European Tour 5- European Darts Grand Prix Day 1 Picks 2026 (Friday 17th April)

The European Tour heads back to Germany across this weekend where the European Darts Grand Prix will be played.

Some of the top Premier League contenders are preparing to join the party in the Second Round, but the top two Ranked players in the world are both missing. Once again this will feel like it opens the door for others, although there are plenty in the kind of form to believe they would be able to knock off Luke Humphries while he continues to find a way to lose matches he should win.

The First Round at this European Tour event is going to be played across two Sessions on Friday before the entire Second Round is concluded on Saturday.

In all likelihood, the winner of this tournament is expected to be starting on Saturday, but don't tell that to players like Wessel Nijman, Niels Zonneveld and Kevin Doets who have been putting together strong form in the lead up to European Tour 5.

Kevin Doets - 2.5 legs v Jurgen van der Velde: The aforementioned Kevin Doets should have too much for Jurgen van der Velde in the First Round in Germany and back up the Players Championship win over this opponent.

He had two solid outings at those Players Championship events held earlier this week and Kevin Doets also reached the Semi Final of European Tour 4 having produced some quality darts.

All of the momentum is with him and that makes Doets dangerous going into this weekend, but he has to make sure he is switched on against his fellow Dutchman.

Jurgen van der Velde is outside of the top 100 in the World Rankings and has struggled for consistency over the last couple of months.

Some of his averages have been really sub-standard and Kevin Doets should be able to overpower him.

Andrew Gilding - 1.5 legs v Paul Krohne: You don't always know what you're going to get out of Andrew Gilding, but he reached the Third Round at the last European Tour event played and has also had a run into the Players Championship Semi Final earlier this week.

That should mean Goldfinger is pretty confident with the darts being thrown, although overlooking Paul Krohne would be a mistake.

Strong doubling helped Krohne upset Cameron Menzies in the last European Tour event and he gave Josh Rock a scare, but he is not as experienced as Gilding and that could be important.

Recent improvements in the form certainly makes Andrew Gilding the right favourite and he may have just enough to push through to the Second Round without needing a deciding Leg.

Dirk van Duijvenbode & Kim Huybrechts both over 2.5 180s: This is one of the last matches heading out in the Evening Session and it could be a cracker.

Germany may be hosting, but there should be plenty of noise being made for a Dutchman and a Belgian in this First Round shoot out.

Kim Huybrechts has certainly been showing signs of getting back into the form that pushed him into the upper echelons of the World Rankings and he had four wins in Players Championship settings earlier this week. He reached the Third Round at the last European Tour event and may have felt he could have won that match against Jonny Clayton, but the confidence will have improved and Huybrechts has been peppering the treble.

That is always the case for Dirk van Duijvenbode who is looking to bounce back having lost three matches in a row.

Maximum hitting is rarely the issue, but the World Number 27 could be a vulnerable favourite in this one.

When they met earlier in the year at the Players Championship, nine Legs were played and Dirk van Duijvenbode came through with the victory. Notably both crashed in a lot of maximums in that match and Kim Huybrechts perhaps deserves the nod as the underdog if he can compete in the scoring department as he has been in recent outngs.

Daryl Gurney to win & over 1.5 180s v Oskar Lukasiak: He is still up at World Number 23, but Daryl Gurney has been struggling for consistency and that always makes him a tough player to read.

This First Round match is very winnable, especially against an opponent who has lost every Players Championship match played this year and both at the World Masters.

Only at the UK Open did Oskar Lukasiak find a winning feeling, but there is no doubt he is struggling and that should see the Northern Irishman bull his way through to the Second Round.

In the Players Championship 10 tournament on Tuesday, Daryl Gurney had nine maximums in two matches played and he can produce at least two on his way past his Swedish opponent in the penultimate match of the Evening Session.

MY PICKS: Kevin Doets - 2.5 Legs @ 2.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Andrew Gilding - 1.5 Legs @ 2.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Dirk van Duijvenbode-Kim Huybrechts Over 2.5 180s Each @ 2.20 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Daryl Gurney to Win & Over 1.5 180s @ 2.05 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Darts 2026: 48-71, - 14.08 Units (116 Units Staked, - 12.14% Yield)

Tennis Picks 2026 (Friday 17th April)

The Quarter Final matches at the four big events being played this week have all been scheduled for action on Friday, but there are only two selections from the matches available.

After a 3-0 start to the week, the hope is that these two selections can continue the positive start to the clay court season.

One of those comes from  the ATP 500 tournament being played in Barcelona and the other from the WTA 500 tournament in Stuttgart.

Some of the top contenders for the French Open title can lay down an early marker at these 500 events, although there are still bigger events to be played in Madrid and Rome at the 1000 level.

However, as mentioned earlier this week, the Masters event in Madrid tends to have a very different feel to the other events during this European clay court run and may be one to keep a watching brief before the Rome event and the last run up into the second Grand Slam of the season.

Rafael Jodar - 3.5 games v Cameron Norrie: It was never going to be easy being the next player to break through in British Tennis during the Andy Murray era, but Cameron Norrie has put together a strong career. He continues to be a brilliant competitor every time he steps onto the court and there is something to be said about that.

At his peak, Cameron Norrie reached World Number 8, while he reached the second week at all of the Grand Slam events with his best effort being a Semi Final run at Wimbledon in 2022. This is an all-court player who reached the French Open Fourth Round for the first time just last year and Cameron Norrie has battled through a couple of Rounds to reach the Quarter Final here in Barcelona this week.

Later this year, Cameron Norrie is turning 31 and there was a feeling several months ago that his best tennis was now behind him.

No one will suggest this is a flashy player, but Norrie will grind every time he steps on the court and his numbers are pretty similar across the surfaces.

Cameron Norrie serves well enough on the clay courts and will get himself into the return rallies to remain dangerous, and the veteran is sure to have learned plenty out of the one-sided defeat suffered to Rafael Jodar on the hard courts of Acapulco in February.

On that day, the young Spaniard won 82% of his service points played and broke the Cameron Norrie serve three times and Rafael Jodar has continued his 2026 form on the clay courts with two solid wins at this event.

That comes after winning a title in Bucharest at an ATP 250 level and Jodar has looked comfortable at this 500 level, although he will respect the fact that he is facing the highest Ranked opponent on this surface so far this season.

