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A Bowlers Summer – High Value Down The Order – By Dave Owens

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Monday saw the end of the English test summer with England completing a 4-1 test victory over India in a series predominantly dominated by the ball. Both sides boasted high class bowling attacks and were helped by helpful conditions throughout the five-match series.  This led to batting at the top of the order being incredibly difficult for both sets of batsmen on either side and presented a real opportunity in the Top batsman markets where the odds were routinely sided in favour of batsman batting in highest positions in the order.

The opening three spots offer batsman ample opportunity to bat long periods of time and in theory post the biggest individual scores with the side having all, or nearly all their entire 10 wickets in hand and rarely if ever running out of partners and being able to score a volume of runs that their middle and lower order team mates would not have the time or opportunity to score.

This can be dramatically offset though, in certain conditions and against certain opponents being by far the most difficult place to bat. This proved the case quite dramatically in this series with the amazing stat that no opener on either side has scored a single half century at all until the fifth and last test match. The brand-new ball regularly moved around lavishly and at greater pace and was exploited expertly by the opening bowlers on each side and left both sides regularly early wickets down and the top batsman market being opened up to a great extent for players batting further down the order who in a lot of circumstances would walk to the crease with a top order playing potentially have a century to his name and no chance of being overhauled.

An added consideration to looking at the potential of backing high priced lower order batsman is the ability of the players batting in the Nos 7 and 8 positions. It’s all very well the top order having regular struggles and not being able to score runs, but it counts for nothing if the lower order is not good enough to exploit these opportunities. These criteria were met perfectly with both sides (particularly England) having real genuine all-rounders in the lower order with fine records with the bat in the forms of Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes and the highly talented newcomer Sam Curran and for India the spin bowling all-rounders of Ravi Ashwin and Jadeja.

The second and third test matches showed the way for this potential with England’s early problems with bat paving the way for the No 7 in the order to be top scorer in the Top batsman market with Chris Woakes capitalising and Jos Buttler taking the honours in the game after. These wins and the fragile confidence of the England top order saw Sam Curran prove tremendous value at 33/1 to win the fourth test away batting at No8 before the fifth and final test make the lower order player fantastic value with the big winners on either side with Jos Buttler taking it again from England’s No 7 position and a fine win to be had on Ravi Jadeja who took the award for India batting at No8 at an excellent price of 40/1 proving that batting struggles can certainly open lower order opportunity at the batting crease and in the betting markets.

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Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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Two Football Matches Instead Of Soccer 

With no major soccer matches taking place in Europe we have to focus on football in the United States for the best bet of the day. For many years American Football was an alien sport. The forerunner of live betting was a bookie based in the north west of England showing recordings of matches which punters were quite happy to bet on unaware that the transmission was delayed. In-play betting has come on leaps and bounds in the last 20 years and it is now unimaginable for a bookie to take bets on something that has happened. BALTIMORE at Cincinnati is the live Thursday night match and the home team are the money line bet at 10/11 with Boylesports.

Rugby league football is another version of the sport that is huge for betting in the north of England and elsewhere. Rugby league used to be a winter sport played on muddy pictures. There were up and unders and early baths in the days of Eddie Wareing who also presented It’s A Knockout with somebody else. Sky Sports changed rugby league by making it a summer sport. Live matches generate massive betting turnover and the fixtures begin at punter friendly times. Tonight’s live match is Castleford’s home fixture against Huddersfield. The key issues have been decided so there is little at stake. CASTLEFORD have selected a strong team and can cover the handicap of 14 points at 10//11 with William Hill.

The Doncaster St Leger meeting is a four day affair but that’s one too many. The first day was not even shown on ITV4 and the cameras have only been switched on for day two. Yesterday the racing was average but the card today is worthy of a meeting that stages the oldest Classic in the world even though there is only one Group race. The Park Hill Stakes at 3.00 is a Group 2 contest for fillies and mares run over the St Leger distance. HORSEPLAY was placed in the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks and that form makes the horse the one to back at 3/1 with Betfair.  The richest race of the day is for horses aged two at Class 2 level (3.35). THE IRISH ROVER has form in Group races and is trained by Aidan O’Brien so is the bet at 5/1 with bet365.

