Sevilla CF vs Real Madrid

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

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

Sunday’s Picks

My tips:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Argentinian Primera Division:

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

Austrian Bundesliga:

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

Belarusian Vysshaya Liga:

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

Belgian Eerste Klasse:

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

Belgian Tweede Klasse:

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

Brazilian Serie A:

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

Bulgarian A PFG:

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

Colombian Futbol Profesional:

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

Croatian Prva Liga:

Dinamo Zagreb vs Varteks Varazdin (9) -1.75 handicap

Cypriot Division 1:

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

Czech Republic Gambrinus Liga:

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

Danish Superligaen:

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

Danish 1st Division:

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

English Premier League:

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

English League Two:

Burton Albion vs Rochdale (8)

Finnish Veikkausliiga:

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

Finnish Ykkonen:

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

Finnish Kakkonen:

Lokho A:

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

Lokho B:

Narpes Kraft vs PP 70 Tampere (6)

Lokho C:

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

French Ligue 1:

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

German Bundesliga:

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

German Bundesliga 2:

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

Hungarian Soproni Liga:

Kecskemeti TE vs Nyiregyhaza Spartacus (7) 2-1

Italian Serie A:

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

Japanese J-League:

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

Latvian Virsliga:

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

Lithuanian A Lyga:

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

Mexican Primera Division:

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

Dutch Eredivisie:

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

Dutch Eerste Divisie:

Stormvogels Telstar vs Haarlem (7)

Norwegian Tippeligaen:

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

Norwegian Adeccoligaen:

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

Norwegian 2 Divisjon:

Avdeling 1:

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

Avdeling 2:

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

Polish Ekstraklasa:

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

Portuguese Liga Sagres:

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

Portuguese Liga de Honra:

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

Romanian Liga:

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

Russian Premier League:

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

Scottish Premier League:

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

Serbian Super Liga:

Rad Belgrade vs Hajduk Kula (7) 1-0

Slovenian Prva Liga:

Drava vs Celje (7) 2-1

Spanish Primera Liga:

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

Spanish Segunda Liga:

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

Spanish Segunda B:

Group 1:

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

Group 2:

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

Group 3:

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

Group 4:

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

Swedish Allsvenskan:

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

Swedish Superettan:

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

Swiss Super League:

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

Swiss Challenge League:

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

Turkish Super Lig:

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

Ukrainian Premier League:

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

Uruguayan Primera Division:

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

Venezuelan Primera Division:

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

Enjoy your free betting tips and feel free to visit our forum!

Hamarkamaratene vs Honefoss BK

Are we feeling the love for an emphatic AaB victory yesterday, guys? Post your success!

Today’s featured game isn’t in the UEFA Champions League, surprisingly, although that was a difficult decision as there are some good bets in the competition today. Today’s game is in the Adeccoligaen and features Hamarkamaratene and Honefoss. The hosts are a prime example of just how close this division actually is. They’re currently fifth from bottom but there are only two Adeccoligaen sides that have won more home games than they have! They’re a good side and capable of matching any of the Adeccoligaen sides on their way. Excepting a defeat by high-flying Sogndal, Hamarkamaratene have won five out of their last five home games. Visitors Honefoss claimed a good win at home to promotion rivals Kongsvinger last match but the fact cannot be evaded that they’ve not won any of their last three away games as they’ve lost twice and drawn once. I’ll give them their dues for losing away to Haugesund, who are easily the best home side in the division, but a crushing 4-0 defeat at Moss and miserly 2-2 draw at Stavanger has left me unconvinced with their away form. Neither of these two sides have revealing form at the present time other than to indicate that they’re both somewhat random! However, I’m going to take the home win at 11/10 because the hosts still have players worthy of playing in the Tippeligaen, they’re virtually untouchable at home and they average scoring just under three goals per game on their own turf. Those facts aren’t going to sit well with an under-pressure Honefoss side that aren’t being consistent enough at the present time. So yeah, suffice to say that there appears to be good value in a home win here.

Tuesday’s Picks

My tips:

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

Hamarkamaratene vs Honefoss BK – home win at 11/10 – see introduction for full details.

