I don't think I've ever seen a UK card so bereft of value! There's only a couple of games that I'll dabble in tonight so I'd strongly recommend staying in continental competitions or keeping punts low.
Today's featured game is the UEFA Champions League encounter at Stade Gerland between Olympique Lyonnais and Real Madrid. Hosts Olympique Lyonnais are one of the most decorated French sides in recent times and have been a constant force in European football throughout although they tend to struggle against the bigger sides. Visitors Real Madrid have won this competition more times than any other club so they know how important it is and although they've struggled domestically to make ends meet, they're still a very capable side.
Olympique Lyonnais have disappointed me this season. They've made some superb acquisitions in summer and yet have failed to really impress. They've conceded more than half of Ligue 1 on their own turf - an average of over a goal per game - and have only scored nineteen goals in twelve games, which isn't particularly impressive for a side that supposedly scores more than they concede. As a result, Lyon have drawn and lost more games than they should have as they labour past sides that they're better than and fail to win convincingly each time. I think there's more issues at the club than are currently visible purely because they've got the individual ability to overcome the majority of their opponents but they could be exposed today against a bigger and better side. Have Lyon convinced in Europe this year? Hm, aside from their 2-1 win at a poor Liverpool side, I've not been convinced. Debreceni VSC aren't in the same class grouping as Lyon and Fiorentina proved a strong test for the French side so it should be interest to see how they square up to one of Europe's biggest clubs.
Visitors Real Madrid have yet to convince me this season too. They're beating sides but not convincingly. I'd say that they've been worse than Lyon in Europe this year but they've also had a harder group, in their defence. They struggled against Olympique de Marseille and yet still hammered three goals past Lyon's bitter rivals in the home and away games. Madrid's problem was dealing with an ageing AC Milan side that beat them once and should have beat them twice with Madrid fortuante to leave Milan with a point. However, Madrid have matured as the season has progressed and their side now looks more like a side rather than just talented individuals, in my opinion. Madrid have scored eleven goals in their last four Primera Liga games so confidence and momentum is very high at the moment, particularly with two of those games being 3-0 away wins, one of which was a particularly tough trip to the Riazor to take on bogey side Deportivo La Coruna. I still don't think Madrid are ready to win this tournament but I do think that they're too good for Lyon and I expect it to show tonight.
Both sides will need their big players playing their best football tonight. Lyon's Lisandro Lopez has been in good form this season but few others have been as consistent as he has in this team so Lyon are looking a little on edge here. Madrid have a wealthy of attacking ability in their squad and most importantly they have the ever-potent Cristiano Ronaldo, the world's best player, a player who can win any game he wishes them to win. I think we're going to see a real gulf in class as a result of this mismatch and Madrid really should outscore hosts Lyon tonight with their ability.
Verdict: Real Madrid to win at 11/10.
Tuesday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
AC Milan vs Manchester United - away win at 17/10.
Hosts AC Milan have been a bogey side for Manchester United over the past few years but I sense a change in the winds. AC Milan's squad is older, more experienced, but slower. Their passing can still be immense on their day but the somewhat wayward and inconsistent performances of midfield maestros Andrea Pirlo and Rino Gattuso (when playing) have left AC Milan looking a tad weak. The loss of Kaka in summer was a massive blow for them and although prodigy Pato has really come of age and will be a potent threat, AC Milan still don't look convincing. They look weak at the back, particularly against pace, and seem unable to keep a clean sheet, which will be a big problem tonight as they're at home. Although there's no doubting the experience and class of hosts AC Milan, I can't see them doing the business against Manchester United tonight because they're simply not playing well.
Visitors Manchester United are typically hitting form right on time. A draw at Aston Villa mid-week may not look much but when consider that United dominated the game despite having 10 men for the majority of the game, you have to begin to notice that United are pushing all the right buttons. Wayne Rooney is on fire at the moment and I think a leaky AC Milan defence are going to have an absolute nightmare against his strength and pace. The Italian sides used to use his inexperience and temperament against him in games like this but he's matured as a player and is finally beginning to look the finished article. Nani has been in inspired form and United welcome back Rio Ferdinand for this game, who will add extra experience at the back when it's needed the most. United will be missing Vidic, Anderson, and Giggs for this trip. I love Vidic but the fact that he's not been playing lately tells me that he won't be missed too much with Brown and Evans playing well in the middle when given their respective opportunities. Giggs hasn't been playing too well of late and although Anderson hasn't been playing, I think United will miss him the most because they absolutely must field a central midfield that are combative and energetic or AC will simply pass their way around them. Fergie sometimes makes the mistake of playing Carrick and Scholes in the middle and this can be absolute suicide against a great passing side like Milan.
Although I'd wait until the line-ups are named, I do favour United here, and not because I'm biased either! United have a very good record against Italian sides in this competition in recent years - it's time they added AC Milan to the list that already has Internazionale and AS Roma (various times!) on it. If United use their pace against AC's unconvincing back line and put in a strong defensive display then I'd expect an away win here. If United play Scholes and Carrick in the middle then I'd probably go for the draw or even a narrow home win.
Verdict: Manchester United to win at 17/10.
