by ·Comments Off on Newcastle United vs Arsenal – Match Preview
Newcastle United vs Arsenal - Sunday 11th August 2019, FA Premier League, St James' Park. Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 14:00 BST.

Newcastle United vs Arsenal
Sunday 11th August 2019
FA Premier League,  St James’ Park

Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 14:00 BST

Arsenal will be hoping to get their Champions League push off to the perfect start when they take on relegation-tipped Newcastle United.

The Gunners could offer debuts to David Luiz and Kieran Tierney at St James’ Park, following their Deadline Day transfer from Chelsea and Celtic, respectively. The defensive duo have been brought in to bolster Unai Emery’s leaky defence. Tierney, a long-term target is a snip at £25m, whilst has bags of Premier League experience, although his defending can leave something to be desired.

Either way, they are recruits that will help Arsenal’s ongoing problems at the back. Nicolas Pepe and Dani Ceballos, meanwhile, will offer creativity in midfield and goals in attack. Pepe will join Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in attack to create a formidable front three. It was the latter two that almost single-handedly took Arsenal to the Champions League last season, but their defence, in the end, let them down.

Champions League football is once again the target for Emery and his squad and this time around there will be a much greater pressure on them to reach the top four. With the likes of Mesut Ozil, Pepe, Lacazette and Aubameyang, they could become restless if they aren’t playing in Europe’s elite competition.

Newcastle have had a summer of turmoil of the pitch, with Steve Bruce controversially elected as the man to replace Rafa Benitez. The former Sheffield Wednesday boss has brought in Joelinton for a club-record £40m fee, whilst Allan Saint-Maximin will offer good width down the right-hand side.

Much will depend on how quickly their new Brazilian striker can settle, after the Magpies let Ayoze Perez and Solomon Rondon depart. The club will be pleased to have hung on to youngster Sean Longstaff, who made his Premier League breakthrough last season. He could prove to be a big player for Bruce after they fended off interest from Manchester United throughout the summer.

Martin Atkinson is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 32.8, across 43 Premier League matches last season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.

It will be interesting to see how Newcastle settle in under Bruce. Their signings on paper, are strong, but the turmoil off the pitch could prove to be a stumbling block. Arsenal, similarly, need to bed in their new additions. I’m going to plump for an away win, but it might be tighter than some would expect.

Newcastle United vs Arsenal will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League with kick of at 14:00 BST.

Prediction: Newcastle United 1-3 Arsenal

Suggested Tips – Newcastle United vs Arsenal – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Arsenal 3-1 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Newcastle United vs Arsenal – (SKYBET)

  • Player Stat RequestABet – Over 1.5 goals, Joelinton & Aubameyang 1+ shots on target each, 3+ corners each team and 20+ match booking pts – 9/4.
  • To Score and Win – Joe Willock – 13/2.
  • Winning Margin – Arsenal by exactly 2 goals – 4/1.
  • Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Lacazette to score a header and Newcastle to score a penalty – 125/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Lacazette to score, Arsenal 1-0, Xhaka to be carded and Under 50 match booking points – 150/1.

    Markets updated at 17:50 PM on Friday 9th August 2019. Keep checking back to closer to kick off for any updates to picks.

by ·Comments Off on Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa
Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa - Saturday 10th August 2019, FA Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 17:30 BST.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa
Saturday 10th August 2019
FA Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 17:30 BST

Tottenham Hotspur kickstart their 2019/20 Premier League campaign when they face newly promoted Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

Spurs’ begin the new season bolstered by several new additions, including the highly sought-after Frenchman Tanguy Ndombele, who arrived from Lyon in July. Mauricio Pochettino has strengthened
from last season and will be hoping his squad can take the next step and claim a major trophy, for the first time this decade. Spurs’ 2018/19 season ended in heartbreak as they were beaten in the
Champions League final by Liverpool. However, with the new acquisitions through the door this could be an exciting season for Spurs.

Similarly to previous seasons, the expectance for goals lies on the shoulders of their talisman, Harry Kane. Spurs’ forward line could however have looked very different had Paulo Dybala or Phillipe
Coutinho opted to move to North London. Kane will be keen to add to his tally of 17 league goals last season, averaging a goal every 143 minutes. Kane to score anytime is 8/11 on SkyBet.

