METALIST KHARKIV vs HERTHA BERLIN (UEFA CUP)

hertha berlin go into this game after a 5-1 drubbing by werder bremen at the weekend, which was kinda unexpected. metalist kharkiv, on the other hand, are flying high in the ukrainian league and their weekend win over chernomorets has led to them being favourites in this match. however, i feel that being the away team actually suits hertha berlin in this case, as their forwards have the pace to really trouble kharkiv on the counter-attack. pantelic and voronin have been in good form, and i think hertha berlin at level ball is a good bet.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on hertha berlin level @ 2.15 = $10.75

CELTIC vs MANCHESTER UNITED (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

Celtic will attack in this game, as they are desperate for points. A loss here would leave them at the bottom of the table with a point and 2 games remaining, which means that they are likely to be knocked out. This should ensure a great match as United are known for their counterattacking prowess, while Celtic do have the ability to play football too. United's defence has been slightly shaky of late, and with the absence of Van der Sar, Ben Foster/PIG will start and they might be tested by Celtic. However, Celtic pushing forward seeking the goal would render them extremely vulnerable to the counter, which has been very lethal for United. I see United winning this in a free flowing contest with many goals, much unlike the previous fixture 2 seasons ago.

Roland's prediction: $5 on United @ 1.55 = $7.75
$5 on Over 2.5 @ 1.95 = $9.75

AAB AALBORG vs VILLAREAL (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

Villareal are definitely the form team heading into this match, being unbeaten in their domestic league and are top on level points in their Champions League group. A win here would ensure that they would almost certainly qualify for the knockout stages. The only notable absentee for Villareal would be Nihat Kahveci, but keep in mind that Villareal's resounding 6-3 win over Aalborg was without Nihat as well. Villareal is a side that can keep the ball and carve opponents up with slick passing, and are able to defend well too. I don't see why Villareal won't win this one.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Villareal @ 1.40 = $7.00

LIVERPOOL vs ATLETICO MADRID (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

After accurately predicting Liverpool's downfall last match, I'm going to predict another loss for the Scousers. Liverpool have a shit home record against Spanish opposition, never winning any out of the 5 and not scoring in the previous 4. Torres is rated at a 70% chance to start the match, so basically he's ready but probably not match fit, which means Atletico have every chance to draw or even win this match. I feel that the ex-scousers Luis Garcia and Sinama Pongolle will raise their game at Anfield, and Forlan has a great record against Liverpool anyway, so Atletico might sneak this match.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Atletico +0.5/1 @ 2.090 = $10.45

BARCELONA vs BASEL (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

Barca have won their last 11 games. Impressive, huh? They are on form and their previous match against Basel was a 5-0 trashing. Now, back at Camp Nou, Barca are definitely going to win big again. A win here would see them qualify should Shakhtar lose to Sporting, and I fancy Barca's possession football to be too much to handle for Basel. An attacking lineup with Messi and Eto'o will definitely bring you goals, and even if Barca rotate and start Henry / Bojan Krkic, they are quality and should be able to score more than 2 past Basel.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Barcelona -2.5 @ 1.810 = $9.05

ANORTHOSIS FAMAGUSTA vs INTER (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

A win for Inter would mean that they would qualify for the next round, so I think it's worthwhile to back Inter here, even though all the random teams that have emerged have been giving their bigger opponents a run for their money and upsetting many bets. Especially since Inter has Jose Mourinho, who is a winner and will ensure that his team wins important matches like these. Adriano has been excluded from the squad, but that mean Inter are less lethal as they still have Ibrahimovic who can change games single handedly.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Inter @ 1.50 = $7.50

REAL MADRID vs JUVENTUS (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

juventus were very lucky to have won against real a few weeks back, but i'm sure they won't get another fluke win again. real madrid will want a win to get their challenge back on track, and they will get it.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on real madrid to win @ 1.53 = $7.65

CFR CLUJ vs BORDEAUX (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

cluj come into this game as favourites, probably because of home advantage and also because they managed to hold chelsea here. however, bordeaux looked a class above cluj in france, and i think bordeaux will look at this game as the best chance to rack up more points in a bid to finish in the top 2 spots, or even to make the uefa cup slot. i do not see bordeaux losing this, and in fact, i can see the likes of chamakh, jussie and the impressive gourcuff slaying cluj.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on bordeaux +0/0.5 @ 1.95 = $9.75

RECREATIVO HUELVA vs GETAFE (LA LIGA)

both teams have turned in uninspiring performances for much of the season so far. for recreativo, last week's battling performance against valencia at home will have encouraged many, as they managed to come away with a draw against a very in-form team riding high on confidence. getafe also managed their first home win last week, and both these sides know that the game tonight is crucial. recre are the favourites for this one, as they have home advantage, but i think uche's return for getafe could be crucial, as he will provide the pace in attack that is currently sorely missed, as they struggle to get the goals to win them games. uche and soldado could form a partnership to really trouble recreativo, and i don't see getafe losing this.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on getafe level @ 2.010 = $10.05

