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

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

Take Brest -0.5

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

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

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

Take Sonderjyske -1

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

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

Take Freiburg -1.5

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

Aberdeen simply must win this game if they want to have any hopes of putting together a run in Europe, Limassol will not be walkovers but I am confident that the home side will do just enough in front of their home fans to get the win.

Take Aberdeen 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.

This will be a tight game but I believe that Crvena Zvezda will emerge the winners, they have home advantage and that could be key come the end of the game.

Take Crvena Zvezda 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.

When I analysed this game I was not convinced that FC Midtjylland was as strong a favourite that the sportsbooks have made them to be, but at the same time, I lacked the confidence in Arka to spring a surprise.

What I was convinced of was that both teams would score and that there would be over 2.5 goals, in fact, I would go as far as to predict over 3.5 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.

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

Take Gent -1

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

When I researched this game I came to the conclusion that Astra would be one of my bankers for the day. I am convinced that they will win this game and the odds were acceptable.

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

Take AEK -0.5

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

I fully expect Krasnador to win this game but the odds were just too low, however, I also expect Lyngby to find the back of the net and so the over 2.5 goal option became an excellent option.

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 is a game where I see the home side winning but not keeping a clean sheet.

The odds on a home win were too prohibitive for me and so the over 2.5 pick is the most sensible one.

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.

I am very confident that Stjarnan will win this game, I have backed them a little over the last month and they generally come good.

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

Take Stjarnan -1

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

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

Take Sturm Graz -0.5

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

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

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

Take Start -1

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

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

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

Take Gothenburg -1

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

I fully expect Kalmar to win this one but I am also convinced that they will not keep a clean sheet and so the logical and value pick is to go with the overs.

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

Take New York City -0.5

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

This is a game that Krasnador is favourites for and while I do see them winning I do not expect it to be a landslide and a scoreline of 1-0 or 2-0 is most likely and so going under 2.5 goals is the value pick.

Take Under 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.

Sirius remains in great form and their home record is impressive and while Hacken is also in good form, they are lacking a little on the road and I cannot see them stopping the home side today.

Take Sirius outright

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 expect that Gdansk will win this one but at the same time am convinced that Krakow will find the back of the net at least once and therefore the value and the most logical pick 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.

This is a game that Zenit really should win but it is still early in the Russian season and it would be no surprise at all if Rubin scores at least once today and so the strongest pick in this game 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.

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

Take Inverness -0.5

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

Two teams in bad form but Halmstads has started to show some better form at home drawing their last two games in the league in front of their own fans and this game is a great chance to finally knock up a home win.

Take Halmstads 

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.

Scottish League Cup game and one that should be an entertaining affair, I expect both sides to score at least once and for a winner to emerge, probably Partick, but they are not the value pick, over 2.5 goals is.

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.

I feel this game will be a lot tougher than most people think. Malmo should win but I do not see them winning easily and see a low scoring game with Malmo the most likely winners but a draw is still a possibility.

Take under 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 game has goals written all over it, neither side can buy a win at the moment and are conceding goals for fun and I see no reason why that will not continue today.

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.

Two teams in the top half of the table and both will be looking for the win. I see a competitive game happening with both sides scoring at least one goal and a very high likelihood that one of these two will score at least twice.

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 game could go either way and both teams are more than capable of hitting the back of the net on multiple occasions, over 2.5 goals is the value pick in this match.

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.

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

Take Haugesund to win

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

Two sides at the bottom end of the table that desperately need points. Sandefjord is a lot better at home than they are away and Tromso are very poor travellers losing their last three away games 9-1 on aggregate.

Tromso did win away at Rosenborg but that was a shocking one off and generally speaking they are simply a bad away side.

Take Sandefjord 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 sides have been involved in games recently with goals being scored freely, especially Norrkoping and I do not see that all of a sudden changing.

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.

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

Take FC Lahti -1

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.

Ostersunds had a brilliant home win over Galatasaray in Europe midweek and are in excellent form. Djurgardens are also in great form but their recent wins have been against teams lower in the league.

Take Ostersunds 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.

Five of the last six meetings between these two sides have ended over 2.5 goals and based on both sides recent form I see that pattern continuing.

Take over 2.5 goals

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

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

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

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

Take Corinthians -1

Two poor teams with poor defensive record face off against each other today in the Swedish Allsvenskan.

In these sort of games, it pays to look at their recent records and the one thing that stands out for me is their involvement in games featuring a minimum of three goals.

