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Liam Wright

Expert

Ice Hockey

World - Championships

Odds: 1.15Stake: 5/10

Bet

Tomorrow afternoon, Group A of the Ice Hockey World Championship will see a clash between Denmark and Switzerland. Team Denmark Team Denmark faces significant challenges in the 2024 Ice Hockey World Championship due to the absence of several key players. Despite these setbacks, the team occasionally delivers performances reminiscent of their showing at the 2022 Olympics. In the current tournament, Denmark has suffered losses against Canada (1-5), Norway (0-2), and the Czech Republic (4-7). Upcoming matches against Switzerland and Finland offer minimal chances for points. The squad lacks star players, although it does feature some promising talents. Their level is insufficient to compete with elite teams, as evidenced by three defeats and 15 goals conceded in four matches. Despite these issues, Denmark has managed to secure two victories, scoring 14 goalsa commendable outcome for them. The team excels in counter-attacks, compact defence, and effective play during penalties. Currently, they occupy fifth place in Group A with six points, thanks to victories over Austria (5-1) and Great Britain (4-3). However, defensive problems and poor organisation remain their primary obstacles. Team Switzerland Team Switzerland aims to reclaim the top spot in their group at the 2024 World Championship. In the last two tournaments, they won their group but were eliminated in the quarter-finals. This year, the team displays excellent form, securing victories against Norway (5-2), narrowly defeating Austria (6-5), winning against the Czech Republic in a shootout (2-1), and confidently beating Great Britain (3-0).Switzerland holds second place in Group A and prepares for crucial matches against Canada and Finland. In the 2023 World Championship, the Swiss won six group games, losing only in overtime to Latvia, but fell to Germany in the quarter-finals. The coaching staff has shifted focus this year, prioritising tactics. The team played cautiously against the Czech Republic and displayed solid defence against Great Britain, winning 3-0. With a powerful roster that includes stars like Roman Josi and Nico Hischier, coached by Patrick Fischer, Switzerland shows excellent game organisation, maintains concentration, and utilises counter-attacks effectively, scoring 16 goals and conceding 8 in four matches. Head-to-Head On 5 May 2022, during the World Championship, Switzerland trounced Denmark 6-0. On 12 February 2022, at the Olympics, Denmark claimed victory over Switzerland with a score of 5-3. On 23 May 2021, at the World Championship, Switzerland edged out Denmark 1-0. Thus, in the last three encounters, Switzerland has secured two wins, while Denmark has one. Prediction for Denmark vs Switzerland Switzerland looks very solid in this World Championship, playing like group favourites, in contrast to Denmark, who barely defeated Great Britaina team Switzerland beat 3-0. I expect a victory for the nominal visitors with a handicap of (-1.5).

17.05.2024

Liam Wright

Expert

Soccer

Japan - J2 League

Over (2.5)

Odds: 1.68Stake: 5/10

win

+3.4

On 18 May 2024, the next round of the second division of the Japanese football championship will take place, featuring the home team, Ichihara Chiba, hosting the visiting side, Ehime. Probable Lineups and Formations Ichihara Chiba prefers to play with a (4-4-2) formation.Ehime prefers to play with a (4-3-3) formation. Stadium The match will take place on 18 May 2024 at the home arena of Ichihara Chiba, which accommodates around 10,000 spectators. Ichihara Chiba The hosts, with 21 points from 15 matches in the regular season, are currently in 9th place in the Japanese Championship standings. The team has scored 28 goals and conceded 18. Ehime The visiting side, also with 21 points from 15 matches in the regular season, is in 10th place in the Japanese Championship standings. The team has scored 20 goals and conceded 18. Head-to-Head Meetings The teams have met numerous times in the championship and the country's cup competitions. In the last five head-to-head encounters, Ichihara Chiba has 2 victories, while Ehime has 1 win, and 2 matches ended in a 1-1 draw. Prediction for the Match Ichihara Chiba - Ehime It is very difficult to single out a favourite in this matchup, as the two teams are of roughly equal level and are positioned next to each other in the standings, occupying 9th and 10th places respectively. It is worth noting that both teams enjoy and excel at playing attacking football, scoring a lot while also conceding a fair number of goals. Therefore, we expect a spectacular and high-scoring match.

17.05.2024

Liam Wright

Expert

Ice Hockey

NHL

Team 1 Under (3.5)

Odds: 1.66Stake: 5/10

win

+3.3

In the 6th match of the NHL Eastern Conference, Colorado Avalanche will face off against Dallas Stars in the morning of 18 May. Colorado Avalanche Colorado Avalanche have never won a series after trailing 1-3, so they have a chance to make franchise history if they can win the next two games against the Dallas Stars. The Avalanche's offence came alive in Game 5, securing a 5-3 victory in Dallas on Thursday. Now, Avalanche can even the score in the Western Conference semi-final series in Game 6, which will be held tomorrow in Denver. For Dallas, it will be an opportunity to finish the series on the road, where they have been nearly unbeatable this postseason. The victory on Thursday gave Avalanche two significant things: they stayed alive in the series, and they finally led during regulation time. The only other lead they had was when Miles Wood scored in overtime of Game 1. The team has been playing from behind in every game of the series. They also managed to beat Dallass goalie Jake Oettinger, who was seemingly impenetrable in the two games in Denver, allowing just one goal per game. His teammates are not worried about him going forward, knowing he is mentally resilient and ready for the next game. The absence of Dallas's first-line centre Roope Hintz, who was crucial in slowing down Colorado's top line, also helped the Avalanche. Dallas Stars Dallas Stars enter this game leading the series 3-2 but failed to close out the series in Game 5 on home ice. The Stars dominated Games 3 and 4 in Colorado but couldn't maintain that momentum in Game 5. Dallas outscored Colorado by a combined score of 9-2 in the two games in Colorado. They lost the first game of the series but then won Games 2, 3, and 4 with scores of 5-3, 4-1, and 5-1, respectively. In the first round of the playoffs, the Stars defeated Vegas in 7 games, winning 2 out of 3 road games. Dallas had their chances, but Colorado managed to take the upper hand in the third period, outplaying the Stars 3-1. Goalie Jake Oettinger made 22 saves, but it wasnt enough. Oettinger will be back in net for the next game. Now, Dallas's task is to regain their game and close out the series despite Colorado's resistance. The Stars have showcased excellent road play in this playoff and will look to capitalise on this in the upcoming game. Hintz exited Game 4 with an upper-body injury and missed Game 5, while Radek Faksa returned after missing 3 games. Hintz's status for the game is unknown. Dallas's defenceman Chris Tanev also sustained an injury but showed true hockey grit when he returned to the ice after losing a tooth during Game 5. Prediction for Colorado Avalanche vs Dallas Stars After losing Nichushkin, Colorado's chances of advancing past Dallas have dwindled. The Russian, as the best offensive player for Avalanche alongside MacKinnon, was a key figure but has been caught on banned substances and will miss at least six months. Although rumours suggest that Valeri has major issues with painkillers, so he is given a chance for rehabilitation instead of having his contract terminated. Dallas can easily play defensively, and I am betting on the individual total under (ITU) of the hosts being less than 3.5.

