All articles by: Prashant Maniar

Wolverhampton – 10th August 2017 – Horse Racing Preview

Betalyst.com are proud to sponsor 4 races at Wolverhampton on Thursday 10th August 2017 and our preview, looks at the runners in those 4 races, providing our insight and hopefully pick out a winner or two!

6.35 Wolverhampton – Betalyst.com Football Betting Analyst Fillies’ Handicap – 6F 20Y

Loving for William Haggas has been dropped in grade coming into this race, though previous form has been disappointing as finishing 4/6 at Yarmouth 14 days ago. The yard have been going well so cannot rule out and have James Doyle in the saddle.

Dusky Maid had been running well up until its last at Doncaster where finishing 6th of 7. Form has been much better on the all weather and has a win over the course back in June, over 7f. Another that cannot be ruled out due to form on the all weather.

Tooty Fruitti wasn’t at her best when finishing 3rd in a handicap at Lingfield most recently but had run well in her last two at Wolverhampton, winning over 5f in a seller and then losing by a head to Bogsnog over 6f. Josephine Gordon take the ride but I feel Tooty Fruitti will be in the placings.

Prediction: Dusky Maid

 

7.35pm Wolverhampton – betalyst.com Daily Tips & Previews Novice Auction Stakes – 7F 36Y

Tranquil Soul looks to be the most progressive of the field after 2 runs, finishing 6th on debut at Nottingham on good/firm ground and then a good 2nd at Wolverhampton over 6f. Seems to enjoy the tapeta and will be the one to beat.

Danger to the selection will be Oswald, if able to regain momentum back at Wolverhampton, where on debut finished a head behind the winner over 7f. A disappointing run at Lingfield followed though, on good to soft ground.

Prediction: Tranquil Soul

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8.40pm Wolverhampton – Betalyst.com Free Football Tips Handicap – 1M 142Y

High End looks to be the one to beat, with 3 year old winning on debut at Chelmsford over a mile and though running slightly green, managed to win by a head with a bit in hand under Josephine Gordon. Edward Greatrex takes the ride this time,  taking off 3lb for Godolphin.

Almoreb looks to be the danger to the selection, making his AW debut. Ran well at Sandown last time out on soft ground, winning by 1/2 a length and has finished 4 lengths to William Haggas’ Mojito, the time before.

Prediction: High End

 

9.10pm Wolverhampton – Betalyst.com Pro Tips Handicap – 1M 4F 51Y

Gold Class moves from the jumps to the flat and has since joined Olly Murphy’s yard and won in good fashion after a 274 day break to win at Market Rasen by 6 lengths. James Doyle takes the ride and looks an interesting contender.

An open looking race where the dangers could come from Flowers Will Bloom and Flying Power. The former, trained by David O’Meara, drops in class and this should be more to her liking. Flying Power is a course and distance winner but it was over 4 years ago. If able to bring that level of form back, will be in the mix.

Prediction: Gold Class

See the full race card for the evening here:

http://www.attheraces.com/racecards/wolverhampton/10-August-2017

https://www.racinguk.com/racecards/67899-betalyst-com-pro-tips-handicap

 

Skybet Championship 2017/2018 – EFL Opening Day Preview

Opening Day Preview – The EFL Skybet Championship kicks off this Friday as 24 teams compete for the coveted prize of promotion into the Premier League. With only 2 automatic promotion places, 4 other teams will battle it out for a place in the Play Off Finals at Wembley come the end of the season.

Here we look at the clubs that trailed the three promoted sides and to their opening day fixtures for the season ahead. Can they compete for the title and promotion once again?

 

QPR vs Reading

Reading reached the Play Off Final last season and will hope to go one better this year Photo Credit: skysports.com

Reading reached the Play Off Final last season and were beaten by Huddersfield on penalties after a 0-0 stalemate. Jaap Stam has done a fantastic job at the Madejski Stadium after just one season in charge. Stam won his first game of the season defeating Preston North End 1-0 at home but their form on the opening day has not been the best, though only losing one in their last 5.

