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Premier League Match Previews & Betting Recommendations for 1st & 2nd October

The Premier League action kicks-off again this weekend after the international break & hopefully the entertainment levels will rise even further as teams look to build on their early season form & look to really kick on to where they want to be.

Hopefully this weekend will be even more exciting & entertaining in the Premier League & looking at the fixture list that should happen as there are some brilliant games to get stuck into.

The added factor that has to be considered from here on in is the impact of clubs playing in the midweek european competitions & especially the Champions League which has a proven effect on results of those teams involved, both before & after Champions League matches.

I’ve had a good look at this weekend’s fixtures & here are my own views with the betting recommendations covering the major football markets for your consideration & to help you make your own decisions

Everton vs Liverpool – (Saturday 12.45pm)
 
Local derbies such as this eagerly anticipated clash of Everotn & Liverpool usually have the experts & pundits going into cliche overdrive with ‘the formbook goes out of the window’ the classic one that gets used over & over again as a throw away comment but I believe the form book is entirely relevant & will have a big impact on how this game will go.
 
Everton vs Liverpool means intense, local pride , it means an incredibly power-charged atmosphere, it means 22 players who starts the game plus the management team, coaching staff, substitutes & of course an entire city full of fans all wanting victory for their team & it usually means a fierce, physical battle that will last from the first whistle to the very last whistle.
 
All those factors are a given for every Everton vs Liverpool clash so in my view what becomes the deciding factor is form on that front both Everton & Liverpool have experienced mixed levels of form, performances & most importantly results and I don’t expect there to be too much, if anything, between these two sides on saturday lunch time.
 
For the first time in a long time this fixture has two managers who have both got great experience of this fixture & have the sense of exactly what this game means to the fans so while it would be great to see entertaining, flowing football producing great goals, it’s much more likely to be a real battle of two committed sides who will compete for everything physically & won’t back down and I just don’t see either side having a clear, distinctive edge here.
 
David Moyes’s Everton have home advantage, have the natural ability to fight & battle so that’s in their favour while Liverpool have the better quality players to balance the argument up & I just envisage this to be a fiercely competitive, hard fought draw & that’s an option that definitely has a fair level of betting value & appeal.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: DRAW
Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Saha/Suarez/Osman
Scorecast options: Saha/Suarez/Osman score 1st & 1-1/2-2
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

 
 
Aston Villa vs Wigan – (Saturday 3.00pm)
 
Alex McCleish can be satisfied with how things have started for him in charge at Aston Villa this season as they remain unbeaten after 6 games & indeed look a very solid side that can compete hard this season & in that sense definite progress has been made.
 
Where Alex McCleish & everybody connected to Aston Villa will feel slightly disappointed & indeed frustrated is the fact their unbeaten start includes 5 draws & only 1 win, with the fact that only a 93rd minute goal from QPR stopped that record reading 2 wins & 4 draws.
 
The good news for everybody connected to Aston Villa is the fact Wigan come into this game just looking like a team that doesn’t really look capable of winning games or indeed even scoring often enough to even get draws so in my opinion I don’t think Aston Villa could have a better opportunity than this to get back to winning ways.
 
Something that will help massively towards that should be the return of Darren Bent & he alongside Gabriel Agbonlohar in attack with former Wigan star Charles N’Zogbia who will be desperate to play well & score against his old team then surely that trio will have too much pace, guile & movement for a Wigan defence that continues to struggles.
 
Wigan have pulled off a few surprises results in this fixture in the past & indeed they do have a tendency to shock by pulling off wins that never seemed possible but in all honesty & on what I’ve seen from both Aston Villa & Wigan so far this season then Aston Villa should have more than enough to win this game with N’Zogbia a lively candidate to lead the way & a comfortable Villa win looks the call here.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: ASTON VILLA to win
Correct Score options: Aston Villa to win 3-0/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Bent/Z’Nogbia/Abgonlohar
Scorecast options: Bent/Z’Nogbia/Abgonlohar score 1st & Aston Villa win 3-0/3-1
Double Result: ASTON VILLA H/T & F/T

 
 
Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester City – (Saturday 3.00pm)
 
There’s undoubtedly an element of local rivalry which usually pumps the atmosphere up a few notches higher for this one & Blackburn Rovers have fought out some cracking games with Manchester City over the years but this time around it should all be about what Manchester City do & if they play well they will win this.
 
