by ·Comments Off on Carabao Cup – Man City vs Bristol City – Semi Final 1st Leg Preview
Man City vs Bristol City

The Carabao Cup Semi Final begins with the 1st leg from the Etihad Stadium with Man City vs Bristol City. Can the Championship side produce a stunning result to take back to Ashton Gate?

 The Robins gave Ashton Gate one of its greatest ever day by beating Manchester United 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Korey Smith scored deep into injury time to secure passage into the final four and his own name in Bristol City folklore.

 An even greater challenge is impending for Lee Johnson’s men, drawing Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

 Bristol City have surpassed all expectations this season. Despite losing their last two league matches, are still 4th in The Championship. Only two points adrift of Derby County in the automatic promotion places.

Sterling and Sane could both start and will be a huge threat to the Bristol City defence Photo Credit: skysports.com

 

Manchester City are too having an incredible season because a record-breaking 18 consecutive victories has soared The Sky Blues to an unassailable 15-point lead in the league. With thoughts now cast to matching Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ achievement of 2003/04.

 Guardiola’s men are still fighting on all four fronts, winning their Champions League group rewarded them with a tie against FC Basel in the last 16. Coming from behind to beat Burnley 4-1 saw them through to the 4th round of the FA Cup, and are also favourites to make it to the FA Cup final.

 The beautiful style of football and the relentless, single-minded nature of this team could set them apart from English predecessors. Guardiola said of this competition: “So important, a win helps to win more.”

Korey Smith grabbed the all important winner against Man Utd in the Quarter Finals Photo Credit: skysports.com

It would be a huge underdog story of the highest order should Bristol City topple their Goliath counterparts. After defeating four Premier League teams to get here, they will be full of belief and raring to go.

Stats

Manchester City have not been afraid to get stuck in and as a result, they have received 38 yellow cards and two reds in the Premier League this season. An average of 18.6 booking points per game, 7th on our club card stats table.

 Bristol City have racked up two reds alongside their 47 yellows for a total of 20 booking points per match.

 It would take a brave person to bet on a Bristol City clean sheet. Manchester City have only failed to score once all season (against Crystal Palace). They have been smashing them in from all angles. They also have an excellent clean sheet record, only Manchester United can best their 11 shutouts this term.

The Robins have been potent in front of goal. Their 40 strikes in The Championship only bettered by Derby’s 41 and leaders Wolves’ 50. They have kept eight clean sheets in the league, which is a decent amount. But you would expect it to be a very difficult night for Bristol City at the home of the Champions-to-be.

Suggested Tips (SkyBet)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Man City to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 11/4
  • Price Boost – Sergio Aguero to Score a Brace – 11/4
  • Price Boost – Aden Flint to score a header – 22/1
  • Pundits RequestAbet – Charlie’s RAB: Gundogan & Bernardo Silva to score, Man City to win to nil and 11+ match corners – 25/1
  • Featured RequestAbet – Reid to score and Mangala to be carded – 14/1
  • RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – Manchester City to score 3+ goals, 6+ Manchester City corners and 20+ Bristol City booking pts – 7/2
  • RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 – Sane to score, over 2.5 goals, 3+ corners each team and Toure to be carded – 28/1
  • To Score from Outside the Area – Jamie Paterson – 33/1
  • Total Goals, Corners Taken & Booking Pts – Over 2.5 Goals, Over 10.5 Corners, Over 35 Booking Points – 15/2

by ·Comments Off on Carabao Cup – Chelsea vs Arsenal – Semi Final 1st Leg Preview
Chelsea vs Arsenal

One week on from their thrilling 2-2 draw at the Emirates, the London derby between Chelsea vs Arsenal takes place again in the semi-final 1st leg of the Carabao Cup.

After stuttering to a 0-0 draw against Norwich at the weekend, Conte will expect a better display against the Gunners. Having picked up the league title in his first year, Conte will be desperate to gain silverware again this year. With retaining the Premier League becoming an unrealistic target, Conte must turn his full attention to the cup competitions. Having rested a number of key players in Saturday’s draw at Carrow Road, Chelsea should be fresh as they look to earn themselves a strong lead ahead of the second-leg.