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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England Play Switzerland In Real Friendly

England were 22 minutes away from playing in the World Cup final but have now lost three matches in succession for the first time since 1988. On the one hand England only beat Tunisia, Panama and Sweden in 90 minutes in Russia but progressed further than Germany, Brazil, Spain and Argentina. The cards definitely fell kindly but you can only beat who you have to play and England did score 12 goals in seven matches during the World Cup. Switzerland are their opponents this evening at Leicester’s ground in what is a genuine friendly rather than the pseudo friendlies that are fixtures in the UEFA Nations League. ENGLAND are 7/10 with Ladbrokes to beat Switzerland tonight.

The bane of international football in the past has been meaningless matches with nothing at stake. Inventing a tournament concept will not fool the fans and everybody knows winning Euro 2020 is what matters and the Nations League is a manufactured environment. At least tonight the match is called a friendly and is not being disguised as something it is not. Team selection and motivation are key and you would fancy the England second string to beat Switzerland. However, England have won just three of their last nine friendlies and Switzerland have lost twice in 22 matches. The visitors scored six against Iceland in their last match and England are strong up front so the bet of the match is BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE at Evens with bet365.

Backing football teams at odds-on is not everybody’s cup of tea and in international friendlies teams often don’t play to their best. Players may lack the desire and hunger while opponents may have something to prove. However, in any potential scenario Poland must beat Ireland at home tonight in a non-competitive match. Ireland have just seven Premier League players available for selection. POLAND have a new coach and must be backed even at 11/20 with William Hill.

It’s the second day of the Listowel harvest festival and the fixture is the most lucrative of the day. The richest race on the card is the handicap hurdle over two miles at 3.40 and there is a maximum field of 18 runners. The place terms are one quarter the odds for the first four and KUIPER BELT is the each-way bet. The horse has won two minor races in England and now steps up to handicap company with potentially something in hand so is the selection at 10/1 with Coral.

Man of The Match – The Value of The All-Rounder – By Dave Owens

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The current test series between England and India has lived up to its billing as an excellent test series between two strong and evenly matched sides in English conditions. The pre-cursor to a good series is the unknown element about which factors will end up being the difference between the two sides and separate them at the end of the allotted number of tests. India have battled excellently throughout, winning the second test comfortably and battling hard in losing efforts that they could have easily won.

The series has had quite a few recurring themes during the four tests played so far this summer. The main theme has been the dominance of the bowl over bat with both top orders struggling badly against two fine bowling attacks in helpful bowling conditions throughout the tests. The exception to this being Virat Kohli who in another sub-plot has established himself now as the undisputed top batsman in the world.

The struggles of batsman throughout have led to the major difference between the sides being the length of batting England possess with a highly unusual amount of high class all-rounders at their disposal to come after the regular loss of early wickets and specialist batsman and making excellent and what has proved match defining contributions with the bat in what mainly have been low scoring affairs. Having an area of strength in a tight (and low scoring) contest can make the Man of the Match market very appealing.

Selecting one player from 22 can seem quite a daunting and difficult proposition. With one area of the game being more prominent than the other, ruling out batsman from both sides (except for Kohli) can almost half the field in one go. This then would put the focus on the bowling line ups from both sides, usually a side would have one or maybe two outstanding candidates and have conditions in their favour which would make them a more appealing prospect than the rest of the attack.

Both sides though had well balanced bowling lines ups with each member of their attacks capable of taking wickets and the pitch’s themselves aiding both seam and spin and keeping all bowlers interested and as such the bowling and (wickets) being shared around, leaving no one performer to stand out significantly from the others.

