Newcastle v Preston: Defences are weakened so focus on goals

<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Newcastle v Preston</strong><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Monday, 24th April, 19:45<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Live on Sky Sports 1</strong></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Newcastle</span></strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;"></span><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Newcastle's rotten end-of-season form has seen the Magpies collect just one point from their last three fixtures and pocket just <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">two victories in their last eight</strong> outings (W2-D3-L3), seeing their title charge and promotion push falter.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;"></span><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Not since <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rafael Benitez</strong>'s first four games in charge last April have the Toon gone more than two games without a triumph. That poor run has threatened the automatic promotion that had looked so assured in the middle of the season, but Huddersfield's 4-1 hiding at the hands of Fulham has left their task looking a lot easier. One more win will seal it for the Magpies. </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;"></span><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">However, top scorer <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Dwight Gayle </strong>remains absent and defender<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Ciaran Clark </strong>is doubtful still despite training with the squad this week. Winger Rolando Aarons is sidelined, while Jack Colback, Yoann Gouffran, Ayoze Perez and Aleksandar Mitrovic will all hope for recalls.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Preston</strong></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;"></span><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Preston's outside play-off dreams have been crushed by<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">three successive defeats</strong>. The Lilywhites shipped three goals in each loss - prior to this poor run, North End had conceded three goals in just three of 58 games.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;"></span><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Simon Grayson </strong>gave his squad two days off after the hectic Easter schedule and the PNE supremo suggested his side will be keen to put on a show in front of the live television cameras despite having little left to play for.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;"></span><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Nevertheless, Grayson's squad is stretched for the trip to Tyneside. Suspensions for <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ben Pearson </strong>and <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Alex Baptiste </strong>plus season-ending injuries to <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tom Clarke and Greg Cunningham</strong> have weakened the defence although Tyias Browning is back in the fold.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Match Odds</strong></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;"></span><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Newcastle have won each of their last five league games against Preston and boast a W4-D1-L0 record when entertaining the Lilywhites at St James' Park in league football. The Magpies also<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> smashed PNE 6-0 </strong>when the two teams met here in the League Cup earlier this campaign.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">North End fielded a much-changed team during their cup demolition and while I'm not anticipating another heavy reverse, it's difficult to find the faith to back an away win<b class="inline-odds" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="7/1">8.00</b> with so many<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> defensive absentees</strong> here. </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;"></span><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The visitors have taken just a solitary point from games at teams in seventh and above but even so, Newcastle <b class="inline-odds" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="1/2">1.50</b>are <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">prohibitively short to support</strong> having failed to win half of their home games against clubs in the top-10 before the weekend action.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Over/Under 2.5 Goals</strong></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;"></span><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Preston are traditionally a low-scoring side, well organised and pragmatic in approach. However, those aforementioned defensive concerns, plus with the summer on the horizon, North End have <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">lost a large slice of stability </strong>in recent weeks.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;"></span><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Lilywhites have delivered in the <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Over 2.5 Goals</strong>market in six of their past seven outings, as well as seven of their 10 trips to top-half teams this term. A chunky 13/21 (62%) of Newcastle's games on Tyneside have also surpassed the two-goals line making the <b class="inline-odds" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="5/7">1.71</b> on a repeat on Monday night a worthy favourite. </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;"></span><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But I'm going to bolster the odds to <b class="inline-odds" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="10/11">1.88</b> and back<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Both Teams To Score here.</strong> It's proved to be a profitable formula in six of Preston's eight dates at clubs above them in the standings, plus four of the last five at St James' Park. </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.8px;" /><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Recommended Bets</strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Back Both Teams To Score @ <b class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="10/11">1.88</b></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="10/11"><br /></b></span></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-H_kRfRRyWRwSZx3HdFwjgOmjM8q4SfQBZje6B4SgrJkUQK4FwoB6vYLHv6NsETSWtgHvjOQ2PhhHQ_M6aJ3gsv3-oPrNKv-wZSvPnPOJWdviugfTgUMbB9fm4mIo6c29lcVZWgT4P98/s1600/Newcastle_vs_Preston_North_End.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-H_kRfRRyWRwSZx3HdFwjgOmjM8q4SfQBZje6B4SgrJkUQK4FwoB6vYLHv6NsETSWtgHvjOQ2PhhHQ_M6aJ3gsv3-oPrNKv-wZSvPnPOJWdviugfTgUMbB9fm4mIo6c29lcVZWgT4P98/s640/Newcastle_vs_Preston_North_End.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>

Newcastle v Preston: Defences are weakened so focus on goals

Newcastle v Preston Monday, 24th April, 19:45 Live on Sky Sports 1 Newcastle Newcastle's rotten end-of-season form has seen the Magpies ...