That’s not being disrespectful to Blackburn Rovers just merely stating the obvious as Blackburn Rovers have mainly been very poor this year despite the endeavour & positivity of Steve Kean and there is no escaping the fact that they are miles short of the quality that Manchester City possess and I personally don’t see how Blackburn will find a way to stop Man City winning this.
 
Blackburn can point to the fact they beat Arsenal in their last game but that was a surreal match & Manchester City simply won’t be as easy to play against defensively as Arsenal were & Manchester City’s attacking quality should be too much for Blackburn’s limited side.
 
The only hope for Blackburn Rovers here is that Man City have another off day like they did against Bayern Munich but I just don’t see happening & I’m taking Manchester City to get another huge win here.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: MANCHESTER CITY to win
Correct Score options: Manchester City to win 3-0/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Aguero/Dzeko/Silva
Scorecast options: Aguero/Dzeko/Silva score 1st & Man City win 3-0/3-1
Double Result: MAN CITY H/T & F/T
 
 
 
Manchester United vs Norwich City – (Saturday 3.00pm)
 
Whenever Manchester United suffer any sought of setback then Sir Alex Ferguson always ensures that it doesn’t happen again in the next game & it never does so that’s really bad news for Norwich City who would have already been expecting a seriously tough game anyway but indeed at least the presence of Norwich City should make it a good open game to watch.
 
The setback I’m talking about is the 3-3 home draw that Manchester United experienced against Basle in the Champions League & quite simply Sir Alex Ferguson will not accept the way United threw away a 2-0 lead to only just scrape the result & that will guarantee that the team is returned to as strong as possible & that those players will be intensely focused & determined to put that right with a convincing win here.
 
Norwich City come into this match on a massive high after achieving two excellent wins in the Premier League, 2-1 wins over Bolton & Sunderland clearly highlighting that Paul Lambert’s side can achieve results at this level but quite clearly no matter how good they’ve played so far, playing Manchester United at Old Trafford will be their toughest test to date & if they get anything positive from this match it will be viewed as a major shock that I just cannot see happening.
 
Norwich City always look to play positive, attacking football & I don’t expect any different from them in this match so if that’s the case then surely Manchester United will have too much attacking quality, fluency & pace for the Norwich City defence that doesn’t keep clean sheets & a comfortable Manchester United win has to be the call here.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: MANCHESTER UNITED to win
Correct Score options: Manchester United to win 3-0/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Hernandez/Nani/Young
Scorecast options: Hernandez/Nani/Young score 1st & Man United win 3-0/3-1
Double Result: MAN UNITED H/T & F/T
 
 
Sunderland vs West Brom – (Saturday 3.00pm)
 
This really was a tough game to call – deciding whether I can put enough faith in a Sunderland side who have generally been poor but won their last home game 4-0 or go for a West Brom side struggling to score goals & struggling for form or do I go for a competitive, hard fought draw & a share of the points.
 
The honest answer is that it took me a lot of thinking & a lot of looking into all the factors such as form, confidence levels, quality of squads to try & find a clear, decisive edge for either side but I genuinely cannot split them in this one.
 
Neither Sunderland or West Brom come into this match with a convincing case in terms of consistent form, both have had mixed performances with a few highlights but generally they’ve both been struggling in games and there is every chance that both teams will just cancel each other out here.
 
I don’t want to dwell on this game too long because I don’t think it’s going to be a classic in terms of quality entertainment & it’s so close to call that it can go either way so not a game to get too seriously involved on the betting front but for those looking for an interest in this match then it’s the draw that appeals & at least it’s a bet that offers value.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: DRAW
Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Bendtner/Larrson/Odemwinge
Scorecast options: Bendtner/Larrson/Odemwinge score 1st & 1-1/2-2
Double Result: SUNDERLAND H/T & F/T
 
 
Wolves vs Newcastle United – (Saturday 3.00pm)
 
Mick McCarthy will be looking for a positive & indeed winning response from his Wolves players soon after a run of poor results & I think Wolves can defy the odds and beat so far unbeaten Newcastle United in this one but it will certainly not be easy.
 
It may seem strange for me to be putting my faith in Mick McCarthy’s side after a string of defeats but they played well enough in the first 3 games of the season when getting 2 wins & a draw and again well enough in defeats against Tottenham & Liverpool to suggest they have more than enough to do well in this match as long as they defend properly & don’t make the mistakes they’ve been making.
 
