That Friday feeling...

No, not the taste of lager on your lips. I'm talking about the anticipation to the weekend's football action and the chance to improve those bank balances. We have possibly the least matches to pick from as at any point this year this weekend, but with the Under 21 tournament as well as Scandinavian, Russian and South American football, there's still plenty of chances to invest. So far the England Under 21's have looked like an even poorer version of the senior side. The entire first hour against Ukraine was spent with either the centre backs panicking as someone was within 10 yards of them, and punting it at Welbeck's head. Or the midfield panicking as someone was within 25 yards of them, and punting it out of play. Hopeless wouldn't even begin to describe the shower of shit I've so far wasted almost 4 hours of my life on. Thankfully, they have been playing sides who can play and pass, and have somewhat restored my faith in football. And I'm sure all the England lads need is more PASSION anyway, isn't it? IN-GER-LAND and all that. Anyhoo, let's take a look at where I'll be punting this weekend.



Iceland U21 v Denmark U21, Saturday 1945

My first tip will come from the Under 21 tournament in Denmark with a Scandinavian derby between Iceland and the hosts. Iceland have so far lived up to their pre-tournament reputation as leaky at the back, but have also unfortunately failed to spark up front. Gyllfi Sigurdsson has so far looked the only player of any class in the side, and has frankly looked a bit miffed at his team-mates lack of ability at times. Denmark started off poorly in being beaten by Switzerland. This result should be looked at in context though. The Swiss are adept at bringing through solid youth sides and regularly make the later stages in youth tournaments. It is transferring this into the senior side where they come unstuck, and mostly due to a lack of goals. The Danes looked much better in the second match in beating a very decent Belarus side 2-1 to give themselves all to play for in this last group match. Iceland can still qualify if results go their way and they score an absolute hatful. I would fully expect them to throw the kitchen sink at the Danes as they have absolutely nothing to lose and it is their strength anyway. I would also expect the Danes to score at least one as they will also be looking for a win and Iceland will no doubt be all over the show at the back. I'll be backing Over 3.0 goals at an appealing price of 2.42 at Bet365.

England U21 v Czech Republic U21, Sunday 1945

Also from the Under 21 tournament is England's final group game, and a must win if they have hopes of qualifying for the Semi Finals. The Czech's beat the Ukraine in their opening match and were then downed by the Spanish in their second game to leave them only needing a draw in this to qualify. England have so far been let down by their absolutely hopeless central midfielders as well as Stuart Pearce's frankly shite tactical acumen. Hit and hope seems to be the order of the day. This would be fine if Andy Carroll were playing, but Pearce seems not to have noticed that instead of a pasty, booze-ridden Geordie he in fact has a skilful black lad up top in Danny Welbeck and is wasting last season's break-out performer Danny Sturridge on the wing. Whilst I'm here I would like to add that Michael Mancienne looks like the single worst passer of a football I have ever seen and the fact he is captain of this side speaks volumes about the teams abilities and also Pearce's management. England do however possess real quality in the back four. Phil Jones looks like John Terry if 'JT' knew how to play football, and Kyle Walker looks like he is already better than Glen Johnson at right back. Although anyone who knows about positioning at all would be better than Glen Johnson. Chris Smalling and Ryan Bertrand also look a couple of very able players. I think Pearce will learn his lesson and start with the in-form Scott Sinclair ahead of the woeful Danny Rose and move Sturridge in-field more. This should see England psoing a far greater threat so I'll get behind them at more realistic prices than early on of 2.1 at most firms.

Dynamo Moscow v Tom Tomsk, Saturday 1330

Heading further East to the Russian Premier League and the land of the good home record. With the country being so large and therefore travelling between matches an arduous process many teams build their seasons on home form. Last season saw Spartak Nalchik make a concerted push for most of the season on the back of a superb home record and so far Anzhi are doing the same this term. The Moscow teams have always been involved in the title picture and this season looks like it will be no different with both CSKA and Loko in the Top 4 and Spartak and Dynamo in hovering just below Europa League positions. Dynamo have gone off like a train at home having played six matches and showing a record of 3 wind, 3 draws and 10 scored and 6 conceded. It's definitely the place to watch a match if you're looking for excitement. Tom Tomsk have played six away and have won1, drawn 2 and lost 3 with 7 scored and 12 conceded. This looks like it should be an entertaining contest! Currently Ladbrokes have odds of 2.04 on Over 2.5 goals and I would expect that to be between 1.85 and 1.9 when they do some research so get on now.

