Everton v Tottenham: Tottenham's troubles to intensify

<div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Everton v Tottenham</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Saturday September 08, 15:00</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div> <h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Everton keen to build on solid start</span></span></h3> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> </div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After an encouraging transfer window that featured some astute signings, Everton have made a decent start to the new campaign. European qualifiers have been an issue for the Toffees in the past (in 2005 they crashed out of the Champions League and UEFA Cup before the group stage), but they <span style="font-weight: 600;">safely negotiated</span> what could have been a tricky Europa League tie against Hajduk Split.</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;">Four points from three Premier League games isn't the most striking of returns, but visits to Manchester City and Chelsea are already out of the way. Boss <span style="font-weight: 600;">Ronald Koeman</span> was happy with his team's work-rate in the 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, but criticised a plethora of errors and a lack of aggression.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <span style="font-weight: 600;">Opta</span> stats show that recent history is against an Everton victory this weekend. They haven't won any of their last nine league games against Tottenham, a run that stretches back to December 2012. That said, their recent run against the Lilywhites at Goodison Park is strong, with just one defeat in the last ten Premier League meetings on Merseyside.</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;">Not for the first time in his career, <span style="font-weight: 600;">Wayne Rooney</span> has made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Although Koeman says he is bitterly disappointed by the player's drink-driving charge, he remains available for selection. Given Rooney's record against Spurs, that's hardly a surprise - Opta tell us he has scored 11 goals in his 16 league games against them. Meanwhile, Morgan Schneiderlin returns from suspension.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Wembley curse hampering Spurs' progress</span></span></h3> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> </div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wrote in my <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;">Premier League season preview</span></span> that I felt Tottenham would miss out on a place in the top four. The chief reason for that conclusion was the crippling effect of playing what will effectively be 38 away games. So far, Mauricio Pochettino's side have lost to Chelsea and drawn with Burnley at Wembley, leaving a win at Newcastle as their only victory so far.</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;">Harry Kane's bizarre argument with the month of August continues, and he is yet to find the net in the Premier League this season. At least <span style="font-weight: 600;">Dele Alli</span> is scoring, having netted against Newcastle and Burnley. That said, he needs to work on his comedy - the world's still trying to work out how raising a middle finger constitutes hilarious banter (I'm not allowed to use the word bantz in a proper article).</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;">Pochettino doesn't care about Alli's alleged indiscretion, or indeed the back catalogue of controversy that comes with new signing <span style="font-weight: 600;">Serge Aurier,</span> who isn't likely to start after playing two World Cup qualifiers for Ivory Coast. What Pochettino does care about is getting his side back on track, and Spurs are chasing a fourth consecutive Premier League away win.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><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></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;">Spurs' price for the win has lengthened over the course of the week, but they still seem a bit too short to me 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="11/10"><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>. Tottenham haven't been at their best, and it's worth noting that Everton have won 10 of their 11 Premier League home matches in 2017.</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;">You can back Everton to get a result using the <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;">Double Chance</span></span> market 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="5/6"><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;">1.86</span></span>, which means you'll get a winner if Everton win or the game is drawn.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Over/Under 2.5 Goals</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;">Everton's three-man defensive system has worked fairly well so far, which has contributed a situation where <span style="font-weight: 600;">all seven</span> of their games in all competitions have featured fewer than three goals.</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;">Two of Tottenham's three league games have seen an Under 2.5 Goals bet land, as have six of the last eight Premier League meetings between the sides. Unders 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="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;">1.89</span></span>.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">To Score</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;">Kane is looking for his 100th Tottenham goal, and 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="6/5"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.20</span></span> to get it. Alli 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="5/2"><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;">3.45</span></span>to make it three PL goals this season.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Given his record against Spurs, Rooney has to be worth considering at a hefty <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="11/4"><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;">3.75</span></span>, while <span style="font-weight: 600;">Gylfi Sigurdsson</span> 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="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;">4.50</span></span> to net against his old club.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bets</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 Home or Draw in the Double Chance market 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="5/6">1.86</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 Under 2.5 Goals at </span><span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative; transition: color 0.2s;" title="10/11">1.89</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnIwYbCqpknom7yyn3NDJkoQrMTEcna8SWETgi-bqgEORyats5K2bmXMRvzNGRUVZO9y153EJQuUbzmBfCruRq3bRDlCoNO4Lxlbssw5IQBBeMZwCifB2nZHL-vDpUGs__e8X7s6nwds/s1600/Everton-v-Tottenham-Hotsp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnIwYbCqpknom7yyn3NDJkoQrMTEcna8SWETgi-bqgEORyats5K2bmXMRvzNGRUVZO9y153EJQuUbzmBfCruRq3bRDlCoNO4Lxlbssw5IQBBeMZwCifB2nZHL-vDpUGs__e8X7s6nwds/s640/Everton-v-Tottenham-Hotsp.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><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="10/11"><br /></span></span></span></div>