I must say that I feel that I’ve taken a fairly big risk in opposing Newcastle United here because Alan Pardew’s team have been impressively well organised & played some very good football in starting the season unbeaten so far & they will certainly come into this game full of confidence believing they can extend that unbeaten
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: WOLVES to win
Correct Score options: Wolves to win 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Fletcher/O’Hara/Doyle
Scorecast options: Fletcher/O’Hara/Doyle score 1st & Wolves win 2-0/2-1
Double Result: WOLVES H/T & F/T

 
 
Bolton vs Chelsea – (Sunday 1.30pm)
 
Chelsea should win this & win this comfortably.
 
I’ve taken this simple approach when previewing a few of Chelsea’s games this season, it’s worked well every time  & I see no reason why it won’t this time around here.
 
The facts are clear for all to see, Bolton have started with an opening day win followed by 5 defeats in which they’ve conceded 16 goals & that’s left them rooted to the bottom of the Premier League while Chelsea look very strong sitting in 3rd place & look likely to be title contenders again this season and all that makes this look a total mis-match right now.
 
Of course Chelsea do have to deal with the after effects of a midweek away trip to Valencia but that shouldn’t really be too much of a problem & Chelsea simply have far more quality that Bolton & should have way too much attacking ability for a Bolton defence that has basically collapsed in each of the last 5 games & I can’t see how this Bolton defence will cope with Chelsea if they arrive here in top form.
 
There are shocks that occur after big midweek Champions League games & this might have been a prime candidate in different circumstances but Chelsea have a very good record against Bolton in the Premier League & I think they have to be backed to win again & win with a degree of comfort to inflict more suffering for the Bolton fans.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: CHELSEA win
Correct Score options: Chelsea win 3-0/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Anelka/Drogba/Mata
Scorecast options: Anelka/Drogba/Mata & Chelsea 3-0/3-1
Double Result: CHELSEA H/T & F/T

 
 
Fulham vs QPR – (Sunday 3.00pm)
 
London derby, two very competitive, well organised teams & two very experienced managers should set up this clash of Fulham & QPR to be a really competitive battle & indeed one that could go well either way.
 
Fulham are strong, committed side who are tough to beat at home as they showed to come back from 2-0 down against Man City so while they have not been massively impressive & winning games, they’ve certainly showed a lot of character & they have the quality to take this as long as they get over their current problem of not scoring goals with only 4 scored in their opening 6 games not good enough at this level.
 
For QPR then they’ve had a solid start to the season & indeed a lot better than most predicted with 2 draws & 2 wins from their opening 6 games and they’ve been particularly impressive in their last few performances so come here in good form with the only problem for QPR an ability to convert the chances they create.
 
My policy over the last few years has generally been to back Fulham to win when they play at home but the fact this is a London derby, it comes only 3 days after a Europa league tie & QPR come in confident form having won 2 of their 3 away games then I can see this being a really competitive, hard fought battle & I’m taking Fulham & QPR to share the points here making the draw a tempting value bet.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: DRAW
Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Dempsey/Zamora/Taarabt
Scorecast options: Dempsey/Zamora/Taarabt score 1st & 1-1/2-2
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

 
 
Swansea vs Stoke City – (Sunday 3.00pm)
 
Fascinating game in prospect here with Premier League new boys Swansea who play their free flowing style of football taking on now established Premier League side Stoke City & their power based football & it be interesting to se which, if any, style comes out on top here.

Swansea have had a fairly tough start to the Premier League as they started with a 4-0 defeat & then failed to score in their first 4 games before putting that right in style in their last home game when they comfortably beat West Brom 3-0 & it will be that performance they think of ahead of this game.

That 3-0 victory over West Brom showed that if Swansea do the basics right & take their chances when they get them then they can compete & give themselves a chance of survival but this task against Stoke City will be a tough one & they’ll need to be ready for it.

For Stoke City & what they might do here then it’s tough to know because I tipped them to lose to West Brom and yet they won and then I tipped them to beat Sunderland and they got thrashed 4-0.

Now that 4-0 defeat came after Stoke City had played on the thursday night in europe so maybe that had an impact but then again Tony Pulis just said it was a bad day allround & that it wouldn’t happen again so hopefully he is right & that Stoke City do themselves justice in this one.

