Sport Recife made it to this round following a 3-2 aggregate victory over Argentine side Arsenal but they have since slumped to a terrible run of form. They were clear candidates for a Copa Libertadores place before their recent poor run of form that has seen them go six games without a win, four of which were actually losses, and last weekend’s 1-0 home loss to Avai is a new low for them.

Ponte is one point behind Sport in their domestic table, and they would be looking to get at least something from this game. The Macaca have put in some good performances in this competition getting some unlikely aggregate victories over Gimnasia de la Plata and Sol de America to reach this point with an unbeaten record. They have proved to be a good side when they play on the road as they have lost just 1 in 5 away games so far, two of which ended in victories for them. They battled from 2-0 down to earn a point in their game against Sao Paolo and also drew 0-0 against Recife earlier. But this game could be harder for them and I believe Recife will use this game as an opportunity to get back to form.

Sport Recife to win is my pick for this game.

RB Leipzig may be the most hated club in Germany, but their meteoric rise through the lower ranks of German football cannot be denied. They won promotion to the German top flight for the first time in their history last season and they started their season unbeaten in their first 13 games. They eventually finished the season in second position and qualified for the Champions League at the first time of asking.

Now they are out to prove everyone who considers them underdogs wrong again. They have managed to keep hold of their top players with peripheral players Olivier Burke and Davie Selke the only notable departures. Naby Keita has agreed to join Liverpool next season, but they still have one season to get from him and his performance on Sunday would have delighted the fans. Timo Werner has already netted 3 times this season a follow up to his 21 league goals last season and they will be banking on him to break down Monaco in this game.

AS Monaco won the French league last season, but their squad has been decimated with key players like Kylian Mbappe, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Benjamin Mendy all making big money moves away from the Municipal Stadium. They have started the season brightly thanks in part to the stunning form of Manchester United and Chelsea flop, Radamel Falcao. They lost their last game 4-0 to Nice and that will have done some damage to their confidence ahead of this game.this game.

I Believe RB Leipzig will continue their fine run and start their European campaign with a win.

Take Leipzig to win

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

I like the look of Chicago in this one, New York has never convinced me when they are on the road and for me, home advantage is crucial today.

Today Chicago -0.5

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

Two poor Austrian sides but Mattersburg are a better home side than what Admira are away from home.

This game is all about home advantage and backing Mattersburg is the sensible bet.

Take Mattersburg -0.5

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

Leeds are in form right now and I fully expect them to win this game.

The odds on Leeds are very poor, however, they can be backed at decent odds giving up a goal and I am confident they are good enough to win this game by a couple of goals.

Take Leeds -1

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

I feel very confident that Aarhus will prove too strong for Randers today.

Randers is a very poor away side at the moment and Aarhus are a stubborn home side and all the signs are that Aarhus will win this game.

Take Aarhus -0.5

Iceland suffered a blow to their quest to go to their first World Cup as they were beaten by second from bottom Finland last weekend. They now face winning all their remaining matches before they can realistically stand a chance to be at next year’s Mundial.

They currently sit 3rd with just 3 points off the top spot and just 1 point off second place which is a playoff position. Before their loss to Finland, they were on a three games winning streak that saw them record an impressive victory over group leaders Croatia, a performance that should give them the confidence to take on any team.

Ukraine took advantage of Iceland’s loss to move ahead of them and will be hoping to build on their 2-0 win over Turkey with another victory here that would see them close the gap on Croatia as well as open up a huge gap on their host.

We believe Iceland will continue their good home record in this qualifying series and win this game.

Montenegro proved to everyone that they are serious about qualifying for the World Cup by beating bottom of the table Kazakhstan on Friday and remaining second in their qualifying group. With just three matches to go, their group remains one of the tightest and there is no room for any slip ups. Leaders Poland had their lead at the top cut to just 3 points after losing on Friday a result that also kept Denmark level on points with Montenegro. 

Leaders Poland had their lead at the top cut to just 3 points after losing on Friday a result that also kept Denmark level on points with Montenegro. 

Romania struggled and needed a last minute goal to beat Armenia on Friday and Montenegro represent one of their toughest opponents in this group. They are four points from a qualifying place and a win here would see them blow the group open, but that is a very unlikely outcome. 

