Chelsea vs Roma - Champions League Preview

Chelsea vs Roma – Champions League Preview – Following their defeat at the weekend, Chelsea entertain Roma at Stamford Bridge. The Italian side currently sit 5th in Serie A, as they look to challenge both domestically and in Europe.

Chelsea were shell-shocked at the weekend, as they were beaten 2-1 by bottom side Crystal Palace. Roy Hodgson’s men thoroughly deserved that win, leaving Antonio Conte plenty to ponder ahead of this match. After such an impressive win last time out against Atletico Madrid, it’s vital that Chelsea don’t let their current lead slip in Group C.

Batshuayi will be hoping to start for Chelsea against Roma Photo Credit: skysports.com

With Chelsea now suffering back to back defeats in the Premier League, it’s crucial they get a positive result on Wednesday night. With key players such as N’Golo Kante and Alvaro Morata ruled out through injury, these are tough times ahead for Conte’s men. All eyes will be on whether he opts to start Michy Batshuayi or play without a recognised striker, something he’s done on a few occasions through his time at the club. Although the Belgian has managed six goals in 11 appearances, he has struggled to impose himself on games and was poor at the weekend in the absence of Morata.

Edin Dzeko has been in great form for Roma Photo Credit: skysports.com

Roma have been underwhelming so far in the league and sit nine points off the top of the table, although they do have a game in hand on the teams above them. At the weekend, they suffered a disappointing home defeat to Napoli. But in Edin Dzeko, Roma have a talisman who is in great form. The Bosnian struck 43 goals last season in just 55 games and he’s followed that up with ten in his first 13. The former Manchester City striker always showed glimpses of his true ability during his time in England, but since his move to the Italian capital, he has really begun to flourish.

Chelsea’s last meetings with Roma were back in 2008 when the two clubs were also paired in the same group. Then, Chelsea recorded a 1-0 win at home but lost 3-1 in Rome. If Chelsea fans were offered another win tonight, I’m sure they’d snatch your hands off.

With Conte’s side low on confidence following back to back defeats, I can see this being a cagey, close-fought encounter. I think Chelsea will try to make the game scrappy and look to use their extra quality to secure a win. That being said, they will struggle to keep Roma out, with the Italian side averaging two goals a game so far this season.

 

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Roma

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE CHELSEA 2-1- 15/2

SKYBET: DZEKO AND HAZARD TO BOTH SCORE- 11/2

SKYBET: GROUP SCORE BETTING CHELSEA TO WIN 1-0, 2-0 OR 2-1- 15/8

SKYBET: BATSHUAYI TO SCORE FIRST AND CHELSEA TO WIN 3-1- 30/1

SKYBET: BTTS AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 6/5

SKYBET: A PENALTY TO BE AWARDED- 21/10

SKYBET: CHELSEA TO WIN FROM BEHIND- 9/1

Real Madrid vs Spurs - Champions League Preview

Real Madrid vs Spurs – Champions League Preview – Tottenham face the toughest test of their season so far as they travel to Spain in the UEFA Champions League to face the current holders, Real Madrid.

Both sides have noticeable absentees ahead of Tuesday night’s fixture. Welshman and ex-Tottenham winger Gareth Bale is still sidelined with an injury whilst Dele Alli and Danny Rose are unavailable for the visitors.

Real Madrid and Spurs are odd as even at the top of Group H with six points; as well as having scored six goals each and conceded one. A victory for either side would guarantee top spot in the group halfway through the group stages.

Asensio is likely to start due to Bale being injured Photo Credit: skysports.com

The hosts most recently featured in La Liga against Getafe where they scraped a 2-1 victory thanks to a late goal from their Portuguese talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo. There is no doubt that Ronaldo poses the largest threat to the Spurs defence however, Madrid are not a one-man team. Youngster Marco Asensio has burst onto the scene in dramatic fashion scoring big goals in big games. Isco has also gone from strength to strength under Zinedine Zidane’s supervision and could feature this Tuesday at the Bernabeu.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Real Madrid to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 100/30

Many doubted Madrid in their last Champions League match away to Dortmund as a result of their mediocre and sloppy domestic performances, however a brace from Ronaldo ensured they came home with three points. Will arguably the most dangerous attacker in the world punish Tottenham?

