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Week 3 of the NFL Preseason continues Saturday with seven games on the card. The week will conclude tomorrow night in Tennessee with the Steelers and Titans. That will be the last of “meaningful” preseason games, as by the fourth game of the preseason, everything is just about set in stone for the regular season.

The fourth game of the preseason is always the most pointless game. If anything, the coaching staff is trying to identify two or three players to make the squad as a third stringer. The NFL could be done with that preseason game and it wouldn’t make a difference, though.

The Kansas City Chiefs have seen an up and down preseason thus far. They looked like a well-oiled machine at home in the first game against the Bengals. Mahomes drove the Chiefs down the field for an early touchdown and the Chiefs rolled to a 38-17 win.

In Pittsburgh, though, the Chiefs looked out of sorts as the Steelers sliced through them for a 17-7 victory. I’m 2-0 in Chiefs game in the preseason. I was on them in Week 1 and then faded them on the road against the Steelers. Everything went accordingly, with both bets winning relatively easily.

The starters will get more action in Week 3 of the preseason. That includes Mahomes and Jimmy Garoppolo. Speaking of being out of sorts, Garoppolo looked as rusty as a beater vehicle last week. It’s to be expected for a guy who is coming off a lengthy layoff and major injury.

Don’t read too far into that performance, but I’m also not sold on Garoppolo as a franchise player. He gets a nice preseason test to bounce back in a hostile environment at Arrowhead. The starting quarterbacks will likely see the first-half and then the backups follow in the 3rd quarter. Head below for our free 49ers vs. Chiefs in Game 3 of the preseason.

San Francisco 49ers vs. K.C. Chiefs NFL Preseason Week 3 Betting Odds:

Betting odds provided by bovada.lv

49ers vs. Chiefs Pick:

Mahomes and the starting offense for the Chiefs is going to see plenty of reps in this game. We’re not going to see anything too exotic from the Chiefs, but their offense by design is not meant to give the defense basic looks. If anything, you’re going to Mahomes slide or eat it before running down the field risking an injury. His last time on the field in KC was quite impressive. Mahomes went 4-of-4 with 66 yards and 10 yards on one rushing attempt.

Chase Litton excelled late in the game, as he passed for 122 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception. Their defense was a standout unit as well. The Bengals’ leading rusher gained just 11 yards. If the Chiefs want success in 2019, the defense must be better than last year. There was absolutely nothing wrong with their effort against the Steelers last week, too. Josh Dobbs and Mason Rudolph both looked mediocre against the Chief defense.

It was different story for the Chiefs’ offense last week, as there was nobody on the same page. They didn’t look interested in playing against the Steelers in Pittsburgh last week. Andy Reid is an old school coach and I doubt he was happy with the effort in that contest. Expect the Chiefs look much more fluid in this contest. Mahomes is likely going to get his yardage, while on the other side, Garoppolo is still going to be shaking off the rust.

Whether it’s the preseason or not, Arrowhead is never a fun environment to go and play in. Garoppolo isn’t the only one to blame last week. The offensive line did not give him good looks. When the backups started rolling in the Niners were able to move the ball with C.J. Beathard.

The real stars of the game in the win was the backup offensive line. They were moving piles against the Broncos to open up running lames, unlike when Garoppolo was in with the starting unit. This week in Kansas City, it’s unlikely to be the case against a backup KC that have actually played very well thus far. And again, even though it’s preseason ball, Andy Reid is going to have this team looking more fluid with their heads in the game than in Pittsburgh. Look for the Chiefs by a touchdown over the 49ers on Saturday at Arrowhead.

Matchday Three of the Premier League gets underway on Friday afternoon from the famous Villa Park in Birmingham.

Aston Villa were newly promoted to the league this year, but a mediocre first two matches already has their loyal fans in a frenzy. Villa were expected to be one of the sides that was well-acclimated to a jump-up in competition, but after a tough loss at home last week to Bournemouth, it seems they’ll have a tougher go of things than first thought. Although it has been just two fixtures, all of those new signings haven’t positively affected change as many pundits thought.

It will not get any easier this week as they welcome Everton for their third fixture of the season. The Toffees are coming off a big home win last week, one in which they were completely in control. Their play off the ball has long been stellar under Marco Silva, and if their high-profile acquisitions translate into goal-scoring, Everton could be the side to crack into the top-six.

This match-up should provide plenty of intrigue and some desperation from a Villa side with zero points. Many pegged them to be one of the newly promoted sides that has some success, but their start hasn’t inspired confidence. Read on below the odds for a tactical breakdown, and betting prediction to keep the wins rolling in from Matchday Three.

Aston Villa vs. Everton Betting Odds:

Aston Villa (+205)
Everton (+130)
Draw (+230)

Over 2.5 (-120)
Under 2.5 (+100)

Aston Villa vs. Everton Pick:

Much like their game in week two against Bournemouth, expect the Villans to be the aggressors from kick-off. They will surely be targeting securing their first win in the Premier League, and recognize that they need to be in better form at home. With their wealth of attacking talent, look for Aston Villa to really have a go, especially early in the match.

Everton however have solidified their back-line and are in fact the only team that has yet to concede a goal this season. They’ve now secured ten clean sheets from their last 13 fixtures, and it’s clear that Marco Silva has coached this team on how to defend. Expect the Toffees to be able to withstand the noise, momentum, and offensive onslaught Aston Villa delivers in the early stages of the match, before countering with chances of their own.

