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

This is a game that will be tight but I fully expect Bari to emerge the victors, especially in front of their home fans..

Take Bari -0.5

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

I am going with Palmeiras to get the win today and cover the spread, they have more advantages today and it will be s surprise if they do not collect all three points.

Take Palmeiras -0.5

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

The Vikings look good for the win today and I would have had the spread a fair bit higher and expect Minnesota to run out winners by at least 3 points.

Take the Vikings -1

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

The Titans should win this one by a good few points, I would not be surprised to see them win by double figures, however, being realistic getting the Titans -4 is a gift and one I intend to take advantage of.

Take Titans -4

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

This should be one-way traffic in favour of the Jaguars, they are more than capable of winning this game by at least 7 points and giving up 5 points should not prove too much of a challenge.

Take the Jaguars -5

5th placed Botafogo face 13th placed Atletico PR and I cannot see anything other than a home win.

Botafogo did lose their last game at home but prior to that, they had won five of six home games and the week before their last loss they beat the league leaders at home.

Atletico is a poor away side, they have lost four of their last five away games in the league and the only win in that run was against a team below them.

On recent form, Botafogo has generally been very strong at home and Atletico very poor away and if both sides play to form then Botafogo will win.

Take Botafogo to win on the spread.

I am struggling to find a positive reason to back the Packers in this one, without Rodgers they are simply not the same team and relying on the Lions to continue to fail in the red zone is fraught with risk.

If Detroit can get their act together when in scoring positions then the Packers will be in for a rough night, if they do not then Green Bay could sneak the win.

However, I have far more confidence in the Lions to sort their offensive issues out than I do the Packers and that is why I am going with the Lions to get a morale-boosting win and cover the spread.

Take the Lions -2 

This game is from Brazil Serie B and Internacional look a solid bet to win this game.

Internacional is top of the table with 62 points, whereas their opponents are on 39 points and in the relegation zone, so the difference over the season is there to see.

Luverdense are not actually a bad home side, they may have won just six times from 16 home games but they have drawn seven and lost just the three but they are playing a team that has dropped points over their last two outings and who will be determined to get back to winning ways.

Internacional has let their lead at the top slip and they are now just two points clear of second and worse, just seven points ahead of the 5th placed side and out of the promotion spots.

The last thing they will want is the potential to lose the top spot and find themselves just four points above 5th.

Luverdense are fighting relegation and will no doubt put up a strong performance in front of their home fans, but Internacional will have too much for them to handle.

I cannot see any other result than an Oakland win today.

Miami took a hammering last week and while the Raiders did not do too brilliant themselves they are capable of better than what they have been showing, the win over Kansas shows that.

Miami, of course, was on a three-game winning run before that defeat to Baltimore last week, but the manner of that defeat removed any confidence I had in them.

Bottom line is that Oakland has more potential to get the win than Miami does and I can see the Raiders winning this one by at least 5 points.

I am going with the Cardinals to win this game by at least 3 points, in fact, my analysis has them at 6 points better than the 49ers and so getting -2 is a gift.

The 49ers do have character and they have been unlucky but they are a limited team and the Cardinals are simply a better team in my book.

Take the Cardinals -2

I am going with the Titans in this one.

The Titans have got themselves back into contention AFC South and I expect them to kick on now and finish the season with a flurry.

Baltimore have been very hit and miss this season, yes they won convincingly last week but that was after two straight losses and it would be no surprise to me to see them lose again after a big win.

It will be a tight affair but I am confident that Tennessee will run out the winners and cover the 3 point spread.

Brentford has two significant advantages going into this game, they are at home and are in much better form than their opponent.

Leeds have lost five of their last six league games, that is just three points from a possible 18 and are in freefall, they did win their last away game but have since lost two at home, they are without confidence and morale is very low at Elland Road.

Brentford, on the other hand, is unbeaten in their last eight league games and while they have drawn a lot at home they are up against opponents that can barely buy a win.

This game is an in-form side up against a team completely out of form and it is the in-form side that I am going with.

Take Brentford -0.5

It is difficult to see anything other than a Wolves win in this English Championship match.

Wolves are top of the table, they have won five of their seven home games so far this season and has won their last three on the bounce, they are in form, they have momentum and they are full of confidence.

