J1 League-Kashima Antlers VS Kyoto Sanga

 

Kashima Antlers were beaten 2-1 by Gamba Osaka at the weekend, ending their 12-match unbeaten streak in all competitions in the process.

 

Despite a late goal from centre-back Naomichi Ueda, it wasn't enough to get themselves back into the game, failing to hit the mark.

 

This halts the progress the team has made in the J1 League, as they head into this game sitting in seventh position with an aim to move up the table by the end of this 90 minutes.

 

Cho Kwi-jae's men came into this game with a 2-1 win last weekend which highlighted their toughness and ability to fight to the end.

 

Despite conceding in the 74th minute, Kyoto Sanga went on to win the game with two goals in the last 10 minutes of the match indicating that they would keep pressing until the final whistle.

 

Kashima Antlers may have put an end to their impressive run of form last weekend but this is a game that will allow them to get back on track soon as their quality will shine through with another win here.

Ireland Premier Division-Dundalk VS Shamrock Rovers

 

 

Dundalk have not finished in the top two since winning their last league title in 2019. The Lilywhites were hoping to turn things around this year but 36 points from 23 games have instead kept them in contention for third place.

 

Shamrock Rovers are chasing a fourth successive title in the Irish Premier Division. The only team to achieve this in the competition's history is Bohemians, who won five titles in a row between 1999 and 2004. The visitors have been surprisingly great again this season, losing at least 3 games out of all the teams in this division.

 

Dundalk come into this game on the back of a 1-1 draw with St Patrick's Athletic that ended their three-game winning streak, but coming from a goal down with fewer men to earn a point must have boosted the team's confidence. Moreover, Stephen O'Donnell's men are unbeaten in six home games. Both sides scored in all those games.

Norwegian Tippeligaen-LILLESTROM VS AALESUND FK

 

 

Team Analysis

Lillestrom are 5th in the Norway Eliteserien Division. Lillestrom are undefeated in their last 12 home league games.

 

Aalesund FK are 16th in the Norway Eliteserien Division. We have seen 5 consecutive away defeats in the most recent games in the Norway Eliteserien of Aalesund FK.

 

Odd Analysis

In their last 30 head to head matches, Lillestrom has managed to win 11 of the matches, Aalesund FK has managed to win 10 of the matches and their has been 9 draws between the two teams. In the Norway Eliteserien Division, Lillestrom has a better performance compared to Aalesund FK.

 

Conclusion

Lillestrom win

J1 League-Urawa Red Diamonds VS Shonan Bellmare

Two sides in contrasting ends of the Japanese J1 League go head to head at the Saitama Stadium as Urawa Red Diamonds lock horns with Shonan Bellmare on Monday.

 

The Hiratsuka outfit are currently rooted to the bottom of the standings and will head into the midweek clash looking to pick up their first league win since early April.

 

Urawa Red Diamonds will be licking their lips as they take on a floundering Shonan Bellmare side who are without a league win since April. Given the gulf in quality between the two sides and their contrasting form, we predict a one-sided affair at the Saitama Stadium with the hosts claiming all three points.

UEFA Champions League-Atletic Club D Escaldes VS FK Buducnost Podgorica

 

 

Playing at the Kópavogsvöllur location in Iceland, both teams finished their season in equally good form. Atletic come into this contest having won six and lost only one of their last eight games of the season, having scored 19 goals in the process. Likewise, Bunducnost finished their campaign with four wins and just one loss in their last six games of the season.

 

neither side has a winning history in this event. Making their debut in the competition, Atletic made their first foray into European competition last season; however, they would suffer a narrow 2:1 Conference League qualification defeat at the hands of Maltese opponents Gzira United.

 

Comparatively, Budocnost enjoy more experience in this competition even though their record is not great. Losing six and winning only one of their previous nine UCL qualifying matches.

Chile Cup- Municipal Iquique VS San Marcos de Arica

 

 

Team Analysis:

Municipal Iquique is the third ranked team in the Chilean D2 league, with a 57.1% win rate at home and only one loss in seven appearances. Their recent form is relatively stable, they have been unbeaten in five consecutive matches and won four of them.

 

San Marcos de Arica is the ninth team in the league and has not won a single game on the road so far, most of the points have been gained at home. This match was preceded by two consecutive wins, both at home where a total of five goals were scored.

