by ·Comments Off on FA Cup – Liverpool vs Everton – Match Preview

FA Cup – Liverpool vs Everton – Match Preview – Liverpool host Everton in the Merseyside derby with both sides looking to secure a place in the fourth-round of the FA Cup.

After beating Burnley 2-1 on New Year’s Day, Liverpool moved six points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal. With four wins from five, Liverpool have closed the gap on the teams above them as the race for a Champions League spot heats up. The Reds are unbeaten since October, which has seen a run of 16 games without a loss in all competitions.

Three consecutive wins over the festive period will have only boosted Liverpool’s confidence of securing a top-four finish. Jurgen Klopp has rotated his squad, but the results have not altered. Phillipe Coutinho has shown his true class over the recent months, whilst Mohamad Salah has continued in his rich vein of goal scoring form. Adam Lallana’s return to first-team action is also a major boost, with the Englishman managing 86 minutes on his first start of the season against Burnley.

Lallana could feature for Liverpool against Everton this Friday Photo Credit: skysports.com

Against Arsenal, the Reds did, however, show signs of their soft underbelly which has plagued them under Klopp’s reign. At 2-0 up, they lost complete control of the game and found themselves 3-2 behind just seven minutes later. It’s that sort of mentality and poor game management which is why they will never win a league title. Whilst the club have looked to address their defensive woes with the signing of Virgil van Dijk, they still need a new goalkeeper. With the wide array of attacking talent they possess, shoring up the backline with world-class quality players must be the priority in the summer.

Everton kicked off 2018 with a defeat as they lost 2-0 to Manchester United. After a fantastic start to life at Goodison Park, Sam Allardyce’s team are without a win in four games and have lost their last two games. With Liverpool and Tottenham next up, it’s vital they return to winning ways as soon as possible. Allardyce has had success already at Anfield this season, after masterminding his sides 1-1 draw last month. In a game Liverpool really should have won, Everton managed to frustrate the home side before snatching a point late on.

Can Everton get back to winning ways against rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup Photo Credit: skysports.com

With the Merseyside derby renowned for robust tackles and red cards, it’s worth looking at booking points for this fixture. Bobby Madley has been appointed as the referee for this fixture and he has the fourth highest average for red cards this season. Madley has also averaged 3.4 yellow cards in the ten games has managed this season. Given the occasion as well, I feel as though 20+ booking points each team would be a safe bet.

With regards to the actual match, I think Allardyce will come with a similar game plan to try and frustrate Liverpool. Unlike last month, however, I think the Reds will come out on top in a fierce and cagey affair.

 

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Everton

SUGGESTED TIPS:

SKYBET: LIVERPOOL TO WIN 2-1- 7/1

SKYBET: ADAM LALLANA TO SCORE & LIVERPOOL WIN – 5/2

SKYBET: BOTH PLAYERS TO SCORE – WAYNE ROONEY & DOMINIC SOLANKE – 7/1

SKYBET: @FOOTYACCUMS RAB – MANE TO SCORE, OVER 2.5 GOALS, 6+ LIVERPOOL CORNERS & 30 EVERTON BOOKING POINTS – 8/1

SKYBET: REQUEST-A-BET 80/1 & ABOVE: SIGURDSSON TO SCORE, DRAW 1-1, 3+ CORNERS EACH TEAM & GUEYE TO BE CARDED – 80/1

SKYBET: SIGURDSSON TO SCORE OUTSIDE THE AREA – 16/1

SKYBET: BTTS AND DRAW – 9/2

SKYBET: PRICE BOOST – ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN & DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN BOTH TO SCORE IN 90 MINS – 18/1

SKYBET: EVERTON TO WIN AND UNDER 2.5 GOALS – 12/1

 

 

by ·Comments Off on Tottenham vs West Ham – Match Preview

Tottenham vs West Ham – Match Preview – The congested period of the Premier League season continues and has treated us to a tasty London derby. Tottenham host West Ham as both sides are hoping to improve their respective positions in the Premier League table.

The hosts will be hoping to close the gap on the top four to try and secure European Football for another year. West Ham will be hoping to climb away from the relegation zone. It’s all very tight down the bottom of the table.

