Category: Sports

EPL betting tips for October 24

West Ham v Manchester City
West Ham could do with a win to erase some bitter memories given to them by Manchester City in recent seasons. Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to beat the Hammers for the tenth successive game in league and cup competitions. West Ham have failed to score in the last four meetings but the Hammers are a better side these days. I’d expect this game to be closer than the ones City have won comfortably in recent seasons with both teams scoring at least one goal.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score

Fulham v Crystal Palace
This is a game Palace should win, but it would be easy for them to take Fulham for granted. Sooner or later, the home side is going to win a game. If the Cottagers approach this game right, then they could register their first win of the season at the sixth time of asking. Palace has the better squad, but football doesn’t always follow logic like that. Last weekend was the first time Fulham scored first this season while Palace has opened the scoring three times. If Palace score first, then they should be able to see the job through and pick up the win.
Suggested bet: Crystal Palace to win  

Manchester Utd v Chelsea
Both Manchester United and Chelsea added to their squads before the transfer window closed. Forward Edinson Cavani could make his United debut after the free agent was signed following his release by Paris St-Germain at the end of last season. Scoring goals has not been the issue for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, it’s stopping teams from scoring that many felt should have been addressed. Will United be able to stop Chelsea from scoring? Will Chelsea be able to stop United from scoring? I think the answer to both questions is no which should make this an exciting contest.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score

Liverpool v Sheffield Utd
Will Virgil Van Dijk’s knee injury derail Liverpool’s hopes of defending their EPL title? Quite possibly. Van Dijk was a rock in the middle of Liverpool’s defense last season and despite a few uncharacteristic errors this season, he was still a formidable defender. Scoring has been a major problem for Sheffield United with just two goals to show for 450 minutes of action – and one of those was a penalty. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp took a risk withdrawing his front three with half an hour to go in their Champions League opener at Ajax, but it paid off in a 1-0 win. The trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino should be fresh enough to cause a few problems.
Suggested bet: Liverpool HT/FT double

Southampton v Everton
There could well be goals in this contest. Both teams have scored in the last seven meetings between the two sides who are coming off ties last weekend. Everton twice came from behind to rescue a point against Liverpool while Southampton came from 2-0 down and 3-2 down to take a point in a 3-3 draw. Everton has been fun to watch this season. Their last four EPL games have seen three or more goals scored and there has been goals for them and the team they have been playing. In Danny Ings and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, both teams have strikers who are in great goalscoring form.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score

Wolves v Newcastle
Wolves come into this game on the back of successive 1-0 wins over two of the three promoted sides – Fulham and Leeds. They may not have been spectacular wins, but they got the job done. Wolves will be expected to get the job done again this time against a Newcastle beaten 4-1 last weekend. The 1-1 score has been a popular result in recent times with the last three meetings ending that way. Wolves should be too strong for their hosts, but there could be a goal for the Magpies.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score

Arsenal v Leicester
Neither of these sides are in great form right now. Leicester has lost it’s last two while Arsenal have lost two of their last three. These two sides have already met this season in the League Cup with Arsenal winning 2-0. Both managers made changes to their teams for that game and with a gap opening up between them and the leaders, this is a game that needs to be won if they are to stay in touch. There isn’t too much between these two sides and this could well end in a tie.
Suggested bet: Tie

Brighton v West Brom
Brighton might not be top of the table but the one thing you can say about the Seagulls is that they just don’t give up. Brighton has scored in the last minute of their previous three games and while they haven’t won any of them, it shows they just keep playing until the final whistle. West Brom has failed to score in their last two games and if they don’t start winning, then it could be a long season for the Baggies who have been outscored 10-1 in the second half of matches this season.
Suggested bet: Brighton to win 

Burnley v Tottenham
After losing to Everton in their season opener, pundits wrote off Tottenham’s chances of winning the league. But they are unbeaten in their last four and have welcomed back Gareth Bale who was the world’s most expensive footballer when he left Spurs for Real Madrid in 2013. Three of Tottenham’s last four EPL games have seen six or more goals scored. Burnley’s season so far has been uneventful with their first point picked last week in a boring goalless draw at West Brom. If Tottenham gets ahead early, this could and should be a comfortable win for the visiting team.
Suggested bet: Tottenham HT/FT

Spreadknowledge tips for EPL’s midweek matches

Watford v Man City
This is a fixture that haunts Watford simply because they have lost the last two meetings with Manchester City by a combined score of 14-0. A 6-0 victory in last season’s FA Cup final was embarrassing enough before City went two better to win 8-0 in the first meeting this season at the Etihad. Watford has just sacked their manager Nigel Pearson despite the Hornets winning two of their last three to sit three points clear of the relegation zone. City were 5-0 within 18 minutes of the reverse fixture and after losing their FA Cup semi-final to Arsenal on Saturday, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to take their frustrations out on somebody. Watford has been warned. Watford has failed to score the first goal in any of their previous eight EPL games while City has opened the scoring in their last three league matches. Since the lockdown, City has scored 12 first half goals to Watford’s one and it’s going to take an incredible effort for the home side to win this game. In the last seven meetings, over 2.5 total goals has paid out and that looks a solid bet in this game with City winning.
Bet: Man City win and over 2.5 total goals

Aston Villa v Arsenal
This game in hand for Aston Villa is the ideal opportunity for them to move level on points with Watford on 34 points and make Sunday’s final day of the season very interesting indeed. Villa has shown signs of improvement in recent games. They have scored first in their last two matches which helped them beat Crystal Palace 2-0, but they could not hold on against Everton in a 1-1 draw when Everton equalised in the 87th minute which has been a trend for Villa since the league restarted. Seven of the 10 goals Villa has conceded have come in the final 30 minutes of matches. One of Arsenal’s two goals to beat Manchester City came in the final third so Villa will need to be on their guard for a late surge from the Gunners whose best hope of qualifying for European football next season will be to win the FA Cup. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 17 league and cup away games against Villa and they have won the last seven meetings. Five of those seven were won to nil.
Bet: Both teams to score

