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This match is a consequence of Chalon's games last season, and at the beginning of a new one. However, the guest defeat against Bourg changed everything, Choulet got mad and asked his team to play real defense. This team don't have the offensive potential like the last season, and the club management finally figured out that they can't ask for the playoffs when they concede 80-90 points per game. It resulted in a completely opposite approach in Villerbaune. Chalon didn't play a game at 120 points for a long time, but it bore fruit. We can expect them to continue in the same rhythm, Choulet wants the fewer points conceded as possible before today's game, he's aware they'll have to work hard against Nancy. Nancy conceded over 80 points for the first time this season on Wednesday, but the Eurocup is one thing, the championship another. There, Nancy have 2-2 ratio, they lost at home against Nanterre last weekend, and I expect Weisz to ask for the max firmness after two defeats in a row. Even last season, they won this away game 80-71, and against Reims, one of the best teams of the league offensively, a few weeks ago, they stayed at 145 points. Considering that Chalon should play firmer, more patient, with more brains, I expect this game to be at about 145-150 points, too. Details

Taking into consideration the average of their games so far only, this margin could make sense. But, I think it's at least 4-5 points too high. Borg's game philosophy and Dijon's game style suggest they will be focused on defense. We had the prefect chance to see how that turned out in their games with other defense-oriented teams. Last weekend in Strasbourg was the perfect proof of it when 71 points were scored in the first 30 minutes, 119 in total. Dijon conceded 63, 71, 79, and 63 points (79 in that strange Le Manse game). Ever since Joseph and Alingue got back, Dijon are performing as they used to. Paris have lost the last two championship games. Beugnot was furious with his defense after the Pau Orthez game and the 71 point they conceded in it. Paris are putting more focus on defense this season, having limited Nanterre to 60 points away. Beugnot asked for a higher-pace game with Reggiana, since Reggiana didn't have all the players on the roster. Besides, their shouting efficiency was great that night. This should be a very different game, just like their head-to-head meetings the previous season were. 148, 144, 139, 129 and 151 points were scored in the last five of those, with neither team ever scoring more than 76 points. Getting over that margin will be tough for either tonight. With both teams on a 2-2 record, this is an extremely important game and I don't see it ending with over a 150 points scored. Details

Partizan started the season disastrously. They tied three defeats in the ABA league, and added two in the Eurocup. What's more worrying than the defeats is their game, it looks awful right now. They're really struggling in the offense and I think they'll turn to defense in this match. Metalac still didn't pass this margin this season, and it's never easy to play in Pionir. Partizan are shaken, this is a great chance for them to get an important win. The stakes are big, and Mačvan's words about wanting to win with a crazy defense, and that the older players will show the younger ones how to win games with the defense work for this bet. Metalac had 66 against Cedevita, 61 against Budućnost, 51 against Szolnoki, and 59 against Krka, so I think this bet has a value. Details

The biggest strength for the Viennese is their running, and I'm fully convinced they'll use that today against one of the worst defenses of the league. The first match for both teams ended with 72 goals, and I don' t see a scenario that can allow 12 less than that. Both teams play with extremely fast rhythm, their offense is their best defense. The key for Barnbach is that they didn't change much, even with Miloš leaving, so we should expect a great looking match where there won't be a lack of goals. Details

A deeper analysis of Vardar's first game shows a few things. Vardar didn't solve the question of a good right back player, Lazović isn't one who'll crush the offense, it all comes down to Lekić and, starting this season, Penezić. Jovanka Radičević is completely out of form, and Indira knows it, so she started the match in Podgorica with the Russian Chernoivanenko as the right wing, but the realization lacked from this position. Generally, the complete right line is far from the real form in the offense. Pineau and Khmyrova are not playing, and lack of good players in the rotation means forcing Penezić in the defense, while the young Ikhneva as the first substitute for the left back position looked completely lost. Now, Budućnost's defense is bordering on fanaticism, but the fact is that Vardar's offense isn't that dangerous, at least not at the start of the CL.
On the other hand, we have Thuringre who force fast rhythm, but considering the numerous changes with the injuries, and the fact that they came with 11 players, seven of which are backs and two goalies, it all shows they won't have the material for their recognizable transition for all 60 minutes, but the result will be a priority. Add to this that they have Krause on the goal, she's in a great form at the beginning of the season, had 17 saves against Podravka, and it just adds to the value of seeing this game with the max 50 goals total. Details

