Ceske Budejovice vs Viktoria Plzen
FreeBefore today’s post, I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Barcelona for somehow completing a piece of pure magic – they’ve all but exchanged lumbering oaf Yaya Toure for classy holding midfielder Javier Mascherano and made money by doing so! I’ve no idea how they’ve pulled that off but that’s probably the best bit of transfer activity that I’ve seen this year!
Anyway, today’s card happily looks a lot better than yesterday’s card so lets see how we fare!
My featured game today is the Gambrinus Liga game between Ceske Budejovice and Viktoria Plzen. The defensive moguls of Budejovice today host the most in-form side in the Czech Republic currently and look as unprepared as ever with high levels of impotence and general anti-football tactics so I don’t hold much hope for the hosts today.
Indeed, Ceske Budejovice have played six Gambrinus Liga games so far this season with just one win along the way, drawing a massive five games! With that record in mind, it’s not hard to understand why they’ve only scored five times and conceded four times along the way. Ceske Budejovice are currently unbeaten in the division but that record frankly flatters them as they face yet another long season trying to avoid relegation. On paper, some of Ceske’s results look more impressive than they actually are. Consider that they’ve already beaten giants Sparta Prague at home this season and then consider that Sparta fielded an entire second-string due to European committments and still dominated the game, losing to the only attempt that Ceske Budejovice had on goal all game long. They’ve drawn with out-of-form Teplice and out-of-form Mlada Boleslav but they’ve still not earned a result this season that we should be genuinely impressed by. They’re not an easy side to beat, hence their current set of statistics, but they’re simply not a good side and are finally facing a side that could and should punish them today.
Viktoria Plzen have surprised me this season as I expected their heroics last season to remain as last season heroics rather than continue them into this season. They’ve well and truly proven me wrong with five wins in six Gambrinus Liga games and the manner in which they’ve done it has impressed me a lot. They bounced back from a hefty defeat in Turkey against Besiktas JK by throttling newly-promoted Hradec Kralove 3-0 away from home without even breaking sweat, thus showing mental strength. They won at giants Sparta Prague last match and their overall potency is absolutely terrifying. The only way to stop them winning at the moment is to outscore them and the Gambrinus Liga doesn’t currently have a better goalscorer than Jan Rezek of Viktoria Plzen so that could take some hard work to achieve! The pace and skill of ex-Sparta Prague winger Daniel Kolar and the experience in the middle of the park from Pavel Horvath both give Viktoria a good number of options in the final third for their arising team. Viktoria have an excellent combination of experience, ability, tenacity, and stamina and they’ve excelled this season as a result. Momentum spurs Viktoria on immensely at the moment and the should cause no end of problems for their defensive hosts today.
Now for the worrying statistics – Viktoria Plzen have never won at Ceske Budejovice. They’ve also drawn their last seven meetings with Ceske Budejovice both at home and away. However, my argument for that would be that Viktoria Plzen have never been as good as they are right now so I think the odds on the away win are good value today. If the real Viktoria Plzen turn up, I can see them scoring a few goals so handicapping the away win with -1.5 at 15/4 looks a good price here, as does winning to nil at 13/5 as Ceske Budejovice offer very little in front of goal.
Verdict: Viktoria Plzen to win at 5/4.
Sunday’s Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Independiente vs Arsenal de Sarandi – both sides to score at 10/11.
Independiente are undoubtedly the better of these two sides but they’re still not at their best following a rather depressing transfer window as they lost a lot of good players. That’s why they’re still without a win after three Primera Division games and points are proving hard to come by. However, they did finally claim a win against Argentinos Juniors in the Copa Sudamericana of late so they finally have some momentum to work with. Unfortunately for tonight’s hosts, their win came just two days ago and they’re sure to be tired here so I think any kind of incisive Arsenal de Sarandi attack could have a lot of joy today. Barring their Copa Sudamericana game, Independiente have conceded in every game so far this season and Arsenal de Sarandi have scored in every game they’ve played in this season so the foundations are laid out for this bet to happen. In fact, three out of Independiente’s last four home games against Arsenal have included both sides scoring and with weariness and a lack of quality sure to hinder them against a feisty but defensively-inept Arsenal de Sarandi, I fancy both sides to score in this game.
Verdict: Both sides to score at 10/11.
Argentinos Juniors vs River Plate – away win at 29/20.
I mentioned pre-season that River Plate were finally beginning to re-build and their form is starting to show it. They’re still nowhere near their best but the side are playing better with each game and they should cause problems for Argentinos Juniors tonight as a result. They still have a problem with strength in-depth, although their talented academy products tend to deputise rather well. They welcome back talismanic playmaker Ariel Arnaldo Ortega from suspension and there are even rumours that Pavone could be fit enough to finally make his debut, which is a welcome relief for River’s under-strength attack. It’s good to see Diego Buonanotte back in the side, re-affirming his potential as one of Argentina’s better emerging youngsters despite that horrific accident that ruled him out of action for many months. All in all, River are a club on the rise and three wins from three games shows that so momentum favours them too. It also aids their cause that they’re facing an Argentinos Juniors side that hasn’t had a good transfer window and as such aren’t playing well as a result. They have occasional ability but their temperament is low and they keep losing their heads, conceding goals too easily, and having men sent off in one order or another. They’ve lost three out of four games already this season and are yet to win a game although in their defence, only one of those games was at home. Either way, these aren’t the displays of champions and I fancy them to struggle against their opponents today. These two sides play out some bizarre games as was shown when River won here last year despite it being Argentinos’ best year for some time and one of River’s worst years for some time so don’t wade blindly into this one. However, there could and should be value on the away win if River take their chances tonight.
Verdict: River Plate to win at 29/20.
Boca Juniors vs Velez Sarsfield – away win at 17/10.
Approach with caution as this is a Buenos Aires derby (like most Primera Division games!) albeit not the main one for either side. However, Boca’s attempts at re-building their defence pre-season have drastically back-fired with their defence looking more incompetent and leaky than before, conceding two goals against newly-promoted All Boys in their last game in a 2-0 defeat on neutral territory. Not only that, but Boca are desperately missing playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme, who has effectively been carrying this ailing team and they look a weak side at best with the two handicaps mentioned above. Boca are yet to win a game or keep a clean sheet this season with five goals conceded in three games and things just don’t look good for them at all.
However, for visitors Velez Sarsfield, things couldn’t look much better at all. They’ve won three consecutive games despite not dominating as they should have in some of those games because they were clinical with their chances. They won 2-1 at All Boys a couple of games ago, where Boca lost lately, and it could have seriously been 1-7 and the hosts couldn’t have complained – utter domination springs to mind. Velez were patient against impatient Argentinos Juniors last match and reaped the benefits by easing to a 2-0 win and basically, Velez have emphasised their ability to approach each game in whatever way it requires for them to win it and to do so in style. Playmaker Moralez looks as inspired as ever and talismanic striker Silva is finding the net at will so Velez look a real handful already this season, confirming the pre-season opinion of them being title favourites this time around. They’ve basically got the full package required to win the title this season and I genuinely believe that they will, particularly if their knack of winning even when not playing well continues.
This won’t be an easy game for Velez for obvious reasons but the fact that they’re actually a better side than Boca makes the odds look a little too generous for me so my call is the away win tonight, particularly with momentum supporting the bet.
Verdict: Velez Sarsfield to win at 17/20.
LASK Linz vs Rapid Vienna – under 2.5 goals at 6/5.
