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

I really like the look of Poland in this one, they are at home and in Robert Lewandowski, have a world class player.

Denmark may have Christian Eriksen and will be a threat, but their away record is poor, they have not won in their last seven away games, some were friendlies, some competitive, they even lost away to Scotland.

Poland for me in this one.

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

Slovenia are strong at home and weak away, in their last set of competitive games, excluding friendlies, they won three, drew two and lost to England in their last six home games and overall they have won seven, lost three and drawn two of their last 12 home games.

Slovakia are not a bad side, but they have won just once in their last five games and are not in the best of form at this minute in time, they may have lost just 1-0 to England at home in their last match, but they were lucky, England dominated them and should have won by a lot more.

Slovenia just to sneak this one.

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

Romania really should win this one.

Armenia have just one win in their last ten home international games, they have lost to teams like Albania and Malta and while not exactly a minnow, they are not far off.

Romania are not world beaters that is for sure, but their away record is surprisingly good, apart from the Euro's on neutral grounds, they are unbeaten in their last seven away games and in the Euro qualification were unbeaten throughout the entire campaign.

Romania for me

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

It will be a huge shock to me if Norway do not win this one.

Azerbaijan are not a good team, they won their opening Wold Cup qualifier against San Marino 1-0, think about that, San Marino are seriously a minnow, beating them just 1-0 really is not a good result. They have won just two of their last ten home games and they were against Molodva and Malta, two poor teams.

Norway are not a top class team I admit, but they really are better than their opponents, they have lost four of their five away games and overall are in poor form, but even so, they are up against a very poor side in Azerbaijan and they really should be beating them, there simply can be no excuses if they fail to win this one.

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

It is not often I go for a team with low odds, but this game looks nailed on for Luton today.

Crewe are struggling for goals, which is hardly surprising when you consider that their top four scorers from last season are no longer with the club, their record this season looks better than what it is, they have played almost none of the top teams, while Luton have already beaten the top two this season and have won three of their last four home games.

Even at low odds by my standards, this looks nailed on.

I thought that the 49ers were a little unlucky against the Cowboys, they were expected to lose and  duly obliged, however, it was silly errors that prevented them from causing an upset and they can take some comfort from their performance against Dallas.

Arizona are of course the favourites, but they remain very beatable, they have won just the once so far this season, same as the 49ers and they have as many excuses as the 49ers, bottom line is that excuses only work for so long, at some point the realisation hits hone that you are not as good as some people think you are.

If the 49ers can cut down on the silly errors and poor judgement they are more than capable of beating the Cardinals tonight, if they do not then the Cardinals will win, that is the bottom line for me.

Arizona can make mistakes as much as the 49ers but they seem more capable of recovering, for some reason San Francisco mistakes always seem a lot more costly and that is why I feel it is more important for the 49ers to maintain their discipline and cut out the mistakes.

I am confident that we will see a better organised, structured and disciplined 49ers this evening and that they will deliver in front of their home fans.

I expect to see a low scoring game with the 49ers sneaking the win.

Ecuador welcomes Chile to Estadio Olímpico in this Group South American 2018 World Cup qualifying game. 

Ecuador comes into this game with a record of four wins, one draws and one loss over their last six home games, scoring 12 and conceding six. 

Over their last six games, home and away, Ecuador has a record of one wins, two draws and three losses, scoring eight and conceding nine. 

Chile comes into this game with a record of two win, 0 draw and four losses over their last six away games, scoring nine and conceding 11. 

Over their last six games, home and away, Chile has a record of four win, one draws and one losses, scoring 14 and conceding four. 

Prediction

The main stats to look at here is the away record of Chile, which is four losses and just two wins over their last six away games, their overall record includes the Copa America which were played on neutral ground, when it comes to playing at someone else's home then Chile are poor.

Same applies to Ecudaor, their home record is far better than their overall record simply because the overall record includes Copa American games played on neutral ground, but when they are at their own stadium they are fairly strong.

That said, Chile are Copa America champions and a formidable side with some world class players, I do not expect them to lose this game, but I struggle to see Ecuador losing aas well, therefore, the draw looks the very best option.

Italy welcomes Spain to Juventus Stadium in this Group G 2018 World Cup qualifying game. 

Italy comes into this game with a record of three wins, two draws and one loss over their last six home games, scoring nine and conceding seven. 

Over their last six games, home and away, Italy has a record of three wins, 0 draws and three losses, scoring nine and conceding six. 

Spain comes into this game with a record of four win, two draw and 0 losses over their last six away games, scoring six and conceding one. 

Over their last six games, home and away, Spain has a record of four win, 0 draws and two losses, scoring 15 and conceding four. 

Prediction

I am going for the home win here, Italy beat Spain at the Euro's, they are strong at home and are a good side.

Spain are a good side also, but they are not the same team that was dominant a few years back, they are now very beatable, as Italy have proven and I see no evidence that there has been a dramatic change of fortunes for the Spanish.

This will be a tight game and I am going for the Italians to sneak the win. 

Austria welcomes Wales to Ernst-Happel-Stadion in this Group D 2018 World Cup qualifying game. 

Austria comes into this game with a record of three wins, three draws and 0 loss over their last six home games, scoring nine and conceding eight. 

Over their last six games, home and away, Austria has a record of three wins, 0 draws and three losses, scoring five and conceding eight. 

Wales comes into this game with a record of three win, two draw and one losses over their last six away games, scoring four and conceding six. 

Over their last six games, home and away, Wales has a record of four win, 0 draws and two losses, scoring 11 and conceding five. 

Prediction

For me, Wales are the better side and by quite a bit, it has also not helped the Austrian cause that their manager Marcel Koller has called the Welsh lucky, nothing motivates a team better and you can be assured that his comments will have motivated the Welsh players.

I fully expect that Wales will win this one, they are not lucky, they are a top team, their long list of good results show that, The Austrians are very mediocre and that will show today.

Wales to win.

I am going to take Dagenham to collect all three points against Torquay today.

This game is in the National League in England, it is one level below the second division.

Dagenham are one of the best teams in the National League, they are top of the table and in great form at the moment.

Torquay are down in 17th place, a cool 14 points behind Dagenham, which is a lot when you consider the season is only 13 games old.

Dagenham have won four and drawn one of their last five league games, so their current form is very good and they have the best away record in the league.

Torquay home form is average, three wins, one draw and two losses, they have won just once in their last five games, losing on three occasions, their form simply does not compare with Dagenham.

If Dagenham want to get automatic promotion then this is the exact sort of game they should be winning, whereas Torquay would be happy if they emerge with just a point, that alone tells you the difference between these two sides.

All things considered I am very confident that Dagenham will be too strong for Torquay today.

I am going to back the Giants at big odds to overcome the Vikings this evening.

I can understand why the Vikings are clear favourites for this one, they are going for a fourth win on the bounce and in some people eyes have emerged as genuine superbowl contenders, however, I am not convinced that their results justify the hyperbole surrounding them at the moment.

Beating the Carolina Panthers was seen as a significant event, but their loss yesterday against the Falcons does put a different light on that win, same with the win over Tennessee, was they really expected to do anything else against the Titans?

My point is this, at least two of their winning games are not that solid, the defeated teams were simply poor and ripe for the taking if truth be told, especially the Panthers, beating them on the face of it was a great result, but in hindsight, it is maybe not as significant as it is being made out.

I accept that New York have a load of key injuries, I also accept that they were poor in their loss against the Redskins, but they are better than that and in Manning they have a QB that is a game changer, as long as he puts in a decent performance and puts a stop to the inconsistency he has shown.

