On New Year’s Day, sports fans across the UK will be eagerly tuning in to enjoy some thrilling matches and races, with Paddy Power rolling out some insightful betting tips to help punters maximize their wagers.
The football world kicks off with Brentford hosting Arsenal for a London derby, with significant stakes involved for both teams. Arsenal, chasing down leaders Liverpool, hopes to close the gap with three points. Brentford has struggled recently, managing only one win since December, making them ripe for the picking as Arsenal looks for vengeance.
Bet Builder expert Oli Nixon has put together four key picks for the Brentford vs. Arsenal clash:
Myles Lewis-Skelley to be fouled 1+ times
The young left-back has been creating waves since his introduction to the first-team squad, averaging over three fouls against him per 90 minutes. Coupled with his opponent's defensive record, this bet holds considerable promise.
Kai Havertz to attempt 30+ passes
Having recently transitioned to a midfield role, Havertz has seen his productivity spike, averaging 56 passes per game over his last two fixtures. Given Brentford’s historical lack of possession against Arsenal, this bet appears safe.
Brentford Goalkeeper to make 4+ saves
With Arsenal consistently testing opposition goalkeepers, Brentford’s Mark Flekken is expected to be busy. The Bees' goalkeeping star has averaged nearly five saves per game, providing ample opportunity for this bet to pay off.
Gabriel Magalhaes to have 1+ shots on target
With Arsenal adept at set pieces—where Gabriel plays a pivotal role—this bet looks promising, especially against Brentford, who have been prone to conceding from such scenarios.
The odds for this Bet Builder are enticing, sitting at 6/1 with Paddy Power.
Later on New Year’s Day, the Championship takes center stage as Sheffield United takes the trip to the Stadium of Light to battle Sunderland. Despite their position near the top of the league, Sheffield has seen low-scoring affairs recently, with their last five games featuring two goals or less.
Tom Desborough has identified four key selections for this match:
Under 2.5 goals
Given Sheffield's knack for tight defensive displays and Sunderland's recent struggles, this seems like the safest bet for this encounter.
Luke O’Nien to be carded
Playing out of position, O’Nien is likely to find himself under pressure, making him vulnerable to cards, especially considering the intensity of previous meetings between these teams.
Gustavo Hamer to have 1+ shots on target
The talented midfielder has been instrumental for Sheffield United and is expected to pose threats to Sunderland’s defense throughout the match.
Wilson Isidor to have 1+ shots on target
Sunderland's star loan signing has been prolific, and as the team’s top scorer, he will undoubtedly look to add to his tally on New Year’s Day.
This Bet Builder is priced at about 16/1 according to the latest Paddy Power odds.
For horse racing enthusiasts, New Year’s Day also presents exciting opportunities at Cheltenham and Exeter. The following Lucky 15 tips, derived from expert selections, aim to help bettors make the most of their wagers:
12:20 Cheltenham – Vincenzo
This promising contender is undefeated over the jumps at this trip and is worth considering.
13:30 Cheltenham – Broadway Boy (NAP)
A firm favorite in this race, Broadway Boy is expected to outpace his competitors and seize victory at Cheltenham.
14:45 Exeter – Crest Of Fortune
A strong contender based on recent performances, Crest Of Fortune is gearing up to make waves.
15:15 Cheltenham – Salver
This horse shines particularly well when racing on muddy tracks, making this race one to watch.
All tips and odds are subject to change, but Paddy Power remains committed to providing up-to-date information for bettors eager to engage with these exciting New Year’s Day events.
Bet safely and enjoy the thrill of the game!