Luiz saw red in the last game at the Bridge which finished 0-0 Photo Credit: skysports.com

Despite playing weakened sides in the previous round, I expect Chelsea to be full strength on Wednesday. Now in the last four of the competition, Chelsea have a really good chance to secure their first League Cup since 2015. Then, under Mourinho, Chelsea went on to secure the double as they beat Tottenham in the final at Wembley.

Against Arsenal last week, Conte opted for a 3-5-2 formation, a system he has used more regularly this season. With Arsenal’s defensive frailties there for all to see, I wonder if he might opt for a 3-4-3, the formation that he used so successfully last year as Chelsea became Champions. This would likely see Cesc Fabregas replaced by Willian or Pedro, as they join Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata in attack.

Giroud scored Arsenal’s only goal in the 3-1 loss last season at Stamford Bridge Photo Credit: skysports.com

An embarrassing FA Cup loss to Nottingham Forest means Arsenal will be determined to make amends. Wenger fielded an inexperienced and inferior team as they were dumped out by Gary Brazil’s side. Arsenal will look towards the Europa League and this competition as they search to add to their trophy cabinet.

Stats

Chelsea are without a win in their last four meetings against Arsenal. They have lost only one of those games, with that defeat coming last May in the FA Cup final. In the league though, it’s a different story, with Arsenal winning only once in the clubs last 14 fixtures. Their last win at Stamford Bridge also came back in 2011, which was their last league victory against the Blues. With the cup contests seeming to be Arsenal’s best avenue against Chelsea, they’ll hope for a similar result tonight.

The last six meetings between the pair have seen 16 goals, averaging at almost three a game.  BTTS and Chelsea to win is a good bet, with Arsenal not winning on their last six visits to the Bridge.

 

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal

Suggested Tips (SkyBet)

 CORRECT SCORE- CHELSEA TO WIN 2-1- 7/1

 BTTS AND CHELSEA TO WIN- 9/4

 MORATA TO SCORE FIRST AND CHELSEA TO WIN 3-1- 33/1

 SANCHEZ AND HAZARD BOTH TO SCORE- 7/1

 LACAZETTE TO SCORE AND WIN- 5/1

 ARSENAL TO WIN AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 11/2

by ·Comments Off on FA Cup – Brighton vs Crystal Palace – Match Preview
FA Cup - Brighton vs Crystal Palace - Match Preview

Brighton vs Crystal Palace in FA Cup action this Monday night as the two Premier League sides face off for a chance to progress into the 4th round at the Community Stadium.

Both sides are enjoying decent domestic campaigns and as a result, a cup run would definitely encourage both clubs and sets of fans. Brighton and Hove Albion have had a solid run of form entering this fixture, but it seems like some changes will occur.

After such a busy Premier League festive period, certain key players could have a well deserved rest. Above all, one standout performer for Brighton this season has been striker Glenn Murray who has scored six league goals this campaign so far. Winger Anthony Knockaert has also caught the attention of many pundits because of his non stop work ethic and ability to find the back of the net. Currently sitting at a comfortable 12th position in the league standings, a nice cup victory would be something else for the fans to be proud of.

Murray has been in good form for Brighton, with great support from his team mates Photo Credit: skysports.com

Skybet Match Result – Brighton to Win – 13/8

Like a Phoenix from the ashes, Crystal Palace’s turn in form in recent times has been admirable. Roy Hodgson has done a stellar job thus far, therefore seeing his side climb from rock bottom to 14th. They are getting the reputation for being a giant slayer, because of the many upsets against the top sides already this year.

Palace fans have shown their delight with the improvement in performances and no more than Luka Milivojevic who has bossed games from the entirety of the park. Palace often don’t do fantastically in cup competitions but it would be a good idea to back them in an away win with the odds as high as they are. Can Hodgson continue the momentum?

Luka Milivojevic has been at the heart of Palace’s fine form, holding the midfield together Photo Credit: skysports.com

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Palace to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 5/2

Stats

The Seagulls have scored two or more goals at home in 27% of their Premier League fixtures this season. Palace have only scored two or more in 18% of their away league matches this year.

