by ·Comments Off on Manchester City vs Newcastle Utd – Match Preview

Manchester City vs Newcastle Utd in the Premier League this Saturday evening from the Etihad as City look to restore normal order after their defeat to Liverpool last week.

After finally surrendering their unbeaten Premier League record, Pep Guardiola will want his side to return to winning ways. Despite their defeat at Anfield, most of the recent talk has been about City’s pursuit of Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean forward now looks set to join City neighbours Manchester United after City refused to match the Red Devils offer for the Arsenal forward. Without Sanchez, City have Aguero as their only fit senior striker. Gabriel Jesus is expected back in the next month, which means they will probably wait until the summer before bolstering their striking options.

Aguero has been below average in the last few games and needs to get back to his best Photo Credit: skysports.com

Sunday’s defeat came as a shock to most, with City surrendering the game within a frantic nine-minute spell. What struck me most during the game was the lack of leadership on the field for City. Without both Vincent Kompany and David Silva, there was nobody to get hold of the players around them and calm them down. If City could have managed to regain some composure after Mane’s goal, they may have come away with something from the game. It was just an off day for the Citizens, with a number of players failing to meet the standards they’ve set for themselves this season. It happens, the most important thing is how they react.

Despite just one defeat from their last five league games, Newcastle sit just three points above the drop zone. Whilst nobody will be expecting Rafa Benitez’s men to get anything from the Etihad, it’s important they put in a good performance. They currently sit in 15th, three points above the relegation zone, but also three points from tenth, underlining how tight this year’s battle to beat the drop is. With fixtures against relegation rivals to come, it’s vital the Toon carry as much momentum as possible going into those fixtures. Yes, it won’t be games against teams of City’s calibre that will decide their fate, but they could still prove influential at the end of the season.

Joselu grabbed a goal against Swansea in the last fixture Photo Credit: skysports.com

City have lost just one of their 22 meetings with Newcastle and haven’t lost at home in the league against them since 2000. In their last four fixtures at the Etihad, City have racked up 19 goals, including a 6-1 win in October 2015. Despite only refereeing eight Premier League matches this season, Paul Tierney is the man in the middle for Saturday tea-time game. Tierney has averaged just 2.8 yellow cards this season and is yet to send anyone off. Only Tierney and Chris Kavanagh have refereed eight matches this season, whilst every other official has managed nine or more games.

Despite last week’s defeat, I think City will get back to winning ways here. They have a particularly strong record against Newcastle at home, and I think Benitez will have his mind firmly fixed on more important fixtures to come.

 

Prediction: Manchester City 4-1 Newcastle United

 

Suggested Tips

(SKYBET)

CORRECT SCORE – CITY TO WIN 4-1- 12/1

AGUERO TO SCORE A BRACE- 13/8

STERLING TO SCORE AND CITY TO WIN 3-0- 17/1

BTTS AND CITY TO WIN- 5/4

CITY TO WIN BY THREE OR MORE GOALS- 10/11

SANE AND DE BRUYNE TO BOTH SCORE- 4/1

BET365

EXACT TOTAL GOALS – 5 GOALS- (link no longer available)

TO SCORE AT ANYTIME- JAMAAL LASCELLES- (link no longer available) 

FIRST GOALSCORER – RAHEEM STERLING- (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on Brighton vs Chelsea – Match Preview
Brighton vs Chelsea

Saturday’s early kick off sees Brighton vs Chelsea from the Amex Stadium. Without a win in four games in the Premier League, can the Seagulls gain a much needed win?

After a bright start to the season, the Seagulls have struggled of late, registering just one victory from their last 12 league games. With just six points separating 18th and 10th place, the race to avoid the drop is tighter than ever. Brighton sit in 16th place, just three points above Stoke who occupy the final relegation spot.

Izquierdo has been in good form for the Seagulls so far this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Goals have been the issue for Chris Hughton’s side, with Brighton managing just 17 goals from their 23 games, the second lowest in the division. Defensively they’ve been sound conceding just 29 goals, the eighth best in the league. With the defence sorted, it’s imperative Hughton signs a goal-scorer this window if he wants to cement Brighton’s second consecutive season in the top flight. Glenn Murray has done well but with only six league goals, he needs help to secure their status in the top flight.

Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Leicester last weekend meant the club had drawn three consecutive blanks for the first time in the club’s history. Two cup draws followed by their stalemate at Stamford Bridge means the Blues are without a win in four games. Now down to fourth, Chelsea need to rekindle their attacking fire if they’re to ensure a top-four finish this season. They sit level on points with Liverpool and three points behind second-placed Manchester United. However, with Tottenham breathing down their necks, three points behind them, it’s important that Conte gets his side firing again.

Hazard has not been the same in the last few games, underperforming for Chelsea Photo Credit: skysports.com

Alvaro Morata has now gone five games without a goal. With just two strikes in his last ten games, the Spaniard is going through a lean spell in front of goal. A red card in the FA Cup replay against Norwich showed his frustration in front of goal. Conte clearly doesn’t trust Michy Batshuayi having opted to play Eden Hazard as a false nine instead of his Belgian teammate, the club may look to bolster their options in January. My guess is they may wait until the summer, but it’s clear that Morata needs some help and if Conte isn’t confident with Batshuayi then they need to sign a replacement.

Chelsea have never lost a league game against Brighton. They beat the Seagulls 2-0 in the reverse fixture in December, which is the two clubs only meeting in the Premier League era. One ray of hope for Brighton is Chelsea haven’t won an away game since their 3-1 victory against Huddersfield on December the 12th. Whilst they haven’t lost any of those games either, Brighton’s strong home form could offer them some confidence.

John Moss will referee Saturday’s lunchtime fixture. Moss has the third highest average booking points total this season with 39.4 points per game. Despite only showing one red card in his 16 matches this season, he has averaged 3.6 yellow cards a game.

With Chelsea not at their best recently, I think we could see a surprise result on Saturday. Brighton have been playing well without picking up the results and I think they could grab a point in front of their home crowd.

 

Prediction: Brighton 1-1 Chelsea

SUGGESTED TIPS

(SKYBET)

CORRECT SCORE DRAW 1-1- 13/2

HAZARD TO SCORE FIRST AND CHELSEA TO WIN 2-0- 12/1

BTTS AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 2/1

CHELSEA TO SCORE A PENALTY 5/1

MORATA TO SCORE AND WIN- 5/4

(BET365)

ANYTIME GOALSCORER – SHANE DUFFY – (link no longer available)

TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES – CHELSEA TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES – (link no longer available)

DOUBLE CHANCE – BRIGHTON OR DRAW – (link no longer available)

 

 

by ·Comments Off on Derby County vs Bristol City – Match Preview
Derby County vs Bristol City

The Friday evening fixture in the Skybet Championship comes from Pride Park with Derby County vs Bristol City. The Rams are in great form, can City stop them and gain a much needed win?

The hosts will be hoping to widen the gap between them and the play-off positions, as Wolves are a massive ten points ahead of the Rams at the top of the table. Bristol City will be hoping to turn their recent form around having lost their last four in all competitions, however they are still comfortable in the play-off positions.

Gary Rowett’s side have become a formidable force this season in the Championship. They currently sit in second place, with many fans hoping this will finally be the season they can see it all the way through. For years now they have constantly fallen at the final hurdle, however they seem to have a more solid and considered approach to their matches. Striker, Matej Vydra, is in the form of his life having scored 15 goals in the league; sharing the accolade of top scorer with Sheffield United’s Leon Clarke.

Matej Vydra is joint top scorer in the Skybet Championship alongside Sheff Utd’s Leon Clarke with 15 goals Photo Credit: skysports.com

The Rams have also been good at shutting up shop at the back, having conceded only 23 goals in their 27 league matches. They are the team no one will want to face right now; can they keep on marching forward?

