Xcout

Well done both and congratulations to Carlos Mc who wins the Ko Cup

 
 

Final 
Carlos Mc v Crazy Suzy
Good luck to both
(especially the wife)
 

Marseille vs Atletico Madrid
It only seems like yesterday that these two sides were battling to reach the Europa League Final but the day has already arrived. Ligue 1 club Marseille face La Liga side Atletico Madrid in a 7:45pm kick-off at Parc Olympique Lyonnais tonight.
Someone a lot wiser than me once said there are no favourites in a cup final. The theory being that it is essentially all about what happens on the day. So if ever you want to pick a time to back an underdog then a cup final is the time to do it. In this game, Diego Simeone's side are the favoured winners with the bookies but is anyone foolish enough to rule out Rudi Garcia's men in this match?
It's been an interesting route to this stage of the competition for both teams. Marseille navigated their way past a qualification round and play-off round to reach the group stage. They finished second to Red Bull Salzburg in a group that also included Konyaspor and Vitoria de Guimaraes. They then had to progress past Braga, Athletic Bilbao, Red Bull Leipzig, and Red Bull Salzburg in the knockout phase.
Atletico Madrid initially started their season in the Champions League but suffered elimination from a group that included Roma, Chelsea, and FK Qarabag. The third placed finish in the group ensured a passage into the Europa League knockout stages. Since then, the Spanish club have defeated FC Copenhagen, Lokomotiv Moscow, Sporting CP, and Arsenal.
There is no doubt that this will be a tough game to call. Marseille are looking for their first major European title win since 1993. They fell just sort back in 2004. Atletico Madrid will be hoping to win this competition for the third time since 2010. Personally, I think it'll take something special for Marseille to upset the odds. Atletico Madrid are a very well-oiled machine under Simeone who have vast experience of European cup finals now. This could be a boring game with the Spanish side prevailing even by just the one goal.
Atletico Madrid to win @ 1.95 with William Hill
Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 1.57 with Betfred
@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, and @CloughandTaylor, what bets are you guys placing on tonight's big game?

Final Tables
Thanks for those who stayed til the end, it brings the curtain down on an enjoyable season and hopefully the competition brought a bit of added interest for us football fans.
Dont forget to enter the World Cup Comp which will keep us occupied throughout June and July.
Prizes : Please contact [email protected] with your PayPal details, PL name and what prize you are claiming. 
Please allow 14 days for payment as we have to wait for everyone to claim before submitting them.
Div 1: £75 Skittle, £45 Woodys Way, £25 Terminator1
Div 2: £60 Corky, £40 Alley Cat Glover, £20 The Sexless Innkeeper
Div 3: £50 Balearic Betas, £30 Yanko79, £20 Gzeven
Div 4: £40 Mabs, £25 Vangovin, £15 Wivz03
Div 5: £35 Barnsley Chop, £20 Sugardaddyken, £10 Crazy Suzy
Div 6: £30 Botmission, £15 Buga00, £10 Seanbear
 
Many thanks
 

The 2018 World Cup starts on June 14th and concludes with the Final on the 15th of July
The Punters Lounge will award cash prizes totalling £200 via Paypal
First: £80
Second: £60
Third: £40
Fourth £20
*Deadline for any entries therefore is 4pm on June 14th.*

*If any multiple registrations are found to try and manipulate the competition they will not receive any prizes*
 
Format
1) Entrants will be required to predict the Correct Score of the 48 group matches
2) Players will also nominate four teams from the competition in order of with their main fancy being the No 1 choice.
Scoring
In the group matches by predicting a correct score you are in effect forecasting 3 main outcomes;
- the actual result, whether or not both teams will score and if the game has under or over 2.5 goals.

Points will be awarded as follows for all of the 48 group matches;

3pts for the correct result of the game (1,X,2)
1pt for correctly predicting if both teams score (or not)
1pt for correctly predicting under or over 2.5 goals
1pt Bonus for every correct score predicted
Eg:
Prediction 2-1 - Actual result 3-0 = score 4pts (3pts for home win, 1pt for over 2.5)
Prediction 0-0 - Actual result 0-1 = score 2pts (1pt for under 2.5 goals, 1pt for BTTS No)
Prediction 3-1 - Actual result 4-2 = score 5pts (3pts for home win, 1pt over 2.5, 1pt BTTS)
Prediction 1-3 - Actual result 1-3 = score 6pts (3pts away win, 1pt over 2.5, 1pt BTTS, 1pt CS)
Knock Out Phase
5pts if any of your nominated teams win their group
5pts if any of your nominated teams win a Last 16 match
5pts if any of your nominated teams win a Last 8 match
5pts if any of your nominated teams win a Semi Final
5pts if any of your nominated teams wins the World Cup
Bonus 5pts if your number 1 nominated team wins the World Cup
Any ties will be decided by how many Correct Scores predicted,
then how top 4 teams nominated performed.

