Barnsley vs Bristol City
Friday 1st November 2019
The Championship, Oakwell Stadium
Live on Sky Sports Football HD – Kick Off: 19:45 GMT
Barnsley will host Bristol City this Friday night in Championship action.
These two sides have had contrasting campaigns to date – with the visitors in a much stronger position. Barnsley are currently rock bottom of the Championship table with eight points from 14 matches. Meanwhile, Bristol City are in the play-off hunting pack and currently sit sixth with 24 points.
Barnsley, who are in dire need of a victory, are priced at 15/8 to win the match by SkyBet. Since parting ways with manager Daniel Stendel, the club have shown some signs of improvements and grasped impressive score draws with Swansea City and West Brom. However, they look in real trouble of relegation this season.
Despite all the dismay and disappointment this season, Cauley Woodrow has still managed to shine in the Barnsley attack. Woodrow has five goals so far this season and will be the most likely to cause Bristol a headache with his dribbling skills and ability to find pockets of space between defenders. He is priced at 9/5 to score anytime.
Bristol City are priced at 13/10 to win on Friday night. Lee Johnson’s side have been an impressive, organised outfit so far this season. Whilst they are not setting the league alight, they are proving they have a real shot at the play-offs. However, their last match on the road did not go to plan as they lost 3-0 at Luton Town.
Going forward, Andreas Weimann has been his usual, industrial self. The striker has five goals and two assists this season. He is priced at 9/2 to open the scoring.
The referee for this match will be Jarred Gillett. The official has averaged 40 booking points in his six second tier matches so far. With the hosts feeling the pressure of the relegation battle, I would expect a fierce showing against an abrasive team.
Barnsley vs Bristol City will be televised on Sky Sports Football HD and kicks off at 19:45.
Prediction: Barnsley 0-1 Bristol City
Suggested Tips – Barnsley vs Bristol City – (BET 365)
- Correct score – Bristol City to win 1-0 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Andreas Weimann – (link no longer available).
- Under 2.5 Goals – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Barnsley vs Bristol City – (SKYBET)
- Correct Score Group Betting – Bristol City to win 1-0, 2-0, or 2-1 – 11/4.
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RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Woodrow or Weimann to score anytime & 2+ corners each team in each half – 4/1.
Markets Last Updated – Friday 1st November 2019 – 00:10 GMT.
Queens Park Rangers vs Brentford – Match Preview
Queens Park Rangers vs Brentford
Sunday 27th October 2019
The Championship, The Kiyan Prince Foundation StadiumLive on Sky Sports Football – Kick Off: 19:45 GMT
Queens Park Rangers will host Brentford in Monday night Championship action.
QPR are high flying so far this season and currently sit fifth in the league standings. They are unbeaten in three matches and they are often involved in high scoring affairs. Their previous outing against Reading ended in a 2-2 draw.
Meanwhile, Brentford are comfortably mid-table and managed to get a big scalp during the week. They defeated out of form Swansea City 3-0 away from home in a very impressive performance.
QPR are priced at 7/4 to win the match on SkyBet. The hosts have been a very entertaining side to watch so far this season. Much of this is thanks to their attacking options, focusing mainly on winger Eberechi Eze. The trickster has already managed to get six goals and 3 assists so far this season. He is priced at 3/1 to score anytime – as a penalty and free-kick taker, these odds are very tempting.
As aforementioned, QPR have been involved in a lot of crazy matches. They are price boosted at 9/2 to win and for both teams to score.
Brentford are priced at 7/5 to win this match, with the bookmakers struggling to pick a favourite. The visitors are making amends after a poor start to their season. In their previous two outings, they have scored three goals. Ollie Watkins has been in inspired form and has eight goals so far this campaign. He is priced at 10/3 to open the scoring and is sure to be the main threat to QPR’s defence.
The referee for this match will be Andy Woolmer. The official has averaged 38.6 booking points from his seven Championship matches. QPR have averaged over 10 booking points more than their opponents this season. SkyBet are offering 11/8 for the hosts to have the most booking points.
Queens Park Rangers vs Brentford will be televised on Sky Sports Football HD and kicks off at 19:45.
Prediction: Queens Park Rangers 1 – 1 Brentford
– Both sides are in decent form and have similar threats to each other. Could cancel themselves out.
Suggested Tips – Queens Park Rangers vs Brentford – (BET 365)
- Correct score – Draw 1-1 – (link no longer available).
