by ·Comments Off on Millwall vs Birmingham City – Match Preview
Millwall vs Birmingham City - Match Preview

Millwall vs Birmingham City – Match Preview – Steve Cotterill will be hoping to continue his 100% start as Birmingham manager when they face Millwall at the New Den.

Coming into the game, the Blues sit one point and place above the bottom three, after another turbulent start to the season. Since sacking Harry Redknapp, the club have picked up seven points from their last four games. The 6-1 defeat to Hull aside, things appear to be on the up for Birmingham.

Cotterill’s appointment has been met with optimism from the Blues’ fans. The former Bristol City manager was assistant under Redknapp, and has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at St Andrew’s and takes his first away game this Saturday. Cotterill has been boosted by the return of key man Che Adams.

Che Adams scored in the win over Cardiff Photo Credit: skysports.com

The former Sheffield United striker marked his return to fitness with the winning goal last weekend against Cardiff. Birmingham will also be hoping to welcome Jota into their team, following their record signings recent injury problems. Since signing from Brentford for £6million, Jota has managed two appearances. If Birmingham can get Jota and Adams firing, there’s no way they’ll be down the wrong end of the table come May.

Millwall have made a positive return to Championship football, following their promotion from League One last season. Neil Harris’ side have won three of their last four games, with many feeling if they are to stay up, their home form will be key. At home this season they have already dispatched of Reading, Leeds and Norwich conceding just one goal in the process.

The problem for both these sides has been consistency. Birmingham have beaten teams such as Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday in recent weeks but have struggled to maintain that form over a number of games. The same can be said for Millwall, who have been impressive at home but struggled on their travels. Millwall have managed 11 goals at home this season, whilst Birmingham have only managed two goals away from home all campaign.

Millwall have won only one of their last 16 meetings with the Blues, and haven’t beaten them at home since 1996. Birmingham’s last win at the New Den came in 2014, and have won on three of their last four visits. In their last eight games, the two sides have managed 31 goals, an average of almost four goals a game.

With those stats in mind, I’m going to plump for a Millwall win. Given the Blues’ lack of consistency and lack of goals on the road, I think the home side will edge this one.

 

Prediction: Millwall 2-1 Birmingham City

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE MILLWALL 2-1- 17/2

SKYBET: ADAMS AND JOTA TO BOTH SCORE- 10/1

SKYBET: MILWALL TO WIN 1-0, 2-0 OR 2-1- 21/10

SKYBET: BTTS AND DRAW- 100/30

SKYBET: MILLWALL TO WIN AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 5/2

SKYBET: GREGORY TO SCORE FIRST AND DRAW 2-2- 60/1

SKYBET: BTTS TO IN BOTH HALVES- 18/1

by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Ascot – 21st October 2017
Horse Racing Preview - Ascot - 21st October 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from Ascot and Champions weekend, from sprinters to middle and long distance competitor’s, this is where it all happens and with some of these possibly heading off to America or Australia to compete, it is a feast of top quality action.

 

13.25 Ascot – Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 2) (15.9f)

Stradivarius (122)
Torcedor (117)
Nearly Caught (114)

Aidan O’Brien is still looking to overcome Bobby Frankel’s Group 1 achievements, however he sends over Order of St George to have a crack at this valuable Group 2, he has visited Ascot on three occasions in his career which his biggest success was when landing the Ascot Gold Cup over two and a half miles, he could only manage fourth in this two years ago when being turned over as 4/6f, he then returned again and once more beaten at the course when overhauled by Big Orange in the Gold Cup, not a surprising result to be fair.

It’s the soft ground that brings him alive, and once more he returns to Ascot as the even money favourite, however this race has been a nightmare for favourites, the last was back in 2009 ending a four year spell of winning favourites, since then the head of the market had failed to impress, in fact only two have managed to hit the frame, Motrice in 2010 & Opinion Poll in 2011 which was the first and last time we saw Ballydoyle take the race with second favourite Fame & Glory.

