by ·Comments Off on Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa. Saturday 12th May 2018, Sky Bet Championship, Play Off Semi-Final, 1st Leg, Riverside Stadium. Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 17:15.

Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa
Saturday 12th May 2018
Sky Bet Championship, Play Off Semi-Final, 1st Leg, Riverside Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 17:15

Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Middlesbrough host Aston Villa in the first-leg of their Championship play-off tie hoping to make the most of their home advantage.

The most eagerly awaited time of the year is upon us. Not, not Christmas. The play-offs! Fourth faces fifth in this match-up with both of these sides looking to return to the Premier League. Middlesbrough were vindicated by their decision to swap Gary Monk for Tony Pulis as the Welshman guided Boro to a top-six finish. Pulis’ experience could be vital as he looks to guide them back into the top-flight at the first time of asking. They have won their last four games, hitting momentum at just the right time.

They’ve lost just once in their last seven matches and are unbeaten at home since March. Since coming into the club Pulis ha made the Riverside Stadium a fortress again. Only three home defeats since December tells half the story, with clean sheets a huge part of their success. In Patrick Bamford and Britt Assombalonga, there are goals in the team. Middlesbrough’s record signing hasn’t had the greatest of debut campaign, by his high standard, but does have two goals in his last three games.

Aston Villa are my pick for the play-offs. In Steve Bruce, they have a manager that has been there and got the t-shirt. He knows how to get promoted, especially through the play-offs. His side is filled with big-game know-how. From John Terry to Robert Snodgrass and Glenn Whelan; these players know how to get the job done. Villa did end the campaign with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Millwall, although they did rest a few key players with their play-off spot already confirmed. On the road, they have only won one of their last five matches; a run that needs to end on Saturday night. If they can avoid defeat at the Riverside I would make them favourites to progress. Whether they can repel Middlesbrough for 90 minutes, however, remains to be seen.

Bobby Madley is the referee for this crucial game. The Englishman has an average booking points total of 31.1 from 18 Premier League games. He has, however, only officiated at the second-tier four times this season and is an experienced top-flight referee.

The first leg of most play-off ties are cagey. With so much to lose, neither team will be desperate to go ‘gung-ho’. As a result, I think this will be a draw, in what should be a well-contested match.

Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 17:15 GMT.

Prediction: Middlesbrough 1-1 Aston Villa

Suggested Tips – Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa – (SKYBET):

  • Correct score, draw 1-1 – 5/1.
  • Ayala to score a header – 14/1.
  • Bamford to score first – 10/1.
  • Assombalonga and Grabban to both score – 12/1.
  • Grealish to score first and either draw 1-1 or Villa 2-1 – 50/1.

 

by ·Comments Off on Derby County vs Fulham – Match Betting Preview
Match Betting Preview - Derby County vs Fulham. Friday 11th May 2018, Sky Bet Championship, Play Off Semi-Final, 1st Leg, Pride Park. Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 19:45.

Derby County vs Fulham
Friday 11th May 2018
Sky Bet Championship, Play Off Semi-Final, 1st Leg, Pride Park

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 19:45

Derby vs Fulham: Derby County will be looking to end their play-off curse when they host Fulham at Pride Park on Friday night.

The Rams have been here and seen it all before. Their last 2014 play-off campaign was arguably the most heartbreaking; losing to a 90th minute Bobby Zamora goal at Wembley against ten-man QPR. More recently they lost to Hull City over two-legs in 2016 but failed to make the top six last season. After a poor run of form, Derby have won two of their last three games. Victories, against Cardiff and Barnsley, secured their place in the top six.

In those games, Cameron Jerome grabbed three goals with the January addition begging to settle into life at Pride Park. Matej Vydra also secured himself the Championship golden boot with another goal at the weekend, taking his tally to 22 for the season. Gary Rowett has recently changed to a back-three formation, which has sparked the Rams recent upturn in form. Whilst I don’t think this system suits them in the long-term, it has provided some fresh impetus in recent matches.

