Chelsea v Crystal Palace: Unconvincing champions not easy to trust

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chelsea v Crystal Palace</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday, 17:30</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Live on BT Sport 1</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chelsea struggling to finish in top four</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Title defences for Chelsea have proved turbulent seasons in the recent history and this year has been no different. Antonio Conte has cut a disgruntled figure throughout the campaign and it would be something of a surprise if the Italian remained in charge at Stamford Bridge next season. Chelsea face a big challenge qualifying for the Champions League again with the side five points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham with nine games remaining.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chelsea deservedly received scathing criticism for their extraordinarily negative approach in last week's 1-0 defeat at champions elect Manchester City. Conte played without an orthodox striker, as Eden Hazard forlornly led the attack, with the hosts cruising to victory. It was their fourth defeat in five Premier League games which included dismal three-goal losses at home to Bournemouth and at Watford.</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;">Palace need to get best players back to fitness</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roy Hodgson's hopes of steering Crystal Palace to safety have been put at risk by a spate of injuries at the wrong time. The loss of Wilfried Zaha has been the most significant one with the Eagles losing all nine league games when the attacker has been absent this season. With Palace 18th in the table, it is vital the team can call on the services of Zaha and the other injured first-team players in time for the run-in.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There has not been too much wrong with Palace's performances recently although results have gone against them. An 88th minute Harry Kane goal settled their contest at Selhurst Park recently in a 1-0 win for Tottenham. In their last match, Hodgson's side led Manchester United 2-0 after goals from Andros Townsend and Patrick van Aanholt. But United fought back and a stunning strike from Nemanja Matic in the 90th minute sent Palace to another cruel defeat.</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;">Blues looks far too short in current form</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chelsea were always going to be short-priced favourites for this game but there are too many doubts against them to pile in on the hosts at odds of just 1.32. With only one win in their last five league games, Chelsea are hardly in the best of shape and have let down odds-on backers on several occasions recently. Throw in a trip to Barcelona on Wednesday in the Champions League, which could see several players rotated, and there are plenty of reasons to swerve the champions.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crystal Palace are 13.00 outsiders for this game but perhaps should not be dismissed out of hand. After all, the Eagles have beaten Chelsea in the last two clashes between the sides including a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge last April. Countering this, Palace are without a win in six matches and have lost their last three games with the squad shorn of key players.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The draw is on offer at 5.90 but the last 13 clashes between the teams have failed to produce a stalemate. Chelsea have also gone nine domestic games without being held which limits interest in this bet. Palace have drawn nine games in the league this season but only one of these has come against teams in the top nine of the division. Overall, a back to lay option could be worth considering on the visitors at big odds although this market can be left alone.</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;">Both teams can score with defences failing to convince</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both teams to score is generously priced at 2.24 and appeals strongly for this match. Crystal Palace have scored in 13 of their last 15 fixtures which includes their last seven away matches. But the visitors have failed to keep a clean sheet for six games and Chelsea should have few problems finding the net. The champions have conceded ten goals in their last five league matches so both teams to score must have a big chance of returning profits this weekend.</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;">Ref Watch</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anthony Taylor takes charge of this weekend's game at Stamford Bridge with the referee sending off three players this season - all in the FA Cup. Taylor dismissed five players in 41 matches during the 2016-17 campaign.</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;">Opta Stat</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Willian has had a hand in 16 goals in his last 17 starts for Chelsea in all competitions with 11 goals and five assists. Willian is available at 15/8 to net this weekend.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RECOMMENDED BETS</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back both teams to score at 2.24</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyGW9SwuewSZavTGV6ViASbfjZoLSIk0ngQfthsVzdmIpephmR-17DcHy0ew_BOUbUM0ZaC9_V5uk8sH33HuxO-V9tlimVikoKHTtl92agdf-FhcK9y7ys8uHe8A55pXMbpIT6RduUUY/s1600/455221D900000578-0-image-m-13_1507990639675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="636" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyGW9SwuewSZavTGV6ViASbfjZoLSIk0ngQfthsVzdmIpephmR-17DcHy0ew_BOUbUM0ZaC9_V5uk8sH33HuxO-V9tlimVikoKHTtl92agdf-FhcK9y7ys8uHe8A55pXMbpIT6RduUUY/s640/455221D900000578-0-image-m-13_1507990639675.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>

Chelsea v Crystal Palace: Unconvincing champions not easy to trust

Chelsea v Crystal Palace Saturday, 17:30 Live on BT Sport 1 Chelsea struggling to finish in top four Title defences for Chelsea have p...

