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Zaksa won the Plus League easily last season, having recorded just 3 defeats. They left Rzeszow without a single set in the final series (Best of five). They acquired Bienek this season, a player who can greatly contribute to the team. They didn't open the season great because they are without the important receiver Tillie but Buszek proved to be a good substitute. They recorded 6 wins and 1 defeat so far and are still in spot 1. They already met top teams in the league. They lost to Belchatow home 1-3. All sets were very close. They also struggled with Jastrzebski but ended up winning 3-2.

Bydgoscz had a good team last season. They don't have quality for a better season now and spot 9 from last season won't be exceeded. They have to wins and 5 defeats thsi season and have not even played any of the top 6 teams. They even lost to Olstyn, who are in spot 2 just because they had an easy schedule, 3-1 home by 21 points in total. Olstyn's players recored 2 wins in the last 3 games but that was against teams that struggled to avoid relegation last season.

Looking at two other teams from the bottom part of the table, who are close to Bydgoscz in quality, Szczecin and Katowice, we see that Zaksa beat them in straight sets home by 27 and 16 points. It's clear that this point handicap is just too low. I don't see a way for the visitors to put up a fight here against the top team in the league, who can get 4 points ahead of Jastrzebski after this. I expect Zaksa to win easily. They are two level above the opponents. Details

Piacenza have high expectations this season. At the start they were a bit unlucky due to injuries and other problems (Marshall wasn't playing), so they lost to big clubs of the league Perugia and Macerata. In this season they brought in the great Cuban duo from Molfetta: Hierreuzel and Hernandez. Receivers Zlatanov and Pappi are still very experienced players, and Marshall and Clevenot now have the advantage at the reception. The arrival of Yosifov is also great, and now he's finally fully ready. Since Marshall and Yosifov have been playing, Piacenza won in two matches, at home against the strong Verona 3-2, and then at a hard away game against Mofetta where they made a comeback from 0-2.

Milano started off the season well, won at Molfetta. Against Modena at home they took a set in the second round, but they probably didn't deserve it. Due to injury, Skrimov abandoned them, so for two months they brought in the 39-year-old Cuban opposite Dennis Angela who already played in two matches with terrible reception. Now Angel is a corrector because Starovic injured himself and he's out for two weeks. Skrimov recorded 14 in the first and 16 in the second game. There are more injuries: first setter Sbertoli who is out for two weeks. Angel is no real backup, Hoagg is no player at the reception. This team can't be competitive without three important players, especially in away games.

There's no use making a comparison with the last season where Milano were better. Still, even the worse Piacenza won in all four head-to-heads. Milano lost in the third round in an away game with -18, they lost to Macerata in the last round with -17. Now they're up for another tough away game against a team who are getting better and want to win. Piacenza should win this with no trouble. Details

The Russian game doesn't seem that good so far and I'm afraid they will not be able to defend the title from London. There is no dominance over the opponents through the middle blocker position now that Muserski isn't there. Opposite Mikhaylov needs more games, settler Grankin did badly as well. All the attackers struggled a lot. Kliuka is doing well on reception but Tetyukhin is 40 and simply cannot do wonders anymore. The weakened Cuba managed to get a set against them and Argentina gave them a lesson in volleyball as well yesterday. Egypt couldn't do anything in the first game against Poland. Also, their opposite Elkotbo got injured. Abdelhay is back into the spotlight now but he needs more games to find form after an injury. He displayed a great game in the second meeting to record 20 points (against Cuba). Even the best teams will struggle to stop him when he reaches top level. Egypt are physically powerful and have done rather well in World League. A year ago at World Cup, Russia beat Egypt in straight sets (138 points) and two years ago at WC also in straight sets (127 points). Musersky played both of those matches and Russia were much better than they are today. They haven't even been able to reach Top 6 in World League this year. I don't think the h2h meetings from over 5 years ago are relevant.
Egyot recorded their first historic win at the Olympics, which means they are now bursting with confidence. They now have the chance to stun one of the better teams to finish in top 4 and get into the QFs. Russian played badly against Argentina and I don't think they can trash opponents like Egypt at the moment. Egypt are getting better each next year, they are doing well here and I'm sure they can get at least one set complicated, if not win at least one. That should be enough for the points over. In any case, I expect Egypt to win over 60 points. Details