Skybet Correct Scxore Group Betting – Derby to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 13/2

Bristol City have had an eventful January so far, with their eagerly awaited Carabao Cup second leg tie with Manchester City just around the corner. Bristol will want to head into that second leg with confidence, and a win against Derby would give them just that. Just like their opponents, they have a talisman playing well in Bobby Reid who has 12 goals and 3 assists in the league.

Reid has 12 goals so far this season for Bristol City and will be a real threat to the Derby defence Photo Credit: skysports.com

However, their recent form makes for grim reading and they will have to quickly tighten things up against an organised Derby side. Can Lee Johnson’s men turn their fortunes around, having given a great account of themselves in their last televised match against Manchester City?

Skybet Match Result – Bristol City to Win – 13/5

 

Score Prediction: 2-1 win for Derby. Both sides like to attack however recent form and fatigue will give the Rams the upper hand.

Both Derby County and Bristol City have scored two or more goals in 51% of their SkyBet Championship matches.

Derby County have been awarded an average of 4.9 corners per match and Bristol City have been awarded an average of 5.6 corners.

Darren England will take charge of the fixture. England has awarded an average of 39.7 booking points in his 17 Championship matches.

 

Suggested Tips

(SkyBet)

  • Both Players to Score – Vydra and Reid – 6/1
  • Penalty Specials – A Penalty Awarded – 5/2
  • Full Time Result and BTTS – Derby and Yes – 10/3

(BET365)

  • Alternative Total Goals – Over 3.5 – (link no longer available)
  • Anytime Goalscorer – Jamie Paterson – (link no longer available)
  • To Score in Both Halves – Derby to score in both halves – (link no longer available)

 

by ·Comments Off on Manchester United vs Stoke City – Match Preview
Manchester United vs Stoke City

Monday night’s Premier League match comes from Old Trafford with Manchester United vs Stoke City. Utd will try to close the gap on the leaders whilst Stoke will be hoping to impress any impending manager the club are pursuing.

Following Manchester City’s dramatic 4-3 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, Jose Mourinho’s men can move closer to their noisy neighbours with a win. Perhaps more importantly, three points would move the Red Devils three points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool who occupy third and fourth place. After back to back wins against Everton and Derby County it’s vital that United take maximum points with a number of favourable looking fixtures ahead of them. Whilst there’s very little chance of them catching City, making sure they cement second place could be vital ahead of next season.

Lingard has been Utd’s best player over the past month with his goals and performances Photo Credit: skysports.com

Whilst City may have beaten United to this season’s league title, Mourinho looks set to bolster his squad with the signing of Alexis Sanchez. After months of speculation linking the Chilean to City, it appears United have stolen the march on their noisy neighbours. With the Arsenal forward’s contract up in the summer, as little as 30 million pounds could see Sanchez become the first Arsenal player to swap London for Manchester since Robin Van Persie. We all know how that went.

Last week’s FA Cup defeat saw the end of Mark Hughes’ time as Stoke boss. With the club yet to appoint a new manager. Talks with former Watford boss Quique Sanchez-Flores have broken down, whilst reported target Gary Rowett has signed a new deal with Derby. Most of the teams around the Potters picked up points this weekend, with Southampton, West Brom and Swansea avoiding defeat.

Choupo-Moting is Stoke’s top scorer with four, joint with Peter Crouch Photo Credit: skysports.com

Those results have only dragged Stoke further into the mire. They currently occupy the final relegation spot, only three clear off the bottom of the table. It’s vital that the Coates family source the man who can keep the club in the Premier League. Now, half-way through January, Stoke need to find a new coach. Time is running out for them to bolster their squad and a new coach will want to assess his squad before dipping into the market. That could be too late and could leave the club relying on those already in the squad to bail them out.

Manchester United have won just two of their last eight games against Stoke, drawing five and losing twice. Stoke, however, haven’t won at Old Trafford since 1976 and have lost on eight of their last nine visits. Anthony Taylor is in charge of the game on Monday night, which could be good for those interested in booking points. Taylor has issued the most yellow cards in the division, averaging at four per game. He has the fifth highest total booking points average, however, having not produced a red card yet this season.

