Eredivisie Betting: Clean sheet to aid Feyenoord ascent

"Feyenoord have claimed four successive Eredivisie victories, keeping three clean sheets and only being breached from the penalty spot on the other occasion."
Recommended Bet: Back Feyenoord to win to nil against Zwolle @ 2.6213/8

With three big favourites in the Eredivisie TV games, Michael Lintorn looks to other markets for the best bets...

Ajax v Dordrecht
Saturday, 17:30
Live on Sky Sports Red Button

Match Odds: Ajax 1.162/13, Dordrecht 22.021/1, The Draw 9.417/2

After a promising beginning, it is looking increasingly likely that Dordrecht's Eredivisie stay following their surprise promotion last term won't be especially long. Since winning 2-1 at Heerenveen on the opening weekend, they have gone nine games without success, losing the most recent four.

Ajax meanwhile have recovered from their standard sloppy start to emerge as the joint-best team in the division over their past six matches alongside Vitesse courtesy of four wins and two draws.

Frank de Boer's claimants of the last four titles haven't been dominant though, scoring two goals or fewer in three of their last four home league fixtures, while five of their previous seven at any venue had under 3.5 goals. The same has been true of four of Dordrecht's five top-flight road trips to date.

Recommended Bet: Back under 3.5 goals @ 2.166/5

Feyenoord v Zwolle
Saturday, 18:45
Live on Sky Sports Red Button

Match Odds: Feyenoord 1.412/5, Zwolle 9.617/2, The Draw 5.39/2

Fred Rutten's routine in his three years as PSV coach and one campaign with Vitesse was to start sprightly and burn out, but he has adopted a different trajectory at Feyenoord, who were adapting to the loss of key figures like Ronald Koeman, Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat and Graziano Pelle.

Last season's runners-up were fourth-bottom after six games with just five points before improving to claim four successive Eredivisie victories. They have been very strong defensively in that time, keeping three clean sheets and only being breached from the penalty spot on the other occasion.

Zwolle, having loaded their trophy cabinet by beating Ajax to the Dutch (KNVB) Cup in April then the Johan Cruyff Shield in August, are currently winless in three league outings and often find it difficult to score in their trickiest away encounters.

They have been shut out at AZ Alkmaar and Ajax in 2014/15 following blanks when visiting four of the top seven in 2013/14, and failed to fire on either of their latest two ventures to De Kuip.

Recommended Bet: Back Feyenoord to win to nil @ 2.6213/8

PSV v ADO Den Haag
Saturday, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports Red Button

Match Odds: PSV 1.251/4, ADO Den Haag 13.012/1, The Draw 7.06/1

PSV have been here so many times before. Despite last lifting the title in 2008, this is the fourth time in six seasons that they will spend part of November top of the table. Phillip Cocu's men are four points clear of Ajax in second and seven ahead of Feyenoord in third at the ten-match checkpoint.

There is no reason why the roadblock that history suggests will almost inevitably surface will reveal itself this weekend though, as the leaders have comfortably won all five Eredivisie home games and ten out of 11 in all competitions, with the sole blemish a Europa League draw against Panathinaikos.

They have netted three times or more in four of the five league clashes and should be able to maintain their formidable strike rate against ADO Den Haag, who have leaked three or more in three of their past seven Eredivisie fixtures, including two of the last four.

Recommended Bet: Back PSV to score three goals or more @ 1.824/5

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MK Dons v Man United: First clean sheet to elude again

"Six of MK Dons’ previous seven Capital One Cup clashes rewarded punters who backed both teams to score."
Recommended Bet: Back both teams to score @ 1.865/6

Michael Lintorn thinks both teams to score is the fastest route to Capital One Cup profit at stadiummk...

MK Dons v Man United
Tuesday, 20:00
Live on Sky Sports 1

Match Odds: MK Dons 9.417/2, Man United 1.384/11, The Draw 5.79/2

Louis van Gaal has a solid cup record, winning Dutch, Spanish and German knockout silverware while at Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, while you may also just about recall him steering Netherlands to an unexpected third-place finish at World Cup 2014.