Everton have a wealth of skill up front and don’t be surprised to see new acquisitions Moise Kean and Alex Iwobi finally earn starts after previous bench stints. That duo paired with the dangerous Richarlison should be able to muster a goal as the Toffees look to be more assertive in the attacking third of the pitch.

Ultimately, look for Villa to come out firing.  They will score early, control much of the ball and overall possession – but for Everton to storm back with a goal of their own. Both teams to score is an intriguing market, but given the well-balanced nature of both sides and the fact that Villa should be quite desperate to secure a point, a 1-1 draw seems to be great value in this contest.

IT had  been a good week until the Europa League games came along and bit me hard.

My early goals double needed a Hapoel Beer Sheva strike and the late was beaten early by Rangers' scoreless draw in Warsaw. The Top Treble was beaten by Eintracht Frankfurt and my 1pt Super Single required an AIK goal at Celtic. At least I tipped James Forrest top score first for Celtic at 13-2.

So not a great night but after four winning days in a row I can afford to drop a few points.

Well done to all the winners on Thursday and it's interesting to see how many people are following Nathan's challenge that started successfully.

I'm hoping to go into the weekend on a high with a winning goals double. As usual my focus is on the Saturday so haven't had much time to look at Friday's games but the two live TV matches in Scotland and England promise goals.

It would go against all stats if Morton v Partick didn't produce its fair share. Morton's last five have produced 30 goals including last week's 5-3 loss to Hibs after extra time. The also lost 4-2 at Ayr and drew 3-3 with QoS.

The Jags are less prolific but their last games have brought btts including two 3-2 wins and a 2-2 draw. Last season's league meetings at Cappielow ended 0-3 and 5-1 so this has to go over 2.5 goals – and on a single I'd risk over 3.5.

Add both to score between Aston Villa and Everton. The Premiership new boys' two league games have brought up the market and they've created plenty of chances in defeats to Spurs and Bournemouth. In all five of six have seen both score and it looks like Villa will struggle to keep clean sheets.

Even Everton, with one goal in their two games but four points, should find some joy at Villa Park – and according to opta they have scored two or more goals in each of their last eight Premier League encounters with Aston Villa.

The Toffees have been solid defensively and kept two clean sheets but attack-minded Villa can break them down.

I'll take a look at other games once I've finished my Daily Record columns and may put up other tips. Big games include Cologne v Dortmund in the Bundesliga and Granada v Sevilla in La Liga as well as the usual lower-league offerings from Holland, France and Austria.

I posted a Saturday Super Single shortlist earlier for members and from it I've decided to choose early with League Two leaders Cove and over 1.5 match goals at pointless Stirling as the odds are dropping.

Remember to check out WeLoveBetting for their latest tips and video bets.

2pts Goals Double

• Morton v Partick Th over 2.5 goals (7.05pm)
• Aston Villa v Everton btts (8pm)
• (21-10, Marathonbet)

3pts Super Single

Mr Fixit's August Super Singles Total: -1pt

Mr Fixit's August Accas Total: +53.6pts

IT'S still very early in the season so there isn't a ton of information that can help us to determine if some games/leagues/teams are going to produce 3 goals or more.

However, Friday nights are always my favourite nights for overs acca's as historically there are leagues/teams (who are good for goals) that play on Fridays eg. Wales, Austria 2, German lower leagues and of course the Dutch Eerste Division!

I'm attempting a six fold on Friday night

Cologne v Borussia Dortmund – 7.30pm

This Friday night German Bundesliga match see's Borussia, as the league leaders after one game so far following a thumping 5-1 win in the first game of the season, face Cologne who lost their opening game 2-1.

Four of Cologne's last five games have finished with over 2.5 goals and Borussia have won their last five games, three of which were over 2.5 goal games. I can see a convincing away win here.

SV Heimstetten v SV Schalding-Heining – 6pm

Also in Germany but in the regional Bayern league, we see two teams whose games screams over 2.5 goals.

Both teams are mid-table but seem to score and lose lots of goals. Both teams have seen over 2.5 goals scored in five out of five of their last games played.

Also their head-to-head record is promising too as four of their last five games have been over 2.5 goal games.

Hertha Berlin 2 v Berliner AK 07 – 6pm

The last game from Germany is in the North East Region League. They sit side by side in the league in third and fourth place, I don't normally like playing games were the teams are next to each other in the league but this game has ‘exception' written on it!

Both teams are in good form, Hertha have won their last three games convincingly and Berliner have won three of their last four games. Mainly though it's the home side who attracted me to this fixture as they have scored 17 goals in their last 4 games.

De Graafschap v FC Volendam – 7pm

I can't have a Friday night acca without a Dutch Eerste Division game!

The league is only two games into the season but the home team have started with two wins and away team with a win and a scoring draw.

And it's the away side who have prompted me to go for this game as they have scored eleven goals in four games, and I always feel away sides who score lots of goals have a great chance of producing over 2.5 goals.

Bala Town v TNS – 7.45pm

I always like the Welsh Premier League for goals and these two teams are favourites of mine for Overs. Not much form to go on here other than both won their opening games of the season and in their last H2H TNS won 7-0!

Greenock Morton v Partick Thistle – 7.05pm

It's the Scottish Championship for my final game in the acca. Although neither of these teams or this league are normally great for over 2.5 goal games, this game certainly seems to fit the bill.

Five of the last six H2H's have been over 2.5 goal games and Greenock have seen overs in five of their last five games; and Partick four of their last five games.

