Football Betting Previews

Tip #1: Back Spain to win @ 1.85 with bet365.com

Tip #2: Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.53 with bet365.com

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Spain v Italy 2018 World Cup Qualifying Betting Tips: Match Preview

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Spain

Spain and Italy are the runaway leaders at the top of group G. Each nation has won five and drawn one of their last six World Cup 2018 qualifiers. In fact, the only way to separate the two sides is the fact that Spain are four ahead on goal-difference. If Spain can defeat Italy, then they are in pole position to clinch the group.

Thus far, Spain have been destroying teams and scoring in bulk. The only significant road block came when they travelled to Italy in October 2016, which resulted in a 1-1 draw. Italy were always going to be difficult to break down, but the Spanish did manage to score a 55th goal through Vitolo.

However, the Spanish gave away a late penalty that was converted by Italian midfielder Daniele De Rossi on 82 minutes. On paper, a 1-1 draw would have been acceptable before the game, but there was disappointment for Spain after losing in that manner.

Spain enter this qualifier as the favourites at 1.85 with bet365, but the encounter is unlikely to be entirely routine. Diego Costa is engaged in a transfer dispute with Chelsea and is visually overweight and lacking in fitness. This leaves the striking burden on Álvaro Morata, so he will have to be clinical in taking any chances against a stingy Italian defence.

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Italy

Italy have conceded once against Spain and then two goals in a strange 3-2 victory over Macedonia away in October 2016. Overall, they have only conceded once from four qualifiers, so the Italians will hope for a superb defensive performance in Spain on September 2nd.

Head coach Gian Piero Ventura still has veteran defensive talents in Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli, and Leonardo Bonucci. They will be fundamental in Italy attempting to frustrate Spain at home. The Italians are lacking in experienced quality at fullback, so remaining rigid in the middle of the park will be crucial.

On paper, the Italian midfield simply doesn’t compare to that of the Spanish. In fact, Marco Verratti is the only player who definitely stacks up well next to the Spanish starters. Italy’s midfield is highly dependent on players in their 30s, which makes the unit similar to the defence.

As a result, this could see the Italians defending extremely deep and narrow. Their defenders and midfielders simply won’t have the pace to chase back from a high defensive line. This can work pretty well, but the Italians will probably need Spain to have an off-day if they are to earn a draw or even a shock victory.

Verdict

Italy have benefitted from playing against opponents like Albania, Israel, Lichtenstein, and Macedonia. Although Spain are likely to win group G, Italy can still earn automatic qualification through an extremely high points’ finish.

Spain represent decent value at 1.85 with bet365, considering their international pedigree and that they hold the home advantage. Italy will do their utmost to stay secure at the back, but their lack of pace could see them undone eventually.

Tip #1: Back Spain to win @ 1.85 with bet365.com

Tip #2: Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.53 with bet365.com

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Tip #1: Back Arsenal to win @ 1.70 with bet365.com

Tip #2: Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.10 with bet365.com

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Stoke City v Arsenal Betting Tips: Match Preview

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Stoke City

Stoke City have been a mainstay of the Premier League ever since they debuted during the 2008/09 season. At this point, Stoke have struggled to make a step up and attempt to disrupt the sides that are just outside of the top teams.

This season, Mark Hughes should be grateful if he can manage to repeat the 13th-placed finish that they secured last time around. The rationale behind this thinking stems from the fact that the Potters have sold pivotal attacking talents in Marko Arnautović and Jonathan Walters.

In the summer, Stoke have solidified their defence by securing the long-term signing of Bruno Martins Indi, while young centre-back Kurt Zouma has arrived on loan from Chelsea. Josh Tymon has also been added in defence, but is unlikely to be a major contributor.

Saido Berahino arrived in January to improve the front-line, but is yet to score in the league. Of course, it didn’t help that the Potters could only create one shot on target in the 1-0 loss to Everton.

If Berahino continues to struggle, then Hughes could try to use new signing Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting instead. However, they will need to figure out who will do the creating. Hughes is the latest manager to fall in love with 3-4-3, but Bojan, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Joe Allen will have to do more against Arsenal’s questionable defence.

Arsenal

Arsenal fans endured a rollercoaster experience during their opening 4-3 victory of the Premier League season. Leicester City weren’t solid at defending last season, so Arsenal will have been confident of putting a couple of goals past the Foxes. However, the goals conceded made Arsenal’s victory anything but routine.

Alexandre Lacazette made a solid debut by scoring a header from a Mohamed Elneny cross after only two minutes. Gunners fans were buoyed by that positive opening, but the doubts arose almost immediately after Leicester equalised just three minutes later through Shinji Okazaki.

At point, Arsenal were 3-2 down to the Foxes and staring at embarrassment in their first game of the Premier League season. And they would have to wait for a little late magic on 83 minutes and 85 minutes for Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud, respectively, to score and save the day.

