by ·Comments Off on Newport County vs Tottenham Hotspur – Betting Match Preview
Newport County vs Tottenham Hotspur - FA Cup - 4th Round - Live on BBC1 at 5:30PM

Another potential FA Cup Giant Killing fixture on the cards, with Newport County vs Tottenham Hotspur taking place on Saturday evening.

After cruising past League One opposition in the shape of AFC Wimbledon in the last round, Spurs again face lower league opposition. Harry Kane’s brace sealed Mauricio Pochettino’s men a spot in round four of the competition and they’ll be hoping to be in the draw for round five after this tie.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino will be looking to field a strong enough team to avoid any cup upset. Photo Credit: FourFourTwo

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino will be looking to field a strong enough team to avoid any cup upset. Photo Credit: FourFourTwo

With Pochettino starting a strong line-up in the last round, it’s clear he values the threat of the underdogs. Kane, Jan Vertonghen and Moussa Dembele all started that game, which shows a sign of respect from the Argentinian manager to his opposition.

After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Southampton at the weekend, Spurs will be desperate to get back to winning ways. With their next four games against Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus, it’s clear their season could be shaped by these results. With that in mind, Pochettino could opt to ring the changes, with the first of those four tricky games on Wednesday against Jose Mourinho’s side.

After beating Leeds United at Rodney Parade in the last round, Newport will be hopeful of causing another shock in the FA Cup. The League Two outfit currently sit in eighth in the league table, only one point and place outside the play-off places. Having struggled to avoid relegation the last two seasons, this season has been a massive achievement.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to contain the threat of Robbie Wilmott the former Tesco employee. Photo Credit: Sky Sports

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to contain the threat of Robbie Wilmott the former Tesco employee. Photo Credit: Sky Sports

The home side come into this tie in great form, having gone six games without defeat. Crucially, they have also won four of those games, which is what has seen them rise up the League Two table. Former Wolves and West Ham striker Frank Nouble is expected to lead the line. The nomadic striker has been finding his best form since signing at for Michael Flynn’s team in 2017. On the wing, Robbie Willmott is also a constant menace and has attracted interest from a number of teams in the higher leagues.

Roger East is the referee appointed to be in charge of Newport County vs Tottenham Hotspur

Roger East is the referee appointed to be in charge of Newport County vs Tottenham Hotspur

The two clubs have only ever met in the FA Cup. Their last meeting back in 1960, nearly six decades ago. Tottenham, unsurprisingly, have won all four of the meetings, scoring 15 goals in the process. Roger East has been appointed as the man in the middle for this fixture and has averaged 3.2 yellow cards in his 11 games in charge this season.

His average booking points total is 34.1, which is mid-table when compared to other Premier League referees. By contrast, in the four Championship games he has officiated, East has the third highest booking points average at 48.8. This might be something to bear in mind due to the increased physicality in lower league matches.

I think Tottenham’s team selection will have a massive impact on the result of this game. If Spurs go with a strong team then I think their class will shine through. A weakened side, however, could struggle in tough conditions at Rodney Parade.

Prediction: Newport County 1-3 Tottenham.

Suggested tips (Skybet):

Correct score Spurs to win 3-1 – 9/1.

Nouble to score and Newport to win 1-0 – 260/1.

Kane to score a brace – 13/8.

Son and Llorente to both score – 9/4.

BTTS and over 2.5 goals– 5/4.

More FA Cup games are being previewed this weekend which available in our Tips and Previews section.

 

by ·Comments Off on Peterborough vs Leicester City – Betting Match Preview
Peterborough vs Leicester City - FA Cup 4th Round, Saturday 27 January 2018 - 12:30PM BT Sport 2

The morning televised game on Saturday 27th January 2018 will be live on BBC1 featuring Peterborough vs Leicester City.

League One play-off contenders Peterborough United host Leicester City at London Road hoping to create another shock upset in the FA Cup.

After knocking out Aston Villa in the last round, Peterborough will be hoping for another cup upset as they look to head into the fifth round. This time on their own turf, the Posh will be looking for another famous scalp as they welcome Claude Puel’s men. If Grant McCann’s side are to upset the apple cart, they’ll be reliant on key players to have good games.

