by ·Comments Off on Cardiff City vs Preston – Match Preview

Cardiff City vs Preston – Match Preview – Cardiff will be looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats as they host Preston at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Back to back defeats means Neil Warnock’s men have dropped out of the automatic promotion places, with Bristol City now occupying second place. The Bluebirds lost their unbeaten home record at the weekend as they fell to a 4-2 defeat against Fulham. The week before, a disappointing 2-0 reverse against relegation-threatened Bolton. After overachieving so far this season, the pressure is on to see if they can maintain their early season form. With one of the smaller squads in the promotion-chasing pack, getting through the festive period in touch with the top six will be key.

Zohore returned from injury with a goal in his last game Photo Credit: skysports.com

One positive for Cardiff was the return of Kenneth Zohore. The Danish striker made his first start since October and got himself on the scoresheet, which is a massive bonus for Warnock. Regarded as one of the division’s finest strikers, Zohore has struggled for fitness and form this year, registering only four goals in 14 appearances. If Cardiff can get their man fit and firing, there’s no doubt he has the ability to help push the Bluebirds back into the top flight.

The visitors come into this game unbeaten in their last eight games. Alex Neil’s men have collected 16 points from those eight games, which has pushed them back into the mix for a play-off place. With one of the league’s more modest budgets, Neil has proven his ability to get the best out of his squad, with the Lilywhites only four points behind sixth-placed Sheffield United.

Hugill is Preston”s top scorer with 9 goals Photo Credit: skysports.com

Cardiff have only lost two of their last seven meetings with Preston. Alex Neil’s men haven’t won in the Welsh capital since 2004, over 13 years ago. With Cardiff the lowest scorers in the top six, they have built their promotion push around a solid defence. The same can be said for Preston, who have scored the fewest goals in the top half of the Championship. Similarly, only 43% of Cardiff’s games this season have had over 2.5 goals, the joint fourth lowest in the division. Preston’s record is identical with only 10 of their 23 games having over 2.5 goals (43%).

With that in mind, I think this could be a draw. Preston have become specialists in acquiring points on the road and Cardiff are struggling for form at the moment.

 

Prediction: Cardiff 1-1 Preston

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE DRAW 1-1- 5/1

SKYBET: ZOHORE TO SCORE AND CARDIFF TO WIN- 11/4

SKYBET: HUGIL TO SCORE FIRST AND PRESTON TO WIN 2-1- 45/1

SKYBET: BAMBA TO SCORE A HEADER- 20/1

SKYBET: HOILETT TO SCORE FIRST- 15/2

BET365: CORRECT SCORE DRAW 1-1- (link no longer available)

BET365: BTTS AND OVER 2.5 GOALS – (link no longer available)

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

 

by ·Comments Off on NFL – Gameweek 17 Preview

NFL – Gameweek 17 Preview – This is the regular season finale with the playoffs and the road to the Super Bowl beginning next week! Here are my week 17 Top Predictions!

 

Jaguars at Titans

The Jaguars, who have already clinched the AFC South and can’t earn a first-round bye even if they win, will be in a fight with division rivals, the Titans, who can clinch playoff berth with a win. Meanwhile the Ravens and the Chargers will be rooting for the Jaguars to beat the Titans for their own playoff hopes. At home with playoff berth on the line against a team who has already clinched, I have the Titans to pull it off.

Titans to Win – 24-17

Mariota: 265 YDS, 2 TDs
Henry: 75 Rushing YDS, 1 Rush TD

Bengals at Ravens

Similar to the Titans, with a win the Ravens will clinch playoff berth, as it stands the Ravens own the 5th seed of 6 seeds in the conference. Division rivalry game here with the marbles on the line, I’m rolling with Ravens.

Ravens to Win – 21-13

Flacco: 245 YDS, 1 TD
Collins: 75 YDS, 2 Rushing TDs

Cardinals at Seahawks

The Seahawks will win the sixth seed if they beat the Cardinals and the Falcons lose to the Panthers. The Arizona defense is playing good football right now even with their backup QB starting. In spite of injuries and locker room turmoil, the Seahawks haven’t missed the playoffs in years, and their SB, QB and MVP candidate Russell Wilson at home for Berth on the line it’s hard to pick against them. In a close game I have the Seahawks pulling it out.