Sundsvall last five games have all had at least three goals in them and in four of their six home games this season there has seen at least three goals.

Halmstads are a little more conservative but three of their last five away games have had at least three goals in them and four of their last seven games overall have had at least three goals.

When you factor in their league positions and how both are desperate for a win then it all points to a game that will have goals in it.

Take over 2.5 goals

The bottom two in the Swedish Allsvenskan face off against each other today in a game that both sides desperately need to win.

There is very little to separate these two sides, Eskilstuna has not won a single game this season from 14 played and have amassed just four points, however, at home, they have drawn on three occasions and lost three, which tells me that at home they do at least put up some resistance.

Kalmar has won twice but not away from home and have just one draw from six road games to their name, not a team that impresses when travelling.

This is a desperate game but the home side have the advantage here, they have lost 50% of their home games but against better opposition than Kalmar and at the same time have drawn 50% of their home game, again, against better opposition.

This is a huge opportunity for Eskilstuna to grab their first win of the season and I am backing them to do just that.

Take Eskilstuna outright

This is a game that Celtic must win and win comfortably and that is what I expect today.

Celtic do not want to do what Rangers in Europe did and get humiliated and they will be going for goals and a lot of them.

This Champions League qualifier is of the utmost importance to the Scottish Champions and they will be attacking fully throughout.

I would not be surprised if Linfield got a consolation goal at some point but even if they did not I can still see Celtic scoring at least 4 goals.

Take over 3.5 goals.

The first game of the Polish season today and as per usual in these sort of games, it is difficult to pick a winner, however, that does not mean that there are not opportunities to be had.

Both these teams have been in high scoring pre season games with almost 90% of their friendly games being at least 3 goals in them and while that is not the strongest indicator of what is to come it does show a pattern.

There is no form to go on and stats do not really apply so early on, but based on how these two teams have been performing, both defensively and offensively then I am convinced we will see goals.

Take over 2.5 goals

Under normal circumstances, I would not go with such a high overs but in this instant, I believe that over 3.5 goals s justified.

There is a huge gulf in class between Maltese side Hibernians and Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg and I expect that to show today.

Neither team has started their domestic campaigns as of yet but Hibernians have been playing competitive football in the Champions League qualifiers, Salzburg has been restricted to friendlies at this moment in time but I do not see that being too big a factor in this game.

In fact, Salzburg beat Anderlecht 4-1 just four days ago in a friendly and while that is not a competitive game that result is still impressive.

Hibernians surprised me last time out as I expected them to be eliminated from this competition but here they are.

I would not be surprised to see Hibernians score in front of their home fans but I fully expect that Salzburg will get a hatful and run out very clear winners come the end of the game.

I am going with Santos to grab a win this evening against Sao Paulo in the Brazilian Serie A.

Santos have been in mixed form recently, however, they have lost just the once in their last seven Serie A games, they just need to convert more draws into wins.

A draw and loss in their last two games will have shaken Santos a little but they have a great chance in front of their own fans to get back on track.

Sao Paulo are in very bad form, they have not won in their last six Serie A games managing just two points from a possible 18, they have lost five of six away games this season, whatever way you dress it up that is poor.

While Santos are not in great form they have a lot more going for them Sao Paulo and really should win this game.

Take Santos outright

I am a little surprised at the odds on this game and have Norrkoping far bigger favourites to win the game.

Norrkoping are second top and have a very good home record, they have lost just once at home this season and have won four of their last six at home.

Elfsborg are not exactly prolific when away from home, they sit in 9th spot and is winless in their last five away games in the league.

Now, Norrkoping did play in Europe on Thursday and last time they played in Europe they then lost in their next league game, but that was playing away in the league and the game on Thursday was really just about going through the motions as they had already won first leg 5-0.

I cannot see anything other than a home win and at good odds considering the opposition.

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

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

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

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

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

Take Corinthians -1

I am going with over 2.5 goals in this Swedish Allsvenskan match.

Malmo is currently the best side in Sweden and is unbeaten on the road this season and I would not be surprised to see them win, however, I do not believe they will keep a clean sheet.

Hacken is not as good as Malmo but does have home advantage and their record at home is not that bad considering their limitations. They have seen over 2.5 goals in five of their last six home league games and I do expect them to score in front of their home fans.

A draw is a possibility but a low one for me and I am more confident that Malmo will win and Hacken score and so over 2.5 goals is the most logical pick.

Take over 2.5 goals.

