Schalke vs Manchester City
Wednesday 20th February 2019, Veltins-Arena
UEFA Champions League – Round of 16
BT Sport 2 – 20:00 GMT
Bundesliga side Schalke will play host to Premier League champions Manchester City in the first leg of their round of 16 tie in the UEFA Champions League.
Both clubs had rather simple routes through to the knockout stages. The Germans came second in Group D however finished seven points above Galatasaray in third. Meanwhile, Manchester City topped Group F with 13 points.
Schalke are priced at a huge 10/1 to win this match by SkyBet. The hosts enter this match on a pretty bad run of form – especially considering they face the tournament favourites. They have just two wins from their last seven matches in all competitions. However, their home European record makes for much better reading. They are unbeaten in nine home European matches and a player hoping he can get the crowd off their feet will be Mark Uth. The striker has not had a great season in front of goal however has scored in the campaign this season. He is 4/1 to score anytime.
They often don’t have a boring match either in this competition. Their last eight home matches in the Champions League has seen them concede an average of 2.25 goals. They are 18/1 to win and for both teams to score.
Manchester City are easy favourites for this match and are priced at 1/4 to win. Pep Guardiola will be hoping his side can still win the quadruple this season. They have won nine of their last ten matches in all competitions – scoring 37 goals and conceding 4. It’s safe to say they are in form. One man in red hot form is Sergio Aguero. The Argentine has scored two hatricks in his last three matches. He will be a nightmare for the German defence and is 11/4 to score first.
The referee for this match will be Spaniard Carlos de Cerro Grande. The referee will likely be going to his pocket a fair few times, as European knockout matches always produce plenty of booking points. 50+ booking points are priced at 11/10 by SkyBet.
Schalke vs Manchester City will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport 2 and kicks off at 20:00 GMT.
Prediction: Schalke 0 – 3 Manchester City
– The visitors are stronger in all departments. An away crowd shouldn’t affect their performance.
Suggested Tips – Schalke vs Manchester City – (BET365)
- Correct Score – Manchester City win 3-0 – (link no longer available).
- First Goalscorer – Sergio Aguero – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Schalke vs Manchester City – (SKYBET)
- Correct Score Group Betting – Manchester City to win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 3/1.
- Price Boost – Kevin De Bruyne to score from outside the penalty area – 20/1.
- Popular RequestABet – Manchester City to win, over 2.5 goals, 6+ Manchester City corners and 20+ Schalke booking pts – 7/2.
- Popular RequestABet – Aguero, De Bruyne and Sterling to have 5+ shots on target between them – 11/8.
- RequestABet Specials upto 10/1 – Aguero 1+ shots on target & Sterling 1+ shots on target, 4+ Manchester City corners and 10+ booking points each team – 6/4. (NAP).
- Popular RequestABet – Aguero to score a header and Manchester City to score a penalty – 50/1.
Odds and markets last updated on Wednesday 20th February 2018 @18:30 GMT. Keep checking back to see if there’s any updates to markets – the time stamp in the previous sentence for when we update tips on this page will be updated.
Remember to keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around this weeks other European games.
France vs Belgium – Match Preview
France vs Belgium
Tuesday 10th July 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Semi-finals, Saint Petersburg Stadium, St. Petersburg
Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00
France vs Belgium – the first semi-final takes place tonight with both sets of players desperate to help their side into the final of the World Cup.
France are in their first World Cup semi-final since 2006. They progressed that night, before famously losing the final to Italy after Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt. This, however, is a much different side to that of ’06. They still have their superstars; Antoine Griezmann took his tally for the tournament to three goals after his long-range strike fumbled through Fernando Muslera’s hands. That goal gave France a two-goal cushion – a lead they never looked like losing. The game management after the Atletico Madrid forward’s 61st-minute strike was that of a team of winners. France have the third-lowest average age in their 23 man squad, at 26, but this performance was one that matched a much more wiley bunch.
