Olympique Lyon vs Real Madrid

Uefa Champions League 1st Knock-out stage 1st leg, 20h45

Lyon will face familiar faces when they take on Real Madrid. The French giants have played los Merengues 4 times beating them twice and drawing twice. They ousted Liverpool from the group stage, but are not in a good season at home, having conceded more than 1 goal per game.
Real Madrid has a battle with destiny tonight, as los Blancos have crashed out of this competition in every one of the last five years. Cristiano Ronaldo is the competition goalscorer.
I tip Real Madrid to win tonight, at 6/5.

Stoke vs Manchester City

English Premier League, 20h45

These two have met on Saturday in Eastlands where it finished 1-1 in the FA Cup. That means it will be replayed next Wednesday. For this match Stoke will be without Matthew Etherington, their best player in my eyes. The Potters have lost just one of their last 10 games at home.
City are not very good when they travel and will have to do without Tevez, Bellamy and Kompany. Still, the Sky Blues will have to win if they are to pose a great threat for Arsenal and Liverpool this season. It will be a high-tempo physical game, which I fancy. Manchester City have won 5 of their last 6 games against Stoke. Adebayor has netted in all of the last three games, after scoring just twice in the last previous four months.
I tip Manchester City to win, at 3/2.

Manchester City 2:0 Bolton

Manchester City vs Bolton

English Premier League, 20h45

Bolton have managed only one win in the last 7 encounters with City. Still, Adebayor made 8 appearances against Bolton without scoring. 
City are in pursuit of a top four finish, but Mancini has lost 3 of the last 6 in all competitions with the first four games all wins, more than his Mark Hughes did, 2 from 21. With the Italian in the dugout City concede far less goals though. The Sky Blues are unbeaten at Eastlands for 19 games, since last April. The hosts are in a 21 home games run in which they always scored.
I tip City to win tonight, at 1/2.

Chelsea 2:0 Arsenal

Birmingham 2:1 Wolves

Zaragoza 2:1 Sevilla

Chelsea vs Arsenal

English Premier League, 17h00

In November, Chelsea trounced Arsenal 3-0 at Emirates. The Blues are first in the standings, but Manchester United are right there behind them.
The likes of Lampard and Drogba will look forward to this match as they relish this derbies. They have a very good record against Arsenal, as the Ivorian captain has scored once per match against the Gunners.
Arsenal has put together some good results, but have lost 3-1 at home to United.
I tip Chelsea to win today, at 9/11.

Zaragoza vs Sevilla

Spanish Primera Division, 19h00

Zaragoza are 18th and will struggle to maintain their status as a top flight team. They won at lowly Tenerife last time around, but Sevilla is fearless mostly away this season.
Negredo is in a good vein of form and Luis Fabiano could be back. Look also for the likes of Jesus Navas and Perroti.
I tip Sevilla to win, at 5/4.

Hull 2:1 Manchester City

Birmingham vs Wolves

English Premier League, 14h30

Birmingham had a very good season so far. They are in the European zone and went on a 14 match unbeaten run. Birmingham have not lost against Wolves in 8 competitive games.
Wolves have scored only 19 goals this season, while Birmingham have scored only 22.
I tip Birmingham to win it, at evens.

Hull vs Manchester City

English Premier League, 16h00

Hull held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in midweek, but I expect them to struggle today against City. Hull have not won in their last 10 league games. Hull has the worst defensive record in the league, conceding 49 goals. The Tigers have also committed the highest number of fouls, 333.
Manchester City have won 5 of their last 6 league games. 
I tip City to win, at 4/5.

Egypt 1:0 Ghana

Atletico 0:2 Malaga

Egypt vs Ghana

African Cup of Nations, 17h00

Egypt has won two times in a row this competition. The Pharaohs have defeated their rivals Algeria 4-0 in the Semifinals, while Ghana are without Essien, Muntari, Mensah and Appiah. The Black Stars have very good youth talent as they won the U20 World Cup last year, but I will go for the much better tactical approach and knowledge of the North Africans.
I tip Egypt to win, at 4/5.

Atletico Madrid vs Malaga

Spanish Primera Division, 19h00

Malaga defeated Atletico 3-0 in autumn. That calls for revenge. With Forlan on form, the hosts can win tonight, to climb through the standings.
I tip Atletico to win, at 7/10.

Inter 2:1 Juventus

Inter vs Juventus

Coppa Italia Quarterfinals, 20h45

Eto'o will be back for Inter, while Del Piero is out for Juve.

Ferrara is holding on to his job. 

I tip Inter to win, at 9/10.

