Tag: Swansea

Can Liverpool End 27 Years of Pain?

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It was 1990 when Liverpool last tasted success by winning the league title. They have won numerous cups since then, including the Champions League, but haven’t won the league title. Their loyal fans have had to sit back and watch close rivals Manchester United override their previous record of 18 titles. Liverpool came agonisingly close several years ago under Brendan Rodgers but ultimately fell short. Jurgen Klopp is making their fans believe again and Liverpool has put in some stellar performances this season.

Chelsea is firm favourite to land the title and currently have a seven point lead over Liverpool and Tottenham. It is looking increasingly likely that both Manchester clubs have too much to do to overhaul Chelsea. Liverpool seems to be the best-placed team to catch the Blues should they suffer a blip.

Will Greed Costa Chelsea the Title?

This is why they will be keeping a close eye on events at Stamford Bridge and the saga surrounding Diego Costa. Chelsea has been heavily dependent on Costa and Hazard this season for their goals. If Diego Costa ultimately decides to go to China for a reported thirty million per season then Chelsea may struggle to score enough goals without him. Liverpool host Swansea City on Saturday in what is a must-win game for the Reds.

If they are ultimately to go on and win the title under Jurgen Klopp then these are certainly games where they need to pick up all three points. Swansea has struggled badly this season and has changed their manager again with Paul Clement now taking charge.

Swansea Simply Lack Quality

The fact of the matter is that Swansea City is not bottom of the Premium League for nothing. With just seventeen games of the season to go, they are going to struggle to survive the drop. They may be only one point from safety but they appear to lack quality. Opposing teams don’t fear them anymore. The one shining light for Swansea for their trip to Anfield is that Liverpool has hit inconsistent form since Christmas.

Liverpool is a best-priced 1-4 with Stan James and Coral but there is certainly no value in taking those odds. Stan James and Coral also go 11-2 on the draw while Swansea is a best-priced 14-1 with Bet365. Big odds always seem appealing but not at the risk of them taking too long to win. One bet that may appeal is the 19-20 from Bet365 for both teams to score.

There are three factors which point to this being a good bet. Firstly, as the home team, Liverpool is expected to score! Swansea needs to start picking up points very soon, and finally, Liverpool has been inconsistent of late. If Swansea City finds the net at Anfield then this bet looks a sure winner at almost even money.

Can Swansea City Deny the Gunners at Emirates Stadium?

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After finishing second last season in the Premier League to Leicester City, Arsenal fans will be looking for another strong season this term. They currently stand third in the league, and Wenger’s lads are only 2pts behind a Manchester City team that have kicked off the season like a house on fire.

The Emirates Stadium seems to be a challenging place to visit. The lesser teams struggle there, even though Liverpool did a seriously good job at pulling Arsenal’s teeth, when they scraped through with a 4-3 win. Swansea City is a team in crisis. They never really recovered after losing managers Brendan Rodgers and then Garry Monk, plus the Swans eventually decided not to appoint Ryan Giggs after dispensing with Francesco Guidolin.

Can Swansea deny The Gunners?

It is really tough to state a case for Swansea on Saturday, and new manager Bob Bradley is walking straight into a baptism of fire in this fixture. Swansea has only picked up 4pts all season and is currently fourth from bottom of the league on goal difference from West Ham.

It seems certain that this fixture will arouse the attention of all those punters that fancy having Arsenal as part of their accumulator. So where is the value? Most betting firms have Arsenal as short as 2/7 with both Stan James and Sky Bet offering those odds. Many people may even think that price represents value and will give Swansea no chance.

What Price the Swans?

BetVictor offers a best priced 12/1 on a Swansea City victory. That’s not a bad price considering that Southampton only lost 2-1 at The Emirates a short while ago. Arsenal can be notoriously inconsistent and a better wager could come from one of the other markets.

For example, do you fancy Arsenal to dominate possession? Do you also fancy Arsenal to be frustrated? If so then why not back the draw at 5/1? Once again BetVictor is the best price in that market as it stands.

Will Bradley get his tactics right?

There couldn’t be a stiffer test for US coach Bob Bradley to have in the Premier League for his opening game. Swansea will hardly touch the ball for long periods of the game. They are many peoples’ pick to be relegated this season. Turbulent seasons tend not to make for consistency, and this is what is required in order to stay in the league.

Added Incentives

Any negative result on Saturday could see Swansea drop into the bottom three. From that position, it is difficult to see them anywhere else but in the bottom six for the rest of the season. The key will be the first twenty minutes. If Arsenal scores quickly, then this result could become embarrassing for Swansea.

However, should Swansea get to half-time nil-nil, then they’re in with a chance. A big added incentive for Arsenal in this game is the chance to go top of the league. If Manchester City slips up at home to Everton, this is precisely what could happen.

If you think that Arsenal at home to Swansea is a home banker then place your bet. You may find it difficult this season to get a bigger gap between the home and away side than in this fixture. This is both in terms of league position and player confidence. However, Swansea City have absolutely nothing to lose and they may just cause a shock……just don’t count on it!

