All my picks are based on interpretation of statistics, context and personal judgement. Each selection is primarily based on available value for long-term profits and not short priced easy favourites. Ultimately, I use my own analysis in combination with intelligent based software.

Recommended stakes are a percentage of starting bank and given as points, as an example, 1pt would be 1% of the bank.

Selection

Everton is out of this competition, this is a game they could have done without, they have absolutely nothing to play for and their manager Sam Allardyce has already announced that he will not be fielding his best players.

Apollon is also out, however, they do have something to play for, they are in front of their home fans playing a Premier League side, they would love to beat a team from one of Europe's elite leagues, it would be a historic moment for them and they will feel confident they can get the win after holding Everton to a 2-2 draw in England.

Apollon -0.5

Stake - 3pts

All my picks are based on interpretation of statistics, context and personal judgement. Each selection is primarily based on available value for long-term profits and not short priced easy favourites. Ultimately, I use my own analysis in combination with intelligent based software.

Recommended stakes are a percentage of starting bank and given as points, as an example, 1pt would be 1% of the bank.

Selection

Slavia need to avoid defeat to be certain of qualifying for the next round, they are in good form and of course have home advantage, they drew 1-1 with Astana in the first game between these two and will feel they can get the win but they are also aware that their opponents must win.

Astana are out unless they win, this will dictate how they play, they will have to press forward, that leaves them open to the counter-attack and if they did score first then Slavia would be on the attack, the circumstances of this game means that one team must always be on the attack and so goals is very likely throughout the game.

Over 2.5 goals

Stake - 3pts

All my picks are based on interpretation of statistics, context and personal judgement. Each selection is primarily based on available value for long-term profits and not short priced easy favourites. Ultimately, I use my own analysis in combination with intelligent based software.

Recommended stakes are a percentage of starting bank and given as points, as an example, 1pt would be 1% of the bank.

Selection

Feyenoord has nothing to play for, they are struggling by their own standards domestically and have lost both their home games in the champions league including a 4-0 loss to Man City.

Napoli must collect all three points and hope that Man City beat Shakhtar to qualify for the knockout stages, they have no choice but to win and will be attack-minded throughout.

Napoli -1.5

Stake - 1.5 pts

I am very confident that Celtic will get the win today and qualify for the Europa League.

Celtic beat Anderlecht 3-0 in Belgium and will have 60000 screaming fans behind them today, I can see no reason why there will be a different result at Celtic Park.

Anderlecht is 3rd in the league in their own country and are not the team they were last year, Celtic are breaking all records in Scotland, the difference between the pair is glaring.

All things considered, I just cannot see anything other than a clear home win.

This game is far from a dead rubber and both sides have something to play for and so goals is on the agenda.

Atletico Madrid needs Roma to slip up in the other game and get the win at Chelsea in order to qualify and Chelsea needs to win to ensure they finish top of the group and get an easier next game in the knockout stages.

The first game in Madrid finished over 2.5 goals and both these teams have featured in games over 2.5 goals 60% of their last 5 games.

All things considered, overs 2.5 goals

On paper, this should be an easy win for Wolves but there are good reasons to oppose such a scenario.

Wolves are top of the table with 44 points, Birmingham is 22nd on just 16 points, the difference is quite glaring, however not all is as it seems.

For starters this is a Birmingham derby, these two teams are bitter rivals and as in most derbies, form and statistics tend to be thrown out of the window.

Birmingham is not actually that bad at home considering their league position, they have won 3 of their last 5 home games, including a win over Cardiff who sits second in the table, they also drew 0-0 with another Birmingham based side Aston Villa, who like Wolves were the better team on paper.

Wolves may sit at the top but they have lost twice in the last five away games they have played, they do not sweep all before them on the road, they can and do get beat when they travel.

This game will have passion, the atmosphere will be electric and I am of the opinion that Birmingham will not lose, they may not win but that makes no difference to me, the only way this pick loses is if Birmingham loses and I am confident that they will do enough in front of their home fans to deny their hated rivals.

Take Birmingham -0.5

I am confident that Villarreal will emerge the winners once the final whistle has been blown.

After a stuttering start to the season on the road Villarreal has finally started to click away. they have lost just once in their last 5 road games, they have drawn away at Atletico Madrid recently, they should have beaten Sevilla last weekend when they blew a 2 goal lead and overall are in good current form with just that one loss in their last 7 league games.

Leganes are a very mediocre side by La Liga standards, they do grind out the odd decent result but overall are below average, they have lost their last 4 games on the bounce in the league scoring just once in the process, all in all, they are not playing well.

All things considered, it has to be a Villarreal win

I am going with over 2.5 goals in this La Liga clash between Getafe and Valencia.

Getafe at home are no walkovers, they have lost 3 times, against Barcelona, Sevilla and Real Madrid, all by the single goal, their other 3 home games have seen convincing wins and only once this season has a Getafe home game not had at least 3 goals in it.

Valencia is on fire away from home, they are unbeaten so far and that includes drawing 2-2 at Real Madrid, they have won their last four away games and 3 of those were over 2.5 goals.

So, we have two teams in form home and away respectively that regularly feature in games with at least 2.5 goals, all the ingredients required for a game with at least 3 goals in it.

Take over 2.5 goals

I am taking Borussia Monchengladbach to get the win today against Wolfsburg.

Wolfsburg are not actually a bad home side, they have lost just the once all season on their home ground, the first game of the season against Dortmund, however, they rarely win at home, they have drawn 5 of their 7 home games and that is one of the reasons they are at the wrong end of the table.

Monchengladbach do win away, they have won their last 3 road games on the bounce on their travels, they have lost just once away all season and that was also against Dortmund, they are 4th in the Bundesliga and a win will see them go second. a huge incentive.

Wolfsburg are the home side and do know how to shut up shop, but Monchengladbach is in great form and should have too much for Wolfsburg to handle.

Take Monchengladbach on the even spread

A south coast derby in the English Premiership between Bournemouth and Southampton and I have a strong feeling we will see goals in this game.

I expect both teams to score, that is my starting point, neither team is defending well this season and both sides are desperate for points.

I see this game being a very open game with both sides attacking throughout the game, plus there is also local pride at stake here, neither team will want to lose to the other.

The stats are mixed but I have put the stats aside for this game because of the context of the game.

I am unable to pick a winner with any real confidence, though if I had to choose it would be Bournemouth, however, I am far more confident in goals.

All things considered, it is at least 3 goals for me.

Take over 2,5 goals.

I really like the look of over 2.5 goals in this Scottish Premiership clash between Aberdeen and Rangers.

For starters these two sides play open attacking soccer and considering their current league positions, 2nd and 4th, I fully expect another open attacking game.

Secondly, both these sides are consistently involved in games that feature at least 3 goals, the last 6 Aberdeen games have seen over 2.5 goals in 5 of them and 4 of the last 5 Rangers games have had at least 2.5 goals.

