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

Stoke City vs Manchester United – Match Preview – Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United take their 100% win record to the Bet 365 Stadium to take on Mark Hughes’ Stoke.

Three wins, three clean sheets and ten goals; a perfect start for Manchester United, who now face their hardest match so far. Romelu Lukaku has hit the ground running, with three goals in his opening three matches. Juan Mata and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have also started the season in fine form, whilst Paul Pogba looks to be finally living up to his £89 million-pound price tag. The football is fast, fluid and attacking, with the Red Devils looking much more like their former selves.

In defence, they are also excelling. The partnership of Phil Jones and Eric Bailly has been solid, not to mention the influence Nemanja Matic has had, protecting the back four. The depth of options available to Jose Mourinho is staggering, with the likes of Ander Herrera, Antony Martial and Victor Lindelof having to settle for places on the bench. Many, including myself, have tipped Mourinho’s men to win the league, and this game will be a true reflection of their title credentials.

Nemanja Matic has hit the ground running for Manchester United Photo Credit: skysports.com

Stoke by comparison, have made a steady start to their Premier League campaign. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Everton was followed by a fantastic 1-0 win against Arsenal. Last time out, Peter Crouch grabbed a late equaliser at West Brom to leave them with a respectable four points from their opening three matches. Over the years, Stoke have heavily impressed on their home turf, with the Bet 365 Stadium a place many teams fear to visit.

Jese Rodriguez could cause the Utd defence some problems as he did against Arsenal Photo Credit: skysports.com

Stoke have also made some fantastic additions this summer. Despite the departure of Marko Arnautovic, the club managed to sign former Real Madrid winger Jese on a season-long loan from PSG. The Spanish attacker netted his first goal for the club on his home debut, in the 1-0 victory over Arsenal. The club also strengthened their defensive options, with the permanent signings of Bruno Martins Indi and Kevin Wimmer, whilst Kurt Zouma joined on loan from Chelsea.

Manchester United have only won two of their last seven meetings with Stoke. The Red Devils have often found things difficult against The Potters’ and haven’t won at the Bet 365 stadium in the league, since 2013. Despite that record, I still think Mourinho’s men will have just about enough to see past Stoke, in what will be their biggest test to date.

Prediction: Stoke 0-1 Manchester United

 

SKYBET: MANCHESTER UNITED TO WIN TO NIL- 11/8

SKYBET: LUKAKU TO SCORE FIRST AND UNITED TO WIN 2-1- 15/1

SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE AND DRAW- 9/2

SKYBET: JESE TO SCORE AND STOKE TO WIN- 9/1

SKYBET: RASHFORD AND BERAHINO BOTH TO SCORE- 10/1

by ·Comments Off on Derby County vs Hull City – Match Preview
Derby County vs Hull City - Match Preview

Derby County vs Hull City – Match Preview – Derby County take on Hull City at Pride Park, with both sides looking to build on their starts to the new season.

Derby come in to this game sat in 12th position, with seven points from the opening five matches. Two wins, two draws and one defeat has left the Rams’ looking for consistency. Last time out, they came unstuck, losing 3-1 away at newly promoted Sheffield United. A goalkeeping error from Scott Carson and an own goal from Johnny Russell compounded them to a second league defeat.

Sam Winnall joined Derby on loan from Sheffield Wednesday Photo Credit: derbytelegraph.co.uk

Gary Rowett bolstered his attacking options on deadline day, with the addition of Sheffield Wednesday striker Sam Winnall on a season-long loan. Winnall hit 14 goals last season for Barnsley and Wednesday, but has found his chances limited, with the wealth of attacking options available to Owls’ manager Carlos Carvalhal. Deadline day also saw the arrival of Birmingham City midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld. This arrival triggered the departure of Craig Bryson and Jacob Butterfield, who joined Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday on season-long loans.

Like Derby, Hull have mustered seven points from their opening five games. The Tigers do however sit in eighth on goal difference. Despite a brand-new squad and manager, Hull have shown they have the capabilities of being a force in this division. After taking four points from their opening two matches, three defeats in the League and Cup saw them stutter. A thumping 4-0 win against Bolton secured their second league win and left them with optimism, heading in to the International break.

