StevieDay1983

I think that the glory days of Mourinho ended after the "Triplete" with Internazionale Milan, his real last masterpiece.
After that in the 3 years in Madrid he wasn't that successful, considering the stellar squad he had. Just one La Liga title and no CL finals. After him Ancelotti and Zidane won four with more or less the same players. And he brought the polemics against everyone and everything to a never seen before level: the games vs Barcelona were bloody affairs, more wars than football, and he almost cracked the Spain national team too. I can't forget when he pressed a finger in the eye of poor Tito Vilanova (R.I.P.) coming unseen from behind. A very coward act.
He had a great comeback at Chelsea in the first 2 seasons followed by an inglorious season and a sack, with Conte winning the title next with the same squad.
And considering the budget he had, his top salary and the full power at United his experience was again far below the expectations. An Europa League win was his top achievement, that isn't bad, but let's not forget that he also cashed again something from his luck when Celta de Vigo failed an incredible very easy goal in the stoppage time of the reverse leg of the semifinal.
Oh well, luck is a part of many wins sometimes. I'm an AC Milan lifetime fan and can't forget the fog of Beograd, November 1988, with the legendary team led by Arrigo Sacchi 1-0 down against Red Star and with ten men in the reverse leg (1-1 in San Siro). Remove that fog and the story would have been much different.
I never liked Mourinho as a man (did you notice? ) and I think he made his masterpieces with Porto and Inter, on which he built an overrated career following next.
About him I think he will go back to Madrid. For an unknown reason (to me at least) Florentino Perez is still in love with him. Most of the players that were against him there are gone or will, so that's a possibility.
Or he could go back to Internazionale, where the fans still adore him. But have no idea what the thoughts of Mr Suning, the chinese owner of the club, are.
Rodgers, Wenger and Moyes as next managers..lol..God Save the Queen and United just in case..
Pochettino more likely moving to Madrid if the spot becomes available for him.
Ancelotti would gladly move to Manchester but I don't see him leaving Napoli so soon, but you never know.
Zidane had a huge CL success at Real Madrid and poor domestic results. He knew every breath of Madrid's camp when replaced Benitez, am not sure he could feel so at ease by the Red Devils.
Simeone plays a fighting football that couldn't be appreciated that much at Old Trafford right now, after the Mourinho's era, that didn't deliver results and sparkling football. But I would be curious to see him in another big club, since the man knows his stuff. Hey, the Colchoneros never had that great squad in last years, barring a couple of players. He really got the maximum out of them.
Blanc and Deschamps look unlikely to me.
Conte wants to come back to PL, that's his first choice. But also here his football and managerial style is rather similar to Mourinho's one. Don't see a change in that direction. even if I would add that the Special One has lost with the years the capability he had to gel his players around him always and against the world, as in his first Chelsea and Internazionale. Conte still has this capability, so far..
Finally we could be all surprised by an unpredictable choice like the one made by PSG with Tuchel, with a not much "exposed" manager on big media. Time will tell soon. "Baby Face" Solskjaer could anyway stay until June. He's always the "super sub" finally there and the man of the 1999 CL final, with that legendary comeback in the injury time.
 
 