However, there wasn't enough evidence in his first Man United two games to make a firm case for backing them at 1.384/11 to beat anyone, let alone a team three matches deeper into 2014/15 and far more adjusted to what is required of them tactically in boss Karl Robinson's fourth season in charge.

MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman has called this "the biggest game in the club's history", but they usually thrive when forced to confront higher-division opposition.

They held FA Cup holders Wigan twice in the competition last term, conquered Blackburn, Sheffield Wednesday and QPR in 2012/13, thrashed Norwich 4-0 at Carrow Road in 2011/12 and overcame Blackpool in 2010/11. The latter trio were in the Premier League at the time of humbling.

Man United are clearly several notches superior to all of those sides and, even if fielding reserves, can introduce Shinji Kagawa, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck, so should triumph, yet this writer isn't confident enough to back them at their current price.

Both teams to score

Anyone sentencing Man United to another year of misery and irrelevance after their underwhelming start risks being made to regret it - as discussed here - but van Gaal admits that it usually takes a few months for his methods to properly take effect.

The learning process is trickier for the Red Devils due to the extensive injury crisis depriving them of Michael Carrick and summer signings Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera among many others, and because they are adapting to a new shape (3-4-1-2) as well as approach.

The defensive transformation has been particularly challenging due to both fitness problems and slow transfer progress. For instance, Jonny Evans should return for his first start at MK Dons, but Chris Smalling is now sidelined and Marcos Rojo still isn't cleared to play.

Both Man United and their opponents netted in their first two Premier League fixtures, while six of their League One hosts' previous seven Capital One Cup clashes rewarded punters who backed both teams to score.

Recommended Bet: Back both teams to score @ 1.865/6

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Torneo Final Tip Sheet: Godoy can snare a road win at a phenomenal price

"Their game with San Martín is a bit of a derby game with these sides the two biggest club in the west of Argentina, but San Martín - who haven't won in 16 games - will need more than the atmosphere boost of a rivalry to play at Godoy Cruz's standard, and we're backing the visitors at the phenomenal price of 2.89/5."

Ed Malyon previews this weekend's action in Argentina, and believes title-chasing Godoy Cruz are a phenomenal price to get the better of San Martín de San Juan...

Saturday
Argentinos Juniors v All Boys - 17:00
Ricardo Caruso Lombardi's hiring as a 'firefighter' usually signals an improvement in teams, and after he saved San Lorenzo last season he has been charged with doing the same for rock-bottom Argentinos. They couldn't be much worse, and as a good motivator we expect the notorious vendehumo to improve them but not so quickly that they would be 2.47/5 favourites for this weekend's game with All Boys. 

A fairly solid lay at that price, with the visitors a real tough nut to crack.

Recommended Bet
Lay Argentinos at 2.56/4

River Plate v Vélez Sarsfield - 21:10
Check out our big match preview for a look at this weekend's humdinger at el Monumental.

Sunday
Independiente v Boca Juniors - 18:15
Boca rarely have such an early kick-off, so you know it's a derby game when their fixtures are brought forward like this.

Independiente's Avellaneda home is only a few miles south of La Bombonera, and these two near(ish) neighbours both proudly claim to be the most successful clubs in Argentina with Boca boasting a world record 18 international titles and el Rojo a record seven Copa Libertadores wins.

The last year has been poor for the two of them though, and while Independiente fight against relegation, Boca have struggled to impress under new (old) boss Carlos Bianchi. After such success with the club in the middle of the last decade, the fans have been somewhat dumbstruck when the return of the viceroy and talisman Juan Román Riquelme turned out to be a fairly unhappy one.

Winless in five league games and with their Copa Libertadores campaign still very much in the balance, most other managers arriving at Boca would be under some serious pressure, but a defeat to rivals Independiente would begin to make things even more awkward and at current there's little sign of things turning round. 

In what will likely be a tense and heated clásico - any game between two of Argentina's big five is labelled thus - a result seems impossible to pick, and instead we are better served looking at the goals markets.