Jackson Irvine signed from Burton Albion Photo Credit: hulldailymail.co.uk

After losing Sam Clucas to Swansea City for £16 million, Leonid Slutsky has made key additions to his squad. Midfield duo Jon Toral and Jackson Irvine have joined from Arsenal and Burton Albion, whilst Stephen Kingsley and Nouha Dicko helped bolster Hull’s defensive and attacking options. Irvine in particular looks an inspired addition. The Australian picked up ten goals and ten assists, and was instrumental to Burton Albion avoiding relegation last season.

The last time these two met was in the 2015/16 Championship play offs, which eventually saw Hull promoted. Hull have won six of their last ten games against Derby, but only one of their last four. Derby meanwhile have only beaten Hull once at home in the last eight league games between the pair, with 21 goals coming in that time.

With both teams making indifferent starts to the season, I’m going to go with a draw. A safe bet would be both teams to score, with a combined 17 goals being scored by the two teams already this season.

Prediction: Derby 1-1 Hull

 

SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE AND DRAW- 7/2

SKYBET: DERBY TO WIN 1-0, 2-0 OR 2-1- 15/8

SKYBET: WINNALL AND BOWEN TO BOTH SCORE- 13/2

SKYBET: DICKO TO SCORE FIRST AND HULL TO WIN 1-0- 40/1

SKYBET: DERBY TO WIN BOTH HALVES- 9/2

by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Haydock & Ascot – 8th September 2017
Horse Racing Preview - Haydock & Ascot - 8th September 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from two meetings, with selections coming from Haydock and Ascot.

 

13.50 Haydock – 32red Casino EBF Fillies Novice Stakes (7.9f)

If we were realistically going to stay around form then Roger Varian’s filly La Diva should be taking all the beating here. Her form from her debut run when three and a half lengths behind Carla Temptress at Newmarket would be serious to take on board, as the filly back in third, Bambino Lola came out and won in good style at Salisbury, the fourth Shepherd Market has also won recently.

The price will reflect her form and in my opinion she should be odds on to land this, however her defeat last time when only managing fourth was a little disappointing, but the third Finsbury Park has run well in a 0-95 Handicap since, which to be fair, she was running off a mark of just 78, which would put La Diva around the 76 sphere which is nothing really to write home about. We cannot take her debut run with confidence despite the form as she let herself down, so on reflection of that I am going to take her on.

If we looked at Alan Bailey’s Fleeting Freedom for example, she has already competed at Handicap level when just under five lengths behind Gold Town who now brings a mark of 98 to the table, the runner up Dragon’s Tail is probably officially rated by me at around 89, this would put Alan Bailey’s filly on a mark of around 86, she was rated 77 that day and still ran well, so on that theory would put her close to La Diva, however she looks very exposed after three runs and the confidence not really there having to book a 5lb claimer on her.

Richard Fahey’s Amazing Michelle though finished in front of the well thought of Gosden filly Steam Song who has a Group 1 entry, she has improved with every run and with her advantage of contesting the 8f all ready, she could be the one to side with, shame Tony Hamilton rides her, but regardless she has progressed from first to second run which is important.

AMAZING MICHELLE : 1pt each way @ SP (BOG)

14.05 Ascot – Twinings Novice Auction Stakes (6f)

Now again in theory if form goes to plan, Richard Hughes Odyssey should be all the rage here, her defeat on debut at Wolverhampton saw her finish just a head behind Michael Stoute’s Forever In Love who runs after this race at Haydock. She was running on well that day and Shane Kelly will take the ride once more for his stable.

Any dangers, Society Lily could be interesting on debut for trainer Hugo Palmer, the daughter of Society Rock could play a big part on this softening ground, Jim Crowley will do the steering.

ODYSSA : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

14.25 Haydock – 32red EBF Fillies Novices Stakes (6f)

Another division of fillies here and this time over the sprint trip of 6f, Simon Crisford’s form with his juveniles this year have been reasonable and he saddles here Long Embrace. She finished fifth on debut on the all weather at Wolverhampton, the winner Shania Says ran well recently in a Class 2 contest at Goodwood three days ago off a mark of 69 beaten a length and a quarter.

