Tag: Betting

Seattle Seahawks Set for Crunch Game Against the Rams

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Seattle Seahawks will lock down their division and qualify for the playoffs if they beat the Rams in the first NFL game of week 15. The Seahawks are second favourites for the NFC, behind the Dallas Cowboys, who missed the chance to clinch the NFC East when they lost to the Cowboys last weekend. The Cowboys have already made the playoffs but need to rack up a couple more wins to secure home advantage, and can take a great stride towards that goal by beating Tampa Bay.

LA Rams at Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks were crushed by the Packers as a snowstorm engulfed Green Bay last weekend, leaving them 8-4-1 at the top of the NFC West. But if they beat the Rams in front of their home fans in the early game they will wrap up the division, and they are overwhelming favourites to do so. The best odds you can get are just 1/10 with Sky Bet, but all the action is still going on them. The Rams are on a four-game losing streak and, unlike the Packers, cannot hope to qualify for the playoffs. You get the impression they will now try to keep their record down to secure a better draft pick and the Seahawks, who have everything to play for and are 6-0 at home, will destroy them. Different bookmakers are offering a range of spreads, and the 4/6 Bet365 has on the Seahawks -13 looks good.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys

Dallas’ remarkable 11-game winning run came to an end as they fell to a 10-7 defeat against the Giants. They are already in the playoffs so perhaps they took a foot off the pedal, but that opens the door for the Giants to usurp them in the division. Dallas are now at 11-2 and the Giants are 9-4, so with three games to go, the Cowboys still need more wins on the board if they are to win the division and secure a better deal for themselves heading into the playoffs. Tampa Bay are neck and neck with the Falcons in the NFC South and have it all to play for, so it should make for a cracking game. But the Cowboys are still the best team in the NFC and are second favourites to win the Super Bowl, and they should be able to end Tampa Bay’s five-game winning streak. A lot depends on rookie quarterback Dak Prescott, who has Tony Romo breathing down his neck, and he will be determined to put a quiet game against the Giants – where he threw two interceptions and just 165 yards from 37 attempts – behind him and respond emphatically. The Cowboys are 20/23 with William Hill, Ladbrokes and Bet365 to cover a -7 spread and that also looks good.

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets

Another early game sees Miami travel to New York for a clash between AFC East rivals. The Patriots are running away with the division, but the Dolphins are very much still in the wildcard hunt. At 8-5 they are currently level with the Denver Broncos for the final AFC wildcard playoff spot, so they need a win badly. The Broncos lost their last game, while Miami won, so they will want to keep the momentum going. The Jets are dead and buried and already thinking of next season, so back the Dolphins at 4/5 with Coral to win this.

Fast Pitch, Pink Ball Welcome Pakistan to Australia

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Pakistan has arrived in Australia for a three-match test series, beginning with a day-night test in Brisbane. We take a look at the main talking points ahead of the match and give our tips for finding the best betting options.

The Last Time These Two Met

In the 2014/15 series, Australia was deeply embarrassed. The Australians caved to spin in the UAE, but as is often the case in matchups between these two sides, the home side usually prevails – so Australia is well and truly expected to bounce back from that 2-0 series defeat two years ago.

Both games were bossed by Pakistan. By 221 runs and 356 runs. Expect none of the same here, and more of the same of Pakistan’s last trip to Australia – they lost all nine games across the three formats including a 3-0 clean sweep in the test matches.

The Teams

Australia (likely):

1 David Warner, 2 Matt Renshaw, 3 Usman Khawaja, 4 Steve Smith (capt), 5 Peter Handscomb, 6 Nic Maddinson, 7 Matthew Wade, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Josh Hazlewood, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Jackson Bird.

The Australians will be unchanged from the side that saved some face and beat South Africa in the third test of that series. Despite several of the personnel changing the group will also be on a high after sweeping New Zealand in the interruptive ODI series.

