Slask Wroclaw vs Jagiellonia Bialystok
I'll be the first to say that I'm happy to see the back of a frankly dismal friday! Let's move on to bigger and better things today!
Today's featured game is the Ekstraklasa encounter between Slask Wroclaw and Jagiellonia Bialystok. Slask Wroclaw have had a fairly good campaign this season, particularly at home, and will look to further that today. Visitors Jagiellonia Bialystok now have a real monkey on their back with a thirty-two game run without an away win so they're looking worried on the road more often than not.
Slask Wroclaw welcome back former Bolton Wanderers defender Jaroslaw Fojut, which is a big boost for the hosts as he's been out for some four months now. Slask have already won six out of nine home games this season but they've even stronger with Fojut. Slask average scoring approximately 1.5 goals per home game and only giants Legia Warsaw have conceded less goals at home than today's hosts have. Slask drew their first game back from the winter break at Polonia Bytom, which is a fairly respectable result with Polonia having only lost once at home all season long. Slask are only missing Dudek and Lukasiewicz so are well-placed to further their impressive home form today.
Visitors Jagiellonia are fast becoming legend in Poland for their lengthy run without an away win. It's not that Jagiellonia aren't capable because they're a good side but they had bad luck and have now merged that with the expectation that they won't win their away games and that now plays on the players' minds. Jagiellonia haven't scored enough on the road this season with just seven goals scored in nine games so they do tend to struggle, particularly as they average conceding over a goal per away game. They've only lost three out of their nine away games but their six draws shows that it only takes a strong home display to overcome them. Jagiellonia are missing Kascelan, Lewczuk, Renusz, and one of their most important midfielders - Bruno. Kascelan is under investigation in terms of the legality of his appearance in this game due to Jagiellonia being his third club of the season and Lewczuk is suspended but the other two are rumoured to have been dropped ahead of this game, which should be a hefty blow for Jagiellonia. They've got the opportune moment to try Grzyb but Jagiellonia need an assured display today to take anything from the game and I just don't feel that they're capable currently. Marcin Burkhardt has been the subject of speculation in Poland lately with his move from Korona Kielce having finally been permitted. The irony of that situation, of course, was that Jagiellonia lost at Korona last match in a game no doubt fuelled by the ongoing saga. Ultimately, Jagiellonia have entered this stage of their campaign with more problems than when they left it in December and morale is lessened following a disappointing defeat at Korona so Jagiellonia look a little suspect ahead of this game.
Although there's little to choose between these two sides in terms of quality, Slask have far more in their favour than an under-performing Jagiellonia side that have problems both on and off the field so the home win should boast considerable value today.
Verdict: Slask Wroclaw at evens.
Saturday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Boca Juniors vs Racing Club Avellaneda - home win at 4/5.
Boca Juniors' last match was a 4-4 draw at Primera Division favourites Velez Sarsfield did much to further my belief in their current level of ability. They may be without a win in their past five games but they've drawn their last four games consecutively whilst scoring six goals so it's only a matter of time before they make it count. I suspected defeat against Velez would send Boca crashing to the depths that they've discovered over the past couple of seasons yet again but Boca held their own and have earned considerable credit for taking a point from that game. Boca will be pleased to see Racing travelling here as the hosts have won the last five out of six home meetings against Racing, drawing the other game, so Boca will have a bit of an advantage mentally ahead of this game. Boca's home form isn't too impressive this season but I think they've got enough potency in them currently to improve that tonight against a struggling Racing side that Boca tend to enjoy playing.
Visitors Racing Club Avellaneda have played three away games this season and lost all of them. They've not conceding excessively but the fact that they've scored just once coupled with the fact that they are travelling to one of the most potent sides in Argentina currently looks ominous for the visitors. As I mentioned earlier, Racing don't have a good record here and three defeats, one draw, and just one victory in their last five games won't have done much for their momentum either. Basically, Racing are looking prime candidates to lose this game and I'm seeing little from their camp to suggest that anything other than a home win will occur here tonight.
Boca Juniors are currently the second most potent side in the Primera Division behind Velez Sarsfield so they've certainly got the goals to do the job tonight. They need to stop drawing and start winning so an ailing Racing Club Avellaneda should be the perfect opponents for them as they've proven to be poor defensively so far this season and have lost all three of their away games. Therefore, the value should be in the home win tonight!
Verdict: Boca Juniors to win at 4/5.
Once Caldas Manizales vs Deportivo Cali - home win at 10/11.
Once Caldas Manizales enter this game on the back of three consecutive wins in all competitions, a run which was started by their home win against Brazil's Sao Paulo in the Copa Libertadores. Once Caldas have since beaten Millonarios Bogota at home and Atletico Nacional de Medellin away in their last game and whereas neither side are particularly good, I still consider Once Caldas' results to have given them strong momentum and their attacking potency has increased as a result with the hosts averaging scoring two goals per game at the moment. Only league leaders Real Cartagena have scored as many as Once Caldas have so far this season so tonight's hosts look good to do some damage to Deportivo Cali.
Deportivo Cali are starting to struggle this season due to a lack of potency. They're not conceding excessively in general but are the biggest conceding side on the road in the Primera A with ten goals conceded in four away games, all of which they've lost - by far the worst away record in the division on every level. They've scored twice in their four away games and haven't won in any of their last three games in all competitions so they're looking rather susceptible tonight.
Ultimately, the better of these two sides is in good goalscoring form and they're at home. They're hosting a side that has lost every away game this season emphatically and a side that has little to prove that they have what it takes to take anything from this game tonight so the home win should be somewhat routine as well as good value.
Verdict: Once Caldas Manizales to win at 10/11.
Slaven Koprivnica vs Sibenik - home win at 4/5.
Slaven Koprivnica's "welcome back to the Prva Liga" after the winter break was a 5-0 defeat at giants Hajduk Split, which is an acceptable outcome but an unacceptable scoreline. It will have hurt Slaven because they're a better side than the scoreline reflects although their away form does little to back that statement up. However, Slaven remain a very able and reliable home side with an average of over two goals scored per home game and seven wins in nine games so far this season. Slaven have won this fixture for seven out of their last eight meetings and Sibenik have never won at Slaven Koprivnica so the hosts have yet another advantage ahead of the game today.