Whilst Griezmann, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe will take all the headlines, France’s rearguard deserves some of the limelight too. After leaking three goals against Argentina, it was a much more solid display from two of the world’s most promising centre-backs. Rafael Varane and Samuel Umtiti have struck up a solid partnership, despite their Real Madrid – Barcelona differences at club level. Some may even suggest they are better than Spain’s combination of Sergio Ramos and Gerrard Pique
Belgium claimed their biggest scalp of the tournament with a 2-1 win over Brazil. Roberto Martinez changed the Red Devils’ shape, opting for a 4-3-3 system and deploying Kevin De Bruyne as a false nine. It worked a treat; Brazil’s offensive style often left KDB, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku three on three. Lukaku, in particular, has been sensational during this tournament. He is yet to score since the group stages, however, he has still influenced both Belgium’s games, which was often a criticism in the past. We also saw the best of KDB in this game. It will be interesting to see how Martinez sets up against France, who are a much different team to Brazil.
Andreas Cunha is the referee for this match. The Uruguayan has averaged 4.12 yellow and 0.27 red cards per match in 49 international matches. He’s also awarded 0.22 penalties per match during those games. Therefore, I would advise a maximum booking points total of 40+ for this game.
I fancied Brazil to win the World Cup, but Belgium blew them away with their tactics on Friday night. France will be wary of underestimating them as a result, but will still be confident of getting a result. There is so little to separate these two star-studded teams and I think this one will go all the way.
Prediction: France 1-1 Belgium
Suggested Tips – France vs Belgium – (BET365):
- Draw 1-1 – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – France vs Belgium – (SKYBET):
- Both Players to Score – Romelu Lukaku and Antoinne Grizzman both to score – 7/1.
- A Penalty to be scored in 90 minutes – 21/10.
- Either team to win on penalties – 9/2.
- RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – France v Belgium – BTTS, over 1.5 goals, 7+ match corners and 30+ match booking pts – 13/8. (NAP).
- FootyAccums RequestABets – France v Belgium – BTTS, 5+ Belgium corners and 20+ booking points each team – 6/1. (NB).
Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the remainders tomorrow’s second semi-final. Tips updated at 17:10 GMT on 10th July 2018.
FIFA World Cup 2018 – Promotional Offer by BET365
Arsenal vs Ostersunds – Match Preview
Arsenal vs Ostersunds
Thursday 22nd February 2018
Europa League, Round of 32 – 2nd Leg
Emirates Stadium, BT Sport 1 – 20:05 GMT
Arsenal vs Ostersunds – Arsenal will host Swedish side Ostersunds in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie. The first leg saw the North Londoners run out 3-0 victors in their travels to Sweden in which their efforts have all but booked them a place in the next round.
Last week’s first leg would have been pleasing for any Arsenal fan to watch, as their side ran a rampant display and sent a message to the rest of the competition that they are not to be taken lightly. Mesut Ozil and Nacho Monreal were amongst the goals as well as an own goal from Ostersunds defender Sotiris Papagiannopoulos that helped Arsene Wenger sit comfortably in his seat with the rest of the Arsenal coaching staff.
Their Swedish opponents however did make an account for themselves despite the heavy scoreline. With the less possession during the match of 44%, they managed to get 10 shots on goal with five on target however none were good enough to trouble David Ospina in the Arsenal net. In recent months, due to the Swedish League calendar, Ostersunds have been filling their weeks with friendlies. These have been against the likes of Dynamo Kyiv and Lokomotiv Moscow; in which they were able to draw both. Backtracking to their league campaign that ended in November 2017, striker Saman Ghoddos highlighted his importance to the Swedish outfit. He bagged 8 goals and 4 assists over the season; more than any other Ostersunds player.
The hosts have been fairing rather averagely this season in the Premier League. They are currently sixth in the standings 7 points behind their North London rivals Tottenham in fifth. At the Emirates they have not found scoring hard to come by as they have scored two or more goals in 84% of their home Premier League matches. Summer signing Alexander Lacazette hasn’t had a fruitful spell at the Emirates after starting his Arsenal career in such bright fashion. The Frenchman has scored nine goals with three assists in the league and the new signing of Pierre Aubameyang has also got fans excited for the Gunners frontline.
