Best Of Bets

Author: Dominic Booth

  • FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 | Knockout stage preview

    The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has already provided its fair share of thrills and spills.

    The ongoing Sam Kerr injury story has been a theme throughout; with the likes of Jamaica, Colombia and South Africa causing a splash by reaching the last 16.

    So what do the knockout stages have in store for us? Can Australia go all the way on home turf? Can the USA buck up their ideas and win another world title? Or can Sarina Wiegman guide England to glory?

    Best Of Bets previews the last 16 here…

    Women’s World Cup group stage summary

    Some heavyweight big-hitters of the women’s game seriously underwhelmed in the group stages. But you wonder if they were simply getting revved up for the serious business ahead.

    Norway have been in virtual disarray ever since touching down in Australia and New Zealand. They were deservedly beaten by the Football Ferns in the tournament’s opening match, only pulling things out of the bag with a 6-0 destruction of the Philippines in their final game, to squeeze through.

    Don’t write them off, though. If they get Ada Hegeberg back from injury, they can be a force. Caroline Graham Hansen and Guro Reiten are hitting form at the right time too.

    USA’s World Cup of struggles

    The USA are another side who have been puzzlingly below par – so far. Their own legend, two-time World Cup winner Carli Lloyd, has led the criticism of the USWNT, dubbing them “too predictable” and that has gone down like a lead balloon in the camp.

    But all that matters is the States got through with five points, albeit the two draws have prompted many to change their pre-tournament predictions. Winning a third straight World Cup looks unlikely.

    England also underwhelmed in their opening two matches, edging past both Denmark and Haiti 1-0, coming perilously close to drawing both games by conceding late chances.

    A change of formation and the rampant form of Lauren James, however, have shifted the mood for the Lionesses. Their 6-1 defeat of China to close the group stage campaign was a serious morale-booster.

    Yet the main winners from an exciting group stage were Sweden and Japan.

    Neither were fancied too much going into the tournament, but both enter the last 16 with perfect records so far – England are the only other side to do that.

    Amanda Ilestedt is providing the goals for the Swedes, while Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa is the early Golden Boot pace-setter.

    Latest Women’s World Cup betting odds

    It’s no surprise that Miyazawa is the favourite now to grab the Golden Boot, at 7/2, ahead England star James who is 4/1 to be the top scorer at the tournament.

    As for the outright tournament, the United States have slipped from their pre-tournament position atop the favourites list. They’re now out at 9/2 – joint second favourites with Spain – with England installed at 7/2 going into the knockout stages.

    With two-time winners Germany now out, the value bets are Japan at 8/1 and either the Netherlands or France who are both 11/1. They could all get reasonably favourable routes to the final. Les Bleues, in particular, are a good chance after finishing their group stage campaign with a stylish 6-3 win over Panama.

  • Premier League 2023/24 | Game of the Week betting

    Premier League 2023/24 | Game of the Week betting

    Opening day was full of controversy and entertainment. So, what does Gameweek 2 have in store for us?

    The Premier League is back and the sporting world is all the better for it.

    Each week of the season, BestofBets will showcase the pick of the crop each weekend, so what takes top billing this time around? And what are the latest Premier League betting odds?

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    Manchester City vs Newcastle United, Etihad Stadium, Saturday (8pm BST)

    It’s two from two for Newcastle in BestofBets’ game of the week.

    Last time out they delivered a statement of intent to thrash Aston Villa 5-1 – in what many thought would be a closely-fought contest.

    Eddie Howe has added some serious firepower to one of the league’s meanest defences. Alexander Isak was razor-sharp last week, notching two goals, while Sandro ‘Toonali’ got the dream debut after his arrival from AC Milan, scoring inside six minutes.

    Can the Magpies inflict an early dent into Manchester City’s hopes of a fourth straight title?

    Haaland v Botman

    The league’s premier striker against one of its most underrated, yet effective, centre-backs should be a battle for the ages.

    Botman has the size and strength to contend with Haaland, and in the past year he’s taken to the Premier League like a duck to water.

    Yet, the Norwegian goal machine started the season in ominous form last weekend, bagging a brace to see off Burnley. And he looks hungry for more.

     

    Grealish v Trippier

    The all-England battle on City’s left, and Newcastle’s right, should be good to watch.

    Trippier is the Geordies’ Mr. Dependable. Hardly anything gets past him – except £100m Grealish might.