A big problem for the Xeneize has been their defence, which has lacked leadership since Rolando Schiavi left the club. New arrival Chiqui Perez has tried, withMatías Caruzzo, to adapt to the high defensive line favoured by Bianchi but it's been a disaster, and Caruzzo's fondness for giving away penalties has been costly. 

This should be feisty, error-strewn and accompanied by a great atmosphere, so we fancy both teams to score as our bet for this one.

Recommended Bet
Both teams to score at 2.1211/10

San Martín de San Juan v Godoy Cruz - 20:10
They've had an easy start to the season but you can only beat what's put in front of you and Martín Palermo's Godoy Cruz are in the title mix as things stand. 

Their game with San Martín is a bit of a derby game with these sides the two biggest club in the west of Argentina, but San Martín - who haven't won in 16 games - will need more than the atmosphere boost of a rivalry to play at Godoy Cruz's standard, and we're backing the visitors at the phenomenal price of 2.89/5. 

How the hosts are favourites for this is an absolute mystery. 

Recommended bet: Back Godoy Cruz 0 on Asian Handicap at 1.9310/11

San Lorenzo v Newell's Old Boys - 22:10
This game should be a corker, with both clubs playing some great football under progressive coaches - but don't expect many goals.

San Lore have the best defence in the league, with just two goals conceded all season, while Newell's only saw 11 get through them in the whole of last season. 

With the added burden of Copa Libertadores football Gerardo Martino has not been able to keep his defence as tight, but they are still a very strong side who thrive on possession and boast the best player in the country in Ignacio Scocco

We'd back the unders if it weren't such a short price, so it may be better to just watch this one for the spectacle - no bet.

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Premier League Stats: Clean sheet crucial for Moyes' Everton

"Liverpool, then, score in 75% of derbies and, when they do, their win rate is 80%."

Andrew Atherley explains why a clean sheet is crucial if Everton want to win the Merseyside Derby, and why Liverpool don't lose when they score in this fixture...

Everton are the best team on Merseyside but to prove it in Sunday's derby game they might well have to break one of the most intriguing result patterns in English football.

It is a rare occurrence for Everton to have bragging rights, whether in the derby games or overall in terms of league position. Yet they finished above Liverpool in last season's Premier League table - for only the second time in the 10 full seasons since David Moyes took charge at Goodison Park - and they are even further ahead this season.

When it comes to the derby matches, however, Moyes's Everton have struggled to match their red rivals. In 20 Premier League derbies under Moyes, Everton have won just three and lost 12. That includes a pair of defeats last season, by an aggregate of 5-0, even when Liverpool were comparatively struggling.

But that's not the most interesting part of the results pattern. The remarkable thing is that the derby results divide neatly into two segments: matches in which Everton kept a clean sheet and those in which Liverpool scored. When Everton have kept a clean sheet in a league derby under Moyes, which is a fairly rare occurrence, their record is won three and drawn two out of five.

Whenever Everton have conceded, though, their win chance has gone west across the Irish Sea. Liverpool's record when scoring against Moyes's team is won 12, drawn three and lost none out of 15.

Liverpool, then, score in 75% of derbies and, when they do, their win rate is 80%.

Pretty compelling statistics that indicate a simple starting point when assessing Sunday's game: do you think Liverpool will score?

In recent seasons, it's been a fairly simple question to answer - hence Liverpool's strong derby record. This season, Liverpool's scoring record has been more hit and miss than usual - three blanks in their first eight Premier League games.

But it is worth noting that the only team to have conceded against Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool and beaten them in the Premier League is Manchester United, with a 2-1 win at Anfield (both United goals were scored after Liverpool were reduced to 10 men). The rest of Liverpool's record when scoring is won two, drawn two.

Everton, meanwhile, still rely on a clean sheet for their best results. They have won only two of the five Premier League games in which they have conceded this season and those were against bottom-four sides Aston Villa and Southampton.