The clash of tactics & styles does make this a fascinating game to call & it’s tough to know which way this will go but I must say I can’t quite see Swansea doing enough to edge past Stoke City as they are so hard to beat & but I’m also not sure whether Stoke City can win it either so on the basis the draw is a big price I think it’s worth taking the risk that Swansea & Stoke City share the points
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: DRAW
Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Sinclair/Crouch/Walters
Scorecast options: Sinclair/Crouch/Walters score 1st & 1-1/2-2
Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T
 
 
Tottenham vs Arsenal – (Sunday 4.00pm)
 
The unwritten laws of football dictate that former Arsenal striker/hero Emanuel Adebayor will most probably score against his former club to further upset fans that already dislike him & yet at the same time that would instantly elevate him to hero status with the Tottenham fans.
 
Given the magnitude of this game, given the guaranteed intense atmosphere & given the immense quality throughout both Tottenham & Arsenal squads then it might seem unfair to focus on one player but the majority of the focus will be on Adebayor & from a footballing aspect hen I think that is totally justified.
 
Adebayor has had a massive, positive impact on Tottenham since his move & with him up at the front adding goals, physical power & a presence that brings the rest of Tottenham’s play together so well and without doubt he’s been the key influence in Tottenham’s return to form with Luka Modric, Gareth Bale, Ledley King & Jermaine Defoe not that far behind either all coming together to make Tottenham a very, very good side who look confident & likely to win games and they will certainly believe they can win this one.
 
Adebayor’s chances of scoring in this game are also increased because Arsenal continue to struggle defensively & no matter which way I look at this game I can see Tottenham scoring at least a couple of goals in this & that is going to be a huge problem for Arsenal as it as been all season.
 
Clearly Arsenal have the individual attacking quality lead by Robin Van Persie to cause Tottenham huge problems if they hit their best form & if they defend properly as a team but Tottenham have been very strong at home for last few seasons & Arsenal will have to play very, very well in all departments of the team to get something out of this match.
 
Arsenal have had a fantastic record in these games over recent years & usually they come into them as strong favourites to win but that is not the case this time around with Tottenham the team expected to win & while the intensity that always goes with these games does make it a more even contest on the day but nevertheless Tottenham are in better form & a far more reliable group of players so it makes sense to go with Tottenham to win this & they certainly look worth backing to inflict more pain on Arsenal & earn the Tottenham fans bragging rights until the next time.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: TOTTENHAM to win
Correct Score options: Tottenham to win 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Adebayor/Defoe/Modric
Scorecast options: Adebayor/Defoe/Modric score 1st & Tottenham win 2-0/2-1
Double Result: TOTTENHAM H/T & F/T
Well those are my own independent views for this weekend & hopefully you find them interesting & informative in some way.

The idea behind the betting recommendations is to cover the main football betting markets hopefully they help guide you towards successful punts on what should prove to be another truly fascinating & dramatic set of Premier League matches.

Remember to check the latest team news before you bet & also to shop around for the best odds & best terms available and good luck with whatever bets you have.

My points tally features teams which survived their relevant leagues last year, whereby the points relate to matches won/drawn/lost in corresponding matches played this season–compared to last year’s results.  Matches involving promoted/relegated teams are therefore not included.

This weeks midweek games:

Championship:

TUESDAY

Bristol City: +3 (best price: 2/1) v Reading: -8 (best price: 8/5)

Burnley: -6 (best price: 7/5) v Nottingham Forest: -2 (best price: 21/10)

Derby: +11 (best price: Evens) v Barnsley: +2 (best price: 100/30)

Doncaster: -2 (best price: 9/5) v Hull: +4 (best price: 13/8)

Watford: level (best price: 6/4) v Millwall: level (best price: 2/1)

WEDNESDAY

Middlesbrough: +10 (best price: 13/10) v Leicester: -1 (best price: 23/10)

League 1:

TUESDAY

MK Dons: +6 (best price: 6/4) v Charlton: +9 (best price: 15/8)

League 2:

FRIDAY

Southend: +6 (best price: 6/4) v Shrewsbury: +11 (best price: 2/1)

Champions League Group Stage Match 2 Previews & Recommendations

The Group stages of the Champions League proper kicked off 2 weeks ago & there were some great games to enjoy & goals to savour with the 16 matches producing 32 goals so hopefully that figure will be beaten this week, if that’s the case then we are in for a cracking set of games.