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AFL Preview: Richmond v Melbourne

<b style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Richmond v Melbourne<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Monday 7:25pm at MCG</span></b><br /> <b style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b> <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; font-size: large;">The Dees will be relying on a terrific recent record against the Tigers to get an unlikely win here<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"> </strong></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; font-size: large;">Form</span></strong></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; font-size: large;">Richmond is one of the hottest teams in the AFL at present as they are not only 4-0 straight up, but also 4-0 ATS in a terrific start to 2017. The Tigers were dominant from start to finish against the Lions last week, leading at every change to run away 52-point winners. They had a disposal efficiency of 75% and an intercept possession differential of +19, which set up the win. They were thoroughly beaten however in all clearances, going down 43-30 against a Stef Martin led Lions midfield. They will need to improve this against the Dees this week.</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; font-size: large;">The Dees were one of the more disappointing sides of round 4 going down at home to a travelling Fremantle side. The Dees led by 21 points at half time before running out of legs and going down by 3 thanks to a late Cam McCarthy goal. The Dees won just about every major stat category including disposals, contested possessions and marks but overused the ball on too many occasions.</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; font-size: large;">Stats That Matter</span></strong></div> <ul style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 1.25rem 1.1rem; padding: 0px;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Melbourne are 3 from 6 straight up against Richmond with a POT of 70%</span></li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Melbourne are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 against Richmond</span></li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The game total has finished under in 5 of the last 6 meetings</span></li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Melbourne have won the last 3 against Richmond, all of which they started as outsiders ($2.20, $3.30 and $4.70)</span></li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Melbourne have won the last 2 night games against Richmond at the MCG at a POT of 175%</span></li> </ul> <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; font-size: large;">Betting Data</span></strong></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; font-size: large;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">2017 Line: </strong>Richmond 4-0, Melbourne 1-3<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">2017 Over/Under: </strong>Richmond 1-3, Melbourne 3-1</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; font-size: large;">What To Expect</span></strong></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; font-size: large;">On 2017 form alone we would expect the Tigers to run away with this one against the Dees. Recent history between these two however tells a different story with some of the best recent wins for the Dees coming against the Tigers as big underdogs. The Dees enter this game again as underdogs, and if history is to repeat for a 4<sup style="box-sizing: border-box;">th</sup> straight time, they will get the 4 points. Richmond’s small forwards have been a shining light so far in 2017 with Butler, Rioli and Castagna all causing opposition defence’s headaches. They should be looking forward to this match as last week the Demons allowed Fremantle’s small forwards in Crozier and midfielder turned forward Lachie Neale to 7 goals combined. Star forward Jesse Hogan returns for Melbourne after 2 weeks suspension and his presence immediately takes the heat off Jack Watts who has been playing as their key forward and second ruck in recent weeks. The Wolf cannot look past the recent history between these sides and will be taking the Dees to cause an upset on Monday night.</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; font-size: large;">How Its Shaping Up</span></strong></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; font-size: large;">Melbourne By 2</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; font-size: large;">Recommended Bet</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;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Best: Melbourne +5.5 ($1.91)</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;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Player Markets</span></strong></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; font-size: large;">Shaun Grigg was the only Tigers player to crack the fantasy ton with 113 points as they looked to share the load last week against Brisbane. Martin (63 points), Cotchin (70 points) were both well below there usual output and the Wolf thinks Coach Hardwick was resting these players forward more than usual and saving them for this weeks match.</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; font-size: large;">The young Melbourne midfield has had to step up in the absence of Lewis and now Gawn and they have done well to date. Clayton Oliver is averaging over 31 disposals per game this season and young Alex Neal Bullen has taken his game to a whole new level in 2017 averaging 101.7 fantasy points per game.</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; font-size: large;">The Wolf is expecting Viney to go to Martin and Jones to Cotchin meaning they should curb any big influence from each other, so that will leave Grigg outside to again rack up plenty of the pill. With an average of 95.3 points in his last 4 against Melbourne, we can expect Grigg to crack the fantasy ton again this week.</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; font-size: large;">Recommended Bet</span></strong><br /> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: inherit;">Prop: Shaun Grigg 100+ Fantasy Points ($1.95)</span></strong></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cG1V0DYUOLwFb3NTR8KfMGV8mr31cRlkRoQLp3QuQrJ4GHuf273DV3CSnZsU3EV54LcONGYiMIBKQOlkS0hNyBLBCGDE82cE__vnOIQSX2nZbzZ7MzMO0dThNBe9Z41LAx-vpTsrd1s/s1600/17Riewoldt2103_620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cG1V0DYUOLwFb3NTR8KfMGV8mr31cRlkRoQLp3QuQrJ4GHuf273DV3CSnZsU3EV54LcONGYiMIBKQOlkS0hNyBLBCGDE82cE__vnOIQSX2nZbzZ7MzMO0dThNBe9Z41LAx-vpTsrd1s/s640/17Riewoldt2103_620.jpg" width="640" /></a></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; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></strong></div>

