Barcelona vs Real Madrid
FreeToday’s featured game is the one that’s on everyone’s lips – the “El Clasico” between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Both sides are flying high in the Primera Liga thus far with just one defeat between them all season. Real Madrid lead Barcelona by a single point in the title race but also still have their 6-2 humbling at home to Barcelona last season at the front of their minds.
As a home side, Barcelona have been virtually flawless this season. They’ve won all five of their home games, averaging just under four goals scored per game and conceding just five goals on this run. Barcelona are a truly frightening side when they’re motivated and that’s most of the time! Barcelona bring a new meaning to the style known as “possession football” as they stroke the ball around beautifully with their unique two playmaker system. Barcelona have won two of their last four games and will no doubt have good memories of their back-to-back victories over Real Madrid last season.
Visitors Real Madrid have been grinding a lot of low-scoring games out lately, which is the last thing I’d ever expect them to do, frankly. Why? Well, they can’t defend for shit so it does make sense for them to employ the Real Madrid ethos of “We’ll score more than you”. But no, Real Madrid much prefer living dangerously, something that could very well cripple them against a side that scores a lot of goals. Real Madrid have won three away games out of five this season, drawing once, and losing once. Real Madrid have a host of big names at their disposal but are only just beginning to show signs of forming a big “team”.
Both sides are sweating on the fitness of key players ahead of this game with Cristiano Ronaldo playing a small part of Real Madrid’s win at home to FC Zurich mid-week, Lionel Messi limping out of Barcelona’s tough trip to Bilbao last week, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic facing a late fitness test. Although reports suggest that the majority of these players are unlikely to play, I can’t help but feel that it’s fabrication and that all of them will play, ultimately.
Real Madrid don’t have the defensive capabilities to stop Barcelona, simply put. If Marcelo starts at left-back then Messi or whoever is on the right-wing will tear him apart, something that’s been proven consistently this season and doesn’t look like changing against the best side in the country. Few sides can contain Barcelona’s unique footballing style so Real Madrid’s only hope is that Barcelona don’t show up, something that has happened largely in the UEFA Champions League this season by failing to defeat Rubin Kazan at home or away. Barcelona’s defence is more reliable than Real Madrid’s but is still prone to being broken through. My biggest concern is that Cristiano Ronaldo will turn it on and when he does that, he is quite simply the best player in the world in terms of the variety of attacking threat he can provide i.e. aerially, from distance, as a striker, as a winger etc.
Overall, this should be an absolutely fantastic game and I urge you all to watch it. However, the value for me has to be in the home win as I expect Barcelona to score more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo will, with a bit of luck! It may also be worthwhile looking at a cricket score for this game ’cause Real Madrid really cannot defend and I can’t see them attempting damage limitation in this big derby for one moment.
Verdict: Barcelona to win at 5/6.
Sunday’s Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Banfield vs Racing Club Avellaneda -1.75 handicap at 5/6.
Hosts Banfield are setting the Primera Division alight with their relentless efficiency in winning games. They’ve now won six consecutive games, taking their tally to ten wins from fifteen games. They’re the only side in the division yet to taste defeat and have scored nine goals in their last five games, conceding just twice on that run. Banfield have won six out of their seven home games this season, drawing just once on that run. They average scoring two goals per game at home and have only conceded three goals at home all season.
Visitors Racing Club Avellaneda are having a season to forget with just two wins in fifteen games. They’ve been particularly dismal away from home with six defeats in eight away games, drawing just twice, and remaining winless throughout their away trips. They average conceding just under two goals per away game and only score once every two away games on average. Racing Club Avellaneda have lost three of their last five games but the most disheartening statistic for the visitors is that they’ve lost all five of their last five away games with the -1.75 goal handicap having been overcome in four of those games.
With all of the above in mind, this bet seems a fairly straightforward money-maker.
Verdict: Banfield to win with a -1.75 goal handicap at 5/6.
Salzburg vs Rapid Vienna – home win at 17/20.
Reigning champions Salzburg enter this game as joint leaders of the Bundesliga with today’s opponents Rapid Vienna. Salzburg are unbeaten in their last five games, winning their last three games consecutively. Salzburg have won six out of their seven home games this season, drawing once and scoring over three goals per home game. Salzburg have won this fixture six times out of the last seven that it’s been played, which already looks ominous for Rapid Vienna unless another freak 7-0 away win occurs again!
