Liverpool vs Sevilla - Champions League Preview

Liverpool vs Sevilla – Champions League Preview – On Wednesday night, Champions League football returns to Anfield, as Liverpool host Sevilla in their first group game.

After a crushing 5-0 defeat against Manchester City last weekend, Jurgen Klopp’s side will be determined to get back to winning ways. The Reds played most of that game with ten men, with Sadio Mane sent off for a high footed challenge on City ‘keeper Ederson. The Malian international will now miss their next three league games, but is still eligible to play in the Champions League.

Liverpool secured their place in the Champions League group stages by defeating Hoffenhiem in a two legged play off match. A 2-1 away victory in Germany, was followed up by a 4-2 home victory, which saw them progress. This is only the second time in the last seven years they have appeared in the competition, with their last appearance back in 2014.

Mane and Salah’s pace could be pivotal against Sevilla Photo Credit: skysports.com

Despite their disappointing result at the weekend, Liverpool have started the season in good form. After a disappointing 3-3 draw with Watford on the opening day of the season, they bounced back with a 1-0 home victory against Crystal Palace, before annihilating Arsenal 4-0 at Anfield. The front three of Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamad Salah have been devastating, with them scoring a combined nine goals in all competitions so far. With Phillipe Countinho also now set to re-enter the fold, there is cause for optimism on Merseyside.

Sevilla will hope to progress further than last seasons campaign in the Champions League Photo Credit: skysports.com

After reaching the last 16 of the Champions League last season, Sevilla have proved themselves to be tough opponents. Despite being knocked out by Leicester, the club have shown that they are more than capable of mixing it with Europe’s finest. The Spanish club have a number of household names, with Ever Benega, Steven N’Zonzi and Wissam Ben Yedder standing out. After three games in La Liga, they currently sit third with seven points, and are yet to taste defeat in any competition so far this season.

The last time these two sides met was in the Europa League final, back in 2016. That day, Sevilla came away with a 3-1 victory and won the competition, leaving Jurgen Klopp’s team without Champions League football for another season. That surprisingly is the only time these two sides have met, meaning Sevilla are facing their first ever trip to Anfield. I think both teams to score is a safe bet, with Liverpool notoriously dangerous going forward, but leaky at the back.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Sevilla

SKYBET: LIVERPOOL TO WIN 2-1- 7/1
SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 10/11
SKYBET: FIRMINO TO SCORE FIRST AND LIVERPOOL TO WIN 3-2- 60/1
SKYBET: MANE AND BEN YEDDER TO BOTH SCORE- 5/1
SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES- 11/1
SKYBET: LIVERPOOL TO WIN FROM BEHIND- 17/2

Barcelona vs Juventus - Champions League Preview

Barcelona vs Juventus – Champions League Preview – Champions League action is back on Tuesday night with two European titans clashing at the Nou Camp. Group D will kick off with the two top seeded clubs facing off where last years finalists Juventus will hope to get a huge away win and make a statement of intent.

The hosts have begun their domestic league campaign in dominant fashion; winning their first three matches. In their most recent outing, the Catalans took apart Espanyol with Argentinian talisman Lionel Messi scoring his first hattrick of the 2017/18 season. Yet to show too many signs of missing Neymar to PSG on the pitch, the Spanish side will be hoping that his absence will not affect their European chances this season either. Can their main man continue his world class form?

Skybet Price Boost – Lionel Messi to score from outside the penalty area – 8/1

How will Barcelona do without Neymar this season? Photo Credit: skysports.com

Juventus have also raised the curtain to their domestic campaign in rather emphatic fashion with three victories from three matches. Paolo Dybala hasn’t taken any time to rest and has continued raising his profile on the world stage with five goals so far from the three fixtures. The 23-year-old turned a lot of heads in the past twelve months with his quality on the ball and in front of goal and will be hoping to prove he isn’t a one season wonder. Can he score a crucial away goal for Juventus to kick off their Champions League campaign?

Skybet Price Boost – Luis Suarez and Paulo Dybala both to score in 90 mins – 8/1

Dyabala scored twice against Barcelona last season in the Champions League Photo Credit: skysports.com

With Olympiakos and Sporting Lisbon occupying the other two spots in Group D; both sides will be expecting to qualify for the next round of the Champions League, however nothing is impossible. SkyBet are offering odds of 4/7 for Barcelona to win Group D and offering odds of 6/4 for Juventus.

Tuesday night’s visitors fell one hurdle short in the 2016/17 campaign, receiving their runners up medals following a 4-1 defeat to Barcelona’s domestic rivals, Real Madrid, in the final in Cardiff. With their key players in the prime of their careers, they will be hoping to begin their 2017/18 campaign with a huge statement of intent.

Skybet Price Boost – Juventus to win 2-0 – 33/1

Barcelona are favourites to win Tuesday’s encounter and they will be hoping their key players such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez can help them to a key first victory.

Skybet Price Boost – Barcelona to win 2-0 – 8/1

 

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Manchester United vs Basel - Champions League Preview

Manchester United vs Basel – Champions League Preview – Manchester United make their return to The Champions League on Tuesday night, as they host Basel at Old Trafford.

