Peru vs Denmark . Match Betting Preview - Saturday 16th June 2018, FIFA World Cup 2018, Group C,  Mordovia Arena, Saransk. Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 17:00 GMT.

Peru vs Denmark
Saturday 16th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group C,  Mordovia Arena, Saransk

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 17:00 GMT

Peru vs Denmark – both nations are back at the World Cup after absences of different lengths and face off in what is likely to be the decider for 2nd place in Group C.

Argentinian coach Ricardo Gareca, nicknamed el tigre, has led Peru to their first World Cup since 1982. Los Incas shaded double Copa America winners Chile out of CONMEBOL qualifying and gained entry to the tournament after beating New Zealand in the play-offs.

Denmark will also be hoping to make an impact in Russia. Age Hardide’s team made it to their 5th World Cup via a Christian Eriksen hat-trick in a 5-1 demolishing of Republic of Ireland in the play-offs.

France, one of the tournament’s favourites and Australia make up the remaining sides in Group C. Though Australia are always capable of a surprise, it is expected Peru and Denmark will battle it out for the runners-up position. A crucial game to get both teams underway in this tournament.

Peru will be boosted now that a resolution has been found with captain and star Paulo Guerrero. The nation’s all-time leading goal-scorer, Guerrero was initially banned from playing at the World Cup for failing a drugs test. However, upon appeal a Swiss tribunal overturned the decision, much to the delight of Peruvians everywhere. Guerrero to be first goal-scorer is 7/1 with bet365.

As much as Guerrero is a focal point for Peru, the same can definitely be said of Eriksen for Denmark. The Tottenham Hotspur playmaker notched 11 goals and three assists in his 12 appearances. A fantastic return for anyone, much less a midfielder.

Denmark and Peru have never stepped out onto the hallowed turf together in history. So this has all the making of an intriguing World Cup clash. Different continents, different styles, in new territory. Unpredictable written all over it. Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals is 7/4 with SkyBet.

BBC have got coverage of the match, which kicks off at 5pm BST Saturday 16th June at the Mordovia Arena.

Prediction: Peru 2-1 Denmark

Suggested Tips –  France vs Australia – (BET365):

  • Correct score: Peru to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).
  • Over 2.5 Goals and BTTS – YES – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  France vs Australia – (SKYBET):

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Peru to win either 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 11/4.
  • Players to Score outside the area – Chrisitian Eriksen  – 6/1.
  • RequestABet Specials up to 10/1 – Eriksen 2+ shots on target and Nicolai Jorgensen 1+ shots on target – 11/4.
  • Both Players to Score – Jefferson Farfan and Nicolai Jorgensen – 17/2. 

Tips updated at 09:30 on 16th June.

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

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France vs Australia - Match Betting Preview. Saturday 16th June 2018, FIFA World Cup 2018, Group C,  Kazan Arena, Kazan. Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 11:00 GMT.

France vs Australia
Saturday 16th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group C,  Kazan Arena, Kazan

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 11:00 GMT

France vs Australia is the opening game for Group C. Both sides will be hoping to get off to the perfect start with a win.

France will be hoping to lay down an early marker in the World Cup. They have one of the most exciting, youthful squads, which holds fantastic strength in depth. Anthony Martial, Alexandre Lacazette, Dimitri Payet and Kingsley Coman are just a few star names that haven’t even made the squad. With Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele in attack, it would be easy to overlook the importance of a less spectacular name. Oliver Giroud.

The Chelsea striker is expected to start as France’s number nine, having continued his fine international form throughout qualifying. Giroud offers France’s flair players a platform to build from and a presence in the 18-yard-box. His link-up play with Griezmann at the European Championships in 2016 was crucial as they reached the final. With Paul Pogba, Ngolo Kante, Rafael Varane and Hugo Lloris supporting France’s deadly attack, there is a real belief they could announce themselves on the world stage.

Australia qualified for the World Cup after beating Honduras in a play-off match. Whilst Tim Cahill has often been their star man, Premier League midfielder Aaron Mooy could be their main guy in Russia. There Huddersfield playmaker has impressed in his debut top-flight campaign. Alongside captain Mile Jedinak, Mooy will hope to provide creativity in midfield. The ageing Cahill can still provide a threat, although it is likely he will be used as an impact substitute. If Australia have any hopes of making it of the group, they need to avoid a heavy defeat.

