Bluegrassrivals

UEFA Europa League
10/2/2014

FC Krasnodar vs Everton

Home - FC Krasnodar
Last away matches - W-W-D-W-L-W

FC Krasnodar play in the Russian city of Krasnodar, in the southwestern part of the country. They play in the Russian Premier League and currently sit sixth on the league table. The side arrived to the group stage of the Europa League via the second round of competition, where they did not concede a goal at home.FC Krasnodar enjoyed a convincing 3-0 over Arsenal Tula as their good start to the Russian League continued. In terms of injuries, the Kuban side is looking in good shape as they host their first ever European game. Brazilians Wanderson and Joaozinho appear to be in good form and are the main threats for the Everton defence.

Away - Everton
Last away matches - D-L-W-D-L-D

Everton face the unenviable task of travelling to Kuban Stadium in Russia, to take on FC Krasnodar on Thursday night as they attempt to make it 2 wins from 2 games in the Europa League. Everton did have the little matter of the Merseyside Derby to attend to on the weekend, and despite not getting the 3pts, confidence in the squad would have received a timely boost courtesy of the late Jagielka thunderbolt that salvaged a point from the game. However, now they face a daunting trip to Krasnodar, which is a 20hr drive from Moscow, as they now begin to realise the true test of the Europa League. Of course, Everton did get off to a terrific start in the Europa League as they defeated German side VfL Wolfsburg 4-1, meanwhile the hosts, FC Krasnodar picked up a good point away to French side OSC Lille. It may only be the 2nd group game of the campaign, but it is a big game for both sides as a win for either side would mean they go top of the group and put themselves in a good position to qualify for the knockout stages.

Asian Handicap
Home - (0.00)
Away - (0.00)
Pick - Everton (0.00)
Odds - 2.09
Stakes - 9/10

UEFA Europa League
10/2/2014

Slovan Bratislava vs Napoli

Home - Slovan Bratislava
Last away matches - L-D-L-L-W-L

Compared with the guests, Slovan Bratislava is not much reliable. In the last five games of the Slovak club had never won. They also are struggling in the domestic competition. While Napoli were toppled from the Champions League still fall in rank 8 Italian league. Armed with a 3-1 victory over Sparta Prague in the first matchday, Rafael Benitez's side are determined to fulfill his ambition to qualify for the next phase.

Away - Napoli
Last away matches - W-L-W-L-W-W

Coach Rafael Benitez could put Jose Callejon replace Gonzalo Higuain who until now is still barren. While in the back line, Napoli should clean up if do not want a record six goals conceded will increase the game this time.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+0.75)
Away - (-0.75)
Pick - Napoli (+0.75)
Odds - 2.08
Stakes - 9/10

UEFA Europa League
10/2/2014

Dinamo Minsk vs Fiorentina

Home - Dinamo Minsk
Last away matches - D-L-W-W-D-W

Dinamo beat MYPA of Finland, Romania’s CFR Cluj and Nacional of Portugal to progress to the group stage of the Europa League for the first time and will look to become the first Belarusian club to record a victory against Serie A opposition in ten previous attempts.Their only previous meeting with an Italian side was a 4-1 loss on aggregate to Lazio in the first round of the 1994/95 UEFA Cup, while this will be the Fiorentina’s first encounter with Belarusian opposition in European competition.

Away - Fiorentina
Last away matches - D-W-L-L-W-W

However, Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella is not underestimating his opponents.“Considering what I have seen so far, Dinamo Minsk look like a very attacking team,” the 40-year-old tactician said during his pre-match press conference.“I don’t think we’ll take this match lightly, although we were surprised that Dinamo lost 6-1 to PAOK in the first round.”The Florentines are unbeaten in ten of their last eleven Europa League matches and eased to a 3-0 win against Guingamp in their opening game with Juan Vargas, Juan Cuadrado and Federico Bernardeschi a on target at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.Montella is expected to make a number of changes ahead of the visit of Inter in Serie A on Sunday evening and the Viola are also suffering from an injury crisis with first-choice central defenders Stefan Savic and Gonzalo Rodriguez joining Cuadrado, Marko Marin, Mario Gomez and Giuseppe Rossi among the absentees.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+0.50)
Away - (-0.50)
Pick - Dinamo Minsk (+0.50)
Odds - 2.20
Stakes - 10/10

UEFA Europa League
10/2/2014

Rijeka vs Sevilla

Home - Rijeka
Last away matches - L-W-W-L-W-W

Rijeka lost 2-0 to Standard Liege in Belgium in their group opener but are unbeaten at home in nine European games.Matjaz Kek's side brushed aside NK Zagreb 3-0 on Saturday to climb to second in the Croatian league standings, two points adrift of Dinamo Zagreb after 10 games played.The hosts are without injured defender Dario Knezevic but are hoping to call upon midfielders Ivan Mocinic and Moises, who are doubtful with knocks.

Away - Sevilla
Last away matches - L-W-W-W-L-W

Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca has called on his team-mates to respond to their first defeat of the season with a strong performance against HNK Rijeka on Thursday.Unai Emery's men head into their Europa League Group G match in Croatia having been outplayed by Atletico Madrid in Saturday's 4-0 league loss at the Vicente Calderon stadium.The loss ended Sevilla's six-match unbeaten run in all competitions and saw the Andalusian outfit slip to fourth in the Primera Division standings.``We lost a battle but not the war,'' Bacca said to Sevilla Fútbol Club S.A.D.``I'm certain this defeat will only unite us more and make us stronger.``We have already put Sunday's loss behind us and our focus in on the game against Rijeka.''

Asian Handicap
Home - (+0.75)
Away - (-0.75)
Pick - Sevilla (-0.75)
Odds - 2.13
Stakes - 9/10

English Premier League
10/5/2014

Manchester United vs Everton

Home - Manchester United
Last away matches - L-D-L-D-W-W

Manchester United take on Everton at Old Trafford in English Premier League. This is the 7th round. The hosts had a major problem at the beginning of the season. Otherwise, they have 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses with a total goal difference of 11: 9 so far in the new season. Anyway, Manchester United would have been getting ready for another Premier League game and the chance to close in a little more on the top sides. A 2-1 win over West Ham United was a nervous day in the office for Manchester United, especially once Wayne Rooney was sent off, but Louis Van Gaal will now be expecting to back up those three points with another three from this game at Old Trafford. The win over the Hammers last Saturday Manchester United moved up to 7th in the Premier League table, although they remain eight points behind Chelsea at the top of the table. Realistic fans will know a place in the Champions League for next season would constitute a successful season as Manchester United look to improve their 2-0-1 record at Old Trafford where they have scored 7 goals and conceded 3 Manchester United bounced back from their extremely disappointing 5-3 loss at Leicester City by beating West Ham last weekend and that also means they have won two of their last three games, both of those coming at Old Trafford.

