by ·Comments Off on PDC Perth Masters 2017 – Darts Preview
PDC Perth Masters 2017 - Darts Preview

PDC Perth Masters 2017 – Darts Preview – The PDC’s tour down under is coming to a close with the 2017 Perth Masters on ITV. Michael van Gerwen’s absence on this stretch of the tour has arguably seen a more level playing field in Auckland and Melbourne.

Kyle Anderson’s first major televised event victory came in Auckland after an enthralling final with local lad, Corey Cadby.  Phil Taylor then proved he is far from done in the darting world, as he lifted the trophy in Melbourne to add yet another honour to his dazzling collection.

With many of the World’s best at the oche, here are the outright odds that bet365 are offering on the 2017 Perth Masters:

To Win Outright – Gary Anderson – 5/2

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Anderson will be looking to reclaim that consistent form he is recognised for. Arguably the most talented in the tournament, there is no doubt he in unplayable on his day; his fast style, power scoring and ability on the doubles. ‘The Flying Scotsman’ poses a huge threat to his opponents however hasn’t capitalised on that fully in 2017. This could be the beginning of the revival.

To Win Outright – Phil Taylor – 3/1

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Phil Taylor has begun to claim some silverware on his ‘lap of honour’ with the PDC before his announced retirement at the end of 2017. ‘The Power’ has illustrated that it isn’t over until it’s over; his recent World Matchplay and Melbourne victories proving so. Taylor will be hoping momentum will be on his side following Melbourne but faces stiff competition. It would be wonderful to see him lift another.

To Win Outright – Peter Wright – 3/1

Photo Credit: skysports.com

‘Peter Wright’ and ‘frustrating’ have been used far too often in the same sentence recently. ‘Snakebites’ ability is undeniable however his form is questionable. Often going through ebbs and flows, Wright will be craving a victory for a title such as this to kick start some momentum with one eye on the World Championships at the end of the year. He is very capable of making it look easy, but you never know with Wright at the moment.

To Win Outright – Daryl Gurney – 12/1

Photo Credit: skysports.com

I will continue to sing Gurney’s praises as he is just becoming better and better every time I watch him. The Northern Irishman has come agonisingly close to lifting a PDC title but as of yet his efforts have come to no avail. I am predicting his tenacity will soon see him win one as he has come so close so many times no, he will consider it not good enough if he doesn’t have an honour to his name come the end of the year. The dark-horse once more.

by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – York – 23rd August 2017
Horse Racing Preview - York -23rd August 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from York, with three selections from the meeting.

 

14.25 York – Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (Group 3)  (7f)

Ballydoyle oppose a serious threat of landing this race, but with twelve entries since 2000 and only one recorded win, you could not be backing Fleeting View with confidence. Fair enough, he has shown potential winning his last two races at The Curragh, however being unproven at this index around York will catch you out. Another negative is the sire War Front won only once around 7f which came in maiden company and was beaten on his other six contentions at the trip, definitely one for the layers in my opinion.

The one they all have to beat here, and the selection, is Mark Johnston’s Dee Ex Bee. I thought he looked a bit special when landing his maiden at Goodwood two weeks ago. The Sire Farhh was very adaptable on any ground and won his sole race as a juvenile over 7f, which was the only time he contested the distance. The form was franked at Salisbury when Richard Hannon’s Rogue came out and won, it is fair to say the top four finishers from that maiden look to have potential.

DEE EX BEE : 2pt Win @ 11/4 (BOG)

15.00 York – Betway Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2)  (11.9f)

With three of the past four favourites winning this race, this looks a big opportunity for John Gosden’s Cracksman to land his first win over 12f. With two attempts at the index, third in the Epsom Derby and just denied in the Irish equivalent being beaten a combined distance of just one length, you would have thought today is the day he gets his just deserved.

However, I am willing to take him on once more, and with Ballydoyle looking to bring in Spanish Steps as a pace maker, this opens the value bet on their other entry here, Venice Beach. Ryan Moore is 1-1 with the son of Galileo when landing the Chester Vase back in May. He took the scalp of Wings of Eagles who as we know won the Epsom Derby and has form around Cracksman, that form was reversed in the Derby, but that day he was the pacemaker.

Now he can come out of that shadow after running a close third in this year’s Group 1 Prix De Paris when going behind by just over a length. In front of him that day was King Edward VII Stakes winner Permian and the winner Shakeel was previously just denied in the Group 2 Prix Hocquart. I just think with Ryan Moore back in the plate he could be better than the 12/1 odds on offer here, very interesting contender indeed.

