Sports betting is not just about who will win and who will lose a particular event. In fact, the outcome of the overall event is completely irrelevant when wagering on many proposition bets such as the yellow and red cards/total bookings markets.

Wagering on yellow and red cards might not seem like an obvious bet choice to new punters, but it is a very popular market amongst more seasoned bettors. This is because the statistics are easy to research, and rules are straightforward.

This gives the bettor more of a sense that they are making an informed decision based on data rather than just going on gut instinct. Of all the stats-friendly markets, betting on cards is one of the easiest for punters to quickly get up to speed on.

Those looking to become knowledgeable about a particular market can easily find stats or keep their own records of cards issued in their league of choice, or even across multiple leagues. By delving deep into these niche markets, it can sometimes be easier to find high-value bets.

So let’s take a closer look at the choices available in the bookings market.

 

First Bookings

There are several ways in which you can bet on yellow and red cards. The first, and most simple, way is to bet on which team will receive the first booking in the match.

The odds for each team to be booked first are usually quite close to EVENS in this market, while the odds for no booking at all are typically quite high, often as much as 16/1 such is the rarity of this occurrence. You can find all betting odds explained in our handy guide.

A much harder bet to predict is which player will be booked first, but there are plenty of hot-headed characters out there who attract action in this market.

This bet can also be attractive if there is a big derby game involving a player with a feisty reputation. In such a situation, the next bet types could also come into play.

 

Team To Have A Player Sent Off

Bettors who feel that a particular game might get a bit heated could be tempted to delve into this market. Just predict if a team will have a player sent off at any point in the encounter.

The price you are offered could be affected by many factors such as the team’s reputation, their previous dismissal record and which team they are facing.

 

A Specific Player To Be Sent Off

Much like the previous bet but you must name the player who you think is going to see red. Certain players are more likely to get sent off than others and certain games can produce more reds than others.

Identifying the teams, players and head-to-head encounters that are more likely to draw a dismissal is the key to finding value in this market.

Of the players still active in the game, Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos holds the record for the highest number of red cards received with a total of 23 accumulated over a 16 year period.

But remarkably, he has never been sent off while playing for the Spanish national team despite making 149 appearances.

Having said that, Ramos still has a long way to go to match the record of 46 red cards picked up by retired Colombian defensive midfielder Gerardo Bedoya.

The hot-headed former Millonarios and Santa Fe man was once suspended for 15 matches for violent conduct following an incident in the Bogota derby.

 

Total Booking Points

This market is appealing to regular punters because there is no requirement to predict the exact player or team to which the cards will be issued.

Wagers are simply placed according to the overall number of booking points that will be accumulated in the game.

To bet in this market you need to understand the booking points system. All bookmakers use a points system to allocate values to the cards.

For example, at 888sport, the following point are allocated bookings:

• Yellow card = 10 points
• Red card = 25 points
• Maximum points for one player are 35

This makes it easy for bettors to understand and allows markets to be set at certain benchmarks. Here are a few bets that you may be offered in this market:

• Over 3.5 booking points
• Under 3.5 booking points
• Home team Under 1.5 booking points
• Home team Over 1.5 booking points
• Home team Under 1.5 booking points
• Home team Over 1.5 booking points

So, for the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle in December, 888sport were offering 5/4 for under 3.5 cards and 11/20 for over 3.5 cards.

However, Arsenal were 6/4 to receive over 1.5 points, while Newcastle were 1/2 in the same market, suggesting that visitors were expected to take up more space in the referee's book.

 

Handicap Cards Betting

Handicap betting on cards works the same as in any other soccer handicap market. The bookmaker will give one side an advantage or head start over the other in order to balance any perceived bias between the two.

A team with a -1 handicap would have to receive one booking point just to draw level with the other team who would start with a +1 handicap. If the first team received two more booking points than the second, the handicap bet would win.

But if they received the same or fewer points, the second team would win. If the first team received one more point, the points would be equal when the handicap is applied resulting in a push result and stakes would be returned.

The push scenario can be avoided with fractional handicaps. So, one team might have a -0.5 handicap and the other a +0.5. In this situation, a push is not possible as one team would always have the edge over the other.

For example, if the first team (-0.5) gets one more card than the second team (+0.5) they would have a half point advantage and would the bet would. But if they have the same or fewer points, they would lose once the handicap is applied.

 

Crunching The Numbers

You can look at stats to help you make a decision. For example, with 18 games played this season, all of Brighton and Hove Albion’s away matches had produced 3.5 booking points or less, while 77.8% of West Ham’s away games had produced that number or higher.

It is also worth noting that some match referees tend to give out more yellow cards per game than others, while some hand out fewer yellows but are more likely to show red.

These kind of discrepancies can be used to help you make your final decision. So it is important to check which man in black will be taking charge of a game before placing any bets.  

By looking at all the numbers and also considering other factors such as card-happy referees, derby matches etc. sharp punters can make accurate estimations about the total number of booking points in a game.