To be fair to Order of St George he ran a cracker when finishing fourth in this years Arc, but with them pulling out Ulysses yesterday it makes you wonder how they have actually come out of the race as the French track can take its toll on you, I can’t lie I do not fancy him here, at even money in a very competitive field is hard form to sustain. This also goes to Big Orange, who denied O’Brien’s horse a second Gold Cup by a short head, it was a great run by both horses, Big Orange comes here probably fresher from Goodwood when beaten by Stradivarius in the renewal of the Goodwood Cup.

With both Big Orange and Order of St George having tough seasons this brings me to the top three in the ratings. Sheikhzayedroad will attempt to become the first horse since Persian Punch to land this race back to back, both Persian Punch and Further Flight were the most successful in this race with the latter winning the race five times on the bounce. I am sure there is not that kind of caliber here. Last years winner though is 3lb lower than when taking this race last October, and you could say he was unlucky not to be a lot closer in the Doncaster Cup when finding all sorts of trouble at a crucial time, has to be respected.

Torcedor has to be the interesting one representing Jessica Harrington, to be fair he might have been flattered a bit as the Irish St Leger was terribly weak when behind Order of St George to nine lengths, he was never going to beat the winner, but he did put daylight between himself and the rest of the field. He was beaten comfortably in the Ascot Gold Cup by both Order of St George and Big Orange, however that was over further. I think the 117 rating I gave him here poses on what he achieved in a weak renewal in Ireland.

It is hard to see Nearly Caught getting close here for Hughie Morrison, especially as he has been beaten by the top two in the market and Torcedor at the Royal meeting, so this brings me on to the selection. Stradivarius got the better of Big Orange in the Goodwood Cup and I thought he ran a cracker in this years St leger when just denied to half a length in a thrilling finish. The question here is will he have the stamina on this softer ground to overcome the big boys, it is not going to be an easy task and he is unknown of getting the trip on the ground, but if he does I am sure Frankie will have to go early on him to see if he can hold on.

STRADIVARIUS : 1pt each way @ 7/1 (BOG)

14.40 Ascot – Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 1) (6f)

Harry’s Angel (118)
The Tin Man (117)
Librisa Breeze (114)

Two top sprinters go head to head once more in Harry’s Angel and Carravaggio, as the stats stand Harry’s Angel is leading the contest 2-1 after his fantastic run at Haydock when blitzing his rivals by four lengths, Tasleet and The Tin Man came out of the chasing pack to try but were no match for this speed ball. It is very hard to see him being overhauled this afternoon and those odds reflect that now coming into just shades of odds on at 10/11.

O’Brien will be looking for Group 1 glory here with Carravaggio, the last time the two met came in the July Stakes and he was brutalised by Harry’s Angel to two lengths, Limato has recently franked the race when winning the Group 2 Challenge Stakes. There are questions to be asked as Brando has beaten him twice this season – who also gets a 20/1 quote for this. Can he tie up the head to head, I do not think so, I am not a fan of tipping up odds on shots, but when you have a smart sprinter to this magnitude its like the Kauto Star v Denman of all head to heads, Harry’s Angel is just going to blitz them on this ground.

Last years winner The Tin Man would be the first to land this race back to back, on what he has shown this season he has to be respected from his run at Haydock and had the likes of Limato beaten at the Royal meeting this year, however to find over five lengths on this ground against a formidable opponent is asking too much.

HARRY’S ANGEL : 5pt Win 10/11 (BOG)

15.50 Ascot – Qipco Champion Stakes (Group 1) (9.9f)

Cracksman (122)
Barney Roy (120)
Cliffs of Moher (119)

This does not look as straight forward as the ratings suggest, however I am hoping Cracksman can show his class where it matters. Firstly his main adversary will be Barney Roy, since blasting on to the scene when taking the Greenham Stakes back in April at Newbury, he went on to almost take the 2000gns but could not overhaul the smart Churchill.

