chris50

Cardiff vs Watford
The Premier League returns after a breakk for the FA Cup action and we're treated to a Friday night double header. One of those games is between Cardiff and Watford at the Cardiff City Stadium in a 7:45pm kick-off. Why is it on Friday? Well, it's only the Wales versus England match in the Six Nations on the Saturday and those two can't clash!
Cardiff have experienced a turbulent start to 2019 but now the emotional side of things is subsiding there's an opportunity to maintain focus and build on the back-to-back wins the Bluebirds have earned against Bournemouth and Southampton. Those 6 points gained have proved the critics wrong and kept Cardiff outside the drop zone. Had they lost both of those matches then they'd be 5 points adrift and looking fairly helpless.
Watford continue to enjoy a decent season. Javi Gracia has led his team to 8th in the table and the Hornets booked their place in the FA Cup Quarter-Finals this past weekend. Unfortunately, it's only 1 win in their last 4 league matches so there are slight concerns amongst the Watford fan base that cup distractions have rocked their league form.
These two sides met rather recently on 15th December when it was Watford that came away as 3-2 winners. It was probably a less comfortable score-line than the whole 90 minutes suggested. As a Cardiff fan, I can honestly say that first half was one of the most one-sided displays I've seen my side suffer with Watford really missing the chances to take a 5-0 or 6-0 lead into half-time. However, it did show how easily they could be broken down if we backed ourselves a bit more.
Luckily, Neil Warnock has appeared to embraced a new attack-minded approach and it's paying dividends. We've been the better team in both of the games we've just won and our players are finally playing with a belief that they belong at this level. That's something only a few of them have had. The signing of Oumar Niasse and inclusion of Bobby Reid has also helped. The anticipated return of Victor Camarasa is an added bonus... even though we won both league games without him playing.
Watford have had the better of us over recent meetings with Watford winning the last two head-to-head clashes. We have only won 2 of the last 7 encounters. That said, I fancy us to get something from this game. Confidence is growing in the Cardiff camp. Warnock gave our players some time off with their families to get some perspective, inspiration, and rest. I hope the break does us good rather than damage but I am quietly hopeful we can get a point and even sneak a win here on Friday night.
Cardiff Draw No Bet @ 2.26 with MarathonBet
BTTS @ 1.81 with 888Sport
@Mindfulness, @Pep004, @MaliMisko12, @betcatalog, @sajtion, @godofhorses, @Tiffy, @waynecoyne, @The Sexless Innkeeper, @Magic0024, @malabgd, @Duke_Tm, @dogmeister, @Arkadi Manucharov, @derbent, @fat, @allyhibs, @6avin24, @discipline, @the bastardian, @Bronxie, @Bett, @KikoCy, @teddybear3011, @markus808, @allthethings, @Kenton Schweppes, @vasilli07, @Dylan Lynch, @neilovan, @JKos, @zemo91, @kulikTS, @mrclubbie, @Judeksi, @Henind666, @Teodore, @kilkenny1, @newjack, @PokerWolf1, @Dave1X2, @real55555, @jazzman02, @Ameer13, @Gedkip, @mcsilks, @MangoTheThird, @Roy The Boy, @DonPaulo, @Duckets, @yossa6133, @sjuesju, @dylanphan, @thfc, @Dboston, @Dr. Florida192, @money44, @1moregoal, @ggm31v, @EuroDream, @ndanmak, @cummins91, @vicsuna, @abigail, and @AndreBR, welcome back to the Premier League action guys! What are you betting on this weekend?

Arsenal vs BATE Borisov
OK, so BATE Borisov threw us a curveball last week with their 1-0 win against Arsenal in the first leg of their Europa League last 32 clash. However, we return to the Emirates Stadium for this 5:55pm match-up on Thursday afternoon and I have a feeling we could see a huge backlash from the Gunners.
Arsenal looked lacklustre after a bright start against BATE. The combination of the terrible pitch and sub-zero weather conditions was never going to bring out the best in Unai Emery's men. I think many were still surprised to see them lose the game though. Still, it was only a narrow defeat and one from which they'll certainly feel they can bounce back.
BATE Borisov will be delighted with their first win over an English club in European competition. Igor Stasevich's free-kick was enough to give them an advantage to take into this game. The Belarus side have already beaten MOL Vidi and PAOK on the road this season in this competition so they shouldn't be written off.
I just think this is a game where Arsenal won't under-perform again. It'll be a better pitch, warmer weather, and a more supportive crowd. When this Gunners side get going they are a tough team to play against. BATE will come with one objective and that's to defend to the hilt. If Arsenal can score early then they can open the flood gates. I think it'll be close but Arsenal should win by a couple of goals.
Total Goals Scored Under 3.5 @ 1.76 with MarathonBet
First Goalscorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang @ 3.50 with BetVictor
@delfino, @KikoCy, @giraldi, @Icongene, @dogmeister, @rangers234, @Pipoca, @Notorious, @ElPrincipito007, @KingSoccertips, @vasilli07, @betcatalog, @immortal--, @DW_United, @discipline, @WinningAdvice, @arvee, @silverfox, @FrenchEskimo, @liamcorrigan86, @ElPrincipito007, @Neubs, @TOTTI3, @Simeon Borisof, @Charon84, @Magic0024, @Xcout, @arsenalfh, @BJO, @footballeye, @gamblerxxx, @Xcout, @allyhibs, @cluelessG, @jazzman02 , @DrO, @chris50, @mtom, @canaries91, @slipkid, @Dzontra85, @Marek76, @hristofor, @Philosophy2 and @CloughandTaylor, are you guys betting on these matches this week?

