Today's featured game is the English Premier League game between relegation battlers Bolton Wanderers and moneybags Manchester City. Bolton Wanderers have been struggling more this season than they have for some time now and look to have a genuine fight on their hands to stay in the division. Visitors Manchester City are finally starting to remember what winning games feels like so this bodes ominously for their upcoming opponents!
Hosts Bolton Wanderers are in dire straits currently. The fans are rapidly turning on manager Gary Megson and his defensive tactics as the side have now lost four out of their last five games, leaving them deep in the relegation mire. For a side that are supposed to be difficult to play against, the mere fact that Bolton have already lost four out of seven home games suggests that this isn't the case anymore. Target man Kevin Davies is supposedly out for this game and will be a big loss for the Lancashire-based club with goals running dry. Bolton are capable of playing good football but their manager simply won't allow them to do so and as a result the side are suffering a lot in morale, performance, and results.
Visitors Manchester City are back on their feet again after back-to-back wins against Arsenal and Chelsea lifted them back into the limelight. They've played good football throughout both of those games and deserved at least something from both games. Although I don't class Manchester City as the finished article yet, they're certainly looking more potent and are now starting to make it count, which is obviously the important thing. There's no denying that Manchester City are the better side here but this time they have the platform to exhibition their talents against their lesser opponents.
This game should be a pretty straightforward away win with Bolton soaking up far too many goals and Manchester City starting to break into a sprint now.
Verdict: Manchester City to win at 4/5.
Saturday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Brisbane Roar vs Adelaide United - home win at 10/11.
Hosts Brisbane Roar have been playing well of late having suffered just one defeat in their last five games, winning twice and drawing twice. They've been quite solid at home with three wins already but tend to concede too many goals, which is something they'll be looking to remedy no doubt. They're not shy of scoring goals themselves, however, so they're certainly not a side that will lie down and suffer defeat easily!
Visitors Adelaide United are having a season to forget and are currently bottom of the table. They've already lost four out of seven away games this season, winning just once along the way. Adelaide United aren't big conceders but they simply don't score enough goals which is largely why they've lost three out of their last five games, drawing twice along the way. Their momentum is low as a result and their performances are really starting to suffer.
Although there's not much difference between these two sides in terms of quality, Brisbane Roar should have enough in their favour to win the game today.
Verdict: Brisbane Roar to win at 10/11.
Excelsior Mouscron vs Lokeren - home win at evens
Hosts Excelsior Mouscron are on a tremendous run of form as they're now unbeaten in their last five games, winning their last four games consecutively. This run of good form has seen them climb to eight in the Eerste Klasse and leaves them with tremendous momentum to take into this game tonight. Mouscron's home form hasn't been particularly consistent this season but their form of late has been extremely consistent, which is why I'm happy to back them to win this game tonight.
Of course, the above on its own isn't always enough and this selection is no exception. The other half of this bet is that Lokeren are on an atrocious run of form and currently find themselves second from bottom in the table. They've lost four of their last five games, drawing the other, and have already lost seven out of eight away games this season. It's been an odd year for Lokeren because they're capable of playing so much better but they're just not managing to achieve their potential level currently. Lokeren are conceding far too many goals and aren't scoring anywhere near enough. Those facts coupled with the fact that they're travelling to a very in-form Excelsior Mouscron tells me that the home win tonight has considerable value in it!
Verdict: Excelsior Mouscron to win at evens.
Turnhout vs Beveren - home win at evens.
Hosts Turnhout aren't having the best of seasons by any stretch of the imagination as they're currently vying with other Tweede Klasse sides to navigate their way away from the drop zone. That said, however, they've been on a decent run of late and have only been beaten once in their last five games, winning twice and drawing twice. Turnhout can at least fall back on some relatively decent home form as they've won three out of their eight home games this season and they do at least have some momentum in their favour currently.
Visitors Beveren are having a torrid season, which surprises me because I rate them rather highly, to be honest with you! However, five defeats in seven away games perfectly illustrates just why things are going to badly wrong for them. They've managed to score a paltry three away goals this season whilst leaking an average of over two goals per away game. Beveren are without a win in their last three games, losing two of them and generally looking likely to be outdone by any opponent that they travel to face. Beveren's home form has been semi-decent which is the only reason that they're not bottom of the table but their away form is some of the worst in the Tweede Klasse.
Although both of these sides are about par, far more favours Turnhout in this game than Beveren so we should see a fairly straightforward and money-making home win!
Verdict: Turnhout to win at evens.
Stoke City vs Wigan Athletic - home win at 21/20.
Stoke City have been their usual imposing selves at home this season with four wins in seven games, conceding and scoring very few goals but usually getting the job done! The only sides to win here so far this season have been Manchester United and Chelsea so that tells you the difficulty that is always present when travelling to the Britannia Stadium. Stoke don't play good football although they're capable of it. Stoke's general tactical approach is to stop other sides scoring goals whilst attempting to poach a goal on the counter-attack or via set pieces. Stoke's recent form has been a tad disappointing but they're always motivated and are usually efficient enough to grind out a win when playing at home.
Visitors Wigan Athletic are a really bizarre side this season under Roberto Martinez. They either turn up and beat sides like Chelsea or go and lose 9-1 to Tottenham Hotspur! One thing that does remain entact, however, is the fact that no side in the Premier League has conceded more goals than they have although Hull City can match the figure. Wigan average conceding over two goals per game and average conceding over three goals per away game, which is frankly shocking. Wigan have already lost five out of seven away games and the nightmarisht trip to Stoke looks to be yet another nail in their coffin lid of away form!
Verdict: Stoke City to win at 21/20.
Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace - home win at 5/6.
Sheffield United have finally started playing football again and are now unbeaten in their last five games, winning three times along the way. Sheffield United enter this game with a good level of momentum as a result of their recent form and now look in good stead to beat a topsy-turvy Crystal Palace. Sheffield United's home form this season has been unconvincing but I'm banking on the idea that the hosts' momentum will suffice for a home win to occur here as we all know already that Sheffield United are the better side out of these two outfits!
Visitors Crystal Palace enter this game on the back of some very strange results indeed. They've managed to beat an in-form Watford 3-0 and overcome promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough 1-0 and yet also managed to somehow lose 3-0 at home to Doncaster Rovers. To say that this side is inconsistent would be a massive understatement! Neil Warnock's cash-strapped side do have a lot of heart and are always motivated for each game though so we can only respect that in them. However, the fact remains that they're not as good as Warnock's old club Sheffield United so it's hard for me to look beyond the home win for a rejuvenated Sheffield United today!
Verdict: Sheffield United to win at 5/6.
Yeovil Town vs Norwich City - away win at 5/6.
Yeovil Town are in a patch of bad form with no wins in four games, drawing twice and losing twice. Although their home form tends to be reliable, their recent form suggests that they're going to struggle in this game, particularly as they're currently averaging nearly two goals conceded per game before they host an in-form Norwich City. Yeovil aren't a particularly good side and look to have everything against them for this particular match today.
Norwich City are still flying high with four wins in their last five games, scoring thirteen goals along the way. Norwich currently average scoring nearly three goals per home game as well as having already won seven out of ten home games this season. Norwich are without a doubt one of the best sides in League One and their performances and results indicate this perfectly. Only Huddersfield Town have scored more goals than Norwich City have this season and the promotion hopefuls should have more than enough in the tank to secure a win against an out-of-sorts and weaker Yeovil Town today.
Verdict: Norwich City to win at 5/6.
Bari vs Juventus - away win at 5/6.
Bari have had a tremendous season so far but a lot of that start has been down to sides being unable to break them down. However, Bari have now lost twice in their last three games and are starting to look somewhat human again. Bari have been particularly good at home with four wins, two draws, and just one defeat in their seven home games in Serie A this season. Bari have only scored nine goals along the way but their main boast is that they've only conceded three at home all season, which is less than any other Serie A side currently.
Visitors Juventus will enter this game with mixed feelings, no doubt. They managed to overcome bitter rivals Internazionale in their last Serie A encounter, thus cutting the gap between the two sides to five points. However, since then Juventus have suffered a crushing 4-1 defeat at home to Bayern Munich in the UEFA European Champions League, a result which has seen them crash out of the competition and enter the UEFA Europa League instead. It remains to be seen just how Juventus deal with this hefty blow but my bet hinges upon their professionalism and ability to overcome weaker opponents, even if they are hard to break down like Bari. Juventus have already won four out of seven away games this season and certainly have the ability to unlock a stubborn Bari defence.
Although this should be a tight and low-scoring affair, it's hard to look beyond a Juventus win at bargain odds when you consider just how much better they are than their opponents tonight.