Seahawks to Win – 17-10

Wilson 250 Total YDS, 2 TDs
Baldwin: 88 YDS, 1 REC TD

Panthers at Falcons

Carolina and Atlanta are the last two NFC champs and their matchup this week will either result in both teams making the playoffs or one. The Falcons can clinch the final NFC wild-card spot with a victory. The Panthers are already in the playoff field, though their seed is yet to be determined. The Falcons have been up and down all season but with their playoff hopes on the line I expect a competitive showing at home. However, the Panthers are playing better football on both sides of the ball, and will be watching the score board closely. I have the Panthers on the road ending the Falcons playoff hopes.

Panthers to Win – 28-27

Newton: 315 YDS, 3 TDs
McCaffery: 88 YDS, 1 Rush TD

Saints at Buccaneers

With the division title on the line, there’s no way the Saints will be on a mental bye this week and be anything but ready. Although playoff berth has been locked up, this indeed is a playoff game, because playing that first game at home is of the utmost importance. and keeping the division title from the Panthers is also an incentive. I see the Saints continuing their momentum into the playoffs.

Saints to Win – 24-17

Brees: 315 YDS, 2 TDS
Ingram: 105 YDS, 1 Rushing TD
Kumara: 88 YDS, 1 REC TD

Final playoff Bracket Prediction: as a reminder, the top two seeds receive a 1st round bye

AFC:
1)Pats
2)Steelers
3)Jaguars
4) Chiefs
5) Ravens
6)) Titans

NFC:
1) Eagles
2) Vikings
3) Rams
4) Saints
5) Panthers
6) Seahawks

 

**5 Fold NFL Win Accumulator – Panthers, Ravens, Seahawks, Saints and Titans All to Win – 15/2 (Skybet)**

 

Have a Happy New Year!

by ·Comments Off on January Transfer Window – Betting Preview

The January Transfer Window has seen some huge players make moves to other clubs. One of the biggest was when then Liverpool striker, Fernando Torres, moved to London and signed for Chelsea for £50 million in 2011. We also saw Juan Mata leave Chelsea for Manchester United in 2014, for £38 million.

This January window has already started off with a big money move, with Liverpool agreeing a fee in the region of a whopping £75 million for Southampton centre back, Virgil van Djik. The defender has been on Jurgen Klopp’s list to sign for some time now and the Dutchman will be happy to finally make his move to Anfield.

Though a huge fee, the most expensive defender in World football, a must for Liverpool as they have struggled at the back for many years and could finally have the piece of the puzzle to bring them the success that they yearn for.

We take a look at a handful of players who are currently targeted by other clubs and the likelihood the move will take place in this January transfer window.

Phillipe Coutinho

Photo Credit: skysports.com

The Brazilian playmaker has been the target of Barcelona since the departure of Neymar to Paris St Germain in the summer and the young Brazilian did have his head swayed by the interest, before the close of the transfer window. The 25 year old will want to move to one of the biggest clubs in the world but any delays could cause the Catalan side to drop their interest, as they have not looked the same side without Neymar and will want to fill the gap as soon as possible.

There has also been speculation that the world’s most expensive player has been trying to persuade his countryman to move to Paris, with the two knowing each other since the age of 14 and playing in the national side. Though Coutinho is a fantastic player, Maybe this is a way for Neymar to get one over on Barcelona?

If a deal is brokered during the January window, it wont be a sudden departure for Coutinho, but a summer move as the Brazilian has already made appearances in the Champions League, restricting the midfielder in the competition. To his credit, Coutinho has not let his performances slip since the interest and has stated he will always give his all for the Merseyside club.

“I am at Liverpool and I always do my best when I have the opportunity to play, respecting the jersey and the supporters,” he said. “I do not know how the future is going to be. What will happen in January, we will know it in January. I do not know if there will be an offer. Last summer there was a job offer in the same way that happens with any employee and I was interested in it. Since I stayed I have played with will and desire.”

I believe a deal for Coutinho to move to the Nou Camp will happen but the transfer will happen in the summer.

