Midweek Football Picks 2016 (February 23-25)

This is another big week in the Champions League and Europa League as the conclusion of the former's Last 16 First Legs and the latter's Last 32 Second Legs are played.

Two more English teams re-start their Champions League quests, while the three English representatives in the Europa League are all favoured to come through their Last 32 ties as they host them this week.

The big games come thick and fast over the next six weeks in which time the Quarter Finals of both European competitions will be set, as well as the first domestic trophy in England being decided, the FA Cup Quarter Finals and plenty of big domestic football matches.


February has so far followed January in being a decent month for the picks after a miserable opening to the season. Last weekend was another solid week and hopefully that can be concluded in the right manner over the remaining seven days of the month and build momentum to go into March.

Onto the Midweek Football Picks from the European offering.


Arsenal v Barcelona Pick: It was always going to be difficult for Arsenal to top their Group which contained Bayern Munich, but they would have hoped for a lot more luck in the draw which has paired them with Barcelona in the Knock Out Stage for the third time in seven seasons. The Catalan giants have won the previous two Knock Out ties and they are big favourites to see off Arsenal in this Second Round encounter.

In saying that, Barcelona have failed to win on their previous two visits to The Emirates Stadium despite leading in both of those games. This is a team that looks threatening every time they go forward, but Arsenal have to feel they can offer some threat themselves against a defence that has kept 1 clean sheet in their last 6 Champions League away games and that coming at BATE Borisov.

Barcelona have also kept just a single clean sheet in 6 away games in all competitions heading into this one and Arsenal did beat Bayern Munich 2-0 here earlier this season. With Barcelona's own away issues in recent Champions League away games, I have to say the away team look an awfully short price.

In previous years I would say Arsenal are built for a team like Barcelona as they will allow them to play their football and the latter have the better players. However Arsene Wenger showed some tactical class against Bayern Munich earlier this season and was happy to defend in numbers and hit them on the break.

I imagine he will look for something similar here, although it has to be pointed out that Arsenal rode their luck early in that game against Bayern Munich. They can't present those chances to Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez who have to be the best attacking trio left in the Champions League, but I can see Arsenal causing some big problems on the break.

Arsenal will need some luck if they are going to earn the upset over two legs, but I think they will also need an element of luck to even have a lead to take to the Nou Camp next month. However I do think the counter attack will give them a chance in this one as they have plenty of pace and quality in the final third and the First Leg could be a competitive, fun affair for the neutrals to watch.

The layers are expecting goals and I can't disagree with that suggestion. However I think you can back at least four goals to be shared out which would have been a winner in 4 of Arsenal's last 7 home Champions League games. The number was also hit in 2 of Arsenal's last 3 Second Round Home Legs while 2 of 3 Barcelona Away Legs in last season's Knock Out Stages hit that number too.

I can see both teams scoring and Arsenal's best chance of progressing is winning this home tie where Barcelona are most vulnerable, although I think the latter will offer plenty of threat too. It should be a fun game, especially if we see an early goal scored by either team, and I will back at least four goals to be scored.


Juventus v Bayern Munich Pick: There were a couple of ties in the Champions League Second Round last week that might not have got the pulse racing, but the same can't be said of the two offerings on Tuesday night. It is perhaps the Juventus versus Bayern Munich one that is the more intriguing of the two being played as last season's Finalist hosts the second favourite in the First Leg in Turin.

Most of the layers are expecting a tight game having found it hard to split these teams here, but they have decided on Bayern Munich being the favourite. I think that is a big ask for Bayern Munich who have lost 4 of their last 7 away games in the Champions League including their last 2 Knock Out ties in 2015.

It has to be in Juventus' minds that their best opportunity of springing the upset over two Legs is by winning this home game and I think they have been playing well enough at home to do that. Coupled with Bayern Munich's away struggles in the Champions League, Juventus must believe they can achieve that goal although it will be far from easy.

Bayern Munich did win here three seasons ago and while the team has changed since then, that will still give them belief too.

Personally I think this game might have more goal action than the layers as both teams are better on the front foot. Juventus can certainly make this a game as they look for the goals to win the First Leg and have a lead to take to Munich, while their visitors are always looking to attack.

This season didn't see Juventus home games feature more than two goals in any of the 3 Group games they played. However last season they did beat Borussia Dortmund and Juventus by the same 2-1 scoreline, while Bayern Munich conceded three times in Porto and Barcelona.

As I have said, the layers aren't expecting goals, but I think Juventus will likely make this more open than they think and I think a 2-1 scoreline either way is a real player in the First Leg. A Juventus win will set up a very good game in Munich next month, but I will be less concerned with picking the outcome and instead back at least three goals to be shared out by these two European giants.


Dynamo Kiev v Manchester City Pick: Forget what the media and the layers will be feeling about this tie for Manchester City, I also think Dynamo Kiev are going to be very happy with the Second Round draw and will fancy their chances of progressing. The English media certainly expect Manchester City to be far too good over two Legs, but Dynamo Kiev played Chelsea very competitively in both Group games and the pressure is on Manuel Pellegrini's men.

There is little doubt the players will have heard the sense of expectation on their shoulders, but Manchester City have yet to get past the Second Round in the Champions League. That inexperience of winning a Knock Out tie is hard to dismiss out of hand, while Manchester City have lost 3 in a row in all competitions and conceded 10 goals in those games.

I wouldn't read too much into the 5-1 loss at Stamford Bridge in the Cup with a reserve team playing, but Manchester City have lost to Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League too. I do think the absence of the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Jesus Navas is a big blow for Manchester City, but the return of Vincent Kompany might give them the leader they have been missing defensively.

I am guessing Dynamo Kiev are the home underdog having not played a competitive football game since December, but Manchester City look very short considering injuries and recent form. Manchester City did have a couple of impressive away wins in the Champions League Group, but Dynamo Kiev are unbeaten in 9 home games in European football.

The home team also have a solid run to the Europa League Quarter Final last season as an experience builder of Knock Out football, although it has to be said that Dynamo Kiev have drawn 3 of their last 4 at home in Europe. I can't have Manchester City winning here, but I think their superior fitness can see Manuel Pellegrini's side return home with a positive result.

For only a small interest I would pick the draw from this Second Round First Leg.