He took the liking of Ascot immediately when winning the St James’s Palace Stakes reversing the form with Churchill by a wide margin and was starting to show he was a serious race horse. The Coral Eclipse form will see a few of these take on each other once more, with the defect of Ulysses on Wednesday he will still have to fend off the likes of Cliffs of Moher and Desert Encounter. Something was not right at York, Churchill reversed the form with him once more, and Ulysses beat him again, with Cliffs of Moher a long way back in fourth.

Cliffs of Moher has been as you can see keeping good company all season, and he probably deserves to be in the mix at the finish line, but he disappointed me for the first time this season when only managing sixth in the Irish Champion Stakes, just over three lengths in front was Poets Word who has to be respected on this ground. However he does look up against it once more and with this being a race that O’Brien has not won it looks an upward curve.

French raiders have a reasonable record here, Brametot I fancied to run a big race in the Arc which he did when finishing fifth and posted a rating of around 117 which just puts him out of top three for me. The French 2000gns and Prix De Jockey Club winner cannot be discounted lightly, but has this race come too soon, the trainer won this last year with Almanzor and he does act on soft ground, he could make trouble for all under Demuro.

Cracksman drops back to 10f for the first time since winning at Epsom in a conditions stakes race, he had to pull out all the stops to just hold on form Permian who went on to win three good races including the King Edward VII Stakes. Just beaten in this years Derby when looking all over the winner for Frankie, has been in superb form winning two more black type races which include the Group 2 Great Voltigeur and Group 3 Prix Neil both races over 12f, is the trip going to suit, we know he has no issues with the ground, but he will have to hold his nerve and get to the front before the final furlong, as the cavalry will finish, such as Cliffs of Moher and Barney Roy wil be on his quarters in no time, but he would not be here if connections were not confident.

CRACKSMAN : 2pt Win @ 15/8 (BOG)

 

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by ·Comments Off on Chelsea vs Watford – Match Preview
Chelsea vs Watford - Match Preview

Chelsea vs Watford – Match Preview – Chelsea are looking to put a stop to their tailspin but face a difficult challenge to do so against the Premier League’s surprise package of the season, Watford.

After the immensely shocking 2-1 defeat to previously goalless and pointless Crystal Palace on the weekend, blowing a two-goal lead at home in the Champions League to Roma and needing Eden Hazard to equalise to earn a 3-3 draw was another blight on what has been a challenging start to the campaign for Antonio Conte’s team.

Despite winning the title relatively comfortably last year, rumblings of unhappiness were persistent throughout the summer and beyond – with Conte allegedly displeased with the club’s lack of transfer activity, or inability to secure the desired names.

Hazard looks to be finding his form again after a brace against Roma Photo Credit: skysports.com

Chelsea already find themselves nine points off the pace, both Manchester clubs have stormed ahead of the pack with Pep Guardiola’s City leading the way with 22 points after eight games. The Blues are in 5th, two points and one place outside of the Champions League places – the last of which is occupied by this week’s opponents Watford.

Whilst undoubtedly still a good side capable of beating anyone, as proven by the wonderful 2-1 victory in Madrid against Atletico in the Champions League, the standard has elevated in the Premier League yet again and greater consistency is imperative to challenge for the title, starting with a win here against Marco Silva’s Watford.

Richarlison will be a threat to the Chelsea defence Photo Credit: skysports.com

The Hornets have rightfully earned many plaudits so far this season, a dramatic last-gasp 2-1 win over Arsenal, via an injury-time Tom Cleverley goal, last time out embodies the never-say-die attitude Silva has instilled throughout the team.

Once again the club and the Pozzos have utilised their vast scouting network to recruit well, Richarlison in particular looking like an excellent acquisition.

Though many would expect Chelsea to return to winning ways, Watford have an exceptional away record to date, with only Spurs and City bettering the three wins and a draw secured by Silva’s side at this stage.

Additionally, the only side to claim all three points against Watford in the league this year are the all-conquering Manchester City.