 The hosts have received an average of 3.4 corners in their Premier League matches this year. Crystal Palace have received an average of 6 corners.

 Andre Marriner will take charge of this fixture. He’s awarded an average of 27.6 booking points this season.

 Brighton vs Crystal Palace will also see VAR (Video Assistant Referee) to help the referees in their decision making for the first time in a competitive game in English football.

 

Score Prediction- Brighton 1 – 2 Crystal Palace – Palace’s speed on the counter with Wilfried Zaha will cause an away upset.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Correct Score – Palace to Win 2-1 – 11/1
  • Skybet Price Boost – Christian Benteke to Score a Header – 15/2
  • Skybet Price Boost – Brighton to Win 3-1 – 33/1
  • Skybet Featured RequestAbet – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 11/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – Over 1.5 goals, 3+ Brighton corners, 5+ Crystal Palace corners and 10+ booking points each team – 11/4
  • Skybet RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 – BTTS, 2+ corners each team in each half and 20+ booking points each team – 18/1
  • Skybet Penalty Specials – A Penalty Awarded – 5/2
  • Skybet Both Players to Assist a Goal – Jose Izquierdo & Wilfried Zaha – 28/1
  • Skybet Player Carded Accumulators – Dale Stephens and Luka Milivojevic both to be carded – 16/1

by ·Comments Off on FA Cup – Norwich City vs Chelsea – Match Preview
FA Cup - Norwich City vs Chelsea - Match Preview

FA Cup – Norwich City vs Chelsea – Match Preview – Championship strugglers Norwich welcome Chelsea to Carrow Road as they look to deny the Champions a place in the FA Cup fourth-round.

After closing the gap on Manchester United to just one point, Chelsea have started to look more like the team that lifted the Premier League title last year. A run of no defeats in seven games has built some confidence and they’re now looking close to the side they were last year.

Andreas Christensen has shown his quality for Chelsea in defence Photo Credit: skysports.com

Chelsea have re-found their defensive stability again, conceding just four goals in their last seven games. With Antonio Conte finding consistency in his new-look back three, Chelsea are reaping the rewards. With Andreas Christiansen now cemented at the heart of the Chelsea rear-guard, the young Danish international has established himself as one of the most promising centre-backs in the world. With that in mind, it’s hard to see David Luiz finding a way back into the team. After falling out with Conte, I’d be surprised to see the Brazilian still at Stamford Bridge come the summer.

Norwich have struggled in the Championship this year, with the Canaries currently sat in 13th place. New boss Daniel Farke has struggled in his season in England. After changes to the squad in the summer, Norwich have struggled for consistency and are nine points off the top six. With many City fans expecting a promotion push, unrest has grown around the club, with many fans now wanting owner Delia Smith to leave the club. After sacking Alex Neil last year, Smith has come under criticism with Neil now excelling at Preston. Now it’ll be interesting to see if the owners back their man next season or whether they decide to go for another approach.

Murphy looks to lead the line against Chelsea this weekend Photo Credit: Skysports.con

Away from home this season, Chelsea have scored more than two goals in six of their 11 games. Norwich, by contrast, have only managed that same feat three times at home this season, the fourth lowest in the division. Only Bolton, Burton and Birmingham have scored fewer goals in the Championship, with goals being a major issue for Norwich this season. The Canaries also have a horrendous record against Chelsea having not beaten them since 1994. They’ve collected just two points from their last 33 against Chelsea, losing nine of their last 11 league meetings.

Whilst there will be a number of shocks this weekend, I don’t think one will be at Carrow Road. I think the champions will continue their good record in the FA Cup and seal their passage into round four with minimal fuss.

 

Prediction: Norwich 0-3 Chelsea

 

SKYBET: CHELSEA TO WIN 3-0- 9/1

SKYBET: BATSHUAYI TO SCORE FIRST AND CHELSEA TO WIN 4-0- 40/1

SKYBET: CHELSEA TO WIN TO NIL- 6/4

SKYBET: PEDRO TO SCORE FIRST- 13/2

SKYBET: MURPHY TO SCORE FIRST- 18/1

SKYBET: WILLIAN TO SCORE FROM OUTSIDE THE AREA- 7/1

by ·Comments Off on FA Cup – Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – Match Preview

FA Cup – Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – Match Preview – The most successful team in FA Cup history and current holders Arsenal begin the defence of their crown against manager-less Championship side Nottingham Forest.