Against the elite sides, Moyes clearly understands the importance of a clean sheet. Since the start of last season, Everton have won four out of 13 against the big six - all to nil - and have taken only one point from the nine games in which they have conceded.

That helps to explain why so many Everton v big six matches have under 2.5 goals (10 out of 13 since the start of last season, including all seven at Goodison Park). Under 2.5 Goals must appeal on Sunday at 1.9310/11.

As usual, then, there is more form available than a straight reading of the league table. What we have in Everton is a generally low-scoring side - especially against the better teams - that puts great faith in clean sheets, while on the other side are Liverpool with a decent scoring record even now and a good win rate when they do find the net.

Liverpool to win at 2.915/8 or off 0 on the Asian handicap at 1.991/1 have to be considered.

If Liverpool score, the stats say they will be hard to beat. The last time the Reds scored in a league derby and lost was way back in November 1995 - no wonder Moyes sets so much store in clean sheets.

Pick of the stats

Chelsea v Manchester United
Since Jose Mourinho left Chelsea, nine of the 12 domestic meetings between these sides have had over 2.5 goals.

Southampton v Tottenham
Seven of Southampton's eight games have had over 3.5 goals

Recommended Bets

Liverpool off 0 on Asian handicap v Everton at 1.991/1
Chelsea v Manchester United over 2.5 goals at 1.758/11

*****

*Unsure what Asian Handicap betting is? Then don't miss our Asian Handicap section, including a video tutorial, at our Help & Learning centre

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MLB Tipping Sheet: Lay LA! Lay LA!

"LA's new arrivals from Boston haven’t managed to switch their mind-set from underachievers to title challengers just yet and the whole team is struggling."

Lay LA Dodgers @ 1.855/6

That's the message from Federico Farcomeni as he once again previews three eye-catching fixtures from the MLB schedule

Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees
The Yankees are still without Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez and, as seen in yesterday's 2-1 victory, much will be again expected from CC Sabathia. One wouldn't notice he was starting for the first time since August 8 as he only conceded one run, four hits and struck out nine. Sabathia has an impressive record against Toronto as he is 8-0 with a 2.48 ERA in nine starts against them since 2007. The Yankees will need similar performances from their pitching staff if their depleted offense doesn't improve. Manager Joe Girardi said: "We struggled in Chicago and Cleveland to score runs. But you go through those offensively, and our pitchers picked us up. If you're going to make it to the playoffs and make any noise, you have to have pitching." No need to say that the stress will again be on defence tonight.

Atlanta Braves at San Diego Padres
This season's head-to-head offers a huge clue to tonight's match-up. In all six games between the two, we have seen less than 7.5 runs scored. Petco Park has even proved to be less prolific, with only five runs being scored in the two games played there this week. Considering Tommy Hanson's pitching record against the Padres and Eric Stults' recent form, this last game of the season between the two doesn't promise to be more entertaining than the previous ones.

LA Dodgers at Colorado Rockies
We have often mistakenly backed the Dodgers in this column. They might return to winning ways tonight and the price for their victory at 1.824/5 certainly seems tempting. The point is we just can't see it coming. Matt Kemp, one of their best players, crashed into the outfield fence while trying to catch a ball in the first inning last night. He was forced to abandon the game with a knee contusion and manager Don Mattingly already said that Kemp will be out of the line-up for this game. Worse still, while laying on the ground, every team-mate simply stood where they were, without even worrying to go and check on Kemp's condition. And this just underlines lack of team spirit. The new arrivals from Boston haven't managed to switch their mind-set from underachievers to title challengers just yet and the whole team is struggling.

In contrast Colorado are in real shape, having won 11 of their last 15 games since August 13. They have managed to beat the Dodgers in their last two games with six rookies in the starting line-up and with a 69.7 million dollars differential in their respective combined salaries. Additions such as Josh Rutledge (23 extra-base hits in 39 starts) are benefiting the team, while starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz has been effective in his last two starts against the Dodgers.