Finally, the last 5 games between these two have had at least 2.5 goals in them.

All this adds up to a game that will have an abundance of goals.

Take over 2.5 goals

A win here today for AZ and they will go second in the Dutch Eredivisie and I am backing them to do just that.

AZ are in great form at the moment, they have won their last 5 league games on the bounce, they have won 4 of their last 5 away games with the other one being a draw, based on the form over the last 5 games they are one of the best sides in the league.

Venlo are 12th, 13 points behind AZ, they have not won in their last 6 games, although they have drawn their last 3 and at home, they have won just once all season, their first home game of the season.

The current form difference between these sides is significant and I simply cannot see any evidence that Venlo will stop AZ winning today.

Take AZ -0.5

I saw Chaves live in midweek and I liked what I saw, yes they are a mediocre side in Portuguese football but then so is Boavista.

Chaves have started to get it right at home recently and Boavista are no great side on the road.

As long as Chaves play like they did midweek then I cannot see any other result than a home win.

Take Chaves -0.5

I really fancy Bristol City at home against a one dimensional Middlesbrough.

Both teams are doing well this season, both are in form but it is City that is doing the better, albeit not by much.

Middlesbrough does not excite me and I think they will struggle against The City offence today.

With home advantage as well I am strong on Bristol City today.

Take Bristol City outright

I am going with Over 2.5 goals in this one.

Liverpool on paper are justified favourites but Brighton have proven a hard nut to crack on their home ground and I do see them doing well today.

I expect both sides to score with Liverpool probably emerging as winners, but either way, I am convinced we will see at least three goals in this game.

Take over 2.5 goals

Everton have finally found some form and they should start to kick on now, they have the players to do so and if their confidence has returned then we will see a very different Everton from now on.

Huddersfield are no walkovers but chances are they will find Everton too strong today, which is unfortunate for them as any time previously they would have seen this game as an opportunity to get points.

All things considered and the change around in Everton form is enough for me to back the Toffees today.

Take Everton -0.5

Leicester got a brilliant result against Tottenham midweek and I see no reason why they cannot get a repeat win today.

Burnley are not so solid on the road, they did beat Bournemouth midweek I admit and their away form this season is certainly better than last but they remain a limited side on the road and with Leicester improving all the time and with home advantage then it has to be the Foxes for me.

Take Leicester City outright

These two teams tend to feature in games that have at least three goals in them and I see that being the case today.

Four of the last five games that Malaga have played at home there have seen at least three goals, there is now a pattern developing when they play at home and unless they have done something dramatic on the training pitch I see no reason why this game will not go the same way.

Levante is a little less likely to have goals in their games when away but even so, five of their last eight away games have had at least three goals in them, though they have been getting tighter in defence recently on the road.

That said, both teams are near the bottom of the table and both will see this game as winnable, I doubt either will be defensive in this fixture.

All things considered, this game has goals written all over it.

Take over 2.5 goals.

I am backing Cardiff to beat Norwich City in the English Championship today.

Cardiff are second in the standings, they have won their last three games on the bounce, they have won six and drawn three at home this season without a loss, they are clearly in great form.

Norwich are inconsistent, they have lost their last two away games and overall have not won in their last six championship games.

This game has a very strong home side in form against a weak away side out of form and it is the home side I am backing for the win.

Take Cardiff to win.

I am going with Charleroi to get the win against Oostende.

The home side are second in the table and welcome 12th placed Oostende and will be confident of getting the win, they have won the last two at home and overall have a good home record with the only loss against the league leaders.

Oostende are not as bad as they seem away, they have actually won twice on the road this season, but overall they are vulnerable away and should be no match for Charleroi.

All things considered, the home side to win.

Take Charleroi to win.

Hamburg has finally started winning at home, however away they are terrible, they have lost their last five Bundesliga games on the bounce and in most of those games, the losses have been convincing.

Freiburg is not that bad at home, they have only lost once at home in the league since last April, they beat Mainz last time out in front of their home fans and will be confident they can take care of Hamburg today.

I accept that Hamburg won last time out at home but I am not convinced they have turned the corner yet and do see them struggling in this game.

All things considered, I am backing Freiburg to maintain their solid home form.

Take Freiburg to win

I am going with West Brom to beat Newcastle United.

A quick look at West Brom recent form and you would not be impressed but some context is required.

For starters, they drew 1-1 away at Tottenham at the weekend, not even Real Madrid could achieve that and while they have lost their last four on the bounce 2 of those losses were against Chelsea and Man City and the other 2 were away games.

West Brom at home against non-top 3 sides are unbeaten, albeit they have drawn 3 of those games.

Point being is that West Brom is better than the bare results suggest.

Newcastle are falling like a rock in water, they are above West Brom in the standings, however, they are in a terrible run of form, they have lost the last four games on the bounce and at the weekend got stuffed 3-0 at home.

Considering the weekend results and a proper analysis of recent results then it is West Brom for me.

West Brom 0.5

I am taking Brighton to beat Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Tuesday.

Brighton are proving to be quite a solid home outfit, they have lost just once all season on their home turf and that was their first home game against runaway Premier League leaders Man City, since then they have won 2 and drawn 3.

Palace, on the other hand, are the exact opposite, they have lost all 6 away games this season and have not scored a single goal.

Now, Palace did win at home in their last game 2-1 against Stoke City while Brighton lost, however, Brighton lost away at Man Utd, which is hardly a surprise and Palace won with a goal in injury time, so a little perspective is required.

All in all, I cannot see Brighton losing, a draw and we get our stakes returned so this is a very safe pick.

Take Brighton 0

Sixth-placed Derby County welcomes tenth placed Ipswich Town in this English Championship clash and it is the over 2.5 goals I am going with.

Four of Derby last six Championship games have had at least 2.5 goals in them, they scored in every one of those games and in 5 of those 6 games they scored at least twice.

Ipswich has featured in games over 2.5 goals in 5 of their last 6 Championship games and in only one of those games did they not score and in 4 of them they scored at least twice.

So basically, what we have here is two teams that have been scoring regularly both home and away and considering that both are top ten and fighting for either a playoff spot or automatic promotion then you can expect both sides to continue with their attacking mentality.

All things considered, the over 2.5 goals bet looks the best value.

Take over 2.5 goals.

I expect Rio Ave to emerge from this game as the winners today in Portugal.

Rio is 6th in the standings and their opponents are 11th, there are just 3 points between them and a fairly close game is expected but that said, I do feel that Rio Ave have the advantage today.

A quick look at Rio home record and you can be forgiven for thinking it is mediocre, however, on closer inspection, it is quite good. They have won 3, drawn 1 and lost 2 this season at home but those 2 losses and draw were all against the best 3 teams in Portugal, Benfica, Porto and Sporting Lisbon, take them out of the equation and they win at home.

