The Punter's In-Play Blog: Ben Crane the early in-running play in Canada

<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;">After what was a fantastic week's entertainment at Carnoustie, this week's golf has a bit of an 'after the Lord Major's show' feel about it and I must confess, I'm struggling to muster much enthusiasm for the <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;">Porsche European Open</span></strong> in particular.</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 long, largely featureless Porsche Nord Course has little about it to get the juices flowing and having all <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;">my pre-event picks</span></strong> struggle doesn't help much either.</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;">Bryson DeChambeau</strong> led after the opening round and he's been matched at low of <span class="inline-odds" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 3px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;" title="3/1"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><b>3.90</b></span></span>already but I'm happy to sit on my hands for now. We have to go all the way back to the Qatar Masters in February to find the last first round leader to go on to win on the European Tour (Eddie Pepperell) and it's more than a year since a solo first round leader when on to win (Matt Wallace - 2017 Portugal Masters).</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 isn't the first time Bryson's led on the European Tour. He was one clear after day one of the 2016 Abu Dhabi Championship but he finished 54th! Of course, he's a very different player now, and a two-time PGA Tour winner, but even so, I was happy to swerve him at around 3/1 and I'm happy to continue to sit on my hands.</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;">US Masters champ, <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Patrick Reed</strong>, is on the move this morning, after a grumpy day yesterday that was saved by birdies at his last two holes. He didn't endear himself to anyone with his bad-tempered outburst below but it doesn't appear to have unduly affected him and he's now hit the front.</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;">It looks a tough one to call with the <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">cream rising to the top</strong>. Last year's runner-up, <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Alex Levy</strong>, is making a move this morning, Paul Casey is lurking at just three off the lead and <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;">Joe Dyer's each-way fancy, Scott Hend</span></strong>, who like DeChambeau and Casey, tees off this afternoon, is also on the premises. The value could be with the early starters today though. The wind looks like it might be getting up now and the afternoon starters on day one shot an average of almost a shot more than the early starters yesterday.</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;">Over at the <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">RBC Canadian Open</span></strong>, the first round is yet to be finished, thanks to a dangerous weather break yesterday afternoon, but it doesn't look like anyone will catch <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Robert Garrigus</strong>, who fired a nine-under-par 63 yesterday morning.</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;">My two <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;">pre-event picks</span></strong>, Bubba Watson and Jhonattan Vegas have been disappointing and I'm largely happy to play the waiting game here for now too but I mentioned the link to Torrey Pines in <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;">the preview</span></strong> and I felt the 2010 Farmers Insurance Open winner there, <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ben Crane</strong>, was big enough to chance modestly at an average of <span class="inline-odds" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 3px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;" title="109/1"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><b>110.00</b></span></span>, after he began the tournament with a six-under-par 66 to sit tied for fourth.</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;">Porsche European Open Pre-Event Selections:<br /><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Julien Guerrier @</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="109/1">110.00</span><br />Richard McEvoy @ <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="169/1">170.00</span><br />Tapio Pulkkanen @ <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="249/1">250.00</span><br />Sebastian Heisele @ <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="249/1">250.00</span><br />Alexander Knappe @ <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="249/1">250.00</span><br />Pedro Oriol @ <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="299/1">300.00</span></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;"> <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;">RBC Canadian Open Pre-Event Selections:<br /><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Bubba Watson @</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="26/1">27.00</span><br />Jhonattan Vegas @ <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="74/1">75.00</span></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;"> <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;">In-Play Pick:<br /><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Ben Crane @ </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; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="109/1">110.00</span></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;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwGFKR-CGepfPwRklo5Ka76cejYBgfOE8PJMj97asnGpQ4LJmql0i0lklzxDMJdyQvzKdfz4Sue5t3RYJeCKU69BWksigZtB36S6QFtelQnMwnTJRVf76ai9yBjFVnHJFSBLQ8DZfhpw/s1600/Ben+Crane+720.956x538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="956" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwGFKR-CGepfPwRklo5Ka76cejYBgfOE8PJMj97asnGpQ4LJmql0i0lklzxDMJdyQvzKdfz4Sue5t3RYJeCKU69BWksigZtB36S6QFtelQnMwnTJRVf76ai9yBjFVnHJFSBLQ8DZfhpw/s640/Ben+Crane+720.956x538.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>

The Punter's In-Play Blog: Ben Crane the early in-running play in Canada

After what was a fantastic week's entertainment at Carnoustie, this week's golf has a bit of an 'after the Lord Major's sho...

