Australia vs Netherlands

Today’s featured game is the international friendly between Australia and the Netherlands. It should be one hell of a featured game, too, considering that my fundamental point behind is that Netherlands are simply better than Australia! Despite Australia having played their best football for some years, they’re still some distance off the bigger nations of the world i.e. Netherlands. Wins against Republic of Ireland and Japan certainly show that they’re a more capable side nowadays but defeats like the 3-1 loss to South Korea show that there’s still a long way to go. Netherlands have been their usual efficient selves in World Cup Qualification and generally dispose of sides that they’re better than with no great difficulty, a good example being their demolition of Japan in their most recent friendly. I don’t really care if Australia are playing Netherlands in Australia or on the moon – the Dutch simply have too much quality at their disposal to do anything but win the game whether they try or not. Frankly, I’d take 4/5 on the away win before the odds inevitably drop.

Saturday’s Picks

My tips:

As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:

Australia vs Netherlands – away win at 4/5 – see the introduction for full details.

Liechtenstein vs Azerbaijan – home win at 13/8. This is a very risky call but it should be an interesting one. Both of these sides are generally cannon fodder for bigger and better sides but Liechtenstein have got a bit better over the last year or two, something indicated by an impressive 1-1 draw at home to Finland in their last World Cup Qualifier. Most people will say these two sides have nothing to play for and I generally agree but then again – they never do have anything to play for. I think both sides will really play for pride here and when I look at the players in each squad, Liechtenstein have just got better players with more experience, sufficiently so for me to believe they’ll win the game. Neither side can keep a clean sheet for shit so I do expect goals in this game. Either way I think 13/8 is a tad overpriced so I’ll be happy to take advantage of it today!

France vs Faroe IslandsFaroe Islands with +3.75 handicap at 11/5. I’ve tried this one before the last time these two sides met in the reverse fixture and it worked like a charm. I’m especially coaxed into this as I’ve heard that Ribery is missing this game. I’m not really able to confirm how accurate that is yet so it’s probably wise to check the line-ups beforehand to decide if you want to take this bet or not as he makes things tick for them. Either way, France simply aren’t a big goalscoring side anymore and Faroe Islands aren’t a pushover anymore. Therefore, 11/5 on giving Faroe Islands a +3.75 handicap is a worthwhile bet for me.

Portugal vs Hungary – under 2.5 goals at 5/4. Hosts Portugal have only scored more than two goals in a game once in their last eleven games in all competitions and that was against lowly Liechtenstein. The fatal flaw of Portugal’s football is there for all to see – they don’t really have a natural goalscorer. Well, that was a case before Liedson decided to play for them, anyway! However, Portugal simply don’t score many goals – fact. That said, they do have to win this game to have any hope of qualification from this group and given that Cristiano Ronaldo is on the field of play, you have to feel that’s well within reach. Hungary are a good side nowadays though – they’re certainly not going to lie down for Portugal. Generally, the Magyars are solid defensively and hard to break down. However, the irresistable Ronaldo will find a way – he always does, after all! The worst thing that can happen here for my bet is if Hungary score early in the game. However, I can’t see that happening in this particular game so 5/4 on under 2.5 goals for two low-scoring sides seems a good bet to me.

Colombia vs Chile – home win at 6/5. Ahhh, good old crazy South American football returns to our screens as we await the inevitable bloodbath between Colombia and Chile. Neither of these sides have particularly good temperaments, as indeed do none of the South American nations anyway, but my own observations tell me that more players are sent off when playing in Colombia than anywhere else, either for the home side, away side, or even club side. Why? Well, maybe it’s the height, or maybe it’s just that they’re all crazy – who knows? Nonetheless, we have a game here that Colombia have to win to have any hopes of achieving a World Cup place next year whereas Chile don’t really need anything from the game as they’re virtually assured a place in next year’s World Cup already. Chile have played fantastically well in the qualifiers this year, better than I’d expected them to, in fact. They enter this game as one of the best away sides in the qualifiers and boast arguably a marginally better squad than Colombia do at the present time, although it is a young squad. However, one point that remains is that only Paraguay have won more home games in this campaign than Colombia have and the hosts have only conceded three goals over the eight home games they’ve played. They’re not big goalscorers, as a rule, but they’re generally pretty good at carving out a result at home to sides. It should be a fantastic game to watch but I think Colombia will be more motivated and will take three points today at 6/5.

Aldershot Town vs Morecambe - home win at 10/11. This game was close to being game of the day for me because I really like the look of it! Aldershot Town are not a great side and I don’t expect to see them launch a title challenge. However, truth be told, they’re not that far away from it. They showed last season that they’re incredibly difficult to beat at home and they’re doing the same again this season although with a better ratio of home victories as they’ve played five, won three and drawn two so far this season. Although recent form hasn’t smiled too kindly on them with a draw and a defeat from their last two games, they remain a force at home and Morecambe have a hard test ahead of them today. That said, the ever-bizarre Morecambe are currently one of the most difficult sides in the league to beat as they’ve only lost two games this season despite being fourth bottom in the League Two table! They just seem to draw an awful lot of games, which is an interesting approach to survival but has to come unstuck at somepoint. Basically, I expect a doggedly tenacious and boring game but I think Aldershot Town have more than enough to win this game and 10/11 on the home win looks good odds to me.

Bradford City vs Crewe Alexandra – home win at 4/5. There’s not much difference between these two sides in terms of quality but I’m siding entirely with momentum today. It’s not always the most loyal of fundamentals but a wayward Crewe Alexandra have now lost five consecutive games and face a side today that are arguably better than the majority of the sides they’ve already lost to. Bradford City have made a slow start to this campaign but are beginning to come good as they’re unbeaten in their last five games. Their problem is doing enough to secure a win instead of drawing but an out-of-luck and demoralised Crewe Alexandra should really gift them enough opportunities to make it count so 4/5 on the home win could well be a good bet today!

As ever, any questions/explanations required, feel free to email me at thefootytipster@gmail.com. For the complete picks listing, see below!

