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The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Aston Villa to pile even more misery on Man Utd and Chris Wood to score against Chelsea – Weekend Wager's best bets
SUNSPORT' s Weekend Wager returns once more to bring you the best analysis and tips ahead of another big weekend of sport. The Premier League draws to a close on Sunday after a long and gruelling season. 6 Newcastle are currently in pole position in the race for fourth place Credit: AFP 6 Nottingham Forest and Chelsea will battle it out at the City Ground for a Champions League place Credit: GETTY 6 Aston Villa can book their place in the competition by heaping more misery on Manchester United Credit: GETTY And despite the title race being wrapped up weeks ago and the relegation places filled, there is still the potential for some final-day drama. That's because FOUR teams are in contention to nab the last Champions League spot. Newcastle currently occupy fourth place with 66 points to their name, although they're level on points with Aston Villa and Chelsea, who are sixth and fifth respectively. Nottingham Forest are a point behind the trio but will need results to go their way to steal fourth spot. READ MORE SPORTS NEWS Newcastle will host Everton at St James' Park, while Forest and next season. And Manchester United at Old Trafford . Man Utd vs Aston Villa - Sunday, 4:00pm Kweku Afar: Villa to be winning at half time 13/10 "This is a must-win for Aston Villa. And it's been well documented how poor Manchester United have been. Most read in Football JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depth AMAD DIALLO'S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham. Rasmus Hojlund's plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years - as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches. Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity - on 42 minutes. Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr's inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way. The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick. But United's chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest. The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on. Here's how SunSport's "And we all saw it in the Europa League final. I've gone for Villa winning at half time 13/10. There was no value in picking Villa to win over 90 minutes because "So I looked at the market and I looked at half time. There's a bit of value in that 13/10. And the stats do also back a Villa win as well. How Tottenham won the Europa League final v Man United "Villa have won nine of their last 11 Premier League games. They lost the other two of those. Just one fewer than the opponents. "Manchester United have won all season with 10. And Man Utd have won this in their last eight Premier League games, drawing two and losing six. "And they've lost the last three in a row. We all know Man Utd are very, very poor. "And I think Aston Villa, if they want to qualify for the Champions League, have to go to Old Trafford and win." Will Pugh: Morgan Rogers goal or assist 5/4 "I have gone for [a] "A shade better than evens there. Not too bad at all. The stats, of course, back it up because this is Weekend Wager and we do not make bets that are not backed up by stats. "Rodgers, ten Premier League assists this season, which is the most of any Aston Villa player. "And only three Aston Villa players have ever provided more assists in a season than Rogers' ten. And he's had 19 goal contributions in total this season. "So, at five to four there, I do think that that is a reasonable value bet, given that we're all backing an Aston Villa win. Who's going to be involved in it?" 6 SunSport's Will Pugh reckons Morgan Rogers will add to his assists against Manchester United Credit: SHUTTERSTOCK Sam Rosbottom: "I've looked at who is going to be key in this Aston Villa side. For me, that's Ollie Watkins. You can back him to score any time at 13-10. "He is a key player for them. He's had a hand in 14 goals across his last 19 league appearances. He scored nine, he's assisted five. He's getting into positions. "He's having shots on goal as well. He's had at least one shot on target in 13 of those games. I think he'll go one better. I think he'll score in this one." Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea - Sunday, 4:00pm Kweku: "This is a must-win. There hasn't been too much excitement in the Premier League this season, but all eyes will be on Forest versus Chelsea on Sunday because both teams need to win. "Chelsea know a win guarantees them a place in the Champions League next year. Forest need a win and other results to go their way. "But it's definitely the game of the weekend. That's why it's top of the running order. I've gone for a Matz Sels to make five or more saves. 