    The low-socked, slaloming City No.10 is now at home in sky blue and doing Pep Guardiola’s bidding with delight. Trippier will have to be on his mettle to keep Grealish at bay on Saturday night.

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    Changing the record

    The one thing standing in Newcastle’s way this weekend is their appalling record at Eastlands.

    City have won the past eight home matches against the men in black and white, by an aggregate score of 30 goals to three. The Magpies have been walloped on almost every visit down the M1 and M62.

    Even their sole victory was in the League Cup. You have to go back to September 2000 for Newcastle’s most recent league win away at City; the Etihad wasn’t even built.

    But things are different now, under Howe. Last season’s 3-3 draw at home to City will breathe confidence into the Toon Army, who will travel down in numbers on a balmy Saturday evening in Manchester.

    Premier League betting: No value in City win

    A City win is 4/6 with bookmakers Bet365, which represents little to no value.

    Far more interesting are the odds of a Newcastle win (4/1) or a draw (3/1).

    It’s always hazardous betting against City at the Etihad Stadium, but if they’re ever going to slip up, it could be in an early season clash against in-form Newcastle.

    Find more Premier League betting odds here.

  • Fantasy Premier League 2023/24: Five bargains for your FPL team

    Fantasy Premier League 2023/24: Five bargains for your FPL team

     

    Time is running out to pick a Fantasy Premier League team ahead of Friday’s deadline.

    But selecting Erling Haaland up front, or Trent Alexander-Arnold at the back is the easy bit. Balancing a budget is trickier.

    So who are the FPL bargains to consider snapping up for the 2023/24 season?

    Allow BestofBets to run through some underrated and underpriced buys for this season’s FPL…

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    FPL bargains – Defenders

    Tariq Lamptey (£4.0) – Lamptey has endured a torrid time with injuries in the past year or so and, as such, he only played 438 minutes in the Premier League last season.

    Roberto De Zerbi has primarily used him as a substitute.

    However, when fit and firing, he’s a flying full-back with immense assist potential in FPL. If he can break back into the Brighton team, his value will soar.

    Amari’i Bell (£4.0) – Those unfamiliar with the Championship may not be aware of the Luton left-back.

    Bell was a regular for the Hatters in a very solid defence last season, making 44 appearances and helping Luton keep 20 clean sheets.

    Only champions Burnley kept more clean sheets and Bell was a major part of that. The Jamaican international is worth a punt.

    Midfielders

    Carney Chukwuemeka (£4.5) – Bargain midfielders on FPL are as rare as hen’s teeth, but this Chelsea youngster may just be worth a shot to supplement any squad. He’s been heavily involved in pre-season and, now approaching his 20th birthday, the winger is ready to burst onto the big stage.

    We know that Mauricio Pochettino likes to put faith in youth, so Chukwuemeka could be a huge beneficiary of the new manager, especially now, with the hammer blow of losing Christopher Nkunku until November.

    Shandon Baptiste (£4.5) – The 25-year-old Grenadian is one of the cheapest midfielders in the game, yet he remains a semi-regular starter for Brentford.

    He appeared 23 times last season and while he’s not hot on goals or assists, the Bees are superb at keeping clean sheets. Baptiste will pick up a few points every gameweek.

    Forwards

    Jean-Philippe Mateta (£5.0) – Finally, there’s virtually no value in going for a bargain striker on FPL but Crystal Palace forward Mateta is cheap as chips. He’s scored eight Premier League goals in 58 appearances and has 24 in 67 in the Bundesliga for Mainz.

    They aren’t stunning stats, but neither are Palace stacked with forward option;.The Frenchman may get plenty of game time.

  • Premier League 2023/24: FPL template team to pick this season

    Premier League 2023/24: FPL template team to pick this season

     

    Dust off the spreadsheets, ready the stats and start telling your mates how much money you’re going to win off them this season.

    That’s right, it’s time to pick your Fantasy Premier League team for 2023/24!

    The start of any season can make or break your FPL hopes, but fear not, BestofBets are here to ease your worries.

    Our resident footie nuts, Dominic Booth and Neil Leverett have put their heads together – laying their necks on the block – and come up with a starter FPL template squad.

    With a transfer fund of 100m, here is what they’ve come up with…

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    Goalkeepers

    Andre Onana – Is the new Man United goalkeeper a risk? Definitely. Is he more suited to Erik ten Hag’s style of play than David de Gea? Absolutely. So, is he worth picking as your No.1 in FPL this season? Another yes. Protected by an improving United defence that should collect numerous clean sheets, Onana is a good buy at £5.0.

