Today's featured game is the match between Udinese and Fiorentina in the Italian Serie A. Hosts Udinese had been tipped pre-season for a very good campaign but have generally failed to deliver consistently thus far, hence their unconvincing league placing. However, their actual potential has begun to surface lately with a two-match unbeaten run and a morale-boosting victory against Serie A giants AS Roma. Udinese's biggest problem is that they're really poor on the road but fortunately this isn't a problem today for obvious reasons! Only Internazionale and Sampdoria have currently got a better record at home than Udinese. The hosts today have won four of their six home games, drawing once and losing once along the way. Today they host a Fiorentina side that have started to look increasingly stretched of late with just one win in their last five Serie A games. A mid-week clash didn't assist matters either with talismanic striker Adrian Mutu obtaining an injury during this game and thus missing the match today. With form and numbers of available players dwindling, the Viola are beginning to look rather fragile, in my humble opinion. Fiorentina have won just once in five away games this season, losing twice and drawing twice. Although Fiorentina are not a side that generally leaks goals, Udinese are a side that does enjoy scoring them, particularly at home, something which is proven by the fact that only Internazionale and Sampdoria have scored more home goals than they have. Although neither of these two sides are playing as well as they should be at the present time, there's a clear selection of a home win for today's game in my opinion due to the above information. Frankly, 7/5 on the home win looks a real bargain today for me!
Sunday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Udinese vs Fiorentina - home win at 7/5 - see introduction for full details.
San Lorenzo de Almagro vs Banfield - home win at evens. This should be a fantastic game between two of the most in-form sides in Argentina currently! Both sides have won three of their last five games and occupy third and first place respectively in the Argentinian Primera Division. Visitors Banfield are the more surprising side in this position as they're not really good enough to be there but you can only beat what's in front of you! San Lorenzo de Almagro are currently a side I expect to be challenging for the title and they're duly delivering. The hosts have won four from six home games so far this season, drawing twice. They average nearly two goals per home game and are generally a tricky opponent. Visitors Banfield are resilient and currently efficient, although that's not always been the case. The game should be a cracker due to the contrasting styles of both sides but San Lorenzo de Almagro have enough to win this game against what can be bluntly called "lesser opponents". The visitors may be unbeaten this season but they've not convinced on the road yet with four draws from six away games, winning just twice in that run. I think a record may end today with a San Lorenzo de Almagro victory and at evens, it's very good value.
Estudiantes De La Plata vs Velez Sarsfeld - home win at evens. This is yet another fascinating clash in Argentina between two top sides, arguably the two best in Argentina currently. Both sides will be competing for the title this year and this match will go some way in indicating just which side has the ability to go all the way. In terms of quality, I personally believe there's very little between these two sides - both can match each other toe-to-toe on their day. Estudiantes De La Plata have proven that they're a very accomplished home side in this campaign, however, with four wins and one draw from their five home games. That said, Velez Sarsfeld are arguably the best away side in Argentina and have shown such a thing for at least a year now. The only thing that is really tipping the scales in the favour of Estudiantes De La Plata for me is that simple fact that Velez Sarsfeld had an extremely tiring trip to a very high altitude Ecuador to face Liga de Quito in the Copa Nissan Sudamericana, which they were knocked out of. Therefore, the visitors will not only be tired but will also be a little worse for wear mentally. In my opinion, it's worth taking the home win on the back of that at evens.
SV Ried vs Austria Karnten - home win with -1.75 handicap at 10/11. This is a complete no-brainer in my book due to the consistent quality of SV Ried at home and the woeful displays of Austria Karnten.
Racing Genk vs Anderlecht - away win at 10/11. Recent years has shown Racing Genk emerging as one of Belgium's bigger sides, although still languishing behind the old guard of Anderlecht, Club Brugge, and Standard de Liege. Racing Genk are struggled to live up to their tag this season with just four wins in thirteen games. Their good performances this season can be counted on the fingers of one hand but their potential is always there. However, their home form has to be a real worry for them as they've won just one home game out of seven so far this season, losing three times and drawing three times. This should be a more apparent problem today as they take on an in-form and superior Anderlecht side that have already won four out of six away games this season. Anderlecht have the momentum to do it as they've won three games in a row and they've got the ability so an out-of-sorts Racing Genk should be susceptible enough for Anderlecht to win this game at 10/11.
Standard de Liege vs Club Brugge - away win at draw no bet odds of 5/4. This is an incredibly bold choice given that Club Brugge almost never take anything off Standard de Liege but I've been really impressed with them this season. Club Brugge have won five consecutive games in all conditions, including a notable victory in a difficult Serbian venue against Partizan Belgrade in the UEFA Europa League. The visitors have everything going for them and have already won four out of their six away games this season, losing just once. Standard de Liege simply don't look the same side this year due to their losses and it's starting to show. More notably, the loss of midfield playmaker and captain Steven Defour due to long-term injury has really affected the potency of Standard de Liege of late and their league form has suffered because of it as they've not won in three games now. With all this in mind, the away win with draw no bet at 5/4 looks like a potential bargain today.
