Champions League Betting - Bordeaux vs. Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich and FC Girondins de Bordeaux will collide at Stade Chaban-Delmas to decide which side will take a handle on Group A. Leaders Bayern Munich are level with second placed Bordeaux on 4 points but on the advantageous side of the mark by virtue of a better goal difference.

Soccer Betting Line:

Bordeaux pk -120 +155 2½ O +115 U -135 Draw +225

Bayern Munich pk Ev +170 2½ O +115 U -135 Draw +225

Match Time: 12:30 P.M. Eastern Time Wednesday October 21, 2009

Venue: Stade Chaban-Delmas - Bordeaux - France

Bordeaux enter this match on the heels of back-to-back losses in Ligue 1. They lost to St. Etienne 3:1 and Auxerre 1:0. Both results were after a 1:0 victory over Maccabi Haifa on match day 2 in Champions League group action.

The French Champions slip up on the domestic front has seen them drop to third in the league table with an overall 6-1-2 mark after nine cycles. Both losses however came on the away. At Stade Chaban Bordeaux are enjoying a four match winning streak – five if one includes the victory over Maccabi. They will aim to maintain that perfect trend against Bayern.

Bayern Munich missed a chance to take control of Group A on match day 2 when they acquiesced to a scoreless draw against Juventus at home. Bayern will now hope to recover lost ground at the expense of Bordeaux who are showing clear signs of slowing down.

Bayern are after a 2:1 victory over at Freiburg at the weekend in Bundesliga action and they are undefeated in their last three matches. However, they could not prevent slipping in the table in spite of the semi-positive results. Bayern are now sixth in the table with an overall 4-3-2 mark. Indeed, modest by their standards and not an acceptable result given the talent on their bench.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Group A is wide open with Bayern and Bordeaux level on 4 points and Juventus nipping at their heels with 2 points. Maccabi have zero points but there are four matches left and still everything to play for in the group stage. The opportunity is there for the outfit willing to take the initiative.

It is a tossup as there is motivation on each bench to do so. Bordeaux will be confident with home edge and they are looking like a good bet at +155. Yet one can never underestimate Bayern Munich and at +170 they are a good bet as well to win this match and take control of the group. Given how tight the line is, the feeling is both sides will cancel each other out and settle for a draw at +225. In my opinion, neither side can afford to settle for the draw because it will then open the door for Juventus. They will play for the win. I fancy Bayern’s chances in this match as they are the more stoic side and better in pressure situations.

Soccer Free Picks: Bayern +170| Over 2.5 goals +115Bayern Munich and FC Girondins de Bordeaux will collide at Stade Chaban-Delmas to decide which side will take a handle on Group A. Leaders Bayern Munich are level with second placed Bordeaux on 4 points but on the advantageous side of the mark by virtue of a better goal difference.

Soccer Betting Line:

Bordeaux pk -120 +155 2½ O +115 U -135 Draw +225

Bayern Munich pk Ev +170 2½ O +115 U -135 Draw +225

Match Time: 12:30 P.M. Eastern Time Wednesday October 21, 2009

Venue: Stade Chaban-Delmas - Bordeaux - France

Bordeaux enter this match on the heels of back-to-back losses in Ligue 1. They lost to St. Etienne 3:1 and Auxerre 1:0. Both results were after a 1:0 victory over Maccabi Haifa on match day 2 in Champions League group action.

The French Champions slip up on the domestic front has seen them drop to third in the league table with an overall 6-1-2 mark after nine cycles. Both losses however came on the away. At Stade Chaban Bordeaux are enjoying a four match winning streak – five if one includes the victory over Maccabi. They will aim to maintain that perfect trend against Bayern.

Bayern Munich missed a chance to take control of Group A on match day 2 when they acquiesced to a scoreless draw against Juventus at home. Bayern will now hope to recover lost ground at the expense of Bordeaux who are showing clear signs of slowing down.

Bayern are after a 2:1 victory over at Freiburg at the weekend in Bundesliga action and they are undefeated in their last three matches. However, they could not prevent slipping in the table in spite of the semi-positive results. Bayern are now sixth in the table with an overall 4-3-2 mark. Indeed, modest by their standards and not an acceptable result given the talent on their bench.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Group A is wide open with Bayern and Bordeaux level on 4 points and Juventus nipping at their heels with 2 points. Maccabi have zero points but there are four matches left and still everything to play for in the group stage. The opportunity is there for the outfit willing to take the initiative.

