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

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All English Clubs Champions League Final?  

If at the start of this season’s Champions League campaign you had suggested that Liverpool, Tottenham and Ajax would be the last three men standing you would have been laughed out of court. Even at 8pm yesterday it would have been fanciful to predict that Liverpool would still be in the competition as they were 18/1 to qualify against Barcelona before the stunning 4-0 win at Anfield. 

The home team were better in all departments and caught out some of the most experienced defenders in the world with the corner routine that clinched the winning goal. Tottenham or Ajax will have their say but the momentum from stunning Barca makes LIVERPOOL the bet to be the champions of Europe for the sixth time at 4/9 with Ladbrokes. The final is being played in Madrid on June 1st. 

Ajax have been the surprise package and were still big outsiders at the start of the knockout round. They have won all three away ties and eliminated Real Madrid and Juventus. Ajax beat Tottenham 1-0 in the first leg of the semi-finals and the return match is in Amsterdam tonight. Only one team out of 17 have qualified for the final after losing at home in the first meeting in the last four. 

Tottenham certainly have their backs against the wall but have come through matches and ties when the odds were stacked against them. The dynamic for Ajax is different in that they are defending a lead at home rather than needing to win on the road. There could be an all-Premier League final and TOTTENHAM are 5/2 with Coral to qualify for a showdown with Liverpool in Madrid.  

It’s the first day of the Chester May meeting which brings out the Cheshire set to the course. The track is in the middle of the town and has one of the shortest circuits in the sport. Low numbers have a draw advantage but that is often written into the odds. 

Aidan O’Brien uses the meeting to test his best three-year-olds’ Classic credentials and he has three runners in the Chester Vase (3.35). On two-year-old form ARTHUR KITT could stall the O’Brien bandwagon at 12/1 with Ladbrokes. 

Arsenal Can Spoil Liverpool’s Unbeaten Run – By Ian Hudson

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The highlight of the televised football over the weekend in the Premier League is one of those south/north blockbusters that attract huge viewing figures around the world. For just the third time in the history of top flight football in England three teams are unbeaten after 10 matches. However, one of those records could go because Arsenal are fancied to beat Liverpool at the Emirates and extend their unbeaten run to nine matches in the Premier League. 

Arsenal lost their first two league matches this season but they were tough fixtures. An easy run of matches since saw them earn maximum points from seven matches but they slipped up at Crystal Palace last weekend. An away point is not to be sniffed at but it was a disappointing for the winning run to end. Arsenal can get back on track with maximum points against Liverpool at their own ground. The visitors are the second in the league after a convincing victory against Cardiff at Anfield.  

Liverpool were the highest spenders over the summer and they have a balanced squad. The team now plays as Jurgen Klopp likes it and the players have bought into his methods. Liverpool have not won the league since the 1989/90 season so have never been the champions of the Premier League. Manchester City broke points and goals records last season and look as good as ever. Liverpool will be thereabouts at the end of the season and that could be despite dropping three points at Arsenal on Saturday. 

Saturday night has always been blank for Premier League matches broadcast live. Another previously empty slot is being filled when Wolves host Tottenham at a time when Strictly Come Dancing and the X Factor are shown. Tottenham are in a bit of a mess despite a decent start to the season. The home match against Manchester City on Monday night was a farce due to the condition of the Wembley pitch. Mauricio Pochettino could be attracted to the manager’s job at Real Madrid.  

Wolves are one of the best teams to come up from the Championship to the Premier League. There is a huge Portuguese influence due to the manager, an agent and some of the players. Wolves have drawn their last two league matches at home but this could be a good time to play Tottenham at Molyneux. Tottenham played fine against City but there efforts were undermined by the state of the playing surface which was in a bad state after an NFL match the day before. 

The delay in moving to the new White Hart Lane is proving costly and Pochettino could be on his way to Spain. There were no significant purchases during the last transfer window and many players were involved in the World Cup right up to the last week. Wolves can take advantage of the uncertainty by winning this fixture. 

