Enhanced odds have been around for a while but they are becoming more popular than ever. This can apply to single bets, double bets and accumulators but are they worth backing?

In this article, we focus on enhanced accumulators and analyse when and why you should consider wagering on them.

 

Enhanced Odds Explained

The term ‘enhanced odds’ refers to a short-term offer on a particular bet where the odds have been increased to a level not usually available.

A bet that would normally be available at 2/1 might be available at 5 or even 10/1. This extra payout on a popular market is a great way for punters to get good value out of a bet that they'd maybe not usually consider.

Restrictions On Enhanced Odds

Sometimes there might be restrictions on enhanced odds. For example, they might only be available to new customers, or the amount you can wager might be limited more than usual.

Therefore, it is important to understand the terms and conditions before you place your bet. Otherwise, you might not qualify for the enhanced odds that are advertised.

 

Accumulators Explained

An accumulator is a collection of bets (typically four or more) combined into one single bet. The stake is placed on the first pick in the sequence and if successful, the winnings are wagered on the next pick and so on.

If all the selections are predicted correctly, the winnings can be claimed. However, if one selection fails, the whole bet fails.

Accumulator Example

• Bet 1: Arsenal to beat West Ham at odds of 1/2
• Bet 2: Chelsea Draw no Bet at Burnley at odds of 2/5
• Bet 3: Leicester City to beat Southampton at odds of 2/1
• Bet 4: Everton to Beat Newcastle and Both Teams to Score at 4/1

If a £10 stake is placed and all the selections are correct, the accumulator would work as follows (odds have been converted into decimals to make calculation easier):

• £5 x 1.5 x 1.4 x 3 x 5 = £315 total return
• Total profit (total return - initial stake) = £305

 

Enhanced Accumulators

As you can imagine, an enhanced accumulator offers a much better return than a standard accumulator that you have chosen yourself. And they are often available on the top markets such as the English Premier League.

If you are looking for a bet that offers a higher return than normal but are not so concerned about choosing the selections, and enhanced accumulator represents good value.

If you are signing up to a new account, you might find that you are offered more than one bonus option. For example, an enhanced accumulator or a matched deposit bonus. In this case, you should choose the option that suits you best.

 

Ongoing Offers

Some new offers are also made available to existing customers. They are advertised in the lead up to an event and are only available for a specific time period. As fast as one offer expires, there is often another one to take its place.

 

When To Use Enhanced Accumulators?

These offers are tempting because they offer big payouts but they might contain selections that are unlikely to occur. As with any bet, you should look at the whole picture and decide if the bet really does offer great value.

After all, a 1000/1 bet boosted to 1500/1 is still unlikely to happen, so, is it really worth betting your hard-earned cash just because of the price boost? This is when you need to apply your knowledge of the sport and decide if the odds are worth taking.

So, however good an offer looks, you should always apply some rational thinking before placing your bet. You should consider each selection within the bet, and compare it with your own assessment of that event.

You should also look at data and trends to see if any part of the bet appears to be too unlikely to make it worth taking.

If there is sufficient doubt that an enhanced accumulator does not offer a good ratio of probability to value then you might be better building your own accumulator based on your own knowledge and research.

The potential winnings might not be as high but the chances of winning at all could be vastly increased. And achieving a return is all that counts in the end.

 

Building Your Own Accumulator

Building your own accumulator can allow you to put your own methods into practice. You can include events and markets that you have thoroughly researched using data that is widely available.

The ultimate goal is to make a profit, so every bet you place, even free or bonus bets should be calculated with this in mind.

Building your own accumulator also gives you the flexibility to pick and choose your markets, the number of selections and the amount you want to wager.

Accumulators are very popular with punters who like to place very small stake for fun in the hope that they will win big. If that sounds like you, then you might want to start learning how to place accumulator bets.

 

Have Fun, Be Responsible

Remember, betting should be fun, and winning is always more fun than losing. A 2/1 bet enhanced to 5/1 gives you more chance of winning than a 100/1 shot boosted to 500/1 even though the second bet has better potential returns.

However, you might want to go for the first option as your main bet and place a smaller stake on the second option for some added fun.

 

Enhanced Odds Summary

Whatever you decide to do, you will need a little bit of luck as well as some sporting knowledge if you are going to identify those value bets.

