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A defeat in Denver would put Seattle in a tough situation, as Galaxy have an unreachable scoring ratio and they would be playing a must-win away match in LA in two weeks. I doubt they'll allow themselves that: they're better than Rapids and have already beaten them in away matches back when there was less of a difference between the teams, they're in better shape and more confident...
Many factors point towards the home team improving in the finish of the match, but he have yet to see it happen. It would be a very steep jump indeed if they suddenly started to parry the future second ranked team of the league. They have Chivas coming next, then Dallas, who could by then be indifferent and a chance for them. Today it's time for another Dempsey-Martins show. Details

A slightly higher margin, caused by the goal-fest between Alingsas and Barcelona. The Spanish team chose to chase the Swedes in the first match of the group stage, but we should not expect Flensburg to do that today. They have nowhere near as wide a rotation, and one can expect them to play at a much calmer tempo and put their faith in solid defense. They played at exactly 57 only against Lubbecke this season, all other official matches they played were under this margin. Today they're also missing the quality shooting of Gottfridssona, just like Alingsas don't have their own primary shooting option - left back Larsson. As the away team were not happy with the performance against Hammarby, I expect them to be much more serious today, meaning they will be more focused on defense and their goalie Aggefors, among the best in the Swedish league. Details

The offense is the best defense for both teams, so as much as this match is important because of the points, we should expect lots of action. Home coach Thaqi clearly said that the audience can expect a full game, so he doesn't plan to change his game philosophy. It can be expected from Barnbach even less because they tried to win an important match against Linz by slowing down the rhythm, and it didn't work. So, no dilemma that they'll try to use their fast and efficient game today, and we should keep in mind that by the end of the match, if their situation isn't favorable, they like to play pressing, which usually brings scoring even more goals total. The new 60 seem pretty realistic. Details

Runar still don't look like a team that could fight for the top. Their game isn't developed, especially in the offense that looked disastrous against Haslum. In the first half-time, they scored 9 goals, and it was lucky for them that Haslum played the worst half-time in the last few years. You could see who was the cat and who was the mouse in the rest of the game, so Runar were crushed in a blink. The impression is that Runar won't be able to deal with the teams from the top. Bodo proved that by crushing them by 8 goals difference, and most importantly, scoring 33 goals. Also DHK who truth be told belong in the top. If it was played at Elverum, I'd predict a win by 5, 6 difference, but I think this handicap is well-predicted, too. Elverum need to win away matches like these if they want the title they were made to get. Even though they lost Perez, no room for panic because there are the coach-player Apelgren and Mitrovic, both good enough to raise no doubts. Even though they didn't prove themselves in the first away match against OIF, I doubt they'll have a reckless approach today, too. Unlike then, they had 10 days to get ready for this game, and fix their mistakes. Elverum, as practiced and motivated as they are, are a level above Runar like this. The fact that they'll host Bodo who are two points away shouldn't be ignored, and they can't afford to go into that match being double behind. A clear win is a good choice for a sure bet, but I'll try with the easily available handicap. Details

Byasen used all their credit after the first four rounds, capping it off with the defeat against Skrim in the four round. Byasen got in a revenge mood against Stabaek in the next round and won by 13. Stabaek, though, defeated Fredrikstad two rounds ago by four. Mid this week, Byasen got even to Skrim by defeating them in the cup, 38-32. Fredrikstad are their old customer, they defeated them in six out of seven matches played, five of those with over six goals difference, and this season, today's home team are the first candidate to be eliminated. Five defeats in five rounds, and both matches against the teams from the top ended with a defeat with over 10 goals difference. Fredrikstad lost to Storhamar in the cup this week by six. Storhamar rotated a lot in that match and saved the team for today's game against Vipers. Another thing, not as important, but worth the mention, Fredrikstad's junior team are playing an important match in their competition, and four players from the wider senior Fredrikstad's roster are playing there, which can influence their rotation quality against Byasen. All in all, Byasen are a much better team that belong in the top and today they have to demonstrate that against a team that will probably pack up by the end of this season. Details

Of the more important players Unicaja lost this summer we have Dragič, Calloway and Caner-Medley, but the arrival of Stefansson, Vasileiadis, Marković, Caleb Green and Will Thomas mostly compensated for that, and I believe Unicaja will be even better than last season. Under Plaza they played a tremendously quick transition from defense to offense, and wi ll continue with that, as the profiles of the new players Plaza brought in fit the system perfectly. Toolson's figures should improve, while both Vasileiadis and Stefansson have great shooting skills, which means Malaga have a wide offensive arsenal. ON the other hand we've got the ofensively focused but little known Andorra, who were the terror of the 2nd league last year. This summer they've proven they can handle many of the first league teams, and a few days ago they lost 104-93 to Barcelona. They will play their game here as well, with a fast pace and a focus on offense. These two teams should provide a lively match that should go over 160 points... Details

Last season these two played mostly close matches, especially in the playoffs. However, the situation changed significantly during the summer, as Veroli dissolved and almost ceased to exist, and were saved by a fusion with an ambitious 4th league team, who placed some of their young players in Veroli to get experience. Of the better players they have we can point out Nardi, Shaw, Legion and Wojciechowski, but only the last one played in the second league, others have to prove themselves. Verona are a title contender, a serious team that made up for the summer departures of good players with some strong names such as Monroe, Umeh, Ndoja... They are openly ambitious for something more than 3rd place and the playoff semifinal they reached last season. The quality disparity is significant here, and with the right attitude which everyone has, eager to play, this should be a one way street. Details

Frankfurt won all their preseason matches and allowed their opponent an average of 61 points. Then they hosted Hagen on Friday and played a high scoring match, but Hagen are a run and gun team who simply force you to play quickly, so that match is not a proper benchmark. Led by Herbert, Frankfurt base their game on defense and will clearly look to win against Ulm in that way. In the past four seasons, Ulm never played over this margin in Frankfurt. Last year they scored 67, prior to that 62, 64, and 67, and there is no doubt Ulm was a much better and offensively potent team last year. They have many new faces now, numerous quality players left them, and their starting point guard Günther is injured. It will take them a while to tune up. In a recent preparation matches Ulm scored 74 against Tübingen, 58 at Bayreuth, and 64 points at Würzburg. Details