PSV Eindhoven v Atletico Madrid Pick: I have to give PSV Eindhoven the respect they deserve for getting through to the Second Round of the Champions League despite all the sniggers they faced when being placed as a top Seed in the Group Stage. That came courtesy of winning the Dutch Eredivisie, but PSV proved their worth when beating Manchester United into second place in the Group.

In hindsight it was a weak Group and PSV Eindhoven will have to be a lot better when facing Atletico Madrid who will be focusing on the Champions League now the Primera Division looks beyond them. Diego Simeone has guided his team to one Final and a Quarter Final in the last couple of seasons and this is a dark horse to go all the way with the right draw.

Much of the focus from Atletico Madrid is to make sure they are hard to beat and clean sheets have been a feature of this team under Simeone. I expect that will be the basis of trying to get through this Second Round tie and I can see Atletico Madrid coming to Eindhoven with a clean sheet firmly on their mind.

There is enough attacking quality at the other end to cause PSV Eindhoven some problems, although the Dutch side did win their 3 home games in the Group Stage and scored twice in each game. In saying that, Manchester United, Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow don't have the quality nor the experience of Atletico Madrid.

Last season both Dinamo Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg beat PSV Eindhoven 0-1 here in the Europa League, the latter in the Last 32 Knock Out Stage. Atletico Madrid 4 clean sheets in their last 5 away games overall and I fancy them to win this one although I couldn't back them with any confidence at odds on.

Instead I will back the Spaniards to come here and leave with a win that comes thanks to a clean sheet, a result that will make Atletico Madrid big favourites to progress to the Quarter Final. I'll have a small interest in that at a big price considering how strong Atletico Madrid have been defensively under Diego Simeone.


Athletic Bilbao v Marseille Pick: There are a number of Second Leg Last 32 ties that have potential to be cracking games and I think both Athletic Bilbao and Marseille could produce a high-scoring game in this one.

Most will think the 0-1 win for Athletic Bilbao in the south of France is a decisive win and the Spanish team should progress easily. However Marseille have played so much better away from home in recent months and this is a team that scored plenty of goals in their three away games in the Group.

In those games Marseille managed to grab nine goals with at least two being scored in each of those games and the onus is on them to get on the front foot in this one. That should mean we could see an open game and there have been plenty of goals for these teams at home/away respectively.

At odds against I like the chances that there will be at least three goals shared out in this one.


Lazio v Galatasaray Pick: Both of these teams started this season in the Champions League, but both Lazio and Galatasaray now have to make do with the Europa League. The First Leg in Turkey ended 1-1 and that means Lazio have a significant edge in the Second Leg, although they have been a little hit or miss so far this season.

After a really strong start to the season at home, Lazio's results have been much more mixed here recently. However they have continued churning out the results in European football as they have won their last 4 home games in Europe and Lazio will be able to bide their time and try and pick off Galatasaray in this one as the away side have to score at least once.

This has certainly not been a good season for Galatasaray to this point as they are miles off the pace in the Turkish top flight and have exited the Champions League in the Group Stage. Galatasaray have lost 8 of their last 9 away games in Europe, although all of those have come in the Champions League.

A lot of those losses have come against the better teams in Europe, but Galatasaray have also been found wanting in other games and I am not sure they can turn this one around. With the pressure likely to be on to find the goal as the game wears on, Lazio can pick off their visitors in this one and I will back them to cover the Asian Handicap here.


Liverpool v Augsburg Pick: The League Cup Final is a big game for Liverpool, but I have little doubt that progress to the Last 16 of the Europa League is also very important. Liverpool have a decent result behind them from the First Leg, but they might regret not scoring an away goal.

Now they face an Augsburg team who have won 2 of 3 away games in the Group Stage and who have won 6 of their last 8 away games in all competitions. However you have to wonder if the injuries in the away squad will take their toll on the team in this one, particularly as they continue to battle against relegation.

The first goal is going to be massive in this one with the tie finely balanced and I do think the edge belongs to Liverpool. Of course you have to take into consideration that they have struggled in recent games at Anfield and wins have been hard to come by, but it looks like Jurgen Klopp will play a strong team.

With the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge in the starting line up, Liverpool should be too strong on the day although I can see Augsburg making this a tough evening. However if Liverpool get ahead I think they can be too strong for an injury hit squad and end up winning this by a two goal margin to give them some momentum to take into the League Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.


Manchester United v Midtjylland Pick: The win over Shrewsbury Town was as easy as it should have been for Manchester United, but it says a lot about where the team currently is that so many looked at a relegation threatened League One side as a banana skin. Instead Manchester United controlled the game throughout and the 0-3 win was as comfortable as the scoreline suggested.

However, Manchester United have much bigger tests to come this week and Midtjylland represent a significant step up from Shrewsbury Town. The Danish Champions showed they can rattle Manchester United with an up-tempo high pressing game last week, but I have to believe Manchester United will be much better this time around.

At the end of the day Midtjylland were allowed to get away with two sloppy goals last week and they are one of the weaker teams left in the Europa League this season. There is pace that can be a threat, but Manchester United have defended much better at home than they have on their travels and the 1-0 win is a big player in this one which will send Manchester United through.

If Manchester United are in that position, they should have chances to counter Midtjylland who will need to push forward at one point. Defending the set pieces could be an issue for the home team, but I expect a much more resilient display in this one with the attacking talent to see them through to the Last 16.

There is a big League game against Arsenal to come, but the Europa League is a big tournament for Manchester United this season and I think a strong team breaks down Midtjylland in this one.


Napoli v Villarreal Pick: This was always looking like one of the better ties in the Last 32 of the Europa League and the 1-0 win for Villarreal against Napoli has given the Spanish side a slight edge in this one.

Failing to get that away goal could really be the critical factor in the entire tie, but Napoli have to be feeling confident they can at least win this one at home and give themselves an opportunity to progress.

Napoli have hammered their three opponents in the Group Stage at home, but they have just suffered a blip recently, while Villarreal showed their resiliency in a goalless draw at Atletico Madrid. They will need to show all of that again, but Villarreal have had it harder when travelling in the Europa League where they have lost 2 of their last 4.

It's a tough one, but I do like the strength Napoli have shown at home and I think they may record a narrow victory, but ultimately fail to progress on away goals.


