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

FA Cup Final, Wembley, London 5.30pm

Arsenal and Chelsea battle for England’s oldest trophy as Antonio Conte seeks a brilliant league and cup double in what could be Arsene Wenger’s last match.

The FA Cup may not still possess the same aura as days gone by but still provides an excellent spectacle of football at England’s greatest stage – rarely do teams and managers possess the opportunity to etch themselves into English footballing history with victory and this competition provides just that.

The culmination of the English season sees two sides and two managers desperate for victory for completely contrasting reasons.

The Gunners have not won any other major competition bar the FA Cup since the ‘Invincibles’ team of 2004, but are seeking a third FA Cup title in 4 years. This lack of success has seen the discontent amongst Arsenal fans grow and grow and that unhappiness has reached bubbling point – protests demanding change throughout the season against Wenger and the board are illustrated consistently.
This year feels like it may well be Wenger’s last in charge, so the Frenchman would love to solidify his legacy as the most successful manager in FA Cup history and claim a 7th crown.
A 2-1 victory after extra time against Manchester City in the semi-final proves Arsenal can rise to the occasion and the North-London side will undoubtedly believe they can win.

Chelsea’s season is in stark contrast to their London counterparts; after claiming a fifth Premier League title in the past couple of weeks Antonio Conte seeks to become only the second manager to win a league and cup double in his first season and lead Chelsea to become only the third team to win more than one double – after Manchester United and their obstacles to do so Arsenal.

The Blues’ season really began after being outclassed 3-0 at the Emirates in late September – this prompted a change in formation to the now famed 3-4-2-1 and began a dominating sequence of 13 consecutive wins in the Premier League. Chelsea have since never looked back and bar a late resurgence from Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham Hotspurs scarcely looked in danger of claiming a second Premier League title in three years.

Both sides come into the match in excellent form, Arsenal winning their last 5, and 8 of their last 9 since Wenger’s switch to 3 at the back, and Chelsea romping to the title after 6 straight wins to finish the campaign.
Arsenal finished 5th and subsequently missed out on Champions League football, so an FA Cup victory is all Wenger’s men have left to play for to salvage an otherwise incredibly disappointing season. Such motivation should be looked at as dangerous.

Team News 
A theme of Chelsea’s season has been the full squad at Antonio Conte’s disposal. Saturday will be the same as Chelsea hope their consistency in shape and personnel carries them over the line to a fantastic double.

Arsenal, on the other hand, do indeed have serious injury worries – particularly in central defence. Captain and key defender Laurent Koscielny received a straight red card for a rash challenge against Everton so suspension prevents him from leading his side out at Wembley. Gabriel Paulista is still ruled out whilst Shkodran Mustafi remains a doubt providing a real headache for Arsene Wenger should he continue to use his 3 at the back system. Often unused this season; Per Mertersacker is set to play. Kieran Gibbs is also a doubt but other fitness concerns Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alexis Sanchez should be cleared to play.

Eden Hazard is amongst the elite players in the world

Eden Hazard is amongst the elite players in the world Photo Credit: skysports.com

Players to Watch
Eden Hazard has been instrumental in Chelsea’s remarkable season. The diminutive winger has dazzled under Conte and after last season’s blip, has been the usual irrepressible force we are accustomed to. The Belgian international has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season; including a great strike to regain the lead in the FA Cup semi-final against Spurs. Hazard is truly one of the world’s elite players and has the capability to win matches single-handedly – Chelsea will be hoping that he does just that.

Alexis Sanchez scored 29 and assisted 18 goals this season

Alexis Sanchez scored 29 and assisted 18 goals this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Alexis Sanchez is the definition of talisman for Arsenal. Despite Arsenal’s wholly underwhelming campaign, the Chilean has flourished with a remarkable best-ever return of 29 goals and 18 assists in all competitions – the highest combined total of any Premier League player. The ex-Barcelona forward’s dynamism and creativity assures constant menace and there is no doubt whatsoever that Sanchez has the confidence to produce a moment of magic at any given moment. The attacking talent on display in this match is vast but it would be hard to back against Sanchez’s light shining brightest.