    Daniel Bentley – Your reserve ‘keeper should at least have an outside chance of playing. And former Bristol City and Brentford No.1 Bentley finished as Wolves’ main custodian at the end of last season. At £4.0, he’s worth a shot.

    Defenders

    Reece James – Let’s start with an obvious pick. When fully fit and firing, James is arguably the best right-back in the league and he should be emboldened under new boss Mauricio Pochettino. At £5.5 (way cheaper than a certain Liverpool right-back), James could be an assist machine for your FPL side this term. FPL template gold.

    Luke Shaw – Another must-have, especially at £5.5. He’s a guaranteed started under Ten Hag and should be good value for assists and clean sheets. Like James, he needs to remain injury-free, which has been an issue in the past. But Shaw is now 28 and at the peak of his powers.

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    Pervis Estupiñán – The Brighton left-back will be a popular selection this season, given his powerhouse form at the tail end of last term. He’s got an eye for goal and storms into very attacking positions for assists. Still only £5.0, the Ecuadorian is a no-brainer.

    Matty Cash – At £4.5, the Poland international is a steal. He’s another guaranteed starter, occasional set-piece taker, assist-maker and bombs on in attack. He’s got to be in your squad; whether he fits into the XI or sits on the bench, Cash is worth a place.

    Malo Gusto – A bit of a punt, here. While it seems counter-intuitive to select both James and Gusto – realistically competing for the same place in Pochettino’s Chelsea side – the new signing from Lyon has bags of potential. He’s only £4.0 right now and could easily rise in value if he breaks into the Blues’ XI.

     

    Midfielders

    Bruno Fernandes – Still perhaps overlooked by many, since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and now with the competition of Marcus Rashford, the Portuguese could have another stellar campaign. Penalty duties remain his, and scoring against Arsenal in New Jersey showed his class.

    Martin Ødegaard – The Gunners are flush with attacking options, but the most likely to play most minutes is the skipper. Now in his third full season, the Norwegian was in the top 15 last term for xG at just under 10. With 15 goals and 8 assists last season, Odegaard could become gold again; for both Arsenal and FPL managers.

    Bryan Mbeumo – No Ivan Toney for the first half of the campaign means collective worries for Brentford fans, but Mbeumo ought to provide enough goals and assists to keep Thomas Frank’s side competitive. As a midfielder according to FPL, he’s a superb purchase for just £6.5 and will keep your team competitive, too.

    Kaoru Mitoma – By the back-end of 22/23, he was in everyone’s FPL teams and we see no reason to start the new campaign without the Brighton flyer. Manchester City’s recent interest shows just how high his ceiling is. He’ll be central to Roberto De Zerbi’s hopes of building on last season’s immense success at the AMEX.

    Leandro Trossard – There was much FPL template discussion, but eventually, the tricksy Belgian gets the final nod. A second inclusion from Mikel Arteta’s brood, Trossard has been electric in pre-season and the catalyst for the Gunners late, late show in the Community Shield. May have to fight for his place, but at 7.0 could become a bargain.

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    Forwards

    Alexander Isak – With Callum Wilson surprisingly short of minutes in pre-season and the Swede’s blockbuster form towards the end of last season, this is a straightforward selection. Isak should play in the majority of games and improve on his tally of 10 Premier League strikes in 22/23.

    Darwin Núñez – Will this season see the evolution of Darwin at Anfield? The stats nerds liked his output last season, despite a habit of missing big chances. The sense is that Liverpool will get their No.9 to come good sooner rather than later. At an appealing price of £7.5, it’s worth finding out.

    Erling Haaland – We kept you hanging didn’t we? Despite a price tag of £14.0 – making him the most expensive player in the game by a distance – you simply have to pick the City hitman to complete the FPL template. Another Golden Boot-worthy goal haul seems inevitable, with the supply line coming in from De Bruyne, Bernardo and company.

     

    Good luck to all FPL managers, both the long-suffering devotees and the ones fresh off the boat…its going to be a fun season.

  • FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 | Main contenders latest odds

     

    The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is now well into its stride.

    Every team has played at least one match, so we’ve had the chance to assess the main runners and riders, and who is most likely to take the crown in Australia and New Zealand.

    BestofBets reviews the contenders’ opening salvos…

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    USA – 5/2

    A comfortable 3-0 win over Vietnam in their opening Group E match has done little to dampen the noise around the USWNT at this tournament.

