Internazionale vs Manchester United
Uefa Champions League 1st Knock-out Round, 20h45
The best club competition in the world is back with its knock-out first round. And what a match-up do we have tonight. It's Mourinho's Nerrazzurri against Sir Alex Ferguson's troops at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan.
Jose Mourinho knows Manchester United so well, as he met them 12 times in the past three years. The Red Devils have got no secret for the Special One as he tries to oust the reigning champions from this early round. Inter will probably have to do without Walter Samuel, but besides that it is a full squad from which the Portuguese will pick his first eleven from. The most probable line-up will be: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Cordoba, Chivu, Santon; Vieira, Cambiasso, Zanetti; Stankovic; Adriano, Ibrahimovic.
The Nerrazzurri sit 9 points clear at the top of the Serie A standings, while Manchester United are 7 points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Sir Alex Ferguson will have big selection problems mostly in defence, where he has just four available players: Fabio, Ferdinand, Eckersley and Evra. Vidic is suspended, while Evans hasn't trained because of an injury he got on Saturday and O'Shea is very doubtful.
It'll be a great match to watch, as a hostful of top-class footballers lock horns in the world's best club competition, the Uefa Champions League.
I think Inter will get the edge tonight. I tip them to win, with prices as high as 7/5.

Fulham 2:0 WBA

Fulham vs West Bromwich Albion

English Premier League, 14h30

Fulham has been very good at home, managing 7 wins in 11 games. Arsenal lost at Craven Cottage , while Chelsea were held to a draw. They are on 30 points, following the mid-week's 3-0 loss at Old Trafford. Roy Hodgson said this is a very important game for the hosts. 

WBA are last but still with great chances to stay up as there is a big battle between some 6-8 teams which are separated by no more than 5 points. They are dreadful away, I have to say. They managed only 1 win.

That being stated, I go for a Fulham win. The price is 4/5.

Betis 2:2 Barcelona

Watford 1:3 Chelsea

Betis vs Barcelona

Spanish Primera Division, 20h00

Betis has problems at the back, while Barca are without Puyol, Messi and Henry.

Betis have won the last two games here against Barcelona.

I tip Betis not to lose, at 7/4.

Watford vs Chelsea
FA Cup, 18h30
There was a big week at Chelsea. Guus Hiddink was appointed manager after a lot of dismal results. The Dutch manager said that the team will go for all three trophies they can still win, even the Premier League title. This Cup fixture is the greatest chance for the Blues to gain a bit of momentum. Terry and Carvalho are out, while Essien started to train again after a lengthy set-back.
Watford are managed by Brendan Rodgers, who was in charge of the Chelsea Reserve team in the last few seasons. He will feel very motivated. Still the Blues have managed to score nine and concede none in the last three matches against Watford, as all three were Chelsea wins.
I tip Chelsea to win, at 4/11.

Tottenham 0:0 Arsenal

Tottenham vs Arsenal

English Premier League, 14h30

This is the derby of London. These two teams have great tradition and beyond that, this fixture produces a great show every time. For example, last season it finished 4-4 at White Hart Lane.

Also, it'll be the first game for both new-signings Andrey Arshavin and Robbie Keane, who was named captain. 

Arsenal are unbeaten in 8 at Tottenham, winning 2 and drawing 6. But they are outside of the top 4 and are missing key players as Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott. Tottenham are battling relegation, but since Harry Redknapp took charge they look much more solid, mostly at home.

I favour Tottenham to get something out of this one, with prices at above 1/2.

Real Madrid 1:0 Racing Santander

Real Madrid vs Santander
Spanish Primera Division, 20h00
Preview to follow...
I tip Real Madrid to win, at 5/11.

My prediction rate is over the top again, climbing to 70,1%
(279 successful tips out of 398).

Manchester City 2:1 Newcastle

Cagliari 1:0 Siena

Manchester City vs Newcastle
English Premier League, 21h00
Manchester City is trying to attract world star players to the team, but while Kaka turned them down, they managed to sign the likes of Craig Bellamy and Nigel de Jong. Those two will probably go straight into the starting line-up along with the Brazilian star Robinho who doesn't enjoy his best period of his life if we speak about personal matters. Richard Dunne is suspended for this one. City hasn't drawn a match all season, while they are running on a three-match unbeaten run.
Newcastle is not the most dangerous team around. They will be without Obafemi Martins through injury. In 23 top-flight matches without the Nigerian striker, Newcastle has only won 2. Shay Given is also a big doubt, as he is preparing to swap clubs, with City awaiting. Skipper Nicky Butt is out through suspension. England star Michael Owen will try to win it for his team, even though he is in his last 6 months at the club and plans to leave.
I expect Manchester City to win, with values at around 7/10.

