TFT Issue 496!
FreeHowdy guys and girls!
I had my suspicions about today’s betting when there weren’t many games that I liked yesterday and they were confirmed as being correct when I saw all the games that I liked today! I’ve narrowed it down as much as I can but I still like 25 games, sorry! Take the ones you feel like; some will win and some will lose. Let’s just hope you make money on them and that the majority come in because I like them all a lot! As long as today is better than yesterday then I’ll be happy so let’s make it a good one to go out on before the dreaded internationals next week, shall we?
Featured game
Athletic Club de Bilbao vs Real Valladolid – over 2.5 goals at evens.
Today’s featured game is between Athletic Bilbao and Real Valladolid at San Mames.
This bet is a favourite of mine and it’ll remain that way for a while, I feel. A fairly routine Athletic defence shipped three poor goals in Finland mid-week, which was no surprise, I guess. I expected Athletic to win the game comfortably through outscoring their opponents but I certainly didn’t think HJK would score three, given that they were resting players. Athletic were determined to give their Finnish hosts the chances and they took them. Athletic keep doing this, though – Betis smashed five past them here and Atletico Madrid powered four past them so why not Valladolid too?
This is a bit of a derby game and it tends to be card-filled because of it. A few players have swapped clubs in the past and former Athletic left-back Balenziaga is expected to start for Valladolid today. Valladolid have showed a good level of unity and work ethic under Djukic and those were strong characteristics of his as a player so it’s no surprise. Without possessing many stars, Valladolid work very well as a unit and impressively kept hold of their top goalscorer from last season – Guerra. Victor Perez stayed too, as did Oscar Gonzalez although the clever Sisi moved on to Osasuna. This Valladolid side is capable of knocking the ball around and scoring goals, though – I like that about them. Their defence is being portrayed to be better than it is so far with two clean sheets from two games. I suspect that they will leave Bilbao today without that record of theirs entact as Athletic have a high level of ability when it comes to scoring goals. Still, Valladolid have the physical strength and organisation to upset their hosts today.
Initially, I thought that the odds on the home win were generous and to be honest, I still do. However, we have to take into consideration how bad Athletic have become defensively and realise that those odds are probably accurate. They’ve got superb firepower in their side in the sense that Ander Herrera, Iker Muniain, and Markel Susaeta can dismantle most defences, one way or another. Aduriz is good enough to the chances that they create, too. However, Bielsa seems to be growing exasperated with Herrera as he keeps substituting him when Athletic need goals. Ruiz de Galarreta is talented but he’s been thrown into the limelight and he occasionally looks like a rabbit caught in headlights because he’s still very young. Llorente is still outside the squad despite not being transferred and that tells the whole story, really – there’s no way Bielsa will welcome him back with open arms because he’s very stubborn like that. There’s still no Amorebieta in the centre of defence and Inigo Perez at left-back is not ideal. Athletic are very vulnerable at the back right now and it shows, although they’re definitely capable of scoring goals too, especially with Ismael Lopez looking like a breath of fresh air in attack.
All in all, I have to expect goals here. I expect both sides to score and although Athletic could and should win this game, I just can’t bring myself to put money on it. I’d completely avoid the 1×2 market but taking over 2.5 goals at evens looks a steal here.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals at evens.
Additional games
Gomel vs BATE Borisov – under 2 goals at 6/5.
It’s a case of “out of the frying pan and into the fire” for BATE Borisov today. They’ve emerged unscathed from a difficult game in Israel to take on arguably the hardest game in Belarus for them – Gomel. Try as they might, BATE just can’t get to grips with how well Gomel defend. BATE were put under pressure against Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona and even cracked toward the end of the game, which is most unlike them. A late equaliser restored parity in their camp and they went on to progress but I expect some weary legs out there today.
Those weary legs have to somehow find the creativity and guile to break through a very strong Gomel side too. Gomel will not present the same threat as the Israeli side did but they’re so hard to play against that I don’t know how BATE will fare here. BATE are definitely the better side; no question about it. These two sides are very similar with their approaches, though – both aim to keep clean sheets at all times and rarely concede goals as a result. BATE have more players that are capable of breaking sides down, such as Renan and Rodionov. However, they’ve struggled to break through Gomel countless times before and I expect them to struggle again today as a result.
For me, taking under 2 goals at 6/5 looks worthwhile here, especially with the last two games at Gomel between these two sides having produced just one goal and with three out of the last four meetings overall having gone under 2 goals.
Verdict: Under 2 goals at 6/5.
Club Brugge vs Standard de Liege – home win at 5/6.
According to statistics, both sides have started their respective Eerste Klasse campaigns well. In my opinion, Club Brugge have looked the better of the two whilst Standard look the side that has capitalised more from circumstance than anything else. Perhaps the final whistle today will see me proven wrong but that’s what I’ve seen thus far.
Club Brugge still look as incapable as ever at the back but it’s not their defence that interests me; it’s their excellent attack. Rafaelov has been outstanding this season, both in terms of making chances and scoring them. Bacca has looked good, as has former Standard hitman Tchite, who will be desperate to score against his old side, I’m sure. Blondel and Zimling have both been pulling their weight and even with Odjida-Ofoe having left for Everton, I fancy them to do well here. Young Meunier has impressed with four goals in four games from midfield and Club Brugge’s multiple attacking threats has enabled them to start breaking sides down properly now, which was a huge problem for them last season. Club Brugge finally look equipped enough to launch a legitimate title threat with the proviso that they keep taking their chances because few other sides are scoring goals like they are right now.
Visitors Standard are no mugs but they do tend to struggle massively outside of Liege for reasons that I’ve never quite understood. All sides are stronger at home than away but Standard just seem to have this inability to win away from home with any kind of consistency. On top of that, their defence this season is a bit of a mire and it’s no surprise, really. Bolat spat his dummy out last season and I’m not sure that Standard have even forgiven him, despite him being the best goalkeeper in Belgium last season. Bolat is absent today but rumour has it that he won’t reclaim his number one jersey when he returns although only time will tell. Centre-back Felipe moved on pre-season and given that the strength of Standard last season stemmed from their ability to keep sides out, I find it hard to accept that this contrasting style that they now utilise will suddenly cure all of their problems, especially not without a transitional period. They also lost their star strikers Tchite and Cyriac, both of which stayed in Belgium with other clubs, the former of which is likely to face Standard today. I think new signing Ajdarevic was a stroke of genius and alongside Seijas, Gonzalez, and Buyens, Standard do appear to have a solid and creative midfield. I question their ability to score goals consistently, though – their forwards are either kids or are unproven at this level with the exception of former Racing Genk hitman Ogunjimi, who has looked isolated against good/well-organised sides this season. Standard have won three consecutive games ahead of this one but two of them have been against newly-promoted sides and the other was against a Mechelen side that never does well on the road. Let’s see how they fare today against a “proper” sides – no disrespect intended.
For me, there’s value on Club Brugge winning this one at 5/6, especially as they’ve made a bit of a habit of beating Standard at home with two wins from the last two visits of Standard.
Verdict: Club Brugge to win at 5/6.
Dukla Prague vs Viktoria Plzen – away win at evens.