Visitors Rapid Vienna have impressed me this season as I’ve mentioned in previous posts but their football lately has been a little unconvincing despite beating two title rivals in their last two games. An uncharacteristic 3-0 demolition at home by Israel’s Hapoel Tel-Aviv in the UEFA Europa League and a 3-3 draw at the bizarre LASK Linz has put some doubts in my mind as to the consistency of Rapid Vienna. I’ve been impressed with the way that they demolised bitter rivals Austria Vienna 4-1 lately although I was slightly less impressed that they required a late winner to overcome a resilient but out-of-form Sturm Graz. Rapid Vienna have won three of their eight away games this season, drawing three times and losing twice. Rapid Vienna have won their last two games consecutively so they also boast some good momentum entering this game. However, Rapid Vienna really don’t have a good away record against the mighty Salzburg and that will have an impact on them mentally, if only partially.
Overall, I consider this match to be between the two best sides in Austria but it’s usually Salzburg that comes out on top of these matches. Salzburg have more experience and are lethal at home whereas Rapid Vienna are a bit hit-and-miss away from home. Although the scoreline will most likely be a narrow one, the value looks to be in the home win for me.
Verdict: Salzburg to win at 17/20.
Avai vs Santos – home win at 10/11.
Avai have been in great form of late when you consider that they don’t really have anything to play for! They’ve won three of their last four games and seem content to beat sides even when without motivation! Avai have already won ten games at home this season, losing just three times, which is an impressive haul when you consider the limited squad that they have available to them in terms of ability. Only Gremio, Gremio Barueri, and Internacional can claim to have scored more goals at home than Avai with Avai boasting an average of nearly two goals scored per home game with the hosts looking likely to build upon that record tonight.
Visitors Santos have had quite a poor season by their lofty expectations, lingering in twelfth place with nothing left to play for this season, something that can be seen with their two defeats in their last four games. Santos have been poor away from home this season with just four away wins in eighteen games, losing eight of those encounters. Santos have lost their last two away games consecutively and are looking increasingly unlikely to take anything away from what has now become a rather daunting trip to little Avai.
Overall, there’s not much quality difference between these two sides and neither has anything to play for. However, Avai have been rock solid at home this season and have won their last two home games consecutively so take some strong momentum into this game and should overcome a poor-travelling Santos side.
Verdict: Avai to win at 10/11.
Arsenal vs Chelsea – away win at 13/8.
Typically, hosts Arsenal have managed to somehow end up with significant injuries ahead of this game. Sometimes it’s their own training, sometimes it’s international duty – the reasons can vary – but one that remains crystal clear is that Arsenal simply will not win anything ever again because they cannot keep all their players fit and Arsene Wenger will not develop a second-string of players that are not under the age of eighteeen! Arsenal play some delightful football at times but constantly let themselves down with a lack of squad depth and the way that their heads drop when they face a physical side or lose a game. Arsenal have lost key striker Robin Van Persie, left backs Gael Clichy and Kieran Gibbs both ruled out with injuries, William Gallas listed as “50/50” to make this game, and Russian playmaker Andrey Arshavin as he’s mentally all over the place by his own admission due to Russia’s World Cup dream having been ended by Slovenia. This leaves Arsenal with a makeshift attack of Walcott and Eduardo, both of which have already had injury problems this season with the pair of the amassing just twelve starts between them out of Arsenal’s twenty-one games played this season.
Visitors Chelsea have looked strong all over the park in the majority of their games so far this season. To say that Carlo Ancelotti has made a significant impact at Chelsea would be a massive understatement as the crafty Italian tactician has masterminded them to more victories in the Premier League than anyone else this season with thirteen wins in fifteen games. Chelsea have stumbled on the road twice, once against Aston Villa and once against Wigan Athletic, which does concern me a little. Nonetheless, the attacking prowess of Drogba and Anelka and the overall potency of Chelsea in general has been frightening this season so a makeshift Arsenal defence are unlikely to be able to keep them out.
This derby will be a heated one as ever but I can only see yet another efficient Chelsea victory as they have better players, a bigger squad, a more fit squad, and better momentum.
Generally speaking, I expect this game to be played out as the last two meetings between these two clubs have been played out at the Emirates with Arsenal taking the lead and then losing, which is also an interesting bet to consider at 10/1!
Verdict: Chelsea to win at 13/8.
AS Nancy-Lorraine vs Girondins de Bordeaux – away win at evens.
AS Nancy-Lorraine have been rather poor at home this season with just two wins in five home games, albeit only losing once. Nancy have already lost six games out of thirteen this season, a record which only a handful of sides in Ligue 1 can “better” in terms of defeats. Nancy enter this game on the back of two straight defeats to dampen the momentum and morale ahead of the visit of reigning champions Girondins de Bordeaux. Nancy’s big problem is scoring goals at home, something they’ve done just six times all season, a record that means only Saint-Etienne and bottom-placed Grenoble Foot have scored less goals at home than Nancy. All of these fators have to be of real concern for Nancy as they’re facing a very good Bordeaux side tonight who they’re really going to have to work hard against to overcome.