Manchester United 3:1 Manchester City

Manchester United vs Manchester City

English League Cup, 21h00

I will focus again on this derby, as I did last week. City won 2-1 at home, in a match that saw United better throughout the first half, but City responded so well after the break.

United face the same maybe more problems in defence than last week, as Vidic is out with injury and Rio Ferdinand may be facing a three match ban if he doesn't make an appeal. As for attack, United will once again put their faith in Rooney and provide him with all the support. Many say that United is dependent on Rooney at the moment.

In the other camp, Mancini will have Toure and Adebayor back from the African Cup of Nations, but they are expected to start the evening on the bench. Tevez will pose the main peril for the hosts, as Bellamy will have his way on the left. The Welsh made two stunning performances against United this season and he will give Sir Alex Ferguson a few headaches before and as the game develops. City were very frustrated when they lost 4-3 in autumn at Old Trafford courtesy of an 96th minute winner from Michael Owen.

It is very tight when we analyze head-to-head history as they have both won 3 times in the last 6 encounters.

Manchester City have not been in a Cup Final for 29 years.
I will go for City to go to Wembley, at 4/5.

Manchester City 2:1 Manchester United

Manchester City vs Manchester United

English League Cup Semifinal 1st leg, 21h00

The derby of Manchester has to welcome a new face, as Roberto Mancini took over as manager at Eastlands. He managed 4 wins in 5 games and has won the fans with good performances from the team. They kept three clean sheets in that span of games, but on Saturday at Everton they were simply not good enough and could not cope with the Toffees momentum. 
Manchester United are in a huge dip of form and will need this derby in order to gain some momentum. But with Ferdinand and Giggs out; Vidic and Berbatov highly questionable it will be hard to cope with the Sky Blues drive for success. Still United has won the last three meetings between these two, while City won the two before those.

I think Bellamy and Tevez will be instrumental in tonight's matchup and will win the game for the home side.
I tip Manchester City to win, at odds as high as 7/8.

Fiorentina 1:2 Bologna

Napoli 0:0 Palermo

Napoli vs Palermo

Italian Serie A, 20h30

These are two top ten teams, with Napoli 4th in the standings. Lavezzi and Santacroce will miss out for the Partenopei, which lost 3-0 at Juventus in midweeks Coppa Italia game. That was the first loss under new coach Mazzarri. Napoli are unbeaten in 12 Serie A games.
Palermo has some more injured players. While Liverani is extremely doubtful, Kjaer, Carozieri and Bresciano are definitely out.
The last 3 games between these two have finished with the same score, 2-1 for the hosts. The last win for Palermo away at Napoli goes back to 1952. Napoli has won its last 3 games in the Serie A without conceding. Goalscorer Marek Hamsik has scored in the each of the last three games against Napoli.
I tip Napoli to win, at 6/5.

Fiorentina vs Bologna

Italian Serie A, 15h00

Fiorentina is a team with good recent form. The Viola have won three on the trot, while the guest have lost 3 consecutive games. Also, the host are unbeaten in 6 against Bologna. The last win for Bologna goes back to 2001, while the last time Fiorentina lost at home to the Rossoblu was in 1990.
The last time Bologna won away in Serie A was a year ago. Since then they have played 17 games. Bologna has scored just once in the last 3 games. Prandelli has never lost against Colomba.
Mutu and Gilardino will once again lead the hosts attacks.
I tip Fiorentina to win, at 1/2.

Athletic Bilbao 1:0 Real Madrid

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid

Spanish Primera Division, 20h00

Athletic are a good team this season. They have kept Barca to a draw at home and are fighting for a place in the European Cups. The Basc side plays a physical type of football.
We will see how can Real Madrid cope with that, because it will be also a hostile environment at San Mames Stadium given the rivalry between the sides. At Osasuna the Merengues stumbled, but now they have Kaka back from injury. Real Madrid has won the last five meeting with Bilbao, so they have some good recent history.
Higuain will miss out through injury, but Ramos is back after suspension.
I tip Real to win it, at 3/5.

Fiorentina 2:1 Bari

Napoli 1:0 Sampdoria

Palermo 1:0 Atalanta

Napoli vs Sampdoria

Italian Serie A, 15h00

Napoli is unbeaten in the last 11 games, all with new coach Walter Mazzarri. The Partenopei have not lost at home this season, with 6 wins and 3 draws to their name.
Sampdoria has lost its last 6 games away from home. Sampdoria has scored only 4 goals away from home in 8 games. Quagliarella has signed for Napoli from Sampdoria and has managed 4 goals in the last 4 outings. Napoli has scored the most goals after half time this season, 19.
I tip the home side to win, at 9/11.