The lack of runs from the batsman and wickets being distributed evenly offered a real opportunity for all-rounders to make a real impact and alter the course of matches with late order runs with the game in the balance and the chance to chip in with wickets when their team were in the field. This has proved to come into effect in all four of the tests played. The first match, in which runs were at a premium saw a late blitz from Sam Curran turn the game around with 63 precious runs in the second innings and added by five wickets across both innings saw him take the award.  A similar theme came to prominence in the second match with India bowled out cheaply and England struggling in their efforts with the bat and rescued by Chris Woakes batting at No7 and making a match winning 137 not out, combined with four wickets to make him an easy winner.

India managed to pull a test back and win the third match, their only all-rounder Hardik Pandya was incredibly unlucky not be the man of the match with a match turning spell of five wickets in a session to swing the game massively in his side favour and followed up by a second innings unbeaten 50 which only lost to the very rare batting brilliance of Kohli a few runs short of making a century in both innings of the test.  The last match as well saw Moeen Ali score a vital 40 in a low scoring game with wickets in both innings for his MOTM and prove it truly has been a series for the all-rounder.

Unfortunately, my man of the match picks were England’s best and most consistent all-rounder in Ben Stokes and India’s only genuine performer in both facets in Hardik Pandya – proving to be the right type of cricketer and role influence the game but the wrong man to do it.

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Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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England Are Coming Home 

Football didn’t quite come home but England return to Wembley for their first match after the World Cup with a Nations League meeting with Spain. Gareth Southgate was asked if his starting 11 will be as close as those who played in the semi-final against Croatia but he said he is now looking to the future.

However, his strongest side was obvious in Russia and if there are major changes we can assume the manager is not taking the Nations League seriously. The focus then must be Euro 2020 the semi-finals and final of which are being played at Wembley. ENGLAND are 8/1 with William Hill to be the champions of Europe for the first time.

One of the great positives of the World Cup was the connection between the England team and supporters. A succession of managers was not able to motivate a team that potentially was better than the current crop. Southgate will want to maintain the momentum so you can assume he won’t send out the second string that could be well beaten by Spain and that result would spoil the homecoming. .

The visitors have a new coach in Luis Enrique who the players will be keen to impress. Despite not having a brilliant World Cup they are a top-class outfit. Spain have scored in their last 24 fixtures and England should approach the fixture with confidence. Therefore, the best bet is BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE and that option is 10/11 with Ladbrokes.

England are returning to action and the racehorse Enable is back on the track. The winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe as a three-year-old has been kept in training and the main objective is to win the Arc again which is back at Longchamp next month. Enable took advantage of the sex and weight-for-age allowances last season but the latter does now not apply. However, the filly gets eight pounds of Crystal Ocean in the September Stakes at Kempton in the 2.05 race. With that weight advantage ENABLE is the horse to back at 8/13 with Coral.

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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India Can Spoil Cook’s Last Test Match 

Alastair Cook is not a bad batsman by all accounts but he has decided enough is enough and plays his last match in Test cricket against India at the Oval starting today. England lead 3-1 in the five match series so have already beaten the best international team in the longest format of the game. The final match is a dead rubber in terms of the series but there is still a Test match to be won.

Cook will get most of the attention and is 4/1 to score his 33rd century in Test match cricket. All five days will have warm temperatures and with no rain predicted there shouldn’t be any weather delays. The nature of Test cricket has changed so there should be a definite outcome. INDIA have the incentive and focus and can be backed at 12/5 with Betfair to win Cook’s last Test match for England.

Scotland did not qualify for the World Cup and Belgium finished third. There is a huge gulf in quality which should be reflected in tonight’s friendly match at Hampden Park. This is not a Nations League fixture so there is very little at stake. Scotland have not found the net in four of their last five matches and Belgium won all their matches in Russia except the semi-final against France.

Belgium may play the second string against Scotland but the fringe players were too good for England’s reserves in the World Cup. The hosts will have to deal with some key absentees. Scotland have lost three of four games played under Alex McLeish, the new manager after the departure of Gordon Strachan All the form suggests a BELGIUM WIN TO NIL and you can bet on that outcome at 5/4 with bet365.