 

Odd Analysis：

The handicap is 0/0.5 giving by the hosting Municipal Iquique, who have won last two encounters in the past two year. We also prefer they can extend their good forms to get another win at home.

 

Conclusion Municipal Iquique Win

UEFA European U-21 Football Championship- Spain U21 VS Croatia U21

 

Spain Under-21s square off against Croatia Under-21s on Saturday with the opportunity to book their place in the Under-21 Euro 2023 knockout stages.

 

Earlier this week, Spain cruised past co-hosts Romania on the same day that Croatia succumbed to a potentially-decisive defeat in Group B at the hands of Ukraine.

 

Regardless of whether Spain decide to rotate for this contest, this represents a stiff challenge for their opponents. Although Croatia may pose more of a challenge than Romania, we still expect Spain to storm to a dominant victory and book their spot in the last eight in the process.

 

Pick:Spain to win.

2023 Gold Cup-USA vs. Jamaica - Gold Cup preview

 

 

The 2023 Gold Cup begins with an entertaining clash between USA and Jamaica on June 24th at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

 

The USMNT are coming into the tournament as reigning champions, after defeating Mexico 1-0 in the 2021 final to lift the trophy. Now, interim manager B.J. Callaghan, who will remain as head coach for the duration of the Gold Cup, will attempt to lead his side to consecutive titles.

 

Jamaica and head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, on the other hand, enter the tournament seeking revenge against the US after their 1-0 quarterfinal defeat in the 2021 tournament. The Carribbean side will be a tough test for USA as they welcome Demarai Gray after he switched his international allegiance from England to the Reggae Boyz.

 

The two countries have met 31 times dating back to 1988, with the USA leads the all-time series 19-3-3. The last time they experienced defeat against Jamaica was in 2019, during an international friendly, 1-0. Will USA triumph over Jamaica for the 20th time, or will the Reggae Boyz take control of Group A with an upset?

 

USA team news

 

B.J Callaghan had star-studded lineups in the Nations League final and semifinal that included the likes of Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Folarin Balogun. But those players are now preparing for pre-season with their clubs, forcing Callaghan to lead a much different squad in this Concacaf tournament.

 

Beyond Matt Turner, who returns to the camp as the No. 1 goalkeeper, it is an MLS-heavy roster for the American side as Cristian Roldan, Aidan Morris, Jesus Ferreira lead the way. Jordan Morris, DeAndre Yedlin, Cade Cowell, Brandon Vazquez, and Alex Zendejas will also form part of this Gold Cup side in an attempt to win the trophy.

 

USA are riding a six-game unbeaten streak and look to make it seven straight against Jamaica.

 

Jamaica team news

 

Andre Blake will be in between the posts for Jamaica as he closes in on 60 appearances for them in all competitions. The potential front three of Demarai Gray, Michail Antonio, and Leon Bailey could pose a threat for USA's backline with their pace and skill.

 

Antonio has scored three goals for Jamaica in seven appearances after making the one-time switch from England in 2021, while Bailey has managed three goals in 19 games played. It will be interesting to see what those two can do with Gray up front in the Everton player's debut for the Carribbean nation.

 

Following their Nations League exit in March, Jamaica has since played Qatar, who are also competing in the Gold Cup for a second time, and Jordan in tune-up friendlies. Jamaica were unable to win in either games, losing 2-1 twice. The Reggae Boyz hope to find the same magic that helped them knock off USA back in 2015 to set the tone early on.

 

 

Prediction

On paper, USA has the more balanced squad, but Jamaica's attacking unit should be able to create some chances to keep them in the game if they receive enough service. Things could get tricky for USA, especially if they are without Miles Robinson.

 

USA's forwards are still top-class, though. Together, they should be able to create plenty of chances against the Jamaica defense between Morris, Ferreira, Roldan, and Vazquez, but getting past Blake might be difficult. However, USA should have enough quality to overcome Jamaica in Matchday one of the Gold Cup.

 

Prediction: USA 2 - Jamaica 1

Japan Emperor's Cup-Yokohama FC VS Grulla Morioka

 

 

Team Analysis

Yokohama FC are 16th in the Japan J1-League. Yokohama FC have won only 3 of their last 17 J1-League matches.