Skybet To Score a Brace – Cristiano Ronaldo – 7/4

Mauricio Pochettino’s men travel to Spain on the back end of some very impressive form. Unbeaten in nine matches and winning seven of them, they will feel confident they can scalp a result this Tuesday. Spurs uprise in the recent years has seen them earn the opportunity to travel to Madrid and play at the Bernabeu on this stage and many fans are calling it one of the biggest matches in Tottenham history. Can they deliver overseas?

Skybet Match Result – Spurs to Win in 90 mins – 6/1

Harry Kane will be relishing the test against the current champions Photo Credit: skysports.com

When there is a Spurs goal, more often than not Harry Kane is involved. The Englishmen has continued scoring goals off the back end of the previous two season where he was scoring for fun. Many are tipping Kane as one of, if not the, deadliest striker on the planet right now and he will relish the chance to play against one of the strongest defences in the world. Can he help Spurs grab some points at the home of the current champions of Europe?

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Harry Kane to Score in 90 mins – 5/4

 

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Horse Racing Preview - Huntingdon - 17th October 2017

Today’s horse racing preview has two selections from Huntingdon & Kempton.

 

14.50 Huntingdon – 32Red Handicap Chase (23.9f) (0-105)

Trojan Star (114)
Sirius Star (111)
Florida Calling (106)

Not the greatest of contests to be fair in this race at Huntingdon. Nigel Twiston-davies Ballypoint was beaten around this class two runs back at Worcester, the fact he was doing most of his late work from the second last shows that once more this trip just might be a tad too short for him. He was a winner off 122 as a hurdler, but over the larger obstacles he is becoming exposed being 0-7, however he is rated 16lb below his hurdle mark and has declined this year to that magnitude in this class, a concern for me.

Florida Calling has been posting marks to suggest that he is a winner in waiting, his two runs this year over three miles on good ground when runner up on both occasions suggests this significant drop in the weights would give him a live chance for Tom George’s yard. Trojan Star is now a third season chaser and won here at Huntingdon last November over two and a half miles, as Ballypoint did, Trojan Star also had Hepijeu well beaten. Two runs now over this trip has seen him run well, third in a 0-120 two runs back at Kempton going on to finish fourth at Huntingdon in what was probably a very disappointing run against lesser opposition.

If Kim Bailey’s seven year old bounces back and runs up to his Kempton defeat he would be far superior to this moderate bunch and a big plus is Tom Bellamy back on board. Last but not least, Sirius Star, who is getting lumps of weight from his rivals this afternoon under claimer Jamie Hamilton. This second season chaser has been on the cold list since his win at Market Rasen on his chasing debut, but his resume does not read well over today’s trip and looks vulnerable to proven types.

TROJAN STAR : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

17.45 Kempton – 32Red Handicap (0-90) (5f)

Arzaak (103)
Shamshon (93)
Gentleman (89)

Useful looking contest for a 0-90, and the selection here is Chris Dwyer’s Arzaak, but I will get back to him in due course. Firstly, Shamshon who I actually thought would have won more coming off his Newmarket win, he has not really extended his current mark and has been dropped 2lb lower than when winning that Newmarket race. His last all weather run over this trip came at Wolves when off a mark of 93 and actually ran up to that mark that day hence why I have him rated that high.

Nicole Currie’s 7lb claim could make things easier for Gentleman here, he finished fourth over course and distance two runs back, but I do feel the handicapper still slightly has him within its grasp off this mark of 89. Now on to the selection, its is not the easiest of races and what does not help is the seven runners, as I do feel Arzaak could finish in the top three here.

His last run over the index came at Southwell when winning off a mark of 73 under champion elect De Sousa, his 73 mark was definitely lenient considering he put an easy distance between the rest of his rivals. That does not put his form for top rating from that race, with his last run coming on turf at Yarmouth when he posted a far superior rating than his 85 suggested and he went on to run well again in this years Sprint Championship at Lingfield, despite finishing second last over 6f.

The horse’s he was taking on were rated over 25lb his superior, and to run a solid race off 73 and the fact he was still in contention before the furlong pole suggests that he can be involved here, a good booking I think of claimer Lewis Edmunds and the horses age allowance, I expect him to run well at what could be a big price.