Libertad Asuncion vs Blooming Santa Cruz - home win with -1.75 handicap at 9/10.
This bet should really speak for itself! I'm surprised the bookies have given what I'd call good value odds for a game like this but I'll simply chalk this one down to their "early odds" being a tad on the exploratory side.
Libertad Asuncion have already claimed a highly-impressive and morale-boosting 2-0 win at Argentinian newcomers Lanus in their opening Copa Libertadores game. I didn't expect them to do it and fair play to them for doing it so convincingly! Additionally, Libertad travelled to Tacuary just two days later and won 4-0, which impressed me even more. Libertad's application and potency amazes me so I offer them as much praise as I can for that. They're an experienced Copa Libertadores side so they know they must win all their home games, starting tonight. They're on home territory with tremendous momentum and potency in their favour at the moment so it's hard for me to doubt them tonight.
Visitors Blooming Santa Cruz hail from Bolivia, the worst footballing nation on the continent of South America. Bolivian teams have one advantage over other nations and that is their high altitude home games (although Blooming don't even have that!). In away games, they tend to get beaten - heavily. In fact, let's take a look at how fellow Bolivian sides have faired in this competition over the past few years:
Cruzeiro 7 Real Potosi 0 - 2010
Boyaca Chico 2 Aurora Cochabamba 1 - 2009
Deportivo Quito 3 Universitario de Sucre 1 - 2009
Gremio 3 Aurora Cochabamba 0 - 2009
Cruzeiro 2 Universitario de Sucre 0 - 2009
Universidad de Chile 3 Aurora Cochabamba 0 - 2009
Estudiantes De La Plata 1 Universitario de Sucre 0 - 2009
Palmeiras 5 Real Potosi 1 - 2009
Santos 7 San Jose 0 - 2008
San Lorenzo de Almagro 1 Real Potosi 0 - 2008
Cucuta Deportivo 0 Real Potosi 0 - 2008
Caracas 2 Real Potosi 1 - 2008
Guadalajara 2 San Jose 0 - 2008
Cruzeiro 3 Real Potosi 0 - 2008
Atlas 2 La Paz 0 - 2008
Summarised, over the past two years, Bolivian sides have conceded forty-one goals in fifteen games, which is an average of nearly three goals scored against them per away game. The only time a Bolivian side has avoided defeat on the road in the Copa Libertadores in the last two years was a heroic performance from Real Potosi in Colombia where they held Cucuta Deportivo to a 0-0 draw. That's right - the Bolivians got a result because they kept the opponent out, not because they scored themselves! Bolivian sides have lost by two goals or more in ten of their fifteen away games and it's frankly a given in my book that Bolivian sides will lose away games in this competition.
It doesn't help poor Blooming that they're not even playing domestic football at the moment to gain some match practice - the Bolivian league isn't running at the moment! Blooming have already lost their opening Copa Libertadores game at home to Peru's Universitario Lima. Universitario are a presentable side with some good players but they're not good enough to win away from home in this competition unless they're playing poor opponents, which is exactly what happened. Blooming have spirit but they have nothing else, which I feel sympathise with them for but this is a ruthless game after all!
Overall, there's a real class difference tonight and I'd be astounded if it didn't show. I think I've been conservative by only backing the hosts at -1.75 as they're capable of beating the -2.75 and -3.75 handicap in this game although I'll leave the decision-making up to yourselves. The only reason I've held back is because Libertad aren't as good as their recent results convey and that can often backfire against easier opponents. Either way, I cannot see a result other than a home win here tonight so climb aboard, guys!
Verdict: Libertad Asuncion to beat the -1.75 goal handicap at 9/10.
Peterborough United vs Ipswich Town - away win at 13/10.
Peterborough United are playing like a relegated side and I honestly believe they already are. They've got a couple of good players but they're a League One side in essence - only Darren Ferguson gelled them into anything more and now he's gone, they look considerably ordinary. Peterborough have won once in their last nine games, losing seven games and drawing once. They've scored a meager one goal in their last five games and have lost the four games that they failed to score in too! Ultimately, they concede too many goals and don't score enough goals - that's a recipe for disaster against any opponent and I can't see how that would differentiate tonight.
Visitors Ipswich Town impress me but not enough on the road in all honesty. They've only won twice away from home in the Championship all season so do approach this bet with caution. However, what cannot be denied is that they're playing good football now and are starting to gain better results from it. They won their last away game last match at Queens Park Rangers, which was impressive despite a lack of form from the hosts entering that game. They make sides work hard to take anything of them and although Ipswich don't score as many as they could or should, they do tend to pop up with goals when required. Ipswich carry good momentum into this game and they're taking on demoralised and goal-shy hosts so you have to feel that there's potentially value in the away win, particularly as Ipswich are capable of being much higher in the Championship table.
Verdict: Ipswich Town to win at 13/10.
Recommended bets:
Everton, Manchester United, and Libertad Asuncion -1.75 at 8/1.
Port Talbot Town, Real Madrid, Colo Colo, and Libertad Asuncion -1.75 at 6/1.
As ever, if there are any questions/explanations required then feel free to post a comment! For the complete picks listing, see below!