Enhanced odds are usually offered for a valid reason but don’t expect the bookmaker to tell you why. Make sure you can spot a good offer from a poor one and learn to identify value.

You will find enhanced odds across a range of sports including football, tennis, golf and horseracing. However, not all enhanced offers are accumulators.

They all offer enhanced singles, double and trebles in many different markets. Keep an eye on the bookies' websites in the days leading up the events, and always remember to check the terms and conditions to ensure that you qualify and will get paid out at the odds advertised.

And remember to check the stake limits. You might see a brilliant offer but if the stake limit is small, you might not be able to win very much.

Depending on the terms and condition, and the market you are backing, you might also be able to cash out of your enhanced bet.

However, there are some markets which are never eligible for cash-outs. This is another reason why you should check all the information before you place your wager.

Manager

Janne Andersson. The Halmstad-born coach is known for getting his sides to dig in and produce workmanlike performances and he's injected plenty of steel and determination since taking over in 2016.

He's won nine of his 16 games in charge and helped his side qualify for the World Cup at the expense of Italy.

Since the retirement of the iconic of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden have welcomed in a new era and Andersson has been tasked with helping his younger players get some much-needed game time.

Method Of Qualification

Sweden were drawn in a tough-looking Group A and proved no match for France but they did finish above the Netherlands on goal difference to secure a potentially tricky two-legged play-off with Italy.

Andersson's side came away with a slender lead from the first leg at the Friends Arena surviving a number of scares throughout the 90 minutes

They rolled up their sleeves, dug in and secured a goalless draw in Milan to book their place in Russia and send shock-waves through the sporting world.

They were the highest scoring team in Group A netting 26 times and ending with a goal difference of +17.

 

Star Player Of Qualifying

Compared to many of his significantly younger teammates, Marcus Berg is a grizzled veteran but the 31-year-old has been excellent over the past couple of years.

He netted eight times throughout the qualifying campaign including four against Luxembourg and he also fired in a crucial opening goal against the Netherlands.

He has teamed up with the lively Emil Forsberg and the pair have more than adequately replaced the talismanic Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

There has been much speculation about the Manchester United striker coming out of retirement and he's been priced 7/4 to play at least a minute at the 2018 tournament.

 

Most Memorable World Cup Moment

Although they progressed nicely in the 1994 tournament, the 1958 World Cup, which was staged in Sweden, is arguably their greatest triumph in this competition.

They finished above Wales in the group stage before impressively beating the Soviet Union and West Germany. Winger Kurt Hamrin scored in both games as the Swedish player poured forward at every opportunity.

Having reached the final for the first time in their history, they bumped into a ruthless Brazil outfit and, despite Nils Liedholm giving them a 4th minute lead, they were comprehensively beaten 5-2.

 

Predicted Finish

Sweden look a decent side and they have already denied Italy and the Netherlands a place in Russia.

Although drawn alongside Germany, they will be confident of progressing from the group stage and they look a decent outside bet to reach the quarter-finals.

They have the firepower and they can also defend doggedly and are likely to cause a few more upsets along the way.

 

Recommended Bet

5/4 for Sweden to finish in the top 2 positions of Group F looks outstanding.

A small each way play on Marcus Berg to finish as the top goalscorer at 200/1 is also a possibility, whilst they are 6/5 to beat South Korea in their opening encounter.

 

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

The second instalment in the rivalry between Tony Bellew and David Haye will take place on Saturday evening and punters have been piling into the Hayemaker this week.

Now valued at 11/25 in 888sport’s boxing odds, Haye could overpower his opponent. In the initial bout, Haye weighed in almost a stone heavier than Bellew and he will almost certainly be bigger on the scales at Friday’s weigh-in.

Heading into the first fight, Haye was a red-hot favourite to silence Bellew after a heated build-up. Unfortunately for the former heavyweight champion of the world, Haye tore his Achilles tendon in the sixth round of that bout and soldiered on until the 11^th round before Bellew got the better of his opponent.

Haye will be determined to settle the score after that result – he is a 4/5 shot to record victory by KO, TKO or disqualification. There is an element of bad blood in this rivalry and Haye will be desperate to come out on top.

The exchanges continued on Thursday afternoon, with Bellew pushing Haye at the last pre-bout press conference before Saturday night. Most of the build-up has seen both fighters engage in verbal sparring but Fight Night is drawing closer – it is now time for focus rather than confrontation.

