We were back in the winners’ circle last time out with Jefferson Lerma and seriously unlucky not to land the 14/1 no-cards bet in Swansea v Manchester City – the only card in that one came as the players left the field at half time after the ball had accidentally been blasted into Aymeric Laporte.
Still, on we go, and this weekend I’ve got four anytime card tips – good luck!
Ricardo Pereira – Leicester v Bournemouth (Sat, 1500) – 4/1 (Sky Bet, Betfair, Paddy Power)
I backed the Leicester right-back fairly recently when he went up against Wilfried Zaha but it turned out to be a loser.
However, much of the theory that went into that bet can be applied here with Pereira facing another tricky customer in Ryan Fraser, who has been a standout performer for the Cherries this season and was particularly impressive when they won the reverse fixture 4-2.
Only five Premier League players have been fouled more than the Scottish wide man, who looks sure to test Pereira in this one.E
Pereira has been booked in six of his last 21 Premier League games and with one of the league’s most prolific dribblers, Josh King, having a tendency to drift to the left, the Leicester full-back is worth backing at 4/1.
Referee: Lee Mason – The fifth strictest ref in the top flight on the yellow-cards-shown measuring stick, so looks a good man to be in charge as far as we’re concerned.
Ashley Young – Manchester United v Watford (Sat, 1500) – 9/2 (bet365)
Right-back Young has been a serial offender this season and comes into this game having received 11 cards in his 30 starts.
Those cards have been split fairly evenly between Old Trafford (5) and other grounds (6), so no worries on that front.E
What makes this bet particularly tempting is that he’s likely to be troubled by Watford wide man Roberto Pereyra, who has enjoyed a fine season. There’s also the marauding full-back Jose Holebas, who will be expected to get at the converted winger, who has often been found wanting when attempting to time his challenges.
That two-pronged attack on Young’s area of the pitch makes 9/2 worth a bet.
Referee: Stuart Attwell – Not the greatest ref for a bet like this – Attwell’s yellows-per-game figure is slightly below the league average. However, he’s shown at least five cards in five of his last nine games in all competitions which bodes well ahead of a match which sees the league’s worst-disciplined side host the fifth-worst.
Lee Peltier – Cardiff v Chelsea (Sun, 1405) – 4/1 (bet365, William Hill)
Set to go up against Eden Hazard, Peltier could be in for one of his toughest games of the season in this one.
The right-back has been carded in two of his nine Premier League starts this season. That may not sound spectacular, but Hazard’s dribbling ability (only Wilfried Zaha has attempted more dribbles per game) is likely to test his defensive skills to the full.E
And Peltier’s history shows he’s a card gatherer. Last season he received 11 in 30 games in the Championship.
Still very new to the top flight, it would be no surprise to see Peltier taught a bit of a lesson by Hazard here and I make a card more likely than the 4/1 being offered, particularly in a game which means so much to both sides.
Referee: Craig Pawson – A decent appointment. He’s the sixth strictest in terms of cards, with his yellow average of 3.5 per game well above the league average.
Leandro Bacuna – Cardiff v Chelsea (Sun, 1405) – 3/1 (Betfred)
The midfielder has only started two games for Cardiff since his January arrival, being booked in one, but he’s got a strong propensity for cards.
Prior to his move, he picked up four in his last 11 Championship games for Reading. Last season with the Royals he received 11 in 39 (all competitions), while in his previous Premier League spell – with Aston Villa in 2015/16 – he was carded in eight of his 27 starts.
The midfield battle against Chelsea is always a tricky one with the likes of N’golo Kante and Jorginho needing to be stopped. The aforementioned Hazard is also likely to drift in Bacuna’s area of the field, if indeed the Dutchman starts.
That’s obviously key to this bet so it’s a case of wait for the team news and hope the price remains. One to back only if he plays but certainly a player to keep an eye on in this market in the coming weeks.
Referee: Craig Pawson (see above)