GAME OF THE WEEK (EPL) MIKE'S BEST SOCCER BET SATURDAY

Tottenham Hotspur opened the season with a 2-0 win at Newcastle but have picked up just one point since through two matchups at Wembley, their temporary home while White Hart Lane is being rebuilt. I think they'll be happy to back on the road here as they travel to Liverpool to take on Everton at Goodison Park. 

Everton lost 2-0 at Chelsea before the international break, and they have nine players missing with summer arrivals Jordan Pickford and Davy Klaassen doubts for Saturday. Not ideal for a team that has been matched hard with both Premier League and Europa League qualification. 

Spurs are unbeaten in the last nine meetings with Everton, four wins and five draws.

My EPL Game of the Week is a 10* play on Tottenham. 

PREMIER LEAGUE "BIG 6" BOOKIE BREAKER

Liverpool will take on Arsenal home at Anfield Road on Sunday in what I percieve to be the two weatest sides of the "Big Six" in the English Premier League. I think we're getting great value on the home team to win this game outright. 

Liverpool have opened the Premier League season with a 3-3 draw at Watford and a 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace. They have a pair of speedy wingers in Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, and the center midfield of Jordan Henderson, Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum should be able to dominate the Gunners at the center of the pitch. 

Arsenal have opened the season with a 4-3 win over Leicester before losing by a single goal at Stoke. I don't like what I've seen from the Gunners so far, they look extremely vulnerable at the back, and Liverpool have the weapons to hurt them. 

Note that Arsenal have lost seven and drawn five of their 12 matches on the road against sides that finished in the top six last season. LIverpool meanwhile finished last season with the strongest record in matchups between the top 6 teams. 

My selection is an 8* play on Liverpool. 

Top Rated 10* Premier League *GAME OF THE WEEK*

Both Newcastle United and West Ham United are heading into Week 3 of the English Premier League in search of their first point of the season. 

West Ham fell 4-0 to Manchester United in the season-opener but put up a good fight in last week's 3-2 defeat at Southampton. Javier Hernandez bagged a pair of goals  and got some well deserved rest in this week's cup win against Cheltenham. Newcastle's cup adventure on the other hand is already over after a 3-2 extra time loss to Championship (English second tier) side Nottingham.  

Player by player, this is a huge mismatch in West Ham's advantage, and they're coming off a win while Newcastle's confidence must be completely shattered. Let's go with the Hammers to win at St. James' Park on Saturday. 

My selection is a 10* play on West Ham United (PK, Draw No Bet, +0)

Super Early Premier League Punisher

Manchester City won their first Premier League game of the season 2-0 but are coming off a disappointing 1-1 draw against Everton. I think they'll do better when they visit the still pointless Bournemouth in Saturday's first matchup from the Premier League. 

Man City are 8-2-0 in the previous 10 meetings between the two clubs, and they won both matchups last season by at least two goals (4-0 at home, 2-0 here at Bournemouth). 

We can also note that Bournemouth have yet to score a goal this season while Man City have kept a clean sheet in each of their last seven away Premier League wins.

Man City had 11 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss away to teams outside the top seven in the Premier League under Pep Guardialo last season. This type of games obviously suit Guardiola's style of play very well, and I think Man City will cruise past Bournemouth once again on Saturday.

My play is an 8* selection on Man City -1.5. 

*GAME OF THE WEEK* (EPL) Top Rated 10* Selection
Play: Tottenham
Rating: 10/10*

I have predicted that reigning Premier League champions Chelsea will struggle domestically this season, and they sure did in their 3-2 defeat to Burnley home at Stamford Bridge in their season premiere. Injuries and suspensions will put Chelsea in trouble again here in Week 2 as they visit last season's runner up Tottenham, and I really like Spurs in this matchup. 

Tottenham easily dismissed Newcastle 2-0 on the road in their season opener, admittedly helped by a red card for the Magpies, but Spurs looked really good. They have a healthy squad and a decent track record against the Blues. 

I was worried about Tottenham's lack of signings during the off-season, but they have plenty of young talented players that just get better and better. 

My EPL Game of the Week is a 10* play on Tottenham. 