France’s biggest challenge should come from Denmark and Peru, and I expect them to get off to a strong start on Saturday. Whilst Australia will be resolute, they just don’t have enough quality to compete with France’s star-studded squad.

France vs Australia will be televised live in the UK on BBC 1 with an early morning kick off at 11AM GMT.

Prediction: France 3-0 Australia

Suggested Tips –  France vs Australia – (BET365):

  • Correct score: France to win 3-0 – (link no longer available).
  • Over 2.5 Goals and BTTS – No – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  France vs Australia – (SKYBET):

  • Giroud to score and win – 5/4.
  • Both Players to Score – Griezmann and Mbappe to score – 7/2.
  • RequestABet up to 10/1 – France to win by 2 goals and score 5+ corners – 5/4. (NAP).

Tips updated at 10:00 GMT on 16th June.

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

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Portugal vs Spain. Match Betting Preview - Friday 15th June 2018, FIFA World Cup 2018, Group B, Fisht Stadium, Sochi. Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00.

Portugal vs Spain
Friday 15th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group B, Fisht Stadium, Sochi

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00

Portugal vs Spain – Portugal and Spain face off in a crunch battle in Group C, with both sides looking to put down an early marker in the World Cup.

With both these two sides expected to make it through to the knockout stages, this game could be crucial in deciding who tops the group. Spain have been revitalised since Julen Lopetegui took over two years ago and look ready to launch another World Cup push. Lopetegui has impressed so much that he has been appointed as Zinedine Zidane’s successor and will join Real Madrid after the tournament. With that in mind, what better way to sign off than to win a second World Cup title in eight years.

Spain have some fantastic talent, having rebuilt following their disappointing display in Brazil. David Silva, Isco and Sergio Busquets have all had fantastic seasons at their respective clubs, whilst Atletico Madrid representatives Koke, Saul and Diego Costa should all play crucial roles. They have the best ‘keeper in the world, in the shape of David De Gea, whilst Gerrard Pique, Jordi Alba and Sergio Ramos have won almost every honour possible between them.

Portugal will hope they can provide another shock after winning the European Championships two years ago. Lead by Ballon d’Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be crucial to their hopes in the competition, they will hope to go unnoticed once again. Manchester City winger Bernardo Silva will be hoping to build on his impressive debut campaign at the Etihad, whilst PSG loanee Goncalo Guedes has impressed at Valencia. Portugal may have some young blood in attack, but their defence is coming to the end of its cycle. Defenders Pepe, Jose Fonte and Bruno Alves are all starting what is likely to be their last World Cup. They’ll be hoping to sign off their international careers in style.

Gianluca Rocchi is the referee for Friday’s clash. The Italian plies his trade in Serie A, where he has averaged 5.25 card per match this season. That is the second highest in the division, with Rocchi showing 76 yellow cards and four reds across 16 league games.

This game will likely dictate the winner of Group B, although I wouldn’t discount Morocco contesting for second place. Despite Portugal being the European Champions, I expect Spain to get off to the perfect start on Friday.

Prediction: Spain 2-0 Portugal.

Suggested Tips –  Portugal vs Spain – (BET365):

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

Suggested Tips –  Portugal vs Spain – (SKYBET):

  • Diego Costa to score first – 7/2.
  • @FootyAccums RequestABet – Ronaldo & Costa to score and Carvalho & Pique to be carded – 125/1.
  • VAR to be used at least 1+ times during the game – 6/4.
  • Over 1.5 goals, 3+ corners each team and 20+ match booking pts – 1/1 (NAP).
  • Player to be Carded – Sergio Ramos (Spain) – 13/8.

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

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Morocco vs Iran. Match Betting Preview - Friday 15th June 2018, FIFA World Cup 2018, Group B,  Saint Petersburg Stadium, St. Petersburg, Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 16:00

Morocco vs Iran
Friday 15th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group B,  Saint Petersburg Stadium, St. Petersburg

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 16:00

Morocco vs Iran – Morocco and Iran begin their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign this Friday at the Krestovsky Stadium

Both sides are half of Group B; with the other half made up of Spain and Portugal. It’s safe to say neither nation stands much chance of qualifying out of the group. This match-up is both sides most realistic chance to getting some points on the board.