Fulham are 16th, 13 points behind Wolves, they have not won in their last four games home or away and come into this game with a low morale, it would be a big achievement if they were to get anything from this game.

Wolves are in the much better form and are at home and therefore are a very strong pick for the win.

It is not hard to predict that the Vikings will win this one but I cannot see them beating the Browns by 11 clear points, not in London.

Playing in London creates a different dynamic, there is more to these sort of games than just form, as that has been proven already this season.

I also do not see this be a high scoring game and that also limits the potential margin of victory expected by the Vikings.

All circumstances taken into consideration I am going with Cleveland +10.5

Tricky game for both sides but I am confident that West Ham will claim all three points in front of their home fans today.

West Ham has won two of their three home games, the only defeat was against Tottenham which in all fairness is not a surprise considering how good Tottenham are.

The Hammers have struggled on the road but at least at home against the sort of opposition they face today, they win.

Brighton has yet to win away and have picked up just one point from a possible 12, in fact, they have scored just once on their travels this season in the Premier League.

Home advantage is crucial here, if this game was played at Brighton then I would have gone with them but the stats do not lie and it is not just the stats but also how the respective teams have performed.

Take West Ham -0.5

Groningen has a great opportunity to pick up three points today and lift themselves up the league standings, albeit temporarily.

Groningen remain unbeaten at home this season winning twice and drawing three times, however, they are playing a team second bottom and the chances are good that they will increase their win record.

Willem did win away against Roda (who are third bottom) but in their other three away games they lost 2-0, 5-0 and 4-0 and in their eight games this season, home and away, they have lost six times, this is not a top Dutch side.

Now, Willem did win at the weekend but that was at home and against a side just two places above them, Twente, whereas Groningen drew but their opponents, AZ, are one of the better sides in the league.

All things considered, it is hard to see beyond a home win.

Take Groningen -0.5

Everton is in terrible shape at the moment, they are in very poor form, they are struggling in front of the goal and currently find themselves 16th in England. They lost at the weekend and questions are already being asked about their manager.

Lyon sits 6th in France and are probably where they should be, however, they beat last seasons Champions League semi-finalists Monaco 3-2 at the weekend and come into this game full of confidence, certainly more than Everton.

I cannot see Everton winning and Lyon are the better value on the spreads.

Take Lyon on the spreads.

I am going with Braga to get their fourth Europa League win on the bounce this season.

Ludogorets are doing very well in their domestic league in Bulgaria but are not doing as well away from home in Europe, they may not have lost yet but they have not won once either and in fact, have not scored a single goal drawing all three games 0-0.

The attitude of the Bulgarian side seems to be to defend like hell away from home, that may work against poorish opposition but not against a side from Portugal who are 5th in the league just two points behind 3rd placed Benfica.

I see Braga going for the win against a side set of defence and I expect them to get it.

Take Braga -0.5

I cannot see anything other than a clear Villarreal win.

There is a clear gulf between Spanish and Czech football at club level and I will be very shocked if that is not shown in this game.

Slavia are second in their domestic league but are eight points behind the leaders and it is a very poor league, they have won just once away from home in any European competition in the last ten years and against a very accomplished La Liga side, I can't see that changing today.

Villarreal is unbeaten at home this season and play teams of much better ability than their opponents week in and week out.

The spread is high but Villarreal is more than good enough to beat it.

Take Villarreal -1

At any other time Arsenal would be much bigger favourites in this game but because of recent results the odds are higher than usual on the Gunners and that is a mistake in my opinion.

Europe provides a good outlet for Arsenal, it is away from home and the pressures that brings and they do like playing the European way.

Arsenal clearly has the better players and providing they are in the mood today, which I belive they will be, then they really should win this game, even in a hostile environment in Serbia.

Take Arsenal -0.5

Lazio are in excellent form at the moment, they are third in Serie A and they have won every single away game this season and that includes beating Juventus in Turin at the weekend.

Nice are 14th in the French league and lost at home 4-2 to Marseille at the weekend, they are not in great form and are playing a team that is more than capable of beating them despite having home advantage.

The form says Lazio and I agree.

Take Lazio on the spreads

I get the feeling that Koln are being flattered by the odds makers simply because they are German side facing a side from Belarus.