Aalborg BK vs FC Copenhagen - away win at 23/20. The Superligaen's oddest side today hosts the Superligaen's best side in what should be an interesting match. Aalborg BK are capable of playing very good football but appear to have decided not to for the time being with no wins in five games, a run that has seen them lose three games. I don't need to tell you all the quality difference between FC Copenhagen and the rest of the Superligaen sides but their form of late also shows them to be a real force with four wins in their past five games. FC Copenhagen have already won four of their seven away games this year and have conceded just five goals on their travels, which affirms their reputation of being hard to beat. If Aalborg BK were in form then I wouldn't touch this game with a barge pole but I'm going to take advantage of their present slump by taking FC Copenhagen to win at Aalborg BK at 23/20.
Hull City vs Stoke City - away win at 8/5. Hull City's woeful form of late continues, furthering speculation regarding Phil Brown's future at the club. Three defeats and just one victory in their last five games leaves Hull City looking increasingly likely to prove all the pre-season pundits right as they seemingly attempt to move down a division into the Championship. The fact that they've scored just eight goals in eleven games should tell you everything you need to know about their problems, particularly as no side in the Premier League has scored less goals. Visitors Stoke City are the side that Hull City should be attempting to emulate to prolong their stay in the Premier League by adopting a no-nonsense, efficient footballing manner to grind out results. Stoke City are now what I would call an established Premier League side that will give any side a good game on their day. They're hard to break down and they take their chances, particularly from set pieces. Stoke City are unbeaten in their last four games, winning two of them, and appear to have gotten even stronger since last year. No side has lost less away games than Stoke City in the Premier League this year and the fact that they won here last year should give them additional confidence in getting the job done. Stoke City are frankly a better unit than Hull City on every level and with the hosts playing some terrible football, it's hard to overlook the away win at 8/5.
West Ham United vs Everton - home win at 6/4. West Ham United's performances have finally started improving and their results are beginning to show it too. They're unbeaten in their last three games, including a home game against Arsenal, and won their last match mid-week at home to Aston Villa. I have to admire Gianfranco Zola's side because they always turn up for each game and put 110% into their football. West Ham United are a mid-table side by rights and I fully expect them to be there by the end of the season. Visitors Everton seem to be going from bad to worse with their small squad beyond stretched already with games coming out of their ears! They've not won in their last four games now, drawing three times and losing once. A mid-week battering at home by SL Benfica will have knocked the wind out of the few players they have left in their squad and this is yet another game that is coming at David Moyes far too quickly for him to prepare his squad. For me, a rejuvenated West Ham United have a great chance of winning this game today at 6/4.
Chelsea vs Manchester United - home win at 21/20. As much as I hate to say it, as a Manchester United fan, but I am very much afraid that we'll see a home win in this game. Although Manchester United have been a bogey side for Chelsea ever since Jose Mourinho moved on, Chelsea are now firing on all cylinders under Carlo Ancelotti and are scoring goals for fun. Not only will this trouble a shaky and frankly nervous Manchester United defence, but this defence is also missing the experienced Rio Ferdinand through injury. The only thing I would emphasise with this game is some caution as these two sides are the two best sides in England and either is capable of turning it on at any given time. Manchester United tend to really turn up when the odds are against them, which gives me some hope as a fan, but their dire displays in their other two games against members of the "big four" - Arsenal and Liverpool - this season really make me think that Ferguson will again select Scholes and Carrick in the middle of the park, who again will be overrun by the likes of Essien etc. Bluntly, I'm concerned about this game because I think almost everything points to a home win, which basically means 21/20 on the home win is good value, particularly as Chelsea have won every competitive home game this season.
Xanthi vs Panionios -home win at 11/10. Hosts Xanthi lie deceptively just outside of the relegation zone as they entertain Panionios. Their away form is atrocious but their home fom is superb with three wins and one draw from their four home games this season. Basically, they're a tricky side to face and Panionios will have their work cut out to steal a result here because of that. Aside from that, Panionios have lost three of their four away games this season and appear to be mirroring Xanthi's lack of ability on the road. For me, this game has a narrow home win written all over it at 11/10.