  • To Stay at Liverpool – 2/5
  • To Leave Liverpool – 7/4
  • To Sign for Barcelona – 7/4
  • To Sign for PSG – 18/1

Daniel Sturridge

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Since his arrival at Anfield, Daniel Sturridge has been in and out of the team. The 28 year old has struggled to keep a first team place in his time at the club, with only the 2013/2014 and the 2016/2017 Premier League seasons seeing the forward starting in more than 20 games. The style that Liverpool play forces the hand of the manager to leave out an out and out forward and admittedly, Sturridge isn’t capable of producing the football that Salah, Coutinho, Mane and Firmino do.

Still regarded as one of the best English finishers in the league, Sturridge should have no problem in finding a suitable team. The January transfer window could see the player make a move to West Ham, who were interested in the summer. Personally, a move to Southampton, if Mauricio Pellegrino wants to add a forward to the side, would be a good fit for the 28 year old and could revitalise his chances of being selected in the World Cup squad for England.

  • To Stay at Liverpool – 8/11
  • To Sign for West Ham – 10/1
  • To Sign for Southampton – 16/1
  • To Sign for Newcastle – 6/4

Ross Barkley

Photo Credit: skysports.com

The 24 year old has been touted to be one of England’s hottest prospects since he broke into the Everton team in 2011. Barkley featured as a regular starter from 2013 till last season, but has not gone on to live up to the expectations due to inconsistency and injury. Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham had been rumoured to be interested in the player, with Chelsea and Everton agreeing a deal on the last day of the summer transfer window, only for Barkley to reject the offer to stay in Merseyside to regain his fitness and make a decision come Jan.

Tottenham manager, Mauricio Pochettino, is said to be an admirer of Barkley and has been trying to add more English talent to his squad, so Barkley could make a move to North London, also allowing him to play in the Champions League come February. A great move if it occurs as Barkley would flourish under Pochettino.

Barkley could make a move this January, but without a competitive game all season, it will be difficult to get the attacking midfielder back to his best and to gel with his new side. But I do believe Spurs would be his best destination.

  • To Stay at Everton – 5/6
  • To Leave Everton – 5/6
  • To Sign for Chelsea – 5/2
  • To Sign for Tottenham – 2/1

Danny Rose/Luke Shaw

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Danny Rose has been a regular for Tottenham since returning from a season long loan at Sunderland in the 2012/2013 season. He made his England debut in March 2016 and has become a more complete player under club manager, Mauricio Pochettino.

The 27 year old has made five appearances this season so far due to injury, and speculation that the left back spoke out against the club in regards to being underpaid and that a move up north was something he wished to do before his playing career ends.

Rose has plenty of suitors, Manchester United being one. The Red Devils have been playing Ashley Young in the position whilst Luke Shaw sits on the bench. Clearly an issue between Mourinho and Shaw, which could open up a swap deal between the Manchester and London club.

Luke Shaw, 22, currently has until the summer before his contract ends at Manchester United, but United are prepared to activate his 12 month extension clause. Shaw played under Pochettino at Southampton and the two are said to have a good relationship though Pochettino has stated the player, when at Southampton, lacked attitude and work rate.

Another possible destination for Rose could be Liverpool. Klopp has struggled to maintain faith in his left back, Alberto Moreno, and though he has appeared in twelve matches this season, Klopp will have to sure up his defence to balance the attack.

I believe that Rose will make a move to Manchester United, but in the summer. Luke Shaw would be a good replacement for Tottenham, if Pochettino believes the player has matured. Personally though, I would like to see Shaw stay at Utd, with him appearing in a few matches recently, showing he still has plenty to offer.

Danny Rose

  • To Stay at Tottenham – 10/11
  • To Sign for Man Utd – 10/11
  • To Sign for Chelsea – 12/1
  • To sign for Liverpool – 33/1

Luke Shaw

  • To Stay at Man Utd – 11/10
  • To Sign for Tottenham – 5/4
  • To Sign for Southampton – 11/1
  • To Sign for Everton – 14/1

 

Other players that could be making moves this January are Alexis Sanchez, who is currently 11/10 (Skybet) to leave Arsenal this January and move to Manchester City. Another player linked to Manchester City, (4/7Skybet) and the odds reflecting almost a certainty to make the move, is former Manchester United centre back, Jonny Evans, who City tried to sign from West Brom in the summer.

With uncertainty remaining on David Luiz’s future, could he make a move across London to rivals Arsenal? 6/1 (Skybet) suggest it is unlikely but we have seen stranger things in football.