Visitors Bordeaux were on the verge of a downward spiral before they overcame Juventus 2-0 at home in their UEFA Champions League last match to boost morale and grant them some momentum. Nancy is never an easy away game but Bordeaux will look to improve their somewhat average away record this season by beating their downhearted opponents. There’s no doubt in my mind that Bordeaux have the better squad between these two outfits but will have to be at their best to win tonight.
This is probably the closest call I’ve made today given Bordeaux’s horrendous head-to-head record here but I feel the odds are good enough value to take it considering Bordeaux’s momentum taken from their victory over Juventus.
Verdict: Girondins de Bordeaux to win at evens.
Hannover 96 vs Bayern Munich – lay Bayern Munich at evens.
Hosts Hannover 96 have won two out of their last four games and have been very difficult to play against this season on their own turf. Hannover 96 have only lost once in six home games, winning twice and drawing three times. Hannover 96 are one of the bigger goalscorers at home in the division and tend to cause a substantial amount of problems for any opponent that faces them here.
Visitors Bayern Munich are in dire straits, something recognised by players, fans, and backroom staff alike with the blame being pointed in various places. As a result, their performances have drastically suffered and Bayern Munich are now without a win in three Bundesliga games. To make matters worse, Bayern Munich have been very average away from home this season with just two wins in six away games. Lastly, Bayern Munich’s torrid times of late will be tinted with the knowledge that they managed to lose here last year, which certainly won’t help them.
This bet has made me money for a good few games running now so I’m going to ride the wave again today with Bayern still having the same problems and Hannover 96 being a very resilient home side.
Verdict: Lay Bayern Munich at evens.
St.Pauli vs Union Berlin – home win at 5/6.
St.Pauli have won three out of their last five games, losing just once, and have earned their third place position in the Bundesliga 2 with some fine performances this season. Nobody in this division has scored more goals than St.Pauli have this season with the host averaging over two goals scored per game. St.Pauli have won three of their six home games this season, drawing twice, and losing just once. However, they’re looking to gain promotion to the Bundesliga this year after an impressive season last year and an impressive start to this season. With that in mind, St.Pauli have to beat their contemporaries and however surprising it might be, Union Berlin are one of those sides.
Union Berlin have impressed since gaining promotion to the Bundesliga 2 last season, hence their lofty position of fifth in the Bundesliga 2 table. Their dominance at home has been a large catalyst for their good performances but they have started to stumble significantly of late, losing two consecutive games. Their away form has been patchy with just two away wins out of six games, albeit only losing twice. However, dropped heads and a squad with lesser ability is not the two things you’d want to take into a tough away game against St.Pauli, but that’s what they’re stuck with!
Overall, the hosts have a better squad, more experience, and really should win this game a lot more comfortably than the league table suggests.
Verdict: St.Pauli to win at 5/6.
Ilioupoli vs Agrotikos Asteras – home win at 6/5.
Ilioupoli’s home form has been reliable this season if nothing else, winning twice, drawing twice, and losing just once in five home games. Ilioupoli tend to gain their results by keeping their opponents out rather than putting them to the sword but it’s proven to be quite successful for them this season. They’ve won three out of their last five games and carry considerable momentum into this encounter.
Visitors Agrotikos Asteras are having an average season but have been particularly poor away from home, losing twice and drawing twice in four away games. Agrotikos Asteras concede more goals than they’d like to away from home, averaging nearly two goals conceded per game. Worryingly for the visitors, they’ve won just one game in their last five and have lost their last two games consecutively.
Given the polar opposites in momentum and the home advantage of Ilioupoli, you have to feel that there’s potentially some value in the home win here.
Verdict: Ilioupoli to win at 6/5.
Catania vs AC Milan – away win at 3/4.
Hosts Catania have still won just one game in Serie A this year out of a possible thirteen. They’re one of the lowest goalscoring sides in the division and look to have real problems staying in Serie A this year, hence an abrupt change in management lately. Catania’s one win this season did come at home but they’ve also drawn three times and lost twice at home already. Catania don’t concede too many at home but they don’t have to to lose the game – their opponents simply score more than they do. Unfortunately for Catania, they’re playing an AC Milan side that may not be firing on all cylinders but they are scoring a lot of goals at the moment so Catania have a long task ahead of them to take anything out of this game.
