NRL Preview Round 6: Sea Eagles v Tigers

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Manly Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Sunday, April 15, 4:10pm (AEST)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Lottoland, Sydney</span></strong><br /> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Sea Eagles have loved playing at home this season and will get their chance to bounce back this week when they host the giant-killing Tigers. Manly have received a massive boost with sensational fullback Tom Trbojevic set to make his return after missing last week’s match against the Titans. What can you say about the Tigers? They’ve defeated the Storm twice already this season and find themselves in the Top after being one of the favourites for the wooden spoon. Josh Reynolds will play his first match in a Tigers jersey, while David Nofoaluma has received a recall to first grade at the expense of Tui Lolohea, with Corey Thompson moving to fullback. The loss of Russell Packer is a blow for the Tigers and it will be the consistent Alex Twal moving into the starting side.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Form</strong>Manly are eighth on the ladder with a 2-3 record. They have the second best attack in the premiership but rank ninth in defence. The Sea Eagles have won both their clashes at Brookvale this year, averaging 41ppg at the ground. The Tigers have been astonishing this year on their way to a 4-1 record, beating the Storm twice and the Roosters. The Tigers have conceded 10 points or fewer in four of their five matches. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></strong></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Key Matchup</b>Daly Cherry-Evans v Luke Brooks: DCE what one of Manly’s best in a beaten side last week and will enjoy the return to Brookvale where the Sea Eagles are undefeated this season and have dominated the Tigers in recent times. It looks like Cherry-Evans is one of the front-runners for the QLD No.7 jersey and will want another strong performance here. Has the penny finally dropped for Tigers half Luke Brooks? He was excellent in last week’s win over the Storm, making two line-breaks and setting up a try for Chris Lawrence. He is at his best when he runs the ball and showed that against the Storm. Run, Luke, run!</span></div> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong></span><br /> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Stats That Matter</strong>– Manly are 2-3 ATS with a 3-2 over number while the Wests Tigers are 5-0 ATS with a 4-1 under number.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Manly have won six of the last nine against the Wests Tigers and have won eight straight against the Tigers at Brookvale with the last five being by double figures.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The last seven matches between the teams have all topped 48 points.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Manly have covered four straight and six of their last eight at Brookvale.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Their last four wins and covers at the ground have been by margins of 16-plus.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The over has hit in 9 of the last 15 Brookvale day games.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The over is 13-3 at Brookvale since 2015 when Manly enter off a loss.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Tigers have covered 9 of their last 11 as an underdog though just 1 of their last 7 as an underdog of less than a converted try.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Tigers have gone under in six straight day games.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Tigers are 3-7 ATS after scoring 14 or fewer.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Final Thoughts</strong>The Wolf thinks this is a good spot for the Sea Eagles despite the Tigers giant-killing run. The statistics don’t lie! Manly have won six of the last nine against Wests and have won eight straight against the Tigers at Brookvale with the last five being by double figures. Sea Eagles to cover.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">How It’s Shaping Up</strong>Manly by 7</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Recommended Bets</strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best: Manly -3.5 ($1.87)</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Value: Manly 1-12 ($2.90)</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">First Tryscorer: Dylan Walker ($13)</span></strong></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9IYrzu3zaHyVcIMhX2_JF-PsFUFrkRGJ-JiAiwCxo9jM4ZdgGg5sX-gxEo3Caytxno6ywuJ5f5SJZlawJb0O9LRdRBxI2QAXPrbCdDdGpsVnfRVsK5NIOGG5QGToI0kYq14Tm44Re08/s1600/1502612771484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="619" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9IYrzu3zaHyVcIMhX2_JF-PsFUFrkRGJ-JiAiwCxo9jM4ZdgGg5sX-gxEo3Caytxno6ywuJ5f5SJZlawJb0O9LRdRBxI2QAXPrbCdDdGpsVnfRVsK5NIOGG5QGToI0kYq14Tm44Re08/s640/1502612771484.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></strong></span></div> </div>

NRL Preview Round 6: Sea Eagles v Tigers

Manly Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers Sunday, April 15, 4:10pm (AEST) Lottoland, Sydney The Sea Eagles have loved playing at home this season ...

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NRL Preview Round 6: Dragons v Sharks

