KuPS Kuopio vs FC Honka Espoo

Today’s featured game is the Veikkausliiga encounter between relegation battlers KuPS Kuopio and title hopefuls FC Honka Espoo. The hosts have started playing better football lately simply because they have to to stay in the Veikkausliiga. They’ve won three from their last five games, losing two along the way, their most recent of which was a 3-0 humbling at TPS Turku last match. The hosts are in a better position than their fellow relegation stragglers RoPS Rovaniemi and JJK Jyvaskyla but will still seek any possible points to secure their Veikkausliiga status where possible. However, despite KuPS Kuopio’s recent valiant efforts, what we’ve found out is that when they encounter a top quality side with valiant efforts because their need for points is great too…KuPS Kuopio get swept away. TPS Turku proved that last match and I rate FC Honka Espoo as being better than TPS Turku, if only marginally. The visitors average scoring over two goals per game and have won four of their last five games. The contrast of quality between these two sides is vast and when a good side plays with great motivation, they almost always win. FC Honka Espoo have to win this game to have any hope of winning the Veikkausliiga, title, which is looking unlikely now due to HJK Helsinki’s somewhat simple home games remaining. However, today’s visitors aren’t going to let it slide that easily and will be well-motivated for today’s game. Frankly, I’m beyond surprised that the odds on this game are 19/20 because there’s such a big difference between these two sides that it’s unreal. I expect the odds to drop so take them whilst you can!

Saturday’s Picks

My tips:

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

KuPS Kuopio vs FC Honka Espoo - away win at 19/20 – see introduction for full details.

Internacional vs Flamengo – home win at 3/4. Despite the recent poor form of hosts Internacional (two consecutive domestic defeats), it’s undeniable that Internacional remain the better side between these two clubs. Their home form is still amongst the best in the league with eight wins from twelve games, losing just twice on the way. Flamengo, despite being a good side, are a poor away side. They’ve lost six away games from eleven and won just twice. They’re in good form with three wins from four games but they’re going to have a very tough game here as they’ve lost three of their last four away games against Internacional, drawing the other a couple of seasons ago. For me, form takes a backseat here as there’s a significant quality gap so the home win at 3/4 looks good for me.

Swansea City vs Sheffield United – away win at 13/10. Promotion hopefuls Sheffield United journey to Wales to take on out-of-sorts Swansea City. The hosts are without a win in their last four games, drawing three and losing once. It’s more than apparent to see exactly where Swansea City’s problems lie at the moment with just a single glance at the league table – goalscoring. They’ve managed to score just three goals in their first eight games of the season, which isn’t nearly good enough, as I’m sure you’re all aware. I think it’s fair to say that they’re really missing Jason Scotland since his summer transfer to Wigan Athletic. Today, Swansea City are hosting a Sheffield United side that have won three from their last five games and are generally looking pretty reliable when it comes to winning games. I can’t see an out-of-form side that can’t score goals playing against a better side and obtaining a result so I’m siding with the away win at 13/10.

Ipswich Town vs Newcastle United – away win at 13/10. Hosts Ipswich Town are playing better than they have done all season with just two defeats in their last five games, drawing the other three. That said, it’s still more than evident the number of problems they actually have as they’ve still not won a league game in eight attempts. Today they host a Newcastle United side that were humbled 3-0 mid-week by Plymouth Argyle in the League Cup. However, I would urge you all to disregard this as Newcastle United fielded a lot of youngsters in that game as they are prioritising promotion this season. As far as league form goes, Newcastle United have won four from their last five games and are currently second in the Championship table. Effectively, Newcastle United are a better side a and are in better form so an away win looks fairly straightforward at 13/10.

Bristol Rovers vs Brighton & Hove Albion – home win at 4/5. A great start to their campaign has seen Bristol Rovers soar to third place in the table with six wins from eight games. They’ve won four of their last five games and are obviously on a massive high at the moment. Bristol Rovers aren’t a prolific side but they’re certainly effective. Today they host a Brighton & Hove Albion side that that had been on a good run before losing 3-2 at home to Southend United last match. Two wins from eight games says that Brighton & Hove Albion could be in for a long season, especially as there’s only one side in the whole division that has currently conceded more goals than they have. To put it bluntly, the visitors look like cannon fodder currently and the hosts look like the cannon. 4/5 on this selection should be a great bet!

Shrewsbury Town vs Northampton Town – home win at 4/5. Four straight defeats has now seen recently relegated Northampton Town slide to just fourth bottom. They’ve lost five games from eight so far and don’t appear to be showing any signs of getting out of their rut. Hosts Shrewsbury Town have been a “home side” for some time now and this season isn’t proving too different as they’ve already notched up two home wins. Three wins in four games has got them to seventh in League Two and form/momentum is pointing to this record being continued today. Taking the home win at 4/5 should be a good bet today.

Maag Tammeka Tartu vs Tulevik Viljandi – home win at 2/1. I know Maag Tammeka Tartu aren’t a particularly good side but they warrant better odds than 2/1, surely? It was only last season that they finished above Tulevik Viljandi, if only on goal difference. They’ve also won this fixture for three out of the last four Meistriliiga campaigns, drawing the other game. Whereas the table this year shows a clear points difference between the two sides, I don’t think there’s much in it quality-wise. You also have to take into account that Tulevik Viljandi haven’t won in five games, losing their last three on the bounce. Maag Tammeka Tartu, however, have won their last three games and have some great momentum entering this game. Frankly, I’d expect a lot lower odds but I’m happy to have a medium stake on the home win at 2/1 with the above information in mind!

