Today's featured game is the UEFA Europa League game between Genoa and Valencia. The Italians enter this game knowing that they need at least a point to qualify for the latter stages of this competition although they'll realistically require all three of those points. Visitors Valencia will reach the latter stages of this competition if they do anything but lose this game.
Hosts Genoa are traditionally strong at home in any competition and have won both of their home encounters in the UEFA Europa League so far this season. They've already scored five times at home in the Europa League this season and average scoring 2.5 goals per home game in Serie A. To put it bluntly, Genoa play very attacking football and they play it very well too, scoring a lot of goals along the way. Genoa scored twice in Spain against Valencia in their 3-2 defeat there in the reversal of this fixture so they know how to find their way past the Spaniards already.
Visitors Valencia are a similar side to Genoa in terms of employing attacking football at all times with little care or ability for defence. Valencia have scored in both of their away games in Europe this season, drawing both but scoring three times. Valencia have scored over two goals per away game in the Primera Liga this season and have been playing some lovely attacking football so I'd be surprised if they don't score in this game. Valencia don't need to win this game; they simply need to avoid defeat so they're going to have to score at least once as I'm confident that Genoa will score too.
With Genoa needing to win this game and Valencia likely to score in this game, it seems logical that this game will better the over 2.5 goals mark as it did in the reversal of this fixture.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals at 5/6.
Thursday’s Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
AFC Ajax Amsterdam vs Anderlecht - over 2.5 goals at evens.
This game follows a very similar pattern to my opening preview ahead of today's games. We basically have two very attacking sides that score plenty of goals domestically and a sufficient amount in Europe for this bet to bear value. Anderlecht need to take something from this game whereas Ajax don't so we should see a very open and goal-filled game tonight!
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals at evens.
SL Benfica vs AEK Athens -1.75 handicap at 8/5.
Hosts SL Benfica have gone off the boil a little lately results-wise but they've still notched up eight goals in their last three competitive games. They're a very attacking side with tremendous potency and have already scored eleven goals in five UEFA Europa League games in their current campaign. Benfica have a tremendous wealth of attacking ability to choose from and tend to exemplify that very well, particularly domestically where they've averaged scoring over four goals per home game, which is frankly tremendous! Although Benfica have no need to play well in this game, it's in their nature to attack and score goals so I thoroughly expect them to do so.
Visitors AEK Athens are already out of this competition and have nothing to play for. Their somewhat unstable and slow defence tends to be exposed by incisive sides and AEK tend to struggle as they're not big goalscorers. They've conceded just under two goals per game in European football so far this season and now face a trip to what is effectively the Lion's Den. AEK are amongst the biggest conceding sides in their domestic league too so it's almost fate that they're going to concede goals here. They've scored just one goal on the road in Europe this season so the home win looks likely here.
I can't see beyond a home win here and the value looks to be in handicapping the hosts in a game that they're more than capable of strolling to win.
Verdict: SL Benfica to win with a -1.75 goal handicap at 8/5.
As ever, if there are any questions/explanations required then feel free to post a comment! For the complete picks listing, see below!
UEFA Europa League:
AFC Ajax Amsterdam vs Anderlecht (7) over 2.5 goals
Dinamo Zagreb vs FC Poli Timisoara (8) -1.75 handicap
LOSC Lille vs Slavia Prague (8) 2-0
Genoa vs Valencia (6) 2-2
Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Hamburger SV (5) 1-1
Rapid Vienna vs Celtic (6) 2-1
Lazio vs Levski Sofia (7) 1-0
Villarreal vs Salzburg (8) 2-1
Steaua Bucharest vs Twente Enschede (6) 1-1
Fenerbahce vs Sheriff Tiraspol (8) under 2.5 goals
SL Benfica vs AEK Athens (8) 2-0
Everton vs BATE Borisov (5) 1-1
Colombian Futbol Profesional:
Deportivo Pereira vs Atletico Bucaramanga (8) 2-0
Enjoy your free betting tips!
I'm afraid that there's not a lot of games I like the look of today, guys! However, there is money to be made on some of these encounters and my featured game is at San Mames between Athletic Club de Bilbao and Valencia. Both sides are on great runs of form aand should create a superb spectacle tonight with both sides employing attacking football as the focal point of their tactics.
Hosts Athletic Club de Bilbao are something of a bogey side for Valencia with the visitors having only beaten them twice in their last ten meetings with five of those meetings being at the Mestalla. Athletic have won four out of the last five meetings between these two clubs and Valencia haven't won at San Mames since 2006. This record in itself shows how hard sides find the trip to Bilbao and that does give Athletic even more confidence than normal. Occasionally this can backfire on them as they get overly passionate and have men sent off but overall I think it's a good thing!
Athletic have virtually a full squad to choose from after their mid-week demolition of Austria Vienna. Aside from Aitor Ocio, who is out with a long-term injury, I can't see that their other missing players are particularly big losses unless something else has occurred that I've not heard about! To my knowledge, it's just Toquero, Koikili, Velez, and David Lopez. Lopez can make something happen but he's not essential to the Athletic Bilbo process. Athletic have gone unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions, winning three out of their last five and scoring twelve in those five games. To put it bluntly - Athletic certainly know how to find the back of the net!
Visitors Valencia are playing some of the best football in the division currently but they're a very changeable side in the sense that they can turn from brilliant to atrocious in a single game. I've never been fond of backing Valencia away from home, particularly in the Basque country, but they've done extremely well away from home this season and will certainly test Athletic's dodgy defence. Much like their hosts tonight, Valencia have won three of their last five competitive games and they too average scoring over two goals per game at the moment. Valencia have won five out of their six away games in the Primera Liga this season so will certainly test Athletic's resolve tonight. However, Valencia don't tend to play well against physical sides and there are few sides more physical in Spain than Athletic are!
