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Today’s Sports Betting Preview & BONUS Tips – By Rick Elliott

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City Can Beat United In Huge Manchester Derby  

Manchester United supporters will be on the horns of a dilemma when Manchester City play at Old Trafford tonight. A win would give them local bragging rights and be a massive positive step towards a top four finish and qualification for the Champions League. However, a City defeat makes Liverpool favourites to be the champions of England for the first time in 29 years. In a bizarre twist Liverpool fans will be cheering for United all the way. However, they could be disappointed because on current form the home team are not good enough to secure three points.

United are the biggest price they have ever been to win a home match in domestic football. They have lost six times in eight outings and were truly abysmal against Everton on Sunday. Being second best in all departments was bad enough but running fewer miles was testimony to the debacle. City have lost just once in seven matches at Old Trafford and should extend that run. In 23 of 34 Premier League matches they have led at half time and the end of the match. The MANCHESTER CITY/MANCHESTER CITY double result is 13/10 with Ladbrokes. 

The snooker World Championship is now wide open after Ronnie O’Sullivan lost in the first round. His opponent was James Cahill who is the first amateur to compete at the Crucible. The tournament really is a marathon and not a sprint and experience of going all the way counts for a lot. MARK SELBY was the champion in 2014, 2016 and 2017 and the Jester from Leicester can do it again at 9/2 with bet365. 

There is a decent card at Perth today and the highlight is the Listed novices’ hurdle over three miles at 3.00. Go Another One is trained in Ireland and was a non-runner at Fairyhouse yesterday. The track in Scotland is easily accessible from across the Irish Sea. It’s a journey in an eastwards direction which could be thwarted by a horse called EUR GONE WEST who can be backed at 7/2 with Ladbrokes.   

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Course Form Is Key In Golf This Week- By Ian Hudson

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The value of course form will be tested this week with tournaments in the United States and Europe taking place on courses that have now been used for a number of years. The Zurich Classic on the PGA Tour has been played at TPC Louisiana since 2005 and the Trophee Haasan is being played at Royal Golf Dar es Salam in Morocco for the fifth year in succession. Each course demands specific skills for good scoring and course form is an important element of a payer’s profile. Generally current form and course form identify leading contenders and there are some standout selections this week. The winners from last year are competing this week.   

However, the waters are muddied in the Zurich Classic because it is now a team event having changed format in 2017. There are 80 teams of two players, chosen from the Tour rankings and from the Tour membership or a sponsor’s invitation. The format is stroke play but better ball in the first and third rounds and alternate shots in the second and fourth rounds. The leading 35 teams and ties make the cut. The defending champions are Billy Horschel and Scott Piercy and the first winners were Jonas Blixt and Cameron Smith. Both former winning teams are playing together again this week.   

The TPC at Louisiana was a new course when it first hosted the Zurich Classic 13 years ago. It presents a good all-round test and the big hitters do not dominate despite the course being 7,425 yards in length. The Bermuda greens are below average in size and there are numerous fairway bunkers and over 70 pot bunkers which guard the lay-up areas. Wind can often be a factor but in benign conditions the course is vulnerable and pin positions are used to protect the scoring. The two winning scores have been 22 and 27 under and there has been one playoff and a winning margin of one stroke. 

Playing ability and skills are important but the team dynamic has been added to the mix. A partnership must gel and players must accept their team mates mistakes. Blixt and Smith have won in the format and both are players in form. Horschel and Piercy have played well at different stages of the season but other teams are preferred. Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel are major champions from South Africa who finished third last year. Oosthuizen is in the better form but his partner is suited to the course and the compatriots can prevail this year. They have played together as individuals and in the President’s Cup so have the right chemistry.       

The Trophee Hassan is a regular stroke play tournament over four rounds with a cut after the first 36 holes. The defending champion this week is Alex Levy who has not played on tour since the start of March. Levy won his fifth European Tour title last year but lack of a recent outing will count against him. It’s difficult to defend a title and a break from competitive action is a further negative. Conversely Levy will be fresh and will relish the tough challenges of the host course. Course form may prevail over current form and Levy can contend again.  

However, in terms of winning Levy might come up short and Joost Luiten is a viable alternative. The Dutch player was tied ninth last year with four rounds at or below par. Luiten was 10th for greens in regulation for which Levey was fifth and the runner-up was third. The par 72 track over 7,632 yards is relatively long but there is a premium on accuracy over distance but big hitting is still important. Luiten combines both skills and his course form makes him the selection in Morocco.  