Rafael Jodar was not at his very best in the Second Round, but he continues to serve really effectively and that is allowing him to build real pressure on the return. Those numbers on that side of the court are really impressive and it feels like the 19 year old is going to have enough to get past Cameron Norrie.

It should be closer than the meeting in Acapulco now that Norrie has had a proper look at the opponent, but Rafael Jodar is on track to really move up the World Rankings and this is a surface that should favour him to enough of an extent to earn the win and the over of the spread set.

Coco Gauff - 3.5 games v Karolina Muchova: The French Open Final was played in some incredibly difficult conditions, but credit has to be given to Coco Gauff for holding it together for longer than Aryna Sabalenka to win that Grand Slam in 2025.

She has long been very comfortable on the clay courts and Coco Gauff would have been confident of winning the French Open after recent experiences on the surface. Last year, Gauff put together another impressive year on the clay, although the one poor tournament was right here in Stuttgart.

A comfortable win in the Second Round will have given Coco Gauff early momentum and she is going to be happy with the match up in this Quarter Final.

Karolina Muchova is a former French Open Finalist, but she has not played too much clay court tennis over the last couple of years.

That takes away nothing from the ability Muchova has shown to play on all courts, but she has lost all six Tour meetings against Coco Gauff and this has proven to be a difficult opponent to work out.

Karolina Muchova has put together two solid wins in Stuttgart, but she has simply not been able to impose her serve on Coco Gauff in those previous six matches. That is going to be even tougher to achieve on the clay courts, while the World Number 3 has to be credited for getting more out of the first serve on this surface.

This could become an awkward spread where the line currently stands.

However, Coco Gauff's comfort on the clay courts gives her every chance of maintaining the advantage over Karolina Muchova with another win over this opponent.

MY PICKS: Rafael Jodar - 3.5 Games @ 1.80 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Coco Gauff - 3.5 Games @ 1.83 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Weekly Update: 3-0, + 2.54 Units (3 Units Staked, + 84.67% Yield)

Boxing Picks 2021- Demetrius Andrade vs Liam Williams (April 17th)

It was another really strong weekend of Boxing last time out and the 147 pound Division will feel they have got a couple of new stars ready to make a much bigger impact than they have already.

Jaron Ennis feels like a genuine World contender and has stepped up again without breaking a sweat, while Conor Benn will be looking for a big name to make a statement against having become the quickest Boxer to get rid of Samuel Vargas who has been in with some of the top names in and around the Division.

Both will be tough to match up next and I am looking forward to seeing both back out there, while Joe Smith Jr did just enough to edge past Maxim Vlasov in what was a really close Light Heavyweight World Title bout. Some may have thought about a rematch, but I think the American will be looking for Unification fights going forward with the main aim being the contest with Artur Beterbiev.

There is plenty more to come this weekend and the weeks and months ahead with some top Boxing nights already lined up.

This week it is the turn of Liam Williams to represent Britain in a big fight Stateside as he looks to become a Middleweight World Champion and he certainly sounds confident against an unbeaten Title holder. A good decision looks to have been made to have that starting in the afternoon/early evening in Florida which means the fans in the UK can watch the fight at a decent time rather than the early hours of Sunday morning and I am looking forward to settling for what could be a really good Championship bout.

Arthur Biyarslanov vs Israel Mercado

Two unbeaten Lightweight fighters meet on the undercard in Florida and I think this Eight Rounder could be a very good one.

There are some high hopes for 25 year old Canadian Arthur Biyarslanov who has won all seven professional bouts having decided to move on from the amateur scene when the Tokyo Olympics were postponed for a year. Six of the seven wins have come inside the distance and only opponent has gotten out of the Third Round (although he was also the one that heard the final bell).

Now Biyarslanov continues his development by taking on American Israel Mercado who has won all nine previous bouts- the first seven came inside the distance, but Mercado has used the cards to beat his last two opponents. Both of those were unbeaten at the time of the bout and Israel Mercado has also done the full Eight Rounds which may see the American look to push Arthur Biyarslanov further than he has been as a professional and test the gas tank.

Even then this feels a step up for Mercado and I do think Arthur Biyarslanov is further along in his development and can show his superior skills before finishing this fight.

No one should dispute the experiences that Israel Mercado has having been an amateur too and fighting Teofimo Lopez in the unpaid ranks, but Arthur Biyarslanov can win what may develop into something like a firefight.

I think Israel Mercado will have his moments, but Matchroom have some high hopes for Arthur Biyarslanov and I think he will be looking to make a statement on a big card. After some back and forth, I think Biyarslanov will work into a position to land some punishing shots to close the show before the final bell.

Mahammadrasul Majidov vs Andrey Fedosov

At 34 years old there isn't a lot of time for Mahammadrasul Majidov to really build his record in the pro ranks if he is going to fight for a World Heavyweight Title.

He has plenty of experience which has to be respected, but Majidov can't afford to stick around and has to look at Joe Joyce as the best approach to his career if he is going to get into a top position as soon as possible and while still something close to his prime.

Three wins have come via stoppage, but this is another step up for Majidov as he takes on Andrey Fedosov who has had thirty-four professional fights and has won seven in a row. While not an elite gatekeeper, Fedosov has shown he can challenge those who are not ready for the next step on the ladder towards the top of the Division and in those seven straight wins he has beaten three Boxers who have suffered just a sole defeat on their record.

However, Andrey Fedosov has not fought in two and a half years and I do wonder if that ring rustiness is going to show up for a Boxer who has lost just three times and only been stopped once. Even that came on cuts rather than a KO/TKO against Bryant Jennings and the American is the biggest name on the record that Fedosov has faced.

I expect he will challenge Mahammadrasul Majidov who has not needed to hear the bell for the Fifth Round in any of his wins, but who has not ripped through opponents as quickly as a relative novice professional would have. That may be partly down to the level of competition that Majidov has been thrown in with already and I do think this going to be a test for him despite the strong amateur pedigree.

I certainly don't think Andrey Fedosov is going to lie down, but the lack of time in the ring may leave the Russian vulnerable. If Mahammadrasul Majidov can quickly get into rhythm, I do think he will have too much for Fedosov and is likely to finish this opponent off the quickest out of anyone the Russian has faced in his career.

We may still be waiting to hear the bell for the Fifth Round in a Majidov pro fight by the end of this Heavyweight contest.

Carlos Gongora vs Christopher Pearson

The upset win over Ali Akhmedov back in December helped Carlos Gongora maintain his unbeaten record and also saw the Super Middleweight IBO World Champion earn a promotional deal with Matchroom.

