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I can't agree with Macedonia being such favorites. They did alright in the qualifiers, took the point against Slovenia twice, beat Latvia but I don't think that merits 1.3 odds. The Austrians did terribly in the qualifiers, they lost all six games with a very bad performance. In a way, it seems that their coach Warm has sacrificed the qualifiers so that players like Thaller, Menner, Trothann could get some experience for the European League. The Austrians are aiming for the semifinals, which is pretty brave, and their failure in the qualifiers is an additional motivation. I wouldn't say the Macedonians are such a better team as coach Ristovski announced a game with two opposites, which is pretty risky for reception. Coupled with their problems with the arena, their long trip here I don't think they will have an easy day, or even win today. I decided to go for an over as I don't any team can win in three sets, I think it should be a similar case like in their last two games when we saw five sets. Details

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Finland's first choice setter Esko, top receiver Kunnari, and starting line up middle blocker Shumov didn't travel to Canada with the team. That makes a huge difference for them, and since Oivanen, who just got back, plays the opposite, coach Sammelvuo won't have good replacements, especially for Kunnari. Besides, Finland had six matches in the last two weeks, which definitely affected the team, while Canada, on the other hand, can count on all of the players, and all are well rested. Coach Hoag only has to choose the starting line up, all of the key players are at his disposal and the motivation is high. Canada are defending the 5th position in World League, they say that will be additional motivation, and it's not just empty words. They played Finland last year as well, Finland were the home team then, and lost both matches. They managed to win only one set. Esko, Kunnari, and Shumov were all on the team back then and they couldn't stand up to Canada anyway. It's possible to bet on a convincing win for Canada even with a stronger double bet or a parlay ticket, the absences at Finland are quite serious, so the -1.5 handicap kind of asks to be opted for. The bet is available with many book makers. Details

A default bet considering the situation in the group. Slovakia need one set to take the first place and I think they'll go for it right away .This is the sixth game for both teams in just one week and Slovakia have trip to Puerto Rico and the first tournament of the World League so coach Gulinelli will rest the the crucial players if they win the first set. The Greeks will remain second if the result is 3-1, which is their realistic result and if Slovakia take the first set I believe they will get this result. In earlier situations, these bets would go trough very often, as 3-1 suits both teams and I wouldn't be surprised if they had a some sort of a secret agreement. Slovakia will definitely take the first set, they are certainly the better team and after that they should relax so I recommend betting on Greece in live betting if Slovakia take the first set. Details

The EC qualifications have shown that Portugal still have no continuity. Against Finland at home, they gambled away 1-0 and then 16-10 and 2-1 , while they had no chance in Finland and they won the set by accident. Portugal's biggest problem is consistency, they have many ups and downs in a single set let alone in a single game, and I think these problems will be even more emphasized this weekend. Their best spiker and player Hugo Gaspar is not in the team, and he was the main part of their offense. They are also without their receiver Lopes who also did a good job. Their replacements are doubtful at best and even coach Silva admitted they are players who don't play for their own clubs but they have no other choice. The Czechs have waltzed through their tough group with Spain, Ukraine and Norway, despite being without their best players. Coach Šmejkal has created a hard-working team without too man stars but with great block, aggressive performance and team spirit. Portugal cannot be the favorites even with Gaspar and Lopes, let alone without them. I don't expect the home team to play a major role as the Czechs are experienced and I believe they will at least take two sets, even though a win for them is also a good option. Details

I will repeat my bet on Estonia from last week as I don't trust Slovakia, especially now that they lost Ogurčak. Estonia played the worst game in Poprad. Even though they didn't do too bad in the attack (45% success rate), they had no solutions for Slovakia's blocks and spikes. Slovakia didn't deserve to be such favorites then either, and especially today as the match is played on neutral turf. Slovakia also lost their crucial receiver Ogurčak who was one of their main men. Coach Gulinelli has decided to use BBTS's libero Vlk in his stead but one cannot expect him to decide the games in qualifications. One can expect Janušek to start and he ended his last game against Greece with 13% efficiency, which says enough. Slovakia lost by 0-3 against Greece at home and Estonia beat that very same Greece by 3-0 so I don't see how Slovakia can be the favorites here. The bookies base that decision on last week's result, but they didn't factor in the neutral court and Ogurčak's absence. I won't go for the handicap but a win for Estonia as a point wouldn't mean too much and I believe they will get back at Slovakia for last week. A +1.5 handicap on Estonia could be taken for a moderate stake but as the odds on that bet have dropped I will take the one with a higher value. Details

