All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Southampton vs Chelsea – Match Betting Preview

Southampton vs Chelsea
Saturday 14th April 2018
FA Premier League, St Mary’s Stadium

Sky Sports Main Event – Kick-Off: 12:30 GMT

Southampton vs Chelsea – Chelsea head to the South Coast to face Southampton looking for victory as they bid to reignite their push for the top four.

Chelsea look set to be playing Europa League football next season after a run of one win in five league games. This poor form also stretches to two wins in their all games in all competitions. Antonio Conte’s side were let frustrated yet again last week as they drew 1-1 with West Ham. Despite dominating for large periods of the game, the Blues couldn’t put the game to bed and paid the price. The result left them ten points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, with just six games remaining. Speculation over Conte’s future continues to increase as Chelsea stutter to the end of the Italian’s second season in charge. Their only hope of silverware comes in the shape of the FA Cup. They will face their opponents on Saturday for a place in the final, where Chelsea lost last year.

Southampton’s hopes of avoiding relegation were dealt a blow as they lost 3-2 to Arsenal. The Saints came away from the Emirates feeling hard done by, having performed well for large portions of the game. On reflection, I felt they deserved a point, which is a cause for optimism. They are, however, still three points adrift of safety although they do have a game in hand. Despite their improved performance, they still conceded three goals. All the goals were avoidable and came due to Southampton’s inability to clear their 18-yard-box. Goals have been the main source problem this year but if they don’t defend better when they have the lead, they will find themselves in the Championship next season.

Mike Dean is the referee for Saturday’s early kick-off. The Englishman was in charge of Cardiff V Wolves last week but finds himself back in the Premier League for this fixture. Dean has officiated 21 top-flight fixtures this campaign, accumulating an average booking points total of 39. This is the fourth highest in the league. As a result, I would recommend a maximum booking points total of 40 in any bet.

After watching Southampton’s performance last week, I feel they can survive. There are always twists and turns in the Premier League and we might see another this weekend. Chelsea are in turmoil and I could really see the Saints getting a result. Therefore, I would suggest double chance Southampton or draw as my bet.

Southampton vs Chelsea will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event with kick-off at 17:30 GMT.

Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Chelsea

Suggested Tips – Southampton vs Chelsea – (BET365):

  • Correct score, Southampton 2-1- (link no longer available).
  • Double chance, Southampton or draw – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Southampton vs Chelsea – (SKYBET):

  • Austin to score in 90 mins – 2/1.
  • Morata and Hazard to score – 9/2.
  • BTTS and over 2.5 goals – 11/8.

Odds and markets last updated on 8th April 2018 @12:50 GMT. Markets may be updated prior to kick off so keep checking back before kick off for any further updates or markets.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from this weekends FA Premier League and SkyBet Championship action.

Aston Villa vs Leeds United – Match Preview

Aston Villa vs Leeds United
Friday 13th April 2018
Sky Bet Championship, Villa Park

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

Aston Villa vs Leeds: Aston Villa host Leeds at Villa Park looking to continue their push for automatic promotion.

Villa gave their hopes of a top-two finish a boost in midweek with victory over Cardiff City. Steve Bruce’s side are now five points behind second-placed Fulham with four games left to play. Whilst the play-offs look a more likely avenue for Villa, there is still a small hope they could snatch automatic promotion. One win in five games had previously stalled their Premier League push but Bruce will be hoping this win can get them back on track. Villa need to build some momentum if they are to hope of getting out of this division. They have the experience and personnel to succeed in the play-offs but form can be crucial in these tight games. Bruce has gained promotion via this route in the past and he knows what is necessary to do it again.

Leeds slumped to another defeat on Tuesday night. The Lilywhites lost 3-1 at Deepdale by Preston, their fifth defeat in eight games. Since taking over in February, Paul Heckingbottom has struggled. There is already talk of the former Barnsley boss being under pressure at Elland Road. Two wins from 12 games is poor, but there is no doubt that Leeds need investment in the summer. Although they finished seventh last year, they lost a number of key players. They have failed to replace Chris Woods’ goals, whilst Kyle Bartley has also been missed at the back. Heckingbottom has to be supported in the transfer market, or Leeds will endure another miserable campaign next year. They currently sit 14th, with little to play for in their remaining four fixtures.