Saturday Premier League *PUNISHER*

I gave out Manchester United as my pick to win the Premier League 2017/2018 in an article last week, and oh boy, did they ever look good in Week 1. Their emphatic 4-0 victory against West Ham was never in doubt, and striker Romelu Lukaku showed exactly why he was the one they brought in to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic up top by banging in two goals. 

Man Utd have tremendous squad depth this season, and I think Jose Mourinho should expect another knockout win here in their first road game of the season no matter what kind of starting XI he chooses to field. 

Swansea opened the 2017/2018 campaign with a 0-0 draw at Southampton. Not a bad result, but they were completely dominated in regards of both possession and goal attempts. Odds are they won't get so lucky here.

Man Utd won 3-1 here at Liberty Stadium last season, and I predict another easy victory for the visitors in this contest.

My selection is an 8* play on Manchester United -1.5. 

Top Rated 10* PREMIER LEAGUE *PUNISHER*
Play: Man City -1.5
Rating: 10/10*

Manchester City are the favorite to win the Premier League title this season according to the oddsmakers. I think they'll be off to a fast start with an easy win against newly promoted Brighton in the season premiere. 

This will be the second season for Pep Guardiola as manager for Man City. He has strengthened an already solid squad with players like Ederson, Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva, and he has finally been able to assemble "his" squad, rather than one he inherited.

Brighton are back in the Premier League for the first time in 35 years after finishing 2nd in the Championship last season. I think the gap between the two divisions will make itself reminded here, and I don't think Brighton will stand a chance. 

Man City rarely disappoint against the lesser sides in the league, and this should be no exception. 

Top Rated 10* Community Shield *CA$H COW*
Play: Over
Rating: 10/10*

Reigning Premier League champions Chelsea will take on last season's FA Cup winner Arsenal in the annual Community Shield matchup. I think we'll see at least three goals in this one.

Arsenal have always had plenty of offensive talent, and they've now have added striker Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon. He had plenty of success in the French Ligue 1, scoring 100 goals in 203 appearances. We can also note that it looks like Alexis Sanchez will stay with the team despite interest from some of the best teams in the world. Arsene Wenger still refuses to do anything about the Gunners' defensive woes though, and they've conceded plenty of goals during the preseason.

Chelsea have had their struggles as well in the preseason. They're coming off a pair of losses to Bayern Munich (3-2) and Inter (2-1), but defeated Arsenal 3-0 on July 22. Striker Diego Costa looks like he's played his last game for the Blues, but they've acquired Alvaro Morata who is a very competent striker. He scored 15 goals in just 26 appearances at Real Madrid last season, and he'll be looking forward to be the #1 striker here at Chelsea.

Each of the last four head-to-head meetings have gone over 2.5 goals.

My pick is on Over 2.5 goals

Championship *BANKROLL BUILDER*
Play: Aston Villa
Rating: 8/10*

Aston Villa will host Hull City in the late Championship game on Saturday. I think the Villans will kick off the season with a win in front of their home fans. 

Aston Villa have won three of their last four games on the opening day, and nine of their last 10 when hosting Hull in all competitions. That includes a perfect 7-0 record in the last seven. They've spent a season in the Championship since being relegated from the Premier League, so they know what it's all about. We can also note that they've signed former Chelsea captain and standout defender John Terry, a player who will bring a lot of experience. 

Hull City were relegated from the top flight just last season as they lost 15 of 19 games on the road, and I would not be surprised to see them struggle in the Championship this season.

My selection is an 8* play on Aston Villa. 

Friday Championship Premiere
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

The under is pretty juiced up, but for a good reason. This is the first game of the English Championship season, and odds are we'll see both teams struggle at the offensive end of the pitch.

Sunderland have lost several players since being relegated from the Premier League, so they'll certainly need some time to fit all the new pieces together. Interestingly enough though, they look pretty solid defensively but have lost most of their offensive stars like Jermaine Defoe.

Derby finished 9th in the Championship last season and does not pose much of an offensive threat. Let's go with the under. 

My pick is Under 2.5 goals.

