NEC NIJMEGEN vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (UEFA CUP)

Well, Woodgate and King are rested, while Corluka is cup-tied and Hutton is out. Spells trouble for the Spurs back 4. For their attack, Luka Modric and Giovani dos Santos are injured, while Pavlyuchenko is cup-tied. Spells trouble for their attack too, as Luka Modric has been a key player for them with his creativity. The heavy boat will be in NEC grabbing at least a point at home, so I'm backing Spurs as they do have decent strength in depth. Zokora will be an able deputy at the back and Huddlestone + Jenas are capable of running the midfield with Bentley delivering good crosses for Campbell and Bent. Well, that's the ideal situation as I'm backing Spurs to get a crucial win here to keep their UEFA Cup hopes alive.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Spurs -0.5 @ 2.050 = $10.25

SCHALKE vs MAN CITY (UEFA CUP)

Robinho isn't included in the travelling squad as he has an ankle injury, and I hope that he remains injured till the Manchester derby is over. Elano is also left out of the squad, and so is Zabaleta. That's a lot of creative talent gone and I don't see a strike force of Jo and Benjani being able to step up. I think that fatigue will set in for City and Mark Hughes will probably tell them to play a low tempo game so that they can conserve their energy for the Manchester derby over the weekend. I quote ""If we take a point off Schalke and maybe get another win at home next week (against Paris St Germain) then maybe seven points will be enough,'' Hughes said", so it will be Schalke's game as City can't defend well away from home, and Schalke need to win to definitely qualify for the next round.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Schalke -0.5 @ 1.990 = $9.95

PORTSMOUTH vs AC MILAN (UEFA CUP)

Pompey don't have Diarra, Defoe, Kranjcar, and Campbell heading into this match. Milan are top of the table and will probably rest some players, but I think their reserves team will go into this match hungry to prove their worth and will probably beat a toothless Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Tony Adams still hasn't proven that he is capable of managing a top flight club and I think Milan is good to back here.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Milan -0/0.5 @ 1.960 = $9.80

ANORTHOSIS FAMAGUSTA vs WERDER BREMEN (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

Anorthosis have been the surprise package in the Champions League, holding Inter to a 3-3 draw at home and only losing 1-0 away. They are strong at home, whereas Bremen have been disappointing all season and sit in 9th in the Bundesliga. I fancy Anorthosis to hold Bremen at bay and secure at least a point this match in a bid to reach the knockout stages.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Anorthosis +0.5 @ 1.860 = $9.30

CFR CLUJ vs ROMA (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

Roma have gotten their season back on track after their convincing win in the Rome derby, then a resounding 3-0 win away against Lecce. They will be smelling blood and will get their revenge against Cluj, who have shown in their loss to Bordeaux that they are just an average side.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Roma -0.5 @ 1.910 = $9.55

BAYERN MUNICH vs STEAUA BUCHAREST (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

Bayern should have too much quality for Steaua, especially at home. A win would secure their place in the knockout stages. Steaua have had a shit run of results and I think a Bayern win here is guaranteed.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Bayern -1.5 @ 1.990 = $9.95

ZENIT ST PETERSBURG vs JUVENTUS (UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

Zenit have finished 5th in their domestic league, meaning that they will not qualify for the Champions League next season. They have nothing else to play for other than their last 2 matches, which are against Juve and Real, and they need to win both to qualify. Juve just had their 7 game win streak ended by painfully by Inter in a match where they did NOTHING at all (and I made money from ^^), and Ranieri will probably rest players for this match. I think the home environment will work wonders for Zenit and they will win this one.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Zenit -0.5 @ 1.860 = $9.30

ELCHE vs SALAMANCA (SPANISH LIGA BBVA)

salamanca are flying at the moment, 2nd in the table with a game in hand. on the other hand, elche managed a crucial win over sevilla's B team last weekend, to give them a little breathing space at the bottom. salamanca, though, have far too much quality to lose against elche, and as such, level ball looks like a good tip to me.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on salamanca level @ 2.050 = $10.25

NUMANCIA vs ATLETICO MADRID (LA LIGA)

numancia and atletico both secured morale-boosting wins last weekend, and will look to bring the form to tonight's match. atletico haven't won back-to-back games for a while now, but i feel that numancia will be unable to stop atletico from playing their usual high-tempo attacking game. my tip is for atletico to win this one.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on atletico -0.5 @ 2.050 = $10.25

KYOTO PURPLE SANGA vs NAGOYA GRAMPUS EIGHT (J LEAGUE)

nagoya remain in 3rd place and with a shot at the title still, despite a bad run of 6 games which has seen 5 draws and a loss. however, i think the time is finally right for nagoya to show everyone what they're made of, and for frode johnsen to stop brooding, and start producing. nagoya to win this.

