RKC Waalwijk vs PEC Zwolle Prediction & Match Preview

RKC Waalwijk vs PEC Zwolle
Dutch Eredivisie
Date: Saturday,8 February 2020
Kick-Off at 19:45 UK
Venue: Mande Makers Stadion.

RKC Waalwijk’s fans have waited so long to watch elite football matches at Mandemakers Stadion on a weekly basis.

The squad has returned to Eredivisie last year, but judging by the results so far, chances of dropping to Eerste Divisie are high.

RKC Waalwijk vs Zwolle: Head-to-head

Zwolle demolished and dominated RKC in the last two meetings. The most recent one, played in September 2019 ended 6-2 in their favour.

Nine out of the last ten head to head encounters have ended either BTTS or Over 2.5 which should be useful info for the goals market.

RKC Waalwijk vs Zwolle: Prediction

Lions are hammered to the bottom of the table with 11 points from 21 games, which means they will need one hell of a streak to get back to the safe zone.

Match against Zwolle who are in a similar situation is a good place to start building confidence. Still, hosts are underdogs in eyes of bookies priced at 2.82 to win this encounter.

Zwolle have underperformed in this campaign as well. Many believed this roster can repeat the success from 2018 and earn Europa League participation ticket. That is definitely not going to happen this time. PEC are just a couple of positions above RKC, having won 21 points.

Eight losses on the road are one of the main reasons for such poor placement, as well as awful defending. Home backs should pay a lot of attention to Iranian striker Ghoochannejhad who bagged six goals so far.

RKC are unable to compete with any other Eredivisie team with this roster in our opinion. Away win at 2.40 odds is a nicely wrapped betting present.

Tradition says duels between these two are always full of goals. Over 2.5 is a nice banker bet for this occasion.

RKC Waalwijk vs Zwolle: Bet Tips

• Away win @ 2.40

• Over 2.5 FT @ 1.60.

Ahly will seek revenge; it will be difficult match: Sundowns' coach Mosimane

The Cairo giants lost against South Africa's Sundowns 5-1 on aggregate in the quarterfinals of the previous edition of the African Champions League

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has acknowledged that as Egypt’s Ahly seek revenge in the African Champions League quarterfinals, the Sundowns will face a difficult match.

The Cairo giants lost against South Africa's Sundowns 5-1 on aggregate in the quarterfinals of the previous edition of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League. The away game ended 5-0.

"We know Ahly pretty well. They're the most prestigious team in the continent. They're the club of the century, and they possess a great coach and great players,” Mosimane, the 55-year-old South African coach, told FilGoal.

"The draw might have put us against Zamalek, Rajaa, or Ahly. But it put us against Ahly, so we will begin our preparations for the game starting from today, because it needs a lot of work," he added.

The CAF held a ceremony in Cairo in order to announce the draw of the Champions League quarterfinal games, which also resulted in Zamalek facing Tunisia's Esperance.

Zamalek, who last won the competition in 2002, will face Esperance three times in around three weeks as the two sides clash in the African Super Cup on 14 February.

In the other quarterfinal games, Morocco's Raja will take on TP Mazembe of the DR Congo and Wydad Casablanca meet Etoile.

The winners of the Zamalek-Esperance game will meet either Raja or Mazembe while the winners of the Ahly-Sundowns match will face either Wydad or Etoile in the semifinals.

Heerenveen vs VVV-Venlo Prediction & Match Preview

Heerenveen vs VVV-Venlo
Dutch Eredivisie
Date: Saturday,8 February 2020
Kick-Off at 18:45 UK
Venue: Abe Lenstra Stadion.

Heerenveen’s fans have been going through a big agony in the last couple of months as their favorite squad has failed to secure one single victory, rapidly dropping on Eredivisie standings. They surely won’t get a better chance to end the bad streak than this Saturday.

Venlo are arriving to Abe Lenstra Stadium and anything but three points would be a huge disappointment for the home fans. Bookies are giving them big edge here with Heerenveen to win being priced at 1.55.

Heerenveen vs VVV-Venlo: Head-to-head

Heerenveen have been pretty much dominant against VVV in the last couple of years, winning two out of last four encounters.

The last time team from Venlo celebrated against Heerenveen was in 2010.

The average number of goals scored in their head to head encounters is 2.90 so far.

Heerenveen vs VVV-Venlo: Prediction

VVV Venlo are one out of six teams that are trying to avoid relegation this season. So far they are not doing a great job, having collected only 20 points from 21 games. Besides that, this squad also has the second worst goal difference in the league of -26.

Some of the latest performances are stunning, including 1-1 draws against PSV Eindhoven and Utrecht FC. VVV have lost eight out of ten duels played on the road, conceding 2.60 goals per match.