@StevieDay1983
oh my god, I was at that game! It was my first trip back to Cardiff since I was born there.
We took the National Express from LUTON and arrived in Cardiff about 12. The plan was to jump into a cab & find a pub near the ground. It was freezing, and we jumped into a cab to the ground
"Can you take us to a pub please" We asked the driver
"No, my advice to you is to get to the ground and stay there" said the driver!
He dropped us at the ground. "Can you pick us up here after" we asked, "No, you needn't think I am coming anywhere near here after the game" he replied. 
Christ - What had we come to? It was 3 hours to KO & bloody freezing.
We were in the main stand, as opposed to the terrace. I remember Hartson getting showered with coins every time he went near the touch line. After the game the Cardiff fans tried getting on the pitch & caused some aggro with the police. They then started ripping their seats out and throwing them at the police horses, which by then, were on the pitch. The away fans were being kept in, whilst the ground was being cleared. The Cardiff fans went around to the away end and started throwing bricks into the open (terrace) away end. LUTON fans pushed forward to get away from the missiles, and as they moved forward the police thought they were trying to get on the pitch, so they tear gassed them!
I am watching this from the stand at the side, thinking, I have got to get back to the bus station through this! In front of us was the family section, and I said to a young kid "Do you want to sell me your scarf? "What do you mean?" He said, "Well, I've got to walk back through this lot, and if I have your scarf, I might blend in a bit". I handed over a fiver, and put it on and we kept our heads down & mouths shut as we walked out. I know why the taxi driver didn't want to come back now! 
Anyway we made it back in one piece, and I have a funny story to tell about that day. We lost in the semis against Chelsea at Wembley that season.
My next and last visit to Ninian Park, was when we holidaying in the Forest of Dean.Cardiff were playing Birmingham, and we sat in the Bob Bank. I told my wife, don't speak, as the whole stand erupted into Men Of Harlech, and and I felt totally uncomfortable! We kept quiet, but enjoyed the rest of the game.
It certainly was an intimidating ground, full of nutters! One thing that I wanted to know, is why was it called the Bob Bank? I'm presuming it's similar to the Bobbers at LUTON, so called because it used to cost a bob to get in!
Good times, Great memories 

Totally forgot your Luton affiliation, @Tiffy! I still hurt from that 2-1 defeat we suffered to you in 1994 in the FA Cup 5th Round. Never forget John Hartson celebrating in front of us. Ironic that 12 years later he'd be back at Ninian Park playing for West Brom and receiving undoubtedly the worst abuse I've ever seen a human being take on a football pitch that was just within the bounds of acceptability. Speaking of karma! 

Wolves vs Liverpool
We are treated to a Friday night game in the Premier League this weekend. Mid-table Wolves entertain the league leaders Liverpool at Molineux for this 8pm kick-off. Can the Midlands team continue their revival of form or will the Reds extend their undefeated league run?
Wolves started the season well with just 1 defeat in their opening 8 league games. A slight blip in October and November without a win in 6 league games has now seemingly been put behind them. Nuno Santo's side have now won three league games on the bounce moving them up to 7th in the table and just 1 point behind Manchester United.
Liverpool are excelling this season. Jurgen Klopp's men have set the title pace and are now sitting on top of the table with a 1 point advantage over their main title rivals Manchester City. The Reds are undefeated and have won their last 6 league games in a row.
Despite the recent head-to-head between these two sides being fairly even with 3 wins for Liverpool and 2 victories for Wolves in the last 5 meetings, the travelling side are unbeaten in their last 5 visits to Molineux. Their last defeat away in the league came against Chelsea on 6th May last season.
The home side clearly hate playing on a Friday night. Wolves have lost their last 11 matches played on a Friday in the top flight. Their last top flight win on a Friday night came way back in April, 1965. That's a monkey they'll certainly want to get off their shoulder.
This is a massive opportunity for Wolves though. If they win this game then it will be four consecutive wins in the Premier League. The last time they achieved four wins in a row in the top flight was back in January, 1972. Wolves will also be the 27th team that Klopp has faced in the Premier League. He has earned at least one victory against all of the other 26 sides.
I'm backing this to be an exciting game with both teams attacking each other. Wolves showed against Manchester City that they can cause problems for the big teams. They've ridden the sticky patch and I can see this being a tough one for Liverpool. I think Klopp's side might squeeze a win out here but it won't be easy. 2-1 away win if I was pushed for a correct score.
BTTS @ 2.00 with William Hill
Anytime Scorer: Mohamed Salah @ 1.95 with Betway
@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, and @AndreBR, what are you guys looking to bet this weekend?