Everton v Tottenham: Tottenham's troubles to intensify

Everton v Tottenham Saturday September 08, 15:00 Everton keen to build on solid start After an encouraging transfer window that fea...

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The Punter's In-Play Blog: Veterans to the fore on day one

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a day when the market leaders, Alex Noren and Tommy Fleetwood, both disappointed, one of Dan Geraghty's four first round leader picks, Miguel Angel Jimenez, has finished the day in front at the Omega European Masters, alongside last year's runner-up, Scott Hend, and a rejuvenated Tyrrell Hatton. All three fired six-under-par 64s and all three teed off this morning.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The forecast hadn't suggested there'd be an awful lot of difference between the morning and afternoon but the breeze got up slightly and Ryan Fox and Thongchai Jaidee are the only players inside the top-nine places that teed off this afternoon. The differential in scores wasn't huge but the afternoon starters averaged 0.93 of a stroke more than the morning starters. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jimenez, at 53, is bidding to extend his own record as the oldest winner on the European Tour and he's not the only old-timer in-the-mix. Hend is no spring chicken and David Drysdale, Darren Fichardt and the aforementioned Jaidee, who are amongst the six players tied for fourth on five-under-par, are all veterans and it's the latter named I'm backing now.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's possible to get away with a fairly slow start here - last year's winner, Noren, trailed by five in a tie for 40th after round one - but it's perhaps not wise to go too far down the leaderboard. We have to go back 20 years to the last winner that failed to break 70 on day one (Constantino Rocca trailed by 11 in tied 100th!) and the vast majority of winners have been bang up with the pace at halfway, so anyone floundering today needs an exceptional round tomorrow.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of my pre-event picks, SSP Chawrasia was disappointing but Richie Ramsay and Alexander Bjork did at least break par. Ramsay hit 69 and Bjork 68. I had high hopes of Bjork and he was three-under-par after six holes so it was a bit frustrating to see him finish on two-under but I'm hopeful he can get a move on in the morning.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm quite happy to wait and see what tomorrow brings before getting properly involved but I felt compelled to back Jaidee. He was my sole selection in the event last year and I don't want a repeat of last week! Haydn Porteous won the Czech Masters on Sunday, a year after he'd missed the cut when I'd backed him before the off at 70.00! </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't just backed Jaidee because I'm worried about lightening striking twice, he's been largely out of form this year so there's a good chance today was a one off, but if it wasn't, he's very reliable in-contention and one to have on your side.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pre-Event Selections:</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Richie Ramsay @ 33/1 (Sportsbook)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alexander Bjork @ 140.00</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SSP Chawrasia @ 320.00</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In-Play Pick:</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thongchai Jaidee @ 25.00</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGO1ShLckeZsBxdifNar21l9GX9KyGsbi69qctw701ThyphenhyphenuvR0Sj7LPLjpXax-HclOTWUYtqmnwG-wqqYsGuA9yTafPTtJlaUBPxDq1bBYnM7LBm4cR2IsW6P8bRqTGI45q1eSnmJb7fRk/s1600/us06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGO1ShLckeZsBxdifNar21l9GX9KyGsbi69qctw701ThyphenhyphenuvR0Sj7LPLjpXax-HclOTWUYtqmnwG-wqqYsGuA9yTafPTtJlaUBPxDq1bBYnM7LBm4cR2IsW6P8bRqTGI45q1eSnmJb7fRk/s640/us06.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>

