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Big Game Focus: Sweden v Spain

 

Spain will be aiming to book their place in next year’s European Championships when they take on Sweden in a Group F’s top of the table showdown. The hosts, on the other hand, will be looking  to cement their position inside the top two. Can they stop the rampant Spaniards? Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here. 

Sweden will be looking to get a positive result when they play host to Spain tonight and  solidify their position in Group F. With Romania and neighbours Norway hot on their heels, it is vital that the hosts produce a good result against the Spaniards given there are only three games left to play. Sweden are second in the group with 14 points, just one more than Romania and four more than Norway.

Spain saw their 100% record in the group come to an end last week following a 1-1 draw by Norway. However, they are comfortably placed at the top of the group, having collected 19 points from their seven matches. A point against Sweden will be enough for Robert Moreno’s men to seal their spot in the UEFA Euro 2020.

Betting preview

Spain have won seven of their last eight matches in all competitions. Spain won 3-0 the last time these two met as well as the last three meetings. The Swedes drew 1-1 in their last home game which was against their Scandinavian neighbours Norway. For that reason, you can back an Away Win at odds of 1.95. 

Spain have scored two or more goals in eight of their last ten matches in all competitions. They’ve also scored Over 1.5 Goals in four of their last five away matches. Therefore, odds of 1.95 for Away Team to score Over 1.5 Goals are attractive. 

The hosts have kept just two clean sheets at home in their last six matches in all competitions. Meanwhile, both teams have scored in six of Spain’s last seven matches. You can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.80. 

Team news

The hosts have no major injury or suspension concerns, and should, therefore, name their strongest XI for this huge clash against Spain. Victor Lindelof missed the 4-0 win over Malta on Saturday but is expected to return alongside Andreas Granqvist.

Sergio Ramos was booked in the 1-1 draw with Norway and is suspended. Athletic Bilbao centre half Inigo Martinez is expected to come in alongside Raul Albiol at the heart of the defence.

Possible line-ups

Sweden: Olsen, Lustig, Lindelof, Granqvist, Bengtsson, Larsson, Olsson, Ekdal, Forsberg, Berg, Quaison

Spain: Arrizabalaga, Carvajal, Albiol, Martinez, Bernat, Thiago, Busquets, Saul, Oyarzabal, Moreno, Ceballos

Top 5 Bets for the Euro 2020 Qualifiers: October 14-15

The second round of the Euro 2020 qualifies will resume today and England, Portugal and Spain will all be in action. Here are the top five bets for your consideration. Bet on football here.

Bulgaria v England – Both Teams to Score – 2.35 – October 14th

England will take on Bulgaria as Gareth Southgate’s men attempt to atone for what was a poor showing in Prague on Friday. The Bulgarians have not scored in their last two, but they have scored three in two at home, while they’re facing an England back-line that has not been at its best lately. The Three Lions are likely to adopt a more attacking approach after Friday’s let-down, but it is not easy to fancy them to keep a clean sheet either. More importantly, the chances of both teams scoring are inordinate than the current odds suggest.

France v Turkey – Home Win – 1.45 – October 14th

France will look to go top of Group H with a win when they host Turkey tonight. It has not exactly been a struggle for France during qualification, though they were expected to be out in front by the time match-day eight came around. That said, they only lost in the reverse of this fixture, whilst winning 100% of their other games in Group H. The Turks are not as menacing as the French who will have the home fans rallying behind them and that should see them win this one.

Ukraine v Portugal – Over 2.5 Goals – 2.20 – October 14th

Ukraine will host Portugal on Tuesday evening as the visitors look to close the gap between them and their opponents who lead the way in Group B. Portugal are yet to play away from home in Group B without conceding but on the other hand they have notched nine in two on the road during qualifying. They both have averages of 1.7 and 2.35 expected goals for their respective home and away games and therefore backing Over 2.5 Goals sounds like a good punt.

Sweden v Spain – Away Win – 1.85 – October 15th

Sweden will face Spain on Tuesday evening, as they attempt to confirm their position inside the all-important top two in Group F. Spain have been on a rebuilding mission and the results seem to be positive, as they currently lead their group by five points. When the pair met earlier in the group, Spain won by three goals to nil and we expect much of the same going into this one as well.

