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The defending European champions didn't open the championship well. After losing the Supercup to Dinamo, they lost to Dina, who took advatnage of Yugra's being without 7 players. They are now to meet the worst team in the league. Coach Kaka said they would make up for the two slips in the first two rounds. Robinho is not there anymore and Cano is not his level but this teams is enough to do as well as last season when they went over the total and the first half handicap every time (10-5 (7-2), 10-4 (6-2), 9-3 (3-1)), even though they played the last two games away. The team is now extremely motivated to make amends for the first two rounds, which is great for this tip as well. Ukhta haven't changed at all compared to the last season. Also, this Yugra team is 30 percent more powerful compared to Txumen, who managed to score 13 goals against Ukhta in two games. If there is a live tip, the race to 3 and team over (2,5) are both an option. But this is available before the match and that is why I'll go with this option. Details

The new Russian futsal season is starting. Even though the Russians have a powerful team, the key players in the league and the national team are foreigners. Novaja Generacija lost three foreigners compared ot the last season. All three of them were key players. That means they lost over 50 goals per season, which says it all. They are now left with Russian players from the last season, who are nowhere near those foreigners. If they were meeting any team other than Progress and Uhta today, I would have bet on the visitors' winning. However, Progress are relatively new on the Russian scene. They are young and inexperienced and that is a problem. Still, even so, they managed to play two draws with Novaja home (3-3, 2-2), while losing 3-0 away late in the season when Novaja fought for playoff.

Things are different now. Both teams are full of inexperienced Russian players who are just not at the level of foreigners. I'm not saying there is no quality there but I think there won't be many goals since defenses are better than offenses on these teams. Progress did the preseason great and showed progress. They played Sinara twice and recorded a 2-2 draw and a narrow 4-3 defeat. Novaja are still trying to find good quality substitutes and it's no wonder they've struggled in preseason. The 2-5 defeat to Uhta is no surprise. The last news we received from Russia suggests they will sign Chuikov and Fateev. The counter-handicap at Progress (+1,5) is also an option but the under 7,5 goals seems like a much better choice. They never played a game at over 6 goals last season (6, 4 , 3) when Joel and Thales were there.
Bet 365 have the first half option (margin 3,0) which is also good but if the game goes live the under at home team (3,5) seems like the best option. Since there is no proof this will be available, I'll go with total over. Details

We have had the counter-handicap on Palma in the first semi-final game of the Spanish championship. Not only did it pass, but Palma recorded a win that was one of the biggest surprises this year, but we cannot say it was a miracle. Because we wrote that they are a good, experienced team that can surprise anyone, even defending champions and Futsal Cup finalists. Were Palma better in the first game?... they were not, but with a little luck, great goalkeeper Baron, they managed to create a miracle. Palma's arena Son Moix is one of the strongest 'forts' in LNFS. Not to repeat ourselves, Palma's tactics will be the same as in the first game, they will avoid open conflicts, they will try to even the game with positions until the end, and then they will try to win from a set piece or a counterattack. In that scenario I think that they could go over the sum of 3 goals in the first half. Details

The only reason the bookmakers set this big handicap that I can 'swallow' is the Spanish Cup game between these two opponents. Looking at the 8-0 result, this handicap seems normal, but looking at other results, and the fact that Palma were the last ones to defeat Inter in an 'important' game (Cup of the King quarter-final), we come to an excellent chance and a great pick. I really think that this handicap is missed and it can happen only if Palma start attacking furiously at the goalkeeper-player. But that will not happen. Palma are too serious of a team to allow themselves to fall apart like they did in the mentioned 8-0 defeat. Six goals were scored in the period of 8 minutes, and that will not happen in a play-off game. If they know something (and they know and have the quality do a lot), Palma's players know to defend, and that's what they will be doing well today. Against Ribera Navarra, coach Juanito's team have come to being only one goal behind after they played horribly in the first half and were down by 3, and only a miracle saved the orange team from overtime. Ribera are not Inter, but one thing is certain, Inter will not have an easy job at Jorge Garbajosa arena. Details

