Premier League: Five Things We Learned This Weekend

The Premier League season is seven matches old. Narratives have been built – some have already crumbled – and teams are getting to that point in the campaign where they re-evaluate their preseason goals.

Some might be considering a title push, others are preparing for 31 more matches battling for their Premier League lives.  This weekend was not littered with drama like some, but it taught us plenty...

Mourinho Meltdown Continues

West Ham made light work of Manchester United on Saturday lunchtime. After a week including humiliation to Derby and a public spat between Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho, such a result was hardly surprising.

Mourinho’s post-match comments were as curious as ever. Anthony Martial’s lack of impact defensively was questioned and the Portuguese tried to maintain his ‘everything is fine, nothing to see here’ approach.

With Valencia in midweek, it feels like Mourinho is only a poor result or two away from the sack.

He might survive a little longer, of course, but Manchester United are best off cutting their losses and moving on to whatever bizarre appointment they make next.

 

Salah Isn't The Same

Mohamed Salah was a sensation last term. He had a reasonable claim at World Player of the Year honours. This season, though, everything is different.

He is missing chances and his decision-making is suspect, as we saw on a couple of occasions in the first half at Stamford Bridge.

Crucially, he is still getting the chances. His goal scoring record will improve from here, but we are not going to see the ludicrous overachievement of last season. The 2017/18 tally was a career year rather than a breakout.

Liverpool are a better side than they were last season. Seeing Salah substituted might not be such a shock this season, particularly if Daniel Sturridge and Xherdan Shaqiri continue to perform.

 

Cheap Ashley Condemns Newcastle (Again)

There was talk this week that former Manchester United and Chelsea chief executive, Peter Kenyon, is leading a takeover bid of Newcastle United.

The news came at a fitting time, as the Magpies lost 2-0 at home to Leicester to leave them on just two points from seven matches. Rafa Benitez's side were limp in defeat. They offered very little going forward, and the crowd did not react well to Benitez’s substitutions.

Newcastle in 2018/19:

1-2 vs Tottenham ❌
1-2 vs Chelsea ❌
1-2 vs Arsenal ❌
0-2(?) vs Leicester ❌

For the first time EVER, it looks like #NUFC are going to lose their first four home games of the season. pic.twitter.com/WoGCfm9vXN

— 888sport (@888sport) September 29, 2018

Newcastle might have had a difficult fixture list so far, but that does not change their situation. The north east club needs points and they need them fast.

Benitez’s options, though, are very limited. Ashley’s refusal to back his manager in the market has cost the club in the past. It’s quite possible it costs them again.

 

Ambitious Fulham Are Some Way From The Finished Article

Fulham’s summer transfer business was impressive. From Jean Seri to Alfie Mawson, they added quality and did it in a balanced manner.

A top half finish is not out of the question, but they have five points from seven matches and were thumped 3-0 this weekend. Despite additions, Fulham have the joint-worst defence in the league on goals conceded and non-penalty expected goals against.

Unless their attack starts to produce at Liverpool levels, the back line is going to force them into a relegation scrap. It is far from a crisis at Craven Cottage. There’s more than enough time to turn things around, but this is the sort of slow start that can descend into chaos.

Fulham have to find a blend between their individual quality and defensive organisation if they are to have the sort of comfortable campaign it looked like they would have.

 

Wolves ARE The Real Deal

Okay, beating a poor Southampton side at home wasn’t the first sign of this. Wolves are a good football team. They are three points off the Champions League places at the moment.

While that may not remain the case for long, the 10-point cushion to the bottom three is hugely significant for any promoted side.

Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018/19:

Played - 7
Won - 3
Drawn - 3
Lost - 1

Position - 8th

Not a bad start to life back in the Premier League. ?#WWFC pic.twitter.com/34QIkaSMuP

— 888sport (@888sport) October 1, 2018

This is no fluke either. The west Midlands club cruised to promotion last term and added more international quality footballers in the summer. Their results have hardly been smash-and-grab, they are – by any metric – performing like a top eight side.

Wolves are looking like a genuine best of the rest contender. That would be an astonishing achievement and might just set them up for a European spot next season.

October 1, 2018
Football
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Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

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Champions League: Top Tips Ahead Of Wednesday's Action

The second round of Champions League group stage fixtures are here – and football fans across Europe will be settling down for a festival of football on Wednesday evening.

It all kicks off with two early games before six later fixtures; giving viewers the chance to watch more of Europe’s elite club competition. That can’t be a bad thing, can it?