Greece v Bosnia – Herzegovina – Home Win – October 15th

Can Greece turn around a terrible streak with a home victory over Bosnia when they take on each other on Tuesday? The Italians have dominated the group, but both of these sides are off the pace. Greece are in terrible form and they sit seven points shy of the top two with just three games to play. Bosnia have failed to win any of their last four visits to Greece and we don’t think they have enough to change that here and the home side should be able to take advantage.

Sergio Ramos becomes Spain’s most capped footballer

 

Sergio Ramos became Spain’s most capped player on the weekend, but what makes him one of the best defenders and a polarizing figures in the sport?

The Real Madrid defender has set a new record for international appearances with La Roja, with him reaching 168 caps against Norway on Saturday.

Sergio Ramos is a name that evokes may things. Elite winner, prolific goalscoring defender, someone with a cocky demeanor, dirty player and one of the world’s best defenders. Many of these things are spot on.

On Saturday, the 33-year-old Real Madrid centre back became Spain’s most capped player. He surpassed Iker Casillas’s record to achieve the incredible feat. Ramos has now played 168 times for La Roja, ahead of his former team-mate on 167. Up to that moment Ramos had scored important goals, become the most red-carded player in la Liga and Champions League history but also bagged more goals than his compatriot and one of the best midfielders of all time, Andreas Iniesta. Such is the nature of his polarizing reputation.

Still, Ramos has achieved almost everything any footballer would dream of accomplishing. The Real Madrid captain has won back-to-back European Championships with Spain in 2008 and 2012, as well as the World Cup in 2010, beating the Netherlands.

Winning mentality

Ramos’ winning mentality can never be questioned. His arrival in Madrid in the summer of 2005 coincided with a barren spell for the Los Blancos. He would wait until 2011 to reach the Champions League quarters.  However, his first honour came as his team won La Liga in 2006/2007 season. It was followed by another title the next season.

Ramos then tasted his first international success, playing in La Roja’s back four as they won Euro 2008. Despite all these, the young defender was only getting started and although his club would experience a trophy drought thanks to Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Barcelona side, he would become the bedrock of the club’s success the following few seasons.

He played a crucial role as Madrid won four Champions League trophies in five seasons, a feat that will be hard to eclipse. In 2014, they lifted their first UCL title since 2002 and many more followed in the next four years. Together with Cristiano Ronaldo he became a crucial figure as they won three titles in a row in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

In 2018, he became the first man to captain a side to three straight European titles in the Champions League era as Real Madrid defeated Liverpool.

Since the turn of the decade, the defender has won two La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, four World Club Cups, the Copa del Rey twice, the Euros and the World Cup.

Leadership

Inheriting the club and international armbands from the legendary Iker Casillas seemed like a task too big for Ramos. However, as captain of Real Madrid and Spain, he has shown that he was tailor made for the role as a captain. From playing through a broken nose against Bayern Munich to fearlessly defending his teammates during on-pitch brawls, nobody doubted his ability as a captain and a leader.

As captain he has led Real Madrid to two more Champions League titles and helped them to reclaim the league title. He is yet to win anything with Spain as captain but Euro 2020 is around the corner.

Goals 

Ramos is also the joint-10th highest goalscorer in his country’s history, tied with Michel on 21, just two behind Los Blancos legend Alfredo Di Stefano. He has also managed an impressive tally of 85 goals in 615 games for Los Blancos, a huge return for a defender.

After surpassing the 100-goal mark already, Ramos will go down as one of the best goalscoring defenders of all time. Most of his goals come when the Los Blancos need it most. He is a goalscorer for the big occasions.

Master of the dark arts

Despite his glittering trophy-laden career, Ramos has always been one of football’s apex predators. For many fans, pundits and players, he is a master of the dark arts. The 2018 final between Real Madrid and Liverpool was a perfect example of what Ramos is willing to do for his team to win. The debate still lingers amongst football fans whenever the centre back is involved in any altercation.

