11.09 18:30 Bayern - Werder 1 @ 1.7 

Werder Bremen will meet Bayern Munich on Allianz Arena after a mix of results. First they qualified in CL group stage after they won both legs with Sampdoria, conceding 4 goals in 2 matches. Then, in Bundesliga, Werder have conceded 6 goals in 2 matches. So 10 goals conceded in 4 matches is too much for a squad indiffrent the team they played against, as long as they conceded just 1 goal/match avarage, last season. Unfortunately for them, Werder start this season with many injuries. Centre back Naldo is missing from the start of the season and his substitute, Sebastian Prodl doesnt look to fit  very well in defensive yet. Bad news for Bremen before this match, the other centre defender Per Mertesacker is doubtful after a facial injury. More, C. Pizzaro is also dobful after a thigh injury last round, struggling to return to full match fitness. Also, in my opinion, Ozil transfer to Real Madrid was a lose for them and i think Werder will have difficulties few more rounds till they'll find the most solid starting lineup.The champions start this season, with 1 win at home with Wolfsburg (2-1), and 1 lose, last round at new promoted Kaiserslautern (0-2). A. Robben long injury forced Van Gaal to start this season with just one striker (Klose or Gomez) and pulled down, in midfield, Olic and Muller. I think this formation with one fast striker in front, in a match against Werder, could be a positive thing if Bayern will attack in center, where Bremen's defensive seems to have problems.Last Bayern win against Werder at home was 5 years ago, but now I see bavarians winning all the 3 points considering the weakened Bremen team. Another important fact, after 3 days Werder will play against Tottenham in CL and i am sure that they also will be with their mind at that match, on Wesserstadion.

11.09 20:00 St. Liege - Cercle Brugge 1 @ 1.55

I am not taking under consideration that the victory is imperative for Standar to cover ground after the lost points in home against Lokeren and Zulte, and the demolition away to S. Truiden, only what my eyes saw in the grass in their last games. In my opinion Standard plays the fastest and most aggressive football in Belgium. After them, Lokeren. It may contain risks the selection of only two full backs, but their attack is on fire with an average 16 chances to score per game.With good returns in their eleven, after the red cards received in their previous games, i expect Standar to push Cercle from the first minute they come out of the game.Cercle in contrast to last year, in away games especially, they put most weight to keep the zero in defense. If they will accept a quick goal, they can be demolished through anyway. They escaped in last seconds against Lokeren las week, getting a draw, in a game that should have been lost for them, as Lokeren played really well and controlled the game.

11.09 16:00 Berwick - Arbroath (AH 0) 1 @ 1.95

Top of the table clash this week in Division 3, with leaders Berwick playing host to Arbroath. It would appear to be a close thing but I don't see it that way at all. Berwick remain unbeaten with a 3-1-0 GF14 GA5 record, while Arbroath are 3-0-2 GF8 GA8. Superior goal difference is obvious but more than that Berwick have been playing the better football overall, and with a game less under their belts than the visitors. Since the opening day draw with Albion, they have won 3 in a row, with an average GF of 4 per game. That's a confident and lethal strikeforce in operation. Factor in the fact that they have only had one Home game in that period and you can see that Berwick are in great form. That opening day draw was well fought too, as they equalised twice within a few minutes of losing the goals. Excellent attitude. Arbroath have played 3 of 5 at Home , and put together back to back wins the last 2 rounds. They were not dominating in their play according to reports, but they did keep clean sheets. That opening day 5-3 thriller won me a few quid, but it's not been followed up in the manner I had hoped for. Big price on a side at Home, in form, scoring heavily, and with an opportunity to open up a 4 pt gap over a close rival. Currie and Greenhill have been excellent for Berwick in midfield, while O'Reilly continues to impress up front with Gribben. Also, solid mention for the GK, as well as the 4 in front of him.. .. pretty sound outfit in place and I'm happy to stick with them.