23 to 10. Will: "Right, I've gone [for] Chris Wood to score seven to four. Obviously, he's had a brilliant season. He goes from strength to strength, doesn't he? "One of those unfashionable players that football fans like to sneer at. But he has been absolutely sensational for Forest. "He scored 20, 20 Premier League goals this season, which is the most by a Forest player in a season since Stan Collymore got 22 in the 1994-95 campaign. "And boys, I absolutely love this one. Wood has also scored four goals in five starts in his team's final game of the season, which I quite like that one. "Just one of those little weird things that football throws up every now and then. So, Sam, Chris Wood to score at 7/4." 6 SunSport's Pugh has tipped Chris Wood to find the back of the net against Chelsea Credit: PA Sam: Anthony Elanga to get an assist 5/1 "What I fancy in this one as well, I'm looking at the anytime assist market. "And I think I found something a little bit punchy at five to one. And that is Anthony Alanga to get an assist anytime in this match. "Only two players have more Premier League assists this season than Alanga. "He's got three assists in his last five appearances, 11 assists altogether this season. So Alanga to assist Chris Wood would be nice , wouldn't it?" Irish 2000 Guineas - Saturday, 3:40 Sam: Officer 4/1 "Aidan O'Brien being one of those hot trainers, the most successful trainer with a record of 12 wins. He's got Officer in this one at nine to two. "It would be an upset for the Gosdens if Field of Gold didn't win this after, you know, being the favourite in the 2000 Guineas over here. "But I think Officer could cause an upset." Monaco Grand Prix - Sunday, 2:00 Sam: "I am going to side with Max Verstappen in this one. He did get back to winning ways at Imola last time out. "And we do have an odds boost that it's caught my eye on Betafair. "Max Verstappen to win the race and Lando Norris to finish on the podium. "Currently 4/1. Looking at the odds prior to qualifying, Max Verstappen [at] around 16/ 5. 6 Max Verstappen got back to winning ways at the Italian Grand Prix Credit: GETTY "Norris is the second favourite at 9/4 to four and your favourite Piastri at 15/8 to eight. "Max Verstappen has won two of the last four in Monaco. Red Bull have claimed three titles there in the last four. "But I will say and I will caveat this with keep an eye on qualifying, because Monaco tied with the German Grand Prix for most all-time wins from pole. "32 from 37 wins have come from pole position. So keep an eye on that all-important qualifying. "And if Max Verstappen's on pole, then that odds boost is looking very tasty indeed."
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Leeds release ELEVEN stars after promotion to Premier League including former Atletico Madrid midfielder
Elland Road chiefs have already made a huge managerial decision after winning promotion SQUAD OVERHAUL Leeds release ELEVEN stars after promotion to Premier League including former Atletico Madrid midfielder Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LEEDS have made a bold statement by releasing ELEVEN players including former Atletico Madrid midfielder Joshua Guilavogui. The midfielder joined the club during the 2024-25 campaign and proved to be an important figure both on and off the pitch, playing in 18 games across all competitions. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Josuha Guilavogui is one of 11 Leeds stars to have been set for release Credit: PA 3 Josuha Guilavogui played 18 times in all competitions Credit: Getty 3 Leeds won the Championship to earned their Premier League spot back Credit: Getty However, the club surprisingly decided against offering him a new contract despite his popularity in the dressing room. Alongside Guilavogui, the club also confirmed that Manor Solomon will return to Tottenham and Joe Rothwell will go back to Bournemouth. Solomon scored 10 goals in 39 games and will be confident in fighting for his spot at Spurs next season. Further departures include Harry Christy, Cian Coleman, Connor Ferguson, Max McFadden, Amari Miller, Kris Moore, Joe Richards, and Joe Snowdon. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL WEEKEND WAGER De Bruyne to end Man City career on a high - Weekend Wager's best bets Leeds have had an up-and-down period recently but they will view their promotion to the Premier League as a chance to now establish themselves. One of the first decisions they made after promotion was confirming that Daniel Farke will remain in charge at Elland Road. That decision has further shown their intent for continuity especially after reports that he could leave. The gap between the Premier League and the Championship seems to have widened with all three teams promoted last season relegated again. The 2025-26 season promises to be a testing one for Leeds. But if they can get the blend of experience and youth right then they stand a chance. Inside Leeds' wild promotion celebrations with thousands of fans greeting team and former Man Utd star on the mic Plus they have the experience of manager Farke.