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

PORTSMOUTH vs HULL (EPL)

portsmouth take on hull at fratton park, with hull facing some tough times in recent weeks. the draw with man city would have restored some confidence, but i think portsmouth have too much quality for hull. daniel cousin is a major doubt, and dean windass might take his place. i'm sure he'll look out of place against the imposing centre-backs of portsmouth.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on portsmouth -0.5 @ 1.95 = $9.75

SEVILLA vs VALENCIA (LA LIGA)

The 5th placed hosting the 3rd placed team, an exact parallel of our Aston Villa vs United matchup. Sevilla have some injury problems but they also do have in-form striker Luis Fabiano, who just banged in a hattrick against Portugal. Valencia are also a team who can score goals, with David Villa still in fine goalscoring form. I think it's hard to call who's going to win this match because it could go either way, so I think i'll go for over 2.5 goals as these clubs just do not do 1-0 wins.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Over 2.5 @ 1.90 = $9.50

TOTTENHAM vs BLACKBURN (EPL)

Blackburn are shit, whereas Spurs aren't. Paul Ince is a newbie without much experience. Redknapp is a veteran in the Premier League and has worked a miracle at Portsmouth and now is resurrecting Spurs' campaign with his magic. Okay, no, it's not magic it's just common sense and proper man management which Ramos lacked, but nevermind. Spurs might be the heavy boat for this one, so beware, but I'm gonna go for Spurs anyway.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Tottenham -0.5 @ 1.790 = $8.95

MAN CITY vs ARSENAL (EPL)

Logic says Man Shitty will win as they haven't won in 4 games. They are strong at home and welcome back Richard Dunne, who has been voted best City player 3 years running, so that's how much he means to the club. Robinho Elano and co return after beating Portugal 6-2, with Elano even bagging a goal, which means they'll be raring to go for this match. Arsenal, on the other hand, slumped 2-0 to Villa last week and have just dropped Gallas and stripped him of his captaincy - it's a team with many problems in its squad that can't be addressed overnight. Toure is doubtful and Gallas is dropped so it's going to be Silvestre and Djourou in the centre.. hardly a defensive partnership worth mentioning. Walcott is also out for this match, so I really think that Arsenal can get at most a draw from this match, which means Man Shitty on the handicap.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Man City +0/0.5 @ 2.00 = $10.00

man city is the heavy boat going into this game, and that is really tempting me to put some on arsenal. arsenal have finally dropped gallas, and i'm sure silvestre and djourou will make a far better partnership, both of them aggressive in the air, and fairly quick on the deck as well. besides, walcott and eboue injured opens the door for the impressive aaron ramsey, or maybe even wilshere. the youngsters will be eager to impress, and should have enough quality to trouble a porous man city defence. besides, city like to play an attacking game, which suits arsenal. i think the worst arsenal will do here is a draw.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on arsenal -0/0.5 @ 2.020 = $10.10

ASTON VILLA vs MANCHESTER UNITED (EPL)

This will be a great football match. Why? Because the last time these 2 clubs met in the Premier League, United scored 4 goals, extending their winning streak over Villa to 13 consecutive games. Logic tells me that one should be wary because Villa are good - Agbonlahor's on form, they just beat Arsenal etc. - and United's defence hasn't been as rock solid as previous seasons due to the loss of Carlos Queiroz (who just lost 6-2, hah! come back because you fail as a manager). However, I think that United will still win this even without Berbatov, and I predict that Tevez will turn in a MOM performance as he is desperate to prove his worth to the team.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Man Utd -0.5/1 @ 2.075 = $10.375

SUNDERLAND vs WEST HAM (EPL)

Sunderland recently arrested a 4 game losing streak and beat Blackburn away from home last week, and I expect them to win again here. Kenwyne Jones and Djibril Cisse look like they can form a formidable partnership, epitomising the big forward - small(er) pacey forward combination. West Ham just haven't been good enough and have not won in the past 7 games, so one should be wary when betting on Sunderland, but I think that as long as Mark Noble and Dean Ashton are still sidelined, West Ham's problems won't ease and their winless run will continue.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Sunderland -0/0.5 @ 1.900 = $9.50

DENVER NUGGETS vs LA LAKERS (NBA)

the nuggets travel to the staples center in a bid to snap a long losing streak there. the lakers have beaten them on eight previous occasions consecutively, and are heavy favourites to win tonight. however, denver nuggets have looked a better outfit since the trade which sent allen iverson to the pistons. in return, they acquired chauncey billups, and i think that with his winning mentality and defensive mindset, this has really strengthened the nuggets. kobe bryant has not had much game time recently, as he is being rested once the lakers build up a strong lead. i fancy the lakers needing him in the fourth quarter for this one, as i think the nuggets will push them all the way.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on denver nuggets +8 @ 1.90 = $9.50

