Category: Live Sports News

Everton v West Brom: Toffees Still Dreaming of Champions League

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Everton currently lies eight points adrift of Liverpool in the race for the fourth and final Champions League qualifying spot ahead of this coming Saturday afternoon’s clash with West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park.

A win for Ronald Koeman’s men would narrow the gap on their city rivals Liverpool to just five points, with Arsenal and Manchester United also still challenging strongly for a top four finish, something the Toffees haven’t achieved since 2004-05.

West Brom meanwhile, currently sitting eighth under Tony Pulis’ tutelage, go into the match on Merseyside just nine points short of their highest ever total of 49 in the Premier League. And with 11 matches still to play, the Baggies look in good shape to possibly even better their highest ever finish of eighth achieved in 2012/13.

However, to do so Pulis’ men could do with overcoming the Toffees on Saturday who currently holds a four-point advantage over them in seventh place. They will also have to contain the Premier League’s second top goalscorer Romelu Lukaku, who has bagged 18 goals already this season, one more than he finished with back in 2012/13 when on loan at The Hawthorns.

Everton to Win and Lukaku to Score a No Brainer

Everton’s number nine has been in imperious form of late, notching nine goals, seven of them in the league since the turn of the year, including four in one game against Bournemouth at the start of February. One goal more will see him beat his previous career high total of league goals, which he achieved last term while two goals will incredibly see him become the first Everton player since Gary Lineker in 1985/86 to hit 20+ league goals in a single season. The big Belgian has also scored his club’s first goal on eight occasions already this season and is the 3/1 favourite with BetFred and Ladbrokes to make it nine occasions on Saturday.

Koeman’s main concern, as always, will be how Everton will cope if something happens to Lukaku. Ross Barkley and right-back Seamus Coleman are Everton’s second top goal scorers thus far with a paltry four goals each, while West Brom’s Salomón Rondón is hardly streets ahead of them himself as West Brom’s top goalscorer with just seven goals this season and none since a hat-trick against Swansea in mid-December.

McAuley to Notch Once Again?

Baggies veteran centre-back Gareth McAuley, with six goals to his name to date, offers a huge threat in the air from set pieces, something Pulis perennially has his teams extremely well drilled on. The Northern Ireland international is a superb 13/1 with Paddy Power to increase his tally at any time on Saturday and a massive 35/1 to open the scoring, both wagers surely worth digging deep for.

However, with Lukaku in such impressive form and with Everton having lost just one league match at home all season, it’s difficult to look past them extending their record and my top tip for this one will be for the Toffees to come out on top in a match where both teams hit the back of the net. Bet365 will offer that exact outcome with lucrative odds of 3/1 available for any willing punters.

If Everton’s vociferous home support can cheer them to yet another victory on Saturday and a few other results go in their favour, the odds of Koeman’s men qualifying for the Champions League qualifying rounds for the first time in 12 years, currently on offer at 125/1 with Bet365, will undoubtedly lower. And if you’re thinking Everton achieving a top four finish is impossible, let’s just cast our minds back to Tuesday evening when Barcelona proved that sometimes dreams can come true when they sealed a stunning 6-5 aggregate victory over Paris Saint-Germain to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals despite losing the first leg in Paris 4-0.

As the great British poet and author C.S. Lewis once said: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” Keep dreaming Everton fans, you just never know!

Super Saturday Marks Culmination Of Melbourne Autumn

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There are bigger race days on the Aussie calendar but when it comes to sharing the spotlight across more than one venue, Saturday’s double-bill of the Australian Cup/Newmarket Handicap and the Coolmore Classic is hard to top. Firstly, a quick word about last Saturday’s Australian Guineas meeting at Flemington. The Victoria Racing Club are always reluctant to admit to the presence of track bias, it was quickly apparent that the place to be was hard up against the running rail. For races down the Straight Six, the best going has also trended from the centre of the track to the inside. We encourage punters to watch the first two or three races carefully for any indication of bias before dipping into their bankroll. Likewise in Sydney, where the Rosehill track is unlikely to improve much beyond a heavy (8) for Saturday’s card.