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">St George Illawarra Dragons v Cronulla Sharks<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Friday, April 13, 7:50pm (AEST)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />WIN Stadium, Wollongong</span></strong><br /> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Dragons along with the Warriors are the only two undefeated sides through five rounds of the NRL, and with good reason. St George Illawarra is averaging over 30 points per game and is playing an exciting brand of football, with their spine and forward pack firing on all cylinders. The Dragons looked to have last week’s game in the bag before conceding a pair of late tries against the Rabbitohs. They held on for the win, but will need to play for 80 minutes against the Sharks if they want to do the double over them this year. The Sharks will have a few selection headaches if Josh Dugan makes his return from injury, with Matt Moylan having his best game in a Sharks jersey in the fullback position.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Form</strong>St George Illawarra are the hottest team in the NRL, undefeated through five rounds. The Saints are conceding just 12ppg for the second best defence in the NRL while they are scoring 30.8ppg for the best attack. Three of their wins have been by 18-plus margins. Cronulla are 12th on the ladder with a 2-3 record. They have the second worst attack in the NRL while they have the seventh rated defence. Cronulla have not scored more than 16 all season but have conceded 20-plus in two of three at Shark Park.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Key Matchup</b>Jack de Belin v Paul Gallen: The Wolf is looking forward to this match-up more than most this weekend. Jack de Belin is the master of chopping down players in tackles and looks set for a NSW Origin berth this year. He’s an old school player, who is made for the Origin arena and would love nothing more than a points decision over Paul Gallen, who was one of NSW’s best over the years. It’s been a slow start to the NRL season for Gallen, with his minutes heavily reduced, but he played 71 minutes in last week’s loss to the Roosters and was the Sharks best forward alongside Andrew Fifita. Gallen offloaded at will and did plenty of hard work carting the ball up. Expect fireworks when de Belin and Gallen come face-to-face in Wollongong on Friday night, and The Wolf can’t wait!</span></div> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong></span><br /> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Stats That Matter</strong>– St George Illawarra are 4-1 ATS with a 3-2 under record while Cronulla are 2-3 ATS with a 4-1 under number.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Dragons hold a 20-19-1 all-time record over the Sharks.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– St George Illawarra have won 13 of the last 19 though including three of the last four.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The teams met in Round 2 with the Saints grinding out a 20-16 win at Shark Park.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Low-scoring matches have been the order of play with 10 of the last 13 tallying 37 or fewer.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Saints are 5-1 all-time against the Sharks in Wollongong.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Dragons have covered six of their last nine in Wollongong.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The under is 8-2 in night games at Wollongong since 2014 while it is 8-3 when the Dragons are favoured.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The under is 31-16 since 2014 when the home team is riding a five-game win streak and 9-2 when that streaking team is favoured by less than a converted try.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Cronulla have covered 25 of their last 43 road games while they are 16-7 ATS (15-8 outright) with a 14-9 under record as a road underdog.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Sharks are 5-1 ATS since 2015 as a road team after scoring 10 or fewer.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Final Thoughts</strong>The Wolf is expecting a similar game to the one that the Dragons and Sharks played in Round 2, with the Dragons grinding out a 20-16 win at Cronulla. The Dragons have now won 13 of the last 19 against the Sharks, including three of the last four.  Dragons 1-12 is The Wolf’s recommended play here.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">How It’s Shaping Up</strong>St George Illawarra by 4</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Recommended Bets</strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best: St George Illawarra 1-12 ($2.90)</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Value: St George Illawarra by 1-6 ($4.50)</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">First Tryscorer: Jason Nightingale</span></strong></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEith7pOkiNtKxD67AFniwFpzRAw72flAScyJKX4Fe_xMX7NCJXHGpGDhL8e1CTmIAlpfMr05cyIavz00b8SkuOPQJad-zLZkIeXTkmml387YP2GwySk0Lindrpp-HdTzjOZOcH7B5V_vQU/s1600/preview-pics_3_dragons-v-sharks_r6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="600" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEith7pOkiNtKxD67AFniwFpzRAw72flAScyJKX4Fe_xMX7NCJXHGpGDhL8e1CTmIAlpfMr05cyIavz00b8SkuOPQJad-zLZkIeXTkmml387YP2GwySk0Lindrpp-HdTzjOZOcH7B5V_vQU/s640/preview-pics_3_dragons-v-sharks_r6.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></strong></span></div> </div>

NRL Preview Round 6: Dragons v Sharks

St George Illawarra Dragons v Cronulla Sharks Friday, April 13, 7:50pm (AEST) WIN Stadium, Wollongong The Dragons along with the Warrior...

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NRL Preview Round 6: Storm v Knights

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Melbourne Storm v Newcastle Knights<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Friday, April 13, 6pm (AEST)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />AAMI Park, Melbourne</span></strong><br /> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Wolf still can’t believe that the Storm have lost three of their first five matches this season, but what’s even more amazing is that two of those losses were against the rebuilding Wests Tigers. Coach Craig Bellamy and skipper Cameron Smith were scathing of the Storm players in their press conference after the loss to the Tigers in Auckland, and The Wolf is expecting a strong response when they host the Knights in Melbourne. Meanwhile, the Knights bounced back against the Broncos after heavy losses to the Dragons and Roosters in the two previous weeks. They don’t have a great record in Melbourne and will start as long outsiders here.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Form</strong>Defending premiers Melbourne have remarkably lost three of their first five matches and now sit outside the Top 8. While they have the fourth best defence, they rank ninth in scoring. The Storm have been held to 10 points or fewer in three of five games. Newcastle sit above Melbourne in seventh spot with a 3-2 record following their gritty 15-10 win over Brisbane. The Knights have averaged just 11.7ppg over the last three games. Newcastle have the 13th ranked defence this season. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></strong></span></div> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong></span><br /> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Stats That Matter</strong>– Melbourne are 2-3 ATS with a 3-2 under record while Newcastle are 3-2 ATS with a 3-2 under number.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Storm have won four straight and 12 of the last 15 against the Knights with both meetings last year coming by margins of 28 and 32.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Storm are 8-2 all-time at AAMI v Newcastle.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Since 2008, Melbourne are 39-26 ATS off back-to-back losses with a 40-25 under record, covering 12 of their last 15.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The under is 15-8 when the Storm are at home.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The under is 16-6 when the Storm have conceded 14 or fewer the start prior and are playing at home.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The under is 15-9 when the Storm are favoured by more than a converted try at home.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Newcastle have covered just 7 of their last 19 interstate games with a 13-6 over record.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Knights are 2-8 ATS interstate at night while they are 8-19 ATS at night overall.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Newcastle are 4-12 ATS interstate at night as a double digit underdog with a 10-6 under record.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Knights are 15-4 under on a six-day turnaround.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Final Thoughts</strong>The Wolf is expecting a big response from the Storm after their shock start to the season. They’ve had the wood over the Knights in recent years both in head to head meetings and also in matches played in Melbourne. Since 2008, Melbourne are 39-26 ATS off back-to-back losses and The Wolf is tipping them to cover the 10.5 line on Friday night.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">How It’s Shaping Up</strong>Melbourne by 18</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Recommended Bets</strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best: Melbourne -10.5 ($1.91)</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Value: Melbourne -10.5 & Under 39.5 ($3.80)</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">First Tryscorer: Curtis Scott</span></strong></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotNWpPb7z20byea5A6b4kZ8qnKSCpggiWVNFFqgjXPDB2q78Zzmz5DJupo8o3QB4bQpXr_99dgQUOysowyV1-zY7iZI_ypgZT44Ky_ZdO1l08DkqfL9_3bgOraTVe844n09eeYY7dsH8/s1600/remote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="626" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotNWpPb7z20byea5A6b4kZ8qnKSCpggiWVNFFqgjXPDB2q78Zzmz5DJupo8o3QB4bQpXr_99dgQUOysowyV1-zY7iZI_ypgZT44Ky_ZdO1l08DkqfL9_3bgOraTVe844n09eeYY7dsH8/s640/remote.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></strong></span></div> </div>

NRL Preview Round 6: Storm v Knights

Melbourne Storm v Newcastle Knights Friday, April 13, 6pm (AEST) AAMI Park, Melbourne The Wolf still can’t believe that the Storm have l...