World Cup Qualifiers – European section:

Finland vs Wales (6) 0-0
Russia vs Germany (5) 1-1
Belarus vs Kazakhstan (9) over 2.5 goals
Luxembourg vs Switzerland (8) 0-1
Armenia vs Spain (9) -1.75 handicap
Estonia vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (7) over 2.5 goals
Ukraine vs England (7) under 2.5 goals
Cyprus vs Bulgaria (6) 1-1
Montenegro vs Georgia (7) over 2.5 goals
Denmark vs Sweden (8) 1-1
Liechtenstein vs Azerbaijan (6) 2-0
Greece vs Latvia (7) 2-1
Czech Republic vs Poland (8) 2-1
Slovakia vs Slovenia (6) 2-1
Serbia vs Romania (8) 1-0
Austria vs Lithuania (9) -1.75 handicap
Belgium vs Turkey (6) 2-2
Israel vs Moldova (7) 1-0
France vs Faroe Islands (8) 2-0
Republic of Ireland vs Italy (7) 1-1
Portugal vs Hungary (7) under 2.5 goals

World Cup Qualifiers – South American section:

Colombia vs Chile (6) under 2.5 goals
Venezuela vs Paraguay (6) 2-1, draw no bet
Argentina vs Peru (10) -1.75 handicap
Ecuador vs Uruguay (7) under 2.5 goals

World Cup Qualifiers – North American section:

Mexico vs El Salvador (9) -1.75 handicap
Honduras vs USA (6) 2-1, draw no bet
Costa Rica vs Trinidad & Tobago (8) 2-1

World Cup Qualifiers – African section:

Zambia vs Egypt (5) 2-1, draw no bet
Malawi vs Ivory Coast (8) over 2.5 goals
Cameroon vs Togo (9) 3-1
Gabon vs Morocco (6) 2-0

World Cup Qualifiers – Play-offs:

Bahrain vs New Zealand (8) 2-0

UEFA European U21 Championships:

Wales U21 vs Bosnia-Herzegovina U21 (8) 2-1
Russia U21 vs Faroe Islands U21 (10) -1.75 handicap
Moldova U21 vs Andorra U21 (8) under 2.5 goals
Azerbaijan U21 vs Austria U21 (9) -1.75 handicap
Scotland U21 vs Belarus U21 (5) 1-1
Bulgaria U21 vs Montenegro U21 (6) 2-1

Brazilian Serie A:

Corinthians vs Gremio (5) 1-1
Flamengo vs Sao Paulo (6) 1-1
Santo Andre vs Fluminense (7) 2-1
Internacional vs Atletico Paranaense (9) 3-1
Coritiba vs Gremio Barueri (8) 2-1

Chinese Super League:

Guangzhou Yiyao vs Changchun Yatai (6) 1-1
Chongqing Lifan vs Shandong Luneng (5) 1-0
Hangzhou Lucheng vs Shaanxi Zhongxin (5) 1-2
Henan Jianye vs Beijing Guoan (6) 1-1

English League One:

Carlisle United vs Norwich City (7)
Charlton Athletic vs Oldham Athletic (8)
Gillingham vs Wycombe Wanderers (7)
Huddersfield Town vs Exeter City (6)
Leyton Orient vs Colchester United (6)
Milton Keyones Dons vs Walsall (7)
Swindon Town vs Millwall (6)
Yeovil Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion (6)

English League Two:

Accrington Stanley vs Cheltenham Town (8)
Aldershot Town vs Morecambe (7)
Bournemouth vs Chesterfield (7)
Bradford City vs Crewe Alexandra (7)
Bury vs Northampton Town (7)
Dagenham & Redbridge vs Darlington (4)
Grimsby Town vs Burton Albion (7)
Macclesfield Town vs Lincoln City (6)
Rochdale vs Barnet (6)
Rotherham United vs Hereford United (8)
Shrewsbury Town vs Port Vale (8)

Finnish Ykkonen:

Klubi 04 Helsinki vs KPV Kokkola (6)

Greek B Ethniki:

Ilioupoli vs Ionikos Nikaias (6)

International Friendlies:

Australia vs Netherlands (8) 1-2
Japan vs Scotland (7) 1-0
Norway vs South Africa (7) 2-0
Kuwait vs Jordan (6) 1-0
Malta vs Angola  (5) 1-1
United Arab Emirates vs Palestine (7) 2-0

Mexican Primera Division:

Estudiantes Tecos vs Guadalajara (6) 1-1
San Luis vs Atlante (6) 1-0

Norwegian 2 Divisjon:

Avdeling 1:

Vindbjart Vennesla vs Mandalskameratene (7)
Eidsvold vs Strommen (7)
Ullensaker Kisa vs Fram Larvik (6)
Start Kristiansand II vs Tonsberg (7)
KFUM Fotball Oslo vs Pors Grenland (5)

Avdeling 2:

Lorenskog vs Nardo Trondheim (7)
Rosenborg II vs Levanger (9)
Follo Fotball Ski vs Ullern (9)

Avdeling 3:

Varg Haugesund vs Fredrikstad II (8)
Fyllingen Bergen vs Randaberg (5)
Fana Nestun vs Kopervik (6)
Lyn Oslo II vs Asane Ulset (6)
Stromsgodset II vs Algard (7)

Avdeling 4:

Valdres Fagernes vs Tromso II (8)
Bossekop vs Bodo Glimt II (4)
Kjelsas Oslo vs Korsvoll Oslo (5)
Asker Fotball vs Mo (9)

Spanish Segunda Liga:

Huesca vs Numancia (6)
Gimnastic de Tarragona vs Levante (8)
Real Murcia vs Cordoba (7)
Las Palmas vs Hercules Alicante (6)
Elche vs Recreativo de Huelva (6)
Celta de Vigo vs Albacete (6)
Villarreal II vs Rayo Vallecano de Madrid (7)
Girona vs Castellon (6)

Spanish Segunda B:

Group 1:

Lemona vs Lugo (7)
Guijuelo vs Zamora (6)

Swedish Superettan:

Ljungskile vs Assyriska Sodertalje (7)
Trollhattan vs Qviding Goteborg (6)

Welsh Premier League:

Airbus vs Carmarthen Town (6) 1-1
Connah’s Quay Nomads vs Welshpool Town (6) 1-0
Newtown vs Haverfordwest County (5) 0-0
Port Talbot Town vs Prestatyn Town (6) 2-1

Enjoy your free betting tips!