Boxing followers from all over the United Kingdom will be tuning in for this one; it could be one of the biggest fights of the year. Haye fans may like the 2/1 available for the 37-year-old to win in the first half of the fight; he will be looking to start quickly.

With 26 of his 28 wins coming by way of knockout, Haye is better placed to win this one in the early rounds. Carrying that extra weight could help the Londoner in his pursuit of a quick knockout. For more helpful tips and boxing betting advice for future fights, check out our latest boxing betting guide!

Joe Joyce, late to boxing’s professional stage at 32 years old, will feature on the undercard and you won’t find many fans backing against him. Jamaican Lenroy Thomas is a 12/1 shot to prevail with Joyce at 1/50.

He looks destined to win the Commonwealth heavyweight title and plenty of punters will fancy a quick stoppage. Joyce has recorded first round victories in each of his last two fights and another early win looks likely.

Should we expect fireworks at the O2? Possibly. Both men will be desperate to secure the win and the two fighters will leave everything in the ring. The 47/20 for the fight to go the distance is worth considering; backing a winner is difficult.

Bellew’s speed and agility should cancel out Haye’s power and that makes for an intriguing battle. Backing the Liverpudlian at 13/2 to win in the second half of the fight might be the best bet…

 

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

The traditional 3pm kick-off is dying in the Premier League, thanks to television blackouts and other external factors. Of course, that causes arguments aplenty, just as everything does in football.

This weekend, we have a depleted 3pm schedule with matches dotted around Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The 3pm matches could yet have some importance, however, so here a few thoughts on the four fixtures that will be getting screamed about on Soccer Saturday…

AFC Bournemouth vs SWANSEA CITY

Bournemouth are one of those sides in the middle of the table. Everything is done and dusted, has been for a while, and form has dropped off as a result. The Cherries have had a challenging fixture list of late, taking just two points from 15 available.

Swansea’s form has declined, too. Carlos Carvalhal’s side have really struggled over their six-match winless streak, creating a meagre 2.79 expected goals with over 10 expected goals against. The troubles of the Paul Clement era are resurfacing.

The Welsh club still have three matches to play but sit a solitary point above the bottom three. Bournemouth are the better team, but I think Swansea will get something. The hosts’ defensive issues will aid the blunt Swans’ attack, which might be enough to squeak a result.

TIP: Swansea to win OR draw @ 3/4

 

LEICESTER CITY vs WEST HAM UNITED

Claude Puel reportedly needs a win here to save his job. The Foxes have picked up one point from four league games but Puel has done a solid job; Leicester are on course for a top half finish. Misfortune, rather than coaching failure, has been the centre of their recent problems.

Literally no one on the planet was surprised that West Ham were thumped by Manchester City last weekend. The Hammers, though, are still short of safety, sitting on 35 points.

One more win should do it for David Moyes, who has done a decent job in tricky circumstances. I think there will be goals in this one, as much because of each team’s failings as their strengths.

TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/6

 

WATFORD vs NEWCASTLE UNITED

This match is everything we normally see at the end of the season. Two teams with nothing to play for, which has become clear in their recent performances. Watford briefly flirted with the bottom three but have been pretty comfortable since their flying start. Newcastle have lost consecutive matches after a winning streak.

Either side could yet finish in the top half of the table. That might be worth something to the accountants and club hierarchies. It’s hard to tell if players have relaxed a bit in these closing matches of the season, and it can make for some bizarre games.

Recent numbers suggest this will be a low-scoring one. Neither team creates a great deal of chances, while Newcastle’s defence is usually relatively secure.

TIP: Both teams to score (NO) @ 10/11

 

West Bromwich Albion vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Darren Moore’s heroics as West Brom manager have allowed to Baggies to retain their Premier League status into May. That looked improbable under Alan Pardew, and the Hawthorns faithful must be wondering why Moore wasn’t given a chance at the job earlier in the season.

Tottenham’s victory over Watford last time out put them within touching distance of securing a top four berth. Their lead over Chelsea can be stretched to eight points if they win here, with the Blues facing third-placed Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts have avoided the inevitable for a few weeks. They will likely be relegated by other results anyway, but I expect Spurs to confirm it.

TIP: Tottenham to win @ 2/5

 

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

Birmingham City’s survival D-day is looming large but the presence of one man is keeping Blues relatively calm: manager Garry Monk.

