SPORTPESA MEGAJACKPOT, POST-MATCH ANALYSIS – THE BREAKDOWN.
Welcome to yet another Sportpesa Megajackpot Post-Match Analysis. We managed to get 6/17 correct predictions which was our worst ever performance since we started analysing the mega . There were close calls and red cards that threw some of the games off not to mentioning simply shocking results but in the end; we like to take on any loss as a challenge to do better. We may have had our poorest performance ever in the last week but this has only spurred as to dig even deeper to ensure that we bounce back in a huge way in this week’s sportpesa megajackpot. With that in mind, below is the breakdown of the results as well as an in depth look of our research methodology in the hopes that with each loss we all gain a lesson that could potentially set us on our way back to the Sportpesa Megajackpot Bonus promised land once again in the coming week.
West Ham v Wolves
Our 1st Pick: 1
Result: 0-1
A 92nd minute goal was all that separated these two exciting English premier league teams. The hammers came into this one with zero points from the 1st 3 games and Pellegrini was under pressure. This could explain why the match ended up being a rather cagey affair.
In what was a tight affair, the hosts were heading for their first point of the season but Traore capitalized on Carlos Sanchez’s error in the third minute of injury time to hand Nuno Espirito Santo’s side their first top-flight win since beating QPR in February 2012.
We had gone for a home win based on historical records which gave the home side an upper hand as well as the fact that the Hammers needed the points more but it proved inaccurate.
Sheffield Utd v Aston Villa
Our 1st Pick: 1
Result: 4-1
Sheffield United demolished sorry Aston Villa as a devastating first-half performance set them on their way to a fourth successive victory.
Goals by Jack O’Connell, Oliver Norwood, Mark Duffy and Billy Sharp earned Chris Wilder’s rampant team a 4-1 Championship win at Bramall Lane.
The Blades took a sixth-minute lead when O’Connell headed home Norwood’s free-kick on his 100th start for the club.
Norwood hit a post soon after, but Duffy doubled the lead with a 25-yard strike after getting the better of John McGinn on halfway in the 23rd minute.
He was influential all half and he scored his first goal for the club four minutes before the break when his free-kick caught out Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland at his near post. Captain Billy Sharp made it four in the 49th minute from Kieron Freeman’s ball into the box.
Anwar El Ghazi pulled one back for Villa in the 61st minute, slotting home after some neat play, but there was no cause for celebration for the visitors.
The mood surrounding the two camps in the build-up to the game had been markedly different.
Three consecutive wins, including a comprehensive 3-0 success at Bolton last weekend, had seen United accelerate up the table, adding to the feelgood factor at the club.
Villa, in contrast, arrived in South Yorkshire days after being booed off after their Carabao Cup defeat by Burton.
That had followed three straight draws in the league, with manager Steve Bruce forced to deny talk of a crisis.
We had gone for a home win based on current form and this proved to be an accurate prediction.
Coventry v Rochdale
Our 1st Pick: 2
Result: 0-1
Calvin Andrew’s close-range strike just after the interval was enough for Rochdale to claim victory and leapfrog Coventry in the League One table.
Rochdale started menacingly, with Sky Blues goalkeeper Lee Burge tipping over a rasping 20-yard effort from Callum Camps before diving to deny Stephen Dooley.
City looked the brighter side for the rest of the half but failed to stretch visiting keeper Magnus Norman.
We had gone for an away win based on previous head to head records and despite the hosts rallying for an equalizer, it proved to be an accurate prediction.
Walsall v Blackpool
Our 1st Pick: 2
Result: 0-0
Walsall maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a dull 0-0 stalemate at home to manager less draw specialists Blackpool.
It was the Seasiders’ fourth draw in six League One games and their third consecutive goalless league draw on the road.
Walsall nearly led after 23 minutes as Zeli Ismail’s 20-yard free-kick whistled just over but Blackpool went even closer six minutes later as Curtis Tilt’s header was cleared off the line by George Dobson.
Blackpool controlled the game but Rangers loanee Joe Dodoo’s 25-yard free-kick flew inches over and Jay Spearing’s rocket from a similar distance was foiled by Walsall keeper Liam Roberts.
Walsall had a great chance to win it a minute from time but Kane Wilson sent a free header wide from Luke Leahy’s corner.
Blackpool thought they had won it heading into stoppage time as Nathan Delfouneso latched onto Feeney’s pass to round Roberts and slot home but the flag was up for offside.
We had gone for an away win based on current form and we thought we had it in the back when Nathan scored in stoppage time but it wasn’t to be as the goal was disallowed.
Wycombe V Luton
Our 1st Pick: 1
Result: 1-1
Matty Pearson earned Luton a point in a 1-1 draw that will go down as a tale of two penalties where Wycombe’s Joe Jacobson scored one and missed another.
