by ·Comments Off on Wigan Athletic vs Nottingham Forest – Match Preview
Wigan Athletic vs Nottingham Forest - Sunday 20th October 2019, SkyBet Championship, DW Stadium, Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 14:00 BST.

Wigan Athletic vs Nottingham Forest
Sunday 20th October 2019
The Championship, DW Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick Off: 14:00 BST

Wigan Athletic return to the DW Stadium this weekend as they host Nottingham Forest in the SkyBet Championship on Sunday afternoon.

The Latics will be hoping they can build on their slight upturn in form prior to the International break, which saw them lost only two of their last six matches; before that, the Greater Manchester side had gone on a run of four consecutive defeats. Their opponents Nottingham Forest are enjoying a fantastic opening to this campaign, where they currently sit 2nd in the Championship standings, but are level on points with league leaders West Bromwich Albion. Forest have lost only once in the league this season; the opening day defeat to West Brom.

Compare that to this stage of proceedings last season, Forest were sat in 5th place with sixteen points. Sabri Lamouchi’s introduction to Championship management couldn’t be going too much better, and the Frenchman and his side have got Forest fans believing this may well be the season which propels them back to the big time.

Paul Cook’s Wigan side will be hoping for an improvement on last seasons finish of 18th place, where they finished 12 points above the relegation zone; which will have been the primary objective following their promotion from League 1 the season before, to secure Championship football for the following season. If Wigan are to build on last seasons bottom half finish, then their form at the DW Stadium must be bettered. The Latics won eleven times on home soil last season and drew eight. Turning them draws into victories is the next step for Paul Cook’s side, which is what will certainly help them climb higher this season.

Last seasons meetings between these two sides resulted in a win and a draw for Forest. They defeated this weekends opponents 3-1 at home, before the 2-2 stalemate at the DW Stadium back in January. There are only fourteen meetings between these two sides on record, the first coming back in 2003 in what was then Division 1. Both fixtures between the two last season resulted in BTTS, and this is a market worth considering for this encounter.

The referee for this weekends clash is Matthew Donohue. This is the Englishman’s first season officiating in the Championship, and in his six appearances so far this season he has awarded twenty-eight yellow cards. Because of this, I would suggest a minimum of 30+ yellow cards. Donohue is yet to oversee a Nottingham Forest match this season but did officiate Wigan’s 3-1 defeat to QPR in August, where he awarded six yellow cards that day.

This match will be shown live on Sky Sports Football, with kick off scheduled to take place at 14:00 BST on Sunday afternoon.

Prediction: Wigan 1-2 Nottingham Forest

Suggested Tips (BET365)

  • First goalscorer – Joe Lolley to score first – (link no longer available).
  • Correct Score – Nottingham Forest to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips (SKYBET)

  • Nottingham Forest Price Boost – Nottingham Forest to win and BTTS – 5/1.
  • Correct Score Group Betting – Nottingham Forest to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 5/2.
  • Combined Player Shot Multiples – Josh Windass and Lewis Grabban to have 5+ shots on target between them – 10/1.
  • Player Tackles – Charlie Mulgrew to make 2+ tackles – 4/1.
  • To Score 2+ Goals – Nottingham Forest to score 2+ – 6/4.

Markets last updated 20th October 2019 at 10:53 AM.

by ·Comments Off on Crystal Palace vs Manchester City – Match Preview
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City - Saturday 20th October 2019, FA Premier League, Selhurst Park Live on Sky Sports Main Event– Kick-Off: 17:30 BST.

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
Saturday 19th October 2019
FA Premier League, Selhurst Park

Live on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick Off: 17:30 BST

Crystal Palace are hosting the Premier League champions, Manchester City, in top-flight action on Saturday evening.

Roy Hodgson’s side will be pleasantly surprised with their start to the season, as they sit sixth with 14 points from eight matches. The most notable win of the season for the Eagles came against Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Man City are already playing catch up with title rivals Liverpool after a couple surprise defeats to Norwich and Wolves. There is still a long way to go, however, it seems there is no more room for error in matches such as these for Pep Guardiola’s men.