Wolves vs Liverpool
We are treated to a Friday night game in the Premier League this weekend. Mid-table Wolves entertain the league leaders Liverpool at Molineux for this 8pm kick-off. Can the Midlands team continue their revival of form or will the Reds extend their undefeated league run?
Wolves started the season well with just 1 defeat in their opening 8 league games. A slight blip in October and November without a win in 6 league games has now seemingly been put behind them. Nuno Santo's side have now won three league games on the bounce moving them up to 7th in the table and just 1 point behind Manchester United.
Liverpool are excelling this season. Jurgen Klopp's men have set the title pace and are now sitting on top of the table with a 1 point advantage over their main title rivals Manchester City. The Reds are undefeated and have won their last 6 league games in a row.
Despite the recent head-to-head between these two sides being fairly even with 3 wins for Liverpool and 2 victories for Wolves in the last 5 meetings, the travelling side are unbeaten in their last 5 visits to Molineux. Their last defeat away in the league came against Chelsea on 6th May last season.
The home side clearly hate playing on a Friday night. Wolves have lost their last 11 matches played on a Friday in the top flight. Their last top flight win on a Friday night came way back in April, 1965. That's a monkey they'll certainly want to get off their shoulder.
This is a massive opportunity for Wolves though. If they win this game then it will be four consecutive wins in the Premier League. The last time they achieved four wins in a row in the top flight was back in January, 1972. Wolves will also be the 27th team that Klopp has faced in the Premier League. He has earned at least one victory against all of the other 26 sides.
I'm backing this to be an exciting game with both teams attacking each other. Wolves showed against Manchester City that they can cause problems for the big teams. They've ridden the sticky patch and I can see this being a tough one for Liverpool. I think Klopp's side might squeeze a win out here but it won't be easy. 2-1 away win if I was pushed for a correct score.
BTTS @ 2.00 with William Hill
Anytime Scorer: Mohamed Salah @ 1.95 with Betway
@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, and @AndreBR, what are you guys looking to bet this weekend?

Wolverhampton vs Liverpool
Hmm...A top-table team extremely on form against an average mid-table team
Noted that Wolves so far only lost once to top table teams:
25/8 Wolves 1-1 Man City
22/9 Man Utd 1-1 Wolves
04/11 Wolves 2-3 Tottenham
12/11 Arsenal 1-1 Wolves
06/12 Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
 
 
Here's some other stats I checked:
Wolves have won 3 in a row in all competitions - The last time they won 4 in a row was back in Apr'18
Wolves have not win 3 consecutive home match since 2017
Wolves have not record consecutive wins in all competitions against Liverpool since 1980
Wolves lost 0-3 in their last 2 home matches against Liverpool (2011, 2012) - The last time they lost 3 consecutive matches at Molineux against Liverpool was in the 1970s (1976, 1978, 1979)

I had an absolute stinker of a card last weekend. I don't see anything I like too much this week in terms of asian handicap but perhaps that will change as things develop.
For now it's back to the 'drawing board':
 
Huddersfield Town V Southampton
X @ 3.15 Unibet
It was a massive morale booster for Southampton to beat Arsenal at the weekend but the saints might not find so many attacking opportunities against David Wagner's Huddersfield side. It's true that Southampton have the slightly better goal metrics and ELO performance heading into this encounter but my overall view is that this could be a nervy, low scoring affair where both teams cancel each other out.
 
Newcastle Utd V Fulham
X @ 3.60 Betvictor
ELO ratings show no differential here so both teams are closely matched in terms of attacking performance. Key goal metrics between the two teams are also very close right now. Yes, Newcastle clearly have a defensive advantage over Fulham but so does every team in the EPL. Newcastle are rightly favourites here but I don't think Fulham have a noticeable quality disadvantage in terms of personnel. Claudio Ranieri may fancy his chances of getting something from this game in view of Newcastle's tepid attack.
Since the attacking metrics are so closely matched here I feel there is some added value to be had in backing the stalemate at an inflated price.
 