Sevilla and former Blackburn and Stoke midfielder, Steven N’Zonzi, has been linked with a move to Arsenal also. He is 5/6 (Skybet) to make a move to North London this transfer window.

by ·Comments Off on Man Utd vs Southampton – Match Preview

Man Utd vs Southampton – Match Preview – Manchester United will be hoping to get back to winning ways after consecutive draws when they face Southampton.

The Red Devils have picked up just two points from their last two. After conceding a stoppage-time equaliser against Leicester City on Saturday, Jose Mourinho needed a late leveller of their own to earn a point against Burnley. Jesse Lingard grabbed both United’s goals against Burnley, meaning the English winger has six goals in his last seven appearances.

Lingard saved Utd a shock loss to Burnley with an injury time goal to level the game Photo Credit: skysports.com

With four more points dropped, the title race is well and truly over. Mourinho’s side now need to turn their attention to cementing second spot and not become embroiled in a battle for the top four. Manchester City could be 15 points clear before United play again, so it is vital they re-set their sights on winning a trophy. With the FA Cup and Champions League still up for grabs, winning one or both of those would still be a successful season for United, despite City’s dominance in the league.

Southampton will be looking to react from their 5-2 mauling by Tottenham. Harry Kane’s hattrick ensured it would be another torrid afternoon for Mauricio Pellegrino’s side. With no win in their last six, the pressure is building on the Argentine to get a result. The Saints sit just two points clear of the relegation places with fans becoming nervy about the prospect of a relegation zone battle. After appointing Pellegrino in the summer, it’s important the Southampton board back their man in January to give him the best chance of success.

van Djik look set to leave the Saints this January Photo Credit: skysports.com

The Saints seem to have accepted that Virgil van Dijk is leaving. The Dutch defender was left on the bench in their defeat at Chelsea, before being left out the 18 against Spurs. This appears to have signalled the end of his time on the South Coast, with Manchester City reportedly interested. Now regarded as one of the Premier League’s finest centre-backs, van Dijk could command a fee of 50 million+ which would give Southampton plenty to work with in the upcoming transfer window.

With both sides scoring twice in their last game, you’d be forgiven for thinking this had goals written all over it. In actual fact, Boxing Day was the first time Southampton had scored more than two goals in a game away from home. United have managed over two home goals in six of their ten games, which further backs this up.

With Mourinho under pressure to get back to winning ways, I think he’ll go for the kill against Southampton. With the Saints’ form in mind, I think they’ll get the win as they try to close the gap on their City rivals.

 

Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Southampton

 

SKYBET: LUKAKU TO SCORE FIRST AND UNITED TO WIN 3-1- 25/1

SKYBET: BTTS AND UNITED TO WIN- 21/10

SKYBET: UNITED TO WIN FROM BEHIND- 9/1

SKYBET: MARTIAL AND LINGARD TO BOTH SCORE- 11/2

SKYBET: UNITED TO WIN BY EXACTLY TWO GOALS- 3/1

BET365: CORRECT SCORE – MAN UTD 2-0- (link no longer available)

BET365: ANYTIME GOALSCORER- JESSE LINGARD – (link no longer available)

BET365: HALF TIME/FULL TIME- DRAW/MAN UTD – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on Crystal Palace vs Arsenal – Match Preview

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal – Match Preview – The football festivities continue with a London Derby as Crystal Palace look to extend their unbeaten run against Champions League hopefuls Arsenal.

Both sides will appreciate the two extra days rest in this ever-busy Christmas period and should be fully refreshed for this intriguing clash.

Crystal Palace have taken significant strides in turning around their season since hiring Roy Hodgson, the side look world’s apart in terms of organisation and style of play compared to the disarray under Frank de Boer and just after.

The Eagles are now unbeaten in their last eight matches in the league and have lifted themselves out of the relegation zone and into 16th on 18 points at the time of writing. There is a two-point gap now between themselves and Bournemouth in 18th and while the 1-1 draw at bottom club Swansea was not ideal last time out, it keeps Hodgson’s side ticking over.