Arsenal are currently dealing with injuries and or suspensions to centre-backs Laurent Koscielny, Shkodran Mustafi, and Per Mertesacker. This is especially problematic considering Arsène Wenger is using a 3-4-3 formation.

Mustafi is said to be close to returning and his presence would be vital for upgrading on Rob Holding or Nacho Monreal, while free signing Sead Kolašinac looks to be a shrewd signing. Arsenal are still capable of scoring without Alexis Sánchez, but their shaky defence could drop points.

Verdict

In seasons past, it would have been tempting to back the draw at 3.80, but Stoke City are questionable this season. The Potters have sold key attacking talents without taking steps to properly replace them.

This will make life easier on an Arsenal defence who will surely concede fewer goals than last weekend, and thus contribute to a victorious performance.

Tip #1: Back Arsenal to win @ 1.70 with bet365.com

Tip #2: Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.10 with bet365.com

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Tip #1: Back Manchester United to win @ 1.36 with bet365.com

Tip #2: Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.95 with bet365.com

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Swansea v Manchester United Betting Tips: Match Preview

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Swansea

Swansea City shall welcome Man Utd to the Liberty Stadium in Saturday’s early match. Manager Paul Clement delighted Swansea fans by defying the odds to keep the club in the Premier League after a long battle against relegation.

Clement joined midway through last season to replace the bizarre hire that was Bob Bradley. The American never looked up to the task of managing in the intense environment that is the Premier League.

This season, Clement has had the advantage of being able to prepare the Swans during preseason and also identify prospective signings. Thus far, the recruitments have included only midfielder Roque Mesa as the lone senior signing.

Attacking midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson was a notable absence for the 0-0 draw away at Southampton, with Everton targeting the unsettled Icelandic international. The Swans were spectacularly uncreative and could only muster four total attempts compared to the 29 of Southampton.

Swansea appear to be withholding Sigurdsson while the player’s future is being resolved, but another weekend out of the side could see them again struggle to create viable chances versus the Red Devils.

Manchester United

Anticipation was ramping up at Old Trafford ahead of the encounter against West Ham, with Man Utd fans forced to wait for the last starting time of the weekend. And they were not disappointed thanks to a dominant performance that allowed them to forget the many frustrations from last season.

José Mourinho doesn’t give much away, but he might have been growing concerned after 30 minutes without a goal. However, a superb through-ball from Marcus Rashford allowed for Romelu Lukaku to score his first league goal for the club with an excellent finish past West Ham goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Man Utd never let up in their pressure, with the Red Devils playing numerous through-balls and making countless dangerous runs. There 21 total attempts and just five of those on target, but the Man Utd attackers were able to convert their quality chances.

The experts believed that Man Utd would use a 4-3-3 against West Ham, but Mourinho showed a willingness to change by deploying a 4-2-3-1 that saw Ander Herrera miss out on a start. Mourinho could favour 4-2-3-1 against the weaker teams, while 4-3-3 will be available in tougher matches.

For the Swansea game, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Mourinho roll with the formation that started the season so effectively. Paul Pogba isn’t afforded as much freedom in the 4-2-3-1, but the formation does allow for Henrikh Mkhitaryan to play as the creative number 10 pulling the strings behind Lukaku.

Verdict

Swansea are missing the attacking threats of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Fernando Llorente, which will give Man Utd the confidence to aggressively pursue an away victory.

Nemanja Matić exerted astonishing control in the midfield battle against West Ham and will be confident of continuing to exert his will over a Swansea City team that seems incomplete.

Tip #1: Back Manchester United to win @ 1.36 with bet365.com

Tip #2: Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.95 with bet365.com

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Tip #1: Back Tottenham to win @ 2.05 with bet365.com

Tip #2: Back Kane to Score Anytime @ 1.85 with bet365.com

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Tottenham v Chelsea Betting Tips: Match Preview

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Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur began their Premier League season away from home with a 2-0 victory against Newcastle. Spurs scored heavily to finish last season, but they drew a blank in the first-half at St James’s Park.

Early in the second-half, Tottenham’s cause was aided by a second yellow card for hot-headed Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey. Christian Eriksen then took advantage of the extra space to lay on superb chances for Dele Alli and Ben Davies, both of whom converted to give Spurs all three points.

Tottenham can draw confidence because they didn’t leave it late to secure the win, which will be vital for them playing their first home game of the season at Wembley. White Hart Lane is currently being demolished in favour of a brand new ground, leaving Spurs playing away from their spiritual home.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men were awful when playing their Champions League matches at Wembley. Spurs’ home results included a 2-1 loss to Monaco, a 1-0 defeat to Leverkusen, and a victory over 3-1 CSKA Moscow.

