English Football Premier League Picks Game Week 9 2026/27 (Saturday 31st October 2026-Monday 2nd November 2026)

After the thumping in Como and the comments from Captain Bruno Fernandes, it was perhaps no surprise that he was dropped by Michael Carrick for the visit of Bournemouth.

 

The comments just a few days after Lisandro Martinez had also been pretty vocal about upper management suggested a fractured dressing room and Manchester United's performance against Bournemouth and the eventual 0-3 defeat infuriated the Stretford End.

Michael Carrick has largely been absolved of blame, but that is because most fans will feel that he is doing his best and the support around him has seemingly been non-existent. He was not backed as hoped in the last transfer window, while the players are apparently ready to throw the towel in and to the likes of Jason Wilcox, the owners, and then the players had it made clear what the match-going Manchester United fans thought of them.

And then we all waited.

After Michael Carrick's walk around the pitch and the body language on display, an announcement that he had been Sacked as manager felt inevitable.

That it did not come on Sunday was not much of a surprise, but Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada heading into Carrington on Monday morning and about to embark on a meeting with the owners suggested something would be released later in the day.

The manager came to watch an Under-21 game being played behind closed doors, but Carrick left and there was still no action taken.

Ultimately it sounds like the board and those in upper management are unsure as to what to do with Michael Carrick and less so because they have faith in the current manager, but more because there is no agreement as to who should be appointed next.

Eddie Howe's name was bandied about in the press, but that is one that has not gone down very well with the supporters.

He has a strong supporter in Jason Wilcox, which is ironic seeing as Wilcox is only in the role because everyone in a position of power disagreed with Dan Ashworth who suggested Howe two years ago after Erik ten Hag had been dismissed.

Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte are other available names, while Manchester United have to accept it will be almost impossible to prise away Unai Emery or Fabian Hurzeler from Premier League clubs.

And that leaves Michael Carrick in a tough position after being given a stay of execution and now relying on a group of players who simply could not find enough to avoid heavy defeats against Como and Bournemouth and who have won none of the last eight games played in all competitions.

The lack of decisions made this past week highlights the lack of conviction in anything INEOS have done at the club over the last three years (aside from all being on the same page to make life difficult for supporters) and 'best in class' suggests the likes of Berrada and Wilcox should be removed from current roles if Carrick is to be dismissed.

All eyes will turn to Stamford Bridge for the opening Premier League game of the weekend to see how Manchester United respond, but it is also a critical week in the Champions League and then hosting Aston Villa before the next international break. Results are needed if Michael Carrick is going to be taking charge of United when they visit Anfield in three weeks time, but it is all a big mess at Old Trafford and the biggest hurt of the whole situation is that it is not a surprise that we are here just after the turn of the clocks.

Chelsea vs Manchester United: Both of these clubs were beaten at home without scoring a goal last weekend, while Chelsea also suffered a League Cup exit at Anfield on Wednesday.

Xabi Alonso has stated that Joao Pedro is ruled out and that does hurt Chelsea without a focal point, although the tactical decision to leave Danny Welbeck on the bench against Tottenham Hotspur felt like a mistake.

Danny Welbeck has enjoyed playing Manchester United since leaving the club, while Cole Palmer is well rested.

Injuries in defensive areas will give the away team encouragement, but Manchester United's players have to show they are willing to dig in and fight for the team. We have seen little of that in the last couple of games and Michael Carrick's position is uncertain, to say the least, but you have to believe some pride will kick in and a reaction can be produced.

They rode their luck to win at Stamford Bridge in April, but Manchester United have to find a real balance in their play if they are going to do that here.

Encouragement can be taken from the fact that Chelsea have been inconsistent under Xabi Alonso, but Manchester United have to start faster than they did in Madrid and Como. Chelsea are one of the fastest starting teams in the Premier League in both halves so that is something Manchester United have to prepare for, but getting through the opening 10/15 minutes has seen other teams give Chelsea problems.

Both teams are struggling for consistency and that may end up producing a tighter game than some expect with both teams combining for less than 28 shots over the ninety minutes.

Chelsea have had fewer than 13 shots in five of the last six games, while Manchester United have not had more than 13 shots in any of the last three away games.

Recent results may suggest these teams have been letting opponents dictate the shots, but Chelsea have allowed more than 14 in one of the last six, while Manchester United have not allowed more than 12 shots in any of the last three away games.

Fantasy: If there is some respect and pride in the Manchester United dressing room, perhaps Bruno Fernandes returns with a big effort to inspire his team to a successful outing at Stamford Bridge.

Both Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers will be leading the way for Chelsea, but Pedro Neto was perhaps offering the most threat in the home loss to Tottenham Hotspur and had a big day against Everton two weeks ago.

Bournemouth vs Leeds United: The recent form shown by Marco Rose's Bournemouth makes them solid favourites to beat Leeds United and you have to favour them with the firepower that has been displayed.

It has been particularly evident at the Vitality Stadium and Bournemouth may have enough to earn the three points.

Nothing has come easy against Leeds United and Daniel Farke's team have had a full week to prepare for this game, which will help.

They do not concede a lot of goals, but Leeds United need more in the final third and the defensive performances at Brighton and Arsenal need to be improved if they are going to earn a positive result on the South Coast.

