Champions League Prediction 11/20/2012

Juventus - Chelsea 2.00 - 4.50

Without their main man Pirlo Juventus failed to break down a stubborn Lazio defence at the weekend. Pirlo will of course return for this crucial encounter. Vucinic is their only injury doubt.
Di Matteo, as expected, rested several of his usual starters against WBA. It back fired, but Mata, Oscar, A Cole, Ivanovic and Ramires will all be back tomorrow. J Terry is out injured. Quite possible that Di Matteo will keep F Torres on the bench. Chelsea could do with a strong striker, but also Juventus could use a powerful front man. Giovinco, Matri, Quagliarella, Vucinic and Bendtner are their options and one must say that they are better equipped offensively than Chelsea. 1X game.

Spartak Moscow - Barcelona 11.00 - 1.40

I noticed that Emenike was playing upfront for Spartak in their last league game together with Ari. Tomorrow they will be without the suspended Pareja and the injured Biyaletdinov, McGeady, Welliton and Parshivlyuk. Spartak have on going keeper problems. K Källström, the Swedish international midfielder, sat on the bench at the weekend, but I expect him back for this game.
The young Barcelona defender Bartra joins Alexis Sanchez on their injury list. We will finally see their two central defenders Pique and Puyol playing together again. Barcelona missed a lot of scoring opportunities away to Celtic, or the Celtic keeper played an outstanding game. You choose! Barcelona were in trouble at home to Spartak and I expect the Catalans to be 100% focused on tomorrow’s match, especially after their negative result vs. Celtic. I am not at all impressed by Spartak and Barca should win this fixture.

Galatasaray - Manchester Utd 2.20 - 3.60

Should be an easy task for the home side. Unfortunately nothing is easy and straightforward for this Galatasaray side, but if they fail to defeat a bunch of United reserves then they will be famous for the very wrong reasons. Galatasaray could not win at home to ten man Cluj, they lost last week at home to a Turkish mid table side 1-3, but in between they played a strong game away to Cluj. J Elmander was back on the bench last week. The United coach will use fringe players , rest assured of that. You never know with this Gala side, but you just have to back them this time.

Nordsjälland - Shaktar Donetsk 10.65 - 1.38

Although Shaktar rather comfortably won their home fixture against this Danish side 2-0 I recall that Nordsjälland dominated the ball possession. This does not necessarily mean anything, but so far Nordsjälland have never been outplayed and certainly not in Copenhagen. This I state although they lost 0-4 vs. Chelsea. The last three Chelsea goals came very late in the game with Nordsjälland hitting the wood work before that. M Parkhurst, Mtiliga and M Bekkmann will all be part of the home squad tomorrow and they only miss the injured winger A Laudrup.
Shaktar were better than Chelsea and it was harsh for the Ukrainians losing the match 2-3. They were also the better side in their other away game at Juventus (1-1) They are in truth a great side, but worth backing as 1.38 winners? Not for me.

Bate Borisov - Lille 2.20 - 4.00

The Belo Russian league champions could still reach a place in the play offs, but they are almost secured a place in the Europa League. For Lille it is practically a dead rubber situation, as they are pointless in this group.
I watched Lille against Lorient last Friday. I had backed Lille, but I stopped watching the game after the first half. I was embarrassed. That is how unbelievably bad Lille were in the first half. They lost the match 0-2 and I believe their coach was more upset than I was.
How will Lille treat this match? The Lille coach will demand an instant reaction, or they will leave this game alone focusing on their match with Marseille this coming weekend? Well Lille have travelled with a strong squad. I only missed Balmont, Debuchy, Chedjou and De Melo.
This match will take place in Minsk and the pitch is supposed to be in very poor condition.
Bate will fight for prize money and for their chance of qualifying. Betting on the home win is the only sound choice, but I do not feel quite comfortable backing Bate. You know how it is. I backed Lille last Friday, they lost, then I go the other way, opposing them tomorrow. I do not want to double my losses

Valencia - Bayern Munich 3.72 - 2.20

I like this Valencia side. I know, they are often underperforming, but I like the way they change the pace of the game. It is done in an instant and they have the offensive players capable of threatening this Bayern side. Soldado, Jonas, Feghouli, to name a few. Gago and J Pereira will not play for Valencia tomorrow, but Cissokho will be available again.
Without both Ribery and Robben Bayern could only draw their away game at the weekend at Nurnberg. Robben remains sidelined, but Ribery will play tomorrow and fit again M Gomez is back, starting on the bench. I have no choice. The odds on the home win has to be backed. Over game? I think so.