LASK’s attack this season has proven even more ineffectual than I expected with just Maryleb and Zickler leading the line as the ageing duo continue to struggle to score goals for their club. LASK have been decent at home (defensively) barring their abject 4-3 defeat against Austria Vienna so I think they’ll try to keep it tight again today. Let’s face it – what’s their alternatives? They’ve got no depth anymore and no alternatives in attack so they’re going to struggle whatever they do. They’re missing important defender Hart and back-up striker Derdak through injury and important midfielder Schellander is a doubt although LASK will probably play him anwyay due to a lack of alternatives. Atypically, I’d be all over Rapid Vienna to blow them away but a draining but victorious tie in England mid-week against Aston Villa is sure to have tired the visitors and the fact that they’ve now lost Jelavic in attack doesn’t fill me with confidence in their attack. They’re still a good side, good enough to hold off LASK and most likely edge the win but I just don’t see where their goals are coming from. I expect a fairly low-key and uninteresting game between these two sides but with both sides really lacking in attack, I have to favour under 2.5 goals in this game.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals at 6/5.
Sturm Graz vs Wiener Neustadt – home win with -1.5 handicap at 2/1.
I rarely handicap Sturm Graz and I’m already regretting it because they’re not a big goalscoring side. However, my reasoning is that if they can’t score against one of the most inept sides (defensively) in the division then they really are in dire straits. Admittedly, they miss key midfielder Holzl today through injury but the losses for this game that interest me the most are Simkovic in midfield and Kostal in defence for Wiener Neustadt, both of which the visitors struggle to perform without. I’ve got a lot of respect for the visitors because of their enthusiasm and potency but they simply cannot defend so they should have problems against their superior hosts. All that concerns me (aside from Sturm not scoring many in general) is that the giants were in Italy a few days ago, playing against Juventus, so fatigue may be a slight factor here. However, Sturm Graz have enough depth in their squad and Wiener Neustadt are bad enough defensively to create a gap for this bet to sneak home. Wiener Neustadt already average conceding two goals per game after just five games and whereas Sturm Graz aren’t firing on all cylinders, the missing Kostal for the visitors should prove a real Achilles heel today that Sturm Graz can capitalise on.
Interestingly enough, Wiener Neustadt have never scored against Sturm Graz in the five meetings between the two clubs since the visitors today were promoted in time for the 2009/2010 season with Sturm Graz winning all three of their home games in that time, the first of which was 3-0 back in 2009. This bet is far from a dead cert but the odds of 2/1 are too generous for the superior side to win this game by two goals or more against a side that can’t defend and that is also missing one of their best defenders!
Verdict: Sturm Graz to beat the -1.5 goal handicap at 2/1.
Vitebsk vs BATE Borisov – under 2.5 goals at 17/20.
Genrally speaking, Vitebsk have little interest in scoring goals; they just like to stop others scoring. It’s kept them in the Vysshaya Liga for a while so it’s hard to criticise their anti-football tactics but it’s still not good to watch. Nonetheless, it means that Vitebsk have only lost five out of eleven home games this season despite being just above the relegation zone because they occasionally some a degree of competence in defence at home and that will have to be their focal point today against a far superior BATE Borisov today. Their last two home games have gone under 2.5 goals and BATE’s last seven visits here have gone under 2.5 goals so this should be a good call today, particularly as the superior visitors don’t score many and have only just arrived back from a mid-week trip to Portugal to face Maritimo Funchal. BATE play possession football and boast the best defence in Belarus so a weary but well-organised display against their inferior hosts today should see an under 2.5 goals scoreline at the end of it at decent odds.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals at 17/20.
Dinamo Minsk vs Dnepr Mogilev – Dinamo Minsk to lead at half-time/full-time at 7/4.
Dinamo Minsk were caught out-midweek at home against Belgium’s Club Brugge by one thing; inexperience. Giving away two penalties in the first-half and conceding three goals was a disaster for the youthful but talented hosts and they paid the price, ultimately going out of the UEFA Europa League. It’s such a shame for them because they dominated the second-half in the exact way that they should have played in the first-half, exemplifying their talents against a very good side and actually winning the second-half 2-0. Therefore, despite being undeniably disappointed, I don’t think the result will have hurt Dinamo Minsk too much. I don’t think Gurenko would have a massive job to do to lift his enthusiastic players and let’s face it – they have to win this game today to further their hopes for European football next year so I expect a highly-motivated display from the hosts. Dinamo Minsk’s recent form doesn’t look good on paper but they’ve rested a lot of players in recent times due to European committments so I wouldn’t read much into that. Dinamo Minsk have actually won the first-half in two out of their last three home games (with a full squad) in the Vysshaya Liga, including a 3-0 win against their opponents today Dnepr Mogilev so it’s not farcical to expect a similar display today. Both sides were in action mid-week and both lost their respective games but Dinamo Minsk have more experience and more depth than Dnepr Mogilev, who have often proved to be poor away from home in the Vysshaya Liga against Dinamo Minsk, losing their last three visits here. Although Dnepr are capable of putting up a resilient show, I don’t expect to see it at this late stage of the season with both sides a little tired so I have to favour the superior hosts to take the initiative in the first-half and hold it until the end of the game at decent odds of 7/4.
Verdict: Dinamo Minsk to lead at half-time/full-time at 7/4.
Racing Genk vs Lierse SK – home win with -1.5 handicap at 4/5.
I’m running out of superlatives to describe just how well Racing Genk are playing this season with arising striking sensation Jelle Vossen leading the line! They’ve simply looked full of goals and have terrorised every side that they’ve faced, including a very experienced Porto side in Europe mid-week, eventually losing 4-2 after a good display. I figured it would take much longer for Genk to integrate their new signings but they’ve adapted immediately and they actually look genuine title contenders if they maintain their current trends. They’ve won all four Eerste Klasse games so far this season with an average of just below four goals scored per game so God help Lierse today! Lierse haven’t started life in the Eerste Klasse as they’d have liked with four consecutive defeats and an average of two goals conceded per game. They know there is more to come from themselves and their wealthy chairman knows that too so they’re going to have to be very careful ultimately. Lierse have even signed target man Wesley Sonck from Club Brugge lately and there’s a chance he’ll play today but it should be too soon for him to make an impact despite his unquestionable experience. However, as much as I respect the battling visitors, the hosts are playing so well at the moment and are scoring against everyone so I can’t see how this game will end as anything but a home win. My bet is for Genk to win by two goals or more at decent odds of 4/5 although I’d leave it of the odds drop further.
Verdict: Racing Genk to beat the -1.5 goal handicap at 4/5.
Fluminense vs Sao Paulo – home win at 7/10.
The acquisition of Deco has simply strengthened Fluminense even further and they frankly look unstoppable as a result. They turned a droll and eventless game at Goias last match into a 3-0 drubbing from nowhere thanks to individual brilliance and with thirteen games now gone without defeat, it’s hard to oppose Fluminense, particularly as they’ve won eleven of those games. They’ve won six out of seven at home already this season and average scoring nearly two per home game so why shouldn’t they win this one at a canter? They’ve beaten better sides than the current Sao Paulo side in recent times so I really fancy them to do so tonight, even to the point of taking the handicap, as unthinkable as it may seem when looking at the names alone. However, the problems of Sao Paulo have been well-documented by myself on here over the past few weeks as they labour to draws and defeats without influential playmaker Hernanes to provide a creative spark and make something happen, not to mention the out-of-form striker Dagoberto being perpetually on the bench. They’re without a win in four consecutive games and although their defence is holding firm, they’re simply not scoring goals, which basically makes them sitting ducks against the likes of Fluminense today.
