Sport

Martin Laurence Previews the £10,000 Pick 8

This week I’m tacking the £10,000 Pick 8. Join my Syndicate HERE

Derry City vs Galway United

It’s been an underwhelming first half of the season for Derry City but they have at least proven difficult to beat, losing just three of 16 games thus far. Unbeaten in 9, seven games in that run have ended in draws though, so they’ll be hoping for better against struggling Galway.

The visitors have won just twice all season so far, and are yet to do so away from home. This may seem like a home banker then, though recent meetings between the sides suggest otherwise, with Derry without a win in the last four. That should change on Friday, but don’t rule out yet another stalemate.

Home Win or Draw

Limerick vs Bray

A more difficult game to call in Ireland’s top-flight, neither Limerick or Bray Wanderers enter their match on Friday in good form. After a strong start to the campaign the visitors have won just one of their last 6, though that could change against the hosts here, who’ve won just one of their last eight and only twice at home all season.

Limerick pulled off an upset in the reverse fixture, ending a four game winless streak against their opponents, but Bray should be backed to exact revenge against the promoted outfit. In a difficult league to build form away from home, they have the second best points haul on the road this season but a draw could be the most likely outcome.

Away Win or Draw

Tromso vs Valerenga

With just one point separating these two sides, this is certainly one of the toughest games to predict on the Pick 8 ticket. While Tromso have home advantage they’ve won just once with that benefit so far this season, though the same is true of Valerenga away from home having struggled on the road thus far.

There is, however, one key indicator to suggest that the visitors may have the edge on Saturday, and it comes in the head-to-head record between the sides. In the last seven meetings between the two Tromso have failed to win, with Valerenga coming out on top in six.

Away Win or Draw

Stabaek vs Lillestrom

Having narrowly avoided relegation last season Stabaek have enjoyed a far better start to the current campaign, while Lillestrom have struggled. That said, a big 4-1 win for the visitors last time out will give them the confidence needed to bridge the gap in what has been a very competitive start to the Eliteserien in 2017.

Stabaek are without a win in three at home but have lost just one of six as hosts thus far, and just three times in total this season. They also boast a strong record against their weekend opponents over the last few years, with a defeat in the most recent meeting between the two ending a 5-game winning streak. Home advantage should count.

Home Win or Draw

Jonkopings vs Malmo

For me the most obvious outcome on the ticket, Swedish champions Malmo have began this season strongly once more, top of the pile after 11 games in the Allsvenskan. The visitors’ only defeat came against title rivals Norrkoping but Jonkopings represent significantly less of a threat, even away from home.

The hosts enter the game in indifferent form to say the least, winning just one of their last seven, with Malmo romping to a 4-1 win in the last league meeting between these sides.

Away Win

Juventus vs Real Madrid

The big one. The game set up for Real Madrid to create history by becoming the first team to ever retain their Champions League crown. Not for me I’m afraid! Simply put, Juventus are the most difficult team to beat on the continent, even with the firepower at Zidane’s disposal.

The Old Lady shut out Barcelona over two legs after all, with Kylian Mbappe netting only the third goal that the Serie A champions have conceded all tournament in the semi-final. With a fully fit squad to choose from, Allegri faces fewer selection dilemmas than his counterpart, who will be without first choice right-back Carvajal and must choose between in-form Isco and Bale. If Madrid are to come out on top, they may have to go to extra time for their third consecutive final appearance.

Home Win or Draw

Hammarby vs Djurgarden

A glance at the table would suggest this is a bold tip but in reality just three points separate the sides and Hammarby are difficult to beat. They haven’t lost in four and a run of three consecutive draws began with an impressive point at home against league leaders Malmo.

Djurgarden sit third ahead of the weekend but their two away wins have come against struggling Halmstads and Orebro and they struggle traditionally against Sunday’s hosts. Indeed, Hammarby have won 9 of the last 10 meetings between the sides, including each of their last five at home.

Home Win or Draw

Rep of Ireland vs Uruguay

International friendlies can be difficult to predict but there’s no question that Uruguay’s firepower will be a real test to Ireland’s resolve. The South American’s have struggled in World Cup qualifying, while O’Neill’s side are unbeaten in the early stages of their campaign but there may well be an unfamiliar feel to their squad ahead of a big game with Austria.

Suarez and Cavani will both be among the travelling party for Uruguay, and while neither have replicated their club form at international level of late they should have too much for the Boys in Green.