SATURDAY MORNING BUNDESLIGA BOOKIE BA$HER - 09:30 AM ET KICK OFF

Eintracht Frankfurt is coming off back-to-back road wins. Here they get a chance to extend the winning streak to three against a Mainz team that is fighting to avoid relegation, entering this contest just one point above 16th-placed Dusseldorf. Frankfurt have a solid home record (6-4-4) while Mainz have lost eight of their 14 away games in the league and they've been outscored 9-3 in four games overall since the return. 

8* play on Frankfurt. 

FRIDAY AFTERNOON SOCCER ACTION - BUNDESLIGA BOOKIE BREAKER TOP PLAY

Borussia Monchengladbach are coming off a 4-1 trouncing of Union Berlin and they've scored eight goals in four games since the restart. Freiburg on the other hand have two draws and two losses while conceding six goals since the restart. Monchengladbach sit fourth in the standigns, just two points behind Leipzig in third while Freiburg have very little to play for at this point. I expect Monchengladback to roll over the home team in this one. 

10* play on Borussia Monchengladbach.

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER) - TUESDAY AFTERNOON BUNDESLIGA TOTAL

Werder Bremen are in dire need of points as they enter Tuesday second-to-last in the Bundesliga standings. Their games have seen an average of 3.2 goals per game and they're 19-9 to the over (2.5 goals). 

Eintrach Frankfurt are 22-6 to the over on the season with an average of 3.5 goals per game and I think they'll go for the win, sitting just five points above the relegation zone. 

I think we'll see a wide open and high-scoring contest as neither team is likely to settle for the draw. 

10* play on OVER 2.5. 

MONDAY SOCCER - BUNDESLIGA BOOKIE BREAKER

Leipzig are coming off a disappointing 2-2 draw with Hertha Berlin. They would most likely have won if not for a red card early in the second half, and I expect Leipzig to come through with a big outing here against a Koln team that took a 3-1 loss to Hoffenheim last time out. They're in no-mans-land in the middle of the table while Leipzig are in third place, trying to hunt down Dortmund for second. 

Leipzig have claimed 13 of their 15 Bundesliga triumphs by at least two goals. 

8* play on Leipzig. 

DORTMUND @ PADERBORN - SUNDAY MORNING BUNDESLIGA TOP PLAY

Write up posted shortly. 

10* play on Dortmund -1.5. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER) - TOP RATED SATURDAY PLAY

Hertha Berlin put up a good fight to earn a 2-2 draw at RB Leipzig last time out. They had opened the restart with back-to-back wins (3-0, 4-0) prior to that outing and I think they'll win easy again in this one. The visiting Augsburg are coming off a goalless draw at home to bottom-of-the-table side Paderborn, and going on the road where they've lost eight of their 14 road games on the season won't make things any easier.  

10* play on Hertha Berlin. 

HERTHA BERLIN @ RB LEIPZIG *TOP PLAY*

Leipzig are coming off a lopsided 5-0 triumph over Mainz and 13 of their 15 wins the league this season have come by two goals or more. Hertha Berlin defated Union Berlin in the Berlin-derby last time out but are still stuck in no-mans-land in the table with little to play for. Leipzig on the other hand have plenty of motivation as they're in third place, just two points behind Dortmund.

10* play on RB Leipzig -1.5. 

FREIBURG @ FRANKFURT BUNDESLIGA BOOKIE BLASTER

Eintracht Frankfurt are coming off back-to-back losses, but there is no shame in losing to Borussia Monchengladbach and Bayern Munich. 

They're in need of points hovering just four points above the relegation zone and, and I think they'll be able to add three to their points tally here against Freiburg.

For all their struggles, note that Frankfurt have the sixth-best home record in the league and they defeated Freiburg 3-1 back in January. 

8* play on Frankfurt. 

TOP RATED BUNDESLIGA BOOKIE BREAKER - TUESDAY ACTION

Borussia Monchengladbach took a 3-1 loss to Leverkusen last time out, a result that saw Leverkusen overtake Monchengladbach for fourth spot in the table. 

I like Monchengladbach to bounce back here against a Werder Bremen team that is second to last in the league and with just five points and nine losses in their 12 Bundesliga home games this season. They have dropped each of their last five at home while scoring just one goal.

Monchengladbach have the fifth best road record in the league and they are undefeated through the last nine head-to-head matchups with Bremen.  

10* play on Monchengladbach. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER) - EARLY SUNDAY MORNING BUNDESLIGA ACTION

FC Koln failed to hold on to a 2-0 lead against Mainz in the restart of Bundesliga, conceding two consecutive goals for a 2-2 draw. I like them to come back strong and keep focus the whole game here against Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Koln lost the first meeting of the season 2-0 at Dusseldorf which sets up a revenge spot. Addtionally, they're much stronger at home than on the road while Dusseldorf have picked up just 10 points in their 13 away games on the season. 

Koln have a strong offense and they'll face a decimated Fortuna team that will have to do without suspended defender Kaan Ayhan.

No other team in Bundesliga has scored fewer goals than Fortuna this season, and I don't see how the visitors will be able to keep up with the home team. 

10* play on FC Koln. 

EARLY SATURDAY MORNING BUNDESLIGA BOOKIE BLASTER

B. Monchengladbach are coming off a 3-1 win over Eintrach Frankfurt while Bayer Leverkusen defeated Werder Bremen 4-1 in their first game back. Monchengladbach are 18-8 to the over (2.5 goals) on the season with an average of 3.2 goals per game while Leverkusen are 16-10 to the over (2.5 goals) and 3.1 goals per game. The first meeting of the season ended with a 2-1 Monchengladbach win, but considering the circumstances and current form I expect see more goals in this one to give us the win. 

8* play on OVER. 

WOLFSBURG @ DORTMUND PREMIUM PICK

Borussia Dortmund are challenging Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title, entering the weekend in second place of the Bundesliga four points behind Bayern. Wolfsburg meanwhile are in sixth place, looking to hold on to one of the European spots. Dortmund have won five Bundesliga matches in a row and they've outscored opponents 12-1 during said run. The Wolves are undefeated in their last seven games, but they've struggled with Dortmund in recent seasons and I think we're getting a great price on BVB in this one. 

8* play on Dortmund. 

BUNDESLIGA BOOKIE BLASTER - UNION BERLIN VS. HERTHA BERLIN - FRIDAY ACTION

Hertha Berlin defeated Hoffenheim 3-0 last time out, but they did not impress defensively despite the clean sheet. As for Union Berlin, they took a 2-0 loss to Bayern Munich last time out in a game where they were not allowed to do much more than defending the whole game. I think Union will come to play here, but defensively they might suffer with on-loan defender Keven Schlotterbeck suspended. 

8* play on OVER. 

