by ·Comments Off on Leicester City vs Man United – Match Preview
Leicester City vs Man United - Match Preview

Leicester City vs Man United – Match Preview – With Christmas just around the corner, Leicester City will host Manchester United in Premier League action this Saturday evening.

The hosts will face a tough test ahead of them as they are looking to accumulate more points and climb up the Premier League standings. The visitors will continue their very hopeful bid to close the gap between them and league leaders Manchester City, who are eleven points adrift at the top of the Premier League.

Mahrez and Vardy will be Leicester’s main threat Photo Credit: skysports.com

Leicester City are currently eighth in the Premier League. Their most recent outing in the league was a disappointing one, suffering a 3-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace in an afternoon to forget for Claude Puel’s men. Their defensive issues have been their main issue at times this season. The Foxes have conceded 26 goals in their 18 Premier League matches so far; entering the second half of the season, they are really going to want to tighten up at the back. Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy have been promising in recent times and could be the ones to cause Manchester United big problems. Can the Foxes cause an upset?

Skybet Match Result – Leicester to Win – 16/5

Manchester United are currently second in the Premier League standings. Jose Mourinho’s men have become a real force both domestically and internationally this season, with many of last year’s key signings finally beginning to find form. Their most recent Premier League outing was a 2-1 victory over West Brom away from home; with Romelu Lukaku bagging another goal. The big Belgian has now scored 10 Premier League goals so far and has also been a helping hand with 4 assists to his name. Often a team to grind a result if they aren’t on their best day, Leicester will find it hard t break down this United side. Record signing, Paul Pogba, returns after a three game suspension.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Man Utd to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 15/8

 

Pogba returns after a three game suspension Photo Credit: skysports.com

Despite their dominance this season, Manchester United have only scored two or more goals in 55% of their Premier League matches this year. Don’t expect them to run away with the result, it’s a Mourinho team.

Leicester have only been awarded an average of 4.3 corners per home fixture this season. On the road, United have been awarded an average of 5.3 corners.

Jonathan Moss will take charge of this fixture. The referee has awarded an average of 33.8 booking points in his 12 Premier League matches.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Penalty Specials – A Penalty Awarded – 9/4
  • Skybet Both Players to Score – Jamie Vardy and Romelu Lukaku – 11/2
  • Skybet Total Goals, Corners Taken and Booking Points – Over 1.5 Goals, Over 8.5 Corners, Over 25 Booking Points – 11/8
  • Bet365 Total Goals/Both Teams to Score – Over 2.5 & Yes – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 To Score at Any Time – Shinji Okazaki – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 Half Time/Full Time – Draw/ Leicester – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 Match Result – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on Arsenal vs Liverpool – Match Preview

Arsenal vs Liverpool – Match Preview – Arsenal will be looking to jump above their visitors in the Premier League table when they face Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have lost just one of their last seven games in all competitions and sit one point behind Liverpool ahead of their meeting. Last time out the Gunners secured a 1-0 win against Newcastle thanks to a wonder strike from Mesut Ozil. The German playmaker has come into his own in recent weeks and is showing glimpses of the ability that saw him regarded as one of the best number tens in the world.

Ozil and Sanchez could be heading out of the Emirates at the end of the season Photo Credit: skysports.com

With both Alexis Sanchez and Ozil’s futures still in doubt, it will be a tough month for Arsenal as they look to keep hold of their main assets. Both players will be free to negotiate a move away from the club with foreign teams in January, which could leave Arsenal questioning their decision to not cash in on the pair in January. The speculation over the pair could raise issues in the Arsenal camp and potentially de-rail their campaign. With Arsene Wenger’s side heading into a run of favourable fixtures, a win in this game could really help them build some momentum.

Liverpool come into the game unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions. Jurgen Klopp’s men are in fine form, having won three of their last five games. Last time out the Reds demolished Bournemouth and left the Vitality Stadium with a 4-0 victory. Mohamad Salah grabbed himself his 21st goal of the season and his 11th goal in 11 games. The Egyptian has been a revelation since making his move from Roma in the summer with many pundits labelling him as the signing of the season.