VENICE BEACH : 1pt each way @ 12/1 (William Hill) (BOG)

15.35 York – Juddmonte Intrnational Stakes  (Group 1) (10.3f)

The race that we all should be looking for to find the winner here is the Coral Eclipse, both Ulysses and Barney Roy go head to head once more, with Cliffs of Moher and Decorated Knight thrown into the mix. Derby runner up Cliffs of Moher gets just 7lb this time around from the 10lb he was receiving in the Eclipse, it’s a tough ask to think he could reverse that form and this goes for Decorated Knight also.

When Barney Roy and Ulysses met at Sandown there was only a nose separating them, the winner was conceding 10lb that afternoon, however this time around just 7lb is conceded and on that note you would have thought the form cannot be reversed, however Ulysses elected to go to Ascot when beaten in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes to the smart filly Enable, but Barney Roy elected to bypass the clash and has come with this race in mind, he is the one to beat for me in a tight affair.

Where do we go with Churchill? The way he finishes his races off you would have thought stepping up into this unknown territory is a good thing, for me I am not so sure. He looked to be toiling in the St James’s Palace when four and a half lengths behind Barney Roy. Moore stays loyal to the 2000 Guineas winner, but its only loyalty I’m afraid.

Cliffs of Moher probably goes down as an unlucky loser when runner up at Epsom, but has been put firmly in his place this year in the Eclipse by both Barney Roy and Ulysses.

BARNEY ROY : 4pt Win @ 11/4 (BOG)

 

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by ·Comments Off on UEFA Champions League Qualifier 2nd Leg – Liverpool vs Hoffenheim – Match Preview
UEFA Champions League Qualifier - Liverpool vs Hoffenheim - Match Preview

Liverpool vs Hoffenheim – Match Preview – Liverpool will be looking to finish the job this Wednesday in the second leg tie of their Champions League qualifier with Hoffenheim. Jurgen Klopp’s side were fortunate in many ways to come out victorious on their trip to Hamburg. A goal from youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold and an own goal was enough to see the Reds over the line. A missed penalty in the 12th minute from Hoffenheim winger, Andrej Kramaric was a lucky escape for the Scousers.

Firmino and Salah will be key to Liverpool’s qualification hopes Photo Credit: skysports.com

A dominant performance, yet narrow victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League has left many wondering if Klopp will make many changes for their all important second leg. Sadio Mane has continued his fine form in front of goal and is proving to be more and more invaluable to this Liverpool side. His frightening speed and dribbling ability is sure to cause the Germans’ defence some issues.

Skybet Both Players to Score- Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah – 7/2

Hoffenheim enjoyed a dream start to their Bundesliga campaign, beating Werder Bremen 1-0 in front of a home crowd. Andrej Kramaric nailed home an 84th minute winner in emphatic fashion to get his own campaign up and running. The ex-Leicester flop has rejuvenated his form in Germany and is Hoffenheim’s biggest threat to Liverpool this Wednesday.

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Andrej Kramaric to Score Anytime in 90 mins – 2/1

Andrej Kramaric will be a big threat at Anfield Photo Credit: bundesliga.com

Jurgen Klopp has a rather successful past in European competitions, most recently reaching the Europa League final with Liverpool. When first appointed, Liverpool would have wanted the exuberant German to lead the Scouse outfit back into the Champions League. Now so close to achieveing that, Klopp will be feeling alot of pressure on these 90 minutes. Having dominated Crystal Palace with a whopping 77% possession, they will be hoping to bring that momentum into the early stages on Wednesday. They must start quickly otherwise it will be long 90 minutes.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Liverpool to win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 4/1

Hoffenheim will be hoping to shock many in their trip to North England. The German side were disappointed with the result in their first match given the missed penalty. However, they should be full of confidence heading into this second leg. Manager Julian Nagelsmann will set up in attacking fashion knowing his side have to get a result. Klopp has been impressed with the impact his opposing coach has had on the Hoffenheim side, but he won’t be too impressed if he knocks his side out.

Skybet Match Result – Hoffenheim to Win – 4/1

 

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by ·Comments Off on Manchester City vs Everton – Match Preview
Manchester City vs Everton - Match Preview

Manchester City vs Everton – Match Preview – Manchester City host Everton at the Etihad Stadium in the FA Premier League, with the last game of the 2nd week set to be an exciting one.