Everton V Tottenham Hotspur
X @ 3.50 Betvictor
Again, very little between the two in terms of ELO performance and key goal metrics. Tottenham are the more ruthless upfront but we've seen Everton run Chelsea and Liverpool close this season and I feel the toffeemen are slowly making progress under manager Marco Silva.
We must bear in mind that Tottenham have the added obstacle of a midweek league cup game to negotiate and that may just hamper their preparations for Everton slightly.
I feel X is the value play here when you consider the circumstances and inflated price.
 

Couldn't agree more Stevie D. They should have bought Big Sam in to steady the ship.
@thfc As a LUTON fan, I was close to tears back in mid 80's when Spurs seduced our manager, David Pleat. LUTON were a well established top flight side, going on to finish 8th, and grace Wembley in 3 cup finals, (beating Arsenal in 88!). I've never forgiven them, especially when they came in shortly after and nabbed our home grown , England U21 left back, Mitchell "Spider" Thomas (I went to school with his brother by the way)
Just remember that life evens things out eventually, and Karma will always get you in the end

As a Cardiff fan, I am stunned that they've gone for Solskjaer. He was woeful for us. Admittedly, we were in an even worse predicament back then than they are now but still. The problem remains the owners. Sir Alex Ferguson always told his players that if they went into management they should choose the owners, not the club. Even though Solskjaer was shockingly bad for us with awful player recruitment (he openly admitted he used Football Manager to search for players), lacklustre motivation, sub par man management, and deplorable tactics I like him as a guy. I was excited by his appointment initially. Were we just a one-off bad case for him or did we expose his flaws?
I might seem a bit biased due to my club's experience of him but I think we can rule United out of the Champions League next season and I imagine they'll be eliminated in the last 16 this season. I feel it's going to get worse before it gets better for United fans.
I also agree with @thfc and @Tiffy about Pochettino. Tottenham are on the cusp of taking the next step up. In terms of building a legacy, Daniel Levy is doing a cracking job. He's taken his fair share of criticism for lack of spending but he's being proved right for doing it now. I'd be very excited if I was a Tottenham fan and if Pochettino has any sense he'll stay exactly where he is unless something bad goes down at the club.

As a Cardiff fan, I am stunned that they've gone for Solskjaer. He was woeful for us. Admittedly, we were in an even worse predicament back then than they are now but still. The problem remains the owners. Sir Alex Ferguson always told his players that if they went into management they should choose the owners, not the club. Even though Solskjaer was shockingly bad for us with awful player recruitment (he openly admitted he used Football Manager to search for players), lacklustre motivation, sub par man management, and deplorable tactics I like him as a guy. I was excited by his appointment initially. Were we just a one-off bad case for him or did we expose his flaws?
I might seem a bit biased due to my club's experience of him but I think we can rule United out of the Champions League next season and I imagine they'll be eliminated in the last 16 this season. I feel it's going to get worse before it gets better for United fans.
I also agree with @thfc and @Tiffy about Pochettino. Tottenham are on the cusp of taking the next step up. In terms of building a legacy, Daniel Levy is doing a cracking job. He's taken his fair share of criticism for lack of spending but he's being proved right for doing it now. I'd be very excited if I was a Tottenham fan and if Pochettino has any sense he'll stay exactly where he is unless something bad goes down at the club.

As long as it's not Poch then I don't care who gets it.  As Tiffy says, spurs are at the present time a bigger club so I can't see him moving now.
Presumably the club have been talking to someone behind the scenes before sacking him.  Blanc is now the favourite although I don't see him changing their fortunes anytime soon.  Not that I have any problem with that

Couldn't agree more Stevie d. The problems lie at the top, added that there is no long term strategy at UTD, then they aren't going anywhere for a while.
Poch won't leave Spurs now will he? Spurs are on the brink of becoming a bigger club than Utd. I wouldn't fancy any of that lot if I was a Utd fan. Get Eddie Howe in!
They need a manager who can play a modern, atttacking style of football.
 

I'm on btts with Paddypower but they don't have the greatest odds on that bet there. I only got btts at 1.75.