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NRL Preview Round 1: Titans v Raiders

<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gold Coast v Canberra<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Sunday, March 11, 6:30pm (AEDT)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast</span></strong><br /> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Wolf is thinking it could be a tough year for the Titans and is tipping them to finish with the spoon. They’ve got an unproven coach at NRL level in Garth Brennan and arguably have one of the weakest rosters on paper. The Raiders have been gifted with a good draw to start the year and should be too strong on the Gold Coast. Sam Williams has been named in the No.7 jersey, with Blake Austin coming off the bench. Meanwhile, Siliva Havili has been given first shot at the No.9 jersey, with first choice hooker Josh Hodgson on the sidelines for an extended period of time.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Form</strong>Gold Coast were poor in their two trial defeats, going down 38-10 to Brisbane before losing 20-14 to the Warriors. Tyrone Roberts-Davis scored a double in the latter. Canberra played just one official trial, losing to Canterbury 16-12 in a surprise result. Handling errors were the biggest issue for the Raiders in the defeat.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Key Matchup</b>Bryce Cartwright v Elliott Whitehead: It remains to be seen whether a change of scenery brings out the best in Bryce Cartwright, but it can’t be a bad thing after all of his off-field dramas when he was at the Panthers last season. He’s been named at lock and will provide another attacking threat for the Titans, but it’s his defence that will need to have improved if he is defending in the middle of the field. Elliott Whitehead will be hoping he can make the No.13 his own in 2018 and doesn’t have to cover for any of the injured backs. The Wolf is tipping a very solid year from the Englishman if Ricky Stuart allows to settle in one position.</span></div> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong></span><br /> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Stats That Matter</strong>– Canberra have won two straight against the Gold Coast and four of their last six.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Raiders have also won three of the last four on the Gold Coast.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The total has topped 40 points in six straight clashes.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Home underdogs of 2 or less in the first four rounds of the season are 18-13 ATS.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Small interstate favourites in the first four rounds of the season are 22-16 ATS with a 23-15 under number.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Raiders are 13-8 ATS with a 14-7 over record in road day games over the last three years while they are 9-6 ATS as a road favourite (10-5 over).<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Titans are 9-2 over at home as an underdog of 4 or less.<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;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Final Thoughts</strong>The Wolf wants to see the Titans in action before backing them against a Raiders side with plenty of strike power, led by Jordan Rapana and Joseph Leilua. The Raiders have won three of the last four on the Gold Coast and four of their last six against the Titans. This should be an open affair with the Raiders covering the 3.5 line.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">How It’s Shaping Up</strong>Canberra by 7</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Recommended Bets</strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best: Canberra -3.5 ($1.85)</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Value: Canberra -3.5 & Over 44.5 ($3.40)</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">First Tryscorer: Jordan Rapana ($8)</span></strong></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVYmvXbDXbL_X7UZAjiocN8RlQ-9cJWDhce6fcvm7gFx_x1OrkYXJeoUe7k0bEYVQ1lsIUA-YSsoutj7F7Ag-XJ86JMXdwwF4_-C5IihAidoXUVbJBqKBbfWVFFQFRxuTRbsKxpp02lM/s1600/2018Mar08112602_666070938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="600" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVYmvXbDXbL_X7UZAjiocN8RlQ-9cJWDhce6fcvm7gFx_x1OrkYXJeoUe7k0bEYVQ1lsIUA-YSsoutj7F7Ag-XJ86JMXdwwF4_-C5IihAidoXUVbJBqKBbfWVFFQFRxuTRbsKxpp02lM/s640/2018Mar08112602_666070938.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></strong></span></div>

NRL Preview Round 1: Titans v Raiders

Gold Coast v Canberra Sunday, March 11, 6:30pm (AEDT) Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast The Wolf is thinking it could be a tough year for th...

