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

Take over 2.75 goals

Due to time constraints, there is no analysis today.

Take over 3.25 goals

Due to time constraints, there is no analysis today.

Take Alaves to cover the spread

Due to time constraints, there is no analysis today.

Take over 2 goals

Due to time constraints, there is no analysis today.

Take Eintracht Frankfurt to cover the spread

Due to time constraints, there is no analysis today.

Take over 2.75 goals

Six of Almere City's eight home league games this season have seen at least three goals, and in nine of their last ten competitive games, both home and away, there were also at least three goals.

Fortuna Sittard boasts a similar record on the road, with six of their eight away games and ten of their last 15 competitive matches, both home and away, featuring at least three goals.

Considering that both teams are very close to the relegation zone and in desperate need of points, we have all the ingredients for a goal fest.

These are two teams that regularly concede goals but also can score themselves.

This game screams goals, and that is what I am backing. I'm taking over 2.5 goals.

I analyzed a few games today, but only one bet stood out for me, and that is over 2.5 goals in the Championship game between Leicester City and Ipswich Town.

Make no mistake, this is a critical game for both sides. Leicester would go ten points clear at the top, and while it would be too early to say they would be guaranteed to finish in one of the two automatic promotion spots for the Premier League, it would be an excellent position for them to be in.

Ipswich was flying alongside Leicester for most of the season, but they now find themselves third and in a serious battle with Southampton (2nd) and Leeds United (4th) for that second automatic place. They would go back to second with a win or draw and remain third with a loss.

So, you can see the importance of the game for both sides. While I expect it to be cagey and cautious in the first 10-15 minutes, as soon as a goal is scored, this game should open up.

Now let's look at the stats. The last four home games for Leicester have all finished with at least three goals in them, and they won all four. So they are clearly in form and scoring freely. Ipswich, in their last seven away games, have seen at least three goals in four of them.

Considering what is at stake and the form of both sides, over 2.5 goals is a solid bet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Juve to cover the spread.

I am surprised that the overs have been set so low in this particular game between Salernitana and Genoa.

Both these sides tend to be involved in games with goals, for example, six of Salernitana's last seven games have had at least three goals in them and while Genoa is not involved in games with so many goals, three of their last six away games have had at least three goals in them.

But then there is also context, Salernitana are at home and rock bottom of Serie A, this is exactly the type of game they will have targetted to get a win, they certainly need points and being at home against a fairly mediocre team is perfect for them.

However, the same applies to Genoa who are currently 12th and only five points above the relegation zone, they would have also targeted this game as one in which they could claim all three points.

I see both teams going for the win and that tends to mean goals.

Take over 2 goals

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

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

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

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

I was pleasantly surprised that the overs has been set so low in this one, as I fully expect to see a minimum of three goals in this Serie A clash between Udinese and AC Milan.

Udinese is the home side, and when they have played at home in Serie A this season, goals have been abundant in recent weeks, with their last four home appearances all having three or more goals.

AC Milan away is even better, with eight of their last ten road games featuring at least three goals, including their last five away games.

As you can see, these two teams, over the last four to five games, have been involved in matches that flow with goals. However, it's not just their recent home and away form that caught my eye.

There are also conflicting styles that will be evident in this game. AC Milan will look to dominate possession, while Udinese will be deploying counterattacks throughout the game. When this dynamic plays out, we tend to see goals, and that is the bet I am making.

Take over 2.5 goals

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

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

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

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

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

This game stood out to me mainly because of the respective home and away records for Heidenheim and Wolfsburg.

The home side, Heidenheim, has seen at least three goals in five of their eight home games this season, including their two most recent home games.

Wolfsburg, on the other hand, has had at least three goals in six of their nine away games this season. Additionally, Wolfsburg has scored in seven of their nine away games, and Heidenheim has scored in eight of their nine home matches. This highlights that both teams regularly score and concede.

With just one point and two places separating these two in the standings, I am expecting a close and competitive game with goals. The statistics certainly back up that analysis.

Take over 2.5 goals

I knew I was going to make this bet over a week ago; all that mattered was what the over would be set at, and I am happy to see it has been set at a competitive level.

My initial thoughts on this game were that Arsenal would win but would not keep a clean sheet. Therefore, I knew in advance that I would be betting on the over, as long as it was set below 3.

Arsenal has just one win in seven games in all competitions, but that is a little misleading as a headline figure. They are certainly a much better team than they have shown in recent weeks, and it is just a matter of time before their frontline clicks and starts converting the chances they are presented with.

Crystal Palace is mediocre, but they do seem to raise their game against the bigger sides, and I am confident they will give Arsenal some anxious moments.

All things considered, I am betting that there will be at least three goals in this game.

This Dutch Eredivisie game promises to be full of goals and I will be backing over 2,75 goals today.

Seven of Excelsior's last nine Eredivisie games have had at least three goals and five of their eight home league games this season have also had at least three goals in them.

Heerenveen's last nine Eredivisie games have had three goals in eight of them and their nine away games have seen six of those games have at least three goals in them.

So, you can see that whether these two are home or away the vast majority of their games have at least three goals in them and their head-to-heads, over the last ten meetings, have seen 60% of their clashes also have at least three goals.

Both sides are poor defensively, Excelsior has the fourth-worst defensive record in the league and Heerenveen has the seventh-worst, however, both are in the top ten when it comes to goals scored.

All things considered, I am backing over 2.75 goals in this match.

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

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

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

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

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

Take Juventus to cover the spread.

Massive game in the Premier League between two of the traditional top six clubs in England and I am backing this to be one of those elite-level games that has an abundance of games.

I had a look at Tottenham's five matches against the top six this season so far and 4 of them have had at least 3 goals and 3 had at least 4 goals, only the first game against United ended under 3 goals when Tottenham beat them 2-0 in London.

United's 5 games against their top six rivals so far this season have seen 3 of them finish with at least 3 goals.

So, more often than not, when these two clubs play against their big rivals, we tend to see goals but that is not the only reason why I think there will be goals in this game.

Five of United's last 6 home games have finished with at least 3 goals and 4 of Tottenham's last 6 away games have had at least 3 goals.

In other words, both these sides tend to be involved in games with goals, the stats certainly back it up.

