______________________
Athletic Bilbao - Shakthar: Pick: Bilbao @ 2.00 (1/10)
One of the clubs I respect the most in the world of football, Bilbao. I am glad to see them enter the big scene in Europe with their special philosophy of building a team with only basque players. Moreover, they are a very good team that has been on the rise for a few seasons now, and it is nothing but deserved to see where they are. At home, on the new San Mames Stadium - trust that they will make it their fortress in a region where football(soccer) is religion. I was praising Galatasaray yesterday for their home advantage, but they never capitalized on it. The risk will always be there. No excuses, it was a bad decision to trust the Turks so confidently. This is another game though, Spanish football have proven to be the most way winning style in recent years, the possession based football is what wear teams down in the end -- unlike Galatasaray which I lost on yesterday, they are more open minded in the game, they don't have the ball 60% of the time, therefore they invite the opponents into dangerous positions as I witnessed yesterday. Bilbao though, have the ability to score loads, they looked really sharp in the qualifier against Napoli, and the opener is perhaps the most important one to set up for a successful campaign. Aduriz have looked very bright so far, the whole Bilbao team have been spot on and not shown any weaknesses yet. I raise a warning for the fact that they are new to this occasion and could therefore be a little overwhelmed at first but they are a better football team than Shakthar.
Shakthar are regulars in the Champions League, though they have lost the core group from when they were 'at best'. They are still a tricky side and deserves respect. I base this play more on the fact that Spanish football will make it difficult for the Ukrainians to keep up in the end. When I saw Bilbao against Napoli, it left me with no doubt that Bilbao will cause many teams trouble.. I think it starts here, right away. In a game where possession and attack will go hand in hand, Bilbao should find the net enough times to secure a home opener victory.
______________________
Porto - BATE: Pick: Porto -1.5 AH @ 1.89 (3/10)
First and foremost, as a Portuguese League follower, it is fair to say that Porto have surpassed Benfica domestically in the "current best team" category. It is known that Portugal benefits from a big home factor, especially Porto. This was also clearly displayed when they discarded Lille, Moreirense and Maritimo at home recently - all victories, without conceding a goal, and all of them by 2+ goals margin.
"Porto, Porto, Porto" is the usual echo in the Dragao Stadium and it is fair to believe that this will continue for the entire season as they look really sharp. The absence of defender Mangala who was sold prior to the season is barely noticeable because Martins Indi have done a great job. The attack is lethal and distinct when they have to be and at the moment, Porto is probably the team I trust the most on home soil in Europe at this point. The club is hungr
y again after a pretty disastrous previous year, but the club is breathing enthusiasm again and it is reflected on the field. The new coach has gotten the perfect start, right now I do not see many teams coping with Porto at home.. clearly not BATE Borisov
BATE Borisov, the Belorussians are a familiar name in Europe by now but yet far away from any valuable underdogs. They are tricky at home, usually all Eastern European countries have a strong home fortress but get way more shattered when hitting the road. The team consist of mostly domestic players with some touches of foreigners who are responsible for the offensive productions. Sadly, I do not see BATE coping with Porto here. Maybe at home, if even that.. but at home, Porto needs this victory. Do not be surprised to see a possession at around 60-70%, chances will appear and Porto should capitalize. Doable line at -1.5 AH is my pick of the day.
An interesting correct score bet is 3-0 which I would be tempted to try at around +650 but currently not wasting any 'guess' units, but if you have a few units to sprinkle.. consider it
Have a good one