Aalesund is not a formidable home side but they have enough about them to be able to beat visitors Molde today.

Aalesund has won four of their last six home games, losing two, they are just two points behind Molde in the standings and will be looking to get three points today after seeing their season come a little unstuck recently.

Molde are not the strongest away side, just two wins in eight so far this season and over their last seven road games, they have won just once. Molde could only get a draw against third bottom Stromgodset in their last away game and while their recent form is good, it is mainly due to their home performances.

This will be a tight game but Aalesund home record compared to the away record of Molde is significant and will be the difference today.

Take Aalesund to win outright.

Time constraints mean that analysis is short today, but this pick has been analysed and comes with full confidence.

Sporting Kansas City is unbeaten at home in the MLS, they have won 6 from 9 and 5 of those wins have had at least 3 goals in them. I expect to see that pattern continue.

Time constraints mean that analysis is short today, but this pick has been analysed and comes with full confidence.

I expect Levski Sofia to win this game but I also expect the home side to get at least one goal and therefore the most logical outcome is over 2.5 goals

Time constraints mean that analysis is short today, but this pick has been analysed and comes with full confidence.

Gorica should emerge victorious in this matchup but there is a good chance they will concede at some point and so over 2.5 looks a solid pick.

Time constraints mean that analysis is short today, but this pick has been analysed and comes with full confidence.

Lyngby is a far better team than Bangor City and their narrow win in the first leg did not show the gulf between the sides, I fully expect they will be vastly improved tonight and will win by a couple despite a passionate home crowd.

Houston has an incredible home record, they have won seven and drawn twice this season without losing once, they are definitely better at home than they are on the road.

On the other hand, Montreal is a poor away side, they have won just once on the road all season long, they do draw a lot, five times in nine games, but against a team that has won seven times from nine home games, they are up against it for sure.

Montreal does have the slightly better form in the MLS at the moment than Houston but that is based on them winning their home games and Houston losing their away games, we have the reverse situation today.

All things considered, I am going with a home win, I just do not see any other result.

The question for me was would Houston win by more than the one goal and with five of their seven home wins being by at least a two-goal margin then I am of the opinion that is what we will see today.

I am going with Orlando to get the win this evening against Toronto.

Orlando had turned their home ground into a bit of a fortress but recently they have gone a little off track, they have lost just the once this season at home in the MLS, however, over the last five home games they have won just once, this follows a period of five consecutive wins.

But still, they remain a side hard to beat in Florida.

Toronto has won three games from nine road trips and is currently on a two-game losing run away from home in the MLS, they do not come into this game with a stellar away record and they are in no better form on the road than what Orlando is at home.

Orlando home form indicates they are unlikely to lose this game and the question for me was are they more likely to win the game than Toronto are to get the draw. I am confident that Orlando is more likely to win than Toronto draw or win.

Take Orlando to win.

Two teams in poor form at the moment and the truth is that while LA Galaxy is favourites, they are far from being solid favourites.

It seems that both sides are struggling to get wins and conceding goals is becoming an art form for both sides.

But that does not mean that there is not value to be had.

The overs looks good, I would have preferred over 2.5 goals and that is available in some places but I am still confident that this game will have at least 3 goals regardless.

Four of LA Galaxy last four MLS home games has had at least three goals in them and 8 of their last 9 MLS games, home or away, have had at least 3 goals in them.

7 of Real Salt Lakes last 8 games have had at least 3 goals in them and while they are better at home the same cannot be said of their away form.

This goal has goals written all over it and I am confident that we will see at least 3 goals and very probably more.

Colorado is the value to get another home win against a side that is not in the best away form.

The Rapids have won five of their last six home games and while they may not be having the best season to date they are certainly a strong side in front of their home fans recently.

Compare Colorado home form to the recent Seattle away form and you will see the difference.

The Sounders have lost four and drawn once in their last five MLS away games, they have conceded 14 goals in those games, scoring just four times.

Obviously, other form and factors play a part but the difference in the respective home and away records is simply too big to ignore.

Take Colorado to win outright.

I am going with Minnesota to continue to improve their home record and get the win today.

Minnesota first game at home saw them thrashed 6-1 by Atlanta, that is what you call a wake-up call, however, they have steadily improved on their home ground and have put together some very good wins and now have a much more positive record in front of their own fans.

Columbus, on the other hand, have a terrible record on the road. They have won just once five times away from home over their last 30 away games, that is not good and this season they have lost seven times and won just twice.