AFL Preview: Richmond v Melbourne

Richmond v Melbourne Monday 7:25pm at MCG The Dees will be relying on a terrific recent record against the Tigers to get an unlikely win...

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Real Madrid v Barcelona: Los Merengues can take giant step towards La Liga title

<div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Real Madrid v Barcelona</span><br />Sunday, 19:45<br />Live on Sky Sports 1 and Betfair Live Video</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Real Madrid</span><br /><br />Cometh the hour, cometh the man. He may no longer be the omnipotent attacking force that dominated European football, but <span style="font-weight: 600;">Cristiano Ronaldo 2.0</span> showed in midweek that he remains more than capable of winning matches at the highest level, plundering three more Champions League goals to help Real Madrid past Bayern Munich.<br /><br />It was not the most fluent display from Los Merengues, but <span style="font-weight: 600;">this side has a remarkable knack for rolling with the punches</span> and grinding out a result. The habit has served them all season and now, against their most bitter rivals, they have an opportunity to take a giant step towards the Spanish title. Victory here would extend their lead at the summit to six points - and they still have a game in hand.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Gareth Bale</span> has returned to training after injury and could make the squad, although Isco's fine recent form should mean he keeps his place in the starting XI. Raphael Varane is unlikely to be back, so <span style="font-weight: 600;">Nacho</span> is expected to continue in defence.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Barcelona</span><br /><br />They needed another miracle, but <span style="font-weight: 600;">it wasn't meant to be</span>. There was to be no comeback, no goals even. The chances came and went for Barcelona, Juventus riding their luck at times but undoubtedly the better side over two legs of a chastening Champions League quarter-final.<br /><br />The Catalans have a Copa del Rey final to come, but <span style="font-weight: 600;">this is starting to look like a wasted season</span>, a feeling only strengthened by the fact that Luis Enrique is leaving in the summer. They will need to rebuild, both in the dugout and in the transfer market, with question marks over a number of players. If it's not a crisis, it's fairly close to one.<br /><br />All is not yet lost in the league, of course, but anything less than a victory on Sunday would leave them clutching at straws. Unfortunately they must do without one of their key men: <span style="font-weight: 600;">Neymar</span> is still banned, despite the club's best attempts to get around the ruling. With Arda Turan still absent, that should mean another start for <span style="font-weight: 600;">Paco Alcácer</span>.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Match Odds</span></span><br /><br />Zinedine Zidane has yet to taste defeat in two Clásicos as Madrid manager and it's little surprise to see the home side as <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="11/10"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.14</span></span> favourites, with Barcelona available at a bumper <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="12/5"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">3.35</span></span>.<br /><br />With both sides boasting plenty of firepower and hampered by slightly unreliable defences, <span style="font-weight: 600;">the key to the match could be the midfield battle</span>, and it's here that Real have the biggest edge. Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have been in excellent form all campaign and could dominate against an out-of-sorts Barça engine room.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Over/Under 2.5 Goals</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">18 of the last 10 Clásicos</span> (all competitions) have produced three goals or more, making the overs the natural pick here. But it's as short as <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="2/5"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.42</span></span>, with both teams to score an almost identical price. Both are likely to pay out, but you're not going to be getting much bang for your buck.<br /><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Over 3.5 goals</span> is much more attractive at<br /><span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="1/1"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.02</span></span>. All of the last three meetings at the Bernabéu have gone over that mark and with Barcelona obliged to attack there are likely to be <span style="font-weight: 600;">plenty of chances at both ends of the pitch</span>. It might even be worth considering Both Teams to Score in Both Halves at <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="5/1"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">6.00</span></span>.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Double Chance and Both Teams to Score</span><br /><br />Perhaps the best way to back goals while leaning towards the Madrid win is dipping into the <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Sportsbook's Double Chance and Both Teams to Score market</span>. The 'Home or Draw and Yes' selection <span style="font-weight: 600;">covers a wide range of scorelines</span> (1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 2-2, 3-2 etc) and looks very backable at 17/20.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">To Score</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Ronaldo</span> is evidently the go-to man from a Real Madrid point of view, having scored 16 Clásico goals in all competitions (only Alfredo Di Stefano and Lionel Messi have more) and five in his last two games. If <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="5/7"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.70</span></span> is too short for you, the <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="7/2"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">4.40</span></span> available on him <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">scoring twice or more</span> may be more appealing. He's done that on ten occasions for club and country this term.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bet</span></span></div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"></span></span><br /> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; outline: none; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Real Madrid/draw double chance and both teams to score at 17/20</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; outline: none; transition: color 0.2s;"><br /></span></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pRP1SjIbGjnGS7VAPCMyYsneeodiLp7PooLa3KggHV0qkW2KaNvCI2x6Y6CafeU4teuWnyBy5iE-X4MKddQ8sbGMM3lcW_Sfbg6XJe1e4PH65e3Oml3UPHCilqTDUXf1rLnupu2qBIE/s1600/Real-Madrid-vs-Barcelona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pRP1SjIbGjnGS7VAPCMyYsneeodiLp7PooLa3KggHV0qkW2KaNvCI2x6Y6CafeU4teuWnyBy5iE-X4MKddQ8sbGMM3lcW_Sfbg6XJe1e4PH65e3Oml3UPHCilqTDUXf1rLnupu2qBIE/s640/Real-Madrid-vs-Barcelona.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <br /></div>

