La Liga Betting: Espanyol have the firepower to trouble Real Madrid

<div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Barcelona v Las Palmas</span><br />Sunday, 15:15<br />Live on Sky Sports Football and Betfair Live Video</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lionel Messi hasn't scored in two games, Luis Suárez has been wasteful and Ousmane Dembélé is sidelined, but luckily for Barcelona, they have unearthed another deadly attacking talent over the last week: opposition defenders. <span style="font-weight: 600;">Two own goals helped the Blaugrana past Girona last weekend</span>, before the unlucky Sebastián Coates cost Sporting a point in the Champions League on Wednesday night.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It doesn't matter how they go in, of course, and Barcelona are now eight for eight in all competitions this season. But you get the feeling that <span style="font-weight: 600;">someone is going to come in for a hiding</span> when Messi and Suárez click back into gear, and Las Palmas look like prime candidates on Sunday afternoon.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The side from Gran Canaria are awful travellers - one win in their last 21 away games in La Liga, and that came against crisis-stricken Málaga - and all four meetings with Barcelona have gone against them since they returned to the top flight. <span style="font-weight: 600;">The aggregate score last season was 9-1</span> and there's no real reason to expect better here.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The odds on the home win are predictably low at <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="1/11"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.09</span></span> so for a bit more value it's worth looking at the goalscorer markets. <span style="font-weight: 600;">Suárez has six league so far this season</span> and thrives against Las Palmas: he's scored braces in both of the last two games between these sides at Camp Nou and could repeat the trick.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bet<br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Luis Suárez to score two goals or more at</span> <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="7/5">2.40</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> </div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> </div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Valencia v Athletic Club</span><br />Sunday, 17:30<br />Live on Sky Sports Football and Betfair Live Video</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Valencia start the weekend unbeaten</span> and in the top four and it's worth siding with them when they welcome Athletic Club to Mestalla on Sunday afternoon.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marcelino looked to be operating a safety-first policy at the start of the season, which yielded a narrow win over Las Palmas and creditable draws against both Madrid clubs. <span style="font-weight: 600;">But Los Che have really come to the boil as an attacking force</span>since, obliterating Málaga last weekend and shading a five-goal thriller away to Real Sociedad in the week.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simone Zaza has hogged much of the attention with five goals in five starts, but he is not the only threat: Rodrigo Moreno has rediscovered his mojo, Gonçalo Guedes has made a fine start to life at the club, Carlos Soler has four assists already, and both Santi Mina and Andreas Pereira have shown sparks. Add in the fact <span style="font-weight: 600;">Valencia have kept clean sheets in all three home games so far</span> and you have a convincing argument for backing them, even with Geoffrey Kondogbia suspended.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Athletic are a good side going through a tough moment</span> under new boss José Ángel Ziganda. The Basques are without a win in five in all competitions, which is poor and sounds even worse when you look at some of their opponents in that run: Las Palmas, Málaga and Zorya Luhansk have all frustrated them. They need a win but may find the going tough against an in-form side.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bet<br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Valencia to win at</span> <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="4/5">1.83</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> </div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> </div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Real Madrid v Espanyol</span><br />Sunday, 19:45<br />Live on Sky Sports Football and Betfair Live Video</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watching them on Tuesday night, you wouldn't have taken Real Madrid for a side who have already dropped seven points from six games in La Liga. <span style="font-weight: 600;">Zinedine Zidane's charges were impeccable against Borussia Dortmund</span>, soaking up pressure and counter-attacking with real conviction to secure a 3-1 win.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Among the many positives in that one was the performance of <span style="font-weight: 600;">Gareth Bale</span>, who broke the deadlock with a dreamy volley and later set up Cristiano Ronaldo after a trademark run down the left. But the Welshman's hopes of building some momentum may be dashed this weekend, with reports circulating that he may have aggravated a calf injury. If there is any doubt whatsover about his fitness, he is unlikely to be risked.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Marcelo and Karim Benzema still absent, <span style="font-weight: 600;">Zidane is being forced to use his squad</span>: Nacho has come in at the back and Dani Ceballos made the most of his chance last weekend, scoring twice in the win over Alavés. But there remains a fragility to the champions, which Espanyol will be hoping to exploit at the Bernabéu.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We don't hold out much hope of the Catalans getting a result - they've lost 16 and won zero of the last 19 league games against Madrid - but they should find the net. Quique Sánchez Flores' side were excellent going forward against Deportivo La Coruña last week, with <span style="font-weight: 600;">a good understanding developing between Léo Baptistão and Gerard Moreno</span>, two of the division's most underrated forwards.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bet<br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Back both teams to score at </span><span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative; transition: color 0.2s;" title="10/11">1.88</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qae5gLMu3NU/Wc8BjAektZI/AAAAAAAADoU/NGj8Y4mwH5siB6qylWJcUQXx06HfVEgvwCLcBGAs/s1600/Real-Madrid-vs-Espanyol2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qae5gLMu3NU/Wc8BjAektZI/AAAAAAAADoU/NGj8Y4mwH5siB6qylWJcUQXx06HfVEgvwCLcBGAs/s640/Real-Madrid-vs-Espanyol2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>

La Liga Betting: Espanyol have the firepower to trouble Real Madrid

Barcelona v Las Palmas Sunday, 15:15 Live on Sky Sports Football and Betfair Live Video Lionel Messi hasn't scored in two games, Luis...

