-0 with Everton last time out so are also looking for their first win of the season. Most of their hopes lie on Wilfried Zaha’s shoulders. The Ivorian was left on the bench in last weekend’s draw after a move away from the club failed to materialise in the summer. It will be interesting to see if Roy Hodgson throws him back in after a week back training with the squad.
Palace are tipped to struggle after an anticlimactic summer window. Zaha is their only real stand out players, especially in attack, which is a concern. They have good technicians in midfield, with James McArthur and Luca Milivojevic, and solid defenders such as Mamadou Sakho. However, without Zaha, they lack that sparkle that can win them a match at the highest level.
David Coote is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 28, across 15 Premier League matches last season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 40+ booking points for this fixture.
The Blades will need to make their most of home games against teams in the bottom half of the table if they’re to stay up. Bramall Lane should be rocking on Sunday and I think the Blades’ early-season momentum will see them take all three points.
Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League HD with kick off at 14:00 BST.
Prediction: Sheffield United 2-1 Crystal Palace
Suggested Tips – Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace – (BET365)
- Correct Score – Sheffield United to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Wilfred Zaha – (link no longer available).
- Anytime Goalscorer – Billy Sharp – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace – (BET365)
- Popular RequestABets – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 13/2.
- Player Stats RequestABets – Sharp 1+ shots on target & Zaha 1+ shots on target, 3+ corners each team and 10+ booking points each team – 7/2.
- Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Zaha to score first and Basham to be shown the first card – 66/1.
Markets updated at 12:07 on Sunday 18th August 2019.
Reading vs Cardiff City – Match Preview
Reading vs Cardiff City
Sunday 18th August 2019
SkyBet Championship, Madejski StadiumLive on Sky Sports Football HD – Kick-Off: 12:00 BST
Reading will be looking for their first points of the 2019/20 Championship season when they host Cardiff City on Sunday.
The Royals have lost both of their opening games against Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City, respectively. Last weekend the Tigers came out 2-1 winners as Reading’s porous defence was once again in a generous mood. They have conceded five goals in their opening two matches, the most in the league after two games.
Lucas Joao was on target making his debut. The Portuguese striker made the £6m switch from Wednesday in the summer, despite scoring against Reading on the opening day of the season. The 25-year-old is a fantastic talent on his day but lacks consistency. He’ll be hoping his new Portuguese manager, Jose Gomes, can bring the best out of him more regularly. He’ll join George Puscas, who started on the bench last weekend, in attack. The Bulgarian Under-21 star was one of the summer tournaments best performers and look a real coup.
Cardiff City needed a 97th-minute winner to get their first win back in the Championship. After an opening day defeat to Wigan Athletic, Isaac Vassell’s debut header saw them beat Luton Town 2-1. The former Birmingham striker has had a torrid time with injuries but will be hoping to kick on at his new club.
A lot will rest on his shoulders after the departure of Bobby Reid and Kenneth Zohore over the summer. That leaves the Bluebirds with only Gary Madine and Omar Bogle as alternatives to Vassell. That has left huge question marks on whether they have the goals needed to earn promotion. Callum Paterson will also chip in from midfielder but Cardiff do look a little lightweight across their forward line, which is a concern.
Andy Davies is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 40.4, across 38 Championship matches last season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 60+ booking points for this fixture.
This game will be tight and maybe not one for the neutrals. Cardiff are a tough outfit to face on the road. Reading will want to shore up their backline in front of their home fans and goals will be at a premium, in my view. Therefore, I’m going for a narrow away win.
Reading vs Cardiff City will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 12:00 BST.
Prediction: Reading 0-1 Cardiff City
Suggested Tips – Reading vs Cardiff City – (BET365)
- Correct Score – Cardiff City Town to win 1-0 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Joao – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Reading vs Cardiff City – (SKYBET)
- Price Boost – Aden Flint to score a header – 12/1.
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Player Stats RequestABets – Flint to score a header and Junior Hoilett to score from outside the area – 100/1.Markets updated Sunday 18th August at 11:25 BST.