 

Grulla Morioka are 14th in the Japan J3-League. In Grulla Morioka's last 3 games in Emperor Cup there have been over 2.5 goals scored.

 

Match Analysis

The two teams have met twice before, in which Yokohama FC have managed to win in 1 of the meetings, zero draws and Grulla Morioka have also managed to win in 1 of the meetings. We should expect over 2.5 from this match.

 

Select over 2.5 to win this match.

International Friendly-China VS Palestine

 

 

Team Analysis :

China are hoping to win again following the 4-0 International Friendlies triumph over Myanmar

China have found the net a sum total of 7 times over their preceding half-dozen outings. Conversely, the tally of goals that have been scored against them in those same fixtures amounts to 8.

 

Odd Analysis :

Regarding the latest bookmaker odds in the 90 min. result market, backing China can be had for 1.64, going for the draw is 3.82 & putting your money on the win for Palestine can get you 5.51. They are the best of the market prices offered at the current time.

 

Conculsion :

In our opinion, China have it within them to create enough chances to score more than one when they line up against Palestine, who might well find it difficult scoring a goal of their own.

International Friendly-Indonesia VS Argentina

 

 

Indonesia has used the current international window to help prepare for next year's Asian Cup. They drew 0-0 with Palestine last Wednesday at home and have now played for share in their last two matches. Last March, they hosted Burundi for two friendly matches and won one game and drew the other. The Red and White team have been in good form lately and come into this game with only one loss from their last 12 matches.

 

World champions Argentina have also played friendlies since their win in Qatar at the end of last year. This will be their fourth friendly match and their second in Asia. The Albiceleste are using this friendly match to help prepare for the start of CONMEBOL's 2026 World Cup qualification process in September. Lionel Scaloni's men have won all three friendlies extending their winning streak to nine matches.

 

Argentina are in fine form and anything but a win for them here would be a shock. They are scoring a good goal and Lionel Messi has a lot to do with that.

UEFA Nations League A Championship Playoff-Netherlands VS Italy

 

 

Team News

Netherlands  

Matthijs de Ligt is also ruled out of the Nations League Finals after suffering a calf injury in training.

 

Italy

Alessandro Bastoni could miss out with flu.

 

Prediction

The UEFA Nations League Third Place Play-Off sees the Netherlands host Italy.

Netherlands were beaten by Croatia in extra time of the semi-finals. Donyell Malen opened the scoring in the 34th minute but two second half Croatia goals meant that Netherlands needed a 90+6 equaliser from Noa Lang to take the tie to extra time where they were downed by goals from Bruno Petkovic and Luka Modric.

Italy were beaten by Spain after going behind in the third minute, they fought back with Immobile equalising from the spot but a late Joselu goal sealed the Italian's fate.

These sides last met in the Nations League three years ago in a tie that ended in a 1-1 draw.

International Friendly- South Korea VS Peru

 

 

Team Analysis

 

Peru will start their short Asian adventure with the clash against South Korea on Friday at Busan Asiad Main Stadium.

 

The South American outfit will try and return to winning ways after failing to find the back of the net in two March friendlies against Germany (a 0-2 loss) and Morocco (a 0-0 draw).

Los Incas failed to make it to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by falling to Australia on penalties in the intercontinental playoffs exactly a year ago (after a goalless draw).

 

Odds Analysis

 

Jurgen Klinsmann will chase his maiden win in charge of South Korea. The clash against Peru will provide a great chance for the hosts to finally keep things quite at the back after conceding eight goals in the last three outings.

 

Looking at Peru’s recent displays, we just have to go for the Under 2.5 goals FT bet at the 1.70 odds. Alternatively, we like South Korea to keep a clean sheet at the 2.37 odds.

 

Prediction

Home win

UEFA Nations League A Championship Playoff »Spain VS Italy

 

 

Team News

Spain

Robin Le Normand is set to make his first Spain appearance having switched allegiance from France to La Roja, and he should partner Aymeric Laporte at the back.

While he starred in the Champions League final at the weekend, Rodri is tipped to start here.

 

Italy

Champions League final playing quarter Federico Dimarco, Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi and Nicolo Barella are all expected to start for the Azzurri on Thursday.

Despite his inexperience on the international stage, Mateo Retegui is set to lead the line for Italy once more.