The most successful manager in FA Cup history, Arsene Wenger, has built an incredibly legacy in the competition with a remarkable seven tournament wins – bolstered by Arsenal’s recent dominance of three victories in the past four seasons.

Walcott could start against Forest and could also be on his way out of Arsenal this transfer window Photo Credit: skysports.com

With Wenger’s time inevitably coming to a close, and with Arsenal’s current league standing – 6th position, an unfathomable 23 points adrift of leaders Manchester City – cup competitions could well be the only opportunity for the legendary French manager to add to his trophy haul before departing.

Two-time winners of the FA Cup, The Reds last made the final of the competition in 1990/91 – losing 2-1 to Tottenham Hostpur – but the current state of affairs at the club is a far cry from the iconic Brian Clough era.

Now 14th in the Championship, Forest have sacked Mark Warburton and are looking for their 14th different manager since the summer of 2011. Their record of losing 14 games in the league this season is dismal – only 23rd place Birmingham City have lost more.

The cup, as always, offers a chance for fans to get behind the team and possibly rejuvenate a team that, in recent history, is in dire need of some positivity. What better opportunity is there than to beat the FA Cup winners Arsenal at the City Ground?

Can Murphy strike his side into the next round against the Gunners Photo Credit: skysports.com

Forest will have their work massively cut out for them, not only have Arsenal only lost once to The Reds since 1991 in 13 attempts, but The Gunners haven’t been knocked out of the FA Cup at the first time of asking (3rd round) since the 1995/96 season. It would take something remarkable to change that here.

Stats 

Whilst only four sides in the Premier League have picked up more clean sheets than Arsenal’s nine this season, they have conceded in each of their past four matches (a total of eight goals) and the defence is always vulnerable or prone to make a mistake. Forest should not fear attacking the Arsenal back-line.

Realistically, the real danger will be Arsenal’s potent attack against a Forest defence that has only kept five clean sheets in the Championship all season – the teams joint-bottom of the clean sheet table in the division have kept four.

Neither side has been evoked too much response from referees this season, Forest have been awarded 43 yellow cards to Arsenal’s 31 and neither side have picked up a red in the league this year. However, in a heated FA Cup tie with the possibility of a giant killing at hand, the potential for things to flare up is there for all to see.

 

Prediction – Nottingham Forest 1-3 Arsenal

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Notts Forest to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 13/2
  • Skybet Penalty Specials – A Penalty Awarded – 2/1
  • Skybet Total Goals, Corners Taken and Booking Points – Over 2.5 Goals, Over 10.5 Corners and Over 35 Booking Points – 13/2
  • Skybet Both Players to Score – Daryl Murphy and Danny Welbeck – 11/2
  • Skybet Correct Score – Arsenal to Win 3-1 – 10/1

by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Pro Tips – 4th January 2018
Noble Behest will be running at Chelmsford City today at 19:15

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.

by ·Comments Off on FA Cup – Liverpool vs Everton – Match Preview

FA Cup – Liverpool vs Everton – Match Preview – Liverpool host Everton in the Merseyside derby with both sides looking to secure a place in the fourth-round of the FA Cup.

After beating Burnley 2-1 on New Year’s Day, Liverpool moved six points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal. With four wins from five, Liverpool have closed the gap on the teams above them as the race for a Champions League spot heats up. The Reds are unbeaten since October, which has seen a run of 16 games without a loss in all competitions.

Three consecutive wins over the festive period will have only boosted Liverpool’s confidence of securing a top-four finish. Jurgen Klopp has rotated his squad, but the results have not altered. Phillipe Coutinho has shown his true class over the recent months, whilst Mohamad Salah has continued in his rich vein of goal scoring form. Adam Lallana’s return to first-team action is also a major boost, with the Englishman managing 86 minutes on his first start of the season against Burnley.