Whilst Stoke will set up to try and make things hard for United, their quality should shine through. Stoke look like a side bereft of ideas at the moment and until they have a new man in charge, I don’t see that changing.

 

Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Stoke

Suggested Tips

(SkyBet)

CORRECT SCORE UNITED TO WIN 3-0- 6/1

LINGARD TO SCORE FIRST- 7/1

ROJO AND WIMMER BOTH TO BE CARDED- 18/1

POGBA TO SCORE OUTSIDE THE AREA- 11/2

UNITED TO WIN TO NIL- 10/11

LUKAKU TO SCORE FIRST AND UNITED TO WIN 4-1- 28/1

(BET365)

TOTAL GOALS AND BTTS – OVER 2.5 AND NO – (link no longer available)

ANYTIME GOALSCORER – JOE ALLEN – (link no longer available)

HALF TIME/ FULL TIME – DRAW/MAN UNITED – (link no longer available)

DOUBLE CHANCE – DRAW OR STOKE – (link no longer available)10/3[/bet365oddslink]

by ·Comments Off on Liverpool vs Manchester City – Match Preview
Liverpool vs Manchester City

The league’s best attacking sides go head to head at Anfield with Liverpool vs Manchester City clashing this Sunday. We could be in for a goal fest this weekend!

Pep Guardiola’s men are still yet to lose in the league campaign, with a trip to Anfield likely to be one of their toughest tasks yet. After winning at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge already this season, if they can navigate this fixture without defeat, it’s tough to see who could stop them. It did, however, take a stoppage-time Sergio Aguero goal to see them past Bristol City in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. After going in at the break a goal behind, goals from Kevin De Bruyne and then Sergio Aguero sealed the win.

That result showed that there are ways of getting at this City side. Bristol City’s high-pressing game contained City for Guardiola’s side for large portions of the game and ultimately lead to them opening the scoring. With John Stones just back from injury and Eliaquim Mangala still looking out of place, City were far from convincing defensively, something Jurgen Klopp’s men will look to exploit.

De Bruyne, David Silva and Sane will be hoping to keep City’s undefeated streak going at Anfield Photo Credit: skysports.com

Liverpool sealed their place in the next round of the FA Cup after beating Everton. That win means the Reds have won five of their last six games, including their last four. Unbeaten since October, Liverpool will be hoping the signing of Virgil van Dijk can help continue that run. The 75-million-pound defender scored on his full debut last week and will help plug a leaky backline that has threatened to derail Liverpool’s top four hopes. Against City, Van Dijk will be put under the microscope as he is put up against the division’s finest attackers.

In attack, Liverpool will be hoping to welcome back Mohamad Salah after he missed last week’s derby win. They will obviously be without Phillipe Coutinho, who completed his move to Barcelona this week, but they have a number of players ready to step into his shoes for this game. There’s no doubt the little Brazilian will be missed on Merseyside, but with an abundance of attacking options and the January window open, I think Liverpool got the better end of the £142 million-pound deal. With Adam Lallana now back fit alongside Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, the Reds have plenty in reserve.

Can Mane, Salah and Firmino fill the void left by Coutinho? Photo Credit: skysports.com

Despite losing 5-0 in the reverse fixture last September, Liverpool have won five of their last nine meetings with City, losing just three times. Similarly, City haven’t won at Anfield since 2003, 15 years ago. Andre Marriner has been appointed as referee for this game. Marriner is regarded to be a calm, ‘safe pair of hands’ having only brandished one red card this season. He has also only shown 36 yellow cards in his 15 matches to date, averaging at 2.4 a game. He has the sixth lowest average booking points in the league, with 27.3 per game.

With both sides boasting such a wealth of attacking talent, there will be goals in this game. I think that it will end a draw, with both teams to score a very safe bet. I wouldn’t rule out btts in both halves either if you’re feeling lucky.