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Serie A Betting: Early goals, Juventus trip up and Roma add to Milan misery

<div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; outline: none; transition: color 0.2s;">Udinese v Sampdoria<br />Saturday, 17:00<br />Live on Betfair Live Video</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The early Serie A game on a Saturday has traditionally been something of a graveyard in terms of entertainment, but I'm prepared to hope that <span style="font-weight: 600;">Udinese and Sampdoria</span> buck that trend and give us some goals this weekend.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both teams like to go forward, although that approach is serving Samp rather better than Udinese right now, and Marco Giampaolo's team will be buzzing after their win over Milan last weekend.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sampdoria have now kept two consecutive clean sheets in the League, and the last time that they made it three was back in March 2015. They're a long way from rock solid defensively, and I think that Udinese will find a way through them, making it <span style="font-weight: 600;">13 consecutive home games</span> in which they've scored against Samp.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Samp drew 0-0 in Verona against a team that was desperate to defend, and they'll find that Udinese fit the mould of the Torino team with whom they drew 2-2 three weeks ago. Playing with verve and leaving themselves open, and I think that Giampaolo's men will enjoy themselves.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a reunion too for ex-Udinese strikers Duvan Zapata and Fabio Quagliarella, who are back at the Dacia Arena and eager to make their mark.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The curse of the early game aside, I think that we'll see a high-scoring Samp win here, and <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">while they make some appeal at</span> <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="7/4">2.74</span></span>, I prefer to back <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Over 3.5 Goals at</span> <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="12/5">3.40</span></span>, which is more than generous.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bet</span><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Over 3.5 Goals in Udinese v Sampdoria @</span> <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="12/5">3.40</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Atalanta v Juventus</span><br />Sunday, 19:45<br />Live on BT Sport 1 and Betfair Live Video</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Juventus are unbeaten in their last 25 Serie A games against Atalanta</span>, but Gian Piero Gasperini will feel that this is his best chance in a long time of catching the Old Lady cold. Atalanta now have eight points from the last four fixtures, are finding a nice rhythm, and <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">shouldn't be as big as</span> <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="9/2">5.70</span> to beat Juve</span>.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know that <span style="font-weight: 600;">Juventus have won their opening six games</span>, and I know that Gonzalo Higuain is back in some kind of form, but injuries have left Juve a little stretched, and if there's a Coach in Serie A who's clever and cute enough to take advantage of that, it's Gasperini.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I expect Atalanta to try and run Juve off their feet, a little like they did against Everton, and while it's a tough task, Juve have looked vulnerable away from home already this season, and Gasperini's men can take advantage. Confidence is high after Thursday's 1-1 Europa League draw away to Lyon.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">I'm tempted to back them at</span> <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="9/2">5.70</span> for the win</span>, but with Juve so short, why not keep the draw on side and <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">simply lay them?</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bet</span><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Lay Juventus to beat Atalanta @</span> <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="4/5">1.78</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Milan v Roma</span><br />Sunday, 17:00<br />Live on BT Sport 2 and Betfair Live Video</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roma have now won nine consecutive away games in Serie A, and they've <span style="font-weight: 600;">beaten Milan the last three times that they've played</span> them. I think that there are valid reasons to back Eusebio Di Francesco's team to get the job done again here.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Milan didn't manage a shot on target in their defeat at Sampdoria, and there's still a feeling of the Emperor's New Clothes about them. They've lost to the two best teams that they've played so far, Lazio and Samp, and been some way short as well, and Roma are a better team than either of those. The Rossoneri fumbled a 2-0 lead to Rijeka in the Europa League on Thursday and only won with a last-gasp Patrick Cutrone goal, leaving Vincenzo Montella under pressure.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With <span style="font-weight: 600;">Roma having now won four in a row</span>, the only thing that bothers me is their long journey back from Qarabag, but this is a seasoned team which is used to travelling, and <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">they should be shorter than</span> <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="9/5">2.78</span> to win this one</span>. Diego Perotti and Gregoire Defrel are injured, but it gives Alessandro Florenzi a great chance to run riot in a more advanced role.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Edin Dzeko has now scored in four consecutive games</span>, even the former Milan man Stephen El Shaarawy has found some form, and Roma are buzzing. They'll have a much sterner test at home against Napoli next week, but I rate them to get the job done at a decent price this week.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bet</span><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Roma to beat Milan @ </span><span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline: none; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative; transition: color 0.2s;" title="9/5">2.78</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZMsfz4UUak/Wc8BFR4-WNI/AAAAAAAADoQ/xZBGekG8SDAkPOXSyzoc48LUdPFIpxJTgCLcBGAs/s1600/Atalanta-vs-Juventus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1310" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZMsfz4UUak/Wc8BFR4-WNI/AAAAAAAADoQ/xZBGekG8SDAkPOXSyzoc48LUdPFIpxJTgCLcBGAs/s640/Atalanta-vs-Juventus.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline: none; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative; transition: color 0.2s;" title="9/5"><br /></span></span></div>

Serie A Betting: Early goals, Juventus trip up and Roma add to Milan misery

Udinese v Sampdoria Saturday, 17:00 Live on Betfair Live Video The early Serie A game on a Saturday has traditionally been something of a...

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Bundesliga Betting: Life after Carlo could start with a whimper

