All articles by: Elliott Jackson

England vs Croatia – Match Preview

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England vs Croatia
Saturday 18th November 2018
UEFA Nations League – Group A 4, Wembley Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Main Event, Kick-Off: 14:00 GMT

England vs Croatia – England face Croatia for the third time this year – this time at Wembley in their final UEFA Nations League match, knowing that a win will see them finish top of Group 4A.

The Three Lions warmed up for this match with a routine 3-0 win over the USA on Thursday night. Jesse Lingard and Trent Alexander-Arnold put them on their way in the first half before Callum Wilson grabbed a debut goal with ten minutes remaining. It was a strong performance from Gareth Southgate’s side, despite the number of changes he made. Lewis Dunk impressed on his full debut alongside Wilson, whilst Harry Winks dominated in midfield. Jadon Sancho, however, was once against the star of the show with a number of dazzling runs, particularly in the first half.

Sancho plays with an arrogance, but of a player that only the top performers possess. That can only bode well for England and for Borussia Dortmund as the 18-year-old develops. Southgate is likely to revert to his more senior players for England’s crucial match on Sunday. A win would see England top the group, but a defeat or score draw would see them relegated. 0-0 would see them finish second, in what is likely to be a manic 90 minutes. Harry Kane will lead the line looking to help the Three Lions avenge their World Cup semi-final defeat last July.

Croatia pulled off a dramatic 3-2 win over Spain on Thursday night after leading the game three times. That win means that Croatia can win also win Group 4A with three points at Wembley, but will be relegated if they lose or the scoreline finishes 0-0. Luka Modric, Dejan Lovren and Ivan Rakitic are just a few high-profile names that still turn out for the World Cup finalists, as they look to put England through more misery, this time on their own turf.

Anastásios Sidirópoulos is the referee for this game. The Greek official has officiated nine matches this season, accumulating an average booking points total of 39.4. As a result, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ total points for this fixture.

This has ended up being a very important game for England, which people may not have expected when the competition began. Croatia are a strong side but do have some frailties which England can exploit. I’m backing Southgate’s side to nick a very tight encounter.

England vs Croatia will be televised live on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 14:00 GMT.

Prediction: England 2-1 Croatia

Suggested Tips – Croatia vs England – (SKYBET)

  • Correct score, England win 2-1 – 15/2.
  • Correct Score Group Betting – England to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 2/1.
  • Both Player to score – Harry Kane and Ivan Perisic to both score – 13/2.
  • FT Result and BTTS – Draw and BTTS YES – 10/3.
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Kane to score a header and Sterling to score outside the area – 150/1. 
  • Popular RequestABets – Stones to score a header and Croatia to score a penalty – 200/1.

Odds and markets last updated on 18th November 2018 @10:40 GMT.

We have domestic fixtures returning at the end of next week so keep an eye on those previews in the tips and preview area.

England vs USA – Match Preview

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England vs USA
Thursday 15th September 2018
International Friendly, King Power Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Main Event, Kick-Off: 20:00 GMT

England vs USA: Wayne Rooney will make his final England appearance from the bench when Gareth Southgate’s side host the USA at Wembley for an international friendly.

England’s record all-time scorer will make his final Three Lions bow on Thursday, but will not start or captain the side. Rooney’s inclusion has been criticised by some former players, as Peter Shilton accused the FA of ‘cheapening the shirt’. This game offers a chance for fans to pay their respects to an England legend, whilst also raising money for a worthy charity. He isn’t taking the place of any young player, nor will his appearance change any records in respect to England caps. It is Rooney’s first cap since 11th November, just over two years ago.

Jadon Sancho is expected to be given his first England start, after impressing in last month’s double-header against Spain and Croatia. The young winger has starred this season for Dortmund and holds the most assists in the Bundesliga. Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson and the recalled Michael Keane are also expected to play some role in the match, although it’s unknown whether that will also be from the start. England fans will also be hoping to see Raheem Sterling replicate his scintillating form for his country. Sterling has been in terrific form once again for Manchester City, and supporters will be hoping to finally see the translate in the Three Lions shirt.