Benfica - Celtic 1.52 - 8.20

When Cardozo entered the game in the second half Benfica became much more of an offensive force against Spartak. He scored, he missed a penalty and he made the difference. No guarantee, however, that he will be included in their starting line up tomorrow. The Benfica skipper Luisao will be back tomorrow, back from his suspension. Matic is considered a major injury doubt.
Celtic rested several of their Barcelona heroes at the weekend. Tomorrow S Brown, K Commons, J Ledley, G Hooper, Miku and G Samaras will all be in contention.
Benfica do not lose often in their European home fixtures and they are motivated favourites. Saying that I think the odds on the home win are way too short.

Cluj - Braga 3.06 - 2.50

I am at a loss here. Outstanding odds on the home win, but maybe the Cluj form is too poor. I was not happy with Braga two weeks ago. They just fell apart late on against Man United. My only explanation is their fear of Van Persie. He came on in the second half and turned the game in favour of United. It is just that Braga were 1-0 up and they should have done better.
According to reports Cluj were really poor last week going down to Astra in a home fixture. New match, new circumstances and if nothing else will help me, I will back the better odds.

EUROPE : Champions League - Group Stage

Chelsea - Shaktar Donetsk 2.06 - 4.00

Both J Mata and D Luiz are expected back for Chelsea and then we will see if J Terry will play or not. I think he will play. Last season Chelsea found themselves in a similar situation like this one. They had lost down in Naples 1-3, but could defeat Napoli 4-1 in the return leg. This game against Shaktar is of course just a group game, but you sense that Chelsea have to win this match, or they can probably forget about advancing to the play offs.
Can they match the Shaktar speed? Not really and there is the big problem, in my opinion.
This fixture can turn out to be one the classical games in Europe. To stop Shaktar from scoring is close to impossible and Chelsea have to score two goals, maybe three, to be the winners here? Will they do it? I have my doubts.

Celtic - Barcelona 11.30 - 1.35

Will the Celtic players be able to play the same kind of disciplined, defensive game at the Celtic Park as they managed at the Camp Nou Stadium? Well, they have to, or they will be punished severely. Barca will miss Adriano and Busquets tomorrow, but G Pique is back in their squad. Dani Alves is also available again.
Celtic hope to have both G Samaras and G Hooper back tomorrow, but their Norwegian T Rogne, Izaguirre and J Forrest are in grave danger of missing this game.
Barcelona are definitely not desperate for points at the moment, but playing a friendly game or not, they usually are scoring their three-four customary goals. So this game will probably end the same way as it usually does, with Barcelona winning it.

Braga - Manchester Utd 3.50 - 2.31

United have not been in convincing form in Europe this far but facts remain, they are on maximum nine points after three rounds of group football. Coach Ferguson would want to make their qualifying safe as soon as possible, looking for a positive result in Portugal. To win away to Braga Ferguson has to send out his best players, or that is what I think anyway.
Braga were 2-0 up at Old Trafford and they will face this match with a decent amount of confidence. Braga are pretty close to the class of Benfica these days, maybe even Porto.
It looks like the United coach Ferguson may shuffle the pack tomorrow and will we see too many Giggs and Scholes, you know what I mean, then I am prepared to back this Braga side, a Braga side in very good form and with all their best players available. Home win for now.

Juventus - Nordsjälland 1.16 - 23.00

The home side will most certainly be able to create enough of scoring chances to grab the three points, but it is not always the easy part for Juventus, to find the net, I mean. They did enough to win the match in Copenhagen, but they were too wasteful on the day.
Vucinic will be rested for Juventus, probably also Giovinco and then it is between Matri, Quagliarella and Bendtner for two starting roles upfront. Pogba will most likely start tomorrow. Nordsjälland will probably be unchanged, or N Stockholm will not be ready. Home winner.