Inter Turku vs Tampere United – home win at evens. After their defeat last match at home to HJK Helsinki, Tampere United’s surprise title challenge is now finished with and they look to battle out a Europa League place with today’s hosts Inter Turku and IFK Mariehamn. Yes, I am not including Haka Valkeakoski in this equation because they’re atrocious and I’ll be astounded if they make it! Basically, this match has suddenly become a lot more important than was initially thought. Fortunately for Inter Turku, they’re hosting a side that have lost more games away games than the majority of the Veikkausliiga. In fact, only three sides have lost more away games and they’re the bottom three in the Veikkausliiga! They hosts have got some good momentum at the moment as they’re unbeaten in four games, winning twice and drawing twice. It doesn’t seem to matter what form or momentum Tampere United have – they just seem to win at home and lose away, generally! I can’t say I think anything different is going to occur today, either – Inter Turku have got enough to win this game and form says that they will. Evens on this selection should be a reliable bet.

FC Koln vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen - away win at evens. Despite a disappointing cup defeat mid-week, Bayer 04 Leverkusen are playing very well in the Bundesliga. They’ve currently won four games from six and remain unbeaten in second place. Today they travel to FC Koln, a side that has managed just one victory in their six games thus far, losing four along the way. They’ve not won any games at home in this campaign and although they’ll look to make it difficult for Bayer 04 Leverkusen to play their football today, I can’t help but feel that when the final whistle goes, it’ll be an away win that has happened due to the quality and efficiency of Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The away win at evens could prove very valuable indeed today!

Szombathelyi Haladas vs Diosgyori VTK – home win at 5/6. Both of these two sides have made atrocious starts to the season but one of them shouldn’t really be there; Szombathelyi Haladas. They had a great Soproni Liga campaign last year and managed to play a few European games this year as a result of it. They’re a decent side and have proven such by gaining an impressive win against Fehervar this season. Their general form has been their let-down as opposed to their actual ability. However, their form has shown signs of improvement lately having only lost two of their last five games and having scored nine goals in the process. Despite being above Szombathelyi Haladas, Diosgyori VTK are in a worse position in my eyes because they don’t have a particularly good squad and they’ve now lost three in a row. They’re just not scoring enough goals, unlike their hosts today, who are conceding too many. I expect a lot of goals in this game but I think it’s time that Szombathelyi Haladas shone again by winning this game at 5/6.

Fylkir Reykjavik vs FH Hafnarfjordur – away win at 6/4. High-flying Fylkir Reykjavik host giants FH Hafnarfjordur in a game that arguably the hosts need to win more than the visitors. Reigning champions FH Hafnarfjordur are leading the Landsbankadeild Karla by five points currently and are starting to look settled again after a mid-season blip. When FH Hafnarfjordur are settled, other sides start to lose games against them – constantly! Fylkir Reykjavik are no exception to this ruling having lost this exact fixture for four seasons running now. Fylkir Reykjavik have only beaten FH Hafnarfjordur twice in their last ten attempts and both of those were away from home. In terms of form, there’s not much between these two sides but when you mention ability, FH Hafnarfjordur are the kings of Iceland and I thoroughly expect to see that shine through today as we make money on the outcome with superb odds of 6/4!

Sligo Rovers vs Shamrock Rovers – away win at 10/11. Just one point now seperates league leaders Bohemians and title challengers Shamrock Rovers. The visitors today have won their last three games in a row and are unbeaten in five domestic games. They’ve only lost three games all season and look intend on taking the title to the wire with Bohemians this season. Shamrock Rovers are the best away side in the division currently, having only lost once on the road this season and winning seven of their fourteen away games. Hosts Sligo Rovers may be unbeaten in three games but they’ve only won once in five games. Effectively, the hosts shouldn’t have enough to trouble the visitors today so the away win at 10/11 looks a good bet.

Sampdoria vs Internazionale – away win at 10/11. Despite a good start to the season, Sampdoria were brought crashing back down to earth by a rampant Fiorentina last match. Unfortunately for Sampdoria, they don’t exactly have the easiest of pick-me-up games as they’re hosting Jose Mourinho’s Internazionale. The visitors are unbeaten this season with four wins from five games and look set for yet another dominating season with the quality available at their disposal. There’s not too much between these two form-wise but ultimately, Internazionale have a better squad than Sampdoria on every front so the away win at 10/11 should be fairly routine.

Albinoleffe vs Crotone – home win at 5/6. They’ve taken a long time starting their Serie B season but Albinoleffe have finally won their first game of the season with a 2-1 victory over Mantova. The hosts are actually a good side but they’ve really hid it well so far with four straight defeats prior to the win. Albinoleffe will be looking to continue their mini run and they’ve picked a perfect game to do it in as they’re hosting newly-promoted Crotone, a side that still has no victories in Serie B this season, drawing four games and losing two. Their massive problem is goalscoring, something that is clearly indicated by the fact that they’ve only scored once all season. A resurgent Albinoleffe is a dangerous Albinoleffe and I fear Crotone might just get taught a lesson today. 5/6 on the home win for a good side that’s beginning to wake up looks a good bet to me!

Salernitana vs Ascoli - away win at 19/10. I’m not entirely sure why Ascoli are at 19/10 to win this game but perhaps that’s why I’m not a bookmaker. Not only did they win here last season, but they’ve not lost any game from six this season in Serie B and have won three of their last five games. They’re travelling to a Salernitana side that obtained their first point of the season away to Piacenza last match but still have no wins. They’ve scored just two goals all season, hence their problem, and let in eleven goals. It’s a considerable problem to not score goals but it’s even worse when you’ve conceded more goals than the rest of your division. For me, this has away win written all over it and can only imagine the bookies have made a slight error with this one! 19/10 on the away could be a bargain here.

Rio Ave vs Academica de Coimbra – home win at 5/6. Unbeaten after five games, Rio Ave have made a tremendous start to this campaign, one that I honestly didn’t think they were capable of. Their unbeaten status is largely due to their boring football as they’ve drawn three times and won twice by only scoring five goals and conceding two. Today they face an Academica de Coimbra side that boast a very similar record, only that they’ve lost three and drawn twice instead of actually bothering to win a game. I expect this game to be mind-numbingly boring and very low-scoring but think Rio Ave have the momentum behind them to give them a narrow victory here at 5/6.