Hosts are not looking good lately, that is true, but this squad has the quality to fight for the top six places. VVV have lost 80% of matches on the road so we have no doubts about full time winner pick.

Heerenveen to score in both halves is going to be the secondary suggestion at 2.10.

Heerenveen vs VVV-Venlo: Bet Tips

• Home win @ 1.55

• Hosts to score in both halves @ 2.10.

PSV Eindhoven vs Willem II Prediction & Match Preview

PSV Eindhoven vs Willem II
Dutch Eredivisie
Date: Saturday,8 February 2020
Kick-Off at 18:45 UK
Venue: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven

Clash between PSV Eindhoven and Willem II is the most anticipated for Eredivisie Saturday action.

Team from Tilburg is having a blast this season, sitting in the 4th position with 40 points from 21 games. This is the best start they had in almost two decades, but can this level of form be maintained?

Match at Philips Stadion is going to be a good indicator. Of course, PSV are big favorites for the win at 1.55 despite being four points behind the opposition.

PSV vs Willem II: Head-to-head

None of the last six head to head encounters have ended without a winner – PSV were victorious in four occasions, Willem II in two.

The first match in the season in Tilburg was won by the home team 2-1. Che Nunnely scored both goals for Willem II.

PSV vs Willem II: Prediction

PSV is not doing well in this campaign and their fans are aware that battle for the title is already lost. The biggest contender and the defending champion Ajax already have 14 points advantage over them.

Recently appointed head manager Ernest Faber is having a rough time healing team’s wound. PSV have lost four out of the last six encounters, having won none. Two of those losses were friendly games against Club Brugge and Eupen.

Donyell Malen is the only bright spot so far. This young striker has scored 11 goals so far. The last time PSV achieved a victory in Eredivisie was in mid-December here against Zwolle.

It is probably time for PSV to return to winning ways. We are tipping them to win this match, but also to concede at least one goal.

As for the secondary suggestion, we are backing the rising star Malen to score at anytime.

PSV vs Willem II: Bet Tips

• Home win & BTTS @ 3.00

• Malen to score anytime @ 2.00.F

Groningen vs Vitesse Prediction & Match Preview

FC Groningen vs Vitesse
Dutch Eredivisie
Date: Saturday,8 February 2020
Kick-Off at 17:30 UK
Venue: Hitachi Capital Mobility Stadium, Groningen

Saturday’s action in Dutch Eredivisie is starting with an interesting clash between Groningen and Vitesse. Both sides are currently located in the upper part of the table with realistic chances to battle for Europa League playoffs.

None of them secured victory in the previous showing, so getting three points here ahead of a tough schedule in February could be quite inspiring. In terms of the odds, hosts are warm favorites for the win at 2.37 rate.

Groningen vs Vitesse: Head-to-head

There were 55 head to head duels between these two teams in the past. Vitesse are having a small 28-27 advantage when it comes to victories.

What is really interesting to mention is that six out of the last seven encounters between them have ended with BTTS & Over 2.5 FT.

Groningen vs Vitesse: Prediction

Performances at Hitachi Capital have been the strongest characteristic of Groningen so far. They have won six encounters here in ten appearances, scoring 16 and conceding only eight goals. All of the defeats were narrow and usually happened against top tier teams.

There are a couple of sidelined players for this match though – El Hankouri, Gudmundsson and Dallinga. Another issue is poor efficiency. Groningen are the fourth worst team in the league when it comes to scoring.

As for their opposition, team Vitesse are having completely different playstyle, sitting in the 5th position with 35 points. This squad has bagged 36 goals so far, which averages around 1.65 per match. As for the results away from home, so far, they have five wins, two draws and four losses.

Hosts are struggling when it comes to scoring, while Vitesse have 38% loss rate away from home. We feel confident to pick draw or away win double chance and back it with high stake.

Both teams to score is the secondary choice, mainly because of previous head to head duels.

Groningen vs Vitesse: Bet Tips

• Draw or away win @ 1.55

• Both teams to score @ 1.75.

Royal Excel Mouscron vs Oostende Prediction & Match Preview

Royal Excel Mouscron vs Oostende
Belgium – First Division A
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020
Kick-off at 19:30 UK / 20:30 CET
Venue:  Stade Le Canonnier (Mouscron).

Oostende have not had a taste of success on the road since their 2-1 win over Anderlecht, way back in late August. With the visitors also winless in their past three trips here, count on Royal Excel Mouscron to deny their foes of a victory in this one.