Recommended bet

• Over 2.5 Goals Six Fold Acca – Pays 12.85 (***)

Posted: August 22, 2019

(Photo credit: Wendell Cruz/USA TODAY Sports)

Baseball is a weird game. Last night, the Astros were a -530 favorite against the Tigers. This is the biggest line I can remember seeing all season and on paper, it was as big as a mismatch as you’ll see in the game. The Tigers won 2-1. That’s baseball.

As we head into the final few weeks of the season, it’s mostly just a battle to stay healthy at this point. The Phillies have had injury issues all season and are now sending Jake Arrieta under the knife. The Cubs ruled out Brandon Morrow for the season, weakening their already weakened bullpen even more. With the races in the NL so tight, these injuries could have a real effect on the races.

Tonight we have a couple of MLB tips and one NFL preseason tip. Let’s get into it.

MLB Betting Tips:

Texas Rangers at Chicago White Sox: The White Sox send Ross Detwiler to the mound and he’s one of the most hittable pitchers out there. He’s only made limited appearances this year and has a 6.10 ERA/7.33 FIP. He’s a low strikeout guy and homeruns have been a problem. The Rangers do have some pop against left handed pitchers.

The Rangers send Ariel Jurado who isn’t all that great either, but he is better with a 5.38 ERA/4.96 FIP on the season. He’s been better in his road starts and the White Sox offense is pretty far below average.

Bet Rangers -115

New York Yankees at Oakland Athletics: This is close to a coinflip based on the odds which surprises me. While the starter match-up is pretty even, the bullpen match-up is not and the offensive is really not.

The Yankees offense has been killing teams all season long and I like this match-up against Tanner Roark. Roark has a 4.01 ERA/4.14 FIP on the season, mostly while pitching in the National League. The AL is much different and the Yankees are the perfect example of that. I can see him having a hard time here.

Masahiro Tanaka has been rough on the road this season with a 6.48 ERA/5.65 FIP, but there are reasons to believe it could be better tonight. Oakland is a pitcher friendly environment and the Athletics are average to below-average against right handed pitchers.

This play is more about the offense than Tanaka though and the bullpen should carry the day.

Bet Yankees -113

NFL Preseason Betting Tips:

Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins: Week 3 is considered by many teams to be the “dress rehearsal” game and we see more of the starters. For a team like the Jaguars, that’s a good thing. For a team like the Dolphins, it’s very bad.

The main reason for that is quarterback. The Jaguars spent big to bring in Nick Foles this offseason who hopes to change their luck at that position. He has Dede Westbrook to target which should be a long and fruitful relationship this season.

The Dolphins have a quarterback battle on their hands with Josh Rosen and Ryan Fitzpatrick. There is no real winner there and the Dolphins aren’t expected to be very good this season. Both quarterbacks should have a tough time tonight against the Jags D that is expected to be very good this season.

Bet Jaguars +3

The wins just keep on coming, as we are officially red-hot once again. Last night’s winner was our sixth win in our last eight bets, a sizzling hot 75%-win rate on the week. And last night they didn’t even make us work for it as we backed the Washington Nationals on the run line, at a very attractive +103, and the game was a blowout, as expected. The Nationals are leading the National League in runs scored in the month of August, and I expected them to hammer Pirates starter Joe Musgrove, and that is just what happened.

Washington scored six runs on Musgrove in the third inning to jump out to a commanding lead, and they coasted the rest of the way out. The Nats played add-on later, and by the time this game was all said and done, Washington walked away with the 11-1 victory, and we cashed our dog money ticket. Washington has now scored double-digit runs in five of their last seven games.

I don’t know where this production has been hiding at all season long, but right now, this team is hitting the ball better than any other team in the league, by a wide margin. The Nats kept pace with the Atlanta Braves who also won yesterday and remain six games back for first place in the National League East Division. For today’s pick, we will check in on those Braves, as we head to Atlanta where the Braves host the Marlins.

The Miami Marlins are in Atlanta Thursday looking to avoid the sweep in game three of a three-game set with the Braves. This series has not been competitive to this point as the Braves took both of the first games by a combined total score of 10-1. For Miami, they are just praying for the season to end at this point as their production has really fallen off here in August. Miami is a major league-worst 3-15 in their last eighteen games.

For Atlanta, the Braves are hoping to complete the sweep as the Washington Nationals are hot on their heels in the NL East Division. The Braves have been one of the best teams in the league all season long and have won seven out of their last nine games, including series wins over the Mets and Dodgers.

Starting tonight for the Braves is Mike Soroka (10-2 2.41 ERA), and for the Marlins it is Sandy Alcantara (4-11 4.35 ERA). The game total over-under is set at nine and a half runs. The Braves are big -275 home favorites. First pitch is scheduled for 4:20 PM PST from SunTrust Park in Atlanta.

Mike Soroka has been an invaluable addition to this Braves starting rotation this season. After having a cup of coffee with the big-league team last year, making five starts, he has been a full-time part of the rotation this year and has produced some stellar results. His 2.41 ERA is good for second in the majors, behind only Hyun-jin Ryu, and ahead of guys like Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw, and Jacob deGrom.

At just twenty-two years old, Soroka is just another in a long line of very young, and very good players in Atlanta. The kid has had only one losing decision since April 18th! And the Braves just seem to always win when he is on the mound. Atlanta is 15-7 when Soroka starts this year.

Against Miami this season, he has been almost unbelievably good in three starts. In those three starts, Soroka tossed a combined twenty-two innings, never pitching fewer than seven innings in any one start and has allowed just one earned run. His ERA in those three starts? 0.41, the lowest against any team he has faced this year.