Tottenham Hotspur v Fiorentina Pick: The big news is that Harry Kane is out for Tottenham Hotspur in this game as they save him for the big Premier League games ahead, but I still think there will be goals in this game. 

The 1-1 draw in Florence means the tie is finely balanced as Fiorentina have to get forward and score goals here, but that might set up Tottenham Hotspur to strike them on the counter-attack. Both teams have been involved in some high-scoring games at home/away respectively in the Europa League and there was enough in the First Leg to think that will be the case here.

All of Tottenham Hotspur's home games in the Europa League have featured at least three goals as they have won those games but are yet to keep a clean sheet. Fiorentina haven't lost many away games in this competition in recent years, just 1 of their last 19, while they scored at least two goals in each of their away games in the Group Stage.

With the tie in the position it is, an early goal is just going to open up proceedings although the concern has to be that the game finishes 1-1 and goes into extra time. However I think neither team wants the extra thirty minutes in this one as they are in strong positions in their domestic Leagues and I think both Tottenham Hotspur and Fiorentina combine for at least three goals in this one.

MY PICKS: Arsenal-Barcelona Over 3.5 Goals @ 2.70 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Juventus-Bayern Munich Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.45 Betfair Sportsbook (2 Units)
Dynamo Kiev-Manchester City Draw @ 3.40 Bet Fred (1 Unit)
Atletico Madrid Win to Nil @ 2.80 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
Athletic Bilbao-Marseille Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Lazio - 1 Asian Handicap @ 1.85 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Liverpool - 1.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.91 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Manchester United - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.73 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Napoli @ 1.73 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Tottenham Hotspur-Fiorentina Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 Paddy Power (2 Units)

February Update: 24-13-1, + 24.40 Units (74 Units Staked, + 32.97% Yield)

January Final: 19-13, + 17.56 Units (61 Units Staked, + 28.79% Yield)
December Final: 15-23, - 9.32 Units (64 Units Staked, - 14.56% Yield)

November Final: 11-19-1, - 12.94 Units (51 Units Staked, - 25.37% Yield)

October Final: 16-25, - 13.51 Units (79.50 Units Staked, - 16.99% 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: 87-128-5, - 38.37 Units (467 Units Staked, - 8.22% 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)

Tennis Picks 2016 (February 23rd)

It was a mixed opening day for the picks on Monday, but there are a lot of tennis matches to come on Tuesday with very busy days in all the events taking place.

Hopefully this is the start of a solid week with the picks set to go.


Leonardo Mayer - 3.5 games v Thomas Fabbiano: Any time you see two South American players are going to meet during this time of the season, the assumption is that they are playing on one of the Golden Swing clay tournaments. However both Thomas Fabbiano and Leonardo Mayer are over in the Middle East this week in Dubai as they get set to face one another in the First Round.

You can't doubt that the scheduling seems to make more sense for the Brazilian Fabbiano who has been playing a number of the indoor hard courts in Europe. On the other hand, Leonardo Mayer took in his home tournament in Buenos Aires where he was hammered by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the Second Round before heading to Dubai.

Fabbiano has come through a couple of Qualifiers but I can't remove the loss to Julien Benneteau in the Qualifiers in Marseille from my mind. To win just two games has to have been a really bad day in the office, but Fabbiano has lost to a number of players that are perhaps not as good as Mayer over the last month.

Having experience of the conditions is a plus for Fabbiano, but I think Mayer will be happy enough on the quicker courts we see in Dubai. He has a very solid serve on his day and and Mayer using that shot can build scoreboard pressure in what is ultimately a 64, 64 kind of win for him.


Sergiy Stakhovsky + 4.5 games v Stan Wawrinka: He isn't the most inspiring player to trust to produce his best tennis, but I am backing Sergiy Stakhovsky with what looks to be one too many games on the handicap. Of course Stan Wawrinka will be the favourite to win the match, but these two players have a history of close matches and last week in Marseille was no different.

It was a final set tie-breaker in which Wawrinka saved match points that had to be won by the Swiss man to see off Stakhovsky last week. That means these players have met four times and none of those matches have been completed in straight sets, while Stan Wawrinka can have a few issues when being asked to cover the bigger numbers.

The speed of the courts in Dubai might restrict the Wawrinka timing from getting off when it comes to the groundstrokes and that is huge if Stakhovsky is serving well. Little time means Stakhovsky's ability to get to the net could be an issue for Wawrinka, although it takes a brave player to close the net against Wawrinka's fearsome power.

This still feels a lot of games for someone who hasn't experienced some of the quicker courts on the Tour for some time and that might take Wawrinka some time to get his rhythm in. Stakhovsky was beaten easily by Philipp Kohlschreiber in Sofia, but generally has been very competitive in his matches and I think he can take advantage of the games even if he doesn't win outright.


Santiago Giraldo - 2.5 games v Marco Cecchinato: The only match from Sao Paulo that interested me enough to make a pick is between Santiago Giraldo and Marco Cecchinato and I do think the former is going to make it through to the Second Round.

While I have to credit Cecchinato for coming through Qualifiers in a couple of tournaments already this year, he is yet to turn that to wins on the main Tour. In fact the Italian was dropped to 0-12 in main Tour matches when losing to his compatriot Paolo Lorenzi last week in Rio de Janeiro.

That isn't to say that Santiago Giraldo has been having a lot of success himself, but he has won the matches expected during the Golden Swing and his two losses were understandable. He can be a little hit or miss thanks to his aggressive style, but Giraldo did slip down the World Rankings thanks to a pretty poor 2015.

I do think Giraldo's overall play from the back of the court is superior to Cecchinato's and I expect that will show up during this match. I hope the Colombian does bring his better serving days to the court on Tuesday which should see him edge past Cecchinato with a 75, 64 kind of win.


Timea Babos + 3.5 games v Sara Errani: After winning the title in Dubai last week, Sara Errani was pushed to a third set in a win over Tsvetana Pironkova in the First Round in Doha. After that tough match, Errani now faces the big hitting Timea Babos who has the power to take the racquet out of Errani's hands.

Only recently Babos took on Roberta Vinci and almost beat one veteran Italian player, a performance that has to give her confidence to take into this one. Errani is a better player off the ground than Vinci, especially off the backhand wing, and won't make as many errors as her former Doubles partner, but Errani's serve is a considerable weakness.