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NRL Preview Round 6: Raiders v Eels

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Canberra Raiders v Parramatta Eels<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Saturday, April 14, 7:30pm (AEST)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />GIO Stadium, Canberra</span></strong><br /> <span style="background-color: white;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong> </span><br /> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Raiders finally got on the board with a determined 26-10 victory over the Bulldogs. The Green Machine had plenty of injuries to deal with during the match and will take plenty of confidence into this clash against the Eels. Jack Wighton, Blake Austin and Josh Papalii all come back into the 17. The Eels have suffered a massive blow in the lead-up to the clash against the Raiders, with their best forward Nathan Brown ruled out with an ankle injury. The news isn’t all bad, with the impressive Clint Gutherson playing his first match of the season after his ACL injury last season.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Form</strong>Canberra opened the season with four straight losses before a grinding victory over Canterbury at home ended that losing streak. The Raiders sit 13th on the ladder but still have the fourth best attack. Their defence ranks 11th. Three of their losses have been by two points or fewer. Parramatta are winless through five rounds. They are averaging an abhorrent 8.8ppg while they have conceded 78 points in their two games away from ANZ. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></strong></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Key Matchup</b>Aiden Sezer v Mitchell Moses: Sezer has struggled early in the season, but produced his best match of the season by far against the Bulldogs. He had a hand in three of the Raiders tries and will hopefully back it up with another strong effort against the Eels. Like Sezer, Moses has had a shocker to start the 2018 season, but his effort was on show against the Panthers last week. He ran the ball more and did everything he could to try and get the Eels across the line for their first win of the season. It’s a tough ask for him this week, with the Eels best forward and metre-eater in Nathan Brown sitting on the sidelines.</span></div> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong></span><br /></span> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Stats That Matter</strong>– Canberra are 1-4 ATS with a 3-2 over record while Parramatta are 0-5 ATS with a 3-2 under number.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Raiders have won three straight and nine of the last 11 meetings.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Canberra have won seven straight at Canberra Stadium v Parramatta since 2007.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– In the last 11 meetings, Canberra have recorded a double digit win in seven.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The last six matches have all tallied 38 or more.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Raiders have covered just 3 of their last 11 at Canberra Stadium while they are 12-14 ATS with an 18-8 over record when favoured by 4 or more.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The under is 7-1 when the Raiders are at home at night off a win.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Eels have covered just 4 of their last 12 away from ANZ with seven of their non-covers coming by double digits.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Final Thoughts</strong>The Wolf thinks the Raiders might have turned the corner in their gutsy win over the Bulldogs last week. It’s also a tough ask for the Eels coming up against this big Raiders pack without Nathan Brown. The Raiders have won three straight and nine of the last 11 meetings, and should keep the Eels winless for the season.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">How It’s Shaping Up</strong>Canberra by 10</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> </div> <div class="su-table" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div> <span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recommended Bets</span></strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Best: Canberra -3.5 ($1.91)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Value: Canberra -3.5 and Over 40.5 ($3.30)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />First Tryscorer: Joseph Leilua ($13)</span></strong></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98fa4zmoCpYIQNN18XZqsOzUJR6Y7EXqQWj5QF7nkcPPc7yWeIBWPzjVIRF2MCVZsOmuBwD_IwZNG8bDbxztmbAviexEUkVCqHXoij3SBY0ZoWvJT1isSoAey4mhItHh1NnZTYHOAHQs/s1600/2017May18062859_662756156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98fa4zmoCpYIQNN18XZqsOzUJR6Y7EXqQWj5QF7nkcPPc7yWeIBWPzjVIRF2MCVZsOmuBwD_IwZNG8bDbxztmbAviexEUkVCqHXoij3SBY0ZoWvJT1isSoAey4mhItHh1NnZTYHOAHQs/s640/2017May18062859_662756156.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></strong></div> </div>

NRL Preview Round 6: Raiders v Eels

Canberra Raiders v Parramatta Eels Saturday, April 14, 7:30pm (AEST) GIO Stadium, Canberra The Raiders finally got on the board with a ...

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NRL Preview Round 6: Panthers v Titans

