Unirea Urziceni vs Zenit St.Petersburg
Today's featured game is the UEFA Champions League Qualifier in Romania between Unirea Urziceni and Russians Zenit St.Petersburg. Both sides have become familiar names on the European circuit over the past few years with the Russians taking the lion's share of the fame following their UEFA Cup success.
However, we'll look at the hosts first of all. This Unirea side is not the same side that you witnessed in the Champions League a couple of seasons ago where they caused Rangers a great deal of embarrassment with an emphatic victory in Scotland. It's not so much the difference in squad that has changed Unirea but a certain Dan Petrescu, who moved to Russia to take charge of Kuban Krasnodar. Unirea have never looked the same since he left and I personally don't consider them as an acceptable challenger for the Romanian Liga this year - I just don't see enough goal threat nor managerial know-how to make Unirea a threat again. Unirea struggled in their opening opening Liga game last week because hosts Pandurii are a resilient side and don't concede because they park the bus. Do Unirea have a way of breaking through that type of resilience? No! Unirea have got far more problems at the moment than are being documented, in my opinion, so I cannot seriously consider them in any competition. I knew Unirea would struggle at Pandurii because of Unirea's problems in attack and sure enough it ended 0-0. To make things worse for Unirea, they're missing integral playmaker Apostol and key holding midfielder Gomes. Zenit love to attack with constant possession through the middle so these are hefty blows for the hosts. Unirea are also playing this game in Bucharest as their own ground is not suitable for use in European football. Whereas this isn't a new thing for them, it still counts against them in my opinion and should be taken into consideration.
Visitors Zenit are finally beginning to look the force they were before their magical Kerzhakov/Arshavin attack was split up. In a way, the appointment of Luciano Spalletti was ingenius, although quite surprising. What better type of manager to take control of a wealthy side that manipulate the possession statistics than an Italian?! Spalletti has proved his worth with AS Roma many times and although he's had bad times against Romanian opponents in the past, you still have to favour Zenit to do the job today. Not only have Zenit dominated games and won the majority of them this season but they've been absolutely banging goals in of late, which is a worrying thought for everyone because they can already defend very well indeed. Just imagine if these guys still had Skrtel and Arshavin - they'd be dominating Russia without any challenge, in my opinion - they're that close to being the ultimate side out there. Zenit are missing Krizinac and Lazovic for the game, which are blows but not to the point where I'm going to ignore the game. Lazovic is a good striker but if Kerzhakov plays (which he will) and if the support from Danny is good (which it usually is!) then I have no qualms over the potency of Zenit's attack. Krizinac is a bigger blow in a sense as he's a very experienced centre-back but I'm going to ride that one and bank on Unirea's lack of midfield to mean that their attack won't get the necessary service and thus Zenit won't be too troubled. Let's also not forget that Zenit are mid-season whereas Unirea have just started their campaign.
Basically, I expect Zenit to manipulate the possession in this game because they're the superior side here and they more than have the capability to do so. No central midfield for Unirea is a massive problem because Zenit will play through the compact middle of the park all day long and they tend to take a lot of joy from it too. Unirea will work hard and love to upset the odds but I just can't see how they'll manage it today. My sole concern for Zenit is that they'll revert to an overly defensive stance and not push at Unirea when they're clearly under-strength. If that happens, Zenit may not get the goal that I think they really should go for. Zenit will have a tough job to beat Arlauskis in the Unirea goal, who is arguably the best goalkeeper in the Romanian Liga currently. Nonetheless, Zenit have the ability to win this game and if they perform as I expect them to by controlling possesion then I expect them to win this game without conceding at generous odds of 31/20.
Verdict: Zenit St.Petersburg to win to nil at 31/20.
Tuesday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Omonia Nicosia vs Salzburg - home win at 11/10.
I really fancy Omonia for this game and I'm just hoping that last year's Salzburg doesn't turn up to burn me here! However, I'm starting to have a lot of faith in this wealthy Cypriot outfit and I'm starting to lose faith in a Salzburg side devoid of target man Janko so I do favour the hosts here. Omonia have already stated their intent by demolising Renova Dzepciste of the Republic of Macedonia 5-0 on aggregate in the previous qualifying round. Whereas I expected a comfortable home win for the Cypriots, I thought they'd have a much tougher away leg at an intimidating venue but the Cypriots showed their growing class and just why they are reputed to be the best team in Cyprus by winning with ease again. The intense humidity in Cyprus tonight will play largely into the hands of the hosts as their visitors just won't be used to playing in this weather condition. Omonia's squad is packed with experience from the likes of ex-Newcastle striker Lua-Lua, ex-Olympiakos Piraeus utility man Patsatzoglou, ex-Barcelona defenders Victor and Iago Bouzon, Cypriot international target man Konstantinou, and they even have the youthful input of ex-Arsenal youngster Efrem. Omonia have an awful lot going for them at the moment and I really fancy them to do well today as a result. Salzburg are a good side on their day but they've not convinced me at all so far this season. I think that they're lucky the game with Wacker Innsbruck was rained off because they had a nightmarish game against the newcomers and I'm quite confident that they'd have struggled. Let's not forget that the only game Salzburg have scored in this season was at home to Faroese outfit HB Torshavn with the Austrians failing to score in the return leg and at a mediocre SV Kapfenberg. Their attack is far too predictable and ineffectual without Marc Janko and I just don't see how they'll take anything from the game without a clear and concise Plan B which they just don't have. For me, this game has "home win" written all over it although I must emphasise caution as Salzburg can be a really funny opponent in European football. Nonetheless, there does appear to be value on the home win tonight.
Verdict: Omonia Nicosia to win at 11/10.
The New Saints vs Anderlecht - both sides to score at 21/20.
I like the odds for this game a bit more than I should, I daresay. We all know that Anderlecht are better than TNS but TNS impressed me an awful lot by destroying Bohemians 4-0 in their last home game in this competition. I rate Bohemians as a marginally better side than TNS as it is but Bohemians' strength is defending and yet the Welsh side blew them away with ease! TNS will be raring to go against Anderlecht tonight with that momentum behind them, particularly with the knowledge that wonderkid Lukaku misses the game for Anderlecht through injury and Anderlecht lack a natural finisher without him. Anderlecht sold key defender Van Damme in the transfer window and are suspect at the back as it is so there's every chance that they'll concede here. I'm actually slightly more concerned that Anderlecht won't score rather than TNS but I think that the silky skills of Moroccan Boussoufa should be enough to generate a goal for the superior Belgian side. Welsh football is on the rise, however, so don't underestimate TNS here, especially as Anderlecht aren't as big as their name! I like the idea of both sides scoring here and the odds are good enough to take a punt on although you're a braver man than I am if you back a winner here!
Verdict: Both sides to score at 21/20.
Sparta Prague vs Lech Poznan - lay Sparta Prague at 6/5.
There are so many bets that intrigue me for this game because I'm just not sure which way it's going to go! In the end, I've decided to lay the hosts because they're priced far too short for my liking and Lech aren't that bad.
Polish football is marginally better than it used to be and Czech football is on the decline so the gap has lessened in recent times. Sparta definitely aren't what they were and although their experience is an unquestionable advantage, especially at Letna, the fact is that they don't score enough goals. They keep the ball well enough but scoring goals is a big problem for them, particularly with their defence looking a little shaky at the moment too. The additions of Zitka and Matejovsky are useful ones to bolster the Sparta ranks with ability and experience but they're still lacking a really good striker and that's what underpins their overall displays, in my opinion. To top that problem off, Sparta miss strikers Lacny and Bouma for this game, not to mention defender Kusnir and midfielders Kucka and Vacek. Sparta are missing a good portion of their backbone for this game and I have concerns about their ability to win it against a stubborn Lech side. Lech might not have the potency that they did last year now that Lewandowski has departed but they're still solid at the back so should cause the Czech hosts some problems today. I don't see the battle of the aged between Repka and Wichinarek being problematic for the hosts so I was considering backing Lech not to score at decent odds of 4/5 as I think Krivets will be contained quite well. However, I've decided to be bold and lay the hosts today as I do think they're too short for this game considering the above and the odds are good enough to take a chance on.