Royal Excel Mouscron vs Oostende Head to head (h2h)

• Their last meeting ended in a 2-2 draw.
• Four of their past five fixtures have featured more than 2.5 goals on the charts.
• Both teams have found the back of the net together in five of their previous eight encounters.
• None of their last ten clashes have finished as a stalemate.
• Oostende have registered the win four times in their past fifteen matchups. (W-4, D-5, L-6)

Royal Excel Mouscron vs Oostende Prediction

Royal Excel Mouscron have been hit by a sharp decline in form which has seen the hosts fail to pick up a single point in their past four games. Their most recent clash, in particular, witnessed the home team lose to Anderlecht by a narrow 1-0 scoreline on the road.

With just one win from their previous six clashes in the top flight, Royal Excel Mouscron have slumped to tenth on the ladder.

On the other hand, Oostende were given a much-needed breather last week, after they took down St Truiden at home with a 1-0 scorecard. The win was their first in five games though and has also brought a dismal four-match losing streak to an abrupt halt.

However, it has been quite some time since Oostende last posted a win on the road. Miserably, they have admitted defeat in each of their past nine outings on the trot.

Additionally, the visitors have not secured the bragging rights in any of their previous three trips to this stadium either. Taking into account that the hosts have also stumbled just thrice at home this season, the traveling faithful can rule out any hopes of coming out on top this weekend.

Be that as it may, it is too soon to call a clear winner in this one. The hosts have shared the spoils five times at home so far. Considering that the reverse fixture of this clash had also ended as a tie, it will be a lot safer to back a draw no bet.

Furthermore, the visitors have hardly shown any resistance in their own defensive third away from home. Disappointingly, they have conceded seven goals from their past two outings alone.

Meanwhile, Royal Excel Mouscron have not been shy in finding the back of the net at home. Eighteen of the thirty-one goals that they have scored so far have come from their clashes on home soil.

Given that five of the last six fixtures at this stadium have also been high scoring affairs, expect a total of three goals or more on the final scorecards come Saturday.

Royal Excel Mouscron vs Oostende Betting tips

• Draw no bet: Royal Excel Mouscron @ 1.60 (3/5)

• Over 2.5 goals @ 1.75 (3/4).

St.Truiden vs Eupen Prediction & Match Preview

St.Truiden vs Eupen
Belgium – First Division A
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020
Kick-off at 19:00 UK / 20:00 CET
Venue: Stayen (Sint-Truiden).

Eupen have not picked up back to back victories on the road since late October. With St Truiden unbeaten at home in their past two matchups, the visitors are in line to drop points this weekend.

St.Truiden vs Eupen Head to head (h2h)

• Their last clash witnessed St.Truiden pull off a 2-0 victory.
• Three of their past five meetings have featured over 2.5 goals on the charts.
• Both teams have found the back of the net together in five of their previous six fixtures.
• Four of their last ten encounters have finished as a tie.
• Eupen have registered the win just twice in their past ten games. (W-2, D-4, L-4)

St.Truiden vs Eupen Prediction

St.Truiden were denied a third straight win by Oostende, who got the better of them with a narrow 1-0 scoreline last week. Despite recording three shots on target in that latter matchup, the hosts failed to get their names on the scoresheet and subsequently made the trip back home without so much as a consolation goal.

Nevertheless, the home team are still holding to a spot in the top ten and are currently three points ahead of Eupen as well.

On the other hand, the visitors are on a promising run of form at the moment. Impressively, the guests have been recording consecutive wins in their past two games, and are unbeaten in their previous three on the trot.

Be that as it may, it needs saying that two of those three clashes were in the comforts of their home. On the road, Eupen have stumbled four times in their last five outings alone.

In sharp contrast, St.Truiden have admitted defeat just twice in their past eight games here. Moreover, both of those losses came against sides that are currently dwelling in the top ten.

Taking into account that the visitors have not come out on top in any of their last two trips to this stadium either, Eupen are the outright underdogs to secure the bragging rights in this one.

However, the hosts have shared the spoils five times at home this season. Given that their last meeting with this foe here had also witnessed both teams salvage a point each, a Draw no bet is sizing up to be the safest punt.

Furthermore, goals have been in abundance whenever these two sides square up against each other at this venue. In fact, all of their past four h2h meetings here have featured no less than four goals or more, on the final scorecards.

Additionally, ten of the twenty goals that Eupen have scored so far have come from their clashes on the road. As such, count on both teams to rack up the goals tally this weekend.

St.Truiden vs Eupen Betting tips

• Draw no bet: St.Truiden @ 1.60 (3/5)

• Over 2.5 goals @ 2.00 (1/1).

Cercle Brugge vs KV Mechelen Prediction & Match Preview

Cercle Brugge vs KV Mechelen
Belgium – First Division A
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020
Kick-off at 19:00 UK / 20:00 CET
Venue: Jan Breydel Stadion (Brugge).