Many have brought up Ramos’ disciplinary record as a reason to believe it was an intentional assault on Liverpool’s best player, Mohamed Salah. The challenge saw the Egyptian play a handful of minutes in the first half, something that helped Madrid win the Champions League title.

This is just an example of many instances where Ramos has used unorthodox ways to help his win by all means necessary. Even as he became Spain’s most capped player, Ramos will go down as one of football greatest defender.

Big Game Focus: Bulgaria v England

 

England will have another chance to book their place at the Euro 2020 when they take on Bulgaria in a Group A tie in Sofia. The Three Lions were stunned in Prague by the Czech Republic who handed them a shock 2-1 defeat. Can they bounce back and book their place in next year’s tournament? Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here. 

Gareth Southgate’s side will be looking for an immediate response to the shock 2-1 defeat against Czech Republic when they lock horns with Bulgaria in another Group A Euro 2020 qualifier. The 2018 World Cup semi-finalists suffered their first defeat in the qualifiers since 2009 on Friday night.

Bulgaria have been one of the poorest teams at the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers, having failed to win a single game after their first six games in Group A. They are bottom in Group A, with no chance of reaching the showpiece next year but can they stop England?

Betting preview

The last three games between these two have seen three or more goals scored. Four of Bulgaria’s last five matches and five of England’s last six encounters have seen Over 2.5 Goals. Therefore, you can back Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.60. 

Both teams have scored in four of Bulgaria’s last five matches. Both teams have found the back of the net in four of England’s last six matches. Moreover, the Three Lions defence struggled in Prague and if they produce the same dire performance, the Bulgarian attackers will fancy their chances. You can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 2.15. 

Harry Kane scored twice when these two met in England’s 4-0 win in September. The Tottenham Hotspur striker has also scored in England’s last three games. For that reason, you can back Harry Kane as Anytime Goalscorer at odds of 1.60. 

Team news

For the hosts, Strahil Popov and Vasil Bozhikov withdrew from the squad last week leaving them short of options at the back.

Southgate is likely to consider changes following the defeat in Prague. Tyron Mings might come in for Michael Keane while Harry Winks might come in for Declan Rice.

Possible line-ups

Bulgaria: Iliev, Pashov, Dimitrov, Zanev, Nedyalkov, Kostadinov, Ivanov, Popov, Malinov, Wanderson, Kraev

England: Pickford, Alexander-Arnold, Mings, Maguire, Chilwell, Henderson, Winks, Mount, Sancho, Kane, Sterling

 

Big Game Focus: Brazil v Nigeria

 

Brazil’s poor form in friendlies continued after they were held to a 1-1 draw with Senegal in their last match. On Sunday they meet another African giant, Nigeria in their second warm-up game in Singapore. Can they get their first win in four friendly games? Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here. 

Brazil are winless in their last three friendly matches. Two draws and a loss in their last three games means they are yet to register a victory since their 3-1 win over Peru in the Copa America final. The Brazil and Nigeria senior teams have only met once with the Selecao claiming a 3-0 victory in Abuja in 2003.

The Super Eagles drew 2-2 in their last friendly match which was against Ukraine. Nigeria have won just one of their last eight friendly matches but claimed a memorable win over Brazil’s arch rivals Argentina last year. Can upset the Brazilians?

Betting preview

Since losing to Belgium in the 2018 World Cup quarter-final, Brazil have lost just once. In that span they’ve won 13 games. The Super Eagles have won one, lost three and drawn four of their last eight friendly matches. Cameroon are the only African side ever to have beaten Brazil, a 1-0 victory in the 2003 Confederations Cup. For that reason, you can back a Home Win at odds of 1.30. 

The Super Eagles have scored in eight of their last nine matches, winning five, drawing once and losing thrice. Brazil have not kept a clean sheet in their last four matches. Both teams have scored in four of Nigeria’s last five matches. You can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 2.15. 

Four of Nigeria’s last five matches have seen Over 2.5 Goals. Three of Brazil’s last five friendly matches have seen three or more goals scored. Therefore, you can back over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.80. 

Team news

Brazil have no injury concerns after their friendly against Senegal.