Although this should be an action-packed game with lots of goals, I'm backing Athletic to win the game and keep up their voodoo sign over Valencia. Athletic play very well at San Mames and their confidence is very high at the moment. Their momentum is strong and Valencia will have to work very hard to take anything from this game.
Incidentally, I don't know why the bookies have made the odds of there being over 3.5 goals 2/1 as two out of the last three encounters between these two sides has beaten that and both sides are scoring goals for fun at the moment with both sides finding defence a somewhat alien word! Just a thought!
Verdict: Athletic Club de Bilbao to win with draw no bet odds of 5/4, over 3.5 goals at 2/1.
Sunday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Velez Sarsfeld vs River Plate - home win at 4/5.
Hosts Velez Sarsfeld have returned to winning ways with back-to-back victories over Racing Club Avellaneda and Tigre. Although the title is looking unlikely now, the possibility is still there with the proviso that they win this game tonight. Velez have already won five out of seven home games this season, losing just once. They average scoring nearly two goals per home game and no side in the Primera Division has conceded less goals than they have at home this season. Generally, Velez are a very efficient and reliable side who usually do just enough to win the game.
Visitors River Plate will be happy when this campaign is over with given the miserable run of games that has seen them win just three games out of sixteen. They are unbeaten in their last three games but two of those were against what I would label as really poor opposition. River Plate are capable of playing much better than they have and are but it's simply not working out for them at the moment. They've already lost five out of eight away games this season and are tonight facing a side that is looking to replace them as one of Argentina's leading clubs.
This has the potential to be a close game and will most likely be a low-scoring affair. However, the momentum and general cohesion of Velez Sarsfeld is a lot better than River Plate's and they do look to have the upper hand in terms of which side is considered to be the better one at the moment. Both sides can go toe-to-toe on their respective days but Velez have more going for them tonight than River Plate do so I think a home win looks likely.
Verdict: Velez Sarsfeld to win at 4/5.
SV Ried vs Austria Vienna - home win at 5/4.
Although SV Ried let themselves down last match by failing to beat Mattersburg but will be highly motivated for the visit of one of Austria's "big four". SV Ried are unbeaten in their last three games and have won two of those so their momentum is still good. SV Ried have already won five out of eight home games this season, losing just once, so their fortress remains very much entact! Austria Vienna haven't won any of their last three visits here so SV Ried know they're capable of beating their more illustrious opponents.
Austria Vienna enter this game looking even more unconvincing than before after a 3-0 demolition by Athletic Club de Bilbao midweek. They already have a quite poor away record for a big side as they've lost five out of their eight away games in the Bundesliga this season. Austria Vienna have now lost three out of their last five games in all competitions and are conceding far too many goals at the moment, something that's going to cause them a problem against a very capable SV Ried today. More worryingly for the visitors, they're finding goals hard to come by themselves so even if they're playing well then the best result they'll get is a draw currently.
To put it bluntly, although a draw is generally a likely outcome from such a fixture, there's far more favouring SV Ried than there is favouring Austria Vienna so there does look to be value in the home win at 5/4.
Verdict: SV Ried to win at 5/4.
Polonia Warsaw vs Korona Kielce - home win at 4/5.
Ever since former Barcleona playmaker Jose Maria Bakero took over the reigns at Polonia Warsaw they've looked a completely different side. They've managed to claim a draw at bitter rivals Legia Warsaw and managed to overcome Polonia Bytom in their last game. Their general level of football has improved and their confidence is high currently. Although they're missing key defender Jodlowiec, they do welcome back Mysar and Sokolewski, which will assist them in their climb away from the relegation zone.
Visitors Korona Kielce have been one of the higher scoring sides in the Ekstraklasa this year but that doesn't prevent them from occupying one of the lower Ekstraklasa league places due to their high number of goals conceded. However, we may well witness a complete reversal in their tactical approach after the contraversial exit of manager Motyka. They've replaced him with Marcin Sasal but he won't be in charge for this game. With that in mind, it's unlikely that Korona Kielce's five games without a win is going to be ended here today, particularly as their rejuvenated hosts are the better side between these two.
Overall, the hosts are in good shape and have good confidence whereas their visitors are virtually completely opposite so there appears to be some good value in the home win here.
Verdict: Polonia Warsaw to win at 4/5.
Las Palmas vs Villarreal II - home win at 10/11.
Hosts Las Palmas will look to fall back on their reliable home form after three games without a win. Their momentum is virtually non-existent but they have managed to avoid defeat in six out of their seven home games, winning three and conceding very few goals along the way. Only a handful of sides have conceded less goals at home than Las Palmas so they'll take comfort from that fact at least.
Visitors Villarreal II have already lost four out of seven away games this season and enter this game on the back of a 4-0 thrashing at Real Betis Balompie midweek. Few sides have conceded more than Villarreal II away from home and they don't enjoy scoring away from home either. Villarreal II know they're not as good as Las Palmas so I suspect that they'll go for the draw here, which wouldn't be a bad addition to their poor away form this season!
Basically, there's a quality difference here and Las Palmas have the edge because of it. Their home advantage tends to count significantly for them and Villarreal II are leaky enough to give them the chances they'll need to win this game.
Verdict: Las Palmas to win at 10/11.
Gaziantepspor vs Antalyaspor - home win at 10/11.
