Today's featured game is the Primera Liga clash between relegation-threatened Tenerife and bottom-placed Malaga. Both of these popular holiday resorts are proving to be distinctly unpopular in terms of footballing success. There's been just one win for either side combined in their last five games respectively, which was for today's hosts, Tenerife. Malaga are indicating just why they're expecting to be relegated following a bad summer as they've now lost four of their last five games. Hosts Tenerife aren't finding Primera Liga life easy but they're adpated their home form to support them in these difficult times as they've already won three from four on their own turf. Tenerife have a better side than Malaga and although form indicates that they too have lost four of their last five games, Tenerife at least manage to win their home games more often than not. Malaga have lost three out of four away games this season and this doesn't look likely to change today. My call for this game is the home win at evens as Tenerife will take this game very seriously as a potential six-pointer.
Saturday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Tenerife vs Malaga - home win at evens - see introduction for full details.
Lanus vs Chacarita Juniors - home win with -1.75 handicap at 7/5. It's taken a while but Lanus are back in business again! They've not lost in seven games and have won their last two consecutively, setting the talented side up nicely for what should be a dominating home win against lesser Chacarita Juniors. Hosts Lanus have scored five goals in their last two games, which included a win away to Argentinian giants River Plate, so their camp will be buoyant and their football will be slick entering this game. Visitors Chacarita Juniors are facing Primera Division football as you'd expect a newly-promoted side to - with difficulty. Only bottom-placed Tigre have conceded more away goals than Chacarita Juniors this season with today's visitors averaging over two goals per away game conceded. The visitors have also managed to lose five out of their six away games this season, leaving them precariously placed as they take on an in-form and impressive Lanus. For me, the home win with -1.75 goal handicap at 7/5 looks a good bet tonight.
Newell's Old Boys vs River Plate - home win at 3/4. Yet another disappointing defeat leaves River Plate looking unsteady and extremely unreliable. They're not scoring enough goals and are losing far too many games. River Plate have already lost four from six away games this season, a record not nearly good enough for arguably the biggest side in the country. Hosts Newell's Old Boys will be keen to show them how it's done, something they've already shown the majority of the division with their impressive performances and eight wins from twelve games. Newell's Old Boys have won four consecutive games and have already won four from five home games this season. With all this in mind and the fact that only Banfield have conceded less goals than Newell's Old Boys this season, the home win at 3/4 looks something of a bargain tonight.
Roeselare vs Zulte-Waregem - away win at 10/11. Hosts Roeselare look set for yet another nightmarish campaign with a horrendous start to their present one. They've lost eight of their thirteen games so far, winning just once in that time. They've lost two of their last three games and generally look weak opponents, weaker than the rest of the Eerste Klasse, in my opinion. Visitors Zulte-Waregem are beginning to show their potential as a good footballing side, something they failed to really register as last season despite some impressive displays. With three wins and two draws from their last five games, the visitors are now looking a force to be reckoned with. Zulte-Waregem have only lost once in six away games, winning twice and drawing three times. However, their recent form has convinced me that they've got more than enough quality to win against arguably the weakest side in the Eerste Klasse. For me, there's good value in the away win at 10/11.
Sport Recife vs Cruzeiro - away win at 6/4. Although having only lost once in their past five games, Sport Recife appear to be consigned to relegation to Serie B, barring a miracle. I think they've still got enough fight to give a damn good fight to any side that plays here with no particular motivation for doing so but unfortunately for Sport Recife, Cruzeiro will be very much motivated with a Serie A title in their sights. Four wins in their past five games shows the intent of the visitors here tonight and although eight points is a steep mountain for Cruzeiro to climb, you can be damn sure that they'll keep going until the end. Cruzeiro have a much better side than Sport Recife and interestingly also boast the best away record in Serie A with seven wins from sixteen away games. Brazil can be a dodgy place for away wins so do approach with caution but I can't help and feel that Cruzeiro have everything in their favour to win this game at 6/4.
Chernomorets Burgas vs Litex Lovech - away win at 11/10. Chernomorets Burgas' season so far has been something of a dream but that dream was brought to an abrupt end last match as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at lowly Minior Pernik. It remains to be seen just how today's hosts will react to that but my prediction is that they simply don't have the players to bounce back from that defeat so quickly and easily. Despite having already won five from six home games this season, I'm going to make a bold call that Litex Lovech will be the first side to win here in the A PFG this season. The visitors do have a better squad than today's hosts and have looked very good lately with four wins and one draw in their past five games, beating bitter rivals CSKA Sofia along the way. Litex Lovech are unbeaten on the road this season with four wins from five games and they are starting to look very strong indeed. For me, the away win at 11/10 bears significant value today.
Atletico Nacional de Medellin vs Independiente Medellin - home win at 6/4. This is the last game of the current stage of the Colombian Futbol Profesional and witnesses the fearsome Medellin derby between Atletico Nacional de Medellin and Independiente Medellin. The visitors today have been far and away the best side so far and have already easily qualified for the latter stages of the Colombian Futbol Profesional along with Atletico Huila, Deportivo Pasto, and Deportes Tolima. The remaining four places are up for grabs and bitter rivals Atletico Nacional de Medellin currently possess one of those spaces. However, that place can be taken from them if they are defeated here today so they'll be even more highly charged than normal for this Medellin derby. With the visitors already through, their focus on this game will have slipped slightly, as indeed their general performances of late have done with two defeats in their past three games. Hosts Atletico Nacional de Medellin are currently in patchy form and have only lost one home game out of eight this season, drawing a remarkable five games. However, this is a derby and a game that today's hosts simply have to turn up for so I'm going to stick my neck out and call a home win at 6/4 - expect plenty of cards too!
Croatia Sesvete vs Cibalia - away win at 11/10. The Prva Liga's surprise package Cibalia today travel to relegation battlers Croatia Sesvete in an attempt to extend their magnificent unbeaten run to nine games. The visitors have won two of their last four games, drawing the other two (one of which was away to giants Dinamo Zagreb). With the record of conceding the least goals in the whole of the Prva Liga, it's going to take something monumntal for Croatia Sesvete to muster a result here. The visitors have already won three away games this season and today's hosts enter the game on a four-game winless run that has seen them lose three games and draw once. With all this in mind, the away win at 11/10 looks good value today.
Osijek vs NK Zagreb - home win with -1.75 handicap at 13/8. I'm a little surprised by the quality odds on show for this bet! Osijek are no world-beaters but they're playing very well this season, particularly at home. They've won three of their last four games and have won five from seven home games so far this season. Osijek average over two goals per game at home and look a real handful this year. Visitors NK Zagreb are still rooted to the bottom of the Prva Liga with just two wins from thirteen games. They've won two of their last five games, which is a marked improvement for them, but they've still got the unenviable away record of six defeats and one draw from seven away games. NK Zagreb have only managed to score four away goals this season and average conceding two goals per away game. With all of the above in mind, taking the home win with -1.75 goal handicap at 13/8 could be one of the bets of the day.
Blackpool vs Scunthorpe United - home win at 3/4. A whole-hearted and full-blooded approach to their Championship campaign has seen Scunthorpe United draw less games than any other side with just two draws all season, a record that can only be matched by Derby County and Barnsley. Although admirable in parts, this style naturally has its downsides and this has shown more often than the good sides have this season as Scunthorpe United have already lost eight games out of fifteen. The visitors have lost their last two games in a row and travel to Blackpool today, who are currently the best home side in the Championship with five wins and two draws from seven home games. They've only conceded twice at home this season but average scoring nearly two goals per game at home. Blackpool are unbeaten in four games with two wins and two draws being obtained in the process. With all of this in mind, you have to feel that a dominant Blackpool side playing at home is a side that are too good for a Scunthorpe United side that have already lost five from seven away games in the Championship this year. Therefore, the home win at 3/4 not only looks very logical and likely but also very good value too!
Le Mans vs Auxerre - away win at 17/10. I know that Le Mans aren't that bad a side and that Auxerre aren't that great of a side but these odds still mystify me when they're considered in the cold light of day. Hosts Le Mans are currently second from bottom in Ligue 1 with three defeats from their last four games. They've already lost seven from eleven games so far this season and although they've only lost once at home, you have to feel that this particular record will change very soon if they don't start improving. However, a massively in-form Auxerre are absolutely flying at the moment with five consecutive wins, including games away to Stade Rennais, at home to LOSC Lille, and at home to Girondins de Bordeaux. I highly respect all of these scalps and I'm just wondering when this magnificent run of wins/great performances are going to come to an end, which it surely will as Auxerre don't have the quality to maintain it. Nonetheless, Auxerre have beaten a good portion of the better Ligue 1 sides so now it's time to make waves against the lesser sides, starting tonight. For me, the away win at 17/10 could be a real gem here!