 

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

The QIPCO 2000 Guineas, is one of Newmarket’s Group 1 races, open to three-year-old colts and fillies and boasts an impressive roll of honour including the unforgettable Frankel. The race takes place at 3.35pm on Saturday 5th May.

Although they only have to carry 8st 11lbs compared to the 9st a colt is allotted, fillies very rarely contest the QIPCO 2000 Guineas nowadays.

They almost invariably stick to their own equivalent event, the QIPCO 1000 Guineas which is run the day after on a Sunday.  The last filly to triumph was Garden Path in 1944.

Here are the main movers and shakers in the horse racing betting markets for Saturday’s 2000 Guineas:

Masar

Charlie Appleby reports Masar is ready and raring to go ahead of his run in the 2000 Guineas.

The Godolphin owned colt put a disappointing run in Dubai well behind him when making every yard to score a nine-length victory in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket on his return to British shores.

Appleby believes the dirt surface at Meydan was to blame for Masar's Dubai defeat.

Masar has already raced in four countries, having won the Solario Stakes at Sandown in September before heading to Chantilly, where he was third to Happily in Prix Jean-Luc Lagadere and the Breeders’ Cup in Del Mar, where he was almost three lengths behind Aidan O’Brien’s Kentucky Derby hope Mendelssohn.

Gustav Klimt

Gustav Klimt was installed as the favourite for the 2000 Guineas after swooping through late in the day to capture the Ballylinch Stud 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes at Leopardstown.

Aidan O’Brien’s runner had been off the track since winning the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket last July, but punters were all over him that day, sending him off the 6/4 favourite for the seven-furlong event.

His stablemate and last year's European champion two-year-old U S Navy Flag disappointed in the same race, trailing home last of the four runners.

Elarqam & Cardsharp

Elarqam is unbeaten in two career starts and he has not been seen in competitive action since landing the Tattersalls Stakes at Newmarket last September. He did however have a racecourse gallop over the Rowley Mile during the Craven meeting.

Elarqam certainly boasts a top class pedigree. The three-year-old is a son of the brilliant Frankel, who won the 2000 Guineas seven years ago, out of trainer Mark Johnston’s top-class racemare Attraction, who won five Group Ones, including the 1000 Guineas in 2004.

Johnston also intends to saddle Cardsharp, the winner of the Arqana July Stakes and placed repeatedly at the highest level in his last campaign.

The colt has only had one start this season, when he was well beaten at Deauville earlier this month.

 

Saxon Warrior

Saxon Warrior remains on Ballydoyle's radar for the 2,000 Guineas next weekend, trainer Aidan O'Brien reported last Friday, despite taking a marked drift in the betting.

Saxon Warrior did all his racing over a mile last year, once of his main quality being a turn of foot. He quickened up nicely to win with ease on his debut, then he did his rivals for speed in a Group 2 at Naas. In the Racing Post Trophy, he travelled strongly before finding something extra when headed.

The Deep Impact colt will be arriving at Newmarket without a prep run but it is nothing that unduly worries O’Brien.

Without Parole

Without Parole looked a Pattern-race type when his obvious talent came to the fore at Yarmouth on debut.

The son of Frankel, hold entries in the 2000 Guineas and the Dante, went into many notebooks initially when he made a winning debut at Newcastle last December, and look good once again with a six-length victory in the John Kemp 4x4 Centre Of Norwich Novice Stakes at Yarmouth last Tuesday.

It took a while for Without Parole to hit top gear but when he did it was decisive and John Gosden's charge swept past the front-runner Ostilio with ease. It was a further eight lengths back to Cheer The Title in third.

 

Expert Eye

Sir Michael Stoute’s Expert Eye had previously been favourite for the 2000 Guineas after seeing off a competitive field in Goodwood’s Vintage Stakes last July.

He remained out of action until the Dewhurst at Newmarket when sent off the hot favourite but he failed to show that same sparkle as he trailed home last in a field of nine.

In the recent Greenham Stakes at Newbury much of the pre-race focus was on Expert Eye but he was foiled on the day by the George Scott trained James Garfield, going down by just three-quarters of a length.

Roaring Lion

Although holding his price in the market around the 12/1 mark, John Gosden is very lukewarm on the idea of running Roaring Lion at Newmarket on Saturday.

The Qatar Racing-owned colt failed to strengthen his Classic claims after he could only finish third in the Craven Stakes, in which he was sent off the 8-13 favourite.

 

James Garfield

James Garfield stepped into the 2000 Guineas picture with a second Group success at Newbury in the Al Basti Equiworld Supporting Greatwood Greenham Stakes.

Winner of the Mill Reef Stakes last September, the George Scott trained colt narrowly got the upper hand over fellow 2000 Guineas rival, Expert Eye.
Scott is only 29 years of age and has held a training licence for little more than two years. James Garfield is owned and was bred by Scott’s father-in-law and brother-in-law, Bill and Tim Gredley.