    Sophia Smith struck twice in that match, with Alex Morgan enduring mixed fortunes after providing an assist but seeing her penalty saved.

    They should top their group, however tougher games against Portugal and the Netherlands are to come.

    Can they claim an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup title? There’s a lot of competition, but the USA will take some beating.

    Spain – 7/2

    Spain have never won a Women’s World Cup before; they’ve never even progressed beyond the last 16.

    This year, it will surely be different. They boast a side packed with technical quality, who dominated from start to finish in their opening 3-0 win over Costa Rica.

    Whether the Spaniards cope with the pressure at the tournament’s sharp end, however, is the big question.

    But with two-time Ballon D’Or winner Alexia Putellas coming back from injury at the right time, the Iberians can’t be overlooked.

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    Germany – 6/1

    While some of the other fancied nations laboured in their opening games, Germany put down a real marker with a 6-0 destruction of Morocco.

    Once again, they were inspired by the effervescent Alexandra Popp, as she bagged a brace en route to the simplest of opening victories – which has tongues wagging about the prospect of a first German Women’s World Cup triumph since 2007.

    The No.2 ranked side in the world aren’t here to mess about; they mean business.

     

    England – 6/1

    The Lionesses were many people’s favourites to claim a first-ever world title before the tournament began – second in the outright tournament odds.

    But their unconvincing 1-0 victory over Haiti has created some unwanted questions for Sarina Wiegman.

    Georgia Stanway’s penalty got the job done and Mary Earps spared her teammates with a big save late on but England must improve against Denmark.

    Wiegman must decide whether to start Rachel Daly up front, rather than Alessia Russo.

    If she finds the right balance, the Lionesses are still a decent chance of going deep in the tournament.

    Other Women’s World Cup 2023 contenders

    Host nation Australia are a 10/1 shot – their hopes undoubtedly hinge on whether Sam Kerr can return from injury to star in the knockout stages.

    Narrowly overcoming the Republic of Ireland, the Matildas will need to be better against Nigeria.

    Norway were much fancied pre-tournament, but now face a scrap to qualify for the last 16 after a draw and a loss in their first two games.

    Without a single goal, the Viking nation are now a whopping 150/1 to win the whole thing.

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    There might be some value in Sweden at 20/1.

    Yes, they needed an added time winner from Amanda Ilestedt to beat South Africa 2-1, but they look a slick and well-oiled machine and have a favourable group.

    Finally, Brazil are surprisingly long odds at 14/1 despite an authoritative 4-0 opening win over Panama.

    Ary Borges netted a hat-trick and looks the real deal, while Marta remains an important figure.

  • Women’s World Cup 2023 | Matildas breaking ground on home soil

     

    Ahead of the Women’s World Cup 2023, BestofBets profiles host nation Australia, AKA the Matildas, and examines how they are set to break new ground at the tournament.

     

    Golden era

    The phrase ‘golden generation’ with regard to a certain country’s much-heralded batch of players can often end in anti-climax.

    Think England’s vaunted men’s side of the 2000s; David Beckham, Paul Scholes and company. Think Belgium’s recent underperformers under Roberto Martinez.

    However, might it be the Matildas to buck that trend in their home World Cup?

    Under pressure to finally deliver, manager Tony Gustavsson is tasked with getting the best from a talent pool that is among the strongest in the tournament.

    Previous efforts at the Tokyo 2020 and the 2022 Asia Cup saw Australia fall short.

    “Sometimes you’re not as bad as people say you are when you lose, but you’re not as good as people say you are when you win, either,” Gustavsson said after his side broke England’s incredible 30-game unbeaten run in April.

    It reflected his phlegmatic approach, but that won’t hold muster if Gustavsson’s side don’t reach at least a semi-final this summer (or winter, as it is down under).

    That 2-0 win over the Lionesses, and recent sparkling form, has proven the Matildas are as good as anyone on their day.

     

    Waltzing Matildas

    In recent weeks, Gustavsson has been keen to move away from an approach that basically amounts to ‘give it to Sam Kerr’.

    The Chelsea player might be the Matildas’ best player – she’s certainly the most recognisable and widely acclaimed – but they have quality elsewhere.

    The emphasis must be on the team rather than basing their philosophy around the striker.

    Cortnee Vine who, at 25, is peaking at the right time to have a major impact on the right wing, deserves a mention. As does the defensive excellence of Ellie Carpenter.