Fantasy: Everyone is focusing on the Bournemouth assets with a good looking fixture list coming up.

Evanilson continues to lead the line, but he is not the most convincing of goalscorers.

He is a replacement for those looking to move Joao Pedro, but those with a bit more freedom to choose may want to go against the grain and focus on Rayan or Antonio Silva in defensive or midfield positions.

Brentford vs Nottingham Forest Pick: You have to believe that there is going to be an opponent who takes a real thumping from Nottingham Forest sooner rather than later.

They have created some huge chances, especially away from home, and Nottingham Forest have been wasteful or lacking a bit of fortune when those opportunities have been presented to them.

Nottingham Forest will feel they can create chances at the Gtech Community Stadium having won on the previous two visits and this Brentford team have just lost a bit of momentum over the last past few weeks.

Losing at Sunderland in the League Cup Fourth Round is a real blow, while Brentford have been guilty of a few too many draws in the Premier League, including last weekend at Hull City.

Keith Andrews will know his team have been better at home, but they could be tested by Nottingham Forest and the visiting team are good enough to earn a positive result that could drag them out of the bottom three.

Fantasy: A lot of the Nottingham Forest attack goes through Morgan Gibbs-White, but you have to think Liam Delap will be able to take advantage of some of the chances that have been coming his way.

Coventry City vs Sunderland Pick: These two teams are sitting in the bottom three of the Premier League table after failing to score in home games last weekend and there is a little bit of pressure building on Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris.

Patience is going to be shown with Frank Lampard considering the successes he has had as manager of Coventry City, but the experience of Lampard means he knows improvements need to be made at both ends of the field.

Coventry City did not defend too poorly against Fulham last weekend, but the latter showed that Premier League experience and quality when an opportunity came their way.

The home team are unlikely going to leave too many spaces for Sunderland, but The Black Cats can also call upon that Premier League experience to make the difference in this fixture.

Either way, you have to believe the first goal is going to be absolutely crucial in determining the final outcome and the match may be one with limited goalmouth action.

Fantasy: Defenders may come out on top in this one, but Coventry City could be without Bobby Thomas, which would be a blow.

It is a tough game to really want to back any player to take the lead on the day, but any of the defenders could end up being the star performer.

Hull City vs Ipswich Town Pick: Both of these teams were promoted together at the end of last season, but it was Ipswich Town who got the better of Hull City in both League fixtures played in the Championship.

The two both earned 1-1 draws in Game Week 8 to keep the positive points ticking over and this is another fixture in which Hull City and Ipswich Town will be targeting three points, but also very keen on avoiding a damaging defeat.

It could lead to a tight, competitive outing in the Premier League and this is another fixture in which goals may not be free-flowing with another 1-1 scoreline looking a real runner.

Fantasy: Just like the Coventry City vs Sunderland fixture, this is perhaps not the Premier League fixture in which someone would be targeting major Fantasy assets.

Manchester City vs Brighton Pick: These two teams met in the League Cup Fourth Round on Wednesday and it was Manchester City who came through on Penalties.

However, that does mean Brighton are unbeaten in 3 visits to the Etihad Stadium, including twice in the Premier League, and so Manchester City look a little short and a potential acca-buster.

Erling Haaland was not involved on Wednesday, but he will be restored to the starting lineup and has loved playing Brighton.

Not only has he scored in the last four matches against this opponent, but Erling Haaland has opened the scoring in all of those and he may be the player who gets the scoring going in what has the potential to be a high-scoring fixture.

Last weekend Alexander Isak scored against Brighton and Erling Haaland looks like he could open things up on Saturday.

Fantasy: The Norwegian striker remains the standout Fantasy option for Manchester City, but Brighton can play a positive role here too.

Others in the home team are also likely to be influential in what has the potential to be another high-scoring game and it is Jeremy Doku who stands out behind Erling Haaland.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace Pick: Back to back Premier League wins has given Tottenham Hotspur a huge boost, but they have not won consecutive League games at home in two years.

They are facing a struggling opponent in Crystal Palace who have a manager that remains under real pressure, despite a League Cup Fourth Round win at Fulham on Wednesday.

Crystal Palace have simply not found the right balance between attack and defence under Pierre Sage and they have struggled in a lot of aspects of their football.

This is a fixture that will be taking part in a Stadium that does get a little nervy, but Tottenham Hotspur have to have picked up confidence from consecutive wins and James Maddison has seemingly been passed fit. He has been a big influence in the last couple of wins that Spurs have produced and it has been a positive month for the team.

Roberto De Zerbi will be happy with the performances and results and his team may be able to come through with another home win in a game where they can continue to showcase the improvements on the defensive side of the field.

Fantasy: You could make a case for someone like Mohammed Kudus, who has been in positive form since returning from an injury.

However, it is James Maddison who has been the biggest influence in recent Spurs improvements, and he can be the key to any success this weekend.

Aston Villa vs Fulham Pick: Unai Emery has admitted the Premier League is the priority for Aston Villa this season and the League Cup loss at Bournemouth is just another example of an early exit from that competition under the Spaniard.

Key players were rested and that should see Aston Villa pick up from where they left off in the 2-1 win over Manchester City at Villa Park last Saturday.

Three home wins in a row has given Aston Villa real momentum and they will be feeling a little more confident than Alvaro Arbeloa's Fulham.

