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

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

Take Genk to win

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

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

Take Lilliestrom to win

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

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

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

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

Take Astra to win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Tosno -1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.5 goals

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.5 goals

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

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

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

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

Take Maritimo -0.5

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

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

In better words, I cannot back either team.

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

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

Take over 2.5 goals.

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

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

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

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

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

If Partizan plays to their standard then they will win.

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

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

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

Take over 2,5 goals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Utrecht +0.5

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

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

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

Take Reading on the spreads.

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.5 goals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take APOEL to win

I am going with Brentford to win this Championship match.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Cardiff on the spreads 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go for over 2.5 goals.

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

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

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

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

Take Nimes to win

I like the look of Stjarnan in this game.

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

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

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

Take Stjarnan to win

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

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

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

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

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

Take Velerenga -1

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

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

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

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

Take Elfsborg to win.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Kups to get the win.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Barcelona to win 

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

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

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

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

Take Anderlecht to win

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

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

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

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

Take Haugesund to win.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.5 goals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rosenborg to win.

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

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

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

Marseille to win outright

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

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

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

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

Moreirense to win

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

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

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

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

Take Rotherham to win.

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

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

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

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

Considering the price of Villa they are the value pick.

Take Villa to win

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

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

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

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

The value is backing City to win.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This game looks very strong to be over 2.5 goals.

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

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

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

Over 2.5 goals.

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

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

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

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

Over 2.5 goals is the best pick

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

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

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

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

Take Arsenal -1

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

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

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

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

Take Lyon to win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.5 goals

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

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

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

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

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

Take BATE -1

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.5 goals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.5 goals

This match in the Finnish Veikkausliiga is between two of the poorer teams in the league and while it may not be too easy to pick a winner it does not mean that there is not a great betting opportunity to be had.

I am confident that this game will have at least three goals in it.

RoPS have been involved in games with at least three goals in it in three of their last five home games and their last two home games have both been over 2.5 goals.

The same stats apply to IFK who have also been involved in three games with over 2.5 goals in their last five away matches.

Based on current form the value pick is over 2.5 goals.

This is a game that should see a good few goals and I am going with over 2.5 goals in this game.

Both these sides have been involved in games recently with at least three goals and I expect that trend to continue.

The last two games that Grindavik have played away have seen them lose 4-0 and 5-0 while four of the last five home games for Vikingur have been over 2.5 goals.

Take over 2.5 goals

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

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

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

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

Take Aberdeen -1

I fancy this game to go over 2.5 goals, in fact, I am very confident that it will end up with at least three goals.

I fully expect Vojvodina to win but also expect that Borac Cacak will score at least once.

I do not see value in picking the away side to win outright and so backing overs at good odds is the most sensible option.

Take over 2.5 goals

Tosno sprung a slight surprise when beating Arsenal Tula away but I am not convinced they will be able to overcome CSKA today

That said, CSKA themselves were shocked at home to Rubin Kazan last time out and so confidence in them is not at its highest either.

I do see CSKA probably winning but I doubt they will keep a clean sheet and therefore the value pick is over 2.5 goals.

Take over 2.5 goals.

A lot will depend on what sort of teams are sent out by the respective managers but I am confident that Coventry will be sending out their strongest possible side in front of their home fans.

Coventry is one league below Blackburn but that tends to go out the window in this sort of competition when you are looking at lower league sides.

Coventry won at the weekend and Blackburn did not, another factor to take on board.

Coventry is definitely the value bet here, they are long odds but are in front of their home fans and have momentum after the weekend, something Blackburn does not have.

Take Coventry to win

The first game of the Portuguese season for both these sides and it is the home side I am siding with today.

Maritimo is very strong at home recently, they are unbeaten in their last 15 home games and that have withstood the big boys of Portugal soccer, Porto, Sporting Lisbon and Benfica.

By contrast, Pacos have won just twice in their last 15 road games in the domestic league, hardly an impressive record.

All things considered, I am taking Maritimo to get their season off to a winning start.

Take Maritimo to win

The first game of the new Portugal season for these two teams and I am going with Rio Aves to grab the win.

Rio is a fairly strong home side, certainly better than what Belenenses are away and in front of their home fans, who will be full of hope for the new season, I expect them to claim all three points.

I would have liked better odds but what is available is acceptable.