 

Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City

 

Suggested Tips

(SKYBET)

CORRECT SCORE DRAW 2-2- 9/1

BTTS AND OVER 3.5 GOALS- 5/2

AGUERO TO SCORE AND CITY TO WIN- 7/4

SALAH TO SCORE FIRST AND LIVERPOOL TO WIN 3-2- 80/1

BTTS IN BOTH HALVES- 8/1

MANE AND STERLING TO BOTH SCORE- 15/2

(BET365)

ANYTIME GOALSCORER – VIRGIL VAN DJIK – (link no longer available)

HALF TIME/FULL TIME – DRAW/DRAW – (link no longer available)

TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES – LIVERPOOL – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton – Match Preview
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton

Saturday’s evening kick off comes from Wembley Stadium with Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton. The Toffee’s are looking for their first win in 5 games.

Spurs come into this game with four wins from their last five games, having secured their place in the FA Cup fourth-round last time out. Mauricio Pochettino’s side find themselves three points outside the top four in fifth place, with Liverpool just ahead of them. With the Reds facing Manchester City on Sunday, it’s vital that Tottenham take advantage of any dropped points as they look to close the gap.

Kane has looked unstoppable in the past few games for Spurs Photo Credit: skysports.com

With games against Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal all to come at the beginning of February, Spurs need to make sure they take points of the teams they’re expected to beat. After Everton, they face trips to Southampton and then Newport in the FA Cup, two games they must win. If Pochettino wants to secure a third consecutive top-four finish, making sure they don’t lose against surrounding teams is vital. Spurs have only taken three points in games against ‘the big five’ having lost four of those. That record needs to improve.

After a fantastic start to life under Sam Allardyce, Everton have stalled in recent weeks. Without a win in five games, the Toffees have lost their last three. Last week’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby also means they’re out of the FA Cup. With Premier League consolidation the target, it’s important Allardyce uses this time to suss out his squad to prepare for next summer.

This game could also see the debut of new signing Cenk Tosun. The Turkish international has signed from Besiktas for a reported fee of 25 million pounds. Evertonians will be hoping their new striker can provide much-needed support for youngster Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as they look to replace the goals of Romelu Lukaku.

Everton’s new signing, Cenk Tosun, could feature against Spurs this Saturday Photo Credit: skysports.com

Tottenham are unbeaten in their last ten meetings with Everton, winning five and drawing five. The Toffees haven’t won away against Spurs since 2008. Craig Pawson will be the man in the middle at Wembley, with the Englishman holding the highest average booking points in the league. Having shown an average of 3.8 yellow cards and 0.2 red cards in his 16 games, Pawson finds himself top with an average of 44.4.

With Spurs in good form recently and with big games to follow, I think they’ll get the three points here. Everton don’t travel particularly well, having only won on the road once this season. I think over 2.5 goals is a good bet, with Spurs knocking in 16 goals in their last five home games.

 

Prediction: Tottenham 3-1 Everton

Suggested Tips

(SKYBET)

CORRECT SCORE – SPURS TO WIN 3-1- 10/1

KANE TO SCORE A BRACE- 9/4

ROONEY AND ALLI TO SCORE- 10/1

BTTS AND SPURS TO WIN- 21/10

TOTTENHAM TO WIN BY EXACTLY TWO GOALS- 11/4

(BET365)

OVER 2.5 GOALS – (link no longer available)

HALF TIME/ FULL TIME – DRAW/TOTTENHAM – (link no longer available)

ANYTIME GOALSCORER – GYLFI SIGURDSSON – (link no longer available)

FIRST GOALSCORER – HARRY KANE – (link no longer available)

 

by ·Comments Off on Sheffield Utd vs Sheffield Wednesday – Match Preview
Sheffield Utd vs Sheffield Wednesday

The Steel City derby takes place this Friday with Sheffield Utd vs Sheffield Wednesday in the Skybet Championship. New Wednesday manager Jos Luhukay faces a tough test in his first game in charge against their city rivals.

The Dutch manager has managed in Germany all his career, with teams in both the Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga. He is known as ‘the Bundesliga promotion expert’ in Germany, having guided Borussia Monchengladbach, Augsburg and Hertha Berlin into the top flight of German football. He has achieved promotion with every club he’s been at; a record that is unmatched in Germany.