I really rate Dukla Prague at home but they have a limit as to how good they can be and for me, this is one side that is beyond them and always will be beyond them. Dukla Prague have that additional motivation to do well against the big Prague clubs for obvious reasons but Viktoria Plzen is one side that Dukla never seem to get to grips with. Plzen are arguably the best side in the Czech Republic nowadays anyway but motivation isn’t the same for this game for Dukla. They lost both of their home games against Plzen last season, shipping four goals in each game. Dukla’s attacking style is hard for most sides to handle but Plzen play the same way, only with better players. Plzen have had a mid-week game and that won’t make it easy for them here, especially with Kolar absent. However, they’ve got that additional quality that should count here and they’re facing a side that will attack them, which Plzen much prefer rather than trying to break sides down. For me, there really should be value on the away win at evens.
Verdict: Viktoria Plzen to win at evens.
Nordsjaelland vs Brondby – home win with -1 Asian Handicap at 11/10.
The odds have been rising on this one and I’ve no answer as to why. As far as I am concerned, I’m going to be devastated if this one doesn’t come in!
As far as I am concerned, there are worlds of difference between these two sides nowadays. Brondby are still the bigger club but with the way they’re rapidly declining, it’s hard to imagine that staying the case for much longer. Nordsjaelland are struggling at the back without Bjelland but their attack has lost none of its potency. Indeed, they’ve increased their ability to create chances and score goals by acquiring Nordstrand, Christensen, and especially loanee John. Nordsjaelland have a lot of attacking options and it tends to show. Note that the only sides that have managed to stop Nordsjaelland from beating them this season have been amongst the better organised sides in the Superligaen (barring Midtylland, who simply played well!), which Brondby are a long way from being. Nordsjaelland can and will dismantle sides at will and I expect them to do that with some ease today against a horrific Brondby side.
Genuinely, this is easily the worst Brondby side I’ve ever seen. I thought they were bad last season but they actually look like they won’t be playing Superligaen football next season with major luck. So many players have deserted this sinking ship and who can blame them? Even Krohn-Deli has washed his hands of Brondby, no doubt tired from carrying them all the time! Who is left now – Rommedahl? Thygesen? Jensen? Kristiansen? That’s pretty much it. The rest are either kids, not good enough, or are both. There’s a very good reason that Brondby have failed to keep a clean sheet this season and I’ll be gobsmacked if that record has to be amended after today’s game.
We really should see a stream of one-way traffic here. The outcome of the game depends entirely on how much Nordsjaelland put into it, in my opinion. They’re light years apart, these two, and I really Nordsjaelland to unleash a demolition job on Brondby. They can only blame themselves if they fail to beat a side that frankly isn’t half as good as themselves nowadays. For me, there’s potentially terrific value in taking Nordsjaelland to beat the -1 Asian Handicap at 11/10.
Verdict: Nordsjaelland to beat the -1 Asian Handicap at 11/10.
Liverpool vs Arsenal – over 2.5 goals at evens.
Two games played by Arsenal so far and no goals scored. It doesn’t sound likely, does it? Still, that’s what has happened and although a lot of people are attributing it to the departure of van Persie, I think that there’s more to it than that. Losing van Persie obviously damaged them, yes, but I think Sunderland have long been a hard side for Arsenal to face and the same can be said for Stoke away from home. Both are big, strong, and very physical, not to mention well-organised. Wenger’s style doesn’t tend to work against such sides.
Liverpool, though – it can work against them. Why? Well, Liverpool have started to try and play like Arsenal, such is the Rodgers way. Subsequently, Liverpool now pass their way out from the back, just as Arsenal do. The trouble is that Arsenal are better than them at it and taking on a particular style against them tends to be suicide. Hell, even Barcelona have had very tough games against Arsenal so I don’t know how successful Liverpool will be with it here.
Arsenal can’t defend so Liverpool should surely score at some stage. Suarez has a nasty habit of fluffing the majority of his chances despite his world-class ability to get into the right places at the right times but I expect them to create a number of chances and they should ultimately score. Liverpool have the edge in the air too so yeah – Liverpool should score here. I think Arsenal will score at least once here too, though. In every game this season, Liverpool have made stupid defensive errors as they try and get used to their new passing style, whether it’s been Reina, Skrtel, or Agger. Arsenal have more than enough ability to trouble Liverpool with Cazorla and Arteta in their ranks and I think that they’ll do that here too, with or without Liverpool’s defensive errors.
Although I’d wish anyone luck who dares to bet on the winner of this game, I can’t personally bring myself to call it. However, taking over 2.5 goals at evens is a must when you consider how bad Liverpool have been at the back and how attack-minded the two sides are.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals at evens.
B36 Torshavn vs B68 Toftir – under 2.5 goals at 10/11.
These two sides approach their respective Meistaradeildin games in the same way nowadays. Both prefer to keep clean sheets and build from the back, which explains why both sides have gone under 2.5 goals a lot of late. B68 have really shaped up as the season draws to a close and I wouldn’t rule them out from getting a shock result here. Six out of their ten away games this season have gone under 2.5 goals so their work-rate has clearly paid off. Keeping a clean sheet against EB/Streymur is one of the hardest challenges that a Faroese side can face but B68 managed it a few games ago. There’s really good organisation in their camp and I think that they really could upset B36 today, especially with old hand Jacobsen leading their attack. B36 are the better of the two sides but have really struggle to convert their chances in the last few weeks. Their defence looks better than ever now that Faero is back from his studies but their attack is still struggling. It’s hard to understand why that is, though, with prolific goalscorer Cieslewicz, old hand A Borg, and Olsen up front. A bit of tiredness, perhaps? Either way, B36 have to cope without influential winger Suni Olsen today, who is suspended. The absence of his delightful set pieces will cause B36 problems today, especially on the back of two consecutive defeats.
With the above in mind, I just feel that under 2.5 goals is a must at 10/11 here, especially with Olsen absent.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals at 10/11.
TPS Turku vs HJK Helsinki – away win with draw no bet at 4/5.
I don’t often look ahead of sides but I happened to glance at HJK’s next fixture after their game with Athletic and thought “there’s no way I’m getting involved in that!”. These two sides are very good and although HJK edge it quality-wise, TPS are the form side right now so this is not easy.
However, something occurred being the transfer deadline occurred that made me change my mind and that was the sale of Kolehmainen by TPS Turku to Honefoss. I don’t know what you know about TPS Turku but they basically have stand-out players for each area of the team and a lot of hard workers around them. However, when they lose one of those core players, their whole gameplan takes a tremendous hit and that’s essentially what has happened here. Kolehmainen was their playmaker and without him, it’s very hard to see them doing well in a huge game like this. Aaritalo is a top striker, Ristola has had a great season, Okaru is a handful, but who is going to make chances for them? Pennanen has had a good campaign but without Kolehmainen, this TPS Turku side looks predictable to say the least. The momentum that they will inevitably bring into this game will make them hard to face but I just can’t see how they’ll win this game without the former AZ Alkmaar man.
HJK rested players mid-week against Athletic and still battled their way to a 3-3 draw, which was largely thanks to some bloody awful defending. Still, it must be noted that Muurinen’s men have improved their overall football style since being humbled 6-0 in Spain and that has convinced me that they’ll get something here. I think that they’re working harder and they still possess arguably the best squad of players in the whole of Finland so I have to take their threat very seriously here. Playmaker Vayrynen returns for this game and he can make the difference here. Savage and Makela should hopefully both start and there’s enough support for them from midfield for me to feel that HJK will win this game.