It is fair to say that their current 4th place is well above expectations, but in a well-oiled team under a very good manager, Leicester City proved that the impossible is possible. Either way, you can be sure The Hornets will be finishing above their 17th position from last year.

Chelsea will still be massive favourites, however, having not suffered defeat against Watford in the last 12 meetings between the teams. Last season, we were treated to an enthralling 4-3 in this fixture. Let’s hope for more of the same.

 

Suggested Tips

 

by ·Comments Off on Southampton vs West Brom – Match Preview

Southampton vs West Brom – Match Preview – Southampton will be hoping to get a much-needed win when they host West Brom. Their opponents sit just one point and a place above them, with Tony Pulis’ team looking for their second away win of the season.

It’s been a slow start to the season for Mauricio Pellegrino, despite the club being sat in 11th place. The Saints are just three points above the relegation zone, with only two wins from their first eight games. Last time out they twice came from behind to grab a point against Newcastle, with Manolo Gabbiadini scoring twice. The Italian striker scored his first goals in almost two months, with Southampton struggling for goals this season. Gabbiadini’s brace was only the second time they had scored more than one goal in a match this season.

Gabbiadini scored twice in the draw to Newcastle Photo Credit: skysports.com

 

It’s hard to really gauge what Southampton’s ambitions are for the season. Claude Puel was sacked last season after finishing eighth and reaching a League Cup final. The main criticism aimed at the Frenchman was his side’s lack of attacking intent, with the Saints managing just 17 league goal at home all season. Yet after a relatively successful season, he was sacked. This season, I find it hard to see how Southampton will progress. In the summer, there was no major investment to improve the playing staff, to allow Pellegrino to take them further. They did however, keep hold of Virgil van Dijk who made his first start of the season last time out, which may have been a statement of intent from the owners.

West Brom’s 1-1 draw at Leicester signalled the end of Craig Shakespeare’s reign as Foxes’ manager. That result however, left West Brom in tenth with ten points from their opening eight games. In those matches, the Baggies have drawn four times, which shows fine margins could separate them being a top or bottom half team this season. Like Southampton, West Brom don’t specialise in goals. The club are the lowest scorers in the top half of the table, netting just seven goals so far.

Hegazy has begun life well at WBA Photo Credit: skysports.com

Last season, both sides took three points off the other, away from home. West Brom recorded a 2-1 win at St Mary’s back in December 2016, whilst Southampton won 1-0 at the Hawthorns last April. Over the last eight games between the two teams, West Brom have only won twice, with the Saints winning on four occasions. In those eight games, there have only been ten goals, which underlines the attacking problems these two sides are struggling with.

With both teams finding goals at a premium, I can see this being yet another draw. Not the result either manager will want, but it seems the most likely conclusion. Under 2.5 match goals would be a good bet, as these two sides look for a result to kick-start their seasons.

 

Prediction: Southampton 1-1 West Brom

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE 1-1 DRAW- 5/1

SKYBET: WBA TO WIN 1-0- 9/1

SKYBET: RODRIGUEZ AND GABBIADINI TO BOTH SCORE- 9/1

SKYBET: REDMOND TO SCORE AND SOUTHAMPTON TO WIN- 7/2

SKYBET: SOUTHAMPTON TO WIN FROM BEHIND- 12/1

SKYBET: BTTS AND UNDER 2.5 GOALS- 5/1

by ·Comments Off on West Ham vs Brighton – Match Preview
West Ham vs Brighton - Match Preview

West Ham vs Brighton – Match Preview – West Ham host Brighton searching for their third home win of the season in four games. Brighton take the trip to the London Stadium looking for their first away win in the Premier League.

After a disappointing start to the season, West Ham appear to have turned a corner. After no wins in their first four league and cup games, the Hammers now find themselves with just one loss in six games. Slaven Bilic’s side have started picking up points away from home, and have won two of their three home games so far this season. Last time out, it took a late Chris Wood equaliser to deny them all three points against Burnley, despite playing most of that game with ten men following Andy Carroll’s dismissal.