Blues need a point from Sunday’s do-or-die clash with Fulham to maintain their Championship status. Nerves, naturally, are slightly frayed, but such has been Monk’s impact on the club since joining last month, supporters are just about bearing up.

Speaking to club legend Dele Adebola on free busses laid on by club sponsor 888sport for last weekend’s away trip to QPR, supporters praised Monk’s positive mindset and open attitude in guiding the club tantalisingly close to safety.

“Since Gary Monk's come in, it's boosted the fans 100%,” said one long-time fan on one of four coaches funded by 888sport as part of its In the Blues’ Corner campaign, which is backing the club’s survival bid.

“He's a person you can relate to, he's embraced fans and the philosophy of BCFC and what it means to us who travel home and away, season in season out - he's brought us all on board. That's been shown on the pitch.”

Despite the 3-1 reverse at Loftus Road, supporters were undimmed in their optimism regarding Blues’ survival – and that’s down to the boss. 

“We've had some very nice managers but I like the one we've got at the moment,” added another fan.

Adebola, who scored 31 times for the club in a four-year spell, also asked fans for their standout Blues performers of the season.

Blogger Davo, who runs a popular supporters’ YouTube Channel, told Dele: “Jacques Maghoma has been great this season, he's been our player of the season. Jota is looking a lot better and David Davis is back to his best in the middle so we're looking strong.”

888sport’s In Blues’ Corner campaign also saw Monk and captain Michael Morrison get into a boxing ring surrounding by passionate Blues’ fans to demonstrate their fighting spirit in the club’s push for survival.

Check out all the latest Blues v Fulham odds at 888sport.com.

New customers sign up today and get £30 in Free Bets. TCs apply.

The second Classic of the British Flat season, the QIPCO 1000 Guineas is open to three-year-old fillies and is held just 24 hours after the QIPCO 2000 Guineas. The race takes place on the Rowley Mile course at Newmarket and is run over a distance of one mile.

The QIPCO 1000 Guineas dates back to 1814 – it celebrated its 200th running in 2013 – five years after the introduction of the 2000 Guineas, an equivalent race open to both colts and fillies.

The biggest shock came in 1918, when Ferry won at odds of 50/1 whilst Tontine’s victory in 1825 came as no surprise whatsoever – she was the only runner!

Here are the main mover and shakers in the horse racing betting markets for Sunday’s 1000 Guineas:

Happily

Aidan O’Brien will be bidding to land a fifth 1000 Guineas on Sunday afternoon and his talented filly Happily has a great chance of helping him achieve that milestone.

Her wins last term included the Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown, the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh and a win against the boys in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Chantilly.

She signed off her season with a below par effort in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Del Mar but some early bad luck in running can be used as an excuse for that performance.

From some recent social media footage taken on the Ballydoyle gallops, O’Brien appears to have her at the top of her game and she is a worthy favourite in this contest.

 

Soliloquy

The Godolphin owned Soliloquy was supplemented for this race after the daughter of Dubawi made a big impression in the Group Three Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket a fortnight ago.

At the time of writing, William Buick who partnered Soliloquy to victory in the Nell Gwyn last month has yet to decide whether he rides her or the other exciting Godolphin filly, Wild Illusion.

 

I Can Fly

Another Aidan O’Brien filly and another runner you can make a strong case for. I Can Fly is a half-sister to the top class Landseer, a winner of the French 2000 Guineas.

She progressed well throughout the 2017 season, winning on debut and then improved again when third to Altyn Orda in the Oh So Sharp Stakes.

She has run already this term, running well when finishing two lengths third to Who's Steph in the Leopardstown 1000 Guineas Trial on her return to action last month.

 

Wild Illusion

Prix Marcel Boussac victor Wild Illusion is a second representative for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin in this fillies Classic.

Ridden prominently at Chantilly, she showed a good attitude that day and should have plenty more to offer this season. The suspicion is however that her pedigree will come to the fore further down the line and she looks an ideal Oaks type.

That’s not to say she cannot be a player in this race and she should be included in any sort of forecast/tricast permutation.

 

Laurens

Karl Burke believes his QIPCO 1,000 Guineas contender, Laurens, is flying under the radar ahead of Sunday’s big race.

Laurens had an excellent juvenile season. She followed up a win in the Group Two May Hill Stakes at Doncaster with a hard fought success in the Group One Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket, where she just held off Aidan O’Brien’s progressive filly, September.

