by ·Comments Off on Manchester United vs Stoke City – Match Preview
Manchester United vs Stoke City

Monday night’s Premier League match comes from Old Trafford with Manchester United vs Stoke City. Utd will try to close the gap on the leaders whilst Stoke will be hoping to impress any impending manager the club are pursuing.

Following Manchester City’s dramatic 4-3 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, Jose Mourinho’s men can move closer to their noisy neighbours with a win. Perhaps more importantly, three points would move the Red Devils three points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool who occupy third and fourth place. After back to back wins against Everton and Derby County it’s vital that United take maximum points with a number of favourable looking fixtures ahead of them. Whilst there’s very little chance of them catching City, making sure they cement second place could be vital ahead of next season.

Lingard has been Utd’s best player over the past month with his goals and performances Photo Credit: skysports.com

Whilst City may have beaten United to this season’s league title, Mourinho looks set to bolster his squad with the signing of Alexis Sanchez. After months of speculation linking the Chilean to City, it appears United have stolen the march on their noisy neighbours. With the Arsenal forward’s contract up in the summer, as little as 30 million pounds could see Sanchez become the first Arsenal player to swap London for Manchester since Robin Van Persie. We all know how that went.

Last week’s FA Cup defeat saw the end of Mark Hughes’ time as Stoke boss. With the club yet to appoint a new manager. Talks with former Watford boss Quique Sanchez-Flores have broken down, whilst reported target Gary Rowett has signed a new deal with Derby. Most of the teams around the Potters picked up points this weekend, with Southampton, West Brom and Swansea avoiding defeat.

Choupo-Moting is Stoke’s top scorer with four, joint with Peter Crouch Photo Credit: skysports.com

Those results have only dragged Stoke further into the mire. They currently occupy the final relegation spot, only three clear off the bottom of the table. It’s vital that the Coates family source the man who can keep the club in the Premier League. Now, half-way through January, Stoke need to find a new coach. Time is running out for them to bolster their squad and a new coach will want to assess his squad before dipping into the market. That could be too late and could leave the club relying on those already in the squad to bail them out.

Manchester United have won just two of their last eight games against Stoke, drawing five and losing twice. Stoke, however, haven’t won at Old Trafford since 1976 and have lost on eight of their last nine visits. Anthony Taylor is in charge of the game on Monday night, which could be good for those interested in booking points. Taylor has issued the most yellow cards in the division, averaging at four per game. He has the fifth highest total booking points average, however, having not produced a red card yet this season.

Whilst Stoke will set up to try and make things hard for United, their quality should shine through. Stoke look like a side bereft of ideas at the moment and until they have a new man in charge, I don’t see that changing.

 

Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Stoke

Suggested Tips

(SkyBet)

CORRECT SCORE UNITED TO WIN 3-0- 6/1

LINGARD TO SCORE FIRST- 7/1

ROJO AND WIMMER BOTH TO BE CARDED- 18/1

POGBA TO SCORE OUTSIDE THE AREA- 11/2

UNITED TO WIN TO NIL- 10/11

LUKAKU TO SCORE FIRST AND UNITED TO WIN 4-1- 28/1

(BET365)

TOTAL GOALS AND BTTS – OVER 2.5 AND NO – (link no longer available)

ANYTIME GOALSCORER – JOE ALLEN – (link no longer available)

HALF TIME/ FULL TIME – DRAW/MAN UNITED – (link no longer available)

DOUBLE CHANCE – DRAW OR STOKE – (link no longer available)10/3[/bet365oddslink]

by ·Comments Off on Bournemouth vs Arsenal – Match Preview
Bournemouth vs Arsenal

The Vitality Stadium hosts Bournemouth vs Arsenal on Sunday as both sides look for their first wins of 2018, after last weekend’s FA Cup action, seeing Arsenal knocked out and Bournemouth forced into a replay.

After crashing out of the FA Cup last weekend, Arsenal will be desperate to get back on track with three points at the Vitality Stadium. The 4-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest drew further criticism on Arsene Wenger, with the holders failing to make it past the third round for this first time under the Frenchman.