In front of her was Forever In Love who was the beaten even money favourite, Stoute’s filly was very lit up that day and will get the aid of the first time visor applied, she definitely sets the standard ahead of Long Embrace. Richard Kingscote is 2-8 riding out for Stoute since the turn of May which reflects that a 25% strike rate is fair.

FOREVER IN LOVE : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

 

 

Best of Luck, Bet Responsibly

Promotional Offer by BET365


www.betalyst.com

by ·Comments Off on Patriots vs Chiefs – NFL Game Preview
Patriots vs Chiefs - NFL Game Preview

Patriots vs Chiefs – NFL Game Preview – The long wait is over! There are no more Sunday’s without the NFL until February. This Thursday we will see the new Champions embark on their title defence, against one of their AFC rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs.

With the injury to Julian Elderman, I expect Tom Brady to feature his new Target, off season pick up Brandin Cooks, early and often. Star TE Rob Gronkowsi will be in action for the first time since his injury last year, and will be looking to pick up where he left off.

Tom Brady of the Patriots Photo Credit: skysports.com

On the Chiefs side, in his contract season, QB Alex Smith, will be looking to finally go deep in the playoffs. I expect a more explosive passing game with pro bowl TE Travis Kelce and WR Tyreek Hill. Also rookie, RB Kareem Hunt, will see his first NFL action and will be looking to impress. The Chiefs defences were top 5 in the NFL last season and it will be interesting to see how they fare against the Hall of Famer Tom Brady.

Travis Kelce of the Chiefs Photo Credit: skysports.com

Week 1 of the season is always tricky, normally defences start slow and although the Chiefs are among the elite in the league, I see some struggle this week. I do however expect Coach Andy Reid to instruct Alex Smith to spread the ball more than normal as well, giving us a great opening game to the season.

Prediction –  Patriots Win: 28-17

Statistical Prediction:

Patriots

Tom Brady – 315 yards, 3 TD’s, 1 INT,

Brandi Cooks: – 85 REC Yards,

Rob Gronkowski – 90 Yards Rec, 1 TD,

Chiefs

Alex Smith – 225 yards, 1 TD,

Kareem Hunt – 89 yards rushing, 1 rushing TD,

Travis Kelce – 100 yards, 1 TD Rec

 

Suggested Tips:

 

Need help understanding the lingo? Check out our NFL Glossary

by ·Comments Off on World Cup Qualifiers – Scotland vs Malta – Match Preview
Scotland vs Malta - Match Preview

Scotland vs Malta – Match Preview – Scotland will face Malta this Monday in their bid for qualification for 2018 World Cup in Russia. Malta will be looking to bounce back following a crushing 4-0 defeat to the hands of Group F leaders, England.

Scotland will be hoping to gain some momentum after their 3-0 victory over Lithuania in their previous outing. Scotland are chasing Slovakia and England in third place in Group F, whilst Malta are at the foot of the table yet to claim a point.

Striker and fan favourite Leigh Griffiths is likely to spearhead the Scottish attack and although he didn’t get on the scoresheet against Lithuania, he contributed with two assists and has a deadly free kick that England are likely to still remember. Can Griffiths help Scotland gain a huge three points?

Leigh Griffiths is expected to lead the line for Scotland Photo Credit: stv.tv

Skybet To Score a Brace – Leigh Griffiths to score a Brace –  11/8

Stuart Armstrong opened the scoring against Lithuania, will he get the Scots off to a strong start once more?

Skybet First Goalscorer – Stuart Armstrong to score First – 6/1

Unsurprisingly, Malta haven’t impressed during their qualifying campaign and any hopes they had of reaching Russia are long gone. With a lack of known quality in their squad, the bookmakers are yet to favour them for any of their qualification ties. With only 28% possession against England they still managed four attempts on the opposing goal. The most likely method of Malta shocking Scotland will be on the break. Surely they can’t, can they?

