Huddersfield Town vs Derby County
Monday 5th August 2019
SkyBet Championship, John Smith’s Stadium
Live on Sky Sports Football HD – Kick-Off: 19:45 BST
Huddersfield Town return to life in the Championship as they face last season’s beaten play-off finalists Derby County.
The Terriers are back in the second tier after two seasons in the Premier League. Jan Siewert’s side ended last term rock bottom of the league, winning only three games all season. They will have to acclimatise to the division quickly if they’re to blow away any relegation hangover.
There’ve been a few personnel changes throughout the summer, with Tommy Smith and Phillip Billing leaving to join Stoke City and Bournemouth over the summer. Reece Brown, Tommy Elphick, Isaac Mbenza and Kamil Grabara have all joined permanently to balance those sales.
Much is expected of Karlam Grant after his impressive cameo in the top flight. The striker joined Town from Charlton in January and is expected to fire the goals in for the Terriers this term. Whilst they’re not one the favourites for promotion a minimum top-ten finish should be the target for Huddersfield.
Derby are still in the process of building their new side under Phillip Cocu. The Dutchman has picked up the pieces after Frank Lampard’s departure, although Kieran Dowell is their only summer signing to date.
A centre-half is definitely needed, with Arsenal’s Krystian Bielik close to a reported £10m move. Cocu has said he wants at least four new additions before Thursday’s deadline so the club will need to move fast.
Darren Bond is the referee for this match. The Englishman accumulated an average booking points total of 30 across 42 Championship games last season. Therefore, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.
I think both of these sides are slightly short of promotion contenders, although both will have their eyes on the play-offs. This match could be an early indication of their levels, albeit early days. I’m going to go for a draw, with neither side wanting to lose their opening match.
Huddersfield Town vs Derby County will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football HD with kick-off at 19:45 BST.
Prediction: Huddersfield Town 1-1 Derby County
Suggested Tips – Huddersfield Town vs Derby County – (BET365)
- Correct score – 1-1 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Jack Marriott – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Huddersfield Town vs Derby County – (SKYBET)
- Huddersfield Town Price Boost – Huddersfield Town to win and BTTS – 4/1.
- Oddschecker RequestABet – Mounie to score, Huddersfield to win, BTTS, 3+ corners each team and 10+ booking points each team – 14/1.
- Super Boost – Aaron Mooy to score from outside the penalty area – 14/1.
- Player Stats RequestABets – Waghorn to score a header and Mooy to score from outside the area – 100/1.
- Both Players to Score – Martin Waghorn and Karlan Ahearne-Grant – 13/2.
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Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Waghorn 2+ Shots On Target, Schindler 2+ Tackles and Ahearne-Grant 2+ Offsides – 22/1.
Markets updated/correct as off – 16:25 BST on August 5th.
Liverpool vs Manchester City – Match Preview
Liverpool vs Manchester City
Sunday 4th August 2019
SkyBet Championship, Wembley StadiumLive on BT Sport 1 – Kick-Off: 15:00 BST
Liverpool and Manchester City contest the Premier League curtain-raiser as both sides look to put down an early marker for this year’s title in the Community Shield.
The Reds have endured an up-and-down pre-season, with a number of uncharacteristic results. Whilst you can’t read a lot into friendly matches, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to see an improved display from his side. There will be no new faces at Wembley with Liverpool yet to make a move in the transfer market.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, full fit from after a serious knee injury, will feel like a new addition but there have been no new signings at Anfield. With the window set to shut on August 8th, time is running out for Klopp to strengthen his squad. Roberto Firmino, Mohamad Salah and Alisson played their first pre-season games against Lyon this week after their summer international activities.
With that in mind, it’s unclear as to whether Klopp will start his star attackers against City. Sadio Mane is also due to join the squad next week and will, therefore, miss this game.