Jack Marriot and Marcus Maddison have already attracted interest from a number of Championship clubs and another good performance raise the duo’s stock even further. Maddison, in particular, has been one of League One’s best performers for some time and could join a long line of Peterborough prodigies to move on to bigger and better things.

Peterborough will be hoping to make the play-offs this year after falling short for the last couple of years. Sat in eighth, Posh sit three points behind sixth-placed Charlton ahead of this game. They ended their run of three league games without a win at the weekend with a thumping victory over Oldham. They have lost just one of their last ten games in all competitions and will fancy their chances against the former Premier League champions.

Leicester took two attempts to make it into the fourth round as they needed a replay to beat Fleetwood Town. Against fellow League One opposition the Foxes will need to put in a much better display if they’re to avoid a cup exit. In the league, Leicester have been good of late, having won two of their last three games, including an impressive 0-0 draw against Chelsea.

Claude Puel has definitely improved this side since taking over October and with a few reinforcements in the summer, I don’t see why they couldn’t challenge for a Europa League spot next campaign. Holding onto Riyad Mahrez will be key with the Algerian in scintillating form of late. With a host of big clubs circling the winger, Leicester may find themselves searching for a replacement in the not too distant future.

Peterborough have lost just one of the two clubs last four meetings, with the last fixture back in 2013. Michael Oliver is in charge of this game, with the Premier League referee averaging the third highest average booking points in the league. Oliver has also brandished 70 yellow cards this season, the most of any official in the top flight.

Looking at this weekend’s fixtures, you know there will be one or two shocks. I definitely think this has the potential for an upset. Peterborough have already proven that by beating Villa last time, whilst Leicester fielded a much-changed side against Fleetwood in both games. As is usually the case when Posh play, there should be goals, with BTTS a good bet.

The game will be televised in the UK on BT Sport 2 at 12:30 GMT.

Prediction: Peterborough 2-1 Leicester City.

Suggested tips (Skybet):

Correct score, Peterborough to win 2-1– 16/1

Vardy & Okazaki to both score – 7/2

Marriott to score and win – 11/2

BTTS and over 2.5 goals – 11/10

BTTS and Peterborough to win – 17/2

More Weekend FA Cup previews from this weekend are available in our tips and previews section.

by ·Comments Off on PDC Unibet Masters Preview
PDC Unibet Masters 2018 Betting Preview - Daryl Gurney. Photo Credit: Laurence Lustig

With a new calendar year upon us, we are being treated to another year of PDC action. The PDC Unibet Masters will see the best players the PDC has to offer face off in the first major tournament of 2018.

The competition will be broadcast on ITV 4 and will be held at Arena MK, Milton Keynes. The PDC Unibet Masters is often viewed as the ‘warm-up’ or ‘pre-season’ before the Premier League kicks off in February.

All the players who are competing in the Premier League will want to gain that psychological edge over their opponent, a factor that massively contributes in the darting world.

Here are some of the outright odds that SkyBet are offering ahead of the tournament:

Michael Van Gerwen fresh from his pdc player of the year award. Photo Credit: Twitter - @MvG180

Michael Van Gerwen fresh from his pdc player of the year award. Photo Credit: Twitter – @MvG180

Michael van Gerwen – 4/5

What can be said about Michael van Gerwen that hasn’t already been said? The Dutch darting dynamo is heavy favourite to take home the first PDC major of the year and will now have extra motivation for payback after the disappointment at the World Championships; losing in the semi-final. He’s a talented and hardworking individual that always has the crowd on his side. Due to the tournament only being a short one, his odds are worth backing.

Rob Cross. Photo Credit: Target Darts

Rob Cross. Photo Credit: Target Darts

Rob Cross – 4/1

Rob Cross pulled off the most amazing darting story that the sport has ever seen less than a month ago. The current world champion has shot himself into the limelight after an incredible rise through the PDC rankings that has seen him turn from zero to hero in just over one year. Everyone inside the Arena MK and at home will want the Rob Cross fairy-tale to continue. His consistent 100+ hitting made him a nightmare to play against; even for the best players in the world. £10 returning £50 seems almost too good to be true, but only if he continues his form from the World Championships.