Williams Camp Carry Hot Hand

For the first century that it was run, the Australian Cup was a longer race than the Melbourne Cup. But since WWII, the distance has been gradually shaved back – from 2.25 miles (3637m) to 1.75 miles and finally today’s 2000m since 1973. It has also shifted back and forth from handicap to weight-for-age conditions, with the latter in place since 1987. This year’s G1 $1.5 million TAB Australian Cup is quality top to bottom, with Humidor holding narrow favouritism with Luxbet ($4.80) ahead of 2016 Caulfield Cup winner Jameka ($5.00) in the 12-horse field. There are at least six legitimate winning hopes but we’ve settled on the runner that has the biggest upside to improve. Team Williams’ 7yo entire #3 The United States ($7.50 with William Hill) is a bulletproof weight-for-age performer. He was third first-up in the Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield two weeks ago and has finished in the first two in his four runs second-up.

Sprint Title Up for Grabs

Since 1874, Australasia’s greatest sprinters have raced over the six furlongs (or 1200m) at Flemington to decide the nation’s unofficial sprint champion. The list of victors covers the history of the sport – from Wakeful (1901), Ajax (1938) and Bernborough (1946) to Schillaci (1992), Takeover Target (2006), Miss Andretti (2007), Scenic Blast (2009), Black Caviar (2011) and Lankan Rupee (2014). Only 13 of the 24 starting slots have been filled, but that hasn’t made it any easier for punters with Spieth ($3.90 on bet365) heading a wide-open market. We suspect that the inside will be the place to be, making it tough for #1 Terravista and #9 Star Turn. It’s tough to split the favourite and Sheidel so take the price ($8.50 with Ladbrokes) on the latter. She’s ridiculously consistent (27:15-5-1) and did it pretty easily in the G1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 25). #5 Voodoo Lad and #8 Tivaci (both $26 with Luxbet) are blowout chances.

Huge Field Chase Coolmore Crown

The fillies and mares take centre stage at Rosehill Gardens for this relative newcomer to the Australian racing calendar. First run in 1973 as the TAD Kennedy Stakes, this $600,000 race over 1500m has been under the Coolmore banner for more than two decades. The set weights’ conditions make it a popular race with owners and trainers and a massive field of 19 have accepted this year. And just to make it a little tougher, the track is likely to be in the heavy range while favourite #14 Omei Sword ($3.90 with Unibet) drew the outside gate! Only two of the past 13 winners have started as favourite. Through a fairly brutal process of elimination, we’ve settled on the proven wet/black type form of Kiwi raider La Bella Diosa ($10 with Sportsbet). She’s won five of seven career starts and did it easy in the G2 Surround (1400m) at Randwick two weeks ago.

The Hurricanes to Face Toughest Test Yet

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Chiefs ($1.80) v Hurricanes ($2)

The defending champions Hurricanes face their sternest test of the new season when they travel to Hamilton to face the Chiefs. While the Hurricanes have enjoyed comfortable wins against the Sunwolves and the Rebels (scoring over 70 points in each) the Chiefs have had to work harder for wins against the Blues and the Highlanders. The bookies have them as favourites on account of their tougher lead in games, but we’ll tip the Canes in a close one, 1-12.

Brumbies ($1.41) v Force ($2.94)

The much fancied Brumbies find themselves winless after two rounds and already behind the eight ball in their Conference standings. However, their favourites this weekend against a very weak looking Rebels outfit that have already conceded 127 points in their two games. Don’t expect a great spectacle, but expect a Brumbies win by 13+.

Blues ($1.71) v Highlanders ($2.14)

The Blues have shown more promise in 2017 than they have in any of their last four Super Rugby campaigns and arguably have the most exciting player in the competition in their team. Reiko Ioane is an absolute beast and should be the All Blacks outside centre this year. While question marks remain over Ihaia West at first five, and Steven Luatua missing through suspension, the Blues should have enough quality over the park to win by 1-12.