Despite their efforts at one end of the pitch, Arsenal’s disciplinary record is far from perfect. They have average just under 2 yellow cards per match; a fitting correlation given the shared feelings of frustration for much of this season. The man in charge of giving the cards is Slovakian referee Ivan Kruzliak. The match will be televised on BT Sport 1 and kicks off at 8:05pm.
Prediction: Arsenal 2 – Ostersunds 0.
Suggested Tips – Arsenal vs Ostersunds – (BET365)
- Correct Score – Arsenal 2-0 – (link no longer available)
- Over 2.5 goals & Both Teams to Score – No – (link no longer available)
- Arsenal to win by Nil – (link no longer available)
- To score in both halves – Arsenal – (link no longer available)
Suggested Tips & RequestABets – Arsenal vs Ostersunds – (SKYBET)
- Price Boost -Danny Welbeck and Henrikh Mkhitaryan both to score in 90 mins – 7/2
- Price Boost – Danny Welbeck to score first – 7/2
- Popular RequestABets – Holding to score a header and Arsenal to score a penalty – 66/1
- RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Welbeck to score a hat trick and Arsenal 3-0 – 125/1
Leeds vs Derby – Match Preview
Leeds vs Derby
Wednesday 21st February, Elland Road
Sky Bet Championship
Sky Sports 1 – 19:45 Kick-Off
Leeds vs Derby – new Leeds manager Paul Heckingbottom is searching for his first win against promotion-chasing Derby County at Elland Road.
The Whites’ troubles have taken them completely away from the play-off race. Now in 11th, Leeds are eight points away from their last opponents, Bristol City, in 6th.
A winless run stretching back all the way to Boxing Day (nine games) saw the end of Thomas Christiansen’s spell in charge. Six defeats in those nine games see Leeds needing somewhat of a dramatic turnaround to salvage what was a seemingly promising campaign.
Derby’s fantastic unbeaten streak of 12 games finally came to an end against Sheffield Wednesday last time out. The criticism that can be had is that Gary Rowett’s side pick up way too many draws. They’ve drawn three of the last five and dropped out of the coveted automatic promotion spots. The Rams are now in 4th, one point behind Aston Villa and three points behind Cardiff City.
This leaves the match will plenty to play for, as Leeds are still within an outside chance of making the play-offs. Derby meanwhile will hope to put the disappointment of defeat against Wednesday behind them and make a real charge for the top two in the final stages of the season.
The game is likely to be tense and tight as a result of this. Looking at the two team’s defensive records it would suggest the same. Derby’s 16 clean sheets can only be bettered by league leaders Wolves, whilst Leeds themselves have kept 12.
The Championship’s leading scorer Matej Vydra could once again be the difference. The Czech forward has 17 goals in 28 appearances and has seemed to once again find the form that helped Watford get promoted a couple of seasons ago.
The referee for this one is Keith Stroud and he could have his work cut out for him. Of the 32 officials to take charge of a Championship game this year the Englishman gives out the joint-fifth highest average booking points (with 47.2).
Leeds have picked up an astonishing six red cards so far this term. In addition to their 60 yellow cards this gives Leeds the division’s second-highest average booking points per game with 23.4. By contrast, Derby have the third-best disciplinary record in the league. The Rams have not been awarded a single red card, and with their 50 yellows have an average of just 15.4 booking points per match.
Prediction: Leeds 1-1 Derby County
An expectant atmosphere at Elland Road will be difficult for Derby to manoeuvre but their resilience will see them come away from Yorkshire with a point.
Leeds vs Derby County will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports from 19:30PM.