 

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  • Skybet Price Boost – Arsenal to win 2-1 – 16/1
  • Skybet Scorecast Boost – Marcos Alonso to score first and Chelsea to win 2-1 – 150/1
  • Skybet Scorecast Boost (Double Chance) – Aaron Ramsey to score first and either Arsenal to win 2-0 or Arsenal to win 3-1 – 200/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – Chelsea to win and Xhaka to be carded – 9/4
  • Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – Chelsea to win, over 2.5 goals and 12+ match corners – 5/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 – Costa to score, BTTS, 4+ corners each team, Costa to be carded and 20+ booking pts each team – 16/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 – BTTS and Kante, Xhaka & Costa to be carded – 25/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet 33/1 to 66/1 – Costa & Sanchez to score and Kante & Xhaka to be carded – 33/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet 33/1 to 66/1 – Pedro to score, Chelsea to win and Kante & Cahill to be carded – 50/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet 80/1 and Above – Over 4.5 goals, 15+ match corners and 70+ match booking pts – 100/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet 80/1 and Above –  Hazard to score, Draw, Xhaka to be carded (all 90 mins) and Arsenal to win in Extra Time – 125/1

 

by ·Comments Off on Angers vs Paris St Germain – Match Preview

French Cup Final, Stade de France, Saint – Denis 8pm

Ligue 1 runners-up PSG are seeking their third consecutive Coupe de France title against underdogs Angers SCO at Stade de France.

The home of French football, Stade de France, could host one of the true underdog stories as The Parisian goliaths face trophy-less Angers in France’s premier knockout cup competition.

PSG have had a very poor season by their own ambitious standards and as such manager Unai Emery’s job is under intense scrutiny. Accustomed to success; especially domestically, missing out to a brilliant Monaco side in Ligue 1 by 8 points will have been a massive blow. Even worse was the humiliating manner in which the Spanish manager’s side threw a commanding 4-0 lead against Barcelona in the Champions League – losing 6-1 in the second leg and consequentially being ejected from the competition as early as the last 16 stage.

The only silverware won this campaign by the ex-Valencia and Sevilla manager’s side has been the Coupe de la Ligue; crushing French Champions Monaco 4-1 in the final.
Winning the Coupe de France – and therefore the domestic club double – could be Emery’s only salvation as he fights for his job. The Spaniard is no stranger to success in cup competitions; having guided Sevilla to three consecutive Europa League titles during his time in Seville.

Stephane Moulin’s men finished in a commendable 12th position in Ligue 1 but have never won a trophy in the club’s history. In fact, this is the first cup final Angers have got to for 60 years – making PSG massive favourites to take the crown.

Angers displayed their fighting spirit in a resilient 2-0 semi-final victory over Guingamp; in the last minute Guingamp forward Jimmy Briand missed a penalty before Karl Toko Ekambi went up the other end to finish the tie in injury time.
PSG reached the final by demolishing domestic rivals Monaco 5-0 with a stunning performance in the semis, courtesy of a Blaise Matuidi goal an assist.

PSG have won 13 of their last 16 league matches so will come into this one in red hot form, Angers on the other hand have lost 6 of their last 10 – but picked up two consecutive wins to end the season which will help build confidence.

Team News
PSG will be thankful they have an embarrassment of riches to call upon in their squad, as full backs Thomas Meunier and Layvin Kurzawa are both ruled out – Maxwell and Serge Aurier are both set to start in their place. Grzegorz Krychowiak is also out of contention. Hatem Ben Arfa and Marco Veratti are both doubts but should be fit enough to make the squad.

Angers will want to be at full strength for the challenge of the French giants – but will be without defenders Pablo Martinez and Yoann Andreu are ruled out alongside striker Billy Ketkeophomphone. Abdoulaye Bamba remains a doubt for the final.