Sevilla CF vs Real Madrid

Today’s featured game is the much-anticipated match between high-flying Sevilla CF and moneybags Real Madrid. Both sides have made extremely good starts to their respective campaigns both domestically and on the European scene too. Much has been made of Real Madrid’s form, although I’m not overly sure why as they’ve not played that well – they’ve simply relied on the magnificent Cristiano Ronaldo, who has duly obliged. However, the Portuguese winger will not be playing in this game due to an ankle injury, which makes this game all the more interesting for me, partially to see how Real Madrid cope without him and partially to see where they’re currently at in comparison to at least one of their title rivals. Sevilla CF have been a stern test at home for Real Madrid for a long time now, having remained unbeaten in six of their last seven home games with Real Madrid, winning five of those games. In my opinion, Sevilla CF have been playing better football than Real Madrid because they look very organised, particularly when it comes to disposing of sides tactically. Real Madrid still don’t look a great team yet – they simply have a lot of talented individuals, and I think that this could prove to be a key factor in the game tonight. I don’t think I really need to delve into just why taking over 3.5 goals at 5/4 is worth taking as both of these sides are goal machines and it often shows in their games against each other. However, I also think there’s a good deal of value in the home win with draw no bet odds of 5/4 because I envision Real Madrid really struggling without talismanic figure Cristiano Ronaldo to cause the problems despite their obvious talent elsewhere in the team. To make matters worse for the Real Madrid side, they’re not only a poor defensive side but they’re also missing Metzelder for this game, a loss that decreases their woeful defence even further.

Basically, the trip south is never an easy one for any side and Real Madrid are not exempt from that. The above information leads me to believe that the value in this game is on hosts Sevilla CF and should prove accurate. In my opinion, there’s lots of different value that you can find in this game but the two I’ve mentioned above seem the best bets for me. Even if you don’t bet on this game, I strongly recommend watching it as it should be a fantastic encounter.

Sunday’s Picks

My tips:

As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:

Sevilla CF vs Real Madrid – home win at draw no bet odds of 5/4, over 3.5 goals at 5/4 – see introduction for full details.

San Lorenzo de Almagro vs River Plate – home win at 3/4. The wind of change appears to be blowing strongly in Argentina in this campaign with both giants River Plate and Boca Juniors really struggling to come to terms with their present situations, no doubt a knock-on effect from the financial issues which have hit the Primera Division of late. With the two giants struggling in terms of quality and form, a gap has appeared at the top of the tree and San Lorenzo de Almagro are one of the sides that are attempting to be that team (along with Velez Sarsfeld and Estudiantes De La Plata). Effectively, we have one side on the rise and another on the descent. This game will go some way towards proving just how well San Lorenzo de Almagro are progressing and how below-par River Plate are playing, in my opinion. Unbeaten in six games, San Lorenzo de Almagro recently ended their lengthy run of draws by claiming three points last match against Tigre, a result which gives them some much-needed momentum entering this difficult game. Visitors River Plate are on a winless run of four games, drawing and losing twice. They’ve also lost all three of their away games so far this season and have scored just once during that run. River Plate haven’t won away to San Lorenzo de Almagro since 2004 and were humiliated 5-1 here last season. In light of the above information, I think a home win is well within reach of an impressive San Lorenzo de Almagro so 3/4 on the home win looks a good call to me.

Boca Juniors vs Velez Sarsfeld – away win at 12/5. As mentioned in my previous preview listed above, Boca Juniors just aren’t doing what they do best at the moment. They’ve now lost three consecutive games, including a particularly demoralising defeat at home to lowly Godoy Cruz de Mendoza despite having led in the match. Unfortunately for Boca Juniors, they’re playing the one side that nobody in Argentina wants to face at the moment – Velez Sarsfeld. The visitors are doing their utmost to establish themselves as Argentina’s best side and they’re doing a damn good job too! They’ve won four and drawn two of their opening six games of this campaign, conceding just once every two games on average. Whereas I appreciate that Boca Juniors are still a big club in Argentina, I don’t fully understand why Velez Sarsfeld are 12/5 to win this game when you take into consideration the form of Boca Juniors, the fact that Boca Juniors haven’t beaten Velez Sarsfeld home or away in their last five attempts in all competitions, and the fact that they lost this fixture 3-2 in their last campagin also. Make no mistake, this remains a risky call but 12/5 on the away win certainly looks worthwhile in light of the above information.

Lanus vs Godoy Cruz de Mendoza – home win at 5/6. Having withdrawn a good deal of his squad for the mid-week clash with Liga de Quito ahead of this game, Lanus must now deliver against Godoy Cruz de Mendoza as they have already sacrificed their Copa Nissan Sudamericana hopes. No wins in five games means that Lanus really need to start winning to maintain their high expectations following their impressive last campaign and what better side to face than a Godoy Cruz de Mendoza side that have never beaten Lanus? The hosts won this fixture last season and there’s no doubt in my mind that they boast a better squad. However, are a side that really make sides work to achieve points against them, something that they’re somewhat notorious for. You don’t need me to tell you that this is a risky call, particularly as Godoy Cruz de Mendoza have won more away games this season than they’ve lost, but I think there’s significant ability with Lanus to make 5/6 on the home win a worthwhile bet.

