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Mainz v Hamburg Tips, Predictions and 6/1 Bet Builder

20 February – 19:30 | MEWA Arena

Bundesliga

Mainz v Hamburg Preview

Mainz 05 return to MEWA Arena looking to bounce back from a humbling 4-0 defeat away at Borussia Dortmund last weekend. Despite that setback, Urs Fischer’s side have been in excellent form overall, losing just twice in their last 11 matches and building serious momentum in front of their home supporters.

Mainz have made MEWA Arena a fortress in recent weeks, winning four and drawing one of their last five at home. Goals have flowed freely too, with Die Nullfunfer scoring at least twice in seven of their last 10 fixtures, including impressive attacking displays against Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.

Standing in their way are Hamburger SV, who arrive in strong spirits after a thrilling 3-2 win over Union Berlin. Hamburg have rediscovered their attacking edge, scoring seven goals across their last three matches — as many as they managed in their previous seven combined.

Die Rothosen are unbeaten in five matches (W2 D3) and have also taken four points from their last two away games. Notably, Hamburg crushed Mainz 4-0 in October’s reverse fixture, snapping a six-game winless streak against Friday’s hosts.

With both sides in positive attacking rhythm, this matchup has the makings of an open, high-intensity Bundesliga encounter.

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The hosts Ludogorets have been involved in two matches resulting in over 2.5 match goals within their previous three games, meanwhile the visitors Ferencvaros have been involved in four matches resulting in over 2.5 match goals within their previous five matches.

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The hosts Noah come in-to the match winless within their previous four games. Meanwhile the visitors Alkmaar come in-to the match in good form, unbeaten in their previous five matches and have won two of those three games.

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The hosts Sigma Olomouc have been involved in four matches resulting in over 1.5 match goals within their previous five games, meanwhile the visitors Lausanne have been involved in five matches resulting in two or more goals within their previous five matches.

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The hosts Zrinjski have been involved in four games resulting in over 2.5 match goals within their previous five matches, meanwhile the visitors Crystal Palace have been involved in three games resulting in over 2.5 match goals within their previous five matches.

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The hosts Brann have been involved in four matches resulting in both teams scoring within their previous five matches, meanwhile the visitors Bologna have been involved in two matches resulting in both teams scoring within their previous two matches.

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The hosts Fenerbache have managed to score in all five of their previous five matches, with four of those games resulting in both teams scoring. Meanwhile the visitors Nottingham Forest have been involved in two matches resulting in both teams scoring within their previous three games.

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The hosts Celtic have been involved in four matches resulting in both teams scoring within their previous five matches, managing to score in all five games. Meanwhile the visitors Stuttgart have managed to score in all five of their previous five matches.

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The hosts Drita have managed to score in all five of their previous five matches, with three of those games resulting in both teams scoring. Meanwhile the visitors Celje have been involved in four matches resulting in both teams scoring within their previous five matches, managing to score in all five games.

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Taking a risk on this one but at lovely odds, Lille host Red Star in what should be an interesting match. The hosts Lille come in-to the match winless within their previous three games, meanwhile Red Star have won all four of their previous four games. The last time these two sides the now visitors Red Star won 1-0.

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Was never really threatening last year and form reads 085B2 however the second lto on New Years Day showed a resurgence from this seven year old and he is taken to continue that today. Was only behind Rockbrook that time and is now 10lb better off with that horse and so looks very well treated for this handicap debut over fences. Still rather unexposed in this discipline and this isn’t a particularly strong race. Will be fine over this trip and the soft ground is favourable. Decent jockey booking in Sean Flanagan and he knows how to get the job done at this course. Big chance for Cappucino today and would be surprised if he can’t convert this.

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Seven year old Roysse had decent form over hurdles and has since made first three chase starts. Has been progressive in this sphere and form over the fences reads 793. Only beaten about 8 lengths into third in a warm Novice at Aintree on Boxing Day lto and this represents a much easier task than that race. Likely to see further improvement today on ideal ground and this is his usual trip. Represents a strong yard who are having a brilliant year and has a good booking in Kielan Woods who has a fantastic record at Sedgefield. Roysse has made a fair trek north for this and looks very likely to come away with the win.

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Form of 878 isn’t overly inspiring but they were deeper races than this and this is a rather weak entry point for this five year olds handicap debut. Should be capable of much better now handicapping and we are likely to see a much better result than previous runs. The heavy ground that is forecast should not be a negative and this trip should pose no issues as ran over this lto. Yard is enjoying a good couple of months and that bodes well for this youngster. Richie McLernon gets the ride. Lots of question marks over most of this field and whilst For Old Times Sake does have risks attached, should be much better treated now handicapping and hard to ignore on handicap debut in this line up.