Verdict: Lay Sparta Prague at 6/5.
France U19 vs Croatia U19 - home win at 7/10.
I can't write as much on this game as I'd like because it's all just staring you in the face; France are the better side. Not only are they at home but they've looked frighteningly good so far in this tournament with goals being scored for fun and the only blemish on their record being a 1-1 draw against England courtesy of a last minute English equaliser. France have some terrific players coming through the ranks, as usual, and the quality of the likes of Gael Kakuta is there for all to see. I have a lot of respect for the talented Croatians but they really shouldn't stand a chance here despite their solid defence. They're good but I genuinely think they've gnoe as far as they can go now and the odds today are too long for a frankly largely superior France side so there should be value in a France win today.
Verdict: France U19 to win at 7/10.
Guadalajara vs Universidad de Chile - lay Guadalajara at evens.
This is a little bit of a fun bet for me but one I quite like because of one fundamental reason; motivation.
Guadalajara have done well in this competition because for the most part, it was played when they had nothing else to play for. However, the fact is that the Mexican sides do not rate this competition - they much prefer their domestic competition and the North American continental competition. Guadalajara now play this semi-final as their domestic campaign has started so if what they said before the Copa Libertadores last year is true then their focus will not be on this game at all. Star striker Javier Hernandez has left to join Manchester United so they'll have to deal with his loss although they do still have some talented players in there. Nonetheless, Guadalajara were caught short at weekend by drawing a blank at home to Puebla so Hernandez's departure has clearly had a sizable impact on the hosts and that may play an important role too.
Compare the above to Universidad de Chile, who are arguably the most tenacious side in South America in my humble opinion. These guys would walk through fire to win this tournament and they'll do anything not to lose this game. They're mid-season so they have the match fitness boost that Guadalajara lack currently. Universidad have been terrific on the road in the Copa Libertadores in recent times too, losing just twice in their last nine away games. They're unbeaten in their last five away games, the last three of which were wins, which includes games against Flamengo, Alianza Lima, and Caracas - three very difficult games either for altitude reasons or the quality gap. Universidad were always successful because they were hard to beat. They still boast that asset but they've added the ability to score goals in continental competition, which makes them a very dangerous side indeed. Uruguayan striker Juan Oliveira is in the form of his life for the Chileans and midfield nutcase engine Manuel Iturra will be instrumental if Universidad are to do the job here today.
I have to give the visitors a chance today though. The hosts really shouldn't be interested in this game whereas the visitors prize this competition immensely. I think the bookies have priced the game about right but I still think there's value in laying the hosts in light of the above information.
Verdict: Lay Guadalajara at evens.
Shimizu S-Pulse vs Cerezo Osaka - lay Shimizu S-Pulse at evens.
I know that the J-League table shows Shimizu S-Pulse as a very good side but I still don't buy it. I just don't think they're good enough and I feel they've finally run out of steam in their push for the title. They were somewhat easily contained at home by defensive Jubilo Iwata in a 0-0 draw after the mid-season break and drew 3-3 at Nagoya Grampus last match, falling behind three times in the game. A solid defensive side causes the hosts today problems when they don't have momentum and momentum is something that they definitely don't have currently. They're a good side but they're not a great side and heads are beginning to drop. Are they worth the odds that they've been quoted? Not in my world they're not.
Cerezo Osaka are another side drastically over-achieving but their well-organised defensive unit of a team has done the job often in the J-League so they have to be respected. Ironically, the only side to have lost less away games than today's visitors is their opponents Shimizu S-Pulse with Cerezo having lost just once in six away games despite only joining the J-League this season. Cerezo held a superior Albirex Niigata side to a 1-1 draw in Niigata in their first game back from the mid-season break and then promptly destroyed relegation-threatened Montedio Yamagata 3-0 at home last match so they've prolonged their massive run of momentum beyond the mid-season break and are very much the side to beat at the moment. Only giants and league leaders Kashima Antlers have conceded less goals than Cerezo Osaka in the J-League this season and I wouldn't be surprised to see Cerezo leave this game today with that record entact. They average conceding less than a goal per game on the road and they're facing a side that doesn't know how to break down resolute defences at the moment so you have to give the visitors a chance here.
Although Shimizu are a good side, I think they're being priced on their league placing more than their actual level of ability and their form. For me, there's value on laying the hosts today because Cerezo Osaka are a horrible side to try and beat at home or away and I think Shimizu are going to discover that fact the hard way today. Despite the risk factor, I think the odds are good enough to take a chance on today.
Verdict: Lay Shimizu S-Pulse at evens.
Accumulator fodder:
France U19, NSI Runavik, Kashima Antlers.
Recommended bets:
Spain U19 and France U19 at 2/1.
Omonia Nicosia and Zenit St.Petersburg at 3/1.
As ever, if there any questions/explanations required then please feel free to post a comment! For the remainder of my thoughts on today's games, see below!
UEFA European Champions League Qualifiers:
Omonia Nicosia vs Salzburg (6) 2-1
Litex Lovech vs MSK Zilina (7) 1-0
Dynamo Kiev vs AA Gent (6) 2-1
Unirea Urziceni vs Zenit St.Petersburg (7) 0-1
Sparta Prague vs Lech Poznan (5) under 2.5 goals
The New Saints vs Anderlecht (5) both sides to score
UEFA European U19 Championships:
Spain U19 vs England U19 (7) 2-1
France U19 vs Croatia U19 (8) 2-0
Copa Libertadores:
Guadalajara vs Universidad de Chile (5) 0-0
Faroese Meistaradeildin:
Suduroy vs IF Fuglafjordur (5) 1-1
AB Argir vs EB/Streymur (6) 1-1
NSI Runavik vs B68 Toftir (9) -1.75 handicap
Japanese J-League:
Vegalta Sendai vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima (6) 1-2
Kashima Antlers vs Albirex Niigata (8) 2-1
Shimizu S-Pulse vs Cerezo Osaka (4) 0-0
Singaporean S-League:
Etoile vs Sengkang Punggol (7) 2-0
Enjoy your free betting tips
Rostov-na-Donu vs Zenit St.Petersburg
Today's featured game is the Russian Premier League encounter between battling Rostov-na-Donu and league leaders Zenit St.Petersburg. Hosts Rostov are traditionally a tough side to play at home with their incessant closing down and combative style. However, Zenit are dealing very well with that type of approach this season so I have to give them their chances today.
Rostov haave done well at home this season because they're not conceding goals. They rarely score them so it's easy to see why they've won four times but lost three times in seven home games. Rostov average conceding less than a goal per home game and yet bizarrely conceded three goals at an impotent Dinamo Moscow last match, which was very unusual indeed. Rostov played exactly the same dogged style of football last season and it prevented them from being relegated. They're built upon that side and have become a fairly comfortable mid-table side so they will give Zenit a tough game today. However, that defeat against Dinamo will have hurt them and they need to pick themselves up quickly, particularly as Zenit have won three out of their last four visits here. Rostov would take a draw from this game, given chance, so I expect them to line up purely to prevent Zenit's passing game from having its usual success.
Zenit, however, have other ideas. They've won eight consecutive games in all competitions (although this run does stretch over the summer break) but have won four games already this month so momentum is very strong indeed. They appear to have cast off the shackles of their defensive nature to exploit their true potential is they slice their way through defences with ease at the moment, leaking three goals in four games as a result but scoring ten goals along the way. It's that average of Zenit scoring over two goals per game at the moment that persuaded me to back them today because Rostov will line up defensively to prevent them from playing but a Zenit side taking chances is a very dangerous Zenit side indeed so I fancy them to continue their excellent run against a feisty but ultimately inferior Rostov.
