All articles by: Ieuan Ivett

PDC World Championships 2017/2018 – Betting Preview

PDC World Championships – On Thursday 14th December, the ‘Ally Pally’ will open its doors and the seasons biggest tournament will kick off.

The PDC’s best players will all be confident they can end their 2017 on a high; with Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor hoping to end his whole career on a high after announcing his retirement after his World Championship campaign.

Here are some of the outright odds that SkyBet are offering for the PDC World Championships:

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Michael Van Gerwen – 8/11

van Gerwen is the heavy favourite to retain the championship Photo Credit: skysports.com

The bookmakers clear favourite is ‘MVG’, very unsurprisingly. The Dutch darting dynamo is everyone’s favourite to sweep the competition just as he did last season in an enthralling 11-7 victory over Gary Anderson in the final. Van Gerwen heads into the competition in fine form, having won four consecutive televised finals; the most recent being the Players Championships in Minehead on 26th November.

His robot-esc accuracy entwined with his throwing pace can sometimes feel like it’s unfair on his opponents. He is sure to be pumped up for the tournament, as he will want to ruin Phil Taylor’s retirement party.

Previous World Championship titles (2) – (2014, 2017)

Gary Anderson – 7/1

Betting W/O Gerwen – 9/4

Anderson will need to step up from his performances in the year to win this Photo Credit: skysports.com

The Scotsman hasn’t enjoyed his finest calendar year, with his last tournament title coming back in June at the Players Championship in Wigan. Whilst he has been progressing far in many tournaments, lifting the trophy has often seemed just one step too far for Anderson. He will be hoping to bounce back from his agonising 16-15 loss to Peter Wright in the semi-finals of the Grand Slam last month.

He always seems to fair well in recent years at this tournament, maybe it’s that Ally Pally crowd.

Previous World Championship titles (2) – (2015, 2016)

Peter Wright – 12/1

Betting W/O Gerwen – 4/1

Last year’s runner up will want to go all the way this year Photo Credit: skysports.com

Peter Wright seemed to capture the hearts of every darting fan back in the 2017 Premier League finals at the O2 arena. The pressure became too much for the Scotsman as he was one dart away from beating ‘MVG’ in the final however missed six darts at double and seemed to curl into a ball of despair. Since then, the Scotsman didn’t let it ruin his year as he continued to impress on the PDC circuit and most recently just lost out in the Grand Slam final 16-12 to guess who?…

The world ranked number two has suffered a tough couple of weeks, however, as he was rushed to hospital only a matter of weeks ago and has had to pull out of all events ahead of this one. Could this see him suffer in form?

Previous World Championship titles (0)

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Phil Taylor – 14/1

Betting W/O Gerwen – 11/2

Phil Taylor will want to end on a high at his last ever tournament Photo Credit: skysports.com

Darts biggest legend will hang up his shirt after this tournament. It is sure to be a sad day for all fans of the sport. To end his career at the tournament and building he has seen so much success in seems to have a ‘written in the stars’ feeling to it. Taylor will have the crowd in the ally pally and at home on his side as he will look to create one of darts greatest moments.

He enters the tournament in decent form, however he seems to have been suffering the same issues as Gary Anderson. His entire year has been building up to this however, he will be mentally and physically ready to face anyone.

Previous World Championship titles (14) – (1995–2002, 2004–06, 2009–10, 2013)

Rob Cross – 16/1

Betting W/O Gerwen – 14/1

Rob Cross could be the dark horse in the tournament Photo Credit: skysports.com

Rob Cross has enjoyed a meteoric rise this year, really cementing his place on the PDC circuit as an established player. He began the season relatively unknown; better known to fans as Joe Cullen’s roommate. Both his treble hitting and his percentages on the doubles have made him a nuisance to be drawn against even against the best.

He has recently dispatched of Raymond van Barneveld, Adrian Lewis and James Wade in different competitions in November. Currently ranked 20th in the PDC Rankings, Cross must be the one to watch.

Previous World Championship titles (0)

 

Additional Player Odds – Tournament Winner

  • Adrian Lewis – 33/1
  • Daryl Gurney – 40/1
  • Mensur Suljovic – 50/1
  • Raymond van Barneveld – 66/1
  • Dave Chisnall – 125/1
  • Simon Whitlock – 125/1
  • James Wade – 150/1
  • Kim Huybrechts – 200/1
  • Jelle Klassen – 250/1
  • Joe Cullen – 300/1

Skybet RequestAbets

  • Skybet Price Boost – van Gerwen, Cross, Wright & Anderson all to win their Quarters – 10/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet – Any English player to win the Tournament – 7/2
  • Skybet RequestAbet – van Gerwen to win the Tournament & score most 180’s in each of his matches – 8/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet – Phil Taylor to win Outright, Rob Cross Most 180s in Tournament & MVG Highest Checkout in Event – 200/1

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Liverpool vs Everton – Match Preview

Liverpool vs Everton – Match Preview – The blockbuster weekend of Premier League action continues with the Merseyside derby this Sunday. This fixture often delivers on its hype, with goals galore and this time shouldn’t be any different.