Visitors Sibenik have had an oustanding campaign and currently occupy third place in the Prva Liga as a result. However, this was largely due to their defensive strength rather than their attacking potency as they boast one of the best defences in the division but also have a record that shows only Zadar outside of the relegation zone having scored less goals than they have. Sibenik's first game after the winter break was a very disappointing draw at home to Zadar but a result that reflected just how much Sibenik are over-achieving this season so Sibenik could be set for a big jolt as they come back down to earth tonight.
Slaven are as consistent as ever at home and are one of the top four sides in Croatia despite problems off the field this season. They're always a threat at home and their record reflects that perfectly. Sibenik aren't good enough to be where they are and I expect a potent Slaven side to expose them tonight as the visitors simply don't score enough goals to counter them.
Verdict: Slaven Koprivnica to win at 4/5.
Pribram vs Mlada Boleslav - home win at 7/5.
Pribram have been a constant threat at home all season long in the Gambrinus Liga with only Banik Ostrava having won more home games than they have. Pribram have won six out of eight home games and although they don't score as many goals as I'd like them to, they do tend to keep opponents out to a substantial enough level for the home win to arise far more often than not. Pribram's first game back after the winter break was a valuable and respectable draw at giants Sparta Prague so they'll bring a good level of momentum into this game today. Pribram are a very able side and I've seldom seen them in as good condition as they are now to further their impressive home form.
Visitors Mlada Boleslav are a side capable of matching Pribram on their day. However, despite being the joint second best goalscorers in the Gambrinus Liga this season, Mlada Boleslav are still lingering mid-table after a series of random and yet somewhat frequent disappointments in games that they should be winning. A prime example would be their first game back from their winter break which resulted in a 1-0 home defeat inflicted by relegation-threatened Kladno; a completely unacceptable result. Mlada have already lost four out of eight away games this season and a result like that against Kladno won't help them improve it momentum-wise so I suspect they'll struggle today against a strong Pribram side.
This is one of the riskier calls that I've made today and yet one of the ones that I like the most. Pribram don't have a good record against Mlada Boleslav but I don't think that they'll get a better shot at beating them than they have today with the visitors conceding goals far too easily currently.
Verdict: Pribram to win at 7/5.
West Ham United vs Bolton Wanderers - home win at 5/6.
West Ham United have a poor head-to-head record with Bolton as they've now lost their last five meetings consecutively. It's worth pointing out that four of those were away though! However, West Ham are looking better now than they have for the majority of the season so far so look in good shape to break the duck. They've finally got a presentable attack back with Cole being back in business and numerous other strikers competing for a place alongside him i.e. Franco, Ilan, McCarthy - all proven strikers on one level or another around Europe. West Ham were beaten 3-0 at Manchester United in their last game but it was a strange game, truth be told. I was at the game and although Manchester United won 3-0, it was one of the most boring 3-0 wins I've ever seen because there weren't many chances for either side so I do think that the result flattered my beloved Manchester United. West Ham's heads dropped after a while but their workrate remained high throughout and West Ham did cause problems initially; they were arguably even unlucky not to score. West Ham have won their last two home games consecutively without conceding whilst scoring five times so they're the games that I'd look more towards for reassurances regarding just where West Ham are currently.
Visitors Bolton have struggled immensely following the lengthy injury suffered by defensive stalwary Gary Cahill and now look a lot more likely to be relegated in my opinion as he's a massive loss. Bolton have conceded seven times in their last two away games and haven't scored in either so look very poor currently. They won their last game 1-0 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers but I've absolutely no idea how they managed to do so with Wolves hitting the woodwork twice and deserving at least a draw from that game. I suppose it's testament to Wolves' luck of late but Bolton's luck may just run out against a West Ham side threatening to burst into a vein of good form and they've got the players available to them to do it. Bolton look short on goals as ever and have already lost eight out of their thirteen away games in the Premier League this season whilst conceding an average of two goals per game and scoring less than a goal per game so frankly they look likely to be beaten in any away game.
These two sides should not be competing with each other to avoid relegation. West Ham are a big club with big players and should be mid-table at least, which is where I expect them to finish this season if they keep their attack entact. Bolton have brought upon their own problems by allowing negative manager Gary Megson such a lengthy spell in charge and by not spending their money well but they're another side that should be comfortably mid-table by now. However, West Ham are the better of these two sides and frankly have better players so the home win looks good today for me.
Verdict: West Ham United to win at 5/6.
Aldershot Town vs Burton Albion - home win at 10/11.
Aldershot Town enter this game on the back of a 1-0 win at home to Bradford City mid-week. This result improved Aldershot's already strong home record as well as them doing so against an in-form Bradford City so the hosts will have taken a lot of momentum from that game. Aldershot have now won nine out of seventeen home games in League Two this season and have only been beaten twice whilst averaging scoring two goals per home game so they're a constant threat at home. They've won their last two games consecutively and stand a good chance of continuing that run, particularly as they're such a potent side - the fourth-highest scoring side in League Two, incidentally.
Visitors Burton Albion are such a bizarre side that it's unreal. Seldom does a side score so many goals following promotion from the division below so it's hard to know just how they're going to play. What remains constant with Burton Albion is that they cannot defend for shit with only Crewe Alexandra and bottom-placed Darlington having conceded more goals than they have this season. Burton tend to be outclassed more often than not in this division and three defeats in their last five games illustrates that point well. They've already lost seven out of sixteen away games this season and have conceded six goals in their last two away games so could and should struggle immensely against an impressive Aldershot Town side that are frankly better than they are today.
I can't put it much more simply other than that Aldershot are too good for Burton. Aldershot are extremely reliable at home and I can't see a sporadic Burton side changing that today.
Verdict: Aldershot Town to win at 10/11.
Rotherham United vs Bradford - home win at 4/5.
Rotherham United enter this game on the back of a 4-0 defeat against Rochdale. The defeat will have hurt Rotherham United but their ability cannot be questioned so it's important not to write them off. Rotherham have still won seven out of sixteen home games this season and although they've drawn too many at home due to not scoring enough goals, Rotherham remain one of the best sides in this division and tend to show it when given chance. Only Notts Couty boast a better defensive record at home than Rotherham so the hosts do at least have a solid foundation for their performances. Rotherham have won three out of their last six games and have only lost once so they do bring momentum into this game and should be able to make it count.
