Predictions from Journalist

Backa Topola’s defending is an issue

Confidence should not be low in the home camp after they pulled off their best result of the season last time out, winning 4-0 at the home of league leaders Partizan Belgrade.

However, they conceded five times without replay on their recent trip to Freiburg and there are concerns they are no quite up to it defensively at this level.

Predictions:While capable of scoring, they may not keep the Hammers at bay, so a 3-1 away win may be of interest to those who relish a correct-score bet.

Expert: Ian Wilkerson - sports journalist

Despite Sporting's winning streak, it will likely be tougher than the average test they face in the Portuguese league and will likely be demanding.

But Atalanta's defense doesn't look as strong as it did a few weeks ago and the visitors can more than play their part.

Prediction : Gaps may appear at the end, so those who like to bet on the correct score may be attracted to a 2-2 draw.

Expert: Ian Wilkerson - sports journalist

In Wolverhampton's last 11 matches, there is a noticeable trend - in each of these games, both teams scored. In other words, you can't call his matches boring.

Arsenal showed a strong performance this week with a 6-0 win over France's Lance in the Champions League to finish top of their group. It's worth recognizing that Mikel Arteta's team may not have clearly played for all six goals, but the weaker caliber of their opponents contributed to the goal tally. The upcoming English Premier League match promises to be more competitive, and goals are likely to be harder to come by.

Timur Zhuravel predicts that Arsenal will find it difficult to keep their gates intact in another home game, and expects Wolverhampton to score at least one goal. However, he is leaning towards the London club winning, suggesting that the final score could be 2-1 or 3-1.

Prediction: Arsenal win + Total of the match over 2.5 goals.

Expert: Timur Zhuravel - football commentator.

The Italians won the group ahead of schedule and advanced to the playoffs of the second most important European Cup tournament. They go to Poland without motivation and are unlikely to put in much effort - it is better to save their energy for more important matches. “Raków”, if they win, can take third place and get into the playoffs of the UEFA Conference League.

Prediction: Therefore, we bet on the victory of the football club “Raków” .

Expert:  Artem Ivanov - Football expert

 Lisbon “Sporting” will play against “Storm” in the 6th round of the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. The head-to-head competition between the teams is scheduled for December 14, 2023 and will take place at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
 Sporting guaranteed themselves second place and will no longer rise higher in the standings. However, the Portuguese are playing at home and are unlikely to act carelessly. “Storm” need points, but the Austrians are noticeably weaker and have looked unimportant on the road lately – only one win in four matches

Prediction: We bet on Sporting's victory 

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

“Aris” will play against “Sparta” Prague in the 6th round of the group stage of the UEFA Europa League.

In the first round, “Sparta” won at home 3:2, and now the Cypriots will try to make the most of the field factor. However, “Aris” cannot boast of stability and has won only two of the last six matches. “Sparta” is on a streak of five victories and will make every effort to extend it.

Prediction: We bet on the victory of “Sparta”

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

Betis will host Rangers in the 6th round of the UEFA Europa League group stage.

Betis is first, and Rangers are second. There is one point difference between them, and there is no guarantee of the playoffs yet. Sparta Prague is also competing with them for a ticket to the relegation games. The Scots won at home in the first round, but can hardly count on a positive result in Spain. “Betis” are of a higher class and, in addition, have not lost at home this season – seven wins and three draws.

Prediction: We bet on Betis victory 

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

Brighton will host Marseille in the 6th round of the Europa League group stage. The match between them will take place on December 14, 2023 and will take place at the Amex Stadium.

The meeting of the teams in the first round ended in a draw. In the return, the English club is considered the favorite. “Brighton” is still second in the standings, but if they win they will overtake “Marseille” and win the quartet. The teams are in good shape, but the pitch factor is on the side of the Seagulls. “Marseille” achieved only two victories in 11 trips during the current season.

Prediction: We bet on Brighton's victory

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

The opponents lost the last three rounds of the tournament and will now compete for third place in the group and a ticket to the playoffs of the UEFA Conference League, respectively. “Ajax”, after a terrible start, began to improve and increasingly achieve positive results – the Amsterdam club is approaching the reporting meeting on a series of three victories. AEK have only two wins in their last five trips. We assume that “Ajax” uses the current form and field factor.

Prediction: bet on Ajax’s victory

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

The Serbs gained only one point in the group and are now at the bottom of the standings. Only a victory will suit them, but it’s hard to believe in such an outcome - the team is noticeably inferior to the Greeks in class. A draw would be enough for Olympiacos, but the hosts definitely won’t take risks and play for a draw, especially since the meeting will be held in front of their home stands.