As I expected, AC Milan drew at home to Olympique de Marseille this week due to the contrasting footballing styles so AC Milan must now turn their attention back to saving their Serie A season. AC Milan have won four out of their last five Serie A games and have scored twelve goals in those game, averaging over two goals scored per game. Even though AC Milan didn’t deserve to beat Cagliari in their last Serie A outing, AC Milan still managed to score four goals, which isn’t bad at all if you don’t play well! AC Milan have only lost one away game this season and have won three times, which bodes ominously for little Catania.
This should be a fairly straightforward away win for an AC Milan side full of goals at the moment against a Catania side that just don’t score enough.
Verdict: AC Milan to win at 3/4.
ADO Den Haag vs Feyenoord Rotterdam – away win at 5/6.
ADO Den Haag have been in atrocious form lately, hence their placing just outside of the drop zone. They’ve lost three of their last five games and haven’t won any of those games. Their momentum and morale are virtually non-existent currently and possess the worst home record in the Eredivisie, having already lost five out of seven home games, winning just once. ADO Den Haag have conceded more goals at home than any other side and that’s a very dangerous record to enter a game against Feyenoord Rotterdam with.
Feyenoord Rotterdam have been quite poor lately, winning just once in their last five games. Nonetheless, they’ve one of the Eredivisie’s better clubs and have already won three out of seven away games thiss season, losing just twice. This kind of game is one that Feyenoord have been waiting for to gain some momentum again and to remember what it’s like to win games and they really should make short work of their meager hosts.
You would not see these odds if Feyenoord were playing well but I’m happy to take them as they are because Feyenoord are simply a class above ADO Den Haag – like most sides, really!
Verdict: Feyenoord Rotterdam to win at 5/6.
Belenenses vs Maritimo – away win at 6/4.
Belenenses have lost two of their last four games and are without a win in their last five. They’re one of the lowest goalscoring sides in the Liga Sagres with just five goals scored in ten games, an average of a goal scored every two games. Belenenses have already lost three home games out of five this season and have earned their spot just out of the relegaion zone because of it. They’ve only managed one home win during this time and unfortunately entertain one of the Liga Sagres’ better sides today – Maritimo.
Maritimo haven’t been overly convincing away from home this season with just one win in five away games. Nonetheless, they’ve only lost once, drawing three times as they attempt to stifle their opponents before scoring a telling goal. Maritimo aren’t a big goalscoring side but they’ve scored more goals on the road this season than Belenenses have at home, which speaks volumes on its own. Maritimo are unbeaten in four games, winning three of their last four, which lends them considerable momentum ahead of this trip, particularly as one of those wins came against giants Porto.
Basically, Maritimo are the better of these two sides and have more than enough quality and momentum to take the win from this game today.
Verdict: Maritimo to win at 6/4.
Porto vs Rio Ave – lay Porto at 11/4.
Porto have been atrocious lately and haven’t even managed to score a goal in their last two games in all competitions, which simply isn’t good enough for the reigning champions. The fans have started to boo the players when playing at home, which naturally adds additional pressure, which is largely why Porto haven’t won either of their last two home games. I have no doubts that Porto are ten times the side that Rio Ave are but they’re simply not showing it. Porto are starting to play poor football and by not scoring goals they’re naturally not winning games. To be blunt – they’re looking devoid of experience and a leader to pull them through their bad form at the moment.
Rio Ave are one of the toughest sides in the Liga Sagres to overcome, something which has only happened once this season in ten games. Rio Ave are unbeaten in three games and have only conceded five goals away from home all season. Rio Ave know that they’re not as good as Porto so they’ll simply bring the bus and park it in front of goal. They’ll know that Porto are under pressure and are looking goal-shy at the moment because of it, which means that this is the perfect time for Rio Ave to deploy their tactics to take a historic result home with them.
This game should be full of one-way traffic but my risky call involves goal-shy Porto not converting their chances against an extremely resilient Rio Ave, something that I feel has a good chance of occurring!
Verdict: Lay Porto at 11/4.
Cordoba vs Girona – home win at 21/20.
Cordoba’s outstanding home form rolls on with five wins in six home games this season, drawing just once. They’ve scored ten goals in the process and conceded just three. Away games against Cordoba are rapidly becoming one of the hardest in the division with the hosts unable to be moved by even the most dilligent of opponents. Only Real Sociedad can match Cordoba’s number of home wins, something that could easily change with Cordoba’s game today.
