Sivasspor vs Trabzonspor

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Today’s secondary featured game is the Super Lig game in Turkey between Sivasspor and Trabzonspor. The Super Lig table doesn’t reflect the battle that awaits these two sides well at all here so I think there’s money to be made in this game.

Sivasspor are lurking near the bottom of the table and have done ever since their miraculous season a few years ago in which they qualified for European football, ironically. However, the reason that Sivasspor are down there is because of their torrid away form, losing frequently and conceding heavily on the road. At home, however, they’re the image of composure with just two defeats in nine home games in the Super Lig. They’re a young and determined side that few Super Lig sides enjoy playing against and naturally Sivasspor motivate themselves even higher for the big games, which today’s game is, to a certain degree. Sivasspor were impressive against Galatasaray and Bursaspor respectively in recent times and have run both Besiktas JK and Fenerbahce close earlier this season so don’t write them off here because of their league placing. Not only are they resilient but they’re quite smart too, making some clever transfer window signings like Navratil and Rada, the two Czech defenders from Viktoria Plzen, who hare added even more composure to the Sivasspor defence. They’ve signed Grosicki from Jagiellonia Bialystok to boost their occasionally vulnerable attack and have even brought in Slovakian goalkeeper Kamenar from Nantes so you can see that Sivasspor are very much determined to still be playing Super Lig football next season. Six out of Sivasspor’s nine home games in the Super Lig this season have gone under 2.5 goals and although the last four head-to-head meetings between Sivasspor and Trabzonspor at either ground have comfortably gone over 2.5 goals, I think it’s time for a change here, even without defenders Dereli and Ivanovs today.

Visitors Trabzonspor are a good side and have improved massively over the past few years so they should be taken seriously. However, they have a fatal flaw and it’s basically their inability to break sides down. On counter-attacks, Trabzonspor are utterly lethal, especially with Brazilian playmaker Alanzinho now being offered pacey Pawel Brozek as a partner in attack, but when it comes to breaking down stiff defences, they tend to struggle. Add to that the fact that sides are working harder against them now because of their league placing and you have an under pressure Trabzonspor side that are already struggling, which isn’t a good combination. They miss important defenders Kacar, Korkmaz, and Cale today which are big blows for the visitors. However, I’m not going to back the home side as I normally would with this information because Sivasspor aren’t good enough in front of goal to win this game, in my view.  Trabzon are going to find it hard to dominate the game without their assured backline, however, and with just two goals scored in their last four games in all competitions, Trabzonspor have a lot to do in this game to overcome their resilient hosts.

Six out of Trabzonspor’s nine Super Lig away games this season have gone under 2.5 goals and this one looks another under too, barring a dominant Sivasspor display in front of goal, which is unlikely. To make matters worse for the visitors, this game is likely to be played in temperatures well below freezing so it’s hardly ideal or hospitable. For me, this is the opportune moment for Sivasspor to take points off a good side, whether it’s one or three, so I think we’ll see some of the best of Sivasspor against a rather demoralised and disorientated Trabzonspor side. If that happens, the under 2.5 goals at 4/5 looks a steal to me today.

Team news – Sivasspor miss Dereli and Ivanovs whereas Trabzonspor miss Kacar, Cora, Korkmaz, and Cale.

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals at 4/5.

Saturday’s Picks

My tips:

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

Austria Vienna vs SV Ried – lay Austria Vienna at 11/10.

I’m not stupid enough to read excessively into the Bundesliga table at the moment and make a bizarre assumption that Ried are better than Austria Vienna because they’re not. Ried are very much a home side with flattering away form this season.

However, this is the first game after the long winter break and Austria Vienna are not worthy of such short odds with that in mind, especially as their biggest problem this season has been goalscoring. That’s shown up massively in their past three friendlies, in which they’ve scored just once despite facing Swiss Challenge League side Lugano, Bosnia-Herzegovina Premijer Liga outfit Siroki Brijeg, and Croatian giants Hajduk Split, which is pretty damn poor for today’s hosts. They’ve relied far too much on Roland Linz in attack, who is one of the better strikers in the Budnesliga for me. However, Brazilian striker Schumacher, Czech grafter Tomas Jun, and Stankovic just aren’t doing enough to assist Linz in attack and as a result, Austria Vienna have been dropping a lot of points that they shouldn’t have this season. They miss Slovenian talisman Acimovic far too much, hence their decision to sign ex-Arsenal prodigy Barazite, but I think it’s too little too late. Austria Vienna have played nine home games this season in the Bundesliga and the only good side that they’ve scored against during that time is Sturm Graz, losing to bitter rivals Rapid Vienna, drawing with Salzburg, and losing against today’s opponents Ried earlier this season, hence their predicament – they simply lack the necessary depth in attack to command such short odds against a decent side.