Suggested tips – Leeds vs Derby – (BET365):
- Correct Score 1-1 – (link no longer available)
- Anytime Goalscorer – Matej Vydra – (link no longer available)
- BTTS – Yes – (link no longer available)
Suggested tips – Leeds vs Derby – (SKYBET):
- RequestABets Specials up to 10/1 – Leeds vs Derby – BTTS, 4+ Corners Each Team and 20+ Booking Points Each Team – 15/2
- Popular RequestABets – Michel Lasogga to score a header and Vydra to score from outside the area – 125/1
- Both Players to Score – Lasogga and Vydra – 6/1
- RequestABet 33/1 to 66/1 – Derby to win, BTTS, 12+ match corners and 30+ Derby booking points – 33/1
- RequestABet 33/1 to 66/1 – Saiz to score, Draw, 8+ match corners, Johnson to be carded and 40+ match booking points – 40/1
Odds and markets last updated on February 21 February 2018 @18:50 GMT.
More markets will be added over the weekend prior to the game kicking off this evening. Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and previews for the remainder of this weeks fixtures.
Wigan vs Manchester City – Match Preview
Wigan vs Manchester City
Monday 19th February, DW Stadium
FA Cup 5th Round
BBC One – 20:00 GMT Kick-Off
Wigan vs Manchester City. Wigan Athletic and Manchester City meet in the 5th round of the FA Cup in a repeat of the dramatic 2013 final.
On that occasion, Wigan were a Premier League team. Roberto Martinez’s already-relegated side claimed the trophy with a last-minute Ben Watson goal. The Latics, now managed by Paul Cook and in League One will be even bigger underdogs against a phenomenal Manchester City team with Pep Guardiola at the helm.
It will take some stopping to repel a team that has only failed to score two times in all competitions all season. City have smashed an incredible 79 goals in 27 matches, scoring at least two in 22 of those fixtures. Sergio Aguero has once again been at the heart of that attacking prowess, finding the net 29 times in just 33 appearances this campaign.
The Sky Blues have 12 league clean sheets and the fact they have dropped points in just four games. This sees City with an almost insurmountable 16-point lead at the top of the Premier League. But Guardiola, fresh from a 5-0 demolition of FC Basel in the Champions League on Tuesday, will want to win every trophy possible. Especially seen as they lost in extra-time to Arsenal in the semi-finals of this competition last year.
Wigan have had a very strong season too. They sit in 2nd place with 63 points, level with Blackburn in 3rd. Shrewsbury are just a point ahead at the top but The Latics have a game in hand. Cook’s side will want to put aside the disappointment of the last two games (defeats to Southend United and Blackpool) when welcoming the Premier League Champions-elect. Wigan will surely not lack the motivation to do so.
Anthony Taylor has been confirmed as the official for this one. The English referee is yet to give out a red card in the Premier League so far this season. However, Taylor has dished out a very high average of 3.7 yellow cards per game in his 18 matches this term so that could be the safe bet.
It is hard to look past anything other than a dominant Manchester City victory. Even with what will be a changed side following the trip to Switzerland in the Champions League the depth of talent available should comfortably see the tie through. But stranger things have happened in the FA Cup.
The match will be shown on BBC One with kick-off at 7:55pm.
Prediction: Wigan 0-4 Manchester City
Suggested tips – Wigan vs Manchester City – (SKYBET):
- Correct score, Manchester City to win 4-0 – 8/1.
- Price Boost: Kevin De Bruyne to score from outside the penalty area – 5/1.
- Scorecast Boost: Sergio Aguero to score first and Manchester City to win 4-1 – 50/1.
- Scorecast Boost (Double Chance): Raheem Sterling to score first and either Manchester City to win 3-0 or Manchester City to win 4-0 – 10/1.
RequestABet Suggested Tips – Wigan vs Manchester City – (SKYBET):
- UK Televised RequestABets – Monday 19th Feb – BLA & MCY to score 2+ goals each & 5+ corners each & BUR & WIG 20+ booking pts each in each of BLA v BUR & WIG v MCY – 9/1.
(Note this market can be found away from the match – in Football > Specials > UK Televised RequestABets). - Popular RequestABets – Wigan vs Manchester City – Aguero to score a header and Gundogan to score from outside the area – 200/1.
- RequestABet Specials 80/1 to above – Wigan to win, BTTS, 4+ Wigan corners and 30+ Manchester City booking points – 450/1.
- Pundits RequestABets – Wigan vs Manchester City – Matt Le Tissier’s RAB: Sane & Gundogan to score and Manchester City to win to nil – 12/1.