Jos Luhukay is the new Sheffield Wednesday manager, taking over from Carlos Carvalhal Photo Credit: skysports.com

With Hertha Berlin, he steered the club back to the top flight at the first time of asking, achieving the record number of points in the division’s history with 76 points from 34 games. Luhukay’s sole focus is to get Wednesday back into the Premier League, as soon as possible. With the Owls currently sitting in 16th place, 13 points off the play-offs, it’s unlikely that it will be this season. Luhukay will be able to use the rest of the campaign to assess his squad before the summer transfer window.

Wednesday come into this game with more than 10 first-team absentees. Injuries to Wednesday has been a factor in their lowly league position. They will be without a number of key players at Bramall Lane with Barry Bannan, Sam Hutchinson, Tom Lees, Kieran Lee, Gary Hooper and Fernando Forestieri just a few of the big names missing.

After their memorable 4-2 win at Hillsborough earlier in the season, Sheffield United will be hoping to do the double over their arch-rivals. A win would also move the Blades back into the play-off places and up to fifth. Chris Wilder could give a debut to new signing Ryan Leonard after the former Southend playmaker completed his move last week. Lee Evans looks to be on his way to Bramall Lane from Wolves but a deal has not been completed yet.

Clarke scored a brace in the reverse fixture when Sheff Utd won 4-2 at Hillsborough Photo Credit: skysports.com

Despite only winning two of their last ten games in all competitions, United coming into this game in the best form. Of those ten games, Chris Wilder’s side also drew three of them, including points against promotion rivals, Aston Villa and Derby County. Wednesday, by contrast, have collected just seven points from their last ten league games, with only one win in that time.

David Coote will be in charge of the Steel City derby. Coote has just the one red card to his name, to John Fleck of Sheff Utd and has shown an average of 3.9 yellow cards a game, with his average booking points total at 41.1.

Whilst I think this will be a much tighter affair than some have predicted, I think Sheffield United will get the win. It is, however, certainly the platform for Luhukay to make a name for himself.

 

Prediction: Sheffield United 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday

 

Suggested Tips

(SkyBet)

CORRECT SCORE UNITED TO WIN 2-1- 15/2

CLARKE TO SCORE FIRST AND DRAW 1-1- 18/1

RHODES TO SCORE AND WIN- 11/1  

DONALDSON AND REACH TO BOTH SCORE- 14/1

BTTS IN BOTH HALVES- 20/1– (Happened last time)

BTTS AND WEDNESDAY TO WIN- 8/1

(BET365)

 TOTAL GOALS/BTTS – OVER 2.5 AND YES – (link no longer available)

 HALF TIME/FULL TIME – SHEFF UTD/DRAW – (link no longer available)

 FULL TIME RESULT – DRAW – (link no longer available)

by ·Comments Off on Carabao Cup – Chelsea vs Arsenal – Semi Final 1st Leg Preview
Chelsea vs Arsenal

One week on from their thrilling 2-2 draw at the Emirates, the London derby between Chelsea vs Arsenal takes place again in the semi-final 1st leg of the Carabao Cup.

After stuttering to a 0-0 draw against Norwich at the weekend, Conte will expect a better display against the Gunners. Having picked up the league title in his first year, Conte will be desperate to gain silverware again this year. With retaining the Premier League becoming an unrealistic target, Conte must turn his full attention to the cup competitions. Having rested a number of key players in Saturday’s draw at Carrow Road, Chelsea should be fresh as they look to earn themselves a strong lead ahead of the second-leg.

Luiz saw red in the last game at the Bridge which finished 0-0 Photo Credit: skysports.com

Despite playing weakened sides in the previous round, I expect Chelsea to be full strength on Wednesday. Now in the last four of the competition, Chelsea have a really good chance to secure their first League Cup since 2015. Then, under Mourinho, Chelsea went on to secure the double as they beat Tottenham in the final at Wembley.