Salah, Firmino and Coutinho have become a world class attacking trio Photo Credit: skysports.com

With Phillipe Coutinho, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino also in the goals, there are very few teams who can keep the ‘fab four’ at bay. With the amount of pace and skill in the Liverpool attack goals are almost a formality, but keeping the back door shut is a different story. It has been the case for Liverpool for so long. With such a potent attack, I have no doubt if Liverpool invest in some world-class defenders, they could be genuine title contenders. As is often the case, they haven’t done so and therefore they will never be able to end their 27-year wait for a league title.

Liverpool are unbeaten in five meetings with the Gunners and have won their last three. Arsenal haven’t won against Liverpool since 2015 when they came away 4-1 winners. The last four meetings between the team has served up 21 goals which average out at over five goals a game. Given both sides’ inability to defend, I expect goals in this game, with over 3.5 a good bet if you’re feeling confident. I’m going to go for a Liverpool win in this one, in what could be another classic encounter between the pair.

 

Prediction: Arsenal 2-3 Liverpool

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE LIVERPOOL 3-2- 20/1

SKYBET: SALAH TO SCORE AND LIVERPOOL TO WIN- 3/1

SKYBET: SALAH AND SANCHEZ BOTH TO SCORE- 11/2

SKYBET: LACAZETTE TO SCORE FIRST AND ARSENAL TO WIN 3-1- 40/1

SKYBET: BTTS IN BOTH HALVES- 17/2

SKYBET: BTTS AND OVER 3.5 GOALS- 11/8

SKYBET: TO SCORE AND WIN- MANE TO SCORE AND LIVERPOOL TO WIN- 9/2

by ·Comments Off on NFL – Gameweek 16 Preview

NFL – Gameweek 16 Preview – Playoff races are tight around the league, with this being the second to last week of the year, here are my week 16 top 5 game predictions. Happy Holidays!!

Christmas Eve – Sunday

Falcons at Saints

Rematch from two weeks ago where the Falcons beat the Saints with a last minute interception from Drew Brees. Both teams are in dead heats for the playoffs as their division, the NFC South, is the most competitive this season. The Falcons offense wasn’t as dynamic as normal last week and they will be looking to get back on track. The Saints at home coming off their loss two weeks ago have their healthy two-man RB tandem, and at home in a shootout, I expect them to win.

Saints to Win –  28-27

Brees: 285 YDS, 2 TDS

Ingram: 105 YDS, 1 Rushing TD

Kumara: 100 Total YDS, 1 REC TD

Thomas: 88 YDS, 1 REC TD

Skybet Total Points – 54 – 57 Points – 6/1

Rams at Titans

The Rams dominated the Seahawks last week virtually putting them out of the playoff race in the NFC. Now the Rams are hopeful for the number two seed in the conference and a loss will virtually put them in 3rd place. Meanwhile, the Titans are second in their division and hold one of the two wildcard spots in the playoffs as of now, a loss at this critical time of the year will be a killer. At home I expect the titans to be very competitive, however the Rams running game will control the ball ultimately resulting in them winning.

Rams to Win –  24-17

Goff: 250 YDS, 1 TD

Gurley: 115 total YDS, 2 TDS Rushing

Woods: 1 REC TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Los Angeles Rams -7.5 and Under 50.5 Total Match Points – 5/2

Bills at Patriots

The Pats won a thriller against the Steelers on the road last week, putting the defending champs in prime position to have home field throughout the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Bills have the second wildcard playoff spot in the AFC and are looking to stay in. While these two division rivals are always competitive, on the road against the Pats this time of year is always tough.