Juventus vs Girondins de Bordeaux – laying Juventus at 7/5 .  I’m sure I don’t need to point out to you all that this is a risky call but I’ll do so nonetheless. However, as usual, I do have my reasons. The fundamental reasoning is that Italian sides are falling further and further behind other nations in European football and it’s really starting to show in a lot of the games in both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League. People might be getting carried away by Juventus claiming very good victories away to an out-of-sorts AS Roma and a good Lazio but it just seems to be that Diego is saving them in a lot of games. He’s capable of doing that tonight, the immense talent that he is, but rumour has it that he’s out with an injury. If he plays, feel free to disregard this bet but if he doesn’t then give it some thought. The hosts are an ok outfit but don’t have too many players that would walk into the Girondins de Bordeaux squad and vice versa. I’ve an awful lot of respect for Laurent Blanc’s Girondins de Bordeaux because they give everyone a game no matter where they play them. I watched them away to title rivals Olympique de Marseille a few games ago and was impressed then too. Blanc has his side working very hard and being efficient in front of goal too. They’ve got match-winners in Gourcuff, Cavenaghi and Chamakh. If we learned anything from Girondins de Bordeaux last season then it’s that they are difficult to play against, particularly when you consider that today’s hosts play a slower style, the proper Italian way. The visitors are more experienced in Europe this year and whereas I don’t think they’ll win, I do think there’s a chance they’ll get a draw here, particularly if the rumours are correct and Diego is missing. Laying Juventus at 7/5 is bold but potentially worthwhile.

VFL Wolfsburg vs CSKA Moscow – home win at 4/5, over 2.5 goals at 5/6. This should be one hell of a clash and not for good reasons. CSKA Moscow have just sacked Zico and appointed Juande Ramos as new manager. They’ve loaned star striker Vagner Love backed to Palmeiras in Brazil due to personal issues which leaves them looking very lightweight in attack. They’ve got potential talents for the future – Ricardo Jesus, Maazou, Necid – but not many for now. They’ve loaned Brazilian starlet Guilherme from Dynamo Kiev and he is an exceptional talent. I feel this guy is gonna be massive in years to come and has already proven his worth by scoring twice on his debut at home to Krylya Sovetov Samara in the Premier League at weekend. However, this is in the future moreso than the present as he’s not developed that consistency yet and has very little European experience. To me, this makes the visitors look likely to end up not winning this game, particularly as their midfielders like Dzagoev and Krasic aren’t scoring as often as they used to. Hosts VFL Wolfsburg impressed everyone last season with some fantastic displays and great goalscoring displays. However, enter their biggest problem; they cannot defend for shit. They concede a lot of goals and they’re currently on an abysmal run in the Bundesliga. That said, they’re still a massive goalscoring side even in defeat so we have a very interesting setup here. One thing I am feeling is that over 2.5 goals at 5/6 is in the bag ’cause the hosts score for fun and can’t defend. They generally attain this statistic in any game they play against anyone so I don’t see that changing on their European debut, particularly when any of the three sides in this group – Besiktas, Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow – are capable of claiming runners-up behind Manchester United. That might seem presumptious, but can you really see an alternative here? The visitors will be buoyant from their victory at weekend and Ramos will be giving them the benefit of his European experience so I’m sure they’ll at least be partially organised and may score against a defensively prone VFL Wolfsburg. However, the home win also looks good at 4/5 ’cause I think the hosts are more potent goalscorers than the visitors. It sounds basic, but that’s what it is in essence. Russian sides generally don’t travel well and the hosts will be eager to make a good start to European football and they’re more than capable of doing it at 4/5.

FC Zurich vs Real Madrid – over 3.5 goals at 5/4, both sides to score at 5/6. This is another fascinating tie! Real Madrid’s fantastic attack face the slightly less notorious FC Zurich attack but both of which are very potent. Neither side can keep a clean sheet in general but both score an awful lot of goals wherever they play. Don’t get me wrong, the hosts aren’t a match for the visitors, regardless of how you look at it. I’m constantly reading “remember CFR Cluj and BATE Borisov and Anorthosis Famagusta last year?” – yeah, I remember that they all went out in the group stages! The sides that they beat underestimated them (note that Italian sides were the ones that tended to struggle against these teams) but Manuel Pellegrini is a good manager and doesn’t underestimate his opponents hence Villarreal’s success despite remaining a small club. FC Zurich are good enough to score in this game but they’ll never keep Real Madrid out. For the above reasons, over 3.5 goals at 5/4 looks one of the best calls of the day and both sides to score at 5/6 also looks good.