Sochaux vs Racing Club Lens - home win at 9/10. Three wins in their last four games has given Sochaux some momentum to hold onto as they try to push their way clear of the relegation zone. However, during this process, they've also managed to push Racing Club Lens into the relegation zone as the visitors have lost four from their last five games and have massive problems both on and off the field. Racing Club Lens are conceding far too many goals and aren't scoring nearly enough to stay in Ligue 1 without dramatic and instantaneous improvement. However, Sochaux have long been a good home side and this is not the place to come to seek points to cure a bad run of games. The hosts have already won here three times this season and I really can't see beyond that record reading "four home wins" by the end of this game as the hosts simply have too much for a distracted and demoralised Racing Club Lens at 9/10, particularly as the visitors have already lost four from five away games this season.
Bayern Munich vs Schalke 04 - lay Bayern Munich at evens. Although they created some decent chances mid-week against Girondins de Bordeaux in the UEFA Champions League, Bayern Munich still look toothless unless Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery bail them out. Only Robben was available for this game and that was only a second-half appearance, which turned out to be too late to save the Germans from a surprising home defeat against Girondins de Bordeaux. Arjen Robben will not be 100% fit for this game, based upon what we've seen in the UEFA Champions League game, which leaves Bayern Munich looking toothless against a very in-form and potent Schalke 04. Bayern Munich couldn't even manage to score at a massively out-of-sorts VFB Stuttgart last weekend so I find it very unlikely that they'll do so here today against Schalke 04 and restrict their opponents to scoring less goals than they do. Schalke 04 are unbeaten in their last five games and are unbeaten on the road this seasn with four wins and one draw from their five away games played. Whereas Schalke 04 aren't scoring many away goals, there are very few goals being scored against them when they're playing away from home too. For me, this game has draw written all over it or possibly even a sneaky away win so laying Bayern Munich at evens could be a very good bet today indeed.
Catania vs SSC Napoli - away win at 6/5. Hosts Catania face a rejuvenated SSC Napoli today with nothing but a three game run of successive defeats behind them in their arsenal. Visitors SSC Napoli are unbeaten in four games and have won three of those games. These games are even more impressive when closely examined as SSC Napoli have won away to Juventus, away to Fiorentina, at home to Bologna (probably the least impressive of the four!) and drew at home to AC Milan despite trailing for most of the game. Not only does this record indicate great momentum and form but also high resilience, something that you really need in Serie A. Catania are going from bad to worse with just one win in eleven games and a record that shows that only Genoa and AS Roma have conceded more goals than they have, which can't be much comfort as both of these sides are light years ahead of little Catania. Although this certainly won't be an easy game for in-form SSC Napoli, I do expect them to win it at 6/5.
Sparta Rotterdam vs Roda JC Kerkrade - home win at 5/6. Hosts Sparta Rotterdam enter this game on the back of thre straight wins, a run which was catalysted by beating bitter rivals Feyenoord Rotterdam in a bad-tempered affair. Since then, today's hosts have won away to ADO Den Haag and at home to NEC Nijmegen. I rate all three of these sides as being better than relegation-threatened Roda JC Kerkrade so look like very acceptable cannon fodder for a Sparta Rotterdam playing the best football that they've played all season. Four wins from six home games and a strong level of momentum gives Sparta Rotterdam a tremendous chance of winning this game, particularly as visitors Roda JC Kerkrade have already lost four from six away games this season, scoring just three times and conceding over two goals per away game. Lastly, a record that reads no wins in five games and three defeats in the process tells me that Roda JC Kerkrade are in no position to amend their horrendous run against a tricky Sparta Rotterdam, which therefore leaves the home win bearing considerable value today at 5/6.
Polonia Bytom vs Lech Poznan - away win at 5/4. Two straight defeats have knocked the wind out of Polonia Bytom's sails as they stare uneasily at the mast of an approach Lech Poznan. The hosts know that they're not as good as today's visitors but their lack of momentum gives them a real headache ahead of this tricky game. It's not going to help their preperations that Polonia Bytom have been heavily fined after their fans were caught smuggling high numbers of explosives into their last match. All of this plays into the hands of a good Lech Poznan side with the capability to win this game. Although Lech Poznan are missing key midfielder Semir Stilic through injury for this game, I still feel they've got more than enough in their arsenal to overcome a massively distracted and demoralised Polonia Bytom at 5/4, particularly as the visitors have won two of their last three games.
Gaz Metan Medias vs Politehnica Iasi - home win at 10/11. I like the look of these odds! People seem quick to forget how woeful Politehnica Iasi can actually be and it's only because of their recent poor run of form that people are taking notice again. They've now lost three consecutive games and are without a win in four games. I personally consider them to be one of the weakest away sides in the Romanian Liga, which is partially why I'm backing the home win today. Gaz Metan Medias are a decent home side - not great, but decent - and are unbeaten in their last six games, a run which saw them overcome giants Dinamo Bucharest. Gaz Metan Medias are a decent side but their biggest problem is scoring goals, something they've only done twice in in their last four league games. However, a Politehnica Iasi side that has conceded nine goals in their last three games will be sure to give the hosts today every chance of changing that record. Although this should be a close and relatively low-scoring game, I think there's significant value in the home win at 10/11.
Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt vs Vaslui - away win at 5/6. Romania's most in-form side currently Vaslui travel to newly-promoted Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt in a hope of making it five wins from five games. The visitors have won their last four games in a row and can boast that only three sides in the Romanian Liga have won more away games than they have this season. Vaslui have had a good side for the last few years but their consistency in proving this appears to be somewhat sporadic at best. However, when they are in form, they're a real handful for each side they face. Hosts Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt are winless in their last five games, losing three times and drawing twice in the process. Having already lost four out of six home games this season, it's not hard to see why the hosts are in the relegation zone and why I thoroughly expec them to still be there after this game. Therefore, the away win at 5/6 looks great value here today!
Khimki vs Tom Tomsk - away win at 11/10. A quick glance at the league table will tell you everything you need to know about my call here. Khimki are already relegated with nothing to play for and no motivation whatsoever as they've lost countless numbers of games in a row now. Tom Tomsk aren't desperate for the points but they will want to ensure that they're not troubled as the Russian Premier League draws to a close so I thoroughly expect them to go out and do a professional job on Khimki by winning the game with a low scoreline at 11/10.
Huesca vs Hercules Alicante - away win at 11/8. After a morale-boosting 5-1 thrashing of promotion rivals Real Sociedad last match, Hercules Alicante look back to their best. There's no doubt in my mind that Hercules Alicante are one of the best sides in the Segunda Liga currently and it's about time that they started showing it as consistently as they did last year. Although their records currently show that they've drawn more away games than they've won and lost put together but I expect their last match to have cast off their shackles, enabling them to play their football and start winning games again. Hosts Huesca are nothing but a middle-of-the-road side that are simply caught in the middle between bad form and a rampant Hercules Alicante, which could spell disaster for the hosts today. A winless run of five games leaves Huesca with little to contribute to this game in the way of opposition so I think taking the away win at 11/8 is a good bet, largely due to the strong momentum gained from Hercules Alicante's emphatic win last match.
Istanbul BB vs Antalyaspor - home win at 13/10. This game was a very close competitor for my featured game of the day given the good value in it! Hosts Istanbul BB have won four of their last five games, impressively enough. Their home form isn't overwhelmingly convincing but their momentum and tenacity certainly is. The other side of the coin is that Antalyaspor are one of the worst away sides in the Super Lig with only Sivasspor that have lost more away games than they have. Antalyaspor have lost four from their five away games this season, conceding two goals per away game on average. Although they're on a three-game unbeaten run currently, it's hard to see that continuing today against a forceful and in-form Istanbul BB. For me, the home win at 13/10 bears a great deal of value today.
As ever, if there are any questions/explanations required then feel free to post a comment! For the complete picks listing, see below!
