by ·Comments Off on Spanish Super Cup 2nd Leg – Real Madrid vs Barcelona – Match Preview
Real Madrid vs Barcelona - Match Preview

Real Madrid vs Barcelona – Match Preview – After a very eventful first leg, Real Madrid return home for the second leg of the Super Cup final against Barcelona with a 3-1 lead on aggregate. And, as ever, El Clasico provided footballing drama and some huge talking points have been dominating headlines since the final whistle.

Despite scoring the vital second goal for Madrid in impressive fashion, Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a five-match ban following a red card incident and some rather unsportsmanlike behaviour whilst leaving the field. The Portuguese talisman shoved the referee in disbelief after being shown his second yellow card in three minutes and will be a huge loss for Zinedine Zidane.

Gareth Bale featured for much of the first leg and will be likely to start the second leg. Bale will be one of a few faces in the Real Madrid attack who will surely be looking to entertain the home crowd. Zidane could order his players to sit back and defend their aggregate lead however that isn’t the Zidane style. Can Madrid put the nail in the coffin?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Real Madrid to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 4/1

Can Iniesta, Messi and Co overturn the match at the Bernabeu Photo Credit: skysports.com

Barcelona missed the creativity and flair of Neymar in their front three and will have to reinvest the whopping £198 million they received from PSG. In front of a home crowd, the Catalans were limited to few chances. Their only goal came from the penalty spot, with the incident splitting opinion on whether the penalty should have been awarded. Barcelona will face an even tougher test now at the Bernabeu but the ban for Cristiano Ronaldo is good news. Can they pull it back?

Skybet Full Time Result and BTTS – Barcelona to Win and Yes – 5/2

Asensio looks set to replace Ronaldo in the 2nd Leg Photo Credit: skysports.com

The usual faces were impressing; however, the show was stolen late by Real Madrid prodigy, Marco Asensio. The young Spaniard dropped jaws with his finish and many will tip him to start the upcoming second leg in Ronaldo’s absence. Can he smash the back of the net once more?

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Marco Asensio to Score Anytime in 90 mins – 2/1

El Clasico is well renowned for how many cards are brandished and the first leg was no different. With 105 booking points in the last match, will this be the case once more?

Skybet Total Over Booking Points – 90 or more Booking Points – 11/10

 

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by ·Comments Off on UEFA Champions League Qualifier – Hoffenheim vs Liverpool – Match Preview
UEFA Champions League Qualifier - Hoffenheim vs Liverpool - Match Preview

Hoffenheim vs Liverpool – Match Preview – Liverpool’s Champions League campaign begins with the first leg of their qualifier against German side, Hoffenheim. Jurgen Klopp will be hoping his side can bounce back from their devastating 3-3 draw away to Watford on the opening day of the Premier League. The hosts are entering the fixture on the back of a 1-0 victory over Erfurt in the DFB Pokal round of 32.

Liverpool will be looking to gain an advantage to head back to Anfield with for the second leg the following week. Much buzz has been surrounding the club off the field this past week with Coutinho dominating the headlines with a bizarre transfer saga. Virgil van Dijk is also a name that has been murmured around Melwood after he handed in a transfer request to Southampton in his aim to play for a bigger club.

Klopp came out and stated he is happy with his defence, however following the Watford match, many fans have laughed at the statement whilst replaying the comedic defending on their Sky + box. Liverpool often fare well in the Champions League and have a very successful history in the competition; lifting the trophy in 2005 being the highlight. Can Liverpool reach the group stages and be the fifth Premier League team to be in the draw for the 2017/18 Champions League campaign?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Liverpool to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 5/2

Hoffenheim had a very impressive 2016/17 season in the Bundesliga. A fourth finish behind Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund earnt them this qualification two-legged tie. 30-year-old manager, Julian Nagelsmann has installed a fresh style of play at Hoffenheim; possession based football that is both attractive and clinical. It isn’t often a manager will steal the headlines, however he is paving the way for young coaches in Germany.

Firminho will come up against his former club in the Qualifiers Photo Credit: skysports.com

Klopp is very aware of Hoffenheim’s threat and has mentioned that Liverpool must be at 100% otherwise they will be knocked out. Striker, Sandro Wagner, provides a big threat to Klopp’s shaky defence with his unpredictability and aerial ability. Can Hoffenheim get a huge victory in front of a home crowd?