Pakistan (from):

Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Azhar Ali, Sami Aslam, Sharjeel Khan, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Mohammad Rizwan, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Rahat Ali, Sohail Khan, Imran Khan.

Pakistan hasn’t shown their hand yet, but they have retained the same group of players that were soundly beaten by New Zealand recently. While competitive at times in that series, their batsman lacked runs and made things incredibly hard for their talented bowling unit. They’ll need more from the likes of Misbah, Ali and Sami Aslam.

The Key Players

Australia: Josh Hazlewood is the completely unregarded, humble and quiet achieving lynchpin of the Australian fast bowling stocks that rarely gets the credit he deserves. His accuracy and patience traits pale in comparison to the speed and swing of Mitchell Starc, however, they are arguably more important to his team’s chances. He’s unrelenting and the perfect foil for Starc, especially as players relax a touch when they don’t have Starc screaming in at them. Look out for Hazlewood to have a big impact on this series.

Pakistan: The fast Australian pitches could suit one player more than any other in the Pakistan squad, and that’s Sarfraz Ahmed. The wicketkeeper-batsman loves to play his shots; hit through the line. Consistent bounce and with a bit of speed behind the ball (especially at the GABBA) could suit his game immeasurably. He could thrive with the extra bounce unlike some of his teammates who may struggle.

The Match Odds

Australia – $1.38 at Unibet.

Pakistan – $6.60 at Betfair.

Draw – $7.40 at Betfair.

The Prediction

Australia will be far too strong over the three games let alone the series opener. They’ll boss the tempo of the game, so expect huge totals and twenty wickets. Australia to carry on their revitalisation and get their second straight win with the exciting and young squad.

The Best Bets

Usman Khawaja to top score at $4.50 from William Hill looks like good money. He loves batting in Australian conditions and generally turns hundreds into really big ones.

Wahab Riaz may enjoy the extra pace of the GABBA if he gets a chance to play. Cricket fans all over the world will remember his spell during the World Cup to Shane Watson and if he can generate anywhere near the same sort of pace and discomfort in spells here he could easily be the top Pakistan bowler. $4.50 again at William Hill.

Man United To Ease To A Win At The Palace

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

PREMIER League strugglers Crystal Palace host in-form Manchester United at Selhurst Park on Wednesday in what will be a repeat of last years Wembley FA Cup final.

On that occasion, United edged a close one 2-1 on a summer’s day last May, and this time around, I really can’t see Palace manager Alan Pardew celebrating with any more infamous dance moves. The visitors look decent value for another win at 1.72 with Betfred.

Palace are struggling big time and they produced yet another awful defensive performance in the 3-3 draw at Hull at the weekend and there really is very little to like about their chances in this one even at the general price of 4/1 on offer with most.

In their last match at Selhurst Park they did produce their best performance of what has been a bitterly disappointing season after a 3-0 win against Southampton, but that was The Eagles only victory in their last NINE and they really could struggle against their more illustrious opponents in this one.

United played very well at the weekend to edge past a good Tottenham side. In recent weeks their performances haven’t been getting the results that they should’ve, and they are set to really give a side a could beating very, very soon and it could be Palace in this one.

Jose Mourinho’s side are now unbeaten in their last eight matches, and despite the loss through injury of recent star man Henrikh Mkhitaryan, they should be far too strong for the home side.

Will Wayne Rooney Return?

With Armenian international Mkhitaryan missing, this could see Mourinho turn to England captain Wayne Rooney who is 6.50 with Bet365 to open the goalscoring, and whoever the “special one” decides to start in South London they are a very confident selection to win and win well.

United will be encouraged that they’ve now kept successive clean sheets for the first time since October, and against a Palace side that is struggling for goals, a United win to nil at 3.00 with BetVictor looks another attractive wager.

Palace is in a middle of a defensive crisis with 21 goals conceded in their last seven matches and a side that can let in FIVE against Swansea and THREE against both Hull and Burnley look certain to really struggle against an in-form United.

