All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Celtic vs Rangers – Match Preview

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Celtic vs Rangers
Sunday 2nd September 2018
Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 12:00 GMT

Celtic vs Rangers: Steven Gerrard takes charge of his first old firm derby as his Rangers side travel to champions Celtic.

Gerrard will come up against his former boss Brendan Rogers as his side look to make an early statement under his stewardship. Celtic have been in poor form recently, with just two wins six games. Rodgers’ side crashed out of the Champions League as they lost 3-2 at AEK Athens in the third qualifying round. Now they must try to qualify for the Europa League or face a campaign without any European competition. Rodgers has voiced his unhappiness about the club’s lack of activity in the transfer market – with only Daniel Arzani joining the club this summer. With little investment in the playing staff, it’s unsurprising to see Celtic stagnate in Europe. Not qualifying for the Champions League was a massive bow for the club.

Celtic are currently second in the Scottish Premiership, with six points from three games. Rangers, by contrast, have five points and sit in fourth. They are still unbeaten in all competitions this season and look set to feature in the Europa League this season, where they could face Celtic. There are no illusions about the enormity of the task Gerrard faces at Ibrox, but there seems to an air of genuine support from the Rangers supporters for the former Liverpool midfielder. It will take time, but there is a belief that he could be the man to restore Rangers to former glory.

Willie Collum is the referee for Sunday’s match. The Scotsman has averaged 32.5 booking points this season, but as everyone knows Old Firm derbies are often feisty affairs. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 60+ total booking points for this game. It might be worth looking at any markets for a red card, which could offer good value.

Whilst Rangers are looking stronger under Gerrard, Celtic are still top dogs in Scotland. It would be a massive result if they could avoid defeat against the champions, but I fancy Celtic to just edge this one. Not much is guaranteed in life – but this is sure to be a tasty contest.

Celtic vs Rangers will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 12:00 GMT.

Prediction: Celtic 2-1 Rangers

Suggested Tips – Celtic vs Rangers – (BET365)

  • Correct score: Celtic 2-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Celtic vs Rangers – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Celtic to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 15/8.
  • Both Player to Score – Griffiths and Lafferty to both score – 5/1.
  • Celtic to win and BTTS – 9/4.

Odds and markets last updated on Friday 31st August 2018 @10:32 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.

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview

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Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur
Monday 27th August 2018
FA Premier League, Old Trafford

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

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Manchester United will be looking to bounce back from last week’s defeat against Brighton when they take on Tottenham at Old Trafford.

Jose Mourinho’s side suffered their first defeat of the season at the Amex last weekend, losing 3-2 to Brighton. With Mourinho for his ‘third season meltdowns’, there are already worrying signs for Red Devils fans. Ed Woodward didn’t back his man in the transfer window, as United failed to sign a much-needed centre back. Woodward found fault with each of Mourinho’s targets, with Toby Alderweireld now 29, Jerome Boateng injury-prone and Harry Maguire costing £70m. However, if United want to close the gap to City they needed to invest in a defender. You can’t bring in Mourinho, knowing that he is a manager for now, rather than the future and not back him – especially after giving a contract extension in January.

Tottenham have started the season with two wins, despite not quite being at their best with a number of World Cup stars absent. Harry Kane got himself off and running for the new season last week; ending his August hoodoo in the process. The Englishman had previously gone 15th matches without a goal in August, but sealed Spurs win with their third goal in a 3-1 win over Fulham. Despite failing to make any signings in the summer, Tottenham still look strong. Lucas Moura, who has struggled since joining from PSG last January, has started the season well. The Brazilian feels like a new addition and is starting to turn in the calibre of performance Spurs supporters were expecting when he joined six months ago.

Craig Pawson is the referee for Monday night’s clash. The Englishman has averaged 50+ booking points over two games, having issued red cards in both matches. He has also shown five yellow cards in his two games, so therefore I would advise a maximum of 40+ total match booking points.

It’s very hard to tell how United will react from last week’s loss. They could either down tools completely, or blow Tottenham out the water – they have the potential to do either. I’m expecting an improved performance, but Spurs don’t lose many games. Therefore, I think this could be a draw, or one goal separating the teams.

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 20:00 GMT.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur.

Suggested Tips – Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur – (BET365):

  • Correct score: United to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur – (SKYBET):

  • Both Players to Score – Lukaku and Kane to both score – 5/1.
  • BTTS and FT draw – 3/1.
  • First Goalscorer – Christian Eriksen to score first – 9/1.
  • Scorecast Boost (Double Chance) – Dele Alli to score first and either Tottenham to win 2-1 or Draw 2-2 – 45/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Kane and Lukaku both to score a header – 80/1.
  • @FootyAccums Specials – BTTS, 3+ corners each team and 10+ booking points each team – 7/4. (NAP).
  • RequestABet Insurance – A goal to be scored from a Header, from Outside of the area and from a Penalty Area – 25/1. (NB).
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Lukaku 2+ Shots on Target & Kane 2+ Shots on Target, 8+ match corners and Young & Dier to be carded – 80/1.

Odds and markets last updated on Monday 27th August 2018 @18:12 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 weeks other Premier League and Championship games.

Liverpool vs Brighton and Hove Albion – Match Preview

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Liverpool vs Brighton and Hove Albion
Saturday 25th August 2018
FA Premier League, Anfield

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

Liverpool vs Brighton – The Reds will be looking for a third league win in as many games when they face Brighton at Anfield.

The Reds secured back to back league victories with a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace on Monday night. James Milner’s penalty and Sadio Mane’s injury-time strike did the damage against ten-man Palace. Naby Keita put in another eye-catching display, having impressed in their opening-day win again West Ham. The midfield playmaker was a constant threat; he already looks like a fine purchase having made the £60m move from Red Bull Leipzig. Mane has also started the season in fine form, with three goals in two games. He has continued his partnership with Mohamad Salah and Roberto Firmino, who are a nightmare for any defence.

Virgil van Dijk produced another man of the match performance. The Dutch defender has been a revelation since joining the club from Southampton last January for £75m. He has installed an air of confidence in the back four, along with the addition of Alisson in goal. VVD looks like the perfect tutor for Joe Gomez, who has begun the season as his centre-back partner.

Brighton grabbed their first win of the new season with an eye-catching victory over Manchester United. The Seagulls condemned Jose Mourinho’s side to their first defeat of the campaign, with Glenn Murray, Pascal Gross and Shane Duffy inflicting the damage. There has been plenty of talk about ‘second season syndrome’ at the Amex, but Chris Hughton’s side put those concerns at ease with a fantastic display. They are, however, a much different proposition on the road – it’s their home form that kept them up last season.

Chris Kavanagh has been appointed as the referee for this game. The Englishman has officiated one match this season, showing three yellow cards. Last season he averaged 38.7 booking points and therefore I’d advise a maximum of 40+ for this game.

Liverpool have looked already looked as though they will be the strongest side to challenge Manchester City for the title. Brighton are a match for most at home, but they struggle away from the Amex. As a result, I’d plump for a home win, with the Reds to bag a few goals in the process.

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

Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Brighton

Suggested Tips – Wolves vs Manchester City – (BET365):

  • Correct score: Liverpool to win 3-0 – (link no longer available).
  • Mane to score first – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Wolves vs Manchester City – (SKYBET):

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Liverpool to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 15/8.
  • Both Players to Score – Roberto Firmino and Mohammed Salah – 21/10.
  • Scorecast Boost – Mohamed Salah to score first and Liverpool to win 3-0 – 22/1.

Odds and markets last updated on Thursday 23rd August 2018 @17:10 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 weeks other Premier League and Championship games.