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NRL Preview Round 1: Panthers v Eels

<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Penrith v Parramatta<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Sunday, March 11, 4:10pm (AEDT)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Panthers Stadium, Penrith</span></strong><br /> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Panthers will be happy to get the season up-and-running after their poor trial loss to a second-string Bulldogs side, the off-field drama about the likes of Bryce Cartwright and Matt Moylan leaving the club, and the rumours that coach Anthony Griffin has lost the dressing room. James Maloney plays his first regular season match in the No.6 jersey alongside halves partner Nathan Cleary. Jarryd Hayne will make his return in Eels colours at centre, while Bevan French has been given first crack at the No.1 jersey while Clint Gutherson recovers from an ACL injury. The Wolf is expecting a Top 4 finish for the Eels this year and expects them to be strong in the Battle of the West.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Form</strong>Penrith were highly impressive in the club debut of James Maloney, whipping the Sydney Roosters 30-18, before an equally horrid performance against Canterbury where the Panthers were downed 24-10 by a second-string Bulldogs side. Parramatta played just a single trial and were highly impressive in winning 26-6 against Newcastle with Bevan French recording a double.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Key Matchup</b>Nathan Brown v Trent Merrin: Nathan Brown was Mr Consistent for the Eels in 2017 and recently signed a new deal to stay at Parramatta until the end of 2020. It was good reward for one of the most improved players in the NRL, and he has become one of the first picked by Brad Arthur. By all reports, Trent Merrin has been training the house down and is in the best shape of his career. The Panthers need more from him this year and Anthony Griffin will have the confidence to increase his minutes if his boy allows him. The Wolf is expecting a bounce back year from Merrin and an Origin recall might not be out of the question.</span></div> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong></span><br /> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Stats That Matter</strong>– Penrith have won 8 of their last 13 against Parramatta, including three of their last four at Penrith Stadium.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– None of the last four clashes have topped 40 points.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Penrith are 23-20 ATS at Penrith since 2014 with the under hitting at 60%.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– As a favourite of 4 or less at the ground they are 4-8 ATS.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Eels are 9-5 ATS away from home in day games while they are 7-4 ATS as an outsider in those games.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Eels are 4-2 ATS with a perfect 6-0 under number when an outsider of 3.5 or less.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Final Thoughts</strong>The Wolf isn’t one to read into trial form, but the Panthers were extremely poor against a second-string Bulldogs side. He also isn’t sure if everything is as rosy as they say at the foot of the mountains. Happy to side with the Eels as slight outsiders here, with the question marks surrounding the Panthers.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">How It’s Shaping Up</strong>Parramatta by 2</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Recommended Bets</strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best: Parramatta ($1.95)</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Value: Parramatta 1-12 ($3.25)</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">First Tryscorer: Michael Jennings ($13)</span></strong></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2IQWzviD-9LaAmItwB5_aVipaN4A6LWfwMfgWT4WemoLmsmQ2Y4crznC8zSExwnattnpb-tYfKs626AeJl29e5Rv0yqzUQDtUPjch9VUXuRcK6yIFq7mvcggv-9wLoxDQtSpQqmdqjI/s1600/%2524_20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2IQWzviD-9LaAmItwB5_aVipaN4A6LWfwMfgWT4WemoLmsmQ2Y4crznC8zSExwnattnpb-tYfKs626AeJl29e5Rv0yqzUQDtUPjch9VUXuRcK6yIFq7mvcggv-9wLoxDQtSpQqmdqjI/s640/%2524_20.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></strong></span></div>

NRL Preview Round 1: Panthers v Eels

Penrith v Parramatta Sunday, March 11, 4:10pm (AEDT) Panthers Stadium, Penrith The Panthers will be happy to get the season up-and-runnin...