Koln are rock bottom of the Bundesliga and have just one point from eight games, they have lost both their Europa League games including at home last time out against a side from Serbia.

BATE are third in their domestic league after 25 games and are just two points behind the leaders, they are in with a fantastic chance of winning their national title, they have a mixed record in Europe and even though they lost at home to Arsenal last time out they still managed to breach the Premier League sides defence twice.

I was tempted to back BATE outright but have decided to take the safer option on the spreads.

Take BATE on the spreads

I am going with Bristol Rovers to get the win today against Oxford United.

These two teams are fairly evenly matched, both are on 18 points after 12 league games, however, there is a difference in their respective home and away records this season.

Rovers have won four of their last five home games and Oxford has lost three and drawn one of their last five road games.

Home advantage is important here and it is Rovers that have it and I expect them to scrape.

Take Bristol Rovers -0.5

This is a game that Norwich should win and I am confident they will do so.

Home advantage is critical in this game, especially with the away record of Hull City this season.

Hull have yet to win on the road and boast an away record of three defeats and two draws, basically just two points from a possible 15.

Norwich on their home turf has lost just once this season, the first home game in fact, however, they have won just twice from their five home games this season but they were strong last season and I expect that as the season progresses they will become even harder to beat at Carrow Road.

Hull are woeful away and Norwich are on a four-game unbeaten home run and that has swayed me in favour of Norwich.

Take Norwich -0.5

I am going with Burnley to win against West Ham Today.

Burnley is currently on a five-game unbeaten run, they drew at Tottenham, a very impressive result, they also drew away at Liverpool and beat Everton at Goodison Park in that sequence, a set of fantastic results for a minor Premier League side.

Burnley have struggled a little at home this season winning just once and losing twice from the five home games, however, they have collected four points from a possible six in their last two home games and are starting to get back to form in front of their home fans.

West Ham has yet to win away this season, they have lost three of their road games and at best are simply inconsistent, they are not a good side and a relegation struggle looks likely.

Burnley have the form and home advantage and have to be the pick, however, I am slightly concerned at the lack of home wins this season and therefore have gone safety first and decided to take Burney +0

I was slightly taken back by the odds on Rosenborg, they should be much shorter.

Rosenborg is nine points clear at the top of the league, they are the best side in Norway and are almost certain to win the title. They did go through a sticky patch at one point but they are back to winning ways and enter this game on the back of four straight away wins.

Tromso is second bottom, they are fighting to avoid relegation and while they have started to put a string of good results together recently they are still a poor side in Norwegian football.

If Rosenborg had already wrapped up the title then I may have been tempted to side with the home side but that is not the case and as long as Rosenborg play to form they will win.

Rosenborg -0.5

Last season I finished +529 and I intend on beating that this season despite a very mixed start to this campaign.

The Chiefs are one of my Superbowl picks, I can see them going all the way this year and only having to give up a single point against the Texans is simply a gift for me.

The Texans were very impressive last week but to me, that said more about their opponents than anything else and I cannot see them doing a repeat this week.

Take the Chiefs -1

Last season I finished +529 and I intend on beating that this season despite a very mixed start to this campaign.

I had high hopes for the Raiders at the start of the season but they have wobbled a little recently but I am prepared to give them one more chance to show that they are better than they have been lately.

The Ravens are not going to do much this year and the Raiders should be more than strong enough to get a convincing win.

Take Oakland -3

Last season I finished +529 and I intend on beating that this season despite a very mixed start to this campaign.

In this match I am going with the Cardinals receiving seven points, I am not sure they will get a sneaky win against the Eagles but I do not see them getting beat by too many points.

This game will be far closer than the spreads have indicated.

Cardinals +7

Last season I finished +529 and I intend on beating that this season despite a very mixed start to this campaign.

I feel that the Bills have been underestimated so far this season and that the Bengals are being given too much respect.

I was tempted to take the riskier route in this game and back the Bills outright but have decided that the safe route via the spreads is the more sensible way to go.

Take the Bills +3 

Last season I finished +529 and I intend on beating that this season despite a very mixed start to this campaign.

I was tempted to back the Panthers outright, I am confident they will win this match but decided that the safety net of 2.5 points was too good to miss and have gone with that option.

The Panthers showed last week that they can turn it on and if they take the attitude and passion they displayed last week into this match against the Lions then I expect them to win.

