Today's featured game is El Clasico in the Primera Liga between Real Madrid and Barcelona. It's the game on everyone's lips and should prove to be a fantastic game. Many have been quick to play down the importance of the solitary game between the two sides in comparison to the remainder of their respective seasons. Whereas I may agree with the notion that sides must been consistent to win titles, I simply cannot see sides stopping these two from winning so I think the side that emerges triumphantly from this game will win the title, as bold a call as it may seem. Bizarrely, should Barcelona draw this game then they go top of the league despite entering the game on level points with Real Madrid but in second place. This is, of course, due to their 1-0 win at Nou Camp earlier this season so the pressure really is on Real Madrid tonight.
Real Madrid have played fifteen home games this season and won all of them whilst averaging scoring over three goals per game. That is a truly phenomenal record and as much as I despise the greedy, stupid fucks that they are, you can only respect that record. Real Madrid play some nice football on occasions but there's no escaping the fact that Ronaldo and Higuain run this team. The simple fact is that Ronaldo is too good for this league and it shows in every single game he plays in. The tremendous quality of those two players fused with the individual brilliance of some other Madrid players is what has propelled Madrid to first in the league. They're too far ahead of the majority of the Primera Liga for their weaknesses to be exploited but there are a lot of weaknesses in their football as has been shown in every game this season where Madrid have had to be a "team" because the simple fact is that they're not a good "team" - they're a good set of individuals. They're struggled with Olympique Lyonnais, AC Milan, and Barcelona already this season - three sides that are strong teams which is why they've struggled. I expect another stumbling block today for that reason although beware of any side containing world-class footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
Barcelona are a side I both love and hate. I love them as a footballing side as they're everything a side should be - a great team, great workers, players of the beautiful game, generous with their riches, and advocates of promising youth. However, I hate them for being so damn good as they're the one side that I don't want to see my team (Manchester United) facing in the Champions League at any stage! Barcelona play some truly wonderful football at times and that hasn't changed for years. They've not been as good this season as they were last season but they're still an amazing side, particularly because of little Lionel Messi. What can you say about this guy? He's truly gifted. He's one of the most natural finishers I've ever seen which is a trait of his that I don't feel is recognised enough - it's usually his dribbling that takes the plaudits. Take the game against Arsenal, for example. Barcelona kept the ball well but didn't play so well by their own lofty standards and Arsenal played very well, in my opinion. However, four mistakes occurred and Barcelona scored four goals in clinical fashion because of Lionel Messi - he's a fantastic footballer, simply. In this kind of form, give him a chance and he'll score and there won't be many sides he'd love to score against more than Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
There are three redeeming features in this Barcelona squad that makes me think that they'll win this game, however. The first is their unbelievable work-rate. It's one thing for a side to be talented but when a talented side works as hard as they do then it's easy to see why they're so successful. The second is how wonderfully they pass the ball. They're not a good side defensively but they concede so few goals because sides cannot get the ball of them, which is largely due to the accuracy and movement of playmakers Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez respectively - two fantastic footballers. The final reasoning is because Barcelona believe so strongly in their academy players that they get the chance to play for the club of their dreams and show their true colours. You cannot buy that kind of loyalty from other players so Barcelona have numerous players in this side that were brought up under the crest of Barcelona whereas Real Madrid have very few of their own academy boys present - just Casillas as a starter, in fact.
Barcelona are in a golden generation currently. Big sides have them from time to time but these names of Barcelona will be repeated for years to come - Xavi, Messi, Iniesta, Puyol, Valdes, Alves etc. etc. They've got all the confidence that they'd ever need to win this game as a result of playing with such a fantastic bunch of close-knit footballers and it shows every time that they play. Real Madrid are a side built largely by money nowadays, which is a shame given their highly respectable past. That's the big difference here though - Barcelona are the people's champions - Real Madrid are the moneybags. I respect Barcelona an awful lot more than I do Real Madrid for all of the reasons mentioned and I'd be surprised to see anyone say otherwise.
Absentees for this game? There are some, most notably Ibrahimovic for Barcelona. They'll miss him as Bojan is not ready to be the lone striker against good sides. However, Barcelona can cope without him so I'm not too concerned.
The big games is where the big players have chance to shine and there aren't many bigger than Ronaldo and Messi. Both are capable of winning this game so we should see a fantastic dual between the two, as much of a cliché as it's rapidly becoming, but it should produce a good game as a result. Both of these sides are full of goals and neither is strong defensively so I expect a lot of goals scored tonight. Madrid will be hurting from their 6-2 hammering at home last season by Barcelona but to be honest I wouldn't be surprised if a similar outcome arose tonight. Barcelona have a far better team than Real Madrid and it will be evident for all to see tonight providing that their nerves hold. Madrid need to get the ball off Barcelona to win this game and I don't see how they'll do that - nobody else can.
I ultimately feel that we'll see the boys of Real Madrid take on the men of Barcelona tonight and there should only be one outcome for the only side out of these two that has earned the right to be giants in recent years. I hope Barcelona do it from a footballing perspective because they deserve it more and I hope they do it from a personal perspective because I cannot abide rich clubs buying teams - that's not what football is about.
For me, there's tremendous value in Barcelona winning this game at 17/10 because they won't give the ball away often at all and they're taking all the chances that come their way currently. I'm even tempted to take them on the -1.75 goal handicap at 9/2 because I cannot envision them not winning this game comfortably. Don't forget that Real are where they are because other sides don't test them as much as Barcelona will - Real struggle against big sides nowadays! If you decide not to bet on this game then it's understandable but I can only urge you all to watch one of the biggest derbies in world football to see the quality on show.
Verdict: Barcelona to win at 17/10.
Saturday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
LASK Linz vs Wiener Neustadt - home win at 11/10.
Hosts LASK Linz have lessened in their craziness of late, which saddens me. However, they're becoming more consistent so that certainly aids their prospect as a football side. They own their consistency due to some solid defending which has seen them concede just five goals in their last five Bundesliga games, which is superb for LASK. They've also scored seven times during that run so they're still a potent side too. LASK have only lost once in their last six games. That impressive run was started by an even more impressive win at Austria Vienna and LASK Linz have never looked back since despite losing at SV Mattersburg lately. LASK have drawn at SV Ried and battered them at home in their last two games so LASK bring some good momentum into this game. They've already won six out of fourteen home games this season in the Bundesliga and have only lost twice along the way so they are solid at home. They average scoring well over two goals per home game and that tends to be fundamental to their victories as their defending can be lax to say the least.
Visitors Wiener Neustadt have done well following promotion from the Liga 1 last season, particularly at home. However, they do struggle on the road as their record of eight defeats in thirteen away games indicates. They average conceding nearly two goals per away game and score just a goal per away game on average so it's easy to see why they tend to struggle on the road. Despite claiming a valuable win at SV Kapfenberg a few games ago, Wiener Neustadt have taken a turn for the worse of late by losing back-to-back games against Austria Vienna at home and away without even scoring. Austria Vienna are giants and are definitely the better of the two sides but for a potent side to not even score against them does indicate problems for little Wiener Neustadt and I'd be lying if I said that I didn't think it would have impacted their confidence somewhat.
LASK Linz are the more experience of these two sides in battling relegation. LASK are strong at home and score an awful lot of goals as they consistently prove so are as much of a threat as ever; perhaps more due to their momentum. Wiener Neustadt have done well overall this season but do struggle on the road and with such poor goalscoring form on the road it's hard to envision them taking anything but a defeat from this game.
Verdict: LASK Linz to win at 11/10.
Kortrijk vs Zulte-Waregem - home win at 11/10.
Hosts Kortrijk have struggled as much as tonight's opponents Zulte-Waregem have in the final group stage of the Eerste Klasse with both sides having lost all three of their games thus far. Normally that'd scream "keep away!" from this game but the factor I mentioned regarding Zulte-Waregem last week is still applicable as vital playmaker Berrier is still missing so Zulte look very weak indeed. Kortrijk are generally a good home side despite their tough games in the play-off stage of the Eerste Klasse and should be able to make it count tonight against a demoralised Zulte-Waregem side lacking in real creativity. At odds of 11/10, it should hold some value tonight.
Verdict: Kortrijk to win at 11/10.
Sliven vs CSKA Sofia - lay CSKA Sofia at 10/11.
