This weekend`s Weekend Wager brings you expert analysis and stats-driven betting tips for the top sporting events.
With a packed Easter schedule, our experts have identified several promising bets across football, snooker, and horse racing.
Will Pugh from SunSport, along with football broadcaster Kweku Afari and Betfair betting expert Sam Rosbottom, have shared their top picks for the weekend.
The panel discussed key matches including Wolves` visit to Manchester United, Aston Villa`s clash with Newcastle, the World Snooker Championship, and the Irish Grand National.
Man Utd vs Wolves, Sunday
Kweku recommends: Wolves to win at 5/2
Kweku argues that stats favor a Wolves victory, highlighting Manchester United`s poor form.
He points out that Man Utd have already equaled their league loss tally from last season, with the potential to surpass their 1989-90 season record.
In contrast, Wolves are enjoying a strong run, having won their last four matches – their best streak in the top flight since 1972.
With Manchester United seemingly focused only on Europa League qualification, Kweku believes Wolves are a strong bet.
Will suggests: Over 4.5 goals at 11/2
Will notes a historical trend: Manchester United have won all four of their home league games on Easter Sunday with a significant goal difference. This Easter Sunday match marks Wolves` first-ever league game played on this day.
Wolves` attacking form is also a factor, as they`ve scored in their last 11 games, remaining consistent in finding the net since late January.
Additionally, he mentions Manchester United`s manager, Ruben Amorim, has conceded more high-scoring league defeats recently compared to his previous long tenure at Sporting.
Sam`s pick: Wolves to score first at 7/5
Sam anticipates a potential “hangover” for Manchester United due to their Europa League commitments.
He highlights a striking stat: in their last nine Premier League home games, Manchester United have only scored the first goal once.
Given this poor home form and it being Easter Sunday, Sam suggests betting on Wolves to score the opening goal.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle, Saturday
Kweku`s bet: Aston Villa to win & both teams to score at 3/1
Aston Villa`s home form is strong, remaining unbeaten in the league at Villa Park since their opening home defeat to Arsenal, with eight wins and seven draws since. However, they have only managed six clean sheets in their last 37 home games.
Kweku suggests this bet has good value based on Villa`s scoring record and tendency to concede at home.
Will`s suggestion: Rashford to score or assist at 5/4
Will points to Marcus Rashford`s improved stats since joining Villa. Data indicates Rashford is achieving more touches, shots, chance creations, and dribbles per 90 minutes for Villa compared to his time at Manchester United.
He believes Rashford`s improved performance will translate into a goal or assist in this match.
Sam`s tip: Murphy to score or assist at 13/5
Newcastle is in excellent form, winning their last six games across all competitions.
Sam highlights Jacob Murphy`s impressive contribution in away games. Murphy has been involved in 13 goals in his last 17 away Premier League appearances for Newcastle, with four goals and nine assists.
Sam considers the odds of Murphy scoring or assisting to be exceptionally valuable.
World Snooker Championship, starts Saturday
Sam`s pick: John Higgins to win at 12/1 (each-way)
While Ronnie O`Sullivan is a strong contender, Sam favors John Higgins for the World Snooker Championship.
Despite dropping out of the top 16 rankings, Higgins recently won the Tour Championship, indicating a return to form. Sam suggests the 12/1 odds for Higgins as a good each-way bet.
Irish Grand National, Monday
Sam`s tips for the Irish Grand National:
Sam notes Willie Mullins` recent Grand National successes and highlights High Class Hero as a strong contender from his stable.
Haiti Couleurs, the favorite, is recognized for stamina, having won the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Another contender is Now Is The Hour from Gavin Cromwell`s stable, considered a strong pick to cap off a successful season.
Sam mentions Haiti Couleurs` fall at the last hurdle in a previous race, suggesting jumping needs to be refined, despite strong stamina.
For an each-way bet at a longer price, Sam suggests Better Days Ahead, trained by Gordon Elliott.
