Picks for 31 Jan, 2009

Top Picks: Juventus, Wigan, Lorient (UNDER 2.5g).
Additions: Arsenal, Nice, Athletic Bilbao.

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Juventus (-1 3/4 on AH)
Ratings: 8.5/10
Juventus will be looking to get back on track after their shock 1-2 loss to Udinese in the mid-week Serie A match. Visitors Cagliari will be hoping to surprise the home team after registering only 1 loss in their last 10 matches to move to 9th position. Despite this, Cagliari are poor travellers and Juve will be expected to edge past them with ease to close the gap with Inter Milan on the league table. Go with the home team for a comfortable win.

2) Wigan (level on AH)
Ratings: 8.5/10
Aston Villa are riding a crest of wave after winning their 4th Premiership match in succession to tighten their grip on 4th place. Despite the number of injuries registered by the team recently, they have managed to dig deep to edge their opponents by a goal difference in most matches. Visitors Wigan will provide stiff opposition to them as they are a difficult team to break - especially in their current form. Head-to-head stats favour the away team and stats are also backing them at a whopping 90.91% to get a result at Villa Park to stifle the home team's momentum.

2) Lorient (Under 2.5 goals)
Ratings: 8/10
Auxerre hosts Lorient in a match where goals will be a premium. Both teams are short in attack but are very tight in defense, which means that the possibility of both cancelling each other out with a nil-nil draw to be very high. Go with Under 2.5 goals as the safest pick.

Picks for 28 Jan, 2009

Top Picks: Arsenal, AC Milan.
Additions: Wigan

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Arsenal (-3/4 on AH)
Ratings: 8/10
Crunch time for the Gunners as they continue their chase against Aston Villa to squeeze into the top 4 of the Premiership. Despite the many injuries within their squad, their form have prevailed lately with goals coming from their various departments. Robin Van Persie is currently enjoying the form of his life, and with him spearheading the attack, Arsenal look good to teach Everton a lesson or two on quality passing and play.

2) AC Milan (-1 1/4 on AH)
Ratings: 8.5/10
AC Milan will be buoyed by the news of Kaka pledging his future with them. They host in-form Genoa, who are surprisingly sitting on 4th position in Serie A. Except for the 1-4 loss to Juventus way back in Nov 2008, Genoa have not lost by more than a goal in all their away matches. Nevertheless, AC Milan will be gunning for revenge as they had lost to the visitors 0-2 previously. The might of Milan will prevail against the pretenders of the throne as the home team should register their 10th win with ease.

Picks for 27 Jan, 2009

HOT PICK: PORTSMOUTH
Top Pick: Tottenham.

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Portsmouth (+1/4 on AH)
Ratings: 9/10
Aston Villa seeks their 5th win a row as they visit Pompey. Unbeaten in their last 6, they have continued their form into the new year sitting pretty in the last spot for Champions League in the Premiership. Despite this, a few factors point to the home team getting a result here. Villa will be without Ashley Young, who is suspended due to the red card he received against Sunderland. Without him, they will be short of supplies up front. In addition to this, it has since been 16 matches since Villa has drawn away. Portsmouth are tough to beat at home, and a draw is a very likely outcome.

2) Tottenham (-1 on AH)
Ratings: 8/10
Spurs are due for a big win at home, and will be encouraged with the return of Defoe. His debut saw him scoring against his former team last week, and the form book suggests that there's more to come. Stoke are poor travellers, conceding an average of 2.15 goals per match! There's no doubt as to who will win here, and its definitely not the visitors!

Picks for 25 Jan, 2009

Top Picks: Catania, Atletico Madrid.
Additions: AS Roma, Sevilla, Sporting Gijon.

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Catania (+1/2 on AH)
Ratings: 8/10
Genoa have surprised many with their current lofty 4th position, going on an unbeaten 8 match run. Despite this, they have not convinced many as most of the wins were against below par teams from the lower rungs of the Serie A table. The fixtures have helped them garner those points but Catania will present a different proposition as they are a tough team to break down defensively. Go with the visitors to snatch a credible draw.