Sandy Alcantara is much better than his 4-11 record might lead you to believe. When you play for the worst team in the league, wins can be hard to come by, but Alcantara has done a serviceable job of pitching well anyway. He made his first, of what should be many, All-Star teams earlier this year and has pitched really well here in August.

This month, Alcantara has an ERA of just 3.20 in three starts. That includes a strong outing against these very same Atlanta Braves a couple of weeks back where he worked into the eighth inning, tossing seven and two thirds and giving up just three runs. He has made a quality start, six innings or more, three runs or less, in four out of his last five games. With the one hiccup coming against the Minnesota Twins, that just might have the best lineup in all of baseball.

This number is way too big to really consider taking Atlanta. Yesterday we saw the Detroit Tigers win a game against the Houston Astros where the Astros were laying an absolutely absurd -500, so big upsets can happen, but I don’t see lightning striking twice here today. And I think that this Marlins lineup won’t have anything for Mike Soroka.

Soroka has owned them all season long, and I expect nothing but the same tonight. You can pencil him in now for seven-plus innings or work. And when I look at Sandy Alcantara, I think he is going to find a way to be decent as well. He won’t shut the Braves down, not many people do, but I don’t see him getting blasted either.

So, when I look at the game total, I see value on the under nine and a half runs. It is very hard for a game to hit double-digits if one of the teams doesn’t score. And the Marlins just aren’t going to put many runs on the board tonight. So, the question is, will Alcantara be good enough to get beaten but not destroyed? And I think that answer is yes.

We saw two weeks ago when Alcantara pitched well against the Braves that he can handle their firepower, and with the Braves as prohibitive favorites to win the game, they should have a healthy lead late, and won’t get to bat in the bottom of the ninth. Little details like the fact that the Braves will only get eight innings to score runs, and push this game to the over, need to be evaluated.

I see Atlanta taking an early lead and winning going away. Something in the range of 5-1 Atlanta sounds about right. Give me the under nine and a half runs tonight in game three from SunTrust Park!

The Bet: Under 9.5 runs at -110

There are 10 games on the MLB docket today with nine of them taking place tonight. Several series are wrapping up this evening, while others are just getting started. For tonight’s featured pick, our focus will be on one of the contests in the latter category.

The Colorado Rockies will be in St. Louis for the opener of a four-game weekend set with the Cardinals. Both clubs enter tonight’s game with records of 3-2 over the last five games. Colorado picked up a victory in its last game, while the St. Louis came up short on Wednesday.

The Cardinals have plenty to play for as a team in the thick of the playoff chase, while the Rockies are among the also-rans in the National League. Let’s take a closer look at the series opener for these two squads which are headed in opposite directions.

Colorado Rockies vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 7:45 PM EST, FSMW

Betting odds provided by Sportsbetting.ag

Rockies vs. Cardinals Pick:

Colorado opened up the week in Arizona for a three-game set with the Diamondbacks. After dropping the first two games by a combined score of 13-10, they bounced back for a 7-2 win on Wednesday. Charlie Blackmon was among the heroes with a two-RBI night.

St. Louis was home to begin the week taking two of three over the Milwaukee Brewers. They won the first two games by a combined score of 12-4 but fell 5-3 in the finale. Weather halted yesterday’s game after eight innings. Mike Moustakas smashed a three-run shot for the victors.

Last weekend, the Cardinals were in Cincinnati for four with the Reds. They earned a split in the series, winning the final game by a score of 5-4. The Rockies spent the weekend in Miami sweeping three from the Marlins by a combined score of 21-10.

The Matchup

This series will close out a seven-game road trip for the Rockies. They’re 1-2 so far and a poor 25-40 in away games on the year. The club has fared a lot better at home with a mark of 33-29 for the season. After this series wraps up, they’ll be home for the next seven games.

Colorado is a respectable 6-4 over the last 10 games. However, the club is just 1-4 for its last five series. The team’s run differential stands at -59 for the year. They’ve scored 678 runs, which is good enough for 4th in the NL, but they have also given up a league-worst 737 runs.

The Cardinals are closing out a seven-game homestand with this set. They’re 2-1 so far and a solid 36-24 on the home field for the season. On the road, the club checks in at 31-34. St. Louis will be on the road for three before returning home after this series wraps up.

The team has been playing well of late with a record of 7-3 over its last 10 outings. For the last five series, St. Louis is 3-1-1. The run differential is +34, which is 6th in the NL. The club is just a half-game behind the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central and currently holds down a Wild Card spot.

The Bats

The Rockies have the overall statistical edge at the plate, but let’s not forget that the stats are inflated by the team’s run-happy home field. Blackmon is batting .330 to lead Colorado. Nolan Arenado tops the team with 31 homers and 96 RBIs. Kolten Wong is batting .275 to lead St. Louis. Paul Goldschmidt is the team leader with 28 HRs and 68 ribbies.

Starting Pitchers

Marquez has respectable stats on the year when you consider where his home field is located. He has wins in his last two outings in a row. Last time out, he gave up two earned runs over five innings in a win over the Marlins. Mikolas has been roughed up for 10 total earned runs over his last two appearances. He gave up five earned runs over five innings in a loss to the Reds last time out.

The Bullpens

The Cardinals have a clear advantage when the relievers get involved and one of the better bullpens in MLB. Marquez has lasted five innings or more in nine of his last 10 games. Mikolas has been able to hit that mark in each of his last 10 starts, but he has losses in three of his last four outings.

Previous Meetings

Tonight’s game will mark the first meeting of these two clubs this season. They’ll also be hooking up for a three-game set in Colorado next month.