Verdict: Juventus to win at 5/6.
Ancona vs Brescia - home win at 6/5.
Ancona have struggled in their last couple of games, drawing once and losing once. However, they still possess one of the best home records in the division due to their consistency when playing on their own turf. Ancona have already won six out of eight home games this season, drawing the other two, and averaging nearly two goals scored per home game. Ancona rarely concede at home with an average of just over a goal per every two home games conceded. Only league leaders Lecce have scored more goals in Serie B this season than Ancona have and their potency tends to cause other sides a great deal of problems, naturally.
Visitors Brescia have a bad handicap despite being one of the better sides in Serie B and that is that they simply cannot perform away from home. Brescia have already lost five out of eight away games this season, conceding an average of nearly two goals per away game. Brescia have only won once away from home this season and that is looking increasingly unlikely to change against a rampant Ancona side, particularly as Brescia enter this game with just one win in their last five games, losing two out of their last three. Brescia simply concede too many goals on the road and I suspect that's going to do them a lot of damage today!
Verdict: Ancona to win at 6/5.
Modena vs Mantova - home win at 5/6.
Modena have played very well lately with a three game run without defeat seeing them win twice and draw once, a run of form which has seen them climb to sixth in the Serie B table. Modena don't score many goals, which is their handicap, but they don't concede many either so it tends to balance out rather well. Modena have been good at home this season, not great, with four wins in eight home games, drawing once and losing three times. Only little Gallipoli have scored less goals at home than Modena this season but only a handful of sides have conceded less goals at home than Modena have too. Modena like to play compact football at home and win by a narrow margin, tactics that have served them well thus far in this campaign.
Visitors Mantova are a side I quite like for reasons I simply can't explain but it's an undeniable fact that this side is atrocious away from home. They've already lost four out of eight away games, drawing three times and winning just once on the road this season. Like Modena, Mantova don't score or concede too many goals but their main handicap tends to be that they do concede more than their opponents, hence so many defeats! Mantova haven't won any of their last four games, drawing twice and losing twice, results which will have sapped all of their momentum undoubtedly. Mantova aren't playing well enough to get a result off a very in-form Modena today so the home win looks good value to me!
Verdict: Modena to win at 5/6.
Omniworld vs Cambuur Leeuwarden - away win at 5/6.
I've mentioned before that I consider Omniworld to be the worst side in the Eerste Divisie and my opinion hasn't changed since then. Despite going unbeaten in their last three games, Omniworld are now taking on one of the best sides in the division and don't have anywhere near enough ability to match them. Omniworld have only won three out of nine home games this season and few sides have conceded as many goals as they have.
Visitors Cambuur Leeuwarden have won more away games and scored more away goals than any other Eerste Divisie side has this season. They've been disappointing in their last three games, failing to win any of them, but now have the perfect opportunity to rediscover their form against lowly Omniworld. Cambuur's seven away wins in ten games is impressive enough in itself, as is the fact that they average nearly three goals scored per away game, but when you consider that their actual quality is twice that of Omniworld then you have to start wondering just why the odds for the away win here are so good. I've tried to think of a reason why this could be but I simply can't find one so I can't only recommend that you jump on this bet before the odds inevitably drop for what should be a comfortable away win, with or without momentum entering this game!
Verdict: Cambuur Leeuwarden to win at 5/6.
Accumulator fodder - Germinal Beerschot, Club Brugge, KVSK United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town, Charlton Athletic, Lecce, Twente, PSV Eindhoven, Lech Poznan, SL Benfica, CFR Cluj, Rangers, Partizan Belgrade, Red Star Belgrade, Borac Cacak, Maribor, Barcelona, Shakhtar Donetsk
Recommended accumulators in no particular order:
Club Brugge, KVSK United, Germinal Beerschot, Excelsior Mouscron - 6/1.
Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Stoke City - 6/1.
Sheffield United, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town, Charlton Athletic - 8/1.
As ever, if there are any questions/explanations required then feel free to post a comment! For the complete picks listing, see below!
FIFA World Club Cup:
Auckland City vs Atlante (8) 1-2
Australian A-League:
Wellington Phoenix vs Sydney FC (6) 0-0
Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne Victory (6) 1-2
Brisbane Roar vs Adelaide United (7) 2-1
Austrian Bundesliga:
Wiener Neustadt vs LASK Linz (8) over 3.5 goals
Kapfenberg vs Mattersburg (6) 2-1
Rapid Vienna vs SV Ried (8) 2-0
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Germinal Beerschot vs Charleroi (8) 2-0
Sint-Truiden vs Kortrijk (5) 0-0
Excelsior Mouscron vs Lokeren (8) 2-0
Club Brugge vs Mechelen (8) over 2.5 goals
Standard de Liege vs Roeselare (7) 2-1
Belgian Tweede Klasse:
Eupen vs Brussels (7)
Red Star Waasland vs Lierse (7)
Turnhout vs Beveren (6)
KVSK United vs Tienen (8)
Tubize vs Tournai (7)
Dender vs Standaard Wetteren (5)
Cypriot Division 1:
A.E.Paphos vs AEL Limassol (6) 1-1
Apollon Limassol vs APOP/Kinyras (6) 1-0
Anorthosis Famagusta vs Enosis Neon Paralimni (7) 2-1
English Premier League:
Stoke City vs Wigan Athletic (7) 2-1
Birmingham City vs West Ham United (7) 1-0
Bolton Wanderers vs Manchester City (7) 1-2
Burnley vs Fulham (7) 0-0
Chelsea vs Everton (9) over 2.5 goals
Hull City vs Blackburn Rovers (5) 1-2
Sunderland vs Portsmouth (7) 2-1
Tottenham Hotspur vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (9) -1.75 handicap
Manchester United vs Aston Villa (7) over 2.5 goals
English Championship:
Barnsley vs Newcastle United (6)
Coventry City vs Peterborough United (5)
Doncaster Rovers vs Bristol City (7)
Ipswich Town vs Blackpool (7)
Leicester City vs Sheffield Wednesday (7)
Preston North End vs Plymouth Argyle (7)
Reading vs Scunthorpe United (7)
Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace (8)
Swansea City vs Nottingham Forest (8)
Watford vs Derby County (7)
English League One:
Brentford vs Leeds United (8)
Bristol Rovers vs Swindon Town (4)
Carlisle United vs Wycombe Wanderers (7)
Huddersfield Town vs Gillingham (8)
Leyton Orient vs Milton Keynes Dons (5)
Millwall vs Walsall (6)
Oldham Athletic vs Exeter City (7)
Southampton vs Tranmere Rovers (7)
Southend United vs Hartlepool United (5)
Stockport County vs Charlton Athletic (8)
Yeovil Town vs Norwich City (8)
English League Two:
Barnet vs Crewe Alexandra (5)
Bradford City vs Rotherham United (6)
Burton Albion vs Aldershot Town (5)
Chesterfield vs Cheltenham Town (6)
Dagenham & Redbridge vs Bury (7)
Lincoln City vs Rochdale (7)
Macclesfield Town vs Hereford United (5)
Morecambe vs Bournemouth (7)
Northampton Town vs Port Vale (6)
Notts County vs Accrington Stanley (7)
Shrewsbury Town vs Grimsby Town (7)
Torquay United vs Darlington (7)
French Ligue 1:
Le Mans vs Valenciennes (6) 1-1
Racing Club Lens vs OGC Nice (6) 2-1
Olympique de Marseille vs Boulogne (9) -1.75 handicap
AS Nancy-Lorraine vs Stade Rennais (7) 1-1
Lorient vs Auxerre (5) 1-0
German Bundesliga:
Hoffenheim vs Eintracht Frankfurt (6) over 2.5 goals
VFL Bochum vs Bayern Munich (8) 1-2
Borussia Moenchengladbach vs Hannover 96 (6) 1-0
Freiburg vs Koln (5) 1-2
Nurnberg vs Hamburger SV (6) 0-0
Werder Bremen vs Schalke 04 (5) 1-1
German Bundesliga 2:
1860 Munich vs Augsburg (7)
FSV Frankfurt vs Rot-Weiss Ahlen (6)
Greek Super League:
Aris Salonika vs Asteras Tripolis (7) 1-0
PAS Giannina vs Ergotelis (5) 0-1, draw no bet
Iraklis vs Panathinaikos (7) 1-2
Greek B Ethniki:
Diagoras Rodos vs Ionikos Nikaias (5)
Italian Serie A:
Cagliari vs SSC Napoli (6) 2-1
Bari vs Juventus (8) 1-2
Italian Serie B:
Ancona vs Brescia (7)
Crotone vs Gallipoli (6)
Empoli vs Vicenza (8)
Frosinone vs Cittadella (6)
Lecce vs Ascoli (9)
Modena vs Mantova (8)
Piacenza vs Grosseto (6)
Salernitana vs Albinoleffe (5)
Torino vs Sassuolo (6)
Dutch Eredivisie:
VVV Venlo vs RKC Waalwijk (7) over 2.5 goals
