Leganes victory in the relegation dog fight last season was due to their good form at the start to that season, with two games played already, they look good going into this new season.

They currently have a 100% record and they will look to add Getafe to their list of teams they build their early momentum on when the newly promoted side visit them in this game. Leganes may have won their opening two games, but they lack goals and have banked on some impressive performances from their defenders so far to avoid conceding. They won their opening two games by a lone goal each and they will be looking to improve on that here.

Getafe is back in the La Liga but they still don’t look ready for the big league as their players keep struggling to make any breakthrough in the final third. Just one goal has been scored in their opening two fixtures and with Leganes also scoring low this game could be a tight affair. 

I believe Leganes will continue their good form and win this game by a single goal.

Derby host newly relegated Hull City who seem to have almost identical records with them this new season. They both have seven points from their opening five games although Garry Rowett would consider his team in a better position in this game as they play at home.

Derby had a very busy summer with Tom Ince and Will Hughes leaving them, although they have brought in some quality players too. Rowett would need time to build them into a Championship winning side but they seem to be on the right track. They signed two stars from their visitors in this game, Curtis Davies, and Tom Huddlestone, and these players will be looking to make statements in this game. They have lost only two of their last 20 home games which show they are usually a good team when they play at home.

Hull sold their top star, Sam Clucas, this summer and even though they managed to bring in Jackson Irvine and Nouha Dicko to fill the gap left by the injured Abel Hernandez, many fans still feel they are not ready for promotion just yet.

However, despite the bad state of affairs the Tigers recorded a sound 4-0 victory over Bolton last time out, but that would be hard to replicate against Derby.

I believe Derby County are stronger and playing at home will help them win this game.

Chile has been impressive in this World Cup qualifying series and they are naturally the better side among these two teams with Bolivia one of the most underachieving teams in South America.

But the Chileans are coming from a shocking and demoralizing loss to Paraguay with star man Arturo Vidal scoring an unexpected own goal, it would be unlikely that they would just pick themselves up and respond immediately.

Bolivia also has the psychological advantage of playing at home which will give them the much-needed support that they need to beat one of South America's best teams.

Bolivia has kept back to back clean sheets in their last two home games but the circumstances of this game make it unlikely that they will make it three in a row.

I believe this game will be open and Bolivia will be up for a fight, so I am going for over 2.5 goals.

Iceland suffered a blow to their quest to go to their first World Cup as they were beaten by second from bottom Finland last weekend. They now face winning all their remaining matches before they can realistically stand a chance to be at next year’s Mundial.

They currently sit 3rd with just 3 points off the top spot and just 1 point off second place which is a playoff position. Before their loss to Finland, they were on a three games winning streak that saw them record an impressive victory over group leaders Croatia, a performance that should give them the confidence to take on any team.

Ukraine took advantage of Iceland’s loss to move ahead of them and will be hoping to build on their 2-0 win over Turkey with another victory here that would see them close the gap on Croatia as well as open up a huge gap on their host.

We believe Iceland will continue their good home record in this qualifying series and win this game.

Macedonia’s youthful squad in this qualifying campaign are determined not to finish at the bottom of the table like their predecessors are famous for.  They still have the luxury of picking their all-time highest goal scorer in Goran Pandev but they should

They still have the luxury of picking their all-time highest goal scorer in Goran Pandev but they should be thinking about replacing him soon as his legs may not be able to carry him much longer. Pandev was the hero again last weekend as they secured a 1-0 win over Israel that helped them amass six points from seven games, more than they got in the qualification series for Euro 2016. They have won three of their last four games and are currently on a run of three straight

They have won three of their last four games and are currently on a run of three straight victories, the 2-1 loss to Spain in an international friendly also shows that they are gradually becoming a team to reckon with.

Albania has also been impressive, qualifying for the Euros last year, but being placed in the same group as Spain and Italy means their dream of making it to the World Cup would need to wait.

I believe FYR Macedonia will continue their recent good run and win this game.

Montenegro proved to everyone that they are serious about qualifying for the World Cup by beating bottom of the table Kazakhstan on Friday and remaining second in their qualifying group. With just three matches to go, their group remains one of the tightest and there is no room for any slip ups. Leaders Poland had their lead at the top cut to just 3 points after losing on Friday a result that also kept Denmark level on points with Montenegro. 

Leaders Poland had their lead at the top cut to just 3 points after losing on Friday a result that also kept Denmark level on points with Montenegro. 

Romania struggled and needed a last minute goal to beat Armenia on Friday and Montenegro represent one of their toughest opponents in this group. They are four points from a qualifying place and a win here would see them blow the group open, but that is a very unlikely outcome. 

Romania has lost four of their last five away matches in this qualifier while Montenegro followed up a 4-1 dismantling of Armenia with that win on Friday.

Take Montenegro -0.5

Northern Ireland was patient enough to win against bottom of the table San Marino on Friday. The host had set up to frustrate the Irish team and looked to have achieved that before they tired themselves out in the second half and the Irish men took advantage to secure a 3-0 victory. However, Czech Republic

However, Czech Republic represents a tougher test and a very different proposition to San Marino.

The Czech Republic was the best team for much of their match against Germany on Friday but were heartbroken by a late goal from Mat Hummels for Germany. They are now required to get all nine points from their next three games to stand any chance of making it to the World Cup. This game

This game represents an equally tough match with the Northern Irish defense one of the most impressive in this qualifying series, but with the performance they put in on Friday night, I believe they stand a strong chance of claiming all three points.

Take the Czechs on the spread

There is not much to choose between these two and the deciding factor is the home advantage.

Poland and Denmark are fairly even in terms of the quality of players and if this game was being played in Poland I would have been tempted to back them.

However, the Danes have home advantage and for me, that is what will make the difference today.

A draw is a  possibility but I am more confident in a home win than any other outcome.

Take Denmark to win.

I feel that the Scots are being over rated in this tie and that the Lithuanians are excellent value to record a home win.

It is easy to understand why Scotland are clear favourites but at the same time the Scots are hardly world beaters and are susceptible to being beaten by a team of minnows.