Valencia - Bate Borisov 1.29 - 16.01

I waited for Bate to take the lead in the first leg two weeks ago. They were the better side in the first half, but then Valencia were rewarded a late penalty, scored and the match changed for the worse for Bate. They had to chase the game and they too often lost the ball in the middle of the pitch with Valencia deadly dangerous on their speed counter attacks.
I have to say, I love the way that Valencia change the pace of the game. It is done in an instant, very effective and that is modern football, in my opinion. Quite fit Valencia squad only missing J Mathieu. They defeated Atletico Madrid at the weekend and I cannot really see Valencia dropping any points against this Belo Russian side. Bate will miss the suspended Pavlov. Once again, home win, but quite worthless odds.

Bayern Munich - Lille 1.20 - 19.40

A good side like Lille on zero points after three rounds in this group. They got off to the worst possible start losing at home to Bate Borisov in their first game. Talk about damage done. Basa, Beria and Debuchy, all early injury doubts, have been cleared to play and Mavuba could start.
Robben was on the bench for Bayern at the weekend when his side defeated Hamburg, with ease one must say. I missed no one in particular in the Bayern squad, M Gomes aside, and you always expect a full strength Bayern side to win their home games in Europe. Robben will start tomorrow and maybe we will see Javi Martinez as well. Home win, but the odds are of course quite useless.

Benfica - Spartak Moscow 1.65 - 6.40

So far nothing great from Benfica, but they usually are very strong in their European home fixtures. Losing their only home game against Barcelona does not change my opinion.
An own goal from Jardel gifted Spartak the win in Moscow, but at the end of the day Spartak deserved the win. It was cold in Moscow and it was a difficult night for Benfica. Gaitan and Cardozo, will they start this time for Benfica? They were benched in Moscow. Matic will not play due to a suspension.
At least two Spartak players, missing two weeks ago, will return for this match. I am referring to Insaurralde and and De Zeeuw. Mc Geady, Emenike, Welliton and Romulo are among their many injury victims. Advantage Benfica, but what about the odds? Probably OK.

Cluj - Galatasaray 2.70 - 2.88

It was a must win game for Galatasaray two weeks ago. The rain poured down when the Turks failed to defeat Cluj (1-1), although Cluj were down the ten men in the second half. F Melo missed a penalty for Galatasaray. J Elmander will not play for Gala, no F Melo either, while the Romanians will be without their suspended midfielder Aguirregaray. I cannot really back up this bet, but I end up supporting the away win.

Serie A Betting Prediction 1/11/12

Genoa - Fiorentina 3.46 - 2.40

Fiorentina, winless away from home, as the favourites? It does not look right. Pizarro will be back in the Fiorentina midfield for this game and Roncaglia will also return.
Genoa are still missing among others Borriello and Rossi, but defender Canini will be back for this match and Jankovic should be fit to play.
Delneri suffered a defeat in his first game as the Genoa coach and his offensive options are a bit limited with Borriello out of action. Immobile possibly backed up by Jorquera in their front line.
Fiorentina have not been too enterprising in their away games this far and in my mind there are three possible results on Thursday. 0-0, 0-1 or 1-1.

Serie A Prediction 31/10/12

Atalanta - Napoli 4.00 - 2.21

Both Cigarini and Peluso will be suspended for the home side. Brivio will most likely replace Peluso in their defence, but it is unclear who will come in for Cigarini in the midfield. Bellini, Carmona and Biondini are all available again. Down to ten men in the second half Atalanta managed to keep Pescara from scoring at the weekend (0-0). There is nothing great abut this Atalanta side but they are almost always doing a decent job. Well, not against Torino, not so long ago (1-5 home loss).
Napoli hope to have Cavani back tomorrow, but there is no guarantee. He did not play against Chievo the other day and it showed. Zuniga will miss this fixture, but Britos is back in their squad. No Cavani for Napoli and Atalanta may get their draw. X2 game.

Cagliari - Siena 2.10 - 4.90

The new Cagliari coach has won three games on the trot with his team. He is a defensive coach and Cagliari keep on winning their matches 1-0. Once again it looks like Cagliari will miss Pinilla, but their play maker Cossu is fit again.
Siena were terrible at home to Palermo, or they defended well. I say they were terrible and their coach praises their defence. Defending at home to Palermo, give me a break! Rosina and Campagnolo are not included in their squad, but Felipe is. Backing the home win.