Schalke vs Manchester City
The first leg matches of the last 16 of the Champions League draw to a close tonight. Our attention turns to the match-up between Bundesliga strugglers Schalke and Premier League table toppers Manchester City in this 8pm kick-off at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen.
Schalke are having a season to forget on the domestic front. Domenico Tedesco's men are 14th place in the Bundesliga. Relegation might well be staved off this campaign but qualifying for European competition in 2019/20 is looking remote at best. Not a great outcome for what was a season of high expectations. Still, the club remains in Europe's elite competition but for how long?
Manchester City appear to be a team ready-made to win the Champions League. The financial backing, managerial prowess, quality playing squad, and performances have all suggested this could be the best chance yet for Pep Guardiola's side to take home the elusive trophy.
Both teams made relatively light work of the group stage. Schalke finished as runners up in a group with Porto, Galatasaray, and Lokomotiv Moscow. It was considered one of the easier groups but they still qualified with ease. City lost their opening game versus Lyon at home but then won 4 of their next 5 group games to qualify as group winners.
This will be the third time these two sides have met in European competition. The first time came in the 1969/70 Cup Winners' Cup Semi-Final and the second occasion was in the 2008/09 UEFA Cup group phase. City won the 1969/70 matches with a 5-2 aggregate victory and then won the solitary 2008/09 group stage game 2-0 away.
The omens aren't good for Schalke. City are unbeaten against German opposition in their last 7 Champions League matches. Schalke have also been eliminated at this stage of the competition on the past three occasions that they have reached the last 16.
I'm going to have to back a City win here. Schalke have seemingly turned it on for the Champions League and their results have improved domestically over the past few months. They are proving a difficult side to beat at home having gone undefeated for their last 9 European home games but I think this City side should pinch a narrow win.
Manchester City HT/FT @ 1.91 with Ladbrokes
Manchester City to Win by 1 Goal @ 3.96 with MarathonBet

Kilmarnock vs Aberdeen
Unlucky with that Edinburgh City call, @allyhibs. A close game by all accounts that could have been a completely different story on another day. Will need your thoughts on this preview covering the game between Kilmarnock and Aberdeen at Rugby Park for this 12:15pm kick-off tomorrow lunch-time.
Kilmarnock have found themselves in an early battle for the European qualification spots in the SPL. Steve Clarke's side are in 4th place but two draws on the bounce have seen them drop off the title pace. This game gives them a chance to move up to 3rd with a win.
Aberdeen are just having trouble finding consistency. Derek McInnes has seen his side win, lose, win, lose, and win their last five league games. If those two losses had been wins then they'd be flying high level on points with Killy heading into this game. Instead, they are down in 8th place and even though relegation isn't a realistic danger just yet it's not a position they'll be happy with.
The home side are unbeaten in six league matches and their results against the big names in this division shows they can deliver results when the pressure is on. I can't quite remember who the last team to beat Kilmarnock in the league were... would you know, Ally? 
McInnes and his side come into this game as favourites but I honestly think backing Kilmarnock for a draw no bet is decent value. Aberdeen have only won one game on the road this season and their lack of consistency away from home is what could be the issue here.
Kilmarnock Draw No Bet @ 2.14 with MarathonBet
Total Goals Scored Over 2.5 @ 2.30 with Coral

Wigan vs Leeds
The only Championship game left to play this weekend comes at the DW Stadium this Sunday in a 1:30pm kick-off where Wigan will play Leeds. The Latics are hoping to end a run of two defeats on the bounce in the league and the Whites are hoping to move top of the table with a victory.
Wigan are doing OK during their first season back in the Championship. Paul Cook's side are 16th in the table with 20 points but a win here could see them move up to within touching distance of the play-off positions. It's an example of how intensely close the Championship has become.
Leeds started the season with a rocket up their rear. They navigated a rough patch and have now settled back into positive form with just 1 defeat from their last 6 league games. Marcelo Bielsa's men have lost just 1 game on the road this season but that was their last away match that produced a 2-1 defeat to Blackburn.
There is one statistic that makes backing Leeds a dangerous proposition here. Cook has turned the DW Stadium into a fortress for Wigan. Their League One campaign was built on that fine home form and it's helped them keep their head above water here. They are undefeated at home this season and have only lost once in league football since February. That's 21 league games with just 1 loss.
I think it's worth backing Wigan here with the draw no bet because I feel their home form puts them in a great position to win this game. However, Leeds are tightening their ship lately so it might prove to be a tough game for either side to win. I was going to back the draw but I think a team that has won 5 and drawn 2 of their 7 home games should be backed.
Wigan Draw No Bet @ 2.55 with MarathonBet
BTTS @ 1.80 with SportPesa