Aston Villa are back in the top flight after a three-year absence. Their relegation in 2016 ended a 24-year stay in England’s first division but now under fresh leadership, and with a new identity there is a feeling of optimism with those connected to Villa as the season approaches.

Dean Smith took charge in October 2018 and guided his side back to the Premier League via the Play-Offs, defeating Derby County at Wembley. Off the back of a busy transfer window which
brought many signings, 12 to be exact, Villa could surprise a few people this campaign. Much is expected of Jack Grealish this season after a promising showing in the Championship.
Grealish was part of the Villa side who were relegated in 2016 and will be hoping for a more successful tenure this time round. Grealish registered a total of 12 goals and assists combined last
season, and Grealish is priced at 15/2 to score.

The referee for this fixture is Chris Kavanagh who averaged three yellow cards per game in the Premier League last season, so booking points is a market I would recommend, with 50+ as a
maximum. Neither side will want to lose their first match of the season, obviously. However, I think Spurs’ recruitment has been good, and this will give them the edge over Villa, but I am expecting a close affair.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa kicks off on Saturday evening at 17:30 BST in the UK and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League.

Prediction – Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Aston Villa.

Suggested Tips – Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa – (SKYBET)

  • Popular RequestABet – Tottenham to win, BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 25/1.
  • To Score and Win – John McGinn – 13/2.
  • RequestABet Specials upto 10/1 – BTTS and 4+ corners each team – 7/2.
  • RequestABet Specials 11/1 to 28/1 – Kane to score, Tottenham to win, BTTS and Targett to be carded – 22/1. 

    Markets updated at 17:50 PM on Friday 9th August 2019. Keep checking back to closer to kick off for any updates to picks.

 

by ·Comments Off on Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest, Saturday 10th August 2019, The Championship, Elland Road. Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 12:30 GMT.

Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest
Saturday 10th August 2019
SkyBet Championship, Elland Road

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

Leeds United will be hoping to make it two wins from two with another impressive performance when they take on Nottingham Forest.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side got off to the perfect start last week as they beat Bristol City 3-1 at Ashton Gate. The Whites wiped away any suggestion of a play-off hangover with a comprehensive win against a top-six rival. Pablo Hernandez was at his sparkling best with a goal and an assist, in a Man-of-the-Match performance.

Patrick Bamford stepped up to the plate by opening his account for the season. The former Chelsea prodigy split opinion during his debut campaign at Elland Road. On one hand, his strike rate is pretty decent, 11 goals in 26 appearances, combined with terrible injury luck. On the other, he can go missing in matches and needs to become more of a dependable target man for his team.

With Kemar Roofe gone, much will rest on the shoulders of Bamford and Tyler Roberts, when fit. Ben White’s Championship debut was as assured as I’ve ever seen, a composed head on young shoulders which have wiped away any concern surrounding Pontus Jansson’s departure.

Nottingham Forest suffered defeat in their opening match of the season, falling through a goal ahead to lose 2-1 to West Brom. The Tricky Trees started the game well but fell away after the opening 20 minutes.

Goalkeeper Aro Muric had a debut to forget at the City Ground but much is thought of the Manchester City prodigy and he will no doubt grow in stature throughout the season. The main issue for new manager Sabri Lamouchi is the volume of players at his disposal. Their squad boasts almost 30 seasoned players, which is way too many for any squad.

Still, there is an abundance of attacking talent to work with. Albert Adomah was an astute free signing and will complement Joe Lolley, Lewis Grabban and, when fit, Joao Carvalho in attack. Still, it may take some time for Lamouchi to work out what his best team is.

Rob Jones is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 33.5, across 42 Championship matches last season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 60+ booking points for this fixture.

Leeds really impressed me last week. Their new signings slipped right in and they looked refreshed and rejuvenated. Forest, on the other hand, are a team that will take time to gel properly. They’ve got a new manager and a lot of players, it won’t be a quick fix. As a result, I’m going for a home win.

Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football HD with kick-off at 12:30 BST.

Prediction: Leeds United 2-0 Nottingham Forest

Suggested Tips – Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest – (BET365)

  • Correct score – Leeds United to win 2-0 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Patrick Bamford – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest – (SKYBET)

  • Price Boost – Jack Harrison to score and win – 7/2.
  • Price Boost – Pablo Hernandez to score outside the area – 11/1.