There are five Flat meetings in Britain today and the most lucrative fixture is at Ascot. The racing is nothing special but there is a competitive class 2 handicap over the one mile straight course at 4.20. Only one of the 10 runners is quoted above 12/1 so every horse has a positive and could win the race. Fire Brigade has the highest Racing Post Rating but Zwayaan has the claiming jockey’s three pounds allowance. Jason Watson is worth that concession so ZWAYAAN is the bet at 7/2 with William Hill.      

What’s The UEFA Nations League All About? – By Ian Hudson

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The international football cycle of World Cups and federation finals over a four year period has been in place since 1960. Every other year there are major finals and that structure has passed the test of time. International teams play friendlies and competitive fixtures but now there is a new concept that combines each type of match. England are the fourth favourites to win the UEFA Nations League and their campaign begins with a home match against Spain on Saturday evening.

The 55 competing nations are divided into leagues and groups. England are in League A and their group opponents are Spain and Croatia. The four group winners in League A progress to the knockout stages of two semi-finals and a deciding match. Four nations, one from each league, qualify for the 2020 European Championship finals which are being played in 13 countries across Europe. The semi-finals and final will be played at Wembley in the summer of 2020.

The England squad met up for the first time since the World Cup this week. There seemed to be a relaxed atmosphere as Gareth Southgate and the coaching staff greeted the players. Everybody seemed quite pleased to meet again and there was a sense of a bond between the management and players. The feel good factor from the World Cup has been carried into the two year cycle that culminates with Euro 2020. Given different circumstances it is quite feasible England could now be the football world champions.

Croatia are probably the last team England want to meet. In the first half of the World Cup last four meeting England scored an early goal and were close to adding to their tally. It was a different match in the second half as Croatia took control. There was an inevitability about the equaliser and then the tie was decided when Croatia scored again in extra-time. Ultimately the best team qualified for the final but England came home with their heads held high. Southgate has made some tweaks to his first squad after almost managing his country to win the World Cup.

Despite the grand name the Nations League is a tournament of friendlies. Matches will be played on dates when there have been non-competitive matches in the past. Team selection and motivation will be the key to the outcome of matches. Players and staff may not have the energy for a third tournament in a four year period. League matches are played on a home and away basis so teams in a group of three will play four fixtures in the first stage of the Nations League. As World Cup winners France are the favourites to win the first tournament.

Southgate has gathered a 22-man squad for the Nations League match against Spain and the friendly international against Switzerland on Tuesday. Raheem Sterling has withdrawn from the squad but his goals won’t be missed. Despite being a regular scorer for Manchester City he looks a different animal when chances present themselves to him wearing an England shirt. Sterling had several scoring opportunities in the World Cup but did not find the net. England will be relying in Harry Kane for goals and he won the Golden Boot in the World Cup.

Spain won their group in the World Cup but then lost to the hosts Russia on penalties in the round of the last 16. Some of the stalwarts have retired from international football or are past their prime. The glory days of winning the World Cup and Euros are a thing of the past and there is a new breed. England’s squad is little changed from the 23 players who went to Russia in the summer. England have the motivation to win in front of an appreciative crowd so can begin their Nations League journey by beating Spain at Wembley Stadium this weekend.

This Weeks Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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Can Watford Keep Winning In The Premier League?

No sooner had the Premier League got exciting then there is an international break for a new tournament which is basically friendlies. The UEFA Nations League might have a grand title but in fact the matches are meaningless. The nation reconnected with the England team in the summer but early September is too soon to begin the next two-year cycle. The semi-finals and final of Euro 2020 will be played at Wembley and ENGLAND can be backed at 8/1 with bet365 to win the tournament.

In the UEFA Nations League England have been drawn with Spain who they play at Wembley on Saturday and Croatia and those opponents will bring back some unhappy memories of the World Cup. As the Premier League takes a week off the surprise package, WATFORD, are 50/1 with Ladbrokes for a top-four finish. Could Watford be the Leicester City of the 2018/19 season? Elton John would be singing from the chandeliers if his beloved team qualify for the Champions League.