The colt is likely to have the services of Frankie Dettori once again on Saturday.

Weekend weather outlook

Conditions at Newmarket are expected to improve ahead of the QIPCO Guineas Festival next weekend once a period of wet weather has passed through the region.

The going was described as good, good to soft in places on Sunday afternoon following rain on Friday and early on Saturday.

More rain is forecast from late on Sunday until Tuesday morning but after that it should be a relatively dry week.

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

After months without the Champions League during winter, the knockout rounds come thick and fast in spring. The semi-finals are no different, with the second legs only a week after the first meeting.

The first leg encounters are fresh in the memory. Perhaps too fresh for some of the teams. For us fans, though, it’s a pleasant treat to have another Champions League week.

So, here are a few thoughts and tips as the final four battle to make it into the Champions League Final…

REAL MADRID vs Bayern Munich

Real Madrid were not good in the Allianz Arena in the first leg. It was an underwhelming performance from a team who have delivered in the Champions League knockout rounds without fail under Zinedine Zidane’s stewardship.

They still won that match, notching two away goals in the process. A belter from Marcelo, despite a dire defensive performance from the Brazilian, was everything that the latter stages of the Champions League are about. Individual brilliance outweighed a disjointed team effort.

Both teams won favourable home league fixtures this weekend. Bayern dispatched Eintracht Frankfurt at the Allianz, despite a line-up almost completely unrecognisable from the one we will see at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday. Not much can be taken from their weekend performances.

The hosts have the upper hand heading back to Spain, making them 11/50 to reach the final. Bayern might fancy their chances of scoring a couple of goals – which they have to – but keeping this Real Madrid frontline quiet is improbable.

Cristiano Ronaldo will not struggle as much as he did in the first leg, and the return to form of Gareth Bale gives Zidane even more options. I like the 13/2 on Bale to score last.

As the Bavarian visitors chase goals, we might get a cracker at the Bernabeu. I fear it will be a pleasant cruise towards another final for the reigning champions, however. If Real open the scoring, this could end up getting a bit ugly for Bayern as they chase the game.

TIP: Real Madrid to win @ 11/10

 

AS ROMA vs LIVERPOOL

The 5-2 Liverpool victory at Anfield was one of the all-time great Champions League knockout matches. Mohamed Salah took the headlines as he reinforced his Ballon d’Or case, but it was really the failings of the two defences that made it such a great watch.

Roma’s two late goals kept the tie just about alive. A 3-0 home victory would put them in the final, but unsurprisingly the odds are stacked against the Serie A side to progress at 15/2. They did prepare for this by thumping Chievo 4-1, though, which may at least give the squad a smidgen of confidence.

Liverpool drew with Stoke on Saturday. It was a painful match to watch, but we can’t read much into it. Jurgen Klopp’s side are all-but guaranteed a top four finish, while Stoke are scrapping to elongate their Premier League stay.

I really doubt we will see such a limp performance from the Reds in the Italian capital on Wednesday.

via GIPHY

Roma shutting out Liverpool is extremely unlikely. Their catastrophic defending in the first leg hardly inspires confidence. Salah is 10/11 to score anytime, which I still see as decent value given their troubles defending his runs in behind.

After the first leg, the Evens price on over 3.5 goals is higher than I expected. Roma have no choice but to chase the game, while Liverpool know no other way.

The Stadio Olimpico will be bouncing when the Champions League anthem bellows out at about 7:43. This match has the potential to be every bit as enjoyable as the Anfield encounter.

TIP: Over 3.5 goals @ EVENS

 

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

A spring Super Sunday? Yes please. The Premier League heads towards the end of this epic 2017/18 season, but fear not, we still have a few more weeks of it before we wave goodbye until August.

This Sunday sees three of the top six in action, including the champions. There’s not much to dislike about that, particularly when you add West Ham and their penchant for the ridiculous into the mix.

Here are a few thoughts on the two matches…

WEST HAM UNITED vs MANCHESTER CITY

The London Stadium has been distinctly calmer of late, after the unpleasant scenes of a few weeks ago. The Hammers’ improved form might just have something to do with that. David Moyes’ side have opened up a six-point gap to 18^th and are probably no more than a victory short of safety.

Manchester City celebrated their title at home last weekend in the only way they know how. Pep Guardiola’s side smashed Swansea 5-0 with a performance fitting of champions. A performance and result as dismissive as it was unsurprising.

Guardiola may rotate from now on. City have little to play for, but this could be a good opportunity for the Spanish manager to learn a bit more about some of his younger players. Phil Foden, for instance, should see plenty of minutes. City can relax – if they were ever stressed in the league this season – and that is certainly not a good sign for their opponents.

We know how this match will look. Moyes, as he did at the Etihad earlier this season, will park the proverbial bus. It nearly worked before, making the result a little trickier to predict than the pattern of play.

Any hope of scoring for West Ham will rest on Marko Arnautovic again. The Austrian is the best player outside the top six and will have to have one of his good days if West Ham are to have any hope.