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AFL Preview Round 19: Dockers v Hawks

<b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fremantle v Hawthorn<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Sun 4:40pm at Optus Stadium</span></b><br /> <b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s not exactly a blockbuster to end Round 19, but for Hawks fans this game against the Dockers is as important as they come. Grimly hanging onto 8th place, every game from here on in is essentially a must-win; but that is no easy feat against a Freo side that seems to grow an inch at home.</span></span></div> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"></b></span></span><br /> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Form</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Fremantle </i><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">(WLLWL) – After their impressive display against Port a fortnight ago, it was to be expected the bubble was going burst for Lyon’s young charges against a hungry, in-form Essendon side last round. They weren’t embarrassed by any means, but they certainly proved once again that they are a different side away from home and the Bombers midfield took advantage of a young Dockers engine room missing their two most influential players. Cerra, Brayshaw, Banfield, Jones and co. are very promising young players, but it goes without saying it will take awhile to show that talent consistently.</span></span></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;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Hawthorn </i><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">(WLWLW) – The Hawks are precariously placed in 8th, just 0.8% above Geelong and they can thank their lucky stars they were presented with the perfect opportunity to boost their percentage in such a close season. Led by the irrepressible Tom Mitchell, who continues to suffer from the effect of leather poisoning, Hawthorn flew out of the blocks. Luke Breust continued his march towards an All-Australian spot with 5 goals, proving once again he is one of the smartest forwards in the league, and ‘Poppy’ turned back the clock with 4 goals to go with his 22 disposals. Clarkson will no doubt be a little peeved they let their foot off the throat somewhat in the 2nd half, but at the end of the day a 72 point win (and no extra injuries) is gold at this time of the year.</span></span></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;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Stats That Matter</strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">– Hawthorn have won 10 of the last 11 meetings</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">– Freo average 81 points at Home compared to 65 points Away</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">– Tom Mitchell is averaging 159 Fantasy Points per game over his last 4</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">– The Dockers have won just three 3rd quarters this season (-140 points)</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">– Lachie Neale has had 30+ disposals in 4 of his last 5 games</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">– Freo are 2-6 on the Over/Under at Home this year</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">– Hawthorn have covered the spread and gone overs in their last 3 Away games</span></span></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Betting Data</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2018 Line: <i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Fremantle </i><i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">– </i>8-8; <i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Hawthorn- </i>9-7</span></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;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2018 Over-Under: <i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Fremantle </i><i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">– </i>9-7; <i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Hawthorn- </i>6-10</span></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What To Expect</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wolfie is well aware of Freo’s record at home but this experienced Hawthorn side are no mugs away either. There is so much on the line for the Hawks and Clarko will have them primed for this all week. The Wolf thinks the Hawks forward line will be too much for the Dockers defence to handle, so long as the midfield can handle the enthusiastic Freo pressure that will be coming their way.</span></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;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">How It’s Shaping Up</strong>Hawthorn by 19</span></span></div> <h4 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.2rem 0px 0.5rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bets</span></span></h4> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best Bet: Hawthorn -15.5 ($1.91)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Value Bet: Hawthorn -15.5 & Total OVER 159.5 ($4.00)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Player Prop: Tom Mitchell 140+ Fantasy Points ($2.75)</strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />First Goalscorer: David Mundy</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/AVvXsEiu-pyiWJbCdt2nvoTna1qcnoXXZ7nvJz6Yc65-Cv7URa7EiG1L9JAqMTQcFChoffrVtYb87uWJGLsn2-WJWDmmSIauPqdFEXSC3yENpE_nkI98xNe-S6_GHfhZZg3pGUpZcxlYSqC5idA/s1600/Nick%252BSuban%252BAFL%252BRd%252B18%252BFremantle%252Bv%252BHawthorn%252BNGJmpaaNoUWl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-pyiWJbCdt2nvoTna1qcnoXXZ7nvJz6Yc65-Cv7URa7EiG1L9JAqMTQcFChoffrVtYb87uWJGLsn2-WJWDmmSIauPqdFEXSC3yENpE_nkI98xNe-S6_GHfhZZg3pGUpZcxlYSqC5idA/s640/Nick%252BSuban%252BAFL%252BRd%252B18%252BFremantle%252Bv%252BHawthorn%252BNGJmpaaNoUWl.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br /></strong></span></div> </div>

AFL Preview Round 19: Dockers v Hawks

Fremantle v Hawthorn Sun 4:40pm at Optus Stadium It’s not exactly a blockbuster to end Round 19, but for Hawks fans this game against the...