Rules
Please post the matches in the order given in the selection thread, easy just to copy and paste.
If games are out of order they may be miscalculated. Pease use the format given.
All predictions must be in the same post (before deadline)
Only 1 entry accepted per member, any duplicate entries will not count towards prizes.
No editing of posts, once you have posted your predictions they will be transferred to the master sheet so i will NOT see any edits.
Any mistakes contact me by PM or post on the forum (ie; if you have missed a game out or something)
Latest tables will be published on a regular basis throughout the journey
Good luck 
ENTER HERE >> https://forum.punterslounge.com/topic/164881-world-cup-2018-competition-prediction-thread/ .
 

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Houston Dynamo
2018, April 12, 04:30 hrs (CET Time)
MLS
Vancouver Whitecaps
With just one victory in the last five matches, the team has seen improvement after the Kansas City disaster, as in the next two matches the team has only allowed a single goal, and meanwhile at away the team accumulates two matches without scoring a goal, at home the team was able to score twice to claim the victory against Real Salt Lake.
The team has the following two matches at home, and with a record of two victories, and two defeats with the scoreless draw against LA Galaxy, the team is looking to make the most of those matches to continue inside playoffs positions, as the team around them have played less matches, which might see them pushed down when they catch up.  Kei Kamara has return to the fold together with the good form of Egyptian Aly Ghazal and just waiting for Jordon Mutch,  the team is starting to be complete.
Kei Kamara continues as the team goal scorer as with three goals is tied with Brek Shea as the team scorer leader, that despite having played 4 less matches that Shea, therefore a bump in Whitecaps scoring power.
Houston Dynamo
The team claimed an important victory last match with a last minute goal of J. Rodriguez in a match where the team claimed the advantage twice but both times LA Galaxy came from behind to tie the match.
Good scoring from the team both at home at away, as they have been able to score in the last four matche, twice at home and twice away, still the defense is the main concern, as they have allowed a goal in every match except the season opener at home against Atlanta United.  Winless at away this season, the team has collected two 2-2 draws, in both of the team the team was leading before conceding the draw.
Mauro Manotas and Alberth Elis have both netted 4 times, with Elis having also contributed with 4 assists as has Romell Quioto. With 9 other players having also scored at least a goal, the team offensive performance is warranted. This matchup is special for Elis, has he has 2 goals in 2 matches against the Whitecaps.
The team plays more compact when going at away. Still their tendency for counterattack and also look for the offensive, leave the team open to counterattacking chances that the rival teams do not waste.
The team is making the most they can, as with seven players out, the team is missing important pieces, than at full force will make them more powerful but overall solid in the backside.
Prediction
 
A tight match, where the home side look a little bit stronger, Houston will look to counterattack and that provides Vancouver with the perfect scenario to dominate the game and make more scoring changes, just they have to be careful of counterattacks, or an end-to-end multiple changes might appear, providing with a very attractive match. But I sense Vancouver will focus on looking for the victory.

Whitecaps won the reverse fixture this season by 1-2 past April 10 being their first victory at BBVA Compass Stadium, and in regards of matches played in Vancouver, the Dynamo have never won at BC Place Stadium, with a 1-1 draw as their best result.
Last match Whitecaps where unable to score, but they where able to generate plenty scoring chances and only the great performance of Shuttleworth was the cause for not scoring, and with Kei Kamara back, the team recover a great offensive asset.
Expect another round of changes in the back as Dynamo coach continues to look for a strong back side, with the offensive front already secure with the likes of Elis and Quioto backed by Manotas.
In the end an interesting match, where the home side should get a good result as with Kamara return Houston backside will have more work that they can handle, just aware than it might be a high scoring match as Houston offensive is packing a lot of power, still home side should prevail.
Vancouver Whitecaps -0.25 AH with 7 units @ 1.98 at Dafabet
Over 2.5 with 2 units @ 1.79 at 5Dimes
Break Shea Anytime Goal Scorer with 1 unit @ 2.80 at WilliamHill
Alberth Elis Anytime Goal Scorer with 1 unit @ 2.62 at WilliamHill

Final Table
Well a dramatic final day which saw Boulder hang on to his lead
The top 4 all scored enough to win this comp on other months and the standard was very high as usual.
Well done to Corky, DanV and Sirspread also Xcout on winning the Cup.
31 players qualified for the KO Cup which must be a record
Prizes:
£80: Boulder5111
£40: Corky
£20: Sirspread
£10: DanV89
£30 Cup: Xcout
you know hat to do guys, send your PayPal details to Paul at:
[email protected]
 

Well Done Xcout !

Updated ratings and points projections...