Vitoria did win their last away game against a team below them in the standings but that is their only away win, they have lost 3 and drawn 1 of their 5 away games this season, all against teams that are at best average including a 3-0 beating at the hands of the team rock bottom.

All things considered, I am backing Rio Aves.

Take Rio Aves to win

I am going with Espanyol to beat Getafe in La Liga today.

Espanyol are at the wrong end of the table but they have always been a limited side but they are no weaklings at home, in fact, they are quite decent at home.

They lost their opening home game of the season but after that, they have lost just once at home and that was last time out against a very impressive Valencia, who sits second in the standings above the likes of Real Madrid. They have won 3 and drawn 1 of their last 5 home games and against sides like Getafe they do very well on their home turf, well, they have this season.

Getafe are above Espanyol in the standings but they struggle to win on the road, they do draw a bit but 1 win away all season tells its own story, they are not easy to beat I accept that, they have lost just the once in their 6 away games but against a side that wins at home they will find that it is not easy to rack up another draw.

All things considered, I am going for Espanyol to win.

Take Espanyol -0.5

I am taking Villarreal to win against Sevilla in La Liga today.

Both teams are in decent overall form, they occupy 5th and 6th in the standing with Sevilla just edging it by a single point and both know that if they are to have any hopes of Champions League football next season they need to improve their positions as the season goes on, so a win is a must.

The reason that I am going with Villarreal is simple, their home league form is far superior to the away league form of Sevilla.

Villarreal have won 4 and drawn once in their 5 home games this season, whereas Sevilla have lost their last 4 on the bounce, albeit three of those games were against teams in the top 4, but even so, they are struggling to buy a win away at this moment in time as the loss to Athletico Bilbao, who sit 15th shows.

All things considered, I am going with Villarreal.

Take Villarreal to win

I am going with Slask Wroclaw to get the win today.

Two very average teams with not much separating them in the Polish league and it is the small stuff that will make all the difference here today.

Slask is a surprisingly strong team at home, they have won 8 of their last 11 on their home ground and only tend to lose to the better teams.

Zaglebie is a very poor away side, they have lost 3 and drawn 2 of their last 5 away games, in better words, they are on a 5 game winless run on the road.

Zaglebie are actually the favourites but not in my book and taking Slask on level spread is the safest option, it means stakes are returned if it is a draw and the only way for this pick to lose is if Slask lose.

Take Slask 0

It would be a big surprise to me if Montpellier does not beat a very poor Lille side today.

Lille is second bottom in Ligue 1, they have lost four of their six away games with the only win coming against the only side below them in the standings.

Montpellier are far from brilliant at home, in fact they are a bit poor, they have registered just two wins in their seven home games, they do need to improve that is for sure and they have a great opportunity to do just that against one of the worst teams in the top French league at this time.

This is more about how bad Lille are rather than how average Montpellier are, this is the exact sort of game that Montpellier will expect to win and I fully expect them to live up to those expectations.

All things considered, Montpellier is the bet.

Take Montpellier -0.5

A massive game between two massive clubs in the English Premier League today.

I am backing Liverpool to emerge the winners in what will be a passionate tight affair.

If Jose Mourinho still managed Chelsea then I would have been all over the draw but Antonio Conte does not park the bus and I see that being his undoing today.

Liverpool does well against big clubs when they are at home, they tore Arsenal to pieces here earlier in the season and while I do not expect a repeat of that I do see them dominating the game throughout.

Both sides travelled in Europe this week but Chelsea has had less recovery time and that may be a factor also but that is somewhat mitigated by the fact that Liverpool threw away a three-goal lead in Sevilla, that sort of thing dents confidence.

That said, I am of the opinion that Liverpool are a better home side than Chelsea away and home advantage is always a big factor when Liverpool play a big rival.

Take Liverpool to win.

I am backing Arka to get the win in this Polish Ekstraklasa match up.

Sandecja is a poor away side, they have not won in the league in their last four road trips losing three of those games, they have notched up just the two away wins and find themselves fourth bottom in the standings.

Arka are not world beaters and did lose their last home match, however, they went unbeaten in the previous four at home and their early season mishaps probably had more to do with their Europa League football commitments.

Aeka is the better side, the league standings show that and I expect them to get the win today.

Take Arka -0.5

I am backing Antwerp t beat Mechelen today in the Belgium Pro League.

Antwerp sits 5th in the table while Mechelen is 2nd bottom and I expect that superiority to continue today.

Antwerp did lose their last home game but that was against the side second in the table, prior to that they went four games without losing, drawing two and winning two. Not the best record but certainly far better than Mechelen away.

Mechelen has not won away in the league this season, they have lost five and drawn two, they have lost their last three on the bounce away from home by an aggregate score of 8-2.

I cannot see any reason why all of a sudden Mechelen would improve significantly away, certainly not enough to beat Antwerp anyway.

Take Antwerp to win

I am going with Over 2.5 goals in this Premier League clash between Newcastle United and Watford.

Watford away plays in games with goals, their last four away Premier League games have all had over 2.5 goals in them, this is a team that is entertaining to watch on their travels.

Newcastle at home is the opposite, their last three home games have all been under, however, this is more about Watford than Newcastle for me.

I actually fancy Newcastle to win but do not see them keeping a clean sheet which means that the Overs market is the most logical pick.

I was tempted to back Newcastle but while I fancy them to win it would not surprise me if Watford won either.

My confidence in the overs is far bigger than in Newcastle winning.

Take Over 2.5 goals.

I see there being goals in this one today and will be betting on Over 2.5 goals.

West Ham are in a dreadful state, they are a poor team, they may have enough to avoid relegation but I would not bank on it and they cannot be backed with any confidence.

Leicester City are a shadow of the side that won the title two seasons ago, they are totally average now and will remain so for the foreseeable future but they are doing better than West Ham this season.

West Ham being at home is no great solace for them, they lose there just as much as anywhere else and I see no advantage for them in that regard.

Leicester have not been too bad away this season, they are on an unbeaten four-game run on the road but three of those games have ended in draws.

West Ham are now under new management and are desperate for the win, they will go for it today, they have to, the fans will accept nothing less.

Leicester will match whatever West Ham throw at them and if I had to choose a winner it would be Leicester City.

I expect both sides to score at least once with a high chance of one of them, if not both, scoring twice.

All things considered, I am going with over 2.5 goals.

Take over 2.5 goals. 

I am backing Belenenses to maintain their good home form and get the win today in Portugal.

This season Belenenses remain unbeaten at home, they have won four and drawn two, they have won the last three on the bounce with their last home match being a convincing 3-0 home win.

Chaves, by contrast, are not that great away, they have four losses, one draw and just the one win and in fact, over the last 20 away games they have just that one solitary win.