Gaziantepspor enter this game with two wins, one draw, and just one defeat from their last four games so they do carry considerable momentum into this encounter. They are a rather full-blooded side that prefer to give it their all and lose than to play out for the draw, something indicated rather well with their home form this season reading seven games played, four games won, and three games lost. Their home form is decent but generally not enough on it's own to make me back them to win a game.
Cue the entrance of Denizlispor! The visitors have lost four out of their last five games, drawing the other encounter and generally looking very poor. Nobody else has lost as many away games as they have this season (obviously discounting Ankaraspor) with six defeats in seven games. They average conceding two goals per away game and don't appear to have any knowledge of tactics given the ease with which they're beaten in most away games.
Although Gaziantepspor's form isn't the most reliable home form in the division, Denizlispor's away form is some of the most reliable in the division as in they're very poor! This should be a fairly routine home win for the hosts today!
Verdict: Gaziantepspor to win at 10/11.
As ever, if there are any questions/explanations required then feel free to post a comment! For the complete picks listing, see below!
Accumulator fodder - Newell's Old Boys, Dinamo Zagreb, Auxerre, Panathinaikos, SL Benfica, Maritimo, Vaslui, Luzern, Basel, Young Boys Bern, Real Mallorca.
You might also want to consider an accumulator containing Ajax, PSV, Twente, and Feyenoord at 5/1.
Argentinian Primera Division:
Velez Sarsfeld vs River Plate (7) 1-0
Newell's Old Boys vs Arsenal de Sarandi (8) 2-0
Lanus vs Gimnasia De La Plata (8) 2-1
Australian A-League:
Perth Glory vs Brisbane Roar (7) 1-0
Austrian Bundesliga:
SV Ried vs Austria Vienna (6) 2-1
Sturm Graz vs Salzburg (6) 1-1
Austria Karnten vs LASK Linz (5) over 3.5 goals
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Lokeren vs Club Brugge (6) 0-1
Cercle Brugge vs Anderlecht (8) 1-2
Belgian Tweede Klasse:
Liege vs Turnhout (6)
Ronse vs KVSK United (6)
OH Leuven vs Dender (5) draw no bet
Brazilian Serie A:
Gremio Barueri vs Atletico Paranaense (7) 1-0
Santos vs Cruzeiro (6) 1-1
Coritiba vs Fluminense (6) 1-1
Vitoria vs Goias (6) 2-1
Flamengo vs Gremio (8) 2-1
Botafogo vs Palmeiras (6) 1-2
Internacional vs Santo Andre (8) 2-0
Sao Paulo vs Sport Recife (7) 2-1
Bulgarian A PFG:
Sliven vs Levski Sofia (7) 1-2
CSKA Sofia vs Chernomorets Burgas (8) 2-0
Colombian Futbol Profesional:
Independiente Medellin vs Real Cartagena (8) 2-0
Deportivo Pereira vs Atletico Junior Barranquilla (6) 2-1
Croatian Prva Liga:
Medimurje vs Dinamo Zagreb (9) 0-2
Cypriot Division 1:
Enosis Neon Paralimni vs APEP (8) under 2.5 goals
Nea Salamis vs A.E.Paphos (5) 0-1
Danish Superligaen:
Nordsjaelland vs Midtylland (6) 1-1
Randers vs HB Koge (5) 1-0
Silkeborg vs Brondby (6) 2-1
OB Odense vs FC Copenhagen (7) 1-1
English Premier League:
Fulham vs Sunderland (6) 0-0
Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur (5) 1-1
English Championship:
Scunthorpe United vs Coventry City (6)
French Ligue 1:
Auxerre vs AS Nancy-Lorraine (8) 1-0
Boulogne vs Racing Club Lens (6) 1-2
Grenoble vs Toulouse (5) 0-0
LOSC Lille vs Olympique Lyonnais (7) 1-1
German Bundesliga:
Koln vs Werder Bremen (7) 1-2
Schalke 04 vs Hertha HSC Berlin (8) over 2.5 goals
German Bundesliga 2:
Rot-Weiss Oberhausen vs 1860 Munich (5)
Rot-Weiss Ahlen vs Karlsruher (6)
Paderborn vs MSV Duisburg (6)
Greek Super League:
Panthrakikos vs Asteras Tripolis (7) 0-1
PAS Giannina vs Iraklis (6) 0-0
Ergotelis vs Kavala (8) 1-1
Panathinaikos vs Atromitos (8) 2-0
Panionios vs AEK Athens (6) 2-1
Greek B Ethniki:
Ethnikos Piraeus vs Doxa Dramas (7)
Kalamata vs Ilioupoli (7)
Olympiakos Volos vs Diagoras Rodos (6)
Panserraikos vs Panaitolikos Agrinio (7)
Pierikos Katerini vs Agrotikos Asteras (7)
Thrasivoulos vs Ethnikos Asteras (7)
Italian Serie A:
Bologna vs Udinese (6) 1-2
Fiorentina vs Atalanta Bergamo (7) 1-0
Genoa vs Parma (8) over 2.5 goals
Livorno vs Chievo Verona (6) 0-0
SSC Napoli vs Bari (5) 1-1
Palermo vs Cagliari (6) 1-1
Siena vs Catania (7) 0-0
AS Roma vs Lazio (6) 1-0, at least one red card in this game
Mexican Primera Division:
Toluca vs Monterrey (5) 1-0
Dutch Eredivisie:
Utrecht vs AFC Ajax Amsterdam (8) 0-2
RKC Waalwijk vs PSV Eindhoven (9) 0-2
Feyenoord Rotterdam vs Groningen (8) 2-1
NEC Nijmegen vs Twente Enschede (8) 0-1
Heracles Almelo vs Heerenveen (6) 1-0
Polish Ekstraklasa:
Ruch Chorzow vs Wisla Krakow (6) 1-2
Polonia Warsaw vs Korona Kielce (7) 2-0
Portuguese Liga Sagres:
Maritimo vs Olhanense (8) 2-0
SL Benfica vs Academica de Coimbra (9) -1.75 handicap
Portuguese Liga de Honra:
Portimonense vs Desportivo Aves (7)
Freamunde vs Santa Clara (7)
Feirense vs Sporting Covilha (8)
Oliveirense vs Fatima (6)
Varzim vs Carregado (6)
Desportivo Chaves vs Trofense (6)
Romanian Liga:
Unirea Alba Iulia vs Gaz Metan Medias (7) 1-1
Vaslui vs Otelul Galati (9) 2-0
FC Poli Timisoara vs Pandurii Targu Jiu (8) 2-0
Scottish Premier League:
