AIK are much stronger than the bookies tend to think in the beginning of the season. Champions in 2009, they were dismal last year, but this season has started positively, especially as far as home fixtures are concerned. The stats read: Four played, four won, eight goals scored and just one conceded.
Last week AIK managed to beat league leaders Helsingborg despite falling behind and playing with 10 men for more than an hour. Gefle, with all due respect, are more straightforward rivals. The visitors failed to score in three of their last four league fixtures, and needed relegation playoffs to preserve their Allsvenskan status last year. The odds on AIK should be lower here.
Match Odds: AIK 1.80, Draw 3.50, Gefle 4.00
Tip: AIK to win @ 1.80
21.05. (Sat) 18:00 Girona - Barcelona Atletic
Girona have had a moderate season in the Spanish Segunda division and will certainly look to gain the scalp of their talented neighbours from Barcelona B. They have been very solid at home, losing only twice since September to the two best teams in this league, Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano.
They had a notable 4-0 away victory at Celta Vigo recently and they beat Barcelona B already this season, 2-1. I am attracted to this bet as Barcelona B won't be at full strength as they will have a number of players called up to the full Blaugrana team for their match in Malaga. It was a similar scenario last week as they went down 3-5 at home to Las Palmas.
Match Odds: Girona 2.50, Draw 3.10, Barcelona B 2.62
Tip: Girona to win @ 2.50
21.05. (Sat) 21:00 Sochaux-Montbeliard - Saint Etienne
Sochaux are desperately looking for three points against St Etienne as they still have a chance to get into the Europa League. Recent history points that a home win is likely as in the last six meetings in Stade Auguste Bonal they have recorded four wins, losing just once and drawing the other.
Sochaux have won the last four games at home while visitors St Etienne are in a patchy form and have precious little to play for. The handicap market looks worth a shot here.
Match Odds: Sochaux 1.95, Draw 3.30, St.Etienne 4.0
Tip: Sochaux -0.5 @ 1.99
22.05. (Sun) 17:00 Manchester United - Blackpool
There could be a sense of irony for Ian Holloway on Sunday should his side be relegated against a heavily changed opposition. Blackpool of course were fined for fielding a weakened side against Aston Villa and with a Champions League final to come, Manchester United look likely to do the same.
The last time Sir Alex Ferguson made wholesale changes the Red Devils ran away 4-1 winners against Schalke in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final and Premier League top goalscorer Dimitar Berbatov, who has already scored twice against Blackpool, looks likely to get a run out. Expect to see the attacking and exciting Blackpool side that we saw at the beginning of the season as a point looks unlikely to be enough for the Tangerines.
Match Odds: Man Utd 1.57, Draw 3.80, Blackpool 5.0
Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.53