Real Madrid v Barcelona: Los Merengues can take giant step towards La Liga title

Real Madrid v Barcelona Sunday, 19:45 Live on Sky Sports 1 and Betfair Live Video Real Madrid Cometh the hour, cometh the man. He may no ...

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Arsenal v Manchester City: Under-fire Gunners to show Wembley defiance

<div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Arsenal v Manchester City</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Sunday April 23, 15:00</span><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Live on BT Sport 1</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Arsenal</span><br /><br />In a world of rolling news, where social media gives everyone a platform and managers are second-guessed and scrutinised more heavily than ever before, <span style="font-weight: 600;">Arsene Wenger</span> stands as one of modern football's great anomalies. The 67-year-old could have walked away years ago with his head held high, but his burning desire to return the Gunners to the top of English football still remains, and there is still a strong possibility that he will extend his 21-year stay at the club.<br /><br />Given the relentless focus on anti-Wenger protests amongst the Arsenal faithful, you would think the tide has well and truly turned against the Frenchman, but there is still a sizeable pro-Wenger core of supporters. However, this season's facts and figures are starting to really stack up against the man who has delivered nine major trophies and two European finals in just over two decades in charge.<br /><br />The Gunners have won just three of their last nine Premier League games, and find themselves seven points adrift of the top four with just seven games to play. A <span style="font-weight: 600;">crushing defeat</span> to Bayern Munich yet again put paid to Arsenal's European ambitions, so now the prospect of winning a seventh FA Cup under Wenger stands like a shining beacon in the gloom.<br /><br />Wisely, Wenger is trying to treat Sunday's semi-final in isolation, and is insisting the poor league form won't have a bearing on the Wembley clash. He says the recent win at Middlesbrough showed that his players are united, and are willing to fight. It's worth noting that they did show guts and determination when they faced Manchester City earlier this month, twice battling back from a goal down to draw 2-2.<br /><br />It remains to be seen whether Wenger will once again employ the three-man defensive line he used at the Riverside. Shkodran Mustafi, <span style="font-weight: 600;">Santi Cazorla</span> and Lucas Perez are all expected to miss the game.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Manchester City</span><br /><br />There were many people (including me) who expected <span style="font-weight: 600;">Pep Guardiola</span> to challenge for the Premier League in his first season, but his revolution at Manchester City is taking longer than advertised. They are 11 points behind the leaders Chelsea, and they had their pants pulled down in the Champions League by a vibrant and determined Monaco side. Guardiola's reputation is constantly buffeted by those who wrongly believe he somehow had an easy ride at Barcelona and Bayern - a trophy in his first season at the Etihad would do the Catalan no harm.<br /><br />City have won just two of their last six games, and their record against some of the biggest teams in England is patchy. In the last few weeks they have been held to draws by Arsenal and Liverpool, and they have lost to Chelsea. Over the course of the whole season, they have taken just one point from Liverpool, one point from Spurs, no points from Chelsea, and one point from Everton. They beat Arsenal at the Etihad and Manchester United at Old Trafford, but the overall picture isn't the one City's executives had in their minds when they targeted Guardiola.<br /><br />That's not to say that City haven't played some thrilling football this season. They average nearly two goals per game in the league, and have some of the most exciting talents in European football. <span style="font-weight: 600;">Kevin De Bruyne,</span> Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and David Silva are a joy to watch, and despite speculation about his future, Sergio Aguero has still rattled in 26 goals in all competitions.<br /><br />Defender John Stones is still injured, so the long-awaited return of <span style="font-weight: 600;">Vincent Kompany</span> to the ranks continues to be a boost. Brazilian youngster Gabriel Jesus has recovered from a foot injury ahead of schedule, and could be Guardiola's ace in the hole.