Manchester City have enjoyed a relatively low-key summer, despite the additions of Rodri and Angelino. The former Atletico Madrid anchor has been dubbed as the ‘new Sergio Busquets’ and this game could allow City fans to cast their eye over Fernandinho’s long-term replacement.
The Spaniard has incredible vision and a wide passing range but it will be interesting to see how quickly he adapts to the pace and physicality of the Premier League. Angelino could start this match, with Benjamin Mendy still not quite fully fit, although the Frenchman is not far away from a return.
The likes of Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling and Kevin de Bruyne have all featured heavily throughout pre-season and should start in London. Leroy Sane may also start, with Pep Guardiola still trying to convince the German winger his future lies at the Etihad Stadium amidst ongoing speculation about a move to Bayern Munich.
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. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.
Whilst this is just a glorified friendly game, the relentless nature of both coaches could see this turn into quite a competitive affair. Both will want their sides to hit the ground running and this is the perfect opportunity to blow away some cobwebs.
With that in mind, I’m going to side with the champions. City’s pre-season hasn’t been as disrupted with absent players and Liverpool may be without each their dynamic front three.
Liverpool vs Manchester City will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport 1 with kick-off at 15:00 BST.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City
Suggested Tips – Liverpool vs Manchester City – (SKYBET)
- Correct Score – Manchester City to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).
- Both Players To Score – Mohammed Salah and Raheem Sterling – 13/2.
- Price Boost – Kevin De Bruyne to score from outside the penalty area – 18/1.
- Scorecast Boost – Raheem Sterling to score first and Manchester City to win 2-1 – 40/1.
- Popular RequestABets – Sterling & Salah to score and van Dijk & Zinchenko to be carded – 125/1.
- Player Stats RequestABets – Man City to win, B Silva & Sterling 1+ shots on target each, Under 12 match corners and Under 40 match booking points – 10/1.
- RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Sterling, Aguero & David Silva to score and Manchester City 3-1 – 125/1.
Markets updated at 12:15 PM on Sunday 4th August 2019.
Bristol City vs Leeds United – Match Preview
Bristol City vs Leeds United
Sunday 4th August 2019
Sky Bet Championship, Ashton GateLive on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 16:30 BST
Promotion favourites Leeds United will be hoping to start their season with three points when they take on fellow top-six hopefuls Bristol City on Sunday.
The Whites are the bookies’ favourites to win promotion this season under Marcelo Bielsa. After falling just short last term, United are back with and stronger after a busy summer window. Helder Costa is their marquee signing after he arrived from Wolves on an initial loan deal. New recruit Ben White will partner Liam Cooper in defence after Pontus Jansson’s departure, and with Gaetano Berardi suspended, whilst Jack Harrison and Jack Clarke are vying for places on the wing after agreeing loan deals from Manchester City and Tottenham, respectively.
With a full Bielsa pre-season under their belts, Leeds will be confident of avoiding the traps of last season. Their squad has better depth now, although an extra centre-back before the window shut would not go amiss. That’s the only hole in their squad, although injuries are once again causing problems. Tyler Roberts, Luke Ayling, Bailey Peacock-Farrel and, crucially, Kemar Roofe will all miss the season opener.
Leeds started last season fantastically, with five wins from their opening eight games in August. They’ll be hoping for a similar start and a similar result to last season, after doing the double over the Robins in their two league fixtures.
Bristol City have recruited fantastically, adding Chelsea trio Tomas Kalas, Jay Dasilva and Kasey Palmer on permanent deals. Daniel Bentley, regarded one of the league’s best ‘keepers, has also joined from Brentford. A new striker is very high on the Robins’ shopping list to offer help to the likes of Famara Diedhiou and Andreas Weimann in attack.
They’ll also be desperate to keep gold of Byron Webster, who could the subject of a late £25m bid from Brighton as a chain effect if Harry Maguire moves to Manchester United. Having fallen just short of the top six in the last two seasons, City’s form at Ashton Gate will be vital if they’re to go one step better this time around.