Away - Everton
Last away matches - D-D-L-W-D-L

On the other hand, guests have fallen in form lately. Anyway, The Europa League can have a real negative impact on the season for teams involved in the competition, especially for those sides that have not been used to playing two games in a week. That could be the case for Everton if their first game after a Europa League was anything to go by as they were beaten 2-3 by Crystal Palace at home and now they have to play this game just a couple of days after a game that was played in Russia. Roberto Martinez received a lot of praise for the way his Everton team performed last season after seemingly taking over a difficult task in following David Moyes.Everton have lost just one of their last six games in all competitions after securing late equalizers in their last couple of games, but Everton have only won one of their last five away games. Kevin Mirallas and Ross Barkley have been ruled out for the trip to Old Trafford, but Seamus Coleman, Sylvain Distin, Steven Pienaar and James McCarthy were not risked on Thursday and could return to the squad.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-1.00)
Away - (+1.00)
Pick - Manchester United (-1.00)
Odds - 2.06
Stakes - 9/10

English Premier League
10/5/2014

Chelsea vs Arsenal

Home - Chelsea
Last away matches - W-D-W-W-W-L

Chelsea take on Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in English Premier League. The hosts were very strong team and they are one of the best teams in Europe now. They have 5 wins and 1 draw so far. Anyway, there are only two teams left with an unbeaten record in the Premier League this season and they will meet one another on Sunday in the second live game of the day. Jose Mourinho has no love lost for Arsene Wenger and a win over one of their title rivals will send Chelsea into the next two week break with a lot of positive vibes surrounding Stamford Bridge. The Blues are top of the Premier League with 16 points earned from their first 18 available and Chelsea have a 3-0-0 record at Stamford Bridge where they have scored 9 goals and conceded 2 Even the two points they have failed to pick up this season do not look so bad when saying Chelsea earned a point from an away game against the Champions Manchester City. Chelsea had back-to-back draws in all competitions against Schalke in the Champions League before the one at the Etihad Stadium, but they have won all three games they have played since then including a 0-1 win at Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Away - Arsenal
Last away matches - W-L-D-D-D-L

On the other hand, the visitors are very strange team in the new season. Otherwise, they have half the team at the hospital. Anyway, after winning the FA Cup last season and signing a player of the quality of Alexis Sanchez in the summer, Arsenal fans were very much of the belief that their side is ready for a title challenge this season. While they are unbeaten in their opening Premier League games, Arsenal have not won as many games as they would have liked and would not have been happy about Tottenham Hotspur leaving the Emirates Stadium with a point last weekend. That result dropped to 4th Arsenal in the Premier League table as they have picked up 10 points so far this season, although four of those points have come from drawn games. The Gunners have a 1 win, 2 draws and 0 defeats away record in the Premier League, scoring six goals and conceding 3 in those games. Galatasaray beat Arsenal 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League to get that campaign back on track, but they have only won two of their last seven games in all competitions. The side had failed to win any of four away games in all competitions which had culminated in a 2-0 loss at Borussia Dortmund, but Arsenal have won their most recent away game with a 0-3 victory over Aston Villa

Asian Handicap
Home - (-1.00)
Away - (+1.00)
Pick - Chelsea (-1.00)
Odds - 2.23
Stakes - 10/10

English Premier League
10/5/2014

Tottenham Hotspur vs Southampton

Home - Tottenham Hotspur
Last away matches - D-D-D-W-W-W

Tottenham take on Southampton at White Hart Lane in English Premier League. The hosts have 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses with a goal difference of 8 7 so far. They have this season is very unpredictable team. Nevertheless, their coach Mauricio Pochettino decided to make ten changes to his side for the Europa League game played on Thursday and Tottenham Hotspur failed to win that game against Besiktas. However, it is clear that Pochettino perhaps had one eye on the first game against his former club having left Southampton in the summer and getting back to winning ways in the Premier League was clearly the number one concern for the manager. A 1-1 draw in the North London derby at the Emirates Stadium was a positive result for Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, but that also dropped them to 8th in the Premier League table with 8 points earned so far. Spurs have not been performing as well as they would have liked at White Hart Lane where they are 1 win, 0 draw, and 2 losses this season, scoring 4 goals and conceding four goals.

Away - Southampton
Last away matches - W-W-W-W-L-W

On the other hand, guests are currently at a high level. Otherwise, their coach Ronald Koeman looked to have been tasked with the difficult job at Southampton when he took over a squad that had been decimated by sale of key players from last season. The Saints made a slightly slow start to the season, but they have bounced back recently with a number of wins put together to push Southampton to some heady heights in the Premier League. At the start of the weekend, Southampton are 2nd in the Premier League with 13 points earned which leaves them just three points behind Chelsea at the top of the pile. The side have a 2 wins, 0 draw and 1 loss record away from St Mary's in the Premier League where they have scored 5 goals and conceded three so far this season. Southampton have won six in a row in all competitions heading into this game which has seen them move into 2nd in the League and also through to the Fourth Round of the Capital One Cup.

Asian Handicap
Home - (0.00)
Away - (0.00)
Pick - Southampton (0.00)
Odds - 2.40
Stakes - 10/10

English Premier League
10/5/2014

West Ham United vs Queens Park Rangers

Home - West Ham United
Last away matches - L-D-W-L-W-L

West Ham United defeated Liverpool in their last home outing but it has been an otherwise disappointing start to the campaign for Sam Allardyce’s side, with the Hammers picking up just seven points from their opening six matches.West Ham United are again without long-serving midfielder Mark Noble. Diego Poyet could continue in the holding midfield role but Sam Allardyce may look to restore Kevin Nolan to the starting line-up, given the absence of the vice-captain Noble. Alex Song could play at the base of the diamond, with Nolan at the top and Morgan Amalfitano and Stewart Downing wide. Guy Demel has missed training this week and may not be fit, with Carl Jenkinson the obvious replacement.

Away - Queens Park Rangers
Last away matches - L-L-L-L-W-W

Rangers look like a side struggling to adjust to life back in the top tier of English football and, having leaked 13 league goals already this term, it could well be another tough afternoon for the QPR rearguard against the Hammers.Queens Park Rangers should have Sandro fit but late fitness tests for hamstring victims Jordan Mutch and Joey Barton could weaken their midfield. Rangers have lost all three of their away matches so far, scoring one goal and conceding ten on the road.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-0.75)
Away - (+0.75)
Pick - West Ham United (-0.75)
Odds - 2.23
Stakes - 8/10

UEFA EURO 2016 QUALIFIERS
10/7/2014

Belarus vs Ukraine

Home - Belarus
Last away matches - D-W-D-L-L-L

The odd are against Belarus going into this game, but having managed to draw their first game of the qualifiers they could be going into the game with some confidence. They have managed to beat Ukraine only once in their history and will be eager to change that soon. He got his name on the score sheet last time around and will want to do the same. Dragun is decently cheeky and creative in midfield and can cause the Ukraine defence a headache.