Jose Mourinho seems to be facing must win games every week but Manchester United have come through a tough set of fixtures relatively unscathed. If they win at Bournemouth on Saturday United could be sixth in the league. Mourinho targets cups and competitions and knows the Premier League is gone for his team so the Champions League becomes a massive priority. However, United can pick up three points against Bournemouth on the road.  

The Monday night match is a relegation six-pointer between Huddersfield and Fulham in west Yorkshire. Neither team has won in five league fixtures but home advantage should be key to the outcome which can be a Huddersfield win. Chelsea are the other unbeaten side with Manchester City and they will be much too strong at home for a Crystal Palace team who have drawn two and lost three of their last five fixtures. However, the most telling result could be an Arsenal win against Liverpool.  

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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Atletico Madrid had the best defence in La Liga statistically last season but tonight’s  Super Cup match against Real Madrid has goals written all over it if you take the evidence of recent outcomes. The match that brings together the winners of the Champions League and Europa League is basically a pre-season friendly but when rivals from the same city meet there will be a competitive edge to the match. The last eight Super Cup meetings have produced 28 goals at an average of 3.5 goals per match. However, Atletico’s mean defence and Real’s weakened starting 11 may make this a relatively tight contest so UNDER 2.5 GOALS is the bet at 4/6 with Coral.

At the end of last season’s Champions League final Gareth Bale basically said “I want to leave Real Madrid. Are you interested in buying me?” The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus has changed the dynamic and Bale could be the beneficiary. Ronaldo scored 451 goals for Real Madrid so there is an opportunity for another player to fill the void. BALE can be backed at 7/4 with bet365 to score at any time against Atletico tonight.

It seems strange that any type of cricket fixture in Britain should be between Birmingham and Lancashire. The T20 Blast has rebranded Warwickshire to call them the name of the second city but that won’t change the likely outcome of tonight’s match at Edgbaston. Birmingham must win to have any chance of finishing in the top four while a win for Lancashire would increase the chances of a home match in the next round. LANCASHIRE should be backed to extend their run to four wins at 4/5 with Betfair.

Salisbury is the most lucrative of five meetings in Britain today and the six races offer £100,000 in prize money which is a decent pot. The richest race by far is the Listed fillies’ stakes for horses aged three and older over one mile and two furlongs at 3.40pm. On form and ratings CHAIN OF DAISIES can win the race for the second time and that outcome is 3/1 with William Hill.

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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Ronaldo Is A Scoring Machine 

The Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool is one match that should live up to the hype. The FA Cup final last Saturday always had the potential to be a turgid affair and that match lived up to those expectations. I’ve watched every second of the Cup Final for too many years to mention but during the Chelsea and Manchester United match I was tempted to watch a repeat of the Royal Wedding.

Real Madrid and Liverpool are the two highest scorers in this season’s Champions League. The two semi-finals produced 20 goals in four matches. The richest clubs are now investing in the best strikers and let the defending take care of itself. Jose Mourinho is becoming a Luddite in the modern era. CRISTIANO RONALDO is the leading Champions League scorer in 2017/18 and is 14/1 to score a hat-trick or more in the final.

There are no major soccer matches for betting tonight so UK sports enthusiasts will have to focus on rugby league and the Super League fixture between the home team in Warrington and Hull. The visitors have such a plethora of injuries that their tea lady is on the bench and she should be involved at some stage. A Hull team at full strength would be second favourites on the road at Warrington. The hosts won 10 matches on the bounce before losing to Wigan over the Magic Weekend. Warrington are missing one or two first teamers but they have enough in the starting 13 to cover the 14 POINTS HANDICAP at 10/11 with Ladbrokes.