I genuinely believe that this could get very, very messy for the home side and I like United to ease to a 3-0 win and really put them in great spirits going into the New Year of making a Champions League push which is available at 15.0 with Bet365.

It looks just a matter of time before Pardew is handed his P45 at Selhurst Park, and when he is relieved of his duties the rumours that I am hearing is that former England manager Roy Hodgson is the number one target; he could be in the hot-seat by the weekend.

Black Caps Staring Down The Barrel

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Chappell-Hadlee series is already a lost cause for the Black Caps. Heavy losses in games one and two mean the men in black are left playing for pride in the final game of the series in Melbourne tomorrow.

Pride is important though given the magnitude of the losses so far. Especially when you consider the lack of enthusiasm the Black Caps have played with, the uncharacteristic mistakes they’ve made in the field and the strange decision they made behind closed doors (toss decisions and batting order).

We expect the Black Caps to be more competitive in game three, but can they overcome the gulf in class between them and the in-form Australians.

The Series So Far

Australia has already sealed the Chappell-Hadlee series thanks to dominant wins in the opening two games. In both matches, the hosts have scored over 300 runs in impressive batting displays, and in both matches, the Black Caps haven’t got close to getting near their chasing targets.

In Sydney, Australia was led by a huge Steve Smith century. The captain survived a close LBW shout and a difficult dropped catch to bring up ODI century number 7. In reply, only four New Zealanders got themselves to double figures (albeit one of them was the ultra impressive Martin Guptill who scored 114) and the final margin was 68 runs.

In Canberra, it was David Warner’s turn to bring up a personal milestone and provide the backbone of the Australian effort. The nuggety opener scored 119 and was ably supported by Smith, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. New Zealand was ragged with ball in hand, sloppy in the field, and ultimately left to rue their decision to bowl first. Despite runs from Guptill, James Neesham and Kane Williamson, the Black Caps lost by 116 runs.

The Teams

Australia (from):

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

Maxwell is likely to miss out again. But Adam Zampa could return on the ground he plays his Big Bash cricket on.

Aaron Finch and George Bailey are the batsmen with the most to prove after missing out in the series so far.

New Zealand (likely):

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

Jimmy Neesham might miss out after taking a blow to his arm from Mitchell Starc. Lockie Ferguson could also get another opportunity at the expensive of the disappointing Matt Henry.

The Key Players

Australia

David Warner and Steve Smith- If the Black Caps can get Warner and Smith cheaply they’ll win the game. Okay, it’s not that simple, but these two have scored a combined total of 2386 runs this year – Warner with 1232 and Smith with 1154. Their importance to an Australia win is immense. For Smith, Australia lost nine of those 11 matches when he scored 30 runs or less. For Warner, Australia lost five of those 11 when he scored less than 25. The Black Caps must find a way to stop them if they’re to have any chance in Melbourne.

New Zealand

Martin Guptill – The middle of Martin Guptill’s bat must have taken a battering in the two matches thus far. The Kiwi opener has middled everything and looked the best player in black by the size of some of his sixes. Take the white clothing off him and he’s a freakishly good player. Expect more of the same from him in game three. If he can turn in a Steve Smith type performance – a really big hundred – New Zealand could get the 350+ total they’ll need to avoid a series whitewash.

The Match Odds

Australia – $1.29 at Betstar.

New Zealand – $3.75 at Bookmaker.

The Prediction

It’s not just the first two games in the series that Australia has dominated. They’ve dominated everyone who has travelled to Australia for ODI games over the last two years. Extending the winning run to 17 of the last 18 games at home, Australia has forged a formidable home ground advantage. Expect that to continue in the final match of the series.

The Best Bets

Not much money on Smith, Warner or Guptill to top score here, so you might have to think outside the box to get a decent win banked. Consider Pat Cummins to be in the wickets again, he’s paying $5 to be Australia’s leading wicket taker.

On the New Zealand side, Tim Southee at $4 looks decent odds given he’s the most experienced New Zealand death bowler and could get some cheapie in the slog overs.

