by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Newmarket -11th August 2017
Horse Racing Preview - Newmarket - 3rd November 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from one meeting, with selections coming from Newmarket.

 

19.35 Newmarket – Fly London Southend Airport To Budapest EBF Stallions Fillies Handicap (8f) (0-95)

Without sounding condescending in anyway, anyone of these could win this race, but the Karl Burke entry here Seduce Me probably looks the least exposed off the back of her two wins at Newbury and Epsom. With a 8lb rise at the weights, I would not be surprised if the yard have had to take this hike up in class purely as there is nothing out there, if the quick turnaround will not inconvenience her she should be going close again on this ground she thrives on.

Mark Johnston runs Titi Makfi who is another filly by the well-known soft ground sire Makfi, the handicapper has looked to have caught up with her looking the way her last two runs have panned out, but she has to have claims here dropping in class after her fine run in a 0-105 at Goodwood when behind Richard Hannon’s Billsden Bess, however my concern is the distance, she has not contested the dead 8f in her career yet, the way she is renown for coming off the pace she could be found wanting, looks on the sharp side for her.

Prying Pandora could be the dark horse in this, the Dark Angel filly won well on the all-weather at Newcastle back in May in this company, the third Lincoln Rocks has gone on to land a Listed race since with also good runs in higher company. The runner up has also won last month at Redcar, but in a much weaker event. But the least exposed at the trip and conditions, I am going to give the nod to the Karl Burke entry here Seduce Me to notch up her third win in succession under her pilot Jim Crowley.

SEDUCE ME : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

20.10 Newmarket – Fly London Southend Airport To Venice Handicap (6f) (0-95)

Again, you can give hope to most of these landing this race, but the fact that John Gallagher’s charge Major Pusey turns up after just four days when running a credible second in this company when behind Ice Age at Windsor would give him a slight chance again. He ran well here at the back-end of July when runner up over 5f, however he has failed miserably to land a Class 3 race, in fact he is at present 0-8 around that sphere, but getting weight all round here he is not going to get a better chance of recording a career best win.

One of interest here is John Quinn’s Reputation, he does not look the most straight forward, even so he has been keeping reasonable company around the 105 marks. Coming down at the weights gradually and does have a 0-100 win to his name this year. As the ground goes the jury is out, as he has run poorly on this surface in the past, however would not have to step up too much to win a race of this nature.

REPUTATION : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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by ·Comments Off on PDC Auckland Masters 2017 – Darts Preview
Auckland Masters

PDC Auckland Masters 2017 – Darts Preview – The PDC is taking its World Tour down under beginning with the Auckland Masters this Friday. The televised (ITV) three-day event has some big names not featuring all for personal reasons. Both Michael van Gerwen and Adrian Lewis have requested not to take part in the tournament due to both their wives recently giving birth.

Here are some of the outrights ahead of the PDC Auckland Masters:

Gary Anderson – Skybet Outright Winner – 5/2

Reigning champion Gary Anderson will be hopeful of defending his title Photo Credit: skysports.com

Two-time World Champion Gary Anderson will be defending his title after coming out victorious in Auckland last year. Anderson is currently favourite to retain his title with his opening match being against tough Australian opponent, Kyle Anderson. The Scotsman has never shown any signs of a crowd being against him alter his performance and it is unlikely he will let that happen this time around. Great outright odds for Anderson, worth a punt.

Phil Taylor – Skybet Outright Winner – 3/1

This could be Phil Taylor’s last Auckland Masters tournament Photo Credit: skysports.com

Following his incredible victory at the World Matchplay a couple weeks back, Taylor will be looking to earn more silverware on his lap of honour with the PDC Tour. Dispatching of Michael van Gerwen with ease showed that ‘The Power’ is not retired yet and still has some darting fuel left in the tank. The game’s greatest ever darter will be looking to the upcoming Australian/New Zealand masters’ as a chance to get more silverware with some big names side-lined for these events. Following his recent form, wouldn’t want to bet against him.

