Take Brighton to cover the spread

Take Arsenal to cover the spread

Take Manchester United to cover the spread

Take Leeds United to cover the spread

Take Napoli to cover the spread

Take Benfica to cover the spread

Take Molde to cover the spread

Take Real Madrid to cover the spread

Take Bayern Munich to cover the spread

Take Leeds United to cover the spread

Take Inter Milan to cover the spread

Take Napoli to cover the spread

Take Manchester City to cover the spread

Take Tottenham to cover the spread

Take Leeds United to cover the spread

Take Newcastle United to cover the spread

Take Girona to cover the spread

Take Fiorentina to cover the spread

Liverpool take on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final and it is the Reds I am going with to get the win and lift the trophy.

Chelsea has been poor and Liverpool is almost unbeatable this season and while cup games can be one-off affairs, it would be a surprise for me if Liverpool does not win within 90 minutes, they are simply the better side.

Take Liverpool to cover the spread

Wolves have been playing well recently, whereas Sheffield United have been poor most of the season.

For me, this game was always about how many Wolves would win by and I believe it will be by at least two goals.

Take Wolves to cover the spread

Putting this one up early as it is a morning kick-off in Italy.

Juventus need to get back to winning ways after going four games in the league without a win and that is what I fully expect them to do today. Frosinone are in a relegation fight and even though Juve has lost to teams below them recently I just cannot see that happening again.

Take Juventus to cover the spread.

This will be a tight game but I am confident that Brighton will emerge as the victors, they have home advantage and a better team.

Take Brighton to cover the spread

I am taking Werder Brement to get the better of Darmstadt, not because Werder is anything special but because Darmstadt is a very poor team that will be relegated.

Take Werder Bremen to cover the spread

Stuttgart are fighting hard for a Champions League spot and the last thing they will be doing now is dropping points against a team at the bottom end of the standings. 

I expect Stuttgart to get the win and by at least two goals

Take Legia Warsaw to cover the spread

Take Ipswich to cover the spread

Take Athletico Bilbao to cover the spread

Take AC Milan to cover the spread

Take Sheffield United with the spread

Atalanta is in great form at the moment, they have won their last five games on the bounce in all competitions and seven of their last eight, the last time they lost a game was back in December away at Bologna.

Atalanta at home is also a formidable outfit recently, winning their last six Serie A home games, they are now fourth in the standings and will be desperate to maintain that position considering it is a Champions League position. They are on the same points as fifth-placed Bologna and so you can see why they simply cannot entertain dropping points, especially at home against a team in a relegation battle 22 points below them.

Sassuolo have had a disappointing season, they have lost five of their last six away games in the league and their last four on the bounce, with only a draw at fellow relegation strugglers Udinese a positive. In that sequence, they lost by two goals against Bologna and Juventus, they are not in good form at all at this moment in time.

We have a team in Atalanta in brilliant form at home playing a team in freefall who cannot buy an away point at the moment and it all points to a win for the home side and a comprehensive one at that.

Take Atalanta to cover the spread.

Not so long ago this would have been considered a titanic battle between two Premier League heavyweights but that is no longer the case with City being the world's best club team according to the latest OPTA statistics and Chelsea a poor tenth in the Premier League.

City have won their last 11 games in all competitions, they are an absolute machine and at home are almost unbeatable winning their last five home games on the bounce and each one by at least two goals.

Chelsea, despite spending over $1.3 billion over the last two seasons on players is basically a mid-table team, they are not anywhere near the quality of Man City and even though the Blues do get the odd decent result against the traditional top six sides in England they have not come up against City in this form this season.

City are steamrolling everyone in their path and they will be looking to send a message to the rest of the league with a statement win and that is what I expect them to do.

Take City to cover the spread.

Juventus have seen their title challenge unravel over the last few weeks, they have dropped seven points in their last three league games and now find themselves ten points behind leaders Inter Milan, any hope they have of winning the title will completely evaporate if they fail to win this game and I fully expect them to bounce back from their recent travails.

Juve may be the away side but they are far better than third-bottom Verona, who are firmly in a relegation battle and even with home advantage lack the required quality to stop Juventus, providing that Juve play to their qualities.

It should also be noted that Juventus have to keep on picking up points if they are to maintain a top-four spot and a place in next season's Champions League and anything less than a win and that target will be in danger.

Take Juventus to cover the spread.

Tottenham are in fourth position in the Premier League, which is a Champions League qualification spot and they will be desperate to maintain that position.

