Tips of the day

EliteserienWon2:1

VikingSarpsborg 08 FF

Why this pick: I’m betting that Sarpsborg, if they lose at all, will do so by a maximum of one goal. The history of head-to-head meetings also supports this option. Sarpsborg have already beaten Viking this season, the teams drew twice in the previous championship, and in the 2024 season Viking recorded two wins by the narrowest of margins.

First LeagueLost2:2

Shinnik YaroslavlArsenal Tula

Why this pick: Shinnik have historically played on the front foot at home. They have four consecutive wins in Yaroslavl, with their last defeat dating back to 2015. All the matches have been tight: since 2022, no more than 3.5 goals have been scored. The advantage is also on the Yaroslavl side now: they have not lost either of their two home matches, losing only to the league leaders. The Tula team have shown inconsistent results. I give the edge to the home side.

First LeagueWon5:1

Nizhny NovgorodFK Neftekhimik

Why this pick: I see Nizhny Novgorod as the favourites. I think the team will beat their opponents by a convincing score, as was the case against Rotor and Shinnik in away matches. Neftekhimik are unstable: 2 defeats in 4 rounds, with victories only over Arsenal and crisis-hit Tekstilshchik. The difference in class should tell. The Nizhny Novgorod team is worth €17.5 million, which is almost four times more than their opponents. I expect a convincing home win.

First LeagueWon3:0

UralFC UFA

Why this pick: Ural are deservedly the favourites and have pleased with their reliable defence. Dropping points against Leningradets and the defeat to the Moscow side were unfair. Ufa’s results are less consistent: victories over the outsiders and dropped points against KAMAZ and Tekstilshchik. The difference in class should tell. The Yekaterinburg team is worth three times as much and are playing at home. I expect a home win, but it will not be a high-scoring match because of Ural’s solid defence.

Premier LeagueWon0:2

Krylia SovetovBaltika

Why this pick: Both teams are not particularly prolific. Krylya have not lost in 3 matches, but their opponents were slightly weakened: Dynamo and CSKA started unconvincingly. The cup win over Makhachkala is not a sensation. Baltika, meanwhile, played against serious opponents and even beat Dynamo Moscow. However, both teams are showing low scoring in the meantime. I expect away win or draw and Under 3.5.

EliteserienWon1:2

ValerengaBodo/Glimt

Why this pick: The current conditions do not favor Bodø/Glimt extending their clean-sheet winning streak in the league. The visitors remain the favorites and could well claim another victory, but keeping a clean sheet in Oslo will be difficult.

First LeagueLost0:0

EniseyTekstilshchik

Why this pick: Yenisey have lost only to Volga, while against Veles and Spartak Kostroma they played on equal terms. Tekstilshchik have not won any of their four rounds and lost both away matches. I think Yenisey must win today.