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
De Bruyne to end Man City career on a high and Newcastle to make history against Arsenal – Weekend Wager's best bets
SUNSPORT'S Weekend Wager returns once more to bring you the best analysis and tips ahead of another huge weekend of sport. It may be the penultimate gameweek for the Premier League but taking centre stage is the FA Cup final. 2 Kevin De Bruyne could play a big role in what might be his last FA Cup final Credit: Getty 2 Gabriel Martinelli has found form in recent weeks Credit: EPA Manchester City are aiming to go one better than last year when they finished as runners-up after losing to rivals Manchester United at Wembley. Standing in their way is Crystal Palace, who are featuring in their first cup final since 2016. Elsewhere there is a battle for second place in the Premier League as Arsenal host Newcastle. There is also horse racing and cricket action to sink your teeth into, with our experts sharing their insight into the meet at Newbury and the IPL. READ MORE IN SPORT REST IN PEACE Pioneering World Cup icon who scored against England at Italia '90 dies Crystal Palace vs Manchester City - Saturday, 4:30pm Kweku: Either team in extra-time 5/1 "My bet is either team to win in extra time, 5-1. I think that's quite good, right? "If you look at these teams, I can say they're evenly matched and the stats back it up. City are unbeaten in their last 10 games in all competitions, winning seven and drawing three of those, including clean sheets in their last three games. "And Palace are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions, winning two, drawing three. "City will go into this as favourites, but I like the value in extra time. And I think that at 5-1, it's not bad." BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Will: Under 2.5 goals 11/10 "I've gone for under 2.5 goals, 11-10. Now I know that is quite an unfashionable, boring sort of bet because it's like you're almost betting on the game being a little bit dry and a little bit, you know, not as exciting because there are not many goals. "The stats just say that City have not conceded a goal in their last 342 minutes of football. How can Glasner make Palace compete v Man City in FA Cup final? "That's five hours and 42 minutes. And Crystal Palace have recorded 11 clean sheets in all competitions in 2025, which is the most of any Premier League side since the turn of the year." Sam: Kevin De Bruyne to score or assist - Evens "This is likely going to be his last ever FA Cup final, certainly with Manchester City anyway. He's been involved in four goals in his previous three FA Cup finals as well. "He scored one, he's assisted three. He is an absolute big game player. And yes, while he is coming to the end of his peak, this could be a big swansong for him. And I just see him having such an impact still." Arsenal vs Newcastle - Sunday, 4:30pm Kweku: Newcastle to win 12/5 "I've gone for a Newcastle win in this one, pretty straightforward, 12-5. I love those odds for that. And the stats back it up as well. "Newcastle have already faced Arsenal three times this season and won all three of those games, beating them 1-0 in the Premier League and 2-0 in both legs of their League Cup semi-final. "No team has ever beaten Arsenal four times in a season. I think Newcastle have got a great chance of doing it. And they've won five out of their four games and they've lost eight games against Arsenal in all competitions. "The other three of those games, they drew one, lost two. And that's as many wins they had in their previous 52 against Arsenal. Also on the Arsenal side of things, I think the wheels have slightly fallen off, the Emirates is not as much of a fortress as it used to be. "They're actually winless in the last four games at home in all competitions, drawing two and losing two of those. "So I think Newcastle are going into this game full of confidence. They're in great form, arguably the most in form side in the country. And I think they'll go to the Emirates and get the job done." Will: Gabriel Martinelli 2+ shots on target 13/5 "I am of the belief that Gabriel Martinelli is nowhere near the level that Arsenal want to be. "I personally think the amount of chances that Martinelli misses that are absolute dead sitters, is just too many. "Martinelli has scored two goals in his last four Premier League games, he's had six shots on target in his last five Premier League games. "I don't mind this bet because he always gets in good positions and fires them straight at the goalkeeper, the sitters, and