The USA travel to the capital looking to put their World Cup disappointments behind them. Manager Dave Sarachan is in the process of rebuilding his side, after their humiliating defeat to Trinidad and Tobago which saw them fail to qualify for Russia 2018. There are still some familiar faces in the USA squad, with former Aston Villa ‘keeper Brad Guzan, on-loan Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers and DeAndre Yedlin have all been included for this game. Their biggest danger man is Dortmund winger Christian Pullisic. The speedy winger will provide the USA’s biggest threat down the flanks as he looks to turn the game in his side’s favour.

Jesus Gil Manzano is the referee for this game. The Spaniard has taken charge of six La Liga fixtures this season, accumulating an average cards points total of 6.17. Therefore, I would recommend a maximum of 60+ total points for this friendly fixture.

England should run out comfortable winners, in all honesty. Whilst Southgate may tinker with his side to try different combinations, they should have enough to come away with the win.

England vs USA will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event with kick off at 22:00.

Prediction: England 2-0 USA

Suggested Tips – England vs Switzerland – (SKYBET)

  • Correct score: 2-0 England – 17/2.
  • Scorecast Boost – Barkley to score first and England win 2-1 or 3-1 – 13/8.
  • Harry Kane to score a header – 8/1.
  • Raheem Sterling to score first – 11/2.

Odds and markets last updated on 15th November 2018 @17:30 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from the International break this week. We also have domestic fixtures returning at the end of the week so keep an eye on those previews in the tips and preview area.

 

Manchester City vs Manchester United – Match Preview

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Manchester City vs Manchester United
Sunday 11th November 2019
FA Premier League, Etihad Stadium

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

Manchester City vs Manchester United: League leaders Manchester City will be hoping to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League when they host city rivals Manchester United at Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s side hold a two-point lead at the top of the table, with Liverpool and Chelsea just behind them. They prepared for this match in style, as Gabriel Jesus’ hat-trick secured a 6-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. Raheem Sterling grabbed the headlines with his mesmeric run for City’s third of the evening as he continues his fantastic form at the start of the season. The Englishman has just signed a new deal with the club that will run until 2023. Guardiola’s main decision will be whether to restore Aguero back to the starting XI or stick with Jesus after his midweek treble. The Argentine will probably get the nod upfront; he has a fantastic record against the Red Devils, with seven goals in nine league meetings.

Manchester United will be looking to build on their dramatic midweek win over Juventus against their nearest rivals. Goals from Juan Mata and an Alex Sandro own-goal completed the turnaround, with both strikes coming in the final five minutes. Mourinho’s side have won five of their last six games after seemingly being set to lose his job not so long ago. Anthony Martial’s form has been a huge bonus, whilst Paul Pogba has also improved in recent weeks. If Mourinho is to truly win the fans back around, he could do with a positive result in this match. Nothing would give their supporters more satisfaction than another win over their noisy neighbours.

Anthony Taylor is the referee for this game. The Englishman has officiated 11 games in the top flight this season, accumulating an average booking points total of 36.4. Therefore, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ total points for this game.

This is sure to be a great spectacle, with Guardiola still yet to beat Mourinho at the Etihad in three meetings. We were treated to five goals last year and I reckon we might see a few more on Sunday.

Where to Watch: Manchester City vs Manchester United will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League with kick off at 18:30 GMT.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Manchester United

Suggested Tips – Manchester City vs Manchester United – (BET365)

  • Correct score – Draw – 2-2 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Manchester City vs Manchester United – (SKYBET)

  • Both Players to Score – Raheem Sterling & Anthony Martial – 12/1.
  • First Goalscorer – Sergio Aguero – 3/1.
  • Popular RequestABet – Aguero & Martial to score, 3+ corners each team and Shaw to be carded – 33/1.
  • RequestABet Special – 80/1 and above -Sane to score from outside the area and Manchester City to score a penalty – 100/1.
  • RequestABet Special – 80/1 and above – David Silva to score, Manchester City to win and Fernandinho, Stones & Herrera to be carded – 150/1.

Odds and markets last updated on Sunday 11th November 2018 @09:40 GMT.