Fulham come into this game having finished 13 points ahead of their opponents. Slavisa Jokanovic’s men missed out on automatic promotion on the last day of the season; losing 3-1 to Birmingham City. Had they won, they would have stolen second spot as Cardiff drew with Reading. As a result, the Bluebirds are now back in the top flight. Fulham have been fantastic, going on an unbeaten 22 match run and blowing away every team in their way. Now, the real test starts. How will losing that run affect them? Can they reproduce those performances on the biggest stage? I personally have my doubts. We’re yet to see if this side can perform when it really matters, only time will tell.

Roger East has been confirmed as the referee for Friday night’s first-leg. The Englishman is in-experienced at Championship level, having only officiated five games this season. In the Premier League, however, he has managed 17 matches, accumulating an average booking points total of 33.5.

Play-off first-legs can often be tense and edgy. This should be a good game of football though. It’s often said you can’t win a tie in the first leg but you can lose it and that’s how I expect both managers to view this game.

Derby Country vs Fulham will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 19:45 GMT

Prediction: Derby County 2-1 Fulham

Suggested tips – Derby Country vs Fulham – (SKYBET):

  • Correct score, Derby 2-1 – 9/1.
  • Double chance, Derby or draw – 8/15.
  • Derby to win by one goal – 7/2.
  • BTTS and draw – 3/1.
  • Vydra to score first – 4/1.
  • Jerome and Mitrovic to both score – 13/2.

by ·Comments Off on West Ham United vs Manchester United – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - West Ham United vs Manchester United. Thursday 10th May 2018, FA Premier League, London Stadium. Live on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT. 

 West Ham United vs Manchester United
Thursday 10th May 2018
FA Premier League, London Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick-Off: 19:45 

West Ham United vs Manchester United – Having suffered defeat at the hands of Brighton last week, Manchester United will be looking to bounce as they face West Ham at the Olympic Stadium.

That defeat was United’s seventh in the league this season and left them a whopping 17 points behind Manchester City. However, they only need one point from their last two games to secure second place. The Red Devils should achieve that feat comfortably; they face Watford at Old Trafford after this game at the weekend. It’s been an indifferent campaign for Jose Mourinho. On one hand, there is no doubt they have improved but having spent so much money, they are still miles away from City’s level. It will take another summer of investment for United; a centre-back, left-back and centre midfielder will be high on Mourinho’s list of priorities. Mourinho criticised his fringe players following their defeat to Brighton, with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial failing to take their chance.

West Ham sealed their top-flight status last weekend with an impressive 2-0 win at Leicester City. The victory took the Hammers to 15thin the league, five points clear of the bottom three. Marko Arnautovic has been the shining light in an otherwise dull campaign for West Ham.

After signing in the summer for £25 million the Austrian has managed 11 goals in his debut campaign; making him the club’s top scorer. In completing his mission, by lifting the club to safety, it will be interesting to see what David Moyes’ future holds. Despite a relatively successful time in charge, I’m not sure he is the man to take them forward.

Michael Oliver is the referee in East London, just days after officiating Swansea’s game against Southampton. The Englishman has an average booking points total of 7.7, the fifth highest in the league (of officials who have refereed 20+ games). As a result, I’d advise a maximum of 40+ match booking points.

This game might seem like is a bit of a dead rubber but it will matter to Mourinho. He’ll want to see a reaction from his side as they look to build momentum ahead of the FA Cup final.

West Ham United vs Manchester United will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League / Sky Sports Main Event, with kick-off at 19:45 GMT.

Prediction: West Ham United 1-2 Manchester United

Suggested tips – West Ham United vs Manchester United – (BET365):

  • Correct score, United to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).
  • Rashford to score anytime – (link no longer available).
  • Arnautovic to score first – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – West Ham United vs Manchester United – (SKYBET):

  • Price Boost – Paul Pogba to score from outside the area – 9/1.
  • Scorecast Boost: Lingard to score first and United to win 1-0 or 2-0 – 18/1. 
  • Popular Bets – Smalling to score a header and Arnautovic to score from outside the area – 200/1.
  • RequestABet up to 10/1 – Over 1.5 goals, 3+ corners each team and 30+ match booking pts – 13/8. (NAP).