The Americans are one of the main contenders for medals but a lot has been said about them lacking mental strength, which was obvious at World League Final 6 this year where they lost matches to Italy and Brazil and couldn't reach semifinals. Also, I don't like Anderson at the opposite position since he normally plays as the receiver at Zenit. Coach Troya simply doesn't trust the other opposite. Canada have had a great season. They reached the Olympics in Japan and really played good volleyball there to make up for the failure in the American qualifiers (failed to qualify for the Olympics there). They opened the qualifying tournament in Japan brilliantly, as well as World League to lost only to Finland in the last group stage match 3-2. But, that match was not important for Canada. They won both matches at F4 and deservedly made it into the best World League group. All of that happened without their top player Schmitt, who was given some time off to prepare for the Olympics. They are in the death group but it's obvious that Canada can deal with the best teams in the world. They are under no pressure and the opening matches are always tough, especially for favorites. These teams know each other very well because they have a long history. Canada won a lot of times in the past and I see a chance for Canada to even stun their opponents here which makes this a great bet even though the odds aren't that good. The odds at over or total points aren't better either so we definitely have to with this. I simply don't see a way for the unconvincing US to beat Canda in straight sets. Details

After making it to the Olympics, Poland were reserved in the World League because they already made it to the final tournament since they are the hosts. There were not a lot of rotations in the team because the rules don't allow it. Some matches were thus played without their best players (Kurek, Kubiak, Mika) which explains the weaker results. Yesterday after 0-2 in sets they made a comeback against France which will surely raise their confidence. Today they need to win to make it to the semi-finals, because in case of defeat they could end with the tournament altogether. They shouldn't feel fatigue because coach Antiga yesterday put in a lot of the players from the bench, which is very long and good when it comes to Poland. For Serbia this competition in the pinnacle of the season, because they didn't manage to make it to the Olympics. They started out with full strength when the rest of the teams were still looking for their rhythm. They're the worst team by ranking here, they've been playing the whole season without Petric, and the Final Six will also be without their best player Atanasijevic. They have very good middle blockers, but a lot depends on receivers Kovacevic and Ivovic. The big minus is the opposite where Luburic will stand in for Atanasijevic. Luburic doesn't have the quality nor the experience for this level. Serbia without Atanasijevic against Poland, as a visiting team, can't be at same odds. Details

The Netherlands have been in the competitive rhythm for some time, because they started the preparations early, but they look wasted. They didn't play their best in World League, they lost to the Czech Republic and Turkey, and in the last match, where they needed to win in order to get to F4, they lost to Korea, so they didn't do too well under pressure either. Luckily for them, Finland didn't beat Canada 3-0 so they made it to the F4 where they're up against the weakest opponents (on paper) in the semi-finals. The team have been youthened so they oscillate a lot, and playrs such as Kooy, Maan, Botnjeo and Abdelaziz, who are out this year, were an additional value. In the group part of the World League they didn't win only once with 3-0, and against Portugal, in the beginning. Portugal were bad in the World League and they recorded only two wins, but all of that is the result of the fact that they already made it to the final tournament as the hosts, and the coach used all of the players and was looking for the best system to work in the F4. Now we are expecting to see another face of Portugal, and surely they will play a lot better than three weeks ago against the Netherlands. A year ago even Slovenia had problems here in the qualifications for the EC, who at the same EC ended up second. The difference in quality is not as big as the betting houses think, and Portugal have been strengthened with the home court, and they can even surprise here and earn the finals. This margin for the total number of points is at least five points too low, and the match is completely open. Details

Taiwan didn't play well yesterday and they obviously had too much pressure on them, but towards the end of the match they got better, and today I expect them to be a bit more relaxed. They're playing fast and they had a lot of trouble just because of Germany's good serves, otherwise they didn't look bad at all. Greece didn't play well against Slovenia yesterday, Djuric also isn't in best of shape, and I'm not sure if he'll play today because this match for the third place doesn't mean that much. These teams met in the group part and at the time Greece won with 3-1 and 183 points. I think that the game is now on Taiwan's side, despite that Greece have Djuric. I think favoring Greece is foolish, even though at the time they played without Djuric. He's not fully ready and who knows how he will play. I simply don't see Greece dominating throughout the entire match, I expect Taiwan to take a set with no trouble, and this margin should then head into a slight over in four sets because this match has more meaning for Taiwan than it does for Greece. Details

China surprised me recently in the Olympic Games qualifications. They weren't lucky there in direct Asian clashes against Iran and Australia, but they were still in the run for the Olympics until the last match which they lost after a heavy fight to Canada with 2-3. They're modern in their game and they have very tall players, especially with middle blockers. They still needed a bit of regeneration after the qualifications, so they didn't have a good start to the World League, but now they're getting better and better, and the last tournament is played in China. Yesterday they declassed Slovakia with 3-0 and in my eyes they're big favorites against Turkey today. Turkey lost only one match and they're on a good track towards F4. Yesterday they beat Japan who were playing with their second team, so they simply weren't competitive. Two matches before Turkey made a 0-2 comeback against Japan and Finland, so all the scores aligned the way they wanted them to. I'm very surprised that these Turkey are so high on the table because the team are nothing special. Next to all of that, Turkey are tired because they didn't rotate a lot, they played long matches and lost energy, so it will be visible in the match against China. I expect China's smooth win. Details