Edinson Cavani has scored 35 goals in Ligue 1 this season

Edinson Cavani has scored 35 goals in Ligue 1 this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Players to Watch 
This match is likely to boil down to whether the PSG players can reach the standards expected to see the job through. Hence two key players for the Parisians are noted here.
Edison Cavani is a player that often divides opinion. Irrespective of his perceived efficiency or whether he was the man to replace the cataclysmic hole left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Uruguayan’s output is phenomenal – 35 goals in Ligue 1 is only bettered by Lionel Messi’s 37 in Europe’s top 5 leagues this season. Blessed with athleticism and incredible movement of the ball and with a gifted knack for being in the right place at the right time; 49 goals in all competitions this season highlights the danger of the ex-Napoli man. It is a certainty that PSG are going to create chances, if Cavani puts them away then Angers won’t have a prayer of winning this tournament.

Thiago Silva is a man that leads by example – the PSG captain puts his body on the line in aid of his team and uses his leadership qualities to calm his side down when needed. The Brazillian international is the second most expensive defender in history after moving from Italian giants AC Milan to the French capital. Thiago Silva is an excellent reader of the game and often snuffs out opportunities before the danger presents itself, his ability on the ball then helps the team push forward.
61 caps for Brazil in a trophy-laden career speaks volumes of one of the world’s highest-rated defenders and on his day can give nightmares to even the very best strikers.

 

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  • Skybet 11/1 to 28/1 – A penalty awarded and a player sent off – 11/1
  • Skybet Both Players to Score – Angel Di Maria and Julian Draxler Both to score – 3/1

by ·Comments Off on UK / Ireland Horse Racing Preview – 27th May 2017
Daily Horse Racing Pro Tips - 23rd October 2017

Horse Racing Preview

Here is our horse racing preview for Saturday 27th May 2017 across UK and Ireland Horse Racing today, unit stakes advised upon each selection.

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 27th May 2017 – Goodwood 2pm -Matchbook Betting Exchange Festival Stakes (Listed)

Abdon – 11/4 – 2pt stake

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 27th May 2017 -Goodwood 3.10pm – Winners Are Welcome At Matchbook Handicap

Horoob – 10/3 – 2pt stake

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland -27th May 2017 -Goodwood 4.20pm – Gentleman’s Measure In Memory Of Phil Wiggins Handicap

Batts Rock – 9/2 – 1pt stake (EW)

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 27th May 2017 -Goodwood 4.55pm – Better Odds With Matchbook Veterans’ Handicap

Morache Music – 9/2 – 1pt stake (EW)

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by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – York, Haydock, Chester & The Curragh – 27th May 2017
Daily Horse Racing Pro Tips - 24th October 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from York, Haydock, Chester and the Curragh. plenty of meetings to lose or win from, I have picked out six selections over four meetings, let’s hope it’s another cracking weekend after the 150/1 treble hit last Saturday.

Today’s highlight is the Irish 2000gns which once more has failed to really put anything up against taking Churchill on, a race just for observation.

 

14.40 York – Weddingmates.co.uk Grand Cup Stakes (Listed) 

I was very impressed with Charlie Appleby’s smart four-year-old Frontiersman who had plenty in hand when landing a 0-105 handicap at Newmarket in good style. He goes into unknown territory this afternoon with a step up to 13.8f, an interesting conundrum if they are looking at this year’s St Leger in mind.

With big entries already pencilled in which includes the Coral Eclipse, he should be stamping his resume with another win here. One at a higher price is Peter Nivens Clever Cookie. I put him up in the Yorkshire Cup and ran a solid enough race, won this back in 2015 do has to be respected once more.

Frontiersman : 2pt win @ 2/1 (BOG)

14.55 Haydock Park – Amix Silver Bowl Handicap (8.1f)

Hughie Morrison has been in the press for all the wrong reasons recently after a doping issue arose in the yard, but I would love for him to win this and positively can go close with Private Mission.

With just the two juvenile runs with one resulting in a maiden win at Lingfield last winter, he came out and won impressively at Leicester when beating a subsequent winner in Ejaady. It was not the best 0-80 handicaps, however did it with a solid attitude.

Maths Prize finished fifth in a conditions race which Shutter Speed won, that form as we know was easy franked at York by the winner, but it’s the Raheen House formline that takes me away from putting him.up as a positive candidate to land this prize.