Tottenham will be looking both upwards and downward in the standings, they are five points behind bitter local rivals Arsenal in third and seven behind leaders Man City, they will have slim hopes of closing that gap, however, they are just one point above Aston Villa and six points ahead of Man Utd and they have to keep those two teams at bay.

So you can see the importance of a win for Spurs and they do have home advantage as well, they also have an almost fully fit squad though they have had late injuries to their two fullbacks but that should not be enough to stop them.

They did lose at Wolves earlier in the season but that was at a time when they were riddled with injuries and suspensions and Wolves only got the win with two very late goals, additionally, Wolves have been very hit-and-miss recently.

Taking everything into consideration I am going for Tottenham to win and cover the spread.

This is not a game that Liverpool can drop points in considering the three-way battle that is currently taking place in the Premier League.

The Reds have only lost twice in the league this season, they are currently top of the table by two points from Man City, who have a game in hand and if they are to maintain their position they cannot be losing to a team currently 14th, even if they are the away team.

Brentford have been inconsistent all season and even though they have Ivan Toney back, they are still a fairly limited side.

Considering the circumstances of this game I cannot see anything other than a Liverpool win.

Take Liverpool to cover the spread.

Top of Serie A Inter Milan welcome bottom side Salernitana and while the spread has been set quite high, Inter are more than capable of covering it.

The spread has been set at 2 goals, however, Inter has beaten that sort of spread regularly this season when they are at home, for example, they beat AC Milan 5-1, Fiorentina 4-0, Udinese 4-0 and on other occasions have won by two clear goals, which in this instance would see your stakes returned.

However, Salernitana is the very worst team that Inter have faced this season and if there was ever a team they will beat comfortably, it is Salernitana.

The away side have lost seven of their eleven away games in Serie A this season and when they have played what you would consider a top team they have lost by more than two goals twice from four games but again, they have not played a team as good as Inter.

All things considered, I expect Inter to win this game with ease and I would be surprised if it is not by at least two goals and more likely by more. This is what I regard as a safety first pick.

I am confident that Torino will have enough firepower to defeat Lecce today in Serie A and cover the spread.

Torino is tenth, nine points above 13th-placed Lecce and while that is not a significant gap, the respective home and away form is.

For example, at home this season Torino has lost just once and that was against runaway leaders Inter Milan, they have won five and drawn five, they are fairly solid at home even though they do draw regularly but those draws have tended to be against teams with half decent away records.

Lecce has zero wins on the road and has lost their last five Serie A away games, scoring just once in those five games.

In all fairness to Lecce, those five most recent losses have been against good teams, at least four of those five are at the top end of the standings, however, it shows where their morale is right now.

In fact, Lecce has just one win in their last eight league games, they are not a team in good shape right now.

Considering how strong Torino is at home and how weak Lecce is on the road I am confident that Torino will grab the win today.

The only result I see coming out of this game is a home win for AC Milan.

This is a Europa League playoff game and AC Milan will be desperate to take a clear lead to France for the second leg and so it is imperative for them to get the win at their stadium today.

Rennes are in form, they have bounced back from a poor start to the season and are now on an eight-game winning run in all competitions but at no stage have they played away at a team of the caliber of AC Milan.

Milan is also in good form, they have steadily moved up the table in Italy and are very close to taking the second spot from Juventus, they will be keen to keep their momentum going.

It should be an entertaining game but the quality of AC Milan should shine through and I expect them to get the win.

Take Lazio with the Spread

Take Paris St Germain to over the spread

Take RB Leipzig with the spread

Take Juventus to cover the spread

Today I am travelling so no analysis

Take Hoffenheim to cover the spread

Today I am travelling so no analysis

Take Stuttgart to cover the spread

Today I am travelling so no analysis

Take Ajax to cover the spread

Today I am travelling so no analysis

Take Fiorentina to cover the spread

Brighton stuffed Tottenham 4-2 earlier in the season but that was under very different circumstances.

For starters, this game is at Tottenham and secondly, they now have a nearly fully fit squad available, that was not the case in the earlier meeting between the pair.

Also, Brighton does not have the best away record, for example, just a few weeks back they lost 4-0 away at Luton Town.

I am confident that Tottenham will beat Brighton and I will be backing them on the spread to do just that.

Two teams going in very different directions. Sheffield United are sinking faster than a rock in water while Luton is surprising many with their upturn in form.