Sevilla CF vs Villarreal - lay Sevilla at 5/4. This is an extremely bold call given the impressive displays that Sevilla CF have given this season but as ever, I have my reasons. The foundation for this call is that Sevilla CF have become somewhat complacent of late. They've drawn at home against Espanyol without scoring and they drew at home to a woeful VFB Stuttgart just a few days ago. The hosts simply aren't doing what they do best at the present time despite their magnificent season thus far - it simply happens to big sides sometimes and it appears that time is now upon Sevilla CF. Unfortunately for them, visitors Villarreal have well and truly awoken with a bang and are on fire at the moment with both goalscoring and form. They've amassed a highly-impressive twelve goals in their last four competitve games, winning three games and drawing the other. They smashed four goals past Lazio mid-week are starting to look their old selves again. Basically, I think this game is going to be an awful lot closer than people think and with odds of 5/4 for laying a side that hasn't won either of their last two competitive games at home seems very good value to me - potentially!
Elche vs Real Union Club de Irun - home win at 10/11. Both of these side appear to have a long battle ahead of them to stay in the Segunda Liga this year so this kind of game will be vital for both. Elche have more experience in this division than newly-promoted Real Union Club de Irun and it's shown so far. Elche are unbeaten in their last four games, winning two of them, and have gained substantial momentum from these results. Real Union Club de Irun have already lost three of their five away games this season and enter this game with two defeats in their last three games. For me, there's clear value in the home win at 10/11 for Elche as they boast a better quality of player and better level of momentum at the present time.
Llaneros de Guanare vs Deportivo Italia - away win at 21/20. Llaneros de Guanare are having a campaign to forget as they've won just once in eleven games. They've lost a heavy six games in the process and three defeats in their last five games leaves the bottom-placed club precariously placed as other sides begin to pull away from them. Unfortunately for Llaneros de Guanare, they are today hosting one of Venezuela's "big three" - Deportivo Italia. The visitors are currently third in the Primera Division with seven wins from eleven games. They've won three of their last five games and have the best away record in the league with four wins from five away games. They've got the momentum and the quality to win this game so I fancy Deportivo Italia to overcome Llaneros de Guanare with considerable ease tonight at 21/20.
As ever, if there are any questions/explanations required then feel free to post a comment! For the complete picks listing, see below!
Argentinian Primera Division:
San Lorenzo de Almagro vs Banfield (6) 2-1
Estudiantes De La Plata vs Velez Sarsfeld (6) 1-0
Boca Juniors vs Colon de Santa Fe (6) 1-1
Australian A-League:
Wellington Phoenix vs Perth Glory (6) 1-1
Newcastle Jets vs North Queensland Fury (5) 1-2
Austrian Bundesliga:
Austria Vienna vs Sturm Graz (6) 1-1
SV Ried vs Austria Karnten (9) -1.75 handicap
Wiener Neustadt vs Salzburg (7) over 2.5 goals
LASK Linz vs Rapid Vienna (8) 1-3
Belarusian Vysshaya Liga:
FC Vitebsk vs MTZ-RIPO Minsk (5) 1-0
Dinamo Brest vs Naftan Novopolotsk (7) 2-1
FC Smorgon vs FC Minsk (7) 0-1
Neman Grodno vs Torpedo Zhodino (6) 1-0
BATE Borisov vs FC Gomel (4) 1-1
Granit Mikashevichi vs Shakhtyor Soligorsk (8) 1-2
Dinamo Minsk vs Dnepr Mogilev (7) 1-0
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Racing Genk vs Anderlecht (8) 1-2
Standard de Liege vs Club Brugge (4) 1-2
Belgian Tweede Klasse:
Antwerp vs Tubize (5)