Hamilton Academicals vs Hearts (6) 0-1
Slovakian Corgon Liga:
Dukla Banska Bystrica vs Senica (7) 2-1
Slovenian Prva Liga:
Drava vs Koper (6) 0-1
Rudar Velenje vs Maribor (5) 1-2
Spanish Primera Liga:
Tenerife vs Sporting Gijon (7) 1-1
Espanyol vs Racing Club Santander (6) 2-1
Real Mallorca vs Real Zaragoza (8) 2-0
Malaga vs Osasuna (6) 1-1
Villarreal vs Getafe (8) 2-1
Athletic Club de Bilbao vs Valencia (6) 2-1
Spanish Segunda Liga:
Levante vs Recreativo de Huelva (6)
Gimnastic de Tarragona vs Castellon (7)
Real Murcia vs Real Betis Balompie (5)
Las Palmas vs Villarreal II (7)
Swiss Super League:
Luzern vs Aarau (8) 2-0
Basel vs Bellinzona (8) 2-0
Young Boys Bern vs Neuchatel Xamax (8) over 2.5 goals
Swiss Challenge League:
Servette vs Le Mont (6)
Locarno vs Kriens (6)
Biel-Bienne vs Yverdon Sport (7)
Stade Nyonnais vs Schaffhausen (7)
Turkish Super Lig:
Gaziantepspor vs Antalyaspor (7) 2-1
Kayserispor vs Bursaspor (7) 1-1
Genclerbirligi vs Denizlispor (6) 2-1
Trabzonspor vs Ankaragucu (7) 1-0
Galatasaray vs Istanbul BB (7) 2-1, at least one red card in this game
Ukrainian Premier League:
Zakarpattya Uzhhorod vs Illichivets Mariupol (7) 1-1
Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih vs Shakhtar Donetsk (8) under 2.5 goals
Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk vs Metalurg Donetsk (6) 1-0
Uruguayan Primera Division:
Tacuarembo vs Montevideo Wanderers (7) 1-1
River Plate Montevideo vs Defensor Sporting (6) 1-2
Club Nacional de Montevideo vs Penarol (8) over 2.5 goals
Cerro vs Cerro Largo (6) 1-2
Venezuelan Primera Division:
Llaneros de Guanare vs Deportivo Tachira (8) 0-2
Centro Italo vs Deportivo Anzoategui (6) 0-1
Caracas vs Zulia (7) over 2.5 goals
Aragua vs Zamora (6) 2-1
Trujillanos vs Yaracuyanos (7) 2-0
Atletico El Vigia vs Deportivo Italia (5) 1-1
Deportivo Lara vs Real Esppor Club (7) 1-0
Mineros de Guayana vs Carabobo (8) 1-0
Monagas SC vs Estudiantes de Merida (6) 1-1
Enjoy your free betting tips!
Today's featured game is the match between Udinese and Fiorentina in the Italian Serie A. Hosts Udinese had been tipped pre-season for a very good campaign but have generally failed to deliver consistently thus far, hence their unconvincing league placing. However, their actual potential has begun to surface lately with a two-match unbeaten run and a morale-boosting victory against Serie A giants AS Roma. Udinese's biggest problem is that they're really poor on the road but fortunately this isn't a problem today for obvious reasons! Only Internazionale and Sampdoria have currently got a better record at home than Udinese. The hosts today have won four of their six home games, drawing once and losing once along the way. Today they host a Fiorentina side that have started to look increasingly stretched of late with just one win in their last five Serie A games. A mid-week clash didn't assist matters either with talismanic striker Adrian Mutu obtaining an injury during this game and thus missing the match today. With form and numbers of available players dwindling, the Viola are beginning to look rather fragile, in my humble opinion. Fiorentina have won just once in five away games this season, losing twice and drawing twice. Although Fiorentina are not a side that generally leaks goals, Udinese are a side that does enjoy scoring them, particularly at home, something which is proven by the fact that only Internazionale and Sampdoria have scored more home goals than they have. Although neither of these two sides are playing as well as they should be at the present time, there's a clear selection of a home win for today's game in my opinion due to the above information. Frankly, 7/5 on the home win looks a real bargain today for me!
Sunday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Udinese vs Fiorentina - home win at 7/5 - see introduction for full details.
San Lorenzo de Almagro vs Banfield - home win at evens. This should be a fantastic game between two of the most in-form sides in Argentina currently! Both sides have won three of their last five games and occupy third and first place respectively in the Argentinian Primera Division. Visitors Banfield are the more surprising side in this position as they're not really good enough to be there but you can only beat what's in front of you! San Lorenzo de Almagro are currently a side I expect to be challenging for the title and they're duly delivering. The hosts have won four from six home games so far this season, drawing twice. They average nearly two goals per home game and are generally a tricky opponent. Visitors Banfield are resilient and currently efficient, although that's not always been the case. The game should be a cracker due to the contrasting styles of both sides but San Lorenzo de Almagro have enough to win this game against what can be bluntly called "lesser opponents". The visitors may be unbeaten this season but they've not convinced on the road yet with four draws from six away games, winning just twice in that run. I think a record may end today with a San Lorenzo de Almagro victory and at evens, it's very good value.