 

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Today’s Sports Betting Preview & BONUS Tips – By Rick Elliott

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A Point At Tottenham Would Be Huge For Brighton

Brighton visit Tottenham’s new stadium in the Premier League tonight and the fixture has significance at both ends of the table.  Tottenham are in the last four of the Champions League but qualifying for the competition next season has not been assured by their finishing position. A poor run of form has dragged Brighton into a scrap with Cardiff to avoid relegation. A point against Tottenham would help them stay up and BRIGHTON are currently 5/1 with bet365 to fall into the Championship.  

The race for third and fourth place is ongoing and only three points separate Tottenham in third place and Manchester United in sixth. Chelsea and Arsenal are sandwiched between those two clubs. Tottenham can consolidate their position by beating Brighton. The visitors have not scored in their last six matches while Tottenham have not conceded in three fixtures at the new White Hart Lane. The logical bet is TOTTENHAM TO WIN TO NIL at 19/20 with Ladbrokes.     

It’s day four of the snooker World Championship in Sheffield. On form and history there is only one player to back. Ronnie O’Sullivan continues to break records and has now won most major titles of any player in the history of the sport. Even by his standards the Rocket has had an exceptional season during which he has recorded a 1,000th century break in competition. There’s no need to complicate the issue so back RONNIE O’SULLIVAN at 5/2 with bet365 to win a sixth world title.   

It’s the final day of the Irish Grand National meeting at Fairyhouse and there is €275,000 in prize money up for grabs. The richest race of the fixture is the handicap hurdle over two miles at 4.40. Jezki won the Champion Hurdle in 2014 and is competitive off the current mark. Ivanovich Gorbatov is finally showing the form that made the horse a leading juvenile three seasons ago. However, on County Hurdle form at Cheltenham COUNTISTER is the horse to back at 4/1 with Ladbrokes.  

Liverpool Will Be United Fans For One Night

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When Manchester United play Manchester City at Old Trafford on Wednesday Liverpool supporters will be wanting the home team to win. United are desperate for points to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League but a win in the derby could hand Liverpool the title. If City slip up Liverpool will be on track for the Premier League and Champions League double. There could be an all-England final of the Champions League for the first time since 2009 and TOTTENHAM are 4/1 with Coral to be the champions of Europe for the first time.

United were abysmal at Everton and the 4-0 defeat could have been a lot worse. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer apologised to the away fans at the end of the game for the abject effort of his players. A reaction in the Manchester derby will be good news for Liverpool who are trying to win the title for the first time in 29 years. If City drop points Liverpool will take advantage by beating Huddersfield at home on Friday. The visitors are relegated and surely cannot avoid a heavy defeat. LIVERPOOL are 11/8 with Ladbrokes to win the Premier League for the first time.

It’s the final day of the jumps season on Saturday and the new season begins the following week. Richard Johnson and Paul Nicholls are the champion jockey and champion trainer and Tiger Roll must be the horse of the year. The owners are teasing about the horse’s participation but a third Grand National in a row must be the target and TIGER ROLL is 8/1 with Coral to win the race again. The feature race of the finale at Sandown is the bet365 Gold Cup (which for years was called the Whitbread). The 2016 winner, THE YOUNG MASTER, is 9/1 with Ladbrokes for a second win. It all starts again a week on Saturday.

Crucial Slip Could Come In Cardiff

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Liverpool will go back to the top of the table with a win at Cardiff and the home team are desperate for points in their battle to avoid the drop. Cardiff have played 10 matches against teams from the top six this season and have lost the lot. That does not augur well for a team who are in 18th place, three points ahead of Brighton after playing the same number of matches. A win would be a massive boost to their confidence and Cardiff were two bad refereeing decisions from beating Chelsea at home. They have won six league matches at home this season but the best they can expect today is a DRAW which can be backed at 13/2 with bet365.

Everton have beaten Chelsea and Arsenal at home in recent Premier League matches but also lost at Fulham. Manchester United have lost four away matches in a row and Goodison Park is always a difficult trip. When the player walk on to the pitch to the Z Cars theme the place is rocking especially when a team from Manchester are in town. Everton have not conceded a goal in three home matches which were all against opponents from the top six. That run may not continue today but EVERTON can win this fixture and that outcome is 11/5 with Betfair.