Lallana could feature for Liverpool against Everton this Friday Photo Credit: skysports.com

Against Arsenal, the Reds did, however, show signs of their soft underbelly which has plagued them under Klopp’s reign. At 2-0 up, they lost complete control of the game and found themselves 3-2 behind just seven minutes later. It’s that sort of mentality and poor game management which is why they will never win a league title. Whilst the club have looked to address their defensive woes with the signing of Virgil van Dijk, they still need a new goalkeeper. With the wide array of attacking talent they possess, shoring up the backline with world-class quality players must be the priority in the summer.

Everton kicked off 2018 with a defeat as they lost 2-0 to Manchester United. After a fantastic start to life at Goodison Park, Sam Allardyce’s team are without a win in four games and have lost their last two games. With Liverpool and Tottenham next up, it’s vital they return to winning ways as soon as possible. Allardyce has had success already at Anfield this season, after masterminding his sides 1-1 draw last month. In a game Liverpool really should have won, Everton managed to frustrate the home side before snatching a point late on.

Can Everton get back to winning ways against rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup Photo Credit: skysports.com

With the Merseyside derby renowned for robust tackles and red cards, it’s worth looking at booking points for this fixture. Bobby Madley has been appointed as the referee for this fixture and he has the fourth highest average for red cards this season. Madley has also averaged 3.4 yellow cards in the ten games has managed this season. Given the occasion as well, I feel as though 20+ booking points each team would be a safe bet.

With regards to the actual match, I think Allardyce will come with a similar game plan to try and frustrate Liverpool. Unlike last month, however, I think the Reds will come out on top in a fierce and cagey affair.

 

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Everton

SUGGESTED TIPS:

SKYBET: LIVERPOOL TO WIN 2-1- 7/1

SKYBET: ADAM LALLANA TO SCORE & LIVERPOOL WIN – 5/2

SKYBET: BOTH PLAYERS TO SCORE – WAYNE ROONEY & DOMINIC SOLANKE – 7/1

SKYBET: @FOOTYACCUMS RAB – MANE TO SCORE, OVER 2.5 GOALS, 6+ LIVERPOOL CORNERS & 30 EVERTON BOOKING POINTS – 8/1

SKYBET: REQUEST-A-BET 80/1 & ABOVE: SIGURDSSON TO SCORE, DRAW 1-1, 3+ CORNERS EACH TEAM & GUEYE TO BE CARDED – 80/1

SKYBET: SIGURDSSON TO SCORE OUTSIDE THE AREA – 16/1

SKYBET: BTTS AND DRAW – 9/2

SKYBET: PRICE BOOST – ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN & DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN BOTH TO SCORE IN 90 MINS – 18/1

SKYBET: EVERTON TO WIN AND UNDER 2.5 GOALS – 12/1

 

 

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

Tottenham vs West Ham – Match Preview – The congested period of the Premier League season continues and has treated us to a tasty London derby. Tottenham host West Ham as both sides are hoping to improve their respective positions in the Premier League table.

The hosts will be hoping to close the gap on the top four to try and secure European Football for another year. West Ham will be hoping to climb away from the relegation zone. It’s all very tight down the bottom of the table.

Alli and Llorente secured the three points for Spurs against Swansea Photo Credit: skysports.com

Tottenham beat Swansea City in their last outing just two days before this fixture. An early goal from former Swansea man, Fernando Llorente, gave Spurs the lead before Dele Alli finished the job late on. Despite the victory, the performance wasn’t the most convincing from Mauricio Pochettino’s men, who had a very noticeable absentee in Harry Kane; who came off the bench in the second half. Kane has broken many records in the past 12 months and is the key figure in this Spurs side. He often enjoys playing West Ham, can his side close the gap on the top four?

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

Andy Carroll bagged a brace against West Brom after going down a goal Photo Credit: skysports.com

West Ham are fresh from a dramatic victory over West Brom just two days ago as well. After going 1-0 down, a brace from Andy Carroll in a late, dramatic fashion gave David Moyes men something big to celebrate. They have now climbed out of the relegation zone, and given themselves some breathing space for this tough fixture. The Hammers were victorious when these two sides met earlier in the season in the Carabao Cup. That should give the side some confidence heading into the fixture, something the squad have been low on all year. Will be tough, but not impossible.