This is a huge game as far as the Veikkausliiga title race goes so don’t be stupid and wager all of your money on this one. I like it a lot but strange things can happen in big games. Quality-wise, though, HJK are ahead of TPS Turku here and I fancy them to do well. For me, there’s value in taking them with draw no bet at 4/5, although most bookies have already dropped the odds on this selection for obvious reasons.
Verdict: HJK Helsinki to win with draw no bet at 4/5.
VfL Wolfsburg vs Hannover 96 – home win at evens.
Is it finally time for Mr.Magath’s boys to demonstrate what they’re capable of? We all know that Wolfsburg have the financial clout and the players to do well in the Bundesliga but them actually showing it has proven to be rather challenging for some time. Still, if anyone can get them to play to their best then it’s Magath and I think we’ll see signs of it this season. They parted with key striker Mandzukic pre-season but were intelligent with their pre-season acquisitions, bringing in Olic and Dost to aid with their attacking problems created by the Croatian’s departure. Helmes, Dost, and Olic all repesent different attacking options and with Diego, Pilar, and Vieirinha all dangerous midfielders, you know that there are goals in this Wolfsburg side. Defensively, they’re a lot more sure with Naldo being paired with Kjaer (who seems to have finally rolled up his socks and decided to get on with it) and lunatic Pogatetz being added to their defence as an intimidation factor. Benaglio is a good ‘keeper too – there’s a really good shape to this Wolfsburg side so they’ve only got themselves to blame if they don’t do well this season.
Visitors Hannover 96 have a lot of my respect but they’re not dependable on the road and they tend to struggle against Wolfsburg. This is their third game in seven days, which is a lot for them to handle. They have dangerous strikers and will be a strong threat at home this season, I’m sure. Slomka is a good manager and Hannover 96 have this relentless belief and work ethic that makes them bloody hard to face without the right mentality. However, they’ve looked shocking in defence this season and it’s partially down to the sale of Pogatetz that they’re struggling. Hannover 96 have looked especially bad in the air but seem to buckle more under pressure. Hannover 96 are dangerous enough when allowed to play and may well score here but if Wolfsburg approach this the right way then they’ll exploit the mistakes of Hannover 96 and win the game.
With the above in mind, the home win appeals to me at evens.
Verdict: VfL Wolfsburg to win at evens.
Bayern Munich vs VfB Stuttgart – over 3.5 goals at 11/10.
These two sides tend to play very “fun” games of open football with plenty of goals and that’s precisely what I expect here. Bayern have only strengthened their strong attack and Stuttgart are still lethal up front too. Stuttgart operated at 50% capacity in Russia mid-week so I’m hoping that they’re not too tired to contribute here. Bayern aren’t solid defensively and will almost certainly concede if Stuttgart make them work hard. You do have to favour Bayern here, though – they’re the much more dangerous side. Still, there’s plenty of scope for goals here and four out of the last six meetings between these two sides have had at least three goals in them. The game last season in Munich should have ended with more than two goals but both sides were incredibly wasteful. I remember watching it as I was beyond frustrated, having placed a bet for at least one more goal in-play, and neither side was converting their chances until Muller scored at the death. As long as both sides convert today, I fancy over 3 goals at 11/10.
Verdict: Over 3.5 goals at 11/10.
Siofok vs Fehervar – under 2.5 goals at 10/11.
For me, Siofok is one of the hardest away games in Hungary to try and win. They’re well-organised and very physical. Their support isn’t anything to write home about but they have that small town mentality that means that they work even harder than normal when the big sides come to call. Siofok haven’t lost at home against Fehervar since 1997, just to give you an idea of how importantly Siofok take their home games against the bigger sides. Forget their recent form and lack of firepower; Siofok will be at their absolute best today, I’m sure.
Going back to 1996, all games at Siofok between these two sides have gone under 2.5 goals and I think we’ll see more of the same today. Siofok have been more loose at the back than normal in recent weeks but Fehervar should bring lots of tired legs into this game following their exhausting but pleasing penalty win over Trabzonspor in the UEFA Europa League Qualifiers. Fehervar are by far the better of these two sides but they often struggle with sides like Siofok as they “park the bus” against Fehervar. Fehervar have brought in big Torghelle up front for such occasions as he can get on the end of the inevitable crosses that they resort to, which proved to be the catalyst when Fehervar beat Eger at home lately. Fehervar don’t often have any problems in keeping the ball, only in scoring the goals. When they have leads, they almost always sit on them rather than trying to increase them and with a dubious record in Siofok to begin with, I would be surprised to see them change their tactics here.
All things taken into consideration, I’d avoid the 1×2 market but I do like under 2.5 goals at 10/11.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals at 10/11.
Valur Reykjavik vs Stjarnan Gardabaer – away win with draw no bet at 6/5.
We all know that Valur are a big club in Iceland but lately they’ve been playing as if they’re under immense pressure. They’ve lost three consecutive home games against sides that they’re more than capable of beating but have miraculously won three consecutive away games, two of which they had no right to get a convincing result against. Sigurjonsson and Gudmundsson have looked good for Valur this season but there is an absence of firepower in the squad en mass that has caused them problems in the Urvalsdeild this season. It’ll harm them today too, unless they’re careful, as there are few sides in Iceland that are capable of socring goals as regularly as Stjarnan are.
Stjarnan are pure samba, basically. I love watching them when I can. They have no idea how to defend but they’re utterly convinced that every attack they forge will lead to a goal. Stjarnan have no fear of other sides, which is precisely why they’ve gone to Hafnarfjordur to take on FH and gone to Reykjavik to take on KR and gone to Akranes and took on IA without losing any of them. Indeed, despite winning one of those games, Stjarnan should have beaten FH, based on their display. Stjarnan have only lost once on the road due to their tremendous pace on the counter-attack and their ability to convert chances. Former Newcastle United youngster Doninger has settled in really well with Stjarnan and this side has players littered throughout it that are capable of scoring at any stage. Indeed, that point is exemplified by the fact that none of Stjarnan’s strikers have scored more goals than their Danish defender Scholz has this season. Stjarnan go into every game thinking that they can win it and they’re more than capable of beating Valur today with that mentality, especially given how much Valur have struggled of late at home.
For me, there has to be value in samba Stjarnan winning this game with draw no bet cover at 6/5.
Verdict: Stjarnan Gardabaer to win with draw no bet at 6/5.
Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Hapoel Haifa – home win with -1 Asian Handicap at 11/10.
Three games and three wins; Hapoel Tel-Aviv can’t complain, can they? Their twelfth man (the referee) has certainly helped them out but they’re still a good quality side. The departure of Igiebor and the pending departure of Tamuz isn’t ideal from a quality perspective although it will restore dressing room harmony, I’m sure. They’ve snared playmaker Coutinho and holding midfielder Djemba-Djemba pre-season, not to mention Hapoel Haifa midfielder Maman and alongside Cohen and behind Damari, you know that Hapoel Tel-Aviv have what it takes to do well here. Hapoel Haifa are battlers, though, so this won’t be easy for their hosts. I’m sure they’ll be especially motivated to do well after Hapoel Tel-Aviv poached Maman from them pre-season too! However, times are a bit tough for Hapoel Haifa with forward Gluscevic absent, battling midfielder Roash absent, and regular defender Azzam a big doubt. Hapoel Haifa work well as a unit but they’re floundering a little to replace some important players here and thus I think their hosts will get the better of this encounter.