On current home and away form Minnesota clearly have the advantage, they have three wins and a draw from their last five home games, whereas Columbus has lost their last four away games on the bounce.

Take Minnesota to win outright.

Two teams that have taken to winning as a habit recently, Germany are World Champions while Chile has won the last two South American Championships.

Germany is the better team but Chile has beaten better teams than themselves on a regular basis over the last four years so it would be wrong to pick the Germans just because they have the better players overall.

I am taking the Germans to win not because on paper they should win but based on the games I have watched over the last couple of weeks involving these two teams.

The Germans have been their usual clinical selves and they just grind you down and as soon as the semi final games were concluded I immediately knew that I would be going with the Germans to win this final.

It will be a close game but overall, for me, the Germans have been the better side and will grind out the win.

This Brazilian Serie A game is a bit of a mismatch and it is very difficult to see anything other than a clear home win.

Botafogo sits sixth in Serie A, they have won three and drawn one of their four home games this season and over their last 15 home games in all competitions have won 11, drawn one and lost three, however, those three losses have been against top teams.

Avai is rock bottom of Serie A, they have lost all five of their away games and have won just once on the road in their last 21 Serie A games. This is not a quality side, certainly not on the road.

Shocks can happen, Santos showed that this week, but it is rare when a side firmly planted at the base of the league travels to one of the top sides and wins, very rare.

Everything to points to a home win and the only issue for me was the spread.

The spread is set at -1 and that seems fair to me, I expect Botafogo to win by at least two goals and while I could have done with better odds what is available is acceptable.

I am going with the home side to win this game outright.

Aalesund either win or lose at home, they have not drawn a single game in the league this season on their home turf.

Odd on the other hand have a very mixed away record, however, the headline figure is that they have won just twice from seven away games this season.

There is very little between these sides on current form and so for me, it comes down to who has the advantages going into this game and that is the home team.

Aalesund has the advantage because even though their home form is winning or losing it is better than the away form of Odd who do struggle to win away from home. 

The advantage is slight but it is enough. 

Take Aalesund to win 

Third-placed Sarpsborg host leaders Brann in what promises to be a great game.

I like Sarpsborg and believe they have what it takes to beat Brann today.

Brann at the top is slightly flattering, they occupy that spot mainly because of the dip in form suffered by Rosenborg, but fairs fair, they are top and as things stand the best side in Norway, but I would not get carried away just yet.

Brann is consistent at being inconsistent on the road, they have won 2, drawn 2 and lost 2, about as mixed as it gets and certainly not the away form of prospective champions.

Sarpsborg has won 5 of their 7 home games, losing just once, they are a lot stronger at home than Brann are away.

All things considered, I am going with Sarpsborg to get all three points today.

Chicago Fire has a great opportunity today to extend their winning home record in the MLS against a team that has been struggling on the road.

Chicago has won seven of their eight home MLS games this season, drawing the other one, they have won five of those games by at least two goals.

Orlando has won just the once on the road this season and has lost three and drawn twice in their last five away matches.

Based on the respective home and away form Chicago should win this and everything points to them winning by at least a couple of goals.

The spread has been set at -1, I would have preferred -0.75 but I am still very confident that the Fire will do enough to cover the spread.

Take Chicago -1

I am going with goals in this matchup between Atlanta and Colorado.

It would have been better if the over goals had been set at 2.5 and not 3 but I am confident that at the very worst we will see 3 goals and probably more.

The last five home games involving Atlanta have had at least 4 goals and every home game this season has had at least 3 goals and while that does not mean that we will see the same in every single game they ever play at home it is still a massive indication that at this moment in time there will be goals.

Colorado away from home this season have been woeful, they have lost every road game in the MLS but that will not continue, they are better than that and I do expect them to make a go of it today and do expect them to find the back of the net at least once, if not twice.

This game will have goals of that I am sure and I am happy to take over 3 goals.

This is a game that Santos should win and win easily.

Santos is almost unbeatable at home. In Serie A they have lost just four times in their last 44 home games, think about that for a minute.

On the other hand, Sporting Recife are woeful in Serie A on the road, they have won just five times in their last 43 away games.

Santos is in good form, they are third in the standings, whereas Sporting is 4th bottom.

I am happy with the spread, I think Santos -1 is fair and the odds are acceptable.

Take Santos -1

I am going with New York Red Bulls to beat their bitter city rivals New York City today.

I have actually watched the last three games between these two when the Red Bulls have been the home side and one thing is clear, they enjoy playing NY City at home.