What can I say about this call that differs from the exact same call I made regarding CSKA Sofia vs Montana last week? Very little! I'm basing it on the same principle as CSKA are not scoring goals and are thus not winning games - it's only logical. CSKA are definitely the better side here but each game that goes by without goals and without a win leaves the side more and more demoralised and it's really starting to show. Little Sliven are used to playing without momentum as they're relegation-battlers (despite their heady seasons over the past couple of years!) so they do have a slight advantage over CSKA Sofia today with that in mind. Sliven aren't a particularly good side and don't score many themselves but they've only lost five out of eleven home games this season so they do tend to take points from their home games. Sliven are on a terrible run of form so this is a bold call but I can't see why the bookies are still drastically over-pricing a dismal CSKA Sofia side so I'm going to try my hand at laying them yet again today.
Verdict: Lay CSKA Sofia at 10/11.
Hajduk Split vs Cibalia Vinkovci - lay Hajduk Split at 17/10.
This is another game where the odds are way too short to be realistic. Hajduk Split may be one of the giants of Croatian football but to say that they're consistent at the moment would be a blatant lie. The only side that've beaten in their last four games is a financially handicapped Varteks Varazdin with defeat at Lokomotiva Zagreb and draws at home to Rijeka and away to NK Zagreb surrounding their solitary win. Hajduk are turning up every now and then but not nearly consistently enough to be priced at 2/5. Hajduk did beat bitter rivals Dinamo Zagreb mid-week in the HR Nogometni Cup so they'll be buoyant from that, which I am wary of. However, I also take into account that their passionate win over Dinamo was just a couple of days ago so they'll be tired whereas Cibalia have had a full week's rest. Hajduk can only realistically enter European football next season now via the Cup so that is where their focus will now be, not on Prva Liga games like this.
Cibalia have earned a reputation of being bloody hard to beat and that's still applicable now. They've only lost two away games in the Prva Liga this season and both were at the start of the season so Cibalia have gone an awful long time without defeat on the road - eight games now, in fact, despite travelling to giants Dinamo Zagreb along the way. Cibalia have only conceded seven times in eleven away games this season, which is the best defensive record on the division and the foundation for their continued success in the Prva Liga. Cibalia don't play good football but they play effective football as results show all too clearly so they should be able to put up a wall that Hajduk Split cannot break down today as they've done so many times already this season against the majority of their opponents.
Ultimately, a tired Hajduk Split are way too short for this game. Cibalia are a nightmare side to try and beat and I don't fancy Hajduk's chances as a result, particularly with Cibalia's strong defence. The value for this game has to be in laying the hosts with the visitors playing well and the hosts playing well sporadically.
Verdict: Lay Hajduk Split at 17/10.
Exeter City vs Leyton Orient - home win at evens.
Hosts Exeter City are on an inspired run of form as they bid to escaped the dreaded drop with The Grecians going seven games without defeat. Exeter have won their last three home games consecutively against Bristol Rovers, Walsall, and Colchester United respectively so Exeter have had some tough games here but have come through each one with three points. Exeter haven't conceded in their last two games and boast a good defensive record at home with only Gillingham, Millwall, and Leeds United having conceded less goals than they have. Exeter aren't a great side but their excellent momentum of late has lifted them clear of the drop zone so confidence is good at the club. Exeter know they have to continue this form to stay away from the relegation zone but look very capable of doing so today against Leyton Orient.
Leyton Orient have lost four consecutive games and have already lost twelve out of twenty away games in League One this season. They're conceding too many goals currently and not scoring enough with just two scored in their past four games whilst conceding eight times - an average of two per game. Orient are on the wrong side of the form chart considering that the season is drawing to a close and they're unfortunately making the long trip to the west country to take on an inspired and defensively astute Exeter City today so look set to struggle.
Although there's little quality difference between these two sides, Exeter are playing very well of late and have gained strong momentum as a result. They've won their last three home games consecutively against better sides than Leyton Orient so a demoralised Leyton Orient should be beaten comfortably here, particularly with their defence consistently having gone missing of late.
Verdict: Exeter City to win at evens.
Hereford United vs Grimsby Town - home win at 10/11.
Hereford United have won their last four consecutive games as they enter this match so they bring strong momentum into the game. They've scored seven times during those four games whilst conceding just twice so they're looking strong at a vital part of the season. Hereford have won their last two home games consecutively, which takes their tally to ten wins in twenty home games this season, which is incidentally the best home record in the bottom half of League Two. Hereford are strong at home because they don't concede many goals and their strong displays of late will have only increased their performance levels so I expect another solid home win for a driven Hereford United today.
Grimsby Town have done part of the "how to avoid relegation" handbook correctly by being hard to beat. However, they've not been able to master the key art of winning, something which leaves them looking very likely to be relegated this season. They've already lost nine out of twenty away games in League Two and average conceding over 1.5 goals per away game so do tend to struggle on the road. I'll take my hat off to Grimsby for their impressive comeback to win at Accrington Stanley last match but let's face it - this is an occurence that is few and far between for Grimsby which is why they're in their current predicament.
Grimsby were comfortably beaten here last season and I expect a similar outcome today. Grimsby cannot afford the luxury of sitting back and taking a draw here - only a win will do. Hereford will lap that up and hit them on the counter-attack and as things are going so well for Hereford currently, you just know that they'll take their chances and be very efficient with their footballing style. Grimsby could cause problems if they score the first goal but ultimately there looks to be value in the home win for a strong Hereford home side.
Verdict: Hereford United to win at 10/11.
Torquay United vs Rochdale - away win at 11/10.
I can't quite fathom these odds. Rochdale aren't promoted yet so they're still motivated despite a couple of poor displays lately. They're the best away side in the division with eleven wins in nineteen away games and average scoring nearly two goals per away game. Bear that in mind and consider that they're travelling to a newly-promoted Torquay United side that are battling against relegation and have already lost the same number of games at home this season as Rochdale have at home or away all season long. Torquay have looked more spirited in recent times in their bid to beat the drop but Rochdale are simply too good a side for them. A recent dip in Rochdale's form does give me a minor concern but the class difference and potency difference between these two sides is vast so I'll take Rochdale all day long whilst they sit on the right side of evens!
Verdict: Rochdale to win at 11/10.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich - away win at 6/5.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen's season has taken longer to implode than I suspected that it would but it has ultimately collapsed now. They've lost four out of their last five games and have conceded thirteen goals along the way - an average of nearly three goals per game. Leverkusen are still scoring a good number of goals but somewhat sporadically which is hindering their progress. Well, that and their seeming defensive ineptitude, anyway! Leverkusen finally had their best chance to beat Bayern at home for a long time but have seemingly bottled it at the quintessential time, which could be disastrous for them given the close-knit nature of the top of the Bundesliga.
Bayern Munich enter this game with a great level of morale following a fortuituous aggregate victory over England's Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League. Bayern will take great heart from such a result as all at the club knew they were not truly good enough to achieve it so kudos to Louis Van Gaal for his tactically effective displays. You saw what happened to Bayern after they beat Manchester United in the first leg as they went on to win at Schalke 04 at weekend - imagine what they'll do now they've knocked Manchester United out! The trip to Leverkusen couldn't be better timed for rampant Bayern Munich, who have already won seven out of fourteen away games in the Bundesliga this season whilst scoring an average of two goals per away game. Bayern are beginning to look increasingly like the force that they once were in the Bundesliga and have all the right ingredients to establish themselves as the only giants of German football once again.
Leverkusen are on such a downer at the moment due to their lack of defensive ability and it's really hindering their football. They need to win this game but I fail to see how they're going to score more than a rampant and buoyant Bayern Munich, particularly as they cannot defend, so the away win looks logical here. Bayern have won their last four visits here consecutively in the Bundesliga and I fail to see why they can't do the same again today at generous odds of 6/5.
Verdict: Bayern Munich to win at 6/5.
MTK Budapest vs Ferencvaros - home win at 5/4.
Hosts MTK Budapest have been strong at home this season but haven't delivered the type of campaign I was expecting from them. They're a good side and are finally beginning to push up the table after a slow start, which is encouraging to see as they should be competing for the title, in my opinion. They've only won half of their home games in the Soproni Liga this season due to their sluggish start but they're one of just three sides in this division yet to taste defeat at home so they are good on their own turf. Despite having drawn five games at home, MTK Budapest bear the remarkable record of having scored eighteen times in their ten home games but having only conceded four times, which smarts of being rather unlucky in my opinion! No side has conceded less goals at home in the Soproni Liga than MTK Budapest and with an average of nearly two goals scored per home game, the hosts do look a threat. On top of that, however, MTK Budapest now have momentum in their favour with two consecutive wins whilst scoring six times and conceding zero goals. Ultimately, MTK Budapest look more than capable of winning this game today.
