Picks for May 1-2.

The grind of a long season is in full effect. Books have begun to put smaller limits on games because even they don’t trust the teams at the end of the season. So be smart with your money this weekend, don’t be a hero.

Next week, Footie Bookie will begin the Guide to the World Cup for Gamblers with a preview of Group A.

Last Week: 2-6

England:

Bolton Wanders (DWLLL) at Tottenham Hotspurs (LWWLW)
Bet on OVER 2.5, 3 goals at (-138)
Saturday, May 1, 10:00 AM (ET)

Tottenham have scored 11 goals in their last five games at home; Bolton are averaging just under a goal per game through their road travels this season. Spurs are still fighting for the fourth spot in the table and need a win here. Last time these two teams met, Spurs won 4-0. This encounter might be closer, but eventually, Spurs class will show through.<广告>

Burnley (LLWLL) at Birmingham City (LDLDD)
Bet on UNDER 2.5 goals at (-110)
Saturday, May 1, 7:45 AM (ET)

Birmingham City have only let in 12 goals at home this season, tied for best in the league with Fulham and Manchester United. Burnley are averaging less than a goal per game on the road this season. The early game each weekend is typically the snoozer anyway. Birmingham City win this game, 1-0.

Spain:

Barcelona (WDWWW) at Villarreal (WWLWW)
Bet on OVER 2.5, 3 goals at (-137)
Saturday, May 1, 4:00 PM (ET)

I like this play for two reasons: a) Barcelona shows up to prove a point and destroys Villarreal on the road. Or b) Barcelona suffers a Champions League hangover and loses a close one on the road. Highly unlikely Barcelona would be shut out on the road and Villarreal have only been shut out once in their last five games. Both teams to score is another good bet for this game.

Mallorca (DWDWD) at Athletic Bilbao (DDLWL)
Bet on Athletic Bilbao -.5 at (EVEN)
Sunday, May 2, 3:00 PM (ET)

The home team could jump up as high as sixth in the table with a win so they have something to play for. Mallorca are trying to hold onto the coveted fourth spot, but their strength has not been on the road this season (2-7-8). Bilbao have been strong in front of their fans to the tune of 10-3-3. It will be a tough battle, but the home team should end up victorious.

Germany:

FSV Mainz 05 (DWWLL) at VFB Stuttgart (WWWWW)
Bet on Stuttgart -1.5 at (-130)
Saturday, May 1, 12:30 PM (ET)

Stuttgart are playing for the fifth spot in the table and a Europa League spot. Mainz are just trying to keep Manchester United away from their young center-back, Neven Subotic. Stuttgart have scored two goals or more in six of their last seven home games. Home team cruises here as they have more to play for this weekend.

Hertha Berlin (LDLWD) at Bayer Leverkusen (WLDLL)
Bet on OVER 3 goals at (-140)
Saturday, May 1, 9:30 AM (ET)

Fun fact of the day: Hertha Berlin have scored 13 goals in their last five road games, tied for best in Bundesliga over that period. Bayer Leverkusen are tied for the best home offense in the league with 36 goals in 16 games. Two prolific offenses square off with the home team still searching for a top three spot in the table, this one should go over.

Italy:

Livorno (WLLDD) at Sampdoria (WWWWD)
Bet on Sampdoria -1.5, 2 at (-144)
Sunday, May 2, 12:00 PM (ET)

Sampdoria are undefeated at home this season (11-6-0). Livorno are absolutely awful on the road (2-3-12), they have let in 30 goals and only scored seven. Palermo could catch Sampdoria in the table if they slip up here, so there is something for the home team to play for. The away side is already on their way down to Serie B. The motivated home side should crush their visitors. This is the only Serie A play for the weekend.

Future Bet Of The Week:

South American team to win World Cup
Odds: +200
Start date: June 11, 2010

Obvious reason first: no European team has ever won a World Cup outside of Europe. Betting on South America teams gives you basically two options: Brazil and Argentina. If both countries win their groups, they would not meet until the final. However, that is very unlikely, only once have two South American teams met in the final and that was 1930. Still, this will give the opportunity to hedge along the way if both teams go on deep runs in the tourney.

Pending Future Bets: Mexico to Win Group A.