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Match Odds</span></span><br /><br />City are the <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="10/11"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.92</span></span> favourites to win in 90 minutes here, and <span style="font-weight: 600;">Opta</span> tell us they are trying to maintain a proud record. City have progressed from their last eight FA Cup semi-finals, a run that stretches back to 1932, when they lost in the last four to Arsenal.<br /><br />The Gunners also have some history on their side. They are unbeaten in their last six games at Wembley, and they have only lost one of their last eight meetings with Manchester City.<br /><br />I agree with Wenger that Arsenal can put their league worries behind them here. Although many of their players lack the mental toughness to maintain a title challenge over a long season, they can still <span style="font-weight: 600;">turn on the style</span> in a one-off game, and they can draw strength from the way they fought back twice from a deficit against City in the league a few weeks ago.<br /><br />I see this as a pretty even contest between two teams with attacking talent and defensive flaws, and as such I don't subscribe to the notion that City should be odds-on to win this in 90 minutes. I'm happy to oppose them at <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="10/11"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.92</span></span>.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Over/Under 2.5 Goals</span></span><br /><br />Seven of the last nine meetings between the sides have featured at least three goals, and four of those have seen an Over 3.5 Goals bet land. Both teams are better going forward than they are digging in, so you may fancy backing Over 2.5 Goals at <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="4/7"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.56</span></span> or <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Over 3.5 Goals</span></span> at <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="11/8"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.38</span></span>.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">To Score</span></span><br /><br />Opta tell us that <span style="font-weight: 600;">Alexis Sanchez</span> has scored five goals in his last four appearances at Wembley (including a brace for Chile against England), and he netted the opening goal in Monday's win at Middlesbrough. He can be backed at <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="7/4"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.74</span></span> to find the net in 90 minutes.<br /><br />On the City side of things, <span style="font-weight: 600;">Leroy Sane</span> has recovered from an understandably slow start to his career in England, and he has scored six goals in his last 13 appearances. He scored in the recent 2-2 draw at Arsenal, and scored in last weekend's 3-0 win at Southampton. He is priced at <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="2/1"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.96</span></span>.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bets</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Lay Manchester City at</span> <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="10/11">1.92</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Alexis Sanchez to score at </span><span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative; transition: color 0.2s;" title="7/4">2.74</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative; transition: color 0.2s;" title="7/4"><br /></span></span></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVOdlooCWLmik6FkuRJubqiDzM34XLzGWEZbfPivb7bZjwlXWl8XHU5VmBy9cclBPQ_ydXCdth-AMf5JRNHojtdUwxEXOg1umt0HxzVxUclE4FwypibGpjJRlEN-xnqnt3xn5rRuc5U0/s1600/Alexis%252BSanchez%252BArsenal%252Bv%252BManchester%252BCity%252BPremier%252BxcuFUGkKlrQl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVOdlooCWLmik6FkuRJubqiDzM34XLzGWEZbfPivb7bZjwlXWl8XHU5VmBy9cclBPQ_ydXCdth-AMf5JRNHojtdUwxEXOg1umt0HxzVxUclE4FwypibGpjJRlEN-xnqnt3xn5rRuc5U0/s640/Alexis%252BSanchez%252BArsenal%252Bv%252BManchester%252BCity%252BPremier%252BxcuFUGkKlrQl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative; transition: color 0.2s;" title="7/4"><br /></span></span></span></div>

