Tips of the day

UEFA Champions LeagueWon1:2

LyonFenerbahçe

Why this pick: The French side is also far from consistent, and I wouldn’t risk backing them to win in regular time. If you remove the home advantage from the French team, the situation changes dramatically. For comparison, Fenerbahçe’s squad value is even slightly higher than that of today’s opponent — of course, this is not a decisive factor, and it shouldn’t be relied upon, but the visitors are clearly being underrated.

UEFA Champions LeagueLost3:1

VikingDinamo Zagreb

Why this pick: Now the home-field advantage will be on Viking’s side, but it should not fully compensate for the difference in class and European experience. I believe Dinamo will at least avoid defeat in regular time.

La LigaWon4:1

Real MadridReal Sociedad

Why this pick: I am also expecting an open game of football now. Sociedad can score thanks to their attacking style, but it will be extremely difficult to contain Madrid’s star-studded group throughout the entire match. Real’s quality and home advantage should help them secure the win.

UEFA Champions LeagueWon1:1

CeljeSlovan Bratislava

Why this pick: Slovan are superior to their opponents in class and have also scored in all of their matches in the current qualifying campaign. I do not expect a cagey game: both teams have enough arguments to score.

UEFA Europa Conference LeagueLost1:1

Rapid ViennaHeart Of Midlothian

Why this pick: And overall, their current form shows that the visitors are not in the best frame of mind. I wouldn't rule out Rapid taking a 1-0 or 2-0 lead and then playing to hold on, because this is already a very important stage, and mistakes are absolutely not allowed.

CupWon3:0

Volgar AstrakhanSpartak Nalchik

Why this pick: The difference in class is obvious. Volgar are stronger in terms of status and are aiming for promotion to the First League. Spartak Nalchik are inferior and have not won away from home in the Cup. However, based on the statistics of both teams, I expect at least two goals today. I am betting on a home win and Over 1.5.

CupWon2:1

DruzhbaIzberbash

Why this pick: Based on everything said, I will also be expecting an entertaining match in this game. I understand that Druzhba do not play particularly high-scoring football, but Neftyanik will allow chances to be created at their goal because they have conceded an average of three goals per game over the past month. I expect both teams to score.

CupWon1:0

Dinamo StavropolAstrakhan

Why this pick: I still give the edge to Dynamo Stavropol. Key factors: the team is playing better, is in a higher division, and is more consistent. In addition, they have the advantage in head-to-head meetings. Traditionally, Stavropol have not lost at home since 2011. In 2014, 2015, and 2016, they recorded two clean-sheet wins and a draw. In the last two seasons, they also won 2:1 and, quite recently, drew 1:1. In this match, I favor the home side, but I do not expect more than three goals.

CupWon1:1

NostaFK Sokol Saratov

Why this pick: I see an advantage for Saratov’s Sokol. They play literally one division higher, are competing for promotion to the First League, and have an advantage even in away cup matches. I expect a high-scoring match with at least two goals.