All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Manchester United vs Bournemouth – Match Preview

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Manchester United vs Bournemouth
Sunday 30th December 2018
FA Premier League, Old Trafford

Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 16:30 GMT

Man Utd vs Bournemouth: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be looking for his third-straight win as caretaker boss of Manchester United when they host Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth at Old Trafford. The Norwegian boss claimed three points during his homecoming on boxing day as they beat Huddersfield Town 3-1.

Paul Pogba stole the headlines with a well-taken brace as the Frenchman put in a man-of-the-match display. His second goal, in particular, reminded everyone of his fantastic ability as he fired the ball into the corner from almost 30 yards. There is no doubt that Jose Mourinho’s feud with Pogba, and Martial, played a role in his dismissal. Pogba is a huge player for Manchester United and it’s vital they get him playing consistently.

Solskjaer already seems to be getting more from him, which can only benefit the club long-term. They are in sixth, at the moment, eight points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. Whilst that is still a hefty gap, there is still a small chance they could end the season in the top four. Despite their improved performances, United still look vulnerable defensively. Phil Jones and Victor Lindelof seem to be the new first-choice pairing, which is an interesting blend. I’ve always rated Jones as a defender, but his poor injury record has hampered his career to date. It will be interesting to see how those two perform for the remainder of the campaign and whether they can improve United’s poor defensive record.

Bournemouth were hit for five on boxing day as they went down 5-0 to Tottenham Hotspur. Howe’s men were swept away by Mauricio Pochettino’s side and will be looking to respond against the Red Devils. It means the Cherries have only recorded one win in their last five games, conceding 12 goals in the process. Although Bournemouth’s season won’t be defined against the top six, they could do with getting back to basics. They sit in 11th, two points behind seventh-placed Leicester City.

That means they have a very realistic chance of earning a European place, which would be a spectacular achievement. Lee Mason is the referee for this game.

The Englishman has taken charge of nine top-flight matches this season. In that time, he has accumulated an average booking points total of 35.6. As a result, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ points for this game.

Manchester United look revitalised – for now – and therefore it will suit them, coming up against a leaky Bournemouth backline. Therefore, I think we’ll see them run out comfortable winners, as they bid to close the gap on the top four.

Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Bournemouth

Suggested Tips – Manchester United vs Bournemouth – (BET365):

  • Correct score:  Manchester United Win 3-1 – (link no longer available).
  • To Score Anytime – Paul Pogba – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Manchester United vs Bournemouth – (SKYBET):

  • RequestABet Specials 11/1 to 28/1 – Manchester United win 3-1 & Martial to score – 14/1.
  • Both Players To Score – Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial – 10/3. (NB).
  • RequestABet Specials – up to 10/1 – Manchester Utd to win, Manchester Utd to score 2+ goals, 5+ Manchester Utd corners and 20+ match booking pts – 5/4. (NAP).

Odds and markets last updated on Sunday 30th December @10:24 GMT. Keep checking back to see if there’s any updates to markets – the time stamp in the previous sentence for when we update tips on this page will be updated.

Remember to keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around the domestic action over the festive period.

Liverpool vs Arsenal – Match Preview

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Liverpool vs Arsenal
Saturday 29th December 2018
FA Premier League, Anfield 

Live on BT Sport 1 – Kick-Off: 17:30 GMT

Liverpool vs Arsenal: League-leader Liverpool take on Unai Emery’s Arsenal, looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points.

Boxing day saw the Reds extend their advantage over Manchester City to six points after Pep Guardiola’s side lost 2-1 to Leicester City. Jurgen Klopp’s men recorded a 4-0 win over Newcastle, to cement their place as the bookies’ favourite to win the title for the first time this season. On Saturday, they take on Arsenal, having drawn 1-1 with the Gunners in early November. Since then, they have lost just twice – both in the Champions League – but have won every league games.

Xherdan Shaqiri continued his fine form at Anfield against Newcastle with another goal, the Swiss international has scored five in his last five appearances on Merseyside. This game marks an important week for the Reds, as they take on Manchester City at the weekend. Liverpool could find themselves 12 points clear of the Citizens at the end of the week, or back level on points. They couldn’t be in better form, having won their last seven games at home in all competitions.