BUNDESLIGA BOOKIE BLASTER - MONDAY AFTERNOON ACTION

Both teams have been heavy to the over throughout the season, but I think playing behind closed doors will lead to a slow-paced low-scoring affair. We can also note that both sides are in desperate need of points, Werder Bremen to avoid relegation and Leverkusen to stay in the battle for a Champions League spot. Bremen have scored just eight goals in 11 home games on the season, so they know they'll most likely need a clean sheet to have any chance of winning this game. 

8* play on UNDER. 

EARLY SUNDAY BUNDESLIGA BOOKIE BLASTER

The game will be played behind closed doors which will take away a lot of the home field advantage Berlin would otherwise have. While Bayern are sitting top of the table, they can't afford to drop points with Dortmund and Leipzig right on their heels. Union Berlin are sitting safe in no mans land in the middle of the table, eight points above the relegation zone. 

Bayern are undefeated with 10 wins and 1 draw in all competitions in 2020 and 14 of their 17 Bundesliga wins on the season have come by at least two goals. I expect an easy win for the superior away team in this one. 

8* play on Bayern Munich. 

WOLFSBURG @ AUGSBURG BUNDESLIGA BOOKIE BA$HER

Augsburg struggled defensively prior to the break, giving up 13 goals in their last five games. They've allowed 52 goals in 25 games on the season and they're 10-2 to the over in their 12 home games with an average of 3.8 goals per game. While Wolfsburg are one of the lower scoring sides in the league, I think the home team will set the pace and drive up the tempo in this one. 

8* play on OVER 2.5 goals. 

SCHALKE 04 @ DORTMUND BUNDESLIGA *TOP PLAY*

This game will be played behind closed doors with no fans in the stadium. 

Dortmund is no doubt the better team, but without the support of the home town crowd I think this Revierderby game will be a lot closer than most think. The first meeting of the season was a goalless draw and I expect this one to go down to the wire as well. 

Additionally, the home team is expected to be without key pieces like Marco Reus, Axel Witsel and Emre Can. 

10* play on Schalke 04 +1. 

SUNDAY MANCHESTER DERBY - CITY VS. UTD - BANKROLL BUILDER

Manchester City might be the second-best team in the nation according to the league table, but they're still far off league-leading Liverpool. They're coming off five straight wins (all on the road), but I think they're in for a real battle against cross-town rival Manchester United on Sunday.

The Red Devils are undefeated in nine straight games all competitions included, and while Man C are sitting pretty in second place, this game means a ton for United as they try to move up the table to earn a spot in one of the European tournaments for next season.

Despite a disappointing season overall, Man U have lost just two of 14 league games home at Old Trafford.

This will be the fourth meeting of the season (league and cups), with Man United winning two of the previous three. 

8* play on Manchester United +1. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): TOP RATED PREMIER LEAGUE SIDE

Chelsea have only won one of their last six league games, but they're coming off a confidence-boosting 2-0 triumph over Liverpool in the FA Cup and I think they'll come through with a win against Everton on Sunday. 

The Toffees have lost eight of their 14 away league games and they've not held an away league clean sheet since the opening day of the season. With only 10 games left of the season they're stuck in the middle of the table with little to play for while Chelsea are in a tight race for the last Champions League spot with seven teams within six points behind them. 

Additionally, this is a revenge game for the Blues after dropping the first meeting of the season 3-1 at Goodison Park back in December. 

10* play on Chelsea. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED EPL *BEST BET*

We have a big game on our hands in the Premier League this Saturday with second-placed Manchester City visiting third-placed Leicester. Man City has won five of the last six meetings and I think we're getting a more than fair price on the visitors in this one. 

Leicester has just one win in their last five EPL games and Man C have won seven of their last nine road games all competitions combined. 

We can also note that Leicester is shorthanded in the central midfield with three holding midfielders (Wilfred Ndidi, Hamza Choudhury and Nampalys Mendy) missing for this contest.

10* play on Manchester City. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED EPL BET FOR FEBRUARY

Sheffield United are coming off a pair of road victories, and I think they'll carry that momentum into this home game against Bournemouth.

The visitors have dropped eight of their last 10 away from home and while they're battling to avoid relegation, note that Sheffield United are in contention for a Europa League/Champions League spot.

Five of Sheffield United's seven Premier League losses on the season have come against teams in the top three in the table, and I think they'll have no trouble to take care of business against the Cherries in this one. 

10* play on Sheffield United. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED EPL PLAY SATURDAY

I like Arsenal to come through with a win here in their London derby matchup with Crystal Palace. The Gunners have played much better since replacing manager Unai Emery with Mikel Arteta. They'll face a dinged up Palace team that could be without up to eight injured players, among them Sakho, Benteke, Ward, Schlupp, Dann, van Aanholt and Townsend. Additionally, captain Luka Milivojevic starts a three-game suspension after his sending off in the FA Cup.

10* play on Arsenal. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED PREMIER LEAGUE TOTAL

Chelsea are coming off a come-from-behind 2-1 win at Arsenal and 12 of their 14 away games in all competitions this season have seen three goals or more. Here they'll visit a Brighton team that is coming off a 2-0 win over Bournemouth, and the team has made itself known for its positive and attacking style of football. I think we'll see both sides going for the W, and one of them will most likely succeed but a shutout win for either side is unlikely. 

10* play on OVER. 

CHELSEA @ ARSENAL LONDON DERBY

This will be new Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's second game in charge of the Gunners. He's taking over a side in disarray with just one win in their last 11 league games, but the good news is that visiting Chelsea have dropped five or their last seven. Still, Chelsea remains in the top four of the league thanks to their early success, and I think they would be happy with a point here, and I'm sure as would Arteta in his first London derby. 

8* play on DRAW. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP PREMIER LEAGUE PICK FOR DECEMBER

Leicester City are coming off back-to-back losses to Tottenham and Liverpool, but I think they'll bounce back here against a West Ham side that has picked up one point in its last five home games. The Hammers have scored just three goals over their last five games overall, and that despite facing mostly mediocre/poor teams. Leicester had won six straight on the road prior to a 3-1 loss at Man City on Dec 22, but West Ham are not Manchester City ... 

10* play on Leicester. 

PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Brighton may be winless through their last four games, but I think they played well in their latest contest, a 2-1 loss at Tottenham. Here they'll get to play in front of the home town crowd again, hosting a Bournemouth side that has lost five of its nine away games on the season. Additionally we can note that the visitors have several players in the injury list, something that will show here with their last game just about two days ago. 

8* play on Brighton. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED EPL SIDE FOR DECEMBER

Manchester United have picked up the pace following a slow start to the season. They enter this matchup with Everton coming off three straight victories, beating difficult opponents in Tottenham, Man City and most recently AZ Alkmaar in Europa League. 