I'd normally stay away from Rotherham after a result like their previous game against Rochdale but frankly Bradford City are a poor side and shouldn't be able to test Rotherham today. Bradford may have only lost six out of sixteen away games this season but they're one of the weakest sides in the division when it comes to conceding goals on the road and that tends to hamstring their performances on the road. Their last game was a 1-0 defeat at Aldershot Town, a result which ended their little burst of form, so Bradford should really return to their disappointing selves. Bradford are beginning to lose some of their motivation with relegation and promotion both virtually impossible so shouldn't be able to pose a serious threat to Rotherham United today.
I would emphasise some caution on this selection as it is a derby of sorts but Rotherham really should be too good for Bradford today irrespective of form.
Verdict: Rotherham United to win at 4/5.
Racing Club Lens vs Paris Saint-Germain - home win at 5/4.
Racing Club Lens aren't one of Ligue 1's better sides but they're a strong home side with seven wins in thirteen home games, losing just three times along the way. They don't score excessively but their stubborn defence tends to keep opponents out enough for home wins to prevail over draws and defeats. Lens have won their last three home games consecutively in all competitions and when you consider that this list includes Olympique de Marseille and AS Monaco you then have to take Lens rather seriously at home. They'd be much further up the table if their potency was more reliable but we don't have the luxury of the choice there, regrettably! Nonetheless, Lens are a very strong home side and sides must play well to take anything from this game.
Paris Saint-Germain are capable of taking three points from this trip today but look likely to do anything but win the game after a bad run of form. Their last match saw them lose the "El Clasico" 3-0 at home to bitter rivals Olympique de Marseille; a result which caused their own fans to fight amongst themselves and which now means that Paris Saint-Germain will have no fans for their home game with Boulogne at the end of the month. Paris Saint-Germain's results in general of late have been poor with Paris Saint-Germain having lost 3-0 at home to Lorient, for example. The visitors have now lost five out of their last seven Ligue 1 games because they're conceding far too many goals and offer little in the way of attack so it's hard to see them doing damage against Lens today, particularly with their away record showing that they've already lost seven out of thirteen away games this season.
Although I consider Paris Saint-Germain to be some way better than Racing Club Lens, the fact remains that Paris Saint-Germain look anything but a threat today. They're poor on the road, they're conceding too many, and they're not scoring goals. Whereas I accept that a draw at Lens is a possibility, you have to feel that the drive hosts will take advantage of their fortress and secure three points today.
Verdict: Racing Club Lens to win at 5/4.
Zalaegerszegi TE vs Ferencvaros - home win at 5/6.
Zalaegerszegi TE are one of those frustrating sides that are capable of consistently finishing where they are in the Soproni Liga currently - fifth - but let themselves down at key stages. However, home games don't tend to be where today's hosts struggle; the away games are their Achilles heel. ZTE have already won five out of seven home games this season and average scoring over two goals per home so they're a reliable force on their own turf. ZTE didn't play last week due to their game with Paksi SE being called off, which was fortunate as I envisioned them losing that game! ZTE now have the opportunity to start the second part of the Soproni Liga campaign at home and should make the most of that fact against a weak-travelling Ferencvaros.
Giants Ferencvaros have found life in the Soproni Liga much more challenging than when they were relegated from it for obvious reasons. They've taken points at home but they struggle massively on the road with five defeats in eight games, winning just once on the road all season. Ferencvaros are one of the lowest scoring sides in the division away from home with less than a goal scored per away game on average. Ferencvaros may have stumbled to a home win against Szombathelyi Haladas in their last match but it's going to take a monumental effort for them to take anything from this game and I frankly think it's a bridge too far for them currently so we should see a home win today.
Verdict: Zalaegerszegi TE to win at 5/6.
AS Roma vs AC Milan - away win at 21/10.
This is definitely my boldest and most stupid call of the day with both of these sides playing very well currently but it's one I like the look of.
AS Roma are unbeaten in an outstanding sixteen Serie A games now, a run which has seen them even begin to push Internazionale at the top of the table so credit must go to Ranieri and his stretched side for this achievement. However, they've lately suffered two embarrassing 3-2 defeats against Panathinaikos of Greece and it appears to have affected their play somewhat. AS Roma won unconvincingly at home to lowly Catania in between these two defeats and drew 2-2 at SSC Napoli following their exit from the UEFA Europa League. Whereas a draw at Napoli is certainly respectable in the current climate, I just think that AS Roma are looking a tad more suspect in defence and their confidence has definitely taken a knock. Roma have won more home games than any other Serie A side this season with eleven wins in thirteen games - which makes this call even bolder! - but all runs have to end sometime and Roma are looking like they're slowing down in my book.
Unfortunately, AC Milan don't have a good record in Rome with no wins here against Roma since 2005, which is a total of five visits, two resulting in draws and three in defeat. However, AC Milan's football since facing (and during!) their game with Manchester United has been superb and they've looked a real threat. I've not seen any side dominate a defensively-astute Bari side on their own turf so convincingly as AC Milan did lately and Ronaldinho looks to be on his way back to the top, which naturally inspires the ageing AC Milan side. They won at Fiorentina lately despite trailing for the majority of the game and won at home to local rivals Atalanta Bergamo 3-1 in their last Serie A game so AC Milan are strong mentally and have a good level of potency currently so they stand every chance of causing an upset tonight.
Both sides are missing some big players for this game but I believe AC Milan to have more strength in depth so should cope better with the proviso that both Ronaldinho and Pato start the game. Roma are missing Mexes, Toni, and Daniele De Rossi is a doubt for the game - three big blows for the Romans. AC Milan are missing Zambrotta, Onyewu, Gattuso, Antonini, and Thiago Silva, Seedorf, Flamini, and ex-Roma winger Mancini are all doubts. I can't see Leonardo not fielding Seedorf whether he's injured or not and the rest I don't class as big "missing" players for AC Milan, personally.