Cagliari vs Siena
Italian Serie A, 20h30
Cagliari are simply unbeatable at home recently. In addition, the Sicilians took their home form to their away matches, having recently drawn at Inter, 1-1 and won at Lazio, 4-1. The man to watch is Acquafresca, who is on loan from the Nerazzurri.
Siena has a poor away form and in addition they miss several first team players, like Codrea.
I tip Cagliari to win, at a price around 4/5.

Tottenham 3:1 Stoke

Tottenham vs Stoke
English Premier League, 21h00
Stoke are a typical English side, that plays physical football. They have nothing special about the way they play. Tony Pullis' men are strong at home, but awful away. Ricardo Fuller is available after serving a 3 match ban. He slapped a team-mate.
Tottenham are underachieving this season. They started with Juande Ramos, but now Harry Redknapp is in charge and he should bring the Spurs to safety.
As for team news, Cudicini will start his first game from Chelsea, after making the switch from Chelsea yesterday. Aaron Lennon, Luka Modric and Jonathan Woodgate may shake their respective knocks in time to feature in this very important game for both teams.
I tip Tottenham to nick this one, at 7/10.

Valencia 3:3 Villarreal

Arsenal 1:0 Bolton

Arsenal vs Bolton

English Premier League, 16h00

Bolton are a decent side, coasting somewhere in the middle of the tables. They've put together a great run in November, but since then the Trotters have struggled. Kevin Nolan is out for the visitors today.

Arsenal have put up a great run of 6 without losing, their longest since last March. They've also won the last five against Bolton, having beaten them away 3-1 this season in a one sided game.

Still, the Gunners are without Fabregas, Gallas, Walcott, Silvestre. Kolo Toure is their new captain, after withdrawing his transfer request. Adebayor and van Persie will lead the front line for Arsene Wenger's troops.

I tip Arsenal to win, at 2/5.

Valencia vs Villarreal

Spanish Primera Division, 22h00

Villarreal have now lost 4 in a row, 3 in La Liga; against Sevilla, Barcelona and Real Madrid. And from title contenders they slipped up to 7th place. After being undefetead in the first seven away matches of the season, they've lost 2 in a row. Nihat is expected to miss tonight's game, which means Llorente will get a start alongside Rossi. The Yellow Submarine will try to get a win at Mestalla, where they come up against a blisterring attack. We'll see magical football tonight.

Valencia are second in the tables, 11 points behind Barca. They do have a good record at home, winning 7 and losing twice. Miguel is the only absentee from the home side. Coach Unai Emery will once again put a string of technically gifted players up-front: Joaquin, David Silva, Mata and David Villa. The midfielders Baraja and Albelda have lots of experience also, having played two Uefa Champions League Finals. In their last game, Valencia defeated Atletico Madrid, 3-1.

I tip Valencia to nick this, at a huge value (evens).

Real Madrid 1:0 Villarreal

Real Madrid vs Villarreal

Spanish Primera Division, 17h00

Real Madrid are trying to find some momentum so they can charge for another title. Of course, they are fifth, 12 points behind leaders Barcelona, but some important players will be back from injuries and suspensions. The likes of Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Heinze, Sneijder and Huntelaar are close to full fitness and are all touted for starts tonight against Villarreal. Raul will lead the Merengues attack as always.

The Yellow Submarine has an awful record against Real Madrid. In their 10-year Primera Division history, they managed only one win over the most coveted team in football history. They will try to overdue that handicap and with Giuseppe Rossi and Nihat in front, the guests will try to produce the shock at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.

I tip Real Madrid to win it, at 3/4.

I have to brag about a formidable rate of succes.

69.9% (274 correct tips out of 392).

Aston Villa 2:2 Arsenal

Aston Villa vs Arsenal

English Premier League, 17h15

Arsenal have had a bad season so far. They are fifth in the standings. Although they haven't lost against the big guns beating United and Chelsea whilst drawing with Liverpool, they managed to lose 5 times. In addition to that, they have to face a lot of injuries and suspensions. Cesc Fabregas is the latest of the casulties. He joins Walcott and Rosicky on the sidelines. Adebayor will be suspended for tonight's clash.

Villa is 3rd and aims to finish in the top four. They are in great form at the moment. Also, they won at the Emirates 2-0 about a month ago. Their pacey attacking men, Agbonlahor and Ashley Young have done a lot of damage and one can expect that with Arsenal's gung-ho style, they will do it again.

I tip Aston Villa not to lose. The value of the bet is 1/2.

West Ham 0:1 Aston Villa

West Ham vs Aston Villa

English Premier League

West Ham managed a great game last Sunday at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, drawing 1-1. The Hammers blocked 17 shots then, more than any other team this season. But manager Gianfranco Zola hasn't had the best start in the Premier League. His team scored 5 goals in the first two matches, but then did the same in the following 11 !!! They haven't won a game against the top eight teams. With Dean Ashton and Gabbidon still injured the situation is still bad. Meanwhile the Icelandic owner is lining up ofers to seel the club.