Arsenal v Manchester City: Under-fire Gunners to show Wembley defiance

Arsenal v Manchester City Sunday April 23, 15:00 Live on BT Sport 1 Arsenal In a world of rolling news, where social media gives everyone...

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Burnley v Manchester United: Fatigue catching up with visitors

<div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Burnley v Manchester United</span><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Sunday April 23 14:15 </span><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Live on Sky Sports 1</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Burnley </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Sean Dyche</span> knows it's not done job done just yet but they're almost there. Sorry for repeating myself every time I have to preview one of their games but their home and away performances really have been like night and day.<br /><br />Opta tell us their record so far of 32 points from 16 home games is the best by a promoted side since Charlton in 2001/2.<br /><br />Assuming Burnley stay up, one area Dyche might look to strengthen is in terms of finding <span style="font-weight: 600;">goalscoring midfielders</span>. George Boyd and Jeff Hendrick each have two but no-one else has more than one. If Swansea are relegated, the Burnley boss could do worse than making an inquiry about Gylfi Sigurdsson, who has eight goals already. You can't imagine the Euro 2016 star would want to be playing in The Championship and might not fancy at a big club after a disappointing experience at Tottenham a few years ago.<br /><br />Dean Marney misses out while Scott Arfield and <span style="font-weight: 600;">Sam Vokes</span> are doubtful for this game.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Manchester United </span><br /><br />It's taken a while but Jose Mourinho is gradually turning this confused squad of players - who quite clearly never worked out what <span style="font-weight: 600;">Louis van Gaal's famed 'philosophy'</span> any more than the rest of us - into a united team.<br /><br />Rather like with what happened in his second spell at Chelsea, the first year is about clearing up a mess, the second is about going for that title. But that's for another day.<br /><br />Right now he has a side who hasn't lost a match in eight, is high on confidence but very weary. Yes, he was able to rotate a bit in their excellent 2-0 win over Chelsea but there will be some tired legs amongst the likes of <span style="font-weight: 600;">Paul Pogba</span>, Marcus Rashford and Antonio Valencia after their extra-time win over Anderlecht on Thursday night, having all also started at home to Chelsea.<br /><br />Worse still, he'll certainly be <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">without Zlatan Ibrahimovic</span> and Marcos Rojo for a while. They both hobbled off injured in that match.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Match Odds</span><br /><br />What kind of a Blackjack player are you, Mourinho? He can <span style="font-weight: 600;">stick </span>and rest some players here with that big match against Man City coming up next Thursday as part of a spell of four matches in 11 days. (three in the league plus the first leg of the Europa League semis). Or he can <span style="font-weight: 600;">twist</span>, playing his strongest possible side here and believing he can still finish in the Top Four in the Premier League as well as going all out in the Europa League. Then hope one of those two routes brings him Champions League football next year.<br /><br />In the end I think his hand will be forced and he'll have to give four or five players who featured on Thursday night a break. That might mean bringing in the likes of Anthony Martial and <span style="font-weight: 600;">Marouane Fellaini</span> and I'm not sure they're up to the standard of those they're coming in to replace.