Nantes vs Metz

Nantes’ manager Rene Girard spoke about tightening up the defence to be competitive for the new season and in that respect Nantes have done very well, conceding just two goals so far. But football is about wins and from the opening three games the Canaries have lost two. This includes their last two matches against Monaco and Bordeaux. But they will feel confident at home to get going again against Metz.
Metz can’t be judged on the road yet, it’s too early but what is apparent is that at home this team won’t be easy to beat. The team are scoring goals too. They have played just one away game and lost to PSG 3-0.

Nantes vs Metz: Head to Head

Nine of the last 11 fixtures between these two clubs have ended in draws. That is a huge stat that can’t be ignored.
The last two meetings in Nantes in Ligue 1 have ended 0-0. From the four league games played this century between the clubs at Le Beaujoire, three of those have ended fewer than 3 goals.

Nantes vs Metz: Prediction

On the face of it this game could be a draw and we would all expect that to happen. But a win for Metz could see them shoot up into the top five, and they might just go all-out attack. This will leave spaces early and a match that has the potential to be forgettable could end up being more entertaining than we think. Remember Metz won’t always get the chance to be near the top of the table they need to take this opportunity. This doesn’t mean we think they can win but it does mean the game could have goals and some excitement.

Nantes vs Metz: Bet Tips

Over 2.5 goals to be scored at 29/20
Metz/Draw: Double chance at 21/20.

Rennes vs Caen

After losing their first game of the season to Nice, Rennes have really stabilized although the media won’t believe it unless they get a victory over Caen. The home team cruised past Nancy 2-0 and in their last match got a decent 1-1 draw at Montpellier. The good news for Rennes is that there are goals in this team.
Caen have got off to a much better start than expected with 2 wins from 3 but those two wins were both at home. They went down too easy to Lyon 2-0 in their one away game but Rennes on the face of it shouldn’t be as strong as Lyon and Caen will be aiming to set up their team for the counter. Everyone understands that the away team will be happy if they come away with a point.

Rennes vs Caen: Head-to-Head Stats

Rennes used to do well in this fixture but in the last 3 league meetings Caen have come out victorious which include winning 4-1 here in 2015. There is an 80% chance that we will see under 3 goals, a stat we can’t ignore.

Rennes vs Caen: Prediction

Caen will come to Rennes not to lose and so if they can perform this task they have a great chance to get something. We believe they can and we should be looking into the value of a Caen win on the handicap. Rennes are no pushovers especially at home but Caen have some recent history on their side and the chance to move up in Ligue 1. They will surely sweep the midfield with five players and play a frustrating holding game, making sure Rennes don’t achieve many chances.

Rennes vs Caen: Bet Tips

Caen to win with a +1 goal start at 4/5
Under 2.5 goals at 4/6

Nice vs Marseille

Nice are 4th and seem to be replicating last season where they enjoyed long spells of good form. They are unbeaten on 7 points and have scored just 3 goals but then again they have only conceded 1.
In their last game which was also at home they had a small disappointment with just a 1-1 result against very unpredictable Lille where many thought that Nice would get all three points. Mario Balotelli has joined Nice from Liverpool on a free transfer, a few years ago this would have been a massive signing but the Italian has been out of form for two seasons now. It will give players like Alassane Plea a bolt to do better though and keep their places.
Marseille are just waiting for Marcelo Bielsa to return to the club. They need him back and they need stability. They got off to a terrible start this season and even though they beat Lorient 2-0 it hasn’t changed a thing. Lorient is playing like a relegation team and Marseille were at home.

Nice vs Marseille: Head-to-Head

It’s been 3 games and 4 years since Marseille recorded a victory here and there is nothing that suggests that this will be broken. Last season this fixture ended 1-1. Marseille have won just one match from the past six fixtures against Nice.

Nice vs Marseille: Prediction

Nice have a really good defence and will try to control all aspects of this game. Marseille look like they are feeling a little sorry for themselves. They need to pick up but it’s very hard for us to trust them right now. Everything points advantage to Nice in this game.

Nice vs Marseille: Bet Tips

Nice to be leading at Half Time at 21/10
Alassane Plea to score anytime for Nice at 23/10.

Sevilla vs Las Palmas

Sevilla were held to a goal-less draw by an injury struck Villarreal in the match day of the Spanish League 2016/17 season. It is rather two points dropped by the Andalusians especially coming after a thrilling 6-4 win over Espanyol on the opening day. However, the side is still adjusting to life under Jorge Sampaoli and their rhythm is broken down by key exits in the summer transfer window.
Las Palmas on the other hand had made an excellent start to their season campaign. They thrashed Valencia 4-2 at Mestalla on the opening day and backed it up with another massive 5-1 win at home over a sorry Granada. They were 11th in the league last season and look set for as much improved finish this term.

