football | Monday, March 6, 2023 12:31 PM (Revised at: Sunday, March 12, 2023 1:13 PM)

Early Bird Best Bets: Three Early Picks to Find Value for this Weekend

Sam Ingram

Early Bird Best Bets: 11th-12th March

A couple of Asian Handicaps siding against poor form in Ligue 1 and the Championship, and the prospect of a response from high-flying Burnley? Sounds like a bettingexpert Early Bird piece with plenty of promise.

In this article:

Swansea vs Middlesbrough Preview & Best Bet
Burnley vs Wigan Preview & Best Bet
Angers vs Toulouse Preview & Best Bet

Swansea vs Middlesbrough Preview

England, Championship, Saturday, March 11th, 15:00 (UK)

It may not have gone in Middlesborough’s favour against West Brom, but the response to that 2-0 loss by Michael Carrick’s side was nothing short of sublime. Five goals plundered against a suffering Reading outfit on Saturday had the Riverside in full voice as you’d expect.

Next up? It’s a trip to Swansea where murmurs of discontent sweep around The Liberty Stadium and settle at Russel Martin’s door. Calls intensify for the manager’s head amidst just two wins from ten matches in 2023. And interestingly, the said two wins came against two sides reeling from a red card.

Sunderland’s Luke O’Nein on the 18th minute at 0-0 and Blackpool’s Charlie Patino on the hour mark with Swansea holding a slender 1-0 lead were the two early baths in question. A lack of investment and fresh faces through the door in January certainly didn’t help the Swans’ cause.

Michael Obafemi’s departure to Burnley saw no replacement in Swansea white except Morgan Whittaker’s recall from a head-turning loan spell in Plymouth – something rumoured to have aggravated both player and League One club. Nonetheless, the current playing staff quota is what Martin has at his disposal, and the Swans faithful expect more than they’re getting.

To turn that around against a rampant Middlesborough will require a monstrous facelift from recent weeks. The Baggies blip clearly left no remanence of a hangover on the weekend. Paul Ince’s Reading were blown away as both Chuba Akpom and Villa loanee Aaron Ramsey grabbed a brace each.

Swansea vs Middlesbrough Best Bet

That’s the third occasion after three losses in charge where Carrick has overseen an instant bounce back to winning ways: 3-1, 4-1, and 5-0. Notably, Boro went on to win the next game both times, too.

Half stakes returned for the handicap is a decent level of security I’m happy to take on board here. A Swansea win would be a surprise.

Selection: Middlesbrough -0.25 Asian Handicap (TRACKED BET)
Best Odds: 1.95 (William Hill)
Stakes: 15/10

More Swansea vs Middlesbrough Tips

Burnley vs Wigan Preview

England, Championship, Saturday, March 11th, 15:00 (UK)

The Clarets’ 0.80 first-half goals per90 suggest an early strike isn’t off the cards when they welcome Shaun Maloney’s Wigan at the weekend. Unfortunately for the travelling Latics, they face Burnley on the back of a frustrating 0-0 draw in Blackpool.

Furthermore, on Tuesday evening, Sheffield United will have a shot at closing the gap at the top of the league to ten points. That gap will likely never threaten to reduce to touching distance, but you can bank on Vincent Kompany demanding a response by the time 15:00 on Saturday rolls around.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Wigan takes on West Brom in the midlands – an additional 90 minutes in the legs of a Latics squad scrapping for Championship survival. The Baggies need a midweek result to aid their course towards playoff football, so you can be sure that Wigan have a game on their hands only a few days before Kompany’s men come calling.

Burnley vs Wigan Best Bet

New management in Wigan has tightened up a leaky defensive line. Four goals conceded in six games under Maloney laid the foundations for their seven-point return (1W/4D/1L).

However, I feel this may be an ask too tall, considering the fixture schedule and Burnley’s dominance at Turf Moor. Unbeaten, winning thirteen of eighteen, with a victory over Wigan coming as no surprise if that’s what materialises next weekend.

Selection: Burnley 1+ First Half Goal & Burnley Win
Best Odds: 1.83 (bet365)
Stakes: 10/10

More Burnley vs WIgan Tips

Angers vs Toulouse Preview

France, Ligue 1, Sunday, March 12th, 14:00 (UK)

Where do we start with Angers? This will be the fourth week on the bounce of opposing Ligue1’s basement outfit, and it’s no wonder. The 5-0 loss to Montpellier (-0.5 Asian Handicap at 1.93) on Sunday just gone didn’t flatter the hosts, nor was it too surprising.

This is the effect of selling star men halfway through the season and appointing a manager with no experience at this level in football. In fairness, Boufal and Ounahi on either wing both wanted out of what is a sinking ship. Even with them, Angers managed just two wins and two draws before the World Cup, losing 11.

In contrast, Toulouse have been in stellar form with the return of football. Admittedly, that has faltered a bit in recent weeks, but there is no better side to play to get yourselves back on track in Ligue1. It’s 32 goals scored in 14 showings this calendar year for Les Pitchouns – averaging 2.28 per90.

Angers vs Toulouse Best Bet

So, this Asian Handicap is one that would’ve returned half stakes/profit in 24/26 matches this term, with Angers winning just twice all season. Full profits? That would’ve cashed in 20/26.

Toulouse may have hit a sticky patch, but this Angers side really are toothless. Blunt up top and defensively susceptible time after time during a 90-minute spell – not a team you want on your side from a betting perspective, that’s for sure.

Selection: Toulouse -0.25 Asian Handicap (TRACKED BET)
Best Odds: 1.82 (bet365)
Stakes: 15/10

More Angers vs Toulouse Tips

Odds via bet365 and William Hill as at 09:00 March 6th 2023. Odds may now differ.

What are Football Best Bets?

Our best bets are posted by some of the best tipsters around. These are our tipsters best value bets. A best bet can be placed on any number of different markets. The most common of which are 1X2, the Asian handicap, BTTS, and the goals markets. Value can be found in matches from leagues across the world. Be sure to follow bettingexpert for the latest best bets.