<div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Hertha Berlin v Bayern Munich</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Sunday October 01, 14:30</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The dismissal of <span style="font-weight: 600;">Carlo Ancelotti</span> as Bayern Munich coach was not necessarily a surprise, but the timing was. Bayern's powerbrokers have had reservations about the Italian's methods for some time - they felt he was too hands-off in his approach, happy to let individual brilliance win games rather than tactical excellence. Unlike his predecessor <span style="font-weight: 600;">Pep Guardiola,</span> Ancelotti wasn't looking to constantly challenge his players in a bid to improve them.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That avuncular, jovial approach had some success last season, as Bayern won a fifth consecutive Bundesliga crown, finishing 15 points ahead of RB Leipzig. However, the <span style="font-weight: 600;">alarm bells</span> were clanging at deafening volume after last Friday's careless 2-2 draw at home to Wolfsburg, and the final act was played out on Wednesday in Paris. Bayern's 3-0 Champions League defeat at PSG was perhaps a touch flattering to the hosts, but the German giants could hardly complain about defeat. Ancelotti had inexplicably left Mats Hummels and <span style="font-weight: 600;">Arjen Robben</span> out of a game that Bayern were hoping to use to send out a clear and positive message. Robben's failure to back his coach after the match spoke volumes.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So Carletto is on his way, and at time of writing, former Borussia Dortmund boss <span style="font-weight: 600;">Thomas Tuchel</span> is the favourite to step in. That makes perfect sense - Tuchel is an excellent coach, who already lives in Munich, and he is a free agent. However, if they hire him, Bayern are swinging to the other end of the intensity spectrum again. Like Guardiola, Tuchel is abrasive and demanding, a man who wore out the patience of his bosses and some senior players at BVB in just two years. If Tuchel does get the job, don't expect the background noise at Bayern to die away.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bayern must now focus on trying to close the three-point gap between themselves and leaders Dortmund, and they have a <span style="font-weight: 600;">very tricky fixture</span> ahead. Hertha Berlin are unbeaten at home this season, they were seconds away from winning the corresponding fixture last term before <span style="font-weight: 600;">Robert Lewandowski</span> equalised, and Hertha have lost just seven of their last 38 home games in the German top flight.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hertha lost 1-0 at Ostersunds in the Europa League on Thursday, but left key players like Marvin Plattenhardt, Karim Rekik and <span style="font-weight: 600;">Matthew Leckie</span> at home, so all three should return. Skipper and star striker Vedad Ibisevic is suspended after swearing at referee Tobias Stieler in last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Mainz, a claim he still vehemently denies.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Ibisevic out, Hertha may be even more compact and defensive than usual, and I suspect this will be pretty tight. Five of Hertha's six Bundesliga matches this term have featured fewer than three goals, as have two of Bayern's three away games in the league.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm happy to go for Under 2.5 Goals at <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="6/5"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.22</span></span>.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bet</span><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Under 2.5 Goals at</span> <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="6/5">2.22</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Wolfsburg v Mainz</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Saturday September 30, 14:30</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We should only whisper it, but Wolfsburg might've finally found a coach who can get the best out of their squad. <span style="font-weight: 600;">Martin Schmidt</span> has only had a short time to work with his players, but they drew with Werder Bremen in their first game under the Swiss coach, and managed an <span style="font-weight: 600;">extraordinary comeback</span> at Bayern Munich last Friday. 2-0 down at half-time, the Wolves played with spirit and adventure in the second period, and deserved the point that came their way.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now Schmidt faces his old club Mainz, and his <span style="font-weight: 600;">inside knowledge</span> of their squad could prove very useful. Die Nullfunfer made a bold call in the summer as they replaced Schmidt with U23 boss Sandro Schwarz, and it hasn't been a smooth transition so far. Away from home, Mainz have lost both of their Bundesliga games without scoring, and they're just two points above the bottom three.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wolfsburg have a spring in their step after holding Bayern, they have had a few more tactical sessions with Schmidt, and frankly they have better players than their opponents. I'm going for a home win.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bet</span><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Wolfsburg to win at</span> <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="6/5">2.20</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">FC Koln v RB Leipzig</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Sunday October 01, 17:00</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you find something that works in betting, there's no harm in following that trend until it runs its course. Regular readers will know that I have backed Leipzig's <span style="font-weight: 600;">Timo Werner</span> to score in Die Roten Bullen's last two home games in the league, and he has delivered both times. The German international has now netted 16 goals in his last 18 games for club and country, and I expect him to have chances against an FC Koln defence that is struggling badly.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even ultra-reliable keeper Timo Horn has been affected by the Billy Goats' collective loss of confidence, the latest consequence of which was Thursday's heartbreaking 1-0 home defeat to Crvena Zvezda in the Europa League. Koln have now <span style="font-weight: 600;">leaked 16 goals</span> in their last seven games in all competitions.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Werner was the subject of controversy in midweek, as he asked to be substituted barely half an hour into Leipzig's 2-0 Champions League defeat at Besiktas. Amidst a deafening atmosphere in Istanbul, Werner complained of dizziness and asked for ear plugs to block out the noise. His coach Ralph Hasenhuttl wasn't impressed, but Werner should still start, and score, on Sunday.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bet</span><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Timo Werner to score at </span><span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative; transition: color 0.2s;" title="7/5">2.40</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFP3o35xUyI/Wc8AXNewKUI/AAAAAAAADoI/jLF4wcwlqosgoBwRMqW9Bn86S2OCRJRpgCLcBGAs/s1600/robert-lewandowski-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="759" height="354" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFP3o35xUyI/Wc8AXNewKUI/AAAAAAAADoI/jLF4wcwlqosgoBwRMqW9Bn86S2OCRJRpgCLcBGAs/s640/robert-lewandowski-m.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>

Bundesliga Betting: Life after Carlo could start with a whimper

Hertha Berlin v Bayern Munich Sunday October 01, 14:30 The dismissal of  Carlo Ancelotti  as Bayern Munich coach was not necessarily a su...