After losing their 100% Premier League record against Stoke at the weekend, United will be keen to return to winning ways. Saturday’s 2-2 draw were the first points Jose Mourinho’s team have dropped this season, in what has been an impressive start to their title charge. Romelu Lukaku grabbed his fourth goal of the season at the Bet365 Stadium, meaning the Belgian striker has four goals in his last four games.

Lukaku, Pogba and Rashford have made fantastic starts to the season for Utd Photo Credit: skysports.com

United will be without Phil Jones and Eric Bailly against Basel, with both missing the game through suspension. Jones picked up a two game ban after being charged by UEFA for abusing a match official in last season’s Europa League triumph. For Bailly, a red card in the semi-final of the Europa League meant he missed the final, the Super Cup and now United’s first Champions League game.

With United’s first choice defensive pairing both missing, this offers an opportunity for Chris Smalling and new singing Victor Lindelof. The Swedish defender looks set to make his first start since United’s Super Cup defeat, having not played a minute yet in the Premier League for his new club.

Ricky van Wolfswinkel has scored 7 in 7 for Basel since joining the club Photo Credit: fcb.ch

Basel comprehensively won the Swiss Super League last season, finishing 17 points ahead of second placed Young Boys. The club also racked up the most goals in the league (92) and conceded the fewest (35). Up front, new signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel will be hoping to make an impact, after signing from Vitesse Arnold. The former Norwich striker bagged 20 goals for the Dutch side last season, earning him his move to the Swiss champions. The striker has scored seven goals in seven games already for his new side, and he’ll be hoping to continue that red hot form on Tuesday night.

The last time these two met was back in December 2011, where Basel secured a famous 2-1 win. Goals from Marco Streller and Alexandre Frei sent Sir Alex Fergusons’s side crashing out of the Champions League, with the Red Devils failing to make it past the group stages of the competition. Previous to that game, the two sides have only met three times, with United winning one, and drawing the other two.

Those four games have however yielded 15 goals, so if history is anything to go by, it should be a free scoring game. I think Mourinho’s men will have too much for Basel, and will open their Champions League campaign with three points.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Basel

 

SKYBET: UNITED TO WIN 2-0- 9/2

SKYBET: LUKAKU TO SCORE A BRACE- 9/2

SKYBET: RASHFORD AND VAN WOLFSWINKEL TO BOTH SCORE- 13/2

SKYBET: UNITED TO WIN FROM BEHIND- 10/1

SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 7/4

SKYBET GOALSCORER TREBLE – LUKAKU, POGBA AND WOLFSWINKEL ALL TO SCORE- 16/1

Champions League of Darts 2017 - Round 1 Preview

Champions League of Darts 2017 – Round 1 Preview – The Champions League of Darts first round draw has just pulled out some cracking fixtures ready for us on Saturday September 16th 2017 at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff. The defending champion Phil Taylor will be looking for another major PDC title for his large collection before the end of 2017 – when the darting legend is said to be retiring.

Michael van Gerwen and Adrian Lewis will be returning to our TV screens after taking a short break from the PDC circuit as both of their wives gave birth in the recent weeks.

With 2017 shortly counting down to the World Championships in December, the PDC’s heavyweight titans will be hoping to claim some momentum in the months running up – this tournament is a fantastic opportunity to do so.

Here are the fixtures for the first round of the PDC Champions League of Darts:

Peter Wright vs Dave Chisnall

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Peter Wright’s colourful charisma has not been an accurate representation of his frustrations at the oche in recent months. The test of Chisnall will be a tough test – as is any match in the Champions League – but one that Wright has proven to overcome in 2017. From their five meetings in 2017, Wright has won four of them whilst Chisnall could only grasp a draw in the fifth. ‘Chizzy’ has shared Wright’s frustrations this year, failing to nail the coffin in numerous occasions that has left his recent achievements rather dry. These two love to hit big maximums so expect nothing less.
Bet365 Handicap 2 – Way – Peter Wright – (-2.5) 

Gary Anderson vs Mensur Suljovic

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Gary Anderson has had a slow couple of months entering this tournament. Defeats to Daryl Gurney has become all too common for the Scotsman, who lost to him in three PDC tournaments over July and August. Mensur Suljovic has cemented his spot in the top 10 on the order of merit this season with impressive performances. Reaching the latter stages of many PDC tournaments is a huge improvement for the Austrian, who faces a rather unknown test with Anderson. The two have only ever met four times in their professional careers; both having won twice. Anderson’s fast style of play could interrupt the rhythm of the more composed approach of Suljovic.

Bet365 Correct Score – Gary Anderson to Win 10-6 – 11/2

Phil Taylor vs Adrian Lewis

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Phil Taylor has enjoyed some success on his lap of honour with the PDC. The 57 year-old won the World Matchplay, knocking out Michael van Gerwen in the process. He faces his good friend, Adrian Lewis who as aforementioned, has had a break from the sport to focus on fatherhood. With Taylor’s red-hot form, Lewis could struggle and won’t have time to ease back into it. The two most recently met at the Matchplay where the teacher got another one over the student. Always a tight test, this could be a close one.