Arsenal limped to a 1-1 draw with Brighton on boxing day. The game was marred by Emery’s questionable substitution, which saw Mesut Ozil hauled off at half-time. This was the latest turn in Emery and Ozil’s topsy-turvy relationship – my guess at whether he’ll start at Anfield is as good as yours. After their 22-match unbeaten run ended, Arsenal have won just once in four games. They’re fifth in the table, two points off the top four and six points ahead of Manchester United. If they want to regain a place amongst Europe’s elite in the Champions League, they need to rediscover their form that made them so hard to beat.

Michael Oliver is the referee for this game. The Englishman has taken charge of 14 matches this season. In that time, he has accumulated an average booking points total of 31.4. As a result, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ points for this game.

Liverpool are in sparkling form and now have a very realistic chance of claiming their first ever Premier League title. Arsenal aren’t in their best form and go to Anfield with a number of injuries. Therefore, I’m going to side with the Reds.

Liverpool vs Arsenal will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport 1 with kick off at 17:30 GMT.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal

Suggested Tips – Liverpool vs Arsenal – (BET365):

  • Correct score:  Liverpool win 3-1 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Mohammed Salah – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Liverpool vs Arsenal – (SKYBET):

  • Full Time Result & Both Teams to score – Liverpool and Yes – 13/8.
  • Total Goals, Corners and Booking Points –  Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang –  11/2. 
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Salah & Aubameyang to score, Draw, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 80/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above –  BTTS, Firmino, Mane, Salah, Aubameyang & Lacazette 1+ shots on target and Lovren & Xhaka to be carded – 80/1.

Odds and markets last updated on Saturday 29th December @11:34 GMT. Keep checking back to see if there’s any updates to markets – the time stamp in the previous sentence for when we update tips on this page will be updated.

Remember to keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around the domestic action over the New Year period.

Sheffield United vs Derby County – Match Preview

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Sheffield United vs Derby County
Wednesday 26th December 2018
SkyBet Championship, Bramall Lane

Live on Sky Sports Football HD – Kick-Off: 15:00 GMT

Sheffield United vs Derby County: Both of these top-six rivals will be desperate to gain the upper ground on the other when Sheffield United host Derby County on boxing day.

The Blades sit sixth in the Championship, despite a disappointing 1-1 with Ipswich Town at the weekend. Chris Wilder’s side have dropped off from their early-season form, winning just three of their last 11 games. That has seen fall nine points off the top two and clinging off to a top-six place. They hold a three-point lead on the chasing pack ahead of this game. A major problem for United has been their inability to keep clean sheets. In this 11-game run, they’ve kept just two shutouts. If they want to get back to winning ways, they need to go back to basics. It’s vital they avoid defeat in this game, ahead of the January transfer window. Wilder is looking to add three loan additions to his squad and ensuring they are still in the promotion mix could be vital to securing their targets.

Derby sit fifth in the table, directly above their hosts. There is just one point separating these two, which makes the stakes even higher. The Rams have lost just one of their last six games and come into this match in strong form. Frank Lampard’s side face Norwich, Middlesbrough and Leeds United in their next three league games – a run of fixture that will make or break their season. Playing four of the other five top-six sides will allow Lampard to assess exactly where his squad is and where they may need to strengthen. A centre back is believed to be high on their list of priorities, although they do have the fourth-best defensive record in the league.

Geoff Eltringham is the referee for this game. The Englishman has taken charge of 13 matches this season. In that time, he has accumulated an average booking points total of 28.1. As a result, I would recommend a maximum of 40+ points for this game.

Sheffield United have struggled against the top six. They have lost to Middlesbrough, West Brom, Forest and Derby already this campaign. As a result, I think the Rams could do the double and come away with three vital points.

Sheffield United vs Derby County will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 15:00 GMT.

Prediction: Sheffield United 1-2 Derby County

Suggested Tips – Sheffield United vs Derby County – (BET365):

  • Correct score: Derby County to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Jack Marriott – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Sheffield United vs Derby County – (SKYBET):

  • Double Up Price Boost – Harry Wilson to score outside the area – 9/1.
  • Full Time Result & Both Teams to Score – Draw & Yes –  3/1. 
  • Popular RequestABet – Derby to win, BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team  – 28/1.

Odds and markets last updated on Tuesday 25th December @23:34 GMT. Keep checking back to see if there’s any updates to markets – the time stamp in the previous sentence for when we update tips on this page will be updated.

Remember to keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around the domestic action over the festive period.