Valencia vs Atletico Madrid – home win at 10/11. I was going to stay well clear of this game until I saw the head-to-head statistics. Why? Well, both of these sides are generally unreliable as hell when it comes to betting. Valencia managed to let a lead slip against the ten men of Sporting Gijon last weekend and lost to Getafe mid-week but have already beaten a very good Sevilla CF this season. Atletico Madrid have an even more puzzling set of results as they’ve already been demolished by Barcelona and Malaga, as well as having been held to a draw at home by lowly Almeria mid-week. There’s a lot of internal problems at the club at the moment and to make matters worse, they’ve lost Sergio Aguero through injury for a couple of weeks. Things have gone from bad to worse as Atletico Madrid are still yet to win a Primera Liga game this season and that doesn’t look likely to change as they’ve lost here at the Mestalla for four games running now. 10/11 looks to be a bargain on this one, particularly as Atletico Madrid’s defence is a real mess at the moment.

Cadiz vs Recreativo de Huelva - away win at 8/5. Newly-promoted Cadiz have found life in the Segunda Liga very tricky indeed with no wins in four games. They’ve only conceded three goals but the fact that they’ve only scored once in those four games speaks volumes. Visitors Recreativo de Huelva have won three from four games since being relegated from the Primera Liga and seem intent on returning there as swiftly as possible. Cadiz don’t have the ability nor the momentum to match a very much in-form Recreativo de Huelva tonight so I think the away win at 8/5 looks relatively straightforward.

Kalmar vs IFK Goteborg – away win at 9/5. Risky call? Sure, why not! Since the loss of the two Elms, Kalmar have really struggled in their games, which is something you’d expect from a decent side that have relied upon a couple of talented individuals for too long. Kalmar have now just won twice in five games and their Allsvenskan title challenge looks rocky to say the least. Visitors IFK Goteborg were in a similar position to what Kalmar are now but in July when they lost Pontus Wernblom, ironically. However, IFK Goteborg are well and truly back now with no defeats in five games, winning three of them and drawing twice.  Whereas that’s a good source of information, the other convincing factor was that IFK Goteborg have won three out of their last three Allsvenskan games here without any great difficulty. In fact, here’s a statistic for you – Kalmar haven’t taken any points off IFK Goteborg in their last five Allsvenskan games at either ground. How about that for a confidence booster?? So yeah, 9/5 suddenly looks quite tempting, doesn’t it?

St.Gallen vs Young Boys Bern – away win at 10/11. I don’t think I can ever thank the bookies enough for drastically underestimating just how good Young Boys Bern actually are – long may it last! You’d have thought that their persistent victories over their rivals and tremendous form would be enough to show how good they are but apparently not! They’ve now won eight Super League games from ten, losing just once along the way and averaging 2.3 goals per game currently. Today they face newly-promoted St.Gallen, who are unbeaten at home so far in the Super League, although I can’t help but feel that’s about to change! No wins in three games and two defeats along the way means that St.Gallen are currently on a slippery slope and it’s about to get a whole lot more slippy as they host the best side in Switzerland. Everything about this game points to the away win so I’m more than happy to take it at 10/11.

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:

Chacarita Juniors vs Arsenal de Sarandi (6) 0-0
Rosario Central vs Colon de Santa Fe (7) 1-1
Estudiantes De La Plata vs Boca Juniors (7) 2-1, at least one red card in this game
Tigre vs San Lorenzo de Almagro (7) under 2.5 goals

Australian A-League:

Gold Coast United vs Melbourne Victory (6) 2-1

Austrian Bundesliga:

SV Kapfenberg vs Sturm Graz (8) 0-2
Rapid Vienna vs Wiener Neustadt (8) over 2.5 goals
SV Mattersburg vs Austria Vienna (5) 1-1
Austria Karnten vs Salzburg (9) 1-3

Austrian Liga 1:

St.Polten vs Admira Wacker (6) draw no bet

Belgian Eerste Klasse:

Racing Genk vs Roeselare (9) 2-0
Zulte-Waregem vs AA Gent (6) 1-1
Lokeren vs Charleroi (5) 1-2, draw no bet
Kortrijk vs Standard de Liege (8) 0-2
Westerlo vs Sint-Truiden (6) 0-1

Belgian Tweede Klasse:

Mons vs Brussels (6) under 2.5 goals
Antwerp vs Ronse (8)
Eupen vs Turnhout (9)
Red Star Waasland vs Tienen (8)
Oostende vs KSVK United (6) draw no bet
Lierse SK vs Tournai (7)
OH Leuven vs Boussu Dour Borinage (6)

Brazilian Serie A:

Palmeiras vs Atletico Paranaense (8) 2-0
Fluminense vs Avai (6) 1-1
Sao Paulo vs Corinthians (7) over 2.5 goals, at least one red card in this game
Gremio Barueri vs Cruzeiro (6) 1-0
Internacional vs Flamengo (7) 2-1
Coritiba vs Nautico (7) 2-0

Bulgarian A PFG:

Sportist Svoge vs Cherno More Varna (8) 0-2
Montana vs CSKA Sofia (9) -1.75 handicap
Botev Plovdiv vs Slavia Sofia (7) 1-2
Lokomotiv Mezdra vs Beroe (6) 1-1

Chinese Super League:

Guangzhou Yiyao vs Shaanxi Zhongxin (6) 1-1
Qingdao Jonoon vs Beijing Guoan (6) 0-0
Dalian Shide vs Shandong Luneng (5) 2-1
Hangzhou Lucheng vs Chengdu Blades (7) 1-1

Colombian Futbol Profesional:

La Equidad Bogota vs Deportivo Pereira (6) under 2.5 goals
America de Cali vs Independiente Medellin (7) 1-1
Atletico Nacional de Medellin vs Deportivo Pasto (7) 2-1

