quinta-feira, 31 de janeiro de 2019

The Roar's A-League expert tips and predictions: Round 17

After a hectic week of A-League football with nine matches across six days, the new school term coincides with a return to regular weekend fixtures.

Perth Glory, Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix all missed chances to snatch two wins from the chaos of last week. The Victory triumphed in their sole appearance and Adelaide rustled up four points in what was another promising step for Marco Kurz's men.

The Roar of the Crowd has taken a mid-year lead in the tipping and the writer missed a golden chance to sweep to the front after hitching his wagon with the Jets one too many times and backing the Wanderers who then squandered a 2-0 lead against Brisbane.

Round 17 throws up some meaningful fixtures in terms of semi-final play. Particularly Perth and Wellington in the west on Saturday night and Sydney FC's match-up with Melbourne City at Jubilee Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Be sure to enter your tips into the sheet below and have a say in the brilliantly performing voice of the crowd for 2109.

Here are the thoughts of the panel as the A-League fast approaches its final ten weeks of home and away action.

Mike TuckermanWestern Sydney, Victory, Draw, Perth, Sydney.

The real question is whether Vedran Janjetovic will start for the Wanderers, but even if he doesn't, they should be chastened enough to down a spirited but struggling Jets. In all honesty though, there's not a whole lot for either side to play for here.

The Mariners have been much-improved in recent weeks, but that won't be enough to stop Victory as they look to close the gap on Perth Glory at the top of the table. Expect Kevin Muscat's side to chalk up another win in Gosford.

Brisbane Roar's battling qualities were on full display last weekend, and although it's been a season to forget for the Queenslanders, they're a much better side than their points tally suggests. The opposite is arguably true for Adelaide, so this one may well finish deadlocked.

'The Distance Derby' will always be one of the funniest things about the A-League, but this clash is undoubtedly the match of the round. Glory should just about nick it in front of their home fans, even if the Phoenix have proved tough to beat this season.

Sydney FC's final home game at Jubilee Stadium should end in a regulation three points for the Sky Blues against a Melbourne City side who often look like they don't even want to be there.

Alex Brosque

Alex Brosque of Sydney FC (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Stuart ThomasWestern Sydney, Victory, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney

Friday night could well be won by the side most able to remain calm and poised; so desperate both will be for a bag of points.

The Jets have a numerical hope of playing finals, as unlikely as it may be and the Wanderers will be attempting to convince themselves of the same.

In reality, this match could wind up meaning nothing at all if the top six maintain their consistent form. I'm not really sure why but I'll tip the Wanderers to find a goal or two from a youngster and the Jets to be sent home in a fog of disappointment.

Central Coast will lead early against the Victory before the visitors will put three or four in the net and inflict the 13th loss of the season on the Mariners.

Ola Toivonen

Ola Toivonen of the Victory celebrates scoring a goal. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Adelaide look to be building nicely and George Blackwood has made something of a difference in the minutes he has played since returning from injury.

As a much needed focal point up front, Blackwood has allowed other members of the Reds' forward line to play more naturally when he has taken to the pitch and the striker dilemma does appear to be partly on the way to being repaired. Brisbane are a rabble right now and the Reds will win comfortably.

Perth will beat Wellington at HBF Park and 'the shed' will have another night of table-topping ecstasy. Wellington have a chance in this one yet the home advantage may be the deciding factor.

As Diego Castro's fitness and play improves week by week, the full attacking potential of the Glory comes to life. With Chris Ikonomidis back very soon, it is an ominous looking front half.

Sydney FC should deal with the threat Melbourne City pose at Jubilee Stadium on Sunday. Sydney will score, the same is difficult to say of the visitors. With Wellington breathing down their necks, Warren Joyce's men need a response after an unconvincing performance in New Zealand.

This is as good a chance as any; up against one of the form teams in the competition.

Paul NichollsWestern Sydney, Victory, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney.

The Wanderers have certainly been entertaining lately. Last week's 2-2 draw with Brisbane was rollicking fun with some goalkeeping high-jinx thrown in for good measure. If they keep up their positive mindset they should beat Newcastle, who with just 15 goals are the competition's lowest scorers.

Western Sydney Wanderers

Western Sydney Wanderers fans. (Photo by Nigel Owen/Action Plus via Getty Images)

Central Coast toiled hard against Adelaide and it's good to see they haven't dropped their bundle. Matt Simon has impressed with his maturity this season. Melbourne Victory won't take the Mariners lightly and the three points will be crucial to keep in touch with Perth.

Ola Toivonen is proving to be the buy of the season with his great positional hold up play and amazing ability with the dead ball. Victory will be too desperate.

Adelaide haven't been particularly convincing recently yet they are proving a hard nut to crack, having lost only one of their past five games. I expect them to get the job done against Brisbane who are struggling to get their combinations right.

The loss of Andrew Durante to suspension will leave a huge hole in Wellington's defensive plans against Perth. It should be an exciting contest and the Glory's Andy Keogh, Diego Castro and Neil Kilkenny will test Phoenix goalkeeper Filip Kurto, who has shown to be every bit as capable of saving real shots on goal as imaginary ones. Perth to win due to the Durante factor.

Sydney FC were far from their best against a strong Victory outfit last week but after a shaky start to their tenure at Kogarah are now feeling right at home. They should be too good for a sluggish Melbourne City.

Round 17 Mike Stuart Paul The Crowd WSW vs NEW WSW WSW WSW ? CCM vs MVC MVC MVC MVC ? ADL vs BRI Draw ADL ADL ? PER vs WEL PER PER PER ? SYD vs MCY SYD SYD SYD ? Last week 4 5 5 6 Previous total 27 33 33 34 New total 31 38 38 40

terça-feira, 29 de janeiro de 2019

Win £25k with Footie5: Cambridgeshire Live's predictions and tips for January 26 FA Cup fixtures

The FA Cup returns this weekend - and there are five games for which you need to predict the scores in The Football Pools'  Footie5 competition.

To help you out, Andrew Georgeson, our Cambridge United reporter, has given his FA Cup predictions for Saturday, January 26, with all games kicking off at 3pm.

You can play the game for free here.

Read More Andrew Georgeson's Footie5 picks

Middlesbrough 1 Newport County 0

Newport will be buoyed by their win over Premier League Leicester City in the last round. However, they have found things hard in League Two of late, and this could be a step too far.

Man City 4 Burnley 0

It’s difficult to look past a City win in this one. Fresh from securing their place at Wembley on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup, Pep Guardiola’s side will be eyeing up another final.

Brighton 2 West Brom 2

A hard tie to call with both teams comfortable in their respective divisions. Promotion is still the main aim for West Brom, but they could get a replay out of this one.

Swansea 2 Gillingham 0

It’s difficult to see the Gills causing a problem against a Swansea side eyeing promotion. The Jacks looked incredibly impressive in the last round, where they brushed aside Aston Villa.

Newcastle 1Watford 1

Off-the-field problems continue to dominate the agenda on Tyneside. Injuries are piling up for Rafa Benitez, but the 30,000 or so expected as St James’ might just give them a chance at a replay.