Perhaps I’ve been a tad unfair on SV Ried here. They were a home side but the introduction of their Spanish threesome Nacho, Carril, and Guillem has made this side incredibly comfortable on the ball and very dangerous in front of goal, hence their misleading league placing. Ried are generally a top five side but nothing more as they’ve previously lacked the necessary quality to progress but their Spanish imports are doing a fine job and although striker Nacho is a doubt for this game, I still fancy Ried to cause an upset here. Nacho is likely to start, incidentally, if the reports listed about this game are true. Ried are hard to play against because their defence is solid and they play a fairly unusual 3-5-2 formation nowadays that Bundesliga sides find it hard to play against. Ried are much more comfortable on the ball than their hosts are, which is unusual, but intriguing. I can’t say that Ried are a better side than Austria Vienna because they’re not but they’re a bloody hard side to play against and giving Austria Vienna such short odds against them is ridiculous, in my view.

If Austria Vienna’s strikers all turn up for a change then Austria Vienna could probably just about deserve the odds that they’ve been given. However, taking into consideration that their strikers haven’t turned up collectively for the whole season, I find the chances of it happening now rather slim. For me, Ried are competent enough both on the ball and in front of goal to counter everything Austria Vienna throws at them here and with the hosts not scoring enough goals to win games like this on average, laying Austria Vienna looks a steal at 11/10, even with Ried missing important defender Hadzic.

Team news – SV Ried miss Hadzic for this game.

Verdict: Lay Austria Vienna at 11/10.

Wiener Neustadt vs Rapid Vienna – away win at 11/10.

It’s about time that Rapid Vienna pulled their socks up and got on with business because they’ve been inconsistent and unreliable so far this season and to be honest, it’s pissing me off!

Wiener Neustadt may have a good home record this season and even a good head-to-head record with Rapid Vienna – at home at least – but Rapid Vienna are still the superior of these two sides by some distance so odds of 11/10 need to be carefully considered here. The potential absence of captain Hoffman is a tricky one to call as he’s rather integral to the side but nonetheless, the striker duo of Salihi and Vennegoor of Hesselink has the potential to be the best in the Bundesliga and it really should start to show now. Rapid have got some very good players in Heikkinen in midfield and Kayhan in defence, for example, and again, it’s really got to start showing if Rapid intend to avoid the unthinkable – a season without European football.

Wiener Neustadt are a fairly hard side to beat, in general, but they know their limits. They’ve had five hard home games this season and they’ve only scored in two of them, hence their problem. If Rapid Vienna take the lead in this game then they really should win it if they’re as composed as they normally are in the Bundesliga. I’d prefer a two-goal cushion, ideally, but either way, Rapid Vienna are awfully long at 11/10 so the away win takes my fancy here.

Team news – Rapid Vienna miss Gartler and have doubts over Hoffman.

Verdict: Rapid Vienna to win at 11/10.

Club Brugge vs Zulte-Waregem – under 2.5 goals at 23/20.

I almost can’t believe that I’m making this call as Club Brugge’s games always go over 2.5 goals but this one really should go under 2.5 goals, for a change!

Club Brugge’s strength is a dominant and creative midfield; their weakness is not having great strikers and making stupid mistakes in defence. However, after a bizarre game at Racing Genk lately, Club Brugge find themselves without their two leading goalscorers Vargas and Perisic for this game, both of which play in midfield, amusingly! They’re also missing holding midfielder Odjidja-Ofoe and captain Hoefkens for this game so Club Brugge are far from ideally placed to win this one. Brugge are good enough to still maintain a lot of possession but looking at the side they have, I just don’t see where their goals are coming from so I think they’ll struggle here.

Zulte-Waregem are too often underestimated by people but I like them a lot. True, they do need Hyland and Habibou to both play to give Zulte-Waregem a chance of winning games as both are too good for this club but to be honest, Zulte-Waregem winning this game doesn’t interest me here. However, Zulte-Waregem’s strong defence under Broos most certainly does interest me as sides find it very hard to play against Zulte-Waregem, traditionally. They’re a solid side that are very well-organised and without the necessary quota of creativity available to Koster’s Club Brugge, I don’t see them having a lot of joy in this one.

My fear for this game is that Zulte-Waregem do something stupid like score against Club Brugge’s susceptible defence because if Club Brugge do wake up at that point and start to play well then we could see an over. However, I envision this game developing much like Club Brugge’s 1-0 win against Germinal Beerschot lately – tight, few chances, and even fewer goals. Therefore, under 2.5 goals really appeals to me in this game, especially at decent odds of 23/20.

Team news – Club Brugge miss Vargas, Perisic, Odjidja-Ofoe, Hoefkens, De Vlieger, Diaz, and Deschilder whereas Zulte-Waregem miss Meert and Sterckx.

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals at 23/20.

Anderlecht vs Cercle Brugge – both sides to score at 11/10.

I have no idea whatsoever how Anderlecht are 1/4 to win this game – absolutely insane odds.

Cercle Brugge have developed massively this season due to their impressive loan signings from Sporting Clube de Lisboa bedding in well and they play good football as a result. They’re not at the level of a club like Anderlecht but Cercle are a side that relishes the big games; they’re their cup finals.

