All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Chelsea vs Roma – Champions League Group C Preview

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Chelsea vs Roma – Champions League Preview – Following their defeat at the weekend, Chelsea entertain Roma at Stamford Bridge. The Italian side currently sit 5th in Serie A, as they look to challenge both domestically and in Europe.

Chelsea were shell-shocked at the weekend, as they were beaten 2-1 by bottom side Crystal Palace. Roy Hodgson’s men thoroughly deserved that win, leaving Antonio Conte plenty to ponder ahead of this match. After such an impressive win last time out against Atletico Madrid, it’s vital that Chelsea don’t let their current lead slip in Group C.

Batshuayi will be hoping to start for Chelsea against Roma Photo Credit: skysports.com

With Chelsea now suffering back to back defeats in the Premier League, it’s crucial they get a positive result on Wednesday night. With key players such as N’Golo Kante and Alvaro Morata ruled out through injury, these are tough times ahead for Conte’s men. All eyes will be on whether he opts to start Michy Batshuayi or play without a recognised striker, something he’s done on a few occasions through his time at the club. Although the Belgian has managed six goals in 11 appearances, he has struggled to impose himself on games and was poor at the weekend in the absence of Morata.

Edin Dzeko has been in great form for Roma Photo Credit: skysports.com

Roma have been underwhelming so far in the league and sit nine points off the top of the table, although they do have a game in hand on the teams above them. At the weekend, they suffered a disappointing home defeat to Napoli. But in Edin Dzeko, Roma have a talisman who is in great form. The Bosnian struck 43 goals last season in just 55 games and he’s followed that up with ten in his first 13. The former Manchester City striker always showed glimpses of his true ability during his time in England, but since his move to the Italian capital, he has really begun to flourish.

Chelsea’s last meetings with Roma were back in 2008 when the two clubs were also paired in the same group. Then, Chelsea recorded a 1-0 win at home but lost 3-1 in Rome. If Chelsea fans were offered another win tonight, I’m sure they’d snatch your hands off.

With Conte’s side low on confidence following back to back defeats, I can see this being a cagey, close-fought encounter. I think Chelsea will try to make the game scrappy and look to use their extra quality to secure a win. That being said, they will struggle to keep Roma out, with the Italian side averaging two goals a game so far this season.

 

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Roma

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE CHELSEA 2-1- 15/2

SKYBET: DZEKO AND HAZARD TO BOTH SCORE- 11/2

SKYBET: GROUP SCORE BETTING CHELSEA TO WIN 1-0, 2-0 OR 2-1- 15/8

SKYBET: BATSHUAYI TO SCORE FIRST AND CHELSEA TO WIN 3-1- 30/1

SKYBET: BTTS AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 6/5

SKYBET: A PENALTY TO BE AWARDED- 21/10

SKYBET: CHELSEA TO WIN FROM BEHIND- 9/1

Man City vs Napoli – Champions League Group F Preview

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Man City vs Napoli – Champions League Preview – Manchester City face their toughest European assignment as they host Napoli. The Italian club find themselves top of the Serie A and will be a real test for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Manchester City are currently enjoying their best form since the arrival of Guardiola. After smashing seven goals past Stoke at the weekend, many feel they are a shoe-in for the league title. The football being played at the Etihad is a joy to watch, and given the multiple attacking threats they have, it’s hard to imagine them not scoring.

De Bruyne has been in scintillating form so far this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

One player who has particularly shone in the last few weeks is Kevin De Bruyne. Playing deeper and more central this season, the Belgian has been key to City’s form and has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season. He already has six assists in ten games this campaign, and he is an integral part of what Pep Guardiola is building at City. With him and David Silva providing the passes for the likes of Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero to run onto, it’s not a surprise they’ve scored 29 goals in just eight Premier League games.

The form of De Bruyne has also brought out the best in City’s wide players. Sane and Sterling in particular, have been in electric form, grabbing 13 goals between them. Alongside Jesus and Aguero, who are scoring goals for fun, City are an irresistible force going forward, and one that will be feared across Europe.