If the Scots play to their true form then they will probably win but that is far from guaranteed, in fact, I believe there is more chance they will not.

Lithuania has home advantage and that cannot be dismissed lightly as Luxembourg proved last night.

I am going for a surprise win at huge odds.

I expect Norway to win this game but they are of no value at all, not even on the spreads.

But I do believe that there is value to be had in this game and that is with the over 2 goal market.

While I do expect Norway to win I am far from convinced that they will keep a clean sheet, in fact, I am almost certain they will not.

Therefore, the logic is to go with the overs because if I believe that Norway will win and Azerbaijan will score then that means there will be at least three goals in the game.

Go with over 2

Apart from the one sided games like Malta v England this was the standout game for me in terms of over 2.5 goals.

I expect both sides to score and that Romania will win and probably by a couple of goals.

Armenia is a poor side but the Romanians are hardly world class defenders and I do see the away side scoring.

That said, Romania should find the back of the net often and scoring 3 or 4 goals against such opposition is well possible.

All things considered overs 2.5 goals looks the solid pick.

Due to time constraint's, there is minimal written analysis today, however, all picks have been fully researched and analyzed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

Columbus look a good bet to win this game, they are strong at home winning five of their last six home games,

Dallas has won just once in their last seven away games and has lost their last two on the bounce.

Take Columbus to win

Due to time constraint's, there is minimal written analysis today, however, all picks have been fully researched and analyzed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I am going with Roma to get the win today against Inter Milan.

This is about judgement and in my personal judgement Roma is the better side and will prove that today. Inter are not the side they once were, they may be getting back to the way they were but they are not there yet, whereas Roma is still a top side.

Take Roma to win

Due to time constraint's, there is minimal written analysis today, however, all picks have been fully researched and analyzed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I am going with Levante to win their second home game on the bounce, they are an average Spanish side but so are their opponents today and a home win looks the best value.

Take Levante to win

Due to time constraint's, there is minimal written analysis today, however, all picks have been fully researched and analyzed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

Toulouse may have lost two of their three games this season but they were away games at PSG and Monaco, the two best sides in France and now they are playing much inferior opposition to those two I expect them to win.

Take Toulouse to win

Due to time constraint's, there is minimal written analysis today, however, all picks have been fully researched and analyzed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

These are two teams playing well, 75% of Forest leagues so far this season have been over 2.5 goals and 50% of Leeds and considering the form these two sides are in I expect a fierce game with goals.

Take over 2.5 goals.

Due to time constraint's, there is minimal written analysis today, however, all picks have been fully researched and analyzed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

Two teams that have got off to great starts, Charleroi have won all their four games this season and Zulte three from four but with home advantage, I expect that Charleroi will extend their winning record to five games.

Take Charleroi to win

Still early days in the English Championship but I have seen enough to feel confident that we will see over 2.5 goals in this game.

Bolton has drawn their opening two away games this season but that is the only points they have gained, they remain winless and has yet to show that they can be backed with any confidence.

Hull are not doing much better themselves, they lost their last home game against Wolves 3-2 and will have to do better if they are to have any hope of promotion.

So, neither team inspires much confidence but what I have noticed is that both sides need to do better in front of the goal and strengthen up their defences.

Both sides have featured in games this season that has finished over 2.5 more than under 2.5 goals and considering the weaknesses on both sides I see goals flowing tonight.

Take over 2.5 goals

I am going with over 2.5 goals in this Championship clash.

Five of the six competitive games played by Aston Villa this season has all been over 2.5 goals and that includes the last five on the bounce, in fact, the only game that they have played this season that has not gone over 2.5 goals was their first game of the season.

The exact same applies to Bristol City, five of their six competitive games this season have all finished over 2.5 goals as well.

Whatever way you address this, both sides know how to score and are just as good at conceding.

This game has over 2.5 goals written all over it.

These two teams are struggling in the Polish top division but I am confident that Slask Wroclaw will win.

There is a glaring difference between these two sides and that is that Slask are good at home and Cracovia are poor away from home.

Slask is unbeaten in their last five home games, winning four and drawing one.

Cracovia has won just three times on the road in their last 25 away games, a top away side they are not.

Considering the respective recent home and away records I am going with the home side to win.

I am taking Silkeborg to get the win over Hobro.

Silkeborg has won their last three home games on the bounce, they are building up a head of steam in front of their own fans and I do not see that changing today.

Hobro has won just once in their last 18 away games in the league, they are an extremely poor away side, they may have drawn their last two away games but that is still not enough in my opinion.

I am confident that Silkeborg will continue their recent good form at home and collect all three points.

Take Silkeborg to win.

I am going with Real Sociedad to get their second win of the season in Spain today.

Sociedad did well beating Celta Vigo in the opening game of the season and now in front of their home fans, they will be looking to extend that 100% winning start to two games and remain close to the top.

Villarreal lost their opening game of the season away to Levante, a very poor result and I see them struggling to get anything from this game as well.

Villarreal needs to improve and until they do so then they are best avoided, especially against a team full of momentum and confidence.

Take Sociedad to win.

Despite their poor start to the season, I am going with NAC Breda to get their first win of the season today.

Breda is better than what they have been showing, it also has not helped that their two opening game defeats were away to a good side in Vitesse and at home to PSV, though the manner of their defeats is not encouraging.

Sparta did at least draw their last game after an opening day humbling but another struggling season is on the cards for them.

Breda was promoted via the play offs and are still finding their feet in the top division and they have a great opportunity to get some momentum today against a team that was lucky not to be relegated last season.

Put it this way, if Breda cannot beat Sparta at home then they will be fighting relegation all season long.

I am confident that Breda will win and kick start their season.

I am going with Austria Wien to win.

The first leg finished 2-1 in Wien's favour and I expect that they will confirm that superiority in front of their home fans.

The Austrians are a better team, they showed that in the first game and unless they sit back and defend, which I doubt, then they should go on and win this game by a couple of goals.

Take Austria Wien to win. 

Rosenborg stunned Ajax in the first leg but this game is far from over and they will have to play as good as they did in the first leg if they want to qualify over last seasons finalists Ajax.