Happily, Anderlecht will almost certainly be looking to their match with rivals Ajax in the near future in the UEFA Europa League so don’t be surprised if Jacobs rests a few players here. Cercle Brugge always cause Anderlecht problems and I think we’ll see more of the same today. I’m not going to enter the minefield of the 1×2 market here, which is a minefield, contrary to the bookies’ odds on show. However, the idea of both sides scoring in this game appeals to me  lot as I rate Cercle Brugge a lot this season so my call is for both sides to score at 9/10, especially with Anderlecht having had a lot of players on international duty this week already.

Incidentally, Anderlecht’s Tom De Sutter and Kanu both came from Cercle Brugge so there may be a little tension in this game too.

Team news – Anderlecht miss Legear and Deschacht whereas Cercle Brugge miss Viane.

Verdict: Both sides to score at 9/10.

Sint-Truiden vs Eupen – home win at 10/11.

I like this game a lot because frankly Sint-Truiden are a considerable amount better than Eupen and the odds could stand to be shorter than they currently are, in my view.

Sides in the Eerste Klasse don’t like the trips to face Sint-Truiden away from home due to their vociferous support and exceedingly compact pitch, which favours the hosts’ robust 4-5-1 formation. Sint-Truiden have already beaten both Standard de Liege and Club Brugge here this season, not to mention drawing with AA Gent, so they are a solid home team on their day. The sole stipulation I insist upon before backing Sint-Truiden is that Sidibe plays in the lone striker role because he has the power and pace to make it work. Without him, Sint-Truiden really struggle to score goals so you can imagine my happiness when his move to Standard de Liege during the January transfer window fell through. There were plenty of rumours about him being unhappy at Sint-Truiden after basically being forced into staying but he scored straight after that and looks as normal as can be to me so I’ll still give Sint-Truiden their chances here. True, Sint-Truiden haven’t won for three consecutive games but I’d argue that games against AA Gent, Racing Genk, and Anderlecht respectively are currently amonst the hardest in the division so again, write Sint-Truiden off at your peril here.

Visitors Eupen are genuinely the worst side in the Eerste Klasse currently and I’ll be astounded if they’re not played Tweede Klasse football next season. They claimed their heroic win at Lokeren after the winter break, fucking up a lot of coupons, but they’ve slid back into their rut since then, losing back-to-back home games against Zulte-Waregem and Standard de Liege respectively, both of which games they failed to score in. Eupen’s away record is actually better than their home record, presumably due to a lack of pressure away from home, but their poor defending on the road tends to mean that sides score a lot against them and if they fall behind at Stayen tonight then I don’t see them getting back into this one – Sint-Truiden should be too solid as a unit for little Eupen to break down.

Sint-Truiden regrettably miss regular defender Odoi for this game but with Eupen missing number one goalkeeper Werner and important midfielder Panizzolo for this game, I think it balances out rather well. I’d leave this game if they odds hit 4/5 or below but for now, there looks to be value on the home win.

Team news – Sint-Truiden miss Odoi and Schouterden whereas Eupen miss Werner, Diakhate, Panizzolo, Mombongo-Dues, and Obradovic.

Verdict: Sint-Truiden to win at 10/11.

Olympiakos Nicosia vs AEK Larnaca – both teams to score at 9/10.

I think this one largely speaks for itself. One of the more impressive newly-promoted sides – AEK Larnaca – travel to another impressive newly-promoted side – Olympiakos Nicosia – in a game that both need to win and both will try to win if the last few weeks are anything to go by. I love Olympiakos Nicosia’s ability to never say die; they just don’t know when they’re beaten, hence them scoring in the vast majority of the games that they play in. However, despite being an old Cypriot club, their lack of defensive prowess is very obvious, hence the predicament that they tend to fall behind more than they go in front. However, AEK will have a tough job to win here – everyone else has had that problem – so I’d avoid the 1×2 market here, especially as AEK are rumoured to have some hefty losses in defence for this game, although I can’t confirm that yet. Either way, taking both sides to score in this game looks a good call to me as the odds are particularly generous at 9/10 for what should be quite the feisty game.

Verdict: Both teams to score at 9/10.

Birmingham City vs Stoke City – both sides to score at 10/11.

I don’t expect this Midlands derby to be a classic because few of them are but I do think both sides will score. It’s no coincidence that since Dann was injured, Birmingham have conceded ten goals in five games in all competitions, and this is a side that prides itself on its defensive ability. Birmingham have only failed to score at home to Arsenal in their last eight home games in the Premier League so the hosts do tend to score a token goal or two, despite their fairly negative tactics. McGleish’s tactics tend to be spot on and I expect more of the same from them today although Birmingham are undeniably a lot more vulnerable at the back without Dann, something that I expect Stoke to capitalise upon today.

Stoke aren’t a good side to back away from home because they don’t tend to travel well. However, one thing that they do that few other sides do as well as they do is to score goals from set pieces, something that the absence of Dann will lend a hand in today. Stoke have scored in four out of their last six Premier League games and with Tony Pulis having the option to field with Jones or Carew as a lone front man, it’s fair to say that Stoke have plenty of options in attack today.

The reversal of this fixture ended 3-2 earlier this season and although I’d be surprised to see the same scoreline today, I do think that both sides will score, especially with the above in mind. Therefore, my call is for both teams to score in this game.