Away - Ukraine
Last away matches - L-W-W-W-W-W

Ukraine will be hoping to change their fortunes after having lost the first qualifier. They have the upper hand against Belarus and will be hoping to continue their form. Captain, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk will be expecting his team show strong resolve and come out on top. Yarmolenko who usually starts upfront for Ukraine has been in good form for his club. He has scored twice in two games in the Europa League and he could be looking to bring that form into this game.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+0.25)
Away - (-0.25)
Pick - Ukraine (-0.25)
Odds - 2.01
Stakes - 9/10

UEFA EURO 2016 QUALIFIERS
10/7/2014

Lithuania vs Estonia

Home - Lithuania
Last away matches - W-L-L-W-D-L

Lithuania comes into this fixture with a two nil away win against the minnows San Marino. This has temporarily placed them on top of the group after the first round of matches played. Though a win against San Marino does not provide an actual gauge of their potential still being on top of the league would be an added motivation as well. This thirty year old sharp shooter, who plays his trade in the Polish club of Wigry Suwalki will be Lithuania’s best bet to score against Estonia. An early goal from him will definitely set the cat among the pigeons for Estonia.

Away - Estonia
Last away matches - L-L-L-L-W-W

Estonia started their journey towards Euro 2016 with a home win against Slovenia. A tight affair that they sealed with a late goal from Purje would no doubt leave them in the right frame of mind for the game against Lithuania. This thirty year old sharp shooter, who plays his trade in the Polish club of Wigry Suwalki will be Lithuania’s best bet to score against Estonia. An early goal from him will definitely set the cat among the pigeons for Estonia.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-0.25)
Away - (+0.25)
Pick - Lithuania (-0.25)
Odds - 1.90
Stakes - 10/10

Brazil Serie A
10/8/2014

Botafogo RJ vs Palmeiras

Home - Botafogo RJ
Last away matches - L-D-L-L-W-L

Last week Botafogo’s president Mauricio Assumpcao decided to resign the contracts of four of his players – center back Bolivar, right back Edilson, left back Julio Cesar and striker Emerson –, which made the crisis within the club even bigger. Botafogo have suffered four defeats in September and after two undefeated matches are back on losing paths. They lost to Vitoria and Gremio in the last two rounds. Their four points earned against Goias and Criciuma are the only one in the last eight rounds. Botafogo are currently in the relegation zone with same points as the last placed Coritiba.

Away - Palmeiras
Last away matches - L-L-L-D-L-L

Palmeiras haven’t been living the most calm of their moments either, but at least they have some good news, as the return of defender Nathan and the possibility of counting with their main player Valdivia again. Palmeiras moved up from the relegation zone mostly thanks to good home results. They won the last two home matches, while lost both away. Palmeiras sit on the 15th position, only one point over the relegation zone, so they still need points to reach the safety. They have an awful away record and only two points in the last 10 away matches.

Asian Handicap
Home - (0.00)
Away - (0.00)
Pick - Palmeiras (0.00)
Odds - 2.08
Stakes - 8/10

Brazil Serie A
10/8/2014

Coritiba vs Criciuma

Home - Coritiba
Last away matches - L-L-L-D-L-L

Coritiba’s only absence is center back Welinton, and that way they come to this round with the same team they had available last weekend, which is good news in a league full of injured players. Coritiba and Criciuma are struggling to find a way to move up from the relegation zone. Criciuma have one point more than Coritiba and sit on the 18th position, while Coritiba are at the bottom of the table. Coritiba won over Atletico Paranaense in the last round, but that was not enough for progress from the bottom. They lost the previous three matches and conceded seven goals.

Away - Criciuma
Last away matches - D-L-D-L-L-L

As for Criciuma, their list of injuries got smaller, with center back Ronaldo Alves and midfielder Martinez both returning from the medical department. Also, midfielder Rodrigo Souza and striker Ze Carlos are back from suspension. Criciuma have collected five points in the last four matches. They won over Atletico Mineiro in the last round and shared the points with Chapecoense and Botafogo. Their defeat from Internacional is the only one in the last six rounds.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-1.00)
Away - (+1.00)
Pick - Criciuma (+1.00)
Odds - 1.77
Stakes - 9/10

Brazil Serie A
10/8/2014

Sao Paulo vs Atletico Paranaense

Home - Sao Paulo
Last away matches - W-L-L-W-D-L

Sao Paulo have two suspended players for this match – center back Edson Silva and midfielder Reinaldo , but they will have center back Alvaro Pereira, defensive midfielder Denilson and striker Luis Fabiano returning from suspension, as well as center back Antonio Carlos who got fit and is ready to play. The third placed Sao Paulo are not in form in the last period and have achieved only one victory on the last five matches. They suffered three defeats and played a draw with Corinthians. Their third position is result on great results in August and half of September when they were undefeated for eight rounds and won seven from these matches.

Away - Atletico Paranaense
Last away matches - L-L-L-L-L-L

Atletico Paranaense will suffer with suspended players too, as midfielder Deivid got his third yellow card and is out. He’s their only new problem though, so their coach won’t have too much trouble finding a good formation. Atletico Paranaense have suffered three defeats in the last four rounds and currently sit on the 12th position. They have only one scored goal in that period which was enough for a narrow victory over Corinthians. Atletico Paranaense played much better in July, while in the last two months have only two victories.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-1.00)
Away - (+1.00)
Pick - Sao Paulo (-1.00)
Odds - 2.19
Stakes - 10/10

Brazil Serie A
10/8/2014

Gremio Porto Alegre vs Sport Club

Home - Gremio Porto Alegre
Last away matches - W-D-D-W-L-L

Two sides, that are showing two totally different performances at home and on the road during the whole campaign and also having totally different ambitions for this campaign are meeting here and I think that everything else but a victory for the hosts here would be a big surprise. The incredible run of Gremio finally came to an end, as in the weekend they had suffered their first defeat in the last ten games in Serie A, losing to Sao Paulo with 0:1 at home, but I just can't see them making second bad performance at home in a row here. Before this defeat, the team was on a great run of a whole nine games in a row in Serie A without a defeat, having managed to win a whole six of those games (6-3-0), which allowed them to move really close from the top four and the Copa Libertadores places, as right now they are fifth, but with the same amount of points as fourth in the ranks Atletico Mineiro. Also in those last nine matches before the defeat from Sao Paulo, Gremio had managed to keep nine consecutive clean sheets in a row, which is a truly remarkable performance for sure.