Twente vs NAC Breda (9) 2-0
Heerenveen vs Feyenoord Rotterdam (7) 1-2
PSV Eindhoven vs AZ Alkmaar (8) over 2.5 goals
Dutch Eerste Divisie:
Omniworld vs Cambuur Leeuwarden (8)
Polish Ekstraklasa:
Lechia Gdansk vs Cracovia Krakow (7) 1-1
Lech Poznan vs Korona Kielce (8) over 2.5 goals
Polonia Bytom vs Odra Wodzislaw (7) 2-0
Slask Wroclaw vs Polonia Warsaw (6) 1-1
Portuguese Liga Sagres:
Sporting Clube de Lisboa vs Uniao de Leiria (7) 1-0
Olhanense vs SL Benfica (8) -1.75 handicap
Portuguese Liga de Honra:
Desportivo Aves vs Estoril (6)
Romanian Liga:
Otelul Galati vs Universitatea Craiova (5) 1-2, draw no bet
CFR Cluj vs Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt (9) under 2.5 goals
Scottish Premier League:
Motherwell vs Celtic (7) 1-2
Aberdeen vs Hamilton Academicals (7) 1-0
Hearts vs Dundee United (6) 1-2
Kilmarnock vs Hibernians (7) 0-1
Rangers vs St.Johnstone (8) 2-0
St.Mirren vs Falkirk (6) 1-0
Serbian Super Liga:
Metalac GM vs Rad Belgrade (6) 1-0
Smederevo vs Jagodina (6) 2-1
OFK Belgrade vs BSK Borca (8) 2-0
Mladi Radnik vs Partizan Belgrade (9) 1-3
Borac Cacak vs Cukaricki (8) 2-0
Javor Ivanjica vs Hajduk Kula (7) 2-1
Red Star Belgrade vs Spartak Subotica (8) 2-0
Slovenian Prva Liga:
Koper vs Celje (7) 2-1
Maribor vs Interblock Ljubljana (8) 2-0
Spanish Primera Liga:
Real Zaragoza vs Athletic Club de Bilbao (6) 1-1
Barcelona vs Espanyol (8) 2-0
Valencia CF vs Real Madrid (7) over 2.5 goals
Spanish Segunda Liga:
Castellon vs Real Sociedad (6) 1-1
Hercules Alicante vs Girona (8)
Recreativo de Huelva vs Cordoba (7)
Albacete vs Levante (6)
Rayo Vallecano de Madrid vs Numancia (7)
Villarreal II vs Real Murcia (5)
Spanish Segunda B:
Group 1:
Osasuna II vs Eibar (7)
Group 3:
Barcelona II vs Terrassa (8)
Turkish Super Lig:
Fenerbahce vs Ankaragucu (7) over 2.5 goals
Ukrainian Premier League:
Zorya Lugansk vs Obolon Kiev (6) 2-1
Arsenal Kiev vs Chernomorets Odessa (6) 1-0
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Illichivets Mariupol (9) -1.75 handicap
Metalist Kharkiv vs Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk (6) 1-1
Vorskla Poltava vs Zakarpattya Uzhhorod (7) 1-0
Uruguayan Primera Division:
Atenas vs Penarol (7) 1-2
Rampla Juniors vs Danubio (6) 2-2
Welsh Premier League:
Bala Town vs Port Talbot Town (6) 1-2
Caersws vs Haverfordwest County (6) 0-1
Newi Cefn Druids vs Carmarthen Town (7) 0-1
Newtown vs Bangor City (6) 0-0
Porthmadog vs Connah's Quay Nomads (6) 1-1
Rhyl vs Welshpool (8) 3-1
Enjoy your free betting tips!
Today's featured game is the League Cup match between Arsenal and Liverpool. Just to remind you all (as if you didn't already know!) that this is the shit trophy that nobody is particularly arsed about winning. What tends to happen is that all of the big four that can play a youthful side will then do so to give them experience. Obviously, the sides from the big four that can do this will do so, which basically excludes Chelsea, who haven't had a good youth player since John Terry some ten years ago. This game at the Emirates Stadium shows a match-up that has been played many times over the past few seasons in various different competitions. However, the last time that Arsenal's kids came up against Liverpool's kids was at Anfield in 2007 where Arsenal's kids trimphed 6-3, an extremely impressive scoreline considering that they were away from home. Arsene Wenger has long been reputed as one of the best talent scouts in the world (although bastards like me love to point out that he's overlooked some gems he's had on trial before now i.e. Zlatan Ibrahimovic) and I can only echo such sentiments although I'd argue his tactical finesse is a more substantial reason behind Arsenal's persistent success in challenging for the title without having the resources to do it. What do I mean by that? I mean that some of Arsenal's current "stars" wouldn't get into any other side in the top seven clubs - it's simply Arsene Wenger saying "You there! I want you to do this at this point and if you do not do that then you'll be out of the squad" effectively because it works and he knows it. Take Diaby or Denilson, for example - neither of those two "stars" would get into any other big side in England because they're just not good enough. Under Arsene Wenger's machine, however, they look very good. Rafa Benitez is one of the late bloomers when it comes to producing youngsters as he's tried rectifying Liverpool's lack of academy produce in recent years but hasn't successfully managed to achieve with it yet, although a few of his signings have caught my eye, namely Daniel Pacheco (former Barcelona striker), Andras Simon & Krisztian Nemeth (Hungarian strike duo from MTK Budapest), Mikel San Jose (defender poached from my beloved Athletic Club de Bilbao's legendary Lezama academy) and Lauri Dalla Valle (Finnish playmaker signed from Jippo Joensuu - I'm entirely confident this his name is Finnish too - no trace of Italian heritage whatsoever(!)). However, these players are the future and not the present. Arsenal always have a wealth of talent emerging and this level tends to be the only level it's shown it, either because the players move on when they become successful or because Arsenal's first team don't defend well enough for them to ever be successful in the Premier League again. Anyway, what I'm painstakingly trying to point out is not only that Arsenal have a better youth squad and that they're at home but they've also battered Liverpool's youngsters before in the League Cup. Effectively, the home win at 6/5 looks a real bargain for what could turn out to be a complete whitewash here.
Wednesday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Arsenal vs Liverpool - home win at 6/5 - see introduction for full details.
SV Ried vs Wiener Neustadt - home win with -1.75 handicap at 6/4. This bet is one of three that I like in Austria today. SV Ried, as I've maintained for some time now, are one of the best home sides in the Austrian Bundesliga. This has been proven time and time again, most notably last season where they remained undefeated at home all season and this season where they've won three games, drawn once, and lost once in the five games they've played. If you don't think that looks particularly impresssive, consider that they've hosted three of the "big four" of Austrian football - Rapid Vienna, Salzburg and Sturm Graz already. SV Ried are unbeaten in five games, winning twice and drawing three times. They earned a highly respectable draw at Salzburg last match and will have taken confidence and momentum from this game. Today they host Wiener Neustadt, one of the worst away sides in the Bundesliga currently. The newly-promoted side have lost four from five away games thus far, drawing the other game. More worryingly for the visitors, they've conceded over two goals per game on the road this season and haven't scored enough goals for them to even claim a "goal per away game" ratio. They're winless in four games, losing twice and drawing twice. To put it bluntly; Wiener Neustadt are going to play SV Ried on a ground where much bigger and better sides have been humbled before. Therefore, the home win with -1.75 handicap at 6/4 looks a great bet today!
LASK Linz vs Salzburg - away win at 3/4. Although I'm a little dubious about this call, I still feel it's got enough potential to make it a worthwhile bet. LASK Linz have won four games from twelve games this season with all of them occurring during their six home games. They've lost just once at home so Salzburg are bidding to become the second side to win here this season. LASK Linz, despite being 7th in the Bundesliga, are the top goalscorers in the division with approximately 2.5 goals scored per game. Their goalscoring record at home shows they score approximately 3.5 goals per game, which is astonishing considering the number of problems the side has with winning games. LASK Linz are without a win in their last four games, drawing once and losing three times along the way. LASK Linz are big conceders, as you've probably already gathered from the above statistics. Although Salzburg have drawn and lost their last two games respectively, they remain the better side from these two outfits and have only lost two from six away games so far this season. What finally tipped the scale in Salzburg's favour for me was the "voodoo sign" they have over LASK Linz as they've won all six of their last six encounters against the Linz-based outfit, two of which were at LASK Linz without even conceding a goal. Although it is quite a risky call, as I mentioned previously, I still believe the away win at 3/4 shows significant value today.