Tim Robinson is the referee for this match. The Englishman accumulated an average booking points total of 44.7 across 35 Championship games last season. Therefore, I would recommend a maximum of 60+ booking points for this fixture.
Leeds will want to hit the ground running but they could have had few tougher opening day assignments. Bristol City have promotion ambitions of their own and could pose a real threat. As a result, I’m going for a high-scoring draw.
Bristol City vs Leeds United will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 16:30 BST.
Prediction: Bristol City 2-2 Leeds United
Suggested Tips – Bristol City vs Leeds United – (BET365)
- Correct Score – Draw – 2-2 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Famara Diedhiou – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Bristol City vs Leeds United – (SKYBET)
- Full Time Result and Both Teams to Score – Leeds United and Yes – 7/2.
- Both Players to Score – Helder Costa and Andreas Weimann – 10/1.
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Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Diedhiou to score a header and Klich to score from outside the area – 200/1.Player Stats RequestABets -BTTS, 4+ Corners Each Team & 20+ Booking Points Each Team – 5/1. Markets Updated at 11:50 BST on Sunday 4th August 2019.
Nottingham Forest vs West Bromwich Albion – Match Preview
Nottingham Forest vs West Bromwich Albion
Saturday 3rd August 2019
SkyBet Championship, City GroundLive on Sky Sports Football HD – Kick-Off: 17:30 BST
Nottingham Forest host West Bromwich Albion on the opening Saturday of the 2019/20 EFL Championship.
Both sides head into Saturday’s fixture under leadership, and with genuine hopes of success for the forthcoming campaign. Frenchman Sabri Lamouchi took the reigns as Forest manager following the departure of Martin O’Neill last month, for what is to be his first taste of management in English football. The Baggies on the other hand boast an ex-Premier League manager at the helm, in former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic.
Forest head into the fixture as slight favourites, with a price of 7/5 on SkyBet. Kickstarting the season with a win will be the objective for both sides, but with Forest on home soil there will be an expectance of Lamouchi to deliver the three points come Saturday evening. Forest ended the 2018/19 campaign finishing 9th in what was a satisfactory yet bizarre season which saw management change hands twice. If Forest are to enjoy a successful campaign this year-round, frontman Lewis Grabban will be expected to build on his 17 goals from last season, with SkyBet offering odds of 5/1 for him to score first.
Baggies fans will be expecting their side can go one step further than last season which saw them dumped out of the Play-offs by Dean Smith’s Aston Villa, who went on to clinch promotion to the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Derby County at Wembley. The visitors head into this fixture priced at just below evens at 19/10 on SkyBet. The Visitors have spent just shy of £15 million in this summers transfer window, with £8 million on the acquisition of Kenneth Zohore from Cardiff City. The Ivorian is priced at 11/1 to score a header.
The referee for Saturday evening’s clash is Darren England who issued 200 yellow cards in 51 Championship appearances last season, as well as awarding 12 penalties. SkyBet are offering odds of 9/4 for a penalty to be awarded.
The last meeting between the two sides was in February, and ended in a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns. This match will be broadcast Live on Sky Sports Football and kicks off at 17:30.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 West Bromwich Albion.
Suggested Tips – Nottingham Forest vs West Bromwich Albion – (BET365)
- Correct Score – Draw – 1-1 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Lewis Grabban – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Nottingham Forest vs West Bromwich Albion – (SKYBET)
- Player to score a header – Kenneth Zahore – 11/1.
- Popular RequestABet – Grabban & Zohore to score, 3+ corners each team and Watson to be carded – 50/1.
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RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Over 1.5 goals, 1+ corners each team in each half and 10+ booking points each team – 11/8.
Markets updated on Saturday 3rd August @14:40
Luton Town vs Middlesbrough – Match Preview
Luton Town vs Middlesbrough
Friday 2nd August 2019
SkyBet Championship, Kenilworth RoadLive on Sky Sports Football HD – Kick-Off: 19:45 BST
Luton Town kick off the 2019/20 Championship season with their return to the second tier as they take on Middlesbrough at Kenilworth Road.
