BOBBY’S BEST WEEKEND BETTING EVENTS – 10th-11th August

Soccer – Premier League – Bournemouth vs Sheffield United

The first of my big betting events this weekend comes from the Premier League, which returns on Friday night. Sheffield United are one of three newcomers this campaign, and the Blades are odds-on to be relegated. However, Chris Wilder’s side play with a real intensity, and they won’t be an easy match for any side this season.

Sheffield United’s transfer business has been curious this summer with Ravel Morrison arriving at Bramall Lane, whilst Lys Mousset, who never really fired for the Cherries also arrives in South Yorkshire. Local lad Phil Jagielka returns to the club, whilst the pacey Callum Robinson will give many defences sleepless nights.

They begin their campaign against Bournemouth, and it could be the right time to face Eddie Howe’s men. The Cherries have enjoyed a productive pre-season, but they’ve lost David Brooks, who is unlikely to return until September, and won’t face his former employers at the Vitality. They’ve also seen Nathan Ake linked with a move away, whilst Ryan Fraser is somewhat surprisingly on Arsenal’s radar. Bournemouth blew hot and cold last season, and they were incredibly unpredictable, which is why it is best not to write off Sheffield United on Saturday. Howe’s men don’t have a plan b, but they can be electrifying on their day, and it all depends on how Sheffield United combat their pace.

Sheffield United face Crystal Palace at home the following, so it isn’t the toughest re-introduction to top flight life, and they will quietly fancy their chances of remaining unbeaten going into week three.

I’m not suggesting that the Blades will be troubling the top half this season, but I don’t think they will be rock bottom as the betting odds suggest. Chris Wilder’s men will surprise many sides, and I can’t wait to see how they set up against Bournemouth. The former Oxford boss is a tactician, who noticeably improves players, and although the squad looks a little weak on first glance, it is a dangerous game to write them off.

Bournemouth will play some lovely football, and the likes of Callum Wilson will provide a decent focal point for them once again.

This isn’t the most glamorous opening day fixture, but it is one of the most intriguing on the card, and I can’t wait to watch the drama unfold.

Sheffield United’s first game back in the Premier League can be seen on Match of the Day on BBC1 and on Sky Sports‘ Match Choice.

Rugby Union – Rugby Championship – Australia vs New Zealand

This is the third game in the Rugby Championship for both Australia and New Zealand, and this meeting of the southern hemisphere giants should be a cracker. Neither team appears settled ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Japan later this year, and this match-up could give us plenty of clues ahead of November. It is the second of our big betting events this weekend.

The All-Blacks will always go into fixture as the overwhelming favourites, but they don’t appear to be as all-conquering as they were twelve months ago. Former Australia captain Phil Waugh has stoked the fire by claiming Saturday’s opposition aren’t quite as settled as they were four years ago, and they could be there for the taking.

NZ snuck past Argentina in their opener courtesy of a fairly unconvincing performance, but were held to a 16-16 draw against South Africa last time out is a worrying result, leaving them second in the standings. It’s hard to write them off at any point, but they are certainly showing some vulnerabilities, and that is what makes this encounter extremely interesting.

Poor handling appears to be one of the main issues, and the loss of Brodie Retallick has certainly left some big boots to fill. They aren’t quite as cohesive as they were four years ago, and although they will go into the tournament as the favourites, there’s no guarantee that they will stroll to victory in Japan.

Australia will be hoping to capitalise, although they’ve been far from convincing themselves. The Wallabies squeezed past Argentina in their last game, but were beaten by the Springboks 35-17 in their opener, and there were obvious weaknesses exposed.

This should be a cracking clash, and for anyone who is considering having an ante-post bet on the Rugby World Cup, this is a must-watch.

This game is live on Sky Sports Action in the UK and will be screened on Saturday morning.

Aussie Rules – AFL – Melbourne Demons vs Collingwood

The first AFL game of Saturday is contested between the Demons and the Collingwood. It’s been a torrid season for the Demons, who have been plagued by injuries, and they are just showing no signs of improving. They take on Collingwood, and will be looking to ruin their play-off chances with a rare victory. This clash is the third of my big betting events this weekend.

Although they have had their fair share of injuries, some fans have expressed concerns that Simon Goodwin is using it as an excuse. Its a handy way of papering over the gaping cracks which have been on show for the majority of the campaign. They’ve been defeated in 14 of their 19 matches so far, and haven’t won since a narrow victory over Carlton Blues on July 7th.

They haven’t won any of the last three meetings with Collingwood, losing in the Queens Birthday Game on June 10th. A 98-57 defeat was pretty convincing, and this could be another clash in which it pays to utilise the handicaps.

The Pies haven’t been convincing in recent weeks, but they still have a great opportunity to secure their play-off spot. They need to get some more points on the board if they are to join the likes of the Lions, the Cats and the Eagles in the end-of-season shake-up. They have a 2-4 record in recent games with both of their victories coming by slender margins. Like their opponents, injuries aren’t helping their cause, and they need to start getting bodies back. They have big holes in their back-line which is getting exposed by better teams, but they should get away with it in this contest.

This is a fascinating match-up between two fairly out-of-form sides. Neither is convincing, but the Pies are doing enough against weaker sides to secure the points, and they should take one step closer to the play-offs on Saturday.

BT Sport have highlights of all of the AFL games, and will be showing them for UK viewers

Soccer – Premier League – Leicester City vs Wolves

My final big betting event this weekend comes from the Premier League with an intriguing clash between two sides who will have their eye on the European spots.

Leicester City and Wolves are considered ‘the best of the rest’, and although both harbour ambitions of breaking into the top six, it could be easier said than done. Wolves have already begun their season, and have been involved in European action. They eased past Crusaders, but this will be a much tougher ask. At least they should be ready for this clash, and there should be no signs of rustiness in the camp.

Nuno’s men were excellent against better opposition last season, but curiously struggled against lesser teams, and they should be up for this.

The Foxes are unlikely to repeat their heroics of 2016 anytime soon, but they look a lot handier under Brendan Rodgers, and the former Liverpool boss has seemingly rejuvinated a disinterested Jamie Vardy. They ended the season in terrific style, and have tied down Tielemans. That was tremendous business, although losing Harry Maguire to Manchester United could be problematic.

Leicester played with plenty of freedom at the end of last season, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can offer in the final third. James Maddison is a classy operator whilst James Justin and Ayoze Perez will surely make the squad stronger overall.

This PL game will be shown on Match Choice on Sky Sports, and highlights can be enjoyed on Match of the Day.