Ajax will go all out for goals, they have no choice and Rosenborg will try and defend as best they can, but I do not see them holding out and as soon as Ajax score Rosenborg will then have to attack.

I find it difficult to predict a winner to be honest, it will probably be Ajax but I cannot be sure, what I am sure of is that there will be goals, this game will unfold far different from the first leg, especially with the away goals rule.

All things considered I am going for over 2.5 goals.

I have lost confidence in teams from Belgium this season, especially the so called better ones, both domestically and in Europe, they are not as good as they were last season that is for sure.

The first leg ended 0-0 in Belgium and that was probably the best chance that Brugge had to take this game by the scruff of the neck, that they failed is a testament to their short comings.

Now that Athens is at home I am going with them to get the win, they are a strong home side and know they have the advantage here.

Take Athens to win.

I see a lot of goals in this game and am going for over 2.5 goals.

The first leg ended 1-1, Zagreb should have won and won easily and I see them going all out to make amends in this return game.

Zagreb also has no choice but to score as Sknderbeu have the away goal to their name and I am confident that they will score.

That said, Sknderbeu has home advantage and they will be confident that they can score in front of their home fans.

I expect that Zagreb will win but that the home side will score and so over 2.5 goals is the value bet.

I am going with Ostersund to get the home win.

Ostersunds were beaten in the first leg 3-1 and will have to go all out to win, they also do have that elusive away goal.

Another factor to take on board is that at home Ostersund can get some great results, remember, they beat Galatasaray in a previous round at home 2-0.

PAOK is a good side without doubt and will feel confident of qualifying and I can see them trying to sit their lead out, they will be happy losing as long as they qualify, so losing 1-0, 2-1, 3-2 etc will be ok with them

Considering the circumstances I take Ostersunds to win at great odds.

Larnaka needs to make up a two goal deficit from the first leg, that may be a tall order but I am convinced that they will give it a hell of a go and even if they fail to qualify I am very confident that they will at the very least win this leg.

Plzen is a decent side but not an elite side, not even in their home country and are very beatable, they did win the first leg in front of their own fans but that was expected and was not a surprise.

I see goals in this game and so would not be shocked if Plzen score but Larnaka in front of their home fans should win this one.

Take Laranka to win.

I am going with over 2.5 goals in this Champions League second leg clash.

CSKA won the first leg 1-0 and with home advantage, they should qualify, however, they will not get an easy ride from the Swiss side.

Young Boys will have to go all out for goals, they have zero choice otherwise they will be eliminated. 

CSKA are in front of their home fans and will look to put this game to bed early, they know that a 1-0 lead is far from being secure.

Because of the circumstances of this game I am convinced that we will see goals.

Take over 2,5 goals.

I am taking Copenhagen to get the home win today.

Copenhagen is 1-0 down from the first leg and has to score, their stadium will be packed and their fans passionate and that will drive them on.

Karabakh has the advantage but it is a very slim one and they will look to defend that lead and even if they get a goal themselves I still believe that Copenhagen will go on and score two at least.

Copenhagen is a strong home side and Karabakh will have their backs to the wall and I cannot see them holding off the Danes for the whole game.

Take Copenhagen to win.

I am going with Mouscron to spring a surprise here today and beat Gent.

Gent has had a very poor start to their campaign, losing two and drawing once in their opening three games, they got humbled in the Europa League and overall have lost three and drawn two of their five competitive games this season.

If we look at just their away games Gent has won just four of their last 20 league games away from home.

Mouscron is not a top Belgium team but they have started the season better than Gent, they have won twice and lost once and it must be said that one loss was at home against the league leaders 5-2, but even so, when you look at their recent form and compare it to Gent then it is Mouscron that is doing better.

Mouscron are a poor home side there is no getting away from that, but this is the start of the season and the wheels have not come off yet and until they do they are worth backing against a team clearly in bad form.

Take Mouscron to win

Even though Molde is the away team I am still confident that they will win this game.

Molde have quite a good recent away record, they are on a three game unbeaten run on the road have won their last two.

Stabaek has just one win in their lasts even home games and has lost three of their last four home games, they are not in good shape at this moment in time.

Considering the overall form and the respective home and away form of these two sides the value pick is backing Molde.

Take Molde to win

The first game of the season for these two and I am going with over 2.5 goals.

These two love to score goals, 13 of Roma last 20 away games in Serie A have all been over 2.5 goals and incredibly 50% of those 20 games have been over 3.5 goals.

Atalanta has been involved in over 2.5 goals in 50% of their last 20 home games, not as often as Roma away but still high enough in combination with Roma's goal scoring exploits.

Based on the stats and the quality of these two teams and the fact that it is the first game of the season I am backing over 2,5 goals.

Take over 2,5 goals

I am taking Sogndal to get the better of Kristiansund today in Norway.

Sogndal is not exactly the best home side in Norway, they are very average at best but they are playing the worst side away from home in the top Norwegian division and they will not get that many better chances to collect all three points.

Kristiansund has won just once on the road all season long, they have lost seven of their nine road games, that is as bad as it gets in Norway.

I can see o reason why there would be a dramatic change in the form of Kristiansund and Sogndal should be strong enough to win.

Take Sogndal to win.

Rosenborg is the best side in Norway and if they play to form today they will win and win comfortably.

Rosenborg has won 16 of their last 20 home games and 12 of them have been by at least two goals.

Haugesund is a decent side but they are not brilliant away from home losing ten of their last 20 road games and of course not all those 20 road games were against the best side in Norway.

Rosenborg, when they are in the mood, win these sort of games by a good margin and following on from their fantastic win away at Ajax in Europe their confidence will be sky-high.

I take Rosenborg to win by at least 2 goals.

I am going with Tottenham to beat Chelsea in the Premier League today.

Tottenham have been unlucky in defeats against Chelsea and when they have had the fair share of luck they win and providing Tottenham play to form they will win.

Tottenham are playing all their home games at the national stadium this season and their recent record at Wembley Stadium has been poor, however, they are in much better shape than Chelsea are at this time.