11.09 18:00 Barcelona vs Hercules 4+ @ 1.8

Well, it's very often newly promoted teams to be full with motivation and enthusiasm, but not to be satisfied with a point against Barcelona sounds more like a joke than reality. I understand that every beginning of the season can be hard and it's not easy to catch the winning rhythm, but the magic formula to defeat Barcelona is not only to sign Royston Drenthe and David Trezeguet. Despite, Hercules coach Esteban Vigo succeed in his main point and gets a spot in this week topics with his statement, but how will the other side respond on this?It's not very clever to provoke Pep's side, considering that Hercules and Real Sociedad are the only opponents that Leo Messi hasn't scored against yet. Moreover, the last visit by Hercules is not well remembered, especially for Guardiola who was the captain of the Barcelona squad in 1996/97 season when the team lost the step for the title at the end of the season and let Real Madrid easily to grab it. Beside, Barcelona have never lost under Guardiola when playing immediately after an international break. Although, in the last two seasons when there were international breaks, Barcelona have won only three times and have drawn six in this kind of circumstances. However, whole this things pay attention to the players and Guardiola warned not to underestimate the opponent in the tomorrow's match. So, if you sum whole things, there are enough reasons why Barcelona will present a fiasco at their fans and make the opponents to shame about the result.


11.09 16:00 Leyton Orient v Huddersfield 3+ @ 2

Huddersfield are one of the top sides at this level and while many will say their manager is lacking experience his reputation is growing as Town continue to turn in some lovely football. Ofcourse the big 2 are the favs to come up- Wednesday and Southampton- but even this early Huddersfield look the best of the rest and sure to challenge for promotion and possibly even that title.Apart from a pretty awful match at home to Tranmere which ended 0-0 they have entertained in every other game this season. I thought Town were outstanding in the 3 goal win at Notts Co on the opening day of the season. You dont often see 3 top class goals by a team at this level but that was the case at Meadow Lane. Every goal was well worked and each finish was of a high standard.10 goals scored- 5 in 2 away games- Lee Clarke is not scared to send his side out to attack any team and that should be the case today.Orient are another side ive enjoyed watching in the opening weeks of the new season. We aint really seen the Os rewarded with the points their nice football has deserved but i am no doubt this side will climb away from the relegation places. There is too many good footballers in their side and too much quality for a scrap at the bottom.There is a huge problem with their goal-keeper Jamie Jones. Hes had a nightmare start to League 1 making some shocking errors and costing the side goals. Theres not enough experience on the bench to replace him so the latest team news suggests he will start.There is a doubt over a couple of defenders on both sides but Huddersfield welcome back Arfield after a short spell out. This lad is a really talented player than can finish and times those runs into the box perfectly.It may be a strange thing to say but i really like the ground at Orient. Very compact with a fine playing surface. This is going to suit both sides that try to pass and are not interested in long balls or set plays. I think we will get a good game here with action at both ends and at least 3 goals.

Burnley v Preston
Burnley will be without first-choice right-back and former Preston player Tyrone Mears through suspension.

Striker Chris Iwelumo looks set to play after a hamstring problem, with Michael Duff also returning to the squad.

Preston boss Darren Ferguson hopes to pick from a full-strength squad after Keith Treacy\'s groin injury cleared up.

Craig Morgan has shaken off a toe problem, while new signing Wayne Brown has finally overcoming a torn calf that has delayed his North End debut.



Cardiff v Hull
Cardiff City face a striker crisis as both Jay Bothroyd and Craig Bellamy will have fitness tests ahead of Saturday\'s visit of Hull City.

Bellamy (knee), Bothroyd (calf) and midfielder Danny Drinkwater (ankle) are all doubts while keeper David Marshall (elbow) is expected to be fit.

Anthony Gerrard may win his Hull debut after his loan move from Cardiff.

Craig Fagan (hip) and defender Paul McShane (hamstring) could both return for the visitors.



Coventry v Leicester
Coventry City may give a debut to Danny Ward after signing the young forward on a six-month loan from Bolton.

Former Watford and Wigan striker Marlon King could also feature for the Sky Blues if his expected signing is completed in time.

Leicester City\'s new signing, Japanese player Yuki Abe, will not be available because of visa problems.

But goalkeeper Chris Weale (shoulder) and defender Miguel Vitor (leg) are both back in training and in the squad.



Derby v Sheff Utd
Kris Commons is expected to be passed fit for Derby despite experiencing a tight hamstring this week.

With Chris Porter still a doubt with a hip problem, on-loan Spanish striker Alberto Bueno is likely to be involved.

Sheffield United captain Chris Morgan is set to return after a calf strain, with either Kyle Bartley or Nyron Nosworthy making way.

Darius Henderson (hamstring), Lee Williamson (back) and Ryan France (knee) remain sidelined.



Leeds United v Swansea
Amdy Faye is not expected to feature for Leeds but fellow new signing Ramon Nunez is likely to be in the squad.

Honduran Nunez could be a substitute along with other recent arrivals Adam Clayton and Ross McCormack.

Swansea City midfielder Darren Pratley is suspended for the trip to Elland Road, which could open the door for Joe Allen or Jordi Lopez.

