Articles

France v Bolivia
International Friendly – 8.00 pm
Sky Sports

Reigning world champions France get in a friendly warm-up game against Bolivia on Sunday. This will be a run out to get themselves back together ahead of their return to the European Championship qualifying action. France took comfortable wins over Moldova and Iceland in their first two qualification matches, netting four goals in each. So even though this is a friendly the French will be expected to put on a show.

France are as short as 8/13 odds with leading bookmakers to win to nil in this one. This will be the first-ever match between the two nations and there is a stark contrast in how their fortunes are going at the moment. France are on top of the world and Bolivia have failed to win any of their last six games. They have scored in just one of their last five games played as well. The South Americans are 12/1 underdogs here before stepping out into competitive Copa America action in June.

Bradford v Halifax
Rugby League Challenge Cup – 2.45 pm
BBC Two

After a thrilling and tense home win in the last round, Bradford remain at the Odsal Stadium for their quarter-final in the Challenge Cup. They will be going into an all-Championship duel against Halifax in the next round. So come the semi-final draw of this season’s Challenge Cup, there will be at least one team from the second tier in the mix. Bradford go as the 8/11 favourites with leading bookmakers to secure the victory, with home advantage on their side. When they visited Halifax in the league in April, they produced a 33-26 win in round 10.

But then Halifax got their revenge earlier this month in round 14 with a 21-14 win over the Bulls. Punters are going to be split over the best bets of the day for this game. Bradford and Halifax are sat level in the middle of the Championship table on sixteen points. Halifax have outscored the Bulls, but have been far worse in defence than Bradford. So this is a really level playing field going on here. That is reflected in the outright odds as well where the visitors are 6/5 to pick up the win. In the last round Bradford did beat Super League side Leeds, while Halifax knocked off Championship strugglers Dewsbury. It should be a closely fought, intense cup tie.

South Africa v Bangladesh
Cricket World Cup – 10.30 am
Sky Sports

The Proteas are the first team at the 2019 World Cup to get into their second match of the tournament. South Africa opened their account against England in the curtain raiser of the tournament on Thursday. South Africa are strong odds-on favourites to bank a victory in this one at the Oval, the same ground where they opened their account. So that familiarity with the pitch and conditions is going to be a benefit to them here. They do also boast the superior quality with bat and ball.

The likes Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis have the ability to put Bangladesh’s bowling to the sword. De Kock is the 5/2 favourite to be South Africa’s top batsmen in this contest. They will be hoping to get their star bowler Dale Steyn back after missing the clash with England. Although they may take an extra precaution and rest him ahead of further action. South Africa and Bangladesh haven’t met since 2017 when the Proteas made a clean sweep of their three-match ODI series. They have won four of their last six against Bangladesh, who are 11/4 underdogs to pick up a match win.

Check out some of the latest live bets which can offer a great source of inspiration for getting in on some wagering action.

New Zealand v Sri Lanka
Cricket World Cup 10:30 am
Sky Sports

New Zealand were World Cup runners up four years ago. They are back once again with a side that is capable of challenging. The thing about the Kiwis is that they don’t grab all of the headlines and attention that the likes of India, Australia and England do. They tend to fly under the radar. Still, they are always a competitive side and one that is tricky to play against. They certainly have their power players, like captain Kane Williamson who the top bookmakers have as the 11/4 Top NZ Batsman in this match.

They also have one of the best ODI bowlers in the world in Trent Boult. The Black Caps do have form going against Sri Lanka tooand they are 3/10 odds on collect the match victory. They two met back in January and New Zealand made a clean sweep in the three match series. That’s eleven wins in their last four ODI fixtures against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka are big underdogs for this one with only four wins in their last twenty ODI fixtures. In their warm up matches, they were beaten heavily by South Africa and Australia. They have odds of 5/2 to defy in this one.

Tottenham v Liverpool
Champions League Final – 8.00 pm
BT Sport

After some epic semi final comebacks from both Tottenham and Liverpool, will the final between them in Madrid on Saturday live up to expectations? It will be another great night for English football following the midweek Europa League Final between Chelsea and Arsenal. Which of these two Premier League sides will come out on top? It should be a great battle regardless.