Asian Champions League:
Al Ittihad vs Pohang Steelers (6) 1-1
Argentinian Primera Division:
Lanus vs Chacarita Juniors (8) -1.75 handicap
Godoy Cruz de Mendoza vs Racing Club Avellaneda (7) 1-1
Newell's Old Boys vs River Plate (8) 2-1
Atletico Tucuman vs Tigre (5) under 2.5 goals
Australian A-League:
Melbourne Victory vs Central Coast Mariners (7) 2-0
Gold Coast United vs Sydney FC (6) 1-1
Austrian Bundesliga:
SV Mattersburg vs SV Kapfenberg (6) over 2.5 goals
Austrian Liga 1:
Austria Lustenau vs St.Polten (7)
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Cercle Brugge vs Westerlo (6) 2-1
Lokeren vs Kortrijk (7) 1-1
Mechelen vs Excelsior Mouscron (7) 2-0
Roeselare vs Zulte-Waregem (7) 0-1
Germinal Beerschot vs Sint-Truiden (8) 2-0
Belgian Tweede Klasse:
Red Star Waasland vs Oostende (5)
Dender vs Eupen (7)
Liege vs Beveren (5) draw no bet
Mons vs Turnhout (9)
Tournai vs Tienen (6)
Brussels vs KVSK United (6)
Standaard Wetteren vs Boussu Dour Borinage (7)
Brazilian Serie A:
Santos vs Nautico (5) 1-1
Vitoria vs Avai (6) 2-1
Sport Recife vs Cruzeiro (7) 1-2
Bulgarian A PFG:
Beroe vs Botev Plovdiv (7) 2-0
Cherno More Varna vs Lokomotiv Sofia (7) 1-1
Sportist Svoge vs Sliven (5) 1-2
Chernomorets Burgas vs Litex Lovech (8) 0-2
Colombian Futbol Profesional:
Atletico Nacional de Medellin vs Independiente Medellin (6) 1-0, at least one red card in this game
Deportes Tolima vs America de Cali (8) 2-0
Croatian Prva Liga:
Istra 1961 vs Karlovac (7) 0-1
Zadar vs Varteks Varazdin (6) 1-1
Slaven Koprivnica vs Lokomotiva Zagreb (8) over 2.5 goals
Medimurje vs Hajduk Split (6) 1-2
Croatia Sesvete vs Cibalia (7) 1-2
Osijek vs NK Zagreb (8) 2-0
Inter Zapresic vs Rijeka (6) 1-1
Cypriot Division 1:
Aris vs Nea Salamis (6) 1-0
APOP/Kinyras vs A.E.Paphos (7) 2-1
Enosis Neon Paralimni vs Omonia Nicosia (8) 0-2
Anorthosis Famagusta vs Ethnikos Achnas (9) -1.75 handicap
Czech Republic Gambrinus Liga:
Slovan Liberec vs Sigma Olomouc (7) 2-1
Banik Ostrava vs Kladno (9) under 2.5 goals
Teplice vs Jablonec (8) 1-1
Danish Superligaen:
HB Koge vs AGF Aarhus (6) 1-2
Silkeborg vs OB Odense (7) 1-2
Ecuadorian Primera A:
Manta vs Deportivo Quito (7) 0-1
English Premier League:
Aston Villa vs Bolton Wanderers (7) 2-1
Blackburn Rovers vs Portsmouth (7) 1-1
Manchester City vs Burnley (9) 3-1
Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland (9) 2-0
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Arsenal (8) 1-3
English Championship:
Swansea City vs Cardiff City (6)
Blackpool vs Scunthorpe United (8)
Crystal Palace vs Middlesbrough (6)
Leicester City vs West Bromwich Albion (6)
Newcastle United vs Peterborough United (7)
Nottingham Forest vs Bristol City (7)
Plymouth Argyle vs Doncaster Rovers (6)
Reading vs Ipswich Town (6)
Sheffield Wednesday vs Queens Park Rangers (6)
Watford vs Preston North End (7)
English FA Cup:
Pauliton Rovers vs Norwich City (8) -1.75 handicap
Bromley vs Colchester United (8) 0-2
Stourbridge vs Walsall (4) 1-0
Gillingham vs Southend United (6) 2-1
Grimsby Town vs Bath City (4) 1-2, draw no bet
Gateshead vs Brentford (6) 0-1
Chesterfield vs Bournemouth (7) 2-0
York City vs Crewe Alexandra (6) 1-0
Wycombe Wanderers vs Brighton & Hove Albion (5) 1-1
Hereford United vs Sutton United (7) 2-0
Nuneaton Town vs Exeter City (6) 1-1
Carlisle United vs Morecambe (7) 2-1
Forest Green Rovers vs Mansfield Town (6) 0-0
Oxford United vs Yeovil Town (5) 1-0
Swindon Town vs Woking (9) -1.75 handicap
Port Vale vs Stevenage Borough (7) 2-0
Luton Town vs Rochdale (6) 1-2
Shrewsbury Town vs Staines Town (9) -1.75 handicap
Wealdstone vs Rotherham United (8) 0-1
Torquay United vs Cheltenham Town (6) 1-1
Barnet vs Darlington (8) 2-0
Milton Keynes Dons vs Macclesfield Town (8) 3-1
Rushden & Diamonds vs Hinckley Town (6) 2-1
Aldershot Town vs Bury (5) 1-1
Tranmere Rovers vs Leyton Orient (6) 1-0
Stockport Conty vs Tooting & Mitcham United (7) 2-0
Telford United vs Lincoln City (6) 1-1
Barrow vs Eastleigh (7) 1-0
Accrington Stanley vs Salisbury City (5) 0-0
Millwall vs AFC Wimbledon (8) 3-1
Hartlepool United vs Kettering Town (8) 2-1
Wrexham vs Lowestoft Town (7) 2-0
Northampton Town vs Fleetwood Town (6) 1-0
Cambridge United vs Ilkeston Town (7) 2-1
Oldham Athletic vs Leeds United (8) 1-2
Estonian Meistriliiga:
Tallinna Kalev vs Sillamae Kalev (7) 0-2
Kuressaare vs Maag Tammeka Tartu (6) 1-1
Flora Paide vs Nomme Kalju (8) 0-2
Trans Narva vs Levadia Tallinn (8) 1-2
Flora Tallinn vs Tulevik Viljandi (8) 3-1
French Ligue 1:
Le Mans vs Auxerre (7) 0-1
Lorient vs Boulogne (7) 2-0
AS Monaco vs Grenoble Foot (9) 3-1
AS Nancy-Lorraine vs Saint-Etienne (7) 2-1
Paris Saint-Germain vs OGC Nice (7) 2-1
Valenciennes vs Montpellier HSC (7) 1-0
Sochaux vs Racing Club Lens (6) 2-1
German Bundesliga:
Bayern Munich vs Schalke 04 (6) 1-1
Hoffenheim vs VFL Wolfsburg (5) 2-2
VFL Bochum vs Freiburg (5) 1-0
Borussia Moenchengladbach vs VFB Stuttgart (6) 1-1
FSV Mainz 05 vs FC Nurnberg (7) 2-0
German Bundesliga 2:
Greuther Furth vs Augsburg (7)
FSV Frankfurt vs Arminia Bielefeld (8)
Greek Super League:
Aris Salonika vs Kavala (7) 1-0
Olympiakos Piraeus vs Iraklis (9) 3-1
Panthrakikos vs PAOK Salonika (8) 1-2
Greek B Ethniki:
Pierikos Katerini vs Aigaelo Athens (7)
Hungarian Soproni Liga:
Zalaegerszegi TE vs Vasas Budapest (8) 2-0
Budapest Honved vs Paksi SE (6) 1-1
Diosgyori VTK vs Kaposvari Rakoczi (7) 1-1
Szombathelyi Haladas vs Nyiregyhaza Spartacus (7) 2-1
Kecskemeti TE vs MTK Budapest (6) 1-1
Papa vs Ferencvaros (6) 2-1
Italian Serie A:
Catania vs SSC Napoli (7) 0-1
Atalanta Bergamo vs Juventus (5) 1-1
Italian Serie B:
Ascoli vs Cittadella (6)
Brescia vs Triestina (7)
Cesena vs Albinoleffe (5)
Crotone vs Ancona (6) draw no bet
Gallipoli vs Frosinone (6)
Padova vs Salernitana (8)
Piacenza vs Mantova (7)
Sassuolo vs Modena (6)
Vicenza vs Grosseto (6)
Mexican Primera Division:
Cruz Azul vs Puebla (7) 2-1
San Luis vs Santos Laguna (7) 1-1
Indios vs Jaguares (6) 0-0
Tigres UANL vs Atlante (5) 1-0
Atlas vs Guadalajara (6) 1-1
Dutch Eredivisie:
Vitesse Arnhem vs VVV Venlo (5) 1-0
Sparta Rotterdam vs Roda JC Kerkrade (8) 2-1
NEC Nijmegen vs RKC Waalwijk (7) 2-0
Polish Ekstraklasa:
Slask Wroclaw vs Piast Gliwice (6) 2-1
GKS Belchatow vs Arka Gdynia (8) 2-0
Polonia Bytom vs Lech Poznan (7) 1-2
Polonia Warsaw vs Cracovia Krakow (6) 1-0
Portuguese Liga Sagres:
Vitoria Setubal vs Olhanense (6) 1-1
Vitoria Guimaraes vs Sporting Clube de Lisboa (5) 1-1
Portuguese Liga de Honra:
Carregado vs Portimonense (6)
Romanian Liga:
Gaz Metan Medias vs Politehnica Iasi (7) 1-0
Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt vs Vaslui (8) 1-2
Brasov vs Unirea Urziceni (6) 1-1
Russian Premier League:
Khimki vs Tom Tomsk (7) 0-1
Krylya Sovetov Samara vs Spartak Moscow (7) 1-2
Rostov-na-Donu vs Saturn Moscow Oblast (6) 0-0
Kuban Krasnodor vs FK Moscow (8) 0-2
Scottish Premier League:
Hearts vs Hibernians (5) 1-2, at least one red card in this game
Aberdeen vs St.Johnstone (5) 1-0
Hamilton Academicals vs Motherwell (6) 1-1
Kilmarnock vs Dundee United (6) 1-2
Rangers vs St.Mirren (9) 2-0
Serbian Super Liga:
Jagodina vs Vojvodina Novi Sad (6) 1-2
Rad Belgrade vs Spartak Subotica (7) 1-1
Napredak vs BSK Borca (6) 1-0
Metalac GM vs Partizan Belgrade (7) 0-1
Smederevo vs Cukaricki (6) 2-1
Red Star Belgrade vs Hajduk Kula (9) 3-1
OFK Belgrade vs Javor Ivanjica (8) 2-0
Mladi Radnik vs Borac Cacak (6) 0-1
Slovakian Corgon Liga:
Senica vs Spartak Trnava (6) 2-1
Dukla Banska Bystrica vs Tatran Presov (7) 2-0
DAC Dunajska Streda vs Dubnica (7) 1-0
Nitra vs Artmedia Petrzalka (7) 2-1
Slovan Bratislava vs Ruzomberok (8) 2-1
Slovenian Prva Liga:
Koper vs Domzale (7) 2-1
Interblock Ljubljana vs Rudar Velenje (6) 1-1
Gorica vs Nafta Lendava (6) 1-2
Celje vs Olimpija Ljubljana (6) 0-0
Spanish Primera Liga:
Tenerife vs Malaga (8) 2-0
Getafe vs Deportivo La Coruna (5) 1-0
Barcelona vs Real Mallorca (8) over 3.5 goals
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid (6) over 2.5 goals
