by ·Comments Off on Birmingham City vs West Brom – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - Birmingham City vs West Brom, Friday 14th September 2018, Sky Bet Championship, St Andrew's. Live on Sky Sports Football, Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT.

Birmingham City vs West Brom
Friday 14th September 2018
Sky Bet Championship, St Andrew’s

Live on Sky Sports Football, Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT

Birmingham City vs West Brom – Birmingham City will host West Bromwich Albion in a Midlands derby this Friday night in the SkyBet Championship.

Both sides have had fairly different beginnings to their campaign. Birmingham are contuing to deal with numerous off the field issues that could see them have a 12-point deduction in the coming weeks for breach of financial fair play. Meanwhile, West Brom are in the top half of the table with their sights firmly set on the automatic promotion places.

The hosts are currently 20thin the league and are priced at 2/1 to cause an upset by SkyBet. Garry Monk’s side have struggled for goals despite some decent performances thus far. Their lack of creativity has seen them score four times in six outings. SkyBet have them priced at 2/5 to score 1+ goals. Their best chance at a goal will come from target man striker Lucas Jutkiewicz who is priceboosted at 8/1 to break the deadlock.

They will face a tough West Brom side who have had no issues scoring goals. Birmingham haven’t leaked goals however they will be on the backfoot with the pace that the Baggies attack possesses. Birmingham to win and BTTS is price-boosted is 13/2. However, five from their last six matches have seen under 2.5 goals so they have showcased their ability to drown opponents out.

West Brom are currently ninth in the league and are priced at 7/5 to win this match. The visitors have scored the most goals in the league so far out of everyone, with Jay Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle settling into life very well this season. Rodriguez has scored four goals whilst Gayle has three and one assist and they are priced at 13/2 to both score. The Baggies have also scored first in four of their last five matches. You can back them at 5/6 to score first – a great price.

The referee for this encounter will be Andrew Madley. He hasn’t been shy with his cards so far, having brandished 16 yellow cards and one red card to date. I’d expect him to have a bust evening ahead of him.

Birmingham City vs West Brom will be televised on Sky Sports Football and kicks off at 19:45.

  • West Brom Win – 2-0.
    – Their attacking prowess could be too much for Birmingham to handle in front of an expected hostile home crowd.

Suggested Tips – Birmingham City vs West Bromwich Albion – (BET365):

  • Correct Score – West Brom win 2-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Birmingham City vs West Bromwich Albion – (SKYBET):

  • Dwight Gayle to score first – 6/1.
  • Jay Rodriguez to score and West Brom to win – 4/1. (NB).
  • West Brom to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 9/4. (NAP).

Odds and markets last updated on Friday 14th September 2018 @18:00 GMT. Keep checking back to see if there’s any updates to markets – the time stamp in the previous sentence for when we update tips on this page will be updated.

Remember to keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around this week-ends other Premier League and Championship games.

by ·Comments Off on England vs Switzerland – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - England vs Switzerland, Tuesday 11th September 2018, International Friendly. Live on Sky Sports Football, Kick-Off: 20:00 GMT.

England vs Switzerland
Tuesday 11th September 2018
International Friendly, King Power Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Football, Kick-Off: 20:00 GMT

England vs Switzerland: England will be looking to bounce back from their defeat against Spain with a win over Switzerland at the King Power Stadium.

England were on the wrong side of a 2-1 scoreline when they faced Spain on Saturday night. Despite taking the lead through Marcus Rashford, they were immediately pegged back before Rodrigo scored the winner. Danny Welbeck controversially had a goal ruled out after tapping home David De Gea’s fumble, but overall it was a deserved win for Spain. Their midfield trio of Thiago, Sergio Busquets and Saul Niguez was the difference between the two sides. It underlined England’s lack of a ball-playing central midfielder. That could be the difference between England and the very best nations in the world. They’re crying out for a Paul Gascoigne type of player, who can dictate the tempo of a match.

Gareth Southgate made a bold statement in his selection progress on Saturday; leaving Kyle Walker out of his starting side. Joe Gomez reclaimed his role at RCB, whilst Kieran Trippier was given the nod at RWB. Dele Alli will miss this match after picking up a minor injury, but Demari Gray and Ben Chilwell could both feature on home soil after being called up from the under 21 squad.