Against Arsenal last week, Conte opted for a 3-5-2 formation, a system he has used more regularly this season. With Arsenal’s defensive frailties there for all to see, I wonder if he might opt for a 3-4-3, the formation that he used so successfully last year as Chelsea became Champions. This would likely see Cesc Fabregas replaced by Willian or Pedro, as they join Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata in attack.

Giroud scored Arsenal’s only goal in the 3-1 loss last season at Stamford Bridge Photo Credit: skysports.com

An embarrassing FA Cup loss to Nottingham Forest means Arsenal will be determined to make amends. Wenger fielded an inexperienced and inferior team as they were dumped out by Gary Brazil’s side. Arsenal will look towards the Europa League and this competition as they search to add to their trophy cabinet.

Stats

Chelsea are without a win in their last four meetings against Arsenal. They have lost only one of those games, with that defeat coming last May in the FA Cup final. In the league though, it’s a different story, with Arsenal winning only once in the clubs last 14 fixtures. Their last win at Stamford Bridge also came back in 2011, which was their last league victory against the Blues. With the cup contests seeming to be Arsenal’s best avenue against Chelsea, they’ll hope for a similar result tonight.

The last six meetings between the pair have seen 16 goals, averaging at almost three a game.  BTTS and Chelsea to win is a good bet, with Arsenal not winning on their last six visits to the Bridge.

 

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal

Suggested Tips (SkyBet)

 CORRECT SCORE- CHELSEA TO WIN 2-1- 7/1

 BTTS AND CHELSEA TO WIN- 9/4

 MORATA TO SCORE FIRST AND CHELSEA TO WIN 3-1- 33/1

 SANCHEZ AND HAZARD BOTH TO SCORE- 7/1

 LACAZETTE TO SCORE AND WIN- 5/1

 ARSENAL TO WIN AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 11/2

by ·Comments Off on FA Cup – Brighton vs Crystal Palace – Match Preview
FA Cup - Brighton vs Crystal Palace - Match Preview

Brighton vs Crystal Palace in FA Cup action this Monday night as the two Premier League sides face off for a chance to progress into the 4th round at the Community Stadium.

Both sides are enjoying decent domestic campaigns and as a result, a cup run would definitely encourage both clubs and sets of fans. Brighton and Hove Albion have had a solid run of form entering this fixture, but it seems like some changes will occur.

After such a busy Premier League festive period, certain key players could have a well deserved rest. Above all, one standout performer for Brighton this season has been striker Glenn Murray who has scored six league goals this campaign so far. Winger Anthony Knockaert has also caught the attention of many pundits because of his non stop work ethic and ability to find the back of the net. Currently sitting at a comfortable 12th position in the league standings, a nice cup victory would be something else for the fans to be proud of.

Murray has been in good form for Brighton, with great support from his team mates Photo Credit: skysports.com

Skybet Match Result – Brighton to Win – 13/8

Like a Phoenix from the ashes, Crystal Palace’s turn in form in recent times has been admirable. Roy Hodgson has done a stellar job thus far, therefore seeing his side climb from rock bottom to 14th. They are getting the reputation for being a giant slayer, because of the many upsets against the top sides already this year.

Palace fans have shown their delight with the improvement in performances and no more than Luka Milivojevic who has bossed games from the entirety of the park. Palace often don’t do fantastically in cup competitions but it would be a good idea to back them in an away win with the odds as high as they are. Can Hodgson continue the momentum?

Luka Milivojevic has been at the heart of Palace’s fine form, holding the midfield together Photo Credit: skysports.com

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Palace to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 5/2

Stats

The Seagulls have scored two or more goals at home in 27% of their Premier League fixtures this season. Palace have only scored two or more in 18% of their away league matches this year.

 The hosts have received an average of 3.4 corners in their Premier League matches this year. Crystal Palace have received an average of 6 corners.

 Andre Marriner will take charge of this fixture. He’s awarded an average of 27.6 booking points this season.

 Brighton vs Crystal Palace will also see VAR (Video Assistant Referee) to help the referees in their decision making for the first time in a competitive game in English football.