Austria Karnten vs Rapid Vienna - away win with -1.75 handicap at 7/5. This bet is something of a no-brainer, really. Rapid Vienna are one of the best sides in the Bundesliga and will be keen to build on their 4-0 win against SV Mattersburg at weekend. They've won four of their last five games and scored an average of over two goals per game. Although their away form is somewhat inconclusive, they are playing against one of the worst sides in the Bundesliga - Austria Karnten. The hosts have won one game from twelve so far this season, losing three of their last five games and drawing the other two. They average conceding nearly three goals per game currently and look susceptible to being defeated by just about every opponent they encounter. Lastly, Rapid Vienna have beaten the -1.75 handicap in their last three encounters against the Bundesliga's current bottom club. Therefore, taking the away win with -1.75 handicap at 7/5 could be a great bet here today!
Vitoria vs Corinthians - home win at 21/20. Neither of these two sides have anything left to play for this season and their recent lax attitude towards their performances have indicated that clearly with both sides claiming just one victory in five games. However, what has persuaded me to back a home win in this game is partially that Vitoria have proven to be a real force at home this season (ten wins from fifteen games, which is a record bettered only by Gremio) and that Corinthians have now lost two consecutive games, leaving them lacking in motivation and momentum entering this game. Corinthians have only managed two wins away from home all season and with the above information in mind, it looks unlikely they'll claim a victory here. Corinthians have lost six away games this season but their biggest downfall has been their lack of goalscoring. On the road, Corinthians have managed to score just eleven goals in fifteen games, which is actually the lowest goalscoring record away from home in Serie A. Given that Vitoria average over two goals scored per game at home, you have to feel that the statistics indicating a home win here are most likely correct. With all the above in mind, 21/20 on the home win looks a good call tonight.
Gremio Barueri vs Flamengo - away win at 7/5. Although considered one of the stronger home sides in Serie A, I'm tipping Gremio Barueri to lose this one. They've won once in their last five games, drawing twice and losing twice. My main motivation for this game is their lack of motivation as they've got absolutely nothing left to play for. A few weeks back Flamengo were forced to field a drastically under-strength squad for some games due to injuries etc. Their season looked over at that point. However, since then they've gone on a rampage and have now won four of their last five games, including a highly impressive win at league leaders Palmeiras. Flamengo now find themselves just four points behind the league leaders with seven games remaining so this game is of great importance to the visitors. Although they're not massively convincing away from home - like most Brazilian sides, really - I still think they've got the ability, momentum and motivation to win this game. I expect a close game with plenty of goals because Gremio Barueri are amongst the highest goalscorers in the league that won't simply lie down for this game and they're hosting a Flamengo side that very much need the points. Therefore, the away win at 7/5 could turn out to be a good bet tonight.
Helsingborgs vs Djurgardens - lay Helsingborgs at evens. This is a very risky call considering that Djurgardens are one of the worst away sides in the Allsvenskan. However, desperate times call for desperate measures and Djurgardens have been getting slightly better of late with just one defeat in three games, even winning a game along the way! The visitors absolutely need something from this game to maintain their beliefs that they can still be playing Allsvenskan football next season, albeit via a play-off against a Superettan side. Naturally, the above isn't all I required to place this bet - I also required Helsingborgs be playing very badly, which they are. They've won just two games in their past eleven Allsvenskan games, leaving them looking short on goals and high on goals conceded. As I said earlier, this is a risky call but the above information makes evens on laying Helsingborgs today a potentially worthwhile call.
St.Gallen vs Grasshoppers Zurich - away win at 8/5. Grasshoppers Zurich have defied belief somewhat of late. Also virtually crucified with financial issues, a demoralised side and by having no real motivation to get themselves out of their mess, the squad have still managed to really come alive lately. They've unbeaten in four games now, winning three times and drawing once. They've even managed to overcome Young Boys Bern lately, who are the best side in the Super League, in my opinion. I don't know quite how to explain it but I guess when you've got nothing to play for, you eventually reach a stage where you have nothing to lose so you all play free-flowing football with no worries and this can be the result. Grasshoppers Zurich have very strong momentum at the moment and although their away form is less than convincing currently, you have to favour them to win this game. Statistics show that St.Gallen are hard to beat at home, which normally means I'd leave this game alone in terms of betting. However, St.Gallen have now lost four consecutive games and the newly-promoted side are really struggling to come to terms with the Super League at the moment. There's a big difference in momentum tonight, to be blunt, and the away win seems to bear good value as a result of that momentum at 8/5.
FC Zurich vs Basel - away win at 13/8. This is hard call for me to make as I believe FC Zurich are the better of these two sides nowadays. However, this game is one I can see being the result of European commitments but for varying reasons. FC Zurich have been forced to consider and even prioritise the UEFA Champions League, something they're appearing in for the first time this year. I don't think it's any coincidence that since their group stage games started, FC Zurich have lost three Super League games and won just once. Before the victory at St.Gallen last match, FC Zurich had in fact lost three consecutive games, which isn't nearly good enough for such a good side. Visitors Basel, however, have provided a spark for their otherwise stagnant season by overcome AS Roma of Italy in the UEFA Europa League. Since then, Basel have gone from strength to strength, even showing signs of recreating their former glory as they've won four consecutive league games, won at CSKA Sofia in the UEFA Europa League without even conceding and having put up an extremely valiant fight at Fulham in England, also in the UEFA Europa League. Basel are playing better now than they have all season - their momentum is strong and they're beginning to believe in the own ability again. FC Zurich are still looking very shaky, in my opinion, and will do well to win this game, particularly as they've actually managed to lose this fixture for three seasons running now. Although I expect this to be a close game, the away win at 11/8 does look inviting when you consider the above information.
As ever, any questions/explanations required, feel free to email me at thefootytipster@gmail.com. For the complete picks listing, see below!
Asian Champions League:
Nagoya Grampus vs Al Ittihad (8) 2-1
Umm Salal vs Pohang Steelers (5) 1-0
Baltic League:
Trans Narva vs Suduva Marijampole (6) 1-2
Liepajas Metalurgs vs Nomme Kalju (8) 2-0
Skonto Riga vs Sillamae Kalev (8) 3-1
Argentinian Primera Division:
Godoy Cruz de Mendoza vs Estudiantes De La Plata (6) 1-2
Gimnasia De La Plata vs Banfield (8) 1-1
San Lorenzo de Almagro vs Arsenal de Sarandi (8) 2-0
Huracan vs Rosario Central (5) 0-0
Independiente vs Colon de Santa Fe (5) 2-1, draw no bet
Austrian Bundesliga:
SV Ried vs Wiener Neustadt (9) -1.75 handicap
LASK Linz vs Salzburg (7) over 2.5 goals
SV Kapfenberg vs Austria Vienna (8) 1-3
SV Mattersburg vs Sturm Graz (6) 2-3
Austria Karnten vs Rapid Vienna (8) -1.75 handicap, over 3.5 goals
Belarusian Vysshaya Liga:
FC Smorgon vs BATE Borisov (9) 1-3
Brazilian Serie A:
Botafogo vs Nautico (7) 2-1
Atletico Paranaense vs Santos (6) 1-1
Gremio vs Avai (7) 1-0
Cruzeiro vs Santo Andre (9) 3-1
Vitoria vs Corinthians (7) 2-1
Gremio Barueri vs Flamengo (6) 0-1
Sao Paulo vs Internacional (6) 2-1, at least one red card in this game
English League Cup:
Manchester City vs Scunthorpe United (8) 2-1
Chelsea vs Bolton Wanderers (8) 2-0
Arsenal vs Liverpool (9) 3-1
Italian Serie A:
Bologna vs Siena (6) 1-0
Catania vs Chievo Verona (7) 1-1
Genoa vs Fiorentina (5) 2-1
Juventus vs Sampdoria (8) 2-0
Lazio vs Cagliari (6) 2-1
Livorno vs Atalanta Bergamo (6) 1-1
SSC Napoli vs AC Milan (5) 1-1
Parma vs Bari (6) 0-0
Udinese vs AS Roma (7) 1-1
Singaporean S-League:
Geylang United vs Young Lions (8) 2-0
Super Reds vs Home United (7) 2-1
Slovakian Corgon Liga:
DAC Dunajska Streda vs Slovan Bratislava (5) 1-1
Slovenian Prva Liga:
Koper vs Maribor (6) 1-1
Drava vs Gorica (6) 0-0
Interblock Ljubljana vs Nafta Lendava (4) 2-1
Domzale vs Olimpija Ljubljana (6) 2-1
Celje vs Rudar Velenje (5) 1-0
Swedish Allsvenskan:
AIK Solna vs Orebro (9) under 2.5 goals
Orgryte vs Elfsborg Boras (6) 1-2
BK Hacken vs Gefle (7) 2-0
Helsingborgs vs Djurgardens (4) 1-1
Trelleborgs vs Hammarby (5) 1-1
Swiss Super League:
St.Gallen vs Grasshoppers Zurich (7) 1-2
Aarau vs Sion (7) 0-1
FC Zurich vs Basel (6) 1-2
Uruguayan Primera Division:
Montevideo Wanderers vs Cerro (7) 2-1
Fenix vs Cerrito (5) 1-1
River Plate Montevideo vs Liverpool Montevideo (6) 1-1, at least one red card in this game
Club Nacional de Montevideo vs Central Espanol (9) 3-1
Enjoy your free betting tips!