Then there is the eye test and anyone watching how Tottenham can attack, how Man Utd can counter attack and how both defences are more than capable of making errors will soon agree that when these two sides play, there are usually goals.

Take over 3.25 goals

This German Bundesliga game has goals written all over it and that is exactly the bet I will be taking in this match, over 2.75 goals.

My confidence is high because of the recent records of both clubs.

For starters, Bochum, the home side, have had at least three goals in 4 of their last 5 Bundesliga home games and 3 of those have seen at least 4 goals.

Werder Bremen, in their last 6 away games in the Bundesliga have seen 4 of those feature at least 4 goals.

Then for both sides, home and away in all competitions, 70% of Bochum games have had at least 3 goals and 60% of Werder Bremen games have had at least 3 goals.

So, as you can see, all the ingredients are there for a goal fest and that is exactly what I am expecting in this game.

Take over 2.75 goals

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

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

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

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

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

I will be very surprised if we do not see at least three goals in this game between Newcastle United and Man City.

City are starting to purr once again, their form has returned and they are starting to look frightening and a fourth Premier League title is still on for Pep Guardiola's men.

Newcastle has hit a really bad run of form, injuries have decimated them and are falling fast but at home, they still pose a threat and City has to respect them.

I do believe that City will most likely win, they are in great form right now but I do not see them keeping a clean sheet.

If Newcastle are to win, I cannot see them doing that without conceding, so whoever wins, this game, in my opinion, is nailed on for over 2.75 goals.

Take over 2,75 goals

I am backing second-placed Ipswich to get back to winning ways against sixth-placed Sunderland today in the English Championship.

Ipswich has not won in their last five Championship games, drawing four of those, so their form is not abysmal but it isn't great either. They are at home today, a place they have lost just once all season and this is the perfect time for them to collect three points and solidify their automatic promotion spot.

Sunderland took a 3-0 thrashing at home to bitter local rivals Newcastle in the FA Cup last week and that must have had an effect on their mental and emotional state, they could, of course, be looking to bounce back immediately but I just do not see this Sunderland side having that mindset.

All things considered, I am backing Ipswich to get the home win.

Take Ipswich to win.

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

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

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

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

Take Napoli to win by at least two goals.

This Dutch Eredivisie match stood out for me as one to back on the totals market, which I expected would be set at 3, so getting over 2.75 at good odds is a bet I could not pass up.

Six of RKC Waalwijk's eight home games have had at least three goals in them and six of Heracle's eight road games have also had at least three games in them.

In other words, when Waalwijk is at home and Heracles is away 75% of the games have a minimum of three goals.

Looking at the results both score often enough but it is their respective defences that have been leaking goals regularly that tends to rack up the score.

I see both sides scoring because their defences are weak and based on the stats it is highly likely that one, if not both, will score at least twice.

Take over 2.75 goals.

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

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

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

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

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

It is unlikely that we will see seven goals in this Serie A fixture as we did when these two teams met midweek in the Coppa Italia but I still feel we will see goals.

For starters, this game is at Salernitana and not Juventus so I do expect an improved performance from the home side today and remember, they still scored against Juventus despite losing by a huge margin.

Juve should win again, they have that mental edge now and they will be confident that they will return to Turin with the three points in the bag.

There is no value backing Juventus on the spread and certainly none backing them outright but with the strong possibility that Salernitana will score and Juventus likely to win then over 2,5 goals is the value bet in this game.

Take over 2.5 goals

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

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

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

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

Take Liverpool to cover the spread.

I like the look of over 2.25 goals in this Serie A clash between Napoli and Torino.

Napoli is not the team they were last season, they have struggled to defend their title and are not scoring as freely as they once did, however, they are still creating an abundance of chances and once they click they will be back to their free-scoring best.

Torino are at home and they will feel that they can get something from this game, they will believe and rightfully so, that the Napoli defence is vulnerable and can be breached.

I expect both teams to score and at least one of the sides to score twice or more.

All this points to goals for me and I am taking the over 2,25 on offer.

When I first looked at this game I pencilled it down for overs and once I did my analysis it backed up my belief that this game would see at least three goals.

For starters, in three of Lecce's last six home games there have been at least three goals, so a 50% return, however, Cagliari have conceded at least two goals in seven of their last eight away games.

Then add in the fact that four of the last six meetings between the teams have also produced at least three goals and you have the probability balance of at least three goals being scored in your favour.

Now let's add in context, both sides are near the bottom of the standings, Cagliari are just two points off the bottom while Lecce are just six points above the relegation spots and you soon understand why both teams will see this as a game they can and must win.

Neither team will want to drop points, Lecce will go for the win at home, and Cagliari will believe they can beat the hosts and that sets up a match that will see goals.

Take over 2.25 goals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Newcastle to cover the spread.

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

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

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

Take Tottenham to cover the spread.

This game could go either way, both sides are more than capable of putting in exceptional performances and are both also capable of taking a beating, predicting this one in terms of a winner is too fraught with risk for my liking, however, there is still a solid bet to be had and that is on the overs market.

As I already stated, both these teams can win in style or take a thumping, such is their inconsistency but they are quality sides with potent attacks and if this game goes how I expect, Brighton being on the front foot with West Ham countering then I expect we will see goals and a good number of them.

I cannot see West Ham keeping Brighton out and the same certainly applies the other way, therefore, I am confident both sides will score at least once and it is more likely that we will see one side score at least twice than not and so over 3 goals screams value to me.

Take over 3 goals

Liverpool really should win this but as we have seen all season long, nothing is guaranteed, the best have dropped points against the worst teams in this division and while Liverpool is a solid pick to beat Newcastle, will they cover the spread? I am unsure about that.

What I am sure about, is that there will be goals and a lot of them.

This game could easily be a 3-1 win to Liverpool, a 2-2 draw or even a surprise 3-2 Newcastle win, the point being that I believe that both teams will score at least once and that it is far more likely that we will see over 3.5 goals than under.

The reason is simple, even in low-scoring games these two sides always have opportunities and more often than not, they are involved in high-scoring games, for example. five of Newcastles last eight away games in the league have had at least four goals and in six of Liverpool's home games this season have seen them score at least three times.

This game has all the ingredients for a high-scoring affair and that is what I am backing today.

I am expecting a convincing Leeds United win today.

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

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

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

Take Leeds to win by at least two goals.

