MLB World Series predictions: free Major League Baseball betting tips

Free Baseball tips, best bets and analysis for the Major League Baseball World Series between Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros.

Where to watch

BT Sport, from 12.30am Saturday

Best bets

Houston Astros to win the World Series 4-2
1pt 7-2 general

Houston Astros to win the World Series 4-1
1pt 11-2 general

World Series preview

The World Series, which starts in Houston in the early hours of Saturday morning, has thrown up something of a mismatch this year.

The Philadelphia Phillies were big outsiders to win the Fall Classic at the start of the playoffs, while the Astros were favourites to win the American League.

Houston have not done much wrong this season. They won a remarkable 106 games to finish top of the AL West and are unbeaten in the post-season, brushing aside Seattle in the AL Division series 3-0 and then the New York Yankees in the AL Championship Series 4-0.

In contrast, the Phillies snuck into the playoffs by winning a moderate 87 games after finishing third in their division. But they have thrived under the pressure of the post-season, overcoming the Cardinals, Braves and Padres to reach this point.

Bryce Harper is hitting the ball incredibly well for the Phillies and will surely give the Astros something to think about. However, Houston have much greater depth and in the evergreen Justin Verlander they boast arguably the best starting pitcher in the game.

This season's playoffs have thrown up quite a few surprises and, even though the Astros look the most likely winner of the World Series, they may not have things all their own way.

Head-to-head results in baseball are not always that informative but it is worth noting that Houston played the Phillies in their final series of the regular season a few weeks ago, winning it 2-1 with an aggregate score of 13 runs to five. It would be no surprise to see them drop a game or two but still come out on top.

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