The best horse running in Britain and Ireland today is Order Of St George at Leopardstown (7.25). The horse could win this race with his hands behind his back. It’s a prep race for the Ascot Gold Cup and with last year’s winner, Big Orange, out of the picture ORDER OF ST GEORGE is the one to back for Ascot at 9/4 with Betfair. There are two decent races at Goodwood today and the 3.45 looks open. HIGHBROW is a progressive horse and can do the business at 13/8 with bet365.

Potentially A Great Night For Salah And Liverpool – By Rick Elliott

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Liverpool and Real Madrid are the top two scoring teams in the Champions League and their players are at the top of the scoring charts. All the form points to an open attacking match which should lend itself to goals when the final takes place in Kiev on Saturday. Both sides are better going forwards than defending so the fixture has goals written all over it but the tone will be set in the opening exchanges. In any case this is a tie that Liverpool can win.

These massive finals can often be disappointing spectacles because teams are more concerned about not conceding than scoring goals. The FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester United was boring because neither side tried to take an early initiative. Once Chelsea had scored they were happy to defend in numbers and United did not have the pace or imagination to break the defence down. I’m sure the fans wouldn’t mind losing 4-3 if the players at least tried to score goals.

The match wasn’t quite a must win for Jose Mourinho but the performance and approach was not good enough for United fans. Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham have had success playing exciting football and many matches have been a joy to watch for neutrals. City won the Premier League in a canter, Liverpool are contesting the Champions League final and Tottenham finished third in the league. It’s galling for United fans that the team won nothing and the football was poor.

Liverpool have scored 40 goals in 12 Champions League matches this season. Real Madrid have managed the second best tally but with 10 goals less. Liverpool have been champions of Europe five times and Real Madrid are 12 times winners of the European Cup and Champions League. The Spanish side have lifted the trophy in the last two seasons and three times in the last four years. Liverpool finished fourth in the Premier League and Real were third in La Liga. Both sides qualified for next season’s Champions League so winning the trophy in Kiev is the now the main issue.

Finishing behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid and 17 points off the pace is not typical Real but they have delivered in the Champions League. They have eliminated the champions of France, Italy and Germany. Real Madrid required four chances to score twice against Bayern Munich who found the net once from eight opportunities. Despite underachieving in the league Real have been highly efficient in Europe. The Liverpool defence will struggle not to concede in the final.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 15 goals in the Champions League which makes him the leading scorer. That’s half Madrid’s total so if his team score two goals statistically he should score once. The three Liverpool forward players have scored 29 goals between them but Mohamed Salah is by some distance the leading scorer in the Premier League. He is the first player to score 32 goals in a 38 match season. Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have made valuable contributions in the Champions League. At least one of that group should find the net in the final.

 

The Champions League final could come down to a shootout between Ronaldo and Salah. The winner of that contest will probably be on the winning side and would then become the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or. Lionel Messi and Ronaldo have won the award in every year since 2008 but Salah could help Liverpool win the Champions League and then be recognised as the best player in the world.

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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Real Madrid Can Progress To The Champions League Final

Even though Real Madrid are playing at home and have a 2-1 lead from the first leg the semi-final tie against Bayern Munich in the Champions league is not over. If the German champions score first it basically becomes the next goal the winner. Bayern were the best team for long periods in the first match and won’t be intimidated about having to score more than one goal in the Bernebeu. A precedent was set last year when Bayern Munich went to the Spanish capital and beat Real 2-1 in their own backyard. It’s an all or nothing situation and the same result would send the semi-final into extra time and that correct score is 10/1 with Ladbrokes.

However, conversely are we missing an opportunity to back Real Madrid at odds against at home? In La Liga they are only bigger than Evens when Barcelona visit and usually they are long odds-on to secure three points. The waters are muddied by the fact that Real Madrid have conceded at least one goal in 22 of their last 26 matches. Bayern scored first in their home tie despite massive disruption to the team and plan due to key injuries. Madrid often leave things late to decide Champions League knockout ties when they are at home in the second leg. The potential bets are both teams to score and Real Madrid to qualify but on reflection the way to go is backing the DRAW at 3/1 with William Hill.