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AFLW Tips – Round 6

<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Crows v Dockers – Friday 7.05pm, TIO Darwin</strong>Despite Erin Phillips missing most of the game, the Crows comfortably accounted for the Blues last round- giving CPR to their dying season. Coach Bec Goddard insisted her side didn’t need a miracle, and they simply needed to play good footy- and it is clear the players came out fired up and prepared to inflict some pain on a disappointing Blues outfit. Ruth Wallace was electric up forward, Ebony Marinoff was industrious in the midfield and skipper Chelsea Randall was everywhere her side needed her. The cohesion of last year looks to have returned for the Crows, which doesn’t bode well for a Dockers side that lacks depth and x-factor. It is hard to see how the Dockers can kick enough goals to win this game, with only Gabby O’Sullivan looking anything close to threatening up forward against the Giants, and given the Crows defence has only conceded 4 goals over the past two games it is feasible to imagine the Dockers don’t kick more than just a couple.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The Wolf is very keen on the Crows in this one, but the Dockers have only let one margin exceed 25 points- and that was 26 to ladder leaders, the Bulldogs. 3+ goals for Phillips at $3.75 looks juicy too, given the lack of key defensive prospects at Fremantle, and the fact her quad will limit her midfield minutes.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Best Bet: HT/FT Double- Adelaide/Adelaide ($1.80)</strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Other Bet: Adelaide 1-24 ($2.20)</strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Prop Bet: Erin Phillips 3+ goals ($3.75)</span></strong></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Lions v Magpies – Saturday 4.35pm, Brisbane</strong>The Lions came within a whistle of drawing against the Demons last round, and certainly put up a good fight against a star-studded midfield that were accumulating possessions at will. While they never led at any stage, they did remarkably well to claw back a 16 point deficit that, at one stage, looked like being a blowout with Daisy Pearce on a rampage. Sabrina Frederick-Traub was enormous, with 3 goals to go along with her 15 disposals, while key defender Kate Lutkins proved, once again, why she is a lock for the All-Australian backline with an astonishing 26 disposals and 9 rebound 50’s. Lutkins and Leah Kasler leave the Lions perfectly positioned to counter what can be, at times, a potent Magpies forward line. Unfortunately for those talented forwards, the midfield cannot get them enough ball, and that midfield has now been robbed of its prime mover- with skipper Steph Chiocci scrubbed out for 3 matches for a dirty hit on Libby Birch. They may get a quick start, but the stingy Lions defence should peg them back pretty quick.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The home side definitely looks like getting the win, but the quote is a touch short for the Wolf’s liking. Stick to the margin betting, which looks a safe play.