While Everton are coming off a 3-1 win over Chelsea, note that they had dropped three straight prior to that and they're 1-1-6 on the road this season. 

10* play on Manchester United. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED PREMIER LEAGUE SIDE

Tottenham have played very well under José Mourinho as a manager. First they put a beating on West Ham last week before turning a 2-0 deficit to a 4-2 win against Olympiakos in the Champions League midweek.

Here they'll face a Bournemouth team off back-to-back losses to Newcastle and Wolves, and they have just seven points in six road games on the season.

Spurs have a solid 11-5 goal differential in their six home games, and I expect them to keep pushing the pedal to the metal to build on the current momentum.

10* play on Tottenham. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP PREMIER LEAGUE BET NOVEMBER

Leicester City come into Saturday tied with Chelsea for second place in the Premier League, eight points behind Liverpool in first. They've scored a total of 15 goals through a four-game winning streak, and I think we're getting good value on the Foxes when they visit Brighton Saturday. 

Brighton are cemented in the middle of the table, and while they've won three straight home at the Amex, they've mostly been taking advantage of lesser or reeling teams. They fell 3-1 at Manchester United last time out and this looks like a tough spot to bounce back. 

10* play on Leicester. 

MAN UNITED @ NEWCASTLE PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Manchester United did not even manage to get a shot on goal in their midweek 0-0 draw with AZ in the Champions League. Here they'll face a Newcastle team that will clamp down on defense to ensure they do not repeat the same mistakes as in last week's 5-0 loss at Leicester. Their three Premier League home games during the 2019/2020 season have seen a total of just three goals, and we can note that the visitors will be without playmakers Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial with respective ankle and thigh problems.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S EARLY PREMIER LEAGUE TOTAL

To say that Tottenham are vulnerable defensively would be an understatement up seven goals to Bayern Munich in their Champions League matchup midweek. 

They have allowed nine goals in seven Premier League games on the season, and while the home team Brighton usually comes out with a cautious gameplan, it must smell blood and be looking to put on a show in front of the home town crowd at Amex Stadium here. 

Brighton are banged up though, and for all of Tottenham's issues, scoring goals is not one of them. They have world class attackers like Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son and Christian Eriksen who all can create goals out of nothing.

I think we'll see a 2-1 or 3-1 win for the visitors, with the score going over the total.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S EARLY TOP RATED PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Liverpool enter Saturday with a perfect 6-0-0 record in the Premier League on the season. They've won four of those games by two goals or more, and I expect to see another rout here at Sheffield United. 

The home team has done surprisingly well considering it played Championship football last season, but this will be the first matchup with an elite team like the Reds. Note that Liverpool have won their last 12 Premier League contests against newly-promoted sides with a stunning 35-4 goal differential.

10* play on Liverpool. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Liverpool are the only team remaining with a perfect record in the Premier League this season, and I think that will still be the case after this matchup with Chelsea. 

Both sides will be looking to bounce back from losses in the UEFA Champions League midweek, and Liverpool should have the better squad depth and handle the short turnaround better.

The Reds are on a club league record run of 14 straight wins and should be well up for this after watching their main title contenter Manchester City putting an 8-0 beating on Watford on Saturday. 

Chelsea have defensive woes and yet to keep a clean sheet in six games in league and cup this campaign, which will spell trouble against this talented Liverpool offense. 

10* play on Liverpool. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED PREMIER LEAGUE TOTAL

Manchester United have not scored more than one goal in any contest since opening their season with a 4-0 rout of Chelsea. They'll be without World Cup-winning star midfielder Paul Pogba for this one, leaving the Red Devils short of creativity from the midfield. As for West Ham, they're coming off a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa and have scored just six goals in five Premier League games on the season. They've also looked good on the defensive end though, having kept three successive clean sheets in league and cup play.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED PREMIER LEAGUE TOTAL 

Manchester United have gone three games without a win since opening the season with a 4-0 romp of Chelsea, and they've scored just three goals in those three games.

Here the players will return back from the international break, which obviously is not much of a break at all for a team stacked with national team players. Not only does the games take their toll, but also the traveling ... We can and Man U will have to do without six injured players, including star midfielder Paul Pogba. 

As for visiting Leicester, they've had a positive start to the season entering Saturday in third place in the EPL table. They've allowed just three goals in four games, and will most likely be happy to sit back and let a toothless Man U team bang their heads against the blue wall. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S PREMIER LEAGUE TOP PLAY

Liverpool are the only team in the Premier League with a 100% winning record entering Week 4, and I think they will still be perfect after Saturday's encounter with Burnley. 

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League games played in August, winning the last eight in a row. They're not just winning either, but outscoring their opponents comfortably more often than not.

For this one, Reds' manager Jurgen Klopp has a near 100% healthy squad to work with while Burnley will have to do without Robbie Brady, Steven Defour and Johann Berg Gudmundsson. We can also note that Burnley played Sunderland in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday while Liverpool have had seven days' rest since their win over Arsenal last weekend. 

Liverpool have won four of their five away trips to Turf Moor in the Premier League era, and I expect the visitors to run away with this one once again.

10* play on Liverpool -1.5

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): PREMIER LEAGUE MAJOR WAGER

Crystal Palace have had a poor start to the season and have yet to score a single goal.

Here they'll face a Manchester United side that was a saved Paul Pogba penalty away from a perfect record and note that they trashed Chelsea 4-0 here at Old Trafford in Gameweek 1.

Additionally, Man U will have a huge psychological edge after going undefeated through the last 22 meetings (W18, D4).

10* play on Manchester United -1.5. 

TUESDAY PREMIER LEAGUE BOOKIE BLASTER

Write up posted no later than Monday. 

8* play on Man Utd. 

SUNDAY PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Chelsea took a 4-0 beating by Man United last weekend but looked solid in their 2-2 draw vs. Liverpool in the Europa Super Cup midweek (lost on penalties).

They have a deep enough squad for fatigue not to be an issue this early in the season. Chelsea are unbeaten in nine league games home at Stanford Bridge (W6,D3) and I think they'll crush Leicester here in their first home game on the season. 

Leicester opened the season with an uninspired 0-0 draw at home against Wolves. They had plenty of possession but failed to create many clear cut goalscoring opportunities. That won't cut it here against a Chelsea side looking to get its first win under club icon Frank Lampard. 

8* play on Leicester. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S BEST BUNDESLIGA BET

Borussia Monchengladbach finished last season 5th in the Bundesliga, just missing out on the final ticket to the Champions League. Schalke 04 meanwhile finished 14th, dangerously close to the relegation zone. 

I expect Monchengladbach to win the opener of the 2019/2020 season rather comfortably in front of their fanatic fans home at Borussia-Park. Note that Monchengladbach lost just five home games last season, and four of those losses came against sides from inside the top ten.

