November 2018



Man City to go 24 Premier League games unbeaten 

 City will keep their undefeated start to the season going longer than Liverpool and Chelsea, with Arsenal the side who can finally beat Pep Guardiola’s men.
 
Thursday 1st November, 2018 – Manchester City will keep their unbeaten start to the Premier League season going until their 25th game, according to traders at spread betting firm Sporting Index, with City’s undefeated start backed to last longer than both Liverpool and Chelsea’s. 
 
For the first time in Premier League history, three teams are undefeated after the first 10 games of the season – though Sporting Index traders think City will continue their streak the longest, with Pep Guardiola’s side expected to lose in their 25th match, compared to the 19th game for Liverpool, and the 16th for Chelsea. 
 
After an electric start to the season, reigning champions City are predicted to continue their unbeaten league start until well into the new year, with their match against Arsenal in January earmarked as the one that finally sees them lose. 
 
A run of 24 matches without defeat would be their longest ever, beating the 22 they managed last season before eventually losing to Liverpool. 
 
The Reds themselves are backed to beat their own Premier League record, set in 2007/08, where they managed 14 games from the start of the season without losing. Jurgen Klopp’s men are predicted to last until their 19th match, on Boxing Day, where they face Newcastle at Anfield. 
 
Chelsea’s unbeaten run is expected to come to an end a little earlier, with their 16th match at home to Manchester City potentially the undoing of the Blues. 
 
That would fall well short of Chelsea’s previous record, set in 2014/15, where Jose Mourinho’s men lasted 21 games without losing – but would still represent a fine start to life in England for Maurizio Sarri. 
 
 Of course, all three sides have a long way to go to match the all-time Premier League record of all 38 games – set by Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ in 2003/04. 
 
 Neville Burdock, trading spokesman for Sporting Index, said: “We’ve seen a record-breaking start to the Premier League season, with three teams unbeaten after 10 games – and we think those undefeated streaks can carry on a bit longer. 
  
“Unsurprisingly, we predict Manchester City’s run will last the longest, with the champions set to beat last year’s mark of 22 matches without losing from the start of the season. 
 
“If City do manage to make it to the new year, the comparisons with Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ will be inevitable – and it may well be fitting if it’s the Gunners that end City’s undefeated run.” 

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Neck and neck race, small swings, and a tight Texas – the US Midterm elections predicted  

Sporting Index traders predict the US 2018 Midterm elections – with the Republicans predicted to come up trumps 

Tuesday 6th November, 2018 – As America gets set to go to the polls for the country’s Midterm elections, spread betting firm Sporting Index have predicted the outcome of the Senate elections, with electoral shocks across key states set to see the GOP triumph. 
 
The Republicans currently have a majority of just two in the Senate but, according to Sporting Index’s traders, it could be incredibly close, with only marginal swings, making things considerably more nervy for the Trump administration. 
 
Not only do the spread betting political experts predict a win for the Republicans in November’s elections, but it’s also expected that the Democrats will challenge in both Arizona and Nevada, and see further consolidation in traditional strongholds such as Minnesota and Virginia. 
 
Sporting Index also predict the Republicans will win North Dakota and will tightly contest both Missouri and Florida. 
 
Much has been made about the possibility that Texas will vote to oust Ted Cruz, and the Lone Star State could have its first Democrat in office since 1994 after early voter turnout hinted towards continued support for Beto O’Rourke.  

Ed Fulton, trading spokesman for Sporting Index, said: “We expect it will be an incredibly tight Midterm election, and it wouldn’t be the most surprising outcome if the Senate ends up without a majority. The recent galvanisation of voter bases from both sides mean it should be an election with higher voter turnout that normally expected, and marginal gains could have huge implications for American politics.  
 
“Our politics experts have also predicted that Democrat Beto O’Rourke’s fairy-tale campaign in Texas, which has seen significant momentum gathered, will fall short as the votes are counted.” 
 

Rooney predicted to grace Wembley in 62nd minute against USA 

 Sporting Index expect Rooney to play final half hour wearing no.18 shirt for last hurrah with Three Lions 
 
 Thursday 15th November, 2018 – Wayne Rooney will play the final 28 minutes of England’s friendly against the United States, according to spread betting firm Sporting Index. 
 