Forget the names here – on quality and momentum, Fluminense shouldn’t be longer than 1/2 for this game so there should be value in the home win tonight.
Verdict: Fluminense to win at 7/10.
Atletico Paranaense vs Gremio – home win at evens.
Gremio’s chances of relegation increase every week as they continually fail to find the net on a consistent basis, not to mention their footballing suicide in defence. They’re one of just three Serie A sides yet to win an away game this season with four defeats and four draws from eight away games and that doesn’t look likely to change today. They average conceding nearly two goals per away game and scoring less than a goal per away game so their big name counts for nothing here as they’ve got nothing to back it up quality-wise at the moment. They’ve won just one Serie A game in their last ten games so they’re really struggling and I expect that to happen again tonight. Their hosts, Atletico Paranaense, aren’t the most consistent of sides but they do tend to make their home form count as four wins in seven home games this season suggests. They keep it tight and like to get physical with their opponents at home, which is the worst possible opponent for a lacklustre Gremio at the moment, so I fancy the hosts rather a lot here. They’ve won three out of their last five home games with only Sao Paulo and Cruzeiro avoiding defeat here whereas Santos, Flamengo, and Botafogo were less fortunate. Atletico bring good momentum into this game following back-to-back wins, two clean sheets along the way, and solid home form so I fancy the hosts to win this one tonight although I’d leave it if the odds drop further.
Verdict: Atletico Paranaense to win at evens.
Cucuta Deportivo vs Deportivo Cali – home win at 17/20.
Cucuta Deportivo have started their Primera A campaign very well indeed with three wins from three home games and they’ve averaged scoring two goals per home game as a result. They’re not that good a side; mid-table fodder usually, in my eyes. However, momentum is the king of all footballing advantages in South America and Cucuta certainly have that tonight so I’m with them here. Deportivo Cali are the bigger of the two sides but haven’t shown it for many years because of continually poor away form and would you believe it – they’ve already lost two out of two on the road this season without scoring a single goal. The head-to-head record between the two clubs isn’t overly impressive for this bet but momentum favours the hosts tonight, as does potency, so the home win really should be decent value, especially if experienced striker Carpintero starts.
Verdict: Cucuta Deportivo to win at 17/20.
Atletico Junior Barranquilla vs Deportes Quindio – home win at 3/4.
I might get bitten in the ass here but these odds smart of no homework being done by the bookies. Atletico Junior are one of the biggest and best sides in Colombia and the reason for that is because they’re utterly dominant at home. They’ve not had a great start to the season thus far; that’s the only reason that I can imagine for the bookies giving such generous odds. However, to dismiss their ability to such an extent looks ridiculous in my eyes – Atletico shouldn’t be longer than 1/2 here! They’ve only lost once in their last fifteen home games in the Primera A and the only side apart from an inspired Real Cartagena (who won 3-0 here last season) to take points off Atletico was a very good Deportes Tolima last match in a 1-1 draw. Atletico are still a very good side, especially at home, and have won this fixture for five out of the last seven campaigns so I really fancy them here. Quindio have started their campaign well, admittedly, but only in their home games – they’ve lost both of their away games without scoring a goal so I really don’t fancy them to upset the odds against their superior hosts today.
Verdict: Atletico Junior Barranquilla to win at 3/4.
Alki vs Anorthosis Famagusta – away win at 31/50.
There’s not much you can’t see from the statistics here; Anorthosis are simply a better side. The odds aren’t spectacular for an away game but then again, Anorthosis aren’t away from home here, are they? The bookies seem to have missed that one – Alki are sharing Anorthosis’ ground for the season – so this is actually a home game for the giants. If Anorthosis were listed on the left of your screen at the bookies then they’d be 1/4 or 1/5 to win this game so you can see why I think there’s value here, particularly with Anorthosis already having competitive match experience under ther belt this season.
Verdict: Anorthosis Famagusta to win at 31/50.
Nordsjaelland vs Aalborg BK – home win a 11/10.
Neither of these two sides are in top condition but let’s face it – Nordsjaelland are far better off than Aalborg at the moment. Nordsjaelland are often guilty of trying to walk the ball into the net and they’ve also on a seemingly bad run of form to boot. They’ve lost four out of their last five games, in fact. However, more closely examined, the four sides that have beaten them were Sporting Clube de Lisboa, Brondby, FC Copenhagen, and Midtylland, so it’s far from an embarassing list. Nordsjaelland should have regained some momentum following their emphatic 5-0 win at amateurs Vanlose in the Landspokal mid-week and they’ll need it too as they’ve got a rather unfortunate record of never having beaten Aalborg BK at home – only away. That record could and should be set to change, however, as Aalborg have a crisis in camp following terrible recent displays and little to no goal threat whatsoever. I’d like to be exaggerating at this point but they were absolutely abysmal in their defeat against Esbjerg and rarely troubled their poor opponents throughout. Only emerging talent Schwartz in attack represents any kind of threat for Aalborg BK but a semi-decent Nordsjaelland side should be able to handle him. As Aalborg’s last Superligaen game proved – a lack of service for the promising youngster inevitably means he cannot score and if he doesn’t then nobody will at the moment. Aalborg have some good players in their side but they’re really not showing it at the moment.
Bluntly, I don’t expect Aalborg to score here as Nordsjaelland should be able to keep them out rather easily. The big question is will Nordsjaelland score? They’re certainly good enough to so I’ll take a chance on them today. If you feel bold, you can try your hand at Nordsjaelland to win to nil at 11/5 because I just cannot see how Aalborg will score here.
Verdict: Nordsjaelland to win at 11/10.
AC Horsens vs FC Copenhagen – FC Copenhagen to win to nil at 27/20.
Horsens finally got brought back down to earth by experienced Superligaen campaigners SonderjyskE in their last Superligaen outing, losing 2-0. Despite a hefty 4-1 win at Braband in the Landspokal mid-week, that defeat has knocked Horsens off-course, which is pleasing as they should now resort to their usual impotent selves. They’re a battling side and are rarely easy to beat but their lack of consistent goalscoring ability makes them sitting ducks, particularly in games like this where their opponent is by far superior. A half-hearted OB Odense display here a few weeks ago still caused Horsens a lot of problems despite the eventual outcome so imagine what a determined Copenhagen can do! Copenhagen enter this game on the back of a win in the Scandinavian derby against Norwegian champions Rosenborg BK and as a result, they’ve reached the UEFA Champions League Group Stage, which will leave them understandably buoyant. They’ve been outstanding in the Superligaen of late too, winning three consecutive games (including a trip to title rivals OB Odense) and keeping two clean sheets along the way. Copenhagen are very much the champions in this country and often show it so I expect a champions’ display today. Copenhagen should manipulate the ball well and take their chances in their usual clinical fashion so I thoroughly expect a Copenhagen win here against their valiant but rather talentless opponents. The risk here is whether they’ll keep a clean sheet or not but for me, with the most impotent attack in the division (despite the contradicting statistics) facing arguably the best defence, it’s worth taking the away win to nil at good odds.
Verdict: FC Copenhagen to win to nil at 27/20.
Skive vs Roskilde – home win at 17/20.