ARZAAK : 1pt each way @ SP

 

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Man City vs Napoli - Champions League Preview

Man City vs Napoli – Champions League Preview – Manchester City face their toughest European assignment as they host Napoli. The Italian club find themselves top of the Serie A and will be a real test for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Manchester City are currently enjoying their best form since the arrival of Guardiola. After smashing seven goals past Stoke at the weekend, many feel they are a shoe-in for the league title. The football being played at the Etihad is a joy to watch, and given the multiple attacking threats they have, it’s hard to imagine them not scoring.

De Bruyne has been in scintillating form so far this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

One player who has particularly shone in the last few weeks is Kevin De Bruyne. Playing deeper and more central this season, the Belgian has been key to City’s form and has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season. He already has six assists in ten games this campaign, and he is an integral part of what Pep Guardiola is building at City. With him and David Silva providing the passes for the likes of Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero to run onto, it’s not a surprise they’ve scored 29 goals in just eight Premier League games.

The form of De Bruyne has also brought out the best in City’s wide players. Sane and Sterling in particular, have been in electric form, grabbing 13 goals between them. Alongside Jesus and Aguero, who are scoring goals for fun, City are an irresistible force going forward, and one that will be feared across Europe.

Napoli’s front three will cause City problems Photo Credit: nottesport.it

After an impressive 1-0 at Roma this weekend, Napoli sit five points clear off reigning champions Juventus. With 26 goals and only five conceded, Maurizio Sarri’s men are in fantastic form. There is a real belief that this could be the year that they claim their first title since 1990. The front three of Dries Mertens, Jose Callejon and Lorenzo Insigne have amassed 14 goals already this season and with the likes of Marek Hamsik and Kalidou Koulibaly down the spine of the side, they can be a real force both domestically and in Europe.

These two have only met twice, back in the Group Stages of this competition in 2011. In that group, City were knocked out, losing 2-1 in Naples and drawing 1-1 at home. With both teams free-scoring, I can see this one being a goal-fest. As dangerous as Napoli are, I can’t see anyone stopping City at the moment. I think BTTS and over 2.5 goals would be a good bet and I’m going to go with a Manchester City victory.

 

Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Napoli

 

SKYBET: CITY TO WIN 3-1- 10/1

SKYBET: BTTS AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 8/13

SKYBET: MERTENS AND JESUS TO BOTH SCORE- 100/30

SKYBET: STERLING TO SCORE FIRST AND CITY TO WIN 2-1- 35/1

SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES- 15/2

SKYBET: JESUS, DE BRUYNE AND MERTENS TO ALL SCORE- 12/1

Leicester City vs West Brom - Match Preview

Leicester City vs West Brom – Match Preview – 2016 Premier League Champions Leicester City are desperate for a win to get themselves out of the relegation zone against fellow Midlands side and also out-of-form, West Bromwich Albion.

Both sides are winless from the 19th August, nearly two months ago, and after eventual solid mid-table finishes last campaign, will be concerned about the current state of results.

A far cry from the title winning team, as current manager Craig Shakespeare steadied the sinking ship left by Claudio Ranieri (amidst conspicuous circumstances) and remarkably led the club to the Champions League quarter-finals last season.

This year Leicester have just one win and five points to their name and currently sit in 18th position in the table, just ahead of Bournemouth and Palace. A win would take The Foxes level on points with a host of clubs and push them right up into 13th on goal difference – so panic is not required at this stage. Generally speaking though, the departure of Danny Drinkwater and the mix-up regarding the signing of Adrien Silva has left Shakespeare’s side lightweight in central midfield.

Tony Pulis will be aggrieved but not overly surprised at his erratic team’s results, quite often a hot and cold team, after winning both of the season’s opening matches 2-0, only three more points have been picked up in the five games since.

Krychowiak has quality but is yet to perform to his best for the Baggies Photo Credit: skysports.com

The signing of Gregor Krychowiak – and the massive estimated wages of 110k that comes with – signal West Brom’s intent to be more than just ‘safe’ every season, so recent results will be concerning. However, once again worth reiterating is the campaign’s early stage and a win over Leicester would elevate The Baggies into the top half.

For teams like Leicester and West Brom picking up points in games against sides of similar standing could be crucial. Both sides want to kick on and progress, but ultimately staying afloat in the Premier League and experiencing the riches and exposure that comes with it is the be all and end all – and either team elongating their poor form could prove costly in such a competitive division.