This is a tough Division headed up by Canelo Alvarez, but the rest of the World Titles look to be tied up in the weeks and months ahead so it is up to Carlos Gongora to begin to position himself for those big fights in 2022. Not many will be looking to take on an unbeaten southpaw off their own back and so Gongora has joined a solid promotional team who can build his profile through the remainder of the year after a big win.

In saying all that, Gongora has not exactly mixed it with a lot of top names and so there is work for him to do to show that he should be pushed ahead to take on some of the elite in the Super Middleweight Division.

I think that is what he is set to do on the undercard in Florida as the chief support to the main event- Carlos Gongora has been paired up with Christopher Pearson who has not had a bout since winning a WBC Latino Middleweight Title in May 2019 and that inactivity is a real concern, not to mention the fact that this is at 168 not the 160 limit.

The American has an amateur pedigree, but his pro record is underwhelming and I think the long lay off does nothing for him. Another southpaw, Christopher Pearson could be a little awkward, but you would imagine that Carlos Gongora is being set to produce some fireworks on this undercard so he can move into a position to call out some of the top names in and around his Division.

Activity and a power edge look to be Gongora and he can end this Championship bout at some point before we hear the bell for the Seventh.

Demetrius Andrade vs Liam Williams

A Boxing career is not a long one and you do have to take the opportunities you get when they come up, but Demetrius Andrade has perhaps not benefited from the fact that he has an awkward style and one that has rarely seen him pushed by an opponent.

That means the American has yet to really have the kind of eye-catching win that a fighter of his quality should have had.

Looking through the Andrade resume and you would likely say his best wins have been Vanes Martirosyan, Jack Culcay and Maciej Sulecki, but none of those opponents would have fans clamouring for Demetrius Andrade to be involved in some bigger fights. He has been unfortunate having missed the chance to fight Billy Joe Saunders for the indiscretions of the latter rather than Andrade's own fault, but it is hard to imagine the other 160 pound Champions really looking in his direction.

Demetrius Andrade has a chance to at least get people sitting up and taking notice when he takes on Liam Williams who has been motoring ever since he moved up to Middleweight. The Welsh fighter has two losses on his resume to Liam Smith and you do have to wonder if this is going to be a step too far again, but the performances at 160 pounds have been highly encouraging and he has momentum.

Liam Williams has stopped seven straight opponents since losing the rematch to Liam Smith and only one of those opponents have managed to reach the second half of the scheduled Rounds. The win over Atlantez Fox was vastly more impressive than Demetrius Andrade's over the common opponent and Williams will be confident knowing that the Champion has felt the canvas a couple of times before.

However, I think the longer, taller Demetrius Andrade has the skills to at least counter his opponent effectively, although he is going to have to ride out some stormy moments. I simply don't think Liam Williams knows how to slow down and he will bring it all night, but Demetrius Andrade should be able to pick him off and start to break down the forward charging opponent over the distance.

In saying that, I can't help feel that Liam Williams will make this a fight rather than a chess match and taking chances could see him become vulnerable the longer it goes on. It is his best chance of winning too though and I do think Williams is going to have his moments against someone who may not be prepared for the willingness of the Welshman to take one to land one through this contest and it could be a really fun Championship fight.

Showing some vulnerability may not hurt Demetrius Andrade in the long-term in a winning effort, and I think he will be hurt at some points. However, I think he will also hurt Williams and the final bell and judges may not be required in a good looking World Title fight.

Danny Dignum vs Andrey Sirotkin

The WBO European Middleweight Title is on the line when Danny Dignum takes on Andrey Sirotkin in Bolton and these two have a single loss between them, that coming for the latter in a tough defeat to John Ryder.

The winner will be looking upwards at bigger and better opportunities, but this is anything but an easy fight to call.

Danny Dignum is the unbeaten Champion and the stoppage wins over Conrad Cummings and Alfredo Meli have to be respected- Cummings had twice been the distance with Luke Keeler who ended up having a World Title bid come up short, while Meli had been unbeaten before being stopped too.

However, Andrey Sirotkin is another step up from those wins and his performance against John Ryder shows what the Russian is capable of at a good level. Andrey Sirotkin has posted four wins in a row since that defeat in his last visit to England and I do think he will be testing Dignum.

It could be a really good, fun fight on Saturday evening, but I think Danny Dignum is awkward and he also should have a touch more power than Sirotkin which may prove to be the difference on the night.

This is a loaded Division domestically, let alone going further to the World stage, but Danny Dignum can begin to think about the likes of Denzil Bentley and Felix Cash if he can win this one. Those two fight next week and Dignum could target the winner, although he will want to impress against a solid fighter like Andrey Sirotkin.

I think it will be a back and forth early, but Dignum has shown his power can last through the Rounds and even in a Ten Rounder he might find the punches to end this one inside the distance. The stoppage over Alfredo Meli came late after Danny Dignum put the pressure on in the second half of the contest and a small interest in him doing the same against a solid opponent like Andrey Sirotkin is the call.

This will be arguably one of the more fun fights of the evening's action across the UK and United States.

MY PICKS: Arthur Biyarslanov to Win by KO/TKO/Disqualification @ 2.50 Bet365 (2 Units)

Mahammadrasul Majidov to Win Between 1-4 @ 1.80 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Carlos Gongora to Win Between 1-6 @ 2.30 Paddy Power (2 Units)

Demetrius Andrade-Liam Williams Fight to Go Distance- NO @ 2.10 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Danny Dignum to Win Between 6-10 @ 8.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Regis Prograis to Win Between 1-5 @ 1.91 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Tony Harrison to Win by KO/TKO/Disqualification @ 1.83 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Boxing 2021: 12-24, - 9.66 Units (70 Units Staked, - 13.80% Yield)

Monte Carlo Masters Tennis Picks 2019 (April 17th)

I will be honest with you- I have no plans to ever select Fernando Verdasco again in my Tennis Picks after his defeat to Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the Monte Carlo First Round on Tuesday.

That was a low point, but big performances from Juan Ignacio Londero and Borna Coric when both players were behind the black ball at least meant another winning day for the Picks.

Juan Ignacio Londero ultimately came up short in his match, but covered as the underdog, while Borna Coric came back from a set and a break down to win his match and move through to the Third Round.

