Month: December 2021

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class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Despite their disrupted pre-season, Al Hain-Cole is backing the Blues to prove too strong for Parker's men in a high-scoring friendly clash

Chelsea will take the next step in their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday.

Thomas Tuchel enjoyed a magnificent half-season in command, lifting the Champions League after taking over from Frank Lampard in January.

Bournemouth vs Chelsea latest odds

Looking to build on that in his first full campaign, Tuchel’s Chelsea are available at 8/15 (1.53) with bet365 to claim a victory on the south coast.

Bournemouth are actually unbeaten in their last two home games against this opposition but are 4/1 (5.00) outsiders to pull off a win in this one.

The last meeting between the pair at this ground resulted in a 2-2 draw in February 2020, and you can get odds of 14/5 (3.80) on them cancelling each other out once again here.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

UK TV channel Online stream

MUTV The 5th Stand App/Chelseafc.com

The game is not being shown live in the United Kingdom (UK). The 5th Stand App and Chelseafc.com will be streaming the game live online.

Bournemouth vs Chelsea team news

Winger Kyle Edwards could get a run-out for the hosts after joining on trial following his release by West Brom, while Dominic Solanke will be hoping to score a third goal of pre-season against his former club.

Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma, N’Golo Kante, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Michy Batshuayi are not ready to play despite returning to training at the weekend, with Thiago Silva, Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Jorginho and Mason Mount all still on holiday.

Bournemouth vs Chelsea preview

Although this game is the first of the summer in front of a crowd, the Blues have already beaten Peterborough 6-1 in a behind-closed-doors encounter at their Cobham training ground.

However, their subsequent training camp in Ireland was called to a premature end due to a Covid-19 scare, with their match against proposed friendly opponents Drogheda United called off.

This disruption could play into the hands of Scott Parker, who will be taking this game against his former club very seriously ahead of Saturday’s EFL Cup clash MK Dons and the start of the competitive season.

Bournemouth vs Chelsea tips & predictions

Having scored five goals in their last two friendly matches, Bournemouth should back themselves to at least find the net against a less prepared Chelsea side – although the visitors’ superior quality still makes them worth backing at 2/1 (3.00) to come out on top.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

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class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With both teams struggling for cutting edge at the Olympics, Al Hain-Cole doesn't expect much goalmouth action between La Rojita and Batista’s team

Spain and Argentina will go head to head for top spot in Group C when they meet at the Saitama Stadium 2002 in Wednesday’s Olympic Games clash.

Luis de la Fuente’s men are top of the group after the opening two matches, having drawn 0-0 with Egypt before narrowly defeating Australia 1-0.

Spain vs Argentina latest odds

Spain are 10/11 (1.91) favourites with bet365 to progress to the knockout stages in first place by coming out on top once again here.

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Argentina ran out emphatic 4-0 winners in their only previous Olympics encounter with this opposition at Atlanta 1996 but are 3/1 (4.00) outsiders to emerge victorious in this one, and priced at 5/2 (3.50) to earn a draw.

Spain vs Argentina team news

Oscar Mingueza and Dani Ceballos have both been ruled out of the group stage after suffering injuries in the opening 0-0 draw against Egypt.

Francisco Ortega is available once again after serving a one-match suspension for the red card he received in the opening 2-0 defeat to Australia.

Spain vs Argentina preview

Having brought a strong squad to Japan, including players like Pau Torres, Pedri, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal, La Rojita have endured a slightly frustrating first two matches at these Olympics.

After being held to a 0-0 draw by Egypt in their opener, they did eventually score their first Olympic goal in 21 years in the 1-0 win over Australia last time out.

They can at least take encouragement from two clean sheets from two, meaning they have conceded just once in their last three matches in all competitions.

This will be cause for concern for Fernando Batista’s team, who have only scored six times in their last six matches and struggled to break down Australia in their narrow 1-0 win on Sunday.

Spain vs Argentina tips & predictions

With Spain needing only a draw to ensure safe passage into the knockout stages, odds of 17/20 (1.85) seem generous on them keeping things tight in their fourth match in a row that features under 2.5 goals.