Manchester United v West Ham
This is Manchester United’s biggest game of the season by a long way. Victory and they will climb above Leicester with a three points gap. Defeat and United and Leicester meet at the King Power Stadium level on 62 points in their battle to secure fourth spot and the final Champions League berth. United could climb to third if they beat West Ham and Chelsea loses at Liverpool. As for West Ham, the 37 points they currently have could be enough to ensure they are playing in next season’s EPL. If Aston Villa drop any points from their last two games, then the Hammers will be safe. West Ham’s recent revival in which they have taken 10 points from their last five matches, has seen them get to half-time in their last six games either winning or drawing. The last time West Ham won at Old Trafford came in May 2007 and since then, they have not one of any of their last 14 visits to the Theatre of Dreams. United, still smarting from their FA Cup semi-final defeat, has scored in both halves and won both halves in five of their last six league games. West Ham could look to do what Bournemouth and Southampton and take the game to their hosts and open the scoring. United will look to attack at every opportunity and after resting Paul Pogba against Chelsea, he should return to join Bruno Fernandes in United’s midfield.
Bet: Both teams to score

Liverpool v Chelsea
Tonight, after a 28-year wait, Liverpool get their hands on the Premier League trophy. They clinched their 19th domestic titles a couple of weeks ago, but only now will their coronation be confirmed when they are presented the trophy after this fixture with Chelsea. Chelsea may be invited to the party, but they will be keen to play the role of party poopers at Anfield. A win and Frank Lampard’s side will be guaranteed a place in next season’s Champions League. Defeat and it comes down to the final game of the season at home to Wolves on Sunday. While Liverpool are the champions, they haven’t exactly been playing like champions with just one point taken from their last two EPL games. When the two sides meet, a total of 344 days will have passed since the season’s first meeting in the European Super Cup on August 14. Liverpool will hope to maintain a remarkable record of not conceding a goal in the final 10 minutes which they have managed to do in their previous 23 league matches. This could and should be an open game if Liverpool want to mark their trophy presentation with a win. Chelsea has the players to hurt Liverpool which means there could be goals for both sides.
Bet: Both teams to score

Spreadknowledge betting tips for the EPL

Watford v Leicester 
Watford are fighting to stay out of the bottom three while Leicester have their sights on ending the campaign in second spot. The Foxes go into this game with an impressive half-time record this campaign. In their last 10 EPL matches, Leicester have not trailed at the interval – leading four times and being tied in the other six. Watford have not led at the break in their last three league games. Brendan Rodgers’ side have not conceded a first half goal in their last seven league encounters while the home side have gone three league games without finding the net in the first half.
Prediction: Leicester to lead at half-time
Brighton v Arsenal 
Arsenal’s return to action on Wednesday was going to plan for 44 minutes at Manchester City. The game was goalless but two errors from David Luiz either side of half-time took the game away from them. It ended their eight-game unbeaten run and they will hope to bounce back at Brighton who are without a win in their last nine league games. Neither side is used to going into the half-time interval ahead on the scoreboard. Wednesday’s defeat was Arsenal’s sixth game in which they have not been leading at the break (four ties and losing twice) while Brighton have not led in their last six EPL matches (losing three times, level three times). Arsenal cannot afford to lose this game and I expect changes to be made to the starting line-up that should win by two or more goals.
Prediction: Tie at half-time 
West Ham v Wolves
If West Ham manager David Moyes has done his homework during the lockdown, then he will know how slow Wolves have been to start matches this season. Of their last 13 league games, Wolves have scored the first goal just once. The last time they opened the scoring in an away fixture was on December 8 at Brighton. Since then, their last six journeys to opposition grounds have seen them fail to score first. West Ham, who have taken four points from their last two home games, have been first to register on the scoreboard in each of them. Incidentally, three of the last five league games Wolves have played were goalless draws. West Ham haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last 10 matches since beating Bournemouth 4-0 on January 1.
Prediction: West Ham to score the first goal
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
Don’t be surprised if Crystal Palace win this game 1-0. Palace’s last three EPL games before the break were 1-0 victories against Newcastle, Brighton and Watford – all sides 13th in the standings or lower. This is a match-up between Roy Hodgson’s well-organised Palace side and Eddie Howe’s squad of players who are in the middle of the relegation battle. Another bet that might land is Palace to win the second half. Of their last 15 goals scored, 11 have come after the interval, while the home side have been outscored 6-17 in the second half. Bournemouth have scored nine goals in their last 10 EPL contests and if that scoring does not improve, they could be playing in the second tier of English football next season.
Prediction: Palace to win to nil
Newcastle v Sheffield United 
Sheffield United were denied a comeback win at Aston Villa on Wednesday night when they were denied a legitimate goal just before half-time due to a technical fault with the goalline technology which failed to see Villa keeper Orjan Nyland carry the ball over the line. The two points they missed out on at the end of their 0-0 draw could be the difference between qualifying for next season’s Champions League and settling for a spot in the Europa League. Newcastle has drawn their last two home games 0-0 and another goalless draw should not be a surprise too many people. Steve Bruce’s side has managed to score just once in their last four at St James’ Park while the Blades have not given up the first goal in their last three matches and they have kept their opponents to nil in their last two.
Prediction: Under 2.5 total goals 
Aston Villa v Chelsea 
Dean Smith’s side will hope Lady Luck stays with them for the remainder of the season after getting a fortuitous break against Sheffield United on Wednesday. That was the eighth successive EPL game in which Villa had not led at half-time. Technology helped them break a run of seven games in which they had trailed at the interval. Chelsea went into lockdown buoyed by their 4-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge. It was the third consecutive match in which Chelsea scored the first goal. Can Villa finally open the scoring for the first time in eight home games? Aston Villa’s second half performances could decide the outcome of this encounter. The Villans have been outscored 6-19 after half-time which could be a weakness Chelsea will exploit.
Prediction: Chelsea to win the second half 
Everton v Liverpool 
The good news for Everton is that Liverpool cannot win their 18th domestic league title at Goodison Park. The bad news for Everton is that they haven’t beaten their Merseyside neighbours in 21 attempts. However, the Toffees have Carlo Ancelotti in charge of them now who has already inflicted defeat on the league leaders this season when he guided Napoli to victory in the Champions League. The stat that jumps out from this game is the impressive half-time records of both sides. Everton have not trailed at the interval in their last 11 home EPL matches while Jurgen Klopp’s side has not been behind at the break in their last eight league games away from Anfield. Nine of the last 17 meetings have finished in a tie (+320) which would not be the worst result for either of these two sides.
Prediction: Draw at half-time
Manchester City v Burnley 
Matchday 30 concludes with Burnley’s trip to Manchester City on Monday. The Etihad Stadium holds plenty of bad recent memories for the Clarets who have been beaten 5-0 on their last two visits. In fact, City have scored five goals in four of their last nine home games with Burnley in a fixture that generally produces a lot of goals. Since the last goalless draw in October 1975, a total of 46 goals have been scored in the 10 meetings at Maine Road and the Etihad with City scoring 36 of them. While City have dominated this fixture in recent years, Burnley won’t make life easy for their hosts. In their last six EPL games, Burnley has failed to give up the first goal. However, with just three first half goals scored in their last 17 league matches, the visitors cannot afford to fall behind to a City side that has taken maximum points in the seven games in which they have scored the first goal.
Prediction: Manchester City HT/FT double