Team News
Shakespeare doesn’t have too many injury concerns, with just Matty James and Robert Huth unlikely to feature.

Pulis may be more worried, as both James Morrison and Nacer Chadli are major doubts for the trip, while Hal Robson-Kanu may be lacking match fitness following his international exertions with Wales.

Player to Watch
As mentioned above, Polish international Gregor Krychowiak came to The Hawthorns with big wages but arrives with a reputation to match. Despite his struggles at Paris Saint-Germain, the defensive midfielder has proven himself as an exceptional player both in Spain and Europe with Sevilla on countless occasions and on the international stage with Poland too. Excellent in the transition, 47-times capped Krychowiak reads the game superbly and has great passing ability to both prevent opposition moves and instigate his own for the team. Alongside all the necessary physical attributes to thrive in the Premier League, if the ex-PSG man can find his feet then West Brom have truly landed a major coup.

 

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Horse Racing Preview - Musselburgh & Windsor - 16th October 2017

Today’s horse racing preview selections come over two meetings, Musselburgh & Windsor. There are some seriously well handicapped horses out today, lets hope I have got this spot on.

 

14.50 Musselburgh – 100% Racing UK Profits Back to Racing Handicap (7.1f) (0-100)

Lualiwa (106)
Heavens Guest (106)
Von Blucher (104

A tight nit Class 2 Handicap to bring in the first selection this afternoon, all of the three I have put forward this afternoon are definitely well handicapped on what they have been showing of late, especially the top two. Heavens Guest was last seen when finishing fourth at Ascot over 8f, which he does not often do, also he does not get his actual ground that often either, but this afternoon the official going is good which has shown his true form. However these days he seems to show his true colours at Northern tracks such as York or Thirsk and has only ventured away on four occasions from home surroundings without success.

The fact that Heavens Guest is coming into this off just 89 is giving him a chance, if we go back to his second over distance and ground at York last May, he was seen to be just denied by Jallota who has recently won the Listed Guisborough Stakes when beating Von Blucher, posting a rating of 110 in the process, so even though Heavens Guest is now seven he cannot be disregarded lightly and looks to have enough weight to hold the form with Lualiwa.

With Von Blucher mentioned, this brings me on to Lualiwa of Kevin Ryan’s, he has a bit to find with the selection this afternoon when they met at Ascot last month in the Cunard Handicap, Heaven Guest was just a length in front that day, however the selection was conceding 2lb, with the age weight allowance and Andrew McNamara’s 3lb claim it is hard to see that form being reversed.

HEAVENS GUEST : 1pt each way @ 9/1 (BOG)

15.20 Musselburgh – Breeders Backing Racing EBF Flying Scotsman Conditions Stakes (5f)

Ornate (105)
Alpha Delphini (94)

Robert Cowell’s Ornate should be using his 6lb turnaround at the weights with Alpha Delphini this time around, the latter beat the selection when they met at Beverley last month, there were two and three quarter lengths between them on that occasion with the selection having to concede 6lb to the winner, its all reversed today and off level weights that should be reversed.

The race I got the rating off for my ratings is when Ornate finished behind Waady at Leicester, even though Waady has been beaten twice recently that has come at pattern and Listed level. I would like to think the race will pan out between these two, with Ornate getting revenge.

ORNATE : 2pt Win @ 13/8 (BOG)

15.30 Windsor – Call Star Sports On 08000 521 321 Fillies Handicap (8f) (0-80)

Hidden Steps (94)
Clef (89)
Killay (79)

The two top rated here look miles ahead of this field, Richard Fahey’s Clef was last seen thirteen days ago when finishing second to the smart Jay Kay who has once more defied a penalty to win in 0-85 company last week. This is a downgrade for Clef considering that last run came in a 0-90 race, so in theory that puts Jay Kay well into the nineties on paper.

But he won’t find it easy to fend off Andrew Balding’s Hidden Steps who was beaten by Enable in this years Cheshire Oaks, fair enough she was not in that league, but we now know the heights that filly fullfilled. Even Hidden Steps last run at Haydock would give her a good chance off 82 here, it does look just between these two possible good fillies this afternoon with the slight vote going to the Balding entry.