The Punter's In-Play Blog: Veterans to the fore on day one

On a day when the market leaders, Alex Noren and Tommy Fleetwood, both disappointed, one of Dan Geraghty's four first round leader picks...

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Saturday Championship Tipsheet: Big boys to enjoy a good afternoon

<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Aston Villa 2.00 v Brentford 4.00; The Draw 3.70</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wouldn't normally dismiss Brentford so quickly, but the fact is they've endured a very poor start to the season and towards the end of the transfer window they lost three first team players without replacing them.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The big name departure of course is Jota, who was sold to Birmingham for £6m, and like a few others I believe that could be one of the best transfers the St Andrew's outfit will conduct for a long time. The 26-year-old attacking midfielder has everything, including an end product, and his goals will be sorely missed at Brentford.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dean Smith's squad now looks rather threadbare, and having started the season by picking up just two points from a possible 15 you have to fear for them. It's early days of course, but one of the hardest runs in football to break is a winless one, and having to do it at Villa Park looks quite a task.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Villa haven't started the season in great fashion either, and while I maintain my stance that there's no way they should have been pre-season title favourites it's hard to deny that there's a lot of quality in Steve Bruce's squad.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Robert Snodgrass is the latest edition to the ranks, and once Villa have a clean bill of health they can field a very strong starting XI - including John Terry of course - that won't concede many goals and one that should easily challenge for a top six finish.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Despite their lowly position in the table Bruce's men have actually started the season extremely well at Villa Park, drawing 1-1 with Hull before putting four past Norwich. They then thrashed League One title favourites Wigan in the EFL Cup, and now at home to a Brentford side that is yet to keep a clean sheet in four away games I make Villa banker material to take all three points on Saturday afternoon.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recommended Bets</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back Aston Villa to Win @ 2.00 (best bet)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bolton 4.00 v Middlesbrough 2.08; The Draw 3.50</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Middlesbrough were absolutely dreadful at home to Preston a fortnight ago, so on first glance, taking odds of just 2.08 about them winning away to Bolton seems very short. It seems even shorter when you consider that Boro haven't won on the road, in any competition, for over 12 months now.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course, most of those away games were in the Premier League so there are mitigating circumstances, and the last time the Teessiders were in the Championship they had an extremely good away record - a 2-1 victory at Bolton being their last second-tier away win ironically.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And there has been plenty of encouragement in Middlesbrough's two away games this term to suggest that they'll be a force on their travels again in the coming months. Garry Monk's men lost to Wolves on the opening day of the season thanks only to a dreadful individual error, and away to Nottingham Forest in their last away game it still remains a mystery as to how they failed to collect all three points, never mind lose the game.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a sketchy first half hour Monk's men were excellent thereafter on that day, creating a plethora of golden chances, of which former Forest striker Britt Assombalonga was guilty of missing many. But if Boro produce anything close to that performance at the Macron Stadium - and I always feel that their attacking style of play is better suited to away games even if they do look a more defensively solid outfit on home soil - then they should take all three points.