Switzerland kicked off their UEFA Nations group in style with a thumping 6-0 win over Iceland. Xherdan Shaqiri scored the pick of the bunch with a curling free-kick that left the ‘keeper stranded. After a relatively underwhelming World Cup campaign, Switzerland will be desperate to remind the world what they are capable of. They have been in the top ten rankings for some time; which doesn’t come through luck. As a result, this will be a tricky test for Southgate’s side.

Clement Turpin is the referee for this game. The Frenchman plies his trade in Ligue 1, where he has officiated two game this season. He has averaged two cards per match which is the league’s second lowest. Therefore, I would advise a maximum total of 30+ booking points for this game.

England played well against Spain, despite being beaten. If they can replicate the same level of performance against Switzerland, I would expect them to win. Gareth Southgate may be slightly more tempted to experiment with his side in this game, but I would still expect a strong England team to win this game.

England vs Switzerland will be televised live in the UK from the King Power Stadium in Leicester on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 20:00 GMT.

Prediction: England 2-1 Switzerland.

Suggested Tips – England vs Switzerland – (SKYBET)

  • Correct score: 2-1 England – 17/2.
  • England to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 13/8.
  • Kane and Rashford to both score – 4/1.
  • Maguire to score first – 20/1.

Odds and markets last updated on 11th September 2018 @16:30 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from the International break this week. We also have domestic fixtures returning at the end of the week so keep an eye on those previews in the tips and preview area.

by ·Comments Off on Scotland vs Albania – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - Scotland vs Albania, Monday 19th September 2018, UEFA Nations League - Group C 1, Hampden Park. Live on Sky Sports Football, Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT.

Scotland vs Albania
Monday 10th September 2018
UEFA Nations League – Group C 1, Hampden Park

Live on Sky Sports Football, Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT

Scotland vs Albania – Scotland take on Albania looking to get off to the perfect start in their UEFA Nations League group.

Scotland were royally thumped 4-0 on Thursday as they took on Belgium. Despite holding Roberto Martinez’s side at 1-0 for the first half, they conceded three quickfire goals in the second 45. That result just underlined the size of the task ahead for Alex McLeish. Don’t get me wrong; nobody expected them to beat Belgium, but the gap in quality was stark. Against Albania, they will be much more evenly matched. If Scotland want to qualify for EURO2020, building some momentum in the UEFA Nations League could be vital. A string of positive results could help inject some much-needed confidence into the players, but also their supporters.

Leigh Griffiths will be fit to play for Scotland, despite nursing an ankle injury picked up against Belgium. They are already without Oliver McBurnie, so the Celtic forward will be crucial in their search for goals. One major dilemma for Mcleish is how to get the best out of both Andrew Robertson and Kieran Tierney. The Scotland skipper started at LWB against Belgium, with his Celtic counterpart at LCB. There have been suggestions, however, that Robertson could start in a more advanced position, with Tierney behind him at LB.

Albania, like Scotland, will be hoping to use his competition as a springboard for EURO2020. For the first time ever, they qualified for a major tournament when they featured in France 2016 and will hope to do the same again, four years on. Their biggest threat is striker Sindrit Guri. The 24-year-old plays for KV Oostende in the Belgian Premier League. Last season he scored 21 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions, also registering six assists. If Scotland are to win, they will have to keep this man quiet.

Matej Jug is the referee for this match. The Swedish official has averaged 3.86 yellow and 0.15 red cards per game across 81 international matches. Therefore, I would advise a maximum booking points total of 40+ for this game,

This will be a tougher test for Scotland than some may think. On paper, Scotland’s side looks stronger, but Albania do have a few dangerous players, capable of causing problems. However, I still think Scotland will edge this one, roared on by their home crowd.

Scotland vs Albania will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 19:45 GMT.