Team news – Birmingham City miss Dann, McFadden, and Valles whereas Stoke City miss Sidibe.

Verdict: Both sides to score at 10/11.

Middlesbrough vs Swansea City – home win at 6/4.

I’m a big advocate of Swansea City because they do very well with a limited squad. However, away from the Liberty Stadium, they tend to struggle because the pitches are wider and Swansea thus cannot play their compact game anywhere near as effectively, generally speaking. That’s when Swansea’s vulnerability in the goalscoring department is particularly evident as they just don’t score enough. Therefore, for Swansea to win away from home, they need their defence to be solid and to take their chances. As good as Swansea are, that’s not always possible and I think we’ll see that today. They’re missing two important defenders in Monk and Taylor for this game and are also missing creative winger Orlandi so Swansea’s thin squad will be very streched today.

We already know that Boro boss Tony Mowbray is one of the best in the Championship and Boro’s form is beginning to show his effect at the club. They’ll have been disappointed to lose at Crystal Palace lately but have played well en mass, winning 0-4 at Bristol City and 2-0 against Scunthorpe United of late. Middlesbrough have a wealth of attacking options which is happily supported by tricky Estonian winger Tarmo Kink and with the imminent return of Scottish midfielder Robson today, I can’t help but feel that Boro’s team is finally starting to take shape. The sale of Wheater has hurt their defence a fair amount but to be honest, today’s game with Swansea should realistically be about who scores the most goals and if it comes down to an open game of football then Boro really should win this game.

Swansea may have some blues following their derby defeat at home to bitter rivals Cardiff City at weekend so the opportunity is there for Boro to capitalise and they do have the players to achieve it. Therefore, my call is for Boro to win this game, partially because they have a good chance of doing so and partially because the odds look far too long at 6/4.

Team news – Middlesbrough have doubts over Arca, Bennett, and Taylor whereas Swansea City miss Orlandi, Taylor, and Monk.

Verdict: Middlesbrough to win at 6/4.

Aris Salonika vs Olympiakos Piraeus – away win at evens.

This game is far from a dead cert with Olympiakos having not only failed to win in Salonika for four years but having lost most of their encounters. However, times have changed a little this season and I see a steely resolve in this Olympiakos side that hasn’t been there for some time so I do fancy them today. It aids my cause that Aris aren’t the most potent of sides and can struggle when falling behind against superior sides as even experienced Cuper can’t pull them out of that one. Aris have lost four out of eleven Super League home games already this season and that’s really unlike them; they’re generally very hard to beat. However, even relegation battlers Panionios won here lately so I’m confident that Olympiakos can repeat Panionios’ heroics.

Aris won’t make this easy for Olympiakos but the visitors superiority and class should really tell be the final whistle. Aris miss number one goalkeeper Sifakis for this encounter, which is a hefty blow for them, whereas Olympiakos have a full squad to choose from. Aris don’t look so hard to beat this season for some reason and I think it’s the fact that they’ve not scored in four out of their last five games that makes me stick my neck out to back Olympiakos here. Well, that and the fact that Aris have a UEFA Europa League game with Manchester City just a few days later and they’re sure to put a lot of attention into that game over this one! Either way, the odds on the away win are good enough to take a chance on today, in my opinion.

Team news – Aris Salonika miss Sifakis for this game.

Verdict: Olympiakos Piraeus to win at evens.

Accumulator fodder:

Cardiff City, Southampton, Paris Saint-Germain, Padova, Nacional Asuncion, Olimpia Asuncion, Rangers, Barcelona, The New Saints.

Recommended bets:

Barcelona, Sint-Truiden, and Padova at 3/1.

As ever, if there are any explanations required then please feel free to post a comment! For the remainder of my thoughts on today’s games, see below, although I feel compelled to write that the below are not necessarily my tips but merely my thoughts to prevent endless questions about my thoughts on certain games!

Asian Champions League:

Sriwijaya vs Muang Thong United (5) 1-2
Al Sadd vs Al Ittihad (6) 1-0

Copa Sudamericano U20:

Colombia vs Argentina (6) 1-1
Ecuador vs Chile (5) over 2.5 goals
Uruguay vs Brazil (7) over 2.5 goals

Argentinian Primera Division:

Olimpo vs Banfield (4) 2-1, draw no bet
San Lorenzo de Almagro vs Gimnasia De La Plata (5) under 2.5 goals
Colon de Santa Fe vs Quilmes (7) 2-1

Australian A-League:

Melbourne Heart vs Sydney FC (6) 1-2
Brisbane Roar vs Gold Coast United (3) under 2.5 goals

Austrian Bundesliga:

Austria Vienna vs SV Ried (6) 1-1
Wiener Neustadt vs Rapid Vienna (5) 1-2
Sturm Graz vs SV Kapfenberg (3) 1-1
LASK Linz vs SV Mattersburg (6) 2-1

Belgian Eerste Klasse:

Mechelen vs Westerlo (5) 1-1
Club Brugge vs Zulte-Waregem (4) under 2.5 goals
Anderlecht vs Cercle Brugge (7) both sides to score
Sint-Truiden vs Eupen (7) 1-0
Lokeren vs Charleroi (7) 2-1
Lierse SK vs Germinal Beerschot (6) 2-1

Chilean Primera Division:

Union La Calera vs Universidad Catolica (4) 1-1
La Serena vs Santiago Morning (5) 1-0
Huachipato vs Nublense (7) 2-0
Colo Colo vs Universidad de Concepcion (7) 2-0
Deportes Iquique vs Union San Felipe (6) 1-1

Colombian Primera A:

La Equidad Bogota vs Atletico Nacional de Medellin (5) 1-1
Once Caldas Manizales vs Deportivo Cali (7) 2-0

Cypriot Division 1:

Olympiakos Nicosia vs AEK Larnaca (6) 2-2
Enosis Neon Paralimni vs A.E.Paphos (6) 2-1

Ecuadorian Primera A:

Barcelona Guayaquil vs Manta (7) 2-0

English Premier League:

Manchester United vs Manchester City (7) 1-0
Arsenal vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (7) 2-1
Birmingham City vs Stoke City (6) both sides to score
Blackburn Rovers vs Newcastle United (7) 2-1
Blackpool vs Aston Villa (4) over 2.5 goals, both sides to score
Liverpool vs Wigan Athletic (7) 2-1
West Bromwich Albion vs West Ham United (6) 2-1
Sunderland vs Tottenham Hotspur (5) 1-1

English Championship:

Middlesbrough vs Swansea City (6)
Cardiff City vs Scunthorpe United (8)
Barnsley vs Ipswich Town (5) both sides to score
Coventry City vs Crystal Palace (5)
Norwich City vs Reading (6)
Bristol City vs Leeds United (5) over 2.5 goals
Watford vs Burnley (5)
Hull City vs Preston North End (7)
Sheffield United vs Millwall (6) under 2.5 goals
Doncaster Rovers vs Portsmouth (5) draw no bet
Derby County vs Leicester City (6)

English League One:

Colchester United vs Swindon Town (7)
Rochdale vs Sheffield Wednesday (6)
Huddersfield Town vs Oldham Athletic (7)
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Hartlepool United (7) under 2.5 goals
Southampton vs Carlisle United (8)
Leyton Orient vs Bristol Rovers (6)
Walsall vs Bournemouth (6) both sides to score
Milton Keynes Dons vs Brentford (5)
Dagenham & Redbridge vs Yeovil Town (5)
Plymouth Argyle vs Tranmere Rovers (6)
Notts County vs Exeter City (5) both sides to score
Charlton Athletic vs Peterborough United (5) over 2.5 goals

English League Two:

Cheltenham Town vs Hereford United (4)
Shrewsbury Town vs Stevenage (7)
Barnet vs Torquay United (4)
Bradford City vs Wycombe Wanderers (6)
Crewe Alexandra vs Gillingham (5) both sides to score
Aldershot Town vs Macclesfield Town (6)
Stockport County vs Bury (7)
Oxford United vs Rotherham United (6)
Port Vale vs Northampton Town (5) under 2.5 goals
Lincoln City vs Morecambe (6) under 2.5 goals
Accrington Stanley vs Southend United (5)

Finnish Liiga Cup:

FC Honka Espoo vs MyPa Anjalankoski (5) 2-1
Haka Valkeakoski vs Inter Turku (6) under 2.5 goals
Jaro Pietarsaari vs KuPS Kuopio (6) over 2.5 goals

French Ligue 1:

Arles vs Montpellier HSC (6) under 2.5 goals
Girondins de Bordeaux vs Stade Malherbe de Caen (7) 1-0
AS Monaco vs Lorient (5) 0-0
AS Nancy-Lorraine vs Auxerre (6) 1-1
Paris Saint-Germain vs Racing Club Lens (8) 2-1
Sochaux vs Olympique de Marseille (6) 0-1
Saint-Etienne vs Olympique Lyonnais (5) 1-1, at least one red card in this game

French Ligue 2:

Evian Thonon Gaillard vs Chateauroux (6)
Istres vs Boulogne (7) under 2.5 goals
Stade Lavallois vs Tours (6) under 2.5 goals
Le Havre vs Clermont Foot (7)
Le Mans vs Grenoble Foot (4)
Nimes vs Dijon FCO (5)
Sedan-Ardennes vs Angers SCO (6)
Troyes vs Reims (4)
Vannes OC vs Nantes (4) draw no bet

German Bundesliga:

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen (6) 1-1
VfL Wolfsburg vs Hamburger SV (5) 1-1
Bayern Munich vs Hoffenheim (7) over 2.5 goals
St.Pauli vs Borussia Moenchengladbach (5) over 2.5 goals
Schalke 04 vs SC Freiburg (5) 1-1
VfB Stuttgart vs Nurnberg (5) 1-0
Kaiserslautern vs BV09 Borussia Dortmund (7) over 2.5 goals

German Bundesliga 2:

Greuther Furth vs Energie Cottbus (5) both sides to score
Alemannia Aachen vs FSV Frankfurt (6)