Alli and Llorente secured the three points for Spurs against Swansea Photo Credit: skysports.com

Tottenham beat Swansea City in their last outing just two days before this fixture. An early goal from former Swansea man, Fernando Llorente, gave Spurs the lead before Dele Alli finished the job late on. Despite the victory, the performance wasn’t the most convincing from Mauricio Pochettino’s men, who had a very noticeable absentee in Harry Kane; who came off the bench in the second half. Kane has broken many records in the past 12 months and is the key figure in this Spurs side. He often enjoys playing West Ham, can his side close the gap on the top four?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Spurs to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 3/1

Andy Carroll bagged a brace against West Brom after going down a goal Photo Credit: skysports.com

West Ham are fresh from a dramatic victory over West Brom just two days ago as well. After going 1-0 down, a brace from Andy Carroll in a late, dramatic fashion gave David Moyes men something big to celebrate. They have now climbed out of the relegation zone, and given themselves some breathing space for this tough fixture. The Hammers were victorious when these two sides met earlier in the season in the Carabao Cup. That should give the side some confidence heading into the fixture, something the squad have been low on all year. Will be tough, but not impossible.

Skybet Match Result – West Ham to Win – 9/1

Despite their strong position in the table, Spurs have only scored two or more goals in 40% of their home Premier League fixtures. West Ham have scored two or more in 36% of their away matches.

Tottenham have been awarded a staggering average of 8.8 corners per home match this season in the Premier League. West Ham have been awarded an average of 3.7 on the road.

Mike Dean will take charge of this fixture. The referee has awarded an average of 39.6 booking points in his 13 Premier League fixtures.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Featured RequestAbet – Kane to score 2+ goals, 9+ Tottenham corners and Zabaleta to be carded – 16/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 – Kane to score, BTTS, Reid to be carded and 40+ West Ham booking points – 20/1
  • Bet365 – Alternative Total Goals – Over 3.5 – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Correct Score – Tottenham 3-2 – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Anytime Goalscorer – Winston Reid – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Total Goals/Both Teams to Score – Over 2.5 & Yes – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on NFL – Playoff Wildcard Preview

NFL – Playoff Wildcard Preview –The NFL Playoffs kick off with the AFC and NFC Wildcard round this weekend. The Bills are at the Jags and the Titans are at the Chiefs from the AFC, with the Patriot and the Steelers with first round byes. The NFC sees the Falcons at the Rams and the Panthers at the Saints, with the Eagles and the Vikings with first round byes.

 

Saturday Games

Titans at Chiefs

The Titans clinched playoff berth last week in their win and will be looking for a solid playoff debut for QB Marcus Mariota. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have been on a roller-coaster this season with their hot start and average end to the year. Chiefs coach Andy Reid has struggled in the playoffs the past few seasons, however his team are much more experienced in a playoff atmosphere, and along with being at home, I believe that will be a lot to overcome for the young Titans.

Chiefs to Win –  24-14

Smith: 285 YDS, 2 TDS

Hunt: 115 Total YDS, 1 Rushing TD

Kelce: 100 YDS REC, 1 TD REC

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Kansas City Chiefs -7.5 and Over 46.5 Total Match Points – 5/2

 

Falcons at Rams

In the Primetime game for Saturday night the Highest Scoring offense, with RB Todd Gurley who led the league in scrimmage yards, face the defending NFC Champs in the Falcons. The Falcons clinched playoff berth at the end of the season but haven’t been consistent all year. However, the Rams with their rookie coach, 2nd Year QB, and 3rd Year RB are all brand new to this stage. It does help however being at home, where defense will be the key. Both teams are top scoring offense, but in the first game home in their return to LA I have the Rams winning a close game.

Rams to Win –  28-24

Goff: 225 YDS, 2 TD

Gurley: 145 YDS, 2 TDS Rushing

Skybet Total Points – 49-52 Pts – 11/2

 

Sunday Games

Bills at Jaguars

Both teams have been in playoff droughts, specifically the Bills being in their first playoff game since 1999. The Bills by virtue of a 3 way tie breaker clinched playoff berth last week and will be looking to cause an upset over the Jags. The Jags are a top 3 rated defense and at home I believe that will help against the up and down QB play from the Bills. While the Jags QB Blake Bortles has been up and down himself, expect a heavy dose of their run game.