Chelsea suffered a bad defeat at home last week and even though they were down to 10 men for large part of the game and nine men for the end of the game they still should have done better.

All things considered, I am backing Tottenham to win.

I am backing Marseille to beat Angers today comfortably.

Marseille is almost unbeatable at home, they have lost just twice in their last 23 home games and those two losses were against the best sides in France, Monaco and PSG.

They have won 11 of their last 15 home games and the last four on the bounce. 

Angers has won their last two away games but have lost 11 of their last 15 on the road, they are not good travellers overall. 

But even if Angers were a better road side I would still have Marseille to beat them, they are just too solid in front of their home fans, they have maximum points this season and I simply cannot see them dropping points at home to Angers. 

Take Marseille to win by at least two goals.

Due to time constraint's, there is minimal written analysis today, however, all picks have been fully researched and analyzed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

The odds on this one look good to me, Corinthians are far stronger than their opponents and with home advantage, I do expect them to win this game and probably by a couple of goals.

Take Corinthians -1.5

Due to time constraint's, there is minimal written analysis today, however, all picks have been fully researched and analyzed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

Twente should be too strong today for Venlo and I expect them to collect all three points in this Dutch League fixture.

Take Twente to win

Due to time constraint's, there is minimal written analysis today, however, all picks have been fully researched and analyzed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

Normally I would back Arsenal but I was not convinced by them last week and it is never easy to win in Stoke. Arsenal will probably win but doubt they will keep a clean sheet.

Take overs 2.5 

Due to time constraint's, there is minimal written analysis today, however, all picks have been fully researched and analyzed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I am going to back Celta Vigo to beat Sociedad today in Spain.

Home advantage is critical here and I expect Celta to take full advantage.

Back Celta Vigo

Due to time constraint's, there is minimal written analysis today, however, all picks have been fully researched and analyzed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

At home, Genk is fairly strong and they should be good enough to take care of Charleroi today in Belgium.

Take Genk to win

Due to time constraint's, there is minimal written analysis today, however, all picks have been fully researched and analyzed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I have a soft spot for Valerenga but recently they have cost me and they are now worth opposing when on the road.

Take Lilliestrom to win

I am taking Astra to get the home win and claim all three points.

Astra has got their campaign off to a mixed start but they have won all their home games so far, scoring five goals and not conceding once. You cannot ask for more really.

CSMS has also got off to a mixed start, winning once, drawing once and losing once on the road so far, in fact, they have the exact same record at home as well.

The four times these teams have met at Astra the home team has won and there is no real reason why it will not happen for the fifth time in a row.

Take Astra to win

Jonkopings are the underdogs in this match but I have faith in them to claim a surprise win.

Jonkopings have won just once in their last five home games, however, they did have a fairly decent home record prior to this sequence and the signs are there that they are getting the basics right and with a little luck will get back to winning at home again.

Elfsborg are hardly world beaters away from home, they have won just three times on the road from their last 15 away games in the league.

Both these teams need to improve their performances there is no doubt about and I cannot see any real reason why the away side should be such strong favourites, their form does not warrant it.

All things considered, I am going with Jonkopings to win in front of their own fans.

I am going with Tosno to get their first home win of the season today.

Even though promoted Tosno has not won in their three games at home this season they have played credibly against some of the top teams in this division and kept the games tight, it is just a matter of time before they register their first win in front of their home fans.

SKA has lost all its away games this season and while they have not been humiliated they have not scored once, something they will need to improve on and soon.

These two promote sides have met three times at Tosno and each time the home team has won, they win this corresponding fixture last season 3-1 and I see no reason that will not see a repeat today.

Tosno have been superior to SKA over the last three seasons and two of those home wins was by two goals.

Tosno is -1 on the spreads and I am confident they can overcome that handicap.

Take Tosno -1

I am going with Horsens to extend their 100% home record this season and make it three wins from three in front of their home fans.

Aalborg has yet to win on the road this season drawing twice and losing once and find themselves second bottom and while it is far too early to draw too many conclusions it is still a poor start from Aalborg.

Current form clearly points to a home win and the odds on such an event are excellent, especially when you also factor in that Horsens won last time out 3-0 against Aalborg back in December.

All things considered, I am going with the home side to win this game at good odds.

This game for me has goals written all over it and I am therefore backing over 2.5 goals.

Five of the last six European games played at Apollon have ended over 2.5 goals and the three away games played in Europe this season involving Midtylland have all ended over 2.5 goals.

Six of the last seven games played by Apollon, home and away, have also ended over 2.5 goals and eight of the last nine games played by Midtylland have also ended over 2.5 goals.

Unless there is a dramatic change the chances are very high that this game will also end over 2.5 goals.

Take over 2.5 goals

I am going with over 2.5 goals in this Europa League clash.

Vardar record in Europe this season has been very mixed but they have registered two excellent results over Malmo and Copenhagen, beating them 1-0 and 3-1 respectively, but they are not exactly European powerhouses.

Fenerbahce won their previous European away game against Strum Graz 2-1, a decent result all things considered and they will be confident they can grab an away win today.

I fancy Fenerbahce to win but my confidence in them is not as strong as I would like and I do see Vardar scoring so the best value bet has to be over 2.5 goals.

Take over 2.5 goals

I am a little surprised that Dynamo Kyiv have been made such strong favourites and I am more than happy to oppose them at the odds available.

I was tempted to back Maritimo at much bigger odds but decided to take the cautious approach and go with them on the spreads.

Maritimo has lost just twice in their last 25 home games, they are far from easy pickings when they play in their home stadium.

Dynamo lost their last European game away from home at the beginning of this month 2-0 against Swiss side Young Boys and I cannot see why they will do any better against a team with an impressive home record from a stronger league.

Take Maritimo -0.5

I can understand why Plzen are favourites but at the same time I can see them losing, they are not a European powerhouse, in fact, they are not even the best that the Czech Republic can offer and are definitely beatable by Larnaka.

That said, if Plzen do win then it would not be seen as expected.

In better words, I cannot back either team.

