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The USA are my choice for the final winner of this year's World Grand Prix. Last year they won the World Championship, and in the next five days, they will be going after the World Grand Prix at home court. Of the players who won the World title, only setter Glass is not here. Everyone else is here, and with the support of a full arena in Omaha, the Americans are the most serious contender for the title. They are complete, they have the best team, the longest bench and that will be very important when games are played every day. Brazil are missing the entire starting lineup from the World Cup at which they were eliminated in the semi-final, except for the starting setter. That has to be felt, USA have more experience, and they play better as a team. There is more chance that the Brazilians will fail than there is that the Americans will. I would write off China, because they arrived at Omaha without their main players and their selector Lang Ping, and they're definitely not a title contender because of that. Things would be different if their squad was complete, but even then I would still give the USA an advantage based on a game from a few days ago. Japan have a good team, but they are not title contenders on a tournament at which five difficult games will be played in five days. That leaves us with Russia and Italy, who also rejuvenated their teams, and are missing some key players from last year, and as such they couldn't handle USA in the fight for the Grand Prix title. Details

This is a completely irrelevant meeting for Russia. They reached the Final Six by beating Italy, they have a long road to the States ahead and 5 tough games in as many days. That is why I expect them to give a chance to players who haven't spent a lot of time on the court so far. Russia got crushed to Brazil like that. Belgium were very close to getting a set both against Brazil and Italy. I believe they will finally manage to get a set today. I don't think Russia's win yesterday is important because Italy played badly and rested their three top players. Belgium will have motivation on top of everything because their stay in Division 1 depends on it. They are fierce and at the end of the day, Russia's only straight sets win this season was over Dominicana. Belgium are better than the South Americans. It would be crazy if Russia decide to play this with the best team. Even like that, these odds would be a bit too high for me. Details

Two weeks ago, Italy convincingly defeated Belgium in straight sets in Ankara. The results in sets were 25-15, 25-17 and 25-20. What has changed since then? Italy improved their form, we can say that they are the most pleasant surprise of this Grand Prix. The Italians are close to qualifying for the main tournament, they could almost secure a spot there if they win three points today. They are playing really well, and with all that they are playing at home today, so there will be no lack of motivation. Two weeks ago they showed that they are much better than Belgium so there is no reason for them not to repeat the win in straight sets today. Belgium have been playing the Grand Prix without two of their main players, Dirickx and Van Hecke, and some other important players. That reflected on their result, they are currently second-to-last, but they will not be eliminated. Dominican Republic has been playing with their B team, they haven't won a point, and if we look at the result, they will be playing in the B Division next season. I mention that because I think that Belgium is not in danger. With all that, Belgium arrived in Italy from Brazil, besides being tired from the trip, they were stuck at the airport and stayed in Brazil a day longer. Fatigue will be present, everything here is on Italy's side, motivation, home court, form and quality. There is no reason why Italians shouldn't repeat the win against Belgium from two weeks ago. Details

This match is similar to the one the US and Italy played last Friday. The only advantage Japan have here is home court, everything else is pretty close. Japan, in my opinion, simply cannot be the favorite to this extent. Their team is younger compared to the one from last season, libero Sano is gone, as well as receiver Shinnaba. They didn't leave much of an impression on me last summer, having lost to Brazil and struggled against the weak Serbia.
Italy lost to the US in Ankara and then beat Belgium and Turkey easily. They got better as the tournament advanced and managed to stay close to the States for the most part of the game. That was a good lesson because the US are in my opinion definitely better than Japan. Coach Bonitta is calm ahead of this tournament, happy with what he saw in Ankara. He expects an even better Italy. They will dominate through blocking today. Italy are a mix of youth and experience.
Italy managed to beat Japan at the WC last season but that should not be taken into consideration now. Italy are now without four veterans who were on the team back then, Japan are down three players. Last year's Grand Prix game might be more significant as it featured a lot of players who play the key roles now. Italy won in five sets by 8 points in China back then. We have the 7.5 handicap at Japan now. Italy lost to the US by seven points, Japan played a close match with Serbia, who are not as good as Italy. The point handicap at Italy definitely has value and seems a better option than the alternative, which is Italy winning two sets. Details

Kenya need the win without a lost set to stay in for the final tournament. That's my pick here, they're just a level above Algeria. The two matches from June show it. Kenya beat Algeria 3-0 in the African championship, and it was the same in the group. Kenya won 17 small points more than Algeria in the final, and 14 in the group. The only thing working for Algeria here is their home court, but this match doesn't matter to them result-wise. Algeria played 10 sets on this tournament so far, Kenya six. The Kenyans are definitely more motivated, they're better rested, they're better physically, and Kenya will dominate the block. They faced each other last year in this competition, at the neutral court in Mexico. Kenya won 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-13). Considering this situation, it sounds like a good bet. Details