OH Leuven vs Ronse (8)
Brazilian Serie A:
Corinthians vs Santo Andre (5) 1-1
Atletico Mineiro vs Flamengo (6) 2-1
Fluminense vs Palmeiras (6) 1-2
Botafogo vs Coritiba (7) 2-1
Atletico Paranaense vs Goias (7) 1-1
Gremio Barueri vs Internacional (6) 0-1
Bulgarian A PFG:
Pirin Blagoevgrad vs Levski Sofia (5) 1-1
CSKA Sofia vs Slavia Sofia (6) 2-1
Colombian Futbol Profesional:
Real Cartagena vs Atletico Huila (6) 1-1
Deportivo Cali vs Boyaca Chico (6) 1-0
Deportivo Pasto vs Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota (5) 1-1
Once Caldas Manizales vs Envigado (8) 2-0
Cucuta Deportivo vs Deportivo Pereira (6) 2-1, draw no bet
Deportes Quindio vs Atletico Junior Barranquilla (6) 1-0
Millonarios Bogota vs La Equidad Bogota (7) 2-1
Croatian Prva Liga:
Dinamo Zagreb vs Sibenik (6) 2-1
Cypriot Division 1:
Apollon Limassol vs Doxa (8) 2-1
Ermis vs AEL Limassol (6) 1-2
Czech Republic Gambrinus Liga:
Ceske Budejovice vs Mlada Boleslav (6) 0-1
Bohemians Prague vs Brno (5) 1-1
Bohemians 1905 vs Pribram (4) 1-0
Danish Superligaen:
Midtylland vs Randers (8) 2-0
SonderjyskE vs Nordsjaelland (6) 1-1
Brondby vs Esbjerg (7) 1-0
Aalborg BK vs FC Copenhagen (8) 1-2
Danish 1st Division:
Frem vs Roskilde (6) over 2.5 goals
Fyn vs Hvidovre (6)
AC Horsens vs Vestjaelland (7)
Fredericia vs Naestved (6)
Lyngby vs Thisted (8)
Vejle vs Kolding (8)
AB Copenhagen vs Braband (8)
Ecuadorian Primera A:
Liga de Quito vs Macara Ambato (8) 2-0
Emelec Guayaquil vs Olmedo Riobamba (6) 1-1
Espoli Cayambe vs Deportivo Cuenca (7) 1-2
English Premier League:
Hull City vs Stoke City (7) 0-1
West Ham United vs Everton (7) 2-1
Wigan Athletic vs Fulham (6) 1-1
Chelsea vs Manchester United (7) 2-1
English FA Cup:
Northwich Victoria vs Charlton Athletic (8) 0-2
Burton Albion vs Oxford City (7) over 2.5 goals
Wealdstone vs Rotherham United (7) 0-1
French Ligue 1:
LOSC Lille vs Girondins de Bordeaux (7) 1-1
Toulouse vs Stade Rennais (6) 0-0
Olympique Lyonnais vs Olympique de Marseille (6) 1-1
German Bundesliga:
Hannover 96 vs Hamburger SV (5) 1-1
Hertha BSC Berlin vs Koln (5) 1-0
Werder Bremen vs BV09 Borussia Dortmund (8) over 2.5 goals
German Bundesliga 2:
Energie Cottbus vs 1860 Munich (6)
Karlsruher SC vs Union Berlin (7)
MSV Duisburg vs Rot-Weiss Ahlen (8)
Greek Super League:
Atromitos vs Ergotelis (7) 1-1
Xanthi vs Panionios (7) 1-0
Asteras Tripolis vs PAS Giannina (6) 0-0
Levadiakos vs Panathinaikos (9) 0-2
Greek B Ethniki:
Agrotikos Asteras vs Ethnikos Piraeus (6)
Diagoras Rodos vs Kerkyra (6) draw no bet
Kalamata vs Rhodos (5)
OFI Crete vs Panaitolikos Agrinio (7)
Olympiakos Volos vs Anagennisi Karditsas (8)
Panserraikos vs Doxa Dramas (7)
Hungarian Soproni Liga:
Gyori ETO FC vs Debreceni VSC (6) 1-1
Italian Serie A:
Bari vs Livorno (7) 1-0
Bologna vs Palermo (6) 1-1
Cagliari vs Sampdoria (6) 1-2
Genoa vs Siena (8) 2-0
Lazio vs AC Milan (7) 1-2
Parma vs Chievo Verona (6) 1-0
Udinese vs Fiorentina (7) 2-1
Internazionale vs AS Roma (8) 2-1
Japanese J-League:
Nagoya Grampus vs Vissel Kobe (7) 2-1
Kashima Antlers vs Montedio Yamagata (7) 1-0
FC Tokyo vs Urawa Red Diamonds (6) 1-1
Kawasaki Frontale vs JEF United Ichihara (9) 3-1
Jubilo Iwata vs Albirex Niigata (6) 1-1
Omiya Ardija vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima (6) 0-0
Kashiwa Reysol vs Shimizu S-Pulse (6) 0-1
Yokohama F Marinos vs Oita Trinita (8) 2-1
Gamba Osaka vs Kyoto Purple Sanga (8) 2-1
Latvian Virsliga:
Daugava Riga vs Liepajas Metalurgs (9) 1-3
Skonto Riga vs Olimps Riga (8) 2-0
Tranzits Ventspils vs FK Jurmala (7) 1-2
Mexican Primera Division:
Toluca vs Pachuca (7) 2-1
Morelia vs Pumas UNAM (8) 2-1
Estudiantes Tecos vs Queretaro (6) 1-0
America vs Monterrey (5) 1-1
Dutch Eredivisie:
NAC Breda vs Willem II (8) 2-1
ADO Den Haag vs PSV Eindhoven (9) 0-2
AZ Alkmaar vs Feyenoord Rotterdam (6) 1-1