Bet365 Total Legs – Over 16.5 Legs – 5/6

Michael van Gerwen vs Raymond van Barneveld

Photo Credit: skysports.com

The draw has blessed us with the darting El Clasico which is sure to provide us with some top quality darts. Michael van Gerwen, just as mentioned, has taken a break along with Adrian Lewis to focus on fatherhood – not for the same child however. 50 year-old van Barneveld hasn’t enjoyed much success in recent times. He has failed to gain momentum whilst on tour with the PDC but something about the bright lights and live tv often ignites the Dutchman to produce great things. You don’t need me to tell you MvG is favourite for this match and although he has had a break, his quality should be just too much for his fellow countryman.

Bet365 Score After 6 Legs – Michael van Gerwen 4-2 – 7/4

 

West Ham United vs Huddersfield Town - Match Preview

West Ham United vs Huddersfield Town – Match Preview – West Ham host Premier League new boys Huddersfield Town at the Olympic Stadium in a crucial game for the Hammers’.

Having played their opening three fixtures away from home, West Ham will be looking for some home comforts to kick start their campaign. The Hammers find themselves without a point yet this season, having lost all their games so far this season. The pressure is already growing on Slaven Bilic, and despite being only three matches in, this now looks like a must win game for him.

Hernandez will hope to help the Hammers to their first win of the season Photo Credit: skysports.com

The team are struggling. After an abject 4-0 away defeat to Manchester United, they followed it with a more encouraging 3-2 away defeat at Southampton. Having had ten men for the majority of the game, and battling back from 2-0 down, there was at least some positives to take from that match. New summer signing Javier Hernandez opened his account for the season and but not for a last minute penalty, they would have taken home a point.

Then came the most worrying defeat, 3-0 away from home against Newcastle. With Newcastle also losing their opening two fixtures, it was a game where West Ham should have been looking to pick up at least a point. They never got going however, and were comprehensively beaten by Rafa Bentiez’s men.

Aaron Mooy has been pivotal for Huddersfield in the opening three games of the season Photo Credit: skysports.com

Up North, Huddersfield’s start to Premier League life has been near perfect. After collecting seven points from their opening three games, the Terriers are looking a real threat. Steve Mounie’s debut brace got him off to the perfect start at his new club against Crystal Palace, whilst Aaron Mooy’s winner against Newcastle secured them their first ever home win.

Against Southampton last time out, they held the Saints to a 0-0 draw. Having not conceded a goal this season, David Wagner’s side are showing not only their ability to score goals, but that they are resolute and organised defensively. After such an impressive start, these really are two clubs with the most contrasting mindsets in the Premier League.

The last league meeting between these two sides was back in 1972! This underlines the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs, and how far Huddersfield have come in recent years. Interestingly, the Hammers have only beaten the Terriers twice in their last seven meetings, with three of those being cup matches.

I can see this one being a draw. Given Huddersfield’s confidence I think they can go there and take a point. If West Ham don’t start well the home crowd will soon be on their backs, but I think they’ll manage to secure their first point of the season.

Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Huddersfield

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE 1-1- 11/2

SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 6/4

SKYBET: MOUNIE TO SCORE FIRST AND HUDDERSFIELD TO WIN 1-0- 45/1

SKYBET: HERNANDEZ AND INCE BOTH TO SCORE- 7/1

SKYBET: WEST HAM TO WIN FROM BEHIND- 11/1

SKYBET: GOAL IN BOTH HALVES(YES)- 5/6

SKYBET PRICE BOOST : STEVE MOUNIE TO SCORE A HEADER- 8/1

SKYBET FEATURED REQUESTABET : HERNANDEZ TO SCORE A HEADER AND HUDDERSFIELD TO SCORE A PENALTY- 300/1

SKYBET REQUESTABET 80/1 AND ABOVE : HERNANDEZ AND MOUNIE TO SCORE A HEADER- 200/1

SKYBET REQUESTABET UP TO 10/1 – BTTS, 4+ CORNERS EACH TEAM AND 20+ BOOKING POINTS EACH TEAM – 7/1

NFL – Gameweek 1 Preview – After the long wait, Week 1 of the NFL has finally arrived, here we go!