    Kerr does, however, hold the Australian record for international goals and is coming off a sensational individual and team season in the WSL with Chelsea.

    “Even more valuable to this team is what she gives as a person and how she carries them,” Gustavsson said of Kerr’s off-field impact, which he says is “amazing”.

    If Kerr leads Australian glory on home soil, world fame as a sportsperson beckons.

    Having been former finalists but never hosts, the Matildas, in 2023, could be on the verge of something very special.

     

    Women’s World Cup 2023 betting odds

    So, can the Matildas actually win the World Cup?

    The bookies don’t believe so.

    Australia are down as fifth or sixth favourites with most bookmakers, at 10/1 to win the tournament outright.

    Three-peat-chasing USA are leading the pack (inevitably) at 5/2 with most bookies, with England, Spain and Germany considered the greatest threats to American dominance.

  • Women’s World Cup 2023 | Alessia Russo: The Lionesses’ Fox in the Box

    Women’s World Cup 2023 | Alessia Russo: The Lionesses’ Fox in the Box

     

    Ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, BestofBets profiles England striker Alessia Russo and looks at the role she might play in the Lionesses’ potential glory in Australia and New Zealand…

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    Arsenal transfer storm

    Any footballer who moves between Arsenal and Manchester United in a World Cup summer was always going to take centre stage.

    Whether that be in women’s football, or men’s.

    Add in the fact that Alessia Russo can boast an iconic goal en-route to tournament glory with England two years ago – the backheel that was nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award 2022 – and you have a genuine superstar atop the female game.

    Having returned to her southern roots, Russo is now in search of more individual and team trophies with Arsenal.

    But not exclusively.

    The 24-year-old striking sensation made a telling admission to the media circus around her this summer.

    “Towards the end of the season it was tough and the summer has been tough,” Russo said last month. “You don’t like things in the media about you but that’s football and that’s the state of the women’s game.”

    Starring World Cup role

    Ultimately, the media coverage was a form of flattery.

    It reflected Russo’s rising star in the game, now gunning to be starter in this tournament for Sarina Wiegman’s side – rather than settle for the super sub she had at the European Championship in 2021.

    Russo is competing for a starting XI berth with the WSL’s leading scorer Rachel Daly – a converted full back – as well as Tottenham’s Beth England.

    “They are top, top players so to be able to play with them and train with them every day has been great,” said Russo.

    But Daly and England don’t have the same hype around them.

    Russo, the Baby Faced Assassin, has tournament goalscoring pedigree that Wiegman will lean heavily on.

    With 11 England goals in 22 caps, Russo knows her way around international football.

    The bookmakers believe Daly is the more likely to grab the Golden Boot, at 12/1 – although Russo is not far behind at 14/1.

    It will be an intriguing battle within a battle.

     

    Toone chemistry

    ‘Tooney and Lessi Russooooo’

    Undoubtedly, it was the chant of Euro 2021; England’s star ladies were immortalised to the tune of Status Quo’s ‘Rockin’ All Over The World’.

    The duo were Wiegman’s secret weapons, usually introduced as substitutes to inject energy into games late on.

    And although Russo has left Manchester United, where Toone still plays, the pair are still the best of friends.

    “She’ll definitely be one of my bridesmaids one day,” Russo has said regarding Toone.

    That friendship translates to an on-field chemistry that should take this England side deep into the tournament.

    Toone supplies the assists from wide positions; Russo finishes off the moves. It’s what happens.

    The exciting thing for England fans is that Russo and Toone are still only 24 and 23 respectively.

    This World Cup should see them close to their peaks, but there is still ample room for improvement.

    A thrilling prospect without question and part of the reason why the Lionesses are second favourites for the tournament at 4/1 to go all the way in Australia.

    If England’s women are to go all the way and win successive major silverware, Russo will be front-and-centre.

  • Wimbledon 2023: Semi-final betting

     

    Wimbledon semi-final betting tips from Best of Bets, as the tournament reaches its denouement.

    Here are the men’s and women’s semi-final lineups and what you can expect…

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    Women’s semi-finals

     

    Elina Svitolina v Marketa Vondrousova

    As two unfancied players to reach the last four, who would bet against one of Elina Svitolina or Marketa Vondrousova to go all the way?

    Both remain 5/1 to win the whole thing, however, the bookies are still unsure.

    Svitolina has been a revelation since entering The Championships as a wildcard and the Ukrainian underdog continues to defy the odds.