Reds ($3.04) v Crusaders ($1.37)

Scott Robertson’s coaching career is off to an excellent start. The former All Black flanker has seen his side carry over the Todd Blackadder-era professionalism and record two nice wins thus far. Last week’s comeback effort against the Highlanders was remarkable and should give them the belief to beat a Reds side that has won one and lost one in two close games this season. The Crusaders will win by 13+, but will they also score 26 points like the Red’s opponents have in the first two rounds.

Kings ($9.30) v Stormers ($1.06)

The Kings have arguably had the easiest start to the competition with games against relative newbies the Sunwolves and the Jaguares; games which they split with a win and a loss. They haven’t looked overly impressive in either and thus the bookmakers have given them zero chances. The Stormers are also 1-1 but a much better side that should run out winners comfortably. Stormers 13+.

Cheetahs ($1.01) v Sunwolves ($19)

The travel must be torture for the team from Japan. Sharing their games between the four continents and even sharing some of their home games with neighbours. It started to show last year and it’s looking like it could be a problem for them again this year. They also have major problems with their defence too – they conceded 83 points to the Hurricanes in 62 minutes in game one. They could surprise a few teams later in the season (Kings and Rebels we’re looking at you), but they won’t beat the Cheetahs. Cheetahs 13+.

Sharks ($1.57) v Waratahs ($2.40)

This might end up being the closest game of the round even though Kings Parkin Durban is one of the toughest away grounds to win at. Both teams are 1-1, with the Sharks accounting themselves well on their Australian tour, while the Waratahs have been slow out of the blocks but have considerable quality across the board. Sharks 1-12.

Jaguares ($2.38) v Lions ($1.59)

The Lions lead the South African Conference but will need to be at their best to get the better of an Argentinian outfit that seems to be adapting to the rigours of Super Rugby better than the other new side, the Sunwolves. Buenos Aires is a tough place to play, so we’re giving it to the home side by 1-12.

Chicago Blackhawks emerge as great value Stanley Cup contenders

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The Chicago Blackhawks have emerged as the NHL’s form team going into the home straight of the season and now look set to seriously challenge for the Stanley Cup. The 2015 champions are on a seven-game winning streak, are 9-1 in their last 10 games and are piling pressure on the Minnesota Wild at the top of the Central Division. They now look a good futures bet for the division, the Western Conference and the Stanley Cup.

Central Division

The Wild have spent most of the season heralded as the top team in the Central Division and in the Western Conference, but they are in real danger of being usurped by Chicago. The Blackhawks have now won as many games as Minnesota, although they have played an extra two games, so the Wild have the chance to maintain a lead at the top. Minnesota Wild are in good form, at 7-3 in their last 10, but Chicago is in great form: that 9-1 puts them by far and away the best performing team in the NHL right now. They will be boosted by the return of Johnny Oduya, who rejoined just before last week’s trade deadline, while Patrick Kane is on fire. He easily won the Hart Trophy last season as nobody was close to his level of performance or his stats, but started slowly this time around. Now he is truly playing like the defending champion and 14 goals in 13 games from the start of February, including two hat-tricks, is phenomenal. With him in this sort of mood, Chicago is a danger to anyone. Minnesota deservedly heads the betting in this division at 4/9 with Bet365 and Paddy Power, but the 15/8 William Hill is offering on Chicago looks really interesting right now.

Stanley Cup Futures

Despite the sensational form of Chicago, it is hard to discount the Washington Capitals as Stanley Cup frontrunners. At 44-14 they have the best record in the league and are 6-3-1 in their last 10. What really sets them apart is their goal difference. The +73 is remarkable, particularly when you consider that the Montreal Canadiens – leading the Atlantic Division – are only on +18. The Wild are relatively close, at +63, while the Blackhawks are only on +34.

