Month: February 2022

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>The visitors were in Europa League action in Bulgaria on Thursday evening and the short turnaround between games could mean few goals this weekend

Jose Mourinho takes his Tottenham side to the Hawthorns on Sunday to face a West Brom team still searching for their first Premier League win of the season.

Slaven Bilic’s men have recorded three draws and four defeats from their seven games so far, while Spurs have won all three of their away matches this term.

West Brom vs Tottenham Latest Odds

The Baggies’ last win in the English top-flight actually came against Spurs back in May 2018 and bet365 offer them at 6/1 (7.00) to pick up three points on Sunday afternoon.

Spurs, for their part, can be backed at 9/20 (1.45) while the draw is available at 10/3 (4.33).

West Brom vs Tottenham Team News

The hosts are without Sam Field and Hal Robson-Kanu but welcome back defender Dara O’Shea from an ankle problem.

Erik Lamela and Japhet Tanganga are both out for Spurs, however Sergio Reguilon starts after being assessed, having not featured on Thursday night in the Europa League.

West Brom XI: Johnstone; Furlong, Ajayi, Bartley, O’Shea; Townsend, Gallagher, Livermore, Krovinovic, Robinson; Grant

Spurs XI: Lloris; Doherty, Alderweireld, Dier, Reguilon; Hojbjerg, Sissoko, Ndombele; Bale, Son, Kane

West Brom vs Tottenham Preview

Spurs have won both of their Premier League matches this season which have come after Europa League group games, but both victories have been hardfought.

The European success over LASK was followed by a 1-0 win at Burnley, while the 1-0 loss at Antwerp saw the team bounce back with a 2-1 win against Brighton.

The north London side were victorious in Bulgaria against Ludogorets on Thursday and there should be interest in backing another tight game, with the short turnaround likely to hinder Spurs’ intensity.

West Brom’s recent matches have been low-scoring encounters and opposing goals at The Hawthorns this weekend should appeal, especially considering Harry Kane and Gareth Bale both started on Thursday and are likely to do so here.

West Brom vs Tottenham Tips and Predictions

Under 2.75 goals in the game is offered at 93/100 (1.93) and looks like a solid option.

This selection pays out in full if there are less than three goals in the game, while half the initial stake is returned if there are exactly three goals in the game. 

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly. 

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Boasting a strong home record against the Reds, Al Hain-Cole is backing Guardiola's men to prove too strong for their understrength visitors

The Premier League title race could take an early twist when Manchester City welcome Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s men are five points adrift of the leaders in 10th place, although have played one fewer match so far.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Latest Odds

Unbeaten in four home league games against this opposition, they are 19/20 (1.95) favourites with bet365 to close the gap to just a single point with a big win.

The Reds are top of the league on goal difference and come into this clash on the back of a five-match winning streak in all competitions, and can be backed at 12/5 (3.40) to open up a big cushion by coming out on top here.

None of the last 16 fixtures at this ground have resulted in draws, but you can get odds of 16/5 (4.20) on this one finishing up all square.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Team News

Gabriel Jesus is back following injury but Sergio Aguero remains sidelined and Fernandinho and Benjamin Mendy are also both ruled out.

Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all sidelined, as is Thiago Alcantara, but Joel Matip is fit to start.

Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Laporte, Dias, Cancelo; Rodrigo, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Torres, Sterling, Jesus

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Jota; Salah, Mane, Firmino

Manchester City vs Liverpool Preview

Although they may be top of the league going into the weekend, Jurgen Klopp’s team is still a far cry from the one that romped to last season’s title.

Van Dijk’s injury has left a massive hole in a backline that was already looking rather vulnerable, underlined by the shocking 7-2 defeat against Aston Villa with the Dutchman at the heart of the defence.