Odds and markets last updated on 10 May 2018 @18:28 GMT. Markets unlikely to be updated before kick off.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from this weeks domestic action from the UK including both Championship Play-Off Semi-Finals.

by ·Comments Off on Swansea City vs Southampton – Match Preview
Swansea City vs Southampton Match Beting Preview. Tuesday 8th May 2018, FA Premier League, Liberty Stadium. Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 19:45. 

Swansea City vs Southampton
Tuesday 8th May 2018
FA Premier League, Liberty Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick-Off: 19:45 

Swansea City vs Southampton: Swansea host Southampton in a ‘winner-takes-all’ game at the bottom of the Premier League.

The phrase ‘relegation six-pointer’ is a term often used too often, but it has never been more fitting for this game. Southampton sit level on point with Swansea, with just two league games remaining. Only goal difference is keeping the Saints out of the bottom three. They were denied a deserved victory at the weekend as Tom Davies struck in the 96th minute to break their hearts. Despite the late equaliser, the point was enough to lift them out of the bottom three and above Swansea. Southampton face league champions Manchester City at St Mary’s on the last day of the season, so this game is a must win. Huddersfield’s drawn with City has moved them three points clear of the bottom three, making it even more likely one of these two sides will drop into the Championship.

Swansea come into this game without a win in eight games in all competitions. Despite a fantastic start to life at the Liberty Stadium, Carlos Carvalhal’s side have struggled for form in recent weeks. At home, however, they have lost just one of their last six league games, winning four. Swansea face already-relegated Stoke City at home on the final day of the season, meaning a draw would still leave them with a chance of surviving. Victory would all but seal Premier League safety for another season.

Michael Oliver is the referee for Tuesday’s crucial fixture. The Englishman has an average booking points total of 37.7, the fifth highest in the league (of officials who have refereed 20+ games). As one of the league’s highest-rated referees, this a game he should be able to handle if not, the ramifications for either side could be colossal.

Both sides know they can’t afford to lose this game. As a result, I think it will be quite a cagey match, with little between the two teams. Consequently, I’m punting for a score-draw, which would suit Swansea more than Southampton.

Swansea City vs Southampton will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League HD with kick-off at 19:45.

Prediction: Swansea City 1-1 Southampton

Suggested tips – Swansea City vs Southampton  – (BET365):

  • Correct score, draw 1-1 – (link no longer available).
  • J Ayew to score first – (link no longer available).
  • BTTS – Yes – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Swansea City vs Southampton  – (SKYBET):

  • Austin to score and win – 2/1.
  • Group Correct Score – Draw 1-1, 2-2 or 3-3 – 10/3. (NB 2).
  • Request-A-Bet up to 10/1 – Over 1.5 goals, 3+ corners each team and 30+ match booking pts – 6/5. (NAP).
  • SkyBet – Horse Racing/Football – Cross Sport Specials / RequestABet – Captain Simon (19.30 Ludlow) to win & Both Teams to Score (Swansea v Southampton) – 11/2. (NB).
  • Request-A-Bet up to 10/1 – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 13/2. (NBB).

Odds and markets last updated on 8 May 2018 @18:58 GMT. Markets unlikely to be updated before kick off – we added the last pick (BTTS, 4+ corners) just now at 18:58.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from this weeks domestic cup action from the UK.

by ·Comments Off on Chelsea vs Liverpool – Match Preview
Chelsea vs Liverpool Match Beting Preview. Sunday 6th May 2018, FA Premier League, Stamford Bridge. Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 16:30 

Chelsea vs Liverpool
Sunday 6th May 2018
FA Premier League, Stamford Bridge

Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 16:30 

Chelsea vs Liverpool – Chelsea host Liverpool in a must-win fixture as they bid to keep their faint hopes of a top-four finish alive.