The Verdict

The Cardinals are the better overall team on paper. They’re playing well with a mark of 7-3 over the last 10 games and a team which is in the midst of a playoff push. The Rockies are slogging through a season in which they currently occupy the basement in the NL West.

St. Louis has the bullpen edge, and that’s a good thing based on the recent performance of Mikolas. We have a serious problem trusting a starter who has allowed five earned runs in back-to-back starts. The Rockies bats have been productive over the last two games with 14 total runs, so they have a shot to continue that tonight.

St. Louis should win the series, but the Rockies can certainly steal one tonight. We like Colorado to get the victory.

Week 3 of the NFL pre-season is typically the most exciting of the games, and the easiest to handicap. Generally, most coaches allow this week to serve as the final tune-up before regular season games get going, as the majority of starters will sit out entirely in Week 4.

With just two weeks to go before the regular season gets underway on September 5th, teams are undoubtedly ramping up their preparations to ensure they are ready for Week 1 of the regular season.

In tonight’s pre-sean slate, we will turn our attention to Atlanta where Matt Ryan and the Falcons will welcome Washington in a match-up filled with intriguing storylines on both sides of the ball.

For Atlanta, this is surely a make-or-break season for head coach Dan Quinn and many of the Falcons’ core. After playing in the Super Bowl just two years ago, many down moments have followed. It’s time for Atlanta to bounce back, though a lacklustre pre-season hasn’t calmed any fears heading into 2019.

For Washington, they are still undecided on who their starting quarterback will be for Week 1. They used a high draft pick on Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins, though the veteran Case Keenum has shown to be serviceable and could serve as a solid placeholder until Haskins is truly ready. Regardless, we will get yet another look at these two battling it out on Thursday night.

Redskins vs. Falcons, and it should be fun to finally see some NFL action that resembles the actual sport, for a half at least. It has been a profitable pre-season run so far and we will look to keep the ball rolling with another winner to kick-off Week 3. Read on below the odds for a detailed game breakdown, and official betting selection for Washington vs. Atlanta.

Washington vs. Atlanta Betting Odds:

Washington Redskins -3 (-110)
@ Atlanta Falcons +3 (-110)

Over 41 (-115)
Under 41 (-105)

Washington vs. Atlanta Pick:

Both squads will be out searching for their first pre-season victory in this contest. For Atlanta, it’s actually their fourth game of the exhibition season, as they played the early extra week in the Hall of Fame Game loss to the Broncos. They have looked pretty mediocre so far as a team, and coach Dan Quinn has yet to really give his starting group a true run altogether, since so many of his first-teamers are locked into positions.

On Thursday, it’s believed that stars Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman will again be sitting out for Atlanta. Dan Quinn has been unorthodox in his approach to these games. Matt Ryan got 31 snaps last week, but is expected to actually receive fewer against Washington. Unfortunately, nothing has been confirmed yet, but based off of press conferences, quotes, and reporter insight – bank on Atlanta actually scaling things back in Week 3 as Quinn wants to focus on the “final 30 guys on the roster.”

That should open things up for the visiting Redskins to play their starters freely and finally make a decision in their QB battle between Keenum and Haskins. Projected starter Colt McCoy is still out and injured, so this final tune-up will carry a lot of weight with head coach Jay Gruden. Gruden has also already come out and said the starters will see their most work in Atlanta.

Also intriguing for Washington is the return of talented running back Derrius Guice to the field. The sophomore back tore his ACL early last year and will be returning to game action for just the first time since. He is elusive and explosive, and if he returns close to 100 percent, he should be able to feast on the lowly backups of Atlanta’s defensive unit.

Though Matt Ryan and the starters will play in front of the home crowd in Atlanta, I can’t imagine Dan Quinn again giving his depleted group 31 snaps. They’re already battling injuries and the hot-seat coach won’t want to risk any more knocks. Expect Atlanta’s first-team to be out there for about a quarter, before Matt Ryan gives way to Matt Schaub for the duration.

This is where the Redskins possess a huge advantage. Washington’s two QB’s of Haskins and Keenum have had pre-season success and can move the ball against Atlanta’s stop unit. It is believed that both will split time for the vast majority of Thursday’s contest, and that gives the ‘Skins a huge advantage in terms of overall depth. At just three-point road favourites, the QB battle and depth should result in some urgency with Washington when it comes to keeping the chains moving. Expect Washington to leave Atlanta with their first win of the pre-season.

It's Nunthorpe Day at York's Ebor Festival, one of the fastest sprints on the British racing calendar. There's also a pair of interesting Group 2s on the evening card at the Curragh where Aidan O'Brien will hope to dominate.

Eight meetings in all, with York joined by Newmarket, Ffos Las, Goodwood, Salisbury and Chelmsford City (all-weather) in the UK and Killarney teaming up with the Curragh in Ireland.

Our Friday Horse Racing Betting Tips begin with the big Group 1 at York.

3.35 York

Battaash to win and each-way @ 5/2 - BET NOW

He has come up short in the last two renewals of this race but this might be the time for Charlie Hills' speed-ball Battaash to come up trumps on the Knavesmire.

Now five-years-old, the bouts of temperament that tended to hold him back in his youth are seemingly gone and that could be key for him.

He was a good winner of the Temple Stakes at Haydock on his reappearance in May and most recently was a ready winner of the King George at Glorious Goodwood, breaking a record with his third win in the contest and being value for more than the ¾-length winning margin.

In between he lost little in defeat behind the exceptional King's Stand winner Blue Point.