Croatian Prva Liga:

Inter Zapresic vs Croatia Sesvete (6) under 2.5 goals
Rijeka vs Medimurje (8) 2-0
Zadar vs Istra 1961 (7) 2-1
Slaven Koprivnica vs Osijek (7) 2-1
Lokomotiva Zagreb vs Dinamo Zagreb (9) 1-3
Varteks Varazdin vs Karlovac (6) 1-1

Cypriot Division 1:

Enosis Neon Paralimni vs Ermis (7) 2-1
Apollon Limassol vs Nea Salamis (8) 2-0
Ethnikos Achnas vs A.E.Paphos (6) 1-0
APOEL Nicosia vs Doxa (8) 2-1

Czech Republic Gambrinus Liga:

Slovan Liberec vs Slovacko (7) 2-1
Banik Ostrava vs Teplice (6) 0-0
Sparta Prague vs Viktoria Plzen (8) 2-0
Bohemians 1905 vs Slavia Prague (8) 1-2

Danish Superligaen:

OB Odense vs FC Nordsjaelland (8) 2-0

Danish 1st Division:

Frem vs Vejle (9)

English Premier League:

Portsmouth vs Everton (8) over 2.5 goals
Birmingham City vs Bolton Wanderers (6) under 2.5 goals
Blackburn Rovers vs Aston Villa (5) 1-1
Liverpool vs Hull City (10) -1.75 handicap
Stoke City vs Manchester United (7) 0-2
Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley (8) both sides to score
Wigan Athletic vs Chelsea (9) 0-2
Fulham vs Arsenal (7) 1-1

English Championship:

Scunthorpe United vs Doncaster Rovers (7)
Blackpool vs Peterborough United (5)
Coventry City vs Middlesbrough (6)
Derby County vs Bristol City (7)
Leicester City vs Preston North End (6)
Queens Park Rangers vs Barnsley (7)
Reading vs Watford (5)
Sheffield Wednesday vs Cardiff City (6)
Swansea City vs Sheffield United (8)
West Bromwich Albion vs Crystal Palace (8)
Ipswich Town vs Newcastle United (8)

English League One:

Bristol Rovers vs Brighton & Hove Albion (8)
Carlisle United vs Southampton (7)
Charlton Athletic vs Exeter City (9)
Gillingham vs Norwich City (6)
Hartlepool United vs Walsall (8)
Huddersfield Town vs Stockport County (7)
Leyton Orient vs Millwall (6)
Milton Keynes Dons vs Leeds United (7) over 2.5 goals
Southend United vs Oldham Athletic (8)
Swindon Town vs Wycombe Wanderers (8)
Tranmere Rovers vs Colchester United (7)
Yeovil Town vs Brentford (6)

English League Two:

Aldershot Town vs Cheltenham Town (7)
Bournemouth vs Burton Albion (8)
Bradford City vs Chesterfield (6)
Bury vs Lincoln City (7)
Dagenham & Redbridge vs Morecambe (8)
Grimsby Town vs Darlington (6)
Macclesfield Town vs Torquay United (5)
Notts County vs Port Vale (7)
Rochdale vs Hereford United (8)
Rotherham United vs Barnet (6)
Shrewsbury Town vs Northampton Town (8)

Estonian Meistriliiga:

Trans Narva vs Kuressaare (10) -1.75 handicap
Nomme Kalju vs Tallinna Kalev (9) 2-0
Maag Tammeka Tartu vs Tulevik Viljandi (6) 2-1
Flora Paide vs Sillamae Kalev (9) -1.75 handicap
Levadia Tallinn vs Flora Tallinn (8) over 2.5 goals

Finnish Veikkausliiga:

KuPS Kuopio vs FC Honka Espoo (8) over 2.5 goals
Inter Turku vs Tampere United (8) 2-1
JJK Jyvaskyla vs VPS Vaasa (6) 1-1

Finnish Ykkonen:

PoPa Pori vs KPV Kokkola (6) draw no bet
Jippo Joensuu vs Atlantis FC Helsinki (7)
PS Kemi Kings vs FC Hameenlinna (7)
Kiisto Vaasa vs KooTeePee Kotka (8) under 2.5 goals

Finnish Kakkonen:

Lokho A:

Kultsu Joutseno vs KaPa Helsinki (9)
Kiffen vs FC Kuusankoski (6)
HyPS Hyvinkaa vs HIFK Soccer Helsinki (6)
KTP Kotka vs LPS Helsinki (7)

Lokho B:

Pirkkala vs Jazz Juniorit (6)
EIF Ekenas vs KaaPo Kaarina (6)
LoPa Lohja vs Sinimustat Turku (8)

Lokho C:

OPS Oulu vs FC YPA Ylivieska (7)
Norrvalla Voyri vs OLS Oulu (6)
JBK Pietarsaari vs Santa Claus (8)
SJK Seinajoki vs Jyvaskyla Blackbird (6)
OPA Oulu vs VIFK Vaasa (8)

French Ligue 1:

Auxerre vs Grenoble Foot (8) 2-0
Lorient vs Paris Saint-Germain (6) 1-1
AS Monaco vs Saint-Etienne (8) 2-0
Montpellier HSC vs Boulogne (7) 2-1
AS Nancy-Lorraine vs Sochaux (6) 1-0
Valenciennes vs Olympique de Marseille (9) 1-3
Olympique Lyonnais vs Toulouse (8) 2-1

French Ligue 2:

Le Havre vs Metz (6)
Nantes vs Nimes (9)
Sedan-Ardennes vs Brest (7)

German Bundesliga:

VFL Wolfsburg vs Hannover 96 (8) 2-0
BV09 Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke 04 (6) 2-2, at least one red card in this game
Werder Bremen vs FSV Mainz 05 (7) over 2.5 goals
FC Koln vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen (8) 1-2
Eintracht Frankfurt vs VFB Stuttgart (8) 1-1
Hamburger SV vs Bayern Munich (7) 1-1