UEFA Champions League:
Olympique Lyonnais vs Real Madrid (7) over 2.5 goals
AC Milan vs Manchester United (6) 1-2
UEFA Europa League:
Everton vs Sporting Clube de Lisboa (9) 2-0
Copa Libertadores:
Colo Colo vs Deportivo Italia (8) 2-0
Libertad Asuncion vs Blooming Santa Cruz (9) -1.75 handicap
English Premier League:
Stoke City vs Manchester City (6) 1-1
English Championship:
Blackpool vs Middlesbrough (6)
Bristol City vs Leicester City (5)
Cardiff City vs West Bromwich Albion (6) over 2.5 goals
Derby County vs Preston North End (5)
Nottingham Forest vs Sheffield United (4)
Peterborough United vs Ipswich Town (6)
Plymouth Argyle vs Swansea City (6)
Scunthorpe United vs Barnsley (6)
Sheffield Wednesday vs Doncaster Rovers (6)
Queens Park Rangers vs Watford (5)
English League One:
Carlisle United vs Huddersfield Town (5)
Yeovil Town vs Colchester United (5)
Leeds United vs Walsall (6)
English League Two:
Hereford United vs Aldershot Town (7)
Lincoln City vs Accrington Stanley (5)
Morecambe vs Burton Albion (6)
Singporean S-League:
Young Lions vs Geylang United (6) 1-1
Albirex Niigata vs Tampines Rovers (5) 2-1
Welsh Premier League:
Neath Athletic vs Aberystwyth Town (4) 0-1
Port Talbot Town vs Newi Cefn Druids (9) 2-0
Enjoy your free betting tips!
Today's featured game is the match between Udinese and Fiorentina in the Italian Serie A. Hosts Udinese had been tipped pre-season for a very good campaign but have generally failed to deliver consistently thus far, hence their unconvincing league placing. However, their actual potential has begun to surface lately with a two-match unbeaten run and a morale-boosting victory against Serie A giants AS Roma. Udinese's biggest problem is that they're really poor on the road but fortunately this isn't a problem today for obvious reasons! Only Internazionale and Sampdoria have currently got a better record at home than Udinese. The hosts today have won four of their six home games, drawing once and losing once along the way. Today they host a Fiorentina side that have started to look increasingly stretched of late with just one win in their last five Serie A games. A mid-week clash didn't assist matters either with talismanic striker Adrian Mutu obtaining an injury during this game and thus missing the match today. With form and numbers of available players dwindling, the Viola are beginning to look rather fragile, in my humble opinion. Fiorentina have won just once in five away games this season, losing twice and drawing twice. Although Fiorentina are not a side that generally leaks goals, Udinese are a side that does enjoy scoring them, particularly at home, something which is proven by the fact that only Internazionale and Sampdoria have scored more home goals than they have. Although neither of these two sides are playing as well as they should be at the present time, there's a clear selection of a home win for today's game in my opinion due to the above information. Frankly, 7/5 on the home win looks a real bargain today for me!
Sunday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Udinese vs Fiorentina - home win at 7/5 - see introduction for full details.
San Lorenzo de Almagro vs Banfield - home win at evens. This should be a fantastic game between two of the most in-form sides in Argentina currently! Both sides have won three of their last five games and occupy third and first place respectively in the Argentinian Primera Division. Visitors Banfield are the more surprising side in this position as they're not really good enough to be there but you can only beat what's in front of you! San Lorenzo de Almagro are currently a side I expect to be challenging for the title and they're duly delivering. The hosts have won four from six home games so far this season, drawing twice. They average nearly two goals per home game and are generally a tricky opponent. Visitors Banfield are resilient and currently efficient, although that's not always been the case. The game should be a cracker due to the contrasting styles of both sides but San Lorenzo de Almagro have enough to win this game against what can be bluntly called "lesser opponents". The visitors may be unbeaten this season but they've not convinced on the road yet with four draws from six away games, winning just twice in that run. I think a record may end today with a San Lorenzo de Almagro victory and at evens, it's very good value.
Estudiantes De La Plata vs Velez Sarsfeld - home win at evens. This is yet another fascinating clash in Argentina between two top sides, arguably the two best in Argentina currently. Both sides will be competing for the title this year and this match will go some way in indicating just which side has the ability to go all the way. In terms of quality, I personally believe there's very little between these two sides - both can match each other toe-to-toe on their day. Estudiantes De La Plata have proven that they're a very accomplished home side in this campaign, however, with four wins and one draw from their five home games. That said, Velez Sarsfeld are arguably the best away side in Argentina and have shown such a thing for at least a year now. The only thing that is really tipping the scales in the favour of Estudiantes De La Plata for me is that simple fact that Velez Sarsfeld had an extremely tiring trip to a very high altitude Ecuador to face Liga de Quito in the Copa Nissan Sudamericana, which they were knocked out of. Therefore, the visitors will not only be tired but will also be a little worse for wear mentally. In my opinion, it's worth taking the home win on the back of that at evens.
SV Ried vs Austria Karnten - home win with -1.75 handicap at 10/11. This is a complete no-brainer in my book due to the consistent quality of SV Ried at home and the woeful displays of Austria Karnten.