Ferencvaros have battled hard to restore some pride after a rather disappointing first half of the season and they've partially achieved it. They're unbeaten in their six games following their return from the winter break but four draws and two wins is not a record you'd associate with the Hungarian giants although I do of course appreciate that it takes time to rebuild a squad after such a debacle. Ferencvaros have played well during this time and have always sought to match their opponents, even drawing 3-3 at in-form Zalaegerszegi TE despite not being a great goalscoring side. Ferencvaros are a tough side to beat and will no doubt make MTK Budapest work hard for the win today.
This should be a closer game than the Soproni Liga table suggests due to the resilient displays of Ferencvaros. However, MTK Budapest are playing well currently and they're very strong at home so the odds look rather good on the home win today in my opinion.
Verdict: MTK Budapest to win at 5/4.
Kyoto Sanga vs Nagoya Grampus - away win at evens.
You won't find me going against Kyoto Sanga at home often so make the most of it! These guys are very good at home; they always have been. However, they do bear a remarkable head-to-head statistic with Nagoya Grampus in that the hosts have lost every home game they've ever played against Nagoya Grampus in any competition. Kyoto Sanga have actually never beaten Nagoya Gampus in the J-League so they approach this game with a slight mental block. Kyoto Sanga have looked a bit more prone to conceding this season than they did last season so they're struggled a bit more than normal. Unfortunately for them, however, Nagoya Grampus are looking very solid indeed this season. They've already won three out of four J-League games with the only side to overcome them being a plucky Kawasaki Frontale in an epic 3-2 win. Nagoya Grampus have been strong in all of their games as victory at giants Gamba Osaka on the opening day of the season proved. They boast their best squad for some time, in my opinion, and it'd take a braver man than me to go against them in their current patch of machine-like form.
Kyoto Sanga may be good at home but the machine that is Nagoya Grampus looks well-oiled and ready to spoil so the away win looks to have good value today.
Verdict: Nagoya Grampus to win at evens.
Uniao de Leiria vs Sporting Braga - away win at 10/11.
Uniao de Leiria may have only lost three home games in the Liga Sagres following promotion from the Liga de Honra but those defeats have come against the better sides that they've encountered. Leiria give the impression that they're good at home with their statistics and whereas that's true against the lesser sides, Leiria tend to lose at home to the better sides, which is something I'm banking on today. They don't concede many goals at home, hence their success, but as I've already mentioned they do tend to concede and struggle against the better sides in this division and I expect them to do so again today, particularly with their season's aims having already been met in some style.
I'm not a big fan of Sporting Braga; frankly I find them boring. However, you don't win half of your away games in the Liga Sagres if you're not a capable side so Braga certainly are a capable side. They've been a bit goal-shy lately so their epic victory over bitter rivals Vitoria Guimaraes last match will have given them a boost on various levels - morale-wise, potency-wise, and motivation-wise. The game itself was a violent affair with four red cards and various penalties being issued throughout the game but a victory for Braga re-awakens their title challenge and they'll no doubt be there to profit should SL Benfica stumble at any point.
I fully expect Braga to give a committed and efficient display tonight as they have done in the majority of their games this season, which should be enough to see them take three points tonight. Leiria are drastically over-achieving and whereas I respect that and their strong home displays, they consistently fail at home to the better sides in this division, something that Braga definitely are, so the odds on the away win look rather flattering tonight.
Verdict: Sporting Braga to win at 10/11.
Nafta Lendava vs Maribor - away win at 11/10.
Nafta Lendava are strong at home in the Prva Liga as nine wins in fourteen games indicates all too well. They average scoring two goals per home game and generally lay waste to any visitors that come here. However, two consecutive defeats at Domzale and Celje respectively leaves Nafta Lendava a bit short on momentum ahead of this big game at home to giants Maribor so I question their ability to maintain their home form as a result. Nafta have only beaten Maribor here once in their last seven attempts with Maribor winning their last visit here 4-2 so they'll have to be at their best to take something from this game. Nafta are a potent side but any side will have taken mental blows from two consecutive defeats so I don't expect a great display from Nafta today.
Maribor have been the best away side in the Prva Liga this season with ten wins in fourteen games, scoring over two goals per away game on average. Indeed, had Maribor's home form been stronger then they'd no doubt be winning the Prva Liga by now but as it happens they're not so they'll have to keep grinding out wins in games like today's encounter at Nafta Lendava. Maribor are unbeaten in their four away games since returning from the winter break, scoring nine times and winning three times so they are looking strong on the road. The only side to prevent Maribor from winning on the road was a prolific Gorica side that held them to a 3-3 draw. Bluntly, Maribor have all the potency and motivation that they need to emulate their performance here last season so I expect them to do it again.
Although Maribor disappointingly lost their last game at home to Rudar Velenje, they know it's not the time to be crying over spilled milk. Maribor are experienced enough to know that they need to keep winning and that must continue today. I expect a committed display from both sides with goals galore but ultimately there looks to be some good value on the away win for the better of these two sides.
Verdict: Maribor to win at 11/10.
Tenerife vs Real Valladolid - home win at evens.
After today's game between these two sides, there'll be just seven games left in the Primera Liga. The winner of this game gives themselves a lifeline in their battle against the drop; the loser virtually condemns themselves to the division below. Both sides have had disappointing campaigns but Tenerife's main strength has been their home displays where they've lost just five out of fifteen games this season whilst winning six times. Tenerife don't score enough goals to be more of a force at home but they're been superb at home lately with eight goals scored in their last four home games, winning twice, drawing once, and losing once. Tenerife smashed four goals Espanyol here lately as well as putting two past Villarreal so they're sensing the danger of relegation and are responding to it quite well. They're giving themselves the best possible chance of survival at home so I'll give them their chances tonight.
Real Valladolid have had a dire campaign due to a lack of goalscoring ability. They've been particularly poor on the road where they've lost seven out of fourteen away games this season despite conceding just twenty-three goals. It's their eleven goals scored during those fourteen games which has planted them firmly in the mayhem that they're currently in the middle of and will struggle to get out of. Real Valladolid were unbelievably fortunate to win against an inury-hit Deportivo La Coruna at Riazor a couple of weeks back and it showed as they were flattened 3-0 by a rejuvenated but ultimately poor Deportivo Xerez in their following away game. Valladolid haven't scored for three consecutive games now, which has to be of great concern to them at this stage of the season and must also be concerning ahead of a trip to a compact Tenerife side. Ultimately, I think it's looking very bleak for Valladolid with few goalscoring prospects and no consistency so they should struggle tonight.
Although there isn't much between these two sides, I expect Tenerife to take the three points tonight. They're compact defensively, they've been particularly good at home of late in terms of goalscoring, and they take the majority of their points at home in the Primera Liga. Valladolid struggle on the road and aren't scoring goals at the moment so although they're not conceding many, they're still losing. This should be a feisty battle so expect plenty of cards but there should ultimately be value in a Tenerife win tonight.
Verdict: Tenerife to win at evens.
Deportivo Xerez vs Getafe - home win at 13/8.
The bookies have priced Xerez rather long for this game which pleases me. They're unbeaten in four games now and still harbour vague hopes of doing the unthinkable and escaping the drop themselves. Xerez have shown how well-motivated they are for the fight against relegation by winning their last two home games consecutively against fellow relegation-battlers Real Valladolid and Tenerife respectively so don't underestimate the hosts tonight - they're not the same side that they were at the start of this season. They've drawn two tough away games lately at giants Sevilla CF and resilient Sporting Gijon so I've been extremely impressed with Xerez of late. They're averaging scoring two goals per game and have strong momentum into this game so I expect a committed and potent display from the hosts. Let's face it - if they fail to win today then they're all but relegated so the hosts will be working very hard tonight.
Visitors Getafe are a strange side. They morph between a strong home side and a poor away side so easily that it boggles the mind sometimes. However, a drop in their performances of late isn't so difficult to understand - it's because of the loss of key striker Soldado. The former Real Madrid man performs a vital role in attack for Getafe and it shows as they simply cannot win without him. They looked dejected and toothless at home to goal-shy Espanyol last match and ended up drawing the game as a result. Getafe have already lost nine out of fifteen away games this season and look set to struggle again without their main man in attack.