Manchester City vs. Celtic: Why Pressure Could Upset the Odds

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Manchester City’s season could be on the brink of an implosion unless they can find their form in the Champions League this week. Following an explosive loss to Chelsea in the Premier League, during which Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho were sent off for City, Pep Guardiola’s side looks to be in trouble.

Fourth in the Premier League after 14 games thanks to two losses and three draws, the Sly Blues are starting to look like long shots for domestic success. With that reality starting to set in, the pressure will now be on in the Champions League. Up until this point in the season, City’s fans were able to forgive a lacklustre European campaign because Premier League glory was a distinct possibility.

However, with the tide turning against the Manchester side, expectations in the Champions League will now be heightened. Under normal circumstances, a showdown with Scottish outfit Celtic would be the perfect way for Manchester City to rally and get back on track. But, through a combination of current pressure and previous performances, things might not be so simple when the two sides meet on December 6.

Previous Pressure Could Work Well this Time Around

Last time out it was the Scottish champions who pressed the action inside Celtic Park. Within three minutes the home site went ahead through Moussa Dembele and by halftime the match was poised at 2-2. Although City was able to re-find their form in the second half, the game finished 3-3. Naturally, a point in Group C means different things to different teams, and while Celtic fans went home smiling, the same couldn’t be said for City’s faithful.

Although Guardiola has managed to fire a rocket up his team’s proverbial in subsequent Champions League matches, the fact remains that City are second in the group and in danger of being overtaken by Borussia Mönchengladbach. Whichever way you slice it, City are under pressure and that could tell when the two teams meet this week. Although the latest betting line at Sun Bets would suggest otherwise, this game could actually be closer than many expect.

Indeed, a £10 bet on Man City with Sun Bets would currently return you a relatively meagre profit of £3.33 (1/3 odds). In contrast, £10 the opposite way would net you an infinitely more impressive £85 return (15/2). In fact, when you look out across the rest of the betting world, you’ll see a similar story. Ladbrokes also have Manchester City as the 1/3 and Celtic at 8/1, while Sky Bet will give you identical odds on the Sky Blues but 7/1 on Scotland’s finest.

Don’t Count on the Odds

Of course, as we all know, the odds only tell half the story. We already know that City is a team on the back foot. The recent 3-1 defeat to Chelsea could obviously generate one of two reactions. Either City will come out against Celtic with their heads down, or they’ll be hungry to bounce back and fight for some success this season.

In contrast, Celtic recently came through a similarly explosive match at Motherwell with a 4-3 victory. Although it wasn’t the prettiest of performances, Brendan Rogers’ side did manage to clinch all three points and that could be extremely important on December 6. If we compare City’s and Celtic’s Champions League stats this season, the former’s are far superior. City’s five games, two wins, two draws and one loss is backed up by 11 scored and nine conceded. For Celtic, no wins and 15 goals against are signs of a side struggling to match the firepower of Europe’s top clubs.

Unsurprisingly, it’s these stats which have helped to make Man City the heavy betting favourites. But, if we look beyond the numbers, there could be a glint of optimism for Celtic fans. Unlike City who seemed to falter under the pressure, Celtic came through a heated game with a win. Being able to handle the pressure of a tempestuous game is a sign of a team that knows how to grind out a win in a dogfight.

Some Rough and Tumble Could Suit Celtic

If Celtic can travel to Manchester and drag their opponents into the trenches, they could easily cause an upset. A few crunching tackles, a goal against the run of play or even a refusal to roll over and play dead would really put the pressure on City. In short, any chinks in City’s armour could easily be exposed if things get heated. Now, that’s not to say Celtic will romp home if the home side lose the plot, but it does mean they have a chance.

9/2 on a draw with Sun Bets looks to be a solid bet, but if you really fancy Celtic to rattle an increasingly frail-looking City, 2-1 at 20/1 could be a great shout. Yes, it’s a long shot and no you shouldn’t wager too much on it. However, if you’re looking to add some extra spice to what could be an extremely entertaining game, this could be the way to go.