17.05.2024

Liam Wright

Expert

Ice Hockey

World - Championships

1st period Under (1.5)

Odds: 1.85Stake: 5/10

Bet

In Group B of the Ice Hockey World Championship in the Czech Republic, Latvia and Sweden will clash tomorrow. Team Latvia At the 2024 Ice Hockey World Championship, Team Latvia has shown mixed results, highlighting both strengths and obvious weaknesses. The team's defence, despite early successes, has been lacking, particularly evident in their heavy 1:8 defeat against a strong German side. This match exposed all the defensive flaws of the Latvian team, raising concerns ahead of their upcoming games against top opponents. Coach Harijs Vitolins's squad has managed to gather seven points from four matches, standing fourth in Group B, within the playoff zone, keeping their hopes alive for further success. Despite the challenges, Latvia commenced the tournament with three victories, defeating Poland and France in overtime with scores of 5:4 and 3:2, respectively, and more convincingly overcoming Kazakhstan with a 2:0 result. These games demonstrated the team's ability to handle pressure and achieve results, despite previous defensive shortcomings. As the bronze medalists of last years championship, Latvia continues their fight for a spot in the next stage, showing high ambitions and a drive to utilise every opportunity to improve their tournament standings. Team Sweden Team Sweden, a frontrunner of the 2024 Ice Hockey World Championship, is showcasing outstanding performances in the group stage. Under the guidance of coach Sam Hallam, the Swedes confidently lead Group B's standings, having secured the maximum points from their first four matches. Sweden displayed their prowess by consecutively defeating strong opponents: the USA with a score of 5:2, Poland 5:1, Germany 6:1, and Kazakhstan 3:1, underlining their offensive dominance and defensive efficiency. In this tournament, Sweden not only reaffirms their status as a contender for top honours but also highlights the excellent form of their key players. Andre Burakovsky and Marcus Johansson stand out, each having scored 6 points already. Defenceman Erik Karlsson has also made a significant contribution, accumulating 5 points. The team has netted 19 goals so far, indicating high scoring effectiveness and coordinated gameplay. However, despite their successful group stage performances, historically, Sweden faces challenges in the playoff stages, where they have repeatedly faltered. Thus, despite the impressive preliminary match results, the real test for the team will begin in the subsequent rounds of the tournament. With NHL stars in their roster and the current form of their players, they look forward with optimism but must remain focused and harness their full potential to overcome upcoming obstacles. Head-to-Head On 25 May 2023, at the World Championship, Latvia triumphed over Sweden with a 3:1 score. On 24 May 2022, at the World Championship, Sweden defeated Latvia 1:0. On 10 February 2022, at the Olympic Games, Sweden won 3:2. On 20 May 2019, at the World Championship, Sweden emerged victorious with a 5:4 score. On 17 May 2018, at the World Championship, Sweden also beat Latvia 3:2. Hence, in the last five matches, Sweden has secured four victories, while Latvia has won one. Match Prediction: Latvia vs. Sweden The Swedes are incredibly powerful, and the Latvian team, after their defeat by Germany, revealed their true level. Sweden conceded more than one goal only against the USA in the first round of this Championship, so I anticipate the individual total under 1.5 for Latvia.

17.05.2024

Benjamin Carter

Expert

Ice Hockey

NHL

Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers will clash tomorrow morning in the 6th match of the NHL Eastern Conference playoffs. Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins continue their battle to extend the season following a victory in the last game against the Florida Panthers. In the previous match, the Bruins scored a goal in each of the first two periods, and their defence played solidly, allowing just one goal. Charlie McAvoy notched a goal and an assist, while goalkeeper Jeremy Swayman stopped 28 out of 29 shots, displaying a confident performance. Throughout the season, the Bruins' defence has not always played consistently, and in two of their three losses, the team conceded six goals. To succeed in the upcoming match, Boston will need to improve their defensive play. In the regular season, the Bruins' attack ranked 12th in the league, while their defence ranked 6th. Jake DeBrusk and Brad Marchand play key roles in the team's offence: DeBrusk scored 5 goals and provided 5 assists, while Marchand added 3 goals and 7 assists. Coach Jim Montgomery expressed confidence in the team, particularly highlighting the importance of Brad Marchand's return from an upper-body injury. Marchand, the captain and leader of the team, is preparing to get back on the ice after missing several games, which could significantly impact the game's outcome. Montgomery emphasised that Marchand is the "heart and soul" of the Bruins, and his presence on the ice adds confidence to the entire team. Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are aiming to advance to the next round following their setback in the last game against the Boston Bruins. In the previous match, the team's offence managed to score just one goal, leading to the defeat. Sam Reinhart scored the team's only goal and made 8 shots on goal. Russian goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 26 out of 28 shots, showing a reliable game. Despite an average save percentage during the season, Bobrovsky makes crucial saves in the most important moments, which is especially noted by coach Paul Maurice. In one of the previous victories against the Bruins, Bobrovsky stopped 16 out of 18 shots, demonstrating his ability to be a reliable backbone in defence. The coach and the team trust him, knowing that he can provide the necessary stability and confidence as the last line of defence. In two of the previous matches against the Bruins, the Panthers secured victories with scores of 3:2 and 6:2. In one of these games, Anton Lundell scored a goal and provided an assist, while Bobrovsky stopped 16 out of 18 shots. In the regular season, the Panthers' offence ranked 11th in the league, while their defence ranked 2nd. Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk are key players for the team: Barkov scored 5 goals and provided 8 assists, while Tkachuk added 4 goals and 9 assists. Coach Paul Maurice expressed confidence in his team despite some difficulties in recent games. He noted that Bobrovsky does not focus on statistics but concentrates on key moments of the game, which boosts the team's confidence. Under Maurice's leadership, the Panthers demonstrate balanced play both at home and on the road, giving them a chance for success in any game. The key task for Florida in the upcoming match will be to restore their offensive power and maintain solid defensive play. Prediction for the Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers match Florida should close out the series. Boston managed to take one game back thanks to their defence, but without their injured veteran leader and enforcer Marchand, it will be tough for the Bruins. I'm placing my bet on a victory for Florida.