Gary Anderson will be looking to show signs of improvement this tournament after a mediocre 2017. Photo Credit: BBC America

Gary Anderson will be looking to show signs of improvement this tournament after a mediocre 2017. Photo Credit: BBC America

Gary Anderson – 6/1

Gary Anderson has been a dominant figure on the PDC circuit for a few years now. He will be hoping to improve during 2018, by trying to win a few more majors than he did in 2017. The Flying Scotsman had a rather uninspiring year by his standards. If he can rejuvenate the form that has seen him win Premier Leagues and World Championships, he could become a force to be reckoned with. He must tighten up on the doubles as too often last year he would throw legs away through missed doubles. However, it’s always tough to bet against Anderson who can take anyone to the cleaners as he has proved so many times before.

A positive Peter Wright could be a good each way shout at 8/1 for 2018 The PDC Unibet Masters. Photo Credit: The Telegraph

If Peter Wright starts off well he could be represent being a good each way shout at 8/1. Photo Credit: The Telegraph

Peter Wright – 8/1

Peter Wright had a rather successful 2017 but will hope that will only be a building block for 2018. Snakebite is always a player who has dips in confidence, so a positive performance at this major will be the ideal boost for him heading into the Premier League; a competition he was so close to winning last year. His percentages on both maximums and doubles saw a rapid improvement through most of 2017 however illness stumped the end of his year. He is incredibly talented and is extremely tough to beat, surprising to see him with odds higher than Anderson. Definitely worth a punt at 8/1.

Daryl Gurney at 25/1 has been a consistent performer the past year and capable of final finish representing very good value at 25/1

Daryl Gurney at 25/1 has been a consistent performer the past year and capable of final finish representing very good value at 25/1

Daryl Gurney – 25/1

Daryl Gurney is one of the more controversial figures on the PDC Circuit. Last year he shot himself up the PDC rankings, consistently reaching the latter stages of PDC tournaments throughout the year. His competitive nature has sometimes become the better of him in a couple televised events that has given him a slight ‘villain’ perspective. However, good guy or bad guy, he’s a very talented player who is very capable or causing an upset. He will be hoping he can get some momentum before he enters the 2018 Premier League. Although it’s unlikely he will go all the way at the 2018 PDC Unibet Masters, his odds are tempting.

PDC Unibet Masters 2018 – Other Player Odds

Raymond van Barneveld – 25/1
Dave Chisnall – 40/1
Mensur Suljovic – 40/1
Michael Smith – 40/1
Gerwyn Price – 80/1
James Wade – 80/1
Simon Whitlock – 80/1
Benito van de Pas – 100/1
Alan Norris – 125/1
Ian White – 125/1
Kim Huybrechts – 250/1

Don’t forget to Visit Our Tips and Previews section next week for our Darts PDC Premier League 2018 preview.

by ·Comments Off on Yeovil Town vs Manchester United – Betting Match Preview
Yeovil Town vs Manchester United - FA Cup Fourth Round. Live on BBC 1.

Yeovil Town vs Manchester United takes place on Friday night. The premier league side will travel to League Two side, Yeovil, in a fixture that really captures the magical nature of the FA Cup.

The hosts are currently 21st in League Two, only two points adrift from the relegation zone. They are the lowest ranked club in English football left in the competition.

The visitors are currently second in the Premier League, meaning there are 86 places between the two clubs. With the Premier League seeming to run away from the Red Devil’s, they will be sure to want a long cup-run in this competition.

Yeovil Town's, Marcus Branes post-match against Bradford in the third round where he found the scoresheet.

Yeovil Town’s, Marcus Branes post-match against Bradford in the third round where he found the scoresheet.

The hosts beat League One side, Bradford City, 2-0 in the third round. Goals from young striker, Marcus Barnes and Bournemouth loanee, Jordan Green, was enough to cause a welcome cup upset for the home fans to enjoy. They have no recent success in any cup competitions however the draw alone will feel like a victory. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the Yeovil players; many of which are young, to face off against the world’s best. A big task ahead, but wouldn’t it be something if they pulled it off.

Manchester United beat Championship side, Derby County, in their previous FA Cup outing.