- Anytime Goalscorer – Eberchi Eze – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Queens Park Rangers vs Brentford – (SKYBET)
- Correct Score Group Betting – Draw 1-1, 2-2, or 3-3 – 3/1.
- Team Most Booking Points – QPR – 11/8.
Markets Last Updated – Sunday 27th October 2019 – 11:30 GMT.
Liverpool vs Tottenham – Match Preview
Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur
Sunday 27th October 2019
FA Premier League, AnfieldLive on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick Off: 16:00 GMT
Liverpool and Tottenham go head to head in Premier League action on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts are top of the league after a near perfect start from last matches. Jurgen Klopp’s side drew last time out with Manchester United but had won eight from eight previously. Spurs are going through a very sticky patch but made some improvements in their midweek Champions league match. They beat Crvena Zvezda 5-0.
Liverpool are priced at 8/15 to win by SkyBet. Liverpool are looking almost unbeatable at the moment, so those odds look good. At Anfield, it’s been goals galore from the five matches so far with an average of 4.6 goals per match. Winger Mohamed Salah returned in midweek from an injury and will be likely to start again this weekend. He has four goals and three assists so far. SkyBet are offering 23/20 for him to score anytime.
Tottenham are priced at 9/2 to get a surprise win against the league leaders. Spurs did right some wrongs in midweek with their emphatic 5-0 victory. Harry Kane has been on top form despite Spurs poor run of results. The striker has chipped in with five league goals so far this season. He is priced at 17/10 to score anytime.
SkyBet are offering a price boost for both the aforementioned Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah to both score anytime.
The referee for this match will be Anthony Taylor. The official has not been shy with his cards so far this season and has averaged 40.6 booking points from his 8 top-flight matches. With a lot on the line, it could be a feisty encounter. SkyBet are offering 7/4 for 50+ booking points.
The match will be televised on Sky Sports Premier League HD and kicks off at 16:30 GMT.
Prediction: Liverpool 3 – 1 Tottenham Hotspur
– The hosts have far too much quality and are the in-form team.
Suggested Tips – Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur – (BET 365)
- Correct score – Liverpool to win 3-1 – (link no longer available).
- Anytime Goalscorer – Mohamed Salah – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur – (SKYBET)
- Correct Score Group Betting – Liverpool to win 3-0, 3-1 or 3 – 7/2.
- Price Boost – Liverpool to win & both teams to score – 13/8.
- Player Stats RequestABets – Heung-min to score, Mane to score from outside the area, Liverpool to win and Aurier to be carded – 250/1.
- Player Stats RequestABets – Eriksen & Heung-min 2+ shots on target each and Lamela & Kane 1+ shots on target each – 100/1.
- @FootyAccums RequestABets – Salah to score and Fabinho, Aurier & NDombele to be carded – 100/1.
- RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 9/1.
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Player Stats RequestABets – Mane to score a header and Oxlade-Chamberlain to score from outside the area –125/1.
Markets Last Updated – Sunday 27th October – 12:14 GMT.
Newcastle United vs Wolves – Match Preview
Newcastle United vs Wolves
Sunday 27th October 2019
FA Premier League, St James’ ParkLive on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick Off: 14:00 GMT
Newcastle United return to St James’ Park this weekend as they host Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Steve Bruce’s side will be looking to conger a response following last weekend’s late defeat away to Chelsea, a match where the Magpies showed tremendous defensive resilience, until Marcos Alonso’s strike in the closing stages secured all three point for Frank Lampard’s side. Newcastle currently sit 18th in the Premier League and have won only one of their last seven matches.
Their opponents Wolves enjoyed a successful away trip to Slovan Bratislava on Thursday night, winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Romain Saiss and Raul Jimenez. Wolves are currently placed 13th in the league and secured a sensational 2-0 win away at last season’s Champions Manchester City prior to the International break. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are unbeaten in their previous four PL fixtures, with their last defeat coming in the 5-2 home loss to Chelsea.
Both sides have endured slow starts to this seasons Premier League, and have won only twice each in nine matches. Both sides have only managed a combined total of six clean sheets so far this season, three a piece so BTTS – YES would be a market worth exploring for this Sundays encounter.
Wolves were victorious the last time these two sides met, albeit in the inaugural Premier League Asia trophy, a competition which takes place every pre-season. Wolves won 4-0 that day, thanks to goals from Morgan Gibbs-White, a Thomas David Allan OG, and a brace from Diogo Jota. Wolves are unbeaten in their last three against Newcastle, with the Magpies last win coming in February 2017, in what was then a Championship fixture. Matt Doherty scored the winner the last time these two met in the league, striking in the 95th minute which secured a 2-1 away win for Wolves, in a match basked in drama, with Newcastle boss at the time Rafa Benitez calling for VAR’s immediate application in the Premier League.