Erlangen know their offense can't keep up with a more efficient higher-pace game. They played three out of the five home games under 50.5, with Lemgo at 56 and with Lubbecke at 55 in the season opener. They played Lubbecke in Erlanden, and the other three in Nunrnberg, the city that hosts today's game. Hannover have Ziemer on the goal and Andreu, Szücs and Ševaljević in defense. They just beat HSV in a Cup game 28-25, going over 52 goals in only one out of 4 away games (win over Fuchse 29-28). They played Friesenheim, who were promoted this season, and lost 27-24. Their offense is not too diverse and depends on Chrisophersen and Hafner too much. Erlangen know that those are the players to focus on today. The home team have not conceded more than 25 goals in any of the last four home games and since they struggle with offense at the moment and we should not see more than 53 goals today. Details

The duels between these two teams are an Austrian classic, and hold a special place. The points are extremely important for both teams, but this match also brings prestige, something even more important. So, no surprise that the first match ended with 48 goals total, and there shouldn't be much more today, either. Mostly because Krems lost the left wing Schopf, probably the best left wing of the league, also the best scorer in HLA for years. Considering that absence, it's clear they'll be dedicated to the defense completely. To manage to get the revenge they want in this match, Polten will have to show much better performance in the defense than they did in the few previous rounds. It worked against Schwaz when they had 46 goals total, and Krems should be a similar opponent with their game style today. So, I expect another match at about 50 goals, 55+ doesn't seem like a likely scenario. Details

I decided on the visiting team handicap in the end because of the fact Buducnost are the top defense of the Champions League. That defense will be faced with Podravka's 4 back field players who play both offense and defense each game. Left back Trifunovic and right back Zivkovic won't lack motivation since they meet their former club today, but if they were any good, Buducnost would not have let them leave after only one season. Tatari will be Podravka's key player, with their performance depending almost entirely on her. That will make her the main target of Buducnost's defense, especially defense specialists Lazovic and Cvijic. I think Buducnost could have done much better in their meeting with Vardar. They recorded four completely unnecessary technical faults, missed four seven-meter throws, and Kaca Bulartovic didn't do her best. Buducnost beat Podravka in Croatia in the last preseason match by 6 goals and I don't see any reason why this game would not end up in a similar fashion, maybe even by 2 or 3 goals more. Podravka played a derby match with Lokomotiv three days ago, which could make fatigue another problem for the Croatian team today. Details

Results and stats from the first three rounds don't mean much for this game. Sibenik's last season's games would end with more points scored so the bookmakers, using average efficiency, came up with margins at around 150 points for their head-to-heads, that would end up well under. Nothing has changed in the meantime, these clubs are still openly hostile towards one another which turns each of their head-to-head meetings into a war. The head-to-head games last year ended at 134, 116, 137, 120 and 129 points, all well under this margin. I expect a game at 135, or 140 point max. Details

Vojvodina played three games at home so far, they had 51 goal against Veszprem, 47 against Vardar and 47 against Metalurg. Their offensive strength is weak, and Elezović and Datukašvili's injuries definitely don't work for the game, especially because they're the key backs and they're out of form. They're expected in the team today, but Datukašvili had 1/5 a few days ago against a rejuvenated Metalurg, I doubt he'll be brilliant now. Nexe were much faster and better last year, this is a different team, and they slow things down a lot. They had 53, 55, and 54 goals against much better teams Veszprem, Meškov and Vardar in away gams. Last year, when Nasice were much faster, they ended with 52 and 51. Vojvodina could match anyone in SEHA league, Radnički, Borac and the rejuvenated Metalurg, they had under 50.6 margin, and I wouldn't be surprised if we saw the same scenario this time, too, even more so because the coach said they have to win.
Add to all that the last two games by Nexe against the fast Radnički and Tatran, which ended with 53 and 52 goals, it's clear why I expect this game to be a bit less efficient. Details