Patriots to Win –  24-14

Brady: 285 YDS, 2 TDS

Gronkowski: 88 YDS, 1 REC TD

Lewis: 75 Total YDS, 1 Rushing TD

Skybet Total Points – 0 – 41 Points – 15/8

Dolphins at Chiefs

The up and down season that the Kansas City Chiefs have had seems to be leaning toward consistency with their win last week against their surging rivals the Chargers, giving them command of the AFC West. The Chiefs will be looking to keep their momentum against a better than we expected Dolphins this week. This game will be closer than some believe.

Chiefs to Win – 28 -21

Smith: 225 YDS, 2 TDS

Hunt: 110 Total YDS, 1 Rushing TD, 1 REC TD

Kelce: 88 YDS, 1 REC TD

Skybet Total Points – 48 Points or More – 6/4

Monday Night Christmas Day Primetime

Steelers at Texans

Injuries have derailed the Texans season this year, however they will be looking to play spoiler to the Steelers, who after their shocking loss to the Pats last week hold the second seed in the AFC. On the road I expect the Steelers, even without WR Antonio Brown playing due to injury last week, to get back on track.

Steelers to Win – 24-14

Roethlisberger 275 YDS, 2 TDS

Bell: 135 Total YDS, 2 Rushing TDS

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Pittsburgh Steelers -10.5 and Under 45.5 Total Match Points – 3/1

 

Happy Holidays!!

by ·Comments Off on Carabao Cup Quarter Final – Chelsea vs Bournemouth – Match Preview
chelsea-vs-bournemouth-preview-large-cc

Chelsea are huge favourites to make the semi-finals of the League Cup as they host Bournemouth in the quarter-final stage, looking to emulate their run in the competition in 2015 and eventually claim the tournament in Wembley.

Team News

After winning the Premier League last season, Chelsea have enjoyed a mixed campaign this time around, but ultimately not hitting the same heights. Already a massive 14 points behind the unstoppable Manchester City, manager Antonio Conte all but admitted his side’s title defence is over.

Finishing 2nd in their Champions League group and consequently drawing Barcelona in the last 16, it is very plausible that the only silverware available for Chelsea this season are the domestic cups – hence the importance of this match and this tournament.

Conte, however, has suggested that he will rotate for this match, saying to Chelsea TV:

“I want to continue to give the chance to players that are not playing with regularity. I want to continue this way, but at the same time we want to reach the semi-final.”

Conte was also asked during his pre-match press conference if any of Chelsea’s academy players would be involved, and replied saying: ‘They could be. Why not? I think these players are the future for Chelsea. Sterling is a really good player. Hudson-Odoi won the Under-17 World Cup. Ampadu played the last game against Everton, maybe he could start also tomorrow. I think I must consider the young players if they deserve to have this chance. I think Sterling has spent a lot of time working with us this season. Ampadu is always every day with the first team.’

 

 

 

Etan Ampadu started Chelsea's last game against Everton in the Carabao Cup & may get given another run out tomorrow night as Conte looks to rotate his squad.

Etan Ampadu started Chelsea’s last game against Everton in the Carabao Cup & may get given another run out tomorrow night as Conte looks to rotate his squad against Bournemouth.

Bournemouth have also not lived up to the expectations set from last year’s achievements, 2016/17’s 9th place finish seems a far cry from the current 16th spot, just one point outside the relegation zone and undoubtedly in a battle.

However, the fact The Cherries are now in their third consecutive season in the Premier League, and again matched their best ever run in this competition by reaching the quarter-finals (did the first time in 2014/15) is testament to the fantastic work and huge strides made by the club in recent years.

A cup run could be the galvanisation needed for Eddie Howe’s men as they seek to retain their top-flight status. Perhaps even more exciting, could be the prospect of leading this club from the bottom tier of English football all the way to cup winners and on a foray into Europe.

Nonetheless, Bournemouth will be fully prepared for an incredibly difficult match at the home of the English Champions. The statistics prove that, The Blues have won seven of their last eight league home games, scoring 24 goals in doing so.
Bournemouth have never won away to top-flight opposition in this competition in 15 attempts, and The Cherries have only beaten Chelsea once in their last nine fixtures, although that was at Stamford Bridge as recently as December 2015.