Greek Super League:

Ergotelis vs Kavala (5) 1-1
Panionios vs PAOK Salonika (5) 0-1
Aris Salonika vs Olympiakos Piraeus (6) 0-1

Italian Serie A:

AC Milan vs Parma (7) 2-1
AS Roma vs SSC Napoli (7) 2-1

Italian Serie B:

Crotone vs Albinoleffe (6)
Empoli vs Ascoli (5)
Frosinone vs Cittadella (6) under 2.5 goals
Piacenza vs Grosseto (3) draw no bet
Portosummaga vs Livorno (6)
Modena vs Reggina (5)
Vicenza vs Sassuolo (6)
Padova vs Triestina (8)
Pescara vs Varese (6)

Mexican Primera Division:

Queretaro vs Toluca (7) under 2.5 goals
Jaguares vs Monterrey (6) 0-1
Tigres UANL vs Cruz Azul (5) over 2.5 goals
Pachuca vs Puebla (6) 1-0
Atlas vs Santos Laguna (6) 1-1
Atlante vs San Luis (5) 1-1

Dutch Eredivisie:

ADO Den Haag vs VVV Venlo (7) 2-0
Willem II vs FC Utrecht (5) 1-1
Feyenoord Rotterdam vs Heracles Almelo (6) 2-1
Twente Enschede vs Vitesse Arnhem (7) 2-1
AZ Alkmaar vs PSV Eindhoven (6) 0-1

Paraguayan Division Profesional:

Nacional Asuncion vs Independiente (8) 2-0
Olimpia Asuncion vs General Caballero (8) 2-1

Peruvian Primera Division:

Inti Gas vs Leon de Huanuco (6) 1-0
Cobresol vs Universidad San Martin (4) 1-1
Universitario Lima vs Juan Aurich (5) 1-0

Portuguese Liga Sagres:

CD Nacional de Madeira vs Uniao de Leiria (6) 1-0
Olhanense vs Sporting Clube de Lisboa (6) over 2.5 goals

Singaporean S-League:

Young Lions vs Armed Forces (4) 2-2

Scottish Premier League:

Hamilton Academicals vs Hearts (6) 0-1
Hibernian vs Kilmarnock (5) 0-0
Rangers vs Motherwell (9) -1.5 handicap
St.Johnstone vs Aberdeen (6) 0-1, draw no bet
St.Mirren vs Inverness Caledonian Thistle (5) 2-1

Spanish Primera Liga:

Atletico Madrid vs Valencia CF (6) both sides to score, at least one red card in this game
Sporting Gijon vs Barcelona (8) 0-2
Racing Santander vs Sevilla CF (4) 1-0, draw no bet

Spanish Segunda Liga:

Barcelona II vs Cartagena (6) both sides to score
Numancia vs Deportivo Xerez (6)
Huesca vs Girona (5) draw no bet
Alcorcon vs Las Palmas (6)
Villarreal II vs Ponferradina (6) over 2.5 goals
Recreativo de Huelva vs Real Valladolid (7)
Real Betis Balompie vs Elche (7) under 2.5 goals

Swiss Super League:

Basel vs St.Gallen (7) both sides to score
Sion vs Bellinzona (5) 1-1

Turkish Super Lig:

Bucaspor vs Konyaspor (5) 0-0
Sivasspor vs Trabzonspor (6) under 2.5 goals
Istanbul BB vs Genclerbirligi (7) 1-0
Gaziantepspor vs Galatasaray (6) 1-1

Uruguayan Primera Division:

Liverpool Montevideo vs Defensor Sporting (5) over 2.5 goals, both sides to score
Miramar Misiones vs Racing Club Montevideo (6) 1-1

Welsh Premier League:

Haverfordwest County vs Aberystwyth Town (5) 1-1
Llanelli vs Carmarthen Town (6) 1-0
Newtown vs The New Saints (8) 0-2

Enjoy your free betting tips!

Bursaspor vs Trabzonspor

Today’s featured game is the Super Lig encounter between Bursaspor and Trabzonspor. Hosts Bursaspor are having yet another successful season and currently occupy third place in the table, six points behind leaders Fenerbahce with a game in hand. Visitors Trabzonspor have had a fairly slow campaign but are gradually gathering momentum and currently occupy sixth place so tonight’s game should be an interesting encounter.

Bursaspor have already won seven out of nine home games this season and average scoring over two goals per home game as well as boasting the joint best defensive record at home in the Super Lig along with Kayserispor. Bursaspor concede just over a goal per every two home games and are extremely reliable on their own turf. They’ve matured from an average Super Lig side to a top six side in recent years and have a promising squad as a result although the most widely acclaimed of those players tends to be Sercan Yildrim, who is considered by many to be the most promising player in Turkish football currently. Bursaspor’s last home game was a few days ago in the Turkiye Kupasi where they thumped Fenerbahce 3-1, which is further testament to their ability at home. Bursaspor are a very capable side in general and this result will have only increased their confidence and momentum, leaving them in good stead ahead of their tricky tie tonight.