Approach with some caution as Zenit have a trip to Romania in a few days time to take on Unirea Urziceni but I believe Zenit have the strength in-depth to win this. Aside from that, I don't see why they'd fear the trip to Romania - Unirea aren't anywhere near as good as they were and I'm sure Zenit will know that too.
Verdict: Zenit St.Petersburg to win at evens.
Saturday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
UEFA European U19 Championship preview:
Again, time is not on my side so the odds on these games aren't available yet. However, I'd take Spain to beat Italy with whatever you can get them at - they should have far too much for the Italians as they're a much better side. I'd stay away from England versus France barring taking both sides to score. Portugal should overcome Croatia but given their impotent attack and Croatia's reliable defence, I wouldn't touch Portugal at shorter odds than evens. Netherlands should be comfortable accumulator fodder but Austria's unyielding spirit tends to mean that over 2.5 goals looks good as ever.
SV Mattersburg vs SV Ried - home win at 11/10.
Mattersburg are an average side at best but they do take points at home, winning half of their home games last season in the Bundesliga and averaging scoring nearly two goals per game. They have to smell blood for this game as SV Ried's internal problems now mean that they've been left with two ancient strikers - Maryleb and former Bayern Munich hitman Zickler - so the Mattersburg defence will most likely remain untested en mass, which is handy because it's quite a poor defence! However, Mattersburg know they have a chance to take three points here and I really think they will - they're good enough at home to do the damage and have beaten Ried here for three out of Ried's last four visits - and that's when Ried had a good side!
Verdict: SV Mattersburg to win at 11/10.
Salzburg vs Wacker Innsbruck - lay the hosts in the first-half at evens.
This is a bold but fun call. Salzburg's poor defeat in the Faroe Islands against HB Torshavn mid-week may have affected them a little but if that didn't then the tough trip to Cyprus next week to face Omonia Nicosia will affect them. They're going to rest players and as I've already pointed out this season, Salzburg are without Janko now so are having real problems scoring goals. Admittedly, they're hosting a side that has just gained promotion to the division so the odds are about fair but I'm going to milk this lack-of-Janko route until it bears no more success, which should be some time as Salzburg are going to struggle to replace him. I wouldn't be surprised if they signed Maierhofer from Wolverhampton Wanderers in this window or the next, actually, after they've discovered that they need a target man. Either way, they're in for a rough ride today, largely because their opponents absolutely destroyed giants Rapid Vienna 4-0 in their opening game of the season so not only is motivation high but so is morale. I fancy Wacker to do a lot of damage today so laying a fairly impotent Salzburg in the first-half at evens looks a bargain and laying them overall at 2/1 looks good value, risky though it unquestionably is.,
Verdict: Lay Salzburg for the first half at evens.
Midtylland vs Silkeborg - home win at 7/10.
I like Midtylland an awful lot for this game, probably more than I should given that Silkeborg love to upset the odds. However, there's no denying that Midtylland are twice the side of Silkeborg and the odds on the home win should be shorter as a result. Silkeborg's displays last season clearly convinced the bookies that they're a competent Superligaen side, which they're not. Silkeborg were crushed 4-1 by Nordsjaelland in their opening game and I wouldn't be surprised to see a similar scoreline today. Midtylland, despite their fairly inconsistent displays, are a very good side. Their 2-0 win at AC Horsens in their opening game gives them momentum to bring into this game and they've beaten Silkeborg at home for two consecutive meetings, scoring three goals per game. In fact, Silkeborg have lost three out of their last four games against Midtylland wherever they've played them so the gap in class is visible. I'd never price the home win here at longer than 1/2 but the bookies have done so for some reason so I can only recommend the home win today.
Verdict: Midtylland to win at 7/10.
Nagoya Grampus vs Shimizu S-Pulse - home win at 23/20.
This is more of a fun bet than anything so caution must be advised! However, what is undeniable is that Nagoya Grampus are Shimizu S-Pulse's bogey team. Shimizu have failed to beat Nagoya for five consecutive meetings and have lost their last two J-League trips here. These two sides tend to play out good games of football with plenty of goals and that's a possibility for today's game too. However, I'm siding with Nagoya at generous odds because they've played well this season, particularly at home, and the visitors not only have a mental block because of their record against Nagoya but have also stumbled since returning from the break. Shimizu are unbeaten on the road this season - can you see that lasting the season? I can't; they're not good enough. This game is partially instinct and partially history but I like the home win nonetheless, although caution is recommended, of course!
Verdict: Nagoya Grampus to win at 23/20.
Aalesund vs Valerenga Oslo - away win at 27/20.
I rarely back an away side against Aalesund as it's such a tough side to play away from home but Valerenga are absolutely unstoppable at the moment. They're scoring goals for fun (sixteen goals in four games; an average of four goals per game!) and have won four consecutive games. They've not won at Aalesunds in three consecutive attempts but they've seldom looked as likely to do so as they do today. To boost the bet, Aalesunds promising displays earlier this season are naturally beginning to decline as they're not good enough to uphold them but as ever, Rekdal's men are always hard to overcome - he wouldn't have it any other way. I have to favour the away win at the moment though as Valerenga look capable of beating anyone so the away win it is, although do be careful - there's a good reason for Aalesund having only lost once at home this season!
Verdict: Valerenga Oslo to win at 27/20.
Rubin Kazan vs Dinamo Moscow - home win at 7/10.
I can't help but feel that the prices for this game are on name alone because on a quality ratio, Rubin would never be longer than 1/2 for this game. Dinamo's defence is good but their attack is utterly woeful. I was actually stunned that they scored three goals against Rostov last match and I'll probably end my life if Dinamo even manage to score against what is easily one of the best defences in Eastern Europe, let alone Russia. Rubin are such a tough side to play against that I simply cannot see Dinamo doing anything against them today. For me, the big question is will Rubin score? Well, they've not always been at the top of their game of late but the pleasing thing about Rubin is that they're clinical enough to take their chances even when they're not playing well, hence back-to-back titles for the unfavourable Kazan side. They won at Spartak Moscow last match with clinical finishing and resolute defending and I expect more of the same today. Interestingly, Rubin have won all six of their last six meetings with Dinamo Moscow at home and away, including three wins at home, so why the hosts are available at 7/10 I'll never know!
Verdict: Rubin Kazan to win at 7/10.
MSK Zilina vs Slovan Bratislava - home win at 6/5.
These two are big rivals and it's the start of the season but you have to favour MSK Zilina here. They've already played two competitive games, the most recent of which resulted in a 3-0 win at home to Maltese outfit Birkirkara mid-week, which sees today's hosts qualify for the next round of the UEFA Champions League. They therefore bring some momentum into this game against their rivals and are also boosted by the knowledge that Slovan Bratislava have a real striker crisis at the moment with allegedly just one striker fit. Slovan can ride that against the likes of Kosice but not against Zilina, surely? Zilina won this fixture last season and they've got an even better chance of winning it now than they did last season, in my opinion, particularly with Slovan having just brought in a new manager for the start of the season. Rivalries are always worthy of being cautious of but there should be value in the home win today.
Verdict: MSK Zilina to win at 6/5.
Jonkopings Sodra vs Falkenberg - home win at 23/20.