But what I can back is the overs and my reasoning is simple.

I see both teams scoring and am convinced that at least one, if not both, will score at least twice and therefore going with over 2.5 goals as the most likely pick.

Take over 2.5 goals.

Partizan is my banker of the day and I take them to defeat Videoton comfortably today.

Partizan has lost just twice in their last 28 home games in all competition, albeit those two losses were in their last three home games.

But they are generally a formidable home side and no matter how well Videoton is doing in Hungary, there is a gulf in quality between these two sides.

In fact, Videoton is usually poor on the road, they have got their act together recently but five away wins from their last 15 home games is quite telling.

That said, this game is not really about stats and figures for me, it is more about what I know of these two teams and Partizan are clearly the better side.

If Partizan plays to their standard then they will win.

I fully expect Everton to win this game, especially now that they have had some competitive matches, but the odds on them are simply too low to back them.

That said, I do see Hajduk scoring, they have a tremendous away record in their own league and they generally find the back of the net, even when they lose.

Everton is more than capable of winning this game without conceding but I believe it is more likely that they will concede at least once and based on that belief going over 2.5 goals is the most logical bet.

Take over 2,5 goals

I am going with the home side to spring a bit of a shock here and get the win.

Istanbul may not be one of the more well known Turkish sides but they are certainly one of the better ones these days, they won their opening league game and have not lost at home over their 27 games played in their home stadium, though they did lose one on penalties.

Sevilla is a strong Spanish side but they have not played a competitive match this season, their last three games were all friendlies and there must be question marks over the match fitness compared to Istanbul, who have played one domestic and multiple European games already.

With home advantage, better match fitness and the fact that they are not that bad a side I am going with Istanbul to win.

Celtic really should win this Champions League match but I cannot see them keeping their opponents out for the entire 90 minutes.

Celtic will be in front of an intimidating maximum crowd and will know that they had better win this game if they want to maintain their hopes of making the Champions League group stage.

But they can be vulnerable in defence and Astana are not the walkovers a lot of people may think.

It should also be noted that these two met in this competition last year and it ended 2-1 in Celtic favour when they played in Glasgow (Celtic won in injury time against 9 men)

Celtic should win but the odds on them are too low and over 2.5 goals looks the value pick.

I am going with Utrecht not to lose this Europa League game.

On paper Zenit is the better team but this game is not being played in Russia and Utrecht are a decent Dutch side, albeit not one of the elite.

Utrecht won their opening Dutch league match and over the last 25 games played at home in all competitions, they have lost just twice, in better words they are a strong home side.

Zenit are in good form it must be said, they top the Russian league but this game today remains a very difficult one for them.

I expect that Zenit will qualify, but that does not mean they will win this match, they would be happy with a draw and a loss is a possibility.

Utrecht is strong enough not lose this game and the odds on them winning or drawing this game is decent.

Take Utrecht +0.5

What a disappointment Aston Villa were at the weekend, I really expected better from them but they did not look much of an improvement on last season's team.

Losing 3-0 was poor and they will need to improve significantly and until they do they will be worth opposing.

Reading did far better drawing at home to Fulham and if they put in the same sort of performance they did in that game they will beat Villa.

Take Reading on the spreads.

I am going with over 2.5 goals in this Champions League play off match.

Liverpool showed in their opening Premier League game that they have issues with their defence but are still very potent up front.

Hoffenheim are strong at home and will be looking for the win in this first leg, the last thing they want to do is travel to Liverpool for the second leg without having some goals to their name.

Considering how early this game is in the season and the significance of it I expect both teams to go all out to score.

Liverpool cannot be relied upon to keep a clean sheet but they can be relied upon to score.

Take over 2.5 goals.

I am taking Sporting Lisbon to win this game and win it comfortably.

Sporting being the home side and knowing that they need to have a cushion before the return leg means that they will be going all out for goals.

Steaua is not that bad a side but they are inferior to Sporting and will spend most of this game on the defence and I cannot see them holding out for the entire 90 minutes against the Portuguese giants.

Sporting will also be very mindful of the away goal and will not take too many risks at the back when Steaua do get the chance to attack, which will not be that often.

All things considered, I do see Sporting winning and winning by at least a couple of goals.

I am going with APOEL to come away from this game with the win.

I feel that APOEL has been underestimated here and that Slavia Prague overestimated, I am not sure why the away side would be considered favourites, but that is fine with me, just means better value.

Cypriot sides are always being underestimated in European competitions and yet they do get good results against teams their equal, especially when they are the home side.

Slavia will obviously be stiff opposition but I am confident that in front of their home fans that APOEL will win, it may be a tight win, but a win nonetheless.

Take APOEL to win

I am going with Brentford to win this Championship match.

Bristol City disappointed me at the weekend, I expected more from them and will hold judgement on how their season will unfold.

To some extent the same can be said of Brentford, I did expect them to beat Nottingham Forest but having reviewed video of both Brentford and Bristol City it is clear that the London side put up the better performance despite losing.

Based on weekend performances I am going with Brentford to win.

Cardiff will be looking for their third win in a row and maintain their 100% start to the season and I am backing them to do just that.

They thrashed Aston Villa 3-0 at the weekend and a repeat performance against Sheff Utd today will almost certainly get them the win.

United lost at the weekend, they were not humiliated or anything like that but their limitations were exposed and they are playing a side that is in hot form right now.

Unless United lift their performance levels they will lose and based on the season so far it is difficult to see anything other than a Cardiff win.

Take Cardiff on the spreads 

Both these teams have got off to good starts this season and both will be looking to keep up the momentum with a win, especially Wolves, who have maximum points so far.

I actually see goals in this game and the reasoning is simple, Hull won 4-1 at home at weekend and now have a taste for goals, they drew their opening game away at Aston Villa 1-1 and what I have noticed so far is that no matter if they home or away, win or draw, they concede at least once.

This pattern has been there for some time, in their last 21 games in all competitions they have conceded in 19 of them. 

Now, Wolves do tend to be in low scoring affairs but I believe that the most likely winners of this game will be Hull and following the pattern of Hull conceding then the most logical outcome would be over 2.5 goals. 