Jags to Win –  17-10

Bortles: 215 YDS, 1 TD

Fournette: 110 YDS, 1 Rushing TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Jacksonville Jaguars -6.5 and Under 41.5 Total Match Points – 13/8

 

Panthers at Saints

In the Sunday night primetime game these division rivals meet in the playoffs in what should be an offensive shootout. The Saints beat the Panthers twice during the regular season and behind two 1000 Yard running backs, along with the most experienced QB in the NFC, Drew Brees, they are the favorite to win. Meanwhile, the Panthers two years removed from their Super bowl appearance will be looking to make another run, however haven’t been consistent on offense all year. In the playoffs the hotter team normally wins and right now the Saints are playing better on both sides of the ball, at home I expect them to win and advance.

Saints to Win –  31-24

Brees: 285 YDS, 2 TDS

Ingram: 110 Total YDS, 1 Rushing TD

Kumara: 88 YDS Total

Thomas: 100 YDS REC, 1 REC TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – New Orleans Saints -5.5 and Over 49.5 Total Match Points – 5/2

 

 

by ·Comments Off on Arsenal vs Chelsea – Match Preview

Arsenal vs Chelsea – Match Preview – An iconic Premier League fixture, London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea meet for the first of their three clashes in January with both sides harbouring ambitions of securing Champions League football.

Wednesday’s game comes a week before the first of two EFL Cup semi-finals, the 1st leg being played at Stamford Bridge.

Whilst there have been strong showings in the cups this year (with both sides progressing into the knockout stages of their respective competitions comfortably), the Premier League title seems like a foregone conclusion due to Manchester City’s domination, so the chasing pack must hunt to finish as close to the top as possible, in the aims of obtaining a top four finish.

Sanchez has been in great form in the past few matches for the Gunners Photo Credit: skysports.com

After drawing 1-1 with West Brom on Sunday (in controversial circumstances) and following Liverpool’s dramatic late victory over Burnley, Arsenal, in 5th, find themselves six points off The Reds in the Champions League places.

North-London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are just a point behind (at the time of writing) too, with a game in hand on The Gunners and they play bottom club Swansea City on Tuesday night. Arsene Wenger’s side are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions but have drawn four of their last seven Premier League games so picking up three points is vital here to maintain the pressure.

Doing so will be difficult against the in-form Champions, Chelsea have won 13 of their last 18 matches in all competitions including two convincing victories over the festive week against Brighton and Stoke. Manchester United’s simultaneous draws briefly saw The Blues move into 2nd place but after United’s 2-0 win at Everton on Monday night only victory here can see Antonio Conte’s side reclaim that spot.

Hazard and Morata can give Chelsea a big win in the London Derby Photo Credit: skysports.com

Clashes between these two English giants are always intense, as there is a feeling Antonio Conte wants to exact revenge for The Gunners winning the 2017 FA Cup Final and denying him a League and Cup double in his maiden season in England.

Controversy is never far from these matches and the reverse fixture this season brought a heated 0-0 draw that saw David Luiz given a straight red card for a rash challenge on Sead Kolasinac.

Surely, we will see goals this time around but drama and excitement is all but guaranteed when two of the country’s best do battle, normally to prove who the top dog in the capital really is.

Stats

Arsenal have conceded six goals in their last three games and the underlying sentiment that they are vulnerable if a team truly gets at them never seems to fade away. Saying that, only four teams can say they have kept more clean sheets than the Gunners’ nine this season.
Chelsea are one of those teams, in fact no side in the Premier League has had more shutouts than Chelsea’s 11 this term.
Whilst both will be keen to keep it tight defensively for the fear of losing, the attacking quality on the pitch should provide ample scoring opportunities for the likes of Morata or Lacazette to thrive upon and find the net.

Whilst Chelsea have been awarded a league-low total of 22 yellow cards this year, only Watford can boast (or not) a worse disciplinary record in terms of red cards, as three Blues players have been given their marching orders – one in the reverse fixture for David Luiz as mentioned above. This gives Chelsea 14 average booking points per game.
Arsenal, despite not receiving a single red card this year, fare slightly worse, with 31 yellow cards giving them 14.8 average booking points per match.
Taking into account the context of this match and the way emotions usually get flared, expect there to be a considerable amount of work for the referee to do and a lot of cards being brandished as a result of that.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Price Boost – Alexandre Lacazette and Alvaro Morata both to score in 90 mins – 7/1Skybet Price Boost – Granit Xhaka and Cesc Fabregas both to be carded – 11/2
  • Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 9/2
  • Skybet RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 –  Hazard to score, Chelsea to win and Morata & Mustafi to be carded – 25/1
  • Skybet OPTA Player Total Multiple Shots – Alexis Sanchez and Eden Hazard 3+ shots each – 5/2
  • Skybet Player Carded Accumulator – Jack Wilshere and Antonio Rudiger both to be carded – 17/2
  • Bet365 – Anytime Goalscorer – Marcos Alonso – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Half Time/Full Time – Chelsea/Draw – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Correct Score – Draw 2-2 – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on Swansea City vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview

Swansea City vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview – New Swansea boss Carlos Carvalhal will be looking for his first home win in charge as they host Tottenham at the Liberty Stadium.

Carvalhal was appointed Swansea boss on Thursday after parting company with Sheffield Wednesday on Christmas Eve. In two and a half years at the club, the Portuguese steered the club to back to back top-six finishes. Now in charge of the Swans, he will be looking to galvanise his group as they look to try and secure another season in the top flight of English football.

Can Carvalhal get Swansea out of their current rut? Photo Credit: skysports.com

After their 5-0 defeat against Liverpool, the club sit five points adrift of safety. With only 11 goals in the league this season, Carvalhal will have to find a way to get them firing. The league’s lowest scorers have only managed three goals in their last ten games. January presents itself as a fantastic opportunity to bolster his squad, with a striker the main priority. Finding someone who can supply the chances will also be high on the agenda, with the club yet to replace Glyfi Sigurdsson who joined Everton in the summer.

Spurs’ find themselves one point behind the top four as they look to secure another season in the Champions League. With one of the most prolific strikers in the world, keeping Harry Kane fit will be key in their bid for a top-four spot. After beating Alan Shearer’s Premier League record for most goals in a calendar year, Kane will be looking for his third consecutive hat-trick. Six goals in his last two games have put him clear in the race for his third consecutive golden boot, with Mohamad Salah now three goals behind the Englishman.

Kane has impressed once again this season and is on route to a third consecutive Golden Boot Photo Credit: skysports.com

Dele Alli’s first goal in 11 games will have put a smile back on Spurs’ fans faces. The Englishman has only managed eight goals this season but with this goal, it should help him kick on ahead of England’s World Cup campaign this summer. With only one defeat in their last seven games, Spurs’ are picking up form at the most important time of the season.

Swansea are yet to beat Tottenham since their return to the Premier League in 2011. They have only picked up three points from 13 games, losing ten. They did, however, draw their last meeting at Wembley 0-0. Having racked up 21 goals in their last six games against Swansea, Spurs have a great record against them. This will be a tough game for Carvalhal and I think Tottenham will manage to secure another win.

 

Prediction: Swansea City 0-2 Tottenham

 

SKYBET: KANE TO SCORE A BRACE- 5/2

SKYBET: ERIKSEN TO SCORE FROM OUTSIDE THE AREA- 15/2

SKYBET: ALLI TO SCORE FIRST AND SPURS TO WIN 3-1- 40/1

SKYBET: ERIKSEN TO SCORE AND SPURS TO WIN- 3/1

SKYBET: TOTTENHAM TO BE WINNING AT HT- 8/11

BET365: TOTTENHAM TO WIN 2-0- (link no longer available)

BET365: SPURS TO WIN TO NIL- (link no longer available) 

BET365: ANYTIME GOALSCORER- JORDAN AYEW – (link no longer available)

BET365: HALF TIME/FULL TIME – TOTTENHAM/TOTTENHAM – (link no longer available)

BET365 – CORRECT SCORE- TOTTENHAM TO WIN 2-0 – (link no longer available)

 

by ·Comments Off on Manchester City vs Watford – Match Preview

Manchester City vs Watford – Match Preview – Manchester City host Watford in their first Premier League match of the new calender year. The hosts ended 2017 in style, running up the Premier League table leaving everyone in their shadows.

The visitors have enjoyed a stable first half of the season, a position they will be comfortable with and will look to hold as the season progresses.

Pep Guardiola is working miracles with his Manchester City side. An unbeaten season is still up for grabs for the Citizens as they are completely destroying defences week in, week out. They have illustrated such free flowing, liquid football that can only be compared to the Barcelona side of 2009; a side that was also under Guardiola’s reign.

