Football Bet of the Day: Victory to Viktoria, with some goals along the way

Expect goals to brighten the gloom in Cologne today

Our trip across the globe takes us to Germany today, and Kevin Hatchard expects goals as Viktoria Koln take on Sportfreunde Siegen.

Viktoria Koln v Sportfreunde Siegen
Wednesday September 3rd, 18:30

While I would never pretend that being a tipster is like fighting in the army, putting out a blazing fire or delivering a baby, it can be a pretty tense and stressful affair. Imagine my horror when our boys Syrianska FC, having been 2-0 up after 69 minutes, royally blew it to draw 2-2. A penalty and an 85th-minute own-goal saw our potential 2.447/5 winner go up in smoke, but hopefully some of the more cautious among you will have traded out.

Never mind. Chins up, chests out, and on with the show. A trip to Germany today, and the Regionalliga West. Leaders Viktoria Koln, who have won all four of their matches so far, are up against Sportfreunde Siegen, who have lost all four of theirs.

Viktoria have been rattling in goals left, right and centre this season. They beat Borussia Monchengladbach II 3-1 on the opening day, and followed that up with a thumping 4-0 win at the second team of Schalke. They then gave Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin an almighty scare in the German Cup before eventually succumbing 4-2, but then recovered with a 5-0 demolition of Rodinghausen and a 2-1 success at Verl. 24-year-old striker Fatih Candan has been the star of the show, banging in eight goals in four league games.

While Sportfreunde Siegen have been struggling to get results, they are at least scoring goals. In five matches in league and cup, Matthias Hagner's side have scored eight times, but unfortunately they've shipped 12 goals. They're like a flashy car with an engine that could disintegrate at any moment.

I've considered a few different selections for this match. Backing Viktoria to lead at half-time has paid out in three of their four league games, and it's trading this time at 1.774/5. You could also back the hosts -1.5 on the Asian Handicap at 1.834/5, as that has also been a successful wager in three of their four league outings.

However, given that Sportfreunde Siegen are capable of scoring goals and play a pretty open style, I like the look of backing Over 3.5 Goals at 2.47/5. That has paid out in four of Viktoria's five matches, and three of Sportfreunde's. Whether Viktoria steamroller their opponents or the visitors put up a fight in a shootout, I think 2.47/5 looks a big price to see four goals or more.

Recommended Bet

Back Over 3.5 Goals at 2.47/5

2014 P/L (1pt per bet)

Points Staked: 16

Points Returned: 13.42

P/L: -2.58 points