Prediction: Scotland 2-1 Albania

Suggested Tips – Scotland vs Albania – (SKYBET)

  • Correct score, Scotland 2-1 – 17/2.
  • Griffiths to score first – 7/2.
  • Naismith and Guri to both score – 10/1.
  • Scotland to win by exactly one goal – 5/2.

Odds and markets last updated on 10th September 2018 @15:40 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from the International break this week. We also have domestic fixtures returning at the end of the week so keep an eye on those previews in the tips and preview area.

by ·Comments Off on Denmark vs Wales – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - Denmark vs Wales, Sunday 9th September 2018, UEFA Nations League - Group B 4, Ceres Park. Live on Sky Sports Football, Kick-Off: 17:00 GMT.

Denmark vs Wales
Sunday 9th September 2018
UEFA Nations League – Group B 4, Ceres Park

Live on Sky Sports Football, Kick-Off: 17:00 GMT

Denmark vs Wales: Wales travel to face a full-strength Denmark side, looking to build on their midweek win over the Republic of Ireland.

Wales kicked off their UEFA Nations League Group with a resounding 4-1 win over the Republic of Ireland. Whilst Gareth Bale’s stunning effort will take the headlines, a lot of the post-match chatter was around Chelsea’s teenage-sensation Ethan Ampadu. The youngster impressed on his full debut in the centre of midfield, although is equally as assured in defence. Ryan Giggs is trying to blood the next line of Welsh talent, with David Brooks, Connor Roberts and Chris Mepham all starting the match. Alongside the more experienced heads such as Bale, Aaron Ramsey and James Chester, there is a belief amongst Wales that they can mount a strong push to qualify for EURO2020. Given the young talents they possess, it’s easy to see why.

Denmark were forced to name an under-strengthened squad for their match against Slovakia in midweek due to an ongoing dispute between the Danish FA and the players’ union. As a result, the majority of their World Cup squad were unavailable, meaning players from the third/fourth division of their domestic league and futsal players were called up. The disagreement between the two parties was regarding commercial rights, with negotiations drawn out for months. They were beaten 3-0 in that friendly on Wednesday, highlighting the lack of quality in their current squad. However, the dispute has now been put on hold, meaning Denmark have their original side back. That makes this a much tougher game then it may have seemed, with Christian Eriksen, Kasper Schmeichel and Yuusuf Poulsen all set to start.

Deniz Aytekin is the referee for this game. The German official plies his trade in the Bundesliga, although he only officiated one league game this season. In that game he showed two yellow cards; therefore, I would advise a maximum of 30+ total booking points for this match.

Wales’ fantastic showing in midweek will have their supporters filled with optimism ahead of this game. However, Denmark now have their big guns back and proved in the World Cup how dangerous they can be. As a result, I’m plumping for a draw in this one.

Denmark vs Wales will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 17:00 GMT.

Prediction: Denmark 1-1 Wales

Suggested Tips – Denmark vs Wales – (SKYBET)

  • Correct score: 1-1 Draw – 11/2.
  • Price Boost – First Goalscorer Bale to score first – 6/1.
  • Both Players to Score – Ramsey and Eriksen to both score – 11/1.
  • BTTS and Denmark to win – 7/2.
  • RequestABet Specials 11/1 to 28/1 – Bale and Eriksen both to score outside the area – 28/1.
  • RequestABet Specials – 33/1 to 66/1 – Eriksen, Bale, & Ramsay all to score – 33/1.

Odds and markets last updated on 8th September 2018 @14:40 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from the International break this week. We also have domestic fixtures returning at the end of the week so keep an eye on those previews in the tips and preview area.

by ·Comments Off on England vs Spain – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - England vs Spain, Saturday 8th September 2018, UEFA Nations League - Group A 4, Wembley Stadium. Live on Sky Sports Football, Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT.

England vs Spain
Saturday 8th September 2018
UEFA Nations League – Group A 4, Wembley Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Football, Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT

England vs Spain: England take on Spain in the first match of their UEFA Nations League group in their first match since their World Cup exploits.