Belenenses are no world beaters, but they have been solid at home this season and Chaves are woeful travellers, it would be a surprise to me if that form changes around today.

All things considered, Belenenses are a strong pick.

Take Belenenses -0.5

I am going with Over 2.5 goals in this Bundesliga clash.

Both these sides are regularly involved in high scoring games and I see little reason why that will not be the case today.

Six of the last seven games in all competitions that Hannover have played have had at least three goals in them.

The exact same statistics also apply to Stuttgart, six of their last seven games have also had at least three goals.

Also, three of the last five games between these two have also had at least three goals.

All things considered, going with over 2.5 goals is the logical bet here.

Take Over 2.5 goals

This game was fairly simple for me to analyse and the conclusion was that we would see at least 3 goals in this clash.

I fully expect Everton to have a right go, they are out of the competition and have nothing to lose now, they will want to perform for their fans tonight, the pressure is off and that will give them far more freedom than usual.

I am not saying that Everton will win, they have been very poor this season but they are facing an Atalanta side that has fallen below last seasons standards and who themselves will be looking for a win to maintain the top position in the group.

I see two sides playing free-flowing football and with both defences leaky this season then expect the goals to flow.

Take over 2.5 goals.

Logic has dictated to me that this game will be over 2.5 goals.

I expect that Dynamo Kyiv will probably win this game but that the home side will score and so at least 3 goals should be racked up.

Dynamo has dominated this group while Skenderbeu is rock bottom and while Dynamo has already qualified and will probably field a slightly weakened side I still expect them to put in a winning performance.

Skenderbeu has failed to score at home on just three occasions in their last 40 home games, albeit two of those times were in Europe, but nonetheless, they generally score at home and I expect that to be the case, especially with the knowledge that a win revives their hopes of qualification from the group.

I expect goals in this game and so the overs is the pick for me.

Take over 2.5 goals

I am going with Ostersund to get the win tonight.

Ostersund has been very impressive in the Europa League this season, they beat Hertha Berlin when they visited Sweden and held Atheltic Bilbao to a draw, two very good results considering their level, they sit top of the group and they are taking this competition very very serious.

Zorya are surprisingly second in the group, they have been decent themselves and actually beat Athletico in Spain, but that was a one off, they have lost five of their last six Europa League games away and have now gone five games winless in all competition.

It is absolutely freezing in Sweden right now, the snow has landed big time and under those conditions and with the respective home and away form it is Ostersund all day long for me.

Take Ostersunds -0.5

This game is massive for both clubs, only one point separates the top three in Group F and a loss could be disastrous for either team.

Lokomotiv do have the advantage of playing at home and that could well prove decisive, they did lose at home to Sheriff last time out but I do not see a repeat of that against Copenhagen today.

Copenhagen has lost their last two European games away against Vardar and Qarabag, hardly household names, in fact, Copenhagen have won just twice away in their last 12 road games and are on a six-game winless streak away from home.

Lokomotiv may be average at home but their record in front of their home fans is far better than the Danes away record that is for sure.

Considering what is at stake and the state of Copenhagens away form then it has to be Lokomotive for the win.

Take Lokomotiv -0.5

Massive game for both sides and I am going with the Italians to get either get a draw or the win.

It is no easy task to go to Atletico and get a result but it has been easier this season than in the past, they lost at home to Chelsea and drew with Karabakh in their last two home games in this competition and they are in serious danger of not qualifying, in fact, if they do not win they are out.

Roma knows that a win and they top the group and get a potentially easier draw in the knock out stages, they also know a draw guarantees qualification no matter what.

So both teams know what is at stake, however, this is about form more than anything else and Roma have it and Atletico do not, Roma are top for a reason, they are a very good team, they showed this against Chelsea, they have won their last six games in all competitions and are on a roll.

Athletico have won just twice in their last nine games in all competitions, they have not lost but 7 draws is indicative of a big problem,

Roma may not win but I do not see them losing and the best value bet is taking the Italians on the spreads.

Take Roma +0.5

Two football giants clash this evening in Europe and it is Juventus I take to win.

If Juventus lose they face a real possibility of elimination at the group stage, that is unthinkable for them and while they are still in the driving seat terms in terms of their own qualification I do not see them giving up that advantage.

Juventus were stunned at the weekend losing away at Sampdoria and if anything was flattered by the result, they are third in the Italian league and are not playing the same as they were last season but they remain a world-class team and won 9 of their last 12 games prior to that defeat last weekend.

Additionally, Juventus have won 8 of their last 9 games on their own turf and did beat Barcelona 3-0 last season in this competition in Turin.

Barcelona are world class we all know this but they remain vulnerable against top sides away from home, they have failed to get wins at Real Madrid and Athletico Madrid away this season and last season got thrashed against Juventus and PSG away in this competition.

Barcelona did beat Juventus easily in Spain earlier this season but that is usual for them, they are a very different beast at home compared to away.

All things considered, I am of the opinion that there is more of a chance of Juventus winning or drawing than Barcelona winning this game.

A draw sees stakes returned and backing Juventus at even ball represents the safest option.

Take Juventus 0

I am going with Ipswich town to not lose this game and probably win it.

Ipswich sits above Sheff Weds in the league standings, albeit by a single point, they are in good recent form having drawn their last game away at Hull and beating Preston 3-0 last time they were at home.

Sheff Weds are unbeaten in their last four league games but three of those were at home, they did win their last away game at Villa but went winless for 7 games prior to that.

These two teams are fairly evenly matched and for me, it was about seeking a balance and on the balance of things, the most unlikely outcome was an away win, there is far more chance of a draw or Ipswich win.

I am taking Ipswich on the spreads at even ball, this means a draw sees stakes returned and the only way this bet loses is if Sheff weds win.

Take Ipswich 0

I am going with Over 2.5 goals in this one.

Chelsea needs the win if only to bounce back from their dismal loss to Roma and the last thing they will want is to allow Atletico Madrid back into the competition as a win would ensure that the Spanish side could not catch them.

Karabakh may not be a fashionable European name but they re no walkovers, they showed this in their 1-1 draw away at Atletico last time out in this competition.

Bottom line is this, I see Chelsea winning but Karabakh scoring and so the most logical bet is the overs.

Take over 2.5 goals

I am going with CSKA Moscow to get the win and to give themselves a huge chance of qualifying for the knockout games.

Benfica cannot qualify, they are out, they cannot overtake Basel due to head to head and have absolutely nothing to play for other than pride, that is not the case for the Russian side.

CSKA also know they are away to Man Utd in the last game and that this game represents the best opportunity to pick up three points.

A win for CSKA also puts immense pressure on Basel as they play later, they do not want the Swiss side to play with freedom and comfort, they will want them to know they must get something from their game against United.

All things questioned CSKA must win and against a team with no incentive that is what I expect.

