Around the Betting Planet: Dodgers sweep Padres in MLB playoffs

US sports betting news

Jackson doubtful for Ravens; Dodgers down Padres

It’s bad news for Baltimore Ravens fans as last season’s NFL MVP, Lamar Jackson, missed training on Wednesday due to injury. American sportsbooks will be keeping a close eye on how that develops, with Baltimore due to face the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday. 

It doesn’t look that serious, and it’s only the third practice Jackson has ever missed in his three-year NFL career. It hasn’t impacted the odds at NFL betting sites yet, but you can expect that to change if he misses out. 

Moving over to the MLB NL Divisional Series, the LA Dodgers clinched it 3-0 on Thursday night with comfortable win over the San Diego Padres. The Dodgers now go on to face the Atlanta Braves in the NL Championship Series.

UK sports betting news

Embarrassment for England U21; Three Lions defensive woes

UK betting sites were left in shock as minnows Andorra snatched an unlikely draw against the Young Lions. Andorra is a country with less than 80,000 people, so this result sent shockwaves around Europe. 

It is the first time the England U21s have missed out on points in their Euro 2021 qualifying campaign. However, it hasn’t impacted the odds of them making the finals.

Meanwhile, the senior team are getting ready to return to competitive action this weekend against Denmark in the UEFA Nations League, but there are a few questions about the strength of their defense. England lack quality at left-back, resulting in balance issues within the starting XI.

They’re still the favorites to win with most soccer betting sites, but that’s down to Denmark’s lack of power in attack. The Danes have failed to score in either of their two opening UEFA Nations League fixtures, but they did hold England to a 0-0 draw on home turf last time out. 

Africa sports betting news

Who went where this transfer window?

The football transfer window slammed shut across Europe on October 5, and African players were an essential part of the excitement. Ghanian star Thomas Partey joined Arsenal after they met his release clause, causing online bookmakers to slash the odds on the Gunners making the Champions League spots at the end of the season. 

Manchester United also chose to bring in some African talent, signing two of the hottest prospects out there. Ivorian Amad Diallo will be hoping to make an impact after his £35 million move from Atalanta, but this won’t happen until January. The Red Devils also snapped up 16-year-old Willy Kambwala from Sochaux as they look to build for the future. 

Europe sports betting news

Shock draw for Germany as France dominate Ukraine

Germany continued their disappointing year on the football pitch with another draw, making it three games on the bounce without a victory. Die Mannschaft were expected to win comfortably, but a spirited performance from Turkey meant it ended 3-3. 

The odds for Germany winning against Ukraine in the Nations League this weekend have lengthened slightly as a result, but we still expect them to succeed. 

That’s partly because they face Ukraine. France managed to smash seven goals past that defense this week as they prepare to take on Portugal in the UEFA Nations League in the next match.

South America sports betting news

World Cup Qualifying: Neymar doubtful for Brazil

Brazil will face Bolivia in the first of their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but Neymar could be missing due to another back injury. South American betting sites still have them as the hot favorites, and it’s unlikely Bolivia can cause an upset. 

Neymar will be hoping he recovers in time for the second match against Peru, but he needs to be cautious after an injury-hit 2019 ended in disappointment. Keep an eye on the odds at sportsbooks if he misses out, but remember Brazil hammered home five goals without reply last time they visited Peru. 

Australia sports betting news

Can youth put Wallabies ahead of All Blacks?

The Wallabies are set to face the All Blacks this weekend in the first of four Bledisloe Cup games. With the final squad announcement almost upon us, it’s clear they’ll be some debutants. The pressure couldn’t be higher as Hunter Paisami, Harry Wilson, and Filipo Daugunu look to prove themselves for Australia. 

The All Blacks are firm favorites at rugby betting sites, but this new-look Wallabies side could deliver a surprise result. Sports bettors should be observing the odds with interest as this one looms on the horizon. 

New Zealand sports betting news

Legend Bassett joins ANZ Premiership

The ANZ Premiership could see a rise in fans this season as Australian netball legend Caitlin Bassett joins the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic for 2021. New Zealand sportsbooks have already slashed the odds on her new team finishing close to the top of the table next season. 

With two Netball World Cup titles and a Commonwealth Games gold medal to her name, fans and sports betting enthusiasts will have high expectations of Bassett. Betting markets will reflect the Magic’s newfound strength, but we’ll have to wait for the new season to see how it unfolds.