Skybet Match Result – West Ham to Win – 9/1

Despite their strong position in the table, Spurs have only scored two or more goals in 40% of their home Premier League fixtures. West Ham have scored two or more in 36% of their away matches.

Tottenham have been awarded a staggering average of 8.8 corners per home match this season in the Premier League. West Ham have been awarded an average of 3.7 on the road.

Mike Dean will take charge of this fixture. The referee has awarded an average of 39.6 booking points in his 13 Premier League fixtures.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Featured RequestAbet – Kane to score 2+ goals, 9+ Tottenham corners and Zabaleta to be carded – 16/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 – Kane to score, BTTS, Reid to be carded and 40+ West Ham booking points – 20/1
  • Bet365 – Alternative Total Goals – Over 3.5 – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Correct Score – Tottenham 3-2 – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Anytime Goalscorer – Winston Reid – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Total Goals/Both Teams to Score – Over 2.5 & Yes – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on NFL – Playoff Wildcard Preview
NFL - Playoff Wildcard Preview

NFL – Playoff Wildcard Preview –The NFL Playoffs kick off with the AFC and NFC Wildcard round this weekend. The Bills are at the Jags and the Titans are at the Chiefs from the AFC, with the Patriot and the Steelers with first round byes. The NFC sees the Falcons at the Rams and the Panthers at the Saints, with the Eagles and the Vikings with first round byes.

 

Saturday Games

Titans at Chiefs

The Titans clinched playoff berth last week in their win and will be looking for a solid playoff debut for QB Marcus Mariota. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have been on a roller-coaster this season with their hot start and average end to the year. Chiefs coach Andy Reid has struggled in the playoffs the past few seasons, however his team are much more experienced in a playoff atmosphere, and along with being at home, I believe that will be a lot to overcome for the young Titans.

Chiefs to Win –  24-14

Smith: 285 YDS, 2 TDS

Hunt: 115 Total YDS, 1 Rushing TD

Kelce: 100 YDS REC, 1 TD REC

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Kansas City Chiefs -7.5 and Over 46.5 Total Match Points – 5/2

 

Falcons at Rams

In the Primetime game for Saturday night the Highest Scoring offense, with RB Todd Gurley who led the league in scrimmage yards, face the defending NFC Champs in the Falcons. The Falcons clinched playoff berth at the end of the season but haven’t been consistent all year. However, the Rams with their rookie coach, 2nd Year QB, and 3rd Year RB are all brand new to this stage. It does help however being at home, where defense will be the key. Both teams are top scoring offense, but in the first game home in their return to LA I have the Rams winning a close game.

Rams to Win –  28-24

Goff: 225 YDS, 2 TD

Gurley: 145 YDS, 2 TDS Rushing

Skybet Total Points – 49-52 Pts – 11/2

 

Sunday Games

Bills at Jaguars

Both teams have been in playoff droughts, specifically the Bills being in their first playoff game since 1999. The Bills by virtue of a 3 way tie breaker clinched playoff berth last week and will be looking to cause an upset over the Jags. The Jags are a top 3 rated defense and at home I believe that will help against the up and down QB play from the Bills. While the Jags QB Blake Bortles has been up and down himself, expect a heavy dose of their run game.

Jags to Win –  17-10

Bortles: 215 YDS, 1 TD

Fournette: 110 YDS, 1 Rushing TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – Jacksonville Jaguars -6.5 and Under 41.5 Total Match Points – 13/8

 

Panthers at Saints

In the Sunday night primetime game these division rivals meet in the playoffs in what should be an offensive shootout. The Saints beat the Panthers twice during the regular season and behind two 1000 Yard running backs, along with the most experienced QB in the NFC, Drew Brees, they are the favorite to win. Meanwhile, the Panthers two years removed from their Super bowl appearance will be looking to make another run, however haven’t been consistent on offense all year. In the playoffs the hotter team normally wins and right now the Saints are playing better on both sides of the ball, at home I expect them to win and advance.