17.05.2024

Benjamin Carter

Expert

Soccer

Germany - Bundesliga

Handicap1 (-2)

Odds: 1.55Stake: 5/10

win

+2.8

On 18 May, Darmstadt 98 will face Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. The match will take place at Signal Iduna Park, kicking off at 13:30. Borussia Dortmund Dortmund currently sit in 5th place in the standings with 59 points. In their 29th match of the season, they triumphed over Borussia Mnchengladbach (2:1). This was followed by a draw against Bayer Leverkusen (1:1). Dortmund then suffered a heavy defeat to RB Leipzig (1:4), but bounced back with a commanding win over Augsburg (5:1). Most recently, they were bested by Mainz (0:3). Moreover, the team reached the final of the Champions League by defeating PSG in the semi-finals (2:0). Darmstadt 98 Last year, Darmstadt finished as runners-up in the 2. Bundesliga, earning promotion to Germanys top division. However, the top flight has proven challenging, and the club has already secured a return to the 2. Bundesliga by finishing last. In their 29th round fixture, they lost narrowly to Freiburg. They then secured a win over Cologne (2:0), but subsequently lost to Heidenheim (0:1). This was followed by a defeat to Wolfsburg (0:3), and in their most recent game, they were thrashed by Hoffenheim (0:6). Head-to-Head In their last head-to-head encounter on 13 January 2024, Borussia Dortmund won comfortably (3:0). Prediction In this matchup, Borussia Dortmund are the clear favourites. Given Darmstadt's dire form, Dortmund are likely to secure a win with a handicap of (-2) to maintain their standing in the eyes of their supporters.

17.05.2024

Benjamin Carter

Expert

Soccer

Serbia - Super Liga

Under (3)

Odds: 1.82Stake: 5/10

win

+4.1

Today, as part of the Serbian SuperLiga, teams Čukarički and Partizan Belgrade will clash in the championship group. Current form of Čukarički On 12 May, Čukarički faced Bačka Topola and lost 0-2, conceding twice in the first half. Following this match, Čukarički retain their 5th place in the SuperLiga standings. In 35 games, the team has secured 16 wins, 10 losses, and 9 draws, scoring 56 goals and conceding 42, summing up to 57 points. Bačka Topola, on the other hand, solidified their 3rd position with 72 points comprising 21 victories and 5 losses out of 35 matches played. Despite the defeat, Čukarički display commendable results this season and continue to fight for higher positions in the table. Considering the current form with 3 wins in the last 5 rounds, the team has the potential to improve their game and achieve better results in the remaining matches of the championship. Current form of Partizan Partizan Belgrade confidently continues their journey in the Serbian Championship, having secured a convincing 3-0 victory against Mladost on 12 May. The match's outcome was entirely in favour of Partizan, with Bibars Natcho scoring the first goal at the 41st minute. In the second half, Partizan maintained control of the match. Saldanha extended the lead, scoring the second goal at the 85th minute, and Stefan Bajdar sealed the final score at 3-0 on the 90th minute. This result allowed Partizan to strengthen their positions in the Serbian Championship, holding the second place in the standings with 74 points. Notably, out of 35 matches played, the team won 23, indicating high form and fighting spirit. However, recent results show some instability in the team's form, as reflected by 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses in the last 5 matches. Mladost, on their part, occupy the 7th place in the standings with 43 points. Prediction for the Match Čukarički vs Partizan Both teams are vying for medals in the Serbian league. Partizan had a disappointing spring and will not become champions, but facing the in-form Čukarički will be challenging for them. I am betting on the total number of goals to be under 3.

17.05.2024

Benjamin Carter

Expert

Soccer

Croatia - HNL

Over (2.5)

