All articles by: Ieuan Ivett

Chelsea vs Manchester United – Match Preview

Chelsea vs Manchester United – Match Preview – Chelsea and Manchester United face off in Super Sunday action at Stamford Bridge with what could prove to be a top four six-pointer.

Both sides are fresh from their UEFA Champions League midweek matches with Manchester United fairing the happier with their results. Chelsea suffered a 3-0 loss away to Roma in the joint heaviest defeat the current Champions have had under Conte’s management. Jose Mourinho’s side saw off Benfica 2-0 at Old Trafford with an own goal and a Daley Blind penalty making the difference.

The hosts seemed to crawl into a shell against the Serie A side after just one minute with Stephan El Shaarawy opening the scoring. Whilst the usually potent attack struggled, it was the defending that has had many people talking. Some almost comical defending performances from their usually solid defenders will have many Chelsea fans worried heading into this fixture against a Manchester United side that beat Tottenham most recently in the Premier League. The home advantage could give Chelsea the upper hand.

Hazard looks back to his best and will be trouble for the United defence Photo Credit: skysports.com

Skybet match Result – Chelsea to Win – 7/5

Although the visitors for Sunday’s fixture got three points during midweek, their performance wasn’t the most convincing. French winger Anthony Martial had the chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot, but the cool-headed finisher fluffed his lines and the penalty was saved. Despite the miss, Martial was a delight to watch as he has been for the whole season. The whole United attack has bucked its ideas up this season after a few seasons of frustration in front of goal. Striker Romelu Lukaku has scored 7 goals and has three assists so far this season being involved in just under half of their goals thus far.

Matic returns to his former club this Sunday Photo Credit: skysports.com

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

In matches against the top six, Jose Mourinho has been accused of using boring tactics yet they have been effective. It wouldn’t be surprising if this Sunday we saw a similar game plan of parking the bus and keeping the ball in the middle and bottom third of the pitch. Chelsea also enjoy playing possession football, so we could have a real midfield battle on our hands. Whilst everyone would love to see a goal fest, the match is very important to both that they don’t lose, so we could see some very reserved styles.

 

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West Ham United vs Liverpool – Match Preview

West Ham United vs Liverpool – Match Preview – West Ham host Liverpool at the London Stadium this Saturday in Premier League action.

The hosts enter the match having been unbeaten in their previous two matches whilst Liverpool are fresh from their midweek Champions League success. West Ham most recently drew with bottom of the Premier League Crystal Palace, however were leading until the 97th minute when Wilfried Zaha grabbed a dramatic late equaliser for Roy Hodgson’s side.

Liverpool have enjoyed two consecutive 3-0 victories, against Huddersfield and most recently Maribor. Goals from Mo Salah, Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge were enough to see Liverpool top their UEFA Champions League group, however it could have been more but the usually reliable James Milner missed a penalty.

Both sides are suffering with injuries as West Ham are likely to be without James Collins and Diafra Sakho. Liverpool have a much longer list of absentees with the likes of Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane still side-lined as well as Coutinho and Dejan Lovren also being unlikely to feature.

Ayew scored a great goal in the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace Photo Credit: skysports.com

West Ham are currently sitting just above the relegation zone in the Premier League with nine points from ten games. Both scoring goals and not letting them in have been the key issues for Slaven Bilic’s side, who many believe doesn’t have long left in the Hammers hot seat. Summer signing, Javier Hernandez, hasn’t had the big entrance to his West Ham career that many were anticipating but has seemed to settle in recent weeks. The Mexican scored the opener in their previous match before Andre Ayew doubled the lead with a contender for goal of the month. Those two will remain vital to West Ham’s chances this weekend.

Skybet Match Result – West Ham to Win – 4/1

Salah has 5 goals so far for Liverpool this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool side have felt plenty of pressure in recent weeks following more defensive blunders. The Merseyside club have conceded 16 goals in their 10 Premier League matches thus far; making them the sixth leakiest defence in the league. However, despite their defence struggling their attack is still a very dangerous one to face with summer signing Mo Salah leading the way for the Reds. The Eygptian has scored five and set up two so far in the league and has been a joy to watch. He has the potential to be the difference.

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

 

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Spurs vs Real Madrid – Champions League Group H Preview

Spurs vs Real Madrid – Champions League Preview – Spurs host the current Champions League holders Real Madrid this Wednesday in Group H.

Both sides are sharing the same amount of points, goals scored and goals conceded thus far in the group stage. The last time these two met a few weeks ago they couldn’t be divided as the score at the Bernabau was 1-1. An own goal by Raphael Varane was cancelled out just before half-time thanks to a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Both sides are without some key players with the hosts missing Erik Lamela and Victor Wanyama whilst the visitors are still without ex-Spurs winger Gareth Bale, Dani Carvajal, Mateo Kovacic and Keylor Navas. The last day has seen a huge boost for Mauricio Pochettino as Harry Kane has returned to training, it is still unknown whether he is fit enough to play.

Son could replace Kane if the England striker does not recover from injury in time Photo Credit: skysports.com

Spurs have had their worst week in quite a while suffering back to back losses. Firstly, they threw away a 2-0 lead against West Ham in the Carabao Cup and most recently lost to Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford. Spurs created enough chances to at least grab a point, but it was clear that Kane was sorely missed up front. They created 13 chances which is a promising sign heading into Wednesday’s fixture.

A victory over Real Madrid would see them lead Group H with just two matches to go in Group H. Although a victory would be huge for the club and fans, Madrid are one of the strongest, if not the strongest side in Europe and pose a huge threat to Tottenham, so to even draw the match would still be an achievement for the North Londoners. Can Spurs turn their recent fortunes around?

Skybet Match Result – Tottenham to Win – 2/1

Real Madrid haven’t quite been clicking as of late in comparison to the Real Madrid of last season. They are currently eight points behind league leaders Barcelona in La Liga and most recently lost to Girona 2-1 despite taking the lead. With things not going their way domestically, Zinedine Zidane will put all his efforts into the Champions League to ensure a successful European campaign.

Asensio can muster up magical moments at any time for Madrid Photo Credit: skysports.com

Tottenham will be a tough nut to crack for the Spaniards, however their class on paper stands them in good stead to leave Wembley Stadium will some points. Cristiano Ronaldo will be the dangerman as always for Madrid, however he is accompanied by Karim Benzema, Isco, Luka Modric and Marco Asensio who are all world class players. Can Madrid grab a victory?

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

 

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