With his new-found relaxed demeanour, Battaash might just find this race perfectly set up if July Cup winner Ten Sovereigns sets a fast tempo in front. The faster they go the better for Jim Crowley's mount and he should be right there at the death in the Nunthorpe.

7.10 Curragh

Justifier to win and each-way @ 7/2 - BET NOW

Ger Lyons' colt is unbeaten in two starts having won a Listed contest at Tipperary last time out.

He had early accounted for the re-opposing Amory on debut at Leopardstown and proved that to be no fluke when fending off another Ballydoyle inmate, Harpocrates, in good style for his Listed win.

Armory has gone on to better things, winning both starts including the Group 3 Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown recently. He's no certainty to turn the tables however and Justifier's Tipperary score got a nice boost this week as the Aidan O'Brien-trained runner-up finished second in the Acomb Stakes at York.

With the Lyons team in excellent form (24% strike-rate recently) and further progress likely, he's fancied to take out the Ballydoyle quartet in this race that was won a year ago by Epsom Derby hero Anthony Van Dyck.

7.40 Curragh

Altair to win and each-way @ 8/1 - BET NOW

Joseph O'Brien and Donnacha team up here with this lightly-raced filly as they attempt to snare a race on the card where their father has no interest.

By Australia, Altair made a winning start on the all-weather at Dundalk in January before coming up shy in a Listed contest won by Pink Dogwood (second in The Oaks next time) at Navan in April. From there she would extend her record to 2-3 with a Gowran Park success in May achieved despite wandering around a bit late on.

She was outclassed in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot in June and has been given a short break since. Now tasked with a handicap for the first time, she's surely capable of better things and can make a winning start.

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It's the 7th consecutive Thursday night of Europa league action as we approach play off matches to decide who goes through to group stages.

Most of minnows have been knocked out and it leaves us with teams we'll at least have heard of – that doesn't make it any easier as there are some finely balanced matches but as with previous weeks, over 1.5 match goals has been a profitable market to back in this competition and worth  siding with again.

There are a number of candidates tonight that should deliver over 1.5 goals – I've be picked out 5 matches.

Also keep an eye out later tonight for this weekend's Podcast  – we'll be running through the best bets of the weekend's  football in Scotland and England and for those who didn't catch last week's podcast they can listen here

Celtic vs AIK (7.45PM)

Not where Celtic wanted to be but they need to make the most of it and as they have done so in most games this season, they will be a goal threat.

Defensively the jury is definitely out and AIK will fancy their chances of grabbing an away goal but the visitors are nowhere near the level Cluj are at and they should see of the Swedes with minimal fuss.

Celtic's biggest asset is attacking and they have been in terrific goal scoring form. Christie, Edouard and Forrest will again provide plenty ammunition in the final 3rd.

It's not been a great 10 days for Celtic but they should rediscover some form against an AIK side who won't be progressing to the group stages. you need to go back to 2012 since their last notable result in Europe.

Recommended Bet:

• Celtic and over 1.5 goals
• 5/6 (Betway) (NAP)

Over 1.5 goals

• Legia Warsaw vs Rangers
• Strasbourg vs Eintracht Frankfurt
• Partizan Belgrade vs Molde
• Torino vs Wolves

Ove 1.5 goals 4-fold pays 5/2 (William Hill)

The MLB is set up with a total of eleven games on the board for Thursday night. One of the top matchups on the board will be between the New York Yankees and the Oakland Athletics. These two teams are in prime playoff positions late in the season, which should raise the intensity of this game. This game will start at around 9:37 PM Eastern time on August 22.

New York has put up a record of 83-45 to this point in the season, which has them in the first place of the AL East. The Yankees have a nine-game lead on the second-place Tampa Bay Rays. New York has lost three games in a row, but have won 16 of their last 22. The Yankees will look to end this short losing streak with a road victory to close this series with Oakland.

The Athletics have earned second place in the AL West playoff race with a record of 73-53. Oakland is seven games behind the Houston Astro’s who lead their division. The A’s have won six of their last seven games and will look to earn another tough win against the conference-leading Yankees on Thursday night.

The Yankees have earned the top playoff spot in their conference to this point in the season, while Oakland is battling it out with Tampa Bay and the Cleveland Indians for a wild card spot. The A’s will look to pull off an improbable sweep with another win at home against New York. The Yankees on the other hand, will look to avoid dropping four straight games.

Previous Matchups

The first game of this series was hosted by Oakland on August 20. New York got started early with a home run from Gary Sanchez in the top of the first, but Matt Olson and Mark Canha responded with homers of their own in the bottom of the first. Homer Bailey allowed only one run on seven hits through five and a third innings as the A’s pulled away with a 6-2 win to open up the series.

The second game of the series was another solid one. The Yankees jumped out to another early lead, but Khris Davis and Marcus Semien both had two-run homers to give Oakland the lead back. Stephen Piscotty put the game on ice with a home run in the bottom of the sixth. Mike Fiers finished the game with the win as he allowed two runs on six hits to help give the A’s a 6-4 win.

Oakland has been able to earn wins in the first two games of this series. The Yankees have been the better team overall this season, but the A’s have gotten the better of them in the first two games. I do not believe that New York will get swept in this series, which gives a good amount of value on them for tomorrow night’s matchup.