Additionally, Monchengladbach won both meetings last season and have a new, interesting manager in Marco Rose who has had plenty of success with Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian league. 

10* play on Borussia Monchengladbach. 

UEFA SUPER CUP BOOKIE BLASTER ~ LIVERPOOL VS CHELSEA

Liverpool and Chelsea had very different starts to their 2019/2020 campaign over the weekend as the reigning Champions League champions Liverpool destroyed Norwich by a score of 4-1 on Friday while Chelsea took a 4-0 beating at Man United on Sunday. 

Chelsea have an inexperienced manager in club legend Frank Lampard, and I find it hard to believe he'll outcoach Jurgen Klopp. "In terms of the defeat {at Old Trafford] I think you always learn as a manager ... The clear lesson for everyone was if you make defensive errors against good teams it will cost you."

Momentum and rest advantage for the Reds who will be looking to add yet another title under coach Klopp who wants his side to "stay greedy" for more trophies and not be content despite just winning the Champions League.

8* play on Liverpool. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED CHELSEA @ MAN U BOOKIE BREAKER

I like the price we get on Manchester United as a home favorite against Chelsea in their Premier League opener on Sunday. The Red Devils have managed to keep all key players and also brought in center-back Harry Maguire from Leicester. The big man (and world's most expensive defender) will surely have a big impact and goals will be hard to come by for visitors to Old Trafford this season. As for Chelsea, they have a new manager in former player Frank Lampard, but they've not been able to bring in any new players due to the club's transfer ban. 

Man U have lost just one of the last 26 games when opening a top-flight campaign at home, winning 19 and six draws. 

10* play on Man UTD. 

TOP RATED 10* VILLA @ SPURS EPL BOOKIE BREAKER

Tottenham Hotspur finished third in the Premier League last season, and I don't think they'll have any trouble to take care of business against newly promoted Aston Villa in their 2019/2020 season opener. 

Aston Villa finished only fifth in the Championship but earned promotion through the playoffs which include the teams that finish 3rd-6th. They've been busy during the summer spending upwards of $160 million on a dozen players, but that could also mean they'll need a couple of games to fit those new pieces together. 

Tottenham have also brought in reinforcements in midfielders Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso, and winger/defender Ryan Sessegnon. At the same time, they've managed to keep all key players like Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen.  

Tottenham have won nine of the past 10 encounters, scoring 24 and conceding just three, and this should be another blowout win for Spurs. 

10* play on Tottenham -1.5. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER)

Tottenham will be out for revenge here following a pair of one-goal defeats to Liverpool in the Premier League this season. 

The Reds tried to hunt down Manchester City at the top of the table down the stretch while Tottenham have been able to rest key players in order to stay healthy for quite some time. 

Liverpool lost to Real Madrid in last year's final and have not won anything since manager Jurgen Klopp's arrival in 2015. They seem to have trouble to step up in the big games, and I expect Tottenham to keep this close.   

10* play on Tottenham +0.5. 

EARLY SUNDAY PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Manchester United have hit a rough patch in recent weeks and have lost four consecutive road games in all competitions for the first time in 20 years.

They got knocked out of the Champions League by Barcelona midweek, which could actually be a blessing in disguise as they now can put full focus on the Premier League and the race for 4th place.

The Red Devils have struggled defensively in recent games, but here they'll face an Everton side that is coming off a 2-0 loss to a weak Fulham team already facing relegation from the top flight ... 

Despite Man U's poor form away from home, they still own the 4th best road record in the Premier League this season with nine wins, two draws and six defeats. They're undefeated with six wins and three draws in the last nine meetings with Everton. 

8* play on Manchester United. 

SATURDAY PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER (TOTAL)

Newcastle (15th) and Southampton (16th) are both trying to avoid relegation. They're both on the right side of the relegation zone though (18th and worse) and a low-scoring draw here would probably suit both teams just fine. 

Newcastle are coming off a 1-0 win over Leicester and they have 10 clean sheets on the season. Southampton have done most of their damage at home and have scored just 16 goals in their 16 games away from home on the season. 

Expect a cagey, low-scoring affair with neither team willing to risk dropping points. 

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S BEST SOCCER SIDE FOR APRIL

The Wolverhampton Wanderers are in a four-team race for 7th place in the Premier League. While worth little more than the prestige, it would mean a lot for a small club like Wolves. 

They've been extremely successful home at Molineux Stadium lately with victories in seven of their last eight home games in all competitions, drawing the other. 

Brighton are battling to avoid relegation, but they're doing a poor job and have suffered five straight defeats without scoring a single goal. They've lost 12 of their last 18 overall and dropped six of their last eight away from home. 

10* play on Wolves. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED PREMIER LEAGUE SIDE

Both Crystal Palace (13th) and Newcastle (14th) are still running the risk of relegation, although it's extremely unlikely at this point. 

Five consecutive Premier League triumphs home at St. James' Park have allowed Newcastle to build a seven point gap down to 18th-placed Cardiff. We can also note that they could overtake Palace in the standings with a win here. 

Crystal Palace have lost three of their last four games overall, only beating league-worst Huddersfield during that stretch. 

Newcastle have won 10 of the last 16 head-to-head meetings, and with Palace scoreless in six of the last seven encounters at Newcastle I really like the price we get on the Magpies in this matchup.

10* play on Newcastle United. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S BEST PREMIER LEAGUE BET FOR MARCH

West Ham United are unbeaten through their last six league games at the London Stadium and have scored a total of nine goals in the last three. That string of games include a win over Arsenal and a draw against Liverpool. Here they'll host an Everton side that is winless in its last 10 league games played in London and it has picked up just 15 points in as many away games this season. The Toffees beat Chelsea last time out but might've lost the momentum due to the international break.  

With both teams in the middle of the table you would think they've got nothing but pride to play for this late in the season, but both are actually in a position to catch Wolves for 7th place (and Europa League qualification games).  

This is too good of a price on a motivated home team to pass up on. 

10* play on West Ham. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Manchester United's transformation since replacing Jose Mourinho with caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been has nothing short of extraordinary. They've won 15 of 18 games under OSG, travelled to Paris without 10 players and still managed to knock out PSG of the Champions League with a 3-1 victory Wednesday. 

Nothing is impossible for the Red Devils at the moment, and you better believe the players will be fired up for this rivalry game with Arsenal. Playing at Emirates sure won't scare the visitors who are on a club record run of nine successive away victories in all competitions, and we can note that Arsenal took a 3-1 loss at Rennes i the Europa League on Thursday. 

10* play on Manchester United. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Manchester United have been unbeatable since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over from Jose Mourinho in December. They were then 11 points off the Champions League qualification spots but can move into the top 4 with a win here against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday. 