In fact, they have only kept two clean sheets in their last nine away matches in the league, conceding 20 goals and suffering four defeats.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Tips and Predictions

Having won their last three home league matches against Liverpool by a combined 11-1 scoreline, those 19/20 (1.95) odds seem pretty generous on City taking advantage of any weakness in the opposition defence and pulling off a highly significant victory.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Boasting a strong home record against the Reds, Al Hain-Cole is backing Guardiola's men to prove too strong for their understrength visitors

The Premier League title race could take an early twist when Manchester City welcome Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s men are five points adrift of the leaders in 10th place, although have played one fewer match so far.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Latest Odds

Unbeaten in four home league games against this opposition, they are 19/20 (1.95) favourites with bet365 to close the gap to just a single point with a big win.

The Reds are top of the league on goal difference and come into this clash on the back of a five-match winning streak in all competitions, and can be backed at 12/5 (3.40) to open up a big cushion by coming out on top here.

None of the last 16 fixtures at this ground have resulted in draws, but you can get odds of 16/5 (4.20) on this one finishing up all square.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Team News

Gabriel Jesus is back following injury but Sergio Aguero remains sidelined and Fernandinho and Benjamin Mendy are also both ruled out.

Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all sidelined, as is Thiago Alcantara, but Joel Matip is fit to start.

Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Laporte, Dias, Cancelo; Rodrigo, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Torres, Sterling, Jesus

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Jota; Salah, Mane, Firmino

Manchester City vs Liverpool Preview

Although they may be top of the league going into the weekend, Jurgen Klopp’s team is still a far cry from the one that romped to last season’s title.

Van Dijk’s injury has left a massive hole in a backline that was already looking rather vulnerable, underlined by the shocking 7-2 defeat against Aston Villa with the Dutchman at the heart of the defence.

In fact, they have only kept two clean sheets in their last nine away matches in the league, conceding 20 goals and suffering four defeats.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Tips and Predictions

Having won their last three home league matches against Liverpool by a combined 11-1 scoreline, those 19/20 (1.95) odds seem pretty generous on City taking advantage of any weakness in the opposition defence and pulling off a highly significant victory.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Recent matches involving these two nations have been low-scoring encounters and we are backing that trend to continue when they meet this week

Spain travel to Amsterdam on Wednesday evening to face the Netherlands in a friendly at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Luis Enrique’s side suffered a shock 1-0 defeat in the Nations League last month in Ukraine, while the Dutch have failed to win any of their last four matches in all competitions.

Netherlands vs Spain Latest Odds

La Roja have not won any of their last five away matches but are favourites to triumph on Wednesday evening.

The visitors are available at 11/8 (2.38) with bet365 while Frank de Boer’s men can be backed at 9/5 (2.80) with the draw at 11/5 (3.20).

These sides have not met for five years but their last encounter was a friendly in 2015, which the Netherlands won 2-0 in Amsterdam.

Netherlands vs Spain Team News

Jesus Navas and Ansu Fati have dropped out after picking up injuries, with Hector Bellerin and Marco Asensio replacing them. Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente could make his debut while clubmate Koke returns after a two-year absence.

For the hosts, PSV youngster Mohamed Ihattaren has pulled out of the squad with illness, while FC Twente goalkeeper Joel Drommel has been drafted in after both Jasper Cillessen and Justin Bijlow dropped out. 

Netherlands vs Spain Preview

Both sides boast plenty of talented attacking players, yet 2020 has seen both the Dutch and Spanish struggle for goals.

Luis Enrique is still not sure who his main striker is, with Alvaro Morata, Gerard Moreno, Fati, Mikel Oyarzabal and Rodrigo Moreno all being deployed in recent matches.

The manager will likely use the match in Amsterdam to try things once again, and a lack of continuity may possibly affect the fluency with which La Roja attack.

Netherlands seem to have things a little clearer with Luuk De Jong and Memphis Depay spearheading their attack, but neither player is in prolific form and the team have been far from clinical in the final third.

Netherlands vs Spain Tips and Predictions

Under 2.5 goals is priced at 9/10 (1.90) and has paid out in all five of the Netherlands matches this year, as well as in four of Spain’s five clashes in 2020. 