You could win £25,000 on the Footie5 (Image: Liverpool ECHO)What is Footie5?

Footie5 is a new, free to play, football predication game created by The Pools and allows users (aged 18 and over) to win big cash prizes by predicting the scores of five football matches.

If you correctly predict the results of five matches in a round then you could win £25,000. However, if you are not so lucky then there is still a possibility to win £2,000 for predicting four games.

If more than one person bags the prize then they are shared.

Derek Lloyd, CEO of the Pools, which is behind the new Footie5 game (Image: Stoke Sentinel)How do I play?

You can access the game here.

It’s free to register and you can complete the simple registration form when signing in. Once you’re set up you will be presented with five matches taking place over the coming days and it is your job to predict the scores.

If you predict five correct scores you can win £25,000.

Once you have finalised your scores you hit the submit button and cross your fingers! You can visit Footie5 at any time to see how you’re doing.

All users of the game must be aged 18 and over.

As well as the above there are two paid bet options.

  • Pick any two correct scores based on your Footie5 predictions to win £15
  • Pick any three correct scores based on your Footie5 predictions to win £75
  • Both of these betting opportunities have a £2 fixed stake and the returns shown are inclusive of the stake.

    quarta-feira, 23 de janeiro de 2019

    Fantasy football: Premier League picks for your team this weekend

    Jose Mourinho's departure and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's arrival could mean a change of approach at Old Trafford

    The festive season can be a time for celebration but it also causes plenty of headaches for fantasy football managers.

    Will Premier League bosses rotate their players? Will a striker keep his form through the busy schedule?

    We can't offer any definitive answers but here are some tips for you before picking your team this weekend.

    Pog-back?

    The biggest story in football this week has undoubtedly been the sacking of Jose Mourinho as Manchester United manager and the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in his place on an interim basis.

    United players have struggled for points this season in ponderous team performances but the managerial change could make this a good time bring in a United player or two.

    When managing in Norway, Solskjaer implemented an attacking style. His Molde team were comfortably the top scorers in the country's top-flight last season.

    Paul Pogba last scored or assisted in October

    United also have favourable fixtures. They travel to Cardiff on Saturday and face Huddersfield and Newcastle over the festive period, two other teams firmly in the bottom half of the table.

    Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial look like good options, or even striker Romelu Lukaku, who has scored 83% of his goals away from Old Trafford this season.

    Players who had fallen out of favour with Mourinho could be reinvigorated too, none more so than a certain French midfielder.

    Paul Pogba was left out of the starting line-up for Mourinho's last three games in charge but Solskjaer has praised the midfielder heavily in the past.

    Solskjaer managed Pogba when he was United reserve team manager between 2008 and 2011 and earlier this year said he would build a team around the Frenchman if he ever took over at Old Trafford.

    Now Solskjaer has his chance, it looks like Pogba will have a key role to play.

    Saints' Ings in? Danny Ings has scored six Premier League goals for Southampton this season

    One new Premier League manager who is beginning to have an impact is Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.

    Last week in his second game in charge the Austrian ended the Saints 10-game winless run with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Arsenal.

    Striker Danny Ings started against the Gunners and scored twice before fellow front-man Charlie Austin came off the bench to head the winner.

    Both look like good budget striker options for your team this weekend against Huddersfield, although it seems likely Ings will be handed another start.

    Saints defenders could be a source of points this weekend too when they face the Terriers, the league's lowest scorers with 10 goals from 17 games.

    Centre-back Jan Bednarek has started both of Hasenhuttl's games so far and was awarded man-of-the-match last week.

    Hazard this week's big-money signing?

    Picking your big-money signings correctly can make or break a week in fantasy football.

    In midfield there are a number of expensive options all of whom are in good form - Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, Chelsea's Eden Hazard or Manchester City's Leroy Sane, to name a few.

    Salah scored a hat-trick at Bournemouth two weeks ago, Eden Hazard scored the winner in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday and Sane collected two assists in City's win at Everton last week.

    Eden Hazard has provided an assist in his last four Premier League games. Gianfranco Zola is the only Blues player to do so in five consecutive games.

    All three offer a good chance of points but perhaps this week Hazard is the best option.

    The Belgian forward has been scoring goals this season, eight of them to be precise, but he has been assisting too. He has made assists in each of his last four league games.

    Chelsea play Leicester at Stamford Bridge on Saturday while Liverpool face a tricky Friday-night trip to in-form Wolves, who have won their last three league games.

    Over the festive period Chelsea also play Watford, Crystal Palace and Southampton, on paper easier fixtures than Liverpool who also face Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester City.

    Kevin de Bruyne's return from injury also adds more uncertainty to who manager Pep Guardiola will pick in City's midfield whereas Hazard has started Chelsea's last six games.

    Stick with Kane for Toffees Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has lost just one of his 11 Premier League encounters with Everton

    Tottenham striker Harry Kane has gone four games without a goal in all competitions, that's almost classed as a drought for the England captain.

    He'll be pleased to come up against Everton on Sunday, a team he has performed well against in the past. Kane has scored two goals in each of his last three games against Everton.

    Only Michael Owen has scored two or more goals in four consecutive Premier League appearances against a single team, doing so against Newcastle.

    Kane is also a likely starter because of Spurs' limited options up front.

    He has started 16 of their 17 Premier League games this season with the one substitute appearance coming against Leicester earlier this month. He was also left out of the starting XI for the League Cup quarter-final against Arsenal in midweek, only coming on in the second half.

    It seems likely Kane will feature heavily over the festive period.

    Snodgrass a bargain West Ham have scored 11 goals in their last four games

    West Ham are one of the form teams in the league with four wins in their last four games.

    The Hammers also have kind festive fixtures with Watford visiting London Stadium on Saturday, followed by games against Southampton, Burnley and Brighton - all teams below them in the table.

    Midfielder Felipe Anderson has become a favourite of fantasy football managers in recent weeks with five goals and an assist in his last seven games, but if you want a cheaper alternative then Robert Snodgrass could be for you.

    The Scot has been restored to the first team under Manuel Pellegrini and has scored in each of his last two games. In the two games before that the midfielder also provided three assists.

    segunda-feira, 21 de janeiro de 2019

    Premier League fixtures: Supercomputer predicts every result – Tottenham, Man City to win?

    Premier League fixtures

    Premier League fixtures: Who will triumph this weekend? (Image: Getty Images)

    Premier League drama continues this weekend as the elite teams jostle for supremacy at the top of the table, with some intriguing fixtures yet to be played.

    Liverpool have opened up a gap in top spot but Manchester City appear to have rediscovered their fearsome form ahead of a trip to Huddersfield.

    Arsenal toppled an abject Chelsea team to narrow the gap on the Champions League places, while Manchester United got the job done against Brighton.

    Tottenham and Manchester City will play this afternoon, but will they triumph?

    Football Web Pages have developed an algorithm that has predicted all of the weekend results and it correctly suggested Chelsea were in for a rocky time at the Emirates.

    Newcastle took on Cardiff in a huge bottom-half clash while Leicester and Wolves took part in a wild early kick-off.