Wolverhampton 0:3 Manchester City

Palermo vs Atalanta

Italian Serie A, 15h00

Palermo has not lost at home for 15 games and has conceded just twice in the last 6 games. Also, Palermo has beaten Milan away 2-0 last month. Atalanta has won only one point in the last 4 games, against Inter at home.

Atalanta has conceded the most goals in the first half, 15. The guests have lost 3 of the last 4 away games and coach Antonio Conte was sacked.
I tip Palermo to win, at 8/11.

Fiorentina vs Bari

Italian Serie A, 15h00

The two teams that will play against each other today are equal on points in the standings.
Fiorentina has not drawn any of its last 9 games in Serie A and has won only two of the last 5 games at home. Meanwhile, Bari has won 3 from the last 4 games, but have won only 1 point from their last 4 away games. Bari's Brazilian striker Barreto has scored in each of the last 3 games and has a total of 5 goals this season. Gilardino has scored 5 times in the last 5 games played.
Each team has a host of injuries with Fiorentina's Gamberini, Vargas and Bari's Kutuzov among the most important.
I tip Fiorentina to win, at 8/11.

Tottenham 2:0 West Ham

Chelsea 2:1 Fulham

Wolverhampton vs Manchester City

English Premier League, 20h45

The Wolves are a side that will fight for avoiding relegation, while City with the appointment of Italian legend Mancini tried to send a message to the other title contenders.
In the first game in charge at Eastlands, Mancini masterminded a win without conceding, something City hadn't seen in a while. It is another feat that will be achieved tonight. Manchester City have not won away since August, despite they've only lost twice this season. It is thought Bellamy will step in for Robinho.
I tip City to win, at 9/11.

Chelsea vs Fulham

English Premier League, 16h00

Chelsea have won only once in December, but are still topping the standings. They will lose Drogba and Kalou to the African Cup of Nations and that is why a win today is so important.
Fulham are impressive at home; have beaten Manchester United 3-0, but away they struggle to go on the counter.
I tip Chelsea to win today, at 2/5.

Tottenham vs West Ham

English Premier League, 13h45

West Ham have not won in their last 8 away games and not won any of the last 7 London derbies they were involved in. Tottenham have conceded only once in the last 4 games against the Hammers. The Spurs are in a run of 4 clean sheets kept in a row.
Harry Redknapp's troops have managed a 0-0 draw at Fulham two days ago, while West Ham have beaten Portsmouth 2-0.
I tip Tottenham to win, at 5/11.

Birmingham 0:0 Chelsea

Birmingham vs Chelsea

English Premier League,13h45

It's the Boxing Day action in the Premier League and it all starts with two of the best teams. Birmingham are 7th while Chelsea sit on top of the standings. The hosts have kept 7 clean sheets while Chelsea are the only side to have kept more, 9. Birmingham won everyone of the 7 games in which they've scored first. The hosts are unbeaten in 9 games.
Chelsea is the only top flight team to have scored in every game of the season. The Blues have won only one of the last six. Drogba will play his last game ahead of the African Cup of Nations.
I tip Chelsea to win, at 6/11.

West Ham 1:1 Chelsea

Sporting Gijon 0:1 Sevilla

Atalanta 1:1 Inter

West Ham vs Chelsea

English Premier League, 17h00

Chelsea has a 3-point cushion over second placed Manchester United with today's London derby in hand. The Red Devils were brushed aside 3-0 by Fulham on Saturday. Drogba returns to the line-up, while Carlton Cole and Valon Behrami will miss out for West Ham.
Chelsea have won their last 4 trips to Upton Park, scoring 12 and conceding only 2. West Ham have conceded 9 goals in their last 3 games at home. The Blues have kept most clean sheets this season, 9.
Didier Drogba has already scored 18 goals this season in all competitions.
I expect Chelsea to win this one, at 5/11.

Sporting Gijon vs Sevilla

Spanish Primera Division, 21h00

The hosts' coach said that Sevilla and Chelsea are the most physical sides in Europe, having great strength, aerial proficiency and speed. Gijon is a good team mostly at home and will count on De las Cuevas to provide the magic again.
Sevilla will play without some injured players, including Luis Fabiano. but the likes of Perroti, Jesus Navas and Renato will provide the assists for Negredo and Kanoute. Sevilla must keep the pace with Real Madrid and Barcelona, after two home draws in the league and a 1-0 win in the midweek UCL action.
I tip Sevilla to win, at 6/5.