Take the Panthers +2.5

Even without their captain and superstar Gareth Bale, Wales should win this one.

Wales have had a hit and miss campaign but they know they simply must win this game and their opponents are ripe for the taking.

Georgia are a poor International side and the only advantage they have today is home advantage.

As long as Wales can overcome the passionate home support and play to their true ability then they will win.

Take Wales to win

Scotland has done a great job to get themselves back in the mix for World Cup qualification, but they still have work to do to actually finish in the second position. The Scots need to win this game as well as their next against Estonia on Sunday to stand any chance. This is a tall order for them even though they are playing at home, as Slovakia is one of the deadliest sides in Europe right now. The Scots have been impressive this year as they remain unbeaten despite having played against England already. They have netted at least two times in their last three games, and their fans will hope that home advantage would see them win this game.

Slovakia is currently occupying the second position ahead of this game and their last match on Sunday. They have been adventurous over their last few games and they showed that against England the last time out, they have also scored in three of their last four games. However, they have clear defensive problems as they have kept just one clean sheet in their last six games.

I believe the Slovaks will not just give up their slot on the table. Slovakia to win or draw is my pick for this game.

I am going with the Bengals to win this one in comfort.

The Bengals have yet to hit their stride and against a poor Browns I do see them doing exactly that. The Browns are there for the taking and I see the bengals winning this one by at least six points.

Take the Bengals -3

It is hard to look beyond a Patriots win but I am not at all confident that they will beat the spread.

The Panthers will put up a much better performance than is expected of them and while I do not see them winning I do not see the Patriots running riot either.

I expect to see the Panthers stay close to the Patriots throughout the game and at worst be within seven points of their opponents.

I think that the Bills receiving 8 points is an absolute steal and I for one will be all over this pick.

The Falcons should win, they are the clear favourites but the idea that they will win by at least two scores is a bit harsh on the Bills for me.

This game will be a lot closer than most think and I would have gone with the Bills receiving 7, so getting 8 is a gift.

Take the Bills +8

I am quite confident that the Titans will win this match up by at least three points.

They have won their last two games fairly comfortably enough and I see them making it three wins on the bounce.

The Texans will obviously be tough opponents but I simply believe strongly that the Totans are the better side and will show that today.

Take the Titans -2.5 points

I am going with Cardiff to win at home against Derby today.

Cardiff are top of the Championship, they beat Leeds United midweek and are in good form at this moment in time.

Derby are not a bad side by Championship levels but they are already 11 points behind Cardiff and are really up against it today.

Take Cardiff to register a home win and collect all three points.

Neither team is in great form at the moment, in fact, both are in a woeful state but I am going with Sirius to get the win in this Swedish match up.

Sirius season has gone way off track in recent weeks, they have lost their last five games in a row and last time at home lost 5-0 to Ostersund but they are better than those results indicate and can bounce back.

Orebro has lost four of their last five games and does have the slightly better form, but they are below Sirius in the standings and the truth is they have been playing to their standard and there is no sign of any drastic improvement and therein lies the difference between these two sides.

Sirius can improve, whereas I do not believe that Orebro can.

In front of their home fans, I do expect Sirius to perform better than they have been doing and get the win against poor opposition.

I am going with the Rams to win this match up and cover the spread.

I do not like the 49ers at all this season and am convinced they will struggle throughout this campaign and results to date back that belief up.

San Francisco did improve last weekend but they still lost and that will have hardly improved their morale. 

The Rams lost to Washington and that surprised me a little but their first-week performance was impressive and I am prepared to give them another chance against a poor 49ers.

Take the Rams -2.5 

Last season I finished +529 and intend on beating that this season, I also had the highest average NFL  odds of any handicapper on this network.

I am very confident that the Falcons will win this game and cover the spread, I would have gone higher, as much as six points and so giving up just three points is more than acceptable.

Last season I finished +529 and intend on beating that this season, I also had the highest average NFL odds of any handicapper on this network.

I was tempted to back Denver outright in this game but decided that caution is the best approach and have decided to take them +3 on the spreads.

Last season I finished +529 and intend on beating that this season, I also had the highest average NFL  odds of any handicapper on this network.

I am confident that the Titans will win this matchup and I have them at 3 point favorites and so getting them on the spreads at -1 is a gift I will not turn down.