- Popular RequestABets – Wigan vs Manchester City – Over 2.5 goals, 9+ match corners and 10+ booking points each team – 13/8.
- RequestABet Specials 33/1 to 66/1 – Wigan v Manchester City – Bernardo Silva to score, Manchester City to win, BTTS, 4+ corners each team and Delph to be carded – 66/1.
- Popular RequestABets – Wigan vs Manchester City – David Silva to score first and Dunkley to be shown the first card – 150/1.
- RequestABet Specials 33/1 to 66/1 – Wigan v Manchester City – Aguero to score a header and Manchester City to score a penalty – 28/1.
- Popular RequestABets – Wigan vs Manchester City – Laporte to score a header and Wigan to miss a penalty – 400/1.
- RequestABet Specials 80/1 to above – Grigg to score, Wigan 2-1, Under 13 match corners and 20+ booking points each team – 350/1.
Odds and markets last updated on February 19 February 2018 @16:45 GMT.
More markets will be added over the weekend prior to the game kicking off on Monday evening. Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and previews for this weeks UEFA Champions League action.
Liverpool vs Manchester City – Match Preview
The league’s best attacking sides go head to head at Anfield with Liverpool vs Manchester City clashing this Sunday. We could be in for a goal fest this weekend!
Pep Guardiola’s men are still yet to lose in the league campaign, with a trip to Anfield likely to be one of their toughest tasks yet. After winning at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge already this season, if they can navigate this fixture without defeat, it’s tough to see who could stop them. It did, however, take a stoppage-time Sergio Aguero goal to see them past Bristol City in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. After going in at the break a goal behind, goals from Kevin De Bruyne and then Sergio Aguero sealed the win.
That result showed that there are ways of getting at this City side. Bristol City’s high-pressing game contained City for Guardiola’s side for large portions of the game and ultimately lead to them opening the scoring. With John Stones just back from injury and Eliaquim Mangala still looking out of place, City were far from convincing defensively, something Jurgen Klopp’s men will look to exploit.
De Bruyne, David Silva and Sane will be hoping to keep City’s undefeated streak going at Anfield Photo Credit: skysports.com
Liverpool sealed their place in the next round of the FA Cup after beating Everton. That win means the Reds have won five of their last six games, including their last four. Unbeaten since October, Liverpool will be hoping the signing of Virgil van Dijk can help continue that run. The 75-million-pound defender scored on his full debut last week and will help plug a leaky backline that has threatened to derail Liverpool’s top four hopes. Against City, Van Dijk will be put under the microscope as he is put up against the division’s finest attackers.
In attack, Liverpool will be hoping to welcome back Mohamad Salah after he missed last week’s derby win. They will obviously be without Phillipe Coutinho, who completed his move to Barcelona this week, but they have a number of players ready to step into his shoes for this game. There’s no doubt the little Brazilian will be missed on Merseyside, but with an abundance of attacking options and the January window open, I think Liverpool got the better end of the £142 million-pound deal. With Adam Lallana now back fit alongside Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, the Reds have plenty in reserve.
Can Mane, Salah and Firmino fill the void left by Coutinho? Photo Credit: skysports.com
Despite losing 5-0 in the reverse fixture last September, Liverpool have won five of their last nine meetings with City, losing just three times. Similarly, City haven’t won at Anfield since 2003, 15 years ago. Andre Marriner has been appointed as referee for this game. Marriner is regarded to be a calm, ‘safe pair of hands’ having only brandished one red card this season. He has also only shown 36 yellow cards in his 15 matches to date, averaging at 2.4 a game. He has the sixth lowest average booking points in the league, with 27.3 per game.
