Today's featured game is the Italian Serie B match between Empoli and Ascoli. Hosts Empoli were amongst the pre-season favourites to achieve promotion to Serie A this season and have partially indicated why in their present campaign. Their away form is their biggest problem as they've failed to win in five away games, losing three times and scoring just one goal along the way. However, at home, Empoli look every bit a Serie A side in the making with four wins from four games. Nobody has scored more than them at home in Serie B and their average of nearly three goals per home game is a daunting statistic for any away side. Empoli carry a decent amount of momentum into this game as they're unbeaten in three games and they know that they've won this exact fixture for the last two seasons running now, each win by a goal margin of at least three goals. Visitors Ascoli aren't much of an away side despite their unbeaten start to this season on the road. They've currently played four away games, won once and drawn three times. Last season was a much better indication of Ascoli's actual ability on the road as just four teams lost more away games than they did and two of those sides ended up being relegated to Serie C! To put it bluntly; Ascoli aren't playing well per se - they're just making themselves hard to beat. I'll give credit where it's due but no wins in five games leaves Ascoli looking a little exposed and perhaps ready to taste their first away defeat of the season at the fortress that Empoli call Stadio Carlo Castellani. Had Ascoli not remained unbeaten on the road so far this season then I'd expect to see lower odds but as it happens, fortune appears to have favoured us by granting us odds of 4/5 so I thoroughly recommend taking them whilst they're worth it!
Saturday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Empoli vs Ascoli - home win at 4/5 - see introduction for full details.
Racing Club Avellaneda vs Lanus - away win at 7/5. Hosts Racing Club Avellaneda are enduring a torrid time in the Primera Division at the moment. Claiming a third-bottom place in the table, Racing Club Avellaneda have shown little desire to get out of that position as they've now lost four consecutive games and yet again are leaking too many goals and not scoring enough. Currently the only winless side in the Primera Division, Racing Club Avellaneda's fortunes don't look likely to improve as they host a rejuvenated Lanus with the visitors unbeaten in their last four games. My only concern for Lanus in this game is that they've only one won of their last four unbeaten games, which tells me they're not playing their games efficiently enough, although they're a good deal better than they were at the start of the season. Still, today looks as good a day as any to amend their record. We also have to bear in mind that Lanus are one of just four sides in the Primera Division that have yet to lose a game away from home, too. With all of the above in mind, it's difficult for me to look beyond the away win for Lanus at 7/5.
Neman Grodno vs Shakhtyor Soligorsk - away win at 3/4. Despite losing their last match at home to champions BATE Borisov, Shakhtyor Soligorsk still remain in the hunt for a European place in next season's competition. They're also back to the place where they do what they do best - away from home. It's hard to look beyond a Shakhtyor Soligorsk away win not only because you know they're the better side but also because only BATE Borisov have won more (or even matched) Shakhtyor Soligorsk this season. With six wins from eleven away games, accumulating just two defeats along the way, it becomes more than apparent how potent Shakhtyor Soligorsk actually are on the road. They've won two of their last three games and today travel to a woeful Neman Grodno that have lost five from their last six games and haven't won a game in their last eight. The hosts are short on morale and are hosting a better side, which immediately places the hosts in an awkward position. With all this in mind, the away win at 3/4 starts to look very promising indeed.
Deportes Tolima vs Deportivo Pereira - home win at 10/11. It's taken far too long for Deportes Tolima to awaken in this campaign but at last they've done so with zero defeats in their last six games and by winning their last two games consecutively. The hosts are aiming to secure their place in the last eight earlier rather than later and appear in good stead to do so. Visitors Deportivo Pereira have also been playing well lately and are also unbeaten in their last four games. That said, however, they're still winless on the road this season which indicates how much they struggle away from home. Against a rejuvenated and very much in-form Deportes Tolima, it's hard to see Deportivo Pereira taking anything off their superior opponents so the home win at 10/11 looks good value to me.