Sheffield has just one win in their last 12 Premier League games and three draws, whereas Luton have lost just once in their last six Premier League games with three wins in that sequence including a 4-0 win over Brighton and beating Sheffield 3-2 at their ground.

Considering the form of both sides and Luton having home advantage and only recently beating Sheffield I am backing Luton to win and cover the spread.

Borussia Dortmund have been fairly inconsistent this season but has finally started to pick up their form with three wins and two draws in their last five Bundesliga matches and they needed to if they want to make Champions League football next season.

Dortmund are currently fourth with RB Leipzig breathing down their necks, they simply must win this game, especially being at home.

Freiburg are not doing so badly by their standards, they are seventh and are also in the running for a European spot, albeit not the Champions League but that does not mean they will not be motivated, they will be.

That said, their recent form in the league has taken a dip with just one win in their last five Bundesliga games thus presenting us with two teams going in different directions presently.

The form is with Dortmund, they are at home and that is enough for me to back them to get the win.

The only issue was, will they cover the spread? I believe they will.

Take Dortmund to cover the spread.

Massive game in Serie A with first playing second and I am of the opinion that Juventus will leave Milan with at least a point and will therefore be backing them on the spread.

Inter and Juve played out a draw in the first league game between the pair this season and it would not surprise me if we see something similar happen today.

I can go through all the stats but they sort of cancel each other out, Inter are formidable at home, Juventus the same on the road and so a case can be made for both teams to get the win and that is why this game is all about the eye test for me.

I have watched almost every Juventus game this season and most of Inter's as well and I cannot separate either of them and I was tempted to go for the draw but the safety net of backing Juventus to win or draw was the better option.

Of course, Inter, who are top and at home could emerge as the winners, they certainly have some advantages but Juventus are just as determined as their opponents and I see a very tight game unfolding here today and these are the sort of games that Juventus thrive in.

Take Juventus +0.5

This is a huge game in the race for the Premier League title and it is Liverpool I am backing not to lose this game.

The Reds are top and could go eight points clear with a win at the Emirates today, they have lost just once all season and that was a very controversial loss at Tottenham, they have already beaten Arsenal at the Emirates in the FA Cup and are coming off a 4-1 demolition job of Chelsea earlier in the week.

Arsenal are a formidable team, they did hold Liverpool to a draw at Anfield earlier in the season, and they will close the gap to just two points with a win, they have a vastly improved team over the last season and a half, and they have even broken their poor run of results against Man City and will feel confident they can beat Liverpool today.

So we have two very good and strong teams both capable of winning and this pick is all about judgement for me, I just do not see Liverpool losing, I am confident they will get something from this game.

Takle Liverpool +0.25

The dynamics of this fixture have undergone a substantial transformation from earlier in the season. Previously, PSV would have been a clear favorite for me, given their exceptional form in the league – winning 18 and drawing just one out of their 19 league games, an outstanding record by any measure.

However, recent developments suggest that chinks in PSV's armor are becoming apparent. Their relentless winning streak was halted two games ago with a draw against Utrecht, and a subsequent defeat to Feyenoord in the domestic cup tournament underscores a deviation from their earlier dominance. In concise terms, PSV has secured only one victory in their last three domestic fixtures, indicating a potential slowing down of their once unstoppable momentum.

Contrastingly, Ajax, who faced significant challenges earlier in the season, including managerial changes and fan unrest, have staged a noteworthy comeback. They have ascended rapidly in the league standings, currently occupying the fifth position, and are poised to secure a higher standing in the coming weeks. Ajax's resurgence is reflected in an impressive 11-game unbeaten streak in the league, comprising nine wins and two draws.

Taking into consideration the altered trajectories of both teams, Ajax's home advantage, and the fact that PSV's dominance has waned in recent fixtures, I am going with Ajax not to lose.

Take Ajax +0.5

This fixture is commonly referred to as the M23 derby due to the connection facilitated by the freeway between the two sides. The influence of home advantage is a pivotal factor, and in this instance, Brighton holds that advantage.

Brighton encountered a significant setback in their recent match, suffering a 4-0 defeat away at Luton. Despite this, it is reasonable to regard that result as an aberration, with Brighton possessing a superior quality that surpasses the implications of that particular match. Anticipating a recovery, I fully expect Brighton to rebound convincingly against the Eagles.

While Palace secured a victory in their last outing against the bottom-placed Sheffield United, the circumstances are nuanced. Palace found themselves trailing twice in that match, and considering Sheffield's lamentable season, the significance of that win may not be as commendable as perceived by some.