Away - Sport Club
Last away matches - L-L-L-L-L-L

Sport Recife in the same time is also in the first half of the table, but way behind the top six places, as well as recently they are not in a good shape, having managed to collect just one single point from their last three league games (0-1-2). Also the team is feeling much better at home during the whole season so far and depend exactly on their performance at their arena to gain more points and stay away from the danger zone. So far in front of their fans Sport Recife had suffered just one single defeat, having won a whole eight times in thirteen appearances (8-4-1), while in the same time on the road their performance is more than dreadful, having already lost a whole nine times in the thirteen matches away from home played (2-2-9), as well as having currently lost five in a row as visitors and having the terrible goal difference of just five goals scored and a whole twenty two conceded in those thirteen matches.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-1.00)
Away - (+1.00)
Pick - Sport Club (+1.00)
Odds - 2.26
Stakes - 9/10

UEFA EURO 2016 QUALIFIERS
10/10/2014

Bulgaria vs Croatia

Home - Bulgaria
Last away matches - W-D-L-W-L-L

Lyuboslav Penev’s Bulgaria are in the middle of a barren period for the national team, having only qualified for one major international tournament since the turn of the century. Recent home form has been dicey too, with a 1-1 draw against Canada in May particularly demoralising. Some of best players in current Bulgaria rooster are Georgi Milanov from CSKA Moscow, Ivelin Popov from Kuban, Nikolay Bodurov from Fulham and there are also some interesting players from home Ludogorets that play in Champions League this season like goalkeeper Vladislav Stoyanov or defensive midfielder Svetoslav Dyakov.

Away - Croatia
Last away matches - W-L-D-D-L

You all know Croatia starts like Modric, Rakitic, Mandzukic, Lovren, Srna, Kovacic,so let me analyse Bulgaria rooster little bit closer. Coach Lyuboslav Penev do not have some great football stars but he has some really solid players that will fight in this match in front of home fans.Croatia powered through a topsy-turvy World Cup qualification campaign in order to get to Brazil last summer but returned home at an early stage. Despite that, the Croats are favourites to qualify for the European Championships behind Italy in Group H this time around. Under Niko Kovac, the squad still has a wealth of experience, with the likes of Darijo Srna, Luka Modric and Ivica Olic all still involved

Asian Handicap
Home - (+0.50)
Away - (-0.50)
Pick - Croatia (-0.50)
Odds - 2.20
Stakes - 10/10

UEFA EURO 2016 QUALIFIERS
10/10/2014

Cyprus vs Israel

Home - Cyprus
Last away matches - W-L-L-L-L-L

Cyprus come into this match on the back of an opening fixture shock win against Bosnia and Herzegovina. History doesn’t bode well for Cyprus with just two wins and three draws in their previous 14 meetings with Israel. The opening game win ended Cyprus run of 16 matches without a competitive away win and a run of nine matches without scoring.The win was huge for Cyprus because it came away from home and also after they went behind. The coach Charalampos Christodoulou has asked fans to keep pushing them on. He senses an opportunity to put pressure on the more fancied teams and embark on a fantasy run. The team knows the magnitude of task at hand as Israel is tough to beat home or away.

Away - Israel
Last away matches - W-L-D-L-L-W

Israel start their qualifiers with this match and expect to start on a winning note. Even in their Fifa 2014 qualifying, Israel lost only one of their five away games. Israel is yet to qualify for the European Championships. They tend to win more qualifying matches but have the unwanted knack of losing big games against direct rivals.Eli Guttman would want his side to change that and go deeper in the qualifying to increase their chances of reaching the tournament phase. In a group which also has Belgium, Bosnia and Wales it would be important for Israel to start on a winning note. With Cyprus surprising Bosnia in the first round, it wouldn’t be a cake walk like in the past, for Israel.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+0.25)
Away - (-0.25)
Pick - Cyprus (+0.25)
Odds - 2.06
Stakes - 8/10

UEFA EURO 2016 QUALIFIERS
10/10/2014

Latvia vs Iceland

Home - Latvia
Last away matches - D-L-L-L-L-D

Latvia play very bad, i remember them when they played vs Macedonia few months ago and they were simply terrible (they lost 2-1 vs our weak national team), i expect them to lose much easier vs Iceland's team who is looking very strong.

Away - Iceland
Last away matches - D-L-L-D-D-W

Iceland have very good generation. For this match all best players are called up for this match. Gunnarsson(cardiff city-premier league), Halfredsson(verrona-seria a), Sigurdson(swansea-premier league), Sightosson(ajax-eredivisie), Bjarnason(pescara-serie b) and many other players who play in much better league than Latvia Virsliga (because Latvia's squad is mostly filled by players from there!), so this should be imo easy job for Iceland's motivated side.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+0.25)
Away - (-0.25)
Pick - Latvia (+0.25)
Odds - 2.08
Stakes - 9/10

UEFA EURO 2016 QUALIFIERS
10/10/2014

Malta vs Norway

Home - Malta
Last away matches - L-L-L-L-L-L

Malta stretched their winless streak to a fourth consecutive match following the 2-0 thrashing they incurred from Croatia at the opening matches of the Euro 2016 qualifications. This has obviously made them one of the least challenging sides of the continental tilt. Their possession is missing in adequate strength while their attack is simply not enough to outclass their opponents’. Defense-wise, however, the team must receive some credits for the relatively good job they delivered in the brawl.

Away - Norway
Last away matches - L-L-D-L-L-L

Norway had a frustrating debut in the Group stage of the Euro 2016 qualifications as they conceded two goals and scored none against Croatia. This counts as their seventh consecutive, non-winning result since their brawl with Moldova in January. The loss, however, was expected and quite tolerable as they faced one of the world’s most dangerous sides in football, Italy.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+1.50)
Away - (-1.50)
Pick - Norway (-1.50)
Odds - 2.28
Stakes - 8/10

UEFA EURO 2016 QUALIFIERS
10/10/2014

Turkey vs Czech Republic

Home - Turkey
Last away matches - L-W-L-W-W-W

Turkey had a man sent off early in the 2nd half, but by that point they were already 1-0 down, having conceded the first goal inside 20 minutes. After Toprak was dismissed for a 2nd booking in the 53rd, The Turks then conceded twice in as many minutes with 20 minutes to go and that was how it ended. As if that loss, without even scoring wasn't worrying enough, they now have to face a side that has proven capable of bigger scalps that theirs.