Both sides have strengthened their squads; Manchester City have spent over £150 million on their defence alone, signing Kyle Walker for £45 million from Tottenham and raiding current French champions, Monaco, for Benjamin Mendy and Bernardo Silva.

Everton also added to their squad, selling forward, Romelu Lukaku, to Manchester United in an initial £75 million deal, allowing them to pursue a number of players in all areas of the squad. Most notably, the return of Wayne Rooney from Manchester United. Everton have also signed Swansea attacking midfielder, Gylfi Sigurdsson for £45 million, showing that Everton are not only looking to compete in the league, but on all fronts of competitions, especially with the Europa League being very demanding.

Aguero and Sane can cause the Everton defence problems Photo Credit: skysports.com

Team News

City defeated newly promoted Brighton on their opening fixture 2-0 at the Amex stadium, with Sergio Aguero and a Lewis Dunk own goal securing a comfortable win. No new injury concerns for the Citizens, with new signing Benjamin Mendy still sidelined with a thigh injury. City are expected to be unchanged from their opening fixture.

Everton also won their opening fixture, with a 1-0 home win against Stoke City as Wayne Rooney scored on his Premier League return to Goodison Park. Koeman and his men were in action in the Europa League first round playoffs last Thursday, defeating Hadjuk Split at home. Everton look set for a packed season, full of midweek games to fulfil as well as the Premier League and the signings made by Ronald Koeman show he has ammunition in most areas of the field.

New signing Gylfi Sigurdsson is poised to make his debut for Everton and Spanish forward Sandro Ramirez could return after missing out midweek. Ross Barkley and James McCarthy are still sidelined with injury.

Rooney will be key to Everton breaking down City Photo Credit: skysports.com

Player To Watch

Wayne Rooney has come back to Everton with a smile on his face and has settled in extremely well, back at Goodison. He has taken the captain’s armband in place of Phil Jagielka and looks as though he never left the club. Slotting in behind the striker or even leading the line himself, Rooney can adapt to most circumstances on the field along with taking control from the middle. With Rooney’s experience and hunger for success, both Koeman and the squad will benefit from England’s all time top goalscorer and the added incentive of facing Manchester City could see a performance of the highest from the former Manchester United forward.

 

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by ·Comments Off on Huddersfield Town vs Newcastle United – Match Preview
Huddersfield Town vs Newcastle United - Match Preview

Huddersfield Town vs Newcastle United – Match Preview – Huddersfield Town take on Newcastle United in their first ever home game in the Premier League. Having both been promoted together last season, who will come out on top at The John Smith Stadium?

The Terriers got off to a dream start last week, beating Crystal Palace 3-0 at Selhurst Park. A debut brace from record signing Steve Mounie and a Joel Ward own goal gave them a deserved three points as they breezed past Frank De Boer’s men.

Huddersfield are many people’s favourites to be relegated in their first ever season in the top flight. If they are to have any chance of staying up, making The John Smith Stadium a fortress will be key. They lost only six of their 23 home games last season, and they’ll need another impressive home season in order to survive.

Steve Mounie scored a brace on his Premier League debut for Huddersfield Photo Credit: skysports.com

Mounie grabbed his first goal with a thumping header in the box, and this was just a taster of what Huddersfield fans can come to expect. When compared against Europe’s top five major leagues since August 2016, he has some very impressive stats. He has scored the second highest amount of headed goals, with seven, the second highest number of aerial duels won, with 300 and the highest percentage of aerial duels won, with 65.5%.

Newcastle lost their opening game of the season at home to Tottenham, 2-0. Jonjo Shelvey will miss the next three games, after he was sent off for a stamp on Dele Alli. Newcastle had looked organised, until Shelvey’s sending off, but struggled to compete with ten men, against a very impressive Spurs side.

There is growing rumours of discontent at St James’ Park. After a less than impressive summer transfer window, Rafa Benitez has called on the club to make some new additions. With Mike Ashley reluctant to invest in the squad, it could be another tough season ahead for the Toon Army.

Joselu signs from Stoke City for £5 Million Photo Credit: skysports.com

Against Spurs they looked solid, without being spectacular offensively. It is no secret that Benitez is looking to add to his forward options, with Stoke City striker Joselu reportedly signing for an agreed five million pound fee. He would be Newcastle’s sixth summer addition, and probably not their last.