Odds: 2.19Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

Today at 16:00, the Croatian Championship match between Istra 1961 and Varaždin will take place at the "Aldo Drosina" stadium in Pula. Current form of Istra 1961 Istra 1961 continues its campaign in the current season of the Croatian First Football League (HNL). On 12 May, the team faced Hajduk Split. The final score of 1:1 reflected the intense struggle on the pitch. Istra 1961 started the match rapidly, showing an attacking stance from the first minutes. By the 4th minute, Lamine Salim Fago opened the scoring, putting the ball in Hajduk's net. However, the guests managed to equalise during the first half. On the 42nd minute, Periić scored, setting the final result of the match. Currently, Istra 1961 occupies the 8th place in the HNL standings with 38 points after 34 matches. The team has secured 9 wins, suffered 14 losses, and drawn 11 times. Goals scored 34, conceded 52. The team's recent performances have been mixed (one draw, three wins, and one loss). Meanwhile, Hajduk Split confidently holds 3rd place with 62 points, showcasing more consistent results with 19 wins and 10 losses this season. Current form of Varaždin On 11 May, Varaždin demonstrated a brilliant and confident game, securing a victory over one of the current Croatian Championship leaders, Rijeka. The match ended 3:1 in favour of Varaždin, which became a significant achievement for the team positioned 6th in the standings. At present, Varaždin is in sixth place in the Croatian Championship for the 2023/2024 season. The team has played 34 matches, winning 10, losing 12, and drawing 12 times. The total number of goals scored and conceded is 39:43, and the team has 42 points. In the last 5 rounds, Varaždin has achieved 3 wins and 2 losses. Rijeka, despite the defeat, maintains its second place in the standings with an impressive 71 points over 34 matches. Only 7 losses this season make it one of the most stable teams in the championship. Match Prediction: Istra 1961 - Varaždin Both teams are outside of the top-5, and will play without significant pressure. Considering their successful matches in May, I am leaning towards a Total Over 2.5 goals bet.

17.05.2024

Benjamin Carter

Expert

Soccer

Poland - Ekstraklasa

Over (2.5)

Odds: 1.61Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

Today at 16:00, a thrilling match between the teams Stal and Pogon will take place as part of the Polish Ekstraklasa. Current form of Stal Stal Mielec recently drew against a strong opponent, Gornik Zabrze, with a score of 1-1. Currently, after 32 matches played, Stal Mielec occupies 11th place in the Polish Ekstraklasa standings. The team has accumulated 42 points, with 11 wins, 12 losses, and 9 draws. Throughout the season, Stal Mielec has scored 40 goals and conceded 45, which highlights the team's challenging journey this season. In their last 5 rounds, the team has recorded 1 win and 2 draws. Current form of Pogon On 11 May, Pogon Szczecin faced Rakow and lost 1-2. At the 74th minute, the experienced Grosicki narrowed the gap by scoring the only goal for his team in the match. Unfortunately, Pogon's further efforts did not alter the final score. After 32 matches played, Pogon Szczecin holds 7th place in the Polish Championship standings. The team has tallied 15 wins, 11 losses, and 6 draws, amounting to 51 points. The teams goal difference stands at 58:38. Pogon demonstrates fluctuating form: their last 5 games resulted in 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses. Prediction for the Match Stal vs Pogon Both opponents have shown significant instability in the recent rounds, but in their last 3 head-to-head encounters, they scored a total of 17 goals. Hence, I am betting on a total over 2.5 goals.

17.05.2024

Benjamin Carter

Expert

Soccer

Lithuania - A Lyga

Under (2)

Odds: 1.53Stake: 5/10

win

+2.7

Today at 16:00, a match between Dainava and Sūduva will take place as part of the Lithuanian A League. Current form of Dainava Dainava showcased a confident performance in their last match against Transinvest, held on May 11. On their home ground, Dainava clinched a 1-0 victory. The decisive moment occurred on the 70th minute when Dainava's player, Olugbodi, scored the lone goal of the encounter, securing the win for his team. Currently, Dainava sits in 6th place in the Lithuanian A League standings. Out of 13 matches played, the team has recorded 4 victories, 5 losses, and 4 draws. With a goal difference of 8 scored to 11 conceded, and 16 points in the bag, Dainava continues their fight for higher positions. Dainava's form in the last five matches reads: 1 win and 1 draw. Meanwhile, Transinvest is positioned 10th in the league table with 10 points from 13 games. Current form of Sūduva On May 11, Sūduva faced off against Džiugas in the next round of the Lithuanian championship. The match concluded with a 0-1 scoreline, with Džiugas' forward Pushkarov netting the only goal in the 54th minute. The current situation for Sūduva in the championship raises some concerns among their fans. The team holds the 8th spot in the 2024 season standings, having secured 3 wins, suffered 6 losses, and drawn 4 times out of their 13 matches. With a total goal difference of 9 scored to 11 conceded and 13 points accumulated, Sūduva strives to improve their position. The team's form over the last five matches indicates instability, with 1 win and 1 draw, hinting at the need to reassess tactics and strengthen both their attacking and defensive lines. Džiugas ranks second in the standings with 24 points from 12 games, showcasing results of 7 wins and 2 losses. Match prediction: Dainava vs Sūduva Both teams are in the lower half of the table and struggle with their attacking prowess; thus, Im betting on the total goals under 2.

17.05.2024

Benjamin Carter

Expert

Ice Hockey

World - Championships

At 14:20, the group stage match of the Ice Hockey World Championship in the elite division kicks off. Fans of international hockey are in for a thrilling showdown between Germany and Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan The Kazakhstan national team is unique, representing the Asian region with commendable results. Once among the underdogs, Kazakhstan has now solidified its position in the middle of the standings. At the 2023 World Championship held in Finland and Latvia, Kazakhstan performed at an average level and secured their place in the elite division midway through the competition. In seven matches, the Kazakhstani team garnered 7 points, finishing 6th. Norway and Slovenia finished behind them. At the 2024 World Championship, Kazakhstan played four matches, securing only one victory. In the opening game of the tournament, they defeated France 3-1. However, Kazakhstan suffered three consecutive losses, not just to the favourites. While the defeat against Sweden can be attributed to the opponent's calibre, the matches against Latvia and Slovakia were missed opportunities to earn points. Currently, Kazakhstan sits 7th in Group B, only ahead of Poland, which has a solitary point. Kazakhstan's crucial match will be in the final round against Poland. Germany In recent years, the German national team has emerged as one of the strongest in world hockey. In 2018, Germany claimed the silver medal at the Olympics, and just last year, they reached the final against Canada, having successfully navigated the group stage and defeated the USA in the knockout rounds. Although they couldn't overcome Canada, the silver medals were still a significant achievement. At the 2024 World Championship, Germany played four official matches, securing two victories against Slovakia and Latvia. While Slovakia was defeated with difficulty, Germany demolished Latvia 8-1. In two other matches against the favourites, Germany didn't perform at their best. Currently, Germany occupies 5th place in the standings, still in contention for qualification. They trail Latvia by just one point. In their remaining three matches, Germany will face the underdogs from Kazakhstan, Poland, and France. Head-to-Head Germany and Kazakhstan have faced each other in four official matches. Germany has three victories, while Kazakhstan has emerged victorious once. Prediction Germany will win in regulation time. The German team has been rising to the ranks of Europe's strongest teams in recent years, while Kazakhstan's performance this year is significantly weaker compared to the previous tournament. Germany needs this win to aim for a quarterfinal spot.