Wins over Hull City and Coventry City have given Fulham some confidence, but a strong team was beaten by Crystal Palace on Wednesday and there is still some real room for improvement if they are going to continue the climb up the League table.

A poor record at Villa Park suggests it will be difficult to do that on Saturday and Aston Villa's firepower can make the difference.

Fantasy: It sounds like the whole world may be ready to back Nicolas Jackson, especially after scoring twice last weekend and Joao Pedro needing to be replaced.

He looks a leading contender, but it is those operating around the focal point of the attack that have hurt Fulham of late and that means Johan Manzambi or John McGinn having big impacts on the final score.

Liverpool vs Arsenal Pick: The last two English Champions face off in a big Premier League game on Sunday and it could be a tight, competitive contest.

Injuries in attacking areas limits the Arsenal threat, although they are always going to be dangerous from set pieces.

Mikel Arteta's hand may be forced with the injuries, which could mean having a bigger focus on the defensive effort- Arsenal excel there and only conceded to a magical free kick when visiting Anfield last season.

The Gunners will look to make things tough for Liverpool, who have improved, but who also have more room for improvement.

Andoni Iraola will be happy with some of the defensive work, but Liverpool have lacked a bit of consistency in the final third and this suggests another low-scoring fixture to be played out between these two teams.

A single goal was scored in two Premier League games last season and this may be a fixture in which the opening goal could be decisive.

Fantasy: This is a tough game to call, but you have to lean towards Liverpool being the more likely winners with the depth of options available in attacking areas.

If Arsenal are to secure a positive result, Gabriel could be key at both ends of the pitch.

Newcastle United vs Everton Pick: These two teams may be sick of one another after Monday Night Football is concluded and it was a tetchy ending to the League Cup Fourth Round tie at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday.

Everton came through, but Newcastle United had plenty of chances and The Magpies have been better at home and so will be confident they can overturn that result.

Keeping clean sheets has been more challenging for Newcastle United and so this has the makings of another fixture with at least three goals shared out when these two face one another.

The last three fixtures have ended up with 14 goals combined and there is enough from the attacking players to exploit the problems that Everton and Newcastle United have had at the back.

An early goal could spark the game again and that looks the likelihood in front of the television cameras to conclude this game week.

Fantasy: The standout options look to be Harvey Barnes and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at either end of the pitch.

Models are speaking about Thierno Barry, but he is a little inconsistent and those two players mentioned have the qualities to get into the point scoring from more angles than the Everton striker.

MY PICKS: Chelsea-Manchester United Under 27.5 Match Shots @ 1.83 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Bournemouth @ 2.15 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Nottingham Forest + 0.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.80 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Coventry City-Sunderland Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Hull City-Ipswich Town Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Erling Haaland First Goalscorer @ 4.00 Paddy Power (0.5 Units)

Tottenham Hotspur to Win & Under 4 Total Goals @ 2.50 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Aston Villa @ 2.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Liverpool-Arsenal Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.95 William Hill (1 Unit)

Newcastle United-Everton Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.72 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Premier League 26/27: 17-29-1, - 7.68 Units (45.50 Units Staked, - 16.88% Yield)

2026 World Cup: 57-45-1, + 8.63 Units (103 Units Staked, + 8.38% Yield)

Midweek Football Picks 2017 (October 31-November 2)

We are onto Match Day 4 of both the Champions League and Europa League Group Stage and this is the time of the season when we can start confirming participants in the Knock Out Rounds of those competitions.

For the English clubs it is really important to confirm places now and ensure some of the starters can earn their rest on Match Day 5 and Match Day 6 if possible. Ahead of what is a very busy December all the rest you can get is important, although all of those clubs will be keen to in their Group and thus earn what should be a relatively easier draw for the Last 16/Last 32 respectively.


We are almost through to the final international break of 2017 which begins on Monday 6th November as the next round of League games return on Saturday 18th November. It is going to be a particularly boring two weeks with international friendlies the main course of football although the final World Cup Qualifiers will also take place.

After that it won't be long to wait until the World Cup Finals draw is made and thankfully the international football can be put to the back burner until March as the meat of the season for the club sides takes place.


Celtic v Bayern Munich Pick: There was a real sense from Celtic fans that their team could get something from the Match Day 3 clash in Munich against Bayern, but the difference in quality between these teams was telling on the night.

Being back at Celtic Park for Match Day 4 might give the fans a little belief that the gap can be bridged as Celtic look to secure a win that would give them a chance of making the Last 16 in the Champions League. The absence of Robert Lewandowski has to only be further encouragement, but I am not sure Celtic are really good enough to compete with one of the favourites to win the Champions League.

Home advantage helps, but Celtic have lost 3 of the 4 home Group games played under Brendan Rodgers and all of those losses have come by at least two goals. Celtic have even failed to score in those defeats and I do wonder if they are capable of better when they host Bayern Munich.

Rodgers won’t change his philosophy and I think that plays into the hands of the big clubs they are facing in this Group. Paris Saint-Germain scored five at Celtic Park and Bayern Munich banged in three at home on Match Day 3 against a Celtic team that will look to attack and thus leave themselves a little more open.