German Bunesliga 2:

Arminia Bielefeld vs St.Pauli (6)
Kaiserslautern vs Karlsruher SC (7)

Greek Super League:

Larissa vs PAS Giannina (6) 1-0
Olympiakos Piraeus vs Panionios (9) -1.75 handicap
Aris Salonika vs Xanthi (8) 2-1

Greek B Ethniki:

PAE Kalamata vs OFI Crete (6)

Hungarian Soproni Liga:

Vasas Budapest vs MTK Budpaest (6) 1-2
Nyiregyhaza Spartacus vs Gyori ETO FC (6) 0-1
Budapest Honved vs Papa (7) 1-1
Szombathelyi Haladas vs Diosgyori VTK (7) 2-0
Zalaegerszegi TE vs Kecskemeti TE (6) 1-0

Icelandic Landsbankadeild Karla:

Stjarnan Gardabaer vs Fjolnir Reykjavik (7) 2-0
Breidablik Kopavogur vs UMF Grindavik (8) 2-1
Fram Reykjavik vs Throttur Reykjavik (9) over 2.5 goals
Keflavik vs IBV Vestmannaeyjar (8) 2-0
Fylkir Reykjavik vs FH Hafnarfjordur (7) over 2.5 goals, both sides to score
Valur Reykjavik vs KR Reykjavik (8) over 2.5 goals

Irish Premier League:

Sligo Rovers vs Shamrock Rovers (8) 1-2

Italian Serie A:

Sampdoria vs Internazionale (8) 1-2
Livorno vs Fiorentina (5) 1-1

Italian Serie B:

Albinoleffe vs Crotone (7)
Empoli vs Cittadella (8)
Frosinone vs Torino (7)
Grosseto vs Brescia (6)
Lecce vs Mantova (7)
Padova vs Gallipoli (8)
Salernitana vs Ascoli (7)
Sassuolo vs Cesena (6)
Vicenza vs Triestina (7)

Japanese J-League:

Oita Trinita vs Kashiwa Reysol (6) 1-1
FC Tokyo vs Jubilo Iwata (6) 2-1
Gamba Osaka vs Kawasaki Frontale (7) over 2.5 goals
Kashima Antlers vs Nagoya Grampus (7) 2-1
Kyoto Purple Sanga vs Omiya Ardija (8) 2-0
JEF United Ichihara vs Montedio Yamagata (6) 1-1
Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Albirex Niigata (7) 2-1

Latvian Virsliga:

Blazma Rezekne vs FK Ventspils (9) 0-2
Daugava Riga vs Olimps Riga (6) 1-2
Skonto Riga vs Jurmala (9) 3-1
Liepajas Metalurgs vs Tranzits Ventspils (9) -1.75 handicap

Mexican Primera Division:

Cruz Azul vs Toluca (6) 1-1
Monterrey vs Puebla (7) 2-1
Indios vs Estudiantes Tecos (6) 0-0
Atlas vs Tigres UANL (6) 1-0
San Luis vs Jaguares (8) 2-0

Dutch Eredivisie:

FC Utrecht vs AZ Alkmaar (6) 1-1
PSV Eindhoven vs Willem II (9) -1.75 handicap
RKC Waalwijk vs Roda JC Kerkrade (7) 1-1
FC Twente Enschede vs VVV Venlo (9) 2-0

Dutch Eerste Divisie:

Haarlem vs FC Den Bosch (6)

Norwegian Tippeligaen:

Fredrikstad vs Lillestrom (6) 1-0

Norwegian 2 Divisjon:

Avdeling 1:

Vindbjart Vennesla vs Strommen (5)
Ullensaker Kisa vs Tonsberg (6)
Eidsvold vs Fram Larvik (6) under 2.5 goals

Avdeling 2:

Steinkjer vs Hodd Ulsteinvik (7)
Fola Fotball Ski vs Levanger (8)
Lorenskog vs Byasen Trondheim (6)

Avdeling 3:

Fyllingen Bergen vs Sford Sunnhordland (6)
Fana Nestun vs Nest Sodra Agotnes (7)
Drammen vs Kopervik (6)
Algard vs Randaberg (7) over 2.5 goals

Avdeling 4:

Asker Fotball vs Valdres Fagernes (7) over 2.5 goals
Ranheim Trondehim vs Baerum Sandvika (8)

Polish Ekstraklasa:

Odra Wodzislaw vs GKS Belchatow (6) 1-2
Korona Kielce vs Piast Gliwice (6) 0-0
Wisla Krakow vs Polonia Warsaw (8) 2-1
Jagiellonia Bialystok vs Cracovia Krakow (7) 2-0

Portuguese Liga Sagres:

Rio Ave vs Academica de Coimbra (7) 2-1
Maritimo vs Naval de Maio (8) 2-0
Vitoria Setubal vs Pacos de Ferreira (7) 0-0
Porto vs Sporting Club de Lisboa (8) 2-0
SL Benfica vs Leixoes (10) -1.75 handicap

Portuguese Liga de Honra:

Trofense vs Portimonense (7)
Freamunde vs Varzim (6)
Beira-Mar vs Oliveirense (7)
Desportivo Chaves vs Estoril (6)
Gil Vicente vs Fatima (8)
Penafiel vs Sporting Covilha (7)
Carregado vs Desportivo Aves (6)

Romanian Liga:

Gaz Metan Medias vs Dinamo Bucharest (8) 0-2
Unirea Alba Iulia vs Vaslui (6) 0-1
Politehnica Iasi vs Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt (7) under 2.5 goals
FC Poli Timisoara vs Universitatea Craiova (8) 1-0

Russian Premier League:

Zenit St Petersburg vs CSKA Moscow (7) 1-1
Dinamo Moscow vs Saturn Moscow Oblast (6) 2-1
FK Moscow vs Khimki (9) 2-0

Scottish Premier League:

St.Mirren vs Celtic (8) 0-2
Falkirk vs Kilmarnock (7) 1-1
Hearts vs Hamilton Academicals (8) 2-1
Motherwell vs Hibernians (6) 0-0
Rangers vs Aberdeen (8) 3-1
St.Johnstone vs Dundee United (6) 0-1

Serbian Super Liga:

OFK Belgrade vs Smederevo (7) 1-0
Mladi Radnik vs Metalac GM (6) 0-0
Borac Cacak vs Napredak (7) 2-0
Javor Ivanjica vs Rad Belgrade (8) 2-1
Cukaricki vs Spartak Subotica (6) 1-1
Partizan Belgrade vs Borca (8) 2-0

Slovakian Corgon Liga:

Dukla Banska Bystrica vs MSK Zilina (6) 1-2
Nitra vs Slovan Bratislava (6) 0-1
DAC Dunajska Streda vs Spartak Trnava (7) 1-1
Dubnica vs Kosice (6) under 2.5 goals
Tatran Presov vs Ruzomberok (6) 2-1

Slovenian Prva Liga:

Koper vs Drava (8) 2-0
Celje vs Nafta Lendava (7) 2-1

Spanish Primera Liga:

Espanyol vs Deportivo Xerez (9) 2-0
Real Madrid vs Tenerife (9) -1.75 handicap
Athletic Club de Bilbao vs Sevilla CF (6) 2-1, at least one red card in this game
Malaga vs Barcelona (9) 1-3
Valencia vs Atletico Madrid (7) 2-1

Spanish Segunda Liga:

Celta de Vigo vs Hercules Alicante (6)
Real Murcia vs Salamanca (5)
Las Palmas vs Levante (6)
Cadiz vs Recreativo de Huelva (8)
Villarreal II vs Albacete (5)
Castellon vs Rayo Vallecano de Madrid (7)
Girona vs Real Union Club de Irun (7)

Swedish Allsvenskan:

Kalmar vs IFK Goteborg (6) 1-2

Swedish Superettan:

Atvidabergs vs Angelholms (7)

Swiss Super League:

St.Gallen vs Young Boys Bern (9) 1-3
Aarau vs Basel (7) 0-2

Swiss Challenge League:

Lugano vs Gossau (9)
Thun vs Kriens (8)
Wohlen vs Stade Nyonnais (6)
Biel-Bienne vs Le Mont (7)
Lausanne Sports vs Schaffhausen (7)
Servette vs Locarno (5)

Turkish Super Lig:

Gaziantepspor vs Ankaragucu (7) 2-0
Istanbul BB vs Sivasspor (6) 0-1
Antalyaspor vs Fenerbahce (9) 1-2
Bursaspor vs Diyarbakirspor (8) 2-0

Ukrainian Premier League:

Kryvbas Kryvvi Rih vs Metalurg Donetsk (7) 1-2
Zakarpattya Uzhhorod vs Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk (8) 0-1
Metalurg Zaporizhya vs Arsenal Kiev (6) 1-1

Welsh Premier League:

Aberystwyth Town vs Connah’s Quay Nomads (7) 2-1
Caersws vs Carmarthen Town (6) 1-1
Newi Cefn Druids vs Neath Athletic (6) 0-1
Haverfordwest County vs Bangor City (7) 1-1
Rhyl vs Porthmadog (10) -1.75 handicap
Welshpool Town vs Port Talbot Town (5) 1-1

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

Espanyol vs Malaga

Today’s featured game is in Barcelona and features Espanyol and Malaga. Hosts Espanyol got off to a slow start after the death of Captain Daniel Jarque pre-season, losing away to Athletic Club de Bilbao and emphatically at home to Real Madrid. However, a morale-boosting victory at the Riazor last match against a difficult Deportivo La Coruna may have been the catalyst they desperately needed to fulfill their potential this season, something I’ve highlighted in my posts leading up to the start of the season. Espanyol actually have a very strong and capable side and I thoroughly expect them to have a very good season although losing Jarque is a massive loss to them. Today, Espanyol are hosting a Malaga side that seem undecided as to what kind of season they’re going to have. I don’t rate this Malaga side very highly as they’ve lost their manager and a whole host of players over summer but you can’t argue with the fact that they’ve already annihlated Atletico Madrid this season, something that needs to be taken into consideration. Since then, Malaga have lost both games, something I had expected from their opening game as opposed to their second game. I can accept their defeat away to Deportivo La Coruna but I cannot accept their defeat at home to Racing Club de Santander if this side intends to become even a shadow of the side they were last year. As the season I develops, I fully expect Malaga to become cannon fodder barring a miracle. They no longer have the quality to compete at this level and I expect Espanyol to thoroughly ram that home today. Frankly, a home win today at evens looks a fantastic bet to me!

Wednesday’s Picks

My tips:

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

Espanyol vs Malaga – home win at evens – see introduction for full details.

Liga de Quito vs Lanus – home win at 10/11. A poor start to their domestic campaign has seen Lanus claim just one win from their opening five games, a fact that will disappoint Lanus after an impressive campaign last time out. They’ve lost three of their five games so far domestically and appear to be struggling a considerable amount. Despite a slender victory over River Plate last week in the Nissan Sudamericana, Lanus just aren’t convincing at the moment and I can’t help but feel they’re going to get “found out” in the dizzying heights of Quito tonight. They’re travelling to an experienced Ecuadorian outfit in Liga de Quito, who boast a good squad and a very impressive home record. A crushing defeat away to bitter rivals Deportivo Quito last match (domestically) will have hurt Liga de Quito, something I expect to inspire them to victory tonight to at least compensate their fans. In my opinion, this venue is one of the hardest away trips in South America due to the massive distance above sea level Quito is and the quality of the home side. I can’t quite believe that the bookies are giving 10/11 on a home win and I thoroughly expect that to drop before too long so take it whilst you can!