These two have met four times at the Red Bull Arena and every single time the home side has won.

The Red Bulls overall have the upper hand over their New York rivals and I expect that to be the case once again today.

Both teams are in decent form and it will come down to who is the better team on the day and with history on the side of the Red Bulls I expect them to be the ones to emerge victorious.

Take Red Bulls -0.5

This game for me is all about the respective home and away form and it is Houston that holds a significant advantage.

Houston has won seven of their last eight home games and drawing one, so they are on an eight-game unbeaten home run with over 90% win rate on their home turf.

Dallas, on the other hand, has won just twice in their seven away games this season, the imbalance between the two sides is clear to see.

Overall, both sides are in similar form but Dallas is not at home where they get most of their points and Houston are not away where they tend to struggle.

Taking into consideration the clear gap between the respective home and away form it is difficult to see how Houston will not win.

Take Houston on the spread.

Toronto is unbeaten at home in the MLS this year and have won their last six home games on the bounce.

New England has not won away at all this year and you have to go back to last season in September to get their last away win, in fact, they have won just twice in their last 25 away games, this is not a side that enjoys road trips.

Toronto sit at the top of the Eastern Conference while New England is languishing down in eighth, there is already a 12 point gap between the sides and I just cannot see how the Canadians cannot win this game.

The big question for me was the spread, I would have preferred -0.75 against Toronto but I am convinced they will win by at least two goals and so am happy to take -1.

Take Toronto -1 on the spread

I am taking Ponte Preta to get the better of Cruzeiro in the Brazilian Serie A this evening.

Ponte Preta have got off to a great start on their home turf winning all three homes games so far knocking in eight goals and conceding two. In fact, they have lost just twice at home in their last 17 games in Serie A They have won their last five on the bounce in their own stadium in the same competition.

Cruzeiro has won just once in their four Serie A away games this season and overall have won just three times in their last 11 Serie A games.

Now, the Brazilian seasons can be fairly complicated with different competitions for different times of the year, but based on their respective home and away form currently Ponte Preta have a clear advantage and are worth backing to continue their home momentum.

This is a game that Corinthians should win and win easily.

The home side has a brilliant home record in all competitions, they have lost just once in their last 15 home games and that was on penalties and not in regulation time and over their last 62 home games have lost just five times.

In Serie A so far this season, they are top of the table winning six and drawing twice in their opening eight games, in better words they are unbeaten and the best side on current form.

Bahia is 14th and have just one point from four away games so far this season, they are not one of the better Brazilian club sides and based on form and statistics will lose this game today.

The spread is about right though the odds could have been better but regardless, I do see Corinthians winning and winning by at least a couple of goals.

Two very inform teams clash this evening and I am confident that we will see at least 2.5 goals in this fixture.

Colorado has won their last four MLS home games on the bounce and three of those games have had at least three goals in them.

LA Galaxy has won three of their last four away games with the other game being a draw and six of their last seven away MLS games have all had at least three games in them.

Considering the form both sides are in and the fact that their respective home and away games tend to have at least three goals in them recently then all the signs are there for this to be a game with goals.

Take over 2.5 goals.

On the face of it, Portland looks good for the win away at Minnesota, but I have more confidence in the home side getting the win than I do on the away side.

Portland has lost their last four MLS away games on the bounce. In fact, their overall away record is rather poor over the last couple of seasons, they are not good travellers.

Minnesota is not a fortress I admit, but they beat Sporting Kansas last month 2-0 when they visited the TCF Bank Stadium and Sporting currently sits top of the Western Conference.

I am taking Minnesota on the spreads as I think the odds are good and in this sort of match, it is best to have a little insurance.

I am going with over 2.5 goals in this matchup between Brann and Stabaek in the Norwegian Eliteserien.

Both these sides are regularly involved in high scoring games, especially when Brann are at home and Stabaek away.

Over their last six home games in the league, Brann has been involved in four games that have finished with three goals or more.

Four of Stabaeks away games this season have finished with three goals or more, that is 80% of their games on the road.

In better words, a very high percentage of Brann home games and Stabaek away games have at least three goals in them and now that these two are facing each other the chances must be very high that we will see a hatful of goals.

Take over 2.5 goals.

Valerenga host Stromgodset today and I am going with the home side to get the win.

Over recent weeks there has been a slight im[rovement from Valerenga and a dip in form from Stromgodset and this is reflected in their respective league positions, however, while there are five positions between the two teams, there is just the four points, so we are not talking a huge gulf here.

