All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Chelsea vs Newcastle United – Match Betting Preview

January 28, 2018 by Elliott Jackson·Comments Off

An all-Premier League tie sees Chelsea vs Newcastle fight for a spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

After crashing out of the Carabao Cup in midweek, Chelsea have only the FA Cup for domestic silverware this season. Despite Eden Hazard’s early strike, Chelsea came unstuck 2-1 as they watched their London rivals progress into the final to play Manchester City.

In the last round, Chelsea needed penalties to progress against Championship side Norwich in a game that saw the Champions reduced to nine men. Despite putting four goals past Brighton in their last Premier League outing, Chelsea have still managed just six goals in their last six games. Hazard’s return to form could be key, as the Belgian looks to secure the club a top-four finish and some silverware come the end of the season. With Chelsea reportedly close to finalising a deal for Roma pair Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri. Dzeko will provide much-needed cover and support for Alvaro Morata, with reports suggesting Michy Batshuayi could head the opposite way on a loan deal. The Bosnian forward has vast Premier League experience from his time at Manchester City and could be the perfect tonic to revitalise a faltering attack.

Newcastle’s new signing Kennedy will be unavailable to make his debut after signing on loan Stamford Bridge. The winger has struggled for game-time at Chelsea and a move to Rafa Benitez’s side could help unleash the Brazilian’s undoubted potential. Benitez will be sighting further additions to bolster his squad, with a striker at the top of his wish list. Despite the club being up for sale, Mike Ashley has promised Benitez January funds in order to keep his side in the Premier League. In the last round of the cup, Newcastle avoided an upset against an in-form Luton Town side as they came away 3-1 winners. They have lost just two of their last seven wins and have beaten both Stoke and West Ham, two clubs fighting against them in the battle to avoid the drop.

Chelsea have won four of their last six fixtures with Newcastle, losing just once. The Toon army’s last win at Stamford Bridge came back in May 2012, over five years ago. Whilst Newcastle are unbeaten in their last four meetings at St James’ Park, winning three, it will be a much tougher order away from home. Kevin Friend has been appointed as the referee for Sunday’s game. He has an average booking points of just 26.9, brandishing an average of 2.7 yellow cards per game. He is also one of just five Premier League officials yet to brandish a red card this campaign.

Despite their poor run in front of goal, I think Chelsea will be buoyed by their recent win over Brighton. If Hazard plays, I think it’ll be extremely tough to stop the Chelsea man in his current form. Without the Belgian, Chelsea are a different proposition and it has been proven this season they can be vulnerable.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle

Suggested tips (Skybet):

Correct score, Chelsea to win 2-0 – 5/1.

Hazard to score first and Chelsea to win 3-1 – 25/1.

Batshuayi and Willian to both score – 9/2.

Chelsea to win to nil – 5/4.

Chelsea to win and under 2.5 goals – 5/2.

Liverpool vs West Brom – Match Betting Preview

January 27, 2018 by Elliott Jackson·Comments Off

Liverpool vs West Brom is the final fourth round tie for the day, in an all-Premier League affair, both sides look to seal a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

After losing to Swansea City on Monday night, Liverpool will be desperate to atone for their defeat with a win against Alan Pardew’s side. Monday night’s results was strangely predictable, as Liverpool followed up a fantastic result against the league leaders with defeat to the Premier League’s basement club.

During Jurgen Klopp’s time at the club, Liverpool’s Achilles heel has always been their results against inferior opposition. On such a high from their victory against Manchester City the week before, the Reds were undone by a corner which cost them three points. Set pieces, in general, have also plagued Klopp’s time at the club, which is an area most teams would target against them.

Despite the addition of Virgil van Dijk, it remains to be seen as to whether the towering central defender can end their defensive woes. Uncharacteristically, Liverpool struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities against the Swans and when they did get into good attacking positions, there was a lack of quality about their play.

After losing just one of their last six matches, West Brom appears to be finally picking up some form under Pardew. With two wins and a draw from their last three games, they seem to be much more organised and carrying a greater threat going forward. Last time out in the cup they defeated League Two side Exeter 3-0, with this trip to Anfield a much tougher assignment. Salomon Rondon’s recent performances have been a catalyst to WBA’s recent improvements.

The Venezuelan was the man of the match as the Baggies earned a deserved point at Everton last time out. With speculation still rife surrounding the future of defender Johnny Evans, it is vital the club bring some additions into the club. Regardless of Evans’ future, another attacker to help bolster the squad is essential as the Baggies have managed just 19 goals in 24 Premier League games.