Aston Villa are sitting fourth, above Arsenal and that is a great achievement for Martin O'Neill. They are great away from home, having great speed on the wings with Agbonlahor and Ashley Young. Their last away game was a 3-2 win at Everton, after they managed a 2-0 win at the Emirates.

Although seven of the last eight games of this fixtures finished in draws, I believe Villa will win this.

I tip Aston Villa not to lose, with prices as high as 2/5.

Sevilla 1:0 Villarreal

Hoffenheim 1:1 Schalke

Fiorentina 2:0 Catania

Sevilla vs Villarreal

Spanish Primera Division, 19h00

Villarreal and Sevilla are in the UCL zone, 2nd and 4th respectively. Villarreal has almost kept up with Barca's pace, as the Yellow Submarine managed to lose only once this season, at home to Valladolid. Away they are very good, having won 4 and drawn 3. Also they managed a good UCL campaign, drawing twice against Manchester United and finishing second in their group. On Wednesday they've lost 2-0 at Celtic. 

The guests are without right back Javi Venta and also with three of their most important front-men: Cani, Nihat and Rossi. Let's say they have a scarce record at Sevilla, where they haven't managed to score more than once in a game and haven't won to date.

Sevilla come to this match after beating Real Madrid 4-3 at the Bernabeu. Their morale couldn't be higher. Also, Luis Fabiano, their most important goalscorer comes back after a one match suspension. Manolo Jimenez has a great pair at the back in the two Frenchmen, Squillaci and Escude. The fact that Jesus Navas is available will be the main factor in today's outcome. The right wing man will come the crosses for the likes of Luis Fabiano and Kanoute.

I tip Sevilla to win tonight. The value is at about 11/10.

Hoffenheim vs Schalke 04

German Bundesliga, 17h00

I usualy don't analyze German domestic fixtures, because they are so unpredictable. But this one has a great value, so I will plunge right in it. Schalke is a title contender each year. They play in the European competitions each year, they have a strong owner and last but not least a state of the art venue. Hoffenheim are newcomers in the German top-flight. They have a very ambitios owner who brought them up from the 7th league in about 15 years.

Now, Schalke are struggling to keep up with the front pack as the have a mediocre season. They are not at all consistent at the moment. Some info about the players: captain Bordon comes back after an injury, while goalscorer Kevin Kuranyi is sidelined and won't be on the field tonight.

Hoffenheim is second at the moment and has a great chance of finishing top of the tables come winter, as they are just one point behind FC Bayern.

Their coach Ralf Ragnick, also the coach that won the most points with Schalke (he was fired in 2006), has don wonders with a very young team. He has two Brazilians in the midfield, with the man to watch being Carlos Alberto. In attack there are three goalscoring machines: Ibisevic(24), Obasi and Demba Ba, with the last two being also very physical in their approach of the game. That is the main advantage of the home side in my eyes.

I back Hoffenheim to win, at 6/5.

Fiorentina vs Catania

Italian Serie A, 15h00

Coach Zenga  managed a good run with relegation favourites Catania, picking almost all the points at home in the process. Away they were pretty good too, managing to lose by only one goal at Milan and Inter and drawing at Juve. They will have to do without Mascara in Florence though, who is their most versatile player. Of course their defence is strong, but the men from Sicily will have the most prolific attacking pair in Serie A, Mutu and Gilardino. These two have 17 goals between them.

Fiorentina are qualified for the Uefa Cup knock-out stage after they managed to finish 3rd in the UCL group. La Viola are fighting for the top four places in the Serie A, so they can qualify again for the European top-flight competition next season. The absentees for Prandelli will be Felipe Melo, Jorgensen and Dainelli, but the sheer attacking prowess will lead the host side to victory.

I back Fiorentina for a win, which is priced at 1/2.

Barcelona 2:0 Real Madrid

Barcelona vs Real Madrid

Spanish Primera Liga, 22h00

This is "El Clasico". Puyol vs Raul, Messi vs Ramos, Eto'o vs Casillas. And from now it is Pep Guardiola vs Juande Ramos. There are 9 points between these two, but that doesn't count for nothing when these to enemies come head to head. It is the fiercest rivalry in football. It is Catalunya against Spain. 

There are a few absentees like Iniesta and Keita for Barca, van Nistelrooy and Robben for Real Madrid. But the magic will be there. Be sure of it.

My feeling says Real will grab at least a point. It is an amazing price of 6/5 for this outcome.