The Ryanair Gold Cup Novice Chase at Fairyhouse (4.25) is a Grade 1 race over two miles and four furlongs. Its timing between the festivals at Cheltenham and Punchestown has led to a small field of five runners. The favourite is Mengli Khan who is owned by the sponsors and that could be a tip. However, Gigginstown Stud took years to win their own race at Cheltenham under Ryanair sponsorship and another horse is preferred. WINTER ESCAPE is the selection at 3/1 with bet365.

Today’s Sports Betting Preview & BONUS Tips – By Rick Elliott

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Revenge Can Be Sweet For Manchester City 

If Manchester City lose to Tottenham at home today in the Premier League the players and fans will be sick and tired of seeing them at the Etihad. Four days after Tottenham destroyed the dream of winning four trophies Manchester City welcome the London outfit to their ground again. City actually won the match 4-3 but Tottenham progressed to the last four of the Champions League on away goals.  In fact Tottenham have lost seven of eight away fixtures in all competitions. MANCHESTER CITY can gain some revenge by winning today’s match at 2/7 with bet365. Liverpool meet Cardiff away from home tomorrow. 

The other televised fixture brings together the home team in Newcastle and Southampton. It is one of those meaningless end of season fixtures which generally produce low bookings counts. Both teams look destined to finish in the bottom half of the table but free of relegation issues. Huddersfield and Fulham are down and Brighton and Cardiff are scrapping to avoid the drop. A draw today would serve the purpose for both clubs and finally confirm Premier League status for next season. Neither teams will be fretting over the drop if the points are shared which means the best bet is a DRAW and that outcome is 21/10 with Coral. 

Musselburgh stages a lucrative Flat meeting today with £239,000 in prize money up for grabs which makes it the track’s richest fixture. The biggest prize is for the winner of the heritage handicap over one mile and six furlongs at 3.35. It’s a wide open 14 runner contest with the favourite at 4/1 in the morning prices. Austrian School is respected but could now be handicapped out of the race. Ulster has the form on the All Weather to contend but this is his first race on turf. Making Miracles underperformed at this level last season so looks outclassed. LUCKY DEAL can translate solid form on artificial surfaces and is the horse to back at 8/1 with bet365.   

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Today’s Sports Betting Preview & BONUS Tips – By Rick Elliott

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Big Day For Delia Smith And Norwich 

Ipswich Town have fallen into the third tier and Norwich City are on the verge of promotion to the Premiere League. The East Anglian rivals will be two divisions apart next season and the only chance of a Tractor Derby is if they get drawn together in one of the Cups. Delia Smith is a director of Norwich who are unlikely to make a meal of finishing first or second in the Championship. 

Indeed Premier League status would be assured today if Sheffield United lost at Nottingham Forest and Norwich beat Sheffield Wednesday at home. However, the visitors in the second fixture have lost two of eight away matches against teams in the top 10. The promotion party may be delayed with a DRAW at Carrow Road which is 16/5 with Ladbrokes.  

There are no fixtures in the Premier League but it’s traditionally a huge day of derbies in rugby league. The biggest of the lot is Wigan’s home match against St Helens which is always played on Goof Friday. St Helens are nine places and 12 points ahead of their opponents and the relative point’s differential suggests the best bet is ST HELENS -8 at 11/10 with bet365. 

The Indian Premier League is the best Twenty20 franchise in the sport and huge amounts of money has attracted the best players in the format. There are eight city based teams in the league who play each other on a home and away basis. Today’s match brings together the home team in Kolkata who are sixth and bottom of the table Bangalore. KOLKATA can prevail at 4/6 with Ladbrokes.  

It’s the All-Weather Championships finals day at Lingfield and a big holiday crowd is expected at the track. There are seven races on the card and one million pounds in prize money up for grabs. The two bankers are Kachy (3.05) and Wissahickon (4.15) and the DOUBLE pays over 11/10 with bet365.   

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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Tottenham Could Have Their Name Written On The Champions League Trophy 

Apparently luck and questionable decisions even out over the course of a season but that is no consolation for Manchester City. Two huge incidents in the Champions League match with Tottenham went to VAR and City were on the wrong end of both decisions. Tottenham were awarded a goal and City had the late decider ruled out after consultation with the video assistant referee. However, what was gained in the right decisions was lost in the climatic moment of scoring a goal or not. TOTTENHAM are 7/2 with Coral to win the Champions League.