The referee for this weekends clash is Kevin Friend. The 48-year old has taken charge of five Premier League encounters so far this season, awarding twenty-four yellow cards and one red card in the process. This considered, I would recommend a minimum of 30+ booking points for this fixture. Friend is yet to officiate a match concerning Newcastle or Wolves so far this season.
This match will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League, with kick of scheduled to take place at 14:00 BST.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Wolves
Suggested Tips – Newcastle United vs Wolves – (BET 365)
- Correct score – Newcastle United to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Joelinton – (link no longer available).
- Player to be carded – Miguel Almiron – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Newcastle United vs Wolves – (SKYBET)
- Correct Score Group Betting – Wolves to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 21/10.
- Scorecast Boost (Double Chance) – Raul Jimenez to score first and wolves to win 2-0 or 2-1- 18/1.
- Price Boost – Diego Jota to score and Wolves to win in 90 mins – 9/2.
- Price Boost – Ruben Nevez to score from outside the penalty area – 9/1.
- Player Tackles – Matthew Longstaff 4+ tackles – 3/1.
- RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 9/1.
- Popular RequestABets – Jimenez & Joelinton to score and Neves & Yedlin to be carded – 150/1.
Markets Last Updated – Sunday 27th October – 10:16 GMT.
Swansea City vs Cardiff City – Match Preview
Swansea City vs Cardiff City
Sunday 27th October 2019
The Championship, Liberty StadiumLive on Sky Sports Football – Kick Off: 12:00 GMT
The South Wales derby is upon us for the first time since 2014. Swansea City host Cardiff City in Championship action early on Sunday.
Neither team is entering the match on good form. However, in a match of this magnitude and with so much pride and history on the line, form goes out the window. Swansea are only four points ahead of their South Wales counterparts and this is sure to be one entertaining encounter.
Swansea City are priced at 5/4 to win the match by SkyBet. Steve Cooper’s side are undergoing some poor form, especially at home, after their explosive start to the Championship season. They have won just one match in seven – not ideal heading into their derby. Going forward, striker Borja Baston – much like his team – has gone stale but winger Andre Ayew has popped up with some important goals at times. The Ghanaian is 12/5 to score anytime.
The Swans have failed to keep a clean sheet in six matches. They are price boosted to 7/2 to win and for both teams to score.
Cardiff City are priced at 2/1 to get a huge win away from home. The visitors eter this match in slightly better form than their opponents. Neil Warnock’s men have drawn their previous two outings and have showcased they are capable of scoring goals. Danny Ward got on the score sheet last time out against Millwall and is priced at 11/2 to open the scoring.
The referee for this match will be Robert Jones. The official will be preparing for a very feisty match-up and has averaged 34 booking points per match this season. SkyBet are offering 50+ booking points at 11/10 – fantastic odds.
The match will be televised on Sky Sports Football HD and kicks off at 12:00 GMT.
Prediction: Swansea City 1-1 Cardiff City
– This match is going to be tight and tense. Really tough to pick a winner from the two out of form Welsh sides.
Suggested Tips – Swansea City vs Cardiff City – (BET 365)
- Correct score – Draw 1-1 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Danny Ward – (link no longer available).
- Anytime Goalscorer – Andrew Ayew – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Swansea City vs Cardiff City – (SKYBET)
- Correct Score Group Betting – Draw 1-1, 2-2, or 3-3 – 10/3.
- RequestABet Insurance – Jay Fulton to be carded, Joe Ralls to be carded, Kyle Naughton to be carded and Lee Peltier to be carded – 80/1.
- RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 40+ match booking pts – 7/2.
- RequestABet Insurance – Danny Ward to score, Andre Ayew to score and David Junior Hoilett to score – 40/1.
Markets Last Updated – Sunday 27th October 2019 – 09:55 GMT.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Leeds United – Match Preview
Sheffield Wednesday vs Leeds United
Saturday 26th October 2019
The Championship, HillsboroughLive on Sky Sports Football HD – Kick Off: 12:30 BST
Sheffield Wednesday return to Hillsborough on Saturday lunchtime as they host Leeds United in the Sky Bet Championship.