Crystal Palace are priced at 9/1 to win the match on SkyBet. The Eagles have won their last two matches against Norwich and West Ham which means, oddly, that they are the form team heading into this match-up. Jordan Ayew has re-found the form from his Swansea City days and is the key figure in the Palace attack – with Wilfried Zaha struggling to make an impact. Ayew has three goals so far this season and is 7/2 to score anytime.

Manchester City are favourites for this match and priced at 2/9 to win. As mentioned, there is no more room for error in matches such as these for City – who trail Liverpool by eight points. Whilst the results have been frustrating at times, the goal scoring hasn’t an Argentine marksman Sergio Aguero is proving age doesn’t mean a thing. Aguero is the league’s top goal scorer with eight goals and two assists. He is 14/5 to open the scoring.

The referee for this fixture will be Anthony Taylor. The last time these two met, not a single card was shown and neither have shown signs of malicious tackling so I wouldn’t expect too many booking points.

The match will be televised on Sky Sports Main Event HD and kicks off at 17:30.

Prediction: Manchester City to win 3-1.

Suggested Tips – Crystal Palace vs Manchester City (BET 365)

  • Correct score – Manchester City to win 3-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Crystal Palace vs Manchester City (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Manchester City to win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 3/1. 
  • 1st Half Player Shots On Target – Raheem Sterling to have 1+ shot on target in first half –11/10. 
  • To Win Both Halves – To Manchester City to win both halves – 5/4.
  • Popular Player Stats RequestABets – Van Aanholt & Hernandez 1+ shots on target each and McArthur & Zinchenko to be carded – 80/1.
  • RequestABet Specials 33/1 to 66/1 – David Silva to score, Manchester City to win, 5+ Crystal Palace corners and Milivojevic to be carded – 40/1.

by ·Comments Off on Blackburn Rovers vs Huddersfield Town – Match Preview
Blackburn Rovers vs Huddersfield Town - Saturday 19th October 2019, The Championship, Ewood Park. Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 12:30 BST.

Blackburn Rovers vs Huddersfield Town
Saturday 19th October 2019
The Championship, Ewood Park

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

Blackburn Rovers return to Ewood Park as they host Huddersfield Town in the SkyBet Championship on Saturday lunchtime.

Rovers will be looking to return to winning ways following their 4-2 defeat against QPR prior to the International break, meanwhile their opponents Huddersfield Town will be hoping they can extend their impressive start to life under new Manager Danny Cowley. The Terriers have won their last two outings and picked up a total of seven points from a possible twelve since his arrival.

Tony Mowbray’s side currently sit 14th in the Championship but are without a win in their last three.

Bradley Dack has enjoyed a positive beginning to the season for Blackburn, registering five goals and two assists in eleven fixtures thus far. The 25-year old is already a third of the way towards last season’s total, where he netted fifteen times in forty-two Championship fixtures. Dack to open the scoring this weekend is priced at 9/2 on SkyBet.

The last time these two sides met was in the 2016/17 season, the season which Huddersfield Town secured Premier League football for the first time in their existence. In fact, the last time The Terriers suffered defeat to this weekends opponents was back in 2014, where they lost 4-2. Huddersfield are on a six-match unbeaten run against Blackburn and will be hoping they can extend that run come Saturday lunchtime.

Both of the previous two meetings between these sides he resulted in draws, and SkyBet are offering odds of another draw his weekend at 5/2.

The referee for this weekend’s clash is Darren Bond. Bond has appeared in six Championship affairs this season, accumulating twenty yellow cards in the process. This considered, I would recommend a minimum of 30+ booking points for this fixture.  Saturday will be the first time Bond has taken charge of a match with either of these two sides this season.

Despite the contrasting results last time round between these two sides, I’m expecting a tight encounter this weekend. Huddersfield look a completely new side following Danny Cowley’s arrival. They look more confident, organised and they’ve rediscovered how to win football matches following their wretched start to the season. Blackburn meanwhile will be desperate to get back on track with a win, especially on home soil.

This match will be shown live on Sky Sports Football, with kick-off scheduled to take place at 12:30 BST.

Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Huddersfield Town

Suggested Tips – Blackburn Rovers vs Huddersfield Town – (BET365)

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

Suggested Tips – Blackburn Rovers vs Huddersfield Town – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – 1-1, 2-2 or 3-3 draw – 3/1.
  • Half time/full time – Blackburn Rovers / Draw – 16/1.
  • Blackburn to score in the first 10 mins –  11/2.
  • Price Boost – Karlan Ahearne-Grant and Bradley Dack both to score – 15/2.

  • Popular RequestABets – Dack & Ahearne-Grant to score and Evans & Bacuna to be carded – 100/1.

Market last updated at 15:01 BST on Friday 18th October 2019.

by ·Comments Off on Cardiff City vs Sheffield Wednesday – Match Preview
Cardiff City vs Sheffield Wednesday - match preview, prediction and betting tips for the Friday night kick off at the The Cardiff City Stadium.

Cardiff City vs Sheffield Wednesday
Friday 18th October 2019
The Championship, Cardiff City Stadium

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

Championship action resumes this Friday night as Cardiff City host Sheffield Wednesday at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Both sides entered the recent international break with contrasting results. The Bluebirds were hammered 4-2 at the hands of league leaders West Bromwich Albion, meanwhile Wednesday continued their promising start under Gary Monk with a 1-0 victory over Wigan.

Neil Warnock’s side sit 11th in the SkyBet Championship standings, with the defeat at West Brom only their third of the season so far. Before that, City were on an impressive seven-match unbeaten run; winning three and drawing four. The visitors on the other hand sit 8th in the league and have lost once in their last five encounters.

In the build up to Friday nights clash, Wednesday were handed a boost as it appears long-term absentee Fernando Forestieri could be in contention for the trip to Wales after serving a six-match ban issued in July. The Argentine has netted 27 goals and registered 14 assists across his two seasons so far at Hillsborough and would certainly offer additional attacking reinforcement to Garry Monks side, who are currently only a point outside the top six.

Incidentally, it was Forestieri who grabbed the goal the last time Wednesday were victorious against Cardiff back in 2017. His goal coming in the 84th minute to secure a 1-0 home win for Wednesday. Could the Argentine return to inflict more misery on the Bluebirds?

Since Monk’s arrival to Yorkshire, Wednesday have picked up ten points from a possible fifteen, and a win on Friday night would propel them into the thick of the play off places.

It’s Wednesday too who come into this fixture with the recent bragging rights between the two sides and are on a seven-match unbeaten run against Friday nights opponents. Cardiff’s last win came in 2014. The last two meetings between these two sides have resulted in draws, and SkyBet are offering odds of a repeat result at 23/10.

The referee for this fixture is Keith Stroud. The 50-year old has appeared in seven matches so far this season, awarding a total of seventeen yellow cards. This considered, I would recommend a maximum of 40+ booking points for this clash.

This match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football, with Kick-off scheduled to take place at 19:45 BST.

Prediction: Cardiff City 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday.

Suggested Tips – Cardiff City vs Sheffield Wednesday – (BET365)

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

Suggested Tips – Cardiff City vs Sheffield Wednesday – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – 1-1, 2-2 or 3-3 draw – 3/1.
  • Popular Player Stat RequestABet – Flint to score a header and Sheffield Wednesday to score a penalty – 125/1.
  • Price Boost – Adam Reach to score from outside the penalty area – 12/1.
  • Price Boost – Aden Flint to score a header – 14/1.
  • Combined Player Tackle Multiples – Sean Morrison and Sam Hutchinson to make 5+ tackles between them – 3/1.
  • BTTS in first half – Yes – 7/2.
  • Half time/full time – draw/draw – 4/1.

Market last updated at 13:56 BST on Friday 18th October 2019.

by ·Comments Off on Newcastle United vs Manchester United – Match Preview
Newcastle United vs Manchester United - Sunday 6th September 2019, FA Premier League, St James' Park. Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 16:30 BST.

Newcastle United vs Manchester United
Sunday 6th October 2019
FA Premier League, St James Park

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

Newcastle United return to St James’ Park this weekend as they host Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Steve Bruce’s side currently sit 19th in the league and are winless in their last four PL encounters. They are facing a Manchester United side who before this fixture have a Europa League group game to contend with. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side travel to Holland as they face AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night, and will be hoping his side don’t suffer any kind of European hangover, regardless of the result.