Estudiantes De La Plata vs Velez Sarsfeld - home win at evens. This is yet another fascinating clash in Argentina between two top sides, arguably the two best in Argentina currently. Both sides will be competing for the title this year and this match will go some way in indicating just which side has the ability to go all the way. In terms of quality, I personally believe there's very little between these two sides - both can match each other toe-to-toe on their day. Estudiantes De La Plata have proven that they're a very accomplished home side in this campaign, however, with four wins and one draw from their five home games. That said, Velez Sarsfeld are arguably the best away side in Argentina and have shown such a thing for at least a year now. The only thing that is really tipping the scales in the favour of Estudiantes De La Plata for me is that simple fact that Velez Sarsfeld had an extremely tiring trip to a very high altitude Ecuador to face Liga de Quito in the Copa Nissan Sudamericana, which they were knocked out of. Therefore, the visitors will not only be tired but will also be a little worse for wear mentally. In my opinion, it's worth taking the home win on the back of that at evens.
SV Ried vs Austria Karnten - home win with -1.75 handicap at 10/11. This is a complete no-brainer in my book due to the consistent quality of SV Ried at home and the woeful displays of Austria Karnten.
Racing Genk vs Anderlecht - away win at 10/11. Recent years has shown Racing Genk emerging as one of Belgium's bigger sides, although still languishing behind the old guard of Anderlecht, Club Brugge, and Standard de Liege. Racing Genk are struggled to live up to their tag this season with just four wins in thirteen games. Their good performances this season can be counted on the fingers of one hand but their potential is always there. However, their home form has to be a real worry for them as they've won just one home game out of seven so far this season, losing three times and drawing three times. This should be a more apparent problem today as they take on an in-form and superior Anderlecht side that have already won four out of six away games this season. Anderlecht have the momentum to do it as they've won three games in a row and they've got the ability so an out-of-sorts Racing Genk should be susceptible enough for Anderlecht to win this game at 10/11.
Standard de Liege vs Club Brugge - away win at draw no bet odds of 5/4. This is an incredibly bold choice given that Club Brugge almost never take anything off Standard de Liege but I've been really impressed with them this season. Club Brugge have won five consecutive games in all conditions, including a notable victory in a difficult Serbian venue against Partizan Belgrade in the UEFA Europa League. The visitors have everything going for them and have already won four out of their six away games this season, losing just once. Standard de Liege simply don't look the same side this year due to their losses and it's starting to show. More notably, the loss of midfield playmaker and captain Steven Defour due to long-term injury has really affected the potency of Standard de Liege of late and their league form has suffered because of it as they've not won in three games now. With all this in mind, the away win with draw no bet at 5/4 looks like a potential bargain today.
Aalborg BK vs FC Copenhagen - away win at 23/20. The Superligaen's oddest side today hosts the Superligaen's best side in what should be an interesting match. Aalborg BK are capable of playing very good football but appear to have decided not to for the time being with no wins in five games, a run that has seen them lose three games. I don't need to tell you all the quality difference between FC Copenhagen and the rest of the Superligaen sides but their form of late also shows them to be a real force with four wins in their past five games. FC Copenhagen have already won four of their seven away games this year and have conceded just five goals on their travels, which affirms their reputation of being hard to beat. If Aalborg BK were in form then I wouldn't touch this game with a barge pole but I'm going to take advantage of their present slump by taking FC Copenhagen to win at Aalborg BK at 23/20.
Hull City vs Stoke City - away win at 8/5. Hull City's woeful form of late continues, furthering speculation regarding Phil Brown's future at the club. Three defeats and just one victory in their last five games leaves Hull City looking increasingly likely to prove all the pre-season pundits right as they seemingly attempt to move down a division into the Championship. The fact that they've scored just eight goals in eleven games should tell you everything you need to know about their problems, particularly as no side in the Premier League has scored less goals. Visitors Stoke City are the side that Hull City should be attempting to emulate to prolong their stay in the Premier League by adopting a no-nonsense, efficient footballing manner to grind out results. Stoke City are now what I would call an established Premier League side that will give any side a good game on their day. They're hard to break down and they take their chances, particularly from set pieces. Stoke City are unbeaten in their last four games, winning two of them, and appear to have gotten even stronger since last year. No side has lost less away games than Stoke City in the Premier League this year and the fact that they won here last year should give them additional confidence in getting the job done. Stoke City are frankly a better unit than Hull City on every level and with the hosts playing some terrible football, it's hard to overlook the away win at 8/5.
West Ham United vs Everton - home win at 6/4. West Ham United's performances have finally started improving and their results are beginning to show it too. They're unbeaten in their last three games, including a home game against Arsenal, and won their last match mid-week at home to Aston Villa. I have to admire Gianfranco Zola's side because they always turn up for each game and put 110% into their football. West Ham United are a mid-table side by rights and I fully expect them to be there by the end of the season. Visitors Everton seem to be going from bad to worse with their small squad beyond stretched already with games coming out of their ears! They've not won in their last four games now, drawing three times and losing once. A mid-week battering at home by SL Benfica will have knocked the wind out of the few players they have left in their squad and this is yet another game that is coming at David Moyes far too quickly for him to prepare his squad. For me, a rejuvenated West Ham United have a great chance of winning this game today at 6/4.