The beloved club of The Footy Tipster are back in action as mighty Skive host Roskilde! Fresh from an impressive and goal-filled display against rivals Viborg, Skive won 4-2 at Hirtshals in the Landspokal in a typically relentless attacking display with little care for defending. I like that about Skive as they play to their strengths and few sides in this division can boast such a high level of potency that Skive currently do. Skive have a great belief in themselves too, as a 4-2 win against Hobro a couple of weeks ago indicated despite trailing 2-0 in the game. Skive have now won four out of their last five games and only an impressive Viborg side has halted that run (albeit temporarily) so Skive are very much on a momentum burst and frankly excel when they’re on one. Little Roskilde have got to be afraid of Skive today as they’ve now lost four consecutive games this season in all competitions and have been outclassed in each game. Roskilde are scoring goals, to their credit, but to face Skive without any kind of defensive organisation is asking for trouble and I think they’re going to encounter it too. The fact that Roskilde are scoring goals despite losing is all that puts me off taking Skive -1.5 at 9/4 (although Skive should really score enough to beat it anyway!) but the home win still looks a real gem here – Skive should be much shorter here!
Verdict: Skive to win at 17/20.
Aston Villa vs Everton – over 2.5 goals at evens.
McDonald to manage Aston Villa full-time? Not for me. It’s still early in his managerial career, if indeed it can be called that as he’s not been officially appointed as manager yet, but he’s not shown me personally that he’s ready to be in charge of this big club. They’ve defended like idiots in the majority of their games and conceding three against a fairly average Rapid Vienna side mid-week was the icing on the cake, really, as the goals all stemmed from defensive mayhem. Any side that can concede six goals against newly-promoted Newcastle United has problems and whereas their goalscoring ability isn’t really in question, their defensive qualities most certainly are. I think Villa’s only good news ahead of this game is that Everton don’t start the Premier League season well traditionally and the fact that they’re yet to win a Premier League game emphasises that point. However, tactically-astute David Moyes should really have a field day against Villa’s dody back-line today and Everton certainly have the ability to do them damage today. However, Everton themselves aren’t firing on all cylinders yet and could be caught out defensively as they were against both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers respectively so I’m not seeing the value in the away win, sadly. However, where I do see value is in taking over 2.5 goals at evens as both sides are capable of scoring and conceding at the moment. Additionally, five out of the last six meetings between these two arising sides have gone over 2.5 goals, including the last two clashes between the two sides in Birmingham, so my call here is over 2.5 goals at surprisingly generous odds.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals at evens.
MP Mikkeli vs RoPS Rovaniemi – “Dutch” bet.
This is arguably the strangest bet I’ve ever made but I like it in a bizarre way. Basically, MP Mikkeli are the worst side in the Ykkonen because they cannot score goals and their defence is somewhat leaky. Their visitors are RoPS Rovaniemi, who are unquestionably the best side in the division but they’re on a really bizarre run of five consecutive draws, conceding once and scoring once along the way. It’s a remarkable record because RoPS are by far and away the most potent side in the division, not to mention the fact that they don’t care about defending whatsoever so four clean sheets is a strange record for them to possess. Both sides aren’t playing anywhere near enough to their respective standards and something has to give here. For me, it’s either going to end as yet another bizarre draw or as an absolute destruction by RoPS, which is threatening to arrive, so they should beat the handicap. Therefore, I like the idea of making a “Dutch” bet by laying RoPS Rovaniemi and also backing RoPS to win by two goals or more because if they get one goal in this game then the floodgates should open.
Verdict: “Dutch” bet – lay RoPS Rovaniemi at 29/20 and back RoPS Rovaniemi with -1.5 goal handicap at 23/20.
Girondins de Bordeaux vs Olympique de Marseille – away win with draw no bet at evens.
The news for Bordeaux is getting worse by the week! You could be mistaken for thinking that Blanc’s departure wouldn’t be too damaging when the club appointed experienced ex-AS Monaco manager Jean Tigana in charge but the players they’ve lost are severely hampering Bordeaux’s ascent in the Ligue 1 table. First they lost target man Chamakh to Arsenal, which was in a galling free transfer deal. That in itself hinders the Bordeaux attack immensely and piled the pressure on Argentinian target man Fernando Cavenaghi, who responded to that pressure by signing for Real Mallorca on loan recently. To top that off, Bordeaux have sold Gourcuff to Olympique Lyonnais and as he was the heartbeat of the side, the only one who can create chances on a consistent basis, this is beyond a massive blow for Bordeaux. Fair enough, they’ve claimed a hefty sum for his services but are they really going to be able to sign a replacement for him? I doubt it – they don’t have the pulling power here. So we have a Bordeaux side with no goalscorers and no creativity – oh dear! They’re not in a good place currently and although Tigana moved swiftly to sign Niger striker Maazou on loan from CSKA Moscow, it’s too little too late, in my opinion, and I expect Bordeaux to struggle in this game as a result.
Marseille have only struggled here in the past because of the tactical ingenuity of Laurent Blanc but as he’s out of the picture now, I fancy Marseille to finally prove their superiority over Bordeaux. However, as fate would have it, Marseille have a mini-crisis of their own ahead of this game following a poor start to their Ligue 1 campaign. Some displays have been poor and others unfortunate but either way, Marseille need to get going swiftly! All that can comfort them at the moment is that none of their rivals are playing particularly well as Ligue 1 fails to settle into any kind of rhythm so Marseille won’t be too upset so far. I attribute Marseille’s decline of late to their transfer activities and the unrest caused as a result of them. We saw Ben Arfa childishly go on strike over a move to Newcastle United (which has now been actioned on a season-long loan) and we also saw star striker Niang depart to Fenerbahce so Marseille fans must have been wondering what hit them. Marseille need to move quickly to secure Valbuena to keep creativity in their midfield and to their credit, they’re doing that. Their next issue was resolving their striker crisis but instead of pissing about like Bordeaux did, they moved quickly and bought two proven Ligue 1 strikers for high sums – Gignac from Toulouse and highly-sought after Loic Remy from OGC Nice. These two are going to have to learn to gel quickly but it aids their cause massively that both have played in Ligue 1 for ages so I don’t think their adjustment period will take long at all. Marseille have a good enough nucleus to adapt them into their side quickly and I think that’s going to be instrumental to Marseille winning this game tonight.
This game is basically the opportune moment for Marseille to rid themselves of their demons of late and to take advantage of an ailing Bordeaux side with little to offer in attack. I don’t see Marseille blowing Bordeaux away; they’re not yet in a position to do so. However, Deschamps’ side is unquestionably the better of the two on show today and have far more chance of doing damage as a result so taking Marseille to win with draw no bet looks a good bet tonight.
P.S. Marseille have also signed Azpilicueta from Osasuna over the summer, which is a very good signing. He can play at right-back or on the right-wing and is a pacey player with plenty of ability. I’m actually a bit pissed off that Marseille signed him as I really wanted Bilbao to pick him up but c’est la vie!
Verdict: Olympique de Marseille to win with draw no bet at evens.
Ergotelis vs Asteras Tripolis – home win at 23/20.
Ergotelis have made few changes over summer but those they have made have only improved the side. The continuity of their side will undoubtedly benefit them with so many clubs around them chopping and changing on a regular basis so I have a lot of respect for Ergotelis ahead of this game. Their opponents Asteras Tripolis are a prime example of why Ergotelis prevail where others fail. Asteras have lost the likes of top goalscorer Cesarec and midfielder Cardozo and those will hurt them this season, particularly the sale of Cesarec. I just don’t see where Asteras’ goals are going to come from, to be blunt. They were weak on the road last season and if their home form last year was a little weaker than they’d have been relegated and that could be what they’re facing this season if they’re not careful. Their hosts aren’t exceptional but they’re experienced and well-organised, not to mention reliable at home, so for me the odds on the home win are a little generous and could be good value today.