The bookmakers are slightly favouring Morocco for this tie, with odds from SkyBet of 13/10 to win. This is due to their respectable form during their warm-up matches and recent international duels.

Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech has been labelled the Moroccan dangerman by many and has been awarded by SkyBet a tempting 6/1 to find the back of the net first. His flair and pace has both Liverpool and AS Roma chasing his signature.

Iran have not had their ideal build-up to the tournament with politics getting in their way. Their friendlies with both Greece and Kosovo were cancelled due to political tensions and the national governing body have announced they will be going through FIFA to gain financial compensation for their players and staff – and now have to worry about their World Cup opener.

SkyBet have priced the, possibly rusty, Iran at 14/5 to get a win on Friday. Versatile forward Saman Ghoddos will be Iran’s best hope of finding glory however their defence has proven tough to beat during qualifying. They only conceded three goals all campaign and almost reached 1000 minutes of football without picking the ball out of their net – only for their final match against Syria to ruin the record.

Both these sides have never faced each other before in a competitive fixture, with Morocco gaining a slight history advantage over their Asian opponents. The African outfit were the first African nature to ever win a World Cup group – however their other two opponents make the likelihood of this reoccurring rather slim.

Morocco vs Iran will be televised live in the UK on BBC 1 with kick-off at 16:00.

Prediction: Morocco 3 – 0 Iran

Suggested Tips –  Morocco vs Iran – (BET365):

  • Morocco win 3-0 – (link no longer available)
    – Their impressive form stands them in high chance of a win and especially in comparison to Iran’s messy preparations.

Suggested Tips –  Morocco vs Iran – (SKYBET):

  • Ziyech & Ghoddos 2+ shots on target each – 33/1
    Both dangermen are sure to get a sniff on goal so these odds are tough to turn down.
  • Full-Time and BTTS Morocco and No – 21/10
    Morocco have plenty more attacking prowess whilst Iran run the risk of relying on Ghoddos too much.

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

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Egypt vs Uruguay - Betting Match Preview - FIFA World Cup 2018, Group A, Ekaterinburg Arena, Ekaterinburg Friday 15th June 2018. Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 13:00.

Egypt vs Uruguay
Friday 15th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group A, Ekaterinburg Arena, Ekaterinburg

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 13:00

Egypt vs Uruguay – Egypt and Uruguay kick off their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaigns this Friday at the Ekaterinburg Arena.

All eyes will be the Egyptian starting eleven to see if Liverpool forward Mohammed Salah will recover from his shoulder injury he sustained in the Champions League final.

Meanwhile, Uruguay will be relying heavily on their attacking firepower. Barcelona striker Luis Suarez and Paris Saint Germain goal scorer Edinson Cavani are crucial for their nation if they are to open their campaign with three points.

Both countries are in Group A and are joined by Saudi Arabia and host nation Russia in the group stages.

Egypt have not impressed in their warm-up matches, with the absence of Salah a contributing factor. Draws with Kuwait and Columbia before a 3-0 loss to Belgium have not filled their fans with much optimism. The bookmakers are also not optimistic. SkyBet are offering 11/2 for them to win Group A and 11/8 for them to reach the knockout stages.

They have scored only two goals in their five matches in 2018. SkyBet are giving odds of 11/10 for them to find the back of the net. If Mo Salah does reach fitness, these odds are worth backing. However, they are heavy underdogs for this clash with 6/1 odds to overcome their South American opponents.

The favourites, with odds of 8/13, are top of the bookmakers list to win the group. Uruguay finished second in the South American qualifiers above Argentina and recently saw cup success at the China Cup in March this year. They are a well-oiled machine who often line up in a classic 4-4-2 formation and will assure that their two superstar strikers are provided with plenty of service to utilise their strength and power.

Uruguay only fit in one warm-up match where they made lightwork of Uzbekistan in a 3-0 victory. Suarez was able to convert from the spot to boost his confidence. Despite their lack of preparation, SkyBet are offering 8/11 for them to win Group A and very low odds of 1/6 to reach the knockouts. Also, both of their aforementioned strikers are priced at 3/1 each to be the top scorer in the Group.

Egypt vs Uruguay will be televised live in the UK on BBC 1 with kick-off at 13:00 GMT.

