This week`s edition of expert betting advice is here, providing insightful analysis to help you make the best bets for the upcoming FA Cup matches.
Joining host Toni Afoke are sports experts Dean Scoggins and Sam Rosbottom from Betfair, offering their top picks and in-depth knowledge.
With the international break concluded, our team of experts previews the highlights of the FA Cup quarter-finals.
They are focusing on valuable betting opportunities in the quarter-final match between Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
Additionally, they will examine the interesting game between Bournemouth and Manchester City.
The panel will also discuss this weekend`s IPL cricket and horse racing events.
Brighton vs Forest
Dean Scoggins` Pick: Gibbs-White to have two or more shots on target – Odds 11/2
Dean is backing Morgan Gibbs-White this weekend. He believes Gibbs-White will be eager to perform after being surprisingly left out of the England squad.
Dean predicts Gibbs-White will be highly motivated and start the game energetically.
While statistically, Gibbs-White averages just under one shot on target per 90 minutes this season, Dean argues that a cup game scenario is different from a typical league match.
He anticipates Gibbs-White to have multiple opportunities, whether from free-kicks, goals, or open play shots on target.
Toni Afoke`s Pick: Forest to win on penalties – Odds 11/1
Toni is predicting a penalty shootout victory for Forest. Her reasoning is that three of Forest`s last five FA Cup matches have been decided by penalties.
Despite Forest`s previous 7-0 defeat to Brighton, Toni feels Brighton will have a slight advantage in the game but expects Forest to hold on.
Forest has won all four of their FA Cup penalty shootouts, and recalling Brighton`s penalty shootout loss to Manchester United in the 2022-23 season, Toni is betting on Forest to win via penalties.
Sam Rosbottom`s Pick: Van Hecke to be fouled – Evens
Sam is focusing on the `to be fouled` market, selecting Jan Paul van Hecke to be fouled at least once at even odds.
He anticipates a physical battle between Van Hecke and Chris Wood, acknowledging Wood`s slight injury doubt but noting his tendency to engage physically if he plays.
Jan Paul van Hecke has been fouled six times in his last four appearances for Brighton, while Chris Wood has committed seven fouls in his last six games.
Sam believes this matchup could be crucial, and expects Jan Paul van Hecke to be fouled at least once in the game.
Bournemouth vs Man City
Dean Scoggins` Pick: Justin Kluivert to commit three or more fouls – Odds 5/2
Dean observed Justin Kluivert`s energetic performance in the recent Spurs vs Bournemouth game, noting his involvement both in attack and defense, often resulting in fouls.
Kluivert averages 1.74 fouls per 90 minutes as a forward. Dean recalls Kluivert being booked in the Tottenham game and committing another foul afterward, possibly deserving a sending off.
Dean is interested in the fouls market and finds the odds of 5/2 for Kluivert to commit three or more fouls appealing. Against a dominant Manchester City side expected to control possession, he anticipates Kluivert will make at least three fouls.
Toni Afoke`s Pick: Bournemouth to win and BTTS (Both Teams To Score) – Odds 16/5
Toni is betting on Bournemouth to win with both teams scoring. She believes City is likely to score, making a clean sheet for Bournemouth at home unlikely.
Despite Bournemouth`s recent slight dip in form, Toni believes they can challenge a potentially vulnerable Manchester City team.
Sam Rosbottom`s Pick: Tavernier to have three or more shots – Odds 6/5
Sam is also looking at the shots market, specifically for total shots, not just shots on target.
He is picking Marcus Tavernier to have three or more shots at odds of 6/5. Sam notes that while many might focus on Semenyo for shots, Marcus Tavernier has taken 15 shots in his last five FA Cup games, highlighting his attacking threat for Bournemouth.
Facing potentially Gvardiol, who is known for his attacking play, Sam believes Tavernier could find space to exploit. He considers this a strong betting option.
IPL CRICKET
Sam Rosbottom`s Pick: Team of Top Batsman – Gujarat Titans – Evens
Sam comments on the exciting start to the IPL season, with high scores and near-record-breaking performances. He mentions one game that came close to the highest total in IPL history.
He is focusing on Saturday`s match between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians. Mumbai Indians are considered strong favorites to win the IPL this season and are favored in this match at 4/5, while Gujarat Titans are at even money.
However, Sam believes the game will be closer than odds suggest. He notes Gujarat Titans` strong performance in the first round of fixtures, making them a high-scoring team.
Therefore, Sam is exploring alternative betting markets and choosing `Team of Top Batsman`, siding with Gujarat Titans at even money.
His reasoning is based on Gujarat Titans` recent game where they scored 232 runs, losing by only 11 runs. Both Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler scored over 50 runs with an 84-run partnership, indicating strong batting performance.
Sam also mentions Jos Buttler`s return to form after a disappointing Champions Trophy and stepping down as England captain, now performing well with Gujarat Titans.
He concludes that betting on Gujarat Titans as `Team Top Batsman` at even money is a worthwhile shout.
THE LINCOLN – DONCASTER RACING
Sam Rosbottom`s Pick: Native Warrior – Odds 15/2
Doncaster is the focus for horse racing enthusiasts for the Lincoln race, marking the first major flat race of the season. With a large field of twenty-two runners, there are many horses to consider.
Sam suggests each-way betting could be a good strategy for this race. However, his top pick is Native Warrior at odds of 15/2. He mentions that Betfair punters are also highly favoring this horse, making it the best-backed horse in the ante-post market leading up to the race.
