This weekend promises to be another thrilling one for sports fans.
Join broadcaster Kweku Afari, sports expert Dean Scoggins, and betting specialist Sam Rosbottom as they share their top picks.
Following a week of Premier League action, the excitement continues over the next few days.
The highlight of the weekend`s football is the Manchester derby on Sunday afternoon.
Saturday is also a significant day for racing enthusiasts, with the Grand National taking place at Aintree.
Our panel of experts will guide you through their best bets for the weekend.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Dean Scoggins – Matz Sels three or more saves – 6/5
For neutrals, the Villa-Forest game is a top pick this weekend.
Villa consistently takes many shots at home, averaging 15 shots per game at Villa Park, totaling 225 shots in 15 Premier League home games.
Nottingham Forest`s goalkeeper, Matz Sels, is considered a standout performer this season.
Dean recommends betting on Matz Sels to make three or more saves at 6/5. This bet applies to whichever goalkeeper plays for Forest, should Sels not start.
With players like Rashford and Asensio in form for Villa, along with Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers, Dean is confident in this prediction.
Kweku Afari – Villa to win and BTTS – 13/5
Kweku is betting on Aston Villa to win with both teams scoring at odds of 13/5.
Aston Villa`s strong performance under Unai Emery this season is well-known.
Despite some inconsistent league form, Villa remains unbeaten in their last 14 home games since their initial home league loss to Arsenal, making Villa Park a difficult venue for visiting teams.
Forest`s away form is notable, scoring 1.73 goals per game away from home, their third-best top-flight record. Therefore, goals are expected, but Villa is predicted to win narrowly.
Sam Rosbottom – Anthony Elanga one or more shots on target – 5-4
Sam is backing Anthony Elanga to have one or more shots on target at 5/4, following Elanga’s strong performance against his former club in the previous game.
This price is considered generous given the statistics.
Elanga has had four shots in his last three games, all on target, and Sam expects a repeat performance on Saturday.
Manchester United vs Manchester City
Dean Scoggins – City to win and over 1.5 goals – 7/5
Dean also favors City in the Manchester derby. He recalls Man Utd`s unexpected victory at the Etihad before Christmas, secured by an Amad Diallo goal.
Statistically, Man City has won more Premier League away games against Man Utd than any other team.
Man Utd, under Ruben Amorim, has conceded 17 goals in nine games. Dean finds it challenging for United, noting their improvement but still lacking top form.
Dean’s bet is on City to win and the game to have over 1.5 goals at 7-5.
He reasons that an early City goal would force United to attack, potentially leading to more City goals and increasing the likelihood of this bet landing.
Kweku Afari – Man Utd to win – 2/1
Kweku`s pick is more unconventional, betting on Manchester United to win straight at 2/1, despite City being favorites.
Man City`s away form has been shaky, losing six of their last 11 away Premier League matches, as many as in their previous 37 combined, indicating poorer away form this season.
Kweku believes Ruben Amorim possesses a winning touch against Man City, having defeated them as Sporting Lisbon`s manager in the Champions League with a 4-1 victory.
He also highlights Manchester United`s 2-1 win at the Etihad earlier this season under Amorim.
Sam Rosbottom – Bruno Fernandes to score/assist – 6/4
Sam notes Manchester City`s defensive vulnerabilities and predicts Manchester United will score, with Bruno Fernandes being crucial.
Although not predicting a United win, Sam believes Bruno Fernandes will be key and is betting on him to score or assist at 6/4, which he sees as good value, especially for bet builders.
Fernandes has been involved in 19 goals in his last 18 home games across all competitions at Old Trafford, with 12 goals and seven assists.
Historically, in the Manchester derby, Fernandes has scored or assisted in his last two appearances, making it likely he will continue this trend this weekend.
The Grand National
Dean Scoggins – Intense Raffles – 10/11
Dean shared that after speaking with jockeys and guests at the Randox Grand National preview, Intense Raffles was a frequently mentioned horse.
They favor it due to expected firmer ground conditions and its reputation as a strong jumper.
Intense Raffles was the early favorite but has since drifted slightly, now at 10/1, still among the favorites, and Dean’s betting choice.
Kweku Afari – I Am Maximus – 10/11
Kweku also picks a 10/1 shot: I Am Maximus, the previous year`s winner and Irish Grand National winner two years prior.
He likes its form and the name, making I Am Maximus his selection.
Sam Rosbottom – Stumptown – 8/1
Sam is considering the top contenders and favors Stumptown at 8/1.
Stumptown’s impressive win at the Cheltenham Festival in the Cross Country race is a strong indicator.
Historically, a win at the Cross Country race is excellent preparation for the Grand National, citing Tiger Roll as a prime example of this winning formula.