<br /><br />Add to the equation United's poor record at <span style="font-weight: 600;">Turf Moor</span> that has seen them score just once there in their last four visits and they may just find it as tough to win here as everyone else. Man Utd are an attractive lay at <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="5/7"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.70</span></span>.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Both teams to score</span><br /><br />If you wanted to go with 'no' on both teams to score, recent stats would certainly be in your favour. Eight of Manchester United's last 12 matches have seen at least one team <span style="font-weight: 600;">failing to score</span> and that would also have paid out in five of Burnley's last seven matches.<br /><br />All of which makes <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="4/5"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.77</span></span> on 'no' a solid looking bet rather than outstanding value.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">To Score </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Marcus Rashford</span> seems like the sort of striker who's at his best when he's not over-thinking things and after a barren spell of 20 league games without a goal, has now scored in three of his last four. That included the winner against Anderlecht. If he starts, he might be a decent bet at around <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="7/4"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.70</span></span>, especially given it's likely he'll play through the middle with two from Wayne Rooney, Jesse Lingard, Martial, Ashley Young or Mkhitarayan either side of him. It's also possible <span style="font-weight: 600;">Rooney</span> might play as an out-and-out striker but I wouldn't touch that 7/4 on Betfair Sportsbook with a barge pole.<br /><br />It's typical of Burnley's season that in their last 10 matches, none of their players has scored in more than one match. They really are a team where everyone pulls in the same direction rather than one where a couple of stars make the difference.<br /><br />But if you're feeling adventurous, how about <span style="font-weight: 600;">Joey Barton</span> at around <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="9/1"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">10.00</span></span> when the market on the Exchange matures? If you can score the winner on your debut (albeit his 'second debut' for them), then why not pop up with the goal against Man Utd that all but keeps you up?</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Ref Watch</span><br /><br />Anthony Taylor is one off the better referees right now for my money. He averages 3.9 yellows a season and has dished out just four reds from 26 games.<br /><br />Ten players for United have played more minutes in the league than Fellaini but no-one can match his eight yellows. If he starts, I'd take anything above <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="9/5"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.80</span></span> on him being shown a card.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recommended Bets</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1pt Lay Manchester United @</span> <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="5/7"></span><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="5/7"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.70</span></span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="5/7"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUvNb1MkHrMjVpZzi6qCk4qj8RAOIar3UPmLuf93R7FZGPlyyK4CbEvOxmwb3j-j0YyOAJ4mmVghE-F6BUsCUbdD-g5eNxzDACoaAUzv20o2_afBJRcieJ5nNMQR6JjG7E5OduQic3C8/s1600/manchester-united-burnley_th01ouisee7n1mriugcfzyq9s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUvNb1MkHrMjVpZzi6qCk4qj8RAOIar3UPmLuf93R7FZGPlyyK4CbEvOxmwb3j-j0YyOAJ4mmVghE-F6BUsCUbdD-g5eNxzDACoaAUzv20o2_afBJRcieJ5nNMQR6JjG7E5OduQic3C8/s640/manchester-united-burnley_th01ouisee7n1mriugcfzyq9s.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>