That bet would also have paid out in four of the last five games for Argentina, who have also conceded only three times in five fixtures.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>After a difficult pre-season, Al Hain-Cole fears Postecoglou could be in for more disappointment in the Champions League clash against the Wolves

There is all to play for when Midtjylland welcome Celtic to the Arena Herning for Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier.

The sides shared a 1-1 draw in the first leg, when Liel Abada’s debut goal was cancelled out by an Evander free kick in a match that produced a red card for each team.

Midtjylland vs Celtic latest odds

Having lost just one of their last five Champions League qualifiers on home turf, Midtjylland are 7/5 (2.40)   favourites with bet365 to progress by coming out on top here.

Ange Postecoglou was disappointed with his team’s inability to capitalise on their dominance in the first leg, but Celtic can be backed at 15/8 (2.88)  to claim a crucial victory in Denmark.

The hosts’ last European home game resulted in a 1-1 draw with Liverpool, and you can get odds of 12/5 (3.40)   on them playing out another stalemate in this one.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

UK TV channel Online stream

Premier Sports 1 Premier Player

The game is being shown live on Premier Sports 1 in the United Kingdom (UK). The Premier Player will be streaming the game live online.

Midtjylland vs Celtic team news

Aral Simsir remains a doubt due to self-isolating with Covid-19, while Anders Dreyer is suspended following his red card in Glasgow.

Nir Bitton is also suspended after his first-half sending off, with Mikey Johnston and Karamoko Dembele  both doubtful and Leigh Griffiths definitely absent with a calf injury.

Midtjylland vs Celtic preview

Hardly the most popular appointment due to his lack of experience in European football, Postecoglou has really been thrown into the deep end this summer.

With pre-season preparations disrupted by fixture cancellations due to Covid-19 and key players absent or sold, this crucial Champions League qualifier does not come at a good time for a club desperate for a morale boost.

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Having fallen to a rather embarrassing 6-2 friendly defeat against West Ham since the first leg, the Hoops certainly don’t look in good shape coming into this clash.

While Bo Henriksen has also lost some key players this summer, his more settled squad will be in confident spirits after following up the hard-fought first-leg draw with a solid yet unspectacular 1-0 league win away to Aalborg at the weekend.

Midtjylland vs Celtic tips & predictions

All in all, odds of 4/5 (1.80)  actually look like fairly good value on Midtjylland compounding Celtic’s woes and progressing to the next stage at their expense. 

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With the Red Devils missing a number of key defensive players, Al Hain-Cole expects plenty of goalmouth action when Frank's men visit Old Trafford

Manchester United will be looking to bounce back from defeat when they welcome Brentford to Old Trafford in Wednesday’s friendly clash.

The Red Devils followed up their opening pre-season win over Derby with a surprise defeat against QPR, going down 4-2 at Loftus Road last weekend.

Manchester United vs Brentford latest odds

However, Man Utd are clear 8/15 (1.53) favourites with bet365 to put that behind them straight away by coming out on top against another west London opponent.

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Thomas Frank’s Brentford team have won all three of their pre-season fixtures so far but are 15/4 (4.75) outsiders to pull off a shock win here.

The last meeting between this duo resulted in a 0-0 draw all the way back in 1947, and there are odds of 3/1 (4.00) available on them cancelling each other out once again.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

UK TV channel Online stream

MUTV manutd.com

The game is being shown live on MUTV in the United Kingdom (UK). And manutd.com will be streaming the game live online.

Manchester United vs Brentford team news

Diogo Dalot, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek are set to be included after returning to training but Alex Telles is definitely out after suffering an ankle injury during the training camp.

Matthew Cox and Myles Peart-Harris could be in line for debuts after joining from Wimbledon and Chelsea respectively, while fellow newcomers Kristoffer Ajer and Frank Onyeka will also be looking for more action.

Manchester United vs Brentford preview

With Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw all still missing following their involvement in Euro 2020, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men will be forced to line up with another inexperienced backline.

Having failed to keep a clean sheet in the opener against Derby before shipping four goals against QPR, they will be in for another stern challenge against Ivan Toney and Co..

Indeed, the Bees have hit the net six times in their three pre-season games so far this summer, easing to a 3-1 win away to fellow newly-promoted Premier League team Watford last time out.