Last season’s League One champions are back in the Championship for the first time since 2007. Since, they’ve been to the conference and back but new manager Graham Jones’ side will be hoping to avoid relegation this term.
The Hatters have strengthened their squad with some seasoned Championship players such as Martin Cranie, Callum McManaman and Ryan Tunnicliffe. Star fullbacks James Justin and Jack Stacey have both departed for the Premier League, which has brought in some decent funds into the transfer kitty. A proven Championship striker is still very much the target in the window, whilst former Luton striker Isaac Vassell has been linked with a loan from Birmingham.
Survival is very much the aim for Jones’ men, although some are tipping them for a push into the top half of the table. Free-flowing, attacking football was the bedrock of their promotion last term and they will want to continue with that philosophy against a higher class of opponent. Their form at Kenilworth Road will be key to their ambitions. The small, compact stadium can be quite intimidating for visiting teams which could give Luton the edge in their key matches.
Middlesbrough are embarking on a new chapter after swapping Tony Pulis for Jonathan Woodgate. That change brings a new philosophy to the squad after 18 months of adapting to Pulis’ direct style. As a result, Aden Flint has been sold to Cardiff, with Woodgate preferring a much more attractive style of play.
New defender Marc Bola has joined from Blackpool and Marcus Browne will add some creativity in midfield. However, they’re still missing a talented winger to provide service for Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher. Stewart Downing has gone, as had Martin Braithwaite, whilst the club never really replaced Adam Traore who left 12 months ago.
Oliver Langford is the referee for this match. The Englishman accumulated an average booking points total of 30.6 across 42 Championship games last season. Therefore, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.
Kenilworth Road will be rocking on Friday night and the players will match that enthusiasm on the field, no doubt. With that in mind, I think the Hatters can get something from this game.
I’m going to go for a draw, but don’t be shocked if Luton take all three points and provide an early upset in the Championship season. Luton Town vs Middlesbrough will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 19:45 BST.
Prediction: Luton Town 1-1 Middlesbrough
Suggested Tips – Luton Town vs Middlesbrough – (BET365)
- Correct score – 1-1 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Elliott Lee – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Luton Town vs Middlesbrough – (SKYBET)
- Both Players to score – James Collins and Britt Assombalonga to both score – 8/1.
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Popular RequestABets – Luton Town to win, BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 22/1.
Markets updated/correct as off – 14:38 BST on August 2nd.
Switzerland vs England – Match Preview
Switzerland vs England
Sunday 9th June 2019
UEFA Nations League – Third Place Play-Off, Estadio D.Afonso HenriquesLive on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick Off: 14:00 BST
Switzerland vs England: Gareth Southgate is tasked with picking up England after throwing away another semi-final lead against the Netherlands when they take on Switzerland on Sunday.
It was another night of what could have been for England on Thursday night as they went down 3-1 to the Netherlands. Despite leading until the 73rd minute, Southgate’s side were once again guilty of handing the initiative to the opposition. The Three Lions dropped deeper and deeper, inviting pressure on to themselves, just as they did against Croatia a little under 12 months ago. John Stones’ inexplicable error then all-but sealed their fate, before Ross Barkley allowed Ronald Koeman’s side to add a third. England were reminded just how short they are on quality in midfield, as Frenkie De Jong ran the show, just as Luka Modric did in Russia. Jordan Henderson’s absence from the starting XI hit the Three Lions hard, whilst the absence of a true ball-playing midfielder still haunt Southgate and the FA.
