Category: News

As another weekend of Premier League action arrives, Gameweek 9 sees one of the biggest rivalries in English football reignite once more.

Meeting in the Premier League for the 58^th time on Sunday, Liverpool travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United and for the hosts and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in particular, the stakes are high. Whilst it can’t be refuted the Red Devils remain box office under the Norwegian’s stewardship, there is a distinct lack of direction and leadership on the pitch currently, which is causing problems and only another late, late Cristiano Ronaldo rescue act kept the wolves at the door against Atalanta in midweek. For now, at least.

In contrast, the Reds are in fine fettle after putting on a five-star show on their last road trip at Watford last week and withstood a resurgent Antoine Griezmann and Atletico Madrid in Europe on Tuesday night to win their ninth game of the season in all competitions, yet to taste defeat across the board.

With a third away game on the bounce, United look to provide the sternest test of the three, but Jurgen Klopp’s men are slight 13/10 favourites with William Hill, despite not having won at the Theatre of Dreams since 2014. United are slightly longer odds at 11/5, whilst for a sixth draw in 11 to play out, a price of 11/4 looks good value, both with Betfred. With both Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah looking to impress meanwhile, many punters will be eyeing a scorer double and for Both Players to Score, SkyBet’s 11/2 boost stands as a superb lay for the weekend.

Kicking off GW9, Arsenal play host to their second league game in five days, as Aston Villa come to the capital on Friday night. Salvaging a late point against Crystal Palace on Monday night, the Gunners remain unbeaten in six, but face the Villans, who Arsenal have lost against in their last three meetings, having not scored a single goal either.

On the end of an Ollie Watkins brace last season at the Emirates – and after the Eagles revealed the hosts’ still-remaining soft underbelly – could Villa put the hosts to the sword for the fourth time on the spin? Whilst Arsenal are evens, Dean Smith’s men are the underdogs on Friday evening and at a tempting 3/1 widely, Villa could easily pave the way for a profitable evening for punters.

Down on the South coast meanwhile, Brighton host Manchester City at the AMEX, with Graeme Potter’s men set to provide a stiff test for the champions. The Cityzens are 4/9 to take three points, but though City have kept six league cleans sheets in eight so far this term, their back line will be under aerial bombardment here. For Both Teams to Score, 11/10 odds look very reasonable indeed.

Furthermore, Brighton beat City 3-2 in the same fixture on the final day of last term, where both defenders Adam Webster and Dan Burn were on the scoresheet. The most likely candidate here in that department looks to be the dangerous Shane Duffy and for the Irishman to score anytime, a healthy 16/1 with UniBet can be yours.

Finally, before Sunday’s marquee clash in Manchester, West Ham and Tottenham meet in the latest London derby this term. With just a point separating the sides in 5^th and 7^th respectively, calling this encounter looks tough as though both sides endured differing European results on Thursday night, Spurs have won their last two league meetings and West Ham suffered defeat to fellow London opponents Brentford in their last game at the London Stadium. Perhaps then, the draw looks the wise play, at 5/2 with Bet365 and SBK.

Following Steve Bruce’s dismissal on Wednesday, speculation has gone into overdrive as to who might take the reins at Newcastle United.

Previously the favourite for the St. James’ Park hotseat, Frank Lampard’s odds have now lengthened significantly to 14/1 with William Hill, with Paulo Fonseca now odds-on at 1/2 with 888Sport and UniBet.

A former boss of no less than five Primera Liga sides, the Portuguese steward led AS Roma to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League last season and was tipped to take the Tottenham hotseat earlier this summer. During his time in Italy however, Fonseca leaked an alarming number of goals.

The Magpies are facing a battle to avoid the drop this term given their current form and need a to tighten the ship. One name that has begun to shorten in the market is John Terry. Having left his role as Assistant Coach to Dean Smith at Aston Villa back in July, BestofBets sources suggest Terry could be a name in the frame after his own comments that he does want another coaching job, preferring instead to try his hand as manager.