2) Atletico Madrid (level on AH)
Ratings: 8.2/10
Atletico Madrid will be looking for all 3pts as they pay homage to their direct competitor, Malaga, who are sitting just a spot below them. Atletico have been unlucky of late, and have managed to only amass 2 wins out of their last 5. Malaga meanwhile are a direct contrast as they have won their last 3 matches to jump into their current position. They have not conceded in their last 3 home matches but Atletico are most likely to break that streak as they have average 1.56 goals per away match.

Picks for 24 Jan, 2009

HOT PICK: BURNLEY
Top Pick: Blackburn, Nice.
Additions: Toulouse, Doncaster, Fiorentina.

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Burnley (+1/2 on AH)
Ratings: 9/10
An element of surprise is in store at the Hawthorns for WBA as they welcome Championship side Burnley. Despite winning their last 2 matches, the scorelines tend to flatter the home team as they are still playing without any gusto. Burnley, on the other hand, were cruelly knocked out of the League Cup semis despite playing their hearts out - where they scored 3-0 in FT to tie the first leg result against Spurs. Burnley are a hard-working team, and stats are backing them at a staggering 90.48% to get a shock result here.

2) Blackburn (+1/4 on AH)
Ratings: 8/10
Sunderland hosts in-form Blackburn in this FA Cup 4th round tie. Blackburn have now gone 5 matches unbeaten, and the form book suggests that they will be continue their fine run here. Stats are also giving them a 63.64% headstart to snatch at least a draw at the Stadium of Light. Go with the visitors!

3) Nice (+1/4 on AH)
Ratings: 8/10
The French Ligue 1 takes a break as the country is treated with the France Cup. Monaco entertains in-form side Nice in a match that will see 2 of the meanest defence meet. Monaco's form have stuttered of late, collecting only a meagre 2pts from their last 5 league matches. Nice in contrast have been unbeaten in their last 4 and will provide stiff competition to the home team as they seek to progress to the next round. Go with the visitors to nick this one.

Picks for 22 Jan, 2009

Top Pick: Torino, Sporting Gijon.

Match analysis is as follows:

1) Torino (+3/4 on AH)
Ratings: 8/10
Lazio welcomes Torino in this Coppa Italia tie. Despite being the favourites here, Lazio have only won once at home since 9 Nov 2008. They seem to be playing better away, and this could prove to be their nemesis as Torino will be looking to defend in numbers to take something out of this match. Stats are backing the visitors at 71.43% to get a positive result to take back home for the return leg.

2) Sporting Gijon (+1/2 on AH)
Ratings: 8.8/10
Cup specialist Athletic Bilbao hosts Sporting Gijon in this 2 legged cup tie. It has been 12 matches since Sporting have drawn away, and 23 matches in total since they have last drawn at all! As i've mentioned before, something has got to give sooner or later. Receiving a handicap is definitely the best call here as there is every chance for Sporting to surprise Bilbao, who have gone unbeaten in their last 9 matches.

Pick for 21 Jan, 2009

Top Pick: Sampdoria
Addition: Sevilla.

Match analysis is as follows:

1) Sampdoria (+1/4 on AH)
Ratings: 8/10
Coppa Italia match sees Udinese hosting Sampdoria. The home team has been on a free-fall of form, having not won in their last 12 matches on handicap. A midweek cup tie does not provide any relief for them as they seek to wriggle their way back into the upper echelons of the Serie A table. Sampdoria will take full advantage of this situation, and stats are backing them at 71.43% chance to score and get a result here.

Pick for 19 Jan, 2009

Top Pick: Everton.

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Everton (+1 on AH)
Ratings: 8/10
Merseyside derby sees Liverpool playing host to in-form Everton. Clashes between these 2 teams have often produced exciting battles. Everton comes into this match without conceding in their last 6, a sure sign that their defense has gotten grips with the rigourous demands of the Premiership. Liverpool, who will need a win in order to reclaim back the top spot currently held by Man Utd. Despite this, Everton cannot be taken for granted and with their current form, it is worth backing the visitors with a 1-goal headstart.