This week all 32 group stage qualifiers take their chances again in what look set to be a really fascinating set of fixtures that should provide plenty of drama, quality, entertainment & goals for us all to enjoy again.

I have had a good look at the fixtures & here are my brief thoughts on the games & my recommendations on them for your consideration:

Champions League Tuesday 27th September:

Bayern Munich vs Manchester City:-  Their excellent early season form in the Premier League meant that Manchester City went into their debut Champions League game against Napoli as strong favourites & as a very confident side with them widely expected to win comfortably but Napoli clearly had different ideas & produced a very good performance to earn a draw.
 
That tough draw would have certainly made it clear to everybody at Man City that the Champions League is a much more demanding test than domestic football & that they cannot afford to perform below standard otherwise they will fail & that will certainly give them concern ahead of this trip to a Bayern Munich side who are very, very good at home & particularly good in this competition.
 
The fact Bayern Munich won away in their match while Man City only drew at home makes this a truly massive game as Man City cannot afford to lose & be 5 points behind Bayern after only 2 games so the pressure is definitely on Manchester City to get something here but they will have to play very well to do that.
 
In terms of squad strength & individual ability then Man City have the edge & have the capability to go Munich & win but I think Bayern Munich will test them to the full in this match & a seriously competitive, entertaining scoring draw looks a sensible option here & it wouldn’t be bad result for either side.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result:    DRAW    Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Gomez/Aguero/Ribery
 
 
 
 
Napoli vs Villareal:- Napoli came out of their first group stage match away at Manchester City with an excellent team performance & indeed an excellent result with their 1-1 draw a deserved reward for their efforts & there is no doubting that will give them huge confidence to take into this very important home game against Villareal.
 
Villareal will certainly come into this match determined to play  much better than they did when losing 2-0 at home to Bayern Munich & they have the individual attacking quality to cause Napoli problems if they play to their best but Napoli will really be confident ahead of this game & I’m taking them to make home advantage pay by getting a massively important win that could well give them an excellent chance in this seriously tough group.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result:    NAPOLI to win         Correct Score options: Napoli win 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Cavani/Levazzi/Hamsik
 
 
 
 
CSKA Moscow vs Inter Milan: -It’s too early in the group stages to say that Inter Milan are in danger of missing out but there is no doubting that Inter Milan come into this match under huge pressure given their recent failings in all competitions & they simply cannot afford to lose again after shockingly losing at home to Trabzonspor last time out.
 
Claudio Ranieri is the man who’s now been appointed into the Inter Milan management hot seat & in time he should do well given his experience & the quality at his disposal but he will know that a bad result here will not be tolerated by the fans so I’m expecting Inter Milan to look to be hard to beat first & look to gain control of the game before they go for the win.
 
For CSKA Moscow this represents a chance to build upon what turned out be a very good draw against Lille after coming back from 2-0 down & that should give the entire squad the confidence to be positive in this match & this could be the big chance they need to make a really strong push for qualification from this group.
 
Inter Milan have the quality to win any game when on their best form but they’ve not really shown that yet & there is no doubting that this will be a tough test with CSKA Moscow a talented group who are usually very hard to beat at home & on balance a competitive, scoring draw looks a likely scenario here & appeals as a good value betting option worth taking here.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result:    DRAW       Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Doumbia/Sneijder/Love
 
 
 
 
Trabzonspor vs Lille:- Trabzonspor produced the biggest shock of all during the 1st round of Champions League group stage matches by winning 1-0 in the San Siro & while Inter Milan clearly have their problems at the moment, that was an excellent result & will give Trabzonspor massive confidence for the remaining group stage games.
 
For Lille the first week was very much about what could have been after they threw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at home with CSKA Moscow & that would have been a huge blow to them & although they’ve undoubtedly got superior individual quality within their squad, it is never easy for any side going away to Turkey & Lille will find it a tough test & a fierce atmosphere to come through with a positive result.
 
It’s certainly not an easy game to call as Lille have more than enough match winners within their squad to win this game but I just sense that win at Inter Milan would have given the Trabzonspor players a huge lift & that combined with home advantage means a competitive draw looks the value call in this one.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result:    DRAW  Correct score options: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Hazzard/Sow/Henrique
 
 
 
 
CS Otelul Galati vs Benfica:- Champions League debutants Otelul Galati will be pleased with the commitment & endeavour they showed away in Basle last week but ultimately they could not match a relatively limited Basle side & that has to be a concern coming up against a Benfica side who played very, very well against Manchester United last week.
 