Visitors Girona are the latest side to throw their hat into the ring to take on the mighty Cordoba away from home. Girona don’t lose games easily themselves, losing just twice in six away games this season. However they’ve only won once, hence their league placing being nearer to the bottom than the top, as they simply don’t win enough games. Despite some good form of late, few sides have conceded more away goals in the Segunda Liga than Girona have so it’s looking a little ominous for them ahead of a nightmare trip to Cordoba.
This should be quite a tight game between two in-form sides but Cordoba’s home advantage is fast becoming legendary and Girona look a little too loose defensively on the road to contain them today.
Verdict: Cordoba to win at 21/20.
Steaua Bucharest vs Vaslui – lay Steaua Bucharest at 5/6.
Steaua Bucharest have been unconvincing for a long time now and I can’t see that changing today. Steaua have heavily relied upon Moreno and Zapata to carry them through games but I can’t help to feel that their luck will run out against in-form Vaslui today. An embarassing defeat at newly-promoted Astra Ploiesti last match will have damaged Steaua’s morale but it’s nothing more than their recent performances have earned. When you consider that Steaua have only won two home games out of seven this season, the odds on laying Steaua look somewhat unbelievable, despite their “giant” status in Romania. Few sides have scored less goals than Steaua have this season and a resilient Vaslui should be able to keep them out too.
Vaslui have now won six consecutive games and have only conceded three goals along the way, beating the likes of CFR Cluj and Unirea Urziceni along the way. With their scintillating form and efficiency in mind, it may not be quite so laughable to suggest that they may win this game outright, particularly as Steaua have already lost two home games this season. Vaslui deservedly occupy top spot in the country at the moment and when you consider that they managed to avoid defeat here last season, you have to feel that there’s some good value in laying Steaua today, particularly as Vaslui have become even better since then.
Verdict: Lay Steaua Bucharest at 5/6.
Real Valladolid vs Tenerife – home win at evens.
Both of these two sides are in similar predicaments, loitering just outside of the relegation zone. Both sides have won just once in their last five games, although the visitors have lost more of those games than Real Valladolid have. Valladolid have more experience in these situations and always put in a feisty stint when playing their home games, something which has seen them score nine goals in five home games despite only winning one of them.
Visitors Tenerife have the worst away record in the Primera Liga with five defeats from five away games. They have the worst possible combination of being the side that concedes three goals per away game on average, which is more than any other Primera Liga side, and by only having scored one goal away from home all season. Tenerife don’t score many goals as it is but on the road they’re particularly lacklustre and enjoy being cannon fodder, seemingly.
The only way I can see Tenerife taking anything from this game is if Valladolid don’t score but considering that the hosts average nearly two goals per game at home, it’s hard to look beyond a home win here.
Verdict: Real Valladolid to win at evens.
Almeria vs Athletic Club de Bilbao – away win at 2/1.
Almeria have been decent at home this season, losing just once in five games. They’ve won twice and drawn twice too, although their recent form shows that they’re not playing anywhere near as well as they can with three defeats in four games. Almeria’s biggest problem is not scoring goals and that may affect them today, particularly as they’re suffering from a lack of momentum.
Visitors Athletic Club de Bilbao enter this game on the back of an impressive 1-1 draw at home to reigning champions Barcelona. Only the top five sides in the Primera Liga have won more away games than Athletic have this season and the visitors have been playing some good football after the introduction of prodigies Muniain and De Marcos to their ranks. Llorente is a potent striker and will be a constant threat for Almeria. Athletic are unbeaten in their last three games now so will look to continue their good run by using their momentum to overcome their lesser opponents Almeria.
This should be a close game as Almeria are a tough side at home but Athletic have a better side and should make us some money today, although it may be worth looking at the draw no bet option given the unreliability of Athletic’s defence.
Verdict: Athletic Club de Bilbao to win at 2/1.
Gava vs Alicante – away win at 5/6.
Hosts Gava have lost three of their last five games and naturally sit near the foot of the table as this type of form is rather commonplace for them. Nobody in Group 3 has conceded as many goals as Gava have this season with Gava averaging over two goals conceded per game. Gava have already lost five out of seven home games this season and have conceded more goals at home than anyone else has too. Effectively, they’re looking likely to lose against anyone they face at the moment.
Recently relegated Alicante have played quite well since adapting to life in the Segunda B and have now won four out of their last five games, granting them considerable momentum ahead of their trip to Gava. Only the top two sides in the group have conceded less goals than Alicante have this season, hence Alicante’s relative success as they’re not big goalscorers. Alicante’s away form is somewhat mixed but I’m hoping that is turns out to be irrelevant due to the complete lack of ability and momentum that Gava possess, which really should be the case.