Cercle Brugge can slump no further down the table as they have hit rock bottom with just eleven measly points. And now, with KV Mechelen sporting the second-best away statistics on the ladder, it goes without saying that the hosts have their work cut out for them in this one too.

Cercle Brugge vs KV Mechelen Head to head (h2h)

• Their previous meeting saw KV Mechelen come out on top with a 3-1 scoreline.
• Two of their past five fixtures have featured fewer than 2.5 goals on the charts.
• Both teams have found the back of the net together in five of their last eight encounters.
• Only one of their previous ten clashes have ended as a tie.
• KV Mechelen have registered the win in six of their past ten games. (W-6, D-1, L-3)

Cercle Brugge vs KV Mechelen Prediction

Cercle Brugge painstakingly admitted a four consecutive defeat last week after Eupen edged past them on the road with a narrow 1-0 scoreline. The hosts though, looked almost certain to salvage a point in that latter clash after the referee awarded them a penalty in the closing stages of regulation time.

However, Kevin Hoggas failed to find the back of the net from twelve yards out, forcing the home team to return empty-handed. It is also worth mentioning that Cercle Brugge have not had a taste of success in the top flight since their flash in the pan win over Zulte Waregem back in December.

On the other hand, KV Mechelen have been struggling to get things going in their recent clashes as well. The visitors have been recording back to back defeats in their past two encounters, the last of which was at the hands of Gent by a thumping 3-0 scorecard at home.

Be that as it may, the guests have been faring a lot better on the road this season. Impressively, they have stumbled just twice in their past seven outings.

In sharp contrast, the hosts have been at the losing end in three of their previous four games in front of the home crowd. Taking into account that they failed to secure the bragging rights in their previous meeting with this foe here too, Cercle Brugge have little or no chance of causing an upset this week.

Nevertheless, back a double chance, just to be on the safer side.

Furthermore, to be frank, the hosts have not gone down without a fight in their matchups at home. Admirably, they have found the back of the net at least once in each of their last six fixtures here.

Meanwhile, KV Mechelen have conceded seven goals from their past five outings alone. Considering that the reverse fixture of this matchup had also witnessed both teams get their names on the scoresheet together, expect neither side to have a clean sheet intact this Saturday.

Cercle Brugge vs KV Mechelen Betting tips

• Double chance: Draw or KV Mechelen @ 1.50 (1/2)

• Both teams to score @ 1.60 (3/5).

Sporting Charleroi vs Zulte Waregem Prediction & Match Preview

Sporting Charleroi vs Zulte Waregem
Belgium – First Division A
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020
Kick-off at 17:00 UK / 18:00 CET
Venue: Stade du Pays de Charleroi (Charleroi).

Sporting Charleroi have been a force to reckon with on home soil as of late. With h2h history here also indicating a clear upper hand for the hosts, Zulte Waregem are left with no reason to have their hopes up come Saturday.

Sporting Charleroi vs Zulte Waregem Head to head (h2h)

• Their last clash saw Zulte Waregem post a 2-0 victory.
• Only one of their previous five encounters have featured fewer than 2.5 goals on the charts.
• Both teams have found the back of the net together in five of their past eight meetings.
• Two of their last ten fixtures have ended as a tie.
• Zulte Waregem have registered the win thrice in their previous fifteen matchups. (W-3, D-2, L-10)

Sporting Charleroi vs Zulte Waregem Prediction

Sporting Charleroi admitted what was only their fourth defeat of the season last week on the road, after Genk edged past them with a narrow 1-0 scoreline. The hosts are now without a win in their past three clashes in the top flight though, and have tasted success just once in their previous six across various competitions.

As of now, the home team have found themselves sitting fifth on the ladder with forty-one points to their name.

On the other hand, Zulte Waregem managed to bring their dismal four-match losing streak to a close in their most recent clash with Waasland-Beveren at home. Impressively, the visitors smashed five unanswered goals past their counterparts in that latter matchup.

Be that as it may, the guests are yet to show any signs of conviction away from home this season. Miserably, they have been at the losing end in each of their previous four outings on the trot.

To make matter worse, Sporting Charleroi are unbeaten at home in their past six fixtures and have dropped points on just one occasion. Given that the hosts have also secured the bragging rights in each of their last seven h2h meetings here, Zulte Waregem can rule out any hopes of coming out on top this weekend.

Furthermore, the hosts have looked lively in the final third at home and have scored ten goals from their last four games here alone. In addition, seven of the past eight h2h meetings at this stadium have witnessed a total of three goals or more on the final scorecards.

Taking into account that the reverse fixture of this matchup was also a high scoring affair, expect no dearth of goals in this one too.

