BATE vs Arsenal - Europa League Preview

BATE vs Arsenal – Europa League Preview – Arsene Wenger says, ‘there is room for us to be different’ as he decides on a much-changed team to face BATE Borisov in matchday 2 of Arsenal’s maiden Europa League campaign.

The Gunners face a daunting 2400-mile return trip to Belarusian BATE Borisov, and with a lunchtime kick-off against Brighton at The Emirates on Sunday, the youthful side will have a stern task on their hands in looking to continue their turnaround in form after a difficult start to the season.

After a sticky start at home in the opening fixture against FC Koln in which Columbian Jhon Cordoba opened the scoring with an exquisite long-range effort, an Alexis Sanchez inspired Arsenal toppled the Germans 3-1 to get back on track.

That is somewhat indicative of the season to date, granted the North-London side ‘just’ crawled over the line with two late strikes to win 4-3 against Leicester in the first match of the season. However, losing to both Stoke and Liverpool 1-0 and 4-0 respectively (the latter of which being a demolition) brought the return of the ‘Wenger Out’ parade in force. Solid performances and results in victories against Koln, Bournemouth, Doncaster and West Brom whilst earning a very good draw at Stamford Bridge have seen a steadied ship – for now.

Finishing 5th, and hence qualifying for the Europa League instead of the Champions League, last season’s Premier League campaign was a massive underachievement and anything less than strolling to 1st in this group and seriously challenging to win the tournament (and automatically qualifying for the UCL in the process) will be seen as failure.

BATE earned a 1-1 draw at Red Star Belgrade last time out, which does once again create an opportunity for The Gunners to already start pulling away at the top of the group. Such away trips to first Belarus and then Serbia will do nothing to help the challenge on the domestic front, however.

Team News 

Vast rotation is expected, with Reiss Nelson, Jack Wilshere and Ainsley Maitland-Niles all coming in as senior players are rested. Mesut Ozil is likely to play a part whilst still fully recovering from a knee injury and David Ospina will again be used as the cup goalkeeper.

Kolasinac has shown his worth to the Arsenal squad Photo Credit: skysports.com

Player to Watch 

Whilst difficult to predict exactly who Arsene Wenger will rest for this clash, after Sead Kolasinac’s wonderful volleyed equaliser and performance in the last matchday, the Bosnian will surely have a large role. The versatile 24-year-old has proven to be an excellent piece of business for Arsenal so far this season since his arrival on a free from Schalke, lining up in both central defence and left wing-back to good effect. Additionally, the 20-times-capped man has added vital goals to the side, with the equaliser on his debut in the 2017 Community Shield against Chelsea and another as previously mentioned v Koln. Watch out for his supreme physical presence and wand of a delivery with his left foot.

 

Suggested Tips:

Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea - Champions League Preview

Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea – Champions League Preview – Chelsea face their toughest test of the season on Wednesday, as they take a trip to the Wanda Metropolitano. Atletico will be hoping for their first win of the Group Stages, to draw level on points with Antonio Conte’s side.

Having romped home to a 6-0 victory against Qarabag last time out, Chelsea couldn’t be facing more contrasting opponents. Atletico have reached three of the last four semi-finals in the Champions League, including two finals. There are few harder tasks than a trip away to Diego Simeone’s men, and Chelsea will have to be at their very best to get a result.

Chelsea fans will be hoping to see Eden Hazard start. The Belgian was only on the bench during their 4-0 win against Stoke, despite starting in midweek against Nottingham Forest. As Hazard builds up his match sharpness, fans will have to remain patient, but it won’t be long before their number ten is back in the starting eleven. If they are to get a positive result from a trip to one of Europe’s elite, they’ll need him fit and firing.

Morata has hit the ground running for Chelsea Photo Credit: skysports.com

Alvaro Morata will be hoping to impress on his first return to Spain since leaving Real Madrid in the summer. The Spaniard has six goals this season already, and bagged a hattrick at the weekend at the Bet365 Stadium. Filling the shoes of Diego Costa was a task that very few would have envied, but if his early season form is anything to go by, Morata is managing the task just fine.

Griezmann has been in good form for Atletico Photo Credit: skysports.com

In La Liga, Atletico have got off to a good start. They currently sit second in the table, with four wins and two draws from their opening six matches. Having won their last three games, Simeone’s men are gathering momentum, and that’s largely thanks to star man Antione Griezmann. The French striker has two goals in his last three games, and has started the season in his usual majestic form. Since returning from suspension after his opening day red card, Griezmann has been influential in Atletico’s serge up the table, if not scoring, then assisting for team mates.