I don't understand why the Dutch are so favored today, bookmakers are obviously thinking they need it, and Croatia don't, but according to info, Dutch won't have it easy. Netherland are in the rough, they played desperately yesterday, and players' faces showed nervousness and shock, Oranje is feeling a huge pressure. They had lots of problems with Romania's reception and block, which is definitely weaker than Croatian. I don't think the Dutch recovered from yesterday, but the Croatians don't feel pressure. Odds for Croatia have value, Netherlands didn't deserve to be a favorite because they played all their matches weaker than Croatia, and there's the audience in the House of volleyball. Still, we shouldn't go too far with the stakes, at least out of respect for the World League competitor. Details

I didn't have luck with over/under so far, but this is a "must bet". So, the Finns and the Portuguese are fighting for the first place, the stakes are huge, and both teams have huge amplitudes in their game. They played five sets last week, and considering the importance and this team's form, a margin of 181.5 or 182.5 points has no basis at all. Teams know each other well, the match is super important, and whoever wins will hardly do it in three sets, which should be enough to go over this low margin and that deserves a middle sized stake. Details

I don't understand why the odds on Moldavia are growing, but we'll try to use that. Moldavia crushed Austria 3-1 last week, and they left them less than 30 points in the third and fourth set. It means something. I don't know what changed in a week except that the Moldovans look even better than last week, and the Austrians look like they want to end this tragedy as soon as possible. The match's results aren't important, but in situations like these, it's always good to take the national team that go through and present to the wider audience. Besides, the Moldovans seem like a better team, especially in the offense and the block, and I hope they'll crown that with a win. Details

I will go against France here for several reasons. Last year, they beat Argentina away but a lot has changed. The mood in the Argentine camp was terrible then and the atmosphere ruined their potential, while France had the momentum after their win against Brazil. Le Roux and Lyneel had amazing figures and they will be out today. N'Gapeth and Rouzier have a problem with injuries and are doubtful. N'Gapeth is also faced with a trial back in France over a fight in a night club. Of course, one of the reasons for this bet is Julio Velasco taking control of Argentina. He has brought calmness into the team, the players listen to him and he has given up on the experiments that his predecessor tried. He reinforced the team with experienced players like Porporatt and Filardi, the arena in Mendoza should be full. I believe Argentina will start the World League with a win. Details

It is doubtful whether Slovakia deserve to be such favorites against Estonia. We should not forget that they are missing many players, mostly from their first squad, which means this is their B squad, while Estonia are complete. Their attack is not weaker than Slovakia's, and I would even say the away team have a stronger attack. I don't think Slovakia have that much more quality, they are on a par on all positions and I expect a narrower game than the odds would suggest. Considering the fact that this is the crucial game for the top spot, betting on an over has an even higher value. Details

To set the margin at 180.5 beyond any reason. Last week, Spain and Ukraine played a 203-point match after four sets, which says enough. Spain played a 179-points match against weak Norway yesterday and Ukraine are much stronger than the Scandinavian. Judging by everything above, I see no reason for this to go under 184 points, so the margin is pretty much off the mark. Details

I don't understand why Moldavia are so underrated, regardless of the fact this is played i Finland. last week, Moldavia had Finland on the ropes, they did better in 3 out of 5 sets and only Finland's experience caused Moldavia to lose the game by 17-25, 26-24, 23-25, 25-23, 8-15. They are coming to Vantaau with a certain chance of going through, the win against Finland has helped them and they are three points behind the leading duo. Finland didn't do too well last week, but coach Sammelvuo has called up the same 12-man squad and I don't believe they will make any progress in comparison to last week. If Moldavia managed to take two sets seven days ago, which was completely deserved, I don't see a reason for them not to take at least one tonight. The odds for this bet are really too high, everything @1.90 has a solid value and is worth taking. Details

The Greeks are not the same team without Fragkos. Their receiver Latine provides them with calmness in offense and reception but their replacement are not at his level, despite their quality. One can expect the Koumentakis-Kokkinakis duo to start the match but they don't have the experience, just like the other two receivers. Estonia have a new coach, but one should not expect any draatic changes in their approach. They have experienced players like Pupart, Toobal, Kreek and Venn and young guns like Taht and Aganits. All things considered, Greece cannot be the favorites today. If they stop Đurić, they will settle this game as Halkbanka is the only real offensive option Greece have in Fragkos's absence. Details