It is a tossup as there is motivation on each bench to do so. Bordeaux will be confident with home edge and they are looking like a good bet at +155. Yet one can never underestimate Bayern Munich and at +170 they are a good bet as well to win this match and take control of the group. Given how tight the line is, the feeling is both sides will cancel each other out and settle for a draw at +225. In my opinion, neither side can afford to settle for the draw because it will then open the door for Juventus. They will play for the win. I fancy Bayern’s chances in this match as they are the more stoic side and better in pressure situations.

Free Soccer Picks: Bayern +170| Over 2.5 goals +115

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Champions League Football - VfB Stuttgart vs. Sevilla FC

Group G leaders Sevilla FC will be looking to continue their solid European form when they make the trek to VfB Arena in Stuttgart, Germany. The Spanish Primera outfit is after a narrow loss to La Coruna on the away in domestic action, ending a seven-match winning streak. They will be looking to rebound in UEFA Champions League action. Stuttgart meanwhile are having all sorts of problems both in domestic and European action. They are on the heels of back-to-back defeats in Bundesliga and this negative trend is after a disappointing 1:1 draw to Romanian Champions FC Unriea Urcizeni in Champions League group action.

Soccer Betting Line:

VfB Stuttgart +½ -130 +265 2½ O -105 U -115 Draw +225

Sevilla -½ +110 +105 2½ O -105 U -115 Draw +225

Match Time: 02:45 P.M. Eastern Time Tuesday October 20, 2009

Venue: VfB Arena - Stuttgart - Germany

Soccer Betting Verdict: Stuttgart started their European campaign with back-to-back draws against Rangers and Unriea, giving them two points in the competition and second place in Group G. However, this is not acceptable for the Bundesliga side. Moreover, they are even worse off in domestic action as they are middle of the table in 13th spot with an atrocious 2-2-5 mark. Stuttgart need to turn things around or else they will lose even more ground on both fronts.

Sevilla FC enter this match with everything to hope for and with a lot of confidence. Though they are after a narrow defeat to La Coruna on the away in domestic action they have been for the most part an impressive outfit in Primera. They are third in the table after hauling 15 points in seven cycles with a 5-0-2 mark. They are after hammering the Rangers 4:1 at the Ibrox on match day 2.

Free Soccer Picks : Sevilla at +105 is the value play. True, Stuttgart are undefeated in Europe but they are looking like they will succumb to their first defeat. You can bet on it. Sevilla are much too strong for them in my opinion and they are eager to win this match and take a stranglehold of Group G. There is nothing in Stuttgart’s current form to suggest they can stop the Spaniards. Expect this match to be another scoring showdown and the over 2 ½ -105 is the good bet.

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Premier League Betting: Fulham vs. Hull City

Fulham and Hull City are set to collide on Monday night at Craven Cottage. Fulham and Hull City are mired in the relegation fight after eight cycles in the Premier League. It is not a surprise to many soccer bettors that Hull is in the fight for survival but that Fulham is, is a bit of a surprise. Both sides are tied at 7 points, however, Fulham have a game in hand. Nevertheless, in light of such parity this match becomes even more important for both outfits to win.

Soccer Betting Line:
Fulham FC -½ -160 -160 2½ O Ev U -120 1½ O -115 U -105 Draw +260
Hull City +½ +140 +450 2½ O Ev U -120 1 O +140 U -160 Draw +260

Match Time: 03:00 PM Eastern Time Monday October 19, 2009

Soccer Betting Trend: The Cottagers are listed as the favourites at -160 to win outright, meanwhile the Tigers can be backed at discouraging odds of +450 t win outright. Hull city need the points just as much as Fulham. Both are sitting on seven points, with Hull’s atrocious goal difference pinning them down in the relegation quagmire ahead of 19th West Ham and 20th Portsmouth. Fulham has a chance to move to 11th spot in the table, a cushy mid-table spot, should they beat Hull tonight.

