Quick Adjustment Required in Chappell-Hadlee Opener

Posted on 2016-12-04 by Online Betting Pro

Australia’s calamitous summer continues tomorrow in Sydney when they host the Black Caps in the first match of the Chappell Hadlee series.

The Australians will look to put behind them a dour 2016 that has seen them be destroyed by Sri Lanka, embarrassed by South Africa twice, and seen several selection personnel and players get discarded.

Having restored some pride in the baggy green in the Adelaide third test dead rubber against South Africa, the Australians head to Sydney to ease media pressure and quash internal discontent.

The Black Caps on the other hand will be buoyant after disposing of Pakistan on home soil in the recent test series. But in order to retain the Chappell-Hadlee trophy they’ll need to win in Australia – something they have’t done in an awfully long time.

Both teams will need to adjust from red ball (pink ball in Australia’s case) to white ball quickly to grab the head start in the three game series.

The Last Time These Two Met

New Zealand hold the Chappell-Hadlee trophy after last year’s 2-1 series win. After dominating to win game one in Auckland by 159 runs, Australia drew level in Wellington, before the Black Caps closed out the series at Seddon Park. The win in Hamilton was especially impressive, built on the back of the fabulous spin bowling and fielding.

But the prospect of a trip to Australia is daunting for the Black Caps. Nine of their squad haven’t played a one-dayer in Australia, and those that have will hold scars from the 2015 World Cup final. The only silver lining and fact that will give NZ some hope is the fact that Australia got thrashed 5-0 by South Africa in an away ODI series recently and have selected a similar group of players for this series.

Interestingly, since the start of 2015 Australia have played 16 ODIs at home. They won 15 of those in a row.

The Teams

Australia (from):

David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steven Smith (capt), George Bailey, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Wade (wk), James Faulkner, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.

Australia have picked a team pretty similar to the one that travelled to South Africa recently and were beaten 5-0. However, this time around they have not rested Starc or Hazlewood.

Expect Glenn Maxwell to miss out after he made some disparaging comments about fellow squad member and his Victorian captain, Matthew Wade.

New Zealand (likely):

Kane Williamson (capt), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, BJ Watling (wk).

BJ Watling gets a second chance at a ODI career – Luke Ronchi has been dropped. Also in that category is Corey Anderson, Doug Bracewell, Ish Sodhi and Anton Devcich. Ross Taylor is unavailable.

Look out for speedster Lockie Ferguson. He’s been tearing domestic sides apart in New Zealand, regularly touching 150km/h.

The Key Players

Australia

Mitchell Starc – This guy does crazy things with the white cricket ball. Admittedly he does impressive things with the red ball too, but with the white ball he is quick and dangerous. The extra swing he generates will have Guptill and Latham worried and he could completely turn games in his first spell.

New Zealand

Kane Williamson – The New Zealand captain hasn’t scored the amount of runs he would have liked recently. He was quiet in India and had only one half century in the test series against Pakistan. But he’ll have fond memories of Australia after dominating the test series there last year. Williamson will look to spend as much time at the crease as possible; avoiding risk and allowing the rest of the team to build the innings around him, especially big hitters like de Grandhomme and Munro.

The Match Odds

Australia – $1.40 at Palmerbet.

New Zealand – $3.30 at Betfair.

The Prediction

New Zealand will need to scrap their little hearts out all game and rely on the little 1%ers (fielding and so on) to get the better of Australia here. We can’t see it happening given the team is so inexperienced. We’re also worried the likes of Latham, Watling and Nicholls are just not powerful enough to carry New Zealand to a big total. Australia to win.

The Best Bets

Colin Munro is super inconsistent but is starting to feel more comfortable at the top level after playing in the World Twenty20 and the IPL. He loves the ball coming on to the bat and could be dangerous if he gets a start. He’s paying $6 to top score at Bet365, which looks pretty good money.

Steve Smith does one-daters pretty well. There was a period against India last year where he was impossible to dismiss. Look for him to top score at odds of $4.33.

Chase Action Heads To Aintree Over Grand National Course

Posted on 2016-12-03 by Online Betting Pro

The Becher Chase and Tingle Creek Chase highlight a huge afternoon of jumps action in the UK but it’s the early season return to Aintree that will be attracting the most attention. First run in 1992, this meeting became the second to be run at the Merseyside venue each year and quickly became an early season trial for the Randox Health Grand National.