SpreadKnowledge betting tips for Bundesliga’s Matchday 30

Hoffenheim v RB Leipzig
Over 2.5 goals has paid out in Hoffenheim’s last eight league games at their PreZero Arena while Leipzig’s last two league games away have seen over 2.5 total goals scored. While there could well be three or more goals scored in this fixture, I’m going to err on the side of caution and go for over 1.5 total goals. Hoffenheim have yet to be behind at half-time in their five matches played since the league returned while Leipzig, who trailed 1-0 at the interval of their first game back against Freiburg, have not trailed at the break in their last four.
Suggested bet: Under 3.5 total goals

Cologne v Union Berlin
Cologne’s incredible run of games in which there were three or more total goals scored came to an end last weekend when they drew 1-1 at Augsburg. I predicted there would be over 1.5 total goals which eventually landed, but it was close with both goals coming in the final four minutes. This game offers Cologne a chance to be involved in another match with over 2.5 total goals which would be their eighth successive home league game in which that has happened. They match up well with Union Berlin whose last four league games played away their capital home have seen over 2.5 pay out. The second half could be the highest scoring half given the defensive records of both sides. Cologne have conceded 10 first half goals in their last 13 league games while conceding 15 in the second half. Union have conceded 10 goals before the interval in their last 15 matches and given up 23 goals after half-time.
Suggested bet: Over 1.5 total goals

Dusseldorf v Dortmund
The bet that jumps out in this fixture is the second half being the highest scoring half. Of the last 51 goals scored in matches involving Dortmund, 35 (68.6%) have been scored in the second half. Of the last 39 goals netted in Dusseldorf’s last 15 league games, 25 (64.1%) have come after the interval. And the smart money would be on Dortmund to win the second half. The Yellow and Blacks have outscored their opponents 28-7 in the second half while Dusseldorf have been outscored 18-7 after half-time. Dortmund will be strong favourites to score the first goal also. They have done so in eight of their last nine league games while Dusseldorf have failed to open the scoring in their last three home games.
Suggested bet: Second half to be Dortmund’s highest scoring half

Hertha Berlin v Eintracht Frankfurt
These two sides have played the patient game in recent times with the majority of their goals scored coming in the second half. Hertha have scored 21 goals in their last 14 league games and 17 (80.9%) of them have come in the second half. Eintracht have scored 23 goals in their last 14 league encounters and 19 (82.6%) have been scored in the second half. I would expect that trend to continue in this fixture just as it did in the reverse fixture when three of the four goals were scored after the interval.
Suggested bet: Second half to be the highest scoring half

Paderborn v Werder Bremen
It’s a battle between the Bundesliga’s bottom two. Could this be the weekend that Paderborn’s exit from the Bundesliga is confirmed? They remain bottom 11 points from safety and eight points behind Dusseldorf who currently occupy the relegation play-off place. Steffen Baumgart’s side have not won any of their last 11 league games although they have drawn four of their five games since the league returned a month ago. Werder Bremen’s chances of surviving as each week passes but while there is hope, they will carry on fighting. Don’t expect too many goals in this encounter. Paderborn have failed to score in three of their last seven and when they have scored in the other four games, they have managed only one goal. Werder Bremen have failed to score in 10 of their last 17 matches. They have only scored multiple goals in one of those 17 matches.
Suggested bet: Under 3.5 goals

Wolfsburg v Freiburg
In terms of qualifying for European football next season, Freiburg are on the outside looking in. They are currently eighth in the table, two points behind Hoffenheim who are one place above them. A win at Wolfsburg will move them to within a point of their opponents who are sixth. The first meeting ended in a 1-0 win for Freiburg with the only goal coming five minutes from time. This is a difficult one to call in terms of betting purposes so I’m going to go for under 3.5 total goals.
Suggested bet: Under 3.5 total goals

Bayern Munich v Borussia Monchengladbach
Bayern Munich could be crowned champions if they beat Borussia Monchengladbach in the evening kick-off and Dortmund lose at Dusseldorf earlier on Saturday afternoon. If the leaders are to win this game, they will have to do it without two of their most influential players. Robert Lewandowski, who leads the league with 30 goals and Thomas Muller, who has a league-high 20 assists, are both suspended after picking up yellow cards last weekend. Their absence will allow Serge Gnabry the chance to lead the line. Gnabry ended a five-game goal drought in the league when he scored his side’s third in their 4-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen.
Suggested bet: Over 1.5 total goals

Mainz v Augsburg
The last 17 meetings between these two sides have seen at least two goals scored and I think that sequence could continue this weekend. Seven of Mainz’s last eight league games have seen over 1.5 total goals pay out while 18 of Augsburg’s last 19 league games have produced a minimum of two total goals scored. Neither of these sides are used to leading at half-time. Mainz have turned around at the break leading just once in their last six league games while the visitors have led at the interval once in their last eight. Goals have been more common in the second half of matches involving Augsburg than before the break. Of the last 14 league goals they have scored, 10 (71.4%) have come in the second half. And of the 29 league goals they have conceded, 24 (82.8) have been scored after half-time.   
Suggested bet: Over 1.5 total goals

Schalke v Bayer Leverkusen
The final game of Matchday 30 sees Bayer Leverkusen travel to Schalke. The form book suggests this should be a straightforward away win. Schalke’s search for a win continues as last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Union Berlin was the 12th straight game without a win. Leverkusen led league leaders Bayern for 17 minutes before the champions-elect went on to win 4-2. I’m going for the visitors to score the first goal in this game. Leverkusen has been quick out of the blocks scoring the first goal in seven of their last eight league games while Schalke has conceded the opening goal in six of their last eight,
Suggested bet: Leverkusen to score the first goal