I expect a close game between two good sides in good form but I genuinely feel that AC Milan can do to AS Roma what AS Roma did to Juventus a few weeks ago by beating all the odds and overcoming their title rivals due to a strong surge of momentum. Either way, it should be one of the best games of the day to watch so I'd recommend watching regardless!
Verdict: AC Milan to win at 21/10.
Brescia vs Grosseto - home win at 5/6.
Brescia are ever-reliable at home which is why you see them featured on this blog so often! No side has won more home games than they have in Serie B this season although Empoli and Ancona can both match their home wins. Brescia have won ten out of fourteen home games, drawing twice and losing twice. They average scoring nearly two goals per home game and appear extremely serious about returning to Serie A after a lengthy absence, which makes a change from their usual haphazard Serie B campaign! You can tell when Brescia are serious because they start avoiding defeat on the road, something they've now done for their last four away games, winning twice and drawing twice. Brescia have won their last three games consecutively and have won their last five home games consecutively so momentum and confidence is through the roof currently. Brescia aren't the most potent of sides but frankly they don't have to be with their magical ability of winning games somewhat effortlessly.
Visitors Grosseto are a good side but they've got some way to go before they can even begin to match up to Brescia. They've only lost four out of thirteen away games in Serie B this season but tend to draw the majority as they've not yet mastered the ability to win on the road as they're simply not good enough to do so yet. I generally avoid betting against Grosseto if I can help it because they have a tendancy to be very resilient and potent but their crushing 4-0 defeat at home to Crotone last match should have damaged them immensely mentally and should leave them somewhat shellshocked ahead of their tough trip to Brescia today. Grosseto's away defeats in this division do tend to come against the better sides with their last two away defeats being against Lecce and Torino respectively so it's reasonable to expect Brescia to produce a similar display today to overcome their resilient visitors.
Verdict: Brescia to win at 5/6.
Monterrey vs Pachuca - home win at evens.
This game sees the clashing of two of Mexico's most potent sides currently. Only on-fire Guadalajara have scored more goals than Monterrey have in the Clausura so far with Monterrey averaging scoring over two goals per game. Monterrey have already won six out of their eight Clausura games, tasting defeat just once along the way. They've played four home games in the Clausura already and have won all of them convincingly, conceding just once along the way. Monterrey have won their last five games in all competitions consecutively so their confidence and potency is phenomenal at the moment. Monterrey are one of the favourites for this season's Clausua title and on this kind of form it's easy to see why that is.
Visitors Pachuca are considered by some to be dark horses in the Clausura and I can see why that might be. Pachuca also average scoring over two goals per game but have only won four out of eight games this season, losing three times. They've let themselves down lately with no wins in three games, losing their last two home games consecutively in convincing fashion and without scoring a goal. Interestingly enough, Pachuca have only lost one of their three away games this season so they're a tough nut to crack on the road as Puebla found when they lost 5-3 at home to Pachuca in a bizarre encounter. However, a crushing 3-0 defeat at home to Pumas UNAM last match should be enough to discourage Pachuca enough for them to become passengers in what is frankly a frightening fixture against a Monterrey side that nobody wants to face currently!
Monterrey have won this fixture for three seasons running now and have even beaten the -1.75 goal handicap in each game so it's worth taking a cheeky punt on the handicap, particularly with Monterrey looking so potent currently. Pachuca are in for a rough ride tonight and I can't see their defence or attack being strong enough to take anything from this game.
Verdict: Monterrey to win at evens.
Real Madrid vs Sevilla CF - lay Real Madrid at 2/1.
This is another bold call but you have to like it!
Real Madrid have won convincingly of late by scoreline but not by performance. You can only ask a side to score goals against the opponents that are in front of them - that's true - but I do feel that their results of late have flattered them. Real Madrid are relying far too much on individual ability rather than collective ability and that dominant reliance showed on their trip to Lyon lately where they were frankly outplayed and were fortunate to lose by a single goal only. Madrid scored five against Tenerife of late but frankly you'd expect them to do that. I was impressed by their 6-2 win against Villarreal but this is a Villarreal in a transition period with a new manager so again it's an accountable result. Real Madrid have won every home game in the Primera Liga so far this season so my hat goes off to them - they're the only side that can claim to have done that so far. They've average scoring over three goals per home game so it's a bold call indeed to go against them but that's what I intend to do!
So...why? Sevilla CF haven't being playing too well of late but I have to confess that I consider Sevilla CF to be the best away side in the Primera Liga. Why? Well, they're the only one that can change their style to counter their opponents which is why they've won more away games than they've lost this season. Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Valencia all have their own style of football but they're all somewhat one-dimensional in my opinion i.e. they don't have a Plan B. Sevilla CF do have a Plan B which is something I respect them a lot for. They've not played too well lately but their general football in a match is superb to watch and Sevilla CF tend to use it to their advantage too! Sevilla boast one of the best defensive records in the division away from home so Madrid have their work cut out tonight.
Madrid may be unbeaten at home but so were Mallorca until Sevilla visited! I appreciate that Madrid and Mallorca are worlds apart but my point is that Sevilla are more than capable of causing a real upset. Sevilla absolutely battered Madrid earlier this season in the reversal of this fixture and had it not been for a magnificent display from Iker Casillas then Madrid would have been beaten by at least four goals. Sevilla are a better team than Madrid, in my opinion, and I'm banking on that to count a lot tonight.
Irrespective of the form of either side, however, you have to feel that taking Sevilla not to lose any game at 2/1 bears a lot of value, really! This takes more of an interesting look when you consider that Sevilla have won on two of their last three visits here in epic encounters and furthers my point about them being a better team than Madrid. One thing is for sure - this will be another cracking game that is not to be missed!
Verdict: Lay Real Madrid at 2/1.
Newtown vs Aberystwyth Town - away win at 10/11.
Newtown have already lost five out of their ten home games in the Premier League this season so it's easy to see why they're lingering just outside of the relegation zone. They score a good level of goals but they concede far too many with just Caersws and today's opponents Aberystwyth Town having conceded more goals at home than they have. Newtown have only won once in their last four home games, losing twice and drawing once. Most worryingly for Newtown, however, must surely be the fact that they've only scored once during those four games. Their potency appears to have deserted them entirely of late and that has to be a concerning factor as they're hosting one of the best away sides in the Premier League currently, particularly as the visitors today are a better side than Newtown, frankly.