Arsenal v Swansea – Premiership Preview

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Betcirca soccer fans were in profit on Sunday to the tune of 9 ½ points after we correctly forecast the Chelsea result and goals for Aguero in Manchester City’s mauling of QPR. Monday’s action comes from the Emirates Stadium where Arsene Wenger’s Gunners bid to draw level on points with City in the battle for second spot.

Arsenal play host to Swansea who are in excellent form following victories against Stoke and Newcastle. The Gunners start the evening three points behind City in the Premiership but with two games in hand.

Garry Monk has done a remarkable job at Swansea who are pressing the fading Tottenham and Southampton in a sideshow for sixth and seventh places. There is no doubt that they should put up a good show but they have lost four of their five away games against sides in the top six this season. However, their record against Arsenal is good with three wins and a draw in seven meetings. The Swans won here in 2012 and held the Gunners to a draw last season so there is some cause for optimism for the travelling fans.

They have compensated for the loss of Bony with goals from Ki Sung-yueng, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jonjo Shelvey but Arsenal are on the crest of a wave. Only their dour stalemate with Chelsea has prevented them from a winning run of nine consecutive matches, leading at half-time and full-time in the other eight. Wenger’s men are also keen to impress the boss and secure a place in the starting XI at Wembley for the FA Cup final against Aston Villa.

Arsenal have only lost once in 34 home games and injuries to Danny Welbeck and Aaron Ramsey are unlikely to halt their progress. Alexis Sanchez has now scored 16 league goals from 30 starts including four in his last three appearances and he looks the man to follow in the goal markets on Monday.

With only two goals conceded in their last seven home games, I’m going for a 2-0 win for the Gunners with Sanchez sending them on their way.

Arsenal 2 Swansea 0 @6-1 Paddy Power

Alexis Sanchez to score first @17-4 Spreadex

Sanchez to score and Arsenal win @7-5 Paddy Power

Premier League Preview 4th March

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There are some cracking Premier League matches lined up for Wednesday night as Chelsea and Man City continue their chase for the title.

The Blues were given some valuable breathing space by City’s 2-1 defeat at Anfield on Sunday but will need to be at their best to take three points at West Ham. Sam Allardyce usually has a trick or two up his sleeve against the Blues and managed to enrage Jose Mourinho with a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge last season.

West Ham’s season is in danger of petering out but they will surely be up for a London derby. Oscar only played a few minutes as substitute in the Cup final on Sunday and he could be worth a bet to score the opener in a narrow win for Chelsea.

City are not exactly in a slump after losing to Barcelona and Liverpool and it is worth remembering that they scored nine in their previous two matches. Normal service should be resumed at the expense of Leicester City at the Etihad. The bookmakers aren’t giving much away here but Sergio Aguero could be worth a look in the goal scorer markets.

BTSport are at St James’s Park to see Newcastle play Man United, traditionally a fixture that brings plenty of goals. United have made steady if not spectacular progress under Louis van Gaal and can just edge this one. You are not going to get rich by backing Liverpool to beat Burnley following their impressive win over City on Sunday. The Clarets usually put up a brave fight and may give Reds’ supporters a few nervy moments.

If there is to be an upset on Wednesday it could come at White Hart Lane. Mauricio Pochettino looked a thoroughly miserable figure in the Wembley rain as he saw his side crash out of a second Cup competition within the space of a few days. He will doubtless ring the changes for the visit of Swansea but may find it difficult to motivate his dishevelled troops. The Swans look worth a bet to sneak a victory with 1-0 being generously priced.

Arsenal bounced back from their embarrassing defeat against Monaco with a comfortable 2-0 win over Everton. They now face struggling QPR and should come away with all three points. Stoke play Everton in the night’s remaining fixture. The Toffees are proving impossible to predict at present, following their impressive Europa League form with a poor display at Arsenal. Stoke have a way of grinding out the results lately and will fancy their chances of another three points here.

Sergio Aguero to score two or more @7-2 Boyle Sports

Man United to win by one goal @11-4 Skybet

Santi Cazorla scores and Arsenal win @100-30 Paddy Power

Stoke 1 Everton 0 @13-2 Bet365

Tottenham 0 Swansea 1 @15-1 BetVictor

Swansea to beat Tottenham @9-2 Totesport

Oscar to score and Chelsea win @4-1 Paddy Power

Liverpool to win by one goal @14-5 BetVictor

United revival to continue against Stoke

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Chelsea’s failure to beat Sunderland at the weekend has offered a glimmer of hope to those pursuing the Premiership leaders. The busy Christmas fixture list always plays a vital part in the title race and there are some interesting midweek fixtures to kick-off a hectic month.

Manchester United have climbed back up to fourth place after a run of three consecutive victories, the first time that they have achieved this since Louis van Gaal took over in the summer. They still have defensive problems but have plenty of options going forward. Angel Di Maria picked up a hamstring injury inside ten minutes against Hull on Saturday and will miss tonight’s clash with Stoke.