17.05.2024

Benjamin Carter

Expert

Soccer

Portugal - Primeira Liga

Odds: 1.74Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

The final round of the Portuguese Primeira Liga kicks off with several intriguing matchups: who will play in the playoffs to avoid relegation to the Segunda, the encounter between Braga and Porto, who will play in the Europa League qualifiers, and which club will go directly to the group stage. The match between Famalico and Casa Pia, however, might not hold any significance, as Vila Nova is in 8th place and can't move up even one spot since Arouca is 4 points ahead of them. As for the modest team from the capital, they are not among the bottom three and have thus achieved their goal for this season. Famalico Famalico has had an average season with its ups and downs. A minor crisis led to the departure of Joo Pedro Sousa, despite no clear indication that he was failing in his duties, hinting instead at a possible conflict with the management. Now led by Armando Evangelista, the team has not seen improved results, yet Evangelista remains in charge, suggesting Sousa may have opted for a change in direction. In recent matches, Famalico defeated Benfica and Chaves. The capital team could have scored 2-3 goals if not for poor execution, but Vila Nova found its moments in the second half and won confidently 2-0. Against Chaves, Famalico won smoothly with a goal from Gustavo S, assisted by Puma. Famalico's squad is strong. Žoznander Cdiz has had an excellent season, scoring 15 goals. Gustavo S from the local academy has shown remarkable improvement under Sousa, and Evangelista has kept him in the starting lineup. Chiquinho has also impressed with his 5+1 goal+assist tally. It would be great if Famalico wrapped up the season with a solid victory over Casa Pia at home, but that will depend on the lineup Evangelista chooses to field. Casa Pia The managerial change has benefitted Casa Pia, a team many expected to be relegated. However, Gonalo Santos has lifted this squad from the relegation zone. Crucially, the players have adopted a fresher approach under Santos, who, being part of the clubs system, easily adjusted the team's playstyle to achieve the necessary results. Casa Pia picked up points in key matches, although not all games went smoothly. For instance, they had an unfortunate game against Estrela, and the previous match against Moreirense was bizarre. Despite dominating, Santos' players failed to hit the target, while the visitors managed to score a deserved goal. Casa Pia's squad is decent, though the team doesn't seem the strongest in the Primeira Liga. The Brazilians like Pablo Roberto, who can play any attacking position, have been impressive. Yuki Soma has also stepped up on the forward line, scoring 3 goals in the last 5 matches. While the match against Famalico doesnt hold much significance for Casa Pia, a win could potentially secure a mid-table finish. Head-to-Head In the first round, Famalico confidently beat Casa Pia 2-0, with key players from the Braga district team once again making their mark. Match prediction: Famalico vs Casa Pia My bet is on Famalico to win (W1). They should prevail based on their class, especially playing on home turf where they mustn't show a mediocre performance.

17.05.2024

Benjamin Carter

Expert

e-Sports

Dota 2 - PGL Wallachia

PGL Wallachia 2024: Season 1. Play-offs. Upper bracket. We are looking at the final match of the game day, and it promises to be a thrilling battle. This could easily be a grand final match in any other tournament, but here it takes place in the second round of the winners' bracket. The Middle East will face off against Western Europe as two giants, comprising some of the world's best players, lock horns. Team Falcons will take on Team Liquid. Team Falcons The Middle Eastern squad unsurprisingly finished with a 3-0 record. Pre-tournament expectations were high, predicting that this team would make it to the play-offs without suffering a single defeat. The only potential hurdle was a tough draw, but as it turned out, their first two opponents, Heroic and Nouns, were not particularly challenging. In the match that secured their play-off spot, Team Falcons faced Gaimin Gladiators, the toughest opponent in their group stage, yet still emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. Consequently, Team Falcons advanced to the play-offs from first place and now sit as the queen of the upper bracket. Doubts lingered whether anyone could halt this Middle Eastern juggernaut, which has clinched three out of four possible titles this year. In the first play-off round, they faced BOOM Esports, easily dismantling them 2-0. Team Liquid A classic performance by this Western European team, featuring a poor start to the group stage, followed by a comeback from their crisis to secure a play-off spot. They have failed to make the play-offs at times this season but managed to do so at PGL Wallachia Season 1. Their first match was promising, confidently defeating G2 Invictus Gaming, hinting at a strong run. However, they faced a loss against Xtreme Gaming, which was expected, but the next match turned out to be an upset as they lost 0-2 to Shopify Rebellion, a scenario few anticipated before the tournament. At 1-2, they managed to secure a play-off spot by defeating MOUZ 0-2 and then another Western European team, Team Secret, with a confident 2-0. They reached the play-offs by winning against their arch-rival Gaimin Gladiators in another epic showdown, emerging victorious 2-1. Head-to-Head Team Falcons and Team Liquid have faced each other seven times. The Middle Eastern team has four wins, one draw, and the Western European team has two wins. Prediction The favourite for this match, according to Betcity, is Team Falcons, with odds of 1.43 for their victory, while Team Liquid's victory is at 2.80. Given the current disparity in levels between the teams, I am inclined to support the Middle Eastern squad. It's hard to see how Team Liquid could pull off a win here.