Burke has never won a Classic. The nearest he has come is when Libertarian finished second in the Investec Derby behind Ruler Of The World. He would dearly love to change that statistic at the weekend.

 

Dan’s Dream

Dan's Dream was another runner that was supplemented on Monday. She has shown improved form this season, winning both starts, most recently taking the Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury by one and a quarter lengths from Tajaanus.

Trained by Mick Channon, Dan's Dream was named after Dan Nicholls, who became paralysed from the neck down aged 18. He broke his neck when he dived into a wave and hit a hidden sandbank at Bondi Beach in Australia.

His father David Nicholls founded the charity and any prize-money earned will be going to the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation.

Also part owned by Sir Ian Botham and Sir Gareth Edwards, there would be no more popular winner if she could get her head in front on the line.

 

Anna Nerium

Richard Hannon’s Anna Nerium was the surprise 25/1 winner of the Listed European Free Handicap by three lengths at Newmarket last time out and Hannon will be hoping to surprise a few of the big-guns again with her on Sunday.

Tom Marquand, who has ridden the filly on her last four starts, is reunited with the filly again.

Anna Nerium won the Group Three Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes at Salisbury as a juvenile and added her latest scalp to her C.V by defeating her male counterparts which was no mean feat.

Her pedigree suggests that the step up in distance here should give her no problems.

 

Altyn Orda

Roger Varian’s Nelly Gwyn runner-up will be ridden by Frankie Dettori.

Winner of the Oh So Sharp Stakes last term, the filly ran a promising race first time up and Varian was immediately pinpointing this race for her in his post-race analysis. She should run a big race at a very backable each-way price.

 

Liquid Amber

Trained by Willie McCreery, Liquid Amber will race in the famous Niarchos family silks, the same colours carried to victory in the race by Miesque in 1987.

The daughter of Kitten's Joy ran just twice last season but it was the manner of her victory in the Flame Of Tara Irish EBF Stakes which makes her an interesting outsider here.

A five length, and going away victory, over Aidan O’Brien’s Ballet Shoes at The Curragh gives the chestnut filly every chance of making her mark on her first raid across the Irish Sea.

 

Conclusion

As ever it is always difficult to deviate away from any Aidan O’Brien contenders in the Classics and Happily (nap) is the selection.

An each-way chance can be given to the consistent Laurens (nb) who would probably be half her price in the official horse racing odds for the race had she hailed from the Ballydoyle camp.

 

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

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There are just two weekends left in the Premier League season. Okay, some teams actually have three matches left, but the season is almost over either way.

The focus is on the bottom three. We will still hear a bit of chatter about the top four, of course, but in all likelihood that is done and dusted. Five matches are televised across this weekend, and that’s what takes our focus here…

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs MANCHESTER UNITED

Brighton’s draw away at Burnley last time out should have just squeaked them over the line to safety. Chris Hughton has done a stellar job this season, and it looks like his side will have a second Premier League campaign even though they may well fall short of the famous 40-point mark.

Manchester United as good as secured second place thanks to a Marouane Fellaini winner against Arsenal. Yes, that might be the most Jose Mourinho thing that has ever happened, but it underlines a decent league season for the Red Devils. Their points total could be higher than many previous champions...

I expect a cagey affair under the lights at the Amex on Friday evening. Brighton would take another 0-0, while Manchester United may be beginning to turn their attention to the upcoming FA Cup final.

TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 10/11

 

Stoke City vs CRYSTAL PALACE

Stoke City’s draw at Liverpool last weekend was a good result without context. In context, it was a disaster, as the Potters look set to depart the Premier League after a lengthy stay. Paul Lambert’s tenure has seen just one victory, they now need two wins from two to have any chance of safety.

At the other end of the spectrum, Crystal Palace smashed Leicester 5-0 at home last Saturday to as good as book themselves a place in the league for next season. Roy Hodgson has done a brilliant job with the Eagles and could yet finish in the top half.

I don’t see Stoke getting a win here. Their defence continues to give up good opportunities, while their attacking creativity is virtually nil.

TIP: Crystal Palace to win OR draw @ 13/25

 

Everton vs SOUTHAMPTON

Mark Hughes’ Southampton notched an all-important victory last weekend. The south coast club are just a point short of safety coming into this match but could be further adrift by the time they kick-off on Saturday evening.