New York are more than capable of beating the Vikings and the odds are simply disrespectful and not based on reality, but rather assumption, an assumption that the Vikings are better than what they actually are.

For me, the Vikings results have given a false impression and it is just a matter of time before they are exposed and I am of the opinion that the Giants will do just that later this evening.

One final factor to consider is that Minnesota have lost six in a row on Monday nights, that has to have some psychological effect, even if minimal.

All things considered I am taking the Giants to win outright, the odds are just too big to ignore.

It is difficult to see anything other than a win for Palmeiras in this match up, even though they are the away side.

Palmeiras are top, they are a cool 31 points ahead of Santa Cruz who are second bottom, this comes under the term mismatch.

Palmeiras have won three and drawn two of their last five away league games, allowing just one goal in those games.

Santa Cruz won their last home game, but had lost three and drawn one of their previous four home matches, hardly a fortress at their ground.

Palmeiras are on a ten match unbeaten run in the league, while Santa Cruz have won just once in their last 12 league games, a pattern is developing here.

All things considered the away win looks a real good bet in this one.

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

I see this one between the Steelers and Chiefs being a high scoring game, this one I had going over 50 points and so was pleased to see the overs being set at 46.

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

I actually make the Cowboys the underdogs in this and so the odds on a 49ers win is very generous, I do not rate the Cowboys at all and feel they are very beatable.

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

I expect a much better performance from Carolina this week and have them to win this game and cover the spread.

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

I fully expect this match up between the Raiders and Ravens to go over 50 points, so being able to back this one with the totals set at 45.5 is an absolute given.

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

I have the Seahawks winning this one and winning it by at least five points, so the handicap being set at just -1 is a gift and one I intend to take advantage of. 

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

I really do fancy the Texans to beat the Titans comfortably in this one, I would have taken them given up as much as 7 points, so only having to give up 4 is an opportunity I will not miss out on.

Sunday is one of the busiest days of the week for soccer and there are more picks than average, analysis will be shorter due to time constraints, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I am going with the draw in this match up.

Odds are the better side, the fact they are third and Aalesunds are fourth bottom shows that, but Aalesunds are quite strong at home considering their position and their recent form is rather good, three straight wins.

But Odds are a good Norwegian side, they have a decent away record and I struggle to see Aalesunds beating them today, same applies to Odds though, I struggle to see them beating Aalesunds at their ground, so the draw it is for me.

Sunday is one of the busiest days of the week for soccer and there are more picks than average, analysis will be shorter due to time constraints, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I am taking Tromso to win this one.

Tromso are in good form at home, they have won their last three home games on the bounce and have pulled themselves out of the relegation zone, though they are far from safe.

Molde are so unpredictable, on their day they can beat anyone, but they rarely have good days, especially away from home.

Tromso home form is a significant factor for me as is the unreliability of Molde.

Take Tromso to win.

Sunday is one of the busiest days of the week for soccer and there are more picks than average, analysis will be shorter due to time constraints, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I am going for Grasshoppers to win this one.

Grasshoppers have won their four home games this season, they have also lost their five away games this season, a definite pattern is developing, at home they are formidable, away they are useless, good job they are at home today.

Luzern have mixed away form, they have won twice and lost twice, however they have lost three and drawn once in their last four league games, not a team in form.

Considering the home form of Grasshoppers and the poor current form of Luzern, it is a home win for me.

Sunday is one of the busiest days of the week for soccer and there are more picks than average, analysis will be shorter due to time constraints, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

Very little to choose between these two sides, just the one point in the league, however I am going with the home side to win this one.

Bottom line for me is that the home form of Haugesund is far better than the away form of Sarpsborg and that could be significant today.

Haugesund for the win for me.

Sunday is one of the busiest days of the week for soccer and there are more picks than average, analysis will be shorter due to time constraints, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I am taking Leicester to win this one

The champions did well in Europe midweek and were at home, while Southampton had to travel all the way to Israel and that could have an effect here today.

Leicester at home are a hard team to beat and they are better than their recent league results have suggested.

For me Leicester are the better team and I expect them to win.

Sunday is one of the busiest days of the week for soccer and there are more picks than average, analysis will be shorter due to time constraints, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

Massive game and I am taking Tottenham to emerge the victors

Tottenham have a decent record against the top teams in recent seasons and when at home they are very hard to beat, they beat City home and away last season and even with Guardiola in charge I do not see there being a change in that pattern of results.

Another factor for me is the absence of Kevin De Bruyne for City, the stats prove they are not as good when he is missing, they score less and take less points, he is a significant miss.

Tottenham win for me

Sunday is one of the busiest days of the week for soccer and there are more picks than average, analysis will be shorter due to time constraints, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

Important game for both teams and I am taking Kalmar to emerge the winners.

Kalmar are in excellent form at home at this time and in good form overall, they have won their last two home games on the bounce and last three games overall, they are definitely in form.

Gothenborg have lost four and drawn one of their last five away games, they are solid at home, almost unbeatable, but the minute they are on the road they struggle.

Considering the overall form of Kalmar and the poor away form of Gothenborg I am going for the home win.

Two very poor Dutch sides face each other today in what can only be described as a relegation game even though the season is only five games old.

There is very little to separate this pair, both are on win-less runs that covers four games for NEC and the entire season so far for Roda, though it is interesting that both sides drew 0-0 with Willhem ll.

NEC have not scored a goal in their last four Dutch league games, while Roda have not scored in their last five games, one thing is for sure, their strikers are hardly setting the world alight.

I cannot see either team winning this, there is nothing in their recent form that suggests otherwise and for me, the only logical pick for this game is a draw, a low scoring draw at that.

Take the draw.

I am taking Norwich City to bounce back from their very cruel and very unlucky defeat away to Newcastle United midweek and get the win today.

Norwich were leading 3-2 well into injury time and yet they managed to lose 4-3, thanks to two goals in the 95th and 96th minute, they really should have won that game and it would have been a body blow to lose how they did, but they are a very good Championship side with a lot of character and will bounce back I am sure.

Wolverhampton have a very mixed home record, they have won twice, drawn twice and lost once in their five home games this season, not bad, but not brilliant either, they are down in 11th place and over their last six games in the  league have lost three times, they are in mediocre form.

Norwich sit second for a reason, they are a good team, certainly better than Wolves and if they can silence the home crowd, which I believe they can do, then they will take away whatever home advantage there is for Wolves and go on and win this game, they are in good form recently, their loss at Newcastle was their first loss in five games, the other four games they won.

I expect Norwich to get back to winning form today and claim all three points.

I fancy Sogndal to win this one and put a serious dent in the hopes of Brann securing a top three finish.

Brann have a very poor away record, they have lost seven of their 13 away games this season with just four road wins all season, they would have been so much closer to runaway leaders Rosenborg if they could have done better away from home, but they their away form remains Achilles heel and there is no reason to suggest that their will be a massive improvement today.

Sogndal are a mid table team, they are unlikely to be relegated or challenge for a European place, however, they are fairly strong at home considering their league position, they have lost just twice at home all season, they have drawn far too many home games I admit, six from 13, but it does show how hard they are to beat on their home patch.

If Sogndal were playing a side with a better away record I would have been tempted to have gone with the draw, but they are playing a team that has lost over 50% of its away games and that is crucial for me.

Both sides have a 2-2-1 record over their last five games and so current form is very similar, this comes down to home and away form and for me Sogndal come out on top, slightly.