City’s two stand out performers this season have been Sterling and de Bruyne Photo Credit: skysports.com

To single out any City players would be unfair as they have all played incredibly so far. Raheem Sterling has improved his end product massive amounts, David Silva is what many believe to be the catalyst for the whole side in the midfield and Kevin De Bruyne is showing his cutting edge in the final third that has put him in the upper echelons of world football. They have been a true pleasure to watch and i’m sure they will be on the 2nd January. Just maybe not for any Watford fans.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – City to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 11/4

Can this Watford side gain anything from their trip to the Etihad Photo Credit: skysports.com

Watford are currently mid table, with the holy grail of 40 points within reach. Marco Silva has done a good job in adding stability to Vicarage Road, where many tipped them to be relegation candidates for the season. Although unspectacular, Watford are a tough nut to crack as Silva has really tapped into the physical side of this team. They often ramp up the bookings with their fierce, direct style of play that has seen them shake teams so far this season. Watford also have payback in mind, as this City side swept past them 6-0 earlier in the season. Can they ruin City’s record?

Skybet Match Result – Watford to Win – 16/1

Manchester City have scored two or more goals in 90% of their home Premier League fixtures this season. Watford have scored two or more in 70% of their away matches. Could we have a goal thriller?

Man City have been awarded an average of 6.6 corners in all their Premier League matches this season.

Lee Mason takes charge for this fixture at the Etihad. The referee has awarded an average of 26 booking points in his 10 Premier League matches.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Bet365 – Alternative Total Goals – Over 4.5 – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Correct Score – Man City 3-1 – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Total Goals and BTTS – Over 2.5 and YES – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on Bristol City vs Wolves – Match Preview

Bristol City vs Wolves – Match Preview – The Championships top two teams clash as Wolves look to create a massive 11-point lead at the summit of the Championship going into the new year.

Undoubtedly the game of the week; if this match is anything like the reverse fixture we are in for an absolute treat – it finished 3-3 at Molineux in September in what was a rollercoaster of a game.

Wolves have unquestionably been the division’s outstanding team this year, they have recruited beyond the means of what was beforehand deemed possible and under Nuno Esprito Santo, look like a team destined for the Premier League.

After 24 games having 55 points and only losing three times is quite remarkable in a league as consistently unpredictable as The Championship and the eight-point gap they have over both their opponents in this fixture and then Cardiff in 3rd shows no signs of depleting. An undefeated streak of ten games including eight victories is testament to that.

Jamie Paterson has been in fine form for Bristol City this season Photo Credit: bcfc.co.uk

However, Bristol City are too riding the crest of a wave; not only are they the league’s surprise package this campaign but they are fresh from knocking Manchester United out of the EFL Cup and earning a semi-final birth against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

The atmosphere around Ashton Gate is electric at present and rightfully so, manager Lee Johnson is daring to dream and there has not been a better time to be a Bristol City fan in recent memory.

Whilst many thought The Robins would struggle to maintain their stellar early-season form they have kicked on again, winning five of their last six league matches to stride into the automatic promotion places.

Bonatini leads Wolves scoring chart with 12 goals so far this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

A wonderful clash between the two best sides in the league promises so much, and is so important for both sides. An 11-point gap is a very large safety net for Wolves, or for City winning and narrowing the bridge to just five points would make everyone stand up and acknowledge that they are serious contenders.

Stats

The fact Wolves have both the league’s most potent attack, with 45 goals, and the meanest defence, by conceding just 19, goes to show the lengths of which they have been dominant this term. Naturally then they lead our club clean sheets stats table with 13, whilst Bristol City are much further afield with seven. It would be risky to rule The Robins out though, as they have the league’s second-best attack and have scored two or more goals in over half of their games – 13 in fact, which is tied with Wolves as the most in the league.

Bristol City currently rank in joint-seventh in our club card stats table for average cards awarded per game (1.9). The Robins have had 43 yellow cards brandished to them this term – only five sides have received more. Comparatively, Wolves have been given 37 whilst both have had one player receive their marching orders so far this season.