Benfica were most definitely the better side in their 1-1 draw against Manchester United & certainly created enough chances to have won the game with several excellent saves from the Manchester United goalkeeper the only thing that prevented them from doing just that & to be fair if they play to that level of performance again here then Benfica should win this.
 
The only fear in backing Benfica is they don’t always produce their best away from home but they will not get many better chances to win away in the Champions League than this & I’m taking the powerful & lethal Cardozo to lead Benfica to a very important win here.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result:  BENFICA to win – Correct Score options: Benfica to win 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Cardozo/Witsel/Nolito
 
 
 
 
Manchester United vs Basel: Manchester United have started the season in fantastic form, have a stunning home record & indeed a stunning record in the Champions League so it just seems impossible to think they can be opposed here & barring a major shock they will beat Basle.
 
Of course Basle command respect as all Champions League teams have the quality to win games at this level & they did start with a solid 2-1 home win last week but in terms of player quality they come nowhere near Manchester United I just don’t see how Basle can get a positive result here if Manchester United play anywhere near to their best form.
 
The bookmakers have this as a done deal already in terms of the odds for Manchester United to win this & that can’t be argued with as I expect another comfortable home victory for Manchester United & correct score options look the way to go for betting value.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result:    MANCHESTER UNITED to win      Correct Score options: Man United to win 2-0/3-0
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Berbatov/Nani/Young
 
 
 
Lyon vs Dinamo Zagreb: Lyon are not the great force they once were in the Champions League but they have an excellent record in the group stages & that’s usually based on producing very good home performances & results so I’m expecting them to be too good for Dinamo Zagreb here.
 
Dinamo Zagreb command respect as they played very well for the majority of the game against Real Madrid but they tend to struggle away from home & don’t appear to carry too much of a goal threat so assuming Lyon play to their strengths at home then they should be too good for Zagreb & take the points in this one.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result:   LYON to win        Correct Score options: Lyon to win 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Gomis/Bastos/Briand
 
 
 
 
Real Madrid vs Ajax:-  Two of he greatest names in European football history clash in what should be a good footballing contest although it should be Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid that come away with the points in this one.
 
Ajax have a great pedigree in europe & were once major players in the Champions League with their stylish, passing football dominant for so long & while they’ve kept their footballing philosophy they’ve also struggled to keep any of their star players & quite simply Real Madrid should have too much class at home & win this despite not being in the best of form, Real Madrid’s superior attacking capabilities can win the day here.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result:    REAL MADRID to win       Correct Score options: Real Madrid to win 3-0/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Ronaldo/Benzema/Di Maria
 
 
 

Champions League Wednesday  28th September:

 
Bayer Leverkusen vs Genk:- Neither of these two sides have a huge profile & particularly at this level so I can’t claim to know too much about their players individually but both teams do have a reputation for playing solid, organised football & the fact they are in the Champions League indicates they have the quality to at least compete so they both command respect.
 
With regards to how they both started their group stage campaigns then although Genk achieved a home 0-0 draw against Valencia I actually believe Bayer Leverkusen put in a better peformance as they were actually quite unlucky not to get something at Chelsea with a bad decision stopping a perfectly good goal & several other excellent chances being missed.
 
Based on those performances & given the fact that Bayer Leverkusen have home advantage here then I’m going to with German side to bounce back with a victory here & put themselves right back in the mix for the group.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result:    Bayern Leverkusen win       Correct Score options: Bayer Leverkusen win 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime:  Ballack/Kiesling/Derdiyok
 
 
 
Valencia vs Chelsea:- Classic Champions League encounter in prospect here as Valencia & Chelsea clashing in a game that could well already decide who will win this group so it’s a massively important game that neither side can afford to lose.
 
Valencia are never easy to play at home in this competition & they will believe they have more than enough to test Chelsea here but they were disappointing in only managing a 0-0 draw at Genk in the first game so clearly they will have to improve on that to get past Chelsea.
 
Andre Villas-Boas was brought to Chelsea with a  huge reputation & a huge price tag to go with it so there is no doubting that Champions League success is something he has to look to achieve with Chelsea & there is no doubting that he’s under huge pressure to deliver &  quickly.
 