Sevilla vs Las Palmas: Head-to-Head Statistics

Sevilla won the corresponding home fixture of the 2015/16 season against Las Palmas by a 2-0 margin, while they lost the away leg by the same margin.
The previous meeting between these two sides before last season has to be dated back to the 2001/02 Spanish La Liga season. Las Palmas was unbeaten in two fixtures of the season with a 1-0 win at home and 1-1 draw at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Sevilla vs Las Palmas: Prediction

This is a tough match to call considering the current forms of the teams involved. Sevilla are in a kind of roller-coaster ride as they won in the 10-goal thriller against Espanyol before drawing blank against Villarreal. They do have a better quality side than their Saturday’s opponent. But Las Palmas are currently in a whole different mood.
With two wins from two matches and 9 goals scored against 3, the momentum is very much with Las Palmas. Also they will be under no pressure and is expected to give Sevilla a run for their money. But this is anybody’s match to win and we could see a higher number of goals. On current form, I will be backing Las Palmas to avoid a defeat here. Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals are my single bet slips.

Sevilla vs Las Palmas: Betting Tips

Double Chance – Draw/Las Palmas at 11/8 (2.38)
Over 2.5 goals at 1/2 (1.50).

Cyprus U21 vs Slovakia U21

Slovakia-U21
This young Slovakian team is a really talented group of players, and they have completely deserved the leading place with their performances. They have 12 points from 4 wins and 1 loss to Belarus on the road, even though they really dominated that match and made 17 shots. They are very good in attack, with 12 goals scored in 5 matches, allowing only 4, so we can easily say that all the lines of the team have been doing a great job so far. This is a must win game if they want to keep their 1st place and go into the next 2 games with a way less pressure.


Cyprus U21 are not such a big threat, with their 4 points. They have no chances of qualifying to EURO, so they will most likely just wait for the match to finish. They have scored only 3 goals so far, allowing 12, showing one very poor football, without much depth in attack.


The guests have won all 5 duels against Cyprus so far, and their 1st game in this group ended 2:0, where Slovakians had 25 shots on goal and could have easily score many more goals. They are undoubtedly a better side and their quality should prevail here. Good luck!

Pick     Slovakia U21 Odds     1.55    

Tottenham vs Liverpool

Tottenham host Liverpool in this encounter knowing that Liverpool have won 5 out of their last 7 meetings so far. Tottenham will be relying a lot on their midfielders Lamela and Eriksen to create enough service for Harry Kane up front, who has yet to hit his stride after struggling to get enough service to put the ball in the back of the net. An interesting stat, Harry Kane has never scored a goal in August in the 3 Premier League seasons he's played so far. Tottenham will know that they take on a shaky Liverpool defence who shipped 2 goals last weekend to Burnley and 3 goals to Arsenal; and they are ripe of the taking. Lamela & Walker in particular should enjoy a good time with Milner playing at left back with Coutinho not offering much cover.


Liverpool looked a bit more like their offensive self after a strong 5-0 win against Burton in mid-week; but despite having 81% possession failed to find the back of the net against Burnley. Liverpool will take some confidence in this game knowing that they haven't lost to Tottenham in any of their last 7 games played with both fixtures being a draw last year. Klopp will potentially use this game as a yardstick to see how far his players have come along, and whether he needs to buy any players in the remaining days of the transfer window. Liverpool will rely a lot on Mane, Firmino, Coutinho and Origi up front to deliver much of the service. They will also feel that the Tottenham defence is up for the taking especially with Vorm in goal who can be susceptible to counter-attacking goals.


This game looks like the tie of the weekend, and I suspect both teams are going to be finding the back of the net, and we could be in for an exciting encounter.

Pick     BTTS & Over 2.5 goals Odds 1.95     Stake 7

Bayern vs Werder

Bayern are the big favorites and will decide in my view this match clearly for themselves. Ancelotti maybe has his system not transfered entirely to the club, but the quality of Bayern is already enough arguments here.


For me, the Handicap bets are maybe a good choice, as I believe anyway that Bayern will win and score majority of the goals, but I think that Bremen can score here also. The handicap betting on Bayern in my intuition tells me that Bayern can certainly gain advantage with more goals but they had luck against Dortmund and this is a first duel in Bundesliga which is also more pressure on Bayern as on Werder. For Werder Bremen is this a heavy start and they will go in the second matchday for the points collection. On opening day in Munich a point gain in any case would be a big surprise but a goal would not surprise me...