I like this one a lot, largely for reasons unknown! Jonkopings are simply a better side than their league placing suggests and their recent form shows that they're ready to prove that. They've won two out of their last three games against good Superettan sides and won this fixture 4-1 last season so they do know how to beat their tricky opponents. I'm not a big fan of Falkenberg but their football on the road is effective, if nothing else, hence just two defeats in eight away games this season and just six goals leaked along the way. However, the big draw-back for the visitors is that they don't score often on the road so if they fall behind, they tend to lose as a result. If nothing else, Jonkopings always bring goals to their games, as well as some truly woeful defending on occasions, so we should see goals here. If Jonkopings bring the goals to the game that I expect them to then the home win today is very good value because even a stubborn Falkenbergs side will struggle to contain them. Falkenberg may have kept two consecutive clean sheets ahead of this game but bear in mind that they've not scored for three games now. I fancy Jonkopings to win this one and it could be a drubbing if they turn up properly but there should be value in the home win either way.
Verdict: Jonkopings Sodra to win at 23/20.
Accumulator fodder:
Spain U19, Netherlands U19, Sturm Graz, BATE Borisov, Dinamo Zagreb, Hajduk Split, Trans Narva, Nomme Kalju, Skonto Riga, Liepajas Metalurgs, Zalgiris Vilnius, Lugano.
Recommended bets:
Sturm Graz, Midtylland, Nomme Kalju, and Rubin Kazan at 9/1.
As ever, if there any questions/explanations required then please feel free to post a comment! For the remainder of my thoughts on today's games, see below!
UEFA European U19 Championship:
Portugal vs Croatia (6) 1-0
Spain vs Italy (8) 2-0
England vs France (5) 1-1
Netherlands vs Austria (8) over 2.5 goals
Austrian Bundesliga:
Sturm Graz vs SV Kapfenberg (8) 2-0
Salzburg vs Wacker Innsbruck (4) 2-2
SV Mattersburg vs SV Ried (5) 1-0
Belarusian Vysshaya Liga:
Dnepr Mogilev vs BATE Borisov (8) 0-2
Brazilian Serie A:
Avai vs Atletico Mineiro (7) over 2.5 goals
Vasco da Gama vs Atletico Goianiense (7) over 2.5 goals
Gremio Prudente vs Vitoria (5) 2-1
Colombian Primera A:
Millonarios Bogota vs Deportivo Cali (6) 1-0
Envigado vs Once Caldas Manizales (5) 1-2
Croatian Prva Liga:
Rijeka vs Split (6) under 2.5 goals
Varteks Varazdin vs Zadar (5) 1-0
Karlovac vs Inter Zapresic (6) 2-1
Hajduk Split vs Istra 1961 (8) 2-0
Dinamo Zagreb vs Hrvatski Dragovoljac (8) 2-0
Czech Republic Gambrinus Liga:
Sparta Prague vs Slovacko (7) 1-0
Slovan Liberec vs Viktoria Plzen (4) 0-0
Danish Superligaen:
Midtylland vs Silkeborg (8) over 2.5 goals
Esbjerg vs FC Copenhagen (6) 1-2
Ecuadorian Primera A:
Universidad Catolica vs Espoli Cayambe (6) 1-1
Macara Ambato vs Deportivo Cuenca (5) 0-0
Estonian Meistrliiga:
Maag Tammeka Tartu vs Lootus (6) 2-0
Nomme Kalju vs Flora Paide (9) -1.75 handicap
Trans Narva vs Viljandi Tulevik (8) 2-0
Finnish Veikkausliiga:
Haka Valkeakoski vs HJK Helsinki (5) 0-1
Finnish Ykkonen:
PoPa Pori vs Viikingit Helsinki (6) over 2.5 goals
PS Kemi Kings vs KPV Kokkola (6) under 2.5 goals
OPS Oulu vs KooTeePee Kotka (7) under 2.5 goals
Japanese J-League:
Urawa Red Diamonds vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima (6) 2-1
Jubilo Iwata vs Kashima Antlers (5) 1-1
Cerezo Osaka vs Montedio Yamagata (7) 1-0
Vegalta Sendai vs Albirex Niigata (7) 1-1
Yokohama F.Marinos vs Gamba Osaka (5) 2-1, at least one red card in this game
Nagoya Grampus vs Shimizu S-Pulse (5) 1-0
Latvian Virsliga:
Liepajas Metalurgs vs Jauniba (8) 2-0
Skonto Riga vs RFS/Olimps Riga (9) 2-0
Lithuanian A Lyga:
Zalgiris Vilnius vs Mazeikiai (8) 2-0
Mexican Primera Division:
Jaguares vs Necaxa (5) 1-1
Tigres UANL vs Queretaro (6) 1-1
Pachuca vs America (6) over 2.5 goals
Guadalajara vs Puebla (7) 2-0
San Luis vs Monterrey (5) 2-2
Atlante vs Santos Laguna (5) 0-1
Norwegian Eliteserien:
Aalesund vs Valerenga Oslo (6) 1-2
Romanian Liga:
Universitatea Craiova vs CFR Cluj (5) 0-0
Poli Timisoara vs Gloria Bistrita (7) 2-0
Russian Premier League:
Rubin Kazan vs Dinamo Moscow (8) under 2.5 goals
Alaniya Vladikavkaz vs Tom Tomsk (5) 0-0
Rostov-na-Donu vs Zenit St.Petersburg (8) under 2.5 goals
Slovakian Corgon Liga:
MSK Zilina vs Slovan Bratislava (7) 1-0
Zlate Moravce vs Spartak Trnava (5) 1-1
Tatran Presov vs Senica (6) 2-1
Dubnica vs Ruzomberok (5) 0-0
DAC Dunajska Streda vs Nitra (5) over 2.5 goals
Slovenian Prva Liga:
Nafta Lendava vs Primorje (6) 2-1
Domzale vs Koper (5) 1-1
Triglav vs Celje (6) 0-0
Rudar Velenje vs Maribor (5) 2-2
Gorica vs Olimpija Ljubljana (5) 2-1
Swedish Allsvenskan:
Brommapojkarna vs Mjallby Solvesborg (6) 0-0
Atvidabergs vs GAIS Goteborg (5) 1-1
Malmo vs AIK Solna (6) 1-0
Swedish Superettan:
Vasby United vs Orgryte (4)
Degerfors vs Landskrona BoIS (6)
Jonkopings Sodra vs Falkenberg (6)
Osters vs IFK Norrkoping (6) under 2.5 goals
Brage vs GIF Sundsvall (7)
Swiss Super League:
Sion vs Basel (5) 2-1
Young Boys Bern vs Luzern (6) 2-1
Swiss Challenge League:
Biel-Bienne vs Wil (6) over 2.5 goals
Delemont vs Wohlen (4)
Kriens vs Yverdon Sport (5)
Lausanne Sports vs Winterthur (6)
Lugano vs Chiasso (9) -1.75 handicap
Stade Nyonnais vs Schaffhausen (4) over 2.5 goals
Vaduz vs Servette (6) under 2.5 goals
Ukrainian Premier League:
Tavriya Simferopol vs Metalurg Donetsk (6) 0-0
Arsenal Kiev vs Sevastopol (7) 1-0
Illichivets Mariupol vs Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk (6) 0-1
Enjoy your free betting tips!
Tom Tomsk vs Zenit St. Petersburg
Today's featured game is the Russian Premier League between Tom Tomsk and Zenit St. Petersburg. Tom Tomsk have had a good start to their campaign but they're punching above their weight and that should be visible today against arguably the best footballing side in Russia currently.
Tom Tomsk have played two home games this season and haven't won either game. Bizarrely, they're unbeaten on the road with two wins in three games but have already lost at home so it seems that a general home side Tom Tomsk is preferring the travelling option of late. However, despite their flattering league placing currently, Tom Tomsk aren't a particularly good side. They'll work hard and tend to make home games hard but have little actual ability and pose little threat to strong sides. Tom have failed to score at home to Zenit in two out of their last three games here and have drawn once but lost twice. Tom tend to be outclassed by the likes of Zenit and I fail to see why that won't be the case again today.