Porto 2:0 Arsenal

Steaua 0:1 Fiorentina

Steaua Bucuresti vs Fiorentina
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
This is the clash which will decide third place in their respective group and a spot in the Uefa Cup. Fiorentina needs only a draw in this game, while the hosts should win if they want to go through.
Steaua has been awful at home in the last three seasons of this competition, where they haven't managed to win. In fact they haven't got a win in the last three years, the last one coming at Kiev, 4-1 in their first game back in the European top-flight competition. They need a win tonight in order to progress but D. Munteanu will have to do without several key men, as Ogararu, Goian, Szekely and Kapetanos are definitely out, with Ghionea very doubtful and with Arthuro's contract being terminated. That means they will have to replace 3 men from the defensive line, which was their best part and some key players in attack.
Fiorentina comes to Romania with a great attacking force, which they proved in the domestic league, where they sit in the top four. Montolivo, Kuzmanovic, Vargas and Santana sustain a great attack containing Mutu and Gilardino, which have 16 goals between them this season.
I pick Fiorentina for this one (draw or win), priced at 2/5.

FC Porto vs Arsenal
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
These teams are fighting for top spot in their group. Arsenal have 2 points in front and only need a draw in this game to secure first place. The Gunners have a poor domestic season, struggling to keep up the pace set by Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. So, Arsene Wenger will rest the likes of Kolo Toure, Adebayor and van Persie. In addition to that Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri are out injured, which means we'll see the Baby Arsenal tonight, as the young guns will try to prove a point to the manager. The likes of Carlos Vela and Merida will be envolved.
Porto lost the game at the Emirates 4-0, which means they will look for some vendetta. Still, they do have a good record against English teams, particularly at home where they are undefeooltead against Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal. The last time these two met at Do Dragao it was goalless.
I predict a draw or win for Porto, valued at 2/5.

Real Madrid 3:4 Sevilla

Real Madrid vs Sevilla
Spanish Primera Division, 21h00
This will be as entertaining as a football match can get. The stage will be set at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the Spanish capital for a great spectacle tonight as two of Spain's best teams meet. One cannot expect nothing short of magic as these two are set on attacking football.
Real has 5 wins and a draw at home this season, whilst Sevilla has lost just once away. In the last 3 games between these two teams at the Bernabeu there were 17 goals scored, which means almost 6 per match!!!
With a win, Sevilla can overcome Real in the standings. But Real has to gain confidence before the most important game of the season, El Clasico. Barcelona will entertain Real in six days time.
Now for today's teams. Real misses injured Snejder, Metzelder, van Nistelrooy and Heinze, while Cannavaro is back in the squad to face Sevilla. The guests will be without the suspended Luis Fabiano and the injured Maresca and Javi Navarro.
I tip Real Madrid to outcome the Sevilla force today. The value of the bet is as high as 6/5.

Bolton 0:2 Chelsea

Bolton vs Chelsea
English Premier League, 16h00
Bolton had a great spell last month, winning 5 out of six league matches and that means the relegation contenders lie in the top half of the table. Gary Megson did a decent job since he was appointed in spring. He saved Bolton from relegation when everybody thougth that was impossible.
Chelsea are great away from home, even though they will have to do without Drogba, Carvalho and Essien. The Blues must bounce back after they lost 2-1 at home to Arsenal and also lost the first place by a point.
I predict a clear win for Chelsea, valued at 3/5.

Atletico 4:1 Racing

Atletico Madrid vs Racing Santander

Spanish Primera Division, 21h00

Atletico has a good Champions League performance, in their first season back. With a strong defence which is mostly covered by Ujfalusy and Heitinga, the Rojiblancos managed to qualify from a group with Liverpool, Marseille and PSV. That is huge. Now, in the domestic league, the picture is a little bit different, as they are outside the top-four. They managed dominating performances against mediocre teams but lost against teams of higher calibre. The fact that Kun Aguero is fatigued affected their performance. Still, the coach says we will see the Argentine's best face tonight.

Racing is some 3 spots under Atletico in the standings. They managed a draw at PSG in the UEFA Cup on Thursday and that has to be a morale booster, but we shall see if the fatigue will affect them tonight.

I tip Atletico to win, with a price as high as 3/5.

Tottenham 0:1 Everton

Tottenham vs Everton
English Premier League, 16h00
Everton looked like a solid team that could challenge the Big Four. But that was until Monday, when they visited Wigan and played a non-game before ending up in a 1-0 defeat. Literally they haven't showed up, that poor was their performance.
Today they will be missing their full-backs Tony Hibbert and Nuno Valente, and also forward troops like Saha, Anichebe, Pienaar and James Vaughan.
Tottenham have won 5 out of 7 since Harry Redknapp took charge, beating Liverpool and drawing away at Arsenal. They have a poor keeper but do have a solid defence and great defensive midfielders. On the attacking side they do have it all: speed through Lennon, power and good shape in front of goal in Roman Pavlychenko, creativity and athleticism with the likes of Modric and Bent around.
I do fancy the Spurs to win today, with values as high as 10/11.