Chelsea know that anything less than a victory will spell the end of their quest for Champions League football next season. The Blues are currently fifth in the league, six points behind Liverpool with a game in hand. Victory at Stamford Bridge would see them move to within three points of the Reds, with a game to spare. Whilst this season has been a bitterly disappointing campaign for the reigning champions, they could still salvage something from it. If they could snatch fourth place, alongside the FA Cup, then all would not be lost.

Chelsea’s squad needs a shake-up in the summer. The average age of the squad is 28, with a number of older players past their best. Having dismantled the spine of his title-winning side last summer, Conte has failed to replace those players. Nemanja Matic, David Luiz and Diego Costa have all been missed, due to poor recruitment. Chelsea have won their last four games all competitions but haven’t won at home in the league since March.

Liverpool secured their place in the Champions League final this week. Despite a 4-2 defeat in Rome, Jurgen Klopp’s side progressed into the final where they will face Real Madrid. The task until then is simple; secure a top-four finish. A draw this weekend would all but do that but three points would mathematically end any doubts. Liverpool have had a fantastic season; which could be topped off with European glory. A second-consecutive season in the top four also shows their progress domestically. With a few more additions – in the goalkeeping and defensive department – Liverpool could push for the title next year.

Anthony Taylor is the referee for Sunday’s crucial game. The Englishman has previously taken charge of this fixture, which Chelsea won 2-1 back in 2014. He has an average booking points total of 34.6 from 25 top-flight matches. This is an average score compared to other officials, so I’d steer clear of any high scoring booking points bets.

Chelsea have got to win this game. If they throw everything at Liverpool it could leave them susceptible to counter-attacks. It remains to be seen how sharp Liverpool will be following their midweek exploits but I see this one being a draw.

Chelsea vs Liverpool will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League with kick-off at 16:30.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool.

Suggested Tips – Chelsea vs Liverpool (BET365)

  • Correct score, draw 2-2 – (link no longer available).
  • Firmino to score in anytime – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Chelsea vs Liverpool (SKYBET)

  • Morata and Salah to both score – 4/1.
  • BTTS and draw – 3/1.
  • BTTS and over 2.5 goals – 11/10.

by ·Comments Off on Stoke City vs Crystal Palace – Match Preview
Stoke City vs Crystal Palace, Match Betting Preview. Saturday 5th May 2018, FA Premier League, BET365 Stadium. Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 12:30.

Stoke City vs Crystal Palace
Saturday 5th May 2018
FA Premier League, BET365 Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 12:30

Stoke City vs Crystal Palace: Stoke host Crystal Palace in a must-win game at the bottom of the Premier League.

Time is running out for Paul Lambert’s side. The Potters are three points away from safety after picking up a point at Anfield last week. That 0-0 draw was Stoke’s first clean sheet in six games and keeps them undefeated in three matches. With a game against Swansea on the last day of the season to come, the next two results will shape their season. In order to move out of the bottom three, they would need to secure their first win in 12 games. That result against Huddersfield was Lambert’s only win in charge, a record he will need to rectify in the last two games.

Crystal Palace have all but secured their place in the next season’s top flight after picking up seven points from three games. Their 5-0 thumping of Leicester underlined the incredible job Roy Hodgson has done as Palace boss. The Eagles were bottom after 11 games with just four points, then six points adrift of safety. Since then, they’ve picked up 27 points in 24 games; a phenomenal turn around. The biggest task now is keeping hold of Wilfried Zaha. The former Manchester United man has been the catalyst in Palace’s revival and is attracting interest from a number of top-four clubs.

Martin Atkinson is the referee for this crunch clash at the Bet365 Stadium. The Englishman has an average booking points total of 41, the highest in the league. With so much on the line in this fixture, tempers could easily flare. I’d advise a maximum of 40+ booking points each team.

This is such an important game for Stoke. Realistically, they have to win to have any hopes of surviving. However, I think they’ll fall short against an in-form Palace side, resulting in a draw.