Hernandez will be the main target for West Ham with Andy Carroll’s suspension Photo Credit: skysports.com

With that red card, Carroll will be missing for Friday night’s game. His absence opens the door for Javier Hernandez to start in a more central role. The Mexican has managed just three goals since his move from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer but has been restricted to a more unnatural wide role. Without Carroll, Hernandez will get his chance down the middle and if West Ham can give him the service, there are few better finishers in the Premier League.

Brighton were denied a third league win of the season by a 90th minute Wayne Rooney penalty at the weekend, leaving them in 14th place. The Seagulls have picked up one point away from home this season and need to improve if they are to secure a second consecutive season in the top flight. They currently find themselves in a bundle of five teams all sat on eight points, meaning a win could catapult them up to ninth place.

Knockeart scored in the 1-1 draw to Everton in the last game Photo Credit: skysports.com

Whilst it’s been a solid start for Chris Hughton’s men, there is scope for improvement. Defensively they have performed well, conceding only ten goals so far but offensively they need to improve. Brighton have only managed six league goals and have only scored more than one goal in a game once this campaign. Winger Anthony Knockeart scored in the 1-1 draw to Everton but needs to contribute more to the Seagulls.

The last time these two teams met was back in the Championship in 2012. That season the Hammers did the double over Brighton including winning 6-0 at home. The Seagulls last win against West Ham was in 2004, where they secured a 1-0 win at Upton Park. Given West Ham’s recent form at home, I fancy them to get the win. Even without Andy Carroll, they should have enough in reserve to beat a Brighton team that don’t travel well.

 

Prediction: West Ham 2-0 Brighton

 

SKYBET: WEST HAM TO WIN 2-0- 13/2

SKYBET: HERNANDEZ AND ANTONIO TO BOTH SCORE- 13/2

SKYBET: CORRECT GROUP SCORE, DRAW 1-1, 2-2 OR 3-3- 7/2

SKYBET: WEST HAM TO WIN TO NIL- 7/4

SKYBET: BTTS AND BRIGHTON TO WIN- 9/1

SKYBET: WEST HAM TO SCORE 2+ IN FIRST HALF- 5/1

SKYBET: MANUEL LANZINI TO SCORE FROM OUTSIDE THE AREA – 18/1

SKYBET SCORECAST BOOST – MARKO ARNAUTOVIC TO SCORE FIRST AND WEST HAM TO WIN 3-1 – 125/1

SKYBET SCORECAST BOOST (DOUBLE CHANCE) – SOLOMON MARCH TO SCORE FIRST AND EITHER BRIGHTON TO WIN 2-0 OR WIN 3-1 – 150/1

by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Newcastle – 20th October 2017
Horse Racing Pro Tips - 1st December 2017

Today’s horse racing preview has two selections coming from the all weather at Newcastle.

 

16.40 Newcastle – Global’s Make Some Noise Fillies Handicap (12.3f) (0-70)

Alfa Queen (72)
Island Flame (68)
Stepney (68) – Likely NR

I have just four pounds separating my top three ratings, but Alfa Queen has been the most consistent of the three to be honest. Iain Jardine’s three year old finished third over course and distance last month when posting above her current mark of 70. She has not been hard done by coming into this off 69 and still could be a little ahead of her relevant mark this afternoon.

Island Flame represents a strong yard, Richard Fahey’s three year old was last seen around today’s track when finishing fourth to Iain Jardine’s Archipeligo over two furlongs less than today’s trip, she has won over 10f around here this time last year off an 8lb higher mark so has to be respected.

ALFA QUEEN : 1pt Win @ SP (BOG)

17.10 Newcastle – Capital North East Handicap (0-70) (10.2f)

Chartbuster (83)
Infamous Lawman (75)
Bahamian C (73)

Richard Fahey again has an interest in the race with Bahamian C, this is only her third run on the all weather and held her own to be fair two seasons ago when running relevantly well in a 0-75 when finishing third of thirteen when off a mark of 68, to come here off a mark of 57 this afternoon she has to be given a live chance of being in the mix off 8st 3lb.

