Manchester City vs Manchester United
FreeToday’s featured game is the English Premier League encounter between rivals Manchester City and Manchester United. The hosts have been deemed a contender to the visitors’ domination for a couple of years now without fully managing to reach those expectations and they’re no different today, in my humble opinion. Money can buy you great, great players but it cannot make you a great side alone – Chelsea found that out after a few years and I expect a few more years before City reach the level of Manchester United at least.
With the players at City’s disposal, you certainly have to respect them – no questions asked. However, I think you can really tell that City are run by an Italian manager with Mancini having been given all the money in the world, only to sign an arsenal of strong holding midfielders and defenders! City’s unattractive 4-5-1 is efficient against the majority of Premier League sides and I think that’s a good step to take because you can’t rush “the beautiful game” that Arsenal play, for example – you need understanding along with the hefty wage packets and City don’t have that yet. Nonetheless, these tactics are beneficial for the hosts because they can at least become a top five side before attempting to push on. City’s problem with all their spending, however, is a complete lack of what I call “derby spirit”. The reason the City vs United derbies used to be so good was because United had the big stars and some local lads whereas City had a lot of local lads that worked their socks off every game and I personally hated watching my United team play against City much more then than I do now. City’s tactics tonight will be predictable – the stifling 4-5-1 that they always play. I hate to seem dismissive of the rich hosts but there’s nowhere near as much effort, as much team spirit, and as much cohesion nowadays so I don’t fear City in games like this because those are the three things that can damage United. If City are going to play a 4-5-1 against United then I firmly believe that they won’t win the game. They attempted it last year on five occasions, losing four times and winning once in the home leg of the League Cup and I think it’s fair to say that City were outplayed in all four games that they lost. City really miss the energy of the local lads that they produced and it saddens me to see the likes of Stephen Ireland moving on because his club won’t play him anymore when he’s definitely good enough to be playing – I much prefer loyalty and local spirit to a bunch of overpaid players who don’t give a shit. United much prefer to face this type of City side because it’s something they encounter week in, week out, albeit not with the same players but the tactics become very familiar and fairly simple to counter. Of course, City do have some fantastic players here – for example, if United don’t pay attention to David Silva in midfield or feisty Carlos Tevez in attack (who always seems to get one against United!) then United will be punished here, no doubt. However, City’s defence looks weak and vulnerable, especially down the flanks (as I highlighted at the start of the season) and that’s exactly where United like to play their football. It’s going to take a lot more than a 0-2 victory at West Bromwich Albion to convince me that City are capable of winning this game although let’s hope it doesn’t come back to bite me in the ass like Liverpool vs Chelsea did!
United’s biggest problem isn’t City; it’s the missing Nani. I don’t mean to sound up myself but I stopped listening to people’s opinions on United some time ago en mass because they’re the biggest club in the world and although that means United have the most fans, it also means they have the most idiots too and there are far too many of those around. I’ve been a big fan of Nani for years and frankly he’s carried United this season at times and whether the results show it or not, United are really missing him at the moment, especially with Valencia ruled out for virtually the entire campaign. Nonetheless, emerging winger Obertan is thankfully blending in well although his final pass really needs some improvement. United’s strength is attacking down the flanks, however, and without Nani, the attack isn’t as dangerous. That said, United still have emerging striker Javier Hernandez to pressurise the nervy City backline, the classy Berbatov to make things happen, and United finally have their central midfield back to where it was with Carrick, Scholes, and Fletcher all pulling their weight in the middle of the park despite a slow start to the campaign. That gives the rest of the side confidence and it’s really shown lately. I do have to point out that United were poor against Wovles at weekend, however. I don’t like to make excuses for a poor display but for some inane reason, United never play well against Wolves nowadays – United have faced them five times since Wolves were promoted and have won all of those games despite only deserving to win one of them! I can only imagine how pissed off Mick McCarthy is by that fact but I have to point to United winning those games due to having a lot of match-winners and that’s yet another difference between the two sides tonight – match-winners, not to mention experience. United are most vulnerable at full-back where they still don’t have a settled right-back and Evra still isn’t at his best. Nonetheless, this United side is gradually waking up and that bodes ominously for their title rivals when you consider that most people (including myself) was writing United off due to some poor displays at the start of the season. In fact, if United had Nani available for this game, I’d be backing the straight away win but as he’s not, I’m going to cover it with draw no bet.