Despite Wolves’ dominance, surprisingly they rank 20th in our club corner stats table for corners awarded, so if form is anything to go by banking on Bristol City to add to their 127 corners is the most likely. That puts The Robins 6th in the corner stats table, having earned 21 more than their opponents.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Both Players to Score – Jamie Paterson and Leo Bonatini – 13/2
  • Skybet Total Goals, Corners Taken & Booking Pts – Over 1.5 Goals, Over 8.5 Corners, Over 25 Booking Points – 6/4
  • Skybet To Score and Win – Ivan Cavaleiro – 7/2
  • Skybet Match Result – Draw – 12/5

by ·Comments Off on Everton vs Manchester United – Match Preview

Everton vs Manchester United – Match Preview – Everton host Manchester United on New Year’s Day in Premier League action as both sides’ strikers return to their former clubs.

The hosts will be looking to continue their rampant climb up the Premier League standings with Sam Allardyce’s influence at the Toffee’s being an effective and efficient one.

Manchester United will be hoping to close the gap on league leaders Manchester City who are running away with the campaign. They will also have to look over their shoulder, as recent matches have seen them drop points that have allowed Chelsea to breathe down their neck once more.

Can Rooney cause his old club problems when the two meet on New Years Day Photo Credit: skysports.com

Everton have really turned their season around and will be hoping for a ‘new year, new me’ start to 2018 after a 2017 that many Evertonians will want to forget. Players such as Wayne Rooney and Gylfi Sigurdsson have begun to show their true talents under Allardyce’s reign. This will be the second time Rooney has faced his old club this season and the Englishman would love to remind the travelling fans that he’s still got what it takes. Everton have become much more comfortable sitting back and staying as a compact unit against the top sides, and United have struggled to break sides down before with those tactics. Can Big Sam frustrate Mourinho once more?

Skybet Match Result – Everton to Win – 17/4

Manchester United will need a miracle for Manchester City to become within reaching distance again this season. Their local city rivals can afford to lose all their matches until February and still lead in the standings.

Lingard has scored crucial goals for Utd this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

On the home straight of the congested Christmas period, Mourinho will be hoping to illustrate stability for the fans who are annoyed that City have widened the gap beyond return. Romelu Lukaku has been a frustrating figure at times this season spearheading the United attack but has also got the job done with 10 goals and 4 assists so far. Jesse Lingard, a player who often divides opinion, has become a revelation this season under Mourinho’s reign. These two could cause real problems for the Everton defence.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Manchester Utd to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 6/4

Everton have often been much better in front of a home crowd this season. They have scored two or more goals in 60% of their home Premier League matches this season.

Manchester United have been awarded an average of 5.2 corners on the road in the Premier League this season.

Andre Marriner will take charge of the fixture down at Goodison Park. The referee has awarded an average of 29.2 booking points in his 13 Premier League fixtures.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Bet365 – Correct Score – 2-2 – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Total Goals/Both Teams to Score – Over 2.5 & Yes – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Match Result – Draw – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on West Bromwich Albion vs Arsenal – Match Preview

West Bromwich Albion vs Arsenal – Match Preview – West Brom host Arsenal at the Hawthorns, still searching for their first win under new manager Alan Pardew.

After six games at the helm, Pardew has collected just three points as the Baggies search for their first win in 20 league games. Their last win came back in August away at Burnley, meaning they haven’t won in front of their own fans since the opening day of the season. With West Brom sat in 19th place, it’s vital they use January to improve their squad. Goals have been the problem, with only 14 league goals this season, the second lowest in the league. Defensively they are sound, with only Brighton conceding less goals in the bottom 12. Salomon Rondon and Jay Rodriguez have struggled for goals and if the Baggies don’t improve their stuttering strike force, they could go down with one of the best defensive records in Premier League history.

Alan Pardew hasnt had the start at WBA he would have liked and needs to turn things around quickly Photo Credit: skysports.com

After their enthralling 3-3 draw with Liverpool, Arsenal got back to winning ways with a 3-2 win against Crystal Palace. That result means the Gunners are unbeaten in their least seven games in all competitions. Arsene Wenger’s side now sit in sixth place, but only one point behind Liverpool who occupy fourth. With the race for Champions League qualification firmly on, speculation over the futures of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil is not ideal.

With the January transfer window just around the corner, questions over their futures have arose again. With both players now free to speak to other clubs outside England, Arsenal will be left wondering whether they need to cash in on their prized pair. With January a notoriously difficult window to do business, replacing two players of their quality could be a thankless task.