Skybet Match Result – Hoffenheim to Win in 90 mins – 2/1

 

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by ·Comments Off on NFL Preview 2017/2018 – Return of the King
NFL Preview 2017/2018 - Return of the King

NFL Preview 2017/2018 – Return of the King – Every major sport has a period where the eyes of the public are on them, and this year, sports have experienced record breaking ratings. The World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs was a back and forth battle between two teams both looking to break years of not winning a championship. The deciding game 7 was the highest rated MLB game in years, and featured an overtime win for the Cubs breaking their 100-year curse.

In Basketball, some say globally is becoming the biggest sport which also features many of the most popular athletes on earth; Lebron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant etc. Off the Cleveland Cavaliers winning their thrilling Championship over the Golden State Warriors, this year’s NBA season featured many storylines. Durant leaving Russell Westbrook, how the Warriors would try to recover, will Lebron continue to reach the finals etc.

The NBA didn’t disappoint with the Warrior vs Cavs championship, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and the Warriors won their 2nd championship in three years defeating the Cavs. The championship was the highest rated finals in NBA history, and lead to a thrilling offseason as well.

With the resurgence of baseball and the surge in popularity with the NBA, the biggest sport has been quiet, however with the fall approaching, the world’s top sport is set to return to give us the greatest drama, excitement and entertainment us sports fans crave the most.

With so many storylines, and intriguing things to look forward to this upcoming football season, let’s take a look at some of the teams I will be paying attention to.

New England Patriots

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Last year’s Superbowl between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons featured the NFL’s first overtime Superbowl, and an epic comeback win for the Patriots giving them their 5th title since 2000. During the offseason, somehow the rich got richer with the defending champs signing key free agents WR Brandin Cooks, RB Mike Gillislee, and TE Dwayne Allen – the champs are in prime position to repeat.

Pittsburg Steelers

Photo Credit: skysports.com

The Pittsburg Steelers came up short in the AFC championship against the Pats results in another playoff exit. QB Ben Roethlisberger briefly debated on retirement, but ultimately decided to return for his 13th season. Star RB Le’veon Bell was franchised tagged while seeking to become the league’s highest paid RB, and second highest paid WR.

Bell is betting on himself to have a great season and pressure the Steelers into giving him the contract he seeks. With WR Martavis Bryant returning from suspension the Steelers have a top 3 offense in the league and are looking to make another deep playoff run.

Oakland Raiders

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Last year the Raiders had a resurgent season by making the playoffs, and if not for MVP candidate QB Derick Carr getting injured, many were considering the Raiders a threat to the Patriots. With one of the best offensive lines in the league, the Raiders signed RB Marshawn Lynch who came out of retirement and is coming to play for his hometown.

The Raiders also signed Packer TE Jared Cook with home of increasing their redzone efficiency. With Carr healthy, the progression of WR Amari Cooper, signing Lynch, and more chemistry on defense, the Raiders are looking to bring a SB back to Oakland, before their move to Las Vegas after next season.

Atlanta Falcons

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Last season the Falcons surprised many with their offensive explosion, resulting in QB Matt Ryan winning league MVP. Star WR Julio Jones had another pro bowl season, and the expansion of the Falcons running game definitely gave fans entertainment every week. The Falcons were ahead 28-3 over the Patriots in the SB before being on the losing end of the biggest comeback in SB history. The Falcons come into this season with a new offensive coordinator, along with a few pieces on defense that will be missing from last season. The question will be how will the Falcons recover from their devastating SB loss, and will they be able to reach the big game again for revenge?

Dallas Cowboys

Photo Credit: skysports.com

While the Dallas Cowboys came up short in their comeback attempt against the Green Bay Packers, last season left fans with a great feeling about the future. Rookie QB Dak Prescott and Rookie of the Year RB Ezekiel Elliott had pro bowl caliber seasons, and are looking to take the next step this year.

The Cowboys have the best offensive line in football along with a top RB, and WR, so in the draft they looked to improve the other side of the ball by drafting Taco Charleston.