Two late goals from the in form Jesse Lingard and Romelu Lukaku left many United fans relieved after Derby made a good account of themselves under the Old Trafford lights. Jose Mourinho’s side have enjoyed a strong run of form recently; unbeaten in their last 7 matches. New signing, Alexis Sanchez could make his debut for the club after being part of a swap deal with Arsenal that involved Henrikh Mhkitaryan. United are the clear favourites and shouldn’t find it too troubling to advance to the next round of the competition.

Yeovil will give their all and I don’t see it being an embarrassing scoreline but they are facing too many world class players.

Manchester United have scored two or more goals in 58% of their Premier League matches. Yeovil Town have scored two or more goals in 39% of their League Two matches.

Paul Tierney takes charge of Friday nights live FA Cup fourth round game on BBC1.

Paul Tierney takes charge of Friday nights live FA Cup fourth round game on BBC1.

United have been awarded an average of 6.2 corners per league match whereas Yeovil have been awarded an average of 4.1 corners.

Premier League official, Paul Tierney, will take charge of this fixture. Tierney has awarded an average of 25.6 booking points from his 9 Premier League matches this season.

The tie between Yeovil Town vs Manchester United will be televised in the UK on BBC1 at 19:55 (GMT).

Prediction – Yeovil Town 0 – Man United 3

 

Suggested tips (Skybet):

Yeovil to Win –  18/1 

Correct Score – Manchester United win 3-0 – 11/2

Both Players to Score -Jesse Lingard and Romelu Lukaku to both score for Manchester United – 9/4

To Score in Both Halves – Manchester United Yes – 4/7

BTTS – Yes – 5/4

Odds as off 22:10 GMT on Thursday 25th January 2018.

 

 

by ·Comments Off on Arsenal vs Chelsea – Betting Match Preview
Arsenal vs Chelsea - Carabao Cup - 2nd Leg - 23 January 2018

After a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal will be hoping home advantage is decisive as they host London rivals Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

With the Alexis Sanchez saga now drawing to a close, the Gunners can set their focus on sealing a place at Wembley. With Henrikh Mkhitaryan set to join Arsene Wenger’s side in exchange, he will be hoping to integrate the Armenian quickly.

There’s no doubt Arsenal are getting a player who on his day has proven to be real quality. The big task for Wenger is to get that level of performance from Mkhitaryan on a regular basis. With Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere both looking set to sign new deals, it’s important Wenger has one last strong push to rebuild his squad.

Ozil was back in the goals on the weekend as he got one of Arsenal's four goals vs. Crystal Palace

Ozil was back in the goals on the weekend as he got one of Arsenal’s four goals vs. Crystal Palace

With only the Europa League offering Arsenal any form of silverware this season, winning the Carabao Cup could be key to boost the confidence of his players. Saturday’s thumping of Palace will have breathed confidence into the group after a run of five games without a win. Ozil, in particular, shone on his return from injury. It’s key that Wenger gets the best from his German World Cup winner again on Wednesday night.

Chelsea returned to winning ways after four consecutive draws with a 4-0 victory over Brighton. Eden Hazard ran the game as he helped himself to two goals and the man of the match award. Hazard took his tally for the season to 14 goals as he took centre stage with Morata missing.

After the Spaniard missed the win at the Amex Stadium, it’ll be interesting to see if Antonio Conte throws the former Real Madrid forward back into the starting line-up. Whilst he didn’t score, Michy Batshuayi played well at the weekend, linking up impressively with both Hazard and Willian.

Morata has seen more red cards than goals in his last 6 games for the blues.

Morata has seen more red cards than goals in his last 6 games for the blues.

With more red cards than goals in his last six games, Morata is going through a real rough patch in front of goal. He is low on confidence which could pave the way for Batshuayi to start.

Chelsea are without a win in their last five meetings against Arsenal. They have however lost only one of those games, with that defeat coming last May in the FA Cup final. In the league, however, it’s a different story, with Arsenal winning just once in the clubs last 14 fixtures.

Michael Oliver will be the referee for the second leg between Arsenal and Chelsea

Michael Oliver will be the referee for the second leg between Arsenal and Chelsea

Michael Oliver will referee Wednesday’s London clash, which could be a feisty affair. Oliver has brandished an average of 39.5 booking points per game this season, including 70 yellow cards over 20 games.