FC Utrecht vs Heerenveen (7) 2-0
FC Twente Enschede vs AFC Ajax Amsterdam (6) 1-2
Dutch Eerste Divisie:
Emmen vs De Graafschap (7)
Polish Ekstraklasa:
Ruch Chorzow vs Jagiellonia Bialystok (8) 2-0
Portuguese Liga Sagres:
Leixoes vs CD Nacional (6) 1-1
Uniao de Leiria vs Academica de Coimbra (6) 1-0
Maritimo vs Porto (5) 1-1
Rio Ave vs Sporting Clube de Lisboa (5) 2-1, draw no bet
Portuguese Liga de Honra:
Desportivo Aves vs Feirense (6)
Freamunde vs Beira-Mar (6)
Trofense vs Varzim (5)
Santa Clara vs Desportivo Chaves (8)
Penafiel vs Oliveirense (7)
Fatima vs Sporting Covilha (5)
Gil Vicente vs Estoril (7)
Romanian Liga:
Otelul Galati vs FC Poli Timisoara (7) 0-1
CFR Cluj vs Astra Ploiesti (8) 2-0
Dinamo Bucharest vs Rapid Bucharest (5) 1-2, draw no bet
Russian Premier League:
CSKA Moscow vs Rubin Kazan (6) 1-2, draw no bet
Spartak Nalchik vs Dinamo Moscow (7) 1-1
Zenit St.Petersburg vs Terek Grozny (8) 2-0
Lokomotiv Moscow vs Amkar Perm (8) 2-1
Scottish Premier League:
Falkirk vs Celtic (8) 0-2
Serbian Super Liga:
Metalac GM vs Partizan Belgrade (7) 1-2
OFK Belgrade vs Javor Ivanjica (7) 1-0
Slovakian Corgon Liga:
MSK Zilina vs Kosice (8) 2-0
Slovenian Prva Liga:
Drava vs Maribor (6) 1-2
Spanish Primera Liga:
Real Valladolid vs Deportivo Xerez (8) 2-0
Sporting Gijon vs Espanyol (6) 1-1
Racing Santander vs Athletic Club de Bilbao (5) 1-2, draw no bet
Almeria vs Osasuna (7) 1-1
Valencia vs Real Zaragoza (8) 2-1
Sevilla CF vs Villarreal (5) 1-1
Spanish Segunda Liga:
Real Murcia vs Cartagena (6)
Elche vs Real Union Club de Irun (7)
Cadiz vs Real Betis Balompie (6)
Girona vs Villarreal II (5)
Spanish Segunda B:
Group 1:
Celta de Vigo II vs Ponferradina (7)
Racing Club de Ferrol vs Compostela (6)
Izarra vs Mirandes (6)
Deportivo Alaves vs Athletic Club de Bilbao II (7)
Guijuelo vs Eibar (8)
Zamora vs Lugo (7)
Group 2:
Real Racing Club Santander II vs Vecindario (7)
Real Sporting de Gijon II vs Guadalajara (5)
Tenerife II vs Toledo (6)
Cerro Reyes Badajoz vs Universidad Las Palmas (8)
Puertollano vs Lanzarote (7)
Leganes vs Villanovense (6)
Real Madrid II vs Real Sociedad Gimnastica Torrelavega (7)
Conquense vs Atletico Madrid II (6)
Cacareno vs Alcorcon (6)
Alcala Henares vs Real Oviedo (6)
Group 3:
Atletico Gramenet vs Benidorm (6) over 2.5 goals
Villajoyosa vs Orihuela (5)
Sabadell vs Mallorca II (6)
Sporting Mahones vs Gava (7)
Espanyol Barcelona II vs Barcelona II (6)
Logrones vs Sant Andreu (6)
Alicante vs Badalona (8)
Ontinyent vs Valencia II (9)
Lleida vs Terrassa (6)
Group 4:
San Roque vs Melilla (5)
Sangonera Atletico vs Real Murcia II (6)
Ecije Balompie vs Sevilla II (8)
Ceuta vs Real Jaen (8)
Aguilas vs Caravaca (7)
Lucena vs Union Estepona (7)
Swedish Allsvenskan Relegation/Promotion Play-Off:
Djurgardens vs Assyriska Sodertalje (8) 2-0
Swiss Super League:
Luzern vs FC Zurich (5) 1-2
Sion vs Young Boys Bern (6) 0-1
Swiss Challenge League:
Vaduz vs Wohlen (8)
Wil vs Le Mont (6)
Biel-Bienne vs Locarno (5)
Thun vs Servette (8)
Gossau vs Winterthur (6)
Turkish Super Lig:
Ankaragucu vs Kasimpasa (8) 2-1
Eskisehirspor vs Denizlispor (8) 2-0
Manisaspor vs Gaziantepspor (8) 1-1
Sivasspor vs Kayserispor (6) 2-1
Diyarbakirspor vs Galatasaray (7) 1-2
Uruguayan Primera Division:
Liverpool Montevideo vs Cerro (8) 2-0
Cerro Largo vs Montevideo Wanderers (6) 1-1
Tacuarembo vs River Plate Montevideo (5) 1-1
Cerrito vs Penarol (8) 1-2
Fenix vs Danubio (6) 0-2
Venezuelan Primera Division:
Deportivo Lara vs Deportivo Tachira (6) 0-1
Mineros de Guayana vs Deportivo Anzoategui (7) 2-1
Monagas SC vs Zulia (9) 3-1
Trujillanos vs Zamora (8) 2-0
Atletico El Vigia vs Yaracuyanos (6) 2-1
Llaneros de Guanare vs Deportivo Italia (7) 1-2
Centro Italo vs Real Esppor Club (7) 1-1
Caracas vs Carabobo (8) 2-0
Aragua vs Estudiantes de Merida (7) 0-0
Enjoy your free betting tips!