Indian Dandy looks the troublesome one for Marco Botti. The way he won at Yarmouth when a 16/1 complete outsider was definitely eye catching and once more can make his presence felt.

Private Mission : 1pt each way @ 8/1 (BOG)

15.50 York  – Unibet Sprint Stakes Handicap (0-105) (5f)

This will be over in a blink of an eye, I’ve got to be honest as I already backed this horse last night taking advantage of 14/1 on offer. Copper Knight impressed me no end when landing a 0-105 at Chester in excellent style.

He is probably horses for courses with both of his wins coming at Chester, but I feel he is well drawn this afternoon to sit off the page and pounce late under Rachael Richardson.

David O’Meara’s Out Do is very smart on his day, but has not won for nearly two seasons since landing The City Of Walls Stakes here at York. Has returned twice since showing moderate runs both times.

Poyle Vinnie cannot be underestimated after a good third in the Jack Berry House Stakes over course and distsnce, Rasheeq was one and a half lengths ahead that day, but Poyle Vinnie was giving over a stone at the weights, I doubt there will be much between them this time around also.

Copper Knight : 2pt each way @ 12/1 (BOG)

16.05 Haydock  – Armstrong Aggregates Temple Stakes (Group 2)

A race that usually heads up towards the kings Stand at Royal Ascot, to get the winner here we have to concentrate on previous Ascot form. This brings in the top three in the market, Washington DC, Quiet Reflection and my selection Kachy.

Now I am sure you have heard me state that DC’s form from Ireland is not that overwhelming, yes he was runner up in France, I am referring to UK soil, he seems to fluff his lines when attending.

You would have to track back two years since he won on British Soil when landing the Windsor Castle Stakes. Now I have been slated no end on Twitter saying his French form is away from home, yes that is correct, but the courses are totally out of the ordinary for me on the continent.

it’s just a fact he has problems winning in the UK and that’s why I am going to avoid him once more (probably win easy now). Quiet Reflection made me a tiny sum last year when landing me a week treble at the Royal Meeting which was with Carraveggio and Tepin. The fact she is 2-2 at Haydock and was seen last year winning the Sandy Lanes she has to be feared on her return.

Even though she finished seventh on champions day at Newmarket, she had been busy all season notching up four wins which included the Ascot run The Commonwealth Cup, this race brings me on to the selection in Kachy.

He was seen splitting Quiet Reflection and DC that day and might have won if not finding traffic problems at a very crucial time. I am positive to say he is more of a six-furlong horse and this is going to be on the sharp side. Washington’ DC reversed the form in the Palace House to two and a half lengths.

Sixth in this last year he will have to show he has the speed to compete, he will be one of the closers for sure and looks value each way.

Kachy : 1pt each way @ 8/1 (BOG)

16.15 Chester – British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes (6.1f)

I have gone for a whopper here in price from the Tony Coyle’s yard in Renton. Being a January Foal and by Dandy Man who tend to enjoy a tight track, now in the pedigree there are more suggestions that sprinting is not eventually going to be for him with milers on the dam side, however I actually feel a big run can be had this afternoon.

Haggas has an interesting horse running on the all-weather next week, but in this he has the very short priced favourite in Headway. The son of Havana Gold finished runner up to a smart Appleby horse in Gold Town at Newmarket. Personally, I thought Buick was not that hard on him and this looks the danger to all in the race if come on.

Hannon juveniles have to be respected, they have a Dark Angel Colt here through Oasis Dream in Yafta, might want a bit of rain to really show full potential.

On to Knockout Blow who ran below par on debut, the market spoke a lot of volumes that days​ at York when drifting terribly on course after being backed the night before, slim outside chance.

Renton : 1/2pt each way @ 20/1 (BOG)

16.45 Curragh – Lanwades Stud Stakes (Group 2) (8f)

I took on Turrett Rocks after following throughout her career, I just gave up on her and she came out and landed the Blue Wind Stakes, but she drops to a mile this afternoon and yes, I am taking her on again which might be an omen to back her.