Zenit St.Petersburg have started this season a little slowly but are beginning to gain pace as the season begins to unfold. Zenit hinge a great deal of their success upon their strong defence which is shown with their record of two wins from two away games and just one goal conceded during that time. They won in somewhat machine-like fashion at an injury-hit Krylya Sovetov Samara in their opening away game of the season but won more impressively at moneybags Dinamo Moscow in their last away game. What impresses me most about Zenit is their ability to remain calm and composed against any side - they've already faced and beaten both Lokomotiv and Dinamo Moscow in a very assured fashion which serves as a reminder as to why they're the best team in the Russian Premier League. All that concerns me about Zenit is that they don't tend to score many goals but against a leaky Tom defence they should have plenty of joy.
I'm surprised the bookies have been quite as generous as they have been with this selection. Zenit should really be 8/13 to win here - I mean, they've won two out of their last three visits here without conceding and are comfortably the better of these two sides. Zenit are going from strength to strength with each passing game and their efficiency is growing too. I quite fancy Zenit to win the title this year if they maintain this form throughout the season. Either way, an over-achieving Tom Tomsk really should be outclassed and defeated by a superior Zenit St. Petersburg in a narrow but comfortable away win.
Verdict: Zenit St. Petersburg to win at 5/6.
Saturday's Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Banfield vs Independiente - home win at 6/5.
These are surprising odds! Banfield may have lost a few players over the transfer window prior to this campaign but they're still a force as they've already proven whereas Independiente are having an unprecedented good campaign but aren't really good enough to match them. I'm surprised that Banfield aren't on the bad side of evens, bluntly, but I'm also pleased about it.
Banfield are a strong home side and have been such for some time now. They've won five out of seven home games in this campaign, drawing twice, and averaging scoring nearly two goals per game and conceding just three times along the way. Only Estudiantes have conceded as few as Banfield have at home so that shows you the magnitude of the Banfield defence, which plays a massive part in their success. Banfield don't tend to be amongst the top goalscorers in the division but they're up there in this campaign so they're got a lot going for them currently, particularly at home. Banfield have won their last two home games consecutively and have a good head-to-head record against Independiente in recent times with three consecutive wins (twice away and once at home) and Banfield have also beaten Independiente at home for three seasons running.
Independiente are having a good season, as I touched upon briefly before, but they're not that good a side. I like backing them as they're generally rather efficient and tend to generate good odds but they've nosedived lately with two consecutive defeats against Gimnasia De La Plata and goal-shy San Lorenzo de Almagro respectively - two unthinkable defeats for an in-form Independiente, which shows that their heads are dropping. They've not won either of their last two away games and also have a poor goalscoring record with just four goals in seven away games, a record which is an awful lot more evident when luck is against you, which it is currently. I rate Independiente as a good side in this division but not a great side and that's beginning to filter through. Why the bookies think Independiente will give Banfield such a good run in this game is beyond me but I'm happy to take advantage of it by backing Banfield at extremely generous odds of 6/5.
Verdict: Banfield to win at 6/5.
River Plate vs Godoy Cruz Mendoza - home win at 7/5.
You won't see this type of bet very often but this call is purely on instinct. River Plate have employed former Huracan manager Angel Cappa to replace sacked manager Leonardo Astrada. It's taken a lot for River Plate to sack the legendary holding midfielder that is Leonardo Astrada but River Plate are at rock-bottom mentally, they're not scoring goals, and they face a very real threat of relegation if their form continues. Cappa did a good job at Huracan by getting them to playt unprecedented good football, something River Plate desperately need in their tactics to accomodate for their lack of leading striker since Falcao's departure. I think we'll see a bit of a "honeymoon period" with this being Cappa's first home game in charge and may see the dam burst with River Plate having not scored in such a long time. I genuinely believe that they're a considerable amount better than Godoy Cruz de Mendoza and have the perfect opportunity to show it tonight both to impress their new manager and avoid the unthinkable relegation. Godoy may be playing well this season but they're not good enough to be where they are in the table and are due a "bringing back down to earth", which could well happen tonight, particularly with Godoy having lost two out of their last three away games and having drawn the other.
Incidentally, Godoy's catalyst for this run of form has been star striker Federico Higuain, older brother of Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain. He was a product of the prestigious River Plate academy and can't help but feel he may not turn up tonight, partially through respect for his old club and partially through desire to see the club stay in the division. It's just a hunch but Godoy without their top scorer and best player are a weak side and I'm hoping that shows tonight.
Verdict: River Plate to win at 7/5.
Once Caldas Manizales vs Boyaca Chico - home win at 10/11.
10/11 for Once Caldas to win this game? Come on, seriously? Against a side that they're twice as good as?! It's amazing what a burst of form does in the Colombian Primera A, isn't it? Boyaca Chico haven't been good enough to match Once Caldas for approximately two years now but a sudden burst of form has the bookies convinced that it'll happen tonight! Madness!
Once Caldas haven't been too consistent of late due to their Copa Libertadores committments but the fact that they've won four out of six home games in the Primera A whilst remaining unbeaten throughout that run should give you some indication of how strong they are at home. They average scoring over two goals per home game and have won their last two Primera A home games consecutively whilst scoring six goals and beating giants Atletico Junior Barranquilla. Once Caldas have won this fixture for four out of their last five times that it's been played, drawing the other time. They've not lost against Chico in their last three games at either ground and the secret behind that is that Once Caldas are the better side! I'll be really surprised if Once Caldas don't win this game against a Chico side that is not only not good enough but one that doesn't travel well as four defeats in six away games indicates all too clearly, as does their record of just seven goals scored during those six games. We should see a real mismatch in quality here tonight and Once Caldas should be 1/2 for this game so I'll be taking the home win, that's for sure.
Verdict: Once Caldas Manizales to win at 10/11.
Atletico Junior Barranquilla vs Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota - home win at 11/10.
Now this is a biggie! Two of the biggest and best sides in Colombian football currently lock horns tonight in what is arguably the biggest game that isn't a derby in the whole country. With that in mind, I can't put as much reasoning on the outcome as I'd like as we have two quality sides here. However, Atletico Junior are irresistable at home - they always are. They've won their last three home games against Independiente consecutively whilst scoring eight times and conceding just three times. They've not lost against Independiente in their last seven meetings at either ground and Atletico Junior have already won five out of six home games this season. Home advantage is everything in this league and there isn't anybody better at home in Colombia than Atletico Junior so the odds of 11/10 on the home win are rather long!
Verdict: Atletico Junior Barranquilla to win at 11/10.
West Bromwich Albion vs Middlesbrough - home win at 10/11.
The game doesn't mean much to either side, which immediately makes it risky, but I always love backing West Bromwich Albion as their attack-minded manager Roberto Di Matteo always makes them go out to score goals, thus making them dangerous opponents. WBA are already guaranteed Premier League football next season and Middlesbrough can kiss promotion play-offs goodbye despite mathematics going against me - and they know it's over, too. Boro may be unbeaten in eight games, which looks impressive on paper, but they've played a lot of poor sides along the way. However, what happens when they travel to play the harder away games in the division? They lost at Cardiff, at Notts Forest, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Bristol City, and Blackpool. This is because Middlesbrough are now a very average side without Downing and Johnson. I like their manager, Strachan - he does a good job wherever he goes and his players work hard. However, Boro don't have stars, they have workers, and they're not good enough to take points off WBA. WBA are superb at home and have been all season long with fifteen wins in twenty-one home games whilst averaging scoring over two goals per home game so I expect a strong display from them irrespective of whether they're already promoted or not.
WBA will surely at least want to put on a bit of a show for their fans as it's their first home game since clinching promotion so I expect them to perform as strongly as ever. It surprises me that the bookies have been as generous as they have on the home win here but I'll be taking it as WBA are simply too good for Boro.