Chelsea vs Manchester United - home win at 21/20. As much as I hate to say it, as a Manchester United fan, but I am very much afraid that we'll see a home win in this game. Although Manchester United have been a bogey side for Chelsea ever since Jose Mourinho moved on, Chelsea are now firing on all cylinders under Carlo Ancelotti and are scoring goals for fun. Not only will this trouble a shaky and frankly nervous Manchester United defence, but this defence is also missing the experienced Rio Ferdinand through injury. The only thing I would emphasise with this game is some caution as these two sides are the two best sides in England and either is capable of turning it on at any given time. Manchester United tend to really turn up when the odds are against them, which gives me some hope as a fan, but their dire displays in their other two games against members of the "big four" - Arsenal and Liverpool - this season really make me think that Ferguson will again select Scholes and Carrick in the middle of the park, who again will be overrun by the likes of Essien etc. Bluntly, I'm concerned about this game because I think almost everything points to a home win, which basically means 21/20 on the home win is good value, particularly as Chelsea have won every competitive home game this season.
Xanthi vs Panionios -home win at 11/10. Hosts Xanthi lie deceptively just outside of the relegation zone as they entertain Panionios. Their away form is atrocious but their home fom is superb with three wins and one draw from their four home games this season. Basically, they're a tricky side to face and Panionios will have their work cut out to steal a result here because of that. Aside from that, Panionios have lost three of their four away games this season and appear to be mirroring Xanthi's lack of ability on the road. For me, this game has a narrow home win written all over it at 11/10.
Sevilla CF vs Villarreal - lay Sevilla at 5/4. This is an extremely bold call given the impressive displays that Sevilla CF have given this season but as ever, I have my reasons. The foundation for this call is that Sevilla CF have become somewhat complacent of late. They've drawn at home against Espanyol without scoring and they drew at home to a woeful VFB Stuttgart just a few days ago. The hosts simply aren't doing what they do best at the present time despite their magnificent season thus far - it simply happens to big sides sometimes and it appears that time is now upon Sevilla CF. Unfortunately for them, visitors Villarreal have well and truly awoken with a bang and are on fire at the moment with both goalscoring and form. They've amassed a highly-impressive twelve goals in their last four competitve games, winning three games and drawing the other. They smashed four goals past Lazio mid-week are starting to look their old selves again. Basically, I think this game is going to be an awful lot closer than people think and with odds of 5/4 for laying a side that hasn't won either of their last two competitive games at home seems very good value to me - potentially!
Elche vs Real Union Club de Irun - home win at 10/11. Both of these side appear to have a long battle ahead of them to stay in the Segunda Liga this year so this kind of game will be vital for both. Elche have more experience in this division than newly-promoted Real Union Club de Irun and it's shown so far. Elche are unbeaten in their last four games, winning two of them, and have gained substantial momentum from these results. Real Union Club de Irun have already lost three of their five away games this season and enter this game with two defeats in their last three games. For me, there's clear value in the home win at 10/11 for Elche as they boast a better quality of player and better level of momentum at the present time.
Llaneros de Guanare vs Deportivo Italia - away win at 21/20. Llaneros de Guanare are having a campaign to forget as they've won just once in eleven games. They've lost a heavy six games in the process and three defeats in their last five games leaves the bottom-placed club precariously placed as other sides begin to pull away from them. Unfortunately for Llaneros de Guanare, they are today hosting one of Venezuela's "big three" - Deportivo Italia. The visitors are currently third in the Primera Division with seven wins from eleven games. They've won three of their last five games and have the best away record in the league with four wins from five away games. They've got the momentum and the quality to win this game so I fancy Deportivo Italia to overcome Llaneros de Guanare with considerable ease tonight at 21/20.