As long as Hapoel Tel-Aviv take their chances here, I’ve no qualms over them beating the handicap. They’ve done it twice against Haifa since they were promoted and the only time they failed to do so is when they didn’t score at all, thus not allowing the floodgates to open. Either way, 11/10 on the -1 Asian Handicap appeals to me here.
Verdict: Hapoel Tel-Aviv to beat the -1 Asian Handicap at 11/10.
Udinese vs Juventus – away win at 4/5.
I generally don’t go against Udinese as a rule as I have an awful lot of respect for Guidolin’s side. He makes them work their arses off in every single game and in the past, Udinese had the players who could do that without getting tired and that gave them a huge advantage.
However, that approach was traditionally centred around Isla, Asamoah, Inler, Pinzi – real grafters! – three of which are no longer with Udinese. Isla and Asamoah both signed for today’s opponents Juventus pre-season and although Udinese are very adept at replacing their players and gaining plenty of respect throughout their Serie A campaign, the fact remains that they’ve not replaced what they’ve lost in those players and that really damages their gameplan, especially against good sides. We’ve not seen Di Natale this season, which really hasn’t helped Udinese. They’ve crashed out of Europe on penalties a few days ago against Sporting Braga too, which should mean that we have some tired legs in the black-and-white of the hosts. I’ve no doubt that they’ve signed good players in Ranegie, Maicousel, Willians etc. but it takes time for them to adjust and I think this game against Juventus has come too soon for them to show their mettle.
Juventus – well, this is their game to throw away, really. Their defensive absentees against Parma have been partially resolved with both Buffon and Chiellini returning to fitness. Lucio is still out but Juventus have enough at the back to be solid here. I hope to God that they don’t field Bendtner as this is a very tough game to win and they need a familiar squad to play in it, one that will take their chances. There is so much talent in this Juventus side that I could frankly write a preview today solely based on Juventus. I don’t really have time for that, though, and I doubt you’d want to read it. For my money, they have easily got the biggest and best squad in Italy right now and them not winning Serie A this season will surprise me a lot. I think they’re smart enough tactically to win most games and they’ve got the individuals to make it happen if things aren’t working out. As long as they protect Pirlo properly and take their chances, Juventus should make it count today.
This is a tough one and I would not take it at anything less than 4/5 to make sure you’re getting value but I do like Juventus to win today.
Verdict: Juventus to win at 4/5.
Catania vs Genoa – home win at evens.
Impressively, Catania have managed to keep the majority of their squad from last season with only Argentinian striker Maxi Lopez leaving on loan. They’ve actually improved their squad by signing Antenucci as a replacement for Lopez from Torino whilst adding some more creativity in the shape of Argentinian midfielder Castro from Racing Club Avellaneda. They’ve also signed the perfect defender for Catania; he’s Uruguayan, he likes to foul players, and he loves to get booked. That makes him a perfect Catania defender, basically.
Say what you like about Catania’s methods, though – they’re effective. They will work bloody hard from start to finish and they endeavour to attack and score goals, which they’re good at. They’re dogged as hell when it comes to defending and they will fight for every ball. If you don’t approach a game against Catania properly then you’ll lose; it’s that simple. Even Serie A heavyweights struggle in Sicily, especially when Catania are the hosts, so I fancy a typically strong Catania display here, especially after a morale-boosting 2-2 draw in Rome against AS Roma in their opening game.
Genoa don’t usually tend to travel well and it’s hard to see them travelling well today with the spine of last season’s team having been removed. Georgian defender Kaladze has hung up his boots, Mesto has left, Dainelli has left – that leaves their defence in ruin. Veloso has left, Constant has left, Belluschi has left, Rossi is injured – that leaves their midfield in ruin. Palacio, their leading goalscorer, has joined Internazionale, and both Caracciolo and Gilardino have left too. I am a huge admirer of how Genoa manage to do well year after year despite being the biggest selling club in Italy but they’ve got a whole new team this season and as good as they might be individually, you have to immense collectively to get a result against Catania and the fact is that this Genoa side simply cannot be wonderful collectively right now. De Canio has assembled some good players in the squad so Genoa should be fine in due course but today? I’d be surprised to see anything but a Catania win, all things considered.
Verdict: Catania to win at evens.
Parma vs Chievo Verona – home win at 11/10.
This is one of the more dubious ones today as big Amauri is still injured. However, I do like Parma at home and I like the look of their midfield this season. Signing Ninis was a stroke of genius, in my view, especially on a free. Alongside Valdes, Parma have a lot of creativity and that’s useful for a side that doesn’t score many goals. Amauri would be the man to score them but his continued absence is a problem, I admit. Colombian hitman Pabon is a good striker but will he adjust sufficiently enough to take chances consistently as early in his Parma career as today? I hope so, for the sake of the bet, but that’s the risk we’re taking here. Biabiany is pacey but unreliable when it comes to finishing but as a unit and whilst playing at the Ennio Tardini, I really rate this Parma side. My only real crib with Parma is sometimes that they’re too lazy. As long as they motivate themselves properly here and take their chances then they should do well.
Chievo Verona are nothing but defensive on the road in Serie A. They tend to counter-attack well enough to cause problems but they rely heavily on their defence being hard to break through. That suffered a bit of a hammer-blow pre-season with defender Acerbi departing for AC Milan and holding midfielder Bradley heading to AS Roma. As a unit, Chievo can be a real nightmare to face. I question how unified they’ll be without those two players this season, though. Their inspirational leader Pellissier needs to be kept an eye on but there’s not much pace remaining in the Chievo attack with he and Di Michele leading the line, especially with Paloschi injured today. Chievo have some decent players in the side but they’re essentially little more than a hard working side. I will give them respect for that and for the fact that they’re the most corrupt side in Serie A but they’re not a good side and thus a focused Parma team should win this game.
Chievo have lost two out of their last three visits to the Ennio Tardini and lost both encounters with Parma last season. There’s no Giovinco this season for Parma but they’re good enough to keep the voodoo sign over Chievo, in my view.
Verdict: Parma to win at 11/10.
SSC Napoli vs Fiorentina – home win at 5/6.
Odds are rising on the Napoli win and I’ve no idea why! Hamsik and Cavani are still here, the latter of which has just signed a brand new contract. They’ve added Gamberini and Mesto to their defence to try and stop them conceding so many daft goals and they’ve signed midfield engine Behrami too, which I personally think is more about Napoli trying to inject energy into their game when things aren’t going their way. I distinctly remember their home game with Roma last season being lost because they looked like they couldn’t be bothered whereas someone like Behrami always gives 100%. Quality-wise, Napoli have more than enough to win this game in front of a packed San Paolo, especially with the momentum following their impressive 0-3 win in Sicily against Palermo. As long as Napoli don’t have anyone unnecessarily sent off (which is a regular thing for them, unfortunately) and as long as they take their chances then I would fully expect Napoli to do well here.