Tuesday’s top tips can be found here but I am going to focus on Wednesday’s action in this piece.

Tottenham Hotspur are involved in what is arguably THE clash of the gameweek and English football fans will be hoping for an exciting night of football. Here are my thoughts and tips on the latest round of games.

 

ATLETICO MADRID vs Club Brugge

It has taken Atletico a while to get going in 2018/19 but Diego Simeone’s men head into this clash after avoiding defeat in five successive matches.

Atletico claimed a well-earned point away at city rivals Real Madrid on Saturday night and it would take a brave man to back against the hosts here. 49/50 for Atletico to win to nil is worth backing considering their defensive prowess.

Club Brugge had just 35% of the ball against Borussia Dortmund in their previous European encounter but the Belgian side gave a decent account of themselves in that 1-0 defeat.

The visitors will work hard but that might not be enough to secure a positive result here. It could get ugly for Club Brugge if Atletico make an early breakthrough.

TIP: Atletico Madrid to win to nil @ 49/50

PREDICTED SCORE: Atletico 2-0 Club Brugge (Priced at 5/1 with 888sport)

 

BORUSSIA DORTMUND vs AS Monaco

Dortmund are back to their brilliant best – Monaco will be wary of an absolute thrashing on Wednesday night. You won’t find many punters backing against the hosts in this one…

The German giants, currently top of the Bundesliga table, have scored 19 goals in six league games in 2018/19 and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Dortmund run riot. 6/5 for over 2.5 home goals is worth considering.

On the other hand, Monaco have struggled to get going this season. The French outfit are in the Ligue 1 relegation zone after winning just one of their opening eight fixtures.

Monaco fell short on home soil against Atletico in their Group A opener and another difficult clash awaits. 7/4 for a home win with both teams scoring looks a decent bet.

TIP: Dortmund to win and both teams to score (Priced at 7/4 with 888sport)

PREDICTED SCORE: Dortmund 3-1 Monaco (Priced at 9/1 with 888sport)

 

Napoli vs LIVERPOOL

Napoli were the better side for most of the first half against Juventus but beating the Old Lady in Turin was always going to be a tough ask.

However, the hosts will be looking to bounce back after that defeat at the weekend and this could be one of the matches of the week. Both teams to score is backable at 1/2 – punters will be expecting an exciting contest.

Jurgen Klopp’s side left it late against Chelsea to preserve their unbeaten start to the season – Daniel Sturridge scoring with a sensational effort from outside the box with just minutes remaining.

Another stern test awaits the Reds here; Napoli are no slouches and Carlo Ancelotti’s men are solid on home soil. However, the 8/25 for Liverpool to avoid defeat once again is the way to go.

TIP: Liverpool to win OR draw @ 8/25

PREDICTED SCORE: Napoli 1-2 Liverpool (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs FC BARCELONA

It is a case of one step forward, two steps backward for Tottenham right now. Mauricio Pochettino’s men were comfortable against Huddersfield Town last time out and Spurs fans will be hoping for a similar performance here.

Tottenham can profit if they play Barcelona at their own game. This Barca defence is not what it once was and the 4/9 for both teams to score looks exceptional value.

Barcelona have had troubles of their own in recent weeks and Ernesto Valverde is a man under pressure. The Spanish champions are winless in their last three competitive fixtures – not good enough for a club of Barcelona’s calibre.

The visitors have the quality to put Spurs to the sword but this will not be straightforward by any means. EVS isn’t the best price in the world for an away win in this clash.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 4/9

PREDICTED SCORE: Tottenham 2-2 Barcelona (Priced at 19/2 with 888sport)

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

October 1, 2018
Champions League

By Alex McMahon

Alex McMahon Sport
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Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
 

Alex McMahon
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Horse Racing: A Look At The Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe Weekend

All eyes will be on Paris later this week for The Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe weekend. Held on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th October, the fixture boasts no fewer than 16 flat races, nine of which have Group 1 status.

In the most important race of the weekend, the world's very best thoroughbreds coupled with top international jockeys will do battle in Europe’s greatest horse race - the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Saturday's FULL Schedule

  1. Prix Chaudenay
  2. Qatar Arabian Trophy
  3. Grand Handicap Des Juments
  4. Criterium De La Vente D’Octobre
  5. Prix Dollar
  6. Prix De Royallieu
  7. Prix Du Cadran
  8. Prix Daniel Wildenstein

 

Sunday's FULL Schedule

  1. Prix Marcel Boussac
  2. Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere
  3. Prix De L’Abbaye
  4. Qatar Arabian World Cup
  5. Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe
  6. Prix De L’Opera
  7. Prix De La Foret
  8. Grand Handicap Des Flyers

 

Feature Races And News

Prix De l'Abbaye

Bryan Smart reports Alpha Delphini to be in "good order" as he prepares to emulate his half-brother Tangerine Trees who won the Prix de l'Abbaye in 2011.