Either way, I wouldn’t expect the most spectacular of games here. It’ll have been hyped up to fuck, as usual, but there’s only so exciting that one side lapping against a 4-5-1 formation can actually be. Each side will have their chances – that’s how it always goes – but United tend to take them better due to having better and more experienced players. City’s disharmony in the dressing room, especially with people wanting to leave, is really harming their development and they need to resolve it immediately or risk another disappointing (by their own lofty standards) campaign. Either way – City look far too predictable ahead of tonight’s game and let’s not forget that United will be fielding more academy products than City here so this game may just mean more to the title challengers than the moneybags. I’d always recommend taking Tevez to score in this game (I’m presuming he’ll be back from Argentina for this game) because he hates the United fans for what they sing about the disloyal twat but I still envision United winning this one if they take their chances and the odds are far too good for me to ignore.
Team news – City miss Balotelli and Michael Johnson whereas United miss Nani, Valencia, Hargreaves, Giggs, Rooney, and Owen for this one.
Verdict: Manchester United to win with draw no bet at evens.
Wednesday’s Picks
My tips:
As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:
Palmeiras vs Atletico Mineiro – home win with -1.5 handicap at 7/5.
These odds won’t last too long so get them whilst you can. Atletico Mineiro coach Dorival Junior announced that he’ll be focusing his side on avoiding relegation in Serie A rather than bothering with this competition so they’re fielding a lot of second-string players. The likes of Diego Tardelli, Diego Souze, Serginho Mineiro, Obina, Ze Luis, Ale, and Ricardinho will not feature in this game so it’s immediately advantage to the hosts. It aids our cause massively that Luiz Felipe Scolari already stated his intent to win this competition in the last round so I expect a full-blooded display from the hosts tonight, especially having rested a whole host of players at weekend. I don’t know if Scolari is doing it to get his name back in the shop window for a move back to Europe but he’s certainly intent on winning the Copa Sudamericana so fair play to him. The first leg of this tie ended 1-1 so caution must be emphasised as Palmeiras don’t need to break the handicap here to progress. Nonetheless, the odds on Palmeiras beating Atletico Mineiro’s second-string by two goals or more at 7/5 whilst playing at home appeals to me a lot, irrespective of whether they need to or not, so that’s my call tonight.
Verdict: Palmeiras to beat the -1.5 goal handicap at 7/5.
Liga de Quito vs Newells Old Boys – home win with -1.5 handicap at 33/20.
This handicap is considerably bolder than the above one as both sides are intent on doing well in this tournament. However, I’m siding with our old ally altitude in this particular game as it consistently proves to be successful, especially for tonight’s hosts Liga de Quito. The hosts’ record in continental competition is absolutely staggering because it totally emphasises how important altitude is in their favour. Liga de Quito are not a great side – they’re a good side at best – but they’ve got a terrific home advantage that never ceases to amaze me. For example, consider that Liga de Quito burst onto the continental scene in 2007 as they overcame Tacuary Asuncion of Paraguay 2-0 in the home leg of the Copa Libertadores Preliminary Round. Including that game, Liga de Quito have won seventeen out of twenty-four home games on the continent (competitions include Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, and Recopa Sudamericana) and have only lost once during that time in a 2-3 encounter against Sport Recife of Brazil, which was largely down to the fact that Liga de Quito ended that game with nine men. Liga de Quito have beaten some good sides here too i.e. Estudiantes De La Plata, Internacional, Palmeiras etc. so they’re not only experienced in continental competition but their altitude gives them a clear advantage for obvious reasons. Then consider that Liga de Quito have won just once in twenty-one continental away games, losing the vast majority of them, and you begin to see just how much home advantage means for Liga de Quito.