Spanish Segunda Liga:
Real Sociedad vs Recreativo de Huelva (6)
Salamanca vs Levante (7)
Numancia vs Cordoba (6)
Huesca vs Hercules Alicante (7)
Gimnastia de Tarragona vs Albacete (7)
Las Palmas vs Rayo Vallecano de Madrid (7)
Celta de Vigo vs Castellon (5)
Spanish Segunda B:
Group 1:
Montaneros vs Osasuna II (6)
Lemona vs Sestao River Club (6)
Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa vs Barakaldo (7)
Pontevedra vs Palencia (6)
Group 3:
Alcoyano vs Denia (6)
Group 4:
Real Betis Balompie II vs Granada (6)
Jerez Industrial vs Roquetas (7)
Marbella vs Polideportivo Ejido (6)
Ciudad de Murcia vs Moratalla (5)
Swiss Super League:
Aarau vs St.Gallen (6) 1-2
Grasshoppers Zurich vs Bellinzona (6) 2-1
Swiss Challenge League:
Yverdon Sport vs Schaffhausen (7)
Lausanne Sports vs Stade Nyonnais (8)
Turkish Super Lig:
Istanbul BB vs Antalyaspor (7) 2-0
Trabzonspor vs Besiktas JK (6) 2-1
Uruguayan Primera Division:
Club Nacional de Montevideo vs Rampla Juniors (8) 3-1
Atenas vs Central Espanol (6) 1-1
Defensor Sporting vs Racing Club Montevideo (8) 2-1
Welsh Premier League:
Caersws vs Port Talbot Town (7) 0-1
Carmarthen Town vs Bangor City (6) 1-1
Rhyl vs Llanelli (5) 1-1
Welshpool Town vs Porthmadog (6) 1-0
Enjoy your free betting tips!
Well, I'm not entirely sure how I've had the audacity to recommend so many games today given the ridiculous nature of last night's games i.e. the lack of any home wins in the UEFA Champions League! I mean, there's some you think to yourself "this could happen" like Dynamo Kiev to take a point at Internazionale and Unirea Urziceni to get a point at Rangers but some of those results were farcical. If any of you had offered me a massive bet that Rubin Kazan would win at Barcelona and I get the home win then I'd have taken your hand off because Rubin Kazan simply aren't good enough to compete with Barcelona - period. However, the hosts didn't turn up on the night, as indeed most sides last night failed to do. Incidentally, I do believe Barcelona will batter Rubin Kazan away from home!
Today's featured game is the UEFA Champions League game between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid. Although Chelsea's recent domestic form away from home has been poor, they remain a potent threat and also boast a 100% record of wins at home so far this season in all competitions. Today they host an Atletico Madrid side that look capable of losing to just about anyone as they enter this game on the back of a 3-0 thrashing at relegation-threatened Osasuna. They've won just one game this season in all competitions and it's no secret that they have mass problems on and off the field. It takes more than a couple of very talented individuals to make a difference when a side isn't playing well and it seems Atletico Madrid are simply lacking in that leadership. Worryingly for Atletico Madrid, they've averaged two goals conceded per game in their last five encounters. That is not the kind of record you want to take to an impressive Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Although the hosts are missing star striker Didier Drogba through suspension, the hosts are far more organised and are better placed to comfortably win this game. The visitors are leaky in defence and goal-shy currently. Obviously this bet has an element of risk because we all know that Atletico Madrid certainly have the ability to turn it on - the idea is that they'll fail to do that tonight as they have done for many nights now. However, taking Chelsea with a -1.75 handicap at 10/11 looks something of a bargain to me because Chelsea must have some serious issues to not comfortably overcome Atletico Madrid at this moment in time.
Wednesday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid - home win with -1.75 handicap at 10/11 - see introduction for full details.
CSKA Moscow vs Manchester United - home win with draw no bet at 11/8. As an avid Manchester United fan, this is a very hard call for me to make but I do try to remain neutral when advising on tips. Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been dropping hints this week about how the game isn't quite as important (subtly, of course) as the weekend game and how if Manchester United do well in back-to-back games against CSKA Moscow (note: not this game) then they stand a good chance of qualification. It's more than apparent after Manchester United's unconvincing but efficient start to their UEFA Champions League campaign that this game is dubious and also simply not required. Manchester United will have all eyes on the big derby with a massively out-of-form Liverpool at Anfield this coming weekend. Aside from that, Manchester United are missing a host of players like Wayne Rooney, Darren Fletcher, Patrice Evra, Ryan Giggs, and Ji-Sung Park, with doubts over the availability of Dimitar Berbatov and Nemanja Vidic. Effectively, a massive coincidence has arisen whereby the majority of Manchester United's good players have been "injured" for this game but will miraculously be fit for weekend, which coincidentally overrules UEFA's ruling on not fielding understrength squads in the UEFA Champions League. Make no mistake - Manchester United are coming here for the draw. However, Juande Ramos has got CSKA Moscow scoring goals if nothing else so they're beginning to look their old potent selves again with an average of two goals scored per game in their last five encounters. I consider this particularly impressive considering their lack of proven goalscoring talent as youngster Tomas Necid is still a prospect, Maazou isn't proven yet, Ricardo Jesus hasn't settled yet, and Guilherme is carrying the side although he's still very much a future prospect himself, as well as being ruled out of this game through injury anyway. What Juande Ramos would give to have Vagner Love resolve his personal issues and return from his loan spell at Palmeiras to return to Russia and reclaim his status as one of the deadliest strikers in Europe at the moment. However, this facility isn't available to them so they simply have to use what they've got. However, the likes of Maazou and Necid could have some joy in the air against Manchester United if Nemanja Vidic is missing. I also have nightmare visions of lightning-fast Milos Krasic tearing John O'Shea apart in this game. Even more impressively, the Russians aren't conceding many goals either. In fact, they've conceded just two goals in their last five games in all competitions. Effectively, what we have here are two sides that are likely to cancel each other out but the hosts have more attacking potential because the visitors are missing someone who will "make things happen", basically, which is a massive problem for Manchester United and has been ever since Cristiano Ronaldo moved on. For the above reasons and the additional fact that CSKA Moscow need to win this game, I think the home win with draw no bet odds of 11/8 could hold some value tonight although I've no qualms in saying I hope I'm wrong!
Juventus vs Maccabi Haifa - under 2.5 goals at 6/5. Maccabi Haifa proved away to Girondins de Bordeaux in their last UEFA Champions League game that they're capable of making life hard for their opponents by defending astutely and efficiently. The French side managed to score just once against the Israelis and I expect something similar today for what can be loosely described as a misfiring Juventus. Italian football is still going backwards when in comparison to the rest of Europe and these are the type of games where it tends to show. I expect Juventus to control this game with their slow, steady pace and bore Maccabi Haifa into conceding one or two goals at most. What would upset this call is if the visitors scored first but I'm banking on that not happening as I don't feel they have the firepower to do it. Therefore, taking under 2.5 goals at 6/5 looks something of a bargain here.