Jets at Bills
Jets are in clear Tank mode, looking for the top Pick in Next Year’s Draft, while the Bills are in similar water, Tyrod Taylor & LeSean McCoy are still enough to win.
I have the Bills winning 17-10
Taylor: 215 Passing YDS, 1 TD
McCoy: 125 YDS Total, 1 TD

Falcons at Bears
The NFC Champs defend their crown against a very weak Bears defense. I expect Big Games from the Falcons offense.
I have the Falcons winning 24-13
Ryan: 310 Passing YDS, 2 TDs
J Jones: 125 Rec YDS, 1 TD
Freeman: 90 YDS total

Ravens at Bengals
Division Rivals majority of the times have good games, I expect a close one. The Ravens Secondary (CB’s & S) are questionable, Andy Dalton and AJ Green are healthy, along with the debut of rookie RB Joe Mixon.
I have the Bengals Winning 20-17
Dalton: 250 YDS 1 TD
Green: 115 Rec YDS, 1 TD
Mixon: 65 total YDS, 1 TD

Steelers at Browns
The Browns made improvements on defense, but not enough for the high powered Steelers offense. With the return of Martavis Bryant, to go along with Ben, Brown and Bell, I expect the Steelers to win big.
I have the Steelers Winning 31-10
Roethlisberger: 275 YDS, 3 TDs
Brown: 135 Rec YDS, 2 TDs
Bell: 150 YDS Total: 2 TDS 1 REC, 1 Rushing

Ben Roethlisberger Photo Credit: skysports.com

Cardinals at Lions
These teams always matchup well, expect a close shootout in this one. Lions have more weapons; Cardinals have the more effective weapons. In the end
I have the Lions Winning 24-21
Stafford: 280 YDS -2 TDs
Abdullah: 88 YDS Rushing, 1 TD
Tate: 100 YDS Rec, 1 TD

Jaguars at Texans
Both team are questionable at QB, however the Texans defense is always effective, also expect a resurgence season from DeAndre Hopkins.
I have the Texans winning 20-10
Hopkins: 88 Rec YDS 1 TD
Miller: 100 YDS Total, 1 TD

DeAndre Hopkins Photo Credit: skysports.com

Raiders at Titans
My Game of the Week, both teams are up and coming, both have good offenses, and questionable defenses. Titans are a little banged up, while the Raiders are coming into the year fully healthy.
I have the Raiders winning a highly contested game 27-24
Carr: 250 YDS, 1 TD
Lynch: 122 Rushing YDS, 2 TDs
Cooper: 1 TD, 100 YDS Rec

Eagles at Redskins
Division Rivals always have a great contested matchup, expecting the same with this one. Eagles added more Weapons on offense; however Kirk Cousins historically performs well at home, and against the Eagles. While the Redskins lost Garcon, and Jackson at WR. I have them winning a close one.
I have the Redskins winning 24-20
Cousins: 300 YDS,2 TDs
Pryor Sr: 88 Rec YDS, 1 TD
Reed: 100 YDS REC, 1 TD

Colts at Rams
Colts are banged up on both sides of the ball, including key injury to QB Andrew Luck, going against the Rams front 7 the Colts have an uphill battle. The Rams offense is improved, and I expect a resurgence season from RB Todd Gurley.
I have the Rams winning 20-10
Jarred Goff: 200 YDS, 1 TD
Todd Gurley: 150 Total YDS, 1 TD
Sammy Watkins: 88 REC YDS, 1 TD

Seahawks at Packers
My second game of the week, with both teams winning against each other the past 4 years. This is becoming sort of a rivalry, so expect fireworks. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense going against the Legion of Boom and the Seahawks defense is always tough, however I expect the Packers to score 3 Touchdowns. Question is how the Packers defense will do against Russell Wilson and the Seahawks offense.
In a close game down to the wire I have the Packers winning 27-24
Rodgers: 285 YDS, 2 TDs
Jordy Nelson: 100 YDS Rec, 1 TD

Aaron Rodgers Photo Credit: skysports.com

Panthers at 49ers
The Panthers have added weapons on offense, and I expect them to impress, the 49ers will compete hard, but they will lose this game.
I have the Panthers Winning 20-7
Newton: 300 YDS total, 2 TDs

Cowboys at Giants
This Sunday Night primetime, with the division rivals will deliver fireworks. Cowboys are at home, and will have RB Ezekiel Elliott for this week. Giants star WR Odell Beckhom is battling a hamstring injury which will slow him down. The Giants has the far better defense, because of injury the Cowboys have the better offense.
I have the Cowboys winning 23-17
Prescott: 200 YDS Passing, 1 TD
Elliott: 150 YDS Rushing, 1 TD
Bryant: 88 YDS Rec, 1 TD

Ezekial Elliott Photo Credit: skysports.com

Saints at Vikings
Debuting in their new Stadium the Vikings and their top 5 defense, face off with Drew Brees and the high powered Saints offense. In RB Adrian Peterson’s return I believe the Saints will wear down the Vikings defense.
I have the Saints winning 24-17
Brees: 285 YDS, 2 TD
Peterson: 100 YDS rushing. 1 TD
Thomas: 110 YDS Rec, 1 TD

Chargers at Broncos
Division rivalry matchup should be a good one. Even while injured the Chargers have enough weapons to compete with the top 3 defense in the NFL that is the Broncos. Broncos QB situation is still very unreliable, and they will rely on the running game heavy.
It’s a tossup game; I have the Broncos winning 17-1

Burnley vs Crystal Palace - Match Preview

Burnley vs Crystal Palace – Match Preview – Burnley host Crystal Palace this Sunday in the fourth game week of the Premier League.