A man who knows how to drill a team defensively, a move for JT would not be the worst move to make and could at the very least ensure Newcastle’s Premier League status. Having gone from 50/1 to 33s with 888Sport in the last 24 hours, Terry remains 50/1 with all major bookies, and can be had for 70/1 on the Betfair Exchange.

His Three Lions teammate of England’s prior golden generation Steven Gerrard continues to be a name mooted; however, his own price has also moved out to a full 20/1 with BoyleSports.

Eddie Howe meanwhile – a 16/1 shot only last week – has been slashed to 6/1 with SkyBet but as long as 10s with BetVictor, whilst former Borussia Dortmund coach Lucien Favre continues to hold steady at 6/1, also with SkyBet. Antonio Conte, however, appears to be out of the running, now a cool 33/1 with PaddyPower and Betfair.

This particular market is definitely one to watch in the coming days.

As the Champions League nears the halfway mark of the Group stages, Matchday 3 and 4 signal the traditional double-headers across the coming fortnight. MD3 offers up a number of glamour ties.

None more so than at the Wanda Metropolitano as Atletico Madrid host Liverpool. A favourite venue of the Reds since their European Cup win in 2019, these two sides are forging quite the rivalry of late after meeting in the last 16 two seasons ago, where the Madrid side knocked the holders out of the competition after a thrilling 3-2 win at Anfield in the second leg.

Meeting for the seventh time since 2008, the Merseysiders are without a Champions League win over Los Colchoneros in four meetings. Despite this, Liverpool are shortest backed for the win widely at 5/4 after putting five past Watford at the weekend, whereas Atleti are a decently priced 5/2 with SBK. This game will once again reunite Luis Suarez with his old flame and for he and the again red-hot Mohamed Salah both to score, SkyBet’s boosted price of 15/2 is well worth a dabble.

Liverpool’s M60 neighbours Manchester United meanwhile, face a stern test as they welcome Atalanta to Old Trafford. Late, late winners over Villarreal in MD2 courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s heroics, the Red Devils welcome the Bergamascos with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer under fire after a weekend defeat to Leicester City. Conversely, La Dea put four past Empoli on the road at the weekend have both Duvan Zapata and Josip Ilicic firing.

Though United are assumed favourites, Atalanta’s last visit to the North-West saw a 2-0 win at Anfield and an away win looks particularly appealing again. Indeed, at 7/2 with UniBet, MansionBet and Betfred, the Italians’ price is enticing.

Chelsea’s task looks significantly lesser as Malmo roll into west London. Bottom of Group H and without as much as a goal, the Swedish champions face the holders, who will likely be in the mood after scraping three points against Brentford on Saturday evening.

Romelu Lukaku in particular will be eyeing adding to a tally, which after netting three in as many games to begin his Blues return, has now stretched to being goalless in six. Malmo look primed to remedy his drought however, and for the Belgian to grab a brace, BetVictor and SkyBet carry 2/1 odds. Alternatively, for those a little braver, Malmo could be for the taking and a Lukaku hat-trick is boosted to 8/1, again with SkyBet.

Of the more interesting ties, after a sensational win at Real Madrid last time out, Sheriff travel to Milan to face Inter, with the debutante Moldovans top of Group D on six points – five ahead of the Nerazzurri. Having scored five in two thus far, a trip to San Siro is more of a litmus test though, but Sheriff will be buoyant as they arrive in Lombardy.

Inter should get their opening win here as firm 1/6 favourites with all major bookies, but the real value lies in Both Teams to Score and at 6/5 with MansionBet. It could be worth your while laying a cool few bucks on the new boys in town.

Finally, another glamour tie of MD3 sees free-scoring Ajax entertain Borussia Dortmund, as the two former European Cup winners meet in Amsterdam. For goals and potentially excitement, this looks the week’s most attractive encounter with the Dutch hosts having scored five times in five separate league outings this term. Dortmund are equally prolific in front of goal and now with Erling Haaland back from injury, the goals could flow at the Johan Cruyff Arena. With over 2.5 goals expected at 1/2, 3.5 is a little longer at 6/5, with a full five-goal thriller valued at 14/5 – all with Betfair.

