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

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Toffees Can Chew Up The Clarets And Drink In Three Points 

Everton looked out of the running for seventh place and qualification for the Europa League in March but a run of stunning results at home have brought them back in the mix. It’s debatable whether the Europa League is a gift or a chore and it was certainly a negative for Burnley at the start of this season. They are at Goodison Park this evening for Everton’s last home match and three points for the hosts would put pressure on the other sides in contention to be the best of the rest after the big six. Burnley have little to play for and Everton have only conceded in two of nine fixtures. EVERTON TO WIN TO NIL is the best bet at 17/10 with Betfair.

There are intriguing fixtures in other sports including the One Day International between Ireland and England in Dublin, which starts at 10.45am. England are the number one ranked team in ODI cricket and favourites to win the World Cup in England this summer. The batting line-up is not the first choice one today so taking short prices against Ireland in a friendly is not as attractive as backing ENGLAND at 9/4 with Coral to win the World Cup. 

Castleford play at home against Warrington in the Super League in a fixture that is not difficult to call.  Statistically on points scored and conceded and home advantage the handicap should be seven against the visitors. The bookmaker’s line this morning is a six point’s start for Castleford so there is no bet in this market. It could be more of a dour struggle than a point’s fest but bookies are not betting on total points this morning for a match that WARRINGTON can win at 1/2 with Coral. 

Life after Ruby Walsh continues at Punchestown today with the fourth day of their festival and the highlight is the track’s Champion Hurdle over two miles at 5.30. Buveur D’Air fell in the Cheltenham version and Apple’s Jade underperformed. Melon was giving Buveur D’Air a scare at Aintree before falling in a race won by Supasundae on heavy ground. SUMMERVILLE BOY was a top novice last season and can upset the apple cart by winning today at 40/1 with Betfair. 

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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England On A Journey From Wembley To Wembley 

England play Czech Republic tonight at Wembley at the start of their Euro 2020 campaign which could end back at the national stadium next summer. The finals of the European Championships are being played in 13 cities and the semi-finals and final are at Wembley where England won the World Cup in 1966 and lost on penalties to Germany in the semi-finals of Euro 1996.  There would be a neat symmetry if the Germans were the opponents again in July 2020. 

Even when England were rubbish in the World Cup and Euros Wembley was something of a fortress. In the modern era England have won 14 of their last 15 competitive matches at home. The problem wasn’t qualifying but justifying the hype when it mattered most. Czech Republic lost in the final of Euro 1996 but the golden generation is very much in the past. Their first choice goalkeeper misses tonight’s match through injury and the best bet is ENGLAND -1 at 10/11 with bet365.

It is a tale of two Tigers when the Grand National and US Masters take place. The horse and golfer with that name are returning to the scenes of former glories. Tiger Roll is trying to be the first horse since Red Rum to win successive Grand Nationals at Aintree while Tiger Woods is looking to win the first major of the season for the fifth time at Augusta National. The horse has a better chance than the golfer but coincidence betters may back the TIGER DOUBLE at 66/1 with Paddy Power.  

The richest race of the day is a Class 1 Listed NH Flat race at Newbury (5.05). The jockey Noel Fehily is retiring and has his last ride at the track on Saturday. It would be appropriate if he had a winner during the two day meeting and this bumper gives him one of his best chances. Nobby was entered in the champion bumper at Cheltenham but was withdrawn at the 48 hour declaration stage. However, Fehily could have that horse’s measure with GREEN DOPLPHIN at 9/4 with bet365. 

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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 England Can Make Home Advantage Count In Euro 2020

The two year cycle of international tournaments moves on to the finals of the European Championship. However, rather than in one host nation Euro 2020 will take place across 13 cities in the continent. The semi-finals and final will take place at Wembley Stadium next summer and England have a good record playing at home in the World Cup and Euros. 

Portugal are the defending champions and still have the nucleus of the successful squad from 2016, including Cristiana Ronaldo. The four semi-finalists at the last World Cup were from Europe and France won the trophy. A bright young squad with some emerging talent and home advantage can see ENGLAND be the champions of Europe for the first time and that outcome is 7/1 with bet365.

The Tour Championship is a new concept for snooker and replicates the FedEx Cup in golf. It’s a three-tournament event with the highest earner winning the trophy but the most lucrative event is this week’s actual Tour Championship. There are eight players involved and invitations are based on ranking points over the last year. Every qualifying player has accepted the invitation for an event being played in Llandudno. 

