All articles by: Ieuan Ivett

World Cup Qualifiers – Bulgaria vs France – Match Preview

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Bulgaria vs France – Match Preview – Bulgaria host France in Group A of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

There’s still a lot to play for in the Group with no team securing a spot at the summer tournament just yet. The visitors are currently leading the Group, closely followed by Sweden who are one point behind the French.  Bulgaria still have it all to play for despite being fourth in the standings, a surprise win over France could leave it all to the last day to decide who reaches the greatest tournament in football.

Bulgaria have been in very mixed form the past year or so, struggling to get a run of good results but have proved to scalp a few improbable results. Their recent 3-2 victory over Sweden was a huge boost to their qualifying bid, however they were not able to gain momentum as they then lost away to Netherlands, 3-1.

Often lining up in a 4-4-2 formation, the Bulgarians have illustrated they are a tough team to break down. Despite their rigidness at the back, their attack has struggled to flourish at times of need hence why they are on the backfoot in the race for qualification. Striker Ivelin Popov is the biggest threat for the Bulgarians as he often plays striker, although is a midfielder for Spartak Moscow. His slender frame means he is an aerial threat, however will rely on good service. Will Bulgaria cause a dramatic final day in Group A?

Skybet Match Result – Bulgaria to Win – 12/1

Lemar and Mbappe are two rising stars for France Photo Credit: skysports.com

The French have a very, very good squad of players. Their attack is no lower than World Class and their defence is a force to be reckoned with; having only conceded 5 goals in 8 qualifying matches. Currently top of the group, France will be hoping victory can all but secure their place in next summer’s World Cup following their frustrating 0-0 draw with Luxembourg.

The firepower of Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Thomas Lemar, Kingsley Coman and Alexandre Lacazette, just to name a few, should have no issue creating chances this weekend. They have already proved they are very capable of scoring goals with 18 scored in their qualifying campaign thus far, can they up the tally more but most importantly, gain three points?

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

 

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World Cup Qualifiers – N.Ire vs Germany – Match Preview

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N.Ire vs Germany – Match Preview – Northern Ireland will host Germany this Thursday as they will close out their very successful World Cup qualifying campaign.

The hosts are currently second in the standings with 19 points, behind non other than Thursdays opponents. With only another point or two pretty much securing a second-place qualification, the Irish will still have something to play for over the international break.

The Germans have been very German thus far in the qualifying campaign; topping Group C with impeccable statistics. 35 goals in eight games speaks for itself, and on top of that they have only conceded two goals. Northern Ireland will have a tough time breaking down that German wall.

After a summer of celebration for Northern Ireland at the UEFA Euros in 2016, many believed that would be the pinnacle of their success for some time and wrote them off for World Cup qualification. However, the men in green have gone from strength to strength and have also become much stronger defensively. They haven’t conceded a goal in all competitions since November last year.

Lafferty has been in good form for N.Ireland Photo Credit: skysports.com

They have also excelled in front of goal with the strike force of Conor Washington, Kyle Lafferty and Oliver Norwood becoming a clinical attack. Last time they met, Germany won 2-0 with a very comfortable performance but Northern Ireland are in the form of their lives, so could they cause a huge upset for the bookmakers?

Skybet Match Result – N.Ireland to Win – 10/1

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Germany are one of the best footballing nations in the world. Their squad depth is to be admired, with many World Class players struggling to make the 23-man squad. Their form is also admirable, having not lost since the semi-finals at the UEFA Euros in 2016.

Muller and his German team mates have been almost unstoppable Photo Credit: skysports.com

Having most recently picked apart Norway in a 6-0 victory, Germany are continuing to bulldoze their opponents hence why they are top of the group by 5 points. Thomas Muller will pose a huge threat to the Northern Ireland defence; he has scored five goals and has six assists in the qualifying campaign. The Bayern Munich attacker is also joined by Julian Draxler, Mesut Ozil and veteran Mario Gomez. Will the firepower of the Germans be too much for Northern Ireland to handle?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Germany to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 100/30

Chelsea vs Manchester City – Match Preview

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Chelsea vs Manchester City – Match Preview – Two titans of the Premier League clash in what promises to be the match of the season so far. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will travel down to London to face Antonio Conte’s Chelsea, both fresh from their Champions League duties.

The hosts left it late against Atletico Madrid in their midweek Champions League fixture but Michy Batshuayi’s added time goal saw the Londoners grab three points away from home in emphatic fashion. New boy Alvaro Morata has continued to impress as his headed equaliser made it four from his last two matches in a Chelsea shirt. Will the Spaniard be able to find the back of the net against the league’s joint best defence so far?

Skybet To Score a Header – Alvaro Morata – 5/1

Jesus will be expected to provide the goals on Saturday Photo Credit: skysports.com

Manchester City look like the real deal so far this season, firing on all cylinders and scoring a horrific amount of goals. They have scored 26 goals in their last seven outings. They aren’t just beating teams, they are punishing them. They most recently took to the pitch against Shaktar Dontesk in Group F of the UEFA Champions league; a group they are currently top of. Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling were on the mark for the light blues and will both be huge threats to Chelsea this weekend. Joint top scorer in the league, Sergio Aguero,will miss the fixture due to being involved in a car crash on Thursday night, sustaining rib injuries. Can Jesus provide the goal threat of the two combined?

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Gabriel Jesus to Score Anytime in 90 mins – 11/8

Chelsea are currently third in the Premier League, three points behind their opponents on Saturday. The current Champions have shown complacent tendencies at times and there is no doubt any mistakes will be punished by the Manchester City attack. With Kante and Bakayoko clicking in the middle of the park, Chelsea will really fancy their chances to get one up on the current league leaders in front of a home crowd. And with Hazard nearing full fitness, Chelsea’s attack could be a real threat.

Hazard is likely to return for the big game Photo Credit: skysports.com

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

Currently top of the table thanks to goal difference, City will be hoping to widen the gap between them and last season’s champions. With 21 goals to their name after six matches, they will be looking to add to that already impressive tally straight from the off. With Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane and Kevin De Bruyne all on fire, just to name a few, it is very possible their attacking presence could be too much for the Chelsea defence. Tough one to call.

Skybet Full Time Result and BTTS – Man City and Yes – 7/2

 

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