The value is in backing Sogndal and that s exactly what I will be doing.

Dolphins @ Bengals

I am taking the Dolphins to cover the spread in this one.

I am not saying they will win outright, but I struggle to see the Bengals winning by two scores or a two point converted touchdown.

I accept that the Bengals have had harder games overall and have been unlucky, but they have not shown me that they are world beaters either and that they will crush the Dolphins in this one.

I do expect the Dolphins to be better than they have been, head coach Adam Gase has made his feeling very public, threatening to bench any Dolphin player that does not perform to his expectations and I am of the opinion that threat will have an effect.

This game could well come down to how their respective QuarterBacks throw the ball, both are struggling with their running game and unless they improve in that area then it will fall to their QB's to put up big performances.

Miami's Ryan Tannehill has turned the ball over no less than five times over his last two outings but has thrown five touchdowns, which compares favourably with the Bengals Andy Dalton, who may have only turned the ball over twice in three games but only thrown two touchdowns.

Bottom line for me is that I see this game being a lot closer than the spread suggests, Bengals may well win but not by 7.5 points.

Dolphins @ Bengals

I am going with the unders on this one.

I see this game being a tight low scoring affair as I lack confidence in both their offensives and to some degree both Quarterbacks.

This game could well come down to how their respective Quarterbacks throw the ball, both are struggling with their running game and unless they improve in that area then it will fall to their QB's to put up big performances.

Miami's Ryan Tannehill has turned the ball over no less than five times over his last two outings but has thrown five touchdowns, which compares favourably with the Bengals Andy Dalton, who may have only turned the ball over twice in three games but only thrown two touchdowns.

Bottom line for me is that I see this game being low scoring, certainly lower than the 46.5 on offer, one teams may click and get it right, but not both and even if one of these two did click and get it right I still see the respective defences having decent games.

Low scoring game for me.

Austria Wien v Viktoria Plzen

I am going to be backing Austria Wien in this game.

There is very little to separate between these two teams, on paper they seem evenly matched, however, the home advantage is key for me in this game and I believe that will be the difference come the end of the game.

The Austrians are quite strong at home in Europe, since 2010 in 12 home games they have lost just twice and just three times in their last 20 home European games.

Viktoria do not have a great away record in Europe, they have lost their last three away game in the Europa League and four of the last six in the Champions League with just a single win in Israel.

With home advantage I am backing Austria Wien.

St Etienne v Anderlecht

I fancy the Belgium side to spring a surprise here and gain an away win.

Anderlecht are one of the strongest teams in Belgium, they sit second in the table and have lost just twice in their last 15 games in all competitions.

They won their most recent away game in the Europa League 3-0 and three of their last four away games, they have also drawn their last four away Champions League games going back to 2014, including draws against Arsenal and Dortmund, huge results.

St Etienne have a decent home record in Europe, they have won three of their last eight home Europa leagues and drawn four, with just the one loss, however, winning only three from their last eight is a bit below average.

Truth is that St Etienne may have home advantage, but they are not exactly an elite side, their home record in Europe is patchy and Anderlecht are more than capable of winning this one and are the value pick.

Genk v Sassuolo

I am going for the draw in this one.

Sassuolo may not be one of the better known Italian sides, they are certainly not one of the best, but they do put up some very good results, they beat Spanish side Atheltic Bilbao in their first Europa League game and in their only two away games they drew both, they are not an easy team to break down, they have lost their last two away games in Serie A, but beat Palermo in their opening Serie A away game.

Genk are not in great form right now, they have lost four of their last five games in all competitions, they lost their last Europa league game in Austria, albeit they were away and currently sit tenth in Belgium as opposed to Sassuolo in ninth in Serie A, which is a far superior league.

Genk have home advantage of course and that will play its part, but the Italians are a strong side, hard to break down and a draw looks a solid pick.

Zurich v Osmanlispor

Zurich look good for the home win today, they are top of their domestic league, while Osmanlispor sit down in sixth in their league, the Turkish league may be a little stronger than the Swiss league, but it is minimal.

Zurich have won their last seven home games on the bounce, conceding just a single goal n that run and no goal at all in their last six home games.

I do question their Europa League form, they have not won in their last four games in this competition home or away, however their home record is not all that bad, they lost in July to Dinamo Minsk 1-0 in Belgium, but they have beaten the likes of Villarreal and drawn against Borussia Munchengladbach, two very good result and overall, since 2014 have lost just once at home in five Europa League games, winning twice and drawing twice.

Osmanlispor are in good recent form, they are unbeaten in their last 14 games home or away, they have also won two of their three away Europa League games and drawn the other one.

But the truth is that they have not been playing top teams in that run, they have been playing minnows in Europe and none of the best teams in Turkey, Zurich are probably the toughest team they have faced in the last three months.

Because Zurich are at home, because they are a far tougher a team than what Osmanlispor have faced recently and because Zurich have a good enough record of their own I am going for the home win.

Sparta Prague v Inter

I like the look of the draw in this one, I was even tempted to go for a home win, Inter do not look like a team that is taking this competition too seriously, they are not as strong as they were a few years back and Sparta do seem more committed. 

Inter are the better side, but they are the away side and the Czechs have a very passionate home crowd, home advantage can play its part here.

Obviously, if Inter decide to play their very best team and play this game like they were playing AC Milan, then I would pick Inter all day long, but I simply do not see that happening.

Inter lost their opening game 2-0 at home, that alone tells you how seriously they are taking this competition, but that would have been a wake up call and they will be better today.

But as stated above, I still question their motivation and all things considered the draw looks like a good pick.

Hapoel v Southampton

The draw looks a positive option in this game.

Hapoel are a decent side, they did beat Inter in Italy 2-0 last time out and have drawn their two home Europa league games this season, they are in the Europa league because they got knocked out of the Champions League by Celtic, but they did beat Celtic at home and in fact, won all their home games in the Champions League, basically they are unbeaten at home in five games in Europe this season.

Southampton are a strong Premier League side, we have seen that in recent weeks, if this game was in Southampton they would win with ease in my opinion, but it is a different game in Israel and they would be happy if they come away with a point.

All things considered a draw looks best bet here.

Newcastle should be stronger at home than what they have shown so far, they have won twice, but have lost twice at home, basically a 50% loss record at home, they need to do better if they want to get automatically promoted.

Norwich are doing a lot better, they are second in the table compared to Newcastle in ninth and they have lost just once away from their four away games this season, winning twice.

So we have a team at home with a 50% win record and a team away with a 50% win record.

Norwich are also in better form overall, they have won their last four games on the bounce, while Newcastle have not won in their last two games.

If this was at Norwich I would have Norwich to win, but because of the nature of this game and the fact that Newcastle are at home, despite their two home losses, I am going for the draw.

I expect Newcastle to be be up for this game, it is a big game for them, however I do not see them beating Norwich, thus the draw is the most logical pick for me.

Two of the very best team in European football clash in the Champions League and the value lies with a home win.

Bayern are capable of beating any team in Europe and that includes Barcelona and Real Madrid, but so are Atletico, in fact Atletico beat Bayern last season in Spain and I am cannot see any real valid reason why that result will not be repeated again.

Both teams have got off to good starts to their domestic campaigns, Bayern is obviously a little better as they play in a weaker league, but even so, both teams are in form and both will be very prepared for this game.

Atletico started off their season with two draws, but since then they have won every domestic games apart from a draw at Barcelona and not many teams go to Barcelona and draw.