Take Rio Ave to win outright

A tricky game this one between Stromgodset and Valerenga and choosing a result outcome is difficult but one thing that I am certain of is that there will be goals.

Both sides are more than capable of being in high scoring games and while recent clashes between these two have been low scoring affairs there was a time that whenever these two played each other we would get a glut of goals, I feel we are back to that state of play.

Both need the win and I fully expect them both to score and I would have gone for over 3.5 goals if that was available with better odds.

Take over 2.5 goals

First faces off against third in a massive game in Sweden today.

Malmo is leading the league by a massive ten points, they are clearly the best side in Sweden at this time but Djurgarden is no push overs, especially at home.

There is very little that separates these two at this time, Djurgarden has their last four at home while Malmo has won their last four away in the league.

Considering their respective home and away form I would have expected far closer odds but the odds clearly favour Malmo and I simply do not make them such clear favourites.

The last three times these two have met in Djurgarden the home side have won twice and Malmo once, so Djurgarden do have it within them to beat Malmo in front their home fans.

Take Djurgarden to get a huge result in front of their passionate fans.

First game for these two in the Portuguese Primeira and I am going with the home side to get off to a winning start.

Both sides have had average pre seasons and it is difficult to know for sure who is better positioned in the opening game, however, when you get two sides fairly evenly matched it tends to be the home side that wins in early season games, mainly because the crowds are very enthusiastic and hopeful for the season ahead.

Take Vitoria to win outright

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

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

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

Zenit looks good for the win.

A very close game is in prospect here, however, I am going to go with the home side to scrape the win.

The season is just three games old and so it is difficult to gauge them too deeply, however, recent results in Europe, friendlies and the league have shown me that Brondby is better at home at the moment than Copenhagen are on the road.

The game will be tight but I expect Brondby to win.

Take Brondby to win outright.

This game has all the signs of being packed with goals and even though the odds are a little low they are worth taking for this game to end over 2.5 goals.

Actually, this game is more about the away side, they struggle in defence but know how to score, a quick look at their last three away games shows that.

I was tempted to go for the away side to win but the over 2.5 goals simply looks more obvious and that is the bet I am going for.

Take over 2.5 goals

I am a little disappointed that I was unable to pick over 2.5 goals in this game which would have provided better odds, but I am very confident that there will be goals in this game and therefore will accept 2 goals or more at restricted odds.

Both teams are capable of both scoring and letting in goals, neither is at the top of their game and so goals looks a very strong possibility.

Take 2 goals or more

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

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

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

Take Bolton +0

I am going with Odense to grab the win against Aalborg today.

Odense has been doing ok at home, losing on rare occasions, whereas Aalborg is not exactly prolific on the road with a very mixed record.

The season is still early, however, the respective home and away records over the last season or so and current form gives the edge to the home side and that is who I am backing today.

Take Odense tow in outright

This game really looks like over 2.5 goals for me and the odds are quite attractive all things considered.

Both sides have mixed records when it comes to games with over 2.5 goals and a case could be made for either outcome, however, two of the last three meetings between these two have ended over 2.5 goals and the further you go back the percentage is always in favour of over 2.5 goals, albeit slightly.

For me, it is about recent form, previous match ups and my own judgement and it all points to over 2.5 goals.

Take over 2.5 goals

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

Zulte Waregem is certainly not one of the better sides in Belgium but they are a better team than Sint Truiden that is for sure.

Sint Truiden is woeful on the road and this is a great opportunity for Zulte get a win in front of their home fans.

Take Zulte to win.

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

The first game of the season in France Ligue 1 and I am taking Montpellier to get off to a winning start.

Caen is very poor away from home and while Montpellier finished last season in terrible form at home they were almost unbeatable in the early part of the season on their own ground.

If Montpellier starts this season at home like they did last season then they will win.

Take Montpellier to win.

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

Still early days in the Czech top division but I am going with Sigma to get the win, they have a great home record and are not an easy team to beat in front of their own fans.

I do not feel that Liberec have enough about them to win this game and the odds are quite good on Sigma winning.

Take Sigma to win

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

Both these teams lost their opening games of the season and so will be looking for their first points, however, I am of the opinion that it will be Teplice that emerges the winners.

Teplice are quite strong at home, whereas Dukla is very poor on the road, the odds favour the home win and I agree with those odds.