My pick for this round: Toronto FC - Chicago Fire
Toronto are the last season's champions but they are doing badly this season. Mostly because they have been focusing on the North American version of the Champions league and playing reserves in MLS matches. That gamble almost paid off - they won 2:1 away at Chivas on Wednesday in the second leg of the final. Having lost the first leg 1:2 at home, they had to go to penalties - and the lost.
So Toronto are not in the best mental state after that loss. They are also tired after the trip to Mexico. Plenty of injuries, especially at  the back. They have to play a mix of regular and reserve players.
I found odds of 1.9 for Chicago Fire +1 so I will take it.
Chicago Fire are capable of getting a result on their day. They won at New York RB last week - they were lucky and that was a big surprise.

Result:
SPAL 0 - 3 Roma
+ 4.8 units

I agree with you on Juventus victory, last time Napoli did not loss to Juventus at away in Serie A was in 2010-2011, together with the quality both teams posses that will deliver a very offensive match, as many matches between them have ended over 2.5 therefore I disagree with the under 2.5
When strong teams matchups most of the times I prefer an over 2.5 and enjoy the match hehehe.

There is an interesting h2h fact regarding the match between Moreirense and Rio Ave:
All 7 games played at Moreirense were Under 2.5 goals
12/14 games regardless of the home ground were Under 2.5 goals.
Moreirense at home: 10 out of the 15 games (67%) this season were Under 2.5 goals.
Therefore, Under 2.5 goals @ 1.75 is worth a shot

Just an early heads-up for anyone wanting to know what they are going to do without the prospect of entering the Tipsters Competition each weekend once the season finishes in 3 weeks time.
Have no fear the PL is here to occupy you for a few weeks during June and July!
We will be running our very popular World Cup prediction competition.
Details will follow over the next couple of weeks on how to enter and the format we will be using.
Entries will need to be finalised before the first match kicks off on June 14th.
After that date you can just sit back and watch the action and see all of your predictions come true (or not).
No need to register just enter your selections when required. (details to follow)
Spread the word, the PL World Cup Competition is back

I am going over 3 goals for Sevilla v Barcelona game.Good Luck

Celta has a 22 out of 33 over 2.5 goals, with 20 goals scored goals and two more home games. Valencia has a total of 20 out of 33 over 2.5 goals and goal goals, with 11 out of 16 goals away from home. Rather unattractive confrontation, it is very difficult for Celta to reach sixth while Valencia can not lose the fourth position, I expect an open match with many goals and phases
RC CELTA DE VIGO vs CF VALENCIA @@ +2.50 Over, odds 1.80

Dijon FCO vs Olympique Lyonnais
2018, April 20, 21:00 hrs
French Ligue 1
Dijon is in a safe situation, far from the relegation posts, but also far from the European positions, however it has been a respectable season for the team. Thanks to a good performance at home where of 16 games the team has won 9, only losing 4. Of the last five home games, the team achieved victory in three, however in the two most recent ties with the Amiens SC and lost to Olympique de Marseille.
With only one defeat, precisely that of Marseille, in the last five games the team has improved in its recent form, but against one of the four top teams of the French league a complicated match is expected. And more when many of their offensive key players will miss this match.
For its part Lyon after its elimination of the Europa League against CSKA Moscow, has a four-game winning streak in line, two away and two home, without having allowed a goal in the last three games. So the Lyon comes in great form, with four away match without losing and has 14 consecutive away games making at least one goal. In addition to the fact that the visitor has 10 wins in 17 games, the performance of the visiting team is very positive.
With few matches in dispute, the team seeks to distance itself from Marseille and if possible to unseat AS Monaco from second place. Because although the distance they have with the rest of the teams, the first four already guaranteed participation in Europe, but it remains to be defined if it will be in the Europa League or in the Champions League, so they can not relax, the team has the offensive options for it, since the pair Mariano Diaz and N. Fekir have achieved 34 goals altogether, many more goals than some teams. An even that Mariano Diaz will be sideline, the team has players to fill his spot.
Taking into account the previous  the game should be taken by Lyon, however the last match played in Gaston Gerard was a Dijon victory by 4-2 and the other two matches between them played in Parc OL, have been closed, a draw 3-3 and a 4-2 victory of Lyon, before those games the Dijon was in lower categories, so I see as the best option the option of more than 3 goals. Since at least on the part of Lyon the offensive elements are guaranteed and the defense of the Dijon barely has a match without accepting a goal in the last five.
Over 3 with 7 units @ 1.79 at 5Dimes

Result:
Dijon FCO 2 - 5 Olympique Lyonnais
+ 5.53 units

Result:
Nantes 1 - 1 Rennes
+ 3.29 units

@StevieDay1983
Last match at Municipal du Roudourou, Monaco claim the victory by 1-2, but previous two was a 3-3 draw and 1-0 victory to Guingamp, therefore Monaco has improved in their matches there, but as you say it is yet to see how they will bounce back from last match result.
As Guingamp is capable of the best or the worst, I prefer to stay away from this match, but the most probable is indeed the Monaco victory.