Alpha Delphini registered a Group One victory this summer in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York, where he defeated Mabs Cross by a nose in the closest of photo finishes.

Smart has had Europe's premier five-furlong dash in mind for the seven-year-old ever since his August victory:

"Graham Lee rode him a piece of work on Friday and we're all happy with him. He's in good order," said the Yorkshire trainer.

"He'll travel out there this week and hopefully he'll run really well.

"It would be special if he could match his brother, but at least he's going with a Group One under his belt. That's the good thing, he's already done it.

"If he could go and win the Abbaye like his brother did, it would be a fantastic feat."

Mabs Cross

The Michael Dods-trained Mabs Cross will meet Alpha Delphini once again on French soil in the l’Abbaye.

The four-year-old filly is aiming to emulate Mecca’s Angel, who won the Group One in 2015 and 2016 for Dods.

Battaash

The Charlie Hills-trained Battaash will be heading to Longchamp hoping to defend his crown.

Following his dazzling display in the King George Stakes at Goodwood, the speed merchant was odds-on for the Nunthorpe at York but could only finish a disappointing fourth, leaving connections somewhat bemused.

No horse has gone back-to-back in the Abbaye since Lochsong in 1993/94 so he will have to bring his A-game to Paris.

Soldier's Call

Soldier’s Call is quoted at 8/1 to make the most of the generous weight concessions for juveniles in the Prix de l’Abbaye on Arc day.

After his Flying Childers Stakes victory at Doncaster, his trainer Archie Watson said: "He did a quicker time at Chantilly on similar ground than Marsha did when she won the Abbaye there.

"There are lots of good older five-furlong horses around, (but) you'd like to see him getting a shed-load of weight from them and seeing what he can do.

"I think we will do (need a new jockey to do the weight), off 8st 7lb, yes. But we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

 

Prix De L'Opera

William Haggas has earmarked the mile-and-a-quarter Group One contest on Arc day as the target for his four-year-old Urban Fox.

Since taking the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh in July, the filly has filled the runner-up spot in both the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood and the Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville.

Wild Illusion

The Godolphin-owned Wild Illusion, who won the Prix Marcel Bouusac on this card last year, is a leading fancy in the L’Opera.

Having finished fourth in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and second in both the Investec Oaks at Epsom and the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot, the filly picked up her due rewards by landing the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.

Her trainer Charlie Appleby recently said that Wild Illusion "is in great order".

 

Prix De La Foret

Limato has bounced back to form this season with victories in Listed races at Newmarket and York, following a disappointing start to the year.

Should the six-year-old take up his entry on Sunday, he would be seeking a repeat win in the Foret, having won under Harry Bentley in 2016. He was also a fast-finishing second in the 2015 renewal.

Polydream

Prix Maurice de Gheest heroine Polydream heads the horse racing betting and understandably so.

The daughter of Oasis Dream saw off a host of British challengers to provide her trainer with a record seventh victory in the Deauville held Group One.

Freddy Head has twice won the Prix de la Foret as a trainer with top-class fillies Goldikova (2010) and Moonlight Cloud (2013).

Expert Eye

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Expert Eye was runner-up in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, won again at Group Three level at York last month before finishing third on his return to Group One company in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp.

Stoute said: “I think the weather will decide where he goes. Good to soft would be acceptable, but he wouldn’t want it any softer. He is in good shape and has come out of his last race well.”

 

Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe

St Leger winner Kew Gardens is set to take his chance in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt has had a superb season, with his triumph at Doncaster adding to his victory in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot and the Grand Prix de Paris over the Arc course and distance.

O'Brien said: "The plan is that we are going towards the Arc with him. There is a forfeit stage on Monday morning and he's going to be left in. At the moment that's what we are looking at doing.”

After storming to success in her comeback run at Kempton earlier this month, Enable is the red hot favourite (Evs) to become the first back-to-back winner of the French showpiece since Treve in 2013/14.

 

Click here for all of our Arc weekend horse racing betting markets...

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

October 1, 2018
Horse Racing

By Steve Mullington

Steve Mullington
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    • Body

    Steven is a sports and horse racing enthusiast and is a member of the Horseracing Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA) in the United Kingdom.

    He is a regular visitor to Paris Longchamp for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and a lifelong fan of the Aintree Grand National, a subject he writes about 52 weeks of the year. Last year he reached the impressive milestone of attending the last 30 renewals of the Grand National.

    Steven graduated from the University Of Lancaster in 1996 with a B.A (Hons) in Urban Policy & Race Relations (major) with Contemporary Religions & Belief Systems (minor) and still wonders if any of these help him find the winners?

    He writes for a number of websites and online publications and you can sometimes hear him at the weekend discussing racing on a number of local radio stations. 

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    Champions League: Top Tips Ahead Of Tuesday's Action

    It’s Champions League time again. The first round of fixtures saw the odd upset (looking at you, Manchester City) but things went as expected for the most part. The pressure is on for some of those big teams now, though.

    The early kick-off matches are a treat for fans, even if players aren’t as keen. Tuesday night gives us four straight hours of Champions League action. Doesn’t that sound great?

    Here are a few thoughts on four of the standout Tuesday fixtures…

    Hoffenheim vs MANCHESTER CITY

    Manchester City’s defeat at home to Lyon has put them under a bit of unnecessary pressure in a relatively easy Champions League group.

    Pep Guardiola’s side are yet to find the fluency of last season, but the results are still coming. They are top of the Premier League and have conceded just thrice in the league all season.

    Hoffenheim have had a difficult start to their Bundesliga season. The results don’t look good, but the schedule hasn’t been kind.

    Defeat to Leipzig at the weekend was disappointing, however. They did, though, give a very good account of themselves in their 2-2 away to Shakhtar Donetsk on matchday one in this competition...

    Manchester City should have enough to win this. Hoffenheim are a good side, though, and are likely to at least give Guardiola’s men a scare.

    TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 21/50

    PREDICTED SCORE: Hoffenheim 1-2 Man City (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

     

    BAYERN MUNICH vs Ajax

    Things aren’t going well for Bayern right now. A home draw with Augsburg was followed by defeat away to Hertha Berlin this weekend.

    Luckily, a victory in the opening Champions League match means the pressure isn’t as great for this one.

    That said, though, Ajax are also on three points and could be a real threat to Bayern for top spot if they get a positive result here.

    The Dutch club cruised past Fortuna Sittard at the weekend but were thrashed by PSV Eindhoven a few days before. They need a big performance from their defence to stand a chance at the Allianz.

    There’s no value backing Bayern at 1/6. The hosts to score a few goals is the better option here.

    TIP: Bayern to score over 2.5 goals @ 4/6

    PREDICTED SCORE: Bayern 3-1 Ajax (Priced at 17/2 with 888sport)

     

    CSKA MOSCOW vs REAL MADRID

    There were no post-Ronaldo blues for Real Madrid against Roma in matchday one.

    The reigning European champions smashed the Italian side 3-0 but have had a rough time in La Liga of late, winning just once in four and scoring two goals in those matches.

    A 2-2 draw away to Viktoria Plzen was a less than ideal start for CSKA. They have a realistic chance of qualification from this group but need to win at least two of their home matches.

    No trip to Russia is fun in the Champions League. An upset is always a possibility.

    Real’s indifferent form makes this a tough one to call. Both teams to score is probably the safest bet, though the odds are not great.

    TIP: Both teams to score @ 8/13

    PREDICTED SCORE: CSKA 1-2 Real Madrid (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

     

    MANCHESTER UNITED vs VALENCIA

    Manchester United are in meltdown. The off-field issues – particularly Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba’s public spat – are the least of their worries right now.

    They are already well off the pace domestically, and one can’t help but wonder if defeat here would see Mourinho handed his P45. The 3-0 victory against Young Boys was one of few positives this season, however.

    Should Manchester United sack Jose Mourinho? 

    RT - Yes 
    ❤️ - Yes 
    ✍️ - Yes#WHUMUN pic.twitter.com/UIHeNKcj3d

    — 888sport (@888sport) September 29, 2018

    Valencia have started the season slowly. It was no surprise that they lost at home to Juventus, even after Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card, but they have won just two of their six La Liga matches.

    Their defence has been solid, which could see them stifle Mourinho’s men; punters should expect a low-scoring affair here.

    This one might descend into chaos if the United meltdown continues, but Valencia will be happy to take a draw.

    TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 27/25

    PREDICTED SCORE: Man United 1-1 Valencia (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)

     

    *Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

    October 1, 2018
    Football
    Body

    Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

    He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

    Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

    Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

    Sam Cox
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