Aberystwyth Town have won more away games in the Premier League than any other Welsh side this season - which includes the big three of Llanelli, Rhyl, and The New Saints - so you can see how well the visitors today are doing. They've won eight out of twelve away games and average scoring approximately 1.5 goals per away game. Aberystywth have won their last three games consecutively (including a difficult trip to Neath Athletic) and generally play very well on the road. With momentum favouring them and their ability on the road growing with each game, it's hard to overlook the away win at generous odds for the better of these two sides today.
Verdict: Aberystwyth Town to win at 10/11.
Accumulator fodder:
Salzburg, Sturm Graz, Austria Vienna, Anderlecht, Lierse SK, Eupen, CSKA Sofia, Teplice, Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Swindon Town, Charlton Athletic, Norwich City, Rochdale, Olympique Lyonnais, Bayern Munich, VFL Wolfsburg, Kaiserslautern, PAOK Salonika, Fehervar, Gyori ETO FC, Morelia, AZ Alkmaar, Heracles Almelo, Lech Poznan, Porto, Rangers, Deportivo La Coruna, Barcelona, Basel, Dynamo Kiev, Metalist Kharkiv, Club Nacional de Montevideo, Bangor City, Llanelli, and Rhyl.
Recommended bets:
Anderlecht, Manchester United, Olympique Lyonnais, VFL Wolfsburg, and PAOK Salonika at 5/1.
Arsenal, Newcastle United, Swindon Town, West Ham United, and Norwich City at 7/1.
Bangor City, Rhyl, Llanelli, and Aberystwyth Town at 5/1.
Aldershot Town, Rochdale, Rotherham United, and Heracles Almelo at 7/1.
Bayern Munich, Kaiserslautern, Brescia, and AZ Alkmaar at 5/1.
Slask Wroclaw, Lech Poznan, Ruch Chorzow, and Rangers at 5/1.
Deportivo La Coruna, Barcelona, Basel, Dynamo Kiev, and Metalist Kharkiv at 5/1.
Salzburg, Sturm Graz, Austria Vienna, Teplice, and Gyori ETO FC at 5/1.
Boca Juniors, Once Caldas Manizales, Club Nacional de Montevideo, and Monterrey at 10/1.
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:
Boca Juniors vs Racing Club Avellaneda (7) 2-1
Lanus vs Estudiantes De La Plata (6) over 2.5 goals
Austrian Bundesliga:
Salzburg vs Wiener Neustadt (10) -1.75 handicap
Sturm Graz vs SV Ried (9) 3-1
Austria Vienna vs LASK Linz (9) over 3.5 goals
Austria Karnten vs SV Mattersburg (6) 0-0
Austrian Liga 1:
Admira Wacker vs Wacker Innsbruck (5)
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Charleroi vs Anderlecht (8) 1-2
Cercle Brugge vs Lokeren (7) 2-0
Belgian Tweede Klasse:
Brussels vs Tournai (6)
Lierse SK vs Ronse (8) over 2.5 goals
Eupen vs Boussu Dour Borinage (9)
Dender vs KVSK United (6) under 2.5 goals
Antwerp vs Tienen (6)
Red Star Waasland vs Turnhout (5)
Standaard Wetteren vs Beveren (4)
Bulgarian A PFG:
Lokomotiv Plovdiv vs Chernomorets Burgas (6) 0-1
Beroe vs CSKA Sofia (8) 0-2
Colombian Primera A:
Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota vs Deportes Tolima (6) 2-1
Independiente Medellin vs Atletico Junior Barranquilla (6) 1-1, at least one red card in this game
Once Caldas Manizales vs Deportivo Cali (8) 2-0
Croatian Prva Liga:
Varteks Varazdin vs Istra 1961 (7) 2-0
Lokomotiva Zagreb vs NK Zagreb (7) 1-1, at least one red card in this game
Rijeka vs Cibalia Vinkovci (5) 2-1
Inter Zapresic vs Hajduk Split (7) 0-1
Slaven Koprivnica vs Sibenik (6) 1-0
Zadar vs Karlovac (7) 0-0
Croatia Sesvete vs Medimurje (6) 1-1
Osijek vs Dinamo Zagreb (6) 1-2
Cypriot Division 1:
Aris Limassol vs A.E.Paphos (6) 1-1
Ermis vs Doxa (5) 1-0
APOP/Kinyras vs APEP (8) 2-1
Enosis Neon Paralimni vs Ethnikos Achnas (6) 0-0
Czech Republic Gambrinus Liga:
Teplice vs Bohemians Prague (8) 2-0
Slovacko vs Brno (6) 1-1
Slovan Liberec vs Viktoria Plzen (6) 1-0
Bohemians 1905 vs Sigma Olomouc (5) under 2.5 goals
Pribram vs Mlada Boleslav (6) 1-0
Danish Superligaen:
Midtylland vs OB Odense (7) 1-1
Ecuadorian Primera A:
Espoli Cayambe vs Macara Ambato (5) 1-1
Independiente vs Universidad Catolica (6) 0-0
Deportivo Quito vs Liga de Quito (6) 2-1, at least one red card in this game
English Premier League:
Arsenal vs Burnley (10) -1.75 handicap
West Ham United vs Bolton Wanderers (8) 2-0
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester United (8) 0-2
English Championship:
Blackpool vs Ipswich Town (5)
Bristol City vs Doncaster Rovers (6)
Cardiff City vs Middlesbrough (6)
Crystal Palace vs Sheffield United (6)
Derby County vs Watford (6)
Newcastle United vs Barnsley (8)
Nottingham Forest vs Swansea City (5)
Peterborough United vs Coventry City (6)
Plymouth Argyle vs Preston North End (5)
Queens Park Rangers vs West Bromwich Albion (6) over 2.5 goals
Sheffield Wednesday vs Leicester City (6) under 2.5 goals
English League One:
Swindon Town vs Bristol Rovers (8) over 2.5 goals
Charlton Athletic vs Stockport County (8)
Exeter City vs Oldham Athletic (6)
Gillingham vs Huddersfield Town (5)
Hartlepool United v Southend United (6)
Leeds United vs Brentford (7) under 2.5 goals
Milton Keynes Dons vs Leyton Orient (7)
Norwich City vs Yeovil Town (8)
Tranmere Rovers vs Southampton (6)
Walsall vs Millwall (7)
Wycombe Wanderers vs Carlisle United (6)