Romania has lost four of their last five away matches in this qualifier while Montenegro followed up a 4-1 dismantling of Armenia with that win on Friday.

Take Montenegro -0.5

Northern Ireland was patient enough to win against bottom of the table San Marino on Friday. The host had set up to frustrate the Irish team and looked to have achieved that before they tired themselves out in the second half and the Irish men took advantage to secure a 3-0 victory. However, Czech Republic

However, Czech Republic represents a tougher test and a very different proposition to San Marino.

The Czech Republic was the best team for much of their match against Germany on Friday but were heartbroken by a late goal from Mat Hummels for Germany. They are now required to get all nine points from their next three games to stand any chance of making it to the World Cup. This game

This game represents an equally tough match with the Northern Irish defense one of the most impressive in this qualifying series, but with the performance they put in on Friday night, I believe they stand a strong chance of claiming all three points.

Take the Czechs on the spread

I am taking Copenhagen to get the home win today.

Copenhagen is 1-0 down from the first leg and has to score, their stadium will be packed and their fans passionate and that will drive them on.

Karabakh has the advantage but it is a very slim one and they will look to defend that lead and even if they get a goal themselves I still believe that Copenhagen will go on and score two at least.

Copenhagen is a strong home side and Karabakh will have their backs to the wall and I cannot see them holding off the Danes for the whole game.

Take Copenhagen to win.

I am taking Sogndal to get the better of Kristiansund today in Norway.

Sogndal is not exactly the best home side in Norway, they are very average at best but they are playing the worst side away from home in the top Norwegian division and they will not get that many better chances to collect all three points.

Kristiansund has won just once on the road all season long, they have lost seven of their nine road games, that is as bad as it gets in Norway.

I can see o reason why there would be a dramatic change in the form of Kristiansund and Sogndal should be strong enough to win.

Take Sogndal to win.

Rosenborg is the best side in Norway and if they play to form today they will win and win comfortably.

Rosenborg has won 16 of their last 20 home games and 12 of them have been by at least two goals.

Haugesund is a decent side but they are not brilliant away from home losing ten of their last 20 road games and of course not all those 20 road games were against the best side in Norway.

Rosenborg, when they are in the mood, win these sort of games by a good margin and following on from their fantastic win away at Ajax in Europe their confidence will be sky-high.

I take Rosenborg to win by at least 2 goals.

I am going with Tottenham to beat Chelsea in the Premier League today.

Tottenham have been unlucky in defeats against Chelsea and when they have had the fair share of luck they win and providing Tottenham play to form they will win.

Tottenham are playing all their home games at the national stadium this season and their recent record at Wembley Stadium has been poor, however, they are in much better shape than Chelsea are at this time.

Chelsea suffered a bad defeat at home last week and even though they were down to 10 men for large part of the game and nine men for the end of the game they still should have done better.

All things considered, I am backing Tottenham to win.

I am backing Marseille to beat Angers today comfortably.

Marseille is almost unbeatable at home, they have lost just twice in their last 23 home games and those two losses were against the best sides in France, Monaco and PSG.

They have won 11 of their last 15 home games and the last four on the bounce. 

Angers has won their last two away games but have lost 11 of their last 15 on the road, they are not good travellers overall. 

But even if Angers were a better road side I would still have Marseille to beat them, they are just too solid in front of their home fans, they have maximum points this season and I simply cannot see them dropping points at home to Angers. 

Take Marseille to win by at least two goals.

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

The odds on this one look good to me, Corinthians are far stronger than their opponents and with home advantage, I do expect them to win this game and probably by a couple of goals.

Take Corinthians -1.5

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Tosno -1

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

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

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

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

Take Maritimo -0.5

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Utrecht +0.5

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

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

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

Take Reading on the spreads.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Cardiff on the spreads 

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

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

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

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

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

Take Velerenga -1

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

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

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

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

Take Arsenal -1

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

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

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

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

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

Take BATE -1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Aberdeen -1

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

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

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

Zenit looks good for the win.

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

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

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

Take Bolton +0

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

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

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

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

Take Cork -2

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

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

Take Brest -0.5

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AZ won the first leg 4-1 and are basically through to the Euro playoffs, but I do not expect them to sit on their lead, I see them carrying on as they did in the first leg and go for the win.