Atalanta vs Inter

Italian Serie A, 15h00

Atalanta are placed just above the drop zone. They have a young coach in Antonio Conte, ex Juventus captain. They have lost the last 3 games at home. 
Also Inter lost its last 2 away, at Barcelona and Juventus and will look to bounce back, as they want to keep second placed AC Milan at bay. Inter has won 6 of the last 8 against Atalanta. The Nerazzurri have the best attack in the league with 34 goals. Sneijder will play, as we should mention that Inter have lost only when he could not play.
I tip Inter to win, at 2/3.

Cagliari 3:3 Napoli

Manchester United 0:1 Aston Villa

Cagliari vs Napoli

Italian Serie A, Saturday 18h00

Cagliari are unbeaten in the last 8 matches against Napoli. But Napoli have not lost under new coach Mazzari, 4 wins and 4 draws. Cagliari has won its last 4 at home and has not conceded in the last 3.
Cagliari has lost to Palermo 2-1 in the last match, after defeating Juventus 2-0. Cagliari and Fiorentina are the teams with the most clean-sheets this season, seven. Napoli has scored more than a goal in an away match only once this season, in the 3-2 win at Juventus.
I tip Cagliari to win, at 4/3.

Manchester United vs Aston Villa

English Premier League, Saturday 18h30

In the last ten encounters between these two there have been nine wins for United and a draw. The Red Devils have gone to 27 games without defeat against tomorrow's opponents, this being the biggest mismatch in Premier League history. The last time the Villans avoided defeat at Old Trafford was in 2002. But, the guests are the only side to have not lost to a top ten team this season.
Wayne Rooney has scored five goals in his last five starts against Aston Villa. United have scored 11 goals in their last 3 league outings. After a goalless draw in the opening day of the season, Martin O'Neill's men have scored in every match so far, summing up to 14. Aston VIlla have won 99 games away from home.
United seem to be a very lucky side and stroll against the teams outside the top four.

The home side will welcome back the likes of Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov and Vidic, while Aston Villa have no new injury wories.
I tip United to win it, at 1/2.

Olympiacos 1:0 Arsenal

Stuttgart 3:1 Unirea

Inter 2:0 Rubin

Lyon 4:0 Debrecen

Olympique Lyonnais vs Debrecen

Uefa Champions League, 20h45

Debrecen has conceded the most goals in this competition 15 and the overall record is set at 19. Lyon defeated Debrecen away 4-0.
Lyon will finish top of the group if they win and Fiorentina loses at Liverpool or win by 2 or more goals and Fiorentina manages to draw. Lisandro Lopez has scored 7 goals in his last 6 games played.
I predict Lyon to win by more than a goal, at 6/11.

Inter vs Rubin

Uefa Champions League, 20h45

Both teams have the same record in this group: 1 win, 3 draws and a loss. The reverse match finished 1-1 in Russia. Inter has not won at home in the last four games of this competition, drawing the last 3, while Rubin is undefeated in 4, the last two finishing goalless.
To assure qualification, each side must win because either of the four teams from this group has its faith in its own hands.
The big fact of this game is that Sneijder is back from injury and his presence will be essential for Inter tonight.
I tip Inter to win, at 7/11.

Vfb Stuttgart vs Unirea

Uefa Champions League, 20h45

Stuttgart is one of the few teams that have scored in everyone of the five games played in this year's UCL. But, they've conceded in the last 6 played at home in the UCL. The Germans are 2 points behind Unirea in the standings and need to win in order to progress to the knock-out stage of the competition.
Unirea is a lowly team even in Romania. The team's central figure is coach Dan Petrescu, a Chelsea favourite. They have managed two wins in this competition, 4-1 at Rangers and 1-0 at home to Sevilla, and two home draws. It's players are hard working and will fight for every yard tonight.
I tip Unirea to qualify, at 13/10.

Olympiakos vs Arsenal

Uefa Champions League, 20h45

Olympiakos have won both matches at home in this season's UCL. Still are yet to be sure of qualification. The Greek side still needs a point. Zico has some injury problems but can field an experienced team that can put down Arsenal's young guns.
Arsene Wenger has brought to Athens a very young squad, in which the most experienced are Walcott and Song. The Gunners are already qualified and assured of first position and will play Liverpool on Sunday.
I tip the home side to win, at 6/5.