It's clear Hamburg aren't the force, but what's Berlin then? They're really a junior national team for Germany, seventh at the cadet EC. They've got talent, but definitely not experience. They're a group of 18-year-olds, and only six of them - the rest of the team are even younger. If they outplay Hamburg today, then the home team can really start to wonder what to expect from this season. Hamburg started the championship with a defeat against Suhl, a new defeat would shake them up even further. The home team's coach takes the role of the favorite on purpose, he knows who'll his players will face. His statements show he trusts his players, he's aware that they'd ruin their reputation if they lose here. They all live from volleyball, they're a lot more experienced than their opponents, they have a name. Two seasons ago, Germany's junior national team played the national championship, too. They were the fourth cadets in EC, had even better players than this generation. They collected experience and some minor results. They only won seven sets and had one win. It took them three or four months to really get their first set in the season. Hamburg's defeat would really be a big surprise here, and a disappointment after starting the new season ambitiously, after the last one which isn't worth remembering. They can get their fans back only by winning, and today's win is a must. I believe they'll get it with 3-0, or 3-1, a clear win should be a sure bet. Details

That matches between Federer and Karlović are played with a pattern. The Swiss is focused on his serve and patiently waits for his chance. He's not afraid of tie-breaks, which makes sense when he won 10 out of 11 matches. Even though this didn't always work (seven out of 12), they played indoors only one other time. It was in Basel, too, and the match ended in two tie-breaks. Of course, the conditions here work for these kinds of bets even more, and for a combination, I definitely recommend +4.5 on Ivo. It worked in all nine matches they played in two sets won. Details

Szolnoki are a huge favorite in this match, for a few reasons. The Hungarians aren't the same team away and at home. They play much better at home, got two wins, and lost to Partizan in the first round. The strong Russian Zenit got harmed in the Eurocup there, so I don't think the weakened Levski can fare well. Zvijezda covered this handicap in the first round, Zadar in the third, and Budućnost in the last one in Bulgaria. The Bulgarians lack the first point guard Heath, the captain Ivanov got injured, and I think they only want to lose with the difference as small as possible in Hungary. The fact that Szolnoki lost two in a row and have to get back to winning works for this bet, because the weakened Levski are a perfect opponent for them now. Levski played the Bulgarian championship this week. They got defeated against Cherno More by 11, and the trip to Varna definitely got them tired, as their coach said. I even wanted to place a unit more, but Szolnoki had an exhausting trip this week, too. Details

Can you believe in a team that lost their last round game 8-0 home? That is precisely what Sunderland, who are among the main candidates for relegation, did. The shock defeat will not be easy to forget and we should not hope for their instant response today.
If Arsenal had all the players to count on, the odds would be at 1.40, or 1.50 at best. But, with London team decimated by injuries, the book makers increased the odds significantly, which made this bet a perfect choice, especially because the outcome here will depend entirely on Arsenal. They won one game in the last 5 rounds and then went to Brussels to play the Champions League match with Anderlecht and to prove they can to well. There's no reason not to believe they will win this game since they need the three points and don't lack motivation. Wenger knows how important it is to win games such as this one.
As for their head-to-head games, Arsenal are much more successful, and despite this being a tough challenge, I believe in them to win, even if Sunderland gives them a hard time. Details

Minsk conceded more than a 100 points twice so far, but that does not stand as a proof of their defense quality. The 108 Himki scored against them might be justified by Himki's good quality as Minsk fell pray to home team's tactics, allowing the opponent to suck them into a fast-pace game that ended with a bad defeat. They did as the coach asked only in Samara, and only for about 35 minutes. The finish was bad, but that game was nonetheless the kind of performances they should always go for. Minks are tougher home, the plan was to keep Himki under 70 points, and the plan won't change today. It's a very important game in their bid to end the losing streak and I expect a much more serious approach today.