Killay would probably have to improve 10lb to overhaul the top two in the ratings, but we have to see if she gets this stiff mile around Windsor this afternoon.

HIDDEN STEPS : 1pt each way @ 18/1 (BOG)

16.55 Mussleburgh – Finest Collection of Racing on Racing UK Handicap (7.1f) (0-75)

Sexy Legs (90)
Lucky Violet (78)
Geophony (77)

I would seriously like to think Rebecca Menzies Sexy Legs is still very much ahead of the handicapper even though coming here on a 6lb penalty. Her run when holding on gamely to take the scalp of Arnarson who was fancied to win that race for Ed Dunlop, The ex David Wachman in-mate, has only competed at 7f twice in her career, but if we disregard her run at Catterick in may and concentrate on when she finished three lengths off the likes of 92 rated Stormfly when in her days as a three year old in Ireland, she was even a fairly useful juvenile when finishing a good three lengths off the smart Cursory Glance in the Group 3 Albany Stakes, that winner went on to land the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes.

It’s a long way since those days and now she is competing at this moderate level, a level she definitely exploited last time out an can do so again quickly. Iain Jardine has been making a name for himself around both codes this season and saddles Lucky Violet here. She looked in need of the run last time when down the field over 8f here at Musselburgh. She drops back to the 7f distance her that saw her winning off 67, she was beating horses that day who were rated 10lb above her grade so now she comes into this off 73 she has probably been slapped with a big enough penalty to maybe holt her this time around.

You can never overlook an out of form horse form the Mark Johnston stable, Geophony has not shown any significance that a win is imminent, however she is a course and distance winner when winning her maiden around here last July, she even had a recent spell over hurdles which to be honest was not that enlightening, she would have to improve quite a few pounds to trouble the two top rated here in my opinion.

SEXY LEGS : 2pt Win @ 5/1 (BOG)

 

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Horse Racing Preview - Goodwood - 15th October 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from Goodwood, where there will be just the two selections this afternoon.

 

15.10 Goodwood – Goodwood Racehorse owners Group Irish EBF Nursery Handicap (0-85) (7f)

Ocean Side (87) NB
Deadly Accurate (78)
Travelcard (78)

Today’s Nb comes in the way of Richard Hannon’s Ocean Side. Despite his form showing moderate at this level the company he has been keeping is another matter, we first saw him at Newbury on debut when finishing last of eight, the winner has already competed around Listed company, the third has been also competing in good handicaps. He once more showed nothing when again finishing eighth at Sandown over today’s index.

Now considering that maiden has produced the likes of 94 rated Bathsheba Bay, the runner up also looks a nice type in Breathe Caught, the fourth Graffiti Master won at Kempton last month posting a mark of around 78 on only his second career run. This son of Dark Angel seems to have an issue with the number eight as once more his return to Sandown saw exactly that when attempting a mile for the first time. All of his three runs have been at big odds, so once more I am hoping it is the same situation here as this does look an ease in class to get his head in front this afternoon.

Deadly Accurate I have concerns about before I even did his rating, he has posted an average rating of 78 which was not setting the world alight, trainer and jockey have been moderate over the past month, however the horse won’t have an inkling into that , on merit though he has been in the winning enclosure around the Novice ranks. His first stab at Handicap company came at Newbury when finishing third to 79 rated Rogue, to be fair he was probably ridden erratically that day when losing his pitch half way through the race, but stayed on well in the closing stages.

Mark Johnston has sent out over seventy horses over the past fortnight with only eight entries finding the winning enclosure, they saddle Travelcard here who probably posted his best effort when third at Thirsk last month on soft ground. The front pair were nicely clear which included Roger Varian’s Qianlong, but I am not convinced 7f is the right trip to be trying to gain his second career win, will be interesting to see if he lasts home again, PJ McDonald will do the steering who has been in good form recently.

OCEAN SIDE : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

17.25 Goodwood – Bet £10 Get £20 At 188Bet Handicap (0-85) (8f)

Ice Slice (95)
Dhalam (87) NAP
Noble Peace (85)

If John Gosden’s Dhalam turns up in the same frame of mind that saw him land his first success which came on the all weather at Wolverhampton over today’s trip then I cannot see why he wont record his second career win. We still have to give that race some recognition considering the third place finisher Inshiraah has gone on to win three of her last four races and now posts a rating of 93, in fact its a race that is not only producing winners but I have no doubt will keep on doing so. All Dhalam has to now divert that run back on to turf in which she has been beaten twice including over this trip, but is one to beat on paper.