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Ligue 1 Betting: Bordeaux set to hand PSG awkward afternoon

<div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">PSG v Bordeaux</span> (1st v 3rd)<br />Sat, 16:00 BST<br />Live on Betfair Live Video</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">PSG are good enough to beat all other Ligue 1 teams by three goals when the mood takes them, but if there's one team that could stop that happening this weekend, it's Bordeaux.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The visitors arrive in excellent form, their latest impressive performance resulting in a 3-1 win over Guingamp last weekend. <span style="font-weight: 600;">Bordeaux are now unbeaten in 14 Ligue 1 matches, a run that stretches back to late April (W7-D7-L0),</span> and lost only 2-0 when this fixture was staged last season.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">PSG played some tremendous football in beating Bayern Munich 3-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday night but having picked his strongest line-up for that match manager Unai Emery will be tempted to rotate here.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For all the plaudits PSG have received this season their squad is thin in certain areas so it will be either a weakened or tired PSG line-up that takes to the field.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For a full guide to Asian Handicap betting click <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">here</span>.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recommended Bet</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; outline: none; transition: 0.2s;">Bordeaux +2&+2.5 Asian Handicap @ <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="1/1">2.00</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Nantes v Metz</span> (6th v 20th)<br />Sat, 19:00 BST<br />Live on Betfair Live Video</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This might seem a bizarre selection based on where these two teams are in the standings right now but the Ligue 1 table doesn't tell the full story.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nantes are 6th thanks to tremendous five-game form (W4-D1-L0) but all four of those victories came by only one goal, and they were lucky to win on more than one occasion. At Strasbourg (2-1) last weekend, for example, Nantes spent virtually the entire second-half under pressure, and it was a miracle they emerged with all three points.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Metz were by far the better side at home to Troyes last weekend, attacking almost incessantly and hitting the post while creating other good chances - but they took none of them, and got caught out by a late Troyes counter-attacking winner (0-1).</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Looking at the way these two teams have actually played rather than at their results, <span style="font-weight: 600;">the difference in quality is rather less than the league table suggests.</span>For that reason, Metz are the pick.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recommended Bet</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; outline: none; transition: 0.2s;">Metz +0.5&+1.0 Asian Handicap @ <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="1/1">2.02</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Troyes v St Etienne</span> (13th v 4th)<br />Sun, 14:00 BST<br />Live on BT Sport Extra 4 and Betfair Live Video</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">St Etienne's fine start to 2017-18 continued with a 2-2 home draw versus Rennes last weekend. Oscar Garcia's <em>Verts</em> had difficulty dealing with the doughty Breton visitors but showed tremendous character to twice come from behind to earn a point.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">St Etienne are unbeaten in six games against all but PSG (W4-D2-L0) this season - and their results against weaker sides suggest they should collect all three points this weekend against limited Troyes. <span style="font-weight: 600;">St Etienne have won 1-0 at Caen and 1-0 at Dijon, and thrashed Amiens (3-0),</span> a side promoted alongside Troyes from Ligue 2 last season.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The hosts were lucky to win 1-0 at Metz last weekend and will find St Etienne far stiffer opposition. With our selection, you'll lose only half your stakes if the game ends in a draw, and make a profit if the visitors win.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recommended Bet</span></span></div> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-weight: 600;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-weight: 600;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-weight: 600;"></span></span><br /> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; outline: none; transition: 0.2s;">St Etienne -0&-0.5 Asian Handicap @ <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="1/1">2.00</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4RXsRrfCnWs/Wc7_4gxPl3I/AAAAAAAADoE/5TvSSBVMTQI9e6cT_HyeC5TD3DGZH6dRACLcBGAs/s1600/psg-bordeux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="680" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4RXsRrfCnWs/Wc7_4gxPl3I/AAAAAAAADoE/5TvSSBVMTQI9e6cT_HyeC5TD3DGZH6dRACLcBGAs/s640/psg-bordeux.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>

Ligue 1 Betting: Bordeaux set to hand PSG awkward afternoon

PSG v Bordeaux  (1st v 3rd) Sat, 16:00 BST Live on Betfair Live Video PSG are good enough to beat all other Ligue 1 teams by three goals ...

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Chelsea v Manchester City: Goals could be on the cards at Stamford Bridge

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chelsea v Manchester City</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday, 17:30</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Live on BT Sport 1</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blues in fine fettle</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems laughable now that Chelsea's opening-day defeat to Burnley prompted quite so much crisis talk. A month on and Antonio Conte's Blues are clearly in rude health, ticking along nicely in the Premier League - four wins in five despite a tough old fixture list - and, in midweek, producing a vintage away performance in Europe to sneak past Atlético Madrid. If Saturday's game against Manchester City is the game of the season so far, the Blues come into it with wind in their sails.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are positives wherever Conte looks. Álvaro Morata has hit the ground running since arriving from Real Madrid, Tiémoué Bakayoko has looked assured in midfield and trusted players from last season's league win have all taken up where they left off. Factor in the bonus of a returning Eden Hazard, who was electric in midweek, and it's easy to see why many are backing Chelsea to retain their title.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conte must make at least one change to the side that beat Atleti, with David Luiz still serving a domestic suspension for his red card against Arsenal. That means one of Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen will start at the back. Further forward, Conte must decide whether to maintain midfield lockdown mode or supplement his attack with Willian or Pedro.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">City flying but double injury news a blow</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Premier League table makes pretty good reading for Manchester City at present. 16 points from six games is one thing, but it is the goal difference column that really hints at their dominance: they're 19 to the good after a dynamite start to the campaign. Pep Guardiola must be delighted.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much has been made of the wealth of attacking options at the Spaniard's disposal - and really, just look at the players he leaves OUT of his starting XI each game - but also notable is just how much City have tightened up at the back: they have already kept six clean sheets this season (all competitions), a tally they didn't reach until December last time out.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of those have come without Vincent Kompany and the bad news for the Citizens is that another key member of the backline has joined him in the treatment room: Benjamin Mendy faces a long spell out after injuring knee ligaments. In his absence, there could be a start for Danilo on the left, although Leroy Sané is a wildcard option if Guardiola opts for a back five.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It also emerged on Friday morning that Sergio Aguero has been involved in a car accident, so he could be out for some time.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little to choose between the sides</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first meeting between these sides last season (3-1 to Chelsea at the Etihad) was a pulsating encounter and there are high hopes that this game will produce something similar. These are two excellent sides with little between them, which is reflected in the market: Chelsea are 2.66 to win with City available at 2.88.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guardiola will certainly be eyeing some revenge, having lost twice to Conte last term, and is still seeking his first win against Chelsea in his managerial career (D4 L3). Tnd the fact City had an easier midweek - at home, 24 hours earlier - should work in their favour here, but their hosts have dominated this fixture at Stamford Bridge, winning four and drawing two of the last seven.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It feels like a game that could go either way, so the draw may hold appeal at 3.55, but we'll be looking elsewhere for value.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goals on the cards</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each of the last five meetings has gone over 2.5 goals and there is plenty to suggest this one will pan out the same way. These are two teams with explosive attacking talent and while both have also been in good nick at the back, this is the biggest test of the season so far for both backlines.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is hard to see City failing to score in any match, while Hazard and Morata will surely trouble Nicolás Otamendi and John Stones. Both teams to score is short at 1.62, so it's worth taking on over 2.5 goals at 1.84. That gives us a chance even in the unlikely event that one side dominates.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sané in red-hot scoring form</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Morata has six goals in six Premier League appearances, which suggests that there is some value in the 2.20 available on him to net on Saturday afternoon. Hazard also tempts at 3.20 but the best pick - if he starts - may be with Sané, who has netted five times in City's last four league games. 3.70 is the price.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bet</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back over 2.5 goals at 1.84</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0hDwONS60o/Wc7_dYgiSaI/AAAAAAAADoA/kEl38SkQKJAAAoMeFTSJApbNJfM6k_92wCLcBGAs/s1600/khacb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0hDwONS60o/Wc7_dYgiSaI/AAAAAAAADoA/kEl38SkQKJAAAoMeFTSJApbNJfM6k_92wCLcBGAs/s640/khacb.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /> <div> <br /></div>