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Penrith Panthers v Gold Coast Titans<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Saturday, April 15, 2pm (AEST)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Panthers Stadium, Penrith</span></strong><br /> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Panthers find themselves in the Top 4 after five rounds and have proved they can get the job done while Nathan Cleary is on the sidelines. The Titans have won their last two matches and will fancy their chances of an upset at the foot of the Mountains. Titans utility, Bryce Cartwright returns to take on his former club, while Ryan James misses this match through suspension. Panthers centre Waqa Blake is out for an extended period, with Isaah Yeo shifting to the centres.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Form</strong>Penrith have surged to third on the ladder with a 4-1 record. The Panthers have the sixth best attack while they rank fifth in defence. The Panthers’ only loss this year was a two-point defeat to Canterbury in a game they lost Nathan Cleary. Gold Coast have put together back-to-back wins against Brisbane and Manly. The Titans are now sixth on the ladder despite having the worst defence in the NRL. The Titans have scored 26-plus in their three wins. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></strong></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Key Matchup</b>James Fisher-Harris v Jai Arrow: The Wolf is really looking forward to the battle of the locks here. Fisher-Harris has already played in three different Panthers jerseys this season but looks to have found his home in the No.13 jersey. He has an extremely high work-rate, he can put on a big hit when it’s needed and he can offload at will. What about the breakout year of Jai Arrow! He produced a career-best match against the Sea Eagles last week which included two tries, eight tackle-breaks and six offloads. That’s not even mentioning his work-rate in both attack and defence. People are starting take notice of this youngster, especially SuperCoach players.</span></div> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong></span><br /> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Stats That Matter</strong>– Penrith are 3-2 ATS with a 3-2 under record while Gold Coast are 3-2 ATS with a 3-2 over record.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Panthers have won the last two and six of the last eight against the Gold Coast.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Four of the last five have tallied 40 or fewer.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Panthers are 4-3 all-time against the Titans at Penrith Stadium.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The over is 15-7 when the Titans are an interstate underdog of 6.5 or more.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Titans are 5-2 ATS as an interstate underdog of more than a converted try after scoring 30 points.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Final Thoughts</strong>The statistics might not favour the Titans, with the Panthers dominating the recent meetings, but The Wolf can smell an upset here. They’ve got an underrated pack, featuring the likes of Arrow, Kevin Proctor and Jarrod Wallace, while Ash Taylor is starting to find his rhythm and combination with the inconsistent Kane Elgey and new signing Michael Gordon. The Titans with the +7.5 start looks like a big start for a side on a two-match winning streak.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">How It’s Shaping Up</strong>Gold Coast by 2</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Recommended Bets</strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best: Gold Coast +7.5 ($1.91)</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Value: Gold Coast ($3)</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">First Tryscorer: Konrad Hurrell ($13)</span></strong></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSa1REIsvPqJ8PRj__iOuRZUtelB5pYEwZNxTJsBynvcvOtvgH-n7j0TWF5g4LMs7fUgSudTLJOs-8ImFad_3-0KkPhGXGL87WQyKHuxFNWpa8D0dTN-y2ptOyCnUfj0Wc5boWuI9_gkM/s1600/2017Jul20010206_596241866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="600" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSa1REIsvPqJ8PRj__iOuRZUtelB5pYEwZNxTJsBynvcvOtvgH-n7j0TWF5g4LMs7fUgSudTLJOs-8ImFad_3-0KkPhGXGL87WQyKHuxFNWpa8D0dTN-y2ptOyCnUfj0Wc5boWuI9_gkM/s640/2017Jul20010206_596241866.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></strong></span></div> </div>

NRL Preview Round 6: Panthers v Titans

Penrith Panthers v Gold Coast Titans Saturday, April 15, 2pm (AEST) Panthers Stadium, Penrith The Panthers find themselves in the Top 4 ...

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AFL Preview Round 4: Hawks v Demons

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hawthorn v Melbourne<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Sun 3:20pm AEST at MCG</span></strong><br /> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is Sunday afternoon footy at the ‘G, with Hawthorn taking on Melbourne for what promises to be a blockbuster clash. Both sides are sitting 2-1 to start the season, although one might argue the quality of Hawthorn’s opponents has been much higher. Tom Mitchell continues to get leather poisoning, and he has been ably assisted by the (finally) fit again Jaeger O’Meara while the return of James Sicily should allow Jack Gunston to return to where he is most dangerous- in front of goal. For Melbourne, Jesse Hogan has been huge- with the power forward also rolling through the midfield; much like his talented teammate Christian Petracca, who is averaging 24 disposals and 1.7 goals a game.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You won’t want to miss this clash, where there is plenty of value to be found for the plucky punter.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Form</strong>Hawthorn (WWL) – After two strong wins to start the year, the Hawks were gallant in last round’s defeat to Richmond. They had the run of play for much of the game, and it was simply poor execution that let them down. Alistair Clarkson will certainly have something up his sleeve again for this one.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Melbourne (LWW) – If it wasn’t for Max Gawn’s horrendous shank in Round 1, the Demons would currently be sitting undefeated at the top of the ladder with Port Adelaide. They haven’t exactly lit the world on fire in their victories over Brisbane and North Melbourne, but the performances of Gawn and Jesse Hogan, in particular, will give supporters something to smile about.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Stats That Matter</strong>– Hawthorn have won 14 of their past 15 meetings<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Tom Mitchell has amassed 40+ disposals in every match this year<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Demons are the highest scoring side this year while the Hawks sit fourth<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Max Gawn averages 113 Fantasy Points per game against Hawthorn<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Hawthorn have outscored their opponents by 41 in 2nd quarters this season<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Jarryd Roughead kicked 4 goals last time they met<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Melbourne are 4-9 ATS at home since the start of 2017</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Betting Data</strong>2018 Line: <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Hawthorn </em>– 2-1; <i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Melbourne</i>– 2-1<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />2018 Over-Under: <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Hawthorn </em>– 2-1; <i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Melbourne</i>– 2-1</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">What To Expect</strong>The Wolf is expecting a tight contest for the whole game, with lead changes galore. The ruck battle between Gawn and McEvoy will be an absorbing one- and critical to the whole contest. If McEvoy can stretch Gawn (and the Wolf thinks he can), Hawthorn are better equipped to win a close one.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">How It’s Shaping Up</strong>Hawthorn by 8</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bets</span></strong></div> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"></strong></span><br /> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best: Both Teams Score 80 Points ($1.82)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Value: Hawthorn WIN and Over 179.5 ($3.30)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Player Multi: Jarryd Roughead 2+ Goals/Clayton Oliver 30+ Disposals ($3.02)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />First Goalscorer: Jarryd Roughead</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2Zd-jKzpaiklxrkEYrhkwAPMcBhnhftwg0ipF0E0fo7icPZY6Rg0JqJ8x1xk5xOEpSHrjjmvhyphenhyphenn1cgf4EwhJtyHTsSGwXO-Y7GP3mYfZ4v8rTq-PhRmcBm3ENp_F-arcbd3iKGb04dQ/s1600/15HaCo17SB_1524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2Zd-jKzpaiklxrkEYrhkwAPMcBhnhftwg0ipF0E0fo7icPZY6Rg0JqJ8x1xk5xOEpSHrjjmvhyphenhyphenn1cgf4EwhJtyHTsSGwXO-Y7GP3mYfZ4v8rTq-PhRmcBm3ENp_F-arcbd3iKGb04dQ/s640/15HaCo17SB_1524.jpg" width="640" /></a><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong></div> </div>

AFL Preview Round 4: Hawks v Demons

Hawthorn v Melbourne Sun 3:20pm AEST at MCG It is Sunday afternoon footy at the ‘G, with Hawthorn taking on Melbourne for what promises ...