Visitors Trabzonspor used to fill the void that Bursaspor now fill. Whereas Trabzonspor are a long way from being out of the picture, their rank in the Super Lig has declined in recent years. However, Trabzonspor are beginning to wake up now and are unbeaten since returning from the winter break, which is a total of eight games in all competitions. However, only three of those games were away and I don’t consider any of those away games to be particularly testing. Whereas Trabzonspor will have gained a good level of momentum from such a run, I doubt their ability to maintain it against a very good Bursaspor side. Trabzonspor have lost here for two out of their last three visits, drawing the other encounter. However, Trabzonspor are the highest-scoring away side in the Super Lig at the present time with an average of over two goals per game scored and have won five out of their nine away games. Trabzonspor are clearly better than the majority of Super Lig sides but their three defeats on this run indicate that they are caught out by good sides sometimes.

Although this should be a very exciting game with plenty of goals as well as featuring two good sides, I have to favour Bursaspor here. They’ve been phenomenal at home this season both in attack and defence so they should be able to overcome Trabzonspor tonight. Trabzonspor have been potent on the road but their defence isn’t as good as it needs to be, particularly here, so I feel they may be exposed tonight, particularly as they’ve struggled travelling to Bursaspor for many years. Ultimately, I feel the value is in the home win tonight.

Verdict: Bursaspor to win at 6/4.

Monday’s Picks

My tips:

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

Argentinos Juniors vs Newell’s Old Boys – home win at evens.

Argentinos Juniors have only played two Clausura games in this campaign and although they’re yet to win a home game, they’ve managed to score eight goals, which is an average of four goals per game. Argentinos Juniors managed a respectable 2-2 draw at home to Boca Juniors in their opening Clausura game before travelling to Lanus and playing a frankly bizarre game of football that ended 6-3 in favour of the visitors. Argentinos Juniors are a decent away side but they shouldn’t be capable of that! It was partially suicidal defending from Lanus and taking the initiative from Argentinos Juniors that did the damage but either way their potency at the moment is through the roof so it’s hard to go against them. They were good at home in the Apertura with five wins from ten games and tended to rely on their stern defence rather than attacking ability. However, the tables have now turned and Argentinos Juniors are scoring goals for fun so they’ve got a good chance of doing damage tonight.

Newell’s Old Boys have just returned from a trip to Ecuador where they succumbed to defeat against Emelec Guayaquil, a result that means that tonight’s visitors will not participate in this year’s Copa Libertadores. I think this is a blessing in disguise because Newell’s aren’t really good enough to be there and don’t have the squad to compete on both fronts. Newell’s were the best away side in the Apertura with seven wins in ten games but have struggled to get out of the traps in the Clausura with just one win in three games. They’ve already lost on the road against a poor Huracan side and have had to fight for their few points gained at home so they are struggling. Despite the four that Newell’s scored against Boca Juniors, I’m not convinced that they’re a potent side at all – a side that is primarily based upon defence generally isn’t potent and I don’t think that Newell’s are an exception to this ruling. That said, Newell’s appear to have forgotten about their reliable defence as they’ve conceded four goals in their last two Primera Division games so it’ll be interesting to see what Newell’s side turns up. However, whichever Newell’s Old Boys does show up, one aspect of that side will remain constant – they’ll be tired. The trip to Ecuador is a long one and a fruitless trip like that won’t have done the morale of Newell’s any good at all. They’ve now lost both away games that they’ve played in recent times and now travel to bogey side Argentinos Juniors, a side that they failed to beat in either of their last two meetings and a side that they surprisingly managed to lose at home to last season without even registering a goal themselves. I can’t see Newell’s Old Boys rushing into this game eagerly with glee as I think they’re going to have yet another difficult away game against a good side and frankly I can only see them losing it.

Argentinos have had longer to prepare for this game, they’re scoring goals for fun at the moment, and they’ve got the home advantage. That’s enough for me to take them to beat a Newell’s side that are tired and frankly not that good a side.

Verdict: Argentinos Juniors to win at evens

Strasbourg vs Nantes – home win at 10/11.

Strasbourg’s resurgence continues as they’re now unbeaten in their past four Ligue 2 games, winning twice and drawing twice. Both of Strasbourg’s wins came at home so they’re gradually building up some strong momentum as they seek to become the impressive promotion challengers that they have been for some time. Strasbourg have won six out of eleven home games in Ligue 2 this season despite being fifth from the bottom of the table so it’s easy to see that they do have strength in their squad. Strasbourg have won their last five Ligue 2 home games consecutively and have notched up twelve goals along the way, an average of over two goals scored per home game. Their momentum is strong and their ability is unquestionable so I can see them “doing a job” on Nantes tonight.