Saints to Win –  31-24

Brees: 285 YDS, 2 TDS

Ingram: 110 Total YDS, 1 Rushing TD

Kumara: 88 YDS Total

Thomas: 100 YDS REC, 1 REC TD

Skybet Handicap and Total Points – New Orleans Saints -5.5 and Over 49.5 Total Match Points – 5/2

 

 

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

Arsenal vs Chelsea – Match Preview – An iconic Premier League fixture, London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea meet for the first of their three clashes in January with both sides harbouring ambitions of securing Champions League football.

Wednesday’s game comes a week before the first of two EFL Cup semi-finals, the 1st leg being played at Stamford Bridge.

Whilst there have been strong showings in the cups this year (with both sides progressing into the knockout stages of their respective competitions comfortably), the Premier League title seems like a foregone conclusion due to Manchester City’s domination, so the chasing pack must hunt to finish as close to the top as possible, in the aims of obtaining a top four finish.

Sanchez has been in great form in the past few matches for the Gunners Photo Credit: skysports.com

After drawing 1-1 with West Brom on Sunday (in controversial circumstances) and following Liverpool’s dramatic late victory over Burnley, Arsenal, in 5th, find themselves six points off The Reds in the Champions League places.

North-London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are just a point behind (at the time of writing) too, with a game in hand on The Gunners and they play bottom club Swansea City on Tuesday night. Arsene Wenger’s side are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions but have drawn four of their last seven Premier League games so picking up three points is vital here to maintain the pressure.

Doing so will be difficult against the in-form Champions, Chelsea have won 13 of their last 18 matches in all competitions including two convincing victories over the festive week against Brighton and Stoke. Manchester United’s simultaneous draws briefly saw The Blues move into 2nd place but after United’s 2-0 win at Everton on Monday night only victory here can see Antonio Conte’s side reclaim that spot.

Hazard and Morata can give Chelsea a big win in the London Derby Photo Credit: skysports.com

Clashes between these two English giants are always intense, as there is a feeling Antonio Conte wants to exact revenge for The Gunners winning the 2017 FA Cup Final and denying him a League and Cup double in his maiden season in England.

Controversy is never far from these matches and the reverse fixture this season brought a heated 0-0 draw that saw David Luiz given a straight red card for a rash challenge on Sead Kolasinac.

Surely, we will see goals this time around but drama and excitement is all but guaranteed when two of the country’s best do battle, normally to prove who the top dog in the capital really is.

Stats

Arsenal have conceded six goals in their last three games and the underlying sentiment that they are vulnerable if a team truly gets at them never seems to fade away. Saying that, only four teams can say they have kept more clean sheets than the Gunners’ nine this season.
Chelsea are one of those teams, in fact no side in the Premier League has had more shutouts than Chelsea’s 11 this term.
Whilst both will be keen to keep it tight defensively for the fear of losing, the attacking quality on the pitch should provide ample scoring opportunities for the likes of Morata or Lacazette to thrive upon and find the net.

Whilst Chelsea have been awarded a league-low total of 22 yellow cards this year, only Watford can boast (or not) a worse disciplinary record in terms of red cards, as three Blues players have been given their marching orders – one in the reverse fixture for David Luiz as mentioned above. This gives Chelsea 14 average booking points per game.
Arsenal, despite not receiving a single red card this year, fare slightly worse, with 31 yellow cards giving them 14.8 average booking points per match.
Taking into account the context of this match and the way emotions usually get flared, expect there to be a considerable amount of work for the referee to do and a lot of cards being brandished as a result of that.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Price Boost – Alexandre Lacazette and Alvaro Morata both to score in 90 mins – 7/1Skybet Price Boost – Granit Xhaka and Cesc Fabregas both to be carded – 11/2
  • Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 9/2
  • Skybet RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 –  Hazard to score, Chelsea to win and Morata & Mustafi to be carded – 25/1
  • Skybet OPTA Player Total Multiple Shots – Alexis Sanchez and Eden Hazard 3+ shots each – 5/2
  • Skybet Player Carded Accumulator – Jack Wilshere and Antonio Rudiger both to be carded – 17/2
  • Bet365 – Anytime Goalscorer – Marcos Alonso – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Half Time/Full Time – Chelsea/Draw – (link no longer available)
  • Bet365 – Correct Score – Draw 2-2 – (link no longer available)