Football Scout

Craig Burley calls Manchester United’s 2-0 loss to PSG a lesson in football as the FC crew react to United’s first loss under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Not a great weekend for the column though we did call Barcelona right at odds against in the Clasico. All eyes are on Europe again this week with some big games to look forward to, including Manchester United’s trip to Paris Saint-Germain.
Running total: -£36.90

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Manchester United simply have to go for it as they try to claw back a 2-0 first-leg deficit against PSG on Wednesday. The Red Devils were poor during that first encounter and will be without the suspended Paul Pogba for…

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After another dominant first-half performance against Barcelona, the FC crew attribute Real Madrid’s defeat to poor finishing and defensive lapses.
Another solid return for the column last time out after we correctly picked Barcelona to beat Real Madrid and also took down a 4/1 treble. There is another El Clasico this weekend and a couple of huge derby games in the Premier League.
Running total: -£28.60

The Banker
Tottenham should have no problem finishing in the top four this season despite Wednesday’s blip against Chelsea, and know a victory over bitter rivals Arsenal on Saturday will do much to damage the Gunners’ prospects of finishing…

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Manchester City have successfully defended their Carabao Cup title, defeating Chelsea 4-3 on penalties in a thrilling final at Wembley.

Gab Marcotti isn’t buying Maurizio Sarri’s explanation that he simply had a ‘misunderstanding’ with his goalkeeper in Chelsea’s cup final defeat.

Maurizio Sarri explains why his decision to sub out Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa led to a standoff at the end of extra time in the Carabao Cup final.

ESPN FC’s Craig Burley delves into the disarray at Chelsea after goalkeeper Kepa refused to be subbed off in extra time against Man City.
A profitable weekend for the column after 12/5 and 6/1 winners landed. There’s more Premier League action this week, including a huge London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham on Wednesday.
Running total: -£39.07
The Banker
Maurizio Sarri suffered a very public indignity in the Carabao Cup final as Kepa Arrizabalaga resisted his attempt to substitute him late on in extra time. How will his players react against Spurs? Tottenham’s title hopes suffered a significant blow as they lost 2-1 at…

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The crew debate on whether Manchester United interim manger Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done enough to win the job, or if Mauricio Pochettino will be next in command.
Our column correctly tipped Manchester United to beat Chelsea at 13/5 in the FA …

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ESPN FC’s Shaka Hislop delves into Bayern Munich’s continued struggles in the Bundesliga and feels it’ll be more of the same against Liverpool in the Champions League.

Raf Honigstein reveals his probable starting XI for Bayern against Liverpool and explains why the English side are a big matchup problem for the Germans.
A solid weekend for the column after our 15/2 FA Cup treble cruised home. The Champions League again takes centre-stage this week and Liverpool’s clash with Bayern Munich should be a cracker.
Running total: -£45.07
The Banker
Anyone who has studied Bayern Munich this season will agree they have a weakness defending against teams who press high and counter quickly. And if there’s one thing that Liverpool do well it’s turning defence into attack in the blink of an eye. That’s why Tuesday’s round-of-16…

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Manchester United’s shocking capitulation at home to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League cost us a pretty penny but attention now switches to the fifth round of the FA Cup and there’s a huge clash on Monday evening when Manchester United visit Chelsea.
Running total: -£54.09
The Banker
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tasted defeat for the first time as caretaker Manchester United manager in midweek as the Red Devils fell to a 2-0 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain. Yet as disappointing…

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A fabulous weekend for the column as we took down three winners including a 7/1 shot in the shape of Liverpool to beat Bournemouth 3-0 on Saturday. The Champions League returns this week and there is no bigger game than Manchester United’s round of 16 first leg clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
Running total: -£40.09

The Banker
When this draw was made almost two months ago, PSG fans would have been licking their lips at the prospect of facing Manchester United. The French giants were…

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The column incurred a small midweek loss despite correctly tipping West Ham’s draw with Liverpool. Manchester City are now 8/11 with bet365 to win the Premier League and they face another big test on Sunday when Chelsea visit the Etihad.
Running total: -£71.11
The Banker
Each of the last 15 Premier League teams who were top on Feb. 1 went on the win the league. Despite this statistic, Manchester City are now odds on again for the title and are fancied to beat Chelsea on Sunday. The Citizens…

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Tottenham’s late winner against Newcastle denied us a near 14/1 treble success at the weekend but there’s plenty of opportunity to get back on track this week with some big games in the Premier League, FA Cup and Spain’s Copa del Rey.
Running total: -£68.61
The Banker
Pressure is an odd beast, and after four less than convincing performances it’s a beast now resting impatiently at the gates of Anfield. Liverpool have conceded in five of their last six games and with this in mind look pretty…

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After Man City’s shock 2-1 defeat at Newcastle, our ESPN FC crew discuss the fragile side of Pep Guardiola’s team.
Chelsea’s embarrassing 4-0 defeat against Bournemouth damaged their top four push and also ruined our midweek treble, while Liverpool’s surprise draw with Leicester City also cost us. There’s another busy weekend coming up including a huge game for Manchester City against Arsenal.
Running total: -£64.11

The Banker
With just 14 games to play, Manchester City face an uphill task to retain their Premier League crown following Tuesday’s shocking loss against Newcastle. Liverpool’s failure to beat…

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