by ·Comments Off on Netherlands vs England – Match Betting Preview.
Netherlands vs England, Betting Match Preview, Friday 23rd March 2018, International Friendly, Johan Cruyff Arena. Live on ITV, Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT.

Netherlands vs England
Friday 23rd March 2018
International Friendly, Johan Cruyff Arena

Live on ITV, Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT

Netherlands vs England – England take a trip to the Netherlands as they face Holland in a friendly ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Russia.

Gareth Southgate will shape his England squad for Russia in the three lions’ upcoming matches. Whilst there are a few players missing out through injury, a large portion of this squad still have to prove their worth. The goalkeeping department has, in particular, been an area under scrutiny. Consequently, Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope earned his first call-up for these games after an impressive season in the Clarets’ net. The number one spot is up for grabs after Joe Hart’s poor form at West Ham, with Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland the main two contenders. I personally believe Southgate will opt for the Stoke stopper to guard England’s goal.

Whilst many speculating on England’s formation for the upcoming tournament, I expect Southgate to stick with his preferred 3-4-3 formation. The England manager has already intimated he will use Eric Dier in the back three for these matches, a position he has played for Spurs previously. Alfie Mawson and James Tarkowski have both been given a chance to impress following their first call-ups. More experience defenders Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling left out. Upfront, Marcus Rashford and Jamie Vardy have the chance to stake their claim for the World Cup with Harry Kane absent through injury.

Despite not qualifying for this summer’s competition, Holland have won their last five games. Having missed the last two major tournaments, new manager Ronald Koeman has been tasked with running the country’s fortunes around. They finished level on points with Sweden in group A but missed out on goal difference. With a number of up and coming young players in their ranks, the future looks bright for Dutch football. Virgil van Dijk should captain the side alongside Stefan De Vrij, whilst Quincy Promes, Bas Dost and youngster Justin Kluivert will be expected to cause England problems in attack.

Jesus Gil Manzano will referee the clash on Friday night. The Spaniard plies his trade in La Liga, where he has averaged 5.87 cards per game across 15 league matches. This consists of 86 yellow cards and one red, which therefore means booking points could be a good option for Friday’s game.

Without Harry Kane, England will be looking for Rashford to step up to the plate. Holland also pose a threat and will want to prove their worth under a new manager. Thus, I think this will end in a draw, with neither team wanting to lose the game.

Netherlands vs England will be televised live in the UK on ITV with kick off at 19:45 GMT.

Prediction: Netherlands 1-1 England.

Suggested tips(Skybet):

  • Correct score, draw 1-1 – 9/2.
  • Rashford to score first and England to win 2-1 – 40/1.
  • Promes and Vardy to both score – 17/2.
  • Depay and Sterling to have 1+shot on target each – 6/4.
  • Dost to score and win – 3/1.

Odds and markets last updated on 23 March 2018 @17:35 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from the International break.

by ·Comments Off on Scotland vs Costa Rica – Match Preview
Scotland vs Costa Rica, Betting Match Preview, Friday 23rd March 2018, International Friendly, Hampden Park. Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT.

Scotland vs Costa Rica
Friday 23rd March 2018
International Friendly, Hampden Park

Live on Sky Sports Football, Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT

Scotland vs Costa Rica – Scotland will still be feeling the heartache of not reaching the 2018 World Cup in Russia as they narrowly missed out on qualification on goal difference. Their late impressive surge was not enough as they conceded 5 more goals than World Cup qualifiers, Slovakia. Meanwhile, Costa Rica are on a high and preparing for Russia as they qualified in second place in the North and Central American group.

The two nations have only met once before back in 1990 where Costa Rica won 1-0. Both sides were also unsuccessful in their previous outings by the same score line. Scotland lost to the Netherlands and Costa Rica lost to Hungary.

The match will also mark Alex McLeish’s second reign as Scotland manager following Gordon Strachan’s departure. Another big change in the Scotland camp will come in midfield after Scott Brown announced his retirement from international football.