Haydock stages the course’s only Group1 Flat race on Saturday and Frankie Dettori will be trying his best to ride the favourite. If he has commitments at Kempton he will be travelling by air to get to Haydock in time to partner HARRY ANGEL. On form and ratings last year’s winner can complete the double and that result is 15/8 with Betfair. The race has attracted the best British sprinters except Battash and the selection has beaten most of them in the past. There are four Flat meetings in Britain today and CUBAN HEEL is the nap at Ffos Las (4.15) at 6/5 with William Hill.

In tennis it’s the second week of the US Open and the FedEx Cup golf series has reached the third of four weeks with the BMW Championship. Ahead of a Monday finish in last week’s event JUSTIN ROSE is in great shape to win the Dell Technologies Open at 11/2 with Unibet. The Fifth Test between England and India at the Oval begins on Friday. ENGLAND lead the series 3-1 and can win the final 5-day match and that outcome is 8/11 with Paddy Power.

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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Derby Day In London And Glasgow

There are two football derbies today that feature coincidences that a few years ago you would not have envisaged. The London derby brings together two teams who have won their first three matches in the Premier League but Chelsea or Arsenal are not one of them. The Glasgow derby involves managers who were on the same side in the past. Watford and Tottenham have picked up maximum points and Celtic and Rangers are managed by Brendon Rodgers and Steven Gerrard who were manager and captain together at Liverpool. Celtic and Tottenham are the favourites and the DOUBLE on them pays 6/4 with Ladbrokes.

It is rare that two teams from capital cities play against each other in a domestic fixture. Cardiff are the only team to win the FA Cup from outside England while Arsenal are located in north London. The clubs are located in the capitals of Wales and England and today’s match in Cardiff could be a stalemate. Cardiff are the favourites for relegation and Arsenal are adjusting to a new manager. You can back the DRAW at 7/2 with bet365. MANCHESTER UNITED can give Jose Mourinho some respite by winning at Burnley and that outcome is 4/6 with William Hill.

The racing is poor today which defeats one of the objects of Sunday racing which was to provide quality action on the second day of the weekend. There are no fixtures in Ireland so it’s just Brighton on the Flat and Worcester over jumps. FANFAIR is the outsider of five in the 4.00 race at Brighton but warrants a small bet at 10/1 with Coral. The horse is the only runner who has run at the track before and it takes some knowing and experience of Brighton is a major positive with this tip.

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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Follow The Form And Home Teams In The ELP Today 

Today’s TV matches bring together teams that have won the Premier League and teams that have not but one of the have not’s could do so this season. Manchester City have been the champions of England three times in the last seven years and Leicester caused the biggest upset in sports history by winning the Premier League in 2015/16. City should beat Newcastle at home by at least two goals but Leicester will struggle to avoid defeat at home to LIVERPOOL who are trying to break their Premier League duck and are 11/14 with William Hill to be top dogs in England.

Liverpool are the current league leaders and that does not bode well for Leicester. They have lost the last 10 matches against the team who started the day at the top of the table. In those fixtures they have scored just four goals and conceded 25. Liverpool have not conceded in 11 of their last 18 Premier League matches. Manchester City have found the net three times or more in the last six league meetings at home with Newcastle. The DOUBLE on Liverpool and Manchester City -2 on the handicap pays 13/8 with Ladbrokes and must be the bet of the day.

There are five other matches in the Premier League today and the home teams are the favourites in each fixture. Home teams generally win 30% of EPL fixtures but 14 of the 30 matches played so far this season have been won by the team playing on their own pitch (47%).  The ACCA on Brighton, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton and West Ham pays 23/1 with bet365.

There are two Group 3 races at Sandown and both have strong favourites. Veracious (3.00) and Too Darn Hot (3.35) are the market leaders and have the form to win their respective races. Unfortunately there are only six runners in each so each way bets are settled on the first two places. If you are looking for alternatives to the favourites a double on LAUGH ALOUD and DUNKERRON is 40/1 with Coral.