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    Why Jacob Murphy and Bruno Fernandes will decide Newcastle vs Manchester Utd | Experts’ best bets – Weekend Wager

    SUNSPORT’s finest are back with another set of tips for this weekend’s Premier League action – and a wildcard punt on The Masters.There’s a bumper selection of fixtures to get our teeth into as the Prem run-in continues. Jacob Murphy is featured in this weekend’s best betsCredit: GettyArsenal take on Brentford in a London derby in the evening kick-off on Saturday. While Manchester United head north to Newcastle for a juicy Super Sunday clash.The Masters runs through the entire weekend – plus we have a very special tip for the Scottish Grand National. Here are the thoughts of host Kweku Afari, broadcaster Toni Afoke and Betfair’s James Mackie as they eye the best bets of the weekend.READ MORE ON SPORTArsenal vs Brentford – Saturday, 5.30pmToni – BTTS, Arsenal to win, Merino to score at 6/1.Arsenal will have one eye on the Champions League second leg against Real Madrid. Despite that, I still think the Gunners are going to win this one.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKI’m going for both teams to score, Arsenal to win, and for Mikel Merino to score. Most read in FootballMerino has got six in his last ten and I think Brentford are good enough to find the net at the Emirates. Ian Wright fears three Arsenal superstars could run down contract, including Saka Kweku – Saka to score or assist, Saka to be fouled 2+ times at 2/1This is a little cheeky bet builder. Saka’s a player who also needs to get minutes in his legs. He’s a player that is very, very durable. Anything good that comes from Arsenal comes from Bukayo Saka. He’s got 15 goal involvements this season. James – Leandro Trossard 3+ shots and Yoane Wissa 3+ shots at 4/1Leandro Trossard is being backed to bring his shooting boots against BrentfordCredit: GettyTrossard has had three or more shots in four of his last five Premier League outings for Arsenal, having 19 in total. That’s an average of 3.8 per 90 minutes, which is an absolutely cracking record.Wissa has had three-plus shots in 10 of his last 12 Premier League appearances.He had three shots and scored at the Emirates last season – he’s the man to follow. Newcastle vs Manchester United – Sunday, 4.30pmAlejandro Garnacho averages over 3 shots per game this seasonCredit: GettyToni – Under 2.5 goals, Manuel Ugarte to be booked, Alejandro Garnacho 2+ shots at 10/1 Anyone who watches Man United knows that Garnacho loves a shot.He’s averaging 3.51 per 90 in all competitions this season.Newcastle are not going to need a lot of goals to beat Man United.United have failed to score 16 times this season, which is the most since 1989. Kweku – Jacob Murphy to score or assist at 9/5Murphy has been so instrumental for Newcastle this season.In the absence of Anthony Gordon, who’s been injured for the last couple of weeks, Murphy’s definitely come to the fore. He’s been directly involved in 19 goals and 33 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring eight and assisting 11. And if you look at this Newcastle side, they’re very, very functional. What they do really well is use their wide men.James – Bruno Fernandes to score or assists at 9/5Bruno Fernandes is a superb price to either score or assistCredit: GettyUnited would be nowhere without Bruno Fernandes this season.He’s created 15 chances across his last three Premier League appearances and created three-plus chances in each game. He’s averaging 2.6 chances created per 90 minutes this season.And I think at 9/5, for him to score assist, I think that’s cracking value, I really do.The Masters – Round 3 bet James – Any Round 3 Par 3 hole-in-one at 12/1Overall, there’s been at least one ace at the 16th hole at Augusta in six of the last nine years. And you’re getting even money for one to happen. Doesn’t matter across day one, day two, day three, and day four. So I think that’s a cracking bet.Scottish Grand National Macdermott is among the favourites for the big race at AyrCredit: PAJames – Macdermott 8/1I can’t look away from a Willie Mullins run. He’s going to clean up again. Read More on The SunAnd I actually think the horse he’s going to do it with is the horse he won it with last year, called MacDermott. This is a win only bet, not each way. This horse will either win or will fall out the back of the TV because that’s the type of horse he is. More

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    Why Bruno Fernandes can fire in the Manchester derby plus a lively Grand National outsider – Weekend Wager’s best bets