There are five Flat meetings in Britain today as the jumps fraternity take a break. Their season ended at Sandown last Saturday and actually the new one began yesterday. All roads lead to the Cheltenham Festival next March but for now the focus is on racing on the level and the first two Classics are at Newmarket this weekend. It’s unlikely there are any horses with Classic potential in action today but some champions have made humble beginnings so you never know. The principle meeting is at Nottingham where there is a decent handicap over just over a mile at 3.35. PRYING PANDORA is well handicapped on past form and is the horse to back at 3/1 with bet365.

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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Bayern Munich Can Win Huge Champions League Match

The richest clubs in Europe generally win the Champions League. The strongest and wealthiest domestic leagues are usually represented in the latter stages of the competition. The four semi-finalists come from the four richest leagues in Europe. Global brands from England, Italy, Spain and Germany are in the last four. Liverpool beat Roma 5-2 last night but the score could have been anything. In the last round Roma knocked out Barcelona after overturning a three goal deficit after the first leg but Liverpool are a different kettle of fish and can score at least once in the second match. LIVERPOOL are 6/4 with William Hill to win the Champions League.

Tonight’s first leg in the second semi-final brings together two of the Hollywood clubs of European football. Bayern Munich have been the champions of Europe five times and Real Madrid have won the European Cup or Champions League on 12 occasions. The clubs are ranked third and first in the list of winners of the European Cup or Champions League and they are two of the superpowers of the world game.

Real Madrid have prevented the opposition scoring in just four of their last 24 matches in all competitions. This meeting is the most common fixture in the history of European competition and out of 25 matches both clubs have won 11 times. Real Madrid won the last tie at the Champions League quarter-final stage last season. BAYERN MUNICH can edge ahead and are the bet to win tonight’s match at 19/20 with Ladbrokes.

In racing it’s the second day of the Punchestown Festival and the subplot of the Irish trainer’s championship. Willie Mullins edged closer to Gordon Elliott yesterday but still faces a deficit of over €400,000 and there is plenty of prize money on offer today. The richest race on the card is the Punchestown Gold Cup (5.30) in which Mullins has four runners. DJAKADAM has never quite got the job done in the Cheltenham version but the horse has the ranking and form to prevail today and that outcome is 7/1 with Coral. If he does win the race for Mullins its game on for the trainer’s title.

This Weeks Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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Two Huge Champions League Fixtures And Punchestown

In a massive week for sports betting the highlight is the semi-final first legs in the Champions Leagues that bring together some of the biggest clubs from England, Italy, Germany and Spain. It’s no coincidence that the richest and most prestigious leagues in Europe are represented in the last four of the most lucrative domestic competition in the world.

Liverpool at home to Roma and Bayern Munich at home to Real Madrid would take a lead without conceding into the second matches next week. Tonight Everton host Newcastle in a meaningless match but its worth bearing in mind that eight of Newcastle’s last 12 away matches have produced at least three goals. With nothing to play for OVER 2.5 GOALS is the bet at 5/4 with Betfair.

The Punchestown Festival in Ireland is the equivalent of Cheltenham in Britain. It’s a five-day betting bonanzas of Grade 1 races that features the best horses trained in the country. The action should be competitive but there is now a duopoly. Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins dominate jumps racing across the Irish Sea. They have the backing of wealthy owners who invest in the best horses who win the top races.

The subplot of Punchestown is the trainer’s championship in which Elliott has a decent lead. However, MULLINS is a past master of getting his horse fit when it matters most and should be backed at 5/4 with William Hill to be the top dog in Ireland. SON OF REST is the banker bet at the today’s Flat meeting at Navan (6.00) and on offer at 4/1 with Ladbrokes.