Real Madrid vs AC Milan - over 3.5 goals at 11/8. This bet speaks for itself, surely? AC Milan are leaking goals for fun as they despairingly struggle against the imminent ageing of their side and the ever-decreasing effectiveness of the Italian football sides. Despite their 2-1 win at Olympique de Marseille in the opening UEFA Champions League round, the win was fortuitous as the French side dominated proceedings. What it does show, however, is that Filippo Inzaghi still has one of the most lethal finishes in Europe and a crazy Real Madrid defence are unlikely to keep him out tonight, particularly as the influential Metzelder is missing through injury. I'm a little concerned on this call because Cristiano Ronaldo isn't playing and he's frankly the one that carries this Real Madrid side. That said, they're still a capable side with very good attacking players and have only played one competitive game this season where they've scored less than two goals in a game, which was their 2-1 defeat at Sevilla CF. However, an ageing AC Milan shouldn't be able to keep out the rapid Spanish attack, particularly without midfield general Rino Gattuso in midfield to help break up the play. To put it bluntly - both sides are capable of scoring lots of goals and neither side can defend for shit currently. Therefore, taking over 3.5 goals at 11/8 could prove good value today.
FC Zurich vs Olympique de Marseille - draw at 23/10. I very, very rarely back draws but this one has draw written all over it. Atypically, I'd lean towards the away win if Olympique de Marseille were in form but frankly, one win in four games (including three defeats) says that they're struggling. Both of these sides are extremely potent, particularly Olympique de Marseille when the impressive Niang plays, which he will tonight. FC Zurich have scored in both games they've played in so far, notching up two goals at home to Real Madrid and one goal in their impressive away win at AC Milan. I can't see either side having the capabiliy to outwit or outplay the other tonight and in a strange sort of way, I think both sides would take the draw here. Therefore, the draw at 23/10 could bear significant value today.
Real Cartagena vs Once Caldas Manizales - home win at 17/20. Once Caldas Manizales are a strange side. Capable of competing with the best at home, the visitors today know that they can win the game. However, something bizarre then occurs in their minds that then means that they lose every away game, which is exactly what they've done so far this season. They've played six away games, lost six, and conceded over three goals per game on average. For a capable side, this is frankly a shocking record but one that we will take advantage of where possible - cue today's game. Real Cartagena aren't a better side than Once Caldas Manizales in my opinion but they're a relatively competent side at home as they've only lost at home twice this season. They've unbeaten in their last three games, drawing twice and winning once, which should provide the momentum they need to overcome what is undisputedly the worst away side in Colombia currently. Therefore, the home win at 17/20 looks to contain significant value today.
KPV Kokkola vs JJK Jyvaskyla - home win at 13/8. This is quite the dubious call but one I do like the look of. As the end of the Ykkonen came about, KPV Kokkola said basically "it's now or never", seized the bull by the horns and thus won their last five consecutive games to steal second place and achieve a play-off clash with Veikkausliiga outfit JJK Jyvaskyla. I've never personally viewed this as a fair way to decide promotion. The way I see it, if you're bad enough to finish second bottom in the league then you're bad enough to earn automatic relegation, not a lifeline against the side that came second in the division below. However, I don't make the rules, unfortunately, so here we are! Whichever way you look at it, KPV Kokkola enter this game with tremendous momentum and they possess some good ability too, enough to match (if not better) JJK Jvyaskyla today. The visitors are only in this position as they managed to salvage a late draw at home to Tampere United on the final day of the Veikkausliiga season, thus keeping them above RoPS Rovaniemi on goal difference. It's worth nothing that JJK Jyvaskyla haven't won a Veikkausliiga game in their last ten attempts, losing eight times and drawing just twice. In fact, JJK Jyvaskyla ended their Veikkausliiga season with just one away win from thirteen away games, losing ten times and drawing just twice. The visitors have struggled to adapt to the Veikkausliiga and may yet end up joining RoPS Rovaniemi in their relegation to the Ykkonen as they face a competent KPV Kokkola today. Due to the above information, the home win at 13/8 looks inviting as the hosts have more momentum and arguably more motivation too.
As ever, any questions/explanations required, feel free to email me at thefootytipster@gmail.com. For the complete picks listing, see below!
UEFA Champions League:
CSKA Moscow vs Manchester United (4) 1-0
Girondins de Bordeaux vs Bayern Munich (7) 1-1
Juventus vs Maccabi Haifa (9) under 2.5 goals
VFL Wolfsburg vs Besiktas JK (8) over 3.5 goals
Real Madrid vs AC Milan (8) over 3.5 goals
FC Zurich vs Olympique de Marseille (6) 2-2
Porto vs APOEL Nicosia (9) -2.75 handicap
Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid (9) -1.75 handicap
Asian Champions League:
Pohang Steelers vs Umm Salal (7) 2-0
Al Ittihad vs Nagoya Grampus (6) 1-0
Copa Nissan Sudamericana:
River Plate Montevideo vs San Lorenzo de Almagro (6) 0-0
Cerro Porteno vs Botafogo (5) 1-0
Brazilian Serie A:
Santo Andre vs Palmeiras (4) 1-1
Chinese Super League:
Changsha Ginde vs Chongqing Lifan (6) 1-1
Colombian Futbol Profesional:
La Equidad Bogota vs Atletico Junior Barranquilla (8) 1-1
Envigado vs Millonarios Bogota (7) 0-0
Atletico Huila vs America de Cali (7) 2-1
Deportivo Pereira vs Deportes Quindio (8) 1-0
Independiente Medellin vs Deportes Tolima (8) 2-0
Independiente Santa Fe Bogota vs Cucuta Deportivo (7) 1-0
Boyaca Chico vs Atletico Nacional de Medellin (5) 0-1
Real Cartagena vs Once Caldas Manizales (6) 1-0
Deportivo Cali vs Deportivo Pasto (7) 1-1
Finnish Veikkausliiga/Ykkonen Play-Offs:
KPV Kokkola vs JJK Jyvaskyla (6)
Uruguayan Primera Division:
Rampla Juniors vs Fenix (3) draw no bet
Racing Club Montevideo vs Montevideo Wanderers (6) 1-1
Club Nacional de Montevideo vs Atenas (8) -1.75 handicap
Venezuelan Primera Division:
Deportivo Lara vs Trujillanos (6) 2-1
Deportivo Tachira vs Deportivo Anzoategui (8) 2-0
Enjoy your free betting tips!
Today's featured game is the Gambrinus Liga match between Viktoria Plzen and Sigma Olomouc. Hosts Viktoria Plzen have been on a decent run of late having only lost once in their past five games and having won three times along the way. Their home form is decent with two wins, one draw and just one defeat from their opening four games. Although I think it's fair to say that Sigma Olomouc have the better side here, you wouldn't guess it from their form or league placing. Languishing in 13th place, visitors Sigma Olomouc are winless in their past five games, losing three of those games, two of them consecutively. Morale is low in the Sigma Olomouc camp, particularly after a 1-0 home defeat inflicted by high-flying Jablonec, a side they're more than capable of at least matching. Today they face a Viktoria Plzen side that they've lost to on the last four occasions that they've been here and amazingly haven't even scored here in those four games. Given that form, momentum and history all points to a home win, I'm more than inclined to join in and call a home win at 5/6 today!
Saturday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Viktoria Plzen vs Sigma Olomouc - home win at 5/6 - see introduction for full details.
LASK Linz vs SV Ried - away win at 13/5. This is a dubious call but I like it because SV Ried are something of a bogey side for LASK Linz. LASK Linz have lost their last four meetings at either ground against SV Ried, three of those games without even scoring a goal. SV Ried boast the better squad but tend to struggle away from home generally, hence the very generous odds that the bookies have given on this particular outcome. Both of these sides have claimed just one victory in their last three games but it's SV Ried who enter this game with the momentum after winning their last Bundesliga game, which ironically was the home match against LASK Linz. Although I expect quite a close game, I do feel there's value in the away win at 13/5.
Roeselare vs Cercle Brugge - away win at 5/4. This year's Eerste Klasse campaign is already beginning to look extremely bleak for Roeselare, who are still without a win after nine game. They've managed to lose six times and draw three times thus far. They're currently shipping nearly three goals per game at home on average and have obtained just one point from a possible twelve at home this season. Morale is low, goalscoring is low, and today they face a side that they've not managed to beat in their last five attempts in the Eerste Klasse. Cercle Brugge aren't a great side; far from it, in fact. However, they're a decent side that will punish you if they're given the opportunity. After a slow start, Cercle Brugge are beginning to start moving with two wins, one draw and just one defeat in their past four games. Interestingly enough, Cercle Brugge have actually won more away games than home games in the Eerste Klasse this year and they'll surely fancy their chances against a side that have lost four of their last five games and a side that they've beaten on their last two Eerste Klasse visits here? For me, 5/4 on the away win holds a significant level of value.
KVSK United vs Red Star Waasland - home win at 10/11. Although there's not much at all between these two sides, I have to stick my neck out and call a home win here for KVSK United. Why? Well, historically, KVSK United have only lost to Red Star Waasland once in their past eight meetings with KVSK United winning five of those games. More importantly, KVSK United have won three out of their four home games of this encounter, drawing the other game. In fact, KVSK United haven't even conceded at home to Red Star Waasland in their last three meetings. So yeah, both sides are playing well this season and both are currently unbeaten but with the above information in mind, I think the home win has some value at 10/11.