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Best Bet: Brisbane 1-24 ($2.20)</strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Value Bet: HT/FT Double – COLLINGWOOD/BRISBANE ($6.00)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Prop Bet: Jess Wuetschner 2+ Goals ($1.70)</strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Giants v Bulldogs – Saturday 7.10pm, Canberra</strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">This clash is massive for the Giants, who kept their faint finals hopes alive with an impressive display over in the West last round. While it is quite a complicated set of circumstances that are required for the Giants to reach the final, the fact of the matter is that they just need to keep winning. Unfortunately for them, they are up against the ladder leaders, who have kicked 135 points over the past two games. The un-heralded Giants defence will present a much better challenge though, with players like Tanya Hetherington, Nicola Barr, Emma Swanson and Phoebe Monahan flying under the radar of many fans and providing both backbone and silky rebounding. How they contain the revolving door of Dogs forwards will go a long way towards winning the game, because they are very well matched up through the midfield- with Ellie Blackburn, Emma Kearney and Kirsty Lamb facing off against Alicia Eva, Courtney Gum and Jess Dal Pos.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">The Wolf has a special feeling about the Giants for this one. They are really starting to generate some momentum, and have some very good players in very good form. Pretty confident this will be a very close game- wouldn’t rule out a cheeky draw ($26) either!</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Best Bet: Triple Margin 15.5- ANY OTHER RESULT ($1.65)</strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Value Bet: GWS WIN ($2.35)</span></strong></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Blues v Demons – Sunday 4.35pm, Ikon Park</strong>Things just keep getting worse for the poor Blues this season. The Wolf warned in the preseason that the supposed flag fancies had some serious shortcomings despite their two big recruits- but the level of their capitulation to the Crows last round was very concerning; and they come up against an even better side here. 2 goals from 27 inside 50s is, quite frankly, embarrassing, and once again the lack of a genuine A-grade midfielder reared its ugly head. The Melbourne ‘Big 3’ of Paxman, Pearce and O’Dea shared 72 disposals, 21 tackles, 12 inside 50s and 12 clearances against the Lions- but what puts that in perspective is comparing it to the top 3 Carlton midfielders (of last round)- Katie Loynes, Sarah Hosking and Maddison Gay. Those three players could only muster 32 touches, 19 tackles and 5 clearances in perfect conditions against the Crows and it is scary thinking how far apart they (and the other depth midfielders) are.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The Wolf wants to go chips in on the Demons in this game- there is so much to play for here, and the best sides stand up when it counts.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Best Bet: Melbourne -10.5 ($1.90)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Value Bet: Melbourne 25+ ($3.60)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Prop Bet: Daisy Pearce 20+ disposals</strong></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6gTiUSY60xXmM6uVmzwVgpaT-lAE_aqZaKefBvzNv3MCag-g0VEjsufAsQybdnpFIp5GLicnNY56duggK6JCLddZTGzr3HUPtQtnaZmK-sMacqURoVWdPeX8qa6zmAfhjTW8e6vgiUs/s1600/c31cfcc22292ea6d5297fc0a8ee064dd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="650" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6gTiUSY60xXmM6uVmzwVgpaT-lAE_aqZaKefBvzNv3MCag-g0VEjsufAsQybdnpFIp5GLicnNY56duggK6JCLddZTGzr3HUPtQtnaZmK-sMacqURoVWdPeX8qa6zmAfhjTW8e6vgiUs/s640/c31cfcc22292ea6d5297fc0a8ee064dd.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><br /></strong></span></div>