Saying that Benago were shocked by losing to Slavia in the second leg of the Czech playoff would be an understatement. But, it's obvious now that Benago won't have a walk to the final like Chrudim, and Prague are a bigger bite to take than the cute Vysoka Myto group. Benago coach, Beni Simitči isn't worried by the 7-2 defeat. They got their slap in the face, so I think Benago will react today and play well. If they can't dominate Slavia, they definitely won't be able to dominate Chrudim. Beni said so, promising the right approach and more importantly, if Benago lose, they have to fix things away in Prague, which is what all of them want to avoid no matter what. Details

Statistically speaking, this pick has no basis, but we have to look at the whole picture again. As much as the home team from Zaragoza are not talking about it, some of their focus has already shifted to the 8th position which leads to the LNFS play-off. On the other side, the away team who have acquired some reinforcements during the Winter break, are completely focused and they need a good result in this game. Their coach Carlos Sanchez admitted that: "This will be a difficult, competitive and intense game. We came here with questionable Asensio and Vedrdejo, but we are calm because we have found our compactness and homogeneity again. Saturday showed us what we can overcome if the team responds to the situation on the court. Zaragoza are excellent opponents, but we will try to play a great game and win all three points and try to get some distance from direct rivals for the play-off." He have seen similar statements at the home team as well, and considering the importance of the game, and the stats which show that these two teams are among the most efficient teams in the finishes of the games, I have to bet on this pick because it seems very good to me. Details

Even though the statistic doesn't support this, I don't think there'll be a lot of goals scored today. Plenty of reasons. Even though the margin is two goals lower compared to the match between Jugra and Dynamo a few days ago, the circumstances are different. This is the first Cup final match, the stakes are huge. After Dynamo Moscow's domination, the trophy will change hands for the first time, and it'll go to either Sibiryak or Jugra. Since this Cup final is played the same way as other rounds, meaning in two matches, I think Sibiryak will be tough and won't rush against Jugra who are a better team judging by the league table. The goalie probably won't join the rest of the team on the court, so this margin seems decent for these stakes. Details

Coach Konstantin Majewski said that the point they earned is too much compared to what they've shown yesterday after the match between Uhta and Norilsky. Uhta rose in shape compared to the first part of the season, but that can't be a team who can stand up to Nickel, a team who are fighting for the playoffs and who are one step above the hosts. I believe the visiting players got their share for yesterday's fail and today Nickel will win which is very important for them. Because if you look at the table, you will see how important this match is, and I think this bet for win is equivalent to it. Majewski tried to reach all three points with the goalkeeper as well, but the hosts held the fort and he failed. Today his players don't have the right to do that. Details

Dynamo now only have the championship left and everything is pointed towards that. Yesterday's math, the first match, was important and that was seen in everything - from the approach to Dynamo's win in the end, and they celebrated like they have won the championship. With yesterday's win they are four points away, four rounds before the end. In case they remain undefeated in today's match as well, they will surely be first, because they have an easier fixture than Jugra. On the other hand, Jugra want to jeopardize those ambitions in today's match and they have to win. But they are too experienced in order to rush without thinking. I believe that details will decide the match, just like yesterday, so this won't be a pretty match for the eyes. This match is too important to have too many goals, so I believe fatigue and intensity will do their thing and that we won't see more than three goals. The total umber of goals looks tempting, but I will still opt for the one in the first half Details

The story between these two is similar to the one between Russia and Belarus. The Serbians are extremely motivated, they got one of the worst opponents in the draw, and after the great result at the European championship, they're hoping to do the same on the world level. On the other hand, the Portuguese were disappointing at the European championship, and want to make up for it. The European Championship showed their biggest weakness - they rely on Ricardinho and his magic too much. The Spaniards managed to stop Ricardinho and the Portuguese machinery stopped with him. Since this is the first match, and the goal-difference will matter, we probably won't get to see a goalie-player. Both would settle with a tie from this match, so I think under of goals is the most realistic option in this duel. Details

Burela have "exploded" last week in the Spanish Cup. It suited them in the previous years, but this year they first surprised Catgas Santa Coloma, and then they held up great against later winners, Inter Movistar. Obviously the home manager Daniel Ibanes finally "clicked" with the team and the chemistry is working. On the other hand, the visiting manager Carlos Sanchez had more than enough time to prepare his team for this match, which is extremely important. There are only seven matches left until the end, and this is the direct duel for the eighth place on the table, the one which leads to the playoffs and which is the ultimate goal for both teams. So, just like yesterday, I expect a harder match with maximum focus on the defense, and the margin of three goals until half-time is very attractive. Also, if you don't manage to catch 3.0, 2.5 until half-time, and 6.5 for the match is for playing with a 5/10 bet. Details