In midweek, the Gunners put in a valiant display as they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in the first-leg of their Carabao Cup tie. Despite already missing Mesut Ozil, who is also likely to miss the game against the Cherries, Wenger opted to leave Alexis Sanchez on the bench. The Chilean international is subject to heavy speculation with only six months left on his contract. His likely destination has been the Etihad Stadium since the summer. Although rumours are now circulating that Manchester United are also interested. A rumoured bid of 25 million pounds plus Henrikh Mkhitaryan could see the Gunners part with their star man, six months before they lose him for free.

Will Sanchez be leaving for Manchester? Photo Credit: skysports.com

Bournemouth have won just one of their last 12 games in all competitions. Eddie Howe’s side have struggled of late, collecting just eight points from their last 30 available in the Premier League. They did, however, secure victory in their last home game as they beat Everton 2-1. Sitting just one point above the drop zone, it’s clear the Cherries need to improve if they want to secure a fourth successive season in the top flight.

Their main struggle has been keeping clean sheets. In those last 12 games, they’ve managed just one shutout and have conceded 24 goals in that time, averaging at two per game. If they want any chance of Premier League survival, Howe has got to get his side defending better, starting this weekend. With games against relegation rivals West Ham, Stoke and Huddersfield to come in the next month, it’s crucial that they begin to start turning in some better displays.

Cook managed to grab The Cherries a last minute equaliser against Wigan last week in the FA Cup Photo Credit: skysports.com

Since promotion to the Premier League, Bournemouth have collected just one point from five meetings with the Gunners. Having scored 13 goals in those games five games, it’s clear that Arsenal have a great record against Eddie Howe’s side. Kevin Friend is in charge of the match on Sunday and he has an average booking points total of just 23.6. That score ranks him third lowest in the division, with Friend averaging just 2.4 yellow cards a game. He’s also yet to show a red card to any player this season, in 11 matches.

After last week’s embarrassing result, I think Arsenal will be determined to get three points on Sunday. With the future of Sanchez still so unclear, Wenger will be desperate for his side to grab the headlines with his team’s performance. Given Bournemouth’s defensive vulnerability, I think Arsenal to win and over 2.5 goals would be a great bet.

 

Prediction: Bournemouth 1-3 Arsenal

 

Suggested Tips

(SKYBET)

CORRECT SCORE ARSENAL TO WIN 3-1- 11/1

LACAZETTE TO SCORE FIRST AND ARSENAL TO WIN 4-0- 75/1

KING AND TO SANCHEZ TO BOTH SCORE- 6/1

ARSENAL TO WIN AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 5/4

WILSON AND OZIL TO SCORE, ARSENAL TO WIN AND OVER 4.5 GOALS- 20/1

(BET365)

HALF TIME/FULL TIME -DRAW/ARSENAL –  (link no longer available)

ANYTIME GOALSCORER – CHARLIE DANIELS – (link no longer available)

DOUBLE CHANCE – BOURNEMOUTH OR DRAW – (link no longer available)

TEAM TOTAL GOALS – ARSENAL OVER 2.5 – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on Cardiff City vs Sunderland – Match Preview
Cardiff City vs Sunderland

SkyBet Championship action this weekend with Cardiff City vs Sunderland kicking off on Saturday morning. Both sides are in need of points to push on from their respective positions.

Both sides have fared very differently thus far in the campaign. Cardiff will be looking to gain more points to cement themselves at least a play off spot. Meanwhile, Sunderland will be hoping to close the gap on the teams above them to climb out of the relegation zone.

The hosts have enjoyed a great season so far, with them smashing expectations as they currently sit third in the SkyBet Championship. Neil Warnock has implemented a hardworking mindset with the Bluebirds, who have become a tough unit to get past, having conceded 25 goals in their 26 League matches.