Prediction: Egypt 0 – 2 Uruguay

Suggested Tips – Egypt vs Uruguay – (BET365):

  • Uruguay 2-0 win – (link no longer available)
    – With Salah’s availability hanging in the balance, Egypt’s scoring prowess is likely to be minimal in comparison to their opponents.

Suggested Tips – Egypt vs Uruguay – (SKYBET):

  • Luis Suarez to score outside the area – 14/1
    – Although he is a ‘fox in the box’, he isn’t a stranger to a free-kick or an audacious long-range effort.
  • Edinson Cavani to score a goal assisted by Luis Suarez – 10/1
    – The pair up-front work very well together and often assist each other’s goals.
  • Popular RequestABets – Over 1.5 Goals, 3+ Egypt Corners, 5+ Uruguay Corners, and 10+ booking points each team – 11/4

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

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Russia vs Saudi Arabia - Betting Match Preview - FIFA World Cup 2018, Group A, Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Thursday 14th June 2018. Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 16:00.

Russia vs Saudi Arabia
Thursday 14th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group A, Luzhniki Stadium Moscow

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 16:00

Russia vs Saudi Arabia – The World Cup is finally here! Hosts Russia get the tournament underway when they face Saudi Arabia, with both teams looking for the perfect start.

Russia will be hoping they can take advantage of the carnival atmosphere as they look to steal an early lead in Group A. The hosts will be hoping they can navigate their way out of the group stages and this game is a must win if they are to do that. With Egypt and Uruguay favourites to take the first two spots, Russia need three points to have any chance of causing an upset. If they are to progress, much will rely on the performances of Fyodor Smolov. The FK Krasnodar striker is expected to lead the line for Russia after scoring 15 goals in 24 appearances this season. Former Chelsea defender Yuri Zhirkov is also expected to start in a left-wing-back role. He proved he is more than capable of chipping in with a goal or two during his spell in London.

Saudi Arabia proved that they won’t be easy opposition after they narrowly lost 2-1 to world champions Germany last Friday. Like Russia, their hopes are pinned on their star striker, Nawaf Al-Abed. The Al-Hilal striker scored five goals during qualification; making him their top-scorer on the road to Russia. With tougher opponents to come, Saudi Arabia also know they have to win this match to stand any hopes of qualifying. They will relish the task of spoiling the Russian party on the biggest stage.

Nestor Pitana is the referee for the World Cup opening match. He made his debut in the Argentinian league in 2007 and officiated his first international match in 2010. At the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, he oversaw four fixtures including France-Germany in the quarterfinals. In his last 83 international matches he has averaged 4.71 yellow cards and 0.25 reds. With that in mind, I would advise a maximum total match booking points of 40+.

Both teams are likely to be nervous coming into this match, which could make it a cagey encounter. An early goal would be perfect for either side, especially the hosts. I think, however, Russia will have just enough to get off to the perfect start.

Russia vs Saudi Arabia will be televised live in the UK on ITV 1 with kick-off at 16:00 GMT.

Prediction: Russia 2-1 Saudi Arabia

Suggested Tips – Russia vs Saudi Arabia – (SKYBET):

  • Correct Score: Russia 2-1 – 9/1.
  • Smolov to score first and Russia to win 2-0 – 20/1.
  • BTTS and Russia to win – 10/3.
  • Al-Muwallad to score in 90 mins – 9/2.

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

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FIFA World Cup 2018 - Tournament Betting Preview - RequestABets Special

FIFA World Cup 2018 Tournament Betting Preview – RequestABet special

With the FIFA World Cup 2018 a day away, everyone is wanting to get their tournament accas ready. SkyBet have launched a brand new World Cup section dedicated to their popular RequestABets. But which ones are good value? How certain are some of these bets?

Here are some of the best tips to top up your bank balance this summer.

Brazil, France, Germany and Spain to reach the quarter-finals – 7/2.

All four of these sides have been fancied by many to challenge for the trophy themselves. Looking at the groups, it is unlikely that any of the four would fall at the first hurdle. Of course, nothing is certain, but I like the look of the one from the start. Brazil are my personal tip to win the competition, with Germany in second-place. The current world champions will not let go of their crown easily.