The hosts are favourites for this encounter despite being to team who did not qualify for the World Cup. They have also welcomed a flurry of fresh faces to their camp, with Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay carrying the most expectation on his young shoulders. He is joined by Barnsley striker, Oli McBurnie, who has been firing off on all cylinders since his loan spell began. Alex McLeish’s side will want to make a statement and build on their impressive end to last year in the qualifying campaign.

The visitors will be preparing for the World Cup and this fixture provides a final chance to try out new things. The most successful central American nation in history have some real talents amongst their ranks for Fridays fixture. Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas will provide a very tough opponent for the Scots between the sticks. Meanwhile Bryan Ruiz and Marco Urena will be hoping to light up the Costa Rican attack with their combined 167 caps.

A big loss for Costa Rica is the absence of Real Betis loanee Joel Campbell. The experienced international is still nursing an ankle injury and will be a big miss for the central American outfit.

Scotland vs Costa Rica will be televised on Sky Sports Football in the UK and will kick off at 19:45 GMT.

Prediction: 1-0 Scotland.

Suggested tips – Scotland vs Costa Rica – (SKYBET):

  • Correct score, 1-0 Scotland – 5/1.
  • Scorecast Boost: Matt Richie to score first and Scotland win 2-1 – 80/1.
  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Scotland to Score 2+ Goals and 5+ Scotland Corners – 5/2.
  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – BTTS and over 2.5 goals – 7/2.

Odds and markets last updated on 23 March 2018 @17:25 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from the International break.

 

by ·Comments Off on Turkey vs Republic of Ireland – Match Preview
Turkey vs Republic of Ireland, Betting Match Preview, Friday 23rd March 2018, International Friendly, Antalya Stadium. Kick-Off: 17:30 GMT.

Turkey vs Republic of Ireland
Friday 23rd March 2018
International Friendly, Antalya Stadium 

Kick-Off: 17:30 GMT

Turkey vs Republic of Ireland – The international break is in full swing and The Republic of Ireland travel to Turkey looking to steady the ship after narrowly missing out on the 2018 World Cup.

Ireland’s side heroic victory over Wales in Cardiff propelled them into the World Cup play-offs. However, that ended in dismay after a Christian Eriksen-inspired Denmark dismantled Martin O’Neill’s side 5-1 in the crucial match.

O’Neill kept his job, and the planning for the 2020 European Championships has begun. With just 37 international goals in the entire squad for this match (17 coming just from Shane Long), the future is very much at the forefront here. Especially considering call-ups for players like West Ham’s Declan Rice and Aston Villa’s Scott Hogan.

Turkey had a World Cup qualifying campaign to forget, finishing fourth in Group I behind Iceland, Croatia and Ukraine. They have also lost their last two friendlies 2-0 to Romania and perhaps more worrying 3-2 at home to Albania.

Now under the leadership of Shakhtar Donestsk legend Mircea Lucescu a change in fortunes will be expected. Quality players such as Borussia Dortmund’s Omer Toprak and AC Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu can lead the way to doing so.

With just seven places in the FIFA World Rankings separating these two teams (Ireland 31st, Turkey 38th) a close game should be in store. O’Neill has The Green Army renowned for their solidity, whilst Turkey usually play a more expansive game. This clash of styles could lead to a very interesting exchange. A moment of magic from a player like Calhanoglu or Celta Vigo’s on-loan wonderkid Emre Mor could make the difference.

Slavko Vincic will be the man in charge for this one. The Slovenian officiates in his native country but has also refereed in European competition this season. In eight Prva Liga games he has given 38 yellows cards, one red and two penalties. In the four Champions League and Europa League matches at the helm, he has dished out 19 yellow cards. Vincic’s average cards per game is therefore a very high 4.75. Those European matches include Tottenham Hotspur’s 3-0 victory against Apoel Nicosa and Borussia Dortmund’s 2-1 defeat to RB Salzburg.