In the club’s two meetings last season, the away side conquered on each occasion. Interestingly, it was also in the second game of last season that these two met, with Huddersfield recording an impressive win at St James’ Park. The two clubs have only met three times in the past 33 years, underlining the real fairy-tale story of Huddersfield’s promotion. The Terriers have only won one of their last 11 matches against the Toon Army, and haven’t beaten them at home since 1963.

In the last 11 meetings, these two have clocked up 33 goals. With both sides stronger offensively than defensively, I would expect an open game on Sunday, with both sides looking to win.

 

Score prediction: Huddersfield 2-1 Newcastle.

 

SKYBET: MOUNIE TO SCORE FIRST AND HUDDERSFIELD TO WIN 2-1- 33/1

SKYBET: INCE AND GAYLE TO BOTH SCORE- 10/1

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE GROUP BETTING, HUDDERSFIELD TO WIN 1-0, 2-0 OR 2-1- 21/10

SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE ND HUDDERSFIELD TO WIN- 4/1

SKYBET: GAYLE TO SCORE AND WIN- 9/2

SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES- 22/1

SKYBET: HUDDERSFIELD TO WIN AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 3/1

by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – The Curragh -20th August 2017
Horse Racing Preview - Curragh & Chantilly - 10th September 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from one meeting and selections from The Curragh.

 

14.10 Curragh – Galileo Irish European Breeders Fund Futurity Stakes (Group 2) (7f)

Looking around the current pedigrees of this race Camelback makes a lot of appeal. Ger Lyons will be looking for his first success in the race when he saddles the son of Exchange Rate who should have no problems with the conditions this afternoon. His Stakes win at Naas last month saw him handout a length defeat to Aidan O’Brien’s Rostropovich.

With entries later in the year for the National and Beresford Stakes, he is definitely well thought of by the trainer, main dangers look to come from both Theobald and the most interesting contender Swiss Cottage. Jim Bolger has won this on three occasions which included in 2015 with Herald The Dawn, his representative here is Theobald who has run well twice in pattern company this year when behind the likes of Actress who went on to finish third in the Phoenix Stakes and more recently when behind The Pentagon with Berkeley Square back in fifth.

However, the one I do fear could be a good price, Joseph Murphy’s Swiss Cottage has progressed with both runs and was just denied in a maiden over a mile here at the Curragh six days ago, if this race has not come too soon he could be in the mix under Gary Carroll.

CAMELBACK : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

14.45 Curragh – Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Curragh Stakes (Group 3) (5f)

Andrew Slattery’s Emadee won a shade cosily on debut at Naas and there could be more to come from her speedy pedigree being by Zebedee, Jim Bolger won this in 2014 & 2015 with front of the market contenders, and once more looks to have a solid claim with Treasuring,

Her eighth place finish in the Queen Mary Stakes at Ascot is not working out that well to be fair with several of the entries from that race being beaten since, however she did look better when tackling softer conditions which brought her success when landing a handicap at Tipperary, nine days ago. I was not really taken with Ballydoyle’s Declarationofpeace in the Phoenix Stakes and was seen finishing last in this years Listed Windsor Castle, she would have to have made serious improvement if she is to land this.

Wolfofbaggotstreet would probably prefer 6f being by Equiano, won well enough at Down Royal last month, but failed to build on that when behind Sirici in the Listed Tipperary Stakes. The thing with Equiano progeny’s is they get better with age, and he could be a bit out of his depth here. John Stack’s Sirici took the scalp of Actress in that Listed Tipperary Stakes. She was down the field in the Queen Mary and has a bit to find on Treasuring.

TREASURING : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

15.20 Curragh – Breast Cancer Research Debutante Stakes (Group 2) (7f)

This looks a good renewal with the likes of Magical, Happily and September declared. The former got off the mark at the second attempt when she just managing to hold on at Cork. She is one of three entries here for Ballydoyle and does look third string here on bookings.

Ryan Moore has elected to ride Happily here, she was very impressive when landing the Group 3 Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown last month, she had Dawn Delivers well back in third and surely more to come from her and has some interesting engagements through the rest of the season, but on this occasion the selection comes in September who comes in this 2-2 and was really impressive when landing this years Listed Chesham Stakes.

