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Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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The Premier League Rules Europe – All Four Clubs Could Be In! 

The impossible dream of the four finalists in the Champions League and Europa League being clubs from the Premier League could still become a reality. Liverpool and Tottenham did their bit in the Champions League from three goals down and now the ball is in the court of Chelsea and Arsenal in the Europa League who are both favourites to qualify from their ties which are decided this evening. One leg of the double has been taken care off but the odds on ENGLAND being the nationality of the winner in both European competitions is now about 1/3 with bet365.  

Arsenal take a 3-1 lead to Valencia after the first match in London in the semi-finals of the Europa League. Unai Emery, the man chosen to replace Arsene Wenger, won the trophy three times with Sevilla so knows what it takes. Despite some shambolic displays in the Premier League winning a competition in his first season would be a fine achievement by Emery. Arsenal have scored in eight of 10 away fixtures in the Europa League and Valencia rarely fail to find the net at home. The best bet is BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE at 8/15 with Ladbrokes.   

Chelsea earned a 1-1 draw away to Eintracht Frankfurt in their first leg but were value for a win. They should complete the job at Stamford Bridge and progress to the final of the Europa League, a competition they won in 2012-13. In fact Chelsea are one of just five clubs who have won all three of UEFA’s main club competitions. (Juventus, Ajax, Bayern Munich and Manchester United are the others).  However, anything is possible in two-leg football and a goal for Eintracht would put them in the driving seat. EINTRACHT FRANKFURT are 7/2 with bet365 to qualify for the final.

It’s the second day of the Chester May meeting and the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes (3.35) over one mile, five and a half furlongs is the richest race of the day. Idaho won the race for Aidan O’Brien last season and he has the favourite this time. KEW GARDENS can cope with a seven pounds penalty and justify favouritism at Evens with Ladbrokes.     

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

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Things Could Get Worse For Liverpool 

Manchester City have played 37 games in the Premier League this season and Vincent Kompany has had 37 shots from outside the penalty area in the competition over his 11 seasons at the club. City need to a win at Brighton on Sunday to clinch the title and Kompany’s first shot from more than 18 yards to go in secured a crucial three points against Leicester at the Etihad last night. That keeps them in the driving seat and one point ahead of Liverpool before the final day when Liverpool play Wolves at Anfield. Liverpool are the outsiders to be the champions of England in the 2018/19 season for which MANCHESTER CITY are now 1/10 with Paddy Power.

Liverpool are also long shots to qualify for the final of the Champions League ahead of this evening’s second leg fixture in the last four against Barcelona at home.  A 3-0 defeat in the first match was just about the worst result after Liverpool gave Barcelona a good match at Camp Nou last week. They were one outrageous free-kick and poor miss from Mo Salah from coming back from Spain with a 2-1 deficit which would have been a great result. Liverpool were three down against AC Milan in the 2005 final but came back to win the Champions League but this Barcelona side are a different kettle of fish. Salah is absent but Messi plays which means the match could ends up as a DRAW and that outcome is 13/5 with Coral.  

There are five meetings in the UK today and Fakenham offers the most prize money with £70,000 over seven races. It’s a lull before the lucrative Chester May meeting over the next three days which features some trials for the Derby. Aidan O’Brien often sends his leading prospects to the track and his runners should be noted after he won the 2,000 Guineas and 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket over the weekend. O’Brien has never had a runner at Fakenham where the Norfolk National takes place today at 3.45. FIFTY SHADES has the form and ratings to win the race at 3/1 with Paddy Power.

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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Europa League Should Be Better For English Clubs 

Events in the first legs of the semi-finals of the Champions League could not have worked out much worse for the Premier League clubs but outcomes should be better at the same stage of the Europa League. Tottenham must overcome a 1-0 deficit against Ajax after the first match at their new stadium while Liverpool played well but suffered at the hands of Lionel Messi in losing 3-0 in Barcelona. Chelsea and Arsenal go into bat for the Premier League this evening in the Europa League for which ENGLAND is 4/7 with Ladbrokes to be the winning nationality.  

Arsenal have lost their last three league matches so finishing in the top four in the Premier League looks beyond them. The other route into the Champions League is winning the Europa League. That process continues with a home first leg match against Valencia in the last four. Arsenal have not conceded in five home matches in the competition and Valencia have fallen off the pace for a top four finish in La Liga. The Spanish outfit are unbeaten in six knockout matches in the Europa League but ARSENAL look a good bet to win this fixture at Evens with bet365. 

Chelsea are at Eintracht Frankfurt in their first leg last four meeting in the Europa League. The home team have scored at least one goal in 40 of 44 competitive matches this season but two of their three leading scorers will be absent in Germany tonight. Maurizio Sarri has hung on to his job with Chelsea through thick and thin and results in the Europa League have helped his cause. A top four place in the Premier League looks likely and a decent result in Frankfurt is on the cards. A DRAW would be acceptable and that outcome is 23/10 with Ladbrokes.

Whichever horses win at Punchestown today, Ruby Walsh will not be riding any of them. He announced his retirement with immediate effect after winning the Punchestown Gold Cup with Kemboy yesterday. He has won the six big races in the sport but injuries over the last few years have taken their toll. There is no jockey against the name of BAPAUME in the Champion Stayers’ Hurdle at Punchestown (5.30) as Walsh is the trainer’s main jockey but the horse has the best form and can win this race at 9/4 with bet365.     