Today's featured game is the Ligue 2 clash between Tours and Chateauroux. I think it's fair to say that Tours have been one of my favourite sides in Ligue 2 over the past few years due to their reliability at home in winning me money. Although they've made a slow start to their campaign this year, they've still been prominent at home three wins from five home games and zero defeats. Tours' form has been quite poor of late with one defeat and two draws from their last three games. That said, two of those games were away from home, which is where Tours become shit, and the home game was with high-flying FC Nantes, which they were unlucky not to win. Therefore, I'm not going to excessively read into their recent form but I will draw comfort from the magnificent home record they possessed last season and are looking to recreate this season. Visitors Chateauroux made a good start to the season but their true colours are shining through now with three defeats in their last four games. With this kind of record, it's no surprise at all that the visitors are on a slippery slope down Ligue 2. They're facing a very tough Tours team at a venue where bigger and better sides than themselves have been felled before. Interestingly enough, Chateauroux do possess the best away record in the division currently but that doesn't mask their actual ability or lack of momentum of late. Although all the statistics point to a close game with a most likely outcome of a draw, I really fancy a somewhat comfortable home win for a very strong home side against a side punching above their weight. With that in mind, 10/11 on the home win looks a good bet to me.
Friday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Tours vs Chateauroux - home win at 10/11 - see introduction for full details.
Bastia vs Le Havre - away win at 11/8. Bottom club Bastia have claimed just one win in their ten Ligue 2 games so far this season and don't look likely to improve that tonight. Nobody has lost more home games than Bastia in Ligue 2 this year (three defeats in five games!). They've also lost three of their last five games, drawing the other two. Visitors Le Havre look to have proven their backers right as a potential candidate for promotion this season. They're currently third in the table despite losing their last game. Before that defeat, they had won three games consecutively so winning is far from new to them. They have a good away record as they've only lost once away from home this season in five games, winning twice and drawing twice. Le Havre boast a better squad and momentum favours them here so you have to feel that 11/8 on the away win boasts some value here.
Brest vs Strasbourg - home win at evens. Only Stade Malherbe de Caen have won more home games than Brest this season with the hosts boasting an impressive four wins from five home games. They're unbeaten in five games and have won two of their last four games. Visitors Strasbourg have made an atrocious start to this season but they're gradually turning around and starting to become a threat again. However, I can't envision that happening soon enough for Brest to be unduly worried tonight because the hosts are somewhat formidable at home currently. The fact remains that Strasbourg have still only won one game from ten so far in Ligue 2 this year and they've got a massive task to alter that tonight. Although I expect a close game, the home win at evens looks to boast considerable value tonight.
St.Patrick's Athletic vs Derry City - home win at 13/10. Derry City's precarious financial situation appears to finally have caught up with their players' morale as they've now lost five games in a row. True, they've played some good sides, but form like this for a side that is easily a top five side in Ireland simply isn't good enough at all. Derry City are not only demoralised but must be lacking in motivation because they can't move up a place or down a place, realistically. Derry City are effectively in no man's land and I thoroughly expect that to show in their football today. St Patrick's Athletic have endured a torrid campaign but still need a few points to ensure safety from relegation. St Patrick's Athletic haven't scored enough goals this season, hence their issues. However, they've won one of their last two games and carry more momentum into this game than they've had for the vast majority of the season, as well as the motivation to see it through. For me, there's more need and more possibility of a home win than anything else here so taking St Patrick's Athletic at 13/10 could prove worthwhile.