She looks ready for this step up in company, good pedigree being by Deep Impact out of multiple Group 1 winning mare Peeping Fawn, she has all the attributes to be a real star, acts on any ground and the nap of the day for me.

SEPTEMBER : 5pt in @ 11/8 (BOG)

15.55 Curragh – Qatar Airlines Royal Whip Stakes (Group 3) (10f)

A small field contention here that could be a serious tactical affair and if so we could see Dermot Weld’s Dubawi Filly Shamreen come out on top. She looked in need of the run when only managing sixth in the Group 3 International Stakes over course and distance. She seems a late form horse which showed when landing the Group 3 Blandford Stakes over course and distance last season, acts with cut in the ground and gets the services of Pat Smulen who won this with Famous Name.

The last British trained winner came in 2014 for Mark Johnston and with only two British trained winners it is hard to get excited about Central Square this afternoon, one thing in his corner is the fact he does go well is time of year, winner of a 0-105 handicap at Doncaster last year when beating Poet’s Word who has gone on to win the Group 3 Glorious Stakes recently.

His form has dipped since and has only hit the frame on one occasion this year, this is a step up in class again, and it be interesting to see if he is time dependable as seems to come to hand around late August / early September.

SHAMREEN : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

 

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by ·Comments Off on Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea – Match Preview
Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea - Match Preview

Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea – Match Preview – In just the second weekend of the new Premier League season we are being treated to one of the fixtures of the season – Tottenham play their first home league game at Wembley by hosting the 2016/17 champions and London rivals Chelsea, in what could already be billed as a crucial match for the entire season.

Remarkably even at this early stage in the campaign, many are claiming The Blues to be in turmoil. Last season’s 20-goal striker Diego Costa says he is being ‘treated like a criminal’ while manager Antonio Conte has repeatedly voiced his concerns about the club’s dealings (or lack of) in the transfer market.

Pair that with the capitulation of being 3-0 down to Burnley at home in the opening game and finishing the match with nine men and trouble could well be on the horizon should Chelsea lose again this week.

Losing to Spurs of all teams would be a particularly bitter pill to swallow, with the two clubs striking a fierce rivalry in recent seasons. Memorable moments such as Chelsea’s 2015 League Cup Final victory over the North-London side and the bizarre game where The Blues ended Spurs’ 2015/16 title aspirations have added fuel to the flames in this fixture.

Alvaro Morata could make his first Premier League start against Spurs Photo Credit: skysports.com

Last year’s runners-up (to Chelsea), Spurs, have baffled many with the decision to not further invest in a squad which has come so close but not quite far enough to glory in recent seasons – especially whilst direct competitors throw extraordinary money at strengthening their squads.

It could, however, be argued that (despite selling Kyle Walker to Manchester City for 50m) retaining most of their most influential players such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Toby Alderweireld with minimal fuss is a strong window in itself.

Another obstacle facing Mauricio Pochettino’s team is the Wembley factor, with a woeful recent record at the home of English football, Spurs must come to terms with overcoming their apparent hoodoo as they will play every home match at the famous ground whilst the new White Hart Lane is under construction.

A fantastic clash between two of the country’s finest teams and brilliant managers in Conte and Pochettino will well and truly ignite the spark of yet another exhilarating Premier League campaign, not that it needed any help to do so.

 

Team News 
Plenty of team news for both sides, as Spurs’ youthful Kyle Walker replacement, Kyle Walker-Peters looks to keep his place despite the return to fitness of more established right-back Kieran Trippier.
However, on the opposite side of defence Danny Rose remains side-lined so the reliable Ben Davies will keep his place in the team. Erik Lamela and Georges-Kevin Nkoudou are both still unavailable.

Chelsea have much more pressing concerns, star man Eden Hazard is still not 100%, while Pedro is a huge doubt and Diego Costa is on the other side of the world. Both of captain Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas are suspended after their red cards last week, but Victor Moses and new signing Tiemoue Bakayoko could feature for the first time this campaign. Big-money striker Alvaro Morata is expected to displace Michy Batshuayi and make his full debut for the club.

Can Harry Kane get off the mark against rivals Chelsea Photo Credit: skysports.com

Player to Watch 
A well-documented fact; Harry Kane is yet to score a league goal in the month of August, but not for the want of trying. The back-to-back Premier League Golden Boot winner is in constant, imperious form for the rest of the season though, and any side would be foolish to underestimate his potential impact. The England international is lethal from anywhere within 25 yards of goal and also has a penchant for scoring against London clubs with an astonishing record of 19 strikes in 26 league games in derbies in England’s capital. Could he add to that total on Sunday?