Boussu Dour Borinage vs Tubize – away win at 5/6. Three wins in five games means that Tubize are starting to finally look like the side that initially earned them promotion to the Eerste Klasse a couple of years ago. Relegation to the Tweede Klasse last year was merited but today’s visitors will be intent on returning to the Eerste Klasse as soon as possible. Tubize have won two out of three away games this season and have the perfect opportunity to extend that run as they face a Boussu Dour Borinage side with just one win to their name this season in the Tweede Klasse. The hosts had previously drawn four consecutive games but defeat last match against OH Leuven will have undoubtedly damaged them mentally, if only a little, but it should be substantial for a good side like Tubize to take advantage of it. 5/6 on the away win seems a good bet to me due to the above.

Tienen vs Dender – away win at 4/5. Hosts Tienen are winless in their opening six Tweede Klasse games and now have the arudous task of ending that run against recently-relegated Dender, who have made a great start to life in the Tweede Klasse with four wins in six games, winning their last three games consecutively. Basically, I think the quality gap is due to show in today’s game because it’s more than evident from the exterior and the form of Dender is there to expose it too. For me, the away win at 4/5 should be something of a no-brainer.

Independiente Medellin vs Atletico Junior Barranquilla – home win at 3/4. League leaders Independiente Medellin entertain Atletico Junior Barranquilla tonight with both sides being the best home sides in the Futbol Profesional currently. Independiente Medellin have played five home games, won all five and average scoring two goals per game. Visitors Atletico Junior Barranquilla, despite having a tremendous home record, have a woeful away record with no wins and three defeats from five games. Given that Independiente Medellin are dynamite at home, have won three games consecutively and have won this exact fixture for three seasons running now, I’m thinking that the home win looks a great call at 3/4!

Nea Salamis vs APOP/Kinyras – away win at 7/5. A four-game winless run has truly welcomed Nea Salamis to life in the Cypriot Division 1. The hosts have lost three games and drawn once on their introduction to this division and today doesn’t look like improving that record as they host a good APOP/Kinyras. The visitors have only been beaten once in the league this season, winning twice and drawing once. Whereas APOP/Kinyras aren’t amongst the best sides in the division, they’re certainly one of the top six sides as they showed in a closely-fought game with Rapid Vienna of Austria in the UEFA Europa League Qualifiers this year. For me, class and form point to the away win, which is surprisingly at 7/5 so I’m happy to call what should be a relatively simple away win today.

Jablonec vs Mlada Boleslav – home win at 6/5. Generally speaking, neither of these two sides tend to beat each other but Jablonec finally managed to break that spell by winning at Mlada Boleslav last season, a feat I’m confident they’ll be able to reproduce today. The hosts have won their last two games in a row, giving them an impressive total of six wins from nine Gambrinus Liga games this season. They’ve won three out of their four home games, drawing the other, and are hosting a Mlada Boleslav side that have already lost two of their four away games this season. The visitors haven’t actually won any of their last five games, losing three and drawing twice. Momentum supports second-placed Jablonec and their new-found ability seems to be significantly impacting the Gambrinus Liga consistently so I’m tempted to take the home win at generous odds of 6/5 against a lacklustre and demoralised Mlada Boleslav.

Randers vs Silkeborg – away win at 6/4. This is one of the more interesting calls I’ve made today because Randers are a lot better than their Superligaen placing suggests and Silkeborg are still newcomers to the Superligaen. However, the current league table doesn’t indicate either of these facts, which makes this a very interesting game indeed. Hosts Randers are winless after ten games and have massive problems if they intend on staying in the Superligaen for next year. Nobody in their division has conceded more home goals than Randers and they look set to have another arduous task as they entertain a very much in-form Silkeborg. The visitors have won three of their last four games and are unbeaten in their last five. Their momentum is strong and their footballing style is very combative, which generally makes life uneasy for their Superligaen opponents. Silkeborg have lost just one away game from five this season and don’t look to be losing that record against winless Randers today. I could accept a draw in this game as it’s a difficult call but I think taking the away win at 6/4 could boast some value, especially given the severe contrast in form of both sides.

Skive vs Naestved – away win at 5/4. Four consecutive wins has given Naestved all the momentum they need to take into their match with struggling Skive. The hosts have lost three of their last five games and are generally struggling despite winning their last match away to Thisted. Naestved are one of the best away sides in the division with three wins and one draw from their four away games so far this season. To pour further misery upon today’s hosts, Naestved have won here on their last two visits with both wins being comprehensive wins. For me, this is something of a no-brainer so I’m surprised that the odds are 5/4 but they’ll be gratefully accepted, as I’m sure you’d all agree!

Burton Albion vs Rochdale – away win at 6/5. Burton Albion’s bubble appears to have been well and truly burst as they’re now winless in their past five games. It’s a shame for them but it was somewhat inevitable that their relatively naive footballing style would catch up with them ultimately. Two defeats in their last three games leaves Burton Albion short on momentum as well as form, two things that visitors Rochdale are certainly not lacking. Rochdale not only boast a better and more experienced squad but have also won four consecutive games before this particular encounter. There’s a real mismatch of ability and momentum between these two sides and I’ll be surprised if this game doesn’t result in an away given the above information. Frankly, taking the away win at 6/5 should be something of a dead cert today although I’ve hopefully not cursed the game now!

Palermo vs Juventus - away win at evens. The trip to face Palermo is often a tricky one but it’s one that Juventus have twice navigated to victory out of their last three visits. Juventus have already won two of their three away games this season and are the only remaining unbeaten side in Serie A. Palermo haven’t got off to the start that they’d expected or that the general footballing public had expected, which is a good thing in terms of today’s bet at least. I’ve no doubt that Palermo will improve their football as their season continues but entering today’s game they’ve not won any of their last five games, drawing three times and losing twice. A talented and in-form Juventus should have little issue in taking three points from this game in light of the above so evens looks like fantastic odds on this game although they’re sure to drop at somepoint!
 