Skybet Match Result – Malta to Win – 50/1

With Slovakia facing England in the same gameweek, this fixture provides a great opportunity for the Scots to make up ground on the other two nations. With the most realistic possibility of Scotland qualifying through a second placed finish, they will be hoping their fellow home nation yet rivals England can do the job against Slovakia. Can both home nations grab three points to make an interesting end to Group F?

When these two last met in qualification back in 2016, Scotland came out victorious 5-1. A rather harsh score line on the Maltese, however Scotland fans will be hoping they can build their goal difference with another convincing victory. Could history repeat itself?

Skybet Correct Score – Scotland to Win 5-1 – 33/1

 

Suggested Tips:

by ·Comments Off on World Cup Qualifiers – Republic of Ireland vs Serbia – Match Preview
World Cup Qualifiers - Republic of Ireland vs Serbia - Match Preview

Republic of Ireland vs Serbia – Match Preview – The top two in Group D go head to head as the Republic of Ireland host Serbia. With the home side just two points behind their visitors, three points would see Ireland leapfrog Serbia in to first place.

With 13 points from their first seven games, ROI sit in second spot, two points clear of third place Wales. With Wales winning on Saturday, and ROI only managing a 1-1 draw away at Georgia, the pressure is on for Martin O’Neill’s men.

Whilst they remain unbeaten so far in qualifying, they also find themselves without a win in three matches. Draws with Wales, Austria and Georgia have set back a fantastic start. A win for them would see them move in to first place and leave automatic qualification in their own hands, with two games remaining. Any dropped points however, would open the door for Wales to jump above them in to the play-off spot.

A key factor in Ireland’s unbeaten qualifying run has been their defensive solidity. Having only conceded five goals so far, it has made them hard to beat. Where they have fallen short however, has been scoring goals. With only nine goals so far, they find themselves with the third lowest amount in their group.

Mitrovic has scored 6 goals during qualifying for Serbia in Group D Photo Credit: skysports.com

Like Ireland, Serbia come in to the game unbeaten in qualifying. Four wins and three draws sees them top the pile, having scored an impressive 16 goals along the way. A comfortable 3-0 win last time out against Moldova will have them in good spirits, and they now only need seven points from their last three matches to book a place at next summer’s tournament. Although they can’t guarantee top spot with a win on Tuesday, it would be very hard to see them slipping up, if they were to grab three points at the Aviva Stadium.

These two met on the opening group game in September last year. An enthralling match saw Serbia come from a goal down to lead, only for Daryl Murphy to snatch ROI a late draw. Since that game, Ireland have failed to score more than one goal in a match, whilst Serbia have notched 14 in six games.

Walters will be key for Ireland’s progression to the World Cup Photo Credit: skysports.com

With so much riding on this game, I can see another defensive masterclass coming from the men in green. This match really does seem a must win for Martin O’Neil’s side, and when that is the case, they usually deliver. Whilst the stats would point to another draw, I think ROI may nick a result and move them in to first position in the group.

Prediction: Republic of Ireland 1-0 Serbia 

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE – ROI TO WIN 1-0 – 6/1

SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE AND DRAW- 100/30

SKYBET: LONG AND MITROVIC BOTH TO SCORE- 15/2

SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES- 25/1

SKYBET: TADIC TO SCORE FIRST AND SERBIA TO WIN 1-0- 30/1

SKYBET: WALTERS TO SCORE AND ROI TO WIN- 7/2

by ·Comments Off on World Cup Qualifiers – England vs Slovakia – Match Preview
England vs Slovakia - Match Preview

England vs Slovakia – Match Preview – Slovakia will be relishing the opportunity to snatch direct World Cup qualification from England’s hands at Wembley in a crucial Group F match with just three matches remaining in the qualification group just two points separate the two sides.

Only the team that finishes top of the group receives the reward of automatically qualifying to the 2018 World Cup in Russia – with the second-place teams in each of the European groups going into a play-off match.

England, once again, will be expected to surpass the (now Slovakian) obstacle in their way and top yet another major tournament qualifying group. After a slight blip in the 2-2 tie against Scotland due to Leigh Griffiths magic, England dispatched Malta 4-0 in a game that Gareth Southgate’s side did nothing to dispel the current concerns around the national team.