This match-up in Serie A between Juventus and Roma could be either a classic or a bore fest, either way, I am confident it will be Juventus that emerges victorious.

For starters, Juventus is already 12 points ahead of Roma and has home advantage, they are in better recent form and know they must win to maintain the pressure on Inter Milan at the top of the standings.

Roma will not be an easy team to overcome, you know they will be well organised by their manager Jose Mourinho but they are a limited team and do lack creativity at times, which has been their Achilles heel all season long.

It will be a tight game but it is Juventus I am backing to pick up the win.

Take Juventus to win.

This game could go either way. You have two sides that, for different reasons, are starting to play better than they have done for most of the season.

Everton has been particularly unlucky in recent games, they have given some top performances against the elite teams with results going against them that on another day could have gone in their favor. They are certainly full of confidence.

Wolves have hit form at the right time, they have won three of their last five league games and a win today will see them win three on the bounce.

Everton now has goals in them and Wolves showed in their last game that they can also score and with that in mind, I am backing over 2.5 goals.

Take over 2.5 goals

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

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

I am taking Luton on the spreads.

Take Luton +1

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

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

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

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

This has all the ingredients for a classic with two teams that have recently been in good form and at various times scoring freely.

Bournemouth have won five of their last six games, drawing the other one, that is as impressive as it gets. Fulham have lost their last two Premier League games but won the two before that by 5-0 goal margins both times.

These teams appear evenly matched and with Fulham looking to get back to winning ways and Bournemouth determined to maintain their winning run goals should be flowing from both sides.

Both teams play open attacking football and with the context added, I am backing over 2.75 goals.

Due to time constraints, there is minimal analysis today

First plays second in the Premier League today and it is Liverpool I expect to come out on top.

Arsenal may be at the top of the standings but I am still not convinced by them and they have a terrible record at Liverpool.

With the Anfield crowd behind them, I see Liverpool winning the game and going top for Christmas.

Take Liverpool to win outright

Due to time constraints, there is minimal analysis today

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

Take Inter to cover the spread.

Due to time constraints, there is minimal analysis today

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

Take Tottenham to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

Take Inter to cover the spread

Second plays fourth in the Bundesliga today and a goal fest is on the cards.

Bayern has not been as formidable this season and only recently they lost 5-1 away at Frankfurt but at home they are formidable, seven of their last eight home games have all had at least four goals in them and they have been registering some huge wins.

Stuttgart are having a great season and they are just one point behind Bayern in the standings, their away games always have goals in them, for example, they have scored in nine of their last ten road games.

All things considered, I am going for goals in this game and expect at least four goals to be scored.

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

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

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

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

Take Liverpool to cover the spread.

The last four meetings between these two sides have seen at least three goals in each game and there is little reason to think that today will be any different.

Arsenal always can score freely and Brighton has proven to be a bogey team for the Gunners so there is a good chance they will find the back of the net today as well.

All things considered, over 2.75 goals looks a solid bet.

Take over 2.75 goals

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

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

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

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

This game is being dubbed the Sean Dyche derby because he now manages Everton after a long-term stint as the manager of Burnley.

Everton is in great form at the moment, having been deducted ten points this season but already climbing out of the relegation spots. They have won four of their last five matches, including victories over Chelsea and Newcastle, entering this game with confidence and momentum.

On the other hand, Burnley is struggling, currently second from the bottom and facing relegation unless they turn things around quickly. Although they lost their first seven home games of the season, they secured a win in their last home match by defeating Sheffield United 5-0.

While Everton is the favorite for the win, it is never easy to travel away in the Premier League, giving Burnley a chance to get something from this game. However, it's tricky to predict a winner, especially with the emotional aspect of Dyche returning to his former club.

Expecting both Burnley and Everton to score, considering Burnley's attack-minded approach at home and Everton's recent scoring form, I am backing goals in this game.

Take over 2.5 goals

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

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

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

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

Take Napoli to cover the spread.

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

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

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

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

Take Leeds United to cover the spread

This game is a bit tricky. Earlier in the season, it would have been easy to predict a Newcastle win, but the wheels have come off recently, and the past week has been a depressing one for the Geordies.

They were eliminated from the Champions League and suffered a 4-1 defeat at Tottenham last weekend. However, much of their recent form can be attributed to injuries and tiredness, providing valid excuses. This makes it challenging to support them, even at home in front of their passionate fans.

Fulham, on the other hand, has hit a rich vein of form. They won their last two Premier League games 5-0, and have secured three victories in their last four matches, with the only loss in that sequence being a narrow 4-3 defeat away at Liverpool. Over their last four games, they have scored no less than 16 goals, averaging four goals per game.

With Newcastle back at home, desperate for a win and welcoming a couple of injured players back, I expect them to find the scoresheet. Of course, I also anticipate the same from free-scoring Fulham. Therefore, I am backing overs in this game.

Take over 2.5 goals.

Tottenham returned to form in their last game with a thumping 4-1 win against Newcastle United, and they are expected to pose more challenges for Nottingham Forest in this match. While Spurs have recovered from a shocking slump in form, Forest continues to struggle, and every game feels like the last one for Steve Cooper.

Spurs' victory over Newcastle was a significant resurgence, sending a message to their title rivals that they are still very much in the competition. Ange Postecoglou's side scored four times in that game, indicating they may have addressed their goal-scoring problem.

However, Forest has continued to struggle, despite earning a draw in their last match against Wolves. With just one win in their last ten Premier League games, it's evident that this Forest team is finding it difficult to compete. Spurs should easily dispatch them by the end of this fixture, as they have done in four of the last five meetings between the two clubs.

Take Tottenham to win

Genoa will aim to halt Juventus' ascent to the top of the Serie A table this weekend before Inter Milan plays, with both clubs meeting in the league this evening. Juventus has had a commendable season, positioning themselves as one of the top contenders for the Italian championship.

The Bianconeri prove challenging to overcome, displaying a relentless attitude in every match, which is reflected in their impressive record of not losing any of their last ten matches, winning all but two.

Genoa enters this fixture in poor form, making it seemingly easier for Juventus to secure a victory. With four consecutive winless games and losses in all but one of those fixtures, Genoa doesn't appear to be in the form necessary to defeat Juve. The Bianconeri have won three out of the last five meetings between the two teams, and they will be eager to avenge their loss in Genoa during their last visit.