Chievo - Pescara 1.80 - 5.50

Decent Chievo effort against Napoli and as they are facing this rather hopeless Pescara side in Verona there is every chance that this fixture will end with a home win. These sides are on the same points but I hold Chievo as the much better side. Vacek will be suspended for the home side. Blasi will return to the Pescara squad, but they are still missing Jonathas, Terlizzi and Crescenzi.
The game was there to be taken for Pescara at home to Atalanta. Pescara had been the stronger side in the first half and when Atalanta instantly were down to ten men in the second half I expected the home side to decide the match. They were poor, again I must say.
The home win!

Genoa - Fiorentina 3.46 - 2.40

Fiorentina, winless away from home, as the favourites? It does not look right. Pizarro will be back in the Fiorentina midfield for this game and Roncaglia will also return.
Genoa are still missing among others Borriello and Rossi, but defender Canini will be back for this match and Jankovic should be fit to play.
Delneri suffered a defeat in his first game as the Genoa coach and his offensive options are a bit limited with Borriello out of action. Immobile possibly backed up by Jorquera in their front line.
Fiorentina have not been too enterprising in their away games this far and in my mind there are three possible results on Thursday. 0-0, 0-1 or 1-1.

Inter - Sampdoria 1.57 - 8.15

Inter are the away champions in Serie A, having won all their five away fixtures. The Inter overall form is excellent and they must be expected to win this match. Juan Jesus, one of their best players against Bologna, will be suspended tomorrow.
Sampdoria are on a negative run with four losses on the bounce. They will have players back for this game. Romero, Munari and Da Costa will be back in contention along with Castellini. Hopefully also Obiang, but Maresca and Pozzi will be missing and leading striker Maxi Lopez is also in danger of miss out tomorrow. Likely home win, but the odds you can do without.

Juventus - Bologna 1.27 - 16.02

What a disastrous weekend for referees both here and there. Biggest mistake was made by a linesman when Catania scored a legitimate goal against Juventus. The scorer was on side with a meter and the poor fellow blew for offside. It is almost Juventus in the mix. Last season Milan scored a second goal against Juventus, it was over the line with half a meter, but it was disallowed.
Juventus were better than Catania, but Catania in the 1-0 lead are an altogether different side playing the counter attacking game to perfection. The home side will be without the suspended Vidal with Pogba his replacement. Caceres will probably come in for Lichtsteiner.
Bologna, dropping steadily in the table, will miss their important play maker Diamanti. What more to say. Home win of course.

Lazio - Torino 1.79 - 5.65

Another side treated badly by the officials was this Lazio side. They scored a perfect goal against Fiorentina, but it was offside according to the referee. Several of the Lazio players lost their temper later on in Florens and both Hernanez and Ledesma were shown the red card. Hernanez, probably the best Lazio player this season, will of course be suspended tomorrow along with Ledesma, but his absence I can take. No Marchetti in their goal. Brocchi and/or Onazi could earn starting roles in the middle of the park.
Would you believe the newcomers Torino remain unbeaten on their travels (1-3-0). They will hopefully be able to call on Ogbonna again, but Sansone will definitely be missing due to a suspension. Sgrigna or Meggiorini will replace Sansone. Ogbonna is still touch and go. I prefer the home win alternative.

Parma - Roma 3.00 - 2.41

I would have Parma as favourites in this game. Donadoni’s side are unbeaten at home (2-2-0) and they won their first away game of the season at the weekend defeating Torino 3-1 after an impressive display.
There is no way to come to terms with Zeman’s Roma. In the lead 2-0 or down 0-2 in their matches, it does not seem to matter. Their young players, a couple playing rather poorly, will make mistakes, especially in their own box and Roma have to score at least three goals to win their matches. One of their worst players against Udinese, Tachtisidis, will be suspended for this game and Balzaretti risks missing also this match. Mirante will stand between the Parma sticks again. Home win, say 3-2.

Udinese - Catania 1.95 - 4.62

On another day Di Natale would have scored more goals against Roma. He missed some clear cut chances, but at the end of the day he won the match for Udinese. Defender Danilo will return from his suspension tomorrow and his colleague Basta could also be back. Benatia, Pasquale, Pinzi and Muriel remain on the sidelines.
I have already talked about the Catania bad luck and for this match they have to manage without the suspended duo Marchese and Legrottaglie. Bellusci will hopefully be fit joining Spolli in their central defence. I prefer the odds on the home win.