When all is said and done, Manchester City should come away with a comfortable win on December 6. But, if Celtic can stick the boot in and expose the obvious pressure Guardiola’s men are feeling at the moment, we might well see an upset in the Champions League.

Quakes, Snow Shake-up Field for 2016 Japan Cup

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

To say the lead-up to the 2016 Japan Cup has been dramatic would be an understatement. The Fukushima prefecture, which faced the brunt of the 2011 tsunami that killed nearly 16,000 people, was again struck by a series of earthquakes – thankfully, without injury or damage. Then on Thursday, a freak snowstorm ahead of forecast weekend rain had punters scurrying for their formguides ahead of Sunday’s 36th running of the Japan Cup at Tokyo Racecourse. It was the first measurable November snowfall in Tokyo in 54 years.

This is without a doubt one of the most prestigious races on the face of the planet. The Japan Racing Association established the Japan Cup (2400 metres) as an international invitational race in order for local racehorses to have the opportunity to compete against horses of an international calibre. That philosophy has been franked time and time again with winners from the host nation, North America, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy.

However, it’s been a decade since the internationals have emerged successful (Alkaased in 2005), a period during which Gentildonna became the only multiple winner of the race (2012-13). The prize money isn’t too shabby either, with a staggering purse of ¥624 million (about USD $5.5 million) on offer. The race starts in front of the main grandstand at Fuchu which, on a clear day, also affords a stunning view of Mount Fuji. The sweeping course includes an uphill climb in the long stretch run, which has helped produce some thrilling finishes over the past 35 years.
Wet conditions favour internationals

The prospect of heavy rain appears a dream come true for the connections of German invitee Iquitos, one of three foreign entrants in the 17-horse field. Two of Iquitos’ best performances have come on wet tracks. The four-year-old Adlerflug colt won the Grosser Preis von Baden (GI) on soft going on September 4, defeating one of Sunday’s rivals, Nightflower, by 2.75 lengths. Two races earlier he finished second behind 2014 Melbourne Cup (G1) winner Protectionist in the Grosser Hansa Preis (G2) at Hamburg on heavy turf. He’s still a tasty 33-1 with Paddy Power.

Nightflower, a four-year-old filly by Dylan Thomas, faces the prospect of rain and barrier 15. Trainer Peter Schiergen said his filly would prefer firm ground and a starting position better than last year’s No. 18, which produced an 11th-place finish. Also back for another shot at the region’s richest race is the French-trained four-year-old Dubawi colt Erupt. He finished sixth in last year’s Japan Cup and comes to this race fresh after a victory in the Pattison Canadian International (G1) at Woodbine on October 16 for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard. However, all of Erupt’s best performances have also been on good to firm turf. In his only outing on soft going, he finished last of nine in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1) in July.

Strong local contingent

Those visitors all have to contend with a typically impressive line-up of local contenders featuring Dubai Turf winner Real Steel, Tenno Sho (Spring) winner Kitasan Black, 2015 Arima Kinen victor Gold Actor and three-year-old Dee Majesty, winner of this year’s Satsuki Sho or (Japanese 2000 Guineas). Real Steel has not won in two starts since Dubai but finished second behind Maurice in his most recent start. Maurice, who would have been well regarded in this race, instead is being prepared for Hong Kong. Real Steel, a four-year-old colt by Deep Impact, is reunited with jockey Ryan Moore, who piloted him in the Dubai win. Alarmingly for the locals, most of them have never raced on worse-than-good surfaces and of the bulk which has, they’ve failed. However, it’s not unreasonable to think that sheer talent will ensure at least one of the Japanese horses will cut through the slop to victory. The best placed looks Kitasan Black (4/1 with Paddy Power). He has finished in the money in his past seven, four of them top level, four of them wins and two at the top level. He’s also proven at distances from 1800 to 3000 metres.