English League Two:
Accrington Stanley vs Notts County (6)
Aldershot Town vs Burton Albion (8) over 2.5 goals
Bournemouth vs Morecambe (7) under 2.5 goals
Bury vs Dagenham & Redbridge (7)
Cheltenham Town vs Chesterfield (5)
Crewe Alexandra vs Barnet (7)
Darlington vs Torquay United (7)
Grimsby Town vs Shrewsbury Town (7)
Hereford United vs Macclesfield Town (6)
Port Vale vs Northampton Town (6)
Rochdale vs Lincoln City (8)
Rotherham United vs Bradford City (8)
English FA Cup:
Portsmouth vs Birmingham City (5) 1-0
Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur (6) 1-1
French Ligue 1:
Boulogne vs Olympique Lyonnais (9) -1.75 handicap
Stade Rennais vs AS Monaco (6) 2-1
OGC Nice vs AS Nancy-Lorraine (5) 1-0
Racing Club Lens vs Paris Saint-Germain (6) 2-1
Sochaux vs Toulouse (5) under 2.5 goals
Auxerre vs Valenciennes (7) 1-0
Saint-Etienne vs LOSC Lille (6) under 2.5 goals
German Bundesliga:
Koln vs Bayern Munich (8) under 2.5 goals
Werder Bremen vs VFB Stuttgart (6) 2-2
Hamburger SV vs Hertha BSC Berlin (7) under 2.5 goals
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Schalke 04 (6) 1-1
SC Freiburg vs Hannover 96 (6) over 2.5 goals
VFL Wolfsburg vs VFL Bochum (8) 2-0
BV09 Borussia Dortmund vs Borussia Moenchengladbach (7) over 2.5 goals
German Bundesliga 2:
Energie Cottbus vs Alemannia Aachen (5)
Kaiserslautern vs FSV Frankfurt (8) under 2.5 goals
Greek Super League:
Kavala vs Aris Salonika (7) 1-1
PAOK Salonika vs Panthrakikos (10) -1.75 handicap
Larissa vs AEK Athens (5) 1-1
Greek B Ethniki:
Agrotikos Asteras vs Rhodos (7)
Hungarian Soproni Liga:
Nyiregyhaza Spartacus vs Paksi SE (5) 1-0
Diosgyori VTK vs Fehervar (8) 1-2
Budapest Honved vs MTK Budapest (7) 1-1, at least one red card in this game
Zalaegerszegi TE vs Ferencvaros (7) 2-1
Gyori ETO FC vs Vasas Budapest (8) over 2.5 goals
Kecskemeti TE vs Ujpest (7) 0-1
International Friendly:
Venezuela vs North Korea (6) 0-0
Irish Premier League:
Sligo Rovers vs Shamrock Rovers (6) 1-2
Italian Serie A:
Fiorentina vs Juventus (7) 1-1
AS Roma vs AC Milan (6) 1-2
Italian Serie B:
Crotone vs Albinoleffe (6)
Modena vs Ancona (5)
Cittadella vs Empoli (5)
Torino vs Frosinone (6)
Brescia vs Grosseto (8)
Mantova vs Lecce (7)
Gallipoli vs Padova (6)
Ascoli vs Salernitana (6)
Triestina vs Vicenza (5) under 2.5 goals
Japanese J-League:
Shonan Bellmare vs Montedio Yamagata (5) 1-0
Jubilo Iwata vs Vegalta Sandai (7) 2-1
Tokyo vs Yokohama F Marinos (7) 1-1
Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Shimizu S-Pulse (6) over 2.5 goals
Kashima Antlers vs Urawa Red Diamonds (7) over 2.5 goals
Kawasaki Frontale vs Albirex Niigata (6) 2-1
Gamba Osaka vs Nagoya Grampus (7) 2-0
Mexican Primera Division:
Monterrey vs Pachuca (7) over 2.5 goals
Jaguares vs Guadalajara (7) over 2.5 goals
Morelia vs Estudiantes Tecos (8) 2-0
San Luis vs Cruz Azul (6) 0-0
Atlas vs Toluca (5) 1-1
Dutch Eredivisie:
AZ Alkmaar vs Heerenveen (8) 2-0
ADO Den Haag vs Vitesse Arnhem (6) 1-1
Heracles Almelo vs Willem II (8) 2-0
NAC Breda vs PSV Eindhoven (6) 0-1
Polish Ekstraklasa:
Slask Wroclaw vs Jagiellonia Bialystok (7) 1-0
Lech Poznan vs Cracovia Krakow (8) 2-0
Lechia Gdansk vs Polonia Warsaw (6) 1-1
Ruch Chorzow vs Zaglebie Lubin (8) 2-0
Portuguese Liga Sagres:
Porto vs Olhanense (9) 2-0
Rio Ave vs Naval de Maio (5) 1-0
Vitoria Setubal vs Sporting Braga (6) 1-2
Romanian Liga:
Gloria Bistrita vs Astra Ploiesti (6) 1-0
Dinamo Bucharest vs Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt (8) 2-1
Scottish Premier League:
Hibs vs Kilmarnock (7) 2-0
Hamilton Academicals vs Aberdeen (6) 1-1
Rangers vs St.Mirren (9) 2-0
St.Johnstone vs Motherwell (6) 0-0
Serbian Super Liga:
Jagodina vs OFK Belgrade (7) 1-0
Partizan Belgrade vs Javor Ivanjica (9) 2-0
BSK Borca vs Borac Cacak (5) under 2.5 goals
Napredak vs Smederevo (6) 2-1
Cukaricki vs Hajduk Kula (6) 0-0
Metalac GM vs Vojvodina Novi Sad (6) 0-1
Spartak Subotica vs Mladi Radnik (7) 2-1
Slovakian Corgon Liga:
Nitra vs Senica (6) 1-0
Artmedia Petrzalka vs Ruzomberok (5) 0-0
Dubnica vs Spartak Trnava (5) 0-1
Dukla Banska Bystrica vs Slovan Bratislava (6) 1-1
DAC Dunajska Streda vs MSK Zilina (6) 1-2
Slovenian Prva Liga:
Rudar Velenje vs Celje (6) 2-1
Nafta Lendava vs Interblock Ljubljana (7) 2-0
Olimija Ljubljana vs Domzale (6) 0-0
Gorica vs Drava (5) 1-0
Maribor vs Koper (6) 2-1, at least one red card in this game
Spanish Primera Liga:
Deportivo La Coruna vs Tenerife (8) 2-0
Almeria vs Barcelona (8) 1-2
Real Madrid vs Sevilla CF (5) 2-2
Spanish Segunda Liga:
Girona vs Huesca (6)
Las Palmas vs Cordoba (5)
Celta de Vigo vs Recreativo de Huelva (7) under 2.5 goals
Villarreal II vs Cartagena (6)
Castellon vs Real Union Club de Irun (5)
Swiss Super League:
Basel vs Grasshoppers Zurich (8) over 2.5 goals
Sion vs Bellinzona (7) 2-1
Swiss Challenge League:
Yverdon Sport vs Gossau (7)
Wohlen vs Locarno (7)
Servette vs Schaffhausen (6)
Turkish Super Lig:
Sivasspor vs Istanbul BB (6) 1-0
Kasimpasa vs Kayserispor (6) 1-2
Diyarbakirspor vs Bursaspor (7) 0-1
Trabzonspor vs Genclerbirligi (7) 2-1
Ukrainian Premier League:
Zorya Lugansk vs Karpaty Lviv (6) 1-1
Illichivets Mariupol vs Dynamo Kiev (8) 0-2
Metalist Kharkiv vs Zakarpattya Uzhhorod (8) 2-0
Uruguayan Primera Division:
Danubio vs Racing Club Montevideo (7) 2-0
Central Espanol vs Tacuarembo (6) 1-1
Rampla Juniors vs Liverpool Montevideo (5) 1-1
Club Nacional de Montevideo vs Montevideo Wanderers (8) over 2.5 goals
Venezuelan Primera Division:
Aragua vs Caracas (6) 1-1
Welsh Premier League:
Rhyl vs Neath Athletic (8) over 2.5 goals
Port Talbot Town vs Carmarthen Town (6) 2-1
Airbus vs Caersws (6) 2-0
Bangor City vs Welshpool Town (8) 2-0
Cefn Druids vs Llanelli (9) -1.75 handicap
Newtown vs Aberystwyth Town (7) 1-2
Porthmadog vs Haverfordwest County (6) 0-1
Enjoy your free betting tips!
Ruch Chorzow vs Lechia Gdansk
Today's featured game is the Ekstraklasa clash between Ruch Chorzow and Lechia Gdansk. I might have avoided this game had the horrific weather that hit south Poland a few days ago not moved on elsewhere - those were a joke! Did any of you watch Poland vs Slovakia? The game looked just like how I'd imagine a game in Greenland would look - lots of snow falling and virtually zero visibility of the ball. Anyway, with Poland's disappointing and unfortunate defeat in the past, we now look at Ruch Chorzow's chances of beating Lechia Gdansk, which I think are pretty high. Ruch Chorzow are now the only remaining side in the Ekstraklasa that has won all of their home games. Even more impressively, however, is the fact that they've done it without conceding a goal! I've yet to make up my mind whether this form of theirs is tempremental or if they're actually pushing for a European place next year but regardless of that, Ruch Chorzow have the wind in their sails at the moment and look a force for just about any opponent in the Ekstraklasa. Visitors Lechia Gdansk have made an unprecedented good start to this campaign with limited resources in all areas of the field. However, they've suffered two defeats in their last four games and look to be struggling to maintain their good form, which is unfortunately something that has been expected by most people. Aside from encountering what is currently the best home side in the league, Lechia Gdansk enter this game without Captain Karol Piatek, midfielders Maciej Rogalski and Piotr Kasperkiewicz, defenders Jakub Kawa, Siergiejis Kozans, Arkadiusz Mysona, and striker Ivans Lukjanovs. To say that the already-stretched visitors are short on numbers is an understatement and their lack of their Captain could do them a lot of damage on the field. With the only definite absence for Ruch Chorzow being Martin Fabusz, the hosts have yet another advantage over Lechia Gdansk today. To put it bluntly, I'm expecting something of a comfortable home win today so odds of 3/4 are something of a gift. I'd even consider the -1.75 handicap for this game given the news above.
Friday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Ruch Chorzow vs Lechia Gdansk - home win at 3/4 - see introduction for full details.
Hartberg vs SCR Altach - away win at 3/4. Something funny is going on in Austria today with what looks to me like five away wins in the Liga 1! I'll eat my hat if they all manage it but I can't make a case for any of the home sides, I'm afraid! However, this one is one of my favourites because I rate SCR Altach as the best side in the division. After enduring some patchy form, SCR Altach have won three consecutive games and take their excellent momentum into this game with the additional bonus of knowing that they're the better side out of these two. Three wins, one draw, and one defeat from their five away games this season says that they mean business and the tag of being the highest scoring side in the division is one that they are proud to bear. SCR Altach average over two goals per game and look a force for any side in this division currently. Hosts Hartberg enter the game with good momentum too, having won two consecutive games. Unimpressively, however, they have lost three of their five home games so far this season and are one of the highest conceding sides in the division currently. On paper, they're not a match for SCR Altach and I think the above points to an away win so 3/4 looks good odds to me.
Salzburg II vs Wacker Innsbruck - away win at evens. Like most II teams that are in the division below their parent team, Salzburg II are struggling. They simply don't have the quality to consistently challenge any side in the division and will be fortunate to avoid relegation this year, in my opinion. That said, Salzburg II are surprisingly one of the top goalscorers in the division - their downside is that only three sides have conceded more goals than they have. Salzburg II have lost three of their six home games and only won twice. Visitors Wacker Innsbruck aren't always the most reliable of sides but three away wins from five games says they've got enough in the tank to do the job and three consecutive wins says they have the momentum to enforce it. For me, the away win looks good value at evens.