Verdict: West Bromwich Albion to win at 10/11.
Nomme Kalju vs Flora Tallinn - lay Flora Tallinn at 5/6.
Oh dear - this smells of criminal underestimation from the bookies on Nomme Kalju! Flora Tallinn are a bigger side and are probably a shade better but they're not good enough to take to win this game. The odds of 11/4 on a home win for this game are both laughable and inviting because Nomme Kalju are nobody's fools. I made the criminal mistake of underestimating them when they were first promoted to the Meistriliiga but I've never made that mistake since then. Nomme Kalju are amongst the top four sides in Estonia, in my opinion, but are rarely given credit for being such. They've closed the gap between themselves and the top sides whereas the likes of Trans Narva and Flora Tallinn have slipped to meet them half-way. This should really be a very even game between two good sides but I can't see Flora winning it which is why 5/6 on laying Flora surprises me. Flora haven't beaten Nomme Kalju in their last five attempts at either ground which should illustrated to you all how they've declined lately whereas Nomme Kalju are as solid as ever. These two sides met mid-week in Tallinn in the Estonian Cup where the game went to extra-time before Flora won the game. Four days later they travel to Nomme Kalju for one of the worst away games that they could face after such a tenacious game - a wounded Nomme Kalju that don't lose against them! I can see a draw in this game or even a home win but not an away win so laying Flora at 5/6 looks to make good sense to me.
Verdict: Lay Flora Tallinn at 5/6.
Empoli vs Padova - home win at evens.
I'm a tad dubious about this one because Italy is bad enough for match-fixing scandals, let alone at the end of the season, but I'll risk it anyway as it's one of the few games that most bookies haven't pulled yet.
The reason I'm ignoring the idea of match-fixing for this game is because both sides need to win it for different reasons. Empoli want to achieve a play-off place to get back into Serie A ultimately and Padova want to avoid the dreaded drop into Serie C so we should see quite an honest game, for a change!
The odds on the home win are hilarious though. Empoli are twice the side that Padova are, particularly at home, so why Empoli are at evens is just beyond me. Empoli are one of the best home sides in Serie B with twelve wins and five draws in seventeen games. In fact, they're the only Serie B side yet to lose a home game! With an average of well over two goals scored per home game, no side scores as many at home as they do and only Cittadella and Cesena have conceded less at home than they have. Empoli's form may be patchy but their home form is untouchable, frankly. Padova aren't idiots but they don't score goals on the road as an average of just one per away game indicates, as does the presence of just two away wins in seventeen games. They don't concede excessively but a rampant Empoli side at home will test their rigid defence and I expect them to break it too. I expect a hard-fought game with bookings galore but the odds of evens on the home win are virtually hilarious - Empoli should be at least 4/7 here.
Verdict: Empoli to win at evens.
Vegalta Sendai vs Vissel Kobe - home win at 10/11.
Newly-promoted Vegalta Sendai have ruffled a few J-League feathers following promotion last season, particularly having already claimed the scalp of giants Kashima Antlers this season. The lengthy trip west is proving a tricky one for the J-League faithful with Vegalta having already won their two home games this season whilst scoring five times. They're in the unusual situation whereby they're sixth in the J-League table, which is respectable, although I don't think they're good enough to make an unprecedented push for the J-League title despite their good start! Vegalta have adapted well to the J-League and immediately recognise the importance of taking points at home, which has impressed me, so I expect them to do so again with the assistance of their momentum taken from just one defeat in their first five J-League games.
Visitors Vissel Kobe look set to be battling relegation yet again this season as four defeats in six games indicates all too clearly. Only newly-promoted Cerezo Osaka can match their dismal record of having not been able to score a goal on the road yet this season so it should come as no surprise to learn that Vissel have lost both away games already this season. Vissel have approached this season completely wrong so far and have suffered as a result with four defeats in their last five games in all competitions so they now have no momentum to use in this game and already find it difficult to score so why they'd do it now with everything against them is beyond me.
This should be a closely-fought encounter between two fairly well-matched sides but there's only one side showing the desire to win this game and stay in the division currently and that's in-form Vegalta so the home win looks good value today.
Verdict: Vegalta Sendai to win at 10/11.
Honefoss vs Viking Stavanger - away win at 10/11.
Honefoss have only played five Eliteserien games this season and already look doomed. They've lost all five games in emphatic fashion with an average of over three goals conceded per game. With that record in one hand and the record of having scored just twice during those five games in their other hand, it's easy to see why Honefoss are bottom of the table and why they're probably going to stay there. They're just not good enough to be in the division and morale isn't helping them due to consecutive defeats aat Haugesund and at home to Kongsvinger, the two sides they were promoted with. Things couldn't be more bleak for Honefoss currently so I can see them succumbing to defeat yet again today.
Viking Stavanger have been out of sorts in their last few games due to injuries and whatnot but they're starting to reassemble their squad again. They finally fielded an acceptable line-up against Tromso in their last match but were unfortunate not to emerge with three points from their clash with the Gutan with only a horrible defensive error allowing the visitors to score a priceless and rare away goal. There are few sides that dig their heels in more than Tromso so a Viking side with little momentum couldn't break them down again due to a lack of confidence. However, Viking are a very capable side as any Eliteserien fan will tell you and what bigger motivation than facing the worst side in the division that concedes goals for fun? This is the perfect opportunity for a Viking side that is getting back to full strength to flex their muscles and I fully expect them to do so in this game.
Verdict: Viking Stavanger to win at 10/11.
Gloria Bistrita vs Dinamo Bucharest - away win at evens.
The Romanian Liga has got a bit of bad press on my site of late due to an unpredictable round of games but give it a chance guys - every league has good and bad spells! I wouldn't cover it if there wasn't profit there!
Gloria Bistrita have lost four out of their last five games and are basically at rock-bottom mentally. They're quite solid at home but they're basically no match for giants Dinamo Bucharest today without anything to bring into the game. They lost their last home game against Dinamo's bitter rivals Steaua Bucharest and were crushed 3-0 at a strong home side - Otelul Galati - but in an embarassing 3-0 defeat, which was surprising as Otelul aren't big on goalscoring generally. Things are going from bad to worse for Gloria and although they're putting the work into their games, they're not seeing the benefits as they're not scoring goals and they're conceding far too many far too easily so should struggle today.
Dinamo Bucharest have let themselves down a little lately with two consecutive 0-0 draws in the Liga at Pandurii Targu Jiu and at home to Brasov respectively before losing at giants CFR Cluj in the Cupa Romaniei. This record may look as if Dinamo were waning but what you have to consider is that both Brasov and Pandurii are very defensive sides and simply rode their luck in those games. Whereas I'll conceded that Dinamo may have taken a mental blow from such outcomes, the poor fortune of Gloria Bistrita coupled with their inept defending should give Dinamo the perfect opportunity to dispose of their ghosts and get back to goalscoring ways. Gloria play a similar style to the likes of Pandurii but shouldn't have the momentum and/or confidence to keep out a potent Dinamo Bucharest side that have already scored twenty-two goals in thirteen away games this season.
Gloria Bistrita are one of those sides that will stick all of their men behind the ball and try to grab a draw or even an undeserved win. However, the odds are good enough for me to consider backing Dinamo for this game because they're the best goalscorers in the division away from home and they're at generous odds. Besides - Gloria's anti-football tactics haven't worked in their last four home games against Dinamo - they've lost all of them - so I don't see why today's game should be any different. If Dinamo get that first goal then this game really should be over - that's going to be the key here so it may be worth taking in-play too as Gloria should hang on for a while before conceding.
Verdict: Dinamo Bucharest to win at evens.
Hajduk Kula vs Metalac GM - home win at 5/6.