The Betfred Becher Chase is open to horses five years and older and is run over the same 21 fences as the Grand National. Two winners have gone on to win the ultimate prize; Amberleigh House and Silver Birch. Earth Summit won the Becher Chase in 1998 following his Grand National win the prior April. The race is named in honour of Martin Becher (1797-1864), a former soldier and jockey after who’s name is also attached to the Becher’s Brook obstacle.

Experience a key

Recent history shows that experience counts in this early-season chase with only one winner in the last decade aged younger than nine, and only two seven-year-olds victorious in the race’s 24-year history. Nine winners had been placed or won over three miles or beyond while all horses on the honour roll had been successful in a race of 13 runners or more.

Notably, only one favourite has ever triumphed with the bulk of winners in the 15/2 out to 25/1 price range. One that ticks more boxes than most is the defending champion Highland Lodge (20/1 with Betfred). He had a level of fitness last year, whereas this time he has had a steady preparation and has been aimed at this race.

Hot hand for Mullins

Sandown hosts its first Grade 1 race of the Jumps season in the shape of the two-mile Tingle Creek Chase – one of the most fiercely contested events in the winter calendar. The race attracts the elite two-mile chasers and has developed in recent years into a prestigious event in its own right, as well as a major stepping stone towards the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

It’s been a bizarre lead-up with bookies smashing Willie Mullins’ Douvan despite the fact that he was always unlikely to run. Stablemate Un De Sceaux (which looks very hard to beat) is now the favourite at a top price of 15-8 on Paddy Power, while Ar Mad, the winner of the Henry VIII Novice Chase over the same course and distance 12 months ago, is a 10-3 chance.

Awardee eyes lucky seventh

Kitasan Black’s spectacular wire-to-wire victory in last week’s Japan Cup at Tokyo is still the talk of the nation as the racing spotlight shifts to Nagoya’s Chukyo Racecourse for the Champions Cup. It is one of only two JRA Grade 1 races held at Chukyo and one of only two JRA Grade 1s run on dirt (over 1800m on this left-handed track). Even-money hope Awardee looks super tough to beat. The winner of the JBC Classic at Kawasaki is looking to make it seven in a row. Winner of 10 of 23, the American-bred Awardee beat dual winner of the Champions Cup, Hokko Tarumae, by 0.75L in that race on November 3. His winning streak has been all on dirt following a move from turf and over distances from 1800 to 2100 metres.

Will Everton vs. Man United Go Down to the Wire?

Posted on 2016-12-02 by Online Betting Pro

Everton and Manchester United may not have been a “crunch” tie in years gone by, but this season’s clash could have major implications for both sides’ Champions League ambitions. When United was riding high under the guidance of Alex Ferguson, a journey to Goodison Park would have been a taxing yet comfortable one.

On December 4, however, United certainly won’t have things all their own way. In fact, if current form holds true, then this could prove to be a game of very fine margins. With United sitting one point ahead of Everton in sixth, Jose Mourinho will be hoping his side can maintain this advantage on Sunday. Unfortunately, if visitors are to start and finish ahead, they’ll have to do it without Wayne Rooney.

Injuries In and Out

Although he’s been far from a talisman for the club this season, Rooney did look like the player of old in United’s recent 4-1 League Cup quarter-final win. After receiving a bashing from the press and the cold shoulder from England, Rooney played like a man possessed. Asserting a determined physicality that we haven’t seen since his teenage years, Rooney could yet add some firepower to United’s lacklustre streak.

However, if he is going to ignite a fire under his teammates, it won’t be against his former club. A fifth yellow card of the season during the West Ham match means Rooney will have to watch from the sidelines. To compound Mourinho’s attacking dilemma, the Red Devils will also have some defensive frailties. Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly are both out with foot injuries.

On the other side of the pitch, Everton will be a man up thanks to the return of James McCarthy. The midfielder could be just the tonic for what’s proven to be a rollercoaster ride for Everton fans this season. Impressive results against Stoke, Middlesbrough and Manchester City have allowed Everton to collect 19 points from 13 games. But, with thumping losses to Chelsea (5-0) and missed opportunities at Crystal Palace and Southampton (twice), the side have looked decidedly shaky at times.

The Stats Can’t Separate Them

McCarthy could add some much-needed stability in the middle of the park, but that might not be enough to stop the advances of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Juan Mata and Paul Pogba. One thing Everton fans can take solace in ahead of the match is that United haven’t been prolific in front of goal. In fact, when you look at goals for and against, Everton and United are almost identical. United’s 18 scored is only marginally better than Everton’s 16, while both are currently poised on 15 conceded.

