| Match | Recommended Bet | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Newport County vs Tranmere Rovers | Under 2.5 Goals | 4/7 |
| Cagliari vs Udinese | Udinese/Draw Double Chance | 8/13 |
| Nimes vs Lyon | Lyon to Win | 10/11 |
| Colorado Rapids vs Columbus Crew | Colorado Rapids Draw No Bet | 8/11 |
| New England Revolution vs DC United | New England to Win | 6/5 |
| All Five Results as an Accumulator | 17.41/1 | |
- Newport County vs Tranmere Rovers – In contrast to the Championship play-off final, where goals are expected, this League 2 shootout could be more of a slow burner. Thirteen of Tranmere’s last eighteen games have gone under the 2.5 goal line, and there’s a similar theme for Newport, where 14/18 games have served up two goals or fewer. Add into the mix the pressure of this game – there’s so much at stake for these players – and human nature to be risk-averse in such circumstances, and an action-free game could be the consequence.
- Cagliari vs Udinese – With their Serie A lives in jeopardy, Udinese have opted for an attacking style to fire their way clear of relegation danger. It’s worked – they’ve out three each past Frosinone and SPAL in their last pair of outings – and that makes them a value play to get something at Cagliari. The hosts have nothing to play for, are without a win in four and are the division’s third lowest goalscorers.
- Nimes vs Lyon – Here’s a price-based punt on a decent Lyon side who are ending the campaign in fine fashion. They’ve bludgeoned 14 goals in their last five games, winning four of those, and their exciting frontline will be looking to sign off in style on Friday. Nimes are steady mid-table fare in Ligue 1, and if Lyon play as well here as they have been lately they could make a mockery of their odds.
- Colorado Rapids vs Columbus Crew – These are troubling times for the Columbus Crew, who have lost seven of their last eight outings. Most problematic has been the absence through injury of excellent young goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who will soon join Manchester City. Not helping the cause is injuries to defenders Valenzuela, Francis and Afful. Colorado are not exactly world beaters, but they’ve scored eleven in their last six on home soil and that gives us confidence.
- New England Revolution vs DC United – Cometh the hour, cometh the man….perhaps. Following the sacking of Brad Friedel, the Revs have appointed US soccer legend Bruce Arena as their new head coach. It’s a decision that will surely pay instant dividends for an outfit blessed with some talented players. As for DC United, they are going well in the Eastern Conference, but in a high scoring division they have scored one or fewer goals in 9/14 this term. They will miss suspended winger Paul Arriola here.