Ronnie O’Sullivan recently became the first player to record 1,000 century breaks in competition but the event may not get juices flowing. The extended format makes for fewer shocks and matches are decided over 17, 19 and 25 frames which favours the current world champion, Mark Williams. The number one seed is MARK ALLEN who can justify his status by winning the Tour Championship at 15/2 with Betfair. 

There is a marathon handicap chase over three miles four and a half furlongs at Taunton today (4.30). The Class 3 contest is the second richest races of the day but it has only attracted five runners which is disappointing in terms of each way betting as only two places count. DANCING SHADOW is proven in long distance chases and has the form to win this race at 15/8 with bet365.  

Rick’s Sports Betting: Who Is Your Sports Personality of the Year? – By Rick Elliott

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In the last 10 years cyclists and one tennis player have accounted for six winners of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. This year’s award appears to be a four way battle and the only contender from those sports is Geraint Thomas who won the Tour de France. However, his prospects won’t be helped by the perception that the sport has a doping problem. That may or may not be true but Thomas is also at a disadvantage as the Tour was shown on ITV4 which is a minority channel compared to the ITV main channel and the BBC. 

The last decade has also seen winners from Formula 1, athletics, football and horse racing. Ryan Giggs and Sir Anthony McCoy were subject to campaigns within their sport to get them the honour. Last year’s winner, Mo Farah, was a big outsider and an interview on the night which was gate crashed by one of his young children could have been the decisive factor. A year ago Anthony Joshua was the sixth odds-on favourite in 12 years not to win SPOTY. The market is more open this time and there are four names with a genuine chance of picking up the award.

Thomas also suffers from the theory of recency. It takes a special performance in July that resonates with the voting public in December. The Welshman rode into Paris at the end of the seventh month wearing the Yellow Jersey. The scarcity value of a British rider winning the most famous bike race in the world has gone due to the wins for Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome. Until there is evidence to the contrary cycling has an image problem which makes Thomas the most unlikely winner of the four. The late announcement of the nominees makes campaigns from a sport difficult.  

Lewis Hamilton won the award in 2014 which was a World Cup year. England were dismal in that tournament in Brazil and Rory McIlroy finished second behind Hamilton after winning two major championships, including the British Open. I’m sure it takes great skill and commitment to win the F1 Driver’s Championship but the sport is predictable and Hamilton did not produce a SPOTY winning year. Five championships should not be sniffed at but the other contenders are preferred.

Harry Kane won the Golden Boot at the World Cup and England reached the last four for the first time since 1990. They look nailed on for the Team of the Year but I have a sneaking feeling that the honour will go to Leicester City for non-sporting reasons. Kane started the World Cup well but did not score in England’s last three matches. His sporting achievement was in June and July and something happened last weekend that could trump anything else. 

Love him or hate him you can’t deny that Tyson Fury has made a stunning return to boxing. Many judges thought he beat Detonay Wilder is Los Angeles but the fight was declared a draw. Tyson has come back from the brink and proved all his doubters wrong. Boxing has a history of winning the BBC award with Henry Cooper and Lennox Lewis. Fury actually showed some dignity in reacting to the perceived injustice of the Detonay fight and that could give him an edge when the public vote for the Sports Personality of the Year.     

              

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

Three More Points For City At Chelsea

Chelsea have not been able to beat Everton or Manchester United at home this season so avoiding defeat against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge today looks beyond them. If it’s possible City are looking an even slicker outfit after their record breaking Premier League campaign in 2017/18. The champions are unbeaten in 14 matches on the road in the Premiere League and all but three of those road trips have resulted in winning three points. MANCHESTER CITY are the bet at Evens.

Liverpool could have overhauled City at the top of the league by kick-off time. Their match at Bournemouth is the early live TV fixture while Chelsea and City lock horns at 5.30. Liverpool were fortunate to beat Everton and the win at a struggling Burnley midweek was expected. They have kept winning without impressing and just like Arsenal most of the damage is done in the second half. However, Bournemouth are unlikely to fold so the DRAW at 7/2 with bet365 is the prediction.     

There is a third televised match in the Premier League this evening which is Tottenham’s match at Leicester. The visitors are third in the Premier League despite not buying any players in the summer and still having to play home matches at Wembley. Crowd numbers are plummeting at the national stadium but the club’s travels continue to bring rewards. In fact Tottenham have scored in all but one of 22 Premier League matches and Leicester are unbeaten in six matches. It’s tricky to call the outcome but BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE at 4/6 with Ladbrokes is on. 