Last season I finished +529 and intend on beating that this season, I also had the highest average NFL  odds of any handicapper on this network.

I can only see one winner in this game and it is the Panthers, I would have backed them with a higher spread than what is currently on offer and so I am happy to accept them giving up 6 1/2 points.

Last season I finished +529 and intend on beating that this season, I also had the highest average NFL  odds of any handicapper on this network.

I believe this game will be a lot closer than most people think and receiving a six-point spread in favour of the Eagles is just too good an offer to pass on.

West Brom is a better side than West Ham and as long as they play to form they will win this game.

West Ham did win last week but do not let that result dissuade you from the fact that they are woeful and face a season of struggle.

With home advantage, West Brom should prove too strong for the West Ham.

Take West Brom to win.

Neither of these sides is covering themselves in glory so far this season and unless they improve they will both struggle to get a promotion to the Premier League.

That said, Hull is a far better side at home than they are away, certainly better than what Sunderland are away.

With home advantage and against a team that is far from impressive Hull should collect all three points today.

Take Hull to win.

Huddersfield has been a bit of a surprise package this season but they came unstuck away to West Ham last week and that did show their limitations.

Leicester have only lost to the best sides this season and have already shown that they will be one of the best sides behind the top six teams in the Premier League come to the end of the season.

Leicester City will feel confident they can win this game and so am I.

Take Leicester City to win

Hertha and Athletic Bilbao are the best teams in group J and playing each other in the first game could set the tone for how the final group standing will be after the end of group games. 

The Germans were impressive last season as they finished 6th in the Bundesliga table. Most of their success last season was tied to their early season form as well as a solid set of home performances. They have won two and lost one of their last 4 matches, but they have just one point from their last two league games but I see them getting back to winning ways when their Basque visitors come to town.

Their visitors finished 7th in the La Liga table last season. The Spaniards come into this game in top form as they are unbeaten in their last six matches. However, it is worth noting that they failed to win any of their away matches in the group stages in this competition last season. Losing two and drawing one of those matches. 

They still have their star attacker Aduriz on their books and the veteran attacker has started the season with three goals in the Europa League and two in the La Liga. 

Despite the form of Bilbao, I believe Berlin will not lose at home. 

Take Hertha Berlin on the spreads

Lazio and Nice are favorites to make it out on top of Group K, but I expect Zulte Waregem and Vitesse to give them some problems during the group stages. 

Vitesse finished impressively 5th in the Dutch league table last season and they will be looking to make this rare opportunity to play in Europe count for them. They have continued their fine form into this new season as they are currently 2nd in the league table with three wins and a draw from four games already. 

However, they have a poor record in the Europa League after losing five out of their last six games in the competition and they conceded two or more goals in five of those games. This would be a tough game for them but their early season form should see them get at least a draw in this game.

SS Lazio started the season by beating Juventus in the Italian super cup and that has helped them build some early season momentum. They currently have two wins and a draw from their opening three games which have seen them climb up to the 4th position in the league table. 

The Rome based side was expected to suffer from the loss of the likes of Lucas Biglia and Keita Balde but they have done very well locally and will be looking to impress in Europe also.

I believe Vitesse will continue their early season form and get at least one point from this game. 

Vitesse +0.5

Sport Recife made it to this round following a 3-2 aggregate victory over Argentine side Arsenal but they have since slumped to a terrible run of form. They were clear candidates for a Copa Libertadores place before their recent poor run of form that has seen them go six games without a win, four of which were actually losses, and last weekend’s 1-0 home loss to Avai is a new low for them.

Ponte is one point behind Sport in their domestic table, and they would be looking to get at least something from this game. The Macaca have put in some good performances in this competition getting some unlikely aggregate victories over Gimnasia de la Plata and Sol de America to reach this point with an unbeaten record. They have proved to be a good side when they play on the road as they have lost just 1 in 5 away games so far, two of which ended in victories for them. They battled from 2-0 down to earn a point in their game against Sao Paolo and also drew 0-0 against Recife earlier. But this game could be harder for them and I believe Recife will use this game as an opportunity to get back to form.

Sport Recife to win is my pick for this game.