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AFL Preview Round 4: Cats v Saints

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Geelong v St Kilda<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Sun 4:40pm AEST at GMHBA Stadium</span></strong><br /> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last game for round 4 is a twilight clash down at Geelong, where the Saints will be attempting to win there for the first time in almost 20 years. Both sides have had poor starts to the season, and are in desperate need of a jump-start. The Cats lose the little master, Gary Ablett, to a hamstring injury; but the loss of Cam Guthrie from the backline (and the luckless Nakia Cockatoo) is immense given lack of experience down back. Can St. Kilda push the Cats all the way, and learn how to kick in front of goal?</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Form</strong>Geelong (WLL) – Geelong have been very poor to start the season, and they are very lucky not to be sitting 0-3. Too much has been left to Selwood, Ablett and Dangerfield, and Chris Scott will be very disappointed with the number of passengers. They won’t get many better chances to kickstart their season than taking on a poor Saints side in Geelong, though.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">St. Kilda (WLL) – There aren’t enough adjectives in the world to describe how poor the Saints have been in the past fortnight. They have kicked 12.26, and have barely given a whimper against the Roos and Crows. Jack Steven has been gallant, but too many of his teammates are guilty of poor work-rate and horrid execution.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Stats That Matter</strong>– St. Kilda hasn’t won at Geelong since 1999<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– In their last meeting, Joel Selwood had 43 touches and a goal<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Cats went 6-1 at Geelong last year<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– St. Kilda is 0-3 on the Over/Under this year<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Mitch Duncan averages 117 Fantasy Points per game against the Saints<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Tom Hawkins has kicked 11 goals in his past 4 games against St Kilda</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Betting Data</strong>2018 Line: <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Geelong</em>– 1-2; <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">St Kilda</em>– 1-2<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />2018 Over-Under: <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Geelong</em>– 2-1; <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">St Kilda</em>– 0-3</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">What To Expect</strong>The Cats have started 2018 quite poorly, but the Wolf is expecting their season to kick into gear down in Geelong on Sunday. The line (+28.5) for St. Kilda looks quite generous given the key outs for Geelong, and the Wolf is expecting them to stay reasonably close, but there is a clear gulf in class across all the lines and Geelong should be too strong for the Saints.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">How It’s Shaping Up</strong>Geelong by 21</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bets</span></strong></div> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"></strong></span><br /> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best: Wire to Wire- GEELONG ($1.83)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Value: St. Kilda +24.5 & Under 179.5 ($4.00)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />First Goalscorer: Tom Hawkins </span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2q-QbHY0mGNui_4vVgOMX4-_RG3ad3jT1BuXOj3iMF42ym1c0VUfObS_TROgUztEIaVLnYaWdvxtFdh1DgaGdrDkLtPbKF6WynX5QWYO_jLT26V5qgJKQmCGuAAxISR6KZQl_WLqvp8/s1600/581808-tlslargelandscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="940" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2q-QbHY0mGNui_4vVgOMX4-_RG3ad3jT1BuXOj3iMF42ym1c0VUfObS_TROgUztEIaVLnYaWdvxtFdh1DgaGdrDkLtPbKF6WynX5QWYO_jLT26V5qgJKQmCGuAAxISR6KZQl_WLqvp8/s640/581808-tlslargelandscape.jpg" width="640" /></a><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong></div> </div>

AFL Preview Round 4: Cats v Saints

Geelong v St Kilda Sun 4:40pm AEST at GMHBA Stadium The last game for round 4 is a twilight clash down at Geelong, where the Saints will...

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AFL Preview Round 4: Giants v Dockers

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GWS v Fremantle<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Sat 1:45pm AEST at Canberra Oval</span></strong><br /> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Footy heads back down to Canberra on Saturday afternoon, as the Giants look to secure their 8th consecutive win at Manuka against the 10th-placed Dockers. With Nat Fyfe returning to his Brownlow Medal winning form, and Aaron Sandilands coming up against a sparse Giants ruck department, Freo will be hopeful of pulling off a huge upset. The Giants, however, will be smarting after a tough-fought loss to the Swans and should come flying out of the blocks.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Form</strong>GWS (WWL) – Despite falling to the Swans last round, the Giants lost no admirers with a strong showing in the 16 point defeat. They were very fierce around the footy, but turned the ball over too many times; gifting the Swans more opportunities than they probably ought. Don’t expect the same to happen again.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fremantle (LWW) – Not many would have envisaged Fremantle responding to the diabolical 50 point loss to Port in Round 1 with 2 confident victories. Lachie Neale and Nat Fyfe have been outstanding, particularly around the contest- and Adam Sandilands has certainly played his part in that; while Alex Pearce has returned to footy in outstanding nick, taking a few big key forward scalps.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Stats That Matter</strong>– The Giants have kicked 36 more points than their opponents in 2nd Quarters this year<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Stephen Coniglio averages 28 disposals per match in his last 4 against Freo<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– GWS have won their past 7 in a row in Canberra<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Fremantle are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 away games<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Lachie Neale averages 35 disposals and 119.5 Fantasy points per game against GWS<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Giants have won the past 5 meetings between the two<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– GWS have only lost 1 of their past 13 matches at home</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Betting Data</strong>2018 Line: <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">GWS</em>– 1-2; <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Fremantle</em>– 2-1<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />2018 Over-Under: <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">GWS</em>– 2-1; <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Fremantle</em>– 1-2</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">What To Expect</strong>The Wolf has been a little surprised about how the Dockers have been travelling over the past fortnight, but doesn’t see that trend continuing in Canberra. GWS have been very good in Canberra, and will be hardened by their loss to the Swans last round. Aaron Sandilands will give his midfielders plenty of looks at the footy, however, which could keep the margin a bit closer than expected.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">How It’s Shaping Up</strong>GWS by 34</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bets</span></strong></div> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"></strong></span><br /> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best: GWS Lead At End of Each Quarter ($1.64)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Value: Giants by 20-39 ($3.20)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Player Prop: Lachie Neale 110+ Fantasy Points ($2.25)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />First Goalscorer: Jonathan Patton </span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6FxqgHY_raB6yTDldZJwUHoI1WxmoqRvLXGCplDiyVJ6MSZM5j-HfteZmYU3Lhjit-ltQd41PCSNBSN8osXh-e2R-twL-yYpRi7h5qenD2xemO4Kj9YtZDSjMXcOhHOK-cQK095A7qQ/s1600/Sean%252BDarcy%252BAFL%252BRd%252B19%252BGWS%252Bv%252BFremantle%252B2-1sEq4WMaVl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6FxqgHY_raB6yTDldZJwUHoI1WxmoqRvLXGCplDiyVJ6MSZM5j-HfteZmYU3Lhjit-ltQd41PCSNBSN8osXh-e2R-twL-yYpRi7h5qenD2xemO4Kj9YtZDSjMXcOhHOK-cQK095A7qQ/s640/Sean%252BDarcy%252BAFL%252BRd%252B19%252BGWS%252Bv%252BFremantle%252B2-1sEq4WMaVl.jpg" width="640" /></a><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong></div> </div>