  • Player Stats RequestABets – Bamford to score a header and Hernandez to score from outside the area – 100/1.

    Markets updated/correct as off – 12:23 BST on August 10th 2019.

by ·Comments Off on West Ham United vs Manchester City – Match Preview
West Ham United vs Manchester City - Saturday 10th August 2019, FA Premier League, London Stadium. Live on BT Sport 1 – Kick-Off: 12:30 BST.

West Ham United vs Manchester City
Saturday 10th August 2019
FA Premier League, London Stadium

Live on BT Sport 1 – Kick-Off: 12:30 BST

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City begin their 2019/20 title defence when they take on new-look West Ham United.

Pep Guardiola’s side begin their push for a third-straight Premier League title. They would be the first club to win the trophy three times in arrow since Manchester United between 2006-2009.

City are still the team to beat and have only made their squad stronger over the summer. The additions of Rodri, Joao Cancelo and Angelino are big upgrades to the team, with all three in line to potentially make their Premier League debuts. The City faithful got a glimpse of their new Spanish recruit last weekend in the Community shield and he impressed in the holding midfield role.

Guardiola named a strong side to face Liverpool last weekend and they won the trophy on penalties. Leroy Sane, strongly linked with a move to Bayern Munich, was forced off injured early on and may miss this game as a result. Gabriel Jesus impressed in pre-season so don’t be surprised to see him start down the middle instead of Sergio Aguero, with Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling on the flanks.

West Ham are looking fresh ahead of the new season. Sebastian Haller and Pablo Fornals are exciting big-money additions, with the latter tipped to be the ‘bargain of the season’ at £20m. Haller has big shoes to fill following Marko Arnautovic’s departure, but the £45m Frenchman will be confident of stepping up to the plate.

The Hammers will be aiming to push for a top-six finish alongside the likes of Everton, Wolves and Leicester City. There are still concerns over their defence, which conceded 55 goals last season. Still, they have reason to hope for an improvement on their 10th place finish.

Mike Dean is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 51.8, across 42 Premier League matches last season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 60+ booking points for this fixture.

Manchester City looked good last weekend and are still the team to be beaten but I like the look of West Ham, especially going forward. I’m keen to see Fornals and Haller in action and I reckon they could cause City some issues. Still, I’m going for a narrow away win.

West Ham United vs Manchester City will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport 1 with kick off at 12:30 BST.

Prediction: West Ham United 1-2 Manchester City

Suggested Tips – West Ham United vs Manchester City – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Manchester City 2-1 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Raheem Sterling – (link no longer available). 

Suggested Tips – West Ham United vs Manchester City – (SKYBET)

  • Scorecast – Sebastian Haller to score first and West Ham win 1-0 – 200/1.
  • Player Stats RequestABets – Haller 1+ shots on target & Aguero 2+ shots on target, 6+ Manchester City corners and 20+ West Ham booking pts – 13/2.
  • Popular RequestABets –  Over 1.5 goals, 3+ West Ham corners, 5+ Manchester City corners and 10+ booking points each team – 9/4.

  • RequestABet Specials 11/1 to 28/1 – Sterling to score, Manchester City to win, BTTS and 40+ West Ham booking points – 16/1.

    Markets updated at 12:28 PM on Saturday 10th August 2019. Keep checking back to closer to kick off for any updates to picks

     

 

by ·Comments Off on Liverpool vs Norwich City – Match Preview
Liverpool vs Norwich City - Friday 9th August 2019, FA Premier League, Anfield. Live on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick-Off: 20:00 GMT.

Liverpool vs Norwich City
Friday 9th August 2019
FA Premier League, Anfield

Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 20:00 BST

Liverpool kick-off the 2019/20 Premier League campaign looking to lay down an early marker against newly-promoted Norwich City.

The Reds will be hoping they can close the gap on Manchester City this year after amassing 97 points last term. Jurgen Klopp’s side will be hoping to go one step better and claim their first-ever Premier League title with a perfect start against Norwich.

Last weekend Liverpool lost the community shield on penalties but can take away plenty from their performance. Klopp’s team were, without doubt, the best side in the second half and but for a dramatic clearance from Kyle Walker, they would have won the match.