Crystal Palace have not enjoyed the most fruitful start to the Premier League having lost their first three outings to Huddersfield, Liverpool and Swansea. New manager, Frank De Boer seems to already be on the ropes in terms of his job safety, with SkyBet offerings odds of 4/7 for the Dutchman to be the first Premier League manager to be sacked.

The Londoners have a squad capable of producing much better performances than they have so far, with Christian Benteke yet to get a foothold whilst leading the Palace attack. This match is a must win for the club, who will be down in the dumps if they were to lose their first four matches given the opposition. Can they turn it around?

Skybet Match Result – Crystal Palace to Win – 12/5

Burnley have begun their Premier League campaign in promising fashion; having picked up four points from three tough opening fixtures. The 3-2 victory away to Chelsea on the opening day was a huge shock and since, the Northerners have lost to West Brom and drawn away to Tottenham. Currently sitting at a steady 10th, Burnley will be looking to this fixture as another possible three points. Can they continue their impressive start?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Burnley to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 15/8

Benteke and Palace must increase their efforts for a win Photo Credit: skysports.com

As previously mentioned, Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke is yet to find the back of the net this season. In fact, the whole Palace squad is; as they haven’t scored a goal so far in the 2017/18 campaign. Once an unstoppable force in the box, the big Belgian will be hoping to rejuvenate the form of his former self but will have to start scoring quickly if so. Can he score a crucial goal for the visitors?

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Christian Benteke to Score Anytime in 90 mins – 7/4

Chris Wood will be hoping to add to his tally for Burnley Photo Credit: skysports.com

Burnley recently splashed the cash this summer on striker Chris Wood. The big target man has already got off the mark, scoring the 92nd minute equaliser to secure an impressive point away from home to Tottenham. The Kiwi will be looking to fixtures such as this to add to his tally, can he find some momentum in the Premier League?

Skybet To Score and Win – Chris Wood and Burnley – 5/2 

 

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Horse Racing Preview - Curragh & Chantilly - 10th September 2017

Today’s horse racing preview features six selections, coming from The Curragh & Chantilly who host some top quality group action from France.

 

12.50 Chantilly – Qater Prix Du Petit Couvert (Group 3) (5f)

Fashion Queen meets Kylland Rock on a 1lb worse term this time around from their 1-2 at York in the Listed Westow Stakes, but I would expect Kyllang Rock to be a lot closer to that form after his solid second recently at Nottingham when behind Ornate. Two other British entries here are Evil Spell and Lady Macapa, the latter would be the one of interest being form a yard that have been firing in big race winners over the past week. Clive Cox will not have the services of Adam Kirby this afternoon but nevertheless, he will have the likes of Luke Morris in the plate.

She has not been seen since finishing third behind Magical Memory in the Listed Hackwood Stakes at Newbury back in July, she has plenty of speed in her pedigree being by Equiano, however she will have to step up from her 93 winning mark last year to land the spoils here. Strangely enough this race has gone to British trainers for the past eight years,

Out of the four British entries that have travelled, I have to be bias to Fashion Queen, it’s great to have the likes of Maxin Guyon riding for the Clipper Logistic team, would have preferred Danny Tudhope of course but he will be in Ireland.

FASHION QUEEN : 1pt Each Way @ SP (BOG OR PLU)

13.50 Chantilly – Qatar Prix Niel (Group 2) (12f)

We have not seen a British trained winner of this race for 16 years, the last one came back in 2001 when Sir Michael Stoute sent over Golan to succeed. This year we see John Gosden’s Cracksman who on paper should be winning this after his recent success in the Group 2 Great Voltigeur at York’s Ebor meeting, but I am totally against him.

Pascal Bary has his string in fine fettle, with a current strike rate of 42%, he saddles here Ice Breeze who’s last run came in the Group 1 Grand Prix De Paris at Saint-Cloud. He won prior to that when taking the Group 2 Prix Hocquart when under pilot Vincent Cleminaud, but surprisingly enough the jockey has deserted him for Andre Farbre’s Finche. The pair teamed up back in 2015 when winning this race with New Bay who went on to land another Group 3 before being retired to stud,

Finche comes into this off the back of winning the Group 2 Prix Eugene Adam, stable mate Avillus was back in third by just under two lengths. Stepping up this afternoon into unknown territory around the index of 12f , but he is sired by the mighty Frankel, out of Binche and I feel he will take this contest in his stride.

FINCHE : 2pt Win @ 9/2 (BOG or PLU)

14.35 Curragh – Moyglare ‘Jewels’ Blanford Stakes (Group 2) (10f)

One of the most under-rated jockeys on the circuit when riding away from his stable is Danny Tudhope, who could have been in France for the weekend, but has elected to come here and ride out for Willie Haggas on Sea of Grace. She was so impressive when landing the Listed Dick Hern Stakes last month under Atzeni, beating Danny Tudhope into second on the consistent Lincoln Rocks.