 

Prediction

Spain will look to bounce back from an indifferent start to Euro 2024 qualifying that has seen them win one and lose one of their opening two matches. They topped Group 2 with 11 points from six games, though Luis Enrique was the man in charge for these six games.

Italy, like Spain, also topped their group with 11 points, pipping Hungary to top spot in the final round of fixtures. And like Spain, the Azzurri have won one and lost one of their opening two Euro 2024 qualification matches.

After such a long season, this game is unlikely to be played at a high tempo, so a draw may be on the cards.

 

International Friendly-Indonesia VS Palestine

 

 

Indonesia played five games this year, three of which are official. Indonesia reached the semifinals of the OCEAN Championship, where they lost to Vietnam with a score of 0-2, after conceding a goal in the 3rd minute. In March, Shin Tae-Yong's squad played two friendly matches against Burundi, where they showed good attacking play 3-1 and 2-2.

 

this year Palestine held a meeting, which incidentally was also friendly. In March, met with the Bahraini national team and won in a hard fight with a score of 2:1. Uld Ali's squad last year placed first in the qualifying group and were selected for the Asian Cup. It should be noted that the team is approaching the upcoming encounter with a streak of four wins with a total score of 12-1.

 

Indonesia is a favourite. Indonesia has shown attacking football in friendlies, so they are unlikely to deviate from this tactic. Palestine will also try to attack, by risking their appearance in the Asian Cup.

Argentine Division 1-Colon de Santa Fe VS Estudiantes La Plata

 

 

Team Analysis

The coach of Estudiantes is on a moderately accelerated run from March to the present, at least until the next match with Colon on June 13th of the current year. Altough at home colo didn't convince me that they can be a threat for mt ticket in this macth. Although it is doing good work since last eight games.

 

Odds Analysis

Reasons for my choice: Estudiantes are unbeaten in eleven consecutive matches and they have won eleven of their last twenty consecutive matches.

 

Conclusion: Estudiantes LP

International Friendly-Germany VS Ukraine

 

 

Germany will host next year's Euro tournament and thus not be involved in the qualifiers. Meanwhile, they will play a friendly match to help prepare for the tournament. Hans-Dieter Flick's accusations have played two friendlies after last year's disappointing world cup campaign. They beat Peru 2-0 but lost 3-2 to Belgium in the space of three days during the last international window in March.

 

Ukraine lost their opening qualifier against England and will be looking to bounce back when they travel to North Macedonia next weekend. A win against Germany will see them beaming with confidence going into that Group C encounter. Ukraine have never beaten Germany in the four matches they have played against each other, including a build match. Their best result was a 3-3 draw in 2011.

 

Both teams have firepower in attack and were able to score more than one goal which is evident from their respective previous fixtures.

J1 League-Yokohama Marinos VS Kashiwa Reysol

 

Yokohama F. Marinos vs Kashiwa Reysol's head to head record shows that of the 23 meetings they've had, Yokohama F. Marinos has won 8 times and Kashiwa Reysol has won 8 times. 7 fixtures between Yokohama F. Marinos and Kashiwa Reysol has ended in a draw.

 

Two teams at opposite ends of the J1 League table will meet on Saturday as Yokohama F Marinos will welcome Kashiwa Reysol.

 

The hosts are pushing to try and finish the weekend on top spot, meanwhile, the visitors are attempting to avoid slipping down into the relegation zone.

 

Two teams at opposite ends of the table with contrasting form will make this a very tough test for Kashiwa Reysol, and that is why the hosts should be able to gain a comfortable three points in this one.

 

Yokohama F Marinos to win.

USA Major League Soccer-Los Angeles FC VS Atlanta United

 

 

Team Analysis

Los Angeles FC are 3rd in the USA Major League Soccer. Los Angeles FC have not suffered any defeats in their 9 most recent home Major League Soccer matches.

Atlanta United are 6th in the USA Major League Soccer. Atlanta United are on a poor run of just 2 wins in 20 away matches in Major League Soccer.

 

Match Analysis

The two teams have met 3 times before, in these 3 head to head meetings, Los Angeles FC have managed to win in 1 of the meetings, zero draws and Atlanta United have managed to win in 2 of the meetings. We should expect Los Angeles FC to win this match.

 

Select Los Angeles FC to win this match.

