Salisbury fury at online abuse

GIDEON BROOKS helps you beat the bookies this weekend

JOE SALISBURY has revealed he has become yet another victim of online abuse.

The Londoner, below, and his men’s doubles partner American partner Rajeev Ram beat 2016 champions Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares 6-4, 7-6 to move into the final of the Australian Open.

But Salisbury and American Desirae Krawczyk then lost in the last four of the mixed doubles to Australian duo

Matt Ebden and Sam Stosur.

And world No12 Salisbury said: “Coming off from the mixed doubles, I had probably over a dozen very negative comments of just basically abusing, getting abuse or commenting on photos and sending private messages. Not very pleasant stuff.” Defending Australian Open champions Salisbury and Ram will play Ivan Dodig and Filip Polasek in tomorrow’s final seeking a 12th consecutive win at Melbourne Park.

PLAYING Europa League on a Thursday, especially away from home, is not great preparation for Premier League action at the weekend.

And when a team is asked to play away from home on Sunday after a trip, they are statistically as likely to win as lose, whatever the match-up.

Of the four who played in Europe this week – Tottenham, Manchester United, Leicester City and Arsenal, the first two winning comfortably and the second two drawing – I reckon three are worth opposing. Spurs posted a 4-1 win in Budapest and are saved a big journey given their fixture is at the London Stadium.

But, in West Ham, they face a side who are flying high and well rested.The Hammers can win at odds of 13-8.

Likewise, Leicester City, who drew 0-0 in Prague, could find a fresher Aston Villa a tough trip despite the short distance and are worth opposing.

Villa at 15-8 appeals as more than fair.

Arsenal have lost all three of their home fixtures following Europa League away ties this season and you will not get rich backing Manchester City to make it a fourth.

But backing in-form City to win and both teams to score is a 9-4 shot. Pair them with Liverpool to beat Everton today again with both teams finding the net (at 15-8) in an 11-2 double.

SHOTS ON TARGET

HOT SHOT: Aston Villa to beat Leicester City at 15-8 (2.05pm tomorrow).

LONG SHOT: Liverpool and Man City to win BTTS double at 11-2 (5.30pm today and 4.30pm tomorrow).