France have unbelievable depth in their squad and therefore should be strong challengers after losing out in the European Championship final, two years ago. Spain are a much-changed side from the team that won the World Cup in 2010 but have regrouped under Julen Lopetegui.

This bet seems as close to a sure thing as possible. In order to really take advantage, I would advise a high stake, due to the bets low risk. Nothing is certain in life, but this appears to be pretty close to it.

Neymar, Messi and Lukaku to score 3+ goals – 4/1.

It’s tough to predict who will come out on top in the race for the golden boot. What is certain is that all three of these players will be key to their teams’ chances of success.

Messi and Neymar are both first-choice penalty takers for their sides, whilst Lukaku is second in line behind Eden Hazard. All three stars will start every game, with injury and suspension aside.

Each side is expected to get out the group, if not top it. Argentina face Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria which are all teams that leak goals. Messi could easily have his three goals before the group stages are out.

Neymar is Brazil’s poster boy. They should navigate through their group with ease, with Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia all expected to fight it out for the second spot.

Finally, Belgium’s toughest opponents are England. Aside from them, Lukaku could grab himself a hatful against lower-ranked sides Tunisia and Panama.

Longshot – Germany and Brazil to win all their group games and Panama and Iran to lose all their group games – 80/1.

I really like the look of this bet. Whilst it’s at much longer odds compared to the other two bets, this could be a real money maker. Panama and Iran are both the weakest sides in their groups that contain England, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. Both sides’ only hopes of a point will come against Tunisia and Morocco, which I still don’t think is likely.

Germany and Brazil are two of the strongest sides in the tournament. Both teams should win their groups and I can easily see both taking maximum points. This is great value at 80/1 and I would advise putting a few pounds on as a potential money maker.

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

England vs Nigeria
Saturday 2nd June 2018
International Friendly, Wembley Stadium 

Live on ITV 1, Kick-Off: 20:00 GMT

England vs Nigeria: England host Nigeria in the first of a friendly doubleheader as Gareth Southgate looks finalises his starting side for the World Cup.

England’s two upcoming friendlies offer Southgate a final opportunity to tinker with his side. This is the first game the Three Lions have played since their World Cup squad was announced. They’re expected to line up with a back three, a system they have often plays under his reign. He has, however, rotated between the 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 system. I believe Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ACL injury will push Southgate towards the 3-4-3 formation, with Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson likely to be England’s starting central midfield pairing.

The main decisions for Southgate lie in defence and attack. It appears to be a straight shoot-out between Dele Alli and Jese Lingard to join Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling in a dynamic trio. In goal, we are still no nearer to discovering whether Jack Butland or Jordan Pickford will don the number one shirt. Kyle Walker’s role in the side is also a much-discussed topic. Despite being a natural RB/RWB, Southgate played the City defender at RCB, a role he performed well in. That could allow Kieran Trippier or the ever-improved Trent Alexander- Arnold the chance to operate down the right-hand side.

You can bet on England’s starting X! for their first World Cup group game and I fancy this team at 6/1 (Pickford, Trippier, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Rose, Henderson, Dier, Sterling, Alli, Kane).

Nigeria will be a good test for England. They have strung together some impressive results, most notably their 4-2 win against Argentina last November. Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Moses are all well-known Premier League names and all three should start at the World Cup. They will face Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in a tough-looking Group; if they can make it past the group stages that would be an impressive tournament.

Marco Guida is the referee for Saturday’s match. The Italian has the highest average card total in Serie A, with 5.38 per match. He has officiated 16 league games this season, brandishing 79 yellow cards and three red cards.

Whilst both manager will use this game to fine tune their sides, they will both want to win. England should have too much for Nigeria and I expect them to win with a little to spare.

England vs Nigeria will be televised live in the UK from Wembley Stadium on ITV 1 with kick-off at 17:15.

Prediction: England 2-0 Nigeria

Suggested Tips – England vs Nigeria (BET365):

  • Correct score, England 2-0 –(link no longer available).
  • Harry Kane to score first – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – England vs Nigeria (SKYBET):

  • Sterling to score and win – 2/1.
  • England to win by exactly two goals – 3/1.
  • England to win to nil – 11/10.

Odds and markets last updated on 27 March 2018 @16:50 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.

2018 PDC World Cup of Darts - The Outrights - Betting Preview

The 2018 PDC World Cup of Darts is returning for the eighth time in its history. The Dutch darting dynasty of Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen looking to defend their title; after defeating the surprise package of the tournament, Wales, 3-1 in the 2017 final.