Even though their last results don't show it, Palma are still a defense-oriented team. They didn't have a lot of expectations from the Spanish Cup, losing to Inter by 8 goals must have been a disappointment. On the other hand, Santiago cannot really hope for much better in matches with top Spanish teams. But defeats to UMA Antequera and Ribera Navarra were marked as failures. They've branded their season as unsuccessful already and coach Valladares said there will be chances on the team once it's finished. Both teams will try and make amends in this game which is why I expect a big fight and not many goals. The is too high for one half and we need 4 goals to be score to make the bet unsuccessful, which is why I'll go with a big stake. If you can't get this margin, the 2,5 margin for the first half and the 7,5 for the whole game for the 5/10 stake are good options as well. Details

Of all the options that were offered in this match, I decided for the one that seems worth of the highest stake. The Serbs are the hosts of this championship and this is the first game of the tournament. I am aware that the host will be a bit 'stiff' and they will be hampered by the importance of this game, but I also believe that Serbia are currently better team than Slovenia. I respect Cujec, Kroflic, brothers Mordej and other Slovenians, but this is a tournament at which Serbia are predestined to achieve great things, just like Croatia did in Zagreb and Split in 2012. If we start comparing the strength of Serbian and Slovenian teams, we will come to the conclusion that Serbia covered all positions better. If we add to that full Kombank Arena, we come to my pick, which is that Serbia will direct the game in their favor already after the halftime. The value to this game is also added by the head-to-head preparation games these teams played before this tournament. Other bets in favor of Serbia also have value (win) just like the bets on Slovenia's under also have value. Details

The first leg between Sinara and Tyumen yesterday ended as it was expected. A very tough match, from start to finish. Yesterday, as will be today, was a clash of two young, almost 100%-Russian teams who lack quality in the final. Both teams like to "prance upon" their opponents on their side of the court and then burst with counter-attacks. Still, Sinara attacked yesterday and they didn't give a chance for Tyumen to develop their game. Even with such Sinara we'e seen only two goals, so the margin of 7.5 today seems like a real good chance. The home manager Evegni Davletshin admitted that this wasn't a pretty sight for the fans, but that he's very pleased and how his players did the job. Yesterday it was a tough match which surely drew strength from both teams. I expect the fatigue today will take away some of the focus and strength in the offense. Bet365 offers a margin of 3.0 on goals in the first half, which is also very acceptable. Details

There is no reason not to bet on under of goals in this game again. I watched almost all games of Portuguese Cup final rounds. They were all tight games in which there weren't many chances, and the goals were mostly scored at the end of games with goalkeeper-player. Both Sporting and Fundao displayed great defense, led by Marcao and Iago Barra on goals. This is the Cup finale, the stakes are high, and I think we will see a great battle, not for every goal, but for every chance. Ideal chance for a pick with under of goals, especially in the first half. Details

I watched the match between Benfica and Funfao to see for myself what Fundao have to stand up to the current champions and a team who will be part of the Final Four UEFA Futsal Cup. First and foremost, they have a granite defense oriented at counter-attacks, specific for Portuguese, but in the counterattacks they don't only think of the offense, but also of the defense, without taking too much risk. Considering the importance of the match, since it's the semi-finals of the Portuguese cup, and considering their last matches, I decided to go for an under in this match. I would recommend playing a double chance on Fundao because beating Benfica twice in a row can only be achieved by a super great team. If Fundao are anything from this, they will at least reach six-meter throws. Details

Santiago may be in a bad position, they're not in shape, they have problems with injuries, but they're not a team who will allow a number of goals. And we have the today's odds which favor that. I couldn't decide what to take: a counter-handicap for Santiago which is really big (+4.5) or an under of goals in the first half which is too big, without a reason. In the end I opted for the illogically huge margin on the total number of goals in the first half. Because if in the lat five matches this margin didn't "pop through the roof", I don't see a reason why would it today, when there two teams are not so far from each other, quality-wise. Let's add that Santiago will be missing Pablo Tallon and David Palmas due to injuries, but also Pablo Mei due to his obligations in his contract, since he is not allowed to play against Inter. Details