With that in mind, I do expect Liga de Quito to triumph here. The handicap is a more tricky bet, however, hence the good odds, as the first leg ended 0-0 so the handicap win is not at all necessary here. However, Newells Old Boys are not a great side away from home. They’re well-organised and hard to beat but they don’t score many goals so if they fall behind, they really start to struggle. Newells have already encountered great altitude as they travelled to Bolivian outfit San Jose in the last round, losing 2-0 in that game, although I should point out that the Argentinians won the first leg 6-0 so complacency may have crept in. Nonetheless, they struggled immensely at such a height and they’re in for another long night here if altitude isn’t something they enjoy, which I’m sure they don’t! Newells haven’t scored for four consecutive away games ahead of their trip to Ecuador and they’ve only scored once in their last five games in all competitions, which was against a very poor Gimnasia De La Plata side. If Newells don’t intend to score here, which is quite a common tactic for them seemingly, then they’re going to struggle massively. Liga de Quito always score at home and Newells look utterly incapable of responding to going a goal down whereas Liga de Quito tend to push on and enforce the victory. Therefore, I really don’t like Newells’ chances here.
This Ecuadorian outfit won the Copa Libertadores a few years ago thanks to making the most of their home advantage and although this competition is the Copa Sudamericana, they should adopt a similar appraoch tonight. All in all, Liga de Quito have won seven consecutive home games on the continent and four of those games have beaten the -1.5 goal handicap comfortably. Liga de Quito’s last three home games on the continent have ended 6-1 against Union San Felipe of Chile, 5-1 against Fluminense of Brazil, and 7-0 against River Plate of Uruguay. The reason I like this bet a lot is because Liga de Quito aren’t the kind of side to sit back at any point – they’ll push on to emphasise their dominance and given that their opponents simply don’t score goals, backing the hosts to beat the -1.5 goal handicap appears priced a tad too generously tonight so that’s my value selection for this game. Let’s also bear in mind that Liga de Quito’s last game prior to this was a battling 2-0 win against title rivals Deportivo Cuenca at weekend and it gives them breathing space at the top of the Primera A table…
Verdict: Liga de Quito to beat the -1.5 goal handicap at 33/20.
FK Ventspils vs Nomme Kalju – home win with -1.5 handicap at 3/4.
It’s still quite mixed as to which sides value the Baltic League and which sides don’t but Latvian hosts FK Ventspils certainly do. They are the reigning champions after a 3-3 draw in Marijampole in the Baltic League Final last year left them with a penalty victory over hosts Suduva Marijampole. Ventspils bafflingly lost the first leg of this tie 2-1 in Estonia but have everything in their favour for this leg with the Virsliga having ended at weekend with bitter rivals Skonto Riga having won the title ahead of them. Nonetheless, Ventspils are still a strong side, especially at home and we should see that emphasised today. Over the last two years, Ventspils have hosted an Estonian side twice – Flora Tallinn each time – and Ventspils beat them in each game and managed to overcome the -1.5 goal handicap whilst doing so. As much as I respect Nomme Kalju, they are definitely not a Levadia Tallinn or Flora Tallinn and if the hosts turn up today, they really should be utterly destroyed by a simply better and more experienced side. It aids my cause massively that Nomme Kalju looked terrible towards the end of the Meistriliiga season last weekend with Nomme Kalju seemingly not even interested in creating chances, let alone scoring goals. Nomme Kalju have had problems scoring goals ever since they sold Brazilian attacker Felipe Nunes to Levadia Tallinn and Nomme Kalju look worse than ever in front of goal at the moment as a result. Only new signing Juri Jevdokimov is scoring goals for Nomme Kalju so I doubt the hosts will be too concernd here.
Ultimately, the short odds on the superior and far more experienced hosts are warranted, in my opinion. The handicap price is what interests me, however, as it looks a shade too generous here so my call is Ventspils to win by two goals or more at 3/4.
Verdict: FK Ventspils to beat the -1.5 handicap at 3/4.
West Ham United vs West Bromwich Albion – home win at 5/4.
I can’t help but feel that West Ham are priced rather generously here. Ok, they’re not on the best of runs but ever since they overcame Stoke City 3-1 in the League Cup after extra time, they’ve looked a lot better; they believe in themselves more. Manager Avram Grant has come under a lot of criticism, which I think is unfair as he’s a bloody good manager and West Ham are pretty lucky to have him, irrespective of what the league table shows. They were strong against Arsenal and only lost because of a last-gasp winner before giving Birmingham City a real fright on the road last match by taking a two-goal lead only to throw it away and draw 2-2 despite having a blatant penalty appeal turned down. What I’m trying to say here is that West Ham’s league placing is not really indicating how well they’re playing at the moment and I fancy them to end their dismal run by winning tonight.
