Marcus Rashford’s WILD stats will stun Man Utd fans before Aston Villa vs Newcastle – Weekend Wager’s best bets
SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager uses in-depth stats and detailed analysis to find the best value bets this weekend.
There is an “egg-cellent” selection of games to watch over the Easter break and several punts have caught our eye.
SunSport‘s very own Will Pugh was joined by football broadcaster Kweku Afari and Betfair betting expert Sam Rosbottom to discuss this weekend’s tempting selections.
The panel discuss Wolves’ trip to Manchester United, Aston Villa facing Newcastle and away from the Premier League, look at the World Snooker Championship and Irish Grand National.
Man Utd vs Wolves, Sunday 2pm
Kweku: Wolves to win 5/2
“Aside from Man Utd being awful, the stats back up a Wolves win.
“United have lost 14 Prem games this season, which equals their total from last season and the last time they lost more league games was in the 1989-90 season where they lost 16 games.
“Wolves are in-form and have won their last four matches. That’s their best run in the top flight since January 1972.
“United are only playing for Europa League football this year. So I think I’m on to a winner in this one.”
Will: Over 4.5 goals 11/2
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“Looking at the omens, United have won all four of their home league games played on Easter Sunday by an aggregate score of 9-1 and this is Wolves first ever league match played on Easter Sunday. Totally inexperienced, they are normally at home munching on their eggs.
“Wolves have scored nine goals in their last four games and have not failed to bulge the net in their last 11. They haven’t drawn a blank since January 25th against Arsenal.
“Since Ruben Amorim‘s first game, he’s already lost more league games by three or more goals than he did in 167 games at Sporting.”
Sam: Wolves to score first 7/5
“Obviously a big night for them in the Europa League and I think they’re probably going to have a bit of a hangover.
“I think the value is in backing Wolves to score the first goal in the game. When we look at the stats across United’s last nine Prem games at Old Trafford, they’ve only scored the first goal on one occasion, which is a disgrace, isn’t it?
“Easter Sunday, United are going to get crucified.”
Aston Villa vs Newcastle, Saturday 5:30pm
Kweku: Aston Villa to win & both teams to score 3/1
“Aston Villa have only kept six clean sheets in the last 37 on home soil.
“And since losing their first home match of this season against Arsenal, Villa are unbeaten at Villa Park in the league, winning eight, drawing seven.
“If you were to put this bet on midweek, you would have won some money. Put this bet on in the weekend, you’re winning some money.”
Will: Rashford to score or assist 5/4
“The stats show that he’s been progressively better. Per 90 minutes in the Prem this season, Marcus Rashford is having more touches, shots, creating more chances and attempting more dribbles per 90 minutes for Villa than he did at United.
“I fancy that will show up again this weekend and he will actually convert that into a goal contribution.”
Sam: Murphy to score or assist 13/5
“Newcastle are on an incredible run of form. I wouldn’t want to back against them. They’ve won their last six games in all competitions.
“Jacob Murphy to score or assist at 13/5, this is ridiculous value for me.
“He has had a hand in 13 goals in his last 17 away Prem appearances for Newcastle, scoring four and nine assists. Unbelievable.”
World Snooker Championship, starts Saturday
Sam: “Big price for Ronnie O’Sullivan. But I fancy John Higgins.
“He has dropped out the top 16 in the rankings, however, he did bounce back with a win in the Tour Championship. 12/1 could be a nice each-way bet.”
Irish Grand National, Monday 5pm
Sam: “We’ve seen Willie Mullins make history by becoming the only ever trainer to win the English Grand National and the Scottish in back-to-back years.
“Everyone’s saying he will add the Irish and it wouldn’t be a surprise. High Class Hero his best shout.
“The favourite, Haiti Couleurs, won the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Got loads of stamina.
“A brilliant season for Now Is The Hour, a win here would really top that off nicely for Gavin Cromwell.
“Interestingly, this horse was cruising at the Cheltenham Festival, but fell at the last. Stamina won’t be an issue, just needs to brush up on jumping.
“And then something else at a little bit bigger price that is standing out for me. Better Days Ahead for Gordon Elliott could be an each-way shout.”