I really don’t see any value in City to win at 8/25. West Ham could just stage an upset, but I think the best price in this one is on both teams to score.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 4/5

 

MANCHESTER UNITED vs Arsenal

Manchester United stormed back from a goal down to beat Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final last weekend. Jose Mourinho’s team look set to retain second place, but there is no suggestion they will relax with Arsene Wenger coming to town.

The Gunners smashed West Ham in the league last time out. Their Europa League clash with Atletico Madrid in midweek, though, bordered on disaster after dominating the match against 10 men. It was, in so many ways, the most Arsenal performance you could imagine.

The second leg of that crucial Europa tie comes just a few days after their trip to Old Trafford. Pragmatism, I expect, will reign supreme in Wenger’s mind as he balances his desire to end with a victory over Mourinho and United with the need to have his best players fresh for next Thursday. Rotation is likely again.

Mourinho’s side will be at full strength. Unlike their disappointing last home performance – the defeat to rock-bottom West Brom – there will be no question of motivation for this one.

Regardless of its irrelevance on the table, this is an important fixture. Mourinho, typically, will look to keep it tight. Under 2.5 goals at 5/4 could be good value.

The hosts were always favourites for this. Had Arsenal notched a good result on Thursday, there could have been value in backing the away side, however. Instead, it’s best to settle for the underwhelming 21/50 price on a home win, particularly with Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil likely rested.

TIP: Manchester United to win @ 21/50

 

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

The Bet365 Gold Cup (formerly known as the Whitbread Gold Cup) is a Grade 3 Handicap Chase run over 3 miles and 5 furlongs at Sandown Park in April each year. It is traditionally recognised as the race that ends the current NH season.

Last year the race took on extra significance as Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls battled out the trainers’ championship, however this time around the title has already gone the way of Henderson but there will still be a lot of pride at stake.

Last season the battling pair of trainers came into the race mob handed with entries but this year they run a sole runner each. Nicholls sends out the Badger Ales winner, Present Man, whilst Henderson saddles the eight-year-old Sugar Baron.

The Last 10 Winners:

2017 – HELLAN HARRI (40/1)
2016 – THE YOUNG MASTER (8/1)
2015 – JUST A PAR (14/1)
2014 – HADRIANS APPROACH (10/1)
2013 – QUENTIN COLLONGES (14/1)
2012 – TIDAL BAY (9/1)
2011 – POKER DE SIVOLA (11/1)
2010 – CHURCH ISLAND (20/1)
2009 – HENNESSY (13/2)
2008 – MONKERHOSTIN (25/1)

Ten year trends:

Age (win-placed-runners)

6-y-o: 0-0-5

7-y-o: 2-5-24

8-y-o: 3-5-44

9-y-o: 2-4-40

10-y-o: 0-7-40

11-y-o: 3-4-15

12-y-o+: 0-3-9

Although three horses aged eleven have won in the last ten years, no horse aged over nine has won in the last five renewals of this race. This is a negative looking trend for the likes of: Regal Encore, Theatre Guide, Houblon Des Obeaux, Benbens, Carole’s Destrier, Rathlin Rose and Band Of Blood.

 

Weight (win-placed-runners)

11 stone or more: 2-9-61

10st 6lb to 10st 13lb: 4-12-54

10st to 10st 5lb: 4-4-46

9st 13lb or less: 0-3-16

Only three horses in the last thirty years have been able to carry 11st 6lb or more to victory in this race.

 

Ratings (win-placed-runners)

146 or higher: 4-8-52

132-145: 6-19-110

131 or lower: 0-2-15

Nine of the last ten winner have been officially rated 135 or higher. This is a key statistic given that five of the last six winners have specifically come from the 135-146 rated bracket.

 

Trainer Form

Paul Nicholls is the trainer you have to give the upmost respect to in this race. He won it in 2001 and 2003 with Ad Hoc, Tidal Bay in 2012 and Just A Par in 2015. Given his record this season when pairing up with Bryony Frost you have to give any Ditcheat horses the once-over when making your picks.

Philip Hobbs trained the winner in 2006 and 2008 and is worth following even though he is having a relatively quite season by his standards.

Nicky Henderson last won this race in 2014 with Hadrian’s Approach.

 

Starting Price

Seven of the last ten winners have been priced between 13/2 and 14/1, with a 20/1, 25/1 and a 40/1 thrown in for good measure.

Favourites have an appalling record over the last ten years. None have won and just six have been placed.

 

Summary                                                                                                                             

Pick a horse that matches some or all of the following criteria:

• Ran in a race at the 2016 Cheltenham Festival
• Is aged between seven and eleven
• Ran in the last 50 days
• Is rated 135 to 146
• Carrying 10st 7lb to 11st 5lb
• Finished in the first six on its last chase start
• Ideally priced up in the first six in the betting but not the favourite

 

Interesting Contenders

The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Blaklion was brought down at the first fence in the Grand National a fortnight ago and the nine-year-old makes a swift return to action. He is clearly the classiest horse in the field but it is going to take a monumental effort to carry the top-weight of 11st 12lb to victory.