Istra 1961 vs Sibenik - away win at 6/4. Crazy odds! Newly-promoted Istra 1961 are now without a win in five games and have lost three of those games too. They've managed just two wins in eleven games and find goalscoring much harder than they do conceding goals. Sibenik might not be the best of away sides on a general level but you can be forgiven for being swayed by their current excellent away form. Why? Well, nobody has won as many games on the road this season as Sibenik, and that includes giants Dinamo Zagreb. Sibenik have won four times, drawn once, and lost one in their six away games this season. Their biggest strength is not conceding many goals, which is handy when you consider that they don't appear fond of goalscoring. However, three wins in four games indicates just how in-form Sibenik currently are and that really should be enough to see the away win occur here at 6/4.
Slovacko vs Kladno - home win at 10/11. After finally managing to end their winless drought last match, Slovacko enter this game brimming with confidence, particularly as they know that they can at least match Kladno on their day and will be eyeing up three points hungrily. Don't get me wrong, I'll be surprised if Slovacko stay in the Gambrinus Liga this year but I'll be even more surprised if it's not Kladno who are going down with them. The visitors were on an excellent run but a defeat and a draw in their last two games will have affected their confidence so their heads will have dropped, which ultimately leads to poorer performances. For me, although it should be a close call, the home win at 10/11 does indicate some value in the home win.
Teplice vs Mlada Boleslav - home win at evens. League leaders Teplice today entertain Mlada Boleslav with the knowledge that nobody has scored more Gambrinus Liga goals this season than Teplice and also the fact that they're unbeaten does much to impress. Having just conceded one goal at home so far this season, Teplice have managed to win three of their five home games, drawing the other two. Four wins in their last fives games gives Teplice all the momentum they need to win this game and it looks unlikely that an out-of-form Mlada Boleslav will contribute much in the way of opposition today. Why? Well, they've won just once in their last five games, losing twice and drawing twice. They've lost three from five away games so far this season and generally look prone to not turning up. For me, taking evens on the home win bears significant value in this game today!
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa - away win at 11/10. After an impressive 2-1 win against Chelsea, Aston Villa enter this game with renewed vigour and purpose and face local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers in a game that the away side know they need to win to maintain their momentum. There's no doubt that Aston Villa have the quality to do so, too, although their defensive mishaps need to cease as it won't be too long before errors start costing them a lot of points. Wolverhampton Wanderers have played some tenacious football this season but the fact remains that they've lost two of their last three games, drawing the other. The hosts simply don't score enough goals and against a free-flowing side like Aston Villa, this kind of record can prove fatal. For me, the away win at 11/1o has some good value in it today.
Derby County vs Queens Park Rangers - away win at 8/5. Queens Park Rangers have really caught my eye lately with three wins in their last five games. Only three sides in the Championship have scored more goals than Queens Park Rangers have so far this season as the visitors seek to finally prove that they're not just a rich club but also a talented club. Hosts Derby County get from bad to worse whenever I see them with two defeats in their last four games. The hosts are only playing well at home but I still think Queens Park Rangers simply have too much firepower and too many alternatives to not win this game so the away win at 8/5 looks good value to me.
Stade Rennais vs Montpellier HSC - home win at 4/5. Although having been poor lately, Stade Rennais will be looking to recapture some form today against high-flying Montpellier HSC. The hosts haven't won in three games, losing two games and drawing the other. That said, I still rate Stade Rennais' attack as one of the best in the country so it's only a matter of time before they nip it in the bud. Visitors Montpellier HSC are drastically over-achieving and although I respect them immensely for the tremendous form they currently boast, the fact remains that they're punching above their weight and I fully expect to see that indicated in tonight's game by a very strong Stade Rennais with a home win at 4/5.
Jaguares vs Santos Laguna - away win at 17/10. This one's a bit of a no-brainer for me, which leaves me stumped as to why the odds are so good but whatever! Visitors Santos Laguna are unbeaten in their last five games, winning four and drawing the other. They've played some great football of late and don't appear to miss Ecuadorian striker Christian Benitez one iota at the present time! Only Morelia have scored more goals than Santos Laguna in the Mexican Primera Division, which is largely why Santos Laguna are doing so well - efficient goalscoring. I rate hosts Jaguares amongst the worst sides in the Mexican Primera Division and their placing at the bottom of their group does much to further my point. Although they've won two of their last three games, there still appears to be a real quality mis-match in favour of the away side so taking a Santos Laguna win at 17/10 could prove to be a real bargain tonight.