Nevertheless, with the likes of Mason Greenwood and Jesse Lingard to call upon in attack, the hosts will also back themselves to cause plenty of problems of their own.

Manchester United vs Brentford tips & predictions

All in all, even money (2.00) seems generous on both teams getting on target and over 2.5 goals being scored for United’s third successive pre-season game, as well as a second in a row for Brentford.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Despite Kane's absence, Al Hain-Cole expects Nuno's team to prove far too tough to handle for the Dons in Wednesday's pre-season clash

MK Dons will be hoping to cause an upset when they welcome Tottenham to Stadium MK for Wednesday’s friendly match.

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The Dons began their pre-season by thrashing Coventry City 7-1 in a behind-closed-doors game, before losing 3-1 away to Bristol City last weekend.

MK Dons vs Tottenham latest odds

However, MK Dons are available at 11/2 (6.50)   with bet365 to bounce back with a morale-boosting win over their high-profile guests, or 7/2 (4.50)   to claim a creditable draw.

Nuno Espirito Santo followed up a 1-1 debut draw at Leyton Orient with a 3-0 win over Colchester last time out and Spurs can be backed at 4/11 (1.36)   to secure another victory here.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

UK TV channel Online stream

N/A Spurs TV

The game is not being shown live on TV in the United Kingdom (UK). However, Spurs TV will be streaming the game live online.

MK Dons vs Tottenham team news

New signing Pierluigi Gollini could be in line for a debut in goal after joining on loan from Atalanta, although Bryan Gil is still with Spain at the Olympics and Davinson Sanchez, Pierre Hojbjerg, Giovani Lo Celso and Harry Kane are all still absent.

Andrew Fisher and Max Watters will both be assessed after missing the game against Bristol City due to minor injuries.

MK Dons vs Tottenham preview

While Kane’s future at the club may remain in doubt, Son Heung-Min gave Spurs fans a massive boost by signing a new long term contract to stay at the club this week.

The South Korea international took just 11 minutes to open the scoring in last week’s 3-0 win at Colchester, before being joined on the scoresheet by Lucas Moura and former MK Dons player Dele Alli.

This kind of attacking quality should be too much to handle for Russell Martin’s men, who struggled to deal with Bristol City in their last fixture and will have one eye on this weekend’s Carabao Cup clash against Bournemouth and the start of the competitive season.

MK Dons vs Tottenham tips & predictions

With the Tottenham players keen to impress their new manager ahead of a big season, even money (2.00)   looks well worth backing them coming out on top by at least two clear goals against their League One opponents on Wednesday.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Having run out emphatic 5-1 winners in the firs leg, Al Hain-Cole is backing the Dons to provide more goalmouth action in Gothenburg

Hacken will be hoping to restore some pride when they welcome Aberdeen to the Bravida Arena for Thursday’s Europa Conference League qualifier.

Per-Mathias Hogmo’s team will be holding out little hope of progression after the first leg, a heavy 5-1 defeat in Scotland.

Hacken vs Aberdeen latest odds

Nevertheless, they can be backed at 13/10 (2.30) with bet365 to at least reduce the aggregate deficit by coming out on top in Gothenburg.

The Dons lifted their famous Cup Winners’ Cup trophy in this city back in 1983 and can be backed at 17/10 (2.70) to create another fond memory with a victory here.

The hosts were held to a 1-1 draw by Elfsborg in Sunday’s Allsvenskan clash, and you can get odds of 11/5 (3.20) on them playing out another stalemate in this one.

Hacken vs Aberdeen team news

Ali Youssef has been told he will not play again until 2022 after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in the first leg at Pittodrie.

Declan Gallagher is in line to make his competitive debut after missing the first leg through suspension, having been sent off in Motherwell’s defeat to Hapoel Be’er Sheva last season.

Hacken vs Aberdeen preview

Having arrived in Scotland in confident spirits after four successive league wins, the Wasps were blown away by a performance that will have surprised even the most optimistic of the returning home fans at Pittodrie.

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With their pride hurt, the Swedish outfit will be determined to come out strong in the return leg and go at the visitors from the off.