Tony Harrington is the referee for Friday night’s clash. The Englishman has refereed 26 league games this season, accumulating an average booking points total of 37.7. That is amongst the lowest in the league when compared those who have officiated 10 or more league matches. As a result, I would avoid anything more than 30+booking points in any bets.

Aston Villa are in the better form heading into this fixture, therefore, I think they will win. Leeds poor away form has shown no sign of ending, despite the pressure heating up on Heckingbottom. I’m going for a home win, with Villa to win to nil my best tip.

Aston Villa vs Leeds United will be televised live on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 19:45 GMT.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Leeds

Suggested Tips – Aston Villa vs Leeds United (BET365):

  • Correct score, Villa to win 2-0 – (link no longer available).
  • Villa to win to nil – (link no longer available)

Suggested Tips – Aston Villa vs Leeds United (SKYBET):

  • Villa to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 13/8.
  • Hogan to score and win – 2/1(NB)
  • Adomah and Lasogga to score – 15/2.
  • Popular RequestABets – Aston Villa vs Leeds – Grealish to score, Aston Villa to win by 2+ goals, 6+ Aston Villa corners and Phillips to be carded – 18/1.
  • RequestABet Special Up To 10/1 – Over 1.5 Goals, 5+ Aston Villa Corners, 3+ Leeds United Corners, and 10 booking points each team – 2/1(NAP)

Odds and markets last updated on 13 April 2018 @18:15 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from this weeks FA Premier League and SkyBet Championship action.

CSKA Moscow vs Arsenal – Match Preview

CSKA Moscow vs Arsenal
Thursday 12th April 2018
UEFA Europa League, Quarter-Final, Second Leg, VEB Arena

Live on BT Sport 2 – Kick-Off: 20:05 GMT

CSKA Moscow vs Arsenal: Arsenal travel to Russia to face CSKA Moscow looking to seal their place in the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Arsene Wenger’s side hold a 4-1 lead heading into the second leg of their tie. A brace from Alexandre Lacazette alongside a goal from Aaron Ramsey and Henrikh Mkhitaryan put the Gunners in control at the Emirates. With this game in mind, Wenger rested a number of key players during their 3-2 victory over Southampton at the weekend. One player who particularly stood out, was Danny Welbeck.

The Englishman helped himself to two goals and an assist as well as the Man of The Match award. After two long-term injuries Welbeck finally looks to be hitting form in an Arsenal shirt. With the World Cup only around the corner, the former Manchester United attacker is doing himself no harm as hopes to grab Gareth Southgate’s attention. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang is, again, cup-tied and will miss the game, with Lacazette and Welbeck expected the spearhead the Gunners’ attack

Moscow followed up their defeat at the Emirates with another loss at the weekend. They were beaten at home 2-1 by Dynamo Moscow, all but ending their hopes of winning the league title. With an uphill task to follow in the Europa League, their season look to be petering out. However, as we have seen this week, shock result can happen. Just like Roma, a 3-0 win for the Russian side would see them progress, due to their away goal in the Capital.

Felix Zwayer is the referee on Thursday. The German plies his trade in the Bundesliga. He has officiated 12 matches this season, accumulating an average card score of 3.67. That includes 43 yellow cards and one dismissal. Therefore, I would avoid betting on anything higher than 30+ match booking points.

Arsenal hold a very commanding lead. It would take one mighty comeback for CSKA to go through. Thus, I think the tie is beyond them and Arsenal will progress. As a result, I’m going for BTTS and over 2.5 as my bet, with BTTS and Arsenal to win a good bet at longer odds.

CSKA Moscow vs Arsenal will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport 2 with kick off at 20:05 GMT.

Prediction: CSKA Moscow 1-2 Arsenal

Suggested Tips – CSKA Moscow vs Arsenal (SKYBET):

  • Correct score, 2-1 Arsenal – 15/2.
  • BTTS and over 2.5 goals – 10/11.
  • Welbeck and Lacazette to both score – 4/1.
  • BTTS and Arsenal to win – 5/2.
  • Ozil to score first – 17/2.

Odds and markets last updated on 5th April 2018 @19:05 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from this weekends FA Premier League and SkyBet Championship action.