As ever, if there are any questions/explanations required then feel free to post a comment! For the complete picks listing, see below!
Argentinian Primera Division:
San Lorenzo de Almagro vs Banfield (6) 2-1
Estudiantes De La Plata vs Velez Sarsfeld (6) 1-0
Boca Juniors vs Colon de Santa Fe (6) 1-1
Australian A-League:
Wellington Phoenix vs Perth Glory (6) 1-1
Newcastle Jets vs North Queensland Fury (5) 1-2
Austrian Bundesliga:
Austria Vienna vs Sturm Graz (6) 1-1
SV Ried vs Austria Karnten (9) -1.75 handicap
Wiener Neustadt vs Salzburg (7) over 2.5 goals
LASK Linz vs Rapid Vienna (8) 1-3
Belarusian Vysshaya Liga:
FC Vitebsk vs MTZ-RIPO Minsk (5) 1-0
Dinamo Brest vs Naftan Novopolotsk (7) 2-1
FC Smorgon vs FC Minsk (7) 0-1
Neman Grodno vs Torpedo Zhodino (6) 1-0
BATE Borisov vs FC Gomel (4) 1-1
Granit Mikashevichi vs Shakhtyor Soligorsk (8) 1-2
Dinamo Minsk vs Dnepr Mogilev (7) 1-0
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Racing Genk vs Anderlecht (8) 1-2
Standard de Liege vs Club Brugge (4) 1-2
Belgian Tweede Klasse:
Antwerp vs Tubize (5)
OH Leuven vs Ronse (8)
Brazilian Serie A:
Corinthians vs Santo Andre (5) 1-1
Atletico Mineiro vs Flamengo (6) 2-1
Fluminense vs Palmeiras (6) 1-2
Botafogo vs Coritiba (7) 2-1
Atletico Paranaense vs Goias (7) 1-1
Gremio Barueri vs Internacional (6) 0-1
Bulgarian A PFG:
Pirin Blagoevgrad vs Levski Sofia (5) 1-1
CSKA Sofia vs Slavia Sofia (6) 2-1
Colombian Futbol Profesional:
Real Cartagena vs Atletico Huila (6) 1-1
Deportivo Cali vs Boyaca Chico (6) 1-0
Deportivo Pasto vs Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota (5) 1-1
Once Caldas Manizales vs Envigado (8) 2-0
Cucuta Deportivo vs Deportivo Pereira (6) 2-1, draw no bet
Deportes Quindio vs Atletico Junior Barranquilla (6) 1-0
Millonarios Bogota vs La Equidad Bogota (7) 2-1
Croatian Prva Liga:
Dinamo Zagreb vs Sibenik (6) 2-1
Cypriot Division 1:
Apollon Limassol vs Doxa (8) 2-1
Ermis vs AEL Limassol (6) 1-2
Czech Republic Gambrinus Liga:
Ceske Budejovice vs Mlada Boleslav (6) 0-1
Bohemians Prague vs Brno (5) 1-1
Bohemians 1905 vs Pribram (4) 1-0
Danish Superligaen:
Midtylland vs Randers (8) 2-0
SonderjyskE vs Nordsjaelland (6) 1-1
Brondby vs Esbjerg (7) 1-0
Aalborg BK vs FC Copenhagen (8) 1-2
Danish 1st Division:
Frem vs Roskilde (6) over 2.5 goals
Fyn vs Hvidovre (6)
AC Horsens vs Vestjaelland (7)
Fredericia vs Naestved (6)
Lyngby vs Thisted (8)
Vejle vs Kolding (8)
AB Copenhagen vs Braband (8)
Ecuadorian Primera A:
Liga de Quito vs Macara Ambato (8) 2-0
Emelec Guayaquil vs Olmedo Riobamba (6) 1-1
Espoli Cayambe vs Deportivo Cuenca (7) 1-2
English Premier League:
Hull City vs Stoke City (7) 0-1
West Ham United vs Everton (7) 2-1
Wigan Athletic vs Fulham (6) 1-1
Chelsea vs Manchester United (7) 2-1
English FA Cup:
Northwich Victoria vs Charlton Athletic (8) 0-2
Burton Albion vs Oxford City (7) over 2.5 goals
Wealdstone vs Rotherham United (7) 0-1
French Ligue 1:
LOSC Lille vs Girondins de Bordeaux (7) 1-1
Toulouse vs Stade Rennais (6) 0-0
Olympique Lyonnais vs Olympique de Marseille (6) 1-1
German Bundesliga:
Hannover 96 vs Hamburger SV (5) 1-1
Hertha BSC Berlin vs Koln (5) 1-0
Werder Bremen vs BV09 Borussia Dortmund (8) over 2.5 goals
German Bundesliga 2:
Energie Cottbus vs 1860 Munich (6)
Karlsruher SC vs Union Berlin (7)
MSV Duisburg vs Rot-Weiss Ahlen (8)
Greek Super League:
Atromitos vs Ergotelis (7) 1-1
Xanthi vs Panionios (7) 1-0
Asteras Tripolis vs PAS Giannina (6) 0-0
Levadiakos vs Panathinaikos (9) 0-2
Greek B Ethniki:
Agrotikos Asteras vs Ethnikos Piraeus (6)
Diagoras Rodos vs Kerkyra (6) draw no bet
Kalamata vs Rhodos (5)
OFI Crete vs Panaitolikos Agrinio (7)
Olympiakos Volos vs Anagennisi Karditsas (8)
Panserraikos vs Doxa Dramas (7)
Hungarian Soproni Liga:
Gyori ETO FC vs Debreceni VSC (6) 1-1
Italian Serie A:
Bari vs Livorno (7) 1-0
Bologna vs Palermo (6) 1-1
Cagliari vs Sampdoria (6) 1-2
Genoa vs Siena (8) 2-0
Lazio vs AC Milan (7) 1-2
Parma vs Chievo Verona (6) 1-0
Udinese vs Fiorentina (7) 2-1
Internazionale vs AS Roma (8) 2-1
Japanese J-League:
Nagoya Grampus vs Vissel Kobe (7) 2-1
Kashima Antlers vs Montedio Yamagata (7) 1-0
FC Tokyo vs Urawa Red Diamonds (6) 1-1
Kawasaki Frontale vs JEF United Ichihara (9) 3-1
Jubilo Iwata vs Albirex Niigata (6) 1-1