Spreadknowledge betting tips for this weekend’s Bundesliga games

Seven of nine of my tips landed last weekend which brings my percentage to 74.0 per cent since the Bundesliga returned to action. Here are my tips for this weekend’s games.
Freiburg v Monchengladbach
Borussia Monchengladbach have more riding in this game than Freiburg with the visitors well placed to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Marco Rose’ side are currently fourth but a win at Freiburg will see them move to within a point of Dortmind who enter this weekend’s fixtures second. Monchengladbach have taken 41 points from a possible 45 when they have scored the first goal in matches. Freiburg have not scored the first goal in their last two league games so I would expect the visitors to once again open the scoring in this fixture.
Suggested bet: Monchengladbach to score the first goal
Bayer Leverkusen v Bayern Munich
Munich are all set to be crowned champions for a 30th time and their eighth in a row. Hans-Dieter Flick’s side have a comfortable seven-point cushion at the top of the Bundesliga with just five games to play. And their form has been phenomenal before the COVID-19 break and after with 14 wins and a draw from their last 15 league games. And they have been winning in style with 17 of their 21 wins coming after they have led at half-time. Their last four wins have seen HT/FT doubles land. And this should pay out again.
Suggested bet: Bayern Munich HT/FT double
Dusseldorf v Hoffenheim
Dusseldorf’s fight to avoid relegation continues at home to Hoffenheim who are still in the mix to qualify for next season’s Europa League. Hoffenheim have scored exactly one goal in each of their last five league games away from home and there is every possibility they could add to that sequence and perhaps score more than once. The visitors also have a good run going on the road and if they score in this fixture, it will be the 13th successive away league game in which they will have found the net.
Suggested bet: Hoffenheim to score over 0.5 goals
Eintracht Frankfurt v Mainz
Mainz have not done enough to secure their place in next season’s Bundesliga, but a win or two in their final five games should do it. This will be a a tough test for them and there is a good chance both teams will score. It’s happened in Eintracht Frankfurt’s last three home games while BTTS has paid out in Mainz’s last two away games.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score
RB Leipzig v Paderborn
Paderborn’s time in the Bundesliga looks like it is coming to an end. The side sitting rock bottom of the league are running out of time to claw back the points they need to get out of trouble. With five games remaining, they need help from other clubs which at this stage of the season is very unlikely. And a trip to RB Leipzig is the last thing they need. The home side are in a battle to secure a top-four spot which would see them qualify for next season’s Champions League. It would be a shock to see anything other than a Leipzig win here. And a comfortable win at that.
Suggested bet: Over 2.5 goals
Dortmund v Hertha Berlin
Dortmund’s chances of winning the league are all but over, but with just four points between them and fifth-placed Bayer Leverkusen, the home side can not take this fixture for granted. After a goalless first half at Paderborn last weekend. And I expect Dortmund carrying that form into this game. Dortmund have scored the first goal in seven of their last eight games and with the attacking options they have, I would expect the home side to strike first in this game.
Suggested bet: Over 1.5 total goals
Werder Bremen v Wolfsburg
Werder Bremen are another side in danger of slipping out of the Bundesliga when this season draws to a close in the next month or so. And when the dust settles, they can look at a lack of goals as one of the reason why. They have scored just three goals in their last five games. They have failed to score in six of their last 11 games. Those struggles are likely to continue at home to Wolfsburg who have picked up more points away from home than at home in their last 10 games. With 13 points from a possible 15, Wolfsburg will start as favourites in this game.
Suggested bet: Wolfsburg to win
Union Berlin v Schalke
Schalke are in free-fall right now, but they should have enough points on the board to stay up. Again goals has been an issue for David Warner’s side and with nothing to play for, you have to wonder if they can come away from the capital with a win. Neither of these sides are used to going in at half-time ahead on the scoreboard. Schalke have led at the interval just once in their last 12 while the home side have not led at half-time in their last five. Don’t be surprised if this is level at half-time as both sides approach this game with caution.
Suggested bet: Draw at half-time
Augsburg v Cologne
When will Cologne’s run of successive games with at least three total goals scored come to an end? The run currently stands at 12 thanks to their six-goal entertaining home game against RB Leipzig. That run includes Cologne’s last five away games and with two of Augsburg’s last three home games producing three or more goals, then over 2.5 total goals could be the best bet in this fixture. BTTS is another bet that could land. It’s landed in Cologne’s last six games while five of Augsburg’s last six games have seen goals for both them and their opponents.
Suggested bet: Over 2.5 goals

Spreadknowledge Bundesliga betting tips

After landing 13 of 18 bets in the first two rounds of fixtures since the Bundesliga returned to action, I’m going for nine out of nine in this weekend’s fixtures.

Freiburg v Bayer Leverkusen
Freiburg are without a win in their last three while Leverkusen are looking to bounce back from their 4-1 home defeat to Wolfsburg. It was the third successive game in which Leverkusen scored and conceded in the same game. If both teams score in this game, it will be the seventh consecutive game in which BTTS will have paid out. The first meeting this season saw at least one goal for Freiburg and one for Leverkusen as the game ended 1-1. Three of the last four meetings at Freiburg have ended goalless.
Suggested bet: Under 3.5 goals