United come into this fixture following a disappointing run in the league, which has seen them fall to 10th in the table. Since their opening day 4-0 win over Chelsea, United have won once since, that victory coming against Leicester in the middle of September. Solskjaer’s side are without a win in their last two, following the draw with Arsenal, and their defeat to West Ham.

The arrival of defenders Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Leicester and Crystal Palace respectively was a breath of fresh air to United fans, and a welcomed defensive improvement they have been so desperate to see. Maguire has looked solid and has regularly demonstrated his leadership capabilities, often the one seen organising and barking orders at his colleagues. For a combined fee of £130 million, it’s important their showings remain consistent for the entirety of this campaign, as well as the next, because United don’t want to be second fiddle to their Manchester rivals Manchester City, or Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool for too much longer.

Manchester United possess the better recent record between the two sides and completed a league double over the Magpies last season; the first time they have done so since the 2014/15 campaign. The Red Devils have lost once in their last nine encounters against Newcastle and will be hoping they can continue their impressive form against this weekend’s opponents, and claim a much-needed victory.

This weekend’s referee is Mike Dean. Dean has appeared in six PL fixtures so far this season, awarding twenty-three yellow cards and two red cards in these matches. The 51-year old has already officiated both sides already this season and awarded a combined total of eight yellow cards in the two separate fixtures (four each). This considered, I would recommend a minimum of 30+ booking points for this fixture.

This match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on Sunday afternoon, with kick off scheduled to take place at 16:30 BST.

Prediction: Newcastle United 0-2 Manchester United.

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

  • First Goalscorer – Daniel James – (link no longer available).
  • Correct score – Manchester United 2-0 – (link no longer available).

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

  • Correct score group betting – Manchester United to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 7/4.
  • To Score and Win – Paul Pogba – 3/1.
  • Player to be Carded – Matt Ritchie – 12/5.

by ·Comments Off on Southampton vs Chelsea – Match Preview
Southampton vs Chelsea - Sunday 6th September 2019, FA Premier League, St Mary's Stadium. Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 14:00 BST.

Southampton vs Chelsea
Sunday 6th October 2019
FA Premier League, St Mary’s Stadium

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

Chelsea return to Premier League action this weekend as they travel to Southampton on Sunday afternoon.

It’s a quick turnaround for the Blues, as they have no time to dwell on Wednesday night’s Champions League win over Lille. Instead, attention turns straight back to the Premier League, where Chelsea’s pursuit of the top 4 continues.

Frank Lampard will be hoping his side don’t ensure any kind of Champions League hangover following their midweek clash against Lille. Chelsea look to have put their slow start to the Premier League season behind them and have only lost once in their last seven PL matches, that defeat coming at the hands of league leaders Liverpool in September. Their opponents Southampton have suffered a slight dip in form and have lost their last two PL matches. Saints have already displayed they can mix it with the big boys this season. They drew 1-1 with Manchester United after playing a lengthy period with ten men, and a lack of any clinical edge prevented them from taking points off Liverpool at the end of August. This will be by no means an easy game for Frank Lampard’s youthful Chelsea side.

Tammy Abraham has started his Chelsea career emphatically, scoring seven times in the Premier League which includes his hat-trick against Wolves. The Chelsea frontman’s season total is only bettered by Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero with eight. Frank Lampard’s faith in his younger players is beginning to pay dividends, as Chelsea’s surge up the table continues, spearheaded by the fearless Abraham. SkyBet are offering odds of EVENS for Tammy Abraham to score on Sunday. Five of Abraham’s seven PL goals this season have come away from home.

The referee for Sunday afternoon’s clash is Paul Tierney. The 38-year old has overseen five PL fixtures so far this season, awarding seventeen yellow cards. This considered, I would recommend a maximum of 40+ booking points for this fixture. Tierney is yet to officiate any of these sides so far this season.

This match will be shown live on Sky Sports with kick off scheduled to take place at 14:00 BST on Sunday afternoon.