Hoilett has been in good form for Cardiff, scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists so far this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Attacker, Junior Hoilett, has been at the forefront of Cardiff’s success. The winger has scored six league goals and also has six assists. The pace of Hoilett has caused defences havoc and could happen again this Saturday. Facing a team bottom of the table can always be a tough ask and Cardiff’s recent form doesn’t make for pretty reading. Having lost four of their last five, is it possible for them to turn things around?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Cardiff to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 6/4

McGeady is top scorer for the Black Cats with 5 so far this season, after Lewis Grabban returned to Bournemouth Photo Credit: cardiffcityfc.co.uk

The visitors need to get points quickly, as they sit bottom of the SkyBet Championship. Chris Coleman has created moments of hope for the Sunderland supporters since arriving at the Stadium of Light; as all seemed doomed before. They are beginning to score more goals, something they were struggling with earlier in the season; they’ve scored 29 goals in 26 matches.

Skybet Match Result – Sunderland to Win – 4/1

Cardiff have enjoyed playing at home this season, having scored two or more goals in 61% of their home Championship matches. Sunderland have also fared better on the road than at home, scoring two or more in 38% of their away games.

Cardiff have been awarded an average of 4.8 corners this season. Sunderland have been awarded an average of 4.5 corners.

Andrew Madley will take charge of this fixture. The referee has awarded an average of 29.1 booking points in his 22 Championship matches and hasn’t awarded a red card so far this campaign.

 

Score Prediction: 1-1 Draw. Cardiff will enjoy plenty of possession, however Sunderland aren’t a typical bottom of the table side.

Suggested Tips

(SkyBet)

  • Aiden McGeady to score from outside the penalty area – 12/1
  • RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – Cardiff to win, BTTS, Under 12 match corners and Under 40 match booking points – 7/1
  • Both Players to Score – Omar Bogle and Junior Hoilett – 6/1
  • Player Carded Accumulators – Joe Ralls and Bryan Oviedo both to be carded – 28/1

(Bet365)

  • Correct Score – 1-1 – (link no longer available)
  • Anytime Goalscorer – Junior Hoilett – (link no longer available)
  • Half time/Full Time – Draw/Draw – (link no longer available)
  • Total Goals/Both Teams to Score – Under 2.5 & Yes – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on Liverpool vs Manchester City – Match Preview
Liverpool vs Manchester City

The league’s best attacking sides go head to head at Anfield with Liverpool vs Manchester City clashing this Sunday. We could be in for a goal fest this weekend!

Pep Guardiola’s men are still yet to lose in the league campaign, with a trip to Anfield likely to be one of their toughest tasks yet. After winning at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge already this season, if they can navigate this fixture without defeat, it’s tough to see who could stop them. It did, however, take a stoppage-time Sergio Aguero goal to see them past Bristol City in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. After going in at the break a goal behind, goals from Kevin De Bruyne and then Sergio Aguero sealed the win.

That result showed that there are ways of getting at this City side. Bristol City’s high-pressing game contained City for Guardiola’s side for large portions of the game and ultimately lead to them opening the scoring. With John Stones just back from injury and Eliaquim Mangala still looking out of place, City were far from convincing defensively, something Jurgen Klopp’s men will look to exploit.

De Bruyne, David Silva and Sane will be hoping to keep City’s undefeated streak going at Anfield Photo Credit: skysports.com

Liverpool sealed their place in the next round of the FA Cup after beating Everton. That win means the Reds have won five of their last six games, including their last four. Unbeaten since October, Liverpool will be hoping the signing of Virgil van Dijk can help continue that run. The 75-million-pound defender scored on his full debut last week and will help plug a leaky backline that has threatened to derail Liverpool’s top four hopes. Against City, Van Dijk will be put under the microscope as he is put up against the division’s finest attackers.

In attack, Liverpool will be hoping to welcome back Mohamad Salah after he missed last week’s derby win. They will obviously be without Phillipe Coutinho, who completed his move to Barcelona this week, but they have a number of players ready to step into his shoes for this game. There’s no doubt the little Brazilian will be missed on Merseyside, but with an abundance of attacking options and the January window open, I think Liverpool got the better end of the £142 million-pound deal. With Adam Lallana now back fit alongside Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, the Reds have plenty in reserve.

