What a rollercoaster few days for the column. We correctly called Ajax turning Juventus over in Turin at 9/4 but our 5/1 treble and banker bets were denied as Tottenham edged past Manchester City on the away goals rule in dramatic fashion. Looking ahead, there are some huge Premier League games coming up this weekend and we’ve got all the best betting angles covered.
Running total: -£53.25
The Banker
Having been unceremoniously bundled out of Europe, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must now rally his troops as they head to Everton for a crucial fixture on Sunday. The Red Devils have not kept a clean sheet for nine matches and were lucky to pick up all three points against West Ham last weekend. United have lost five of their last seven games and will need to finish the season strongly to stand any chance of a top-four finish. In truth, both of these teams have been massively inconsistent in recent weeks but, with this in mind, there could be goals at Goodison so a punt on both teams finding the net at 7/10 looks solid.
Selection: £5 on both teams to score at 7/10 with bet365.
The First Goal Flutter
Sadio Mane has scored first for Liverpool in each of his last two games and don’t be surprised if he turns the trick again when the Reds head to Cardiff City. It’s a huge game this for both teams for very different reasons but Liverpool’s extra class should get them over the line and Mane could be worth nibbling at 9/2 to score first.
Selection: £2 on Mane to score first at 9/2 with bet365.
The Tasty Treble
Tottenham knocked Manchester City out of the Champions League on Wednesday night after a modern classic at the Etihad. In a game of relentless drama, it was Spurs who came through on away goals after a 4-3 defeat. A sluggish defensive display cost Pep Guardiola’s men on the night, but they can gain a modicum of revenge when the teams meet again on Saturday to put themselves back in the box seat in terms of the title race. The Citizens are 8/11 to do what they should have done on Wednesday by beating Spurs by more than a goal. Elsewhere, Arsenal look good things at 1/2 to beat Crystal Palace at home. The Gunners’ home record has been excellent, while Palace are safe so one wonders how their players will approach this one mentally. Finally, add in Liverpool to by beating Cardiff at half-time and full-time at 4/6 for a Premier League weekend treble that pays just under 7/2.
Selection: £4 on the treble at 3.31/1 with bet365.
The Euro Wager
Borussia Dortmund are warm favourites to beat Freiburg on Sunday but the latter have taken points off Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin in recent weeks. However, with teenage upstart Jadon Sancho now into double figures for both goals and assists this season, look for Dortmund to edge a thriller in southwest Germany.
Selection: £4 on Borussia Dortmund to win and both teams to score at 15/8 with bet365.
The Wildcard Tip
Newcastle have been a tough side to predict in recent weeks but, having now all but secured their safety, it could be worth backing Southampton to win on Tyneside this weekend. The Saints have won four of their last six matches and are scoring goals consistently having found the net at least once in every one of their last six matches.
Selection: £2 on Southampton to win and both teams to score at 6/1 with bet365.