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.
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This 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.
Arsenal vs Chelsea
Kweku Afari – Arsenal to win and BTTS – 13/5
When 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.
Arsenal are also unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Chelsea.
So I’ve got both teams to score but Arsenal to win.
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Will Pugh – Nwaneri to score – 9/4
Although 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.
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Sam Rosbottom – Cucurella to have 1+ shots – 7/5
I 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.
Carabao Cup final – Liverpool vs Newcastle
Kweku Afari – Under 2.5 goals – 5/4
This 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.
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Will Pugh – Isak to score – 15/8
I’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 13/10
I 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.
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Indian Premier League
Sam Rosbottom
If 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.
There’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.
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