Neil Mulholland’s The Young Master will be hoping to take advantage of a first fence unseat in last week’s Scottish Grand National by lining up at Sandown a fresh horse.

The Young Master won this race 2016 and is now racing off 13lb lower mark after losing his way a little bit. He did run with promise however when finishing sixth behind Missed Approach at Cheltenham.

Missed Approach won the Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival and will be suited by the track at Sandown believes his Lambourn trainer, Warren Greatrex.

Missed Approach gave Greatrex his second ever Festival winner after amateur Irish jockey Noel McParlan rode him to perfection in the Kim Muir in March.

The eight-year-old gelding has contested some of the top staying chases this season. He finished sixth in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury on his seasonal return, ran third in the Classic Chase at Warwick, then came second at Musselburgh in the Edinburgh National before doing the business at Cheltenham.

The Stuart Edmunds yard boasts a 40% strike-rate at Sandown making Domesday Book an interesting outsider. The eight- year-old was last seen when winning the Kim Muir at the 2017 Cheltenham Festival and has clearly had problems since. However Edmunds has already sent out winners this week and if this gelding is fully tuned-up for this he could easily belie his big odds.

Nigel Twiston-Davies has three runners in the race and whilst many punters will be getting stuck into the familiar name of Blaklion, his Bigbadjohn could easily sneak in under the radar.

The nine-year-old fell last time out at The Chair in Aintree’s Topham Chase but a return to form for the 2017 Reynoldstown Novices' Chase winner could see jockey Jamie Bargary ending his season on a high.

 

Conclusion

With the favourite Blaklion having a whole load of trends and statistics to overcome it should pay to side with a runner just marginally behind him in the betting.

Missed Approach is a staying chaser through and through as he has proved this season and he should give punters a good run for their money.

888sport suggests: Missed Approach e/w.

 

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

There are – depending on which teams you're looking at – three or four matches remaining in the Premier League season. Unfortunately, many of those fixtures carry little meaning, with the top four race already as good as decided.

The relegation battle is as intense as ever, however. The great escape is still possible for a couple of sides (no, not West Brom) and a few teams could be peering over their shoulders right until the final whistle of the season.

This weekend has a few huge matches around the country, so here’s a thought or two on the upcoming action…

Burnley vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION

Burnley’s disappointing draw at Stoke last weekend dampened their hopes of a top six finish. The Clarets are only four points off Arsenal, however, and victory here would put them right behind the Gunners, who don’t play until Sunday due to their Europa League commitments.

Brighton, on the other hand, have suffered amidst a tough run of fixtures. Two points from five matches have Chris Hughton’s side just short of safety, but only really need a point (they’re already on 36) to be safe this season you would expect.

I think Brighton will finally get the result they need to nudge them over the line here. Their away record is not great, but that is as much down to misfortune as poor performance.

TIP: Brighton to win OR draw @ 4/6

 

CRYSTAL PALACE vs Leicester City

Roy Hodgson’s Palace have taken eight points from five matches. Safety is still not guaranteed, however, with only 35 points on the board. The Eagles have played good enough football to be safe (registering in the top half on expected points all season) and are delivering on that promise.

Leicester have slumped a little over the last month or two. Claude Puel has undoubtedly improved the Foxes but sitting in that going nowhere midriff of the table makes these spring months tough.

I have stood by this Palace side all season. Form suggests I should do the same this week. Hodgson has done a superb job, and another Premier League campaign looks almost certain now.

TIP: Crystal Palace to win OR draw @ 2/7

 

Huddersfield Town vs EVERTON

Remember those teams who are peering over their shoulders? Well, that’s Huddersfield. Even after an invaluable win last time out, the Terriers still are sat on 35 points and could be dragged back into the bottom three. With three fixtures against the top six after this, this looks as good as must-win.

Everton are in a bubble of irrelevance. The Toffees are eighth with no hope of going any higher and could easily end up finishing tenth. That sort of placing was probably satisfactory at the beginning of the season, but this has still been a season of disappointment.

Sam Allardyce’s side have been a bit less rubbish away from home lately. I was surprised to see them as long as 21/10 to win.

TIP: Everton to win @ 21/10

 

NEWCASTLE UNITED vs West Bromwich Albion

Just a few weeks ago, this match looked like it could be a real relegation showdown in the northeast. West Brom have continued their demise towards the Championship since then, while Newcastle have put together a special run to put themselves in a top half spot.

The Magpies have won their last four at home. Their form on Tyneside was always going to be pivotal to their campaign, and after a bit of misfortune earlier in the campaign, this is a well-deserved good streak.

What has been a frustrating too-little-too-late return to form for the Baggies gives them a chance here. It is little more than that, though, and I expect the hosts to notch another three points to add gloss to an already impressive 2018.