Visitors Nantes are witnessing their season going from bad to worse in a matter of weeks. Instead of vying with the likes of Caen and Metz for a promotion place they find themselves being drawn into a relegation battle instead! They’re one of the lowest scoring away sides in Ligue 2 with just eight goals scored in eleven games and they average conceding nearly two goals per away game. With those records in mind, it’s easy to see why Nantes have been beaten in six out of their eleven away games in Ligue 2 this season. Nantes are also without a win in their last six games, losing five times along the way so their momentum and confidence are gone. They fact that Nantes have only scored three goals in their last six games speaks volumes as to why they’re having so many issues and with zero confidence at the moment it’s impossible to see them producing an inspired display currently. They’ve lost their last five away games now and as they’re facing a very potent Strasbourg side tonight that are in good form at home, I can only see Nantes losing this game with yet another goal-shy display.

Verdict: Strasbourg to win at 10/11.

MSV Duisburg vs Kaiserslautern – away win at 8/5.

MSV Duisburg’s push for promotion has suffered several dents in recent times with three defeats in their past five games. Despite averaging scoring two goals per game at home, they’ve lost two out of their last three home games without scoring a single goal in those two games. Duisburg haven’t scored in either of their last two games and I think we’re beginning to see what is a rather big problem for the hosts and that is that they don’t score enough goals currently. A 5-0 win against FSV Frankfurt a few weeks ago indicated that they’re capable of doing it but it just seems that a good side has little trouble in keeping them out, which is a big problem. Duisburg’s home record isn’t great with just four wins in ten games and with their form and goalscoring stalling of late, I find it hard to envision them winning this game tonight.

Visitors Kaiserslautern are marching onwards through Bundesliga 2 despite a blip a few weeks ago. They’re now unbeaten in three games and have won their last two consecutively. Kaiserslautern’s blip came against good sides, good sides that caught them short on goalscoring and leaky in defence. However, Kaiserslautern are back with a bang and have now gone three games without conceding a single goal, which is bad news for goal-shy Duisburg! Kaiserslautern have battered Alemannia Aachen away and Paderborn at home in their last two games, scoring six goals in the process, so their potency is good too. With seven wins from eleven away games already this season, it’s hard to see a driven and potent Kaiserslautern not beating Duisburg tonight, particularly with the hosts struggling to score as Kaiserslautern are solid defensively too.

Verdict: Kaiserslautern to win at 8/5.

Salternitana vs Triestina – home win at 13/8.

This is probably the riskiest call of the day but I do believe that Salernitana are gradually launching something of an attack to escape the drop zone in Serie B. They’ve been losing many games, as you’d expect, but their home form has gone by somewhat unnoticed of late. Salernitana have only lost once in their last four home games, which was a defeat against Brescia, which is acceptable considering their league placing versus Brescia’s ability. Salernitana have won two of those four games against two strong Serie B sides – Empoli and Ancona respectively. In fact, Salernitana’s last home game was their 3-0 win against high-flying Ancona so the hosts are not to be underestimated at home. They’ve scored in all four of their last four home games, which totals six goals. Although they’ve lost three out of their last four games, you have to bear in mind that all their defeats came on the road and even then they fought valiantly, particularly in an unfortunate 3-2 defeat at Sassuolo. Salernitana are gradually becoming a bit of a force, ultimately, so my recommendation is not go underestimate them just because of their league placing!

Visitors Triestina are consistently a bad away side. They’re yet to register an away win in Serie B this season despite playing eleven times. They’ve lost six out of eleven away games this season and average conceding nearly two goals per away game whereas they score less than a goal per away game that they play. Triestina have lost seven out of their last nine Serie B games, losing their last four away games consecutively. Triestina have conceded ten goals during those four away games and scored just three times so it’s very simple to see why they’re having so many problems. Triestina are very much a home side and yet they’re struggling there too so momentum and confidence are ebbing very low indeed. Triestina are ultimately conceding too many goals so taking on a rejuvenated Salernitana side away from home may not be the God-send that the majority of people interpret it to be.

This should be a close game between two sides that can beat each other on their respective days but Salernitana have far more in their favour in my opinion and the odds are good value to see it occur at.

Verdict: Salernitana to win at 13/8.

As ever, if there are any questions/explanations required then feel free to post a comment! For the complete picks listing, see below!

Argentinian Primera Division:

Argentinos Juniors vs Newell’s Old Boys (6) 2-1

Cypriot Division 1:

APEP vs APOEL Nicosia (9) 0-2

English League One:

Bristol Rovers vs Charlton Athletic (6) under 2.5 goals

French Ligue 2:

Strasbourg vs Nantes (7)

German Bundesliga 2:

MSV Duisburg vs Kaiserslautern (5)

Italian Serie B:

Salternitana vs Triestina (6) draw no bet

Dutch Eerste Divisie:

Cambuur Leeuwarden vs Fortuna Sittard (7)
AGOVV Appeldoorn vs Emmen (8)
Veendam vs Oss (6)
Go Ahead Eagles vs Den Bosch (5)
De Graafschap vs RBC Roosendaal (7)

Portuguese Liga Sagres:

Naval de Maio vs Vitoria Guimaraes (7) 1-1

Spanish Primera Liga:

Tenerife vs Real Mallorca (6) 1-1

Swiss Challenge League:

Lugano vs Yverdon Sport (7) over 2.5 goals

Turkish Super Lig:

Bursaspor vs Trabzonspor (6) 2-1

Enjoy your free betting tips!