Zaha has been sensational since returning to the Palace squad and will be a real threat on the wing against Arsenal Photo Credit: skysports.com

With Christian Benteke finding the net again (after an elongated and uncharacteristic drought) and Wilfried Zaha in the form of his life, Palace can pose danger to any side in the league.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are embroiled in what promises to be an almighty battle for the top four. There is currently just one point in it between The Gunners in 6th (with 35) and Liverpool in 4th (with 36) as North-London rivals Tottenham Hotspur separate the two teams.

Ozil has begun to perform this season in the Red of Arsenal Photo Credit: skysports.com

Wenger will be desperate to rectify the nightmares given to him in this fixture last season – losing 3-0 and taking what proved to be one of the fatal blows to Champions League qualification. A similar result this time around perhaps might not be as conclusive, but will cause huge damage to Arsenal’s ambitions to be in Europe’s elite competition.

Stats

Despite Palace’s danger, the favourite to keep a clean sheet in this one will be Arsenal. Only Manchester United (10) have kept more than Arsenal’s nine clean sheets this season.
By contrast, The Eagles have kept just the three – only Stoke (2) have kept less in the entire division.

If this goes to form, expect there to be a barrage of corners in this one. Arsenal and Palace come in 3rd and 7th respectively in our corner club stats table. Arsenal tend to always be on the front foot and dominate higher up the pitch, but Palace’s direct fast football earns them a load of corners too. Roy Hodgson teams always have a focus on set-pieces, and with Palace’s stature – i.e. Benteke, Dann, Sakho etc it would be foolish not to.

 The money with this one should be looking at Crystal Palace, they have been awarded the joint-second-highest number of yellow cards this season (38, only West Ham have more with 41) and come third in our club card stats table for average cards awarded per game with 2 – earning an average of 20 booking points per fixture.
Arsenal, by contrast have picked up just 27 yellow cards this season, and neither side have been awarded a red at this stage.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Price Boost – Mesut Ozil to score and Arsenal to win in 90 mins – 5/1
  • Skybet Price Boost – Christian Benteke to score a header – 9/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 9/1
  • Skybet OPTA Player Shots on Target Multiples – Townsend and Ozil 1+ shots on target each – 3/1
  • Skybet Both Players to Score – Wilfried Zaha and Mesut Ozil – 10/1
  • Skybet To Score from Outside the Area – Alexis Sanchez – 12/1
  • Bet365 – Correct Score – 2-2 – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – To Score Anytime – Luka Milivojevic – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Double Chance – Palace or Draw – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – First Goalscorer – Alexandre Lacazette – (link no longer available)

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

Liverpool vs Swansea City – Match Preview – The Premier League’s bottom side Swansea City are in desperate need of a late Christmas present via three unlikely points against Champions League-chasing Liverpool.

This fixture last season was the turning point for Swansea and Paul Clement, as he miraculously kept the South-Welsh side in the division after a galvanising 3-2 win at Anfield.

Swansea were rock-bottom at Christmas then, and that is the current situation again, however the reality seems to be even worse this time around. The club are manager-less – with club icon Leon Britton taking the reins temporarily – and have picked up just one win in their last 11 league games, losing nine.

Nothing but victory will do for Jurgen Klopp’s side with the race for the top four being increasingly tight. Just one point separates Liverpool in 4th and Arsenal in 6th after they played out an exhilarating 3-3 draw on Friday night – a match which stretched Liverpool’s unbeaten run to 10 matches.

Coutinho scored the opener against Arsenal on Friday night Photo Credit: skysports.com

The league is surely beyond reach for Liverpool so battling and earning a Champions League place – where Liverpool have drawn Porto in the last 16 – and becoming a regular in Europe’s top competition is paramount.

Swansea will be hoping to build on their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday and in their position every game seems like a must-win, but going to Anfield to reinvigorate a season is no mean feat – does lightning strike twice here?

Stats

Despite the defensive issues that are regularly discussed regarding Liverpool, only Burnley, Arsenal and Manchester United have kept more Premier League clean sheets than their eight so far this term.
The issue for Swansea hasn’t necessarily been at the back, it has been at the other end of the pitch – The Swans have scored a league-low, measly total of 11 goals this season. However, they have kept six clean sheets, just two less than their Boxing Day opponents.

Neither of the two sides have been particularly card-laden this year, with Liverpool and Swansea ranking in 15th and 16th respectively in our club card stats table for average cards per game – both have 1.3. The Swans have been given 24 yellow cards, one more than Liverpool but have not had a single player shown a red all year – The Reds have been given marching orders just the once too.

