Month: December 2021

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class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Having proved watertight at the back so far, Al Hain-Cole is backing Moriyasu’s side to ensure a closely fought bronze medal clash against El Tri

Hosts Japan will be hoping to secure their first ever Olympic medal in men’s soccer when they take on Mexico at the Saitama Stadium 2002 in Friday’s bronze medal match.

Hajime Moriyasu’s side have already equalled their best ever performance at this tournament, reaching the semi-final stage for the second time after London 2012.

Mexico vs Japan latest odds

Defeated by South Korea in the bronze medal match on that occasion, Japan can be backed at 17/10 (2.70) with bet365 to go one better by coming out on top here.

Mexico’s only previous medal remains the gold they won in surprise circumstances in 2012 but they are available at 8/5 (3.60) to add a bronze to their collection with a victory.

Both of these sides held out for 90 minutes in their respective semi-final defeats to Spain and Brazil, and you can get odds of 11/5 (3.20) on them remaining all square after 90 minutes once again.

Mexico vs Japan team news

Takehiro Tomiyasu is available once again after missing the Spain semi-final due to suspension, with Ko Itakura likely to drop out in defence.

Jorge Sanchez is also back from suspension after missing the Brazil defeat and will be hoping to take the left-back spot ahead of Alberto Angulo.

Mexico vs Japan preview

Tomiyasu’s return will add further steel to a backline that has already proved the tournament’s best so far this summer, conceding just twice in five matches so far.

Having held out until the 115th minute against Spain without their first-choice centre-back, they will certainly back themselves to make life very difficult for a team they overcame 2-1 in the group stage.

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Jaime Lozano’s men struggled for cutting edge in their semi-final against Brazil, albeit demonstrating admirable resilience to take the match all the way to penalties in a closely-fought goalless stalemate.

Mexico vs Japan tips & predictions

With an Olympic medal at stake, even money (2.00) seems generous on this match proving equally tight and Japan ensuring under 2.5 goals for their third match in a row when they take on Mexico.

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

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Having consistently found a route to victory at these Olympics, Al Hain-Cole is backing the Blue and Yellow to claim gold ahead of Priestman's side

Sweden and Canada will go head-to-head for Olympic gold when they meet at the International Stadium in Yokohama in Friday’s final.

The Blue and Yellow will be hoping to go one step further than Brazil 2016, when they went home with a silver medal after losing out to Germany in the final.

Sweden vs Canada latest odds

Having won all five of their matches en route to this final, Sweden are 10/11 (1.91) favourites with bet365 to come out on top in Tokyo.

Bev Priestman’s Canada team have collected bronze at each of the last two Olympics but can be backed at 7/2 (4.50) to secure gold with a victory here.

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Three of Canada’s five matches at this tournament have resulted in draws after normal time, and you can get odds of 11/5 (3.20) on them taking this final into extra-time after another deadlock.

Sweden vs Canada team news

Peter Gerhardsson has named the same line-up for each of the last two knockout stage matches and is not expecting to make any changes for this clash.

Goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe is yet to concede in the knockout stages, while veteran captain Christine Sinclair will be hoping to add to her world record 187 international goals as she leads the line.

Sweden vs Canada preview

Having ground out goalless draws with the Czech Republic and Brazil in their final pre-tournament warm-up games, it is perhaps not surprising that the Canadians have specialised in shutting opponents down in Japan.

Indeed, they progressed from the group after earning draws against hosts Japan and a star-studded Great Britain team before getting past Brazil on penalties and then edging out neighbours USA 1-0 in the semis.

However, they will be up against it to pull off a similar feat against the Swedes, who have demonstrated an unerring ability to overcome whatever challenge put in front of them – whether it be a convincing 3-0 victory over world champions USA or a narrow 1-0 semi-final win against a stubborn Australian outfit.

Sweden vs Canada tips & predictions

Enjoying a 17-match unbeaten streak and having knocked Canada out of the last World Cup, Sweden certainly look worth those 10/11 (1.91) odds to find a way to victory in the final.

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

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With both Parker's men and the Baggies looking exciting in pre-season, Al Hain-Cole expects plenty of goalmouth action at the Vitality Stadium

Bournemouth and West Brom will be looking to make a winning start to the Championship season when they meet at the Vitality Stadium in Friday’s opening clash.