With the winner of this fixture facing either Manchester City or Bristol City, both teams will be desperate to book their place at Wembley. I’m really struggling to call a winner between the pair and I think it could take extra-time and even penalties to separate the two teams.

Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea (Chelsea to win on away goals AET).

Suggested tips (Skybet):

Chelsea to win in extra time – 10/1

Hazard to score first and Chelsea to win 2-1– 25/1

Lacazette to score and Arsenal to win – 7/2

BTTS and over 2.5 goals – 1/1

Both teams to score in both halves – 12/1

 

by ·Comments Off on Bristol City vs Manchester City – Betting Match Preview
Bristol City vs. Manchester City - Carabao Cup - 2nd Leg - 22 January 2018

Bristol City will be hoping to overturn a 2-1 deficit from their first leg, as they host Manchester City in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday night at Ashton Gate.

Sergio Aguero’s stoppage-time winner ensured that Manchester City came into this match with a slender lead. After finding themselves 1-0 down at the break, it was key that Pep Guardiola’s men reacted and managed to get themselves back in the game through Kevin De Bruyne.

After being caused a multitude of problems by their Championship counterpart at the Etihad, City will take nothing for granted when they face off at Ashton Gate. Guardiola’s side will be buoyed after their return to winning ways at the weekend, beating Newcastle 3-1.

Aguero grabbed a hat-rick on the weekend to end any hope of a Newcastle comeback on the weekend.

Aguero grabbed a hat-rick on the weekend to end any hope of a Newcastle comeback on the weekend.

Aguero was in the goals again as he grabbed a hat-trick as City responded from their defeat at Anfield the week previous. After conceding defeat in the race to sign Alexis Sanchez, City will turn their attention to summer for new recruits. For now, the focus is on competing for four trophies, the first of which being the Carabao Cup. With the league seemingly sewed up before February, City can focus on the Champions League and FA Cup as they look to secure the club’s best ever trophy haul.

The hosts come into this game without a win in six games. After five straight defeats, the Robins stopped the rot with an impressive 0-0 draw at second-placed Derby on Friday night. The goals have dried up recently for Lee Johnson’s men, with just two goals scored in those six games.

Bristol City manager Lee Johnson will be hoping talisman Bobby Reid recalls his goal-scoring touch against City.

Bristol City manager Lee Johnson will be hoping talisman Bobby Reid recalls his goal-scoring touch against City.

Top scorer Bobby Reid has cut an isolated figure at times, whilst record signing Famara Diedhiou has only just returned from injury. Reid has 14 goals to his name, the next best is six, underlining the Robins’ reliance on their main talisman. As Reid hasn’t scored since the defeat to Manchester City, it has seen a dip in results.

If they want to secure promotion to the Premier League, it’s key Johnson targets another forward to offer support to Reid. If they don’t, they risk becoming too one dimensional. However, after claiming several Premier League scalps en route to the semi-final, Ashton Gate will be rocking on Tuesday night. Whilst City are massive favours, we saw from the first leg that Bristol City can certainly cause the Champions elect some problems.

Graham Scott takes charge of the second leg between Bristol City & Manchester City at Ashton Gate.

Graham Scott takes charge of the second leg between Bristol City & Manchester City at Ashton Gate.

Graham Scott has been selected as the referee for this game. Scott may be detrimental to those looking to back booking points. Scott has produced just one red card this season and has averaged just two yellow cards a game. This takes his average booking points total to just 21.9, the second lowest of all Premier League referees this campaign.

I think this game could be very similar to the first leg. Roared on by the Ashton Gate crowd, I expect the hosts to come fast out the blocks to put City under pressure. Despite this, I think City will have the edge and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a repeat of the scoreline from the first leg.

Prediction: Bristol City 1-2 Manchester City.

Suggested tips(Skybet):

Correct score, Manchester City to win 2-1– 17/2

Aguero to score a brace – 9/4

Reid to score first and City to win 2-1 – 240/1

Aguero and Sterling to both score – 2/1

Manchester City to win in extra time – 28/1

On Wednesday night, the winners of this tie will find out who they will face in the final. Don’t forget to miss our betting preview for the return leg of Arsenal vs. Chelsea.