Leicester vs Manchester City
The live televised EFL Cup Quarter-Final tonight is the all-Premier League tie between mid-table Leicester and second placed Manchester City in a 7:45pm kick-off from the King Power Stadium. A place in the semi-finals is up for grabs but can the host side cause an upset?
Leicester have had a tragic and emotional couple of months. Things are starting to settle down once again after that traumatic period but questions still remain over the impact the death of the club's owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, but the club now face their sternest test since that awful day in this clash with City.
The Foxes have already disposed of Fleetwood, Wolves, and Southampton. Interestingly, Claude Puel's side haven't conceded a goal in regulation or extra-time play in this competition this season. If they manage that again tonight then they'll be only the second team this season to pull off that feat.
Manchester City are performing as expected. Pep Guardiola's side might not be top of the Premier League table but that's purely down to Liverpool's excellent early season form. They are still pushing Jurgen Klopp's men and have reached the last 16 of the Champions League as a seeded team.
So far in this competition, the Citizens have demolished Oxford United and Fulham without conceding a goal. It is no wonder the bookies are favouring them to win this game and win it well. It can never be certain what side Guardiola will send out for a game like this with a congested fixture schedule coming up. Maybe that offers the chance for some cheeky value backing the underdog to perform better than expected.
It should be remembered that even though Manchester City have the superior record in this head-to-head over recent times with 3 wins and a draw from the last 4 encounters, Leicester did actually take the scalp of City during 2016. The two clubs were in two completely different places back then mind.
I'm finding it hard to bet against Manchester City but I'm not sure it'll be as easy for them as the bookies are making out. Guardiola has frequently dismissed any real desire to try and win the EFL Cup. It seems to be a trophy he'd be happy to win but won't put much emphasis on it. I wouldn't be surprised if Leicester push them all the way losing by just a single goal or even taking the visitors to extra-time.
BTTS @ 1.95 with Bet365
Leicester +2 @ 1.83 with Ladbrokes
@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, @sajtion, @Darran, @postmanplod69, @eddiem, @bartonbank, @yossa6133, @Teodore, @thinkpink63, @Roy The Boy, and @AndreBR, what bets are you guys tempted by for these games?

Leicester vs Manchester City
The live televised EFL Cup Quarter-Final tonight is the all-Premier League tie between mid-table Leicester and second placed Manchester City in a 7:45pm kick-off from the King Power Stadium. A place in the semi-finals is up for grabs but can the host side cause an upset?
Leicester have had a tragic and emotional couple of months. Things are starting to settle down once again after that traumatic period but questions still remain over the impact the death of the club's owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, but the club now face their sternest test since that awful day in this clash with City.
The Foxes have already disposed of Fleetwood, Wolves, and Southampton. Interestingly, Claude Puel's side haven't conceded a goal in regulation or extra-time play in this competition this season. If they manage that again tonight then they'll be only the second team this season to pull off that feat.
Manchester City are performing as expected. Pep Guardiola's side might not be top of the Premier League table but that's purely down to Liverpool's excellent early season form. They are still pushing Jurgen Klopp's men and have reached the last 16 of the Champions League as a seeded team.
So far in this competition, the Citizens have demolished Oxford United and Fulham without conceding a goal. It is no wonder the bookies are favouring them to win this game and win it well. It can never be certain what side Guardiola will send out for a game like this with a congested fixture schedule coming up. Maybe that offers the chance for some cheeky value backing the underdog to perform better than expected.
It should be remembered that even though Manchester City have the superior record in this head-to-head over recent times with 3 wins and a draw from the last 4 encounters, Leicester did actually take the scalp of City during 2016. The two clubs were in two completely different places back then mind.
I'm finding it hard to bet against Manchester City but I'm not sure it'll be as easy for them as the bookies are making out. Guardiola has frequently dismissed any real desire to try and win the EFL Cup. It seems to be a trophy he'd be happy to win but won't put much emphasis on it. I wouldn't be surprised if Leicester push them all the way losing by just a single goal or even taking the visitors to extra-time.
BTTS @ 1.95 with Bet365
Leicester +2 @ 1.83 with Ladbrokes
@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, @sajtion, @Darran, @postmanplod69, @eddiem, @bartonbank, @yossa6133, @Teodore, @thinkpink63, @Roy The Boy, and @AndreBR, what bets are you guys tempted by for these games?