Midfielder Tom Butler (thigh) and strikers Craig Beattie (ankle) and Gorka Pintado (shoulder) are all out.




Norwich v Barnsley
Norwich City midfielder Andrew Crofts has been passed fit after recovering from an ankle complaint.

But Michael Nelson and Steven Smith are out with ankle injuries, and Zak Whitbread is still sidelined because of a calf problem.

Barnsley midfielder Hugo Colace is doubtful because of a calf strain.

Jacob Butterfield and Nathan Doyle are in contention to replace him, while Jeronimo Morales Neumann and Jim O\'Brien are pushing for full debuts



Nott\'m Forest v Millwall
Nottingham Forest are hoping midfielder Paul Anderson will be passed fit to play after a knee problem.

Defender Chris Gunter is suspended, while Garath McCleary (knee) and fellow striker David McGoldrick (shoulder) remain sidelined.

Millwall include new signing Theo Robinson in their squad following the forward\'s move from Huddersfield.

John Marquis (wrist) and Shaun Batt (knee) are out, while winger James Henry (hamstring) faces a fitness test.



Portsmouth v Ipswich
Dave Kitson will make his Portsmouth debut following his move from Stoke.

Striker Kanu and defender Ricardo Rocha could also play if clearance is received in time, but Hermann Hreidarsson (Achilles) is sidelined.

Ipswich could be without a recognised left-back as Darren O\'Dea (knee) and Shane O\'Connor (hamstring) are both struggling, and Mark Kennedy is out.

Damien Delaney featured in a reserve match this week but is not expected to return to first-team action just yet.



QPR v Middlesbrough
Forward Tommy Smith is included in the QPR squad following his move from Portsmouth, but fellow new signing Rob Hulse is out with an Achilles problem.

Boss Neil Warnock has hinted that he will keep faith with his current front three and name Smith as a substitute.

Middlesbrough captain Gary O\'Neil has been nursing a knee problem but returned to training this week and hopes to be declared fit for the game.

Rhys Williams, Kevin Thomson and Willo Flood are sidelined.




Reading v Crystal Palace
Recent signing Ian Harte is included in Reading\'s squad and could make his debut, while Zurab Khizanishvili may also play after rejoining on loan.

Andy Griffin and Brynjar Gunnarsson are both doubtful because of hamstring problems, but Matt Mills should be fine after a recent ankle strain.

Crystal Palace are expected to hand a debut to James Vaughan following the striker\'s loan move from Everton.

Vaughan is in the Eagles squad and is tipped to start the game.




Scunthorpe v Bristol City
Scunthorpe are without without Garry Thompson and Jim McNulty.

Winger Thompson remains sidelined with a groin problem, while left-back McNulty sustained an ankle injury in the recent 2-0 defeat at QPR.

Bristol City will be unable to give a debut to Danny Rose, as the on-loan Tottenham youngster picked up an ankle injury playing for England\'s Under-21s.

Striker Danny Haynes and defender Lewin Nyatanga remain sidelined, but midfielder Cole Skuse (knee) is back.





Watford v Doncaster
Andrew Taylor could make his Watford debut following the full-back\'s loan move from Middlesbrough.

Defender Lloyd Doyley is struggling with a calf strain, while Hornets striker Danny Graham is also doubtful because of a groin injury.

Doncaster are minus on-loan midfielder Ryan Mason, who has a back problem.

Defenders Wayne Thomas, James Chambers (both knee) and Byron Webster (foot) remain sidelined, but skipper Brian Stock (back) has been declared fit.

 

Bournemouth v Dag & Red
Bournemouth are still monitoring the fitness of striker Michael Symes who has a shoulder problem.

Fellow striker Steve Fletcher (heel) and defender Stephen Purches (rib) could return to the squad.

Dagenham and Redbridge could be without defender Abu Ogogo who has been struggling with an ankle injury.

Midfielder Romain Vincelot is expected to keep his spot in the starting XI after scoring both goals in the 2-0 win against Leyton Orient last weekend.




Brighton v MK Dons
Brighton could welcome back captain Gordon Greer who has completed a suspension but does have a minor knock.

Striker Fran Sandoza could make his debut whilst winger Kazenga LuaLua has rejoined the club on loan from Newcastle and could also start.

MK Dons will be without suspended captain Dean Lewington so striker Jermaine Easter will take the armband.

Defenders Danny Woodards (hamstring) and Luke Howell (dead leg) are out, along with Aaron Wilbraham (back).