17.05.2024

Benjamin Carter

Expert

Ice Hockey

World - Championships

Odds: 1.74Stake: 5/10

Bet

At 14:20, the Group Stage match of the Ice Hockey World Championship will begin between two elite division teams. Enthusiasts of international hockey are looking forward to the clash between Great Britain and Denmark. Great Britain In the 20th century, the Great Britain team was among the best in the world and even became an Olympic champion. Recently, Great Britain is no longer considered a favourite for top positions. Currently, Great Britain is an average team yo-yoing between the elite and the first division. Last year, the Great Britain team took 1st place in the First Division and moved up among the elite. In the 2024 World Championship, Great Britain has played three official matches so far, showing weak results. The team hasn't scored any points in three matches and remains the only team with zero points in the current World Championship. In their first match of the World Championship, Great Britain played brilliantly against Canada, losing 4-2. In the other two matches against group favourites, they performed poorly, suffering heavy defeats. The team conceded eight goals against Finland and then lost 3-0 to Finland again. So far, Great Britain has zero points, which is understandable given the calibre of their opponents. They have four more matches to try and earn some points. Denmark The Denmark team has firmly established itself among the elite division participants of the World Championship and has even reached the quarter-finals a few times. The Scandinavian players have not been relegated from the elite division and almost repeated their success last year by reaching the quarter-finals. In the 2023 World Championship, Denmark ranked 5th in their group, losing to teams from Germany, Finland, Sweden, and the USA. They were just 4 points behind the German team. In the current World Championship, Denmark is not performing as successfully and is unlikely to compete for a quarter-final spot. After winning their first match against Austria, the Danish team hasn't gathered any more points. Victory over Austria can already be considered a success. Subsequent losses to Canada and the Czech Republic were no surprise. However, losing 2-0 to Norway was a major upset. Currently, Denmark is in 7th place in the standings, 3 points ahead of Great Britain. Head-to-Head Great Britain and Denmark have met in four official World Championship matches. In each encounter, Denmark proved to be the stronger side. Prediction Denmark will win in regulation time. Although Denmark hasn't been as good as last year in the current World Championship, they are not at risk of relegation. Great Britain is much weaker, considering the level and experience of their squad. Denmark will claim a confident victory with a margin of several goals.

17.05.2024

Benjamin Carter

Expert

Soccer

Turkey - Super League

Odds: 2.33Stake: 5/10

win

+6.7

On Friday, 17 May a clash in the Turkish Sper Lig will see İstanbulspor taking on Sivasspor. İstanbulspor The lads are merely rolling through the season, having already resigned themselves to relegation. Their recent form has been abysmal, suffering a thrashing 0-3 defeat to Trabzonspor, a 0-1 loss to Adana Demirspor, and a crushing 0-6 loss to Alanyaspor. They lack any motivation to put up a fight in this encounter. Sivasspor The visitors, on the other hand, have had a fairly stable season. European competition might be a stretch for them at this stage, but overpowering a relegation-bound team should not pose a problem. Their previous round didn't end well, as they lost to İstanbul Başakşehir 0-1 and were heavily defeated by Galatasaray 1-6. Nevertheless, the team generally looks strong and resilient. Head-to-Head Since 2022, the teams have faced each other four times. Sivasspor emerged victorious twice (1-0, 3-0), İstanbulspor won once (3-0), and one match ended in a draw (1-1). Prediction and Bet The visitors have secured their place in the division, but further advancement is unlikely due to point constraints. Given İstanbulspor's current dismal form, it makes sense to back a win for Sivasspor at 2.33 odds, which is quite a decent value.

17.05.2024

Liam Wright

Expert

Soccer

Italy - Serie A

Handicap1 (+1)

Odds: 1.59Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

On Saturday, 18 May, as part of Matchday 37 of the Italian Serie A, "Lecce" will host "Atalanta" on their home turf. Between a loss in the national cup final and a trip to Dublin for the decisive Europa League match, the Bergamo club will aim to cement their fifth position in the league standings, while the hosts have almost guaranteed their survival. Stadium The match will take place at the Via del Mare Stadium in Lecce. "Lecce" Occupying 13th place in the Serie A table and being five points above the relegation zone, "Lecce" has almost secured their stay in the top division. The Apulians went unbeaten for four matches (2 wins and 2 draws), distancing themselves from the relegation zone. However, last Monday, despite the support of their tifosi, they missed the chance to pull further away from direct competitors and lost to "Udinese" 0-2. In the first half, Lorenzo Lucca put the Zebras ahead, and after the break, Lazar Samardžić strengthened their advantage. Since the arrival of new head coach Luca Gotti, the hosts have lost just once in their last seven matches, which surely pleases fans; however, the team failed to score in four of their last six duels at Via del Marethe same number as in their previous 14. Overall, "Lecce" is only 15th in the overall standings in terms of points earned at home (24 in 18 matches, 17 goals scored, 25 conceded). "Atalanta" "Atalanta" holds 5th place in the Serie A table and, with a game in hand, is three points clear of sixth place. Thus, "La Dea" has every chance of participating in the upcoming Champions League. Last weekend, Gian Piero Gasperini's side took a crucial step towards this goal by defeating "Roma" 2-1. This triumph over the capital giant followed victories against "Monza" (2-1), "Empoli" (2-0), and "Salernitana" (2-1). However, last Wednesday, the Bergamasque disappointed their tifosi by capitulating in the national cup final to "Juventus" with a 0-1 score, with Duan Vlahović's goal at the very start of the match deciding everything. In the Europa League, "Atalanta" dismantled "Marseille" (4-1 on aggregate) and will face Bayer Leverkusen in the final. It is important to note that the guests are seventh in the overall standings in terms of points gained away from home (25 in 18 matches, 28 goals scored, 26 conceded). Key defender Kolainac and centre-back Holm are absent from Atalanta's squad. Head-to-head After suffering a 1-0 defeat in the December first-leg match, "Lecce" prevailed twice last season. Lecce vs Atalanta Prediction "Atalanta" has won three of their last four away matches in Serie A and stands a good chance of finishing in the Champions League zone. However, the Bergamasque have spent recent weeks in an energy-draining schedule and will likely be both emotionally and physically exhausted after the Coppa Italia final disappointment. "Lecce" will ensure their survival if they gain another point and will be motivated to perform well in front of their home crowd. I'm backing the underdog handicap at +1. Total Prediction In four of the last five head-to-head meetings, both teams have scored. The guests will likely not be in their best physical condition, but are more than capable of scoring. I'm betting on both teams to score. Corner Prediction With the support of the home crowd, the hosts won't remain on their half of the pitch and will regularly threaten the opponent's goal. I'm placing my bet on "Lecce" individual total corners over 3.5. Yellow Cards Prediction Both teams have not yet decided their goals for the current national campaign, so they wont treat the match lightly; I'm betting on the overall total bookings over 3.5. Score Prediction I'm predicting a 1-1 draw.