Prediction: Turkey 1-1 Republic of Ireland

With Turkey finding their feet under Lucescu, Ireland should have enough stability to resist Turkey’s attacking forces. Typically, it would be somewhat surprising if they found enough of their own to secure the win.

Suggested tips – Turkey vs Republic of Ireland – (SKYBET):

  • Correct score, 1-1 Draw – 5/1.
  • Popular RequestABet – Suarez to score and Uruguay 2-0 – 11/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – BTTS, 2+ corners each team in each half and 20+ booking points each team – 80/1.
  • Price Boost – Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale both to score – 7/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Suarez and Cavani to score, Vokes and Allen to be carded – 200/1.
  • Both Players to Score – Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez – 3/1.

Odds and markets last updated on 26 March 2018 @11:50 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from the International break this week. We also have domestic fixtures returning at the end of the week so keep an eye on those previews in the tips and preview area.

by ·Comments Off on Leicester City vs Chelsea – Match Preview
Leicester City vs Chelsea. Betting Match Preview, Sunday 18th March 2018, FA Cup Quarter-Final, King Power Stadium. Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 16:30.

Leicester City vs Chelsea
Sunday 18th March 2018
FA Cup Quarter-Final, King Power Stadium

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 16:30

Leicester vs Chelsea: Chelsea travel to Leicester in the FA Cup looking to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Barcelona.

Chelsea’s defeat at the Nou Camp ended their hopes of a second ever Champions League title. The FA Cup is now their only hope for silverware. With the race for the top four hotting up, it’s crucial that they don’t slip up. They returned to winning ways in the league with a comfortable victory over Crystal Palace last weekend. Willian continued his fine form in front of goal by opening the scoring at Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian has scored five goals in his last five games. He has also opened the scoring in all five of those games, showing he is good value for first goalscorer.

Chelsea have lost their last four away games. If Antonio Conte’s men want to finish in the top four they need to address their poor form on the road. The Italian needs to make the Champions harder to beat; a task he excelled at last year on the way to the title. They are only four points adrift off fourth place and if they can rediscover some form I still fancy them to secure a Champions League spot come the end of the campaign.

After a poor run of results, Leicester returned to winning ways at the weekend in emphatic style. The Foxes secured a 4-1 at West Brom, which was in no part thanks to Jamie Vardy’s spectacular equaliser. From there on Claude Puel’s side dominated the game and took home all three points. With Vardy and Riyad Mahrez in the side, Leicester will always cause problems. The two linked up again superbly at the weekend, a theme that Leicester fans have come accustomed to seeing.

Craig Pawson is the referee for this game, fresh from officiating Manchester United vs Liverpool last week. The Englishman has the highest average booking points total in the league. He has issued 33 yellow cards and four reds, giving him a total of 41.1 per game. He has been allocated some of the biggest games this season, which proves he is one of the league’s best young officials.

This game is quite tough to call. Leicester have provided many upsets in recent years, not least winning the league itself. Therefore, I’m going to plump for a draw.

Leicester City vs Chelsea will be televised live in the UK on BBC One with kick-off at 16:30 GMT.

Prediction: Leicester 1-1 Chelsea

Suggested tips – Leicester City vs Chelsea – (BET365):

  • Correct score, draw 1-1- (link no longer available).
  • Willian to score first – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Leicester City vs Chelsea – (SKYBET):

  • Vardy and Hazard to both score – 6/1.
  • Chelsea to win by exactly one goal- 11/4.
  • RequestABet Specials up to 10/1 – BTTS, 1+ corners each team in each half and 10+ booking points each team – 2/1.
  • Popular Request A Bets – BTTS, 2+ corners each team in each half and 10+ booking points each team – 13/2.
  • BTTS, 8+ match corners and 40+ match booking ptsRequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Leicester v Chelsea – 5/2.
  • Match Stat Price Boost – Vardy and Willian – 2+ Shots on Target each – 14/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Leicester v Chelsea – Mahrez & Willian to score from outside the area – 150/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Leicester v Chelsea – Morata to score a header and Mahrez to score from outside the area – 125/1.
  • @FootyAccums RequestABet – Vardy to score, Chelsea to win and 4+ corners in each half – 11/1.
  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Leicester vs Chelsea  – BTTS, 1+ corners each team in each half and 10+ booking points each team – 2/1.
  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Leicester vs Chelsea – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 10+ booking points each team – 11/4.