Wednesday Champions League Qualifier
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

Vardar Skopje won the first leg of the tie 1-0 home at Macedonia. They will now travel to Denmark and park the bus. FC Copenhagen are struggling to score and are coming off a 0-0 draw against Hobro in the domestic league. Let's go with under 2.5 goals. 

Champions League Qualifier
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Interesting spot here after a 0-0 draw at Azerbaijan in the first leg. Visiting Karabakh is the favorite and will go for goals. They had plenty of chances but struggled with the finishing touch. If they score one goal, Sheriff need to score two in order to advance (due to the away goals rule). I think the game will open up if we can only get one goal for either side. Let's go with the over. 

Women European Championship
Play: Austria +0.5
Rating: 8/10*

Austria may be in their first European Championship ever, but they're playing really well and went through the group stage undefeated with two wins and a draw. France meanwhile managed to make it through from the group stage despite just one win and two defeats. You just gotta side with the hotter team here, and I'm backing Austria +0.5 goals. 

Saturday Soccer Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

This will mark both teams' second game of the season in the domestic league. Rapid Vienna are coming off a 2-2 draw against Mattersburg in their season premiere while St. Polten fell 3-2 at Sturm Graz. Both teams played several high-scoring contests during the preseason, and I think this will go over 2.5 goals easily. 

Subsribers Only
Play: Malmö FF
Rating: 5/10*

No Comment

Allsvenskan *ANNIHILATOR*
Play: Elfsborg
Rating: 8/10*

This soccer selection is from Swedish Allsvenskan where Elfsborg will host Sirius. Both teams are playing well at the moment, and they're not far off second placed AIK in a table that is extremely tight from 2-9th place. Home field should be the deciding factor here though as Elfsborg are very strong on the artificial grass home at Borås Arenas. The visitors are also hampered by injuries to a couple of key players, among others their top scorer Moses Ogbu. 

Europa League Qualifier
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

This will be Everton's first game in the European League qualification phase and also their first competitive game of the season. I don't expect them to come out playing great football, and visiting Ruzomberok from Slovenia will surely just sit back to try and concede as few goals as possible. 

I don't think we'll see many goals here, and I'm backing the under. 

Wednesday Soccer Parlay
Play: Celtic
Rating: 8/10*

Scottish Celtic host Norwegian Rosenborg in the Champions League qualifiers on Wednesday. I really expect Celtic to go for the knockout right away here in the first leg of the tie.

Wednesday Soccer Parlay
Play: France
Rating: 8/10*

France have not played up to their potential so far, but I think they'll step up there game here against Switzerland in the last game of the group stage. France are joint top of the group with Austria after a win and a draw, while Switzlerland are not far behind with three points. Both teams will surely go for the win, a scenario that should favor the favorite and better team = France. 

Soccer Friendly
Play: Manchester United
Rating: 8/10*

Real Madrid's first game of the pre-season while Manchester United have been in action plenty. Good price on the team that's way ahead in terms of preparations. 

Top Rated 10* Champions League Qualifier *GAME OF THE WEEK*
Play: Malmö FF
Rating: 10/10*

Malmö are forced to win after a 1-1 draw at home in the first leg. Make no mistake though, they dominated the game completely and won the possession 59-41, 13-1 in corners as well as 28 goal attempts compared to Skopje's four attempts on goal. Malmö striker Markus Rosenberg missed the first leg but is expected to be back here. We can also note that the game will be played at Strumica, a couple of hours away from Skopje, so less of a home field advantage for the Macedonians. Let's go with Malmö to win at a great price.  

Allsvenskan Sunday Total
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

Norrkoping are second in the league with AIK tied for third only two points back. Both teams played Europa League qualifiers midweek so I don't expect high tempo here. Note that AIK have a 14-9 goal differential through 14 league games this season and under 2.5 goals 9-5 in those games.  

Europa League Qualifier *BOOKIE BREAKER*
Play: Östersund +0.5 or 1X
Rating: 8*

Östersund are not really a top side in Sweden. Nevertheless, here they are in the Europa League qualification round thanks to winning the Swedish Cup last season. Galatasaray are usually in the Champions League, but they're coming off another disappointing domestic season in Turkey.