Picks for 18 Jan, 2009

Top Picks: Rennes (Under 2.5), Lecce.
Additions: Juventus, Betis.

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Lecce (-1/4 on AH)
Ratings: 8/10
Struggling Lecce hosts Genoa as they seek to continue to build on their shock 2-1 win last week over Fiorentina. Despite their current league position, it has to be noted that their last 8 matches included teams from the top 5. Genoa are currently unbeaten in their last 7 but most of their points are collected at home. Lecce has the opportunity to rake another win as Genoa tend to struggle when playing away.

2) Rennes (Under 2.5g)
Ratings: 8.5/10
Two form teams clash in this intriguing prospect of a match. Lille are unbeaten in their last 7, while visitors Rennes are unbeaten in their last 8. Both are very organised teams with defence as their priority. Rennes have only lost once away this season, and are a very hard team to break down. Lille might be averaging 1.90 goals per match at home but Rennes have a good record against them. Under 2.5 goals seems to be the safest pick.

Picks for 17 Jan, 2009

HOT PICK: NANCY
Top Picks: Valenciennes, Fiorentina.
Additions: Arsenal, Sunderland.

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Nancy (+ 1/2 on AH)
Ratings: 9/10
A win for Toulouse, who hosts Nancy, will catapult them into the top 3. Unbeaten in their last 6, they have not lost at home since Nov 2008. Nevertheless, Nancy will provide strong opposition as they seek to recover from the shock loss to Romorantin in the recent French Cup match. Head-to-head stats favors the visitors who have drawn all matches when visiting Toulouse.

2) Valenciennes (+1/2 on AH and UNDER 2.5g)
Ratings: 8.5/10
A recent upsurge in form has seen Valenciennes notch their 5th win on asian handicap. The team will be buoyed with confidence when they travel to Lorient, who are blowing hot and cold as far as form is concerned. At home, Lorient only managed to score an average of 0.82 goals per match while conceding 1.09. This match has Under 2.5 goals written all over it, possibly 0-0 or 1-1 draw at most.

3) Fiorentina (+3/4 on AH)
Ratings: 8/10
A mouth-watering clash awaits us at San Siro stadium as AC Milan hosts Fiorentina. Despite AC's lofty position in the league, they have not really impressed and have conceded an average of 1.70 goals in their last 10 matches! Fiorentina will be looking to take advantage of this as they are a team capable of scoring goals, averaging 1.08 goals per away match. High probability of a draw as both team cancel each other out.

Picks for 14 Jan, 2009

Top Picks: Valencia, Sporting Gijon.
Additions: Chelsea, Man Utd.

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Valencia (-3/4 on AH)
Ratings: 8/10
Racing Santander seems to be Los Che's bogey team this season.They are the only team not to be beaten by the host in 2 encounters this season. Lately, Racing have gone on to a 7 match unbeaten run. Quite a feat. Nevertheless, Valencia will be extra motivated to win this match (first leg ended 1-1) as the final of the Copa Del Rey will be hosted at the Mestalla Stadium. Go with Valencia to win 1-0 or 2-0 in this tight match.

2) Sporting Gijon (+1/2 on AH)
Ratings: 8/10
21 matches without a draw, can you believe it? Sporting is the only team in all the major leagues that have not even drawn a single match since the beginning of season. Against Valladolid, they have a 3-1 lead from the 1st leg and will not rest on their laurels to ensure qualifications to the next round. Match is expected to see goals, but DRAW is too tempting to resist. Go with Sporting to hold the home team with a respectable draw!

Picks for 13 Jan, 2009

Top Pick: Inter Milan
Addition: Portsmouth.

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Inter Milan (-1 on AH)
Ratings: 8.5/10
Coppa Italia tie sees Inter Milan hosting Genoa as they seek to progress into the quarterfinals of this cup. Genoa have been unbeaten in their last 3 away outings, and even managed to grind out a goalless draw against Inter when they last met in Oct 2008. Nevertheless, Inter will be going all out as this is a knock-out game and their class should tell. Stats are also backing them as teams giving 1 ball handicap have a 9-7-2 odds, which puts them at 88.89% to win this.