Germany changed the lineup a lot in World League group stage because they were already at Final Four because they are hosting it. They played the last match with the top team and trashed Spain, who were still in the race for F4. Kampa and Bohme, two very important players will play here. They are very important players and Germany will be very dangerous in the final. Germany lost 1.3 to Chinese Taipei but Kampe, Bohme, Fromm and Hirsch didn't play there. They are not with top team and they are playing home. Germany always play best home. Coach Heynen is to finish his stint at the national team here and will confirm quality one last time. Taiwan surprised everyone in World League group stage and made it into F4. They play a mix between Asian and European volleyball but luck played a big role in their getting into F4. They have not yet played these kind of games and there will definitely be a bit more pressure on them before the German crowds. Heynen has certainly found all the shortcomings on the opponents' team and I think this will be a very easy job for Germany. They will be the favorite against Slovenia in the final as well. This is the peak of the season for the Germans and the Asian team simply don't deserve to be here. Details

These teams met during the first weekend in Slovenia. Venezuela won 3-0 by 10 points. Nothing has changed since. Venezuela confirmed to be a great ream because they were in the match for a long time even against Slovenia. Venezuela had 17-12 at 1-1 and lost third and fourth set after a big fight. That was the only defeat for Venezuela in World league this year. They need any kind of a win here to reach the F4. The team is good enough and this pressure won't cause problems for them. Tunisia did nothing special in Slovenia to win just one set in three matches. They beat Mexico and Montenegro here yesterday. This match means nothing to them but they will do their best because they are hosting it. Still, changes to the team are possible. Venezuela did much better, they're in great rhythm and I believe they will win today to make it into Final 4. Also, they played a shorter match yesterday and more time to recuperate than Tunisia. I simply don't see a way for them not to win this. Details

The Dutch opened the World League well with a win over Slovakia and Portugal but then lost to Turkey in the last game in straight sets and did badly. The absence of Kooy, Maan and Abdelaziz clearly affected the team even though the Dutch are already in a good competitive rhythm. But they are still not invincible and still have a lot to do to get into the Final Four. The Czechs started World League without any test matches and lost to Egypit 2-3 at the start. They then beat China to everyone's surprise and have deserved much more in the last match against Canada where they didn't get a single point. They started playing official matches and seems to be getting better each next match. Coach Falasca is clearly doing a good job and he knew why he took over here. They played home last week but they will not play in Slovakia, which means they didn't lose much time on the trip. The Dutch are coming from Turkey with a bad result from the last match and from what I saw so far, this is not the team which beat the Czech Republic in straight sets. The Czechs didn't have much success in previous head-to-head matches but this one is much different so the previous ones aren't important to me. I think the Dutch are too big of a favorite here and that their opponents will put up a good fight. Details

Venezuela beat Tunisia and Qatar with the same result just like Slovenia beat them, even though Venezuela had to struggle a bit more. Apparently they got into the good rhythm because 10 days ago they played the Olympics qualifications. Venezuela played there in a very tough group, and they left a good impression. They took a set to Japan and Australia, and two sets to France and Iran, and throughout the tournament they raised their game level. They have a physically strong team, and the Italian coach raised their organization level and he's being favored for his great success at the last European championship where everything favored Slovenia. Gianni knows that they are the best opponents this weekend and that they need a good game in order to win Venezuela will have their chances and I think they will take a set, and if it's a good day, they could even win. Details

Yesterday the Netherlands had a lot of problems with Slovakia, even though they covered the points handicap. Portugal are a better team than Slovakia and they will be dangerous opponents, even though this tournament means nothing for them because they organize the Final Four of this second strong group. Yesterday against Turkey they didn't play bad, and I expect them to rise their shape as the competition moves on, especially because they're under no pressure. These teams have a lot of head-to-heads, which means there's no large difference in quality. Last year in the second group of the World League they played two matches, and each team won once. A year earlier, in the same competition, the Netherlands won with 3-2 and 3-1, and at the time they had a better team than they do today. I agree that the Netherlands are the favorites, but not such a big one for -2.5 sets, because Portugal have their weapons and I expect them to take a set here. Details

Yesterday Belgium had a great opening of this year's World League by beating Australia without losing a set. All the best players are in the team, this competition means a lot to them because they lost the Olympics and they can completely focus on this. For years Belgium has been right behind the very best, and this year they stand a chance for a good result, while all the strong teams are thinking about the Olympics. Italy lost yesterday to France, they're playing without Ngapeth. Blengini decided to go yesterday with Zaytsev at reception, and that can be a problem since he's a classical opposite. Lanza also isn't at his maximum because he has knee problems, and Juantoreno didn't even play yesterday. Vettori doesn't have such fast and precise shots like Bruna does, and at this point they don't look good so speculations appeared that Italy don't even want to go to the Final Six in Poland. The uninterested Italy don't deserve such low odds, even though I think they will play better today. But Belgium are tough opponents at this point, so this margin is at least five points too low and it could easily go into an over in four sets. All head-to-heads of these teams ended up in an over of this margin, and in all the important competitions in which the Italians were a lot better, and Belgium won two out of four head-to-heads. Details