It’s got to play right into West Ham’s hands that visitors West Brom are over-priced thanks to an excellent run following promotion last season. West Brom have proven they can mix it with the big boys in the Premier League on the road but lacked composure when taking on fellow newly-promoted outfit Blackpool and ended up losing 2-1 in a bad-tempered affair against a fairly lacklustre Blackpool side. West Brom were beaten 0-2 at home by out-of-form Manchester City at weekend and their problem is becoming all too apparent with a real lack of depth in the squad. They’ll have been pleased to have star striker Peter Odemwingie avaialble to them after injury but even he’s not 100% fit for this game. Mulumbu and Jara are both suspended for this game whereas defensive stalwart Jonas Olsson misses this game through injury, not to mention winger James Morrison and full-back Nicky Shorey being doubts for the game. West Brom still have the likes of Brunt available to them but they’re looking a bit stretched at the moment, especially with this being their third game in nine days, so I quite fancy the visitors to come unstuck today against their determined hosts.
This game is far from a dead cert but West Ham have improved a lot of late and West Brom look very streched so my call is a narrow home win at generous odds of 5/4.
Team news – West Ham miss the usual long-term absentees Hitzlsperger, Hines, Collison, Kurucz, and Ben Haim for this game but their only notable absence is important box-to-box midfielder Mark Noble. West Brom miss Olsson, Mulumbu, Jara, and Morrison and have doubts over Shorey and Reid.
Verdict: West Ham United to win at 5/4.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Arsenal – lay Arsenal at 11/10.
I really like this bet! I’ve sang the praises of Mick McCarthy and his Wolves side in the featured game preview at the top of the page already and I’m going to do so again here because I rate them very highly indeed. I’m 100% serious when I say that I would not back any side on the planet to beat them by a heavy handicap because they’re such a strong outfit! They’re extremely well-organised, stable in defence, and most importantly, they’re all tenacious battling types that simply do not know when they’re beaten. They’ve given Manchester United and Chelsea nightmarish games this season already and I expect them to do so again to a somewhat disjointed Arsenal side tonight. Wolves were magnificent in their 2-1 win against Manchester City at weekend and that leaves them with the proud home record of only having lost at home to local rivals Aston Villa this season. Make no mistake – not only will Arsenal and Arsene Wenger hate this fixture and style of football but they’ll hate that it’s their third game in seven days, especially as they’re not playing well. Arsenal look nowhere near as invincible this season as they usually do and looking at the sides they’ve dropped points against this season (West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland, Newcastle United), it’s easy to see a pattern emerging – all of those sides are battlers with strong physical players. Wolves are far from an exception and a cold night in Wolverhampton is the last thing that Arsenal’s talented youngsters will fancy, in my opinion.
Arsenal won this fixture emphatically last year but I’d be more than surprised to see that scoreline emulated tonight. I think Wolves have strengthened and stiffened their resolve over summer whereas Arsenal aren’t stronger than last season – if anything, I personally feel that they’re weaker. I therefore feel that the odds on Arsenal are too short here so my call is to lay the visitors at 11/10.
Verdict: Lay Arsenal at 11/10.
Leicester City vs Sheffield United – home win at 4/5.
The effects of Sven-Goran Eriksson at Leicester City is beginning to show with Leicester’s usual defensive mire having been whipped into shape by the experienced Swedish manager. The only side to win at the Walkers Bowl since Sven took over was a rampant West Bromwich Albion in the League Cup so I think it’s fair to say that the hosts pose an interesting threat tonight. Leicester have kept two clean sheets heading into this game, winning at home to Preston North End and at a very good Barnsley home side so Leicester bring strong momentum into this game. The loan signings of Curtis Davies and Kyle McNaughton adds experience and ability to the ailing Leicester defence and experienced striker Darius Vassell brings some additional pace to the Leicester attack so Sven does have his options at the wealthy club. All in all, Leicester have a lot going for them here and I fancy them to give a good account of themselves tonight.