Wayne Rooney is enjoying one of the most consistent scoring spells of his career at present, seemingly revitalised by being awarded the captaincy at club and International level. Van Persie scored a vital goal to silence his critics and they also have Falcao waiting in the wings. Juan Mata has been completely overshadowed since the influx of new players in the summer but he has been showing signs of his best form recently and could be the key player on Tuesday. Take a chance on the former Chelsea man opening the scoring in a comfortable home win.

Liverpool scrambled a 1-0 win over Stoke on Saturday, although they were clinging on grimly in injury-time. Brendan Rodgers will re-instate with Steven Gerrard in the line-up at struggling Leicester. The Foxes were unlucky not to get a point at QPR in a match that saw an incredible 51 attempts on goal. I don’t expect tonight’s game to be anything like as entertaining and can see Liverpool sneaking another 1-0 victory.

One of the key stats tonight is the fact that QPR are yet to register a single point on their travels. That does not bode well for the visit to eighth-placed Swansea who have only lost once at home this season. Wilfried Bony has been leading their attack well and he can add to his tally of six goals in another poor away-day for Harry Redknapp’s men.

Newcastle’s revival hit the buffers at West Ham on Saturday, ending a run of five consecutive wins. Alan Pardew will be looking for an immediate response at Burnley, another side who have pulled their socks up recently. The home side are unbeaten in three games and their fans will make sure that there is a cup tie atmosphere at Turf Moor tonight. I can see this game ending in a draw, not a bad result for either side.

Burnley v Newcastle DRAW @23-10 Bet365

Leicester 0 Liverpool 1 @9-1 William Hill

Wilfried Bony to score and Swansea win @9-4 Betfred

Juan Mata to score first @7-1 Paddy Power

Wayne Rooney to score and Man United win @11-10 Paddy Power

Premier League Preview Aug 30th – 31st

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The weekend’s Premiership action gets under way with the spotlight firmly on Louis van Gaal and Manchester United.

A stuttering draw at Sunderland last week at least got the Red Devils up and running for the season but few would have forecast the humiliating 4-0 defeat at Milton Keynes in midweek. With no European action this season, you would have thought that the League Cup was one of the few trophies that United could realistically have targeted. Van Gaal felt that a weakened team could do the job and he was mistaken.

Burnley have applied themselves well in their opening two fixtures without reward. The bookmakers have priced United up at odds-on but I wouldn’t want to be backing them in their current form. Burnley could give them a run for their money and a draw is a distinct possibility.

Manchester City should have no such problems overcoming Stoke at the Etihad Stadium. A 3-1 win over Liverpool confirmed City’s status as the team to beat this season and Aguero’s return to fitness is coming along nicely. Two goals in as many appearances suggests the Argentinian is returning to his best form and he can hit the target again this weekend. Stoke’s record against City is simply appalling and goals could be the order of the day.

I fear for Queen’s Park Rangers prospects in the Premiership this season and Sunderland could be worth a bet when they visit on Saturday. The Black Cats have played well in both of their games so far and enjoyed a confidence boosting 3-0 win in the League Cup in midweek. Harry Redknapp won’t be pressing the panic button just yet but I think Sunderland offer excellent value in this fixture.

Swansea have impressed with two league wins and a Cup victory, all by the odd goal. They face another tight encounter against West Brom but The Swans are growing in confidence and Wilfried Bony could be the man to seal the win here.

West Ham and Southampton could be draw material with neither side being totally convincing. The Saints surprised me with how well they played at Anfield after a wholesale clear-out of their best players through the summer. West Ham let three points slip away against Tottenham but were in good form against Crystal Palace last weekend and this looks a tough one to call.

Chelsea have been in excellent form so far but received a possible set-back with the news that £32million striker Diego Costa has picked up a knock in training. He has fitted in perfectly where so many have failed before him at the head of the attack and it will be a blow if he is side-lined. Drogba is not the force he was and Torres remains a pale shadow of his days at Liverpool. Everton were superb against Arsenal in the first half but allowed a 2-0 lead to slip away. This match could also end in a draw.

Tottenham play Liverpool in the pick of Sunday’s games. Spurs have enjoyed a bright start to the season while Liverpool are still trying to incorporate their new signings into the side. Both sides look capable of scoring here and 2-2 might be the way to go. North London rivals Arsenal can complete a busy but successful week by grabbing the points at Leicester.

Tips

Burnley v Man United DRAW @16-5 Boylesports

Sergio Aguero to score at any time v Stoke @4-5 BetBright

Man City v Stoke over 3.5 goals in the match @7-5 BetVictor

Sunderland to win at QPR @23-10 BetVictor

Swansea to beat West Brom @5-6 Bet365

Wilfried Bony to score at any time @6-4 Bet365

West Ham v Southampton DRAW @12-5 BetVictor

Everton v Chelsea DRAW @5-2 Totesport

Tottenham v Liverpool DRAW @5-2 BetVictor

Tottenham and Liverpool both to score @8-15 BetVictor

Tottenham 2 Liverpool 2 correct score @13-1 BetVictor

Arsenal to beat Leicester @5-6 BetVictor