VALLADOLID vs SEVILLA (LA LIGA)

sevilla have fallen to back-to-back defeats in spain, first to malaga in the league, and then to minnows ponferradina in the copa del rey. however, many of the first-team regulars were rested, and as such, will be fresh for this clash against goal-shy valladolid. i think sevilla should get back to winning ways here, and the handicap is worth a bet.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on sevilla -0/0.5 @ 1.95 = $9.75

ALMERIA vs REAL MADRID (LA LIGA)

i think real madrid have too much quality for almeria to handle, despite almeria being a rather resilient outfit. last week, they were spanked 5-0 by barcelona, and i think they will close up much more in this game, but i still fancy real madrid to have the quality to beat them.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on real madrid -0.5/1 @ 1.81 = $9.05

LYON vs LE MANS (LIGUE 1)

lyon snapped a non-winning streak on wednesday with an away win at sochaux. benzema and delgado were the scorers, and i fancy the tricky pair to cause trouble for a le mans defence that is not exactly the tightest. gervinho will look to trouble lyon, but i think lyon have too much quality for le mans, who lost at home to auxerre in their last match.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on lyon to win @ 1.44 = $7.20

UDINESE vs GENOA (SERIE A)

udinese is the in-form team going into this one, and currently sit second in the table with a game in hand. they have also been playing some attractive football, and are favourites going into the game with genoa, who have not managed a win away from their home turf. however, i think genoa will be able to frustrate udinese by sneaking a draw at least, as they do have the personnel to do that. diego milito and giuseppe sculli look like they could be a good partnership, and with the likes of gasbarroni and motta supplying them, udinese could be in for a frustrating night.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on genoa +0.5 @ 2.020 = $10.10

MULTIPLIER OF THE WEEK

multiplier of the week, since my multipliers have been bringing me some joy, albeit none when i tip them:

Arsenal @ 1.40 (stoke vs arsenal)
Man City (-0/0.5) @ 2.060 (bolton vs man city)
Juventus (-0/0.5) @ 1.790 (juventus vs as roma)
Lazio (-0.5/1) @ 1.800 (lazio vs catania)
Palermo (-0.5/1) @ 1.810 (palermo vs chievo)
Udinese (-0.5) @ 1.830 (udinese vs genoa)

Roland's multiplier: $2 = $61.55

west brom level @ 1.85 (west brom vs blackburn)
reading level @ 1.84 (bristol city vs reading)
man city -0/0.5 @ 2.060 (bolton vs man city)
millwall level @ 1.86 (brighton vs millwall)

Eddy's multiplier: $5 = $65.91

HANNOVER 96 vs HAMBURG (BUNDESLIGA)

hannover have an injury crisis on their hands. in defence, valerien ismael, mario eggimann and michael tarnat are out. reliable keeper robert enke is also out. to add to their injury woes, arnold bruggink is suspended for this one. hamburg achieved a morale-boosting win over stuttgart in midweek, and i don't see them slipping up against an under-strength and deflated-looking hannover.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on hamburg -0/0.5 @ 1.85 = $9.25

STOKE CITY vs ARSENAL (EPL)

arsenal should win this one, purely because i'm an arsenal fan and i will personally castrate each and every single one of them players if they don't win. seriously though, i think stoke definitely have the capability to frustrate arsenal and their aerial prowess could cause some grief. however, gallas is out, and this is good news, as his defending in the air is highly suspect. if arsenal keep the ball on the ground, the in-form van persie and adebayor should be able to cause all sorts of trouble for stoke city. however, i think it might be tight, so i'll go for a straight win.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on arsenal to win @ 1.40 = $7.00

PORTSMOUTH vs WIGAN (EPL)

Portsmouth have lost Harry Redknapp who single handedly masterminded their rise from relegation battling to UEFA Cup challengers and FA cup winners. The players are definitely loyal to Redknapp - Defoe was brought in by Redknapp because he has worked with Defoe before. As such, with a new manager in Tony Adams, who is relatively untested, I fear that the Portsmouth players will not be able to be fully motivated when they step on the pitch. There have been many rumours about Redknapp making a move for some Portsmouth players and I think they will affect the Portsmouth performance. Wigan have lost 4 in a row and Steve Bruce will not let them drop even further down the table, so I think Wigan on the handicap looks good for this match.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Wigan +0.5 @ 1.950 = $9.75

agree with roland here. wigan are a really good side, although their defence is a bit of a weak link. they should be good enough not to lose 5 in a row, and that's why i think the handicap is a solid option to go for tonight. besides, portsmouth do not have sol campbell available, and i think heskey and zaki could prove quite a handful for distin and kaboul.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on Wigan +0.5 @ 1.950 = $9.75

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs LIVERPOOL (EPL)

Spurs have been the joke of the year. They promised so much and failed to deliver. However, their draw against Arsenal will be a turning point for their season. Liverpool used to be the joke team in the top 4 - always saying "this year is our year!" and then finishing 4th 13 points behind the leaders - but are the pack leaders after 10 games (out of 38, so don't get your hopes up Liverpoo fans). The footballing Gods have rigged this match, pitting the joke of the year against the surprise package in the top 4 together. Liverpool are due a loss and it will come from a resurgent Spurs side who are supposed to be challenging to break into the top 4.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Tottenham +0/0.5 @ 2.050 = $10.25

WEST BROM vs BLACKBURN (EPL)

West Brom aren't your typical promoted sides in the sense that they do not put 10 men behind the ball and lump long balls into the opposition half. They are decent enough going forward, and I think that they will not lose 4 games in a row. Their problem has been a lack of clinical finishing and I think that with Kim Do Hyeon's return, they should be able to score a few against Blackburn, who have not impressed this season. Paul Ince is still a newbie manager and I think that with Roque Santa Cruz out, Blackburn have no hope of getting anything out of this match.