Pick     BTTS     Odds 2.38    Stake 8

St Etienne vs Beitar Jerusalem

St Etienne got a 2:1 victory away in Israel in the first leg of the play-off round against Beitar Jerusalem and now awaits the re-match game much more relaxed and in a role of complete favorite of progressing to the group stage. However, the game didn’t start positively for them, since Vered brought the hosts into the lead in eight minute, but the French side reacted very well within next twenty minutes.

Lemoine leveled up the result in fifteenth minute, while the visitors took the lead with an own goal from Rueda in 30th minute for the final 2:1 victory. Till the end of the game, it was Beitar who had more of the ball possession, but the Frenchmen were those who had more chances created, obviously waiting them on counter attacks. St Etienne have started with a defeat in Ligue 1, suffering 3:2 loss away to Bordeaux, but the impression was that the team only started playing later in the game as they were 3:0 down in 72nd and then managed to reduce the deficit, making impression that they could have won in case the team played the whole game like they did in last twenty minutes.

In the second round, they easily defeated Montpellier at home 3:1 last weekend. Hosts miss forward Alexander Soderlund (1/0), midfielders Benjamin Corgnet, Bryan Dabo (0/0) and left back Cheikh M’Bengue (1/0) due injuries.


Beitar Jerusalem, on the other side, comes into this game from a season opening match in their domestic league when the team took a point in a 2:2 draw away from home against Maccabi Petah Tikva. They took the lead twice, via Cohen in 9th and Vered in 29th minute, but the hosts found the way to reply both times within ten minutes.

The team had some good displays this Summer during the qualifiers for the Europa League, since they excluded Bosnian side Sloboda, Cypriots from Omonia and Jelgava in the third round, reaching the play-off stage for Europa League for the first time in their history. Now, after the defeat in the first leg, things are very difficult for them, but at least removes the pressure from their shoulders and the team can play a bit more relaxed now.

Their manager has no serious problem for this match, while the team brought in offensive French players Johan Audel (known for his performances for Nantes in last three years) who could start tonight.

St Etienne can’t afford to rotate their squad a lot for this game, as they keep a low profile since their coach said the game remains close to 50-50 as for the progress to the group stage. If the hosts play anything close like they did in Israel, or last weekend against Montpellier, this should be their easy victory. Way easier than what they got away from home in the first game.
Bet: St Etienne -1.25 Asian handicap @ 1.97

APOEL Nicosia vs Kobenhavn

APOEL will host Copenhagen in the second leg match of the final round of Champions league qualifications.


In their first game we have seen that Copenhagen has a lot more quality in their team. There were much better in that game and dominated during the whole 90 minutes. They only was poor in realization as they scored only once, they surely could score more goals in that game and secure their place into the group phase of the Champions league. However after only 1-0 from the first game they cannot relax and I expect a strong performance from them in this game too.


It is true that APOE playing much better at home ground where is not so easy to beat them, but they are not in very good form lately having 3 loses in last 4 matches, while they also look very poor offensively. On the other hand I think Copenhagen will try to defend their lead from the first game, so I thin this will be a low scoring game. However I think Copenhagen wil have more chances to score here from counters after APOEL start with stronger attacks so IMO value is on Copenhagen and draw no bet on them looks like a good option to bet on.


Pick     Copenhagen 0 AH Odds 1.96     Stake 8

Peterborough vs Swansea

Peterborough did well in the first round of EFL Cup to get a victory over AFC Wimbledon two weeks ago at home with a 3:2 result. With a bit rotated squad, the visiting side took the lead in the first halftime, but the repetition completely belonged to much better hosts who gained the victory thanks to two goals from Nichols and one from Taylor. Both teams approached the game with a bit more offensive tactics than usually and we’ve seen one of better first round’s matches.

As for the League One competition, Peterborough has started with two victories and two defeats, as they come from a 2:1 defeat away to Oxford United last weekend, in a game where they could have earned more, but conceded the second goal in the third minute of additional time from a penalty spot. Prior to that, they won in an impressive way at home against Millwall and once again showing that they are way more effective and attacking side in front of own fans.

Defender Ryan Tafazolli (1/0) is doubtful for this game, while other defender, Jack Baldwin (4/0) can’t play here due suspension. Midfielders Bradd Inman and Lee Angol are both sidelined with injuries but also didn’t play so far in the season. Further rotation is also possible.