Astra 1:1 Dinamo

Wolfsburg 1:3 Manchester United

Wolfsburg vs Manchester United

Uefa Champions League, 20h45

Wolfsburg are for the first time in this competition, still they have a big chance of qualifying for the next round. They need to win against Manchester United tonight or to get at least the number of points CSKA Moscow manage to gain at Besiktas. Martins will be out, but the Wolfs have managed good results at home, beating CSKA 3-1 and drawing 0-0 with Besiktas; while they winning their match at United only for two late goals from Giggs and Fletcher to deny them collecting points.
United are already qualified and are hit by a huge injury crisis. No less than 15 first squad players are out with injury. That means the only natural defender left in the squad is Patrice Evra. Carrick and Fletcher will deputise along the Frechman in a defensive line that will have to feature another of the 13 midfielders that have made the trip to Germany. Giggs is rested, while up front there will bo no Rooney or Berbatov, Michael Owen being the most important attacking player that is in the squad.

They lost the last game in the competition 0-1 at home to Besiktas.
I tip Wolfsburg to win this game, at 6/5.

Astra vs Dinamo

Romanian Liga I, 19h00

Dinamo has defeated Astra 2-1 in the Romanian Cup last month, also away, so it won't be that much of a surprise if the Red Dogs manage it again.
Astra are placed just above the relegation zone with 16 points and wil be missing a host of players that are on loan from today's opponents.
Dinamo has to close the gap on the leaders to 3 points, in order to have a chance at the championship.
I tip Dinamo to win, at 4/5.

Fiorentina 2:0 Atalanta

Vaslui 1:1 Otelul

Fiorentina vs Atalanta

Italian Serie A, 15h00

Atalanta has not won against the Viola  in the last 7 games and has lost the last 2 by the same 2-1 scoreline. Still, Fiorentina has lost the last two games and four of the last six in the league, as they dropped to 10th spot. 
Atalanta has lost 4 of the last 5 and find themselves just above the drop zone. 
Jovetic could make his long awaited return, while Mutu and Gamberini are still short of fitness. Fiorentina plays at Liverpool next week in the UCL.
I tip Fiorentina to win this one, at 3/5.

Vaslui vs Otelul

Romanian Liga I, 15h00

Vaslui has won the last 4 consecutive encounters with Otelul. The home side has a far superior form, as they've won 8 from their last 9 outings and are level on top of the standings.
Otelul has won its last game, but they've won only two of the last 8 games played in all competitions.
I tip Vaslui to win, at 1/2.

Deportivo 1:3 Barcelona

Manchester City 2:1 Chelsea

Aston Villa 3:0 Hull

Aston Villa vs Hull

English Premier League, 16h00

Aston Villa have drawn 4 of their last 6 league games, but have won in midweek 4-2 at Portsmouth in the League Cup. The Villans have only lost once at home this season, in the first day against Wigan. Aston Villa have not kept a clean sheet in their last 9 games, but have won in their last 5 matches against Hull without conceding a goal.
Hull have a 4 match unbeaten run, their second best since they promoted to the top-flight. Ian Ashbee is still missing for the guests. The Tigers are one of the two teams that have not won away in this season's Premier League. They have managed only a clean sheet in their last 12 games.
I tip Villa to win, at 1/2.

Deportivo La Coruna vs Barcelona

Spanish Primera Division, 22h00
Deportivo has not lost at home to Barca in 4 games. They are also very strong this season having won 4 and drew 1 in 6 home games. The hosts are fifth in the standings and will have to do without Riki tonight.
Barcelona will have their minds set on the crucial UCL match in Kiev next week where they mustn't lose.
Busquets could be on for Toure Yaya and Iniesta for Henry. Barca have won 4 and drew 3 away games this season.
I tip Deportivo not to lose, at 9/10.

Manchester City vs Chelsea

English Premier League, 18h30

Carlo Ancelotti said that the most important matches of this week are the ones against Arsenal and Manchester City. That meant the team against Blackburn was experimental and that game turned out to be a very entertaining one. Now, Chelsea will be at full strength again at the City of Manchester Stadium. The Blues are top of the table, five points clear of second placed Manchester United. Chelsea have won in 10 of the last 12 away games at City. The Sky Blues have not scored in 12 of the last 14 overall against Chelsea, also losing the last consecutive 8 in the process. In their last 5 league games, Chelsea have scored 17 goals and conceded none.

These two are the most disciplined sides in this Premier League season. 
Manchester City have drawn their last 7 games in the Premier League, an English record. Mark Hughes has lost just once in 17 games this season, away at Manchester United.
Bellamy, Ireland, Petrov and Shaun Wright-Phillips are doubtful for the hosts.
I tip Chelsea to win, at 9/10.