Away - Czech Republic
Last away matches - D-W-W-L-D-W

The Czech Republic are rather generously priced as the underdogs for this 2nd qualifying game in Group A. one they will surely fancy given what they achieved last month. The Czechs hosted the Netherlands in their opener, and stunned their visitors with a fantastic 2-1 result. Turkey didn't fare so well, losing 3-0 in Iceland.The Czech Republic did very well to beat Netherlands but really was it that unexpected they would prove competitive? A look back to the qualifying stages of the 2014 World Cup will show that Czech's proving quite the handful, even away from home. Indeed, they were beaten away from home just once, by a narrow 2-1 margin in Italy. They won 3 of the other away games and drew one. Formidable visitors to any nation.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-0.50)
Away - (+0.50)
Pick - Turkey (-0.50)
Odds - 2.25
Stakes - 9/10

UEFA EURO 2016 QUALIFIERS
10/15/2014

Denmark vs Portugal

Home - Denmark
Last away matches - D-D-L-W-W-L

Denmark have an excellent opportunity at home this midweek to stamp their authority on Group I. Portugal pose a difficult task, but the hosts have more than enough quality to put in an upset bid, especially considering they have won their last 3 matches in Copenhagen while going unbeaten in their last 4 in the Danish capital. Furthermore, on home soil overall they’ve lost just once in their last 6 contests, most notably defeating Sweden and holding Italy to a 2:2 draw. The hosts have gotten their European Championship Qualifying off to a nice start as well, claiming 3 points at home against Armenia and then drawing on the road 1:1 with Albania. This start has them sitting in 2nd place of the table, 4 points above the Portuguese (with one extra game played), and oft-controversial striker Nicklas Bendtner has been a big reason for their success, as the imposing lead man now has 2 good assists over their first 2 games. But Christian Erikson is a big part of Denmark’s plans, and while the creative midfielder isn’t in the best of form for his club right now, he will be looked to as the imaginative spark for the hosts at the Parken.

Away - Portugal
Last away matches - L-D-L-W-W

Portugal have followed up their poor World Cup showing over the summer with perhaps even more disappointing displays. In their opening Euro qualifier, they lost at home to Albania 1:0, failing to consistently threaten their opposition in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. A return to less-intense competition in a friendly match with France on Saturday saw the comeback of CR7 to the line-up, but once again the Portuguese failed to capitalize on their opportunities, and by the time Ricardo Quaresma scored in the 77th minute from the penalty spot, France already held a multiple-goal lead and would hold on in the end for all of the bragging rights. New manager Fernando Santos however will be pleased with his team’s performance, and his competitive debut this Tuesday will be interesting to see how well he utilizes tactics, deploys his troops, and motivates his players. A coach signing typically has a ripple effect of newfound confidence for the team and the desire to play for the new boss, and while the going won’t be easy in the Danish capital, the players and traveling support will be more than up for this match.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+0.50)
Away - (-0.50)
Pick - Portugal (-0.50)
Odds - 2.35
Stakes - 10/10

UEFA EURO 2016 QUALIFIERS
10/15/2014

Finland vs Romania

Home - Finland
Last away matches - W-W-D-D-L-W

Finland will prove tough opposition and they have couple of good players, realized 3-1 win in Faroe followed by 1-1 draw in company of Greece. but Romania knows how to win these games and I think Romania will achieve a very hard and cotested win. Following the unlucky Hungary result, Romania is going to try and get the win and redemption. x2 is a banker in my opinion for combos but I am going to risk this simple win, 0-1 is my cal

Away - Romania
Last away matches - W-L-W-L-D-L

Romania won in Greece 1-0 and was frustrated by Hungary Saturday in 83rd minute for a 1-1 draw at home. Romania played to its level in these games, maybe even above. They did not create so many chances but moved the ball well and with confidence. It is normal to say they played a good football.

Asian Handicap
Home - (0.00)
Away - (0.00)
Pick - Finland (0.00)
Odds - 2.05
Stakes - 8/10

UEFA EURO 2016 QUALIFIERS
10/15/2014

Germany vs Republic of Ireland

Home - Germany
Last away matches - L-W-W-W-W-D

The world current best goalkeeper Manuel Neuer would not of been happy with this weeks performance against Poland who managed to put two goals past him, and what made things worse is that his team mates failed to score anything which ended the game with a shock loss. Germany’s only goalscorer so far during the qualification stages is Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller who has scored twice. Both of these were against Scotland last month when they won 2 – 1.Germany, meanwhile, suffered its first defeat to Poland in Warsaw on the same day, having previously struggled to a 2-1 win over Scotland in its group opener. Goals from Arkadiusz Milik and Sebastian Mila condemned Germany to its first defeat in 19 competitive outings and its only loss in qualifying since a reversal against Czech Republic in in 2007.With Joachim Low's relatively new-look side finding its feet after winning the World Cup in Brazil, O'Neill is confident his players will ask questions of the Germans in Gelsenkirchen.

Away - Republic of Ireland
Last away matches - W-L-D-D

The only injury we have for Republic of Ireland is Everton’s Seamus Coleman who has a reported hamstring issue he picked up at the end of last month. David Forde has been the preferred first choice goalkeeper having played in all three qualifiers so far. Robbie Keane is the nations top scorer so far after his hat-trick this week against Gibraltar. Aiden McGeady is close behind with two goals and one assist. Ireland shipped nine goals against Germany when the nations were paired in Group C of qualifying for this year's World Cup, and O'Neill warned neither he nor his side will get carried away by the strong start.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-1.75)
Away - (+1.75)
Pick - Germany (-1.75)
Odds - 2.04
Stakes - 9/10

UEFA EURO 2016 QUALIFIERS
10/15/2014

Greece vs Northern Ireland

Home - Greece
Last away matches - D-L-D-L-D-D

On the last round of EC-qualifiers Greece drew 1:1 with Finland on the road. So far the Greeks have collected only one point. During the first match they surprisingly lost at home to Romania on the 7th of September. Against Finland, Greece dominated the first half of the game and opened the score in the 24th minute when Karelis scored Greeks first goal in these Qualifiers. The second half looked differently and it were the hosts who appeared to be stronger and displayed bigger will to score the goal. This was quickly awarded with an equalizer in the 55th minute. Nothing interesting happened then and the game ended in a 1:1 draw. The Greeks do not have any new injuries that happened during the match against Finland

Away - Northern Ireland
Last away matches - W-L-L-D-L-D

Following the win over Faroe Island, Northern Ireland top Group F with the full set of six points. During that game the Irish goalkeeper, Roy Caroll, did not have much to do. Yet, he remained vivid till the very end of the game when he saved a penalty denying the visitors to score. The goals for Nothern Ireland were scored by Gareth McAuley and Kyle Lafferty – both goals were scored in the first half. For the Northern Irelands it is the best start of the EC-qualifiers since 1968 when they also managed back-to-back victories. The Irish are not afraid of going to Greece. Their manager Micheal O’Neill said: “Belief is developing in the squad all the time. We don’t envisage an easy game at all, but what we will have is a real go”. So expect them to be a tough opponent.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-1.25)
Away - (+1.25)
Pick - Greece (-1.25)
Odds - 2.31
Stakes - 9/10

UEFA EURO 2016 QUALIFIERS
10/15/2014

Poland vs Scottland

Home - Poland
Last away matches - W-D-L

Poland stunned the World Champions Germany with a first ever win against their neighbours on Saturday evening. Arkadiusz Milik and Sebastian Mila scored the goals in a 2-0 win, but the result masked what was a backs-to-the-wall performance from the Poles. The hosts commanded just 33% of possession and had only five shots on goal in comparison to Germany's 29, while the corner count was 6-0 in favour of Joachim Löw's side.Nevertheless, Poland sit pretty atop of the Group D table, having previously beaten Gibraltar 7-0 in their opening group game. Robert Lewandowski scored four goals in that thumping of the part-timers and in doing so took his international tally to 23 goals. He has four goals for Bayern Munich so far this season, including a brace in his most recent outing against Hannover.Manager Adam Nawałka has incredibly capped 70 players since taking over as the national team manager less than a year ago. However, the winning formula that he found at the weekend, be it by luck or judgment, is sure to be one that he'd prefer to stick with a little longer now.