On Wednesday we have another busy day as the remainder of the Second Round is played before a packed Thursday will see the Third Round completed. Hopefully I can keep the good times rolling this week in Monte Carlo on what is going to be one of the busier days of the weeks both on the courts at the tournament and also for my Tennis Picks. This is going to be a pivotal day which could determine which may the week goes in terms of wins-losses, but I have something to build upon and am looking for another positive return.


Stefanos Tsitsipas - 4.5 games v Mikhail Kukushkin: There are a lot of positives around Stefanos Tsitsipas that you can read about after strong runs in some of the hard court tournaments that have been played in 2019. I have no doubt he is one of the potential stars of the ATP Tour in the years to come, but Tsitsipas still has plenty of room to improve.

His hard court numbers have not been dominant, but the 'x' factor has allowed Tsitsipas to win matches that he perhaps should not have. It has been one of the main reasons I have not really backed the young Greek star in too many matches so far this season, but a return to the clay courts should be a real positive for him after Tsitsipas reached the Final in Barcelona and the Semi Final in Estoril in 2018.

The serve was a potent weapon for Tsitsipas in 2018 on the clay courts and he held 85% of the service games played. That is a very strong number on the surface and Tsitsipas also managed to get a little more out of his return of serve on the clay courts than he has in his general yearly performance. Stefanos Tsitsipas has broken in just under 25% of the return games played on the clay courts in 2018 and that is significantly higher than the sub-20% overall break numbers.

I am also backing Tsitsipas to cover in this one because he is facing Mikhail Kukushkin who has not really enjoyed playing on the clay courts. The win over Jeremy Chardy in the First Round was a very good one for Kukushkin, but he has been erratic behind serve and that does put him under pressure in matches on this surface.

The head to head with Tsitsipas does not make very good reading for Kukushkin who has lost both of their previous matches against each other and on the hard courts where he may have felt he has his best chances of beating the youngster. The struggles on the return of serve is a real issue for Kukushkin and I think that could be the case in this Second Round match too.

In their previous matches Kukushkin has broken in under 4% of return games compared with Tsitsipas doing the same in 22% of return games. Add in the surface factor which should tip the scale a little further in favour of the younger player and I think Tsitsipas can be backed to cover what is a big number.

A first match on the clay courts for Tsitsipas is a concern, but I think he will enjoy being back on the red dirt and can beat an opponent who has not found his best tennis consistently on this surface.


Marton Fucsovics - 2.5 games v Cameron Norrie: Both of these players earned solid wins in the First Round to move through to what they will perceive to be a winnable Second Round match. Marton Fucsovics missed a host of break point chances, but came through a third set in his win over Nikoloz Basilashvili, while Cameron Norrie comfortably dismissed veteran Adrian Mannarino who has been struggling for form.

I do think there is every reason for both players to be feeling good about their tennis, but my edge is with Fucsovics who looks to be the superior clay court player at this time compared with British hope Cameron Norrie.

In 2018 Fucsovics won a title in Geneva on the clay courts, but his serve can be vulnerable at times. It was a strong weapon for him in the First Round, but Fucsovics only held 73% of his service games last season on the clay courts and he will have to be better if he is going to defend the points he earned during this part of the season twelve months ago.

Where Fucsovics could have a slight edge over Cameron Norrie is on the return of serve as he broke serve in 31% of return games and that is slightly superior to what the British player has been able to do. I do think Fucsovics will be able to put Norrie under some pressure in this one, but Norrie will also feel he is good enough to challenge the Fucsovics serve and it could make things a little closer than I initially felt.

However I also think Norrie has benefited from playing the big points very well in his matches on the clay courts and that sees him save plenty of break points. It may be more difficult to do that against Fucsovics considering how he has been able to return on the clay courts and I can't see the Hungarian struggling as badly as he did in the First Round when it comes to converting those chances.

It may need three sets to separate these players, but I think Fucsovics can edge out Norrie and I will look for him to cover the number.


Grigor Dimitrov - 2.5 games v Jan-Lennard Struff: Two years ago Jan-Lennard Struff came from a set down to upset Grigor Dimitrov at this tournament and I think that is a slight factor in the prices for this Second Round match.

I will be the first to admit that I find backing Grigor Dimitrov a chore as he is one of the more overrated players on the Tour. A high profile players is going to get his backers and I think the layers recognise that and many times I find him underpriced, but this may be a rare occasion on which he is perhaps a little underrated.

A solid win over Matteo Berrettini helped Dimitrov into the Second Round and in three of the last four seasons he has produced very similar numbers on the clay courts. In the most part the serve has been producing around a 78% hold mark and Dimitrov is breaking in the low 20's in terms of percentages which has made him a solid if unspectacular player on the surface.

Now he has to face an opponent in Struff who has been comfortable on the clay courts but struggled for consistency. The numbers do take a dent when he has played opponents Ranked in the top 50 of the World Rankings and Struff is only 5-13 when facing an opponent Ranked between Number 21 and Number 50 in the World.

In those matches Struff has held around 72% of service games, but the real problem has been earning the breaks of serve which has seen Struff earn the game on the opponent's serve in 16% of return games. I do think he will be up for this match with Dimitrov and if the Bulgarian is slightly off his game he will have big problems, but Struff is going to find it tough to back up the win over Denis Shapovalov in the First Round.

There have been matches where Jan-Lennard Struff can play tennis at a level that is far higher than his Number 44 World Ranking and he is set for a career best Ranking. That has to be respected, but I am going to look for Dimitrov to edge out this opponent and move through to the Third Round to be played on Thursday.

MY PICKS: Stefanos Tsitsipas - 4.5 Games @ 2.10 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Marton Fucsovics - 2.5 Games @ 1.72 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Grigor Dimitrov - 2.5 Games @ 2.10 Bet Fred (2 Units)
Daniil Medvedev - 3.5 Games @ 1.85 William Hill (2 Units)
Alexander Zverev - 2.5 Games @ 1.80 Bet365 (2 Units)
Gilles Simon @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
David Goffin - 4.5 Games @ 2.00 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Martin Klizan + 4.5 Games @ 1.91 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Monte Carlo Update: 4-1, + 5.08 Units (10 Units Staked, + 50.80% Yield)

Midweek Football Picks 2019 (April 16-18)

Forgive me, but I am still trying to get over the terrible Fantasy Week I experienced as pretty much every decision I made for my team was the wrong one.