The Hatters had never lost at Adams Park but that record looked in severe danger during the first half, with Wycombe taking the lead when Sonny Bradley clumsily fouled Matt Bloomfield in the area 15 minutes in, allowing Jacobson to convert.
More drama unfolded around the hour mark when Luton striker James Collins handled in his own area.
Referee Darren England pointed to the spot and with Collins booked during fierce protests from Hatters players and Jacobson lining up to take the kick, fourth official Stuart Burt called England over, who then had words with Luton boss Nathan Jones.
Then, after the lengthy delay, Jacobson missed the chance to double Wycombe’s lead as he was denied by visiting keeper James Shea.
His opposite number Ryan Allsop fared far poorer in the 68th minute when was unable to prevent Pearson heading home for the equalizer, but he did preserve a point with two crucial late saves in a pulsating finale.
We had gone for a home win based historical data and current form but it proved innacurate as the teams played out a pulsating draw.
Hull City v Derby
Our 1st Pick: 2
Result: 1-2
A late goal from Florian Jozefzoon gave the Rams a 2-1 victory over Hull City in their Sky Bet Championship clash at the KCOM Stadium.
The summer signing from Brentford struck in the 88th minute with his first league goal for the Rams, having opened his account for the club in Tuesday night’s 4-0 Carabao Cup second round win against the same opponents.
Martyn Waghorn had earlier done likewise by opening the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the first half.
Todd Kane, on loan from Chelsea, equalized for the Tigers after 53 minutes but Frank Lampard’s men claimed a fourth successive victory in all competitions.
Their third league win on the trot lifted them to fourth in the table after six games, only two points behind leaders Leeds United, going into the international break.
We had gone for an away win based on current form as well as recent head to head meetings and it proved to be an accurate prediction.
Reading v Sheffield Wed
Our 1st Pick: 2
Result: 1-2
Reading remain winless in the Championship after six matches this season following a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at Madejski Stadium.
Wednesday dominated much of the first half and went ahead early on when midfielder Adam Reach finished off an excellent team move.
They increased their lead just 15 seconds after half-time when Lucas Joao drove in his third goal in two games.
Although Reading did reduce the gap in the 64th minute, through a Liam Moore header, Wednesday held on relatively comfortably.
Reading had lost their opening three matches of the season but had improved in their previous two games to secure draws at Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa.
Wednesday had won their past two outings, with 2-1 home victories against Millwall and Ipswich.
Both sides went out of the Carabao Cup second round in midweek, losing 2-0 at home to Premier League sides Watford and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively.
Reading began brightly only for Yakou Meite to blaze over the crossbar after he had created the space for a 20-yard shot.
Wednesday replied when Joao took advantage of a Chris Gunter error and tested Vito Mannone with a long-range drive, which the home goalkeeper tipped over.
It was a sign of Wednesday’s early enterprise and they were rewarded for that when they went ahead in the 12th minute. Intricate approach play around the Reading area ended with Reach guiding home a left-footed effort from just inside the box.
Reading responded positively, with Meite missing out on a goal chance when showing poor control from a Gunter cross.
Sam Baldock was guilty of the same after Andy Yiadom had lobbed a high ball over the out-of-position Wednesday defenders.
On the half-hour mark, Reading should have equalized. Leandro Bacuna slung over a corner from the right but David Meyler, rising unmarked, could only glance a header narrowly past the far post.
Mo Barrow should also have done better when wriggling through the Wednesday cover. But he delayed his attempt too long and allowed keeper Cameron Dawson to make a smothering save.
Reading left the pitch at half-time to a few boos from their disgruntled fans. And there was more jeering when Wednesday increased their lead just 15 seconds into the second period.
Joao ran in unchallenged from the left and curled in an elegant effort past the despairing dive of Mannone.
The teams then traded punches, with Dawson saving a Bacuna free kick and Mannone keeping out a fierce attempt from Atdhe Nuhiu.
But Dawson was powerless to prevent Reading from cutting the deficit when home skipper Moore nodded home from Bacuna’s corner.
Reading rallied towards the end but Wednesday held on resolutely for a third successive league victory.
We had gone for an away win based on current form and it proved an accurate prediction.
Shrewsbury v Bristol Rovers
Our 1st Pick: 2
Result: 1-1`
Shrewsbury are still seeking their first League One win of the season following a 1-1 draw with 10-man Bristol Rovers.
Former Shrewsbury striker Stefan Payne fired Rovers ahead from the penalty spot early in the second half.
Rovers had Joe Martin sent off before Shrewsbury equalized as Shaun Whalley’s cross was turned into his own net by visiting defender Daniel Leadbitter.
Shrewsbury had the better of a goalless first half, with Ollie Norburn’s 25-yard drive well saved by Jack Bonham.
The Rovers goalkeeper then stopped a header from Omar Beckles after the defender was picked out by a Whalley corner.