Take Teplice to win

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

Randers have not got off to a great start this season but they have faced some stiff opposition and remain in good spirits. They may be the away side but they are a better side than Hobro and I am confident they will register their first win of the season.

Take Randers

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

Two teams struggling this season but Halmstads has shown a little bit of form in recent weeks at home, instead of losing they have started drawing and today could be the day they convert a draw into a win.

Jonkopings is a poor away side and I have no confidence in them to get a result today, even against a team below them in the standings.

Take Halmstads to get a home win.

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

First game for both sides in the Championship this season and both will be looking to get the win.

I am taking Cardiff to get all three points, they are the better side if they play to form and even though Burton will enjoy home advantage they are still the inferior side.

Of course, it all depends on how Cardiff perform, I am of the opinion they will play to their best ability today, it is the first game of the season and they will be motivated and up for the match.

Take Cardiff to win

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

Tricky game on the face of it but the reports I have been receiving about this game all point to a win for Coventry City.

Coventry has calmed down a bit considering the off field politics and the word is that they are united and raring to go.

Notts County has had a tricky time of it recently and question marks remain.

The news I have received has generally been positive about Coventry and not so much for Notts County.

Take Coventry to get the win.

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

The first game of the season for these two sides and it is Fleetwood that I am going for to get the win.

Based on reports I have received on this game I am confident that Fleetwood will get the win, they are in great shape and the club is buzzing. They fully expect to get their season off to a winning start and I share that confidence.

Take Fleetwood to win.

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

I really fancy Botafogo to emerge the winners against Sao Paulo in Brazil this evening, they are a decent home side and will be hoping to get the win, something I believe they will do.

Take Botafogo to win

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

Dundalk should win this one but I am far from convinced they will keep a clean sheet and therefore the most logical pick from a value perspective is over 2.5 goals.

Take over 2.5 goals

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

Early days in Belgium and this was a difficult game to analyse, but I came to the conclusion that there will be goals and so the over 2.5 pick is both the best value and most logical pick to have.

Take Over 2.5 goals.

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

This will be a tight game but I am of the opinion that Mjondalen will grind out the win in front of their home fans today in Norway.

Take Mjondalen to win

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

Hearts should really win this one in a canter and I would not be surprised to see them knock in at least three goals if not more.

I expect this to be a high scoring game and with Hearts odds so low then the overs is the value pick.

Take Over 3 goals

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

I like the look of the home side in this and am confident that they will have enough about them to secure the win today.

Take FC Ilves to get the win

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

I fancy Falkirk to win this one but not to keep a clean sheet, the odds on Falkirk were too low to back outright and therefore the overs is the best option.

Take over 3 

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

This is the game I am looking forward today, I believe the odds on Jonkopings are too high and they have to be backed. Hammarby will not be walkovers but I am very confident that Jonkopings will do enough to get the win.

Take Jonkopings to win

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

I am not too happy about the odds on Odense but I do expect them to win this match against Horsens and I can live with the odds available.

Take Odense to win

Two of the better teams in Brazil Serie B and it is the home side that I am going with.

Juventude is a good home side, they are three points behind their opponents today and know a win will take them to equal first place in the standings.

The away side top the table and will be no walkovers but Juventude have won six of their eight home games and they represent the toughest challenge for the away side this season.

Take Juventude to win

Fourth placed Shamrock face off against seventh placed Bohemians in the Irish Premier League today and I see there being goals in this game.

Shamrock won their last home game 4-1 and Bohemians have been involved in games with at least three goals in them on four of their last five road games.

Both sides need the points and will be going for the win.

I expect Shamrock to win but to also concede and so Over 2.5 goals is the logical pick.

Take over 2.5 goals.

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

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

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

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

Take Cork -2

This will more than likely be a tight game but I am confident that Bray will prove to be too good for Finn Harps and claim the win.

Bray is higher on the table by nine points and has home advantage, that should be enough to see them emerge the winners.

Take Bray to win

The opening game in the Bundesliga 2 and I am going with the home side to get the win.

First games are always tricky but Bochum are fairly solid at home, their fans will be passionate wanting their team to get off to a good start to the season and there will be no excuses if they do not register the win.

Take Bochum to win

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

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

Take Brest -0.5