It is Liverpool who the leading bookmakers are siding favouritism with at 19/20 odds. They beat Spurs in both league meetings this season and have won all but one of their last fourteen competitive games. They will also have the nightmare of twelve months ago as motivator. Jurgen Klopp’s men were soundly beaten by Real Madrid in last season’s Final. Can they deliver the goods and claim their sixth European Cup/Champions League title?

Or will it be Tottenham who defy their underdog status to get themselves their first ever European Cup title? Tottenham are 10/3 underdogs but they have received a massive boost in getting captain and star striker Harry Kane back from injury. He hasn’t played since the first leg of their quarter tie against Manchester City. So will he be sharp enough to help Tottenham make an impact in the fixture? This game is going to take plenty of action with punter’s best bets of the day.

Afghanistan v Australia
Cricket World Cup – 1.30 pm
Sky Sports

Australia have come into form at the right time. That could be a pretty ominous thing for the rest of the Cricket World Cup 2019 contenders. The Australians are on an eight match winning streak in One Day Internationals. That has been a telling turnaround in form from them too. They had won just two of their thirteen games prior to that, as they were going through some serious struggles and turmoils.

Australia are expected to come racing out of the blocks in this one and the top bookmakers have a rating of 8/11 on there being a century scored in the match. Tournament rank outsiders Afghanistan are 6/1 underdogs to pull off what would be a massive Cricket World Cup shock.

Anthony Joshua v Andy Ruiz
Boxing – 4.00 am Sunday
Sky Sports

AJ steps back into the ring for the defence of his heavyweight title in the early hours of Sunday morning. It is not the big fight that everyone wanted to see him in, as he fights in the USA for the first time in his career. This bout at the Madison Square Gardens sees him take on Andy Ruiz Jr. This is a title fight that Anthony Joshua is expected to win with some ease, although he himself has said how difficult of an opponent Ruiz may be.

The top bookmakers disagree and they have a quote of 15/8 on him stopping his opponent in Rounds 5 through 8. Joshua hold a 22-0 career record and all but one of those fights have been won by a knockout. Joshua was taken the distance only by Joseph Parker a couple of fights ago. Parker beat Ruiz back in 2016 for the vacant WBO heavyweight belt. That has been Ruiz’s biggest fight of his career. Ruiz may be out of his depth as the 12/1 underdog against the best in the business and gives up a lot of reach and height to AJ.

Saracens v Exeter
Premiership Rugby Final – 3.00 pm
BT Sport

Also making up the big day of sport on Saturday is the conclusion to the Premiership Rugby season. Once again it is Saracens v Exeter who will be meeting at Twickenham in the title match. This will the third time in the last four seasons that the two have met in the title match. Saracens have come out on top in the previous two and they are the reigning Champions. Sarries have won three of the last four Premiership titles. Last season they finished runners up in the final league standings to Exeter and still won the Final at Wembley.

This season the final standings were exactly the same with Exeter on top of Saracens. But it is Saracens who are 4/11 favourites with leading bookmakers for this Twickenham showdown. They know how to show up when in matters in the big games, highlighted recently with their win in the European Champions Cup Final. Exeter with a power game of their own, have their own massive strengths. Can they get their own game going and grind down Saracens? The Chiefs are 9/4 underdogs with the leading bookies. The two traded home wins in this seasons’ Premiership. It may be a tense battle of wills again.

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Start spreading the news… Anthony Joshua is leaving Madison Square Garden with his three heavyweight world title straps firmly around his waist. It’s an opinion that is common in the boxing world – Andy Ruiz is a late stand-in opponent, without any of the real physical attributes that could trouble AJ on his American debut.