My selection here is Opal Tiara of Mick Channon’s, the daughter of Thousand Words had a reasonable winter in Dubai when winning a Group 2. Her fourth on the Bet365 Mile Stakes at Sandown was as good as expected, I have noticed that horses that return from Dubai seem to take longer to assist with a few runs required.

She will be better over further, but this being Curragh she can come off the pace and land this good price for a yard going well at present.

Opal Tiara : 2pt win @ 4/1 (BOG)

 

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by ·Comments Off on UK / Ireland Horse Racing Preview – 26th May 2017
Daily Horse Racing Pro Tips - 19th October 2017

Horse Racing Preview

Here is our horse racing preview for Friday 26th May 2017 across UK and Ireland Horse Racing today, unit stakes advised upon each selection.

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 26th May 2017 -Bath 2.45pm -EBF Stallions Fillies’ Novice Stakes

Heartache – 6/1 – 1pt stake (EW)

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 26th May 2017 -Bath 4.30pm -E&H Drylining Handicap (Class 6)

Willyegolassiego – 4/1 – 1pt stake (EW)

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland -26th May 2017 -Bath 5.35pm -Happy 65th Birthday Brian Perry Handicap

Hot Mustard – 11/2 – 1pt stake (EW)

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 26th May 2017 -Haydock 5.40pm – Watch Racing Uk On Bt Tv Handicap

Atty Persse – 8/11 – 3pt stake

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by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Goodwood, Bath and Worcester – 26th May 2017
Horse Racing Preview - Goodwood - 15th October 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from three meetings in Goodwood, Bath and Worcester. Even though I did like a couple yesterday who went in to win, I was not confident enough to put them up as solid bets, typical really as they won easily.

 

13.40 Bath  – TMGroup Who Cares Wins Handicap (0-75)

I would like to think David Evans Go Amber Go can be good enough to land her third consecutive win. She has notched up a couple of nice 0-65 wins this year at Kempton and Windsor in big fields under today’s respectable jockey Lulu Stanford.

The pair will have to overcome a 4lb rise, but the form she is in at present and is pitched in here against many exposed types can win again. John Gallagher’s Bahamian Sunrise could be the main danger if bouncing back when runner up in a 0-70 at Brighton two runs back.

Go Amber Go : 2pt win @ 5/2 (BOG)

14.55 Haydock – British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes (6f)

I would like to think the 600,000-price tag on Mutakalif will not go to waste here on debut. Full brother to Harbour Watch you would have to think he is a little bit special on what he is taking on this afternoon. With no pressure or big race agendas in the forthcoming calendar, he is the one to beat.

Roger Varian’s Game Player and Willie Haggas’s Learn By Heart are best of the newcomers. The former has been pencilled in for a couple of big juvenile plans this year, concern is the ground as I think a bit more cut would be required for this domain of Dark Angel.

Haggas’s Learn By Heart is declared to run on this coming Tuesday at Leicester, so if showing a very positive attitude here we could see the Frankel colt come out quickly again.

Mutakalif : 3pt win @ 9/4 (BOG)

15.45 Goodwood – EBF Stallions Cocked Hat Stakes (Listed) (11.2)

Royal Ascot (King Edward V11 Stakes) entry Raheen House will have to bring all his form to the table to win this. His only win to date was at York in a maiden which has thrown up a few winners.

The Racing Post form last year when finishing fourth to Rivet has not really brought a very high standard of form, Rivet has been beaten twice this year in the Craven and French 2000gns, however Rivet is probably a good prospect going forward this year, But there is no saying that last year’s RP is not really holding transition form.

Raheen House put himself back in the firing line when defeated by Shutter Speed at Newbury, that winner impressed me even further when seeing her win with plenty in hand at York to land the Musidora Stakes in mud lark conditions and looks set for the Epsom Oaks.

The third Enable, also franked the form when landing the Listed Chester Oaks, who is another that will head to Epsom and has good form apart from last year’s RP, which is giving me a lot of doubt that Raheen House will need a big run if his to tum up at Ascot, but today I feel he is opposable.