Kashima Antlers vs Albirex Niigata – lay Kashima Antlers at 7/5. This is a bold call but considering that Kashima Antlers have lost four of their last five games, I’m extremely tempted to take it on. Kashima Antlers are one of the best sides in Japan but their current form is doing little to emphasise this point. Visitors Albirex Niigata are generally not considered to be amongst the J-League’s elite but their general performances this season have been impressive and they find themselves in 5th place as the season begins to draw to a close. Unbeaten in their last three games, Albirex Niigata enter this game with considerable momentum and the knowledge that they’ve lost less away games than anyone else in the J-League – just three all season. In fact, only league leaders Shimizu S-Pulse and Nagoya Grampus match their impressive record of seven away wins in the J-League, which furthers my belief that Albirex Niigata are going to give Kashima Antlers one hell of a game. In my opinion, Kashima Antlers aren’t in a position to combat the difficult Albirex Niigata at the moment so I think laying Kashima Antlers at 7/5 looks a fantastic bet!

Nagoya Grampus vs FC Tokyo – home win at 11/10. Nagoya Grampus have enjoyed a great deal of success lately both domestically and in the Asian Champions League. After progressing against J-League rivals Kawasaki Frontale in the Asian Champions League mid-week, Nagoya Grampus now return their focus to actual J-League games in a hope of furthering their excellent recent form of four wins from five games. Everything appears to be going Nagoya Grampus’ way lately and FC Tokyo simply seem to be the next guinea pig for today’s hosts to overrun! FC Tokyo are no pushovers; in fact, they’re one of the better away sides in the division. However, a lack of consistency in their performances of late leads me to believe that high-flying Nagoya Grampus will seize the initiative and overcome FC Tokyo today at surprising odds of 11/10.

Tromso vs Brann Bergen – home win at 21/20. After a 3-0 humbling in their last away encounter at Aalesunds, Brann Bergen now face an even more difficult away trip with the long trip north into the Arctic Circle to take on Tromso, a side that they’ve not beaten away since 2004. Atypically, these two sides tend to negotiate a draw at either ground but success for Tromso away to Brann Bergen earlier this season gives me confidence that Tromso have got their old swagger back and Brann Bergen are weakening slightly. Tromso have won this fixture for two out of their last three attempts and now have tremendous momentum to take into this game with three wins and just one defeat in their last five games, also drawing away to champions Rosenborg BK recently. Brann Bergen’s big problem is consistency, something I’m counting upon them lacking today in their arduous away trip. There’s no doubt that this is a risky call as both sides are good sides but I think the home advantage and consistency of Tromso will give them the edge in this game, sufficiently enough for them to win the game. Odds of 21/20 on the home win are certainly worth a flutter as I can’t see either side taking a draw today when both really need three points.

Byasen Trondheim vs Steinkjer – home win at 4/5. With seven win from eleven home games so far this season, Byasen Trondheim are in a position to call themselves a “force” at home, even though they’re sixth in the table. Unlike most of their promotion rivals, Byasen Trondheim’s strength isn’t scoring goals but preventing other sides from scoring goals as they’ve conceded just eight goals at home all season, a record only bettered by Avdeling 2 leaders Follo Fotball Ski. Byasen Trondheim haven’t prepared for this match as well as they’d have liked, losing their last game to Lorenskog. However, Byasen Trondheim have won two of their last four games and defeat against Lorenskog was their only defeat in those four games. I thoroughly expect Byasen Trondheim to make their home advantage count today as they’ve done many times this season already, particularly a they’re hosting a Steinkjer side that have lost seven of their eleven away games so far this season. The visitors are winless in their last three games, losing two of them and drawing the other. Effectively, there’s something of a mismatch between these two sides and despite the recent defeat for hosts Byasen Trondheim, I fully expect them to claim three points today at odds of 4/5.

Amkar Perm vs Spartak Moscow – home win with draw no bet odds of 11/8. Hosts Amkar Perm enter this game on a three-match winning streak, the most recent of which was a highly impressive away win against league leaders and reigning champions Rubin Kazan. Every point counts as Amkar Perm climb away from the relegation zone and they’ve certainly made sure that they’ve been obtaining a sufficient level of points lately for them to stay in the Russian Premier League this year. Visitors Spartak Moscow have been far from impressive lately with one win in their last four games, losing two along the way. Spartak Moscow haven’t won either of their last two away games and a difficult trip to Perm looks unlikely to change this. Both sides need the points here so a draw is somewhat unlikely but for the sake of insurance, I’ll be taking the home win with draw no bet at 11/8.

Racing Santander vs Valencia CF - home win with draw no bet odds of 11/8. My initial interest in backing Racing Santander in this game was purely instinctive because I know Valencia CF don’t just have off-games – they have off spells. Basically, the visitors find it hard to get out of any rut that they get into and I class their run of no wins in three games as a “rut”. However, it was when I looked further into this game that I realised just how much of a voodoo sign Racing Santander actually hold over Valencia CF. Racing Santander have only lost one Primera Liga game against Valencia CF in both home and away games since 2004, winning seven out of the other nine games. Considering that Racing Santander aren’t as good as Valencia CF, this isn’t short of being a remarkable record! Racing Santander may have had a relatively disappointing start to their Primera Liga campaign but have only lost once in their last four games and that was against Barcelona, winning once and drawing the other two games. I expect a close game here but I’m backing the voodoo Racing Santander to win this game with draw no bet odds of 11/8.

Racing Club de Ferrol vs Deportivo Alaves – away win at 10/11. Segunda B Group 1 leaders Deportivo Alaves appear very keen indeed on returning to the Segunda Liga following relegation last year as they’ve now won four of their opening six games, drawing the other two. Although their away games appear to be their primary issue thus far, they’re facing one of the poorer sides in this particular group – Racing Club de Ferrol, a side with no wins from the six games they’ve played so far and a side that has already lost two of their three home games. I think Deportivo Alaves have a perfect opportunity to increase their consistency on the road today against an out-of-form Racing Club de Ferrol so the away win at 10/11 looks a good bet to me.