never seems to put the ball in. But obviously scored at Liverpool last weekend. "Arsenal did a little bit of a switch up during the game, played him up front and Matt has convinced me that he's likely to play as the central striker this weekend. "Merino suspended. Trossard, I think a 50-50 chance he comes back." Sam: Fabian Schar 2+ fouls 7/4, Myles Lewis-Skelly to be fouled 2+ times "I absolutely love player fouls. Fabian Schar to commit two or more fouls, seven to four. He's committed nine fouls in his last six matches. "Looking at who he's likely to come up against, which is the big one for me, Miles Lewis-Skelly on that left-hand side, likes to get forward. "He's been one of the shining lights of Arsenal season, hasn't he? But he's been fouled at least two times in seven of his last nine league appearances. In fact, only James Madison is averaging more fouls, one per 90 in the Premier League this season. "So I can see him potentially causing Newcastle problems down that right-hand side. And if he gets up the field high enough, then I can see him running into Fabian Schar." The Boylesports Lockinge Stakes, Newbury, Saturday 2:45pm Sam: Dancing Gemini 11/4 "Huge race on Saturday at Newbury. It's the Group One, locking stakes at 2.35. Looking at the market, Rosalien's a 6-4 favourite for trainer Richard Hannan, who's having a great start to the flat season so far. "Had a double at York earlier this week. And to be honest with you, the top three in the market look pretty solid for this one. As I've mentioned, Rosalien, 6-4 favourite. Gemini is one that a lot of people like, including myself at 11-4. "Then you've got the likes of notable speech at 4-1. Tanfana, 11-2. Fallen Angel, 16-1. Bar that, you're looking 20-1 or bigger." IPL Sam: Virat Kohli top batsman "I'm going to have to continue that theme of Virat Kohli because obviously it's been a big week for him. He's announced his retirement from Test cricket. He's still going to be playing T20 IPL and obviously one day international as well. Yeah. "His team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru play the Kolkata Night Riders on Saturday. Challengers, the favourites are 8-11. "They're absolutely having a storming season so far, this IPL, second in the table at the minute and looking good. "The upset, Kolkata to win, currently 11-10. "But looking at Kohli and sticking with the theme of backing him and hopefully getting some more winners on him, he's the 11-4 favourite to be the top batsman in this game. "We've actually odds boosted him as well to have two sixes, two plus sixes, should I say, two plus fours and to take a catch. That's 10-1." 18+ | | Please Gamble Responsibly
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
De Bruyne to end Man City career on a high and Newcastle to make history against Arsenal – Weekend Wager's best bets
SUNSPORT'S Weekend Wager returns once more to bring you the best analysis and tips ahead of another huge weekend of sport. It may be the penultimate gameweek for the Premier League but taking centre stage is the FA Cup final. 2 Kevin De Bruyne could play a big role in what might be his last FA Cup final Credit: Getty 2 Gabriel Martinelli has found form in recent weeks Credit: EPA Manchester City are aiming to go one better than last year when they finished as runners-up after losing to rivals Wembley . Standing in their way is Elsewhere there is a battle for second place in the Premier League as There is also horse racing and cricket action to sink your teeth into, with our experts sharing their insight into the meet at Newbury and the IPL. READ MORE IN SPORT Crystal Palace vs Manchester City - Saturday, 4:30pm Kweku: Either team in extra-time 5/1 "My bet is either team to win in extra time, 5-1. I think that's quite good, right? "If you look at these teams, I can say they're evenly matched and the stats back it up. City are unbeaten in their last 10 games in all competitions , winning seven and drawing three of those, including clean sheets in their last three games. "And Palace are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions, winning two, drawing three. "City will go into this as favourites, but I like the value in extra time. And I think that at 5-1, it's not bad." Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Will: Under 2.5 goals 11/10 "I've gone for under 2.5 goals, 11-10. Now I know that is quite an unfashionable, boring sort of bet because it's like you're almost betting on the game being a little bit dry and a little bit, you know, not as exciting because there are not many goals. "The stats just say that City have not conceded a goal in their last 342 minutes of football . How can Glasner make Palace compete v Man City in FA Cup final? "That's five hours and 42 minutes. And Crystal Palace have recorded 11 clean sheets in all competitions in 2025, which is the most of any Premier League side since the turn of the year." Sam: Kevin De Bruyne to score or assist - Evens "This is likely going to be his last ever FA Cup final, certainly with "He scored one, he's assisted three. He is an absolute big game player. And yes, while he is coming to the end of his peak, this could be a big swansong for him. And I just see him having such an impact still." Arsenal vs Newcastle - Sunday, 4:30pm Kweku: Newcastle to win 12/5 "I've gone for a Newcastle win in this one, pretty straightforward, 12-5. I love those odds for that. And the stats back it up as well. "Newcastle have already faced Arsenal three times this season and won all three of those games, beating them 1-0 in the Premier League and 2-0 in both legs of their League Cup semi-final. "No team has ever beaten Arsenal four times in a season. I think Newcastle have got a great chance of doing it. And they've won five out of their four games and they've lost eight games against Arsenal in all competitions. "The other three of those games, they drew one, lost two. And that's as many wins they had in their previous 52 against Arsenal. Also on the Arsenal side of things, I think the wheels have slightly fallen off, the Emirates is not as much of a fortress as it used to be. "They're actually winless in the last four games at home in all competitions, drawing two and losing two of those. "So I think Newcastle are going into this game full of confidence. They're in great form, arguably the most in form side in the country. And I think they'll go to the Emirates and get the job done." Will: Gabriel Martinelli 2+ shots on target 13/5 "I am of the belief that "I personally think the amount of chances that Martinelli misses that are absolute dead sitters, is just too many. "Martinelli has scored two goals in his last four Premier League games, he's had six shots on target in his last five Premier League games. "I don't mind this bet because he always gets in good positions and fires them straight at the goalkeeper, the sitters, and never seems to put the ball in. But obviously scored at Liverpool last weekend. "Arsenal did a little bit of a switch up during the game, played him up front and Matt has convinced me that he's likely to play as the central striker this weekend. "Merino suspended. Trossard, I think a 50-50 chance he comes back." Sam: Fabian Schar 2+ fouls 7/4, Myles Lewis-Skelly to be fouled 2+ times "I absolutely love player fouls. Fabian Schar to commit two or more fouls, seven to four. He's committed nine fouls in his last six matches. "Looking at who he's likely to come up against, which is the big one for me, Miles Lewis-Skelly on that left-hand side, likes to get forward. "He's been one of the shining lights of Arsenal season, hasn't he? But he's been fouled at least two times in seven of his last nine league appearances. In fact, only James Madison is averaging more fouls, one per 90 in the Premier League this season. "So I can see him potentially causing Newcastle problems down that right-hand side. And if he gets up the field high enough, then I can see him running into Fabian Schar." The Boylesports Lockinge Stakes, Newbury, Saturday 2:45pm Sam: Dancing Gemini 11/4 "Huge race on Saturday at Newbury. It's the Group One, locking stakes at 2.35. Looking at the market, Rosalien's a 6-4 favourite for trainer Richard Hannan, who's having a great start to the flat season so far. "Had a double at York earlier this week. And to be honest with you, the top three in the market look pretty solid for this one. As I've mentioned, Rosalien, 6-4 favourite. Gemini is one that a lot of people like, including myself at 11-4. "Then you've got the likes of notable speech at 4-1. Tanfana, 11-2. Fallen Angel, 16-1. Bar that, you're looking 20-1 or bigger." IPL Sam: Virat Kohli top batsman "I'm going to have to continue that theme of Test cricket . He's still going to be playing T20 IPL and obviously one day international as well. Yeah. "His team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru play the Kolkata Night Riders on Saturday. Challengers, the favourites are 8-11. "They're absolutely having a storming season so far, this IPL, second in the table at the minute and looking good. "The upset, Kolkata to win, currently 11-10. "But looking at Kohli and sticking with the theme of backing him and hopefully getting some more winners on him, he's the 11-4 favourite to be the top batsman in this game. "We've actually odds boosted him as well to have two sixes, two plus sixes, should I say, two plus fours and to take a catch. That's 10-1." 18+ | | Please Gamble Responsibly