The corner stats are as expected, with Liverpool and Swansea ranking in positions more representative of the league table – Liverpool are 7th in our club corner stats table, being awarded 109 corners, to Swansea’s 16th place and 78 corner kicks.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Price Boost – Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane both to score in 90 mins – 7/2
  • Skybet Price Boost – Dejan Lovren and Roque Mesa both to be carded – 16/1
  • Skybet Featured RequestAbet – Coutinho to score and Mesa & Fernandez to be carded – 22/1 
  • Skybet – To Score a Header – Roberto Firmino – 7/1

by ·Comments Off on Spurs vs Southampton – Match Preview

Spurs vs Southampton – Match Preview – The Premier Leagues congested festive period continues as Tottenham host Southampton on Boxing Day.

The hosts will be hoping to close the gap and break into the top four, as they currently sit in a Europa League spot.

The visitors will be hoping to improve from their recent 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town on the 23rd December. Charlie Austin’s first half goal was not enough for the Saints as a second half equaliser once again highlighted Southampton’s defensive issues this season.

Tottenham are currently 5th in the Premier League. Their most recent outing saw them defeat Premier League dark horses, Burnley, with Harry Kane stealing the headlines. The Englishman bagged his seventh hat trick of 2017 as Mauricio Pochettino’s men made it four wins in their last five games.

Kane bagged a hattrick against Burnley on the weekend Photo Credit: skysports.com

The Spurs side of last year were almost unbreakable, and whilst they didn’t go on to win the league, they sure had the tactics and personnel to do so. This season there have been signs of defensive frailties however, this can be put down the the extended workload due to their Champions League campaign. Spurs will really expect to win this one against a Southampton side that have goals lacking.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Tottenham to win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 10/3

Southampton are currently 13th in the Premier League, halfway through the campaign. Mauricio Pellegrino hasn’t made quite the desired impact upon his arrival at St Mary’s however they have sustained their status as a tough team to beat. With some tough fixtures behind them, Southampton have only achieved three points from their last six Premier League outings as scoring goals has also become an issue for them this season.

Austin will miss the game due to a 3 match suspension and injury Photo Credit: skysports.com

Charlie Austin has been the standout performer so far with six league goals to his name. The creativity of Soufianne Boufal has been shown in glimpses however, and he must step up if the Saints are to get out of this rut with a decent gap between them and the relegation zone.

Skybet Match Result – Southampton to Win – 17/2

Despite having plenty of wins, Tottenham have only scored two or more goals in 33% of their home Premier League matches so far.

Southampton haven’t been too exciting on the road so far, having been awarded an average of only 4.6 corners in their Premier League away matches.

Graham Scott will take charge of the Boxing Day showdown. Scott has only awarded an average of 21.5 booking points in his 10 Premier League matches.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Price Boost – Christian Eriksen to score from outside the penalty area – 7/1
  • Skybet Price Boost – Eric Dier and Oriol Romeu both to be carded – 18/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – Tottenham to win, BTTS, over 2.5 goals and 4+ corners each team – 5/1
  • Skybet To Score a Header – Harry Kane – 6/1

by ·Comments Off on Everton vs Chelsea – Match Preview

Everton vs Chelsea – Match Preview – Sam Allardyce faces his toughest challenge yet as Everton manager as Champions Chelsea come to Goodison Park in a historic Premier League fixture.

Since taking over, Allardyce’s Toffees are unbeaten, winning four of his five games in charge and drawing the other in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.

Such an upturn in form has seen Everton rocket up the table and they now sit comfortably in 9th on 25 points, closer to Liverpool in the Champions League places than the relegation zone – a far cry from the desperate times faced under Ronald Koeman and caretaker manager David Unsworth.

Despite receiving many knockbacks throughout the year, Antonio Conte and Chelsea keep plugging away – reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals after beating Bournemouth 2-1 on Wedenesday courtesy of a late Alvaro Morata goal.

Morata scored the winner midweek in the Carabao Cup Photo Credit: skysports.com

Eight wins from the previous 10 league matches have maintained Chelsea’s push to be the best of the rest – with Conte conceding a couple of weeks ago that Manchester City were uncatchable – and The Blues are in 3rd, just three points behind Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United.