Roland's prediction: $5 on West Brom level ball @ 1.85 = $9.25

w.b.a have been playing well, but have not been getting the results. blackburn, on the other hand, have been rated highly by the media, who claim they are unlucky to be getting only 2 points from their last 4 matches. well, the media are wrong. 2 points is 2 points too many when it comes to paul ince's blackburn, as i think they are shit. and tonight, the shit happen to be without roque santa cruz, which turns them into some sort of diarrhoea instead of just shit. vince grella and stephen warnock are also doubtful, and this means west brom should win this one.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on west brom level ball @ 1.85 = $9.25

MANCHESTER UNITED vs HULL CITY (EPL)

Hull just lost 3-0 to Chelsea. Their bubble is going to burst, and like property prices/stock prices, they will FALL. Seriously. They should be battling for relegation with their lack of quality, but some fortuitous fixtures against the crisis clubs (Newcastle, Spurs, Everton, West Ham) have given them 20 points. No matter, they are against United, who are firing on all cylinders. Rooney will be raring to go after being a spectator against Everton and being rested against West Ham. United will definitely win here and they will win big.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Man Utd -2 @ 1.820 = $9.10

EVERTON vs FULHAM (EPL)

Guess who's back, back again. Tim Cahill! So you should know who I'm going for. Yup you guessed it. Everton. Both teams have had similar runs leading up to this match - many losses, a few draws, and then that solitary win prior to this. However, comparing both teams' fixtures, Fulham really had it much easier than Everton, and still failed to convert those into points. Fulham is really crappy on the road and with Tim Cahill back, I think Everton will win this one easily.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Everton -0.5/1 @ 1.960 = $9.80

MIDDLESBROUGH vs MANCHESTER CITY (EPL)

Eddy feels that Manchester City stands a chance of gaining at least a point out of this match, and has asked me to help him tip Man City level ball. I don't disagree with him - Middlesbrough have been relatively shitty and have been conceding many late goals. Look at the game against Blackburn. City on the other hand have been erratic at best - strong at home but they seem to falter away from home. The quality is definitely on Man City's side, and with Robinho in fine scoring form with his hat trick in the previous game, Man City can get something out of this match. Level ball is a good bet in Eddy's opinion. I wouldn't though, as I fear the heavy boat might sink for this match.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on Manchester City level ball @ 1.79 = $8.95

BOLTON vs EVERTON (EPL)

After drawing Manchester United, the Everton players will head into this game brimming with confidence. The return of Pienaar seems to have rejuvenated Everton and they look a much more organised side. Feillaini adds a great aerial presence to the team, and his combativeness should trouble Nolan and Davies. At the back, Yobo and Jagielka are a solid pairing and should be able to deal with the aerial assault from Bolton. A win is due for Everton, but Bolton seem to perform when you least expect it, so I'm going for level ball.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Everton level ball @ 2.02 = $10.10

Eddy is a genius and shares my opinions and wishes me to tip Everton level ball from camp.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on Everton level ball @ 2.02 = $10.10

STOKE vs SUNDERLAND (EPL)

Sunderland have a very well balanced team now and are well equipped to challenge for a UEFA cup spot. Cisse looks like a rejuvenated man under Roy Keane, chasing after balls and having that desire to get the ball and strike it. Sunderland have really improved their attacking lineup - Malbranque, Reid, Richardson, Diouf can all provide that spark of quality that is needed to unlock a watertight defence. The defensive duo of Anton Ferdinand and Collins are quite good and should be able to deal with whatever Stoke throws at them (GET IT? GET IT?). Furthermore, Stoke will probably see this match as an opportunity to gain points and will look to attack, which means that Sunderland will be able to utilize Cisse's pace on the counter. Sunderland will be on a derby-win high and I don't see them slipping up here.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Sunderland level ball @ 1.99 = $9.95

Eddy is a genius and shares my opinions and wishes me to tip Sunderland level ball from camp.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on Sunderland level ball @ 1.99 = $9.95

HULL vs CHELSEA (EPL)

As much as I'd love Hull to win this and continue their fairytale beginning to the EPL, I doubt they have the quality to do so. They were exposed a few times at the back by West Brom over the weekend, but poor finishing saved their asses. Chelsea, however, will be more clinical after wasting great chances against Liverpool, and will probably trounce Hull 5-0. Hull are a confident side and eager to prove that they can battle in the elite tier of English football, but I feel that Chelsea has too much quality and will not drop points 2 games in a row.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Chelsea -1 @ 1.83 = $9.15