Both of these sides are among the pre-season favourites for promotion, with the newly-appointed Scott Parker having guided Fulham to the top flight in his only previous full season at this level.

Bournemouth vs West Brom latest odds

After overseeing a 5-0 EFL Cup win over MK Dons in his competitive debut at the helm, the former England international’s Bournemouth side are available at 13/10 (2.30) with bet365 to kick off the league campaign with a victory.

Relegated from the Premier League last season, West Brom can be backed at 11/5 (3.20) to make a statement of intent by coming out on top on the south coast in their first game.

Just one of the last nine meetings between this duo has resulted in a draw, but you can get odds of 9/4 (3.25) on them cancelling each other out in this one.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

UK TV channel Online stream

Sky Sports Football/Sky Sports Main Event Sky Go

The game is being shown live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event in the United Kingdom (UK). Sky Go will be streaming the game live online.

Bournemouth vs West Brom team news

Arnaud Danjuma has failed to make an appearance in pre-season friendlies as speculation over his future hots up, while Lewis Cook is injured and Chris Mepham suspended.

Last season’s star man Matheus Pereira is on the verge of leaving for Al Hilal, although new signings Alex Mowatt, Matt Clarke and Adam Reach are in contention for debuts.

Bournemouth vs West Brom preview

Having replaced Jonathan Woodgate following the disappointing play-off capitulation against Brentford, Parker looks set to employ the same aesthetically-pleasing style that made him a hit at Fulham.

If the pre-season and last weekend’s 5-0 win over MK Dons is anything to go by, the Cherries should enjoy plenty of goalmouth action over the coming campaign.

Similarly, Valerien Ismael won plaudits for his high pressing game during an impressive season with Barnsley and will expect his new players to start on the front foot at the Vitality Stadium.

Bournemouth vs West Brom tips & predictions

Having scored four goals in their final pre-season friendly versus fellow Championship side Birmingham, West Brom look well worth even money (2.00) odds to help ensure over 2.5 goals in an exciting opener against Bournemouth.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.Click Here: sydney roosters jersey

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With neither side finding consistency in front of goal at these Olympics, Al Hain-Cole expects a tight final between the Jardine's men and La Rojita

Brazil will be hoping to retain their Olympic gold medal when they take on Spain in Saturday’s final at the Nissan Stadium.

Having taken gold for the first time in their history on home soil five years ago, the Selecao’s impressive squad have certainly justified their billing as pre-tournament favourites this summer.

Brazil vs Spain latest odds

Indeed, Brazil are priced at 6/4 (2.50) with bet365 to deliver the top prize once again by coming out on top in Yokohama.

Taking part in the final for the first time since 2000, Luis de la Fuente’s Spain team are priced at 21/10 (3.10) to claim the second gold in their nation’s history with a win here.

Both of these teams went into extra-time after failing to secure victory within 90 minutes in the semis, and there are odds of 15/8 (2.88) available on them playing out another draw in this game.

Brazil vs Spain team news

Matheus Cunha will face a late fitness test after missing the semi-final against Egypt due to injury, with Paulinho ready to take his place once again should he fail to recover.

Marcos Asensio will be pushing to start after coming off the bench to score the extra-time winner over Japan in the last round.

Brazil vs Spain preview

Despite the eye-catching array of attacking and creative talent on display in both of these squads, neither has been able to find much consistency in front of goal on their way to this final.

Having opened their tournament by scoring three times within the first 30 minutes of their match against Germany, Andre Jardine’s champions have only found the net four times in their last four matches coming into this clash.

Meanwhile, La Rojita have scored one goal or fewer in four of their five matches at these games, with the 5-2 extra-time victory over the Ivory Coast a notable exception.

Brazil vs Spain tips & predictions

With so much at stake and both teams likely to set up rather conservatively, odds of 4/5 (1.80) look like solid value on no more than one of Brazil or Spain getting on target in a tight match that features under 2.5 goals.

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

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class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With the Foxes missing some key defenders, Al Hain-Cole expects a high-scoring Community Shield clash against Guardiola's men at Wembley on Saturday

Leicester City and Manchester City will raise the curtain on the new season when they meet at Wembley in Saturday’s Community Shield clash.