Gareth Southgate called it upon himself to invite Rooney to be part of the squad and earn his 120th cap to celebrate his glittering England career, which included surpassing record scorer Bobby Charlton’s tally, as well as becoming the second most capped Three Lions player in history after goalkeeper Peter Shilton.  
 
The spread betting experts have earmarked the 62nd minute for when Rooney will enter the field for his final farewell to the Wembley crowd.  
 
Neville Burdock, Head of Trading at Sporting Index, said: “Wayne Rooney has been outstanding for England over a number of years, and we think he’ll be given a good runout by Gareth Southgate against the United States. We predict he’ll be brought onto the pitch in the 62nd minute.” 

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V-day spells D-day for Theresa May  

Sporting Index predict PM will be on her way out of No 10 by Valentine’s Day following letters of no confidence in Tory leader  
 
Thursday 15th November, 2018 – Prime Minister Theresa May will be out of No 10 Downing Street by Valentine’s Day, according to Sporting Index traders.  
 
Theresa May’s impending Brexit deal is set to break the hearts of many in the nation, with both remainers and leavers voicing displeasure over the agreement. The proposed deal has led to several ministers submitting resignations and letters of no confidence in the PM, suggesting it’s a matter of time before the Tory leader calls it a day.  
 
Now the political experts at Sporting Index have crunched the numbers and believe the PM will only last another 91 days in the hot seat, which would mean she will be out of a job come 14th February 2019. 
 
Ed Fulton, trading spokesman Sporting Index, said: “Since Theresa May delivered her proposed Brexit deal, pressure continues to mount on her to resign. Ministers and supporters of different political parties have all had their say, and it looks like a matter of time before she departs from No 10 – either by jumping ship or being forced to walk the plank.  
 
“While Theresa May was given a thankless task of negotiating Brexit in the wake of David Cameron’s resignation in 2016, many politicians and experts are adamant that she could have negotiated a better deal for the UK. We think she’ll last another 91 days – which would be a miserable Valentine’s Day departure for the Tory leader.” 




17th hole finish predicted for Tiger and Phil’s Showdown at Shadow Creek 

Sporting Index golf traders predict a longest drive of 331 yards, 24 ft longest putt and Tiger to edge it in Thanksgiving thriller 
 
Wednesday, 21st November 2018 – As Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson prepare to face off in a $9 million winner-takes-all match, traders from leading spread-betting firm Sporting Index have predicted the game will be decided by the end of the 17th hole.  
 
The match is expected to be neck-and-neck between the two experienced Americans, with Mickelson and Woods upping the ante in yesterday’s press conference when they decided to wager $200k on who will score a birdie on the first hole.  
 
While Sporting Index expect 14-time major winner Woods to edge the affair, the golfing experts on the trading floor have also predicted the longest drive and putt for the head-to-head match in Las Vegas.  
 
The traders expect the longest drive to come in at 331 yards, while the longest putt of tomorrow’s showdown is predicted to come in at 24 ft.  
 
Neville Burdock, head of trading at Sporting Index, said: “The Showdown at Shadow Creek will be a thrilling new experience for golf fanatics all over the world. Tiger has the best of Phil in terms of majors won – holding 14 to Mickelson’s five, and we expect him to edge it on the 17th hole tomorrow.  
 
“This head-to-head is a match of showmanship, with both golfers admitting that they are keen to get one over on the other. There’s likely to be light-hearted banter over the longest drive, and we’ve gone for 331 yards for this market. Longest putt will come in at 24 ft according to our traders.”

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River Plate v Boca Juniors: Dirtiest match ever? 

Sporting Index football traders predict a flurry of cards in tomorrow’s fierce Buenos Aires derby 
 
Friday 23rd November 2018 – After a typically fiery encounter at Boca Juniors in the first leg, traders from leading spread betting company Sporting Index have predicted the Copa Libertadores final at River Plate’s home ground will see 100 bookings points – the highest ever bookings price total predicted by the firm. 
 
It’s all to play for and after the first leg finished 2-2 with six yellow cards, traders expect an even feistier affair this time around as the rivals battle it out for the South American equivalent of the Champions League. 
 
There have been many fierce encounters down the years, with a 2013 meeting between the teams a classic example - seeing two red cards, a goal and riot police after just 45 seconds of play. 
 