Blaklion was unseated at the first fence in the Grand National this April after finishing fourth the previous year when looking like the most likely winner for most of the race. The plan to hold up the horse this year never materialised due to that very early mishap. BLAKLION is back at Aintree today for the Becher Chase over three miles and two furlongs of the National course and distance and is the tip at 4/1 with Coral.   

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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The Shrews Can Beat The Class Of 92

Salford and Valencia are miles apart geographically and like chalk and cheese in terms of attractions but they have something in common. Peter Lim owns 50% of Salford and is the majority shareholder of Valencia. The other half of Salford Football Club is owned by the Class of 92. One of those ex-Manchester United players is Gary Neville who had an unsuccessful spell as manager of Valencia. It’s not what you know but who you know! 

Salford are at home against Shrewsbury in tonight’s FA Cup first round replay and the League One outfit can prevail. With so much money behind them Salford are going places but possibly not the second round of the Cup because SHREWSBURY are the team to back to win in 90 minutes at 17/10 with bet365. 

England have won the soccer and rugby union World Cup but never the cricket version. There is a World Cup up for grabs this week and that is the one in golf. The action starts early tomorrow morning in Australia and the home team have a great chance of winning the World Cup for the third time in four events. 

Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith are not the best golfers from Australia just now but as a pairing they will be hard to beat. The Aussie golfers have been planning for the World Cup for weeks and even practiced with the other player’s ball. England are represented by Ian Poulter and Tyrell Hatton but that might not be a harmonious pairing. AUSTRALIA are the favourites and the team to back at 9/2 with William Hill to win this World Cup.  

Kempton stages some decent All-Weather racing this evening and the highlight is a listed race over one mile at 6.40. It’s a Class 1 contest and a Fast Track Qualifier for the All-Weather Championship next spring. Flaming Spear is the top weight and has the highest Racing Post Rating. The horse is owned by Tony Bloom who is also the owner of Brighton Football Club. 

The team are doing fine in the Premier League but at the weights the horse faces a tough task. The football theme applies to Pattie, trained by Mick Channon who played for England and Southampton. William Haggas and James Doyle don’t appear to have any associations with football but the trainer and jockey combination can provide the winner of the Kempton race with VICTORY BOND, on offer at 3/1 with Ladbrokes.   

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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So England Can Beat Croatia Tonight. Yawn! 

The last time England played Croatia it all ended in tears but the match meant something. Tonight’s meeting in Rijeka in the UEFA Nations League is not only relatively meaningless in terms of the result there will be no fans in the stadium. Due to earlier transgressions the match is being played behind closed doors. If England beat Croatia in the next 100 glorified friendlies the disappointment of losing to them in the semi-finals of the World Cup this year will remain. Ironically ENGLAND can win this fixture at 19/10 with Ladbrokes. 

This evening’s match and the last four encounter in the World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium will be like chalk and cheese in terms of intensity. Avoiding the wooden spoon in the Nations League group is at stake rather than playing in the final of the football world championships. Team selection and motivation will be key for an occasion being played in front of a few hundred officials and dignitaries. In terms of goals the scoring could go one of two ways: lots of them or very few. Croatia will be without at least four of the World Cup regulars while Gareth Southgate could blood some kids. UNDER 2.5 GOALS is 8/13 with William Hill. 

It’s the second round of the British Masters. The course at Walton Heath rewards solid iron play and is a second shot track. The epitome of finding greens in regulation  is the Open champion and Ryder Cup hero, Francesco Molinari. However, he took six shots more than best mate Tommy Fleetwood in the first round yesterday. MATT WALACE has won three times this season but missed out on a Ryder Cup wildcard and is the in-play tip currently at 7/1 with bet365.    

It’s the first day of the Future Champions Festival at Newmarket and the highlight is the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile at 3.35 over the Rowley Mile course at HQ. This is a championship contest for female horses aged two and could identify the winter favourite for the 1,000 Guineas. On statistics and ratings it’s hard to ignore the claims of PRETTY POLLYANNA and if she gets the trip 7/2 with Coral is a steal. 

England Play Croatia And Spain In “Friendlies” – By Ian Hudson

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England would probably swap 100 wins over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League for a victory in the semi-finals in this year’s World Cup. The wheel keeps turning and we are now in the next two-year cycle of international football which culminates in the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley. The semi-finals and decider of the European Championships are being played at the national stadium. However, when those matches take place Wembley could be in private hands.