Stats

It seems like there is only one side to back for a clean sheet in this game, only three teams (Newcastle, Palace and Stoke) have kept less than Bournemouth’s four in the Premier League this season whilst only three teams (Arsenal, Burnley, Manchester United) have kept more than Chelsea’s eight.

Both these sides accumulate a lot of corners, with Chelsea and Bournemouth placing at 5th and 10th in our club corner stats table in the Premier League – but with Chelsea expected to be largely dominant and Eddie Howe likely to set his team up deep and defensively, backing Chelsea to earn a hefty number could be promising.

Steve Cook & Harry Artur have both been carded 4 times each this season for the Cherries.

Steve Cook & Harry Artur have both been carded 4 times each this season for the Cherries.

Only four teams have received more than Bournemouth’s 30 yellow cards this year in the Premier League, while Chelsea have already been brandished with three red cards this term (second only to Watford’s 4) – so booking points are a strong possibility.

Suggested Tips

  • SkyBet: Price Boost – Chelsea to Win 3-0 – 8/1 
  • SkyBet: Price Boost – Bournemouth to Win 2-1 – 33/1
  • SkyBet: Featured RequestABet – Chelsea to win, Chelsea to score 3+ goals, 11+ match corners and 40+ match booking pts – 9/1
  • SkyBet: RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Hazard to score, 10+ Chelsea corners and Steve Cook & Fraser to be carded – 150/1
  • SkyBet: RequestABet Specials upto 10/1 – Chelsea to score 2+ goals, 5+ Chelsea corners and 20+ Bournemouth booking pts – 2/1
  • SkyBet: RequestABet Specials upto 10/1 – Batshuayi to score, over 2.5 goals, Under 13 match corners and 30+ Bournemouth booking points – 10/1 
  • SkyBet: RequestABet Specials 11/1 to 28/1 – Bournemouth to win and over 2.5 goals – 12/1
  • SkyBet: RequestABet Specials 11/1 to 28/1 – Afobe to score, over 2.5 goals, 13+ match corners and 10+ booking points each team – 28/1

by ·Comments Off on Carabao Cup Quarter Final – Bristol City vs Man Utd – Match Preview
Bristol City vs Man Utd - Match Preview

Bristol City vs Man Utd – Match Preview – Manchester United take a trip to high-flying Bristol City as they look to secure their place in the last four of the Carabao Cup.

Consecutive league wins have helped United bounce back from their disappointing derby defeat. Wins against Bournemouth and West Brom will have helped restore confidence in the United camp which will hopefully spur them on to close the gap to their noisy neighbours.

Another huge bonus for Jose Mourinho is the return of Paul Pogba. The Frenchman is now available again after completing his three-match suspension. With a place in the last four now within reach, I think Mourinho will play a strong side against his Championship counterparts. The United boss will want to avoid any complacency as he looks to claim his second consecutive League Cup in charge of the Red Devils.

Could Ibrahimovic start tonight in the Carabao Cup? Photo Credit: skysports.com

After beating Burton Albion and Swansea City to reach this stage, this will probably be their toughest game so far. Whilst Swansea might be Premier League opposition, they are in dire form which is quite the opposite to the Robins. Whilst there’s no doubt that United are massive favourites for the game I think Lee Johnson’s side will try and attack them from the off to get the crowd behind them.

Reid has the ability to cause Utd’s defence problems Photo Credit: skysports.com

Bristol City have performed well above expectations in the league and sit in third place, seven points clear of seventh-placed Leeds. The Robins are now just four points behind Cardiff who occupy the second automatic promotion spot, meaning they have a realistic chance of promotion this season. The main challenge for Johnson will be trying to keep his players fit and firing. Compared to other sides at the top of the table they have quite a small squad, so it will be interesting to see if they can maintain this fine form through the festive period. City have also knocked out three Premier League sides on their way to the quarter-final, with Stoke and Crystal Palace both losing out at Ashton Gate.