The only advantage I see in this game is the fact that Atletico are at home, they beat Bayern last season 1-0 and I would not be surprised to see that score line again.

Bayern are obviously good enough to win this game, but I just do not see it happening, not against Atletico in Spain.

I am a little surprised at the odds available for Rostov, I am of the opinion that they are too high and the value is backing them to win.

I do not actually see too much difference in these teams, Rostov may not have had the start to their domestic season they would have liked, but they are still a good Russian side and are more than capable of winning at home against PSV.

PSV are a good side, but they are not the best in Holland, they sit third in the table and have a very poor away record in Europe.

I am not saying that Rostov are better, I think the teams are fairly even, but the away record of PSV is shocking when it comes to European games, they win away domestically in almost all their road games, but that is because they are in  a weak league, but when up against European teams it is a different story.

They have lost four, drawn once and won once in their last six Champions League away games since 2013, you have to go back to 2008 for their previous Champions league games and then it was just one win in nine and one draw, basically when they play away in the Champions league, they tend to lose.

Rostov on the other  hand have played just two Champions League games at home, though one of them was 4-1 over Ajax last month and Ajax sit at the top of the Dutch league.

Rostov may not be the best team in Russia this season, but they are at home, they have beaten Ajax there and PSV are very poor away from home.

All things considered I am going for a home win for Rostov

I see the draw being the most logical outcome of this game.

When you consider the standard of these teams they have had some decent Champions league results at home and away respectively.

Both teams are third in their respective leagues and both come into this game on the back of decent results, Dynamo won 4-1 away while Besiktas drew at home 2-2 against Turkish giants Galatasaray.

Besiktas have lost against some top teams at home in Europe, but two years ago, when they were last in the Champions League they drew at home against Arsenal and beat Feyenoord 3-1, not bad results.

Dynamo last season beat Porto Macabi Tel Aviv away from home, drew at Man City and lost 2-1 to Chelsea, again decent results considering.

So, we have a home side that can and have put up decent home results and an away side that have done likewise, in better words, both side are more than capable of putting up a good performance today.

I simply cannot separate them, I feel that Besiktas will be strong to lose at home, while Dynamo are too strong for Besiktas to beat, thus the draw looks the most likely outcome for me.

Tottenham simply have to win this game after losing their first match to Monaco at home, a defeat would really be damaging and I am confident that they will emerge the victors after 90 minutes.

Spurs showed at the weekend against Middlesbrough that they can cope without star striker Harry Kane and I am positive they will once again cope without the England hit man.

Moscow will obviously be very dangerous, especially in front of their home fans, but they are up against one of the best teams in English football and the truth is, I do not think they are as good as Tottenham.

As long as Tottenham play to their capabilities, they will win.

I really do fancy Leicester to get their second win in the group stage and take a huge step towards qualification out of this group.

The Foxes did lose heavily at Man Utd at the weekend, but that can happen, their previous Premier league result and in this Champions League shows what they are capable of, two 3-0 wins, especially the away performance in Belgium against Bruge.

Porto are one of the best teams in Portugal, however, the Portuguese league is not as strong as the English Premier League and generally speaking Portuguese teams struggle when playing in England.

Leicester are a very good team when they click and if they click tonight they will win this one and I am positive they will play like we know they can.

I like the look of the draw in this Champions League match up between Copenhagen and Bruge.

Copenhagen did very well in their opening game away in Portugal drawing with Porto, whereas Bruge took a 3-0 hammering against Leicester, however, one should avoid drawing too much from those respective games.

Bruge are better than that loss suggests, they have since won three domestic games, scoring three times in each one, I am sure they will put up a much better effort today.

Copenhagen are clear favourites, they have a great home record, they top their domestic league and it is easy to see why most people may think they will win, however, they are not an elite side, they are not one of the best teams in Europe and they play in a weaker league than the Belgium league.

I expect to see a very different Bruge on show this evening in Europe, they probably will not win, but neither do I think they will lose.

A draw for me

On paper it is easy to call the win for Juventus, they are European royalty, but i do not think they are the same team they were last year, though it is still early.

Juventus have struggled a little this term, they still are managing to beat the smaller teams, however, they lost to Inter and drew at home with Seville in the last two weeks, now, they are their only negative results this season, but it is no coincidence they were the two biggest games.

Zagreb are not in the same league as Juventus, however, after a 3-0 loss in Lyon they have bounced back and have won their last two domestic games, point is that they have got over their recent run of bad results, though it must be pointed out that their recent losses have been against the two teams above them in their domestic league.

Bottom line is this, Juventus should win, but Zagreb have home advantage and they are not whipping boys, they are unlikely to win this, but they can get the draw and with the odds being so high on a home side drawing at home in the Champions League, it is huge value.

Draw for me is the most value.

Due to time constraints picks will be published without analysis, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

Take the Jets the spring a surprise and grab the win

Due to time constraints picks will be published without analysis, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I am going for a high scoring game in this one, take the overs

Due to time constraints picks will be published without analysis, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I expect the Seahawks to win but there is no value in backing them and the spread is too tight, however, overs looks a great opportunity.

Take overs

Due to time constraints picks will be published without analysis, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I am very confident that the Raiders will win this one and will be backing them to do just that.

Due to time constraints picks will be published without analysis, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I fully expect the Giants to win this one and cover the spread.

Due to time constraints picks will be published without analysis, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I am positive that the Jaguars will win this one and the odds are a welcome bonus.

Due to time constraints picks will be published without analysis, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I cannot see anything other than a comprehensive win for the Panthers and expect them to cover the spread withe ease.

Due to time constraints picks will be published without analysis, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I like the look of the Bengals in this one and would have taken them to cover a higher spread.

Due to time constraints picks will be published without analysis, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I see this one being a high scoring game and am happy that the total has been set at 47.5 points, I am confident that will be beaten.

Stromgodset have gone off the rails a little recently, but they are better than their results have suggested, especially when playing at home.

Odd are really inconsistent on the road, they win, they lose, they then go and win again and then lose, they seem almost incapable of putting any sort of unbeaten streak together away from home, as soon as you think they are about to go on a run, they lose.

Stromgodset were almost unbeatable at home at one point this season, but for some reason they have gone off the boil, but they are capable of turning things around and they have a great opportunity to do that against the inconsistent Odd.

I accept that Stromgodset have not won in their last eight domestic games, but most of those were on the road and I am confident we will see a more determined Strongodset today.

I am going for the home win today.

It would be easy to go for a Southampton win, especially with the form that West Ham are in, but I am inclined to believe that West Ham are close to turning things around and will emerge the victors today.

Southampton have won their last three games, all at home, however, they were hardly to toughest opponents and the Hammers will provide a far sterner test today.

The Saints have lost both their opening road games, albeit against Man Utd and Arsenal, so no shame there, but until they win on the road it is hard to judge them objectively.

West Ham did lose against Watford last time at home, but they played so well for the first 30 minutes, opening up a 2-0 lead, that the collapse that followed was shocking, they are better than that.

If West Ham can play against Southampton today like they did in the first 30 minutes against Watford then they will win, it is a little risky hoping that they will do that, but the odds justify the faith I have him them to do just that.

West Ham win for me.

Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days of the week for soccer and there are more picks than average, analysis will be shorter on these days due to time constraints, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

Aston Villa are not in good form, Newcastle United are, Villa are struggling to play like a team, while Newcastle have clicked under Rafael Benitez.