Take Juventus to win

Borussia Monchengladbach will be eager to return to winning ways after their 3-1 loss to struggling Union Berlin in their last outing. Despite Union's challenging season, Gladbach unexpectedly fell to defeat, and they will be seeking a recovery as they host Bremen in this fixture.

Bremen secured a victory in their last match against Augsburg, breaking a streak of three consecutive losses where they conceded at least two goals in each game. Gladbach, with their goal-scoring prowess evident in scoring in all their last five matches in various competitions, will see this as an opportunity to exploit Bremen's defensive vulnerabilities.

Matches between these teams have historically seen a flurry of goals, with at least four goals scored in all their last three meetings. Given Gladbach's defensive record (conceding 31 times in the league) and Bremen's 27 goals conceded, this fixture is expected to be an open game between two evenly-matched clubs. Anticipate an exciting encounter with a high likelihood of goals.

Take over 3 goals

Newcastle United must win this game if they are to have any chance of making the next stage of the Champions League and I take them to do just that.

Newcastle have been underwhelming recently and have looked tired, they have also been beset with injuries but a couple of their players have returned after spells on the sidelines and the importance of this game will see the players respond, of that I am sure.

AC Milan has been a little hit-and-miss this season, they are already falling behind domestically and have hardly set this Champions League group alight, they are beatable.

With home advantage, I am confident that Newcastle will do what they have to tonight, pick up all three points, and hope that results go their way in the other game in the group.

Take Newcastle to cover the spread.

Whoever wins this game will secure their position in the next stage of the Champions League and therefore both teams have everything to play for.

The advantage is clearly with Porto, they require just a draw to be certain of qualification and they also have home advantage, however, Shakhtar knows this and will do everything in their power to get the win.

This will be one of those games where if one team scores the other simply has to as well and when you have one team that has to win then it is set up for goals.

I do see both teams scoring and a winner emerging therefore over 2.5 goals is the best bet to be had.

Take over 2.5 goals.

This is a massive game for both clubs and one in which both teams need to win if they are to be certain of progressing to the next stages of the Champions League.

If this game ends in a draw and Man Utd fail to beat Bayern Munich then Copenhagen would qualify.

The only way Galatasaray can qualify is if they beat Copenhagen.

If this game ends in a draw and Man Utd win then both these teams are out.

So, you can get an idea of what is at stake and what this means is that whoever scores first will no doubt sit back and defend for their lives but the team losing will go all out to get back into the game.

With a draw possibly not serving either team then both need to go for the win.

This all leads me to believe we will see goals in this game.

All things considered, I am backing over 2.75 goals in this one.

This game screams goals.

In the first game between these two, there were seven goals and neither defence can claim to be stellar at this moment in time.

At the weekend Bayern lost 5-1 away at Frankfurt and even though they have already qualified for the next stage, they will not want to lose this game ahead of a major game against Stuttgart at the weekend.

United are a mess, they got stuffed 3-0 at home to minnows Bournemouth at the weekend, their manager is under huge pressure and a loss tonight will not go down with their fans at all.

Also, United must win to have any hope of progressing in this competition, if they do not win they are out and even if they do win, they need a draw in the Copenhagen Galatasaray match.

The bottom line is both teams want and some extent the win and with the pressure on both teams I do expect both to go all out for victory and that will mean goals, I certainly do not trust either team to keep a clean sheet.

Take over 3.5 goals.

Lens must win this match if they are to have any chance of making the next phase of this season's Champions League.

It is still a long shot even if they get the win as they will have to hope that Arsenal also beats PSV and in the process see a four-goal deficit in terms of goal difference overturned.

Sevilla has an outside chance of making the Europa League stage but they have been poor all season, both domestically and in Europe and Lens has home advantage, I cannot see anything other than a Lens win.

Take Lens to win

In the first game between these two sides, Arsenal smashed PSV 4-0 but the situation is very much different today.

PSV cannot lose, if they do avoid defeat they will qualify for the next stage and Arsenal are expected to field a weakened team, especially considering that they have already qualified as group winners and have a massive game against Brighton on Sunday in the Premier League.

PSV has home advantage and they have some of the most vocal and passionate fans and that will make a difference.

Considering the context of this game and what is at stake, especially for PSV, I am taking the Dutch league leaders not to lose.

Take PSV with the spread.

In this matchup, both teams find themselves grappling with a string of injuries, a factor that has notably impacted their recent performances, particularly in the case of Tottenham.

Newcastle's recent 3-0 defeat away to Everton highlighted their struggle, whereas Tottenham has faced narrow losses, often dominating games but faltering in finishing. Despite their recent results, Tottenham continues to showcase strong football, and if they can capitalize on their scoring opportunities, they are poised to secure convincing victories.

The wear and tear on Newcastle's squad is evident; with injuries depleting their ranks, they are now faced with a congested schedule, playing at least twice a week. In contrast, Tottenham, although having played midweek, usually has a more spaced-out fixture list, competing just once a week.

Backing Tottenham for the win seems justified. Their recent form might not accurately reflect their overall performance, and they still maintain a home advantage, notwithstanding their recent three consecutive home losses. Meanwhile, Newcastle has suffered defeats in their last two away games and appears to be in a more precarious state compared to Tottenham.

Considering the conditions of the two squads, Tottenham seems better positioned to emerge victorious in this encounter.

Take Tottenham to win

The Bundesliga is exceptionally competitive this season, and this upcoming clash between third-placed Stuttgart and league leaders Bayer Leverkusen carries significant implications for the unfolding season.

The usual Bundesliga powerhouse, Bayern Munich, holders of the last ten league titles, is experiencing a less formidable campaign. Their surprising 5-1 away defeat to Frankfurt yesterday presents Bayer Leverkusen with a golden opportunity to establish a five-point lead at the top. Conversely, a victory for Stuttgart would propel them above Bayern Munich and within two points of Leverkusen.

The magnitude of a win in this fixture is evident, and the potential consequences of a loss make this clash even more intriguing. The stage is set for an exciting encounter, with all the elements suggesting a goal-filled spectacle.

Anticipating a goalless draw seems unlikely, and as soon as one team takes the lead, the game is poised to open up significantly. Furthermore, Stuttgart, as the home team, carries the added motivation to secure all three points, recognizing the inherent difficulty in earning points away against the current league leaders.