Burnley v Manchester United: Fatigue catching up with visitors

Burnley v Manchester United Sunday April 23 14:15  Live on Sky Sports 1 Burnley  Sean Dyche  knows it's not done job done just yet bu...

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Liverpool v Crystal Palace: Defensive absences should pave the way for goals

<div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Liverpool v Crystal Palace</span><br />Sunday, 16:30<br />Live on Sky Sports 1</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Liverpool</span><br /><br />It could be a nervy end to the season for Liverpool. With <span style="font-weight: 600;">both Manchester clubs set to play games in hand</span> - City one, United two - Jurgen Klopp's charges will be looking over their shoulders, hoping that the points they have on the board help them seal a much-desired top four spot come the end of the campaign. It could be a close-run thing.<br /><br />The good news is that <span style="font-weight: 600;">the fixture list favours the Reds</span>. Three of their remaining five matches are at Anfield and the two away trips, to Watford and West Ham, should not hold a great deal of fear. In fact, Sunday's match against Crystal Palace could well be their biggest remaining test. A win here would make their Champions League even more vivid.<br /><br />Klopp could have something of a defensive injury crisis on his hands, with <span style="font-weight: 600;">Joel Matip</span>, <span style="font-weight: 600;">Lucas Leiva</span> and <span style="font-weight: 600;">Ragnar Klavan</span> all doubtful for this one. If all fail to make it, Dejan Lovren's partner at the back could be forgotten man <span style="font-weight: 600;">Joe Gomez</span>, who, according to Klopp has "made big steps" after injury. That, though, would hardly be an ideal solution against a buoyant attack, and the continued absence of Adam Lallana, Sadio Mané and Jordan Henderson means options at the other end of the pitch are limited.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Crystal Palace</span><br /><br />Not so long ago, Crystal Palace would have drifted helplessly towards defeat after going two goals down - think of the 4-0 reversal to Sunderland, the low ebb of their season. But <span style="font-weight: 600;">the Eagles have toughened up in recent weeks</span> and demonstrated their fighting spirit last weekend with a stirring comeback against Leicester City.<br /><br />That draw means Palace have now claimed <span style="font-weight: 600;">16 points from the last 21 available</span>, soaring above the relegation zone in the process. They may not be safe mathematically speaking, but with the wind in their sails they should enjoy a fairly scare-free finale to the campaign.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Mamadou Sakho</span> is unable to play against his parent club, but that should be offset by the return to fitness of <span style="font-weight: 600;">Patrick van Aanholt</span>, who had a run-out off the bench against Leicester, and <span style="font-weight: 600;">James Tomkins</span>. <span style="font-weight: 600;">James McArthur</span> is also back, but unlikely to oust Yohan Cabaye in midfield.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Match Odds</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Palace have won on their last two visits to Anfield</span> and undoubtedly have some momentum going into this game. There could be some appeal in a price of <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="6/1"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">7.20</span></span> in the away win.<br /><br />Against that, it's worth considering Liverpool's excellent recent home record: they have lost just one of their last 24 Premier League games on their own patch, winning 15. It's also been a difficult hunting ground for Sam Allardyce. <span style="font-weight: 600;">The Palace boss has never won a Premier League game at Anfield</span> in 13 attempts.<br /><br /><span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="8/15"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.52</span></span> is available on the home win, with the draw at <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="4/1"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">4.80</span></span>, but we'll be looking elsewhere for value.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Over/Under 2.5 Goals</span></span><br /><br />Liverpool have tended to be an overs team at Anfield: 69% of their home matches in the league have produced three goals or more, including their last four. Palace games have been less predictable, but with <span style="font-weight: 600;">defensive absences on both sides</span>, the overs is probably the pick at <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="4/6"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.67</span></span>.<br /><br />A more attractive proposition, though, is <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">both teams to score</span>. Liverpool have kept just four clean sheets at Anfield this term, three of which have come in attritional matches against other members of the top five. <span style="font-weight: 600;">A both teams to score bet would have paid out in 75% of their home matches</span> and in 62% of Palace's away games, so odds of <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="5/6"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.85</span></span> stand out.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">To Score</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Roberto Firmino</span> is the man in form for Liverpool. His strike against West Brom took him to 11 goals for the season and he enjoys playing Palace: he's scored in the last two Premier League meetings between the teams. He is <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="5/4"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.26</span></span> to notch.<br /><br />For Palace, <span style="font-weight: 600;">Christian Benteke</span> is the pick at <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="85/40"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">3.10</span></span>. He is thriving on the fine service provided by Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend, and will still feel he has a point to prove to Liverpool.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Ref Watch</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Andre Marriner</span> is the man in the middle for this one. He produced his second red card of the season last weekend, dismissing West Ham's Sam Byram in injury time against Sunderland. The first was for Hull's Ahmed El Mohamady in a commanding Liverpool win in September.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bet</span></span></div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"></span></span><br /> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; outline: none; transition: color 0.2s;">Back both teams to score (2pts) at <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="5/6">1.85</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; outline: none; transition: color 0.2s;"><span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="5/6"><br /></span></span></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55Tzsi7uJJx2MsZIzTPTsH0wsTK0El3t7nCV1XLncrEoiiX6VjylkAbK70keu1mssGgQVx8KZFMz9dvxiGPwaiakZONscc0cffXj6backHjkj6TY1_6BAqnimNw1BlqhSvdqEr5lU0EI/s1600/Liverpool-vs-Crystal-Palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55Tzsi7uJJx2MsZIzTPTsH0wsTK0El3t7nCV1XLncrEoiiX6VjylkAbK70keu1mssGgQVx8KZFMz9dvxiGPwaiakZONscc0cffXj6backHjkj6TY1_6BAqnimNw1BlqhSvdqEr5lU0EI/s640/Liverpool-vs-Crystal-Palace.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <br /></div>

Liverpool v Crystal Palace: Defensive absences should pave the way for goals

Liverpool v Crystal Palace Sunday, 16:30 Live on Sky Sports 1 Liverpool It could be a nervy end to the season for Liverpool. With  both M...

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