Even after a victory away at Huddersfield last time out – that was a huge bonus for Southampton – Everton manager Sam Allardyce has faced strong criticism. All is not well up at Goodison Park. The Toffees have a decent record at home, but this really is a dead rubber for the Merseyside club.

I don’t buy into the ‘wanting it more’ logic that we hear so frequently in football. At this time of year, though, motivation can be an issue for teams with nothing to play for. That, along with the attacking intent shown under Hughes, makes me fancy Southampton to get a result.

TIP: Southampton to win OR draw @ 2/5

 

MANCHESTER CITY vs Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield’s torturous end to the season begins here. Home defeat to Everton last weekend put the Terriers in severe trouble, with fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal to follow their trip to face the champions. David Wagner’s team have been in a somewhat false position of late, they need something special to avoid the drop.

Anyone who thought Manchester City might relax once it was sewn up have been proven emphatically wrong. Pep Guardiola’s side already have 102 league goals, having scored nine over their last two Premier League matches.

The party spirit could continue at the Etihad this weekend. Huddersfield are in serious trouble.

TIP: Over 2.5 home goals @ 12/25

 

Chelsea vs LIVERPOOL

Chelsea simply have to win this one if they are to make the top four. Antonio Conte’s side have won three straight thanks to their 1-0 victory away at Swansea last weekend, and seem to have moved on from their dire start to the calendar year.

Assuming Liverpool qualify for the Champions League Final, this match is little more than preparation. Their top four status is still under threat, though, and could be under severe pressure in the closing weekend of the season if they lose at Stamford Bridge this Sunday.

The Blues’ performances haven’t improved much, even though their results have. I fancy Liverpool to get something here, which will end any top four discussion.

TIP: Liverpool to win or draw @ 7/10

 

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

The Arsene Wenger farewell tour is well underway. A defensive mishap fittingly ruined what could have been a brilliant European night, followed by a touching – if somehow controversial – tribute from his two greatest rivals, Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho.

The timing of Wenger’s announcement, although apparently out of his hands, was ideal in many ways. Instead of an abrupt departure, the Frenchman can enjoy the adulation of the Gunner faithful once again, while receiving deserved praise from his peers.

It might, too, provide a distraction as Arsenal search for a replacement. Plenty think they already had their man when Wenger said he was leaving, but many reports are bubbling up that they are still in talks with half of the managerial world.

Here are a few of the leading names to be the next Arsenal manager…

 

Max Allegri

There were murmurings last summer that Max Allegri was in line to replace Arsene Wenger. They never came to fruition, of course, as Wenger signed yet another contract. Allegri is on course to lead Juventus to yet another Scudetto this season, but saw the Old Lady fall short in the Champions League again.

via GIPHY

His style of play is obviously different to Wenger’s. Quick transitions are crucial, which could make for some scintillating football with Mesut Ozil feeding Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. It would be interesting to see what shape Allegri would opt for given the imbalance of the Arsenal squad.

Allegri remains the favourite at 11/4. There is still a possibility he remains in Turin, however. He really isn’t good value at that price, even with the long-term links to the job, simply for the chance that he sticks with the Italian giants.

 

Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique is linked with every high-profile job around the world at the moment. The talk of becoming Chelsea boss seems to be more frequent than Arsenal rumours, but that doesn’t stop the Spaniard sitting second in this market at 7/2.

That price is okay. Enrique’s links to Chelsea make him a hard man to back right now, though the fit seems a little better at the Emirates than Stamford Bridge. The footballing world will be watching keenly wherever he goes to see if he can replicate his Barcelona success without the cheat code that is Lionel Messi.

Enrique won relentlessly during his Barcelona spell, including a treble in his first season. If trophies are Arsenal’s priority right now – and I’m not sure they are – then you can’t get a much better CV than this guy.

 

Brendan Rodgers

Okay, so this one will split opinion. Brendan Rodgers has maintained Celtic’s dominance in Scotland. Whether you think that’s relevant or not is up to you, but there’s no doubt he will make an Arsenal side that entertains.

Rodgers also – in case anyone has forgotten – nearly won the league with a not very good Liverpool team. That side played thrilling football, in part because their defence was as shaky as their attack was brilliant. Arsenal fans at least won’t be bored with Rodgers, though they may be left watching many of the same mistakes from the latter Wenger years.