It was a laboured performance which saw the Three Lions struggle to create many opportunities but it maintained the gap over Monday’s opponents, who are on a run of five straight victories and have first spot within their crosshairs.

Marek Hamsik can cause England problems from the middle of the field Photo Credit: skysports.com

Jan Kozak’s team are currently 28th in the world and are by no means pushovers, possessing real quality in the side via the mediums of players such as Napoli icon Marek Hamsik and ex Liverpool centre-back Martin Skrtel.

A marked improvement will be needed for England to navigate the Slovakian onslaught, in a game that could be reminiscent of the blunder against Croatia in 2008, (losing a vital match 3-2 and subsequently not qualifying for that year’s European Championships) if not treated with the required determination and diligence. The Falcons are buoyant after overwhelming fellow home nation Scotland 3-0 in Trnava last time out.

Even so, England have kept clean sheets in their last three encounters with Slovakia (winning the reverse fixture 1-0) and the quality littered throughout Southgate’s team should be more than adequate in seeing the job through. Victory would see England’s all but guaranteed passage through to Russia, where they can really begin to dream.

Team News
Everton stopper Jordan Pickford has withdrawn from the squad due to injury which should see the under-fire Joe Hart retain his no.1 spot. Jordan Henderson has been confirmed as the game’s captain as Southgate decides on a progressive, rotational replacement for the captaincy voided by Wayne Rooney’s permanent departure.

Kane scored a brace against Malta and will need to find his goalscoring touch again against Slovakia Photo Credit: skysports.com

Player to Watch
Harry Kane has had vast amounts of column inches dedicated to him at the start of this season, once again failing to break his ‘August duck’ in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur in a sluggish opening period to the campaign. The 24-year-old did however open his account for the season with a brace against Malta, taking his current tally to 10 strikes in just 20 appearances for England – a stellar record. The general premise of Kane is that if you allow him even half a yard, he will punish even the strongest teams.

The striker never seems to lack confidence and has earned his place in leading the line for his country with several fantastic seasons at club level (winning back-to-back Premier League Golden Boots). Now he needs to exorcise the demons of a disastrous Euro 2016, take his nation to another major tournament, and perform to the standard he is blatantly capable of when he is there. That path begins with Slovakia on Monday.

 

Suggested Tips:

by ·Comments Off on World Cup Qualifiers – Greece vs Belgium – Match Preview
World Cup Qualifiers - Greece vs Belgium - Match Preview

Greece vs Belgium – Match Preview – Belgium take a trip to Greece in a top of the table clash in Group H. A win for the visitors seal top place in the group, and a place in next year’s World Cup.

Belgium come in to this game unbeaten. Roberto Martinez’s men have impressed so far in qualifying, having only dropped two points all campaign. The Belgians are knocking in the goals for fun, with 33 goals scored and only two conceded in those six games.

Belgium’s only blip however, was against Greece, where they drew 1-1 at home. With the home side sat just six points behind, they can’t afford to slip up. Another victory would however all confirm top spot in the group, and leave the rest to fight it out for a play-off place.

Lukaku netted a hat trick against Gibraltar in the 9-0 win Photo Credit: skysports.com

After a resounding 9-0 victory over Gibraltar last time out, they are certainly in red hot form. Belgium’s top scorer Romelu Lukaku bagged a hat-trick, to take him third in the scoring charts for qualification. The Manchester United striker sits just behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski, who have 14 and 11 goals.

Greece come in to the game knowing they need to get another result against Belgium. With them currently sat in second place, they’re desperate to secure a play-off place. They currently sit two points ahead of Bosnia, and three above Cyprus. Defeat here and a positive result for either of those sides could see them just above them and in to second place.

Greece, like Belgium have a very tight defence, having only conceded three goals in qualifying thus far. The main difference between the two sides however, is at the other end of the pitch. Greece have only notched ten goals in seven matches, compared to the 33 scored by Belgium. If they are to have any hope of securing a positive result, it’ll all depend on their ability to soak up pressure, and hit them on the counter attack.