Tampere United vs HJK Helsinki – home win at 9/4. This is a very interesting call but one I like an awful lot. In fact, I’ve liked this bet since I looked at HJK Helsinki’s final fixtures of the Veikkausliiga season a few weeks ago. Why? Well, HJK Helsinki may be in good form but they’re not playing very reliably, which is important to me ’cause it means they’re prone to errors. Today they travel to an in-form Tampere United that are currently the best home side in the Veikkausliiga with eight wins from eleven games. In fact, they’ve only lost at home twice this season so HJK Helsinki have one hell of a task on their hands to come away with a result here. Interestingly enough, HJK Helsinki have lost two of their last three trips here, one of which was this season in the Liiga Cup. I have to confess that I didn’t have Tampere United down as a potential Veikkausliiga winner entering the final stretch of the campaign and I still don’t really believe it will happen but try telling a confident and in-form Tampere United that! The final point I’ll make is that if Tampere United do win this game, the gap between themselves and HJK Helsinki (and potentially TPS Turku if they overcome KuPS Kuopio) will be six points, which is only two games of football. With all this in mind, 9/5 on a home win looks very tempting indeed with both sides needing three points here!

AEK Athens vs Olympiakos Piraeus – away win at 6/4. I really wanted to make this bet when it was initially scheduled a few weeks back when AEK Athens were struggling and Olympiakos Piraeus were flying. However, circumstances dictated that this could not occur so now we have this fixture in more…difficult circumstances, shall we say! Why? Well, Zico is boss of Olympiakos Piraeus now and he’s pretty damn shit as a manager, in my humble opinion! The only credit I’ll give him is that he tends to guide his side to victories against bigger opponents – it’s games against lesser opponents where he struggles. Fortunately, AEK Athens are still struggling to gain any kind of consistency so they do look ripe for defeat here. Olympiakos Piraeus are a far better side than AEK Athens these days and managed to win this fixture last season too. For me, there is value in the odds of 6/4 on the away win although I emphasise caution whilst shitty Zico is in town!

Gorica vs Maribor – home win at 2/1. This is a very dubious call as Gorica are extremely demoralised currently and Maribor are sleeping giants. However, a change in management personnel may just give Gorica the boost that they desperately need. Five straight defeats lead to the dismissal of their previous coach but Maribor are hardly faring much better than Gorica currently with three defeats and a draw in their last four games, which is arguably worse as Maribor are expected to do a lot better. Both sides really need three points and I expect a really close game here because of it. As a final bit of food for thought, Gorica have won this fixture for five seasons running now. 2/1 is starting to look pretty damn good, isn’t it?

Nafta Lendava vs Rudar Velenje - away win at 6/5. Three wins in their last four games says Rudar Velenje are gathering momentum and consistency at great speed and look set to pose a legitimate title challenge this year. They’re currently second in the Prva Liga, just one point behind league leaders Koper. They’ve won an impressive seven games from nine so far and average just under two goals per game. They concede the least goals and frankly have everything in their favour at the moment. Hosts Nafta Lendava are in atrocious form and are currently second bottom of the Prva Liga. They’ve won just once in their last five games, suffering four defeats along the way. To their credit, they’re only taking points at home at the moment but they’re facing something of a winning machine today so I’m not sure that run will continue. I expect a lot of goals in this game but there’s value in the away win at 6/5.

Tenerife vs Athletic Club de Bilbao – away win at 13/8. I’m wondering just when this magical run of my beloved Athletic Club de Bilbao will end with some expectation that it’ll be against a powerful Sevilla CF at weekend. However, I can’t afford to look beyond this game because Tenerife are nothing if not resilient and compact. Athletic Club de Bilbao, however, have now won three successive domestic games and look extremely potent. Their youthful side mingled with the experience of Fran Yeste and Joseba Etxeberria looks to be one of their best for some time with great variety in all forms of attack, as well as mass potential. As usual, the Basque side cannot be relied upon defensively but their attacking prowess at the present time is compensating for that. Hosts Tenerife have lost two games this season without scoring a goal, placing a great deal of pressure on the side to deliver the goods when playing at home to stay in the Primera Liga. They’ve beaten a tough Osasuna at home already this season but they face an even more challenging game against in-form Athletic Club de Bilbao, a test I don’t think they’re capable of winning. I really fancy the away win at 13/8 gievn the above information but I’m aware that Athletic Club de Bilbao’s defence is dodgy, as ever, so I may encourage DNB. Either way, I can’t see a home win so lay Tenerife if you can find good odds on it.

Young Boys Bern vs FC Zurich – home win at evens. I do love Young Boys Bern! They’re a tipster’s dream most of the time! They beat all the big sides and are generally very reliable. This clash sees arguably the two best sides in the country compete but it’s worth noting that Young Boys Bern won the last clash between these two sides (at FC Zurich) and won this exact fixture last season too. Despite their first domestic defeat being a surprise loss last match at Neuchatel Xamax, Young Boys Bern are still the better of these two sides in my opinion and have more than enough quality to win the game. They average over two goals scored per game and are unbeaten at home this season with three wins from four games. FC Zurich have drawn too many games to be considered on the same level as Young Boys Bern currently which is also why I’m favouring the home win. I don’t think the defeat will have hurt the hosts too much and I fully expect a full-blooded game here with some cards and a lot of goals. However, for me, a home win at evens boasts some good value!