Hertha Berlin v Augsburg
With 19 total goals scored in the last four meetings, there could be more goals in this game especially if Hertha’s last eight games are anything to go by. Over 2.5 total goals has paid out in all eight. Before their goalless draw against basement side Paderborn, Augsburg’s last two games saw three total goals scored. The last two meetings in Berlin have ended in 2-2 draws. Hertha had to be patient in Friday’s 4-0 Berlin derby when all four of their goals came after a scoreless first half.
Suggested bet: Over 1.5 goals
Mainz v Hoffenheim
Since the last goalless draw in Rhineland between these two sides, goals have been a regular occurrence. In the last four games, there has been a total of 23 goals at an average of a goal every 16 minutes. Looking at the table, it’s hard to believe that Mainz, sitting 15th in the standings, beat seventh-placed Hoffenheim who are fighting to qualify for European football next season. Hoffenheim have drawn their last three league games on the road.
Suggested bet: Over 1.5 goals
Schalke v Werder Bremen
Schalke just cannot buy a win right now. Their winless run of 10 games is the longest in the league and while they still ninth in the table, their form suggests they could be dragged into a relegation battle, where Werder Bremen currently find themselves. Scoring has been a problem for both sides. Schalke have scored three goals in their last 10 while the visitors have four goals in their last nine. Conceding late goals has also been an issue. Schalke have conceded 13 goals in the final 30 minutes of their last 10 games while Bremen’s opponents have scored 16 goals after the 60th minute in their last 15.
Suggested bet: Under 3.5 goals
Wolfsburg v Eintracht Frankfurt
This could be a slow burner of a game as neither side has been quick out of the blocks in recent matches. There has not been a goal scored within the opening 10 minutes of any of Wolfsburg’s last 22 league games. As for Frankfurt, 15 of their last 18 goals scored have been in the second half. In Wolfsburg’s last 13 league matches, a total of 22 goals have been scored in the final 30 minutes. Frankfurt’s last seven games have seen 33 total goals scored at an average of 4.7 per game.
Suggested bet: Second half to be the highest scoring half
Bayern Munich v Dusseldorf
This looks like being a formality for Bayern who lead the league by seven points following their 1-0 win at nearest rivals Dortmund on Tuesday night. With just six games to play, the title is their to lose. Dusseldorf’s place in the Bundesliga next season looked in doubt, but a run of just one defeat in their last nine has given them a chance of avoiding relegation. Bayern have taken 40 points from a possible 42 in their last 14 league games. Dusseldorf could do with a quick start and if they manage to score beforte the 44th minute, they will be the first team to do so against the defending champions in 14 league matches.
Suggested bet: Bayern to lead at half-time
M’gladbach v Union Berlin
Both Munchengladbach and Union Berlin like to do their scoring after half-time. Of the last 28 league goals Munchengladbach have scored, 21 have come in the second half while 10 of the last 14 goals scored by Union have come after the interval. Over 2.5 goals has landed in Munchengladbach’s last three home games while Union’s last three away games have seen a minimum of three total goals scored.
Suggested bet: Over 1.5 goals
Paderborn v Dortmund
This is a battle between two teams needing wins for very different reasons. Paderborn are in danger of being relegated sat bottom of the table despite three successive draws. If they can’t turn those draws into wins, then their time in the top flight could be coming to an end. Dortmund’s title hopes are all but over after losing to Bayern and with Leipzig, Munchengladbach and Leverkusen breathing down their neck, the visitors need wins to claim second spot. Both teams have scored in Paderborn’s last eight home league games and they will do well to score against a Dortmund side who have conceded just two goals in 638 minutes of action.
Suggested bet: Dortmund to lead at half-time
Cologne v RB Leipzig
Cologne’s 3-1 defeat at Hoffenheim in midweek brought the total goals scored in the home side’s last 11 games to 44. It was also the 11th straight game in which over 2.5 total goals paid out. The score when these two sides met earlier this season was also 4-1 which suggests there may be three or more goals in this fixture as well. Leipzig’s defence could be the difference in this fixture. They have registered five clean sheets in their last eight, but they gave up two goals at home to Hertha earlier this week. Leipzig have trailed only once at half-time in their last eight.
Suggested bet: Over 1.5 total goals

Spreadknowledge Bundesliga bettings tips

Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich

These two giants of German football meet with both sides winning their last six games. Bayern have dropped just two points in their 13 while the home side have taken 27 points from a possible 30 in their last 10 games.

What can we expect from this fixture? Goals, if both strike forces are in the mood. In their last 11 league games, Bayern has bagged 34 goals, while Dortmund have netted 33 times. Both teams should score in this fixture but their respective defences have been pretty good. Dortmund has registered five clean sheets in their last six while the defending champions have nilled their opponents three times in their last four.

Over 2.5 total goals is another bet worth looking at. In Dortmund’s last nine home league games, a minimum of three total goals have been scored while over 2.5 goals has paid out in 12 of Bayern’s last 13 away league games.

A look at previous meetings suggests there should be goals in this match-up. Nine of the last 10 have seen at least three goals scored.

Over 1.5 goals

Bayer Leverkusen v Wolfsburg

Leverkusen host Wolfsburg in a clash between two top-six sides. Leverkusen have an incredible record of not trailing at half-time in their last 19 league games. That feeling of going into the changing room not behind on the scoreboard is not a feeling Wolfsburg are familiar with.

Wolfsburg has led at the break in three of their last 10. In those 10 games, their record at the interval has been – losing, drawing, ahead, losing, drawing, ahead, losing, drawing, ahead and losing in the weekend’s home game against Dortmund. If that sequence is to be continued, then this game should be level at half-time.

Leverkusen have been in good scoring form in their last seven games – scoring in both halves in six of them. That includes their last three in which they also won both the first half and second half.

Of the last 32 meetings, over 2.5 goals has paid out in 29 of them while 28 encounters have seen BTTS land.

Leverkusen to lead at half-time

Eintracht Frankfurt v Freiburg

This could be a slow-burner of a game. Neither side have a tendency to score early goals. Frankfurt have failed to find their opponents’ net before the 37th minute in their last eight games.

Freiburg, who suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Werder Bremen on Saturday, have not scored a goal before the 28th minute in their last 14 matches. The last time they did so was in their 4-2 defeat at Borussia Munchengladbach on December 1.

Frankfurt has conceded four goals in the five minutes after half-time in their last five matches and this could be an area for Freiburg to exploit.

The fixture computer has not been kind to Frankfurt with their last three games against top five sides which is one of the reasons why over 2.5 goals has paid out in those games.

Freiburg don’t have the strike force of those sides with six goals scored in their last nine so under 3.5 goals might be the best bet in this game.

Under 3.5 goals

Werder Bremen v Borussia Munchengladbach

If Munchengladbach’s last nine matches are any indication as to what we could expect from this game, then we could expect both sides to score and combine for over 2.5 goals.

BTTS has landed in the visitors’ last nine league games while over 2.5 total goals has paid out in eight of those.

Two of Bremen’s last three have seen goals for both teams and over 2.5 goals scored. Of the last 18 goals Bremen has conceded, 13 have come after half-time.

If Bremen score in the 81st minute, it will be the fourth successive game in which Munchengladbach have conceded a goal in that particular minute.

Bremen have not scored first in their last seven home league games so I’d go for Munchengladbach to open the scoring which they have done in their last four games on the road.

Munchengladbach to score first

RB Leipzig v Hertha Berlin

Wednesday’s action gets under way with Hertha Berlin’s trip to RB Leipzig.

Between them, these two sides scored nine goals in the last round of fixtures. Leipzig scored five without reply at Mainz to take the aggregate score for the season to 13-0. Hertha scored all their goals in their 4-0 derby win over Union in the second half to ensure their fans had the bragging rights.

Defensively, these two sides have been difficult to penetrate. Leipzig has registered five clean sheets in their last seven games while Hertha’ derby win ensure back-to-back clean sheets.

Hertha have played the patience game in recent matches. Of the last 20 goals they have scored, 18 have been scored in the second half. They might find it a struggle against Leipzig who have only conceded two second half goals in their last 11 games and they both came in the same game – a 2-0 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Over 1.5 goals

Augsburg v Paderborn

Augsburg and Paderborn have found wins hard to come by in recent times. Between them, they have combined for one win in a total of 15 games and that came courtesy of Augsburg’s 3-0 win at Schalke on Sunday.