Chelsea v Manchester City: Goals could be on the cards at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea v Manchester City Saturday, 17:30 Live on BT Sport 1 Blues in fine fettle It seems laughable now that Chelsea's opening-day...

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Manchester United v Crystal Palace: Routine win in store against hapless Eagles

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Manchester United v Crystal Palace</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday, 15:00</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">United in ominous form this season</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Manchester United are in relentless form and keeping pace with joint leaders Man City in the early stages of this season. Jose Mourinho's side are unbeaten and their only dropped points came in a 2-2 draw at Stoke City. United come into this weekend's game off the back of five successive wins in all competitions. The latest victory came on Wednesday in a convincing 4-1 win at CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The signing of Romelu Lukaku has made a huge impact already with the former Everton striker scoring ten goals in nine games for United. Two of those came in Russia and the Belgium international has netted in his last five appearances for the club. But their defensive strength, backed up by outstanding goalkeeper David de Gea, has also been a significant part of their recent success with six clean sheets already during this campaign.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hodgson needs miracle to get Palace out of trouble</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been a disastrous start to the season for Crystal Palace with the Eagles already onto their second boss after the dismissal of Frank de Boer. His replacement, Roy Hodgson, has a huge task on his hands to guide the team to safety after Palace's run of six successive league defeats. The team are also without a goal in the competition and there have been no signs of optimism in the camp.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hodgson's first league game was a 1-0 defeat at home to Southampton and Palace were hammered 5-0 at Man City last weekend despite keeping the scoreline level until the 44th minute. The loss of Christian Benteke only adds to their problems with the striker facing six weeks out due to a knee injury. The return of attacker Wilfried Zaha cannot come soon enough, although he will not be back until after the international break following this weekend's trip to Old Trafford.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Impossible to make a case for visitors</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This looks a complete mismatch and it is no surprise to see United 1.18 favourites for victory. No-one can complain about this price which looks more than fair with United winning ten consecutive top-flight games at home to Palace. Everything points to a home win but obviously their odds are only worth adding to an accumulator so we will have to look elsewhere to back Mourinho's men.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you like long shots, then look no further than Palace. But there is no logical explanation to justify backing them even at odds of 23.00. The visitors have never beaten United in 16 previous Premier League clashes and could not be coming in to this with worse form. The Eagles have offered no signs of promise and it is hard enough seeing them score a first goal let alone pulling off a monumental upset.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pointless Palace would gladly take a draw but there is absolutely no temptation to back this outcome at 8.40. It is almost impossible to make a case for a stalemate with the quality of United bound to prove too much for the visitors. Only one of their last ten clashes has ended in a draw and this came at Selhurst Park. A home win is the only plausible result this weekend, but to find any semblance of value alternative markets must be targeted.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Expect United to take control in the second half</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Palace's resistance only lasted one half before being blown away by City and it may be a similar story this weekend. United's second-half form this season is excellent with the side winning each home league game after the break by at least two goals. Eight of United's 17 league goals have arrived in the final ten minutes of matches so there is every chance of more late goals against Palace. It looks well worth backing the hosts to cover a one-goal handicap in the second half at appealing odds of 6/4 (Betfair Sportsbook).</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Opta Stat</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Eagles are the only team in Europe's 'big five' leagues yet to score a goal in league competition this season. Palace are as short as 11/8 (Betfair Sportsbook) to end this run by finding the net at Old Trafford this weekend.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ref Watch</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mike Dean has taken charge of four games this season sending off Raheem Sterling controversially after his goal celebration at the end of Man City's win at Bournemouth. Dean handed out five red cards in 36 games during the last campaign.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bet</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back Manchester United -1 to win second half handicap @ 6/4 (Sportsbook)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhPqoA7CggQ/Wc7-8Sz8-0I/AAAAAAAADn4/W45biQPt94kXZuZ5nqz-Q_HbSujLOkGkgCLcBGAs/s1600/GettyImages-682016154-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhPqoA7CggQ/Wc7-8Sz8-0I/AAAAAAAADn4/W45biQPt94kXZuZ5nqz-Q_HbSujLOkGkgCLcBGAs/s640/GettyImages-682016154-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>

Manchester United v Crystal Palace: Routine win in store against hapless Eagles

Manchester United v Crystal Palace Saturday, 15:00 United in ominous form this season Manchester United are in relentless form and keepi...