Wednesday, who have been in inspired form since Garry Monk’s arrival in September currently sit 3rd in the League, just a point behind this weekend’s opponents. Wednesday have lost only once in the league since Monk’s appointment and have taken fourteen points out of a possible twenty-one available. Its been quite the shift in form since their dismal start to the campaign, where they lost three of their opening four fixtures.
As far as Leeds are concerned its normal service resumed under Marcelo Bielsa. They currently sit 2nd in the league, bettered only by West Bromwich Albion who are top of the pile. Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah’s late equaliser against fellow promotion rivals Preston prevented a fourth defeat of the season for the Yorkshire side. Leeds have lost once in their last five, which came away to Millwall at the beginning of the month, United had Gaetano Berardi sent off early on in that game, where the hosts were awarded a pretty controversial penalty. Its no secret of Leeds burning desire to return to the top-flight which is where they feel they belong, and under the Argentine Bielsa’s guidance that is the primary objective for this forthcoming season, but as we know in football there are many twists and turns to unravel across the course of the season.
The recent form between these two sides over recent years has been reasonably equal. Leeds were winners last time round, winning 1-0 at Elland Road thanks to Jack Harrison’s second half strike. Yet the season before, Wednesday completed a league double over United, which is something they hadn’t done since the 1959/60 season.
In the last seven fixtures between these two, BTTS has landed twice which indicates this is a reasonably low scoring fixture. Both sides have a combined total of eleven clean sheets in the Championship so far this season (Sheffield Wednesday 5, Leeds United 6), which illustrates their defensive capabilities. BTTS- NO may be a market worth searching for this fixture.
The man who takes charge for Saturdays clash is Timothy Robinson. The Englishman has overseen a total of nine matches so far this season, accumulating a total of thirty yellow cards and one red card in these matches. This considered, I would suggest a minimum of 30+ booking points for this fixture.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Leeds United will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 12:30 BST.
Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Leeds United
Suggested Tips – Sheffield Wednesday vs Leeds United – (BET 365)
- Correct score – Draw 1-1 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Patrick Bamford – (link no longer available).
- Half Time / Full Time – Draw / Draw – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Sheffield Wednesday vs Leeds United – (SKYBET)
- Correct Score Group Betting – Draw 1-1, 2-2, or 3-3 – 10/3.
- Price Boost- Steven Fletcher and Patrick Bamford both to score in 90 mins – 15/2.
- Match Specials – Leeds to score in the first 10 minutes – 6/1.
Markets Last Updated – Friday 25th October 2019 – 17:10 BST.
Burnley vs Chelsea – Match Preview
Burnley vs Chelsea
Saturday 26th October 2019
FA Premier League, Turf MoorLive on Sky Sports Premier League HD – Kick Off: 17:30 BST
Burnley will face Chelsea in Premier League action this Saturday evening.
The hosts have had a reasonably strong start to their league campaign. They are 8th in the standing which is much better than last season for Sean Dyche’s men. Chelsea are 4th in the league and have been impressive so far under frank Lampard. The youth players being blooded through have made their mark in the senior squad and the Blues are an exciting prospect for a top four finish.
Burnley are priced at 10/3 to win the match by SkyBet. The hosts are going steady in the Premier League with three wins, three draws and three losses. Sean Dyche is fortunate to have two seasoned finishers in the squad in Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes. Both of them have scored four goals this season. They are also both 21/10 to score anytime.
Chelsea are priced at 3/4 to win their sixth match in a row in all competition. Frank Lampard’s side are in form going into this Saturday match-up. They have won six matches in a row in all competition. The Blues are also having no issues finding the back of the net and striker Tammy Abraham has been incredibly impressive spearheading the attack. The youngster has eight league goals so far this season. He is priced at 14/5 to score the first goal of the match.
In their previous midweek match against Ajax, they should great resilience to keep a clean sheet and take the win late on. Chelsea are 9/4 to win to nil.
The referee for this match will be Michael Oliver. The official has not been too shy with his cards so far and averaged 35.7 booking points this season. SkyBet are offering 11/10 for 40+ booking points.
The match will be televised on Sky Sports Premier League HD and kicks off at 17:30.
Prediction: Burnley 1 – 2 Chelsea
– The visitors have too much strength up front for the hosts, but it will be a close encounter.
Suggested Tips – Burnley vs Chelsea – (BET 365)
- Correct score – Chelsea to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Tammy Abraham – (link no longer available).
- Total Match Corners – Over 10 – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Burnley vs Chelsea – (SKYBET)
- Correct Score Group Betting – Chelsea to win 1-0, 2-0, or 2-1 – 3/1.