Picks for 11 Jan, 2009

Top Picks: Real Madrid, Atalanta, Almeria.
Additions: Over 2.5 (Napoli vs Catania), Tottenham.

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Real Madrid (-1/2 on AH)
Ratings: 8.5/10
Mallorca entertains Real Madrid with the hope of snatching some points as they sit precariously on 19th position in the league. Their woeful defense have led to them conceding an average of 1.22 goals per match at home. Real Madrid will be looking to continue their resurgence of form after winning their last 2 matches consecutively and Mallorca looks theirs for the taking. Go with the visitors for a comfortable win.

2) Atalanta (+1/2 on AH)
Ratings: 8/10
Mid-table encounter between two unpredictable teams. An interesting stat reveals that Palermo have yet to draw in their last 9 home matches. Head-to-head record also shows these two sides playing out to draws most of the time. Accept the handicap.

3) Almeria (+1/2 on AH)
Ratings: 8/10
Struggling Espanyol welcomes Almeria as they seek to wriggle out of the relegation abyss. It has been 7 matches since they last won - which has seen them plummeting to 18th position in the league. Almeria will be hoping to capitalize on the host team's poor form. With a 100% head-to-head record, Almeria looks good to secure at least a point here in order to remain within the mid-table comfort zone.

Picks for 10 Jan, 2009

HOT PICK: TOULOUSE.
Top Picks: St Etienne, Blackburn, Villareal.
Additions: Grenoble, Over 2.5 (Stoke vs Liverpool).

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Toulouse (level on AH)
Ratings: 9/10
Toulouse visits basement club Le Havre with a top 3 position in their frame of mind should they win. Le Havre plummeted to the bottom of the league after losing 5 of their last 6 matches, and stats are showing this trend to continue. Unbeaten in their last 5, Toulouse have a 100% head-to-head record against Le Havre and are poised to bag all 3 pts against the miserable home team.

2) St Etienne (+1/4 on AH)
Ratings: 8.5/10
Both teams currently occupy the lower rungs of the league but a closer look at their form statistics will reveal some interesting points. Sochaux have yet to win in their last 8, mostly ending in draws if not losing their matches. St Etienne, meanwhile, are on the rise again as they have rediscovered their form to register only 1 loss in their last 7. Stats are backing the visitors to leave with at least a point.

3) Blackburn (+1/4 on AH)
Ratings: 8.5/10
A run of 10 matches unbeaten has seen Fulham propelling themselves into the top 10, with a game in hand. Upon closer inspection, however, you will notice that 6 out of the 10 matches were draws. Fulham are formidable at home and its always tough to score against them at Craven Cottage. Nevertheless, Blackburn seems to be their bogey team as they have only lost once in the many encounters there. Go with Blackburn to break Fulham's streak.

4) Villareal (+1/2 on AH)
Ratings: 8.2/10
2nd placed Valencia hosts the visiting Yellow Submarines as they seek to close the gap with runaway leaders Barcelona. Despite their good home record, there will be tired legs out there as Valencia had just battled Racing Santander in the gruelling Copa Del Rey. Meanwhile, Villareal have lost their last 4 but the christmas break would have provided them with a welcome relief and rest as they seek to rebound from the earlier slide.

Picks for 7 Jan, 2009

Top Picks: Valladolid, UNDER 2.5g (Derby vs Man Utd)
Additions: Betis.

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Valladolid (+1/4 on AH)
Ratings: 8.5/10
Copa Del Rey cup tie sees Sporting Gijon hosting Valladolid in a two-legged tie. As mentioned in my earlier postings before, it is now 19 matches since Sporting have last drawn in any competition! This trend has to end very soon, and with the home team handicapping Valladolid it makes more sense to accept it. After all, its a 66.67% chance to win (two-third chance) even before the match has kicked off!