Napoli’s front three will cause City problems Photo Credit: nottesport.it

After an impressive 1-0 at Roma this weekend, Napoli sit five points clear off reigning champions Juventus. With 26 goals and only five conceded, Maurizio Sarri’s men are in fantastic form. There is a real belief that this could be the year that they claim their first title since 1990. The front three of Dries Mertens, Jose Callejon and Lorenzo Insigne have amassed 14 goals already this season and with the likes of Marek Hamsik and Kalidou Koulibaly down the spine of the side, they can be a real force both domestically and in Europe.

These two have only met twice, back in the Group Stages of this competition in 2011. In that group, City were knocked out, losing 2-1 in Naples and drawing 1-1 at home. With both teams free-scoring, I can see this one being a goal-fest. As dangerous as Napoli are, I can’t see anyone stopping City at the moment. I think BTTS and over 2.5 goals would be a good bet and I’m going to go with a Manchester City victory.

 

Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Napoli

 

SKYBET: CITY TO WIN 3-1- 10/1

SKYBET: BTTS AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 8/13

SKYBET: MERTENS AND JESUS TO BOTH SCORE- 100/30

SKYBET: STERLING TO SCORE FIRST AND CITY TO WIN 2-1- 35/1

SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES- 15/2

SKYBET: JESUS, DE BRUYNE AND MERTENS TO ALL SCORE- 12/1

Southampton vs Newcastle United – Match Preview

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Southampton vs Newcastle United – Match Preview – Southampton host Newcastle United at St Mary’s, with the Saints looking for only their second home win of an underwhelming season.

Since beating West Ham 3-2 in mid-August, the Saints haven’t won at home. Now, almost two months on, they’re looking to end that run. Since that win, they’ve lost home games to Watford and Manchester United, in games where they were unlucky to come out empty handed. Whilst Southampton have been away from home, they have only won one game in their last six league and cup matches, with Mauricio Pellegrino getting off to a slow start in his new job.

Charlie Austin could return against Newcastle Photo Credit: skysports.com

One thing Southampton have lacked in the last few years is goals. Last season the club managed only 17 goals at home all season, which was a major factor in Claude Puel’s dismissal. This season, that trend has continued. The Saints’ have only managed five goals this season, and have not scored in five of their seven fixtures so far this season. With Manolo Gabbiadini struggling to recreate his form from last season, many will look to the return of Charlie Austin as inspiration. The Englishman has been missing since December last year and has finally returned to full fitness.

Lascelles has been solid in the heart of the defence for Newcastle Photo Credit: skysports.com

For Newcastle, an encouraging 1-1 draw against Liverpool means Rafa Benitez’s men have lost only one of their last five games. In that run, they have only conceded three goals, collecting two clean sheets in that time. The form of Captain Jamaal Lascelles has been key, with the former Nottingham Forest defender picking up two goals, to add to his impressive defensive performances.

Southampton are unbeaten in their last six matches against Newcastle, a run stretching back to 2013. In keeping with that record, the Toon Army haven’t won at St Mary’s since 2004, where they claimed a 2-1 victory. On that day, Graeme Souness was the manager, and with the club having had 13 managers since then, it underlines how long it’s been.

With the two teams having scored only 11 goals between them this season, expect goals to be at a premium. With Newcastle in good form, I could see them collecting another positive result. I think a draw could be on the cards, whilst under 2.5 goals would be my chosen bet.

 

Prediction: Southampton 1-1 Newcastle United

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE 1-1 DRAW- 5/1

SKYBET: AUSTIN TO SCORE AND SOUTHAMPTON TO WIN- 9/4

SKYBET: PEREZ TO SCORE FIRST AND NEWCASTLE TO WIN 1-0- 60/1

SKYBET: DRAW AND U2.5 GOALS- 3/1

SKYBET: GROUP SCORE SOUTHAMPTON TO WIN 1-0, 2-0 OR 2-1- 13/8

SKYBET: LONG AND JOSELU TO BOTH SCORE- 7/1