Racing Genk vs Anderlecht - away win at 10/11. Recent years has shown Racing Genk emerging as one of Belgium's bigger sides, although still languishing behind the old guard of Anderlecht, Club Brugge, and Standard de Liege. Racing Genk are struggled to live up to their tag this season with just four wins in thirteen games. Their good performances this season can be counted on the fingers of one hand but their potential is always there. However, their home form has to be a real worry for them as they've won just one home game out of seven so far this season, losing three times and drawing three times. This should be a more apparent problem today as they take on an in-form and superior Anderlecht side that have already won four out of six away games this season. Anderlecht have the momentum to do it as they've won three games in a row and they've got the ability so an out-of-sorts Racing Genk should be susceptible enough for Anderlecht to win this game at 10/11.
Standard de Liege vs Club Brugge - away win at draw no bet odds of 5/4. This is an incredibly bold choice given that Club Brugge almost never take anything off Standard de Liege but I've been really impressed with them this season. Club Brugge have won five consecutive games in all conditions, including a notable victory in a difficult Serbian venue against Partizan Belgrade in the UEFA Europa League. The visitors have everything going for them and have already won four out of their six away games this season, losing just once. Standard de Liege simply don't look the same side this year due to their losses and it's starting to show. More notably, the loss of midfield playmaker and captain Steven Defour due to long-term injury has really affected the potency of Standard de Liege of late and their league form has suffered because of it as they've not won in three games now. With all this in mind, the away win with draw no bet at 5/4 looks like a potential bargain today.
Aalborg BK vs FC Copenhagen - away win at 23/20. The Superligaen's oddest side today hosts the Superligaen's best side in what should be an interesting match. Aalborg BK are capable of playing very good football but appear to have decided not to for the time being with no wins in five games, a run that has seen them lose three games. I don't need to tell you all the quality difference between FC Copenhagen and the rest of the Superligaen sides but their form of late also shows them to be a real force with four wins in their past five games. FC Copenhagen have already won four of their seven away games this year and have conceded just five goals on their travels, which affirms their reputation of being hard to beat. If Aalborg BK were in form then I wouldn't touch this game with a barge pole but I'm going to take advantage of their present slump by taking FC Copenhagen to win at Aalborg BK at 23/20.
Hull City vs Stoke City - away win at 8/5. Hull City's woeful form of late continues, furthering speculation regarding Phil Brown's future at the club. Three defeats and just one victory in their last five games leaves Hull City looking increasingly likely to prove all the pre-season pundits right as they seemingly attempt to move down a division into the Championship. The fact that they've scored just eight goals in eleven games should tell you everything you need to know about their problems, particularly as no side in the Premier League has scored less goals. Visitors Stoke City are the side that Hull City should be attempting to emulate to prolong their stay in the Premier League by adopting a no-nonsense, efficient footballing manner to grind out results. Stoke City are now what I would call an established Premier League side that will give any side a good game on their day. They're hard to break down and they take their chances, particularly from set pieces. Stoke City are unbeaten in their last four games, winning two of them, and appear to have gotten even stronger since last year. No side has lost less away games than Stoke City in the Premier League this year and the fact that they won here last year should give them additional confidence in getting the job done. Stoke City are frankly a better unit than Hull City on every level and with the hosts playing some terrible football, it's hard to overlook the away win at 8/5.
West Ham United vs Everton - home win at 6/4. West Ham United's performances have finally started improving and their results are beginning to show it too. They're unbeaten in their last three games, including a home game against Arsenal, and won their last match mid-week at home to Aston Villa. I have to admire Gianfranco Zola's side because they always turn up for each game and put 110% into their football. West Ham United are a mid-table side by rights and I fully expect them to be there by the end of the season. Visitors Everton seem to be going from bad to worse with their small squad beyond stretched already with games coming out of their ears! They've not won in their last four games now, drawing three times and losing once. A mid-week battering at home by SL Benfica will have knocked the wind out of the few players they have left in their squad and this is yet another game that is coming at David Moyes far too quickly for him to prepare his squad. For me, a rejuvenated West Ham United have a great chance of winning this game today at 6/4.
Chelsea vs Manchester United - home win at 21/20. As much as I hate to say it, as a Manchester United fan, but I am very much afraid that we'll see a home win in this game. Although Manchester United have been a bogey side for Chelsea ever since Jose Mourinho moved on, Chelsea are now firing on all cylinders under Carlo Ancelotti and are scoring goals for fun. Not only will this trouble a shaky and frankly nervous Manchester United defence, but this defence is also missing the experienced Rio Ferdinand through injury. The only thing I would emphasise with this game is some caution as these two sides are the two best sides in England and either is capable of turning it on at any given time. Manchester United tend to really turn up when the odds are against them, which gives me some hope as a fan, but their dire displays in their other two games against members of the "big four" - Arsenal and Liverpool - this season really make me think that Ferguson will again select Scholes and Carrick in the middle of the park, who again will be overrun by the likes of Essien etc. Bluntly, I'm concerned about this game because I think almost everything points to a home win, which basically means 21/20 on the home win is good value, particularly as Chelsea have won every competitive home game this season.