TIP: Newcastle to win @ 4/5

 

SOUTHAMPTON vs AFC Bournemouth

Southampton are one of those teams hunting for a great escape. Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea was disappointing, but these remaining league fixtures are what really matters for Mark Hughes’ side. Things could easily have been better since Hughes was appointed, and the Saints’ fans will no doubt be delighted to see the team actually creating chances.

Bournemouth pulled to safety a few weeks ago and have seemed to relax a little since then. Another successful season for Eddie Howe could look even better if they can snatch a top half finish.

This south coast derby will define Hughes’ firefighter role at Southampton. Anything other than victory and divine intervention will be required. I think they’ll just about do it, thanks to their revitalised attack.

TIP: Southampton to win @ 7/10

 

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

Manager

Didier Deschamps. The former defensive midfielder had terrific success at Monaco, Marseille, and Juventus before turning his attention to international football.

He's been in the position since July 2012 and has enjoyed a profitable spell in charge of Les Bleus, although their defeat to Portugal in the Euro 2016 final was considered a major blot on his copybook.

Method Of Qualification

France finished top of European qualifying Group A, ahead of Sweden, although it wasn't all plain sailing. Deschamps' men were defeated in Stockholm and also drew a blank with Luxembourg, which is hugely concerning.

The 1998 winners created plenty of chances throughout their qualifying campaign but scored fewer goals than the Netherlands and Sweden, who both finished below them. Three wins from their last four games helped them cement their place at the tournament.

 

Star Player Of Qualifying

N'Golo Kante keeps things ticking over in midfield with the Chelsea man helping Les Bleus keep clean sheets during each of his three appearances in 2017.

Whilst he didn't play in every single game (injury kept him out), his presence made a huge difference, with his reading of the game and ability to break up play highly sought after on the international stage. Kante's work-rate helps ease the pressure on a creaky back-line.

 

Most Memorable World Cup Moment

France 98. The iconic side who lifted the trophy on their own patch will be forever remembered by French football fans.

They got off to the perfect start with maximum points in the group stage, averaging three goals per match, but they didn't have it all their own way in the knock-out rounds.

Extra time was required to see off a plucky Paraguay side whilst Laurent Blanc's decisive spot-kick sent them into the semi-finals at the expense of Italy.

A 2-1 success against Croatia was followed by Emmanuel Petit's breakaway goal in a memorable 3-0 win against Brazil in the final.

 

Predicted Finish

France are 7/20 to win Group C and they should stroll through to the knock-out rounds of World Cup 2018 but their lack of goals may not see them all the way to the final.

They're 13/20 to finish in the top four but getting past the quarterfinals may prove tough for Deschamps' occasionally inconsistent outfit.

 

Recommended Bet

The aforementioned 7/20 on France to top Group C is a short-price but it is hard to see them slipping up at that stage of the tournament.

Olivier Giroud may not be potent for Chelsea but he has a great record at international level and is worth an each-way shot at 40/1 to end as the competition's top goalscorer.

France (-2) on the handicap against Australia in their opening fixture is also worth a look at 7/5.

 

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

Manager

Carlos Queiroz. The veteran Portuguese coach has a rich history of helping sides qualify for this tournament after guiding South Africa to the competition in 2002 and helping Portugal cement their place here back in 2010.

This is the second time he has taken Iran to the World Cup and he is currently the longest-serving manager in their history. He will also be remembered for his stint as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United.

Method Of Qualification

Iran strutted their way through qualification accumulating 12 clean sheets in the process and became the first Asian side to book their place in Russia. Queiroz's side rely on absorbing pressure and hitting opponents on the counter-attack and that may come in handy at the World Cup 2018.

They finished an impressive seven points clear at the top although they took their foot off the pedal towards the end clocking up successive draws with Syria and Korea Republic (South Korea). Whilst they were resolute at the back, they only netted ten goals in as many games.

 

Star Player Of Qualifying

There are a number of players who impressed throughout the qualification campaign, although Sardar Azmoun arguably has the star quality required to tip a match in their favour.

The 22-year-old was part of Rostov's amazing title bid in the Russian Premier League before moving to Rubin Kazan and is capable of producing a moment of magic which could help Iran unlock the opposition.

Also look out for former Charlton striker Reza Gnoochannejhad who has been finding the net for Heerenveen in the Eredivisie this season. Both players are priced at 500/1 to finish as the competition's top goalscorer.

 

Most Memorable World Cup Moment

Iran have only ever won one game at the World Cup but it was a hugely memorable victory as they surprisingly triumphed 2-1 over the USA at France 98.

Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to send them through but they did finish above their opponents in the final standings. An 83rd-minute strike from Mehdi Mahdavikia made the difference, prompting mass celebrations from the ecstatic travelling fans.

 

Predicted Finish

Carlos Queiroz's side will aim to keep it tight against the likes of Spain and Portugal but it's a tough ask and their lack of firepower is a concern.

