Picks for 14 Dec, 2008

HOT PICK: SPORTING GIJON
Top Picks: Lorient, Fiorentina (Over 2.5).
Additions: Lazio, Roma, Deportivo La Coruna, Newcastle.

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Sporting Gijon (+1/2 on AH, and outright DRAW)
Ratings: 9/10
Athletic Bilbao hosts newly-promoted Sporting Gijon in a match that promises goals. Sitting precariously on the lower rungs of La Liga, Bilbao will need to muster a win to avoid being sucked into the relegation battle. Gijon, meanwhile, will be eyeing the 3pts themselves as their away form have shown that they are not to be taken lightly when travelling. Despite this, there is a glaring fact that points to a scoring draw for this match. Bilbao have yet to draw at home in last 8 while Gijon have not had a single draw since beginning of season in all competitions (16 matches to date)! Accept the handicap given and go for the outright draw as well.

2) Lorient (+1/4 on AH)
Ratings: 8/10
Struggling Le Havre are finding it hard to score lately, with the last 3 matches yielding no goals. Losing 3 of their last 4, they have since plummeted to 19th in the French league standings. Hosting Lorient this weekend, the visitors come into the match brimming with confidence after remaining undefeated in 7 of their last 8 matches. Lorient has a 100% head-to-head record against the home side, and stats point to a 33.3% chance of draw or away win.

3) Fiorentina (over 2.5g)
Ratings: 7.5/10
This match has goals written all over it. Fiorentina have been average almost 2 goals a game in their last 4 home matches, but their leaky defense are also guilty of conceding an average of a goal every match. Visitors Catania have yet to win away, not scoring in their last 3 away matches. Over 2.5 goals should be the call here.