GKS Belchatow vs Polonia Warsaw - home win at 5/6. Hosts GKS Belchatow are now unbeaten in five games, winning a highly impressive four games along the way. The hosts look to be getting back to their best form, something that I feel was produced a few seasons ago when GKS Belchatow were able to compete in the UEFA Cup. Three wins in five home games coupled with just one defeat shows that GKS Belchatow mean business so it's already more than apparent for a troubled Polonia Warsaw that they're going to have to work to get anything here. With recent trouble about unpaid player wages, Polonia Warsaw's last desire is to travel to a talented and in-form side, particularly as they boast the unenviable record of three defeats, one draw and just one win as their away record this season. To somehow make matters even worse for the visitors, they're still missing a whole host of players for this game - key defender Jodlowiec, captain Mynar (another defender), strikers Ivanovski and Nikolic, and four midfielders - Maka, Koziol, Piatek, and Sarvas. When you consider that GKS Belchatow are missing just Cetnarski for this game, you really have to favour a home win in this game for various reasons, although it is worth pointing out that Cetnarski is a key player for GKS Belchatow - I just don't feel it affects the scales too drastically with all of the above in mind. Therefore, a home win at 5/6 looks a real bargain today!
Pandurii Targu Jiu vs Unirea Urziceni - away win at 13/10. After the unflattering 4-1 away victory against Rangers in the UEFA Champions League, Unirea Urziceni return to their domestic campaign with renewed vigour and innovation. Their form lately has been patchy but they'll be keen to make amends and their momentum gives them all the requirements they need to beat a resilient but relatively average Pandurii Targu Jiu tonight. The hosts started this season well but are currently without a win in their last four games, drawing twice and losing twice. The home form of Pandurii Targu Jiu's is much like the away form of Unirea Urziceni - inconclusive! So today I'm going to side with momentum and call the away win at 13/10. I don't need to remind you all that this call does have an element of risk so do approach with caution!
Grasshoppers Zurich vs Young Boys Bern - away win at 17/20. The wonderful Young Boys Bern finally return to my radar after a couple of weeks off with the international break and Swiss Cup games. The impressive league leaders taken on fallen giants Grasshoppers Zurich away from home with the hosts on an impressive three-game unbeaten run which has seen them win twice and draw once. However, today they host a very good Young Boys Bern side indeed, something that's strongly indicated by the fact that the visitors have won ten from twelve games so far this season and average nearly three goals per game currently. Young Boys Bern have better players, are in better form, and enter this game with a lot of momentum so the away win at 17/20 looks something of a bargain today as there's a real quality mis-match on show.
Yverdon Sport vs Lugano - away win at 11/10. Five wins from five away games says that Lugano are more than determined to enter the Super League after only just missing out last year. The Challenge League leaders have won three from their last four games and can't remember what it feels like to taste defeat as it's been so long since it last occurred. With an average of over three goals per game, Lugano are the top goalscorers in the division and look a frightening opponent for any side in this division. Hosts Yverdon Sport have had a decent start to their season, particularly at home where they've won three from five games. However, two consecutive defeats will have done them damage mentally and that's no way to be entering a game with promotion favouries Lugano. For me, there's serious value in the away win at 11/10 today.
Porthmadog vs Aberyswyth Town - away win at 4/5. Hosts Porthmadog are the only side left in the Welsh Premier League that are yet to win a game. With eight games played and their last five having been lost consecutively, it's not hard to see just why they're bottom of the table without a win. They've managed to score a measly three goals in eight games, conceding over two per game on average. Everything that can go wrong is going wrong for them at the moment and I'd frankly be happy taking anyone to beat them at the moment. Visitors Aberystwyth Town have made a slow start but are finally gaining momentum with three wins in their last four games. They're currently sixth in the Premier League table and also currently boast the best away record in the division with three wins and one draw from their four away games. In fact, Aberystwyth Town are interestingly the only side left in their division yet to lose away from home. To say the visitors are in good form is an understatement as they look a potent threat to just about every side they face at the moment. For me, this is something of a no-brainer away win at 4/5.