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Five year old Sedgemoor has been in a downwards spiral since being off a peak mark of 77 and now runs 47 and this is his first 0-50 race and whilst the inconsistency and disappointing runs is hard to ignore, so is the mark and standard of this race. He is much better than this mark and the stable have reached for blinkers today which could make a big difference to this five year old. Very well drawn in stall 3 and will be able to take up a prominent position which should be a benefit. This race won’t take much winning and Sedgemoor is taken to come out the victor in this. Connor is riding very well at the moment and is a good booking for this youngster. Big chance today.

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Three year old Factual won handily on debut at Salisbury and the form from that race has been franked on numerous occasions since. Had a 7 month break since the win before coming back at Lingfield lto when second of seven. Clearly needed that run out and drops back in class today and should be primed and ready to go for this. Good draw ins tall 3 and there is a very good chance Factual could prove too good for these lot. Should come on plenty still and ceiling nowhere near reached. Balding yard ticking along with plenty of winners and Callum Hutchinson is aboard today which is not a bad booking. Yard have a 31% strikerate here and a 38% strikerate here with Callum Hutchinson as jockey. Major player and looks the winner.

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Used to reside with Olly Murphy and last scored over C&D back in 2023 off a mark 12lb higher than this. Form of late has been 54603 and the third last time out was an improvement and positive to see. This race is much warmer today and a rise in class however Fleurman remains very well treated and has been progressive at least since switching yards to the Morris’. Does need to take another step forward today but that isn’t out of the question for this eight year old who does generally run a good race at this track. Gina Mangan gets the ride today and she has an exceptional record here winning 33% of her races. Whilst there is obvious question marks over Fleurman, hard to write him off on this mark at this track. Big price so even a place return would be nice profit and with a bit of luck, could even sneak the win.

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Derrick White is one of Boston’s most reliable perimeter threats and a key driver of the Celtics’ three-point offense. While the team has elite shooters like Jaylen Brown and company, White is averaging heavy scoring and playmaking load this season with 17.2 points and 5.6 assists per game — and he’s frequently one of Boston’s most active scorers from deep. With Warriors giving up plenty of threes and White’s role as a primary creator, looking for him to hit his alternative threes line is justified.

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Boston sit clearly above Golden State in the standings and in form — the Celtics are 35-19 and second in the East, while the Warriors are 29-26 and eighth in the West. Boston have won 6 of their last 7 games and are fresh off a dominant offensive performance, illustrating better consistency as a complete team; meanwhile Golden State are dealing with roster disruptions and defensive lapses. All signs point to Boston taking the win.

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Brandin Podziemski has been a strong contributor for Golden State this season, averaging around 12.0 points per game and regularly seeing a starter’s workload in the Warriors’ rotation. With Stephen Curry and other scorers occasionally limited or double-teamed, Podziemski often gets open looks and secondary scoring opportunities. His scoring consistency makes him a sensible points prop pick vs. Boston.

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Draymond Green consistently anchors the Warriors’ rebounding effort, leading his team with around 5.7 rebounds per game this season — a team high mark on Golden State. In matchups where the Warriors will need physicality and hustle behind Boston’s frontcourt, Green’s rebounding instincts and minutes share position him well to exceed his rebound prop, even against a strong Celtics front line.

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Celtic v Stuttgart Tips, Predictions and 8/1 Bet Builder

19 February – 20:00 | Celtic Park

UEFA Europa League

Celtic v Stuttgart Preview

Celtic host VfB Stuttgart in what promises to be an electric Europa League knockout playoff first leg at Celtic Park.

The Bhoys are thriving under the return of Martin O’Neill, unbeaten in 10 matches across all competitions (W8 D2). Their crucial league-phase victory over FC Utrecht ensured progression after finishing 21st with 11 points. Momentum is firmly on Celtic’s side, especially at home, where the atmosphere under the lights can be suffocating for visiting teams.

Celtic head into this clash on the back of five straight wins, including a dramatic 3-2 comeback over Kilmarnock. Confidence is high, and the attacking trio of Maeda, Cvancara and Adamu provide energy and directness in the final third.

Stuttgart, however, arrive with serious pedigree. Sitting fourth in the Bundesliga and through to the DFB-Pokal semi-finals, Die Roten finished 11th in the Europa League league phase with 15 points. Their European campaign has been strong overall, though away form remains a concern – just one win in four road games during the league phase.

This first leg could hinge on Celtic’s intensity early on versus Stuttgart’s composure and clinical finishing through Undav and Demirovic.