The Premier League returns this weekend after the international break, with a tasty-looking west London derby set to headline Gameweek 8.

As Brentford welcome leaders Chelsea to the Community Stadium, the Bees themselves sit just four points off their capital neighbours and are unbeaten in three league games, having taken three points versus West Ham last time out, together with holding Liverpool during GW6.

The Blues meanwhile, returned to winning ways a fortnight ago but have a number of injury concerns ahead of this weekend. That could swing a result in the hosts’ favour. Chelsea remains odd-on to make the short trip home with a win at 4/7 with PaddyPower, Bet365 and BetVictor, but Brentford will be tough opposition and their price of 28/5 with SBK and Matchbook looks excellent value for the upset. Even for Both Teams to Score, MansionBet is the place to go at strong 6/5 odds.

The biggest banker of the weekend looks to be Manchester City as they host Burnley. As heavy 1/7 favourites to pick up their fifth victory of the campaign, Pep Guardiola’s men are however, winless in their last two games with defeats away to PSG coupled with an electric 2-2 draw at Anfield against Liverpool before the international break. The Clarets should not present too much of a challenge here though and went down 5-0 to City in both games last term, in the knowledge also, that Saturday’s hosts have won two of their three home games this season by the same scoreline.

Despite being held by Southampton the last time City entertained in the Premier League, Burnley look set to be on the receiving end here, and to lose 5-0 for the third game on the bounce versus their opponents this weekend, SkyBet’s boosted price of 16s from 12/1 looks one to check out.

Elsewhere this weekend, all eyes with be on St. James’ Park as Newcastle United embark on their new multi-billion-pound era with Saudi government investment on the horizon. It will also be a momentous day for Steve Bruce in his 1000th game as manager but one which looks to be his final game in charge of the Magpies. Bruce will want to go out on a high against Tottenham and to do just that, Newcastle are 13/5 with William Hill and Betfred.

Spurs meanwhile, remain wholly unpredictable and could easily upset Bruce’s swansong at 23/20 with SpreadEx. From a goalscoring point Harry Kane is yet to register a league goal this term, leaving Son Heung-min the biggest threat for the north Londoners. The Korean is 15/8 anytime with SkyBet to net his fourth of the campaign on Sunday.

GW8 draws to a close at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night as Patrick Vieira makes his return to Arsenal. Having spent nine years in north London, the Frenchman won seven trophies and was also part of Arsenal’s Invincibles side. It is likely to be a special occasion for the former Arsenal skipper and indeed the fans in attendance.

Now in charge of Crystal Palace, Vieira’s side roll into Islington without a win in three. The Gunners having resurrected their league form meanwhile, are now without a loss in four. Mikel Arteta’s men were however, held by Brighton last time out. The tale is similar for Palace who have drawn their last two and in total have taken a single point from four outings this term – including their last away-day trip in London. Putting narratives firmly to one side, the draw therefore looks decent value and at 3/1 with Betfred, and is one of the more appealing punts this weekend.

As the Premier League returns this weekend, the footballing landscape on Tyneside has changed dramatically after Newcastle United’s long-protracted takeover was finally completed last week.

With the new Saudi Government investment consortium having brought the club for £300m, the Magpies are now the richest club in the Premier League and one of the wealthiest in football. Exciting times could lay in store for the long-suffering Toon Army then, but as it stands who might become the man to lead Newcastle into a new era?

The early and intense speculation has centred on the future of current boss Steve Bruce, a man who was under fire well before the club’s blockbuster takeover news. The St. James’ Park steward will be in charge for their home game versus Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, but nevertheless, Bruce is now a staggering 1/16 with SkyBet to be the first Premier League manager to leave his post.