    West Ham have been rocked by speculation over Marko Arnautovic's potential departure and they failed to overcome Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

    Express Sport has rounded up all of the Premier League fixtures for this weekend including predictions based on Football Web Pages' calculations.

    Premier League fixtures

    Premier League fixtures: Marcus Rashford is in great form (Image: Getty Images)

    Saturday, January 19

    Wolves 0–1 Leicester

    (Actual result: 4-3)

    Bournemouth 1–1 West Ham

    (Actual result: 2-0)

    Liverpool 2–0 Crystal Palace

    (Actual result: 4-3)

    Manchester United 2–0 Brighton

    (Actual result: 2-1)

    Newcastle 0–0 Cardiff

    (Actual result: 3-0)

    Premier League fixtures

    Premier League fixtures: Mohamed Salah will be hoping to inspire another win (Image: Getty Images)

    Southampton 1–1 Everton

    (Actual result: 2-1)

    Watford 2–0 Burnley

    (Actual result: 0-0)

    Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea

    (Actual result: 2-0)

    Sunday, January 20

    Fulham 0–2 Tottenham

    (Actual result: TBC)

    Huddersfield 0–1 Manchester City

    (Actual result: TBC)

    domingo, 20 de janeiro de 2019

    NFL divisional playoffs: teams, fixtures, predictions, betting odds, UK TV guide

    Only eight teams remain in the NFL playoff picture and they all have their sights set on taking a step closer to the 2019 Super Bowl.

    This weekend it's the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. In the American Football Conference (AFC) the Indianapolis Colts travel to the Kansas City Chiefs while the Los Angeles Chargers are at the New England Patriots.

    In the National Football Conference (NFC) the Dallas Cowboys are on the road at the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles play at the New Orleans Saints.

    The Eagles are the reigning champions but they face a tough task against the Saints who are the bookies' favourites to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl LIII on 3 February.

    Here we look at this weekend's NFL divisional playoff fixtures, the UK TV guide, betting odds and the predictions on which teams will reach the AFC and NFC conference championships.

    NFL divisional playoffs AFC
  • Saturday 12 January: Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs (9.35pm, all times UK) 
  • Sunday 13 January: Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots (6.05pm)
  • NFC
  • Sunday 13 January: Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams (1.15am) 
  • Sunday 13 January: Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints (9.40pm)
  • How to watch on TV in the UK

    Sky Sports USA will broadcast all NFL divisional playoff matches.

    Divisional playoff predictions Zach Buckley, Bleacher Report
  • Chiefs 34 Colts 30 
  • Rams 27 Cowboys 17 
  • Chargers 31 Patriots 27 
  • Saints 31 Eagles 20
  • Hunter Felt, The Guardian
  • Colts 28-31 Chiefs 
  • Cowboys 28-21 Rams 
  • Chargers 28-31 Patriots 
  • Eagles 17-31 Saints
  • NFL betting odds Divisional playoffs odds

    Latest prices according to Oddschecker (as of 9 January)

    Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs
  • Colts to win: 2/1 
  • Chiefs to win: 7/15
  • Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots
  • Chargers to win: 7/4 
  • Patriots to win: 1/2
  • Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams
  • Cowboys to win: 13/5 
  • Rams to win: 1/3
  • Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints
  • Eagles to win: 3/1 
  • Saints to win: 1/4
  • Super Bowl LIII prediction and odds When is the 2019 Super Bowl?

    It's on 3 February in Atlanta at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Falcons.

    Super Bowl winner prediction: Kansas City Chiefs

    The Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs played out an NFL classic as the Rams won 54-51 in November. Could we see a repeat of this match-up at Super Bowl LIII? The New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots are also among the favourites but we are tipping the Chiefs to beat the Rams in Atlanta in American football's showpiece match.

    Super Bowl winner betting odds

    Latest prices according to Oddschecker (as of 9 January)

  • New Orleans Saints: 12/5 
  • Kansas City Chiefs: 4/1 
  • Los Angeles Rams: 9/2 
  • New England Patriots: 13/2 
  • Los Angeles Chargers: 11/1 
  • Indianapolis Colts: 16/1 
  • Dallas Cowboys: 22/1 
  • Philadelphia Eagles: 22/1
  • Playoff graphic: nfl.com

    Premier League 2018 fixtures, Week 3: Odds, predictions, picks, lines from proven model

    The 2018-19 Premier League season is off to a blistering start and play resumes this weekend with a slew of marquee Week 3 matchups that you don't want to miss. Arsenal battles West Ham in a London derby Saturday at 10 a.m. ET, while Manchester United and Tottenham square off in the final match of Week 3 on Monday afternoon at 3 p.m. ET. Before you examine the Premier League Week 3 odds and place your bet on any Premier League fixture this weekend, you need to see what renowned European soccer expert David Sumpter has to say.

    Sumpter is an applied mathematician and author of Soccermatics, a book that explains how math works inside the sport. Along with other experienced analysts, Sumpter developed the powerful Soccerbot model.

    The Soccerbot reads current odds and all team performance data, calculates key metrics and predicts upcoming matches. In the three seasons since its inception, Soccerbot is up an incredible 2,000 percent on Premier League picks. That's right — 2,000 percent!

    And the model is off to a hot start again this season. Last week, it correctly predicted outright victories for Bournemouth (+246), Chelsea (-123) and Everton (-103), as well as a profitable draw between Newcastle and Cardiff (+211), just to name a few of its big calls. Anyone who followed it was way, way up.

    Now, Sumpter has set his sights on this weekend's games, and his picks are in. You can only see them over at SportsLine.

    We can tell you he's backing Arsenal (-273) at home against West Ham.

    Sumpter knows both clubs are still searching for their first victory of the season. However, Arsenal has dominated this matchup in recent years, having lost just once since 2007. And the Gunners overwhelmed West Ham at the Emirates last season by a final score of 4-1.

    He has also revealed a strong money-line pick for Monday's showdown between Manchester United and Tottenham. 

    Who else is Sumpter backing in Week 3 of the Premier League? Visit SportsLine now to get Sumpter's Premier League picks, and see which side is a must back in Monday's heavyweight clash between Manchester United and Tottenham, all from a European football expert who created a model that's returned a 2,000 percent profit on the bookmakers' closing odds!

    sexta-feira, 18 de janeiro de 2019

    Premier League Week 17 Fixtures: EPL Picks and Predictions

    Liverpool and Manchester United clash at Anfield on Sunday, with the Premier League leaders attempting to maintain their unbeaten start to the season against their biggest rivals.

    The Reds claimed the league lead after Manchester City suffered their first defeat of the season against Chelsea.

    City host Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with third-placed Tottenham Hotspur welcoming Burnley to Wembley Stadium.

    Chelsea travel south to meet Brighton & Hove Albion. Blues coach Maurizio Sarri will be enthused by his side's display as they defeated City 2-0.

    Arsenal also travel to the south coast to meet Southampton at St Mary's Stadium.