Sibenik vs Cibalia - home win at 10/11. Both of these two outfits have made very good starts to their respective Prva Liga campaigns and thus deserve respect for it. However, we're all well aware that neither will be where they are now at the end of the season so it's inevitable that one takes a tumble at somepoint. Today, I think that side is Cibalia as they're facing a good Sibenik side that are unbeaten at home. Cibalia have remarkably won two away games this season, alraedy doubling the number of away wins they amassed last season. However, this record simply isn't going to last as Cibalia are one of the worst away sides in the Prva Liga - fact. Cibalia have drawn their last two games consecutively and face a Sibenik side that have not only won four of their last five games but have also won this exact fixture for three years running without even conceding a goal. If Cibalia had gathered more momentum entering this game then I'd have probably stayed away but given their recent slump, I think that there's value in the home win for Sibenik at 10/11.
Omonia Nicosia vs Anorthosis Famagusta - home win at evens. I'm riding my luck a considerable amount on this one because there's really very little quality difference between these two sides (if any!) and both are playing well at the moment. Why am I calling a home win, you ask? Just two reasons this time around. Firstly, Omonia Nicosia have the home advantage over Anorthosis Famagusta in this particular game. However, more importantly (and intriguingly!) Omonia Nicosia have beaten Anorthosis Famagusta in their last four meetings together at either ground, only conceding one goal in those four games. In fact, Anorthosis Famagusta have not only failed to score in five of their last six games against Omonia Nicosia but they've naturally also failed to beat them in their past six attempts. I don't like relying entirely on history but sometimes you just have a bogey side and Anorthosis Famagusta's bogey side is Omonia Nicosia so taking the home win at evens could prove some good value!
Teplice vs Slovan Liberec - home win at evens. Hosts Teplice have made an excellent start to this season with five wins in nine games and zero defeats. Four wins from their past five games says that they're a forced to be reckoned with, at least for the time being. I expected visitors Slovan Liberec to be doing a lot better than they are currently as they're sat in 10th place without any particular momentum or consistency. There's no doubt that Slovan Liberec are capable of better performances so do approach this game with caution. However, one win in their last five games says that the visitors are well and truly out of form, particularly as they've lost two along the way. Only the bottom three sides in the division have lost more away games than Slovan Liberec thus far this season and I can't see that changing as they travel to a Teplice side that they've not even scored against in their past four visits. Out of those four visits in the Gambrinus Liga, they've lost three games and drawn once. Given that form and momentum favours the home win, I'm going to call a narrow home win at evens as it's got some good value in it.
Bolton Wanderers vs Tottenham Hotspur - lay Tottenham Hotspur at 5/6. Unbeaten now in three games, Bolton Wanderers enter this game with a good deal of much-needed momentum. They've won two of their last three games and look set to cause Tottenham Hotspur some big problems today. There's no doubt in my mind that Tottenahm Hotspur are the better side here but Bolton Wanderers are notorious for making life difficult for sides, especially when they're in form. Tottenham Hotspur also have the unenviable task of facing an organised Bolton Wanderers without prolific Jermain Defoe, defender Jonathan Woodgate and without any cast-iron defensive partnership. If you couple the above information with the fact that Tottenham Hotspur haven't won away to Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League in their last nine visits, you have to feel that there's a good deal of value in laying Tottenham Hotspur at 5/6.
Colchester United vs Huddersfield Town - home win at 5/4. Football is a very fickle game, isn't it? A few weeks ago I was backing Huddersfield Town all over the place but four games without a win means I'm now going against them! Still, football has no place for compassion, as you all know. Huddersfield Town just can't seem to get their act together at the moment. However, this is in complete contrast to hosts Colchester United, who are currently on the back of two wins in three games, one of which was a cruising victory over a previously unbeaten Charlton Athletic. The hosts have everything going for them at the moment and the visitors are the opposite. Although there's not much quality difference between the two, momentum is very strong at the moment for Colchester United so taking the home win at 5/4 looks a good bet to me.
Barnet vs Grimsby Town - home win at 4/5. A morale-boosting victory over high-flying Dagenham & Redbridge mid-week should be enough to see them take three points today. Previously I was somewhat concerned as they'd gone three games without a win despite an impressive start to the season but it seems form has been kindled once more, happily. Six defeats in ten games shows that Grimsby Town are looking very susceptible to defeats on a regular basis. There's not a great deal of quality-difference between these two sides but momentum favours the home win so this should be a fairly straightforward home win at 4/5.
Torquay United vs Bury - away win at 5/4. Despite an atrocious start to their League Two campaign, Bury are beginning to show the kind of form that earned them a promotion play-off place last season with three wins from three games, including a particularly impressive victory at Crewe Alexandra last match. Today they face a Torquay United side that have now truly sampled a "welcome to League Two" greeting with no wins in five games, a run that has seen them lose four games and slide to second bottom in the league. Torquay United are facing the wrong opponents today to try and get themselves out of this rut as the visitors are a better side in better form with tremendous momentum. For me, there's a great deal of value in the away win at 5/4.
TP 47 Tornio vs AC Oulu - away win at 4/5. Although both sides are on great runs of form respectively, there's a big quality gap between the two sides. AC Oulu are far and away better than TP 47 Tornio and the odds reflect that, although not nearly as much as I thought they would. Both sides need the points for different reasons so this should be a very open game. If that is the case then a massively in-form AC Oulu should frankly rip a TP 47 Tornio side apart regardless of their current run of form. For me, 4/5 on the away win here is something of a no-brainer!
Grenoble Foot vs Montpellier HSC - away win at 6/4. What on earth is happening to little Grenoble Foot? They've played seven games, lost all of them, scored just twice and average conceding two goals per game currently. That kind of form is the main reason I'm backing a newly-promoted Montpellier HSC side to win away here today 'cause generally it's suicide to take a newly-promoted side to win away from home. However, after a dismal start by the hosts and an outstanding start by Montpellier HSC with four wins in seven games (including just one defeat) you really have to fancy the away win at 6/4 as all factors point to it currently!
Racing Club Lens vs Olympique Lyonnais - away win at 3/4. Do these odds make sense to anyone? I appreciate that Olympique Lyonnais blow a little "hot and cold" every now and then but there's no denying that they're fielding arguably their most potent attacking side that they've had for many years now, even without the talented Karim Benzema. Olympique Lyonnais have currently won five games from seven and are still unbeaten in Ligue 1. Hosts Racing Club Lens are without a win in their last four games having drawn twice and lost twice. I simply cannot see anything other than an away win here when you compare how readily Racing Club Lens are conceding goals and how eagerly Olympique Lyonnais are scoring them. All the above information leads me to believe that you should all take the away win at 3/4 before the odds inevitably drop!
Panthrakikos vs Aris Salonika - away win at 5/6. This is something of a no-brainer for me. Panthrakikos have lost all five of their Super League games so far this season without any great effort, scoring just once and conceding two goals per game on average. They're host a top six opponent today - Aris Salonika - who are already showing their credentials early on this season with three wins from five games. I think the only reason that the bookies are giving decent odds on this game is because Aris Salonika are yet to win away from home in this campaign but frankly, I think anyone would win away from home here today given the current circumstances, let alone a side that's actually a lot better than Panthrakikos and in better form! 5/6 on the away win looks a bargain here!
Baerum Sandvika vs Raufoss Fotball - home win at evens. The Norwegian Divisjon 2 isn't the home of consistency - ever! Both of these two sides are about as good as each other but their form varies between wins and losses so easily that it's unreal! However, one key factor that stands out to me is that Baerum Sandvika are superb at home with nine wins from eleven games whereas Raufoss Fotball aren't great away from home, having been beaten six times in eleven games on the road this season. These two sides are the two biggest goalscorers in the Avdeling 4 so it should be something of a goal-fest, particularly when you consider that both sides need three points. However, I'm favouring the home win here, partially due to the above information regarding the strength of Baerum Sandvika at home and partially due to the fact that they've won three of their last four home games and the visitors have lost three out of their last three away games. For those reasons, evens on a home win looks good value to me!
Polonia Bytom vs Lechia Gdansk - home win at 5/6. Both of these two sides have started the Ekstraklasa season a lot better than I'd thought they would. Then again, football is prone to early shocks - I'll simply be astounded if either of these two sides are as high as they currently are at the end of the season! I like Lechia Gdansk but one win in three games, including two defeats, isn't the most convincing form to take to play what is currently one of the best two sides in the Ekstraklasa at home - Polonia Bytom. Four wins from four home games says Lechia Gdansk have got a nightmare task ahead of them today, particularly as they'll no doubt remember their 4-1 crushing here last season. For me, 5/6 on a home win here is an absolute giveaway and I'd recommend taking it before the odds surely drop!