The hunt for his replacement seems a certain thing, and right now Frank Lampard is the bookies’ favourite to take the reins. With BestofBets sources suggesting stakes of £10k have now been individually placed on the former Chelsea boss, Lampard’s odds have tumbled in recent days, now at a best price of 3/1 with Betfair, William Hill and PaddyPower.
Another man who has his own connections to Chelsea, Antonio Conte, might however, be the man to back. Having won the league crown with the Blues, the Italian also led Inter Milan to their first Scudetto title in a decade last season in Serie A, whilst of course, retaining his own history with another club of famed black and white stripes, Juventus.
Having left the Nerazzurri last summer due to financial disagreements, Conte will have no shortage of spending power at Newcastle, although the club’s lack of European involvement could be a major stumbling block. That said, this could be the start of a major project, and one that suits Conte as being part of. At 8/1 with BetVictor, Conte’s odds could yet be slashed.

Though Newcastle have been sold, much is still to be done to paint the club in the same way to future employers, so perhaps a move for another homegrown boss could tick the managerial boxes? Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has shortened to 9/1 but is still available at 12s with William Hill, but might be considered too untested for Saudi likes, whereas Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has now tumbled out to 14/1 – again with ‘William Hill.

Roberto Martinez, meanwhile, is a name who has been linked with a return to the Premier League for some time. Having guided Belgium to the top of the ranks, the Spaniard is still to claim silverware for the nation’s golden era of talent though and may be looking to flex his muscles elsewhere. The big draw of Martinez could be his proximity to players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, who his prospective bosses may be looking at as a bargaining chip to help sway any player deals. As still only fifth favourite for the job, Martinez’ odds of 12s with William Hill, PaddyPower and Betfair could stand up well.

Of the other big names being mentioned, Zinedine Zidane looks a generous long shot widely at 25/1, whilst a return for Rafa Benitez might become interesting at 33s. Finally, perhaps an outsider in the running could be Eddie Howe. Still a free agent after leaving Bournemouth, the new owners may be looking for a stop-gap manager, ala Mark Hughes in the early days of Manchester City’s reversal in fortunes. Howe is young and exciting enough to draw the eyes of attention and a 16/1 with most bookies but a full 20/1 – again with William Hill – might not be as fanciful as it seems.

After sweeping aside Andorra 5-0 on Saturday, England return home to play their eighth World Cup Qualifying game against Hungary on Tuesday evening.

With a four-point lead in Group I, the Three Lions can mathematically guarantee their place in Qatar as Group winners with victory at Wembley, coupled with a draw between Albania and Poland in Tirana.

A win versus the Mighty Magyars alone however, will surely still leave topping the group academic, England then needing just three more points from a home game against the Albanians themselves, before a trip to San Marino to conclude qualifying next month.

The overwhelming favourites to take their tally to 22 points, Gareth Southgate’s men are best priced at 1/7 with SkyBet, Bet365and UniBet. Hungary meanwhile, fetch a staggering 28/1 odds with SBK and BetVictor. The draw? 8/1 with Betfair. But let’s delve deeper into where the true value might lie.

Impressive 4-0 victors in Budapest back in September, England have netted at least four times in three of the last four qualifiers, and are 5/2 with UniBet, PaddyPower and Betfair for a repeat scoreline. For those a little braver and – potentially – canny, Betfaircould lure punters in the direction of a five-star performance at 13/2.

A Both Teams to Score scenario perhaps looks unlikely in north London given the fact England have conceded just one goal at home since their odyssey toward Qatar began. Hungary do, however, possess the players to cause problems for the hosts and to score just once are a very reasonable 21/10 with MansionBet.

Across the scorers market meanwhile, both Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling continued their summer exploits in front of goal when the two sides last met and for the duo to both net again, SkyBet’s 12/5 might be worth investment. One of the other players to find the target that night was Declan Rice and for the West Ham man to sew the grains of profit again, 13/2 with Bet365 could be a smart punt.