Obviously Tudhope has seen a potential Group success for him, Sea of Grace was probably a very unlucky loser in last years French 1000gns when beaten by Preciuse, two main winners to come out of that race were Rain Goddess and Roly Poly. She takes on Rain Goddess once more who has improved since to land the Group 3 Snow Fairy Fillies Stakes over the 9f trip here at the Curragh, but to reverse the form I cannot see it.

So who can chase her home, with three year old’s having the best win ratio in this race it can only be the Aidan O’Brien pair in Alluringly and Rain Goddess, the former ran well for a long way in this years Epsom Oaks, her main success was around Listed company this year, however she looks a pace maker here I think, Rain Goddess looks the main danger, especially from the French 1000gns, I would fear her the most in this line up.

SEA OF GRACE : 2pt Win @ 11/4 (BOG)

15.05 Curragh – Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes (Group 2) (5f)

Ger Lyon’s Ardhoomey is attempting to go back to back in wins in this race and achieve what has only been done by four other horses in this races. I would say he is coming into this in better form than when landing this race last year. With two thirds to his name in Listed and pattern company over the past couple of months he has to be feared despite having to give weight all round.

All the rage though is Ballydoyle’s Carravaggio, he drops back this afternoon to the minimum trip which saw him unbeaten as a juvenile (2-2), will relish the cut in the ground and that finishing kick he has in the closing stages, is the one to beat. But you guessed it, I am going to take him on here with Charles Hills Cotai Glory. This horse is probably the unluckiest sprinter this year having to compete behind the likes of Marsha, Lady Aurelia and Take Cover, proven Group 1 winners, so is compensation on the card, I cannot see why not, he’s been consistent enough.

COTAI GLORY : 3pt Win @ 7/2 (BOG)

15.15 Chantilly – Qatar Prix Vermeille (Group 1) (12f)

This looks a solid head to head between Bateel and God Given with the latter getting the verdict for Luca Cumani. Firstly Bateel who has notched up wins this year in the Group 3 Pinnacle Stakes and more recently the Group 2 Prix Promone where she defeated the likes of Abingdon. Her only effort at this level came in last years Champion Mare & Fillies Stakes at Ascot where she finished last of thirteen. I do feel she has to step up again despite her current form to defeat God Given.

She has come on so quickly since landing her maiden at Haydock by a commanding four lengths, she showed that was no fluke when winning the Listed Aphrodite Stakes at Newmarket, and lastly, she really impressed me at Deauville when she took apart a strong field in the Group 3 Prix Minerve, her age to weight allowance is going to give her a massive claim to win this, Jamie Spencer will ride her once more.

GOD GIVEN: 2pts each way @ 9/1 (BOG & PLU)

15.40 Curragh – Moyglare Stud Stakes (Group 1) (7f)

The question is who’s turn is it this time, Which one of O’Brien’s horses will land this renewal? I just cannot take the trainer on trust these days after he has pulled the wool over our eyes too many times. He saddles five entries here and on paper the best filly in the race is Clemmie, but will that be the case at the line?

She has come on nicely this year landing the Group 2 Grangecon Stakes and Duchess of Cambridge Stakes back in July. She will come off a five and half week break which should not inconvenience her too much. However with stiff opposition form her stable I do feel she has to step up to beat Jessica Harrington’s Alpha Centauri.

She should be 3-3 in her career when beaten by French raider Different League in the Albany Stakes, the thing here is that progeny’s of Mastercraftsman tend to take time to come to hand, she is most definitely very forward for a juvenile. She steps up to 7f for the first time and I feel she will make her presence felt here under Colm O’Donoghue.

ALPHA CENTAURI : 4pt Win @ 4/1 (NAP) (BOG)

 

Best of Luck, Bet Responsibly

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Manchester City vs Liverpool - Match Preview

Manchester City vs Liverpool – Match Preview – Two Premier League titans clash this weekend with Manchester City hosting Liverpool this Saturday. Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp will add another game to their long list of managerial encounters.

The hosts last outing was a rather dramatic affair away at Bournemouth with a 96th minute winner from Raheem Sterling provoked outrage following the celebrations. Liverpool most recently dispatched of Arsenal in emphatic style, defeating the London club 4-0 at home.

David Silva can unlock the Liverpool defence with ease if given the chance Photo Credit: skysports.com

With the international break now over, many of the players taking to the Etihad stadium this weekend have played key parts in their countries recent matches. Manchester City midfielder David Silva was on the scoresheet for Spain in their 8-0 thrashing of Liechtenstein. The creative attacker has been given a rather free flowing role from Guardiola and has found a great partnership with Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. Can the Spaniard grab a goal?

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – David Silva to Score Anytime in 90 mins – 5/2

Liverpool starlet Ben Woodburn turned a lot of heads in the past week with two outstanding cameos off the bench for Wales. The 17-year-old scored on his debut against Austria late on with a cracking finish that has written his name into the history books. He then came off the bench away at Moldova and his 60-yard surgig run was enough to provide a fantastic assist. It is unlikely Woodburn will start against Manchester City as new signing Mo Salah has been very impressive. Liverpool’s August player of the month has lightening quick speed and fantastic vision and could be a huge threat to the Manchester defence.