The tournament is a straight knockout structure, with no groups involved. Of the 32 competing nations, the top eight have been seeded and will not take part in the first round. Those seeded nations will then join in the second round and normal knockout rules will apply from there.

SkyBet are offering plenty of betting markets from now through to the final dart of the tournament, with some tempting price boosts to wet your palate.

Netherlands – (link no longer available).

The defending champions are favourites to repeat their triumphs of last year and understandably so. Their talisman, van Gerwen, is entering the tournament off the back-end of a routine Premier League victory and is showing no signs of slowing down. Raymond van Barneveld’s ruthless checkout nature is slowly deteriating however has still proven on many occasions he is a tricky customer for any opponent.

During the PDC Premier League, van Gerwen accumulated a staggering 103.56 three-dart average, 56 180’s and a checkout percentage of 45.37%. His partner, van Barneveld attained a three-dart average of 95.01, 42 180’s and a 38.28% checkout rate.

Expect 180’s, high checkouts and liquid darts from these two.

Scotland – (link no longer available).

The patriotic pairing of Gary Anderson and Peter Wright have faired rather differently in their recent Premier League campaigns. Anderson reached finals night whereas his whacky haired companion scrapped through judgement night by the skin of his teeth. Wright must improve if they are to lift the World Cup.

Anderson ended the Premier League season with a three-dart average of 99.11, 57 180’s and three of the competitions top 5 three-dart averages this season. Although Wright’s average was of an acceptable standard (96.17), his uncharacteristically low 180 count (31) and subpar checkout rate (39.78%) made it a season to forget.

Anderson could be carrying Wright through this.

England – (link no longer available).

England’s best chance of lifting a World Cup this summer falls in the hands of Rob Cross and Dave Chisnall.

You always have a chance with a World Champion in your corner however the decision to choose Dave Chisnall has turned a few heads after his time on the side-lines after not being chosen for the 2018 Premier League.

Cross enjoyed a fruitful first spell in the Premier League, reaching the semi-finals. He achieved a three-dart average of 97.33 and showed what he’s all about with 54 180’s. Chisnall has continued his rounds on the PDC circuit during 2018 but is yet to impress. His most noticeable mark of recent is reaching the quarter-finals of the Dutch Darts Grand Prix. Expect 180’s from Chisnall, but don’t expect much on the checkouts.

Two power scorers, the ‘make or break’ element for these two will come with the checkout.

Wales – (link no longer available).

Wales have a slightly different looking line-up to the one that reached the final last year. Gerwyn Price will be hoping to turn his fortunes around after a disastrous Premier League campaign. He teams up with Jonny Clayton, who replaces former BDO World Champion Mark Webster.

Price managed less than 90 in the Premier League on his three-dart average and only 11 180’s. Clayton is yet to prove himself on the big stage with only 2 non-televised PDC titles to his name.

Do not expect anything spectacular from these.

Australia – (link no longer available).

The reliable pairing of Simon Whitlock and Kyle Anderson represent the Aussies yet again. Anderson is still a developing player on the PDC circuit but is showing improvements every time, he plays in a televised event. His most recent efforts saw him reach the quarter finals of the Dutch Grand Prix.

He will be relying on Whitlock to do a lot of the grafting, a role he has proven he is capable of in recent months. Whitlock managed 43 180’s in the Premier League, expect a few more from him.

One of the tournaments dark horses. Very capable of reaching the 2018 PDC World Cup final.

Austria – (link no longer available).

Mensur Suljovic is proving to be one of the worlds best darts players, as he proved with his three-dart average of 99.06 over his Premier League campaign. He teams up with Zoran Lerchbacher, who is ranked 55th in the world.

Suljovic is a real threat but could be held back by the ineffective tournament player that Lerchbacher is.

Belgium – (link no longer available).

Down with the Ronny Huybrechts and in with Dimitri Van den Bergh. The PDC World Youth Champion is rising up the ranks and is becoming a hot prospect in the darting world. He only lost out to Austrian, Mensur Suljovic, a few days ago in the German Masters final.

Kim Huybrechts has only reached one semi-final in recent months at the Dutch Masters, other than that he is yet to reboot his system to bring back the Huybrechts of the past.