Switzerland went down 3-1 to Portugal on Wednesday, with a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick proving the difference between the two sides. Vladimir Petkovic’s side were also embroiled in more VAR controversy. After seeing their initial penalty appeal turned down at one end, Portugal broke and earned a spot-kick of their own. VAR interjected and German official Felix Brych gave the Swiss penalty on review, allowing Ricardo Rodriguez to equalise. It proved to have little impact, though, as Fernando Santos’ side ran out winners. Switzerland last faced the Three Lions in September 2018, where they came away with a 1-0 defeat. In fact, they haven’t beat the Three Lions since 1981, a run of 11 matches.
Ovidiu Haţegan is the referee for this match. The official plies his trade in the Romanian league and has officiated 29 games this season. During those matches, he has accumulated an average cards total of 4.76. Therefore, I would recommend a maximum of 60+ booking points for this fixture.
Southgate is bound to make changes following Thursday night’s defeat. It’s been a long season for most of the Three Lions contingent, so there may be further experimentation. I’ll still back them for a narrow win, though.
Switzerland vs England will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event with kick-off at 14:00 BST.
Prediction: Switzerland 1-2 England
Suggested Tips – Switzerland vs England (SKYBET)
- Correct score, England Win 2-1 – 8/1.
- Scorecast Boost (Double Chance) – Harry Kane to score first and England to win 2-1 or 3-1 – 25/1. (NB).
- Price Boost – Wilson and Sterling to both score – 13/2.
- Winning Margin – Exactly 1 Goal – England – 3/1.
- Popular RequestABets – Shaqiri & Sterling to score and Schar & Rose to be carded – 100/1. (Outsider Shout).
- Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Draw 0-0 and no booking points – 125/1.
- Player Stats RequestABets – Kane to score a header and Shaqiri to score from outside the area – 80/1. (Outsider Shout 2).
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Yes or No? – Q1 – Yes, Q2 – Yes, Q3 – No, Q4 – Yes, Q5 – Yes, Q6 – No – 40/1.Player Stats RequestABets – Kane 1+ shots on target & Shaqiri 1+ shots on target and 3+ corners each team – 6/4. (NAP).
Netherlands vs England – Match Preview
Netherlands vs England
Thursday 6th June 2019
UEFA Nations League semi-final, Estadio D.Afonso Henriques
Live on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick Off: 19:45 BSTNetherlands vs England: Two of the world’s most up-and-coming sides go head to head in Portugal, with England and Netherlands looking to make the final of the UEFA Nations League.
Gareth Southgate’s side will feel confident of success in Portugal and are the bookies’ favourite to claim silverware. The Three Lions topped a group containing Spain and World Cup semi-finalists Croatia to make it to this point. Harry Kane is expected to start for England after returning to International duty following his Champions League disappointment with Tottenham. The final was the Englishman’s first start since April, but he is expected to go up against Virgil van Dijk for the second time in five days. Jadon Sacho’s fine form for Borussia Dortmund should see him retain his spot on the right, with Premier League winner Raheem Sterling on the other flank. England’s last defeat in normal time was almost a year ago. That came again Spain in 2018, which highlights how far this group has come in that time.
Whilst England’s attack has frightened some of the best defences in the world, the Netherlands have their talismanic captain, fresh from tasting Champions League glory. Van Dijk is partnered by Matthijs De Ligt, who is also one of the most sought after men in world football. In midfield, Frenkie De Jong and Gini Wijnaldum will try to orchestrate the engine room, leaving Memphis Depay and Co to run free in attack. Whilst Ronaldo Koeman’s side didn’t make the World Cup, with De Ligt, De Jong and several other exciting talents making a name for themselves on the biggest stage, their future is looking very bright. Just like England after the 2016 EUROS, Netherlands are beginning to show shoots of recovery after a disappointing few years.
Clement Turpin is the referee for this game. The Frenchman plies his trade in Ligue 1 and has officiated 17 games this season. During those matches, he has accumulated an average cards total of 3.35. Therefore, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.
A lot will depend on whether Sterling and Sancho can isolate the Dutch fullbacks. Whoever comes out in that battle could win the match, such is Holland’s strength in midfield and at the back. I think this one may go to extra time, with such little to separate the teams.