Barcelona benefited with two comfortable wins over Celtic last season in the Group Stage and Borussia Monchengladbach won 0-2 here too. Even though Bayern Munich have not travelled so well as they have played at home and are likely to play a ‘false nine’ system, I do expect their quality can tell in this one.

The injuries to Lewandowski and Thomas Muller do raise some questions for Bayern Munich, but I think they can follow the likes of the teams I have mentioned and win at Celtic Park. With the home team unlikely to take a backwards step, Bayern Munich may find the space on the counter attack to win this one by a couple of goals on the night.


Manchester United v Benfica Pick: After beginning the season with goals flowing, the last month has been a little more pragmatic from Jose Mourinho as we have seen one goal be enough to beat Benfica and Tottenham Hotspur.

The manager would likely take that result again and then have a chance to almost put a pin in the Champions League until February with top spot almost secured too. That will be the aim for Manchester United as they look to make it four wins from four in the Group and the form at Old Trafford has been much more convincing to suggest that is the only realistic outcome of this Match Day 4 encounter.

Some of the belief has to have filtered away from the Benfica squad having lost all three Group games and two of those having come at the Stadium of Light. While recent form has been better, Benfica haven’t faced too many teams as strong as Manchester United who were clearly the better team in Lisbon two weeks ago.

I expect Manchester United to have the majority of play in this one in the final third and the fact they have a few days to prepare for the Chelsea game at the weekend should mean Mourinho picks a strong team. Romelu Lukaku will be looking to get back to scoring form having not found the net over the last month, but he does have a couple of assists which will keep Mourinho happy.

The young Benfica goalkeeper looked pretty nervous when he played in the reverse fixture two weeks ago and Manchester United will look to expose that again.

Benfica have not travelled well in the Champions League in the last twelve months with 4 losses from their last 6 and I think they will struggle here. With Manchester United holding a very strong recent record at Old Trafford, I will look for the home team to secure a comfortable win and cover the Asian Handicap.


Roma v Chelsea Pick: This could be a pivotal game for both Chelsea and Roma in this Champions League Group as the winner would feel in a very strong position to move through to the Last 16, while the losing team will begin to worry about Atletico Madrid.

It does feel more important to Roma than Chelsea with the points the way they are in the Group, but the busy December in England will mean Antonio Conte is also desperate to see his side confirm their Last 16 spot before the final round of games.

A win in Rome will give Chelsea every chance of not only going through, but winning this Group on Match Day 5 when they visit Qarabag. However this is going to be a test for Chelsea even though their best results have come away from home so far in the 2017/18 season.

Chelsea will feel they can score goals here, but they have to defend better than they did at Stamford Bridge in the 3-3 draw with Roma. On the other hand I am not sure Roma can play as well as they did two weeks ago, especially when you note the poor home record in the Champions League.

However Roma have only been beaten in 1 of their last 6 home European ties and that has to be respected. They were perhaps a little fortunate to avoid defeat to Atletico Madrid on Match Day 1 of the Group Stage though and I think Chelsea have shown they can produce big away performances.

The layers are finding it hard to separate the teams, but a team who won in Atletico Madrid are clearly capable of winning here in Rome. It won’t be easy for Chelsea, but I think Roma may be a touch overrated after their performance at Stamford Bridge and I am not expecting Chelsea to defend as poorly as they did that day.

Backing Chelsea on the Asian Handicap, which is essentially a ‘draw no bet’ option, looks the way to go with this one.


Besiktas v Monaco Pick: This looked a wide open Group when it was drawn out as none of the four teams looked to be dominant, but Besiktas might be changing the mind having won all three games so far. It would need a lot of things going against the Turkish Champions to prevent them earning a spot in the Last 16 now, but the focus will be on trying to win the Group as they look to do the double over Monaco.

While Monaco are still looking to be the greatest threat to Paris Saint-Germain domestically, the players they have lost in the summer transfer window have hurt the club. It is no surprise that they have taken a step back, but even that quality team they had last season was one that struggled on their travels.

This Monaco team have earned a result in Leipzig in the Group, but they have only won 1 of their last 6 away Champions League games and have lost half of those. They are now travelling to a Besiktas team who have been much stronger at home historically and who beat the likes of Lyon and Olympiacos over the last few months before also beating Leipzig here in the Group.

Besiktas definitely look to be playing with more confidence than Monaco and can almost secure a top spot finish with a victory on Wednesday. At odds against I think they can be backed to extend their winning run in the section.


Shakhtar Donetsk v Feyenoord Pick: With Napoli and Manchester City playing the second of their double header against one another, Shakhtar Donetsk have to take advantage by making sure they earn maximum points against Feyenoord. They have done the hard work by winning in Rotterdam on Match Day 3, although Feyenoord could be dangerous as they have almost nothing to lose and have to find a way to earn a win to stay alive.

That can make players loosen up enough to cause an upset, but Feyenoord have been in poor recent form with losses in 6 of their last 11 in all competitions. They have looked to be outclassed in this Champions League Group, while confidence has to have been shattered with poor performances both in the Netherlands and in Europe.

The home defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk would have been a huge blow to Feyenoord's chances of making it through to the Last 16 and maybe even to get into the Europa League. Now they have to find a way to win here against a team who have won 6 of their last 7 home European ties and generally been playing well at home as Shakhtar Donetsk recently saw their 6 game home winning run snapped.