The Reds made just one summer signing, Adrian, who replaces Simon Mignolet as Alisson’s back-up goalkeeper. Otherwise, it’s the same squad, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back fit. He and Adam Lallana will be hoping to make a big contribution this season after missing the whole of the last campaign.

Norwich are back in the big time and couldn’t have asked for a tougher opening match. Under Daniel Farke, the Canaries blew away the Championship with their brand of exciting, attacking football.

One concern for the Canaries is their defence, though. Despite winning the title, they conceded 57 goals, more than Birmingham City and Reading, who finished 17th and 18th, respectively.

Last season they relied on out-scoring teams. If they try to do that in the Premier League they will get battered on one or two occasions. Especially at Anfield.

Michael Oliver is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 32.8, across 44 Premier League matches last season. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.

Liverpool will be desperate to get off to a great start and looked sharp last week. Whilst Sadio Mane may not start, Mohamad Salah will lead from the front. Given Norwich’s leaky defence, I reckon the Reds will come away with an eye-catching opening win.

Liverpool vs Norwich City will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League with kick off at 20:00 BST.

Prediction: Liverpool 4-0 Norwich City

Suggested Tips – Liverpool vs Norwich City – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Liverpool 4-0 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Mohammed Salah – (link no longer available). 
  • Liverpool to win to nil – (link no longer available). 

Suggested Tips – Liverpool vs Norwich City – (SKYBET)

  • Cross Sport Specials (located under horse racing > Specials) – Mubtasimah (19:40 N) to win & Mohammed Salah to score in 90 minutes – 9/4.
  • Popular RequestABets – Salah to score first, Liverpool to win by 3+ goals, 12+ match corners and 30+ match booking pts – 28/1.
  • Player Stat RequestABet – Liverpool to score 2+ goals, Salah 2+ shots on target, 5+ Liverpool corners and 20+ match booking pts – 6/4.

  • Player Stats RequestABets – Van Dijk to score a header and Firmino to score from outside the area – 100/1.

    Markets updated at 17:05 PM on Friday 9th August 2019.

 

by ·Comments Off on Huddersfield Town vs Derby County – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - Huddersfield Town vs Derby County. Monday 5th August 2019, The Championship, John Smith's Stadium. Sky Sports Football HD - Kick-Off: 19:45 BST.

Huddersfield Town vs Derby County
Monday 5th August 2019
SkyBet Championship, John Smith’s Stadium

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

Huddersfield Town return to life in the Championship as they face last season’s beaten play-off finalists Derby County.

The Terriers are back in the second tier after two seasons in the Premier League. Jan Siewert’s side ended last term rock bottom of the league, winning only three games all season. They will have to acclimatise to the division quickly if they’re to blow away any relegation hangover.

There’ve been a few personnel changes throughout the summer, with Tommy Smith and Phillip Billing leaving to join Stoke City and Bournemouth over the summer. Reece Brown, Tommy Elphick, Isaac Mbenza and Kamil Grabara have all joined permanently to balance those sales.

Much is expected of Karlam Grant after his impressive cameo in the top flight. The striker joined Town from Charlton in January and is expected to fire the goals in for the Terriers this term. Whilst they’re not one the favourites for promotion a minimum top-ten finish should be the target for Huddersfield.

Derby are still in the process of building their new side under Phillip Cocu. The Dutchman has picked up the pieces after Frank Lampard’s departure, although Kieran Dowell is their only summer signing to date.

A centre-half is definitely needed, with Arsenal’s Krystian Bielik close to a reported £10m move. Cocu has said he wants at least four new additions before Thursday’s deadline so the club will need to move fast.

Darren Bond is the referee for this match. The Englishman accumulated an average booking points total of 30 across 42 Championship games last season. Therefore, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.

I think both of these sides are slightly short of promotion contenders, although both will have their eyes on the play-offs. This match could be an early indication of their levels, albeit early days. I’m going to go for a draw, with neither side wanting to lose their opening match.

Huddersfield Town vs Derby County will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football HD with kick-off at 19:45 BST.