- Price Boost- Ashley Barnes and Tammy Abraham both to score in 90 mins – 15/2.
Markets Last Updated – Friday 25th October – 16:50 BST.
Manchester City vs Aston Villa – Match Preview
Manchester City vs Aston Villa
Saturday 26th October 2019
FA Premier League, Etihad StadiumLive on BT Sport 1 – Kick Off: 12:30 BST
Manchester City return to Premier League action this weekend as they host Aston Villa at the Etihad on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s side followed up last weekend’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace with a 5-1 thrashing of Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Raheem Sterling grabbed a hat-trick, his first in the Champions League.
Their opponents Aston Villa enjoyed a dramatic last-minute win over Brighton in the last round of PL fixtures. Matt Targett, an unlikely scorer struck in stoppage time to secure all three points for Dean Smith’s side. Villa currently sit 12th in the league following back to back wins for the first time this season. After a slow start to the season where they lost their opening two fixtures, Villa have shown tremendous signs of improvements, and are now unbeaten in their last four in all competitions.
Pep Guardiola, the perfectionist, will be disappointed with how his side have started the season, despite the football they have played at times, and despite the position they find themselves. City have lost twice in their last five, which has allowed last season’s closest rivals Liverpool to open up a six-point lead at the top of the PL. A win for City on Saturday lunchtime however would reduce Liverpool’s lead to three points, albeit potentially only for a day, as Liverpool aren’t in action until Sunday teatime as they host Tottenham Hotspur.
If recent form between these two is any sort of indication of how this weekend’s encounter will unfold, then there’s only one outcome. City boast an imperious recent record against this weekend’s opponents, winning 5/6, drawing one. Villa’s last win came in 2013 when Andreas Weimann struck in the closing stages to secure a 3-2 win for Villa, preventing City from top spot at the time. City went on to win the league that season, with Liverpool yet again a close second.
The referee for this weekend’s fixture is Graham Scott. This is the sixth consecutive season Scott has officiated in the top flight. The 51-year old taken charge of six fixtures in the Premier league so far this season, awarding sixteen yellow cards and two red cards in these matches. This is the first time Scott has officiated a match concerning these two sides in the league this season, but did oversee Villa’s 3-1 EFL Cup win away at Brighton.
This match will be shown live on BT Sport 1, with kick-off scheduled to take place at 12:30 BST.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Aston Villa
Suggested Tips – Manchester City vs Aston Villa – (BET 365)
- Correct score – Manchester City to win 3-1 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Riyad Mahrez – (link no longer available)
- Half-Time / Full Time – Draw/Manchester City – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Manchester City vs Aston Vila – (SKYBET)
- Correct Score Group Betting – Manchester City to win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 3/1.
- Player to score a brace – Raheem Sterling – 3/1.
- Match Specials – Aston Villa to score in the 1st 10 Minutes – 14/1.
- Winning Margin – Manchester City by exactly 2 goals – 7/2.
Markets Last Updated – Friday 25th October – 02:56 BST.
Southampton vs Leicester City – Match Preview
Southampton vs Leicester City
Friday 25th October 2019
FA Premier League, St Mary’s StadiumLive on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick Off: 20:00 BST
Southampton will play host to high-flying Leicester City in Premier League action this Friday night.
The Saints have endured a pretty poor start to their league campaign and sit 17th in the standings. From nine matches, they have just eight points. Meanwhile, Leicester City have been the polar opposite with 17 points and are currently 3rd in the league. They are making a real statement of intent for Champions League qualification.
Southampton are priced at 2/1 to win the match by SkyBet. In their previous outing, the hosts managed a 1-1 draw with Wolves away from home – with VAR stealing the headlines. They are struggling for much attacking prowess and have averaged one goal a game so far. Danny Ings scored last weekend and has been a threat since the start of the season and could have scored more than his four goals. He is 6/4 to score anytime.
If the Saints can pull off an impressive victory, it will still be likely their visitors will find the back of the net. Southampton are 9/2 to win and both teams to score.
Leicester City are priced at a very tempting 13/10 to win on Friday night. The Foxes have been in inspired form this season under Brendan Rodgers. They have an extremely balanced squad and striker Jamie Vardy is showing age is just a number. The retired international has six Premier League goals so far and is price boosted to 7/1 to score a brace.
Three of the Foxes four previous victories have all come as a 2-1 score line. This demonstrates their character to get results over the line, even if the performance has not been perfect. SkyBet are offering 17/2 for the same score line in the visitor’s favour.