Ice Slice is top rated purely because he produced probably an above average run when finishing behind Mythical Magic at Haydock back in June, but he has failed to build on this and has not shown much determination or interest on soft ground on past two runs. Noble Peace was unlucky not to add to his previous win here at Goodwood when just denied by Truth or Dare, but he does have to show that he gets the 8f on turf this afternoon, he has had just the one crack at 8f which saw a mid finish on the all weather back in April.

My gut feeling tells me Dhalam is probably well handicapped here off 87 and leaves much open for improvement, Ice Slice has to give weight all round and has not shown much since on this ground, and Noble Peace has disappointed me on more than one occasion.

DHALAM : 3pt Win @ SP (BOG)

 

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Horse Racing Preview - Newcastle - 30th November 2017

Today’s horse racing preview selections come from Newmarket and Chepstow with the highlight of the day the Cesarewitch from HQ.

 

15.35 Chepstow – Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow Hurdle (Limited Handicap) (16.1f)

Dolos (134)
Fidux (132)
Percy Street (131)

This looks a really tight contest, Nicky Henderson has had a recent spin around the flat when finishing a poor second last at Haydock, but to be fair to that run he was competing in a 0-105 handicap with a decent rating of 98. He has been given this rating from his run in this years Adonis Hurdle when behind 133 rated Master Blueyes, eight lengths ahead of him was Alan Kings Fidux when off level weights, this time around Fidux will have to concede 10lb and considering he was only five lengths behind Flying Tiger who went on to land the Fred Winter Handicap.

With their own personal battle once more I would expect Paul Nicholls to go and land this race for the third time and second season in succession. Dolos was last seen at Sandown when finishing runner up to 135 rated Call My Lord under Sam Sheppard, back in third was Fidux to over nine lengths when conceding 3lb, Fidux will be only giving the selection 1lb this afternoon, but still has plenty to find at the weights still.

DOLOS : 2pt Win @ 11/2 (BOG)

15.40 Newmarket – Betfred Cesarewitch (Heritage Handicap) (18f)

I think a horse has been laid out for this, but I will come back to that later. There were so many top rated in this race it would not have been any use to be fair. However, I can pinpoint some lively entrants here, now if your going to have a bet in this do not let the price of the horse in the market put you off considering over the past decade the average price has been 20/1.

I am going to put up three against the field that should be on the premises, Charlie Fellowes for me has a live contender in Endless Acres, the consistent four year old had his first run on the turf for the season when runner up in the Ascot Stakes. Who Dares Wins was a length and three quarters back in third, the question on my lips is if he was not carried right in the closing stages was their any infringement taken place would he of been closer, I think not after watching the re-run once more the winner Thomas Hobson looked effortless.

Who Dares Wins won the Cesarewitch trial quite comfortably in the end, back in third was Shrewd who gets a 7lb turnaround which could be enough to reverse the form, he ran in last years trial finishing in the same position, however he failed to turn up last year, this time around he is 7lb better off at the weights and off a 6lb lower mark, on that alone he has to be considered and will be put forward as an each way bet purely as he looks very well handicapped.

Finally the other selection, and a horse that I feel strongly that has been trained this year with this race in mind, Roger Charlton’s Withhold ran a cracking third on his first run of the season when finishing third to Daphne over 12f at Newbury, the runner up Weekender was only just denied by the smallest of margins last week when runner up in the Noel Murless Stakes which saw Raheen House get up on the line. He has attempted 16f which came on the all weather last year at Kempton in a 0-105 when just denied by Blakeney Point who recently landed the Squirrel Hcp at Leicester last week off a mark of 100.

Withhold’s current mark of 87 is very exploitable just from his first run back alone, if he turns up in that form again and the step up in trip he looks solid value in the race, as is Shrewd who also looks well handicapped.