Verdict: Ergotelis to win at 23/20.
Debreceni VSC vs Fehervar – home win at 11/10.
It’s still early in the Soproni Liga season so I find it hard to substantiate this bet other than that Debreceni VSC are simply the better side. Both sides have lost some players over the summer but both are still strong sides and will undoubtedly be competing for the title later in the season. However, Debreceni VSC are the reigning champions because they’re the better side and I don’t see that as having changed this season. They’re having a good European campaign, having just qualified for the UEFA Europa League Group Stage, and will be buoyant as a result. Debreceni VSC always bring goals to their games and although Fehervar are capable of matching that fact on occasion, I’ve seen them lacking more times than I’ve seen them convincing this season with their draw at Siofok being a game that stands out as an example. Fehervar are a good side but they’re no Debreceni VSC, which is why they’ve lost six out of their last seven trips here and also lost the Super Cup earlier in the season without even scoring so Fehervar should really line-up defensively here, although I’m not sure if they will do or if they’ll feel they’re equal to Debreceni VSC and go and attack them. Either way, I have to favour a superior Debreceni VSC for as long as the odds remain at a generous level so the home win is my call here.
Verdict: Debreceni VSC to win at 11/10.
AC Milan vs Lecce – Lecce to win with +1.5 handicap at 7/10.
This bet follows similar lines as my tip for Cesena +1.5 at AS Roma yesterday although AC Milan don’t have the advantage of being as good as AS Roma are due to their ageing players and lack of investment. Only Pato and Ronaldinho are sparks of hope for AC Milan nowadays with their defence looking particularly susceptible against pace and their attack looking non-existant against well-organised sides. Well, Lecce may be a yo-yo side in Italy but well-organised is something that they often are. They’ve got some very experienced players and have been clever in the transfer market too, signing former Lecce youth product Chevanton on a free transfer, his international team-mates Grossmuller (midfielder) from Schalke 04 and pacey attacker Olivera from Penarol, impressive Piatti from Independiente, and solid Norwegian centre-back Regniussen from Schalke 04, just to name a few! They’ve not made any substantial losses during the transfer window and given that this is their cup final, I expect them to give AC Milan a torrid time today. AC Milan could edge this or Lecce could frustrate them as Cesena did to AS Roma yesterday but either way, the bet looks good enough value to be worthy of your consideration today.
AC Milan miss Oddo and Flamini today whereas Lecce miss Fabiano and new signing Olivera. New loan signing Ibrahimovic is not yet available for AC Milan although he should prove to be a valuable acquisition for a fairly stagnant AC Milan side.
Verdict: Lecce to win with +1.5 goal handicap at 7/10.
Sampdoria vs Lazio – home win at 11/10.
Sampdoria have already played two competitive games this season against good opposition so they already have an advantage over Lazio today. It’s not as though they needed an advantage, however – they’re a very good side that is heading steadily back toward the pinnacle of Serie A football and they demonstrated that sufficiently enough last season for me to believe they’ll reproduce it this season. Sampdoria were particularly dominant at home last season with thirteen wins in nineteen home games and only champions Internazionale and Palermo could match their unbeaten run at home. Barring the departure of experienced goalkeeper Castellazzi to Internzionale and of course manager Del Neri to Juventus, Sampdoria are largely unchanged and still boast a formidable attack containing Italian “badboy” Cassano and powerhouse Pazzini. There’s a lot of good players in this side, to be blunt, and I expect a good season from them as a result.
Visitors Lazio had a dire campaign so it’s no surprise to anyone that they’ve been amongst the busier clubs in the transfer window. Impressively, they’ve managed to capture Sao Paulo playmaker Hernanes, which is a great sigining for a club devoid of creativity. They’ve also brought in experienced Australian midfielder Mark Bresciano from Palermo and Basque full-back Javier Garrido from Manchester City to replace the City-bound Kolarov. Cribari was a decent acquisition from Empoli as he’s played in Italy for many years now and Uruguayan defender Pintos could prove an astute signing from San Lorenzo de Almagro if he improves his overall workrate. Barring the departure of Kolarov, Lazio have only really lost Makinwa from the “notable” section so they should see a partial improvement this season, particularly with some impressive signings already having been made. Again, the big question is going to be “can they convert their chances?” and that will ultimately decide their season. For me, they still need another striker but the addition of Hernanes gives them more chances and thus more goals so Lazio have accomodated for their striking problems in at least one way. Unfortunately for Lazio, I think the tricky trip to Genova has come too soon for them as they’ve lost here for two consecutive years and the hosts are in much better shape than they are so my call here is a home win.
Incidentally, Lazio miss Bresciano, Cribari, and Garrido for this game whereas Sampdoria miss Tissone, Cassano, Semioli, Poli, and Ziegler. Cassano is a fairly big loss for Sampdoria but as long as Pazzini starts, I’m still happy with the bet.
Verdict: Sampdoria to win at 11/10.
Zalgiris Vilnius vs Ekranas Panevezys – away win at 7/5.
This game should really be a case of “men vs boys”. Zalgiris have done well following promotion as they seek to build a squad worthy of the big name of Zalgiris Vilnius. To their credit, they’re not far away from achieving it following a successful season. However, the fact is that they’re still not quite at the level of the likes of Ekranas, Suduva, and Vetra so I expect them to struggle in games like this. They rely far too heavily on star striker Jersovas and look incapable of winning without him. Unfortunately for the able striker, he’s up against the meanest defence in Lithuania with reigning champions Ekranas having conceded just five goals in nine away games this season, winning seven of those games. Zalgiris’ home record is impressive but it’s worth noting that the two sides they’ve failed to beat at home in the A Lyga have been giants Suduva Marijampole (1-1) and their opponents today Ekranas Panevezys (0-1). Zalgiris have looked weary of late in their perpetual battle in overcoming smaller clubs and that was emphasised mid-week as Banga Gargzdai took Zalgiris to extra-time and then penalties in the Lithuanian Cup before eventually overcoming their hosts. Therefore, we have a very tired Zalgiris side and a potentially demoralised side too. You cannot approach a game against Ekranas without anything but 100% committment and fitness and Zalgiris simply don’t have that at the moment. Ekranas are the top dogs in Lithuania and virtually every statistic supports that fact too. Their experienced attacking duo Rimkus and Varnas are responsible for the vast majority of their incision and will no doubt be key today if Ekranas are to stamp their authority on their title challengers and let’s face it – they’re definitely capable of doing so against their weary hosts. For me, the away win represents good value today, particularly with Ekranas in such good form and their hosts looking quite unreliable at the moment.
Verdict: Ekranas Panevezys to win at 7/5.
De Graafschap vs AFC Ajax Amsterdam – over 3.5 goals at evens.
This one speaks for itself, really! Two sides that cannot defend and one of them is capable of scoring a lot of goals. Both sides have played in three Eredivisie games so far this season and each side’s respective games have included at least three goals per game. If this game was mid-season, I’d be handicapping Ajax like there’s no tomorrow but they’ve not convinced me that they can play without Pantelic yet and their new strikers are yet to adjust so I’ll refrain from doing so although I have to expect an Ajax win against weak De Graafschap. Either way, there should be masses of goals here so over 3.5 goals looks an intriguing bet today.