Fiorentina – well, I’ve tried to rate them but I really struggle because they’re simply not a very good side. Jovetic is a very, very good player but he’s the one that carries them. They usually have a bad dressing room atmosphere and a bad attitude when things are going against them, which tends to happen on the road. They sold their star centre-back Nastasic to Manchester City a few days ago and got Savic in exchange, who is less able than his younger contemporary. They lost the creativity of Cerci and Montolivo pre-season, not to mention the reliability of centre-back Gamberini, the energy of Behrami, and the class of Amauri as they underwent a squad overhaul. They have signed some good players in playmaker Fernandez, goalkeeper Viviano, winger Valero, centre-back Rodriguez, and playmaker Aquilani, just to name a few. They also snared Pizarro from Roma, Roncaglia from Boca Juniors, and Cassani from Palermo, not to mention El Hamdaoui from Ajax. Quality-wise, I don’t have any problem with any of these players. Indeed, I rate them all, so kudos to Fiorentina for their astute approaches in the market. However, I question the possibility of them galvanising ahead of the tough trip to Naples as it’s highly unlikely at best. Thus, I find the likelihood of them leaving Naples with anything but a defeat as…unlikely. Oh, and I have one more problem with the players that Fiorentina have signed – the majority of them are nutcases and/or have big egos. El Hamdaoui, Fernandez, Rodriguez, Roncaglia – they’re all in the same mould. When things are rosy, I think Fiorentina will look amazing. When the chips are down, I think there’ll be red cards a-plenty, no morale, no cohesion, and plenty of defeats. They’ve taken one hell of a gamble pre-season, Fiorentina – let’s see if it pays off.
Either way, taking Napoli to beat this unfamiliar Fiorentina side looks value to me at 5/6.
Verdict: SSC Napoli to win at 5/6.
Internazionale vs AS Roma – over 3 goals at 4/5.
You know, Inter vs AC Milan is considered to be Inter’s biggest game of the season for obvious reasons. However, I think that they hate Roma so much more than AC Milan nowadays and I’m not entirely sure why. Ultras? Inter always signing Roma’s players? I don’t know why it is but in games between these two sides there are almost always a lot of cards and a lot of goals. These two sides do not see eye-to-eye and the number of South American players on the field coupled with the attacking talent in both squads tends to mean that the above is adhered to, even in the most difficult of times. I rate Roma as the better of the two sides right now as Inter look a bit of a joke with all of these new players running around like headless chickens but that said, Roma were a joke against Catania and concede goals so easily. I would not even dream of taking either side to win this game but I fully expect this game to follow the pattern that all the others before it did by there being cards and goals, hence my selection of over 3 goals at 4/5.
Verdict: Over 3 goals at 4/5.
Heerenveen vs AFC Ajax Amsterdam – away win with -1 Asian Handicap at 9/10.
All is most certainly not well in the Heerenveen camp right now! It looks like van Basten was lured there with the promise of having money to spend, which he’s now been denied. Indeed, a quote from him lately said something along the lines of Heerenveen being realistically expected to finish tenth at best because of the quality of his squad (or lack of). He’s right, too – they’ve sold Assaidi, Dost, and Narsingh, the three players that terrorised Eredivisie defences for them last season. Who have they brought in to replace them? A decent Finnbogason and an average Amoah? I’m not surprised van Basten is fuming; I think any of us would be in his position. The only light at the end of the tunnel for Heerenveen is the growing potential of Serbian midfielder Duricic as he looks a class above his team-mates, even at this early stage of the season. Aside from that, I think we can expect to see more horrible displays from Heerenveen akin to that which they demonstrated against Molde FK mid-week.
I would rarely handicap Ajax on the road, to be honest, and that’s especially true this season with their defence floundering without Vertonghen to guide it. They’ve sold van der Wiel in the past few days and thus have to rely on new signing Moisander and a bunch of kids to help out Aiderweireld, which is a receipe for disaster, basically. Attack-wise, though, they look bloody awesome. They’ve bagged thirteen goals in three games and they could have and should have scored more. It’s no minor thing to win in Nijmegen, especially not in convincing fashion, but that’s precisely what Ajax did. They battered NAC Breda in their last game, whom they normally struggle with. De Boer has an awful lot of attacking choices to make and they’re all keen to wear the Ajax shirt, which is a core principle behind his squad selection. That’s why the likes of El Hamdaoui are no longer in the squad; de Boer wants players who want to play and fight for Ajax. Speaking of that desire, former Ajax youngster Ryan Babel was so keen to rejoin his childhood club that he bought out his own contract at Hoffenheim in order for him to return to Ajax. Now that is the kind of player that de Boer wants and he should be a valuable squad player for them with his pace. It’ll help out with Boerrigter and Sulejmani inevitably get injured, too. My biggest concern with Ajax is that they only have one proper striker in Sigthorsson – who is a doubt today – but they look so convincing going forward right now that I’m not even remotely concerned. Signing Sana was an inspired move as he looks awesome, as does academy product Lukoki. To top it off, they’ve signed Poulsen as a holding midfielder, which was a position that has caused them problems in the past. He’s more than good enough to do it well and Danish players feel very at home at Ajax, hence them all signing for Ajax in due course. Playmaker Eriksen should have plenty of room to dictate the tempo now and all in all, this Ajax side looks bloody strong, especially in attack.
For me, based on what we’ve seen thus far, there’s plenty of value in taking Ajax to beat the -1 Asian Handicap at 9/10.
Verdict: AFC Ajax Amsterdam to beat the -1 Asian Handicap at 9/10.
Brann Bergen vs Molde FK – over 3 goals at evens.
Goals, goals, goals! If this game doesn’t have goals then I’ll have to eat multiple hats! Brann’s home games this season have all involved a lot of goals because they put precisely zero effort into defending and attack like crazy. They’ve only strengthened their attack as the season has gone on without strengthening their most troublesome area – defence! – which is laughable but fun at the same time. Brann are just a samba attacking side that can and will score home goals against every side in the Eliteserien. Molde don’t convince me on the road as Solskjaer tries to get them to sit on leads rather than try and further them, seemingly refusing to accept that Molde can’t defend. They’re strong in attack, though, and Solskjaer has strengthened them even moreso in this department with the signing of Hussain. Berget, Angan, Chima, Hoseth, Hussain, Eikrem, Hovland, Berg Hestad – there’s more than enough there for trouble Brann today. However, in Huseklepp, Akabueze, Ojo, Askar, Mjelde, and Nordkvelle, Brann have more than enough to trouble Molde. Brann miss key defender Korcsmar today. I think taking over 3 goals at evens is a steal, especially with Molde having only just got back from the Netherlands.
Verdict: Over 3 goals at evens.
Lokomotiv Moscow vs Spartak Moscow – over 2.5 goals at evens.