Anything other than a home win here would be a surprise with the confidence the two teams will enter Match Day 4. Feyenoord were only narrowly beaten at home by Shakhtar Donetsk, but I think that defeat might have ended any belief this team has of making it through to the Knock Out Rounds, and Feyenoord were beaten easily in their other two games against Manchester City and Napoli.

You would worry about Feyenoord if they fall behind in this one and whether they would have much fight back, and I will back Shakhtar Donetsk to win by a couple of goals at the least.


Sevilla v Spartak Moscow Pick: The 5-1 mauling Sevilla suffered at the hands of Spartak Moscow in the Russian capital has to have been one that the players would have been looking to earn a measure of revenge from ever since it happened. It has opened up this Group and put Sevilla in a difficult position, although back to back home games against Spartak Moscow and Liverpool means their destiny is in their own hands.

The result in Russia was a real surprise when you consider the form Spartak Moscow had been in, but they have been an improving team and the confidence has been restored.

Doing the same on their travels is a big test for them though and I am not sure they will be able to compete with Sevilla as effectively as they did at home. Sevilla are a much stronger team at home than they are on their travels and this is a team that can score goals in front of their own fans which should put the pressure on Spartak Moscow.

It won't be easy for Sevilla, but I do think they will create the majority of the chances and they will be able to earn the three points available on Wednesday. Spartak Moscow earned a 1-1 draw in Maribor, but the latter have not looked good since then and I will back Sevilla to find their way to a win by a couple of goals on the night.


Napoli v Manchester City Pick: Both Napoli and Manchester City have made very strong starts to their domestic League form and winning the title in Italy and England respectively has to be the main aim for both clubs. However Pep Guardiola has been brought into Manchester City to take them forward in the Champions League and they are definitely putting more stock into this competition than Napoli seemingly are.

In saying that, I fully expect Napoli to start a strong team like they did at the Etihad Stadium when they were perhaps a little unlucky not to get something out of the game. That has left Napoli in a difficult spot in the Group and they almost have to win this one to stay in touch with the two leading teams or risk having to settle for a place in the Europa League.

Napoli have been very good in Italy and they showed they can create opportunities against Manchester City when almost coming back from 2-0 down two weeks ago. They should be able to do the same in front of their own fans, although the concern will always be leaving space for Manchester City to exploit on the counter attack.

Pep Guardiola will expect his side to get forward and create chances and that has been a feature of Manchester City games in recent Champions League away games. Manchester City have played 6 away Champions League games under the Spaniard and in 5 of those there have been at least four goals shared out.

Napoli home games in this competition have been no less exciting as 4 of the last 6 have ended with at least four goals shared out. With the way the two teams gelled two weeks ago I am going back to the market of looking for at least four goals shared out which was barely missed when they played in Manchester.

I can't see either team really looking to take a backward step and the situation means Napoli have to get forward and score goals to win the game. Manchester City don't really play anything but attacking football under Guardiola and I will look for goals in this one.


Tottenham Hotspur v Real Madrid Pick: There is every chance that both of these teams are already in a position to make it through to the Last 16 of the Champions League, but the winner of this one will likely win the Group and earn the 'easier' of the ties in the Second Round.

That should make the game a competitive one with more attacking football like we saw when these two teams met in the Spanish capital two weeks ago. There were plenty of chances for both teams to win on that day and I expect the Wembley Stadium dimensions to leave space for both Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid in this one too.

Harry Kane could be available for the home team and that is clearly a big boost for them if they do want to upset Real Madrid. Kane provides an attacking impetus for Spurs, but Real Madrid showed they can create chances of their own and only an inspired Hugo Lloris prevented more goals two weeks ago.

Tottenham Hotspur's last two games at Wembley in the Champions League have featured at least four goals shared out. Also note 4 of the last 7 Real Madrid away games in the Champions League have seen that number reached and I will back there being at least four goals in this one.


Apollon v Atalanta Pick: I was immediately surprised by the prices for this game as Atalanta are not only favoured to win in Cyprus, but favoured at odds on to do that. That is surprising when you think Atalanta have yet to win away from home this season, while Apollon are unbeaten in 8 home games in European competition including a 1-1 draw with Lyon earlier in the Group.

Atalanta are a team who have struggled for clean sheets away from home and one who don't need to win this game if they are going to move through to the Last 32. Combining those two factors it is hard to see Atalanta as an odds on favourite here let alone one who are expected to win by a wide margin.

Both teams to score is a decent way to get involved in this one with the way Atalanta games have gone this season and Apollon have seen 4 of their last 6 at home also finish with both teams scoring. However I am more intrigued by Apollon having gone 27 games unbeaten in all competitions and already earning a result against Lyon here in the Europa League.

Having the start on the Asian Handicap will mean half the stake is returned if Atalanta win by a single goal margin. I do think Apollon can make a game of this one and they have every chance of avoiding the loss and have to be worth backing to do that against an opponent who have yet to win away from home and likely would accept a point already.


Lyon v Everton Pick: It has become clear that the Europa League is not the priority for Everton as it may have been if their season hadn't unravelled in the fashion it has over the first three months of the 2017/18 campaign. The Premier League form has been really poor and Everton are desperate to get things right domestically which means players will be rested for the game against Watford to come on Sunday.