I'll get back to that on Friday when the next Weekend Football thread comes out along with my Fantasy selections for GW35, but this thread is concentrating on the Quarter Final matches to be played in the Champions League and Europa League this week.

Most of the Second Legs to come over the next three days are finely balanced and even the ties that look like there is a real advantage for one of the teams are far from over considering what we have seen in European competition throughout this season.

You can read my thoughts on the four Champions League fixtures and the two Europa League fixtures involving the English clubs below.


Barcelona v Manchester United Pick: The First Leg of this Quarter Final was an interesting game, but Manchester United had to feel disappointed they were not able to test a Barcelona team who are not as strong as previous editions. It does feel the best chance of winning the tie would have been at Old Trafford, but Manchester United have won at big away grounds in the Champions League this season including a stunning 1-3 win in Paris to make it through to the Quarter Final.

That is something that may be on the minds of the Barcelona players, but they will also know they are a much more secure team than Paris Saint-Germain from a mental point of view. Where Paris Saint-Germain have something of a reputation for being potential chokers, Barcelona are unbeaten in 30 Champions League home games and have won 27 of them.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is right to say this is a bigger challenge than winning in Paris despite the closer nature of the scoreline from the First Leg. Ultimately Barcelona are not known to blow leads like the one they have and they are a different beast at home compared with their travels.

Manchester United have won in Paris and Turin during their Champions League run and scored at least twice in both games so there is hope. The performances in recent weeks tempers some of the enthusiasm though and it would be a huge surprise if they can turn up the level after struggling in recent games to really impose themselves.

They key will be to stay in this one as long as possible and hope to exploit nerves for a team that have not reached the Champions League Semi Final since winning the trophy in 2015. It just sounds too far fetched here and as much as I would LOVE to be wrong again (like I was in the Second Leg in the last Round), I can only see Barcelona taking the lead and this time exploiting spaces that Manchester United will inevitably have to leave behind to get back into the tie.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have taken some thumping defeats in visits to the Nou Camp in the last three years and it could be the turn of Manchester United this week.


Juventus v Ajax Pick: The majority of the First Leg of this Champions League Quarter Final was dominated by Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena, but I think Juventus will be far the happier with the 1-1 draw that gives them a slight edge in the tie.

I think there will have to be some wariness of what Ajax are capable of doing when Juventus take in the 1-4 win the Dutch club had at Real Madrid in the Second Round, but being back at home should be a big comfort for the Italian Champions.

The team should be fresh with many being rested for the 2-1 loss at SPAL this past weekend and Juventus have been scoring plenty of goals at home. However they have been far from invulnerable here in the Champions League with 2 losses from their last 5 games played in this competition.

Ajax play with the freedom of youth which makes them very dangerous and they will believe they can score at least one goal that that they need to give themselves a chance of progressing. Balancing attack and defence will be the key and Ajax can't expect Juventus to defend anywhere near as poorly as Real Madrid did in the Last 16.

I do think they will have chances, but Ajax will also have to take risks and Juventus have been scoring goals for fun in front of their own fans. I do think there will be a situation where Juventus are able to expose their visitors on the counter attack to confirm their place in the Semi Final and the Ajax upsets end here.

All respect to Ajax for reaching the Quarter Final against the odds and for some of their performances to get to this Stage. However this may be just a step too far despite the draw in Bayern Munich and win in Real Madrid and I will back Juventus to win a game featuring two or more goals.


Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur Pick: The First Leg was a real tactical battle between Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino, although I do think some of the criticism of the former was unwarranted. Of course he had to expect that Manchester City lost the First Leg, but it was almost a perfect performance in which Guardiola's team missed a penalty and were punished for one lapse of concentration.

A lack of an away goal is an issue here, but I think Manchester City will still be confident having had 3 straight wins over Tottenham Hotspur before the defeat last week. They were arguably the better team and Manchester City have won 12 in a row at home where they are not conceding too many goals.

It does feel like another tactical battle will develop as Tottenham Hotspur look to use the pace of the likes of Heung-Min Son and Lucas Moura to get the better of Manchester City. They will be looking to sit in and defend effectively and Mauricio Pochettino will be very much aware of how crucial an away goal could be for his team.

Pep Guardiola will know the same and, unlike twelve months ago, I don't think he will be pushing his team for the fast start they needed to try and overturn the 3-0 deficit they had at the same stage against Liverpool last season. This time I think the manager will be looking for control and making sure his players are concentrated defensively.

Harry Kane's absence is a blow, but not a fatal one for Tottenham Hotspur. I do think the potential absence of Dele Alli coupled with Kane's absence could be a blow and Manchester City can overturn the First Leg deficit.

The home team have not been conceding too many goals at the Etihad Stadium since the three conceded to Crystal Palace back in December and I think the first priority here will be to keep a clean sheet. Pep Guardiola will always believe his team have at least one goal in them so this feels like a fixture that could potentially be balanced for a while with my selection being Manchester City to win with a clean sheet.


Porto v Liverpool Pick: It will take an almost perfect performance from Porto if they are going to overturn the deficit from the First Leg and move into the Champions League Semi Final at the expense of Liverpool. The 2-0 away defeat makes it very difficult to imagine they can do that, but Porto did create enough chances to believe they can cause problems for their opponents.

Porto have been strong at home in recent games and they have also won 6 of their last 7 games here in the Champions League. However none of the players and fans would have forgotten the exception in that run which was the 0-5 defeat to Liverpool in the Last 16 fourteen months ago.

The home team will have to take chances at some point and I think Liverpool are going to be able to exploit those on the counter attack. The visitors have to find the balance of trying to manage this fixture to conserve some energy for big games coming up, but they can't afford to allow Porto to build some momentum especially with a relatively poor away record in the Champions League.

The counter attack is going to be very important for Liverpool and I think they are good enough to win on the day, although Porto can play a part too with the chances they were able to create in the First Leg. If both teams show even a little more composure I think they will be able to combine for a Second Leg that features three or more goals on the night and that is going to be my recommendation for this fixture.

My worry would be that Liverpool score first and knock the stuffing out of their hosts and the remainder of the fixture is played at a light tempo, but both teams have looked like they are capable of scoring goals when they go forward against the other and I do think three or more will be shared out.


Chelsea v Slavia Prague Pick: The First Leg in the Czech Republic was quite a tight and competitive affair, but Chelsea's win in Prague has given them the edge and I would expect them to make it through to the Semi Final of the Europa League.