Every time I’ve watched both of these Moscow giants individually this season, they’ve both conceded goals by defending like idiots but have scored some beauties too. Caicedo has been immense for Lokomotiv whilst McGeady has been superb for Spartak. Lokomotiv look strong under Bilic when it comes to attacking and scoring goals but their defeat against Dinamo Moscow was a classic example of why they’re not higher in the table as they kept giving away stupid goals. I mean, how Kresic didn’t keep out Dzsudzsak’s strike, for example, is just beyond me. Where the left-back was is another question, too! Pavlyuchenko will want to score against his old club here and with Maicon and/or Caicedo at his side, this Lokomotiv side has goals in it. Spartak miss striker Welliton today but Ari and Emenike should be able to cope without him, especially with McGeady in good form. Kim Kallstrom is still yet to debutise due to injury but Bilyaletdinov should provide enough for Spartak here, especially against his former club. Dmitri Kombarov has looked good and Romulo also looked good in the one game I’ve seen him in it. Jurado, Ananidze, Rafael – Spartak really aren’t short of midfield talent. They’re poor at the back when pressurised, though, and with Suchy joining Parshivlyuk on the sidelines today, I can’t see Spartak keeping a clean sheet here. Spartak have only just got back from Turkey and may be tired here. I’d edge toward Lokomotiv if forced to pick a winner but I’m far happier to take over 2.5 goals at evens with the above in mind.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals at evens.
Barcelona II vs Sabadell – home win at 5/6.
Simply put, Barcelona II should be too good for Sabadell. Two defeats from two games looks harsh on Barcelona II as they did more than enough to win both. Their problem is, and always has been, keeping clean sheets. Much like their senior squad, they struggle to keep sides out although unlike their senior team, Barcelona II lack the quality to always keep hold of the ball. Let’s give Barcelona II the credit that they deserve, though – from two tough games, they’ve scored six goals. It’s only a matter of time before they get points on the board with the talent of Sergi Roberto, Gerard, and Rafinha in their ranks and I think that it’ll be today when they do. The only way to stop them from winning is to outscore them and that’s one thing that Sabadell just can’t do. They can defend, sure, but they cannot and will not score goals. I really like the fact that they signed Davila from Vitesse as the Mexican starlet has a lot of potential but he’s working with players that aren’t as good as he is and it really shows. Sabadell may finally score their first goal of the campaign today as Barcelona II don’t like to keep clean sheets but I’m going to be staggered if they manage to score enough goals to prevent a potent Barcelona II side from winning this game, hence my call of a home win at 5/6.
Verdict: Barcelona II to win at 5/6.
AIK Solna vs Helsingborg – home win at 9/10.
Albeit a bit too late, AIK have been very good in the transfer market lately. I wondered why they signed Majstorovic a few months back when their defence looked strong as it was and they looked desperately short up front but that’s now been answered as they brought Goitom back to Sweden and their former hero Bangura back on loan from Celtic. Quaison has looked immense lately and this finally means that Celso Borges and Helgi Danielsson are no longer carrying the team from midfield. Bangura has doubts over a work permit so may not feature today but the others should. The risk with AIK is that they’ve just come back from a frankly heroic 0-2 win against CSKA Moscow in Russia and they may be tired. Still, they’re looking to battle for the Allsvenskan title so they have to pick themselves up here. Besides, it’s an international break after this game so AIK should be able to ride out the tiredness, in my view. As long as they take the chances that their creative midfield will make, they should win this game.
Helsingborg have only just come back from a disappointing trip to Scotland. I watched them take on Celtic and although Helsingborg’s tactics were spot on, their inability to score goals was more than apparent. They really miss Finnbogason and they’ve not got a replacement. Edman and Hantsveit are absent today, creating another problem at full-back for Helsingborg. Helsingborg may have enjoyed playing in Europe but they’ve now lost four consecutive games in all competitions due to juggling their squad and they’ve conceded at least twice in each game, which is bad news. Helsingborg can’t win games if they keep doing that because their attack isn’t strong enough. Bedoya is a threat with his tenacity and his pace but Helsingborg have too little in the final third for my liking. If you fall behind against AIK then you’ll generally lose and that’s what I expect here.
Approach with some caution as AIK and Helsingborg are both big Swedish sides and there may be some long-lasting rivalry. However, I like the idea of AIK winning this one at 9/10 for reasons mentioned above.
Verdict: AIK Solna to win at 9/10.
Sivasspor vs Fenerbahce – lay Fenerbahce at 5/6.
Fenerbahce may be the bigger and better of these two sides but they’re going to have to play better in this game than they have in any other game this season in order to win it. No trip to Sivas is easy due to the battling nature of the hosts, not to mention their firepower. However, it’s Fenerbahce where my concern lies because they’re giving goals away for fun and not playing well. They can make big calls all they want to by dropping Alex to make a statement. The fact is that they’re out of Europe because they didn’t do enough. Would they have progressed against Spartak if Alex had played? Most probably. That creates unrest in the camp. Krasic got injured against Spartak (surprise, surprise – I’m sure Spartak regret the injury to a former CSKA winger!) and goalkeeper Demirel is still out. Gunok will be in goal and he was at fault for the goal that Emenike scored mid-week. Fenerbahce just don’t look convincing in any area of the pitch and they’re suffering because of it. Sivasspor are far from the finished article but they look good going forward. Chahechouhe and Eneramo are nightmares to play against for any Super Lig side and even Grosicki is a threat although his mind is elsewhere following his request to leave. Pedriel and playmaker Cerny are hard to handle too so quite how a tired and out-of-sorts Fenerbahce side expects to win in Sivas is beyond me. I expect both sides to score, over 2.5 goals, and plenty of cards but I will be surprised to see Sivasspor lose this one as it’ll take a magical display from Fenerbahce to make it happen.
Verdict: Lay Fenerbahce at 5/6.
Galatasaray vs Bursaspor – over 2.5 goals at 5/6.
Galatasaray are the best side in Turkey this year with Fatih Terim at the helm and realistically speaking, they should win the league. They’ve made intelligent signings and they’ve got the biggest and best squad. However, they have their weaknesses and they’re predominantly found in defence, as anyone who watched their derby game with Besiktas can testify. That defeat cost them more than points, though – influential Czech defender Ujfalusi picked up a bad injury and will not play again for months. That ruins Galatasaray’s defence and means that they’ll now concede in 85% of their games, in my opinion. Galatasaray still have more than enough firepower in Yilmaz, Elmander, and Bulut to beat most Super Lig sides but I expect their games to be more entertaining than before with Ujfalusi out. Bursaspor have looked surprisingly good in attack despite not really having any quality strikers. They’ve signed good midfielders in Belluschi and Forsell, though, and that’s aiding their cause massively. Bursaspor are conceding some silly goals right now though, which isn’t like them. They’ll be tired from their extra time + penalties loss against Twente a few days ago and will most likely lose this game but I do think they’ll score a goal or two here so anything is possible. Therefore, I like over 2.5 goals at 5/6.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals at 5/6.
Team news
Argentinian Primera Division:
Tigre – Torassa is absent.
San Lorenzo de Almagro – Romagnoli is absent. Voboril is a doubt.
Boca Juniors – Caruzzo is absent. Ustari, Viatri, and Colazo return. Sosa and Erviti are doubts.
Atletico Rafaela – Vella and Machin are absent. Carniello returns. Juarez and Carrera are doubts.
Godoy Cruz de Mendoza – No absentees.
Independiente – Vargas and Rodriguez are absent. Gabbarini is a doubt. Fredes returns.
Colon de Santa Fe – Luque is a doubt. Ramirez returns.
River Plate – No absentees.
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Club Brugge – Zimling, Stenman, Trickovski, and Larsen are absent.
Standard de Liege – Bolat, Gershon, Kanu, and Tavares are absent.
Lokeren – Leko and El Mouataz are absent.
Kortrijk – Pavlovic, Matton, Ragolle, and Capon are absent.
Anderlecht – Cyriac, Lukaku, Reynaldo, and Suarez are absent.
Racing Genk – Anele, Barda, Simaeys, Joneleit, and Tshimanga are absent.
Brazilian Serie A:
Bahia – Coelho, Avine, and Alysson are absent. Fabinho and Marcelo Lomba return.
Sao Paulo – Luis Fabiano, Canete, and Fabricio are absent.
Corinthians – Jorge Henrique and Guerrero are absent. Paulo Andre and Martinez return.
Atletico Mineiro – Pierre and Bernard return.
Internacional – Elton, Datolo, Kleber, and Juan are absent. Ygor is a doubt. D’Alessandro and Dagoberto return.
Flamengo – Airton, Amaral, Renato Abreu, and Maldonado are absent. Adriano may debutise.
Sport Recife – Willian Rocha, Reinaldo, Marquinhos, and Ailson are absent.
Santos – Alison, Edu Dracena, Henrique, Fucile, Miralles, Ganso, Paulo Henrique, and Galhardo are absent. Neymar is a doubt.
Botafogo – Andrezinho, Lucas Zen, Mattos, Antonio Carlos, and Rafael Marques are absent. Lucas, Fellype Gabriel, and Vitor Junior return.
Coritiba – Escudero, Chico, Pereira, Cleiton, Emerson, Keirrison, Jackson, Sergio Manoel, and Roberto are absent. Marcel, Thiago Primao, and Everton Costa return. Lucas Mendes has left.
Cruzeiro – Thiago Carvalho, Victorino, Fabinho, Alex Silva, Ceara, and Montillo are absent. Leandro Guerreiro and Mateus return.
Nautico – Ramirez, Rogerio, Elicarlos, Kieza, Marlon, and Rhayner are absent.
Ponte Preta – Uendel, Roger, Geronimo, Gustavo, and Wescley are absent. Nikao returns.
Atletico Goianiense – Bida, Gustavo, Dodo, Felipe Brisola, Adriano Pimenta, Leonardo, and Rafael Cruz are absent. Renie is a doubt. Marcos returns.
Croatian Prva Liga:
Osijek – Smoje, Kurtovic, and Perosevic return.
Slaven Koprivnica – Baric may debutise.
Czech Republic Gambrinus Liga:
Sparta Prague – No absentees.
Hradec Kralove – Malinsky is absent. Klapka is a doubt.
Slovan Liberec – Delarge and Stajner are absent. Sural is a doubt.
Slavia Prague – Kores and Jarolim are absent. Cicman and Dobrotka are doubts.
Mlada Boleslav – Fabian, Rolko, Smejkal, and Chramosta are absent. Zahustel is a doubt.
Vyoscina Jihlava – Kosak and Gabriel are absent.
Dukla Prague – No absentees.
Viktoria Plzen – Kolar, Zeman, and Pavlik are absent.
Danish Superligaen:
Randers – Boya and Borring may debutise.
AC Horsens – Agesen, Jensen, Fagerberg, and Kryger are absent.
Midtylland – No absentees.
Esbjerg – Smarason is absent. Lekven may debutise.
Nordsjaelland – No absentees.
Brondby – Albrechtsen may debutise.
OB Odense – Hogh, Sorensen, and J.Christiansen are absent. Traore has left.
FC Copenhagen – Vingaard and Grindheim are absent. Oviedo has left.
Finnish Veikkausliiga:
TPS Turku – Lahde is absent. Kolehmainen has left.
HJK Helsinki – Lindstrom, Sumusalo, Sorsa, and Mattila are doubts.
Jaro Pietarsaari – Niang, Vaganov, and Agyeman are absent. Banner returns.
MyPa Anjalankoski – O’Neill returns. Opoku has left. Heinonen may debutise.
IFK Mariehamn – Kangaskolkka is absent. Lyyski is a doubt.
KuPS Kuopio – Holopainen, Karkkainen, and Sohna are absent.
JJK Jyvaskyla – Wusu is absent. Markkanen is a doubt. Van Gelderen returns.
Haka Valkeakoski – Salonen, Dema, Metzger, and C.Matrone are absent. McFaul is a doubt.
Finnish Ykkonen:
PK-35 Helsinki – Karki, Oravainen, Kabashi, and Raimi are absent. Weckstrom returns. Kaufmann and Inutile may debutise.
AC Oulu – Ojala is absent.
French Ligue 1:
Girondins de Bordeaux – Chalme, Poko, and Bellion are absent. Diabate and Khalfallah are doubts. N’Guemo and Plasil return.
OGC Nice – Anin, Pentecote, Fofana, Hennion, M’Bow, Berthomier, Dao Castellana, Fernandez, and Hassen are absent. Cvitanich, Pied, and Eysseric may debutise.
Olympique de Marseille – Diawara is absent. Barton and Lucas Mendes may debutise. M’Bia and Azpilicueta have left.
Stade Rennais – Diarra, Issah, Doucoure, Jebbour, N’Diaye, and Apam are absent. Makoun may debutise.
LOSC Lille – Debuchy is absent. Kalou and Basa are doubts.
Paris Saint-Germain – Chantome, Lavezzi, Thiago Silva are absent. Bodmer, Sissoko, Tiene may return.
German Bundesliga:
Hannover 96 – Diouf is absent.
VfL Wolfsburg – Pilar, Helmes, and Hasebe are absent.
Bayern Munich – Contento, Alaba, Gomez, and Raeder are absent.
VfB Stuttgart – Audel, Didavi, and Kuzmanovic are absent. Martinez is a doubt.
Hungarian Soproni Liga:
Ujpest – No absentees.
Debreceni VSC – Novakovic, Farkas, Meye, Mate, and Bouadla are absent.
Israeli Ligat Ha’al:
Hapoel Tel-Aviv – Gordana, Abutbul, and Yadin are absent. Igiebor has left. Tamuz is a doubt.
Hapoel Acre – Roash, Gluscevic, and Nikolic are absent. Azzam is a doubt.
Italian Serie A:
Atalanta Bergamo – Capelli, Carmona, Ferreira, Marilungo, and Radovanovic are absent.
Cagliari – Camillieri and Sau are absent.
Catania – Potenza is absent. Spolli, Salifu, and Isco are doubts.
Chievo Verona – Drame and Paloschi are absent.
Fiorentina – Della Rocca is a doubt.
Genoa – Rossi is absent.
Internazionale – Alvarez, Handanovic, Mariga, Obi, and Stankovic are absent. Pereira, Mudingayi, and Chivu are doubts.
Juventus – Lucio, Padoin, and Pepe are absent. Isla is a doubt. Buffon and Chiellini return.
Lazio – Brocchi, Cana, Diakite, Radu, and Stankevicius are absent. Ederson is a doubt.
SSC Napoli – Dossena and Pandev are absent.
Palermo – Brienza, Mantovani, and Zahavi are absent. Cetto is a doubt.
Parma – Amauri, Santacroce are absent. Parolo is a doubt.
AS Roma – Bradley, Dodo, and Perrotta are absent. Pjanic and Castan are doubts.
Sampdoria – Juan is absent. Maresca is a doubt.
Siena – Bolzoni is absent. Angelo is a doubt.