Omiya Ardija vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima (6) 0-0
Kashiwa Reysol vs Shimizu S-Pulse (6) 0-1
Yokohama F Marinos vs Oita Trinita (8) 2-1
Gamba Osaka vs Kyoto Purple Sanga (8) 2-1
Latvian Virsliga:
Daugava Riga vs Liepajas Metalurgs (9) 1-3
Skonto Riga vs Olimps Riga (8) 2-0
Tranzits Ventspils vs FK Jurmala (7) 1-2
Mexican Primera Division:
Toluca vs Pachuca (7) 2-1
Morelia vs Pumas UNAM (8) 2-1
Estudiantes Tecos vs Queretaro (6) 1-0
America vs Monterrey (5) 1-1
Dutch Eredivisie:
NAC Breda vs Willem II (8) 2-1
ADO Den Haag vs PSV Eindhoven (9) 0-2
AZ Alkmaar vs Feyenoord Rotterdam (6) 1-1
FC Utrecht vs Heerenveen (7) 2-0
FC Twente Enschede vs AFC Ajax Amsterdam (6) 1-2
Dutch Eerste Divisie:
Emmen vs De Graafschap (7)
Polish Ekstraklasa:
Ruch Chorzow vs Jagiellonia Bialystok (8) 2-0
Portuguese Liga Sagres:
Leixoes vs CD Nacional (6) 1-1
Uniao de Leiria vs Academica de Coimbra (6) 1-0
Maritimo vs Porto (5) 1-1
Rio Ave vs Sporting Clube de Lisboa (5) 2-1, draw no bet
Portuguese Liga de Honra:
Desportivo Aves vs Feirense (6)
Freamunde vs Beira-Mar (6)
Trofense vs Varzim (5)
Santa Clara vs Desportivo Chaves (8)
Penafiel vs Oliveirense (7)
Fatima vs Sporting Covilha (5)
Gil Vicente vs Estoril (7)
Romanian Liga:
Otelul Galati vs FC Poli Timisoara (7) 0-1
CFR Cluj vs Astra Ploiesti (8) 2-0
Dinamo Bucharest vs Rapid Bucharest (5) 1-2, draw no bet
Russian Premier League:
CSKA Moscow vs Rubin Kazan (6) 1-2, draw no bet
Spartak Nalchik vs Dinamo Moscow (7) 1-1
Zenit St.Petersburg vs Terek Grozny (8) 2-0
Lokomotiv Moscow vs Amkar Perm (8) 2-1
Scottish Premier League:
Falkirk vs Celtic (8) 0-2
Serbian Super Liga:
Metalac GM vs Partizan Belgrade (7) 1-2
OFK Belgrade vs Javor Ivanjica (7) 1-0
Slovakian Corgon Liga:
MSK Zilina vs Kosice (8) 2-0
Slovenian Prva Liga:
Drava vs Maribor (6) 1-2
Spanish Primera Liga:
Real Valladolid vs Deportivo Xerez (8) 2-0
Sporting Gijon vs Espanyol (6) 1-1
Racing Santander vs Athletic Club de Bilbao (5) 1-2, draw no bet
Almeria vs Osasuna (7) 1-1
Valencia vs Real Zaragoza (8) 2-1
Sevilla CF vs Villarreal (5) 1-1
Spanish Segunda Liga:
Real Murcia vs Cartagena (6)
Elche vs Real Union Club de Irun (7)
Cadiz vs Real Betis Balompie (6)
Girona vs Villarreal II (5)
Spanish Segunda B:
Group 1:
Celta de Vigo II vs Ponferradina (7)
Racing Club de Ferrol vs Compostela (6)
Izarra vs Mirandes (6)
Deportivo Alaves vs Athletic Club de Bilbao II (7)
Guijuelo vs Eibar (8)
Zamora vs Lugo (7)
Group 2:
Real Racing Club Santander II vs Vecindario (7)
Real Sporting de Gijon II vs Guadalajara (5)
Tenerife II vs Toledo (6)
Cerro Reyes Badajoz vs Universidad Las Palmas (8)
Puertollano vs Lanzarote (7)
Leganes vs Villanovense (6)
Real Madrid II vs Real Sociedad Gimnastica Torrelavega (7)
Conquense vs Atletico Madrid II (6)
Cacareno vs Alcorcon (6)
Alcala Henares vs Real Oviedo (6)
Group 3:
Atletico Gramenet vs Benidorm (6) over 2.5 goals
Villajoyosa vs Orihuela (5)
Sabadell vs Mallorca II (6)
Sporting Mahones vs Gava (7)
Espanyol Barcelona II vs Barcelona II (6)
Logrones vs Sant Andreu (6)
Alicante vs Badalona (8)
Ontinyent vs Valencia II (9)
Lleida vs Terrassa (6)
Group 4:
San Roque vs Melilla (5)
Sangonera Atletico vs Real Murcia II (6)
Ecije Balompie vs Sevilla II (8)
Ceuta vs Real Jaen (8)
Aguilas vs Caravaca (7)
Lucena vs Union Estepona (7)
Swedish Allsvenskan Relegation/Promotion Play-Off:
Djurgardens vs Assyriska Sodertalje (8) 2-0
Swiss Super League:
Luzern vs FC Zurich (5) 1-2
Sion vs Young Boys Bern (6) 0-1
Swiss Challenge League:
Vaduz vs Wohlen (8)
Wil vs Le Mont (6)
Biel-Bienne vs Locarno (5)
Thun vs Servette (8)
Gossau vs Winterthur (6)
Turkish Super Lig:
Ankaragucu vs Kasimpasa (8) 2-1
Eskisehirspor vs Denizlispor (8) 2-0
Manisaspor vs Gaziantepspor (8) 1-1
Sivasspor vs Kayserispor (6) 2-1
Diyarbakirspor vs Galatasaray (7) 1-2
Uruguayan Primera Division:
Liverpool Montevideo vs Cerro (8) 2-0
Cerro Largo vs Montevideo Wanderers (6) 1-1
Tacuarembo vs River Plate Montevideo (5) 1-1
Cerrito vs Penarol (8) 1-2
Fenix vs Danubio (6) 0-2
Venezuelan Primera Division:
Deportivo Lara vs Deportivo Tachira (6) 0-1
Mineros de Guayana vs Deportivo Anzoategui (7) 2-1
Monagas SC vs Zulia (9) 3-1
Trujillanos vs Zamora (8) 2-0
Atletico El Vigia vs Yaracuyanos (6) 2-1
Llaneros de Guanare vs Deportivo Italia (7) 1-2
Centro Italo vs Real Esppor Club (7) 1-1
Caracas vs Carabobo (8) 2-0
Aragua vs Estudiantes de Merida (7) 0-0
Enjoy your free betting tips!