Rudar Velenje vs Olimpija Ljubljana - home win at 10/11. I can't help but feel that the bookies are overrating Olimpija Ljubljana today. True, they're one of Slovenia's most popular clubs but the fact remains that they've only just returned to this division and are still playing catch up, at least for the time being. Olimpija Ljubljana have played well lately as they're unbeaten in four games, winning three of them and scoring nine goals in the process. However, today they face what is arguably the club with the best defence in the Prva Liga - Rudar Velenje. Rudar Velenje are the only Prva Liga side to still have a 100% win record at home with five wins from five games. They score an average of over two goals per game and have conceded just twice at home thus far. Olimpija Ljubljana are a decent side but I think they're going to find that they're out of their depth here today against a very good Rudar Velenje side. For me, 10/11 on the home win is something of a gift 'cause I don't believe the visitors have what it takes to match the hosts today.
Le Mont vs Vaduz - away win at evens. This is a bit of a no-brainer, really, although I'm a little concerned that Vaduz haven't won away from home in the Challenge League so far this season. However, Vaduz do still have some Super League quality players in their team and have shown it, if only briefly, in the Challenge League this season. Although Vaduz's form has been far from reliable, what has been reliable is the lack of ability that Le Mont possess currently. Seven defeats from nine games, just one victory and a defence that leaks over two goals per game on average tells me that Le Mont are in no fit state to obtain anything from this game. They've lost five straight games and even a hapless away side like Vaduz should have no trouble claiming three points today. For me, the away win at evens looks a good value bet although I do recommend approach with caution for the above reasons.
As ever, any questions/explanations required, feel free to email me at thefootytipster@gmail.com. For the complete picks listing, see below!
Argentinian Primera Division:
Huracan vs Racing Club Avellaneda (5) under 2.5 goals
Argentinos Juniors vs Estudiantes De La Plata (5) 1-1
Arsenal de Sarandi vs Rosario Central (6) 0-1
Newell's Old Boys vs Atletico Tucuman (7) 1-0
Australian A-League:
Perth Glory vs North Queensland Fury (8) 2-1
Melbourne Victory vs Brisbane Roar (6) 1-1
Austrian Bundesliga:
LASK Linz vs SV Ried (6) over 2.5 goals
Austrian Liga 1:
Hartberg vs Austria Lustenau (8)
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Sint-Truiden vs Zulte-Waregem (6) 1-1
Charleroi vs Kortrijk (4) 1-0
Mechelen vs Lokeren (6) 2-1
Roeselare vs Cercle Brugge (7) 1-2
Germinal Beerschot vs Westerlo (6) 0-0
Belgian Tweede Klasse:
Liege vs Lierse (8)
Turnhout vs Oostende (6)
Brussels vs OH Leuven (7)
Tournai vs Mons (6)
KVSK United vs Red Star Waasland (7)
Brazilian Serie A:
Flamengo vs Fluminense (8) 2-0
Santos vs Palmeiras (6) 1-2
Gremio vs Sport Recife (9) 3-1
Corinthians vs Atletico Paranaense (7) 2-0
Coritiba vs Internacional (6) 1-1
Santo Andre vs Vitoria (6) 0-1
Bulgarian A PFG:
Cherno More Varna vs Litex Lovech (6) 1-1
Lokomotiv Sofia vs Botev Plovdiv (10) -2.75 handicap
Sportist Svoge vs Lokomotiv Mezdra (6) 1-0
Chernomorets Burgas vs Montana (9) 3-1
Colombian Futbol Profesional:
Deportivo Cali vs Atletico Nacional de Medellin (6) 1-0
Deportivo Pereira vs America de Cali (6) 2-1
Croatian Prva Liga:
Croatia Sesvete vs Rijeka (7) 1-1
Zadar vs Slaven Koprivnica (6) 1-2
Istra 1961 vs Hajduk Split (8) 0-2
Sibenik vs Cibalia (7) 2-1
Karlovac vs NK Zagreb (8) 2-0
Osijek vs Inter Zapresic (8) 2-0
Cypriot Division 1:
Doxa vs Ethnikos Achnas (6) 1-0
Aris vs Enosis Neon Paralimni (6) 1-1
A.E.Paphos vs APEP (7) 2-1
Omonia Nicosia vs Anorthosis Famagusta (7) 2-0
Czech Republic Gambrinus Liga:
Slovacko vs Banik Ostrava (6) 1-1
Viktoria Plzen vs Sigma Olomouc (7) 2-1
Teplice vs Slovan Liberec (7) 2-1
Danish Superligaen:
AGF Aarhus vs SonderjyskE (6) 2-1
Danish 1st Division:
Braband vs Frem (5) over 2.5 goals
Ecuadorian Primera A:
Barcelona Guayaquil vs Liga de Portoviejo (7) 1-0
Deportivo Cuenca vs Liga de Quito (6) 1-1
Macara Ambato vs El Nacional Quito (7) 1-1
Deportivo Quito vs Olmedo Riobamba (8) 2-1
Espoli Cayambe vs Tecnico Universitario Ambato (6) 1-0
Manta vs Emelec Guayaquil (6) 1-1
English Premier League:
Bolton Wanderers vs Tottenham Hotspur (4) 1-0
Burnley vs Birmingham City (6) 1-0
Hull City vs Wigan Athletic (6) 1-2
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Portsmouth (7) 1-1
Manchester United vs Sunderland (9) 2-0
English Championship:
Coventry City vs Leicester City (6)
Preston North End vs West Bromwich Albion (7)
Barnsley vs Ipswich Town (6)
Crystal Palace vs Blackpool (7)
Derby County vs Sheffield Wednesday (6)
Newcastle United vs Bristol City (7)
Peterborough United vs Nottingham Forest (7)
Reading vs Middlesbrough (8)
Sheffield United vs Doncaster Rovers (7)
Swansea City vs Queens Park Rangers (6)
Watford vs Cardiff City (5)
English League One:
Brentford vs Swindon Town (6)
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Milton Keynes Dons (6)
Colchester United vs Huddersfield Town (7)
Exeter City vs Hartlepool United (5)
Leeds United vs Charlton Athletic (6)
Millwall vs Tranmere Rovers (8)
Norwich City vs Bristol Rovers (5)
Oldham Athletic vs Yeovil Town (8)
Southampton vs Gillingham (7)
Stockport County vs Southend United (5)
Walsall vs Carlisle United (8)
Wycombe Wanderers vs Leyton Orient (6)
English League Two:
Barnet vs Grimsby Town (8)
Cheltenham Town vs Notts County (6)
Chesterfield vs Accrington Stanley (8)
Crewe Alexandra vs Rotherham United (7)
Darlington vs Macclesfield Town (6)
Hereford United vs Dagenham & Redbridge (7)
Lincoln City vs Aldershot Town (6)
Morecambe vs Shrewsbury Town (8)
Northampton Town vs Bradford City (6)
Port Vale vs Bournemouth (7)
Torquay United vs Bury (8)
Estonian Meistriliiga:
Tallinna Kalev vs Levadia Tallinn (10) -1.75 handicap
Kuressaare vs Flora Paide (5) under 2.5 goals
Sillamae Kalev vs Maag Tammeka Tartu (9) 3-1
Tulevik Viljandi vs Nomme Kalju (6) 1-2
Flora Tallinn vs Trans Narva (5) 1-1
Faroese Meistaradeildin:
B36 Torshavn vs B68 Toftir (5)
AB Argir vs Vikingur Gotu (8)
IF Fuglafjordur vs NSI Runavik (7)
KI Klaksvik vs EB/Streymur (8)
07 Vestur Sorvagur vs HB Torshavn (8)
Finnish Ykkonen:
TP 47 Tornio vs AC Oulu (7)
TPV Tampere vs Jippo Joensuu (6)
Finnish Kakkonen:
Lokho A:
Keski Uusimaa Kerava vs KTP Kotka (6)
Kiffen vs Kultsu Joutseno (9)
Warkaus vs LPS Helsinki (7)