Whilst they will back themselves against Barcelona, drawing the Catalan giants in the last 16 of the Champions League could well end the European foray for Chelsea. And following the year where Chelsea didn’t make Europe after defending their title last time, that means ensuring a top four finish this season is absolutely pivotal, and will be the bare minimum requirement imposed by owner Roman Abramovich.

This is an exciting fixture for various reasons, it sees two of the league’s form teams meeting, but additionally, meetings between the two sides often produce explosions and that’s just in recent memory; the 2009 FA Cup final, the 6-3 at Goodison in 2015, and Chelsea’s 5-0 annihilation of Everton last season – the latter described by legendary commentator John Motson as the ‘best ever Premier League performance’.

The three games mentioned above all resulted in victories for Chelsea, but under Allardyce, Everton will more than fancy themselves to pull off a shock result – albeit with a defensive, resolute performance.

Rooney and Sigurdsson will be Everton’s main threat Photo Credit: skysports.com

Stats

Before Big Sam was announced as Everton manger (they played the West Ham match immediately after), the blue of Merseyside had managed a solitary clean sheet all season. Naturally, the defensive areas of their game have improved since and including the win over West Ham have kept four clean sheets in their last six games in all competitions.
As Champions of England, you would expect Chelsea to be at the top end of the defensive charts, which is the case, they are fourth in our club clean sheet stats table with only Burnley, Arsenal and Manchester United obtaining more shutouts.

Surprisingly, Everton are bottom of our club corner stats table, after only earning a dismal 56 in the league this season, a huge 19 away from the next nearest sides West Ham, West Brom and Swansea – not great company.
An Allardyce team tends to focus on set pieces, and with the outstanding delivery of Gylfi Sigurdsson you would expect this low total to increase. Chelsea, by contrast rank in 5th in this stat, highlighting their tendency to be higher up the pitch and pressuring opposition.

Everton have been good value for booking points this campaign, ranking joint third in our club card stat table for average booking points per match with 1.9. This has been a result of their joint-fifth highest total of 30 yellow cards and by being awarded an additional two red cards.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Price Boost – Chelsea to win 3-1 – 14/1
  • Skybet Price Boost – Gylfi Sigurdsson to score from outside the penalty area – 20/1
  • Skybet OPTA Price Boost – Hazard to Assist a Goal – 11/4
  • Skybet OPTA Player Offsides – Dominic Calvert-Lewin 2+ Offsides – 5/2
  • Skybet Both Players to Score – Wayne Rooney and Eden Hazard – 13/2
  • Skybet Player Carded Accumulator – Jonjoe Kenny and Alvaro Morata both to be carded – 11/1
  • Skybet Total Goals, Corners Taken and Booking Points – Over 2.5 Goals, Over 10.5 Corners, Over 35 Booking Points – 7/1
  • Bet365 First Goalscorer – Alvaro Morata – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 Double Chance – Everton or Draw – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on Newcastle Utd vs Manchester City – Match Preview

Newcastle Utd vs Manchester City – Match Preview – Manchester City will look to continue their unbeaten run as they travel to relegation-threatened Newcastle United.

After sealing their place in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup, City kept alive their dream of the domestic treble. With a favourable Champions League draw to boot, Pep Guardiola’s side remain in pole position for their most successful season to date. The club hold every record in the league, with the most goals scored and the joint best defensive record. 11 points clear of their biggest rivals in second, this season couldn’t have gone better had Guardiola scripted it himself.

de Bruyne has been in fantastic form for City Photo Credit: skysports.com

With Vincent Kompany still struggling to maintain his fitness, City may have to delve into the January transfer market. Rumoured to be on their shopping list is Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch centre back’s future was subject to mass speculation in the summer, with Liverpool failing to land their number one target. Now it appears to be City’s turn to tempt Southampton into parting with their prized asset. With only Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala as fit recognised defenders, they need to strengthen that area as soon as possible.

Can Gayle trouble the City defence Photo Credit: skysports.com

Newcastle fans will be praying for some transfer business of their own when the window reopens in January. Rafa Benitez’s side are in desperate need of reinforcements or they risk an immediate return to the Championship. The team have recorded just one point from their last eight Premier League games. At home, they are without a win since October and have lost their last four games at St James’ Park. Devoid of any confidence or ideas, Benitez will be hoping to keep his side out of the bottom three with January looming. However, should Mike Ashley fail to sell the club before then, they could be left without any further investment, which would leave them clinging on to their Premier League status by a thread.