Netherlands vs England will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick-Off: 19:45 BST.
Prediction: Netherlands 1-1 England
Suggested Tips – Netherland vs England (SKYBET)
- Correct score, draw 1-1 – 5/1.
- Price Boost – Sterling to score first – 7/1.
- Price Boost – Sancho and Depay to both score – 16/1. (NB).
- Popular RequestABets – BTTS in both halves and 2+ corners each team in each half – 50/1. (Outsider Shout).
- Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Maguire to score a header and Depay to score from outside the area – 150/1.
- RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 10+ booking points each team – 3/1. (NAP).
Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool – Match Preview
Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool
Saturday 1st June 2019
UEFA Champions League Final, Wanda Metropolitano Stadium
Live on BT Sport 2 – 20:00 BSTTottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool: Liverpool will be desperate to make up for their Premier League disappointment by claiming the UEFA Champions League trophy when they take on Tottenham on Saturday night.
Jurgen Klopp’s reds missed out on their first Premier League title after losing out to Manchester City by a point. The Reds finished with the third-highest point tally in the competition’s history but still missed out to Pep Guardiola’s side. That disappointment should spur them on to claim the Champions League. It’s the second time in as many season’s that Klopp’s men have reached the final. Last years final was marred by Loris Karius’ error, whilst Gareth Bale’s wonder strike also stole the headlines.
Real Madrid won’t be there on Saturday, for the first time in three years, handing Mohamad Salah and Co the initiative to claim European success for the first time since Istanbul. All of the big guns are fit, meaning Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino will lead the attack alongside Salah. Divock Origi could play the role of super sub, following his heroics against Barcelona in the semi-final.
Like Liverpool, Tottenham have their big names back, with Harry Kane set to make his first appearance since April 9. There has been speculation over the Englishman’s fitness, but also if he merits a place in the side. One of Lucas Moura or Son Heung-Min would be expected to drop out to make way for Kane, despite their heroics against Ajax that got them there. If not, it could be Dele Alli who misses out. It’s the first real selection headache Mauricio Pochettino has had to deal with for a few weeks. Spurs ended the season with a 1-1 draw against Everton, although their minds were clearly focused on their date in Madrid. It’s the first time they have reached the Champions League final since the competition was reformed. Without doubt, a win would go down as the greatest achievement in the club’s modern history.
Damir Skomina is the referee for this game. The Slovenian official took charge of Real Madrid’s win over Ajax in the round of 16, as well as last season’s semi-final between Liverpool and Roma. The experienced official has averaged 4.67 yellow cards per game this season. Therefore, I’d advise a maximum of 60+ total booking points this season.
This game will be tight. Liverpool won both meetings in the league, but only by one goal. I think that might be the case again, or, if not, it may go all the way to extra time and maybe even penalties.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport 2 with kick off at 20:00 BST.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2: Liverpool
Suggested Tips – Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool – (SKYBET)
- Correct Score – Liverpool to win 2-1 – 8/1.
- First Goalscorer – Sadio Mane – 5/1.
- Both Players to Score – Lucas Moura and Mohamed Salah – 11/1.
- How will tie be decided- Either team to win in extra time – 11/2.
- Price Boosts – Son Heung-min to score and Tottenham to win in 90 mins – 7/1.
- Previous Stats RequestABet Winners – Mane 3+ shots on target, Salah 2+ shots on target and Kane 1+ shots on target – 25/1. (NB 2).
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Popular RequestABets – Liverpool to win, BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking pts each team – 14/1. (NAP).
Suggested Big Odds – RequestABet – Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool – (SKYBET)
- Joshua to win in Rounds 1-3 (v Ruiz) & Mo Salah to score in 90 mins (v Spurs) – 15/2. (NB).
Found under Boxing > Specials. - Player Stats RequestABets – Firmino to score a header and Tottenham to score a penalty – 100/1.