Odds and markets last updated on 18 March 2018 @09:45 GMT. Markets will be updated prior to kick off so keep checking back before 16:30 GMT for updates.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from this weekends FA Cup and SkyBet Championship action.

by ·Comments Off on Wigan Athletic vs Southampton – Match Preview
Wigan Athletic vs Southampton. Betting Match Preview, Sunday 18th March 2018, FA Cup Quarter-Final, DW Stadium. Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 13:30.

Wigan Athletic vs Southampton
Sunday 18th March 2018
FA Cup Quarter-Final, DW Stadium

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 13:30

Wigan Athletic vs Southampton – Mark Hughes’ first test as Southampton manager is to beat League One underdogs Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup Quarter-Final.

Hughes was named as Mauricio Pellegrino’s successor after Southampton’s 3-0 defeat to Newcastle last time out. The Argentine endured a difficult first season as a manager in English football, taking Southampton dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Hughes himself lost his job at Stoke for doing the same thing, but the Welshman seems the right fit to take The Saints out of trouble. He even played there for two years between 1998-2000, so has an ‘affinity’ in his own words.

Southampton have had a turbulent season, with just five wins only West Brom (three) have won less games in the Premier League. However, the FA Cup represents a wonderful opportunity for Southampton to win their first major trophy since winning this competition in 1976.

Wigan are the opposition, who already are writing their own script in this season’s FA Cup. Toppling Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Manchester City side in the last round sent shockwaves through football.

Paul Cook’s side are having an excellent campaign in general, sitting in 2nd place, five points from Blackburn Rovers. The Latics do, however, have three games in hand in their quest to return to the Championship.

Goals decide games, and that’s exactly where Southampton have struggled this season. They have only scored 29 in the league, and only scored two or more six times. Only Swansea and West Brom have failed to reach that feat in fewer games (five). Wigan have scored two+ on 18 occasions, so it is just a case of whether they can replicate that against higher quality opposition.

This match will represent everything that the FA Cup is about. Two teams, generally unfancied, where one of them will make it to a Wembley semi-final. Where dreams are made.

Michael Oliver has been chosen to referee this one. No one has taken charge of more Premier League games than Oliver this year (25), and he has the second highest average booking points per game in the division with 39.8.

Wigan Athletic vs Southampton will be televised live in the UK on BBC One with kick-off at 13:30 GMT.

Prediction: Wigan 1-3 Southampton

Suggested tips – Wigan Athletic vs Southampton – (BET365):

  • Correct score, 3-1 Southampton win – (link no longer available).
  • Southampton/Southampton HT/FT betting – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Wigan Athletic vs Southampton – (SKYBET):

  • RequestABet Up To 10/1 Specials – Over 1.5 goals, 3+ corners each team and 30+ match booking pts – 13/8.
  • Scorecast Boost (Double Chance) – Manolo Gabbiadini to score first and either Southampton to win 2-0 or Southampton to win 3-0 – 25/1.
  • RequestABet Up To 10/1 Specials – Southampton to score 2+ Goals, 5+ Corners and Wigan 20+ Booking Points – 5/1.
  • Price Boosts – Wigan v Southampton – Manolo Gabbiadini and Dusan Tadic both to score in 90 mins – 10/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Wigan vs Southampton – Gabbiadini to score, 7+ Wigan corners, Lemina to be carded and Under 50 match booking points – 80/1.
  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Wigan v Southampton – Wigan to score 2+ goals, 5+ Wigan corners and 20+ Southampton booking pts – 11/1.