Tottenham should win plenty of home games this season, but they might not be quite so dominant as in the last campaign. This could lead to dropped points against some of the tougher teams in the league.

Chelsea

Chelsea have acquired three senior players so far this summer, but last weekend showed that the squad is still badly lacking in depth. Antonio Conte began the season with midfield injuries to Eden Hazard, Pedro, and Tiémoué Bakayoko. Therefore, it was surprising to see the Blues sell Nemanja Matić to title rivals Man Utd.

The lack of midfield depth has been further highlighted by Cesc Fàbregas receiving a second yellow card against Burnley to earn a one-match suspension. This could see David Luiz step into midfield at a time when Gary Cahill is beginning a three-match suspension and centre-back Antonio Rüdiger is still getting used to Conte’s Chelsea system.

Chelsea endured a rough start to last season and the signs would suggest that they could again be slow to start. Aside from set pieces, the only creative threat in open play appears to be Willian, who earned an assist and played a part in Chelsea’s other goal for the 3-2 defeat to Burnley.

One bright spot from the Burnley game was the substitute appearance of Álvaro Morata, who scored and assisted. Conte feels that the Spanish international striker is still improving his condition and getting used to the system, but could be forced to start Morata after the abysmal showing from Michy Batshuayi.

Verdict

Tottenham have eased the early pressure by winning away in their first game, and that’s the best they could have hoped for in trying to banish the Wembley demons.

For Spurs to win this game, Pochettino is likely to revert to 3-4-3 after starting with 4-2-3-1. The second key to a Spurs victory will be to shut down Willian, who is Chelsea’s sole creative threat aside from any wingback magic.

Tip #1: Back Tottenham to win @ 2.05 with bet365.com

Tip #2: Back Kane to Score Anytime @ 1.85 with bet365.com

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Tip #1: Back Chelsea to win @ 1.44 with bet365.com

Tip #2: Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.10 with bet365.com

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Chelsea v Everton Betting Tips: Match Preview

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Chelsea

Antonio Conte responded to Chelsea’s opening 3-2 home loss to Burnley by deploying drastically different tactics against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs were breathing down Chelsea’s neck for much of last season, so it was vital for the Blues to avoid a devastating loss.

Following suspensions to centre-back Gary Cahill and midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, Conte adjusted his 3-4-2-1 formation to bring an attacking midfielder back into defensive midfield. David Luiz was the man tasked with operating in that role and shielding the defence.

Chelsea sacrificed 68% of the possession to Tottenham and conceded 18 total attempts on goal, but the Blues managed to hold out for most of the game. Marcos Alonso had given Chelsea the lead with a superb free-kick on 24 minutes, but a Michy Batshuayi own-goal brought Spurs back into the game on 82 minutes.

Marcos Alonso then spared the blushes of Batshuayi by finishing off a Pedro pass from a seemingly impossible angle. Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris conceded when the ball was struck straight at him, but Chelsea weren’t about to complain.

Conte set Chelsea up to defend deeply and tightly, while then hitting the ball long to bypass the high pressing of Spurs. This will not be the identical strategy for welcoming Everton to Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea should expected to attack more conservatively after their scare against Burnley.

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Everton

Everton have spent heavily to upgrade their squad, bringing in goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, defenders Michael Keane and Cuco Martina, midfielders Davy Klaassen and Gylfi Sigurdsson, and strikers Wayne Rooney and Sandro Ramirez.

From those signings, it was hometown hero Rooney who delivered all three points from the opening 1-0 encounter versus Stoke City. Sigurdsson, meanwhile, has been a more recent addition, arriving for £45 million last season.

The Icelandic playmaker was superb in a Swansea side that risked relegation for almost the entirety of the season. During that campaign, the influential Sigurdsson scored nine goals and assisted 13 in the league. Everton manager Ronald Koeman would be wise to try and include Sigurdsson for the trip to Chelsea.

Everton have looked like they are still gelling in attack, which is why Sigurdsson must be used in some capacity on Sunday. Although he isn’t famed for his pace, Sigurdsson is a quicker runner from deep than Rooney or Klaassen. And this could help create opportunities against a Chelsea defence that will be without captain Gary Cahill.

Verdict

Chelsea will continue to be tricky for more attacking teams like Tottenham, but it’s the sides like Everton that should be attempting to slow them down. The Blues have to focus on securing victories and clubs like Everton are going to get defensive.

After Everton’s difficult visit to Man City, they could be at risk of falling short at Stamford Bridge. The Blues were gritty against Spurs and could have Eden Hazard back in the line-up to make the side even more creative. A narrow Chelsea victory appears possible at 1.44 with bet365.

Tip #1: Back Man United to win @ 1.26 with bet365.com

Tip #2: Back Man Utd & Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.83 with bet365.com

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