Both sides were quick out of the blocks last weekend registering goals in the first nine minutes. In Paderborn’s case, the basement side had already conceded when they found the net. The last five goals Paderborn have conceded have all come in the first half.

Neither side are used to scoring the first goal. Paderborn has failed to open the scoring in their last seven while Augsburg’s opener at Schalke was the first time they scored first in their last five.

Augsburg to score first

Dusseldorf v Schalke

The last time these two sides met, they drew 3-3 with Schalke coming from a goal down three times to claim a point thanks to Rouwen Hennings’ hat-trick.

And there is a good chance this could end all square also given Dusseldorf’s recent run of results. All four of their points from their last four matches have come from draws.

Six of their last eight games have been draws while four of Schalke’s last eight have been stalemates.

Scoring remains an issue for Davis Wagner’s side with just one goal scored in Schalke’s last six matches. They have failed to score in seven of their last nine and they might have to be patient against Dusseldorf. Of the last 19 goals conceded by the home side, 17 have come in the second half.

Under 3.5 goals. 

Hoffenheim v Cologne

With three minutes to play on Sunday, Cologne’s run of successive games with three or more total goals looked to be coming to an end. They trailed Dusseldorf 2-0 with time running out.

What followed was the most dramatic finish in the Bundesliga since the resumption of the season with two goals to snatch a point in a 2-2 draw. The comeback came a week after they themselves let a 2-0 lead slip at home to Mainz.

Sunday’s draw was Cologne’s tenth game in a row in which over 2.5 goals paid out. Can it pay out for an 11th time in Hoffenheim? I’m going for over 1.5 goals.

Recent history suggests it could. Hoffenheim’s last seven games in the PreZero Arena have seen a minimum of three match goals scored.

In Hoffenheim’s last 10 matches, early goals have been common with 10 goals scored before the stadium clocks reaches 20 minutes. The home side has not conceded a goal after the 74th minute in their last 13.

Cologne have picked the ball out of their net in the 61st minute in their last two matches. Will lightning strike a third time just after the hour mark?

Over 1.5 goals

Union Berlin v Mainz

Both these sides suffered heavy defeats last time out although Union have had longer to dwell on their loss. Their 4-0 loss in the Berlin derby occurred on Friday while Mainz’s 5-0 hammering by RB Leipzig came on Sunday.

Neither side are safe from relegation but a win for Union will ease their concerns considerably and move them six points clear of Mainz who ended the last round of fixtures just three points above Dusseldorf who occupy the play-off place.

The fifth goal Mainz conceded on Sunday came in the final 15 minutes which was the second time in their last three games in which they conceded a goal in that period of time. Union have conceded 11 goals in the 75th minute or later in their last 12 league games. I’m expecting that sequence to continue.

Over 1.5 goals 

Spreadknowledge tips for Bundesliga – May 22-24

Hertha Berlin v Union Berlin

The second round of fixtures, following the Bundesliga restart, gets under way with a Berlin derby. It will be just the second ever in the top flight and the first played at the Olympiastadion. Hertha have the better form with an unbeaten run of three games compared to Union who are without a win in their last three. Over 2.5 total goals has paid out in Hertha’s last six league games and in four of Union’s last five matches. There may not be too many goals before half-time given the fact Hertha have scored two first half goals in their last 12 while Union have managed one more in their last 11. In the last nine games, Hertha have score 10 more goals in the second half than in the first while Union have netted 15 more goals after the interval than before it. Union will go above their hosts if they win.

Suggested bet: Second half to be the higher scoring half

B Munchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen

Borussia Munchengladbach climbed above RB Leipzig into third in the table last week after 3-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt and they will start as slight favourites against Bayer Leverkusen who also won on the road last time out when they secured a 4-1 win at Werder Bremen on Monday night. It was the second successive league game in which over 2.5 total goals were scored in a game involving Leverkusen while Munchengladbach’s win was the eighth game in a row in which over 2.5 goals paid out. Both these teams have a tendency to score the first goal, but which side will get their noses in front this time. If it’s Munchengladbach, it will be the seventh time in their last eight games in which they have opened the scoring while Leverkusen are looking to score first for the tenth time in 11 games. Munchengladbach have not trailed at half-time in 13 of their last 14 games while Leverkusen’s run of not trailing at the interval now stands at 18 consecutive games. The away team has won the last three meetings.

Suggested bet: Over 2.5 total goals

Freiburg v Werder Bremen

The form book suggests this should be a comfortable home win for Freiburg who have taken four points from their last two games. The enforced break because of the COVID-19 pandemic did nothing to bring a change in fortunes for Werder who remain in the bottom two following their 4-1 loss at home to Bayer Leverkusen. It was the second successive game in which BTTS had paid out in games involving Werder while Freiburg’s 1-1 draw at RB Leipzig was their second game in a row where there was at least one goal for them and the team they were playing. Bremen conceded the first goal on Monday night for the fourth time in their last five games and it they fall behind at the Schwarzwald Stadion, then they will have to buck a trend that has plagued them all season. Werder have taken just one point from a possible 33 when conceding the opening goal. Freiburg have scored in the 34th minute in their last two games while Werder conceded in the 33rd minute. Will there be a goal between the 31st and 40th minute?

Suggested bet: Freiburg to score first

Paderborn v Hoffenheim

The stat that jumps out ahead of Hoffenheim’s trip to Paderborn is the inability of both sides to score the opening goal. Paderborn, who remain bottom of the Bundesliga following their 0-0 draw at Dusseldorf, have failed to score the opening goal in their last six league games. Hoffenheim, who were soundly beaten 3-0 at home by Hertha Berlin, have conceded the first goal in their last five matches. Half-time team talks have often been rallying calls from the respective managers as both sides have struggled in the opening 45 minutes. Paderborn have not led at half-time in their last nine games while Hoffenheim have been in front just once at the interval in their last 13 fixtures. A bet worth considering is for both teams to score. BTTS has paid out in Paderborn’s last seven league games at home while Hoffenheim’s last two away games have seen goals for both them and their opponents. Hoffenheim are unbeaten in their last five on the road and they should extend that sequence to six at the Benteler Arena.