Odds and markets last updated on 18 March 2018 @09:45 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from this weekends FA Cup and SkyBet Championship action.

by ·Comments Off on Manchester United vs Brighton – Match Preview
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion. Betting Match Preview, Saturday 17th March 2018, FA Cup Quarter-Final, Old Trafford. Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 19:45.

Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Saturday 17th March 2018
FA Cup Quarter-Final, Old Trafford

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 19:45

Manchester United vs Brighton: Manchester United will be looking to secure their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup as they take on Brighton at Old Trafford.

United crashed out of the Champions League in midweek after losing 2-0 to Sevilla. The contrast between their performance against Liverpool compared to Sevilla was like day and night. The stark difference between these two displays will trouble Jose Mourinho, in addition to losing against inferior opposition. With just one piece of silverware on offer, Mourinho needs a trophy to save their season.

The FA Cup is something Manchester United have always performed well in this competition. They have won it 12 times, which is second to only Arsenal. Another win in this competitions would see the Red Devils equal that tally. Marcus Rashford returned with a bang with two goals in the North West derby. The Englishman has struggled for game time since the arrival of Alexis Sanchez but as a result of an injury to Anthony Martial has allowed the youngster to remind what he is capable of.

Following a good string of result, Brighton fell to a 2-0 defeat to Everton at the weekend. Chris Hughton’s side were not aided by Antony Knockaert’s red card for a terrible lunge on the returning Leighton Baines. Five wins in seven in all competitions has seen them rise to 11th place, seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Whilst the Seagull’s job is not done, they should be able to secure a second consecutive top-flight appearance with eight games left. This will be their toughest test so far in the competition. Having faced just one Premier League side on route to the last eight, a trip to Old Trafford will be the highlight of their cup run.

Manchester United have won four of the last five meetings between the two sides, including the league fixture back in November. Brighton have only ever beaten United one in their history, a win that came back in 1982. They have never won at Old Trafford.

Andre Marriner will officiate this FA Cup quarter-final tie. He has officiated the third most games this campaign, collecting an average booking points total of 28.1. Compared to other referees who have similar numbers of matches, this is the lowest by some way. Thus, booking points may not be something to bet on at the weekend.

I expect to see a reaction from United. Therefore, I’m backing them to win this tie. Mourinho won’t take anything for chance and understands the importance of this competition. Brighton could make it tough for them, as they did against Arsenal a few weeks ago but United should progress.

Manchester United vs Brighton will be televised live in the UK on BBC 1 with kick off at 19:45 GMT.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Brighton

Suggested tips – Manchester United vs Brighton – (BET365):

  • Correct score, 2-0 Manchester United win – (link no longer available).
  • United to win to nil – (link no longer available).
  • United/United HT/FT betting – (link no longer available).
  • Lukaku to score first – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Manchester United vs Brighton – (SKYBET):

  • United to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1- 11/8.

Odds and markets last updated on 17 March 2018 @14:45 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from this weekends FA Cup and SkyBet Championship action.

by ·Comments Off on Liverpool vs Watford – Match Preview
Liverpool vs Watford. Betting Match Preview, Saturday 17th March 2018, FA Premier League, Anfield. Live on BT Sport 1 – Kick-Off: 17:30.

Liverpool vs Watford
Saturday 17th March 2018
FA Premier League, Anfield

Live on BT Sport 1 – Kick-Off: 17:30

Liverpool vs Watford:- Liverpool host Watford in the Premier League this weekend as their bid for a top four spot continues.

The visitors have managed to break away from the hectic bottom half of the table however aren’t quite safe just yet. Both clubs were unsuccessful in their previous outings so three points will be crucial to both their causes.