Having played a long week in Dubai is tough work for Errani with little rest to prepare for the tournament in Doha. That title win was something of a surprise considering how Errani has begun 2016 and I think this has all the makings of a close match between these players as long as Babos can keep an eye on the unforced errors she hands out.

Getting plenty of first serves in play is going to be a big key for Babos to try and keep Errani from dictating rallies from the back of the court. It was a reason she was able to hang with Vinci for as long as she did and I do think Babos battles to keep this one close.


Jelena Jankovic - 2.5 games v Monica Niculescu: This is a match that might feature a few breaks of serve, but importantly for Jelena Jankovic she has plenty of experience of playing Monica Niculescu in the past.

A player that uses so much variation off both wings and is not that reliant on hitting through the ball poses so many different questions for players on the WTA Tour. Players are simply not used to seeing someone like Niculescu on a regular basis and so when playing her for the first time they can be surprised and take time in working out the best way to approach the way.

That shouldn't be the case for Jankovic who plays Niculescu for the seventh time, although the first for a couple of seasons. I do think Jankovic has slipped as a player since then with her movement not as strong as it used to be, but Niculescu has not really kicked on from her current position of World Number 37 and I think the difference in talent will be shown up in Doha.

Jankovic hasn't had back to back wins on the Tour in 2016, which is a big concern, but neither has Niculescu and I think the former World Number 1 is going to be a little too good on the day. The Jankovic serve is a little more reliable than Niculescu's and that can certainly make the difference in a 64, 64 win.


Marin Cilic - 3.5 games v Ryan Harrison: Marin Cilic is flying to Mexico from Marseille so won't have had a lot of time to get over any jetlag considering he was in action on Sunday. That means he has had a day at best to get himself ready for his match in Acapulco and that is a big ask for any player on the Tour, although the match up with Ryan Harrison should be one he can enjoy.

I think Harrison has underachieved in his career as he looked to have the tools to get inside the top 50 of the World Rankings on a consistent basis. Instead the American looks likely to be overtaken by some of the younger compatriots coming through the ranks and Harrison has been stuck outside the top 100 of the World Rankings.

Harrison has come through a couple of Qualifiers which means he should be in tune with the conditions here, while Cilic is coming in off an indoor hard court tournament to now play outside in hot conditions. That does give Harrison a chance to perhaps get into a position to earn the upset, but his style means he will give Cilic rhythm from the back of the court to get into a comfortable position in the match.

The long journey from France to Mexico bothers me as does the fact that Cilic played in the Final in Marseille on Sunday. However I think he is the better player on the court and can battle through to a 76, 63 win.


David Ferrer - 4.5 games v John Millman: I think David Ferrer has to be feeling the disappointment of his last couple of tournaments on the clay and that says a lot about the standards that has been set by him. For most a Quarter Final and Semi Final in back to back tournaments would be considered a decent run, but Ferrer went into those tournaments looking to win them and so will likely be a little down on those runs.

I have said for a few months that Ferrer might be coming to the end of his run as a top eight player in the World Rankings and early form in 2016 suggests that could be the case. However, Ferrer has still got the talent to get deep into events and I do believe he will be too good for John Millman in this First Round match in Acapulco.

You have to give Millman plenty of credit for getting the most out of his game as the Australian has moved up to Number 61 in the World Rankings. He has a limited serve which is likely going to give him some trouble against a returner like Ferrer who is going to be fit enough to go deep into rallies and look to wear down Millman in this one.

There is still a talent gap for Millman to bridge in this one and I don't think that will be easy for him. Of course the move from clay to the hard courts might worry some, but I think that is an easier adjustment for players to make than the other way around so I do like Ferrer coming through this one 63, 64.


Grigor Dimitrov - 4.5 games v Denis Kudla: Last week has to be seen as a really disappointing tournament for Grigor Dimitrov having lost out in the Semi Final at Delray Beach to Rajeev Ram. Losses like that are not going to help Dimitrov fulfil the promise he had as a youngster and I have looked at 2016 as being a big year for him to start putting consistent results together.

That hasn't happened so far in 2016 and Acapulco becomes a big event for him and he did win this tournament two years ago before a relatively early exit last season. The First Round match against an out of form Denis Kudla should represent a strong chance for Dimitrov to make it through, although it is up to the Bulgarian to keep his focus in the match.

It has also been a tough 2016 for Kudla so far and that has seen him slip to Number 64 in the World Rankings. Not many wins is one thing, but the losses have come very comfortably for the most part which has to be a big concern for him.

The issue for Kudla is that he has to work hard for everything he achieves on the court. When he is not in form that becomes all the more difficult for him as Kudla won't get a lot of cheap points off his own serve and that might be a problem against Dimitrov if the latter is playing anything near his best. I can see it being tight for a while, but Dimitrov breaking through in the middle of the match for a 75, 63 win.

MY PICKS: Leonardo Mayer - 3.5 Games @ 1.73 William Hill (2 Units)
Sergiy Stakhovsky + 4.5 Games @ 1.73 Bet Fred (2 Units)
Santiago Giraldo - 2.5 Games @ 1.75 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Timea Babos + 3.5 Games @ 1.73 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Jelena Jankovic - 2.5 Games @ 1.80 Sky Bet (2 Units)
Marin Cilic - 3.5 Games @ 1.73 Bet365 (2 Units)
David Ferrer - 4.5 Games @ 2.00 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Grigor Dimitrov - 4.5 Games @ 1.83 Paddy Power (2 Units)

Weekly Update: 2-2, + 0.42 Units (8 Units Staked, + 5.25% Yield)

NBA Picks February 2016 (February 22-29)

Last week was a pretty disappointing one thanks to a couple of horrendously bad breaks, but I also think this is the time the adjustment needs to be made. The main one is that this is no longer the time to back bad teams to cover as they begin the 'tank' towards the end of the season to improve their Draft position, while the best teams begin to lock down and focus.

There were only four days of regular season games last week, but this week the thread will go longer to cover the end of the month which concludes next Monday.

I am looking for a much improved week to get things back on track here after two poor weeks in a row in February either side of the All-Star Game.