In essence, this fixture is shaping up to be a captivating battle, loaded with the potential for goals and fierce competition for crucial points in the unpredictable landscape of the Bundesliga this season.

I am backing over 3 goals in this one.

There comes a point where one must reassess Chelsea's status as an elite Champions League team; they no longer hold that distinction, and their journey back to that echelon seems more distant than ever.

Conversely, the narrative has shifted for Everton, who, for the past few seasons, were perceived as a team flirting with relegation. In the current campaign, they have finally begun to showcase a commitment to their manager's vision, translating it into on-field success.

When looking at the table, Chelsea appears to be nine points ahead of Everton. However, this figure is deceptive, considering Everton's deduction of ten points. In reality, the Toffees would be a point better off than Chelsea.

In their recent performances, Everton convincingly defeated Newcastle 3-0 at home, highlighting their positive momentum. In contrast, Chelsea experienced a setback with a loss to Manchester United, where the scoreline didn't accurately reflect the match dynamics; Chelsea was outplayed and could have faced a more significant defeat.

At present, Everton is on an upward trajectory, while Chelsea seems to be moving in the opposite direction. The contrasting trajectories of these two teams suggest a shifting landscape in their respective statuses within the league.

I take Everton to cover the spread

Predicting a winner in this game proves to be quite challenging. It genuinely could swing either way, but one aspect I am highly confident in is the expectation of goals.

In West Ham's last seven away games in the league, all of them have featured at least three goals. Similarly, four of Fulham's seven home games have seen a minimum of three goals, and notably, three out of Fulham's last four home games have also surpassed the three-goal mark.

In other words, both teams exhibit proficiency in scoring but are not immune to conceding. Examining their recent home and away performances, goals have been abundant.

Both teams come into this fixture with confidence, as Fulham secured a convincing 5-0 home win against Nottingham Forest, and West Ham clinched a 2-1 away victory against Tottenham.

Considering all factors, I am expecting over 2.5 goals in this clash between the two London rivals. The attacking prowess and recent goal-laden performances of both teams suggest an entertaining and high-scoring encounter.

Take over 2.5 goals

It's challenging to envision anything other than a decisive home victory for Atletico Madrid. The only question is by how many goals they will secure the win.

Almeria's performance has been dismal, languishing at the bottom without a single victory this season in 15 games, with only four draws to their name. Their struggles are particularly evident when facing formidable opponents away, such as a 5-2 loss to Girona, a 3-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao, and even a struggling Sevilla managed to beat them 5-1.

Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, boasts a flawless record at home, having won all seven games this season. Despite their reputation for securing victories with narrow margins, this season they stand as the fourth-highest-scoring team at home.

The spread has been set at two, and I am inclined to believe that it is more probable that they will win this game by two or more goals rather than by just a single goal.

Take Atletico to cover the spread.

There is just one point separating these two teams in Serie A, so a close match is envisioned. However, upon analysis, Frosinone appears to be a solid bet at favorable odds.

In terms of recent form, Torino does have the upper hand. Still, when you focus on the respective home and away form, it is Frosinone's record that stands out as better.

Frosinone has won five of its last six home games, drawing the other, which translates to 16 points from a possible 18.

Torino, on the other hand, has been inconsistent away from home. They have won just once in their last five road games, and the three losses in that sequence saw them fail to score in any of those games.

All things considered, I am backing Frosinone.

Inter Milan welcomes Udinese to the San Siro after tough back-to-back away Serie A games at Juventus and Napoli. Returning from those trips unbeaten and with four points earned, Udinese should provide a manageable challenge for them to overcome. The Nerazzurri have demonstrated their status as favorites to win the league by easily defeating much tougher opponents.

Scoring three goals at Napoli indicates their attacking prowess, having scored six goals in their last two games. With this goal-scoring form, they are well-equipped to face Udinese in this match.

On the other hand, Udinese has not won any of their last four matches, and AS Roma scored three times against them two matches ago. Considering Udinese's recent defensive vulnerabilities, I anticipate Inter Milan to capitalize even further.

Given Udinese's struggles in scoring, having scored more than once in only one of their last five matches, i expect Inter Milan to secure a victory in this game by at least a two-goal margin.

Take Inter to cover the spread

Ajax is regaining form after a difficult start to the season that prompted fan violence at the club. Despite being 24 points off the top of the league standings, it seems challenging for them to secure the league title. However, they are still in contention for a Champions League spot, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their winning streak.

Sparta has had a solid start to the season and currently shares the same number of points with Ajax before this match. Nevertheless, Ajax is in excellent form, having won three consecutive league matches leading up to this fixture.

In previous encounters, Ajax has dominated this fixture, exemplified by a four-goal victory in their last meeting, showcasing why they are considered one of the top clubs in the league.

Ajax has been prolific in their recent performances, scoring ten goals in their last three league games. With their current momentum, it is anticipated that they will continue their winning streak and secure a victory in this match by at least a two-goal margin.

Take Ajax to cover the spread

Arsenal are set to face their second league defeat of the season when they visit Aston Villa for this Premier League game. The Gunners have performed admirably well this season and head into this game at the top of the Premier League table. However, they are up against an Aston Villa side that is unbeaten in 14 consecutive home league games, having won every single one of those matches.

One of the most remarkable performances was in their last home game against Manchester City, where they outplayed the defending champions and secured a 1-0 victory. Although Arsenal is the last team to have won at Villa Park and has won their last two visits to this ground, Villa is currently in rich form, making it challenging to envision a Gunners' victory.

Mikel Arteta’s side has also displayed some vulnerabilities in their recent games, struggling to secure wins. This fixture might be the one where they finally suffer a loss.

Take Villa to win

Dortmund faces another challenging game following their match against Bayer Leverkusen last time out. BVB demonstrated in that draw that they remain a competitive team capable of challenging the top sides in the league. At the beginning of this season, it appeared Bayer might take their place as the second most competitive side in the league, but the draw against Leverkusen showed they are still in contention.

In this match Dortmund will face another exciting Bundesliga side, RB Leipzig, promising a game that captures the interest of all football enthusiasts. Under Marco Rose, Leipzig has adopted a fine style of attacking football that poses challenges for their opponents, similar to BVB's style.