Can Mane, Salah and Firmino fill the void left by Coutinho? Photo Credit: skysports.com

Despite losing 5-0 in the reverse fixture last September, Liverpool have won five of their last nine meetings with City, losing just three times. Similarly, City haven’t won at Anfield since 2003, 15 years ago. Andre Marriner has been appointed as referee for this game. Marriner is regarded to be a calm, ‘safe pair of hands’ having only brandished one red card this season. He has also only shown 36 yellow cards in his 15 matches to date, averaging at 2.4 a game. He has the sixth lowest average booking points in the league, with 27.3 per game.

With both sides boasting such a wealth of attacking talent, there will be goals in this game. I think that it will end a draw, with both teams to score a very safe bet. I wouldn’t rule out btts in both halves either if you’re feeling lucky.

 

Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City

 

Suggested Tips

(SKYBET)

CORRECT SCORE DRAW 2-2- 9/1

BTTS AND OVER 3.5 GOALS- 5/2

AGUERO TO SCORE AND CITY TO WIN- 7/4

SALAH TO SCORE FIRST AND LIVERPOOL TO WIN 3-2- 80/1

BTTS IN BOTH HALVES- 8/1

MANE AND STERLING TO BOTH SCORE- 15/2

(BET365)

ANYTIME GOALSCORER – VIRGIL VAN DJIK – (link no longer available)

HALF TIME/FULL TIME – DRAW/DRAW – (link no longer available)

TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES – LIVERPOOL – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton – Match Preview
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton

Saturday’s evening kick off comes from Wembley Stadium with Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton. The Toffee’s are looking for their first win in 5 games.

Spurs come into this game with four wins from their last five games, having secured their place in the FA Cup fourth-round last time out. Mauricio Pochettino’s side find themselves three points outside the top four in fifth place, with Liverpool just ahead of them. With the Reds facing Manchester City on Sunday, it’s vital that Tottenham take advantage of any dropped points as they look to close the gap.

Kane has looked unstoppable in the past few games for Spurs Photo Credit: skysports.com

With games against Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal all to come at the beginning of February, Spurs need to make sure they take points of the teams they’re expected to beat. After Everton, they face trips to Southampton and then Newport in the FA Cup, two games they must win. If Pochettino wants to secure a third consecutive top-four finish, making sure they don’t lose against surrounding teams is vital. Spurs have only taken three points in games against ‘the big five’ having lost four of those. That record needs to improve.

After a fantastic start to life under Sam Allardyce, Everton have stalled in recent weeks. Without a win in five games, the Toffees have lost their last three. Last week’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby also means they’re out of the FA Cup. With Premier League consolidation the target, it’s important Allardyce uses this time to suss out his squad to prepare for next summer.

This game could also see the debut of new signing Cenk Tosun. The Turkish international has signed from Besiktas for a reported fee of 25 million pounds. Evertonians will be hoping their new striker can provide much-needed support for youngster Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as they look to replace the goals of Romelu Lukaku.

Everton’s new signing, Cenk Tosun, could feature against Spurs this Saturday Photo Credit: skysports.com

Tottenham are unbeaten in their last ten meetings with Everton, winning five and drawing five. The Toffees haven’t won away against Spurs since 2008. Craig Pawson will be the man in the middle at Wembley, with the Englishman holding the highest average booking points in the league. Having shown an average of 3.8 yellow cards and 0.2 red cards in his 16 games, Pawson finds himself top with an average of 44.4.

With Spurs in good form recently and with big games to follow, I think they’ll get the three points here. Everton don’t travel particularly well, having only won on the road once this season. I think over 2.5 goals is a good bet, with Spurs knocking in 16 goals in their last five home games.

 

Prediction: Tottenham 3-1 Everton

Suggested Tips

(SKYBET)

CORRECT SCORE – SPURS TO WIN 3-1- 10/1

KANE TO SCORE A BRACE- 9/4

ROONEY AND ALLI TO SCORE- 10/1

BTTS AND SPURS TO WIN- 21/10

TOTTENHAM TO WIN BY EXACTLY TWO GOALS- 11/4

(BET365)

OVER 2.5 GOALS – (link no longer available)

HALF TIME/ FULL TIME – DRAW/TOTTENHAM – (link no longer available)

ANYTIME GOALSCORER – GYLFI SIGURDSSON – (link no longer available)

FIRST GOALSCORER – HARRY KANE – (link no longer available)

 

by ·Comments Off on Sheffield Utd vs Sheffield Wednesday – Match Preview
Sheffield Utd vs Sheffield Wednesday

The Steel City derby takes place this Friday with Sheffield Utd vs Sheffield Wednesday in the Skybet Championship. New Wednesday manager Jos Luhukay faces a tough test in his first game in charge against their city rivals.