Lacazette hasnt scored in his last 5 Premier League games Photo Credit: skysports.com

Arsenal have only lost two of their last 15 games against West Brom. Those last two defeats did come at the Hawthorns, meaning they haven’t won in the Black Country since 2014. That recent record could be important when Pardew looks to try and inspire his players on Sunday. With the Baggies only scoring more than two goals on three occasions this season, the onus will be on Arsenal to grab the goals. However, the Gunners have only scored more than two goals away from home twice this campaign, meaning under 2.5 goals could be a good bet.

I think that an away win is on the cards here. With their current squad, West Brom look incapable of scoring goals. January will be crucial for them in their bid for Premier League survival.

 

Prediction: WBA 0-2 Arsenal

 

SKYBET: SANCHEZ TO SCORE AND ARSENAL TO WIN- 15/8

SKYBET: RODRIGUEZ AND LACAZETTE TO SCORE- 13/2

SKYBET: ARSENAL TO BE AWARDED A PENALTY- 7/2

BET365: ARSENAL TO WIN 2-0- (link no longer available)

BET365: ARSENAL TO WIN TO NIL- (link no longer available)

BET365: ANYTIME GOALSCORER- MESUT OZIL – (link no longer available)

BET365: MATCH RESULT- DRAW – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on Crystal Palace vs Man City – Match Preview

Crystal Palace vs Man City – Match Preview – Manchester City head to Selhurst Park looking for their 19th straight Premier League victory as they face Crystal Palace.

Raheem Sterling’s goal secured City’s 1-0 win against Newcastle last time out, moving them 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League. With nobody capable of stopping Pep Guardiola’s side, the real test for them is how they manage their squad in the quest for the domestic treble. Add in a last 16 Champions League tie and it’s impossible for City fans to not be confident going into the new year. In their win on Wednesday, it meant only Guardiola’s Bayern Munich, with 19 wins in 2013-14, have a longer winning streak in the league than them in Europe’s five biggest leagues, ever. This means three points on Sunday would equal that triumph on New Year’s Eve.

Sterling scored the only goal against Newcastle to continue City’s fantastic run Photo Credit: skysports.com

The Champions elect have sealed their third Premier League crown in style and in only half the season. Whilst I still remain pessimistic that we will ever see a side replicate Arsenal’s invincibles, yet with each passing game, they seem more and more capable of matching that feat. Managing his squad will be Guardiola’s biggest test, knowing that a European crown could be the icing on top of City’s most successful season ever.

City can now turn their attention to the January transfer window, with Guardiola conceding his side could do with defensive reinforcements. Virgil van Dijk, a reported target, has now completed his move to Liverpool, leaving many wondering where City will turn.

Palace will be desperate to continue their recent resurgence, a run of form that has seen themselves move out of the bottom three. Despite a run of one defeat in nine, Palace found themselves on the wrong end of a 3-2 reverse last time out against Arsenal. Before that, seven points against teams in and around them means they sit in 16th place, one point above the drop zone.

Zaha has been excellent for Palace and can provide the right delivery to Benteke Photo Credit: skysports.com

Wilfried Zaha’s performances have been a catalyst to their recent success, with the former Manchester United winger providing a timely reminder as to why the Red Devils paid 15 million pounds for him not so long ago. With Zaha performing as he is, there’s no reason why a host of Premier League clubs won’t be knocking for his services, especially if he goes on to keep the Eagles up.

In Zaha, Palace have a match winner. Somebody whose pace and trickery will cause anyone problems. A true test of his credentials will be how he can influence this game when the Premier League’s tightest defence come to town. Whilst Roy Hodgson has turned Selhurst Park into a fortress of late, it’s so hard to bet against Manchester City. Again, I think Guardiola’s side will get the job done, but it will be close.

 

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester City

 

BET: CORRECT SCORE CITY TO WIN 2-1

SKYBET: BTTS AND CITY TO WIN- 11/8

SKYBET: AGUERO AND ZAHA TO BOTH SCORE- 6/1

SKYBET: DE BRUYNE TO SCORE FIRST AND CITY TO WIN 3-2- 100/1

SKYBET: BENTEKE TO SCORE AND PALACE TO DRAW- 14/1

SKYBET: JESUS TO SCORE AND CITY TO WIN- 11/10

BET365: CORRECT SCORE CITY TO WIN 2-1- (link no longer available)

BET365: TOTAL GOALS/BTTS – OVER 2.5 AND YES- (link no longer available)

BET365: FULL TIME RESULT- DRAW – (link no longer available)