RB Leipzig may be the most hated club in Germany, but their meteoric rise through the lower ranks of German football cannot be denied. They won promotion to the German top flight for the first time in their history last season and they started their season unbeaten in their first 13 games. They eventually finished the season in second position and qualified for the Champions League at the first time of asking.

Now they are out to prove everyone who considers them underdogs wrong again. They have managed to keep hold of their top players with peripheral players Olivier Burke and Davie Selke the only notable departures. Naby Keita has agreed to join Liverpool next season, but they still have one season to get from him and his performance on Sunday would have delighted the fans. Timo Werner has already netted 3 times this season a follow up to his 21 league goals last season and they will be banking on him to break down Monaco in this game.

AS Monaco won the French league last season, but their squad has been decimated with key players like Kylian Mbappe, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Benjamin Mendy all making big money moves away from the Municipal Stadium. They have started the season brightly thanks in part to the stunning form of Manchester United and Chelsea flop, Radamel Falcao. They lost their last game 4-0 to Nice and that will have done some damage to their confidence ahead of this game.this game.

I Believe RB Leipzig will continue their fine run and start their European campaign with a win.

Take Leipzig to win

Last season I had the highest average odds on this network and ended +529 with a 51.4% winning record.

I do not rate the 49ers and expect them to lose to the Panthers this evening and by more than 4.5 points.

Take Carolina -4.5 points

Last season I had the highest average odds on this network and ended +529 with a 51.4% winning record.

I expect the Falcons to get the win today, the spread seems a little high for my liking but even so, I do expect Atlanta to cover the 6.5 points.

Take Atlanta -6.5

Last season I had the highest average odds on this network and ended +529 with a 51.4% winning record.

I can see the Cardinals winning this one by at least 7 points and so I am hay to snap up the -2 points spread.

Take Arizona -2

Last season I had the highest average odds on this network and ended +529 with a 51.4% winning record.

Love this match up and I feel that the Redskins have been underestimated here and would have backed them giving up a point, so getting them receiving a point makes this a must bet game on Washington.

Washington +1

Last season I had the highest average odds on this network and ended +529 with a 51.4% winning record.

I like the Bengals and am confident they will come out of the stalls flying and expect them to beat the Bengals convincingly today.

Take the Bengals -3

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 like the look of Chicago in this one, New York has never convinced me when they are on the road and for me, home advantage is crucial today.

Today Chicago -0.5

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.

Two poor Austrian sides but Mattersburg are a better home side than what Admira are away from home.

This game is all about home advantage and backing Mattersburg is the sensible bet.

Take Mattersburg -0.5

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.

Leeds are in form right now and I fully expect them to win this game.

The odds on Leeds are very poor, however, they can be backed at decent odds giving up a goal and I am confident they are good enough to win this game by a couple of goals.

Take Leeds -1

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 feel very confident that Aarhus will prove too strong for Randers today.

Randers is a very poor away side at the moment and Aarhus are a stubborn home side and all the signs are that Aarhus will win this game.

Take Aarhus -0.5

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.

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

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 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

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 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 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 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.

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 

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

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

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

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.

I cannot see beyond an Aberdeen win today and for me, it was just a question of how many goals they will win by.

I do expect the Dons to win this game and so the worst case scenario for this pick is that your stakes are returned if the win is just by a single goal.

But I really am confident that Aberdeen will win by at least a couple of goals, it is certainly more likely than them winning by just a single goal or not winning.

The value is backing Aberdeen -1 and that is the pick for me.

Take Aberdeen -1

This will be a very close game but I am confident that Zenit will have enough about them to win this game against Spartak Moscow.

Zenit rarely lose at home, in fact, they have lost just once in their last 27 home games in the league.

Spartak has a very mixed away record, they lose and draw as many as they win and against a side with such an impressive home record they will struggle.

Zenit looks good for the win.

The first game of the English Championship for these two and a very close game is in prospect.

If this game was played in Leeds then I would have gone for the home win, however, with it being played in Bolton and the first game of the season then I am inclined to give the advantage to the home side.

The draw looks a strong bet to be fair, however, that option is not available to me and so backing Bolton on the spreads is the value pick.

Take Bolton +0

Cork is the dominant team in Ireland, they have won all ten games at home and top the table.

Galway have not won a single game on the road this season.

Bottom line is that this game is a bit of a mismatch and I fully expect Cork to win this match with ease.