Peter Wright – Skybet Outright Winner – 100/30

Peter Wright needs to get back to winning ways Photo Credit: skysports.com

‘Snakebite’ Peter Wright has endured a frustrating few months; continuously losing in big pressure matches. Wright is due a piece of silverware having shown signs of vast improvement on the doubles in large majorities, however has still lacked that cutting edge. His first match is against Corey Cadby of Australia where he will be looking to get off to a flying start. Snakebite could slither to the trophy on his day.

Daryl Gurney – Skybet Outright Winner – 9/1

Daryl Gurney could upset the favourites if in similar form to the World Matchplay Photo Credit: skysports.com

Daryl ‘Superchin’ Gurney has turned up the heat in his recent outings on the PDC Tour. Losing in the final of the Shanghai Masters to Michael van Gerwen and losing in the World Matchplay semi-final to Peter Wright are not so much defeats in the big scheme. His meteoric rise up the PDC Order of Merit has been astounding to watch this year and is quickly becoming not just the ‘hot prospect’ but the one to beat. His opening match is against Australian, Rob Modra. Long odds from SkyBet on the in-form, talented 31-year-old.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Dusky Maid

 

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

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

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

Prediction: Tranquil Soul

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

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

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

Prediction: High End

 

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

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

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

Prediction: Gold Class

See the full race card for the evening here:

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Skybet Match Result – Colchester to Win – 11/2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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by ·Comments Off on Carabao Cup – First Round – Bury vs Sunderland – Match Preview
Bury vs Sunderland - Match Preview

Carabao Cup – First Round – Bury vs Sunderland – Match Preview – The first round of the formerly known League Cup takes place this week, with League one side Bury facing Sunderland on Thursday. The Black Cats will be hoping to sweep away the cobwebs of last year’s relegation by beating the Shakers, and give Simon Grayson his first win in charge.

Sunderland kicked off their league campaign on Friday night with a 1-1 draw against Derby County. Lewis Grabban opened the scoring with his first of the season, which turned out to be one of a number of positives to be taken from the game. There was, however, a few gentle reminders of their struggles from last year. Whilst they played well, they could have easily lost had Chris Martin not missed a guilt edged chance for the Rams’ in the second half.

Bury got off to the perfect start in league one, with an opening day 1-0 victory over Walsall. With striker James Vaughan leaving the club to join Sunderland, it left them with a sizeable budget to add to their squad. New signings Chris Maguire and Jermaine Beckford impressed on debut, with the latter scoring the only goal of the game.

Jermaine Beckford scored in the 1-0 win over Walsall over the weekend

The two sides have not met for over 11 years. The last time they did, was also in the League Cup, where Bury produced a shock 2-0 victory. In their last ten meetings, of which three have been cup ties, there have been 33 goals. In those ten games, seven of them have been settled by a maximum of a one goal margin, showing that these fixtures are usually closely contested.

With Gigg Lane filled with optimism at the moment, these two clubs seem to be heading in opposite directions. A lot will come down to what teams the two managers opt to field, although I feel Bury will have more interest in the fixture than Sunderland. Grayson knows his bread and butter is the Championship, and that’s what he will ultimately be judged on, come the end of the season.

There are always upsets in the cup, and this is a fixture I would mark down as a potential banana skin. Roared on by their home crowd, I can see Bury knocking out Sunderland, and progressing to the second round.

 

Suggested Tips:

SKYBET: BURY TO WIN BY EXACTLY ONE GOAL- 4/1

SKYBET: JAMES VAUGHAN TO SCORE FIRST AND SUNERLAND TO WIN 2-1- 25/1

SKYBET: JERMAINE BECKFORD TO SCORE AND BURY TO DRAW – 10/1

SKYBET: SUNERLAND TO WIN AND OVER 2.5 MATCH GOAL- 9/4

SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES- 18/1

by ·Comments Off on UEFA Super Cup Final – Real Madrid vs Manchester United – Match Preview
UEFA Super Cup Final - Real Madrid vs Manchester United - Match Preview

Real Madrid vs Manchester United – Match Preview – As UEFA Super Cups go, simply put, this is as big as it gets. Double defending Champions League winners Real Madrid will embroil in a titanic tussle with Europa League victors Manchester United for the Super Cup crown at the Philip II Arena, Skopje, Macedonia.