Verdict: Over 3.5 goals at evens.
Otelul Galati vs Brasov – home win at 4/5.
Brasov are the latest side to try and take on the meanest defence in Romania and I don’t fancy their chances of breaking through it much today. Only Otelul and Rapid Bucharest are yet to concede a goal at home and Otelul have won both home games as a result of their strong and well-organised defence. They’re not a great side, Otelul, but they’re very enthusiastic, well-organised, and tenacious so they tend to get their own way barring being outclassed. Their constant pressurising and hounding, particularly at home, is very successful and should be today too as they’re a better side than Brasov and they’re in much better shape too. Otelul have only conceded twice this season and both of those goals were at newly-promoted Universitatea Cluj last match so it takes something of a monumental effort to displace the resilient hosts. In four consecutive home games against Brasov, Otelul have managed to score and they’ve won two of them, drawing the other two. However, Brasov’s continued financial issues mean that the club loses its better players each season and this year is no exception. They’ve performed well without some of them, to their credit, but their problems are still very much present. Brasov’s impressive record thus far is one more of fortune than anything with their two wins coming at newly-promoted Targu Mures and at home against newly-promoted Universitatea Cluj. You can look at their statistics and see that they’ve held Steaua Bucharest and Unirea Urziceni at home respectively and be impressed or you can look and see the dire straits that both clubs were in at the time and not be surprised that they happened. Otelul should present a very different and more organised challenge today that I just don’t believe Brasov can handle. Otelul are marginally the better side but present a much more united front so for me, the home win at 4/5 shows value in what should be a fairly low-scoring encounter.
Verdict: Otelul Galati to win at 4/5.
Lokomotiv Moscow vs Zenit St.Petersburg – away win at evens.
I like this bet more than I should, really, but there does appear to be value here. Yury Semin is a great manager but his Lokomotiv Moscow side simply aren’t playing well at the moment. Their over-reliance on Ukrainian international midfielder Aliev has peaked and the club are struggling now that he’s not carrying them. They crashed out of the UEFA Europa League mid-week against Swiss minnows Lausanne Sports after they were dragged through extra-time and ultimately lost on penalties. Lokomotiv now haven’t won in seven consecutive games in all competitions, including two derby defeats against Dinamo Moscow and Spartak Moscow respectively so morale is low at the moment. They’re simply not scoring goals and as a result they’re getting caught out and that’s what I expect toda too, particularly after their gruelling mid-week game. Zenit St.Petersburg were also disappointing mid-week, crashing out of their UEFA Champions League campaign against French side Auxerre in a bad-tempered affair. However, this club hasn’t invested masses of money to not compete in European competition on a consistent basis so expect a fully-focused Zenit side today as they bid to win the Premier League, which they really should be able to do. Unlike Lokomotiv Moscow, Zenit St.Petersburg don’t have just one match-winner; they have several. Zenit heads may have dropped after their defeat mid-week but their ability and organisation certainly hasn’t so I fancy them to pile further misery upon Semin’s Lokomotiv, particularly with their good record here. This is a rather risky call so approach with caution but the odds are good enough to take a chance on today as I expect Zenit to control the game and take their chances.
Verdict: Zenit St.Petersburg to win at evens.
Espanyol vs Getafe – home win at 21/20.
In a fairly quiet transfer window, Espanyol bode farewell to talismanic striker Raul Tamudo as he signed for San Sebastian outfit Real Sociedad, ending the weeks of saga between him and the club. It was a sad way for the club legend to depart but I guess some players are just like that. They’ve also sold Ben Sahar to Hapoel Tel-Aviv and they’ve replaced him with Sergio Garcia from Real Betis Balompie, which is an excellent signing for Espanyol as they lacked a good striker at times last season. I think he should finally complete the puzzle that Pochettino has been facing for over a year and we should finally see Espanyol start to progress and move on after the death of captain Daniel Jarque. They’re a good side, Espanyol, especially so at home and should prove so today, particularly with Sergio Garcia raring to go in attack.
However, the predominant part of this bet stems from Getafe playing 120 minutes in Cyprus just a few days ago as they were locked in a dual with Cypriot giants APOEL Nicosia before eventually progressing to the latter stages of the UEFA Europa League in extra-time. Getafe don’t have enough strength in-depth to deal with that nowadays so they should suffer today against a difficult Espanyol side. The signings of both Colunga and Arizmendi in summer will boost their ailing attack but the departure of Pedro Leon, Kepa, and Roberto Soldado are going to hit them really hard from an attacking perspective with Soldado being their primary target man and Leon being a strong creative force. This weakened Getafe side are going to have to adjust quickly to not being as flambuoyant as normal if they intend to avoid the relegation dogfight but I don’t think they’re going to have enough time to launch any kind of presentable opposition for Espanyol today given that fatigue is an issue and that their hosts are a tough side to face at the best of times.
With the above in mind, I have to favour Espanyol to win this one today. Espanyol only miss Mattoni although goalkeeper Kameni is a doubt whereas Getafe miss Mane through suspension and Casquero, Kas, and Mario through injury.
Verdict: Espanyol to win at 21/20.
Real Sociedad vs Villarreal – Real Sociedad to get more yellow cards at 21/20.
This bet is entirely based on Real Sociedad having a team of what I can only describe as “nutters”. Diego Rivas and Mikel Aranburu in the middle of the park enjoy meaty challenges as the physical side of football is generally all that Real Sociedad are good at nowadays as Bilbao have plundered most of their good players by now. Sociedad also have another nutter called Bueno in attack, who doesn’t enjoy meaty challenges per se – he just likes being booked. Mikel Gonzalez in defence loves to rough up his oppoenents and in general, Real Sociedad are a very physical side, especially at home, and on the opening day of their retun to the Primera Liga, they’d be eaten alive by their fans if they gave anything but 110% here. Villarreal are a very different side to Real Sociedad; cool, calm, and composed. They play possession football and don’t tend to get involved in brawls, unlike their feisty hosts. I expect Villarreal to control a good deal of the play today although there should be some tension here, not only from the war-mongering Basques but also because Joseba Llorente is set to start for his home club (Real Sociedad) against his former employers in the opening game of the season so this should be quite the feisty encounter. Villarreal are the better side here, make no mistake, but I don’t see any value in 1X2 here. As I expect Villarreal to have more of the ball, I think Sociedad are going to resort to their usual tricks to get the ball back and will inevitably get more yellow cards than their opponents so the chances of Real Sociedad earning more yellow cards looks good to me today.
Verdict: Real Sociedad to get more yellow cards at 21/20.
Assyriska Sodertalje vs Degerfors – home win at 3/4.
Assyriska haven’t set the Superettan alight with consistently good displays this season but what they have done is stamped their authority at home with seven wins in eleven games, scoring nearly two goals per game on average. Only Landskrona BoIS and league leaders IFK Norrkoping have won more home games than Assyriska in the Superettan so they’re quite the force at home. They’ve won three out of their last four home games, one of which was against a good GIF Sundsvall side, so momentum does favour them today. They won 3-0 at Vasby United last time out so they’ve got enough here to give Degerfors a tough time today. Newly-promoted Degerfors have really struggled since they sold talented Bertilsson to Kalmar in May and now find themselves on a slippery slope with just one win in their last ten games, losing seven times along the way. They’re not scoring enough goals and because the ball isn’t in their attack long enough to cause damage without Bertilsson, the ball comes back at them even more and their defence gets exposed, hence Degerfors conceding more goals. They’ve scored just once in their past four games and have conceded seven times so it’s safe to say that they’re really struggling at the moment and against a strong unit like Assyriska Sodertalje, I can only see that getting worse today. For me, the home win is priced too generously here so that’s my recommendation today.