Away - Scotland
Last away matches - L-W-W-W-L-W

Scottish delight about the three points earned against Georgia at the weekend was tempered somewhat by the result in Warsaw - the Scots were hoping that the Germans would dominate the group and leave it for the rest of them to battle it out for second place.But they shouldn't, and won't, get too downbeat about it. The unflattering 1-0 result against Georgia was yet another step in the right direction for this improving Scottish team with the opening hour in particular producing some exciting and attacking football. Gordon Strachan even went as far as to describe it as "the best hour, 65 minutes that we've had as a football team since I've been here".Scotland have now won five and lost just one of their last eight games, and have kept five clean sheets during that period. Strachan's men have also lost only one of their last five away games, with that defeat coming in Germany in the opening match of this campaign.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-0.25)
Away - (+0.25)
Pick - Scotland (+0.25)
Odds - 2.42
Stakes - 10/10

SPAIN LA LIGA
10/15/2014

Granada vs Rayo Vallecano

Home - Granada
Last away matches - L-L-W-D-W-D

Granada CF have gone from riches to rags in the matter of a few weeks. After opening the season with 4 straight unbeaten and 8 points, they have now lost their last 3 matches in La Liga action. While the 6:0 dismantling at the hands of the table-toppers in Barcelona was understandable, their 1:0 home defeat at the hands of Levante was not. Managing 0 shots on target throughout that match, the hosts must find a way to become consistent in their goal scoring after netting just 2 times in their last 5 contests. Colombian striker Jhon Cordoba was signed on over the summer to be the main hit-man in attack, and his traits of strength and power have caused many critics to take notice. He scored the lone match-winning goal against Athletic Bilbao in their most recent successful outing, and his form here may prove decisive towards the final score. However, they managed to accumulate just 3 more points at home than on the road last season, and 3 defeats in their last 5 league matches at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes doesn’t incite much confidence for their chances this Friday

Away - Rayo Vallecano
Last away matches - W-L-D-L-D-D

Rayo Vallecano came back down to earth a bit last time out, losing at home to Barcelona 2:0 despite an impressive showing that really should have seen them score at least once. Los Franjirrojos were enjoying a brief win streak headed into that match after defeating Levante on the road (2:0) and rapidly-descending Athletic Bilbao at home (2:1), and manager Paco Jemez will be confident traveling to Granada for the early La Liga match this week. Striker Leo Baptistao has been a revelation for the visitors since signing a loan deal from Atletico Madrid, as after a brief adjustment period to his new mates, he has now scored his team’s last 4 goals (3 matches), all of which contributed to victories. Supported by Alberto Bueno in attack, who has also enjoyed a quality campaign thus far, Baptistao could be a real force for future opposition to worry about. Further good news for the visitors is that they have traveled well lately, having accumulated 19 of their 43 points last season while managing 4 points from 3 road contests in the new term. However, they will have to cope here without centre-back Jorge Garcia Morcillo and Mexican attacker Javier Aquino, both of whom picked up red cards last time out.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-0.25)
Away - (+0.25)
Pick - Rayo Vallecano (+0.25)
Odds - 2.05
Stakes - 9/10

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
10/18/2014

Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur

Home - Manchester City
Last away matches - W-W-L-D-W-L

The Premier League returns with a bang from the second international break of the season as two sides open the weekend football with a real belief they can finish at least in the Champions League places this season. Of course, Manchester City are the reigning Champions andhave a lot more ambitions than merely finishing in the top four as they look to retain the Premier League title for the first time.It has been a mixed start to the season for Manchester City who have performed admirably away from home, but have struggled at times in front of their own fans. That is a surprise considering how dominant Manchester City were at the Etihad Stadium last season, but they are'just' 1-1-1 here in the League this season, although have hosted Liverpool and Chelsea amongst those teams. The side have scored 4 goals and conceded 3 in their opening League games.Manchester City beat Aston Villa in their final game before the international break and they are unbeaten in their last 5 games in all competitions while they have won 3 of their last 4 games. The majority of the positive results have come away from home though as Manchester City have won just 1 of their last 4 games here in all competitions and even that was against Sheffield Wednesday from the Championship.

Away - Tottenham Hotspur
Last away matches - D-D-D-W-W-W

Mauricio Pochettino was appointed manager of Tottenham Hotspur this summer, but it is hard to know what the expectations are at White Hart Lane these days. While the Champions League has always been the ambition of Daniel Levy, there hasn't been a lot of investment in the playing staff this summer and it is hard to know if they have bridged the gap between themselves and the top four of last season, especially with an improved Manchester United another threat to those positions.The start to the season makes it hard to really know where Tottenham Hotspur stand as they have picked up 11 points from a possible 21, but have had a couple of poor results as well as a couple of big wins. It is arguable that Spurs have been better away from home where they are 1-2-0 so far in the Premier League, scoring 4 goals and conceding 3 in those games. Tottenham Hotspur went into the international break having been on a 4 game unbeaten run in all competitions which included four points from their last couple of Premier League games. Their last away game saw Spurs pick up an important 1-1 draw at local rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are unbeaten in all 5 away games played this season in all competitions, although the last 3 have all ended with the points shared.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-1.25)
Away - (+1.25)
Pick - Manchester City (-1.25)
Odds - 2.04
Stakes - 10/10
_______________________________
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
10/18/2014

Arsenal vs Hull City

Home - Arsenal
Last away matches - L-W-L-D-D-D

Arsenal suffered defeat last time out against Chelsea away however before that fixture took place, the Gunners were unbeaten. Hull endured a better fate in their previous game where they comfortably claimed victory against Crystal Palace. Despite that result, Hull had not won a game since the start of the season so their form is slightly unpredictable. they are struggling on the injury front with Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Yaya Sanogo, Nacho Monreal, Olivier Giroud, Serge Gnabry, Mathieu Debuchy and Mikel Arteta all out through injuries. However, Arsene Wenger will be boosted by the fact that Theo Walcott is a highly likely figure to take part ever since his knee injury picked up against Tottenham all the way back in January.

Away - Hull City
Last away matches - L-D-L-L-W-W

Hull are still without number one goalkeeper Allan McGregor due to a shoulder injury. The Tigers may also have to cope without Ahmed Elmohamady who returned from international duty earlier than scheduled with a back injury. Arsenal suffered defeat last time out against Chelsea away however before that fixture took place, the Gunners were unbeaten. Hull endured a better fate in their previous game where they comfortably claimed victory against Crystal Palace. Despite that result, Hull had not won a game since the start of the season so their form is slightly unpredictable.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-1.00)
Away - (+1.00)
Pick - Hull City (+1.00)
Odds - 2.36
Stakes - 10/10

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
10/18/2014

Burnley vs West Ham United

Home - Burnley
Last away matches - D-L-D-L-W-L

Burnley are unbeaten in their last three Barclays Premier League meetings with the Hammers (W2 D1), scoring exactly twice in each encounter.Newcomers Burnley have struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League after breezing to promotion from the Championship last season and are in danger of being cut adrift at a perilously early stage of the season.The Clarets have failed to register a win in their opening seven games, with their four draws enough to keep them off the foot of the table by virtue of goal difference. Sean Dyche's side have shown a distinct lack of penetration in the final third, but have proved resilient at the back, leaving the manager in search of an effective balance between the two extremes.

Away - West Ham United
Last away matches - L-D-L-D-W-W

West Ham have won three of their first seven Premier League games of 2014-15; they won just three of their opening 20 PL matches last season.West Ham has proven themselves an entirely different animal this campaign and have the results to back it up.They have found form and Downing is performing like a new top signing. They also have Sakho, Valencia and Zarate who are blending in nicely too. Mark Noble missed the 2-0 win over QPR before the international break and could sit out the trip to Burnley. Andy Carroll, Joey O'Brien, Cheikhou Kouyate and James Collins will all miss the encounter through injury.Guy Demel and Ricardo Vaz Te are doubts, with Sam Allardyce likely to name the same starting XI from the victory against QPR.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+0.25)
Away - (-0.25)
Pick - West Ham United (-0.25)
Odds - 2.35
Stakes - 8/10

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
10/18/2014

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea

Home - Crystal Palace
Last away matches - L-W-D-W-L-D

Palace have only lost one of their last five matches in the Premier League that defeat coming against Hull just before the international break. So they have shown resilience, and surprisingly too they have also been scoring goals themselves, including their three goal haul at Everton to beat the Toffees. They also netted three at Newcastle and fired off a brace in a win against Leicester. Palace have posted a W1 D1 L1 record at Selhurst Park so far, and the three goals they have conceded there, were all shipped in a 3-1 defeat against West Ham. So they go into this one with back to back clean sheets on home turf in the league. However, that win last season over Chelsea, is their only victory in their last 14 matches against the Blues.

Away - Chelsea
Last away matches - W-D-W-W-W-L

Chelsea have the league leaders for goals in Diego Costa who has scored nine goals in seven games, and the leader in assists with Cesc Fabregas assisting seven. While Costa has grabbed all the headlines, nine different players have scored for Chelsea this season, a league high. The Blues are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League matches, winning eight of them. A 1-1 draw at Man City, in which the Citizens had to come from behind, have been the only dropped points of the season so far from Chelsea. Chelsea’s start of 19 points from a possible 21 is the second best ever start made by any side in the history of the Premier League. The best was Chelsea’s own 21 points from 21 at the start of the 2005/06 season. The Blues have lost just one of their last 15 Premier League London derbies (W10 D4 L1), that defeat being at Selhurst Park last season

Asian Handicap
Home - (+1.25)
Away - (-1.25)
Pick - Chelsea (-1.25)
Odds - 2.05
Stakes - 9/10
__________________________________________
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
10/18/2014

Everton vs Aston Villa

Home - Everton
Last away matches - L-D-D-L-W-D

Phil Jagielka did an interview earlier in the week where the Everton captain admitted that his team mates are disappointed by the start to the new Premier League season, but haven't lost confidence. Everton have not been given the kindest of fixture lists to begin the season, while their participation in the Europa League is proving to be a difficult balancing act for Roberto Martinez, but the fans and players still believe better things are to come. Everton failed to win any of their last 5 games in all competitions going into the two week break since back to back wins against West Brom and Wolfsburg. They lost 3 of those 5 games, although it has to be said that this is their first home game in virtually a month. Everton have won just 1 of their last 5 home games in all competitions and they have lost 3 of those games including the most recent 2-3 against Crystal Palace.

Away - Aston Villa
Last away matches - L-W-W-W-L-L

After an impressive start to the season that culminated in a win over Liverpool, Aston Villa have been suffering a little in recent weeks which has seen them drop to 10th in the Premier League table. The 10 points earned from a possible 21 is not a bad start though, although those fans believing a Champions League berth was possible are perhaps giving themselves more realistic goals from here on out. Aston Villa do bring in a 2-0-1 away record where they have scored 2 goals and conceded 3 so far. Aston Villa began their run against the top four teams from last season with a 0-1 win at Liverpool, but they have been beaten in their next 3 games by a combined 8-0 goal difference. After ending last season with 9 games without a win away from home in the Premier League, including losing the last 6 of those games, Aston Villa won both opening away games in the League this season before the 3-0 loss at

Asian Handicap
Home - (-1.00)
Away - (+1.00)
Pick - Everton (-1.00)
Odds - 1.91
Stakes - 10/10

SPAIN LA LIGA
10/19/2014

Levante vs Real Madrid

Home - Levante
Last away matches - D-D-W-D-L-L

Levante have beaten Real at home only once in nine La Liga attempts. Sami Khedira was sent off in that 1-0 defeat in 2011, and the Germany midfielder's return to training following injury on Wednesday means Sergio Ramos and Jese Rodriguez are the only players not at Carlo Ancelotti's disposal.Keylor Navas appears unlikely to feature against the side he left in the summer after Ancelotti again backed Iker Casillas, who has come under increasing criticism following some poor performances for Real and Spain of late.

Away - Real Madrid
Last away matches - W-W-W-L-L-L

Real have won four successive league matches - scoring a staggering 20 goals in the process - to climb fourth, four points behind leaders Barcelona.Eleven of those have come from Ronaldo, who has more milestones in sight on Saturday against a team has scored against 10 times in nine contests.The 29-year-old Portuguese requires one goal to become the third player " and first since 1948 " to score 14 times in the opening eight rounds of a Spanish top-flight campaign, while three goals in Valencia would see him eclipse Alfredo Di Stefano and Telmo Zarra and become the competition's outright record scorer of hat-tricks.Real have won their last five games against Levante, with Ronaldo on target every time.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+2.00)
Away - (-2.00)
Pick - Levante (+2.00)
Odds - 2.11
Stakes - 10/10
_____________________________________
SPAIN LA LIGA
10/19/2014

Athletic Bilbao vs Celta Vigo

Home - Athletic Bilbao
Last away matches - L-L-L-L-L-D

Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde has reaffirmed that his team's priority remains the Primera Division, insisting that he will not be thinking about Champions League commitments when his side host Celta Vigo.Athletic have endured their worst ever start to a league season this term, sitting 18th in the table after taking just four points from their seven games.Things are not going swimmingly for the Basques in Europe, either - they sit bottom of their Champions League group and face a tough game with FC Porto on Tuesday, but Valverde ruled out resting any of his players in preparation for the trip to Portugal. Valverde admitted that the two-week international break was just what his side needed following a 5-0 defeat at Real Madrid, the culmination of a torrid start to the campaign.

Away - Celta Vigo
Last away matches - W-D-D-W-D-D

Celta head to San Mames 12 league positions above Athletic but suffered their first defeat of the season - a 3-1 reverse at Villarreal - before the international break. Despite the Galicians' progress under Eduardo Berizzo, Valverde is confident his side can win the game if they approach it correctly. Goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz is expected to recover from a fever that caused him to miss training during the week, while Iker Muniain faces a struggle to return to action after injuring his shoulder while on international duty with Spain's under-21 side. Celta defender Andreu Fontas misses the game through suspension following his red card at El Madrigal, while Hugo Mallo is doubtful due to a muscle strain.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-0.25)
Away - (+0.25)
Pick - Celta Vigo (+0.25)
Odds - 2.26
Stakes - 10/10

SPAIN LA LIGA
10/19/2014

Atletico Madrid vs Espanyol

Home - Atletico Madrid
Last away matches - L-W-L-W-D-D

Atletico have won two of their last three La Liga outings but defeat to Valencia prior to the international break leaves them fifth in the table - five points off leaders Barcelona. In the absence of any top-flight action in recent weeks, discussion has continued in the Spanish media over Atletico's style of play, with critics in some quarters questioning the physicality and aggression of Diego Simeone's men.

Away - Espanyol
Last away matches - D-L-D-L-D-L

Espanyol, however, are down in ninth position and are only five points behind their opponents and they know a win this weekend will move them up a couple of places.Their recent form has been quite impressive with two wins and two draws from their last five matches and they head into this one on the back of a 2-0 home success against Real Sociedad with Lucas Vazquez and Cristhian Stuani grabbing the goals. These two met twice in La Liga last season with both teams recording a win apiece. The first clash took place in October 2013 with Espanyol claiming a surprise 1-0 win, but the champions hit back with a same scoreline reverse in the return fixture.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-1.75)
Away - (+1.75)
Pick - Atletico Madrid (-1.75)
Odds - 2.51
Stakes - 10/10
______________________________________
SPAIN LA LIGA
10/19/2014

Deportivo La Coruna vs Valencia

Home - Deportivo La Coruna
Last away matches - L-L-W-L-L-L

One of Spain’s most famous clubs did well to return to the elite division after spending just one year in Segunda, but it appears they could be back to the second tier in no time. The club management have reinforced the squad over the summer despite operating on a tight budget, but things haven’t gone as planned. While Deportivo recovered well from the poor start to beat Eibar on the road, they have been pretty disappointing ever since, suffering four straight defeats and conceding 15 goals in the process. This has seen them slip to rock bottom in the La Liga standings and no doubt the current league position will place extra pressure on what is not too experienced squad, at least by La Liga standards. La Coruna’s inability to match Spain’s top sides were evident in 8-2 loss to Real Madrid and 4-1 defeat to Sevilla, with los Rojiblancos also missing a penalty in the process. This is enough to suggest Deportivo could face all sorts of problems when they face Valencia, a team that are clearly on top of their game at the moment.

Away - Valencia
Last away matches - D-W-D-L-W-L

Valencia are clearly enjoying one of the most successful seasons in recent history, with the team seriously exceeding all expectations in the opening exchanges. The new feel-good factor linked with the heavy investment in the playing squad has helped new boss Nuno Espirito Santo and his players, with los Che yet to suffer the first setback of the season. While holding Sevilla and Real Sociedad to 1-1 draws on the road, Valencia have won the remaining five league fixtures, with 3-1 triumph over holders Atletico Madrid arguably the best result so far. It was quite impressive to watch los Che completely outclass one of Europe’s top sides and seeing as how the players are brimming with confidence at the moment, rock-bottom Deportivo La Coruna are unlikely to cause them too many problems. Valencia won the only away fixture against a bottom-table side, hammering Getafe 3-0, and that should give us a clear idea as to what to expect from the match in Galicia, especially given that los Che have won six and drawn two of last eight matches at Riazor.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+0.75)
Away - (-0.75)
Pick - Valencia (-0.75)
Odds - 2.17
Stakes - 9/10
______________________________________
SPAIN LA LIGA
10/19/2014

Elche vs Sevilla

Home - Elche
Last away matches - D-L-W-L-W-D

Despite losing on the final day of last season, Elche survived the league campaign by finishing one point above the relegation zone, and everything suggests los Ilicitanos are in for another very difficult campaign. While seeing a number of important players leave in the summer, the club seem to have failed to recruit proper replacements, and it is fair to say nobody was surprised by their poor start to the season. Oddly enough, Elche have done pretty well on the road, beating Rayo Vallecano and sharing spoils with Almeria while losing to El Clasico rivals, but their home performances leave a lot to be desired. Los Ilicitanos were beaten at home by both Eibar and Celta Vigo while playing out a 1-1 draw with Granada, and having largely disappointed when facing bottom-table sides, they have little to hope for ahead of the clash with very good Sevilla. And with several important players missing for the hosts, Elche could be in for yet another defeat in front of the home fans.

Away - Sevilla
Last away matches - D-L-W-W-W-L

Sevilla produced quite a coup by lifting the Europa League trophy and finishing in La Liga top 5 amidst serious financial difficulty last term and no doubt last season was a huge boost for the club. Los Rojiblancos made few more shrewd signings this summer while keeping hold of most key players, and with new recruits hitting the ground running early on, Unai Emery’s side have continued the rich vein of form. While taking four points from first two EL group games, Sevilla impressed to take 16 points from seven league fixtures, climbing to third place in the process. And while many believed the 4-0 loss to reigning champions Atletico Madrid would be difficult to accept, the team produced a perfect response having hammered Deportivo La Coruna 4-1 last time out. Unai Emery did have several important players away on international duty, but with all but one of them resuming training on Thursday, Sevilla should feel no ill effects of the international break. And having already defeated Espanyol and Cordoba on the road, los Rojiblancos will be feeling confident ahead of the trip to Alicante.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+0.75)
Away - (-0.75)
Pick - Sevilla (-0.75)
Odds - 2.44
Stakes - 10/10