 

Suggested Tips:

 

by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Newbury & Doncaster -19th August 2017
Horse Racing Preview - Newbury & Doncaster -19th August 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from two meetings, with selections from Newbury and Doncaster.

13.50 Newbury – Denford Stakes (Listed)  (7f)

George Scott’s Another Batt is looking for his third campaign win of the season, this son of Windsor Knot has really turned a corner this year with wins at Ripon and Ayr, but he has come up short in his past two Listed encounters, third in the Rose Ball Stakes and more recently runner up in the Listed Pat Eddery Stakes when only beaten a neck on this ground. He has to be respected on ground that comes up softer than good, however 7f looks a bit too far for him.

We have two Frankel progeny’s in the race, Simon Crisford’s Red Mist and Willie Haggas’s Learn By Heart. Red Mist has had just the one run and set some really good sectional times when winning at Sandown, the third Blue Laureate is scheduled to run at Newbury this afternoon in a competitive maiden.

Learn By Heart represents the Queen, and is partnered by Andrea Atzeni, he ran well enough when landing a win around the Novice ranks on his second attempt at Doncaster, on the times he is far superior, but there could be more to come from Simon Crisford’s Red Mist and just gets the nod under champion elect Silvestre De Sousa.

RED MIST : 2pt Win @ 4/1 (BOG)

17.15 Doncaster – Follow Sun Bets On Twitter Apprentice Handicap (0-75) (10,1f)

Lawrence Mullaney’s Diamond Runner could be worth siding with here, this five year old is two from seven since arriving at his new surroundings and has gone close on a couple of occasions. His recent win off a mark off 55 at Redcar was probably more shade cosily than the winning distance reflects. With a high cruising speed, if he’s there on the premises two out, I feel he will be very hard to beat this afternoon.

His main dangers look to come from David O’Meara’s Royal Reserve, winner over this trip four runs back on the all weather when off a mark of 74, however he is 1-13 on the turf which is a big concern. Tony Carroll’s Sir Jack is looking very exposed with his string of placed runs, with only a win in selling company, he looks vulnerable once more.

So a confident bet comes in the way of Diamond Runner, who definitely knows where the winning line is these days.

DIAMOND RUNNER : 3pt Win @ SP (BOG)

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by ·Comments Off on Stoke City vs Arsenal – Match Preview
Stoke City vs Arsenal - Match Preview

Stoke City vs Arsenal – Match Preview – On the back of contrasting opening day results; Stoke face Arsenal at home hoping to kick-start their season and get one over on Arsene Wenger’s title-hopefuls in the process.

As everyone is aware, there is no easy fixture in the Premier League. Arsenal away to Stoke is a game which typifies that caveat – The Potters are often seen as The Gunners’ ‘bogey’ team – especially at the bet365 Stadium.

Wenger’s side have come away from Stoke with victory just twice in the Premier League era and know that another tough evening’s work awaits them in this game too.

Arsenal have finally invested in a big-money striker, Alexandre Lacazette, and the French international got off to the perfect start last week with a league debut goal inside two minutes.

This was just the first goal in a thrilling 4-3 win at home to Leicester, which saw the Gunners come back from 3-2 with less than 10 minutes left to claim the win – Aaron Ramsey and match-winner Olivier Giroud both came off the substitutes bench to find the net and send the fans into raptures.

In bleaker news, the futures of some of the club’s most valuable players in Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all still undecided, which leaves Arsenal in a particularly arduous scenario – the club need to be competing and winning at the highest level to keep players of that calibre, but need players of that calibre to be able to compete and win. Being able to come away with victory in battling fixtures such as Stoke away is essential to a good Premier League season.

New Stoke City signing Moteng could feature on Saturday

Stoke have succumbed to their own stereotype this summer, a middling club whose ambition can be questioned – and has by West Ham’s new £25m signing Marco Arnautovic upon his departure from the bet365.

The Potters have forgone spending money for instead acquiring loan signings, causing many to predict Stoke to struggle in the season ahead. A limp showing last week in a 1-0 defeat at Everton did nothing to dispel such suggestions. Mark Hughes is still a knowledgeable manager with a strong squad at his disposal, however.

