Boxing Picks 2025- Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn (Saturday 26th April)

This may not be an event that is going to have repercussions at World level, but there is little doubt that there is a growing interest in seeing the names Eubank and Benn headlining an event.

All eyes are on North London this weekend across the Boxing world, although fans across the pond will have two big cards next weekend, including the shut down of Times Square, which is sadly not open to the wider public.

Canelo Alvarez is back next week too as he makes his debut in Saudi Arabia before likely moving back to the United States to take on Terence Crawford later in the year, assuming he is not upset next Saturday evening.

It has been a disappointing couple of weeks for the Boxing Picks, although things were very close to being significantly different. That is a case of what might have been and the focus now is to turn things around and get the total ticking back towards the black with the selections from the card to come on Saturday.

Credit has to be given to Dalton Smith in continuing his path towards a World Title shot, and he will benefit from having the Rounds in the bank, while Ben Whittaker really did impress with a surprising early finish in the rematch with Liam Cameron.

You could see the pressure valve released at the end of that victory and Ben Whittaker could be in line for another step up in level of opponent when expected to be out in September. Getting his career back on track was very important for Whittaker and it was a solid finish, even if some felt the referee might have been a touch early in stepping in and stopping the fight.

The next opponent could be quite interesting with the balance needed between development, but also not pushing too far ahead too quickly. Ben Whittaker sounds like he would be happy to take on all comers, but fans may still want to see how he handles going deeper into fights and it will be important for his promotion and management team to find someone who can test the relative youngster.

Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn

Two and a half years have passed since Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn were supposed to meet in London.

Just days before they were going to step into the ring, a journalist broke the news that Benn had failed a couple of tests and ultimately the fight had to be cancelled.

There will be plenty of doubters about the Conor Benn story about why he failed his drugs test and this continues to overshadow the contest. Some would love to have seen this narrative buried, but Chris Eubank Jr refuses to play ball and his decision to smash an egg in Benn's face has just sparked a deeper and more personal rivalry.

In reality this was initially a fight built on the legacies that were created by the fathers of each man, and Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn's two fights in the early 1990s continue to be remembered with fondness. Now there is a personal rivalry between the sons with Jr and Conor Benn both making it pretty clear that there is little they like about the other.

No one should confuse this for a fight between two Boxers at the top of their Divisions.

Since returning from the what had been a suspension, Conor Benn has not really impressed and he has been operating way above the 147 pound limit that his promoter continues to point out when suggesting Benn is moving up two weight Divisions. That is simply not the case with Conor Benn last fighting at the Welterweight limit three years ago in April 2022 and questions remain about the failed drugs test because of the struggles in going twenty-two Rounds in earning Decision wins over Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson.

Some of that may be down to moving up against naturally bigger men, but there have to be questions about Conor Benn's power at this weight.

He does look decent enough at the weight, but the inactivity could also be an issue for the unbeaten fighter with so much to prove.

At the same time, you can be critical of Chris Eubank Jr's activity with a single fight last year having failed to follow up the revenge win over Liam Smith in September 2023 as many hoped he would. He may not be everyone's cup of tea, but Eubank Jr is far from a dislikable fighter, although even his biggest supporters would admit that he has perhaps not fulfilled the kind of career that those around him believed he would.

Chris Eubank Jr has been up and down between the Middleweight and Super Middleweight limit and the weight cut and rehydration clause that has been put in place will be testing the 35 year old. The positive news for Eubank Jr is that he has made the Middleweight limit in each of his last four fights, but it is the uncertainty about the rehydration clause that has frustrated Chris Eubank Sr and meant a falling out between father and son.

It is a potentially dangerous spot for Chris Eubank Jr, but this is a dedicated fighter and it would not be a surprise if he made weight on Friday and then decided to ignore the clause in place and accept the fine.

For all the criticism faced by Chris Eubank Jr, he has faced the tougher opponents compared with Conor Benn and has been involved in big World Title fights. Yes, he has come up short in the biggest moments, but Chris Eubank Jr has some very good wins on his resume too and the naturally bigger man should have an edge (even if he does not want people to talk about size, but instead focus on skill).

The defeat to Liam Smith in the manner it came was stunning, but Chris Eubank Jr made amends by beating the Liverpudlian in the rematch and his victory over Kamil Szeremeta last October is solid, if unspectacular, form.

Chris Eubank Jr hits plenty hard and Conor Benn is likely going to want to come out steaming and throwing plenty of leather of his own.

A smaller ring size has been agreed and the feeling is that both men are going to want to fight, rather than box, and that could lead to a fun, entertaining contest for all tuning in on Saturday evening.

It really does feel like it will come down to how much the weight cut has taken from Chris Eubank Jr, especially without being able to refuel as he would like in the hours afterwards. That raises some doubt and Conor Benn looks pretty solid, but the power has not looked as destructive as it was in the fights before the failed drugs test and that is very hard to ignore.

He will come forward and that should create an entertaining evening, but that could also be dangerous if Chris Eubank Jr is near to his top level. Since losing to George Groves back in 2018, Eubank Jr has had nine fights and he has regularly put opponents on the canvas in those.

Stoppage wins in his last two will have given Chris Eubank Jr some momentum and he might be able to come through the early pressure Conor Benn provides to start catching him with big shots as he comes forward. It may see the bigger man pick his shots and start putting enough combinations together to break down Benn and the feeling is that Chris Eubank Jr can push through for a second half Stoppage in this rivalry bout, perhaps the first of two between them this year.

The reality is that the weigh in drama from Friday makes it much more difficult to back that outcome with any real certainty- everything has been designed to drag Chris Eubank Jr down and you can understand why his father has been so disgusted with all around this fight. The rules should have mandated a Middleweight fight without all of the extra clauses about rehydration and amount that can be put on the morning of the fight, especially as this is a non-title bout.

The feeling remains that Eubank Jr may just show his qualities- Conor Benn now has an excuse about weight being missed- but you just hope that both fighters return home without any lasting damage sustained.

This is the first Ring Magazine card that has been put together and they have some big events coming up.

It has been made clear that the events are only considering solid fights from top to bottom and the undercard at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a decent one.

Opening up with Chris Billam-Smith returning from losing his World Title underlines the point.

The Gentleman considered his future in the sport for a brief moment when losing to Gilberto Ramirez in a pretty one-sided contest, but he is still highly Ranked and a win on Saturday may actually push Billam-Smith in line to fight for the WBC World Title in his next outing.

However, as mentioned, the card is put together by a team that wants to see good fights and Chris Billam-Smith is up against Brandon Glanton who is a top five World Ranked opponent with a couple of the organisations. A Split Decision loss to David Light likely cost Glanton an opportunity to face Lawrence Okolie for a World Title, but he has won his last three fights and all by Stoppage and the 33 year old American is looking for one more opportunity.

You have to mention the fact that those wins have not been against anyone that is of the level of the British fighter and so this is a big step up for Brandon Glanton.

Chris Billam-Smith clearly still speaks with real motivation to win World Titles and his resume is much deeper than the one the opponent brings into the ring. You can perhaps have some concern about how much is left in the tank after the loss to Gilberto Ramirez at the end of a run of tough fights, but the feeling is that Billam-Smith may still have enough to grit through this contest.

Having someone like Shane McGuigan in his corner is a huge help and you have to believe Billam-Smith will be well advised. He will be careful about Brandon Glanton who carries his power as late as it is needed, but Chris Billam-Smith may just show off his own experience at the top level and this could be one of the fights of the night with the former World Champion coming out on top with a Stoppage victory after a back and forth contest.

In December 2024, Cheavon Clarke lost his unbeaten record and was not able to win the vacant European Cruiserweight Title.

He was Knocked Down in the First Round and all credit has to be given to him for managing to hear the final bell at the end of the Twelve Rounds, although he was well beaten on the night and the Split Decision was harsh on his opponent.

The rebuild starts this week and the Arsenal fan is defending the British Cruiserweight Title against an unbeaten Viddal Riley, a Tottenham Hotspur fan who believes it is his destiny to win that Belt in his favourite team's home Stadium.

There has been some uncertainty as to what kind of a professional career that Riley wants, but the win over Mikael Lawal is arguably the best either fighter has produced.

However, it feels like Cheavon Clarke is being overlooked after the defeat last time out and his amateur pedigree should give the underdog, and Champion, the edge. It is something of a surprise that Viddal Riley is such a big favourite and the Champion may just spring the upset thanks to his stronger professional and amateur experience.

Another underdog on the card is Liam Smith and he is ending a run of over eighteen months since he was last in the ring losing to Chris Eubank Jr in their rematch. Last year he was supposed to face Josh Kelly on the Anthony Joshua-Daniel Dubois card at Wembley, but an illness forced a late withdrawal and there are questions about how much is left in the tank.

The same was asked of brother Callum Smith before his upset of Joshua Buatsi earlier in the year and Liam Smith still feels he has enough motivation to end the run of an unbeaten fighter in front of him.

Aaron McKenna has won all nineteen previous fights and is looking to take the next step in his development by getting the better of a former World Champion.

It does feel like a big step upwards in terms of level of opponent, but McKenna will be confident with the belief that he is the naturally bigger man.

Neither is going to need to go looking for the other, but the veteran Liam Smith may still have one more big run in him. He has shown he can upset the odds before with wins over up and comers as well as those of his own generation and Smith may just have the know-how to break down McKenna in this one.

Again, the money has seemingly come in on his opponent, but Liam Smith will not care one jot about that and can push his way to the front of the queue when it comes to World Title shots in what has been an open Division for a long time now.

Finally, the undercard is expected to be rounded off by Anthony Yarde facing Lyndon Arthur for a third time having split two previous bouts.

Just after the Covid pandemic, Lyndon Arthur was able to upset an out-of-sorts Anthony Yarde in December 2020 as he earned the nod on the cards. While excuses are not something that Yarde relies upon, it was clear that he had other things on his mind and the flatness of an occasion without fans did not help the Londoner from really getting down to the task at hand.

The rematch came almost exactly a year after their first fight and this time Anthony Yarde had something to prove with a Fourth Round Stoppage.

Another World Title shot ended in a late Stoppage defeat, this time to Artur Beterbiev, but Anthony Yarde did not capitalise on what many felt was a top performance. A fallout with promoter Frank Warren has not only meant inactivity, but Anthony Yarde has not had the big fights so many expected following that battling loss to what was then considered the best Light-Heavyweight in the world.

Anthony Yarde had two easy enough wins in 2024, but the idea is to produce a statement and then call out some of the top names in the Division. We know the top two are busy, but the likes of Callum Smith and David Benavidez bring great interest, while some will still want to see the Yarde-Joshua Buatsi fight that has long been talked about.

Following the loss to Yarde the second time around, Lyndon Arthur won four fights in a row and took Dmitry Bivol the full Twelve Rounds in a loss to the now Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion. The Mancunian has had one fight since that defeat in December 2023 when earning a Split Decision win over Liam Cameron in June last year and that inactivity has to be a concern.

He has felt the power that Anthony Yarde has so the game plan for Arthur may be to try and frustrate the favourite, but that feels like it is going to be a tough one to execute with the ring size that has been agreed between the main event fighters.

Keeping away from an Anthony Yarde that comes swinging from the opening bell will be tough and Lyndon Arthur may not have all of the skills he needs to survive much longer than when losing to this opponent in December 2021.

A first half Stoppage looks likely for a second time in a row between these fighters and we may yet have some kind of face off to suggest what Anthony Yarde will be thinking of doing next time out.

MY PICKS: Chris Eubank Jr to Win Between 7-12 @ 6.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Chris Billam-Smith to Win by KO/TKO @ 6.50 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

Cheavon Clarke to Win @ 2.50 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Liam Smith to Win @ 2.37 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Anthony Yarde to Win Between 1-6 @ 2.62 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Boxing 2025: 15-36, - 15.73 Units (63 Units Staked, - 24.97% Yield)

Weekend Football Picks (April 26-28)

The Premier League is down to the last three weekends of the season and that means we are into the final stretch when it comes to the Premier League title race, the battle for the Champions League spots behind the top two teams and also the final relegation spot having seen Huddersfield Town and Fulham already demoted to the Championship.

This could also be the weekend when it is confirmed that Norwich City are going to be replacing one of those teams and Sheffield United will be virtually a Premier League club too if they can beat bottom team Ipswich Town at Bramall Lane on Saturday.


It is a big time of the season for clubs up and down the country, but it is also the final push for Fantasy players with three GameWeeks left before the season draws to a close. At this stage there really isn't a lot you can do if you are miles behind in your Leagues, but there is still time for late swings if you get it right.

My problem for the majority of people chasing is that your teams begin to have a similar feel to those around you in the League and finding the differentials is the key. With that in mind my Fantasy Advice this week is going to focus on those players I feel can make a difference and who are not heavily owned in the Fantasy game.

So it is unlikely you are going to see Raheem Sterling, Mohamed Salah, Sergio Aguero, Eden Hazard in the section below the thoughts about the Premier League games. Instead I will search out those I think could see points clawed back by those who are looking to get back into their Leagues over the next three weeks.


Liverpool v Huddersfield Town Pick: At half time in the Manchester derby on Wednesday Liverpool fans might have been very comfortable with the way things were going, but Manchester City's strong second half led to a 0-2 win and a place back at the top of the Premier League table with three League games remaining for both clubs.

Right now the only thing Liverpool can think about doing is winning their remaining three games and hoping Manchester City slip up when they face Burnley, Leicester City or Brighton. Over the next two weeks Liverpool get to play first so they can at least put some pressure on Manchester City by continuing to overtake them in the League table and I would be hugely surprised if they don't do that this week.

A home game with Huddersfield Town on a Friday night is the perfect spot for Liverpool to earn a comfortable win and then prepare for Barcelona in the Champions League Semi Final. Huddersfield Town will look to be tough to beat and try and dig in, but this is a team who have struggled at this level and anything other than a relatively straight-forward Liverpool win would be a massive surprise.

It does mean finding an angle for the pick is very difficult as Liverpool are being asked to cover a three goal Asian Handicap. They can very much do that, but I do think Liverpool could bring off key players once they go 2-0 up as they begin to focus on the Champions League and I think the mark set by the layers is right on the money.

The angle I recommended when Tottenham Hotspur hosted Huddersfield Town is not really an option either- where Spurs were odds against to win with a clean sheet, Liverpool are very short odds on to do the same.

My belief is that Liverpool are going to be looking to make a very fast start to this fixture and making sure they are in a position to win the game without expending too much mental and physical energy. At Anfield they have managed to get their noses in front in games pretty early over the last couple of months and they had scored inside twenty minutes in 4 in a row at Anfield before needing second half goals to beat Chelsea.

In 3 of those games Liverpool had been leading by the twenty minute mark and they can be backed to be doing the same on Friday at odds against. To be fair to Huddersfield Town they have been making solid enough starts in their recent away games despite eventually beginning to concede plenty of goals.

Even Tottenham Hotspur needed the 24th minute to score their opener against them in the 4-0 win earlier this month, but I think Liverpool will want to remind Manchester City that they haven't lost hope in the Premier League title race. That should see the players come out a bit quicker than Tottenham Hotspur's much changed team did and I will look for Liverpool to be leading by the twenty minute mark.

Fantasy Star: Roberto Firmino- was rested in the away Leg at Porto so I imagine he is one of the fresher of the Liverpool attackers. Missed a huge chance last week against Cardiff City, but scored home and away against Huddersfield Town last season.

Alternative: Virgil Van Dijk- a threat from set pieces and every chance of yet another clean sheet at Anfield.


Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United Pick: Tuesday night was proving to be a very frustrating night for Tottenham Hotspur as they struggled to break down a disciplined Brighton team. Some poor composure in the final third and some misfortune looked to be leading to two more points being dropped by a team who were chasing the top four positions in the Premier League.

The late goal was a huge boost for Tottenham Hotspur as they continued their winning run in their new Stadium and they will feel this fixture is perhaps going to be an easier one to deal with.

There is a real rivalry between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United that may make a mockery of that statement, but I think Manuel Pellegrini's men won't be able to defend as well as Brighton did on Tuesday. West Ham United have been conceding plenty of goals in recent fixtures as the players have perhaps lost a touch of focus and The Hammers have conceded two or more goals in 7 of their last 9 away games in all competitions.

Last season they did earn a draw at Wembley Stadium in the Premier League and also beat Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup, but the two games played this season at the London Stadium have been won by Spurs.

Mauricio Pochettino's team selection could give West Ham United a chance, but I think the importance of making sure a top four spot is all but secured before the Champions League Semi Final will mean a strong team is selected. With the spaces likely to be much more open in the final third than what was faced against Brighton, I think Tottenham Hotspur are going to create much better chances than they fashioned on Tuesday.

Slightly better finishing will give Tottenham Hotspur a chance to win this by a comfortable margin. West Ham United have lost 6 of their last 9 away games by two or more goal margins and while I do think they will be highly motivated by the rivalry, I also think this team are perhaps already thinking about what the future will hold for them and the focus may not be where it should be.

Backing Tottenham Hotspur to win and cover the Asian Handicap and go into their Champions League Semi Final with some momentum is my selection.

Fantasy Star: Hueng-Min Son- Tottenham Hotspur could make changes with the Champions League Semi Final in mind, but Son is suspended for the First Leg so very likely a starter on Saturday.

Alternative: Felipe Anderson- if West Ham United are going to become the first team to score at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and then earn the upset, Felipe Anderson is going to have to be inspirational. 


Crystal Palace v Everton Pick: There is more on the line for Everton than there is for Crystal Palace in this Premier League fixture, but that may actually aid the game and help it produce some entertainment for the neutrals tuning in.

One of the big problems Crystal Palace have had at home all season is an inability to find the best way to break teams down, but that should not be an issue in this one. With Everton likely trying to get forward and score goals, The Eagles could have room to operate on the counter attack where they really are at their most dangerous.

Everton are chasing 7th place in the Premier League which could be rewarded with a place in the Europa League next season. That ambition will mean needing to get forward and create chances which will leave them vulnerable defensively as they have been for much of the season.

I do wonder if Crystal Palace have a mental block to overcome too with just 14 home goals scored heading towards the end of the season, but they have scored at least once in their last 9 at home in all competitions. Add in the issues Everton have had at the back and I do think the home team will have their chances.

However I would very much think Everton can continue to create chances as they have been in recent fixtures and they should be full of confidence after the result in the win over Manchester United. The loss of Richarlison is a blow, but Everton have enough in the final third to cause problems for a Crystal Palace team who have conceded two or more goals in 3 of their last 4 at home and who are missing significant defensive players.

In recent years Crystal Palace versus Everton fixtures have not really produced fireworks, but both teams can get on the scoreboard in this one. With nothing to lose for Crystal Palace, I would expect them to try and keep this game open while Everton will be chasing three points and so perhaps doing the same and a stretched game may produce three or more goals at a decent looking price.

Fantasy Star: Wilfried Zaha- could be playing one of his final home games for Crystal Palace and always a big threat for them.

Alternative: Gylfi Sigurdsson- Everton were surprisingly beaten by Fulham in their last away game, but the Icelandic midfielder continues to be a huge threat for them as shown when scoring in the win over Manchester United.


Fulham v Cardiff City Pick: There will be some disappointment in the home ranks that this match does not mean more to Fulham having had relegation confirmed, but Scott Parker's men come into this Premier League fixture in about as positive a frame of mind as at any time this season. Wins over Everton and Bournemouth without conceding a goal is a huge achievement for Fulham, although they have been riding their luck a little bit as far as the defensive clean sheets are concerned.

More positive is the attacking play that have led to chances being created and I think that makes Fulham a dangerous opponent with nothing to lose in this one.

Neil Warnock's team have much more on the line as they are looking to close the gap to Brighton in 17th place in the Premier League table and with games running out. Cardiff City will look at the next two fixtures against Fulham and Crystal Palace as the chance to earn six points and doing that may be good enough to keep them from the drop.

The inferior goal difference may cost Cardiff City at the end of the season, but for now they have to concentrate on trying to put some pressure on Brighton by winning at Craven Cottage before The Seagulls kick off their fixture with Newcastle United.

Cardiff City have to be confident of securing a result here considering they recently won 0-2 at Brighton and have also beaten another relegation rival Southampton away from home. They haven't been creating a lot of chances, but Cardiff City have been efficient and they will believe they can do the same against a Fulham team who have not defended that well.

However the bigger issue may be keeping Fulham from scoring and the amount of chances the home team have been creating in their last few games has to be respected. Both teams scoring will not be a surprise and recent history has shown that to be the case more often than not when these team have met each other.

The importance of the three points for Cardiff City could keep the game more open than it would have been on another day as Fulham will be looking to keep their run of wins going too. Fulham have nothing to lose so can take chances and I think both teams will hit the net and the situation should lead to opportunities to see three or more goals shared out between these teams on the day.

Fantasy Star: Victor Camarasa- Cardiff City will need the Spanish midfielder to be at his creative best as they look to escape the bottom three.

Alternative: Ryan Babel- has been in good form for a Fulham team who have won back to back Premier League games. Could punish Cardiff City with his pace if the visitors need to chase the game.


Southampton v Bournemouth Pick: There is still a little bit of work for Southampton to do to ensure they are playing in the Premier League again next season. After dropping two points thanks to a last minute equaliser conceded during the week at Vicarage Road, Southampton are still edging towards safety with one more win guaranteeing their place in the top flight.

They will believe they can earn that this weekend as they face injury hit Bournemouth who have been pretty terrible away from home since November. The Cherries have won 2 of their last 3 on their travels, but one was at Huddersfield Town and the other was a strange day at Brighton, but Bournemouth have been beaten in 11 of their last 13 away from home.

Now they have to face a Southampton team who have been much improved at St Mary’s under Ralph Hasenhuttl. The side have won 3 of their last 4 here and have found a way to score plenty of goals in front of their own fans and I do think that is going to make the difference for them here.

Creating chances has not been an issue under Hasenhuttl, but the finishing has perhaps let Southampton down. I expect they are going to have the chances to win this fixture, but it can be difficult to predict whether they are going to show the composure that has perhaps been lacking all through the season.

I believe that is going to be an issue they try and resolve in the summer and they can guarantee Premier League survival with a win on Saturday. Southampton are facing a Bournemouth team who are offering up plenty of chances and they have beaten their south coast rivals in 2 of the 3 Premier League games played here since Bournemouth were promoted to the top flight.

I do think Southampton will need to score at least twice when you think of the defensive issues they have had and Bournemouth are dangerous going forward. Backing the home team to win a fixture containing two or more goals is the selection here.

Fantasy Star: Nathan Redmond- I was going to select Shane Long here after he scored for the third game out of four, but he has a slight injury concern. Nathan Redmond has some strong underlying stats and scored twice in the last game at St Mary's.

Alternative: Callum Wilson- not really been the same player since an injury earlier in the season, but played well in Bournemouth's last away game with a goal and two assists. Should have chances against this Southampton defence.


Watford v Wolves Pick: They may have huffed and puffed without blowing down the Brighton house last weekend, but Wolves showed there is plenty left in the lungs with their destruction of Arsenal on Wednesday night. That has moved them back in control of 7th place in the Premier League which may yet come with a Europa League spot, but this weekend revenge may be on the mind of the players.

Wolves have been beaten twice by Watford this season, but it is the second of those in the FA Cup Semi Final which would have hurt the most. On that day Wolves led 2-0, but somehow managed to allow Watford to score twice in the final ten minutes and then go on and win in Extra Time to book their place in the Final in May.

It won't make up for that defeat earlier this month, but Wolves would love to get one over on Watford and move clear of their hosts who are a point behind in the League table.

Both teams will look to get the ball down and play their attacking football and I think this could pick up from where the FA Cup Semi Final left off. The attacking players on the pitch will want to get forward and score goals and I think the managers will encourage them to express themselves in a fixture that does have some importance attached to it with both clubs going for the highest finish in the League table as is possible.

Wolves have not been the same attacking threat away from home as they have been in front of their own fans. They have also struggled for results with 3 losses in their last 4 away Premier League games, but Watford have looked far from watertight at the back and I do think the visitors will have their opportunities in this one.

However I also believe Watford have shown enough of an attacking threat to earn the victory on the day and they will believe they can score the goals they need to do that. In the last couple of games at Vicarage Road they have created chances without showing the composure to finish them off, but I can see Watford being more focused with the memory of Raul Jimenez's celebration in the FA Cup Semi Final still something that will be getting under their skin.

Both teams can get on the scoreboard as they did in the FA Cup Semi Final and I am going to back three or more goals to be shared out at what looks a big price.

Fantasy Star: Gerard Deulofeu- his two goals in the FA Cup Semi Final helped Watford beat Wolves and he could haunt the visitors again.

Alternative: Raul Jimenez- hasn't scored since the FA Cup Semi Final and will be looking to break his duck. Needs to be an inspiration if Wolves are going to end their poor away run.


Brighton v Newcastle United Pick: The second live game from the Premier League on Saturday comes from the Amex Stadium and it would be a huge surprise if we are going to be offered up a goal-glut when Brighton host Newcastle United.

The visitors do get to come to the south coast and play with some freedom as back to back wins have made sure they are going to be playing Premier League Football again next season. Rafael Benitez may not be the manager for the long-term, but he is well supported by the fans and his teams have tended to be tough to beat with the tactics that are employed.

They are facing a Brighton team that has to be short of confidence having failed to score in all 7 games played in all competitions since the March international break. Defensively they have looked better in the last couple of games at Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur, but Brighton have lost 3 in a row at the Amex Stadium and have been beaten by Bournemouth and Cardiff City in their last two games here.

With that in mind Brighton look incredibly short when it comes to winning this fixture and I think it has much to do with the fact that the home team 'need' the win more than Newcastle United. However they are a team struggling for goals and struggling for clean sheets at home and this Newcastle United team have shown they can be dangerous getting forward, especially on the counter attack.

My feeling is that Brighton may not offer a lot of spaces and may feel a draw is putting them in a strong position in the Premier League table anyway, especially if Cardiff City have not won at Fulham earlier in the day. That is hard to predict prior to the kick off, but I have to respect the fact that Newcastle United have only lost 2 of their last 5 away Premier League games.

Brighton's home record against Newcastle United where they have won 3 of the last 4 against them puts me off from backing The Magpies with the start on the Asian Handicap though. Instead I think there is a real chance one, or both, of the teams fail to get on the scoreboard on Saturday as has been the case in 7 of their last 8 against each other including in all 3 Premier League fixtures played in the last two seasons.

The price on offer is slightly bigger than I thought it would be and is perhaps the best angle on this big game for Chris Hughton managing against his former club.

Fantasy Star: Shane Duffy- he really let me down in GW34 as Brighton conceded seven goals in two home games, but Shane Duffy is going to need to be at his best to help this club avoid the drop. A clean sheet is a possibility and remains a threat from set pieces.

Alternative: Salomon Rondon- Brighton's lack of goals is a concern and the amount they conceded in their last three games here could be exploited by Newcastle United's leading attacker.


Leicester City v Arsenal Pick: Early Sunday kick offs in the Premier League can sometimes produce sleepy performances from teams, but Leicester City and Arsenal have tended to match up well with each other and this could be a game filled with goals.

Both Brendan Rodgers and Unai Emery like their teams to get forward and they will have noted the defensive vulnerabilities the opposition have displayed in recent weeks. That is something that they will want their teams to exploit and there is enough motivation for both teams to try and get forward that could see a few goals shared out on the day.

Leicester City will be chasing 7th place in the Premier League, but Rodgers may be more keen to show the fans that his team is going to be one that can compete with the top teams in the Premier League. Finishing up the season with Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea gives the new manager a chance to impress the fans and Leicester City have been scoring plenty of goals under Rodgers' watch which is how the manager likes things.

Arsenal are likely to come onto Leicester City which will suit the home team too, although I would expect a reaction from the back to back losses suffered over the last eight days. In both games Arsenal conceded three goals and they do look a team that is going to have to out-score opponents to achieve their goals for the 2018/19 season.

This is a very tough test for The Gunners who were beaten 3-1 here last season, but I do think they will play their part. Backing at least four goals to be shared out would have been a winner in each of the last 3 Premier League games between these teams and I think they can wipe the sleep out of the eyes of the fans tuning in with a solid display of attacking football.

Fantasy Star: Jamie Vardy- has nine goals in his last ten appearances and can continue his fine end to the season against this Arsenal defence. Has scored three goals in the last three home games against The Gunners.

Alternative: Alexandre Lacazette- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may not be available and Lacazette has shown he scores goals at this level. The lack of Leicester City clean sheets should mean he has a couple of good sights of goals.


Burnley v Manchester City Pick: The tension is going to be ramped up in each passing game for Manchester City as they try and hold off Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title and this is another difficult looking away game for them to negotiate. After a tight first half at Old Trafford on Wednesday, Manchester City exerted their quality in the second half and were able to come away with a 0-2 win although Pep Guardiola will want his players to be a little more composed in the final third.

It was not a game in which Manchester City created a host of chances, although they were comfortably the deserved winners on the day. Now they have to face a Burnley team in good form and who have nothing to lose with survival potentially guaranteed by the time this game kicks off on Sunday afternoon.

Burnley have beaten Tottenham Hotspur here and earned a tough draw with Chelsea on Monday evening so they are a team that has to be respected. While Manchester City have beaten Burnley comfortably at home in their four fixtures at the Etihad Stadium over the last two seasons, Pep Guardiola will not have forgotten the 1-1 draw here in their last visit to Turf Moor.

Even in his first season Burnley took the lead before Manchester City were able to fight back and earn a 1-2 win at this ground so I do think this is potentially a difficult afternoon for the visitors who will likely be chasing Liverpool again. However Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool have all won by two or more goals here and I do think Burnley are a team that has been giving up some big chances in recent games and perhaps earned results better than they have deserved.

Manchester City have won 11 in a row in the Premier League and they have won 5 in a row away from home while conceding a single goal in that run. It is going to be a different challenge dealing with Burnley's two striker system and the home team are capable of ruffling the feathers of teams above them in the League table, but Manchester City are playing with some real confidence and they don't offer a lot of chances to teams.

Dutching Manchester City to win by either a two goal or three goal margin here looks the play with the odds against quotes on offer for it. I can see the visitors being tight at the back and the quality in the final third breaking down their opponents and Manchester City can match the margin of wins both Manchester United and Liverpool earned here.

Fantasy Star: Bernardo Silva- scored during the week and can make Manchester City fans forget about Kevin De Bruyne for one more week. A threat for goals and assists and a key player to Manchester City the rest of the way.

Alternative: Sergio Aguero- has eight goals in seven games against Burnley including scoring twice at Turf Moor in a 1-2 win two seasons ago.


Manchester United v Chelsea Pick: The final game of the Premier League weekend comes from Old Trafford and sees two of the top four chasing teams meeting when Manchester United host Chelsea.

The form of Manchester United has dipped away alarmingly and the run of 7 losses in 9 games in all competitions has hurt the team. That has seen them exit both the FA Cup and Champions League, while back to back defeats in the Premier League to Everton and Manchester City have dented top four ambitions.

With an inferior goal difference to the three teams above them, Manchester United have to really win this game if they are going to have a chance to earn a return to the Champions League next season. The feeling has to be that Arsenal won't win at Leicester City on Sunday afternoon so this fixture could really determine which of the two teams playing in it are able to make the top four.

A Manchester United win would leave them level on points with Chelsea, but with a more manageable fixture list than The Blues and Arsenal, although current form makes it had to trust the home team.

A lack of goals in big games at Old Trafford has to be a real concern as I pointed out ahead of the Manchester derby with that becoming the latest game where Manchester United have failed to find the net against the top teams that have visited the ground. Chances have been at a premium in those games too so you can see why Manchester United are such a price to win this fixture.

However Chelsea are not easy to trust either despite their more positive run in recent weeks. They are a team that have struggled away from home in the Premier League and Chelsea have also had their difficulties in front of goal when they have visited the top six clubs in the Premier League.

In fact Chelsea have only scored one goal in visits to Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League. Add in the fact that they didn't score against Manchester United in the FA Cup Fifth Round at home and also failed to find the net at Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup Semi Final and you can see the difficulties Maurizio Sarri has had in implementing 'Sarri Ball' at the club.

Games between Chelsea and Manchester United have also tended to feature at least one of the teams failing to score. Last season that was not the case at Old Trafford and neither did it happen at Stamford Bridge in the League earlier this season, but the trend may have returned in the FA Cup Fifth Round tie played two months ago.

8 of the last 11 between these teams have seen one fail to find the net and I don't think either team is really confident enough to fight back from behind in this fixture. We have seen heads drop for both Manchester United and Chelsea when they fall behind and my feeling is that the first goal will win on Sunday.

The stats for the home/away games respectively of Manchester United and Chelsea suggests that trend of at least one team failing to score may improve to 9 out of 12 and at odds against backing at least one team keeping a clean sheet looks a huge price.

Fantasy Star: Paul Pogba- there has been a lot of speculation surrounding his future and Paul Pogba needs to respond. Big chance to do that against a Chelsea team who can let their heads drop if things don't go right for them.

Alternative: Eden Hazard- everything good from Chelsea comes through the Belgian. If they are going to win at Old Trafford, Hazard is going to be the player who has dragged them to the three points.

Fantasy Football

The Official FPL game is now down to the final three weeks of the season and in this section I am going to try and find the players that can make the difference for your teams. For those chasing points I am going to find the players who could help make the difference in GW36, although it is a week where the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City players should be popular considering the fixtures they have.

Last week my personal team produced 116 points, but I do think it could have been even better. It's still a week that has pushed me way above 2000 points for the season, although I still have some ambitions to achieve before the 2018/19 season comes to a close.

Goalkeeper 4.8 Million and Above

Martin Dubravka (Newcastle United- 5 Million, Owned by 0.5%): Brighton's severe lack of goals has seen them drop into a relegation battle. With the tactics served up by Rafael Benitez, Martin Dubravka could prove a cheaper alternative to the likes of Alisson and Ederson who should have a chance of a clean sheet this week too.

Goalkeeper 4.7 Million and Below

Mat Ryan (Brighton- 4.4 Million, Owned by 5.3%): Brighton looked back to their battling best defensively in their last two game and Mat Ryan played well in both. They will need their Goalkeeper at his best if Brighton are going to secure a positive result against Newcastle United this weekend.

Sergio Rico (Fulham- 4.4 Million, Owned by 0.4%): It is hard to trust Fulham considering what we have seen all season. However back to back clean sheets should have given the Goalkeeper some confidence and could free up funds elsewhere this week.

Angus Gunn (Southampton- 4.3 Million, Owned by 1%): Again this is an option for those who want to free up funds. Southampton are not a team who do a lot of clean sheets, but they have been in good form at home and face a Bournemouth team who are inconsistent and struggling with injuries.

Defender 5.1 Million and Above

Fabian Delph (Manchester City- 5.3 Million, Owned by 0.3%): With Fernandinho expecting to miss out and Ilkay Gundogan carrying a knock, could Fabian Delph come into the Manchester City midfield? Would mean having the clean sheet points and a chance of some attacking returns, but the risk is whether he is trusted enough to start in such pressurised situations.

Vincent Kompany (Manchester City- 5.2 Million, Owned by 1.1%): Pep Guardiola has tended to rotate Aymeric Laporte's partner, but Vincent Kompany has started last two away League games. I am wondering if his experience is something Guardiola is leaning on down the stretch this season.

Defender 5 Million and Below

Joel Matip (Liverpool- 4.9 Million, Owned by 1.2%): The big Champions League Semi Final with Barcelona is coming up, but Jurgen Klopp has insisted there is enough recovery time to select his best team for this game with Huddersfield Town. Cheapest and least owned way into the defence for what is likely to be a clean sheet is Joel Matip who has also been carrying the ball forward in recent games.

Sean Morrison (Cardiff City- 4.7 Million, Owned by 0.4%): Scored in the last away game at Brighton and missed a sitter against Liverpool. A threat from set pieces and could cause problems for Fulham on Saturday.

Lewis Dunk (Brighton- 4.4 Million, Owned by 3.8%): Will be key with partner Shane Duffy when it comes to keeping a clean sheet that is going to be invaluable to Brighton. Not as big a threat as Duffy from set pieces, but has got two goals this season too.

Jonny (Wolves- 4.3 Million, Owned by 3.2%): Hasn't been as popular a pick as opposite wing back Matt Doherty, but Jonny had two assists in the win over Arsenal during the week.

Midfielder 7.1 Million and Above

David Silva (Manchester City- 8.5 Million, Owned by 4.3%): Has been getting plenty of Premier League rest over the last few weeks and is going to be very important in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne. Can chip in with key goals too.

Naby Keita (Liverpool- 7.1 Million, Owned by 1.6%): Has started the last three Liverpool League games and chipped in with a goal. Plays in an advanced position and could have chances against this Huddersfield Town team.

Midfielder 7 Million and Below

Youri Tielemans (Leicester City- 6.1 Million, Owned by 1.7%): Two goals and five assists in his last eight games for Leicester City and should be able to have an impact against a vulnerable Arsenal defence.

Ryan Babel (Fulham- 5.5 Million, Owned by 0.9%): Three goals and an assist in his last five games for Fulham. A threat on the counter attack if Cardiff City need to chase the game on Saturday.

Harvey Barnes (Leicester City- 5.5 Million, Owned by 0.2%): Finally got the goal he has been threatening for weeks in the 2-2 draw with West Ham United last weekend. A different cheap option into the Leicester City midfield.

Forward 6.4 Million and Above

Jamie Vardy (Leicester City- 9 Million, Owned by 9.7%): As you can imagine, finding different options to others from the top strikers is problematic with most building their teams around these options. Jamie Vardy's record against Arsenal (three in three at the King Power Stadium) coupled with Arsenal's poor defensive record makes him a chasing option.

Forward 6.3 Million and Below

Andre Gray (Watford- 6 Million, Owned by 2.7%): Scored during the week and will lead the line against a Wolves team who have conceded goals for fun in recent away games.

Ashley Barnes (Burnley- 5.6 Million, Owned by 2.1%): Has been in great form to help Burnley climb away from relegation trouble and scored last week at Chelsea. The biggest threat to Manchester City's Premier League title bid this Sunday.

MY PICKS: Liverpool Leading at 20 Minutes @ 2.00 Betfair Sportsbook
Tottenham Hotspur - 1.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.95 Bet365
Crystal Palace-Everton Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 Bet Victor
Fulham-Cardiff City Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.77 Bet Victor
Southampton to Win & Over 1.5 Goals @ 2.25 Ladbrokes
Watford-Wolves Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.25 Bet Victor
Brighton-Newcastle United Both Teams to Score- NO @ 1.85 Bet Victor 
Leicester City-Arsenal Over 3.5 Goals @ 2.55 Bet Victor
Manchester City to Win by Two or Three Goals @ 2.27 Bet365
Manchester United-Chelsea Both Teams to Score- NO @ 2.30 Bet Victor

Tennis Picks 2019 (April 26th)

I didn't have the time to research the Tennis Picks for Thursday so there were no selections made to back up the win we had on Wednesday.

My mind was not ready to sit down and work things out after the Manchester derby on Wednesday evening and the slightly longer than expected journey back home due to roadworks being done on long stretches of the motorway. You don't want to hear my sob story here though, instead the focus is on the Tennis Picks from the Friday Quarter Final matches at the tournaments being played this week.


Guido Pella + 3.5 games v Dominic Thiem: There would have been a real hope for Dominic Thiem fans that their man was ready to get back to some of his best tennis after he won a big Masters title in Indian Wells. That came on the hard courts and the return to the clay courts would have been seen as a good time to put some strong runs together.

An early defeat in Monte Carlo was a real surprise, but Thiem has reached the Quarter Final in Barcelona without expending too much energy. Two good looking wins over Diego Sebastian Schwartzman and Jaume Munar will stand the Austrian in good stead, but his numbers are still some way down on where they have been on the clay courts in recent years.

Where he has been someone who holds somewhere in the low 80s in terms of percentage, Thiem is holding down at 71% on the clay courts in 2019. Even though Thiem has yet to drop a set in this tournament, his hold number has only improved to 77% and it is the return game that has been key to his wins.

His whole game is going to be tested by Guido Pella who is having a career season on the clay and is looking to maintain his consistency on the court. The Argentinian has reached a career best Ranking at the beginning of the week and is continuing to trend in a positive direction with a couple of strong wins on the clay of Barcelona.

Guido Pella dropped the first set this week, but he has won five sets in a row as he has produced three wins to reach the Quarter Final. His service numbers are slightly improved this week compared with the season, while Pella has also been returning well enough to believe he can challenge Dominic Thiem if the latter is not able to turn the switch and produce a much better level than he has for much of 2019.

These two played a tight match on the clay of Buenos Aires last season and it feels like Pella is coming into this Quarter Final in much stronger form. Coupled with Dominic Thiem's slight decline in form on the clay courts through 2019 compared with previous seasons and this could be a close match in which the games being given to the underdog look very appealing.


Petra Kvitova - 3.5 games v Anastasija Sevastova: An indoor court on any surface should be something that is very much a confidence booster for a player like Petra Kvitova. You may assume that the clay courts are not really the surface for someone who is as aggressive as Kvitova is on the court, but she has shown throughout her career that she can be very effective on the surface.

The serve certainly helps Kvitova as it can set up short balls on a surface where she would prefer to avoid being dragged into the long rallies that could see her break down as she continues chasing the lines. It was a very strong weapon for the Czech player last year and she began her tournament in Stuttgart with a comfortable win in the Second Round.

In recent years Kvitova has had something of a mixed time in Stuttgart with some early losses around a deep run at the event. She is favoured to see off Anastasija Sevastova who has had some really good results on the clay courts in recent years, but who has perhaps not matched up the kind of level that Kvitova has produced on the surface.

The Latvian has been the more consistent returner on the clay out of the two players in this match, but she has not managed the same kind of numbers Kvitova produced in 2018. It is also going to be a big challenge for Sevastova to deal with the Kvitova serve, although their previous matches have been close enough to think the underdog does have the chance to spring the upset.

However I am backing the favourite to win and cover considering the performances on the clay over the last twelve months. Petra Kvitova has been playing at a very high level over that time period and it is enough to believe she can win this match with a break more in each set of a straight sets match.


Matteo Berrettini - 1.5 games v Pablo Cuevas: This looks like a Quarter Final that is best suited to the clay courts with two players who are very comfortable on the surface looking to secure some vital World Ranking points. Pablo Cuevas is a veteran these days who is clinging onto his top 100 World Ranking as he has struggled for consistency, while Matteo Berrettini is approaching his career best World Ranking having hit his peak earlier in 2019.

Both players have made their way through to this Quarter Final in different ways. Where Berrettini has been pretty dominant in his two wins, Cuevas has had to dig deep and need a final set to come through his own matches and this has come just days after winning a title on the Challenger Tour.

Fatigue could be a potential issue for Cuevas who has performed well enough on the clay courts in 2019, but has struggled when it comes to the return of serve which has prevented him winning more matches. Those numbers have actually dipped on both serve and return in the tournament here in Budapest as Cuevas has held in 75% of his service games and broken in 25%.

Now Cuevas has to deal with Matteo Berrettini who has been a big time server on the clay courts in the last couple of years but who has struggled with his own return. So far in his three matches in 2019 the Italian has been actually much improved with his return, but the serve has suffered a little bit, although the two wins in Budapest have been impressive against Mikhail Kukushkin and Aljaz Bedene.

In Budapest Berrettini has been holding 85% of the service games played and has broken in 35% and those numbers are impressive enough to give him the edge in this Quarter Final. I do think all of the tennis that Cuevas has played in the last couple of weeks is going to make it difficult for him too and needing three sets to win his two matches this week and now playing for a third day in a row is a tough spot for the veteran to be in.

Matteo Berrettini won't have things all his own way, but he looks to be performing at a higher level than Pablo Cuevas in the conditions and I will back the younger man to come through with a win and a cover.

MY PICKS: Guido Pella + 3.5 Games @ 2.00 Bet Fred (2 Units)
Petra Kvitova - 3.5 Games @ 1.85 William Hill (2 Units)
Matteo Berrettini - 1.5 Games @ 1.80 Bet365 (2 Units)
Kiki Bertens - 1.5 Games @ 1.83 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Kei Nishikori - 4.5 Games @ 2.10 William Hill (2 Units)

Weekly Update: 1-0, + 1.60 Units (2 Units Staked, + 80% Yield)

Tennis Picks 2018 (April 26th)

I was not impressed with the manner in which at least two of my Tennis Picks faltered on Wednesday having been in a dominant position to try and cover the number of games.

Both players won which didn't make me feel any better as I suffer through a cold (real cold not 'man flu' or at least as far as I am concerned).

On Thursday I am simply placing the Tennis Picks I have below, but I don't have a lot of feel for the matches even though there are some full schedules to be played in Barcelona and Stuttgart.

Both Tennis Picks come from Stuttgart as I try and get this week turned back around.

MY PICKS: Jelena Ostapenko - 3.5 Games @ 1.91 Bet365 (2 Units)
Coco Vandeweghe @ 2.10 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Weekly Update: 1-4, - 6.18 Units (10 Units Staked, - 61.80% Yield)

Tennis Picks 2017 (April 27th)

No one will be surprised that the tennis headlines on Thursday morning were going to be made by the return of Maria Sharapova as the WTA Stuttgart event garnered the most attention it probably ever has before. There is no denying the size of the story as Sharapova returned from a fifteen month suspension for failing a drugs ban.

The press conference after the match was more interesting than the actual performance on the court with a journalist taking the brave option of asking Sharapova whether she is taking something new for the 'heart condition' that had seen her using meldonium past the date it had been added to the 'banned list'.

While Sharapova wouldn't say what she is using now, it was interesting to hear some of her thoughts about her fellow professionals who have been very negative about her return to the court. Eugenie Bouchard was the latest to voice her feelings against the return of Sharapova, although the Canadian went a step further than most when suggesting Sharapova should have been banned for life.

This sounds like a controversy that is not going anyway any time soon with the profile Sharapova has and more heat will be added to it depending on what the French Open organisers do with the Wild Card decision for the Russian in the next couple of weeks.

On Thursday Sharapova will be back on the court for her Second Round match and I am going to back her again, while I also have two picks from Barcelona which you can read below.


Maria Sharapova - 4.5 games v Ekaterina Makarova: This will be the seventh time Maria Sharapova and compatriot Ekaterina Makarova meet on the Tour and so far it is Sharapova who has won the previous six matches. Four of those have come by a wide margin and I am looking for Sharapova to back up her impressive win on her return to the Tour by seeing off Makarova in the Second Round.

There are some question marks around Sharapova despite her strong performance in the win over Roberta Vinci in the First Round. Tiredness, both emotionally and physically, could be a real factor in this match with Sharapova playing for the second day in a row in a competitive environment for the first time in fifteen months, while emotionally Wednesday would have been huge for Sharapova.

Those two issues could see her produce a sub-par performance here, although I was impressed with some of the serving under pressure and her general consistency off the ground. That will be tested by Makarova who will hit the ball back with a lot of power and has a decent serve of her own to get herself out of trouble.

However, Makarova can't be feeling that confident mentally having had a difficult four months to open 2017, while she is not at her best on the clay courts. Makarova is just 15-15 on this surface since the beginning of 2014 and that might mean she is unable to expose any vulnerabilities that Sharapova is feeling.

Sharapova's movement was not at its best on Wednesday, but she will be better for having had a match on the surface. Her previous performances in Stuttgart is another positive and I think Sharapova can get the better of her compatriot with a similar looking win to the one she produced in the First Round and cover the same number.


Pablo Carreno Busta - 5.5 games v Yuichi Sugita: One of the players I have to expect to have a really good clay court season over the next few weeks is Pablo Carreno Busta and I am looking for him to record a dominant win in the Third Round in Barcelona. That isn't being disrespectful to Yuichi Sugita, but there should be a clear advantage in the Spaniard's favour and I would look for him to show that on the court.

Before entering the draw as a Lucky Loser, Sugita had not won a clay court match in a main Tour event in his career. This week he has snapped that run with two impressive wins over Tommy Robredo and Richard Gasquet, but there are reasons you can make for both results.

Robredo is a veteran who has lost his consistency on a day by day basis these days and Gasquet is back from an injury lay off and that was his first match on clay and the first in two months overall. None of those issues should be ones that Carreno Busta is going to be dealing with and that makes this a considerably tougher match for Sugita than the last two have been.

I do like the way Carreno Busta has been able to put pressure on opponents on the clay courts by making sure he makes plenty of returns and then shows the stamina and patience to outwork them in rallies. That has led to a number of sets where he has won it with a couple of breaks of serve more than he gives up and I would expect Carreno Busta to be the dominant player the longer the rallies develop in this one.

The Spaniard has also been serving effectively enough to think he can get himself into a strong position in rallies when defending his own serve and I am looking for Carreno Busta to wear down Sugita and produce a 6-3, 6-3 win on the day.


Alexander Zverev - 4.5 games v Hyeon Chung: There is a lot of expectation of these two 20 year olds and how their careers are supposed to progress, but so far it is Alexander Zverev who has shown more consistency at a higher level than Hyeon Chung.

This has been a good week for Chung, but he has not had the best start to 2017 and playing Zverev will be a tough test for him. Chung has a couple of upset wins behind him but I am not sure he is going to be the kind of clay court player that I expect Zverev to become and the latter has shown signs of improving on the surface all the time.

Last season Chung took some relatively comfortable losses on the clay courts to players like Malek Jaziri and Marcel Granollers and I think Zverev is ahead of those two veterans. Zverev did come through a tough Second Round match against Nicolas Almagro, but the latter has shown plenty of clay court successes in the past to think he just played better than he has for much of 2017 on his return from injury.

In this one it is up to Zverev to put the pressure on Chung early in the match and I think that might see the South Korean just struggle to stay with him mentally. I do think Chung will have some chances too because Zverev still shows some inconsistencies at time and can lose a bit of focus, but the majority of the aggressive play should come from Zverev.

I can see a situation where Zverev has to overcome dropping serve a couple of times, but I still think he will have enough to see off Chung with a 7-5, 6-3 win on the day.

MY PICKS: Maria Sharapova - 4.5 Games @ 1.85 William Hill (2 Units)
Pablo Carreno Busta - 5.5 Games @ 2.00 William Hill (2 Units)
Alexander Zverev - 4.5 Games @ 2.10 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Weekly Update: 5-6, - 2.80 Units (22 Units Staked, - 12.72% Yield)