With both sides boasting such a wealth of attacking talent, there will be goals in this game. I think that it will end a draw, with both teams to score a very safe bet. I wouldn’t rule out btts in both halves either if you’re feeling lucky.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City
Suggested Tips
(SKYBET)
CORRECT SCORE DRAW 2-2- 9/1
BTTS AND OVER 3.5 GOALS- 5/2
AGUERO TO SCORE AND CITY TO WIN- 7/4
SALAH TO SCORE FIRST AND LIVERPOOL TO WIN 3-2- 80/1
BTTS IN BOTH HALVES- 8/1
MANE AND STERLING TO BOTH SCORE- 15/2
(BET365)
ANYTIME GOALSCORER – VIRGIL VAN DJIK – (link no longer available)
HALF TIME/FULL TIME – DRAW/DRAW – (link no longer available)
TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES – LIVERPOOL – (link no longer available)
Sheffield Utd vs Sheffield Wednesday – Match Preview
The Steel City derby takes place this Friday with Sheffield Utd vs Sheffield Wednesday in the Skybet Championship. New Wednesday manager Jos Luhukay faces a tough test in his first game in charge against their city rivals.
The Dutch manager has managed in Germany all his career, with teams in both the Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga. He is known as ‘the Bundesliga promotion expert’ in Germany, having guided Borussia Monchengladbach, Augsburg and Hertha Berlin into the top flight of German football. He has achieved promotion with every club he’s been at; a record that is unmatched in Germany.
Jos Luhukay is the new Sheffield Wednesday manager, taking over from Carlos Carvalhal Photo Credit: skysports.com
With Hertha Berlin, he steered the club back to the top flight at the first time of asking, achieving the record number of points in the division’s history with 76 points from 34 games. Luhukay’s sole focus is to get Wednesday back into the Premier League, as soon as possible. With the Owls currently sitting in 16th place, 13 points off the play-offs, it’s unlikely that it will be this season. Luhukay will be able to use the rest of the campaign to assess his squad before the summer transfer window.
Wednesday come into this game with more than 10 first-team absentees. Injuries to Wednesday has been a factor in their lowly league position. They will be without a number of key players at Bramall Lane with Barry Bannan, Sam Hutchinson, Tom Lees, Kieran Lee, Gary Hooper and Fernando Forestieri just a few of the big names missing.
After their memorable 4-2 win at Hillsborough earlier in the season, Sheffield United will be hoping to do the double over their arch-rivals. A win would also move the Blades back into the play-off places and up to fifth. Chris Wilder could give a debut to new signing Ryan Leonard after the former Southend playmaker completed his move last week. Lee Evans looks to be on his way to Bramall Lane from Wolves but a deal has not been completed yet.
Clarke scored a brace in the reverse fixture when Sheff Utd won 4-2 at Hillsborough Photo Credit: skysports.com
Despite only winning two of their last ten games in all competitions, United coming into this game in the best form. Of those ten games, Chris Wilder’s side also drew three of them, including points against promotion rivals, Aston Villa and Derby County. Wednesday, by contrast, have collected just seven points from their last ten league games, with only one win in that time.
David Coote will be in charge of the Steel City derby. Coote has just the one red card to his name, to John Fleck of Sheff Utd and has shown an average of 3.9 yellow cards a game, with his average booking points total at 41.1.
Whilst I think this will be a much tighter affair than some have predicted, I think Sheffield United will get the win. It is, however, certainly the platform for Luhukay to make a name for himself.
Prediction: Sheffield United 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday
Suggested Tips
(SkyBet)
CORRECT SCORE UNITED TO WIN 2-1- 15/2
CLARKE TO SCORE FIRST AND DRAW 1-1- 18/1
RHODES TO SCORE AND WIN- 11/1
DONALDSON AND REACH TO BOTH SCORE- 14/1
BTTS IN BOTH HALVES- 20/1– (Happened last time)
BTTS AND WEDNESDAY TO WIN- 8/1
(BET365)
TOTAL GOALS/BTTS – OVER 2.5 AND YES – (link no longer available)
HALF TIME/FULL TIME – SHEFF UTD/DRAW – (link no longer available)
FULL TIME RESULT – DRAW – (link no longer available)
Celebrity Big Brother 2018 – Betting Preview
Another year goes by and to kick things off, Channel 5 bring us Celebrity Big Brother 2018, with 16 contestants all living together for a month. A whole host of personalities will be ready to clash and give the public something to talk about.