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The Foxes lifted the FA Cup for the first time in their history last season, although did suffer the disappointment of dropping out of the Champions League qualification places on the final day of the Premier League season.

Leicester City vs Manchester City latest odds

However, Leicester are available at 3/1 (4.00) with bet365 to begin the new campaign on a high by coming out on top against the champions.

Pep Guardiola’s Man City side also endured a mixed season after winning the Premier League and Carabao Cup but losing out in the Champions League final, although they are clear 17/20 (1.85) favourites to pick up the first silverware of the new campaign with a win here.

None of the last six encounters between this duo have resulted in draws, but you can get odds of 13/5 (3.60) on them taking this tie to penalties after a deadlocked 90 minutes.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

UK TV channel Online stream

ITV ITV Hub

The game is being shown live on ITV in the United Kingdom (UK). The ITV Hub will be streaming the game live online.

Leicester City vs Manchester City team news

Timothy Castagne, James Justin, Jonny Evans and Wesley Fofana are all ruled out through injury, with new signings Ryan Bertrand, Boubakary Soumare and Patson Daka all hoping to make their debuts.

Ederson, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Rodri, Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, Ferran Torres, Gabriel Jesus and the injured Phil Foden are unlikely to be involved after not featuring in pre-season, although Jack Grealish can play after sealing his transfer from Aston Villa on Thursday.

Leicester City vs Manchester City preview

With Fofana likely to miss a large portion of the season after suffering a serious injury in the final warm-up match against Villarreal, Brendan Rodgers may have to look to the transfer window for defensive reinforcements.

Having conceded three goals against QPR before shipping two against the Spaniards, his understrength backline certainly doesn’t look in great shape to take on a prolific City side that has just spent £100 million on yet another attacker.

Leicester City vs Manchester City predictions

However, given Manchester City’s own first-team absentees, odds of 20/21 (1.95) look like solid value on Leicester joining them on the scoresheet in an entertaining clash that produces over 2.5 goals.

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

class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With a strong and settled squad to choose from, Al Hain-Cole is backing Jokanovic to oversee a debut win over a new-look Blues side at Bramall Lane

Sheffield United will be hoping to begin the new Championship season on a high when they welcome Birmingham City to Bramall Lane on Saturday.

The Blades endured a miserable second season in the Premier League, finishing rock bottom of the league after failing to win any of their first 17 fixtures.

Sheffield United vs Birmingham latest odds

However, Sheff Utd are priced at 3/4 (1.75) with bet365 to go some way to putting that behind them by getting the new campaign off to a winning start.

Having overseen five wins in 10 matches to steer the side clear of a relegation battle after replacing Aitor Karanka in March, Lee Bowyer is priced at 4/1 (5.00) to begin this campaign with Birmingham on the front foot with an impressive away victory.

Three of the last four meetings between this duo have resulted in draws, and you can get odds of 5/2 (3.50) on them cancelling each other out yet again.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

UK TV channel Online stream

Sky Sports Football/Sky Sports Main Event Sky Go

The game is being shown live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event in the United Kingdom (UK). Sky Go will be streaming the game live online.

Sheffield United vs Birmingham team news

Enda Stevens will not be involved as he struggles with injury, although Billy Sharp and Oli McBurnie are available after returning to training.

Neil Etheridge is unlikely to feature despite returning to training this week, while Dion Sanderson and Ivan Sunjic are both ruled out, and Marc Roberts is facing a late fitness test after coming off in the closing stages of last weekend’s defeat to West Brom.

Sheffield United vs Birmingham preview

With their team having looked doomed to relegation before Christmas last season, the returning supporters will be determined to bring some much-needed optimism back to the stadium on Saturday.

Having led both Watford and Fulham to promotion from this division in the past, new manager Slavisa Jokanovic will be confident of delivering some cheer with a settled squad that looks extremely well equipped for this level.

In contrast, Blues have endured a rather tumultuous summer of comings-and-goings, with seven loan and free transfer signings hoping to make their debut in South Yorkshire.

Sheffield United vs Birmingham tips & predictions

Thrashed 4-0 by West Brom in their final pre-season friendly, odds of 3/4 (1.75) look like decent value on this new-look Birmingham outfit coming unstuck against a strong Sheffield United team.