Recommended Bets
Back Under 8.5 runs @ 2.0621/20 in Toronto at NY Yankees
Back Under 7.5 runs @ 1.834/5 in Atlanta at San Diego
Lay LA Dodgers @ 1.855/6

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MLB Tipping Sheet: Flying Phillies to keep good run going

"A win over New York would be Philadelphia's fifth in a row, and I have a sneaky suspicion that they might become a serious contender through October."

Back Philadelphia @ 1.728/11

The MLB season keeps on trucking so Federico Farcomeni previews another three matches ahead of tonight's action

New York Mets @ Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies could miss the post-season for the first time in six years, but they have been on a hot streak of late. A win here would be their fifth in a row, and I have a sneaky suspicion that they might become a serious contender through October. The momentum is there - they have won seven out of their last nine, including a sweep of the Nationals who sit 16.5 games above them, over the weekend. As Cliff Lee put it: "Stranger things have happened. We've only recently started to play the way we should have. It's not a surprise to us." On the other side, the Mets have just beaten baseball's worst, Houston, and have possibly lowered their game before this important match-up.

San Francisco Giants @ Houston Astros
With all the attention concentrating on LA Dodgers, the Giants have responded well. The last week of the regular season, when they come face-to-face with their rivals, will be decisive. But for now the 2010 World Champions should just make the most of their six games series on the road against baseball's worst (Houston and Cubs). Matt Cain (13-5, 2.83 ERA) might have gone 0-2 with a 7.27 ERA in three starts at Minute Maid Park, but he's 2-0 with a 0.59 ERA in two outings against the Astros in 2012, including a perfect game in June in which he struck out a career-high 14 in a 10-0 win. Sweet memories and the gap in skill and motivation should provide the Giants with that extra boost they need to overshadow the Dodgers in the NL West. On the other side, the Astros seem incapable of scoring against such strong opposition, having touched the home plate just 34 times during a 2-11 stretch.

Cincinnati Reds @ Arizona Diamondbacks
It's Johnny Cueto (16-6, 2.47 ERA) versus Wade Miley (14-8, 2.80) at Chase Field. Two of the best pitchers in baseball go head-to-head in what is expected to be a dramatic encounter. The pitching statistics here are just too good to believe this game can provide the audience with more than 8.5 runs.

Recommended Bets
Back Philadelphia @ 1.728/11
Back San Francisco to overcome the 1.5 run handicap @ 1.794/5
Back Under 8.5 runs @ 1.68/13 in Cincinnati at Arizona

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MLB Tipping Sheet: Yankees to compound Red Sox woes

Recommended Bets
Back Toronto
Back New York Yankees @ 1.824/5
Back Tampa Bay

It's getting near crunch time in the MLB so will the true play-off contenders please stand up? Richard Fletcher selects the Saturday night ball bets...

Texas Rangers @ Toronto Blue Jays, 18:07 BST

It's that time of the season where the wheat should finally begin to separate itself from the chaff. Or it should be. The 68-50 Rangers lost last night's series opener 3-2 after the 56-63 Jays established a bold 2-0 first innings lead.

Roy Oswalt (4-2 ERA 6.53) steps up again for the Rangers after being recalled from the Minor Leagues in June. Although he started off well, winning his first two games, he still has a tendency to get smashed around the ballpark if he is not bang-on-form. For Toronto, the righty Carlos Villanueva (6-2, ERA 3.12) has been much more consistent this year (he's allowed three runs or more in just one game this year), and was on fire against the White Sox last time, where he struck-out a career-high eight batters in seven tightly-constructed innings. Whilst the Rangers are undoubtedly the best hitters in the business, last night's performance and the superiority of Villanueva, persuades me to back Toronto tonight.