The importance of the competition may have increased after the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, but Maurizio Sarri has long been taking it seriously and Chelsea players have enjoyed their experiences in the competition. Chelsea have won all 5 Europa League games played at Stamford Bridge this season and they have scored three or more goals in their last 4 as they have been able to make serene progression through the draw.

I would expect them to have too much for a Slavia Prague team that have just hit a poor patch of form with 2 wins from their last 5 in all competitions. Slavia Prague have also been beaten in half of their 6 away European ties this season and I do think the pressure will be on them to get forward to try and get back into the tie which can give Chelsea the chance to counter attack and finish them off.

I can see that happening in the second half as Slavia Prague begin to have to take risks and Chelsea may be able to win the Second Leg by a slightly wider margin than the First Leg. This feels like a fixture Chelsea will be able to win by a couple of goals on the day and I will look for them to cover the Asian Handicap.


Napoli v Arsenal Pick: Any time a team wins 2-0 at home in a European Knock Out tie there is no doubting the very strong position they have put themselves in, but this Arsenal team are vulnerable on their travels and Unai Emery may regret not seeing his team take more of the chances that came their way last week.

Regret will also be on the mind of Carlo Ancelotti as Napoli missed some late chances to earn an away goal to take back home and now his team are going to have to play an almost perfect game to get back into this one.

A single Arsenal goal is going to put a lot of pressure on Napoli to find the goals to get out of the tie, but the confidence will come from 4 wins in 5 European fixtures played here this season. They have kept clean sheets in 3 of those 5 games including in both of the Europa League Knock Out ties they have played and Napoli will believe a vulnerable Arsenal defence can be exposed.

Ultimately I think they are going to have to take chances and that will give Arsenal an opportunity to at least grab one away goal which should be enough to take them through. However, I think Napoli may be good enough to find the win on the day and I will back them to win a fixture containing two or more goals.

MY PICKS: Barcelona - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.00 Bet Victor
Juventus to Win & Over 1.5 Goals @ 2.00 Ladbrokes
Manchester City Win to Nil @ 2.45 Bet Victor
Porto-Liverpool Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 Bet Victor
Chelsea - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.05 Bet Victor
Napoli to Win & Over 1.5 Goals @ 1.95 Ladbrokes

Midweek Football Picks 2018 (April 17-19)

This is a 'make up' week in the English Premier League with teams involved in the FA Cup Semi Final on Saturday and Sunday having missed a couple of Rounds of League games. All four Semi Finalists will play between Tuesday and Thursday and there will be one more midweek in May where the remaining 'games in hand' are scheduled to be played.

With four League games from Tuesday to Thursday, I have four Picks which can be seen below.

It is a big week for all of the teams involved with Cup Semi Final places up for grabs, while the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United won't want to drop more points after losing this past weekend.

Brighton and Southampton are the teams playing who are involved in the Premier League relegation battle, although there has begun to be a separation of the bottom three to the rest of the Division which could really add to this being an anti-climatic end to the season.


Brighton v Tottenham Hotspur Pick: Saturday was a tough afternoon for both the Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur players, but this isn't the time of the season to feel sorry for yourselves as things begin to get decided at the top and bottom of the Premier League table.

Both teams look to be in relatively comfortable spots to achieve their goals of avoiding relegation and Champions League Football respectively, but the two managers won't allow complacency to set in.

Instead I imagine Chris Hughton and Mauricio Pochettino will be very keen on picking up a vital three points to keep the momentum going to achieve those goals.

Out of the two teams it is easier to imagine Tottenham Hotspur recover from their humbling at the hands of Manchester City on Saturday. They had been in fine form prior to that and have won their 5 away games in all competitions, while Brighton are not to the same standards as the likes of Manchester City.

It should mean more of the ball for Tottenham Hotspur and more of an opportunity to create chances.

They are aided by Brighton just hitting a poor patch of form with 4 losses from their last 5 games in all competitions and off a tough 3-2 defeat at Crystal Palace over the weekend. Their 8 point gap to Southampton looks too much for The Saints to close, but Brighton are still 5 points away from the 40 point mark and there may be a few nerves in the home dressing room.

Brighton have also really struggled when facing the top Premier League clubs even if they have beaten Arsenal at home this season. Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have all won by at least two goals at the Amex Stadium while the latter two teams scored 5 and 4 goals respectively in wins here.

Generally Brighton have struggled to bridge the gap to the top teams with goals hard to come by in those matches. They have shown enough defensive discipline to make life tough for Tottenham Hotspur, but I think the latter will have plenty of the ball and they have the attacking players to create chances and win this game well.

The FA Cup Semi Final is on Saturday, but Pochettino won't risk losing a top four place with an upset here and there is enough time for his players to recover for the Semi Final. A strong Tottenham Hotspur team can show why they have scored at least twice in 7 of their last 8 away games and I fancy they can win well here.


Bournemouth v Manchester United Pick: The Manchester United defeat to West Brom at Old Trafford has to be one of the most surprising results of the Premier League season and it is a fixture from which Jose Mourinho will demand his players move on very quickly.

This is a big week for Manchester United and will determine much of how the season is reviewed as they bid to solidify their 2nd place spot in the Premier League before facing Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup Semi Final on Saturday. Two losses would really put a negative spin on the campaign, but two wins can see the West Brom defeat put in the rearview mirror.

Earning a win at the Vitality Stadium is going to be far from easy as Bournemouth will come into this one with nothing to lose.

That has allowed the players to perform with some freedom and they have been very good at home in recent weeks with a single loss in 9 games played here. The determination has been clear to see with Bournemouth conceding the first goal in 6 of their last 7 games at the Vitality Stadium yet they have not lost a single one of those games.

It should be noted that only Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have visited Bournemouth in their last 9 games who are a part of the big six. The Gunners lost here, but Tottenham Hotspur came from a goal behind to beat Bournemouth and join Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool as winners from trips to this ground.

Despite the changes Manchester United will make, they can become the latest of the big six clubs to win at the Vitality Stadium as the players come out with some better desire than they showed on Sunday. That defeat to West Brom should help in that regard and I do think Manchester United can earn a victory here even if it won't be an easy game.

Manchester United have been 2-0 down in each of their last 2 away games which has to be a concern, but they have shown they can score goals on their travels too and I think they can win a high-scoring fixture. If you fancy Manchester United to win, you can get them to win a fixture featuring at least two goals at odds against which has to be taken on.