Manchester City vs Southampton
Firstly, apologies to all of you that backed Cardiff today. I actually felt for a large part of the first half we were the considerably better side. We just couldn't create the openings in the final third and then Neil Warnock inexplicably brought off our three best players as substitutes. The fact we're bringing on Gary Madine is embarrassing.
Anyway, here I'm previewing Manchester City playing Southampton at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow at 3pm. I genuinely think this is a chance to back a convincing win for the Citizens who are looking more and more like the team to beat once again this season in the league.
Manchester City will move to the top of the Premier League here with a victory and I fully expect them to get it. Pep Guardiola's side have been irresistible at home this season with 5 wins from 5 matches scoring 18 and conceding just 2 goals. It's a grim prospect for this visiting Southampton side.
Southampton managed to avoid relegation by the skin of their teeth last season and they haven't exactly looked a lot better this season. Mark Hughes still has to convince a lot of people he's the right man for the job at the Saints. His side are in 16th place and just 2 points above the relegation zone.
The most disconcerting thing for the Saints is their lack of potency in front of goal. Only Huddersfield have scored less league goals this season. In their 10 league games so far they have managed just 6 goals. It is now 5 league games without scoring totalling over 476 minutes of league football without hitting the onion bag.
I think you have to back City for a dominant win here. Ederson is in line to win a seventh consecutive clean sheet against an impotent Southampton strike force. It's also worrying that Southampton haven't won any of their last 8 visits to the Etihad Stadium. This could be a messy one for Hughes on his return to the club he once managed at the beginning of this new era of success.
Manchester City to Win to Nil @ 1.80 with BetVictor
Manchester City -2 @ 1.91 with Paddy Power

Chelsea vs Derby
The big game tonight in this second rank cup competition in English football is between Premier League side Chelsea and Championship club Derby in a 7:45pm kick-off at Stamford Bridge. It will see former Blues icon Frank Lampard return to the club where he made his name as one of the game's greatest goal-scoring midfielders.
Maurizio Sarri is expected to make a number of changes to his Chelsea side heading into this game. Talisman Eden Hazard is almost certain to be rested and there are also likely absentees in the form of Pedro and Olivier Giroud. So we could see a fairly fresh but mixed Blues side here.
It would be surprising if Derby played anything but a full strength side here. Lampard will be keen to take a big scalp and with the club receiving permission to start Chelsea loanees Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori there will be a team full of players eager to make a big impression.
Chelsea boss the head-to-head meetings between these two sides over recent years. The Blues have won 6 of the last 7 meetings and have not lost an encounter since 1999. Both teams to score could be the bet to back here because it has happened in 8 of the last 12 meetings. Throw into the mix the fact that Chelsea have scored in every home match this season and Derby have scored in 9 of their 11 away matches in all competitions this season.
This might not be a vintage Chelsea performance given the expected changes. It's hard to see how Sarri has this competition nailed down as a priority. That said, a trophy is a trophy and he'll be determined to add his first trophy to his CV as Chelsea manager as soon as possible. I just think it'll be a lot of huff and puff from Derby but Chelsea will sneak through. I'm not confident enough to back them outright though. It could be pushed to extra-time or penalties.
BTTS @ 2.05 with Ladbrokes
Derby +2 @ 2.10 with Coral
@Mindfulness, @Pep004, @MaliMisko12, @betcatalog, @sajtion, @godofhorses, @Tiffy, @waynecoyne, @The Sexless Innkeeper, @Magic0024, @malabgd, @Duke_Tm, @dogmeister, @Arkadi Manucharov, @derbent, @fat, @allyhibs, @6avin24, @discipline, @the bastardian, @Bronxie, @Bett, @KikoCy, @teddybear3011, @markus808, @allthethings, @Kenton Schweppes, @vasilli07, @Dylan Lynch, @neilovan, @JKos, @zemo91, @kulikTS, @mrclubbie, @Judeksi, @Henind666, @Dave1X2, @canaries91, @jazzman02, and @AndreBR, are you guys betting on this cup this week?

Manchester City vs Fulham
A generally successful night for us last night. Derby delivering the expected entertainment value against a weakened Chelsea side. Tonight it's the turn of Manchester City who host fellow Premier League club Fulham in a 7:45pm kick-off at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City are flying in the Premier League starting the season unbeaten. On the contrary, Fulham are slap bang in the relegation zone with an awful defensive record to blame for their poor form. This being despite the fact they spent heavily over the summer in an effort to make their squad more competitive.
It is expected that City will make a number of changes. The likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Brahim Diaz could all be in line for starts. However, some quality first team fringe players will also be included so don't expect a weak side.
The form statistics will send shivers down the spine of Cottagers fans. City have won the last six meetings between these two teams. That includes a 3-0 victory over Fulham earlier this season. These two sides last met in the EFL Cup back in 2009 when City won 2-1.
However, there may be light at the end of the tunnel. City have failed to score in both of their previous EFL Cup 4th Round matches under Pep Guardiola. Fulham are also unbeaten away in the EFL Cup under Slavisa Jokanovic. An interesting fact is also that the reigning holders of the EFL Cup have been eliminated in the 4th Round in three of the last four seasons.
The sensible option would be to back a solid win for City here but, like last night with Chelsea, I think sweeping changes to the squad could impact on them negatively. It could lead to a fractured display. I fully expect Jokanovic to see this as a chance to get a big scalp and earn a morale-boosting win.
One big problem remains that Fulham's defence is awful. The Cottagers have conceded 15 goals in their last 4 competitive games. It's an issue that doesn't appear to be getting solved any time soon. Unless the defence can pull a display out of thin air then I think Fulham might push City close but I can't see them getting the win. That being said, if an upset is going to happen then this is the stage for it.
BTTS @ 2.30 with Boylesports
Fulham +3 @ 2.20 with Ladbrokes

Cardiff vs Leicester
It's going to be an emotional day at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday when Cardiff host Leicester for this 3pm kick-off. It will be Leicester's first game since the tragic helicopter crash that killed their popular chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and the Bluebirds have confirmed a commemorative flag will be handed up the home stand before the game and passed over to the Foxes fans as a mark of respect.
Cardiff come into this game in 17th place outside the relegation zone. The general mood amongst the fans is upbeat. I don't think anybody thought we'd be outside the bottom three after our run of games against Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea. There's still no complacency amongst the fans or players. We know that no games are a given but we've been pleased with how the players have been performing.
Leicester will be an unknown quantity here. How prepared both physically and mentally will their players be? Will they perform above expected levels because they want to honour their late chairman? Or will the whole occasion get the better of them? Claude Puel's team are without a win in three matches and there was controversy when he dropped star striker Jamie Vardy last week.
The Bluebirds are undefeated against Leicester in four competitive games at the Cardiff City Stadium. Hauntingly, the last win Leicester earned at our ground was when they knocked us out in the 2009/10 play-off semi-finals. That was a tough loss to take back then.
If Cardiff do win this game then it will be a landmark occasion. It will be the first time they've won consecutive games in the top flight of English football since the 1961/62 season. That might be tough given they've conceded 29 goals in their last 11 Premier League home matches stretching back to their last campaign in the top flight.
The Foxes do also have a cracking recent record against newly promoted sides in the Premier League having won 6 of their last 8 meetings with them. Leicester have also scored at least once in each of their last 12 league games so backing the both teams to score option is worthwhile here.
I'm quietly optimistic that we can get something from this game. Our performance against Fulham in our last home game shows the self belief is growing in this side. I felt even in last weekend's loss to Liverpool we did well when we took the game to them in the second half. I think we'll pay all the respects necessary before kick-off but when that whistle blows I hope we get into them and show them that our home pitch is our turf and we begin to make it a fortress. If I was forced to push for an outright, I'd say a draw is most likely.
Draw @ 3.40 with Betfair
BTTS @ 1.95 with BetStars
@Mindfulness, @Pep004, @MaliMisko12, @betcatalog, @sajtion, @godofhorses, @Tiffy, @waynecoyne, @The Sexless Innkeeper, @Magic0024, @malabgd, @Duke_Tm, @dogmeister, @Arkadi Manucharov, @derbent, @fat, @allyhibs, @6avin24, @discipline, @the bastardian, @Bronxie, @Bett, @KikoCy, @teddybear3011, @markus808, @allthethings, @Kenton Schweppes, @vasilli07, @Dylan Lynch, @neilovan, @JKos, @zemo91, @kulikTS, @mrclubbie, @Judeksi, @Henind666, @Teodore, @kilkenny1, @newjack, @PokerWolf1, @Dave1X2, @real55555, @jazzman02, @Ameer13, @Gedkip, @mcsilks, @MangoTheThird, @Roy The Boy, @DonPaulo, @Duckets, @sjuesju, @dylanphan, and @AndreBR, what do you guys think of my bet selections there? What bets are you going for?
@KikoCy, great work on getting BTTS at that price for the Bournemouth versus Manchester United game!

Aston Villa vs Bolton
Right, OK, so I know I said I was reluctant to back Aston Villa until Dean Smith had settled into the role more but it's the Friday night game and I fancy chatting about something today so I'm covering their game versus Bolton at Villa Park in a 7:45pm kick-off tonight.
Aston Villa come into this game in a precarious position. Situated in 17th place and just 6 points outside the relegation zone the alarms aren't quite ringing yet. A defeat here and that may change. Smith enjoyed a winning start to his time with the Villains but has since seen his side fall to a couple of losses.The play-offs are now 7 points away and Smith needs to start winning games fast if he wants to consider a promotion push this season.
Bolton's season has started to simmer down after a positive start. Phil Parkinson saw his side go unbeaten for the first 4 league games of the season. However, a poor October has seen them go 5 league matches without a win. The Trotters have sunk to 19th place in the table and just 4 points above the relegation zone. The main problem has been profligacy in front of goal. Bolton have scored just 2 goals in their last 8 league games.
Smith will be confident his side can win. He has faced Bolton on three occasions previously as Brentford manager and won all three games. Granted, he is managing a different side and this Bolton team is arguably stronger than the previous ones he's faced. Football is a funny game though and some teams do have bogey opposition managers. Phil Parkinson has also lost both of his away games to Villa as Bolton manager.
I think Villa should win this. Smith is a competent enough manager and he has the players at his disposal. It feels that it will start clicking at some point. This might not be a vintage performance but I'd be surprised if Villa didn't take advantage of Bolton's awful scoring record to grab the three points.
Aston Villa HT/FT @ 2.25 with Coral
Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 2.10 with Blacktype
@waynecoyne, @sajtion, @arvee, @canaries91, @Mindfulness, @betcatalog, @Magic0024, @malabgd, @CloughandTaylor, @Tiffy, @PokerWolf1, @teddybear3011, @skyblues88, @allyhibs, @Icongene, @KikoCy, @willie82, @Neubs, @Papa Lazarou, @kulikTS, @Valkovets, @Pipoca, @padman, @Marek76, @silver fox, @neilovan, @HastGill1, @jazzman02, @andypaps28, @Kenton Schweppes, @rangers234, @newjack, @Kane91, @yossa6133, @The Sexless Innkeeper, @Xcout, @Wanderer89, @four-leaf, @trevor8, @OppoArchitizerLady, and @the bastardian, will you guys be betting on the Championship this weekend?

Coventry vs Accrington Stanley
One of the standout matches in League One this weekend is being played at the Ricoh Arena where in-form sides Coventry and Accrington Stanley will go toe-to-toe in an intriguing clash in a 3pm kick-off. The odds suggest a closely-fought game but is there a team worth backing here?
Coventry have won five league games in a row now. The performances haven't necessarily been the greatest that Mark Robins' side have produced under his management but that will matter little to the team's fans. The Sky Blues are now sitting in 7th place and looking set to battle it out for a play-off position this season if results keep coming.
Accrington Stanley are positioned in 6th place on the same number of points as Coventry but boasting a superior goal difference. John Coleman's side are adapting well to life in League One but they haven't won their last two league games. However, it's worth noting that those were away to Luton who have an excellent home record and at home to league leaders Portsmouth.
It's tempting to back the home side when they've got such high odds and are in such good form but they're up against a tough Accrington side. Coventry also haven't had great results at home against teams at the top end of the table. Given Accrington's odds I'm tempted to back them to win this one.
BTTS @ 1.85 with William Hill
Accrington Draw No Bet @ 2.76 with MarathonBet
@Papa Lazarou, @freestylerx, @allyhibs, @iBetting, @betcatalog, @Magic0024, @malabgd, @kulikTS, @golakeh1, @Unnamed, @willie82, @dogmeister, @TheEdge, @JJG, @allthethings, @Mindfulness, @the bastardian, @teddybear3011, @Marek76, @salmonman, @Unnamed, @mij0sim, @jazzman02, @Bobby Vegas, @Teodore, @Tiffy, @nenri981, @MangoTheThird, and @sajtion, what bets are you all planning to put down this weekend?

Ipswich vs Preston
After having success with betting against Ipswich a lot this season I see that there's another chance to earn a fair wedge by doing that this weekend. The Tractor Boys host Preston in a 3pm kick-off at Portman Road this Saturday and it will be new manager Paul Lambert's first league game in charge.
Ipswich are having a torrid season so far and many pundits are suggesting it's going to take more than a managerial change to sort their campaign out. The Suffolk club are currently rock bottom of the Championship and 3 points behind the team above them.
Preston aren't doing much better. Alex Neil has seen his team pick up a bit of form after a terrible start. The Lilywhites remain in 20th place but they are unbeaten in five league games having scored 13 goals during that period. So they will come into this game full of confidence.
I'm not sure how Lambert will do here. He thrived at Colchester and Norwich but has since struggled to make an impression at Aston Villa, Blackburn, Wolves, and Stoke. Has he lost the spark? Is this an appointment that is destined to fail? He already has his back to the wall as a former Canaries manager.
It's been a while since Preston came away from Portman Road with a win. In fact, it was the opening day of the 2008/09 season. Will this be the game that changes? I think at the price they've being offered then it could well be backing Neil's side to take all three points.
Preston to Win @ 2.30 with Bet365
Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 1.75 with Unibet

Strasbourg vs Toulouse
On a weekend when PSG beat Tottenham's 58 year old record to win their first 12 league games of the season with a 2-1 win against Lille, we turn our attention to tonight's 7pm kick-off between Strasbourg and Toulouse at the Stade de la Meinau.
Strasbourg have started their season well. There is no suggestion of second season syndrome here for Thierry Laurey's men. The club are sat in 7th place and appear to be preparing for a season of challenging to break into the European qualification spots via the league.
Toulouse are not having quite as positive a start as Strasbourg but it's probably par for the course so far. Alain Casanova's side are positioned in 11th place in the league and just 3 points behind their opponents here. However, it's now 8 games across all competitions without a win and that includes losing their last two league games.
The home side come into this game with the far stronger head-to-head record. Strasbourg have won 4 of the last 5 meetings with Toulouse. Strasbourg have also only lost at home once this season with Toulouse only picking up 1 win in 5 attempts on the road this campaign.
If Strasbourg win this game then it will be the first time since 2002 that the club has won four top flight games in a row. This run of form is built on an attacking foundation with the team scoring in 8 consecutive league games this season. Only PSG boast a more prolific record.
Strasbourg to Win @ 1.95
Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 1.94 with MarathonBet
@Pep004, @sodabrab, @giraldi, @Magic0024, @allthethings, @DrO, @malabgd, @Xcout, @betcatalog, @sajtion, @FCNA, @silver fox, and @canaries91, what bets will you guys be slamming down this weekend? Any thoughts on my tips above?

Rangers vs NK Maribor
Steve Gerrard looks to continue his encouraging start as Rangers manager this week when his side welcome Slovenian side NK Maribor to Ibrox for this qualifying round match for the Europa League in a 7:45pm kick-off. Can the Scottish side take a giant step towards the group stages?
Rangers progressed comfortably past Macedonian outfit Shkupi with a 2-0 aggregate win before beating Croat side Osijek by a 2-1 aggregate score. It's not been too troublesome but this could be a sterner test for Gerrard's side against a team that reached the Champions League group stages last season and held Spartak Moscow to draws both home and away.
NK Maribor haven't conceded a goal in Europe so far this season. OK, so they've only played Partizani from Albania and Georgian side Chikhura Sachkere but it's still a sign of their defensive solidarity. It's now 13 clean sheets from their last 17 matches in all competitions. It's going to take a fine attacking display by Rangers to get past this resilient defence.
This tie could prove to be a tight one. It will give us a big indication of how settled Gerrard is in the Ibrox hot seat. Interestingly, these two sides last met in European competition as recently as 2011. On that occasion, it was NK Maribor who knocked Rangers out 3-2 on aggregate.
This first leg is an ideal start but Rangers will be keen to take a lead into the away leg because the Stadion Ljudski vrt can be a difficult place to go if the home crowd are up for it. Can Rangers get that win? I'm not confident enough to call it. I can see this game being tightly contested with little going either way. So backing minimal goals and a lack of action is probably the way to go.
Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 1.57 with Bet365
Total Corners Under 9.5 @ 2.10 with 888Sport
@delfino, @KikoCy, @giraldi, @Icongene, @dogmeister, @rangers234, @Pipoca, @Notorious, @ElPrincipito007, @KingSoccertips, @vasilli07, @betcatalog, @immortal--, @DW_United, @discipline, @WinningAdvice, @arvee, @silverfox, @FrenchEskimo, @liamcorrigan86, @ElPrincipito007, @Neubs, @TOTTI3, @Simeon Borisof, @Charon84, @Magic0024, @Xcout, @arsenalfh, @BJO, @footballeye, @gamblerxxx, @Xcout, @allyhibs, @cluelessG, @jazzman02 , @DrO, and @CloughandTaylor, what do you guys reckon about these games?

Only one winner tonight sadly and I should have gone with Solihull like Barton. I like Devonshire as a manager but it seems he could have a tough task to keep them up this season.

It was a solid start to the new season with 3 winning bets out of the 5. As always there were some really interesting results across the 3 leagues and I am pretty sure very few people would have said that Barrow, Gateshead and Halifax would have been the top 3 in the National League at the end of day 1. I have 6 bets for the mid-week action with 1 on Monday and the others on Tuesday.
Barnet v Braintree
The National League fixture list on Tuesday night looks really tough from a punting point of view and I don't think it is worth getting involved bar this game. I was tempted by Solihull again given Maidenhead were disappointing in their opening game, but Solihull sounded like they were a bit lucky to win on Saturday and the price is only slight value. Onto this game and Barnet did everything but score against Aldershot on Saturday. They managed 8 shots off target and had 9 on target whilst getting 11 corners. Not surprisingly the Aldershot keeper Jake Coles was man of the match. Another keeper who was man of the match was Braintree's. They lost 2-0 to Halifax but Ben Killip kept it 2 when it really should have been more. I know it is dangerous to make assumptions based on one game, but it is fair to say that my pre-season thoughts that Braintree look a weak team for this level were backed up. Given I think Barnet will go close to winning the league they will surely be capable of beating the keeper on Tuesday night. I think they can cover the -1 handicap and 888's 9/5 about them doing so makes plenty of appeal.
Eastbourne v Welling
I think the home side will struggle this season. Regular readers will know I opposed them a fair bit last time around and it proved quite profitable. They look like they might have a weaker team this time around and a goalless draw against Oxford City, another team who look set to struggle, is hardly great. Welling got their season off to a great start beating Dulwich 2-0. It was very hot in London on Saturday and so that didn't help the entertainment value of the game, but it was a decent effort nonetheless. Steve King has got a strong looking squad and I think they should be more than capable of beating Eastbourne. Marathon go 161/100 and it looks a solid bet.
Hampton & Richmond v Hemel Hempsted
I really couldn't understand the logic in the Racing Post tipping up Hampton to win the title. They seemed to think that McCann getting a load of Hendon players in will help them, but that is a flawed logic for me given they couldn't win promotion from the league below. Only one player who played in the play-off final against Braintree started against Slough on Saturday and I think it showed in the performance. Granted they got a draw, but Slough deserved a victory and I struggle to see how Hampton can reach the play-offs this season. Hemel got their season off to the perfect start in beating Chippenham 4-2. They look set to go well again and I certianly think they can finish above their hosts on Tuesday night. 17/10 with Boylesports looks a good price to me.
Curzon Ashton v Chester
The home side got off to a winning start on Saturday when beating Darlington which was a decent effort although they were gifted their equaliser thanks to the Darlington keeper. I think this game will be tougher and Chester look a big price. They drew 0-0 on Saturday against Spennymoor, but the reports suggest it was a really good game between two decent sides. If Chester can take that performance into this game on Monday night then I think the 11/5 with Betfred will look a very big price.
Brackley v Alfreton
So I dodged a bullet by missing the price on Alfreton on Saturday as they drew 3-3 against Kidderminster in a game they were 2-1 up at half time, but then had to come from 3-2 down. Attacking wise they clearly don't have an issue although the defence didn't look strong especially in that 2nd half where they conceded twice. Even so a point against Kiddie isn't a bad result by any means and I think at over 3/1 they are over priced again here. Brackley got their season off with a defeat at Bradford Park Avenue and they didn't really get going until it was too late in that match. I just wonder if they can go as well as they did last season and although this is a tricky fixture for Alfreton if they can certainly trouble Brackley and the price is too big.
Nuneaton v Hereford
I make Hereford the best bet of the mid-week fixtures. They put in a superb performance on Saturday to beat Blyth 3-0 and they dominated the game throughout. They should be capable of challenging for promotion again this season and I think they can make it back to back victories here. Nuneaton could only draw 0-0 at Ashton on the opening day and this match will be much tougher. I can't really work out why Nuneaton are even favourites for this and the 9/4 about an away win with BetVictor looks a huge price.
Barnet -1 1pt @ 9/5 with 888
Welling 1pt @ 161/100 with Marathon
Hemel Hempsted 1pt @ 17/10 with Boylesports
Chester 1pt @ 11/5 with Betfred
Alfreton 1pt @ 31/10 with BetVictor
Hereford 2pts @ 9/4 with BetVictor

It is 2 and a 1/4 although bookies and betfair will tend to put it as 3.25 and rather than 2.25

No 2pts is the strength of bet and I work on a 1-5pts system. 9/4 is 3.25 in decimal form

Check out @Darran who is our Non League expert here https://forum.punterslounge.com/forum/94-non-league-predictions/

Pulls some absolutely crackers out because info is vital for this particular league and has his finger on the pulse, but there are many great tipsters on PL, too many to mention.  

@BillyHills is right. You're asking where you can find three wishes when you've already come across the genie!
On that note, don't stop at football. Punters Lounge has some of the best tipsters around across all sports with the person working on horse racing being a particular stand out. 

Hull vs Aston Villa
There is some Monday Night Football on the cards this week with Hull playing Aston Villa in a fascinating encounter at the KCOM Stadium in a 7:45pm kick-off. Both teams were former Premier League clubs but come into this season with their fans anxious about what the direction of their clubs may now be.
A return to the top flight is not looking like something that many Tigers fans are considering a realistic possibility this season. Nigel Adkins just about steadied the ship last season but their summer business has been slightly underwhelming. The loss of experienced names such as Michael Dawson, Abel Hernandez, David Meyler, Sebastian Larsson, and Allan McGregor might not keep many Hull fans awake at night but seeing Harry Wilson shun a return to Hull in favour of a loan to Derby is gut-wrenching.
The additions over the off-season have hardly been inspiring either. Adkins has tried to maintain a positive attitude but the signings of Eric Lichaj, Reece Burke, and George Long are gambles. They are players that can do the business on their day but they could also fade into anonymity if surrounded by under-performing players. Luckily, they still have a reasonably competitive squad with players such as Jon Toral, Evandro, Nouha Dicko, Kamil Grosicki, and Jarrod Bowen to call upon. Mid-table appears to be the target though.
Aston Villa have had an appalling summer. It included the news that the club was in dire financial straits and it also appeared that the inexperienced Thierry Henry was being lined up to replace the veteran gaffer Steve Bruce. That didn't happen but it remains unknown what impact those rumours had on Bruce's command over the dressing room.
Due to the financial situation, there have been no signings coming into the club bar the loan of Atletico Madrid keeper Andre Moreira. Jordan Amavi, John Terry, Pierluigi Gollini, and Viktor Johansson have left the club to help ease the economic burden. The positive news has been that the likes of Jack Grealish, James Chester, and Jonathan Kodjia haven't yet been sold.
A few interesting facts stand out here. Hull have only ever beaten Aston Villa once in their past 14 meetings. That solitary win came back in February 2015. However, Aston Villa haven't taken a win from the KCOM Stadium in their past three matches there despite tallying up over 40 shots on Hull's goal. Finally, Bruce has only lost one of his last 5 opening day matches outside the top flight and that came way back in 2000 when he was Huddersfield manager.
Apologies for the long preview but this is a very hard one to call. It's thin lines. I think across the whole season Villa will likely be play-off contenders again and Hull will settle for mid-table, possibly even simply survival. I think in this game it'll be close. Both teams have suffered their disruptions over the past few years. It could be argued that Villa are currently in a less fit state. Despite Villa being slight favourites, I think Hull could take something here. After the tough summer they've had, I think Villa might take some time to get going this season.
BTTS @ 1.87 with MarathonBet
Hull AH +0.25 @ 1.73 with 188Bet 

belgium wins, their course was more impressive than the English. Technically they are superior and their workforce is more complete. they will also be less tired.
Sorry for my bad english, I am French and I am not very good at English.

France vs Croatia
Finally, it's here! The 2018 World Cup Final. Did anyone even possibly consider that France would be playing Croatia in this 4pm BST kick-off at the Luzhniki Stadium today at the beginning of the tournament? I know I certainly didn't. I predicted France would be there but definitely not Croatia.
It's hard to see anything other than a France win here on paper but football isn't played on paper is it? Didier Deschamps has defied my negative opinions on him to get his side playing effective football as a team. It's not always been pretty but in Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, N'Golo Kante, Raphael Varane, and Hugo Lloris they have one of the best spines in international football.
This will be the third World Cup Final the French have reached in the past 20 years. One win and one defeat in the previous two appearances has left mixed emotions. The nation is also seeking vengeance after the 2016 European Championship Final defeat to Portugal on home turf. Proof that when this side has been labelled favourites for a game before that it's not always gone as expected. It can be argued that this Croatia side is far more dangerous than that Portugal side of two years ago. The warning signs are there.
Croatia are looking to make history. It's a fairytale story for a nation born out of war and blood shed. Luka Modric himself a shining example of a boy who endured the toughest of childhoods as he was orphaned by conflict after his grandfather was gunned down by enemy fire. He somehow turned his life from such tragedy into something so great. Modric was not the only player in this team to be affected by the Bosnian War of 1992-1995. A number of players were displaced with their families including Ivan Rakitic who almost represented Switzerland had it not been for a conversation with former head coach Slaven Bilic.
A country that was only formed on 8th October, 1991, Croatia has punched above its weight. Its population of 4.5 million has already witnessed its national football team reach the Semi-Finals of the 1998 World Cup and now the Final of the 2018 World Cup. Its fans have named their team "the fiery ones" due to their resilient spirit and it would be naive to write them off.
I'm buzzing for this game. Either the team I predicted to win the tournament before it even began will be crowned world champions and it will be a new dawn for one of the most exciting football sides for generations with so much attacking and technically gifted talent. Even the great Spanish side of 2008-2012 didn't possess as much potential attacking flair as this French side. Or we will witness the landscape of international football change forever with the crowning of maiden world champions for the first time since 1998 and the second smallest nation to ever lift the trophy.
World Cup Finals are always tough to predict and this one is no different. The money appears to be going all behind France. I have a feeling that the comeback against England in the Semi-Final was Croatia's defining moment. Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. They have proved time and time again that they will fight until the end so it won't be easy but it just feels that this is the time for this brilliant France side. A narrow win for Deschamps and his men in what is likely to be quite a turgid game to be honest.
France to win @ 1.95 with Bet365
Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 1.55 with MarathonBet

Some similar haphazard number crunching for the last 10 finals as posted already for the 3rd place game.
Only 3 games saw >2.5 goals, West Germany losing 3-1 to Italy in 1982 and 3-2 to Argentina in 1986 and France beating Brazil 3-0 in 1998. Those games aside we've had 3 goalless draws (including the last 2 finals), 1 game with a single goal and 3 with 2. Average total goals were 1.9 and the average goal rush make up on the spreads was 22.3.
5 games were drawn, including the last 3 finals. There were the 3 0-0s and 2 1-1s. Only 2 went to penalties, 3 being won in extra time.
BTTS landed in just 4 of the 10 games.
The record of the 7 teams who had an extra day's rest is 2-5 and those teams who were taken to extra time/pens in the semis went 1-3. 
Cards wise, the average bookings make up for the last 10 games was 51.5. Most recent first, the bookings totals have been 40, 90, 30, 20, 65, 40, 90, 60, 50 and 30.
Just 6 goals were scored in the first half (31.58%) and 13 in the 2nd (68.42%). The 1st half has been the highest scoring on 2 occasions, the 2nd half on 4 with 4 ties.
3 games saw a goal (or more) in both halves, there were 6 half time 0-0s with 2 games seeing 1 goal before the break and the other 2 seeing 2.
The halftime/full time results (from the perspective of the winning team) have been as follows:
Draw - Draw x4
Draw - Win x3
Win - Win x2
Win - Draw x1

I think the odds on France will shorten too. It's a tall order for Croatia. They have been through so much and it's a question of whether they have enough left in the tank? I think they got fortunate last night. England really should have been 2-0 or even 3-0 up before Croatia equalised. You're looking at a different game then. I can see France being far more clinical and even though Croatia will fight until the bitter end I really can see France winning by a couple of goals. 2-0 or 3-1 is my bet.