The predictability of the score is challenging because both clubs boast players capable of scoring numerous goals. Dortmund suffered a defeat in the DFB Pokal in their last competitive game, failing to score. However, they are one of the high-scoring sides in the league with 26 goals, while Leipzig has already netted 31 times.

Given the attacking prowess of both teams, this game is poised to be a festival of goals, and an expectation of at least four goals after 90 minutes seems reasonable.

Take over 3.25 goals

Two of the most inconsistent teams in the Championship meet in this game as Rotherham aims to secure a home win against Swansea. Swansea has faced difficulties in the Championship since their relegation from the Premier League and now finds themselves in a precarious position, potentially facing relegation once again. This game holds significant importance for them, as they strive to avoid a loss while Rotherham seeks to climb out of the relegation spots.

Both teams have displayed identical form in recent weeks, with the host losing two and drawing the other three of their last five matches. Swansea has mirrored this form, making the match crucial for both sides. Anticipating the home team to avoid a defeat in this encounter seems reasonable.

Rotherham and Swansea have played to draws in their last two meetings, and if the home team doesn't secure a victory in this game, it is likely to result in another share of the spoils.

Take Rotherham to cover the spread

Wolves recovered from a two-game losing streak to secure their first clean sheet since August in their recent match against Burnley. The team is performing admirably, considering the loss of key players this season and the transition under a new manager.

This upcoming game provides another opportunity for Wolves to secure a victory, and it might be the last chance for Steve Cooper at Nottingham Forest. Forest has experienced inconsistency since their return to the Premier League, narrowly avoiding relegation last season. Unfortunately, they have not capitalized on that success this term and are currently on a concerning run of form.

The visitors have lost their last four consecutive games, and I expect further struggles for them at Wolves, adding to their current problems. Notably, Nottingham Forest has not beaten Wolves in normal time in their last four meetings, losing two. The trend is expected to continue in this game with another loss for Forest.

Take Wolves to win

Looking at recent form, one could argue that West Ham stands a very good chance of going to Tottenham and grabbing the win; however, that does not paint a true picture.

Tottenham has been ravaged by injuries, yet they have still been performing at a high standard. They held Man City to a brilliant 3-3 draw at the weekend, were very unfortunate to lose to Villa, lost to Wolves thanks to two injury-time goals, and the defeat against Chelsea was a chaotic game that saw them reduced to nine men.

The draw against City will have lifted them massively, and in front of their home fans, I do expect them to get the win and comfortably so.

West Ham will be tough opponents, but the hard truth is that they are not on the same level as Tottenham. The only way I can see them getting anything from this game is if Tottenham suffers yet more bad luck or simply plays badly. I see neither scenario happening.

Take Tottenham to cover the spread.

This game is perfectly set up for over 2.5 goals.

Everton at home is not an easy team to beat, on top of that, they have picked up form over the last few weeks. If they had not been deducted ten points, they would now be on 17 points and in 14th spot, as opposed to seven points and 18th place.

Everton has won three of its last five Premier League games, losing just one, and they will enter this game confident that they can get the win.

Newcastle will carry the same confidence. They have won seven of their last ten league games and lost just once. Despite having many injuries, the way they destroyed Chelsea and dominated Man Utd shows how good they can be.

With home advantage, I do expect Everton to find the net at least once. Considering the form of Newcastle, I believe they will do the same, and it is not a stretch for either of them to go on and win the game.

Take over 2.5 goals.

These are two teams that know how to score goals, and the context of the game leads me to believe that we will see an abundance of goals in this match.

For starters, Villa has the home advantage, and at home, they are very solid. They score freely and will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing draw away at Bournemouth over the weekend.

Then we have Man City, and they need no introduction other than they are now leaking goals like we have not seen in years—ten in their last four games. However, they have also been scoring at a rapid rate, with 10 goals in their last three games, including three against Tottenham and four against Chelsea.

This will not be a low-scoring game, and I am more than happy to back over 3 goals.

Man Utd is in a terrible mess, and Chelsea is not in a much better position. Both sides are very inconsistent. However, in United's case, they have been managing to scrape undeserved wins, so they cannot really be opposed with any confidence.

Chelsea scraped a 3-2 home win against Brighton at the weekend, but they have not been consistent at all this season, and the same as with United. They cannot be backed with confidence.

That said, we have a great opportunity to profit from this game, and that is on the overs market.

United is at home and will go gung-ho in front of their own fans. They will not want to be booed, and we are getting very close to that scenario.

Chelsea tends to perform well against the big teams, as a 1-1 draw against Liverpool, a 2-2 draw with Arsenal, and a 4-1 win over Spurs will testify to.

That sets it up for goals, and that is what I fully expect to see this evening.

Take over 3 goals.

Brighton is ravaged with injuries, yet they continue to put in good performances, even if results are not going their way.

Brentford has been inconsistent; however, they have found a little bit of form recently, but not away from home—well, apart from the one win at Chelsea a couple of weeks ago. Other than that, they have only registered one other win this season on the road.

Brighton will feel hard done by losing to Chelsea last time out and will be looking to bounce back this evening. I believe they will do just that.

Home advantage is important, and I fully expect Brighton to take advantage.

Take Brighton to win.

Nottingham Forest has just three wins in the league all season, and the way they played at home to Everton last week doesn't surprise me. They were poor and devoid of ideas.

Fulham themselves only have four wins all season. However, the way they played against Liverpool at the weekend was very impressive, even though they ended up losing 4-3 thanks to two late goals from the Reds.

This pick is based on what I call the eye test. Basically, I have seen both teams play often, and it is Fulham that has been the better side. With home advantage, I am taking them to claim the win today.

Take Fulham to win.

Inter Milan visits Napoli in a must-win game for the Milan side, who currently trail Juventus on the league table. The Serie A championship fight appears to have narrowed down to both clubs, making this game a crucial opportunity for Napoli to re-enter the race and send a message that they are still contenders.

Inter dropped points in their last match against Juventus and will be eager to secure all available points in this encounter. Both clubs boast some of the league's finest attackers, and the potential return of Victor Osimhen to the Napoli starting XI adds to their offensive strength. Lautaro Martinez, who scored against Juventus, already has 13 league goals and will be eyeing another in this fixture.