Newcastle have won their last three away games on the bounce including a 6-0 thrashing against QPR last time they played on the road in the championship.

Villa have won just a single game at home this season and if they were called any other name, Rotherham as an example, then Newcastle would be huge odds on.

Away win for me.

Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days of the week for soccer and there are more picks than average, analysis will be shorter on these days due to time constraints, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

Two top teams that have yet to hit their stride in the league and for me the draw looks the best pick here.

Arsenal's bogey team is Chelsea, even when the Blues are having a nightmare season they still manage to get a result against the Gunners, for some reason they seem to have a mental block when it comes to playing Chelsea.

Chelsea are a team in transition, they are just below the top sides in England in my opinion, but they have some brilliant individual players and if Antonio Conte can get them playing how he wants then they will get better and probably a lot better.

Because neither team is in brilliant form, because Chelsea are Arsenals bogey team and because Chelsea do have enough quality to compete with Arsenal today, it is a draw for me.

Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days of the week for soccer and there are more picks than average, analysis will be shorter on these days due to time constraints, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

Molde have finally hit a decent streak of form, but I lack complete confidence in them now, I did not, I thought they would do very well this season, but their inconsistency for most of the season has been bewildering.

Rosenborg are by far the best team in Norway and they will be really up for this game, these are the sort of games they savour in Norway, it is not often they play competitive games and this is one game that every single Rosenborg player will be up for.

If both play to form Rosenborg will win, they are simply a better team and I expect them to show that today.

Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days of the week for soccer and there are more picks than average, analysis will be shorter on these days due to time constraints, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

Both these teams are struggling, especially Stoke City, however I am confident that the Potters will get their first win of the season against the Baggies.

Stoke are better than their results suggest, while West Brom results I believe truly reflect their level, Stoke City will start winning at home and this game today is the perfect opportunity for them against a team that have hardly won over their last 20 odd games.

Take Stoke City to win.

Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days of the week for soccer and there are more picks than average, analysis will be shorter on these days due to time constraints, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I struggle to see anything other than a Tottenham win today against promoted Middlesbrough.

Tottenham are third and are still nowhere near their best, but they are getting close and if they play to form today they will win this game with something to spare.

The loss of Harry Kane is not the blow it would have been last season, they have a solid replacement in Janssen and truth is that Kane has hardly been on fire this season.

Middlesbrough will no doubt put up a credible performance, but they are no real match for Spurs, not if Spurs play how they can.

The only way Tottenham will not win this is if Tottenham themselves play poorly.

Take Tottenham to win.

Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days of the week for soccer and there are more picks than average, analysis will be shorter on these days due to time constraints, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I am surprised that Palace are the favourites for this one, they are the away team and Sunderland are better than their results suggest.

Sunderland have only one point this season and in a couple of games they have been beaten easily, however, in a couple of games they were hard done by, they will have learned from their mistakes and in David Moyes they have a good manager who knows a thing or two about pressure.

Palace are hit and miss, one day they play well, another they do not and if this game was played at Palace then I would have been tempted to back them, but not at Sunderland, their win last week at Middlesbrough was their first away win in a very long time, they had gone 12 away games previous to that without a win.

Palace are getting better and have racked up two wins, however, I am not convinced by them and will be taking Sunderland to win this one, I just feel they are better than what we have seen and at home against Palace will show that.

Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days of the week for soccer and there are more picks than average, analysis will be shorter on these days due to time constraints, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I like the look of the draw in this one, Bournemouth are not an easy team to beat, especially at home, they beat West Brom last time at home while they lost to Man Utd previously at home, they will still give most teams a hard game.

Everton are doing very well, far better than expected and they are on fire, but this is not an easy task for them today and a draw would be an acceptable result for them, they may be the better team and they may be on form, but they are still limited and I am confident that will show today.

I do not expect Bournemouth to win, but neither do I see them losing.

Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days of the week for soccer and there are more picks than average, analysis will be shorter on these days due to time constraints, however, all picks have been fully researched and analysed and you can be assured they come with my full confidence.

I am going with the draw in this one.

Very little separates these teams, I am of the opinion that Kalmar are the better side, but Jonkopings are competitive and will not be easy to beat, especially at home.

Kalmar are  in better form, however, Jonkoping finally got back to winning ways last time out and Jonkopings results have to be taken in context they have been playing against some of the best teams in Sweden in their recent losses.

Bottom line for me is that while Kalmar are in better form but this is negated by the fact they are playing away and against a team that will have been lifted by returning to winning ways.

Draw looks most likely outcome and that is what I will be backing.

Houston have won their opening two games and will be very confident that they can extend that to 3-0 and I share that confidence.

New England will have to go with Jacoby Brissett as starting quarterback this evening following the injury to Jimmy Garoppolo and suspension of Tom Brady and for me that is significant, you cannot keep giving up quarterback after quarterback and expect to maintain your highest level, at some point it has to give and I expect that to happen today.

Houston have a very strong defense and the last thing that New England will have wanted is to put out a rookie QB against Houston, even Tom Brady would have had his hands full against the Texans defense.

Of course New England have also won their opening two games and Brissett did well against Miami when he was called on, but the Texans are a formidable outfit and the circumstances have all gone against Bill Belichick and the Patriots.

This is a golden opportunity for the Texans the take advantage of New England woes, they will struggle to get a better chance to take the win at Gillette Stadium and they know that.

All things considered, I am taking the Texans to win this one.

Due to time constraints there will be very little analysis today, but as usual you can be assured each pick has been fully researched and comes with full confidence.

I am going with a home win in this one, Aalborg have beaten Viborg in five of their last six meetings, they have home advantage, are fifth in the table and their only home loss was against third placed Brondby.

Viborg have won their last two away games, including a surprise win over Brondby, but that is not enough for me to favour them today, they are generally beaten when playing Aalborg and that is a deciding factor for me.

Due to time constraints there will be very little analysis today, but as usual you can be assured each pick has been fully researched and comes with full confidence.

I am going with Lugano to win this one.

Grasshoppers have lost their last four away league games on the bounce, they are very poor travellers and I have seen evidence that is about to change.

Lugano are hardly world beaters, but they are at home and they are currently on a four match unbeaten run including winning their last two games, both of them away from home, now they back at home they will be confident of extending that winning streak.

Horsens v Nordsjælland

I am going with promoted Horsens to continue their excellent start to the season and claim all three points against Nordsjælland today.

Horsens lost their last home game 2-1 to league leaders Copenhagen, other than that they have two draws and a win from all their home games this season, they have won three of their last five league games and drawing one, again, the only loss was against the league leaders, basically they are a team enjoying life in the top league and the results back that up.

Nordsjælland on the other hand have lost three of their five away games this season, winning the other two and overall this season have lost six of their nine games, they are third bottom, as opposed to Hosrens sixth position and have lost their last two games, letting in three goals per game.

Basically, Horsens are in better form and I can see no reason why Nordsjælland are better placed to win this game, for me it is Horsen that are in the better position to claim all three points.

Take Horsens to win. 

AGF v Midtjylland

I like Midtjylland, I like their moneyball approach to soccer, it works for them, I backed them successfully at the weekend away from home and I am confident they will pay out again today for me.

Midtjylland are on a four game unbeaten run, they have won their last two games and their only defeat all season was against league leaders Copenhagen.

AGF have won just the one game in their last seven league games and that includes a 7-0 home thrashing at the hands of Brondby, they are not a team in any sort of form.

Form, confidence, momentum and statistics all point to a Midtjylland win and I cannot find any real reason why I should go against that.