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:
Banfield vs Godoy Cruz de Mendoza (8) 2-1
Chacarita Juniors vs Huracan (7) 1-1
Racing Club Avellaneda vs Lanus (6) 0-1
Velez Sarsfeld vs Newell's Old Boys (7) 2-1
Australian A-League:
Melbourne Victory vs Adelaide United (7) 2-1
North Queensland Fury vs Perth Glory (6) 0-1
Austrian Bundesliga:
Austria Karnten vs SV Kapfenberg (6) 0-0
Austrian Liga 1:
SCR Altach vs Austria Lustenau (7)
Belarusian Vysshaya Liga:
FC Smorgon vs FC Gomel (7) 0-0
FC Minsk vs Dnepr Mogilev (6) 1-1
Neman Grodno vs Shakhtyor Soligorsk (8) 1-2
Dinamo Brest vs Granit Mikashevichi (8) 2-0
FC Vitebsk vs Naftan Novopolotsk (5) 1-0
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Standard de Liege vs Zulte-Waregem (7) 2-1
Sint-Truiden vs AA Gent (6) 1-1
Charleroi vs Westerlo (5) 1-2
Cercle Brugge vs Kortrijk (6) 1-0
Germinal Beerschot vs Excelsior Mouscron (6) 0-0
Belgian Tweede Klasse:
Oostende vs Tubize (6)
Red Star Waasland vs Boussu Dour Borinage (8)
Mons vs Beveren (8)
Brussels vs Ronse (8)
Tournai vs Liege (7)
Staandard Wetteren vs KVSK United (7)
Brazilian Serie A:
Nautico vs Gremio Barueri (6) 2-1
Atletico Mineiro vs Vitoria (8) 2-0
Bulgarian A PFG:
Lokomotiv Mezdra vs Pirin Blagoevgrad (6) 1-2
Lokomotiv Plovdiv vs Sliven (7) 2-0
Lokomotiv Sofia vs Litex Lovech (7) 2-2
Chernomorets Burgas vs Botev Plovdiv (9) -1.75 handicap
Chinese Super League:
Chengdu Blades vs Shenzhen (5) 1-0
Jiangsu Shuntian vs Shandong Luneng (6) 1-2
Changsha Ginde vs Shaanxi Zhongxin (6) 0-0
Chongqing Lifan vs Shanghai Shenhua (6) 1-1
Hangzhou Lucheng vs Changchun Yatai (7) 2-0
Dalian Shide vs Beijing Guoan (7) 0-1
Guangzhou Yiyao vs Qingdao Jonoon (7) 1-1
Henan Jianye vs Tianjin Teda (6) 2-1
Colombian Futbol Profesional:
Deportes Tolima vs Deportivo Pereira (7) 2-1
Millonarios Bogota vs Independiente Medellin (6) 1-1
Deportivo Cali vs Atletico Huila (5) 1-0
Croatian Prva Liga:
Istra 1961 vs Sibenik (7) 1-2
Croatia Sesvete vs Varteks Varazdin (6) 0-0
Karlovac vs Hajduk Split (6) 1-2
Medimurje vs NK Zagreb (6) 3-2
Osijek vs Lokomotiva Zagreb (8) 2-1
Zadar vs Rijeka (5) 1-1
Cypriot Division 1:
Enosis Neon Paralimni vs Nea Salamis (8) 2-0
Apollon Limassol vs Omonia Nicosia (6) 1-1
Anorthosis Famagusta vs A.E.Paphos (8) 3-1
Czech Republic Gambrinus Liga:
Slovacko vs Kladno (7) 1-0
Slovan Liberec vs Pribram (7) 2-0
Banik Ostrava vs Bohemians 1905 (8) under 2.5 goals
Brno vs Jablonec (6) 1-1
Teplice vs Mlada Boleslav (8) 2-1
Danish Superligaen:
Randers vs OB Odense (8) 1-3
Ecuadorian Primera A:
Deportivo Quito vs Liga de Quito (7) 1-0, at least one red card in this game
Espoli Cayambe vs Emelec Guayaquil (6) 2-1
Manta vs Macara Ambato (5) 1-1
English Premier League:
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa (7) 0-1
Birmingham City vs Sunderland (6) 0-1
Burnley vs Wigan Athletic (5) 2-1
Hull City vs Portsmouth (6) 0-1
Tottenham Hotspur vs Stoke City (8) 2-1
Chelsea vs Blackburn Rovers (9) -1.75 handicap