It's one final round of Championship matches before Christmas so check out the odds and ratings listed above. Plenty to think about and remember that all of these teams are back in action on Boxing Day so the action is coming thick and fast over the next few weeks. 

He had to go, his style is so outdated. You can’t park the bus anymore, It’s like a big company not having a social media presence and relying on the high street.  
Caretaker will be from outside the club - Harry Redknapp until end of season maybe?  

Alaves vs Athletic Bilbao
The Monday night match in La Liga throws up a tricky match for us punters as a well-performing Alaves welcome a struggling Athletic Bilbao to the Estadio de Mendizorroza for this 8pm kick-off. These two teams are experiencing mirrored seasons to how they expected pre-season so this could be interesting!
Alaves are 7th in La Liga at the time of writing this preview and just 5 points off the Champions League qualification spots. Abelardo's team started the season with just 2 defeats in their first 10 league games. Unfortunately, that has deteriorated into just 1 win in their last 5 league outings. Has the bubble burst?
Athletic Bilbao just can't seem to get out of this rut. Gaizka Garitano replaced the outgoing Eduardo Berizzo back on 5th December and the club won its solitary game under his charge 1-0 at home against Girona. Not a lot could be established from that single game but it was a first win since the opening day of the season.
Now, I'm going to take a big punt here. Athletic Bilbao might be in 18th place and 1 point adrift of safety as I am writing this and their away form is so bad that they've only picked up 1 win in 17 away matches in La Liga but I feel the bad spell has to end soon. Why not against an Alaves team slowly falling off the pace? The clean sheet will have breathed new confidence into the side and under the new manager I fancy them to take something from this game.
Athletic Bilbao Draw No Bet @ 1.85 with MarathonBet
Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 1.64 with Unibet

Borussia Dortmund - Werder Bremen BTTS&OVER 2.5 @1.95 7/10
Yes, Dortmund played 0:0 with Club Brugge and 0:2 at Monaco. The truth is Club Brugge also played 0:0 against Atletico Madrid and Monaco is poor this season and didn't have interest in that game. In this game I see both teams pushing forward, at first place Dortmund going for the title, but Werder is nasty and agressive and they will not give up without shots fired no matter who is their opponent. They lost 1:2 against Bayern and even though Dormtund is first I rate them to be similar with Bayern. Dortmund rested Reus and Sancho against Monaco probably for this game but they also have Pulisic, Alcacer etc. imo if Leverkusen scored 6 goals against Werder and M'Gladbach 3 goals then Dortmund surely can score two goals. And as I said Werder is very agressive and for example in the game against M'Gladbach even though they lost they had more chances. This season playing at home Dortmund didn't concede a goal only against Nurnberg and Freibrug while Augsburg scored 3, Frankfurt 1, Leipzig 1, Hertha 2 and Bayern 2. After two clean sheets for Dortmund it is time for Werder who managed to score in it's all away games this season. In last 4 season at Westfalen Arena there was BTTS&OVER 2.5 and in last game Werder even went away with a win. I see 3:1 in this game.
Hoffenheim - M'Gladbach BTTS&OVER 2.5 @1.6 7/10
Well this is obvious isn't it? Both attacking teams with huge offensive potential with huge desire for 3 points. Hoffenheim to climb up to the European spots and M'Gladbach to keep their second position or even attack Borussia Dortmund if their appetites are big enough. In Hoffenheim games BTTS is inevitable but I just hope it doesn't end in a 1:1 draw since the odd is poor. Over 2.5 is only @1.35 and BTTS is at the same price, so only one goal more to double the price I had to take it.
In this game I expect tons of counter attacks, going back and forth across the field, just like it was in Hoffenheim-Shaktar game and the result should be similar if everything goes as expected. M'Gladbach could not score against Leipzig even though they have 3-4 goals a game in them but Leipzig has somewhat better defense and game control than Hoffenheim. The goal will come in this game and the other side will have to push forward. I just hope M'Gladbach for some reason scores the first goal and decides to protect it. I see 3:3 in this game so if you like it OVER 3.5 is @1.85 what is also poor but it is a huge probability and bookies know it. I rather take lower odds on at least three goals, I can hardly imagine one team will have 3:0 result in this matchup.
BTW something is fishy in Stuttgart - Hertha game because Hertha WIN seems obvious and those odds don't make sense. They know something I don't so I will avoid it.
And I think Dusseldorf might take all three points against Freiburg, they have goals in them and they need points. Freiburg seems to play better against top teams.