However, that approach will surely play into the hands of Stephen Glass’ men, who cut through the opposition defence at will in the first leg and will be confident of causing more problems here.

Hacken vs Aberdeen predictions

All things considered, odds of 4/5 (1.80) seem generous on an open and attacking match producing over 2.5 goals in Sweden.

That bet would have paid out in five of Hacken’s last seven European matches, as well as four of Aberdeen’s previous five competitive fixtures.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With much more match practice under their belts, Al Hain-Cole expects Die Alte Dame to provide Klopp's understrength side with a stern test in Tirol

Liverpool will be aiming to continue their pre-season preparations with a victory when they take on Hertha Berlin at the Tivoli Stadion in Tirol on Thursday.
 
The Reds got their summer off to a winning start in their first full friendly clash, beating Mainz 1-0 thanks to a late own goal.

Hertha Berlin vs Liverpool latest odds

They are 4/7 (1.57) favourites with bet365 to build on that performance with another victory over German opposition in Austria.
 
Pal Dardai’s men endured a disappointing Bundesliga campaign last season but can be backed at 7/2 (4.50) to restore some optimism by pulling off a morale-boosting victory over their illustrious opponents.
 
The Germans have drawn each of their last three pre-season friendlies, and you can get odds of 16/5 (4.20) on them playing out yet another stalemate in this one.

Hertha Berlin vs Liverpool team news

Virgil van Dijk is set to make an appearance after over nine months out with a knee injury, while Diogo Jota and Andy Robertson should get their first minutes of the pre-season after joining up with the squad recently.
 
Stevan Jovetic will be hoping to make his debut after signing on a free transfer this week, although Lucas Tousart, Matheus Cunha and Jordan Torunarigha are all away at the Olympic Games and Krzysztof Piatek remains injured.

Hertha Berlin vs Liverpool preview

While Van Dijk’s return would give the team a massive lift after a challenging season in his absence, Jurgen Klopp is still without key players Alisson, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino.
 
With just one full 90 minutes under their belts so far, Klopp’s players will be using this match as an opportunity to gradually get back up to speed and offer minutes to a number of youngsters and fringe players.
 
In contrast, Die Alte Dame are several weeks ahead in their preparations, having played five matches already – scoring an impressive 30 goals against an array of lower league opponents.

Hertha Berlin vs Liverpool predictions

Considering their superior fitness levels and match sharpness, odds of 6/5 (2.20) seem generous on Hertha at least avoiding defeat against a Liverpool team still getting warmed up.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

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class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>The invitees have provided plenty of goals at the Gold Cup, and Al Hain-Cole expects them to contest a high-scoring game against the Stars and Stripes

Qatar will be hoping to cause an upset when they take on USA in Thursday’s Gold Cup semi-final at the Q2 Stadium.

The invitees have enjoyed an impressive debut in CONCACAF’s premier competition, winning three of their four matches without defeat en route to the final four.

Qatar vs USA latest odds

However, Qatar are 10/3 (4.33) outsiders with bet365 to steal the headlines by knocking out the hosts with a shock win in Austin.

Gregg Berhalter’s USA team have won four games from four so far and are priced at 17/20 (1.85) to take their place in an eighth final in nine editions by coming out on top here.

None of the home team’s last 15 fixtures in this competition have resulted in draws, but there are odds of 12/5 (3.40) available on them being forced into extra-time after a deadlocked 90 minutes.

Qatar vs USA team news

The Maroons are likely to stick with the same line-up that defeated El Salvador 3-2 in the quarter-finals, with tournament top scorer Almoez Ali hoping to add to his four goals in the competition so far.

Matthew Hoppe should keep his place in the team up front after scoring his first senior international goal with the winner over Jamaica in the quarter-finals.

Qatar vs USA preview

Although it would certainly count as an upset, a Qatari victory would not be completely shocking given their impressive recent performances – lifting their first ever Asian Cup with a 3-1 victory over Japan in the final two years ago.

Felix Sanchez’s men have certainly offered plenty of entertainment at this tournament ever since their 3-3 draw with Panama in the opener, scoring an average of three goals per game in a string of eye-catching attacking displays.

While they will therefore back themselves to cause problems for an inexperienced Stars and Stripes team, their defensive lapses after going 3-0 up to El Salvador last time out should offer encouragement to the American attackers.