In my assessment, Brighton holds the advantage in this encounter. They are playing on their home turf, motivated to redeem themselves from the Luton defeat and boast superior qualities with a more adept managerial presence compared to Palace.

Take Brighton to cover the spread.

It is very difficult to see anything other than an Athletico Bilbao win on Friday in Spain.

Bilbao lost their opening home game of the season against Real Madrid, since then they have won eight and drawn twice and five of those wins came with a two-goal margin.

Mallorca has just one win from their 11 road games this season and you have to go back to April of last season for their previous win away from home. Now, they do not always lose by two clear goals but of all their losses since last April on the road, 50% have been by at least two goals.

I fully expect Bilbao to register the win and I believe that there is more chance of them winning by two goals and covering the spread than there is of them winning by just a single goal, which would see stakes returned.

This is a pick that provides an excellent safety net.

Take Athletico Bilbao -1

I cannot see anything other than a Liverpool win today at Anfield.

Chelsea has been getting results recently and they do tend to perform better against rival top-six clubs but it is a whole different ball game when going away to Liverpool.

The Reds currently sit on top of the standings and with emotions running high following the news that their manager Jurgen Klopp will leave at the end of the season you can expect a raucous crowd and that tends to make a difference.

Chelsea is not a strong side, they are developing and will no doubt get better as time goes on but as things stand today, Liverpool is the better side, they have lost just once all season in the league, the notorious game against Spurs and with Man City hot on their heels, they know nothing but a win will do today.

Take Liverpool to cover the spread.

The return of Ivan Toney for Brentford adds an extra dimension to this game and possibly makes it more competitive but I would still be surprised if Spurs do not win this match.

Brentford won last time out with Toney scoring but that was at home and even with their talisman back, they are still a very average side.

Tottenham lost 1-0 at home to champions Man City in the FA Cup at the weekend in a very lacklustre performance, I fully expect them to bounce back knowing that a win will put them back inside the top four.

Take Tottenham to cover the spread.

Analysis is minimal as I am currently on a mini-vacation

It is never easy to oppose a team like Arsenal, even on the spreads however there is good reason to do so today.

Forest have played at home 10 times in the league and only once lost by more than a single goal, they won their last home game against Man Utd, whereas Arsenal has not won in 50% of their away games this season and only on one occasion won by more than one goal.

Take Forest +1.25 goals

Due to time constraints (mini vacation) there will be no analysis today

Take Atletico Madrid to cover the spread

Due to time constraints (mini vacation) there will be no analysis today

Take Girona to cover the spread

Due to time constraints (mini vacation) there will be no analysis today

Take Genoa to cover the spread

Due to time constraints (on a mini vacation) there is no analysis today

Take Nigeria to cover the spread

Due to time constraints (on a mini vacation) there is no analysis today

Take Juventus to cover the spread

Due to time constraints (on a mini vacation) there is no analysis today

Take Bayern Munich to cover the spread

Due to time constraints, there is no analysis today.

Take Alaves to cover the spread

Due to time constraints, there is no analysis today.

Take Eintracht Frankfurt to cover the spread

I really cannot see anything other than a win for Girona today against a poor Sevilla side.

Girona currently sit top of La Liga after 20 games, which is a massive achievement considering this is a league with teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in it, they have exceeded expectations significantly and show no signs of slowing down.

Sevilla has had an awful season, they are 17th, just one spot above the relegation spots, and they are in danger of going down, something that would have been unthinkable at the start of the season.

Girona have won their last three home games including defeating Atletico Madrid in their last home game and this season they have lost just once at home in the league and that was against Real Madrid.

Sevilla have just one away win in the league all season and that was against Granada who are one of just three teams below them in the league and have lost three of their last four away games.

Everything points to a home win and that is why I am backing Girona to maintain their position as league leaders and collect all three points today.

I am backing Juventus to get the win and go top of Serie A today.

Juve has been in excellent form this season losing just once in all competitions, they have lost just once on the road and have won five of their last six away games, they are in brilliant form and it will take a massive effort from Lecce for them to get anything from this game and there is very little that points to them doing that.

For starters, Lecce is 13th, a whopping 18 points behind Juve, they have won just once in their last seven home games and overall have just one win in their last 15 games in all competitions, they really are not a good side.

Considering the form of Juventus and the incentive of going top and Lecce's appalling form I am very confident that Juventus will leave with all three points.

Take Juve to cover the spread.

I am backing Sheffield United to secure a positive result in this game.