I must brag about a tremendous 70% success rate on
my tips. 266 successful out of 380 predictions
published.

Villarreal 0:0 Manchester United

Fiorentina 1:2 Olympique Lyonnais

Villarreal vs Manchester United
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
These two are top of their group on eight points with Aalborg and Celtic on two points. This means a draw will all but qualify them through to the knock-out stage. There is another factor in my view: These two teams have met three times before, with all match-ups ending goalless (all in the group stages of this elite competition). The coaches were the same in 2005 as they are today.
Villarreal reached the Semi Final stage that season, where they were knocked out by Arsenal on penalties, while United won the Champions League last season, still on penalties.
One cannot be sure as these two teams can repeat the 0-0 scoreline, but be aware that whatever happens, the draw will still be a likely result for these game, as it fancies both teams.
Strikers Llorente and Nihat are out for Villarreal, while Berbatov and Neville are injured for United and Cristiano Ronaldo may well be rested after being taken out of the field on Saturday with some knocks bothering him. Keeper Edwin van der Sar is rested so Kuszczak will deputise.
I fancy a draw, which is priced as high as 35/20.

Fiorentina vs Olympique Lyonnais
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
Fiorentina is the most unpredictable side in Italy. They have a lot of talent in the squad. La Viola are so good going forward. You just have to love them.
With Mutu up-front there's always show guaranteed and Gilardino makes sure the balls get into the net. There are also young talents like Montolivo in the middle of the pitch, Vargas on the left and Santana on the right that make defence really difficult for any team they are facing. The coach Prandelli is an attacking-minded person, so we can always expect a good treat of football up for grabs.
Now, Fiorentina have a mountain to climb if they are to qualify for the knock-out stage of the top-flight European competition, as they are on 3 points and five behind Lyon.
Lyon will assure qualification if they can grab at least a point tonight. That makes them take a resilient approach to the game. I fancy the French side to get something on the breaks, with the likes of Benzema or Govou always threatening figures for the opposition. Still, they have good skill in the squad with a great free-kick specialist in Juninho Pernambucano, an offensive minded midfielder (Kim Kallstrom), and good attacking full-backs.
I predict goals scored by each side tonight. The value is 3/5.

Aston Villa 0:0 Manchester United

Univ Craiova 0:0 Steaua

Aston Villa vs Manchester United

Premier League, 18h30

Villa hasn't beaten United for 21 top-flight matches, but last week they've won at the Emirates, against Arsenal 2-0, their first win in the last two seasons against one of the Big Four. They are fifth right now, and are trying to get into that elite group. Carlos Cuellar is missing today for the hosts.

United has lost at Arsenal a fortnight ago, 2-1, before destroying Stoke 5-0. Berbatov and Wes Brown are out, while Rio Ferdinand is doubtful. Rooney has scored very often against Villa.

I tip Villa to get at least a point from tonight's game, priced at 9/11.

Univ Craiova vs Steaua
Romanian Liga I, 18h00
The hosts have a very young and talented team. They have an Italian coach, ex-Juve star striker Nicolo Napoli and are trying to get into the title race in the coming years.
Steaua are the opposite. A used team with tired players, that HAVE to play the Champions League (where they haven't beat anybody in the last 13 matches and 2 seasons and a half), and by that I think I've said it all. They are the second placed team from last year, but have changed the coach 2 weeks ago and haven't won for eleven games now. Four of their players were involved in an international friendly on Wednesday and this game comes less than 48 h and that maybe too soon.
I tip Craiova not to lose, which is priced at 3/5.

Dinamo 1:1 Steaua

Dinamo vs Steaua

Romanian Liga I,20h00

This is the Romanian derby. Team news don't matter, cause it will be so hot, so lively, so big... Both teams will throw their best at their all time rivals and we'll see the most wonderful show.

I predict Dinamo to grab at least a point, at 1/2.

Fiorentina 0:0 Inter

Fiorentina vs Inter
Italian Serie A, 20h30
These are two of the four Italian clubs playing in the UCL group stage, and a clash between them should be mighty interesting. Fiorentina lies 5th, while Inter is joint-top with Napoli and Udinese.
About the team news, Gilardino is suspended by the FA because he scored a goal with his hand in Sunday's 3-1 victory at Palermo. Otherwise Mutu is fit and will play against his former Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho. Jose himself has quite an injury crisis with the likes of Figo, Jimenez and Muntari out. He left Adriano and Cruz at home because of tactical indiscipline in the draw with Genoa on Sunday at the Giusseppe Meazza Stadium.
Taking in consideration the record between the teams for the last years and the fact that Gila is out, I will go for Inter tonight. Still Inter managed to thrash Roma 4-0 away, just ten days ago. Today, Jose will once again unleash the likes of Quaresma, Mancini and Zlatan Ibrahimovic and one must consider the Viola defensive line is one you just cannot depend on. Prandelli likes to play attacking formations and that's why we'll have some show tonight.
I tip Inter to win it, outcome priced at 5/4.