Both global superpowers will be seeking a positive start to the 2017/18 season by snapping up the first title on offer and extending tradition by doing so – Los Blancos are looking for their fourth European Super Cup win whilst The Red Devils want to double their existing tally of one.

The two sides met in pre-season as recently as the 24th of July – drawing 1-1 in the game before Jose Mourinho’s side won on penalties.

Similar to the FA Community Shield in English football, the Super Cup falls more into the category of curtain-raiser than essential trophy, but is still noted as a major honour in the record books. Perhaps more importantly for the managers, an opportunity to claim a title and assert dominance over a European trophy winner from the previous season is a hugely positive sign for the coming season.

And let’s be honest, teams like Manchester United and Real Madrid make no bones about it – they want to win EVERYTHING. Zinedine Zidane has barely experienced the bitter taste of defeat in his short managerial career and will not want to start now, and Mourinho is adamant that titles such as this are significant to him and his teams – so expect a great game.

Team News 
Manchester United have somewhat of a centre-back crisis at present, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are ruled out through suspension (the former for a red card in his part in a brawl against Celta Vigo in the Europa League semi-final, the latter for verbally abusing an anti-doping official from UEFA), whilst Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Ashley Young are all still long-term absentees.
In more positive news though, the big trio of summer signings in Nemanja Matic, Romelu Lukaku and Victor Lindelof are all expected to make their competitive United debuts.

Despite the embarrassment of riches at Zidane’s disposal, there is simply no replacing Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugal captain is set to return since his extended leave after the Confederations Cup. However, Welshman  Gareth Bale may be unavailable due to an ankle injury picked up during pre-season – meaning Isco and Marco Asensio will be expected have huge involvements.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return to the Madrid squad for the Super Cup against former club Manchester United Photo Credit: skysports.com

Player to Watch – Romelu Lukaku
The biggest transfer of the summer before the extraordinary Neymar deal, the acquisition of Romelu Lukaku for £75m from Everton made the world stand up and take notice. Such a massive price requires massive results and the Belgian international has hit the ground running in pre-season with three goals, perhaps a good indication of things to come. Perhaps a summarisation of Lukaku’s career to date, doing it in the big games will be the true judge of his value. The 24-year-old possesses the perfect blend of physical and technical attributes to dismantle any defence and will be crucial to United in their attempts to claim silverware in this Super Cup, and all season. Can he repay the fee?

Romelu Lukaku could secure his first trophy with Manchester United with a win in the Super Cup Photo Credit: skysports.com

 

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by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Market Rasen, Chester & Galway – 6th August 2017
Horse Racing Preview - Nottingham - 11th October 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from three meetings with selections coming from Chester & Market Rasen & Galway.

 

13.55 Market Rasen – Showroom Activities Juvenile Hurdle

Harry Skelton’s yard are simply flying at present and their newcomer here is Kereman. By St James’s Palace & King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes winning sire Azamour, out of 91 rated mare Kerania, he should really be mixing it up here on debut.

Costa Percy has to be respected off the back of his two wins around this sphere, but he could find the selection too much to handle this afternoon, his flat rating was not that much to write home about running off marks off the mid sixties. City Dreamer was seen pulling up over course and distance last time, he is another that is coming from an average flat background in the mid sixties.

KEREMAN : 3pt Win @ SP (BOG)

16.15 Chester – Total Fitness Queensferry Stakes (Listed) (6f)

This is a good opportunity for Kimberella to get back into the winning enclosure if good enough now back on turf, His last win on turf is starting to become distant, in fact Ripon was his last win last September when winning off a mark of 104. He ran well here last July when just denied over course and distance on soft ground when off a mark of 97, but his run at Musselburgh when contesting the Scottish Sprint Cup was a move in the right direction considering the trip was too sharp. Market support would show a lot of confidence behind his chances.

Clem Fandango could be the interesting one in the race, representing a trainer that is also in good form, Keith Dagliesh. With the eye catching booking of Chester specialist Franny Norton in the plate she would not be out of this. She will have to prove that she gets this index after some poor showings in the past. Last years Roseberry Stake’s winner has to prove to me that she is just not a 5f sprinter, the ground is perfect and a big run expected from a reasonable draw to drop in.