Quite simply, the Caps have scored more and conceded fewer than anyone else in the league. Having the best offence and the best defence is highly unusual, and it makes them definitely the leading contenders. The bookmakers agree: the Caps are 11/2 favourites with Ladbrokes and Boyle Sports, followed by Minnesota, which is 6/1 with Bet Victor and Paddy Power. But the Blackhawks have emerged as a real threat and have overtaken 2016 champions the Pittsburgh Penguins as third favourites. They are now down to 9/1 with Boyle Sports, but that still looks an attractive price on a team surging with confidence and led by a genuine superstar in Kane.

Upcoming Games

On Thursday the Penguins travel to Winnipeg to face the Jets, who are among the league’s worst teams defensively. Pittsburgh really should win this game. On the same day, the in-form Boston Bruins host the Detroit Red Wings, bottom of the Atlantic Division and really struggling of late, and Pittsburgh-Boston could make a nice double. Friday sees Chicago host the Anaheim Ducks, a strong team that is quietly plugging away in the Pacific Division. But it is practically impossible to oppose the Blackhawks right now and the odds on them winning this one outright are very enticing: bookmakers are set to go to around 4/6 on Chicago and that looks a great bet.

New Zealand Underdogs Against Proteas Despite Strong Home Form

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Despite a solid home summer of cricket, where they’ve dispatched Pakistan and Bangladesh with ease, New Zealand start as underdogs in the three test series against South Africa starting Wednesday in Dunedin.

They’re up against it because they have never beaten South Africa in a test series, managing to draw only three of the fifteen series’ the teams have played against one another (four wins).

The Last Time These Two Met

New Zealand was completely outplayed when the team last met in a test series. Hosted in South Africa, the Black Caps were pasted by 204 runs in the second test match at Centurion after the first match was rained out.

The series loss proceeded further losses in South Africa in 2013 (both games lost by an innings, including the infamous test in which New Zealand was bowled out for 45 after Brendon McCulllum replaces Ross Taylor as captain).

Closer to home, a 2012 series was won by South Africa one-nil. That series largely remembered for a gritty coming of age hundred by Kane Williamson to save the game in Wellington.

The Teams

New Zealand (probable):

1 Tom Latham, 2 Jeet Raval, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Henry Nicholls, 6 BJ Watling (wk), 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Colin de Grandhomme/James Neesham, 9 Neil Wagner, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Trent Boult

New Zealand has the option of playing two spinners in Dunedin with the inclusion of Jeetan Patel in the test squad. The canny off-spinner had success in the ODI series but may still miss out if the Black Caps prefer the three main quicks. Jimmy Neesham is also in the squad as an all-around option and will compete with de Grandhomme for a place in the side.

South Africa (probable):

1 Stephen Cook, 2 Dean Elgar, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Faf du Plessis (capt), 5 JP Duminy, 6 Temba Bavuma, 7 Quinton de Kock (wk), 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Kagiso Rabada

More Morkel returns to top level cricket to complement Rabada and Philander in the pace attack, while Maharaj is the one spinner.

The Key Players

New Zealand

Neil Wagner’s 41 wickets in 2016 put him, surprisingly, in the top ten wicket-takers for the calendar year. A whopping ten more than New Zealand’s next best (Trent Boult), Wagner became, out of nowhere, the Black Caps most important bowler. Capable of bowling long spells of obnoxious short pitched bowling, Wagner will again be combative and dangerous in this series.

South Africa

If the New Zealand batsman found Kagiso Rabada difficult to face in the ODI series, where he led the wicket-takers, just imagine how tricky they’ll have it surviving seven over spells of his unrelenting accuracy. With more match fitness than Philander and Morkel, he’s the key strike bowler for the Proteas.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $3.25

Draw – $4.50

South Africa – $1.90

*All odds from Bet365.

The Prediction

University Oval has seen four draws in the seven games the ground has hosted. That could be on the cards here too with a bad weather bomb impacting the North Island of New Zealand and potentially drifting down the country. We’re favouring the draw.