Backing at least three goals to be shared out overall is also a decent looking price, but I am expecting Manchester United to bounce back and will take the odds against quote I mentioned.


Burnley v Chelsea Pick: This should be a fascinating Premier League game on Thursday evening and much is going to depend on how Chelsea begin this fixture as to the eventual outcome.

If they pick up from where they left off at Southampton, Chelsea will be very dangerous and potentially become the latest of the top clubs to win at Turf Moor. Burnley have only lost 5 times at home in the Premier League, but 4 of those have come against teams in the current top six with only a late equaliser against Manchester City breaking that trend.

On the other hand if Chelsea begin as they did for the first 60 minutes at Southampton then Burnley are playing well enough to cause problems having won 5 Premier League games in a row.

Both should be motivated as Burnley try for an outstanding top six finish, while Chelsea may feel there is still a slight opening into the top four if they can finish the season with five straight League wins.

The FA Cup Semi Final on Sunday shouldn't be a huge distraction for the Chelsea players, but it may mean some changes to the first team to keep players fresh. Even then you would imagine the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian will be played in attacking areas against a Burnley team who have been struggling for clean sheets of late.

They've still been winning games though as Sean Dyche has taken a positive approach with the old time two up front producing plenty of goals for the team. Burnley have scored at least twice in their 5 wins in a row and they will look to get after a Chelsea team who have been far from watertight in recent matches.

It does make me think the layers are underestimating the chance of seeing at least three goals in this one with the odds against quotes looking tempting. There haven't been a lot of goals in matches at Turf Moor this season, but the last 2 here have both featured at least three goals while League games with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur did the same.

Chelsea may concede more than they are used to, but they still pose a real attacking threat and these teams combined for five goals earlier this season. They may not get to that number again, but they can certainly help reach three goals shared out and I will back that at an attractive price.


Leicester City v Southampton Pick: At this time of the season teams are desperate for points when they are down at the bottom of the Premier League table and Southampton really need to find a way to win a League game.

Blowing a 2-0 lead against Chelsea hurt even more when Crystal Palace and Huddersfield Town both won later on Saturday afternoon and even Swansea City earning a point has put Southampton in a precarious position.

Mark Hughes has come in as manager, but the tide has not been turned for Southampton who have lost 4 League games in a row and conceded three times in each loss.

The performances in the last couple of games will have given Hughes some belief that Southampton can still avoid the drop, but they have to take advantage of Leicester City who don't have a lot left to play for. The defeat at Turf Moor means Leicester City are not likely to finish in a European spot and they have not been in the best recent form.

It has been more trouble for Leicester City at the King Power Stadium where they have not won any of their last 4 League games and this does feel like an opportunity for Southampton. Forget the FA Cup Semi Final to be played on Sunday, this game is everything for Hughes and the club and Southampton have to show their desire against an opponent that may not be fully concentrated with little left to play for.

Taking advantage of the opportunity will mean defending better than they have though and I do think Leicester City will play a part in this one with the players able to play with some freedom. If Southampton get desperate there is still enough quality for Leicester City to punish them and I can see a fixture where both teams score on current form.

Southampton have to take risks though and I can see this fixture going against recent trends at the King Power Stadium and produce one more goal to cover the goal line. At odds against it is worth backing seeing at least three goals shared out on Thursday as Southampton try to give themselves a huge boost of confidence by winning here.

MY PICKS: Tottenham Hotspur - 1 Asian Handicap @ 1.95 Bet365 (2 Units)
Manchester United Win & Over 1.5 Goals @ 2.05 Boyle Sports (2 Units)
Bournemouth-Manchester United Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.75 Betfair Sportsbook (2 Units)
Burnley-Chelsea Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.20 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Leicester City-Southampton Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Monte Carlo Masters Tennis Picks 2018 (April 17th)

I only found one pick that I was comfortable with on Monday at the Monte Carlo Masters, but unfortunately Aljaz Bedene could not put his foot on the pedal when leading by a set and a break in his match against Mirza Basic.

Bedene had chances for a double break, but couldn't quite get into a position to convert and that allowed Basic to stick around long enough to cover the number. It was still a comfortable win for Bedene to set up a huge test for himself against Rafael Nadal, while the majority of the First Round matches were completed on Monday.

There are still a few more to be played on Tuesday when the Second Round also begins at the tournament. That means there is a lot Tennis to be played through the day as the first Masters on the clay courts continues.


Richard Gasquet - 1.5 games v Jeremy Chardy: It has only been a few weeks since Jeremy Chardy beat Richard Gasquet on the Tour for the first time when seeing him off at the Miami Masters in straight sets. That win came during a very productive portion of the season for Chardy who played well in Indian Wells and Miami, but now heads into arguably one of the weaker portions of the season for him.

The slower clay courts certainly don't favour Chardy, but he may have earned some real confidence by winning a couple of Qualifiers to get into the main draw here. Both matches were won in dominant fashion, but neither of his opponents reach the level that Richard Gasquet can on this surface.

Gasquet has won a title in 2018, but he hadn't looked completely at ease following an injury. That was until he reached the Semi Final in Marrakech last week and Gasquet has some very strong numbers on the clay courts.

Where Gasquet has really excelled is in the returning side of the game and he had some very strong break point conversion numbers in 2017 and in the tournament in Marrakech last week. He has to serve better than he managed in Marrakech because he is facing a competent server in Chardy who can still earn a few cheap points even on the slower clay courts, but Gasquet has to believe he can get into the Chardy service games too.

While Gasquet has strong return numbers, Chardy's are not so impressive on the clay and that could effectively be the difference despite the two players looking like they may match up well. Gasquet having reached the Semi Final in Marrakech could have sapped some energy, but he hasn't played since Saturday and it isn't a long trip to Monte Carlo from Morocco so I am not expecting to hear any excuses.

It could take three sets to separate these two on the day, but I think Gasquet will be good enough to win and cover on this surface and earn a measure of revenge for the defeat to Chardy last month.


Kyle Edmund - 2.5 games v Andreas Seppi: Sunday has to feel like a lost opportunity for Kyle Edmund who was a big favourite to beat Pablo Andujar and win his first ATP Title in Marrakech. Instead it was the veteran Spaniard on the road back from injury who won comfortably and Edmund still waits to underline his potential as a serial winner at this level.