They proved they were the better side last week and in front of their home fans, I see no reason why they will not confirm that superiority.

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.

Rosenborg was absolutely stunned by Tromso midweek and they will be hurting from that defeat, especially when it was done in front of their own fans.

They have to bounce back, they are the best team in Norway and are so much better than that defeat, they will show the rest of the league that was a one off and it is Lillestrom that will feel the backlash.

The winner of this game will progress to the promotion play-off final for the right to play in the Scottish Premiership next season, so a very important game for both sides.

The first leg in Dundee ended 2-2 and the balance has now shifted to Falkirk, who will now enjoy home advantage.

This will be the sixth time these two have met this season and the results have certainly favoured Falkirk.

Falkirk has won both games played at Falkirk, winning 3-0 and 3-1 and I can not see any real reason why they will not make it three from three home wins over Dundee United this term.

United had their chance at their place but failed to take advantage of it and I am of the opinion that it will be Falkirk that emerges victorious today.

Falkirk have the home form, they have the confidence and the momentum and I am taking them to cover the spread.

It is difficult for me to look beyond a Juventus win this evening in the Italian Cup final.

This game is being played at Lazio and on the face of it, you could say that gives them an advanatge, but this is a cup final and tickets are evenly shared out and while Lazio will probably enjoy the better support, I do not think it will play a significant part.

Also, Juventus are still looking for the points to win the title and do have the Champions League final on their schedule, but again, I do not see that playing a part this evening in Italy.

Juve are clearly the best team in Italy and if everything goes to plan then they will win this game, the arguments against are what I have already covered.

If Juve plays to form they will win, they will take this game seriously, they want to win the treble and I just feel they will have too much for Lazio to handle over 90 minutes.

Juventus to win in 90 minutes and to cover the spread.

This is a game that Rosenborg really should win and win comfortably.

Rosenborg is the best team in Norway, the season is still early and already they have opened up a five point lead.

Tromso is going to struggle this season, they may not be relegated, but they will probably end the season closer to the bottom than the top.

Rosenborg is the sort of team that can take an opponent apart, but on occasions, they can be frustrating and just do enough to win without moving out of first gear.

But I do not see that being the case in this one, I expect Rosenborg to win and to do it decisively.

My reasoning is simple, they drew away at Staebak last week and that will have frustrated them, they will want bounce back in style and in front of their home fans that is what I expect them to do.

Norrkoping are far superior to Kalmar and I expect that to show today.

It would have been better if the handicap had been set a little lower, but I still believe that Norrkoping will cover the spread against one fo the poorest teams in the Swedish Allsvenskan.

After just eight games this season Norrkoping is already nine points superior to bottom club Kalmar, they are on a five game unbeaten streak and will see this game as a great opportunity to collect three points and build some momentum.

Kalmar is already on a -11 goal difference, which takes some doing after just eight games and I struggle to make any sort of case for them.

Whatever way I look at this game all I can see is a clear home win.

The only question I had to answer was, will the home side win by two or more goals and my answer is yes, they will.

Interesting game between two well matched teams in the Swedish Allsvenskan.

Only one point separates these two in the league, Djurgarden is on 11 points and Gothenburg is on 10, last season only eight points separated the pair, with Gothenburg the better off.

In terms of current form, Djurgarden is in slightly better form, but with just 7 games so far played this season and just the one point separating them, it is negligible.

So, they are fairly evenly matched, however, there is one difference between the sides and that is the fact that Djurgarden is at home, a place where they have enjoyed success over their opponents.

The last time these two met at Djurgarden, it was the home side that ran out winners 3-1 and since 2012, Djurgarden has won three and drawn two in five league clashes.

Based on the fact that home advantage favours Djurgarden I am going with the home side to emerge the winners in what looks like being a tight game.

The bottom line for me was weighing up the most likely result and I am convinced that there is more chance of a home win than a draw or away win.

I know that Tottenham will be down after seeing Chelsea lift the title and I also know that in previous campaigns they have crumbled at the end of the season, but the circumstances of this game make it very different.

This is the very last game at their current stadium White Hart Lane and so I fully expect them to be motivated to win for the fans.