Whilst West Brom haven’t beaten Liverpool since 2013, they have only lost two of their last six games against the club. They’ve also drawn two of their last three trips to Anfield, including a 0-0 draw back in December last year. Despite the contrasting league positions of these two sides, games between the pair are always tight, with their last eight games being separated by one goal or less. Craig Pawson is in charge of this all-Premier League tie and he has the highest average booking points total in the top flight. Similarly, Pawson has shown 0.2 red cards on average in his 17 Premier League matches, the joint highest in the league.

Whilst I still think Liverpool will make it to the fifth round of the FA Cup, I think this will be tight. The statistics back this up, and team selection, as always, could play a huge part. A good bet might be Liverpool to win by exactly one goal. The game will be televised in the UK on BT Sports 2 live at 7:30PM.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 West Brom.

Suggested tips (Skybet):

Correct score, Liverpool to win 2-0 – 5/1.

Salah and Firmino to both score – 11/4.

Liverpool to win by exactly one – 3/1.

Btts and FT result draw – 6/1.

Correct score group betting, Liverpool to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 13/8.

Keep checking our tips and previews section of the site for our picks from tomorrow’s fourth round ties.

Newport County vs Tottenham Hotspur – Betting Match Preview

January 26, 2018 by Elliott Jackson·Comments Off

Another potential FA Cup Giant Killing fixture on the cards, with Newport County vs Tottenham Hotspur taking place on Saturday evening.

After cruising past League One opposition in the shape of AFC Wimbledon in the last round, Spurs again face lower league opposition. Harry Kane’s brace sealed Mauricio Pochettino’s men a spot in round four of the competition and they’ll be hoping to be in the draw for round five after this tie.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino will be looking to field a strong enough team to avoid any cup upset. Photo Credit: FourFourTwo

With Pochettino starting a strong line-up in the last round, it’s clear he values the threat of the underdogs. Kane, Jan Vertonghen and Moussa Dembele all started that game, which shows a sign of respect from the Argentinian manager to his opposition.

After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Southampton at the weekend, Spurs will be desperate to get back to winning ways. With their next four games against Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus, it’s clear their season could be shaped by these results. With that in mind, Pochettino could opt to ring the changes, with the first of those four tricky games on Wednesday against Jose Mourinho’s side.

After beating Leeds United at Rodney Parade in the last round, Newport will be hopeful of causing another shock in the FA Cup. The League Two outfit currently sit in eighth in the league table, only one point and place outside the play-off places. Having struggled to avoid relegation the last two seasons, this season has been a massive achievement.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to contain the threat of Robbie Wilmott the former Tesco employee. Photo Credit: Sky Sports

The home side come into this tie in great form, having gone six games without defeat. Crucially, they have also won four of those games, which is what has seen them rise up the League Two table. Former Wolves and West Ham striker Frank Nouble is expected to lead the line. The nomadic striker has been finding his best form since signing at for Michael Flynn’s team in 2017. On the wing, Robbie Willmott is also a constant menace and has attracted interest from a number of teams in the higher leagues.

Roger East is the referee appointed to be in charge of Newport County vs Tottenham Hotspur

The two clubs have only ever met in the FA Cup. Their last meeting back in 1960, nearly six decades ago. Tottenham, unsurprisingly, have won all four of the meetings, scoring 15 goals in the process. Roger East has been appointed as the man in the middle for this fixture and has averaged 3.2 yellow cards in his 11 games in charge this season.

His average booking points total is 34.1, which is mid-table when compared to other Premier League referees. By contrast, in the four Championship games he has officiated, East has the third highest booking points average at 48.8. This might be something to bear in mind due to the increased physicality in lower league matches.

I think Tottenham’s team selection will have a massive impact on the result of this game. If Spurs go with a strong team then I think their class will shine through. A weakened side, however, could struggle in tough conditions at Rodney Parade.

Prediction: Newport County 1-3 Tottenham.

Suggested tips (Skybet):

Correct score Spurs to win 3-1 – 9/1.

Nouble to score and Newport to win 1-0 – 260/1.

Kane to score a brace – 13/8.

Son and Llorente to both score – 9/4.

BTTS and over 2.5 goals– 5/4.

More FA Cup games are being previewed this weekend which available in our Tips and Previews section.