Monday 22nd February
Toronto Raptors @ New York Knicks Pick: The Toronto Raptors held steady at the trade deadline and they snapped a two game losing run by crushing the Memphis Grizzlies at home on Sunday. There are still serious ambitions of chasing down the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Number 1 Seed in the Eastern Conference, and that means winning games like this one at Madison Square Garden.

The New York Knicks might have snapped a seven game losing run with a win at the Minnesota Timberwolves, but they look a team that might begin to think about next season. I remain unconvinced that Kurt Rambis can steady the ship that Derek Fisher left behind and the Knicks are just 5-9 against the spread as the home underdog.

I have no doubt that Toronto are the better team and it doesn't look a bad spot for them even if they have been a little hot and miss playing on the back to back. The Raptors have the scoring power to give New York plenty to worry about and that can help them improve their 1-4 record against the spread in recent games in Gotham.

Defensively the Raptors have shown enough improvement in recent weeks to think they can win this one and I will back them to cover on the road.


Golden State Warriors @ Atlanta Hawks Pick: It looked like the Atlanta Hawks had a number of their starters available at the trade deadline, but no moves were made. The problem was Atlanta wanted too much for the likes of Jeff Teague and Al Horford for players who are almost out of contract and likely to move on anyway so this may be a small window for success for this current Atlanta team.

They will be in the Eastern Conference Play Offs this season, but Atlanta have come off the pace that saw them finish as the Number 1 Seed last season and reach the Conference Finals. I do wonder if the Hawks have been affected by the trade rumours considering they have lost both games out of the All-Star Game and now they face the unbelievable Golden State Warriors.

Forget the crazy finish to the last game with the LA Clippers which had no right to be as close as it was, the Golden State Warriors have shown they are capable of reaching the 73 win mark to overtake the Chicago Bulls' 72 win regular season record. There is so much scoring Golden State have and different players can take over a game and not simply just looking for Stephen Curry to do it.

The Warriors did lose here last season but they have been a strong road favourite this season and are also 7-3 against the spread when playing a team with a winning record. I like Golden State to make up for a terrible beat on Saturday and look for them to cover this number.


Tuesday 23rd February
The Toronto Raptors blew out the New York Knicks on Monday, but I would have been seriously unimpressed if the Golden State Warriors had not covered.

The Warriors were up by 23 points in the middle of the Third Quarter, but they managed to lose that entire lead before the start of the Fourth Quarter. It was a mental collapse at that point, but Golden State are the favourites to retain their Championship for a very good reason and pulled themselves together to make it 2/2 on Monday.

Hopefully that is something to build upon through the rest of the month.

Houston Rockets @ Utah Jazz Pick: All is most certainly not well in Houston as the Rockets have had a terrible season following reaching the Western Conference Finals last season. The Rockets were expected to be amongst the top Seeds this time around, but instead they have a team that is alleged to have a load of in-fighting, players like Dwight Howard who were rumoured to be on the trade block, and even getting into the Play Offs is far from certain.

Howard looks certain to move on in Free Agency, while Houston are currently hanging onto the Number 8 Seed in the West. However a loss to the in-form Utah Jazz will see the home team overtake Houston and this is going to be a game with plenty of Play Off intensity attached to it.

Both teams have big games to come with Utah hosting San Antonio next and Houston trying to get revenge in Portland but the importance of this game won't be lost on either team. Houston have won six of the last seven outright between the teams, and they are 5-2 against the spread in those games, but Utah are the team playing much more as a unit.

Utah have been a very strong home favourite of six points or fewer this season but they haven't always performed when trying to revenge a same season loss. The importance of the game is likely to make this a close one and I think Houston might be getting too many points even if the Rockets have not played well this season.


Brooklyn Nets @ Portland Trail Blazers Pick: One of the hottest teams in the NBA takes on one of the weakest on Tuesday and I have to back the Portland Trail Blazers in this one. The Trail Blazers were supposed to be one of the weaker teams in the Western Conference after a number of players left in the off-season, but they have rallied together.

Now they are not just thinking of making the Play Offs, but Portland have ambitions to perhaps earn a Number 5 or Number 6 Seed in the Conference which would be a remarkable achievement. Portland have won five straight and won't want to lose the momentum ahead of the big game against Houston which is hosted here on Thursday.

On the other hand Brooklyn have no Play Off ambitions and this off-season is going to be a big one in which they look to revitalise the franchise. The Nets have won three of their last five games, which is relatively strong form from them, but they look to be about to buy out Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez remains the only significant piece they have.

It is rare for Portland to be asked to cover this huge number at home, but they are 1-0 against the spread when set as a 9.5 points or bigger favourite here. Lots of points are being scored by them and the Trail Blazers are 9-3 against the spread when hosting a team with a losing record.

Brooklyn might not go down easily, but eventually I look for Portland to pull away and record a big home win.


Wednesday 24th February
I have to think the Portland Trail Blazers began thinking about their next game when blowing a seventeen point lead against the Brooklyn Nets at the end of the Third Quarter. They rallied to keep the momentum behind them, but thankfully the Houston Rockets managed to keep things close against the Utah Jazz to split the picks.

Golden State Warriors @ Miami Heat Pick: The Golden State Warriors blew a huge lead in the second half against the Atlanta Hawks, but they rallied to become the fastest team to reach 50 wins in NBA history. Now they head off for another Eastern Conference road game as they continue their run of games on the way back to the Oklahoma City Thunder this weekend.

It is easy to think the Warriors might be turning their attention to that game, but they have two more before that and history is there for the taking. I have no doubt that is motivating the players and any of the starters are capable of producing a big game to help Golden State win.

They face a banged up Miami team who have been playing with a lot of pace in recent games. Dwyane Wade is back, but he is hurting as is Luol Deng and Chris Bosh is definitely out of this game, but the Heat keep rallying together.

I just worry for them playing with speed against this Golden State team that loves to be involved in those types of games. Miami have also struggled as a big home underdog over the last couple of seasons, going 0-6 against the spread when set as the home dog of 6.5 points or greater.

Golden State are 6-0-1 against the spread in their last seven games in Miami and I like them to extend that number.


Oklahoma City Thunder @ Dallas Mavericks Pick: The Oklahoma City Thunder are not worrying about the manner of their blow out loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers last time out. I am not so sure they should dismiss that beating so easily, but they have a chance to make amends this week as they face the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors.