Olympique de Marseille vs AC Milan – home win at 7/5. This is a call I’ve been waiting to make ever since I saw the draw ’cause I think these two sides are about on par nowadays. Olympique de Marseille play football that AC Milan hate playing against; fast and tenacious. The hosts have started this season exceptionally well with their new signings bedding well into the squad. They’ve looked potent and dangerous, particularly with the lightning Niang up front who actually reminds me of Thierry Henry on occasion. AC Milan have looked weak since summer and who is surprised? Their ageing squad has aged another year, they’ve lost superstar Kaka, and now their hopes are pinned on a very young but oustanding striker – Pato. They’ve taken a beating off bitter rivals Internazionale already, losing 4-0, and managed to draw 0-0 at newly-promoted Livorno recently. Livorno is a pretty intimidating place to go, don’t get me wrong, but the hosts had just sold their best player to West Ham United and the visitors still couldn’t score past them. I rate the hosts as a good, confident side at the present time and I think AC Milan will do well to even get a draw here. 7/5 on a home win here looks beyond tempting.

Chelsea vs Porto – both sides to score at 11/10. I don’t think there’s any doubt in anyone’s mind that Chelsea will win this game ’cause of the talent available to them, their highly impressive current form and the managerial experience of Carlo Ancelotti. However, let’s not look too far beyond Porto here who are always there or thereabouts in Europe. Somehow, they manage to sell a lot of players in summer each year and continue without them the following year. This year, however, they’ve made their biggest losses for a long time, at least in my opinion. Cissokho, Lisandro Lopez and Lucho Gonzalez all moved to France but Porto are still playing well, somehow! Falcao is making the impression I expected him to and scoring goals for fun, as is the team in general. Porto don’t have a great defence – I don’t think they ever have – but they are very potent goalscorers so I do think they’re capable of stealing a goal tonight. For those reasons, both sides to score at 11/10 does look intriguing.

Atletico Madrid vs APOEL Nicosia - lay Atletico Madrid at 4/1. This is easily the riskiest call I’ve made in a long time but I’m liking it! Atletico Madrid have done what they do best so far in their domestic campaign – be completely unpredictable despite the vast array of talent available to them. Why? Who knows? They managed to lose a poor Malaga side 3-0 and draw at home to a Racing Club de Santander side that suffered a 4-1 humiliation at home on the opening day of the Primera Liga against a semi-decent Getafe side! All in all, we’ve got a talented but extremely unreliable side here. Now, if you’re any kind of follower of European football, then you’ll know how much of an impression Cypriot sides have made in recent times on the European game. Anorthosis Famagusta, APOEL Nicosia and Omonia Nicosia have proved tough nuts to crack for various big sides. Visitors APOEL Nicosia are a good side, better than most people will expect. The odds on a home win here are frighteningly low, which baffles me because Atletico Madrid have looked anything but likely to win this game. The visitors will be organised and hard to play so they’re capable of taking a draw away from this game. Laying Atletico Madrid at 4/1 could be very profitable providing the hosts don’t turn up, which also seems likely given their current state of affairs.

Coventry City vs Sheffield United – away win at 6/5. An impressive start sees Sheffield United still unbeaten with three wins in their last five games. Their most impressive feature is that they rarely concede, something a gritty Coventry City will have the work cut out breaking through. The hosts haven’t won a game in four now, losing twice and drawing twice. Despite a good start, their true colours are beginning to shine through and I can’t see them not losing this game today. Sheffield United are grinding out wins without particularly special performances so I expect more of the same today. The away win at 6/5 looks favourable here, particularly if you consider that Sheffield United have won here the last four seasons in a row!

Leicester City vs Peterborough United – home win at 4/5. Despite a draw at Queens Park Rangers last match, Peterborough United still haven’t convinced me that they’re good enough to take points off good sides. Queens Park Rangers are annonymous and unpredictable at the best of times so their draw didn’t completely surprise me although I will confess I did back a home win. The visitors still conceded too many goals and don’t score enough. Hosts Leicester City have done enough in their campaign so far to earn respect for being hard to beat and being efficient. The hosts won their last game at home to Blackpool and have won three from three at home so far. Peterborough United aren’t good enough to get anything here so 4/5 on the home win looks good to me.