Long time veteran QB Tony Romo also retired and joins the commentary booth for this season. The Cowboys secondary is young, but with an improved defensive line hopefully the pass rush will have a greater impact. 2nd Year RB Ezekiel Elliott is now suspended for the first 6 games of the season, question for the Cowboys will be how well can they hold off until Zeek gets back.

 

Green Bay Packers

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers came up short in the NFC Championship against the Falcons, causing their season to end sooner than expected. Rodgers being arguably the number 1 QB in football and at worse number 2, hasn’t made a Super Bowl in 6 years and with the pressure beginning to mount this upcoming season, the Packers are expected to make a Super Bowl run. The Packers had the most injuries on defense coming into the playoffs, and the Falcons took advantage of their banged up secondary. The Packers, also due to injuries, were forced to star WR Ty Montgomery at RB late in the season.  The Packers lost defensive back Mica Hyde and will be relying on a rookie and young players off injury to replace him. While TE Jared Cook left on free agency to join the Oakland Raiders, they upgraded at TE with the signing of SB champion Martellus Bennett.

 

While basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, and other sports have experienced great years, the NFL is without a doubt the most popular sport in the world. The NFL has the most narratives, most drama, most entertainment, and the Superbowl is the most watched television show for the past 50 years. This year in a great year of sports, with great ratings, great entertainment, and great drama, I am more excited to see what this NFL season has to offer. We are one month away from the Return of the King!

by ·Comments Off on Spanish Super Cup 1st Leg – Barcelona vs Real Madrid – Match Preview
Spanish Super Cup 1st Leg - Barcelona vs Real Madrid - Match Preview

Barcelona vs Real Madrid – Match Preview – El Clasico returns to our television screens rather early in the season as it is the Super Cup final between Barcelona and Real Madrid. The two titans of Spanish football will face off over two legs before the La Liga season gets underway on the 20th August.

Nou Camp is the home for the first leg of the Super Cup final, where Barcelona will face their first competitive test without Brazilian winger, Neymar. If you haven’t heard of Neymar’s departure you should get out from under that rock of yours as the tricky forward was sold to PSG for a record breaking £198 million. Astonishing.

Real Madrid are fresh from their UEFA Super Cup victory over Manchester United. Casemiro and Isco’s goals were enough to overcome the English outfit, however plenty of off the field talk has dominated the papers. Following the Neymar departure, many football fans then turned their attention to Welsh winger, Gareth Bale and many speculated on where his future lies.

Bale started the match whilst Cristiano Ronaldo took a seat on the bench. The winger has insisted his future remains in Madrid, however he has been amidst rumours of a transfer ever since he got to the Bernabeu.

Messi and Suarez will have the burden of providing goals since Neymar’s departure to PSG Photo Credit: skysports.com

Barcelona will look to begin their domestic campaign with an important home victory in the first leg of this Super Cup final. The Catalans will however also be looking to get their revenge on their Spanish rivals in La Liga to reclaim the league title after Real Madrid won the impressive Champions League and La Liga double in 2016/17. Can the Catalans get an ideal win in the first leg?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting  – Barcelona to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 9/2

Ronaldo and Bale will hope to win the League again with Madrid Photo Credit: skysports.com

As aforementioned Real Madrid will look to hit the ground running domestically following their UEFA Super Cup victory. Zinedine Zidane has impressed since taking over the throne at the Bernabeu and many believe he will replicate that success once more this season.

With the only major departure so far being Alvaro Morata to Chelsea for £70 million, he can count himself lucky to still have players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos in his arsenal. The shared feeling is that Zidane would be happy with a draw at the Nou Camp as he will have confidence his players can overcome a Neymar-less Barcelona back in Madrid for the second leg. But will Madrid continue to showcase their ruthless, clinical edge?

Skybet Match Result – Real Madrid to Win – 12/5

 

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by ·Comments Off on Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview
Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur - Match Preview

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview – The first Super Sunday match of the season will see newly promoted Newcastle United host Tottenham Hotspur. Rafa Benitez has returned to the Premier League once again after a successful season with Newcastle in the Championship.

Their return to the Premier League hasn’t been sugar coated as Tottenham have become a force to be reckoned with in the previous seasons. Yet to make a summer signing and with some key faces missing for Spurs, it is unclear how Tottenham will perform as many fans are becoming frustrated with the lack of fresh faces at the club.