EUROPE: Europa League - Group Stage Prediction

Liverpool - Anzhi 2.30 - 3.30

Quite a game to look forward to. Anzhi are topping the Russian league after a most impressive campaign and can Liverpool afford to face Anzhi with their alternative side used this far in Europe? Yes, I think they will. Liverpool will face Everton in a few days time and no way that coach Rodgers will send out his best players tomorrow. Anzhi miss the injured L Diarra. Backing Eto’o and his Anzhi.

Young Boys - Udinese 2.63 - 2.76

Time for a win for the home side, or they have they already given up on success in Europe? Suffice to say that they have started poorly losing both their group games. 3-5 at home to the Liverpool youngsters/reserves was not the best of starts for the Swiss. Spycher and J Simpson are on their injury list. Their main danger man is Bobadilla.
The same Liverpool, a bit better at least on paper, were given a lesson at home to Udinese, with the Italians winning the match 3-2. The big Swede Ranegie will probably start upfront for Udinese probably supported by Lazzari and Fabbrini, meaning that Di Natale will not play from the start. Pinzi, Pasquale, Basta and Muriel are on their injury list. So could be that Udinese will start with a weaker line up than against Liverpool, but they have travelled with a very strong squad. Away win is more appealing to this writer.

Atletico Madrid - Academica 1.25 - 17.00

I take it for granted that Atletico will continue fielding a mixed side in Europe and I also take it almost for granted that they will be strong to win against this mediocre Portugese side. Yes, half a dozen A Madrid regulars, including Falcao will not be involved in this game. Should Academica defend for their lives maybe they can reach a draw against a rather unmotivated home side, but I do not think so.

Hapoel Tel Aviv - Victoria Plzen 2.95 - 2.50

My choice will be the away win. Plzen lost to a last minute goal away to A Madrid, while Hapoel went down 0-3 against A Madrid in Israel. In both these games A Madrid featured an alternative side. I do not expect an easy ride for Plzen in this match, but I quite often find myself backing this rather good Czech side and they rarely have let me down. They are a good side in with a chance in most games and this 2.50 is a decent price on the away win.

Borussia Mönchengladbach - Marseille 2.40 - 3.28

No doubt, Borussia are in a middle of a rather big crisis. The way they went down to Werder Bremen at the weekend (0-4) after some recent poor results certainly gives evidence of some kind of crisis.
Marseille I watched the other night. They lost to last placed Troyes and Marseille looked surprisingly devoid of ideas. There was no speed to their game, they lacked the necessary intensity and commitment and this surprised me. OK, maybe they did not deserve to lose, but I do not know, Troyes hit the wood work before their winning goal. Gignac is out injured for Marseille.
Struggling home team against a Marseille side on their way down in form. And the outcome? My choice will be the home win.

AEL Limassol - Fenerbahce 4.23 - 2.10

The home side seems to be in a mess and the away win is worth backing.
AEL, after a poor campaign, have just sacked their coach and a new one, a Portugese, is on his way of joining the club. Success in Europe is probably not first on his agenda and it will be difficult after their opening two group games.
Fenerbahce have a quite strong squad. They should do better, although their 4-2 away win against Borussia Möchengladbach was a great result. Important Raul Meireles will miss tomorrow’s match. Backing the away win.

Newcastle - Club Brugge 1.70 - 5.98

Will Newcastle send out a very strong side again? As I just pointed out their starting line up against Bordeaux was much stronger than I had expected. It looks like they will field a side as strong as against Bordeaux and then they should be able to defeat this Brugge side, a side playing with a much weakened defensive line at the moment. Very likely home winner.

Maritimo - Bordeaux 3.06 - 2.63

This Portugese side did not impress in their previous home game in this group. They were second best to the Newcastle reserves, but managed to draw the match 0-0. Bordeaux have shown us two faces this far. Superior at home to a weakened C Brugge side, but then more or less outclassed by a Newcastle side, a Newcastle side in much better shape than against Maritimo.
Bordeaux will be able to call on Henrique and Tremoulinas again for this match. They were suspended in the league. Missing will be Sane and Diabate. X2 game.

