Sep 21, 2013

Fenix - Wanderers

Uruguay Primera Division, Apertura

Interesting duel in Uruguay, between two teams that haven't confirmed yet. Fenix is the only team that hasn't scored a single point yet, losing all 4 of their matches played so far. However, if we are to find excuses for them, we can say that their schedule hasn't been exactly comfortable, as they had to play against contenders Defensor Sporting, and against other teams that so far played beyond expectations and are in the upper half of the standings: El Tanque (2nd place), Sud America (6th place) and Racing (7th place). And in most of those matches, Fenix hasn't been that bad, as they played quite all right, dominated in certain periods, but had a lot of bad luck. On the other hand, Wanderers managed to gather 5 points, but that could be considered rather low, as they played against 4 teams ranked in the bottom half of the table, and they only managed to win once, 1-0 against Liverpool. And even though they have only lost one match, they haven't been at all convincing. Fenix are bound to take some points, sooner rather than later, as they must start converting their chances, and with Wanderers showing some poor results recently, I think they have a very good opportunity to start taking points today. Also, in the last 15 mutual matches, there was just one win for the visitors (Wanderers in 2008), so these games are traditionally bad for the travelers. GL!

Fenix DNB @ 2.02, 4/10
Result: 2-2, VOID

Sep 19, 2013

Universitario - Juan Aurich

Peru Primera Division, Liguilla B

Universitario showed a new face this season, and they once again look like the giants that can compete for honors, as they top the Liguilla B with an 8-points advantage over second-placed Inti Gas, an advantage that could be increased to 11 points with a win in this match (or 10 points, if Cajamarca also wins it's game, and takes second place). And this looks like something that can be achieved with ease, as Juan Aurich is going through one of their worst seasons in recent years. They won last weekend against San Martin, to end a run of 5 consecutive matches without a win, but even so, they barely managed to win two games in the last 10 played (the aforementioned game with San Martin and a 6-1 trashing of poor travelers Cienciano). They are safe from relegation for the moment, but only because no one can compete with Union Comercio and Jose Galvez in terms of how poor they are. Universitario will once again depend on the performances of striker Raul Ruidiaz (7 goals in the last 5 games) and midfielder Rainer Torres, who has also been in hot form when it comes to assists. They also carry a morale advantage of Aurich, as they've beaten them in the last 3 consecutive matches, and they look set to continue this run of form. The odds went high a lot, and for no good reason, and I see a lot of value here, as we have odds of over 2.10 in most places, when the opening line was at -1 for a much lower price. GL!

Universitario (-0.75 AH) @ 2.13, 4/10
Result: 0-1, LOST

Sep 15, 2013

Racing - Penarol

Uruguay Primera Division, Apertura

Just as usual, Penarol and Nacional, the two Uruguayan giants, have some ridiculous odds, regardless of the situation. And the same thing is happening today... Penarol are struggling to create effective football, and they haven't won a single match played so far this season. They did manage a draw with one of the forerunners, Defensor Sporting, but when you lose 2-3 with a team like Rentistas, or you get trashed by River, 2-4, then there's obviously a lot of work to do. And the coach is trying, making several changes in the team, but I doubt any winning formula has been found. Of course, their bad form won't last forever, and they'll be back in the title race soon, but it won't be an easy task for them today. Racing is quite a solid team, and they usually pose a lot of problems to the big teams. They have two wins this season, but that is irrelevant, because they won against Miramar and Fenix (bottom teams). However, they are the more gelled team, and they are functioning ok, unlike Penarol. And so many changes are bound to have an effect on the team. It remains to be seen if it's a good or bad effect, but however things may turn out, the line is just too good to miss.

Racing (+1 AH) @ 1.85, 3/10
Result: 2-3, VOID