    Premier League Fixtures [Score Prediction]

    Saturday, Dec. 15

    Manchester City vs. Everton [3-1]

    Crystal Palace vs. Leicester City [0-1]

    Huddersfield Town vs. Newcastle United [1-0]

    Spurs vs. Burnley [2-0]

    Watford vs. Cardiff City [2-0]

    Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Bournemouth [2-1]

    Fulham vs. West Ham United [1-4]

    Sunday, Dec. 16

    Brighton vs. Chelsea [0-1]

    Southampton vs. Arsenal [2-3]

    Liverpool vs. Manchester United [3-1]

    Liverpool vs. Manchester United

    The contrasting fortunes of two of English football's biggest clubs could not be wider, with the Red Devils 16 points behind the Merseyside giants.

    Liverpool haven't quite displayed the exciting football they produced last term, but coach Jurgen Klopp has his team as well drilled as they've ever been.

    The Reds now have the balance they craved, conceding just six goals in 16 Premier League matches.

    United have been the polar opposite, haemorrhaging goals in a fashion not seen for a long time.

    Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

    The heat remains on United boss Jose Mourinho, but his team have shown signs of recovery in recent weeks.

    No defeats in their past five Premier League encounters has allowed Mourinho breathing room despite a poor league position.

    However, if the Red Devils arrive at Anfield with a pragmatic mindset, they are likely to be soundly beaten by a ruthless Liverpool collective.

    Mohamed Salah is back in form after a slow start to the season, and the Egypt international scored a hat-trick in his last game against Bournemouth.

    The 26-year-old has 10 goals and four assists in the Premier League this term, and his personal goal tally threatens to swell over the Christmas period.

    Liverpool's attack have been quiet. However, Klopp has still managed to carve out 13 victories.

    In comparison, United have won only seven league games, but their fighting spirit has been evident since qualifying for the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League.

    Paul Pogba has been out of favour and left on the bench in the Premier League by Mourinho, and the coach will have to decide whether the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner will start at Anfield.

    The Frenchman's statistical return has been good this season, scoring five and assisting four goals in the Premier League and Europe, but United fans remain split on his contribution to the first team.

    Presenter Mark Goldbridge highlighted Pogba's nomination for inclusion in UEFA's Team of the Year, and questioned supporter opinion:

    United have usually travelled well to Liverpool, but their league position dictates they cannot afford a fifth loss of the season.

    Mourinho must produce better consistency to remain in the hot seat at the Theatre of Dreams, and only a glut of victories can rescue the campaign.

    United are eight points off the top four, but a shock win at Liverpool would be the perfect tonic for the fallen Manchester giants.

    Manchester City vs. Everton

    BEN STANSALL/Getty Images

    The Sky Blues' defeat at Stamford Bridge caught many off guard, but City had to finally be beaten at some point.

    City have been the model of consistency as they defend their title, but coach Pep Guardiola has been bolder with his starting rotation in recent games.

    The champions have scored an astonishing 45 goals in the league, conceding only nine as they show English football the wealth of their talents.

    Everton remain in the hunt for a spot in European competition next season, and manager Marco Silva has his team playing an attractive style.

    Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

    The Toffees have spun the managerial roulette wheel in recent years, but the arrival of the highly-regarded Portuguese last May is expected to trigger stability at Goodison Park.

    Everton have been defensively sound this term, but they know they cannot afford mistakes when they arrive at the Etihad. They would undoubtedly be punished by City's marauding forward line.

    City know they have a genuine challenger for their crown this season, and they will be hoping United can collect points on their journey across the M62.

    The Reds and the Sky Blues have no equals this year, and it should be a two-horse race to the finish line in 2019.

    quinta-feira, 17 de janeiro de 2019

    Copa del Rey Draw 2018 Quarter-Final Fixtures and Predictions

    ChoppBlockedUnblockFollowFollowing

    Jan 12, 2018

    The quarterfinal draw of the 2017/18 Copa del Rey took place today and it provided some tasty matchups that should please La Liga fans next week.

    The first-leg fixtures will begin on Wednesday, January 17 and Thursday, January 18, with the return legs scheduled the following week on Wednesday, January 24 and Thursday, January 25.

    CD Leganés vs Real Madrid CF

    As a Real Madrid fan, this was the best draw out of the available clubs to face. The good news for both clubs is that they will not have to worry about traveling a long distance, as both clubs are based in Madrid. As for Leganes, Asier Garitano's squad are turning heads and are currently ninth in La Liga standings. They could provide a more difficult challenge for Los Blancos, who are currently under pressure from their fans and owner for their recent form.

    Real Madrid TV presenter Phil Kitromilides called out the scheduling issues surrounding this Copa del Rey fixture:

    Prediction: Real Madrid will be favored to Copa tie but that hasn't worked out in their favor as of late. They handle Numancia (5–2 agg.) but Leganes offers a more difficult challenge and it will be interesting to see if Zidane sticks to playing the kids, who haven't been great, or relies on his starters in this matchup. Real will need to focus on the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League in order to save their season.With that being said, I believe Real Madrid will get through to the next round with a 4–2 aggregate.

    RCD Espanyol vs FC Barcelona

    Barça will face off Espanyol in a Barcelona derby for a chance to make it in the Copa semifinals. Barça look to be unstoppable after their 5–0 thrashing of Celta de Vigo and look to be the clear favorites to secure their 30th Copa title. For Espanyol, they're probably just happy to be here after they qualified for the quarters after a 3–2 aggregate win over Levante. Unfornately, they just don't have the firepower to keep up with Barça but they're try to make it difficult for the Catalans. The two clubs are scheduled in La Liga play on February 4 and with the Copa del Rey pairing, they are set for three meetings in two weeks.

    Prediction: Barça are in full gear right now and Espanyol are very unfortunate to be in their path of destruction. The Blaugrana put a 5–0 win on Espanyol's head when they played back in September. This will get ugly, folks, like 6–0 aggregate ugly.

    Atlético de Madrid vs Sevilla FC

    Atlético are flying high and currently find themselves second behind Barça in La Liga. With the return of Diego Costa, who appears to be in excellent form coming off his long sabbatical from club football after leaving Chelsea, it appears they have added a power scoring option to pair with Antoine Griezmann and are a more dangerous club to face. As for Sevilla, they've had some issues with management and form. With the recent arrival of Vincenzo Montella as manager, who replaced Eduardo Berizzo, this will be an early test for him. Their last 3 matches in league play have resulted in a 0–0 draw against Levante, a 3–1 lost to Sociedad, and a 5–3 lost to Real Betis.

    Prediction: These are two top flight clubs in Spanish football that are going in two different directions. Atlético should be favored by having Diego Costa back at the club. Sevilla have the players but this comes down to Montella's tactics for me. I have Los Rojiblancos edging out a 3–2 aggregate.

    Valencia CF vs Deportivo Alavés

    This is the fun matchup in the Copa del Rey. Valencia are having a remarkable season in league play so far after coming close to relegation last season and are just 2 points behind second place Atlético Madrid. Alavés, who sit 18th in La Liga, a point from safety, have been playing their best football in the Copa. They have only conceded once in four Copa games so far this term and will hope they can contain the firepower of Rodrigo, Zaza, and Gonçalo Guedes.

