Derek Bilton – Page 4 – Football Scout

Brazil to win Copa America? Messi to score first for Argentina?

Steve Nicol outlines how to defenders should stop Neymar and he explains if he were defending Neymar, he’d done anything to upset his game.

In an exclusive interview with ESPN FC, Dani Alves discusses Brazil’s expectations for Copa America and the team’s mindset after the 2018 World Cup.
It was a profitable midweek for the column after posting 5/1, 13/5 and 11/10 winners from the Euro 2020 qualifiers. Focus now switches to the 46th Copa America, which kicks off this weekend in Brazil and runs until July 7.
Running total: -£20.72

The Banker
The Copa America — the oldest tournament in international football — begins on Friday night when hosts Brazil take on Bolivia in Sao Paulo. Chile have won the last two editions in 2015 and 2016, winning both on penalties against Argentina.
Brazil’s…

Mbappe to get among the goals as France bounce back?

ESPN FC’s Alejandro Moreno and Shaka Hislop explain how Portugal won the tactical battle in the Nations League final over the Netherlands.

Goncalo Guedes netted the winner as reigning European champions Portugal defeated the Netherlands to win their second title in three years.
Our 15/8 fancy Portugal landed the inaugural UEFA Nations League on Sunday after beating Netherlands 1-0 — on a day England overcame more VAR disappointment to win a third-place playoff on penalties. The international action continues this week with another round of Euro 2020 qualifying matches.
Running total: -£54.10
The Banker
A new era for Scottish football began at the weekend as Steve Clarke got his tenure off to a positive start as they beat Cyprus 2-1 on Saturday. Clarke’s side face…

Mbappe to help France bounce back from shock loss with goal rush?

ESPN FC’s Alejandro Moreno and Shaka Hislop explain how Portugal won the tactical battle in the Nations League final over the Netherlands.

Can England restore Nations League pride by claiming third place?

After John Stones’ howler led to the go-ahead goal for the Netherlands, the FC crew examine his struggles for club and country.

Steve Nicol and Shaka Hislop praise Frenkie de Jong’s game, particularly his composure on the ball in the Netherlands’ win over England.

A combination of VAR, awful England defending and clinical finishing saw the Netherlands set up a UEFA Nations League final clash with Portugal.
Two extra-time defensive blunders cost England a place in the inaugural Nations League final so it will be Netherlands who do battle with hosts Portugal — our 15/8 tips for glory — for the trophy on Sunday.
Running total: -£54.10
The Banker
Portugal are now as short as 7/10 with bet365 to lift the Nations League. On Wednesday, Cristiano Ronaldo scored an inspired hat trick to send the hosts through to Sunday’s showpiece, where they will meet Netherlands, who battled to a 3-1 extra-time success…

Portugal to win UEFA Nations League? Joao Felix to score first?

Liverpool legend Steve Nicol was in Madrid to watch his beloved Reds win the Champions League, but relief rather than joy was his overriding emotion.
The column took down 19/20 and 15/4 winners as Liverpool won a sixth Champions League title on…

Salah or Kane to score first in Champions League final?

Ahead of the Champions League final in Madrid, Stewart Robson picks whether he’d prefer Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino or Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp as his manager.

Georginio Wijnaldum speaks exclusively to ESPN FC about the differences he foresees between the 2018 and 2019 Champions League finals.

Hugo Lloris reflected on Spurs’ historic comeback against Ajax and said that all the credit belongs to Mauricio Pochettino and his coaching staff.

The FC crew discuss what Harry Kane’s role should be for Tottenham in the Champions League final, having just rejoined training this week.
Arsenal’s quarter-century wait for a European trophy goes on after their shocking 4-1 capitulation against Chelsea in Baku. It was a bad night at the office for Unai Emery and this column, who admittedly went close to landing a 28/1 first goal scorer when Granit Xhaka clipped the crossbar with a pile driver early on. And so to Madrid, and the 2019 Champions League final between Liverpool and Tottenham.
Running total: -£89.70
The Banker
First-time finalists Tottenham take on five-time winners…

Baku or bust for Arsenal in Europa League final vs. Chelsea

Steve Nicol says it’s tragic for Henrikh Mkhitaryan to be forced to miss out on the Europa League final in Baku due to safety concerns.

Shaka Hislop and Alejandro Moreno wonder if the best team made it through to the Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Chelsea.

The ESPN FC panel explain why Arsenal are capable of making it to the Europa League final while showing such abysmal form in the Premier League this season.
Another tough weekend for the column after tipping Charlton to beat Sunderland at Wembley but suffering disappointment from Newport County, who fluffed their lines against Tranmere Rovers on Saturday. All eyes will be on the Europa League final on Wednesday, as Arsenal and Chelsea lock horns in the unlikely setting of the Olympic Stadium in Baku.
Running total: -£85.70
The Banker
It’s Baku or bust for Arsenal who know they must emerge victorious from Wednesday’s Europa League final if they…

Celtic can seal ‘treble treble’ on weekend of cup, playoff finals

Celtic are just one game away from sealing the domestic treble for a third straight year.
Our tip Ciro Immobile failed to find the net despite Lazio drawing 3-3 with Bologna on Monday night. This weekend it’s all about the English Football League playoff finals, along with major cup finals in Scotland, Spain and Germany.
Running total: -£69.70
The Banker
Often referred to as “the richest game in football,” Aston Villa and Derby County battle it out on Bank Holiday Monday for a place in the Premier League. Villa lost 1-0 in the playoff final to Fulham last season but look a more…

What are England’s early odds for Nations League glory?

Netherlands’ Virgil van Dijk insists there is a new buzz around the national team and they are ready to face anyone including a resurgent and impressive England side.
Manchester City crushed Watford to win the FA Cup on Saturday and the Hornets failing to find a way past Ederson Moraes on the day cost us, while few could have foreseen Real Madrid losing 2-0 to Real Betis at the Bernabeu.
Running total: -£67.70
The Banker
Dundee United face a huge Scottish Premiership playoff against St Mirren on Thursday night and the Tangerines looks a decent price at 11/10 to win the first leg. The Championship runners-up beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle 3-0 at Tannadice…

Will Man City’s treble hopes be dashed by Watford in FA Cup final?

With the FA Cup final now set, the FC crew explain what Watford will have to get right in order to have a chance against Manchester City.
Leeds United’s stunning capitulation against Derby at Elland Road cost us in midweek but there’s an immediate chance to get back to winning ways on Saturday as Manchester City and Watford contest the 138th FA Cup final.
Running total: -£57.70

The Banker

Manchester City are a seriously short price to complete the final leg of a glorious domestic treble by beating Watford in Saturday’s FA Cup final. Pep Guardiola’s side amassed 98 points as they retained their Premier League crown, winning…

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