AFL Preview Round 4: Giants v Dockers

GWS v Fremantle Sat 1:45pm AEST at Canberra Oval Footy heads back down to Canberra on Saturday afternoon, as the Giants look to secure t...

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AFL Preview Round 4: Tigers v Lions

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Richmond v Brisbane<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Sat 2:10pm AEST at MCG</span></strong><br /> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It will likely be a typically drizzly Melbourne day on Saturday afternoon when the Lions travel down to take on the Tigers. Brisbane stunned the Alberton crowd with their performance last round against Port, and will be up and about in search of their first win in 2018. Unfortunately for them, however, they will have to take on the 2017 Premiers, who have looked reasonably solid over the first few rounds. The Lions will have to bring their new brutish contested game style, and out-enthuse the manic Tigers if they are to have any chance- but this is a huge task at the MCG.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Form</strong>Richmond (WLW) – After a heavy defeat to Adelaide in Round 2, the Tigers responded with a tough win over the Hawks, despite Dusty Martin being relatively quiet. The defence was absolutely superb, and broke down wave after wave of Hawthorn attacks; while Trent Cotchin led from the front in a superb display that netted 31 disposals, 8 clearances and 7 inside 50’s.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brisbane (LLL) – The Lions almost pulled off the biggest upset of recent memory when they pushed Port all the way in Adelaide last round, before eventually succumbing by a mere 5 points. Stefan Martin was absolutely colossal in the ruck, but Chris Fagan will be particularly pleased with the contributions and competitiveness from his young rookies.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Stats That Matter</strong>– Richmond have won their past 11 games against Brisbane<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Trent Cotchin averages 107 Fantasy points per game against the Lions- his highest against any team<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Tigers are 3-0 on the Over/Under this year<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Richmond won both their meetings last year, at an average margin of 41 points<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Brisbane are 3-10 ATS away from home<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Tigers have allowed at least 1 opposition player to rack up 35+ disposals in every game this year<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Jack Riewoldt has kicked 16 goals in his past 4 games against Brisbane</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Betting Data</strong>2018 Line:  <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Richmond</em>– 1-2; <i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Brisbane</i>– 1-2<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />2018 Over-Under: <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Richmond</em>– 3-0; <i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Brisbane</i>– 1-2</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">What To Expect</strong>The Wolf is a big fan of the way these Lions cubs go about their footy, but the Tigers defence was almost impregnable against the Hawks, and it is hard to see how this young forward line can stretch the experienced, and suffocating, defence. The fact this game is at the ‘G, where Richmond have thrived, makes it all the more tougher. The Wolf is expecting a close contest in the intial stages before Richmond kick away in the 4th quarter.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">How It’s Shaping Up</strong>Richmond by 28</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bets</span></strong></div> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"></strong></span><br /> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Best: Richmond 1-39 ($2.40)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Value: Dustin Martin 35+ Disposals ($5.50)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Player Prop: Trent Cotchin 100+ Fantasy Points ($2.50)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />First Goalscorer: Jacob Townsend</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwAETgANl1mq-eTlJA0CTSQpudVwXuN4wT9zgUTqtA3JsJhTey9fdy-qwtLqeRqQklT3jr17E7owiGG-sY2aBnnb5U3RH8XHMZlSb1tSg-K_-jCA4-0_Z_Fx9H8_QG4wYqVBslg2fE1s/s1600/Alex%252BWitherden%252BAFL%252BRd%252B17%252BRichmond%252Bv%252BBrisbane%252B7R91kZErEN6l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="600" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwAETgANl1mq-eTlJA0CTSQpudVwXuN4wT9zgUTqtA3JsJhTey9fdy-qwtLqeRqQklT3jr17E7owiGG-sY2aBnnb5U3RH8XHMZlSb1tSg-K_-jCA4-0_Z_Fx9H8_QG4wYqVBslg2fE1s/s640/Alex%252BWitherden%252BAFL%252BRd%252B17%252BRichmond%252Bv%252BBrisbane%252B7R91kZErEN6l.jpg" width="640" /></a><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><br /></span></strong></div> <div> <br /></div> </div>

AFL Preview Round 4: Tigers v Lions

Richmond v Brisbane Sat 2:10pm AEST at MCG It will likely be a typically drizzly Melbourne day on Saturday afternoon when the Lions trav...