It is a big deal for the Thunder to show they can win a Championship as Kevin Durant is fast approaching Free Agency and convincing him to stay means convincing the Superstar he can win titles here.

Dallas haven't been in good form so the Thunder have to be the favourites, although I wouldn't be rushing out to back a team that is 5-13 against the spread as a road favourite. The Thunder are also just 1-4 against the spread when favoured by 6 points or fewer and they might have beaten Dallas three times this season but two of those came by three points on the nose.

The Mavericks have overachieved, but I think they are a well organised team that will make life difficult for Oklahoma City who are striving to prove they are capable of winning it all. With a 3-6 record against the spread in the last nine against the Dallas Mavericks, I think Oklahoma City are a little over-rated in this one in a position of a road underdog in which they have struggled.

I don't think Dallas are one of the best teams in the Western Conference, but they are 5-3 against the spread as the home underdog this season and I will back them with the points.


Thursday 25th February
Wednesday was a disappointing day as both picks saw the teams go through long periods of allowing their opponents to get on a run. It is a shame, but hopefully things can turn around on Thursday to get this month back on track.

Houston Rockets @ Portland Trail Blazers Pick: The loss to the Utah Jazz came in heartbreaking fashion for the Houston Rockets and now they face the Portland Trail Blazers who beat them twice earlier this month.

That has seen the Trail Blazers move ahead of Houston in the Western Conference Play Off places and this is a big game to see if Portland can take the tie-breaker. Portland had to rally to beat Brooklyn in their last game on Tuesday, but they continued their momentum and I think they will be tough to stop while playing as a team.

Portland are playing in stark contrast to Houston who have many issues that need to be cleared up in the off-season. They are not playing together as they should and even the firing of Kevin McHale earlier this season hasn't changed things.

The Trail Blazers have been very strong as a home underdog of 6 points or fewer and they are facing a Houston team that have struggled in revenge spots all season. Portland have gone 5-0 against the spread in their last five games against Houston and both wins this month have come by at least thirteen points each and I will back them to cover for a third time against the Rockets.


San Antonio Spurs @ Utah Jazz Pick: Kawhi Leonard is back for the San Antonio Spurs who are close to concluding a long road trip this week. He helped inspire the Spurs to a win over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night and it is a tough spot going to the in-form Utah Jazz who are desperately chasing a Play Off spot.

In the two previous games this season, San Antonio have blown out the Utah Jazz, but the latter have improved since early January and they have been much stronger when playing at home against the Spurs. The Spurs are 1-5 against the spread in their last six games in Utah and I think the Jazz will keep this one competitive.

I have to respect the fact that San Antonio have played well on the back to back, but Gregg Popovich could restrict Leonard's minutes to make sure he is healthy going into the final two months of the regular season and beginning the Play Offs.

Utah are 5-1 against the spread as the home underdog this season, while San Antonio have gone 2-4 against the spread in their last six road games, all as the road favourite. I just have some doubts about the Spurs in this one and I think Utah are in a good spot to take advantage.


Friday 26th February
Been a busy day so I have not been able to put up the full picks as I usually do. For the first time I will simply place the picks below and be back to a full write up on Saturday, assuming I have any picks to make.


Saturday 27th February
It was a better day for the picks, but there is still some work to do to turn around the month with three days left. That doesn't really matter and there is nothing to 'chase' with the regular season still having at least another six weeks to go.

Minnesota Timberwolves @ New Orleans Pelicans Pick: The New Orleans Pelicans still have an outside chance to get into the Western Conference Play Off picture with a strong run in the second half of the season. To do that they have to win games like this and hope Anthony Davis continues his strong play, while the Pelicans could also be given a boost by a returning Eric Gordon.

The Pelicans have plenty to play for, but the Minnesota Timberwolves are now counting down the days for the regular season. The Timberwolves have underachieved but a strong core of young players might encourage the fans that things are going to be improving sooner rather than later.

Finding consistency has eluded New Orleans for much of the season and they have been a poor home favourite to back which would worry me. However I am not sure the Timberwolves have been playing well enough Defensively to win this game and they have also gone just 4-6 against the spread as the road underdog of 6 points or fewer.

New Orleans have had a tough season but they continue to get the better of the Minnesota Timberwolves and I don't think that changes. The Pelicans are 5-0 against the spread in their last five games hosting Minnesota and the latter are also just 4-8 against the spread when playing a team who have a losing record while on the road.


Portland Trail Blazers @ Chicago Bulls Pick: The Portland Trail Blazers blew a huge lead in their last game against the Houston Rockets and that cost them a big game in the race for the Western Conference Play Off. That loss might not have a long-term impact on their chances of picking up a decent Seed in the Conference, but they are just set for a road trip that may determine that.

The first of those is at the Chicago Bulls who are really banged up with the back court of Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose both likely to sit out. That isn't the way you want to go into a game where CJ McCollom and Damian Lilliard are going to be opposing the Bulls and might be a big difference maker for the Portland Trail Blazers to get their road trip off to the perfect way.

Playing as the road favourite has been a mixed bag for Portland so far this season, but they have some strong trends behind them. For instance they are 10-5 against the spread when revenging a loss, 5-1 against the spread when trying to revenge a home loss. Add in the fact they have gone 6-2 against the spread coming off a upset loss and they are 8-3 against the spread off a home loss and there is plenty of good feelings to think they can bounce back here.

I do respect the way Chicago can play as a unit under adversary, but they are banged up in this one. The Bulls are also 4-6 against the spread in back to back nights play and Portland are 3-1 against the spread in their last four visits here.


Memphis Grizzlies @ Phoenix Suns Pick: The Memphis Grizzlies should be well rested as they were able to rest starters with a twenty-five point lead going into the Fourth Quarter on Friday night at the LA Lakers. They might have lost Marc Gasol, but Memphis have changed their style to suit their players and it has worked in back to back blow outs over the Lakers.

Now they face another terrible team in the Western Conference who beginning to 'tank' the season away in a miserable season for them. The Suns have lost thirteen in a row either side of the All-Star Game and Phoenix have rarely been competitive as they have gone 4-9 against the spread in those games.