But even if Hull do not win and Wolves win I still expect that Wolves would have to score twice. 

The game could obviously end in a draw but I remain confident that at least one of these teams will score twice and concede at least once.

Go for over 2.5 goals.

It is Still early days in the French leagues but the signs are there that Nimes will get the better of Nancy today.

Nimes started their campaign off with a home loss to Reims but they bounced back in good style to record an away win over Lens and that will have given them a significant boost and helped them gain a little momentum.

Nancy on the hand have yet to win, they lost their opening game away against Orleans 3-1 and could only manage a home draw last time out against Niort.

Nimes look to be going the right way, whereas Nancy is still trying to find their stride and while that is the case then it will pay to back the home side.

Take Nimes to win

I like the look of Stjarnan in this game.

I have backed Stjarnan a few times this season and they tend to win for me, they are currently second in the Icelandic league and are on a six game unbeaten run.

KA is quite a poor side, they are eight points behind today's opponent and have won just four times in their last 15 competitive domestic games and they are not that good at home either with just two wins at home in their last 11 home matches.

Stjarnan is an average away side but they should still be too strong for KA and I expect them to win.

Take Stjarnan to win

This is a game that Valerenga really should win and win easy.

Valerenga occupy a false position in the league, they are better than the 11th spot they currently sit in, whereas Tromso deservedly is rock bottom.

Valerenga at home is strong as two defeats in their last 15 home games shows.

Tromso has lost six of their last eight away games winning just one, freakishly away against league leaders Rosenborg, that is, without a doubt, a one off as their long term away record proves, they are currently on a four game losing streak away from home scoring just once in that sequence and conceding 12.

Question for me was, would Valerenga win by more than one goal? the clear answer is yes.

Take Velerenga -1

I am going with Elfsborg to get back to winning ways at home and beat Gothenburg.

Elfsborg lost their last home game 2-1 to Sirius but previously to that had won four on the bounce and that was after a poor start to the season at home.

Gothenburg has won just three times away from home all season, they have lost five of their last seven away games and are currently on a two game losing streak away from home.

The bottom line for me is that if Elfsborg play to form at home and Gothenburg do the same as they normally are away then Elfsborg will win. 

Take Elfsborg to win.

Russian league match up between two sides that have had a poor start to the season, however, I am going with Arsenal Tula to get the win today.

Arsenal Tula is not actually a bad home side, they did lose to Tosno at home last week but over their last ten home league games in the league they have won seven, drawn one and lost two, not a bad return for a side that struggles in the top league.

Ural is not much better and away from home they barely get a win, just three in their last 24 league games.

Based on their respective home and away results the call has to be for Arsenal Tula to win.

I am going for a Kups win against a team in very poor form at the moment.

Mariehamn is in terrible shape, they have not won in their last nine competitive games, at home and in Europe, and have experienced some seriously heavy defeats in that run, 6-0, 6-2, 3-0 twice, that is simply poor.

Kups, on the other hand, have won four of their last six games and just nine days ago they beat a team 3-0 that beat Mariehahm 3-0, though of course you cannot draw any sort of conclusion from one opponent like that, but it does show the state of today's opponents and Kups are in a far better shape than Mariehahm.

Take Kups to get the win.

This game is about the current form of these two sides home and away respectively and Ilves clearly come out on top.

Ilves has won three and drawn two of their last five home games, whereas HIFK has lost three and drawn two of their last five games.

Additionally, HIFK has just two wins from their last 15 domestic games while Ilves have lost just four times in their last 15 domestic games.

Ilves is 14 points ahead of HIFK which backs up the current form statistics.

There is clearly a difference between these two sides and with home advantage, it is very difficult to see beyond an Ilves win.

In terms of world soccer, games do not get bigger than when Barcelona play Real Madrid.

I am going with Barcelona to win this game simply because I do believe they are the better side despite Real winning more silverware over the last couple of seasons.

Barcelona may be weakened slightly by the loss of Neymar but I doubt it will affect them too much, they still have Messi and Suarez, probably the worlds most potent front line.

Of course, Real Madrid have their own superstars and they could easily win this match but the truth is that when these two face off against each other it comes down to one's own judgement and in this instant and I believe it will be Barca that wins this particular game.

Also, Barcelona has a huge advantage of playing this game in their own stadium in front of their home fans and even at this level, it does make a difference.

Take Barcelona to win 

This looks like a tricky game but I am going with Anderlecht to show their superiority and gain a very important early away win.

Anderlecht is one of the best teams in Belgium, they are last seasons champions and there is no reason not to think that they will go close to defending their title this season.

Charleroi has got off to a good start winning their opening two games and they are currently at the top of the table, but the season has barely started and they will not stay there for too long.

Anderlecht won this fixture last season 3-1 and I expect a similar result again today.

Take Anderlecht to win

I am taking Haugesund to get the win over Stabaek today in Norway.

Haugesund is not one of the best teams in Norway but they are in good current form in front of their home fans, they have won their last three league games in a row including a 1-0 win over Rosenborg.

Stabaek has been very inconsistent away from home, they do grab the odd win, 3 in their 8 away games this season, but generally are found wanting as the big recent defeat against Brann showed.

It will be a tight game but Haugesund have the better home form over Stabaek's away form and that is enough to swing it for me.

Take Haugesund to win.

On paper you would have to go with Sarpsborg but a closer look at their results this season and you soon realise that the value is going with the home side.

Promoted Kristiansund lost their first home game of the season 1-0 against Molde but since then have gone unbeaten on their home ground, they are doing their very best to turn their home ground into a fortress and while they are drawing far too many games they have at least got the basics right, which is not to lose at home.

But what impressed me most about Kristiansund is the recent 3-3 draw against top of the table Rosenborg, they only failed to win because the Norwegian champions scored in injury time to equalise.

Away from home, they are woeful but at home they can match the best.

Sarpsborg may be second in the table but they are not a solid away side as two wins from their last seven away games shows and I am convinced that their current position in the league is a false one and they will drop away.