Today's featured game is at Old Trafford beween reigning champions Manchester United and traditional relegation stragglers Bolton Wanderers. Hosts Manchester United enter this game with some notable absences whereas visitors Bolton Wanderers have few injury concerns and are surprisingly unbeaten in their past four games. My main reasoning behind today's bet is that Manchester United's strike force is looking somewhat limited for this game. With Wayne Rooney missing the game through injury and Dimitar Berbatov likely to miss the game due to the birth of his daughter, Manchester United are left to rely upon returning crock Michael Owen to penetrate a strong and well-organised Bolton Wanderers defence. Whereas I respect that his off-the-ball movement is good enough to grab himself a chance or two, generally he's not going to be able to compete with the likes of Cahill in the air, one-on-one, or for pace, thus removing a great deal of Manchester United's goalscoring potency. Bolton Wanderers tend to park the bus in front of goal when they come to Old Trafford under Gary Megson and it's generally rather effective, keeping the scoreline under 2.5 goals for the last four games between these two sides and that's with both sides having full squads. Without Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United look rather devoid of creativity more often than not this season and that's a big worry because that's the one area we haven't at least attempted to replace Ronaldo in. As a Manchester United fan myself, I have to admit I'm concerned for this game. I think it'll be quite a boring and one-sided game but with such little attacking potential on the field, it's hard to see Manchester United consistently breaking down a resolute and mentally strong Bolton Wanderers side. Given that Bolton Wanderers haven't even scored against Manchester United for four seasons now, it doesn't seem likely to change now as their tactics are not designed to accomodate for such a thing. Given Manchester United's lack of attacking prowess available at this present time, it seems unlikely that they'll score more than two goals. For those reasons, taking under 2.5 goals at 6/5 looks something of a bargain today!
P.S. Manchester United have also said that Darren Fletcher is a doubt for this game, which is another big loss against a combative Bolton Wanderers side.
Saturday's PicksMy tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Manchester United vs Bolton Wanderers - under 2.5 goals at 6/5 - see introduction for full details.
SV Ried vs SV Kapfenberg - home win with -1.75 handicap at 13/10. Arguably Austria's best home side SV Ried entertains relegation battlers SV Kapfenberg with the knowledge that they're now unbeaten in three and well on course to reproducing their excellent home form. SV Ried have had some very tough home games so far this season and yet have still managed to score an average of two goals per game, losing just one of those four games. Today they host an SV Kapfenberg side that have lost three out of five away games so far this season, conceding nearly three goals per game in the process. With two defeats and one draw from their last three games, SV Kapfenberg are not only a lesser side but also have no momentum for the game. Considering that SV Ried have won the last two encounters between these two sides at home in the Bundesliga, you have to feel that they're capable of doing such a thing yet again. The odds aren't great for this outcome, however, unless you're seeking accumulator fodder. Therefore, I'm going to stick my head out and say that SV Ried will beat the -1.75 handicap at 13/10 just like they did last season due to the above information.
Rijeka vs Osijek - home win at 4/5. Four wins and one draw from five home games shows that Rijeka are setting out their stall much as they did last season by turning the Kantrida Stadium into a fortress again. Although both of these sides have made promising starts to the Prva Liga season, only one of these two sides are capable of maintaining their excellent form and that's hosts Rijeka. Osijek have done well mostly at home in this campaign with their away form a little patchy currently after two away defeats and just one victory from four away games. Hosts Rijeka have won their last two games consecutively, granting them good momentum entering this game and they're also the better side out of these two so taking the home win at 4/5 seems something of a gift to me.
Banik Ostrava vs Slovan Liberec - home win at 10/11. With their dismal Gambrinus Liga start continuing, Slovan Liberec are looking a good side to bet against week in, week out. Three defeats, one draw and just one win from their past five games says that there are problems in the Slovan Liberec camp that aren't simply going to go away overnight. The visitors have lost a staggering four out of five away games this season and have conceded more away goals than any other Gambrinus Liga side currently with an average of over two goals conceded per away game. I think hosts Banik Ostrava are overachieving currently but they do currently have enough to win this game, particularly as they enter this game on the back of a victory. Three home wins and an unbeaten run of five home games says that Banik Ostrava will make life hard for Slovan Liberec today and should have enough to claim a narrow victory with their tenacious defensive football at 10/11.
Nordsjaelland vs OB Odense - away win at 4/5. Visitors OB Odense are simply looking too good for everyone at the moment! Currently atop the Superligaen, the visitors have won three games consecutively and have only been felled once this season. Their away form isn't massively conclusive but their ability and momentum is as they enter this game with out-of-form Nordsjaelland. I expect the hosts to give them a stern test in this game but ultimately the away win does look likely as the hosts have now lost three games consecutively. For me, 4/5 on the away win bears significant value today.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea - away win at 4/5. After the shambolic defeat at Wigan Athletic in their last away game, Chelsea will almost certainly avoid a repeat of that display as they travel to bogey-side Aston Villa. Just one win here in their last four visits shows why the odds are so good on the away win but in all honesty, a severe quality difference should be very much evident here with Aston Villa's shaky defence being tested by the tactically astute Carlo Ancelotti. The hosts may have conceded only a handful of goals this season but they've only had one real test yet - this should be their biggest yet. Aston Villa also aren't looking as potent as usual - something seems to be missing somewhere. Chelsea just look almost German with their efficiency to win games and I thoroughly expect another "German" performance today to earn us some money at 4/5!
Stoke City vs West Ham United - home win at 11/10. Three defeats and one draw says that West Ham United are not mentally prepared to take on a fierce and competitive Stoke City at the boisterous Britannia Stadium. West Ham United just aren't scoring enough goals and thus their momentum is suffering. Stoke City seem to have special powers of survival whenever they play at home, regardless of their actual form at the time. Stoke City have won all of their home games at home this season against sides that they should be troubling i.e. excluding the games against Chelsea and Manchester United so their ability from last season has not become dormant. Basically, Tony Pulis' side are much more easily motivated than Gianfranco Zola's West Ham United and the hosts have the impressive ability to win ugly whenever they need to. For me, the home win at 10/11 bears considerable value today, given the above information!
Sunderland vs Liverpool - home win with draw no bet at 6/4. I've been toying with this selection in my head all week but it's been nailed by the fact that Liverpool's only two world-class players are both missing for this game through injury. Yes, the heavily-relied upon duo of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard both miss this match through injury, something which will give Steve Bruce's Sunderland side a much easier ride on the day. Sunderland were massively impressive in their display away at Manchester United before the international break as the manager has really got them firing on all cylinders with a great mix of talent, work-rate, and efficiency. I can see Sunderland becoming a force over the next few years if things continue as they are, seriously. Today though - Kenwyne Jones is going to give a very dodgy Liverpool defence a lot of problems today, as is the pacey Darren Bent. For me, Sunderland have all the momentum and confidence at the moment whereas Liverpool haven't really hit their stride yet. Taking the home win with draw no bet odds of 6/4 could be a very good bet today.
Wycombe Wanderers vs Colchester United - away win at evens. Although not many games in England today take my fancy, this one certainly does. It's something of a no-brainer, really. Not only do Colchester United have a better side but they're also in tremendous form with three consecutive wins and no defeats in their past seven games. Colchester United are one of the top goalscoring sides in League One and look to further that record today away to lowly Wycombe Wanderers. Since being promoted from League Two, Wycombe Wanderers have really struggled to adapt with just one win in twelve games. They've lost four of their last five games and are struggling to remember how to compete or to locate any motivation whatsoever. There's a big quality mis-match here today and a massive momentum clash so the away win at evens looks something of a bargain today!