With questions also over John Gosdens Khalidi who was thrashed in the Listed Newmarket Stakes, my attention comes to Willie Haggas’s Frankel colt The Grand Viser. All ready a winner over the index, it took a little while into the race for the penny to drop on debut at Yarmouth, should definitely gain good experience from that run and for me the one to beat this afternoon in the feature.

The Grand Viser : 2pt Win @ 9/2 (BOG)

19.50 Worcester – Geno Mendola & Diane Dale Novices Hurdle (23f)

A horse I wanted to keep on the right side of from his bumper days was Mr Fenton. Emma Lavelle’s six-year-old has progressed gradually since taking to hurdles just before Christmas.

Was a big price on this year’s first start when a fifth-place finish behind Cultivator at Kempton, he then returned to the same track and had improved over thirty lengths over course and distance when only two and a quarter lengths behind Laser Light, the front pair where a mile clear

Stepping him up in trip looks the sensible way to go this afternoon and I actually feel he can win this well over the Hobbs entry Royal Village. He had to work hard to just hold on over 23f at Perth last month. He is also unknown over the index, but Mr Fenton looks a type that will relish this trip and further.

Mr Fenton : 3pt win @ 85/40 (BOG)

 

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by ·Comments Off on UK / Ireland Horse Racing Preview – 25th May 2017
Daily Horse Racing Pro Tips - 24th August 2017

Horse Racing Preview

Here is our horse racing preview for Thursday 25th May 2017 across UK and Ireland Horse Racing today, unit stakes advised upon each selection.

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 25th May 2017 -Goodwood 2.35pm -Molecomb Blue Handicap

Shady McCoy – 7/2 – 2pt stake (EW)

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 25th May 2017 -Catterick 2.55pm -Support Local Business Selling Stakes

Mr Strutter – 13/8 – 2pt stake

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland -25th May 2017 -Catterick 3.30pm -RDA Richmond And Catterick Group Handicap

Bold Spirit – 11/1 – 1pt stake (EW)

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 25th May 2017 -Goodwood 4.55pm – Oriens Aviation EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes

Apphia – 9/4 – 2pt stake

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by ·Comments Off on UK / Ireland Horse Racing Preview – 24th May 2017
UK / Ireland Horse Racing Preview - 12th July 2017

Horse Racing Preview

Here is our horse racing preview for Wednesday 24th May 2017 across UK and Ireland Horse Racing today, unit stakes advised upon each selection.

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 24th May 2017 -Lingfield 2.10pm -Newsteam Group Maiden Stakes

Cross Step – 10/1 – 1pt stake (EW)

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland -24th May 2017 -Lingfield 2.40pm -Menzies Distribution Ltd Handicap

Hope Is High – 9/4 – 2pt stake

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 24th May 2017 -Lingfield 3.10pm -Support Your Local Independent Retailer Handicap

All My Love – 11/1 – 1pt stake (EW)

Horse Racing – UK / Ireland – 24th May 2017 -Lingfield 4.10pm – Newstraid Charity Raceday Handicap

Quantum Dot – 8/1 – 1pt stake (EW)

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by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Ayr, Yarmouth & Kempton – 24th May 2017
Horse Racing Preview - Leicester - 20th November 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from three meetings; Ayr, Yarmouth and Kempton. Very frustrating yesterday with once more two seconds on the board. On a serious note though the news about Manchester has disturbed me terribly especially as I work in the security sector.

My sincere condolences go to the families that lost love ones at the event and to those that are under great care at the local hospitals.

 

14.20 Ayr – EBF Stallions Appletisers Novice Stakes (6f)

I would like to think this is a very good opportunity for Mark Johnston’s Noble Manners to get off the mark at the third attempt. Her maiden run at Newmarket is starting to come together, fifth place Queen of Kalahari lost her maiden tag yesterday and even her first Novice contest has worked out well with the fourth Luis Fernandez winning at Redcar on Monday, she gets a first crack at 6f and will have stable jockey Joe Fanning in the plate.