Shrewsbury had the first opportunity of the second half when Josh Laurent’s shot on the turn was gathered by Bonham.
Rovers took the lead in the 53rd minute, Payne converting from the penalty spot after Luke Waterfall brought down Ollie Clarke.
Rovers were reduced to 10 men just before the hour-mark when left-back Martin was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
Shrewsbury pushed for an equaliser and, after Beckles headed narrowly wide, it came in the 71st minute as Whalley’s low cross from the right was diverted into his own net by Leadbitter.
Norburn twice went close to scoring a winner for the home side as the points were shared.
We had gone for an away win based on h2h records but the red card early on the second half was one we never saw coming and it consequently negated our prediction.
Krasnodar v L. Moscow
Our 1st Pick: 1
Result: 2-1
A stoppage time winner by Suleymanov was enough to ensure that our prediction of a home win was spot on.
The visitors started off well and duly got rewarded when they won a penalty which was duly converted by Manuel in the 33rd minute. However, the hosts responded almost immediately and got their equaliser courtesy of a Campos goal just 6 minutes later.
Suleymanov then stepped up and won the game for his team at the very end of the match leaving the traveling fans with a bitter taste in their mouth.
Angers v Lille
Our 1st Pick: 2
Result: 1-0
A 64th minute Traore goal was all that separated these two Ligue 1 teams by the end of regulation time in what was a rather feisty affair.
The hosts limited the visitors to very few chances and they were willing to employ underhand and physical tactics to ensure that no quarter was given. Just minutes after Traore had pulled them ahead, Thomas Mangani was sent off forcing the hosts to see out the remaining 25 or so minutes with 10 men.
Lille tried to make the numerical advantage count but the hosts defended valiantly and saw out the victory in emphatic form.
We had gone for an away win based on h2h records and had Lille capitalized on their chances, this would have been a totally different score line but it just wasn’t to be as it ended against us.
Reims v Montpellier
Our 1st Pick: 2
Result: 0-1
An Ambroise Oyongo 77th minute goal was enough to ensure that the visitors came away with maximum points as well as ensuring our prediction of an away win was an accurate one.
Chances were far and in between in this Ligue 1 encounter as both teams set up defensively with one eye on not leaving room for a defeat which could explain why it ended up as a rather cagey and forgettable match.
We based our pick on h2h records and current form and it proved true.
Strasbourg v Nantes
Our 1st Pick: 1
Result: 2-3
This was yet another match that threw all the form books and stats out the window as the visitors registered a convincing win against their much fancied rivals in the French Ligue 1.
The hosts drew 1st blood in and around the 24th minute courtesy of a Ludovic goal but that only served to rally the visitors who came back swinging. A Mitrovic own goal drew them level and Lucas Evangelista pulled them ahead right at the stroke of half time making it 2-1.
The visitors started the 2nd half in similar fashion and they were duly rewarded when Emiliano Salaa made it 3-1 at the hour mark. The hosts did get a second goal with around 10 minutes to go but Nantes held on for a memorable victory in what was a 5 goal thriller.
We had gone for a home win based on current form but it proved inaccurate.
Ipswich v Norwich
Our 1st Pick: 1
Result: 1-1
Ipswich Town were denied a first win of the season – and their first victory over Norwich City for nine and a half years – by Moritz Leitner’s maiden goal for his new club on Sunday.
Ipswich opened the scoring thanks to Gwion Edwards’ deflected effort 12 minutes after half-time, only for Leitner to equalise for the visitors with a well-taken strike on 71 minutes.
That was how the contest finished at Portman Road – the third time in the last four meetings these two arch-rivals have drawn 1-1 -but a result that does at least lift Ipswich off the foot of the table.
We had gone for a home win based on head to head records but the late equalizer by the canaries made our predictions innacurate.
Bristol v Blackburn
Our 1st Pick: 2
Result: 4-1
Bristol City moved into the Sky Bet Championship play-off zone by coming from behind to beat Blackburn 4-1 at Ashton Gate.
The visitors took a 13th-minute lead in bizarre circumstances as City allowed a low, in swinging Charlie Mulgrew corner to enter their net unaided, with goalkeeper Niki Maenpaa flat-footed and no one defending the near post.
But Lee Johnson’s men were level at half-time thanks to Josh Brownhill’s effort and they turned things round in the second half with further goals from Marley Watkins, Famara Diedhiou and Marlon Pack.
Blackburn had goalkeeper David Raya to thank for not falling behind early on. He parried a fierce Jack Hunt drive and did even better to get a hand to Andreas Weimann’s close-range shot from a Niclas Eliasson cross.
Brownhill curled a shot wide but Mulgrew’s goal had an effect on both teams and it was Blackburn who started to look more dangerous.