Similarly, I anticipate Sheffield United not giving a good account of themselves tonight because they’re not playing well under Gary Speed due to a lack of threat in front of goal. They’ve lost three consecutive games and only Middlesbrough have scored less than Sheffield United have on the road in the Championship this season. Sheffield United are little more than a shadow of the side they were two years ago and with their joint leading goalscorers having only bagged two goals apiece this season after fifteen rounds of fixtures, it’s hard to see that changing anytime soon. Sheffield United have lost their last two home games consecutively and if you’ve not got your home form to support you through the hard times then you’re in great danger of being relegated, which is the very realistic prospect that currently faces The Blades.
Currently, Sheffield United are in no position whatsoever to take a result from a solid and incisive Leicester City side and although I’m dubious with Championship value bets at the best of times, I do fancy Leicester to emerge triumphant tonight at decent odds of 4/5.
Verdict: Leicester City to win at 4/5.
Cesena vs Lazio – away win at 23/20.
I’m a big fan of little Cesena but their lack of ability is finally beginning to show with six defeats and one draw from seven Serie A games. I doubt you’d find a more tenacious side in Serie A than Cesena but moving up two divisions in two seasons naturally leaves the quality of the side in question and it’s showing on a grandiose scale. Cesena have lost two out of their last three home games due to their usually water-tight defence being breached easily and with few goals going into the opposing goal, things are looking bleak for Cesena. They’ve got the necessary experience to be a pest in this division but there’s too much reliance on Albanian target man Bogdani and playmaker Luis Jimenez for the quality aspect and that is ultimately a very bad idea in such a big league. The sooner that Igor Budan is better for the hosts, the better, but until then, I have massive doubts over this demoralised, relegation-threatened side.
Visitors Lazio enter this game having lost the Rome derby at weekend so I doubt that they’re on top of the world mentally. Nonetheless, it cannot be argued that Lazio have looked very strong this season following some good acquisitions over summer and they’ve still won six out of their last seven games in all competitions. Losing derbies is hard and it does hurt but this new-look Lazio is certainly not bereft of grit and determination so I’d be surprised to see it affect them massively tonight. Cesena can be a tough away game but this Lazio side is a battling unit and I don’t envision anything other than a full-blooded display from the Romans tonight with playmaker Hernanes pulling all the strings from midfield as usual. With an attack containing the experienced duo of Rocchi and Floccari and the pacey Mauro Zarate, Lazio definitely have goals in them and that’s shown a lot this season. They appear to have matured and developed their game all around so they defend and attack as a unit. Lazio lacked the incisive play in the final third last season to be a force but they appear to have rectified that this season as their excellent away record of four wins in five Serie A games shows all too well. Indeed, only Sampdoria have beaten Lazio away from home this season with the list of victims having fallen foul of Lazio being the impressive names of Palermo, Fiorentina, and even battling Chievo Verona. To put it bluntly – I’m very impressed with this Lazio side and I don’t think one bad result is going to puncture their display tonight so I fancy a strong away display again.
Naturally, Lazio must maintain their incisive play in the final third for this bet to be successful but in many ways this is the perfect game for them to bounce back with as Cesena cannot keep a clean sheet and are demoralised after a poor run. I anticipate a low-scoring game here between two battling sides but Lazio should have too much quality here so my call is the away win at 23/20.
Team news – Cesena miss Budan, Caserta, and Malonga for this game but their biggest loss is key defender Pellegrino, whom I expect Cesena to struggle greatly without, although they do welcome back important midfielder Colucci. Lazio welcome back key defender Biava and only miss a few fringe players for this game i.e. Del Nero, Diakite, Kozak, Gonzalez.
Verdict: Lazio to win at 23/20.
AS Roma vs Fiorentina – home win at 4/5.
I know Roma haven’t been themselves this season due to hefty injury problems but the odds on them winning this game in Rome after winning the Rome derby against Lazio appear far too generous here. Fiorentina have had their guts ripped out with talismanic Montenegrin playmaker Stevan Jovetic being injured for a lengthy period of time as he’s the backbone of their team. Fiorentina are not an easy side to beat but they lack a lot of threat in front of goal without Jovetic and it’s shown this season. Fiorentina may be unbeaten in four consecutive games in all competitions but they’ve not played any particularly difficult games (although a trip to Catania is always tricky!). Indeed, on the few occasions whereby Fiorentina have faced good opponents this season, Fiorentina have lost against Sampdoria, Palermo, and Lazio so they’re struggling against quality without their best player. Roma have won three consecutive games in all competitions and have kept three clean sheets in their past four games so a fairly impotent Fiorentina side are unlikely to trouble them tonight. Roma welcome back talismanic captain Francesco Totti for this game, which is naturally a boost for the hosts, and although both sides still miss some key players for this game, Roma look far better equipped to win the game than their Florence-based counterparts with far more depth and ability in their side so my call is the home win at 4/5.