AFLW Tips – Round 6

Crows v Dockers – Friday 7.05pm, TIO Darwin Despite Erin Phillips missing most of the game, the Crows comfortably accounted for the Blues l...

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Everton v Brighton: Time to trust the Toffees

<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everton V Brighton<br />Saturday 10 March, 15:00 GMT</span></strong></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span></div> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0.5rem auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Goodison still a fortress for stuttering Toffees</span></strong></h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sam Allardyce's honeymoon period didn't last too long. Everton picked up 10 of a possible 12 points in their first four games of his tenure but they've only managed to pick up nine of a possible 33 since (W2 D3 L6). They're still <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">a force to be reckoned with at Goodison Park</strong>though...</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since Ronald Koeman's departure, Everton have played nine home games and Man United are the only team to come away with all three points. The Red Devils won 2-0 on New Year's Day. The Toffees have claimed all three points on six occasions since <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Big Sam </strong>took charge at Goodison Park and they've also drawn with both Chelsea and WBA at home.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span></div> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0.5rem auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Brighton on a roll but away form still a concern</span></strong></h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Seagulls are unbeaten since Chelsea gave them a 4-0 drubbing at the Falmer Stadium back in January. They've progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, thanks to victories away at Middlesbrough and at home to Coventry, and they're <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">unbeaten in their last five</strong> in the Premier League.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday's <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sensational 2-1 win against Arsenal</strong> followed a straightforward 4-1 victory at home to Swansea the week before and that was the first time they'd recorded back-to-back wins in the Premier League. Much of their recent success is down to the form of 34-year-old veteran striker <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Glen Murray</strong>, who's even been touted as a possible option for England at the World Cup in the summer. Murray has scored five times in his last five Premier League matches and only Sergio Aguero and Mo Salah have scored more times than Murray in the Premier League this year but <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">his arrest on Tuesday</span></strong> regarding possible tax issues can't be considered a positive.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Seagulls have opened the scoring in each of their last two away games but they've still failed to secure the three points - drawing 1-1 at Southampton and 1-1 at Stoke. Since winning their only two away games this season, back-to-back at West Ham and Swansea in late October/early November, they've been so poor on the road that Murray's 14th minute penalty at St Mary's was their <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">first goal in seven away matches</strong> in the Premier League. Only ten of their 34 points have been gained away from home and 75% of their goals have been scored at the Falmer Stadium so they're far better at home than they are away, but ominously, so are their opponents.<br /><br /><strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span></div> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0.5rem auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Odds-against Everton looks more than fair</span></strong></h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Toffees</strong> have scored 70% of their goals at home and they've <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">earned 76% of their points at Goodison Park</strong>. They sit seventh in the Home Table and Brighton sit 15th in the Away Table.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brighton have had some reasonably generous fixtures of late and <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">their sparkling current form could be a tad misleading</strong>. There are far harder away games in the Premier League this season than Southampton and Stoke and they were perhaps expected to get the better of West Ham and Swansea at home given they'd beaten them both away. Their win last time out at home to Arsenal was a cracking result but after consecutive comprehensive 3-0 defeats to Man City, they couldn't have hoped for a better time to face the Gunners. They looked and played like a spent force.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although level on points, Brighton in 10th are just ahead of Everton but I fancy they're about to change places. Allardyce is supposedly in talks with club owner Farhad Moshiri about extending his 18 month contract at Everton and he'll be in a poor negotiating position if he can't deliver three points on Saturday given <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Everton have won their last six home games against newly promoted teams</strong>.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 2017/18 season has been one to forget so far but it's not too late for a strong finish and the Toffees look a good thing at odds-against to grab three more home points to perhaps kickstart a decent finish to the season.<br /><br /><strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span></div> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0.5rem auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Recent stats point to goals</span></strong></h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Given Everton have conceded at least once in each of their last nine matches and Brighton's defence has been breached in each of their last eight games, <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">we should probably expect goals</strong>. Neither side has kept a clean sheet yet this year so I wouldn't put anyone off taking the odds-against for <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Both Teams to Score</span></strong> and getting on for 6/4 about <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Over 2 ½ Goals</span></strong> is tempting too but <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I'm going to keep it simple and just back Everton to win</strong>.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ref Watch</span></strong></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roger East hasn't brandished a red card since the beginning of November but with an average of 3.68 bookings per game he's <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">one of the more vigorous yellow card issuers</strong>this season and he's been especially keen to go for his pocket this year. He didn't issue a card of any colour when officiating Liverpool's 2-1 win at Burnley but that's the only card-free game all season and he's averaged 3.85 yellows per game since.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RECOMMENDED BETS</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 pts Back Everton to win at 2.28</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPelXuTKFwHRLZpALyB1bNYvtF3aQgXsjNl0J2nC7CEm3VIUlKMMONeB0ZRKBghALgFmUI_is_VyPtk3ZVAQyVLnimeTPx2k5a8HEIOCQ_O57Gq4SOS3iYdIbvc4hmbVz__esQf2zMEd0/s1600/rooney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="680" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPelXuTKFwHRLZpALyB1bNYvtF3aQgXsjNl0J2nC7CEm3VIUlKMMONeB0ZRKBghALgFmUI_is_VyPtk3ZVAQyVLnimeTPx2k5a8HEIOCQ_O57Gq4SOS3iYdIbvc4hmbVz__esQf2zMEd0/s640/rooney.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>

Everton v Brighton: Time to trust the Toffees

Everton V Brighton Saturday 10 March, 15:00 GMT Goodison still a fortress for stuttering Toffees Sam Allardyce's honeymoon peri...