Boston Red Sox @ New York Yankees, 21:05 BST, 0-0/3

The Red Sox are now drinking in the last chance saloon when it comes to play-off contention, and its closing time. In a so-far disappointing 58-62 season, the Red Sox are now 3-7 (including last night's 6-4 reversal) against the Yankees, and are losing ground in the American League East. Starting on the mound is Jon Lester (6-10, ERA 5.20), who was mightily impressive last time out versus Cleveland, where he struck out 12 batters in six superb innings, whilst conceding just one run. However, one word of caution is that Lester is 0-1 with an ERA of nearly 7.00 in two starts versus the Yankees this year. For the 71-48 Yankees, David Phelps (3-3, ERA 2.53) starts again since his recall from Triple-A ball, and on his last appearance against Texas he conceded just two earned runs in five innings to earn the win. Back the all-round superior Yankees again tonight at 1.84/5.

Tampa Bay Rays @ Los Angeles Angels, 02:05, BST 1-0/4

Both the 65-54 Rays and the 62-58 Angels are involved in a mighty scrap to stay in American League playoff contention. And last night's thumping 12-3 victory for the Rays is perhaps a harbinger of how the regular season could now pan-out. Righty Alex Cobb (7-8, ERA 4.08) is 1-1 with an ERA of 4.80 career-wise against the Angels, and has racked up three consecutive wins during August and has four consecutive quality starts. Conversely, the Angels' C J Wilson (9-9, ERA 3.32) has been unfortunate to have gone nine consecutive games without picking up a win. In his last outing against the Indians he went well, only allowing three runs in nearly seven innings pitched, but in a 6-2 reversal he didn't get any offensive help in a strangely blunt hitting performance by the Halos. Bite the bullet and back the 2.35 Rays.

Recommended Bets
Back Toronto
Back New York Yankees @ 1.824/5
Back Tampa Bay

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MLB Tipping Sheet: Yankees can turn tide against Tigers

Recommended Bets
Back New York Yankees @ 1.84/5
Back Washington -1.5 runs @ 1.774/5
Back San Francisco @ 2.13n/a

Richard Fletcher selects a trio of Wednesday night bets and backs the Yankees to overcome the Tigers...

New York Yankees @ Detroit Tigers - 00:05 BST

Having lost the first two games of this series - including a 6-5 defeat last night, in which the Tigers' long at-bats grinded the Yankees into submission - the 63-46 Yankees start with their in-form pitcher CC Sabathia (11-3 ERA 3.53). Sabathia pitched a complete game last time versus the Mariners, where he struck-out ten whilst allowing only three runs. He is also 2-0 against the Tigers this year. Anibal Sanchez (6-8, ERA 3.99) is the man for the 60-50 Tigers, who, after a dodgy debut, rebounded with a strong performance against Cleveland, pitching for six innings and allowing just two runs. However, Sanchez lacks experience against the Yankees' big hitters, so the 1.84/5 Sabathia-inspired Yankees make the most appeal here.

Washington Nationals @ Houston Astros - 01:05 BST

Washington, having not dominated their 36-75 opponents in the first few games of this series like a 67-43 team should (they won 3-2 yesterday), they have on the mound this evening arguably one of the most underrated pitchers in the league. Gio Gonzalez (13-6, ERA 3.34) admirably pitched for eight innings last week against Miami whilst striking-out ten, in a defeat where one bad innings pitching cost him the win. New recruit Armando Galarraga (0-1, ERA 5.23), was decidedly average against Atlanta in a 4-1 reversal last time, though he did show an aptitude not to crumble in the face of adversity. However, expect Washington to cut-loose tonight, and Washington -1.5 runs is the recommendation here.

San Francisco Giants @ St Louis Cardinals - 01:15 BST

Two equally matched teams are now tying at one-apiece in a four game series, with the Giants evening things up last night with a 4-2 victory. Both teams now have a 60-50 record, and a win here could make all the difference come the end of the season. Ryan Vogelsong (9-5, ERA 2.38) leads from the front, and went 16 consecutive games this year in which he conceded three runs or fewer, and the Giants have won 13 of his last 16 starts. Young-gun righty Joe Kelly (2-4, ERA 3.14), like many rookies, lacks the consistency of his more experienced rivals, but he got his first win since June versus the Brewers last time in a gritty performance. But the Giants at 2.13n/a is just too tempting to let pass.