With 10 points awarded per booking and 25 points for a red card, Sporting Index have priced total points at 100 for this Superclasico.  
 
Neville Burdock, head of trading at Sporting Index, said: “The immense rivalry between Boca Juniors and River Plate, combined with the Copa Libertadores being at stake here, can only mean an electrifying display which will surely lead to cards being shown. 
 
“We have never predicted such a high number of points for any match in the history of Sporting Index. A quote of 100 bookings points is unheard of for what looks set to be an unforgiving battle in arguably the biggest game in the history of the feistiest derby in world football.” 

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Wilder to finish Fury in ninth round of heavyweight title bout 

Sporting Index predict ‘Gypsy King’ will fall in the 26th minute in WBC heavyweight championship fight against Bronze Bomber

Wednesday 28th November, 2018 – Tyson Fury will be halted in the ninth round against WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, according to spread betting firm Sporting Index.  
 
The 26th minute of the fight has been marked by the boxing experts at the spread betting company, who think American powerhouse Wilder will have too much for Fury, who will compete in only his fourth fight in three years on Saturday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. 
 
Alabama-born Wilder is accustomed to finishing his fights early, with nearly half of his career wins coming in the first round. However, 26% of Fury’s fights have gone the distance and been decided on points, which signals 2 Fast could take this scrap to the very end.  
 
That said, Fury has yet to face a fighter with the punching power that Wilder possesses, and while the Gypsy King is renowned for his intelligent boxing style, the Sporting Index traders believe he could be a victim of a Bronze Bomber knockout in round nine.  
 
Neville Burdock, head of trading at Sporting Index, said: “Tyson Fury hasn’t faced a fighter in the mould of Deontay Wilder for years, and despite making a return to the ring and being in the best shape of his life, we still think the Bronze Bomber will be too much for him to handle. 
 
“Wilder may not have it all his own way, however, and we don’t anticipate this being one of his typical fights which end after a few rounds. Credit to Fury, he has boxing nous and will be able to avoid Wilder’s powerful punches to an extent, but if we’re sticking our neck out then we will say that Wilder will retain his title in the ninth round.”  


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Emery makes best debut league start of any Gunners gaffer in last 50 years 

Sporting Index research shows Unai Emery’s league win rate (62%) is better than any other Arsenal manager during their debut season at same stage of campaign

Friday 30th November, 2018 – As the Premier League prepares for the first north London derby of the season, research from Sporting Index proves that Arsenal boss Unai Emery has made a better start in league football than any other Gunners manager in history. 
 
The Spaniard has led the Emirates side to a 17-game unbeaten run, which has helped them secure 27 points after 13 games in the Premier League – an average of 2.08 points per game and a 64% win rate in league action.   
 
While Arsene Wenger led the Gunners to a Premier League title in his second season, even he wasn’t able to start with results as strong as Emery’s. The Frenchman’s first 13 league games in charge produced 25 points, and he’s level with Bruce Rioch, George Graham and George Swindin, with a 54% win rate.  
 
And the traders at Sporting Index have predicted that the Gunners are on track to take 74 points in the Premier League this season, which would be better than the 68 points managed by Wenger in his inaugural season at Highbury.  
 
Graham landed 70 points for the Gunners in his first season, while other prominent managers including Don Howe and Rioch only managed 66 points and 63 points respectively. 

Of the eight different managers Arsenal have had in the last 50 years, only three have managed to win their first north London derby, with Wenger and Swindin winning 3-1 at Highbury and Howe recording a 4-2 victory, also at home.  
 
However, Emery can be the fourth should he manage to lead the Gunners to a win over Tottenham at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.  
 
Neville Burdock, head of trading at Sporting Index, said: “Unai Emery has impressed in the Premier League after leading Arsenal to a 17-game unbeaten run, but it’s interesting to see that he has made a better start to league action at the Gunners than any other boss from their first 13 matches.  
 
“Wenger will always be held in high regard at the Emirates, given he won 10 trophies during his 22 years at the helm, but Emery has already made a better start in the league.  
 
“We’ve priced up Emery to secure 74 points this season in the league, which would be the best points tally for an Arsenal manager in their first season in the last half-century.”

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