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NRL Preview Round 20: Rabbitohs v Eels

<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Saturday, July 28, 5:30pm<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />ANZ Stadium, Sydney</span></strong><br /> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Rabbitohs had their nine-game winning streak broken by the Tigers last week and it also cost them top spot on the NRL ladder for the time being. The Eels remain in last position despite their win over the Bulldogs and couldn’t be meeting the Rabbitohs at a worse time, coming off their shock loss against the Tigers.</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;">Recent Form</strong>South Sydney had a nine-game streak ended by the Wests Tigers at ANZ on Saturday night in a 22-6 upset. The Rabbitohs sit third on the ladder with a 13-5 record. They rank second in attack and third in defence. Souths have conceded at least 20 in three of their last four. Parramatta remain last on the ladder with just four wins from their 18 games. They rank last in scoring and 13th in defence. Parramatta enter this off a win. They have kept opponents to 20 or fewer in four of their last five.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Stats That Matter</strong>– South Sydney are 12-6 ATS with an 11-7 under record, going under in 7 of their last 9.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Parramatta are 6-12 ATS with a 12-6 under record, going under in 8 of 9.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Eels have won three of their last four against the Rabbitohs but were thumped 42-24 just five weeks back.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The teams have played five straight that have topped 38 points.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Souths have covered 13 of their last 17 at ANZ.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Souths have covered 5 of their last 7 off a loss at ANZ.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Souths are 9-6 ATS at ANZ when favoured by more than a converted try while they are 6-2 ATS when favoured by double digits at ANZ.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Eels are 23-11 under at ANZ since 2015.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Parramatta have covered just 3 of their last 13 at ANZ.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The under is 17-6 in Eels night games at ANZ.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Parramatta are 6-3 ATS when getting a start of 10 or more over the last four seasons.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The under is 13-4 when the Eels scored 14 or fewer the last start and are at home while Souths are 5-8 ATS.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Souths have covered 10 of their last 14 off conceding 20 or more.</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>Look out Parramatta! The Rabbitohs will be fired up after they had their nine-game winning streak broken last week, while this clash also sees the 2nd best attack (Rabbitohs) in the competition up against the worst scoring side (Eels). South Sydney put 42 points on the Eels back in Round 15.  The Rabbitohs have covered 13 of their last 17 matches at ANZ and should put on an attacking clinic once again against the struggling Eels.</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 Shapes Up</strong>South Sydney by 24</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;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bets<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best: South Sydney -10.5 ($1.91)</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Value: South Sydney by 19+ ($2.75)</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">First Tryscorer: Alex Johnston ($10)</span></span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKR124Oo-7MiA5RJ5RUX549ipQS6Z_EemGMEUKc1UIwyVPOYf94MKSK98Nd_rBypMkInWaK0-9j7ViR8aswbxukOXv_TsERT0OfLf0yJUO0nbDzATCLkNmViWtsnf1N5cCyLNc4eI3WI/s1600/20180726081102_161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKR124Oo-7MiA5RJ5RUX549ipQS6Z_EemGMEUKc1UIwyVPOYf94MKSK98Nd_rBypMkInWaK0-9j7ViR8aswbxukOXv_TsERT0OfLf0yJUO0nbDzATCLkNmViWtsnf1N5cCyLNc4eI3WI/s640/20180726081102_161.jpg" width="640" /></a><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></span></strong></div>

NRL Preview Round 20: Rabbitohs v Eels

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels Saturday, July 28, 5:30pm ANZ Stadium, Sydney The Rabbitohs had their nine-game winning streak b...