 

 

by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Pro Tips – 22nd January 2018

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by ·Comments Off on Swansea City vs Liverpool – Match Preview
Swansea City vs Liverpool

Liberty Stadium plays host this Monday evening with Swansea City vs Liverpool in the Premier League. Can the Swans pull off a shock win?

After ending City’s unbeaten Premier League start, Liverpool have been in the headlines all week. After such a fantastic display, the onus is now on them to make sure they take three points against basement side Swansea. Even without Phillipe Coutinho, the attacking trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamad Salah ran riot with all three finding themselves on the scoresheet against Pep Guardiola’s side. Firmino, in particular, has come in for praise, with Jamie Carragher labelling the Brazilian ‘the most underrated player in the league’. When you look at his stats, it’s hard to argue. For someone who is commonly thought of as an unorthodox number nine, Firmino has 17 goals already this season, more than Romelu Lukaku and Alvaro Morata.

Firmino has shown that Coutinho’s departure will not have too much of an affect on Liverpool Photo Credit: skysports.com

Having preferred Firmino to Daniel Sturridge during his time at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp has got everything he requires from his central striker. The 26-year-old’s ability to press backlines with intelligence is a highly sought attribute and something that was instrumental in Liverpool’s win against City. In addition to his impressive work rate, Firmino’s link up play is exceptional and when he drops deep to receive the ball, it allows Mane and Salah to exploit the space behind him. He’s also now adding goals to his game. Now in his third season at Anfield, Firmino managed just 24 goals in his first two seasons. With 17 already this term, he has a great chance of going on to record double that amount.

After just one defeat in his first five games in charge, Carlos Carvalhal’s side knocked out Wolves in their FA Cup replay in midweek. Whilst both sides named much-changed teams, Swansea seem to have improved under their Portuguese head coach. With four points from their last three games, recent results will give Carvalhal confidence his side can pick up points against the teams around them. With games against Brighton, West Ham and Huddersfield to come in February, it’s vital Swansea can build some confidence going into those fixtures. Whilst they still sit bottom of the Premier League, they are just four points adrift of safety.

Ayew grabbed the first in the FA Cup win over Wolves Photo Credit: skysports.com

Despite losing 5-0 in the reverse fixture this season, Swansea have won two of their last four meetings with Liverpool. Having defeat Liverpool at the Liberty Stadium in 2016, there may be hope for the Swans when the Reds come calling. Liverpool have however won seven of their last nine meetings, scoring 22 goals. Neil Swarbrick has been placed in charge of this game. The experienced ref has averaged just 24.6 booking points this season, the third lowest in the division. Swarbrick is also yet to brandish a red card during his 13 matches this campaign.

After such an impressive win last time out, it would be typical of Liverpool to lose this game. Despite the Swans recent improvement though, I think the Reds will take all three points in South Wales, but it will be tighter than most might expect.

 

Prediction: Swansea 1-2 Liverpool

 

Suggested Tips

(SKYBET)

CORRECT SCORE – LIVERPOOL TO WIN 2-1 – 15/2

FIRMINO TO SCORE FIRST AND LIVERPOOL TO WIN 3-0- 19/1

 SALAH AND MANE TO BOTH SCORE – 7/2

AYEW TO SCORE AND FT DRAW – 16/1

BTTS AND LIVERPOOL TO WIN – 21/10

LIVERPOOL TO WIN BY EXACTLY ONE GOAL – 11/4

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

Mauricio Pochettino returns to St Mary’s with Southampton vs Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday from St Mary’s Stadium. Spurs will hope a win can move them into the Champions League places.

Last week’s 4-0 mauling of Everton will have boosted Spurs’ morale ahead of this one, with the North London club sitting three points behind Liverpool and Chelsea in fifth. After Liverpool’s impressive display against Manchester City, they moved level on points with Antonio Conte’s men, which has further intensified the race for Champions League football. With Manchester United only three points ahead of third and fourth, this has now become a four-way battle between the Premier League’s biggest hitters. With Arsenal now eight points adrift of fourth, it appears that any three of those four teams will join City in Europe’s elite competition next season.