Dundalk vs Shamrock Rovers - away win at 21/20. These odds mystify me! Dundalk have palyed well this season, particularly at home, and far better than I would have even guessed at, if I'm honest. They're unbeaten in five games but have drawn their last four games consecutively. Dundalk have absolutely nothing to play for now, which makes it all the more interesting to see 21/20 on the away win here. Shamrock Rovers' brilliant run of wins finally came to an abrupt end as they lost 2-1 at home to Cork City. It remains to be seen just how that's going to affect them mentally as Bohemians have now leap-frogged them in the Irish Premier League title race. However, what is factual here is that Shamrock Rovers have only lost once on the road this season and are easily the best away side in the league with nine wins from sixteen games. Shamrock Rovers' biggest boast on the road is that they only concede one goal every two games on average. Basically, there looks to be an awful lot of value for a good Shamrock Rovers to win a game that they simply must win against a Dundalk side that have no requirement to turn up in this game at all. Therefore, 21/20 on the away win could prove serious value tonight.
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:
Estudiantes De La Plata vs Atletico Tucuman (8) 2-0
Rosario Central vs Independiente (5) 0-0
Australian A-League:
Newcastle Jets vs Central Coast Mariners (6) 0-1
Austrian Liga 1:
Austria Vienna II vs Lustenau (5)
Admira Wacker vs Dornbirn (8)
St.Polten vs First Vienna (8)
Gratkorn vs Salzburg II (7)
Wacker Innsbruck vs Hartberg (7)
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Lokeren vs Racing Genk (6) 1-1
Belgian Tweede Klasse:
Lierse SK vs Tienen (8)
OH Leuven vs Eupen (6)
Bulgarian A PFG:
Beroe vs Montana (7) 2-1
Croatian Prva Liga:
Slaven Koprivnica vs Inter Zapresic (9) 2-0
English Championship:
Watford vs Sheffield Wednesday (7)
French Ligue 2:
Bastia vs Le Havre (7)
Istres vs AC Ajaccio (7)
Laval vs Arles (7)
Metz vs Guingamp (8)
Nimes vs Sedan-Ardennes (5)
Vannes OC vs Clermont Foot (5)
Brest vs Strasbourg (7)
Stade Malherbe de Caen vs Angers SCO (8)
Dijon FCO vs FC Nantes (6)
Tours vs Chateauroux (7)
German Bundesliga:
Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs BV09 Borussia Dortmund (8) 2-0
German Bundesliga 2:
Greuther Furth vs Koblenz (8)
Kaiserslautern vs Fortuna Dusseldorf (9)
Rot-Weiss Ahlen vs Augsburg (5)
Greek B Ethniki:
Kalamata vs Doxa Dramas (7)
Hungarian Soproni Liga:
Budapest Honved vs Zalaegerszegi TE (7) 1-1
Irish Premier League:
St.Patrick's Athletic vs Derry City (6) 2-1
Galway United vs Bohemians (8) 0-2
Cork City vs Drogheda United (8) 1-0
Dundalk vs Shamrock Rovers (8) 1-2
Italian Serie B:
Torino vs Reggina (7)
Mexican Primera Division:
Estudiantes Tecos vs Toluca (6) 1-2
Dutch Eredivisie:
FC Utrecht vs Roda JC Kerkrade (8) under 2.5 goals
Dutch Eerste Divisie:
De Graafschap vs MVV Maastricht (8) over 2.5 goals
Den Bosch vs Fortuna Sittard (6)
Dordrecht '90 vs Stormvogels Telstar (7)
Eindhoven vs Go Ahead Eagles (6) over 2.5 goals
Emmen vs Excelsior (8)
Zwolle vs Veendam (6)
Helmond Sport vs AGOVV Appeldoorn (5)
Haarlem vs Volendam (5)
RBC Roosendaal vs Top Oss (6)
Cambuur Leeuwarden vs Omniworld (8)
Polish Ekstraklasa:
Arka Gdynia vs Jagiellonia Bialystok (5) 1-0, draw no bet
Polonia Bytom vs Ruch Chorzow (7) 1-1, at least one red card in this game
Portuguese Liga Sagres:
Belenenses vs Olhanense (7) 0-0
Romanian Liga:
Otelul Galati vs Politehnica Iasi (5) 1-0
Gaz Metan Medias vs FC Brasov (6) 1-1
Singaporean S-League:
Super Reds vs Albirex Niigate (8) 2-1
Swedish Allsvenskan:
Orebro vs Halmstads (5) 0-1, draw no bet
GAIS Goteborg vs Malmo (6) 0-1
Brommapojkarna vs IFK Goteborg (8) 1-2
Swiss Challenge League:
Locarno vs Stade Nyonnais (7)
Turkish Super Lig:
Trabzonspor vs Kayserispor (8) 3-1
Welsh Premier League:
Bangor City vs Prestatyn Town (6) 1-1
Newi Cefn Druids vs Rhyl (8) 0-2
Enjoy your free betting tips!