Dinamo Bucuresti 2:1 Sturm Graz

Dinamo Bucuresti vs Sturm Graz

Uefa Europa League, 21h05

The Austrians managed only one point in the group stage of this competition. That was gained in Istanbul after a 1-1 draw with Galatasaray, which is the best team in the group. The Turks have dismantled Dinamo 3-0 and 4-1.
Dinamo has won in Austria 1-0 and seem to have regained their momentum in the domestic league. The Romanian side has far more technical quality in their squad and must be favourite to win this game.

I have to tip Dinamo tonight for a win, at 4/5.

Manchester City 3:0 Arsenal

Blackburn 2:2 Chelsea

Sheriff 1:1 Steaua

Sheriff vs Steaua

Uefa Europa League, 19h00

As strange as it sounds, a team from Moldova is favourite against a Romanian side. I've lived to see this. Awful.
Sheriff beat Twente and lost to Fenerbahce, having drawn away at Steaua in between.
Steaua are leaders in the domestic league and have to win if they want to have a chance of qualifying further in the competition. I believe the Romanians will have enough to put the hosts down. Mihai Stoichita is a gifted coach and I trust him.
I tip Steaua to win, at a huge value of 2/1.

Blackburn vs Chelsea

English League Cup, 21h00

Blackburn have put together a couple of wins to get out of the relegation zone. They lost heavily at Stamford Bridge and will be without on-loan player Franco di Santo tonight.
Chelsea are at full-strength and I think Carlo Ancelotti will shuffle his troops a little bit as he did all season. Nonetheless the Blues are far to strong and will go through.
I tip Chelsea to win, at 1/2.

Manchester City vs Arsenal

English League Cup, 20h45

Manchester City lost just once in 16 games this season. But they've drawn their last 7 games in a row. They've received good news as Robinho and Micah Richards are match fit after long spells on the sidelines.
Arsenal have recorded 3 of their 4 losses away from home, as they will have to do without van Persie for the next five months. Eduardo will lead the attack for a wounded Arsenal, who just lost 0-3 at home to Chelsea.
The corresponding match from the league finished 4-2 for City.

I tip City to win, at 9/10.

Urziceni 2:0 Gloria Bistrita

Unirea Urziceni vs Gloria Bistrita

Romanian Liga I, 19h00

Despite defeating Sevilla 1-0 in the UCL, Unirea played awful. The lack of quality, both physical and technical is quite clear. Still, they have a coach who was very down to earth and knew just how to field a formation in order to get the result. In this game they will have to attack.
Bistrita is a team that had a miserable start of the campaign, but has regrouped under new coach Halagian. Gloria is second from bottom with just 12 points, but it won't be too late until they will be safe. They are more resilient and know just how to control a game of football now-a-days.

I tip Bistrita to get at least a point today, at 3/2.

Arsenal 0:3 Chelsea

Inter 1:0 Fiorentina

Everton 0:2 Liverpool

Cagliari 2:0 Juventus

Everton vs Liverpool

English Premier League, 14h30

This is the Liverpool derby. One of the fiercest in the world. This is all about pride.
These two teams managed this season to lose as many matches between them, as they did the entire last season, 11 that is. And last season they finished in the top 5.
Everton are plagued with injuries but will throw themselves at their arch rivals. Liverpool are keen to know if Torres will be fit to play, while Gerrard is still not 100% fit, but will play as he is so devoted to the colors. Benitez is on the brink of disaster, as he is out of the UCL and out of the top four so early in the season.
The last time this two met, Everton won 1-0 in injury time.
I will go for Everton not to lose this one, at 1/2.

CS Otopeni 2:0 "U" Cluj-Napoca

Wigan 1:0 Sunderland

Inter vs Fiorentina

Italian Serie A, Sunday 15h00

Inter has beaten Fiorentina in the last 7 games at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. The Nerazzuri have not conceded in the last four match-ups with the Viola in the Italian championship. Mourinho's men have scored the most goals in Italy to date, 32, while Fiorentina have the most clean-sheets, 6.
Inter lost 2-0 at the Camp Nou, a match in which they never shown up, while Fiorentina qualified for the knock-out stage of the UCL after defeating Lyon 1-0. Liverpool were left out of the competition. 
Fiorentina will travel without Mutu, Gamberini and Donadel, while Inter will miss Maicon and probably Sneijder.
I tip Inter to win, at 6/11.