Riga are doing well, with the Oktjabr game as their only failure this season. The offense has not reached its full potential yet and the defense is the driving force on the team. 152 and 151 point were scored in their games with Enisej and Oktjabr, two fast-paced teams, 132 on Wednesday with Szolnoki. I don't think their previous head-to-head games with Himki are more relevant this those three last games they did this season. Minks are definitely not as fast as Enisej and Oktjabr, and with the game being extremely important for both opponents, I expect less than 150 points to be scored. I opted for the under at 155.5 points when they met in Minsk last season, the final score was 75-68 for Riga, and I expect a similar game today. Details

Telekom were on a 7-0 record in preseason, but went on to start the season with the Cup defeat and two opening championship games loses to Fenerbahce and Besiktas. That is the reason for this low-set handicap, but I don't think it has anything to do with reality. Telekom built a good team that can stand up to Darusafaka and I think the game today will be very close. The home team were 10 points down against Besiktas in the last 10 minutes of the game, but then managed to make a lucky comeback. They don't have as many player as Telekom, who are good at every position, with two good point gurads, Carter, Roll, McCauley, Rakovic and Nalga. Darusafaka might be the favorite today because of Telekom's bad steak, but not to win by 10 points. Details

It's definitely not easy for Maribor after the 0-6 on Stamford Bridge, but that defeat definitely sobered up Šimundža's guys who do a lot less than expected in the national championship. They won't be complete in Ptuj, but Zavrč have many more problems, their team has a much thinner roster, and lack four starting team players. Maribor won the last two duels 7-0 total, and now they'll be very motivated to justify themselves in front of their fans. Zavrč lined up two defeats, and will hardly avoid the third one. Details

I'll go with a "surprise" that really isn't one here. Playing against Zenit is always a big challenge and a motive, and playing against Zenit killed with injuries is an ideal chance to win. It's never easy to play in Surgut, especially not with so many players injured and tired as those in the guest team. Three days ago, they defeated Fakel in five sets, but Ugra seem like a stronger team than Fakel right now. When Bakun came, they got a point machine, he literally had over 20 points in every game since he came, and Zenit don't have a player like him. The guests had problems even when they would come with a stronger lineup, they'd lose a point or even a game, and they're far from a good form right now. This is a perfect chance for Ugra to get at least one point, they definitely won't get a better chance against teams from the top. Only the home team can afford to struggle against Fakel. I don't think we'll see three sets today, Ugra have their weaknesses, too, and a bet on a bigger total number of points seems almost ideal. Details

Samotlor are still without a win, but that is not surprising given the opponents they met. They met Dynamo Moscow, Dynamo Krasnodar, Guberniya and Lokomotiv Novosibirsk so far. All four are better than them and Kuzbass are not an easy opponent either. Samotlor's game is improving, with their greatest problem being the lack of experience at this level. Most of their players are still adjusting to Superliga. The margin is set pretty low today. Kuzbass' undefeated run came to its end last round to shock him. They're the better, more experienced team, but they just had a meeting with Lokomotiv, which is always extremely tough. Nizhnevartovski is not a game anyone can win without trying their best. They lost the Cup head-to-head games with Samotlor twice. The first win was 3-1 (184 points), while the match in Kemerevo ended after 5 sets and over 205 points. Details

City (meaning Heart) mostly defended at derbies up to now and tried through counterattacks, and the average was still 2.75 goals per game. This time they're talking offensive and those are not just empty threats - they want to use Villa while they have him, and even without him around the balance of power has shifted significantly in their favor. In his two previous appearances the opponents were fully focused on stopping him, now someone will finally attack them and we can expect plenty of action in both penalty areas. With Berisha, FInkler and Thompson the home team have plenty of offensive quality as well. Both teams score is the safer, but also less profitable option. I believe it's worth trying over for a mid-sized bet, and if someone decides on BTS you can chance a unit or two more. Details