Picks for 20 Dec, 2008

HOT PICK: AUXERRE, WEST HAM
Top Picks: Espanyol, Nice (Under 2.5).
Additions: Le Havre.

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Auxerre (+1/2 on AH)
Ratings: 9.5/10
Auxerre travels to St Etienne knowing that a win will propel them to mid-table safety. St Etienne comes into this match with minimum rest between matches after their mid-week UEFA Cup exploit. At home, St Etienne have been blowing hot and cold with mixed results as they struggle to maintain above the relegation zone (currently 17th). Stats reveal that Auxerre is due to score an away goal (not scored in last 4 away), chances are slim for St Etienne to squeeze out a win if they concede. High stakes on Auxerre to notch a possible win here.

2) West Ham (+1/4 on AH)
Ratings: 9/10
Upton Park welcomes Aston Villa as West Ham seeks to continue their revival after positive results against Chelsea and Liverpool in the past weeks. Despite's Aston Villa's good run of form, it must be noted that in their last 5 matches they have conceded an average of 1.80 goals. In addition to this, Villa have yet to draw away in their last 12 matches, BUT have drawn in 5 of last 6 matches against West Ham at Upton Park! High stakes on the Hammers to end this game with 1-1 or 2-2 draw as they hold a 100% head-to-head record against Villa.

3) Toulouse vs Nice (Under 2.5g)
Ratings: 8/10
Battle of the 'misers' as 2 defensive-minded teams squares off where goals will be a premium. Toulouse are having a great run, losing only once on handicap in their last 6 matches. They don't concede much either, averaging a meagre 0.44 goals at home. Visitors Nice are no slouch either, with a positive average on away matches (1.20 scored vs 1 concede). Nice have not scored in their last 2, and stats are giving them 53.85% chance to to do here. I'd go with Under 2.5 goals instead.

4) Espanyol (+1/4 on AH)
Ratings: 7.5/10
Atletico Madrid are unbeaten in their last 7 away matches, and 14 in total. Despite this, they only average 1.58 goals scored against 1.50 goals conceded. With head-to-head stats favouring the home team (only 1 defeat in past 5 encounters), Espanyol has every chance to surprise the visitors as they seek to wriggle out of the relegation zone.