Cagliari vs Juventus

Italian Serie A, Sunday 15h00

Juventus had a miserable game at Bordeaux on Wednesday. They lost 2-0, but they showed they had no ideas, no game plan. Diego couldn't find his place, Del Piero is just back from injury, while Iaquinta and Trezeguet are still out with injuries. Juventus won four of their last five in the domestic league, as did Cagliari.
The Sicilians managed that without conceding, but in the last game at the San Siro they were beaten 4-3 in a memorable match which could have ended with anyone's triumph.
Juventus' coach Ferrara is expected to shift his tactics in order to gain some balance, but this move could fail. Watch out for Cagliari forward, Matri.

I tip Cagliari not to lose, at 4/5.

Arsenal vs Chelsea

English Premier League, Sunday 17h00

Chelsea's 4-1 win at Ashbuton Grove in May was the worst home defeat in the Premier League for Arsenal and also the last time Wenger had lost there. Didier Drogba scored 8 goals in 8 matches against Arsenal, while the Gunners managed to defeat Chelsea just twice in 14 competitive matches. 
Chelsea have got the meanest defence in the league, having conceded only 8 goals in 13 outings, while they haven't conceded in 7 of the last 8 matches in all competitions.
Arsenal have a lot of injuries to contend with:; the most important are Robin van Persie, Bendtner and Gibbs. Chelsea will miss Bosingwa for 3 months, other than that Frank Lampard will be back from injury.
I tip Chelsea to win, at 17/10.

Wigan vs Sunderland

English Premier League, Saturday 16h00

These two teams had different kind of results last week-end. Wigan lost soundly at Spurs (9-1), while Sunderland defeated Arsenal by the only goal. 
Still Wigan have not lost in 4 games at home, while Sunderland have won just once in 16 away games. To add to that, the visitors have won just once in 7 attempts against tomorrows opponents.
Wigan play attacking football, while Sunderland are managed by formar Latics' manager, Steve Bruce.
I tip Wigan to bounce back from their dismantling at Tottenham and win, priced at 16/10.

CS Otopenti vs "U" Cluj-Napoca

Romanian Liga II, Saturday 12h00

These are the teams that have scored the most goals this season. But the guests have conceded the least. That is the most important I reckon.
"U" has a very good Brazilian youngster, Machado. He has managed 7 goals to date. I think the tactical advantage will favor the best side and that is "U". They've managed to beat the leaders last Saturday by 2-0 and that was a breath-taking performance, the guests having just one shot on goal and even that came in injury time when there was nothing left to do.

I tip "U" Cluj-Napoca to win, at 13/10.

APOEL 1:1 Atletico Madrid

Bordeaux 2:0 Juventus

I boast a marvelous rate of success. 

That's 70.57% (331 successful tips out of 469 published).

Bordeaux vs Juventus

Uefa Champions League, 20h45

Bordeaux have assured qualification after twice beating FC Bayern. They have since lost two matches in the domestic league, the last one being 0-1 at home to lowly Valenciennes. Chamakh is very doubtful, while Gourcuff will certainly miss the tie.
Juventus travel to France knowing a win will all but put them through with a game in hand. It will spare them the blushes come the last group game against FC Bayern at home. Iaquinta and Trezeguet are out and they are important, but other than that the Bianconeri boast a full squad, including talismatic captain Alessandro del Piero who is back from a groin injury. He played as a second half substitute in a Sunday 1-0 against Udinese.
I tip Juve to win, at 8/5.

APOEL vs Atletico Madrid

Uefa Champions League, 20h45

The two teams have failed to qualify further. Still, they fight it out tonight for a place in the Europa League. The reverse game finished 0-0 in Madrid and it was an embarrassment for the home side as they were superior for the whole 90 minutes.
Quique Sanchez Flores, the Spaniards coach, will through all his fire power at the opposition tonight, including Maxi, Simao, Forlan and Aguero. I reckon it will be too much for the home side.
I tip Atletico to win, at 6/5.

Fiorentina 1:0 Olympique Lyonnais

Fiorentina vs Lyon

Uefa Champions League, 20h45

Fiorentina needs a win tonight to assure they qualify for the knock-out stage and oust Liverpool of this competition. It will be a tough job as they lost to nil in the reverse match and are missing three of their most important men: Mutu, Jovetic and Gamberini. Still, it is not make or brake time for Viola, who mantain high chances to qualify even if they don't manage it today.
Lyon are already qualified but not assured of the 1st place. Bodmer and Toulalan are the big absentees from the French squad. All their attacking men are available, including Pjanic, Bastos, Gomis and Lisandro.
I tip both teams to score, at 4/5.

Athletic 1:1(0:0) Barcelona

Tenerife 1:2 Sevilla

Athletic vs Barcelona

Spanish Primera Liga, 22h00

Athletic are a decent side. They are playing physical and direct football. Athletic have always started well against Barca before eventually succumbing to the passing of the Blaugrana.