A blow out home loss to the Brooklyn Nets kind of sums up where Phoenix are at the moment and they have a poor record of revenging a same season loss this year, going 7-14 against the spread in that spot.

I will have to respect the fact that Phoenix have gone 10-6 against the spread when hosting a team with a winning record, but this is 'tank' time and I am not sure the Suns have a lot of fight. If Memphis keep the up tempo, high scoring performances up I think they are being asked to cover too few points in this one and I will back them to do so.


Sunday 28th February
I have to say I was disappointed Anthony Davis was injured in warm up for the New Orleans game on Saturday night, especially as the Pelicans blew a solid lead going into the Fourth Quarter in the final sector of that game.

It has been a tough, disappointing month, but I need to have some luck going towards to pick to ensure it turns around sooner rather than later.

Miami Heat @ New York Knicks Pick: The Miami Heat have been banged up but could have added Joe Johnson in time to take part in this one. They will visit Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks who have definitely done a lot more losing than winning in recent weeks and whose three best players were all sent home from practice.

I don't think any of Carmelo Anthony, Arron Afflalo or Kristaps Porzingis will sit out, but their doubts makes life that much more difficult for the Knicks. The New York team is clearly not as good as the Miami one who have looked like a tier below the very best in the Eastern Conference.

It will likely be a tight game considering Miami are on a back to back and they have been short-handed for much of the last few weeks. However, the Miami Heat have been much more favourable to back as a small road favourite than the New York Knicks have been as a small home underdog.

Miami are looking for at least one home series in the Play Offs and I think the Heat will cover here at MSG on Sunday night.


Monday 29th February
The Miami Heat took their time to take down my New York Knicks, but they were always in control despite blowing some big leads before ultimately pulling away.

An additional day in February is filled with more NBA games and hopefully another solid day will at least protect what has been a poor month overall.

Philadelphia 76ers @ Washington Wizards Pick: I am concerned with how the Washington Wizards are going to back up their impressive win over the Cleveland Cavaliers against one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference. The Wizards had to knuckle down and win the game when facing Philadelphia earlier this week, but I am looking for a better start from them in this one.

It is a big game for Washington who can't drop too many silly games if they are going to get into the Eastern Conference Play Off picture. There are only a couple of games between the Wizards and the Number 8 Seed, but they can achieve a lot more in the last six weeks of the regular season by winning those games they are expected to.

Both teams are coming in off a back to back, but Washington should be too strong for a team that is looking to improve their Draft position in the coming weeks. Philadelphia have also had a hard time when set as the big road underdog in the last couple of seasons and I do wonder if this is the right time to oppose them.

The 76ers have lost their last three road games by at least fourteen points per game including in Orlando last night. I will look for Washington to extend that sequence by covering a big number here.


Houston Rockets @ Milwaukee Bucks Pick: The Houston Rockets look to have a lot of talent on their roster, but this is an inconsistent team and one that will be much changed going into next season. The current crop of players are battling for their Western Conference Play Off place after reaching the Conference Finals last season and it has been a season they would like to consign to the history books to this point.

However that is to this point- there are plenty of games left and the Rockets can turn things around by going into the Play Offs with momentum behind them. The loss to San Antonio does show there is likely a ceiling they won't be able to overcome, but Houston are good enough to give some of the top teams something to worry about in April and May.

Houston are on the road at the Milwaukee Bucks who are beginning to play a younger team as the Play Offs are already looking beyond them in the Eastern Conference. Changes will also be made in Milwaukee in the off-season and they have also begun to produce inconsistent results with their younger players which is understandable.

The Rockets have won their last three visits to Milwaukee and they are 3-0 against the spread overall against them. It might be a poor season by recent standards, but I think Houston are still a better team than Milwaukee and will show that in this one.


Memphis Grizzlies @ Denver Nuggets Pick: The chance of reaching the Western Conference Play Offs is beginning to recede for the Denver Nuggets who have lost five of their last seven games. Danilo Galinari has been ruled out for a few weeks which is another blow for the Nuggets to absorb and now they face a Memphis Grizzlies team which is coming in off a big loss.

The Phoenix Suns have been terrible but they beat the Memphis Grizzlies who still look likely to sit in the Number 5 Seed in the Conference. More defeats like that one won't help them though and the Grizzlies have to bounce back in this one against a Denver team missing their best player.

This hasn't been a good venue for the Grizzlies to visit when it comes to covering the spread. However there isn't many times they have been asked to cover a small number and I think Memphis can get the better of Denver who might begin thinking of improving their Draft position with a six game gap to the Play Offs to make up.

Memphis have won six of their last seven against Denver and I like them to cover in this one.

MY PICKS: 22/02 Toronto Raptors - 3.5 Points @ 1.95 Boyle Sports (1 Unit)
22/02 Golden State Warriors - 6.5 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
23/02 Houston Rockets + 5 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
23/02 Portland Trail Blazers - 11.5 Points @ 1.95 Betway (1 Unit)
24/02 Golden State Warriors - 8.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
24/02 Dallas Mavericks + 5.5 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
25/02 Portland Trail Blazers - 4.5 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
25/02 Utah Jazz + 3.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)
26/02 Washington Wizards - 7.5 Points @ 1.95 Bet365 (1 Unit)
26/02 Orlando Magic + 2.5 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
26/02 Memphis Grizzlies - 5 Points @ 1.95 Bet365 (1 Unit)
27/02 New Orleans Pelicans - 5 Points @ 1.95 Bet Fred (1 Unit)
27/02 Portland Trail Blazers - 4.5 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
27/02 Memphis Grizzlies - 6.5 Points @ 1.95 Bet Fred (1 Unit)
28/02 Miami Heat - 1.5 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
29/02 Washington Wizards - 12.5 Points @ 1.91 William Hill (1 Unit)
29/02 Houston Rockets - 2.5 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
29/02 Memphis Grizzlies - 1.5 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

February 22-29 Update: 8-10, - 2.64 Units

February 18-21 Final: 1-6, - 5.09 Units
February 8-12 Final: 3-6, - 3.27 Units

February 1-7 Final: 9-5, + 3.23 Units

February Update: 13-17, - 5.13 Units

January Final: 21-23-2, - 3.80 Units
December Final: 27-21-3, + 3.67 Units
November Final: 27-22-1, + 2.69 Units
October Final: 5-4, + 0.57 Units
Season 2016: 93-87-6, - 2 Units

Final Season 2015: 109-108-5, - 6.91 Units

Final Season 2014: 58-72-1, - 16.86 Units

Final Season 2013: 105-93-3, + 10.49 Units

Final Season 2012: 79-53-1, + 27.48 Units

Tennis Picks 2016 (February 22nd)

The opening of the 2016 season has seen me suffer two really miserable weeks which have made it a very crappy start to the season for the picks.