Former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson is right in the sense that Ruiz’s fast hands will be the biggest issue for Joshua to negate (check out his full interview and opinion here – BETVICTOR on YOUTUBE . This being said, for Ruiz to unload combinations with his fast hands, he’ll have to step in close and get within range of Joshua’s stiff jab and damaging right hand. All the signs point towards an early blow-out. Wilder’s decapitation of Dominic Breazeale a fortnight ago will lead to comparisons being made between the two world champions; AJ needs to make a statement Stateside, and he will.

In many ways, Jarrell Miller’s failed drugs test was the perfect crime for Team Joshua. If AJ blasts Ruiz out in under three rounds they will be exempt from criticism in their choice of opponent: Ruiz was one of only a handful of possible opponents to step into the ring on Saturday night at such short notice. 16 of Joshua’s 22 wins have come inside the first three rounds, with Saturday night, on the face of it, looking no different. Expect AJ to answer the critics of the Parker, Takam and Povetkin wins in emphatic fashion.

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There is nothing quite like a World Cup to focus the eyes of the baying public. The ultimate in competition, pitting compatriots from their beloved nations against one another in a caldron of national pride.

Granted, when you hear the words World Cup, “darts” doesn’t automatically follow. Known as one of the most solitary sports, the Darts World Cup offers us a rare insight into the world of team tungsten: variations on the typical 501-down format make this tournament one of the stand out events in the sporting calendar.

The 2019 edition of the tournament will remain at 32 teams, with the competition due to start on June 6th. It’s knockout from the opening round, with eight teams seeded to avoid early round monster-clashes. The first round sees a best-of-nine-legs doubles match; second round, quarters and semis operate with two best-of-seven singles matches, with a doubles match acting as a tie-breaker; the final sees two best-of-seven singles matches followed by a doubles encounter – in a race to three points, five matches could well be played in the final.

The top four seeds are considered the four teams to beat this year, as we fly to Hamburg for what is set to be an emotional weekend of ‘arras. Premier League stars Rob Cross and Michael Smith carry the hopes of an English nation on their shoulders – Cross reached the Premier League final before succumbing to the imperious Michael van Gerwen, whereas Michael Smith endured a painful campaign with missed doubles proving his downfall. Despite this, the England team has the best balance and the best firepower.

Along with England, the Netherlands are the only other team to win the Darts World Cup. They share four titles each, with van Gerwen leading the Dutch to the last two titles. This year, however, the world champion will be partnered with Jermaine Wattimena, rather than long-term stable mate Raymond van Barneveld, who is at the twilight of his career.

Scotland and Wales make up the two other top four seeds. Despite missing the Premier League campaign due to a back injury, Gary Anderson will make his return to the big stage in partnering the out-of-sorts Peter Wright. Both have proven credentials at the highest level; on their day they can beat anyone.

Wales are the dark horses. Gerwyn Price has had an incredible year on the PDC tour and will drag the competent Jonny Clayton into a deep run at the World Cup. The draw favours a Wales vs. Scotland semi-final, with very little likely to separate these two teams.

When finding value, the look of Cross and Smith for England looks too good to turn down. At 5/2, England are a great bet to regain their crown and make it a historical fifth World Cup win. Van Gerwen can usually dig his way out of any hole, however, in a team event Mighty Mike may be left scratching his head in Hamburg.

England to win the Darts World Cup @ 5/2 (Marathon Bet)

Find the Latest Betting Odds for Professional Darts here at BigBetBookmakers.com featured at the BIGGEST BETS OF THE DAY& BIG LIVE BETS NOW Pages 

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Anthony Joshua lands in New York this weekend, as the unified heavyweight champions looks to make a splash in the Big Apple against a big Mexican: Andy Ruiz Jr.

This wasn’t the plan from the outset. A triple-whammy of failed drugs tests from original opponent Jarrell Miller allowed Ruiz to step in at fairly short notice; a cool $7 million will cushion the blow of what is expected to unfold on Saturday night.

With a varied undercard of British fighters looking to spread their wings across the Atlantic, a three-fold priced at around Evens (1/1 @ BetVictor) looks a tempting way to recoup money spent on the pay-per-view cost of the fight!