The Best Bets

Ross Taylor averages 78 from 6 matches at University Oval; it’s the best record for New Zealand batsmen at the ground so he could be worth a look at $5 to top score.

University Oval can get pretty flat, meaning Neil Wagner’s short pitched filth could be needed. Take a punt on him at $3.5 to lead the wicket takers if you think he’ll do well against his fellow countrymen and is over his recent finger injury.

March Madness Betting Frenzy Looms for College Basketball Fans

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March Madness is just one week away and bookmakers are preparing for the most hectic betting frenzy of the year. Sixty-eight college basketball games will take place over three weeks in a knockout tournament, and the winner will be crowned NCAA Champion 2017 on April 3. It always proves to be a thrilling ride for diehard fans and the wider sports loving public, full of buzzer beaters, teams snatching victory from the jaws of defeat and underdogs triumphing.

Last year witnessed the most exciting denouement in memory as Villanova blew a 70-64 lead to end up 74-74 with a mere 4.7 seconds remaining on the clock thanks to a three-pointer at the death from North Carolina. Overtime beckoned but Villanova settled it with an outrageous three-point buzzer shot that led to a court invasion from fans. This year’s NCAA Championships event is shaping up to be another classic, and here we run through the leading contenders and some interesting long-shots.

Top Seeds and Favourites

Four regional top seeds have been chosen by the Division 1 men’s basketball committee: Villanova, Kansas, Gonzaga and Baylor. They are deemed to be the pinnacle of the 68 teams taking part in March Madness, and upon announcing it committee chair Mark Hollis named defending champion Villanova the overall top seed. The bookmakers disagree. They have made Kansas (15/2 with Sky Bet) the pre-tournament favourites. They are slightly ahead of last year’s beaten finalists the North Carolina Tar Heels (also 15/2 with Sky Bet, but a point or so higher than Kansas with many bookmakers) in the betting, followed by Gonzaga (10/1 with William Hill), UCLA (10/1 with Ladbrokes) and Villanova (10/1 with William Hill and Bet365).

It is all very congested as Duke and Kentucky are both 12/1 and Arizona, Louisville and Oregon are all in the mix. The betting has shifted considerably in the last few weeks. When the seedings were announced, Kansas was favourite, followed by Gonzaga and then Nova. Now North Carolina has muscled its way in, and Gonzaga and Nova have been pushed out in terms of price. A few weeks ago Gonzaga was unbeaten but has now finally lost, to BYU, and gone to 31-1 atop the West Coast division. That air of invincibility has now gone and the price has drifted out to 10-1. Nova and Kansas have an identical record of 28-3, leading the Big East and Big 12 divisions respectively. North Carolina, meanwhile, is 26-6 at the top of the ACC. Of all the teams, Nova looks an interesting option at 10/1. They were named overall top seed for good reason and have been great on the road, with a superb record against top opponents.

Long Shots

The bookmakers really do not like the look of Baylor, one of the four top seeds, and have made them huge outsiders. They are as low as 20/1 with some, but William Hill is offering a very generous 40/1, so you have an interesting, highly rated long shot right there. Head over to the Big Ten and you will find more interesting schools to bet on if you are looking for long odds. A few weeks ago Purdue was on a roll and could be backed at 75/1 for the UCAA Championships, which was a great price. That form has continued and they have stormed to the top of the Big Ten, with a record of 25-6, and the odds on them have dropped dramatically, but they still look a good bet at 33/1 with Paddy Power. An even longer shot would be the Maryland Terrapins, second behind Purdue in the Big Ten and on 24-7 for the season, with better recent form than Purdue. They can be backed at 100/1 with Bet365. That is amazing when you consider Sky Bet will only go to 40/1 on Maryland, but it serves to illustrate the chaotic nature of March Madness, as bookmakers struggle to agree on a consensus due to the sheer number of teams taking part, so there is plenty of value to be had.