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Mo Salah to Score Anytime in 90 mins – 2/1

Manchester City are currently fourth in the Premier League standings after three matches. Victories over Brighton and Hove Albion, Bournemouth and a draw against Everton has seen Guardiola’s men not quite reach their full potential, with their first proper test coming this Saturday. Can they leapfrog their opponents with 3 points?

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

Liverpool’s front three can cause the City defence plenty of problems Photo Credit: skysports.com

Liverpool are currently second in the Premier League. After their sketchy performance and 3-3 draw with Watford on the opening day, Klopp’s men asserted themselves well with victories over Crystal Palace and the 4-0 win over Arsenal. A victory could see them top the table if other results go their way.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Liverpool to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 11/1

 

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Horse Racing Preview - Aintree - 11th November 2017

Today’s horse racing preview comes from two meetings, with selections from Ascot & Haydock, with the main feature of the day coming in the Group 1 Haydock Sprint.

 

13.50 Haydock – 32Red Casino Ascendant Stakes (Listed) (8.1f)

There could be more to come from Arche Watson’s Yabass, his narrow success at Windsor four weeks ago is slowly working out well, with only the one runner to come out since in Regimented who won a Novice Stakes race ten days ago at Chepstow. The yard had a nice win on Thursday in Herecomesthesun who beat a good looking field. Edward Greatrex has teamed up with the yard and is flying at present, riding 8-19 (42%), so definitely a combination to keep on the right side of.

Chilean’s debut run at Newmarket has panned out well enough, with Old Persian winning recently and quite a few in that field running above their merits since. Chilean gave that Newmarket race a boost when winning on the all weather at Chelmsford nine days ago when beating Kind Act. Mick Channon’s Veejay has been handicapping and won his third race this year when taking a 0-85 contest at Ripon, but I have been questioning that form purely as Noble Manners was in the race and that’s not the best of yardsticks.

Learn By Heart finished a neck behind Another Bhatt who recently went to Turkey and landed a Group 3 contest, the front pair Red Mist and Hey Gaman were way ahead with the latter just holding on in the closing stages. On paper it is probably the best form, but for me he will be better when going handicapping. Marco Botti’s Dark Acclaim bounced off the soft ground at Doncaster when recording a three and three quarter length win over Qaroun. That form is rock solid with both the runner up and third winning next time out.

Mark Johnston’s Dee Ex Bee was disappointing in the Group 3 Acomb Stakes when finishing sixth, he drops back in class here to Listed level, but again I feel he will be better when going handicapping, however the man inform at present is Adam Kirby who has ridden 5-13 (38%) over the past week. The more rain the better for Charlie Appleby’s Dubhe who routed his rivals at Sandown Park last month. He would have to be feared though, with the forecasted rain next week at Haydock Park.

It’s a hard one to call here, with two proven soft ground horses in the race in Dark Acclaim and Charlie Appleby’s Dubhe. These two stand out the most, but i have swung towards Dubhe here purely on the fact he has already tackled the mile in heavy ground and won well doing it.

DUBHE : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

14.10 Ascot – Lavazza Fillies Novices Stakes (7.9f)

I suppose we should be making a tracker for next season with these back end juvenile fillies, especially with the 1000gns a possibility on the horizon next spring. This looks a really competitive Novices contest, with a few that have already had a run this is where I want to look at in the first instance. Charles Hills saddles Arthenia who is the daughter of Camelot, seventh of twelve on debut at Newmarket in what has looked a competitive Novices contest, the winner Purser disappointed in the recent running of the Solario Stakes, the Newmarket race is now looking slightly exposed for me and there could be a couple in here that have better chances.

Ceramist represents John Gosden, third on debut at Nottingham when behind Clive Cox’s Pure Clarity, but again I am not convinced she was in the best of races considering the runner up has started to expose her non ability to win a race. Another that has the experience of a run is Peter Chapple-Hyams Lubinka, she has some solid entries next month which includes the Fillies mile on Champions Day, she was very green on debut when finishing fourth to Simon Crisford’s Dark Rose Angel on the straight mile at Doncaster.

She looks the one to beat here and will relish the Ascot straight mile, Josephine Gordon takes the ride, with this being her first ever ride for the trainer, the stats are not in their favour, with the trainer being out of sorts and is not that renowned with juvenile winners these days. Charlie Appleby’s entry here Soliloquy ran a solid debut when runner up to Richard Hannon’s Vitamin, a useful yardstick going into that race considering she had finished in front of recent winners Clairette and Juliet Foxtrot on her debut, but its the Spencer factor that really puts me off backing her here despite the jockey riding well over the past month with 18 winners.

My final decision and it has not come lightly, Richard Hannon’s juveniles are back in form, as is the yard and Trump Alexander could on pedigree adapt better than some here. She is the daughter of Iffraajj who never ran over this afternoons index, however with only two runs as a juvenile and one at three, he thrived more with age, but he was lightly raced. So I am hoping she has collected some of her mother’s genes who won the Group 3 Design Stakes over 9f. Most of Hannon’s youngsters run well on debut and come on very quickly, she is bound to be a big price with what she is up against; proven experienced runners.