    Prediction: Valencia are the much better squad by a mile but Alavés have defended at will in their previous Copa matches and will hope for a bit of luck for themselves & some misfortune for Valencia. I can see Valencia cruising to the semis 4–1 on aggregate.

    terça-feira, 15 de janeiro de 2019

    FIFA 19 TOTW 18 Predictions | FUT 19 Team of the Week 18

    Our live and updated shortlist of FIFA 19 TOTW 18 predictions is now underway! Each week we aim to provide our readers with the most detailed FIFA TOTW predictions at the earliest feasible time. Check out our preliminary FUT 19 Team of the Week 18 predictions below!

    The official FIFA 19 TOTW 18 squad will be announced at 3pm (UK time), Wednesday, January 16, 2019. Three hours after the official reveal of these FUT 19 Team of the Week 18 IF (in-form) cards, these new upgraded players will then become available in packs.

    It is important to note that the following list of FIFA 19 Team of the Week 18 predictions is only a shortlist of potential candidates. There is no guarantee that any of these players will make the final FUT 19 TOTW 18 squad. With this said though, they will provide you with a good indication as to which players will likely make the final cut.

    FIFA 19 TOTW 18 Predictions | FUT Team of the Week Cards

    As the football fixtures continue over the weekend, we will provide periodic updates to our shortlist of FIFA 19 TOTW 18 predictions. Keeping a close eye on this can help you to make FUT coins with OTW investing (Ones to Watch), and also present other investment opportunities with regular cards.

    Some of the following predicted players will be available as FIFA 19 FUT Champions Rewards for the previous Weekend League. These FUT Champs rewards will be distributed at 8am UK, Thursday, January 17, 2019. Check out the full list of our FUT 19 Team of the Week 18 predictions directly below!

    More: Complete List of FIFA 19 Flashback SBC FUT Cards

    FIFA 19 TOTW 18 Predictions | Goalkeepers:

  • GK: Jordi Masip 74 > 80 (Spain / Real Valladolid)
  • 4 Saves, Penalty Save & MOTM
  • GK: David Soria 78 > 82 (Spain / Getafe CF)
  • GK: Benjamin Lecomte 81 > 84 (France / Montpellier HSC)
  • GK: David De Gea 91 > 92 > 93 (Spain / Manchester United)
  • Clean Sheet, 11 Saves & MOTM
  • FUT 19 TOTW 18 Predictions | Defenders:

  • LB: Juanfran 80 > 83 (Spain / Atlético de Madrid)
  • LB: Lucas Digne 78 > 82 > 84 (France / Everton)
  • CB: Pedro Henrique 76 > 81 (Brazil / Vitória Guimarães)
  • CB: Pontus Jansson 76 > 81 (Sweden / Leeds United)
  • CB: Damien Da Silva 78 > 82 (France / Stade Rennais)
  • Clean Sheet, 1 Goal & MOTM
  • CB: Jardel 82 > 84 (Brazil / SL Benfica)
  • Clean Sheet, 1 Goal & MOTM
  • CB: Loïc Perrin 80 > 83 > 85 (France / AS Saint-Étienne)
  • CB: Felipe 83 > 85 (Brazil / FC Porto)
  • CB: Marquinhos 84 > 86 > 87 (Brazil / Paris Saint-Germain)
  • FIFA 19 Team of the Week 18 Predictions | Midfielders:

  • CDM: Declan Rice 69 > 77 (Republic of Ireland / West Ham United)
  • CM: Mathieu Coutadeur 72 > 79 (France / AC Ajaccio)
  • CM: Youri Tielemans 79 > 82 (Belgium / AS Monaco)
  • CM: Julian Draxler 83 > 85 (Germany / Paris Saint-Germain)
  • RM: Joel Chianese 61 > 70 (Australia / Perth Glory)
  • RM: Jarrod Bowen 69 > 77 (England / Hull City)
  • RM: Nicolas Pépé 75 > 81 > 84 > 86 (Ivory Coast / LOSC Lille)
  • CAM: Lewis Wing 64 > 74 (England / Middlesbrough)
  • CAM: Jonathan Iglesias 67 > 76 (Uruguay / Clermont Foot)
  • CAM: John Swift 69 > 77 (England / Reading)
  • FUT 19 Team of the Week 18 Predictions | Forwards:

  • LW: Paris Cowan-Hall 63 > 72 (England / Wycombe Wanderers)
  • ST: Matty Taylor 68 > 76 (England / Bristol City)
  • ST: Raúl de Tomás 76 > 81 (Spain / Rayo Vallecano)
  • ST: Iñaki Williams 81 > 84 (Spain / Athletic Club de Bilbao)
  • ST: Gabriel Jesus 83 > 85 > 86 (Brazil / Manchester City)
  • ST: Luis Suárez 91 > 92 > 93 (Uruguay / FC Barcelona)
  • 2 Goals, 1 Assist & MOTM
  • Which players do you think will make final the 23-man squad this week? Are there any players that you feel we have missed out of our FIFA 19 TOTW 18 predictions? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions with us via Twitter!

    segunda-feira, 14 de janeiro de 2019

    David Prutton's Sky Bet EFL predictions

    David Prutton

    Football Expert & Columnist

    Last Updated: 11/01/19 8:41pm

    David Prutton returns with his Sky Bet EFL predictions ahead of the weekend fixtures, but who is he tipping for victory?

    Millwall vs Blackburn, Saturday from 5.15pm - Live on Sky Sports Football

    Is it Millwall time? They tend to come strong in the second half of the season and they are climbing away from the relegation zone now. Whether they can push up towards the top six again like in the last campaign, though, remains to be seen.

    Blackburn arrested a bit of a slump against West Brom on New Year's Day and then got a good result at Newcastle in the FA Cup. They will be feeling confident again and I have a feeling they could sneak all three points away from The Den.

    Prutton predicts: 1-2 (11/1 with Sky Bet)

    Millwall vs Blackburn

    January 12, 2019, 5:15pm

    Live on

    Brentford vs Stoke, Saturday 3pm

    Brentford aren't winning enough games yet, but at least they have arrested their slump with three draws in a row.

    Nathan Jones is coming straight in at Stoke for this one and will want to hit the ground running. I'm going to back a bit of 'new manager bounce' and plug for an away win.

    Prutton predicts: 1-2 (10/1 with Sky Bet)

    Ipswich vs Rotherham, Saturday 3pm

    Ipswich have reached the point of no return now. Any enthusiasm that may have been building under Paul Lambert has been quelled by three defeats in a row and they are now 10 points adrift of safety.

    Rotherham are the team just above the relegation zone, and this is a must-win for both. For that reason, I can see both being reluctant to open up. Draw for me.

    Prutton predicts: 0-0 (8/1 with Sky Bet)

    Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Ipswich and Millwall

    Sheffield United vs QPR, Saturday 3pm

    Sheffield United are here to stay in the top-six battle. Last year they slumped badly at the midway point but they have won their last three in a row.