Prediction: Huddersfield Town 1-1 Derby County

Suggested Tips – Huddersfield Town vs Derby County – (BET365)

  • Correct score – 1-1 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Jack Marriott – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Huddersfield Town vs Derby County – (SKYBET)

  • Huddersfield Town Price Boost – Huddersfield Town to win and BTTS – 4/1.
  • Oddschecker RequestABet – Mounie to score, Huddersfield to win, BTTS, 3+ corners each team and 10+ booking points each team – 14/1.
  • Super Boost – Aaron Mooy to score from outside the penalty area – 14/1.
  • Player Stats RequestABets – Waghorn to score a header and Mooy to score from outside the area – 100/1.
  • Both Players to Score – Martin Waghorn and Karlan Ahearne-Grant – 13/2.

  • Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Waghorn 2+ Shots On Target, Schindler 2+ Tackles and Ahearne-Grant 2+ Offsides – 22/1.

    Markets updated/correct as off – 16:25 BST on August 5th.

by ·Comments Off on Liverpool vs Manchester City – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - Liverpool vs Manchester City. Sunday 4th August 2019, FA Charity Shield, Wembley Stadium. Sky Sports Football HD - Kick-Off: 15:00 BST.

Liverpool vs Manchester City
Sunday 4th August 2019
SkyBet Championship, Wembley Stadium

Live on BT Sport 1 – Kick-Off: 15:00 BST

Liverpool and Manchester City contest the Premier League curtain-raiser as both sides look to put down an early marker for this year’s title in the Community Shield.

The Reds have endured an up-and-down pre-season, with a number of uncharacteristic results. Whilst you can’t read a lot into friendly matches, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to see an improved display from his side. There will be no new faces at Wembley with Liverpool yet to make a move in the transfer market.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, full fit from after a serious knee injury, will feel like a new addition but there have been no new signings at Anfield. With the window set to shut on August 8th, time is running out for Klopp to strengthen his squad. Roberto Firmino, Mohamad Salah and Alisson played their first pre-season games against Lyon this week after their summer international activities.

With that in mind, it’s unclear as to whether Klopp will start his star attackers against City. Sadio Mane is also due to join the squad next week and will, therefore, miss this game.

Manchester City have enjoyed a relatively low-key summer, despite the additions of Rodri and Angelino. The former Atletico Madrid anchor has been dubbed as the ‘new Sergio Busquets’ and this game could allow City fans to cast their eye over Fernandinho’s long-term replacement.

The Spaniard has incredible vision and a wide passing range but it will be interesting to see how quickly he adapts to the pace and physicality of the Premier League. Angelino could start this match, with Benjamin Mendy still not quite fully fit, although the Frenchman is not far away from a return.

The likes of Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling and Kevin de Bruyne have all featured heavily throughout pre-season and should start in London. Leroy Sane may also start, with Pep Guardiola still trying to convince the German winger his future lies at the Etihad Stadium amidst ongoing speculation about a move to Bayern Munich.

Martin Atkinson is the referee for this match. The Englishman racked up an average booking points total of 32.8, across 43 Premier League matches. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.

Whilst this is just a glorified friendly game, the relentless nature of both coaches could see this turn into quite a competitive affair. Both will want their sides to hit the ground running and this is the perfect opportunity to blow away some cobwebs.

With that in mind, I’m going to side with the champions. City’s pre-season hasn’t been as disrupted with absent players and Liverpool may be without each their dynamic front three.

Liverpool vs Manchester City will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport 1 with kick-off at 15:00 BST.

Prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City

Suggested Tips – Liverpool vs Manchester City – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score – Manchester City to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).
  • Both Players To Score – Mohammed Salah and Raheem Sterling – 13/2. 
  • Price Boost – Kevin De Bruyne to score from outside the penalty area – 18/1. 
  • Scorecast Boost – Raheem Sterling to score first and Manchester City to win 2-1 – 40/1.
  • Popular RequestABets – Sterling & Salah to score and van Dijk & Zinchenko to be carded – 125/1.
  • Player Stats RequestABets – Man City to win, B Silva & Sterling 1+ shots on target each, Under 12 match corners and Under 40 match booking points – 10/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above –  Sterling, Aguero & David Silva to score and Manchester City 3-1 – 125/1.
    Markets updated at 12:15 PM on Sunday 4th August 2019.

by ·Comments Off on Bristol City vs Leeds United – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - Bristol City vs Leeds United. Sunday 4th August 2019, The Championship, Ashton Gate. Sky Sports Football HD - Kick-Off: 16:30 BST.