English Championship:
Barnsley vs Bristol City (7)
Coventry City vs West Bromwich Albion (5)
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest (6)
Newcastle United vs Doncaster Rovers (7)
Peterborough United vs Scunthorpe United (5)
Plymouth Argyle vs Ipswich Town (8)
Preston North End vs Middlesbrough (6)
Sheffield United vs Cardiff City (6) draw no bet
Swansea City vs Blackpool (7)
Derby County vs Queens Park Rangers (8)
English League One:
Brentford vs Stockport County (7)
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Oldham Athletic (6)
Bristol Rovers vs Yeovil Town (7)
Carlisle United vs Southend United (5)
Exeter City vs Wycombe Wanderers (6)
Gillingham vs Charlton Athletic (6)
Hartlepool United vs Tranmere Rovers (7)
Huddersfield Town vs Leyton Orient (8)
Millwall vs Leeds United (6)
Norwich City vs Swindon Town (7)
Southampton vs Milton Keynes Dons (8)
English League Two:
Barnet vs Darlington (5)
Bournemouth vs Grimsby Town (7)
Bradford City vs Hereford United (6)
Bury vs Rotherham United (6)
Chesterfield vs Burton Albion (7)
Lincoln City vs Torquay United (7)
Macclesfield Town vs Dagenham & Redbridge (6)
Morecambe vs Northampton Town (8)
Notts County vs Crewe Alexandra (7)
Port Vale vs Cheltenham Town (6)
Rochdale vs Accrington Stanley (8)
Shrewsbury Town vs Aldershot Town (6)
Estonian Meistriliiga:
Sillamae Kalev vs Nomme Kalju (8) 4-2
Tulevik Viljandi vs Trans Narva (8) 1-3
Tallinna Kalev vs Flora Paide (6) 0-0
Flora Tallinn vs Kuressaare (9) -1.75 handicap
Maag Tammeka Tartu vs Levadia Tallinn (9) -1.75 handicap
French Ligue 1:
Girondins de Bordeaux vs Le Mans (7) 2-0
Boulogne vs AS Monaco (7) 1-2
Grenoble Foot vs AS Nancy-Lorraine (6) 0-1
OGC Nice vs Olympique Lyonnais (9) 1-3
Saint-Etienne vs Valenciennes (7) 2-1
Sochaux vs Lorient (5) 1-1
Stade Rennais vs Montpellier HSC (7) 2-1
German Bundesliga:
Bayern Munich vs Eintracht Frankfurt (8) 2-1
Hoffenheim vs Nurnberg (7) 2-0
Hannover 96 vs VFB Stuttgart (5) 1-1
Borussia Moenchengladbach vs FC Koln (6) 1-0
FSV Mainz 05 vs Freiburg (7) 1-0
German Bundesliga 2:
MSV Duisburg vs Hansa Rostock (6)
FSV Frankfurt vs 1860 Munich (7)
Greek Super League:
Asteras Tripolis vs Atromitos (6) 1-0
Olympiakos Piraeus vs Ergotelis (9) 3-1
Panionios vs PAS Giannina (7) 2-0
Greek B Ethniki:
Agrotikos Asteras vs Panserraikos (5)
Olympiakos Volos vs Ionikos Nikaias (8)
Panaitolikos Agrinio vs Ilisiakos Zografou (6)
Hungarian Soproni Liga:
Ujpest vs MTK Budapest (8) 2-1
Diosgyori VTK vs Paksi SE (6) 1-1
Papa vs Nyiregyhaza Spartacus (7) 2-1
Szombathelyi Haladas vs Vasas Budapest (6) 2-1
Gyori ETO FC vs Kaposvari Rakoczi (8) 3-1
Kecskemeti TE vs Ferencvaros (6) 1-1
Italian Serie A:
Sampdoria vs Bologna (8) 2-1
Internazionale vs Catania (8) 2-0
Italian Serie B:
Ancona vs Frosinone (6)
Brescia vs Albinoleffe (5)
Cesena vs Grosseto (7)
Empoli vs Ascoli (8)
Gallipolli vs Lecce (6)
Padova vs Triestina (7)
Piacenza vs Modena (5)
Salernitana vs Crotone (6)