Liverpool are currently fourth in the Premier League, with a place in the top four still anything but secure. Jurgen Klopp’s men most recently lost to bitter rivals Manchester United 2-1 that saw them lose ground on the top three. Their potent front three of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino was rendered ineffective despite their very impressive goal scoring tallies. They have led an attack that has scored two or more goals in 63% of their matches. Salah has stolen headlines however, with 24 goals and 8 assists.

Defensively, Liverpool have been suspect however the introduction of Virgil Van Dijk has been positive. They have conceded the most goals in the top five, with 34 going past them in 30 matches. However, they have managed to keep a clean sheet in 40% of their league matches this season. They are favourites and will be hard seeing them not get a result.

Watford are currently 10th in the Premier League and 9 points from the relegation zone. Their recent result was not a highlight of their season as they were taken apart by Arsenal in a 3-0 defeat. Troy Deeney missed a penalty that proved vital to the result. Deeney is part of a Hornets attack that has scored two or more goals in 46% of their matches. Their top scorer is Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Watford’s defence has painful to watch at times. They have conceded 50 goals in 30 games and have managed a clean sheet in 26% of those matches. Watford have managed to shock to bookmakers a couple times this season against the top six, however Liverpool’s attacking power should be too much to deal with.

The referee for this match is Anthony Taylor. He shouldn’t have too much to worry about as both sides have shown discipline throughout the campaign. Liverpool have averaged just 12.8 booking points and Watford have averaged 20.

Watford vs Liverpool will be televised on BT Sport 1 and kicks off at 17:30.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-0.

Suggested tips – Liverpool vs Watford – (BET365):

  • Correct Score – 3-0 Liverpool – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Sadio Mane – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Liverpool vs Watford – (SKYBET):

  • Price Boost – Mohamed Salah and Troy Deeney  – 9/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Liverpool vs Watford – Salah to score, Liverpool 2-1 and Lovren & Capoue to be carded – 300/1.
  • Pundits RequestABets – Le Tissier’s RAB: Salah, Firmino & Mane to score and Liverpool to win to nil – 12/1.
  • Price Boost – Emre Can and Abdoulaye Doucoure both to be carded – 25/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 33/1 to 66/1 – Liverpool vs Watford – Watford to win and under 2.5 goals – 33/1.

Odds and markets last updated on 17 March 2018 @11:45 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from this weekends FA Cup and SkyBet Championship action.

by ·Comments Off on Bournemouth vs West Bromwich Albion – Match Preview
Bournemouth vs West Bromwich Albion. Betting Match Preview, Saturday 17th March 2018, SkyBet Championship, Dean Court. Game Not Televised - Kick-Off: 15:00.

Bournemouth vs West Bromwich Albion
Saturday 17th March 2018
FA Premier League, Dean Court

Game Not Televised – Kick-Off: 15:00

Bournemouth vs West Bromwich Albion – Bournemouth and West Brom meet this Saturday at the Vitality Stadium with the outcome likely to have huge consequences on the top-flight futures of both.

If Eddie Howe’s Dorset hosts pick up a first league win against the Midlands outfit in three attempts, it will take them to 36 points and the verge of ensuring a fourth successive year in the Premier League.

Simultaneously,  an 11th away defeat of the league campaign would send  West Brom to the brink of no return in the relegation battle.  The basement boys are already eight points adrift of safety with eight games remaining.

You can talk of miracles and where there is hope there is life, but that is exactly the problem with West Brom’s chances of another Great Escape. Under dead-manager-walking Alan Pardew all hope appeared to vanish last month, somewhere in a stolen Spanish taxi at 5am.

Prior to that warm-weather training break, the Baggies had won at Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup to make it four games unbeaten in all competitions. They also had what seemed a decent set of league fixtures for the rest of February and into March.

But they have since lost seven in a row in all competitions – six in the league.

The last of those was a 4-1 home thrashing by Leicester, leading to Head Coach Pardew accusing his players of ‘unacceptable spirit and effort’  and then offering to discuss his position with the club’s owners. Bit late for that.

Bournemouth, currently 12th in the table,  suffered an identical  4-1 defeat at home 24 hours later, but the big difference was it came at the hands of high-flying Tottenham.