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Saturday Championship 3pm Kick-Offs: In-form Villa to stroll past Trotters

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aston Villa 1.41 v Bolton 10.50; The Draw 4.80</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aston Villa are upwardly mobile, winning three consecutive Championship games and now unbeaten in seven, a run that has seen them climb from just above the relegation zone in the early table to just outside the play-offs.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Steve Bruce's men have also recorded four clean sheets in their last five league games, which we really shouldn't be surprised about, but what I have been impressed with regarding Villa is the number of goals they score when they are on form.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the start of the season I could see Villa churning out 1-0 and 2-0 wins but it's been quite the opposite if truth be told. Bruce's men have scored four against a decent Norwich side, four against a very good Wigan team, three in a win at Barnsley and four at Burton in midweek.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those last two victories mentioned, albeit away from home, have come without conceding however, which bodes well for the recommended bet.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's impossible to envisage Villa not scoring two or three at least against a very poor Bolton side, and if they can keep a clean sheet then they'll easily cover the -1 handicap.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the chances of Villa keeping a clean sheet have to be extremely high given that they're on home soil to the worst team in the division. The Trotters are already six points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table with a far inferior goal difference to any other club.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Phil Parkinson's men have now lost seven games on the spin and have failed to score a single goal in any of those matches. Their last four away games have resulted in 4-0, 2-0, 3-0, and 2-0 defeats, and I don't see any reason why a confident Villa side won't inflict a similar defeat on them this weekend.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bets</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back Aston Villa -1 to Win @ 11/10 (Sportsbook) (best bet)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ipswich 3.10 v Bristol City 2.48; The Draw 3.50</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I rate Bristol City quite highly and believe they're an outside bet to reach the play-offs. And after selecting them to win at Norwich last weekend (they drew 0-0) I wouldn't be surprised at all if they were to go to Ipswich and win.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But betting is all about price - I selected the Robins last week because their odds to win - 4.10 - looked too big. I'm opposing them this week because their win odds simply look too short.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For whatever reason, two clubs in the Championship regularly get underestimated in the Match Odds markets; Reading are one and Ipswich are the other. How the Tractors Boys can be the outsiders to win this match is a bit of a puzzle to me.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To put their price into perspective, or rather why Bristol City look a bit short, last week the Robins were 4.10 to win away at a Norwich side that were sitting below mid-table. This week Bristol City are much shorter at 2.48 to win away at an Ipswich side sitting above them in the table, and one that has just thrashed Sunderland 5-2 in midweek.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I say, it's a puzzle to me why Lee Johnson's men are favourites, especially in a division where the markets usually favour strongly the home side when two teams are evenly matched.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's exactly how I see this game. I rate Bristol City slightly better than Mick McCarthy's men but Ipswich having home advantage - they've won four of their five league games at Portman Road this season - slightly tips it in their favour for me, and I'd have the home side trading at around 2.40 with City at around 3.20.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really won't be surprised at whatever the outcome ends up being, bug given Ipswich have home advantage, that they've won 80% of their home games this term, and that they're above Bristol City in the table, then I just have to back them at a price that I believe is too big.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bets</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back Ipswich to Win @ 3.10</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Middlesbrough 2.00 v Brentford 4.30; The Draw 3.50</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were a lot of disgruntled fans after Middlesbrough's first home defeat of the season in midweek but I think it's a bit early to be worrying just yet.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Admittedly it's been no more than an average start to the season for pre-season title favourites Boro, but there are definite signs that they're starting to click into gear and that a good stretch of form is just around the corner.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And let's not forget, the midweek loss to Norwich was Boro's first defeat in eight games. Garry Monk's men actually played quite well on Tuesday night too, registering over 20 shots at goal, five on target, and having 13 corners to the Canaries' one. It was another mistake that led to Norwich's goal, for all James Maddison's 13th minute striker was an excellent one.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If Monk's men can cut out those uncharacteristic errors, and start putting the ball in the back of the net more regularly - easier said than done admittedly - then I see no reason why they can't start climbing the table.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Boro were odds-on in midweek to beat a Norwich side that had found a bit of form and kept four clean sheets, yet here we can back Monk's men at even money at home to a Brentford side just above the relegation zone with just one league win to their name all season.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do believe the Bees are in a false position however, and they should have few problems climbing the table themselves, but there's no doubt that they have a weaker squad - and a small one at that - than the one that commenced the season after some significant outgoings, none more so than the excellent Jota.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Consider also that Boro have a fabulous record over Brentford - they've won six out of six meetings home or away since the Bees were promoted to the Championship - then I think the even money price about a home win is a very fair one indeed.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bet</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back Middlesbrough to Win @ 2.00</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7jaO6fimM4/Wc4SlF6nHuI/AAAAAAAADno/y6NnojSRjR4oAWlh4xYMuk2Q8YbkW15_ACLcBGAs/s1600/2816-medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7jaO6fimM4/Wc4SlF6nHuI/AAAAAAAADno/y6NnojSRjR4oAWlh4xYMuk2Q8YbkW15_ACLcBGAs/s640/2816-medium.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>

Saturday Championship 3pm Kick-Offs: In-form Villa to stroll past Trotters

Aston Villa 1.41 v Bolton 10.50; The Draw 4.80 Aston Villa are upwardly mobile, winning three consecutive Championship games and now unbea...