Sporting Charleroi vs Zulte Waregem Betting tips

• Sporting Charleroi to win @ 1.60 (3/5)

• Over 2.5 goals @ 1.75 (3/4).

FC Porto vs Benfica Prediction & Match Preview

FC Porto vs Benfica
Portugal – Primeira Liga
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020
Kick-off at 20:30 UK/ 21:30 CET
Venue: Estádio do Dragão (Porto).

Quite easily the most anticipated match of the Primeira Liga this season, and in almost all other seasons for that matter. These two are the very best teams in the competition, and in fact, are miles ahead of the rest of the roster. By all means, expect a fiery encounter with the in-form offense of either squad scoring goals at both ends of the pitch.

FC Porto vs Benfica Head-to-head (h2h)

• The reverse fixture had ended in a 0-2 win for Porto on the road.
• Five of the last six overall h2h wins had gone to the teams that were on the road.
• The last time these two met at this venue, Benfica had won 1-2.
• Eight of the previous eleven wins at this venue had gone to the hosts.

FC Porto vs Benfica Match Preview

Porto were on the road the last match-day, and in spite of that, they destroyed Setubal with a 0-4 scoreline. It was their fifth league win in the prior six attempts, and was a testament to their dedication to chase after the Primeira Liga title.

Elsewhere, Benfica defeated Belenenses at home, and the scoreline was 3-2 in favor of the hosts. It was their sixth win in row. The team has been on fire for the whole of the season, and to be frank, they seem the favorite to lift the title at the end of the season once again.

The two teams have been tearing the league apart in regards to goals. From their combined 38 matches so far, these two have fired in a total of 88 goals. And it needs to be mentioned that only two of the remaining teams in the roster have even scored a total of 30 goals till now.

In addition, the top spots already seem to be firmly in possession of Benfica, and Porto. Benfica have amassed 54 points so far, and Porto lies below with 47 points. With around a dozen of games remaining, the most any other team has posted on the board is, 33 points.

FC Porto vs Benfica Prediction

As mentioned earlier, the two teams have been on fire. The frontline of either squad have been scoring for fun, and this will be the ultimate stage to prove their prowess. Both Benfica and Porto are locked in a battle to become the best team in Portugal, and we can firmly count on them to play for a win this Saturday.

Moreover, there’s also a tale of enmity between these two sides. Last season, Porto was considered to the favorite to lift the title, and were in the hunt till the very last match-day. However, Benfica broke their hearts and became champions. As such, sparks are sure to fly this weekend at the Estádio do Dragão.

In this battle for the crown of Portugal, either squad will give their best on the pitch, and this really is the perfect recipe for a goal-fest. Likely, the BTTS bet as well as the Over 2.5 Match Goals bet should bring in huge returns this Saturday.

Going on, Porto had inflicted the only loss for Benfica this league season, and in fact, that match proved to be the only one where the latter had dropped points. Which means, if not for that fixture, Benfica would have won all 19 of their 19 league games so far.

As such, Benfica will be particular to not let Porto pull the double over them, and they know a win this match-day would practically seal the title. Consequentially, expect Benfica to avoid a loss this Saturday.

FC Porto vs Benfica Betting Tips

• Both Teams to Score @ 1.90 (9/10)

• Double Chance: Benfica or Draw @ 1.60 (3/5).

Braga vs Gil Vicente Prediction & Match Preview

Braga vs Gil Vicente
Portugal – Primeira Liga
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020
Kick-off at 18:00 UK / 19:00 CET
Venue: Estádio Municipal de Braga (Braga).

Gil Vicente’s efforts to pick up a win here have gone in vain for the past two decades. With Braga on a winning run of form, as always, the traveling faithful are left with no reason to have their hopes up this weekend.

Braga vs Gil Vicente Head to head (h2h)

• Their last clash witnessed Braga record a 1-0 win.
• Four of their past five meetings have featured more than 2.5 goals on the charts.
• Both teams have found the back of the net together in half of their previous eight encounters.
• Two of their last ten matchups have ended as a tie.
• Gil Vicente have registered the win just once in their past ten fixtures. (W-1, D-2, L-7)

Braga vs Gil Vicente Prediction

Braga have finally hit the ground running in their domestic campaign and are well on track to the top spot. The hosts have been tasting nothing but success in their previous eight games across various competitions, the last of which saw them take down Sporting at home with a 1-0 scoreline.

With a total of thirty-three points to their name, Braga are currently sitting third on the ladder, fourteen points behind second-placed FC Porto.

Meanwhile, Gil Vicente will be making the trip to Estadio Municipal de Braga on the back of a dismal three-match winless run. Their last clash at home saw them admit defeat to Moreirense by a whopping 5-1 scorecard. While on the road, FC Porto edged past with a narrow 2-1 victory.