That is the decision made by David Unsworth despite Everton being on the brink of exiting the Europa League. A win would actually reignite their bid to get through to the Last 16, but I am not sure that belief is there after the 1-2 defeat to Lyon at Goodison Park two weeks ago.

With the players being rested and now facing a Lyon side who have been playing with real confidence, it is difficult to see how Everton can prevent a defeat here. Lyon had won 4 in a row in European competition at home before the 1-1 draw with Atalanta, but they are still in a strong position in the Group and will be expected to make it through to the Last 32 having secured that win at Everton.

Wins over Monaco and Metz have kept the confidence going for Lyon and I think they will prove to be too good for Everton on the day. Everton have been losing too many games of late to think they will turn it around here and I will back Lyon to cover the Asian Handicap in a comfortable home win to move to the brink of making it through to the Last 32.


Maccabi Tel Aviv v Astana Pick: Match Day 4 of the Group Stage of either the Champions League and Europa League competitions is pivotal as we start to see which teams have made it through to the Knock Out Rounds and which teams are now exiting European Football.

That is where Maccabi Tel Aviv find themselves as a loss would likely mean they are finished with the Europa League, but on the other hand a win could really get them on a roll in the Group. With 2 of their remaining 3 Group games coming at home, Maccabi Tel Aviv will feel they can get back into contention as they are only 4 points behind the leaders, but that won't be easy against Astana.

First off they have to remove the memories of the 4-0 loss in Kazakhstan from their mind from two weeks ago. Playing at home should make a big difference for Maccabi Tel Aviv considering how poorly Astana have travelled in European competition although I do imagine this will be a tight game and with little between them.

It does make picking a winner a little more haphazard, but I do think Maccabi Tel Aviv can make home form count. Astana have lost 6 of their last 7 away games in European competition and Maccabi Tel Aviv are unbeaten in 7 home games in the Europa League since blowing a 3-0 lead over Zenit St Petersburg in a 3-4 defeat in the Group Stage last season.

At odds against the Israeli team can be backed, although I would keep stakes to a minimum in this one.


Arsenal v Red Star Belgrade Pick: There shouldn't be any surprise that Arsenal are going to be making a host of changes to their side for this one considering they have the daunting task of facing Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. With the Europa League Group firmly in hand, Arsene Wenger will send out his Cup side which has performed well so far this season.

I don't think anyone will be buying the suggestion that the Cup team are giving the first team as much difficulty in training as Wenger is suggesting, but it is good enough at this stage of the Europa League. Bigger tests will come for Arsenal after Christmas when they may have to start considering this competition as the best route into the Champions League, but Wenger won't give up on the Premier League.

Arsenal should still continue to be too good for the teams they are facing in this Group though and the layers aren't giving anything away on The Gunners making it four out of four wins on Thursday. They should be too good for Red Star Belgrade having won in Serbia, but that was a tight game and this one might be the same.

As well as Arsenal have done to progress through the Europa League and League Cup, this will be the fourth game at the Emirates Stadium and they have only won 1 of the previous 3 by more than a single goal margin. The changed line up needed extra time to beat Norwich City in the League Cup Fourth Round and they needed a come from behind performance to knock off FC Koln in the Europa League.

In that game they had a stronger team than they are likely to begin this one with and I think Red Star Belgrade are worth a small interest with the start on the Asian Handicap. Red Star have won at Sparta Prague and FC Koln and lost narrowly at Krasnodar which shows they can be competitive and backing them to at least keep this tight for much of the evening has to be worth a poke.


Athletic Bilbao v Ostersunds Pick: Time is running out for Athletic Bilbao if they want to make it through to the Last 32 of the Europa League and that means they have to win this game on Match Day 4. They came into the Group Stage as the favourites to progress, but Athletic Bilbao have only earned 2 points which means they are 4 points behind 2nd placed Zorya.

Things will be looking up for Athletic Bilbao if they can win this game against Ostersunds and close on the Swedish side who lead the Group. Two weeks ago Bilbao managed to draw 2-2 away from home and generally they have been stronger at home.

Ostersunds are overachieving significantly in their first season in European Football, and they have won 2 of 4 away games in the Europa League. However they were beaten comfortably at PAOK and I think they may struggle to stay with Athletic Bilbao in this one.

The visitors have to be respected and look capable of making the Last 32, but I think they will have to wait at least three weeks to have a chance to secure their passage through. I will be looking for Athletic Bilbao to win this one and cover the Asian Handicap on the night.


Lazio v Nice Pick: These two teams come into this fixture in contrasting form and Lazio should be able to continue their run to earn their place in the Last 32 of the Europa League.

While Lazio have put a winning run together, Nice have been on a negative spiral and it will be difficult for them to earn a result here.

Lazio have been scoring goals for fun at home and they should be ready to beat Nice for a second time in two weeks. Now they host a team who have not scored in their last couple of away games while being beaten fairly comfortably at Paris Saint-Germain and Montpellier.

A lack of goals is not what you want when facing this Lazio team who have been so strong at home and I will back the Italian club to secure their place as Group winners by beating Nice by a couple of goals on the night.


Viktoria Plzen v Lugano Pick: Outside of Steaua Bucharest, this is a Group where any of three teams can make it through to the Last 32 of the Europa League which makes this a big game for both Viktoria Plzen and Lugano.