Gernot Rohr could hand Peter Olayinka and Efosa Solomon-Otabor their debuts. Both men alongside Maduka Okoye could make their international bows in Singapore.

Possible line-ups

Brazil: Ederson, Alves, Marquinhos, Militao, Sandro, Fabinho, Arthur, Neymar, Richarlison, Jesus, Firmino

Nigeria: Uzoho, Ekong, Omeruo, Aina, Ndidi, Etebo, Simon, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Osimhen

Top 5 Bets for the weekend: October 12-3

The international break is here and there will be plenty of action in the Euro 2020 qualifiers. We have done our research on the top bets to keep a keen eye one. Bet on football here.

Denmark v Switzerland – Double Chance (1X) – 1.30

Denmark will host Switzerland in a pivotal qualification tie in Copenhagen this weekend. The two sides are second and third respectively in Group D and they will be trying to outdo each other. Interestingly, Denmark have finished level in five of their most recent seven games overall since November last year. The Swiss also hold an undefeated record in Group D after four matches, winning two and drawing two of their opening quartet of qualification contests.

Norway v Spain – Both Teams to Score – 1.90

Norway are unbeaten in their last qualifiers but only sit fourth in Group F and play host to the three-time Euro winners and current group leaders Spain this weekend. Both teams scored in two of the last three meetings between these two nations and we are confident that both teams will score in Saturday’s match.

Italy v Greece – Under 2.5 Goals – 1.95

Italy will be out to make it seven Euro 2020 qualification wins from seven when they host an out of form Greece outfit in Rome. We expect Italy to ease to victory again against the Greeks, though we don’t envisage the winning margin to be quite so big. With the Greeks well-established defensive robustness away from home and Italy’s modest goal-scoring figures, Under 2.5 Goals looks the smartest way to approach this game.

Malta v Sweden – (-1 Handicap) Away Win – 1.25

Malta have lost their last five qualifiers and will be expected to lose a sixth when they take on Sweden. The visitors have won three of their last six and they have a 100% record against Malta that is expected to continue this here. Malta have failed to score in each of their last five matches and Sweden have kept two clean sheets in their last four attempts, and we don’t expect any drastic changes in their current circumstances.

Faroe Islands v Romania – Over 2.5 Goals – 1.75

Faroe Islands will play host to a Romania side looking to qualify for their sixth European Championship since 1984. The visitors have won all of their seven previous encounters against Faroe Islands and Over 2.5 Goals have been produced in five of the pairs’ seven meetings. Romania have scored Over 2.5 Goals in five of their seven games against Faroe Islands and that should continue in this fixture.

Big Game Focus: Italy v Greece

 

Group J leaders Italy will be looking to make it seven wins out of seven in the Euro 2020 qualification when they host an out of form Greece in Rome this weekend. Here’s the Big Game Focus with some betting tips. Bet on the game here. 

The Italians have been terrific in Group J so far. The Azzurri have won all of their six games, soring an impressive 18 goals and have one foot in next year’s European Championships. Although the Azzurri have been in good form, they have struggled in attack. Can they make it seven out of seven? Italy comfortably beat the Greeks in the reverse fixture between them in June.

Greece have endured a disappointing Euro 2020 qualification campaign. Their 2-0 win at Liechtenstein on match day one remains their only victory in Group J so far, and John van ‘t Schip’s men visit Rome with a dreadful record of just two wins in ten matches in all competitions.

Betting preview

Only three of Italy’s last 12 home matches in all competitions have seen three or more goals scored. Although Greece are enduring a difficult period, the 2004 Euro champions rarely get dismantled away from home. In fact, they have conceded more than two goals in only one of their last 20 international matches away from home. For that reason, you can back Under 2.5 Goals in this game at odds of 1.95. 

Torino striker Andrea Belotti has scored two goals in four appearances in the Euro qualifiers. The 25-year-old has been in good form for his club scoring five goals in seven Serie A appearances. Overall, he’s scored 13 goals in 17 appearances in all competitions this season. You can back Andrea Belotti as Anytime Goalscorer at odds of 2.05. 

