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Horse Racing Early Bird Best Bets: Four Selections To Get Behind Spanning The Week
Early Bird Best Bets: 28th February-5th March
An FA Cup mismatch, goals to act as a Bundesliga aperitif for the weekend’s action, followed by two Asian handicap fanices in Ligue 1. Let’s get to it.
In this article:
- Bristol City vs Man City Preview & Best Bet
- Borussia Dortmund vs RB Leipzig Preview & Best Bet
- Reims vs AC Ajaccio Preview & Best Bet
- Montpellier vs Angers Preview & Best Bet
Bristol City vs Man City Preview
England, FA Cup, Tuesday, February 28th, 19:45 (UK)
It’s the fourth game in 8 days for Man City (Pep chose not to make a sub vs Leipzig) – there should, naturally, be some tired legs in camp. That could see a sluggish start from the visitors by their standards. Expecting some rest and rotation and a likely injection of quality from the bench in the second half, which may just be enough to swing the tie.
Bristol City will be no slouches, with Pearson presumably setting them up to stay in the game for as long as possible, hopeful that they’re able to take any opportunities that come their way.
In an ideal world, The Robins fend City off until the break, although that’s a big ask. However, chasing shadows borne from Man City monopolising possession should slowly wear down the hosts, as is often the case with a Guardiola opponent. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if Man City’s best work is done in the second 45.
And even if the job is done by half-time, it’s going to take a valiant effort from Bristol City to breach The Citzens’ defence. With the wealth of defensive options and the need for everyone to remain match-ready for the run-in in all competitions, we’ll have Lewis/Walker/Laporte(if fit) all vying for a start back there alongside Pep’s current mainstays.
Bristol City vs Man City Best Bet
It could mean that only one second-half Man City goal would be enough for the entire bet – not a bad price when you think about it like that. In City’s last 15 matches on the road, ‘Half with Most Goals’ has fallen in the SH’s favour at a 43% strike rate, whilst 29% landed in the FH (& 29% as a tie).
In the Championship this season against weaker opposition, Bristol City concede 0.79 goals in the SH on average per90, dwarfing the 0.45 in the FH. Let’s hope for more of the same in the cup.
- Selection: Second Half Winning Margin: 1-3 Goals & Match Winning Margin: 1-4 Goals (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 1.80 (William Hill)
- Stakes: 10/10
More Bristol City vs Man City Tips
Borussia Dortmund vs RB Leipzig Preview
Germany, Bundesliga, Friday, March 3rd, 19:30 (UK)
I’ve been impressed with RB Leipzig from the start of the second half against Manchester City until now, navigating Eintracht Frankfurt with assuredness at the weekend.
Dortmund away is their next escapade, something that’ll present plenty of pitfalls in returning a points haul back home. Although Friday night’s home side were at sixes and sevens at the time, Leipzig did win the reverse of this fixture 4-0 earlier in the season. That should provide confidence in what is a Champions League-chasing clash.
Der BVB sits four points and two places above Leipzig after putting together a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions since the return of football after the World Cup. The proposed pick has banked in 5/9 of those fixtures, with Dortmund scoring 25 goals.
Borussia Dortmund vs RB Leipzig Best Bet
The worry here is that both sides arrive and approach the fixture tentatively, attempting to get a feel of each other for large parts. If that doesn’t happen, Leipzig has the necessary firepower to cause a glut of problems. Nkunku is back and in line to start this one – the stuff of nightmares for any type of Bundesliga outfit.
Only two sides have banked BTTS & O2.5 Goals more than Leipzig’s 64% strike rate this season; Gladbach and Stuttgart, but not by much (68%).
- Selection: BTTS & O2.5 Goals (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 1.83 (1.83)
- Stakes: 10/10
More Borussia Dortmund vs RB Leipzig Tips
Reims vs AC Ajaccio Preview
France, Ligue 1, Sunday, March 5th, 14:00 (UK)
AC Ajaccio have struggled against the top ten this season, losing 11/13 matches in total. In 2023, they’ve hobbled past Lorient, Nice, Lyon, Monaco (7-1) & Reims this calendar year – scoring once and conceding 16. Will Still’s 15-unbeaten Reims is their next away day, one which should concern any travelling support readying themselves for the journey.
In the last three home games, including the 3-0 victory against a Toulouse with the wind in their sails, Reims have hit three, four (4-0 vs Troyes) and four (4-2 vs Lorient) goals at the Stade Auguste Delaune.
Reims vs AC Ajaccio Best Bet
Will Still has now engineered six wins in seven matches on home soil, becoming the second manager in Ligue 1 history to go unbeaten in their opening 15 games. The new man in Reims’ dugout is breaking records, making history before our eyes, and performing commandingly in familiar surroundings.
In my eyes, that’s plenty of boxes ticked to force my hand in continuing to back Reims over in France.
- Selection: Reims -0.75 Asian Handicap (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 1.83 (bet365)
- Stakes: 15/10
Montpellier vs Angers Preview
France, Ligue 1, Sunday, March 5th, 14:00 (UK)
Just one win all season for Angers on the road has aided a slump towards Ligue 2, losing 75% of their matches away from home. Elsewhere, following Zakarian’s rehiring, things are looking up in Montpellier. They’re a much better side than the season’s points haul suggests, harnessing decent performances versus both Brest and before the red card against Troyes, with the 1-1 at home to Lens on the weekend a welcome result against superior opposition.
Most recently, Angers welcomed a Lyon starting eleven with seemingly more questions than answers in terms of personnel available. Yet, without the likes of Aouar, Tolisso, Boateng and Lacazette, a 1-3 scoreline still followed. We shouldn’t be too surprised; Angers have done very little to suggest much else from them.
Montpellier vs Angers Best Bet
Although impressed with Montpellier’s spring in their step under new management, this is more backing against Angers than siding with Montpellier—Ligue 1’s poorest side in a drastic run of form.
The LFP disciplinary commission decided on a one-game suspension for captain Téji Savenier yesterday after his sending-off vs Troyes – he’ll be available for Angers’ visit to the Stade de la Mosson on the weekend. That’s a big positive for Montpellier.
- Selection: Montpellier -0.5 Asian Handicap (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 1.93 (William Hill)
- Stakes: 15/10
More Montpellier vs Angers Tips
Odds via bet365 and William Hill as at 10:00, February 28th, 2023. Odds may now differ.
What are Football Best Bets?
Our best bets are posted by some of the best tipsters around. These are our tipsters best value bets. A best bet can be placed on any number of different markets. The most common of which are 1X2, the Asian handicap, BTTS, and the goals markets. Value can be found in matches from leagues across the world. Be sure to follow bettingexpert for the latest best bets.