The last time these two sides met was the semi-final of this competition in 2014. Atletico won 3-1 at Stamford Bridge to take them through to the final, where they would be later defeated 4-1 by Real. Having met only five times in Europe, Chelsea have only won once, back in 2009. Since then, two draws have been sandwiched in between Atletico victories, giving them a good record ahead of this game.

I think this will be a very tight game, with both sides renowned for their defensive prowess. With Conte going away from home, I think he will set up to try and snatch a point, and it’ll be down to Atletico to break Chelsea down. As a result, I’m going for a score draw, but don’t be surprised if this one finishes goalless.

 

Prediction: Atletico 1-1 Chelsea

 

SKYBET: 1-1 DRAW- 9/2

SKYBET: MORATA AND GRIEZMANN TO BOTH SCORE- 8/1

SKYBET: CARRASCO TO SCORE FIRST AND ATLETICO TO WIN 1-0- 35/1

SKYBET: DRAW AND UNDER 2.5 MATCH GOALS- 9/4

SKYBET: ATLETICO TO WIN TO NIL- 21/10

SKYBET: TORRES TO SCORE AND FT DRAW- 12/1

 

Suggested Tips:

CSKA Moscow vs Man United - Champions League Preview

CSKA Moscow vs Man United – Champions League Preview – Midweek Champions League action continues as Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United travel to Moscow to face CSKA Moscow in Group A.

Both sides were victorious in their group stage curtain raisers with the hosts seeing off Benfica 2-1 and Manchester United dispatching of Basel, 3-0.

Wednesdays hosts are currently fourth in the Russian Premier League, a position they will be hoping to improve as the season continues. Their most recent outing saw them draw with city rivals Dynamo Moscow 0-0 in a match that they were expected to win. CSKA play in a 3-5-2 quite often which could counter United’s familiar 4-2-3-1 to see an overload in the midfield if United do not stay compact. The three defenders will be looking to keep Romelu Lukaku quiet, who has enjoyed a fruitful beginning to his career at Old Trafford.

Brazilian striker Vitinho has proved to be a handful for defences in the Russian Premier League thus far. The striker has three goals so far domestically and scored the equaliser in their first Champions League match against Benfica from the spot. Moscow are a very organised outfit that will not only be tough to break down, but are capable of causing havoc to the United defence with two strikers.

Skybet Match Result – CSKA Moscow to Win – 9/2

United will look to keep up their good form in all competitions Photo Credit: skysports.com

Manchester United will be looking to make it six points from two matches in their travels to Russia. The Premier League leaders have shown real intent so far, both domestically and in Europe, that they are back from their dip in form of the recent seasons. New arrivals have all fit in rather well with Jose Mourinho’s tactics. In their most recent match, United narrowly beat Southampton, 1-0, in a performance they will be quick to put behind them.

However, the sign of a good team is one that can win even when they don’t play well. They will be hoping the pace in their attack will be too much for the CSKA defence to handle with Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Henrik Mhkitaryan and Paul Pogba in their armoury just to name a few. Undefeated in their last eight matches, they are proving almost impossible to get past right now and are favourites for this match up.

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

 

Suggested Tips:

Man City vs Shakhtar - Champions League Preview

Man City vs Shakhtar – Champions League Preview – The Champions League resumes on Tuesday night, with Manchester City hosting Shakhtar Donetsk. A win for City would leave them with six points from two games, leaving them in pole position in Group F.

With the Citizens in great form in the league, many are feeling confident about them replicating that success in Europe. City currently sit top of the Premier League and are unbeaten this season in all competitions. Having beaten Liverpool, Watford and Crystal Palace in the last three weeks with an aggregate score line of 16-0, Pep Guardiola’s men are in rampant form.

With Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus taking a lot of the limelight, few have noticed the goal scoring form of Raheem Sterling. The Englishman has started this season in fine fashion, netting five goals and three in his last three games. Last season Sterling started the season in a similar vein of form but his performances dropped off. This year he will be hoping he can consistently produce these displays, and have his best season yet in a City shirt.

Sterling has been in good form for City Photo Credit: skysports.com

 

Another player who has improved from last season is John Stones. City have only conceded two goals in the league, and that is largely down to the Englishman. His early season partnership with Vincent Kompany looked mutually beneficial, with Stones growing and learning from his more experienced Belgian partner. However, even in Kompany’s recent absence, Stones has maintained the same form next to Nicolas Otamendi, which can only be positive for City and England fans. The faith shown by Guardiola to persist and improve Stones is now beginning to show, with City reaping the rewards of Guardiola’s patience.