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Phil Parkinson's men are already in the relegation zone - rock bottom in fact - after failing to win any of their opening five league games, and just before the international break they were thrashed 4-0 by Hull so confidence could be a little low amongst the Trotters.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bolton will undoubtedly raise their game for the visit of one of the early season title favourites however, but if they go on the front foot too often I fear that they might get picked off a few times at least if Monk's men can find their scoring boots - which seems just a matter of time.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recommended Bets</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back Middlesbrough to Win @ 2.08</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Norwich 1.89 v Birmingham 4.40; The Draw 3.90</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Backing Birmingham to win away from home - and generally opposing them at St Andrew's - has been a very good strategy for this column in recent years, so at the prices for this match I simply have to repeat the trick again.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Neither club has started the season well it has to be said - both have four points from a possible 15 - but Norwich have been conceding goals at an alarming rate and that's certainly not a good habit to have at any level of football.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Daniel Farke's men have conceded 12 league goals already this term including being thrashed by newly-promoted Millwall 4-0 immediately before the international break, while at Carrow Road they've won one and lost one, the defeat being a 1-3 reversal to Sunderland with Farke criticising his team's defending - as he did after the Millwall nightmare - quite strongly that day.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Norwich also conceded four at Villa, and two at home to League Two outfit Swindon Town in the cup, so Harry Redknapp will be confident about his side getting on the scoresheet a few times.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although on the same amount of points as Saturday's opponents, Redknapp's men have been a lot tighter defensively, conceding half the amount of goals as Norwich so far. The worry is that Birmingham haven't exactly had the hardest start to the season, facing the likes of Burton, Bolton, and Bristol City so a return of just four points is disappointing.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I'm willing to overlook that given Redknapp's recent transfer business.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He's tightened up defensively by bringing in Harlee Dean and Maxime Colin, while the capture of attacking midfielder Jota is a real coup - I expect him to be one of the Championship's best players this term. Consider also the loan signings of Carl Jenkinson from Arsenal, Liam Walsh from Everton, and Jeremie Boga from Chelsea and Redknapp has a very decent squad to work with this season.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's early days to expect them all to play, and gel, so soon of course, but if just a few of them can hit the ground running then against a leaky Norwich side Redknapp's men look worth chancing on Saturday afternoon a juicy odds.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recommended Bet</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back Birmingham to Win @ 4.40</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_jvnHmkHKqwaZDzPIJCb4K-1NkF2sSBVl0H4UwIiXNVxdK6F_GCzL3vRzVLapReMJhLYP2LdX8sNfDvh5A4VkhSI5M-6Xc47quUcibp1GU_zJIajqSTeuFDQHfhgJhjfTeMwr5yK0zE/s1600/bolt-730x432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="730" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_jvnHmkHKqwaZDzPIJCb4K-1NkF2sSBVl0H4UwIiXNVxdK6F_GCzL3vRzVLapReMJhLYP2LdX8sNfDvh5A4VkhSI5M-6Xc47quUcibp1GU_zJIajqSTeuFDQHfhgJhjfTeMwr5yK0zE/s640/bolt-730x432.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>