The Dutch manager has managed in Germany all his career, with teams in both the Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga. He is known as ‘the Bundesliga promotion expert’ in Germany, having guided Borussia Monchengladbach, Augsburg and Hertha Berlin into the top flight of German football. He has achieved promotion with every club he’s been at; a record that is unmatched in Germany.

Jos Luhukay is the new Sheffield Wednesday manager, taking over from Carlos Carvalhal Photo Credit: skysports.com

With Hertha Berlin, he steered the club back to the top flight at the first time of asking, achieving the record number of points in the division’s history with 76 points from 34 games. Luhukay’s sole focus is to get Wednesday back into the Premier League, as soon as possible. With the Owls currently sitting in 16th place, 13 points off the play-offs, it’s unlikely that it will be this season. Luhukay will be able to use the rest of the campaign to assess his squad before the summer transfer window.

Wednesday come into this game with more than 10 first-team absentees. Injuries to Wednesday has been a factor in their lowly league position. They will be without a number of key players at Bramall Lane with Barry Bannan, Sam Hutchinson, Tom Lees, Kieran Lee, Gary Hooper and Fernando Forestieri just a few of the big names missing.

After their memorable 4-2 win at Hillsborough earlier in the season, Sheffield United will be hoping to do the double over their arch-rivals. A win would also move the Blades back into the play-off places and up to fifth. Chris Wilder could give a debut to new signing Ryan Leonard after the former Southend playmaker completed his move last week. Lee Evans looks to be on his way to Bramall Lane from Wolves but a deal has not been completed yet.

Clarke scored a brace in the reverse fixture when Sheff Utd won 4-2 at Hillsborough Photo Credit: skysports.com

Despite only winning two of their last ten games in all competitions, United coming into this game in the best form. Of those ten games, Chris Wilder’s side also drew three of them, including points against promotion rivals, Aston Villa and Derby County. Wednesday, by contrast, have collected just seven points from their last ten league games, with only one win in that time.

David Coote will be in charge of the Steel City derby. Coote has just the one red card to his name, to John Fleck of Sheff Utd and has shown an average of 3.9 yellow cards a game, with his average booking points total at 41.1.

Whilst I think this will be a much tighter affair than some have predicted, I think Sheffield United will get the win. It is, however, certainly the platform for Luhukay to make a name for himself.

 

Prediction: Sheffield United 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday

 

Suggested Tips

(SkyBet)

CORRECT SCORE UNITED TO WIN 2-1- 15/2

CLARKE TO SCORE FIRST AND DRAW 1-1- 18/1

RHODES TO SCORE AND WIN- 11/1  

DONALDSON AND REACH TO BOTH SCORE- 14/1

BTTS IN BOTH HALVES- 20/1– (Happened last time)

BTTS AND WEDNESDAY TO WIN- 8/1

(BET365)

 TOTAL GOALS/BTTS – OVER 2.5 AND YES – (link no longer available)

 HALF TIME/FULL TIME – SHEFF UTD/DRAW – (link no longer available)

 FULL TIME RESULT – DRAW – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on NFL – Divisional Playoff Round Preview
Divisional Playoff

The road to the Super Bowl continues as the divisional playoff round takes place this weekend after last week’s wildcard round. The top eight teams from the AFC and the NFC compete to reach the conference championships ahead of Super Bowl LII.

Divisional Playoff – Saturday

Falcons at Eagles ( NFC)

The Falcons have been hot these past 5 weeks and the defending NFC champs are looking to defend their crown. Meanwhile, the number 1 seed, the Eagles, are coming off their bye week which not only helps gain familiarity with their backup QB, but also gave them a chance to nurse injuries. The falcons are favored slightly and seemed to have figured things out on both sides of the ball. With the injury to their MVP candidate starting QB Carson Wentz, the Eagles haven’t looked the same therefore, in this one I expect them to compete but ultimately fall short.

