All articles by: Ieuan Ivett

PDC World Matchplay 2017 – 1st Round – Darts Preview

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PDC World Matchplay 2017 – 1st Round – Darts Preview – The PDC returns with the BetVictor World Matchplay at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The World Matchplay is one of the most highly coveted and prestigious trophies that is available on the PDC Circuit.

 

Michael van Gerwen returns after beating Dave Chisnall, 8-0, in the final of the Shanghai Masters to continue his rampant reign at the top of the PDC. Adrian Lewis also returns after an injury that has seen him out of PDC action for while.

The first-round draw is mouth-watering- nay, breath-taking for any darts fans with a Sky Sports subscription. The 32-man tournament will take place over 8 days with the final on 30th July 2017; so, stock up your fridge with plenty of beer.

Here are just some of the first-round fixtures that will take place from Saturday 22nd July (schedule of play still to be decided):

Michael van Gerwen vs Steven Bunting

Michael van Gerwen Photo Credit: skysports.com

The Dutch dartsman will climb off his darting throne to face Steven Bunting who will know he stands very little chance. The dominance of Michael van Gerwen in the darting world is almost inconceivable and yet he makes it look so simple every time the ‘Green Machine’ pops on our TV screens.  Bunting hasn’t been in the best of form during 2017 and has seen his gradual decline down the PDC Order of Merit continue its momentum. The current Matchplay Champion shouldn’t break a sweat.

Skybet Match Result – Michael van Gerwen to Win – 1/33

Simon Whitlock vs Kyle Anderson

Simon Whitlock Photo Credit: skysports.com

Facing each other for the first ever time at a televised event, it’s the battle of the Aussies in arguably the closest match of the first round. Having only joined forces last month at the World Cup of Darts, Anderson and Whitlock will know each other very well which makes the match ever more compelling. Whitlock is the higher ranked, however has struggled to get a rhythm as of late. Anderson is still yet to reach the shining lights we all know he is capable of but both will be massively up for this contest. Whitlock should just have the edge over his fellow countryman.

Skybet Match Result – Simon Whitlock to Win – 4/6

Phil Taylor vs Gerwyn Price

Phil Taylor Photo Credit: skysports.com

Phil Taylor is undoubtedly the king of the World Matchplay, having lifted the trophy 15 times; with Michael van Gerwen currently 13 Matchplay titles behind. Taylor will be wanting to succeed in this tournament as his announced retirement at the end of the calendar year is drawing ever closer. Gerwyn Price has been enjoying his darts a lot lately and will be able to provide a shock if Taylor isn’t at his best; would be a good bet for the longshotters. ‘The Power’ will have the crowd behind him and that should be enough to beat the Welshman.

Skybet Match Result – Phil Taylor to Win – 2/7

Costa Rica vs Canada – Match Preview

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Costa Rica vs Canada – Match Preview – Costa Rica face Canada in the second group fixtures of their Confederations Gold Cup campaigns. Both nations were victorious in their curtain raisers which was expected when considering their opposition. The South Americans beat Honduras in a 1-0 win thanks to a first half goal from lone striker, Marco Urena. Whilst the Canadians had no issue finding the net in a thrilling 4-2 victory over French Guiana seeing them currently at the top of Group A.

Costa Rica will be looking to build on their win over Honduras and seem to be one of the tournament favourites on the outrights. With a strong squad consisting of Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell, they are also favourites to leapfrog Canada at top spot this Wednesday. It isn’t often that Costa Rica are in high scoring affairs, however, Canada’s attacking prowess will mean Costa Rica should throw the same amount of manpower at the Canadian defence. Often a very rigid, organised group with a ‘build from the back’ mentality installed by manager, Oscar Martinez, the South American outfit will expect to keep the Canadians quiet with Palermo’s, Giancarlo Gonzalez, at the heart of the defence.

Skybet Match Result – Costa Rica to Win – 4/6

Alphonso Davies could be Canada’s star man this tournament Photo Credit: usatoday.com

The Canadians will be looking to cause an upset with the bookmakers and hold their spot at the top of Group A this Wednesday. After bagging four goals in their previous outing, the North Americans will look to ride their goal-scoring momentum into this match against the tough Costa Rican side. Midfielder, Alphonso Davies, was in sublime form following a very impressive season at Vancouver Whitecaps after netting two goals in the second half that helped Canada create history; scoring four goals for the first time ever in a Gold Cup match. The Canadians will look to tighten up defensively however, as French Guiana provided a scare to the Canadian camp when scoring two goals in two minutes. Whilst the bookmakers fancy Costa Rica to come out victorious, this Canadian side will look to attack, attack, attack.

Skybet Match Result – Canada to Win – 5/1

Team News

Costa Rica are without forward, Johan Vanegas, whose match was cut short against Honduras with injury.

Canada have no fresh injury worries or suspensions to alter their team selection.

 

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Mexico vs El Salvador – Match Preview

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Mexico vs El Salvador – Match Preview – Mexico face El Salvador in their opening match in the Gold Cup. Mexico enter the match on the back end of a fairly successful Confederations Cup campaign; where they lost in extra time of the 3rd place play-off with European Champions, Portugal. To the average football fan, El Salvador are a rather unknown quantity, with no players of significant status on the World stage. On paper, Mexico should cruise to victory.

Mexico are the current reigning champions of the Gold Cup; a title that manager, Juan Carlos Osario, will look to successfully defend following a promising run of performances in the recent Confederations Cup. However, with the Confederations Cup campaign still only a week ago, the squad is seeing plenty of fresh faces, young and some uncapped players entering the fray and looking to make an impact for their country during the off season. The ‘second XI’ of Mexico have been in two recent friendlies in preparation for the Gold Cup whilst their stronger outfit was battling away in the CONFED Cup. With a 1-0 win over Ghana and a 2-1 victory over Paraguay, the Mexicans will look to carry their momentum into this opening fixture. Can they seal their first win of the Gold Cup?

Skybet Match Result – Mexico to Win – 2/9

Whilst Mexico have had non-stop fixtures as of late, their opponents have had quite the opposite. El Salvador have only played three friendlies since late January and unsurprisingly enter this match as heavy underdogs. Most recently, a 3-0 loss to Ecuador hasn’t shone the South American’s in a very attractive light. The country itself is the most densely populated and smallest country in the Americas, however their players will be playing with immense pride against tough Mexican opposition. Manager, Eduardo Lara, joined El Salvador’s youth system in 2015 before taking charge of the senior national team last year. Can Lara lead his side to pull off a special victory?

Skybet Match Result – El Salvador to Win – 12/1

Last time these two met, it was last year in a goal fest ending in a 3-1 victory to Mexico. Will history repeat itself?

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

Team News

Neither country has any injuries or suspensions ahead of the opening match. With both managers able to pick their strongest available sides, we should be in for a cracker of a match.