Batting

The Yankees have been led by D.J. LeMahieu this season. LeMahieu has earned 157 hits, 21 home runs, 86 RBI’s and an OPS of .924. Gleyber Torres has put up 122 hits, 29 home runs and 73 RBI’s. Gio Urshela has 121 hits, 18 homers and 66 RBI’s. Gary Sanchez has 78 hits with 28 home runs and 66 RBI’s. Brett Gardner, Aaron Judge, Mike Tauchman and Didi Gregorius all have double-digit home runs as well.

Oakland has seen a great season from Matt Chapman. Chapman has put up 119 hits, 29 homers and 70 RBI’s. Marcus Semien has 140 hits, 22 home runs and 61 RBI’s this season as well. Matt Olson has earned 91 hits, 26 home runs and 62 RBI’s. Mark Canha has 19 homers on the season, while Khris Davis, Jurickson Profar, Stephen Piscotty, Chad Pinder and Josh Phegley also have double-digit homers this season.

Both teams have good depth when it comes to batting. New York has been riddled by injuries this season, but continue to have players step up. If the Yankees can have players step up again on Thursday night, I believe it should help lead to a big road win. The A’s have done a good job putting up a solid offense against New York and quieting down their bats and they will look to keep it up to finish this series out.

Pitchers

Masahiro Tanaka will start on the mound for New York on Thursday night. Tanaka has earned a record of 9-6 through his 25 starts this season. In those starts, he has an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.236. Tanaka’s last start came against the Cleveland Indians, where he allowed four hits and two runs through six and a third innings pitched to earn his ninth win of the season.

Tanner Roark will make his fourth start for the A’s on Thursday. Roark has a 1-1 record with Oakland and a 7-8 record on the season. He has put up an ERA of 4.01 and a WHIP of 1.391 through 25 starts this season. Roark’s last start came against the Houston Astro’s, where he allowed two runs and six hits through six innings.

Tanaka is coming into Thursday night’s tilt strong, winning his last two games. Roark is still getting his feet wet with the A’s. Roark will need to put up another strong performance if he wants to pull off the sweep against the Yankees. I expect Tanaka to come out strong against Oakland as he looks to earn his third straight win.

Pick Overview

New York has lost three games in a row and I believe that they have a good chance to bounce back with a win on Thursday night. The Yankees still have strong depth on the hitting side of their game. New York’s pitcher has also put up back to back wins in his last two starts. I believe that these edges will help the Yankees bounce back from their losses in the first two games of this series.

BetOnline has New York listed as a -112 against the money line, which implies that the Yankees will win this game around 52.8 percent of the time. I believe that this is a good line for this game. New York has the best record in the American League, and I do not like the chances of them losing their fourth straight game. I am taking the Yankees to win on the road.

Derby County suffered their first loss of the season in midweek as they lost to Bristol City 2-1. The Rams have collected five points from 12 possible and despite losing just once, are not in the best of form in the EFL Championship.

On Saturday, Derby County will welcome West Brom to Pride Park for the early kickoff. The Baggies are sixth in the league posting a 2W-2D-0L record. Manager Slaven Bilic has come to the Hawthorns and made the Baggies a difficult team to defeat. 

Saturday's match will have promotion playoff implications. Can Derby County claim a big victory and get back on track?

Derby County v West Brom Betting Odds

West Brom have scored six times this season while conceding four goals to their opponents. Meanwhile, Derby County have struggled at times to score goals and go into the fixture with a zero goal difference. 

Derby County claimed two victories over West Brom last season in the EFL Championship. Their match at Pride Park ended in a 3-1 win for the Rams. Martyn Waghorn, Mason Bennett, and Harry Wilson got the goals for the Rams. 

Derby County go into the match as the favourite at 6/4. West Brom go into the fixture at odds of 15/8.

Derby County v West Brom Team News

Derby County manager Phillip Cocu has been frustrated with the number of injuries his players have experienced at Pride Park.

A number of players have suffered injuries in the opening weeks of the season. Right-back Jayden Bogle is currently sidelined with an ankle injury. Ikechi Anya is also out with a calf issue and won't be back until December. 

West Brom's Hal Robson-Kanu and Ahmed Hegazy are recovering from injuries. Neither played in West Brom's 1-1 draw with Reading in midweek. Charlie Austin should once again be deployed as the Baggies' No. 9. 

Derby County v West Brom Betting Tips

Over 2.5 goals @ 17/20 - BET NOW

Both matches last season saw over 2.5 goals scored when Derby County and West Brom played. This season, West Brom have played two matches that ended in over 2.5 goals while the Rams have seen three of their four games end in over 2.5 goals scored.

Both teams to score @ 4/6 - BET NOW

Swansea City were the only team to play Derby County without both teams scoring. West Brom have seen all four matches end with both teams scoring goals. 

Derby County v West Brom Prediction

Result: 2-2 draw @ 12/1 - BET NOW

Although Derby County are winless in their last three matches, at home against West Brom they should be much improved. The Rams won both fixtures last term and go into the weekend with a good squad of EFL Championship players. 

West Brom should fight all season long for a promotion playoff place. They have an experienced ex-Premier League coach and a squad of good players. 

Coming off of a short week in which both teams played in midweek, fatigue could be a factor and the managers may be forced to rotate their squads.

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With day three of the Ebor Meeting set to take place on Friday we have three tips for readers.

Ebor Festival Friday Predictions

15:00 York 

Dubai Station Win and Each-Way @ 10/1 - BET NOW

Trainer Karl Burke's charge showed a good level of ability in the spring following up a second place finish in a 6f event at Nottingham (good-to-firm) on debut in May with a 1L victory over 5f at Haydock (soft) the following month.