Anthony Joshua to win by KO, TKO or Disqualification @ 2/9

Joshua will be looking to make a statement in his first outing on American soil this weekend; Ruiz looks like the perfect opponent – albeit at late notice – to do so against. The fast hands of the Mexican have focused the narrative of a “potential slip up” for AJ, but without that concussive one-punch power, Ruiz will find himself working overtime in trying to land attacks on the champion. He’s likely to fall short and fall in on occasions, leading to a Joshua onslaught. For all his faults, AJ is one of the most clinical finishers in the game – he’ll smell blood within the first three rounds. Joshua should be able to back up Ruiz fairly easily, with the stoppage coming after a barrage on the ropes.

Callum Smith to win by KO, TKO or Disqualification 2/7

Why Stonehenge was formed; did anyone really see the Loch Ness Monster; how does Callum Smith still make 168-pounds: three of the biggest British mysteries still leaving us scratching our heads. Smith’s first defence as a world champion is coming against a seasoned middleweight. N’Dam has had a successful career, but the shire size and punch selection of “Mundo” will make this fight as one-sided as it gets. Smith is a front-runner to get the next “Canelo call”, so won’t be taking his eye off the ball in the Big Apple. N’Dam showed he could get hurt to the body against Murata, with Smith probably opting for a similar line of attack.

Katie Taylor to win by Decision or Technical Decision @ 1/3

A year ago, this wasn’t the #RoadToUndisputed fight we were probably expecting to land in New York this weekend. What the heavyweights have failed to do, Katie Taylor is on the verge of managing: sweeping the lightweight division of it’s four recognised belts. Persoon – part-time boxer, part-time police officer – hasn’t lost in nine years, but also hasn’t ventured away from Belgium small halls having taken up the sport 12 years ago. Granted, I haven’t spent days trawling through Persoon’s pro career, but Katie Taylor’s style looks enough to overwhelm any contender under 135-pounds. Fast hands, fast attacks and a relentless work rate have allowed Taylor to glide to the top of the tree in just 13 pro fights; Persoon’s admission to Taylor having that edge in speed doesn’t bode well for the challenger who has modest 41% KO record. Taylor has the ability to wear Persoon down over 10 gruelling rounds of constant pressure.

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West Indies v Pakistan
Cricket World Cup – 10.30 am
Sky Sports

This is going to be a massively intriguing game from the Cricket World Cup. It could also be wildly entertaining. Pakistan are on a ten-match losing streak of form at the moment in One Day Internationals. It’s not the greatest of preparations by any means ahead of the Cricket World Cup. However, the leading bookmakers have them at 8/11 to win their opening fixture of the tournament.

Pakistan have taken just the four wins away from their last twenty matches, but still, there is some optimism that they will turn it on when the tournament starts. Pakistan do have a history of that. They also have the batting line up to make an impression, but their bowling and fielding confidence looks pretty low. So will they be able to shake off all of their recent troubles and settle their own nerves by getting a win on the board?

They will get a challenge from the West Indies who have been a bit hit and miss with their form over the last twelve months. They smashed a whopping 421 in their final warm-up match against New Zealand earlier in the week. That is what they are capable of with the bat. They have some heavy hitters in their  line up like Andre Russell and Chris Gayle who can smash any bowling attack to the boundary. There could be fireworks in this one and the Windies will be taken on by punters at 11/10 odds perhaps as one of the best bets of the day.

David Goffin v Rafael Nadal
French Open Tennis – 10:00 am
Eurosport

Rafael Nadal, the reigning French Open champion will be lining up to David Goffin in the third round of action on Friday. It has been plain sailing for the eleven-time champion so far in Paris. He has cruised through the first round rounds dropping just the thirteen games on his way. He is a strong odds-on favourite to get the win in this match. The leading bookmakers have a Rafael Nadal 3-0 correct score in the Set Betting market at 4/11. That’s a massive indication of his favouritism.