Stoke City vs Crystal Palace will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League with kick-off at 12:30 GMT

Prediction: Stoke City 1-1 Crystal Palace

Suggested tips – Stoke City vs Crystal Palace – (BET365):

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

Suggested tips – Stoke City vs Crystal Palace – (SKYBET):

  • Stoke to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 5/2.
  • Benteke and Shaqiri to both score – 17/2.
  • Stoke to win and under 2.5 goals – 9/2.

Odds and markets last updated on 4th May 2018 @15:53 GMT. Markets will be updated ahead of kick off so check back again before kick-off to see if there’s been any updates to the above picks.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews for this weekend’s FA Premier League and SkyBet Championship action.

by ·Comments Off on Brighton vs Manchester United – Match Preview
Brighton vs Manchester United, Match Betting Preview, Friday 4th May 2018, FA Premier League, Falmer Stadium. Live on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick-Off: 20:00.

Brighton vs Manchester United
Friday 4th May 2018
FA Premier League, Falmer Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick-Off: 20:00 

Friday night’s live game see’s Brighton vs Manchester United. United will be looking to secure second place as they visit the South Coast to play Brighton.

Jose Mourinho’s side have won their last three games in all competitions, including last week’s victory over Arsenal. Marouane Fellaini’s stoppage-time winner gave United all three points, moving them five points clear of third-placed Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s side have just two matches left to play, whilst United need one win from their remaining three fixtures to finish second. Whilst they have been in the shadows of their city rivals this season, United have still made progress. If they can win the FA Cup this will only further strengthen this argument. They can still end the season with 86 points, which would be enough to win the title most another season.

Brighton can secure their place in next season’s Premier League with another win. In truth, Chris Hughton’s men have probably already done enough to retain their top-flight status but another victory would ease any doubts. The Seagulls are seven games without a win, although they’ve lost just one of their last four games in all competitions. Their last home games saw them fight back to draw 1-1 with Tottenham, whilst Arsenal fell to defeat at the Amex last month. With United, City and Liverpool to come before the season’s end, trying to pick up another point or two could be crucial.

Craig Pawson is the referee for this Friday night fixture. The Englishman has an average booking 39.1, one of the highest in the division. With that in mind, I would advise a maximum booking points total of 30+ each team as I don’t see this being a bad-tempered affair.

Brighton have proven they are capable of getting a result at home. United, however, will want to end the season in style and I think they will edge this match.

Brighton vs Manchester United will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event with kick off at 20:00 GMT.

Prediciton: Brighton 1-2 Manchester United

Suggested tips – Brighton vs Manchester United (BET365):

  • Correct score, United to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Brighton vs Manchester United (SKYBET):

  • Alexis to score and win – 5/2.
  • Lukaku and Murray to both score – 5/1.
  • BTTS and United to win – 5/2.
  • United to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 7/4.

Odds and markets last updated on 4th May 2018 @15:53 GMT. Markets will unlikely be updated ahead of kick off.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews for this weekend’s FA Premier League and SkyBet Championship action.

by ·Comments Off on Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal – Match Betting Preview
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal - Match Betting Preview. Thursday 3rd May 2018, UEFA Europa League, Semi-final, Second Leg, Wanda Metropolitano. Live BT Sport 2 – Kick-Off: 20:05.

Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal
Thursday 3rd May 2018
UEFA Europa League, Semi-final, Second Leg, Wanda Metropolitano

Live BT Sport 2 – Kick-Off: 20:05

Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal: Arsenal take a trip to Spain to face Atletico Madrid with both sides looking to book their place in the final of the competition.

Atletico come into this game as favourites, following their 1-1 draw at the Emirates last week. Despite being reduced to ten men after just nine minutes, Diego Simeone’s men left London with a crucial away goal. Whilst Antoine Griezmann grabbed the goal, the plaudits fell on the shoulders of Jan Oblak. The Atletico stopper proved why he is one of the world’s best with a string of impressive saves to keep his side level. In addition to Oblak’s brilliance, Atletico defended manfully to deny the Gunners. Diego Godin, in particular, stood out as he led his side to a fantastic result.