So there is plenty of racing and football betting action this week and the usual tournaments in tennis and golf. For those of you who enjoy a marathon more than a sprint the 17-day World Snooker Championship trundles on all week at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Mark Selby was knocked out in the first round which makes the task on the best player in the tournament easier. RONNIE O’SULLIVAN cannot be opposed to win a sixth world title at 6/4 with Paddy Power.

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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Big Two Nailed On To Progress In The Champions League

Two of the season-long market leaders to win the Champions League were knocked out last night. Manchester City and Barcelona won’t be champions of Europe this season and Real Madrid are now the favourites to lift the trophy in Moscow in May. The remaining quarter-finals second legs are tonight and Real and Bayern Munich are massive favourites to progress to the last four. Roma were sensational in beating Barcelona 3-0 in the second leg of their tie after losing 4-1 at the Nou Camp in the first match. LIVERPOOL have won the European Cup or Champions League five times and are now 3/1 with William Hill to be top dogs in Europe again.

Real Madrid play Juventus at home tonight and the Italians have an impossible task to progress after losing the first leg 3-0 in Turin. Ronaldo has scored in every Champions League fixture for Madrid this season and 14 in total. His personal best is 17 and potentially he has four fixtures to set a new record. Real have scored in every Champions League fixture at home over the past seven years and that run is unlikely to end. One goal for the home side means Juventus must score four and speculative punters may be interested in a 1-4 CORRECT SCORE at 150/1 with Betfair.

Bayern Munich won 2-1 in Seville in their first leg tie and can complete the job in Germany tonight. Sevilla need at least two goals to qualify for the semi-finals but scored twice at Old Trafford against Manchester United in the previous round. Munich have scored 28 goals in their last seven home fixtures and they should find the net at least once tonight. That would leave Sevilla with an impossible task but they are capable of scoring on the road in the Champions League. The logical conclusion is to back BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE at 7/10 with Ladbrokes.

The Grand National meeting at Aintree starts tomorrow and the opening day card starts with four Grade 1 races which is unique for a single day. There is a jumps meeting at Market Rasen today and they race on the All-Weather at Lingfield, Kempton and Dundalk in Ireland. The richest race in Britain is the novices’ handicap Chase at Market Rasen (4.10) but the winner receives less than £10,000. BEGGAR’S WISH is in good form and is the horse to back at 5/2.

This Weeks Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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Grand National And Champions League This Week 

It’s a massive week for sports betting with turnover expected to reach record levels for the midweek Champions League quarter-finals and the Grand National on Saturday. There are regular tournaments for tennis and golf and it could turn out to be a bookies benefit or a bonanza for punters. Bookmakers go 10/1 the field for the National and the most famous race in the world looks the most open for a number of years.

The Grand National is the highlight and culmination of the Grand National meeting at Aintree from Thursday to Saturday. This year there is a four week gap between the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree so its feasible for horses to run at both meetings. Aintree is less intense than Cheltenham but the racing is just as good and there is the cherry on top of the National on Saturday for which BLAKLION is 12/1 with Betfair.

There are four Grade 1 races at Aintree on Thursday and even that does not happen at Cheltenham. The quality of the racing and facilities has improved massively over the last 20 years. Ladies Day has its special attractions and is Liverpool’s day out but overall the three day meeting offers high class sport. Buveur D’Air, Might Bite and Altior could be running this week and they are superstars of the jumping game.

The four Champions League quarter-finals are decided with two fixtures on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Manchester City are 3-0 down to Liverpool after the first leg at Anfield and will need something special to progress. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona are favourites to join one of the English clubs in the semi-finals. BAYERN MUNICH are 3/1 with William Hill to win the Champions League.

The racing week begins today with jumps meetings at Ludlow, Wincanton and Kempton and they race on the All-Weather at Wolverhampton. The prize money at the small country Ludlow track is decent for a Monday and the Handicap Chase at 3.55 is worth over £13,000 to the winner. SPACE ODITY carries top weight but enters calculations on past form and can be backed at 7/2 with Ladbrokes.