FC Timisoara 2:1 cfr

FC Timisoara vs cfr
Romanian Liga I
Timisoara and cfr are fourth and fifth respectively in the standings with 1 point separating the two of them. The hosts are very powerful at Dan Paltinisanu Stadium, having beaten Rapid and Steaua there this season, and also cfr, one year ago, 1-0. Timisoara are unbeaten in 9 games and while some fear this will end, I say it won't be the case today.
Even if cfr was in form, they've lost on Wednesday at Bordeaux 1-0 and we all know UCL matches are very physical and teams have problems playing 100% at the weekend. Kone and Dubarbier are rumoured to be rested tonight.
I predict FC Timisoara not to lose, priced at 2/5.

Steaua 3:5 Lyon

Steaua vs Lyon
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
These two are bottom of their group, but still have good chances to qualify. Steaua has a point, while Lyon has two from two draws.
Now, Steaua have shown a lot of confidence in the media, but this is not what one man feels. It's right, the host are good defensively, but are so poor going forward. And another important fact is that they have an awful record at home in the UCL, worse than their away record. teaua comes after two domestic defeats, both by 2-0. Young star Bogdan Stancu, their goalscorer this season is out through injury.
Lyon isn't at his best, but we all know what is Champions League atmosphere like, and how it makes you give 200%. They drew 2-2 at home with Lille at the week-end but still top the French Ligue 1. Benzema will lead Lyon's avantgarde.
In their last match in Bucharest, Lyon thrashed Steaua 3-0.
I predict a win for the guests, priced at 5/4

AS Roma 0:4 Inter

AS Roma vs Inter

Italian Serie A, 20h30

AS Roma are in a big slump and cannot find themselves. While Totti will start his first match on the pitch this season there are a lot of casualties still. Panucci and Mexes are suspended, while Baptista is injured. Juan and Loria will play in the heart of the Giallorossi defence and Loria is at least comical for me. Just had to say that.

Inter have injuries to in their squad, but they do have much more depth. While Cordoba and Chivu will be in the center of the defence, Maicon will play on the right, with Zanetti on the left.

The midfield has a lot of strength with Muntari, Cambiasso and Stankovic, while the attack will be sparkful with Obinna and Quaresma to partner Zlatan.

Inter has a good record against Roma and I favour the guests to edge this game.

I predict Inter to win, at 7/5. 

Napoli 2:1 Juventus

Napoli  vs Juventus

Italian Serie A, 20h30

Napoli is playing great football at the moment, and with the Argentinian partnership up-front of Lavezzi and Herman Denis, the home side poses great threat to any team coming to town.

Juve is the one who will play there and coach Ranieri has a lot of injuries and suspensions to cope with, as Buffon, Andrade, Sissoko, Trezeguet, Iaquinta and a lot more are out.

Napoli beat Roma and Fiorentina at San Paolo and I favour them tonight.

I predict a win for Napoli, valued at 5/2.

Romania 2:2 France

Romania vs France

World Cup Qualifiers, 20h40

Romania are entertaining France tonight. Both national teams have 3 points from a possible 6 after a bad start. France coach Raymond Domenech is finding himself after tremendous pressure from the press. Gallas is injured for tonight, while Ribery comes after an injury that he picked up at the European Championship. The weakest part of the french set-up will be the rearguard, and that is where the Romanians will try to push again and again.

ROmania welcomes back stars Mutu and Chivu after injuries, while Radoi is out.

I predict Romania not to lose, at 1/2.

Fiorentina 0:0 Steaua

Fiorentina vs Steaua
Uefa Champions League
Fiorentina has proven a lot of charisma in the first game. The Viola led 2-0 at Lyon at half-time, in a match they eventually drew. They have a great striking partnership in Gilardino and Mutu, which will prove too strong for Steaua, even though the Romanians have played in the group stage of this competition for three consecutive years now. Watch Bogdan Stancu from Steaua also.
I predict a win for Fiorentina, priced as high as 3/5.

Gloria 1:2 Dinamo

Gloria Bistrita vs Dinamo Bucuresti

Romanian Liga I, 15h30

Gloria are a decent side and quite good at home. But Dinamo is coasting at the moment. Even though they are not playing well, they are winning most of the games. And that is a trademark for champions. Dinamo are level with Steaua at this time, and Dinamo will go top of the league soon.

I predict Dinamo to nick this one, at 9/10.