Today's featured game is the Championship match between Queens Park Rangers and Reading. I lose track of whether Queens Park Rangers are actually the richest British club or not these days but my concern was that they hadn't previously showed their credentials despite their monetary advantage. However, recent weeks have finally seen them emerging as some kind of force although on time will tell if it lasts the distance. They've won three out of their first games and currently boast an unbeaten record at home, something only five sides can match after just twelve games. Queens Park Rangers have managed to score ten goals in their last four games, scoring four past promotion hopefuls Preston North End last match, which has been arguably their most impressive result this season. Today, Queens Park Rangers are hosting a Reading side that really show just how much they miss the players they lost in the summer. Reading currently stand just outside the relegation zone with just two wins from twelve games. They've lost three from their last five games and generally look susceptible to defeat against the majority of sides at the present time. I can see why the bookies would give good odds on this game but I really think Queens Park Rangers have enough to make this bet a good value bet tonight.
Tuesday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Queens Park Rangers vs Reading - home win at 4/5 - see introduction for full details.
Liverpool vs Olympique Lyonnais - under 2.5 goals at 5/6. This is an interesting call considering that both sides are more than capable of scoring goals but at the moment I think they're both slightly under-performing. I'd argue that Olympique Lyonnais have more attacking firepower than Liverpool because Liverpool only have one class striker - Olympique Lyonnais have a lot of quality attackers i.e. Lopez, Gomis. However, Olympique Lyonnais somehow managed to lose 2-0 at home to Sochaux in Ligue 1 at weekend, a baffling result not only because Olympique Lyonnais lost at home and didn't score but also because they lost to one of the worst away sides in the division. Similarly, Liverpool lost 1-0 at Sunderland and can frankly consider themselves lucky to have left that game with nothing! Either way, both sides enter this game having not scored a goal in their last games respectively and Liverpool also miss striker Fernando Torres, which is a massive blow to them. Basically, I'd expect two misfiring teams to bring about a low-scoring encounter for obvious reasons. I'd actually not be surprised if Olympique Lyonnais got a win or a draw here - English sides notoriously struggle with French sides. For the above reasons, taking under 2.5 goals at 5/6 looks a good call to me.
Middlesbrough vs Derby County - lay Middlesbrough at 11/10. I'm afraid my reasoning for this one isn't as reliable as normal but it's got a point to it nonetheless. Basically, Middlesbrough fans hate manager Gareth Southgate. What does this mean? Well, the team get booed at home most of the time, especially when they're losing, so much so that some sides (i.e. Watford) have used this against the home side in order to obtain a result. It's no coincidence that despite Middlesbrough boasting a better side than most of the Championship they've still managed to lose their last three home games in a row. Whereas I don't rate Derby County as a particularly good side nowadays, they are relatively organised and despite their woeful away record, I think there's a chance they'll get a draw here. Frankly, laying Middlesbrough at 11/10 may be risky but with the home fans turning on the manager in such a fashion that it affects the team's performances, you have to feel it's got some foundation to it.
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:
Debreceni VSC vs Fiorentina (8) 0-2
Liverpool vs Olympique Lyonnais (6) under 2.5 goals
Barcelona vs Rubin Kazan (10) -1.75 handicap
Internazionale vs Dynamo Kiev (7) 2-1
Rangers vs Unirea Urziceni (6) 1-0
VFB Stuttgart vs Sevilla CF (6) 0-0
AZ Alkmaar vs Arsenal (8) 1-2
Olympiakos Piraeus vs Standard de Liege (7) 2-0
Copa Nissan Sudamericana:
Velez Sarsfeld vs Liga de Quito (8) 2-0
English Championship:
Blackpool vs Sheffield United (4)
Bristol City vs Plymouth Argyle (6)
Cardiff City vs Coventry City (7)
Doncaster Rovers vs Peterborough United (5) draw no bet
Ipswich Town vs Watford (8)
Leicester City vs Crystal Palace (7)
Nottingham Forest vs Barnsley (7)
Scunthorpe United vs Newcastle United (5)
Sheffield Wednesday vs Preston North End (6)
West Bromwich Albion vs Swansea City (8)
Middlesbrough vs Derby County (6)
Queens Park Rangers vs Reading (8)
Estonian Meistriliiga:
Maag Tammeka Tartu vs Levadia Tallinn (10) 1-3
Flora Tallinn vs Tallinna Kalev (9) 3-0
Irish Premier League:
Drogheda United vs Galway United (5) 1-2, draw no bet
Bohemians vs St Patrick's Athletic (8) 2-0
Derry City vs Sligo Rovers (5) 1-1
Bray Wanderers vs Dundalk (6) 0-0
Shamrock Rovers vs Cork City (8) 2-1
Singaporean S-League:
Woodlands vs Geylang United (6) 1-1
Enjoy your free betting tips!
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