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AFL Preview Round 4: Bulldogs v Swans

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Western Bulldogs v Sydney<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Sat 4:35pm AEST at Etihad Stadium</span></strong><br /> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Saturday twilight fixture for Round 4 sees a replay of the 2016 Grand Final, with the Swans hoping to reverse that result with a dominant victory over the Bulldogs at Etihad. The Bulldogs finally got their first win of the season last round, but Essendon applied no semblance of pressure whatsoever- and you can bet your life on the Swans making sure the Bulldogs feel every touch. With an undersized and inexperienced back line, and Lance Franklin in career-best goalkicking touch, the Western Bulldogs look primed to be on the end of a big defeat- but is everything back to normal at the Kennel again? And does that mean they’ve remembered how to play footy?</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Form</strong>Western Bulldogs (LLW) – It’s hard to know whether the Bombers were just that bad, or the Bulldogs were good last round; but what we do know is that there is finally an element of frenzied tackling pressure around the ground- the trait their Premiership was built on. They’ll need that, and then some, against this deep Sydney midfield.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sydney (WLW) – The lead see-sawed for much of the game when they took on GWS last Saturday, but John Longmire will be happy with the way his hardened veterans stood up when the game was on the line. The fact Buddy was quelled for much of the match, and Sydney were still too good, spells ominous signs for the Dogs.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Stats That Matter</strong>– Buddy has kicked 22 goals in 6 matches against the Bulldogs as a Swan<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– 4 of their last 5 meetings have gone Unders<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Sydney have lost 4 of their past 5 against the Bulldogs<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Jake Lloyd had 30+ disposals in both his matches against the Dogs last year<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Sydney have won 12 of their last 13 games at Etihad<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Bulldogs have conceded, on average, 101 points per game- the worst in the AFL</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Betting Data</strong>2018 Line: 2018 Over-Under: <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Western Bulldogs</em>– 1-2; <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Sydney</em>– 2-1<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />2018 Over-Under: <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Western Bulldogs</em>– 2-1; <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Sydney</em>– 2-1</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">What To Expect</strong>The Wolf has big concerns for the Dogs defence in this one- especially based on the likelihood that the Swans midfield will also dominate both inside and outside of the contest. He isn’t going to read to much into last week’s performance by the Bulldogs, and is instead leading with the extra class of the Swans getting the job done away from home. It could be raining goals for the Swans under the roof come Saturday.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">How It’s Shaping Up</strong>Sydney by 36</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bets</span></strong></div> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"></strong></span><br /> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best: Sydney by 25+ ($2.25)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Value: Franklin 4+ Goals/McLean 25+ Disposals/Lloyd 25+ Disposals ($4.90)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Player Prop: Lance Franklin 110+ Fantasy Points ($1.95)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />First Goalscorer: Callum Sinclair</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSJzhA-YRUS3rTwMfyEUsBQd7BWkba5tW4MFuS8iijhbl9qvWcNGjfWf24aLtpAwS1Y9IvXPTvl2oKLzoUu9Wi90hhcYETA7iilRCVJuMZU4fijryb9M9LPwSS7FebjITv3T2jUrkT70/s1600/6440112-3x2-700x467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSJzhA-YRUS3rTwMfyEUsBQd7BWkba5tW4MFuS8iijhbl9qvWcNGjfWf24aLtpAwS1Y9IvXPTvl2oKLzoUu9Wi90hhcYETA7iilRCVJuMZU4fijryb9M9LPwSS7FebjITv3T2jUrkT70/s640/6440112-3x2-700x467.jpg" width="640" /></a><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong></div> </div>

AFL Preview Round 4: Bulldogs v Swans

Western Bulldogs v Sydney Sat 4:35pm AEST at Etihad Stadium The Saturday twilight fixture for Round 4 sees a replay of the 2016 Grand Fi...

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French Open Betting: The chaos surrounding Novak Djokovic's start to the clay season

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="entry-body__intro" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ralph Ellis looks at the confusing picture around former champion Novak Djokovic and says you can already write him off as a contender at Roland Garros...</span></div> <div class="entry-body__story" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back in the 1980s we used to watch an American comedy series called "Soap", a glorious mickey take of all the daytime TV series like Neighbours or Hollyoaks.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each episode would begin with a summary of the previous action, running through various affairs, attempted murders, and general convoluted shenanigans before asking: "Confused? You will be."</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It struck me that wouldn't be a bad tagline to add on after going through the latest saga of <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Novak Djokovic's ever changing coaching team.</strong></span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To go through, "Soap" style, the story so far: Novak, having held all four Grand Slams in 2016, <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sacked Boris Becker</strong> who'd guided him to that success and instead took up with peace and love guru Pepe Imaz.<br /><br />He next got rid of longstanding advisor and former main coach <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Marian Vajda</strong>, together with his fitness coach and physio, and hired <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Andre Agassi then Radek Stepanek</strong>.</span></div> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0.5rem auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">First round defeats</span></h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the latest instalment he's <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sacked Stepanek, and Agassi has walked away</strong>, and the twist is that he's being <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">filmed having lessons again from Vajda</strong> at the Marbella tennis academy owned by Imaz. Confused? Me to.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trouble is I suspect Djokovic is equally confused, and until he gets his own mind sorted out I'm not sure it matters too much who is in his corner.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">backed him for the Australian Open</strong><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><b> </b></span>after the first couple of rounds, believing that Agassi had given him back the warrior spirit that had taken him to his 12 career Grand Slam victories.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What did I know? He promptly lost in the fourth round to 21-year-old Korean Chung Hyeon. Since then he's been <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">wiped away in his opening appearance at both Indian Wells and Miami</strong>, bringing the latest shake-up that saw Agassi head for the exit door.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That was weird too, because while Djokovic announced the split with Stepanek on his own website, the parting of the ways with the American legend leaked out during TV commentary with Agassi admitting: "<strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We far too often found ourselves agreeing to disagree.</strong>"</span></div> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0.5rem auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Will Vajda stay around?</span></h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Djokovic is scheduled to begin the clay court season by appearing at the <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Monte Carlo Masters</strong> which starts on Monday, although his entry, according to some tennis sources, remains in doubt.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And while he really ought to be a serious contender to <span class="inline-odds" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 3px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;" title="5/6"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><b>1.84</b></span></span> favourite Rafael Nadal for the <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">French Open</strong><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><b> </b></span>at the end of next month, until he gets his head sorted out I'm not sure I'd back him even at the attractive price of <span class="inline-odds" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 3px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;" title="11/1"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><b>12.50</b></span></span>.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Working with Vajda could be a step in the right direction, but it is unclear how serious their commitment will be. Djokovic's team have told tennis writers that there are no plans beyond a brief training spell.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And you fear that Djokovic, who <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">turns 31 in May</strong>, has lost the burning desire that once made him the most fearsome opponent in the game, a man who never knew when he was beaten.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He's second favourite at <span class="inline-odds" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 3px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;" title="6/1"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><b>7.00</b></span></span> behind Roger Federer <span class="inline-odds" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 3px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;" title="15/8"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><b>2.92</b></span></span> for this year's <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Wimbledon</strong><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><b> </b></span>but will have to take some huge steps forward before then.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A bit like Chester Tate, one of the main characters of "Soap" who constantly lurched from one affair to the other, he doesn't seem to know what, or who he wants. And until he sorts that out, well he and the rest of us will go on being confused.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFw2UJeezNqPKN8eX9DJf_2naU9dqQNMDCqoOCNoDqJDZtZd6fnTH-R0eHUSeszJ1oPy22feAKtGSW4hTBW8q3k49T4jIx9eXm4bh9q1fUJzDD_-EI8-Y5op_2fdgGQM0jUj6oR5Wb0bY/s1600/novak+djokovic+confused+1280x720.956x538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="956" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFw2UJeezNqPKN8eX9DJf_2naU9dqQNMDCqoOCNoDqJDZtZd6fnTH-R0eHUSeszJ1oPy22feAKtGSW4hTBW8q3k49T4jIx9eXm4bh9q1fUJzDD_-EI8-Y5op_2fdgGQM0jUj6oR5Wb0bY/s640/novak+djokovic+confused+1280x720.956x538.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> </div> </div>