Macedonia were not convincing in the first match, but they still beat the bad Albania, and yesterday after five sets they beat Denmark, in a match in which Gjorgjev recorded the fantastic 43 point. Macedoniq are not bad, but they have some problems here. The important Simovski is missing, at the absence of Milev and Milkov at reception is noticeable. Their place was taken by libero Mihalov. That's why everything comes down to Gjorgjev who yesterday received 76 points. Bulgaria had an easy job against Macedonia. This is not Bulgaria's first team, but they have a wide selection of players and thus a solid team for Europa League. In the first match they flipped 0-2 against Denmark and they've been getting better and better from one match to the other. They have a lot of options in the offense and today they should beat Macedonia, but they need a way to stop Gjorgiev, what Denmark didn't manage to do yesterday. Even though Bulgaria made it to the F4 of the Europa League, they're no point in calculating because they're playing this tournament at home and while there are not a lot of matches around. They simply have to get their best team in shape. I expect Macedonia to fall today, like they should have fallen yesterday against Denmark. Details

Yesterday Estonia rotated a lot of the players against Luxembourg, so there is a lot of freshness and energy for this match where only the best will play. We're talking about the best national team in the Europa League, and their only goal is to win and to enter the World League for next year. They have a lot of good players who are playing in strong European clubs and they're the big favorites here. Austria can be dangerous, but they didn't play anything special against Luxembourg and Belarus. It all depends too much on Zass and Berger, and the rest of the team simply can't follow the leaders. Here everything, except the home court, is on Estonia's side and I expect an easy win of the better team. Details

Luxembourg have been in the competitors' rhythm for a longer period of time and they're not bad at all, and neither should they be taken lightly. Lately they took a set to Austria twice, who are a stronger team than Belarus. Belarus are better than in the last European Championship, but they are still a limited team who are playing without their best players (Akhrem, Antanovich, Haramykin) and they oscillate a lot. They took a set from Austria and Estonia, but they don't have the quality to be on such odds against Luxembourg. I except Luxembourg to fight, even maybe take a set, and the margin is low enough for this to pass in three sets. Details

Iran got the ticket for the Olympics today and this is a historic success. They didn't play this tournament especially well, but were really focused in key moments so everything was on their side when they needed it. The coach and the players are only talking about having fun after this success, so they don't really care about this last game, so I'm sure there'll be a lot of changes in their lineup. Venezuela took two sets from France today, winning one when the French had their toughest lineup. They got their first point in this competition there, winning trust for the last game. They also took a set from Japan and Australia, deserved to take one against Canada, maybe even Poland. They're not a bad team at all, they surprised me by getting better with each round. Their starter Pinerua got some rest today, so they'll be in full lineup again. I expect them to leave this tournament after a good performance altogether, because they have to play the World League after that, so they should win at least one set here. I'll go for the points handicap because of the better odds. They're strong physically, they just need to be organized better. Compared to Iran's situation, the odds for winning the set are even bigger here because it's still unknown how many of Iran's players will even come to this game. Details

These teams have left a good impression in this competition, but they were unlucky so they do not have a lot of room for mistakes and it will be difficult for them to qualify for the Olympic Games, but in theory they still have a chance. Japan lost two games against direct rivals from Asia and they are in a difficult position. But they play better in this competition as hosts, and they will give their best in the last three games. Australia played some good games because of good performances by their opposites Edgar or Carrol, but their receivers are not good enough. Walker had a bad season at ACH, Roberts is very dangerous only with ideal reception, because he plays fast, and with bad reception he is an average receiver. Zingel is an important middle-blocker, but a lot here depends on the opposites. Teams like that do not get my confidence, and Japan, on the other side, have a lot of possibilities in the offense, great defense and home court which gives them even more energy and they should be the favorites here. Last year, Japan won 3-1 at the World Cup, they had a high advantage in the third set for 3-0 win and lost 25-27, but they easily finished the game in the fourth set. Australia can win today only if Edgar scored over 30 points, but Japan's volleyball simply seems better. Details

Canada played an excellent match against Poland, took a point and maybe felt a chance of Olympic Games. It all looks very good, Schmitt is fully ready and they have a lot of possibilities to win here. Iran beat Australia, but they didn't fight back enough, and they played a desperate match. This is a very important game for both teams and it's fully open, so I don't know why are Iran favored as much. These odds for Canada's win are a must-take. Details