Bristol City vs Leeds United
Sunday 4th August 2019
Sky Bet Championship, Ashton Gate

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 16:30 BST

Promotion favourites Leeds United will be hoping to start their season with three points when they take on fellow top-six hopefuls Bristol City on Sunday.

The Whites are the bookies’ favourites to win promotion this season under Marcelo Bielsa. After falling just short last term, United are back with and stronger after a busy summer window. Helder Costa is their marquee signing after he arrived from Wolves on an initial loan deal. New recruit Ben White will partner Liam Cooper in defence after Pontus Jansson’s departure, and with Gaetano Berardi suspended, whilst Jack Harrison and Jack Clarke are vying for places on the wing after agreeing loan deals from Manchester City and Tottenham, respectively.

With a full Bielsa pre-season under their belts, Leeds will be confident of avoiding the traps of last season. Their squad has better depth now, although an extra centre-back before the window shut would not go amiss. That’s the only hole in their squad, although injuries are once again causing problems. Tyler Roberts, Luke Ayling, Bailey Peacock-Farrel and, crucially, Kemar Roofe will all miss the season opener.

Leeds started last season fantastically, with five wins from their opening eight games in August. They’ll be hoping for a similar start and a similar result to last season, after doing the double over the Robins in their two league fixtures.

Bristol City have recruited fantastically, adding Chelsea trio Tomas Kalas, Jay Dasilva and Kasey Palmer on permanent deals. Daniel Bentley, regarded one of the league’s best ‘keepers, has also joined from Brentford. A new striker is very high on the Robins’ shopping list to offer help to the likes of Famara Diedhiou and Andreas Weimann in attack.

They’ll also be desperate to keep gold of Byron Webster, who could the subject of a late £25m bid from Brighton as a chain effect if Harry Maguire moves to Manchester United. Having fallen just short of the top six in the last two seasons, City’s form at Ashton Gate will be vital if they’re to go one step better this time around.

Tim Robinson is the referee for this match. The Englishman accumulated an average booking points total of 44.7 across 35 Championship games last season. Therefore, I would recommend a maximum of 60+ booking points for this fixture.

Leeds will want to hit the ground running but they could have had few tougher opening day assignments. Bristol City have promotion ambitions of their own and could pose a real threat. As a result, I’m going for a high-scoring draw.

Bristol City vs Leeds United will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 16:30 BST.

Prediction: Bristol City 2-2 Leeds United

Suggested Tips – Bristol City vs Leeds United – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Draw – 2-2 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Famara Diedhiou – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Bristol City vs Leeds United – (SKYBET)

  • Full Time Result and Both Teams to Score – Leeds United and Yes – 7/2. 
  • Both Players to Score – Helder Costa and Andreas Weimann – 10/1. 
  • Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Diedhiou to score a header and Klich to score from outside the area – 200/1.
  • Player Stats RequestABets -BTTS, 4+ Corners Each Team & 20+ Booking Points Each Team – 5/1.

    Markets Updated at 11:50 BST on Sunday 4th August 2019.

by ·Comments Off on Nottingham Forest vs West Bromwich Albion – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - Nottingham Forest vs West Bromwich Albion. Saturday 3rd August 2019, The Championship, City Ground. Sky Sports Football HD - Kick-Off: 17:30 BST.

Nottingham Forest vs West Bromwich Albion
Saturday 3rd August 2019
SkyBet Championship, City Ground

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

Nottingham Forest host West Bromwich Albion on the opening Saturday of the 2019/20 EFL Championship.

Both sides head into Saturday’s fixture under leadership, and with genuine hopes of success for the forthcoming campaign. Frenchman Sabri Lamouchi took the reigns as Forest manager following the departure of Martin O’Neill last month, for what is to be his first taste of management in English football. The Baggies on the other hand boast an ex-Premier League manager at the helm, in former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic.

Forest head into the fixture as slight favourites, with a price of 7/5 on SkyBet. Kickstarting the season with a win will be the objective for both sides, but with Forest on home soil there will be an expectance of Lamouchi to deliver the three points come Saturday evening. Forest ended the 2018/19 campaign finishing 9th in what was a satisfactory yet bizarre season which saw management change hands twice. If Forest are to enjoy a successful campaign this year-round, frontman Lewis Grabban will be expected to build on his 17 goals from last season, with SkyBet offering odds of 5/1 for him to score first.