It was Lugano who won on Match Day 3 and another win in the Czech Republic would put them in a very strong position in the Group. It would also likely be too much for Viktoria Plzen to overcome and that puts some real pressure on the home team to find a result.

However they should be confident of doing that at home where they have won 3 of their last 4 European ties and especially with the experience that Viktoria Plzen have compared to Lugano. As strong a result as Lugano did earn against Viktoria Plzen two weeks ago, they are not as strong on their travels and have lost heavily at Young Boys and Zurich already.

Viktoria Plzen might have to deal with some of the tension of knowing what a defeat would mean for them, but they have won 8 in a row at home in all competitions. That includes a couple of convincing wins in the Europa League and I will back them at odds against to record another here.

MY PICKS: Bayern Munich - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.96 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Manchester United - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.10 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Chelsea 0 Asian Handicap @ 2.00 Bet365 (2 Units)
Besiktas @ 2.30 Betfair Sportsbook (2 Units)
Shakhtar Donetsk - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.04 Bet365 (2 Units)
Sevilla - 1.25 Asian Handicap @ 2.07 Bet365 (2 Units)
Napoli-Manchester City Over 3.5 Goals @ 2.30 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Tottenham Hotspur-Real Madrid Over 3.5 Goals @ 2.40 Betfair Sportsbook (2 Units)
Apollon + 0.75 Asian Handicap @ 2.05 Bet365 (2 Units)
Lyon - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.10 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Maccabi Tel Aviv @ 2.30 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Red Star Belgrade + 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.78 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
Athletic Bilbao - 1.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.91 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Lazio - 1 Asian Handicap @ 1.83 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Viktoria Plzen - 1.25 Asian Handicap @ 2.02 Bet365 (2 Units)

Weekend Football Picks 2015 (October 31-November 2)

The next domestic League campaign is played over this weekend, but first you can read a few thoughts I had from the last week's games here.


Chelsea v Liverpool Pick: If the rumours are to be believed, Chelsea will dispense of Jose Mourinho as manager if Chelsea are beaten in this Premier League game on Saturday. There are allegations that he has lost the dressing room and that Mourinho is desperate to want out of Stamford Bridge, but I don't quite think the performances on the field have suggested the players have given up on their manager.

It would be easy for them to roll over, but bad luck has played a real part in their last couple of losses as well as some frankly stupid decisions made by their players. Nemanja Matic was rash in being sent off at Upton Park last weekend in an eventual 2-1 loss to West Ham United, while the lottery of penalties was almost certainly going to go against Mourinho at Stoke City during the week.

The other issue is that Chelsea have been forced to go on their travels in recent games and they are a much better team at Stamford Bridge where they have won 3 of their last 4 games. I don't think Liverpool have the pace to exploit them in the same manner as Southampton did in the exception at Stamford Bridge and I think Chelsea have a very good chance of winning this game.

As hard as Liverpool have been to beat, they haven't scored enough goals to win too many games and could be missing both Daniel Sturridge and Christian Benteke again. That's a lot of goals that are potentially missing for Jurgen Klopp and they will do well to keep Chelsea out for ninety minutes which is what it might take to earn a result here.

To be fair to Liverpool though, they have defended well enough to think one goal might be enough to get something from this game and Chelsea have looked vulnerable defensively. However, those vulnerabilities have been highlighted away from home and Chelsea have clean sheets in 3 of their last 4 here so I think the home team has to be backed to deliver three points for their beleaguered manager.

At odds against, it is a fair price in backing Chelsea against a Liverpool team missing some key players this weekend including Jordan Henderson.


Crystal Palace v Manchester United Pick: It has been a difficult couple of weeks for Manchester United fans who are still demanding to see more proaction from their team in a bid to win games. Possession is what Louis Van Gaal demands, but too often it has been slow and tepid which is easy to defend.

You have to feel some sympathy though as Manchester United have looked the better team in their last couple of games than both Manchester City and Middlesbrough, particularly in the second half, but they have missed the limited chances that have come their way. There were always going to be openings against a Championship team like Middlesbrough, but Van Gaal's suggestion they 'got lucky' ignores the multiple chances the away side had to win the game in normal time too.

They won't get away with that kind of defending in the Premier League especially not against a Crystal Palace team that has pace to burn in the forward areas and who will be comfortable playing without the ball. It will suit Alan Pardew to almost play this like an away game, but Crystal Palace have had their confidence rocked by three consecutive losses too.

Both teams have the capability of creating chances in this one and I think the recent Manchester United performances have inflated the chance of seeing goals in this one. On a better day, Manchester United's goalless draw with Middlesbrough would have produced a few goals and I think a restored Manchester United starting eleven can create opportunities at Selhurst Park.

Defensively United have still looked a little shaky and it is some big saves from David De Gea that has kept them from conceding too many goals of late. This Crystal Palace team do usually give the top teams a run for their money and will create chances against them too and the odds against quote of there being at least three goals looks too big.

I won't be surprised if both teams get at least one goal in this game and neither will be looking to settle for that if there is a chance to win this match which should result in a decent day's entertainment for the fans in attendance.