Saturday Championship Tipsheet: Big boys to enjoy a good afternoon

Aston Villa 2.00 v Brentford 4.00; The Draw 3.70 I wouldn't normally dismiss Brentford so quickly, but the fact is they've endured ...

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US Open Tips: Day 12 -Men’s Semi Finals

<b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kevin Anderson v Pablo Carreno-Busta</span></b><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></b><span style="background-color: white;">Anderson won the serving duel against Querrey in the quarters and did so in impressive fashion. Anytime Anderson makes 67% of 1st serves and wins in excess of 80% of those points he will be awfully hard to beat. Neither man has been to this stage before and it will be interesting to see how they deal with the pressure. The positive for both of them is that they are not facing a top ranked player with tonnes of experience. Not only has Carreno-Busta made the semi’s, he has done so without dropping a set. The Wolf says not to get too excited though as he has been blessed! His highest ranked opponent to date was Schwartzman coming in at number 33 in the world. The Wolf says credit to him for taking advantage but is adamant that his luck will run out. Anderson is 2-0 in the H2H winning both matches in straight sets. His serve will get him over the line.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best: Anderson -3.5 ($1.80)</span></strong></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rafael Nadal v Juan Martin Del Potro</span></b><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></b><span style="background-color: white;">The ability to deal with adversity and fight your way through is what separates the good players on tour with the great. The Wolf says he is willing to submit to Del Potro and is amazed at what he had done already in this tournament. He was down and out against Thiem and fought off multiple sets points in the third set against Federer before rolling past him in the fourth. He is also a man that knows what it takes to beat Rafa having won their last two meetings including last year at the Olympics. He beat Novak and Rafa before losing to Murray in the gold medal match and his run at this years US Open is similar to his 2009 title win. On that occasion he beat Nadal and Federer in back to back matches and he will have the chance to do it again. Rafa is a bulldog but when the Argentine is in this mood the outcome of the match is on his racquet. He has clearly overcome any physical problems and the way he feeds off the crowd is something else. Cold conditions are forecast and that will only help him. More importantly he has a 5-4 record against Rafa on hard courts and has the ability to blow the world number one off the court. His height and ability to crush shoulder high balls nullify the spin and bounce factor of the Nadal forehand. This shapes as another epic and if it goes 5 The Wolf liked Del Potro. Rafa has lost 5 of his last 7 matches that have been decided by a 5th set. They will be singing ‘Ole’ for Del Potro.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best: Both Players Win A Set – YES ($1.60)</span></strong></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></strong></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_O6bmdd1Qk5sAXGcvH_GnK9yxyvoiYGdkdKsDHZF6UdLMdDrf5AAaO7m8p-bNJITU2InNMfKaRy84QZYE2y8JhkvgSpG32MsSWcQMHM6jktl7KAJ2cklnM6uqDoaxpZEg64_Vvh9zR4/s1600/nadal-vs-potro-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="759" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_O6bmdd1Qk5sAXGcvH_GnK9yxyvoiYGdkdKsDHZF6UdLMdDrf5AAaO7m8p-bNJITU2InNMfKaRy84QZYE2y8JhkvgSpG32MsSWcQMHM6jktl7KAJ2cklnM6uqDoaxpZEg64_Vvh9zR4/s640/nadal-vs-potro-m.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></strong></span><br /> <br />

US Open Tips: Day 12 -Men’s Semi Finals

Kevin Anderson v Pablo Carreno-Busta Anderson won the serving duel against Querrey in the quarters and did so in impressive fashion. Anytim...

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The Big Match Tactical View: Manchester City v Liverpool