Newcastle will be feeling confident they can survive the drop this season; having struggled to find stability for many seasons. St James Park used to be a fortress for the Magpies and many Premier League teams would struggle to get points there and Rafa Benitez will be looking to reinvent this. The club has stayed loyal to the players who gained the club promotion back to the Premier League with former Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle headlining the attack.

Dwight Gayle should lead the attack on Sunday Photo Credit: skysports.com

Aleksander Mitrovic, Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Richie are also some big names that have previously impressed in the Premier League and will feature for Newcastle. A tough draw for their season opener, it will take something special from Newcastle to pull off a result here.

Skybet Match Result – Newcastle to Win – 4/1

Tottenham haven’t had the dream transfer market so far. Right back Kyle Walker left the club to join Manchester City for a whopping £50 million, much to the disgust of many pundits. Left back Danny Rose has also publicly announced he would be interested in a move to another top Premier League side. With not a single arrival through the door yet, many fans aren’t feeling very positive ahead of the season as it currently stands. Striker Harry Kane will remain a key figure for Spurs as he will be looking to defend his golden boot title.

Harry Kane will attempt to win the Golden Boot for the third year in a row Photo Credit: skysports.com

Fellow young English talent Dele Alli has also remained at Tottenham despite rumours linking him with a move away from the club. Manager, Mauricio Pochettino will have an interesting few weeks ahead of him as he will surely look to strengthen his squad. Can they start with winning ways on Sunday? The bookmakers seem to think so.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Tottenham to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 7/4

 

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by ·Comments Off on Arsenal vs Leicester City – Match Preview
Arsenal vs Leicester City - Match Preview

Arsenal vs Leicester City – Match Preview – Premier League football returns! Much to the delight of football fans up and down the country. The buzz around this season is bigger than ever with every Premier League fan itching for that first ball to be kicked.

That ball is to be kicked by either 2015/16 Champions, Leicester City or FA Cup winners, Arsenal, who face off Friday night in the Premier League curtain raiser. Under the lights at the Emirates Stadium, the 2017/18 Premier League season will commence.

Arsenal will be looking to continue their form following their Community Shield victory over current league champions Chelsea. Arsene Wenger’s side took Chelsea to penalties and won the first competitive match of the season; rather ironically at Tottenham’s new home ground. Summer signing, Alexandre Lacazette, will front the Arsenal attack this season in their bid to regain Champions League football.

Kolasinac has impressed since joining Arsenal Photo Credit: skysports.com

New arrival Sead Kolasinac also turned some heads in the community shield match with an impressive competitive debut. The defender has a large physique that many Arsenal fans are likening to Sol Campbell. Alexis Sanchez future is still in the balance, however seems to be settled at the Emirates as it stands, though he will miss the opener due to an abdominal strain and could miss the first 2 games of the season. A front three of Sanchez, Ozil and Lacazette is mouth-watering for fans, who believe they can return to their former glory.

Arsenal often perform very well against ‘The Foxes’, having not lost since 2000 in the FA Cup. Arsene Wenger will be hoping to kickstart their season with a solid victory.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Arsenal to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 2/1

New signing Iheanacho could lead the line for Leicester against Arsenal Photo Credit: leicestermercury.co.uk

Leicester City will be looking for a season of stability in the Premier League following last season’s efforts. After achieving possibly, the most incredible league victory that football has ever seen, ‘The Foxes’ were then relegation candidates for much of last season domestically, whilst reaching the quarter final of the Champions League. Summer arrival, Kelechi Iheanacho is a signing that has pleased many Leicester fans as he has impressed with his cameos for Manchester City.

Manager, Craig Shakespeare will be hoping to break the Foxes curse against Arsenal, however will find it tough on the opening day and the bookmakers agree. Midfielder, Vincente Iborra is no longer available for Leicester due to injury and tricky winger Riyad Mahrez is also wanting to leave the club so it could be the start to a very busy month for Shakespeare on the King Power throne.

Skybet Match Result – Leicester City to Win – 11/2

 

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by ·Comments Off on Wolverhampton – 10th August 2017 – Horse Racing Preview
Wolverhampton - 10th August 2017 - Horse Racing Preview

Betalyst.com are proud to sponsor 4 races at Wolverhampton on Thursday 10th August 2017 and our preview, looks at the runners in those 4 races, providing our insight and hopefully pick out a winner or two!