Whilst City will be clear favourites, Shakhtar have proved to be tough opposition. Having beaten Napoli last time out, they have shown they are clear rivals to win the group. In the Ukrainian Premier League they sit top, having accumulated 25 points from their opening ten matches. They’re currently on a nine game unbeaten run in all competitions, winning eight of those games. With them having the potential to move in to top spot, they may prove to be City’s biggest test yet of the season.

If City want to be successful, they will need to keep Facundo Ferreyra quiet. The Argentinian was the club’s top scorer last year with 14 goals, and has already grabbed himself five this season. If City play to their potential, I think they’ll grab the win. The irrepressible form of Aguero, Jesus and Sterling should be enough for them, and leave them in top spot.

 

Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Shakhtar Donetsk

 

SKYBET: CITY TO WIN 3-0- 7/1

SKYBET: AGUERO AND JESUS TO BOTH SCORE-6/4

SKYBET: STERLING TO SCORE FIRST AND CITY TO WIN 3-1- 40/1

SKYBET: CITY TO WIN 1-0, 2-0 OR 2-1- 5/2

SKYBET: FERREYRA TO SCORE IN 90 MINS- 9/4

SKYBET: CITY TO WIN AND BTTS- 11/10

Spartak Moscow vs Liverpool - Champions League Preview

Spartak Moscow vs Liverpool – Champions League Preview – UEFA Champions League action returns with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool taking a trip to Russia to face Spartak Moscow in their second fixture in Group E.

Both sides drew their curtain raisers as Liverpool couldn’t quite see off Sevilla whilst Spartak Moscow were left frustrated with a 1-1 draw with Maribor.

The hosts have not had the fruitful begging to their domestic campaign that they had wished for; sitting 7th in the Russian Premier League after 11 matches. Last year they ran away with the league, finishing seven points ahead of CSKA Moscow to gain automatic qualification to the UEFA Champions’ League group stages.

The Russian outfit will fancy their chances of causing an upset to Liverpool in their own backyard. Russia is a tough place to travel to for any side with hostile atmospheres, time zone difference and the fact that Russian sides are hard to break down.

Luiz Adriano could cause the Liverpool defence problems Photo Credit: skysports.com

Whilst they won’t be expecting to dominate the possession statistics, they will be lining up to try and absorb the Merseyside attack to then catch them on the counter. Striker Luiz Adriano has been tipped as World class by many pundits and could cause the shaky Liverpool defence some serious problems. Can Moscow grab a huge home win?

Skybet Match Result – Spartak to Win – 18/5

Jurgen Klopp will have no time to dwell on the dramatic victory over Leicester City this weekend as he will be preparing for possibly the hardest away fixture of the group stages. With many doubts still surrounding the stability of the Liverpool defence after another inconsistent performance against Leicester City, the Reds must quickly try to scrub out the errors in their play.

Coutinho was in great form over the weekend against Leicester Photo Credit: skysports.com

Whilst the defence dominates the headlines, Liverpool’s attack is continuing to prosper with Coutinho recently returning to the side after his summer transfer window saga. The fluidity and creativeness that Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah and Coutinho possess makes them not only a delight to watch every week, but a big threat to the Moscow defence.

Spartak Moscow have conceded 17 goals in 11 matches so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Liverpool find the back of the net at some point during the match. Can they return to England with a huge European boost?

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

 

Suggested Tips:

Arsenal vs West Bromwich Albion - Match Preview

Arsenal vs West Bromwich Albion – Match Preview – Monday night football will see Arsenal host West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.

The bright Emirates Stadium lights will be shining in North London as Arsene Wenger’s side will be looking to build on the 0-0 draw with Chelsea in their previous Premier League outing.

Tony Pulis’ side have not been in great form as of late; having failed to win in their last four matches in all competitions.

The Arsene Wenger hate parade continues to dominate the talks around the turnstiles with many still disagreeing with the Frenchman’s tactics after last season’s drama. Fans are becoming greatly frustrated with Wenger’s choice to not start Alexis Sanchez and Alexandre Lacazette together; it’s been either one or the other.

Lacazette and Sanchez are yet to start together for Arsenal Photo Credit: skysports.com

Complaints haven’t just been upon the attack, as many pundits and fans are questioning the stability of Arsenals defence. Wenger has chosen to line up with three at the back most of the season so far but has often chosen full-backs to fill in the centre back roles. West Brom could look to counter this by lining up with two up front. They have been lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation but could look to push the two wide attacking midfielders forward to put pressure and create more 1 on 1 opportunities. Can Arsenal deal with whatever West Brom throw at them?