They will be competing with Morocco to avoid finishing bottom of Group B but the African side may just pip them to that minor honour.

They're 15/2 to finish in the top two, but it is likely that they will require victory over one of the European sides in order to secure their passage to the knock-out stage.

 

Recommended Bet

Their opening match against Morocco looks set to be a key encounter, with both sides knowing that this game is their best chance to pick up points in Group B.

Neither side will want to give much away and 'under 1.5 goals' looks extremely tempting at 9/5.

 

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

The Punchestown Festival is one of the highlights of the Irish sporting and social calendar and it all starts in earnest this week from Tuesday through till Saturday.

The Punchestown Festival is considered the grand finale of the jump season with top class horses from both sides of the Irish Sea converging on Kildare to settle scores and confirm reputations. The quality of racing during the week is unrivalled with a total of 12 Grade One contests taking place.

Another festival highlight is the famous La Touche Cup which is run over the cross country course and is a fan’s favourite.

We took a look at some of the biggest races this week - for those interested, the full Punchestown Festival race schedule can be found here: https://www.punchestown.com/racing/festival-race-programme.

Tuesday

The opening day has three Grade One races including the feature Champion Chase. The other two Grade One’s are The Herald Champion Novice Hurdle over 2 miles and the Growise Novice Chase over 3 miles. There are a total of seven races this day.

Douvan faces nine rivals as he bids to atone for a fall at Cheltenham in the Champion Chase.

The top class two-miler came down at the fourth-last when going well in the Queen Mother Champion Chase on his first start since finishing seventh in the same race a year ago.

The eight-year-old is one of four runners from the Willie Mullins stable along with Queen Mother runner-up Min, Ballycasey and Un De Sceaux, who was second in this race behind Fox Norton 12 months ago.

Champion trainer rival Gordon Elliott saddles A Toi Phil, Doctor Phoenix, Tell Us More and The Game Changer.

 

Wednesday

The highlight of the Irish chase calendar with the Grade One Punchestown Gold Cup. This day also features the hotly contested Racing Post Irish Champion Bumper, The Grade One Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle over 3 miles and the Weatherbys GSB EBF Mares Flat Race.

Noel Meade's Road To Respect was not disgraced when finishing fourth in last month's Cheltenham Gold Cup and is on target for Wednesday’s feature race. A couple of superb runs earlier in the campaign culminated with a win in the Leopardstown Christmas Chase, formerly known as the Lexus.

Gordon Elliot won the Coral Punchestown Gold Cup in the past with Don Cossack and three time Grade One winner Outlander is his main representative next Wednesday with Irish Grand National winner General Principle also a potential runner.

Thursday

There are two Grade One races including the Champion Stayers Hurdle and the Ryanair Novice Chase over 2 miles, not to mention the entertaining La Touche Cross Country race on day three of the Festival.

Identity Thief is on course to clash with Penhill, winner of the Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last month, in the Champion Stayers Hurdle.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained eight-year-old put in a star performance at Aintree just over a week ago when he landed the Ryanair Stayers Hurdle at his first attempt over three miles.

Warren Greatrex is hoping that a wind-op will help La Bague Au Roi bounce back to form in the Champion Stayers Hurdle.

The Lambourn trainer is stepping the seven-year-old back up to three miles in the Grade One prize after she suffered her first defeat of the season when last of seven finishers in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Friday

Friday’s card is regarded by many as the jewel in the crown of the Punchestown Festival. The day is a favourite with race goers, locals and socialisers alike. This day sees the largest crowds passing through the turnstiles and has a real party atmosphere. The quality of the racing is superb with the best two mile hurdlers around battling it out for the Champion Hurdle title.

Samcro could take on his elders in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle to help aid Gordon Elliott’s title bid. Gigginstown House Stud boss Michael O'Leary has left the option open for the exciting unbeaten six-year-old in order to help Elliott out.

Champion Hurdle runner-up Melon is one of six entries for Willie Mullins. He could also saddle the likes of Faugheen, Coral Cup winner Bleu Berry and impressive Fairyhouse scorer Coquin Mans.

Veteran hurdler, My Tent Or Yours has been given the green light by Nicky Henderson to contest the race after finishing fourth at Aintree recently on only his second start of the season.

Saturday

Since its introduction as an extra Festival day, the Saturday has become the second biggest day of the entire Festival. The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Annie Power Mares Champion Hurdle is one of the feature races of the day.

Apple's Jade is bidding to to atone for a disappointing Cheltenham Festival run in the EBF Annie Power Mares Champion Hurdle.

Benie Des Dieux, Mares' Hurdle runner-up Midnight Tour, Laurina and Forge Meadow are among her possible rivals.

Odds

You can find all these races and many more on our 888sport website. Just follow this link to the horse racing markets at https://www.888sport.com/horse-racing/

Have an enjoyable Punchestown Festival!