It is also worth mentioning that the visitors have not secured the bragging rights away from home since their 2-1 win over Aves, back in late November.

In sharp contrast, Braga have garnered maximum points from their past two games here. Impressively, they have also stumbled just twice in front of the home crowd this season.

Taking into account that Gil Vicente have not come out on top in any of their previous visits to this stadium either, back Braga to pick up all three points in this one.

Furthermore, the scorecards have been one-sided, more often than not, when these two sides lock horns here. All but one of their past five h2h fixtures at this venue have seen Braga emerge victoriously by a two-goal margin or more.

In addition, the visitors have conceded seven goals from their previous six outings alone. As such, count on Braga to win and to win big at that.

Braga vs Gil Vicente Betting tips

• Braga to win @ 1.40 (2/5)

• Over 2.5 goals @ 1.75 (3/4).

Famalicao vs Vitoria de Guimaraes Prediction & Match Preview

Famalicao vs Vitoria de Guimaraes
Portugal – Primeira Liga
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020
Kick-off at 15:30 UK / 16:30 CET
Venue:  Estadio Municipal de Famalicao (Vila Nova de Famalicao).

Famalicao have been a tough team to take down this season, and even more so on home soil. With Vitoria de Guimaraes dropping points in eight of their last nine outings, the hosts are the frontrunners to pick up the win in their maiden meeting here this week.

Famalicao vs Vitoria de Guimaraes Head to head (h2h)

Their only previous matchup was the reverse fixture of this clash which ended in a 1-1 tie.

Famalicao vs Vitoria de Guimaraes Prediction

Famalicao salvaged just a point against Rio Ave on the road last week after the latter managed to pull off a stellar comeback in the second half to post a 2-2 scorecard. The hosts are now without a win in their past four games in all competitions and have tasted success just twice in their past six as well.

Nevertheless, the home team are currently sitting fifth on the ladder, and are trailing behind fourth-placed Sporting only on goal difference. It is also worth mentioning that Famalicao are boasting a solid seven-point cushion over their foes for the weekend too.

On the other hand, Vitoria Guimaraes recorded back to back defeats for the first time in the league after they failed to get the better of Rio Ave at home, and then Boavista on the road. Miserably, the guests have are without a win in four of their previous five clashes in the top flight.

To make matters worse, the visitors have let down the traveling faithful, more often than not, this season. They have just one measly win from their outings so far, that too against Tondela way back in September.

In sharp contrast, Famalicao have admitted defeat on just two occasions at home so far. With Vitoria de Guimaraes evidently underperforming, away from home, the hosts are well in contention to pick up all three points this weekend.

However, the visitors have shared the spoils five times on the road. Taking into account that their reverse fixture had also finished as a tie, a draw no bet is sizing up to be the safest punt in this one.

Furthermore, the hosts have been keen on racking up the goal scoring charts on home soil. Admirably, they have scored two goals or more, in six of their past eight first-division games here.

Given that the visitors have found the back of the net nine times from their outings as well, expect nothing short of a high scoring affair to unfold on Saturday.

Famalicao vs Vitoria de Guimaraes Betting tips

• Double chance: Famalicao or Draw @ 1.50 (1/2)

• Over 2.5 goals @ 1.80 (4/5).

Belenenses vs Santa Clara Prediction & Match Preview

Belenenses SAD vs Santa Clara
Portugal – Primeira Liga
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020
Kick off at 15:30 UK / 16:30 CET
Venue: Estádio Nacional do Jamor (Lisabon – Oeiras).

With just three wins from their past nine fixtures here, Belenenses SAD are miserably sporting one of the worst home statistics in the cluster. As such, Santa Clara are well in line to salvage at least a point this weekend.

Belenenses vs Santa Clara Head to head (h2h)

• Their previous meeting finished in a stalemate.
• Three of their past four fixtures have featured fewer than 2.5 goals on the charts.
• Both teams have found the back of the net together in half of their last six encounters.
• Four of their previous eight clashes have ended as a tie.
• Santa Clara have registered the win in four of their past fifteen matchups. (W-4, D-7, L-4)

Belenenses vs Santa Clara Prediction

Belenenses SAD made a swift return to losing ways, following their flash in the pan win over Portimonense, after Benfica edged past them on the road last week in a five-goal thriller. Despite finding the back of the net twice in that latter matchup, the hosts failed to keep their counterparts at bay and ended up conceding a goal more.

With just one win from their previous six matchups, the home team are currently sitting fifteenth in a cluster of eighteen.