QPR: Last 5 Opening day results – 2 Wins, 3 Losses

Last 2 Opening Day results – 1 Loss, 1 Win ( Charlton 2-0, Leeds Utd 3-0)

Reading: Last 5 Opening Day results – 2 Wins, 1 Loss, 2 Draws

Last 2 Opening Day results – 1 Loss, 1 Win (Birmingham City 2-1, Preston NE 1-0)

Prediction Both Teams to Score – Reading look the stronger on form but do concede goals and QPR seem to concede and go onto lose games. Reading a tentative vote for a win but BTTS is the safer option.

 

Preston NE vs Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday after their defeat in the Play Offs last season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Preston NE: Last 5 Opening Day results – 4 Draws, 1 Loss

Last 2 Opening Day results – 1 Draw, 1 Loss (Middlesbrough 0-0, Reading 1-0)

Sheffield Wednesday: Last 5 Opening Day results – 3 Wins, 1 Loss, 1 Draw

Last 2 Opening Day results – 2 Wins (Bristol City 2-0, Aston Villa 1-0)

Prediction Sheffield Wednesday Win, Over 2.5 goals – Preston drew 4 of the 5 opening day games in the last 5 years with all 4 draws coming at home and only one being a score draw. Sheffield Wednesday haven’t won when away from home on the opening game of the season but have hit the back of the net on both occasions. Sheffield Wednesday look to be the stronger of the two and I believe they will challenge for promotion once again.

 

Fulham vs Norwich City

Fulham finished 2 places above Norwich last season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Fulham: Last 4 Opening Day results – 3 Wins, 1 Loss, 1 Draw

Last 2 Opening Day results – 1 Draw, 1 Win (Cardiff 1-1, Newcastle 1-0)

Norwich City: Last 5 Opening Day results – 1 Win, 3 Losses, 1 Draw

Last 2 Opening Day results – 1 Loss, 1 Win ( Crystal Palace 3-1, Blackburn 4-1)

Prediction Fulham Win – Fulham beat Norwich comfortably in their opening game of the 2012/2013 season in the Premier League 5-0 at home and though it was a few years back, Norwich do not look as though they have progressed as much as Fulham. Norwich have not won away from home in the last 5 opening day games whereas Fulham have won both home games from the last 5 opening games.The West London side should have the better of the Canaries and win convincingly.

 

Bolton Wanderers vs Leeds United

Leeds Utd will be hoping to gain promotion with last season’s topscorer Chris Wood Photo Credit: skysports.com

Bolton Wanderers: Last 5 Opening results – 1 Win, 2 Losses, 2 Draws

Last 2 Opening Day results – 1 Draw, 1 Win Derby 0-0, Sheffield United 1-0)

Leeds United: Last 5 Opening Day results – 2 Wins, 2 Losses, 1 Draw

Last 2 Opening Day results – 1 Draw, 1 Loss ( Burnley 1-1, QPR 3-0)

Prediction – Bolton Win – Bolton are undefeated at home in the last 5 opening day games whereas Leeds United have lost twice when away from home in the last 5 opening games. Neither side boast great form on opening day so a safer bet could be a draw or under 2.5 goals.

 

Suggested Tips:

FA Premier League 2017/2018 – Potential Manager Casualties

FA Premier League 2017/2018 – Potential Manager Casualties – The Premier League is becoming more and more competitive every year and with the finances involved, clubs are trying to keep their heads above water and remain in the top-flight league in Britain.

The Premier League receives the most revenue of all football leagues and as clubs are run like businesses, managers must use all resources provided to ensure a successful and ambitious club.

This season, Newcastle United, champions of the Skybet Championship, Brighton, runners up to Newcastle, and Huddersfield, have been propelled into the highest tier of British football.

As far as casualties go, the managers of the three promoted sides will be favourites to part ways with their club’s due to inexperience and even their handlings in the transfer markets. As the season progresses, and clubs do not, the likelihood of a departure could occur after 3 games of the season or even with 3 games to go of the season.

Other circumstances could come into play in regard to a ‘casualty’, as Sam Allardyce learned when manager of England for just one competitive match. The FA and Allardyce himself, mutually agreed a termination of his contract due to alleged claims of ‘bending the rules’ which the FA deemed ‘inappropriate’.

Here is our shortlist of 6 managers who could potentially be the first casualties in the Premier League this season.