RoPS Rovaniemi vs KuPS Kuopio - home win at evens. As this is the last game of the Veikkausliiga for both sides, it only really becomes necessary for RoPS Rovaniemi to play this game as they're currently bottom of the Veikkausliiga and heading for the Ykkonen unless they win today. As fortune one would have it, they're facing a KuPS Kuopio side at home that they're more than capable of beating, let alone matching, and also a side that has nothing to play for. RoPS Rovaniemi have a chance to make a last stand but they must win this game today to have a hope of achieving a relegation play-off spot against one of the Ykkonen clubs - assuming that JJK Jyvaskyla don't beat Tampere United, of course. RoPS Rovaniemi are capable of winning this game today and I thoroughly expect them to because they've got the quality to do it and if they don't then they wave farewell to this league. For me, the home win at evens bears some value today.
TPS Turku vs FC Honka Espoo - away win at 17/10. In the final game of the season, both of these two sides have a chance of winning the Veikkausliiga. Both sides require HJK Helsinki to lose their game at home to Jaro Pietarsaari, which might look unlikely on first glance but HJK Helsinki have a lot of problems playing against Jaro Pietarsaari in general. Regardless of that, however, both TPS Turku and FC Honka Espoo have to win this game. FC Honka Espoo have already shown that they can beat TPS Turku by beating them away in the Suomen Cup a few weeks back. Although they needed extra time after a 2-2 draw, they won 5-2 in extra time, showing their true potential. TPS Turku have looked unreliable ever since they were listed as a title challenger in the final third of the Veikkausliiga season, dropping points in silly places and not putting enough pressure on HJK Helsinki. In fact, the league leaders have also stuttered of late. Only FC Honka Espoo have truly embraced their position, which is ironic as if they'd have done this earlier in the season then they'd have won the Veikkausliiga without question. An emphatic 9-0 demolition of RopS Rovaniemi last match showed just how confident and in-form the FC Honka Espoo side are so I do fancy the away win today at 17/10 - let's just hope HJK Helsinki slip up!
Accrington Stanley vs Bournemouth - home win with draw no bet at 5/6. I don't rate Accrington Stanley very highly but a Bournemouth squad with massive injury problems will struggle against anyone. Accrington Stanley have won four of their six home games this season so it's already going to be a tough match for Bournemouth but with the vast number of players unavailable to them, you can't help but feel that a home win with draw no bet odds of 5/6 looks favourable here.
Auxerre vs Girondins de Bordeaux - away win at evens. Desipte a surprising loss at Saint-Etienne pre-international break, Laurent Blanc's Girondins de Bordeaux are still a formidable force for any side to deal with, particularly a mediocre Auxerre. The hosts have played well lately since a slow start and are unbeaten in five. However, they're very low goalscorers and simply cannot match the firepower of Girondins de Bordeaux, the Ligue 1 top goalscorers. Olympique Lyonnais ran riot here six games ago; I thoroughly expect a similar display from an impressive Girondins de Bordeaux today at evens.
Olympique Lyonnais vs Sochaux - home win with -1.75 handicap at 10/11. Olympique Lyonnais are looking extremely impressive with a wealth of attacking potency at the moment and Sochaux are looking their usual mediocre selves and cannot pull their away form together whatsoever. Do I really need to elaborate further on this selection when you see Sochaux have lost three from four away games and aren't fit to be on the same park as Olympique Lyonnais? The -1.75 handicap at 10/11 looks a bargain if you know anything about football.
Kaposvari Rakoczi vs Ujpest - away win at 10/11. Relegation battlers Kaposvari Rakoczi entertain title challengers Ujpest in a game where both sides really could use three points. The hosts haven't won a game in their last five, losing three and drawing twice. To their credit, they are unbeaten at home but visitors Ujpest are more than capable of disposing of that particular record. Four wins from their past five games says that Ujpest are looking their usual potent selves and I can't see them breaking stride against an out-of-form Kaposvari Rakoczi tonight. For me, the away win at 10/11 is a good bet, particularly as the visitors have simply got too much quality for their hosts to deal with.
Genoa vs Internazionale - home win with draw no bet odds of 5/4. Hosts Genoa have impressed immensely this season with some great home displays, potent goalscoring and general ability to play football. Although their defence has been shaky at times, I'm prepared to overlook that today in light of the news that both Eto'o and Milito miss this game through injury. Internazionale have already proven that they can stumble on the road but without those two key strikers, they're really going to struggle to take anything off a resilieint and unbeaten-at-home Genoa side. For me, the hosts have got more than enough to cause problems and potentially even win this game so taking the home win at 6/4 with draw no bet seems a good call, particularly as Internazionale have European committments mid-week.
Cittadella vs Piacenza - home win at evens. Three home wins and just one draw says that Cittadella are in a great position to beat Piacenza at home. Three wins in their last four games has given the home side the momentum they need to see it through, too. Although I wouldn't have expected such a good start to their Serie B campaign, I'm certainly embracing it now for games like this although I really don't think this form will last the season. Visitors Piacenza have lost two consecutive games and sit just outside the relegation zone. With just one win away from home all season, they do look unlikely to take an impressive Cittadella apart so the home win at evens looks a good call to me.
FC Twente Enschede vs AZ Alkmaar - home win at evens. This is an interesting match-up at this time of the season because AZ Alkmaar are currently everything but what they were last season, which was to be expected after the departure of Van Gaal, really. Three defeats in their last four games isn't anything like the AZ Alkmaar we became used to last season. However, FC Twente Enschede are everything we saw last season and more. Steve McClaren has made the same side from last year even stronger and more efficient as their position atop the Eredivisie only too clearly indicates. Seven wins from nine games has given FC Twente Enschede great momentum so taking the home win today in a game of two sides at polar opposites with odds of evens on the home win seems a bargain!
Molde vs Stabaek - away win with draw no bet at evens. This is a very risky call when you consider that Stabaek for all their qualities are simply a "home" side. However, Molde's run of three straight defeats leaves their morale bruised and battered as the efficient Stabaek roll onwards towards them with three consecutive wins. Eager to atone for their defeat by Molde this season, Stabaek have all the motivation and momentum they need to win this game so taking the away win with draw no bet at evens looks a good call today.
Polonia Warsaw vs Odra Wodzislaw - lay Polonia Warsaw at 11/10. This is a risky call but both sides are currently in atrocious form with little to no sign of cohesion. Atypically, I'd favour Polonia Warsaw to do the damage here but as they're missing 9-10 players for this game through injury, you really have to start to favuor their opponents. Polonia Warsaw don't have a big squad to begin with but when that's taken from them then they start to struggle, naturally. Odra Wodzislaw won't get many better opportunities than their game today to take three points this season so laying a demoralised and physically damaged Polonia Warsaw at 11/10 could be one of the bets of the day!
Cracovia Krakow vs Polonia Bytom - home win with draw no bet at 4/5. This is a risky call but one I like the look of purely because Polonia Bytom are going to really struggle scoring goals without the only two strikers they have, Zielinski and Podstawek, as they don't have any others. Their form has been good so far this season but as I cannot see them scoring today and given that Cracovia Krakow don't lose many games, you have to favour the home win at draw no bet odds of 4/5.
Spartak Nalchik vs CSKA Moscow - away win at 4/5. Although both sides are in good form and both need the points, there's only one side here with real quality and you don't need me to tell you which side that is. Rejuvenated under Juande Ramos, CSKA Moscow are still intent on claiming the Premier League title and given the faltering form of league leaders Rubin Kazan, it may not be quite so far-fetched as you may think. Either way, an away win is on the cards here at 4/5.
Hibernian vs Kilmarnock - home win at 4/5. Third-placed Hibernian have been impressive in recent weeks as they're undefeated in their past three games, winning twice and drawing the other game. Today they entertain a Kilmarnock side destined for the division below if their form doesn't pick up. Without a win in their last five games, it looks unlikely that Kilmarnock will trouble Hibernian today, particularly as they've lost two of their three away games already this season. Therefore, odds of 4/5 on the home win look inviting.
Castellon vs Real Betis Balompie - away win at 10/11. A quick-glance at the Segunda Liga table will tell you all you need to know about this bet, really! Real Betis Balompie have struggled to win lately but if they can't beat Castellon at the moment then they've got serious issues! A no-brainer at 10/11!