A month ago, I would have confidently supported West Ham for the win, but recent developments have changed my perspective. Chris Wilder, Sheffield's new manager, has a proven track record, and his impact is already noticeable. Under his management, Sheffield is expected to be more competitive than in recent months.

West Ham, on the other hand, is facing challenges with the absence of their entire front three. Injuries to Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta, along with Mohammed Kudus being away on international duty, have left a noticeable gap in the team. The recent FA Cup performance highlighted the impact of these absences.

Considering Sheffield's home advantage, the influence of their new manager, and West Ham's key player absences, I am predicting Sheffield to secure a positive outcome in this game and cover the spread.

This match, for me, is all about current circumstances, and due to what has happened over the last week, I am backing Roma to secure a comfortable win.

Roma recently sacked their manager, Jose Mourinho, and replaced him with former Roma star Daniele de Rossi. There are good reasons to believe that we will witness a new manager bounce.

Being at home, Roma will have a packed and very vocal stadium as they welcome de Rossi to his new role.

Verona is not a strong side, positioned near the bottom for a reason, and they are likely to struggle against a pumped-up Roma team.

Considering the current situation, I am backing Roma to cover the spread.

Juventus have been good for me recently and I am backing them again today while they are in such good form.

Juve must win, they are five points behind Inter Milan and cannot afford for the gap to be maintained, a win will continue to heap the pressure on Inter and would put Juventus just two points behind the league leaders.

Juventus are unbeaten in their last 16 games in all competitions, they won 13 of those 16 games and are a team in excellent form, with a very strong morale and they will be looking to rack up another win and convincingly so.

Sassuolo did beat Fiorentina in their last game ten days ago but prior to that they were winless in seven games, they have just two wins from their nine away league games and currently sit just two points above the relegation zone.

The question for me was how many Juve would win by and I believe it will by at least two goals.

Take Juventus to cover the spread.

I am going with the Cowboys to win and cover the spread at the same time.

The Cowboys deserve their place in the playoffs whereas the Packers can consider themselves fortunate.

Home advantage is very important to the Cowboys, they are 8-0 and all their best wins have come in from of their fans.

Even if this game was in the Packers backyard I would still have gone with the Cowboys to win by at least a TD.

Take the Cowboys -7

It is hard to see anything other than a Lazio victory in this early Sunday kick-off in Serie A in Italy.

Lazio is fairly formidable at home, this season, in all competitions, they have lost just twice in 14 home matches and have won 9 of their last 11 home games.

Lecce on the other hand is awful on the road, they have not won a single game away from home this season and collected just five points from a possible 27 in the league.

Then add in the incentive for Lazio of going joint fourth and you soon see that everything is in Lazio's favour in this game.

I am confidently backing Lazio to win and cover the spread.

Napoli have had an awful season by their standards and currently sit in lowly ninth, that is not sustainable and I fully expect them to put a good run together at some point and a home fixture against bottom club Salernitana is a fantastic opportunity for them to register a comprehensive win and kick start their quest to gain a top four spot.

Salernitana are rock bottom for a reason and that is because they are poor, they did run Juventus close last time out but that followed a 6-1 stuffing away at Juve in the cup.

Napoli have been beaten by some lower teams this season and in their own back yard but after their 3-0 away loss to Torino last week, I fully expect a reaction today.

The bottom line for me is that Napoli has an opportunity here and I fully expect them to take it.

Take Napoli to win by at least two goals.

It is very difficult to look at this game and not see Juventus as the winner, the only question for me is, will Juventus cover the spread?

My answer is yes, they will. For starters, Juve have won eight and drawn two of their ten home games in all competitions this season and in their last home match, which was also in the Coppa Italia, they beat Salernitana 6-1.

Juventus are also taking this competition very seriously, they have no European football and only the two domestic competitions open to them are available for them to pick up silverware.

Frosinone have lost their last three games and while they also take this competition seriously, it is far more important to them to maintain their Serie A status and so their minds may not be as focussed on this competition as it is for Juve.

I fully expect Juventus to win and for them to win by at least two goals.

The Packers can secure a spot in the wild-card round by defeating the Bears at Lambeau Field, although the Bears are already eliminated. That said the Bears have hit top form in recent weeks.

They have won four of their last five games, however, the Packers, too, have seen improved performance in the latter part of the season, winning five of their last seven games.

The Packers have the edge historically having won the last nine games and remember, the Packers beat the Bears 38-20 in week one.