Fulham are 2-1-3 so far this season, which includes a 1-0-2 mark at home and a 1-1-2 mark on the road. More revealing is their recent scoring woes. In their three Premier League home matches, they failed to score in two encounters, combining for two goals for and four goals against.

Hull City have gone 2-1-5 so far this season, which includes a 2-0-2 mark at home and a 0-1-3 mark on the road. Hull City will be looking for their first road trip win on the season.

Discouraging is their terrible goal difference on the road. In their last four away matches, they have allowed 13 goals against and scored only four goals.

For all these parts and because of the importance of this match I expect this will be a cautious affair. A draw is a possible outcome as a loss to a relegation rival would be costly. However, Fulham has the home incentive and the balance tips in their favour in the market for the outright win at -160. Should Fulham manage to take all three points it will be through a marginal victory – 1:0 sounds about right. Therefore betting on a low goal tally is the best option. Take the Under 2 ½ -120 for combined team totals and Under 1 ½ -115 for Fulham.

Free Soccer Picks: Fulham -160 Team Totals Under 2 ½ -120 Fulham Under 1 ½ -115

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Monday Night Football: Broncos vs. Chargers – Football Predictions

When planning out how the conclusion to the NFL betting card for Week 6 would shape up, this matchup between the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers couldn’t have been scripted any better. ESPN has to be happy with this matchup.

On one side of the field, an AFC West team that has surprised many with its .500 start and defensive struggles, desperately seeking to generate something positive out of its second divisional game of the year. And then on the other, an opponent that has already established dominance in the West with wins at home and abroad and looks to this game as a chance to prove to a national TV audience that they are indeed for real.

It all sounds about right; only thing is that somebody forgot to let the Broncos in on the plan.

In a complete role reversal, Denver has busted out of the gate this season with a 5-0 SU/ATS start. Critics shot holes in the record at 3-0, citing the win at Cincinnati as fluke and the triumphs over Cleveland and Oakland as compulsory. But come from behind victories the past two weeks against Dallas and a New England silenced most detractors. The Patriots response to that overtime loss in Denver – a 59-0 blowout vs. Tennessee on Sunday – quieted the rest.

Online sportsbooks have the odds on this one set at -3.5 on the home side Chargers heading into Monday’s football predictions betting action. San Diego’s 5-1 record vs. Denver in the past six meetings also had to be taken into account.

Denver’s defense has been the real story this year, led by linebacker Elvis Dumervil (five sacks) and inspired by a rejuvenated Brian Dawkins on the back end. It’s taken the heat off QB Kyle Orton, allowing him to pad a now very impressive 26-12 record as a starter by simple managing the football game, not win it on his arm alone.

Chargers QB Philip Rivers has thrived under the Monday Night lights, posting a 4-0 record and a sparkling 106.9 passer rating, but San Diego will need its 32nd ranked run-game to come around if it hopes to compete against Denver.

Betting on the Broncos D to keep opponents in check has produced a perfect record of five-straight picks on the "Under" and against this Charger team that cranked out 52 points against them in Week 17, capping a miserable 2008 season, revenge is the order of the day.

San Diego is fully rested off its bye week and Denver has a bye on-deck. The Broncos used to play well before a bye (11-2 ATS) but they are 0-2 SU/ATS the past two years, giving up 82 combined points in those losses. Offensive dominated both meetings last year as these hated rivals combined for 150 total points.

This is the first of three-straight divisional games for San Diego but this does not shape up as a look-ahead spot for either team. More likely, this should turn into one of the hardest hitting Monday games bettors have been treated to all year.

NFL Picks: The Broncos season has been very impressive, but I lean to the Chargers laying -3 (buy the hook), as they get the job done at home on Monday night football.

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Monday Night Football: Broncos vs. Chargers – Football Predictions

When planning out how the conclusion to the NFL betting card for Week 6 would shape up, this matchup between the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers couldn’t have been scripted any better. ESPN has to be happy with this matchup.

On one side of the field, an AFC West team that has surprised many with its .500 start and defensive struggles, desperately seeking to generate something positive out of its second divisional game of the year. And then on the other, an opponent that has already established dominance in the West with wins at home and abroad and looks to this game as a chance to prove to a national TV audience that they are indeed for real.