All things considered, the value is to back Kristiansund to spring a surprise here and win.

Two very evenly matched sides but it is Norrkoping that I believe will win this game.

Norrkoping have only lost twice at home all season and overall are a decent strong home side, they rarely lose in front of their home fans and when they do it tends to be the best sides.

They did lose this fixture against Djurgarden last season but then Djurgarden lost the return fixture on their home ground and last time out could only draw with Norrkoping when they visited Djurgarden.

Point being is that the result last season in this same fixture was a little bit of an anomaly which Norrkoping more than rectified.

All things considered, I am going with Norrkoping to win at some decent odds

I am taking Pacos to beat promoted Aves in Portugal today.

Pacos are quite a decent home side, last season they held both Porto and Benfica to draw and have lost just twice in their last 15 home games.

Aves will struggle this season, they are not the best away side winning just twice in their last 12 competitive away games, it is a wonder they got promoted winning just 8 away games from 21 last season.

But they did get promoted and fairly easily but this is a different proposition than what they faced last season and I see them having a hard time.

All things considered, I am going with a home win.

I am taking Hammarby to beat Ostersunds in this Swedish Allsvenskan match.

Hammarby are a difficult team to beat on their home ground, they do draw a lot I will admit but they rarely lose and any team visiting them knows they will have a tough game on their hands.

Ostersunds are not the best side on the road, they rarely win as two wins from nine away games in the league shows.

This will be a tight game but I am not at all confident that Ostersunds are good enough on the road to beat Hammarby and so the question for me was, which is more likely a draw or a home win?

For me, the most likely outcome is a home win and the odds are good enough to go with that.

I am going with Antwerp to spring a surprise and beat Genk today.

Antwerp has got their season off to a good start, they have beaten Gent and drawn with Anderlecht, two of the better sides in Belgium football and I am confident they can continue their great start with a win over Genk.

Genk has not had a good start, they have got mixed results and have yet to get any sort of cohesion or momentum.

The price on Antwerp is just too big and they are definitely the value pick.

First game of the season for both these teams and as yesterdays results proved (Chelsea and Liverpool) previous season form is not always the best guide in this league so early on.

That said, Tottenham is the far superior side, they really should beat promoted Newcastle and probably by a couple of goals but I have to find value and backing an away side in the Premier League at low odds in the first game of the season is not value.

The value is on over 2.5 goals and even then the odds were a little low, but considering the teams playing then it is definitely the best bet available.

I do see Tottenham winning but doubt they will keep a clean sheet.

Take over 2.5 goals

The first game of the Dutch league this season for these two and I fully expect that the goals will flow.

I am not confident enough to pick a winner but I would be very surprised if we do not see a load of goals.

These two sides have had some stunning goal feasts pre season VVV Venlo winning one game 8-0 and Sparta winning a game 10-0, though they were against very poor opposition.

It should be pointed out that normally when these play each other it is under 2.5 goals, but in their last match up there were four goals and because this is an early season game and based on some of their pre season fixtures I do expect both sides to come out firing on all cylinders.

Overall I am confident that we will see an open free flowing game with both sides scoring and a very high chance of one side scoring more than once.

A massive game in Norway between two of the top sides.

Rosenborg is the best side in Norway but Molde are more than capable of giving them a tough game but I am of the opinion that Rosenborg will do enough to grab the win.

Both sides will be very much up for this game but you tend to find that the best teams do win the big games and Rosenborg do exactly that more often than not.

The odds are good on Rosenborg and you rarely find them at this price domestically and I for one will not miss out.

Rosenborg to win.

I am going with Marseille to get the win in this game against Nantes.

Marseille have high hopes for the season and must win this sort of game if they are to get anywhere near the top end of the table.

Nantes will obviously put up a stout defence but if Marseille plays to their true ability they will win.

Marseille to win outright

This is a game that Moreirense really should be winning and I fully expect them to do so.

Moreirense have a mixed overall home record but they do turn it on when required in front of their home fans, they beat the likes of Porto at home last season and while they only drew 1-1 with today's opponents they did beat them 3-0 away.

Feirense is not the strongest away side, they are not rank poor either, they are basically an average away side and I doubt that will be enough to overcome Moreirense today.

All things considered, I am going with the home side.

Moreirense to win

I normally oppose Rotherham, they are cannon fodder when they are away from home, but at home they do put in that extra effort and I expect them to be good enough to beat Southend today.

Rotherham was relegated last season from the Championship where they were out of their depth but I expect them to perform much better now they are back in league one.

Last time they were in league one they were strong as hell at home and I see that happening again this season.

Southend is an average side, they are not too good away from home and Rotherham are a better side.

Take Rotherham to win.

Two sides that will be hoping to gain promotion to the Premier League this season and a tight game is expected.

It is hard to separate both these teams and an argument can be made for both sides, however, I am going with Villa because I believe they are a better side than what we have seen over the last couple of seasons.

I expect Villa to be promoted this season, they do not belong in the Championship and they know this, they know that they have to beat their rivals and Cardiff fit that bill.

Cardiff flatter to deceive, they should be a big club but are not and it is always these sort of games that they get found out.

Considering the price of Villa they are the value pick.

Take Villa to win

I am going with Bristol City to cause a mini upset and beat Birmingham today.

I like City, they are fighters and when they get going they really get going, though too often they under perform and let themselves down.

Birmingham is a club stuck in mediocrity, they are brilliant at being inconsistent and they regularly lose this sort of game and frustrate their fans no end.

City has more go in them than what Birmingham has and I just feel that City will be more motivated in this game than the home side.

The value is backing City to win.

I am going with Swansea City to spring a big surprise and get the win at brilliant odds.

Southampton have not had a great pre season on and off the field, they appear to be in a little turmoil and the word is that they are not as prepared as they should be.

They are the favourites but that is mainly because of how both teams performed last season but I expect Swansea to do much better this season and for Southampton to do worse.

All things considered, I am going with the big odds and backing Swansea.

I am going with Barnsley to get the win over Ipswich today in the English Championship.

Barnsley may not be the best home side but they are certainly better at home than what Ipswich are away.