This year, the house began with bringing in the female contestants first, to mark the centenary of the female vote in 1918. The likes of ex Tory MP, Ann Widdecombe, glamour model, Jess Impiazzi, Boris Johnson’s sister, Rachel, and 5 more female contestants have all been entered into the house since last Tuesday.
On Friday, 8 men were added to the house, with ex footballer, John Barnes, former Boyzone member, Shane Lynch, Australian drag queen, Courtney Act and 5 others to currently complete the house with 16 contestants.
Here are our top 5 contenders to make it to the final stage of the show:
Courtney Act
Photo Credit: twitter.com/courtneyact
Courtney Act – Real name Shane Gilberto Jenek – is an Australian drag queen, singer and TV personality. She was on Australian Pop Idol in 2003 and has released a single. Courtney was also the foreign correspondent for the 2016 US elections for a Australian pop website. She is 9/4 to win CBB 2018.
Shane Lynch
Photo Credit: twitter.com/shanelynchlife
Shane Lynch is a former member of boyband, Boyzone. He is a singer/songwriter and an actor. This is not his first time on a reality show as Shane was on The Games in 2004 and Love Island in 2006. Shane is 8/1 to win CBB 2018.
Jess Impiazzi
Photo Credit: twitter.com/jess_impiazzi
Jess Impiazzi is an actress and businesswoman who has also been a glamour model in the UK. She has a fashion line called HD Female. Jess also does her bit for good causes as she has lobbied for equal rights for those discriminated against using guide dogs. She has featured on TV shows such as The Only Way Is Essex and Ex on the Beach. Most recently, in 2016, she was linked romantically to Hollywood actor, Charlie Sheen. Jess is 11/1 to Win CBB 2018.
Amanda Barrie
Photo Credit: tv.bt.com
Amanda Barrie is best known for her time on Coronation Street, as the character, Alma Sedgewick. She has featured on the show for 23 years. She has also been an actress on two Carry On films and the TV series, Benidorm. Amanda is 16/1 to win CBB 2018.
John Barnes
Photo Credit: twitter.com/officialbarnesy
John Barnes is a former Liverpool and England footballer. He has also played for Watford, Newcastle and Charlton. Barnes had a stint as head coach of Scottish side, Celtic, but was sacked after a year. He is now a pundit and commentator for ESPN. John Barnes is 16/1 to win CBB 2018.
Another 11 contestants are in the house and they are: Andrew Brady (5/1), Daniel O’Reilly (6/1), Maggie Oliver (10/1), Malika Haqq (16/1), Ann Widdicombe (20/1), Rachel Johnson (22/1), Ashley James (33/1), Ginuwine (40/1), Wayne Sleep (40/1), India Willoughby (50/1) and Jonny Mitchell (50/1).
All Odds are from SkyBet and correct as of 12pm, 09/01/2018.
Bournemouth vs Liverpool – Match Preview
Bournemouth vs Liverpool – Match Preview – Bournemouth will host Liverpool this Sunday afternoon in Premier League action at the Vitality Stadium.
The hosts enter this fixture following a valiant effort against Manchester United midweek that ultimately ended up in a 1-0 defeat.
Liverpool will be hoping to turn their fortunes around this Sunday following two draws in a row against Everton and more recently, West Brom.
Bournemouth are currently 14th in the Premier League with 16 points from 17 matches. Eddie Howe’s side have begun to find their feet this campaign following a very rocky beginning.
Defoe bagged a brace against Crystal Palace, can he grab a goal against the Reds Photo Credit: skysports.com
Jermain Defoe has also started to find his shooting boots with a contender for goal of the season recently as the Englishman came to save his side against Crystal Palace with an impressive brace. Bournemouth will be hoping to salvage something from this as they face an out of form Liverpool side; as their next two fixtures are Chelsea and Manchester City away.