That said, Valerenga at home are certainly better than Stromgodset away from home. Valerenga has won two and drawn two of their last four home games, whereas Stromgodset has lost three of their last four away games, drawing the other.

Overall Valerenga at home are stronger than Stromgodset on the road and that will show today.

Take Valerenga to get the win.

I do not like backing away teams that are odds on, it is hard to always see the value in that sort of bet, however, I do feel it is justified on this occasion.

Rosenborg is the best team in Norway and they should be winning these sort of games at a canter, however, in recent weeks they have had some shocking results and my confidence in them has been a little shaken.

But, I am confident that today they will reinstall that confidence, there has been an International break and I am of the opinion that they will come back more focussed and better mentally for it.

Haugesund are of course at home and that is a slight advantage, but in reality, they know they are up against it facing Rosenborg today and while I do expect a close game I do expect the away side to scrape the win.

If Rosenborg play to form they will win and I am confident they will play to form.

This is a game that Poland should win with some ease.

This Romania side is nowhere near as good as previous Romanian sides, they lost at home to Poland 3-0 back in November and there is absolutely nothing that has happened since that would suggest that they can do any better this time round.

Poland is unbeaten in this group with four wins and a draw to their name and in front of their home fans, I fully expect them to stretch that unbeaten run.

I am slightly disappointed with the odds if I am honest but that does not change my opinion in how I see this game unfolding.

I see Poland winning by at least a couple of goals and will be backing them to cover the spread.

This game looks like it has goals written all over it.

Statistics are not so important in this type of game, it is more sensible to look at who is playing who and that is very relevant in this game.

Brann are second and Odd are fourth, these are two teams with title aspirations and considering how inconsistent Rosenborg have been recently then they are right to have such ambitions.

Both sides know how important a win would be, the points would be priceless, even at this stage of the season and I fully expect both sides to play an open attacking game of soccer.

I cannot see either team playing for a draw and I expect both to score.

The most logical pick in this game is over 2.5 goals.

This game looks a bit one sided to me and I am surprised that Aalesund is not a much bigger favourite.

Aalesund is 5th in the table while Haugesund is third bottom and so on the face of it, you would think that the home side looks a good thing.

Aalesund has a mixed home record with three wins and two losses while Haugesund has lost four of six away games.

Aalesund has home advantage and a better home record than what Haugesund have away and the odds are very appealing.

Take the home side

I believe that the odds on Molde are far too high and they are the value pick.

Sarpsborg are doing well, better than Molde so far, but they are not one of the best sides in Norway, they are not one of the worst either, they are a mid table team in the making and just because they have got off to a better start than Molde does not mean they are sure to win this fixture.

Molde are better than their results this season have shown so far and they just need a boost in momentum, a win today would do just that.

On form, Sarpsborg have deserved favourites and they are of course at home, but there is no way they deserve to be such hot favourites.

Molde are the value pick here.

This game looks like it will have goals in it and I am very confident that there will be at least three goals.

Four of Sogndal last six home league games have all had at least three goals in them, they are not a solid defensive side and are more than capable of letting in goals.

Three of Sandefjord six away games this season have had at least three goals in them and they can leak goals with the best of them, a recent 5-0 loss away to Brann shows that.

Both these sides are poor defensively, both capable of letting in a hatful of goals and considering both need points, even at this early stage of the season then I am convinced we will see goals fly in today.

Bottom faces off against the second bottom in the Norwegian Eliteserien and one would expect the odds to be a lot closer than what they are, but they are not, the bottom side Viking are seen as red hot favourites and I just do not see the justification in that.

Yes Viking is at home, but they are bottom, they are not in good form and home advantage is relative when you have just one win and four losses from five home games so far this season.

Of course, Kristiansund are woeful away as well, they are second bottom after all, but the point is this, they are playing a very poor home side and if they are ever going to collect max points away from home then this is the game they could do it in.

It is probably right that Viking is favourites, but no way should they be such big favourites.

The value in this game is clearly to back the away side.

Always tricky backing LA Galaxy these days, but I feel they are well worth a bet on the spread.

If this game finishes in a draw then stakes will be returned, so for this pick to lose then DC have to win and I just do not see that happening.

LA are not playing that great this season I accept that. but they are in far better current form than DC, who have lost their last three home games on the bounce.

Galaxy has the better form simple as that and if this game is played to form then LA will win, however, I am taking the safe route and backing the Californians on the spreads.