Falcons to Win –  27-17

Ryan: 315 YDS, 3 TDs
Freeman: 105 Total YDS, 1 Rushing TD
Jones: 95 YDS, 1 REC TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Atlanta Falcons -2.5 and Under 45.5 Total Match Points – 6/4

 

Titans at Patriots (AFC)

The Titans upset the Chiefs last week in their epic comeback win, they are on the road against the number 1 seed and defending SB champs in a game where weather will most likely play a role. Playing outdoors in sub 0 degree weather will limit big passing plays and time of possession will be key. While the Titans’ run game in the 2nd half last week was good, I don’t expect that momentum to carry over.

Patriots to Win – 24-14

Brady: 245 YDS, 2 TDs
Lewis: 88 YDS, 1 Rushing TD
Gronkowski: 85 YDS, 1 TD

Skybet Home Points – New England Patriots 0-25 Points – 2/1

Divisional Playoff – Sunday

Jaguars at Steelers (AFC)

When these two teams met earlier in the season the Jags dominated with their defense forcing 5 turnovers. The top rated pass defense will be facing a Steelers team off a bye, and a much better team than back in the early month of the season. The Jags offense hasn’t been consistent all year and on the road they will look towards their run game for any hope. In the end the Steelers are hungry, getting healthy and in revenge mode and as a result will be too much for the jags to handle.

Steelers to Win –  24-10

Roethlisberger:
265 YDS, 2 TDs
Bell: 140 YDS, 2 Rushing TDs
Brown: 115 YDS, 1 REC TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Pittsburgh Steelers -7.5 and Under 42.5 Total Match Points – 9/4

Saints at Vikings ( NFC)

These two teams met in the first game of the season in which the Vikings won, however a whole lot has changed since. The number 2 seed Vikings coming off a bye are favored slightly and are looking to be the first team in NFL history to have a home Super Bowl game. Their top 3 rated defense has lead the way though will have a big task at hand facing the hot Saints offense. The Saints won a thriller last week and will be leaning on their veteran QB Drew Brees to lead them to victory. This will be the game of the weekend in my eyes. In a down to the wire game, I have the Saints on the road edging it out.

Saints to Win –  21-20

Brees: 255 YDS, 2 TDs
Kumara: 88 YDS
Ingram: 75 YDS, 1 Rush TD

Skybet Match Result – Saints to Win – 13/8

 

**4 Fold Win Accumulator – Falcons, Patriots, Steelers and the Saints ALL to WIN @ 5/1 (SkyBet)**

 

by ·Comments Off on Celebrity Big Brother 2018 – Betting Preview
Celebrity Big Brother 2018

Another year goes by and to kick things off, Channel 5 bring us Celebrity Big Brother 2018, with 16 contestants all living together for a month. A whole host of personalities will be ready to clash and give the public something to talk about.

This year, the house began with bringing in the female contestants first, to mark the centenary of the female vote in 1918. The likes of ex Tory MP, Ann Widdecombe, glamour model, Jess Impiazzi, Boris Johnson’s sister, Rachel, and 5 more female contestants have all been entered into the house since last Tuesday.

On Friday, 8 men were added to the house, with ex footballer, John Barnes, former Boyzone member, Shane Lynch, Australian drag queen, Courtney Act and 5 others to currently complete the house with 16 contestants.

 

Here are our top 5 contenders to make it to the final stage of the show:

Courtney Act

Photo Credit: twitter.com/courtneyact

Courtney Act – Real name Shane Gilberto Jenek –  is an Australian drag queen, singer and TV personality. She was on Australian Pop Idol in 2003 and has released a single. Courtney was also the foreign correspondent for the 2016 US elections for a Australian pop website. She is 9/4 to win CBB 2018.