Barcelona will look forward to facing Inter and Realmadrid next week. Ibrahimovic, Yaya Toure and Henry will miss this game.
I tip Bilbao not to lose after the first half, at 5/4.

Tenerife vs Sevilla

Spanish Primera Division, 18h00

Tenerife are looking for wins in order to stay in the Spanish flight come the end of the season.
Sevilla are 3rd and as president del Nido said they are looking to battle for the crowns. There are a lot of injuries in the Andalusian squad, but the likes of Jesus Navas, Perroti, Luis Fabiano and Negredo will put an enormous attacking pressure on the hosts.
I believe Sevilla will win it, at 8/11.

Ukraine 0:1 Greece

Ukraine vs Greece

FIFA 2010 Qualification Play-Off 2nd leg, 19h00

The first leg finished 0-0 in Athens, despite the guests having most of the goal situations. Greece has two decent forwards, Gekas and Samaras, both playing their football in Great Britain, but they lack the men to supply them with assists.
Ukraine has won Shevchenko back, while they have loads of young talent in the attacking formation they will field. The likes of Milevsky, Rotan, Aliyev will pose a big threat for the 2004 European Champions.
I tip Ukraine to go through, at 6/11.

Brasov 3:0 Gloria Bistrita

Brasov vs Gloria Bistrita

Romanian Cup Quarterfinals, 18h00

Brasov is a good team for Romania. They have a young coach and a lot of experienced players with many games in the European competitions. They are in the leading pack of the domestic top-flight.
Gloria Bistrita are struggling in the league, floating in the relegation zone, but since they've changed the coach they managed a rack of good results, including ousting Steaua on penalties. in this same competition.
I tip Brasov to win, at 1/2,

Chelsea 1:0 Manchester United
Dinamo 1:1 Rapid

Dinamo vs Rapid
Romanian Liga I, 19h00
Dinamo has performed very well in important matches this season, winning all of them. But they have disappointed in Europe.
Rapid are a rejuvenated team that is very difficult to play against. They have an open style of football.
I tip Dinamo to prevail, at 7/5.

Chelsea vs Manchester United
English Premier League, Sunday 17h00
Manchester United find themselves 2nd in the standings, 2 points behind their opponents. Both teams managed to qualify for the knock out stages of the Uefa Champions League, despite 2 draws in midweek's action.
United travel to London without Ferdinand and Park Ji Sung with Fletcher struggling. Neville is also out, while Vidic and Berbatov have recovered. Sir Alex Ferguson told the press that this is not a title decider, even though he went on to say that if his team were to retain the title they would have to surpass Chelsea in the standings.
Chelsea are firing on all cylinders under Carlo Ancelotti, with the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba in top form. Joe Cole is back with his magic, while Michael Ballack, Nicolas Anelka and Ricardo Carvalho are the ones who complete the Blues' firing power.
I predict a Chelsea win, at 6/5.

Villarreal 4:1 Lazio

Villarreal vs Lazio
Europa League, 21h05
Lazio lost once and won twice, including an injury time victory over today's opponent. Villarreal won just once in this group.
But the Yellow submarine are high on morale as they dismantled Tenerife 5-0 in the weekend Primera Division action. It will be a great spectacle to watch and I think the hosts will come up on top.
I tip a Villarreal win, at 7/10.

Dinamo Kiev 1:2 Inter
Sevilla 1:1 Stuttgart

Sevilla vs Stuttgart
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
Stuttgart has just 2 points and has again disappointed its fans with the Champions League outings. Vfb comes to Spain without Khedira, Cacau, Marica and Osorio.
Sevilla is on its way to qualifying already for the next stage. The Rojiblancos are the team that scored the most goals and alongside Lyon, the only side that has managed only wins to the moment.
Renato said that wins make teams better and that will be the case tonight as Sevilla fans will see a show from their attacking players Jesus Navas, Perotti, Negredo and Luis Fabiano.
I think Sevilla will win. The price is 1/2.

Dinamo Kiev vs Inter
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
Inter are 4th in a group that contains also Rubin Kazan and Barcelona. The Italians have 3 points while all the others have 4. The Nerazzurri have not won in the supreme European competition in the last 8 games, drawing 5 in the process. Mourinho as inter coach has managed to beat just 2 opponents: Panathinaikos and Anorthosis.
But the Special One is going to use all his knowledge to escape this bad situation.
Inter will field the likes of Eto'o, Maicon, Stankovic and Zanetti.
I tip Inter to win, at 6/5.

Bolton 0:4 Chelsea