Gareth Southgate’s side welcome Spain to Wembley, having unusually outperformed their Spanish counterparts at the most recent major tournament. With that in mind, Southgate has made five changes to his side with Alex McCarthy, Joe Gomez, James Tarkowski, Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana all included in the original squad. Lallana, however, will miss both games through injury, in addition to Raheem Sterling, who is also injured. The major news was Jamie Vardy’s decision to retire from international football, whilst Gary Cahill and Ashley Young’s time in a Three Lions jersey looks all but over.

Southgate has always been an advocate of building for the future, so replacing Cahill with Tarkowski and Young with his Manchester United teammate Shaw makes sense. Gomez has also made a fine start to the new season, and probably would have featured in Russia had he not picked up an injury which ruled him out. Given Gomez’s impressive form, it’ll be interesting to see if he’ll slot into the right-centre-back role, which Kyle Walker filled last summer. That could mean Walker, or more likely, Kieran Trippier missing out, despite being one of England’s brightest players.

Luis Enrique has taken over a much-changed Spain squad, with Gerard Pique, David Silva and Andreas Iniesta all retiring after their penalty shoot-out defeat to Russia. The former Barcelona boss has left out Jordi Alba and Koke, but included Jose Gaya, Paul Lopez and Dani Ceballos, who are all uncapped. Diego Costa will miss the match for personal reasons, with Alvaro Morata expected to lead the line in his absence. England will need to watch out for Isco, who has made a great start to the season for Real Madrid, having starred in Russia last summer.

Danny Makkelie is the referee for this game. The Dutchman plies his trade in the Eredivisie and has officiated three games this season, accumulating an average of 1.33 cards per match. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 30+ total booking points for this game.

Spain are a team in transition; they have a new manager and a lot of new players. They are, however, an incredibly talented group, with the capabilities of beating any team on their day. England will look to hit them on the counter-attack, using the pace of Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard.

Although it is hard to gauge just how competitive this match will be, I think Southgate will be desperate for a strong performance – therefore, I’m going to plump for a score draw.

England vs Spain will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 19:45 GMT.

Prediction: England 1-1 Spain

Suggested Tips – England vs Spain – (SKYBET)

  • Correct score: Draw 1-1 – 9/2.
  • First Goalscorer: Harry Kane – 10/3.
  • Both Players to score – Isco and Alli to both score – 20/1.
  • Correct Score Group Betting – Spain to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 5/2.

Odds and markets last updated on 8th September 2018 @14:40 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from the International break this week. We also have domestic fixtures returning at the end of the week so keep an eye on those previews in the tips and preview area.

by ·Comments Off on Scotland vs Belgium – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - Scotland vs Belgium, Friday 7th September 2018, International Friendly, Hampden Park. Live on Sky Sports Football, Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT.

Scotland vs Belgium
Friday 7th September 2018
International Friendly, Hampden Park

Live on Sky Sports Football, Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT

Scotland vs Belgium – the visitors face Scotland at Hampden Park in their first match since finishing third at last summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Belgium take on Scotland in the first of their international doubleheader, before facing Iceland in their first UEFA Nations League game. Roberto Martinez will be without Kevin De Bruyne and Adnan Januzaj, who are the only two injured absentees from their World Cup squad. Former Newcastle goalkeeper Matz Sels and Christian Benteke have both been recalled to the squad. There are first call-ups for Atalanta’s Timothy Castagne, Club Brugge’s Hans Vanaken, Gent midfielder Birger Verstraete and Genk forward Leandro Trossard.

After finishing third at last summer’s World Cup, Roberto Martinez’s sights are firmly set on EURO 2020. Like so many nations, Belgium will be increasingly concerned that their ‘golden generation’ is yet to secure a trophy. We have seen England fail despite having their most talented crop of players; the same can be said for Croatia, although they did reach the World Cup final. It’s vital Belgium pick up a trophy in the next four years, to avoid being branded as another talented but trophy-less nation.

Scotland will be hoping to get off to a good start in their EURO2020 qualifying campaign by building momentum against Belgium. The Scots also face Albania in their first UEFA Nation League match on Monday. Andrew Robertson has been named as the new captain for Scotland, following in a long line of influential names. They will be without Swansea striker Oli McBurnie for this game, who has been ruled out through injury. Steven Naismith now of Hearts is his replacement, whilst there are is also a spot for his uncapped teammate, John Souttar.