Fulham on the other hand are 2nd to last in the Premier League and have lost four of their last five league games, and they're 2-8-0 in the last 10 Premier League contests against Man U who are 7-0-1 while scoring 20 goals in their eight EPL matchups under Solskjaer. No need to overthink this, and I would probably recommending to keep hammering the Red Devils (against lesser competition) until they're giving us a reason not to. 

10* play on Manchester United -1. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Manchester United remain unbeaten with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in charge after staging a late, late comeback against Burnley to earn a 2-2 draw home at Old Trafford last time out. I think they'll be on their toes from the get go here and pick up a road win. 

Leicester have won just four Premier League home games this season and have lost their last two home at King Power Stadium, to Southampton (1-0) and Cardiff (2-1). We can also note that they have one win, four draws and nine losses(!) through their last 14 Sunday games. 

Man U on the other hand are gunning for five consecutive away wins in all competitions for the first time since 2012 (under legendary Alex Ferguson). 

10* play on Manchester United. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED MAN U @ ARSENAL FA CUP BEST BET

Manchester United have played seven games since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over the managerial duties, and they've won them all. 

The Red Devils have admittedly had a relatively easy schedule but did also beat Tottenham 1-0 here in London on Jan 13. Arsenal on the other hand have been inconsistent of late with four wins, four losses and a draw through their last nine games. The Gunners are fresh off a 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the Premier League but dropped a 1-0 decision to West Ham the week before. 

My money is on the visitors to steal this game, and I'm backing them as a PK which means the stake back in case of a draw. 

10* play on Man Utd (PK, +0, Draw no Bet)

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S BEST PREMIER LEAGUE BET

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PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Leicester are a respectable 3-2-3 on the road this season. They've lost six games overall, but all of those losses came against teams in the top half of the table.

Here they'll face a Crystal Palace side which enters this game which is just two spots above the relegation zone and owns a 1-2-4 home record. Crystal Palace will have to do without two key players in Wilfried Zaha and James Tomkins.

Easy play on the visitors at this price. 

8* play on Leicester. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Chelsea have lost two of their last three Premier League games, most recently a 2-1 setback at Wolves midweek. Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri seems to be quite concerned about the lack of results lately. "I knew very well that sooner or later we have to face difficulties. When you change the way of playing, the way of football, you need to change the mentality. You need to change the mentality in 25 minds, so it's not a short way. It's very difficult."

Here they'll host a Manchester City team which is still undefeated in the league season (13 wins, 2 draws), and it as conceded just two goals in seven away games. We can also note that the Citizens have won the last three meetings in all competitions (including this season's Community Shield) without conceding a goal.

10* play on Man City. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Manchester United played a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend and followed that up with a narrow 1-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League midweek.

Southampton have scored only 10 goals in 13 Premier League games on the season and have found the net just one time through their last three at home. They've been solid defensively at home all season though allowing just eight goals in six games, and I think we'll see two cautious teams play out a low-scoring game here.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER) TOTAL

Crystal Palace are winless through their last seven games and have scored a grand total of four goals during that stretch. They've allowed more than two goals in only of those games though and here they'll face a Manchester United team which definitely is capable of playing lock down defense despite 21 goals conceded on the season. 

My prediction is that Man United will sit back and control the game after taking the lead (which I assume they will), and that we'll see this game go under the total.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Crystal Palace have lost five of their last six overall and they are winless in their five league games at Selhurst Park this season. Palace remain without injured quartet Christian Benteke, Scott Dann, Joel Ward and Connor Wickham and I don't think they'll be able to keep up with a Spurs side coming off three straight wins. Tottenham are on a six-match winning streak against Crystal Palace in the Premier League and they've won six of their first seven away league games this season. 

10* play on Tottenham. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER TOTAL)

Manchester United have kept just one Premier League clean sheet this season, but I think manager Jose Mourinho will make sure his team comes out with a defensive approach for this road game at Bournemouth. 

The Cherries on the other hand aim to keep four consecutive clean sheets for the first time in the top flight with a shutout here, so you better believe the home team will make it difficult for the Red Devils to score. 

We can also note that United take on Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus in Turin on Wednesday.  

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED PREMIER LEAGUE *BEST BET*

Both Leicester and West Ham will be looking to snap two-game losing streaks, and I like the home team to come through with a win. The visitors are mightly banged up as Jack Wilshere, Carlos Sánchez, Andriy Yarmolenko, Pedro Obiang, Andy Carroll, Manuel Lanzini and Winston Reid all will miss the game. Leicester striker Jamie Vardy is a fitness doubt but I expect him to be fit for fight. If not, Leicester still have solid backup options. 

Leicester have lost just one of their last seven Premier League games against West Ham and we can note that West Ham have lost seven of their last 10 away games in the Premier League.

10* play on Leicester. 

PREMIER LEAGUE MORNING MASSACRE (10* TOTAL TOP PLAY)

Crystal Palace are desperate for points after a poor start to the season. I think they'll be happy to leave Goodison Park with a point and we're likely to see the visitors enter this contest with a very cautious approach. We can also note that they've scored just two goals through their last five games and six of their last eight games have seen two goals or fewer. Everton are inconsistent and I think they'll struggle to create chances against Palace.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S BEST PREMIER LEAGUE BET FOR OCTOBER!

Manchester United enter Saturday 8th in the Premier League with only 13 points after eight games. Chelsea are seven points better off and tied for first place with Man City and Liverpool. 

Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri has done a great job, but he's still not satisfied: "I'm very happy with the results but we need to improve, and we can improve."We've had no time to work; I had eight players at the beginning of August and now we've started to play every three days so it's very difficult to work, improve the team and improve the players. We need to improve our performances in the defensive phase. At the moment we are giving the opponents too many opportunities.". 

That kind of mentality is lacking at Man United as manager Jose Mourinho seems to have lost the confidence both the board and the players.

United have kept just one league clean sheet this season and conceded 14 goals. Chelsea have won 10 and lost just one of the last 16 head-to-head meetings at Stamford Bridge. 

10* play on Chelsea. 

SUNDAY PREMIER LEAGUE TOTAL

Burnley are known for their sturdy defense, but seven of their last eight games have seen at least two goals and five of those at least three goals. They scored four against Bournemouth last week and should have no trouble to find the net against this weak Cardiff defense which has conceded 15 goals through its last four games.

The home team is desperate for a win after opening the season with a pair of draws and four losses.

I think we'll see a wide open high-scoring affair.

8* play on OVER. 

EARLY SATURDAY EPL GAME OF THE WEEK ~ TOP RATED 10* SOCCER!