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Manchester City v Liverpool</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday, 12:45</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Live on Sky Sports Main Event</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Match Odds: Manchester City 1.90, Liverpool 4.30, The Draw 4.10.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The transfer window is closed, the international break is over - now, the Premier League feels like it really gets underway. This weekend's opening game is the most exciting of the round, with Liverpool travelling to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side are odds-on favourites, but this could be a very tricky contest for the home side.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After all, City have been far from impressive in the opening weeks, and while they scraped a win at Bournemouth last time out, a deflected last-minute effort from Raheem Sterling covered up a fairly uninspiring display.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guardiola still seems unsure of his best system. He ditched the 3-5-2 for the trip to Bournemouth in favour of a 4-3-3, and that might be appropriate for this weekend's contest too. The speed of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah ripped apart Arsenal's three-man defence last time out, and Guardiola will surely be reluctant to expose Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi to that type of speed in wide positions.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">City start as favourites</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, Guardiola seems likely to return to a four-man defence. Kyle Walker is available again after suspension, while Benjamin Mendy was impressive on debut against Bournemouth and should start on the opposite flank. Kompany is a slight injury doubt here, so Stones and Otamendi might start in the centre.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guardiola is likely to field a three-man midfield with Fernandinho at the base, and both David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne pushing forward from more advanced positions, hoping to overcome Liverpool's strength and tenacity with raw technical quality.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guardiola lacks options out wide, however, with Sterling suspended against his former club, and this might prove costly against a Liverpool side lacking consistency at full-back. Bernardo Silva may again start on the right and drift inside, with Leroy Sane providing more directness on the left.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Assuming Guardiola goes with just one striker, his biggest decision will be upfront, where Gabriel Jesus might get the nod over Sergio Aguero again, following his fine goal from David Silva's pinpoint through-ball last time out.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Liverpool defensive questions</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, primarily has selection decisions in defensive positions - and between the posts. Simon Mignolet was curiously omitted from the 4-0 win over Liverpool, and Loris Karius managed to look extremely nervous despite not having a single shot to save all evening. Mignolet will surely return here.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are further question marks at full-back. Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold are battling it out on the right, while Andrew Robertson will probably be favoured over Alberto Moreno on the left, with James Milner seemingly now considered as a midfielder having deputised in defence last season.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In midfield, Klopp can welcome back Philippe Coutinho but it's difficult to see the Brazilian getting a start this weekend. The three-man midfield of Jordan Henderson, Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum was excellent against Arsenal and it's difficult to see why Liverpool would want to disturb that.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Klopp will similarly have no reason to change the front three of Roberto Firmino flanked by Mane and Salah. They absolutely terrorised Arsenal at Anfield, with all three getting on the scoresheet in that 4-0 win, and they could wreak havoc again here.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">City centre-backs at risk of collecting cards</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In particular, watch for Firmino taking up clever positions between the lines to tempt City's centre-backs out - both Kompany and Otamendi have been guilty of rash tackles this season and could go into the referee's notebook here - with Mane and Salah streaking past on the outside. The speed of City's full-backs will be crucial.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Liverpool are likely to start at a high tempo, and their pressing might cause significant problems in the early stages before City have settled down into a proper passing rhythm. The power of Liverpool's central midfielders, in particular, will be crucial.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But City boast tremendous technical quality in midfield, and De Bruyne is the type of player who boasts the intelligence to cause Henderson problems between the lines. In particular, he might drift right before whipping crosses into the box. Liverpool remain bad defensively in those situations, even if Jesus isn't the most natural aerial target.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nevertheless, I'm hugely surprised to see City odds-on here - they might be at home, but they've looked far less impressive than Liverpool this season. I'll lay City at 1.95.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Betfair Trader's View - Alan Thompson</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since these two played out a 0-0 draw at the Etihad in 2010, they have shared 24 goals in Liverpool’s seven visits, averaging just shy of 3.5 goals per game with both teams scoring in the last five, I fully expect the goals to flow again this time around with both defences looking a bit shaky.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">City left it a little bit late to secure the points at Bournemouth but have made a decent start to the campaign and Liverpool are in a rich vein of form coming into this on the back of four straight wins in all competitions. A win for either team will see them top the league albeit maybe just for a few hours.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite both sides having Champions League commitments on Wednesday they will both be fully focused on getting a win and enhancing their title credentials, and that should give us an entertaining encounter.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will be splitting my stake backing Over 3.5 Goals at 2.40 and if there isn’t an early goal placing the other half on Over 2.5 Goals should it reach 2.00.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQg76cpJZrlZ2X7CCxIOCSDgZ4i4njgQnLtwlo8UA3lXG3f8AClGUUNXwqOzvnjfhk6l258Tep56YV9U57disgxpcK9htsIgAJx88ZNCNNYfA4OCz2R2p12XyVSQLpFF6jpZlMG7WJN_0/s1600/630725420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="594" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQg76cpJZrlZ2X7CCxIOCSDgZ4i4njgQnLtwlo8UA3lXG3f8AClGUUNXwqOzvnjfhk6l258Tep56YV9U57disgxpcK9htsIgAJx88ZNCNNYfA4OCz2R2p12XyVSQLpFF6jpZlMG7WJN_0/s640/630725420.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>

The Big Match Tactical View: Manchester City v Liverpool

Manchester City v Liverpool Saturday, 12:45 Live on Sky Sports Main Event Match Odds: Manchester City 1.90, Liverpool 4.30, The Draw 4.1...