Scunthorpe United vs Preston North End – away win at 13/8. Unbeaten Preston North End boast a similar record to Sheffield United and don’t differentiate greatly from the Yorkshire side in terms of quality either. Scunthorpe United won a convincing 4-0 away to Crystal Palace last match but I’m not reading much into that because a beating like that has been on the cards for some time for a youthful Crystal Palace – they just don’t have the resources or players to compete. Scunthorpe United can be potent occasionally but an organised and consistent Preston North End should be able to win this quite easily and seem an almost unbelievably good price at 13/8.

Flora Tallinn vs Levadia Tallinn - away win at 6/5. Unconvincing form from Flora Tallinn lately has cost me so I’m going to attempt to win on betting against them this time with the ever-reliable, consistent and in-form Levadia Tallinn. Needless to say that these two sides are bitter rivals so do approach with caution but Levadia Tallinn have established themselves as the better side from these two over the past season or so with two wins over their bitter rivals, both home and away. The gap between the two sides is increasing and this seems the opportune moment to captialise on it. The away win at 6/5 looks a really good bet here!

Vasby United vs Jonkopings Sodra – home win at 6/5. More dubious calls, I hear you say? Sure, why not! Hosts Vasby United are currently battling relegation but are playing better football than their league placing indicates, particularly at home. They’ve only lost two of their last five games but they’ve won three out of their last three home games and they know they need as many points as they can get currently. Visitors Jonkopings Sodra are on a downward spiral currently with three defeats in their last five games and have conceded thirteen goals in their last five games. They’re far too leaky and out of form to claim a result here despite possessing an arguably better team. They’ve been humiliated by lesser sides than Vasby United lately i.e. Sirius Uppsala so I think taking a home win here at 6/5 could prove to be worthwhile.

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

UEFA Champions League:

Juventus vs Girondins de Bordeaux (4) 1-1
Maccabi Haifa vs Bayern Munich (7) 0-2
VFL Wolfsburg vs CSKA Moscow (7) 2-1
Besiktas vs Manchester United (8) 0-2
FC Zurich vs Real Madrid (9) over 3.5 goals, both sides to score
Olympique de Marseille vs AC Milan (6) 2-1
Chelsea vs Porto (8) 2-1 both sides to score
Atletico Madrid vs APOEL Nicosia (4) 1-1

Copa Nissan Sudamericana:

San Lorenzo de Almagro vs Tigre (7) 2-0
Deportivo Anzoategui vs Alianza Atletico Sullana (6) 1-0

Chinese Super League:

Beijing Guoan vs Changchun Yatai (7) 2-0

English Championship:

Coventry City vs Sheffield United (7)
Derby County vs Barnsley (6)
Ipswich Town vs Nottingham Forest (7)
Leicester City vs Peterborough United (8)
Plymouth Argyle vs Watford (7)
Scunthorpe United vs Preston North End (7)
Sheffield Wednesday vs Middlesbrough (8)
Swansea City vs Bristol City (6)
West Bromwich Albion vs Doncaster Rovers (9)
Queens Park Rangers vs Crystal Palace (6)

Estonian Meistriliiga:

Flora Tallinn vs Levadia Tallinn (7) both sides to score, over 2.5 goals

Finnish Kakkonen:

Lokho A:

Kiffen vs HIFK Soccer Helsinki (7)

Icelandic Landsbankadeild Karla:

Fram Reykjavik vs Fjolnir Reykjavik (8) 3-1

Italian Serie B:

Reggina vs Vicenza (6)
Sassuolo vs Triestina (7)
Padova vs Piacenza (6)

Norwegian Adeccoligaen:

Hamarkamaratene vs Honefoss BK (7) both sides to score, over 2.5 goals

Scottish Premier League:

Heart of Midlothian vs Kilmarnock (6) 2-1

Singaporean S-League:

Young Lions vs DPMM FC (6) 1-1

Swedish Allsvenskan:

Orgryte vs Halmstads (5) 1-0

Swedish Superettan:

Vasby United vs Jonkopings Sodra (7)
Atvidabergs vs Assyriska Sodertalje (6)

Enjoy your free betting tips and feel free to visit our forum!