Shane Lynch

Photo Credit: twitter.com/shanelynchlife

Shane Lynch is a former member of boyband, Boyzone. He is a singer/songwriter and an actor. This is not his first time on a reality show as Shane was on The Games in 2004 and Love Island in 2006. Shane is 8/1 to win CBB 2018.

Jess Impiazzi

Photo Credit: twitter.com/jess_impiazzi

Jess Impiazzi is an actress and businesswoman who has also been a glamour model in the UK. She has a fashion line called HD Female. Jess also does her bit for good causes as she has lobbied for equal rights for those discriminated against using guide dogs. She has featured on TV shows such as The Only Way Is Essex and Ex on the Beach. Most recently, in 2016, she was linked romantically to Hollywood actor, Charlie Sheen. Jess is 11/1 to Win CBB 2018.

Amanda Barrie

Photo Credit: tv.bt.com

Amanda Barrie is best known for her time on Coronation Street, as the character, Alma Sedgewick. She has featured on the show for 23 years. She has also been an actress on two Carry On films and the TV series, Benidorm. Amanda is 16/1 to win CBB 2018.

John Barnes

Photo Credit: twitter.com/officialbarnesy

 

John Barnes is a former Liverpool and England footballer. He has also played for Watford, Newcastle and Charlton. Barnes had a stint as head coach of Scottish side, Celtic, but was sacked after a year. He is now a pundit and commentator for ESPN. John Barnes is 16/1 to win CBB 2018.

 

Another 11 contestants are in the house and they are: Andrew Brady (5/1), Daniel O’Reilly (6/1), Maggie Oliver (10/1), Malika Haqq (16/1), Ann Widdicombe (20/1), Rachel Johnson (22/1), Ashley James (33/1), Ginuwine (40/1), Wayne Sleep (40/1), India Willoughby (50/1) and Jonny Mitchell (50/1).

 

All Odds are from SkyBet and correct as of 12pm, 09/01/2018.

by ·Comments Off on Carabao Cup – Man City vs Bristol City – Semi Final 1st Leg Preview
Man City vs Bristol City

The Carabao Cup Semi Final begins with the 1st leg from the Etihad Stadium with Man City vs Bristol City. Can the Championship side produce a stunning result to take back to Ashton Gate?

 The Robins gave Ashton Gate one of its greatest ever day by beating Manchester United 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Korey Smith scored deep into injury time to secure passage into the final four and his own name in Bristol City folklore.

 An even greater challenge is impending for Lee Johnson’s men, drawing Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

 Bristol City have surpassed all expectations this season. Despite losing their last two league matches, are still 4th in The Championship. Only two points adrift of Derby County in the automatic promotion places.

Sterling and Sane could both start and will be a huge threat to the Bristol City defence Photo Credit: skysports.com

 

Manchester City are too having an incredible season because a record-breaking 18 consecutive victories has soared The Sky Blues to an unassailable 15-point lead in the league. With thoughts now cast to matching Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ achievement of 2003/04.

 Guardiola’s men are still fighting on all four fronts, winning their Champions League group rewarded them with a tie against FC Basel in the last 16. Coming from behind to beat Burnley 4-1 saw them through to the 4th round of the FA Cup, and are also favourites to make it to the FA Cup final.

 The beautiful style of football and the relentless, single-minded nature of this team could set them apart from English predecessors. Guardiola said of this competition: “So important, a win helps to win more.”

Korey Smith grabbed the all important winner against Man Utd in the Quarter Finals Photo Credit: skysports.com

It would be a huge underdog story of the highest order should Bristol City topple their Goliath counterparts. After defeating four Premier League teams to get here, they will be full of belief and raring to go.

Stats

Manchester City have not been afraid to get stuck in and as a result, they have received 38 yellow cards and two reds in the Premier League this season. An average of 18.6 booking points per game, 7th on our club card stats table.

 Bristol City have racked up two reds alongside their 47 yellows for a total of 20 booking points per match.

 It would take a brave person to bet on a Bristol City clean sheet. Manchester City have only failed to score once all season (against Crystal Palace). They have been smashing them in from all angles. They also have an excellent clean sheet record, only Manchester United can best their 11 shutouts this term.