Manchester City 1:3 Chelsea

Manchester City vs Chelsea

English Premier League, 18h30

City were buyed by Abu Dhabi United Group on the 1st September and immediatly they've managed to swoop for Real Madrid's want-away star, Robinho for E40M. Their owners also expressed their intent of buying the world's best players and said they'll make a E150M+ offer for Cristiano Ronaldo in the next transfer window. Manager Mark Hughes was a big player for Chelsea in the '90s.

Chelsea are coming for all three points to the Stadium of Manchester. Drogba will be trying to play his first minutes this season.

I predict an away win for Chelsea, priced for as much as evens.

Chelsea 1:1 Tottenham

Chelsea vs Tottenham
English Premier League, 14h30
Tottenham had the worse start, losing both games to date. Coach Juande Ramos tinkered his squad over the summer with players coming in and going away. He sold striker Robbie Keane for E25M to Liverpool and now Berbatov is also very probable to leave Spurs for Manchester United with a reported fee of around E35M. Still he is in the squad for today's game and the manager will think about playing him at the Bridge. Otherwise, Spurs have strenghtened with Modric and Giovanni, while keeper Gomes is a another valuable addition to the squad.
Chelsea have started on a high, with two wins out of two and are top of the Premier League with five goals scored and none conceded. With players like Deco, Lampard and Ballack, Chelsea have the creativity, the strength and the finishing touch to win at least the Double this season.
Chelsea have a very good record at the Bridge in the London derby, thus I will certainly go for the home win.
I predict Chelsea to beat the Spurs in a beautiful game, at 5/11.

Steaua 1:0 Galatasaray

Steaua Bucuresti vs Galatasaray Istanbul
Uefa Champions League 3rd Qualifying Round 2nd leg, 20h45
In the first leg Steaua gained a two goal advantage in the first quarter of an hour, but the Turks managed to get level eventually. Galatasaray seemed very weak a fortnight ago. Harry Kewell will be the sole new face in Skibbe's squad for this do or die match. The two teams are playing for the big cash from the European premium competition.
Steaua has been there for the last two years in a row. Their coach, Marius Lacatus is the fans' all time favourite and he has the determination that the team needs to gain a place in the group stage.
Galata will prove to be a very tough opponent but still hasn't got the pedigree.
I predict Steaua to qualify, at 3/5.

Pandurii 1:1 Dinamo

Pandurii vs Dinamo
Romania Liga I, 20h15
A new season has started in Romania, and the title race will be tougher than ever. Pandurii had a fine second half of last season, in which they had a 7 match unbeaten streak. They have a good coach also.
Dinamo has appointed Rednic as a coach, the man who led them to the championship two years ago. With the bulk of players from last season still playing for Dinamo, the links between them will provide quality football. Dinamo has rejected offers for national team no 1, Bogdan Lobont and also a E6.5M offer for defender Moti from Lazio.
One very important player has been signed by Dinamo, and that is Marius Niculae. He won a championship with Sporting in Portugal four years ago, and also a couple of titles with Dinamo.
I tip Dinamo to win tonight, with the value as high as 7/11.

I still boast a brilliant 67.83%(253/373) rate of success in my predictions.

Spain p0:0 Italy

Spain vs Italy
Euro 2008, 20h45
The monsters are awake. Germany and Italy are favourites to kill of the opposition and fight it to the end for the European crown. After miserable starts against Croatia and the Netherlands, respectively, these two giants are favourites in my opinion to get into the Final.
While Germany are playing in the SemiFinal against Turkey, Italy still has to play a QuarterFinal against Spain, tonight.
Spain has won 3 out of 3, and as other two teams already out, have turned up with an experimental side in the final match of the group stage. That proved to have hurt the Netherlands, Portugal and Croatia so dearly. Spain will have Torres and Villa up-front and seem to be favourites in the bookmaking market.
Italy has eliminated Romania and now play at theier best so far. Pirlo and Gattuso are out of this one, so it is up to the youngsters to prove their point. Again. As, De Rossi scored a vital goal against France and Aquilani was also a regular in the qualifiers. Perrotta, Toni and Cassano will lead Italy's attacks.
Buffon is one of the biggest keepers in the world, while Panucci and Chiellini have rebuilt a strong backline. The full-backs Zambrotta and Grosso are so good when going forward.
I tip Italy not to lose in 90 minutes, which is valued at 1/2.

Croatia 1:1p Turkey

Croatia vs Turkey
Euro 2008, 20h45
This should be a very spectacular game, between two of the most offensive teams in the competition. Turkey managed to come from behind against Switzerland and the Czech Republic, the latter from two goals down, and with two wins, Fatih Terim's troops qualified for the knock-out stage. The man to watch is Arda Turan.
Croatia topped Germany's group, beating them 2-1 in the process. They are hot favourites to progress here, as they left England home. Watch for the likes of Modric and Kranjcar.
I tip Croatia to win a superb match. The value is high, 9/11.