The 13/2 price is not a great one, though. If Arsenal go for a big name, Rodgers is out of it, and if they opt for a less experienced candidate, Rodgers has some strong competition.

 

Patrick Vieira

Strong competition, you say? Well, here’s one of those guys. Patrick Vieira has been impressing people with his work in New York, and any job at Manchester City is a long way off. There will have at least been discussions at the Emirates about what Vieira has been doing stateside.

Vieira’s brand of football fits with Arsenal, and his appointment would surely win some of the fans back on board. It is a risk, sure, but so is any managerial change. This one might just have enormous reward, particularly if his MLS stint is anything to go by.

The former club captain is out at 12/1 to succeed his once manager. It’s a longshot option, but I like that value. He would be a very Arsenal appointment.

 

Eddie Howe

Another less-experienced, high-profile option, Eddie Howe, arrives just longer than Vieira at 14/1. The Bournemouth manager has been a stalwart of the Arsenal gossip columns in recent years and remains linked with the Gunners’ job.

Howe is in the mid-table waiting room for someone to take a chance on him. The David Moyes disaster at Old Trafford might put clubs off such a move, but they are different managers, and markedly different characters.

I like the price on Howe better than almost any other in this market. He has shown an ability to bounceback from difficult periods – which a lot of current managers lack – while maintain an identity. He could win over the Arsenal board.

 

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

It is do or die time for the four remaining teams in the battle for this year’s Europa League crown.

Arsenal, dominant for large parts against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium last Thursday, went full Arsenal and gifted Antoine Griezmann an away goal – the initiative is now well and truly with the Spanish outfit.

via GIPHY

It looks like Arsene Wenger’s tenure could end without a Hollywood-esque European triumph in his final game in charge of the Gunners.

In the other semi-final, Marseille are two goals to the good against Red Bull Salzburg. Going to Austria won’t be easy but the French side are in complete control and it would be foolish to back against Marseille at this moment in time.

Stranger things have happened though; an early goal could change the entire complexion of the tie. Check out our best bets ahead of Thursday night’s double header below…

 

ATLETICO MADRID vs Arsenal

Atletico’s home record is formidable – Diego Simeone’s men have lost just one of their last 23 matches at the Wanda Metropolitano.

7/10 for a home win is quite short; the 9/5 for Atletico to win to nil carries more appeal considering their defensive prowess. This could be a real nail-biter for the two sets of supporters.

Wenger decided to rest a few of his most influential players for the trip to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon; that could turn out to be a wise move.

With the tie nicely poised at 1-1, this could quite easily go to extra time and stamina may come into it. A repeat of that same scoreline on Thursday night is available at 6/1 with 888sport.

For me, the 4/5 on offer for Atletico to score two or more goals should be snapped up. This Gunners defence is shaky at the best of times and Arsenal could crumble under the intense pressure in Spain this week.

Expect Griezmann to mastermind another Atletico triumph and you’d be hard pressed to back against the Spanish outfit in this year’s final.

TIP: Atletico to score two or more goals @ 4/5

CORRECT SCORE: Atletico 2-1 Arsenal (Priced at 8/1 with 888sport)

SPECIAL: Atletico to be leading at half-time @ 6/5

 

RED BULL SALZBURG vs MARSEILLE

Both teams to score looks like an absolute certainty here. 3/5 is some price considering what is at stake; a Europa League final berth beckons.

Marseille may try to keep things tight but a two-goal lead is never comfortable and Rudi Garcia’s side will look to snatch a goal on the counter attack. At the other end, Salzburg simply MUST score to keep the tie alive.

My tip for Florian Thauvin to score the first goal last week was a winner and the former Newcastle United man followed that up with another opener in Marseille’s Ligue 1 fixture last weekend.

With that in mind, backing the Frenchman to bag another early goal is well worth considering at 13/2.

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As an outside bet, both teams to score in both halves is tempting at 12/1. Salzburg were very unlucky not to score in France last week and I’m expecting another open, exciting affair here.

Marseille have the wow factor and should progress but Salzburg could spring a shock if the visitors get off to a slow start.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 3/5

CORRECT SCORE: Salzburg 1-2 Marseille (Priced at 11/1 with 888sport)

SPECIAL: Both teams to score in both halves @ 12/1

 

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