The referee for this match will be Andre Marriner. The official has been one of the most lenient in the top-flight this season. He has averaged just 22 booking points per match. SkyBet are offering 6/4 for Under 30 booking points.
Southampton vs Leicester City will kick-off live on Sky Sports Main Event at 20:00 BST in the UK .
Prediction: Southampton 0 – 3 Leicester City
– The Foxes are in red hot form and should have no troubles scoring past the leaky Saints defence.
Suggested Tips – Southampton vs Leicester City – (BET 365)
- Correct score – Leicester City to win 3-0 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Jamie Vardy – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Southampton vs Leicester City – (SKYBET)
- Correct Score Group Betting – Leicester City to win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 7/1.
- Total Goals, Corners and Booking Pts – Over 1.5 Goals, Over 8.5 Corners, Over 25 Booking pts – 6/4.
- Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Ward-Prowse to score from outside the area and Leicester to score a penalty – 66/1.
Last updated: Friday 25th October 2019 – 02:34 BST.
Arsenal vs Vitoria Guimaraes – Match Preview
Arsenal vs Vitoria Guimaraes
Thursday 24th October 2019
Europa League, Emirates StadiumLive on BT Sport 2 – Kick Off: 17:55 BST
Arsenal return to Europa League action on Thursday night as they face Vitoria Guimaraes at the Emirates on Matchday three in Group F.
Unai Emery’s side will be desperate to return to winning ways following Monday Night’s shock defeat to newly promoted Sheffield United in the Premier League. Lys Mousset’s first half goal was enough for all three points, yet Emery felt his side were in hard luck, despite their unsatisfactory performance.
Their opponents Vitoria Guimaraes currently sit bottom of the pile in Group F, and have lost both their opening two group matches to Frankfurt and Standard Liege. Despite their slow start to the Europa League, Guimaraes have made a promising start to Portugal’s Primeira Liga, where they sit 4th. Ivo Vieira’s side have lost once in their last five in the league, and will be relishing their trip to London, as they look to get points on the board in the Europa League.
Following Monday night’s defeat, Arsenal currently sit 5th in the Premier League, and the defeat to Sheffield United was their first since the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in August. Beaten by Chelsea in the final of this competition last season, Arsenal will be hoping to go one better this season, as well as secure the luxury of Champions League football which is something they haven’t done since the 2016-17 season.
Unai Emery has demonstrated his trust in youth so often this season, with the real turning point seeming to have come in the 3-0 away win against Frankfurt. Impressively, that was the first time an English side have beaten Frankfurt at home in a European cup competition. Emery started an attacking trio behind Pierre Emerick Aubameyang of Bukayo Saka, Joe Willock and Emile Smith-Rowe, aged 18, 19 and 20. Willock opened the scoring, before Saka grabbed the second late on, securing a good away win for the Gunners. Willock and Saka have a combined 12 PL appearances so far this season (Willock 8, Saka 4), which is more than either managed in the last campaign.
A player who will certainly be relishing this fixture is Vitoria’s Marcus Edwards. Edwards joined the Portuguese side in the summer on a four-year deal from Arsenal’s North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. The 20-year old enjoyed a number of battles with Arsenal from U21 to U23 level, and scored and assisted in Spurs’ 3-2 win over Arsenal in 2017.
Thursday nights Europa league fixture is the first time these two sides have ever faced each other.
The referee for this Europa League clash is Serdar Gozubuyuk from the Netherlands. This is the first Europa league match the 33-year old has officiated this season. Gozubuyuk took charge of three Europa League games last season, awarding thirteen yellow cards and one red card in the process. This considered, I would recommend a minimum of 30+ booking points.
This match will be broadcast line on BT Sport 2 with kick-off scheduled to take place at 20:00 BST.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Vitoria Guimaraes
Suggested Tips – Arsenal vs Vitoria Guimaraes – (BET365)
- Correct Score – Arsenal to win 3-0 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – (link no longer available).
- Anytime Goalscorer – Marcus Edwards – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Arsenal vs Vitoria Guimaraes – (SKYBET)
- Both Players To Score – Gabriel Martinelli and Alexandre Lacazette – 7/4.
- Correct Score Group Betting – Arsenal to win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 3/1.
- To Score and Lose – Marcus Edwards – 7/1.
- Match Specials – Arsenal to score 2+ 1st Half goals – 21/10.
Market last updated at 13:00 BST on Thursday 24th October 2019.