Steaua Bukarest - Molde 1.67 - 6.00

Molde were leading 1-0 away to Strömsgodset with only minutes to go at the weekend. Unfortunately for Molde the league leaders managed a late equaliser. Still the race is very much on and could be that their European campaign will suffer a bit. Once again I have to report that Molde will face Rosenborg in a few days and this Europa League fixture could be a bit overlooked by Solskjaer and his team. Not that Solskjaer accepts losing any football games.
Steaua have impressed and they will get my vote in this match, but the odds have been lowered too much these last few days.

Stuttgart - FC Copenhagen 1.62 - 6.02

Stuttgart definitely over their recent mini crisis, at least domestically. At the weekend they won deservedly away to Hamburg. Winless in Europe they need to win this match and they are very much aware of this. Defence man A Boka is out injured.
Copenhagen are enjoying a steady season. No real dips and no real heights this far and they will most likely go on to winning the Danish league title. They do not have the quality to match a Stuttgart side in form and that is the key issue here. I had no problems opposing Stuttgart away to Molde, but I have a distinct feeling that we are about to se a much better Stuttgart side in this match. The odds on the home win, however, are a joke.

P S V - A I K 1.21 - 15.46

Very much involved in the Swedish title race I do not think that AIK will take too many risks in Europe, now that they have lost their two group games. Definitely the home win.

Dnipro - Napoli 2.20 - 3.75

One thing is sure. Napoli have to play with a much stronger squad tomorrow than against PSV in their last group game, or they will have no chance against this rather strong Ukrainian side. I watched them away to Swedish AIK and Dnipro are strong and usually much better in their home fixtures.
Napoli have travelled with a strong squad basically only missing Hamsik and Maggio, but there is no guarantee that all their first choices will play from the start. I am closer to backing the home win.

Videoton - Basel 3.12 - 2.45

What I have seen this far this fixture is about coming second in this group after Genk. Basel, with their experienced squad on this European level, are favourites to advance to the play offs, but I would not bet on it. M Yakin, former Swiss international, is the new Basel coach. His first game in charge ended in defeat against Luzern 0-1. A Frei and Streller played upfront as usual and F Frei also played of course. Yakin is most eager to win tomorrow’s match to get his new career going
Videoton have offered some strong home displays winning comfortably against both Trabzonspor and Sporting Lisbon, but they are struggling in their domestic league, on seventh position. They lost to a Budapest team last week. Basel should be the stronger side, but I am not all convinced.

Genk - Sporting Lisbon 2.70 - 2.75

Backing the home win and surprisingly good odds. Genk are in quite good form and they seem to have a serious interest in the Europa League. Simaeys, Hyland, Joneleit and Kennedy remain on the sidelines.
Sporting are struggling big time and I am talking about their overall contributions this season. They do not seem to care about playing in Europe and they are close to the relegation zone in the Portugese league. At the weekend they lost again, this time to lowly Moreierense. Out injured are Carrico and Pereirinha. Genk to win.

Rubin Kazan - Neftchi 1.29 - 14.64

I will not say more about this fixture than about Rubin’s last home game, vs. Partizan. The Russians must be expected to defeat their Asian neighbours from Azerbaijan and then you do what you like with this 1.29 on the home win. Not for me.

Inter - Partizan Belgrade 1.36 - 10.35

It certainly looks like Inter are treating the Europa League with some respect. Their starting eleven away to Neftchi (3-1 win) was quite impressive. Players like Alvarez, Coutinho and Livaja will start tomorrow and Silvestre and Nagatomo will be back in their defence. I only miss Sneijder and Stankovic in their 21 man squad. Trusting Inter in these kinds of European games is out of the question for me, but I have no intention of making a case for Partizan either.

Sparta Prague - Hapoel KS 1.57 - 7.12

Home winner! Sparta had no problems defeating Atletic in their last home game prolonging their excellent results in their European home fixtures. Sorry, I have nothing really to say about this Israeli side, but sure enough Sparta will be the winners.