Kenya are nothing special, and Mexico are awful. That's what they looked like at home last week, and I don't think much could have changed in five days. They lost by 30 to Peru, made a lot of mistakes, as expected because they're young and inexperienced. They got their only point against Kenya, but when it got serious, Mexico were leading 2-1 in sets, and the Kenyan woke up and won. In the fifth set in the end, but by 14. That shows how much stronger Kenya are than Mexico. Last year, Kenya beat Mexico in an away match in this competition. It ended 3-1, but Mexico were much stronger then than they are today. A few of their important players are missing, and it shows, that's why the Mexican coach said last week: "We'll see how it goes.". He's aware that this team can't do much. I think they'll be beaten again today. This match is played in Algeria, and coming back under the African sky will suit the Kenyans better. If they could beat Mexico by five last year, by 14 in an away match this year, then I don't see why they wouldn't cover this small handicap on a neutral court today. Mexico need to adjust to Africa, and the time zone change. The safer pick is Kenya's clear win, that's paid pretty well. Details

I think the US are being overrated here. It's only the start of the season and they're without almost the whole starting lineup from last year. The same goes for Italy but this Italy is better organized and has played with this lineup more than the US. They have quality as well, Diouf has made progress for sure and a few of their middle-blockers played at World Championship last season where Italy defeated the US in straight sets. The US are traditionally not very good at the start of the season. Not many people would bet on them becoming the world champions at this point last year. Kiraly knows how to get their form on when necessary and the main competition for his this season is World Cup, which starts in a month and a half. The Grand Prix match from two years ago is what gave me incentive for this tip. Diouf destroyed the US with 31 point back then and Italy won in 5 sets. They will be in almost the exact same lineup today, only with two more years of experience. They were considered inexperienced and young back then. There will be quite a few players on the US team who played that match but as I already said, it's season start and the bookies have too much faith in the US. I think the handicap is too high and over is a good choice as well since I think that margin is a bit too low. Details

The difference between these two teams is pretty big. The last head-to-heads are a huge starting point for this bet. Last year Kazakhstan beat Australia at home in Grand Prix in three sets with small 22 points of difference. The match ended up at 128 points and that's the top of the margin for today's match. Last year's Australia had Rourke, a world known player. I'd say she's among the Top 10-15 opposites in the world. It's clear that's a big handicap for an under-average team such as Australia. Besides, two experiences players quit volleyball, and Australia started out this season with a young team. The score is not as important, they have the 3rd division Final Four hosting. Selector Barnard is using all 12 players. Yesterday they played a match against Cuba at 125 points with 25 points of difference, and we can say that Kazakhstan is somewhere with Cuba. They're playing at home and I don't think they'll do special combinations today, the approach will be maximum. I again expect Australia to rotate a lot, in the end in Asia championship in May this year they played a match in three sets. Kazakhstan won with 27 points of difference in a match of 123 points. I expected margins on that border, but it's a lot higher and under is the best choice here if you ask me, although the point handicap is also a good option. Details

Nothing has changed since Saturday and we only confirmed what we already knew - Croatia are the weakest team in Baku. Our players are weakened and only 9 of them is at coach's disposal. Out of the 9, three from the lineup are having their debut for the national team. There is basically no bench which is not good enough for a pretty powerful European games tournament. Croatia lost the first game to Serbia easily in straight sets and I don't see any reason for a different outcome today against the Netherlands. I don't see Croatia getting a single set against a team that is no worse than Serbia. The Dutch beat Russia 3-1 here in the first game and coach Guidetti was still not happy. He knows his team can do better and he will ask that of them today. There will be no holding back, maybe he'll change someone in the lineup but the Dutch are here with the top team and a long bench, which should make it easy for them against Croatia. Quality, experience, the time they spent together - the Dutch are better in all of those segments. Their straight sets win is still paid well given the situation. Details

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So far the Netherlands have left a better impression in Switzerland than Turkey. They lost a single set, Guidetti set them up really well in a very short period. He really is a top expert who won Motreux Masters with Germany last year. The Netherlands lost to Turkey in the last year's world championship, but this Netherlands looks a lot better than last year's one. Turkey don't look convincing, they lost to Japan in three sets, the won Italy who are here with a completely different team and Germany who are missing most of their starting players. Yesterday Guidetti rested his main players. He's one of the main reasons for this bed, we're talking about a coach who's been working in Turkey for years and who will choose the right tactic for today This is at least a 60-40 match for the Netherlands, and everything above 1.80 has value. Details