Under Walter Mazzarri, Napoli has been averaging two goals per game and previously won 3-1 against Inter when hosting this fixture. Inter is also in fine scoring form, as demonstrated by their 3-3 comeback draw against Benfica in midweek, indicating they will strive to outscore Napoli in this game. A prediction of at least three goals from the match seems plausible given both teams' attacking prowess.

Take over 2.5 goals

Can Spurs recover from their shocking slump in form over the last few weeks when they visit Manchester City for this game?

Spurs made their fans dream at the start of this campaign when they were winning games with ease. The Lilywhites are still playing some of the best football in England but have lost their last three league games. They face a City side that will be banking on Erling Haaland to score as many goals as possible in this game.

Despite losing their last three games, goals are a feature in Tottenham’s matches, and they have scored in every single fixture this season. City is also enjoying themselves in front of their opponent’s goal, and whenever they play Tottenham, we can expect a thriller.

In two of the last three head-to-heads between these clubs, at least four goals have been scored, and we expect something similar in this match as Ange Postecoglou encourages his team to attack relentlessly.

Take over 3.5 goals

Bayer Leverkusen faces a huge test to their unbeaten start to the season when Borussia Dortmund comes to town for this game. Xabi Alonso’s side has been unstoppable domestically and in Europe.

They are threatening to do what BVB could not do for years, which is to stop Bayern Munich’s dominance. Despite the presence of Harry Kane in Bavaria, Bayer cannot stop winning, and Dortmund will be their latest test.

BVB has been in decent form domestically and in Europe, but they are ten points behind Bayer ahead of this game. The Black and Yellow have won two consecutive games ahead of this match, but they are facing a Leverkusen side that has forgotten how to lose.

No matter how many goals an opponent scores, Bayer finds a way to outscore them, and they have won their last three matches by at least two goals each. That should be the case against Dortmund as well.

Take Bayer Leverkusen to cover the spread

Tromsø travels to Valerenga for this game as they aim to maintain their position in the European spots on the Norwegian league table. They are having a good season and are eager to secure maximum points from this match. However, Valerenga will not make it easy for them, despite their own struggles this term. Currently occupying the second automatic relegation spot, they are just a point away from safety, giving them a chance to survive.

Valerenga will be determined to outscore Tromsø in this match, leading to the expectation of at least three goals overall after 90 minutes. Both teams have demonstrated goal-scoring prowess in their recent games, with the last five Valerenga matches witnessing a total of 13 goals, while Tromsø has seen both teams score 19 times in their last five games.

Take over 2.5 goals

Chelsea faces Brighton in the Premier League this afternoon, looking to get back to form after their embarrassing defeat at Newcastle the last time.

The Blues had been on a fine run of form before that loss to Newcastle, and their 4-4 draw with Manchester City shows they are a club that could compete against anyone.

Brighton has also had a good season as Roberto de Zerbi continues the fine work his team did in the last campaign. The Seagulls would be tough opponents, but Chelsea has lost only one of their last five home games in all competitions.

Mauricio Pochettino’s team is clicking into good gear and could welcome Christopher Nkunku back from injury for this game. Even without the Frenchman, they have had good results in recent meetings with the Seagulls, with two wins from the last two in all competitions. This should hand the Blues enough momentum to secure another victory in this match.

Take Chelsea to cover the spread

West Ham will hope to build on their two-game winning run in the league when struggling Crystal Palace comes to the London Stadium for this game.

The Hammers are looking to finish this season inside a European spot and would be delighted with the form of Palace. Their visitors have won just one of their last five league games, losing the other four. This will be music to West Ham’s ears, but they cannot underestimate Roy Hodgson’s men as Palace does have goals in them.

The Eagles have scored in all but one of their last four games and have scored in all their last five visits to West Ham. Interestingly, every one of the last five head-to-heads between these clubs has ended in at least three goals scored. I expect a similar score in this game.

Take over 2.5 goals

Fiorentina hosts bottom-of-the-table Salernitana in this Serie A game and would be eager to win. It has been an inconsistent first half of the season for the Viola team, with just one win from their last five league matches. However, they have won their last two European games, demonstrating that they are a team capable of securing victories.

Salernitana, on the other hand, seems destined for relegation to Serie B. While they defeated Lazio the last time, that win appears to be a one-off, not expected to occur frequently or in this game.

They have had a challenging season, and Fiorentina will look to capitalize on that to return to winning ways after their narrow defeat to AC Milan in the last match. The Viola have won all their last five home games against Salernitana, scoring at least twice in all but one of those matches. I anticipate them to win this game with a clear two-goal margin.

Take Fiorentina to cover the spread

Newcastle United is set to face Manchester United fresh from their controversial 1-1 draw against PSG in Paris. The Magpies performed impressively in France and appeared deserving of a victory before a contentious penalty was awarded to PSG late in the game.

While Newcastle has experienced both highs and lows this season, they have demonstrated strong form in recent matchdays and are eager to showcase their capabilities against a top club like Manchester United.

United, coming off a 3-3 draw against Galatasaray in Turkey midweek, is determined to capitalise on their recent good form in the league. Erik Ten Hag's side has secured three consecutive Premier League victories and enters the match with confidence.

However, they face a fearless Magpies side, as demonstrated in their midweek performance. Eddie Howe's team recently ended Arsenal's unbeaten start to the season. Newcastle has proven to be a formidable force at home, with just one defeat in eight home games across all competitions and winning the other seven. 

Take Newcastle to get the win

Everton's ten-point deduction had a significant impact on their last game against Manchester United, resulting in a 3-0 defeat by the Red Devils. Their upcoming opponent is Nottingham Forest, where manager Steve Cooper is under constant pressure.

Forest, facing the absence of key players, notably Taiwo Awoniyi, will be determined to compound Everton's difficulties in this match. Despite Everton being unbeaten in four consecutive games before the home loss to Manchester United, they anticipate a challenging encounter against Forest.

The psychological impact of the ten-point deduction seems to be influencing Everton's performances, providing an opportunity for Forest to capitalise on it in this fixture. Everton has not won any of their last three matches against Forest, with one loss and two draws.

Given the pressure on the Forest manager and Everton's setback with the point deduction, I expect Forest will bounce back to form and end their two-game losing streak in this fixture.