6.35 Wolverhampton – Betalyst.com Football Betting Analyst Fillies’ Handicap – 6F 20Y

Loving for William Haggas has been dropped in grade coming into this race, though previous form has been disappointing as finishing 4/6 at Yarmouth 14 days ago. The yard have been going well so cannot rule out and have James Doyle in the saddle.

Dusky Maid had been running well up until its last at Doncaster where finishing 6th of 7. Form has been much better on the all weather and has a win over the course back in June, over 7f. Another that cannot be ruled out due to form on the all weather.

Tooty Fruitti wasn’t at her best when finishing 3rd in a handicap at Lingfield most recently but had run well in her last two at Wolverhampton, winning over 5f in a seller and then losing by a head to Bogsnog over 6f. Josephine Gordon take the ride but I feel Tooty Fruitti will be in the placings.

Prediction: Dusky Maid

 

7.35pm Wolverhampton – betalyst.com Daily Tips & Previews Novice Auction Stakes – 7F 36Y

Tranquil Soul looks to be the most progressive of the field after 2 runs, finishing 6th on debut at Nottingham on good/firm ground and then a good 2nd at Wolverhampton over 6f. Seems to enjoy the tapeta and will be the one to beat.

Danger to the selection will be Oswald, if able to regain momentum back at Wolverhampton, where on debut finished a head behind the winner over 7f. A disappointing run at Lingfield followed though, on good to soft ground.

Prediction: Tranquil Soul

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8.40pm Wolverhampton – Betalyst.com Free Football Tips Handicap – 1M 142Y

High End looks to be the one to beat, with 3 year old winning on debut at Chelmsford over a mile and though running slightly green, managed to win by a head with a bit in hand under Josephine Gordon. Edward Greatrex takes the ride this time,  taking off 3lb for Godolphin.

Almoreb looks to be the danger to the selection, making his AW debut. Ran well at Sandown last time out on soft ground, winning by 1/2 a length and has finished 4 lengths to William Haggas’ Mojito, the time before.

Prediction: High End

 

9.10pm Wolverhampton – Betalyst.com Pro Tips Handicap – 1M 4F 51Y

Gold Class moves from the jumps to the flat and has since joined Olly Murphy’s yard and won in good fashion after a 274 day break to win at Market Rasen by 6 lengths. James Doyle takes the ride and looks an interesting contender.

An open looking race where the dangers could come from Flowers Will Bloom and Flying Power. The former, trained by David O’Meara, drops in class and this should be more to her liking. Flying Power is a course and distance winner but it was over 4 years ago. If able to bring that level of form back, will be in the mix.

Prediction: Gold Class

See the full race card for the evening here:

http://www.attheraces.com/racecards/wolverhampton/10-August-2017

https://www.racinguk.com/racecards/67899-betalyst-com-pro-tips-handicap

 

by ·Comments Off on Carabao Cup – First Round – Colchester United vs Aston Villa – Match Preview
Colchester United vs Aston Villa - Match Preview

Colchester United vs Aston Villa – Match Preview –  Colchester United are hosting Championship side Aston Villa in their opening match in the newly-branded, Carabao Cup. The League Two side face one of the toughest draws with the Premier League sides set to enter the tournament at the latter stages.

In their previous outing, Colchester fell to the feet of Accrington Stanley in a 3-1 defeat that didn’t give them the ideal start to their League Two campaign. Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa side drew with Hull in their Championship curtain raiser as hot-cold striker Gabby Agbonlahor scored inside the first seven minutes of their Championship campaign.

The League Cup is renowned for providing big shocks in the early stages, often with plenty of ‘squad rotation’ players featuring for the higher ranked clubs. Colchester will be hoping that their opponents will feature some youth and squad rotation players to help their bid to provide one of the big shocks of the round. Big odds for Colchester in this one.

Skybet Match Result – Colchester to Win – 11/2

Aston Villa have had yet another summer strengthening their squad from top to bottom. The most noticeable addition so far this transfer window has been the arrival of Chelsea legend, John Terry on a one-year deal. The 36-year-old played the full 90 minutes in the ‘Villians’ season opener but will be unlikely to feature in this match.