Denizlispor vs Bursaspor - away win at 11/10. Seven games into the Super Lig and Denizlispor are in trouble as they've still not won a game. The second-bottom club have managed to score a meager three goals overall and look general cannon fodder for any opponent. Bursaspor have come on leaps and bounds in the last couple of years and this year is no exception. Three straight wins has seen today's visitors climb to third in the table with a total of five wins from eight games. They've already won two of their four away games so far this season so an out-of-form and toothless Denizlispor shouldn't have any capacity to change that record in their favour. For me, the away win at 11/10 shows significant value!
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:
Gimnasia De La Plata vs Colon de Santa Fe (7) 1-1
Atletico Tucuman vs Godoy Cruz de Mendoza (6) 1-1
Argentinos Juniors vs Racing Club Avellaneda (8) 2-1
Arsenal de Sarandi vs Banfield (6) 1-1
Australian A-League:
Brisbane Roar vs Central Coast Mariners (6) 2-1
North Queensland Fury vs Wellington Phoenix (6) 0-0
Austrian Bundesliga:
SV Ried vs SV Kapfenberg (8) -1.75 handicap
Austria Vienna vs Salzburg (6) 2-2
SV Mattersburg vs LASK Linz (5) 2-1
Austria Karnten vs Wiener Neustadt (6) 1-0
Austrian Liga 1:
Lustenau vs Admira Wacker (6)
Belarusian Vysshaya Liga:
FC Gomel vs FC Minsk (6) 1-0
Torpedo Zhodino vs FC Smorgon (9) 2-0
Granit Mikashevichi vs FC Vitebsk (6) 2-1
Dnepr Mogilev vs Dinamo Brest (7) 1-1
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Zulte-Waregem vs Germinal Beerschot (7) 2-1
Anderlecht vs Charleroi (8) 2-0
Lokeren vs Cercle Brugge (5) 1-1
Kortrijk vs Roeselare (5) 1-0
Excelsior Mouscron vs Sint-Truiden (6) 1-2, draw no bet
Westerlo vs Standard de Liege (8) 1-2
Belgian Tweede Klasse:
Tournai vs Brussels (7)
Tubize vs OH Leuven (8)
KVSK United vs Dender (6)
Turnhout vs Red Star Waasland (7)
Beveren vs Standaard Wetteren (6)
Ronse vs Lierse SK (8)
Brazilian Serie A:
Sao Paulo vs Atletico Mineiro (8) 2-1
Avai vs Goias (6) 2-2
Gremio Barueri vs Santos (6) 2-1
Bulgarian A PFG:
Botev Plovdiv vs CSKA Sofia (9) -1.75 handicap
Montana vs Lokomotiv Plovdiv (6) 0-0
Pirin Blagoevgrad vs Sportist Svoge (7) 2-0
Litex Lovech vs Slavia Sofia (8) over 2.5 goals
Chinese Super League:
Shenzhen FC vs Tianjin Teda (7) 1-1
Henan Jianye vs Qingdao Jonoon (8) 2-0
Beijing Guoan vs Guangzhou Yiyao (8) 1-0
Changchun Yatai vs Dalian Shide (7) 2-1
Shanghai Shenhua vs Hangzhou Lucheng (8) 2-1
Shaanxi Zhongxin vs Chongqing Lifan (5) 1-1
Chengdu Blades vs Jiangsu Shuntian (7) 2-0
Changsha Ginde vs Shandong Luneng (5) 0-1
Colombian Futbol Profesional:
Millonarios Bogota vs Independiente Santa Fe Bogota (6) 1-1, at least one red card in this game
Deportes Quindio vs Independiente Medellin (6) 0-1
Croatian Prva Liga:
Slaven Koprivnica vs Istra 1961 (8) 2-0
Lokomotiva Zagreb vs Croatia Sesvete (7) 2-1
Rijeka vs Osijek (8) 2-0
Varteks Varazdin vs Medimurje (6) 1-0
NK Zagreb vs Dinamo Zagreb (9) -1.75 handicap
Cibalia vs Karlovac (7) 1-0
Czech Republic Gambrinus Liga:
Pribram vs Teplice (6) 0-1, draw no bet
Sparta Prague vs Ceske Budejovice (8) 2-0
Banik Ostrava vs Slovan Liberec (7) 1-0
Danish Superligaen:
Nordsjaelland vs OB Odense (8) 1-2
Danish 1st Division:
Thisted vs AB Copenhagen (8)
Braband vs Viborg (8)
English Premier League:
Aston Villa vs Chelsea (8) 1-2
Arsenal vs Birmingham City (9) -1.75 handicap
Everton vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (8) 2-0
Manchester United vs Bolton Wanderers (8) under 2.5 goals
Portsmouth vs Tottenham Hotspur (7) 1-2
Stoke City vs West Ham United (7) 1-0
Sunderland vs Liverpool (5) 2-1, draw no bet
English Championship:
Scunthorpe United vs Sheffield United (6)
Blackpool vs Plymouth Argyle (5)
Bristol City vs Peterborough United (6)
Cardiff City vs Crystal Palace (6)
Doncaster Rovers vs Barnsley (7)
Ipswich Town vs Swansea City (6)
Leicester City vs Derby County (6)
Middlesbrough vs Watford (7)
Queens Park Rangers vs Preston North End (7)
Sheffield Wednesday vs Coventry City (6)
West Bromwich Albion vs Watford (7)
Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United (7)
English League One:
Charlton Athletic vs Huddersfield Town (7)
Leyton Orient vs Brentford (6)
Milton Keynes Dons vs Gillingham (7)
Oldham Athletic vs Southampton (5)
Southend United vs Bristol Rovers (6) draw no bet
Stockport County vs Millwall (6)
Swindon Town vs Hartlepool United (7)
Tranmere Rovers vs Brighton & Hove Albion (5)
Walsall vs Exeter City (6)
Wycombe Wanderers vs Colchester United (8)
Yeovil Town vs Carlisle United (7)
English League Two:
Accrington Stanley vs Bournemouth (5) draw no bet
Aldershot Town vs Bury (6)
Burton Albion vs Barnet (5)
Crewe Alexandra vs Port Vale (6)
Dagenham & Redbridge vs Bradford City (8)
Darlington vs Shrewsbury Town (5)
Grimsby Town vs Rochdale (7)
Hereford United vs Chesterfield (7)
Northampton Town vs Lincoln City (6)
Rotherham United vs Notts County (6)
Torquay United vs Morecambe (8)
Estonian Meistriliiga:
Kuressaare vs Sillamae Kalev (9) -1.75 handicap
Flora Paide vs Flora Tallinn (8) 0-2
Levadia Tallinn vs Tulevik Viljandi (9) 3-1
Trans Narva vs Tallinna Kalev (9) -1.75 handicap
Nomme Kalju vs Maag Tammeka Tartu (7) 2-1
Finnish Veikkausliiga:
JJK Jyvaskyla vs Tampere United (5) 1-1
RoPS Rovaniemi vs KuPS Kuopio (6) 1-0
FC Lahti vs Inter Turku (7) 1-2
Haka Valkeakoski vs MyPa Anjalankoski (7) 2-0
HJK Helsinki vs Jaro Pietarsaari (7) 2-1
VPS Vaasa vs IFK Mariehamn (7) 0-1
TPS Turku vs FC Honka Espoo (6) over 2.5 goals
Finnish Ykkonen:
AC Oulu vs TPV Tampere (7)
PoPa Pori vs Atlantis FC Helsinki (4)
PK 35 Helsinki vs FC Hameenlinna (6)
Viikingit Helsinki vs PS Kemi Kings (7)
KooTeePee Kotka vs Klubi 04 Helsinki (8)
KPV Kokkola vs TP 47 Tornio (8)
FC Kiisto Vaasa vs Jippo Joensuu (6)
French Ligue 1:
Auxerre vs Girondins de Bordeaux (8) 1-2
Le Mans vs Boulogne (6) 1-0
Olympique Lyonnais vs Sochaux (9) -1.75 handicap
Montpellier HSC vs Saint-Etienne (6) 1-1
AS Nancy-Lorraine vs Olympique de Marseille (6) 1-2
Valenciennes vs Grenoble Foot (7) 2-0