This is a new season and it really is too early to say if things will be different for Ipswich this season but until I see evidence that they have improved on the road I will oppose them.

Barnsley started last season off with three consecutive home wins and I see that happening again, they are good starters, they just fall away quickly afterwards. 

Considering Ipswich away woes and Barnsley good at starting string then I am going with the home win. 

This game looks very strong to be over 2.5 goals.

My thinking is quite simple, I expect Aberdeen to win and for Ross County to score, therefore the overs is the value pick.

It is still early in the season to derive too much from statistics and it is best to go one's judgement and having watched both these sides already this season, albeit, in non-league games, I do believe that Aberdeen is the better side but that Ross County can be dangerous.

This game for me is based on what I have seen from both sides and a narrow win for Aberdeen with County scoring is the most obvious pick for me.

Over 2.5 goals.

This is not the Rangers of old, they are still very much in transition and the days of them beating teams easily in Scotland remain a thing of the past.

That said, I do expect them to beat Hibernian today but I doubt they will be able to keep a clean sheet and therefore the best pick is over 2.5 goals.

I expect this to be a close game with a narrow home win.

Hibernian will put up a tough fight and that is why I expect them to score, but I do not think they are strong enough to beat Rangers away.

Over 2.5 goals is the best pick

The first game of the English Premier League season and it features the FA Cup winners Arsenal and the champions from a couple of years back, Leicester City.

Arsenal pre season games were much harder than what Leicester played and with home advantage, it is difficult to see beyond an Arsenal win.

The question for me was how many would Arsenal wins by, I think it is entirely possible they can win by a couple of goals and so it is worth taking them giving up one goal on the spreads.

The worse case scenario I can see is that Arsenal win by just a single goal and we get our stakes returned.

Take Arsenal -1

I am taking Lyon to grab an early away win and to keep a 100% start to the season.

If Lyon wants to mount any sort of challenge for the title or at least get into contention for Champions League spots then they need to win these sort of games.

Rennes are not going to be one of the top teams this season, they have a very average home record, they have beaten Lyon just once in their own stadium the last seven times they have met, though they have drawn on four occasions.

Rennes opened their campaign with a draw but they are up against one of France's better sides and I see them struggling to keep Lyon at bay.

Take Lyon to win

Two of the better teams in Slovenia meet in this early season clash.

Maribor is probably deserved favourites, they have won all four games this season and sit at the top of the table, however, Domzale is a good side by Slovenian standards and will not be walkovers.

I am going with overs mainly because when Domzale play there tend to be goals.

Three of their four games this season have been over 2.5 goals and both their away games.

Two of four of Maribor games this season have been over 2.5 goals including the last one which they won 5-0.

I suspect that Maribor will win but not keep a clean sheet and so over 2.5 goals is the value pick.

This game promises to have goals in it and I am going with over 2.5 goals.

The last four games that Sandefjord have played have ended with at least three goals in them, their current form shows that they score and let goals in.

Three of Sogndal last five games have also finished with at least three goals being scored and three of their last four away games have also had at least three goals.

In addition to those stats, the last three times these two have played each has also had at least three goals in them.

Current form and head to head stats all point to this game being over 2.5 goals.

Take over 2.5 goals

It is very difficult to see anything other than a home win for BATE Borisov.

BATE have won 12 of their last 15 home games in the league, drawing two and losing just the once, they are a very strong home side and are just four points behind top spot in the league.

Dinamo Brest is on a 12 game winless streak away from home and has yet to win a single away game this season.

BATE have beaten Dinamo the last six times they have met at BATE stadium and on three of those occcasions, they have won by at least two goals.

Worse case scenario for me is that BATE win by just one goal but I am convinced they will win by two goals at least.

Take BATE -1

Astana is the best side in Kazakhstan and will be very confident that they will beat a team that is 32 points below them in the league table.

Aktobe has only failed to score twice in their last 15 league games at home, even when they lose they score and it is rare for them to finish a home game without finding the net.

Astana really should win this game and when you consider that their opponents generally score then the only value bet to be had is over 2.5 goals.

I rarely bet on games in Kazakhstan, in fact, this is the first one but the chances of this game being over 2,5 goals is too high for me to pass on.

Take over 2.5 goals.

The first game of the season for these two sides and I am going with the over 2.5 goals in this Portuguese Primeira match.

Vitoria was quite strong at home last season, they finished off strongly in front of their home fans winning four of their last five home games and while they are not the best that Portuguese football offers they are certainly a better home side than Chaves are away.

Chaves went winless in their final 13 away games last season and overall is a very poor away side and I do see them struggling this season.

The odds on the home side are poor and picking them, while obvious, is of no value. I do see them winning, however, the value comes in the overs because I do not see them keeping a clean sheet, I do think that Chaves will score.

All things considered, the overs 2.5 is the value pick.

This could be a tricky game for Sunderland against a side a division below them but I believe that they will take this League Cup game seriously and will be determined to get the win.

The season is so early that this sort of minor cup game is more about building momentum and confidence than actually winning the competition.

Bury won their first game of the season last weekend while Sunderland drew at home and so neither team is down in the dumps but Sunderland will have been disappointed to have dropped points at home and will be looking to bounce back quickly, even if it is not a league game.

Bury will, of course, be tough to beat at home but they are a division lower and limited.

Sunderland will want to quieten down the home side early on and I expect them to take the initiative and try and score early on.

All things considered, I am going with the Championship side to beat the League one side.

This match looks like it will be an entertaining affair and the best pick is to go with over 2.5 goals.

AIK are much higher in the standings than Gothenburg but that only tells part of the story.

Gothenburg is quite a good home side despite their current league standing, they have not lost at home in the league in their last 35 games, that is very impressive.

AIK have won five of their last six away games and so they are in excellent away form at the moment.

So, you can see how difficult it would be to pick an outright winner, however, if you look at the recent games between these two sides then you will see a glaring pattern.

Three of the last four games between these two have finished over 2.5 goals and I see no reason why we will not have a repeat of that again.

Take over 2.5 goals