All things considered it is an away win for me.

Take Midtjylland to win.

Ostersunds FK v Norrkoping

This game looks like it will be a tight one and a draw is the pick I will be backing.

Ostersunds are quite strong at home at the moment, they have won four of their last five home games, drawing the other one.

Norrkoping are doing great on the road, they have the exact same record over the last five away games that Ostersunds have at home, four wins and a draw.

So, basically we have a team in form at home against a team in form away from home.

Norkopping are top of the league and Ostersunds are back in eighth position, however, home advantage is important despite the excellent away record of Norkopping and a stalemate looks like the logical way to go.

Take the draw.

Helsingborg v GIF Sundsvall

I am going with Sundsvall to spring a surprise here and get the win.

I see no real reason why Helsingborg should be such clear favourites in this one, they have lost their last six home games on the bounce, this is not a team in form at home, in fact they have lost seven of their last eight games home or away.

Sundsvall are not much better I admit, however, they can claim two draws and one win in their last six away games and a close look at three of their most recent losses show that they were against top six sides.

I am not saying that Sundsvall are a lot better than Helsingborg, they are not and they are only one place above them in the league, but their recent form is far better and there is no way that they should be such a high price against a team so poor at this time.

Take Sundsvall to win.

Gefle v Jönkopings Sodra

There cannot be too many times that I would back Gefle to win a game, but I am today.

Jonkopings are in terrible form at this time, while Gefle are starting to show some signs of improvement, they certainly have better momentum than Jonkopings at the moment.

Jonkopings have lost four of their last five games home or away and have lost their last two away games by scores of 4-1 and 5-1, albeit against the top two in the league.

Gefle on the other hand have managed two draws and a win in their last four home games, including a 0-0 draw with the league leaders Norkopping.

Basically, both teams are very poor, but one is going forward and one is going backwards and I am on the side of the team going forward, Gefle.

Take Gefle to win.

Djurgarden v AIK

Looking at the league table it would be easy to go for AIK to win, but not when Djurgarden are playing at home it is not.

In fact, Djurgarden are on a very good run, they have won three of their last four games and drawn the other and only at the weekend they beat Malmo 3-1, Malmo are one of the top two sides in Sweden and probably will be the league winners come the end of the season, that win was very impressive.

AIK are third in the table, they are a decent side, they have won four of their last six away games, the only loss coming at Malmo, they have won four of their last six games overall and will be hard to beat, but they are up against it at Djurgarden today.

Djurgarden showed how hard they are to beat at home when they dispatched Malmo last weekend, that win shows they are confident and have momentum and AIK will have to be at their very best just to get a draw, nevermind the win.

All things considered I am going with Djurgarden in this one, they have more in their favour than what AIK do considering the circumstances.

Take Djurgarden to win.

Unable to provide analysis today due to time constraints, however, you can be assured each pick has been fully analysed and researched and comes with confidence.

The draw looks a good option here, both sides are very evenly matched and there is not much to separate them, both will accept a point.

Unable to provide analysis today due to time constraints, however, you can be assured each pick has been fully analysed and researched and comes with confidence.

I am going with St Gallen to spring a surprise here, both teams are very poor and very little separates them, the value lies with the away side.

Unable to provide analysis today due to time constraints, however, you can be assured each pick has been fully analysed and researched and comes with confidence.

Two poor teams that will cancel each other out

Take the draw

Eagles @ Bears

I am confident that we will see more than 42.5 points in this match up between the Eagles and Bears,

I am confident that we will see another impressive performance from rookie quarterback Carson Wentz this week, I see no reason why he will not put in a good game for the Eagles and expect him to torment the Bears throughout.

I also expect a better performance from the Bears offense this week, they failed to score a single point in the second half against Houston last week when they went down 23-14, however, their first half performance did show what they are capable of when their front line gets their act together.

The Bears however, do struggle against the rush and I fully expect the Eagles to exploit that deficiency.

Basically, I see both offenses doing their jobs this evening and it is the defences  that I believe will struggle and this all adds up to points on the board for me.

All things considered I am confident we will see in excess of 42.5 points.

Eagles @ Bears

I am going to go with the Eagles to cover the spread on this one.

A lot will depend on whether rookie quarterback Carson Wentz puts in another stellar performance, I see no reason why he will not and expect another big game from the 23 year old.

The Eagle do have some significant injury concerns otherwise I would have been tempted to go for the outright win at great odds, but I am confident that they will still be able to put up the numbers against a weak Bears defence.

The Bears may have home advantage, but that hardly served them well last season with just the one win at Soldier field and their opening game 23-14 loss to Houston must be cause for concern, especially the fact that they failed to score a single point in the second half.

The Bears struggle against the rush and I fully expect the Eagles to exploit that deficiency.

That said, this will be a close one, as stated above the Eagles do have significant injury concerns and if Chicago can do a better job of protecting their quarterback tonight then they could be very potent offensively.

All things considered I am going with the Eagles to cover the spread.

Lyngby v AAB

I like the look of AAB in this Danish Superliga fixture.

AAB have got off to the better start this season, they are on 15 points after eight games, a good seven points clear of Lyngby, they are unbeaten away from home in their three road games to date winning two and drawing one.

Lyngby have yet to win at home, they have drawn twice and lost once, they are a promoted team and are clearly struggling to adapt to the Superliga at home.

AAB are one of the top six sides in Denmark, they drew their last away game against the league leaders Copenhagen, which is quite an achievement, in better words they are a strong team who suffered their only defeat of the season last week against Brondby, who are second in the league.

Lyngby will more than likely be battling relegation this season, they would be happy with a draw from this game, but I feel they will struggle to even get that, they have lost their last three games on the bounce and I will be surprised if that does not go up to four after tonight.

AAB are simply the better team and as long as they play to form they will win.

Hacken v IFK Gothenborg

I am going with a home win in this one.

Gothenborg are on a terrible run away from home, they have lost their last three away games and overall they have won just three times on the road, they have drawn three times from their 11 away matches, but not for some time now.

Hacken at home are not formidable I admit, they have lost four times at home from 11 games, winning six and drawing the once, however they beat Ostersunds last time out at home and their recent home form is certainly better than Gothenborgs away form.

I was tempted to go for the draw, but Hacken hardly draw at home and as I cannot see Gothenborg winning this game then a home win is the only logical pick.

All things considered it is a home win for me.

Falcon @ Raiders

My initial analysis of this game was that Oakland will win and I still do expect that to be the case, but I am not happy with the spread and the money line odds are a joke and I will not be touching them at all.

But I did like the look of the overs in this one, I am fairly confident there will be in excess of 50 points in this one, so with the overs being available at 48, I just knew I had to be on it.

Th Raiders beat The Saints 35-34 last week, thanks to a 22 point fourth quarter and a 2 point conversion with just 47 seconds left on the clock, but their defence was leaking all over the place and I just do not think that they will have tightened up enough in time for this game.

The Falcons lost their opening game against the Buccaneers 31-24 and lets face it, Tampa Bay are hardly one of the top teams currently and Atlanta will continue to concede points until they get to grips with their defensive vulnerabilities.

Bottom line for me is that both sides are more than capable of scoring points, but neither has a quality defence, certainly not in comparison to a lot of teams this season and I expect that both will concede fairly heavily, with Oakland being more formidable offensively.

Take Over 48 points.

Seahawks @ Rams

I am going for over 37.5 points in this match up between Seattle and LA.