Getafe are a capable side which explains why the bookies have approached this somewhat tentatively. However, they've underestimated Xerez a lot tonight in my opinion and I think they're capable of springing a surprise. Getafe have all but surrendered hope of European football next season and now have little to play for. Xerez are very strong and potent at the moment, not to mention motivated, so I think an impudent punt on the home win tonight is worth a try.
Verdict: Deportivo Xerez to win at 13/8.
Accumulator fodder:
Independiente, Salzburg, Dinamo Minsk, BATE Borisov, KVSK United, Dinamo Zagreb, Karlovac, Banik Ostrava, Leeds United, Millwall, Norwich City, Levadia Tallinn, Flora Tallinn, Trans Narva, Werder Bremen, Ilioupoli, Debreceni VSC, FK Ventspils, Ekranas Panevezys, Vetra Vilnius, Monterrey, Twente Enschede, AZ Alkmaar, Wisla Krakow, Porto, Spartak Moscow, Zhemchuzhina Sochi, Spartak Subotica, Red Star Belgrade, BK Hacken Goteborg, Sion, Young Boys Bern, Shakhtar Donetsk, Deportivo Italia, The New Saints.
Recommended bets:
Dinamo Minsk, Banik Ostrava, AZ Alkmaar, and Bayern Munich at 8/1.
Kortrijk, Werder Bremen, Wisla Krakow, and Shakhtar Donetsk at 6/1.
Leeds United, Millwall, and Norwich City at 3/1.
Independiente, Monterrey, and Deportivo Italia at 3/1.
As ever, if there any questions/explanations required then please feel free to post a comment! For the complete picks listing, see below!
Argentinian Primera Division:
Newells Old Boys vs Chacarita Juniors (7) 2-0
Huracan vs Gimnasia De La Plata (6) 1-1
Independiente vs San Lorenzo de Almagro (8) -1.75 handicap
Austrian Bundesliga:
SV Mattersburg vs SV Kapfenberg (5) 2-1
LASK Linz vs Wiener Neustadt (7) over 2.5 goals
Austria Karnten vs Salzburg (9) -1.75 handicap
Austrian Liga 1:
Admira Wacker vs SCR Altach (7)
Belarusian Vysshaya Liga:
Vitebsk vs Naftan Novopolotsk (5) 1-1
Dnepr Mogilev vs Neman Grodno (6) 2-1
Dinamo Minsk vs Minsk (8) 2-0
BATE Borisov vs Belshina (9) -1.75 handicap
Dinamo Brest vs Torpedo Zhodino (7) 2-1
Shakhtyor Soligorsk vs Partizan Minsk (4) 1-1
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Kortrijk vs Zulte-Waregem (7) 2-1
Mechelen vs Cercle Brugge (6) over 2.5 goals
Lokeren vs Westerlo (4) 1-1
Charleroi vs Racing Genk (7) 0-1
Belgian Tweede Klasse:
Tubize vs Lierse SK (6) under 2.5 goals
Turnhout vs Tournai (6)
KVSK United vs Liege (8)
Red Star Waasland vs Dender (5)
Eupen vs Standaard Wetteren (6)
Beveren vs OH Leuven (7)
Bulgarian A PFG:
Montana vs Chernomorets Burgas (7) 1-1
Sliven vs CSKA Sofia (6) 1-1
Pirin Blagoevgrad vs Beroe (6) 0-0
Levski Sofia vs Lokomotiv Plovdiv (6) 2-1
Colombian Primera A:
Atletico Huila vs Atletico Junior Barranquilla (5) 1-2
Real Cartagena vs Millonarios Bogota (7) 2-0
Cortulua vs Atletico Nacional de Medellin (6) 1-1
Croatian Prva Liga:
Istra 1961 vs Zadar (6) 1-1
Osijek vs Slaven Korpivnica (6) 2-1
Croatia Sesvete vs Inter Zapresic (7) 1-1
Medimurje vs Rijeka (5) 0-0
Dinamo Zagreb vs Lokomotiva Zagreb (8) over 2.5 goals
Karlovac vs Varteks Varazdin (8) 2-1
Sibenik vs NK Zagreb (6) 1-0
Hajduk Split vs Cibalia Vinkovci (6) 1-1
Cypriot Division 1:
Ethnikos Achnas vs Enosis Neon Paralimni (6) 2-1
AEL Limassol vs APOP/Kinyras (7) 2-0
Czech Republic Gambrinus Liga:
Bohemians 1905 vs Bohemians Prague (7) 1-0
Banik Ostrava vs Slovacko (8) 2-0
Danish Superligaen:
AGR Aarhus vs Aalborg BK (6) 1-1
Danish 1st Division:
Braband vs Skive (5)
Ecuadorian Primera A:
Universidad Catolica vs Manta (6) 1-1
Independiente vs Deportivo Quito (5) 1-2
Olmedo Riobamba vs Emelec Guayaquil (6) 0-1
Barcelona Guayaquil vs El Nacional Quito (7) 2-1
English Premier League:
Hull City vs Burnley (6) 2-1
West Ham United vs Sunderland (6) 1-0
English Championship:
Bristol City vs Swansea City (4)
Barnsley vs Derby County (5)
Cardiff City vs Reading (6)
Crystal Palace vs Queens Park Rangers (5)
Doncaster Rovers vs West Bromwich Albion (6) over 2.5 goals
Middlesbrough vs Sheffield Wednesday (7)
Newcastle United vs Blackpool (7)
Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich Town (5)
Peterborough United vs Leicester City (6)
Preston North End vs Scunthorpe United (5)
Sheffield United vs Coventry City (6)
Watford vs Plymouth Argyle (6)
English League One:
Brentford vs Huddersfield Town (7)
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Carlisle United (6)
Colchester United vs Swindon Town (5)
Exeter City vs Leyton Orient (7)
Leeds United vs Southend United (8)
Millwall vs Gillingham (8)
Norwich City vs Milton Keynes Dons (8)
Oldham Athletic vs Bristol Rovers (6)
Southampton vs Charlton Athletic (5)
Stockport County vs Yeovil Town (4)
Walsall vs Tranmere Rovers (6)
Wycombe Wanderers vs Hartlepool United (5)
English League Two:
Barnet vs Macclesfield Town (6) under 2.5 goals
Burton Albion vs Bradford City (5)
Cheltenham Town vs Bury (6)
Chesterfield vs Dagenham & Redbridge (6)
Crewe Alexandra vs Shrewsbury (5)
Darlington vs Accrington Stanley (4)
Hereford United vs Grimsby Town (7)
Lincoln City vs Bournemouth (6)
Morecambe vs Rotherham United (5)
Northampton Town vs Notts County (5)
Port Vale vs Aldershot Town (6)
Torquay United vs Rochdale (7)
English FA Cup:
Aston Villa vs Chelsea (5) 1-2
Estonian Meistriliiga:
Flora Paide vs Trans Narva (9) 1-3
Lootus vs Levadia Tallinn (9) -1.75 handicap
Flora Tallinn vs Kuressaare (8) -1.75 handicap
Sillamae Kalev vs Nomme Kalju (5) 1-1
Viljandi Tulevik vs Maag Tammeka Tartu (5) 2-1
French Ligue 1:
Racing Club Lens vs Boulogne (7) 2-0
Toulouse vs Grenoble Foot (7) 1-0
Le Mans vs Montpellier HSC (5) 1-1
Lorient vs Stade Rennais (6) 1-1
Sochaux vs Saint-Etienne (5) 1-0
AS Monaco vs Valenciennes (6) 2-1
Paris Saint-Germain vs Girondins de Bordeaux (5) 2-1
German Bundesliga:
Hertha HSC Berlin vs VFB Stuttgart (6) 1-2
FSV Mainz 05 vs BV09 Borussia Dortmund (6) 1-2
Hannover 96 vs Schalke 04 (7) 0-1
Hoffenheim vs Koln (6) 1-0
Werder Bremen vs SC Freiburg (8) over 2.5 goals
Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich (7) 1-2
German Bundesliga 2:
Kaiserslautern vs Union Berlin (7) under 2.5 goals
Energie Cottbus vs Fortuna Dusseldorf (6) under 2.5 goals
Greek B Ethniki:
Ilioupoli vs Kalamata (8)
Hungarian Soproni Liga:
Debreceni VSC vs Paksi SE (9) over 2.5 goals
Kecskemeti TE vs Budapest Honved (6) 2-1
MTK Budapest vs Ferencvaros (7) 2-1
Gyori ETO FC vs Szombathelyi Haladas (7) over 2.5 goals
Diosgyori VTK vs Lombard Papa (6) 1-1
Kaposvari Rakoczi vs Vasas Budapest (5) 1-1
Italian Serie A:
SSC Napoli vs Parma (7) 1-0
Fiorentina vs Internazionale (6) 1-2
Italian Serie B:
Cittadella vs Ascoli (6)
Triestina vs Brescia (5)
Albinoleffe vs Cesena (5)
Ancona vs Crotone (6)
Reggina vs Empoli (6)
Mantova vs Piacenza (5)
Modena vs Sassuolo (6)
Lecce vs Torino (7)
Grosseto vs Vicenza (6)
Japanese J-League:
Shonan Bellmare vs Jubilo Iwata (5) 1-1
Kyoto Sanga vs Nagoya Grampus (7) 0-1
Omiya Ardija vs Gamba Osaka (5) 1-1
Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Kawasaki Frontale (6) 2-2
Yokohama F Marinos vs Cerezo Osaka (7) 2-1
Albirex Niigata vs Urawa Red Diamonds (6) 0-1
Tokyo vs Kashima Antlers (5) 1-1
Latvian Virsliga:
Liepajas Metalurgs vs Blazma Rezekne (7) 2-1
Jelgava vs FK Ventspils (8) 0-2
Lithuanian A Lyga:
Klaipeda vs Mazeikiai (6) 1-0
Suduva Marijampole vs Banga Gargzdai (8) 2-1
Zalgiris Vilnius vs Vetra Vilnius (8) 0-1
Ekranas Panevezys vs Kruoja Pakruojis (8) -1.75 handicap
Mexican Primera Division:
Monterrey vs San Luis (8) 2-0
Queretaro vs Toluca (5) 1-2
Jaguares vs America (6) 1-1
Guadalajara vs Morelia (4) 1-1
Atlante vs Cruz Azul (6) 0-1
Pachuca vs Atlas (7) 2-1
Dutch Eredivisie:
Twente Enschede vs Heerenveen (8) -1.75 handicap
NEC Nijmegen vs AZ Alkmaar (8) 1-2
NAC Breda vs Roda JC Kerkrade (7) 1-0
Sparta Rotterdam vs Heracles Almelo (6) 1-2
Norwegian Eliteserien:
Lillestrom vs Stabaek (6) 2-2
Polish Ekstraklasa:
Piast Gliwice vs Polonia Warsaw (4) 1-1
Lechia Gdansk vs Polonia Bytom (6) 1-0
Wisla Krakow vs Slask Wroclaw (8) 2-0
Korona Kielce vs GKS Belchatow (5) 1-1
Portuguese Liga Sagres:
Uniao de Leiria vs Sporting Braga (7) 0-1
Rio Ave vs Porto (8) under 2.5 goals
Portuguese Liga de Honra:
Estoril vs Carregado (5) under 2.5 goals
Desportivo Chaves vs Gil Vicente (6)
Beira-Mar vs Santa Clara (5)
Romanian Liga:
Otelul Galati vs Gloria Bistrita (6) 1-0
Universitatea Craiova vs Astra Ploiesti (6) 2-0
International vs Unirea Alba Iulia (5) 1-1
Vaslui vs Unirea Urziceni (7) 1-0
Russian Premier League:
Krylya Sovetov Samara vs Saturn Moscow Oblast (6) 1-1
Spartak Moscow vs Terek Grozny (8) 2-1
Dinamo Moscow vs Tom Tomsk (6) 2-1
Russian Division 1:
Energia Khabarovsk vs Kuban Krasnodor (6)
Luch-Energiya Vladivostok vs Khimki (5) under 2.5 goals
Salyut Belgorod vs Volga Nizhnyi Novgorod (7)
Avangard Kursk vs KamAZ Nab Chelny (6) over 2.5 goals
Volgar Gazprom Astrakhan vs Irtysh Pavlodar (5)
Rotor Volgograd vs Ural Sverdlovskaya Oblast (6)
Mordova Saransk vs Dinamo St.Petersburg (5)
Nizhnyi Novgorod vs Baltika Kaliningrad (6)
Zhemchuzhina Sochi vs Dinamo Bryansk (8)
Krasnodor vs Shinnik Yaroslavl' (6)
Scottish Premier League:
Falkirk vs St.Mirren (6) 1-0
Hamilton Academicals vs Hibs (6) 1-1
Hearts vs Kilmarnock (6) 2-1
Serbian Super Liga:
Napredak vs Hajduk Kula (5) 0-0
Smederevo vs Borac Cacak (6) 1-0
Metalac GM vs Javor Ivanjica (6) 1-0
Red Star Belgrade vs Mladi Radnik (9) -1.75 handicap
Spartak Subotica vs BSK Borca (8) 2-1
Singaporean S-League:
Geylang United vs Woodlands Wellington (6) 2-1
Slovakian Corgon Liga:
Ruzomberok vs Slovan Bratislava (7) 0-1
Artmedia Petrzalka vs Nitra (6) 1-1
Dubnica vs DAC Dunajska Streda (6) 1-0
Tatran Presov vs Dukla Banska Bystrica (6) 1-1
Spartak Trnava vs Senica (6) 2-1
Slovenian Prva Liga:
Nafta Lendava vs Maribor (6) over 2.5 goals
Drava vs Celje (6) 1-1
Interblock Ljubljana vs Koper (8) 1-2
Gorica vs Domzale (6) over 3.5 goals
Rudar Velenje vs Olimpija Ljubljana (7) 1-0
Spanish Primera Liga:
Malaga vs Sevilla CF (5) 1-1
Tenerife vs Real Valladolid (7) 1-0
Villarreal vs Sporting Gijon (7) 1-0
Deportivo Xerez vs Getafe (6) 2-1
Real Madrid vs Barcelona (7) over 3.5 goals, at least one red card in this game
Spanish Segunda Liga:
Albacete vs Gimnastic de Tarragona (5) under 2.5 goals
Rayo Vallecano de Madrid vs Las Palmas (6)
Real Union Club de Irun vs Elche (5)
Real Betis Balompie vs Cadiz (7) over 2.5 goals
Villarreal II vs Girona (4)
Swedish Allsvenskan:
BK Hacken Goteborg vs Atvidabergs (8) 2-0
Swedish Superettan:
Landskrona BOIS vs Degerfors (7)
Falkenbergs vs Jonkopings Sodra (6)
Swiss Super League:
Neuchatel Xamax vs Grasshoppers Zurich (6) 1-2
Sion vs Aarau (8) 2-0
Young Boys Bern vs Bellinzona (9) -1.75 handicap
Swiss Challenge League:
Kriens vs Winterthur (6)
Stade Nyonnais vs Vaduz (4)
Wohlen vs Gossau (7)
Lausanne Sport vs Yverdon Sport (5)
Locarno vs Wil (6)
Turkish Super Lig:
Antaylaspor vs Istanbul BB (6) 1-1
Besiktas JK vs Trabzonspor (7) 1-0
Ukrainian Premier League:
Kryvbas Kryvyvi Rih vs Metalist Kharkiv (7) 0-1
Chernomorets Odessa vs Vorskla Poltava (6) 1-1
Dynamo Kiev vs Arsenal Kiev (7) 2-0
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk (8) under 2.5 goals
Uruguayan Primera Division:
Fenix vs Penarol (7) over 2.5 goals
Tacuarembo vs Racing Club Montevideo (6) 1-1
Cerro Largo vs River Plate Montevideo (5) 1-2
Venezuelan Primera Division:
Deportivo Italia vs Llaneros de Guanare (8) 2-0
Welsh Premier League:
Caersws vs The New Saints (9) 0-2
Airbus UK vs Porthmadog (7) over 2.5 goals
Haverfordwest County vs Rhyl (5) 1-1
Enjoy your free betting tips!
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 Primera Liga encounter between Deportivo La Coruna and Real Madrid. Riazor is not a ground that Real Madrid like to play at with no victory there in the past seventeen years. La Coruna is a nightmarish place to play anyway without that kind of record over your head but Real Madrid know that this is truly their bogey ground.