WITHHOLD : 2pts each way @ 10/1 – SHREWD : 1pt each way @ 20/1

 

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Birmingham City vs Cardiff City - Match Preview

Birmingham City vs Cardiff City – Match Preview – Birmingham City take on Cardiff City at St Andrews Stadium this evening in the Skybet Championship.

Birmingham manager Steve Cotterill will take charge of his first full game as manager and has plenty of work to do to turn around the Midland sides fortunes. Birmingham currently sit in the relegation zone, in 22nd position after a poor start and a win would see them move up to 19th, at least until Saturday afternoon.

Cardiff have had a great start to the campaign as they sit atop the Championship, 1 point ahead of Wolves, who take on Aston Villa in the Saturday evening fixture.

Jota could return to face Cardiff City on Friday evening Photo Credit: birminghammail.co.uk

Birmingham could have record signing Jota back in the side after recovering from a hamstring injury but Emilio Nsue could be on the bench after returning from international duty with Equatorial Guinea. Arsenal loanee Carl Jenkinson is still sidelined with a dislocated shoulder.

Cardiff have midfielder Aron Gunnarsson back after he went away on international duty with Iceland, something manager Neil Warnock wasn’t too pleased about due to Gunnarsson missing the previous two games for the Bluebirds.

Gunnarsson could return to the Cardiff side Photo Credit: skysports.com

Both Bruno Manga and Neil Etheridge also returned from international duty meaning they will also be assessed prior to kick off. Craig Bryson though could feature after missing out in the draw to Derby County, the side he is currently on loan from.

The hosts do not hold a good record against their opponents as in the past 11 meetings between the two, The Blues have only won one game back in 2015. However, Cardiff have only won twice in the past 27 away visits to Birmingham, without scoring a goal in the last three.

Cardiff should be able to breach the Birmingham defence but with Cotterill taking over for The Blues, and being at home, the side should surely be seeking a much needed win for both manager and the fans in what could be an exciting Friday evening fixture.

 

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Wolves vs Aston Villa - Match Preview

Wolves vs Aston Villa – Match Preview – The Midlands plays host to the Championship’s most exciting game of the weekend as 2nd place Wolves look to continue their excellent start to the season at home against the division’s form team Aston Villa.

Two of England’s true sleeping giants, both Wolves and Villa are desperate to improve on last campaign’s languid respective 15th and 13th place finishes and return to the country’s top tier.

Ex-Porto and Valencia manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been appointed to achieve just that, in what many have stated is a huge coup for the West Midlands side, and enjoyed his start to life in England – he has led Wolves to within one point of topping the division, including wins over Middlesbrough, Derby County and Hull City on the way.

Since the inevitable relegation from the Premier League, Aston Villa have spent an awful lot of money to make the stay in the Championship as short as possible.
After another sluggish start, Steve Bruce’s team have won their last four on the bounce, with 5 clean sheets in their last six.

In fact, Villa haven’t lost since 15th August, and Bruce will be looking to prolong this resurgence to increase his record of the most promotions from the second tier into the Premier League come the end of the season. Currently just outside the play-off places in 7th, a win would surely put Villa right where they want to be in amongst the promotion mixer.

In an ever-exciting season, this game will surely prove to highlight its unpredictable nature – it truly could go either way.
With just four points separating the sides, gaining a victory over the other team could prove vital – damaging a potential promotion rival would be a bonus.

Coady returns from a one match ban this weekend Photo Credit: skysports.com

Team News 
Conor Coady returns from suspension to become available again for Wolves, while the international players – Romain Saiss, Ruben Neves all return to club action fit and firing.
Willy Boly and Ryan Bennett are unlikely to recover from their injuries in time to make the squad.

For Villa, Jack Grealish will remain unable to make his first appearance of the season and Mile Jedinak, Andre Green, Keinan Davis and Henri Lansbury all face late fitness tests before a decision is made on their inclusion.

Kodjia can fire Villa into the promotion places this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Player to Watch
Despite a sluggish start to this season, Jonathan Kodjia has hit the ground running at Villa Park since his £12-13m switch from Bristol City last summer. The Ivory Coast international got off the mark in Villa’s last game, scoring the only goal against Bolton Wanderers to help his side claim all three points. A return to form could signal trouble for Wolves and the rest of the league, and not many would bet against him firing Villa into the play-offs or possibly beyond if he matches or betters his 19 league goals from last campaign.

 

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