Despite that first loss in seven league outings on their own patch – a run which stretched back to December 17 and a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool – Cherries manager Howe was anything but downbeat with the performance of his side, who had taken the lead and threatened to runaway with the points before an impressive Spurs comeback.

In the reverse fixture at the Hawthorns, West Brom beat Bournemouth, 1-0, on the opening day of the season.

Expect goals:  There have been 29 in Bournemouth’s last seven leagues game at the Vitality Stadium and only one goalless draw there all season – v Leicester in September.

Bournemouth have kept two clean sheets at home this season. West Brom, meanwhile, have kept only two on their travels.

Expect a home win…come the final whistle. Even if West Brom go ahead in a match, it means little.  In 2017-18,  they have thrown away a league-high 21 points from winning positions.  If games lasted 45 minutes, would have won an extra 14 points.

Referee Graham Scott has shown 26 yellows in 15 games this season, an average of 1.9 per game. He has shown one red (none in last 14 games).

Bournemouth vs West Brom kicks off at 3pm – you can follow the progress on Sky Sports News.

Prediction: 3-0 Bournemouth Win

Suggested tips – Bournemouth vs West Bromwich Albion  – (BET365):

  • Correct Score – 3-0 Bournemouth – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Bournemouth vs West Bromwich Albion – (SKYBET):

  • RequestABetSpecial – 80/1 and above – Over 2.5 goals, 12+ match corners, Daniels to be carded and 30+ West Brom booking points – 125/1.
  • Both Player to Score – Callum Wilson and Joshua King – 125/1.
  • RequestABetSpecial – 11/1 to 28/1 – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 11/1.
  • RequestABetSpecial – up-to 10/1 – Phillips to score and West Brom to win – 8/1.

Odds and markets last updated on 17 March 2018 @11:30 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from this weekends FA Cup and SkyBet Championship action.

by ·Comments Off on Bolton Wanderers vs Aston Villa – Match Preview
Bolton Wanderers vs Aston Villa. Betting Match Preview, Saturday 17th March 2018, SkyBet Championship, Macron Stadium. Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 17:30 GMT.

Bolton Wanderers vs Aston Villa
Saturday 17th March 2018
SkyBet Championship, Macron Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 17:30

Bolton vs Aston Villa: Bolton host Aston Villa, looking for three points which could move them nine points clear of the relegation places.

Wanderers have lost just one of their last five games having secured a last-gasp draw at Sheffield Wednesday last time out. Aaron Wilbraham’s 93rd minute equaliser prevented another defeat on the road with Bolton having not won away this year. At home, it has been a different story. They have lost just two of their last 12 home games, picking up 26 points in that run. That form has dragged them out of the bottom three and up to 20th, six points clear of the drop zone.

With a six-point cushion, their future is in their own hands. They also have relegation rivals Birmingham, Barnsley and Burton still to play. Phil Parkinson has done a fantastic job at the Macron Stadium; first to get the club promoted but then to give them a fighting chance of survival. The club’s poor financial state has only made things tougher but they look on course for a second consecutive year in this division.

Aston Villa crashed to a disappointing 3-1 defeat to QPR in midweek. Rangers were only the second side to win at Villa Park this season. Steve Bruce’s side are seven points behind Cardiff in third place. With the two still to meet later in the campaign, Villa still have a chance of securing automatic promotion. Four straight wins and no defeats in five has really helped that push. Lewis Grabban’s recent form has been a major boost, with the Bournemouth loanee grabbing four goals in his last five games.

Aston Villa have won two of their last six games against Bolton. Their last win at the Macron came in 2011 when both teams were in the Premier League. Bolton’s have won three of the last six meetings, with one ending in a draw.

The referee for this game is Robert Jones. The Englishman has only officiated 11 Championships games this season but has an average booking points total of 44.1. He has shown four red cards in those 11 games, which is one of the highest ratios in the league.