    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.Manchester United or set to take on rivals City this weekendCredit: ReutersWith 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.READ MORE IN SPORTAston Villa vs Nottingham ForestDean Scoggins – Matz Sels three or more saves – 6/5If 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.Most read in Football”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.Matz Sels has been in flying form for Nottingham ForestCredit: RexKweku Afari – Villa to win and BTTS – 13/5I’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.Aston Villa have been flying in front of goalCredit: GettySam Rosbottom – Anthony Elanga one or more shots on target – 5-4Anthony 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.Anthony Elanga is likely to have his shooting boots onCredit: GettyManchester United vs Manchester CityDean Scoggins – City to win and over 1.5 goals – 7/5I 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.Jack Grealish grabbed his first Prem goal of the season in mid-weekCredit: GettyKweku Afari – Man Utd to win – 2/1I’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.Man Utd stunned City at the Etihad in DecemberCredit: ReutersSam Rosbottom – Bruno Fernandes to score/assist – 6/4Manchester 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.Bruno Fernandes is likely to be at the centre of the actionCredit: GettyThe Grand NationalDean Scoggins – Intense Raffles – 10/11I 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 – 10/11My 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 – 8/1I’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.Read More on The SunNow 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.It’s set to be a brilliant weekend of action at AintreeCredit: AFP More

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    Best FA Cup bets from scorned England star with point to prove to the tie destined for penalty shootout

    SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager is back for another week, packed full of expert insight and razor-sharp analysis to bring you the best-value bets ahead of this weekend’s actionJoining top broadcaster Toni Afoke is our very own deputy head of sport Dean Scoggins and Betfair betting expert Sam Rosbottom.Nottingham Forest are set to take on Brighton this weekendCredit: GettyWith the international break done and dusted, our team take a look at the best of the FA Cup action.They check out the value bets from Brighton’s quarter-final with high-flying Nottingham Forest.While they also pick through Bournemouth’s intriguing tie with Manchester City.The trio then take a look at this weekend’s IPL and racing action.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrighton vs ForestDean Scoggins – Gibbs-White two shots on target – 11/2I’m going Morgan Gibbs-White, Morgan Gibbs-White is the man for this weekend.I’ll tell you why, it’s because he got snubbed by England.He is going to be absolutely raring to go, flying out the blocks.Most read in FootballMorgan Gibbs-White to have two shots on target is 11/2. The stat for you is that he only averages just under one shot per 90 this season, but that isn’t in an open game, in a cup game.I just fancy him to get a load of joy. Be it a free-kick, a goal, or a shot on target in open play.Morgan Gibbs-White wasn’t named in Thomas Tuchel’s initial England squadCredit: GettyToni Afoke – Forest to win on penalties – 11/1I’m going to go with Forest to win on penalties. The reason I’m doing this is three of Forest’s last five FA Cup ties have gone down to penalties.Even though I know they completely spanked Brighton 7-0, I just feel that Brighton are going to have that edge against them.Overall they’ve won all four of their FA Cup shootouts, and I remember Brighton losing penalty shootouts, specifically against Man Utd in the 2022-23 season, I’m going Forest there.Forest beat Ipswich on penalties in the fifth roundCredit: AlamySam Rosbottom – Van Hecke to be fouled – EvensI’m looking at the to be fouled market. And I’m looking at Jan Paul van Hecke to be fouled one or more times at even money.I know you’re probably shouting at screens, ‘why are you shouting up a centre-half to be fouled?’I think it’s going to be a big battle between him and Chris Wood, who is a little bit of an injury doubt, but if he does play he’s a man that likes to put himself about.Jan Paul van Hecke has been fouled six times in his last four matches for Brighton. Chris Wood has committed seven fouls in his last six games.Could be a key battle and I could see Jan Paul van Hecke being fouled at least once.”Jan Paul van Hecke could be in the thick of the actionCredit: RexBournemouth vs Man CityDean Scoggins – Justin Kluivert to commit three or more fouls – 5/2I went to the Spurs-Bournemouth game a couple of weeks ago and Justin Kluivert was everywhere.Not just in attack but putting himself around. He makes fouls. He averages 1.74 fouls per 90 as an attacker. In that Tottenham game, he should have been sent off by the way, he was booked and made another foul after.So I’m interested in the fouls market. Three or more fouls in this game is 5/2 and against a Man City side who will have loads of the ball I fancy Kluivert to make more than two fouls and get to that three fouls mark.Justin Kluivert may attract attention from the officialsCredit: AlamyToni Afoke – Bournemouth to win and BTTS – 16/5″I’m going for Bournemouth to win and both teams to score. I’m giving City a bit of a chance because I feel like they will score, it would be weird for Bournemouth to get a clean sheet at the Vitality.I just feel, even though Bournemouth have been slightly going down, they have something against a vulnerable Man City side.Bournemouth could be onto a winner this weekendCredit: RexSam Rosbottom – Tavernier to have three or more shots – 6/5I’m also looking at the shots market in this one. Not shots on target though, just the shots market.It’s Marcus Tavernier to have three or more shots at 6/5. Now, why I like this one is because when it comes to shots, FA Cup, everybody’s gonna be looking to Semenyo.However, Marcus Tavernier has had 15 shots in his last five FA Cup matches. Going forward he’s a real threat for Bournemouth.Coming up against potentially Gvardiol if he’s fit, obviously we know how high Gvardiol likes to get forward – there could be a bit of space to exploit there. That’s one for me that’s a very nice option.How Pep can ignite Marmoush and Haaland partnership with aggressive attacking shape in FA CupIPL CRICKETSam Rosbottom – Team of Top Batsman – Gujarat Titans – EvensWhat a start we’ve had to the IPL. Some big, big scores we’ve seen in matches, almost records being broken. There was one match where they were one run away from the highest total in an IPL game.I’m looking at Saturday’s game. Gujarat Titans against the Mumbai Indians. Mumbai Indians one of the big favourites to win the IPL this season.They are fancied in this game at 4/5, Gujarat Titans even money. I think this one’s a little bit closer than that to be honest with you.Gujarat Titans came very, very close – one of the highest-scoring sides in the first round of fixtures – so I’m actually going to look at some other markets on this game.I’m diving into the team of top batsman and I’m going to side with the Gujarat Titans on this one at even money.The reason why I like this is in their last game, like I said, while they lost, they gave it a really good go and they lost by 11 runs. They notched 232 runs in that match, so they’re a high-scoring side.Both (Sai) Sudharsan and (Jos) Buttler scored over 50 in that game and they had a partnership of 84 runs so pretty easy going for T20.Interesting Jos Buttler as well. He had such a miserable time at the Champions Trophy. He stood down as England captain. But he’s got straight back at it with the Gujarat Titans.I think team top batsman, Gujarat Titans, even money is a shout.Jos Buttler will be in IPL actionCredit: AFPTHE LINCOLN – DONCASTER RACINGSam Rosbottom – Native Warrior – 15/2READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s all eyes on Doncaster for the Lincoln. The first big flat race of the season. Twenty-two runners in this one so huge field, lots of horses to pick.Obviously each way could be a really good shout in this race as well, but one that I really like is Native Warrior at 15/2 and Betfair punters absolutely love this horse as well – best backed horse in the ante-post market leading up this one. More

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    Why Isak and Newcastle are great value to shoot-down red hot favourites Liverpool – Weekend Wager’s best bets

    SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager is back for another week, using in-depth stats and razor-sharp analysis to bring you the best value bets from a packed weekend of elite sport.Joining our very own Will Pugh for this week’s show is football broadcaster Kweku Afari and Betfair betting expert Sam Rosbottom.Our experts bring you the best bets from this weekend’s biggest Premier League clash, Arsenal vs ChelseaCredit: GettyMo Salah and Alexander Isak could be the stars of the show as Liverpool take on Newcastle in the Carabao CupCredit: ReutersThis week the panel gave their thoughts on how punters can make the most of the weekend’s biggest Premier League fixture – Arsenal vs Chelsea.There’s also good value in the Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle as the Toon go for their first major trophy in 70 years.The opening weekend of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is also one our our expert panel’s top talking points.Check out all our best bets for the weekend below, in association with Betfair.READ MORE SPORT STORIESArsenal vs ChelseaKweku Afari – Arsenal to win and BTTS – 13/5When I was younger Arsenal vs Chelsea, that was cash money for my beloved Blues, but in recent years it’s changed – hence my bet.I’ve got Arsenal to win and both teams to score 13-5. Arsenal are struggling in the league for consistency but we know how good of a team they are.Chelsea are winless in their past six away league games, but Arsenal are without a clean sheet in four home league matches.Most read in FootballArsenal are also unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Chelsea.So I’ve got both teams to score but Arsenal to win.Ethan Nwaneri to score looks good value amid his red-hot run of form and Arsenal’s lack of centre forwardsCredit: GettyWill Pugh – Nwaneri to score – 9/4Although heads are going at Arsenal I do still fancy them to score, but ravaged by injuries they’re playing Mikel Merino up front – and he never even trained as a striker until a few weeks ago.I’m therefore saying the only place their goals are likely to come from is Ethan Nwaneri. He absolutely loves a shot on target but I’m going Nwaneri to score at 9-4.This will be his last ever appearance before he turns 18 and no under 18 player has ever scored in a Premier League London derby, with the only player doing so against Chelsea being James Milner for Leeds in December 2002 age 16.But I just fancy Nwaneri – he’s made of different stuff. He’s averaging 2.86 shots per 90 minutes in his last five games. I fancy him to get on the score sheet.Marc Cucurella to have at least one shot looks to be an absolute banker, according to our expertsCredit: GettySam Rosbottom – Cucurella to have 1+ shots – 7/5I could not believe the odds on this. I had to double take it and I had to ring the traders to make sure that this was correct: Marc Cucurella to have one or more shots in the match.Now that’s not a shot on target that’s just a shot… I think this is a great shout.He’s had 11 shots in his last 10 games. He’s scored in each of his last two matches as well.He is a player who you’d like him to get forward for Chelsea. He’s being very creative for them at the minute and I can just see him having a shot against Arsenal.How Newcastle can topple Liverpool with Isak’s brilliant ‘go-stop-go’ trick in cup finalCarabao Cup final – Liverpool vs NewcastleKweku Afari – Under 2.5 goals – 5/4This is a tasty final and when you mentioned Liverpool defending their crown that was a dagger through my heart because last year they beat my beloved Chelsea.Five of the past six Carabao Cup finals have seen fewer than three goals scored.Liverpool’s two Carabao Cup wins during that time which both were against Chelsea have seen the match finish goalless after 90 minutes.I’m going for under 2.5 goals in this one… cup finals are pretty boring. They’re pretty cagey.Alexander Isak will be Newcastle’s biggest threat and if they’re going to score it’s likely to be himCredit: GettyWill Pugh – Isak to score – 15/8I’m just going for a little bit more adventurous one here…If Newcastle are going to win with Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall out, I believe they’re going to be relying on their big name, big money player: Alexander Isak.He’s had a hand in four goals across his five appearances against Liverpool – that’s three goals and one assist.So I’m going Isak to score any time.Sam Rosbottom – Gakpo to score or assist 13/10I do see it being a tight, cagey game. But what I like in this one, looking at the Liverpool player, is Cody Gakpo.He has been absolutely key for them in this competition. He’s scored nine goals in 11 appearances in the League Cup.If Liverpool are to do this – which the odds suggest they will – then he’s going to be absolutely key.For him to score or assist in this game currently is a decent price.Cody Gakpo will be key to Liverpool’s success as he aims to continue his staggering Carabao Cup formCredit: AFPIndian Premier LeagueSam RosbottomIf you’re into cricket this is an absolutely fantastic competition. It’s pure action. It’s pure drama. Expect lots of big hitters and loads of sixes.Chennai Super Kings are currently joint favourites with Mumbai Indians… they’re the most successful franchises in the competition.They’ve each won it five times so there’s always a bit of a battle between the two of them. However it was the Kolkata Knight Riders who won it last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere’s also Sunrisers Hyderabad who Pat Cummings and Travis Head have played for.Jos Buttler currently plays for the Gujarat Titans. And Jofra Archer, his Rajasthan Royals are the outsiders – he’ll need a big tournament if they’re to upset the odds.Jos Buttler is one of the huge names on show in this season’s IPL – which starts next weekendCredit: AFP More