Xanthi vs Panionios -home win at 11/10. Hosts Xanthi lie deceptively just outside of the relegation zone as they entertain Panionios. Their away form is atrocious but their home fom is superb with three wins and one draw from their four home games this season. Basically, they're a tricky side to face and Panionios will have their work cut out to steal a result here because of that. Aside from that, Panionios have lost three of their four away games this season and appear to be mirroring Xanthi's lack of ability on the road. For me, this game has a narrow home win written all over it at 11/10.
Sevilla CF vs Villarreal - lay Sevilla at 5/4. This is an extremely bold call given the impressive displays that Sevilla CF have given this season but as ever, I have my reasons. The foundation for this call is that Sevilla CF have become somewhat complacent of late. They've drawn at home against Espanyol without scoring and they drew at home to a woeful VFB Stuttgart just a few days ago. The hosts simply aren't doing what they do best at the present time despite their magnificent season thus far - it simply happens to big sides sometimes and it appears that time is now upon Sevilla CF. Unfortunately for them, visitors Villarreal have well and truly awoken with a bang and are on fire at the moment with both goalscoring and form. They've amassed a highly-impressive twelve goals in their last four competitve games, winning three games and drawing the other. They smashed four goals past Lazio mid-week are starting to look their old selves again. Basically, I think this game is going to be an awful lot closer than people think and with odds of 5/4 for laying a side that hasn't won either of their last two competitive games at home seems very good value to me - potentially!
Elche vs Real Union Club de Irun - home win at 10/11. Both of these side appear to have a long battle ahead of them to stay in the Segunda Liga this year so this kind of game will be vital for both. Elche have more experience in this division than newly-promoted Real Union Club de Irun and it's shown so far. Elche are unbeaten in their last four games, winning two of them, and have gained substantial momentum from these results. Real Union Club de Irun have already lost three of their five away games this season and enter this game with two defeats in their last three games. For me, there's clear value in the home win at 10/11 for Elche as they boast a better quality of player and better level of momentum at the present time.
Llaneros de Guanare vs Deportivo Italia - away win at 21/20. Llaneros de Guanare are having a campaign to forget as they've won just once in eleven games. They've lost a heavy six games in the process and three defeats in their last five games leaves the bottom-placed club precariously placed as other sides begin to pull away from them. Unfortunately for Llaneros de Guanare, they are today hosting one of Venezuela's "big three" - Deportivo Italia. The visitors are currently third in the Primera Division with seven wins from eleven games. They've won three of their last five games and have the best away record in the league with four wins from five away games. They've got the momentum and the quality to win this game so I fancy Deportivo Italia to overcome Llaneros de Guanare with considerable ease tonight at 21/20.
As ever, if there are any questions/explanations required then feel free to post a comment! For the complete picks listing, see below!
Argentinian Primera Division:
San Lorenzo de Almagro vs Banfield (6) 2-1
Estudiantes De La Plata vs Velez Sarsfeld (6) 1-0
Boca Juniors vs Colon de Santa Fe (6) 1-1
Australian A-League:
Wellington Phoenix vs Perth Glory (6) 1-1
Newcastle Jets vs North Queensland Fury (5) 1-2
Austrian Bundesliga:
Austria Vienna vs Sturm Graz (6) 1-1
SV Ried vs Austria Karnten (9) -1.75 handicap
Wiener Neustadt vs Salzburg (7) over 2.5 goals
LASK Linz vs Rapid Vienna (8) 1-3
Belarusian Vysshaya Liga:
FC Vitebsk vs MTZ-RIPO Minsk (5) 1-0