Team news – Roma miss Juan, Menez, Okaka, Taddei, Brighi, Rosi, and Cassetti for this game although they welcome back Totti and Simplicio. Fiorentina miss Jovetic, Frey, Montolivo, Zanetti, Felipe, Babacar, Waigo, and Gulan although they welcome back Natali and former Roma midfielder D’Agostino for this game.
Verdict: AS Roma to win at 4/5.
Lech Poznan vs Polonia Warsaw – over 2.5 goals at 21/20.
Calling an over 2.5 goals scoreline in the Ekstraklasa has rapidly become one of my dreams in life because it’s so hard to do! However, this game today is as good a shout as any with both good sides hideously under-performing in the Ekstraklasa and both sides needing the points. The controversy surrounding the management of both sides is rather amusing too with Polonia having sacked Bakero about four to six weeks ago and Lech appointing him as manager a week or so ago. Ironically, Lech sacked Zielinski to make way and Polonia have appointed the former Lech manager in a kind of “advisory” role at the club so both sides should know each others’ weaknesses pretty damn well here. Polonia aren’t playing well under new manager Janas and their impatient board are reportedly already looking to replace him, unsurprisingly. Polonia deserved their loss at home to Lechia Gdansk last time out and although they’re attacking well enough, they’re defending terribly, hence three out of their last four Ekstraklasa games having gone over 2.5 goals. They shouldn’t have too many problems in scoring tonight either with the turmoil surrounding Lech’s star centre-back Arboleda continuing to drag on and Lech’s defence looking vulnerable as a result. Lech welcome back Wojtkowiak from injury, which is some comfort for the hosts, but they’re still not worthy of odds of 9/10 to win any game without defensive stalwart Arboleda. Fortunately for the hosts, Polonia’s attacker Ebi Smolarek has been heavily criticised of late so may not be confident enough to cause problems tonight. Nonetheless, we appear set for a goal-filled game as the last three games have been between these two sides with all three encounters comfortably going over 2.5 goals. There should be a lot of “secret information” being passed behind the scenes at both clubs for this game and I expect quite an open game as a result. I wouldn’t touch the 1×2 market but over 2.5 goals intrigues me with the above in mind.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals at 21/20.
Zenit St.Petersburg vs CSKA Moscow – home win at 10/11.
With four games remaining this season for Zenit in the Russian Premier League and a comfortable gap between themselves and second-placed Rubin, this game is far from “must win” for the hosts so approach with caution.
Nonetheless, I still fancy Zenit to win this one. Why? Well, Zenit’s home form has been utterly terrifying of late with seven consecutive home wins in all competitions and they’ve not lost at Petrovsky at all in this campaign. They’ve bagged at least twice in all of their last seven games and don’t look fazed at all by the pressure they’re under. A win in this game and the title is theirs and you know they’d love to win it in front of their own fans to focus on their UEFA Europa League campaign, although they’re already qualified for the latter stages as it is! We’re at a stage now where Zenit actually have a better side than CSKA and their players believe it too – you can see it in their football – so I really fancy Zenit here. Zenit have won this fixture for two out of CSKA’s last three visits and have also won the last two meetings between the two clubs at either ground so they look strong to win here.
CSKA contribute to my selection, of course. Not only have they buckled under the pressure of their late title challenge but they also miss integral defender Alexey Berzeutskiy through suspension for this game. CSKA gave up their title challenge when they failed to overcome resilient Rubin Kazan a few weeks ago. Since then, CSKA have failed to beat local rivals Saturn (having missed a late penalty too!), wealthy local rivals Dinamo Moscow, and had to see Palermo go down to ten men to overcome them in the UEFA Europa League, not to mention the fact that they very near threw away a three-goal lead at home to Krylya Sovetov Samara last match, eventually winning 4-3. To put it bluntly – CSKA look very nervous and that is not the attitude to take to Petrovsky.