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Derby v Hull: County to make home advantage count

<div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Derby v Hull</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday 8th September, 19:45</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Live on Sky Sports</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Derby looking to kick-on</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Performance data suggests Derby were unfortunate to lose 3-1 at Sheffield United in their last outing before the international break. But a goalkeeping error and own goal saw the Rams trail by two goals and the stats were clouded by a strong second-half display as Gary Rowett's charges chased the game.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">County have W2-D1-L2 to start their campaign whilst playing three of the current top seven sides in the division, as well as relegated Sunderland. It's been a tough introduction to 2017/18 but Derby bolstered their ranks on deadline day with a few intriguing additions.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maikel Kieftenbeld could slot straight into central midfield following his arrival from Birmingham with Sam Winnall likely to start on the bench after signing on-loan from Sheffield Wednesday. Elsewhere, Tom Lawrence is chasing a first start for the Rams.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hull's squad overhaul</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like their hosts, Hull have W2-D1-L2 in their first five matches. The Tigers shredded newly-promoted Bolton 4-0 in their most recent encounter but eight of their 12 goals recorded under Leonid Slutsky have come in games against the Trotters and League One strugglers Bury.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Indeed, City's two defeats came in fixtures against the only current top-10 teams they've faced - QPR and Wolves - and a hectic transfer window has seen the likes of Sam Clucas, Andrew Robertson and Josh Tymon, plus key striker Abel Hernandez suffer a potentially season-ending injury.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nevertheless, Hull kept hold of Kamil Grosicki and worked hard to bring in Stephen Kingsley, Jon Toral, Jackson Irvine, Nouha Dicko and Fikayo Tomori as they look to fill out a threadbare squad. All are in contention for starts here.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rams can justify favouritism</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Derby [2.04 ] tend to be solid operators on their own patch. The Rams boast a W12-D6-L2 record in their last 20 Pride Park outings, recording 11 clean sheets along the way; indeed, eight of those victories arrived alongside a shutout with five finishing in a positive 1-0 correct score.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">County have also been a profitable club to follow when hosting recently relegated outfits. The hosts have W4-D4-L1 since 2014/15 in such situations, silencing their opposition in five of the last six encounters in the same sample. </span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hull 4.10 haven't won an away league game since their opening such fixture last season (2-0 at Swansea), with their winless run currently standing at 20 games (W0-D4-L16). The Tigers performed admirably at Aston Villa (1-1) and competed well at QPR (1-2) but it may take time to bed-in their new-look squad.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">City's road record was their major undoing during their ill-fated 2016/17 in the Premier League and I'm happy to back Derby exploiting such weakness here at odds-against quotes.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goals expectancy low at Pride Park</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goals have been few and far between at Pride Park in recent seasons. A healthy 16/25 (64%) of Derby dates here since the start of last season have featured fewer than three goals, including both of their home games this term, so backing a repeat at 1.85 appeals.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Digging deeper, five of the last six contests at home to relegated sides since 2014/15 have produced Under 2.5 Goals winners with Under 1.5 Goals even proving profitable on four occasions. So keeping a low-scoring clash onside appears the best avenue of attack.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bets</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back Derby to beat Hull @ 2.04</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.85</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50b9KDDSz8WA1Kjt-CxPxC-g2tECvUFZCrv24Fr7gx-mCYyfTJK8uWuGEAI34tIeVRc0nuMNCfiAOK2fOTlDgKn0gWVAWeJR6D_t7dsxT9QXOveMJzazjhB9TMRfuzkJHacaFAQnjqV4/s1600/5e09638e-4d72-41fc-b80f-27d0991ae6d0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="800" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50b9KDDSz8WA1Kjt-CxPxC-g2tECvUFZCrv24Fr7gx-mCYyfTJK8uWuGEAI34tIeVRc0nuMNCfiAOK2fOTlDgKn0gWVAWeJR6D_t7dsxT9QXOveMJzazjhB9TMRfuzkJHacaFAQnjqV4/s640/5e09638e-4d72-41fc-b80f-27d0991ae6d0.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>

Derby v Hull: County to make home advantage count

Derby v Hull Friday 8th September, 19:45 Live on Sky Sports Derby looking to kick-on Performance data suggests Derby were unfor...

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