This will be the fifth meeting between Nadal and Belgium’s Goffin. Nadal has won three of those four meetings and each of the Spaniard’s wins came on the clay surface. Nadal is the King of Clay without question. The one defeat that he suffered against Goffin was back in the round robin stage of the 2017 ATP World Tour Finals in London. Goffin is currently ranked 29th in the world and is on the search for his first title this year.

He’s a big outside chance at Roland Garros for it to happen there. Heading into the French Open he was W10 L12 in matches for the season. He has been having some injury issues which have had a hand in his drop in rankings and form. He is a former top ten player. Like Nadal, Goffin has come through two comfortable matches in the early rounds. This is a massive step up in degree of opposition though and it’s going to get tough for him. The leading bookies have Goffin as big as 14/1 in the match outright.

Hull KR v Warrington
Rugby League Challenge Cup – 7.35 pm
Sky Sports

It is quarterfinal action from the Rugby League Challenge Cup on Friday night as Hull KR play host to Warrington Wolves at the KCOM Craven Park. Hull KR started their campaign in a narrow home win over Leigh Centurions, edging the game 14-10. They had a bit of an easier time in the sixth round of competition though as they powered their way to a comfortable road win against the Salford Red Devils.

Now they will be going into a big scrap with the Wolves, who were runners up in last season’s Final to the Catalans Dragons. The two teams have had contrasting seasons in the Super League, with Hull KR sitting second from bottom with 11 defeats in their 15 games played there. So they may be finding a bit of relief in the Cup. They are the 11/4 underdogs for this home fixture though with leading bookmakers.

Warrington are second in the Super League and they are second favourites to win this season’s Challenge Cup as well. They had a tough tie in the last round as they were up against the Wigan Warriors. That one went down to the wire as well, with the Wolves squeezing over the finish line by a two-point margin. Blake Austin, who is the top try scorer in the Super League this season is 4/7 with leading bookmakers to get the first touchdown of the game for Wolves.

Take a look ahead at some of the top sporting action with Bobby’s Big Weekend bets.

Muirfield Village plays host to the Memorial Tournament this week and fans will be keen to see whether the Tiger Woods revival will continue at a course where he has a great record. The Masters winner missed the cut at the US PGA but he has to be taken seriously at a venue where he has won five times. It’s no surprise to see Woods prominent in the betting markets for this event, with BetCris making him the +1467 second favourite, behind Rory McIlroy.

As with the Masters at Augusta, McIlroy has always given the impression that he will win Memorial one day, and he goes to Muirfield Village in good form, having cracked the top ten at the US PGA. It’s only two months ago that he landed the Players Championship with a stunning late charge, and if he brings his A-game, he will surely take all the stopping.

Both McIlroy and Woods will also have their victory chances increased by the fact that some of their main rivals won’t be taking part. Dustin Johnson isn’t involved this year, and neither is Brooks Koepka, who defended his US PGA title last weekend, while Justin Thomas, who might pose a serious threat in top shape, is still nursing an injured wrist and can’t be expected to be at his best.

Another leading contender this week is Justin Rose. Fowler had a miserable time at Colonial, getting the worst of some bad weather on the opening afternoon, which pretty much put him out of contention, but he showed considerable resilience in fighting back on the second day. Back in April he was in contention at the Masters before his putting let him down, and he has already bagged one trophy this season, at Phoenix in February. He has twice been runner-up in this event, and made the top ten again last year, underlining his liking for Jack Nicklaus-designed courses.

Hideki Matsuyama will also fancy his chances of success at Muirfield Village, given his excellent record at the course, where he won in 2014. He also has a good record at another event played on a Nicklaus-designed course, the WGC-Bridgestone International. And while he ultimately finished outside the top thirty at the US PGA, after a poor final round, he was firmly in contention on the Friday and Saturday, so will be keen to build on the form he showed at Bethpage.

And this course might also bring the best out of veteran Swede Henrik Svenson. He hasn’t had the best of years so far but there were positives in how he went about his business at the US PGA. Despite conditions not suiting his style of golf, his approach play was exemplary and back at a course where he shot a 66 last year, there is reason for optimism about his chances this week, in which should be a high quality renewal of this popular tournament.