Edmund has all the tools to really take his game to the next level and he showed the heart and desire to be the very best he can in his run at the Australian Open back in January.

And unlike many from Great Britain, Edmund is very comfortable on the clay courts which means he should be excited about the next couple of months. He continues to produce solid numbers on the clay with his serve being very effective and the return capable of putting pressure on any opponent he comes up against.

Tiredness is potentially an issue for Edmund who was playing on Sunday but his opponent had to come through the Qualifiers to reach the main draw. Veteran Andreas Seppi had a couple of solid wins to make his way into the main draw and he is someone who is very comfortable on the clay courts which could give Edmund a few problems.

However Seppi has always been in possession of a vulnerable looking serve and I think it should be an area that Edmund can exploit. Working hard to protect the serve has had an impact on Seppi's return game against top 50 Ranked players on the clay courts and he is not expected to find it much easier against this Edmund serve.

Again I have to mention the potential fatigue for Edmund, but if I expect him to be ready to go and he can battle past Seppi while covering this number of games too.

MY PICKS: Richard Gasquet - 1.5 Games @ 1.72 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Kyle Edmund - 2.5 Games @ 1.83 Boyle Sports (2 Units)

Monte Carlo Update: 0-1, - 2 Units (2 Units Staked, - 100% Yield)

Monte Carlo Masters Tennis Picks 2017 (April 17th)

The Monte Carlo Masters continues on Monday with a number of First Round matches due to be completed on Monday as the tournament really gets going.

It is going to be a busy week now that it really gets going after having three First Round matches scheduled for Sunday and some of the big names will be getting additional clay court tennis under their feet by playing in the Doubles event this week too.


Diego Sebastian Schwartzman - 5.5 games v Bernard Tomic: After concluding 2016 abruptly thanks to an injury, 2017 hasn't proved much better for Bernard Tomic who has lost every match he has played outside of the Australian Open. He won two matches at his home Grand Slam, but Tomic has now lost five matches in a row and the Australian is now heading into what has annually been his worst part of the season.

Tomic is 5-18 in main Tour matches on the clay courts in the last four seasons and his career record is just 12-30 on this surface. That has a lot to do with the fact that Tomic does struggle with his movement around the court and hitting through the court on the clay is tough so Tomic can struggle with the patience that you require to be a success on this surface.

It isn't going to make things much easier for Tomic in the Monte Carlo Masters as he gets set to take on Diego Sebastian Schwartzman whose best results have come on the clay. One of the concerns for Schwartzman is the fact that his best clay court results have come on the South American clay courts rather than those in Europe with the one exception coming in Istanbul where he is a Semi Finalist and Winner in the last two seasons.

This is a very big number of games for Schwartzman to cover, but you know he is a player who will try and give a steady performance and that consistency could be key to the match. He did have a crushing win over Bernard Tomic last year in Istanbul, and Tomic has had some terrible losses already this season while playing on the worst surface for him to be completely mentally focused.

He has the game to be much better on the clay than he has shown in the past, but Tomic might not be fully engaged in the moment and someone playing without errors and at their own steady style may be too good on the day. The price on Schwartzman winning this one with a huge margin is big enough to approach and I will look for him to have a comfortable 6-3, 6-3 win on the day.


Kyle Edmund - 4.5 games v Daniel Evans: These two compatriots would have prepared for the Davis Cup Quarter Final against France together and that should mean both Daniel Evans and Kyle Edmund know what to expect from the other. There is little doubt that Edmund has proven to be the more comfortable on the clay courts in the recent past as Evans plays in his first tournament on the surface since the French Open Qualifiers in 2014.

The two matches Evans played in the Davis Cup would have helped him, especially as he won the second of those. However that was a dead Rubber that saw Julien Benneteau try to offer the Day 3 crowd some entertainment. Edmund wasn't much better with a straight sets loss behind in on Day 1 in France, but he has won Davis Cup Rubbers on the clay courts last season and he also won a Rome Challenger event.

He will feel his game is better suited to the clay than Daniel Evans who uses a lot of slice on the backhand which just allows opponents to step in and play aggressively on the clay courts against him. Kyle Edmund is still looking to find the consistency that can see him take the next step in his career, but I do think he will feel comfortable in the match up.

Edmund has the bigger forehand and I am not sure Evans will be able to have the patience to work the points to the level you need to on the clay. He can pose a problem by getting to the net and forcing Edmund to pass him, but the latter looks to have the easier back up shot by going into the Evans backhand and looking to control points from there.

This is a lot of games for Edmund to cover when you think Evans should know all about the tennis he is going to face, but the surface favours the younger British player. As long as Edmund doesn't allow Evans to stay in the match with too many unforced errors, I do think Edmund can progress to the Second Round here with a 6-4, 6-3 win.


Pablo Carreno Busta - 1.5 games v Fabio Fognini: This has been a difficult start to the season for Fabio Fognini, but he might be coming into the European clay court events with more confidence than he would have had a month ago. In that time Fognini has had two solid returns from the Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami and he has to be feeling a lot better about his game.

I think there is no doubt that Fognini would have hoped for a better draw than the one he has received in Monte Carlo where he has been paired up with Pablo Carreno Busta in the First Round. The Italian has lost all four previous matches on the professional Tour against Carreno Busta and the latter is also showing plenty of positive signs over 2017.

Carreno Busta is now inside the top 20 of the World Rankings and he has shown more consistency than Fognini while also matching a Semi Final run on the hard courts at the Masters events that have just taken place. The Spaniard will feel he is at his best on the clay courts and the head to head with Fognini will give Carreno Busta more confidence he can go on and win this match.

There were some solid results achieved by Carreno Busta on the clay courts in 2016 and he might just have enough of an edge to see out Fognini in what looks a competitive First Round match on paper. It is hard to completely ignore the fact that Carreno Busta has won all four previous matches between these two including on the clay courts earlier in 2017, but it can be added to the superior form Carreno Busta has shown compared with Fognini over the last few months.

I think Carreno Busta is going to have enough to come through in three sets in this one and I believe this match will end with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win for the Spaniard and a place in the Second Round.

MY PICKS: Diego Sebastian Schwartzman - 5.5 Games @ 2.20 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Kyle Edmund - 4.5 Games @ 2.00 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Pablo Carreno Busta - 1.5 Games @ 1.80 Bet365 (2 Units)

Monte Carlo Update: 2-0, + 3.28 Units (4 Units Staked, + 82% Yield)