I get that the Bears are in good form but the Packers, at home, also in good form should be too much for the Bears and while I do not expect another 18 winning margin, I do expect it to be three or more.

Take the Packers to cover the spread

Securing a victory against the already-eliminated Titans will hand the Jaguars the divisional title. so they clearly have a lot to play for and one of the reasons I feel they will win and win by a decent score.

The Jaguars know a defeat would render them dependent on other outcomes, possibly resulting in them missing the playoffs altogether and they will give everything to avoid that happening today.

That said, The availability of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is uncertain due to a shoulder injury but I suspect he will start.

The Titans will, of course, want to spoil the Jaguar's party but I just do not see that happening, I am convinced the Jaguars will be up for this and will come through the other side victorious.

Take the Jaguars -4

This could be considered a nostalgic pick considering this may be the last time we see Bill Belichick in charge of the Patriots but I have no interest in that other than the crowd and probably players will be fully invested in this game being a winning one for the coach.

Basically, the Patriots have been improving, even in defeat in recent weeks, they have kept scores much closer and have registered a number of decent wins while the Jets have hardly been setting the world alight with just two wins in their last nine games.

With the context of this game and the fact that the Patriots are playing better than the Jets, I am going for a New England win and by at least three points.

Take the Patriots to cover the spread.

This is a mismatch and the spread should be a fair bit more.

The Panthers are the worst team in the league, their dismal record of 2-14 is a testament to that and even though, on occasions, they have been a little bit competitive, they are not a good team and are there for the taking.

The Bucs will want to win to clinch the AFC South title and playing such a poor side like the Panthers is simply a gift, it will take some doing by Tampa Bay not to secure an easy win today.

Take the Bucs to cover the spread.

Huge game for both sides. Arsenal will look to end their run of two consecutive defeats and Liverpool will be keen to maintain their momentum, especially against a title rival.

This is, of course, a FA Cup match but that just adds to the intrigue because whoever loses is out of the competition for this season.

This game will be more mental than anything else, both sides will be very aware of what the other can do, there will be fear, anticipation, expectation and whatever other meaningless word you can throw in there to explain the importance and effects of this game on both teams.

Because I believe this game will be decided by the strongest team mentally, I am backing Liverpool to take the win. They are also in better form and simply the better side right now and I feel that will show today against an Arsenal side whose confidence has been dented.

Take Liverpool to cover the spread.

Well, this one is fairly simple to sort out, you lose and you are out, you win and you are through to a wild-card spot and if Jacksonville loses tomorrow then whichever team wins would take the AFC South title. 

So, this is an everything to play for game and it is the Texans I am backing to emerge as the winners and cover the spread.

At the start of the season I had zero, below zero, hopes of the Texans making the playoffs but they have proven a lot of people wrong, they just keep coming no matter what happens, they bounce back as much as a tennis ball, they are a resilient, if inconsistent team.

The Colts are also inconsistent but I feel they lack the same resilience and determination as the Texans and that may well be crucial in this game.

There are good reasons to back the Colts, they are at home and a number of their offensive players have returned but the same can be said of the Texans, there are good reasons why they are worth backing, their young QB for example who must be a contender for the offensive rookie of the year.

I am backing the Texans based on the eye test, I have seen both these teams regularly this season and it is Houston that has impressed me more and shown me more when the chips are down.

All things considered, I am backing the Texans by at least three points.

The North East derby, one of the biggest in English football is here after a seven-year wait and an entertaining spectacle is expected.

Newcastle plays in the Premier League while Sunderland plays one division lower in the Championship so these two rarely meet and we can thank the FA Cup for bringing them together.

It will be a very passionate and volatile game and as with most derbies, there is so much on the line, especially for the fans and local bragging rights.

Sunderland has home advantage and is in better form, however, Newcastle are a Premier League team and the gap between the Championship and Premier League is significant, we have seen that this season with how the promoted teams have struggled.

Once Newcastke quieten the crowd down and I am positive they will do just that, they will then start to dominate the game, better teams do and Newcastle are a better team than Sunderland.

Yes, Newcastle have a load of injuries and Sunderland is in decent form and Newcastle are not, Sunderland has home advantage and inferior teams tend to do better than expected in derbies so Sunderland has a very good opportunity here for sure.

However, I just feel that the better class of Newcastle will prevail and they will take the win today.

Take Newcastle to cover the spread.

Tottenham needs a good cup run they need to win the competition and I expect them to take the FA Cup seriously this season, something they have not done previously and not something they did in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season and they paid the price.