Eibar vs Pontevedra – home win at 3/4. Recently-relegated Eibar may not have made the dream start that they’d have hoped for but their home form has been impeccable thus far, giving them some hope that a return to the Segunda Liga next year could be on the cards. Three wins from three home games means that Pontevedra have a lot of work to do here to obtain any kind of result from a difficult Eibar in the Basque Country. The visitors are actually unbeaten away from home but haven’t really been tested yet on the road, in my opinion. Eibar will certainly test the resilience of Pontevedra after their 5-0 humiliation at home to Lugo in their last outing and it’s a test that I don’t think the visitors will have any answers to currently. For me, 3/4 on the home win seems something of a bargain today.

Leganes vs Puertollano – home win at evens. Third-placed Leganes have made an impressive start to their campaign with four wins from six games. Their home form indicates a 100% record with three wins from three games, averaging nearly three goals per game at home. Visitors Puertollano have also had a good start to the season, particuarly away from home as they’re unbeaten on the road so far. However, I feel today they’ll face their stiffest test yet away to high-flying Leganes, a side that really should be able to beat them today. The hosts are simply rampant when it comes to their home games and I don’t envision Puertollano being able to deal with them today so the home win at evens looks a good bet to me!

Gava vs Denia – away win at 4/5. Four wins and one draw from their opening five games has given visitors Denia a tremendous start to their season. Currently lying fourth in the table, Denia are seeking to obtain their fifth win of the campaign and they couldn’t have picked a better opponent than lowly Gava, who are yet to win a game yet this season. Gava have lost four out of six games this season and have lost all three of their home games so far. This particular record bodes ominously given the impressive form of Denia so I can’t help but side with momentum here and back the away win at 4/5 because Gava simply don’t have enough to offer in this game today for them to get a result.

Eskisehirspor vs Kayserispor – home win at evens. Along with league leaders Fenerbahce, Eskisehirspor are one of just two Super Lig sides to still have won all of their home games. Eskisehirspor have won three from three at home and are averaging nearly three goals per game at home. Today they entertain a Kayserispor side that they beat here last season, which should lend Eskisehirspor a slight mental advantage ahead of this game. Two wins in four games and no defeats in five shows a new-look Eskisehirspor are on display and Kayserispor are going to have to work very hard to take anything from them here today. Kayserispor are unbeaten in three games but have an unreliable and franky random away form guide so it’s tricky to know exactly which Kayserispor are going to show up. However, in light of the above facts, I think the home win at evens bears considerable value, enough so for it to be worthy of your consideration!

Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk vs Shakhtar Donetsk – lay Shakhtar Donetsk at 11/10. For some inane reason, the bookies drastically overrate Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk in domestic games. Whereas it’s true that both of the afore-mentioned clubs are the best two sides in the Ukraine, Shakhtar Donetsk should never be 4/7 to win away to a Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk side that they’ve beaten just once here in their last five attempts. Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk generally war with Metalist Kharkiv for the title of “third best team in Ukraine” and are a good side but are generally low goalscorers. Five wins in eight games says that Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk have started this season well and three consecutive wins says that Shakhtar Donetsk are in for a tough game today. The visitors are in scintillating domestic form, as ever, with six wins from eight games and two draws along the way. However, Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk are unbeaten at home in their opening three games and Shakhtar Donetsk are weakest away from home so I think laying Shakhtar Donetsk at 11/10 could have some good value in it!

Deportivo Anzoategui vs Yaracuyanos – home win at 10/11. Hosts Deportivo Anzoategui have won their last two games consecutively, which has seen them climb to 8th place in the Primera Division. They’ve won two out of three home games this season and generally cause problems for any side visiting. Despite a promising start, Yaracuyanos have now lost four straight games and are on a steep slope downhill. Despite having a decent away record of two wins and two draws this season, Yaracuyanos don’t have the momentum or ability to trouble Deportivo Anzoategui today whereas the hosts have both to trouble the visitors. Basically, the home win at 10/11 looks something of a no-brainer here to me!

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 Chacarita Juniors (6) 1-0
San Lorenzo de Almagro vs River Plate (7) 2-1
Boca Juniors vs Velez Sarsfeld (6) 0-1
Lanus vs Godoy Cruz de Mendoza (7) 2-0

Austrian Bundesliga:

Sturm Graz vs SV Kapfenberg (8) 2-0
Salzburg vs Austria Karnten (9) 3-1
Wiener Neustadt vs Rapid Vienna (8) over 2.5 goals
Austria Vienna vs SV Mattersburg (8) 2-1

Belarusian Vysshaya Liga:

BATE Borisov vs Naftan Novopolotsk (8) 2-0
Neman Grodno vs Granit Mikashevichi (6) 1-1
FC Minsk vs Torpedo Zhodino (6) 0-1
Dinamo Minsk vs Shakhtyor Soligorsk (8) 2-0
Dinamo Brest vs FC Vitebsk (7) 2-1
FC Smorgon vs MTZ-RIPO Minsk (8) 0-1
Dnepr Mogilev vs FC Gomel (7) 2-1

Belgian Eerste Klasse:

Club Brugge vs Anderlecht (6) 1-2, draw no bet
Standard de Liege vs Racing Genk (8) 2-1

Belgian Tweede Klasse:

Boussu Dour Borinage vs Tubize (7)
Tienen vs Dender (8)
Ronse vs Standaard Wetteren (6)

Brazilian Serie A:

Atletico Mineiro vs Gremio Barueri (8) 2-0
Goias vs Botafogo (8) 2-1
Avai vs Cruzeiro (6) 1-2, draw no bet

Bulgarian A PFG:

Lokomotiv Plovdiv vs Levski Sofia (7) 1-2
CSKA Sofia vs Sliven (9) -1.75 handicap

Colombian Futbol Profesional:

Envigado vs Deportes Quindio (8) 1-1
Atletico Huila vs La Equidad Bogota (8) 1-0
Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota vs Deportes Tolima (8) 2-1
Real Cartagena vs Cucuta Deportivo (6) 1-0
Deportivo Pasto vs Once Caldas Manizales (9) under 2.5 goals
Independiente Medellin vs Atletico Junior Barranquilla (8) 2-1, at least one red card in this game