Player by player = huge advantage Galatasaray. Here they'll be forced to play on artificial grass in northern Sweden though (Östersund are undefeated through seven home games in the league this season), and I think the surface will give the home team an advantage.

The visitors have not started their season yet and might very well be happy with a draw here and focused on killing off the tie at home in the second leg. 

Top Rated 10* Europa League Qualifier *GAME OF THE YEAR*
Play: Under
Rating: 10/10*

This is the first meeting of two in this qualification round. Malmö FF enter the game as a strong favorite, but Vardar Skopje will surely not give up without a fight. Note that the home team will have to do without their star striker Marcus Rosenberg.

Under 2.5 goals is my Europa League Qualifier *GAME OF THE YEAR*.

CONCACAF Gold Cup *CRUSHER*
Play: Costa Rica
Rating: 8/10*

Costa Rica defeated Honduras 1-0 in their first game of the tournament while Canada defeated French Guiana 4-2. Conceding two goals against such a weak soccer nation is not a good look for the Canadians. I think a bet on the favorite Costa Rica is well motivated here. 

Top Rated 10* Allsvenskan *ANNIHILATOR*
Play: Under
Rating: 10/10*

Sundsvall are the lowest scoring team in the league with just nine goals in 13 games and they've scored only three through seven games away from home. Djurgarden have allowed just 15 in 13 games. 

Tippeligan
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

Brann won the reverse fixture 5-0 at home, but they're not quite as strong on the road. Their seven away games this season have averaged just 2.1 goals and I think Stabaek will be determined to put up a much better defensive performance in front of the home fans today, especially as they've conceded four goals in each of their last two home games. 

Gold Cup
Play: United States of America
Rating: 5/10*

Soccer Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Top Rated 10* Euro 21 Final Spain/Germany
Play: Spain
Rating: 10/10*

Spain have won each and every game in the tournament. Most players are regular starters in the Spanish top flight and I predict they'll be too much to handle for the Germans here in the final of the tournament. 

Soccer Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Soccer Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Top Rated 10* Euro U21 *GAME OF THE YEAR*
Play: Sweden
Rating: 10/10*

Both teams need to win in order to have a chance to qualify, but I think Sweden have been unlucky to draw their first two games. Great price on the Swedes here 

Euro U21
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Top Rated 10* MLS *BOOKIE BREAKER*
Play: New England Revolution
Rating: 10/10*

The Chicago Fire have won just one game on the road this season in league play while the New England Revolution are unbeaten at Gillette Stadium this year.

Subscribers Only
Play: Over
Rating: 5/10*

Euro U21 *BOOKIE BREAKER*
Play: Spain
Rating: 8/10*

Huge mismatch. Spain with several players in starting 11s across the big leagues in Europe. Macedonia, well ... not so much. 

Subscribers Only
Play: Over
Rating: 5/10*

WC Qualifier *BOOKIE BUSTER*
Play: France
Rating: 8/10*

France are sitting top of the group, three points ahead of second-placed Sweden. The difference in quality between the two sides are a lot bigger than the point-differential would indicate though. Sweden don't have a world class striker since Zlatan Ibrahimovic retired from international football while France have world class talent on virtually every position. I don't think France will be satisfied with a draw despite playing on the road, and I fully expect the visitors to bag the three points. 

Top Rated 10* Champions League Final *BEST BET*
Play: Real Madrid
Rating: 10/10*

Write up posted later. 

Soccer
Play: Pitea
Rating: 5/10*

No Comment

Europa League Final
Play: Man United
Rating: 8/10*

This is the game Man United have looked forward to for several weeks already. Manager Jose Mourinho has rotated the squad and rested key player to allow them to come into this game in the best shape possible. The winner here will not only be rewarded with the Europa League trophy, but also a ticket to next season's Champions League play. Man United have the superior squad and I expect them to get the job done in 90 minutes. 

Early Monday Allsvenskan *ANNIHILATOR*
Play: IFK Gothenburg
Rating: 8/10*

IFK Gothenburg are well rested since their last game got postponed. They have a healthy squad travelling to Sundsvall and they need to pick up the pace after a poor start to the season. Sundsvall are actually one point ahead of Gothenburg in the table, but that won't last long. Good price on the superior road team here. 