With a key game against Cyprus after this match, it’s imperative they try and keep their fate in their own hands if they want to have any chance of qualifying. With the attacking strength Belgium have, I think it may be too much for them, a Belgium win to nil looks a good bet to me.

Prediction: Greece 0-2 Belgium

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE BELGIUM TO WIN 2-0- 6/1

SKYBET: BELGIUM TO WIN TO NIL- 13/8

SKYBET: LUKAKU AND HAZARD TO BOTH SCORE- 11/2

SKYBET: OVER 2.5 MATCH GOALS AND BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE- 2/1

SKYBET: BELGIUM TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES- 9/4

by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Brighton & Worcester – 3rd September 2017
Horse Racing Pro Tips - 22nd November 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from two meetings, with selections from Worcester and Brighton.

 

14.00 Brighton – Hertz Brighton Maiden Auction Stakes (5.1f)

Richard Hannon’s backward Juveniles are starting to come to hand and this could be a good opportunity for his filly Ghepardo to get her head in front at the fifth attempt. Her best run this year came on the all weather when finishing runner up at Wolverhampton being just denied by Tom Dascombe’s Deviate who has gone on to run an improved second to Michael Bells Revived.

He could not get competitive when stepping up on Handicap bow at Glorious Goodwood when running last in a 0-80 Nursery, however that was over 7f and it was obvious that a step back to sprinting was looking more likely, he competes over 5f this afternoon once more and should be the one to beat under Tom Marquand.

The main danger and probably the most frustrating one in the race is Sylvester Kirk’s Three Little Birds, form May to June it looked like a win was just around the corner after a string of good runs when being placed on three occasions. Even though she was possibly out classed when contesting the Class 2 Weatherby’s Super Sprint at Newbury, she ran a creditable seventh of twenty three, a length a head of her was Mother of Dragons who has also finished last in a Nursery since at Nottingham, but excuses can be made for her run purely as the ground was just beyond heavy and a mud-fest, she will be better back on this quicker ground.

GHEPARDO : 1pt each way :@ SP (BOG)

14.45 Worcester – Bet Toteexacta AT Betfred.com Novices Chase (16.5f)

This is probably Charlie Longsdon’s last chance saloon to get Lambeau Field a slim chance of running well off a low weight. The once trained Charles O’Brien gelding changed hands last October and ran a cracker on debut when placed in the Grade 2 JCB Triumph Hurdle trial, that alone would be significant enough to land a race of this nature, but he was beaten out of sight on his return this year at Ludlow, then it looked like he was going to record his first success when just denied in a 0-110 Handicap Hurdle back in April.

Once more trainer stepped him back up into a Class 2 where again he showed no love when tailing off by eighty lengths, he drops down in class once more into a class 4 and should really be making his presence felt off this low weight of 10st 4lb on his chasing bow, the extra half a furlong also could play to his strengths as most of his runs above 16f has seen him go reasonably close.

Colin Tizzard’s Solatentif should also be on the premises after a good second at Uttoxeter on only his third chase run, he has a good fourth on his resume in a Grade 2 chase, he has to be feared from a five week layoff, Richard Johnson takes the ride for the first time, If Mad Jack Mytton turned up in a form that has seen him land a 0-135 Handicap Hurdle this year he would have to be the most feared in the race. He returns this afternoon to the larger obstacles and his best career run came in a 0-135 Chase back in January when behind Paul Nicholls Clic Work and on that occasion ran up to a mark of around 127 which is still a lot ahead of these today.

Favourites have a good record in the race, taking 4-6 which includes the last three renewals this saw Aidan Colman ride last years winner for Nigel Hawke, I expect the market to be in favour of Jonjo O’Neills seven year old and continue the run of winning favourites for the race.

MAD JACK MYTTON : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

15.15 Worcester – Bet Totequadpot At Betfred.com Intermediate Open National Hunt Flat (16f)

All about pedigree and with Saint Des Saints progeny’s having a excellent strike rate with first time bumper runners, this is an opportunity for Francky Du Berlais to give Peter Bowen his first bumper runner since April. It’s not the greatest of contests even though a few of these have had the benefit of a run. Beyond The Clouds has run well on both NHF starts which resulted with a win on debut, but with both runs coming at Musselburgh, maybe that is where his next success will come.