2) Under 2.5g (Derby vs Manchester Utd)
Ratings: 8.0/10
The 2nd semi-final in the two-legged League Cup sees Derby hosting the mighty Manchester Utd. Having just trashed Southampton 3-0 in the FA Cup, Man Utd have gone from strength to strength as they stretch their unbeaten run to 12 matches now - with 10 of them without conceding a goal! Nevertheless, they have yet to score more than 2 goals in successive matches. They will also be distracted with this weekend's clash against their direct opponents, Chelsea. As such, it will not be surprising if Man Utd plays with a little apprehension since the 2nd leg of this cup tie will be played next at Old Trafford.

Picks for 6 Jan, 2009.

Top Picks: Tottenham, Atletico Madrid.

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Tottenham (-1 1/4 on AH)
Ratings: 8.0/10
First semi-final in the two-legged League Cup tie takes place at White Hart Lane. Spurs will be buoyed with their recent FA Cup win over Wigan after a blip of 5 matches without any wins. Burnley have basically surpassed the expectations of many to reach this stage, and Spurs looks good to stop them from progressing into the final. Playing at home will be vital for Spurs to grab as many goals before the return leg, hence a punt on the home team to overcome the handicap looks tasty indeed.

2) Atletico Madrid (+1/2 on AH)
Ratings: 8.0/10
An interesting match is in store as Barcelona visits Atletico Madrid in this two-legged Copa Del Rey cup tie. Barcelona are fast becoming the best team in Europe, crushing teams with ease in all competitions. Away from Nou Camp, they have remained undefeated in their last 11. Nevertheless, Atletico Madrid are no mugs either, and at home they are strong defensively. Stats reveal a high probability of a draw, as Barcelona have yet to draw in their last 13 away matches.

Picks for 4 Jan, 2009

Top Pick: Gillingham, Sporting Gijon.
Addition: Southampton, Numancia.

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Gillingham (+1 on AH)
Ratings: 8/10
Aston Villa were lucky to grab a last minute win against Hull on Tuesday in a match that was dull and void of ideas. Ending the New Year at 4th place, Villa will be buoyed by this as they visit Gillingham in the 3rd round FA Cup tie. It is now 14 away matches since the beginning of the season since Villa last drew and this trend will have to end sooner or later. This match provides the opportunity for a favorable draw odds as Villa would prefer to concentrate on cementing their position in the Premier League. Go with the home team to grind out a draw, at least on full time.

2) Sporting Gijon (+1/2 on AH)
Ratings: 8.5/10
18 matches without a draw (including 2 Spanish Cup ties), 9 of them away is quite an unbelievable statistic which has to end sooner or later. Sporting travels to Malaga with a better away record than home due to their counter-attacking style of play. This match promises goals with a high probability of 1-1 or 2-2 outcome. Accept the handicap and a medium stake on the draw!

Picks for 3 Jan, 2009

HOT PICK: EVERTON
Top Picks: Bolton.
Additions: Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wed.

Match analysis are as follows:

1) Everton (-1 1/2 on AH)
Ratings: 9.5/10
Everton travels to Macclesfield Town knowing that a win is vital to maintain their recent upsurge of form. They have won 3 of their last 4, all without conceding a goal! Stats reveal a 100% record to date for teams who have not conceded in their last 4 and giving handicap. The gulf in class will be apparent in this match and Everton, led by the classy Mikel Arteta, will definitely give the League Two side a lesson or two in this cup tie.

2) Bolton (+1/4 on AH)
Ratings: 8.5/10
Sunderland welcomes Bolton to the Stadium of Light in one of the many 3rd round ties for the English FA Cup. Both teams are blowing hot and cold as far as form is concerned, but Bolton seems to be the more consistent side. A closer look at their away record will reveal an average of 2 goals a match in their last 5 away. Sunderland have not scored in their last 2, and stats are giving them a meagre 20% chance of winning this tie. On the other hand, Bolton has a 63.64% to snatch at least a point here. High chance of a draw though as Bolton have not drawn in their last 12 matches.