Prediction: Southampton 1-2 Chelsea

Suggested tips – Southampton vs Chelsea (BET365)

  • First goalscorer -Rodriguez Pedro – (link no longer available).
  • Correct score – Chelsea 2-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Southampton vs Chelsea (SKYBET)

  • Correct score group betting – Chelsea to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 21/10.
  • Both teams to score and U/O 3.5 goals – 2/1.
  • Goal in both halves – Chelsea – 13/8.
  • Scorecast boost – Tammy Abraham to score 2+ goals – 9/2.
  • Full time result and both teams to score – Chelsea to win & yes – 9/4.

Markets last updated on Friday 4th October 2019 at 12:00 BST.

by ·Comments Off on West Ham United vs Crystal Palace – Match Preview
West Ham United vs Crystal Palace - Saturday 5th October 2019, FA Premier League, London Stadium. Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 17:30 BST.

West Ham United vs Crystal Palace
Saturday 5th October 2019
FA Premier League, London Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick Off: 17:30 BST

West Ham United return to the London Stadium this weekend as they face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

The Hammers come into this weekends fixture in 5th place following an impressive six match unbeaten run, which includes the recent win over Manchester United. Their opponents Crystal Palace too find themselves on a positive run of form, losing once in their last five PL encounters. Roy Hodgson’s side currently find themselves 9th in the league table.

If last seasons clashes between these two sides are anything to go by, then we are in store for some goals this weekend. West Ham ran out 3-2 winners at home in December, and in the most recent fixture between the two in February ended as a 1-1 draw. In the last four fixtures between these two sides BTTS has landed in every match.

Additionally, West Ham boast an impressive unbeaten record against this weekend’s opponents. The Hammers are currently unbeaten in their last eight Premier League fixtures against Palace, their last defeat in this fixture coming in February of 2015.

West Ham’s defensive performances have been impressive thus far this campaign. The Hammers have registered three clean sheets in seven PL matches this season, giving them the joint best defensive record in the league so far. In comparison to last season, it took West Ham until the 15th of December for them to record their third clean sheet of the campaign, and this season they have done so by October. This just shows the progression Mauricio Pellegrino’s side have made. SkyBet are offering odds of 7/4 for West Ham to keep a clean sheet this weekend.

The man in the middle for this encounter is Michael Oliver. The 34-year old has taken charge of eight matches across three different competitions this season, and has awarded 33 yellow cards in the process, as well as one red card which came in a Europa League qualifier. This considered, I would suggest a minimum of 30+ booking points for this fixture.

I’m fully expecting West Ham to extend their unbeaten run and claim all three points in this one. Defensive they have looked strong, and their record this season justifies that. The Hammers have shown that their source of goals can come from anyone on the pitch they don’t just rely on the forwards for goals. West Ham could be in for an exciting season if they continue their positive start to the season.

Prediction: West Ham United 2-0 Crystal Palace.

This match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event on Saturday evening, with kick off scheduled to take place at 17:30 BST.

Suggested Tips – West Ham United vs Crystal Palace (BET365)

  • First Goal Scorer – Sebastien Haller – (link no longer available).
  • Correct score – West Ham United 2-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – West Ham United vs Crystal Palace (SKYBET)

  • Correct score group betting – West Ham to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 21/10.
  • 1st player carded – James McArthur – 9/1.
  • Price boost – Andriy Yarmalenko to score & West Ham to win – 14/5.

Markets last updated on Friday 4th October 2019 at 10:30 BST.

by ·Comments Off on Brighton vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview
Brighton vs Tottenham Hotspur - Saturday 5th October 2019, FA Premier League, Amex Stadium. Live on BT Sport 1 – Kick-Off: 12:30 BST.

Brighton vs Tottenham Hotspur
Saturday 5th October 2019
FA Premier League, Amex Stadium

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

Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action this weekend as they travel to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday lunchtime.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be hoping there will be no lasting damage from their Champions League midweek mauling at the hands of Bayern Munich. Tottenham were defeated 7-2 on home soil on Matchday two of the Champions’ League group stage, the biggest ever margin of defeat by an English team at home in any European competition.

Graham Potter’s Brighton side are yet to taste victory since their opening day triumph over Watford. The Seagulls are without a league win in their last six league matches, and in that time have also been knocked out of the Carabao Cup, at the hands of Aston Villa.