Luca Banti is the referee for Friday’s game. The Italian referee plies his trade in Serie A, although he has only officiated one match this season. In that game, he didn’t brandish a card; therefore I would recommend a maximum of 20-30+total booking points for this game.

Belgium won’t be at their World Cup level, they’re one of the best team’s in the world. As a result, I fancy them to get a comfortable result, although Scotland won’t just roll over.

Scotland vs Belgium will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 19:45 GMT.

Prediction: Scotland 0-2 Belgium

Suggested tips – Scotland vs Belgium – (BET365):

  • Correct score: Belgium to win 2-0 – (link no longer available).
  • Belgium to win to nil – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Scotland vs Belgium – (SKYBET):

  • Player to Score a Brace – Lukaku to score a brace – 4/1.
  • To Score and Win – Hazard to score and win – 2/1.
  • Both Players to score – Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens – 4/1. (NAP).
  • Scorecast Boost – Marouane Fellaini to score first and Belgium to win 2-1 – 80/1.

Odds and markets last updated on 7 September 2018 @15:50 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from the International break this week. We also have domestic fixtures returning at the end of the week so keep an eye on those previews in the tips and preview area.

by ·Comments Off on Watford vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview
Watford vs Tottenham Hotspur - Sunday 2nd September 2018, FA Premier League, Vicarage Road. Live on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick-Off: 16:00 GMT.

Watford vs Tottenham Hotspur
Sunday 2nd September 2018
FA Premier League, Vicarage Road

Live on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick-Off: 16:00 GMT

Watford vs Tottenham Hotspur Both sides have got off to perfect starts with three wins from three matches. The hosts recent outing saw them beat Crystal Palace 2-1. Meanwhile, the visitors took apart Manchester United 3-0 with a stellar second half performance.

Watford are currently fourth in the Premier League and have shocked many with their impressive beginning to the season. SkyBet have priced them at a whopping 17/4 to continue their unbeaten form. The whole team have really hit the ground running, but no one more than attacker Roberto Pereyra. The Argentine has already netted three goals and looks a danger with his fast feet and eye for goal from any distance. He’s backed at a tempting 12/1 to break the deadlock this weekend.

They have also only conceded twice in their three matches whilst scoring seven goals. However, they face a tough test against Spurs who have Harry Kane alongside in form Lucas Moura causing them headaches. You’ll get odds of 5/1 for them to keep a clean sheet.

Spurs are currently second in the table and favourites for this encounter. The North Londoners have also achieved maximum points and have done so in style. With eight goals to their name and only two conceded, it’s safe to say they’re having no trouble finding the goal. Both Harry Kane – who broke his August curse – and Lucas Moura were on fine form against Manchester United, with the little Brazilian stealing the show. If you feel both will be on target again, which is a likely prospect, then SkyBet are offering 4/1 to both Kane and Lucas to score.

Defensively, Spurs look difficult to break down for yet another season. Their impressive squad depth and talent alongside Hugo Lloris in goal often means it will take something special to beat them. SkyBet are offering cracking odds of 15/8 for Tottenham to win to nil. Worth backing as it is unlikely Watford will breeze past this side despite their impressive start.

The referee for this match will be Andre Marriner. The official has awarded an average of 25 booking points in his 2 matches so far.

Watford vs Tottenham will be televised on Sky Sports Premier League HD and kicks off at 16:00.

Prediction: Watford 0 – 2 Tottenham

I feel Spurs look like genuine title contenders and will enter the match high on confidence after thrashing Manchester United.

Suggested Tips – Watford vs Tottenham Hotspur – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Tottenham Hotspur win 2-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Watford vs Tottenham Hotspur – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Tottenham to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 15/8. (NAP).
  • Both Players to Score – Harry Kane and Lucas Moura to score – 4/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Kane & Moura to score, Tottenham 2-1 and Holebas to be carded – 100/1.

Odds and markets last updated on Sunday 2nd September 2018 @12:50 GMT. Keep checking back to see if there’s any updates to markets – the time stamp in the previous sentence for when we update tips on this page will be updated.