Japan Emperor's Cup -Jubilo Iwata VS Kamatamare Sanuki

 

 

Team Analysis

Jubilo Iwata are 6th in the Japan J2-League. Jubilo Iwata haven't lost in 6 of their last 7 games in J2-League and they have scored 2+ goals in Japan Emperors Cup.

Kamatamare Sanuki are 17th in the Japan J3-League. Kamatamare Sanuki have scored an average of 2.00 goals in their games in Emperor Cup.

 

Match Analysis

The two teams have met 4 times before, in these 4 head to head meetings, Jubilo Iwata have managed to win in 2 of the meetings, 1 draws and Kamatamare Sanuki have managed to win in 1 of the meetings. We should expect Jubilo Iwata to win this match.

 

Select Jubilo Iwata to win this match.

K League 1-Pohang Steelers VS Jeju United

 

 

Team Analysis :

Looking over their past head-to-head clashes dating back to 25/09/2021 tells us that Pohang Steelers have won 1 of these games and Jeju United 4, with the number of drawn matches being 1.

A lot of goals were also scored during this period, 22 overall which averages out at 3.67 goals per meeting.

The last league meeting between these clubs was K League 1 match day 11 on 06/05/2023 which ended up with the score at Jeju United 2-1 Pohang Steelers.

 

Odd Analysis :

Checking the betting prices for this game on the win-draw-win market, a win for Pohang Steelers is available for 2.21, going for a drawn result is 3.34 and staking on victory for Jeju United gets you 3.3. These are the top prices available at the current time.

 

Conculsion :

We feel that Jeju United should get enough chances to get a goal against this Pohang Steelers side, however that might not quite prevent them from conceding a couple at the other end.

Swedish Allsvenskan-VARBERGS BOIS FC VS HACKEN

 

Varbergs BoIS FC Team Analysis

Varbergs BoIS FC are 16th in the Sweden Allsvenskan Division with 5 points. In their 11 most recent matches of the Sweden Allsvenskan, Varbergs BoIS FC have achieved just 1 win.

 

Hacken Team Analysis

Hacken are 3rd in the Sweden Allsvenskan Division with 22 points. Häcken are undefeated against Varbergs BoIS FC in their last 6 league games.

 

Odd Analysis

In their last 6 head to head meetings in all competitions, Varbergs BoIS FC have not managed to win any of the matches, Hacken have managed to win 4 of the matches and their has been 2 draws between the two teams. In the Sweden Allsvenskan Division, Hacken has a better performance compared to Varbergs BoIS FC.

 

Conclusion

Hacken win

J1 League-FC Tokyo VS Yokohama Marinos

 

 

Team Analysis

FC Tokyo are 11th in the Japan J1-League. At least one goal has been scored by FC Tokyo in all of their last 8 home matches in J1-League.

Yokohama Marinos are 2nd in the Japan J1-League. There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Yokohama Marinos's last 8 league games against FC Tokyo.

 

Matches Analysis

The two teams have met 40 times, in these 40 head to head meetings, FC Tokyo have managed to win in 15 of the meetings, 8 draws and Yokohama Marinos hava managed to win in 17 of the meetings. We should expect over 3 goals from this match.

 

Select over 3 to win this match.

Belarusian Premier League-Slavia Mozyr VS Naftan Novopolock

 

 

MATCH PREVIEW

Slavia Mozyr will play in this match after a 1-1 Premier League drawn match versus BATE Borisov.

 

Under three goals per match were recorded in 5 of the last 6 fixtures where Slavia Mozyr have been involved. Regarding the goal attribution during this period, their opponents scored an aggregate of 4 and Slavia Mozyr got themselves 8. We will see whether or not that trend can be sustained in this game.

 

Since a loss in their previous game against Isloch Minsk Raion in Premier League action, Naftan Novopolotsk and their travelling fans will hope for a better result here.

 

The strike force from Naftan Novopolotsk have been starved of goals over their last six clashes, recording the disappointing return of only 1. In those matches, Naftan have also seen the collective goal tally against them equal 14.

 

PREDICTION

We’ve got the feeling that Slavia Mozyr should dominate on the ball and be rewarded with decent chances.

 

At the same time, Naftan Novopolotsk may well find it hard to get a goal of their own but we do think it’s quite likely that they will be pulling one back during this clash, too. win for Slavia Mozyr at the conclusion of the game.

 

PICK HOME WIN