Neil Mulholland’s Mac Tottie has had every opportunity to get his head in front, but has failed now on three occasions, I am not a fan of bumper runners that take this amount of time to hit the winning enclosure at this level. He blew his chance at Newton Abbott last time when beaten to two and a half lengths, but the winner has gone on again to win around the same sphere at Fontwell, won’t mind the ground and is a major player under Noel Fehily.

FRANCKY DE BERLAIS : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

15.30 Brighton – British Stallions Studs EBF Fillies Handicap (9.9f) (0-85)

A very competitive contest here with Roger Varian’s Great Court being one of the principles, she looked really smart when landing her maiden against her own sex on the all weather in good style. Her two career runs on turf have seen her run well when third in a 0-75 handicap at Sandown and was probably given a tame ride by Andrea Atzeni who for me has been doing this too much this year, not disrespecting the jockey, but it just seems he is not riding mounts out to their best possible finishing position. She has been beaten over this trip on turf this year quiet convincingly, however the winner has gone on to compete at pattern level.

The third has won a 0-95 recently and the fourth Nathalie has won her maiden since, her mark of 78 I do not think does her justice considering she has been running up to mid eighties, young 3lb smart claiming jockey David Egan takes the ride. Recent course and distance winner Impressive Day got the better of Marie Josephe three weeks ago, she gets 1lb back here and the form looks to be solid enough that she can hold her ground once more.

Michael Bells Jive Talking never seems to run a bad race, course and distance winner back in July in a 0-70 handicap and to be fair has kept that level of form when runner up in a 0-80 at Windsor under a penalty, she did not run that badly in a 0-100 handicap at Salisbury two weeks ago, but the trip was all wrong over the 12f index, she drops back to 9.9f once more and has to be feared under Lewis Steward.

With already a good level of form, Kitty Boo has run well since coming out of the maiden ranks, her handicap bow saw her go close at Newmarket under Jamie Spencer, she goes up another 1lb and even though she is consistent I feel she has not had the breaks with the ground issues, Luca would not have her here now unless she has been crying out for quicker ground, with her age allowance she can take this race under Luke Morris. three year old’s have one all four renewals.

KITTY BOO : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

 

Best of Luck, Bet Responsibly

Promotional Offer by BET365


www.betalyst.com

by ·Comments Off on World Cup Qualifiers – Malta vs England – Match Preview
Malta vs England - Match Preview

Malta vs England – Match Preview – Gareth Southgate’s men are back in action for a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Malta. The Three lions are yet to be beaten during the qualifying campaign, having won 4 of their six encounters thus far.

Travelling to Malta could spell trouble for England however, who have only won one of their three away fixtures so far in Group F. Malta are sitting rock bottom of the qualifying group though; yet to claim a point after six matches.

With only two goals to their name, the Maltese attack hasn’t had much effect to this date. The same could be said for the defence, who have conceded 15 goals; five coming from a battering to the feet from Scotland back in 2016. However, Malta took the field back in June of this year against the Ukraine in a friendly and came out victorious 1-0.

England will be expected to win comfortably against Malta Photo Credit: skysports.com

England shouldn’t face too many issues in their trip to Malta, however as always, the talking points have been around squad selection. Following Wayne Rooney’s retirement from international football, many will be looking to Harry Kane to create yet another legacy spearheading the English attack. Kane has only scored once so far in the qualifying campaign, however will be many peoples favourite to bag a goal this Friday.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – England to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 11/4

Skybet First Goalscorer – Harry Kane to score 1st – 2/1

As aforementioned, the likelihood of Malta challenging England on the score line is rather slim. If they were to pull off a victory, it would not only be possibly the biggest victory in their history but also would shine a very glum light onto Gareth Southgate at the throne of the England national team.

Skybet Match Result – Malta to Win – 40/1

The two nations have only ever met four times in their history, with England winning all four matches. The biggest score line was 5-0 to England back in 1971, could history repeat itself?

Skybet Correct Score – England to Win 5-0 – 13/2

 

Suggested Tips: