SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager is back for what’s set to be yet another incredible weekend of sport.
Joining top broadcaster Kweku Afari is our very own deputy head of sport Dean Scoggins and Betfair betting expert Sam Rosbottom.
With the Premier League back in full swing following a full slate of mid-week fixtures, the amazing action keeps coming over the next couple of days.
Headlining the weekend’s footie action is the Manchester derby on Sunday afternoon.
Saturday, meanwhile, is a special day on the calendars of all racing fans – with the Grand National set to take place at Aintree.
Our trio of experts take you through their tips for the weekend’s action.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Dean Scoggins – Matz Sels three or more saves – 6/5
If I was picking a game to go to this weekend as a neutral, it would be Villa-Forest.
Villa have stacks of shots at home. Now, here’s a stat for you, they’ve had 225 shots in 15 Premier League games, averaging 15 a game at Villa Park.
“But Nottingham Forest’s goalkeeper is probably the goalkeeper of the season so far.
“So I’m going Matz Sels for three or more saves. Also, if by any chance, Sels doesn’t play, it is actually the goalkeeper, whoever’s in goal for Forest.
But Matz Sels, three or more saves at 6-5, with Rashford flying, Asensio flying. Villa are great to watch. Don’t forget Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers. Yeah, I’m quite confident with this one.
Kweku Afari – Villa to win and BTTS – 13/5
I’ve gone Aston Villa to win, and both teams to score, 13-5.
It’s been documented how good Villa have been under Unai Emery this season.
Maybe the league form has been up and down, but since losing to Arsenal in their first home league game this season, Villa are unbeaten at home in 14 games, which is a pretty formidable record. It’s not an easy ground to go to.
And Forest’s away goals per game ratio, which is 1.73, is their third best in a top flight season. So I do expect there to be goals in this one, but I expect Villa to just inch it.
Sam Rosbottom – Anthony Elanga one or more shots on target – 5-4
Anthony Elanga, he did the business for Forest against his old club last time out.
I’m sticking with him in this one, but I’m siding with him to have just one or more shots on target at five to four.
I think that price is pretty generous when you look at the stats.
He’s had four shots in his last three matches, all of which were on target and I think he’s going to do the same again on Saturday.
Manchester United vs Manchester City
Dean Scoggins – City to win and over 1.5 goals – 7/5
I like City in this as well. I mean, Man Utd, it was a smash and grab at the Etihad before Christmas with the Amad Diallo goal, they nicked it.
If we look at the stats here, Man City have won more Premier League away games against Man Utd than any other side.
Man Utd have shipped 17 in nine under Ruben Amorim. So it looks tricky for United to me. They’re getting better, but they’re not quite playing as well as we’d like.
I’m going for goals again this weekend. I think that City will score and they’ll win. So I’m going for City to win and over 1.5 goals at 7-5.
And look, if City score early, that means United have got to come out a bit, maybe City score again.
So for me, 7-5 looks like a good price.
Kweku Afari – Man Utd to win – 2/1
I’ve gone a little bit left field with this one because I do understand that City are the favourites going into it, but I’ve gone straightforward. Manchester United win at 2/1.
If you look at the stats, Man City have lost six of their last 11 away Premier League matches.
That’s as many as they lost in their previous 37 away matches combined, which tells you that they’ve not being on form this season, especially away from home.
And Ruben Amorim, he’s just got that stardust, that magic dust against Man City. He beat them, of course, as the Sporting Lisbon manager in the Champions League, winning 4-1.
And as mentioned previously, he won with Manchester United at the Etihad 2-1 earlier this season.
Sam Rosbottom – Bruno Fernandes to score/assist – 6/4
Manchester City are very vulnerable at the back as well, which is why I might surprise you now with this one.
Although I’m not going to say United are going to win. I do think they are going to score. And I do think Bruno Fernandes is going to be absolutely key.
He’s their main man, isn’t he? And for him to score or assist in this game, 6/4 which I think is decent value, especially if you want to include him in a bet builder, I think it’s a really nice selection to do so.
In all competitions, Fernandes has been involved in 19 goals in his last 18 matches at Old Trafford. He’s got 12 goals, seven assists.
So getting both either to score or assist on side at 6/4 I think is pretty nice.
Also, when we look at his record in the Manchester derby, his last two, he’s either scored or assisted.
So, yeah, two goal involvements in his last two games. And I can see him making that three on the bounce this weekend.
The Grand National
Dean Scoggins – Intense Raffles – 10/11
I was lucky enough to be in the company of some jockeys and some guests at the Randox Grand National last week.
And the horse they couldn’t stop talking about was Intense Raffles.
Now, they like it because the ground’s going to be a bit firmer. The weather’s been good.
It’s a great jumper. And it was the favourite a couple of weeks ago in the early betting, but it’s gone out slightly.
At 10/1, it’s still one of the favourites. But yeah, Intense Raffles is where my money’s going.
Kweku Afari – I Am Maximus – 10/11
My pick is also a 10/1. I Am Maximus, won this race last year, won the Irish Grand National two years ago.
I just like the look of him. I like the name as well. So I’m going for I Am Maximus.
Sam Rosbottom – Stumptown – 8/1
I’m looking at the top of the market.
A horse that I really fancy is Stumptown at 8/1. He won very well at the Cheltenham Festival in the Cross Country race.
Now we’ve seen in the past, that is a brilliant, brilliant preparation run for the Grand National.
Tiger Roll, the big example, won at the Cross Country, then goes and wins the Grand National.
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