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

A team struggling for goals, West Brom will be hoping to turn their luck in front of goal around this Monday night. They are currently sitting 10th in the Premier League and an unexpected victory could see them into the top four depending on goal difference.

Rodriguez must do more for West Brom in attack Photo Credit: skysports.com

Jay Rodriguez enjoyed a fruitful start at the Hawthorns but has since become a frustrated figure at the spearhead of the West Brom attack. His unpredictable nature has always been his strong suit, however some defences find him far too easy to mark. Despite struggling to score, West Broms defence has been more than solid since the seasons start having conceded four goals in five games; three of them coming in one poor showing against Brighton and Hove Albion. Pulis has installed a ‘building from the back’ mentality at the Hawthorns which saw great success last season but has seen them struggle to create chances against the bigger clubs such as Arsenal. Can they provide a shock this Monday?

Skybet Match Result – West Brom to Win – 17/2

 

Suggested Tips:

Sheffield Wednesday vs Sheffield United - Match Preview

Sheffield Wednesday vs Sheffield United – Match Preview – The Steel City derby returns after a six year absence. Sheffield Wednesday host neighbours Sheffield United at Hillsborough, with both teams desperate to claim bragging rights over the other.

After a disappointing start to the season, Wednesday’s form of recent has improved. After losing their opening fixture 1-0 away at Preston, the club find themselves unbeaten in their last seven league games. Last week saw them collect seven points from a possible nine, with only a last-minute equaliser by Cardiff preventing them taking maximum points. Even so, home wins over Nottingham Forest and Brentford, plus a point at the Cardiff City Stadium is not to be sniffed at.

The Owls currently sit in ninth place, just two points outside the play-offs. If they can turn some of their draws in to wins, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t secure a third consecutive top six finish, and challenge for automatic promotion.

Gary Hooper has been in great form for Sheffield Wednesday so far this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Wednesday’s recent upturn in form is largely due to the growing partnership of strikers Gary Hooper and Steven Fletcher. In the last 15 games the pair have started together, they have managed 16 goals, which is an impressive return. The Owls are also unbeaten in the last ten they have started together, winning nine of those matches. Hooper in particular has been in standout form. The striker has four goals in his last four games, and Wednesday haven’t lost when he has played since November 2016. Whilst the former Celtic and Norwich man missed five months through injury last year, this stat underlines his importance to the side, linking up the midfield and attack whilst providing goals.

Billy Sharp has picked up from where he left off from last season and will be hopeful of being fit for the derby Photo Credit: skysports.com

United have had a fantastic start to the season on their return to the division. After coming up as League One winners last year, Chris Wilder’s men have taken 15 points from their first eight games. Goals from Billy Sharp have been vital, with the Blades’ striker picking up where he left from last year to fire them up the table. New signing Clayton Donaldson has also got off to the best possible start, bagging a brace on his debut, in their 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light.

They do come in to this game with a number of injury concerns. Both Sharp and Donaldson are doubtful, whilst former Wednesday striker Leon Clarke is also carrying a knock. Should they not be available, United can turn to Ched Evans to lead the line. The striker started in last week’s defeat to Norwich, and is yet to score in the league for the club he re-joined in the summer.

In what is expected to be fierce, tense and a hard-contested game, I think Wednesday will win. Whilst it might be a scrappy game, with challenges flying in, I believe one moment of quality could be the difference. Wednesday have the better players, and with Hooper in such good form, I can see him settling this match and sending the Owls’ fans home happy.

Prediction: Wednesday 1-0 United

 

SKYBET: HOOPER TO SCORE FIRST AND WEDNESDAY TO WIN 1-0- 20/1

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

SKYBET: BTTS AND WEDNESDAY TO WIN- 100/30

SKYBET: SHARP AND FLETCHER TO BOTH SCORE- 13/2

SKYBET: WEDNESDAY TO WIN FROM BEHIND- 11/1

SKYBET: DONALDSON TO SCORE FIRST AND UNITED TO WIN 2-1- 60/1

Horse Racing Preview - Ludlow - 26th October 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from two meetings at Plumpton & Uttoxeter.

 

14.50 Plumpton – Andrew ‘Super Wack’ Jackson Memorial Handicap Chase (25.8f)

Lawney Hill has won this race for the past two years, three times in all and looks to have another cracking chance of making it three in a row when she sends out her unexposed Velvet Cognac. Once with Warren Greatrex, this nine year old would not have to step up that much to land this years renewal.