Sassuolo vs Cittadella (6)
Japanese J-League:
Kashima Antlers vs JEF United Ichihara (6) 2-1
Gamba Osaka vs Yokohama F Marinos (8) 2-1
Vissel Kobe vs Albirex Niigata (6) 0-1
Kashiwa Reysol vs Montedio Yamagata (6) 1-1
Kyoto Purple Sanga vs Oita Trinita (7) 1-0
Latvian Virsliga:
Blazma Rezekne vs Liepajas Metalurgs (8) 0-2
FK Jurmala vs Daugava Riga (7) 2-0
Mexican Primera Division:
Queretaro vs Cruz Azul (6) 1-2
Jaguares vs Santos Laguna (7) 1-2
Tigres UANL vs San Luis (6) 1-1
Pachuca vs Indios (8) 2-0
Atlante vs Atlas (5) 1-1
Dutch Eredivisie:
ADO Den Haag vs Sparta Rotterdam (6) 1-1
Feyenoord Rotterdam vs VVV Venlo (8) 2-0
Vitesse Arnhem vs Heracles Almelo (6) 2-1
NAC Breda vs RKC Waalwijk (7) 1-0
Norwegian 2 Divisjon:
Avdeling 1:
Lillestrom II vs Pors Grenland (7)
Vindbjart Vennesla vs Valerenga Oslo II (6)
Skjetten Fotball vs Flekkeroy (8)
Tonsberg vs Fram Larvik (8)
Eidsvold vs KFUM Fotball Oslo (7)
Ullensaker Kisa vs Mandalskameratene (7)
Start Kristiansand II vs Strommen (8)
Avdeling 2:
Rosenborg II vs Molde II (8)
Lorenskog vs Ullern (9)
Hodd Ulsteinvik vs Levanger (8)
Byasen Trondheim vs Nardo Trondheim (6)
Skarbovik Aalesund vs Kristiansund (5)
Follo Fotball Ski vs Strindheim (8)
Steinkjer vs Drobak Frogn (7)
Avdeling 3:
Fyllingen Bergen vs Stromsgodset II (6)
Fana Nestun vs Randaberg (5)
Varg Haugesund vs Nest Sotra Agotnes (8)
Asane Ulset vs Sford Sunnhordland (8)
Drammen vs Algard (8)
Sandnes Ulf vs Kopervik (8)
Lyn Oslo II vs Fredrikstad II (6)
Avdeling 4:
Manglerud Star Oslo vs Raufoss Fotball (6)
Lillehammer vs Bodo Glimt II (8)
Valdres Fagernes vs Mo (7)
Tromso II vs Stabaek II (5)
Asker Fotball vs Korsvoll Oslo (8)
Bossekop vs Ranheim Trondheim (9)
Kjelsas Oslo vs Baerum Sandvika (5)
Polish Ekstraklasa:
GKS Belchatow vs Polonia Warsaw (7) 2-1
Legia Warsaw vs Korona Kielce (8) 2-0
Wisla Krakow vs Piast Gliwice (8) 2-1
Slask Wroclaw vs Zaglebie Lubin (6) 1-0
Portuguese Liga Sagres:
Uniao de Leiria vs Naval de Maio (5) 1-1
Rio Ave vs Sporting Braga (8) 0-1
Portuguese Liga de Honra:
Trofense vs Oliveirense (5)
Beira-Mar vs Desportivo Chaves (6)
Desportivo Aves vs Fatima (7)
Penafiel vs Portimonense (6)
Santa Clara vs Estoril (8)
Gil Vicente vs Varzim (8)
Romanian Liga:
Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt vs Unirea Alba Iulia (5) 1-2
Universitatea Craiova vs Vaslui (6) 1-1
Pandurii Targu Jiu vs Unirea Urziceni (7) 1-2
Russian Premier League:
Krylya Sovetov Samara vs Terek Grozny (5) 1-0
Khimki vs Spartak Moscow (9) 1-3
Lokomotiv Moscow vs Saturn Moscow Oblast (8) 2-0
Scottish Premier League:
Aberdeen vs Dundee United (6) 1-0
Heart of Midlothian vs Falkirk (7) 2-0
Kilmarnock vs St.Johnstone (5) 1-1
Rangers vs Hibernians (7) 2-1
St.Mirren vs Motherwell (6) 0-0
Serbian Super Liga:
Spartak Subotica vs Vojvodina Novi Sad (8) 1-2
Jagodina vs BSK Borca (7) 2-0
Napredak vs Cukaricki (7) 1-0
Metalac GM vs Hajduk Kula (6) 0-0
Smederevo vs Javor Ivanjica (6) 1-1