Scottish Sun
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Virgil van Dijk looking great value to expose hidden Arsenal weakness in Anfield clash – Weekend Wager's best bets
SUNSPORT'S Weekend Wager is back to give you the best set of betting tips for this weekend's Premier League action. The title race may be over, but the Champions League race is only hotting up as some blockbuster fixtures hit the calendar. 7 Our betting experts have some great tips for the weekend's Premier League action Credit: Reuters First of all we have the best two teams in the country facing off at Anfield as Arsenal look to restore some pride and end their season on a high on their visit to champions Liverpool. Elsewhere, Newcastle face Chelsea in what could be a pivotal match for the top five. And Bournemouth host Aston Villa as Unai Emery's team look to claw their way into the Champions League spots. We have all that and more on this weekends edition as host, Will Pugh, is joined by football journalist, Kweku Afari, and Betfair betting expert, James Mackie. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL SKY'S (AT) THE LIMIT Sky Sports star quits role after 23 years amid staff shake-up Liverpool vs Arsenal - Sunday, 4:30pm Kweku: Mohamed Salah to score anytime. 7/5 "When I was looking at this, I could not believe the odds. "They're aiming for my bet. Mo Salah to score anytime, 7-5. "Let's remember Salah is the top goal scorer in the Premier League, has scored 28 league goals this season, and also leads the league in assists. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "He is by far the best player in the league and the man for the big occasion as well. "The stats back it up, Salah has scored 11 Premier League goals against Arsenal, only netting more against Manchester United, 13 goals, and Tottenham, 12 goals. This week's title: How 'brave' Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final "So, you know Salah, when it's a big occasion, especially off the back of last week where it was a bit disappointing, you know it's going to turn up for Liverpool. Will: Draw. 15/8 7 Will thinks deflated Arsenal will draw with on the beach Liverpool Credit: Getty "I was racking my brains about this game, and it's so hard to call with not loads riding on it. Obviously a little bit of pride. Arsenal will be sort of mentally deflated. "So if I had to pick, I'd say maybe Liverpool, you know, big party atmosphere, as there will be at Anfield. But I just couldn't pick a winner. So I've gone draw 15-8. I know it's not very adventurous, but I just couldn't see anything anywhere else result-wise. "Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 14 home games against Arsenal in all competitions, won seven and drawn seven since a 2-0 defeat in the Premier League in September 2012. "So that tells me Arsenal probably aren't going to win. Arsenal, though, are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games against Liverpool with two wins and three draws, which is their longest run without defeat against Liverpool since a run of eight between October 2007 and April 2011. "This is also the third time Arsenal are facing the Prem champions in a season once the title has already been confirmed. "And the last two was a 1-0 draw with Man Utd in 2012-13 and actually beat Liverpool in 2019-20." James: 2+ shots for Virgil van Dijk. 12/5 7 James reckons Virgil van Dijk's aerial prowess is too good to ignore Credit: Getty "I've looked down at the, what a seriously special player, Virgil van Dijk. And he scored two in his last four. So when you look at stuff like that, you've got to think, right, can he keep going? "He's just an absolute menace off corners. And another stat to back up this bet is it's Virgil van Dijk to have two plus shots in the game at 12-5. It was 4-9 for just one, 12-5 for two. "He scored two in his last four, but he's had two plus shots in three of those four games. So the stats are there. He's been doing it already. "Another thing I was looking at here as well is that Arsenal conceded 39 per cent of their goals in the Premier League this season from set-piece situations. That's the most from any side in the Premier League. "But yeah, look, the stats back it up. You're getting 12-5 about Van Dijk. He's going to go for every corner. "Also, it's the main man's 300th Premier League game on Sunday. So look, what better way than going, give me the 12-5, two plus shots. Speaker 2: So that's the hidden value for me there." Bournemouth vs Aston Villa - Saturday 5:30pm Kweku: Emiliano Martinez 5+ saves. 