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ATP Tennis Tips: Hamburg/Atlanta/Gstaad – 2nd Round (Thur)

<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;">Alex de Minaur was disappointing against Isner earlier today but there could be plenty for the Aussies to cheer about with Kyrgios, Millman and Ebden in action taking the court. Millman has his hands full against Thiem but the other two are firm favourites in their respective matches in Atlanta.</span></div> <h4 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.2rem 0px 0.5rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ATP Hamburg Tips</span></h4> <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;">Pablo Carreno-Busta v Aljaz Bedene</b>This has the makings of the match of the week! The pair have met on 5 occasions with each and every match going the distance – including a 5 setter at the French Open in 2016. Bedene leads the H2H 3-2 with Carreno-Busta winning their most recent meeting at the Rome Masters earlier this year. The Spaniard comes into the match in better form but it will take him three sets to get it done. You want to be on the Overs.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Best Bet: Over 22.5 games ($1.91)</strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></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;">Dominic Thiem v John Millman</b>Aussie John Millman has been in career best form but he runs into the second best clay courter on the planet. Thiem leads their series 2-0 with both wins coming on American hard courts. On the red dirt, The Wolf expects Thiem to post a convincing win.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best Bet: Thiem -5 ($2.00)</span></strong></span></div> <h4 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.2rem 0px 0.5rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ATP Atlanta Tips</span></h4> <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;">Noah Rubin v Nick Kyrgios</b>Kyrgios is playing his first match since losing to Nishikori at Wimbledon while American Noah Rubin can make it back-to-back wins over Australian opponents after beating Kokkinakis in his opening round match. Rubin has come through the qualifiers here and has been dominant on serve. He won almost 75% of total points on serve against Kokkinakis and Kyrgios is not one to break serve regularly. There have been 13 breakers in Kyrgios’ last 8 matches and The Wolf is ready to launch into the Overs!<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Best Bet: Over 20.5 games ($1.67)</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/AVvXsEgMGukpxABRbX_HxxBrW9FpaluUppUNgvNsdyFJ_0rlWCryv7-mET_pM7iUaIkpm5YAhCAxwGNNF5EAeazuPPXxPhAWBy28p9gExfO404pk22SnRu0XMqF7flzhQA2K2L8YPgeDt2-4hMo/s1600/GEPA_full_8760_GEPA-10061867025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGukpxABRbX_HxxBrW9FpaluUppUNgvNsdyFJ_0rlWCryv7-mET_pM7iUaIkpm5YAhCAxwGNNF5EAeazuPPXxPhAWBy28p9gExfO404pk22SnRu0XMqF7flzhQA2K2L8YPgeDt2-4hMo/s640/GEPA_full_8760_GEPA-10061867025.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>

ATP Tennis Tips: Hamburg/Atlanta/Gstaad – 2nd Round (Thur)

Alex de Minaur was disappointing against Isner earlier today but there could be plenty for the Aussies to cheer about with Kyrgios, Millman...

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Premier League: Astute summer signings could land Leicester a European spot