Effectively, this should be a very straightforward away win for Alicante today.
Verdict: Alicante to win at 5/6.
Zorya Lugansk vs Chernomorets Odessa – home win at 10/11.
Zorya Lugansk have been poor so far this season which is why they’re battling against relegation. They’ve won just one game in their last five and have lost three along the way. However, they’ve remained reliable and consistent at home, where they’ve only lost once this season, winning three times and drawing twice. Zorya Lugansk don’t score enough goals in their games so their home form is absolutely vital to them if they intend on prolonging their stay in this division.
Visitors Chernomorets Odessa are a side that I rate rather highly although I’ve absolutely no grounds to base this on from a stastistics perspective. They’ve lost two out of their last three games, winning just once in their last five games. They’re the only side in the division to have scored less goals than today’s hosts Zorya Lugansk and have already lost four out of their six away games this season, drawing once and winning once. Chernomorets concede over two goals per away game on average, which is largely why they lose so many away games, a factor that is pivotal in this bet being successful today.
Effectively, if Chernomorets give Zorya the same number of chances in this game as they have to the majority of their opponents this season then home win here should be a mere formality for Zorya Lugansk.
Verdict: Zorya Lugansk to win at 10/11.
Young Boys Bern vs Basel – home win at 13/10.
Despite some unconvincing performances and results of late, Young Boys Bern remain the best side in Switzerland for me. Nonetheless, Young Boys Bern remain top of the Super League by four points to today’s opponents Basel due to Young Boys Bern’s relentless run of form earlier this season. Young Boys Bern have only won two out of their last five games but will motivate themselves highly for this important rivalry match against title contenders Basel. Young Boys Bern average scoring approximately 2.5 goals per home game and will take comfort from the fact that they hold the voodoo sign over Basel, a side that they’ve beaten the last four times they’ve met in the Super League at either ground. Lastly, Young Boys Bern have already won five out of their seven home games this season, remaining unbeaten throughout, which will thrown down the gauntlet for a rejuvenated Basel side.
Basel have been playing very well indeed lately with four wins and one draw from their last five games. They’ve won four away games this season but have lost twice and drawn twice. Despite convincing performances of late, Basel know that they’re not as good as Young Boys Bern anymore and their voodoo sign may yet come back to haunt them again, much as it did earlier this season. Although I expect a spirited display from Basel, I can’t help but feel that they’ll succumb to their better opponents today.
Verdict: Young Boys Bern to win at 13/10.
Zamora vs Caracas – away win at 11/8.
Two straight defeats for Zamora, including a home defeat by poor-travelling Deportivo Anzoategui, means that they’re not in the best frame of mind ahead of their match with mighty Caracas. Zamora rely heavily on their home form but that’s deserved them a little of late and they now look a little prone to being broken down, particularly by good sides. Caracas certainly fall into that category and will look to inflict Zamora’s third home defeat of the season tonight.
Caracas are easily one of the best sides in the Venezuelan Primera Division, if not the best side, and have shown it en mass this season. They’ve won ten out of their fourteen games and have only tasted defeat twice this season. They’ve won five away games out of seven this season, scoring an average of over two goals per away game, which is more than any other side. Caracas are simply a class above Zamora and have more than enough in their arsenal to make it count tonight.
Verdict: Caracas to win at 11/8.
As ever, if there are any questions/explanations required then feel free to post a comment! For the complete picks listing, see below!