The Robins have been potent in front of goal. Their 40 strikes in The Championship only bettered by Derby’s 41 and leaders Wolves’ 50. They have kept eight clean sheets in the league, which is a decent amount. But you would expect it to be a very difficult night for Bristol City at the home of the Champions-to-be.

Suggested Tips (SkyBet)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Man City to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 11/4
  • Price Boost – Sergio Aguero to Score a Brace – 11/4
  • Price Boost – Aden Flint to score a header – 22/1
  • Pundits RequestAbet – Charlie’s RAB: Gundogan & Bernardo Silva to score, Man City to win to nil and 11+ match corners – 25/1
  • Featured RequestAbet – Reid to score and Mangala to be carded – 14/1
  • RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – Manchester City to score 3+ goals, 6+ Manchester City corners and 20+ Bristol City booking pts – 7/2
  • RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 – Sane to score, over 2.5 goals, 3+ corners each team and Toure to be carded – 28/1
  • To Score from Outside the Area – Jamie Paterson – 33/1
  • Total Goals, Corners Taken & Booking Pts – Over 2.5 Goals, Over 10.5 Corners, Over 35 Booking Points – 15/2

by ·Comments Off on Carabao Cup – Chelsea vs Arsenal – Semi Final 1st Leg Preview
Chelsea vs Arsenal

One week on from their thrilling 2-2 draw at the Emirates, the London derby between Chelsea vs Arsenal takes place again in the semi-final 1st leg of the Carabao Cup.

After stuttering to a 0-0 draw against Norwich at the weekend, Conte will expect a better display against the Gunners. Having picked up the league title in his first year, Conte will be desperate to gain silverware again this year. With retaining the Premier League becoming an unrealistic target, Conte must turn his full attention to the cup competitions. Having rested a number of key players in Saturday’s draw at Carrow Road, Chelsea should be fresh as they look to earn themselves a strong lead ahead of the second-leg.

Luiz saw red in the last game at the Bridge which finished 0-0 Photo Credit: skysports.com

Despite playing weakened sides in the previous round, I expect Chelsea to be full strength on Wednesday. Now in the last four of the competition, Chelsea have a really good chance to secure their first League Cup since 2015. Then, under Mourinho, Chelsea went on to secure the double as they beat Tottenham in the final at Wembley.

Against Arsenal last week, Conte opted for a 3-5-2 formation, a system he has used more regularly this season. With Arsenal’s defensive frailties there for all to see, I wonder if he might opt for a 3-4-3, the formation that he used so successfully last year as Chelsea became Champions. This would likely see Cesc Fabregas replaced by Willian or Pedro, as they join Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata in attack.

Giroud scored Arsenal’s only goal in the 3-1 loss last season at Stamford Bridge Photo Credit: skysports.com

An embarrassing FA Cup loss to Nottingham Forest means Arsenal will be determined to make amends. Wenger fielded an inexperienced and inferior team as they were dumped out by Gary Brazil’s side. Arsenal will look towards the Europa League and this competition as they search to add to their trophy cabinet.

Stats

Chelsea are without a win in their last four meetings against Arsenal. They have lost only one of those games, with that defeat coming last May in the FA Cup final. In the league though, it’s a different story, with Arsenal winning only once in the clubs last 14 fixtures. Their last win at Stamford Bridge also came back in 2011, which was their last league victory against the Blues. With the cup contests seeming to be Arsenal’s best avenue against Chelsea, they’ll hope for a similar result tonight.

The last six meetings between the pair have seen 16 goals, averaging at almost three a game.  BTTS and Chelsea to win is a good bet, with Arsenal not winning on their last six visits to the Bridge.

 

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal

Suggested Tips (SkyBet)

 CORRECT SCORE- CHELSEA TO WIN 2-1- 7/1

 BTTS AND CHELSEA TO WIN- 9/4

 MORATA TO SCORE FIRST AND CHELSEA TO WIN 3-1- 33/1

 SANCHEZ AND HAZARD BOTH TO SCORE- 7/1

 LACAZETTE TO SCORE AND WIN- 5/1

 ARSENAL TO WIN AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 11/2