    QPR are also unbeaten in five and look set for an unlikely promotion push. They got a good draw at Aston Villa last time out and then beat Leeds in the FA Cup, but I think the Blades will be too strong for them at Bramall Lane.

    Prutton predicts: 2-0 (13/2 with Sky Bet)

    West Brom vs Norwich, Saturday 3pm

    Now this is a big game. West Brom have been trying to reel in the top two for a while, and this is a big opportunity for them to do just that.

    Norwich have failed to win their last three games, which is their worst run since their first three games of the season. There is every chance it will be four by Saturday evening.

    Prutton predicts: 3-2 (22/1 with Sky Bet)

    Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Norwich City

    Sunderland vs Luton, Saturday 3pm

    This is a big game in Sky Bet League One as third hosts second at the Stadium of Light, although the context of it has changed completely since the shock departure of Luton boss Nathan Jones to Stoke in midweek.

    Jones had done a brilliant job there and they haven't lost since mid-October. If he was still in the dugout, I may have fancied a different result, but without him there, I can only see a Sunderland win.

    Prutton predicts: 2-1 (17/2 with Sky Bet)

    Bury vs MK Dons, Saturday 3pm

    It is third versus second in Sky Bet League Two as well! Bury may be in a bit of a false position because they have played more games than a lot of the teams below them, but they are still right in the mix.

    MK Dons won their last game 6-0 so they will be feeling good, but Bury are top of the home form table in the division. It's a difficult one to call but I am going to back the Shakers.

    Prutton predicts: 2-0 (11/1 with Sky Bet)

    Highlights of the Sky Bet League Two match between MK Dons and Cambridge United

    Prutton's other predictions (All Saturday 3pm kick-off)

    Birmingham vs Middlesbrough: 1-0 (11/2)

    Bristol City vs Bolton: 2-0 (6/1)

    Hull vs Sheffield Wednesday: 2-2 (14/1)

    Preston vs Swansea: 2-0 (11/1)

    Reading vs Nottingham Forest: 1-2 (8/1)

    Wigan vs Aston Villa: 1-3 (16/1)

    Leeds vs Derby, Friday

    It was probably a good time for Leeds to have a bit of a break from Championship action after two back-to-back defeats, but they are still top of the table and will be keen to bounce back.

    Derby took an absolute hiding in the reverse fixture at Pride Park. It was Frank Lampard's first home game and they were hammered 4-1. He will be desperate for a bit of revenge, and I think his side can grab a draw at Elland Road.

    Prutton predicts: 1-1

    sexta-feira, 11 de janeiro de 2019

    FIFA 19 TOTW 17 predictions (Team of the Week 17)

    One week into the New Year, and the football action doesn't stop. Well, that's not entirely true, with a few European countries enjoying a winter break at the minute. The German Bundesliga and Italian Serie A are off-duty, whilst action in France turned to cup action this week.

    This leaves us with the midweek Premier League games as well as La Liga and Portuguese Primeira Liga when looking at who could make the FIFA 19 Team of the Week. A squad of 23 players will be released on Wednesday, January 9 at 6pm GMT, and you can challenge the side for a coin bonus on Ultimate Team. You can try to get the players for yourself by hunting in packs from the FUT Store or buy and sell them individually on the transfer market. 

    RealSport looks as who could make the starting 11 this time around,

    Sergio Asenjo (OVR 84 – SIF 87)

    A forgotten goalkeeper, Sergio Asenjo remains one of the finest in La Liga. The 29-year-old was on top form for Villarreal in their 0-0 draw with Eibar, making 13 saves in the second of their two fixtures this week. The tie keeps them just a point above the relegation zone, although Athletic Bilbao in 18th have a game in hand. 

    Asenjo's match saving performance should see his 84 overall rating improve to a second in form card of 87. His base card will set you back 3,800 coins on PS4 and 4,000 on Xbox One, whilst his 86 in-form from TOTW 14 is worth 40,750 on PS4 and 38,250 on Xbox One. 

    Nathan Ake (OVR 79 – IF 82)

    Nathan Ake has been one of Bournemouth's finest players since moving from Chelsea in 2017, and the defender picked up his third goal of the season in the 3-3 draw with Watford. Although just a point, it keeps the Cherries in a good position in the Premier League, lying in 12th place and 11 points clear of relegation. 

    Dutch international Ake is likely to increase from a 79 gold rating to an in-form 82 this Wednesday. The centre back's base card is valued around 700 coins on both consoles. 

    Raphael Varane (OVR 86 – IF 87)

    It's not been a good start to 2019 for Real Madrid, with Los Blancos failing to win either of their two La Liga fixtures this week. They started with a 2-2 draw with the struggling Villarreal, but at least centre back Raphael Varane got on the scoresheet. The World Cup winner has a big 2018 to live up to, but has at least got the New Year rolling with a goal.

    Varane's 86 rating should creep up by one to 87 this week, and you can pick up his base card for 180,000 coins on PS4 and 155,000 on Xbox One. His 87 Champions League item is priced at 358,000 on PS4 and 334,000 on Xbox One.

    Eder Militao (OVR 75 – IF 80)

    Over to Portugal now, and Porto kept hold of their grasp on top spot in the Primeira Liga with a 1-0 win over Desportivo Aves. Defender Eder Militao picked up the all-important goal, ensuring the Dragoes lead the division by three points with a game in hand. 

    Right back Militao is likely to move from right back to centre back if selected this week, with his rating improving from 75 to an in-form 80. The Brazilian's base card costs 1,600 coins on PS4 and 2,000 on Xbox One, his 76 Champions League item will set you back 2,400 on PS4 and 2,500 on Xbox One. 

    Leroy Sane (OVR 86 – SIF 88)

    Manchester City had to defeat Liverpool to avoid falling further behind in the title race, and Pep Guardiola's boys got the job done. Leroy Sane was the hero, as the German struck with 15 minutes to play to seal a 2-1 victory for the reigning champions. 

    Sane's 86 overall rating should improve to 88 if he makes the Team of the Week, with the left winger already picking up one in-form card this season. His base card is worth 52,000 coins on PS4 and 43,000 on Xbox One, whilst an 87 Champions League item is valued at 94,000 on PS4 and 89,000 on Xbox One. His 87 in-form card from TOTW 10 requires 150,000 on PS4 and 157,000 on Xbox One. 

    Bernardo Silva (OVR 84 – SIF 87)

    Bernardo Silva ran the show for Manchester City in that win over Liverpool, outplaying the opposition midfield and picking up the assist for Sergio Aguero to grab the opening goal. The victory cuts Liverpool's lead to four points, opening up a great title race for the second half of the season.

    Expect Bernardo to move from right wing to central midfield if he makes the TOTW, with his 84 overall likely to rise to an in-form 87. You can claim his base card for 4,100 coins on PS4 and 4,500 on Xbox One, whilst his 85 Champions League item is worth 19,250 on PS4 and 20,750 on Xbox One. As for his 86 in-form from TOTW 5, you will need 49,000 on PS4 and 57,000 on Xbox One. 