These two teams have not met since 1980. The last time they did a Joe Jordan brace gave Manchester United a comfortable 4-0 victory. Whilst Manchester United are favourites for the game, I think BTTS and United to win is a good bet. Bristol City have managed 14 goals in the cup in just four games and I think they’ll get on the scoresheet again on Wednesday night. I still think United will go through, although team selection could be vital if Mourinho’s men want to avoid an upset.

 

Prediction: Bristol City 1-3 Manchester United

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE UNITED 3-1- 10/1

SKYBET: BTTS AND UNITED TO WIN- 7/4

SKYBET: MARTIAL TO SCORE A BRACE- 7/2

SKYBET: POGBA TO SCORE OUTSIDE THE PENALTY AREA- 8/1

SKYBET: BRISTOL CITY TO QUALITY- 10/3

SKYBET: IBRAHIMOVIC TO SCORE A HEADER- 12/1

SKYBET: REID TO SCORE FIRST- 8/1

by ·Comments Off on Carabao Cup Quarter Final – Leicester vs Man City – Match Preview
Leicester vs Man City - Match Preview

Leicester vs Man City – Match Preview – The quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup sees unbeaten Manchester City face Leicester at the King Power Stadium this Tuesday evening.

After another impressive win at the weekend, City remain 11 points clear of second-placed Manchester United. Two wins against title rivals in the last two weeks has only strengthened City’s grasp on the league, with the Citizens now 1/33 on to claim their third Premier League crown.

In their 4-1 demolition of Spurs, Raheem Sterling grabbed himself another brace. The Englishman is enjoying his best season to date and now has 15 goals in all competitions. With Sterling and Leroy Sane providing pace and width to City’s attack, it has allowed David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne more space to operate centrally. With this in mind, it can be no surprise that both have sparkled this season and will be at the top of the ballot poll when the player of the year award comes around.

de Bruyne will be a favourite for the Player of the Year with his stunning performances so far Photo Credit: skysports.com

For me, De Bruyne will pip Silva to the award. Although it is only December and this may seem a premature statement, I just can’t see anyone catching City, or matching the efforts that these two have put in during the first half of the campaign. Whilst Mohamad Salah has been phenomenal for Liverpool since joining from Roma, I think he will just miss out on the award, should he continue his fine form for the rest of the season.

Leicester have been fantastic since the appointment of Claude Puel. The Frenchman has given the Foxes a new lease of life since taking over, which has seen them shoot up the Premier League table. At the weekend they suffered their worst result in his reign as they went down 3-0 to Crystal Palace. I feel as though this was just a minor blip and I expect them to be right back at it as they face the champions-elect.

Okazaki has scored some vital goals for Leicester Photo Credit: skysports.com

Leicester have lost their last two games against Manchester City after losing 2-0 earlier in the campaign. Before then they had gone three games unbeaten as they surged past their then title rivals to the Premier League trophy. Those last five meetings have racked up 15 goals and I expect there to be more again when they meet on Tuesday.

In the league this season, City have scored two or more goals in eight of their nine away games. Leicester have managed the same feat in four of their nine home games, which is the eighth best record in the division. With these stats in mind, I think BTTS and over 2.5 goals would be a safe bet. Whilst I think this will be a tough game for City, and team selection could play a deciding factor, I still think they’ll come away with the win to cement their place in the semi-finals of the competition.

 

Prediction: Leicester 1-3 Manchester City

 

SKYBET: CITY TO WIN 3-1- 10/1

SKBET: BTTS AND CITY TO WIN- 7/4

SKYBET: VARDY TO SCORE FIRST AND LEICESTER TO WIN 2-1- 95/1

SKYBET: JESUS TO SCORE AND CITY TO WIN- 11/8

SKYBET: LEICESTER TO WIN IN EXTRA TIME- 33/1

SKYBET: BTTS AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 11/10

by ·Comments Off on Carabao Cup Quarter Final – Arsenal vs West Ham – Match Preview
Arsenal vs West Ham - Match Preview

Arsenal vs West Ham – Match Preview – Arsenal and West Ham meet for the second time in less than a week on Tuesday night in their Carabao Cup tie. When the two met six days before in the Premier League, the game was left goalless with Arsenal left ruing missed chances.

The hosts will be hoping for a turn in fortune this time around as they enter the fixture on the back of a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United. A stunning goal from Mesut Ozil was enough for Arsene Wenger’s side to clinch the victory and continue the German’s good form for the Gunners.

Giroud will hope he gets a starting place in the Carabao Cup Photo Credit: skysports.com

In the last round, Arsenal hosted Norwich in a match that was won after 120 minutes of football. It is unsure how strong the squad will be for this tie, with the busy festive season underway people are unsure as to how Arsene Wenger will prioritise. The Londoners have only conceded once in their last four matches across all competitions, solidifying down at the back. Can Wenger’s men advance to the next round?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Arsenal to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 15/8

Arnautovic has begun to show his worth to West Ham Photo Credit: skysports.com

The visitors are enjoying a little honeymoon period since David Moyes’ arrival. The Hammers most recently turned over Stoke City away from home 3-0 in the Premier League with a fantastic performance from Marko Arnautovic, who has taken his time to adjust to his new club. In the last round, West Ham took out a major hitter with a big 3-2 victory over Spurs away from home. It was a very rare victory under Slaven Bilic’s reign this season. A team high on confidence, Moyes side will look to continue this impressive run of form.

Skybet Match Result – West Ham to Win – 5/1

Arsenal have scored two or more goals in 77% of their home Premier League matches this season. West Ham have only scored in 30% of their away matches.

Arsenal have been awarded an average of 7.6 corners per home match this season. They are likely to be on the front foot again on Tuesday.

Kevin Friend will take charge of this Tuesday night fixture. The Englishman has awarded an average of 25.6 booking points in his 9 Premier League matches so far this season.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Both Players to Score – Olivier Giroud and Diafra Sakho – 6/1
  • Skybet Penalty Specials – A Penalty to be Scored – 11/4
  • Skybet Full Time Result and BTTS – Draw and Yes – 4/1

by ·Comments Off on Everton vs Swansea City – Match Preview
Everton vs Swansea City - Match Preview

Everton vs Swansea City – Match Preview – Sam Allardyce will look to continue leading Everton’s resurgence against the Premier League’s bottom side Swansea City in Monday night’s fixture.

Under Ronald Koeman Everton were in the thick of a relegation battle but since ex-England manager Allardyce’s arrival, The Toffees have risen straight up the table into the top half with three wins and a draw from their previous four.

The draw came in the Merseyside derby at Anfield too, in a very pleasing 1-1 draw for Everton fans. That result, and the performances in wins over Huddersfield Town (2-0), Newcastle United (1-0) and in the Europa League against Apollon (3-0) have brought optimism back to Goodison Park.

Rooney has been in good form since Allardyce took over at Goodison Photo Credit: skysports.com

Swansea City, however, seem to be having any residual positivity drained from them game by game; The South Welsh club are rooted to the foot of the table after an awful run of form that has seen them lose 10 of their last 13 games, picking up just two wins and a draw in the meantime.

After a similarly poor first half of the season in 2016/17, Swansea brought in Paul Clement to save the season and by successfully avoiding relegation, that was achieved. This term has been equally challenging, and Clement faces an uphill struggle to keep both his job, and his team in the Premier League.

A trip to back-in-form Everton will be daunting for Swansea, who are searching for just their second away victory in the league this year. The Toffees defensive solidity matched with Swansea’s difficulties in creating chances and taking them should prove decisive.