The owner of Fulham Football Club is looking to increase his business interests in sport in England by buying the iconic venue. The bait for the FA is a big investment in grass roots football but those against the deal suggest it is false economy. There might be financial gains but the sport will have sold its soul. The deal could go through and only then will be the effect on the national sport be known. In fact, it might be a good thing to take the England team around the provinces. 

When Wembley was being rebuilt England played competitive home matches and friendlies in the midlands and north. It was a special occasion to see an England international at Anfield or Old Trafford. There clearly is an appetite to see England play around the country. Taking fixtures away from Wembley could work but it’s the future for the playoffs and minor cup finals that worry traditionalists. The potential buyer owns an NFL team and the end game could be setting up a franchise in London. 

England play in Croatia in the new-fangled UEFA competition on Friday and visit Spain next Monday in the three-team group. Apparently not winning the group could provide an easier route to the finals of Euro 2020 but these matches are glorified friendlies. If 100 people were surveyed and asked would you prefer England to win the World Cup or Euros or Nations League the latter would get a big fat zero. The matches will still be used for experience but nobody really cares about the outcome.  

Gareth Southgate sees some value in the matches but only to introduce young players into the squad environment. Jadon Sancho gets a call-up at the age of 18. He left Manchester City to join Dortmund where he had a better chance of first team football. He has started his career in the Bundesliga with assists and goals. Sancho is the first player born in the new millennium to be selected for the England national squad. He is one of several youngsters who are being fast-tracked from their age group and two age-related world championship winning squads.         

Croatia were worthy winners against England at the World Cup. They took the initiative at the start of the second half and England paid for not scoring a crucial second goal. England were 22 minutes away from reaching the World Cup final but the equaliser was coming and Croatia deserved the winning goal in extra time. France were too good for them in the final but a questionable penalty decision in favour of France was key. The current squad is pretty much the same as the World Cup squad and in Luka Modric they have the FIFA world player of the year.  

England can avoid defeat against Croatia but not losing to Spain in Seville on Monday is a different matter. Spain underperformed at the World Cup but have a good record at home and Seville is a tough place for visiting teams. England might not win either match in the Nations League during the international break but throwing teenagers into the squad scenario will be more valuable than winning meaningless matches.  

Is The Premier League A Two-Horse Race?

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The Premier League title looked like developing into a two horse race but the draw between Liverpool and Manchester City has brought other teams into the mix. Chelsea and Arsenal had impressive wins on Sunday and are on runs of unbeaten matches. ARSENAL have won nine matches in a row and as the international break begins they can be backed at 40/1 with Ladbrokes to win the Premier League.

England will probably beat Croatia with something to spare in the UEFA Nations League fixture away from home on Friday night. The result of the next 100 friendlies will mean nothing compared to the outcome of the semi-finals meeting in the World Cup this summer which Croatia won after extra-time. ENGLAND play Spain in Seville a week tonight and are 16/1 with Paddy Power to win the Nations League.

The Dewhurst Stakes is the most prestigious race for two-year-old colts and identifies the favourite for the 2,000 Guineas. Too Darn Hot is the favourite for the race at Newmarket on Saturday. The horse is trained by John Gosden who also trains Enable who joined the Arc great with a second win in the race yesterday. The Cesarewitch is the second leg of the Autumn Double and is on the same card as the Dewhurst. LIMINI is 12/1 with bet365 to win the heritage handicap for Willie Mullins who must be respected when he brings horses to England for major Flat handicaps.

The biggest match in rugby league in England is the Grand final at Old Trafford. Saturday’s championship decider brings together Wigan and Warrington. Wigan had a superior point’s difference of 117 over 30 matches in the regular season and Super 8s. That equates to four points per match which is the handicap line. WIGAN are 8/13 with Betfair to win the match in 80 minutes.

England are in Sri Lanka for five One Day Internationals from Wednesday and over the next two weeks. There is clearly too much international cricket and the point of this series is not clear ahead of a World Cup and Ashes year in 2019. ENGLAND are at number one in the world rankings for 50 over’s cricket and are 4/9 with Ladbrokes to win the first match against Sri Lanka in the format this week.