Spurs currently sit 6th in the Premier League standings and claimed a much-needed win in the last round of fixtures, where they defeated Southampton 2-1. Inconsistency has been Spurs’ Achilles heel so far this season. They followed up the gritty, spirited 2-2 draw away to last seasons Champions Manchester city with a home defeat to Newcastle, and have failed to win any of their two CL group games.

Despite Spurs’ inconsistencies there has been one constant throughout, and that has been Harry Kane’s goalscoring return. Kane’s goal on Tuesday night means that the Englishman has scored eleven goals in his last eleven matches for club and country, which is quite the return. Kane has netted three times already this season and is priced at 14/5 on SkyBet to score first. Additionally, Harry Kane netted in this fixture last season.

Recent form between these two sides suggests Tottenham are heavy favourites to grab all three points. Spurs are unbeaten in their last six matches against Brighton, and the unbeaten run stretches way back to April 1983.

The referee for Saturday lunchtime’s encounter is Jonathan Moss. The 48-year old had taken charge of five Premier League matches already this season and has awarded 21 yellow cards and two red cards; an average of just over four yellow card per match. This considered, I would recommend a minimum of 30+ booking points for this fixture. Moss has yet to take charge of Spurs this season but did officiate Brighton’s 4-0 away defeat to Manchester City, where he awarded two yellow cards.

This match will be shown live on BT Sport 1 with kick off scheduled to take place at 12:30 BST on Saturday lunchtime.

Prediction: Brighton 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur.

Suggested tips – Brighton vs Tottenham Hotspur (BET365):

  • First Goalscorer – Son Heung-Min  – (link no longer available).
  • Correct score – Tottenham 2-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Brighton vs Tottenham Hotspur (SKYBET):

  • Price Boosts – Son Heung-Min to score and Tottenham to win in 90 minutes – 7/2.
  • Correct Score Group Betting -Tottenham to win 1-0, 2-0, or 2-1 – 21/10.
  • 1st half player shots on target – Neal Maupay and Son Heung-Min to have 1+ shots on target in the first half – 9/2.
  • Scorecast Boost (Double Chance) – Christian Eriksen to score first and Tottenham to win 3-1 – 150/1.

by ·Comments Off on Fulham vs Charlton Athletic – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - Fulham vs Charlton Athletic - Saturday 5th October 2019 - Sky Bet Championship game at Craven Cottage.

Fulham vs Charlton Athletic
Saturday 5th October 2019
Sky Bet Championship, Craven Cottage

Live on Sky Sports Main Event – Kick Off: 12:30 BST

Fulham return to Craven Cottage this weekend as they face Charlton Athletic in the SkyBet Championship on Saturday lunchtime.

Both sides come into this weekend’s clash following contrasting midweek results in the Championship. Fulham were victorious away at Reading, winning 4-1, meanwhile Charlton were defeated 1-0 by league leaders Swansea City at the Valley.

As it’s always the case in the Championship, it is so very tight at both ends of the table already, but it’s the top half which these two sides will be most concerned about. Only four points separate Swansea City who sit top of the pile, and Charlton who find themselves in 8th, with the margin for error as minimal as ever.

Fulham have regained their focus following their slow start to this Championship campaign. Since the opening day defeat to Barnsley, Scott Parkers side are unbeaten in the league, and currently sit 5th, firmly in the thick of a constantly developing play-off battle, with a hatful sides believing this could be their year.

The last time these two sides faced each other was in November 2017, and it was Charlton who were victorious on the day, winning 3-2 in the Football League trophy. However, in the meetings beforehand it was the Cottagers who had the lions share of success, with a ten-match unbeaten run which stretched from 2005-2016. In three of the last four meetings between the two, BTTS has landed therefore this is a market I would recommend for this one.

If Charlton are to get a result this weekend, it looks like they are going to have to do so without their talisman, Lyle Taylor. The 29-year old has been side-lined since the beginning of September with a knee ligament injury and sat out Tuesday night’ defeat to Swansea. It’s a blow for the Addicks, as Taylor made a substantial contribution to their success of last season, scoring 24 goals in 42 appearances, as well as clinching the club’s player of the year award.

The man in charge of this fixture is Keith Stroud. The 50-year old has officiated three Championship matches so far this season, awarding seven yellow cards in the process. This considered, I would recommend a maximum of 40+ booking points for this fixture.