This has not been the greatest of seasons by O’Meara’s standards, but he saddles here Infamous Lawman who despite having only his fourth spin around handicaps, he has equipped himself reasonably well. He is another that makes his all weather debut this afternoon and takes the step up in trip for the first time. He was probably a little unlucky at Ayr last time when beaten one and a half lengths to Chinese Spirit (top rated on my stats last week), Danny Tudhope back in the saddle this afternoon always a plus sign.

However, the tentative vote just goes to Julie Camacho’s all weather and handicap debutante Chartbuster who’s three maiden runs on the turf have been behind far superior rated horses, his last run when finishing behind now 89 rated Tribal Conquest, the third Oden won off a mark of 76 last month. His opening mark has to be respected off 69, the handicapper has not taken any chances with him on his debut, he is definitely open to improvement if handling the surface.

CHARTBUSTER : 1pt each way @ SP (BOG)

 

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by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Brighton – 19th October 2017
Horse Racing Preview - Leicester - 20th November 2017

Today’s horse racing preview has three selections, all coming from Brighton.

 

16.05 Brighton – Loud Shirt Brewing Co Brighton Handicap (0-65) (9.9f)

Rocksette (65)
Sussex Girl (65)
Saint Helena (59)

As Silvestre de Sousa pushes towards the championship jockey title he should be on another winner here for Philip Hide. Rocksette was just touched off over course and distance nine days ago under Luke Morris, even though she is 0-7 in her career she has not shown exposure this year running well on all of her four handicap starts, her mark of 51 is seriously exploitable this afternoon.

Joint top rated here is Sussex Girl, John Berry’s three year old was behind Rocksette last time out here over course and distance when giving her rival 1lb at the weights for a two and a quarter length defeat, she has to concede another 2lb here to the selection, to reverse that form is not going to be easy despite the 7lb claim of Nicola Currie.

Saint Helena was last seen last time out in a seller when finishing fifth, however she has been competing in better class than this, her run two back when just beaten off 62 posting a mark of around 67, however that was over a little further than today, she is a course and distance winner though last year when winning off 64, she is 4lb lower this time around, but her form has dipped and this her only second run over the course and distance going against proven Brighton visitors.

ROCKSETTE : 2pt Win @ 11/4 (BOG)

16.40 Brighton – Love Fairs Antique Fair 22 October Handicap (0-75) (6.9f)

Spinnaka (80)
Wahaab (75)
Mister Freeze (75)

Waheeb bolted up last time out at Leicester on soft ground, this came in an apprentice race, Jack Osborn has got the recall to ride him again and his 7lb claim is going to be very significant, on paper he looks the one to beat. Mister Freeze has also posted a similar run two runs back over today’s trip, his win last time on the all weather saw him win a 0-65 handicap under Luke Morris, a good booking of David Probert this afternoon and cannot be discounted.

The selection though comes in Spinnaka, he will be making his handicap debut this afternoon off a mark of 75, the Luca Cumani charge has been in rich rein of form this year and got her just deserves when landing her maiden at Chepstow over slightly further than this. The runner up Diagnositc has franked that form, Spinnaka collected a rating of 75 for that win, she has posted for me a mark of 80, so still open to improvement in this category.

SPINNAKA : 1pt each way @ 13/2 (BOG)

17.40 Brighton – Wildstrawberryevents.com Christmas Fair 2 December Handicap (0-75) (5.3f)

Case Key (72)
Merdon Castle (70)
Diable D’Or (69)

This is a tight seven runner affair, but once more the significance jockey of De Sousa on Case Key looks a solid attribute. You would have to go back to last May when she was competing over this trip, it has not been successful, however his win at Newmarket two runs back when landing a 0-80 handicap when beating Richard Hannon’s Zebulon who has gone on to win off this mark.

He is a quirky type, but has been keeping relevantly good company in 0-80 & 0-85 company this year, looked out of is depth last time at Doncaster, this looks a realistic chance and with De Sousa seeming to be picking winnable rides throughout the week.