- Player Stats RequestABets – Eriksen 1+ shots on target & van Dijk 1+ shots on target, 4+ corners in each half and Sissoko & Robertson to be carded – 125/1.
- Player Stats RequestABets – Draw 1-1, 5+ Liverpool corners, 30+ match booking pts, Tottenham 1-0 at HT (90 mins) and Tottenham to win in ET – 150/1.
- RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Mane to score, Liverpool 3-1 and 2+ corners each team in each half – 80/1.
- RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Alderweireld & Wijnaldum to score, 4+ corners in each half and Eriksen & Alexander-Arnold to be carded – 500/1.
Chelsea vs Arsenal – Match Preview
Chelsea vs Arsenal
Wednesday 29th May 2019
The Europa League Final, Baku Olympic Stadium
Live on BT Sport 2 – Kick Off: 20:00 BSTChelsea vs Arsenal: It’s an all-English affair in the Europa League final as Chelsea and Arsenal go head-to-head in the latest instalment of the London derby, with European silverware up for grabs.
Chelsea come into this match praying for a repeat of their 2013 triumph over Benfica. There are few survivors from that side, six years on, whilst speculation continues over the future of Maurizio Sarri. With Juventus reportedly sniffing around the Italian, this could be his last match as Chelsea manager. Frank Lampard is the favourite to replace Sarri, should he opt for a return to Italy. This could be a farewell trophy for Eden Hazard too, who looks set to move to Real Madrid this summer.
With a transfer ban looming over the Blues’ head, this could be one of the toughest closed seasons in the Roman Abramovic era. Champions League football is secure, at least, regardless of this result. Their route to the final was far from straight forward; they needed penalties to edge past Eintracht Frankfurt in the semi-final. They are yet to lose in this year’s competition, however, which is an impressive feat.
This game has much bigger added implications for the men in red. For Arsenal, this is their one and only shot to secure Champions League football. This is their first European final since losing to Barcelona in 2006. After finishing fifth in the league, Unai Emery’s hopes of acquiring some of Europe’s top talent in the summer window rests on this match. Arsenal have impressed in this competition this season. The knocked out Spanish opposition in the last round, making light work of Valencia with home and away wins. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have been central to their success in this tournament and the pair will need to be at their best again on Wednesday if they’re to lift the trophy. They will be without Henrikh Mkhitaryan after he stayed at home due to political unrest between Armenia and the final host country Azerbaijan.
Gianluca Rocchi is the referee for this game. The Italian has officiated 13 Serie A matches this season. In that time, he has accumulated an average card total of 5.46. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 60+ total points for this fixture.
Chelsea are in the better form of the two sides, although that can often go out of the window in a cup final. Given Arsenal’s desperation to secure Champions League football, I’m going to side with them. The pace of Aubameyang and Lacazette may just prove too much for David Luiz and Co to handle.
Chelsea vs Arsenal will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport 2 with kick off at 20:00 BST.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Arsenal
Suggested Tips – Chelsea vs Arsenal – (SKYBET):
- Correct Score – Arsenal to win 2-1 – 10/1.
- Both Player to Score – Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 8/1.
- First Goalscorer – Eden Hazard to score first – 4/1.
- Price Boost – David Luiz to be shown the first card – 10/1.
- RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 9/2. (NAP).
- Previous RequestABet Winners – ARS 2-0 CHE: Lacazette to score first, over 1.5 goals, 4+ Arsenal corners and Luiz to be carded – 33/1.
- Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Aubameyang to score, BTTS, Azpilicueta to be carded and Arsenal to lift the trophy – 22/1. (NB).
- Price Boost – Eden Hazard to score from outside the penalty area – 18/1.
Big Odds RequestABets – Pick 3 from the below at above 50/1 or more – Chelsea vs Arsenal – (SKYBET):
- Popular RequestABets – Hazard & Aubameyang to score and Luiz & Xhaka to be carded – 50/1.
- Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Lacazette to score, Jorginho to be carded and Arsenal to win in ET – 100/1.
- RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Kante, Xhaka, Christensen & Kolasinac to be carded – 125/1.
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RequestABet Specials – Giroud to score, Chelsea to win and Kolasinac & Maitland-Niles to be carded – 50/1.RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Chelsea 4-3 and Arsenal to win 1st Half – 200/1.RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Koscielny to score and Arsenal 2-0 – 100/1.RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Kante & Barkley to score, Chelsea to win and Azpilicueta to be carded – 100/1.
Odds and Markets correct at the time of publishing / last updated at 16:48 on Wednesday 29th May 2019.
Aston Villa vs Derby County – Match Preview
Aston Villa vs Derby County
Monday 27 May 2019
The Championship Play-Off Final, Wembley StadiumLive on Sky Sports Football HD – Kick-Off: 15:00 GMT
Aston Villa vs Derby County: Aston Villa and Derby County go head to head in ‘the richest game in football’ with a Premier League place and a rumoured windfall of £180m at stake.
Dean Smith’s side enter this game having beaten West Brom in the semi-finals on penalties, after a 2-2 draw on aggregate. Villa’s performance at the Hawthorns wasn’t the best, as they lost 1-0, but they still managed to edge past their West Midlands rivals. Having beaten Derby 3-0 and 4-0 in the league season, they come into this match as favourites. Their hopes of reaching the promised land rest in the hands of their key players, Tammy Abraham, Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings. Without the trio, Villa would still be languishing in mid-table. They also know that if they fail to secure promotion all three won’t be at the club next year. With Financial Fair Play restrictions looming, Smith would have completely rebuild this side for next season, should they lose.
Frank Lampard’s men come into this game on a high after their phenomenal comeback against Leeds United. Despite tailing the tie 2-0 on aggregate, they came back with three goals in 15 minutes to win 4-2 at Elland Road and progress 4-3. Jack Marriott’s equalised with his first touch before bagging the winner. That brace should earn him a first start in months. If Lampard opts for a 4-4-2 diamond again, which I think he will, eyes will be on whether Martyn Waghorn is fit to join Marriott in attack, or whether Mason Bennett will lead the line.
The narrow system allows the Rams’ key players such as Mason Mount and Duane Holmes to find space between the lines and feed the attackers. Although Derby have lost 7-0 on aggregate over two games with Villa, that was a similar story with Leeds. They won that game, in the most unlikely of circumstance, which shows anything can happen in the play-offs.
Anthony Taylor is the referee for this fixture. The Englishman has officiated 48 top-flight matches this season. In that time, he has accumulated an average booking points total of 31.8. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 50+ total points for this fixture.
This is a really tough game to call. Play-off finals aren’t usually flooded with goals; they can often be tense, nervy affairs. I expect Derby to make things tough for Aston Villa, but I am going to back Smith’s side for a narrow win. Don’t be surprised if this makes it all the way to extra time and even penalties, though.
Aston Villa vs Derby County will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 15:00 BST.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Derby County
Suggested Tips – Aston Villa vs Derby County – (SKYBET)
- Correct Score – Aston Villa to Win – 2-1 – 8/1.
- Both Players to score – Jack Marriott and Tammy Abraham – 8/1.
- Player Stats RequestABets – Grealish 1+ shots on target & Wilson 1+ shots on target and 20+ booking points each team – 4/1.
- Player Stats RequestABets – Abraham to score a header and Wilson to score from outside the area – 100/1.
- Scorecast Boost – Tammy Abraham to score first and Aston Villa to win 2-1 – 40/1. (NB).
- How Will Tie be Decided – Either team to win on Penalties – 5/1.
- RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 5/1. (NAP).
- Popular RequestABets – Derby to win, BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 22/1. (Cover).
- Joshua to win in Rounds 1-3 (v Ruiz) & Mo Salah to score in 90 mins (v Spurs) – 15/2. (NB).