Skybet Match Result – Bournemouth to Win – 5/1
Salah is the deadliest player in front of goal in the Premier League so far this season Photo Credit: skysports.com
Jurgen Klopp will be drilling into his players that anything less than three points is unacceptable this weekend. Not capitalising on their chances has cost them in their previous outings, as they have totalled 37 attempts in their two last games with one goal to show for it. Summer signing Mo Salah has set the Premier League alight from the right wing at Anfield, currently the top scorer in the Premier League with 13 goals and three assists. Currently 5th in the Premier League, Liverpool will hope a result against Bournemouth will see them leapfrog Spurs into a Champions League spot, who face Manchester City this weekend.
Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Liverpool to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 7/2
Liverpool have been kind to their travelling fans this year, having scored two or more goals in 62% of their away Premier League matches so far.
Bournemouth have struggled to keep opposition attacks away so far this season, only keeping a clean sheet in 25% of their matches this season.
Bournemouth have been awarded an average of 5.6 corners in their home fixtures so far this season whilst Liverpool have been awarded an average of 4.5 on the road.
Paul Tierney will take charge of this fixture, who has awarded an average of 36 booking points in his 5 Premier League matches so far.
Suggested Tips
- Skybet Penalty Specials – Liverpool to be Awarded a Penalty – 3/1
- Skybet Both Players to Score – Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino – 3/1
- Skybet 1st Half Goals – (3+) – 9/2
- Bet365 – Half Time/Full Time – Liverpool/Draw – (link no longer available)
- Bet365 – Anytime Goalscorer – Jermain Defoe – (link no longer available)
Christmas Specials 2017 – Betting Preview
Christmas is less than three weeks away and we await the UK No.1 single for Christmas which we will all find out on the 22nd December! We take a look at who could potentially be at the top from our top 5 picks! We also take a look at the betting odds on whether it shall snow this year on Christmas day…our guess is yes as it is already freezing! But the question is where in the UK?
Christmas No.1 2017
Ed Sheeran ft Beyonce – Perfect – 8/13
Two of the most popular and talked about artists have collaborated on a single which could easily get to No.1.
Big Shaq – Mans Not Hot –16/1
British comedian, actor and rapper, ‘Big Shaq’ aka Michael Dapaah, has become an internet sensation since his online skits and his mockumentary, SWIL, had everyone in stitches. He made the track, ‘Mans Not Hot’, which has become an instant hit in the clubs with his catchy lyrics.
George Michael/Wham! – Last Christmas – 11/2
Wham! produced the biggest selling no. 2 of all time with this classic during the festive period. Everyone knows it and it has been used in multiple TV adverts. George Michael passed away on the 25th December 2016 and many believe that the fans would love to see this become no.1 as a fitting tribute to the great.
Choirs With Purpose – Stand Together – 12/1
Choirs With Purpose are a collaboration of 12 choirs from across the UK who are creating a crowd funded compilation album for Christmas, with the single, Stand Together the first from the album. The single is for good causes and this should do well in the charts.
Rak – Su (X Factor Winners) – 13/2
The Watford based quartet were awarded the X Factor winners after performing an original song and had the public giving them the vote over singer/songwriter, Grace Davis. The last time a contestant from X Factor was no.1 at Christmas was Ben Haenow in 2014 with his song ‘Something I Need’.
Betting for ‘Christmas No.1 2017’ closes on 19th December 2017.
A White Christmas?
The last widespread White Christmas was back in 2010 in the UK, which was also the coldest December for over 100 years. We also had snow in 2009 and technically in 2015, but it was not snow lying on the ground.
For it to be a White Christmas, one snow flake must be observed falling in the 24hrs of 25th December at a specified location.
Here are the odds for snow to fall on the 25th December in 8 of the largest cities in the UK.
Aberdeen – 13/8
Belfast – 7/2
Birmingham – 5/1
Cardiff – 5/1
Dublin – 5/1
Glasgow – 2/1
London – 5/1
Manchester – 4/1
Betting for ‘Snow on Christmas Day’ closes on 11th December 2017.
(All odds provided by BET365 – prices quoted are taken at the time of publishing this article – 6th December – 12:30 PM GMT ).
You have to be 18+ to bet on these markets – please gamble responsibly.