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Football Bet of the Day: Bayer's travel sickness to continue

<div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Schalke v Bayer Leverkusen</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Friday September 29, 19:30</span><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Live on BT Sport 3</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Swedish fairytale of Ostersunds had another chapter added to it <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">last night,</span></span> as a club that was in the fourth tier of Swedish football last season made it two wins out of two in the Europa League group stage. Dreams really do come true, for them and for us, because their 1-0 win over Hertha Berlin secured us an odds-against winner.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To Germany now, and a clash between two sides who are amongst the biggest in the Bundesliga, but have hit the skids. Schalke and Bayer Leverkusen both missed out on a place in Europe for this season, and are <span style="font-weight: 600;">rebuilding</span> under new coaches.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The 32-year-old <span style="font-weight: 600;">Domenico Tedesco</span> has been tasked with dragging sleeping giant Schalke back into the limelight, and he's made a mixed start to his tenure. A 2-0 home win over RB Leipzig was a great start, but since then the Royal Blues have picked up just six points from five games.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, there is a general feeling that Tedesco has his players onside (he binned club captain Benedikt Howedes in a risky power play at the start of the season), and they are taking his input on board. Last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Hoffenheim was a good example - Schalke played really well, but couldn't score, and were punished brutally.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Leverkusen are also a work in progress under former Germany striker <span style="font-weight: 600;">Heiko Herrlich</span>. The last two home wins have been very encouraging, with Freiburg and Hamburg demolished. New signing Lucas Alario is already forming a dangerous strike partnership with Kevin Volland, and Jamaican forward <span style="font-weight: 600;">Leon Bailey</span> had by far his best game in a Bayer shirt against Hamburg.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, Bayer's <span style="font-weight: 600;">fragility away from home</span> is still an issue. They have lost all three away games at Bayern, Mainz and Hertha Berlin, and against a Schalke team that has won two out of three at the Veltins Arena, I think they may struggle.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In what could be a close game, I'll back the hosts Draw No Bet.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bet</span><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Schalke Draw No Bet at </span><span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline: none; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative; transition: color 0.2s;" title="1/1">1.98</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S85IdFc8eaU/Wc4SDPTDxFI/AAAAAAAADng/qwwxvK2Cuo8ND8radMRyQOwlqKnGNlt3gCLcBGAs/s1600/schalke-leverkusen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="680" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S85IdFc8eaU/Wc4SDPTDxFI/AAAAAAAADng/qwwxvK2Cuo8ND8radMRyQOwlqKnGNlt3gCLcBGAs/s640/schalke-leverkusen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline: none; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative; transition: color 0.2s;" title="1/1"><br /></span></span></div>

Football Bet of the Day: Bayer's travel sickness to continue

Schalke v Bayer Leverkusen Friday September 29, 19:30 Live on BT Sport 3 The Swedish fairytale of Ostersunds had another chapter added to...

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Stoke v Southampton: Don't expect a thriller as two of the top-flight's worst attacks do battle

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stoke v Southampton</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday September 30</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Potters' patched-up defence a cause for concern</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Six Premier League games have yielded just five points for Mark Hughes' side, and Stoke go into this fixture in 16th place. Though beaten 4-0 by Chelsea last time out, home form is far more impressive than away and the Potters can point to a defeat of Arsenal and a draw with Manchester United as evidence of their continued ability to mix it with the big boys in the top-flight.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hughes has a few concerns at the back - Geoff Cameron and Ryan Shawcross are definitely out and Bruno Martins Indi and Kevin Wimmer are doubts. That leaves the club short in central defence for this clash.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Same old story for Southampton so far this season...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As pointed out in last week's Southampton preview the south coast side are really struggling for goals and so it proved as they lost 1-0 at home to Manchester United. There's no shame in that - only Stoke have scored against United in the league this year - but it's now four games without scoring in six Premier League fixtures. Only Crystal Palace and Swansea have scored fewer. On the flipside the defence is ticking along nicely with just the Manchester clubs and Huddersfield conceding fewer.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Manager Mauricio Pellegrino has no injury problems to contend with, defender Matt Targett is nearing a return to first team action having suffered with an ankle injury.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shot-shy Saints favourites to win</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Betfair punters have made the visitors the clear favourites, backing Saints in to 2.52 in the match odds through the week. Stoke are out to 3.15 and the draw is a 3.35 shot.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's be honest, with three wins between them, neither club has been particularly reliable in the match odds this season.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not sure I can bring myself to back an unconvincing Southampton at that price, but they do appear to have a good opportunity to at least find the back of the net should Stoke start with a patched-up defence.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A case can be made for Stoke, using home form as a guide. Yes, they were destroyed by Chelsea last time out and come into the game on a worrying run of three straight defeats, but results at the Bet365 Stadium are generally positive - wins over Arsenal and Rochdale (in the league cup) and that draw against United. The defensive concerns are a worry, however, and I don't find any of the three options in the market that attractive.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over/Under 2.5 Goals</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's little surprise to see unders as short as 1.73 and it's pretty hard to argue with the price, although Stoke's dodgy defence offers an element of uncertainty.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the plus side for unders backers is the state of the Southampton attack. While we can expect Pellegrino to work on his side's woes in this department, the Opta stats show the size of job he has to do - Southampton have failed to score in 10 of their last 14 Premier League matches and have scored just eight goals from 180 shots in these games (4.4%).</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stoke will do well to break the Southampton rearguard, too. The visitors have kept clean sheets through both away games this season, and four in six top-flight matches.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Given the strength of Saints' backline and their weakness in attack it looks reasonable to back no in the both teams to score market at 1.97. Nearly even money on Southampton either keeping a clean sheet or failing to score looks a reasonable bet to me.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ref Watch</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mike Jones takes charge of his third Premier League match, and his second involving Saints (he was the man in black for the season-opening draw with Swansea). Jones averages four yellows per game.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bet </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back No in Both Teams to Score @ 1.97</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0lGoEfrrrvI/Wc4Ri_3MpqI/AAAAAAAADnY/QClseq5dloostDh5n1qDW2jVKlAlj1__wCLcBGAs/s1600/nintchdbpict000220152478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="960" height="382" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0lGoEfrrrvI/Wc4Ri_3MpqI/AAAAAAAADnY/QClseq5dloostDh5n1qDW2jVKlAlj1__wCLcBGAs/s640/nintchdbpict000220152478.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>