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

Asian Champions League:

Kawasaki Frontale vs Nagoya Grampus (6) 2-1
FC Bunyodkur vs Pohang Steelers (5) 1-0
Umm Salal vs FC Seoul (7) 1-2

Baltic League:

FK Jurmala vs Ekranas Panevezys (6) 0-1
Sillamae Kalev vs Skonto Riga (8) 1-2
Taurus Taurage vs Levadia Tallinn (7) 1-2
FK Siauliai vs Flora Tallinn (6) 2-0

Copa Nissan Sudamericana:

River Plate Montevideo vs Vitoria (6) 2-1
Alianza Atletico Sullana vs Fluminense (7) 2-0
Velez Sarsfeld vs Union Espanola (9) 2-0
Internacional vs Universidad de Chile (8) under 2.5 goals
Botafogo vs Emelec Guayaquil (4) 0-0
Liga de Quito vs Lanus (8) 2-1

Austrian Bundesliga:

SV Kapfenberg vs Rapid Vienna (8) 1-3
Salzburg vs Sturm Graz (7) 2-1
LASK Linz vs Austria Karnten (9) -1.75 handicap
Austria Vienna vs SV Ried (8) 2-1

Belarusian Vysshaya Liga:

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

Belgian Eerste Klasse:

Club Brugge vs Zulte-Waregem (6) 2-1
Standard de Liege vs Cercle Brugge (9) 2-0
Charleroi vs Mechelen (6) over 2.5 goals
AA Gent vs Westerlo (8) 2-1
Roeselare vs Lokeren (5) 0-1, draw no bet
Germinal Beerschot vs Kortrijk (6) 1-1

Brazilian Serie A:

Cruzeiro vs Palmeiras (7) 1-1

English League Cup:

Chelsea vs Queens Park Rangers (8) 2-1
Hull City vs Everton (7) 0-1
Preston North End vs Tottenham Hotspur (5) 1-1
Aston Villa vs Cardiff City (7) 1-0
Manchester United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (7) 2-0
Manchester City vs Fulham (8) 2-1

Finnish Veikkausliiga:

VPS Vaasa vs Inter Turku (7) 0-1
TPS Turku vs KuPS Kuopio (7) over 2.5 goals, both sides to score
Tampere United vs HJK Helsinki (6) 2-1
Jaro Pietersaari vs FC Honka Espoo (8) 1-2
RoPS Rovaniemi vs MyPa Anjalankoski (7) 1-1
FC Lahti vs JJK Jyvaskyla (6) 1-0
Haka Valkeakoski vs IFK Mariehamn (6) 0-1

Greek Super League:

Panionios vs PAOK Salonika (7) 0-1
AEK Athens vs Olympiakos Piraeus (7) 1-2

Italian Serie A:

Atalanta Bergamo vs Catania (6) 2-1
Bari vs Cagliari (8) 2-0
Bologna vs Livorno (6) 1-1
Fiorentina vs Sampdoria (5) 1-1
Internazionale vs SSC Napoli (8) 3-1
Lazio vs Parma (7) 2-1
Palermo vs AS Roma (6) 1-1
Siena vs Chievo Verona (5) 0-0
Udinese vs AC Milan (5) 1-1

Latvian Virsliga:

Tranzits Ventspils vs FK Ventspils (8) 1-3

Norwegian Tippeligaen:

Rosenborg BK vs Tromso IL (8) over 2.5 goals

Norwegian 2 Divisjon:

Sford Sunnhordland vs Algard (6)

Singaporean S-League:

Armed Forces vs Albirex Niigata (9) 3-1

Slovenian Prva Liga:

Drava vs Domzale (7) 1-1
Nafta Lendava vs Rudar Velenje (8) 1-2
Interblock Ljubljana vs Olimpija Ljubljana (7) 1-0, at least one red card in this game
Gorica vs Maribor (4) 1-0
Celje vs Koper (6) 1-2

Spanish Primera Liga:

Espanyol vs Malaga (8) 2-0
Deportivo Xerez vs Deportivo La Coruna (7) 1-2
Villarreal vs Real Madrid (6) over 2.5 goals, both sides to score
Real Valladolid vs Osasuna (6) 1-1
Atletico Madrid vs Almeria (7) 2-1
Tenerife vs Athletic Club de Bilbao (7) 1-2
Getafe vs Valencia (5) 1-1

Spanish Segunda B:

Group 1:

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

Group 2:

Real Madrid II vs Real Sporting de Gijon II (6)
Universidad Las Palmas vs Alcorcon (6)
Real Sociedad Gimnastica Torrelavega vs Cacereno (5)
Real Oviedo vs Real Racing Club Santander II (7)
Alcala Henares vs Cerro Reyes Badajoz (6)
Villanovense vs Conquense (7)
Leganes vs Tenerife II (8)
Vecindario vs Puertollano (5)
Toledo vs Guadalajara (7)
Lanzarote vs Atletico Madrid II (6)

Group 3:

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

Group 4:

Real Betis II vs Ceuta (6)
Moratella vs Union Estepona (5)
Real Murcia II vs Sevilla II (6)
Roquetas vs San Roque (7)
Caravaca vs Real Jaen (6)
Polideportivo Ejido vs Ecija Balompie (7)
Granada vs Lucena (7)
Marbella vs Aguilas (7)
Melilla vs Sangonera Atletico (8)

Swedish Allsvenskan:

Hammarby vs GAIS Goteborg (7) draw no bet
BK Hacken vs Kalmar (7)
Orebro vs IFK Goteborg (6)

Swiss Super League:

Grasshoppers Zurich vs Aarau (6) 2-1
Basel vs St.Gallen (6) 1-0
Young Boys Bern vs FC Zurich (8) over 3.5 goals

Swiss Challenge League:

Biel-Bienne vs Winterthur (8)
Gossau vs Stade Nyonnais (6)
Lausanne Sports vs Locarno (8)
Lugano vs Wil (9)
Thun vs Schaffhausen (8)
Vaduz vs Kriens (6)
Yverdon Sport vs Le Mont (8)
Servette vs Wohlen (6)

Ukrainian Premier League:

Metalist Kharkiv vs Shakhtar Donetsk (8) 1-2

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