Northern Ireland – (link no longer available)

A fantastic price at 40/1 for Daryl Gurney and Brendan Dolan. Gurney has proven, despite his at times ill mannered presence, that he deserves a place in on the Premier League stage. He hit a gobsmacking 67 180’s this season and had a three-dart average of 96.77. His checkout’s need improving however if he leads his country to glory.

He teams up with Brendan Dolan, a player who needs a confidence boost. Playing alongside Gurney could do exactly that.

A great longshot bet to reach the final at 16/1 (SKYBET).

Prediction:

  • Netherlands to win – (link no longer available).
  • Australia to reach the final – 9/2. (SKYBET)

All odds provided by BET365 unless specified otherwise. 

Rotherham vs Shrewsbury, Sunday 27th May 2018, League One Play-Off Final,  Wembley Stadium. Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 15:00.

Rotherham vs Shrewsbury – Rotherham United and Shrewsbury head to Wembley in the SkyBet League One play-off final. Both sides had to fence off tough opponents in the semi-finals with Rotherham seeing off Scunthorpe and Shrewsbury eliminating Charlton Athletic.

Rotherham United have a very strong season in League One with the third highest goal tally in the league. Kieffer Roofe has led the line with great aplomb, netting 13 league goals along the way. SkyBet are fancying them to lift the trophy at the price of 3 / 4. The Millers have made the New York Stadium a fortress in recent months and were the second strongest home side all campaign however difficulties have arose on the road. They accumulated a total of 48 points at home and 31 away from home. It is a possibility that Wembley prove too much for the homesick Rotherham.

Paul Warne’s side have averaged two or more goals in 41% of their League One matches this year. SkyBet are offering odds of 11/8 for this to once again occur, but this time under the Wembley arch. A downside to Rotherhams fast-paced, clinical approach is their sensitivity at the back. They shipped 53 goals during the regular season; the most in the top six.

Also, they haven’t been shy with the referee’s pocket with an average of 17.4 booking points and a play-off final often sees sparks fly. SkyBet seem to be offering a banker with Rotherham to get 20+ booking points at a very reasonable 4/5.

Shrewsbury have exceeded many expectations this season with a third place finish in the standings. They then continued that impressive run by defeating Charlton Athletic in both semi-final legs to earn their Wembley place. SkyBet are fancying them to go all the way and reach the Championship with a price of 5/4.

Their attack has been slightly less provocative than their Sunday opponents’, however effective nonetheless. ‘The Blues’ netted 60 goals over the season with Stefan Payne enjoying the limelight with 11 crucial goals. Shrewsbury also have shown a lot more bottle away from home with 41 points earnt and 28 goals scored. They have averaged two or more goals per game in 36% of their league outings and SkyBet are offering a price of 21/10 for them to do it once more.

Defensively Shrewsbury have been role-models for the rest of the league. They conceded only 39 goals in their 46 campaign matches; the second best tally in the league. Their defensive efforts have not come at much of a price either having averaged 15.1 booking points throughout the season. SkyBet are pricing them to receive 20+ booking points at 4/7. Not bad for a RequestABet.

The referee for this encounter will be Robert Jones. Jones has officiated in League One ten times this season and hasn’t been shy with his cards. He has averaged a total of 37.5 booking points.

Rotherham vs Shrewsbury will be televised in the UK on Sky Sports Football HD with kick off at 15:00 GMT.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw after 90 minutes.

Suggested Tips – Rotherham vs Shrewsbury – (BET365): 

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

Suggested tips – Rotherham vs Shrewsbury – (SKYBET):

  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Rotherham v Shrewsbury – Over 1.5 goals, 3+ corners each team and 30+ match booking pts – 15/8. (NAP).
  • @FootyAccums RequestABet – Smith & Carlton Morris to score and Wood & Beckles to be carded– 150/1.
  • Price Boost: Correct Score – Shrewsbury Win – 2-1 – 14/1.
  • Head-to-Head Winning RequestABets – Rotherham v Shrewsbury  – Wood to score, 9+ match corners and 30+ match booking pts – 16/1.

Odds and markets last updated on 27 May 2018 @13:40 GMT. Markets will be not be updated prior to kick off.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around tomorrow’s play-off finals.