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Recent matches involving these two nations have been low-scoring encounters and we are backing that trend to continue when they meet this week

Spain travel to Amsterdam on Wednesday evening to face the Netherlands in a friendly at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Luis Enrique’s side suffered a shock 1-0 defeat in the Nations League last month in Ukraine, while the Dutch have failed to win any of their last four matches in all competitions.

Netherlands vs Spain Latest Odds

La Roja have not won any of their last five away matches but are favourites to triumph on Wednesday evening.

The visitors are available at 11/8 (2.38) with bet365 while Frank de Boer’s men can be backed at 9/5 (2.80) with the draw at 11/5 (3.20).

These sides have not met for five years but their last encounter was a friendly in 2015, which the Netherlands won 2-0 in Amsterdam.

Netherlands vs Spain Team News

Jesus Navas and Ansu Fati have dropped out after picking up injuries, with Hector Bellerin and Marco Asensio replacing them. Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente could make his debut while clubmate Koke returns after a two-year absence.

For the hosts, PSV youngster Mohamed Ihattaren has pulled out of the squad with illness, while FC Twente goalkeeper Joel Drommel has been drafted in after both Jasper Cillessen and Justin Bijlow dropped out. 

Netherlands vs Spain Preview

Both sides boast plenty of talented attacking players, yet 2020 has seen both the Dutch and Spanish struggle for goals.

Luis Enrique is still not sure who his main striker is, with Alvaro Morata, Gerard Moreno, Fati, Mikel Oyarzabal and Rodrigo Moreno all being deployed in recent matches.

The manager will likely use the match in Amsterdam to try things once again, and a lack of continuity may possibly affect the fluency with which La Roja attack.

Netherlands seem to have things a little clearer with Luuk De Jong and Memphis Depay spearheading their attack, but neither player is in prolific form and the team have been far from clinical in the final third.

Netherlands vs Spain Tips and Predictions

Under 2.5 goals is priced at 9/10 (1.90) and has paid out in all five of the Netherlands matches this year, as well as in four of Spain’s five clashes in 2020. 

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Having tightened things up at the back recently, Al Hain-Cole is backing Clarke's men to ensure a frustrating 90 minutes for the Orlovi in Belgrade

Scotland will be hoping to secure qualification for their first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup when they take on Serbia in Thursday’s Euro 2020 play-off final.

The Tartan Army edged past Israel on penalties in the semi-final in Glasgow and are unbeaten in eight matches coming into this clash.

Serbia vs Scotland Latest Odds

However, they remain 5/1 (6.00) outsiders with bet365 to qualify for their first European Championship since 1996 by coming out on top in Belgrade.

Ljubia Tumbakovic’s men also needed penalties to see off Norway in their semi-final tie but are 4/6 (1.67) favourites to get the job done within 90 minutes in this one.

Four of the hosts’ last six fixtures have resulted in draws and there are odds of 14/5 (3.80) available on this one heading into extra-time after another stalemate.

Serbia vs Scotland Team News

Milos Veljkovic has been banned from travelling by his club Werder Bremen due to COVID-19 concerns, while Filip Djuricic is out after testing positive.

Ryan Fraser and Grant Hanley have both been forced to withdraw from the squad after both picking up hamstring injuries.

Serbia vs Scotland Preview

After a less than convincing start to life in the dugout, Steve Clarke has started to show the qualities that earned him the national team job in the first place of late.

The former Kilmarnock boss has mainly focused on tightening up a backline that comes into this game on the back of three successive clean sheets – making up for a lack of firepower at the other end of the pitch.

With just two goals to their name in those last three fixtures, the guests are likely to dig deep and hope to keep things tight once again in a hugely significant match.

This tactic could well prove effective against the Orlovi, who have failed to hit the back of the net in either of their last two matches on home soil against Turkey and Hungary.