I expected the Dutch as the favorites here, which they realistically are. The Netherlands sent their A team to Switzerland while Russia came with their B team. The difference in how the players at these two teams work together is is huge. The Dutch used almost the exact same team at Grand Prix and World Championship while Russia spent 10 days and one match together. The match was against the Dominican Republic yesterday and they did it quite well but that's it. They are a good team but playing together fora a longer period of time is important in each sport and the Dutch have a massive upper hand in that respect. They are also more experienced internationally and I believe they will make a tactical progress now that Guidetti took over. He had this debut yesterday and won as expected. He used Sloetjes as the No.1 opposite instead of Peteresen, who was the first choice when Vermuhlen was in charge. That turned out to be a good move as Sloetjes finished as the player of the match. Guidetti has a great choice of players and his team played the first game of the day while the Russians played the last one. That means the Dutch should be a bit better rested but that is not the crucial reason for me to believe in the Netherlands. I would give them a 60% chance of winning this and only 40 for a chance of a Russian win. Last year the Netherlands had Russian under control last year in Italy (A Russian team) and this one is not that good to be able to beat a team that is, in my opinion, one of the top 10 teams in the world. Now that Guidetti took over they have a coach who is also one of the top coaches in the world. Details

At the beginning of a tournament for the placement to the junior WC, Russia and Slovenia are facing each other. Only the first will go directly to the WC. These two teams know each other very well, they faced each other at the EC last year. Russia won 3-1 (23-25, 25-22, 25-23 and 25-20), so it was a big fight. That's 188 points, and the margin is much lower today. Russia are too favored, in my opinion, definitely because they're playing at home. This generation of the Slovenian team is the best they've ever had, they took silver last year, in an intense final of five sets where Serbia won. The Russians were seventh there. A year before that, cadet category, Slovenia were the sixth, Russia the eighth. That only confirms these two teams are equally good. Slovenia will have the same lineup as in the last year's EC, they got ready well and came to Anapa ready. The same goes for Russia who want to get to the WC on a tournament they're hosting. That will put a certain pressure on them, and compared to the last year's EC, they'll be without the important block Žurbenko. I definitely don't see this match in three sets, and four normal ones, with about 25-20, will take this match to an over. This bet is widely available, and that's why the medium stake is recommended. Details

This is the first semifinal match out of three. Chemik haven't lost a set to Wroclaw this season, they played each other a month ago, in the cup semifinal. Wroclaw were close only in the third set, but lost 25-23. Why bet on Wroclaw's set here then? Chemik lost a final to Sopot in a match where they were a big favorite in the meantime. They passed Legionovia in the quarterfinal after that, and then they hosted Champions League Final Four. They were the favorites in the semifinal against Arsizio, but didn't even win a set. Vakifbank beat them in the duel for the third place. They played both matches badly, but that proved they're far from their good form. Those defeats rocked the team's mood, confidence, and the most experienced Glinka said that they're playing volleyball that's too simple to win. So, their form is far from ideal, and they'll also deal with fatigue.
Wroclaw seemed to be in front of a wall, lost the first away playoff game against Bielsko Biala, and then crushed them twice at home. They played great, left their opponents at 51 points in the first match, and 50 in the second. They got two weeks of peace to get ready for Chemik, who were focused on the Champions League. Wroclaw didn't really meet the expectations this season, they didn't leave a trace in the Champions League, but that win against Bielsko could be a click they were waiting for.
It doesn't seem realistic that Wroclaw didn't win a set against Chemik in three matches this season. They've got an ideal chance today, and even more, I'd say. So, them winning a set definitely has a value today.
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Vakifbank are the only remaining team that won Champions League before (twice in the last 4 seasons). The defeat in last season's final would give them new motivation. They had the lead favorable draw on road to this Final Four, having beaten Dynamo Kazan and Fenerbache, teams who were the prime contenders for the title. They are the top favorite for me in Poland, have the best choice of players, and a top coach who knows how to win trophies. They lost to these opponents twice this season in five sets. They didn't have all the foreigners back then and that should make the difference today. Guidetti will come up with good tactics and if they manage to stop De la Pena, they will get half of the work done. Vakifbank have more diverse game and more experience than any other team in the tournament. They have done best so far out of all the teams in Poland, they finished regular season in Turkey top table, knocked out the prime contenders for CL title. They are the No.1 favorite to get another CL title now. If this tip is not available to you, you can bet on Vakifbank winning today and used the odds for combo tickets in finals tomorrow. Details