Suggested bet: Both Paderborn and Hoffenheim to score

Wolfsburg v Dortmund

Wolfsburg’s seven-game unbeaten run will be put to the test when they welcome red-hot Dortmund who won their fifth successive game when they beat Schalke 4-0 in the Revierderby last Saturday. Wolfsburg left it late to win 2-1 at Augsburg when Daniel Ginczek popped up with the winner in injury time. The score at half-time could be a telling factor. If Wolfsburg are in front, the chances are they will go on to win the game. The home side has won all seven games this season in which they have led at the break. Dortmund led 2-0 last week and went on to win to make it six games running they have won while leading at the interval. Dortmund’s clean sheet at home to their neighbours was their fourth in five games and Wolfsburg will have their work cut out to find the net against the side with their sights set on finishing the season as champions.

Suggested bet: Dortmund to lead at half-time

Bayern Munich v E Frankfurt

Bayern say their lead at the top of the table cut to one point when Dortmund eased to victory 24 hours before the gap was restored to four following the champions’ 2-0 win at Union Berlin. A 30th title is Bayern’s to lose with eight games left to play. And if they need any extra motivation to win this game, then there is the small matter of Frankfurt’s 5-1 win in the reverse fixture which was the last as Bayern manager for Niko Kovac who left Frankfurt to take the Munich job. Since losing their last league game, Bayern, who have outscored their opponents 40-6 in those 12 games, have conceded goals in just three of their last 10 league matches. Don’t be surprised if Bayern score in both halves as they have managed to do so in four of their last five including last week’s win in Berlin. Frankfurt have been slow out of the blocks in matches before and after the suspension. They have failed to score before the 37th minute in their last seven games. If Bayern get their noses in front, it could be a frustrating fixture for Frankfurt. Bayern, who have taken 34 of 36 points in their last 12 games, have won all 14 games this season in which they have led at half-time.

Suggested bet: Bayern to lead at half-time

Schalke v Augsburg

A lot is made of the first goal scored in matches. Obviously, it gives the team that scores it the advantage and allows them to dictate the tempo of the game. The first goal in this fixture could go a long way to determine which team ends up with the three points on offer. Schalke have lost the last five games in which they have conceded the opening goal. Augsburg have lost the last five games in which they have conceded the opening goal. Schalke, who have no wins in their last eight, have struggled in front of goal in their last nine games scoring a total of just four goals. Neither side is used to leading at half-time with Schalke turning around ahead once in their last nine while Augsburg have been in front at the interval in one of their last eight. In Augsburg’s last 10 league games, they have conceded 18 goals in the 50th minute or later while Schalke have conceded 13 goals in the 50th minute or later in their last 10. Schalke have won two of their last three games to nil.

Suggested bet: Both teams not to score and under 2.5 goals

Mainz v RB Leipzig

The return fixture on November 2 remains the highest-scoring game of the Bundesliga season so far. A total of eight goals were scored and all eight were scored by Leipzig with Timo Werner helping himself to a hat-trick. Leipzig led 5-0 at half-time and they will be expected to record another comfortable against the 15th place side battling to stay in the league. Leipzig have drawn their last three games and the six points dropped has seen them slip to fourth in the standings. Leipzig had to come from a goal down to rescue a point at home against Freiburg. Leipzig can be described as a second half team after Yussef Poulsen found the back of the net 13 minutes from time. In their last 11 games, Leipzig have been outscored 8-4 in the first half. In the second half of those games, they have outscored their opponents 17-3. If Leipzig are to challenge for the Meisterschale, then the margin for error is zero. They have to start winning and this should be an away win. Leipzig have only scored the opening goal in two of their last 11 games which should give Mainz hope. If the home side can score first, then Leipzig’s title hopes could end at the Opel Arena.

Suggested bet: Timo Werner to be anytime scorer 

Cologne v Dusseldorf

Cologne were denied a winning return to action last Sunday when they squandered a 2-0 lead at home to Mainz. With half an hour left to play, the points looked like being theirs, but they were pegged back by the away side who refused to give up. Sunday’s win was the 12th successive game in which Cologne scored and that run should be extended to 13 against a Dusseldorf that drew 0-0 at home to Paderborn in a game they would have targeted for a much-needed win to help ease them away from the relegation zone. Dusseldorf have conceded the first goal in 12 matches this season and they have not win any of them. Cologne have scored first in six of their last seven home league games and will expect to trouble the scoreboard operators first. Cologne’s win last weekend saw at least one goal in each half which was the fifth time in nine games in which they have done so and that includes their last two at home. Dusseldorf won the first meeting 2-0 but revenge should be Cologne’s.

Suggested bet: Cologne to score in both halves

Spreadknowledge betting tips for Bundesliga return

Dortmund v Schalke

Dortmund resume the season four points behind current leaders Bayern Munich and they face a Schalke side harbouring hopes of playing European football next season. Dortmund outscored their opponents 27-9 in the eight matches before the lockdown and have scored the first goal in six of their last seven including their last four. Dortmund will be looking to score in their 15th successive league game. Schalke will hope the break will have helped them find a way of scoring a goal on their travels. They have failed to find the net in their last four away games and they have been nilled in five of their last seven. The away side have only managed one goal before half-time in their last eight.

Suggested bet: Over 2.5 goals

Augsburg v Wolfsburg

One of the trends that jumps out ahead of this game is the frequency in which BTTS has paid out in matches involving Augsburg and Wolfsburg. In the last three home games played by Augsburg, who are two places above the relegation play-off berth, there have been goals for both them and their opponents. BTTS has landed in the last four away games played by Wolfsburg, who have scored 12 of their last 16 goals in the second half. Of the last 21 goals conceded by the home side, 18 have come after the half-time interval. Augsburg are without a win in their last five while Wolfsburg are unbeaten in their last six.

Suggested bet: Both teams to score 

Dusseldorf v Paderborn

Dusseldorf host basement side Paderborn hoping they can pick up where they left off before the suspension of games in March. Dusseldorf lost just one of their last six, although four of them were draws. Paderborn have their work cut out to stay in the Bundesliga and a win this weekend will certainly lift spirits and give them hope for the remainder of the campaign. Paderborn have not let at half-time in their last eight and go into this encounter with just one point to show from their last six games. Dusseldorf have scored first in four of their last six while the visitors have conceded the first goal in their last five. Neither side has been involved in a goalless draw so far this season. Could that change this weekend in a cagey affair?

Suggested bet: Dusseldorf to score the first goal 

RB Leipzig  v Freiburg

RB Leipzip have ‘on paper’ the most favourable run-in of the sides battling it out for the German title. Leipzig have five points to make up on leaders Bayern Munich and they will be expected to pick up all three points against Freiburg who are eighth in the table. Leipzig have won all 12 games this season when they have led at half-time and have taken 34 points from a possible 36 when scoring first, although they have not scored first in eight of their last 10 games. If the home side keep Freiburg to nil, it will be their fifth clean sheet in their last six games. A fast start would help the visitors but without a goal in the first 28 minutes of their last 12 games, the odds are against Freiburg from catching their hosts cold.