Hosts Deportivo La Coruna will have more confidence entering this game than any momentum could give them, in my opinion. What can gift a side better confidence than knowing that one of the best sides in the country continues to fail there? Deportivo have beaten Madrid for the last six years running at Riazor and haven't lost here in seventeen years.
We all know that Deportivo La Coruna are a good side already, particularly at home regardless of their record of head-to-heads against Real Madrid. Deportivo have only lost here twice in ten Primera Liga games this season, winning six times and drawing the remaining two games. Deportivo are not a prolific side but there's only a handful of sides that have conceded less goals at home in the Primera Liga than they have, which is naturally what makes them such a difficult side to play against. Deportivo have won two out of their last three games and only lost once in their last five so they do have some momentum to bring into this game anyway as well as their high motivation and home advantage so the hosts are looking a threat for this game already.
Visitors Real Madrid have won twice in their past four games and are gradually beginning to look a little frail. They've only won four out of nine away games this season and score a surprisingly few number of goals on the road, tending to focus more on keeping clean sheets than scoring goals which isn't really a very Real Madrid-esque philosophy! Indeed, I wouldn't be surprised if Pellegrini was sacked for even suggesting such a notion at all! As the lengthy season drags on you need to have a strong squad and rest players. Madrid don't have a strong squad - they have strong individuals and the only two that are doing the business for them is Ronaldo and Higuain, both of which are missing for this game. I hate to break this to some people but Ronaldo is carrying this side with his unbelievable ability so without him they tend to struggle.
Real Madrid simply haven't been convincing of late, however, which is what I suspected would happen at somepoint this season. They've failed to score in both of their last two away games, which are rather ironic games to have failed to win, in my opinion. They've had two trips to the Basque country where they've taken on Osasuna and Athletic Club de Bilbao, drawing 0-0 in Pamplona and losing 1-0 in Bilbao. Those two venues are very difficult to play in because the hosts are physical, motivated, and never say die. Although La Coruna is some distance from the Basque country, the northern Spanish sides tend to adopt a similar approach and Deportivo are no exception. This game will be as tough (if not tougher) than their previous two away games so I really think that they're going to struggle tonight. I simply cannot see where their goals will come from but I can see Deportivo breaking through their defence at least once in this game.
With or without the convincing head-to-head statistics, you have to feel that the value is with the home win or laying the visitors today!
Verdict: Lay Real Madrid at 4/5 or back Deportivo La Coruna to win outright at 4/11.
Saturday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Wellington Phoenix vs Adelaide United - home win at 5/6.
Hosts Wellington Phoenix have had their good run of form drastically cut short of late with two consecutive defeats. However, it's worth noting that both of those defeats were on the road, which is where Wellington Phoenix are at their weakest. Wellington have won their last two home games consecutively and have scored six goals doing so, which is an average of three goals scored per home game. Wellington already have a strong home record with just one defeat in eleven games, winning five times and drawing five times so any side travelling here knows that they'll have a fight on their hands. Wellington average scoring just under two goals per home game in all eleven games and only Perth Glory has conceded as few goals as they have at home in the A-League this season. Ultimately, despite the lack of momentum, Wellington are a good home side and should be back to normal today.
Visitors Adelaide United seem to cause their own problems endlessly by conceding too easily and not scoring enough goals. They're the lowest scoring away side in the A-League with an average of nearly a goal scored for every two games they play. They've already lost six out of eleven away games this season despite being one of the lowest conceding away sides in the A-League. Adelaide have lost three out of their last five games now and haven't won in their past six games so momentum is just a word from their past currently.
Overall, Wellington Phoenix are a reliable home side and enjoying scoring goals so even a watertight Adelaide defence should concede in this game and I just don't believe that they'd have enough in the tank to equalise, thus leaving us with a good value home win!
Verdict: Wellington Phoenix to win at 5/6.
Independiente Medellin vs Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota - home win at 3/4.
Hosts Independiente Medellin get a nice easy start to their new campaign by taking on the side that ran them closest to the top spot in the original group of sixteen - Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota. Reigning champions Independiente Medellin owe a great deal of their success in their last campaign to their phenomenal home record with seven wins in nine games, drawing once, and losing once. They'll be looking to recreate that kind of form to retain their crown and it has to start today against title rivals Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota.
Visitors Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota were also traditionally strong at home last season but had a somewhat haphazard record on the road with three wins, three draws, and three defeats from nine games. Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota have only beaten Independiente Medellin once in their last six meetings at either ground so they know how difficult this game is. However, I don't personally feel that there's a harder away trip for any side than taking on the reigning champions at their own ground on the opening day of a new campaign so we could see some nerves here.
Ultimately, we're in Colombia so we're going to see some cards here. Independiente Medellin have won two and drawn once out of the last three home games they've played against tonight's opponents and have scored two goals in all three games so I expect them to score one or two tonight too! Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota have only scored here twice in their last three visits, both of which were on their last visit in a 2-2 draw. I expect the reigning champions to make a good start to this campaign and they've got the home advantage to help them to do it so we should see three points on the home win tonight.
Verdict: Independiente Medellin to win at 3/4.
Liverpool vs Bolton Wanderers - lay Liverpool at 17/10.
Liverpool's problems are well-documented; need I go into them? No Torres and no Benayoun leaves such pressure on Gerrard that even their talismanic midfielder is feeling it. His performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers mid-week was one of the worst I've ever seen from him and that's difficult to say. Liverpool managed just one shot on target against relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers and that simply isn't good enough. I expect Liverpool to approach this game in the same way that they approached the Wolverhampton Wanderers game and to gain a similar, if not identical, result today.
Why? Well, Bolton Wanderers look rejuvenated under Owen Coyle. They look more organised, more incisive, and the same old awkward bastards that everyone used to hate playing against. This is exactly the kind of side that Liverpool do not want to be facing right now. Bolton haven't conceded a goal in their last two games and put in an impressive display away to Arsenal the game before that by taking a two goal lead before eventually succumbing to a 4-2 defeat. If Bolton take that kind of advantage against Liverpool today then I can only see Liverpool drawing this game at best because they're not good enough to score four goals currently. Bolton are going to set their stall out here as being tough to beat so the onus is on Liverpool today to break them down.
Can they do it? I just can't see it. I think there's more value in laying Liverpool today because they're not good enough to break sides down convincingly. Bolton are one of those sides and they're even more motivated than normal so you have to fancy their chances of ending their dismal record at Anfield today.
Verdict: Lay Liverpool at 17/10.
Leeds United vs Colchester United - lay Leeds United at 6/5.
Now here are some odds that confuse me! Not only have Leeds not won in their past three League One games but they're been bloody unconvincing in all three games, most notably in their 3-0 humbling at Swindon Town mid-week. Leeds now face one of the division's better sides but with the knowledge that they have the all-important FA Cup replay with Tottenham Hotspur on the forthcoming wednesday so what does boss Simon Grayson do? He knows the club could really use the financial boost of a good cup run and he knows his side are well-placed to achieve promotion this season so dare we dream that he'll field a weakened squad for this game? I think he might just do that. Leeds have only failed to win four games at home this season out of thirteen but a lack of momentum and a lot of diverted attention could mean that we see them slip up yet again today.
Visitors Colchester United may have a poor away record when it comes to actual wins but they remain one of the division's better sides and have only lost three away games all season. Only today's hosts Leeds United have conceded less away goals than Colchester United have this season so the visitors are quite the tough side to take on. Colchester have only lost once in their last five games, winning three times and drawing once, so the visitors do have some good momentum to bring into this game. Colchester have nothing to prepare for next week so they can and will field a full-strength squad today and I think they've got enough ability in their team to do some damage to a distracted Leeds United side today.
With the above in mind, it's a tad baffling why the bookies rate Leeds' chances so highly today. Don't get me wrong - if they turn it on then they'll beat anyone in this division at any time but the fact is that they've lost two consecutive games in League One and haven't won in three and have to prepare for a tough tie with Tottenham next week. Therefore, the value has to be in laying Leeds today, I think.
Verdict: Lay Leeds United at 6/5.
Northampton Town vs Burton Albion - home win at 5/6.
Northampton Town have gone on a great run of form lately and are unbeaten in eight League Two games. They've won four times and drawn four times and have displayed a resilience in their team along the way that I hadn't seen in them this season. Northampton have conceded just once in their past six games so their defence is looking mean, keen, and extremely alert! It helps them massively because their goalscoring is sporadic at best but the two forces combined to tend to mean that Northampton have more success than failure, naturally.
Visitors Burton Albion have now won two consecutive games so have gathered some momentum ahead of this game. However, Burton have conceded ten goals in their past five games, which is an average of two goals conceded per game, which is why Burton tend to struggle in the first place. Goalscoring comes naturally to Burton but conceding comes far more naturally, unfortunately for them. The two sides that Burton have beaten lately are Torquay United and Lincoln City, two sides that you'd expect Burton to give a good game to if not beat anyway. However, today Burton take on a side with actual ability as well as a resolute defence so they're going to have to work immensely hard to take anything from this game, particularly with six defeats from twelve away games already this season and an average of conceding nearly two goals per game on the road all this year.
Overall, we have one very much in-form side that are defending like masters and one sporadic side that concede too many goals. I'm staying with consistency for this one and calling the value on a home win.
Verdict: Northampton Town to win at 5/6.
Port Vale vs Hereford United - home win at 5/6.
Port Vale don't have the most convincing of home records with just three wins in twelve games this season but what they do have in their arsenal is the ability to keep a clean sheet. They managed it at a massively in-form and potent Rochdale side last match and also in the home encounter with Macclesfield Town the game before. Port Vale are actually unbeaten in their last five League Two games with two wins and three draws. Port Vale's problem is scoring goals, unfortunately. Few sides break them down which is why only Notts County and Rotherham United have conceded less goals than Port Vale have this season. However, Port Vale simply have to find the net more to stand any chance of progressing as a club. The momentum they've gathered of late will assist them, as will their home advantage. If Port Vale take the lead then they can win this game easily because sides do find playing against Port Vale very difficult indeed so I think there's some value in taking Port Vale already.
However, I take a lot of comfort from the fact that they're hosting Hereford United, a side that has already lost eight out of thirteen away games this season. They average conceding nearly two goals per away game and have lost four out of their last five games, scoring just two goals along the way. Hereford have big problems defensively and this isn't aided by their paltry goalscoring record either. Ultimately Hereford are not a good away side and I see nothing here that is going to change that today.
My biggest concern is Port Vale growing some balls and scoring goals. If they score, they really should have this game in the bag today.
Verdict: Port Vale to win at 5/6.
AC Oulu vs Jaro Pietarsaari - home win at 5/6.
Newly-promoted AC Oulu get their first taste of Veikkausliiga opponents by hosting Jaro Pietarsaari in the Liiga Cup. I'm not going to lie to you; I'll be extremely surprised if AC Oulu stay up this season. They're simply not a very good outfit at all. However, it's their first game amongst the big boys of Finnish football and they'll be keen to make an impact so they'll be highly-motivated. AC Oulu have the advantage of their home support and should make Jaro work hard today.
The above isn't enough on its own for me to take the home win but what does convince me is the length of Jaro Pietarsaari's problems. For example, Sara, Haanpaa, Vaganov, Aho, Sarajarvi, Meyer, and Matrone are all missing this game for various reasons. What this means in black and white is that Jaro are missing a lot of defenders, which should help an AC Oulu side that drastically need whatever assistance that they can get. Jaro also lost a lot of players over the break - Tanska, Portin, Emet, Hyyrynen, Kojola, and Koivisto. Jaro have brought in some replacements but frankly it's not enough to assist them this year and I wouldn't be surprised to see them battling relegation themselves with such issues in their squad.
Although AC Oulu are undoubtedly only a match for Jaro when the visitors have a massively depleted squad, this is certainly one of those times. AC Oulu will not be more motivated to face Jaro and will not have a better chance to beat them so I think the home win is worth a sly punt today.
Verdict: AC Oulu to win at 5/6.
Cittadella vs Ancona - home win at 6/5.
Cittadella are a strong home side with just one defeat at home in Serie B all season. They've only been beaten once in their last four games, winning once, and drawing twice, so they've got some momentum under their belts at least. Their home form of late has been encouraging with a draw against Brescia and a win against Torino so the hosts do have some momentum for this encounter today. Cittadella have won four out of their ten home games in Serie B this year, which isn't great, but it's enough for the foundation of this bet. Only a handful of sides have conceded less home goals than Cittadella have this season so it's certainly wise not to understimate these guys! Cittadella enjoy their home games and that has shown of late - I expect them to put in a similar stint against fourth-placed Ancona today too.
Visitors Ancona bizarrely have a very poor away record with seven defeats in eleven games. They've not won any of their last three Serie B games, drawing once and losing twice. Ancona score about par for the course with their goalscoring ability on the road but they concede far too heavily to ever cause sides problems away from home. A lack of momentum caused by their three-game winless run certainly won't help them ahead of this difficult trip and the fact that Ancona have lost their last three away games consecutively without even scoring a goal will certainly be playing on their minds, particularly as they've averaged conceding over two goals per game. Ancona were embarassed by bottom club Salernitana 3-0 in their last away game and then by little Mantova the game before that so why not Cittadella today?
Ancona are the better of these two sides but they're not showing it at the moment so I fancy Cittadella to cause an upset today.
Verdict: Cittadella to win at 6/5.
CD Nacional vs Porto - lay Porto at 10/11.
Nobody but CD Nacional has come to this ground in Madeira this season and won so Porto will be aware that they've got a difficult game ahead of them. CD Nacional have won four times and drawn three times out of their seven home games in the Liga Sagres this season. They average scoring just shy of two goals per home game and are generally a force to be reckoned with. Their recent form has been somewhat poor with two consecutive defeats but it's worth pointing out that those two games were both away to giants Sporting Clube de Lisboa and league leaders Sporting Braga so perhaps they can be forgiven! CD Nacional are very much a home side and have already held Sporting Clube de Lisboa to a draw here this season so CD Nacional know that they can stop the big sides if they play to their best.
Porto have only won once here in their last three visits, losing the other two games. Not only that but Porto have been far from convincing this season as any of their fans will testify, hence the persistent booing. I think the fans are a tad harsh on a side that has dominated this league in recent years with limited resources but that's just my perspective. Porto have struggled in the league lately moreso than ever with a nervy win at home to Uniao de Leiria (3-2) and a disappointing draw at home to defensively-minded Pacos de Ferreira. Porto appear unable to break sides down as well as they used to be able to, which is understandable as they've lost the masterful duo of midfield maestro Lucho Gonzalez and the lethal Lisandro Lopez in attack. Porto have to knuckle down and get on with it but they don't seem very inclined to do that currently, which is surprising and somewhat disappointing.
With Porto only having won once in their past three Liga Sagres games, it's hard to see them taking too much confidence in to this game. They've failed to win four out of seven away games already this season and although they don't concede many on the road, they don't score many either. I think all of the above plays right into the hands of CD Nacional so there does look to be value in laying Porto for their trip to Madeira today.
Verdict: Lay Porto at 10/11.
Hamilton Academicals vs Celtic - lay Celtic at 2/1.
I can't substantiate this bet anywhere near as much as I'd like to be frankly the value is too good to overlook. Celtic have won just once in their past four Premier League games and have been very unconvincing in all of them. They've even managed a draw with lowly Falkirk at home before losing at Hibs in their last game in a galling 2-1 defeat where Hibs stole the winner at the end of the game. Celtic are going from bad to worse at the moment so I think there's more value going against them than for them.
Unfortunately, they're facing Hamilton Academicals. Well, it's unfortunate for me, that is, because if they were facing a better side then I'd be sticking a lot more on it. However, Hamilton are a pretty atrocious side which is also partially why the odds are good on this outcome. Hamilton's 0-0 draw with Kilmarnock last match will probably count as a win in their books so their momentum should be pretty good. They have a poor home record and a nightmare head-to-head record against Celtic but they're not likely to have a better chance of getting one over on Celtic than they do today. Celtic are too leaky in defence at the moment and aren't scoring enough goals so I think it's worth a cheeky bet to lay Celtic today, particularly as Hamilton are a very resilient side.
Verdict: Lay Celtic at 2/1.
Accmulator fodder - Armed Forces FC, Cardiff City, Milton Keynes Dons, Norwich City, Aldershot Town, Notts County, Girondins de Bordeaux, Bayern Munich, PAOK Salonika, Guadalajara, SL Benfica, Hibs, Barcelona, Hercules Alicante, Neath Athletic.
Recommended bet - Northampton Town, Norwich City, PAOK Salonika, Bayern Munich, and laying Real Madrid at 7/1.
As ever, if there are any questions/explanations required then feel free to post a comment! For the complete picks listing, see below!
African Nations:
Nigeria vs Algeria (5) 1-1
Asian Champions League:
Da Nang vs Muang Thong United (5) 1-1
Armed Forces FC vs Sriwijaya FC Palembang (9) -1.75 handicap
Karama vs Al Wahda (6) 1-0
Argentinian Primera Division:
Tigre vs Chacarita Juniors (6) 1-1
Velez Sarsfeld vs Colon de Santa Fe (8) 2-1
Racing Club Avellaneda vs Rosario Central (5) 1-1
Atletico Tucuman vs San Lorenzo de Almagro (7) over 2.5 goals
Australian A-League:
Wellington Phoenix vs Adelaide United (7) 2-1
Brisbane Roar vs Sydney FC (6) 0-1
North Queensland Fury vs Newcastle Jets (7) 1-1
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Club Brugge vs Westerlo (8) 2-0
Roeselare vs Racing Genk (7) 0-1
Mechelen vs Cercle Brugge (6) 1-1
Charleroi vs Lokeren (6) 1-0
Belgian Tweede Klasse:
Brussels vs Standaard Wetteren (7)
Beveren vs Oostende (8)
Turnhout vs Boussu Dour Borinage (6)
KVSK United vs Tubize (6)
Tournai vs Antwerp (8)
Colombian Futbol Profesional:
America de Cali vs Atletico Huila (6) 1-1
Millonarios Bogota vs Atletico Nacional de Medellin (5) 1-1
Independiente Medellin vs Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota (7) 1-0, at least one red card in this game
Cypriot Division 1:
Omonia Nicosia vs Apollon Limassol (8) 2-1
Aris Limassol vs Ermis (5) 1-1
A.E.Paphos vs Anorthosis Famagusta (6) 0-1
English Premier League:
Birmingham City vs Tottenham Hotspur (6) 1-1
Fulham vs Aston Villa (6) 1-1
Hull City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (6) 2-1
Liverpool vs Bolton Wanderers (5) 0-0
West Ham United vs Blackburn Rovers (7) 1-1
Wigan Athletic vs Everton (7) over 2.5 goals
Burnley vs Chelsea (9) -1.75 handicap
English Championship:
Derby County vs Nottingham Forest (6) at least one red card in this game
Cardiff City vs Doncaster Rovers (8)
Coventry City vs Blackpool (6)
Crystal Palace vs Peterborough United (7)
Middlesbrough vs Bristol City (6)
Preston North End vs Ipswich Town (5)
Queens Park Rangers vs Scunthorpe United (6) over 2.5 goals
Reading vs Barnsley (5)
Sheffield Wednesday vs Plymouth Argyle (7)
Watford vs Swansea City (7)
West Bromwich Albion vs Sheffield United (6)
Leicester City vs Newcastle United (5)
English League One:
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Millwall (5)
Bristol Rovers vs Wycombe Wanderers (7)
Carlisle United vs Leyton Orient (6)
Charlton Athletic vs Tranmere Rovers (7)
Gillingham vs Walsall (7)
Leeds United vs Colchester United (5)
Milton Keynes Dons vs Exeter City (8)
Norwich City vs Hartlepool United (9)
Oldham Athletic vs Brentford (7)
Southampton vs Stockport County (8)
Southend United vs Swindon Town (6)
Yeovil Town vs Huddersfield Town (6)
English League Two:
Aldershot Town vs Grimsby Town (8)
Cheltenham Town vs Darlington (6)
Crewe Alexandra vs Bournemouth (6)
Lincoln City vs Dagenham & Redbridge (7)
Morecambe vs Chesterfield (6)
Northampton Town vs Burton Albion (8)
Notts County vs Barnet (9)
Port Vale vs Hereford United (6)
Rotherham United vs Macclesfield Town (7)
Shrewsbury Town vs Accrington Stanley (6)
Torquay United vs Bradford City (4)
Finnish Liiga Cup:
AC Oulu vs Jaro Pietarsaari (5) 1-0
French Ligue 1:
Girondins de Bordeaux vs Boulogne (9) -1.75 handicap
Stade Rennais vs Grenoble Foot (8) 2-0
LOSC Lille vs Racing Club Lens (7) over 2.5 goals
AS Nancy-Lorraine vs Lorient (6) 1-1
AS Monaco vs OGC Nice (9) 3-1
Le Mans vs Toulouse (7) 0-0
Montpellier HSC vs Olympique de Marseille (6) 1-1
French Ligue 2:
Vannes OC vs Guingamp (5)
German Bundesliga:
Borussia Moenchengladbach vs Werder Bremen (5) 2-1
Eintracht Frankurt vs Koln (7) 1-0
Hertha BSC Berlin vs VFL Bochum (6) 1-1
Bayern Munich vs FSV Mainz 05 (8) under 2.5 goals
Hannover 96 vs Nurnberg (5) 0-0
Schalke 04 vs Hoffenheim (8) 1-0
German Bundesliga 2:
Augsburg vs Arminia Bielefeld (6)
Hansa Rostock vs Union Berlin (6)
Greek Super League:
Iraklis vs Kavala (6) under 2.5 goals
PAS Giannina vs Larissa (6) 1-1
PAOK Salonika vs Atromitos (9) 3-1
Greek B Ethniki:
Rhodos vs Anagennisi Karditsas (6)
International Friendly:
Jamaica vs Canada (6) 1-1
Italian Serie A:
Bari vs Palermo (7) 0-0
SSC Napoli vs Genoa (7) over 2.5 goals
Italian Serie B:
Cittadella vs Ancona (6)
Mantova vs Crotone (6)
Sassuolo vs Salernitana (8)
Triestina vs Piacenza (6)
Mexican Primera Division:
Jaguares vs Tigres UANL (5) 1-1
Monterrey vs Cruz Azul (6) 1-1, at least one red card in this game
Guadalajara vs Estudiantes Tecos (8) 2-0
Pachuca vs Atlante (7) 2-1
San Luis vs Morelia (7) 1-0
Dutch Eredivisie:
NEC Nijmegen vs Sparta Rotterdam (5) 2-1
NAC Breda vs VVV Venlo (7) 1-0
AZ Alkmaar vs Groningen (7) 1-0
ADO Den Haag vs Heerenveen (6) 1-1
Portuguese Liga Sagres:
Naval de Maio vs Belenenses (6) under 2.5 goals
Uniao de Leiria vs Olhanense (7) 0-0
CD Nacional vs Porto (6) 1-1
SL Benfica vs Vitoria Guimaraes (8) over 2.5 goals
Portuguese Liga de Honra:
Estoril vs Oliveirense (6)
Scottish Premier League:
Hamilton Academicals vs Celtic (3) 1-1
Aberdeen vs Motherwell (7) 2-1
Hibs vs St.Mirren (8) 2-0
Kilmarnock vs Dundee United (6) 0-1
Rangers vs Falkirk (8) 2-1
St.Johnstone vs Hearts (6) 1-1
Spanish Primera Liga:
Espanyol vs Athletic Club de Bilbao (7) 1-1
Sporting Gijon vs Barcelona (8) under 2.5 goals
Deportivo La Coruna vs Real Madrid (6) 2-1
Spanish Segunda Liga:
Hercules Alicante vs Castellon (8) under 2.5 goals
Real Sociedad vs Las Palmas (7)
Huesca vs Elche (6)
Levante vs Villarreal II (6)
Albacete vs Rayo Vallecano de Madrid (6)
Cartagena vs Girona (7)
Spanish Segunda B:
Group 1:
Osasuna II vs Sestao River Club (7)
Barakaldo vs Palencia (5)
Group 3:
Barcelona II vs Gava (8)
Valencia II vs Sabadell (7)
Mallorca II vs Benidorm (5)
Turkish Super Lig:
Istanbul BB vs Kasimpasa (5) 2-1
Diyarbakirspor vs Trabzonspor (6) 0-1
Venezuelan Primera Division:
Deportivo Italia vs Yaracuyanos (8) 2-1
Welsh Premier League:
Newtown vs Carmarthen Town (6) 1-2
Welshpool Town vs Haverfordwest County (5) 0-1
Neath Athletic vs Newi Cefn Druids (8) 2-0
Enjoy your free betting tips!
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