This match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event, with kick-off scheduled to take place at 12:30 BST on Saturday lunchtime.

Prediction: Charlton 1-2 Fulham.

Suggested Tips – Fulham vs Charlton Athletic (BET365)

  • First goalscorer – Ivan Cavaleiro – (link no longer available).
  • Correct score – Fulham to win 2-1 –(link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Fulham vs Charlton Athletic (SKYBET)

  • Fulham price boost – Fulham to win and BTTS – 9/4.
  • Correct score group betting – Fulham to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 7/4.
  • Combined player tackle multiples – Tim Ream, Harry Arter and Ben Purrington to make 10+ tackles between them – 8/1.
  • Scorecast boost – Aleksandar Mitrovic to score first, and Fulham to win 3-1 – 33/1.
  • Player to be carded – Dennis Odoi – 10/3.

Markets last updated on Friday 4th October 2019 at 14:30 BST.

by ·Comments Off on Birmingham City vs Middlesbrough – Match Preview
Match Betting Preview - Birmingham City vs Middlesbrough - Friday 4th October 2019 - Sky Bet Championship game at St Andrew's.

Birmingham City vs Middlesbrough
Friday 4th October 2019
Sky Bet Championship, St Andrew’s

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

Birmingham City return to St Andrews on Friday night as they host Middlesbrough in the SkyBet Championship.

Both sides come into Friday evening’s fixture following a mixed set of results on Tuesday night, where both failed to win their respective matches. Boro drew 1-1 at home with Preston, whereas Blues were defeated 1-0 away at Wigan. The recent form of these two sides has been poor to say the least. Middlesbrough have won one of their last six matches, and they currently sit 19th in the Championship. Meanwhile Birmingham have lost each of their last three matches, and will want to return to winning ways, beginning with Friday night.

Birmingham’s Lukas Jutkiewicz has started this Championship season with three goals in eight matches. There is an added responsibility on the shoulders this season for the 30-year old, following the departure of last seasons top scorer Che Adams, who joined Southampton in the summer. Jutkiewicz netted fourteen times for Blues last season but failed to score in both encounters with Friday night’s opponents. Jutkiewicz to score anytime is priced at 2/1 on SkyBet.

If the recent head to head form between these two sides is anything to go by, then Middlesbrough will be fancying their chances ahead of this encounter. Boro have completed a league double over Birmingham for the last two seasons and are unbeaten in their last ten matches against them, a run which stretches back to March 2013.

The most recent meeting between the two was in January at St Andrews, where Middlesbrough came away with a 2-1 victory; a result which they will be desperate to repeat on Friday evening. Middlesbrough to win, and BTTS is priced at 7/1 on SkyBet.

The referee for this fixture is Jeremy Simpson. Simpson has taken charge of two Championship matches so far this season, administering six yellow cards in the process. This considered, I would recommend a maximum of 40+ booking points for this fixture.

This game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports football on Friday evening with kick-off scheduled to take place at 19:45 BST.

Despite the uninspiring form of these two sides I am predicting Birmingham to return to winning ways and claim all three points on Friday night. Middlesbrough’s form in general has been poor this season, and they have failed to win away from home this campaign. Under the lights, and on home soil I am expecting Birmingham to grab the win.

Prediction: Birmingham City 2-1 Middlesbrough.

Suggested Tips – Birmingham City vs Middlesbrough – (BET365)

  • First goalscorer – Alvaro Gimenez – (link no longer available).
  • Correct score – Birmingham City 2-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Birmingham City vs Middlesbrough – (SKYBET)

  • Birmingham Price Boost – Birmingham to win and BTTS – 11/2.
  • Correct Score Group Betting – Birmingham to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 21/10.
  • Both Players to Score – Britt Assombalonga and Lukas Jutkiewicz both to score – 9/1.
  • To score 2+ goals – Middlesbrough – 21/10.
  • Half Time / Full Time – Birmingham/Birmingham – 11/4.
  • Away Over Corners Taken – 6+ Middlesbrough corners – 11/8.

Markets last updated on Friday 4th October 2019 at 10:00 BST.