Bristol Rovers v Brentford
Bristol Rovers will be without centre-half Danny Coles who is serving a one-match suspension.

Striker Will Hoskins (calf) should be fit whilst goalkeeper Mikkel Andersen has returned from international duty and is expected to start.

Brentford manager Andy Scott is expected to name the same side that beat Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 last week.

Striker Charlie MacDonald should shake off an ankle injury while fellow striker Carl Cort could make the bench.




Charlton v Notts County
Charlton wingers Kyel Reid and Lee Martin have both been passed fit and will be in the squad.

Defender Johnnie Jackson is pushing for a recall but Christian Dailly is out for a month after having an operation to repair a fractured eye socket.

Notts County boss Craig Short says he will stick with the same starting line-up that beat Yeovil 4-0 last week.

Striker Luke Rodgers is back in training following an ankle injury but will not make the squad.




Colchester v Plymouth
Colchester boss John Ward is expected to name the same side that beat Walsall 1-0 last weekend.

Goalkeeper Ben Williams, defender Paul Reid and midfielder Ben Coker have recovered from injuries and are pushing for recalls.

Plymouth are monitoring the fitness of captain Carl Fletcher who has been struggling with a thigh problem.

Striker Rory Fallon (hernia), winger Yannick Bolasie (ankle) and midfielder Luke Summerfield (knee) are all out.




Hartlepool v Exeter
Hartlepool could welcome back striker James Brown who has returned to training following an ankle injury.

Defender Neil Austin is hoping for a recall after playing for the reserves in midweek but midfielder Joe Gamble (ankle) is definitely out.

Exeter will again be without captain Matt Taylor who is still struggling with a back injury.

Striker Marcus Stewart (back) is also out but fellow strikers Jamie Cureton and Richard Logan are available.





Leyton Orient v Huddersfield
Leyton Orient have doubts over defender Charlie Daniels and striker Jonathan Tehoue ahead of the Huddersfield game.

Daniels has a hamstring strain and is unlikely to be fit whilst Tehoue has been struggling with an ankle problem.

Huddersfield will welcome back midfielders Scott Arfield and Graham Carey for the trip to Brisbane Road.

Nathan and Tom Clarke remain sidelined with ankle injuries whilst defender Gary Naysmith who has had foot surgery and is out for four months




Peterborough v Oldham
Peterborough captain Grant McCann will return to the starting line-up after returning from international duty.

Winger Arron Davies (hamstring) is out but fellow winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing will return from a knee injury.

Oldham have been handed a fitness boost with midfielder Ritchie Jones and defender Reuben Hazell set to be declared fit.

Striker Warren Feeney returns from Northern Ireland duty with McCann and is expected to start.




Rochdale v Walsall
Rochdale manager Keith Hill is expected to name the same side that beat Southampton 2-0 last weekend.

Hill has no fresh injury concerns as he hopes that his side will be able to win at home for the first time this season.

Walsall are set to hand a debut to midfielder David Davis who has joined on a one-month loan from Wolves.

Striker Darren Byfield returns from an Achilles injury whilst defender Ryan McGivern and striker Will Grigg are available after international duty.




Sheff Wed v Carlisle
Sheffield Wednesday manager Alan Irvine is not expected to make many changes despite losing to Brentford last week.

Midfielder James O\'Connor and striker Paul Heffernan were both substitutes in the 1-0 defeat and could be recalled.

Carlisle could be without midfielder pair Marc Bridge-Wilkinson (ankle) and Kevan Hurst (back).

Lubo Michalik made his debut in defence last week and should keep his place, whilst winger Ben Marshall has joined on-loan from Stoke and could start.




Swindon v Southampton
Swindon captain Jonathan Douglas and striker Charlie Austin are both expected to be fit for the match.

Goalkeeper David Lucas and Kevin Amankwaah both have hand injuries but will be available.

Southampton will be without striker Lee Barnard, who serves the second of a three-game ban.

Left winger Adam Lallana (knee) remains sidelined, so caretaker boss Dean Wilkins is likely to choose between Ryan Dickson and Guilherme do Prado.




Yeovil v Tranmere
Yeovil could include midfielder Gavin Williams who has joined on a three-month loan from Bristol City.

Fellow loanee Shaun MacDonald is also expected to feature but striker Sam Williams is not available as he serves the second of a three-match ban.

Tranmere have doubts over defender Ian Goodison, midfielder Joss Labadie, and striker Adam McGurk.

Goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen is also a doubt after he picked up an arm injury while on international duty.