Dinamo Brest vs Naftan Novopolotsk (7) 2-1
FC Smorgon vs FC Minsk (7) 0-1
Neman Grodno vs Torpedo Zhodino (6) 1-0
BATE Borisov vs FC Gomel (4) 1-1
Granit Mikashevichi vs Shakhtyor Soligorsk (8) 1-2
Dinamo Minsk vs Dnepr Mogilev (7) 1-0
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Racing Genk vs Anderlecht (8) 1-2
Standard de Liege vs Club Brugge (4) 1-2
Belgian Tweede Klasse:
Antwerp vs Tubize (5)
OH Leuven vs Ronse (8)
Brazilian Serie A:
Corinthians vs Santo Andre (5) 1-1
Atletico Mineiro vs Flamengo (6) 2-1
Fluminense vs Palmeiras (6) 1-2
Botafogo vs Coritiba (7) 2-1
Atletico Paranaense vs Goias (7) 1-1
Gremio Barueri vs Internacional (6) 0-1
Bulgarian A PFG:
Pirin Blagoevgrad vs Levski Sofia (5) 1-1
CSKA Sofia vs Slavia Sofia (6) 2-1
Colombian Futbol Profesional:
Real Cartagena vs Atletico Huila (6) 1-1
Deportivo Cali vs Boyaca Chico (6) 1-0
Deportivo Pasto vs Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota (5) 1-1
Once Caldas Manizales vs Envigado (8) 2-0
Cucuta Deportivo vs Deportivo Pereira (6) 2-1, draw no bet
Deportes Quindio vs Atletico Junior Barranquilla (6) 1-0
Millonarios Bogota vs La Equidad Bogota (7) 2-1
Croatian Prva Liga:
Dinamo Zagreb vs Sibenik (6) 2-1
Cypriot Division 1:
Apollon Limassol vs Doxa (8) 2-1
Ermis vs AEL Limassol (6) 1-2
Czech Republic Gambrinus Liga:
Ceske Budejovice vs Mlada Boleslav (6) 0-1
Bohemians Prague vs Brno (5) 1-1
Bohemians 1905 vs Pribram (4) 1-0
Danish Superligaen:
Midtylland vs Randers (8) 2-0
SonderjyskE vs Nordsjaelland (6) 1-1
Brondby vs Esbjerg (7) 1-0
Aalborg BK vs FC Copenhagen (8) 1-2
Danish 1st Division:
Frem vs Roskilde (6) over 2.5 goals
Fyn vs Hvidovre (6)
AC Horsens vs Vestjaelland (7)
Fredericia vs Naestved (6)
Lyngby vs Thisted (8)
Vejle vs Kolding (8)
AB Copenhagen vs Braband (8)
Ecuadorian Primera A:
Liga de Quito vs Macara Ambato (8) 2-0
Emelec Guayaquil vs Olmedo Riobamba (6) 1-1
Espoli Cayambe vs Deportivo Cuenca (7) 1-2
English Premier League:
Hull City vs Stoke City (7) 0-1
West Ham United vs Everton (7) 2-1
Wigan Athletic vs Fulham (6) 1-1
Chelsea vs Manchester United (7) 2-1
English FA Cup:
Northwich Victoria vs Charlton Athletic (8) 0-2
Burton Albion vs Oxford City (7) over 2.5 goals
Wealdstone vs Rotherham United (7) 0-1
French Ligue 1:
LOSC Lille vs Girondins de Bordeaux (7) 1-1
Toulouse vs Stade Rennais (6) 0-0
Olympique Lyonnais vs Olympique de Marseille (6) 1-1
German Bundesliga:
Hannover 96 vs Hamburger SV (5) 1-1
Hertha BSC Berlin vs Koln (5) 1-0
Werder Bremen vs BV09 Borussia Dortmund (8) over 2.5 goals
German Bundesliga 2:
Energie Cottbus vs 1860 Munich (6)
Karlsruher SC vs Union Berlin (7)
MSV Duisburg vs Rot-Weiss Ahlen (8)
Greek Super League:
Atromitos vs Ergotelis (7) 1-1
Xanthi vs Panionios (7) 1-0
Asteras Tripolis vs PAS Giannina (6) 0-0
Levadiakos vs Panathinaikos (9) 0-2
Greek B Ethniki:
Agrotikos Asteras vs Ethnikos Piraeus (6)
Diagoras Rodos vs Kerkyra (6) draw no bet
Kalamata vs Rhodos (5)
OFI Crete vs Panaitolikos Agrinio (7)
Olympiakos Volos vs Anagennisi Karditsas (8)
Panserraikos vs Doxa Dramas (7)
Hungarian Soproni Liga:
Gyori ETO FC vs Debreceni VSC (6) 1-1
Italian Serie A:
Bari vs Livorno (7) 1-0
Bologna vs Palermo (6) 1-1
Cagliari vs Sampdoria (6) 1-2
Genoa vs Siena (8) 2-0
Lazio vs AC Milan (7) 1-2
Parma vs Chievo Verona (6) 1-0
Udinese vs Fiorentina (7) 2-1
Internazionale vs AS Roma (8) 2-1
Japanese J-League:
Nagoya Grampus vs Vissel Kobe (7) 2-1
Kashima Antlers vs Montedio Yamagata (7) 1-0
FC Tokyo vs Urawa Red Diamonds (6) 1-1
Kawasaki Frontale vs JEF United Ichihara (9) 3-1
Jubilo Iwata vs Albirex Niigata (6) 1-1
Omiya Ardija vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima (6) 0-0
Kashiwa Reysol vs Shimizu S-Pulse (6) 0-1
Yokohama F Marinos vs Oita Trinita (8) 2-1
Gamba Osaka vs Kyoto Purple Sanga (8) 2-1
Latvian Virsliga:
Daugava Riga vs Liepajas Metalurgs (9) 1-3
Skonto Riga vs Olimps Riga (8) 2-0
Tranzits Ventspils vs FK Jurmala (7) 1-2
Mexican Primera Division:
Toluca vs Pachuca (7) 2-1
Morelia vs Pumas UNAM (8) 2-1