Manchester City v Norwich City Pick: Coming off the Manchester derby, I was sure that Manchester City might have a difficult time against Crystal Palace in the Capital One Cup, but couldn't have been more wrong. Manuel Pellegrini had the chance to blood some of his younger players alongside some more experienced heads and that resulted in a convincing 5-1 win and keeps up Manchester City's tremendous home form.

Goals haven't been a problem for Manchester City at The Etihad Stadium even in the absence of David Silva and Sergio Aguero and that doesn't bode well for Norwich City who have conceded plenty on their travels. Both of Norwich City's away losses in the Premier League have come by wide margins and this is a team that might be lacking confidence having failed to win any of their last 5 games in all competitions and losing 3 straight Premier League games.

One benefit for Norwich City could be the big Champions League game Manchester City have to play during the week, but I am not sure that is enough for them to slow down this team. Kevin De Bruyne has fitted in seamlessly to the Manchester City squad and has begun to become a more and more influential player for them in the final third, while Wilfried Bony's confidence will have been given a boost from his goal over Crystal Palace.

It's hard to see how Norwich City will contain a team that is looking to push on in the Premier League and who have banged in eighteen goals in four home games. This looks a tough day in the office for the away side making the long trip across the country and I think Manchester City will become the third team to beat Norwich City on their travels in the Premier League and the third by at least a two goal margin.


Watford v West Ham United Pick: West Ham United have a very fine recent history of visiting Vicarage Road having won 9 of their last 13 visits to this ground including last time out. However, that game was four seasons ago and things have changed for both clubs in that time starting with the fact that this is a Premier League fixture and not a Championship fixture like last time.

No one can deny how impressive the West Ham United season has been to this point with wins over three of the top four from last season and also Liverpool. Their wins away from home at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have been mighty impressive, but this weekend feels different.

Slaven Bilic's team have already failed to beat Sunderland, Norwich City and Bournemouth this season, all teams that occupy places in the bottom six, and I do wonder if they can deal with the different aspect of facing a team they will expect to beat. It is 'easy' to go to grounds like Anfield and The Etihad Stadium with 'nothing to lose' and being able to produce big performances, but West Han United haven't been as good when they've been expected to get forward and win games.

That has particularly been the case at Upton Park, but I think this weekend they can show there is more to their team than just being able to surprise the big teams on their day. West Ham United do have goals in the side and that has to be a big concern for Watford who have scored just one goal at home all season and not been as effective in front of their own fans as they have on their travels.

Defensively they have been sound, but Watford haven't kept a clean sheet in their last couple of home games and that will be a concern when facing a team like West Ham United. The Hammers have scored at least twice in every away game they have played this season in the Premier League and reaching that tally would surely be enough to win the game.

Out of principle I think West Ham United need to be given a small interest in this match as they are the underdog in a fixture where they seem to hold the edge. They have more goals, have been more effective as away team while Watford have struggled at home, and West Ham United should have plenty of confidence having beaten Chelsea last weekend.

My one concern is that West Ham United have failed to win games following the victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, but they did after winning at Liverpool and can back up the Chelsea win. Either way, West Ham United shouldn't be the underdog in this fixture and I will have a small interest they win this game.


West Brom v Leicester City Pick: There is no doubt that West Brom are looking to get back to basics by becoming a very difficult side to beat and doing just enough to earn the three points. The last two games they have rode their luck at times and I am not sure they will have the same benefit on Saturday when high-scoring and high-octane Leicester City come to town.

It also has to be remembered that West Brom haven't shown the same toughness at home as they have on their travels and this is a team that is vulnerable to the speed and directness that Leicester City will look to attack with.

The Leicester City away games remain full of goals and I can see them forcing West Brom into a match that Tony Pulis might not necessarily want. He has to have his side going forward being at home and that space will be crucial for Leicester City to exploit and perhaps go on and win this game.

That won't be easy because West Brom will have their chances to score too, but I do think the chance of there being at least three goals shared looks under-estimated by some margin by the layers. A Tony Pulis coached West Brom team conceded three times to Leicester City last season and both teams will have their opportunities to score in this one.

Outside of the win over Sunderland, West Brom's four other home League games are averaging over three goals per game and three of their five home games have featured at least three goals. With The Foxes scoring plenty themselves, the odds against quote for goals looks a little too big.

MY PICKS: Chelsea @ 2.10 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Crystal Palace-Manchester United Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.25 Betfair Sportsbook (2 Units)
Manchester City - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.85 Bet Victor (2 Units)
West Ham United @ 3.00 Coral (1 Unit)
West Brom-Leicester City Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.15 Bet Victor (2 Units)

October Update: 16-25, - 8.81 Units (70.50 Units Staked, - 12.50% Yield)
September Final: 29-30-3, + 4.18 Units (117.5 Units Staked, + 3.58% Yield)
August Final: 16-31-1, - 24.34 Units (94 Units Staked, - 25.89% Yield)

Season 2015/16: 16-31-1, - 24.34 Units (94 Units Staked, - 25.89% Yield)
Season 2014/15: 159-208-5, - 20.22 Units (647 Units Staked, - 3.13% Yield)
Season 2013/14: 164-185-3, + 15.84 Units (577 Units Staked, + 2.75% Yield)

Season 2012/13: + 4.42 Units (415 Units Staked, + 1.07% Yield)