Arsenal undoubtedly come in as massive favourites and if they play to their capabilities will win, but can Stoke live up to recent history and once again take pleasure in snatching a win against the North-London side?

 Team News
Sanchez is again unlikely to start due to an abdominal injury but is getting nearer to full fitness. Francis Coquelin is back in contention while the centre-back situation at Arsenal is improving with both Per Mertersacker and Shkodran Mustafi expected to be available while Laurent Koscielny serves the final match of his three-game ban.
Goal-scorers and match-changers from the bench last week, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud are both pushing for starts – with the former much more likely to do so than the latter.

For Stoke, their big team news is the signing of Jese on loan from PSG, and the Spaniard is expected to feature instantly. New signing Maxim Choupo-Moteng could also make his first start for the club.

Granit Xhaka needs to make his presence felt more in the Premier League Photo Credit: skysports.com

Player to Watch
Granit Xhaka played a significant part in the rollercoaster ride that was Arsenal 4-3 Leicester, at fault for a couple of The Foxes’ goals but repairing the damage by assisting some afterwards. That level of inconsistent performance typifies the 53-times capped Switzerland international’s Arsenal career to date. The 24-year-old’s ability to spray passes of all types while simultaneously demonstrating the aggression that’s been lacking in central midfield at The Emirates in recent years is a good sign – however a lack of discipline in both mistimed/sloppy challenges and in a positional and tactical sense leave a lot to be desired. There is no doubt he has a wand of a left foot, mind, and he isn’t afraid to show it.

 

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

Swansea City vs Manchester United – Match Preview – Back into the thick of it we go, the Premier League is up and running and the second round of fixtures gets underway with Manchester United travelling to South Wales to face Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.

The Red Devils are hungrier than ever for trophies this year and are likely to seriously compete for the Premier League title and the form last week in beating West Ham suggested as much.

Paul Clement’s Swansea will be desperate to avoid the same relegation battle that blighted their 2016/17 campaign – an increasingly challenging task given that star player Gylfi Sigurdsson has just departed for Everton in a deal estimated to be worth £45m.

United will be massive favourites to steamroller the Swans and it will take defensive reliance of the highest order from the latter to deny that possibility.

Lukaku’s brace helped Manchester United to a 4-0 home win on the opening day Photo Credit: skysports.com

Previous Meeting
Jose Mourinho’s side were the strongest performers on the opening matchday, dismantling West Ham 4-0 at Old Trafford courtesy of a league debut brace by Romelu Lukaku and goals from Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial. As a result, they now find themselves sitting pretty at the top of the table.

Swansea, however, were considerably less convincing; their season began by hanging on for dear life and battling to earn a 0-0 draw away at Southampton – a good clean sheet and point nonetheless.

Meetings last season
This fixture last year brought a 3-1 victory for the travelling Mancuinians, Paul Pogba scoring a wonderfully executed half-volley in a feeble performance by the Swans during Bob Bradley’s tumultuous reign.

The reverse fixture also saw the away side look strongest, whilst conceding a very contentious penalty for Lukasz Fabianski’s challenge on Marcus Rashford which Wayne Rooney duly dispatched, what was now Paul Clement’s team contained the Europa League winners. A wonderful piece of Gylfi Sigurdsson magic to find the top corner’s apex with a delightful free-kick saw the scores finish 1-1.

Fernando Llorente could return to the Swansea side this weekend Photo Credit: skysports.com

Team News
Swansea now have the almighty task of replacing Gylfi Sigurdsson, but will be boosted in the knowledge last season’s top-scorer Fernando Llorente is set to return from the broken arm which prevented the striker from featuring in pre-season. However, Ki Sung-Yeung and Nathan Dyer are still injured so will play not take part.

Jose Mourinho can once again count on the squad he had available last time out, with only the long-term absentees of Luke Shaw, Ashley Young and Marcos Rojo unavailable for selection.

Nemanja Matic will be key for Manchester United in all competitions this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Player to Watch
Scarcely does a player make such an instant impact as what Nemanja Matic did last week. The Serbian international completely dominated in midfield against The Hammers in a performance which many took to justify his £40m price tag and strongly question Chelsea’s reasoning for selling such a key player to a direct rival. Matic seems to be precisely the type of forward-thinking midfield patroller than United have lacked in recent seasons, with a great blend of dynamism and technique on the ball, the 29-year-old will be at the heart of Saturday’s match and in the United midfield for seasons to come.

 

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