Prediction: We bet on the victory of Olympiacos

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

West Ham will host Freiburg as part of the 6th round of the UEFA Europa League group stage. The meeting between them will take place on December 14, 2023 at the London Stadium.

In the first round, the Hammers won 2:1 away. Before the home game they are considered favorites and have a real chance to justify this status. The Londoners won both home matches in the Europa League and are also unbeaten on their home soil in four matches, taking into account different tournaments and competitions. “Freiburg” suffered three defeats in six previous trips.

Prediction: We bet on West Ham United to win

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

“Qarabag” reserves its chances to qualify for the playoffs in the final round of the Europa League group stage. To do this, the club just needs to get a home win over Hecken. The match will start on December 14th

Qarabag has enough motivation before the upcoming confrontation - in case of victory, the club practically guarantees itself second place and passage to the Europa League playoffs. “Hecken”, in turn, played too poorly in this tournament - zero points in five rounds. It is simply pointless for the club to fight in Azerbaijan, so it is unlikely that the guests will be able to grab points.

Prediction: You can bet on Qarabag handicap (-1) for 1.51.

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

Bayer no longer has any tournament motivation left within the Europa League. Even in the previous round, he rotated his squad without particularly involving the leaders, so this time the situation will most likely repeat itself, which should give Molde a free hand, because the opponent needs to take the maximum points - there is an opportunity for this, after all, the club currently has an unbeaten streak of six matches in a row.

Prediction: You can bet that Molde will not lose

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

“Slavia” before the final round of the group stage of the Europa League has a clear advantage over “Roma”, the main pursuer. A home victory over Servette should ensure its passage to the ⅛ finals. The match will start on December 14th 

Slavia’s advantage lies not only in the fact that it needs to win at any cost in order to get into the playoffs from the first position in the group. The team, in addition to this, also wins 65% of its meetings this season, and the fact that it was able to beat Roma at home says a lot. “Servette” was unable to show a decent result; in the last round he had nothing to fight for.

Prediction: You can bet on Slavia's handicap (-1)

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

Roma and Sheriff will play each other at the Olympic Stadium in the sixth round of the group stage of the Europa League. The intrigue for the Italians remains until the last moment - it is important for them to win. 

Roma before the last round of the Europa League simply has no choice but to take three points against Sheriff and hope that the situation will turn out positively in another meeting. The guests from Moldova have already lost any chance even of the Conference League, and one point from five meetings in the group stage speaks for itself about the class of this team.

Prediction: You can bet on Roma's handicap (-2) 

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

The final confrontation will take place between Panathinaikos and Maccabi Haifa in the fight for the Conference League. Which club will be able to get three points and move on?

Panathinaikos and Maccabi Haifa are having almost the same season this year. It is surprising that the hosts, for example, have 50% of victories in matches, and the guests - 45%, they are only slightly inferior to the Greek team. The position in the Europa League group, in general, can also be called equal, because they are separated by only two points. Everything goes to the point that it will not be possible to determine the winner.

Prediction: You can bet on a draw 

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

A serious fight will ensue between Rennes and Villarreal in the sixth round of the Europa League. The home team has the advantage, so the guests only need to take the maximum points.

The Rennes and Villarreal clubs are having an extremely unstable season in their own championships, they win only 35% of their meetings, but in the Europa League the situation is excellent for them - the teams are fighting for first place and for direct passage in the ⅛ Europa League. Most likely, none of them will be able to get three points and gain a clear advantage; they are in the same shape.

Prediction: You can bet on a draw

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

Before the last round of the group stage of the Europa League, LASK still has a chance to get into at least the Conference League. To do this, the team needs to get three points at the Raiffeisen Arena against Toulouse.

Toulouse must retain at least one point in the upcoming confrontation with LASK, since this is what should allow the French to reach the Europa League playoffs. Of course, the guests have every opportunity to get there, especially considering the fact that the Austrian club is having a bad run in this European Cup - it is in last position with only three points to its name, so it is seriously inferior in class to its opponent.

Prediction: You can bet that “Toulouse” will not lose 

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

“Darmstadt” does not achieve much in its debut season after returning to the “elite”. Judge for yourself: two wins, three draws and nine defeats. Nevertheless, from time to time the outsider produces good games - for example, you can remember the victories over Werder (4:2) and Augsburg (2:1), or the epic draw with Borussia Monchengladbach (3:3). We lead to the fact that “Darmstadt” is not as hopeless as it might seem at first glance.