Is she opposable? On what she had shown this should be a penalty kick, John Quinn’s entry is the most interesting one in the race. Bustam cost 130,000 as a juvenile and is bred to get further than this being related to a 9f winner, she looks the likely danger to the selection this afternoon.

Noble Manners : 2pt win @ 13/8

 

15.00 Yarmouth  – Fat Larry’s Burgers At Great Yarmouth Racecourse Handicap (0-60) (14.1f)

It took Michael Appleby’s Dream Serenade thirteen attempts to get off the maiden tag when winning on the all-weather at Wolverhampton back in February when winning over two miles in this company.

She has become frustrating again since, however she has been competing in higher grades and has dropped back to a winning mark. The trip is a slight concern as she looked better over 16f, but the eye-catching booking of de Sousa speaks volumes.

Ali Strong is a trainer I do fear when bringing one to the flat and saddles Thomas Blossom. Winner of a 0-110 hurdle, also has fair flat form especially on the all-weather. Was a runner up at Bath last year when off a 2lb lower mark, handicapper has not taken any chances, they have once more applied the cheekpiece’s.

Dream Serenade : 1.5pt win @ 4/1 (BOG)

16.20 Ayr  – ROA/Racing Post Owners Jackpot Handicap (0-85)

There are a few in with a chance here, Nicholas T, Dark Devil, Inexes, but I am more interested in Ralph Beckett’s Gilded Reflection.

She was a beaten fav on her last run for David Wachman when behind a now Listed winner, the third has also franked the form a few days ago.

She did not run that badly when sixth on debut for her new connections, the second has won since and the fifth place was just denied recently. She will be contending handicaps for the first time, looked as though 8f would suit on quick ground.

Nicholas T bested Inexes at Doncaster by three and a quarter lengths when in receipt of 5lb. Inexes has a serious weight advantage here and if taking full advantage should reverse that form. Ran creditable when just denied in a 0-95 over course and distance early this month and should be on the premises.

Hanagan and Fahey team up with Dark Devil who won a 0-85 contest on his final start last season. By Dark Angel who probably would have preferred a little cut, however claims with trainer and jockey combo.

Gilded Reflection : 2pt win @ 4/1 (BOG)

17.00 Yarmouth  – BBC Radio Norfolk Handicap (0-60)

Michael Appleby has the chance of at least landing a double this afternoon with prior runner Dream Serenade and the selection here in Moi Aussie.

Won over course and distance last week which I thought with plenty in hand. It was a long time coming with his last win coming on the all-weather at Wolverhampton in the same company. De Sousa booked a big plus.

Again, Ali Strong has one in the race in The Special One, fourth at Brighton last time out in a much weaker contest, will have to improve, but has the capable Tom Marguand in the saddle.

Moi Aussie : 3pt win @ 2/1 (BOG)

18.10 Kempton – 100% Profit Boost At 32Redsport.com Apprentice Handicap (0-70)

This really should be going to Richard Rowe’s Rail Dancer who is looking to grab his third consecutive win over course and distance. Had defied two penalties and still looks very progressive.

Any dangers, Ed Vaughans Transmitting I suppose, ran well last time out at Chelmsford, the ex Stoute in mate could be the most worrying.

Rail Dancer : 4pt win @ 85/40 (BOG)

 

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

Europa League Final, Friends Arena, Stockholm 7.45pm

 

On Wednesday 24th May, Manchester United will face off with Dutch giants, Ajax, in the UEFA Europa League final at the Stockholm Friends Arena.

After a disappointing Premier League campaign, Jose Mourinho recently admitted to turning his attention towards the Europa League in a last effort to win silverware in his first season at Old Trafford.

19 year old Kasper Dolberg has scored 6 goals in this seasons Europa League

19 year old Kasper Dolberg has scored 6 goals in this seasons Europa League Photo Credit: skysports.com

Meanwhile, Ajax have been impressing this season in the Eredivisie finishing one point behind champions, Feyenoord. Fielding extremely young starting elevens throughout the season, the future is looking very bright in Amsterdam, even if they do fail to hoist the trophy into the air on Wednesday night. From their 27-man squad, the average age is an astounding 22 years and 7 months. Their Danish striker, Kasper Dolberg, has stolen headlines this season. His attacking prowess and energy up front has seen him score 6 goals in the Europa League this season; an impressive feat for a 19-year-old. Will the young Dane lead his team to European glory?