CLEM FANDANGO : 1pt each way @ SP (BOG)

18.00 Galway – F.R.Breen Memorial (Pro/Am) I.N.H Flat

Its always hard to get away from a Willie Mullins bumper runner, here he has two in the line up with son Patrick electing to ride Ainsi Va La Vie who got off the mark at the first time of asking at Limerick when thrashing his nearest rival by ten lengths. The runner up Osco Mosco has boosted that form when winning at Wexford nine days ago.

The sire Liverco was a useful middles distance Group 1 winner in Germany, landing races such as the Europa Preis and the German Derby, the dam was an average mare running index’s up to 8.5f without success. He will be hard to beat and the price will reflect that.

The yards other runner is their mare Vittorio, who also won first time under rules at Roscommon under today’s pilot Katie Walsh, and she was impressive when winning by nine lengths, the runner up was not disgraced when third to Osco Mosco who Ainsi Va La Vie thrashed.

If the Mullins pair fail to turn up for some reason then a big claim should go to Joseph O’Brien’s entry here Santiago De Cuba who was equally impressive when landing his debut at Killarney by just over three lengths. The runner up was beaten here on Monday by another Mullins power house Poet Power, but on the official ratings and form,  Ainsi Va La Vie should be hard to beat with Santiago De Cuba and Vittorio picking up the scraps for the minor honours.

AINSI VA LA VIE : 5pt win @ SP (BOG)

 

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by ·Comments Off on Women’s Euro 2017 Final – Denmark vs Netherlands – Match Preview
Women's Euro 2017 Final - Denmark vs Netherlands - Match Preview

Women’s Euro 2017 Final – Denmark vs Netherlands – Match Preview – The final of the 2017 UEFA Women’s EURO is upon us with surprise finalists Denmark facing the hosts, Netherlands. The tournament has provided plenty of shocks with defending champions Germany crashing out in the quarter finals having won the previous six tournaments in a row.

Netherlands

The host nation has really impressed since their opening match against Norway in Group A. Their potent attack of Lieke Martens, Vivienne Miedema and Shanice van de Sanden has helped the Netherlands score nine goals in their five outings. Not only the ‘Clockwork Orange’ attack has been prospering in front of a home crowd however; the defence has also illustrated stability and rigidness having only conceded once in their path to the final.

Women's Euro 2017 Final - Denmark vs Netherlands - Match Preview

The Netherlands have been in great form and home support will be an advantage Photo Credit: skysports.com

After gliding through the group stages without a hiccup, the hosts continued to showcase their class in their quarter-final against Sweden where goals from Barcelona winger Lieke Martens and Arsenal striker Vivienne Miedema elated a packed-out home crowd. The semi-final saw Netherlands face their toughest test against an England side who had been scoring for fun in the run up to the fixture. However, the hosts made lightwork of the English disposing of them in a clinical 3-0 victory. The ruthless, potent manor of the Netherlands style of play will make it hard to bet against them in this final.

Skybet Match Result – Netherlands to Win – 3/4

Denmark

Denmark have been defying the odds since the group stages in an impressive manor. Qualifying second through Group A, behind their final opponents, was unexpected for the Danes following a tough Group draw. Their final group stage victory over a strong Norwegian team saw them clinch second place in the group and a quarter final draw against tournament favourites, Germany.

Women's Euro 2017 Final - Denmark vs Netherlands - Match Preview

Denmark defeated Austria on penalties to reach the final Photo Credit: skysports.com

The Danes fairy-tale continued as two second half goals including a late winner from right-back, Theresa Nielsen, provided the tournaments biggest shock and saw them progress to the semi-final stages and draw the other surprise package of the EURO’s, Austria. Penalties decided the Danes fate, in which they held their nerve and beat the Austrian’s 3-0 to see them astoundingly reach the final of the tournament. The underdog story has captured the eyes of all Women’s football fans across Europe and although they will be playing against a difficult away crowd, plenty will be cheering for the underdogs back home.

Skybet Match Result – Denmark to Win – 15/4

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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