Team News

Yannick Bolasie could feature for Everton for the first time in over a year, whilst Leighton Baines, James McCarthy, Ross Barkley, Ramiro Funes Mori and Seamus Coleman are all unavailable through injury.

Kyle Bartley is the only omission from the Swansea squad, as Ivorian striker Wilfried Bony has been ruled fit to play despite coming off against Manchester City with muscle tightness on Wednesday.

Bony is likely to start after coming off in the loss to Manchester City Photo Credit: skysports.com

Stats

Under Sam Allardyce, typically, Everton have been strong at the back and only conceded one goal under the experienced boss’ stewardship. The Toffees have picked up three Premier League clean sheets in their last four attempts but due to the disastrous defending beforehand, are still 16th in our club clean sheet table with a lowly figure of just four clean sheets.

The problem for Swansea City has not been with keeping clean sheets, but with scoring at the other end. The Swans have kept six shutouts so far this campaign, with only the top seven in the division faring better.

If remaining true to form, this game will present few corners. As a team who have struggled to attack consistently, Swansea have an unsurprising presence as low down as 14th in our club corner stats table.
However, the true shock comes with Everton’s league-low total of just 55 corners all season, especially interesting given Allardyce’s penchant for set-pieces and ex-Swansea man Gylfi Sigurdsson’s quality from such scenarios.

For cards and booking points there is only one way to bet if this season’s stats are anything to go by, with only Leicester, Stoke and Southampton accumulating a lower average booking points per game than Swansea’s 13.1.
Additionally, Everton rank 4th in our club card stats table, with 28 yellow cards and two red cards so far, coming in with 1.9 bookings per match on average.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Price Boost – Gylfi Sigurdsson to score from outside the penalty area – 10/1
  • Skybet Price Boost – Wilfried Bony to Score First – 9/1
  • Skybet Pundits RequestAbet – Le Tissier’s RAB: Calvert-Lewin to score and Everton 2-0 – 14/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – Everton to win, Under 11 match corners and Under 50 match booking points – 9/4
  • Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – Abraham to score and Swansea to win – 15/2
  • Skybet RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 – Calvert-Lewin, Rooney & Sigurdsson to score – 28/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet 33/1 to 66/1 – Sigurdsson to score from outside the area and Everton to score a penalty – 50/1
  • Skybet Featured RequestAbets – Bony to Score and Kenny and Schneiderlin to be carded – 50/1
  • Skybet To Assist a Goal in 90mins – Wayne Rooney – 5/2

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

Leicester City vs Crystal Palace – Match Preview – Crystal Palace and Leicester City are two teams with new life breathed into them via fresh management and both will be looking to continue their recent strong form at the King Power on Saturday.

The vastly experienced Roy Hodgson has turned Palace into a much more disciplined side, and in the process, has taken The Eagles off the foot of the table and they are now 18th, only just inside the relegation zone due to goal-difference.

After three consecutive draws, Tuesday’s dramatic victory against Watford, where with just a minute of normal time left Palace were 1-0 down but scored twice to win, took Hodgson’s men to six games unbeaten in the Premier League.

The manner of the win could be just the catalyst needed to pick up some vital points in what promises to be an extremely tight affair in the battle to avoid the drop.

When Craig Shakespeare was sacked from the Leicester dugout, it seemed as if Leicester could also be involved in that relegation fight, however since the arrival of ex-Southampton manager Claude Puel, The Foxes have lost just once in seven matches (to the imperious Manchester City) and won their last four consecutive games.

Such a turnaround has catapulted Leicester to 8th in the table, but perhaps even more remarkably just five points away from Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League places.

Whilst that would be an unrealistic expectation, the powers that be at the King Power will surely be vindicated with this upturn in form, and with four points between them and Watford in 9th, a consolidation of a top 8 finish must be within reach.