Betting on Croatia is the logical consequence of yesterday. Croatians did a huge, but not the crucial step towards position one by beating the Netherlands. They simply have to get the nine points from Podgorica - Monthenegro and Romania are both not as good as they are. Croatia did great yesterday, they controlled the game from start till the end, and boosted their confidence. On the other hand, Montengero's performance was bleak for the most part of the game. Sets 3 and 4 were better, but that's not enough compared to Croatian performance. They don't have 'a killer' in offense, their serving is no danger either, and coach Boskan has no choice on the bench. If Montenegro's team were complete, this would be a whole different thing. They are significantly weaker without Cacic, Bojic, and Suljagic, Moraca was almost empty yesterday, and the defeat to Romania won't do much in attracting the fans. Omrčen at Croatia might as well be the best player in the group, while no one at Montenegro is at that level. To sum up, Croatia simply have to record the three points, they are better than the opponent in every way, and Simuncic won't allow them to relax for a second. An easy win for Croatia can be combined in a ticket with higher stakes. Details

I bet on Spain yesterday and I will repeat the same bet, but we have even better odds today. They played a thriller with Ukraine and they proved they are ready for the qualifications. The Czechs are missing more than a few important players that took part in the EC last September - 7 players that had a prominent role and some second-choice players. This Czech team can be regarded as a blend between their A and B squad, but primarily a B squad. The Spanish have their best guns here, the only one missing is Perez but the question is whether Nantes's opposite would even be a starter. These teams have played three matches in the Europa League last season and the Czechs won three times. I wouldn't take those matches as a point of reference as they were played under experimental rules (21 points per match instead of 25) and the teams are completely different. The only advantage the Czechs have is the home court advantage. However, the Spaniards are experienced and many of their players are involved in high-profile leagues so they can withstand the pressure. The odds on Spain are too high and are still growing and I see no reason for that. Details

Today, I will go for Portugal losing at least one set as I simply don't trust them. They observe Austria carefully, they closed down their forwards and that was the end of it. Again, they rarely win by 3-0 and I see the win yesterday more as an exception than a rule. This is Moldavia's first major tournament, they are very motivated and are playing without any pressure, which was visible in their game with Finland yesterday. They were not afraid of a much more renowned opposition and were even better than the Finns for the the most of the game. Had they not played a five-set match yesterday, I would have taken a higher stake, but the odds offer a nice win even for a smaller stake. Momentum is important for teams like Moldavia and they definitely have it and I think they will give Portugal a headache or two. Details

Portugal are the favorites tonight for a reason but I can't remember the last time they beat someone with ease and without losing a set. The weak British team took two sets and they lost against Belarus and Turkey fairly easily, and these are the teams against whom the Austrians have taken more than 1 set. Austria are a funny team, they often play better against stronger teams rather than weaker ones and Portugal belong to the first category. Austria have won all their friendlies, the are brimming with confidence and can relax in this game, which when they're the most dangerous. Portugal are an experienced team but they haven't been consistent or able to hold the same rhythm throughout the whole game. That's why I will go for Austria taking a set tonight - it pays well and the value is beyond any doubt. Details

Considering everything that was said in the preview and the previous pick, I just have to go with Romania for a clean win, which pays a fortune. If the Romanians manage to stop the Montenegro opposites I think they are much closer to winning, so current odds have no basis in reality. Anything above @3 on Romania has huge value, and is worth taking even at those odds as Montenegro don't deserve to be made such high favorites in any way. Details

Montenegro are entering these qualifications with quite a few absent players. Bojić and Šuljagić canceled, Ćaćić and Babić are injured, Milivojević said goodbye to the national team, and all of them, minus Babić, would surely be starters, while Milivojević would contribute his experience. This is a huge blow to selector Boškan, who has only three players on reception, and they are not as good as Ćaćić and Bojić. The Romanians are also missing a few players, but theirs are not crucial and this makes it somewhat easier for the selector to handle their absences. If one can compare this to the friendly matches, then there are no obstacles for this bet. Montenegro lost two matches against Austria, a team the Romanians easily beat in the World Championship qualifiers last year (0-3). The Montenegro team have the home court advantage in Podgorica, and that can influence games like this one, but I see no reason to underestimate Romania this much. With all due respect to Montenegro, without Bojić, Ćaćić, and Šuljagić they are at least 40% weaker and that makes this an even game, or at best they have a slight advantage due to playing at home. I think Romania can stand up to the home team, and will take at least two sets. Bet365 and Expekt are even offering a bet on Romania to take one set with solid odds (@1,65) for combinations, but I'll take +1,5 on the Romanians due to its huge value. Details