Sometimes I look at Hajduk Kula and think "Is this really the side that was playing in Europe a few years ago?". Hajduk Kula now find themselves battling relegation from the Super Liga but their home form reminds me just a little of why they were once a force in Serbia. They've only won five out of eleven home games this season but three of their four defeats at home came against giants Partizan Belgrade, Vojvodina Novi Sad, and OFK Belgrade, so only little Smederevo have sprung a surprise here this season by winning here. Hajduk Kula have won their last two home games consecutively against in-form Spartak Subotica and a tricky Rad Belgrade side so they bring momentum into this game and actually look like wanting to avoid the drop so I'll give them their chances today.
Visitors Metalac GM have done well following promotion last season but they're simply inept away from home. They're terrific at home but a record of eight defeats in eleven away games shows their inexperience. Metalac tend to suffer in front of goal as their paltry record of five goals scored in eleven away games (less than a goal per every two away games on average!) indicates all too well. Indeed, only Borac Cacak have scored less goals on the road than they have so it's safe to say that Metalac aren't a good away side, particularly whilst they average conceding approximately 1.5 goals per away game.
Kula aren't great but they're decent, particularly at home, and they've been making it count with some driven displays lately. Metalac consistently fail to perform on the road and if they intend on entering this game and leaving it without scoring then the best that they'll get is a 0-0 draw but with Hajduk having score four times in their last two home games, I can only see one side winning this game, which is the experienced Hajduk Kula at reasonable odds.
Verdict: Hajduk Kula to win at 5/6.
Osters vs Syrianska Sodertalje - away win at evens.
This bet speaks for itself, really. Yo-yo club Osters have already had a firm "welcome to the Superettan" handshake with giants Norrkoping in which Osters were crushed 3-0 but now face a side that played so well on the road last season that only the eventually-promoted Mjallby Solvesborg had a better away record. Osters couldn't be less prepared for this game with no momentum and an opening game that left them looking short on defensive composure and innovation, not to mention potency. If Osters don't shape up rapidly then they'll find their stay in the Superettan cut short and it's sides like Syrianska Sodertalje that will demonstrate perfectly a lack of sympathy which aids their relentless push for promotion and keeps them vigilant against all sides, a style that Osters would do well to adopt themselves. Syrianska were superb on the road last season due to their relentless goalscoring form and I expect something similar this season although it's hard to envision them scoring a similar number of goals or having quite as much success. However, I fancy them as a dark horse for promotion to the Allsvenskan this season if they maintain their form from last season and they've started this season well with a 2-0 win over a resilient Ljungskile so they're well-placed to push for promotion sooner rather than later this season. Syrianska are simply too good for Osters and with both sides at the opposite end of the form table, it's hard to see why Syrianska are at evens to win this game but I think they're definitely worth a punt today at such generous odds.
Verdict: Syrianska Sodertalje to win at evens.
Accumulator fodder:
Rapid Vienna, Austria Vienna, KVSK United, Slavia Sofia, Deportes Tolima, Reading, Bournemouth, Notts County, Levadia Tallinn, Sillamae Kalev, Trans Narva, Hamburger SV, Nagoya Grampus, Sporting Braga, Red Star Belgrade, Barcelona, FC Zurich, Winterthur, Caracas, Bangor City, Llanelli, The New Saints.
Recommended bets:
Austria Vienna, Notts County, Nagoya Grampus, and Zenit St.Petersburg at 6/1.
KVSK United, Reading, Dinamo Bucharest, and Barcelona at 6/1.
Slavia Sofia, Empoli, Red Star Belgrade, and Hajduk Kula at 8/1.
Levadia Tallinn, Trans Narva, and Sillamae Kalev at 2/1.
Banfield, Once Caldas Manizales, Caracas, and Deportes Tolima at 11/1.
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:
Chacarita Juniors vs Atletico Tucuman (4) 1-0
Tigre vs Estudiantes De La Plata (5) 1-1
Banfield vs Independiente (7) 1-0
River Plate vs Godoy Cruz Mendoza (6) 2-0
Austrian Bundesliga:
SV Ried vs SV Kapfenberg (5) 1-0
SV Mattersburg vs Sturm Graz (6) 1-2
Rapid Vienna vs Wiener Neustadt (8) over 2.5 goals
Austria Karnten vs Austria Vienna (8) 0-2
Austrian Liga 1:
Wacker Innsbruck vs Admira Wacker (6) over 2.5 goals
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Sint-Truiden vs Kortrijk (5) 1-0
Westerlo vs Cercle Brugge (5) 2-1
Lokeren vs Mechelen (6) 1-1
Belgian Tweede Klasse:
Tubize vs Mons (7)
Eupen vs Lierse SK (5) over 2.5 goals
Turnhout vs Liege (7)
Red Star Waasland vs Antwerp (7)
Oostende vs Standaard Wetteren (6)
KVSK United vs Ronse (8)
Dender vs OH Leuven (4)
Bulgarian A PFG:
Slavia Sofia vs Cherno More Varna (8) 2-1
Pirin Blagoevgrad vs Lokomotiv Mezdra (7) 1-0
Levski Sofia vs Sportist Svoge (7) 2-0
Colombian Primera A:
Once Caldas Manizales vs Boyaca Chico (7) 2-0
Atletico Junior Barranquilla vs Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota (7) 2-1, at least one red card in this game
Deportes Tolima vs Deportivo Pereira (8) 2-0
Croatian Prva Liga:
Istra 1961 vs Slaven Koprivnica (6) 1-1
Zadar vs Inter Zapresic (5) 2-1
Osijek vs Rijeka (6) 1-0
Croatia Sesvete vs Lokomotiva Zagreb (7) 1-1
Medimurje vs Varteks Varazdin (6) 1-0
Dinamo Zagreb vs NK Zagreb (7) over 2.5 goals
Karlovac vs Cibalia Vinkovci (5) 0-0
Sibenik vs Hajduk Split (6) 1-1
Cypriot Division 1:
APOP/Kinyras vs Ermis (7) 2-1
Ethnikos Achnas vs AEL Limassol (5) 1-1
Doxa vs Aris Limassol (5) 1-0
A.E.Paphos vs Enosis Neon Paralimni (6) 2-1
Czech Republic Gambrinus Liga:
Viktoria Plzen vs Jablonec (6) 1-1
Slovacko vs Bohemians 1905 (6) 1-0
Brno vs Sigma Olomouc (5) 0-0
Danish Superligaen:
Midtylland vs FC Copenhagen (7) 1-1
Danish 1st Division:
Hvidovre vs AC Horsens (7)
Ecuadorian Primera A:
Barcelona Guayaquil vs Deportivo Cuenca (5) 0-0
