BEN RAGG (@punters_corner_) continues a brand new column, picking out his three favourite cards-based angles on Saturday.
Manchester United vs Leeds | Saturday 14th August 2021, 12:30 | BT Sport
Second week in the card column brings an all-Premier League treble starting with the Saturday lunchtime kick-off as Manchester United and Leeds lock horns – it’s a historic Roses rivalry that has produced a fair few cards in the last matches between these two.
The referee for this one is Paul Tierney, who flashed more yellow cards than any other referee in the top-flight last season.
Given the way these two teams play, the fans are back, plus the referee, I am expecting cards. The bet I like for this one is using the Bet Builder on Bet365 – Both Teams Over 0 Second-Half Cards and Over 2 Second-Half Cards, which is 7/4.
Leicester vs Wolves | Saturday 14th August 2021, 15:00
The next bet I like is over at the King Power Stadium where I fancy Wolves to beat Leicester in the card count. With fans back, the card demographic is completely different with home advantage playing a part in the officials thinking. Last week in the EFL, away teams picked up a lot more cards than their hosts…
Leicester have impressed in their last pre-season game as well as the Community Shield and look well prepared for the season. Harvey Barnes and James Maddison will be a real handful for Wolves and with Craig Pawson in charge, there is potential for plenty of cards.
With that in mind, I like Wolves +0.0 on the Asian Card Handicap at 7/10 with Bet365. This means if Wolves have more cards, it’s a winner, and if the cards are level then it is a push. Essentially, Draw No Bet on Wolves cards.
Brighton vs Burnley | Saturday 14th August 2021, 15:00
Finally, over to Turf Moor where I am happy to go against the trend of away teams picking up more cards.
Burnley lack any real flair in their team so it’s no surprise that last season they finished rock-bottom of cards against ratings at home, drawing just 0.63 yellows per game. The next lowest was West Brom with 1.05, so Burnley were adrift by a good distance.
Brighton have some exciting attacking talent in Alexis Macallister and new signing Enock Mwepu. With Burnley’s lack of ability to draw cards, I am more than happy to back Burnley +0.0 on the Asian Card Handicap at 8/11 with Bet365.
Whilst I have backed all three selections as singles, these three sections can be combined to make a tasty 7/1 treble.
Best Bets
Manchester United vs Leeds – Both Teams Over 0 Second-Half Cards and Over 2 Second-Half Cards (7/4 Bet365)
Leicester vs Wolves – Wolves +0 Asian Card Handicap (7/10 Bet365)
Burnley vs Brighton – Burnley +0 Asian Card Handicap (8/11 Bet365)
Treble – 7/1 (Bet365)