It's a shame that it is fresh off the back of a really poor last six months in 2015 and I do wonder if I am reading things that badly or am I getting little luck behind me.

There is no doubt it is a bit of both to be perfectly frank, but that is no excuse and I hate being wrong when it comes to picks. Trust me when I say no one is more frustrated than me and I am looking forward to the mini break ahead of the two Masters events in North America in March.

We still have nine months of the season to play and I am demanding more from myself to get the season moving in back into the positive after a number of solid years making picks from the Tour.


Monday is usually a slower day on the Tour as tournaments begin to get going, but both Doha and Dubai have a big schedule to get through and Acapulco is another joint ATP/WTA tournament which begins.


Vasek Pospisil - 1.5 games v Lucas Pouille: It might not have been a great start to the season for my picks, but it has been even more difficult for Vasek Pospisil who is desperate to get some wins under his belt. The Canadian was one of a few players who got anything out of the Nick Kyrgios serve last week in Marseille, but Pospisil has now lost four in a row on the Tour.

This might be the best chance Pospisil has to snap his losing run as he faces a Qualifier Lucas Pouille in the First Round of the main draw in Dubai. Pouille will have picked up some confidence from his wins in the qualifiers when he lost just six games in four sets played, but the level of opponent certainly picks up for him now.

The second serve is going to be key in this one and the player that can protect that part of their game the best is going to be the likely winner in this one. I think Pospisil has struggle  at times to do that and his return of serve is not exactly that inspiring, but I do think he can use the scoreboard pressure to put some pressure on his opponent.

I think Pospisil will have the higher percentage of first serves in play and that could be the difference maker between these players. There will be some tension having not won a match on the Tour for a while, but Pospisil should still be the better player on the court in this one and can beat the young Frenchman in three competitive sets.


Marcos Baghdatis v Victor Troicki: The last time Marcos Baghdatis was out on the court, he was being dismantled by Martin Klizan, although the loss to the eventual winner in Rotterdam might not be so bad in hindsight. Baghdatis is definitely a better player than he showed on that day, although his best days are behind him, and I do think he will make this one a much more competitive affair against Victor Troicki.

It has been a very productive start to the season for Troicki which should mean he is coming into this one with a lot of confidence behind him. The Serb has won the title in Sydney and he has also reached another Quarter Final and Semi Final although Troicki's heavy loss to Nicolas Mahut in Rotterdam was a really surprising result.

Both players will look for the first serve to be firing to set themselves up for the win in this one and I do think it looks like developing into a tight match. It is Baghdatis who holds a strong edge on the head to head, but the last of those matches were a couple of seasons ago so I am less concerned about that.

However I do think Baghdatis has every chance of winning this match thanks to a slightly superior first serve and I think he is the better player off the ground. Troicki's form to open 2016 has been very good, but I think he walks a tightrope when it comes to what he can produce on the court and his form changes quickly. The destruction at the hands of Nicolas Mahut was a shocking result from Troicki and I think Baghdatis wins this one outright.


Kristina Mladenovic v Barbora Strycova: There might be a huge number of matches scheduled in Doha where the Final is played on Saturday rather than Sunday, but the only one I am focusing on is the one between Kristina Mladenovic and Barbora Strycova.

It was a long week for Strycova in Dubai which came to a conclusion on Saturday and there isn't a lot of rest to get ready for this one. She has struggled in her two previous matches against Mladenovic who has a big serve that can set up the points for her a lot better than Strycova's does for herself.

With the effort needed to win points, Strycova could have a hard time handling the Mladenovic power, especially off a long week which should have had some impact from a physical standpoint. It hasn't been the best time on the Singles court for Mladenovic in 2016 and she is an inconsistent player at times, but I think the power, physical fitness and better serve gives her a considerable edge.

And for all of the solid wins Strycova had last week, it has been a mixed season for her too and I am looking for the Frenchwoman to make it three out of three against her.


Gilles Muller - 2.5 games v Donald Young: Two left-handers meet in the First Round in Acapulco and you have to think Gilles Muller is going to have a considerable edge over Donald Young. I think the layers don't really believe in Muller's return game as the reason they have kept this number as it is, but I do believe he is the much better server on the court and that can make a big difference.

It has been a solid 2016 season to this point with two Semi Final places under his belt already so Muller should be feeling confident in his play. Sometimes he can be a little erratic off the ground when taking into extended rallies, but Muller should have the accuracy off the serve that will set up plenty of short points as well as those that fail to get back to the court.

On the other hand Young will have a chance to put pressure on Muller too, but the difference is that the American can sometimes put together some really sloppy moments when protecting serve. Giving Muller a break advantage will be difficult for Young to recover and I do think the higher Ranked player comes through this one.

Muller will likely need at least one tie-breaker to get his nose in front, but can move into the next Round with a 76, 63 win.

MY PICKS: Vasek Pospisil - 1.5 Games @ 1.91 Bet Fred (2 Units)
Marcos Baghdatis @ 2.30 William Hill (2 Units)
Kristina Mladenovic @ 2.00 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Gilles Muller - 2.5 Games @ 1.80 Paddy Power (2 Units)

Weekly Final: 10-20, - 25.24 Units (62 Units Staked, - 40.71% Yield)

Season 2016: - 57.60 Units (382 Units Staked, - 15.08% Yield)
Season 2015: - 21.81 Units (1812 Units Staked, - 1% Yield)
Season 2014: + 45.05 Units (1586.5 Units Staked, + 2.84% Yield)

Season 2013: + 21.74 Units (1251.5 Units Staked, + 1.73% Yield)

Season 2012: + 49.21 Units (855 Units Staked, + 5.76% Yield)

Season 2011: + 82.02 Units