With that in mind, the last thing Newcastle need is a visit from the league leaders. As if things weren’t tough enough, the Toon Army haven’t won against City in 20 league games, with their last win coming back in 2005. Of those twenty games, they’ve drawn only three, meaning City have collected 54 points out of a possible 60 against them.

With Newcastle’s Achilles heel being in front of goal and City being resolute at the back, there’s only one way this game is heading. City’s attack will be far too much for the hosts to handle, whilst Newcastle pose little threat going the other way.

 

Prediction: Newcastle 0-3 Manchester City

 

SKYBET: CITY TO WIN TO NIL- 11/10

SKYBET: AGUERO TO SCORE FIRST AND CITY TO WIN 4-0- 22/1

SKYBET: JESUS AND STERLING TO BOTH SCORE- 5/2

SKYBET: GAYLE TO SCORE IN 90 MINS- 11/4

SKYBET: BTTS AND CITY TO WIN- 6/4

BET365: CORRECT SCORE CITY TO WIN 3-0- (link no longer available)

BET365: ALTERNATIVE TOTAL GOALS- OVER 5.5- (link no longer available)

 

by ·Comments Off on Aston Villa vs Sheffield United – Match Preview

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United – Match Preview – Fifth faces sixth in the Championship as Aston Villa host Sheffield United with both clubs looking to cement their spot in the play-off places.

Villa have lost just once at home this season, with Sheffield Wednesday the only side to have taken three points from Villa Park. They’ll be hoping the Blades don’t make it a Sheffield double as they come in search of their first win in five games.

Without the services of Jonathan Kodjia, Villa have been heavily reliant on the goals of Albert Adomah. After finding himself out of the starting line-up at the beginning of the campaign, Adomah has stepped up in Kodjia’s absence with 11 goals this season. With Scott Hogan’s injury woes and Keinan Davis still gaining experience at this level, the onus has been on other players to chip in with the goals, a challenge the Ghanaian hasn’t shirked.

Adomah has been pivotal for Villa with his contribution to the club Photo Credit: skysports.com

A lot of Villa’s good work this year has been due to their improvement at the back. At this stage last year Villa had conceded 25 goals compared to 20 this year, which is a stark improvement. Whilst many will point to the signing of John Terry as to how Villa have improved, James Chester has been just as important. After an indifferent first season at the club, Chester has established himself as one of the division’s best centre-backs and has been fantastic despite the absence of Terry.

Clarke has been in good goalscroing form for Utd Photo Credit: skysports.com

After a fantastic start to the season, Sheffield United are enduring their roughest patch of the campaign. The Blades have collected just seven points from their last games and one point from their last five. Those series of results mean that they sit in sixth place, just one point clear of seventh-placed Leeds. With United performing well above expectation this season, it will be interesting to see if they can rediscover their early season form, or whether they will drop away from the top six. With a much smaller squad than those around them, it could be tough for them to stay in touch with the pack during the busy festive period.

The last times these two sides met in the league was back in 2007. Villa haven’t lost in seven league matches against Sheffield United, with their last defeat back in 1991. Similarly, the Blades haven’t won at Villa Park in the league since 1966, although they did beat them in the FA Cup in 2014.

In the league this season, Aston Villa have only scored two or more goals at home in 45% of their matches. Likewise, Sheffield United have only scored two or more away goals in 36% of their matches. United, however, have conceded 12 goals in their last five matches whilst Villa have only let in four. That for me will be the difference on Saturday and I think Villa will take the spoils.

 

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Sheffield United

 

SKYBET: BTTS AND VILLA TO WIN- 10/3

SKYBET: CLARKE TO SCORE FIRST AND UNITED TO WIN 2-1- 40/1

SKYBET: ADOMAH AND SHARP TO BOTH SCORE- 6/1

SKYBET: VILLA TO WIN TO NIL- 9/4

SKYBET: UNDER 2.5 GOALS- 8/11

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

BET365: HALFTIME/FULL TIME – VILLA/DRAW- (link no longer available)