Recommended Bets
Back New York Yankees @ 1.84/5
Back Washington -1.5 runs @ 1.774/5
Back San Francisco @ 2.13n/a

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MLB Tipping Sheet: Home run heroes can fire Yankees to victory

"Eleven of the 17 home runs given up by Alvarez this season have been off the fastball. MLB's top 50 in home runs off fastballs contains five Yankee's regulars."

Back NY Yankees

Phil Dolan takes over from Richard Fletcher with today's baseball tips and he fancies New York to stretch their lead at the top of the AL East

Washington Nationals @ Miami Marlins
This is the final fixture in a four-game NL East series. Washington have a 2-1 lead in the series after their 4-0 victory on Sunday. Carlos Zambrano (4-7, 4.20 ERA), who has not won since June 3, starts for the Marlins this evening. Edwin Jackson has pitched well in his first season with the Nationals (5-4, 3.73 ERA) and with a little support I expect Washington to extend their lead over the Braves at the top of the NL East.

Toronto Blue Jays @ New York Yankees
The Bronx Bombers host the Blue Jays in the opening game of this AL East series. This is a tough matchup for Toronto's starting pitcher Henderson Alvarez (5-7, 4.36 ERA) against #2 in the Yankees rotation Phil Hughes (9-7, 4.33 ERA). According to ESPN Stats and Information, 11 of the 17 homeruns given up by Alvarez this season have been off the fastball. MLB's top 50 in homeruns off fastballs contains five Yankee's regulars. Even at 1.58n/a I'm backing the Yankees!

Philadelphia Phillies @ LA Dodgers
Live on ESPN America
The Dodgers open this three game series against the Phillies with Chris Capuano (9-4, 2.41 ERA) on the mound. Capuano lost his last start, however he has been one of the biggest surprises of the Dodgers season, solidifying their rotation. Joe Blanton (7-8, 4.98 ERA) starts for the Phillies. Blanton has lost his last two starts and the Phillies lost 10 of their last 11 before the All-Star Break. I expect a Dodgers victory.

Recommended Bets
Back Washington Nationals
Back NY Yankees
Back LA Dodgers

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MLB Tipping Sheet: Jered to Weaver his magic for the Angels

"Stepping onto the mound this evening for them is All-Star pitching sensation Jered Weaver. 10-1 for the year with a jaw-dropping ERA of 1.96, Weaver has now gone 28 innings whilst only conceding one earned since coming back from injury."

Richard Fletcher talks us through the best betting opportunities in the MLB ahead of tonight's action.

LA Angels @NY Yankees 18:05BST Live on ESPN America

Jered Weaver and the 48-40 LA Angels head into tonight's three-game series' finale at Yankee Stadium trailing 0-2 and desperately searching for a win in a highly competitive American League. Stepping onto the mound this evening for them is All-Star pitching sensation Jered Weaver. 10-1 for the year with a jaw-dropping ERA of 1.96, Weaver has now gone 28 innings whilst only conceding one earned since coming back from injury. The league-leading Yankees 54-33, have Ivan Nova (ERA 3.92) starting, and he boasts a good record against the Angels. Nova was on the mound when Angels beat the Yankees on May 30, but conceded five runs on eight hits in six 2/3 innings pitched. Nova is now 3-1 career-wise against the men from Anaheim. But with a premier pitching talent coming into the game fresh, back Weaver and the Angels at 1.97n/a to clinch victory tonight.

San Diego @ LA Dodgers 21:10 BST Live on ESPN America

The struggling 35-54 San Diego Padres go back into Dodgers' Stadium tying their three match series with the 48-41 Dodgers, in a match featuring two pitchers who are both desperately trying to find some form. The Padres will no doubt be buoyed by last night's comeback 7-6 victory (having only lost 2-1 the day before). However, pitching is Jason Marquis, who, it is fair to say, has started to struggle this year with a 3-9 record and an ERA of 5.79. Marquis has looked jaded as the Padres' management continue to run him into the ground. Marquis pitched last Sunday after only three days' rest and goes again tonight after the All Star break. Whilst the Dodgers' management haven't quite given up on Chad Billingsley just yet, his Dodgers career is starting to resemble that of Amir Khan's, and it's not pretty. He's now on a five game losing strike and his ERA has now risen to a less-than-impressive 4.30. With the inconsistent Billingsley fighting for his life, I expect the superior 1.63 Dodgers to take the series in a close one.