In true Arsenal fashion, Arsene Wenger’s side managed to throw away a goal advantage against ten men. The Gunners allowed Griezmann to catch them on the break and score what could be a pivotal away goal. The goal itself illustrated the difference between the two sides; Atletico are renowned for their defensive prowess, whereas Arsenal crumble at the first sign of trouble. A bright spark from the first leg was another goal for Alexandre Lacazette. Since returning from injury the Frenchman has rediscovered his goal-scoring touch. With four goals in his last three games, he appears to be finding his feet in the capital.

Gianluca Rocchi is the referee on Thursday night. The Italian could be a good omen for the Gunners, with no English team yet to lose in a game he has officiated. In Serie A he has averaged five cards per game, showing 69 yellow cards in 15 matches. As a result, I would avoid going big on booking points for this tie. I’d advise a maximum of total 40+.

This game is hard to call. I wouldn’t expect many goals, with it being such a tight match. I think Atletico might nick it, with Arsenal needing to score. Griezmann to score anytime would be my selected bet for this game, as both sides fight it out for a place in the final.

Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport with kick off at 20:05.

Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Arsenal

Suggested tips – Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal (SKYBET):

  • Correct score, Atletico 1-0 – (link no longer available).
  • Costa to score first – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal (SKYBET):

  • Griezmann to score anytime – 10/11.
  • Atletico to win by exactly one goal – 5/2.
  • Pundits Pick – Phil Thompson’s RAB – Costa & Greizmann to score and Atletico Madrid to win to nil – 12/1. (NB2)
  • Lacazette to score and draw – 11/1.
  • Pundits Pick – Matt Le Tissier’s RAB – Costa to score first and Atletico Madrid to win to nil – 8/1.  (NB 1)
  • Player Shots on Target Multiples – Antoince Griezmann 3 shots on Target & Aaron Ramsey 1+ shots on target – 13/2 . (NAP)

Odds and markets last updated on 3 May 2018 @18:22 GMT. Markets unlikely to be updated prior to kick off.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around this weekends domestic action in the Premier League and Championship.

by ·Comments Off on Roma vs Liverpool – Match Preview
Roma vs Liverpool. Match Betting Preview, Wednesday 2nd May 2018, UEFA Champions League, Semi-Final, Second Leg, Stadio Olimpico. Live on BT Sport – Kick-Off: 19:45.

Roma vs Liverpool
Wednesday 2nd May 2018
UEFA Champions League, Semi-Final, Second Leg, Stadio Olimpico

Live on BT Sport – Kick-Off: 19:45

Roma vs Liverpool – Liverpool face a trip to the Stadio Olympico to face Roma in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.

The Reds 5-2 victory over La Lupa last week helped them place on foot in the final of this year’s competition. Goals from Mohamad Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane did the damage as Jurgen Klopp’s side raced into a five-goal lead. However, in true Liverpool fashion, the Reds failed to see the game out, conceding two late away goals and gifting Roma an avenue back into the tie. After their famous 3-0 fightback in the last round against Barcelona, Roma need the same result again to progress. Keeping Liverpool out at the other end, however, is a task that many have failed with this season. There’s no doubt Liverpool will have chances to grab themselves an away goal, or two. Should they nab one, on the counter-attack then they should see themselves through.

Liverpool rested men at the weekend in preparation for this crucial game. As a result, they stuttered to a 0-0 draw with Stoke, leaving them still sweating on a top-four finish. They hold a six-point lead over Chelsea but have played a game more. They must also travel to Stamford Bridge before the season is out. Should Chelsea win both those games, they would be level on points with Klopp’s side.

Roma responded to their defeat with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Chievo. The result keeps them in third place, level on points with Lazio. After scoring at Anfield, Edin Dzeko continued his fine form in front of goal with another brace. That took his tally for the season to 25 including six goals in his last eight games.

Damir Skomina will be the referee in Rome. The Slovenian has officiated six games in Europe this season, issuing 38 yellow cards and 0 reds. This averages at 63.3, which is extremely high. As a result, I would advise a maximum booking points total of 30+ each time.