Depressed, disappointed, and tired Schwering are set to met Stuttgart, a team that is having its best season ever. They won the Cup, finished regular season as the runner-ups, the atmosphere and chemistry within the team are great. They had a lot more time to prepare for this game. Stuttgart beat Schwerin two times this season back when the situation at Schwerin was much better than now. A trip to Turkey and back and the match in Bursa left a trace on the team. Disappointment with players and the coach was massive after the defeat in Turkey and only three days later, they need to play a new game. Schwerin counted on the European final after winning the first game. The arena in Stuttgart is sold out, they are doing great home this season - lost only to Dresden home (in five sets). They are a good home team while Schwerin aren't that good away. I repeat, they lost twice here this season. I trust Stuttgart will take advantage of Schwerin's European slip. Details

The third set decided the first match, and one ball. After that, Schwerin rushed to the win. Bursa were playing without Rivera Brans then, she got a hit in her head in the second set, and didn't come back afterwards. She's a very important player in Bursa, and she'll suck it up and play today. With her in, Bursa's chance are much better. They have to win in a handicap that will bring the "golden set". Bursa will try to get that supported by 5,000 fans, so Schwerin will be in hot water in Turkey today, something they're not used to. The Turkish fans' fanaticism is well known. Some of the away matches Schwerin played in the national championship show their weaknesses. Like the away duel against Aachen, who are not close to Bursa. They barely won that match in the fifth set, and lost to Stuttgart 3-1. Stuttgart aren't better than Bursa who will give it all out today, because this is the match of the season for them. Bursa played the first semifinal match pretty tired from the long trip. That won't be the case today, Schwerin will be tired from the trip today.
So, to conclude, Bursa have the home court advantage, support from their fans, Rivera back, and Birgul ready after being injured. They were an even opponent to Schwerin in the first match despite all the problems, and today, the situation is much better for Bursa. I expected the odds to the win to be a bit smaller. This one is played pretty early, at a time-slot that Bursa always play national championship games, while Schwerin are used to playing in the evening, which is only an extra plus for this bet. Details

I expect a battle here, a close game that might as well get decided in the fifth set. The first two matches were settled in three sets and I don't think that can happen here. It's a key game and both teams aim for the semifinals, which was the goal set ahead of the season. They are teams of equal quality, Posdam got better since the first match as the got used to being without Carraro. Cutuk is finally in the lineup after the season-long struggle with an injury. Potsdam did great and stand a chance of reaching the semis like that. It is quite clear that Wiesbaden won't do as badly as last weekend. I think the margin is set pretty low, it's an important game, Potsdam boosted their confidence with the last win and optimism is back on the team. This will not be easy for either team. The last three matches were finished in straight sets, but each streak must come to an end. This one is just unnatural. Details

First of all, Dynamo are still shaken up after the Champions league knock-out. Their confidence probably hit rock bottom since they hoped to save the season with Champions League Final Four. They need to try and win the title now but that will be tough, given the competition. As it seem, Proton won't be an easy opponent either. The pressure will be high, form is far from ideal, with two rather convincingly defeats to Arsizi proving it. Marcenko is out for this QFs match and for the rest of the season. After the defeat in Champions League, Dynamo's president said that he is unhappy with the coaches and the players. The situation is far from ideal, Dynamo won't have it easy since they didn't reach a single goal that was set ahead of the season. Proton are better rested and in higher spirits. They lost to Uralocka deliberately to face Dynamo in QFs since they beat them home two months ago. Dynamo were much better back then in terms of form and atmosphere. Proton are a well-experienced team that want to play European competitions next season and the only way to do that is by beating Dynamo. I would be very surprised if Dynamo win in straight sets. I would take this bet even at 1.70, which means this is very good. Points over is a good choice too, I'm quite sure this won't end in three sets. Details

Wiesbaden was better than Potsdam both times this season. They finished in spot 4, the visitors in 5 but Wiesbaden had 11 points and 4 wins more in regular season. Many imagined they would finish as a Top 3 team but they fell short of the expectation a bit. Playoffs are the chance to reach their goals and the home arena might play the key role in this QF match. I think Wiesbaden are a better-quality team. They are known for preparing well for the big matches, that is after all one of coach Vollmer specialties. They are complete while Potsdam can't count on top setter Carraro. Rivero is only getting bad after an injury meaning that Wiesbaden are better prepared and complete ahead of the match. They won the last 5 head-to-head matches, this and last season in straight sets home. I think they will win again, in straight sets or with 3-1. They beat Potsdam in only 70 minutes three weeks ago. Details