The selection has been asked to tackle Group races on both subsequent starts with the first of those coming when beaten 3L into third in a Group 2 event on soft ground at Royal Ascot won by A'Ali in June.

Following that effort the son of Brazen Beau stepped back up to 6f to finish a decent third in a small field good-to-soft ground contest at Deauville at the end of last month.

Notably Earthlight followed up in the Group 1 Prix Morny over the same course and distance last weekend and can arguably lay claim to being the best sprinting two-year-old seen in action this season.

While Dubai Station is vulnerable to less exposed rivals he has run to a good level of form so far and at 9/1 represents each-way value in this competitive juvenile event.

15:35 York 

Mabs Cross Win and Each-Way @ 5/1 - BET NOW

Mabs Cross has developed into a top class sprinter in recent years with her victories including a Group 3 success on good-to-firm ground over this 5f trip when making her seasonal debut in early May.

Michael Dods' charge had shown good form last season including when beaten by a nose in this contest.

She has failed to win in two starts following her Newmarket success in the spring but both outings have come against high class opposition, firstly when asked to concede weight to one of her main rivals here in Battaash at Haydock (5f, good-to-firm) and most recently when finishing fourth in a Group 1 5f event at Royal Ascot in June.

Given a short break following that Royal Ascot effort, the selection has a significant weight pull with Battaash from their meeting in May and finished ahead of that rival in this race 12 months ago while her other big market rival Ten Sovereigns, an impressive winner over 6f at Newmarket (good-to-firm) last month is dropping back to this trip for the first time.

With those issues in mind Mabs Cross, who has the trip and ground to suit represents a decent each-way bet at around the 5/1 mark.

16:15 York 

Molatham Win and Each-Way - BET NOW

The selection showed a good level of ability in finishing runner-up in a good-to-firm ground 6f maiden at Ascot when debuting last month. Ultimately Roger Varian's charge had to give best to Mums Tipple that day but the form is working out well with fourth home Mr Kiki scoring next time out.

The step up in distance looks likely to suit Molatham and he is taken to improve on his trainers 21% strike-rate (6/28) in the last two weeks. 

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That was a close one for the Los Angeles Dodgers last night, but they avoided a big upset against the Blue Jays. It would have made for the second sizable upset of the night after the Tigers downed the Astros in Houston. The Astros were the biggest favorite we’ve seen in the last 15 years and they still managed to lose.

That was with Justin Verlander on the bump going up against Daniel Norris. If there’s any sport not to lay that kind of juice, it has to be baseball. Don’t lay it period, but if you want to commit bankroll suicide go and bet juicy favorites all the time.

The Dodgers blew the game in the top of the 9th after Kenley Jansen surrendered a long bomb to Rowdy Tellez. Jansen must find a way to avoid flaring up like that or the Dodgers are going to be losing the close ones in the postseason. His ERA is up to 3.70, which is entering scary territory for a closing pitcher.

There are going to be tight 1-run games in the postseason where they need a lockdown inning in the 9th. Jansen has provided Dodgers’ fans with sweaty palms this season and it’s likely going to continue in October.

Max Muncy was able to save Jansen with a solo blast in the bottom of the 10th. And with one swing of the bat, the Dodgers recorded their 84th win of the season. It’s been total domination in the NL West, with the Dodgers up 20 games on the Diamondbacks. Other than the Dodgers, the NL West has been ineffective, with a real possibility that the Dodgers are the only team who finish above .500.

Give credit to the Toronto pitching staff for shutting down the Dodgers. Six different pitchers combined to hold the Dodgers in check, but it ultimately wasn’t enough for a win. Jacob Waguespack has been red-hot and will look for another confidence booster with a solid performance at Dodger Stadium tonight. Holding the Dodgers’ offense down in back-to-back days isn’t easy, though. The Dodgers are expected to give Kenta Maeda the nod. Head below for our free Blue Jays vs. Dodgers pick.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. L.A. Dodgers Pick:

Betting odds provided by bovada.lv

Kenta Maeda has been decent by all accounts, but he has been the weakest link in the Dodgers’ rotation. That’s a good problem to have if you’re the Dodgers. If your worst pitcher in the rotation has a 4.18 ERA, then things are probably really good. And for the Dodgers, a record of 84-44 is really good. Maeda is the only pitcher in the rotation that has an ERA greater than 4.00. He should be pitching better than that, though. The Dodgers might already be at 90 wins if Maeda is pitching up to his expectations.

In any case, there is nothing wrong with a 4.18 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. Also, Maeda has been a different hurler on the road and at home. He has been shaky as a visiting pitcher, posting an ERA of 5.67 and 1.41 WHIP in 60.1 innings of play. Conversely, the picture has looked much better at Dodger Stadium, where Maeda holds a 2.84 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 66.2 innings. He’s been solid against the Jays in 20 at-bats, as they’re hitting only .200 with 2 runs scored.

Waguespack heads into Dodger Stadium pitching well in his last three outings. He has been at his best, with a 1.56 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 17.1 innings. This matchup on the road against the Dodgers is looking like his trickiest matchup yet, though. Waguespack and has made only six starts in his rookie campaign, so we’ll see what his numbers look like with a larger sample size.

His most difficult outing on the road thus far was at Fenway Park. He allowed 4 earned runs in that contest, while yielding 6 hits and 3 walks in 4.2 innings. It’s also hard to keep the Dodgers in check in consecutive games. After five different pitchers appeared in relief for the Jays last night, there should be some fatigue there. It likely isn’t going to be as hard as last night for the Dodgers. Expect a 6-3 victory for the Dodgers this evening in Los Angeles.