Swansea, on the other side, have started the season in a good way, with a 1:0 narrow victory away from home against Burnley, but failed to build up on that performance in the second round, when the team suffered 2:0 defeat at home against Hull City last weekend. However, it needs to be said that the final result isn’t reflecting true behavior on the field, since there’s no doubt that the players of Swansea were superior to their opponent.

Hosts tried with some ball possession and with many passes, but lacked finishing touch, while the visitors stood mostly behind the ball and waited for their chances via counter-attack. This time the tactics paid off to Hull, who managed to take the lead in 79th minute with a goal from Maloney. When the hosts tried to react, visiting side struck them once again, in second minute of additional tiem via Hernandez for the final 2:0 defeat. Swansea looked well during the pre-season matches and everyone expect good football from them this season, so there’s no doubt that the team will give their everything to get back on a winning track here.

Swansea’s coach Francesco Guidolin announced he will make some changes in the squad. Defender Neil Taylor could be playing here, while midfielder and team captain Leon Britton (1/0) remains doubtful. Surely out is forward Boja Baston who anyway didn’t play so far in the season.

As I said in my previous preview against Wimbledon, players of Peterborough are playing in a way more offensive way in front of home crowd and will surely want to get a positive outcome here and surely score a goal at least in the progress. Swansea needs to bounce back on a positive path and is alone able to score more than couple of goals. Three goals should be scored even easier than what the bookies currently represent.
Bet: Over 2.75 goals @ 1.84

Leicester vs Arsenal

Second round of the Premier League offers us another interesting game. Champions Leicester City takes on runner ups Arsenal after both teams failed their opening games.


Hosts Leicester lost last game somewhat surprisingly away against Hull City. The Foxes never really get into that game and Hull took an important 3 points in a tough game. Leicester City prepared well for the new season playing some good friendlies against the likes of Barcelona. They lost the super cup to Man United after Zlatan managed to get into the scoresheet. Still they left the feeling that they are in a decent form and likely to play well in the new season. Ranieri made Leicester champions last season mainly playing on the counter with loads of speed and agility up front. Against Hull though who were defending well not giving much space Leicester struggled to score. Defender Yohann Benalouane and Matthew James are still struggling for fitness and will probably miss the game while new boys Bartosz Kapuska and Nampalys Mendy could be in line for their first start.


Arsenal lost at home against Klopp’s Liverpool after a thrilling game. The final score finished 3-4 and left a sour taste in Arsenal fans. Both teams had defensive injury crisis which proved to be more than enough for an entertaining game. Interestingly Santi Casorla was benched for that game despite showing that he was in a good form in the pre-season. He managed to pick up 2 assists though after coming on so I expect him to start this one. Goalscorer from last game Chamberlain also impressed and will probably also feature from the start. Arsenal are still struggling in the central defender area as captain Mertesacker and Gabriel are with long term injuries and Koscielny is doubtfull after his participation in the Euros. This leaves again new youngster Rob Holding and error prone Chambers the only natural central defenders. Still some rotation may take in place after the disappointment against Liverpool with the experienced full back Debuchy having a chance to start as central defender. Last game things turned from bad to worse for Arsenal after Ramsey and Alex Iwobi also picked up injuries. This forces Wenger to make rotation either in striker position with Akpom or on left wing as Alexis will cover the other role. Ozil and Giroud are also doubtful after the Euros.


Arsenal will try to control the game pressing high and this is most welcome by Leicester as Ranieri’s boys like to play on the counter. Keeping in mind Arsenal defensive problems I believe Leicester will score in this one making both teams to score option very viable as Arsenal are a team who can score against any opponent.



Pick     both teams to score     Odds 1.57     Stake 8    

Auxerre – Clermont

Auxerre – Clermont

VS

Auxerre repeated the good half they had in Coupe de la Ligue game against Bourg Peronnas and once again they were in lead at HT 2-0, identical as in CdL game. Despite some offensive pressure from Bourg Peronnas (who made two inspirate replacement at HT) they did a good defensive game after the break hitting again twice on counter in last 10 minutes. Resulted a nice game to watch with goals galore; a game who make me wonder if I didn’t heavily underestimated Auxerre in this start of the season. The win is more valuable keeping in mind squad problems coach Moldovan has. Is true also Bourg Peronnas defenders were too naïve in this game, but even so the merits in this win goes to whale Auxerre squad.