11/4 7 Kweku believes it's a sure bet Emiliano Martinez will have a busy afternoon Credit: Getty "The stats back this up as well. Bournemouth have had more shots following a high turnover than any other side in the Premier League this season, with 65. "Their 65 shots and eight goals from high turnovers this season are the most of any of their top five campaigns, which is eight, which suggests the high press from [Andoni] Iraola, the fact that Bournemouth are up and at them, converts into chances. "And I think that Martinez, like I say, will be a very busy man. "And only Salah with 121 and Cole Palmer with 120 shots have had more shots than Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, who's had 118 this season. "So it suggests that Bournemouth do create chances. They don't always take them. "But the fact that there's a world-class shotstopper in Martinez in goal for Aston Villa and Bournemouth all have a lot of shots, I think Martinez, five or more saves, 11/4. I like it. Will: Draw HT, Bournemouth win FT. 11/2 7 Bournemouth should have enough about them to win at home after 90 minutes Credit: Rex "Bournemouth have scored more goals in second-half stoppage time than any other team in the Premier League this season, while only Southampton, on ten, have conceded more than Aston Villa have in that time. "Villa have conceded eight in second-half stoppage time. Bournemouth have scored eight in second-half stoppage time. So they've got the stamina. They can go deep into games. "Bournemouth lost 1-0 at home to Aston Villa in their first ever Premier League match in August 2015. But since then, the Cherries are unbeaten in three at home to Villa, scoring exactly two goals in each of those games. "That's two victories and one draw. So they've got a good record against them, they've got used to playing them. And Bournemouth have won seven of their 13 Premier League games against teams starting the day above them in the table this season. "They've drawn three and lost three of the other ones that they didn't win, which is the highest win rate of any side to play more than one such game this term. "So more than half of their games, they've played against teams above them in the league at time of kick-off. They have come out victorious. So I did really like that. I do give Bournemouth a chance. I think they're getting a bit underrated this season." James: Ollie Watkins to score or assist. 11/10 7 Ollie Watkins is up against one of his favourite opponents in Bournemouth Credit: Getty "I think this is the bet of the weekend. "When you're getting odds against about top strikers in the Premier League, either scoring or assisting, you've got to have a look and take advantage. And Ollie Watkins is the man that I'm looking at here. "Watkins has been directly involved in five goals in his four Premier League starts against Bournemouth. "One goal, four assists. He's four assists against the Cherries, the most against any opponent he's got. "Absolutely superb. "And like I said, when you're looking, not even just to score, to assist as well, and you get an 11-10 about their talisman up top, who's bagged all season, I think it's a brilliant bet. Ascot, Victoria Cup - Saturday, 2:40pm 7 It is set to be another exciting week at the Ascot Racecourse Credit: Reuters James: Qirat 5/1, Roi de France 6/1, Gleneagle Bay 7/1, No Retreat 7/1, Myal 8/1 "It's Qirat at the top of the market of 5-1. This horse for Rafe Beckett, Ross O'Ryan's one of the best jockeys I think around at the moment. He's doing the steering. "This horse has got some proven form already at Ascot in an 18-runner handicap. But what I like from this horse is I think we've got a group horse in a handicap here. "So you see horses that are running against lesser horses. They've got a bit bigger weight. They're going to go on to deeper waters later on in the season. "It's his first run of the season. He's racing off a mark of 99. He's won off a mark of 92. He's finished second last twice off marks of 97 and 98. "Back at Ascot on the straight where he's already done it, finished second in a really good handicap. "I think at 5-1 off what, five or six pounds higher. I think he's going to go on to deeper waters. And I think 5-1, I think he's got a cracking chance in this handicap, Qirat. 18+ | | Please Gamble Responsibly