Today’s Sports Betting Preview – By Rick Elliott

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Kane To Score Against Brighton Today 

Tottenham had more players representing their countries in the semi-finals and onwards at the World Cup than any other team in the Premier League. They have now lost three matches in succession for the first time during the Mauricio Pochettino era. If Spurs lose at Brighton today the manager feels his job is under threat but he must have plenty of goodwill in the bank. However, sooner or later Tottenham must start winning and Harry Kane must start scoring. An away victory could be beyond them but KANE can find the net and he is 8/9 to score at any time.

Watford are fifth in the Premier League but their fine start to the new season is distorted because four of their first five matches were home fixtures. They have won two away matches this season, against Burnley on the opening day and Reading in the EFL Cup which doesn’t really count. More indicative of Watford’s ability is that they have won one match on the road in the Premier League in 2018. Fulham spent heavily in the summer but one win from five matches is a disappointing return. However, they can beat Watford today and three points for FULHAM is 31/20 with bet365.

Joint leaders Tiger Woods and Justin Rose go head-to-head over 18 holes in the third round of the Tour Championship. The weekend could develop into a showdown between the former and current world number one with the FedEx Cup and $10 million bonus on the line. Woods’ return to form has been a revelation and he looks just about back to his best. Even so ROSE is in complete control of his game so he can outscore Woods today and he is Evens with Ladbrokes to win this two-ball.

The little brother of the Ayr Gold Cup is the silver version and it’s also a 25 runner handicap over the straight six furlongs at Scotland’s premier track. The high numbers dominated the Bronze Gold Cup yesterday so jockeys may take their horses to the far side of the track to seek out better ground. DAKOTA GOLD is drawn 22 and has the form to win today’s Silver Cup and that outcome is 10/1 with William Hill.

Is There A Crisis At Tottenham? – By Ian Hudson

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Who would have thought there would be crisis talk so early in the season at one of the best managed clubs in the Premier League? Tottenham have now lost three matches in succession for the first time during the Mauricio Pochettino era. Losing to Liverpool is no disgrace but the manner of defeats against Watford in the Premier League and Inter Milan in the Champions League suggests all is not well. Tottenham have a large contingent of players who reached at least the semi-finals at the World Cup so motivation could be an issue.

Brighton should win enough matches at home to stay in the Premier League and the battling point at Southampton on Monday suggests they are prepared to fight for points on the road. Albion finished 15th last season with 40 points but had the eighth best home record with seven wins and 29 points. A win and draw in two home fixtures this season to date suggests points won at the Amex Stadium will be crucial. Brighton can pick up at least one point when Tottenham visit on Saturday.

Fulham have been outside the Premier League for four seasons but their wealthy owner has invested in some players to prevent an immediate return to the second tier. The club’s benefactor is the same businessman who is trying to buy Wembley Stadium so you would have thought he has deep pockets. However, three defeats in the Premier League has left the club lurking just above the relegation places.

Watford won their first four matches but had a reality check when losing at home to Manchester United last weekend. For the last three seasons Watford have stayed in the Premier League without doing anything special. There were no notable signings in the summer so they may find their true level this season and losing away from home against Fulham is probably more representative than beating Tottenham at home.

The clever clogs deal to play at the Olympic Stadium counted for nothing as West Ham lost their first four matches in the Premier League. Where the impressive win at Everton came from last Saturday is anybody’s guess. Everton were poor and lacked the basic skill of passing the ball to a team mate. However, West Ham produced a competent away performance and can take confidence into the home fixture with Chelsea who have won all five league matches so far.

Eden Hazard also played seven matches in the World Cup but there appears to be no hangover. He said the three week break was enough and he looks sharp. The new Chelsea manager appreciates his qualities in attacking areas and can forgive him not tracking back because he is so effective in the final third. Hazard can provide the quality to help Chelsea win this London derby against West Ham. Another defeat puts the Hammers back in the relegation mire.

There was always going to be a period of adjustment at Arsenal after the departure of Arsene Wenger. The signs were not looking good after two defeats but Arsenal have now won maximum points from three matches in the Premier League. Everton visit the Emirates on Sunday on the back of that abysmal defeat at home against West Ham. Current form suggests this is the home banker on the schedule. Everton won three matches away from home in the Premier League last season.

They are now going through managers like confetti and the optimism surrounding Marco Silva has diminished after a moderate start. Losing at home to the bottom club in West Ham does not augur well. Arsenal lost two Premier League matches at home last season but can avoid defeat against Everton and secure another three points. If results go their way another win takes them into a Champions League qualifying position and the new man goes a long way to winning over the fans.