The last time these two met, the Italians won 3-0. All the three goals were scored in a pace of ten minutes in the first half. Greece have conceded eight goals in the first half in their last five matches in all competitions.  Therefore, odds of 3.00 for First Half as the Highest Scoring Half look attractive. 

Team news

Azzurri captain Giorgio Chiellini will miss out through injury.

Konstantinos Fortounis is a long-term absentee and will be unavailable for the visitors.

Possible lineups

Italy: Donnarumma, Izzo, Bonucci, Acerbi, Spinazzola, Barella, Jorginho, Verratti, Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne

Greece: Barkas, Bakakis, Retsos, Siovas, Stafylidis, Kourmpelis, Bouchalakis, Fetfatzidis,Vrousai, Pavlidis, Koulouris

 

 

Big Game Focus: Czech Republic v England

 

England can secure their place in next year’s Euro 2020 if they beat Czech Republic on Friday. Gareth Southgate’s side defeated the Czechs in the first match 5-0 in March but can they complete the double? Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here. 

Czech Republic aim to build on a thrilling 3-0 win over Montenegro when they welcome Group A leaders England in Prague on Friday. The hosts have won three out of five games and lost two, one against Friday’s visitors, and the other against Kosovo. They are second and are aiming to tighten that grip this month.

England are just one game away from securing their place in next year’s European Championship. The Three Lions have registered four wins from four in qualification, scoring 19 goals in the process, with Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane netting 12 of them. Can they win in Prague and qualify for Euro 2020?

Betting Preview

England have won all of their European qualifiers since September 2014. They have played four and won four so far. The Czech Republic have lost two of their last three meetings against England. Therefore, you can back an Away Win at odds of 1.40. 

The Three Lions won 5-0 the last time these two met. Czech Republic’s last six games have seen Over 2.5 Goals. Five of England’s last six games have seen three or more goals scored. You can back Over 2.5 Goals in this game at odds of 1.74.

Raheem Sterling has scored six goals in four qualifiers so far including a hat-trick in a 5-0 demolition of Friday’s hosts. You can back Raheem Sterling as Anytime Goalscorer at odds of 2.30.

Teams news

The hosts have no major injury concerns.

Regular internationals Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Kyle Walker and Jesse Lingard were left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for Friday’s game and the visit of Bulgaria. Chelsea duo Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori were called up and are in line for their international debuts.

Possible line-ups

Czech Republic: Vaclik, Coufal, Celustka, Suchy, Boril, Soucek, Darida, Jankto, Kral, Masopust, Schick

England: Pickford, Alexander-Arnold, Keane, Maguire, Rose, Henderson, Rice, Maddison, Sterling, Kane, Sancho

 

Things to look out for in Euro 2020 Qualifiers

 

The European qualifiers are back. England, Spain, Italy and Belgium can qualify this week while Cristiano Ronaldo will try and reach the 100-goal mark for his country. Here are Things to look out for in Euro 2020 Qualifiers. Bet on football here. 

England and Belgium to seal their place in Euro 2020

England continue their march towards Euro 2020 when they take on Czech Republic in Prague on Friday. The Three Lions have a perfect record in qualification having won all their four games. Gareth Southgate’s side face perhaps their biggest test in qualifying away to the Czechs, who sit second in Group A on nine points having also played a game more than the visitors. However, England can seal their place in the competition if they beat Czech. Victory over San Marino would be enough for Belgium to qualify. Just like England, Roberto Martinez’s side have a perfect record and it shouldn’t be hard to get past San Marino a side ranked number 210 in the world.

Northern Ireland four-point challenge?

Northern Ireland played their first four Group C games against Belarus and Estonia, getting maximum points, but fell 2-0 at home to Germany last time out which saw them drop to second in the group. They require four points from their two games against the Netherlands or back-to-back wins from their November double-header at home to the Dutch and away to the Germans. They travel to Rotterdam with the Netherlands only three points behind with a game in hand after their two September wins, including 4-2 in Germany. Can they shock the Dutch?