OFK Belgrade vs Mladi Radnik (7) 2-1
Red Star Belgrade vs Borac Cacak (9) 3-1
Slovakian Corgon Liga:
Senica vs MSK Zilina (7) 1-2
Dukla Banska Bystrica vs Ruzomberok (8) 2-0
DAC Dunajska Streda vs Artmedia Petrzalka (5) 1-1
Dubnica vs Tatran Presov (6) 0-1
Nitra vs Kosice (8) 2-0
Slovenian Prva Liga:
Naftan Lendava vs Olimpija Ljubjlana (6) 0-0
Interblock Ljubljana vs Drava (6) 1-0
Gorica vs Celje (7) 1-2
Maribor vs Domzale (7) 2-1
Rudar Velenje vs Koper (6) 1-1
Spanish Primera Liga:
Atletico Madrid vs Real Mallorca (6) 2-1
Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid (6) over 3.5 goals
Sevilla CF vs Espanyol (7) 2-1
Spanish Segunda Liga:
Gimnastic de Tarragona vs Hercules Alicante (6) draw no bet
Huesca vs Levante (6)
Real Sociedad vs Cordoba (7)
Real Murcia vs Recreativo de Huelva (7)
Las Palmas vs Albacete (6)
Villarreal II vs Castellon (5)
Girona vs Real Betis Balompie (6)
Spanish Segunda B:
Group 1:
Celta de Vigo II vs Mirandes (8)
Montaneros vs Palencia (7)
Cultural y Desportiva Leonesa vs Lugo (5)
Group 2:
Real Racing Club Santander II vs Alcorcon (6)
Puertollano vs Villanovense (6)
Group 3:
Sporting Mahones vs Barcelona II (6)
Group 4:
San Roque vs Union Estepona (7)
Marbella vs Real Betis II (6)
Jerez Industrial vs Granada (7)
Ciudad de Murcia vs Roquetas (5)
Swedish Allsvenskan:
Djurgardens vs Orgryte (6) 1-0
Helsingborgs vs Kalmar (6) 1-2, draw no bet
Swedish Superettan:
Landskrona BoIS vs GIF Sundsvall (6)
Ljungskile vs Angelholms (7)
Falkenbergs vs IFK Norrkoping (5) draw no bet
Jonkopings Sodra vs Assyriska Sodertalje (7)
Atvidabergs vs Mjallby Solvesborg (6)
Trollhattan vs Vasalunds (6)
Vasby United vs Qviding Goteborg (7)
Syrianska Sodertalje vs Sirius Uppsala (8)
Swiss Super League:
Aarau vs Bellinzona (6) 1-1
Grasshoppers Zurich vs Young Boys Bern (8) 1-3
Swiss Challenge League:
Wohlen vs Schaffhausen (6)
Yverdon Sport vs Lugano (7)
Lausanne Sports vs Winterthur (5)
Servette vs Kriens (6)
Thun vs Le Mont (9)
Turkish Super Lig:
Sivasspor vs Gaziantepspor (6) 0-0
Bursaspor vs Istanbul BB (8) 2-1
Fenerbahce vs Galatasaray (6) 2-1, at least two red cards in this game
Eskisehirspor vs Besiktas JK (6) 0-1
Ukrainian Premier League:
Arsenal Kiev vs Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih (6) 1-0
Metalurg Donetsk vs Chernomorets Odessa (8) over 2.5 goals
Obolon Kiev vs Tavriya Simferopol (5) 1-2
Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk vs Dynamo Kiev (5) 1-1
Karpaty Lviv vs Metalurg Zaporizhya (8) 2-1
Welsh Premier League:
Bala Town vs Haverfordwest County (5) 1-1
Connah's Quay Nomads vs Camarthen Town (6) 1-2, draw no bet
Llanelli vs Caersws (9) 3-1
Neath Athletic vs The New Saints (6) 2-2
Newtown vs Welshpool Town (6) 2-1
Port Talbot Town vs Airbus (7) 1-0
Porthmadog vs Aberyswyth Town (7) 1-2
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!
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
Enjoy your free betting tips and feel free to visit our forum!
Loading ...