When Tottenham click they are almost unstoppable and a team like Burnely presents them with the opportunity to put goals on the board, however, Burnley will be set up to play counter-attacking football and Tottenham must be careful not to be subjected to a sucker punch.

The only chance Burnley has is if Tottenham are wasteful in front of the goal and with Heung Min Son unavailable, that is of course a possibility, however, I do see them taking their chances in front of their fans and I do expect them to win by at least a couple of goals, the gulf in class is just too big.

Take Tottenham to cover the spread.

I am expecting a convincing Leeds United win today.

Leeds has hit a bumpy patch recently but they currently sit fourth while Birmingham is well down in the twentieth spot.

There is a reason for that, Leeds is a good side with several players who played in the Premier League last season still present in the squad and that experience makes a difference when it matters and right now, it matters for Leeds, they simply must get back to winning ways and they have no better opportunity than today.

Leeds have home advantage and are playing a poor side, they have motivation and will look to kick the new year off in style in from of their own fans.

Take Leeds to win by at least two goals.

The Dallas Cowboys, after a promising five-game winning streak, find themselves at a crossroads following back-to-back losses to the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins.

For Dallas, this game represents another significant test of their mettle and resilience. The recent setbacks have raised questions about their ability to perform under pressure, especially against formidable opponents. As they face the Lions, a team with a mix of motivations and a head coach with a competitive mindset, the Cowboys must rise to the occasion to prove their championship credentials.

The stakes are high for both teams. The Cowboys seek redemption after consecutive losses, while the Lions aim to solidify their playoff position. 

Of course, the Lions are a very strong opponent and could easily take the win this evening but I just cannot see the Cowboys falling for the third consecutive game against a top opponent, I believe they have it within them not to only beat the Lions but to do it by at least a TD.

Take the Cowboys to cover the spread.

On paper, you would have to say Chelsea all day long but for some time now Chelsea have not been representative of the talents within their squad, they have been woeful on many occasions this season and are going up against a Luton side that has given all the big teams a run for their money in this campaign.

If Chelsea plays to their ability they should win this one but they are far too unreliable to be supported and the value lies in backing Luton to get something from this game.

I am taking Luton on the spreads.

Take Luton +1

This is one of those games where it is the spread that makes all the difference. I fully expect that the Browns will win this but I do not see them being more than a TD ahead of the Jets.

The Jets are capable of being beaten heavily and the Browns can inflict a big defeat but more often than not, the Jets are closer to superior teams in their losses and the Browns are not always convincing in their wins.

All things considered, I am backing the Jets to be more competitive than what some may expect.

Take the Jets +7.5

Man Utd are a team in crisis at the moment by their lofty standards, they are currently eighth and a cool eleven points behind their opponents, however, they do have one thing to their advantage and it could be the difference between losing and winning and that is home advantage.

Villa are not consistent on the road, they have won just four from nine away games and going on their travels has been their Achilles Heel this season.

United at home is not as frightening as it used to be with five wins and fours losses at Old Trafford but they do at least show some fight when in front of their own fans.

Considering Villa's away form and United's desperate to impress at home I am backing United on the spread.

The Giants are not a very good team but they are capable of putting in the odd good performance they have won three of their last four matches and you know they will be motivated to do something against the Eagles.

The wheels have come off slightly for the Eagles, racking up three consecutive losses and they look like a team running out of steam, it was no shame losing to the 49ers and Cowboys but they looked like a tired team last time out against the Seahawks.

I do expect the Eagles to win but not by the huge spread that has been set, a month or so ago I would have gladly taken that spread but not today, I cannot see them being two TDs better than the Giants.

Take the Giants +14

Due to time constraints, there is minimal analysis today

It would be easy to pick the Bills after the Chargers suffered a mauling at the hands of the Raiders but I just do not see a repeat from Los Angeles and do expect them to give a better account of themselves today.

I doubt The Chargers will win but I also doubt they will be thrashed and I take them to cover the spread.

Take The Chargers to cover the spread

Due to time constraints, there is minimal analysis today

I am going with the Bengals to get the win and cover the spread. This pick is based on the eye test and what I have seen in recent weeks and it is the Bengals who I believe is in the better place.

The Bills have lost three on the bounce since their last win, which was over the Bengals but it is different circumstances today.

In contrast, the Bengals have won three on the bounce since that Steelers loss and I am very confident they will make it four wins in a row and avenge the loss to the Steelers.

Take the Bengals to cover the spread.

Due to time constraints, there is minimal analysis today

I cannot see anything other than an Inter Milan win today and for me, it is just a question of what the winning margin will be and based on the way Inter are playing and the fact they have home form, I am taking the Serie A league leaders to win convincingly by at least two goals.

Take Inter to cover the spread.

Due to time constraints, there is minimal analysis today

Both Tottenham and Everton are playing well after some recent turmoil and this game promises to be an exciting one, however, I am going with Tottenham to get the win. They have home advantage and that may well be the difference today.

Take Tottenham to cover the spread

Due to time constraints, there is minimal analysis today

I have been hugely impressed by the Cowboys this season and they seem to step up a gear in big games and this is a big game for sure.

The Bills have something to play for and will be on it, especially at home but I just feel Dallas will have too much for them.

Take Dallas to cover the spread

Due to time constraints, there is minimal analysis today

I cannot see anything other than a comprehensive win for San Francisco and I fully expect the 49ers to put the Cardinals to the sword and expect them to win by double digits.

Take San Francisco to cover the spread.

Inter Milan are the best team in Serie A and with Juventus only drawing on Friday night, Inter have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the standings to four points with a win at Lazio today.

Lazio is a strong team at home, there is no denying that but they are not unbeatable they have won four of their seven home games, drawing two and losing just once but they are now playing against the league leaders who have a stellar away record.

Inter is unbeaten on the road this season and the only game they dropped points is when they drew at second-placed Juventus.

This will be a tight game but I do expect Inter to emerge as the winners.

Take Inter to cover the spread

Due to time constraints, there is minimal analysis today

I am taking the Browns to get the win and cover the spread today. The Bears have improved but the Browns have home-field advantage and more to play for.

Take Cleveland to cover the spread.

Due to time constraints, there is minimal analysis today

I am backing the Saints to win this and beat the Giants by more than a TD. I have not been impressed by either team this season but the Giants have looked poorer more often and with home advantage I am backing the Saints to get the win in front of their own fans.

Take New Orleans to cover the spread

This is probably one of the most one-sided Liverpool Man Utd matches we have had in recent years and the general consensus is that Liverpool will hand out a significant beating to Man Utd today.

Some pundits and fans have been predicting a Liverpool win by four of five goals, I do not see that happening but I would be surprised if the Reds did not win by a couple of goals today.

United have been in a mess and in the last week they have been stuffed 3-0 at home by Bournemouth and finished bottom of a weakish Champions League group, whereas Liverpool sits atop of the Premier League.

With home advantage and the motivation to stay top of the Premier League, I am taking Liverpool to win by at least a two-goal margin.

Take Liverpool to cover the spread.

Aston Villa have been flying this season and sit in third position in the league, however, that is mainly down to their home form where they have beaten the likes of Man City and Arsenal but their away form has been very sketchy as two wins in their last six road games shows.

Brentford have been very inconsistent this season, they miss their main striker Ivan Toney who is serving a ban, however, they have only lost at home twice this season and tend to perform much better on their turf.

I am taking Brentford to get something from this game and a win is certainly not out of the question.

This is a safety first pick and I am backing Brebtford on the spread.

Napoli is struggling to retain their Serie A title, and recent losses to Inter Milan and Juventus have not helped their cause. However, they remain a top team, and a win today would propel them back inside the top four.

It must be noted that Napoli has been poor at home in recent weeks, but they bounced back to form in the Champions League midweek, and I fully expect them to build on that momentum.

Cagliari, currently in 13th place, is just one point above the relegation places and 11 points below Napoli. They are facing a season of struggle, having won their last match at home but showing poor performance on the road with no wins and just two draws from their seven away games.

Considering Cagliari's poor form on the road and Napoli showing signs of getting back to form, I am backing the Naples side to win today, and I expect them to win by at least two goals.

Take Napoli to cover the spread.

Third-placed Leeds United's quest to secure an automatic promotion spot back to the Premier League took a hit last week when they lost to Sunderland; however, they had been in great form before that setback, and I fully expect them to bounce back to winning ways today.

They are back at home for this game, where they have won their last seven matches and remain unbeaten on their turf all season.

Coventry has been inconsistent this season, but in all fairness, they have been improving, having lost just once in their last six Championship games—against high-flying Ipswich. However, they currently sit in 14th place for a reason, and their away form has been abysmal, with just two wins on the road all season and four losses in their last five away games.

I am backing Leeds to win this one; they have the better overall form and are formidable at home.

Take Leeds United to cover the spread