I was extremely disappointed with the Rams last week, they were absolutely woeful, I expected them to get off to a winning start, what I did not expect was to see them completely shut out and hammered.

Seattle did just enough to beat Miami and to some extent I was disappointed with them as well, but nowhere near the level I was with LA that is for sure.

Neither team set the world alight offensively last week and I do expect to see significant improvement from both of them, especially the Rams, it is not like they could score any less points is it?

I believe that Seattle will win, that is hardly rocket science, but I do not see the value in backing them outright and the truth is, I have found it difficult to make a case for either side in relation to the spread, what I am fairly confident about, is that both will be much better offensively.

The overs is quite low and certainly within reach as long as both teams improve on last week, I am confident that will happen and for me the overs is by far the best pick in this game.

Take over 37.5 points.

Bengals @ Steelers

I am expecting a very tight game between these two and take the Bengals to sneak the win.

Both won their opening games and both will be coming into this game feeling very confident that they will be able to extend their start to the season to 2-0, they are bitter rivals and both sides have good reason to inflict a defeat on the other, all the hallmarks of a close match up.

The Steelers have home field advantage, though I am not sure that will make much difference in this particular game, they did well against the Redskins last week, a game in which I predicted they would cover the spread and they duly obliged, however, the Bengals are not the Redskins.

The Bengals had an excellent win over the Jets last week and they will of course be looking for revenge following last seasons play off defeat, a game they should really have won if not for their disastrous fourth quarter.

Pittsburgh are one of the favourites to go on and win the Superbowl, however Cincinnati are not far behind and in fact, I honestly feel that they are marginally better than the Steelers overall.

I was tempted to back Cincinnati to cover the spread, it was the safer option, but with the spread contracting and the odds tightening up, the value lies with a straight Bengals win.

Ravens @ Browns

I am going for the Ravens to win and to cover the spread against the Browns.

The Browns are an awful side, they are rank outsiders for a very good reason, they are not a top quality outfit and I expect them to play the role of whipping boys this season, something they are already on their way to achieving.

The Browns lost by a clear 19 points against the Eagles last week, they managed just one touchdown and one field goal and I have no confidence in them to do much better against Baltimore.

The Ravens defence last week was solid against the Bills, they gave up just seven points and while the Bills are not exactly playing great, it was still a grand effort.

So, we have a side that has got off to a winning start with a defence that is a tight as a ducks backside against a side that lost their opening game by a significant 19 points, says a lot to me. I know the Ravens were not that great offensively last week, but I do expect them to be able to take advantage of the Browns weak defence, their offense is not that bad and will progress I am sure.

Add to all this the fact that the Browns have lost QB Robert Griffin III then you can see why the outcome for them is not at all positive.

I know some will point to the Browns beating the Ravens last season, but I do not, it is a whole different scenario now and I am going for Baltimore to win and beat the spread

Baltimore on the spreads.

Sunday is a very busy day for me and due to time considerations, as well as soccer kick off times I will not be providing in depth written analysis, however, you can be assured that each of my picks today has been researched and analysed and that I will personally be backing them.

I like the look of Bodo/Glimt in this one, they are not brilliant at home I admit, however, Brann are woeful away and the home team will see this sort of game as one in which they can get maximum points and I am confident that is exactly what will happen.

Sunday is a very busy day for me and due to time considerations, as well as soccer kick off times I will not be providing in depth written analysis, however, you can be assured that each of my picks today has been researched and analysed and that I will personally be backing them.

Tricky game for league leaders Malmo, Djurgarden are not an easy team to beat, but Malmo are a quality side by Swedish standards and their away record compares very favourably with Djurgardens home record. As long as Malmo play to form and I do expect them to, then they should have enough about them to claim the win today.

Sunday is a very busy day for me and due to time considerations, as well as soccer kick off times I will not be providing in depth written analysis, however, you can be assured that each of my picks today has been researched and analysed and that I will personally be backing them.

Norrkoping and one of the two top teams in Sweden, they are just one point behind Malmo and they are playing the team third from bottom in the league. This is the exact sort of game that Norrkoping cannot afford to lose, this is the sort of game that they really should be winning if they are to continue to challenge Malmo for the title and that is what I fully expect to happen.

Sunday is a very busy day for me and due to time considerations, as well as soccer kick off times I will not be providing in depth written analysis, however, you can be assured that each of my picks today has been researched and analysed and that I will personally be backing them.

AZ are a decent side, however, they were humiliated midweek when they could only manage a home draw with Dundalk in the Europa League and they will be desperate to put that right, they have lost just once this season away to second placed PSV. They are facing the bottom side team Zwolle and they will not get many better opportunities than this to bounce back from a very disappointing performance.

Sunday is a very busy day for me and due to time considerations, as well as soccer kick off times I will not be providing in depth written analysis, however, you can be assured that each of my picks today has been researched and analysed and that I will personally be backing them.

The season is still fairly early in Denmark and both sides have more or less got off to the start I expected, Midtjylland will be looking to have a good season and possibly make a title challenge, though unlikely, however, they are expected to do better than OB, they are a better team and they will be very disappointed if they cannot take the win today and so will I as I will be backing them to get an away win today.

Ipswich v Aston Villa

I have a suspicion that the odds makers are a little biased towards Aston Villa based on their big name and the fact that were a Premier League team last season, that appears to be the case in this game.

Villa have not won away from home this season, they have lost two of their three games away, they have scored just the once in those three games and conceded four times, also Villa have only won one game in their seven games this season and have not won a game in their last five, hardly brilliant form.

Ipswich on the other hand are unbeaten at home so far, they have won twice and drawn once, they have scored six times and conceded three times, they won their last game and while they lost prior to that away they have won two of their last three championship games.

Ipswich look good for a home win for me, they are not  playing an in form team by any stretch of the imagination and the odds on Ipswich should be shorter, they are not simply because their opponents are Villa.

Take Ipswich to win.

Kalmar v Ostersunds

I am going for a home win in this one today.

There is not much separating these teams in the Swedish Allsvenskan, Ostersunds are in in sixth place, six points ahead of tenth placed Kalmar, however it is the significant difference in home and away form that has me going for a home win.

Promoted Ostersunds have "won" just once away all season, the records show two wins, one a 3-0 away win over Jonkpoings, however, they were actually drawing that match 1-1 into injury time, but with seconds left to go a fan attacked the Ostersunds keeper and the match was abandoned and then awarded to Ostersunds, it was in reality a draw, so as far as I am concerned they have won just once all season away from home and that was against the bottom side Falkenberg in their second game on the road.

Kalmar at home have lost three times this season, however some perspective is required, they lost their last home game against second placed Norkopping, prior to that they were on a seven game unbeaten streak at home and their most recent form at home has seen them draw with Malmo, who top the table and AIK, who are third as well as wins over Djurgarden and fifth placed Orerbro.

So, we have a team that has in all reality won just once away all season against a team that is very difficult to beat at home.

All things considered I am going for a home win.

Tromso v Lillestrom

When I first looked at this game I was tempted to do the draw, however, on further analysis I am quite confident that Tromso will emerge the winners.

Lillestrom are not in great form at the moment, they have not won in their last six games and over their last 13 games have won just once, they may have had a few draws in that run, but one win in 13 is terrible form and even backing them for a draw is risky.

Also, when these two teams met in Lillestrom in the reverse fixture Tromso won 4-2, for me that all points to a Tromso win, but it does depend on what sort of form Tromso are in as well.