Deportivo Quito vs Olmedo Riobamba (7) 1-0
English Premier League:
Manchester City vs Manchester United (5) 2-1
Birmingham City vs Hull City (7) 2-0
Blackburn Rovers vs Everton (7) 1-1
Fulham vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (5) 1-1
Stoke City vs Bolton Wanderers (4) 0-0
Sunderland vs Burnley (7) 2-1
Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea (5) 1-1
English Championship:
Blackpool vs Nottingham Forest (6)
Coventry City vs Preston North End (5)
Derby County vs Crystal Palace (6)
Ipswich Town vs Doncaster Rovers (5)
Leicester City vs Watford (6)
Queens Park Rangers vs Cardiff City (6)
Reading vs Peterborough United (8)
Scunthorpe United vs Bristol City (6)
Swansea City vs Barnsley (6) under 2.5 goals
West Bromwich Albion vs Middlesbrough (7) over 2.5 goals
English League One:
Bristol Rovers vs Brentford (7)
Carlisle United vs Oldham Athletic (6)
Charlton Athletic vs Norwich City (5)
Gillingham vs Leeds United (6)
Hartlepool United vs Colchester United (5)
Leyton Orient vs Stockport County (7)
Milton Keynes Dons vs Wycombe Wanderers (7) over 2.5 goals
Southend United vs Brighton & Hove Albion (4)
Swindon Town vs Walsall (6) under 2.5 goals
Tranmere Rovers vs Exeter City (6)
Yeovil Town vs Southampton (6)
English League Two:
Accrington Stanley vs Hereford United (6)
Aldershot Town vs Crewe Alexandra (6)
Bournemouth vs Darlington (8)
Bradford City vs Barnet (4)
Bury vs Port Vale (5) over 2.5 goals
Dagenham & Redbridge vs Burton Albion (6) over 2.5 goals
Grimsby Town vs Torquay United (7)
Notts County vs Morecambe (8)
Rochdale vs Northampton Town (4)
Rotherham United vs Cheltenham Town (6)
Shrewsbury Town vs Lincoln City (3)
Macclesfield Town vs Chesterfield (5)
Estonian Meistriliiga:
Levadia Tallinn vs Viljandi Tulevik (9) 3-1
Flora Paide vs Sillamae Kalev (8) 0-2
Kuressaare vs Lootus (5) 1-0
Trans Narva vs Maag Tammeka Tartu (8) over 2.5 goals
Nomme Kalju vs Flora Tallinn (6) 1-1
Finnish Veikkausliiga:
FC Lahti vs Jaro Pietarsaari (7) 1-1
French Ligue 1:
Valenciennes vs Le Mans (6) 1-1
OGC Nice vs Racing Club Lens (5) 1-0
Auxerre vs Lorient (7) 1-0
Boulogne vs Olympique de Marseille (7) 1-2
Stade Rennais vs AS Nancy-Lorraine (7) over 2.5 goals
Grenoble Foot vs Sochaux (6) 0-0
Girondins de Bordeaux vs Olympique Lyonnais (5) 1-1
German Bundesliga:
VFB Stuttgart vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen (6) over 2.5 goals
VFL Wolfsburg vs Werder Bremen (6) 2-2
Schalke 04 vs Borussia Moenchengladbach (7) 1-0
Hamburger SV vs FSV Mainz 05 (8) 2-0
Freiburg vs Nurnberg (5) 1-1
Bayern Munich vs Hannover 96 (7) over 2.5 goals
German Bundesliga 2:
Union Berlin vs St.Pauli (6) over 2.5 goals
Hansa Rostock vs FSV Frankfurt (6)
Greek B Ethniki:
Kalamata vs Pierikos Katerini (5)
Hungarian Soproni Liga:
Paksi SE vs Fehervar (7) 0-1
Kecskemeti TE vs Szombathelyi Haladas (6) 1-1
Budapest Honved vs Diosgyori VTK (7) 1-0
Nyiregyhaza Spartacus vs Ujpest (5) 1-2
Kaposvari Rakoczi vs MTK Budapest (7) 1-1
Vasas Budapest vs Lombard Papa (5) 1-0
Italian Serie A:
Chievo Verona vs Livorno (6) 1-1
Italian Serie B:
Modena vs Albinoleffe (6)
Ancona vs Ascoli (7)
Lecce vs Brescia (7) under 2.5 goals
Mantova vs Gallipoli (5) under 2.5 goals
Salernitana vs Grosseto (6)
Empoli vs Padova (7)
Cittadella vs Triestina (7)
Frosinone vs Vicenza (5)
Torino vs Cesena (6)
Japanese J-League:
Vegalta Sendai vs Vissel Kobe (6) 1-0
Montedio Yamagata vs Yokohama F Marinos (5) 1-1
Nagoya Grampus vs Albirex Niigata (8) 2-1
Gamba Osaka vs Shimizu S-Pulse (5) 2-1
Tokyo vs Kyoto Sanga (6) 2-1
Jubilo Iwata vs Omiya Ardija (6) 1-0
Latvian Virsliga:
Jauniba vs Blazma Rezekne (7) 1-1
Lithuanian A Lyga:
Taurus Taurage vs Siauliai (5) 1-1
Mexican Primera Division:
Monterrey vs America (6) 2-1
Queretaro vs Estudiantes Tecos (6) 1-1
Jaguares vs Indios (7) 1-1
Guadalajara vs Atlas (7) 2-1
Pachuca vs Toluca (5) 2-2
Atlante vs Tigres UANL (5) 1-0
Norwegian Eliteserien:
Honefoss vs Viking Stavanger (6) 1-2
Portuguese Liga Sagres:
Pacos de Ferreira vs Naval de Maio (6) 1-0
Sporting Braga vs Leixoes Matosinhos (8) 2-0
Portuguese Liga de Honra:
Sporting Covilha vs Feirense (6)
Romanian Liga:
Gloria Bistrita vs Dinamo Bucharest (7) 1-2
Russian Premier League:
Tom Tomsk vs Zenit St.Petersburg (7) 0-1
CSKA Moscow vs Lokomotiv Moscow (7) 1-1, at least one red card in this game
Amkar Perm vs Rubin Kazan (6) under 1.5 goals
Alaniya Vladikavkaz vs Sibir Novosibirsk (6) over 2.5 goals
Scottish Premier League:
Celtic vs Hibs (7) over 2.5 goals
Aberdeen vs Falkirk (5) 1-0
Hamilton Academicals vs Kilmarnock (6) 1-1
St.Johnstone vs St.Mirren (6) 2-1
Serbian Super Liga:
Javor Ivanjica vs Smederevo (6) 1-0
Borac Cacak vs Red Star Belgrade (8) 1-2
BSK Borca vs Jagodina (4) 0-1
Mladi Radnik vs OFK Belgrade (5) 1-1
Cukaricki vs Napredak (6) 0-0
Hajduk Kula vs Metalac GM (7) 2-0
Slovakian Corgon Liga:
Dukla Banska Bystrica vs Dubnica (7) over 2.5 goals
Nitra vs Tatran Presov (6) 2-1
Slovan Bratislava vs Artmedia Petrzalka (9) over 2.5 goals
Spartak Trnava vs Kosice (3) 1-1
Senica vs DAC Dunajska Streda (6) 1-1
Slovenian Prva Liga:
Koper vs Gorica (8) over 2.5 goals
Drava vs Nafta Lendava (5) 1-1
Celje vs Interblock Ljubljana (7) 2-0
Domzale vs Rudar Velenje (6) 1-1
Spanish Primera Liga:
Sevilla CF vs Sporting Gijon (6) 2-1
Espanyol vs Barcelona (7) over 2.5 goals, at least one red card in this game
Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid (5) 2-2
Spanish Segunda Liga:
Huesca vs Recreativo de Huelva (6)
Real Sociedad vs Albacete (6)
Gimnastic de Tarragona vs Cartagena (5)
Swedish Superettan:
Osters vs Syrianska Sodertalje (7)
Vasby United vs Falkenberg (6)
Swiss Super League:
Neuchatel Xamax vs Bellinzona (5) 2-1
FC Zurich vs Aarau (8) 2-0
Swiss Challenge League:
Le Mont vs Wil (6)
Winterthur vs Gossau (8)
Turkish Super Lig:
Istanbul BB vs Genclerbirligi (6) 2-1
Manisaspor vs Galatasaray (6) 0-1
Venezuelan Primera Division:
Caracas vs Real Esppor Club (8) 2-0
Welsh Premier League:
Bangor City vs Caersws (8) -1.75 handicap
Llanelli vs Welshpool Town (9) -1.75 handicap
Newtown vs Connah's Quay Nomads (6) 2-1
Porthmadog vs Port Talbot Town (7) 1-2
Rhyl vs Aberystwyth Town (5) 1-1
The New Saints vs Haverfordwest County (8) over 2.5 goals
Enjoy your free betting tips!
