Not super in-depth. Just some brief thoughts on my picks:
England – English Premier League
Crystal Palace v. Chelsea
Pick: Chelsea -1 at -141 (5Dimes)
Chelsea finally have a forward this year. Diego Costa, who was transferred from Atletico Madrid during the summer, has nine goals in seven league games. Costa's fellow countryman Cesc Fabregas, who is also a new addition to the team, already has eight assists in the league – half of which have been to Costa. Chelsea are on another level this season, and surely are the favorites to win the EPL. Chelsea should win by more than a goal, but the only thing that concerns me is the international break - the players could be a bit rusty. Therefore, I'm taking Chelsea -1 as insurance, in case they only win by one goal.
Burnley v. West Ham
Pick: West Ham pk +.5 at -155 (5Dimes)
Burnley have been playing like a newly promoted team, and look like they will be relegated back to the Championship. Burnley are yet to win a game in the EPL, and have only scored three goals all season. They had kept games close, until they were beaten badly by West Brom 0-4. Burnley has conceded six goals in their last two matches. West Ham, on the other hand, is off to a good start, and have collected ten points in seven matches. They have a win against Liverpool under their belt, and are only one point back of fourth place. The Hammers have a quality squad, and should at least get a draw here, if not win outright.
Italy – Serie A
Roma v. Chievo and Juventus v. Sassoulo
Pick: Roma and Juventus -115.2 (5Dimes) - 2 Team Parlay
Both Roma and Juventus are favored to win by more than one goal. Juventus is playing Sassuolo, who are last place in Serie A. Juventus has won all three of its road games, scoring five and conceding none. Sassuolo has only scored three goals thus far this season. Roma, which plays Chievo at home, will be looking to bounce back from the loss to Juve. Roma has won all three of its homes games, scoring six and conceding none. Roma and Juventus are the cream of the crop in Italy, and they will both comfortably win this weekend.
Fiorentina v. Lazio
Pick: Fiorentina +111 (5Dimes)
Fiorentina has won five of its last seven home games in all competitions. After losing the first game of the season, Fiorentina has been undefeated since. Lazio has been unpredictable thus far this season, and has lost five its last seven roads games in Serie A. Fiorentina will be confident following their 3-0 victory over Inter in the last round, and I will be backing them for the win.
Inter v. Napoli
Pick: Napoli pk +.5 at -133 (5Dimes)
After a slow start to the season, Benitez's Napoli have won their last three games. Inter has been inconsistent, losing two of their last three matches. Inter conceded seven goals in those two losses, most recently losing to Fiorentina 0-3. Napoli has won five of the last seven H2H matches. I am backing Napoli to at least draw, if not win outright.
Spain – La Liga
Deportivo La Coruna v. Valencia
Pick: Valencia -115 (5 Dimes)
Valencia is back to its winning ways, and is undefeated this season W5 D2, while scoring 17 goals and only conceding four. In contrast, Deportivo is pretty bad and is in last place. Deportivo have conceded 19 goals in seven matches thus far. Valencia is only W1 D2 at home so far, but this is one it will win – and win comfortably. Backing Valencia to grab all three points.
Germany - Bundesliga
Hamburg v. Hoffenheim
Pick: Hoffenheim pk +.5 at -137 (5Dimes)
Hoffenheim is off to a great start in the Bundesliga, and is yet to lose a match. Hamburg, which barely fought off relegation last season, is again in the relegation zone. Hamburg has only scored two goals in the league thus far. Hoffenheim has the third best road record, while Hamburg has the worst home record, in the Bundesliga. Hoffenheim should at least draw, if not win outright.
Russia – Russian Premier League
Ural v. Spartak Moscow
Pick: Spartak Moscow -118 (5Dimes)
Spartak Moscow, the most successful team in the history of the Russian league, consistently contends for the title each season. Ural, on the other hand, was newly promoted to the top flight just last season. Ural has conceded 17 goals in nine matches thus far, and are W0 D1 L5 at home. Spartak has the best road record in the league, W4 D1 L2. I am confident that Spartak will easily grab all three points in this one.