Serbia vs Scotland Tips and Predictions

Considering Serbia have only conceded once themselves in those last two home games, odds of 20/21 (1.95) look like solid value on no more than one side getting on target and under 2.5 goals being scored for Scotland’s fourth match in a row.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Having tightened things up at the back recently, Al Hain-Cole is backing Clarke's men to ensure a frustrating 90 minutes for the Orlovi in Belgrade

Scotland will be hoping to secure qualification for their first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup when they take on Serbia in Thursday’s Euro 2020 play-off final.

The Tartan Army edged past Israel on penalties in the semi-final in Glasgow and are unbeaten in eight matches coming into this clash.

Serbia vs Scotland Latest Odds

However, they remain 5/1 (6.00) outsiders with bet365 to qualify for their first European Championship since 1996 by coming out on top in Belgrade.

Ljubia Tumbakovic’s men also needed penalties to see off Norway in their semi-final tie but are 4/6 (1.67) favourites to get the job done within 90 minutes in this one.

Four of the hosts’ last six fixtures have resulted in draws and there are odds of 14/5 (3.80) available on this one heading into extra-time after another stalemate.

Serbia vs Scotland Team News

Milos Veljkovic has been banned from travelling by his club Werder Bremen due to COVID-19 concerns, while Filip Djuricic is out after testing positive.

Ryan Fraser and Grant Hanley have both been forced to withdraw from the squad after both picking up hamstring injuries.

Serbia vs Scotland Preview

After a less than convincing start to life in the dugout, Steve Clarke has started to show the qualities that earned him the national team job in the first place of late.

The former Kilmarnock boss has mainly focused on tightening up a backline that comes into this game on the back of three successive clean sheets – making up for a lack of firepower at the other end of the pitch.

With just two goals to their name in those last three fixtures, the guests are likely to dig deep and hope to keep things tight once again in a hugely significant match.

This tactic could well prove effective against the Orlovi, who have failed to hit the back of the net in either of their last two matches on home soil against Turkey and Hungary.

Serbia vs Scotland Tips and Predictions

Considering Serbia have only conceded once themselves in those last two home games, odds of 20/21 (1.95) look like solid value on no more than one side getting on target and under 2.5 goals being scored for Scotland’s fourth match in a row.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Recent matches between this pair have been very tight, and Al Hain-Cole expects more of the same when the Three Lions take on Kenny's men at Wembley

Republic of Ireland will be hoping to get one over on their local rivals when they travel to Wembley to take on England in Thursday’s friendly clash.

Stephen Kenny’s men are at a low ebb coming into this match, having won just one of their last nine fixtures in all competitions.

England vs Ireland Latest Odds

Without a victory here since becoming the first visiting side to win on English soil back in 1949, they are available at 17/2 (9.50) with bet365 to pull off an upset by coming out on top.

The Three Lions fell to a surprise 1-0 home defeat against Denmark in their last match but are clear 1/3 (1.33) favourites to bounce back with a win in London.

Five of the last six encounters between this pair have resulted in draws, and you can get odds of 15/4 (4.75) on them cancelling each other out once again in this one.

England vs Ireland Team News

Trent Alexander-Arnold, James Ward-Prowse and Joe Gomez have all pulled out of the squad due to injury while Marcus Rashford has stayed with his club in order to examine a shoulder complaint. Jude Bellingham could make his debut.

Enda Stevens has been ruled out due to a knee injury he picked up in Sheffield United’s defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, with Cyrus Christie called up as a replacement.

England vs Ireland Preview

While they have not necessarily been performing at the same level over the last few years, encounters between these neighbouring nations have always been closely-fought affairs.

Neither side has scored more than once in any of the last seven meetings, with six of those ending in a draw and the only victory going to the Boys in Green.

Although considerable outsiders to pull off another win, Ireland will back themselves to follow in Denmark’s footsteps by frustrating the hosts after conceding just four times in their last six matches.

Indeed, Gareth Southgate’s team has found cutting edge hard to come by in recent fixtures, hitting the net just five times in their last five outings.