16.05.2024

Liam Wright

Expert

Ice Hockey

NHL

Under (6.5)

Odds: 1.81Stake: 5/10

win

+4.1

The Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers are set to face off tomorrow morning in Game 5 of the NHL Western Conference playoff series. Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are tied 2-2 in the series and are gearing up for Game 5. In Game 4, the team performed subpar for most of the game but managed to score two goals in the third period before conceding the winning goal with less than a minute remaining. Vancouver clinched the first game, giving them a shot at the conference final, standing two wins away from this goal. In the third period of Game 4, Vancouver rallied, netting two goals but conceded the winning goal in the last minute. The Canucks hope to secure a home victory to take the lead in the series. In the first period, the Canucks trailed 0-1. In the second period, they outshot the opponent 14-9, conceding another goal and trailing 0-2 after 40 minutes of play. In the third period, the Canucks scored two goals. Conor Garland scored his second playoff goal at the 6-minute mark, assisted by Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov. In the first round, the Canucks defeated the Nashville Predators in 6 games, despite frequent penalty kills. In the playoffs, Vancouver has successfully played from behind, but this strategy is risky against Edmonton. The Canucks score 2.70 goals per game, convert 20% of their power plays, and defend at 78.1% on the penalty kill. He noted that some players did not show the necessary level of play and doubts whether they understand the importance of the current situation. Elias Pettersson is also struggling in the series, with only two points in the playoffs, including one goal and three assists in 10 games. He expressed his desire to turn things around and perform better in the upcoming game. Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers aim to regain home-ice advantage after levelling the series 2-2 with a 3-2 victory over the Canucks in Game 4. Leon Draisaitl opened the scoring, netting the only goal of the first period. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins doubled Edmonton's lead in the second period. Vancouver tied the game, but just a minute later, Edmonton reclaimed the lead and secured the win. Calvin Pickard stopped 19 of the 21 shots he faced. Edmonton showcased resilience, scoring the game-winning goal through Evan Bouchard in the last minute after Vancouver equalised. The Oilers are known for their offensive prowess, scoring at least one power-play goal in each playoff game, but their defensive abilities were crucial in levelling the series. Edmonton's ability to limit Vancouver's opportunities in Game 4 helped veteran goalie Calvin Pickard secure a win in his first NHL playoff game. In Game 3, the Edmonton Oilers secured a 3-2 win, tying the series. Edmonton was leading 2-0 in the third period but allowed Vancouver to tie the game before scoring the game-winning goal with a minute left. In this series, the Oilers have struggled to maintain a full 60 minutes of play: in the first game, they blew a 4-1 lead, and then faced challenges in every game of the series. Edmonton won Game 2 with a 4-3 score and defeated the Los Angeles Kings in the first round in 5 games. Prediction for the Vancouver Canucks - Edmonton Oilers Match With each game, the stakes rise higher, and I will once again bet on the total goals under 6.5. It's too high a total for such a crucial game in the series; no one will be taking risks.

16.05.2024

Liam Wright

Expert

Soccer

Italy - Serie A

Draw

Odds: 3.26Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

On Saturday, 18 May, as part of the 37th round of the Italian Serie A, Torino will meet with Milan. Securing the second spot in the standings, Stefano Pioli's team has no concrete motivation for the remaining matches, while the Bulls still have a shot at finishing in the European competition zone. Stadium The match will take place in Turin at the Olimpico Stadium. Torino Torino is used to languishing in the lower part of the standings, but this season the team is eager to break this trend. The Piedmont team is currently in 10th place in Serie A, yet their chances of making it to European competitions remain slim (one more game played and three points behind Fiorentina in 8th place). Last weekend, Ivan Juric's men won 2-1 against crisis-stricken Verona, breaking a five-match winless streak in the league (three draws and two losses). After a goalless first half, the Mastiffs took the lead in the 67th minute through Swiderski, but Savva and Pellegri's late goals secured the victory for the Bulls. It is noteworthy that in 2024, the hosts have conceded just two goals in nine home matchesfewer than any other team in the divisionand their total of 15 goals conceded at home is the best in the current Serie A season. Meanwhile, the white-and-brown team is only ninth in the overall home performance standings, with 30 points from 18 matches. Milan Though Milan exited the scudetto race early this season, the club has already secured second place in the standings and a spot in the Champions League. The Rossoneri had a commendable second half of the campaign but started to slow down in the spring. The visitors went four rounds without a win (three draws and one loss), but their winless streak ended last weekend with a convincing 5-1 victory over Cagliari. Goals came from Bennacer, Pulisic (brace), Reijnders, and Leao. Notably, since the beginning of the year, Stefano Pioli's side has scored at least three times in half of the 18 league gamesonly Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal have done so more often among Europe's top five leagues. However, their defence has been less reliable, securing only one clean sheet in the last six matches across all competitions. Milan performs excellently away from home, earning 35 points in 18 away matches (the second-best record in the division): scoring 37 goals and conceding 29. Head-to-Head In the first-round match, Milan thrashed their opponent 4-1 at home. However, the visitors have won only once in the last ten head-to-head encounters on Torino's turf. Match Prediction: Torino vs Milan Stefano Piolis side has already secured the silver medals in the league and will play the remaining two rounds without any standings motivation. The same cannot be said for the Bulls, who still harbour hopes of finishing in the European competition zone. The hosts have performed very well at home this season and concede rarely, thus betting on the white-and-brown team to avoid defeat seems sensible. Total Goals Prediction This year, only the newly crowned champions Inter have scored more away goals than Milan20, but Torino rarely allows opponents to run riot at their own ground and concedes very few. Im betting on the overall total goals being under 3. Corner Prediction Torino seldom allows opponents to create dangerous moments near their own goal at home, making it reasonable to bet on the Bulls' Individual Total Under (ITU) 5.5 corners. Yellow Cards Prediction Both teams average around two yellow cards per game, so I'll bet on the overall total of cards being under 4.5. Score Prediction I'll bet on a 0-0 draw in favour of Torino.