FA Premier League 2017/2018 - Potential Manager Casualties

Photo Credit: skysports.com

West Ham United – Slaven Bilic – 6/1

Former Croatia manager Slaven Bilic has had a tough time at West Ham since arriving at the club in June 2015. Admittedly, his first season was a success, as he led the Hammers to wins against Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City, all away from home. The season ended with the Hammers placed into the Europa League due to Manchester United winning the FA Cup that season. Since then, West Ham and Slaven Bilic have tried to acquire the right players to propel their league status but have failed to make their new home, the Olympic Stadium a fortress, something that must change this season.

If Bilic endures a tough start to the season, Co – owners David Sullivan and David Gold will not hesitate to remove the Croatian.

FA Premier League 2017/2018 - Potential Manager Casualties

Photo Credit: skysports.com

West Bromwich Albion – Tony Pulis – 12/1

Tony Pulis arrived at West Brom in January 2015 and he has had mixed fortunes since arriving at the Hawthorns. In the 2015/2016 season, Pulis led WBA to a 14th place position, keeping them out of relegation.

The 2016/2017 season, WBA finished 10th, though losing their last three games of the season.

Pulis has been at the front of controversy in previous years as when he left Crystal Palace after just a season, which led to the move to the Hawthorns at the beginning of January 2015.

Pulis has stated that he doesn’t receive the backing from the board at all times and thus hindering their progression to challenge consistently for a top ten place, and though the side has kept their head above water, whether Pulis is the man to progress the side is another question.

FA Premier League 2017/2018 - Potential Manager Casualties

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Stoke City – Mark Hughes – 4/1

Mark Hughes and Stoke have also been inconsistent in the league. Hughes has been at the Britannia Stadium since 2013 and looked to be making progress with the side, finishing 9th 3 years in a row but then failing to enter the top 10 last season when finishing 13th.

Stoke have solid players but lack creativity which could cause Hughes problems this season as one of their most creative players, Marko Arnautovic, joined West Ham this summer. Many experienced players left the club as Glenn Whelan and Jon Walters moved on this summer. Kurt Zouma, Chelsea defender, has signed on a season long loan but Hughes is yet to bolster in key areas such as the midfield and upfront.

This could be a difficult season for Hughes and if the club do not begin the season well, it is likely Hughes and Stoke will depart ways.

FA Premier League 2017/2018 - Potential Manager Casualties

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Newcastle United – Rafael Benitez – 4/1

Rafa Benitez has done wonders with Newcastle and he will be hoping his squad will be good enough to stay in the league. Many of the players have experience of the Premier League and should be capable of challenging but Benitez himself could be courted to a higher level if pursued by clubs in England or Europe. Benitez also was at the heart of speculation regarding transfers in the summer, and rumours of him wanting to leave due to not receiving the transfer funds he wanted were circulating.

All seems fine now but with owner Mike Ashley, if things do not go right, he too will not hesitate in removing the manager.

FA Premier League 2017/2018 - Potential Manager Casualties

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Manchester City – Pep Guardiola – 40/1

Pep Guardiola is regarded as one of the best managers in the world and his move from Barcelona last season to Manchester City excited all football fans. Guardiola spent over £168 million on 9 players and finished 3rd to Chelsea, a huge 15 points away from the champions.

Many were critical of his style of play and manner towards players; removing Joe Hart from the squad and loaning him to Roma, switching both full backs to play on opposite sides, and during the season, dropping world class striker Sergio Aguero for 18-year-old, Gabriel Jesus.

With the amount of money spent and changes to the squad’s style, Guardiola looked to concede the title as he tried to gel his team together. Though it seems refutable that a manager of Guardiola’s stature could be sacked, as Jimmy Greaves said, ‘(Football) It’s a funny old game’ and anything could happen.

Guardiola must challenge for a trophy this season or he will be sent packing, especially if rivals Manchester United are able to achieve more this season.

FA Premier League 2017/2018 - Potential Manager Casualties

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Huddersfield Town – David Wagner – 14/1

David Wagner did a great job last season to bring Huddersfield through the Play Offs and secure promotion into the Premier League. However, the German and his side could struggle in the league without enough experience.

The signings of Tom Ince from Derby and Steve Mounie from Montpellier will help Huddersfield to find the net but they did struggle to break teams down last season in the Championship and were inconsistent, something that Huddersfield cannot afford to do.

And as being one of the 3 clubs to be promoted, Huddersfield will be one of the favourites to be relegated back to the Championship.