 

by ·Comments Off on Cardiff City vs Arsenal – Match Preview
Cardiff City vs Arsenal - Sunday 2nd September 2018, FA Premier League, Cardiff City Stadium. Live on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick-Off: 13:30 GMT.

Cardiff City vs Arsenal
Sunday 2nd September 2018
FA Premier League, Cardiff City Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick-Off: 13:30 GMT

Cardiff vs Arsenal – The Gunners take a trip to the Welsh capital looking to build on last week’s victory against West Ham as they take on winless Cardiff City.

Unai Emery claimed his first victory as Arsenal manager with a 3-1 win against the Hammers at the Emirates. It was far from plane sailing for the Gunners, though, as West Ham took an early lead through Marco Arnautovic. Despite the win, it once again highlighted Arsenal’s vulnerability at the back, especially given Emery’s desire for his backline to hold a high line. Neither Shkodran Msutafi or Sokratis Papastathopoulos possesses great pace and this tactic leaves the pair exposed to attackers running in behind them.

The big talking point of the week has been Mesut Ozil’s absence from the win last week. The German was controversially substituted in Arsenal’s 3-2 defeat to Chelsea the week before and then missed this game due to illness. There has been a lot of talk as to whether Ozil fits Emery’s desired high intensity, high pressing system. Whilst he may be one of the most talented individuals at the Emirates, these are still huge question marks over his long-term future.

Cardiff have endured a difficult start back to life in the top flight. They have just two points to their name after drawing against Newcastle and Huddersfield in their last two matches. It’s pretty evident that their home form will be key if they are to have any chance of survival, but Neil Warnock’s side need to get the monkey off their back sooner rather than later. Goals appear to be the main concern for the Bluebirds, with Kenneth Zohore, Gary Madine and Danny Ward unproven at this level.

Anthony Taylor is the referee for this match. The Englishman has an average booking points total of 30 from his first three league matches. Therefore, I would suggest a maximum of 40+total booking points for this game.

Arsenal are very much a side in transition. There will be many more dark days before they can consistently perform well with Emery’s style; he needs to be given time. That being said, I would still expect them to win at the weekend. Cardiff will be resolute in defence but lack any real firepower to hurt the Gunners.

Cardiff City vs Arsenal will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event with kick off at 13:30 GMT.

Prediction: Cardiff City 0-2 Arsenal

Suggested Tips – Cardiff City vs Arsenal – (BET365)

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

Suggested Tips – Cardiff City vs Arsenal – (SKYBET)

  • First Goalscorer – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 11/4.
  • Both Players to score – Ramsey and Welbeck – 7/1.

Odds and markets last updated on Sunday 2 September @9:32 GMT. Keep checking back to see if there’s any updates to markets – the time stamp in the previous sentence for when we update tips on this page will be updated.

by ·Comments Off on Celtic vs Rangers – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - Celtic vs Rangers, Sunday 2nd September 2018, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park. Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 12:00 GMT.

Celtic vs Rangers
Sunday 2nd September 2018
Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 12:00 GMT

Celtic vs Rangers: Steven Gerrard takes charge of his first old firm derby as his Rangers side travel to champions Celtic.

Gerrard will come up against his former boss Brendan Rogers as his side look to make an early statement under his stewardship. Celtic have been in poor form recently, with just two wins six games. Rodgers’ side crashed out of the Champions League as they lost 3-2 at AEK Athens in the third qualifying round. Now they must try to qualify for the Europa League or face a campaign without any European competition. Rodgers has voiced his unhappiness about the club’s lack of activity in the transfer market – with only Daniel Arzani joining the club this summer. With little investment in the playing staff, it’s unsurprising to see Celtic stagnate in Europe. Not qualifying for the Champions League was a massive bow for the club.

Celtic are currently second in the Scottish Premiership, with six points from three games. Rangers, by contrast, have five points and sit in fourth. They are still unbeaten in all competitions this season and look set to feature in the Europa League this season, where they could face Celtic. There are no illusions about the enormity of the task Gerrard faces at Ibrox, but there seems to an air of genuine support from the Rangers supporters for the former Liverpool midfielder. It will take time, but there is a belief that he could be the man to restore Rangers to former glory.