Croatian Prva Liga:

Dinamo Zagreb vs Varteks Varazdin (9) -1.75 handicap

Cypriot Division 1:

AEL Limassol vs Apollon Limassol (6) 1-0, at least one red card in this game
Nea Salamis vs APOP/Kinyras (7) 1-2

Czech Republic Gambrinus Liga:

Ceske Budejovice vs Kladno (5) 1-0
Bohemians Prague vs Bohemians 1905 (6) 0-0
Jablonec vs Mlada Boleslav (8) 2-1

Danish Superligaen:

Randers vs Silkeborg (6) 1-2
Midtylland vs HB Koge (7) 1-0
FC Copenhagen vs Esbjerg (8) over 2.5 goals
Brondby vs Nordsjaelland (8) 2-1

Danish 1st Division:

Hvidovre vs Thisted (7)
Roskilde vs AB Copenhagen (9)
Vestjaelland vs Fredericia (6)
AC Horsens vs Viborg (7)
Skive vs Naestved (8)
Kolding vs Lyngby (8)
Vejle vs Fyn (8)

English Premier League:

Arsenal vs Blackburn Rovers (9) over 2.5 goals
Everton vs Stoke City (8) under 2.5 goals
West Ham United vs Fulham (6) 1-1
Chelsea vs Liverpool (7) under 2.5 goals

English League Two:

Burton Albion vs Rochdale (8)

Finnish Veikkausliiga:

Tampere United vs FC Lahti (8) 2-1
MyPa Anjalankoski vs TPS Turku (8) 1-2
Inter Turku vs HJK Helsinki (6) 1-1
FC Honka Espoo vs RoPS Rovaniemi (9) -1.75 handicap
KuPS Kuopio vs VPS Vaasa (5) 1-0
Jaro Pietarsaari vs Haka Valkeakoski (5) 1-1
IFK Mariehamn vs JJK Jyvaskyla (8) under 2.5 goals

Finnish Ykkonen:

KPV Kokkola vs FC Kiisto Vaasa (8)
Atlantis FC Helsinki vs PS Kemi Kings (6)
FC Hameenlinna vs PoPa Pori (6)

Finnish Kakkonen:

Lokho A:

Kuusankoski vs MP Mikkeli (7)
GrIFK Grankulla vs HyPS Hyvinkaa (7)

Lokho B:

Narpes Kraft vs PP 70 Tampere (6)

Lokho C:

PK 37 Iisalmi vs OPS Oulu (8)
OLS Oulu vs Jyvaskyla Blackbird (6)
VIFK Vaasa vs Santa Claus (7)

French Ligue 1:

Boulogne vs LOSC Lille (6) 0-1
Toulouse vs Lorient (7) 2-1
Olympique de Marseille vs AS Monaco (8) 3-1

German Bundesliga:

VFB Stuttgart vs Werder Bremen (6) 2-2
Hertha BSC Berlin vs Hamburger SV (7) over 2.5 goals

German Bundesliga 2:

St.Pauli vs 1860 Munich (7)
Rot-Weiss Ahlen vs Hansa Rostock (7)
FSV Frankfurt vs Kaiserslautern (9)

Hungarian Soproni Liga:

Kecskemeti TE vs Nyiregyhaza Spartacus (7) 2-1

Italian Serie A:

Atalanta Bergamo vs AC Milan (6) 1-1
Bologna vs Genoa (5) 1-1
Cagliari vs Chievo Verona (6) 1-0
Fiorentina vs Lazio (8) 2-1
AS Roma vs SSC Napoli (8) 2-1
Sampdoria vs Parma (8) 1-0
Siena vs Livorno (7) 0-0
Palermo vs Juventus (8) 1-2

Japanese J-League:

Kawasaki Frontale vs Yokohama F Marinos (5) 1-1
Gamba Osaka vs Omiya Ardija (8) 2-1
Kashima Antlers vs Albirex Niigata (6) 1-1
Nagoya Grampus vs FC Tokyo (8) 1-0

Latvian Virsliga:

Skonto Riga vs FK Ventspils (6) 2-1, draw no bet

Lithuanian A Lyga:

Kruoja Pakruojis vs Suduva Marijampole (7) 0-1
Vetra Vilnius vs FK Siauliai (7) 2-0
Ekranas Panevezys vs FK Taurus Taurage (8) 2-0

Mexican Primera Division:

Toluca vs San Luis (8) 2-1
Puebla vs Santos Laguna (6) 1-2, draw no bet

Dutch Eredivisie:

Roda JC Kerkrade vs AFC Ajax Amsterdam (9) 1-3
Heracles Almelo vs FC Twente Enschede (8) 1-2
Heerenveen vs VVV Venlo (7) over 2.5 goals
FC Utrecht vs PSV Eindhoven (8) 0-1

Dutch Eerste Divisie:

Stormvogels Telstar vs Haarlem (7)

Norwegian Tippeligaen:

Aalesunds vs Sandefjord (6) under 2.5 goals
Stabaek vs Fredrikstad (9) -1.75 handicap
Lillestrom vs Lyn Oslo (7) 2-1
Tromso vs Brann Bergen (7) 1-0
Rosenborg BK vs Start Kristiansand (9) 3-1

Norwegian Adeccoligaen:

Lov Ham Bergen vs Skeid Oslo (7)
Nybergsund vs Sogndal (6)
Haugesund vs Hamarkamaratene (8)
Alta vs Notodden (6)
Moss vs Sarpsborg (6)
Stavanger vs Mjondalen (7)
Kongsvinger vs Bryne (8)

Norwegian 2 Divisjon:

Avdeling 1:

Flekkeroy vs Pors Grenland (6)
FK Tonsberg vs Skjetten Fotball (9)

Avdeling 2:

Byasen Trondheim vs Steinkjer (7)
Drobak Frogn vs Kristiansund (8)
Hodd Ulsteinvik vs Lorenskog (6)

Polish Ekstraklasa:

Polonia Warsaw vs Piast Gliwice (6) 1-0
Arka Gdynia vs Lech Poznan (8) 0-2

Portuguese Liga Sagres:

Leixoes vs Uniao de Leiria (6) 1-1
Sporting Clube de Lisboa vs Belenenses (8) 2-1
Olhanense vs Porto (8) 0-2

Portuguese Liga de Honra:

Portimonense vs Freamunde (6)
Sporting Covilha vs Trofense (6)
Oliveirense vs Desportivo Chaves (7)
Varzim vs Santa Clara (7)
Feirense vs Penafiel (8)
Fatima vs Carregado (6)

Romanian Liga:

Steaua Bucharest vs Gloria Bistrita (9) 2-0
Dinamo Bucharest vs Pandurii Targu Jiu (8) 2-1
CFR Cluj vs Politehnica Iasi (10) -1.75 handicap

Russian Premier League:

Amkar Perm vs Spartak Moscow (6) 1-0
Lokomotiv Moscow vs Rubin Kazan (5) 1-1
CSKA Moscow vs Kuban Krasnodor (9) 3-0
Zenit St Petersburg vs Dinamo Moscow (8) 2-1

Scottish Premier League:

Rangers vs Celtic (6) 1-0, at least one red card in this game

Serbian Super Liga:

Rad Belgrade vs Hajduk Kula (7) 1-0

Slovenian Prva Liga:

Drava vs Celje (7) 2-1

Spanish Primera Liga:

Deportivo Xerez vs Malaga (7) 1-1
Villarreal vs Espanyol (5) 1-2, draw no bet
Real Valladolid vs Athletic Club de Bilbao (6) 2-3, draw no bet
Sporting Gijon vs Real Mallorca (7) 1-2
Getafe vs Osasuna (7) 1-1
Racing Santander vs Valencia CF (6) 2-1
Sevilla CF vs Real Madrid (7) over 3.5 goals, both sides to score

Spanish Segunda Liga:

Rayo Vallecano de Madrid vs Real Betis Balompie (6)
Numancia vs Real Sociedad (6) under 2.5 goals
Salamanca vs Gimnastic de Tarragona (5)
Cordoba vs Las Palmas (6)
Albacete vs Cadiz (7)

Spanish Segunda B:

Group 1:

Racing Club de Ferrol vs Deportivo Alaves (7)
Mirandes vs Palencia (6)
Sestao River Club vs Ponferradina (7)
Eibar vs Pontevedra (8)
Lugo vs Izarra (5)
Barakaldo vs Celta de Vigo II (6)
Compostela vs Lemona (6)
Zamora vs Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa (7)

Group 2:

Universidad Las Palmas vs Real Racing Club Santander II (6)
Lanzarote vs Conquense (7)
Real Sociedad Gimnastica Torrelavega vs Tenerife II (7)
Real Madrid II vs Cerro Reyes Badajoz (6)
Vecindario vs Alcala Henares (7)
Toledo vs Atletico Madrid II (7)
Villanovense vs Real Sporting de Gijon II (6)
Leganes vs Puertollano (8)
Real Oviedo vs Cacereno (6)

Group 3:

Gava vs Denia (8)
Valencia II vs Sporting Mahones (7)
Terrassa vs Atletico Gramenet (6)
Mallorca II vs Villajoyosa (8)
Badalona vs Logrones (5)
Barcelona II vs Sabadell (6)
Benidorm vs Sant Andreu (7)
Orihuela vs Alcoyano (6)
Lleida vs Espanyol Barcelona II (6)

Group 4:

Roquetas vs Lucena (7)
Real Murcia II vs Ecija Balompie (7)
Melilla vs Jerez Industrial (7)
Real Jaen vs Union Estepona (6)
Moratalla vs San Roque (6)
Granada vs Aguilas (7)
Caravaca vs Sevilla II (6)

Swedish Allsvenskan:

Hammarby vs Brommapojkarna (6) 1-1
Gefle vs Halmstads (5) 0-1, draw no bet
Helsingborgs vs BK Hacken (7) 2-1
Orebro vs Malmo (6) 1-2
Elfsborg Boras vs AIK Solna (5) 1-1

Swedish Superettan:

Assyriska Sodertalje vs Vasby United (7)
Mjallby Solvesborg vs Jonkopings Sodra (8)
Qviding Goteborg vs Atvidabergs (8)

Swiss Super League:

Bellinzona vs FC Zurich (8) 1-2
Young Boys Bern vs Aarau (9) -1.75 handicap
Basel vs Sion (8) 2-0

Swiss Challenge League:

Locarno vs Wohlen (5)
Gossau vs Yverdon Sport (6)

Turkish Super Lig:

Eskisehirspor vs Kayserispor (7) 2-1
Sivasspor vs Antalyaspor (7) 1-0
Ankaragucu vs Galatasaray (8) 1-3
Fenerbahce vs Genclerbirligi (8) 2-0

Ukrainian Premier League:

Arsenal Kiev vs Dynamo Kiev (9) 1-3
Karpaty Lviv vs Zakarpattya Uzhhorod (8) 2-0
Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk vs Shakhtar Donetsk (5) 2-1
Vorskla Poltava vs Chernomorets Odessa (6) 2-1

Uruguayan Primera Division:

Danubio vs Cerro (8) 2-0
Atenas vs Cerro Largo (7) 1-2
Cerrito vs Tacuarembo (6) 0-0
Rampla Juniors vs Defensor Sporting (6) 1-2, draw no bet
Penarol vs River Plate Montevideo (7) over 2.5 goals

Venezuelan Primera Division:

Atletico El Vigia vs Llaneros de Gunare (7) 1-0
Mineros de Guayana vs Monagas SC (6) 1-1
Zulia vs Estudiantes de Merida (5) 1-1
Zamora vs Carabobo (6) 1-0
Deportivo Italia vs Real Esppor Club (8) 2-0
Deportivo Anzoategui vs Yaracuyanos (8) 2-1

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