Allsvenskan *ANNIHILATOR*
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

Sundsvall are among the lowest scoring teams in the Swedish top flight with a 7-6 goal differential through nine games. IFK Gothenburg are not much better with a 9-9 goal differential through eight games. Sundsvall have conceded just one goal in their last six games. Let's go with the under. 

Seria A *ANNIHILATOR*
Play: Lazio
Rating: 8/10*

Lazio are extremely strong home at Stadio Olimpico and I don't think they'll disappoint here in their last home game of the season. The Inter players have given up on the season already. 

Premier League *GAME OF THE WEEK* Total
Play: Under
Rating: 10/10*

Only one of West Ham's last four games and they've scored just 19 goals in 18 games home at London Stadium this season. One of Liverpool's last four have gone over the total and they're scoring way fewer goals on the road than home at Anfield. The home team has nothing to play for at this stage of the season but playing spoiler while Liverpool is trying to hold onto its Champions League spot. West Ham have plenty of injuries but I think they'll stay compact and give Liverpool a hard time scoring. Let's go with the under. 

Premier League Total
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

Sunderland are doomed for relegation while Swansea are fighting to stay up in the top flight. Sunderland have mustered only 28 goals through 35 games this season and they've been held without a goal in six of their last seven at home. Swansea need a win but will be cautious not to fall behind. Let's go with the under. 

Champions League *BANKROLL BUILDER*
Play: Juventus
Rating: 8/10*

Juventus won 2-0 at Monaco in the first leg of this Champions League semifinals tie, and I think they'll win again home at Juventus Stadium today. Monaco will have try gamble and expose themselves in order to score goals, and Juve will be very comfortable to hit them on the counter. 

Juventus have won all 11 knockout ties against Ligue 1 opponents. Monaco have never won a game in Italy in seven attempts.

Top Rated 10* Man U/Arsenal *ANNIHILATOR*
Play: Man U +0.5
Rating: 10/10*

Huge matchup for both teams as they battle for the Europa spots for next season. Man U are undefeated through their last 25 Premier League games and their manager Jose Mourinho has never lost a Premier League game against Arsenal. Good enough for me and with this wager we'll cash with a Man United win or a draw. 

Premier League *GAME OF THE WEEK*
Play: Burnley
Rating: 10/10*

Burnley have the sixth best home record in the Premier League at 10-2-5 with a 23-16 goal differential. Here they'll host a WBA team that has lost four in a row, six of its last eight and we can note that Tony Pulis' side has not even scored a goal in any of its last five games. Burnley can theoretically still be relegated, but a win here would guarantee Premier League football next season. I think they'll get the job done.

Top Rated 10* Europa League *GAME OF THE MONTH*
Play: Celta Vigo PK
Rating: 10/10*

Man United are on a 25-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, but they've also played a lot of draws during that stretch. They have plenty of injuries and I think Man United manager Jose Mourinho will be happy to get out of here with a draw. Celta Vigo are really strong at home though and will go for the kill in front of their fanatic home fans. If any team is to win this game it's Celta. 

Champions League *EL CLASICO*
Play: Real Madrid
Rating: 8/10*

Huge Madrid derby in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, and I like Real Madrid to take command of the tie with a win home at Bernabeu Stadium in the first leg. Real Madrid will have to do without Gareth Bale, but Cristiano Ronaldo will surely give Atletico plenty of problem, and we can note that the visitors will be without three defenders for this clash. Let's go with Real Madrid. 

Soccer Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Elfsborg have a 10-7 goal differential after five games this season while Ostersund have a 6-5 goal differential after as many games. Both teams like to play offensive football and we should see at least three goals in this contest. 

Top Rated 10* Premier League *GAME OF THE MONTH* Total
Play: Over
Rating: 10/10*

Two of the highest scoring teams in the league and both with plenty to play for. Chelsea are looking to fight off Tottenham at the top of the table while Everton are trying to catch the Manchester clubs to qualify for European football next season. Chelsea won the last meeting 5-0 back in November, the Blues are unlikely to shut out their opponent in this contest. Note that Romelu Lukaku has tallied 14 goals through his last nine games home at Goodison Park and Everton's 41 goals at home in the league is more than they have managed in any of their last 26 top-flight campaigns. Chelsea meanwhile have failed to keep a clean cheat in their last 11 league games. 