Both sides are capable of matching up well on their respective days but only one of these sides is playing football worthy of their league placing and that’s Zenit currently. Neither side needs to win this game as both are comfortable where they are but I like 10/11 on Zenit to beat a nervous CSKA side devoid of Alexey Berzeutskiy although I’d probably leave it if the odds drop as this game isn’t vastly important for either side, as I mentioned earlier.
Verdict: Zenit St.Petersburg to win at 10/11.
Accumulator fodder:
Liga de Quito, Palmeiras, FK Ventspils, Skonto Riga, Adelaide United, Chelsea, Universidad San Martin, Leon de Huanuco, Rangers.
Recommended bets:
Liga de Quito, Universidad San Martin, and Palmeiras at 3/1.
Liga de Quito -1.5 & Palmeiras -1.5 at 5/1.
Chelsea, Rangers, and West Ham United 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, although I feel compelled to write that the below are not necessarily my tips but merely my thoughts to prevent endless questions about my thoughts on certain games!
Copa Sudamericana:
Liga de Quito vs Newells Old Boys (8) -1.5 handicap
Palmeiras vs Atletico Mineiro (8) -1.5 handicap
Baltic League:
FK Ventspils vs Nomme Kalju (9) -1.5 handicap
Skonto Riga vs Tauras Taurage (8) 2-0
Australian A-League:
Adelaide United vs Perth Glory (8) 2-1
North Queensland Fury vs Melbourne Heart (6) under 2.5 goals
Brazilian Serie A:
Ceara vs Botafogo (6) 1-1
Ecuadorian Primera A:
Emelec Guayaquil vs Deportivo Quito (6) 1-0
English Premier League:
West Ham United vs West Bromwich Albion (7) 2-1
Wigan Athletic vs Liverpool (5) 0-1
Aston Villa vs Blackpool (7) over 2.5 goals
Chelsea vs Fulham (8) 2-0
Newcastle United vs Blackburn Rovers (6) 1-0
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Arsenal (4) 2-1, draw no bet
Everton vs Bolton Wanderers (4) 1-1
Manchester City vs Manchester United (6) 1-2
English Championship:
Leicester City vs Sheffield United (7)
Swansea City vs Bristol City (7) under 2.5 goals
Reading vs Cardiff City (6)
Italian Serie A:
Brescia vs Juventus (6) 1-2
Cagliari vs SSC Napoli (6) 1-1
Catania vs Udinese (4) 1-0, draw no bet
Cesena vs Lazio (6) 0-1
Chievo Verona vs Bari (6) 1-0
Genoa vs Bologna (6) 2-1
Lecce vs Internazionale (5) 1-2
AC Milan vs Palermo (6) 2-1
AS Roma vs Fiorentina (7) 2-0
Japanese J-League:
Shonan Bellmare vs Omiya Ardija (3) 0-1, draw no bet
Peruvian Primera Division:
Inti Gas vs Sporting Cristal (5) 2-1
Total Chalaco vs Jose Galvez (4) 0-1, draw no bet
Universidad San Martin vs CNI (8) 2-0
Alianza Lima vs Universitario Lima (6) under 2.5 goals, at least one red card in this game
Leon de Huanuco vs Cienciano (8) 2-0
Sport Boys vs Alianza Atletico (6) 1-0
Universidad Cesar Vallejo vs Juan Aurich (5) 1-1
Polish Ekstraklasa:
Lech Poznan vs Polonia Warsaw (6) over 2.5 goals
Russian Premier League:
Zenit St.Petersburg vs CSKA Moscow (7) 2-1
Scottish Premier League:
Hearts vs Celtic (7) 1-2
Dundee United vs St.Mirren (7) 2-0
Kilmarnock vs Hamilton Academicals (6) 1-0
Motherwell vs St.Johnstone (6) 2-1
Rangers vs Hibernian (8) 2-0
Singaporean S-League:
Albirex Niigata vs Etoile (7) 1-2
Home United vs Armed Forces (6) over 2.5 goals
Tampines Rovers vs Balestier Khalsa (7) 1-0
Swedish Allsvenskan Play-Off:
GIF Sundsvall vs Gefle (5) 2-1
Swiss Super League:
Grasshopper Zurich vs Sion (6) 1-1
Enjoy your free betting tips!