Verdict: Assyriska Sodertalje to win at 3/4.
Accumulator fodder:
Sturm Graz, BATE Borisov, Dinamo Minsk, AA Gent, Racing Genk, Fluminense, Colo Colo, Atletico Junior Barranquilla, Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota, Dinamo Zagreb, Apollon Limassol, Anorthosis Famagusta, FC Copenhagen, Skive, EB/Streymur, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Suduva Marijampole, America, Odd Grenland Skien, Ranheim, Universidad San Martin, Juan Aurich, Alianza Lima, Pogon Szezecin, Porto, Sporting Braga, CSKA Moscow, Lausanne Sports, Shakhtar Donetsk, Dynamo Kiev, Club Nacional de Montevideo, Deportivo Tachira, Deportivo Petare, The New Saints.
Recommended bets:
Viktoria Plzen, FC Copenhagen, and Skive at 5/1.
Fluminense, Atletico Junior Barranquilla, and Universidad San Martin 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!
Argentinian Primera Division:
Independiente vs Arsenal de Sarandi (6) 2-1
Argentinos Juniors vs River Plate (6) 0-1
Olimpo vs Racing Club Avellaneda (5) 1-1
Boca Juniors vs Velez Sarsfield (6) over 2.5 goals, at least one red card in this game
Australian A-League:
Gold Coast United vs Melbourne Victory (6) 2-2
Melbourne Heart vs Perth Glory (6) 1-1
Austrian Bundesliga:
LASK Linz vs Rapid Vienna (6) under 2.5 goals
Austria Vienna vs Wacker Innsbruck (6) both sides to score
Sturm Graz vs Wiener Neustadt (8) -1.5 handicap
Belarusian Vysshaya Liga:
Dinamo Minsk vs Dnepr Mogilev (8) 2-0
Shakhtyor Soligorsk vs Dinamo Brest (6) 2-1
Vitebsk vs BATE Borisov (8) under 2.5 goals
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Westerlo vs Club Brugge (7) 1-1
AA Gent vs Germinal Beerschot (8) 2-0
Racing Genk vs Lierse SK (8) -1.5 handicap
Brazilian Serie A:
Corinthians vs Vitoria (7) under 2.5 goals
Guarani vs Flamengo (6) 0-0
Atletico Mineiro vs Palmeiras (5) 1-2
Fluminense vs Sao Paulo (8) 2-0
Atletico Goianiense vs Avai (5) over 2.5 goals, draw no bet
Atletico Paranaense vs Gremio (6) 1-0
Bulgarian A PFG:
Sliven vs CSKA Sofia (5) 0-1, draw no bet
Litex Lovech vs Akademik Sofia (7) 2-1
Chilean Primera Division:
Audax Italiano vs O’Higgins (7) over 2.5 goals
Nublense vs Colo Colo (8) 1-2
Colombian Primera A:
Cortulua vs Envigado (4) 1-0
Independiente de Santa Fe Bogota vs La Equidad Bogota (8) 2-1
Atletico Junior Barranquilla vs Deportes Quindio (8) 2-0
Cucuta Deportivo vs Deportivo Cali (7) 2-0
Croatian Prva Liga:
Split vs Hajduk Split (4) 1-1, at least one red card in this game
Dinamo Zagreb vs Cibalia Vinkovci (8) 2-1
Cypriot Division 1:
Ethnikos Achnas vs A.E.Paphos (5) 1-1
Apollon Limassol vs Doxa (8) 2-0
Alki vs Anorthosis Famagusta (8) 0-2
Czech Republic Gambrinus Liga:
Usti nad Labem vs Bohemians 1905 (5) 1-1
Jablonec vs Slovacko (7) 2-1
Ceske Budejovice vs Viktoria Plzen (7) 0-2
Mlada Boleslav vs Slovan Liberec (6) 1-1
Danish Superligaen:
Nordsjaelland vs Aalborg BK (7) 2-0
Randers vs SonderjyskE (6) 2-1
Lyngby vs Brondby (6) 1-2
AC Horsens vs FC Copenhagen (8) 0-2
Danish 1st Division:
Hjorring vs Fredericia (6) draw no bet
Skive vs Roskilde (8) -1.5 handicap
Vejle vs Bronshoj (6)
AB Copenhagen vs Viborg (6)
Naestved vs Hvidovre (6) both sides to score
Fyn vs Kolding (4)
Ecuadorian Primera A:
Emelec Guayaquil vs Liga de Quito (6) 1-1
English Premier League:
Bolon Wanderers vs Birmingham City (6) 1-1
Liverpool vs West Bromwich Albion (7) 2-0
Sunderland vs Manchester City (6) 1-1
Aston Villa vs Everton (5) over 2.5 goals
Faroese Meistaradeildin:
EB/Streymur vs AB Argir (8) 2-0
B71 Sandur vs HB Torshavn (7) 1-2
B36 Torshavn vs Vikingur Gotu (5) over 2.5 goals
IF Fuglafjordur vs Suduroy (7) 2-0
Finnish Veikkausliiga:
AC Oulu vs Inter Turku (5) 1-1
VPS Vaasa vs FC Honka Espoo (6) 1-2
Finnish Ykkonen:
Espoo vs KooTeePee Kotka (5) under 2.5 goals
MP Mikkeli vs RoPS Rovaniemi (7)
French Ligue 1:
LOSC Lille vs OGC Nice (7) 1-0
AS Monaco vs Auxerre (6) 0-0
Sochaux vs Paris Saint-Germain (6) 1-1
Girondins de Bordeaux vs Olympique de Marseille (6) 1-2, draw no bet
German Bundesliga:
Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Borussia Moenchengladbach (8) 2-0
VfB Stuttgart vs BV09 Borussia Dortmund (5) over 2.5 goals, both sides to score
German Bundesliga 2:
Arminia Bielefeld vs Energie Cottbus (7)
1860 Munich vs Osnabruck (6)
Karlsruher SC vs Alemannia Aachen (7)
Greek Super League:
Ergotelis vs Asteras Tripolis (7) 1-0
PAOK Salonika vs Panserraikos (8) under 2.5 goals
Kavala vs Aris Salonika (6) 1-1
Kerkyra vs AEK Athens (6) 1-2
Hungarian Soproni Liga:
Debreceni VSC vs Fehervar (7) 2-1, at least one red card in this game
Icelandic Urvalsdeild:
Stjarnan Gardabaer vs Fram Reykjavik (6) over 2.5 goals
Fylkir Reykjavik vs IBV Vestmannaeyjar (6) 1-1
UMF Grindavik vs Breidablik Kopavogur (5) 1-1
Italian Serie A:
Bari vs Juventus (5) 1-2
Chievo Verona vs Catania (6) 1-1
AC Milan vs Lecce (5) 1-1
Parma vs Brescia (6) 1-0
Sampdoria vs Lazio (7) 2-1
Palermo vs Cagliari (6) over 2.5 goals
Fiorentina vs SSC Napoli (6) 1-1
Japanese J-League:
Yokohama F.Marinos vs Albirex Niigata (6) 1-1
Gamba Osaka vs Jubilo Iwata (6) 1-0