    Having reached the semi-finals nine months after giving birth and with the support of a nation and SW19 behind her, this has been and really could become a phenomenal achievement.

    As Svitolina has herself described, a “crazy” experience.

    Marketa Vondrousova, is 4/5 favourite to claim a final spot and though the Czech has little tournament pedigree, the 24-year-old will look to follow in the footsteps of Navratilova, Kvitova and Novotna.

    Our tip: Svitolina to win (6/5)

    Ons Jabeur v Aryna Sabalenka

    The bookies believe the outright winner of the women’s singles will come from this match.

    Ons Jabeur is 5/2 to take the title, while number two seed Aryna Sabalenka is marginally shorter at 6/4.

    After a scintillating quarter between Jabeur and the deposed champion, Elena Rybakina, this match should be of equal if not higher quality.

    Both ladies have been at the sharp end of the Slams.

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    Whilst Jabeur was last year’s beaten finalist – exacting revenge on Wednesday – Sabalenka is reigning Australian Open champion.

    The Belarusian however, lost her only previous Wimbledon semi in 2021.

    Jabeur has become a Centre Court crowd favourite and though a tall task opposing a dominant Sabalenka, the Tunisian could upset the odds in this one.

    Our tip: Jabeur to win (7/5)

     

    Men’s semi-finals

     

    Carlos Alcaraz v Daniil Medvedev

    In the men’s last four the big question, as usual, is who can stop Novak Djokovic?

    Carlos Alcaraz still looks by far the best shot.

    Ruthlessly dispatching Holger Rune in the last eight, the Spaniard should be far fresher than his opponent Daniil Medvedev, who came through a gruelling five-setter with Chris Eubanks.

    Some could argue Alcaraz is unproven on grass – this is only his third ever Wimbledon and a first semi-final – but his all-round game to beat anyone is there.

    Medvedev should not be overlooked though.

    The Russian has the service game to succeed on grass and also the greater experience to play the long game against his younger rival here.

    Our tip: Alcaraz to win 7/17

     

    Novak Djokovic v Jannik Sinner

     

    “Everyone wants to beat me, they want a win… but that aint happening.”

     

    Djokovic’s words are of a true champion.

    The Serb may not carry the popularity of a Roger Federer or Bjorn Borg on these Wimbledon courts, but he doesn’t care. Djokovic is here to win – and he normally does.

    Can Jannik Sinner stop the winning streak going to a 34th match?

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    At 4/1 the Italian’s odds suggest not, but Sinner is certainly no mug.

    Djokovic is now an incredible 3/5 for an eighth title.

    On the face of it, there is little value in betting on the seven-time champion; but you’d be a fool to bet against him.

    To quote Agent Smith from The Matrix, Djokovic is the sound of inevitability.

    Our tip: Djokovic to win (2/11)

  • Wimbledon 2023 betting: Murray statement win; Alcaraz confident

    Wimbledon 2023 betting: Murray statement win; Alcaraz confident

     

    It could not have gone much better for Andy Murray, could it?

    Day Two at the All England Club belonged to the two-time Wimbledon champion.

    Tuesday also saw rain. And more rain. It also saw two of the big favourites advance to round two, even if one was decidedly off-colour.

    So what will day three have in store?

     

    Statement win for Murray

    Murray’s all-British clash with Ryan Peniston on Centre Court was supposed to be nervy.

    Many dubbed it the acid test for the Scot after his early exit from Queen’s club.

    Some decried his recent victories at Challenger events Surbiton and Nottingham.

    But he proved them all wrong with a stunning performance to sweep aside the 27-year-old wildcard 6-3 6-0 6-1.

    The Scot started a little slowly but soon got into his stride, moving with more comfort than we’ve seen in his days post-hip surgery.

    There will be far greater tests ahead, and in swift fashion also as fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas or 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem await.

     

    Alcaraz shines; Rybakina off-colour

    Court One witnessed a similarly one-sided affair in the men’s first round as arguably the biggest challenge to Novak Djokovic’s monopoly started with a bang.

    Carlos Alcaraz, 20, hammered the retiring Jeremy Chardy, 6-0 6-2 7-5 to book his spot in the second round.

    One suspects he will be going much further than that, based on this evidence and his confident interview afterwards.

    “It’s really beautiful to play here and I’m really happy to have a lot of people supporting me,” said the popular Spaniard.