CHELSEA vs NEWCASTLE (EPL)

newcastle have not won in two games, after an impressive start for joe kinnear. chelsea, on the other hand, are flying at the top of the table, and look very impressive. they have recorded 7 away wins on the trot, and should they be able to bring their away form home, this would be a no-brainer. however, this one's at stamford bridge, and as much as i can see newcastle getting pummelled, i can also see newcastle really pushing chelsea all the way here. newcastle did it to man u on the first day of the season, and there's no reason to doubt their ability to do likewise against an injury-ravaged chelsea. the loss of carvalho and alex will lead to opportunities for the likes of martins and owen. also, the portuguese players returned late, and fatigue should be considered a factor here. bosingwa and deco have made good starts to their chelsea career, and if the two of them don't reach their usual high standards, then chelsea might struggle.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on newcastle +1.5/2 @ 1.97 = $9.85

STOKE CITY vs WEST BROMWICH ALBION (EPL)

stoke city have a good home record, winning 4 out of their 6 home games, including a gritty win over mighty arsenal where rory delap showcased his throwing ability. west brom, on the other hand, have only won once away from home, and are rock bottom in the premier league. they have lost 5 in their last 6 games, and if they do not buck up soon, they will be staring at a return to the championship. i fancy west brom to have it in them to at least get a draw in this relegation six-pointer, considering that stoke's top-scorer ricardo fuller is suspended for the game.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on west brom +0/0.5 @ 1.975 = $9.875

West Brom have had a bad run, and it ends here. They are probably short on confidence after losing back to back against Liverpool and Chelsea, but I think that they have enough quality to play out a draw here.

Roland's prediction: $5 on West Brom +0/0.5 @ 1.975 = $9.875

SWANSEA vs BIRMINGHAM (COCA-COLA CHAMPIONSHIP)

birmingham finally got a win last week, after 3 games without one. their players came through the international break unscathed, and they need the points in a bid to catch wolves at the top. i fancy them to have enough quality to get at least a point here, so level ball's a good option.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on birmingham level @ 2.075 = $10.375

SAUDI ARABIA vs KOREA (WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - ASIA)

Eddy feels that Korea stand a chance of getting at least a point from Saudi Arabia.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on Korea +0/0.5 @ 1.875 = $9.38

GERMANY vs ENGLAND (INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY)

Well, I hate to bet on friendlies. Results often don't go the way you expect them to go, and upsets happen everywhere. Everything points to Germany for this match - Gerrard, Lampard, Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Ashley Cole, Wes Brown, Joe Hart, Emile Heskey, and the latest injury Theo Walcott are all out for England. I fancy the second stringers, like Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Agbonlahor etc. to play their hearts out in a push for the starting line up and hopefully do well enough to get a result.

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

BAHRAIN vs AUSTRALIA (WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - ASIA)

Quick tip here. Both teams have many injury concerns, but the advantage goes to Australia even though they're away as Bahrain has been very leaky at the back. They have lost 3 and drawn 1 in their last 4 games, conceding a total of 10 goals in the process. I think Australia has enough quality to see Bahrain off, even with Vince Grella and Brett Emerton out.

Roland's prediction: $5 on Australia -0.5 @ 1.850 = $9.25

EVERTON vs MIDDLESBROUGH (EPL)

everton are a team on fire. after the draw with manchester united, they have won their last 3, beating bolton, fulham and west ham. in team news, they welcome fellaini and yakubu back, which should strengthen everton for this game. middlesbrough have proven to be highly unpredictable this season, and with punters favouring everton for this one, i think boro have a good shot. everton have a shit record at goodison park this season, and i just think boro have it in them to at least sneak a point.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on middlesbrough +0.5 @ 2.00 = $10.00

ATLETICO MADRID vs DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA (LA LIGA)

atletico should win this one, considering they are at home, but they face a resurgent deportivo side who have won their last two. as such, im staying clear of them as they are rather inconsistent. capable of dishing out footballing lessons to other teams, they are also vulnerable to unexpected losses, much like my beloved arsenal. however, with their last 5 games producing less than 2.5 goals (under), i think it's worth a shot going for this game to produce 3 or more goals. atletico are definitely able to create chances, and with a leaky defence, deportivo might get in on the act as well.

Eddy's prediction: $5 on over 2.5 goals @ 2.00 = $10.00