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

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Ajax Could Clean Up In The Champions League 

The prospect of all-Premier League final of the Champions League was significantly reduced last night when Tottenham lost at home to Ajax in the first leg of the semi-final. The Dutch side were 100/1 to lift the trophy at the start of the knockout stages but are now the third favourites to be the champions of Europe for the fifth time. Tottenham huffed and puffed but created few chances and were well off the pace. The losing margin could have been bigger because Ajax hit the post in the second half. The Amsterdam outfit have won all three away legs in the knockout stages and AJAX are now 23/10 with Betfair to win the 2018-19 Champions League. 

If they get the job done back in Holland Ajax will meet Barcelona or Liverpool in the final in Madrid on June 1st. The match is being played at Atletico’s new stadium so Barcelona will be playing in Spain. The Catalans welcome Liverpool to the country this evening for the first leg of the other last four tie. There has never been a Champions League of European Cup final between Liverpool or Barcelona and Ajax and Tottenham have never gone all the way. Liverpool have not lost in 19 matches and avoiding defeat would be huge tonight. Even a narrow loss would set up a massive night at Anfield and LIVERPOOL are 23/20 with Paddy Power to qualify.  

It’s the second day of the Punchestown Festival and there are plenty of betting opportunities. You know its time to have a break from backing horses when your each way selection is disqualified from third place because the jockey weighed in too light. It’s been a long season and some runners have left their best form at Cheltenham or Aintree. That is the conundrum with the Punchestown Gold Cup at 6.05 which brings together impressive winners at those meetings. Al Boum Photo won the Gold Cup and Kemboy won the Melling Chase but from left field BELLSHILL looks a big price at 11/2  with Betfair to beat them both and the rest of the field.   

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

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Tottenham Can Take A Crucial Lead To Holland

Tottenham are the only club in the last four of the Champions League who have not been champions of Europe before. In fact, Liverpool (5 times), Barcelona (5) and Ajax (4) are multiple winners of the competition in its current guise or the European Cup. Tottenham have not even played in the final but that could all change this year. ‘The names written on the Cup’ could apply this season because Tottenham have pulled off some unlikely results during progress to the semi-finals. Even now they are without their talisman, Harry Kane, but he has not been missed in the Champions League which TOTTENHAM are 9/2 with Coral to win for the first time. 

The next hurdle to overcome is Ajax and it’s the first leg of the semi-finals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this evening. Ajax have knocked out Real Madrid and Juventus in the last two rounds and won the away leg in both ties. However, they played the first match at home so knew what was required in the reverse fixture on the road. The dynamic is different in this tie and Ajax cannot be gung-ho from the start. Tottenham have conceded just two goals in seven matches at home and preventing the away goal will be paramount tonight. TOTTENHAM may not achieve that objective but can take a lead to Amsterdam by winning the match at 6/4 with Paddy Power. 

On the first day of the Punchestown Festival and the decision to take coverage of Irish racing to a new platform is coming home to roost. Every meeting in Ireland was free to view for Sky subscribers on At The Races. However, there is now an additional charge to watch racing from Ireland. Punchestown is Ireland’s version of the Cheltenham Festival and Willie Mullins always sends a strong team and today he races some superstars. Arguably the best performance at Cheltenham or Aintree was by MIN at the Grand National meeting and the horse is 8/13 with Coral to follow up in the Champion Chase over two miles at Punchestown (5.30) today. 

This Weeks Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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Something Still On The Line For 12 Premier League Clubs

We are at the semi-finals stage of the Champions League and Europa League and there are just two rounds of fixtures to be played in the Premier League. Four English clubs are still involved in European competition and 12 have something to play for in domestic football. Over the next seven days some huge issues will be decided and the action begins this week with the first legs of the last four in both European competitions. Each tie involves a club from the Premier League and the combined odds of ENGLAND be the winning nationality in the Champions League and Europa League is about 2/1 at the best odds.

Tottenham play Ajax at home on Tuesday and Liverpool are away at Barcelona the following night. In all the corresponding fixtures last season both teams scored and there were more than two goals. The four matches in the semi-finals produced 20 goals. Twelve of the 16 fixtures in the quarter-finals featured three goals or more. The goals flow at this stage of the competition and the OVER 2.5 GOALS double in this week’s matches pays just over 2/1 with bet365. Only one match at the same stage of the Europa League featured more than two goals so the UNDER 2.5 GOALS double in this week’s ties pays almost 9/4 with Betfair.

The first two Classics on the Flat take place at Newmarket over the weekend. The 2,000 Guineas and 1,000 Guineas are run over the Rowley Mile at HQ and both races look open at this stage of proceedings. It’s been a case of which horses are not running due to ill-timed injuries and the answer could be to follow Aidan O’Brien. In Ten Sovereigns (2,000 Guineas) and Just Wonderful (1,000 Guineas) he has the second favourites and the DOUBLE pays 53/1 with bet365. The trainer’s production line of horses continues at Naas where SO WONDERFUL is tipped to win the 4.40 race at 8/11 with Betfair.

The snooker World Championship has been reduced to a field of 12 players and by the end of today we will have reached the quarter-finals stage. Neil Robertson is the clear favourite in a draw that now features three former winners in Robertson, John Higgins and Stuart Bingham. On current form there could be a new champion because BARRY HAWKINS is playing well enough to win the title at 15/2 with bet365.

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.

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.