Suggested bet: RB Leipzig to lead at half-time 

Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin

The suspension of football came at a good time for Hertha Berlin who had been guilty of starting games slowly before the break. In the three games prior to the decision to put the season on hold, Hertha conceded five goals in the first 10 minutes of their last three matches. The question is whether Hoffenheim can add to that. If their last games are any indication, then the answer is no. Hoffenheim have not scored before the 23rd minute in their last 10 matches. Despite that, this game could well see goals based on the fact over 2.5 goals paid out in Hoffenheim’s last six home games and Hertha’s last three away games.

Suggested bet: Over 2.5 goals 

Eintracht Frankfurt v B Munchengladbach 

Eintracht Frankfurt will do well to score in the first half. Munchengladbach have conceded just three first half goals in their last 10 matches while Frankfurt have only managed to scored twice before the interval in their last nine games. Nine of the last 12 goals Frankfurt have conceded have come in the second half and three of them have come in the 49th minute of their last three matches. Munchengladbach have scored first in five of their last six games while Frankfurt have conceded first in four of their last five. BTTS has paid out in the last seven games the visiting team have played while Frankfurt’s last home game saw goals for both teams.

Suggested bet: Both Frankfurt and Munchengladbach to score 

Cologne v Mainz

Mainz are in danger of being involved in the relegation play-off and a trip to Cologne could be a tricky return to action for them. If both sides pick up from where they left off before the suspension of the league, then goals should be guaranteed. In Cologne’s last eight games, the total match goals have been – 4, 6, 4, 5, 5, 3, 3 and 3. The total goal in Mainz’s last seven away games have been – 8. 6. 3. 5, 4, 4 and 4. Mainz have conceded six goals in the opening 30 minutes of their last eight games.

Suggested bet: Over 2.5 goals 

Union Berlin v Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich’s destiny is in their own hands over the last nine games they have to play. Win them all and they are champions again. Bayern are unbeaten in their last 11 league games and have registered clean sheets in six of their last nine. They have not conceded the first goal in their last 10 league games and have won the last nine games when they have scored first while Union Berlin have taken just one point from a possible 36 when conceding the opening goal. Bayern have not allowed their opponents to score within the first 20 minutes of their 12 matches. Union Berlin’s last four matches have seen over 2.5 total goals scored while Bayern’s last 10 away games have produced at least three goals.

Suggested bet: Over 2.5 goals 

Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen

The final game of this round of games comes on Monday night with Bayer Leverkusen visiting Werder Bremen. Fifth-placed Leverkusen should take care of business against Bremen who sit second from bottom. Expect a fast start from the visitors who have opened the scoring in eight of their last nine games. Leverkusen have not trailed at half-time in their last 17 league games while scoring goals has been a problem for the home side. Bremen have failed to score in their last five home games. Bremen have managed just five goals in their last 11 matches. Of the last 14 goals conceded by Bremen, 11 have come in the second half.

Suggested bet: Leverkusen to score first

Spreadknowledge Belarus Vysshaya Liga picks

Torpedo Zhodino v Belshina
Torpedo got their league campaign off to the perfect start last week when they won 1-0 at Shaktyor thanks to Gabriel Ramos’ 90th minute goal. The victory came five days after they were beaten by the same side in the Belarus Cup. Belshina’s season began promisingly scoring after just seven minutes in their curtain-raiser at home to FC Minsk. But a penalty five minutes into the second half started the visitors’ comeback that saw two further goals scored in a comfortable 3-1 win. BTTS and over 2.5 goals paid out in the two meetings last season which saw Torpedo win 3-1 at Belshina while the first fixture finished 2-2 with Torpedo twice coming from a goal down to rescue a point.

Suggested bet: Torpedo Zhodino to win and over 2.5 goals

Rukh Brest v Energetyk-BDU
Energetyk-BDU sit top of the Belarus top division after they too got their season up and running with a 3-1 win. at home to BATE Borisov. Energetyk-BDU effectively had the points in the bag when they turned around leading 2-0 thanks to Jasurbek Yakhshiboev’s goals in the 26th and 34th minutes. Rukh Brest picked up their first win at the first time of asking when they beat Dinamo Minsk 1-0 in the Traktor Stadium. This will be the first ever meeting between these two sides following Brest’s promotion to the top flight at the end of last season.

Suggested bet: Draw

FC Slutsk v Dinamo Brest
There was only one draw in the opening round of games in the Belarus Vysshaya Liga and that involved the defending champions Dinamo Brest who had to rally from a goal down at home to earn a point against Smolevichi-STI. Cameroon midfielder Gaby Junior Kiki goal ensured Dinamo Brest drew their third successive game of the season after their previous two fixtures in the domestic cup competition ended goalless in 90 minutes. FC Slutsk go into this game full of confidence after beating Slavia Mozyr 3-1 in the Slutsk City Stadium in a game that saw three of the four goals scored from the penalty spot. Andrei Chukhlei opened the scoring for the visitors with the first penalty before Soslan Takulov converted his own penalty on the stroke of half-time. Artem Serdyuk wrapped up the win for the home side with his second coming from the spot. Three of the last four meetings have seen goals for both teams while the last three encounters have seen a minimum of three total goals scored.

Suggested bet: Both teams to score

Slavia Mozyr v BATE Borisov

BATE Borisov remain the only team from Belarus to have reached the group stage of the Champions League but after finishing second last season, they had to go through qualification for the Europa League. They failed at the first round and will hope to be back at the top of their domestic league come the end of the season. However, they began their season with a 3-1 loss at Energetyk-BDU while Slavia Mozyr suffered defeat by the same score when they travelled to FC Slutsk. In three of the last four meetings, three or more goals have been scored as BATE came out on top in all four.

Suggested bet: BATE to win and over 2.5 goals

FC Minsk v Dinamo Minsk
Two of the three clubs based in Minsk meet when Dinamo travel to FC Minsk. Fifteen times, these two sides have met and 15 times FC Minsk have failed to win. Five draws is all the home side in this fixture have to show as their rivals have certainly had the better of previous battles. But will the tide turn this week? FC Minsk are second in the table following their 3-1 win at Belshina while Dinamo followed up back-to-back defeats in the Belarus Cup to BATE Borisov with a 1-0 loss at home to Rukh Brest. There have been goals for both teams in two of the last three meetings and over 2.5 has paid out in two of the last three meetings.

Suggested bet: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals