All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Sheffield Wednesday vs Middlesbrough – Match Preview

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Sheffield Wednesday vs Middlesbrough
Friday 19th October 2018
SkyBet Championship, Hillsborough

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT

Sheffield Wednesday vs Middlesbrough: Sheffield Wednesday face Middlesbrough at Hillsborough in a top-six clash, with both sides looking to gain ground on the top two.

The international break came at just the right time for Jos Luhukay’s men, after a tough run of fixtures. The Owls faced Leeds, Stoke, West Brom, Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Aston Villa within six games. They returned an impressive tally of nine points, losing just once, which has seen them rise to sixth place. At the moment, Wednesday are one of the most in-form sides in the division, making Hillsborough a tough place for any side to visit. Wednesday will be without Fernando Forestieri through injury, so Adam Reach will be expected to replicate his fine displays which saw him score two ‘goal of the month’ contenders.

Despite Forestieri’s absence, Barry Bannan and Steven Fletcher have been passed fit, along with Sam Hutchinson and Lucas Joao. Joao netted twice off the bench in their 2-1 win over Bristol City in their last match, which was his fourth and fifths goals of the season. The Owls are unbeaten at home this season in the league but have drawn four of their six games. If they can start turning those into wins, they could even mount a push for automatic promotion.

Middlesbrough sit in fourth, three points ahead of their hosts. Tony Pulis’ side suffered an uncharacteristic defeat at home again Nottingham Forest in their last match and will be desperate to bounce back with a win. After being tipped for the title at the start of the campaign, it has been a steady start by Boro. Their main issue has been a lack of goals; they have just 14, the lowest of the top six by some distance. However, unlike Wednesday, they are rock solid at the back, conceding just six times, which is the best record in the league.

Peter Bankes is the referee for this match. The Englishman has officiated eight games in the second tier this season. He has an average booking points total of 66.2, which is the second highest in the league. As a result, I’d recommend a maximum of 70+ total points for this fixture.

Although Wednesday are in the best form of these two sides, Middlesbrough have made a habit of being hard to beat. Therefore, given Wednesday’s record with draws at home, I could see this ending in a similar fashion.

Sheffield Wednesday vs Middlesbrough will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 19:45 GMT.

Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Middlesbrough

Suggested Tips – Sheffield Wednesday vs Middlesbrough – (SKYBET):

  • Correct score: draw 1-1 – (link no longer available).
  • Joao to both score in 90 mins – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Sheffield Wednesday vs Middlesbrough – (SKYBET):

  • BTTS and Wednesday to win – 7/1.
  • Reach to score outside the area – 16/1.
  • Popular RequestABets – Ayala to score a header & Reach to score from outside the area – 125/1.
  • RequestABet Specials – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 15/2. (NAP – 9/2 Market available with 3+ corners each team at 9/2 under @FootyAccums Specials).

Odds and markets last updated on Friday 19th October @17:40 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 this weekends other domestic games.

Spain vs England – Match Preview

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Spain vs England
Monday 18th October 2018
UEFA Nations League – Group A 4, Estadio Benito Villmarin, Sevilla

Live on Sky Sports Main Event, Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT

Spain vs England: England take on Spain in the UEFA Nations League looking to secure their first win in Group 4A and avenge their defeat Wembley last month.

Spain claimed a 2-1 win at Wembley, with goals from Saul Niguez and Rodrigo Moreno cancelling out Marcus Rashford’s early strike. England secured their first point in Group 4A on Friday when they drew 0-0 with Croatia in a behind-closed-doors fixture. Gareth Southgate opted for a back four against the beaten World Cup finalist. Kyle Walker was restored to the lineup after Kieran Trippier was preferred against Spain. On the wings, Rashford and Raheem Sterling started in support of Harry Kane. Whilst it was an even contest, England created the more clear-cut chances, with Kane hitting the bar with a header, whilst Rashford should have scored but could only hit a weak effort straight at the goalkeeper.

Jadon Sancho was given his debut by Southgate, as he replaced Sterling with 15 minutes to play. The Borussia Dortmund gave Three Lions’ supporters an early indication of what he’s all about, with a bursting drive down the wing, moment after entering the play. Fellow youngsters Mason Mount and James Maddison will be hoping for their first cap on Monday.