Italy 1:1 Romania

Italy vs Romania
Euro 2008, 18h00
Italy have been torn apart 3-0 by the Netherlands in the first game of this group, while Romania drew 0-0 with France in a very tightly contested feature.
Romania proved to be resilient and very realistic and it's all because of the tactics deployed by the coach, Victor Piturca. He is a shrude tactician, and you get the feeling he's a very lucky man also. Nevertheless, you have to train luck, and he manages to do that, as France only got one shot on goal in a full 90 minutes of play and that was also a very weak go from Benzema from 20 yards out.
Italy is a very troubled team under Donadoni, with the first conflicts between the players and the coach coming through after the first game. Donadoni is also Italy's youngest coach ever and is a non typical one. He likes to field an attacking formation, with 3 players up-front, in contradiction with the most common Italian 4-4-2 tactics, which is so hard to break down.
Romania will start with Lobont; Contra, Tamas, Goian, Rat; Petre, Codrea, Radoi, Chivu, Mutu; D. Niculae. The man to watch will be Fiorentina superstar Adrian Mutu.
Italy will make 5 changes respective to the first match formation: Buffon; Zambrotta, Panucci, Chielini, Grosso; Perrotta, Pirlo, De Rossi; Camoranesi, Toni, Del Piero. The man to watch will be Alessandro Del Piero.
I predict another resilient performance from Romania. Mutu & Co won't lose and this feat is priced at 5/4.

Austria 1:1 Poland

Croatia 2:1 Germany

Austria vs Poland
Euro 2008, 20h45
Austria are so poor, even if they managed to stay within touch against Croatia, losing 1-0 in the opening game. Switzerland is already out of the Euro and come tonight, the co-hosts could join them.
Poland had a good qualification campaign and have two or three quality players. They were beaten heavily by the Germans in the first match so expect them to prove a point tonight. Coach Leo Benhacker should lead them to at least a draw.
I predict on Poland not to lose(2/5).

Germany vs Croatia
Euro 2008, 18h00
Germany beat Poland 2-0 in the first match, while Croatia defeated Austria 1-0. These two should be the teams that are favourites to qualify from this group.
Both teams have lots quality players. The players to watch are Podolski, Klose, Gomez and Ballack from the Germans and Kranjcar, Modric, Srna and Olic from the Croatians.
Both teams have talented coaches in Joachim Low and Slaven Bilic.
I predict at least 2 goals scored, valued at 3/5.

Sweden 2:0 Greece

Sweden vs Greece
Euro 2008, 18h00 (from now on all times are CET)
Sweden is a must have at any international competition, as we must reckon. They've qualified for all of the big competitions lately. But this year I feel them weaker, with their star player, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, nursing a knee injury.
Greece are the reigning European champions and Otto Rehagel is still in charge. They managed an impressive qualification performance, winning the most points in the preliminary groups and finishing in front of Turkey and Norway.
I tip Greece not to lose this match, feat which is priced at 1/2.

Italy 0:3 Holland

Italy vs Holland
Euro 2008, 20h45
Holland qualified for this competition after coming second in the group topped by Romania. Coach Marco van Basten is at the end of a four year cycle, as he will be appointed at Ajax next month. He will want to finish with a performance his reign as Dutch national coach. It is known that he is a protege of Johan Cruyff and enjoys the total football which is trademarked in his country. Robben is injured, while Seedorf retired from the national team just before the Championships.
Italy have to do without the injured Fabio Cannavaro, but La Squadra Azzurra have so much talent. They have a great keeper in Buffon, a very strong midfield with Pirlo and Gattuso, and a born goalscorer in Luca Toni. I think their weakest link is inexperienced coach Donadoni. Still, let's not forget they are the World Champions.
I predict Italy not to lose, which is priced the highest at 4/11.

Austria 0:1 Croatia

Austria vs Croatia
Euro 2008, 1700 GMT
The European Championship has started in Switzerland and Austria. Austria are the co-hosts, but that will be more of a burden on their shoulders. In fact, the Austrians are so weak that a few tens of thousands of their countrymen have issued a plea for their national team not to take part in this competition, in order to not get embarassed. In addition to the lack of confidence, there was a lot of turmoil this week in the Austrian camp as quite a few players have made some disciplinary problems.
Croatia topped the qualifying group that left England outside of these Finals, as in the last match, Slaven Bilic's side has beaten the Lions 3-2 at Wembley. Russia was the delighted beneficiary of the situation.
Arsenal star Eduardo is out through a broken leg, but Croatia has lots of talent. We'll see the likes of Kranjcar, Modric and Ivica Olic on the pitch tonight and their is a feeling of a thrashing taking place tonight in the Austrian capital.
I predict a win for Croatia, priced at 9/10.