Thanks @SportsDataPunter! And great call in the BTTS!
And indeed, odds below 1.50 are not appealing, that's why I went for over 3, fortunately it is already covered.  Curious that last three matches have been over 5 goals, and this one has also covered that line, current score 2-4 with 15 minutes to go, which was at 6.40 at Coolbet. 

Great preview there @Xcout
If I might add a couple of facts regarding this match:
Dijon's home record:
10/16 games (63%) were Over 2.5 goals. In 12 of those games (75%) both teams scored.
Lyon's away record:
13/17 games (76%) were Over 2.5 goals. In 10 of those games (59%) both teams scored.
h2h record:
All of the last 5 matches (100%) between the two teams, regardless of the home ground, were Over 2.5 goals.
It's clear that Over 2.5 goals is highly possible, but odds below 1.50 are not appealing enough for me.
Therefore my call is Both Teams to Score @ 1.70

Dijon FCO vs Olympique Lyonnais
2018, April 20, 21:00 hrs
French Ligue 1
Dijon is in a safe situation, far from the relegation posts, but also far from the European positions, however it has been a respectable season for the team. Thanks to a good performance at home where of 16 games the team has won 9, only losing 4. Of the last five home games, the team achieved victory in three, however in the two most recent ties with the Amiens SC and lost to Olympique de Marseille.
With only one defeat, precisely that of Marseille, in the last five games the team has improved in its recent form, but against one of the four top teams of the French league a complicated match is expected. And more when many of their offensive key players will miss this match.
For its part Lyon after its elimination of the Europa League against CSKA Moscow, has a four-game winning streak in line, two away and two home, without having allowed a goal in the last three games. So the Lyon comes in great form, with four away match without losing and has 14 consecutive away games making at least one goal. In addition to the fact that the visitor has 10 wins in 17 games, the performance of the visiting team is very positive.
With few matches in dispute, the team seeks to distance itself from Marseille and if possible to unseat AS Monaco from second place. Because although the distance they have with the rest of the teams, the first four already guaranteed participation in Europe, but it remains to be defined if it will be in the Europa League or in the Champions League, so they can not relax, the team has the offensive options for it, since the pair Mariano Diaz and N. Fekir have achieved 34 goals altogether, many more goals than some teams. An even that Mariano Diaz will be sideline, the team has players to fill his spot.
Taking into account the previous  the game should be taken by Lyon, however the last match played in Gaston Gerard was a Dijon victory by 4-2 and the other two matches between them played in Parc OL, have been closed, a draw 3-3 and a 4-2 victory of Lyon, before those games the Dijon was in lower categories, so I see as the best option the option of more than 3 goals. Since at least on the part of Lyon the offensive elements are guaranteed and the defense of the Dijon barely has a match without accepting a goal in the last five.
Over 3 with 7 units @ 1.79 at 5Dimes

Result:
Bayer Leverkusen 4  - 1 Eintracht Frankfrut
+ 4.68 units

Bayer Leverkusen vs Eintracht Frankfurt
2018, April 14, 15:30
Bundesliga
Bayer Leverkusen is in the fourth and last position to participate in Champions League, and faces the fifth classified Eintracht Frankfurt, which is only two points behind, so this game becomes very important for the aspirations of both. Bayer could take an advantage of five points, or Eintracht Frankfurt gets to be 1 point ahead, or thinks remains as they are.

Bayer Leverkusen's recent performance has been good, he has only one defeat in the last four games, with an important victory against RB Leipzig. Home has been good this season, although he has tied almost as many games as he has won, however it should be noted to have a bit of caution since his last two home losses were within the last four games played. The team is one of the top four, but his home performance is just regular, affected mainly by the two losses mentioned, otherwise he would be one of the best home sides, more in accordance with his position in the general table. This conditioned the stake a little.

For its part, Eintracht's performance has been regular, with two wins in the last five games, and in the last five away games, it has taken four losses. But it is worth mentioning that in the previous eight away matchesonly lost one game, which gives some support for this game. Additionally, he is one of the top five Bundesliga away teams this season.

Four of the last six meetings at Leverkusen Bay Arena have ended with victory for the home side, with a draw and a victory for the visitors. Fact that is added to the previous ones to opt for Bayer Leverkusen in this game with a medium stake, given that he had two recents defeats there, but seems to have recovered and the visitor Eintracht can not find answers at away, and the importance of this game is absolute  for Bayer.   Bayer Leverkusen with 6 points @ 1.78 at 1xBet