Tottenham will be desperate for a win after three straight losses, two in the domestic league and one in Champions League. Their offensive players are extremely talented, and here they'll face a Brighton side which has been forced to fight back from 2-0 down to get a draw in their past two games. Tottenham won't allow that to happen, once they take the lead here it's all over. 

10* Premier League Game of the Week: Tottenham. 

SOCCER GAME OF THE WEEK (10* SPREAD)

Watford are one of just three teams who will enter this round of games undefeated. They're coming off an impressive 2-1 triumph over Tottenham and I think they'll get at least one point here against an overrated Manchester United side. Man U manager Jose Mourinho is struggling to make the most of the talent he has at his disposal, and here they'll find a very tough opponent backed by a loud home-town crowd.

10* Spread/ML Soccer Game of the Week: Watford +0.5. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Both Tottenham and Watford enter this contest with a perfect 3-0-0 record, Tottenham with a 8-2 goal differential and Watford with a 7-2 goal differential. I'm confident we'll see plenty of goals here. Tottenham have phenomenal attacking talent but note that they're likely to be without Hugo Lloris due to a thigh injury which should make Watford more confident going on the attack turning this into a wide open contest. 

10* Soccer Game of the Week: OVER. 

EARLY PREMIER LEAGUE TOTAL

Liverpool have started the year with three convincing triumphs, defeating West Ham, Crystal Palace and Brighton with a 7-0 goal differential. Here they'll face the toughest test so far though, and I think we'll see a wide open game with plenty of goals for both sides.

Liverpool have plenty of talented attacking players, but I'm not convinced about their D despite three straight clean sheets. Leicester are no pushovers and have won two of three league games plus a 4-0 win over Fleetwood Town in the League Cup. 

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

The defending Premier League champions Manchester City are off to a perfect start to the new campaign, winning both games and scoring eight goals in the process. 

Here they'll visit a Wolverhampton Wanderers team who won the Championship in impressive style last season to earn a promotion, but they've opened the season with a draw and a loss. The Wolves won the Championship playing an attacking style of football, and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo does not seem willing to change it up: "We don't know how to play another way. We will not change because we want to build something."

Admirable, but not optimal. Man City love playing against teams like this as they'll get plenty of space to operate in. This should be an easy victory for the visitors.  

10* Soccer Game of the Week: Manchester City -1.5. 

PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Liverpool crushed West Ham 4-0 in their season opener while Crystal Palace defeated Fulham 2-0. I like Liverpool to come out of this contest with another win. They've been extremely dangerous on the offensive third the last couple of season's, and now Jurgen Klopp finally have been able to bring in some solid defensive players as well. Crystal Palace won't be able to handle all Liverpool's firepower. 

5* play on Liverpool. 

PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Manchester United took care of business with a 2-1 triumph over Leicester in their season opener, and I think they'll make it two in a row when visiting Brighton here on Sunday. Brighton were never really close to even score in their 2-0 setback at Watford, and they're having some injury problems ahead of this game. Man U have a couple of players out because of injuries as well, but they have a much deeper squad and their backups are more than capable of stepping right in and deliver the goods. 

8* play on Man United. 

SUPER EARLY PREMIER LEAGUE BOOKIE BREAKER

Watford made light work of Brighton in their first game with a convincing 2-0 victory, but I think they're about to run into trouble here at Burnley on Sunday.

Note that Watford haven’t won any of their last 10 away league games against Burnley (D4 L6), and they're winless in their last 12 Premier League away games overall, losing 11 of these. They've been held scoreless in their last eight away league games. 

The only worry IMO is Burnley's participation in the Europa League with the most recent game this past Thursday, but it doesn't seem to be a concern for Burnley manager Sean Dyche: "The fitness here is unbelievable. The players' mental and physical fitness is absolutely fantastic, so they will be ready for Sunday."

Burnley were held to a goalless draw away at Southampton in their Premier League opener, but they're much stronger home at Turf Moor. 

8* play on Burnley.

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Arsenal lost their season premiere and first game with Unai Emery in charge. Manchester City proved to be too much to handle in a 2-0 loss home at Emirates, and I think they're in for another home loss here when hosting London-rivals Chelsea. 

Chelsea won their season opener in an impressive fashion, putting a 3-0 beating on Huddersfield on the road. The new Chelsea manager, Italian Maurizio Sarri, seem to have created a positive vibe within the club and is way more liked than his predecessor Antonio Conte. 

We can also note that Arsenal will be without several defenders, among them Laurent Koscielny, and I expect Chelsea's fearful attack to take full advantage. 

10* Soccer Game of the Week: Chelsea

PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Tottenham defeated Newcastle 2-1 on the road in their season opener, and I think they look good to follow up with another triumph when hosting Fulham Saturday afternoon. The visitors are still waiting to get off the mark after falling at home to Crystal Palace last week, and I think the newly promoted team's stay in the Premier League might be a short one. 

Spurs are unbeaten in 36 Premier League fixtures against newly-promoted teams (W33, D3) and I expect them to make light work of this Fulham side.

8* play on Tottenham. 

PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

The reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are looking even stronger this season with players like Riyad Mahrez added to the mix. Arsenal will begin life without Arsene Wenger who was in charge for 22 years, and it might take a while for new manager Unai Emery to get things in order at the Emirates. 

8* play on Manchester City. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Fulham are back in the Premier League, and they aim to stay there after bringing in 12 new players during the summer's transfer window. Crystal Palace finished mid-table in the Premier League last season, but I think they'll find it hard against a super motivated home team here in the season premiere.  

10* Soccer Game of the Week: Fulham. 

SATURDAY PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Tottenham will be without nine players, and most of them key players who participated in the World Cup this summer; Harry Kane, Hugo Lloris, Dele Alli, Kieran Trippier, Eric Dier, Danny Rose, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alberweireld and Mousa Dembele. Newcastle will be in for a tough season, but I think they have a good chance of getting a draw here. 

5* play on DRAW

FRIDAY PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Both teams will be without several key players with the players who participated in the World Cup just returning from a late vacation. Jose Mourinho pretty much always has his team setup with a "not-lose" mentality and I think defense will come first for both sides in this contest. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLS BOOKIE BREAKER

Los Angeles FC won the first ever LA derby 4-3, but I expect LA Galaxy to claim at least one point when the two rivals clash Thursday night. 

LAFC started the season strong, but they've won just one of their last four league games. They took a 5-1 loss to Minnesota their last game while Galaxy have turned things around after a miserable start to the season. Galaxy have won three in a row, and scored a total of 10 goals in the process. We can also note that they're comfortable outside of their own arena, having lost just three of 10 games away from home.

10* play on LA Galaxy +0.5. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER) ~ MIKE'S LA GALAXY @ PHILLY *BEST BET*

The LA Galaxy have found their scoring touch as they are coming off back-to-back triumphs (scoring seven goals in the process), and they've lost just one of their last nine games. They have been quite solid on the road so far (3-3-3) while Philly has won half of its 10 at home. 