Udinese – Badu is absent. Pinzi and Barreto are doubts.
Dutch Eredivisie:
Vitesse Arnhem – van der Struijk is absent.
Feyenoord Rotterdam – Te Vrede, Goossens, and De Vrij are absent.
PSV Eindhoven – Pieters and Locadia are absent.
AZ Alkmaar – Ortiz, Gudmundsson, Messouad, Lewis, and Lam are absent. Mertens is a doubt.
Twente Enschede – Rendla and Chadli are absent. Douglas is a doubt.
VVV Venlo – Altheer, Maguire, and Reimerink are absent.
Heerenveen – Kum is absent. Amoah is a doubt.
AFC Ajax Amsterdam – Enoh and Boilesen are absent. Sigthorsson is a doubt.
Norwegian Eliteserien:
Haugesund – Andreassen, Haukas, Fevang, and Vage Nilsen are absent.
Odd Grenland Skien – Fevang and Brenne are doubts. Eriksen returns.
Sogndal – Teniste, Bakke, and Roed are absent. Udjus is a doubt.
Stromsgodset – Aas, Kwarasey, Madsen, and Kovacs are absent.
Viking Stavanger – Ingelsten and Nevland are absent.
Tromso – Nystrom and Sahlman are absent. Johansen is a doubt.
Aalesund FK – Rorvik, Philips, and Sellami are absent. James and Orry Larsen may return.
Honefoss – Bolseth is absent. Groven may return.
Brann Bergen – Jonsson, Korcsmar, Sokolowski, and Kalvernes are absent.
Molde FK – Ekpo and Hovland are absent.
Norwegian Divisjon 1:
Hamarkamaratene – Ronningen, Gundersen, Bjerke, and Hagen are absent.
Sarpsborg 08 – Baigorri may return. Brieve is a doubt.
Bryne – Stokkeland, Ertzeid, Midtsian, Stenersen, and Nyborg are absent.
Kongsvinger – Melgavis and Johansen are absent. Dosso may return.
Hodd – Ahmed, Heltne, and Kleppe are absent.
Ranheim – Ronning and Lokberg are absent.
Mjondalen – Boldt, Strange, Stokke, and Fossum are absent. Ronning may return.
Bodo Glimt – Nordberg is absent. Khalili has left on loan. Vini Dantas may debutise. Stensland has left.
Sandefjord – Gabrielsen and Royrane are absent.
Notodden – Granerud, Jahr, Amundsen, Marquez, and Dale are absent.
Start Kristiansand – Madsen and Tveit are absent.
Baerum – Findstad and Lundemo are absent.
Tromsdalen – No absentees.
Strommen – Nordheim, Amundsen, and Moller are absent.
Ullensaker/Kisa – Moen Hansen is absent.
Alta – Ngom, Erlandsen, and Gauset are absent. Overvik is a doubt.
Polish Ekstraklasa:
Lech Poznan – Reiss may feature.
Gornik Zabrze – Maczynski, Lukasiewicz, Olkowski, and Magiera are absent. Kwiek returns.
Slask Wroclaw – Mila, R.Gikiewicz, L.Gikiewicz, and Pawelec are absent. Manager Lenczyk has left.
Ruch Chorzow – Sadlok, Dokic are absent. Straka is a big doubt.
Polish Liga 1:
Dolcan Zabki – Piesio is absent.
Cracovia Krakow – Dudzic is absent. Nitbazonkiza is a major doubt.
LKS Lodz – No absentees.
Warta Poznan – Bartoszczak is a doubt.
Portuguese Liga Sagres:
Gil Vicente – Joao Pedro is absent. Yero debutises.
Vitoria Setubal – Ricardo Silva, Amoreirinha, and Fonseca are absent. Ney and Cristiano return. Kieszek debutises.
Beira-Mar – Saleh and Desco debutise.
Moreirense – Ferreira, Paulinho, Castro, Renatinho, Tales, and Julio Cesar are absent. Andre Luiz debutises.
Rio Ave – Tiago Pinto has left.
Academica de Coimbra – Peiser, Joao Dias, Nivaldo, Magique, Joao Real, Marcos Paulo, and Carlos Saleiro are absent. Wilson Eduardo, Serge N’Gal, Keita, and Fabio Santos debutise.
Pacos de Ferreira – Luis Carlos, Alvarez, and Uillian are absent. Valente debutises. Nuno Santos returns.
Sporting Braga – Lima has left.
SL Benfica – Michel and Javi Garcia have left.
CD Nacional de Madeira – Lucas, Barcellos, Mexer, and Lucas are absent. Oliver returns.
Russian Premier League:
Lokomotiv Moscow – Torbinskiy and Guilherme are absent.
Spartak Moscow – Welliton, Suchy, Kallstrom, Gatagov, and Parshivlyuk are absent.
Krylya Sovetov Samara – Taranov and Caballero are absent.
Anzhi Makhachkala – Akhmedov is absent. Diarra may debutise.
Dinamo Moscow – Wilkshere is absent.
Kuban’ Kransnodar – No absentees.
FK Krasnodar – Tubic is absent.
CSKA Moscow – Wernbloom, Cauna, Doumbia, and Necid are absent.
Serbian Super Liga:
Red Star Belgrade – Mudrinski, Milijas, and Pantic may debutise/feature. Some players have light injuries – no names given.
Radnicki Nis – No news.
Partizan Belgrade – No absentees.
OFK Belgrade – Trivunovic is absent.
Spanish Primera Liga:
Rayo Vallecano de Madrid- No absentees.
Sevilla CF – Reyes, Lopez, Perotti, and Kondogbia are absent.
Athletic Club de Bilbao – Amorebieta, Llorente, and Aurtenetxe are absent.
Real Valladolid – No absentees.
Levante – Navarro, Rios, and Karabelas are absent.
Espanyol – Moreno, Albin, Garcia, Colotto, Mattioni, and Baena are absent.
Real Madrid – Coentrao is absent.
Granada – Lucena, Rico, Benitez, and Yebda are absent.
Barcelona – Alves, Alcantara, Abidal, Cuenca, and Muniesa are absent.
Valencia CF – Costa, Banega, Canales, and Mathieu are absent. Pablo Hernandez has left.
Swedish Allsvenskan:
AIK Solna – Bangura is a doubt.
Helsingborg – Sundin, Edman, and Hantsveit are absent. P.Larsson may feature.
Elfsborg Boras – Elm, Jonsson, and Augustsson are absent.
Syrianska Sodertalje – Miller and Elia are absent.
GIF Sundsvall – No news.
IFK Goteborg – Bjarsmyr may feature. Dyrestam and Waehler are absent. Manager Mild was confronted by many angry fans in training mid-week who are unhappy with IFK displays.
IFK Norrkoping – Wiklander and Khalili are absent.
Gefle – No news.
Turkish Super Lig:
Galatasaray- Ujfalusi and Baytar are absent.
Bursaspor – Aziz and Ipek are absent.
Gaziantepspor – Kurtulus is a doubt.
Trabzonspor – Akgun, Kacar, Cech, Vittek, Olcan, and Colman are absent. Sapara is a doubt.
Sivasspor – Bednar and Ozgen are absent.
Fenerbahce – Demirel, Krasic, Baroni, Bienvenu, Kesimal, Sam, and Cek are absent.