Estudiantes Tecos vs Queretaro (6) 1-0
America vs Monterrey (5) 1-1
Dutch Eredivisie:
NAC Breda vs Willem II (8) 2-1
ADO Den Haag vs PSV Eindhoven (9) 0-2
AZ Alkmaar vs Feyenoord Rotterdam (6) 1-1
FC Utrecht vs Heerenveen (7) 2-0
FC Twente Enschede vs AFC Ajax Amsterdam (6) 1-2
Dutch Eerste Divisie:
Emmen vs De Graafschap (7)
Polish Ekstraklasa:
Ruch Chorzow vs Jagiellonia Bialystok (8) 2-0
Portuguese Liga Sagres:
Leixoes vs CD Nacional (6) 1-1
Uniao de Leiria vs Academica de Coimbra (6) 1-0
Maritimo vs Porto (5) 1-1
Rio Ave vs Sporting Clube de Lisboa (5) 2-1, draw no bet
Portuguese Liga de Honra:
Desportivo Aves vs Feirense (6)
Freamunde vs Beira-Mar (6)
Trofense vs Varzim (5)
Santa Clara vs Desportivo Chaves (8)
Penafiel vs Oliveirense (7)
Fatima vs Sporting Covilha (5)
Gil Vicente vs Estoril (7)
Romanian Liga:
Otelul Galati vs FC Poli Timisoara (7) 0-1
CFR Cluj vs Astra Ploiesti (8) 2-0
Dinamo Bucharest vs Rapid Bucharest (5) 1-2, draw no bet
Russian Premier League:
CSKA Moscow vs Rubin Kazan (6) 1-2, draw no bet
Spartak Nalchik vs Dinamo Moscow (7) 1-1
Zenit St.Petersburg vs Terek Grozny (8) 2-0
Lokomotiv Moscow vs Amkar Perm (8) 2-1
Scottish Premier League:
Falkirk vs Celtic (8) 0-2
Serbian Super Liga:
Metalac GM vs Partizan Belgrade (7) 1-2
OFK Belgrade vs Javor Ivanjica (7) 1-0
Slovakian Corgon Liga:
MSK Zilina vs Kosice (8) 2-0
Slovenian Prva Liga:
Drava vs Maribor (6) 1-2
Spanish Primera Liga:
Real Valladolid vs Deportivo Xerez (8) 2-0
Sporting Gijon vs Espanyol (6) 1-1
Racing Santander vs Athletic Club de Bilbao (5) 1-2, draw no bet
Almeria vs Osasuna (7) 1-1
Valencia vs Real Zaragoza (8) 2-1
Sevilla CF vs Villarreal (5) 1-1
Spanish Segunda Liga:
Real Murcia vs Cartagena (6)
Elche vs Real Union Club de Irun (7)
Cadiz vs Real Betis Balompie (6)
Girona vs Villarreal II (5)
Spanish Segunda B:
Group 1:
Celta de Vigo II vs Ponferradina (7)
Racing Club de Ferrol vs Compostela (6)
Izarra vs Mirandes (6)
Deportivo Alaves vs Athletic Club de Bilbao II (7)
Guijuelo vs Eibar (8)
Zamora vs Lugo (7)
Group 2:
Real Racing Club Santander II vs Vecindario (7)
Real Sporting de Gijon II vs Guadalajara (5)
Tenerife II vs Toledo (6)
Cerro Reyes Badajoz vs Universidad Las Palmas (8)
Puertollano vs Lanzarote (7)
Leganes vs Villanovense (6)
Real Madrid II vs Real Sociedad Gimnastica Torrelavega (7)
Conquense vs Atletico Madrid II (6)
Cacareno vs Alcorcon (6)
Alcala Henares vs Real Oviedo (6)
Group 3:
Atletico Gramenet vs Benidorm (6) over 2.5 goals
Villajoyosa vs Orihuela (5)
Sabadell vs Mallorca II (6)
Sporting Mahones vs Gava (7)
Espanyol Barcelona II vs Barcelona II (6)
Logrones vs Sant Andreu (6)
Alicante vs Badalona (8)
Ontinyent vs Valencia II (9)
Lleida vs Terrassa (6)
Group 4:
San Roque vs Melilla (5)
Sangonera Atletico vs Real Murcia II (6)
Ecije Balompie vs Sevilla II (8)
Ceuta vs Real Jaen (8)
Aguilas vs Caravaca (7)
Lucena vs Union Estepona (7)
Swedish Allsvenskan Relegation/Promotion Play-Off:
Djurgardens vs Assyriska Sodertalje (8) 2-0
Swiss Super League:
Luzern vs FC Zurich (5) 1-2
Sion vs Young Boys Bern (6) 0-1
Swiss Challenge League:
Vaduz vs Wohlen (8)
Wil vs Le Mont (6)
Biel-Bienne vs Locarno (5)
Thun vs Servette (8)
Gossau vs Winterthur (6)
Turkish Super Lig:
Ankaragucu vs Kasimpasa (8) 2-1
Eskisehirspor vs Denizlispor (8) 2-0
Manisaspor vs Gaziantepspor (8) 1-1
Sivasspor vs Kayserispor (6) 2-1
Diyarbakirspor vs Galatasaray (7) 1-2
Uruguayan Primera Division:
Liverpool Montevideo vs Cerro (8) 2-0
Cerro Largo vs Montevideo Wanderers (6) 1-1
Tacuarembo vs River Plate Montevideo (5) 1-1
Cerrito vs Penarol (8) 1-2
Fenix vs Danubio (6) 0-2
Venezuelan Primera Division:
Deportivo Lara vs Deportivo Tachira (6) 0-1
Mineros de Guayana vs Deportivo Anzoategui (7) 2-1
Monagas SC vs Zulia (9) 3-1
Trujillanos vs Zamora (8) 2-0
Atletico El Vigia vs Yaracuyanos (6) 2-1
Llaneros de Guanare vs Deportivo Italia (7) 1-2
Centro Italo vs Real Esppor Club (7) 1-1
Caracas vs Carabobo (8) 2-0
Aragua vs Estudiantes de Merida (7) 0-0
Enjoy your free betting tips!