Chelsea got the job done in the first game against Bayer Leverkusen despite a few scares & that is generally how they’ve been so far this season with even their only defeat by Manchester United coming despite what was a very good performance & while Valencia are always tough to beat at home, Chelsea are superior in terms of talent & they look worth backing to earn a massive away win & almost secure Group E after only 2 games.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result:   CHELSEA to win         Correct Score options: Chelsea to win 2-0/2-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Torres/Anelka/Mata
 
 
 
Arsenal vs Olympiakos:- This is a massively important game for both Arsenal & Olympiakos as neither of them will happy with how their first group games went with Arsenal conceding in the last minute to let a lead slip while Olympiakos disappointingly lost 1-0 at home.
 
The good news for Arsenal is that they are usually pretty strong at home in the Champions League & Olympiakos are usually quite poor so while Arsenal will have to make sure they don’t make any silly defensive mistakes & be aware of the potential threat that Olympiakos carry, this game should evolve around what Arsenal do in an attacking sense & Arsenal’s superior attacking quality should be too much for Olympiakos & Wenger’s men can secure an important win here.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result:    ARSENAL to win       Correct Score options: Arsenal to win 3-0/3-1
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Van Persie/Gervinho/Arshavin

Marseille vs Borussia Dortmund:-  Very, very interesting game to call here as Marseille will be confident after their professional 1-0 away win at Olympiakos while Dortmund played very well in the first game against Arsenal.
 
This should be a good, competitive & indeed open contest as both sides look to play positive football & there could be a few goals in this one but deciding which way they will go & indeed which way the match will go is not an easy call to make.
 
Marseille are strong at home & Dortmund will go into this positive & looking to attack so it should be an entertaining, competitive clash that can go either way but this should be close & a scoring draw appeals as value option in this one.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result:   DRAW       Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Gomez/Lewandowski/Remy

 
Zenit St Petersburg vs FC Porto:-  Another good, open footballing contest looks the call here as Zenit St Petersburg & FC Porto always look to win matches so this should be an entertaining match with a few goals to go around.
 
Zenit St Petersburg started with a 2-1 defeat after taking the lead while FC Porto started with a 2-1 win after going behind so clearly FC Porto come into this game in far better shape in the group & with far more confidence.
 
In terms of squad quality then both Zenit St Petersburg & FC Porto are fairly well matched & both have individuals who can win them the game with moments of quality so they are both capable of winning this but it’s probably more likely that neither side will want to lose & what should be a competitive game can produce a scoring draw that looks offers value & worth backing to happen.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result:    DRAW    Correct Score options: 1-1/2-2
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Hulk/Danny/Kerzhakov

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Apoel Nicosia:- This is a huge game for Shaktar Donetsk & one I expect them to win despite the efforts of an Apoel Nicosia side who deserve respect after coming from behind to win in the first group game.
 
Shaktar Donetsk would have been greatly disappointed to throw away a lead against Porto & then see it turn into a defeat and quite simply they have to win this game to get back into the group & I fully expect Shaktar to go all out in this contest to go for the win & given the attacking quality they’ve got then I think they will be too strong for Apoel Nicosia in this one.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result:  SHAKTAR DONETSK to win    Correct Score options: Shaktar Donetsk to win 2-0/3-0
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Eduardo/Jadson/Adriano

 
AC Milan vs FC Viktoria Plzen:- Both AC Milan & Plzen started with draws in the first set of matches but surely this match totally evolves around what AC Milan do & quite simply if they play to form then they will win.
 
AC Milan stunned Barcelona in the first game by taking the lead in the first few minutes & then again by making it 2-2 in the final minutes of the match so that valuable point should give them huge confidence going into this game & they should just have too much quality for a Plzen side making their debuts at this level of football.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result:    AC MILAN to win        Correct Score options: AC Milan to win 2-0/3-0
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Ibrahimovic/Cassano/Robinho
 

 
BATE Borisov vs Barcelona:- Barcelona should win this & win it well. That will come across as being dismissive of BATE Borisov but to be truthful Barcelona are dismissive of most teams they play & I expect them to dismiss BATE without too much fuss here.

Barcelona would have been very upset by conceding the last minute equaliser at home against AC Milan in the first game & dropping points was not ideal but since then they’ve smashed 8 goals in a league game & then followed that by beating a very strong Atletico Mardid side 5-0 with consumate ease & just an overall demonstration of pure class with Messi once again in supreme form.