Stoke v Southampton: Don't expect a thriller as two of the top-flight's worst attacks do battle

Stoke v Southampton Saturday September 30 Potters' patched-up defence a cause for concern Six Premier League games have yielded just...

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West Brom v Watford: Silva's men to show their mettle at The Hawthorns

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">West Brom v Watford </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday 30 September, 15:00 BST</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A defensive conundrum for Pulis</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Baggies had started the campaign well enough as they opened up with three successive wins in league and cup. They have however gone five without a victory since, although they are still unbeaten at home in the league.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tony Pulis and his players were unhappy with the officiating in their 2-0 defeat at The Emirates on Monday night, and while they didn't exactly get the rub of the green, The Gunners were definitely value for the three points.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The manager opted to play a 5-3-2 formation against Arsenal, but he will probably revert to a flat back four on Saturday. At the other end, Jay Rodriguez was signed to try and improve the team's goal tally, and while he has looked lively in his six Premier League starts, he's managed just the solitary goal.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The road is paved with gold for Silva</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The way this season has gone for Watford thus far, makes you believe that the alternate universe Marco Silva was appointed as manager. A man who had once gone 41 home games without defeat - a run which span across four different clubs - has lost two and drawn two at Vicarage Road, while winning all three of his matches on the road.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Victories at Bournemouth, Southampton and Swansea were impressive in their own right, but when you consider that they only won three times on their travels in the whole of last season, it makes you realise just what kind of achievement that is.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course the manager will be slightly concerned about their results at home, but they drew against Liverpool and Brighton, and their sole defeat in the Premier League came at the hands of the rampant Manchester City.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for the team news, Miguel Britos is back following his three game ban, but the impressive, Nathaniel Chalobah, is set for a long spell on the sidelines. Andre Gray should keep his place in attack after he opened his Watford account last time out, and that means that Troy Deeney will likely remain on the bench.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pick a score rather than a winner</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Match Odds Market has West Brom priced up as the 2.34 favourites, with the draw at 3.25 and Watford at 3.70. The latter feels like a decent price considering their away record this term, but there is no denying that Chalobah is a big miss - even if he was absent for their 2-1 win at The Liberty last weekend.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The hosts have taken five points from a possible nine in front of their own fans this season and when they do lose at home, it's usually against one of the top teams.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the kind of game where I'm happy to give this market a swerve and focus on a correct score. I can't see there being much in it, and while I could just back the draw at 3.25, I'd much rather play on something at a bigger price.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For reasons that will become apparent further down the page, I'm going to take a punt on a 2-2 correct score at around the 20.00 mark. As I wrote above, it should be a pretty tight match and I have an inkling that there will be goals...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More goals than you think</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you think of a Tony Pulis side, you think of strong defending and a focus on clean sheets as opposed to goals of their own. There's nothing wrong with that, but sometimes his reputation precedes him.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the league last year, his West Brom team scored three or more in six of their 18 home matches, and perhaps even more surprising, they kept just four clean sheets.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I appreciate that they have already stopped their opponents from finding the net in two of their three there this year, and they have scored just two goals themselves in the same period, but that is a much smaller sample size.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pressure is mounting on this West Brom side following their disastrous end to the previous campaign as the supporters won't have forgotten just how poor they were. They need to start showing a bit more pretty quickly or the fans will make their voices heard.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A more attacking approach will suit the visitors down to the ground as Silva's men will look to hit on the break. They scored twice in each of their three away victories, and they put three past Liverpool on the opening Saturday.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over 2.5 Goals can be backed at 2.54 and that is definitely a value selection for my money. The under makes no appeal at [1,61], although I'm sure it will prove popular in many an Acca this weekend.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ref Watch - Please Sir, can I have one more?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The man in the middle for this potential goal-fest is Michael Oliver and he comes into the game on a hat-trick - a hat-trick of red cards that is. He sent off David Luiz in Chelsea's 0-0 draw with Arsenal and he then dismissed Serge Aurier at The London Stadium last week - both for bad tackles.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He also showed five or more yellows in those games, so keep your eye on the card odds as the markets begin to firm up nearer to kick off - there could be value to be had in backing a sending off or a high amount of bookings points.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It also helps that both of these teams have already had a man sent off this season, and the hosts are averaging two yellows per game.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bets</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.54 </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back A 2-2 Correct Score @ 20.00</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-elubAo7n3SE/Wc4RFdvl58I/AAAAAAAADnU/EmOryymDpuEVT2VYkgNBOgNEMvKk7kpQACLcBGAs/s1600/goal-watson-west-brom-wba-watford_3449872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-elubAo7n3SE/Wc4RFdvl58I/AAAAAAAADnU/EmOryymDpuEVT2VYkgNBOgNEMvKk7kpQACLcBGAs/s640/goal-watson-west-brom-wba-watford_3449872.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>

West Brom v Watford: Silva's men to show their mettle at The Hawthorns

West Brom v Watford  Saturday 30 September, 15:00 BST A defensive conundrum for Pulis The Baggies had started the campaign well enough ...

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