Galaxy are undefeated in the last five head-to-head meetings, and have lost just one of 10 (undefeated here in Philly). 

We can also note that the visitors should have a rest advantage despite the cross-country travel with their last game played on July 15 while Philadelphia was i action against Orlando on July 19. 

10* Soccer Game of the Week: LA Galaxy +0.5. 

MLS MONEYMAKER

New England Revolution have won just one of their last six games, and seven of their 19 games on the season have ended in a draw. Minnesota United have played just one draw all season, but note that each of their last eight games have been decided by just one goal. I think we'll see a close game, and the value on the draw is too good to pass up on. 

8* play on DRAW. 

France dismissed Belgium rather comfortably in their semi-final matchup, and this is probably the team that has impressed me the most throughout the tournament. They don't play fancy football, but they're extremely solid and effective. 

Croatia on the other had have battle hard all the way throughout the knockout stage, with each of the three games going to extra-time and in two cases decided in a penalty shootout. Head coach Zlatko Dalic admits Croatia have some "minor injuries" to contend with, and that combined with a squad that has logged a lot of minutes does not sound optimal. 

Croatia have been behind in all three of their knockout games, but if they go a goal behind here there's simply no coming back against this super solid France team. 

France are unbeaten in their five previous games with Croatia, winning three times. 

They held a clean sheet in both the quarter-final and the semi-final, and I doubt Croatia will score on them. 

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER)

France dismissed Belgium rather comfortably in their semi-final matchup, and this is probably the team that has impressed me the most throughout the tournament. They don't play fancy football, but they're extremely solid and effective. 

Croatia on the other had have battle hard all the way throughout the knockout stage, with each of the three games going to extra-time and in two cases decided in a penalty shootout. Head coach Zlatko Dalic admits Croatia have some "minor injuries" to contend with, and that combined with a squad that has logged a lot of minutes does not sound optimal. 

Croatia have been behind in all three of their knockout games, but if they go a goal behind here there's simply no coming back against this super solid France team. 

France are unbeaten in their five previous games with Croatia, winning three times, and the price is right to back them to win this game in 90 minutes. 

10* Soccer Game of the Month: France. 

ENGLAND v BELGIUM WORLD CUP 3RD PLACE PLAYOFF

England looked completely deflated after their 2-1 ET loss to Croatia in the semi-final. Understandable, as they took an early 1-0 lead, football was coming home etc. etc.

Let's take a look at this quote from England manager Gareth Southgate: "The honest thing is it's not a game any team wants to play in."

Of course it's true, but not the right message to send to your team.

The Belgium players on the other hand looked only pissed off and angry after their loss to France in their semi-final, and I think a fired up Red Devils side will take this down. 

8* play on Belgium. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

England hardly had to break a sweat in their quarter-final triumph over Sweden while Croatia needed extra time and penalties to get past the host nation Russia in their quarter-finals matchup. I would not underestimate the rest advantage this late in the tournament. 

Croatia have a very talented midfield with Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic as the standout players, but conceding two goals against a rather weak side like Russia must raise concerns about their defense. 

England have a high-paced team with offensive midfielders like Raheem Sterling and Jesse Lingard always on the move and the tournament's top-scorer Harry Kane who "scores when he wants". It's also worth pointing out how effective they are on set-pieces, with eight of England's 11 goals coming from dead ball situations. 

The Three Lions have lost just two of their last 30 competitive matches (W22, D6) since losing their first two matches at the 2014 World Cup, and I think England will win this game to advance to the final.

10* Soccer Game of the Week: England

BELGIUM v FRANCE WORLD CUP SEMI-FINAL TOTAL

Belgium beat Brazil 2-1 last week to advance to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. They've looked extremely dangerous going forward throughout the tournament, but also shown some vulnerability on defense. Brazil did not lack chances to score an equalizer in the most recent matchup, and here they'll face a France team packed with offensive talent. Key player for the French is Antoine Griezmann who has scored seven goals in his last six knockout matches at the World Cup and European Championship, a man for the big games indeed. 

Belgium's 14 goals from their first five World Cup games is the most at this stage since Brazil in 2002 and coach Roberto Martinez has urged his team to "play without fear" here in the semi-final. 

I predict a very entertaining and high-scoring affair today.

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (SOCCER)

Sweden are extremely well organised and hard to break down. They've now held a clean sheet in three of their four games in the tournament, and this will be far from an easy task for England.  

Sweden have a reputation of being an extremely defensive-minded side, but while it's true that they're happy to leave most of the possession to their opponent, once they get the ball they're very direct and attacking with a purpose. 

The Three Lions probably deserved to beat Colombia without extra time and penalties, but they struggled to create many clear goal-scoring opportunities against a compact Colombia D and they've not looked overly convincing on defense themselves. Fatigue might be an issue here following an extra 30 minutes of football plus a tough penalty shootout, giving the physical Swedes a great opportunity for an upset.

10* Soccer Game of the Year: Sweden +0.5

FRANCE v URUGUAY FWC QUARTER-FINALS BOOKIE BREAKER

Uruguay went through the group stage with a perfect 3-0-0 record without conceding a single goal. They held Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal to one goal in their round of 16 triumph and I think their feisty defense will be able to fight off France rather successfully. Uruguay have arguably the world's best center-back pairing in Diego Godin and José Giménez who also play club football together at Atletico Madrid. 

France have been one of the leading contenders to win the World Cup from the beginning, but they showed vulnerability in their 4-3 win against Argentina in the round of 16. 

I like Uruguay to keep this close and force extra time, and possibly cause an outright upset.

8* play on Uruguay +0.5. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER) - ENGLAND v COLOMBIA *BEST BET*

England dominated Panama and Tunisia in their first two games of the group stage before fielding the reserves and losing 1-0 to Belgium's ditto. It's questionable whether England even wanted to win that game though, as they're now on the weaker side of the bracket and won't run into teams like Brazil or France until an eventual final. 

England are more often than not unrealistically hyped up when it comes to the big tournaments, but I really think they have something good going here. They have a great balance in the team and Harry Kane is a natural born goalscorer they've missed since the days of Alan Shearer. 

Colombia took a 1-0 loss to Japan in their tournament opener, much because of an early red card. They've played much better in their last two games, but note that England are unbeaten against Colombia in five previous meetings. 

10* play on England. 

SWITZERLAND v SWEDEN *NO BRAINER*

Few, if any, gave Sweden a chance to make it to the knockout stage, but they managed to win their group ahead of Mexico, South Korea and Germany. They're not easy to score on with two clean sheets in three games, and quite happy to sit deep and play on the counter-attack.