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Fenerbahce v Nottm Forest Tips, Predictions and 8/1 Bet Builder

19 February – 17:45 | Sukru Saracoglu Stadium

UEFA Europa League

Fenerbahce v Nottm Forest Preview

Turkish giants Fenerbahce welcome Nottingham Forest to a hostile Sukru Saracoglu Stadium for a high-stakes Europa League playoff clash.

Fenerbahce scraped into the knockout round after an inconsistent league phase campaign, winning just one of their final five fixtures. A narrow home defeat to Aston Villa and a 1-1 draw with FCSB left them 19th in the standings. However, domestically they have found rhythm at exactly the right time, winning four consecutive Super Lig matches while scoring 11 goals in the process.

The Yellow Canaries are particularly dangerous at home, where their intensity, crowd atmosphere and attacking fluency often overwhelm visiting sides. Anderson Talisca has been central to that resurgence, with 21 goals in all competitions this season.

Forest, meanwhile, arrive amid ongoing instability. Managerial upheaval has disrupted continuity, and although they finished 13th in the league phase – narrowly missing automatic qualification – their 4-0 demolition of Ferencvaros showed their attacking potential.

However, this will be their first-ever trip to Turkey, and European away form has historically been inconsistent. The atmosphere in Istanbul is likely to be a defining factor.

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The Spurs (38-16) have been one of the NBA’s best teams this season, riding a 6-game win streak and sitting near the top of the Western Conference standings. They recently posted a 126-113 comeback win over Golden State behind strong play from De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama, showcasing their ability to dominate physically and offensively inside the paint. Meanwhile, the Suns (32-23) sit mid-pack in the West, with inconsistent outings of late and a suspension looming for Dillon Brooks, which could blunt their scoring punch. Statistically Phoenix ranks below San Antonio in both offensive and defensive efficiency, making SAS a confident Moneyline pick.

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The 76ers have had recent slippage in form — including a heavy loss to the Knicks — but remain statistically superior to the Hawks, especially on both ends of the floor. Philadelphia’s star duo and structured offensive sets give them an edge in controlling tempo and executing in clutch moments. The Hawks sit well down in the East standings and have struggled to maintain consistent pressure against top defenses. Given Philly’s talent advantage and their ability to score efficiently when firing, PHI on the Moneyline is a logical lean.

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Despite Sacramento being one of the worst teams in the league with a 12-44 record and a 14-game losing streak, the Kings’ struggles have intensified with star Zach LaVine now out for the season. Orlando, meanwhile, has been competitive this campaign and has a winning record, giving them a clear performance and morale edge heading into this matchup. With Sacramento scoring woes compounded and Orlando more balanced on both ends, ORL is the sensible Moneyline pick here.

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The Raptors have been solid this season (32-23) and boast All-Star Brandon Ingram, whose scoring and leadership have helped Toronto climb the Eastern Conference standings. Toronto’s recent 123-107 win over Chicago highlighted their offensive depth and ability to control games from the perimeter in regulation. The Bulls have been inconsistent and sit outside the playoff picture, dealing with a reshaped roster that has struggled to find rhythm in key moments. That makes TOR on the Moneyline a forecast backed by both recent results and roster stability.

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Crystal Palace are strong favourites on paper in this UEFA Conference League knockout tie — bookmakers give them a significantly higher chance of winning, with average odds suggesting Palace around 1.43 to win compared to much longer prices for Zrinjski. Despite some mixed recent form domestically, Palace’s overall quality and European pedigree make them the safer pick to take the result here.

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Statistical data shows this fixture has a reasonable chance of seeing at least three goals. Both sides contribute to matches with multiple goals: Zrinjski’s home games have often featured goals, averaging around 3.34 total goals per match in all competitions, while Crystal Palace’s games average around 2.25 goals per match when combining both scored and conceded. Together, these trends support a potential over 2.5 goals scenario.

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Cup ties and European matches tend to be more open with sustained attacking spells from both sides, increasing corner opportunities. Recent corner data for Zrinjski shows they average just over 9 total corners per game (combined attacking and defensive), which — even accounting for Palace’s structured play — suggests that exceeding 7.5 corners is statistically plausible.

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Palace’s marquee forward signing, Jørgen Strand Larsen, has already made an impact in his early games for the club, including scoring on his debut for them as reported this week — demonstrating his sharpness and goalscoring threat. His transfer fee and role reflect how central he is to Palace’s attack, making him a sensible anytime goalscorer pick in a match where Palace are projected to create chances.

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Daniel Muñoz has shown he can be involved in physically intense matches and European fixtures, and Palace’s history includes matches with a high intensity and fouling stakes. While Zrinjski are controlled in possession, European knockout football is often sharp and competitive — and Muñoz’s previous European performances (including well-contested duels) suggest he’s a candidate to pick up a booking in what could be a high-tension tie.