On the other hand, Santa Clara are sporting a healthy five-point cushion over the hosts at the moment. The guests have secured maximum points from their past two clashes as well, the most recent of which was a 2-1 win over Pacos de Ferriera at home.

It is also worth mentioning that the visitors have stumbled just once in their previous five outings. In sharp contrast, Belenenses have just one win to boast of from their past four fixtures here. Piling on even more misery, the hosts have not secured the bragging rights in any of their last two meetings with this foe on home soil.

Taking the aforementioned into consideration, the win is more than likely to swing in favor of Santa Clara in this one.

Be that as it may, the visiting contingent have shared the spoils on three occasions, away from home, so far. Given that both teams were inseparable in the reverse fixture too, it will be a lot safer to back a double chance this week.

Furthermore, goals have certainly been hard to come by whenever these two sides lock horns here. All of their past four h2h meetings at this stadium have featured no more than a goal or two at the most on the final scorecards.

In addition, the visitors have won two of their previous three trips on the road by a 1-0 scorecard. Hence, count on goals to be scarce come Saturday as well.

Belenenses vs Santa Clara Betting tips

• Double chance: Draw or Santa Clara @ 1.50 (1/2)

• Under 2.5 goals @ 1.60 (3/5).

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds Prediction & Match Preview

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
English Championship
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020
Kick-Off at 17:30 UK
Venue: The City Ground, Nottingham.

The 31st Round of the English Championship is bringing us big derby match of Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.

Both squads are having super-rich football history, but they have spent a lot of time playing in tier two division. This year can be a game-changer, especially for visitors who are currently sitting in 2nd position with 55 points, four ahead of Nottingham.

All in all, we are expecting to see a narrow contest. Judging by the odds, visitors are warm favorites for the win with the price of 2.05.

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United: Head-to-head

• There were 71 head to head matches between these two teams in the past.
• Leeds are having a small 26-21 lead in terms of victories.
• Interestingly, the last three clashes have ended with both teams scoring at least once: 1-1, 4-2, 1-1.

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United: Prediction

It is fair to say that Nottingham are the biggest surprise package in this division so far. They are occupying the 4th position and another series of back-to-back victories could even get them into the promotion zone.

Team’s biggest strength so far is ability to equally play on high level both at home and on the road. Forest earned seven wins at the City Ground, seven away from home.

In terms of the recent form, hosts are ahead by miles, having won eight points while Leeds have only four.

Both teams belong to the top six positions on standings this season. Nottingham have been in better shape lately, but Leeds are very hard to beat on the road. Draw seems like the most realistic outcome.

Both teams to score is the biggest banker bet and the safest way to approach the fixture.

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United: Bet Tips

• Draw @ 3.40

• Both teams to score @ 1.80.

Brentford vs Middlesbrough Prediction & Match Previewf

Brentford vs Middlesbrough
English Championship
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020
Kick-Off at 15:00 UK
Venue: Griffin Park, Brentford

Many teams, including Brentford, have taken advantage of poor results of Leeds United and West Bromwich, narrowing the gap and making the promotion battle much more interesting in the English Championship.

Brentford vs Middlesbrough: Head-to-head

• These two teams have met 21 times in the past and Middlesbrough have the 10-6 lead in terms of victories.
• The most recent clash took place on 10th August 2019 and Brentford won it on the road 1-0.
• Five out of the last seven duels have seen both teams score at least once.

Brentford vs Middlesbrough: Prediction

As the matter of fact, The Bees have the best goal difference in league right now thanks to commanding 5-1 win against Hull City last weekend. They will try to keep up with great form this Saturday in front of the home crowd against table strugglers Middlesbrough. The odds-on home win at the moment are 1.55.

Middlesbrough have had many ups and downs this season. Team from Riverside is sitting in the 18th position on the table, but they still have a lot of breathing room from relegation zone teams.

Jonathan Woodgate can’t be happy with performances of his offensive line. Boro produced only 30 goals in 30 matches, which is way under the pre-season expectations.

If we exclude surprising 1-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest, Brentford’s fans are having tons of reasons to be happy. The team won three encounters in the last three weeks against Bristol City, QPR and Hull City with a total goal difference of 12-2.

We will back hosts to continue their promotion chase and to win this match. Backing home win and both teams to score is a good value as well.

As for the secondary suggestion, Brentford’s Ollie Watkins has been on fire in the last couple of months so consider backing him to bag at least one goal.

Brentford vs Middlesbrough: Bet Tips

• Home win @ 1.55

• Ollie Watkins to score @ 2.12.

Stoke vs Charlton Prediction & Match Preview

Stoke vs Charlton
England – Championship
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020
Kick-off at 15:00 UK/ 16:00 CET
Venue: Bet365 Stadium (Stoke on Trent).