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

Just a week on from the conclusion of the Aintree Grand National our attentions are now focused on one of the highlights of the Scottish sporting calendar, the Scottish Grand National, and as always it has attracted some of the finest staying chasers in the UK & Ireland. A maximum field of 30 runners line up on Saturday afternoon at 4.05pm.

Not quite as far as the Aintree version, the race is run over a distance of approximately 4 miles and 110 yards (6,538 metres) and 27 fences and is open to horses aged five years old or over.

The Last 10 Scottish Grand National Winners

2017 – VICENTE (9/1 jfav)
2016 – VICENTE (14/1)
2015 – WAYWARD PRINCE (25/1)
2014 – AL CO (40/1)
2013 – GODSMEJUDGE (12/1)
2012 – MERIGO (15/2)
2011 – BESHABAR (15/2)
2010 – MERIGO (18/1)
2009 – HELLO BUD (12/1)
2008 – IRIS DE BALME (66/1)

 

Trends And Statistics

There are plenty of pointers available over the past ten years which are all worth bearing in mind. You are looking for horses that fit most of the following criteria:

• Won over 3 miles or further
• Posted their career high RPR of 140+ in a long distance chase
• Won a Class 2 or 3 chase in last 18 months
• Won a chase worth £15,000 (or placed in a chase worth £45,000+)
• Run in 10 to 22 chases (or placed in the 4 mile novice chase at Cheltenham Festival)
• Course winner
• Bypassed the Aintree Grand National
• Horses that finished in first seven in this season’s Hennessy Gold Cup do well
• Ran in the Grimthorpe, 4m NH Novice Chase or Somerset National last time
• Trained in Great Britain (ideally by N Twiston-Davies, P Hobbs or A King)
• Irish trained runners do not fare well. Last winner in 1869!
• Aged 7 to 9 (won 6 of the last 10 renewals)
• Carrying 10st 6lb or less
• Officially rated 146 or lower (ideal range 134 to 139)
• Horses carrying a penalty often do well
• Run 3 to 6 times this season, 2 had not won a race during the campaign.
• Finished in the first 6 last time
• Posted an RPR of 140+ in one or all of last 3 chase starts
• No favourite in the last ten renewals has been successful although four have been placed (including joint and co favs).
• Eight winners had their preceding start in either March or April, of the exceptions one ran in the last week of February and the other in late December.

 

The Absolute Key 10 Year Statistics

• Official Rating no greater than 146 (10/10)
• Won over at least 3 miles (10/10)
• Ran in a Class 2 or 3 race last time out (10/10)
• Aged between 8 and 11 years old (8/10)
• Carried no more than 10st 9lbs (8/10)
• Top 2 finish during last 2 starts  (9/10)
• At least 10 previous races over fences (8/10)
• Last raced within the previous 43 days (8/10)
• Not won a chase above Class 2 level (8/10)
• Between 4 and 6 starts that season (8/10)

 

The Principal Contenders?

Sue Smith’s VINTAGE CLOUDS (nap) was a gallant third in the Ultima Handicap Chase last month at Cheltenham and he had previously run a huge race when coming fourth in the Welsh Grand National Trial at Chepstow and is nicely weighted in this contest. Sue Smith almost tasted success in this race when Aurora’s Encore was beaten just a head in 2012.

VICENTE (n.b) is bidding to win the Scottish Grand National for the third year in a row.

The nine-year-old heads to Ayr after swerving the Grand National at Aintree last weekend on account of the unsuitable ground.

Vicente put in a disappointing display in his last run, pulling up in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival but Ayr always appears to spark his form back into life.

The Paul Nicholls-trained horse is bidding to become the first horse since Couvrefeu II in 1913 to win the Scottish Grand National three years in a row.

The useful novice BALLYOPTIC, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies won the Towton Chase at Wetherby (beating Vintage Clouds by two-and-three-quarter lengths) and finished fourth behind Presenting Percy in the RSA at Cheltenham.

Both races are up there in terms of the standard required to win this and the eight-year-old must be a leading player on Saturday.

DOING FINE has been popular with punters in the build-up to this race. The Neil Mulholland trained 10-year-old carries just 10-6 and is a consistent sort coming back after a break. He has finished in the top five places in his last nine runs and it looks like he will be suited by this 4m trip. He usually travels well in his races and the quicker ground will be a big plus for him.

Recent Midlands Grand National winner REGAL FLOW has won his last two races in fine style and the 11-year-old is in rude health at the moment.

He gave Milansbar a 10 length spanking at Uttoxeter last time out with that horse franking the form by running well in the Grand National last weekend. The handicapper has raised him 10lbs for that victory so he will probably need to put in a career-best performance here but it is not an impossible task.

The David Pipe trained DAKLONDIKE is an interesting runner on Saturday. The progressive six-year-old has been a real revelation this season, improving for the switch to fences and every step up in trip. Connections are hopeful he will improve yet further for Ayr's four mile marathon and he could be an Aintree type for next year.

The only worry for the Professor Caroline Tisdall owner runner is that the ground may have dried out too much for him come the weekend.

 

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