We will surprise you, but in this case we will believe in the home team. The fact is that Wolfsburg is playing toothless away games this season: one win and six defeats, and it is also important to note the frightening goal difference of 7:18. It won’t be easy, but on their home field, the outsider is capable of putting up a fight and at least clinging to a draw. We don’t believe in visiting Wolfsburg at all.

Prediction: Our choice: Darmstadt win or draw 

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

Borussia has only four points in the last five rounds of the Bundesliga. However, we look at the level of opposition in this segment: Bayern, Leipzig, Bayer, Stuttgart and Borussia Mönchengladbach. Actually, there is no talk of a crisis, and the recent not very successful results are associated exclusively with the complex calendar.

Will Edin Terzic's team score three points in the 15th round? Rather yes than no. We don’t argue that Augsburg is a tough nut to crack, especially when it comes to home matches. However, the home team does not have a single win against top-6 opponents this season, and that says a lot. “Augsburg” will give a fight, but we are convinced that the middle peasant of the championship does not have enough resources to beat the “Bumblebees”.

Prediction: Our choice: win of Borussia D with a handicap (0)

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

“Mainz” is doing poorly: one victory in 14 rounds and the last place in the standings behind them. However, it is the “carnival people” who are presented as the favorite in this confrontation. Why?

It's simple: Heidenheim may be higher in the table, but on the road they do not pose a real threat. Let's not be unfounded: on the road, Frank Schmidt's team gained only one point in seven matches, and also conceded an average of 2.57 goals. If Mainz does not beat such a toothless opponent, then the season can end right now. We do not recommend playing with handicaps, but the home team is obliged to take their three points.

Prediction: We bet on Mainz to win

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

Almeria is in terrible shape and now the team is in last place in the standings with four points. The home team lost in 12 of 16 matches and there are still no victories. “Mallorca” is in 15th place and is performing slightly better, and even though the guests are playing away, there is a good chance of success against such a weak “Almeria”. Since the home team still has no victories,

Prediction: we therefore suggest placing a bet onnon-defeat of “Mallorca”

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

Both teams have a chance in this match, but we suggest paying attention to a few things. Firstly, Udinese is playing quite successfully against Sassuolo and the home team has never lost in the last ten head-to-head meetings. Secondly, the guests conceded more goals on the road than any other team in Serie A. We believe that Udinese can still beat the opponent on their home field, but to be safe, we’ll take the win with a zero handicap

Prediction: We bet on Udinese’s victory

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

This match will feature matches between neighbors in the standings, and both teams really want to break their long streak without a win. If you look at the history of head-to-head meetings, then the advantage is on the side of Rayo Vallecano, especially since the team always plays quite well at home. “Valencia”, although in a good mood, cannot help but take into account the fact that the “bats” have only one victory in nine away matches.

Prediction: A draw is very likely here, but we still give a slight advantage to the home team, so we’ll take Rayo Vallecano’s victory with a handicap (0)

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

Werder are not doing well this Bundesliga season. “Bremen” is only in 14th place, and in 15 rounds they managed to lose eight times. The team's defense is absolutely dysfunctional: 29 goals conceded in 15 games, an average of 1.93. It’s not without reason that we focus on defense, since Leipzig has strong attacking performance – they score an average of 2.47 goals. Plus, now Marco Rose’s gang is on the move: they won three victories in a row in the championship, beating strong Hoffenheim (3:1) and Borussia Dortmund (3:2) during this period.

We don’t believe that Werder, given the defensive problems mentioned above, will hold back the driving and running Leipzig. It may not be an easy walk, but the Bulls will take their three points from Bremen.

Prediction: We take the away win 

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

Darmstadt is in deep crisis. Guests in the Bundesliga have not won eight matches in a row - six defeats and two draws. In the last round, the outsider spent more than a half in the power play against Wolfsburg, but still managed to lose with a minimal score. We don’t believe in a drastic transformation of the “lilies”, but there is a game ahead against a much better opponent.

Yes, “Hoffenheim” itself is far from optimal form. Over the last ten matches, taking into account all tournaments, the “villages” have only three victories. But still, we are talking about the seventh team of the championship and one of the obvious contenders for a place in the top 6. The home team has the resources to add and make up for the unsuccessful period. Even in its current state, “Hoffenheim” looks two heads stronger than the relative even more crisis debutant. 

Prediction: Our choice: Hoffenheim victory 

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

“Atlético” failed the away match against “Atlético”, again little worked in the attack, while there were holes in the defense that were exploited by the “Atlético” players. “Getafe” destroyed Sevilla on the road with a score of 3:0, while the “villages” demonstrated high-quality football both in attack and defense. It is worth noting that although Atlético has eight victories at home, five of them were won with a difference of only one goal. Getafe lost only twice on the road in nine matches with a difference of two or more goals. We believe that the “villages” have every chance to give battle to the opponent and even if the guests lose, it will be by no more than one goal. 