    Tomas Pina (OVR 76 – IF 81)

    It's been an incredible season for Deportivo Alaves, with the 2-1 win over Valencia taking the club into the top four. Central midfielder Tomas Pina grabbed the winner on the stroke of half time, seeing the Basque club leapfrog Real Madrid into the Champions League places. 

    Pina's strike should see his 76 overall climb to an 81 in-form rating, and you can buy his base card for just 450 coins on either console.

    Santi Cazorla (OVR 80 – SIF 85)

    What a return to Spain it has been for Santi Cazorla. The midfielder has found his form and fitness once again following his move from Arsenal to former club Villarreal in the summer, with the Spaniard bagging a brace in the 2-2 draw with Real Madrid at the weekend.

    Cazorla should move from central to left midfield this week, and you can pick up his base card for just 750 coins on PS4 and 800 on Xbox One. His 83 in-form from TOTW 11 is worth 22,250 on PS4 and 22,750 on Xbox One. 

    Marko Arnautovic (OVR 82 – SIF 85)

    Marko Arnautovic has encapsulated West Ham's rise up the table this season, with the Austrian netting his six and seventh league goals of the campaign in the 2-2 draw with Brighton. West Ham just squeeze into the top half of the table with that draw, with the London club in tenth place on 29 points.

    Arnautovic is in line for a second TOTW appearance of the season, and his overall rating should improve from 82 to an in-form 85 as a result. His base card will set you back 750 coins on PS4 and 850 on Xbox One, with an 84 in-form from TOTW 5 worth 33,500 on PS4 and 40,250 on Xbox One. 

    Antoine Griezmann (OVR 89 – SIF 92)

    In a quiet week of action, Antoine Griezmann's scintillating free kick against Sevilla could be enough to take him into the Team of the Week. The Frenchman's whipped effort for Atletico Madrid came in a 1-1 draw, as Los Colchoneros lost ground to Barcelona in the title race and now trail the champions by five points. 

    Griezmann should see his 89 overall rise to an in-form 92 this week, with the striker's base card costing 177,000 on PS4 and 150,000 on Xbox One. His 90 Champions League item is worth 332,000 on PS4 and 370,000 on Xbox One, whilst a 91 UCL Road to the Final card is valued at 960,000 on PS4 and 907,000 on Xbox One. His 91 in-form from TOTW 14 will need 765,000 coins on PS4 and 700,000 on Xbox One in Ultimate Team. 

    Willian Jose (OVR 83 – IF 85)

    We remain in Spain as Willian Jose grabbed a goal and assist for Real Sociedad as they piled more misery on Real Madrid in a 2-0 victory. It was a big victory for Sociedad, with the three points moving them away from the relegation zone and up to 12th in the division. 

    Jose should see his overall rating move from an 83 overall to an in-form 85 as a result, with the Brazilian's base card costing 1,800 coins on PS4 and 1,900 on Xbox One.

    RealSport's TOTW 18 prediction

    Want to share your opinion? Why not Write For Us?

    segunda-feira, 7 de janeiro de 2019

    Premiership preview: This weekend’s fixtures, kick-off times, TV picks and form guides

    [unable to retrieve full-text content]The two sides meet for the third time in less than a week on Saturday on the back of two controversy-filled clashes. Motherwell were enraged by referee Craig Thomson's decision to award a penalty to C...

    Premier League fixtures: Super computer predicts New Year's results – Liverpool WON'T win

    Premier League fixtures

    Premier League fixtures: Who will triumph this week? (Image: Getty Images)

    Premier League action returns on New Year's Day as the festive fixture pile-up continues to bring the drama.

    Liverpool have opened up a significant lead at the top of the Premier League table – but can they carry their momentum into 2019?

    The Reds face Manchester City in the biggest top flight showdown of the season so far on Thursday night.

    Football Web Pages have developed an algorithm that has predicted all of the midweek results and it suggests Liverpool could be in for a rocky time at the Etihad.

    Elsewhere, Arsenal have been tipped to demolish Fulham at the Emirates while Manchester United will extend their winning run against Newcastle.

    Chelsea and Tottenham are up against struggling sides while Huddersfield and Burnley will go head-to-head in a potentially crucial bottom-half clash.

    West Ham and Everton have been inconsistent in 2018/19, and that is likely to continue at the start of the new calendar year.

    Express Sport has rounded up all of the Premier League fixtures for this weekend including predictions based on Football Web Pages' calculations.

    Premier League fixtures

    Premier League fixtures: Roberto Firmino will be hoping for a dose of magic against Man City (Image: Getty Images) Premier League predictions

    Tuesday 1st January 2019

    Arsenal 3-0 Fulham

    Cardiff 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur

    Everton 1-1 Leicester City

    Wednesday 2nd January 2019

    Bournemouth 1-0 Watford

    Chelsea 2-0 Southampton

    Huddersfield 0-0 Burnley

    Newcastle 0-1 Manchester United

    West Ham 1-0 Brighton

    Wolves 1-0 Crystal Palace

    Premier League fixtures

    Premier League fixtures: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has won all three games as United boss (Image: Getty Images) Premier League TV schedule

    Four games will be shown live in the UK over the New Year's period:

    Everton vs Leicester – Jan 1, 12:30pm (Sky Sports)

    Arsenal vs Fulham – Jan 1, 5:30pm (Sky Sports)

    Newcastle vs Manchester United – Jan 2, 8:00pm (Sky Sports)

    Manchester City vs Liverpool – Jan 3, 8:00pm (Sky Sports)

    sexta-feira, 4 de janeiro de 2019

    David Prutton vs Football Manager: Sky Bet EFL predictions

    David Prutton

    Football Expert & Columnist

    Last Updated: 15/12/18 8:33am

    David Prutton returns with his Sky Bet EFL predictions, but there is a bit of a difference this week as he takes on Football Manager 2019.

    FM have simulated all 12 of this weekend's Championship fixtures, and our EFL expert has stepped up to the plate to pit his wits against their unique software.

    But who will come out on top in our battle between man and machine? We will find out after this weekend's round of festive action...

    Bristol City v Norwich, Saturday 5.30pm - Live on Sky Sports Football

    Every time Norwich look like they are about to slip up they pull another win out from somewhere and prove they are in fact the real deal as promotion contenders.

    Bristol City are a bit of a streaky side under Lee Johnson and they have picked up a bit of form again. They should start climbing soon but I think the Canaries will be too good for them at Ashton Gate.

    Prutton predicts: 2-3 (33/1 with Sky Bet)

    Football Manager says: Norwich to take the lead early on thanks to Marco Stiepermann but Bristol City will hit back at Ashton Gate thanks to a Matty Taylor penalty in the second half.

    FM predicts: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)

    Derby v Nottingham Forest, Monday 7.45pm - Live on Sky Sports Football

    This should be a fascinating East Midlands derby! It is the first time in a while that Derby and Nottingham Forest have been chasing a top-six spot at the same time, which should add plenty of spice to an already heated affair.

    Nottingham Forest's surprising defeat at home to Preston aside, both sides are in decent form and there should be goals in this one. I can't split them, though! Score draw.

    Prutton predicts: 2-2 (12/1 with Sky Bet)

    Football Manager says: A lively game at Pride Park will see Forest dominate the early stages but Derby eventually emerge victorious. Gil Dias will put Aitor Karanka's men in front but the Rams will hit back with goals from Harry Wilson and David Nugent.

    FM predicts: 2-1 (8/1 with Sky Bet)

    Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Norwich and Bolton

    Aston Villa v Stoke, Saturday 3pm

    Aston Villa have had a week to dwell on how that game against West Brom was snatched away from them in such controversial circumstances, but Dean Smith will be determined to get them right back to winning ways.

    Stoke are building up a nice little unbeaten run and are slowly but surely edging their way toward the play-offs. However, I think their run comes to an end at Villa Park.

    Prutton predicts: 2-1 (8/1 with Sky Bet)

    Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between West Brom and Aston Villa

    Football Manager says: Tammy Abraham will continue his recent good run with the opener on Saturday, but Stoke will hit back thanks to substitute Mame Biram Diouf.

    FM predicts: 1-1 (6/1 with Sky Bet)

    Sky Sports will be showing 40 live games from December 1st to January 3rd!

    Bolton v Leeds, Saturday 3pm

    It really doesn't bode well for Bolton that they scored two goals in a game for the first time since September 1 against Norwich but they still came away without a point.

    Leeds have a massive injury list but it hasn't caught up with them yet and Marcelo Bielsa has done a terrific job of managing their squad. Even with all the absentees I can't see this being anything but a comfortable away win.

    Prutton predicts: 0-3 (11/1 with Sky Bet)

    Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds and QPR

    Football Manager says: Leeds dominate in Bolton but can only find the back of the net once thanks to Ben Alnwick's heroics. Samu Saiz hits the winner.

    FM predicts: 0-1 (11/2 with Sky Bet)

    Ipswich v Wigan, Saturday 3pm

    You feel we are reaching crunch time for Ipswich. For all Paul Lambert's positivity, results are yet to improve and they are still without a home win all season.

    This is a massive opportunity for them to change that because Wigan have picked up just a point on the road since the start of September. But confidence is so low for Ipswich I am going to have to back the Latics.

    Prutton predicts: 0-1 (6/1 with Sky Bet)

    Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke and Ipswich

    Football Manager says: Nathan Byrne scores the only goal of the game to secure a rare win on the road for Wigan. Ipswich have most of the possession but create few chances at Portman Road.

    FM predicts: 0-1 (6/1 with Sky Bet)

    Football manager's predictions

    Prutton's other predictions (All Saturday 3pm kick-off)

    Blackburn v Birmingham

    Prutton predicts: 2-2 (14/1 with Sky Bet)

    FM predicts: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)

    Hull v Brentford

    Prutton predicts: 2-0 (14/1 with Sky Bet)

    FM predicts: 1-3 (18/1 with Sky Bet)

    Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Swansea

    Preston v Millwall

    Prutton predicts: 2-0 (9/1 with Sky Bet)

    FM predicts: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)

    QPR v Middlesbrough

    Prutton predicts: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)

    FM predicts: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)

    Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and Blackburn

    Rotherham v Reading

    Prutton predicts: 2-0 (9/1 with Sky Bet)

    FM predicts: 1-1 (11/2 with Sky Bet)

    Swansea v Sheffield Wednesday

    Prutton predicts: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)

    FM predicts: 2-0 (15/2 with Sky Bet)

    quinta-feira, 3 de janeiro de 2019

    Premier League Fixtures: Live Stream, TV Schedule and Week 14 EPL Predictions

    The focus will be on local rivalries in the Premier League this weekend, as scores will be settled in London and Liverpool on Sunday.

    Chelsea host Fulham in the west of the capital to kickstart a brilliant day of action. On the back of that game are two heavyweight clashes, as Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby and Everton travel to Liverpool on Merseyside.

    Elsewhere, leaders Manchester City will take on Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday and Manchester United will be seeking to find some form at Southampton that evening.

    Here are the fixtures for Week 14 of the Premier League season, a prediction for each and all the details you need on where to catch the action from English football's top flight.

    Premier League: Week 14 Fixtures

    Friday, November 30

    *Cardiff City vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (1-1)

    Saturday, December 1

    Crystal Palace vs. Burnley (2-0)

    Huddersfield Town vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (1-0)

    Leicester City vs. Watford (2-1)

    Manchester City vs. Bournemouth (3-0)

    Newcastle United vs. West Ham United (1-1)

    **Southampton vs. Manchester United (0-1)

    Sunday, December 2

    *Chelsea vs. Fulham (2-0)

    *Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (1-1)

    *Liverpool vs. Everton (2-1)

          

    All games are available to watch on NBC Sports and via the NBC Sports App (U.S.)

    *Matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and can be streamed via Sky Go (UK)

    **Match will be broadcast on BT Sport 2 and can be streamed via the BT Sport website (UK)

    Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur

    Both of these teams come into this fixture on the back of European commitments and big wins in the Premier League last weekend.

    Spurs' 3-1 triumph over Chelsea was arguably their best performance of the campaign. They were excellent against their local rivals, with the attacking play of Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Heung-Min Son in support of Harry Kane giving the Blues back line so much trouble.

    Alasdair Gold of Football.London was full of praise for Tottenham's performance:

    While Spurs will be confident heading to the Emirates Stadium, they are coming up against a team that have been in fine form themselves.

    Although there were some ropey moments in the 2-1 win over Bournemouth, the Gunners are proving tough to beat under manager Unai Emery: 

    Arsenal did make a long trip to Ukraine on Thursday, and while tiredness may play some part, Emery is expected to make a lot of changes to his XI. As such, we should see two even sides go head-to-head in what is likely to be a close encounter.

    Liverpool vs. Everton

    Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

    After their massive clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, the fixtures don't get any less intense for the Reds, as an in-form Everton come to Anfield on Sunday.

    It's a testament to Liverpool that they are still within touching distance of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, as the Citizens are setting a breakneck speed at the front of the pack.

    The Reds start the weekend just two points back on the Manchester outfit having won 3-0 at Watford last weekend.

    Football journalist Melissa Reddy summed up just how good Liverpool have been in the Premier League this season:

    They are up against an Everton team that go into this round of fixtures in the top six, as they continued their impressive recent progress under Marco Silva with a win against Cardiff City last weekend.

    The Toffees have a man in brilliant form in Gylfi Sigurdsson, per journalist Paul Brown:

    While Everton will be confident in their ability, they will go up against a fearsome team. In addition, they have a rotten record at Anfield, with their last win coming at their one-time home ground in 1999.

    Liverpool may be a little jaded following their exploits in Paris on Wednesday, but they have the quality in the final third to edge what should be an entertaining contest.

    quarta-feira, 2 de janeiro de 2019

    Premier League predictions: WIN £25,000 by guessing these five fixtures

    [unable to retrieve full-text content]PREMIER LEAGUE predictions: Starsport has launched its new football prediction game Footie 5 giving you the chance to win £25,000 every week for predicting FIVE correct Premier League scores. . read f...