Liverpool will host the fixture as they look to close the gap on the top three; currently sitting fourth in the league standings. Jurgen Klopp’s side have been a delight to spectate this season, with their quick counter attacking style of play. They have their front three to thank for much of that as Mo Salah has been stealing headlines. The Egyptian is 1st in the top scorers table with 12 goals and three assists. His sheer pace and calm nature in front of goal has seen him settle into life very well at Anfield.

Liverpools’s attack has been breathtaking to watch this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Their most recent outing was midweek in the Champions League where they really put on a show. Three goals from Coutinho, two from Sadio Mane as well as Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah getting in on the action saw Liverpool top their Champions’ League group in style. They are in emphatic form, will this carry on into Sunday?

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

Can Rooney grab the blue half of Merseyside the win at Anfield Photo Credit: skysports.com

Everton are finally starting to find their feet this season after an almost laughable beginning to proceedings. The recent managerial appointment of Sam Allardyce really seems to have boosted the Everton camp who now have won three games on the bounce. Wayne Rooney has been coming back in to form and their most recent Premier League outing saw them overcome a rigid Huddersfield side, 2-0. Goals from record signing Gylfi Sigurdsson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin saw Everton jump to 10th in the league standings. Proving they are capable of playing well, they will be hoping to gain some local pride.

Skybet Match Result – Everton to Win – 9/1

Liverpool have scored two or more goals in 53% of their Premier League matches so far. Everton have averaged 20.0 booking points per match so far. It should be a feisty encounter.
Klopp’s men have been awarded an average of 7.6 corners at Anfield in the Premier League this season, only Spurs have a higher average.
Craig Pawson will take charge of the match this Sunday. Pawson has awarded an average of 41.7 booking points over 12 Premier League encounters.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Price Boost – Roberto Firmino and Wayne Rooney both to score in 90 mins – 9/1
  • Skybet Price Boost – Jordan Henderson and Idrissa Gueye both to be carded – 12/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – Coutinho to score, Liverpool to win, over 2.5 goals and Under 60 match booking points – 3/1
  • Skybet Featured RequestAbet – A Penalty Awarded and a Player Sent Off – 9/1
  • Skybet Featured RequestAbet – Salah to score, Liverpool to win, over 2.5 goals and Can to be carded – 10/1
  • Skybet To Score and be Carded – Wayne Rooney – 8/1
  • Skybet Both Players to Score – Mohamed Salah and Philippe Coutinho – 3/1
  • Bet365 Anytime Goalscorer – Ashley Williams – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 Total Team Goals  -Everton Over 1.5 Goals – (link no longer available)

West Ham United vs Chelsea – Match Preview

West Ham United vs Chelsea – Match Preview – The Premier League has graced us with a London Derby this weekend as West Ham host Chelsea. Two teams competing at the two different ends of the table yet three points is a must for both.

West Ham are currently 19th in the Premier League with 10 points from 15 matches. Having recently appointed David Moyes, things don’t seem to be looking up for the Hammers as many believe they are a real possibility for relegation at the end of the season. They invested heavily into their squad over the summer and it is yet to yield results as their recent form suggests. They have drawn two and lost four of their most recent six outings. Michail Antonio has been one of the only positive signs for Hammers fans this season so far and will be the main threat for them against this rigid and strong Chelsea defence.

Antonio has been West Ham’s best player this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Bet365 – Match Result – West Ham to Win – (link no longer available)

Chelsea are currently third in the Premier League with 32 points from 15 games. Only the two Manchester sides sit above them however they will take some catching. After some shaky performances of late, Antonio Conte’s side seemed to have settled back into winning ways with their most recent Premier League outing seeing them overcome a tough Newcastle side, 3-1. Two goals from Eden Hazard and a goal from Alvaro Morata has only increased the profile of the two strikers who are in red hot form. The Belgian and Spaniard seem to bring the best out of each other and create a formidable attack that should be too much for the West Ham defence.

Morata will cause the West Ham defence problems this Saturday Photo Credit: skysports.com

Bet365 – Correct Score – Chelsea to Win 3-1 – (link no longer available)

Chelsea have scored two or more goals away from home more than at Stamford Bridge. In 57% of their away games they have found the net at least twice. West Ham have been awarded an average of 5.5 corners every home match. Catching Chelsea out on the break could result in winning corners.

Anthony Taylor takes charge of the match at the London Stadium. Taylor has officiated nine Premier League matches this season and awarded an average of 37.8 booking points per game.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Price Boost – Eden Hazard 3+ Shots On Target – 5/1
  • Skybet Price Boost – Michail Antonio to score a header – 14/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – Hazard to score, Chelsea to win, over 2.5 goals and Under 12 match corners – 9/2
  • Skybet RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 – A Penalty Awarded and a Player Sent Off – 11/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 – Morata to score, Chelsea to win, BTTS and Ogbonna to be carded – 25/1
  • Skybet To Score from Outside the Area – Marcos Alonso – 12/1
  • Bet365 – Anytime Goalscorer –  Cheikhou Kouyate – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Half Time/Full Time – Chelsea/Draw – (link no longer available)