Futura vs Gnistan Helsinki (6)
KaPa Helsinki vs HIFK Soccer Helsinki (9)
Lokho B:
Honka Espoo II vs LoPa Lohja (6)
Pirkkala vs EIF Ekenas (5)
Lokho C:
Virkia vs JBK Pietarsaari (8)
FCV vs Norrvalla Voyri (9)
YPA Ylivieska vs GBK Kokkola (8)
OPA Oulu vs SJK Seinajoki (8)
French Ligue 1:
Grenoble Foot vs Montpellier HSC (7) 0-1
OGC Nice vs Valenciennes (6) 1-1
Paris Saint-Germain vs AS Nancy-Lorraine (7) 2-1
Stade Rennais vs Auxerre (8) over 2.5 goals
Saint-Etienne vs Girondins de Bordeaux (8) 1-2
Sochaux vs Le Mans (5) 1-0
Racing Club Lens vs Olympique Lyonnais (8) 1-3
German Bundesliga:
Bayern Munich vs Koln (8) 1-0
Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Nurnberg (8) 2-0
Hannover 96 vs SC Freiburg (6) 1-1
VFL Bochum vs VFL Wolfsburg (6) 1-2
FSV Mainz o5 vs Hoffenheim (7) 1-1
Borussia Moenchengladbach vs BV09 Borussia Dortmund (6) 2-3
German Bundesliga 2:
Greuther Furth vs Fortuna Dusseldorf (6)
Paderborn vs Augsburg (6)
Greek Super League:
Panthrakikos vs Aris Salonika (8) 1-2
PAS Giannina vs Kavala (7) 0-0
Levadiakos vs Olympiakos Piraeus (9) 0-2
Hungarian Soproni Liga:
Diosgyori VTK vs Zalaegerszegi TE (6) 1-1
Gyori ETO FC vs Paksi SE (8) 2-0
Ujpest vs Ferencvaros (8) over 2.5 goals, at least one red card in this game
Fehervar vs Kaposvari Rakoczi (9) 3-1
Papa vs Szombathelyi Haladas (8) 2-1
Italian Serie A:
Bari vs Catania (6) under 2.5 goals
Internazionale vs Udinese (8) over 2.5 goals
Italian Serie B:
Brescia vs Vicenza (8)
Cesena vs Salernitana (6)
Cittadella vs Lecce (6)
Crotone vs Padova (5)
Gallipolli vs Empoli (5)
Mantova vs Grosseto (6)
Modena vs Reggina (7)
Piacenza vs Frosinone (6)
Triestina vs Albinoleffe (6)
Japanese J-League:
Shimizu S-Pulse vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima (7) 2-1
Montedio Yamagata vs Oita Trinita (6) 1-0
Kashiwa Reysol vs Jubilo Iwata (6) 0-0
Urawa Red Diamonds vs JEF United Ichihara (7) 2-0
Vissel Kobe vs Kyoto Purple Sanga (7) 1-0
Latvian Virsliga:
Blazma Rezekne vs Daugava Riga (6) 1-0
Jurmala vs Liepajas Metalurgs (9) 1-3
Lithuanian A Lyga:
LKKA Teledema Kaunas vs Banga Gargzdai (6) 1-1
Mexican Primera Division:
Queretaro vs Indios (6) 0-0
Jaguares vs Pumas UNAM (6) 1-0
Atlante vs Morelia (6) 1-2
Tigres UANL vs Cruz Azul (7) 0-1
Guadalajara vs Monterrey (6) 1-1
Pachuca vs America (6) 1-2
Dutch Eredivisie:
ADO Den Haag vs Groningen (6) 0-1
AZ Alkmaar vs NAC Breda (6) 2-1
Willem II vs NEC Nijmegen (5) 1-1
Feyenoord Rotterdam vs RKC Waalwijk (9) -1.75 handicap
Norwegian Tippeligaen:
Stromsgodset vs Bodo Glimt (7) 2-0
Odd Grenland Skien vs Molde (6) 1-2
Norwegian 2 Divisjon:
Avdeling 1:
Fram Larvik vs Vindbjart Vennesla (5)
Mandalskameratene vs Eidsvold (6)
Avdeling 2:
Levanger vs Skarbovik Aalesund (6)
Nardo Trondheim vs Follo Fotball Ski (8)
Avdeling 3:
Sford Sunnhordland vs Fana Nesttun (5)
Asane Ulset vs Vard Haugesund (6)
Kopervik vs Fyllingen Bergen (8)
Algard vs Sandnes Ulf (7)
Avdeling 4:
Baerum Sandvika vs Raufoss Fotball (7)
Mo vs Bossekop (8)
Korsvoll Oslo vs Valdres Fagernes (6)
Ranheim Trondheim vs Lillehammer (9)
Polish Ekstraklasa:
Odra Wodzislaw vs Ruch Chorzow (6) 0-1
Jagiellonia Bialystok vs Legia Warsaw (8) 0-1
GKS Belchatow vs Korona Kielce (7) 2-0
Polonia Bytom vs Lechia Gdansk (7) 1-0
Portuguese Liga Sagres:
Naval de Maio vs Rio Ave (6) 1-1
Sporting Braga vs Vitoria Setubal (9) 2-0
Portuguese Liga de Honra:
Estoril vs Beira-Mar (6)
Romanian Liga:
Vaslui vs Astra Ploiesti (7) 1-0
Gaz Metan Medias vs Unirea Urziceni (7) 1-2
Universitatea Craiova vs Unirea Alba Iulia (6) 1-0
Russian Premier League:
Tom Tomsk vs Saturn Moscow Oblast (5) 1-0
Krylya Sovetov Samara vs Spartak Nalchik (7) 2-1
FK Khimki vs Terek Grozny (6) 0-0
Rostov-na-Donu vs FK Moscow (7) 1-2
Russian Division 1:
FK Chita vs Volgar Gazprom Astrakhan (5)
Metallurg Lipetsk vs Shinnik Yaroslavl' (8)
Salyut Belgorod vs Baltika Kaliningrad (7)
Luch-Energiya Vladivostok vs NoSta Novotroitsk (6)
Energiya Khabarovsk vs Vityaz Podolsk (6)
Sibir Novosibirsk vs FK Krasnodor (9)
Ural Sverdlovskaya Oblast vs Cherno Novorosisk (7)
Volga Nyzhnyi Novgorod vs KamAZ Nab Chelny (5)
Scottish Premier League:
Hamilton Academicals vs St.Johnstone (6) 1-0
Hibernian vs Dundee United (7) 2-1
Kilmarnock vs Aberdeen (6) 0-0
Motherwell vs Falkirk (7) 1-0
St.Mirren vs Hearts (7) 1-2
Serbian Super Liga:
BSK Borca vs Vojvodina Novi Sad (6) 0-1
Jagodina vs Cukaricki (7) 1-0
Napredak vs Javor Ivanjica (5) 1-1
Metalac GM vs Borac Cacak (6) 0-0
Smederevo vs Mladi Radnik (6) 1-1
Red Star Belgrade vs OFK Belgrade (8) 2-1
Slovakian Corgon Liga:
Senica vs Slovan Bratislava (7) 1-2
Dubnica vs Ruzomberok (6) 1-0
DAC Dunajska Streda vs Kosice (7) 2-0
Dukla Banska Bystrica vs Spartak Trnava (7) 2-1
Nitra vs MSK Zilina (6) 1-1
Tatran Presov vs Artmedia Petrzalka (7) 1-0
Slovenian Prva Liga:
Nafta Lendava vs Maribor (5) 1-1
Interblock Ljubljana vs Koper (6) 1-2
Gorica vs Domzale (6) 1-1
Rudar Velenje vs Olimpija Ljubljana (8) 2-1
Spanish Primera Liga:
Tenerife vs Deportivo La Coruna (7) 1-2
Barcelona vs Almeria (9) 3-1
Atletico Madrid vs Real Zaragoza (4) 1-1
Spanish Segunda Liga:
Cartagena vs Villarreal II (8)
Huesca vs Girona (5)
Levante vs Real Murcia (6)
Hercules Alicante vs Elche (8)
Recreativo de Huelva vs Celta de Vigo (8)
Real Union Club de Irun vs Castellon (5)
Spanish Segunda B:
Group 1:
Osasuna II vs Guijuelo (8)
Athletic Club de Bilbao II vs Montaneros (6)
Group 2:
Guadalajara vs Alcorcon (7)
Group 3:
Ontinyent vs Alicante (6)
Group 4:
Real Betis Balompie II vs Ciudad de Murcia (7)
Marbella vs Sangonera Atletico (7)
Polideportivo Ejido vs Ceuta (6)
Swedish Allsvenskan:
Djurgardens vs Trelleborgs (6) 1-1
Orgryte vs Kalmar (8) 1-2
Swedish Superettan:
Angelholms vs Trollhattan (8)
Swiss Super League:
Neuchatel Xamax vs St.Gallen (8) 2-0
Grasshoppers Zurich vs Luzern (6) 2-1
Swiss Challenge League:
Kriens vs Lausanne Sports (6)
Wil vs Biel-Bienne (6)
Le Mont vs Vaduz (7)
Schaffhausen vs Servette (7)
Turkish Super Lig:
Manisaspor vs Bursaspor (6) 1-2
Diyarbakirspor vs Istanbul BB (6) 0-1
Besiktas JK vs Denizlispor (8) 2-0
Ukrainian Premier League:
Zorya Lugansk vs Tavriya Simferopol (6) 1-1
Metalurg Donetsk vs Illichivets Mariupol (7) 1-0
Obolon Kiev vs Metalurg Zaporizhya (6) 0-0
Metalist Kharkiv vs Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih (8) 2-0
Uruguayan Primera Division:
Central Espanol vs Montevideo Wanderers (6) 1-1
Fenix vs Liverpool Montevideo (8) 1-2
Club Nacional de Montevideo vs Racing Club Montevideo (8) over 2.5 goals, at least one red card in this game
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