If we’re to conclude anything from that, it’s that this will be a tight game. Regardless of previous form and results, there is very little to choose between both teams in the stats department. From games won (five apiece), goals and points, the two opposing teams have posted very similar numbers this season.

Taking this into account, it’s easy to see why bet365 is currently hedging its odds between Everton winning and a draw. With 13/5 on the former and 5/2 on the latter, a £10 bet on either would result in a modest return with a fairly low degree of risk. Naturally, United will start the game as the betting favourites and Sun Bets is offering one of the most enticing prices at 11/10.

War of Attrition or a Bore Draw?

Whichever way you look at it, this game will go down to the wire. Injury worries for United are countered with players returning at Everton, while almost identical Premier League stats make it tough to separate the two sides. If that wasn’t enough, the betting odds don’t appear to offer much in the way of a clear favourite.

To really get some value from this game from a betting perspective (based on what we already know), 0-0 at 9/1 with Sun Bets looks to be a strong option. Both sides have shown they’re fairly solid at the back (15 conceded isn’t awful), yet neither have proved to be deadly in front of goal. This would suggest both teams could cancel each other out which, if this proves to be the case, would make a draw (specifically a goalless one) an intriguing proposition.

England Favourites to WhiteWash Australia; Remain Unbeaten.

Posted on 2016-12-02 by Online Betting Pro

Australia head to Twickenham after a dour performance against Ireland going down 27-24, which also ended their Grand Slam hopes. England looks to extend their winning streak to 13 after closing out Argentina 27-14 in a spiteful match.

England rolled Australia at home 3-0 during the June tour, so there is plenty of incentive for both teams to win and there is no love lost between coaches Eddie Jones and Michael Chieka, who have been at it in the media since June. However, Australia has struggled in 2016, and during this tour faded late into the 2nd half, which was truly evident against France and Ireland. Australia failed to put a patched up Ireland to the sword turning over too much ball in the way of errors and poor protection at the breakdown, and failing to execute backline play.

England remains unbeaten and is willing to win ugly. On top of injuries and suspension, coach Eddie Jones will need to replace battering ram #8 Billy Vunipola, who suffered a knee injury against Argentina. However, most of the team from their last fixture will be available.

Heading into this fixture, England is clear favourites and it’s hard to look past a team playing with confidence and thriving under coach Eddie Jones, who has moulded exciting combinations amongst his squad. Australia will need to front up and ensure someone takes control of the backline if they want to penetrate a rushing English defensive line. This encounter will be one game too much for the Australians; the English should come home easily 16-20 points and will want to make a statement with the upcoming 6 nations.

Teams

England

XV: M Brown; M Yarde; J Joseph, O Farrell; J May; G Ford; B Youngs; M Vunipola; D Hartley (capt); D Cole; C Lawes; G Kruis; C Robshaw;T Wood; N Hughes.

Replacements: J George; J Marler; K Sinckler; C Ewels; T Harrison; D Care; B Te’o; H Slade.

Australia

XV: Israel Folau; Sefanaia Naivalu; Tevita Kuridrani; Reece Hodge; Dane Haylett-Petty; Bernard Foley; Nick Phipps; Lopeti Timani; Michael Hooper; David Pocock; Rob Simmons; Kane Douglas; Sekope Kepu; Stephen Moore (capt); Scott Sio.

Reserves: Tolu Latu; James Slipper; Tom Robertson; Dean Mumm; Sean McMahon; Nick Frisby; Quade Cooper; Henry Speight.

Odds

Australia: $4.00 at Betfair.

England: $1.29 at Unibet.

Prediction

It’s an old fashioned head and heart dilemma this week. The $4 is such a tempting prospect for a heart longing for a nice betting win, and to see England’s unbeaten run end. But the head says this is an England team that beat Australia 3-0 in June and should be too strong. Okay, you’re right head, England to remain unbeaten against Australia this year.

Group 1 WFA Race A Fitting Tribute For The King

Posted on 2016-12-01 by Online Betting Pro

When the Australian Racing Hall of Fame was created in 2001, just five horses were among the inaugural inductees and only one from the past half-century – Kingston Town. The black gelding ruled Australian racetracks in the early 1980s and became the first local thoroughbred to win AUD $1 million in prizemoney. ‘The King’ was far more comfortable on Sydney tracks, where he won 22 of 25 including 21 in a row, but still managed to win the W.S. Cox Plate on an unprecedented three occasions (1980-82). Trained by Tommy Smith and ridden in most of those starts by Malcolm Johnson, Kingston Town’s last Group 1 victory came in the 1982 Western Mail Classic at Ascot in Perth.