It all sounds about right; only thing is that somebody forgot to let the Broncos in on the plan.

In a complete role reversal, Denver has busted out of the gate this season with a 5-0 SU/ATS start. Critics shot holes in the record at 3-0, citing the win at Cincinnati as fluke and the triumphs over Cleveland and Oakland as compulsory. But come from behind victories the past two weeks against Dallas and a New England silenced most detractors. The Patriots response to that overtime loss in Denver – a 59-0 blowout vs. Tennessee on Sunday – quieted the rest.

Online sportsbooks have the odds on this one set at -3.5 on the home side Chargers heading into Monday’s football predictions betting action. San Diego’s 5-1 record vs. Denver in the past six meetings also had to be taken into account.

Denver’s defense has been the real story this year, led by linebacker Elvis Dumervil (five sacks) and inspired by a rejuvenated Brian Dawkins on the back end. It’s taken the heat off QB Kyle Orton, allowing him to pad a now very impressive 26-12 record as a starter by simple managing the football game, not win it on his arm alone.

Chargers QB Philip Rivers has thrived under the Monday Night lights, posting a 4-0 record and a sparkling 106.9 passer rating, but San Diego will need its 32nd ranked run-game to come around if it hopes to compete against Denver.

Betting on the Broncos D to keep opponents in check has produced a perfect record of five-straight picks on the "Under" and against this Charger team that cranked out 52 points against them in Week 17, capping a miserable 2008 season, revenge is the order of the day.

San Diego is fully rested off its bye week and Denver has a bye on-deck. The Broncos used to play well before a bye (11-2 ATS) but they are 0-2 SU/ATS the past two years, giving up 82 combined points in those losses. Offensive dominated both meetings last year as these hated rivals combined for 150 total points.

This is the first of three-straight divisional games for San Diego but this does not shape up as a look-ahead spot for either team. More likely, this should turn into one of the hardest hitting Monday games bettors have been treated to all year.

NFL Picks: The Broncos season has been very impressive, but I lean to the Chargers laying -3 (buy the hook), as they get the job done at home on Monday night football.

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World Cup Qualifiers: Russia and Germany battle for top honors in Group 4

Moscow , Russia – The most anticipated clash of the World Cup qualifiers set to kick off on Saturday is the billing between Russia and Germany. Germany currently lead Group 4 with 22 points, a point clear of second place Russia. Germany are undefeated in eight qualifying matches, going 7-1-0 and they will look to continue the positive run at Luzhniki Stadium in Russia.

Russia aim to shock Germany on Saturday and assume control of Group 4 but they will be going against the soccer betting trend in the market. Russia are second in Group 4 after hauling 21 points with a 7-0-1 mark – ironically, their only loss came to Germany in Westfaenstadion, Dortmund last October.

Soccer Betting Line:

Russia pk -135 +135 2½ O -105 U -115 Draw +225 Germany pk +115 +175 2½ O -105 U -115 Draw +225
Match Time: 11:00 AM Eastern Time Saturday October 9, 2009

Soccer Betting Verdict: In many circles, Germany stack up as the favourites to win top spot in this group, yet interestingly, the market is not leaning towards Germany securing top spot in Moscow at the weekend.

Germany enter this match marginally long, tipped at +175 to win outright, to Russia at +135. The bookies are not sure they can hold their own in Russia after all. They are undefeated and they have a tradition of excellence on big stages so you might want to pound those odds regardless.

Gus Hiddink has done wonders with Russia’s national team – not for nothing did they hire him. Russia has emerged as one of the leading national teams in Europe and many believe they will book their ticket to South Africa one way or another. If not by winning top spot, surely, in the playoffs they will.

Russian supporters will be looking to Arshavin to lead their nation to victory. The way the kid has been playing for Arsenal and for his national team, you almost want to believe he would accomplish the feat singlehandedly. Naturally, he was the only goal scorer for his side in their 2:1 loss to Germany earlier in the qualifying rounds. His goal in the 51’ minute gave Russia hope after Germany took the 2-0 lead before half time. Alas, it didn’t amount to much.

