EVERYTHING COMING TO A CLOSE: I’m not a huge fan of this time of the season in terms of punting. It is great to watch as teams battle for their spot in the league, or the Champions League etc. but in terms of punting it can be tough. Many sides on their holidays already, so what normally might seem like a done deal, can cause some strange results. At this time I look to do some fun bets.
ARSENAL TO SECURE EUROPE
I can’t get over the odds on this one. All prices are in favour of Man City, but they have not shown anything to warrant this in weeks past. They were poor over the two legs against Real, and in truth didn’t deserve to win. Real were poor also, but still better than City. Both these teams have something to play for, as they look to lock up spots in the Champions League next season. This is a big game with United lurking right behind.
Arsenal should know what it takes to beat City. Just get someone in behind their poor centre backs. It is one approach they have never been able to deal with this year. Just get up on the City team and they struggle. Sanchez suits this absolutely perfectly with his smart runs and high intensity pressure. Wenger should really know how to get this win. I’d be shocked if he didn’t!
De Bruyne doesn’t look fit, Yaya Toure has been disgracefully cumbersome and the rest of the side just are not firing. They really are there for the taking. Pelligirni was all in for the Champions League, and with him leaving at the end of this season, I think he could have a couple of surprises in his team sheet. I just think Arsenal will have the upper hand here. Verdict – Back Arsenal
LEICESTER ZONED OUT
I love this bet. Think it is a really fun one for me. from experience, if a team wins something major, then the next week you should go against them. Leicester have pulled off the most remarkable season ever. They really have. And I’m sure they have been celebrating this fact all week. There is no way they are coming into this game prepared.
They have deserved everything they achieved, now they are either in holiday mode, or concentration will be on not getting hurt before the Euros. Everton have nothing to play for, but Martinez is fighting for his job, so he will look for a performance from his team. When doing this bet, I would also look at Burnley. They have won promotion to the Premier League. And although you may think they will be concentrating on winning the Championship, I can guarantee that promotion is the most important thing, not the Championship Trophy. For this reason I would double up on going against the teams with major successes over the past few days. Verdict Back Everton & Charlton
MIDDLESBROUGH TO SECURE PRoMOTION
Looking at the Championship again. We have second against third. Both sides are locked together in the table, and both want automatic promotion. I think this one sets up better for Middlesbrough. They love to soak up pressure and hit on the break. This is exactly what happened the last time these two sides met.
With them holding a slightly better goal difference, they can afford to play for the draw. Although this may seem a dangerous tactic, it has actually been a strength of theirs. They love when teams attack against them and leave themselves open at the back. Brighton will play right into their hands and they will catch them out in the end. Verdict – Middlesbrough Win
£25 IN FREE BETS