Prediction: We bet on the victory of “Getafe” with a handicap (+1.5)

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

Cadiz scored only 14 goals after 17 matches and this is the worst result in the Spanish La Liga along with Mallorca and Alaves. It will be extremely difficult to score at home against Real Sociedad, because the opponent plays quite competently in defense and concedes very few goals. At the same time, the guests now need to switch to the domestic championship and start catching up. “Real Sociedad” is a more experienced team and even on the road it is obliged to beat a contender in the fight for survival

Prediction: Let's take the victory of Real Sociedad

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

As part of the 18th round of the Spanish La Liga, Athletic will host Las Palmas at the San Mames stadium. The confrontation will take place on December 20 

In the last round, Athletic won an important victory at home over Athletic and confirmed its intentions to compete for a place in the top 4 this season. The team plays well at home and is the fourth team in the league in terms of points scored at home. “Las Palmas” was close to winning against “Cadiz”, but missed a goal in the 83rd minute and, as a result, only a 1:1 draw. The guests play quite competently in defense and conceded only nine goals in nine away matches. There is no point in playing open football against Athletic, but the guests have some chances on defense and on counterattacks. We expect a difficult match for the home team, and even if we manage to win, it will be quite difficult.

Prediction: Let's take the victory of “Las Palmas”

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

As part of the 17th round of the French Ligue 1, Strasbourg will host Lille at the Stade de la Menot. The confrontation will take place on December 20

Looking at the performances of the teams, it becomes clear that Lille has a better chance of winning, but at the same time, the bookmakers underestimate the home team too much. Strasbourg played eight matches at home and lost only twice. Lille has eight away matches and only two wins, and the team has drawn five times. Two rounds ago, Lille on the road failed to beat Clermont, which is in last place, and Strasbourg is still a stronger team that plays very well in front of its fans. 

Prediction: Based on this, we suggest believing in the home team and placing a bet on Strasbourg not losing 

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

As part of the 17th round of the French Ligue 1, PSG will host Metz at the Parc des Princes stadium. The confrontation will take place on December 20 

Now PSG's schedule will become much simpler, since the Champions League can be forgotten for a couple of months. Luis Enrique’s goal is probably to have an impressive lead in Ligue 1 by the 1/8 finals of the Champions League, so that he can easily rotate the squad and focus specifically on the most prestigious club tournament in Europe. So far, the opponents are quite weak “Metz”, which is convenient for PSG judging by the latest head-to-head meetings. We fully admit that the guests may be left without scoring a goal,

Prediction: While PSG must score at least two goals, so a good outcome would be PSG winning 

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

Reims began a more difficult calendar and immediately began to suffer defeats. In the last round, the home team lost to Lens, and earlier there were defeats to Nice, Rennes and PSG. Of course, the Reims players should not dwell on failures, especially since the players understand that they lost to stronger teams, but in the upcoming match they need to go out and play to win. “Le Havre” is a pretty strong team, but away matches are still difficult for them and it will be difficult to grab even one point. Still, we are more inclined to favor Reims, which must try hard at home in front of its fans. 

Prediction: We take the victory of “Reims”

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

Both teams are now in good shape and are approaching this match in a good mood. “Fiorentina” won two victories over not the strongest opponents, but what is more important is that the “violets” were able to keep a clean sheet in both cases. “Torino” also hasn’t lost for a long time and the team has found its game, although the most serious opponent over the last four games was “Atalanta”. In our opinion, “Fiorentina” is the favorite of the match and deservedly so, since the team lost at home only once this season. Let’s add here the fact that over the last seven head-to-head meetings at the Artemio Franchi, the home team has five wins, one draw and only one victory for Torino.

Prediction: We bet on the home team to win.

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert

As part of the 19th round of the Spanish La Liga, Real Sociedad will host Alaves at the Anoeta stadium. The confrontation will take place on January 2

Real Sociedad can definitely be satisfied with the previous calendar year, since the team made it to the Champions League in the spring and overcame the group stage in the fall. The team definitely wants to start the year 2024 with a victory, especially since an opponent will come to visit and will fight to maintain their residence permit. At home, Real Sociedad always plays well, especially since all the leaders are in the ranks, which means you need to outplay your opponent with class.

Prediction: We suggest placing a bet on the victory of “Real Sociedad”

Expert: Artem Ivanov - Football expert