On his day, Merdon Castle would have been fighting for favouritism to win this race, winner this year in a 0-80 handicap at Carlisle when rated 75 would also bring him into the equation, however his decline has been poor and what he showed at Redcar last time in a weaker race concerns me that he just might be a few pound wrong here.

Eve Johnson-Houghton’s Diable D Or has not got his head in front since landing his maiden at Chepstow last August, he has really struggled in handicap company over the past 12 months and once more could find one too good.

CASE KEY : 2pt Win @ 5/1 (BOG)

 

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by ·Comments Off on Everton vs Lyon – Europa League Preview
Everton vs Lyon - Europa League Preview

Everton vs Lyon – Europa League Preview – As the pressure mounts on Ronald Koeman; Everton face a crunch match in the Europa League against Lyon at Goodison Park as both sides search for their first win of the competition.

Despite spending upwards of £140m in the summer; abject performances and poor results have intensified the speculation surrounding Ronald Koeman’s job – the Dutchman is odds on to be the next Premier League manager sacked.

After a strong campaign last time in which Everton finished as the ‘best of the rest’ in 7th place in the Premier League, Everton successfully navigated the somewhat tricky Europa League qualifiers to secure European football for the 2017/18 season.

Can Rooney help turn Everton’s fortunes around Photo Credit: skysports.com

This season has, however, gone nothing like the plan. The Toffees have only won two of their opening eight matches in the league and are performing vastly below expectations, consequently finding themselves in 16th – just two points away from the relegation zone. In fact, it took an injury-time penalty from Wayne Rooney in Everton’s last match against Brighton to snatch just a point and avoid a fifth defeat of the league campaign to date.

Things have not been any better in Europe either, Koeman’s side left Italy outplayed and embarrassed in a 3-0 defeat to Atalanta in their opening Europa League match. That was before the even more shocking 2-2 home draw against Apollon Limassol – where the Cypriot Cup winners went down to ten men and scored a late equaliser.

These poor results leave Everton bottom of Group E and in desperate need of a result against arguably the strongest side in the group, Olympique Lyonnais.

Lyon finished 3rd in Ligue 1 last season, the best possible finish with both PSG and title-winning Monaco blasting away opposition left, right and centre.  Les Gones have had an indifferent beginning to the season, drawing half of their league games and both of their previous Europa League matches 1-1 – before an excellent 3-2 victory over Monaco changed the landscape of their start. With only one defeat in all competitions, a win over a rival has injected much more optimism and positivity into Bruno Genesio’s side.

Both teams have good teams on paper and were two sides strongly fancied for a deep run into the competition. Even at this early stage a defeat for either side could cause difficulty in getting out of the group and with both teams currently outside of their respective league’s European places, this competition could be their only route back into it.

Fekir is back to his best for Lyon Photo Credit: skysports.com

Team News

Koeman needs to silence the critics with a win here, but will still be without long-term absentees Seamus Coleman, Ramiro Funes Mori, James McCarthy, Ross Barkley, Yannick Bolasie and Aaron Lennon to attempt to do so.

After missing the start of the season, Nabil Fekir is back to the peak of his powers and will be Lyon’s main attacking threat – fresh after scoring a dramatic injury-time winner against Monaco last time out.

 

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by ·Comments Off on Crvena Zvezda vs Arsenal – Europa League Preview
Crvena Zvezda vs Arsenal - Europa League Preview

Crvena Zvezda vs Arsenal – Europa League Preview – Arsenal’s exotic European travels continue as they visit Crvena Zvezda in Serbia in the UEFA Europa League. Arsene Wenger’s men will hope to continue stamping their authority in Group H with another three points that would see them flying high at the top of their group.

The hosts are one spot behind their opponents in second with four points. They have only conceded once so far in the Europa League and have kept six clean sheets in their last seven domestic matches. No doubting they are a firm and rigid defence.