Man Utd are not the force they once were and they have been best by injuries, they will be very defensive against Spurs, but I do not see them being able to keep Tottenham at bay for the whole 90 minutes.

Take Tottenham -0.5

Liverpool have to win if they want to maintain their Champions League ambitions and I believe they will.

West Ham played out of their skins to beat bitter rivals Tottenham, but do not fall into the trap of thinking they will play the same way against Liverpool, they will not.

The game against Tottenham was a unique one off, they always raise their game against Spurs, it is in their DNA, they can play all season poorly, but against Tottenham they just get motivated.

Liverpool has the better players, have the motivation and I do see them emerging victorious.

Take Liverpool -1

Massive game for both sides today, with relegation a huge cloud hanging over the game.

I am of the opinion that we have reached the end of the road for Hull City as a defeat today will cost them their Premier League status.

Palace only need a point to be secure, whereas Hull has to avoid a defeat, simple as that.

It would have probably been better for Hull if Palace had nothing to play for, but alas, that s not the case.

Take Palace -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.

Season is still young in Norway, with most sides having played just seven games, however, a pattern is developing and based on that, I am going with Odd to win at home.

Odd have won all their three home games played so far this season and Stromgodset have lost two and drawn once in their three away games so far.

With home advantage and with the home form they are enjoying I am taking Odd to emerge the winners.

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

The odds on this one look a bit generous. Ingolstadt are fighting relegation, in fact, lose this game and they will be relegated, so they are fighting for their lives, but they are second bottom for a reason, because they are no good.

Freiburg are the home side, they are right in the hunt for a Europa League spot and it is difficult to see how they will lose to a team 17 points and 12 places below them.

Take Freiburg 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.

Spartak Moscow are clear leaders of the Russian Premier League, they have lost just four times all season (27 games) Their last road game saw a 2-1 away win over bitter rivals CSKA Moscow, who sit second, and they have won eight, drawn two and lost once in their last 11 games.

Amkar have not won in their last eight games, losing four and drawing four and they are currently on a three game losing streak.

Spartak look a solid bet to win this one and cover the spread.

Dundee United beat Morton in the first leg 2-1 and I see very little reason why they will not complete the double today.

It would have been better if a lower handicap was on offer here, which is freely available elsewhere, but even at -1 I am still confident that the home side will run out easy winners.

Take Dundee United to win this one comfortably.

Lillestrom look a good pick to beat Odd today.

The away side have lost three out of three away games this season, they have not scored a single goal on their travels and have conceded eight times, not the best of records by any standards.

They also lost to the bottom side Viking 3-0 and while Lillestrom are not one of the better sides in Norwegian football, they are certainly as good as, if not better, than Viking.

Lillestrom have home advantage and are playing a side in pretty bad away form, this is a good opportunity for them to collect all three points.

Take Lillestrom -0.5

For this pick to lose Norrkoping would have to win by a couple of goals, something I do not see happening.

Sundsvall will struggle this season, they may even be relegated, but they are not playing Rosenborg today, they are playing Norrkoping and the gulf between the pair does not justify such a large handicap.

The season is still young in Norway and it is difficult to be too definite about how the season will progress for either team, but what I do know is that Sundsvall will not be cannon fodder every time they take to the field of play.

Will Norrkoping win? most likely, but I find it far more likely that this will be a one goal decider or a draw than a comprehensive home win.

Take Sundsvall +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.

It is not often I would back a team to beat AC Milan in Milan, but that is what I will be doing today, they are a poor shadow of the team they once were and Roma have the motivation and are the better team. I fully expect Roma to win 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.

Sarpsborg have had a decent start to the season, they are second in the Norwegian League, however, it is hard to see them maintaining that as the season continues, they are a promoted side and they have their limitations, Stromgodset have had an average start but with home advantage they should be too strong for Sarpsborg.

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.

Anderlecht are a much better side than Zulte, in fact, they are probably the best side in Belgium, they need to win this game and in front of their home fans I expect them to do that and by at least a couple of 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 Eskilstuna are destined to be the whipping boys of Swedish soccer this season, they are a promoted side and have yet to win a game (6 played). They have lost 2 and drawn one on the road and are up against a side that is fairly strong at home.