<div class="entry-body__intro" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Ricardo Pereira, Jonny Evans, James Maddison and Danny Ward on board, Ben McAleer believes the Foxes could return to the upper echelons of the top-flight once again...</span></span></div> <div class="entry-body__story" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="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></span></div> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0.5rem auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Strong summer signings boost Foxes</span></strong></h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leicester City are quietly, yet effectively, going about their business in the off-season. The Foxes have made some <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sturdy acquisitions</strong> so far this summer, with the club's owners backing <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Claude Puel</strong> in the transfer market after it seemed the Frenchman's stay at the King Power Stadium was coming to a premature end.</span></span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="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;">Ricardo Pereira</strong> was perhaps the standout acquisition, with the Portuguese full-back enjoying a fine campaign for title-winning <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">FC Porto</strong>. His arrival sees he and Puel link up once more, with the duo reuniting after spending a season together during their respective stints in <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Nice</strong>.</span></span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highly-rated <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">James Maddison</strong>, who created more goalscoring chances (124) than any other player in the <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Championship</strong> last season, followed Pereira to the King Power Stadium, with Leicester beating off interest from Liverpool and Tottenham to land Norwich's 21-year-old.</span></span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="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;">Jonny Evans</strong> is another smart capture by the Foxes, while promising shotstopper Danny Ward has also made the move to Leicester after <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Liverpool</strong> landed Alisson. Of course, there remain question marks over the futures of <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kasper Schmeichel</strong> and Harry Maguire, two of the club's more effective performers at the World Cup for <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Denmark</strong> and England, respectively, while Leicester need to land a Riyad Mahrez replacement, but Puel is assembling a squad that will only improve.</span></span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="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></span></div> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0.5rem auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Leicester have shown positive signs under Puel</span></strong></h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="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;">The Foxes</strong> showed flickers of their potential last season under Puel, even if a <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sticky patch</strong>towards the end of the campaign threatened to derail the good early work the Frenchman performed at the King Power. In light of that, the backing of the owners in the transfer market is a confidence boost to say the least. What remains key now is how to properly invest the money raised from <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mahrez's</strong> back into bolstering the squad.</span></span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leicester haven't spent beyond their means, with the club parting ways with upwards of £55m to land Pereira, Maddison, <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ward</strong> and Evans, and have raised over £60m from the sale of Mahrez. However, the Algerian's departure will significantly impact the Foxes should they fail to reinvest accordingly. Mahrez was one of a handful of players to register double figures for both goals (12) and assists (10) in the <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Premier League</strong> last season, while the Mahrez to <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jamie Vardy</strong> combination returned seven goals, the best in England's top tier last term.</span></span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 27-year-old's game improved immensely after Puel took charge and while Mahrez went on strike to try to force a January move to <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Manchester City</strong> through, he was far and away the club's best player. Leicester, though, aren't likely to waste time to secure his replacement, and while the club missed out on the signature of <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Alireza Jahanbakhsh</strong>, who on Wednesday evening secured his club-record switch to <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Brighton</strong>, the club undoubtedly has another ace up their sleeve</span></span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Indeed, it goes without saying that Leicester have made some smart additions to the squad so far this summer, even without a Mahrez replacement secured just yet. Pereira is a huge upgrade on <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Danny Simpson</strong> and Daniel Amartey at right-back, while <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Maddison</strong> will ease the creative burden on Puel's current attacking options. Evans is a vastly Premier League experienced centre-back and if they can keep Maguire, then Leicester will have a solid partnership at the back.</span></span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="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;">Demarai Gray</strong> has impressed Puel in pre-season, with the Frenchman noting recently: "He likes this space, he can move and give good solutions for the team and it's great for the future." Gray started as a striker in the win over <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Notts County</strong> and scored a decisive goal in the victory, so it could be that the 22-year-old operates in a more advanced position to one he is familiar with or in a number 10 role in a 4-2-3-1 setup, though Maddison is likely to occupy that space behind the forward. <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Fousseni Diabate</strong> also became a prominent figure in the Leicester XI after Puel's appointment and it could prove that the Malian plays more frequently. Between Gray, Maddison and Diabete, it could be that the Foxes already have their Mahrez replacement within the current squad.</span></span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="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></span></div> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0.5rem auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Leicester's summmer business warrants praise</span></strong></h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pair, though, may struggle to replicate the partnership between Mahrez and Vardy, which has proven so effective over the years, but all in all, Leicester's summer business should be applauded. Key now will be retaining the services of Schmeichel and <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Maguire</strong>, even with the capture of Ward to, potentially, replace the former. The Foxes have proven they aren't to be pushed around in the transfer market, which could benefit the club.</span></span></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Provided they can stave off rival clubs from the signature of two of their star players, then the Foxes are again a solid selection for a top-10 finish. However, with a settled management staff and reinforcements at the back already, then <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>Leicester to secure a top-6 finish</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="19/2">10.50</span> could prove good value on the Exchange. They won't have European football to draw their attention from domestic duties and with a relatively easy start to the season, the cash-out option could prove to be a friend rather than a foe here. A settled system and squad will play into their hands and if they can secure a high-profile Mahrez replacement, those odds will only shorten. Given <strong style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Arsenal</strong> and Chelsea's managerial changes, too, Leicester could capitalise once more to upset the top six applecart.</span></span></div> <h3 style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px 0px 0.5rem; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">RECOMMENDED BETS</span></span></h3> <div style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; 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="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(112, 112, 112); 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;">Back Leicester to secure a top-6 finish at </span><span class="inline-odds" style="background-color: white; 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; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="19/2">10.50</span></span></strong></div> <div style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; 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="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="inline-odds" style="background-color: white; 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; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="19/2"><br /></span></span></strong></div> <div style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcNxCrWHWQkFlL5_ai5Sj9VP7EdQEUuohwNzEhnQDCYQx3UUatWosZKX7lBPUVxE3lsinoCorRYylRIgcM_NSZFAdMXkJM9z3OA_R4AAGxhVmbO94oUhOGAi3ebi0Zxk-VIaCxlIcuPY/s1600/3a_1-1904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcNxCrWHWQkFlL5_ai5Sj9VP7EdQEUuohwNzEhnQDCYQx3UUatWosZKX7lBPUVxE3lsinoCorRYylRIgcM_NSZFAdMXkJM9z3OA_R4AAGxhVmbO94oUhOGAi3ebi0Zxk-VIaCxlIcuPY/s640/3a_1-1904.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> </div>