I love what he's done with Wilson and Lawrence because it's showing at international level for Wales that they've come on in leaps and bounds over the last 6 months. Looking forward to the game tonight. I've got football at 8pm until 9pm so I'll try and catch the last half hour over the pub afterwards. I've always quite liked both Derby and Nottingham Forest so always feel awkward in this game when they despise each other so much.

Good preview, honestly I have no idea what will happen but a draw is as likely as anything and a fair price and BTTS looks very likely too, so can't argue with your picks.
I thought Lampard would do well, he's one of the few recent ex-players that seems to have a bit of a brain!

Derby vs Nottingham Forest
Now, @yossa6133, you'll be able to offer a more educated view point on this fixture so please do build on or take down anything I say!  It's the Monday night football match between local rivals Derby and Nottingham Forest in a 7:45pm kick-off at Pride Park. It could be about to go off in one of the most important East Midlands derby matches of recent memory.
Derby are perhaps surprising a few people, including myself, at how they are appearing to progress well under Frank Lampard. Fair play to the former Chelsea player, he's made some shrewd signings and appears to be getting the best out of the young attacking midfield players such as Tom Lawrence, Harry Wilson, and Mason Mount. They've also found a gem from the lower divisions in Jack Marriott. The Rams are sat in 5th place and certainly looking a solid bet to reach the play-offs.
Nottingham Forest are a club on their way back. Aitor Karanka is installing a new sense of belief in the squad that is thanks to the new ownership. The Tricky Trees are in 7th place but would move into the play-off spots with a win here. It is just one defeat in their last 8 league matches but, unfortunately, that was their last league game in a 1-0 loss at home to lower mid-table Preston.
The home team in this game boast the far superior head-to-head record over recent years. The past 5 meetings in the league have seen Derby win three and draw two. Forest have been unable to even score in four of those matches. It should be remembered that it has been a hard few years for Forest and their fans. This is a new era with new possibilities.
One thing Forest can come into this game confident about is that they won't go down without a fight. Karanka has made them a very hard team to beat on the road. It is just 1 loss in their 10 away matches in the league so far this season. 6 of those matches might have been draws but the fact is that Karanka knows how to tighten a ship up away from home. Except for that 5-5 draw with Aston Villa at Villa Park the other week. That was just complete madness!
Interestingly, Karanka lost his first game against Derby in English football back in 2013. However, since then he has gone unbeaten playing them in his last six outings. Is he a bogey manager for the Rams? Or is it about time that he suffered a defeat?
I'm not really sure which way this will go. I'm tempted to back Derby to win but I think Forest can nullify the Derby attacking line to a large extent, albeit maybe not all game, if they play as organised as they have done away from home this season. Take the 5 goals conceded against Villa out of the equation and Forest have conceded just 8 goals in 9 away matches this season. I think I'm going to back a score draw.
Draw @ 3.60 with BetVictor
BTTS @ 1.75 with Sportingbet