Amkar Perm v Anzhi, Saturday 1330

Another lunchtime kick off on Saturday from Russia sees this seasons surprise side so far Anzhi taking on mid-table Amkar. Anzhi have climbed the table due to being hard to beat and also having also not lost a match at home whilst also only conceding 1 goal at home in six matches. However comma away from home is a different story, with a much more erratic record. They have played 7, won 2, drawn 2 and lost 3, scoring 7 goals and conceding 10 in the process. Amkar have a home record of played 7, won 3, drawn 2 and lost 2 whilst scoring and conceding 6 goals. They are both built to not concede many and to try and get a goal and hold on to it where possible. My money would be on a low scoring draw in this match. Stan James are standout at 3.2 on the draw and I'll take those odds.

Quilmes v Olimpo, Saturday 1900

To South America now, and the Argentinian Clausura tournament for this bet. Velez have once again dominated this league, and were it not for the distraction of the Copa Libertadores they would probably have wrapped it up by now. The traditional big two of Boca and River have been slightly improved this season having failed to impress in recent years as bad finances and young players leaving at ever earlier ages had taken their toll. This match pits sixth placed Olimpo and lower mid table Quilmes together. Olimpo have been better away from home this season. They have managed to draw 5 from 10 at home, whereas they have won 5 from 9 away. This stunning away form has been hugely responsible for their climb up the table and it has been built on not conceding many away. Quilmes have been relatively similar both home and away, but have not scored enough to regularly win matches. Looking at their relative form sees Quilmes unbeaten in 3 and Olimpo having failed to win in 3 so I'm going to ignore the seasons form and look more short term. Back Quilmes at a best priced 2.4 at Stan James.

Ceara v Sao Paulo, Sunday 2000

Staying in South America sees me looking towards the Brazilian Serie A for some more action. They are only four games into the league, but Sao Paulo have so far won all those four matches having scored 7 and only conceded once. They are looking phenomenal so far and Lucas looks like a fine player having scored in both the opening matches. Ceara have only won once so far, in something of an upset by beating Internacional with 10 men away from home. In their other 3 matches they have lost 2 and drawn 1 having scored 4 and conceded 9. They are clearly the team to watch if you're a neutral in Brazil, but this sort of cavalier approach will surely see them picked apart by a tight Sao Paulo side. I was going to be greedy and handicap Sao Paulo, but that would be mad when match prices are appealing enough to make a tidy sum from. Back the away side at 2.35 with William Hill.

Flamengo v Botafogo, Sunday 2000

Last tip of the weekend will again come from Brazil's top division. As mentioned we are in the very early season so far, so it hard to be as certain of a team enduring class as opposed to just short-term form. What I am basically saying is...DO NOT PUT THE MORTGAGE ON. However, there is a chance to try and find some decent value as certain sides look a much better prospect long term. Flamengo are one such side. The odds seem to have taken into account last seasons poor finish, but they were very poor away and that was what cost them. Their home form was pretty decent and Botafogo were similar. Botafogo rose as high as fourth last term on the back of only losing once all season at home, but they lost 6 and drew 7 away. This term so far has seen Flamengo opening with a 4-0 win at home over Avai before drawing 2 away and getting a creditable draw at home with Corinthians. They have also scored 9 and bagged at least one in every match so far. Botafogo have won both matches at home, but have have been beaten by Palmeiras and held to a draw by Ceara away. I would be tempted to get behind Flamengo here. Betfair are still at 2.16 and I would expect that to be more like 2.05 by match time so take it now.