Willie Collum is the referee for Sunday’s match. The Scotsman has averaged 32.5 booking points this season, but as everyone knows Old Firm derbies are often feisty affairs. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 60+ total booking points for this game. It might be worth looking at any markets for a red card, which could offer good value.

Whilst Rangers are looking stronger under Gerrard, Celtic are still top dogs in Scotland. It would be a massive result if they could avoid defeat against the champions, but I fancy Celtic to just edge this one. Not much is guaranteed in life – but this is sure to be a tasty contest.

Celtic vs Rangers will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 12:00 GMT.

Prediction: Celtic 2-1 Rangers

Suggested Tips – Celtic vs Rangers – (BET365)

  • Correct score: Celtic 2-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Celtic vs Rangers – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Celtic to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 15/8.
  • Both Player to Score – Griffiths and Lafferty to both score – 5/1.
  • Celtic to win and BTTS – 9/4.

Odds and markets last updated on Friday 31st August 2018 @10:32 GMT. Keep checking back to see if there’s any updates to markets – the time stamp in the previous sentence for when we update tips on this page will be updated.

by ·Comments Off on Manchester City vs Newcastle United – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - Manchester City vs Newcastle United, Saturday 1st September 2018, FA Premier League, Etihad Stadium. Live on BT Sport 1 – Kick-Off: 17:30 GMT.

Manchester City vs Newcastle United
Saturday 1st September 2018
FA Premier League, Etihad Stadium

Live on BT Sport 1 – Kick-Off: 17:30 GMT

Manchester City vs Newcastle United  – the league champions were held to a draw in their visit to Molineux last time out. Meanwhile, Newcastle were narrowly beaten late on against Chelsea at home.

The hosts seem to have picked up from where they left off last season despite their draw against Wolves. SkyBet have priced them at 1/9 to win this match – odds not worth backing considering Rafa Benitez preferred style of play. They haven’t struggled for goals so far, with nine to their name already. Forward Sergio Aguero has been in his usual goal scoring form, having already netted three goals. The Argentine is priced at 15/8 to score first.

The Citizens have also been pretty solid at the back with only two goals conceded so far. Newcastle won’t offer much attacking threat to the backline and goal keeper, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they kept a clean sheet – especially at home. Manchester City are priced at a very tempting 8/13 to win to nil.

Newcastle are obvious underdogs for this encounter, offering very little attacking creativity and highlights so far. They are priced at a huge 22/1 to win. Rafa Benitez rigid style of tactics will see eleven players behind the ball defending for much of the match. However, when they have managed to form any attacking opportunities they have looked rather dangerous. Spaniard Joselu has managed to get on the end of two crosses so far this season, utilizing his aerial ability. He is priced at 4/1 to score anytime. Kenedy has also showcased his attacking flair in segments of matches however still will require more time to settle into Rafa’s system.

Defensively, Newcastle are very hard to break down and have only conceded four goals which isn’t too awful given their opposition to date. They will be likely to still be missing captain Jamaal Lascelles and playmaking midfielder Jonjo Shelvey which could hinder their chances of pulling off a huge result.

The referee for this fixture will be Kevin Friend. The official has averaged two yellow cards in his two matches so far.

Manchester City vs Newcastle United will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport 1 HD and kicks off at 17:30 GMT.

Prediction: 3-0 Manchester City – Too much quality. Simple.

Suggested Tips – Manchester City vs Newcastle United – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Manchester City win 3-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Manchester City vs Newcastle United – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Manchester City to win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 11/4.
  • Scorecast – Sergio Aguero to score first and Man City to win 3-0 – 9/1.
  • Both Players To Score – Sergio Aguero and Joselu to score – 11/2.

Odds and markets last updated on Friday 31st August 2018 @10:32 GMT. Keep checking back to see if there’s any updates to markets – the time stamp in the previous sentence for when we update tips on this page will be updated.

Remember to keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around this weeks other Premier League and Championship games.