They almost went two up on 26 minutes when Kasey Palmer volleyed against the woodwork following indecision between City left-back Lloyd Kelly and Maenpaa.
Elliott Bennett sent a low shot wide following a fast break and Adam Armstrong had a shot blocked by Tomas Kalas as the home side started to surrender possession in dangerous areas.
However, the hosts were level on 38 minutes when Brownhill found the top corner with a sweet right-footed free-kick from a central position just outside the box, awarded after Ryan Nyambe fouled Matt Taylor.
Blackburn nearly regained the lead within a couple of minutes, Maenpaa saving well from Armstrong. City defender Adam Webster appeared to be fouled in the build-up and head coach Johnson was shown a yellow card by referee David Webb for his protests.
The hosts began the second half in the same fashion as the first and Raya had to produce another fine save to keep out a shot from Taylor, whose moment of inspiration then allowed Watkins to make it 2-1.
Taylor chested an Eliasson cross into the path of the Wales international, who had time and space to shoot past Raya from 10 yards.
Johnson made a double change on 66 minutes, introducing Diedhiou and Callum O’Dowda for Watkins and the excellent Taylor.
Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray had used three substitutes by the 72nd minute – but it was City who finished stronger.
Diedhiou netted the third goal with a low drive in the 73rd minute. Fed by Weimann on the break, City’s club record signing – making his first appearance of the season following a six-match ban – scored with the aid of a slight deflection.
Captain Pack rounded off a sparkling second-half display, heading home from eight yards with eight minutes left after a cross from the right had been flicked on.
H2h records were in favor of the rovers which explains our pick but it proved innacurate as Bristol played out of their skins and thoroughly deserved their win.
Alaves v Espanyol
Our 1st Pick:
Result: 2-1
We had backed Espanyol to carry the day in this la Liga encounter based on h2h records. Everything was going to plan as Baptistao opened the scoresheet for the visitors in the 42nd minute ensuring that they headed into the break on the lead.
Things took a turn for the worse in under two minutes just as the game approached the hour mark. Baston and Sobrino scored within 2 minutes of each other to stun the visitors and duly held on for a memorable victory.
Once again, backing the underdog was risky but we felt that current form and recent head to head records were enough to tip the scales but it proved to be an inaccurate.
Real Betis V Sevilla
Our 1st Pick: X
Result: 1-0
Veteran Real Betis midfielder Joaquin Sanchez came off the bench to score the only goal to give his side a 1-0 win over city rivals Sevilla on Sunday and end a 12-year wait for a home victory in the local derby.
Joaquin, 37, became the oldest scorer in a Seville top-flight derby when he rose to head home at the near post in the 79th minute, shortly after the visitors had had midfielder Roque Mesa sent off for two bookings.
Betis went into the derby under pressure after taking only a point from their first two games and made an intense start as Cristian Tello and Loren went close to scoring, while Sergio Canales had a goal ruled out for offside after the video assistant referee (VAR) was consulted.
Sevilla nearly scored through Franco Vazquez and Gabriel Mercado but handed their rivals an extra man advantage when Mesa was booked for fouling goalkeeper Pau Lopez, and Joaquin took full advantage to the delight of the 60,000 supporters inside the packed Benito Villamarin stadium.
We had gone for a draw based on the fact that it was the most common result in this particular derby but it proved inaccurate.
Monaco v Marseille
Our 1st Pick: 1
Result: 2-3
Marseille came from behind to win 3-2 at Monaco with a last-gasp goal from Valere Germain on Sunday, ending a dismal run against their main Ligue 1 rivals under Coach Rudi Garcia.
Kostas Mitroglou headed home from a pinpoint Dimitri Payet cross to give Marseille the lead on the stroke of half-time.
But Monaco replied with two quick-fire goals after the break as Youri Tielemans equalised and Colombia forward Radamel Falcao knocked in a loose ball from close range after the Marseille defence got into a tangle.
Substitute Florian Thauvin coolly turned a low cross to equalise before Germain headed in from a corner to win the game against his former club in the 89th minute.
Germain spent six seasons at Monaco before joining Marseille last year.
Marseille had not won any of their previous 11 matches against the trio of Paris Saint-Germain, Lyon or Monaco with three draws and eight defeats since Garcia took over in October 2016.
This explains why we backed the hosts to win but Marseille had other plans up their sleeves and it wasn’t to be.
That’s it for another pulsating week of our sportpesa megajackpot post-match breakdown. There were some surprising results but with each failure one can only hope to learn. Here’s a tip for all our sports betting enthusiasts, sometimes stats may favor a particular team but dig deeper and trust by your gut. Sometime your winning slip could be hinged on you backing the underdog and going against the norm. As they say, fortune favors the bold. Be on the lookout for our Sportpesa Megajackpot Predictions this week.
At Multibets Kenya, we have something for everyone and always remember to bet responsibly.