Well, they are in mixed form, in their last six games they have lost three times and won three times, like I say, mixed, but what swung it for me was the home form of Tromso.

Tromso have lost four times at home this season, though three of those losses were against the top six, something Lillestrom obviously are not, plus they have won their last two games at home, not world class form overall, but enough to take care of Lillestrom today.

All things considered I am going for a home win.

I am going with overs in this match up between the Bills and Jets.

Both lost their opening games with the Bills offense having a particular poor start scoring just the seven points, I expect them to put up a much better effort this time, especially quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

The Jets lost to a late field goal and will be looking to bounce back straight away, they will feel fairly confident based on what the Bills did last week, but that could be a mistake, the Bills will not be as bad tonight, that I am sure of.

My expectation is that the Bills will perform better and that the Jets will do as well as they did last week in the point scoring department and the logic of that thinking is that this game must then go over 40.5 points.

Take the overs, it is the most logical and likely outcome.

Standard Liege v Celta Vigo

I am going with the home side to get the win in this one.

The Belgium league is getting stronger, it may not be as good as the Spanish league, but the better Belgium sides are more than capable of beating the middle ranked Spanish sides.

Standard Liege are having a mixed season I admit, but at home they are strong, they have just lost twice in their last 18 home games, that includes, domestic games, cup games, friendlies and European games, they are a very hard team to beat at home.

Vigo away from home over the same amount of games have registered just the six wins and two of those were simple friendlies, point is this, their away record is not good at all.

Also, over 15 away games going back to 2000 in the Europa League Vigo have won just twice, whatever way you look at is, that is poor.

So, we have a team very strong at home against a team with a woeful away record, for me that points to a home win, especially when you consider that the home side are actually the slightly better side.

Panathinaikos v Ajax

I am going with the Greek side to win this one, mainly because the form of Ajax is not good at the moment.

Ajax won at the weekend, a game I watched and they were fortunate, they were quite poor to be honest and they are not in the best form at this time, they were dumped out of the Champions League due to losing the second leg 4- to Rostov, hardly world beaters.

Ajax have won just four times away from home from their last 20 Champions League games and seven from 20 in the Europa League, not the best away record in Europe by any stretch of the imagination.

Panathinaikos have won 11 of their last 20 Europa League games, not outstanding but wins over the likes of Roma and draws against the likes of Tottenham show that they can turn it on at home when required.

If I had more confidence in Ajax I may have been tempted to go for the draw, but I do not and will be backing the Greeks to get the win.

Sporting Braga v Gent

I am backing the draw in this game tonight.

Braga are the favourites, they have home advantage, but they are not one of the elite Portuguese clubs and having watched Gent win 4-0 away in their last Europa league match, a game I opposed them, I am of the opinion that Gent are more than capable of holding Braga to a stalemate.

Gent are in very good form, they drew away to the best side in Belgium, Anderlecht, and they are unbeaten in their last eleven games in all competition, they are third domestically, just one point behind the leaders and they are full of confidence, they will not be easy to beat.

Braga are second in Portugal, however, at home they are not so formidable, they have won just once in their last six home games in all competitions and noticeably have drawn three of those games.

At home in the Europa League Braga are fairly decent, but they do have losses and their wins have not been against any of Europe's top teams, they have failed to win 50% of their last 12 home games in the Europa League, that is quite telling.

All things considered I am confident that Gent will be able to hold Braga to a draw this evening.

Rapid Wien v Genk

I am not sure why Rapid are such heavy favourites for this game, I understand they have home advantage, but for me they are not a better team than Genk and the home advantage I believe will be negligible.

I am not saying that I feel Genk will win this game, what I am saying is that I do not think that Rapid are anywhere near a sure thing and that the most likely outcome will be the draw.

Rapid have not won in their last four matches, both domestically and in Europe, that includes two home games, one of which was a 2-0 loss, however, the most important aspect of their recent win-less streak is three draws.

Genk on the other hand have lost just the once in their last five matches, that loss was their most recent game away to Standard Liege, in better words their most recent form, over the last five games is superior to Rapid.

Now, if there was much difference in the respective leagues then recent results would not be so important, but I actually feel that the Belgium league is stringer than the Austrian league and so the recent results are important.

All things considered I am backing the draw in this one.

Sassuolo v Athletic Club

I am taking the draw in this one.

For mid table and lower table teams in Spain and Italy there is not much difference, both leagues, beneath the top sides, are fairly evenly matched and I feel that will play out today.

Both clubs can point to recent good results, as an example Bilbao held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw while Sassuolo beat Palermo away from home in their opening league game.

Bilbao form is slightly better, but they are the away side and it is never easy to go to any Serie A side and win, no matter who you are.

If this game was played in Spain then I would go for the home win, but because Sassuolo are the home side I am confident that a draw will be the end result here. 

Viktoria Plzen v Roma

There is a huge gulf in quality between Italian sides and sides from the Czech Republic and I cannot see anything other than an away win here.

Roma were dumped out of the champions league against Porto, a game they were favoured to win, because of two red cards and just a bad night, they are much better than that and will want to show that this evening.

Plzen will have home advantage and their crowd will be passionate, but that can only carry you so far, the quality on the pitch is more important and while on occasions home advantage can make a difference, it will not tonight.

Both teams won at the weekend and so both come into this game in good spirits, if Roma were on a bad run or full of injuries or had just sacked their manager then a case may have been made for the home side, but none of that has happened, Roma are in good shape and as long as they play to form, they will win.

Roma to win for me, they are simply the better side and by quite a bit.

Young Boys v Olympiakos

I have actually watched both these sides recently and based on that I am going for Young Boys to get the win here.

Young Boys have been in very mixed form, it is quite weird how their form has fluctuated, they can beat Lausanne in their domestic league 7-2 and in the very next game, away to Borussia Munchengladbach in the Champions league, lose 6-1.

However, they are second in the Swiss league and overall are in good form, especially at home recently, they have lost once and won four times in their most recent home games, an example of their home form was when they beat Shahktar Donetsk in the champions league.

Olympiakos are one of the best Greek sides, but they are not world beaters, they are in the Europa League and not the Champions League for a reason and they are notoriously bad travellers in Europe, on a neutral ground they may be the slightly better team, but they are away and in this instance it is significant.

They have won just five times away in their last 20 Champions League games and six from their last 15 away games in the Europa League, not the best record at all.

All things considered I am going with Young Boys to win this one.

APOEL v Astana

Two teams that I have watched a lot recently and I struggle to find much between them, they really do come across as evenly matched and I see that being the result today, a draw.

Not too much should be read into Astana recent loss at home, they were focused more on this game and that alone tells you how seriously they will be taking this game tonight, they will be very prepared that is for sure.

APOEL will of course have a very passionate Cypriot crowd behind them and I was tempted to go with them based on that, it could be significant, but further analysis of the respective teams tells me that there is not that much difference between the pair.

Astana were very unlucky to be knocked out of the champions league against Celtic and you do not get many crowds more passionate than Celtic fans and it did not bother Astana in the slightest, it was more the fact that the ref had a very poor game and two penalties that saw them lose 2-1 away to the Scots, point being is that Astana can handle passionate crowds away from home and they played with massive credit away to Celtic.

APOEL failed to win at home against Copenhagen, they were actually unlucky, but regardless, home advantage did them no favours in that game and they were knocked out of the Champions League simply because they could not make home advantage tell.

Bottom line for me is that Astana are good enough not to lose this game, I am not saying they will win, but the fact that I cannot see them losing means the draw is the most logical outcome.