Argentinian Primera Division:
San Lorenzo de Almagro vs Boca Juniors (6) 1-1
Tigre vs Velez Sarsfeld (7) 0-1
Banfield vs Racing Club Avellaneda (9) -1.75 handicap
Australian A-League:
Sydney vs Newcastle Jets (8) 2-0
Brisbane Roar vs Wellington Phoenix (6) 1-1
Austrian Bundesliga:
Salzburg vs Rapid Vienna (7) over 2.5 goals
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Zulte-Waregem vs Lokeren (8) 2-0
Sint-Truiden vs Standard de Liege (8) 0-1
Belgian Tweede Klasse:
Turnhout vs Brussels (5)
Boussu Dour Borinage vs Lierse SK (6)
Tienen vs Liege (7)
Brazilian Serie A:
Palmeiras vs Atletico Mineiro (7) 2-1
Gremio vs Gremio Barueri (8) 2-0
Atletico Paranaense vs Botafogo (7) 1-1
Cruzeiro vs Coritiba (8) 2-1
Corinthians vs Flamengo (7) 1-2
Sport Recife vs Internacional (7) 1-2
Santo Andre vs Nautico (7) 1-0
Avai vs Santos (7) 2-1
Goias vs Sao Paulo (6) over 2.5 goals
Fluminense vs Vitoria (8) 2-0
Bulgarian A PFG:
Beroe vs Litex Lovech (8) 0-2
Chernomorets Burgas vs Lokomotiv Sofia (6) 1-1
Colombian Futbol Profesional:
Atletico Nacional de Medellin vs Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota (6) 1-1
Real Cartagena vs Independiente Medellin (6) 1-2
Cypriot Division 1:
Doxa vs Ermis (6) 1-0
Omonia Nicosia vs Nea Salamis (9) -1.75 handicap
Danish Superligaen:
Randers vs SonderjyskE (4) 1-0
FC Copenhagen vs Midtylland (7) 2-1
Nordsjaelland vs Silkeborg (6) 1-1
AGF Aarhus vs Brondby (5) 1-2
Ecuadorian Primera A:
Emelec Guayaquil vs Liga de Quito (5) 1-1
Deprotivo Cuenca vs Deportivo Quito (6) 1-2
English Premier League:
Bolton Wanderers vs Birmingham City (7) 1-1
Everton vs Liverpool (5) 1-1
Arsenal vs Chelsea (7) 1-2
English Championship:
Cardiff City vs Ipswich Town (8)
English FA Cup:
Kettering Town vs Leeds United (8) 0-2
French Ligue 1:
Le Mans vs Saint-Etienne (5) 0-1
AS Nancy-Lorraine vs Girondins de Bordeaux (7) 0-1
Olympique Lyonnais vs Stade Rennais (7) over 2.5 goals
German Bundesliga:
Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs VFB Stuttgart (8) 3-1
Hannover 96 vs Bayern Munich (6) 1-1
German Bundesliga 2:
Energie Cottbus vs Rot-Weiss Oberhausen (7)
St.Pauli vs Union Berlin (7)
1860 Munich vs Fortuna Dusseldorf (6)
Greek Super League:
Larissa vs Kavala (8) 0-0
Panthrakikos vs Levadiakos (5) under 2.5 goals
Aris Salonika vs Panionios (6) 2-1
Olympiakos Piraeus vs Panathinaikos (6) 1-1, at least one red card in this game
Atromitos vs PAS Giannina (6) 1-0
Greek B Ethniki:
Ethnikos Asteras vs Ionikos Nikaias (8)
Ilioupoli vs Agrotikos Asteras (6)
Aigaleo Athens vs Thrasivoulos (6)
Kerkyra vs Panserraikos (7)
OFI Crete vs Olympiakos Volos (6)
Panaitolikos Agrinio vs Kalamata (8)
Hungarian Soproni Liga:
Debreceni VSC vs Zalaegerszegi TE (8) over 2.5 goals
Italian Serie A:
Atalanta Bergamo vs AS Roma (5) 1-1
Bari vs Siena (8) 1-0
Cagliari vs Juventus (7) 0-1
Chievo Verona vs Palermo (5) 1-0
Internazionale vs Fiorentina (8) 2-1
Lazio vs Bologna (5) 1-0
Parma vs SSC Napoli (6) 1-1
Catania vs AC Milan (7) 1-2
Italian Serie B:
Reggina vs Brescia (7)
Japanese J-League:
Yokohama F Marinos vs Shimizu S-Pulse (7) 2-1
JEF United Ichihara vs Oita Trinita (7) 1-0
Mexican Primera Division:
Toluca vs San Luis (7) 2-0
Morelia vs Santos Laguna (6) 0-1
Dutch Eredivisie:
Vitesse Arnhem vs AFC Ajax Amsterdam (8) over 2.5 goals
ADO Den Haag vs Feyenoord Rotterdam (7) 1-2
Utrecht vs NAC Breda (7) 1-1
Groningen vs NEC Nijmegen (6) 1-0
Polish Ekstraklasa:
Odra Wodzislaw vs Wisla Krakow (8) 0-2