Premier League: Astute summer signings could land Leicester a European spot

With Ricardo Pereira, Jonny Evans, James Maddison and Danny Ward on board, Ben McAleer believes the Foxes could return to the upper echelon...

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NRL Preview Round 20: Cowboys v Knights

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">North Queensland Cowboys v Newcastle Knights<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Friday, July 27, 6pm<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />1300SMILES Stadium, Townsville</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 Johnathan Thurston farewell tour continues in Townsville on Friday night, and it will be up to the Cowboys to give their inspirational leader a rare victory this season. The Cowboys have lost their last five matches and eight of their last nine. The Knights will fancy their chances of an upset over the struggling Cowboys, with wins over the Eels and Titans in their last two matches. We could also see the homecoming and return of the exciting Kalyn Ponga.</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;">Recent Form</strong>North Queensland are 15th on the ladder with a poor 4-14 record. They rank 14th in scoring and 11th in defence. The Cowboys have dropped their last five and eight of their last nine. North Queensland have scored more than 20 points just three times this year. Newcastle are 11th on the ladder with an 8-10 record. They have the worst defence in the NRL while they rate 12th in scoring. The Knights have won their last two and are 7-2 against teams outside the Top 8.</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>– North Queensland are 7-11 ATS with a 12-6 under record, going under in eight of their last nine.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Newcastle are 9-9 ATS with a 10-8 over record.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Cowboys have won three straight and 8 of their last 11 against the Knights.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– North Queensland have won five of the last six against the Knights in Townsville with the last four wins being by 12 or more.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Three of the last five clashes have topped 50 points.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Cowboys are 18-14 ATS when favoured by 4 or more points at home, including a 12-6 ATS record off a loss.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Cowboys are 14-8 ATS after being held to 12 points or fewer.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– The Knights are 18-26 ATS since 2015 away from Newcastle, including a 9-15 ATS record in night/twilight games.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Newcastle are 13-21 ATS on the road after conceding 20 or more.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />– Newcastle have failed to cover their last three after winning two straight.</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>Both of these sides have struggled this year, making it hard to settle on a winner. The Wolf has decided that the Townsville factor will prove the difference. North Queensland have won five of the last six against the Knights in Townsville, and should return to the winner’s circle here.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">How It Shapes Up</strong>North Queensland by 4</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bets<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best: North Queensland ($1.52)</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Value: North Queensland & Over 40.5 ($2.85)</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">First Tryscorer: Gavin Cooper</span></span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpvpoV9FNL13i8WALvXSIMHwoBzz-Lgz1DE_-yGxzG60M4ezyGgsrqTUHj5eHQLmrWcrx4R8TiebMbECNs3IOD685Pw76XPLd20rXynh96_zAVb2ClzDQC-SZZLZRyR_NAOZ89nzKeCo/s1600/preview-pic_round-20_cowboys-v-knights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="600" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpvpoV9FNL13i8WALvXSIMHwoBzz-Lgz1DE_-yGxzG60M4ezyGgsrqTUHj5eHQLmrWcrx4R8TiebMbECNs3IOD685Pw76XPLd20rXynh96_zAVb2ClzDQC-SZZLZRyR_NAOZ89nzKeCo/s640/preview-pic_round-20_cowboys-v-knights.jpg" width="640" /></a><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></span></strong></div> </div>

NRL Preview Round 20: Cowboys v Knights

North Queensland Cowboys v Newcastle Knights Friday, July 27, 6pm 1300SMILES Stadium, Townsville The Johnathan Thurston farewell tour co...

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