Mahrez has been in great form under new manager, Claude Puel Photo Credit: skysports.com

Stats

This game screams goals. Leicester are buoyed after scoring four at the normally resilient St Mary’s in their victory against Southampton on Wednesday, and have scored 10 in their last four games – the form of Riyad Mahrez a large part of that. Palace have scored twice in five of their last eight games too and are joint bottom of our club clean sheet table with just two shutouts all season. Leicester have only recorded a total of four themselves, so this should be a game where the attackers will benefit.

If the game goes to form, then betting on booking points could yield some success. Palace sit in 3rd place in our club card stats table for yellow cards awarded with 31, and 7th for the overall booking points average per game with 19.4. Conversely, The Foxes are joint second-bottom, with just 16 yellows and no reds all year for just 10 average booking points per fixture.

Zaha has been in great form for Palace Photo Credit: skysports.com

Despite struggling for most of the campaign, Palace find themselves in a very lofty 3rd position in our club corner stats table with just Man City (111) and Spurs (113) topping Palace’s total of 102 corners to date. This would be to utilise their imposing aerial strength with players such as Scott Dann, Mamadou Sakho and Christian Benteke.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Both Teams to Score in Both Halves – 18/1
  • Skybet Both Players to Score – Jamie Vardy and Christian Benteke – 6/1
  • Skybet Player Carded Accumulator – Yohan Cabaye and James McArthur both to be carded – 14/1
  • Bet365 – Correct Score – 2-2 – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – First Goalscorer – Shinji Okazaki – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on Bournemouth vs Liverpool – Match Preview
Bournemouth vs Liverpool - Match Preview

Bournemouth vs Liverpool – Match Preview – Bournemouth will host Liverpool this Sunday afternoon in Premier League action at the Vitality Stadium.

The hosts enter this fixture following a valiant effort against Manchester United midweek that ultimately ended up in a 1-0 defeat.

Liverpool will be hoping to turn their fortunes around this Sunday following two draws in a row against Everton and more recently, West Brom.

Bournemouth are currently 14th in the Premier League with 16 points from 17 matches. Eddie Howe’s side have begun to find their feet this campaign following a very rocky beginning.

Defoe bagged a brace against Crystal Palace, can he grab a goal against the Reds Photo Credit: skysports.com

Jermain Defoe has also started to find his shooting boots with a contender for goal of the season recently as the Englishman came to save his side against Crystal Palace with an impressive brace. Bournemouth will be hoping to salvage something from this as they face an out of form Liverpool side; as their next two fixtures are Chelsea and Manchester City away.

Skybet Match Result – Bournemouth to Win – 5/1

Salah is the deadliest player in front of goal in the Premier League so far this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Jurgen Klopp will be drilling into his players that anything less than three points is unacceptable this weekend. Not capitalising on their chances has cost them in their previous outings, as they have totalled 37 attempts in their two last games with one goal to show for it. Summer signing Mo Salah has set the Premier League alight from the right wing at Anfield, currently the top scorer in the Premier League with 13 goals and three assists. Currently 5th in the Premier League, Liverpool will hope a result against Bournemouth will see them leapfrog Spurs into a Champions League spot, who face Manchester City this weekend.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Liverpool to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 7/2

Liverpool have been kind to their travelling fans this year, having scored two or more goals in 62% of their away Premier League matches so far.

Bournemouth have struggled to keep opposition attacks away so far this season, only keeping a clean sheet in 25% of their matches this season.

Bournemouth have been awarded an average of 5.6 corners in their home fixtures so far this season whilst Liverpool have been awarded an average of 4.5 on the road.

Paul Tierney will take charge of this fixture, who has awarded an average of 36 booking points in his 5 Premier League matches so far.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Penalty Specials – Liverpool to be Awarded a Penalty – 3/1
  • Skybet Both Players to Score – Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino – 3/1
  • Skybet 1st Half Goals – (3+) – 9/2
  • Bet365 – Half Time/Full Time – Liverpool/Draw – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Anytime Goalscorer – Jermain Defoe – (link no longer available)