Arka Gdynia vs Slask Wroclaw (5) 0-1
Portuguese Liga Sagres:
Pacos de Ferreira vs Leixoes (6) 1-0
Academica de Coimbra vs Vitoria Setubal (5) 1-0
Belenenses vs Maritimo (7) 0-1
Porto vs Rio Ave (5) 0-0
Portuguese Liga de Honra:
Sporting Covilha vs Portimonense (6)
Carregado vs Estoril (6)
Desportivo Aves vs Oliveirense (7)
Penafiel vs Varzim (7)
Trofense vs Freamunde (8)
Gil Vicente vs Desportivo Chaves (7)
Santa Clara vs Beira-Mar (7)
Romanian Liga:
Pandurii Targu Jiu vs Rapid Bucharest (7) 1-2
Gaz Metan Medias vs FC Poli Timisoara (5) 1-1
Steaua Bucharest vs Vaslui (5) 1-1
Slovakian Corgon Liga:
Nitra vs Dubnica (6) 1-0
Slovenian Prva Liga:
Koper vs Celje (7) 2-1
Spanish Primera Liga:
Real Valladolid vs Tenerife (6) 2-1
Getafe vs Deportivo Xerez (8) 2-0
Racing Club de Santander vs Deportivo La Coruna (6) 1-2
Almeria vs Athletic Club de Bilbao (6) 1-2
Real Zaragoza vs Osasuna (7) 1-1
Barcelona vs Real Madrid (7) over 2.5 goals
Atletico Madrid vs Espanyol (5) 1-1
Spanish Segunda Liga:
Rayo Vallecano de Madrid vs Real Sociedad (6)
Cordoba vs Girona (8)
Real Betis Balompie vs Las Palmas (6)
Albacete vs Numancia (7)
Castellon vs Real Murcia (6)
Villarreal II vs Elche (5)
Spanish Segunda B:
Group 1:
Celta de Vigo II vs Pontevedra (6)
Palencia vs Deportivo Alaves (5)
Montaneros vs Izarra (8)
Ponferradina vs Lemona (8)
Mirandes vs Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa (6)
Sestao River Club vs Guijuelo (5)
Barakaldo vs Racing Club de Ferrol (6)
Eibar vs Compostela (9)
Group 2:
Atletico Madrid II vs Tenerife II (8)
Alcorcon vs Cerro Reyes Badajoz (8)
Toledo vs Alcala Henares (7)
Universidad Las Palmas vs Leganes (8)
Lanzarote vs Real Madrid II (5)
Vecindario vs Villanovense (7)
Conquense vs Cacareno (6)
Group 3:
Sabadell vs Sporting Mahones (6)
Sant Andreu vs Atletico Gramenet (8)
Denia vs Espanyol Barcelona II (7)
Gava vs Alicante (7)
Badalona vs Lleida (6)
Orihuela vs Terrassa (8)
Logrones vs Alcoyano (7)
Benidorm vs Villajoyosa (8)
Group 4:
Sevilla II vs Aguilas (6)
Union Estepona vs Ciudad de Murcia (7)
Real Murcia II vs Real Betis Balompie II (8)
Roquetas vs Granada (6)
Melilla vs Polideportivo Ejido (7)
Moratalla vs Marbella (5)
Real Jaen vs Sangonera Atletico (5)
Caravaca vs Jerez Industrial (8)
Ecija Balompie vs Lucena (4)
Swiss Super League:
Young Boys Bern vs Basel (7) 2-1
FC Zurich vs Aarau (6) 2-0
Bellinzona vs Sion (6) 1-1
Swiss Challenge League:
Kriens vs Yverdon Sport (6)
Locarno vs Vaduz (6)
Schaffhausen vs Biel-Bienne (8)
Winterthur vs Lugano (5)
Le Mont vs Gossau (5)
Servette vs Lausanne Sports (6)
Stade Nyonnais vs Wil (4)
Turkish Super Lig:
Antalyaspor vs Genclerbirligi (5) 2-1
Istanbul BB vs Gaziantepspor (6) 1-0
Ankaragucu vs Denizlispor (7) 2-0
Manisaspor vs Kayserispor (6) 1-2
Trabzonspor vs Eskisehirspor (6) 2-1
Sivasspor vs Besiktas JK (8) 0-2
Ukrainian Premier League:
Arsenal Kiev vs Metalist Kharkiv (8) 0-1
Zorya Lugansk vs Chernomorets Odessa (7) 2-1
Obolon Kiev vs Metalurg Donetsk (8) 1-2
Metalurg Zaporizhya vs Dynamo Kiev (9) 1-3
Venezuelan Primera Division:
Deportivo Tachira vs Trujillanos (8) 2-1
Deportivo Anzoategui vs Llaneros de Guanare (8) 2-0
Zulia vs Centro Italo (8) 1-0
Zamora vs Caracas (7) 0-1
Yaracuyanos vs Monagas SC (6) 1-1
Deportivo Italia vs Aragua (8) 3-1
Real Esppor Club vs Atletico El Vigia (5) 1-1
Carabobo vs Deportivo Lara (7) 1-1
Estudiantes de Merida vs Mineros de Guayana (6) 1-0
Enjoy your free betting tips!