Assuming that Barcelona go all out for this & play their strongest side then I don’t expect anything other than a very comfortable Barcelona win & that has to be the way to go in terms of a bet here.
Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result:    BARCELONA to win     Correct Score options: BARCELONA to win 2-0/3-0 
First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Messi/Villa/Fabregas

Well those are my own independent views for the midweek action in the Champions League & hopefully you find them interesting & informative in some way.

The idea behind the betting recommendations is to cover the main football betting markets hopefully they help guide you towards successful punts on what should prove to be another truly fascinating & dramatic set of Champions League matches.

Remember to check the latest team news before you bet & also to shop around for the best odds & best terms available and good luck with whatever bets you have.

Arsenal v Bolton: (3.00 Saturday)

Matches played in the Premier League at Arsenal:

Number of matches: 12

Arsenal wins: 9—-Draws: 3—-Bolton successes: Nil (goal difference: 27-12)

Since:

Arsenal win: Nil—Drawn game: 5—-Bolton victory: N/A

Doubles over their rivals in the Premier League:

Arsenal: 4—-Bolton: 0

Arsenal have achieved the double over Bolton in three of the last four seasons (goal difference: 18-8)

Arsenal have won the last five home matches (13-4) whilst scoring in every home match to date.

Home league form (Arsenal) this season: 1-0-1 (1-2)

Away league form (Bolton) this season: 1-0-1 (5-3)

Points gained or lost in corresponding games played this season against sides which survived the Premier League last year:

Arsenal: -4 (played 4)

Bolton: -1 (played 3)

Chelsea v Swansea (3.00 Saturday)

No Premier League records exist between these two teams.

All time league record in games played at Stamford Bridge (9):

Chelsea wins: 5 (equates to odds of 4/5)

Drawn games: 3 (2/1)

Swansea wins: 1 (8/1)

Chelsea have scored in eight of the nine games played

Swansea have scored just three goals in the last seven corresponding fixtures

Since:

Chelsea win: 0

Drawn game: 1

Swansea win: 8

Home league form (Chelsea) this season: 2-0-0 (5-2)

Away league form (Swansea) this season: 0-0-2 (0-5)

Liverpool v Wolves  (3.00–Saturday):

Matches played in the Premier League at Anfield:

Number of matches: 3

Liverpool wins: 2-Draws: 0—-Wolves successes: 1 (goal difference: 3-1)

Since:

Liverpool win: 1—Drawn game: N/A—-Wolves victory: 0

Doubles achieved over their rivals:

Liverpool: 0—Wolves: 0

Home league form (Liverpool) this season: 1-1-0 (4-2)

Away league form (Wolves) this season: 1-1-0 (2-1)

Points gained or lost in corresponding games played this season against sides which survived the Premier League last year:

Liverpool: +2 (played 5)

Wolves: +1 (played 4)

Newcastle v Blackburn:  (3.00–Saturday):

Matches played in the Premier League at Newcastle:

Number of matches: 15

Newcastle wins: 5-Draws: 4—-Blackburn successes: 6 (goal difference: 19-16)

Since:

Newcastle win: 5—Drawn game: 9—-Blackburn victory: 0

Doubles achieved over their rivals:

Newcastle: 0—Blackburn: 2

Blackburn have won the last five corresponding matches (aggregate score-line of 2-8) whilst all four draws in this encounter down the years have ended 1-1.

Home league form (Newcastle) this season: 1-1-0 (2-1)

Away league form (Blackburn) this season:0-1-1 (2-4)

Points gained or lost in corresponding games played this season against sides which survived the Premier League last year:

Newcastle: +5 (played 4)

Blackburn: -2 (played 5)

West Brom v Fulham:  (3.00–Saturday):

Matches played in the Premier League at West Brom:

Number of matches: 5

West Brom wins: 3—-Draws: 2—-Fulham successes: 0 (goal difference: 5-2)

Since:

West Brom win: 0—Drawn game: 2—Fulham victory: N/A

Doubles achieved over their rivals:

West Brom: 0—Fulham: 0

Both West Brom and Fulham have yet to win an away fixture against each other.

Home league form (West Brom) this season: 0-0-2 (1-3)

Away league form (Fulham) this season: 0-0-2 (1-4)

Points gained or lost in corresponding games played this season against sides which survived the Premier League last year:

West Brom: level (played 3)

Fulham: -3 (played 5)