LOSC Lille vs Stade Rennais (7) 1-1
German Bundesliga:
VFB Stuttgart vs Schalke 04 (6) 1-1
Werder Bremen vs Hoffenheim (7) over 2.5 goals
FC Koln vs FSV Mainz 05 (6) 0-1, draw no bet
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Hannover 96 (7) 2-1
Freiburg vs Bayern Munich (8) 0-2
Nurnberg vs Hertha HSC Berlin (6) 0-0
Hamburger SV vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen (6) 2-2
German Bundesliga 2:
1860 Munich vs MSV Duisburg (6)
Hansa Rostock vs Paderborn (8)
Greek Super League:
Ergotelis vs Aris Salonika (5) 1-1
Olympiakos Piraeus vs Asteras Tripolis (8) 2-0
PAOK Salonika vs PAS Giannina (7) 1-0
Greek B Ethniki:
Ethnikos Piraeus vs Ethnikos Asteras (7)
Hungarian Soproni Liga:
Kaposvari Rakoczi vs Ujpest (7) 1-2
Nyiregyhaza Spartacus vs Diosgyori VTK (7) 2-0
Szombathelyi Haladas vs Budapest Honved (7) 2-1
Paksi SE vs Kecskemeti TE (7) 2-0
Irish Premier League:
Shamrock Rovers vs Drogheda United (8) 2-0
Italian Serie A:
Juventus vs Fiorentina (8) 2-0
Genoa vs Internazionale (5) 2-1, draw no bet
Italian Serie B:
Ascoli vs Torino (5)
Cesena vs Brescia (6)
Cittadella vs Piacenza (8)
Crotone vs Vicenza (7)
Grosseto vs Padova (6)
Mantova vs Empoli (6)
Modena vs Frosinone (7)
Reggina vs Ancona (6)
Triestina vs Gallipoli (5)
Japanese J-League:
FC Tokyo vs Kashiwa Reysol (7) 2-0
Montedio Yamagata vs Vissel Kobe (6) 1-0
Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Gamba Osaka (6) 1-2
Omiya Ardija vs Kawasaki Frontale (6) 0-1
Albirex Niigata vs Urawa Red Diamonds (7) 2-1
Yokohama F Marinos vs Nagoya Grampus (7) 1-0
Jubilo Iwata vs Kashima Antlers (6) 2-1
Mexican Primera Division:
Monterrey vs Jaguares (8) 2-0
Cruz Azul vs Estudiantes Tecos (7) 2-1
Toluca vs Tigres UANL (8) 3-1
Morelia vs Pachuca (7) 2-1
Indios vs Atlante (6) 1-1
Atlas vs Queretaro (7) 2-0
San Luis vs Pumas UNAM (6) 1-0
Dutch Eredivisie:
AFC Ajax Amsterdam vs Willem II (9) -1.75 handicap
FC Twente Enschede vs AZ Alkmaar (7) 2-1
NAC Breda vs Vitesse Arnhem (6) 1-0
PSV Eindhoven vs Heerenveen (9) 2-0
Norwegian Tippeligaen:
Molde vs Stabaek (6) 1-2, draw no bet
Norwegian Adeccoligaen:
Kongsvinger vs Sarpsborg (8)
Norwegian 2 Divisjon:
Avdeling 1:
Strommen vs FK Tonsberg (7)
Flekkeroy vs Eidsvold (6)
Pors Grenland vs Vindbjart Vennesla (8)
Fram Larvik vs Start Kristiansand II (5)
Mandalskameratene vs Skjetten Fotball (6)
Valerenga Oslo II vs Ullensaker Kisa (5)
KFUM Fotball Oslo vs Lillestrom II (8)
Avdeling 2:
Ullern vs Steinkjer (6)
Strindheim vs Lorenskog (6)
Molde II vs Skarbovik Aalesund (6)
Nardo Trondheim vs Hodd Ulsteinvik (7)
Levanger vs Byasen Trondheim (5)
Drobak Frogn vs Rosenborg II (5)
Kristiansund vs Follo Fotball Ski (6)
Avdeling 3:
Fredrikstad II vs Fana Nestun (5)
Sford Sunnhordland vs Sandnes Ulf (6)
Randaberg vs Varg Haugesund (5)
Nest Sotra Agotnes vs Asane Ulset (6)
Kopervik vs Lyn Oslo II (8)
Algard vs Fyllingen Bergen (7)
Stromsgodset II vs Drammen (7)
Avdeling 4:
Baerum Sandvika vs Lillehammer (8)
Mo vs Kjelsas Oslo (5)
Bodo Glimt II vs Asker Fotball (8)
Korsvoll Oslo vs Tromso II (6)
Stabaek II vs Valdres Fagernes (6)
Ranheim Trondheim vs Manglerud Star Oslo (7)
Raufoss Fotball vs Bossekop (8)
Polish Ekstraklasa:
Cracovia Krakow vs Polonia Bytom (5) 1-0, draw no bet
Piast Gliwice vs Legia Warsaw (7) 0-1
Polonia Warsaw vs Odra Wodzislaw (5) 0-0
Korona Kielce vs Arka Gdynia (6) 2-1
Romanian Liga:
Pandurii Targu Jiu vs Gaz Metan Medias (5) 1-0
Rapid Bucharest vs CFR Cluj (6) 2-2
FC Poli Timisoara vs Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt (9) 2-0
Russian Premier League:
Saturn Moscow Oblast vs Amkar Perm (4) 1-1
Spartak Nalchik vs CSKA Moscow (8) 0-2
Dinamo Moscow vs Tom Tomsk (6) 1-0
Rubin Kazan vs Khimki (7) 2-0
Scottish Premier League:
St.Johnstone vs Rangers (8) 0-2
Aberdeen vs Hearts (6) 1-1
Celtic vs Motherwell (8) 2-0
Dundee United vs Hamilton Academicals (8) 1-0
Falkirk vs St.Mirren (6) 0-0
Hibernian vs Kilmarnock (8) 2-1
Serbian Super Liga:
Vojvodina Novi Sad vs OFK Belgrade (8) 2-1
Mladi Radnik vs Red Star Belgrade (8) 0-2
Borac Cacak vs Smederevo (6) 1-0
Javor Ivanjica vs Metalac GM (7) 2-1
Cukaricki vs Rad Belgrade (5) 0-0
BSK Borca vs Spartak Subotica (6) 1-1
Singaporean S-League:
Gombak United vs Tampines Rovers (6) 2-1
Slovakian Corgon Liga:
Ruzomberok vs DAC Dunajska Streda (5) 1-0
Spartak Trnava vs Nitra (6) 2-1
Tatran Presov vs Senica (7) 1-0
Kosice vs Dukla Banska Bystrica (5) 1-2, draw no bet
Artmedia Petrzalka vs Dubnica (5) 1-0
Slovenian Prva Liga:
Koper vs Gorica (9) 2-0
Olimpija Ljubljana vs Maribor (6) 2-1, at least one red card in this game
Domzale vs Rudar Velenje (6) 1-1
Celje vs Interblock Ljubljana (7) 1-0
Spanish Primera Liga:
Deportivo La Coruna vs Sevilla CF (7) 2-2
Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid (8) 2-0
Valencia CF vs Barcelona (7) 1-2
Spanish Segunda Liga:
Castellon vs Real Betis Balompie (8)
Salamanca vs Huesca (6)
Recreativo de Huelva vs Las Palmas (6)
Cartagena vs Celta de Vigo (7)
Rayo Vallecano de Madrid vs Cadiz (8)
Real Union Club de Irun vs Villarreal II (7)
Spanish Segunda B:
Group 1:
Athletic Club de Bilbao II vs Pontevedra (7)
Group 2:
Guadalajara vs Real Racing Club Santander II (7)
Group 3:
Valencia II vs Espanyol Barcelona II (6)
Barcelona II vs Alcoyano (4)
Group 4:
Real Jaen vs San Roque (6)
Swedish Allsvenskan:
Trelleborgs vs Elfsborg Boras (6) 1-1
Kalmar vs GAIS Goteborg (7) 2-0
AIK Solna vs Gefle (8) 1-0
Turkish Super Lig:
Denizlispor vs Bursaspor (8) 0-2
Besiktas JK vs Kasimpasa (8) 2-0
Ukrainian Premier League:
Chernmorets Odessa vs Zakarpattya Uzhhorod (7) 2-0
Kryvbas Kryyvi Rih vs Zorya Lugansk (6) 0-0
Metalurg Zaporizhya vs Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk (8) 0-1
Vorskla Poltava vs Metalurg Donetsk (6) 1-1
Dynamo Kiev vs Obolon Kiev (9) 3-0
Welsh Premier League:
Caersws vs Airbus (7) 1-1
Haverfordwest County vs Porthmadog (7) 2-0
Llanelli vs Newi Cefn Druids (8) 3-1
Rhyl vs Neath Athletic (8) 2-0
The New Saints vs Bala Town (8) 2-1
Welshpool Town vs Bangor City (6) 1-1
Enjoy your free betting tips!
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