Early days still in Brazil Serie A, but Corinthians really should win this game in front of their home fans.

Very little form to go on but the start that Corinthians have enjoyed gives them the advantage, plus they are at home, another significant advantage.

Santos has stumbled so far and until they show an upturn in form then in this sort of game they are best opposed.

Take Corinthians to win outright.

The biggest club game in world football and I am going with Juventus to grind out the win.

This will be a close game, Madrid is brilliant up front, while Juventus are brilliant in defence as Barcelona can testify.

The difference for me is that I can see Juventus containing Real over the 90 minutes, but I cannot see Madrid keeping Juventus contained.

A tough game but for me, it is Juventus that will win, however, I am not prepared to back them outright and will take them on the spreads, as this is the safer more sensible option.

Stabaek has had a much better start than Lillestrom in the Norwegian Eliteserien and I fully expect them to win.

Stabaek sit 5th in the table while Lillestrom are second bottom, Stabaek have stumbled at home recently but have still only lost the once at home all season

Lillestrom has seen a slight upturn in their form, but just one win away this season tells its own story.

I am taking Stabaek to win outright.

Two teams struggling at the bottom end of the Swedish Allsvenskan, however, I am of the opinion that Kalmar will take advantage of playing at home and win.

Kalmar have a mixed home record and while their home stadium is not a fortress, they do win as on a regular basis.

Orebro is woeful on the road and that is the difference for me, while Kalmar is not the best team at home they are certainly a better home side than Orebro are an away side.

Take Kalmar to win outright

End of season game between the Segunda Champions Levante and 11th placed Lugo.

Lugo does have home advantage but I do not see it doing them any good today.

Levante have lost just six games from the 40 played this season, they are by far the best side in the Spanish second division, they are 15 points ahead of second place and a massive 32 points ahead of Lugo.

It can be argued that this end of season game will be irrelevant and to some degree it will be, however, Levante have not slowed down since winning the championship and I see no reason why they will this evening.

The odds are fantastic and as long as Levante play to form they will win.

Not exactly the two best sides in Irish football but Bohemians should have enough about them to claim a home win.

Bohemians have the slightly better form and home advantage, whereas Drogheda is rather poor on the road, though in all fairness they are not visiting a fortress.

Bohemians also have the slightly better head to head form with Drogheda and all things considered, look better placed to collect the three points today.

Take the home side to win, the odds are acceptable and there is far more chance of a home win than a draw or loss.

Odd were a great disappointment last time out, I expected them to beat Molde and they let me down, especially when they were also the home side.

Sandefjord are in poor form even with home advantage and on the face of it, they should lose this game, but I cannot escape the last game that Odd played and that performance gives Sandefjord a chance.

For me Odd will probably shade it, but as stated I have very confidence in them and would not be surprised if the home side does at least find the back of the net.

All things considered, the overs looks value in this game as I believe both sides will score and Odd possibly nicking it.

The final of the Europa League is finally here and a great game is in prospect.

On paper Man Utd should be favourites but they have only been consistent at drawing this season, they should have done better in the Premier League but too many draws, especially at home have cost them.

Ajax is a quality side but they play in an inferior league to the Premier League and in United will be playing their toughest opponent all season.

I do believe that United will probably win this final, however, I am not at all certain they will win in 90 minutes and if the draw was an option on here that would have been my pick.

In the absence of the draw option then the value pick is Ajax +0.5 goals, which means if it is a draw then we win and of course if Ajax wins, we win.

Take Ajax +0.5

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

Neither team has had a good start to the season, both have gained the exact same amount of points, 11, and both could do with a win to give their season a boost.

I am going with LA galaxy to win though, having seen both these sides play recently I am more confident in Galaxy's ability to grind out the win than Minnesota.

United do have home advantage, but twice from five home games this season and on balance, I believe there is more chance of an away win than 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.

Lazio has had a good season, they have qualified for next season's Europa League and will want to finish the season off in style in front of their home fans. They will also love nothing more than to beat Inter Milan, this is not a game that they will relax in despite the season being almost over.

Inter just want the season to finish, they have been a great disappointment and I just do not see them putting up much of a challenge today.

Take Lazio to cover the spread.

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

This is a game that Odd should win, they are in good form and currently sit third in the Norwegian league and have won all four home games this season. Molde are in tenth, they have a very mixed record and one win in their five away games shows that.

Odd could go joint top with a win today and they know that they have a great opportunity to achieve that, but they have to win and I believe they will.

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.