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

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class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With both Spurs and Arteta's men looking more comfortable in attack than defence this summer, Al Hain-Cole expects plenty of goals in their derby game

Tottenham and Arsenal will be aiming to finish their pre-seasons on a high when they meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Sunday’s Mind Series clash.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men put in a creditable performance against Chelsea in midweek, fighting back from two goals down to draw 2-2.

Tottenham vs Arsenal latest odds

Spurs are priced at 6/4 (2.50) with bet365 to head into next weekend’s Premier League kick-off in confident spirits with a victory against their local rivals.

Arsenal have failed to win any of their three official friendly matches this summer but can be backed at 6/4 (2.50) to come out on top on enemy territory here.

Just two of the last 10 encounters between this duo have resulted in draws, but you can get odds of 23/10 (3.10) on them cancelling each other out in this one.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

UK TV channel Online stream

N/A Arsenal.com/Spurs TV

The game is not being shown live on TV in the United Kingdom (UK). Both Arsenal.com and Spurs TV will be streaming the game live online.

Tottenham vs Arsenal team news

Harry Kane is unlikely to be involved despite returning to training on Saturday, while Ryan Sessegnon is doubtful due to injury.

Thomas Partey could be out for a month after coming off with an ankle injury in last weekend’s defeat to Chelsea, with Gabriel Magalhaes also sidelined and Gabriel Martinelli still on holiday.

Tottenham vs Arsenal preview

While the hefty price tag spent on Ben White raised some eyebrows, it is no real surprise that Mikel Arteta has chosen to strengthen his backline.

Indeed, his team’s pre-season performances have shown a rather alarming lack of solidity in defence, conceding two goals in each of their official matches against Hibs, Rangers and Chelsea – also failing to keep clean sheets in training ground games against Watford and Millwall.

Even without Kane, a Spurs side that have hit the net eight times in their last three friendly fixtures will be confident of finding some joy in front of goal against that kind of opposition.

Tottenham vs Arsenal tips & predictions

With Tottenham also keeping just one clean sheet in four games this summer, odds of 17/20 (1.85) seem generous on over 2.5 goals being scored for their fourth game in a row and a fourth in four for Arsenal.

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

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class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With both teams looking prolific in front of goal so far this summer, Al Hain-Cole expects an entertaining clash between Klopp's men and Los Leones

Liverpool will be hoping to welcome fans back to Anfield with a win when they take on Athletic Club in Sunday’s friendly clash.

The Reds were beaten 4-3 by Hertha Berlin in their last full pre-season match, although did record two 60-minute victories over Bologna at their training camp in France in midweek.

Liverpool vs Athletic Club latest odds

With the stadium set to be at 75 per cent capacity for the first time since March 2020, Liverpool are available at 1/2 (1.50) with bet365 to give the supporters something to celebrate by coming out on top.

Marcelino’s Athletic Club pulled off a 3-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday and are available at 17/4 (5.25) to finish their pre-season on a high with another win over Premier League opposition, or 16/5 (4.20) to earn a creditable draw.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

UK TV channel Online stream

LFCTV LFCTV GO

The game is being shown live on LFCTV in the United Kingdom (UK). LFCTV GO will be streaming the game live online.

Liverpool vs Athletic Club team news

Thiago Alcantara will not be involved as he recovers from a minor injury, with the Spain international expected to return to training next week.

Unai Simon is not with the team after winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics on Saturday, while Yuri Berchiche is ruled out through injury.

Liverpool vs Athletic Club preview

With both sides playing two games in the space of two days, it is difficult to predict what kind of line-ups both the managers will go with.

Nevertheless, it seems fairly safe to expect an entertaining game considering the quality of attacking players at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal, with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane both looking sharp so far this summer.

The home defence is also bound to be in for a test considering Athletic’s pre-season form so far, having found the net in all but one of their six friendly fixtures and scored six times in the three most recent games against Borussia Dortmund, Union Berlin and Southampton.

Liverpool vs Athletic Club predictions

Having played out an exciting 4-3 defeat in their last full 90 minute match against Hertha Berlin, odds of 8/11 (1.73) seem safe on Liverpool ensuring more goalmouth action by both scoring and conceding against a dangerous Athletic side.