TRUMP ALEXANDER : 1pt each way @ SP (BOG)

14.25 Haydock – 32Red Sprint Cup Stakes (Group 1) (6f)

With a few of these already gone head to head this season, there are not many in this race that hold a Group 1 success, in fact just a few, firstly and the likely favourite for the race in Harry’s Angel. I stated last week I thought he was the best sprinter I have seen since Lochsong and stand by that with integrity. His Sandy Lane Stakes win over course and distance back in May was very impressive when landing the race by four and a half lengths.

Should he have beaten Carravaggio in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup, personally no, the ground was all wrong, far to quick for him and suffered inside the final half a furlong. Blue Point was back in third that day and he is another that cannot be discounted here and I will get to him in due course. His July Cup win saw him land his first Group 1 when beating Limato, Brando, Growl, The Tin Man, Tasleet and reversing the form with Carravaggio.

Now here’s the thing, do I feel Harry’s Angel will have that kick on softer surface? He won the Mill Reef on good to soft, however from 2-3 he has needed good to firm ground to show his true form to date. This is my concern, along with the fact that there has been no back to back winning favourites of this race, been a few that have tried, but failed.

Now my selection, I believe if you keep on going success will come, and Blue Point deserves to win a big pot. Gimcrack winner as a juvenile, he has been lightly raced this year, taking the Pavilion Stakes on seasons re-appearance and running third behind Harry’s Angel in the Commonwealth Cup.

Question is that he has not won a Group 1 yet, he has had a good go though, runner up in the Middle Park Stakes, third in the Dewhurst as a juvenile. The potential is there, however he just falls short. James Doyle has ridden him just the once when runner up in the Group 2 Richmond Stakes, the thing about him is I feel he can improve, not every top sprinter is unbeatable, we saw that recently in Lady Aurelia who was beaten by a horse that had been consistent.

Now is it worth to dutch in the race? Brando was conceding 6lb when beaten by Harry’s Angel in the July Cup and the weight told the story, this time around Brando only concedes 4lb and deserves to be on the premises. He is a Group 1 winner when landing the Maurice De Gheest and had both Magical Memory and Carravaggio well cooked that day.

Was beaten by The Tin Man in last years Champion Sprint at Newmarket to just over a length and has been kept away from all of the head to heads. Has won on soft ground in the past, but looks a solid good ground performer, should go well again despite the weight. Overall though there is no getting away from the fact that the younger generation has landed the past three renewals of this race in recent years, and this brings in Harry’s Angel & Blue Point. Even though I should be loyal to Harry’s Angel, I just have a gut feeling Blue Point is going to have a dream run.

BLUE POINT : 2pts each way @ 10/1 (BOG)

14.45 Ascot – Cunard Handicap (7f)

Considering claimers have won the past three renewals of this race, looking at their rides this year I am confident enough to suggest this will once more go to a claiming jockey. There is only five in the race that are claiming, so we start at the bottom and work our way up. Hollie Doyle has shown this season that her 3lb claim is worth a lot, here she will be carrying under 8st when she rides Michael Appleby’s Qeyaadah. The consistent four year old is probably finding things tough since landing a 0-90 handicap at Redcar back in June, however after three unplaced runs around 0-85 categories he was stepped up into better company when competing in a 0-105 class at Doncaster when just denied by a neck to David Barron’s Bertiewhittle.

Qeyaadah was in receipt of 1lb that day for a neck defeat, this time around he gets 5lb and should be reversing that form with Bertiewhittle who by the way has a claimer on board. Next there is Ian Williams Shady McCoy, the ex David Barron in-mate has not won since last July when winning a 0-95 handicap at Goodwood. He ran creditable when finishing fourth in this years Victoria Cup here at Ascot back in May, when off a 2lb higher mark, he could be feared on that form, but he is seven years of age now and taking on younger and better handicapped horses here.

So this brings me down to two entries that could land this prize, first one is Kevin Ryan’s Lualiwa who has only been out of the first two once this season. I was at York when she was beaten by the appropriately named Battered, but he went on to Chester and won a 0-100 handicap in good style probably having a bit more left in the tank. He returned to York and won well again when claiming a 0-95 handicap. His last run over course and distance saw him get run down in the closing stages by Tim Easterby’s Golden Apollo who was heavily punted to land the race, but that was the Shergar Cup, and my opinion on that meeting will stay silent.

The handicapper seems to be still assessing him, as he has only been raised 2lb for this, however he is coming close to probably hitting a brick wall, so the selection, Willie Haggas’ Squats, who finished fourth in this last year. He will run off a 2lb lower mark this time around, and gets a very good claimer on board in young Georgia Cox. He has already won on this ground two runs back when landing a 0-95 handicap at Newbury, and for me the one to beat this year.

SQUATS : 2pts each way @ 7/1 (BOG)

 

Best of Luck, Bet Responsibly

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