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.

Rubin have lost their last three home games, but they were all against superior sides, and while Ufa are also above, it is not by much and I am confident that the home side will halt their home losing run and get back to winning ways today.

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.

Kalmar are already struggling and while Goteborg are just two points above them after 6 games that is just the start, as the season progresses that gap will widen and with home advantage I cannot see anything other than a Goteborg 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.

Feyenoord know that a win today gives them the title and that is what they will do in front of their home fans, the question is how many goals will they win by, I expect it to be by at least two.

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.

Liverpool are desperate for the points, they need to collect all three points today to maintain their Champions League qualification hopes. Southampton have nothing to play for and their away form is not great. Liverpool should win this and probably by a couple of 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.

Hard to see beyond a home win today. Columbus have won four of their last five at home, the only loss was their last home fixture against New York City. New England have won just once on the road in their last 15 away games, that says it all.

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.

DC United have finally started to get it together at home, whereas Montreal cannot buy a win on the road. The form backs DC United and that is who I will be back today.

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

The odds are not great but it is worth taking Molde to overcome a one goal handicap, they are far better than Aalesund and they are at home, it would be a sock if they did not win this game and the chances are they will win by at least 2 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.

Burnley are a very strong home side, they still are not safe from relegation and will go all out for the win, they finally won away last week and their confidence is high. West Brom have lost their last four games, they look like  a side already with their mind on the summer holidays.

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.

It is not often I go with such a pick, when the odds are not generous and the goal spread quite high, but City need the win, they are at home and they need to improve their goal difference and that is what I expect them to do.

The best team in Italy travel to the current leaders in France in this Champions League semi final first leg.

Juventus showed how good they were when beating Barcelona over two legs in the last round. Their effort in the second leg in Barcelona, where they held the Spanish giants to a goalless draw, was immense and they are deserved favourites to qualify for the final.

However, I am of the opinion that Juventus will have to do the hard work in the second leg back in Italy, I do not see them winning in France, not against this Monaco side.

Monaco have been brilliant this season, they score freely and I do see them scoring this evening. The question for me was, will they be able to hold Juventus at bay for 90 minutes.

I believe they will, I believe that their forward line will breach the Juve defense and that their defence will be able to contain the Italian front line, simply because I am of the opinion that Monaco will have the majority of possession today.

This will be an entertaining game and I am backing Monaco to win by a single goal.

I like the look of Real Madrid in this Champions League semi final first leg.

Atletico Madrid are not as strong as they were last season, their much vaunted defense is starting to show some cracks and while Real Madrid are having the occasional hiccup, they have done better than their bitter rivals this season.

Atletico have fallen away in the race for the Spanish title, whereas Real Madrid are definitely still in it, that underlines the respective seasons these two have enjoyed.

Home advantage is important and I fully expect Real to make the most of it.

I see the home team winning by a couple today, I know previous results indicate a close affair, but like I said above, Atletico are not the same as last season.

Second v first in Norway and therefore a close game is expected, but I am confident that Rosenborg will emerge the winners.

Sarpsborg have had a great start to the season and they are the home side, but Rosenborg are by far the best side in Norwegian soccer and they will be very motivated to put a gap between themselves and Sarpsborg at the top of the table.

Sarpsborg will obviously be just as motivated, but the chances are they will not have the majority of possession or chances and will find themselves defending far more than they attack.

Take Rosenborg on the spreads to win this game, ven though they are the away side.

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.

Burnley have the worst away form in the Premier League and against a resurgent Palace side they will really struggle, 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.

It is unusual for me to go with a Russian Premier League game, but Terek Grozny stood out for me today and I will be backing them big time.

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.

It is a big ask overcoming a two goal handicap, but if any team can do it, it is Monaco and that is what I expect them to do

Massive game for both sides and of course it is a derby as well.

Both sides need points to make the top four and both have good reasons why they may win.

City have home advantage, but will be down after the weekend loss to Arsenal.

United are unbeaten in 23 games in the Premier League, but draw a lot.

So, you can see how a case can be made for either side.

The draw is an obvious choice and I would probably have gone with that if it was available on here, however, I am happy to take United +0.5 goals, which gives me both the draw and a United win.