Interestingly, Liverpool have a 100% losing record in matches officiated by Skomina. However, I think that run will end on Wednesday night. The Reds showed in the first-leg their ability to hurt Roma and on the counter-attack, I think they could be even more dangerous.

Roma vs Liverpool will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport with kick-off at 19:45.

Prediction: Roma 2-2 Liverpool

Suggested Tips – Roma vs Liverpool (BET365):

  • Correct score, draw 2-2 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Roma vs Liverpool (SKYBET):

  • @FootyAccums RequestABet – Dzeko to score, over 2.5 goals, 8+ Roma corners and 60+ match booking pts – 20/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Roma v Liverpool – BTTS, 3+ corners each team and Fazio, Jesus, Henderson & Lovren to be carded – 100/1.
  • @FootyAccums RequestABets – Roma v Liverpool – Kolarov, Firmino & Mane 1+ shots on target each, 8+ match corners and 40+ match booking pts – 9/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 11/1 to 28/1 – Roma v Liverpool – Roma to score 2+ goals, Dzeko & Salah 2+ shots on target each & Firmino 1+ shots on target and 6+ Roma corners – 11/1.
  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Roma v Liverpool – Roma to score 2+ goals, 5+ Roma corners and 20+ Liverpool booking pts – 5/2. (NAP)
  • BTTS, over 2.5 goals, 8+ match corners and 40+ match booking pts – 7/4.

by ·Comments Off on Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich – Match Preview
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich. Match Betting Preview, Tuesday 1st May 2018, UEFA Champions League, Quarter-Final, First Leg, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Live on BT Sport – Kick-Off: 19:45.

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich
Tuesday 1st May 2018
UEFA Champions League, Semi-Final, Second Leg, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Live on BT Sport – Kick-Off: 19:45

Real Madrid vs Bayern: Real Madrid face Bayern Munich in the second leg  of their Champions League semi-final looking to secure a third consecutive final appearance.

Goals from Marcelo and Marco Asensio gave Madrid a 2-1 victory at the Allianz Arena. Despite taking the lead through Joshua Kimmich, Bayern conceded two crucial away goal which sees them chasing the game ahead of their meeting at the Bernabeu. Zinedine Zidane’s side held a lead from the first-leg in the last round before almost losing to Juventus. This time around they will be much more focused on securing a third Champions League final in as many years. Gareth Bale continues to struggle to break into the side, after being left as an unused substitute in Germany. With Zidane preferring Isco, Asensio and Lucas Vasquez from the start, the Welshman’s future looks far from secure. Speculation has risen about a potential deal which could see long-term target Robert Lewandowski head to the Bernabeu, with Bale moving to Bayern.

Bayern come into this game as the underdogs. They must to score at least twice against the current holders to stand a chance of making it through to the final. With that in mind, expect Bayern to name a bold team selection as they bid to break down Real. This game is far from over, though; this year’s competition has been full of memorable comebacks. Jupp Heynckes’ side bounced back from defeat with a 4-1 victory at the weekend and will be confident of getting a result on Tuesday night.

Cuneyt Cakir is the referee for this crunch clash. The Turkishman, who has been an international referee since 2006, was in charge of a number of this season’s group stage matches, including Bayern’s 3-1 home victory over Paris Saint-Germain F.C and Real Madrid’s 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. He has an average booki g points total of 55.4 this season, which is very high. As a result, I’d advise a maximum points total of 30+ each team.

Real Madrid are in the ascendancy in this tie. They hold the lead and know Bayern have to come and attack them. Zidane should be able to navigate them to yet another final and I’m backing them to win.

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport with kick-off at 19:45 GMT.

Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Bayern Munich.

Suggested tips – Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich – (BET365):

  • Correct score, Madrid 3-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich – (SKYBET):

  • Ronaldo to score a brace – 7/2.
  • Ronaldo and Lewandowski to both score – 11/4.
  • Isco to score and Real to win in 90 mins – 6/1.
  • Over 2.5 goals, over 10.5 corners and over 35 booking points – 15/8.