Lyon - Atletic Bilbao 1.94 - 4.50

You cannot do more than win your matches and that is what Lyon have achieved this far in Europe. They have not at all performed at their highest level, or there is no high level to talk about for Lyon this season.
A Bilbao are slowly getting better, but their results are certainly nothing to brag about. Still their latest domestic displays indicate a certain improvement , but so far we have not seen this in Europe. Bielsa has taken 20 players with him to France and only Inigo Perez is out injured at the moment.
I expect both these rather big sides to wake up tomorrow. I mean, Lyon are usually playing in the Champions League and Atletic Club played in the Europa league final last season.
Both teams on the score sheet, an over game in other words, but which side will win the match? I rest my case.

Panathinaikos - Lazio 3.20 - 2.40

Although Panathinaikos have been struggling this season they demonstrated good morale and some improved football at home to Tottenham. They were down 0-1 and looked out of the match, but picked themselves up and reached a deserved 1-1 draw.
Lazio have travelled with a strong squad to Greece, but which players will actually start the match? Remains to be seen. Lazio have a tricky away game against Fiorentina in the league in a few days time. Lazio will definitely be without their keeper Marchetti, Lulic and Ederson, but Radu will make his come back in this game. At most a draw is within reach for Lazio, at least in my opinion. 1X game.

Maribor - Tottenham 5.50 - 1.73

I am not saying that Maribor will be the winners here, but the home win looks overpriced. Maribor are as strong as Panathinaikos and what I know Tottenham could not defeat the Greeks a few weeks ago (1-1). Panathinaikos are a bigger club than Maribor, but we must not forget that Maribor were 3-0 winners at home to Panathinaikos. No Vidovic for Maribor.
Could be that G Bale, who did not play for Tottenham at the weekend, will play for Spurs in this game and that is not good news for Maribor. Something on the home win.

Rosenborg - Metalist Kharkiv 3.00 - 2.45

It is a battle on two fronts for Rosenborg. They are very much involved in the Norwegian title race, but they also want to succeed in Europe. Top priority? Winning the league, no doubt. They are injury free at the moment, but I do not think that they will be playing with their best side in this game. Why? They will face Molde this weekend, biggest game of the season for Rosenborg. Latest training session, however, indicates that Rosenborg will send out their strongest eleven tomorrow
This great Metalist side managed an impressive win in the Ukrainian league in their last league game defeating D Kiev away from home 3-1. Taison, Torres and Xavier were their scorers. No Russian names, but it is well known fact that South Americans are dominating their squad. It will be cold tomorrow, not a pleasant climate for South Americans, but I guess that they are used to freezing conditions. They are playing in Ukraine after all. I prefer the away win alternative.

Rapid Wien - Bayer Leverkusen 5.36 - 1.80

Two losses in this group for Rapid and how motivated will they be tomorrow, especially after their derby loss against Austria Wien at the weekend. Losing their previous home game in this group against Rosenborg was a hammer blow, while their loss vs. Metalist was nothing to moan about.
Bayer are a class act and they will most likely do enough to win this match. This they managed away to Rosenborg, with their winning goal coming late but deserved. Both their midfielders S Reinartz and S Sam are out of this match and they have travelled to Austria with only fifteen players. Likely away win.

Helsingborg - Hannover 4.31 - 1.95

Decent side this Swedish Helsingborg team. They could not hold on to their 2-0 lead at home to Twente, but they have the capacity to defeat teams like Hannover and Twente. Not when these respected European sides are playing their best football, but on days when they are slightly off key. Accam and Sörum, the Helsinborg forwards, started on the bench at the weekend. The Helsingborg squad is quite fit at the moment.
Hannover, down to ten men, found a way of defeating Levante in their last group game and I accept them as rather big favourites in this match. Tomorrow they will miss their two defenders Haggui and Felipe. Chr. Schulz could start. Hannover backable as 1.95 favourites? No, I do not think so.

Levante - Twente 2.40 - 3.23

Mission accomplished this weekend for Levante. That is what I think after their important late win against Getafe at the weekend. It was a terrible game of football, I must say. I have my doubts about their overall interest in the Europa League. They were pure lucky defeating Helsingborg in their previous home game and their Europa league side, 11 vs. 10 on the pitch, could not hold on to their 1-0 lead against Hannover. I said Europa League side, because they like to change things around for their European fixtures. O Martins will not play and D Navarro and Dudka will not feature either. There could be more changes.
Twente demonstrated will and morale when they fought back from 0-2 down away to Helsingborg. Chadli, their winger, ran the show. I just checked their squad and they have travelled with their best players. I prefer the away win.