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Horse Racing Sam Ingram’s Best Bets this Sunday July 31st: 3 Tips Across Europe
Sam Ingram’s Best Bets: Sunday July 31st
It’s a return to the Stadium of Light for Championship football this Sunday after a four-year hiatus from the second flight. Here at bettingexpert, we’ll not only be heading to the North East of England for the Mackem’s opening clash, but also a little further afield to Glasgow, and Norway’s first division.
In this article:
- Sunderland vs Coventry Preview & Best Bet
- Celtic vs Aberdeen Preview & Best Bet
- Raufoss vs Sandnes Preview & Best Bet
Sunderland vs Coventry Preview
England, Championship, Sunday, July 31st, 12:00 (UK)
It’s not the most inspiring pick in what promises to be a compelling match-up, but Sunderland vs Coventry screams chances aplenty. The pairing set to kick their Championship campaign off on Sunday certainly have enough to upset the pre-season prediction apple cart.
Coventry have kept hold of key players within the squad despite dogged interest from Championship counterparts. Callum O’Hare remains a Sky Blue for now, as Vincent Kompany’s interest is poised to intensify as September’s transfer deadline grows closer. Jonathon Panzo and Callum Doyle make up two impressive defensive acquisitions on loan, whilst Kasey Palmer waltzes through the door on a free transfer from Bristol City.
Sunderland’s return to the top flight shouldn’t encourage a top-half finish. However, there’s enough within the squad to coast comfortably away from relegation. The signings of Jack Clarke and Daniel Ballard on permanent deals at the Stadium of Light will surprise some. Both represent a coup, with the latter reportedly turning down Burnley for the opportunity to join Alex Neal’s Sunderland.
Sunderland vs Coventry Best Bet
In front of a raucous home crowd back in the second tier after four years, Sunderland should create enough to muscle in on the scoresheet. But, likewise, at the other end, there’s a depth of quality to humble the Championship’s newly-promoted side.
With 57% of matches landing BTTS for punters last season, only Bristol City topped Coventry in the Championship for both sides finding the net. In League One, as Sunderland made their way towards a Wembley playoff final, the Black Cats ticked off BTTS coupons throughout the UK in 57% of matches.
If we could lock in a throwback fixture similar to the box office 4-5 cracker in 2019 between the two, there would be no complaints from me.
- Selection: BTTS
- Best Odds: 1.80 (bet365)
- Stakes: 7/10
More Sunderland vs Coventry Tips
Celtic vs Aberdeen Preview
Scotland, Premiership, Sunday, July, 31st, 16:30 (UK)
Aberdeen coasted through their opening League Cup fixtures without conceding a goal. Albeit against weaker opposition, 0-2, 2-0, 0-5, and 3-0 read as the scores on the doors from Jim Goodwin’s July outings. The former St Mirren boss has gone to work on a rebuild of the first team squad, with Callum Ramsey and Lewis Ferguson’s switches to the Premier League and Serie A respectively funding the entirety.
There’s no doubt that the ten incomings and ten outings will have reshuffled the pack. The issues that arise with a revamp can be crippling on the pitch, and Celtic are the last team in Scotland you’d want asking such questions on the opening day of the season.
Celtic vs Aberdeen Best Bet
In anticipation that the League Cup performances translate into the Scottish Premiership, the +1.75 Aberdeen handicap is next in the bet slip. The handicap has landed in the 9/10 head-to-head matches in all competitions dating back to December 2019. A 2-0 Celtic cup win was the only blemish.
It’s always tough predicting the outcome of the first game of the season. However, if both sides approach the match in a must-not-lose manner and shut each other out for significant periods, Aberdeen’s handicap may get lucky. On the other hand, if Celtic do ease Aberdeen aside like we know they can, a two-goal deficit results in half of our stakes returned (2-0/3-1/4-2). If the hoops boast a three-goal lead to the good at the end of the 90-minutes, we’d rightfully lose our entire stake.
Selection: Aberdeen +1.75 Asian Handicap
Best Odds: 1.79 (bet365)
Stakes: 10/10
Raufoss vs Sandnes Preview
Norway, OBOS-Ligaen, Sunday, July, 31st, 14:30 (UK)
In a division averaging 3.11 goals per90, the rustle of a Norwegian net isn’t far from surfacing in the OBOS-Ligaen. Raufoss (3.06) and Sandnes (3.44) both average more than three goals per game this season after 16 matches. The two figures align with the division’s lofty goal rate, offering the first of two combined picks.
At the start of July, a little over three weeks ago, Raufoss travelled to Sandnes on the western coast of Norway. Sandnes, famous for its picturesque landscape and sweeping beaches that hug its shores, was treated to something nowhere near as tasteful. A 1-4 hammering, to be precise. It stands as Sandnes’ only defeat in five games, providing the backdrop to their four victories on the bounce.
Raufoss vs Sandnes Best Bet
Over 2.5 goals has reared its head in all 6/6 for the hosts, while Sandness’ run stumps up 8/8 for over-goals backers. There we have two impressive statistics backed up by a recent head-to-head record suggesting goals may be on the horizon.
Given either side’s penchant to find a goal or three, BTTS accompanies the over 2.5 goals angle nicely. At 1.83, the data suggests it’s a goer.
- Selection: Over 2.5 Goals & BTTS
- Best Odds: 1.83 (bet365)
- Stakes: 10/10
Odds as at 09:00 on July 29th 2022. Odds may now differ.