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Kasper Dolberg to score anytime in 90 mins – 9/4

Marcus Rashford will hope he can fire United into the Champions League

Marcus Rashford will hope he can fire United into the Champions League Photo Credit: skysports.com

Jose Mourinho hasn’t hidden the fact he’s been resting players for the final, having fielded Manchester United’s youngest ever starting eleven on the weekend against Crystal Palace in preparation for the Stockholm trip. The match could be a battle of the youth, as 19-year-old Marcus Rashford is tipped to be starting up front after an impressive performance in the semi-final tie with Celta Vigo. The Englishman scored a splendid freekick in the away leg of the semi-final and is gaining wide recognition for his impact on the ‘Red Devils’ this season. Can Rashford continue to write history and help Manchester United to that much-craved silverware?

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Marcus Rashford to score anytime in 90 mins – 13/8

Team News

Having been depleted with injuries for much of the season, nothing has changed for Jose Mourinho. Manchester United are without noticeable characters; Marcus Rojo, Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Bailly is serving a ban he was handed after his red card incident in the second leg of their semi-final tie with Celta Vigo.

With their Swedish talisman having to watch from the side-lines in his home country, key attackers such as Anthony Martial and Henrik Mkhitaryan will have to fill those big Swedish boots. Can Manchester United find the back of the net without Zlatan?

Skybet To Score – Manchester United to score 2+ Goals in 90 mins – Evens

On the other hand, Ajax have no fresh injury worries with ex- Ajax legend Patrick Kluivert’s son, Justin, being expected to start on the wing for the Dutch outfit.

As aforementioned, Ajax will be fielding one of the youngest ever sides in a European final. One of those young prospects is Chelsea loanee, Bertrand Traore, who is expected to start on the other wing for Ajax.

Can this young, fearless Ajax squad cause a major upset to the colossal club of Manchester United?

Skybet To Lift The Trophy – Ajax – 7/4

 

Suggested Tips:

  • Skybet Price Boost – Marcus Rashford to score first – 11/2
  • Skybet Price Boost – Bertrand Traore to score and Ajax to win in 90 mins – 10/1
  • Skybet Scorecast Boost – Marcus Rashford to score first and Manchester Utd to win 2-1 – 40/1
  • Skybet Scorecast Boost (Double Chance) – Bertrand Traore to score first and either Ajax to win 2-0 or Ajax to win 2-1 – 66/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – 5+ corners each team and 20+ booking pts each team – 9/2
  • Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – Dolberg to score, BTTS, over 2.5 goals and Under 60 match booking pts – 6/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 – Rashford & Pogba to score, Manchester Utd to win and over 2.5 goals – 14/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 – Traore & Dolberg to score, Ajax to win and over 2.5 goals – 22/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet – 33/1 to 66/1 – BTTS and Klaassen, Veltman & Sanchez to be carded – 40/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet – 33/1 to 66/1 – Traore to score, over 2.5 goals and Darmian & de Ligt to be carded – 50/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet 80/1 and Above – Rashford & Mkhitaryan to score and Valencia & Traore to be carded – 80/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet 80/1 and Above – Klaassen & Dolberg to score and Pogba & Darmian to be carded – 125/1
  • Skybet Featured RequestAbet – Traore & Rashford to score, 4+ corners each team and Veltman & Pogba to be carded – 150/1
  • Skybet Featured RequestAbet – Pogba to score from outside the penalty area and Ajax to miss a penalty – 250/1

 

Following the recent, tragic events in Manchester, UEFA have agreed for the match to go forward and have increased security for the fixture. A win for Manchester United would be a huge boost to the city which at this time, is in a state of worry and grieving for those who lost their lives in the attack at a music concert on Monday night. All of us here at Betalyst have the families and friends affected by the attacks in our thoughts and prayers and wish a swift recovery for the injured.