 

Score Prediction- Brighton 1 – 2 Crystal Palace – Palace’s speed on the counter with Wilfried Zaha will cause an away upset.

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Correct Score – Palace to Win 2-1 – 11/1
  • Skybet Price Boost – Christian Benteke to Score a Header – 15/2
  • Skybet Price Boost – Brighton to Win 3-1 – 33/1
  • Skybet Featured RequestAbet – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 11/1
  • Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – Over 1.5 goals, 3+ Brighton corners, 5+ Crystal Palace corners and 10+ booking points each team – 11/4
  • Skybet RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 – BTTS, 2+ corners each team in each half and 20+ booking points each team – 18/1
  • Skybet Penalty Specials – A Penalty Awarded – 5/2
  • Skybet Both Players to Assist a Goal – Jose Izquierdo & Wilfried Zaha – 28/1
  • Skybet Player Carded Accumulators – Dale Stephens and Luka Milivojevic both to be carded – 16/1

by ·Comments Off on FA Cup – Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – Match Preview

FA Cup – Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – Match Preview – The most successful team in FA Cup history and current holders Arsenal begin the defence of their crown against manager-less Championship side Nottingham Forest.

The most successful manager in FA Cup history, Arsene Wenger, has built an incredibly legacy in the competition with a remarkable seven tournament wins – bolstered by Arsenal’s recent dominance of three victories in the past four seasons.

Walcott could start against Forest and could also be on his way out of Arsenal this transfer window Photo Credit: skysports.com

With Wenger’s time inevitably coming to a close, and with Arsenal’s current league standing – 6th position, an unfathomable 23 points adrift of leaders Manchester City – cup competitions could well be the only opportunity for the legendary French manager to add to his trophy haul before departing.

Two-time winners of the FA Cup, The Reds last made the final of the competition in 1990/91 – losing 2-1 to Tottenham Hostpur – but the current state of affairs at the club is a far cry from the iconic Brian Clough era.

Now 14th in the Championship, Forest have sacked Mark Warburton and are looking for their 14th different manager since the summer of 2011. Their record of losing 14 games in the league this season is dismal – only 23rd place Birmingham City have lost more.

The cup, as always, offers a chance for fans to get behind the team and possibly rejuvenate a team that, in recent history, is in dire need of some positivity. What better opportunity is there than to beat the FA Cup winners Arsenal at the City Ground?

Can Murphy strike his side into the next round against the Gunners Photo Credit: skysports.com

Forest will have their work massively cut out for them, not only have Arsenal only lost once to The Reds since 1991 in 13 attempts, but The Gunners haven’t been knocked out of the FA Cup at the first time of asking (3rd round) since the 1995/96 season. It would take something remarkable to change that here.

Stats 

Whilst only four sides in the Premier League have picked up more clean sheets than Arsenal’s nine this season, they have conceded in each of their past four matches (a total of eight goals) and the defence is always vulnerable or prone to make a mistake. Forest should not fear attacking the Arsenal back-line.

Realistically, the real danger will be Arsenal’s potent attack against a Forest defence that has only kept five clean sheets in the Championship all season – the teams joint-bottom of the clean sheet table in the division have kept four.

Neither side has been evoked too much response from referees this season, Forest have been awarded 43 yellow cards to Arsenal’s 31 and neither side have picked up a red in the league this year. However, in a heated FA Cup tie with the possibility of a giant killing at hand, the potential for things to flare up is there for all to see.

 

Prediction – Nottingham Forest 1-3 Arsenal

 

Suggested Tips

  • Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Notts Forest to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 13/2
  • Skybet Penalty Specials – A Penalty Awarded – 2/1
  • Skybet Total Goals, Corners Taken and Booking Points – Over 2.5 Goals, Over 10.5 Corners and Over 35 Booking Points – 13/2
  • Skybet Both Players to Score – Daryl Murphy and Danny Welbeck – 11/2
  • Skybet Correct Score – Arsenal to Win 3-1 – 10/1