Qatar vs USA tips & predictions

All in all, odds of 19/20 (1.95) are well worth backing on both teams getting on target in an exciting semi-final in Texas.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

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class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With El Tri in watertight form at the back, Al Hain-Cole expects a low-scoring Gold Cup semi-final when they take on Herdman’s team in Texas

Canada will be aiming to reach their first Gold Cup final in 21 years when they take on Mexico in Thursday’s semi-final at the NRG Stadium in Houston.

The Canucks have only ever made it all the way to the final once in its current format, lifting the trophy by beating Colombia 2-0 back in 2000.

Mexico vs Canada latest odds

Having won nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions, Canada are available at 11/2 (6.50) with bet365 to end their long wait by pulling off a shock win over the current holders.

Gerardo Martino’s Mexico have won 13 and lost none of their last 16 meetings between the sides and are 11/20 (1.55) favourites to keep the defence of their title alive by coming out on top once again in Texas.

Just one of the last six encounters between this duo has resulted in a draw, but you can get odds of 11/4 (3.75) on them taking this one into extra-time after a stalemate here.

Mexico vs Canada team news

Jonathan Dos Santos will be hoping to keep his place ahead of Erick Gutierrez in midfield, having found the net after being offered his first start of the tournament in the 3-0 quarter-final win over Honduras.

Cyle Larin and Stephen Eustaquio are the men to watch for John Herdman’s team, having scored three goals apiece in the competition so far.

Mexico vs Canada preview

While they have been in excellent form so far, Larin and Eustaquio will be in for a stern test against El Tri, who are yet to concede a single goal in this competition.

Indeed, the 11-times champions have now kept seven consecutive clean sheets in all competitions, although are the lowest-scoring of the semi-finalists with just seven goals to their name in four matches.

Having seen Canada struggle to break down USA in their 1-0 defeat in the final group game, the Mexicans are likely to set up conservatively and look to shut out their opponents by dominating possession.

Mexico vs Canada tips & predictions

With this in mind, odds of 7/10 (1.70) look like strong value on under 2.5 goals being scored in a tight semi-final in Texas.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

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class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Solid at the back but lacking cutting edge in attack, Al Hain-Cole expects Team GB to contest a tight Olympic quarter-final against the Matildas

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Great Britain and Australia will both be aiming to reach their first ever Olympic Games semi-final when they face off at the Kashima Soccer Stadium on Friday.

Hege’s Riise’s team secured first place in their group thanks to a late own goal to draw 1-1 with Canada in the final group-stage match, having already beaten Chile and Japan.

Team GB vs Australia latest odds

Team GB are now 3/4 (1.75) favourites with bet365 to go one better than their only previous Olympics at London 2012 by progressing to the semi-finals with a win here.

Australia have reached the quarter-finals for their third successive Games but are 10/3 (4.33) outsiders to make it through to the next stage for the first time by coming out on top.

Both teams ended their group stage with a draw, and you can get odds of 5/2 (3.50) on them forcing extra-time by playing out yet another stalemate in this one.

Team GB vs Australia team news

Steph Houghton, Keira Walsh, Kim Little, Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp and Ellen White are all expected to return after being rested against Canada, while Fran Kirby will be hoping to make a first appearance after following her recovery from injury.

Tony Gustavsson is likely to stick with the same line-up that secured the 0-0 draw with the USA, with Chelsea striker Sam Kerr the player to watch after scoring three of her team’s four goals so far.

Team GB vs Australia preview

After drawing a blank for the first time this tournament in the goalless draw with the Americans, Kerr will be in for another tough challenge against a Team GB defence that has conceded just once in three games so far – the best record in the competition.

However, Riise’s team will be rather concerned about their own lack of cutting edge after only scoring four goals in three solid yet unspectacular performances so far.

Indeed, this game could well follow a similar path to the Australians’ game against the USA, when they largely soaked up the pressure and looked to play on the counterattack.

Team GB vs Australia tips & predictions

With this in mind, odds of 4/5 (1.80) seem like solid value on under 2.5 goals being scored for Great Britain’s fourth match from four at this tournament.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.