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Oscar Valdez v Scott Quigg: The Brit's an underdog but won't be easy to get rid of

<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Oscar Valdez v Scott Quigg<br />Sunday, 03:00 GMT<br />Live on Sky Sports</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Englishman Scott Quigg travels to the Stub Hub Center, Carson in an attempt to pick-up the <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">WBO world featherweight title</strong>. Easier said than done with undefeated Mexican hot-shot <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><b>Oscar Valdez</b></span> standing in the opposite corner.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This will be the fourth defence of Valdez's title and he's favourite to <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><b>continue his dominance</b></span>, marked up as a <span class="inline-odds" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 3px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;" title="1/4"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><b>1.27</b></span></span> jolly on the Betfair Exchange. That suggests Quigg is making a <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">wasted trip</strong> across the Atlantic, but the visitors will have concrete plans to bring the strap back to British shores and open the division up a bit. Can they do it?</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span></div> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0.5rem auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Valdez has chinned five of last seven opponents</span></strong></h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fighting out of Sonora, <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mexico</strong> Oscar Valdez has beaten each of the 23 men placed in front of him so far, dealing with 19 of those opponents well inside the scheduled distance. Tipped for the top early in his career, the ace finally realised his ambition of becoming a world champion when beating Argentinian Matias Rueda inside two rounds in the summer of 2016. An impressive result, he hasn't looked back since.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Valdez won the bauble with a stunning knockout and defended it by cutting down Hiroshige Osawa in Las Vegas next time. Five of the champion's last seven wins have come inside-the-distance and another <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">early night</strong> goes at 9/4, market top price on the Sportsbook. Each of his last two outings have followed the 12-round script and a hat-trick of points wins is 6/5 jolly (Betfair Sportsbook).</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span></div> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0.5rem auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Traders seem wary of Quigg's power</span></strong></h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scott Quigg goes in as the more experienced man and will be hoping to make that extra time as a professional fighter pay to upset the odds. 34 wins, <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">25 by KO</strong>, against one defeat and two draws, the 29-year-old from Bury saw the spare come at the hands of Carl Frampton in that famous 2016 blockbuster that ended as a bit of an anti-climax. A split decision was the result that night but it looked a little generous on the 5ft 8inch orthodox boxer.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quigg had no trouble bouncing back when rhyming off a three-fight winning run with two of those coming before the end of the ninth. He may carry a <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">68% knockout average</strong>, but the Brit has never been considered a fighter with concussive power in his hands and that's why there's 7/2 on him to win the title by KO. A chunky offer but it's deemed a more realistic outcome than the points verdict on foreign soil, 7/1 the call there. Both prices can be found trading on the Sportsbook. Prefer to keep it simple? The <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><b>away win is</b></span> <span class="inline-odds" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 3px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;" title="5/2">3.45</span> through the Betfair Exchange.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The underdog may have been <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">treated harshly</strong> by odds-makers across the board as he'll perform better than his pre-fight odds suggest. Is he good enough to win it? We don't think so, but he won't be easy to budge.</span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6w5RyQQ10hiqRIgsF-IwYQ3gmjiAuMPFB1ivXu6XgPDgmfmOwS7pG2tzamd2nazOQzb7heFk1O-xOCYjJfrUMb42j8lHmri09qMQSuAwVrcp0FkyOKtvARAqyZO6JcXBsrTMTkEkaOFI/s1600/Valdez-Quigg-ToT.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6w5RyQQ10hiqRIgsF-IwYQ3gmjiAuMPFB1ivXu6XgPDgmfmOwS7pG2tzamd2nazOQzb7heFk1O-xOCYjJfrUMb42j8lHmri09qMQSuAwVrcp0FkyOKtvARAqyZO6JcXBsrTMTkEkaOFI/s640/Valdez-Quigg-ToT.jpeg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: #fafafa; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: BetFairFlama, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <br /></div>

Oscar Valdez v Scott Quigg: The Brit's an underdog but won't be easy to get rid of

Oscar Valdez v Scott Quigg Sunday, 03:00 GMT Live on Sky Sports Englishman Scott Quigg travels to the Stub Hub Center, Carson in an attem...

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