Arsenal were left with faces the same colour as their shirts in their previous outing in the Premier League against Watford. Having taken the lead, a lack of composure and sloppiness; a trait seen far too often in this Arsenal side lately, saw Watford grab two late goals and take all three points.

Sanchez could return to the squad in the Europa League Photo Credit: skysports.com

The frustrated Arsenal fans will be hoping for a much better performance abroad with the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil making possible returns to the starting eleven. The new system that Arsene Wenger has implemented for the season gives the side a lot of width to allow more crossing for Alexandre Lacazette and Olivier Giroud to pounce on to but too many defensive taboos have been, yet again, the issue. Crvena Zvezda enjoy scoring goals aplenty in the Serbian Premier League and can cause the North Londoners defence some real issues. Can Arsenal continue their good start to their European campaign?

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

19 year old Luka Adzic has shown his talent for the Serbian side Photo Credit: hotsport.rs

Crvena Zvezda are a rather unknown quantity to most English football fans. The Serbian side have enjoyed a good start to both domestic and European campaigns; sitting second in Group H and top of the Serbian Super Liga.

Their most recent 5-0 and 4-0 victories over Sabac and Dinamo Vranje could strike some fear into the Arsenal fans as they are very aware of their defensive flaws. 19-year-old striker Luka Adzic has been making a name for himself in the Serbian scene, most recently scoring a hattrick against Dinamo Vranje. A team scattered with unknown talents, could the Crvena players cause a huge upset to a currently wounded Arsenal?

Skybet Match Result – Crvena Zvezda to Win – 7/2

 

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by ·Comments Off on Benfica vs Man Utd – Champions League Group A Preview
Benfica vs Man Utd - Champions League Preview

Benfica vs Man Utd – Champions League Preview – Jose Mourinho leads his undefeated Manchester United team to one of his former clubs seeking to all but secure The Red Devils passage through to the knockout stage of the Champions League.

Manchester United maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign with a resilient 0-0 draw at Anfield on Saturday and despite the turgid performance on the weekend, Mourinho seemed relatively pleased to have taken a point at a rival, with his side remaining in 2nd place in the Premier League in the process – just behind neighbours Manchester City.

The Red Devils have also started excellently in Europe, with convincing results and performances against both FC Basel and CSKA Moscow in 3-0 and 4-1 wins respectively. This blistering start means that victory in Portugal will almost guarantee qualification for the knockout stages, with just three matches played.

Jonas is Benfica’s top scorer so far this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

This is down to Benfica’s inability to pick up a single point to date, most notably after a 5-0 demolishing at the hands of Basel, and the fact that the Swiss side and CSKA are three points afield of United and are now to play each other in consecutive fixtures – the twice European Cup victors will be a minimum of five points ahead of third place with a win against Benfica.

Rui Vitoria’s outfit aren’t enjoying the best start to the season. Alongside their European deficiencies, the Encarnados are 3rd in Liga Nos, already three points behind fellow Lisbon team Sporting and five behind domestic nemesis Porto. A big performance against one of the world’s biggest teams could be the spark Benfica need.

There is history between the two clubs, in fact, one of the aforementioned European Cup victories – and indeed United and an English club’s first in the competition – was against Benfica, where a George Best inspired Manchester United claimed the trophy 4-1 (a.e.t) against Eusebio’s Benfica at Wembley.

Matic returns to a former club when facing Benfica Photo Credit: skysports.com

Additionally, it isn’t only Mourinho that has represented Benfica before but Nemanja Matic and most recently Victor Lindelof too –  the latter switching to Lisbon for Manchester for approximately £30m fee in the summer.

Team News –

Long term injuries to the goliaths Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic see them still ruled out. There are major doubts over the fitness of the near-returning Marcos Rojo, and Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Eric Bailly who all missed Saturday’s crunch fixture with Liverpool.

Benfica right-back Andre Almeida is unavailable through suspension, after his ridiculously idiotic tackle against Basel drew a deserved straight-red card.

 

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