Today's featured game is at the Stade Gerland and includes Olympique Lyonnais and Liverpool. This ground with strange pottery-type seats will bear witness to one of the most important UEFA Champions League clashes this week as two good sides that are out-of-form battle for a place in the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League. Under-pressure manager Rafa Benitez must win here or face an early exit from the UEFA Champions League, something that would spell disaster for the five-times champions as their chances of winning the English Premier League are all but gone already. Liverpool must win this game but are without talismanic midfielder Steven Gerrard, who has not travelled with the squad, and also have Fernando Torres starting with the knowledge that he's not fit. If that doesn't sound like a desperate manager then I don't know what does. I'd be more nervous about backing a leaky Olympique Lyonnais in this game had they not beaten local rivals Saint-Etienne at weekend, a result that gives them much-needed momentum entering this game. Ultimately, I think Olympique Lyonnais have more cohesion, momentum, and quality in their squad overall than Liverpool and I think they're more than capable of winning this game at 11/8, although the French side will have to keep an eye on crafty playmaker Yossi Benayoun, who has been Liverpool's best player so far this season.
Wednesday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Olympique Lyonnais vs Liverpool - home win at 11/8 - see introduction for full details.
Dynamo Kiev vs Internazionale - home win at 23/10. A feisty performance in Milan two weeks ago saw Dynamo Kiev deservedly claim a 2-2 draw with the Italian champions after a highly impressive display. Valery Gazzaev's side are looking well-organised and extremely talented, arguably boasting the best squad they've had since the days of Shevchenko in the late 90's, which is very ironic as their talismanic striker is back in their ranks. The Ukrainian side are even harder to face in their homeland and will make life very difficult for Mourinho's Internazionale. The visitors haven't won a UEFA Champions League game for a long time now and it's starting to ebb at their morale, something that was visible against Dynamo Kiev two weeks ago. Italian football is already on a descent when in comparison to the majority of European football and Ukrianian football is going in the opposite direction. Internazionale won't be an easy side to beat but both sides need to win this game and I think the hosts have a better chance of winning this game, particularly with the pacey Milevskiy on the counter-attack. It's dangerous to disregard a side like Internazionale, however, so perhaps consider a draw no bet option but the last result I can see here is an away win.
Unirea Urziceni vs Rangers - home win at evens. I can't offer much more reasoning for this game other than that the Romanians won 4-1 in Glasgow two weeks ago without breaking sweat. It amuses me to see Scots valiantly attempting to defend the "quality" of their league's football but the fact of the matter is that even the Romanian Liga has better quality football these days, which was proven two weeks ago. Unirea Urziceni are a good side in Romania, possibly not worthy of the title of champions, but they're still a talented and well-organised unit. A weekend victory against Universitatea Craiova will have got their momentum flowing again so I fancy them to extend it here and enhance their chances of qualification for the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League. Scottish football has never been at a lower point and I honestly don't believe that Rangers have enough to match their Romanian hosts today. For me, the home win at evens boasts considerable value tonight.
As ever, if there are any questions/explanations required then feel free to post a comment! For the complete picks listing, see below!
UEFA Champions League:
Rubin Kazan vs Barcelona (8) 1-2
Fiorentina vs Debreceni VSC (9) 3-1
Olympique Lyonnais vs Liverpool (7) 2-1
Dynamo Kiev vs Internazionale (6) 2-1
Unirea Urziceni vs Rangers (7) 2-0
Sevilla CF vs VFB Stuttgart (9) -1.75 handicap
Arsenal vs AZ Alkmaar (9) -1.75 handicap
Standard de Liege vs Olympiakos Piraeus (7) 1-1
Copa Nissan Sudamericana:
San Lorenzo de Almagro vs River Plate Montevideo (8) 2-0
Botafogo vs Cerro Porteno (7) under 2.5 goals
Australian A-League:
Wellington Phoenix vs Newcastle Jets (6) 1-1
Brazilian Serie A:
Gremio vs Sao Paulo (6) 2-1, draw no bet
English Premier League:
West Ham United vs Aston Villa (7) 1-1
Hungarian Soproni Liga:
Ferencvaros vs Gyori ETO FC (5) 1-1
Russian Division 1:
NoSta Novotroitsk vs Shinnik Yaroslavl' (5) draw no bet
Cherno Novorosisk vs FK Nizhyni Novgorod (4) draw no bet
FK Krasnodor vs Alaniya Vladikavkaz (6)
Volgar Gazprom Astrakhan vs Salyut Belgorod (6)
Anzhi Makhachkala vs Metallurg Lipetsk (8)
KamAZ Nab Chelny vs Energiya Khabarovsk (7)
Volga Nizhny Novgorod vs Luch-Energiya Vladivostok (6)
FK Chita vs Sibir Novosibirsk (5) draw no bet
Vityaz Podolsk vs Baltika Kaliningrad (6)
Swedish Superettan Relegation Play-Off:
Trollhattan vs Skovde AIK (7)
Enjoy your free betting tips!
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