French Open Betting: The chaos surrounding Novak Djokovic's start to the clay season

Ralph Ellis looks at the confusing picture around former champion Novak Djokovic and says you can already write him off as a contender at ...

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CSKA Moscow v Arsenal: No Moscow mayhem for Gunners

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">CSKA Moscow v Arsenal</span></strong><br /><strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Thursday 12 April, 20:05</strong><br /><strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Live on BT Sport</strong></span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span></div> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0.5rem auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">CSKA paid the price for swashbuckling approach</span></strong></h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To their credit, CSKA Moscow went to the Emirates last week and tried to play on the front foot, but as I suspected might be the case, their <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ponderously slow</strong> defensive unit were bamboozled by the speed of Arsenal's attacking play.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roma have reminded us all that miracles do still happen in football, but there has been little in CSKA's European home form this term which suggests they are capable of a "Russian remontada." They have lost at home to Manchester United, Basel and Lyon in Europe this term, and at the weekend their Russian Premier League title hopes suffered a hammer blow as they lost at home to city rivals Dynamo.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kiril Nababkin</strong> should return to the side after suspension. Other than that, it's expected to be a similar side to the one that was fielded at the Emirates.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span></div> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0.5rem auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Arsenal have eyes on the prize</span></strong></h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite their obvious deficiencies in the Premier League, Arsenal deserve credit for the way they have learned to negotiate cup competitions. They have won the FA Cup in three of the last four seasons, and this term they reached the final of the League Cup, only to fall short against Manchester City at Wembley.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Europa League, they have <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">come alive</strong> in the knockout phase. They disposed of Swedish outsiders Ostersunds (despite a blunder-filled defeat in the second leg), and the way they wiped out Milan over two legs was very impressive. They could have panicked after conceding a goal to CSKA, but they attacked with purpose and precision in a 4-1 win.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Arsene Wenger</strong> will take no chances here, and will select his strongest available side. Alex Lacazette scored twice against CSKA last week, and should replace the ineligible Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Henrikh Mkhitaryan was injured in the first leg, and could miss the rest of the season, unless the Gunners reach the UEL final.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span></div> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0.5rem auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Visitors a little too short to take second-leg win</span></strong></h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can understand why Arsenal are <span class="inline-odds" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 3px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;" title="11/10"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><b>2.10</b></span></span> to win after they bashed CSKA last week, and they did win at Ostersunds and Milan in the last two rounds.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, they were both first-leg victories, and there is little incentive for Arsenal to chase a win here. If they can break CSKA's spirit with some solid defending in the opening exchanges, they may find they can tiptoe gently through the rest of the match.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span></div> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0.5rem auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If Arsenal weather early storm, progress should be smooth</span></strong></h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the road in Europe, Arsenal have defended pretty well this term. They kept clean sheets at Ostersunds and Milan, and came away from a trip to Crvena Zvezda with a 1-0 win.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In eight of CSKA's last nine home games in all competitions, backing No in the <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Both Teams To Score</strong> market has paid off, and if the hosts don't score early on, this could degenerate into a rather tepid affair.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Backing No in BTTS can be done at a price of <span class="inline-odds" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 3px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;" title="6/4"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><b>2.46</b></span></span>, which I think is attractive.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RECOMMENDED BETS</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back No in the Both Teams To Score market at 2.46</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycmDa7Gb6_RjQ36QUtn9cdUf6JYDsUHgmJMg5JOZ876NID7pdSMUPUuy87C_Cvf9bMFoj-9gdU3cbdSwovbfauBkaPsTT1x95Qca2ftnoG9EgzLiifyqxSCAx2UUwgnjxbcZ2mFuHs9M/s1600/4ADB84A700000578-5583193-image-a-48_1522957349177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="660" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycmDa7Gb6_RjQ36QUtn9cdUf6JYDsUHgmJMg5JOZ876NID7pdSMUPUuy87C_Cvf9bMFoj-9gdU3cbdSwovbfauBkaPsTT1x95Qca2ftnoG9EgzLiifyqxSCAx2UUwgnjxbcZ2mFuHs9M/s640/4ADB84A700000578-5583193-image-a-48_1522957349177.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> </div>

CSKA Moscow v Arsenal: No Moscow mayhem for Gunners

CSKA Moscow v Arsenal Thursday 12 April, 20:05 Live on BT Sport CSKA paid the price for swashbuckling approach To their credit, CS...

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