Both teams are trying to avoid the relegation zone, and as a result, points are in dire need for either squad. However, Stoke are tipped to be the favorites this Saturday, owing to their impressive performances at home since December. Coupled to that, Charlton have been a total disaster on the road as well.

Stoke vs Charlton Head-to-head (h2h)

• Since 2000, not a single game has been won by a team on the road.
• Disregarding a single encounter, every single clash since 2000 had goals from both teams, as well as over 2.5 goals.
• At this venue, Stoke hold a 100% winning record.
• The last time these two met at this venue, Stoke won 2-1.

Stoke vs Charlton Match Preview

Stoke were defeated on the road the last match-day by Derby. The scoreline was a huge 4-0, in favor of the hosts, and the loss will surely compel Stoke to make amends this upcoming match-day.

Meanwhile, Charlton delivered a closely-fought 2-1 win at home, over Barnsley the prior game week. 

While the win does provide joy, the fact that it was at home, and against Barnsley (who were not only recently promoted, but are fighting to avoid relegation as of now) diminished the value of the victory.

In fact, the win had come for Charlton after a series of six winless fixtures (of which four were losses), and the team was also winless in 17 of their previous 19 overall match-ups. 

Importantly, on the road, the team is on an eleven-game winless run, and had lost six of their former seven trips as well.

On the other hand, Stoke are unbeaten in their last five home matches. They had also kept clean sheets in four of those fixtures, and scored twice or more in three of those games.

Stoke vs Charlton Prediction

Home advantage will likely play a big role in determining the outcome of the game. Stoke have been on a roll in front of the home crowd in the past two months.

On the other hand, Charlton have been a total failure in away games this season. On top of that, not a single h2h clash  in the last 20 years has seen a win by team on the road, and most importantly, at this venue, Stoke hold a 100% winning record against this rival since 2000.

Also keep note that Charlton have conceded twice or more in every one of their visits to this stadium over the earlier-mentioned period.

Taking into account all these pointers, rightfully feel confident about backing Stoke for a convincing win this Saturday.

Stoke vs Charlton Betting Tips

• Stoke to Win @ 1.50 (1/2)

• To Score in First Half: Stoke @ 1.67 (2/3).

Luton vs Cardiff Prediction & Match Preview

Luton vs Cardiff
England – Championship
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2020
Kick-off at 15:00 UK/ 16:00 CET
Venue: Kenilworth Road (Luton).

Luton are the worst team in the competition as of now, and they are rightfully placed dead-last in the table. They are also a recently-promoted team from the League One, and are taking on a recently-relegated squad from the Premier League – Cardiff. Suffice it to say, that the guests, Cardiff, are the favorites.

Luton vs Cardiff Head-to-head (h2h)

• Cardiff had won the reverse league fixture, at home, with a 2-1 scoreline.
• Luton have won just once in the past 15 years, and the victory had come in the EFL Cup.
• Three of the former five clashes saw Luton concede two or more goals.
• The last Luton won at home was 18 years back.

Luton vs Cardiff Match Preview

Luton lost on the road the last match-day against West Brom. The scoreline was 2-0 in favor of the hosts, and it was the ninth loss of the team in their prior eleven games. 

The long series of defeats have made it clear to the rest of the league, that Luton will most probably take a place in the League One next season.

In the meantime, Cardiff secured a 1-1 draw in front of the home crowd the prior game week, against Reading. The hosts were trailing 0-1 even into the late stages of the fixture, but managed to find the equalizer, and thus salvage one point. 

It was the seventh straight unbeaten match of the team, and with that they reiterated their commitment to make it to the playoffs.

Going on, Cardiff were unbeaten in 16 of their last 18 overall match-ups, and they remained invincible in 11 of their prior 15 road trips. 

On the other hand, Luton had lost nine of their previous eleven overall fixtures, and 15 of their preceding 19 games as well. They were also winless in eight of their former twelve matches in front of the home crowd, and failed to keep a clean sheet in 19 of their 20 appearances here.

Luton vs Cardiff Prediction

Luton are a team that plied their trade in the third division of English Football the last season, while counterparts Cardiff were part of arguably the toughest competition in the world, the Premier League.

On top of that, Luton are now placed dead-last in the table, while Cardiff are going after a spot in the playoffs. Moreover, Luton have conceded the most number of goals in the contest so far, 65, while only two other teams have even crossed the 50-goal mark.

In addition, Luton had also lost the reverse fixture of this game, and taking into account all these observations, we adjudge that Cardiff are the favorites this weekend.

Luton vs Cardiff Betting Tips

• Double Chance: Cardiff or Draw @ 1.40 (2/5)

• Cardiff to Win Either Half @ 1.67 (2/3).