Take CSKA -0.5

I am going with Monaco to get the win today in this Champions League clash with German side Leipzig.

Monaco are more or less out of the competition but mathematically they have a hope, they would have to win this game and hope that Porto does not beat Besiktas and go into the last game in the group with slim hopes of finishing second, anything less and they are out.

Point is this, that Monaco still has something to play for.

Leipzig also knows they must get something from this game, though if Porto wins then Leipzig must also win, so just like Monaco, they have something to play for.

Therefore, what we have is a competitive game with a lot on the line but only one of these teams is in really good form and that is Monaco.

Monaco went through a torrid period earlier in the season and that is why they are where they are now but they have turned things around and find themselves second in the French League and on a 5 game unbeaten run in all competitions, they have finally got their act together after a summer of turmoil that saw some of their best players leave.

Leipzig is still doing good in Germany, they currently sit third but they have hit a patch of bad form, they have just one win in their last five competitive games and that is not the best preparation for a must-win game.

This will be an entertaining game but Monaco has home advantage and has finally started to play to form and have just as much to play for as what Leipzig do.

I have gone with the French side on the spreads as a safety option, Leipzig is still dangerous and on the balance of things I see Monaco winning but a draw sees stakes returned and that safety first option appeals in this type of game.

Take Monaco at even spread.

I am going with Sevilla to get the win over Liverpool today in the Champions League.

There is still everything to play for in Group E, Sevilla is second on 7 points and Liverpool first on 8 points, neither team can be eliminated but a win would give either side a massive boost and almost certain qualification to the next stage.

Both sides come into this game in very good form, Sevilla has lost just once in their last five games, away against Barcelona 2-1 and won the other four games, they were in poor form before that but are now on a roll.

Liverpool has won four of their last five games also and the last four on the bounce, their only loss in that sequence was a 4-1 hammering at Tottenham.

So, we have two teams in good recent form and both have something massive to play for and it is hard to separate the pair, however, Sevilla have one single advantage over the Reds and that is home advantage and I believe that will be significant today.

That said, I have decided to back Sevilla at even ball on the spreads, it is the safest option, a draw would see stakes returned and I am of the opinion that there is more chance of a home win or draw than a Liveprool win.

Take Sevilla at 0 on the spreads

I am taking Derby County to get the win in the English Championship today against Queens Park Rangers.

Derby are generally very solid at home, they did lose their last home match, however, previous to that they had won four and drawn one on their home ground and apart from last week their only loss at home this season was against League leaders Wolves in their first home game of the season.

QPR have not won away this season, in fact, their winless run on the road in the league now runs to 15 games, they lost their most recent game away 4-0 and it is hard to make a case for them in this game.

The form is with Derby and home advantage is significant.

Take Derby -0.5

I cannot see anything other than a Bristol City win today against Preston North End.

The stats speak for themselves, Bristol enters this game with just one loss in their last 19 games in all competitions, they have lost just once at home this season and sit fourth in the Championship.

Preston cannot buy a win at the moment, they are on a five-game winless streak, they drew 0-0 at home last game and lost the previous four, they have won twice this season away but that is their only wins on the road in their last 19 games away in the Championship.

The form is clearly with Bristol, they are solid at home, whereas Preston is poor away, they sit ten places and 9 points above Preston in the league and it would be a bit of a shock to me if Bristol City does not win this game.

All things considered, a home win looks a good thing.

Take Bristol City -0.5

All the signs are there that this game will be over 2.5 goals and that is my pick.

Eibar are fourth bottom, they are in awful form, they have just eight points this season from a possible 33 and they are set to be in a relegation dogfight. Six of the last seven league games that Eibar have played have had at least 3 goals in them, generally against Eibar.

Real Betis are doing better overall, their away form is poor though they did beat Real Madrid away so that is something to be proud of but the truth is they are not exactly rock solid on the road. Betis over their last six leagues games have seen at least 3 goals in them on 4 occasions.

A clear pattern of goals in games is there to see and I see no reason why that will not continue in this game, Eibar will almost certainly concede and they stand a high chance of scoring themselves and the most logical bet is to back over 2.5 goals.

Take over 2.5 goals

I am taking Brighton to win a close match against inconsistent Stoke City.

In fact, both teams are inconsistent but with Brighton that was to be expected, they are a promoted side and their results were always going to be a mixed bag, the surprising thing though is how inconsistent Stoke have been.

One week Stoke lose away 7-2 to Man City and in their very next away match they beat Watford 1-0, however, generally speaking, they have been poor.

Brighton are unbeaten in their last four home games, they have drawn two and won two, they have lost just once at home this season and that was 2-0 against league leaders Man City, not a bad result for a promoted team and a lot better than the thrashing Stoke took at the hands of City.

This will be a very tight game I am sure but the way that Brighton have been playing at home gives me confidence that they will edge it.

Take Brighton -0.5

This game is more about FC Midtjylland than Aalborg and for that reason, I am going with over 2.5 goals.

Midtjylland retain hopes of winning the title, a win today and they go one point behind league leaders Brondby, that is a huge incentive and will drive them forward in this game.

But, Aalborg are no walkovers at home, they want to avoid being dragged further down the standings, the last thing they want is relegation, they are fairly safe now but a loss today and they will start feeling uncomfortable.

Aalborg did lose their last home game but they won the three before that on the bounce and will give Midtjylland a run for their money.

I think Midtjylland will win but I simply do not have the confidence in making that bet, I am also fairly certain that Aalborg will score and that tells me that the value pick has to be over 2.5 goals.

This game could easily be a draw, however, I am more confident that it would a high scoring draw as opposed to a low scoring draw.

Basically, I see Midtjylland winning and Aalborg scoring so over 2.5 goals is the pick.

Take over 2.5 goals.

I am going with over 2.5 goals in this game.

Both these sides feature in high scoring games on a regular basis, with Bremen it is usually conceding a load and with Hannover, it is a mixed bag.

4 of Bremen's last 5 games have had over 2.5 goals and 5 of Hannover last 6 games the same, a clear pattern for both sides.

Then add in the fact that 4 of the last 6 games between these two have been over 2.5 goals and the last game had 5 goals and the over 2.5 starts to look a certain bet.

All things considered, that is the bet I will be doing.

Take over 2.5 goals 

Neither side is in great form at the moment but out of the pair of them Watford are doing better and with home advantage, I take them to get all three points today.

Watford five home games have seen a return of just one win but that was against Arsenal, one of the better teams, and a draw with Liverpool, another top team, they did lose to Stoke which was a bad result and losing to league leaders Man City is no great shame. Point being that the stats do not do Watford justice, it is not as bad as it looks

West Ham is as bad as it looks, they have just sacked their manager and David Moyes, who has failed in his last two jobs, is now in charge.

West Ham has not won away this season, they lost their first three away games and have drawn their last three and the truth is that a win just does not look like it will be happening soon.

Considering new management at West Ham and the fact they are away I just cannot see them getting anything from this game.

Take Watford to win outright

I am going with Valerenga to grab the win here today.

Valerenga ay be mid-table but they are quite solid at home, they did lose last time out at home to second-placed Molde but prior to that, they won three on the bounce and overall have lost just 3 times from 14 home games, not a bad return for a mid-table team.

Odd by contrast is very poor on the road, they have not won in their last nine away matches in the league losing 5 and drawing 4 and I see no reason why they will improve on that today.

Valerenga has good home form and has been winning recently in front of the home fans, whereas Odd cannot buy a win and so Valerenga is the pick today.

Take Valerenga to win

For me, this game screams goals and even though the totals is set at 3 and not 2.5 goals I am still confident that this game will see at least 4 goals.

For starters, the last 6 Molde games away have all had at least 3 goals with 3 of those having at least 4 goals and as you know, if there are only 3 goals then stakes are returned.

4 of Lillestrom last 6 home games have had at least 3 goals in them and so both sides tend to be involved in games with an abundance of goals.

Then let's add in context.

Molde must win if they are to maintain their position in the league and not fall out of a European qualification spot and Lillestrom can still mathematically be dragged into a relegation playoff spot.

Both teams need the points and both will go for it, that means goals.

Take over 3 goals

This is a game that Schalke should win and win with ease.

Hamburg has lost their last four away games conceding 10 goals and scoring just 3, they are fourth bottom and facing a season of struggle.

Schalke are doing quite well at the moment, they are sixth in the standings and are unbeaten in their last 5 Bundesliga matches, winning three and drawing two.

Schalke could do better at home I admit, however, they are facing one of the worst travellers in the league in wretched form and nothing less than a win is expected.

I am confident that Schalke will win, it was just a question of would they cover the spread, I believe they will and even if they win by just the single goal you at least get your stake back.

Take Schalke -1

This is my early morning pick.

Trellborgs lead 2-0 from the first leg of this Swedish playoff match and can lose by a single goal and still be promoted.

Jonkopings have to overcome that two-goal deficit otherwise they will be relegated.

Both teams clearly have huge incentives, however, both will approach this game with different mindsets.

Jonkopings must win and therefore will be on the attack and Trellborgs must preserve their lead and so will be more defensive minded.

Of course, Trellborgs will look to catch Jonkopings on the counter but this game will develop into one side attacking and one defending.

I do not know if Jonkopings can make the comeback, I think they have a good chance, they will have a crazy passionate crowd behind them but two goals is a big deficit at this level.

I am taking Jonkopings to win because I beleive with the crowwd behind them they will be invigorated but cannot say they will do enough to stop Trellborgs being promoted.

Take Jonkopings -0.5

These two sides have had very poor starts to the season and while it was expected to some degree with Palace, it was not with Everton.

Everton are in a rut, yes they won last time out against Watford but that was at home, their away record is very depressing, winning none, drawing two and losing three and have scored just twice away from home all season.

Palace are rock bottom, they have just four points and unless they turn things around quickly they are destined for relegation but there are signs that they can.

They drew their last home game and beat Chelsea in the game previous to that, they did lose last time out but that was away to Tottenham, one of the best sides in football.

Palace at home against a demoralised Everton and showing better home form is the pick for me.

Take Palace outright.

I really like Burnley for this one, they are decent at home and Swansea have been weak on the road.

Burnley generally are in good form, they have lost just one in the Premier League in their last nine outings and that was against league leaders Man City, they beat Southampton away last game and in their last home match, they beat Newcastle.

Swansea have lost their last four Premier Lague games on the bounce, they are second bottom and there is little sign that they are about to turn things around. 

Burnley have the form, Swansea do not and with home advantage then it has to be Burnley for the win.

Take Burnley -0.5

Both these teams are generally involved in games with at least three goals in them and I see no reason why that will not be the case today.

Five of Bristol City's last seven games, in all competitions, have had at least 3 goals, a pattern is starting to develop with this side.

Sheffield Wednesday have been involved in games four times in their last six games that have featured at least 3 goals and just like their opponents, a pattern is developing.

We have two sides that quite often play in exciting free-flowing games and I see no reason why that will not be the case today.

Go with Over 2.5 goals.

Sixth-placed Rotherham face League One leaders Shrewsbury today and it is with the home side I am backing for the win.

Rotherham have been excellent at home this season, they did lose their last home game very surprisingly to third bottom Gillingham and I am prepared to put that down as a one-off, previous to that they had won their previous five home games scoring 16 goals in the process.

Shrewsbury are obviously in great form, they are top of the league, however, they have been dropping points recently on the road picking up just two points from a possible nine. They struggled to get a point away at second-bottom Plymouth and they appear to have run out of steam away from home.

All things considered, I am going with Rotherham to get a massive three points today and win.

Take Rotherham -0.5

This game has the look of goals in it and despite the odds being rather poor I am convinced that we will see at least three goals in this Championship match.

Six of the last seven games that Preston have played there has been at least three goals, that is a clear pattern.

Three of Bolton's last five games have also had a minimum of three goals in it and while that is not as high a percentage as recent Preston games there is still good reason to believe that Bolton will play their part in the expected goal feast.

Preston has lost their last four games while Bolton has won two and drawn three of their last five games so Bolton has the better form, albeit not exactly consistent winning form.

I see both teams scoring for sure and expect one of them to kick on and get the win, not sure which one, but regardless, the goals will flow whoever wins.

Take over 2.5 goals.

I am going to back Sheffield United to beat a poor Burton side.

Sheffield United have won four of their last six away games and six of their last eight games overall, they are in good form and sit second in the Championship, in fact, a win tonight takes them top, a very good incentive.

Burton is fourth from bottom, they have won just once in their last nine games, their last match in fact, they have lost their last four home games conceding 14 goals.

Sheffield have the better form by some way, they have the confidence and the incentive, all things that Burton lack.

All things considered, I am going with Sheffield United on the spreads.

Take Sheffield United -0.5

Second-placed Charleroi welcome third bottom Mechelen in this Belgium pro league match.

Charleroi has gone off the rails slightly in recent weeks but following a rest through the international break and on their home turf I expect them to record an overdue win.

Charleroi did go three games without a win before finally getting a home win over Gent and followed that up with an impressive away win at sixth-placed Antwerp.

Mechelen has a wretched away record with no wins two draw and four losses this season in the league and it is asking fr a massive turnaround for them to visit the team second in the table and get anything from the game.

All things considered, I am going with Charleroi to register their third win on the bounce.

Take Charleroi -0.5

I am going with over 2.5 goals in this Brazilian Serie A game between Botafogo and Atletico GO.

Four of the last five Botafogo home games have had at least three goals in them and they have conceded at least once in their last five home games.

Atletico has scored in six of their last seven away games and that is important here.

I fully expect Botafogo to win this game, however, I do expect that Atletico will score, they have done consistently on the road recently and Botafogo consistently concede at home.

All things considered, I am confident this game will go over 2.5 goals.

Chapecoense is in good form recently and despite their mid-table position, I expect them to get the win today.

Chapecoense have struggled this season which was expected considering they lost almost their entire team in an air disaster, but they have finally started to string some good results together and their last six games have seen three wins and three draws.

Vitoria have won just once in their last six games, they did draw four of them but their form has dipped just as the home sides form has improved.

Considering the way each team is going t this moment in time then a home win is the value bet.

Take Chapecoense to win

2nd placed Gremio take on 11th placed Sao Paulo in this Brazilian Serie A game and it is Gremio that I am going to back.

Both sides are in fairly decent form at the moment and overall there is little to separate them, however, the home form of Gremio, while not outstanding is superior to the away form of the visitors.

Gremio only losses on their home ground recently have been against teams in the top 5 though they do also lose the odd game to a lowly team.

Sao Paulo has won just three away games in the league all season from 17 road trips, hardly a fantastic record.

The poor form on the road of Sao Paulo was the deciding factor for me and I am taking Gremo to scrape a home win.

Denmark and the Republic of Ireland face off in this second leg of the world cup playoffs with the winner set to qualify for the finals in Russia next year.

Denmark was very unlucky from the first leg which finished 0-0 and even though the Irish have home advantage with a manic passionate crowd behind them I am still of the opinion that it is the Danes that will qualify.

This will be a tight low scoring affair and for me, it is most likely that it will be a single moment that will decide this game and that single moment generally comes from a player with the capability of to change a game on his own, Ireland does not have that sort of player, Denmark do in Christian Eriksen.

The Tottenham man is the best player from both sides, he is world class and has the ability to take this game by the scruff of the neck and dominate it.

The Irish know this and will do what they can to counter his threat but I have seen the best defenders in the world try and do that and fail.

I am not saying that Denmark is a one-man team, not at all, what I am saying is that when you have a very close game with very few goals then one man an make a difference at one point in the game.

Simply put, cometh the hour cometh the man and Denmark have that man and Ireland does not.

I am going with Denmark to win and if by chance they do not and it is a draw then stakes are returned.

Put it this way, there is more chance of a draw or Denmark win than there is an outright Oreland win in my opinion.

Take Denmark at even spread.

This game will decide which one of these two sides qualify for the World Cup finals next year in Rusia. Sweden holds a 1-0 lead from the first game.

Normally you would choose Italy based n their reputation and history, but this side is not one of the best Italian sides hat we have witnessed, in fact, they are probably one of the worst.

That does not mean they are not a top team, they are, but they are beatable and no longer hold the threat they once did.

Sweden will clearly set out to defend their 1-0 lead and the question for me was, can they do that? and are Italy strong enough to break the Swedes down?

The answer in both cases is a definite yes, however, I am more inclined to believe that the Swedes will defend better than what Italy will do going forward.

Italy are of course clear favourites, they are at home but I feel it is a tall order asking them to win by two clear goals against a ery organisedd Swedish side.

Put it this way, there is more chances in my opinion that the Swedes will draw this game than there is that Italy will win by two clear goals.

Take Sweden +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.

Coritiba is my stand out pick today, both these teams may be languishing near the bottom of the table but Coritiba has the far better current form and home advantage.

Take Coritiba -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.

This game has goals written all over it, both sides are well capable of scoring and anything less than 3 goals will be a surprise for me.

Take over 2.5 goals

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

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 going with Scunthorpe to get the win today.

Bristol Rovers have lost six of their eight away games and four of their last five and they never scored a single goal in those four losses. They did win 60 in a freak away result but that was a one-off, their other away results tell you how poor they are away from home.

Scunthorpe is already five points clear of Bristol Rovers and are in a promotion playoff spot and while it is still very early in the season they are going the right way.

All things considered a home win for me.

This game has over 2.5 goals written all over it.

Four of the last five games that Exeter have played at home in the league have ended over 2.5 goals, that is a whopping 80%.

Grimsby away in the league is even better, they have had over 2.5 goals in six of their eight away games this season, that is a clear pattern.

If either team was playing against a team that was miserly with goals then I would hesitate but when you have two teams with these sorts of records then it is a must back situation.

Take over 2.5 goals.

Both these sides have been playing in a lot of games recently that have featured goals, as an example, the last five games that Carlisle have played in all competitions have had at least 3 goals in four of them.

But that is not the only reason I am going with over 2.5 goals.

The last six meetings between these two since 2015  have seen at least 3 goals in 50% of those games, all at Carlisle, where this game is being played.

Considering both teams regularly feature games with goals and that the last three games between these two at Carlisle have been over 2.5 goals then that has to be the pick.

Take over 2.5 goals. 

This game screams over 2.5 goals.

The last six games played by Stevenage in all competitions have had at least 3 goals in them, one had 8 goals, this is a team that when it plays the goals flow.

Notts County are not much different, their last four games in all competitions have had at least 3 games in them as well.

Botton line is this, we have two teams that at this moment in time are ether scoring a load of goals or conceding them and unless one of them all of a sudden sees a dramatic change then the goals will flow today.

Take over 2.5 goals.

60% of the last five games played at Milton Keynes have had at least 3 goals in them, more often than not when the Dons play at home recently we see goals.

The exact same can be said of Fleetwood when they play away in the league, in fact, their record is even stronger. 

Five of the last seven games that Fleetwood have played away have had at least three goals in them and I see no real reason why that pattern will not continue today.

The Totals has in fact been set at just 2 goals so if there were just 2 goals then stakes would be returned and while the odds are not so great this is one bet I cannot miss.

Take over 2 goals

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.

This is one of those games that predicts itself for me and knowing both these sides alongside the statistics then the over 2.5 goals is the must-have bet.

For starters, Lyon have won their last five games and in four of them there have been at least three goals, they are in red-hot form and I expect them to be just as formidable today as they have been in recent weeks.

St Ettiene have been strong at home recently, they did lose last time out but that was after a four-game unbeaten home run with three of those games being over 2.5 goals.

I expect St Ettiene to put in a bold show in front of their home fans and to score at least once but I fear that will not be enough and see Lyon scoring at least twice and therefore the overs is the most logical bet.

I did consider backing Lyon but feel that the overs is the safest bet.

Rosenborg are the runaway leaders in Norwegian soccer, they are eight points clear at the top and are almost certain to win the title.

Aalesund, on the other hand, is facing relegation, they are second bottom and a massive 32 points behind Rosenborg in the standings, this game is quite a mismatch.

Aalesund have gone six games at home without a win and that is playing inferior opposition to Rosenborg.

Rosenborg have won their last six road games on the bounce and have conceded just once in that run, their last three away games have seen 3-0 wins in all of them.

All things considered, the value bet here is Rosenborg

Everton are a club in crisis and they need a win desperately but when that will happen is anyone's guess.

On a normal day Everton at home playing Watford would be a contender for a strong home win but not today, Watford have as much chance of leaving Goodison Park with all three points as what the home team does.

Everton will go for it today, they have to, they cannot keep on dropping points and need to register a win as soon as possible so expect an attacking mentality from the home side today.

Watford will seriously fancy their chances and will themselves go for the win and the thing with Watford is that even when they go behind they keep on fighting.

I see both sides scoring and a very high possibility of one of these scoring twice, I just do not know which one, but either way, over 2.5 goals is the logical bet.

Huge game this for both sides and it is Chelsea for me that I see emerging as the victors.

United will take a defensive position today, they always do, they did against Liverpool when they played them away and they do so against all the big teams, that is the Jose Mourinho way and I do not see the United manager sending his team out today with any different instructions than normal.

Chelsea was humiliated away from home against Roma in the Champions League and cannot afford to lose this game, they will go at United from the get-go and they are more than capable of breaching the United defence.

United get away with defending non stop a lot, they occasionally win with a breakout goal, they usually draw, but every now and then they come unstuck against a top side and Chelsea at home can be that team that punishes United negativity.

Take Chelsea to win

I would have prefered over 2.5 goals instead of over 3 goals in this game but even with the totals set at 3, I am still confident that we will see a min of 3 goals in this match, most likely more.

Koln has seen 14 goals in their last three games, they have not won all those games but the goals have flowed from both sides.

The same cannot be said about Hoffenheim, but the thing is this, I see Hoffenheim as the more likely winners, I am not confident enough to back them outright but I do see them scoring at least twice in this game.

With Koln defence leaky and their forwards finding their scoring feet and my belief that Hoffenheim will score at least twice then we have the perfect recipe for goals.

Take 3 goals or more.

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

Five of the last seven games played in the Championship by Ipswich Town have ended with at least three goals in them and five of the last six Championship games played by Preston have also finished over 2.5 goals.

These two teams are on the exact same points, 21, and sit four points behind a playoff spot and while it is still early in the season neither side will want to lose this game and find themselves potentially seven points off a playoff spot.

I fully expect that both sides will go for the win and their respective recent records show they can score goals but are also very accustomed to letting the goals in as well.

Take over 2.5 goals.

On paper it is hard to pick either side, Swansea has been abysmal so far this season and Brighton is a very limited side, though out of the pair of them it is probably Brighton that is happier with their current position.

Brighton are on 12 points and sit in 12th in the Premier League and considering their squad and that they are a promoted side they will be satisfied, however, they have won just once on the road from their five away games and that was last week against an appalling West Ham. Point is that they are not a strong away side and it is when they are travelling that they get exposed.

Swansea is on 8 points and sit in 17th spot, they have been disappointing, there is no masking that, but they have been unlucky and are showing some signs of finally getting it right, they did well in defeat to Arsenal last week and if they replicate that form then they will win this game.

Swansea can get better, Brighton is probably playing to their limit right now and if the Swans, in front of their home fans, play to their talents then they will win.

Take Swansea to win outright.

When I analysed this game it became apparent that it was probably best to ignore the statistics and instead go with current form and how I see the game playing out.

Basically, I expect that 6th placed Schalke will beat 15th placed Freiburg but Freiburg will score at least once.

Freiburg started the season with two goalless draws at home but since then have had two score draws and a win at home, they are also unbeaten in front of their home fans and a credible showing is expected.

Shalke is on a four-game unbeaten run, they have won two of their last three away games, scoring twice in those wins.

Freiburg will put on a good show I am sure, they are not easy to beat at home but they are a side destined to fight relegation this season while Schalke will be looking to finish top six.

I can see Schalke scoring twice and Freiburg at least once and so over 2.5 goals is the logical pick

Antalyaspor seems to be in a lot of high scoring games recently, their last five games, home or away have all finished over 2.5 goals and six of their last seven home games have all featured at least three goals, there is a pattern there that cannot be ignored.

Karabukspor is not far behind, five of their last seven games, home or away have finished over 2.5 goals and their last three away games have all been over 2.5 goals.

Add to those statistics the fact that these teams occupy third and fourth bottom in the Turkish Super Lig and you have a recipe for goals.

Take over 2.5 goals.

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.

Gent has struggled this season, however, they have started to show their true potential recently at home having won their last two games in front of their own fans and I expect them to make that three in a row today.

Standard has found it difficult away this season, they have won just once on the road and have had to rely on their home form to maintain their league position and I have seen no evidence to suggest that they will turn that around today.

All things considered, Gent has a great chance to record their third straight home win against a team struggling on the road.

I am going with Leicester to inflict more misery on Everton today.

Everton are in free fall and sacking the manager is not the solution, the fact is that the team is unbalanced and lacks quality, they have just the one win in their last eight games and it is a struggle to find any positives.

Leicester have become the average team they always were despite winning the title two seasons ago but they are playing credibly, they have lost just once in their last five games and that was against Liverpool.

All things considered, I am going with Leicester to win, they have home advantage and are in better form than Everton.

Both these sides when playing at home and away respectively tend to be involved in high scoring games and I see that happening again today.

Horsens have had games over 2.5 goals in five of their last eight home games and Copenhagen in six of their last eight road games.

Copenhagen should win really but I do not see them keeping a clean sheet and so the logical pick is for this game to have at least three goals in it.

Take over 2.5 goals.

PSV sit top of the Dutch league and will go five points clear of Ajax with a win over Vitesse today.

Vitesse sit fourth, however, they have not won at home in their last three league games and that is not a good enough record against a side like PSV.

PSV have won three of their last four away games including a 7-1 win over Utrecht, they are in good form on the road and overall.

All things considered, I am going with PSV to get another away win.

Leeds have been strong at home until their most recent game when they lost to Reading and their overall form recently has not been anywhere near as good as their earlier form, however, I do expect them to perform much better against local rivals Sheffield United.

Sheffield had put a decent run of away wins together but they came unstuck last time on the road in the league losing to Nottingham Forest, but their recent form overall has been decent and so they cannot be dismissed out of hand.

This is a bitter rivalry and passions will be high, Sheffield has the better recent form but Leeds are in front of their home fans. Both sides will play for the win, this will not be a dull affair and I expect both teams to score.

It should also be noted that last time Sheffield played a local rival, Sheffield Wednesday, there were six goals in that game and Leeds playing the same team had three goals, point being is that local Yorkshire derbies can have a hatful of goals.

Take over 2.5 goals

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.