Derby vs Nottingham Forest
Now, @yossa6133, you'll be able to offer a more educated view point on this fixture so please do build on or take down anything I say!  It's the Monday night football match between local rivals Derby and Nottingham Forest in a 7:45pm kick-off at Pride Park. It could be about to go off in one of the most important East Midlands derby matches of recent memory.
Derby are perhaps surprising a few people, including myself, at how they are appearing to progress well under Frank Lampard. Fair play to the former Chelsea player, he's made some shrewd signings and appears to be getting the best out of the young attacking midfield players such as Tom Lawrence, Harry Wilson, and Mason Mount. They've also found a gem from the lower divisions in Jack Marriott. The Rams are sat in 5th place and certainly looking a solid bet to reach the play-offs.
Nottingham Forest are a club on their way back. Aitor Karanka is installing a new sense of belief in the squad that is thanks to the new ownership. The Tricky Trees are in 7th place but would move into the play-off spots with a win here. It is just one defeat in their last 8 league matches but, unfortunately, that was their last league game in a 1-0 loss at home to lower mid-table Preston.
The home team in this game boast the far superior head-to-head record over recent years. The past 5 meetings in the league have seen Derby win three and draw two. Forest have been unable to even score in four of those matches. It should be remembered that it has been a hard few years for Forest and their fans. This is a new era with new possibilities.
One thing Forest can come into this game confident about is that they won't go down without a fight. Karanka has made them a very hard team to beat on the road. It is just 1 loss in their 10 away matches in the league so far this season. 6 of those matches might have been draws but the fact is that Karanka knows how to tighten a ship up away from home. Except for that 5-5 draw with Aston Villa at Villa Park the other week. That was just complete madness!
Interestingly, Karanka lost his first game against Derby in English football back in 2013. However, since then he has gone unbeaten playing them in his last six outings. Is he a bogey manager for the Rams? Or is it about time that he suffered a defeat?
I'm not really sure which way this will go. I'm tempted to back Derby to win but I think Forest can nullify the Derby attacking line to a large extent, albeit maybe not all game, if they play as organised as they have done away from home this season. Take the 5 goals conceded against Villa out of the equation and Forest have conceded just 8 goals in 9 away matches this season. I think I'm going to back a score draw.
Draw @ 3.60 with BetVictor
BTTS @ 1.75 with Sportingbet

have to agree with you @StevieDay1983
I can't see Wednesday getting anything, the manager is a dead man walking and has lost the players as well as the fans. Bannan is suspended and forestieri injured. Joao is our best hope of a goal.
I may double Swansea with baron alco at cheltenham

Atalanta vs Lazio
Firstly, great group of tips in this thread this week. @the bastardian, @betcatalog, and @thinkpink63 particularly delivering the goods in terms of quality. I've ballsed it up this week. My personal circumstances mean I'm left with having to predict the Atalanta versus Lazio match this Monday night at 7:30pm at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia. I bloody hate getting involved with Atalanta!
Atalanta are a team that, if you've been with us for a while, you'll know love to screw us over. Don't trust the form books or statistics when it comes to these guys. In other words, this is personal. Gian Piero Gasperini's team are 10th in Serie A but such is the tightness of the league that they're only 5 points off the Champions League qualification places.
Lazio are one of the great Italian sides but recent years have been dry for the club. Simone Inzaghi has turned them back into a top four competing side. They are in 5th place right now but it could have been so much better than it is. The club are just 1 point behind 4th placed AC Milan but have drawn their last four league matches.
You can certainly expect goals in this encounter. The past five meetings between these two sides have seen 21 goals scored and both teams have scored in every one of those matches. This prospect of goals is further inflated by the fact that Atalanta and Lazio are the two teams that have had the most touches in opposition team's box in Serie A since the start of 2018. They love their attacking pressure!
I know I'm going to regret this but I'm going to go against my gut and back Atalanta for the win. They've been inconsistent at home but have generally struggled against the teams that have shut up shop or sneaked a single goal win. Against a team like Lazio that come to attack I think they'll grab the win. If they don't, then I'm officially declaring them an enemy of Punters Lounge! No offence to their fans. They're still welcome here. Just not the players... or management... or coaching staff.
Atalanta to Win @ 2.25 with MarathonBet
BTTS @ 1.59 with SportPesa