Spain beat Wales 4-1 on Thursday night in an international friendly. Dortmund striker Paco Alcacer grabbed a brace, before Sergio Ramos and Marc Bartra added to the scoreline against Ryan Giggs’ side. Luis Enrique has already shown a commitment to bringing through the next generation of Spanish talent. Against Wales, they started with a midfield trio of Saul, Rodri Hernandez and Dani Cabellos, who have a combined age of 67. Alvaro Morata was also reintroduced into the fray, although Enrique may opt to start with Rodrigo or Alcacer against England.

Szymon Marciniak is the referee for this game. The Polish official has already taken charge of two European games this season, as well as the Super Cup in August. In 82 matches, he has issued 4.15 cards per game. As a result, I would advise a maximum of 50+ total points for this fixture.

England were competitive against Spain last month, and but for the referee’s controversial decision to rule out Danny Welbeck’s late equaliser, would have drawn the game. This time around, they are without Dele Alli and Jese Lingard, which makes the task tougher. Therefore, I’m going to go for a narrow Spain victory.

Spain vs England will be televised live in the UK this evening on Sky Sports Main Event with kick off at 19:45 GMT.

Prediction: Spain 2-1 England

Suggested Tips – Spain vs England – (SKYBET)

  • Correct score, Spain to win 2-1 – 8/1.
  • Player to score in 90 mins – Harry Kane – 2/1.
  • Both Player to score – Rodrigo and Marcus Rashford to both score – 11/1.
  • FT Result and BTTS – Spain and BTTS YES – 5/2. (NAP).
  • RequestABet specials 80/1 and above – Kane to score a header and Spain to score a penalty – 125/1.
  • Scorecast Boost – Paco Alcacer to score first and Spain to win 2-1 – 50/1.

Odds and markets last updated on 15th October 2018 @15:20 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews towards the end of the week with the return of domestic fixtures.

 

Croatia vs England – Match Preview

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Croatia vs England
Friday 12th October 2018
UEFA Nations League – Group A 4, Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Live on Sky Sports Main Event, Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT

Croatia vs England: England will be looking to avenge their World Cup semi-final defeat when they face Croatia in their second UEFA Nations League match.

Gareth Southgate will need few reminders of the match that stopped England reaching the World Cup final in July. Mario Madzukic’s late winner still live long in the memory of the players and supporters. Now, England must try and replicate their stunning 4-1 win against Croatia in 2008, where Theo Walcott scored a memorable hattrick. Southgate has named a youthful squad once again, with Mason Mount, Jadon Sancho and James Maddison all handed their first call-ups.

England have been crying out for some creativity in midfield, so the inclusion of Mount, Maddison, and Harry Winks may offer that. Ross Barkley has also been handed a recall, at the expenses of Chelsea teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The attacking midfielder has impressed under Maurizio Sarri so far this season, grabbing a goal and an assist in their recent win over Southampton. If Barkley can continue his early-season form, there is no reason why he can’t realise his obvious potential and become an integral figure for club and country.

Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic has named much of the same squad following their appearance in the final of the World Cup in the summer. Ballon d’Or nominee Luka Modric will be desperate to steal the show, as he did when the sides met in Russia. Chelsea loanee Mateo Kovacic will be looking to earn himself a start; the Croatian playmaker has settled into life in West London since joining on loan from Real Madrid. They will be without Juventus striker Mandzukic for this game, with former Leicester striker Andrej Kramaric expected to deputise.

Felix Brych is the referee for this game. The German has officiated three Bundesliga games this season, accumulating an average cards total of 1.33 per game. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 40+ total points for this game.

Having lost to Spain last time out, England need a result if they’re to avoid being relegated from Group 4A. I think the strength of the side Southgate puts out will indicate what he thinks of this competition, but having lost to Croatia in July, they will be desperate to restore some pride.

Croatia vs England will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event with kick off at 19:45 GMT.

Prediction: Croatia 1-1 England

Suggested Tips – Croatia vs England – (SKYBET)

  • Correct score, Draw 1-1 – 5/1.
  • Player to score a header – Harry Kane – 12/1.
  • Both Player to score – Ivan Perisic and Marcus Rashford to both score – 10/1.
  • FT Result and BTTS – Draw and BTTS YES – 10/3.
  • Popular RequestABets – Kane to score a header and Modric to score outside the area – 100/1.

Odds and markets last updated on 12th October 2018 @17:40 GMT.

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