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

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class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With Ronaldo leading the attack for the Bianconeri against Koeman's Messi-less team, Al Hain-Cole expects an entertaining Joan Gamper Trophy clash

Barcelona will be desperate for a much-needed morale boost when they take on Juventus in Sunday’s Joan Gamper Trophy clash.

The Blaugrana have been rocked by the news that Lionel Messi will not be able to renew his contract for the upcoming season, leaving Camp Nou after over 20 years at the club.

Barcelona vs Juventus latest odds

However, Barcelona can be backed at 5/4 (2.25)   with bet365 to raise the spirits ahead of next weekend’s La Liga kick-off by coming out on top against their high-profile opponents.

Having returned to the club where he won 11 trophies between 2014 and 2019, Massimiliano Allegri is available at 13/8 (2.63)   to oversee an impressive victory for Juventus in Catalunya or 16/5 (4.20)   to secure a creditable draw.

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.

Barcelona vs Juventus team news

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele are all absent due to injury, while Pedri is unavailable after picking up a silver medal in Saturday’s Olympic games final against Brazil.

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to make his first appearance of the pre-season campaign, although Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Alex Sandro and Danilo are unlikely to feature after only joining up with the squad earlier this week.

Barcelona vs Juventus preview

Ronaldo’s presence is likely to be even more significant given Messi’s bombshell departure, with the former Real Madrid man bound to be determined to rub salt in the wounds of his old rivals.

He will certainly fancy his chances against a defence that was beaten twice in a 2-1 defeat to Salzburg in midweek, with his side in free-scoring form so far this summer.

However, Ronald Koeman’s team are more than capable of packing a punch of their own even without Messi, and have the advantage of being much further along in their pre-season preparations than their guests.

Barcelona vs Juventus predictions

With Juventus missing a number of key defensive players, odds of 11/10 (2.10)   are well worth backing on over 3.5 goals being scored in an exciting game versus Barcelona at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.

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

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class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With the majority of their first team not in action, Al Hain-Cole is not expecting Klopp's men to find life easy against Arrasate's side at Anfield

Liverpool will be hoping to round off their pre-season preparations with a win when they welcome Osasuna to Anfield on Monday.

The Reds have won one, drawn one, and lost one of their three official friendly matches this summer, playing out a 1-1 draw with Athletic Club on Sunday.

Liverpool vs Osasuna latest odds

With their Premier League season kicking off against Norwich on Saturday, Liverpool are available at 2/5 (1.40) with bet365 to sign off on a high by coming out on top here.

Jagoba Arrasate’s Osasuna side have won all four of their pre-season matches so far but are 11/2 (6.50) outsiders to pull off a victory on Merseyside, or 16/5 (4.20) to hold the hosts to a second stalemate in the space of 24 hours.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

UK TV channel Online stream

LFCTV LFCTV GO

The game is being shown live on LFCTV in the United Kingdom (UK). LFCTV GO will be streaming the game live online.

Liverpool vs Osasuna team news

None of the players who took part against Athletic are expected to play, with Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara set to be offered their first action of the summer in a line-up missing the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk.

Cote, Iker Benito, Rober Ibanez and Aridane Hernandez are all absent due to injury for the guests, while Jon Moncayola is yet to return to training after collecting a silver medal for Spain at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Liverpool vs Osasuna preview

With many of the squad coming back to training at different times after taking part in Euro 2020 and the Copa America this summer, these two matches on successive days at Anfield will allow Jurgen Klopp to ease players back into action and assess his options.

While the likes of new signing Ibrahima Konate will be keen to impress ahead of the new season in this clash, it is probably fair to say that most of the players likely to start against Norwich were included in Sunday’s line-up.

In contrast, Los Rojillos will come into this game with their strongest possible line-up as they look to fine tune ahead of their La Liga opener against Espanyol on Saturday.

Liverpool vs Osasuna tips & predictions

Having performed well so far this summer and beaten Real Sociedad by an impressive 3-1 scoreline last time out, Osasuna therefore look well worth 13/8 (2.63) odds to at least avoid defeat against an experimental Liverpool side.

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

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