Take Forest on the spread

Burnley has a good opportunity to climb from the bottom of the Premier League table when they host fellow strugglers Sheffield United. Vincent Kompany's side, which was unstoppable in the Championship last season, has struggled since their promotion to the Premier League.

Both Burnley and Sheffield United have yet to secure a league victory this season, with 11 losses in 13 matches for each team. Their current form reflects a challenging battle against relegation.

While this match features two teams fighting for survival, Burnley holds the advantage of playing at home. Despite their struggles to stay focused at the back, they have shown promising performances. Considering Burnley's previous victory against Sheffield United, they have the potential to repeat that success in this encounter.

Take Burnley to cover the spread

Luton Town has shown promise in recent weeks, securing a victory against Crystal Palace in their last game. The Hatters have adapted well to life in the Premier League compared to other promoted clubs.

Despite their positive form, they acknowledge the challenges ahead, with Brentford posing a tough opponent. Although the Bees are without Ivan Toney, they have maintained a mid-table position in the Premier League.

Brentford enters this game following consecutive losses against Liverpool and Arsenal, adding to their determination to secure a win. However, Luton is expected to pose a challenge by finding the back of the net.

Both teams have displayed offensive capabilities, with Luton scoring in four of their last five games and Brentford netting eight goals in three matches before their recent two losses. The anticipation is that this game will feature goals, and it is expected that both clubs will score at least thrice combined.

Take over 2.75 goals

Arsenal is eager to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table in their upcoming game against Wolves. Mikel Arteta's team seized the opportunity presented by Liverpool's draw with Manchester City to claim the league's summit.

Having experienced a similar position for over 200 days last season without securing the title, the Gunners are determined for a different outcome this time, aspiring to be champions of both England and Europe.

Wolves, managed by Gary O'Neil, have performed well, presenting a challenging opposition for the North Londoners. Despite a controversial loss to Fulham in their last game, Wolves have secured three wins in their last five matches, including a victory over Tottenham.

In the head-to-head record, Arsenal has a favorable history with four consecutive wins. Notably, the fixture has seen at least three goals in three of the last five encounters, suggesting an expectation for another high-scoring game in this matchup.

Take over 2,75 goals

The inconsistent Middlesbrough is set to face Leeds United in this Championship game, aiming to disrupt the momentum of the Whites. Leeds is currently showcasing its quality as they strive for an immediate return to the Premier League.

Despite a slow start to the season, Leeds has climbed to third place in the league standings after 18 games. On the other hand, Middlesbrough had a rough beginning but is making progress and currently sits in mid-table. With an eight-point gap between them and Leeds, Middlesbrough is eager to close that margin with a victory in this fixture.

Leeds is in excellent form, having not lost any of their last five matches and securing four wins during this period. They understand the importance of maintaining a winning streak to achieve promotion and have remained unbeaten at home since the start of the season.

While the game is expected to be challenging for both clubs, Leeds, being in top shape and enjoying home advantage, is favored to secure the victory.

Take Leeds to cover the spread

Hoffenheim is making a concerted effort to secure a European spot this season and has performed exceptionally well thus far. On the other hand, Borussia Monchengladbach has faced struggles in recent months, finding themselves in midtable with just 13 points from 12 games.

The home side has grappled with inconsistency, managing only two wins and a draw in their last five league matches. Having conceded 27 goals while scoring 25, their defensive woes could present an opportunity for Hoffenheim to capitalise.

Hoffenheim, while not significantly better defensively with 21 goals conceded in 12 games, has managed to score 24. Both clubs have been involved in high-scoring affairs, with a total of 25 goals scored in Gladbach's last five competitive games. With this in mind, it is reasonable to expect both teams to score, and the possibility of at least four goals combined by the end of this fixture is anticipated.

Take over 3.5 goals

Due to time constraints, there will be no analysis provided today.

Take Galatasaray to cover the spread

Due to time constraints, there will be no analysis provided today.

Take Sevilla to cover the spread

Newcastle thumped PSG in the first game but it is very different circumstances today and I just cannot see the Geordies getting anything from this game.

Newcastle are hammered by injuries and without their fans screaming the place down they are in a much different scenario to when this game was played in Newcastle.

PSG will be determined to get revenge for the first game humiliation, they are at home, have a strong squad to choose from and are in good form.

Take PSG -0.75

Hard to see anything other than a convincing home win for Lazio this evening in Italy.

The only question for me was would they cover the spread and I believe they will. Lazio has a passionate home crowd that will be in effect a 12th man and they are up against a team that may well be the best in Scotland but one that would struggle to make the top ten in Serie A.

I fully expect Lazio to win and to win by at least 2 goals, I would even have backed them if the spread was -1.5

Take Lazio -1

Girona are flying at the moment and a win tonight will see them go back to the top of La Liga. They have won five of six home games in the league this season, losing only to Real Madrid.

Bilbao is not doing too bad and currently sits in the sixth spot, however, they have been inconsistent on the road and have lost two of their last three away games, albeit one of those losses was to Barcelona.

This will be a tight game but I am taking Girona to take the win and return to the top of the standings.

I am going for the overs in this game, mainly because of Wolves and what I believe they can do in this game, which is to score at least once and possibly more.

Both teams have been inconsistent this season when playing home and away respectively, for example, Fulham has lost three from five home games and Wolves have won just two from six on the road, neither instils confidence, to be honest.

However, three of Wolves' away games have had at least three goals in them and their last four games, home and away, have had at least 3 goals.

This tells me that when Wolves play recently, there are goals and with Fulham at home and desperate to get a win in front of their home fans they will be eager to also put the ball in the back of the net.

Therefore I am going for over 2.25 goals in this one.

Juventus hosts Inter Milan for the first Derby d Italia of the season, and it promises to be one of the best games to watch this weekend.

The Bianconeri have done brilliantly in staying close to Inter, who are at the top of the Serie A table this term. Everyone knows Inter is more equipped to win the Italian top flight, but Max Allegri is getting the most from the players available to him, and the gaffer knows his team has a chance in this game.

Both clubs met four times last season, and Juve won twice, with Inter winning on one occasion. Inter is in terrific form heading into this game, but so is Juve, and the Old Lady defeated them in both league games last term.

It is hard to separate both clubs, and I expect them to share the points just as was the case the last time Inter visited the Allianz Stadium.

Take the draw