Difficult time will have Clermont in this season. Without a win after 3 rounds and a single point won so far, Clermont is 2nd rock bottom. Last game they’ve put themselves again in difficult situation as Djellabi saw 2 yellow cards in 5 mins and was sent off (true is the second one was way too easy awarded). Sochaux dominated them before and after this red card, but opened the score 5 mins after the red card. But suddenly, they relaxed right after the goal, and a long pass found Dugimont in imminent position to score and he leveled at 1, one minute after Sochaux opened the score. In second half Clermont tried to keep the score, stayed behind the ball; Sochaux didn’t create to many chances but took fully advantage of a huge mistake of Clermont GK Jeannin and scored after a corner kick. For the second time in this start of the season, Clermont played in 10 men and lost. But even the red card, I saw a hesitant and away from previous offensive football game Clermont; Corinne Diacre seems to be under pressure and must find solution to keep close to the rest of the teams.


For couple of rounds I will bet against Auxerre no matter the opponent. If Clermont will stay in 11 players for whole the game, then I see a chance for them to recover some points. Let’s take some precautions and bet Clermont AH0+. gl



Pick Clermont     Odds 2.53     Stake 8   

France vs Albania

VS

France come into this game against Albania with some cracking form behind them. They managed to put in a solid performance against Romania, but need it a special goal in order to see them through to the next round. France will feel confident with the win in front of their home fans. Both Giroud and Greizmann were in cracking form, while Payet was nicely pulling the strings in midfield. Paul Pogba has yet to stamp his authority in the tournament, and will use this match as an opportunity to do so, and lead his team to the next round. France have had the scoring touch well and their last 5 straight games in 2016 seeing them have over 2.5 goals in their games.


Albania had put in a good effort to keep the Swiss down just to 1-0 in their last game, despite going down to 10 men. The Albanian will struggle to contain these French team, who dominate the midfield, that will be area of concern fro Albania especially with captain Cana out of this encounter due to the red card. Albania have the poorest offensive coming into this game 7 goals from 8 games. Unless you can score against the French, there is no way that you will be able to beat them, especially with their offensive form in full strut.


These 2 sides met back in qualification for the 2012 European Championships, and both those games saw France win and over 2.5 goals scored in that encounter; and I am backing over 2.5 goals in the match between France & Albania.



Pick      Over 2.5      Odds     1.80

Marseille vs PSG

Marseille vs PSG


PSG come into this game against Marseille full of confidence having won 15 straight games in all competitions while scoring a bountiful of goals and barely conceding. They have been in such good form that they have won 4 straight games by a minimum of a 2 goal margin. Goal scoring exploits from Ibrahimovic, Cavan and di Maria have helped their cause as they have scored 39 goals amongst them in the league out of 61 PSG have netted in the league. PSG have only conceded 3 goals away from home while not losing a single game this season in the league.


Marseille come into this game with some decent form not losing a single game since November 23rd which will give the team confidence coming into this game. They have not been as clinical in front of goals and that has seen them draw a lot of games this campaign. They have drawn 3 out of their last 5 games and came out with a luck 1-0 win against Montpellier in mid-week. Marseille have relied on Batshuayi to contribute to the goals as he has netted 12; but he is suspended for this encounter.


PSG have a strong team and will be looking for this win to showcase to the league that they are the most dominant team and are not leaving any games till the end and should win and cover the handicap.




Marseille vs PSG betting tips Marseille vs PSG betting tips conclusion Stake 5 Stake: 5/10

    Pick PSG AH-1
    Odds 2.35

Frosinone vs Juventus

Frosinone vs Juventus


Frosinone look to be heading straight back down to Serie B, they don't have much quality and concede many goals. They're 5 points from safety and this game should be an almost impossible task for them.


When Frosinone lose they usually lose by a few goals, in fact their last 8 defeats have all come by 2+ goals. They are a team low on quality as I already wrote but they do usually try to play offensive football which has yielded some results vs the weaker teams this season. But obviously Juventus are the best team in Italy or joint best at least, when Napoli came here a few weeks ago they won 1-5 and in truth it could've been allot more.


Juventus are in amazing form and you would be brave to bet against them winning yet another league tittle. They have won their last 13 matches, the last 4 without conceding a goal.


Juventus have won 8 away matches this season with 6/8 coming by 2+ goals. I really see no way how Frosinone can avoid defeat here, they cant defend and I cant see them breaking Juventus' defence. The away team wins this by at least 2 goals I expect.

Frosinone vs Juventus betting tips Frosinone vs Juventus betting tips conclusion Stake 9 Stake: 9/10

    Pick Juventus -1.5AH
    Odds 1.84