St Louis @ Cincinnati 01:00BST Live on ESPN America

The increasingly impressive Cincinnati Reds 49-38 host the St Louis Cardinals in the finale of a three game series leading 2-0. Last night's thrilling 10th inning 3-2 victory puts the Reds on a five game win streak, and they are now tied first place in the race for the National League Central pennant. Jake Westbrook takes to the mound this evening for the 46-42 visitors, no doubt eager to stay in the divisional race in order for them to retain their World Series title. Westbrook (ERA 3.75) has now won three out of his last four starts, after going through somewhat of a mid-season slump. Coming in for the injured Johnny Cueto for the Reds this evening, is the 7-6 Horner Bailey. Bailey is bang-in-form, having already won both of his starts this month and he looks destined to continue the trend this evening. Back Bailey and the Reds tonight to sweep the series 3-0.

SELECTIONS

Back LA Angels @ 1.95n/a
Back LA Dodgers @ 1.63n/a
Back Cincinnati @ 1.9n/a

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Home And Away: Clean sheet specialists Brescia to win again

Daily Tipping / Jonno Turner / 05 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Swiss left back Fabio Daprela forms part of Brescia's formidable backline

Jonno Turner is backing Brescia and 1860 Munich to prevail in second-tier action on the continent this evening...

It's that time of the week again where we look to turn this miserable Monday into a money-making one, and we are focussing on the 2. Bundesliga for our first tip, as 1860 Munich welcome St Pauli to the Allianz Arena.

The hosts have been going well this season, and are a particularly formidable outfit on their own patch, where they have won their last four consecutive league outings - and in some style, too.

Nine goals scored - and just two conceded - in that time has lifted Reiner Maurer's side to sixth in the table, and they will be keen to ramp up the pressure on the top five with a win against fifth-placed St Pauli in this one.

The visitors have enjoyed some excellent results so far this campaign, and an autumn mini run of four straight wins away from home saw them secure their status at the right end of the table, but Andre Schubert's side have suffered with a bit of travel sickness of late, and go into this tie having won just one of their last four on the road.

Der Freibeuter are still in a great position as we reach the business end of the season, but just three wins in their last seven league games indicate that the wheels could be coming off down at the Millerntor Stadion, and the pressure is on Schubert's men to avoid a defeat in this tie.

1860 Munich have won their last eight home games against St Pauli, and I think that - all things considered - this one has home win written all over it.

Bet 1: 1860 Munich (HOME) to win @ [2.5]

Over to Italy now, where struggling Gubbio will be aiming to earn just their second win in seven as they host in-form Brescia at the Stadio Pietro Barbetti.

Il Lupi have struggled in their first season back in Serie B for 64 years, and coach Luigi Simoni has seen his side lose four of their last six league games.

The hosts have been saved by their home form this campaign, but even that is beginning to waiver now, and just three wins from seven in front of their fans has seen the Umbrians fall to 18th in the table, a relegation play-out place.

Brescia, meanwhile, travel to Umbria on an unbeaten trot of nine games, in which they have won seven and drawn two.

And Alessandro Calori's side have one of the best away records in the league, without a loss in six away from the Stadio Mario Rigamonti, they have won their last four on their travels.

Much of the visitors' strength lies in their excellent defensive quality, and they have not conceded a single goal in a whopping nine games. That's over 810 minutes without a breach, an impressive stat at any level.

A win for Calori's side will put them back in touch with the play-offs, and I think that they'll do the business in Umbria this evening.

Bet 2: Brescia (AWAY) to win @ [2.68]

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