Premier League *GAME OF THE WEEK*
Play: Man United +0.5
Rating: 10/10*

Manchester United are unbeaten over their past 23 games, and I don't think they'll lose this one against their local rival. Man City have won just two of their last seven games. 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is out for the season for the home team, but young Marcus Rashford has proven time and time again what a class player he is. 

Subscribers Only
Play: Over
Rating: 5/10*

Premier League Total
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

Manchester United lost their star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to injury earlier this week. Burnley are just 15th in the Premier League, but they have the 6th best home record with just 14 goals allowed through 16 games. Man U have a 25-13 goal differential through their 14 games on the road. I think goals will come at a premium for both sides in this contest. 

Top Rated 10* Premier League *GAME OF THE WEEK*
Play: Bournemouth
Rating: 10/10*

Both Bournemouth and Middlesbrough are running the risk of getting relegated, but Bournemouth are arguably in a much better spot at 35 points, seven ahead of 18th placed Swansea and another four ahead of Middlesbrough at 19th place. A victory here would all but secure Premier League football for the home side next season, and we can note that Middlesbrough have yet to win a game since the turn of the new year. Let's back the home team at a reasonable price. 

Champions League *GAME OF THE WEEK*
Play: AS Monaco +0.5
Rating: 10/10*

Monaco are in a great spot following a 3-2 win at Dortmund in the first leg. The visitors will have to push forward and I think the home team will get plenty of opportunities to hit them on the counter and salvage at least a draw. The value is clearly on Monaco in this matchup. 

Premier League *PUNISHER*
Play: Man City
Rating: 8/10*

Man City are fighting tooth and nail to hold onto their Champions League spot with local rival Man United breathing down their neck. Southampton meanwhile are stuck in the middle of the table, with no risk of relegation but reaching a Europa League/Champions League spot is also highly unlikely. Motivational advantage for the better side makes Man City an easy play here. 

Europa League Total
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

Man United are most likely happy to see a draw here, and I don't think Anderlecht will risk opening themselves up too much here and give away an away goal. 

Premier League Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

No Comment

8*

Premier League *GAME OF THE WEEK*
Play: WBA Albions
Rating: 10/10*

Great price on WBA draw no bet here as I think the wrong team is favored in this matchup. Eighth placed WBA are seven points ahead of ninth placed Southampton in the standings, and they have a solid 9-2-4 record home at the Hawthorns. They have lost just twice in 10 league games at home, winning five of the last six. Southampton are rather mediocre on the road and I give West Brom the edge here. 

Wednesday Premier League *PUNISHER*
Play: Tottenham
Rating: 8/10*

Tottenham are entering this game as winners of five straight contests, and I don't think Swansea can stop them from making it six on a row here. Tottenham are second in the Premier League, seven points behind league-leading Chelsea while Swansea are just one point above the relegation zone. Take Spurs to win at a decent enough price. 

Premier League *CA$H COW*
Play: Leicester
Rating: 8/10*

Leicester may be the reigning Premier League champs, but they're not safe from relegation this season despite having won four straight games. I think they'll make it five in a row when they host Stoke on Saturday. Stoke are stuck in no-mans land in the table, and they're far stronger at home than on the road. Let's roll with Leicester here.

Top Rated 10* Premier League *GAME OF THE WEEK*
Play: Over
Rating: 10/10*

Liverpool may not he top of the league, but they are the highest scoring team with 61 goals scored and 36 conceded in 29 games. Here they'll take on Merseyside rivals Everton who have scored a total of nine goals through their last three games. I expect to see plenty of goals in this rivalry game as both teams go for the three points. 

Friday World Cup Qualifier Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Italy have plenty of offensive firepower and they have an 11-4 goal differential in four games so far here in the qualifying group. Albania have lost their last two games 2-0 against Spain and 3-0 against Israel, both at home. I expect to see goals here, first and foremost from the Italians. 