England vs Ireland Tips and Predictions

All in all, even money (2.00) seems generous on a determined Ireland keeping things tight and ensuring under 2.5 goals for their eighth successive game against England.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Recent matches between this pair have been very tight, and Al Hain-Cole expects more of the same when the Three Lions take on Kenny's men at Wembley

Republic of Ireland will be hoping to get one over on their local rivals when they travel to Wembley to take on England in Thursday’s friendly clash.

Stephen Kenny’s men are at a low ebb coming into this match, having won just one of their last nine fixtures in all competitions.

England vs Ireland Latest Odds

Without a victory here since becoming the first visiting side to win on English soil back in 1949, they are available at 17/2 (9.50) with bet365 to pull off an upset by coming out on top.

The Three Lions fell to a surprise 1-0 home defeat against Denmark in their last match but are clear 1/3 (1.33) favourites to bounce back with a win in London.

Five of the last six encounters between this pair have resulted in draws, and you can get odds of 15/4 (4.75) on them cancelling each other out once again in this one.

England vs Ireland Team News

Trent Alexander-Arnold, James Ward-Prowse and Joe Gomez have all pulled out of the squad due to injury while Marcus Rashford has stayed with his club in order to examine a shoulder complaint. Jude Bellingham could make his debut.

Enda Stevens has been ruled out due to a knee injury he picked up in Sheffield United’s defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, with Cyrus Christie called up as a replacement.

England vs Ireland Preview

While they have not necessarily been performing at the same level over the last few years, encounters between these neighbouring nations have always been closely-fought affairs.

Neither side has scored more than once in any of the last seven meetings, with six of those ending in a draw and the only victory going to the Boys in Green.

Although considerable outsiders to pull off another win, Ireland will back themselves to follow in Denmark’s footsteps by frustrating the hosts after conceding just four times in their last six matches.

Indeed, Gareth Southgate’s team has found cutting edge hard to come by in recent fixtures, hitting the net just five times in their last five outings.

England vs Ireland Tips and Predictions

All in all, even money (2.00) seems generous on a determined Ireland keeping things tight and ensuring under 2.5 goals for their eighth successive game against England.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>The Dragons have started slowly in their last few internationals and our tipster is expecting that run to continue against Berhalter's men on Thursday

Wales will be hoping for a confidence booster ahead of their Nations League fixtures when they host USA on Thursday evening.

The Dragons face the Republic of Ireland and Finland in quick succession next week, and so the visit of Gregg Berhalter’s men will provide the perfect preparation for those matches.

Wales vs USA Latest Odds

Wales have won seven of their last 11 matches dating back to September 2019 and bet365 make them 7/5 (2.40) favourites to extend that run.

This will be USA’s first match since February and they are priced at 21/10 (3.10) to emerge victorious at the Liberty Stadium on Thursday.

Only one of the visitors’ last 15 matches have finished in a draw and another stalemate can be backed at 21/10 (3.10).

Wales vs USA Team News

Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are unavailable for this friendly match although the on-loan Tottenham man should be back for the Nations League clashes.

Berhalter could hand international debuts to as many as 10 players, with Dortmund forward Giovanni Reyna and Bayern Munich defender Chris Richards among those pushing to feature. Christian Pulisic has, however, returned to Chelsea due to injury.

Wales vs USA Preview

It is set to be a busy week for Wales with three games in eight days, and they will be hoping to get through this first fixture unscathed ahead of their Nations League clashes that could see them earn promotion.

With not a lot riding on the meeting with the USMNT, an already low-scoring Wales side that has managed just three goals in five games since the start of September are unlikely to offer much attacking threat, especially without Bale and Ramsey.

Chelsea star Pulisic would no doubt have been USA’s main attacking threat but his absence only further points to a potentially abject affair in Swansea.

Wales vs USA Tips and Predictions

The 3/5 (1.60) price on under 2.5 goals is not worth considering at such short odds, and instead there may be value in backing a goalless first-half at 6/4 (2.50) with bet365.

All three of Wales’ goals in their five games since September have come after the break and given that USA have not been together as a unit in nine months, it is likely that Berhalter’s men will also struggle in the opening 45 minutes.

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.