Handicap is high at 2 goals but Cork is more than good enough to get the win.

Take Cork -2

First games in French Ligue 2 and I am taking Brest to get off to a winning start against promoted Chateauroux.

Brest was fairly strong at home last season and will be looking to be promotion contenders, whereas the away side will be looking to maintain their place in Ligue 2.

Take Brest -0.5

The first game of the French season for both these sides but based on history and home advantage I am going with Sochaux to claim all three points and get their season off to a good start.

Brest missed out on a promotion play off spot by just one point last season and will be looking to go one better this time round, whereas Bourg Peronnas are a promoted side that will be looking to stay in Ligue 2.

Take Brest -0.5

This is only the third game of the Danish season but I have seen enough to believe that the home side will win.

Sonderjyske has home advantage and is unbeaten after their first two games, whereas Helsingor has lost both their opening games and the signs are not good at this point for them.

It is still early but I am very confident that the momentum is behind Sonderjyske and that they will continue their fine start to the season.

Take Sonderjyske -1

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

This is a match up that Freiburg should win and win easily, I had this game down as 3-0 or 4-0 for the home side and so a handicap of -1.5 is a definite pick for me.

Take Freiburg -1.5

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

Gent is one of my bankers and I would have backed them to win this game giving up 1.5 goals and so the handicap of -1 is a gift for me.

Take Gent -1

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

I have AEK clear winners in this Europa League match. I would have preferred a higher handicap with better odds but alas, the handicap has been set at just -0.5 and so the odds are very restrictive.

Take AEK -0.5

Due to time constraints, there is minimal written analysis today, 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 Stjarnan will win this game, I have backed them a little over the last month and they generally come good.

The handicap is higher than I would have liked but I am still happy to take what is on offer as I see them winning by a couple of goals.

Take Stjarnan -1

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

Sturm Graz should have more than enough to notch up the win against St Polten today and while it will be a close game it should still be a win for Sturm.

Take Sturm Graz -0.5

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

Start is a better side than Kongsvinger and it would be a surprise if they do not emerge the winners.

I fully expect Start to win by a couple of goals and am happy to take them giving up one goal.

Take Start -1

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

This is a game that Gothenburg should win with ease, the big question was by how many goals.

For me, it will be by at least two and therefore the pick has to be Gothenburg -1.

Take Gothenburg -1

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

This game could be a classic and will probably be a high scoring affair but I am confident that City will prove to be too strong for the Fire in front of their own fans.

Take New York City -0.5

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

I am taking Inverness to edge this one today, they have home advantage and while that may not have the impact in the same way it does in a league game it will still play a significant part in this cup game.

Take Inverness -0.5

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

Haugesund has got their act together at home recently as the win over Rosenborg showed. Aalesunds have not won in their last three away games and they are starting to look shaky when on the road.

Take Haugesund to win

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

FC Lahti has a great opportunity here to collect all three points, they are strong at home, have won their last three games, two of them convincingly and have the momentum right now. RoPS are in OK form but not when they are away, they have won just once from their last 15 road games.

Take FC Lahti -1

I like Corinthians, I back them on a regular basis and they very rarely let me down, in fact, I cannot remember the last time I lost with them.

Corinthians have won 11 of their last 12 Serie A games drawing the other and are currently on a five game winning streak and on a six game winning run at home. They sit at the top of the table and are simply the best team currently in Brazil.

Atletico is there for the taking, they are a huge 20 points behind Corinthians after just 13 games, they have only scored more than once in a game on two occasions all season and on the road have won just twice in their last 18 Serie A games this season and last.

I simply cannot see anything other than a home win here and even at odds that are not great this really is a home banker, the only question was how many they will win by and for me it will be by at least two, if not more.

Take Corinthians -1

This is a game that Corinthians really should win, the question is by how many.

Corinthians is currently sitting top of Serie A, they have won their last five home games and in only one of those games did they actually concede goals.

Ponte Preta has not won on the road in Serie A for 18 games now, that is really bad, they do get the odd draw, but have scored in just one away game from their last six road trips.

The gulf between these two, especially with Corinthians at home and Ponte Preta away is immense.

I am far more confident that the home side will win by at least two goals than I am in them not winning or winning by just a single goal.

Take Corinthians -1