A goal for Arsenal in tonight’s Europa League match in Napoli means the Italian team will have to score four goals to progress to the semi-finals. Arsenal won the first leg of the tie 2-0 in London and that lead should be enough. However, they have a poor away record and avoiding defeat looks beyond them. Arsenal have not conceded in eight of 10 Europa League matches but have a big challenge to keep a clean sheet in this fixture. NAPOLI are 4/6 with Ladbrokes to win the match in 90 minutes. Chelsea have a 1-0 lead ahead of meeting Slavia Prague at home and a WIN TO NIL is within their compass and that outcome is 21/20 with Coral. 

The highlight of the third day of the Craven meeting at Newmarket is the Group 3 Earl of Sefton Stakes over one and one furlong at 4.10. On ratings and form Elarqam is a worthy favourite but the horse has not run for 245 days. First Contact has won a decent handicap but that form might not be strong enough to win a race at this level. FOREST RANGER won the race last year so is proven over the course and distance and good enough to complete the double at 5/1 with Ladbrokes. 

Today’s Sports Betting Preview & BONUS Tips – By Rick Elliott

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Three Will Become One Or Two In The Champions League 

The odds on England being the winning nation of the Champions League dropped slightly after Manchester United were humbled by Barcelona. There could be a further fall after tonight’s two fixtures as England’s representation will be down to two clubs at the most. Liverpool look home and hosed against Porto but Manchester City or Tottenham will be out because they meet at the Etihad in the second leg of the quarter finals. Tottenham take a 1-0 lead north after the first match at their new stadium. BARCELONA are now 15/8 with Betfair to win the Champions League.  

Manchester City are still chasing the dream of winning the quadruple but they face a massive test tonight. The omens and recent form are good because they have won nine of their last 11 home matches by two goals or more. Even if Tottenham score that margin of victory would suffice for qualification for the last four. Tottenham have actually looked a better outfit without the absent Harry Kane but then he could score the crucial away goal leaving City requiring three to qualify. MANCHESTER CITY are 4/7 with Ladbrokes to go through to the semi-finals for the first time.  

Liverpool take a 2-0 advantage to Portugal and one away goal means the home side require four goals to win the tie. The prospects of winning the Premier League and Champions League double has gone under the radar with all the speculation about City winning the lot. However, this evening they could be in the last four of the Champions League and the league leaders. Liverpool have only won six of 18 jaunts in Europe and victory tonight is not essential. They can go through if BOTH TEAMS SCORE which can be backed at 4/5 with Betfair.  

The Craven Stakes at Newmarket (3.35) is the last major trial for the 2,000 Guineas back at the same track at the start of next month. The race distance is one mile which is the same as the Guineas so a course and distance winner will emerge. ROYAL MARINE has the best form and can win the Craven at 7/4 with Ladbrokes. 

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Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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United Can Score At The Nou Camp But To No Avail  

Manchester United are big outsiders to qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League before their match against Barcelona at the Nou Camp. However, they were even less likely to win the final at the same ground trailing Bayern Munich by one goal in the last minute of the final in the 1998/99 season. Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer then scored to clinch the trophy that completed a treble that is still unique. Barcelona have not lost in 30 Champions League ties at home and MANCHESTER UNITED are 9/1 with bet365 to progress to the last four.    

Ironically Bayern Munich are the last team to win a European fixture away to Barcelona but that match took place in 2013. Barcelona had 67% of the possession at Old Trafford last week and the home team did not have one shot on target. Barca have a full strength squad and that means Lionel Messi plays. He has scored 26 goals in 23 matches and rarely fails to register in the big matches. United must score at some stage and with a bit of fortune can find the net but Barcelona always score at home. Therefore the best bet is BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE at 8/11 with Coral.   

Ajax caused a massive upset by knocking Real Madrid out of the Champions League in the last round. They lost the first leg 2-1 in Amsterdam but beat the Spanish giants 4-1 in the Bernabeu. Ajax are at Juventus in the second leg of their quarter-final tie in which the first match in Holland ended one-all. The visitors have lost just one of nine fixtures in the Champions League this season and can get the job done against Juventus. The Italian champions are not at their best just now which means AJAX TO QUALIFY is a decent bet at 9/4 with bet365. 

It’s the first day of the Craven meeting at Newmarket and there are three races on ITV4. The Nell Gwyn Stakes over seven furlongs at 3.35 is a major trial for the 1,000 Guineas, the first fillies’ Classic of the season. Main Edition on paper has the best form but the horse is exposed after six races as a juvenile. QABALA won her only start over the course and distance in September and is the bet at 15/2 with Coral.