In 2007, local officials renamed the race in honour of the superstar. Appropriately, it is run under the conditions at which Kingston Town celebrated most of his marquee victories – weight for age – over a distance of 1800 metres.

Railway form must be respected

The race itself dates back to 1976 and has been run under several different names from the Marlboro 50,000 to the Fruit ‘N’ Veg Stakes. Similarly to the G1 races that have been raced under the TABtouch Masters banner over the past fortnight at Ascot, a smattering of eastern states horses will be taking on a strong local contingent for a share of the AUD $1 million in stakes.

Of the 16 runners, 11 ran in the Railway Stakes here two weeks ago. Three of the past winners of the Kingston Town Classic have come through that opening Group 1 of the Perth carnival. Only one of the past five winners has been backing up after running the previous week.

Despite the short history of this race, its honour roll is littered with multiple winners including Playing God (2010-11), Niconero (2006, 2008), Old Comrade (2000-01), Summer Beau (1996-97) and Family Of Man (1976, 1978).

Perth mare eyes back-to-back

Last year’s Kingston Town Classic winner Perfect Reflection is aiming to join that list and punters expect her to be prominent once again as the $4 favourite with William Hill. She has drawn barrier two in her attempt to turn the tables on Scales Of Justice and Good Project in Australia’s final Group One race of the calendar year.

The mare finished third behind that duo in the Group 1 Railway Stakes where Scales Of Justice led all the way. He faces a tougher task from the outside draw of 16 but has still attracted plenty of money as the clear second pick ($5.50 with William Hill), which he shares with Kiwi gelding Kawi. The Ascot track continues to favour runners on the speed, so expect Scales Of Justice to be prominent again, but Hong Kong-based jockey Douglas Whyte will need to spend plenty of fuel to have the 4yo gelding prominent.

Kiwi contender the one to beat

It was somewhat of a surprise to find Perfect Reflection at the top of the market, as Kawi is the runner with the strongest prospects heading into this race. Having been lumbered with 58.5kg in the Railway, the 6yo gelding now meets most of his rivals up to 5kg better under weight-for-age conditions. He was only beaten by 4.3 lengths last time out after being held up in the straight, so the step up to 1800m looks nicely timed in his third start in Western Australia. And this is a class animal, with five Group 1 wins among his record of 28:13-6-2.

For some value, Darren Weir’s Stratum Star looks overs at $12 on William Hill. He’s had a couple of trials locally to freshen up after the Melbourne spring and looked near his best in his previous outing (second) in the G3 Sandown Stakes on November 12.

An Entertaining London Derby Expected

Posted on 2016-12-01 by Online Betting Pro

IT’S a feisty London derby to look forward to on Saturday night when West Ham entertains Arsenal at The London Stadium, and it promises to be a decent watch.

After a fantastic first season in charge at West Ham for Slaven Bilic, this season has been a total shocker, and his side arrives at the crucial part of the season struggling for form with no wins from their last five matches.

The fixture list hasn’t been kind to the Hammers’ though with matches against Tottenham and Man United twice in that period, and despite the results, the performances have been encouraging, but it’s still very difficult to make a case for them in this one.

The bookies don’t give the home side much of a chance and neither do I, making Bilic’s side 4.80 for the win, and it’s hard to disagree as they’ve only managed to win twice at their new home in the Premier League all season.

Arsenal arrive in east London after a disappointing 2-0 cup defeat at home to Southampton, but not one player that featured on Wednesday night will be in the starting XI for this one, and that cup shock should be overlooked.

In the Premier League, it’s a very different story with Arsene Wenger’s side not losing since the opening day of the season; in the EPL betting markets, they are 1.80 with Betfred to keep up their good form, and I believe they will do just that.

WILL THERE BE GOALS?

Despite West Ham’s struggles they are still managing to score goals with five in their last four matches, and in every one of those games both teams have managed to find the back of the net.

It’s a very similar story at Arsenal with six of their last seven matches seeing both teams score, and I am expecting a few goals in what could be a very entertaining match-up.

Last season this fixture ended 3-3, and it’s always a clash that sees goals. I really like both teams to score at 1.66 with Bet365, and I will also be backing over 2.5 goals at the same price 1.66, plus I wouldn’t put anybody off backing over 3.5 goals at the more generous 2.62, again with Bet365.

West Ham’s Andy Carroll could feature in this one, and he caused the Arsenal defence all kinds of problems last year; but even if the England striker does feature, I believe Arsenal still have the extra firepower to edge a close one 3-2 at a massive 23.00 with Bet365 again.

Author: Online Betting Pro