This time around, Russia will have home edge though and as they have been impressive in Luzhniki Stadium, it is not improbable for the home side to win even against one of the most feared national teams in Europe, Germany,
Free Soccer Picks: Russia +135 Over 2.5 -105

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Free Soccer Picks: World Cup Qualifiers: Turkey Vs. Serbia

Serbia lead Group 7 with 19 points and they are a match victory away from securing their passage but they come up against a very good European side in Romania. The Romanians have no hope in this competition but that doesn’t mean they will roll over. Meanwhile, Turkey are hoping to secure second place in Group 5 but it is down to the wire and they need maximum points to accomplish the feat.

Here is a look at these matches, complete with BetUS soccer betting odds and lines.

Soccer Betting Line:

Belgium Turkey

Match Time: 02:45 P.M. Eastern Time Saturday October 10 2009

Soccer Betting Verdict: Turkey have a mountain to climb in Group 5. They are currently in third place with 12 points, four points behind Bosnia-Herzegovina in second place. Turkey have to win this match to put stay in contention and hope that Bosnia, at the same time suffers, a loss. Otherwise, a winning effort in this match will count for nothing and their campaign would be done and done. Belgium are fourth in the table with no hope in the competition. They just lost to Armenia, ending any theoretical chance they might have had last month.

The market favours Turkey to take the away win and I would agree. This match is theirs for the taking. Turkey national team is simply too good to miss the world final in South Africa.

Free Soccer Picks: Turkey +120 | Over 2.5 goals -115

Soccer Betting Line:

Serbia Romania

Match Time: 02:30 P.M. Eastern Time Saturday October 10 2009

Soccer Betting Verdict: Serbia has the chance to move closer to advancing through to the World Cup with a victory over Romania and there is no doubt that they will open a good account to gain all three points. The market leans towards the home side winning this match, listing odds at -175 to win outright. Romania lost all chance of qualification but they don’t plan to be pushovers. They took a point of their last match against France and most likely, they will be playing for pride and no less than a point in this one. Serbia might be too good in the end.

Free Soccer Picks: Serbia -170 | Over 2.5 -115

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FIFA World Cup Qualifier: USA vs. Honduras

It may surprise you to know that FIFA claims to be trying to make soccer more popular in North America. I have a few issues with how this striving project is being handled so far. Firstly, how is televising a game that could potentially clinch a spot for the USA in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Championship in South Africa on closed circuit TV going to further that endeavour?

Make no mistake; this is not pay-per-view that you can order and watch from a comfortable cocoon on your couch at home. Far from it. It’s a bar, or something or other, for you US soccer fans where, most likely, you will have to pay admittance, sit in some uncomfortable chair, and dole out some more for snacks and drinks. With any luck, you’ll strut into an establishment showing the game in your preferred language – there will be English or Spanish.

So how did this happen? Apparently, FIFA has a tradition allowing the host countries of World Cup qualifiers to sell the video rights to whomever they choose. Honduran Federation sold the English and Spanish rights to a media company named Media World. ESPN tried to buy the rights from Media World but was unable to reach a deal, nor were any other American cable providers.

FIFA maintains this practice allows national soccer federations to raise funds to support their operating costs of their World Cup campaign.

In principle, there isn’t much to solve. The intent behind this practice is fine but surely in the light of this development and others that are similar – Ukraine vs. England will only be transmitted online for a fee – another solution could be brought about.

But FIFA’s wearing oversized blinkers, claiming this is the best way and it is for the good of the game. National team games are part of the national public interest.

Is it just me or is that contrary! I mean wouldn’t broadcasting the match to a wider audience be more in keeping with FIFA’s professed objective to spread soccer’s popularity in the US, draw the interest of casual fans and snap up a few new fans.

I don’t know but FIFA can take a few lessons from other sports. NFL Red Zone is a new channel that the NFL owns that gives the viewing public more access to NFL games across the country and not just in their states vicinity.

Imagine if FIFA were to start a channel. That would be more in keeping with their desire to spread soccer in North America. And it would allow them to make more money (that if they still wanted to, could use to help member associations). Just an idea.

For now, FIFA has many T’d off fans to placate in USA, and maybe, more around the world even.

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