Tromso must be on a high, they must think they can beat anyone after going to Rosenborg and winning and they would be right to think that because they beat the best team in Norway in their own back yard. Stromgodset will, of course, offer up a completely different challenge and just because Tromso beat Rosenborg does not mean they will beat Stromgodset, but it does give them a great opportunity and I for one believe they will take advantage and build on that famous 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.

There was a time when Valerenga were one of the best teams in Norway, that is no longer the case, they are very inconsistent and their away performances are not exactly solid. Sarpsborg are a well-organised team and they should have enough in the tank to win this game, they are in form and at home, two significant advantages they enjoy over their opponents.

I am not overjoyed at the odds, but in all fairness, they are about right.

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 sides love to be involved in high scoring games, both still have something to play for and both will want the win.

The statistics back up a game with goals and because both teams are motivated to win I expect goals to flow.

The odds are not brilliant but are acceptable and I am backing this game to have at least three goals in it.

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 expect Tottenham to go with a bang in their final domestic game of the season. They took apart Leicester City 6-1 mid week and Hull Coty are unlikely to offer up too much more than what the Foxes did against Tottenham.

Harry Kane wants to win the Golden Boot (top scorer) and will be looking for goals throughout and I just cannot see Hull containing this Tottenham side.

Hull are at home and there is a chance they will also score, they are already relegated and will be playing much freer.

I expect a convincing Tottenham win and would not be surprised if Hull also scored, I am going for over 3.5 goals in this one.

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

This is a game that Genoa must win, they are just two points above relegation and a win will more or less make them safe, especially with Crotone playing at Juventus, They are playing a Torino side that has nothing to play for and with home advantage and a passionate crowd I expect Genoa to get the win that will confirm their safety.

Take Genoa to cover the spread.

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.

Sirius have proven to be a bit of a surprise package this season, but recent results have seen their good start falter, they have won just once in their last five league games which comse after an opening start to the season that saw them win three of their first four games.

Hammarby are slowly improving, they have lost just once in their last eight league games and are now just two points behind the home side in the standings.

The truth is that there is probably very little between the sides, but the odds do not suggest that, they make Sirius clear favourites and I just do not see that, I see them faltering and Hammarby have just as much chance of winning this game as does the home side.

Value is with Hammarby

This is my early Sunday pick.

I am going with Gent to cause a mini surprise here and beat Brugge. 

The winner of this game will qualify for next season's Champions League, a draw will see Brugge advance, so Gent has to win, no two ways about it. 

A few seasons back this would have been an almost guaranteed win for Brugge, but times have changed and the home side no longer has a clear advantage over their visitors. 

Just one point separates these two in the league and there is very little to choose between them. 

Brugge had the clear advantage over Gent, they were winning every game played between the pair, but the last two games have gone Gents way,  in better words, they have removed that hoodoo hanging over them, they now know they can beat Brugge, something they could not do in past years.

I accept that Brugge has home advantage, I accept that the two recent Gent wins over Brugge were not in Brugge, but the odds are far too short on the home side when they are in fact playing a side that is basically equal to them.

If Gent can quieten down the crowd then they have just as much chance of winning this game as what the home side does and the odds on a Gent win are far higher and therefore represent pure value.

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.

Dallas has lost just once in their last 30 games at home, think about that for a minute. That is as good as it gets. 

San Jose has won just four times on the road in their last 30 away games, almost as poor an away record as Dallas brilliant home record.

The spread has been set at -1 and I am very confident that Dallas can overcome that, the respective home and away records certainly indicate it and I see no reason to oppose those statistics. 

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

This game is all about home form against away form and in this particular game, it is the home side that comes out on top.

Sporting Kansas City may have good league position, but two wins in their last 22 away games shows that they are not good travellers, not one bit.

Vancouver are not exactly world beaters, not even at home, but three wins from their last five home games show that they are getting something right in their own stadium.

Decent recent home form beats appalling away form for me.

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.

Philadelphia has finally found a rich vein of form, they are on a five-game unbeaten streak and have won their last three games on the bounce.

Colorado is not in good form, they have won just the once in their last nine league games and have lost their last five away games on the bounce.

This is a clash of one team in form and one team not and I am taking the in-form team to register 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.

60& of DC United games this season have finished overs and eight of Chicago Fire 11 games this season have finished overs. These are two teams that like to be involved in games with goals.

The odds are shorter than what I would have liked, but I am so confident that there will be at least three goals in this game that I will take the odds on offer.