Goals galore: Denmark v Switzerland

Denmark fought back from 3-0 down to draw in Switzerland the last time these two met in March. They met again in this Saturday and we should expect another thrilling encounter. In that game, the Swiss had a commanding 3-0 lead with just 15 minutes left to play but six minutes of madness saw the Danes roar back to snatch a 3-3 draw in one of the best games in qualification. Can they produce the same on Saturday?

Huge test for Croatia against Hungary

Although they reached last year’s World Cup final, Croatia haven’t been in the best form. An embarrassing 6-0 loss to Spain in the Nation League, a 2-1 loss to Hungary and a 1-1 draw away to Azerbaijan means they’re yet to build some momentum. However, they still sit top of Group E with ten points, one more than Hungary and Slovakia. A home win over the Hungarians will solidify their grip on top but this is the same side they lost to in March. Can Hungary upset the eighth best team in the world?

Can Ronaldo reach the 100 club?

Cristiano Ronaldo moved on to 93 international goals last month, scoring four against Lithuania as Portugal secured a 5-1 win in Vilnius. This means the forward is now only 16 goals behind men’s international record holder Ali Daei, who scored 109 goals in 149 games for Iran before retiring in 2006. The Portuguese face minnows Luxembourg in their next game. Can Ronaldo reach the 100-goal mark?

Italy resurgence

The Azzurri are not the same star-studded team that blew away teams more than a decade ago. Failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup was a disaster but Roberto Mancini is trying to revive a slumbering giant. They sit top of Group J with a perfect record. A win over Greece should be enough to secure qualification. Although qualification wouldn’t take Italy back to its lofty perch, it can be the beginning of something special.

 

How are the Premier League top six fairing?

The International break is here and today we will take a look at how the Premier League has panned out with a special focus on the top six clubs in the league. Bet on football here.

Liverpool

Liverpool have had a brilliant start to their Premier League campaign after winning all eight fixtures so far. They sit eight points clear of Manchester City ahead of the international break. As a matter of fact they are the overwhelming favourites to win the English title for the first time since 1990. They seem to have picked up where they left last season and they will be hoping to protect the advantage lest they fall into the same trap as last season. In the meantime, they remain the best team in the division and they are setting the standards for others to follow.

Manchester City

Manchester City are the defending Champions and they have made their worst start to a season since Pep Guardiola took charge at the Etihad in 2016. Theirs has been a lack of consistency as they have looked unstoppable at times only to flop the next minute. City’s defensive shortcomings have been largely due to the injuries to Aymeric Laporte and John Stones. Guardiola needs to find a way to make City more robust at the back, especially at set-pieces, before they return to action at Crystal Palace if they are to challenge for the title this season.

Arsenal

Arsenal are sitting in third position after eight games, and this is excellent considering their squad that remains imbalanced and in need of extra defensive quality. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been their best player after scoring seven of the team’s 13 league goals so far. However, they need to change the reality of their winless run against the ‘Big Six’ opponents. In games against Liverpool, Spurs and United, Arsenal have taken just two points and they need to find a way to beat their biggest rivals to cement their top-four ambitions.

Leicester City

Tottenham have endured their worst run since the 2008-09 campaign after collecting just 22 points from their last 20 Premier League games. The alarming loss of form has seen Leicester City step up and take their spot in the top four. Brendan Rodgers has Jamie Vardy at his lethal best once again and the young contingent are also stepping up to offer support. It will be interesting to see how they hold on.

Chelsea

Chelsea have bounced back from their 4-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening weekend to climb to fifth position going into the international break. Frank Lampard’s Chelsea have been inconsistent, but with the transfer ban, he has had to trust youngsters such as Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori. All three academy products have now been called into the senior England squad as a reward for their progress, which has been a highlight of Chelsea’s season so far. Lampard’s challenge is to build on the momentum and find some winning consistency.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have equally done well for themselves this season and surprised a few on their way to sixth place. Black Stars striker Jordan Ayew is having a stellar start to the season, whilst the free signing of Gary Cahill has made Roy Hogdson’s team more defensively sound. The Eagles are unbeaten at home since Man City beat them at Selhurst Park in April. Unfortunately for Hodgson and co. Pep’s boys are the team they play directly after the break. Can they maintain an unlikely push for a Europa League spot?