That being said, the Swedes have been very effective when going on the attack, as put on display on their 3-0 triumph over Mexico. Sweden have a very physical team who should have an advantage on set pieces here, especially with two of Switzerland's regular back four missing. 

Switzerland must still be considered a better team and enter the knockout stage sixth in the FIFA rankings, the highest ranked side in the bottom half of the draw. Still, I think the fearless Swedes will be able to pull off another upset here on Tuesday. 

8* play on Sweden. 

Belgium went through the group stage with a perfect 3-0-0 record, including a 1-0 triumph over England in the series finale, a game where both teams rested several starters.

I expect a well rested Belgium side to take full advantage of a rather weak Japan team which only made it through to the knockout stage because of the of fair play rule (same amount of points, same goal differential, same amount of goals scored but fewer cards conceded than their opponent).

The Red Devils scored nine goals in the group stage, more than any other team, and they rarely struggle to create chances with players like Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne setting up powerhouse striker Romelu Lukaku. Japan have won just two of their nine World Cup games against European opposition, and I don't see them shutting down the highest scoring team in the tournament.

8* play on Belgium -1.25. 

-1.25 line explained:

Belgium lose or draw: Lose whole stake
Belgium win by 1 goal: Push on half the stake, lose half the stake.
Belgium win by more than one goal: Win. 

DENMARK v CROATIA WORLD CUP *TOP PLAY*

Croatia won Group D with a perfect 3-0-0 record despite making nine changes for the last game of the group stage. Their starters will be well rested for this game, facing a Denmark side that might be gassed out after holding on for dear life in a 0-0 draw against France to secure their spot in the round of 16. 

I've been very impressed by what I've seen from this Croatia side. Their midfield is of absolute world class with Real Madrid's Luka Modric pulling the strings. The Danes work very hard, but let's face it, they're quite ordinary with the exception of Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen. However, if there's one thing this World Cup has taught us though, it's that one man does not make a team (see Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi). 

Croatia should win this one fairly easy. 

10* play on Croatia. 

PORTUGAL v URUGUAY WORLD CUP MONEYMAKER

Uruguay went through the group stage with a perfect 3-0-0 record, and I think they look like good value to qualify for the quarter-finals by beating Portugal in the round of 16 on Saturday. 

Portugal finished the group stage with one win and a pair of draws, and they're painfully dependent on Cristiano Ronaldo. Uruguay are yet to concede in the tournament and Atletico Madrid centre-backs Diego Godin and Jose Jimenez should be well up for the task of handling CR7. 

It's also worth noting that Cristiano Ronaldo has so far failed to score a single goal for Portugal in the knockout stages of the World Cup and that Uruguay have a pair of world class strikers of their own in Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez. 

8* play on Uruguay (to qualify)

ARGENTINA / FRANCE WORLD CUP STEAMROLLER

Two footballing heavyweights will clash already in the round of 16 as France and Argentina will be looking to advance into the quarter-finals. Argentina were a in a precarious spot heading into the last game of the group stage and were only saved by a goal from defender Marcos Rojo in the 86th minute to beat Nigeria. There are rumors that the players are not happy with head coach Jorge Sampaoli, and looking at how they've been playing I don't doubt it. 

France meanwhile finished the group stage with a pair of wins and a draw, although it's fair to say they're still to hit top-gear. They've been looking solid on defense though and conceded just five shots on target in their three group games. France have a young, hungry and energetic team, while Argentina are known to choke when it really matters. Good value on France to win. 

8* play on France. 

BELGIUM V ENGLAND BANKROLL BUILDER

Both England and Belgium have impressed in their first two games of the tournament. Both sides guaranteed a spot in the round of 16, which will mean neither side will be scared of losing this game. Instead I think we'll see two sides really going for it as they aim to win the group, and there's no doubt they have plenty of firepower, considering that they've combined for 16 goals so far in the tournament.

8* play on OVER. 

WEDNESDAY WORLD CUP *TOP PLAY* TOTAL

Brazil are tied with Switzerland at the top of the group at four points each with Serbia just one point back. 

Serbia have been on both the winning and losing side of 1-0 games and boast a really solid defense. While they most likely need to win here to make it to the round of 16, don't expect them to come out all guns blazing as they're smart enough to know that Brazil have the pace and skill to punish such an approach. 

Instead I think they'll try and keep a clean sheet and hope to make the most of their size advantage and score off a set piece. 

Brazil have little reason to go on the attack, and while their offensive players steal all the headlines, note that Brazil are unbeaten in their last 13 games all competitions included, conceding just three goals in that run. 

I think we'll see two cautious sides play out a low-scoring game. 

10* play on UNDER. 

WORLD CUP TUESDAY BEATDOWN

Argentina have been the biggest disappointment in the tournament so far, and they're' in a must-win situation here against Nigeria.

Even a win could send them home if Iceland were to beat Croatia, but I at least expect La Albiceleste to do their part. 

So why are they in this situation? Missed penalties and goalkeeper errors have certainly played a part, and it's about time for Argentina to get some "luck". 

Lionel Messi has failed to score with his last 22 shots in matches at World Cup finals, but over the last two years he has scored 14 goals in 18 games for Argentina.

Expect Argentina's world class talent to wake up for this contest and take care of business against a Nigeria side which is overrated after its 2-0 win over Iceland. 

8* play on Argentina. 

WORLD CUP BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

France have already punched their ticket into the next round and I would not be surprised to see them opt to rest key players in this contest, particularly Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi who were booked in the opening games. 

A draw would ensure France win the group, and a point for the Danes would be enough for them to move on to the next round as well. A draw is pretty likely, but I would be surprised to see a more motivated Denmark side run away with this game against the French reserves. 

10* play on Denmark +0.5. 

IRAN/PORTUGAL TOTAL

Portugal are joint top of the group with Spain at four points a piece, but Iran are lurking just one point behind. The Iranians will throw everything they got forward here to try and win the game and overtake Portugal, and the Portuguese defense has been far from convincing. Cristiano Ronaldo meanwhile will love the space left behind the Iranian defense as they push forward, and I think this will be a high-scoring affair. 

8* play on OVER.

WORLD CUP GROUP A *NO-BRAINER* (ROUND 3)

Neither Egypt or Saudi Arabia will make it through to the round of 16, so one might wonder about their motivation for this contest. I think Egypt have been way more competitive than the Saudis though, and we should be able to expect a big performance from the more talented team here. They will have the best player on the pitch in Liverpool star Mohamed Salah. 

"This is an important match because we want to win and finish with a good result. We have prepared for it well and we want to represent the Egyptian people and make them happy with a victory." Egypt boss Hector Cuper said leading up the game. 

Saudi Arabia are now winless in their last 12 World Cup matches (W0, D2, L10) and are yet to score here in Russia. 

8* play on Egypt.