Premier League Sunday Total
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

Manchester United's strike force is severely limited due to injuries and suspensions. Middlesbrough are the lowest scoring side in the Premier League with just 19 goals in 27 games, but they've also only conceded 30. 

These two teams have the best under/over ratio with a total of 2.5 goals in the Premier League, United with 16 unders and 10 overs and Middlesbrough with 18 unders and just nine overs.

Premier League *CA$H COW*
Play: Everton
Rating: 8/10*

Everton bounced back from a loss to Tottenham (the only one in their last 11 games) with a solid 3-0 win against WBA at home. Everton play really well at the moment, particularly home at Goodison Park where the team has won five straight with a goal difference of 18-3. They have their eyes on a Europa League spot, sitting just three points back of Arsenal who heading into this weekend in fifth place. Hull meanwhile are fighting relegation, and they're extremely lousy on the road where they've lost 11 of 14 games this season. Let's lay the juice on the home team in this contest.

Top Rated Premier League *GAME OF THE WEEK*
Play: Leicester
Rating: 8/10*

Home field advantage for West Ham, or is it? The Hammers have five wins, three draws and six losses home at London Stadium, and they've struggled to make themselves at home their since moving from Upton Park. Leicester have really come to life after the sacking of Claudio Ranieri, and they're severely underrated in this matchup. Sure, Leicester are still looking for their first road win of the season, but I think they'll get it here at West Ham.  

This is a top rated play for me, but because it's a long-shot I'm keeping the stake a bit smaller than usual for my top rated plays. 

Champions League
Play: Juve
Rating: 8/10*

Soccer Total
Rating: 8/10*

Premier League *GAME OF THE WEEK*
Play: Everton
Rating: 10/10*

Everton have won four of their last five home at Goodison Park. They need three points here in order to not lose ground on the top 6. 

Champions League
Play: Barcelona
Rating: 5/10*

Champions League Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Premier League Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Soccer Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Top Rated 10* EFL Cup Final Southampton/Man U
Play: Manchester United
Rating: 10/10*

Soccer Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Premier League Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Croatian 1 HNL
Play: Istra 1961
Rating: 5/10*

Top Rated 10* FA Cup *GAME OF THE YEAR*
Play: Manchester United
Rating: 10/10*

Manchester United are firing on all cylinders right now, and I think they'll field a strong team here in the FA Cup meeting with Blackburn Rovers. The home team will be without several regular starters due to injuries and suspensions, and the Rovers' focus should be on the league as they're currently second to last in the Championship. United have won both of their FA Cup ties this season by a 4-0 scoreline and I predict another big win here. 

Champions League
Play: Barcelona
Rating: 8/10*

Premier League *GAME OF THE YEAR*
Play: Hull City +1.5
Rating: 10/10*

Hull City are battling for survival in the Premier League, and they're coming off a 2-0 win against Liverpool. They'll host an Arsenal team coming off back-to-back losses to Watford and Chelsea, and they're now 12 points behind the league leaders. I expect Arsenal to put their focus on the Champions League for now, and with a matchup against Bayern Munich on deck next week I think they'll be tempted to look past the visitors in this contest. 

Premier League
Play: Man Utd
Rating: 8/10*

Premier League Dog
Play: West Ham 
Rating: 5/10*

Premier League
Play: Chelsea
Rating: 8/10*

Premier League
Play: Burnley
Rating: 8/10*

Premier League
Play: Tottenham
Rating: 8/10*

5*

FA Cup
Play: Arsenal
Rating: 8/10*

Championship Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Premier League *GAME OF THE WEEK*
Play: Southampton
Rating: 10/10*

Leicester City may be the reigning Premier League champions, but they're really struggling this season. Particularly on the road where they're still winless and have lost seven of 10 games. Southampton are coming off back-to-back 1-0 home wins in the EFL Cup and the FA Cup. I like them to get a home win in the league here against a Leicester team playing without Riyad Mahrez who's at the Africa Cup of Nations with his Algeria. 

Premier League
Play: Man City
Rating: 8/10*

Premier League Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Soccer Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Premier League
Play: Watford
Rating: 5/10*

Copa Italia
Play: AS Roma
Rating: 8/10*

FA Cup
Play: Southampton
Rating: 5/10*