Bolton are a good side. I was impressed with them when I saw them live last week. Sammy Ameobi is a big player for them and he will have to be at his best if they’re to get anything from this game. Aston Villa are in fantastic form and have experienced player who know how to earn promotion. Therefore, I am backing Aston Villa to nick this game. If it did end in a draw, however, I wouldn’t be surprised.

Bolton Wanderers vs Aston Villa will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 17:30 GMT.

Prediction: Bolton 0-1 Aston Villa.

Suggested tips – Bolton Wanderers vs Aston Villa – (BET365):

  • Correct score, Villa to win 1-0- 5/1.
  • To score any time – Lewis Grabban – (link no longer available)
  • First Goalscorer – Albert Adomah – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Bolton Wanderers vs Aston Villa – (Skybet):

  • Grabban to score and win – 5/2.
  • Ameobi and Adomah to both score – 17/2.
  • Villa to win by exactly one goal – 5/2.
  • BTTS and FT draw – 7/2.

Odds and markets last updated on 17 March 2018 @01:05 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from this weekends FA Cup and SkyBet Championship action.

by ·Comments Off on Fulham vs QPR – Match Preview
Fulham vs QPR. Betting Match Preview, Saturday 17th March 2018, SkyBet Championship, Craven Cottage. Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 12:30GMT.

Fulham vs QPR
Saturday 17th March 2018
SkyBet Championship, Craven Cottage

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 12:30

Fulham vs QPR – Fulham will host Queens Park Rangers in SkyBet Championship action this weekend.

The hosts are still looking to solidify a top six spot and to put pressure on the automatic promotion places. Meanwhile, their visitors are on a high after their victory against promotion hopefuls Aston Villa.

Fulham are currently 4th in the SkyBet Championship and are the ones to watch with their impressive surge up the table. They have become one of the most entertaining footballing teams in the league and are now the second highest scorers in the Championship behind Wolves and have scored 64 goals in 37 games. They have managed two or more goals in 48% of their league matches. Leading the line is young talent Ryan Sessegnon who has bagged 14 goals with 4 assists.

Defensively Fulham are one of the stronger sides in the race for a play off place. They have conceded 39 goals all season and have managed a clean sheet in 27% of their matches. The attacking prowess of Fulham has managed to get them out of trouble however, as they aren’t unfamiliar with a late stoppage time winner. Fulham should be too strong for QPR.

QPR are currently 15th in the SkyBet Championship and comfortable for a safe midtable finish. Ian Holloway hasn’t pulled out anything spectacular however a host of injury problems during the campaign has allowed excuses for some sub-par form at times. Their attack has managed to score 43 goals this season in the league, with two or more being scored in 33% of their matches. Matt Smith has been the most prolific in a blue and white shirt this season with 8 goals and 6 assists.

QPR’s defence has been injury plagued throughout the season and at times has struggled against the Championships more potent attacks. They have conceded 53 goals, one of the worst tallies in the league. In their 37 outings, they have kept a clean sheet in 19% of them. For a side around their position in the table, statistics such as these are expected.

The referee for this match will be Chris Kavanagh. The official has not been too lenient in his six Championship matches, awarding an average of 33.3 booking points. However, Fulham have averaged only 18 booking points and QPR have averaged 18.9, so don’t expect loads of cards.

Fulham vs QPR will be televised live on Sky Sports Football in the UK with kick off at 12:30 GMT.

Prediction 3-0 Fulham

Suggested tips – Fulham vs QPR  – (BET365):

  • Correct score, Fulham to win 3-0 – (link no longer available).
  • Anytime Goalscorer – Ryan Sessegnon – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Fulham vs QPR  – (SKYBET):

  • Price Boost – Aleksandar Mitrovic to score a brace – 6/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and Ream & Manning to be carded – 80/1.

Odds and markets last updated on 17 March 2018 @ 01:00 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from this weekends FA Cup and SkyBet Championship action.