16.05.2024

Liam Wright

Expert

Basketball

NBA

Minnesota Timberwolves

Odds: 2.17Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

Minnesota Timberwolves will host the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals tomorrow morning. Minnesota Timberwolves The Minnesota Timberwolves, having suffered a defeat at the hands of the Denver Nuggets in Game 5, are fighting to stay alive in the series. Karl-Anthony Towns put up 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Rudy Gobert added 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks, shooting a perfect 7 out of 7. Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in with 14 points and 5 assists. Overall, the Timberwolves shot 48 percent from the field but only 8 of 26 from the three-point line, struggling to find their rhythm offensively. Anthony Edwards managed just 18 points after a slow start. How does Minnesota feel after the latest performance by Jokic? Anthony Edwards noted that Jokic showcased why he is the MVP and the best player in the NBA. The Timberwolves must find a way to contain Jokic to force a Game 7 on Sunday in Denver. Minnesota's starting centre, Rudy Gobert, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, mentioned that the team needs to maintain a positive attitude. Their psychological approach will be as crucial as the coaches' tactics. The team was too demoralised in the second half of Tuesday's game, which cannot happen again. Denver Nuggets The Denver Nuggets, having lost the first two games of the series, bounced back with three consecutive wins to seize a 3-2 series lead. On Tuesday evening, the Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-97. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets' resurgence with 40 points on an efficient 15-of-22 shooting and has tallied 99 points across the last three games. Coach Michael Malone presented the team with ESPN analysts comments declaring the series almost over after the first two games. In response, the Nuggets outplayed the Timberwolves by an average of 16.7 points per game. Malone emphasised the significant effort required to come back in the series and that the team was prepared for it. The Nuggets registered 30 assists, indicating excellent ball movement. They played exceptional defence, scoring 18 points in the second quarter and 38 points in the third, widening the gap to 18 points. Michael Porter Jr. struggled, scoring just 6 points on 2-of-10 shooting, but the Nuggets received a boost from Gordon and Christian Braun, who scored 10 points off the bench. Jokic received his third MVP trophy before the game and validated it with his ensuing performance, amassing 40 points and fully controlling the offensive flow. In games where he faced difficulties, like Game 1 where he had 7 turnovers, his impact was diminished. Match Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets It was anticipated that Denver would demonstrate their championship character and close out the Wolves in a home game. Given that Denver secured the initial games on the road, expect them to finish the series in 6 games. Edwards, despite his talent, lacks the experience required for such crucial matches, and even if he scores 30, support from the rest of the somewhat inconsistent Minnesota stars might not be adequate.

16.05.2024

Liam Wright

Expert

Ice Hockey

NHL

Odds: 2.39Stake: 5/10

win

+7.0

The sixth game of the Stanley Cup playoffs quarter-final series, featuring Eastern Conference rivals, will kick off. Night hockey enthusiasts can expect a thrilling clash between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Rangers. Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes participated in 82 official regular-season games of the 2023-2024 NHL season. Carolina tallied up 111 points from these 82 games, securing the 2nd spot in the Eastern Conference standings. The regular season demonstrated that Carolina boasts a quality roster capable of competing for the highest positions. For a period, Carolina led the Eastern Conference, but over the duration, they proved slightly weaker than their New York rivals. Ultimately, Carolina finished 2nd in the Eastern Conference, 3 points behind the Rangers. Securing the second place allowed Carolina to face the Islanders, who had a subpar season and performed poorly in the playoffs. Carolina triumphed over the Islanders in 5 games and advanced to the second round, where they faced more significant challenges against a stronger opponent. Currently, the series score against the Rangers is 3-2. Carolina was on the brink of elimination, but thanks to two consecutive wins, they clawed back into the series and now have a shot at the semi-finals. New York Rangers The New York Rangers played in 82 official regular-season games of the 2023-2024 NHL season. Over these 82 games, the Rangers amassed 114 points, clinching the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. During the 2023-2024 season, the Rangers showcased themselves as an excellent team with a formidable roster, capable of outperforming most rivals over the long haul. Although they weren't leading the Eastern Conference for some time, the Rangers managed to surpass all their competitors. Eventually, the Rangers finished first in the Eastern Conference, 3 points ahead of Carolina. The Rangers' success in the regular season enabled them to face a weaker and inconsistent Washington team in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The capital's team couldn't put up much resistance. The 4-0 series score underscored the Rangers' dominance. However, the second round hasn't been as straightforward for the Rangers. Initially, they secured three consecutive victories and were gearing up for the semi-finals but got a bit complacent, allowing Carolina to bounce back into the series. The Rangers need just one more win to advance to the semi-finals. Head-to-Head Encounters Carolina and the Rangers have faced off in 74 official matches. The Rangers have claimed 49 victories, while Carolina triumphed in 25 games. Total Prediction The Rangers' individual total over (ITO) will be more than 2 goals. Prediction The Rangers will win in regulation time. Although the Rangers have lost the last two games, their performance has been commendable. The New York team needs to play stricter defence and capitalise on scoring opportunities. It's time for the Rangers to put on a disciplined display rather than focusing on flashy play, aiming strictly for the win.

16.05.2024