    Another fan favourite, defending women’s champion Elena Rybakina, survived a scare but bounced back from a first-set deficit against Shelby Rogers.

    As the Kazak continues to battle the effects of a virus, Rybakina looked a little peaky as the American looked to take advantage.

    There would have been major jitters after that 4-6 opening set, but the champ recovered, asserting her authority to cruise 6-1, 6-2 in the following two.

     

    Wimbledon betting odds, day three

    The inclement weather over the past two days means we’re playing catch up at SW19.

    Tsitsipas-Thiem resumes on Court Two today, with the Swiss a set up but Tsitsipas leading 4-3 in the second.

    British hopes rest on Heather Watson, who takes on tournament dark horse Barbora Krejcikova.

    The home crowd will also have 20-year-old Arthur Fery to get behind, however taking on the daunting prospect of Daniil Medvedev, the Briton is up against it to say the very least.

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    Meanwhile, Londoner George Loffhagen will resume against sixth seed Norwegian Holger Rune, having narrowly lost the first set on a breaker.

    Our best bet of the day is on former finalist Milos Raonic.

    Evens to beat Dennis Novak in their First round clash on Court 16 today.

    The Canadian, now 32, is a grass court specialist and some 250/1 to win the whole tournament, but he should be good for the victory.

  • Ashes 2023 betting: England, Australia set for Third Test shake-up

    Ashes 2023 betting: England, Australia set for Third Test shake-up

     

    There was controversy, and an overdue dash of Ben Stokes genius; it was another classic Ashes Test at Lord’s.

    After Long Room scuffles and allegations of ‘cheating’ though, the bottom line is Australia hold a 2-0 series lead.

    As the two sides travel north to Headingley for the Third Test, in sporting parlance, it’s now do-or-die for Bazball.

    Stokes and England will hope they can string together a fully coherent performance and put the Jonny Bairstow wicket debate (and the scoreline) to one side.

    What will be the next chapter in this enthralling series, starting on Thursday?

    Embed from Getty Images

     

    Replacements on tap

    To compound defeat at Lord’s for England fans, then came the sobering news that vice-captain Ollie Pope will miss the rest of this series with a dislocated shoulder.

    However, could that could deliver something of a silver lining?

    As disappointing as injury is for Pope himself, the Surrey right-hander has laboured.

    Failing to pass 50 against the Baggy Greens this summer, Australia are yet to bow.

     

    Step up, Dan Lawrence.

    The Essex batter may average less than 30 in his 11 Test matches so far, but given his big shot will be bent on proving a point.

    For the tourists, despite taking a tighter grip on the urn, the absence of Nathan Lyon due to a calf injury, is undoubtedly the bigger miss.

    Again on-song in English conditions, the off-spinner had hoped to hunt down 500 Test wickets this series.

    Lyon’s uncanny knack of snagging pivotal wickets leaves a big void.

    While Cummins’ side were able to hobble over the line at Lord’s, calling upon the inexperienced Todd Murphy could present issues.

    Murphy is highly-rated but at 22, has played just four Tests. England will be targeting him with an ultra-aggressive approach.

     

    Tactical changes

    Aside from Pope’s enforced absence, Stokes is set to make changes to his bowling attack.

    James Anderson has looked a shadow of himself in this series, taking a measly three wickets across the two Tests.

    With a run of back-to-back Tests, Anderson will be rested ahead a home return at Old Trafford.

    Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson are also set to make way.

    Stuart Broad remains a major thorn in Australia’s side meanwhile, as a healed Moeen Ali and Mark Wood come in.

    Chris Woakes is also in contention for a rare start.

    Having missed the raw pace that Wood provides, Ali’s position as frontline spinner and No.8 batter will give the hosts much-needed balance.

     

    For Australia, changes may be at a premium but coach Andrew McDonald could yet employ rotation of his own.

    Josh Hazlewood appears the the most likely to drop out, with skipper Pat Cummins and a rejuvenated Mitchell Starc holding the fort.

    Scott Boland is a possible recall also, but England would probably rather face him than Hazlewood at Headingley.

     

    Ashes betting

    With England in a must-win position and with needle now injected into the series, it all adds up to whet the appetite.

    Here’s how the Ashes betting looks:

    Australia are now as short as 1/8 to take home the urn, with England out to 12/1 with some bookmakers.

    For the Test alone, it’s 16/10 if you fancy England, with the Aussies 5/4 to go into an unassailable 3-0 lead.