Liege vs Mons - away win at 10/11. Poor starters Liege enter this game with some momentum after claiming their first win of the campaign away to rapidly descending Brussels. Whereas this will have no doubt boosted them, you do have to bear in mind that they are where they are in the Tweede Klasse because they've lost six out of eight games i.e. they're not really good enough to be in this division. Mons haven't exactly set the division alight since relegation from the Eerste Klasse but they have been difficult to play against as is indicated by the fact that they've only lost two of the nine games they've played thus far. Mons' problem so far has been drawing more games than they're winning, which does concern me a little ahead of this game but not excessively. A win last game will give Mons the boost they need to overcome a much weaker Liege today so the away win at 10/11 looks inviting.
Deportivo Pasto vs Atletico Huila - home win at 5/6. Both of these sides have made very good starts to their respective campaigns. As with most Colombian sides, however, they're both home sides. Deportivo Pasto are one of the best home sides in the league with five wins and one draw from six home games. They average nearly three goals per game at home and generally look very dangerous against most opponents. Visitors Atletico Huila boast a similar record but are slightly better away from home, hence them being a point ahead of Deportivo Pasto in the league. There's really not very much between these two sides in terms of quality but the hosts do have the advantage of being at home, which counts for an awful lot in Colombia, as statistics have always indicated. For me, there could be value in the home win at 5/6 today.
Inter Zapresic vs Zadar - home win at 11/10. This is a very dubious call ineded when you consider that Inter Zapresic have now lost five consecutive games. However, all runs must end sometime and I think there's a decent chance of that today. Zadar have played better than Inter Zapresic so far this season but they have one giant flaw; they're very poor goalscorers, particularly on the road. In fact, in their four away games this season, they've lost three, drawn once and scored just one goal. Make no mistake, these two sides are as bad as each other. Whereas Inter Zapresic's form of one win, one draw and three defeats at home this season far from inspires such a call, I am comforted by the fact that they've won this fixture for three seasons out of the last four, drawing the other.
Ilisiakos Zografou vs Kerkyra - away win at 7/5. Although having never been a convincing away side, Kerkyra's form so far this season leads me to believe that this particular fact could change, even if only temporarily. Three wins and one draw from their opening four games says that they're keen to atone for last season's failure to reach the Super League. Averaging two goals per game currently, Kerkyra look their usual potent selves and will be hard to topple this season. Hosts Ilisiakos Zografou were as much a threat last season as Kerkyra were but how times change in the blink of an eye! The hosts are currently second bottom of the Ethniki B with two points from four games. Their goalscoring is a massive problem with just two goals scored in four games. Against an in-form Kerkyra, this could prove to be extremely harmful to the hosts so I think taking the away win at 7/5 holds some value today, particularly as the visitors have won this exact fixture for three seasons running without even conceding a goal...
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:
San Lorenzo de Almagro vs Rosario Central (8) 2-1
Lanus vs Velez Sarsfeld (8) 1-1
Australian A-League:
Adelaide United vs Sydney FC (5) 1-2
Austrian Liga 1:
Austria Vienna II vs Austria Lustenau (7)
Hartberg vs SCR Altach (7)
Salzburg II vs Wacker Innsbruck (7)
First Vienna vs Gratkorn (6)
Dornbirn vs St.Polten (6)
Belgian Tweede Klasse:
Liege vs Mons (7)
Bulgarian A PFG:
Sliven vs Chernomorets Burgas (8) 1-3
Colombian Futbol Profesional:
Deportivo Pasto vs Atletico Huila (8) 2-1
Croatian Prva Liga:
Inter Zapresic vs Zadar (5) under 2.5 goals
Ecuadorian Primera A:
Liga de Quito vs Manta (8) 3-1
English League Two:
Cheltenham Town vs Macclesfield Town (6)
French Ligue 2:
AC Ajaccio vs Brest (7)
Angers SCO vs Istres (7)
Arles vs Bastia (6)
Chateauroux vs Nimes (7)
Guingamp vs Dijon FCO (5)
Sedan-Ardennes vs Tours (6) draw no bet
Clermont Foot vs Stade Malherbe de Caen (6)
Le Havre vs Laval (8)
Strasbourg vs Vannes OC (5)
German Bundesliga 2:
Arminia Bielefeld vs Alemannia Aachen (8)
Rot-Weiss Oberhausen vs St.Pauli (6)
Energie Cottbus vs Kaiserslautern (7)
Greek B Ethniki:
Ilisiakos Zografou vs Kerkyra (7)
Hungarian Soproni Liga:
Vasas Budapest vs Debreceni VSC (8) 1-2
Ferencvaros vs Gyori ETO FC (5) 1-1
Irish Premier League:
Cork City vs Bohemians (6) 1-2
St Patrick's Athletic vs Bray Wanderers (7) 2-0
Galway United vs Derry City (5) 1-1
Dundalk vs Sligo Rovers (6) 1-1
Italian Serie B:
Lecce vs Salernitana (8)
Dutch Eerste Divisie:
Go Ahead Eagles vs Cambuur Leeuwarden (6)
AGOVV Appeldoorn vs FC Eindhoven (7)
Veendam vs De Graafschap (6) draw no bet
Excelsior vs Zwolle (5)
Omniworld vs RBC Roosendaal (6)
Top Oss vs Haarlem (6)
Fortuna Sittard vs Dordrecht '90 (5)
MVV Maastricht vs Helmond Sport (5) draw no bet
Stormvogels Telstar vs FC Den Bosch (5)
Polish Ekstraklasa:
GKS Belchatow vs Slask Wroclaw (6) 0-0
Ruch Chorzow vs Lechia Gdansk (8) 2-0
Romanian Liga:
Unirea Alba Iulia vs International (5) 1-1
Unirea Urziceni vs Vaslui (8) 1-0
Singaporean S-League:
Sengkang Punggol vs Armed Forces (9) over 2.5 goals
Welsh Premier League:
Aberystwyth Town vs Newtown (6) 1-0
Carmarthen Town vs Port Talbot Town (6) 1-1
Prestatyn Town vs Connah's Quay Nomads (7) 2-1
Enjoy your free betting tips!
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