Baggies fans will be expecting their side can go one step further than last season which saw them dumped out of the Play-offs by Dean Smith’s Aston Villa, who went on to clinch promotion to the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Derby County at Wembley. The visitors head into this fixture priced at just below evens at 19/10 on SkyBet. The Visitors have spent just shy of £15 million in this summers transfer window, with £8 million on the acquisition of Kenneth Zohore from Cardiff City. The Ivorian is priced at 11/1 to score a header.

The referee for Saturday evening’s clash is Darren England who issued 200 yellow cards in 51 Championship appearances last season, as well as awarding 12 penalties. SkyBet are offering odds of 9/4 for a penalty to be awarded.

The last meeting between the two sides was in February, and ended in a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns. This match will be broadcast Live on Sky Sports Football and kicks off at 17:30.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 West Bromwich Albion.

Suggested Tips – Nottingham Forest vs West Bromwich Albion – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Draw – 1-1 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Lewis Grabban – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Nottingham Forest vs West Bromwich Albion – (SKYBET)

  • Player to score a header – Kenneth Zahore – 11/1. 
  • Popular RequestABet – Grabban & Zohore to score, 3+ corners each team and Watson to be carded – 50/1.

  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Over 1.5 goals, 1+ corners each team in each half and 10+ booking points each team – 11/8.

    Markets updated on Saturday 3rd August @14:40

by ·Comments Off on Luton Town vs Middlesbrough – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - Luton Town vs Middlesbrough. Friday 2nd August 2019, The Championship, Kenilworth Road. Sky Sports Football HD - Kick-Off: 19:45 BST.

Luton Town vs Middlesbrough
Friday 2nd August 2019
SkyBet Championship, Kenilworth Road

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

Luton Town kick off the 2019/20 Championship season with their return to the second tier as they take on Middlesbrough at Kenilworth Road.

Last season’s League One champions are back in the Championship for the first time since 2007. Since, they’ve been to the conference and back but new manager Graham Jones’ side will be hoping to avoid relegation this term.

The Hatters have strengthened their squad with some seasoned Championship players such as Martin Cranie, Callum McManaman and Ryan Tunnicliffe. Star fullbacks James Justin and Jack Stacey have both departed for the Premier League, which has brought in some decent funds into the transfer kitty. A proven Championship striker is still very much the target in the window, whilst former Luton striker Isaac Vassell has been linked with a loan from Birmingham.

Survival is very much the aim for Jones’ men, although some are tipping them for a push into the top half of the table. Free-flowing, attacking football was the bedrock of their promotion last term and they will want to continue with that philosophy against a higher class of opponent. Their form at Kenilworth Road will be key to their ambitions. The small, compact stadium can be quite intimidating for visiting teams which could give Luton the edge in their key matches.

Middlesbrough are embarking on a new chapter after swapping Tony Pulis for Jonathan Woodgate. That change brings a new philosophy to the squad after 18 months of adapting to Pulis’ direct style. As a result, Aden Flint has been sold to Cardiff, with Woodgate preferring a much more attractive style of play.

New defender Marc Bola has joined from Blackpool and Marcus Browne will add some creativity in midfield. However, they’re still missing a talented winger to provide service for Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher. Stewart Downing has gone, as had Martin Braithwaite, whilst the club never really replaced Adam Traore who left 12 months ago.

Oliver Langford is the referee for this match. The Englishman accumulated an average booking points total of 30.6 across 42 Championship games last season. Therefore, I would recommend a maximum of 50+ booking points for this fixture.

Kenilworth Road will be rocking on Friday night and the players will match that enthusiasm on the field, no doubt. With that in mind, I think the Hatters can get something from this game.

I’m going to go for a draw, but don’t be shocked if Luton take all three points and provide an early upset in the Championship season. Luton Town vs Middlesbrough will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 19:45 BST.

Prediction: Luton Town 1-1 Middlesbrough

Suggested Tips – Luton Town vs Middlesbrough – (BET365)

  • Correct score – 1-1 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Elliott Lee – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Luton Town vs Middlesbrough – (SKYBET)

  • Both Players to score – James Collins and Britt Assombalonga to both score – 8/1.

  • Popular RequestABets – Luton Town to win, BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 22/1.

     

    Markets updated/correct as off – 14:38 BST on August 2nd.