Aston Villa’s new signing and captain, John Terry, could feature in the Carabao Cup Photo Credit: skysports.com

Aston Villa are clear favourites for this tie, however it is unclear the team that Steve Bruce will play. Bruce’s focus will be on gaining promotion back to the Premier League and it is unlikely he will name a strong squad; at risk of injuries. However, with their pride taking some battering over the recent years, the thought of getting knocked out this early to a lower league side isn’t ideal for the club or fans. Clear favourites for this match.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Aston Villa to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 4/1 

The initial stages of the League Cup can often see some goal-fests with plenty of second string defenders and goalkeepers crossing the white line. It is very possible we could see plenty of goals in this match.

Skybet Under/Over 3.5 Goals – Over 3.5 Goals in the Match – 9/4

Gabby Agbonlahor had the dream start to his Championship campaign with a goal. If he starts again, he could be causing plenty of problems for the Colchester defence.

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Gabriel Agbonlahor to score Anytime in 90 mins – 13/8

 

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by ·Comments Off on FA Community Shield – Arsenal vs Chelsea – Match Preview
FA Community Shield - Arsenal vs Chelsea - Match Preview

FA Community Shield – Arsenal vs Chelsea – Match Preview – The Community Shield holds a vital role to everyone involved in English football – it takes place on the first weekend of the English league football season and signifies the beginning of the Premier League season.

How much the trophy itself ‘matters’ in the grand scheme of things is another debate entirely, but you can be absolutely sure both Chelsea and Arsenal will want to deny the other the opportunity to lift a title at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Premier League Champions Chelsea were denied a league and cup double as Arsenal defeated them 2-1 at Wembley in May to become FA Cup victors for the third time in four seasons. Antonio Conte’s men will be eager to exact revenge on the same pitch.

The 2017 and 95th Community Shield is an exact replica of circumstances in the 2015 edition, The Gunners winning 1-0 on that occasion thanks to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s solitary goal.

Both sides have been subject to intense media speculation during the transfer window, perhaps less so for actual signings and more for scrutiny involving unfinished business.

The Blues have allowed Nemanja Matic to ply his trade at rivals Manchester United and have publicly stated their intention to sell imposing forward Diego Costa, alongside the usual plethora of players leaving the club on loan – as the club are preparing for a more congested and physically demanding campaign ahead of a return to Champions League football.

Arsenal, still have unresolved issues regarding the contracts of important players – including stars Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil and the much-coveted Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Those that each side have brought in are, however, of a very high quality – including forward Alvaro Morata, German centre-back Antonio Rudiger and midfield destroyer Tiemoue Bakayoko for Chelsea whilst Arsenal have finally spent big on a striker in the name of £52m French international Alexandre Lacazette.

After 2016/17’s impressive achievements, The Blues’ usual demanding expectations will be even higher as they embark on a defence of their Premier League crown and foray into the Champions League.

Contrastingly, Arsenal will be a notable absence from the latter competition this year as for the first time in Arsene Wenger’s 21 year reign, the club finished below a Champions League-qualifying place, in 5th. Therefore all ambitions for the North-London will be domestic-related, as the French manager looks to secure the recently elusive Premier League title in what, once again, could be his swansong season.

Expect desire from both teams to impose themselves on the opposition from the get-go, and whilst the match may not be a true indication of how the season will eventually pan out, it is undoubtedly a more pleasurable feeling to lift a trophy at Wembley than watch one of your rivals take that opportunity away from you.

Alvaro Morata could start for Chelsea if fit Photo Credit: skysports.com

Team News 
Chelsea have significant fitness worries going into the season opener, as Eden Hazard and Pedro are both unlikely to feature due to knocks picked up during the summer. This will surely promote Michy Batshuayi and Willian from their usual substitute roles to starting positions.
A lack of options up front could also force Morata to feature in what would be his first competitive game for the club, although he is struggling for full match fitness so will not be 100%. Another new name in Bakayoko is unlikely to play, prolonging the anticipation for Blues fans to see their new man in action.

Comparatively, Arsenal are in good health – bar a lingering doubt over the fitness of the influential Alexis Sanchez. Wenger stated that he is unsure whether the Chilean forward will play and will monitor the situation before deciding.