Despite 0-8 around his career he has shown a level of consistency considering he missed all of the 2016 season with a set back. Two runs this year has seen him beaten a total of 58 lengths, however another step up in trip should see him improve again. Main danger looks to come in the form of David Dennis’s Doitforjoe. 0-5 since going over the larger obstacles he looked to be going well last time when folding back in third at Worcester, steps back up in trip this afternoon,

So confident on the first selection that Lawney Hill and Nick Scholfield can gain their second success together in this race, Doitforjoe will have to show a bit more to land the spoils and goes well for Noel Fehily who is 222 with the horses career runs.

VELVET COGNAC : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

15.10 Uttoxeter – Sentinal Way We Were Novice Handicap Hurdle (15.9f)

Quite a few of these have become very exposed and on that assumption this is a strong opportunity for Neil Kings Mamoo to take full advantage. His flat profile does not have much to write home about (0-13), but since joining the yard this year he has adapted to hurdling with ease which included finishing second over course and distance.

He never handled the step up to two and a quarter miles when finishing third at Fontwell, now steps into Handicap company off a workable mark of 106 and should be thereabouts. Best of the rest looks to come in Dan Skelton’s Focaccia who went close back in June at Worcester. Takes a drop in class and distance this afternoon and will make his present felt.

MAMOO : 1pt EW @ SP (BOG)

 

Best of Luck, Bet Responsibly

Promotional Offer by BET365


www.betalyst.com

Leicester City vs Liverpool - Match Preview

Leicester City vs Liverpool – Match Preview – Liverpool take another trip to Leicester after their midweek cup defeat at the King Power Stadium. Liverpool will be looking for their first win in four games, as they hope to avenge their defeat on Tuesday night.

After yet another disappointing result, the pressure is beginning to mount on Jurgen Klopp. Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat in the Carabao Cup only further underlined the problems in the Liverpool squad. The club’s failure to sign a centre back, when it was clear for all to see that they needed one, has been under much scrutiny. Dejan Lovren’s error in the Champions League highlighted the Reds lack of defensive quality, and they have now conceded ten goals in their last four games.

Okazaki scored in the 2-0 win over Liverpool midweek in the Carabao Cup Photo Credit: skysports.com

Phillipe Coutinho started his second consecutive game of the season, as the Brazilian looks to build up his match sharpness. Since returning, the playmaker has struggled to recapture last season’s form, and will be under pressure to prove he is still giving his all for the team. Whilst Mane is suspended, Countinho will slot back in to his left sided spot, but once the Malian returns, he could find himself with a real fight to keep his place in the team. The form of Salah, Mane and Firmino has been the main highlight this season, and it is unknown whether Klopp would be willing to play all four of them.

Can Coutinho rekindle his great form from last season?Photo Credit: skysports.com

After an incredibly tough start to their Premier League campaign, Leicester will be buoyed by their midweek victory. The match also gave fringe players such as Islam Slimani and Demari Gray a chance to impress, with the former scoring a sensational goal to seal the Foxes’ win. Whilst the victory may have surprised some, I saw it coming. Leicester have been playing well, and have been unfortunate in a lot of games. The table gives a false reading for them at the moment, and I think they’re due a good result in the Premier League.

With Liverpool losing at the King Power in midweek, it stretches Leicester’s home winning run against them. The Foxes haven’t lost again the Reds’ at home since 2014, with them winning the last three games there. I can see another win coming at the weekend, with Liverpool struggling to show any signs of recovery.

Prediction: Leicester 2-1 Liverpool

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE LEICESTER 2-1- 12/1

SKYBET: BTTS AND OVER 2.5 MATCH GOALS- 1/1

SKYBET: FIRMINO TO SCORE FIRST AND 1-1 DRAW- 25/1

SKYBET: OKAZAKI AND SALAH TO BOTH SCORE- 8/1

SKYBET: COUTINHO TO SCORE A BRACE- 16/1

SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES- 12/1

Pro Tip Footy Accumulators - Wednesday 17th January 2018

TO VIEW OUR PRO-TIPS YOU MUST BE A MEMBER

Daily Horse Racing Tips are provided to pro-members. We try to identify the best value Singles, Doubles and Reverse Forecast each day for our pro members that have a higher chance of landing than our daily previews.

Our Pro-Tips are the BEST TIPS on the whole site and as all the other content on the site is for free, we do charge for these tips and only show them to our members…

Becoming a member is easy, all you have to do is create an account using the link below and you will get access to the hottest tips, for only £9.99 a month!! That is less than 34p per day!! Even with a £5 stake on our PRO TIPS you will be in profit every day!

Become a Betalyst Member! (£9.99 a month)*

*Membership auto-renews every month until you opt out. Opting out is as easy as clicking ‘Disable Auto-Renew’ in your account settings once logged in.

Already a member? Login here:

Sign in to your account.