Shimizu S-Pulse vs Kawasaki Frontale (6) over 2.5 goals
Lithuanian A Lyga:
Atletas vs Tauras Taurage (7) under 2.5 goals
Kruoja Pakruojis vs Siauliai (6) 1-1
Maziekiai vs Suduva Marijampole (8) 0-2
Zalgiris Vilnius vs Ekranas Panevezys (7) 1-2
Mexican Primera Division:
Toluca vs Queretaro (7) under 2.5 goals
Puebla vs Pachuca (5) 1-1
America vs Necaxa (8) 2-0
Dutch Eredivisie:
De Graafschap vs AFC Ajax Amsterdam (9) over 3.5 goals
Twente Enschede vs Utrecht (7) under 2.5 goals
Feyenoord Rotterdam vs Vitesse Arnhem (4) 2-1
ADO Den Haag vs PSV Eindhoven (8) 0-2
AZ Alkmaar vs Excelsior Rotterdam (6) 1-0
Dutch Eerste Divisie:
Volendam vs Telstar (6)
Norwegian Eliteserien:
Sandefjord vs Stromsgodset (5) 1-1
Stabaek vs Lillestrom (7) over 2.5 goals
Molde FK vs Valerenga Oslo (5) 1-2, draw no bet
Odd Grenland Skien vs Kongsvinger (8) 2-0
Aalesund vs Honefoss (6) 1-0
Start Kristiansand vs Rosenborg BK (6) 1-2
Norwegian Divisjon 1:
Sogndal vs Moss (6) both sides to score
Ranheim vs Tromsdalen (8)
Fredrikstad vs Follo (7)
Lov-Ham Bergen vs Nybergsund (6)
Sandnes Ulf vs Mjondalen (4)
Bryne vs Strommen (5)
Alta vs Bodo Glimt (6)
Paraguayan Division Profesional:
Sport Colombia vs Nacional Asuncion (6) 0-1
Sportivo Luqueno vs Sportivo Trinidense (5) 2-1
Rubio Nu vs Cerro Porteno (6) 1-1
Peruvian Primera Division:
Sport Boys vs Universitario Lima (6) 1-1
Universidad San Martin vs Melgar FBC (8) 2-0
Cienciano vs Sporting Cristal (5) 1-1
Alianza Atletico vs Universidad Cesar Vallejo (6) 0-1, draw no bet
Leon de Huanuco vs Sport Huancayo (6) over 2.5 goals
Inti Gas vs Jose Galvez (6) 2-1
Juan Aurich vs CNI (8) 2-1
Alianza Lima vs Total Chalaco (8) 2-0
Polish Ekstraklasa:
Jagiellonia Bialystok vs Lech Poznan (6) 1-1
Gornik Zabrze vs Ruch Chorzow (5) 1-0, draw no bet
Polish Liga 1:
Nieciecza vs Gorzow Wielkopolski (5) draw no bet
Kolejarz Stroze vs Sandecja Nowy Sacz (5)
LKS Lodz vs Gornik Leczna (7)
Pogon Szczecin vs Dolcan Zabki (8)
Portuguese Liga Sagres:
Pacos de Ferreira vs Portimonense (6) 2-1
Beira-Mar vs Academica de Coimbra (6) 1-1
Sporting Braga vs Maritimo Funchal (8) 2-1
Olhanense vs Uniao de Leiria (5) 1-0
Rio Ave vs Porto (8) 0-2
Romanian Liga:
Otelul Galati vs Brasov (7) 1-0
Steaua Bucharest vs Poli Timisoara (5) 1-1
Unirea Urziceni vs Vaslui (6) 1-1
Russian Premier League:
Tom Tomsk vs Dinamo Moscow (5) 1-1
Lokomotiv Moscow vs Zenit St.Petersburg (5) 0-1
CSKA Moscow vs Alaniya Vladikavkaz (9) -1.5 handicap
Scottish Premier League:
Motherwell vs Celtic (5) 0-1
St.Mirren vs Hibernian (6) 1-2
Hearts vs Dundee United (5) 2-1
Serbian Super Liga:
OFK Belgrade vs Partizan Belgrade (7) 1-2
Hajduk Kula vs Indjija (6) 1-0
Red Star Belgrade vs Jagodina (7) 2-1
Slovakian Corgon Liga:
Senica vs Slovan Bratislava (6) over 2.5 goals
Slovenian Prva Liga:
Primorje vs Olimpija Ljubljana (5) 1-1
Triglav vs Rudar Velenje (5) 0-1
Koper vs Maribor (6) 1-2, draw no bet
Spanish Primera Liga:
Deportivo La Coruna vs Real Zaragoza (5) 2-1
Espanyol vs Getafe (7) 2-0
Real Sociedad vs Villarreal (5) 1-1, at least one red card in this game
Osasuna vs Almeria (6) 2-0
Racing Santander vs Barcelona (7) over 2.5 goals
Real Mallorca vs Real Madrid (6) 1-2
Spanish Segunda Liga:
Rayo Vallecano de Madrid vs Numancia (6)
Real Betis Balompie vs Granada (7)
Salamanca vs Cordoba (6)
Albacete vs Alcorcon (4) draw no bet
Swedish Allsvenskan:
Mjallby Solvesborg vs Trelleborg (6) 1-1
AIK Solna vs IFK Goteborg (5) 0-1, at least one red card in this game
Gefle vs BK Hacken Goteborg (5) 0-0
Malmo vs Elfsborg Boras (7) over 2.5 goals
Halmstad vs Kalmar (6) 1-2
Swedish Superettan:
Angelholm vs Orgryte (7)
Assyriska Sodertalje vs Degerfors (7) over 2.5 goals
Falkenberg vs Osters (6)
Swiss Super League:
Bellinzona vs Grasshoppers Zurich (4) 1-1
Luzern vs Thun (6) over 2.5 goals
Sion vs Young Boys Bern (5) 2-2
Swiss Challenge League:
Kriens vs Stade Nyonnais (6) under 2.5 goals
Lausanne Sports vs Biel-Bienne (8)
Turkish Super Lig:
Fenerbahce vs Manisaspor (6) 2-1
Karabukspor vs Besiktas JK (7) 0-1
Eskisehirspor vs Galatasaray (6) 1-1
Ukrainian Premier League:
Zorya Lugansk vs Tavriya Simferopol (6) 1-1
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Illichivets Mariupol (9) -1.5 handicap
Metalurg Zaporizhya vs Metalist Kharkiv (6) over 2.5 goals
Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih vs Dynamo Kiev (8) 0-2
Uruguayan Primera Division:
Rampla Juniors vs River Plate Montevideo (5) 1-0, draw no bet
Defensor Sporting vs Liverpool Montevideo (6) 1-1
Tacuarembo vs El Tanque Sisley (5) 2-1
Club Nacional de Montevideo vs Fenix (8) 2-0
Venezuelan Primera Division:
Yaracuyanos vs Caracas (5) 0-1
Aragua vs Zulia (6) 1-1
Deportivo Tachira vs Carabobo (8) 2-1
Estudiantes de Merida vs Atletico Venezuela (6) 1-0
Caroni vs Monagas SC (5) 0-0
Trujillanos vs Mineros de Guayana (6) 1-1
Deportivo Anzoategui vs Zamora (7) 2-1
Deportivo Petare vs Deportivo Lara (8) over 2.5 goals
Real Esppor Club vs Atletico El Vigia (6) 2-1
Welsh Premier League:
The New Saints vs Bala Town (8) over 2.5 goals
Enjoy your free betting tips!