Son has been in great form for Spurs, scoring and providing assists Photo Credit: skysports.com

Son Heung-Min caught the eye against Everton after his man of the match performance. The South Korean grabbed a goal and an assist on his way to scoring for the fifth consecutive home game as Spurs took apart Sam Allardyce’s side. Having been a bit part player in the last two years, Son has shown his best form this campaign, with his pace and willingness to stretch defences a real asset to Spurs. With players like Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane and Dele Alli who all want the ball to feet, having someone to run in behind is vital. Son has provided that this season and with eight goals and four assists to his name, he is now one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Ward-Prowse scored a brace in the draw against Watford last weekend Photo Credit: skysports.com

After being controversially denied victory by a stoppage-time equaliser last week against Watford, Southampton are without a win in ten league games. An impressive first-half display against the Hornets should have seen Mauricio Pellegrino’s side take all three points and they would have but for Abdoulaye Doucoure’s late ‘handball’ goal. Southampton put in a much better performance last week and topped that off with two first-half strikes, something the Saints hadn’t done all season. With the pressure building on Pellegrino, it’s important they produce a similar display against a much better Spurs side. With Southampton just one point and place above the drop zone, they need to turn St Mary’s into a fortress, starting on Sunday.

Spurs have won nine of their last 11 meetings with Southampton, including four of their last five visits to St Mary’s. Having racked up 11 goals in their last three meetings against the Saints, including five in the reverse fixture back in December, Spurs love playing against Pochettino’s former club.

Kevin Friend is the referee for Sunday’s fixture and an average booking points total of just 25. In his 12 Premier League games this season he has issued just 30 yellow cards and is yet to show a red card.

Despite their improved performance last week, I think Spurs will run out winners on Sunday. Pochettino’s men are in good form, whilst the same can’t be said for the hosts and thus I think they will prove too strong for them.

 

Prediction: Southampton 1-3 Tottenham

 

Suggested Tips

(SKYBET)

KANE TO SCORE A BRACE – 3/1

SON TO SCORE FIRST AND SPURS TO WIN 2-0 – 22/1

CORRECT SCORE – 3-1 SPURS – 12/1

LONG AND ALLI TO BOTH SCORE – 9/1

BTTS AND SPURS TO WIN – 9/4

(BET365)

ALTERNATIVE TOTAL GOALS – OVER 3.5 GOALS – (link no longer available)

DOUBLE CHANCE – SOUTHAMPTON OR DRAW – (link no longer available)

FIRST GOALSCORER – HEUNG-MIN SON – (link no longer available)

ANYTIME GOALSCORER – JAMES WARD PROWSE – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on NFL – Conference Championships Preview
Conference Championships

The NFL Conference Championships are here this weekend with four teams battling it out for a spot at the Super Bowl on the 4th February 2018. Will the New England Patriots make it to the Super Bowl for a second consecutive year and win it?

Conference Championships

AFC: Jags at Patriots 

The Pats are the number 1 seed and will be looking to go to their 8th Super Bowl this century. They are the favourites here at home and rightfully so, as they are the more experienced team on both sides of the ball and with their coaching. The Jags are the number 2 ranked defense in football, and pulled off the upset last week against the Steelers. The question being, are they on an emotional high from last week or are they focused on the main goal? The Jags have that destiny team attached to them and as the old saying goes, offense wins game, but defense wins championships! IN THE UPSET of the season and possibly in modern history, late in the game I have the Jags winning.

Jags To Win 24-21 

Bortles: 285 YDS, 1 TDS

Fournette: 125 Total YDS, 2 Rushing TDs

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NFC: Vikings at Eagles

These top two teams in the conference meet with the SB berth on the line. The Vikings are looking to become the first team in NFL history to host a home Super Bowl game. Both QBs are new to this moment and because of that I see this as a defensive game. In that sense, the number 1 related defense in the league in the Minnesota Vikings will come up with more stops than the Eagles. On the road I have the Vikings making history.

Vikings To Win – 20-14

Keenum: 225 YDS, 2 TDS

Diggs: 88 YDs, 1 REC TD

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