Alexandre Lacazette will lead the line for Arsenal in the Community Shield Photo Credit: skysports.com

Player to watch
The game will be surrounded by plenty of talk regarding both club’s new blockbuster strikers, but as Morata is not fully fit and may be forced to play out of position to accommodate for limited options out wide, the main focus will be on Arsenal’s Lacazette.
Gunners’ fans will be desperate for their club-record signing to hit the ground running, and after a strong pre-season where he helped his side lift the Emirates Cup, the chances of doing so looks promising. The 26-year-old striker, capped 11 times by France, scored 37 goals for Lyon last campaign and is tipped by many to have an impressive first season in England too – starting with Sunday’s Community Shield.

 

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by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Goodwood & Newmarket – 5th August 2017
Horse Racing Preview - Bath - 2nd October 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from 2 meetings, with selections from Glorious Goodwood & Newmarket.

Yesterday finally got the blog off  to a good start for August with two winners and one placed advised. The most impressive for me was Beat The Bank who has a Celebration Mile entry along with a Park Stakes entry, the latter race is the interesting ante-post bet for me.

 

14.40 Newmarket – British EBF Fillies Nursery Handicap (6f)

I would like to think that Michael Bell’s team are still on the upward curve and their entry here First Drive can grind out another win here. Her win over 6.1f at Nottingham was a useful time and that was her first win. However she looks to have improved from when she finished runner up on her debut at Yarmouth when again clocking the best time on this ground.

With quiet a few of these either dropping back in trip or tackling the trip for the first time, First Drive has proven she has some potential, best of the rest could come from Mark Johnston’s Faithful Promise who got her second career win at Carlisle last month in a reasonable time, but concerns if she will run if the heavens once more open.

FIRST DRIVE : 2pt Win @ 9/2 (BOG)

15.50 Newmarket – Malcolm Roxburgh Retirement Handicap (0-90) (7f)

Bottom of the card Stuart Williams Derek Duval would have a live chance in what looks a very open contest. He looked to adapt better to the easing ground at York last time when finishing runner up to Kevin Ryan’s well punted Lualiwa who was coming off the back of a win at Chester off 82. He looks ground dependable for me and with the ground easing here, he has a lively chance getting weight all round.

Mojito will have his followers, James Doyle turns up to ride the Haggas three year old who won with plenty in hand at Sandown when landing a 0-90 handicap, however he has been beaten when the ground has some cut on both occasions and at 5/6 he is worth taking on with the selection.

DEREK DUVAL : 1pt each way @ 6/1 (BOG)

15.35 Goodwood Qatar Stewards Cup (Heritage Handicap) (6f)

With the ground coming up soft to heavy and rain forecast over night I am swaying to the high draw bias in this. So this gives me a possible dutch in the race with David Elsworth’s Sir Dancealot and Michael Appleby’s Danzeno.

The latter is not overly exposed around this sphere and was last seen when landing the Totescoop6 Heritage Handicap at Ascot last month when beating an old adversary in Polybius. They both meet once more and Danzeno will have to concede another 6lb to his rival. Silvestre De Sousa must feel there is more to come from the six year old and takes the ride once more.

The second selection comes in the way of David Elsworth’s Sir Dancealot. Three year olds have won the last two renewals of this race and have been at the head of the market, After Ryan Moore’s three timer yesterday which included winning on Master The World for Elsworth, they team up again and are likely to go close coming from stall 24.

Projection and Polybius should be on the premises also from their good draws; the former ran a cracking third in this year’s Wokingham, a neck in front of a Polybius that day. He will have to concede another 1lb to Polybius this time around, however this horse has not won since Ryan Moore guided him to success at Salisbury last year and with the genius riding another this just could be a tip in itself, Kieran Shoemark wont be claiming his 3lb here.

You cannot fault David Simcock’s Polybius maximum efforts this year, but his losing streak now goes back two years when winning the Listed Hopeful Stakes when trained by David Lanigan, I think he will run well once more, but looked better suited at Ascot so a return there in the near future he could gain a well deserved seasonal success.

 

SIR DANCEALOT : 2pts each way @ 12/1 (BOG)

Danzeno : 1pt each way @ 12/1 (BOG)

 

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